bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of soluble colorless poly(amide‐imide) films with high glass transition temperature and low coefficient of thermal expansion by coordination interaction of Li cations
Authors: Xing Jinglei , Zhu Ge , Fang Xingzhong , Chen Guofei
Published: September 2023

To meet the needs of high heat‐resistant and colorless polyimide (CPI) films, a series of poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) films were synthesized by copolymerization of 1,2,3,4‐cyclobutanetetracarboxylic dianhydride (CBDA), terephthaloyl chloride (TPC), 4,4′‐(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride (6FDA) and 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFDB) with the addition of lithium chloride (LiCl) for ionic coordination. The coordination of Li cations with carbonyl groups significantly reduced the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and improved the mechanical properties. Moreover, by adjusting the ratio of CBDA and TPC, all PAI films exhibited high glass transition temperature (Tg), low CTE and high transparency. Among these PAI films, PAI‐6‐2Li exhibited excellent comprehensive performance with a high Tg of 363 °C, low CTE of 6.4 ppm/K, high transmittance of 84% at 400 nm and tensile modulus of 7.2 GPa, which was expected to be used in the field of flexible displays.
Carbon‐cycling microorganisms in permafrost and their responses to a warming climate: A review
Authors: Yang Sizhong , Wen Xi , Wu Tonghua , Wu Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoming , Jin Xiaoying , Li Xiaoying , Yang Xue , Yang Ling , Wang Hongwei
Published: September 2023

Global climate warming is accelerating permafrost degradation. The large amounts of soil organic matter in permafrost‐affected soils are prone to increased microbial decomposition in a warming climate. Along with permafrost degradation, changes to the soil microbiome play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding and in predicting the feedback of permafrost carbon. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge of carbon‐cycling microbial ecology in permafrost regions. Microbiomes in degrading permafrost exhibit variations across spatial and temporal scales. Among the short‐term, rapid degradation scenarios, thermokarst lakes have distinct biogeochemical conditions promoting emission of greenhouse gases. Additionally, extreme climatic events can trigger drastic changes in microbial consortia and activity. Notably, environmental conditions appear to exert a dominant influence on microbial assembly in permafrost ecosystems. Furthermore, as the global climate is closely connected to various permafrost regions, it will be crucial to extend our understanding beyond local scales, for example by conducting comparative and integrative studies between Arctic permafrost and alpine permafrost on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau at global and continental scales. These comparative studies will enhance our understanding of microbial functioning in degrading permafrost ecosystems and help inform effective strategies for managing and mitigating the impacts of climate change on permafrost regions.
Syntenic analysis of ACCase loci and target‐site‐resistance mutations in cyhalofop‐butyl resistant Echinochloa crus‐galli var. crus‐galli in Japan
Authors: Iwakami Satoshi , Ishizawa Hinata , Sugiura Kai , Kashiwagi Keisuke , Oga Toshiya , Niwayama Shota , Uchino Akira
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Recently, suspected cyhalofop‐butyl‐resistant populations of allohexaploid weed Echinochloa crus‐galli var. crus‐galli were discovered in rice fields in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Analyzing the target‐site ACCase genes of cyhalofop‐butyl helps understand the resistance mechanism. However, in E. crus‐galli, the presence of multiple ACCase genes and the lack of detailed gene investigations have complicated the analysis of target‐site genes. Therefore, in this study, we characterized the herbicide response of E. crus‐galli lines and thoroughly characterized the ACCase genes, including the evaluation of gene mutations in the ACCase genes of each line.

RESULT

Four suspected resistant lines collected from Aichi Prefecture showed varying degrees of resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl and other FOP‐class ACCase inhibitors but were sensitive to herbicides with other modes of action. Through genomic analysis, six ACCase loci were identified in the E. crus‐galli genome. We renamed each gene based on its syntenic relationship with other ACCase genes in the Poaceae species. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed that all ACCase genes, except the pseudogenized copy ACCase2A, were transcribed at a similar level in the shoots of E. crus‐galli. Mutations known to confer resistance to FOP‐class herbicides, that is W1999C, W2027C/S and I2041N, were found in all resistant lines in either ACCase1A, ACCase1B or ACCase2C.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we found that the E. crus‐galli lines were resistant exclusively to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides, with a target‐site resistance mutation in the ACCase gene. Characterization of ACCase loci in E. crus‐galli provides a basis for further research on ACCase herbicide resistance in Echinochloa spp. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gastrodin synergistically increases migration of interleukin‐13 receptor α2 chimeric antigen receptor T cell to the brain against glioblastoma multiforme: A preclinical study
Authors: Huang Shuai , Bai Yue , An Zhijing , Xu Chang , Zhang Can , Wang Fang , Zhong Chunlong , Zhong Xiaosong
Published: September 2023

Therapy with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cells involves using reformative T lymphocytes that have three domains, antigen recognition, transmembrane, and costimulating to achieve the therapeutic purpose. CAR‐T therapy on malignant hematologic has been successful; however, its effectiveness in patients with solid tumors is still limited. Few studies exist confirming the efficacy of natural products on the function of CAR‐T cells. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of gastrodin (GAS) on CAR‐T cells that target interleukin‐13 receptor α2 antigen (IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T) in the brain against glioblastoma multiforme. Migration of IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T was evaluated using the Transwell assay. The effects of GAS on IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T cells were assessed both in vitro and situ glioblastoma models. The cytoskeleton was stained with Fluorescein 5‐isothiocyanate (FITC)‐phalloidin. Cytokines expression in cells was determined by flow cytometry and ELISA assay. Western blotting was used to detect the S1P1 expression, and quantitative PCR assay was used to determine the IL‐13Rα2 gene level. GAS increased the migratory and destructive capacity of IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T cells with no effect on cytokine release. By increasing the expression of S1P1, GAS encouraged the entry of CAR‐T cells into the brain and bone marrow. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes related to skeletal migration such as add2 and gng8 showed increased expression in GAS‐treated CAR‐T cells. We found that GAS synergistically improves the mobility of IL‐13Rα2 CAR‐T, enhancing their ability to recognize the tumor antigen of glioblastoma, which could be advantageous for the application of CAR‐T for the treatment of solid tumors.
A large‐scale survey reveals agro‐ecological factors influence spatio‐temporal distribution and epidemics of maize leaf blight: Implications for prioritizing sustainable management options
Authors: Terefe Habtamu , Mengesha Getachew G. , Yitayih Getnet , Bogale Girma A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) is predominantly constrained by diseases, weeds, and insect pests. The northern leaf blight (NLB) disease, caused by Exserohilum turcicum, inflicts significant maize yield losses in the tropics and humid tropics, including Ethiopia. A large‐scale field survey was conducted to assess the spatio‐temporal distribution of maize NLB in southern Ethiopia, and to determine the association of maize farming practices and agro‐ecological factors with NLB epidemics during 2016–2019.

Materials and Methods

A total of 814 maize farms were assessed in 12 major maize‐producing districts. During the assessment, data related to the disease, crop, farming practices and agro‐ecological factors were collected. The associations of disease severity with independent factors were determined using the ordinal logistic regression model.

Results

The results showed that all studied districts and zones recorded high (≥85%) NLB prevalence over the 4 years, and the disease continues to be a major threat to maize production. Variable disease severity was recorded across districts/zones during the study periods. The highest (75.45%) mean severity was recorded from Boreda, followed by Konso (75.36%), Bonke (71.61%) and Derashe (71.30%), while Mihirab Abaya (33.25%) and Arba Minch (38.285%) districts recorded the lowest mean severity. In the multiple regression model, zone, altitude, cropping year, land preparation, NPS fertilization, weeding practice, growth stage and cropping system were highly significantly (p < 0.0001) associated with disease severity.

Conclusion

Maize cultivation at an altitude of ≤1500 m with intermediate to good weeding practices, recommended NPS (51–100 kg ha–1) fertilization, mixed‐ and intercropping systems, sparse plant (≤20 plants m‒2) population, and vegetative to blistering growth stages had significant relationships with low (≤25, 26%–50%) disease severity, and can be considered as management options to reduce NLB pressure and yield losses to sustainably ensure maize production and productivity.
Time and phase alignment of distributed gateways: Theoretical analysis and experimental demonstration
Authors: Mollaymeri Eriserdi , Delamotte Thomas , Knopp Andreas
Published: September 2023

Very high throughput satellite systems have recently been developed to offer high‐speed connectivity, especially in remote areas, planes, and ships. The high data rates can be achieved by using a multibeam approach with an aggressive reuse of the available frequency resources. Due to the high number of user beams, the system must support a large aggregated bandwidth. Multiple‐gateway architectures are a necessary solution to sustain the immense bandwidth requirements. Multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) feeder links have been proposed to address the ground segment design challenges of multiple‐gateway architectures. The deployment costs and the link availability performance can in particular benefit from this approach. However, to coordinate the operation of multiple gateways, high precision time and phase synchronization is necessary. In this paper, the effect of time and phase misalignment in
MIMO feeder links is studied. The performance limitation due to imperfect time and phase distribution is analyzed. Synchronization via optical fiber is considered in this study. The accuracy of time distribution was verified through laboratory measurements. The impact of the residual timing error on the achievable system bandwidth was assessed. Results showed that several GHz of bandwidth can be supported. On the other hand, a recently proposed phase synchronization approach is considered as a promising candidate for MIMO feeder links. Its phase stability performance is assessed, and it is emphasized that requirements in terms of link outage are fulfilled.
Enhancing Cancer Chemo‐Immunotherapy: Innovative Approaches for Overcoming Immunosuppression by Functional Nanomaterials
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Li Li , Xu Zhi Ping
Published: September 2023

Chemotherapy is a critical modality in cancer therapy to combat malignant cell proliferation by directly attacking cancer cells and inducing immunogenic cell death, serving as a vital component of multi‐modal treatment strategies for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, chemotherapy may inadvertently contribute to the immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment (TME), inducing the suppression of antitumor immune responses, which can ultimately affect therapeutic efficacy. Chemo‐immunotherapy, combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy in cancer treatment, has emerged as a ground‐breaking approach to target and eliminate malignant tumors and revolutionize the treatment landscape, offering promising, durable responses for various malignancies. Notably, functional nanomaterials have substantially contributed to chemo‐immunotherapy by co‐delivering chemo‐immunotherapeutic agents and modulating TME. In this review, recent advancements in chemo‐immunotherapy are thus summarized to enhance treatment effectiveness, achieved by reversing the immunosuppressive TME (ITME) through the exploitation of immunotherapeutic drugs, or immunoregulatory nanomaterials. The effects of two‐way immunomodulation and the causes of immunoaugmentation and suppression during chemotherapy are illustrated. The current strategies of chemo‐immunotherapy to surmount the ITME and the functional materials to target and regulate the ITME are discussed and compared. The perspective on tumor immunosuppression reversal strategy is finally proposed.
Orientational Growth of Flexible van der Waals Supramolecular Networks
Authors: Ding Haoxuan , Zhang Xin , Li Bosheng , Wang Yitao , Xia Chunqiu , Zhao Haoyu , Yang Hualin , Gao Ying , Chen Xiaorui , Gao Jianzhi , Pan Minghu , Guo Quanmin
Published: September 2023

The capacity for nanopatterning and functionality is a promising facet of supramolecular self‐assembly. However, the formation of molecular frameworks entirely dependent on van der Waals (vdW) interactions is infrequently explored. Herein, 2D vdW supramolecular structures are synthesized through the self‐assembled cocrystallization of C60 and decanethiol (DT) molecules on Au(111) surface. Notably, the system eliminates the need of functional groups for specific bonding between adjacent units. The conformation C60/DT is delicately manipulated by adjusting molecular coverage and annealing temperature. The absence of directional bonding between C60 and DT molecules facilitates the formation of a variety of stable phases at room temperature (RT), such as 1) porous C60 networks with thiol‐filled pores and 2) self‐synthesized (C60)n nanochains with thiol spacers interspersed between the chains are achieved and visualized by scanning tunneling microscopic imaging under RT. This innovative integration of the vdW interaction unveils new avenues for developing supramolecular patterns characterized by their comparatively weak but exceptionally adaptable bonding.
Aperture Fine‐Tuning in Cage‐Like Metal–Organic Frameworks via Molecular Valve Strategy for Efficient Hexane Isomer Separation
Authors: Chen Rundao , Zheng Fang , Li Jiaqi , Liu Ying , Zhou Fangru , Sun Haoran , Yang Qiwei , Zhang Zhiguo , Ren Qilong , Bao Zongbi
Published: September 2023

Cage‐like metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising for hexane isomer separation, but their aperture sizes are difficult to control precisely. Herein, a molecular valve strategy is proposed to fine‐tune the aperture of cage‐like MOFs, thereby enhancing their separation performance for hexane isomers. Three novel isostructural cage‐like MOFs, namely Cu‐MO4‐TPA, are synthesized using different oxometallate anions (MO42−, M = Cr, Mo, and W) and the ligand tri(pyridin‐4‐yl)amine (TPA). The different oxometallate anions induce varying degrees of twisting in the TPA ligand, leading to sub‐angstrom tuning in the aperture size of the MOFs. The materials can separate hexane isomers based on their degree of branching, with the smallest aperture material (Cu‐MoO4‐TPA) showing molecular sieving of di‐branched isomers. Adsorption isotherms, kinetic, and breakthrough measurements, Monte Carlo, and density functional theory calculations confirm the aperture size differences result in superior separation of hexane isomers by molecular sieving on Cu‐MoO4‐TPA. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of molecular valve strategy for fine‐tuning MOF aperture size for selective separation applications.
Persistent microperforate hymen as a rare maternal cause of dystocia in a ewe
Authors: Sofi Khursheed Ahmad , Malik Asloob Ahmad , Parrah Jalal Ud Din
Published: September 2023

Successful management of obstetrical emergency, such as dystocia, is essential to prevent huge economic loss to sheep farming. Dystocia can lead to mortality of both the dam and the fetus, if timely correct diagnosis and feasible intervention are delayed. The present case describes an uncommon obstetrical emergency, that is, dystocia due to a rare condition of persistent microperforate hymen as a maternal factor for dystocia. A primiparous, crossbred ewe (aged 1.5 years) was presented at our clinic as an obstetrical emergency at full term. After a complete history was taken, a physical (including per vaginum) examination was performed. This allowed a diagnosis of a persistent microperforate hymen. Management included excision of the transverse band followed by assisted delivery. The ewe recovered successfully, and survived along with its lamb, at least until the post‐operative check at 3 weeks.
Survey optimization for invasive Burmese pythons informed by camera traps
Authors: Cove Michael V. , Dixon Jeremy , King Katherine , Willson Matthew , Hart Kristen M.
Published: September 2023

The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive predator responsible for broad mammal declines in South Florida, United States. Despite their large size, pythons remain cryptic and require multifaceted approaches for detection. We evaluated a novel technique by deploying camera traps at known locations of radiotagged pythons in the Florida Keys. We estimated daily detection probabilities of snakes and plotted diel activity patterns. Our results suggest camera traps can effectively survey pythons but seasonality and camera trigger mechanisms affect utility. Pythons were most detectable with time‐lapse camera traps and more detectable in winter. The diel activity pattern of pythons peaked midday through early afternoon, indicating an optimal survey time for other search methods. Artificial intelligence can alleviate photo volume, so we recommend a combination of motion detection and time‐lapse with shorter time (1 min) intervals for python‐specific surveys and where camera traps are deployed to monitor mammals to improve passive python detection.
Clinical presentation and genetic variants in patients with autoinflammatory diseases: results from the German GARROD registry
Authors: Blank Norbert , Kötter Ina , Schmalzing Marc , Rech Jürgen , Krause Karoline , Köhler Birgit , Kaudewitz Dorothee , Nitschke Martin , Haas Christian S. , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Krusche Martin
Published: September 2023

To investigate clinical symptoms and genetic variants in patients from the German anti-IL-1 registry for autoinflammatory orphan diseases (GARROD) between 2013 and 2022. Multicentre, retrospective analysis of demographic, clinical and genetic data of patients with autoinflammatory diseases (AID) who received anti-IL-1 targeted therapy. The cohort comprised 152 patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF; n = 71), cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS; n = 43), TNF-receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS; n = 19), mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD; n = 3) and unclassified AID (uAID; n = 16). Inflammatory attacks started in 61.2% of the patients before the age of 18 years. The delay between the first AID attack and anti-IL-1 therapy was 17.8 years. Monogenetic AIDs were diagnosed by clinical symptoms. Genetic analyses confirmed the diagnosis in 87.3% of patients with FMF, 65.2% with CAPS and 94.8% with TRAPS. Among this group, heterozygous MEFV variants and variants of unknown significance (VUS) were detected in 22.5% of patients with FMF, 51.2% with CAPS and 47.4% with TRAPS. Patients with VUS were older at disease onset which is consistent with a milder phenotype. Twenty-four patients had secondary AA amyloidosis (AA) at initiation of anti-IL-1 therapy. The mean age of these patients was 16.4 years at their first attack and 44.9 years at the time of AA diagnosis. Turkish-Armenian ancestry correlated with MEFV variants and higher FMF disease activity compared to German ancestry. Molecular genetic analyses should substantiate the clinical diagnosis of a monogenetic AID. Our data support the concept of variable penetrance of VUS which can be associated with late-onset AID.
Manuelle Therapie – Entwicklung im deutschsprachigen Raum
Authors: Taxer Bernhard , Salchinger Beate
Published: September 2023

Die manuelle Medizin (MM) und die sich daraus entwickelte manuelle Therapie (MT) gehören zu den ältesten und traditionsreichsten Anwendungen im medizinisch-therapeutischen Bereich. Sie hat sich aus jahrhundertealten Anwendungen mit dominant mechanistisch-strukturellen Ansätzen zu einer eigenständigen und klinisch hoch differenzierten Therapieform entwickelt, welche gleichermaßen von Physiotherapeuten und Medizinern durchgeführt wird. Verschiedene Organisationen und Konzepte strukturieren sowohl die fachlich-inhaltliche Ausrichtung im Bereich der Physiotherapie, u. a. auf Basis des IFOMPT-Curriculums (International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists), als auch die manualmedizinischen Schulen und Ausbildungsstätten für Ärzte. Dabei zeigen sich sowohl Überschneidungen als auch Abgrenzungen, vor dem Hintergrund des gesetzlich vorgegebenen Tätigkeitsfelds, in den angewandten Techniken und Interventionen. Neben der Entwicklung der einzelnen Konzepte und Lehren zur MM bzw. MT hat sich die Hands-on-Anwendung auch wissenschaftlich weiterentwickelt. Die Frage nach Wirkungsnachweis auf klinisch-experimenteller Ebene und auch aus grundlagenwissenschaftlicher Sicht sorgten v. a. im letzten Jahrzehnt für eine kritische Auseinandersetzung bezüglich der Wirkmechanismen, Effekte und tatsächlichen Indikationen. Mechanisch-strukturalistische Gedanken wurden um neurobiologische, immunologische und psychologisch-affektive Überlegungen und Belege dazu erweitert und liefern einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur zukünftigen Entwicklung der MM und der MT, um somit eine weitere kritische Auseinandersetzung zu gewährleisten.
Evaluating a robust and easy-to-use biological-activity-based method to assess the presence of potentially adverse bacteria at two riverbank filtration sites along the Danube river: A case study
Authors: Oudega Thomas J. , Leifels Mats , Steinbacher Sophia , Kandler Wolfgang , Derx Julia , Farnleitner Andreas , Kirschner Alexander , Blaschke Alfred Paul
Published: September 2023

The Laboratory Biological Activity Reaction Test (LAB-BART) is an easy-to-use assay that utilizes metabolic capabilities to process an array of substrates to semi-quantitatively assess the presence of potentially adverse bacteria in a groundwater sample. Here, we evaluated LAB-BART for the assessment of groundwater samples obtained under real-life conditions from two riverbank filtration (RBF) sites in Austria. Samples were taken monthly for an overall experimental period of six months and analyzed following the manufacturer’s recommendations for measuring iron-related, sulfate-reducing, slime-forming and denitrifying bacteria. Additional measurements were done for analyzing chemical water composition, as well as bacterial community structure to evaluate the suitability of LAB-BART by identifying relevant bacteria. Results imply that while LAB-BART could not give detailed information on bacterial concentrations, it might be able to indicate hydrologically induced changes in biogeochemical processes in a subsurface system, thus allowing operators to determine an adequate response to a potential influx of undesired bacteria. Despite its limitations, LAB-BART might therefore be a valuable tool for monitoring purposes due to its ease of use, but more research is necessary to determine its accuracy in measuring bacterial activity.
The Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (VERN)
Authors: Hitchman Louise ,   Vascular and Endovascular Research Network, Hitchman Louise , Gwilym Brenig , Al-Saadi Nina , Birmpili Panagiota , Singh Aminder , Machin Matt , Blair Robert , Hurndall Kathern , Shelmerdine Lauren , Shalhoub Joseph , Bosanquet Dave , Dattani Nikesh , Saratzis Athanasios , Onida Sara , Benson Ruth , Nandhra Sandip , Ambler Graeme
Published: September 2023

The Vascular and Endovascular Research Network (VERN) was set up to promote research, to improve the treatment of vascular diseases and to improve the synthesis and dissemination of evidence. The network represents a particular form of collaboration involving trainee doctors and specialists from a wide variety of medical disciplines. It undertakes multicentre projects, which are mostly observational studies and the data collected are analysed and published in a short period of time. This form of research has several advantages including fostering collaboration between different institutes, countries and researchers with different levels of expertise. It also promotes accelerated delivery of evidence and individual professional development. The network has an executive committee that meets every 2 weeks to discuss projects and the entire committee meets every month. An appointed member of the executive committee coordinates the centres participating in projects. Although there has been some scepticism with respect to research collaboratives, raising concerns over the accountability and the contribution of authors, it is paramount that research conducted by a collaborative maintains the same scientific rigour and ethical standards as research conducted by individual academic units.
Parameter assessment for reliability modeling of machine components using heuristic screening
Authors: Arndt Marco , Dazer Martin , Raither Wolfram , Bertsche Bernd
Published: September 2023

For the investigation of influence of various parameters on properties and outputs of components or systems, Design of Experiments (DOE) offers the most efficient approach to create a comprehensive empirical insight into product performance. However, especially if product lifetime is treated as the investigation objective, the main focus of attention must be placed on the efficiency of testing—if only to comply with the principle of DOE, even before testing begins. Without actual test runs, a pre-selection of relevant factors influencing the target quantity can be performed here and strategically adjusted in scale compared to the subsequent method. In this work, common heuristic tools and methods are analyzed and evaluated with respect to a deliberate preselection of influencing factors versus the challenges in lifetime testing and degradation behaviors. Several factors as well as their interactions are taken into account to achieve this. For this purpose, these methods are partially extended and adapted in their focus in order to finally be made applicable in a suitable procedure. An illustration of this is also provided in a selected use case with limited empirical and experimental prior-knowledge, in which a sample of relevant influences is identified through qualitative heuristic decision making with respect to parameters that influence product lifetime.
Development of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks in human household conditions
Authors: Buczek Weronika , Bartosik Katarzyna , Buczek Alicja
Published: September 2023

Companion dogs are at risk of tick infestations. This paper describes cases of transfer of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks by dogs to apartments in eastern Poland, tick development in household conditions, and potential consequences for the residents. For the first time, the preoviposition and oviposition of D. reticulatus females removed from dogs or spontaneously detached from these hosts were studied in household conditions. Similar analyses were performed simultaneously in laboratory settings (25 °C and 75% RH). In the household characterized by a temperature range of 18.5–21.3 °C and 46.9–56% humidity, the preoviposition and oviposition periods with the development of D. reticulatus larvae lasted 20.8 ± 3.1 days and 29.9 ± 1.4 days, respectively. Greater numbers of eggs (2415.8 ± 983.1) were laid by females in the household than laboratory conditions. There were no statistically significant differences in the hatching success between both experiments. The study also provides the first description of infestation of a human by a partially engorged D. reticulatus female that had detached from dog’s skin. Ticks transferred by dogs can develop successfully in human homes. After feeding on dogs, females achieve high reproductive performance. This suggests that dogs may play an important role in the biology of this tick species in urbanized areas.
Temporal activity patterns of bears, wolves and humans in the Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain
Authors: Vicedo Toni , Meloro Carlo , Penteriani Vincenzo , García Jesús , Lamillar María Ángel , Marsella Elena , Gómez Pablo , Cruz Antonio , Cano Borja , Varas Manuel Jesús , Álvarez Elena , Dalerum Fredrik
Published: September 2023

Human-wildlife coexistence is important for a sustainable relationship between humans and the natural environment. However, human activities often act as a disturbance to wild animals, which may show behavioural shifts indicating human avoidance. For large carnivores, which are prone to conflict with many human interests, coexistence with humans can be particularly challenging. We used long-term camera trap data to evaluate seasonal and diel variations in activity of two large carnivores, the brown bear (Ursus arctos) and the grey wolf (Canis lupus), as well as humans in the Cantabrian Mountains, northern Spain. Brown bears were less active in winter than in summer; the opposite was observed for wolves, whereas there was limited seasonal variation in human activity. On a diel scale, both bears and wolves were mostly crepuscular during summer and had less distinct, but generally more nocturnal activity during winter. Humans were strictly diurnal during both seasons. We suggest that the diel activity of bears and wolves was partially caused by human avoidance, but that seasonal variations in both overall and diel activity were mainly caused by ecological and physiological factors. While we suggest that the observed similarity in diel activity of bears and wolves did not have caused strong competition between these two species, it may have influenced interactions with other predators and prey. Since such interactions are likely to be context dependent, we urge for further studies evaluating how humans influence the behaviour of large carnivores across different spatio-temporal scales.
University’s shared vision for research and teaching: an international comparative study
Authors: Bui Hong T. M. , Shoaib Shandana , Tran Ly Thi , Vu Viet Ha Tran , Baruch Yehuda
Published: September 2023

How do universities encourage academics to buy into a shared vision while often setting punitive targets in teaching and research? This article explores possible antecedents of a university’s shared vision and its relationships with academics’ research and teaching performance in the era of managerialism. This cross-country study of two large universities in the UK and Vietnam draws on data from multiple sources to uncover the key components of a university’s shared vision. A survey strategy was adopted. Data were collected from different sources, using a stratified random sampling technique from academics of different schools at those universities. A total of 431 survey responses from academics at these universities were included for analysis, employing structure equation modelling. It provides fresh insights into whether having a shared vision can benefit academics’ research and teaching performance. The findings of this study show that while achieving a high degree of shared vision may enhance research performance, it may do little to improve teaching performance. The study provides empirical evidence indicating that a shared vision emerges as strongly rooted within individual employees rather than managers, challenging the common belief that a shared vision emanates primarily from the top down. This article advances social exchange theory (SET) by showing the interdependence of workplace antecedents, personal attributes, interpersonal connections, and performance. It introduces a framework for the relationship between universities’ shared vision with its possible antecedents and with academics’ teaching performance and research performance. The article also discusses useful implications for higher education leaders, based on the findings of the study.
Using Deep Neural Networks for Detecting Spurious Oscillations in Discontinuous Galerkin Solutions of Convection-Dominated Convection–Diffusion Equations
Authors: Frerichs-Mihov Derk , Henning Linus , John Volker
Published: September 2023

Standard discontinuous Galerkin finite element solutions to convection-dominated convection–diffusion equations usually possess sharp layers but also exhibit large spurious oscillations. Slope limiters are known as a post-processing technique to reduce these unphysical values. This paper studies the application of deep neural networks for detecting mesh cells on which slope limiters should be applied. The networks are trained with data obtained from simulations of a standard benchmark problem with linear finite elements. It is investigated how they perform when applied to discrete solutions obtained with higher order finite elements and to solutions for a different benchmark problem.
Logical Multilateralism
Authors: Wansing Heinrich , Ayhan Sara
Published: September 2023

In this paper we will consider the existing notions of bilateralism in the context of proof-theoretic semantics and propose, based on our understanding of bilateralism, an extension to logical multilateralism. This approach differs from what has been proposed under this name before in that we do not consider multiple speech acts as the core of such a theory but rather multiple consequence relations. We will argue that for this aim the most beneficial proof-theoretical realization is to use sequent calculi with multiple sequent arrows satisfying some specific conditions, which we will lay out in this paper. We will unfold our ideas with the help of a case study in logical tetralateralism and present an extension of Almukdad and Nelson’s propositional constructive four-valued logic by unary operations of meaningfulness and nonsensicality. We will argue that in sequent calculi with multiple sequent arrows it is possible to maintain certain features that are desirable if we assume an understanding of the meaning of connectives in the spirit of proof-theoretic semantics. The use of multiple sequent arrows will be justified by the presence of congruentiality-breaking unary connectives.
Foucault and medicine: challenging normative claims
Authors: Suijker Chris A.
Published: September 2023

Some of Michel Foucault’s work focusses on an archeological and genealogical analysis of certain aspects of the medical episteme, such as ‘Madness and Civilization’ (1964/2001), ‘The Birth of the Clinic’ (1973) and ‘The History of Sexuality’ (1978/2020a). These and other Foucauldian works have often been invoked to characterize, but also to normatively interpret mechanisms of the currently existing medical episteme. Writers conclude that processes of patient objectification, power, medicalization, observation and discipline are widespread in various areas where the medical specialty operates and that these aspects have certain normative implications for how our society operates or should operate. The Foucauldian concepts used to describe the medical episteme and the normative statements surrounding these concepts will be critically analyzed in this paper.

By using Foucault’s work and several of his interpreters, I will focus on the balance between processes of subjectification and objectification and the normative implications of these processes by relating Foucault’s work and the work of his interpreters to the current medical discipline. Additionally, by focusing on the discussion of death and biopower, the role of physicians in the negation and stigmatization of death is being discussed, mainly through the concept of biopower. Lastly, based on the discussion of panopticism in the medical discipline, this paper treats negative and positive forms power, and a focus will be laid upon forms of resistance against power. The discussed aspects will hopefully shed a different and critical light on the relationship between Foucault’s work and medicine, something that eventually can also be deduced from Foucault’s later work itself.
WILL COVID-19 jump-start telecommuting? Evidence from California
Authors: Islam Md Rabiul , Saphores Jean-Daniel M.
Published: September 2023

Health concerns and government restrictions have caused a surge in work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a sharp increase in telecommuting. However, it is not clear if it will perdure after the pandemic, and what socio-economic groups will be most affected. To investigate the impact of the pandemic on telecommuting, we analyzed a dataset collected for us at the end of May 2021 by Ipsos via a random survey of Californians in KnowledgePanel©, the largest and oldest probability-based panel in the US. Our structural equation models account for car ownership and housing costs to explain telecommuting frequency before, during, and possibly after the pandemic. We found that an additional 4.2% of California workers expect to engage in some level of telecommuting post-pandemic, which is substantial but possibly less than suggested in other studies. Some likely durable gains can be expected for Californians who work in management, business / finance / administration, and engineering / architecture / law / social sciences. Workers with more education started telecommuting more during the pandemic, a trend expected to continue post-pandemic. Full time work status has a negative impact on telecommuting frequency, and so does household size during and after the pandemic.
Filters of automobile air conditioning systems as in-car source of exposure to infections and toxic moulds
Authors: Gołofit-Szymczak Małgorzata , Wójcik-Fatla Angelina , Stobnicka-Kupiec Agata , Górny Rafał L.
Published: September 2023

The main component of an air conditioning system is air filters. Over time, the filters of an air conditioning system in cars can turn into sources of emission of microbiological hazards. The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the presence of infectious and toxic fungi in the AC filters in passenger cars. The studied non-woven filters were removed from passenger cars during the “winter”/“summer” seasons. The taxonomic identification of the fungi isolated from the filters was performed using both the culture-based and molecular methods. RT-PCR was applied to assess the presence of gene fragments regulating aflatoxin biosynthesis in the isolates obtained from fungal cultures. The average fungal concentrations in the filter samples collected during the summer/winter season were 5.4 × 104 cfu/m2 and 2.4 × 104 cfu/m2, respectively. Most of the filter samples, collected in both the studied seasons, revealed the presence of Aspergillus species including A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. terreus and/or A. flavus. The recorded levels of fungal contamination of AC filters in passenger cars indicate the necessity for more frequent filter replacement in this type of vehicle. Occupational exposure to moulds and the resulting health problems that may be experienced by professional drivers should be properly recognised in order to undertake effective preventive measures.
Nomogram based on clinical and preoperative CT features for predicting the early recurrence of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter study
Authors: Zheng Chao , Gu Xin-tao , Huang Xiao-li , Wei Yu-chen , Chen Lu , Luo Ning-bin , Lin Hua-shan , Jin-yuan Liao
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To establish and validate a multiparameter prediction model for early recurrence after radical resection in patients diagnosed with combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC).

Materials and methods

This study reviewed the clinical characteristics and preoperative CT images of 143 cHCC-CC patients who underwent radical resection from three institutions. A total of 110 patients from institution 1 were randomly divided into training set (n = 78) and testing set (n = 32) in the ratio of 7–3. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to construct a nomogram prediction model in the training set, which was internally and externally validated in the testing set and the validation set (n = 33) from institutions 2 and 3. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration analysis were used to evaluate the model’s performance.

Results

The combined model demonstrated superior predictive performance compared to the clinical model, the CT model, the pathological model and the clinic-CT model in predicting the early postoperative recurrence. The nomogram based on the combined model included AST, ALP, tumor size, tumor margin, arterial phase peritumoral enhancement, and MVI (Microvascular invasion). The model had AUCs of 0.89 (95% CI 0.81–0.96), 0.85 (95% CI 0.70–0.99), and 0.86 (95% CI 0.72–1.00) in the training, testing, and validation sets, respectively, indicating high predictive power. DCA showed that the combined model had good clinical value and correction effect.

Conclusion

A nomogram incorporating clinical characteristics and preoperative CT features can be utilized to effectively predict the early postoperative recurrence in patients with cHCC-CC.
Agiles Arbeiten und Gruppendynamik
Authors: Bachmann Thomas , König Oliver , Königswieser Roswita , Schattenhofer Karl , Simon Fritz B
Published: September 2023

In dem vorliegenden Expertengespräch in der Zeitschrift Gruppe – Interaktion – Organisation (GIO) befassen sich Thomas Bachmann, Oliver König, Roswita Königswieser, Karl Schattenhofer und Fritz B. Simon mit der Rolle von Gruppendynamik bei der Agilen Transformation. Zunächst werden Agilität und New Work als aktuelle Phänomene diskutiert und eingeordnet. Dabei wird die Abgrenzung zu schon bekannten Konzepten und Modetrends thematisiert. Im weiteren Verlauf des Gesprächs wird untersucht, welche Rolle Konzepte der Gruppendynamik zum Verständnis von New Work und Agilität beitragen können und inwieweit Gruppendynamiktrainings für Personen im agilen Kontext einen Kompetenzgewinn ermöglichen.
Blockchain adoption challenges in the healthcare sector: a waste management perspective
Authors: Dhingra Sarthak , Raut Rakesh D. , Yadav Vinay Surendra , Cheikhrouhou Naoufel , Naik B. Koteswara Rao
Published: September 2023

The proposed study aims to identify the major challenges for blockchain adoption to manage reverse logistics activities of recyclable hospital waste in the Indian healthcare sector, in the COVID era. Fifteen challenges are identified through literature review and experts’ views and are prioritized and analyzed for cause-and-effect relationships using a hybrid approach combining Best–Worst Method (BWM) and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). A sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the results’ robustness. The results reveal that the Technological and Regulatory challenges category plays the most influential role consisting of Lack of Government Support and Policies, Lack of Strategic Planning, Lack of Knowledge and Qualified Expertise, Lack of Standards and Regulations, High Cost Involved, and Lack of Top Management Support are the most significant challenges affecting blockchain adoption. This study can support healthcare stakeholders, policymakers, government, and researchers in planning the strategic removal of the challenges to blockchain adoption in the Indian healthcare sector. The identification of the mutual interaction among the challenges will help healthcare decision makers address strategic questions of waste management from a holistic point of view. Since the work is achieved in the Indian healthcare context, generalization of the results must be carefully considered. The present study contributes significantly to discussing blockchain’s potential in healthcare waste management. The study’s findings can aid decision making process of managers, policymakers, and benefit researchers in this field.
How Do Job Crafting Profiles Manifest Employees’ Work Engagement, Workaholism, and Epistemic Approach?
Authors: Nissinen Terhi S. , Upadyaya Katja , Lammassaari Heidi , Lonka Kirsti
Published: September 2023

The present study identifies job crafting profiles of public sector employees and how they differ in terms of employees’ work engagement, workaholism, and approach to learning. Participants represent various occupations from educational field (e.g., teachers), technical field (e.g., ICT-experts), and administrative field (e.g., customer servants). Using latent profile analysis, three job crafting profiles could be identified: Passive crafters (25%), Average crafters (57%), and Active crafters (18%). Passive crafters reported the lowest values in all approach-oriented job crafting strategies (increasing job resources and demands) and the highest value in avoidance-oriented job crafting (decreasing hindering job demands). Active crafters reached the highest values in all approach-oriented job crafting and the lowest value in avoidance-oriented job crafting. Average crafters used all job crafting strategies close to the average level. The lowest work engagement, workaholism, and reflective-collaborative approach to learning were reported by passive crafters. Both average crafters and active crafters reported higher workaholism and reflective-collaborative learning approach than passive crafters. Active crafters reported the highest work engagement. Study findings show the interplay between employees’ job crafting, work engagement, workaholism, and epistemic approach. This study extends workplace learning research field by offering new theoretical information and is the first one exploring job crafting profiles and their differences regarding employees’ epistemic approach; reflective learning, collaborative knowledge-building, and metacognition. Study discusses theoretical contributions and practical implementations, which may be used in work life induction, and in fostering job crafting and continuous workplace learning.
Lyapunov functions and global stability analysis for epidemic model with n-infectious
Authors: Omar F. M. , Sohaly M A , El-Metwally H.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, an epidemic $${\text{SI}}$$
SI
model with $$n$$
n
-infectious stages is studied. Lyapunov functions are used to conduct the global stability analysis for equilibrium points. The $$n$$
n
-basic reproduction ratios $$R_{1}$$

R
1

, $$R_{2}$$

R
2

, …, $$R_{n}$$

R
n

are computed, and the basic reproduction number ($$R_{0}$$

R
0

) is the max value between this ratios is obtained. For, $$j = 1,2,...,n$$

j
=
1
,
2
,
.
.
.
,
n

when $$R_{j}$$

R
j

is less than one, all strains die out, and if it is greater than one, then persists. The disease-free and endemic equilibrium points are found, and we studied the global stability for them by using the direct Lyapunov functions. The Maple program is used for carrying a numerical simulations to support the analytically results.