bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conformity of goods and transfer of risk in the international sales of goods: analysis under the rules of the CISG, Chinese law, and United Arab Emirates law
Authors: Al-Daboubi Derar , Mofleh Yusuf Ahmad , Al Zoubi Mohamed Abdel Khalek
Published: December 2024

This article examines the relationship between the conformity of goods and risk transfer under the Civil Code of China, the UAE Civil Transactions Law, and the 1980 United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). The findings presented in this article consolidate the requirements of conformity of goods in the context of risk transfer between contracting parties and point out the variation between these legal documents in terms of the interpretation of the conformity of goods concept, which would play an influential role in the operation of the passing of risk. Furthermore, recommendations are offered for legislators in China and the United Arab Emirates to bridge the gap between their approaches and the international approach outlined in the CISG regarding the interpretation of the requirement of goods’ conformity in the context of risk transfer. These recommendations align with the international principle of harmonizing and unifying international commercial rules concerning risk transfer in international sale of goods contracts.
Gaining and losing on the way: the evolutionary scenario of reproductive diversification in genus Urodasys (Macrodasyida: Gastrotricha) inferred by multi-gene phylogeny
Authors: Cesaretti Agata , Kosakyan Anush , Saponi Francesco , Todaro M Antonio
Published: December 2024

The microscopic members of the genus Urodasys are easily recognizable due to their exceptionally long tail. There are 17 described species within this iconic genus, each distinguished by various sexual organ arrangements and reproduction modalities, including the sole known ovoviviparous gastrotrich species. The remarkable variety in reproductive characteristics has captured the interest of researchers aiming to illuminate its origin and evolution. The recent discovery of a species bearing a novel set of reproductive structures has challenged early hypotheses. However, all the evolutionary scenarios put forward need to be more convincing. To gain deeper insight into the evolutionary history of these iconic animals, we obtained the nucleotide sequence of two nuclear genes and one mitochondrial gene from species’ representatives of the four known possible combinations of the reproductive apparatus and reproduction modalities. The multi-gene data matrix was analysed phylogenetically using three approaches. The analyses yielded phylogenetic trees with invariant topology. In all cases, the specimens appear organized in four robustly supported clades and subclades that reflect their reproductive system organization. Our results suggest that the sclerotized stylet evolved inside the copulatory organ before the loss of the left testis and offers a new scenario for the evolutionary history of genus Urodasys.
To activate NAD(P)H oxidase with a brief pulse of photodynamic action
Authors: Xie Xiao Bing , Shu Yu , Cui Zong Jie
Published: December 2024

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidases (NOX) are a major cellular source of reactive oxygen species, regulating vital physiological functions, whose dys‐regulation leads to a plethora of major diseases. Much effort has been made to develop varied types of NOX inhibitors, but biotechnologies for spatially and temporally controlled NOX activation, however, are not readily available. We previously found that ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation activates NOX2 in rodent mast cells, to elicit persistent calcium spikes. NOX2 is composed of multiple subunits, making studies of its activation rather complicated. Here we show that the single‐subunit nonrodent‐expressing NOX5, when expressed ectopically in CHO‐K1 cells, is activated by UVA irradiation (380 nm, 0.1–12 mW/cm2, 1.5 min) inducing repetitive calcium spikes, as monitored by Fura‐2 fluorescent calcium imaging. UVA‐elicited calcium oscillations are inhibited by NOX inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) and blocked by singlet oxygen (1O2) quencher Trolox‐C (300 μM). A brief pulse of photodynamic action (1.5 min) with photosensitizer sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (SALPC 2 μM, 675 nm, 85 mW/cm2) in NOX5‐CHO‐K1 cells, or with genetically encoded protein photosensitizer miniSOG fused to N‐terminus of NOX5 (450 nm, 85 mW/cm2) in miniSOG‐NOX5‐CHO‐K1 cells, induces persistent calcium oscillations, which are blocked by DPI. In the presence of Trolox‐C, miniSOG photodynamic action no longer induces any calcium increases in miniSOG‐NOX5‐CHO‐K1 cells. DUOX2 in human thyroid follicular cells SW579 and in DUOX2‐CHO‐K1 cells is similarly activated by UVA irradiation and SALPC photodynamic action. These data together suggest that NOX   is activated with a brief pulse of photodynamic action.
Mixing Metals During Operative Fixation and Reconstruction in the Appendicular Skeleton: Does Theoretical In Vivo Galvanization Cause Clinically Detrimental Outcomes?
Authors: Attenasio Andrea , Hong Ian S. , Zapf Christian G. , Bhalla Aditya Paul , Shah Sachin D. , Dziadosz Daniel R. , Jankowski Jaclyn M. , Yoon Richard S. , Liporace Frank A.
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVES:

Traditional training and teaching have advised against mixing varying metal types to avoid the potential for in vivo galvanization and corrosion. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze patients who have undergone operative reconstruction with mixed metal (MM) constructs to report any related complications.

METHODS:

Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

Single Level II trauma center.

Patient Selection Criteria:

Patients who underwent trauma and/or arthroplasty surgery at a single Level II trauma center between 2017 and 2022 with “mixed” fixation defined as contact or proximity within the bone (≤ 10 mm) with complete radiographs, medical records, and minimum 1 year follow-up were eligible for study inclusion.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:

The primary outcome measure was incidence of corrosion directly related to hardware complications causing unplanned reoperation.

RESULTS:

The final analysis included 56 patients (67.9% women), with a mean age of 62.0 ± 16.6 years, mean body mass index of 28.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2, and mean Charlson comorbidity index of 2.5 ± 1.8. Seventy-three percent of the MM implants had direct metal-on-metal contact, and the average distance between noncontacting metals was 0.32 ± 0.28 cm. The most common combination of metals was titanium + stainless steel (69.6%). At an average postoperative follow-up of 25.9 ± 19.6 months, hardware-related complications were observed in 15 (26.8%) patients, with reoperation due to hardware complications in 12 (21.4%) within 18.5 ± 15.8 months. No evidence of metal-on-metal galvanic corrosion was observed on radiographic evaluation at an average of 25.9 ± 19.6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients who received MM implants showed no radiographic or clinical signs of corrosion. Although theoretical concerns exist regarding use of MM implants, these findings suggest that the consequence of such combinations in clinical practice may not be as significant.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Distinct immune microenvironment of venous tumor thrombus in hepatocellular carcinoma at single-cell resolution
Authors: Zhou Kai-Qian , Zhong Yu-Chen , Song Min-Fang , Sun Yun-Fan , Zhu Wei , Cheng Jian-Wen , Xu Yang , Zhang Ze-Fan , Wang Peng-Xiang , Tang Zheng , Zhou Jian , Zhang Li-Ye , Fan Jia , Yang Xin-Rong
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims:

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) worsens the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma by increasing intrahepatic dissemination and inducing portal vein hypertension. However, the immune characteristics of PVTT remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the immune microenvironment in PVTT.

Approach and Results:

Time-of-flight mass cytometry revealed that macrophages and monocytes were the dominant immune cell type in PVTT, with a higher proportion than in primary tumor and blood (54.1% vs. 26.3% and 9.1%, p<0.05). The differentially enriched clustering of inhibitory and regulatory immune cells in PVTT indicated an immune-suppressive environment. According to the single-cell RNA sequencing, TAM-C5AR1 was characterized by leukocyte chemotaxis and was the most common subpopulation in PVTT (36.7%). Multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry staining showed that the C5aR+ TAM/Mφ were enriched in PVTT compared to both the primary tumor and liver and positively correlated with C5a (r=0.559, p<0.001). Notably, THP-1 (monocyte cell line) was recruited by CSQT2 (PVTT cell line) and exhibited up-regulation of CD163, CD206, and PD-L1 upon stimulation. C5aR antagonist could reverse this. C5aR+ TAMs could also inhibit Granzyme B in CD8+ T cells. High infiltration of C5aR+ TAMs in PVTT correlated with poor differentiation (p<0.009) and was a risk factor for overall survival (p=0.003) and for reformation of PVTT after resection (p=0.007).

Conclusions:

TAMs, especially C5aR+ TAMs, were enriched in PVTT. C5aR+ TAMs contribute to the development of PVTT and poor prognosis by reshaping the immunosuppressive environment.
Racial and regional disparities in the risk of noncommunicable disease between sub-Saharan black and European white patients
Authors: Yu Yu-Ling , An De-Wei , Chori Babangida S. , Kaleta Błażej P. , Mokwatsi Gontse , Martens Dries S. , Abiodun Olugbenga O. , Anya Tina , Łebek-Szatańska Agnieszka , Yeh Jong-Shiuan , Mels Catharina M.C. , Latosinska Agnieszka , Kruger Ruan , Isiguzo Godsent , Narkiewicz Krzystof , Shehu Muhammad N. , Salazar Martin , Espeche Walter , Mujaj Blerim , Brgulian-Hitij Jana , Olszanecka Agnieszka , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Reyskens Peter , Rajzer Marek , Januszewicz Andrzej , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Asayama Kei , Allegaert Karel , Verhamme Peter , Mischak Harald , Nawrot Tim S. , Odili Augustine N. , Staessen Jan A. ,   the UPRIGHT-HTM investigators∗
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

Greater vulnerability of Black vs. White individuals to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is well charted in the United States, but studies involving sub-Saharan blacks are scarce.

Methods:

Baseline data (2021–2024) were collected in 168 sub-Saharan Blacks and 93 European Whites in an ongoing clinical trial (NCT04299529), using standardized patient selection criteria. Data included clinical and biochemical risk factors, ECG and echocardiographic traits, Framingham CVD risk, CKD grades (KDIGO 2024), self-assessed symptoms (WHO questionnaire), and urinary proteomic profiles predictive of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) and CKD, HF1, and CKD273, respectively. Racial comparisons rested on unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted analyses.

Results:

Despite being younger (60.4 vs. 68.3 years), blacks had a worse risk profile, as evidenced by higher diabetes prevalence, higher BMI, faster heart rate, unfavourable serum cholesterol fractions, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, microalbuminuria, and sedentary lifestyle. This resulted in blacks having higher 10-year CVD risk, higher heart age (index of vascular ageing with chronological age as reference), and a worse CKD grades. In both races, CKD273 increased with CKD grade, but CKD273 and HF1 were not different by race. These observations were robust in subgroup and adjusted analyses.

Conclusion:

This study did not differentiate host (genetic, molecular, and pathogenic) from environmental drivers of disease. Nonetheless, the findings call for a multipronged and comprehensive implementation of innovative health policies in sub-Saharan countries. Education, research, empowerment of stakeholders, and international learned societies connecting experts from a wide array of disciplines should vigorously sustain this effort.
Petechial and Purpuric Rashes During a Parvovirus B19 Outbreak: Are Skin Symptoms Differentiated?
Authors: Kus Sevgi , Elvan-Tuz Aysegul , Aslan-Saritas Umit , Yilmaz Dilek
Published: December 2024

Human parvovirus B19 typically causes erythema infectiosum, but unusual exanthems and hemorrhagic manifestations, such as purpuric-petechial rashes, have also been reported. PVB19-associated purpuric-petechial eruption (PAPPE) should be recognized as a distinct clinical feature of primary parvovirus B19 infection and considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with febrile purpura. This report aims to highlight several scenarios of B19V-associated petechial and purpuric rashes, which may present to pediatric departments during outbreaks.
Pediatric Patients With Acute Flaccid Myelitis: Long-term Respiratory and Neurologic Outcomes
Authors: Patel Dimple , Kragel Emily A. , Liu Shih-Dun , Sonne Chris , Zhu Shiyun , Malhotra Amit , Van Haren Keith P. , Ritterman Weintraub Miranda , Kane Miranda
Published: December 2024

Background:

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), an infection-mediated neurologic condition, may be accompanied by respiratory failure and subsequent variable recovery. This study assessed and provided prescriptive data on long-term respiratory and neurologic outcomes according to respiratory status at the time of presentation.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study using a large, single-payer healthcare database to identify children 1–18 years old, diagnosed with AFM between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2019. Descriptive statistics described the overall cohort and the cohort by respiratory failure status. Bivariate analyses evaluated incidence rate ratios of outcome data, comparing those with respiratory failure to those without.

Results:

A total of 37 patients met the study criteria for AFM; 28 were from a previously established cohort. Median follow-up time was 4.7 years [interquartile range (IQR): 2.39–6.06]. Overall incidence rate of AFM over the study period was 0.6 per 100,000 person-years. Eight patients (21.6%) had respiratory failure during the index hospitalization. Among children with respiratory failure, 6 patients (75%) required follow-up respiratory support. Those with respiratory failure had higher Modified Rankin Scores [mean difference 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34–2.23] and a higher rate of respiratory-related emergency and in-hospital visits (incidence rate ratios 1.94; 95% CI: 1.27–2.96) compared to those without respiratory failure.

Conclusions:

Having respiratory failure at presentation was observed to have worse outcomes, including the need for long-term respiratory support, higher healthcare utilization, and prolonged neurologic deficits. This study contributes to the scant literature on pediatric patients with AFM.
Cognitive considerations for adults with sickle cell disease completing the brief pain inventory
Authors: O'Brien Julia A. , Drake Jermon A. , Bearden Donald J. , Ono Kim E. , Sil Soumitri , Cohen Lindsey L. , Karras Alana , Novelli Enrico M. , Jonassaint Charles R.
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Accurate assessment of pain severity is important for caring for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The Brief Pain Inventory was developed to address limitations of previous pain-rating metrics and is available in a short form (BPI-SF). However, the BPI-SF is a self-report scale dependent on patient comprehension and interpretation of items.

Objective:

To examine patterns in how patients completed the BPI-SF and determine whether incorrectly completing the BPI-SF was related to cognitive functioning or education.

Methods:

A secondary analysis was completed using data from a study examining brain aging and cognitive impairment in SCD. T-tests were performed to examine whether neurocognitive function (immediate and delayed memory, visuospatial skills, attention, and language), word reading, and years of education differed based on correct BPI-SF completion.

Results:

The sample (n = 71) was 43.7% male, 98.6% African American or mixed race. Of that, 53.5% had sickle cell anemia, and the mean years of education was 13.6. Overall, 21.1% of participants (n = 15) incorrectly completed the BPI-SF pain severity items, and 57.7% completed the body map item incorrectly. Those who completed the severity items incorrectly had statistically significant differences in education. Group differences in neurocognitive function were no longer significant after familywise error rates were controlled for. Literacy was not associated with error rates.

Conclusion:

Education level may influence patients' ability to correctly complete the BPI-SF. Findings suggest that careful consideration is warranted for use of the BPI in patients with SCD. Recommended revisions to the BPI include simplifying the language, shortening sentence length, and clearly specifying the timeframes.
Virucidal activity of olanexidine gluconate against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Watanabe Rika , Yoshida Takuma , Nakaminami Hidemasa
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Antiseptics have been used for infection control against SARS-CoV-2. Ethanol (EtOH) was effective against SARS-CoV-2, while chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was less effective. Therefore, there may be differences in virucidal activity between classes of antiseptic agents.
Aim: In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2 and identified effective agents for infection control.
Methods: The following antiseptics were used in this study: 1.5% olanexidine gluconate (OLG); 80% EtOH; 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO); 0.2% benzalkonium chloride (BKC); 1% povidone-iodine (PVP-I); 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG); and 0.5% alkyldiaminoethylglycine hydrochloride (AEG). Virucidal activity was evaluated at 0, 30 s, 1, 2, and 3 min according to EN14476.
Results: After 30 s of exposure, 1.5% OLG, 80% EtOH, 1% NaClO, 0.2% BKC, and 1% PVP-I inactivated SARS-CoV-2 below the detection limit. In contrast, the virus was survived in 0.5% CHG, 1% CHG, and 0.5% AEG after 3 min of exposure. However, the virucidal activity of 1.5% CHG was insufficient after 30 s of exposure.
Conclusion: This study showed that the virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2 differs depending on the class of antiseptic agent. Despite belonging to the same class of biguanide antiseptics, OLG was more effective against SARS-CoV-2 than CHG.
Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet and Trajectories of Depressive Symptomatology in Youth
Authors: Pu Yiwei , Tan Hangyu , Huang Runqi , Du Wenchong , Luo Qiang , Ren Tai , Li Fei
Published: December 2024

Background

The rising prevalence of youth depression underscores the need to identify modifiable factors for prevention and intervention. This study aims to investigate the protective role of Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet on depressive symptoms in adolescents.

Methods

Participants were identified from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. Adherence to the MIND diet was measured by the Child Nutrition Assessment or the Block Kids Food Screener. Depressive symptoms were measured annually using the Child Behavior Checklist’s depression subscale. We utilized regression analyses and cross-lagged panel modeling (CLPM) to examine longitudinal associations. Additional analyses adjusted for polygenic risk scores for depression, and changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio.

Results

Of the 8,459 children (52.3% male; mean age 10.9 [SD, 0.6] years), 2,338 (27.6%) demonstrated high MIND diet adherence, while 2,120 (25.1%) showed low adherence. High adherence was prospectively associated with reduced depressive symptoms (adjusted β, -0.64, 95% CI, -0.73 to -0.55) and 46% lower odds of clinically relevant depression (adjusted odds ratio, 0.54, 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.75) at two-year follow-up. CLPM analyses showed significant cross-lag paths from MIND diet scores to less depressive symptoms across three time points. These associations persisted independently of changes in BMI and waist-to-height ratios, and were not significantly moderated by genetic predisposition to depression.

Conclusions

Higher adherence to the MIND dietary pattern was longitudinally associated with decreased risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Promoting MIND diet may represent a promising strategy for depression prevention in adolescent populations.
Ablation of sympathetic nerve-β3 adrenergic receptor-mediated adipose tissue lipolysis attenuates alcohol-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Wickramasinghe Piumi , Caron Alexandre , Eadha Sreeja , Parupalli Preethi , Ganapavarapu Sarvani , Elmquist Joel , Liu Chen , Jia Lin
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Binge drinking causes fat accumulation in the liver and is a known risk factor for more severe forms of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Although adipocyte-released free fatty acids (FFA) have been shown to contribute to alcohol-induced liver damage, the signaling pathways that trigger lipolytic activity in adipose tissues following acute alcohol overconsumption is largely unknown. Notably, activation of sympathetic nerve-β3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) plays a central role in sustained adipocyte lipolysis. However, whether this pathway is involved in acute alcohol-induced lipolysis remains unclear. We aimed to explore the effect of the sympathetic nerve-ADRB3-mediated pathway on adipocyte lipolytic action and fatty liver development following acute alcohol exposure.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were administered a single binge of alcohol to model acute alcohol exposure. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was injected systemically or locally to ablate sympathetic nerves. Mice lacking Adrb3 selectively in fat tissues (Adrb3FKO) were generated. White adipose tissue lipolysis, fatty liver development, and liver damage were investigated.

RESULTS

A single alcohol binge in C57BL/6J mice led to significant increases in white adipose tissue (WAT) norepinephrine (NE) content and plasma FFA levels, accompanied by the development of alcoholic hepatic steatosis. Acute alcohol-induced adipose tissue lipolysis and ALD were significantly mitigated by 6-OHDA-mediated systemic and fat tissue specific sympathetic nerve ablation. Deletion of Adrb3 in adipocytes protected mice from acute alcohol-induced adipose tissue lipolysis, hepatic fat accumulation, and liver injury.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that binge drinking leads to the development of fatty liver and liver damage by activating adipose tissue sympathetic nerve-ADRB3-mediated lipolysis in mice.

Binge drinking causes hepatic steatosis and liver injury through the activation of sympathetic nerve-β3 adrenergic receptor-stimulated white adipose tissue lipolysis and release of free fatty acids.

Abstract Figure
Legumes as a substitute for red and processed meat, poultry, or fish, and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a large cohort
Authors: Langmann Fie , Ibsen Daniel B. , Johnston Luke W. , Perez-Cornago Aurora , Dahm Christina C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Dietary recommendations have globally shifted towards promoting consumption of legumes as an environmentally friendly and healthy source of protein. This study investigated replacement of red and processed meat, poultry, or fish for equal amounts of legumes on the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

UK Biobank participants who completed ≥2 dietary assessments and had complete covariate information were included in the analyses (N=124,194). Information on dietary intake was collected using two to five 24-hour dietary assessments. Incident cases of NAFLD were determined through linkage to the National Health Service registries. The rate of developing NAFLD when replacing 80 g/week of red and processed meat, poultry, or fish with legumes was estimated using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

During follow-up (median 10.49, IQR: 10.4-10.9 years), 1201 individuals developed NAFLD. Replacing 80 g/week red and processed meat or poultry with legumes was associated with 4% and 3% lower rates of NAFLD, respectively (meat HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94; 0.98; poultry HR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95; 0.99). Replacing 80 g/week of fish with legumes was not associated with NAFLD (fish HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96; 1.01). Results did not change markedly after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusion

Consuming one serving of legumes weekly instead of red and processed meat or poultry was associated with a slightly lower rate of NAFLD, while consuming legumes instead of fish did not show an association with NAFLD. Further research in cohorts with higher legume consumption is needed to confirm these findings.

Highlights

Food substitution models improve interpretation of studies of dietary exposures in observational studies.

Replacing red and processed meat or poultry with legumes was associated with slightly lower rates of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the UK Biobank. No association was found when replacing fish with legumes.
An assessment of interobserver agreement on lesion size, morphology and clinical phenotype in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused byLeishmania aethiopicain Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Amel Beshir , Mohammed Fewzia Shikur , Zewdu Feleke Tilahun , Nigusse Shimelis Doni , Lambert Saba , Marks Michael , Walker Stephen L. , Gadisa Endalamaw ,   SHARP collaboration
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a major public health challenge, especially in endemic regions like Ethiopia, where an estimated 40,000 new cases occur annually. Effective treatment evaluation for CL relies on consistent clinical assessments, yet variability in lesion descriptions can complicate reliable outcome measures.

Methods

We conducted an inter-reliability study of clinicians’ evaluations of CL lesion morphology and size at ALERT Hospital, Addis Ababa. Twelve clinicians independently examined 12 patients with parasitologically confirmed CL, each clinician assessing lesion morphology, size, and severity.

Results

We found high consistency in reporting major morphological categories (e.g., plaques) but significant variability in secondary features like dyspigmentation and scale, as well as mucosal involvement. Lesion size measurements showed limited variability, suggesting its reliability as a potential measure for future clinical trials. Disparities in severity assessments highlight the need for a standardized scoring system in CL.

Discussion

Our findings underscore the importance of training for consistent, high-quality clinical evaluations of CL and suggests that lesion size could be a reproducible outcome measure in treatment efficacy trials.
Hybrid Atom Tweezer Array of Nuclear Spin and Optical Clock Qubits
Authors: Nakamura Yuma , Kusano Toshi , Yokoyama Rei , Saito Keito , Higashi Koichiro , Ozawa Naoya , Takano Tetsushi , Takasu Yosuke , Takahashi Yoshiro
Published: December 2024

While data qubits with a long coherence time are essential for the storage of quantum information, ancilla qubits are pivotal in quantum error correction (QEC) for fault-tolerant quantum computing. The recent development of optical tweezer arrays, such as the preparation of large-scale qubit arrays and high-fidelity gate operations, offers the potential for realizing QEC protocols, and one of the important next challenges is to control and detect ancilla qubits while minimizing atom loss and crosstalk. Here, we present the realization of a hybrid system consisting of a dual-isotope ytterbium (Yb) atom array, in which we can utilize a nuclear spin qubit of fermionic Yb171 as a data qubit and an optical clock qubit of bosonic Yb174 as an ancilla qubit with a capacity of nondestructive qubit readout. We evaluate the crosstalk between qubits regarding the impact on the coherence of the nuclear spin qubits from the imaging light for Yb174. For the Hahn-echo sequence with a 399 nm probe and 556 nm cooling beams for Yb174, we observe 99.1(1.8)% coherence retained under 20 ms exposure, yielding a discrimination fidelity of 0.9992 and a survival probability of 0.988. The Ramsey sequence with a 556 nm probe beam shows negligible influence on the coherence, suggesting the potential future improvement of low crosstalk measurements. This result highlights the potential of the hybrid-Yb atom array for midcircuit measurements for ancilla-qubit-based QEC protocols.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamic event-triggered attitude synchronization of multi-spacecraft formation via a learning Chebyshev neural network control approach
Authors: Li Genghuan , Jia Qingxian , Wu Yunhua , Liao He , Zheng Zhong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the attitude synchronization issue of multi-spacecraft formation flying systems under the limited communication resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose a distributed learning Chebyshev neural network controller (LCNNC) combining a dynamic event-triggered (DET) mechanism and a learning CNN model to achieve accurate multi-spacecraft attitude synchronization under communication constraints.

Findings

The proposed method can significantly reduce the internal communication frequency and improve the attitude synchronization accuracy.

Practical implications

This method requires the low communication resources, has a high control accuracy and is thus suitable for engineering applications.

Originality/value

A novel DET mechanism-based LCNNC is proposed to achieve the accurate multi-spacecraft attitude synchronization under communication constraints.
Unveiling the landscape of event technology adoption in hospitality and tourism industry: insights from a systematic literature review
Authors: Sjukriana Juke , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Asyraff Muhammad Aliff , Kusumah Galih
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide insights into the key trends, challenges and benefits associated with the integration of various event technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) platforms, mobile apps and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The study explores event technology adoption within the hospitality and tourism industry through a systematic literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, the study screened 609 articles from Scopus and ScienceDirect, narrowing down to 33 articles for in-depth analysis.

Findings

Findings reveal that VR, AI and mobile apps are preferred as they enhance experiences through immersive previews, improved logistics and real-time engagement. Attendee adoption depends on ease of use, perceived benefits, social influence and privacy concerns, while organizers prioritize cost-effectiveness, efficiency and compatibility. Emerging trends like AI, VR and the metaverse are reshaping events, with economic and demographic factors influencing adoption.

Research limitations/implications

The findings underscore a maturation in research efforts concerning technology adoption in the hospitality and tourism event industry, reflecting the industry’s evolving nature amidst technological advancements and societal shifts, thereby emphasizing the importance of continuous scholarly exploration in this domain.

Originality/value

The study contributes to both theory and practice, guiding future research on technology integration and offering practitioners a framework for effective technology adoption strategies. It synthesizes recent trends and bridges the gap between theory and practical application in adopting event technology.
Resolving the trade comovement puzzle at the margin of global value chains
Authors: Choi Bongseok
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the crucial role that the trade of intermediate goods plays in elucidating trade-output synchronization. We specifically highlight the significance of incorporating intermediate trade, particularly concerning the dominance of forward linkages in the global value chains (GVCs) of countries producing intermediate goods.

Design/methodology/approach

We extend Johnson (2014) international real business cycle (IRBC) model to integrate the foreign value added by intermediate exporters within a forward-linkage GVC.

Findings

Model simulations indicate that the trade of intermediate goods accounts for around 31–33% of observed trade-output synchronization. Notably, the inclusion of value-added rents in GVCs within intermediate goods trade boosts the explanatory power to 55%.

Research limitations/implications

Although adding input trade information does not replicate the empirical finding enough to resolve the trade-comovement puzzle within the IRBC-style framework, as Johnson (2014) pointed, this might highlight the limitations of the framework itself. The limitations of both our work and Johnson (2014) suggest that a more endogenous mechanism that correlates comovement with trade independently of the correlation between trade and comovement of TFPs should be introduced in the IRBC model.

Originality/value

Our paper extends Johnson (2014) IRBC model to incorporate the foreign value added to intermediate trade within forward-linkage GVCs. The model’s explanatory power in resolving the trade comovement puzzle has improved.
Determinants of online cash waqf behavioural intentions for micro enterprises financing: the case of Indonesian Muslim youth
Authors: Alimusa La Ode , Sukmana Raditya , Ratnasari Ririn Tri , Machfud Syafrina , Latif Sahraman D. Hadji
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the intention of online cash waqf donations among Indonesian Muslim youth for micro enterprises (MEs) financing. Therefore, the contribution of Muslim youth in supporting MEs can be accelerated to solve some interrelated social and economic issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study integrates the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) partially relevant to research characteristics. A questionnaire survey is used as a data collection approach to acquire responses from 180 Indonesian Muslim youth. The data obtained are analysed using smart partial least squares-structural equation modelling to answer the research hypothesis and obtain conclusions.

Findings

Religiosity, awareness and perceived behavioural control are significant factors determining the intention to donate online cash waqf for MEs financing. Religiosity plays an important role in building attitudes and perceived awareness of Muslim youth’s behaviour and intention to donate online cash waqf for MEs financing.

Research limitations/implications

The analysed factors could be used as guidelines for better planning and implementing digital-based cash waqf marketing strategies for Nazir (waqf institutions). Regulators (Government and National Waqf Board) must provide better regulations for digital waqf platforms and policies for cash waqf financing for MEs. Researchers could investigate the other theory and cash waqf financing model in low-risk MEs’ empowerment. This study will also broaden cash waqf literacy for MEs financing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study addressed the intention of Muslim youth in Indonesia towards online cash waqf to empower MEs. This study develops models by combining TPB and TAM with additional constructs to determine the intention to donate online cash waqf for MEs financing that have been experiencing difficulties accessing banking financing.
Ownership structure and debt allocation within pyramidal business groups
Authors: Chandera Yane
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the relationship between a pyramidal firm’s control-ownership wedge and the amount of its debt relative to the group’s total debt and its likelihood of having guaranteed debt in its capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consists of the 200 largest Indonesian companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2015–2022. I run baseline regressions and a number of robustness tests, which include two-stage least squares, censored regressions, difference-in-differences and subsample regressions as well as regressions with interaction terms.

Findings

The results show that, within pyramidal business groups, member firms with large control-ownership wedges are associated with less group debt allocation and a higher probability of having guaranteed debt.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the direct link between a pyramidal firm’s control wedge and its’ proportion of group debt allocation and probability of having guaranteed debt. Therefore, it enriches the theory of tradeoffs within business groups and sheds more insights on the intragroup guarantees literature.
Exploring and modeling cumulative bias and its asymmetry in student evaluations of teaching at a Polish university
Authors: Kopciuszewska Elzbieta , Rybinski Krzysztof
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the usefulness and validity of student evaluations of teaching (SET) by estimating multiple biases and their cumulative effect, and assessing their implications for evaluating teaching effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a rich dataset from a Polish university and applies linear and quantile regressions to estimate SET biases, including course difficulty, class size and instructor characteristics. The cumulative effect of these biases is measured, and changes during the COVID-19 pandemic are analyzed to assess their impact on SET scores.

Findings

The cumulative SET bias reaches more than one point on a 1–5 Likert scale, challenging the reliability of raw SET scores. Significant asymmetries exist between low and high SET scores. Poor initial evaluations of a teacher predict future low performance ratings, while top-rated teacher contests are often influenced by chance rather than teaching quality.

Practical implications

The findings suggest universities should discontinue using raw SET scores for faculty evaluation and instead implement adjustments for identified biases. This approach will provide a more accurate measure of teaching performance.

Originality/value

This paper builds on earlier studies that applied econometric frameworks to analyze SET bias predictors and offers a novel, comprehensive assessment of cumulative SET biases and their asymmetries. It is the first to evaluate the effects of multiple SET biases within a single model and the first to document how SET biases intensified during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for significant reform in teaching evaluation practices.
Arctic migrating barnacle geese utilize accommodation fields in a new agricultural staging area
Authors: Seltmann Martin W. , Ylitalo Anna‐Kaisa , Piironen Antti , Store Ron , Heikkinen Juha , Heim Wieland , Piha Markus , Seimola Tuomas , Laaksonen Toni , Forsman Jukka T.
Published: December 2024

The recovery of threatened species after conservation measures can lead to human–wildlife conflicts. One example of such is the recent population growth of the Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis, a large herbivorous bird. During migration, geese stage in large numbers on agricultural fields in range countries and cause substantial damage to farms. A combination of repelling fields, where geese were chased off by humans, and accommodation fields, which provide refuge sites for foraging geese, has been suggested as an effective management tool to mitigate conflicts.

Using high‐resolution satellite tracking data, we investigated habitat selection of 41 barnacle geese staging in Northern Karelia, Finland, during spring 2021. We estimated relative habitat use by these geese and conducted a fine‐scale analysis of their use of different fields by employing Hidden Markov Models and integrated step‐selection analysis. Fields included normal crop (no goose management), project and other (private and Nature 2000 area) accommodation fields and repelling fields. Project accommodation and repelling fields were established on areas known to have a long history of high grazing pressure by barnacle geese.

We found that behavioural data of geese can be categorized into three different states (static, slow and fast movement). Static and slow states were used for local field selection, fast state for field selection in the regional area, and all states for field selection after leaving a repelling field.

Overall, relative habitat use indicated that geese utilize accommodation fields more than expected by their availability. Integrated step‐selection analyses revealed that geese avoided normal and repelling versus project accommodation fields at the regional scale. At the local scale, they preferred project accommodation fields over all other fields. After leaving a repelling field, geese did not show preference for any accommodation over repelling fields.

Synthesis and application. Geese show individual selection for accommodation fields compared to normal or repelling fields across several scales. Our results suggest that the accommodation field concept—consisting of refuge areas and no‐go areas where geese are repelled from—can help to mitigate the human–wildlife conflict using local stakeholders' knowledge.
Effect of Trade Facilitation on Economic Complexity in Selected African Countries
Authors: Takpara Moukaila Mouzamilou , Djiogap Constant Fouopi , Kouty Manfred , Sawadogo Bouraïma
Published: December 2024

Recent research on international trade suggests that economic development and growth occur as countries gain knowledge and learn to produce and export more sophisticated products. This study examines the effect of trade facilitation on economic complexity in selected African countries over the period 2004–2017. It uses four indicators of trade facilitation capturing physical infrastructure, information, and communication technology (ICT), business, and regulatory environment as well as border, and transport efficiency. The empirical analysis using ordinary least square, and the two‐stage least square estimators shows that effective trade facilitation reform targeted particularly at improving ICT as well as border, and transport efficiency enhances economic complexity. The results remain consistent when an alternative estimation strategy is used. These findings offer scope for a reminder that reforms aimed at simplifying border procedures should be implemented and accelerated in African countries.
The Joint Impact of Organizational and Individual Factors on Employees' Green Behavior
Authors: Yang Yue , Xi Guoqian , Chen Qi , Zhang Liming , Zhong Changbiao
Published: December 2024

Employee green behavior is a necessary condition for organizations to achieve sustainable success. Drawing upon self‐determination theory, this paper thoroughly investigates the mechanism through which a synergistic combination of multiple antecedents’ influences employee green behavior via qualitative comparative analysis. The findings reveal that no single factor constitutes a necessary condition for high employees' green behavior. However, organizational identification and green self‐efficacy play crucial roles in fostering such behaviors. We identify three equivalent pathways for promoting employees' green behavior, namely, “synergistic internal and external environmental orientation,” “psychological climate driven by organizational identity,” and “internal environmental orientation under environmental regulation.” Furthermore, this study uncovers the complementary nature of organizational identity and employee self‐efficacy, as well as the substitutability of internal and external environmental orientation. These findings suggest that organizations should focus on fostering a strong organizational identity and enhancing employees' self‐efficacy while maintaining a balance between internal and external environmental orientations to effectively promote green behavior among employees.
Discrete element model construction and dehulling simulation verification based on harvested quinoa grains
Authors: Bai Hongbin , Wu Yingsi , Ma Yiming , Xuan Dezheng , Du Wenliang , Liu Fei , Zhao Xuan
Published: December 2024

The dry dehulling process of quinoa grains faces challenges such as poor visibility and unclear dynamic response characteristics, leading to irrational settings of the shelling process and high losses of the final processed product. Simulation methods provide an effective solution to this issue, with the accuracy of the simulation model being crucial. In this study, using the Experts in Discrete Element Modeling (EDEM) simulation software, based on the biological characteristics and mechanical properties of the grains, a method was proposed to construct a discrete‐element simulation model for the double‐layer bonding of the quinoa grain using the three‐axis spatial coordinates method. The Plackett–Burman method, the steepest rise method and the Box–Behnken method were used to simulate the compression test. The bonding parameters of the quinoa grain were calibrated. The parameters were further validated by constructing a mechanical shear test. Finally, the process of the dehulling quinoa grain was simulated in a dry dehulling equipment. The results showed that the relative error between the simulated and actual maximum compression force of the quinoa grains was 0.32%. The breaking shear force in the simulation had a relative error of no more than 5% compared to the actual measurements. In the simulation, the dehulling rate and broken rice rate were 78.54% and 1.38%, respectively, which exceeded the bench test values (75.32% for dehulling rate and 1.24% for broken rice rate) by 3.22% and 0.14%, respectively. The error was within the acceptable range. The calibration of the discrete element model parameters for quinoa grains was accurate, reflecting the mechanical properties differences between the rice and the pericarp effectively, providing a reliable basis for optimizing the design of dry dehulling mechanisms.
Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and nutraceutical potential of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum): A systematic review
Authors: Oli Pooja , Joshi Kuldeep , Punetha Shailaja
Published: December 2024

Macrotyloma uniflorum is known for being a rich source of protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and micronutrients. Since ancient times, it has been used as a pulse and traditional remedy in the Himalayan Mountains for curing kidney and bladder stones, bronchitis, asthma, piles, leukoderma, and heart diseases. Horse gram contains bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, which contribute to its health advantages. These bioactive compounds demonstrated antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, and neuroprotective effects. These horse gram products are now considered superfoods and are widely utilized in worldwide cuisines. Horse gram and its crude extracts or fractions have been shown to exhibit a wide range of in vivo and in vitro pharmacological and nutraceutical properties. However, there is currently a scarcity of structure‐activity investigations of isolated compounds and mechanistic research on this species. This review demonstrates that horse gram, despite its traditional usage by diverse cultures, has a profusion of bioactive chemicals with a wide range of biological effects that might be employed as biopharmaceuticals and adopted by nutraceutical industries. This study focuses on the thorough phytochemistry, folk medicinal applications, and pharmacological properties of this versatile legume plant. Furthermore, we discussed the value of plants as a source of functional foods and nutraceuticals.