bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EpiPathAI: Using Large Language Models to Explore Mechanisms of Life Course Exposure-Outcome Associations
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhang Yang , Gao Darui , Gao Ying , He Xin , Deng Guanghui , Xie Wuxiang , Du Jian
Published: October 2024

Large language models (LLMs) enhanced with Graph Retrieval-Augmented Generation (GRAG) are promising for life-course epidemiology, which typically depends on costly and incomplete cohort data. Inspired by the epidemiological pathway model, we introduce EpiPathAI, which combines literature-derived causal knowledge graphs with LLMs to mine bridging variables and synthesize potential mechanisms between gestational diabetes and dementia. We test four GRAG strategies on GPT-4 and evaluate the identified mediators with clinical experts and three other LLM reviewers. The knowledge graph identifies 118 bridging variables, including coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease, previously validated in our data-driven approach through the UK Biobank. EpiPathAI has identified additional clinically meaningful mediators, including high-level low-density lipoprotein (9.8% of effect, 95% CI: 3.7%-23.2%), and depression, which is a reasonable but statistically non-significant mediator in UK Biobank. EpiPathAI serves as a knowledge-driven mechanism mining agent that complements the data-driven approach, providing a compelling foundation for investigating other mediating pathways in future longitudinal cohort studies.
Understanding the mechanisms underlying the lack of response to Janus kinase inhibition in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Melón-Ardanaz Elisa , Veny Marisol , Corraliza Ana M. , Garrido-Trigo Alba , Gudiño Victoria , Sanzo-Machuca Ángela , Buendia Marc , Esteller Miriam , Rodrigo Maite , Masamunt M. Carme , Giner Ángel , Ordás Ingrid , Fernández-Clotet Agnès , Caballol Berta , Corbí Ángel , Verstockt Bram , Vermeire Severine , Panés Julian , Ricart Elena , Salas Azucena
Published: October 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon. About one-third of UC patients failed to respond to available drugs, including tofacitinib, a broad Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor. However, the mechanisms underlying patient response or resistance to oral JAK inhibitors remain unknown.

To elucidate the molecular and cellular pathways activated by tofacitinib in responder and non-responder patients, we generated a longitudinal single-cell RNA sequence dataset profiling both immune and non-immune cell populations from colonic biopsies of UC patients. Our analysis revealed that responders exhibited higher baseline JAK-STAT activity, while non-responders had increased baseline NF-kB pathway activation. Longitudinal comparisons showed that disease progression in non-responders was associated with increased abundance and enhanced activation of macrophages and fibroblasts. Our data suggest that resistance to tofacitinib is mediated by the hyperactivation of myeloid cells, and we identified IL-10-dependent macrophages as a cellular subset contributing to this resistance.
Myosin light chain 3 serves as a receptor for nervous necrosis virus entry into host cells via the macropinocytosis pathway
Authors: Yao Lan , Zhang Wanwan , Yang Xiaogang , Yi Meisheng , Jia Kuntong
Published: October 2024

Nodaviridaeinfections cause severe mortality in insects and fish, with nervous necrosis virus (NNV) posing significant threats to global fish populations. However, the host factors involved in NNV entry remain poorly understood. Here, we identify myosin light chain 3 from marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) (MmMYL3) as a novel receptor for red-spotted grouper NNV (RGNNV), facilitating internalization via macropinocytosis. MmMYL3 directly binds the RGNNV capsid protein (CP), which dependents on the arm and S domains of CP and the EF-hand2 domain of MmMYL3. In vitro experiments showed that MmMYL3 siRNA, protein, anti-MYL3 antibodies or the arm domain synthetic peptides blocked RGNNV entry. Moreover, in vivo administration of MmMYL3 protein also inhibited RGNNV infection. Ectopic MmMYL3 expression enabled RGNNV internalization into resistant cells. Notably, MmMYL3 facilitated RGNNV internalization through the macropinocytosis pathway via the IGF1R-Rac1/Cdc42 axis. Collectively, our findings underscore MYL3’s crucial role in NNV entry and its potential as an antiviral target.
Evidence of an Allostatic Response by Intestinal Tissues Following Induction of Joint Inflammation
Authors: Moran Meghan M. , Li Jun , Shen Quan , Drummond Sheona P. , Milner Caroline M. , Day Anthony J. , Naqib Ankur , Sumner D. R. , Plaas Anna
Published: October 2024

Disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier function has been proposed to be integral to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression and pathogenesis. To further define the molecular pathways in synovial inflammation and the response of the intestinal tissues, we have used a rat model of mono-joint inflammatory arthritis, induced by intra-articular injection of Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). The predominant inflammatory response of a single injection of the adjuvant into the knee joint resulted in rapid and reproducible formation of a fibrotic myeloid-infiltrated synovial pannus. Our aim was to determine how intestinal tissues, including the proximal and distal ileum and distal colon, responded to inflammatory changes in the synovium in a temporally coordinated manner by comparing their transcriptomic landscapes using RNASeq analyses. We confirmed the timeline of joint inflammation by knee joint swelling measurement, increased synovial fluid levels of bikunin (a component of both the acute phase protein pre-alpha-inhibitor and inter-alpha-inhibitor) and demonstrated a self-correcting response of trabecular and cortical bone to the CFA challenge. Intestine-specific responses were monitored by 16S microbiome amplicon sequencing, histopathology for mucus layer integrity, and immune cell immunohistochemistry. We present data that shows the intestinal tissue displays an allostatic response to the acute joint inflammation and was region specific. The ileum primarily responded with increased mucus secretion and silencing of T-cell specific pathways, whereas the colon showed a transient upregulation of macrophages, with a broader suppression of immune related and metabolic pathway related transcripts. Interestingly, many neuropathways were activated early but then suppressed later in both the ileum and colon. There were only insignificant changes in the fecal microbiome composition in ileum or colon post-CFA administration. In summary, our data show for the first time a suppression of intestinal inflammatory and immune responses following the induction of joint inflammation and only minimal and transient changes in the microbiome. The results help clarify the molecular responses of intestinal tissues to inflammatory stresses that accompany the pathogenesis of inflammatory joint diseases.
The impact of the health star rating front-of-packaging label on preferences for food products
Authors: Hasni Muhammad Junaid Shahid , Mittone Luigi , Savadori Lucia
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The Health Star Rating (HSR) is a front-of-pack labeling system that helps consumers understand the nutritional values of foods. In this study, we examined the effects of the presence (vs. absence) of an HSR label on consumer choice behavior and perception of healthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

In an experimental study, we tested if the presence (vs. absence) of an HSR label provides a competitive advantage over a rival product that lacks the label, influencing purchase intentions. Participants were asked to choose among two competing products, with and without the labels, in a full factorial design.

Findings

Results showed that products with an HSR label had a competitive advantage over the rival products that did not have the label. Moreover, this effect emerged more strongly for some products than others. Thus, while front-of-pack (FOP) labels can enhance sales, their impact may vary based on the specific product or brand.

Originality/value

This paper offers novel insights into the implications of HSR labels for consumer behavior and marketing strategies, particularly in the context of their potential use as a marketing tool by companies to boost sales in the food industry.
Assessing the impact of consumption values on satisfaction and usage intentions of millet-based food products
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Kumar Vinod , Vandana  , Ivanová Eva , Chatterjee Sheshadri
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of consumption values on customer satisfaction and intention to consume millet-based foods. This study examines both tangible and intangible values of the millet-based food to the customer.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on consumption value theory (CVT), the present study evaluates the impact of consumption value factors such as emotional, epistemic, health, price, prestige and taste/quality values on satisfaction and intention to use millet-based foods and develops a unique research model. Later, leveraging a dataset comprising more than 410 responses from Pune city in India, a rigorous empirical examination of the proposed model was conducted employing SmartPLS 4.0 software.

Findings

The study's finding unveils both the significant and insignificant impacts of various consumption values, both from the tangible and intangible consumption value perspectives on satisfaction and intention to consume millet-based foods. The study also provides a validated food consumption model which can be used for other similar food consumption behaviour of the customers.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides insights as to how different consumption values impact the satisfaction of the customers for the millet-based food. This study illuminates additional aspects of the tangible and intangible factors impacting the satisfaction level of customers to consume millet-based products. Also, this is a cross-sectional study, and the respondents are only based in Pune, India. Thus, the study results cannot be generalised.

Originality/value

This study employs CVT to explore the unexplored impact of consumption values on satisfaction and intention to use millet-based foods, which is unexplored in the past literature. Moreover, this study develops a theoretical model with high explanatory power, and the research model adds value to the existing body of literature from areas such as food preference, consumer behaviour and value consumption insights.
AI meets academia: transforming systematic literature reviews
Authors: Tomczyk Przemyslaw , Brüggemann Philipp , Vrontis Demetris
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study synthesizes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in systematic literature reviews (SLRs), focusing in particular on efficiency, methodological quality and human–machine collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review methodology was applied, analyzing studies from Scopus and Web of Science databases to explore the use of AI and automation in SLRs. A final sample of 28 articles was selected through a rigorous and interdisciplinary screening process.

Findings

Our analysis leads to seven themes: human and machine collaboration; efficiency and time savings with AI; methodological quality; analytical methods used in SLRs; analytical tools used in SLRs; SLR stages AI is utilized for and living systematic reviews. These themes highlight AI’s role in enhancing SLR efficiency and quality while emphasizing the critical role of human oversight.

Research limitations/implications

The rapid advancement of AI technologies presents a challenge in capturing the current state of research, suggesting the need for ongoing evaluation and theory development on human–machine collaboration.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the importance of continuously updating AI applications for SLRs and advocating for living systematic reviews to ensure relevance and utility in fast-evolving fields.

Social implications

Integrating AI and automation in SLRs could democratize access to up-to-date research syntheses, informing policy and practice across various disciplines and redefining the researcher’s role in the digital age.

Originality/value

This review offers a unique synthesis of AI and automation contributions to SLRs, proposing a conceptual model emphasizing the synergy between human expertise and machine efficiency to improve methodological quality.
Student entrepreneurs with triple bottom line objectives: capabilities in creating viable business models
Authors: Crick James M. , Crick Dave
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The objective of this instrumental case study is to investigate issues impacting capability development/transformation with respect to student entrepreneurs’ aspirations to create a viable, evolving business model for their start-ups, namely, that are underpinned by goals featuring the “triple bottom line”. That is, instead of simply profits as an economic performance metric, there is also a consideration of wider social issues within the notion of “responsible leadership”, involving people and the planet.

Design/methodology/approach

Underpinned by a “capabilities lens”, the research setting focuses on the perceptions of student entrepreneurs together with other stakeholders in a Canadian university. The country context is pertinent, since to gain scalability, owners of start-up firms may need to internationalise to overcome limited domestic demand (despite the large geographic area); also, stakeholders’ support is sometimes needed to facilitate growth.

Findings

New insights demonstrate the need for appropriate stakeholders to facilitate effective transformative capability development amongst student entrepreneurs with triple bottom line objectives. Student entrepreneurs’ capability of validating facets of a viable evolving business model that address “all” and not “some” aspects of the triple bottom line is especially important. This is alongside the capability of being able to pivot product-market strategies where necessary, and this may feature the need to internationalise in the event there is limited domestic demand. A capability to develop soft skills is also likely to help student entrepreneurs communicate with stakeholders. In turn, such capabilities are likely to help move ideation, passed validation and through to commercialisation.

Originality/value

The utility of institutions and associated stakeholders offering education and training support to develop capabilities amongst students as aspiring entrepreneurs has featured in earlier studies. Likewise, issues associated with the notion of sustainability have also been previously considered. The originality of this instrumental case study is to offer a more nuanced investigation into salient issues associated with capability development amongst student entrepreneurs exhibiting triple bottom line objectives in their start-ups. That is, focusing on considerations related to validating their evolving business models and especially when facing limited domestic market demand.
Decoding organisational attractiveness: a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach
Authors: Vatankhah Sanaz , Roodbari Hamid , Rahimi Roya , Oraee Atrina
Published: October 2024

Purpose

High-skilled employees are crucial for sustained competitive advantage of organisations. In the “war for talent”, organisations must position themselves as attractive employers. This study aims to introduce a unified framework to systematically identify and prioritise organisational attractiveness (OA) components, focusing on the extreme context of the airline industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Treating OA as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) situation, this study uses the Fuzzy Delphi Method to validate key OA factors and the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to prioritise them based on experts’ judgements.

Findings

This study identifies 5 criteria and 22 sub-criteria for OA, with job characteristics and person–job fit as most critical. These elements signal employment quality and skill–job alignment, reducing information asymmetry and attracting talent.

Practical implications

This research provides a practical framework for airline managers to identify and prioritise key aspects of OA to enhance their value proposition and attract and retain qualified employees. For policymakers, applying the OA framework supports informed policy decisions on employment standards and workforce development.

Originality/value

This research introduces a fuzzy OA index and a framework that enhances OA. By incorporating signalling theory into a fuzzy MCDM approach, it systematically addresses key OA components, offering a strategic method to boost OA.
Examining surplus and shortage in occupied housing preference in Malaysia
Authors: Olanrewaju AbdulLateef , Chai Kai Sin , Sanmargaraja Shalini , Nizamani Zafarullah , Khor Soo Cheen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Housing sufficiency is a critical indicator of national development and growth. However, in most countries, housing affordability remains a significant challenge, leading to a mismatch between housing supply and demand. The purpose of this study is to investigate the housing preferences, current occupation and the resulting surplus and shortage across various housing types.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey, and the analysis focused on quantifying the mismatch between preferred and occupied housing types.

Findings

Results revealed significant disparities between housing preferences and current occupation, with some housing types experiencing surplus and others facing shortages. The findings uncovered a 23% discrepancy in housing demand and supply. The sensitivity results indicate that 30% of the respondents currently living in a particular type of housing unit would choose to live there if given the option. The specificity results show that 90% of respondents not living in a particular type of housing unit would continue to avoid choosing it. Housing price, income, ethnicity, race and location are the major drivers of the housing preferences.

Practical implications

Developers can align their projects with consumer preferences to minimize surplus and shortages. Financial institutions may consider these insights when tailoring mortgage products to meet the diverse needs of potential homebuyers. This research provides a valuable foundation for strategic planning and policy formulation aimed at enhancing housing sufficiency and socioeconomic development in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This study lays the foundation for future research and for incentive mechanisms for homebuyers and developers. The results are useful to policymakers, developers, banks, consultants, housing associations and academics.
Minimum quantity lubrication grinding process for high aluminum-silicon glass mobile phone cover plates
Authors: Lu Jiafeng , Chen Xiaoyun
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The impact on both the environment and operator health is significant. As high-alumina silica glass finds applications in smart devices such as curved mobile phone screens, the grinding of complex curved surfaces necessitates cleaner and more efficient cooling and lubrication methods to enhance processing quality and improve grinding yield rates. This study aims to focus on grinding high-alumina silica glass using micro-lubrication technology and compares its performance with traditional cutting fluid cooling methods.

Design/methodology/approach

In the fabrication of mobile phone cover plates composed of high-alumina silicon glass, the incorporation of micro-lubrication grinding technology was undertaken, with the conventional cutting fluid cooling approach serving as the benchmark control group for comparative analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that increasing the spray pressure of micro-lubrication within a specific range contributes to reducing grinding surface roughness. At a grinding speed ranging from 25 to 35 m/s, using micro-lubrication can effectively replace the traditional cutting fluid cooling method, resulting in glass surfaces with roughness levels between 0.22 and 0.26. However, at grinding speeds exceeding 35 m/s, the insufficient pressure of the micro-lubricant mist hinders most of the oil mist from entering the grinding zone, leading to inferior cooling performance compared to cutting fluid cooling. Notably, at a grinding speed of 35 m/s, micro-lubrication demonstrates better effectiveness in suppressing chipping during glass grinding compared to traditional cutting fluid cooling methods.

Originality/value

Through the application of micro-lubrication grinding technology, a marked improvement in the grinding quality of high-alumina silicon mobile phone cover plate glass can be achieved, leading to a reduction in surface roughness, a decrease in processing defects and ultimately satisfying the demands for high-precision and high-quality fabrication of such cover plates.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2024-0297
Optimizing healthcare employee performance: a serial mediation model
Authors: Atatsi Eli Ayawo , Azila-Gbettor Edem M. , Honyenuga Ben Q. , Abiemo Martin K. , Mensah Christopher
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study investigates the serial mediation of psychological ownership and workplace innovation in the nexus between organizational leadership and employee performance among healthcare workers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Six hundred and thirty-seven samples were selected using convenience sampling technique. The data gathered using self-reported questionnaire were analyzed using SEM-PLS.

Findings

The findings reveal that organizational leadership directly improves healthcare employee’s psychological ownership, workplace innovation and employee performance. Psychological ownership and workplace innovation separately and serially mediate the relationship between organizational leadership and healthcare employees’ performance.

Practical implications

The study highlights the significant influence of organizational leadership, psychological ownership and workplace innovation on the performance of healthcare employees. Healthcare organizations ought to allocate resources toward leadership development strategies to foster a favorable work atmosphere that promotes innovation and enables employees to assume ownership of their tasks and contribute to continuing enhancement, ultimately leading to enhanced performance.

Originality/value

This research is a pioneering study on serial mediation of psychological ownership and workplace behavior in the association between organizational leadership and performance in healthcare settings in Ghana.
Vision at high latitudes: High sensitivity without specific boreal adaptations in photoreception in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.)
Authors: Tyler Nicholas J. C. , Fosbury Robert A. E. , Hazlerigg David , Hogg Christopher
Published: October 2024

The light climate at high latitudes, in particular the extended twilight of winter and the reduced diel variation in light level in midsummer and midwinter, potentially constrains visual function and the synchronisation of temporal organisation in polar species.

In this paper, we describe the temporal pattern and variation in the spectral composition and brightness of skylight (daylight, twilight, moonlight, starlight, airglow and aurorae) at high latitudes and review photoreception of reindeer/caribou (Rangifer tarandus; ‘Rangifer’) which is one of the few polar resident species for which data are available.

Experimental data indicate that the rods of Rangifer may be stimulated by levels of ambient light lower than those occurring during astronomical twilight (solar angle <−18°).

Several features of the eyes of Rangifer contribute to their visual capability under extended twilight. These include transmission of UV through the optical media, which enables the animals to exploit the shorter wavelengths characteristic of twilight, and a shift in the peak spectral reflectance of the tapetum lucidum (TL) from around 640 nm in summer to around 450 nm in winter, which increases retinal illumination at short wavelengths.

Enhanced sensitivity to short wavelengths is likely to enhance the contrast of some objects and hence the ability of Rangifer to discriminate forage plants and to detect other animals (conspecifics or predators) against a snowy background under low illuminance.

There is, nevertheless, currently no evidence of any specific boreal adaptation in their visual system: (i) The eyes of Rangifer, and by inference the area of the dilated pupil, are no larger than expected based on the allometry of eye size in ruminants. (ii) There is no evidence of a change in the spectral sensitivity of photoreceptors associated with detection of UVa. (iii) Transmission of UV through the anterior eye is not unique to Rangifer. (iv) The blue shift in the reflectance of the winter TL appears to be a passive response to prolonged dilation of the pupil and there is no a priori reason not to predict the same response in other large ungulates exposed to low light levels. (v) There is no conclusive evidence of a seasonal shift in absolute retinal sensitivity in Rangifer. (vi) Weak circadian organisation in Rangifer has tentatively been linked to mutations within the circadian molecular clockwork but it remains unclear to what extent this represents a specific adaptation to high latitude.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Abiotic factors that prompt major ecological transitions: Are fish on land to escape an intolerable aquatic environment?
Authors: Ord Terry J. , Surovic Elizabeth A. , Vaz Diego F. B. , Irisarri Iker
Published: October 2024

Colonisation of novel habitats are important events in evolution, but the factors that initially prompt such ecological transitions are often unknown. The invasion of land by fish is an extreme habitat transition that offers an opportunity to empirically investigate the causes of major ecological transitions.

The intertidal ecotone—and rock pools in particular—have been an important staging ground for transitions onto land. Classic hypotheses focus on the adverse abiotic conditions of rock pools at low tide as the instigator of fish voluntarily stranding themselves out of water, which can then lead to the evolution of an amphibious lifestyle. To test these hypotheses, we studied the abiotic conditions of 54 rock pools on the island of Guam where there are various species of aquatic, amphibious and terrestrial blenny fishes.

We found little support for the expected deterioration of abiotic conditions in standing pools at low tide (salinity, pH and oxygen), and fish were not seen to be excluded from those pools that were found to exhibit poor abiotic conditions (temperature, salinity and pH). Hypoxia was the only factor that might account for the absence of blennies from certain rock pools.

Next, we experimentally measured oxygen depletion by an aquatic, mildly amphibious and highly amphibious species of blenny found on Guam in a simulated rockpool to infer the proportion of rock pools at low tide outside the tolerable range of blennies. Rock pools were found to have oxygen levels within the requirements of most blennies and those of other marine fishes reported in the literature.

We conclude that the abiotic environment of rock pools alone was unlikely to have instigated the evolution of amphibious behaviour in blennies, at least on Guam. Instead, the broad range of abiotic conditions experienced in rock pools suggests these conditions could have primed amphibious blennies to better endure the novel conditions on land. Any ecotone typified by fluctuations or gradients in abiotic conditions is likely a key transitional environment for the invasion of novel habitats and, as such, are an important location for adaptive evolution and species diversification.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Inversion of downhole resistivity properties through infrared spectroscopy and whole‐rock geochemistry using machine‐learning
Authors: Serdoun Mehdi , Sur Frédéric , Milesi Gaétan , Williard Elodie , Martz Pierre , Mercadier Julien
Published: October 2024

The electrical properties of rocks are widely used in the geophysical exploration of natural resources, such as minerals, hydrocarbons and groundwater. In mining exploration, the primary goal is to map electrically anomalous geological features associated with different mineralization styles, such as clay alteration haloes, metal oxides and sulphides, weathered crystalline rocks or fractured zones. As such, the reconciliation of geophysical data with geological information (geochemistry, mineralogy, texture and lithology) is a critical step and can be performed based on petrophysical properties collected either on core samples or as downhole measurements. Based on data from 189 diamond drill cores collected for uranium exploration in the Athabasca Basin (Saskatchewan, Canada), this paper presents a case study of reconciliation of downhole resistivity probing with core sample geochemistry and short‐wave infrared spectroscopy (350–2500 nm) through three successive steps: (i) multivariate analysis of resistivity and other petrophysical properties (porosity, density) against geochemical and infrared spectroscopy information to characterize electrical properties of rocks with respect to other physical parameters, (ii) a machine‐learning workflow integrating geochemistry and spectral signatures in order to infer synthetic resistivity logs along with uncertainties. The best model in the basin was Light Gradient‐Boosting Machine with pairwise log‐ratio, which yielded a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.80 (root mean square error = 0.16), and in the basement, support vector regression with data fusion of infrared spectroscopy and pairwise log‐ratios on geochemistry yielded R2 = 0.82 (root mean square error = 0.35); (iii) the best model was then fitted on an area that was excluded from the original dataset (Getty Russell property) in order to infer synthetic resistivity logs for that zone. Software code is publicly available. This workflow can be re‐used for the valorization of legacy datasets.
Attitudes towards assistive technology among teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centres in Turkey
Authors: Erdem Raziye
Published: October 2024

This quantitative study used a survey model to examine the attitudes of teachers working in special education and rehabilitation centres (SERCs) towards assistive technology (AT). The sample consisted of 224 teachers working in 45 SERCs in Turkey. The Attitude Towards Assistive Technologies Scale (Aslan & Kaan, 2017) and Personal Information form were used for data collection, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results found that the teachers had positive attitudes towards AT, with no difference in attitude according to gender. However, there were statistically significant differences in attitudes towards AT based on participation in in‐service training and professional seniority. The findings revealed that the AT training for teachers working in SERCs is limited and more in‐service training opportunities are needed.
Formalization, Citizenship and the Challenges of Self‐Governance in Mumbai's Slum Relocation Colonies
Authors: Chaskin Robert J. , Vyas Mouleshri , Jha Manish K.
Published: October 2024

The city of Mumbai is engaged in large‐scale urban restructuring efforts. Foundational to these is the demolition of many of the city's informal settlements and the relocation of residents to newly built housing complexes. Often discussed in terms of dispossession, this process is also one of formalization, with spatial, economic, cultural and sociopolitical implications. This article focuses on formalization's sociopolitical dimension, entailing the registration of residents and the establishment of formal governance provisions and new citizenship expectations. The provision of formal housing and recognized housing tenure has, designedly, been coupled with the establishment of official self‐governance mechanisms leading to new civic responsibilities and reshaping the experience of citizenship among former slum dwellers. We explore these governance arrangements, the interaction between formality and informal governance processes and how these arrangements impact residents’ perspectives on citizenship. We also identify several challenges to effective self‐governance and the ways in which formal and informal processes shape residents’ experiences of community life, citizenship and urban integration. While residents have benefited from some aspects of formalization (e.g. indoor plumbing and codified tenure rights), it has brought additional burdens, and the challenges of self‐governance have, for many relocatees, reproduced a kind of marginalized citizenship within formal structures.
Thoracic hernias: What the radiologist should know
Authors: Aluja‐Jaramillo Felipe , Pantoja Burbano Omar Andrés , Gutiérrez Fernando R. , Previgliano Carlos , Bhalla Sanjeev
Published: October 2024

Thoracic hernias encompass the protrusion of thoracic contents through the thorax or intra‐abdominal tissue into the thorax. They can be classified as diaphragmatic hernias – either congenital or acquired; pulmonary hernias – involving tissue protrusion through cervical fascia or intercostal spaces; and mediastinal hernias – including cardiac, intrapericardial and hiatal hernias. Prompt identification and classification of thoracic hernias rely on diagnostic imaging, primarily through computed tomography and magnetic resonance, to identify associated complications. This article comprehensively reviews thoracic hernias and their key imaging features.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus open thoracotomy for resection of lung metastasis—A meta‐analysis of reconstructed time‐to‐event data
Authors: Passos Felipe S. , Bregion Pedro B. , Fazzini Luca , Kirov Hristo , Sandhaus Tim , von Samson Patrick , Doenst Torsten , Caldonazo Tulio
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open thoracotomy (OT) in the context of pulmonary metastasectomy. Three databases were assessed. The primary outcome was overall survival. The secondary outcomes were recurrence‐free survival, ipsilateral recurrence, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Reconstruction of time‐to‐event data and sensitivity analyses were performed for the primary endpoint. After screening, 11 studies were included encompassing 2159 patients undergoing lung metastasectomy (VATS: 827; OT: 1332). Compared to OT, patients who underwent VATS had higher overall survival rates (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.67–0.85; p < 0.01), no significant difference in recurrence‐free survival (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.88–1.29; p = 0.48), shorter hospital LOS (MD −1.99 days; 95% CI −2.59 to −1.39; p < 0.01), and no significant difference in ipsilateral recurrence rates (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.52–1.42; p = 0.56). For patients undergoing pulmonary metastasectomy, VATS strategy is associated with higher survival rates and reduced hospital LOS when compared with OT. Moreover, metastasis recurrence does not seem to be associated with long‐term mortality in this population.
Diversity, Composition and Distribution Patterns of Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in Sand Forest, South Africa
Authors: Hlongwane Zabentungwa Thakasile , Munyai Thinandavha Caswell , Majola Olwethu , Dippenaar‐Schoeman Anna Sophia , Lagendijk D. D. Georgette
Published: October 2024

Spiders are the dominant representative of the top predator guild in many terrestrial ecosystems, but their diversity and distribution in forests in South Africa are still understudied. This study aimed to determine ground‐dwelling spider diversity, composition and distribution patterns in both sand forest and savanna (and their ecotone) using pitfall traps and to provide a spider species checklist for these three habitats in Phinda Private Game Reserve. A total of 410 individuals from 64 species and 21 families were recorded from the three habitat types. The Lycosidae family and Pardosa crassipalpis were the most dominant family and species. Spider abundances were similar between sand forest and the ecotone, but lower in savanna. However, species richness was similar across habitats. Spider species assemblages were similar between sand forest and the ecotone, but differed from the species assemblages in savanna. Spiders play an important role in food webs both below‐ and aboveground. Therefore, determining their diversity and distribution contributes to the overall understanding of the ecosystem in addition to promoting conservation efforts of key habitats such as the critically endangered sand forest.
Identity change and the transition to university: Implications for cortisol awakening response, psychological well‐being and academic performance
Authors: Griffin Siobhán M. , Lebedová Alžběta , Cruwys Tegan , McMahon Grace , Foran Aoife Marie , Skrodzka Magdalena , Gallagher Stephen , Ginty Annie T. , Muldoon Orla T.
Published: October 2024

The social identity model of identity change (SIMIC) posits that social group memberships protect well‐being during transitional periods, such as the transition to university, via two pathways — maintaining previously held social group memberships (social identity continuity) and gaining new social group memberships (social identity gain). Breaking new ground, this study investigates how these processes can influence an important biomarker of stress — cortisol awakening response (CAR). A total of 153 first year undergraduate students (69.3% female) completed measures (group memberships, depression, life satisfaction) at the beginning of the academic year (October, time 1; T1), of which 67 provided a saliva sample for CAR assessment. Seventy‐nine students completed the time 2 (February, T2) measures 4 months later (41 provided saliva). Academic performance was assessed objectively through end‐of‐academic year university grade data (June, T3). At T1, students who maintained and gained social group memberships reported lower depressive symptoms and greater life satisfaction. Across the academic year, social identity gain was associated with a larger post‐awakening cortisol response at T2, indicative of a better ability to cope with stress. Thus, gaining new social group memberships during the transition to university was associated with a better ability to cope with stress.
Faecal Volatile Organic Compounds to Detect Colorectal Neoplasia in Lynch Syndrome—A Prospective Longitudinal Multicentre Study
Authors: van Liere Elsa L. S. A. , Ramsoekh Dewkoemar , Daulton Emma , Dakkak Maya , van Lingen Joris M. , Stewart Trenton K. , Bosch Sofie , Carvalho Beatriz , Dekker Evelien , Jacobs Maarten A. J. M. , Koornstra Jan Jacob , Kuijvenhoven Johan P. , van Leerdam Monique E. , de Meij Tim G. J. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Spaander Manon C. W. , Covington James A. , de Boer Nanne K. H.
Published: October 2024

Background

Non‐invasive biomarkers may reduce post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancer (CRC) rates and colonoscopy overuse in Lynch syndrome. Unlike faecal immunochemical test (FIT), faecal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may accurately detect both advanced and non‐advanced colorectal neoplasia.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of faecal VOCs—separately and with FIT—to guide optimal colonoscopy intervals in Lynch syndrome.

Methods

Prospective longitudinal multicentre study in which individuals with Lynch syndrome collected faeces before and after high‐quality surveillance colonoscopy. VOC‐patterns were analysed using field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) and gas chromatography‐ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS) followed by machine learning pipelines, and combined with FIT at 2.55 μg Hb/g faeces. Gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry analysed individual VOC abundance.

Results

Among 200 included individuals (57% female, median 51 years), 62 had relevant neoplasia at colonoscopy: 3 CRC, 6 advanced adenoma (AA), 3 advanced serrated lesion (ASL), and 50 non‐advanced adenoma (NAA). Respective sensitivity and negative predictive value for CRC and AA (and also ASL in case of FAIMS) were 100% and 100% using FAIMS (54% specificity), and 89% and 99% using GC‐IMS (58% specificity). Respective sensitivity and specificity for any relevant neoplasia were 88% and 44% (FAIMS) and 84% and 28% (GC‐IMS); accuracy did not significantly improve upon VOC‐FIT. VOC‐patterns differed before and after polypectomy (AUC 0.70). NAA showed decreased faecal abundance of butanal, 2‐oxohexane, dimethyldisulphide and dimethyltrisulphide.

Conclusions

In Lynch syndrome, faecal VOCs may be a promising strategy for postponing colonoscopy and for follow‐up after polypectomy. Our results serve as a stepping stone for large validation studies.

Trial Registration

NL8749
When the river meets the sea: Transport and provenance in a long‐lived estuary
Authors: Zametzer Andreas , Dröllner Maximilian , Kirkland Christopher L. , Barham Milo , Walker Alexander T. , Requilme Lloyd
Published: October 2024

Unravelling source‐to‐sink relationships of sediment in coastal regions can be particularly challenging due to a variety of transport directions and mixing within varying local environments in response to sea level fluctuations. Post‐glacial sea level rise in the Holocene has resulted in the flooding of former continental margins, locally leading to the separation of islands such as Rottnest in southwest Australia. Rottnest lies approximately 20 km offshore from the mouth of the Swan River, one of the largest permanent river systems across thousands of kilometres of west Australian coastline. In this contribution, we investigate the size, U–Pb age distribution and α‐dose values of detrital zircon grains within 13 sand samples collected from three upstream tributaries that drain the Archean Yilgarn Craton, the Swan River estuary, offshore waters surrounding Rottnest Island and modern beaches. We explore sediment derivation, storage and mixing on this passive margin. Carbonate–silicate sands of the region contain detrital zircon with Archean, Mesoproterozoic and Cambro‐Neoproterozoic age modes, reflecting regional crystalline basement. Eo‐ to Paleoarchean zircon grains, including a previously enigmatic >3500 Ma component, are traced from offshore into the estuary, and specifically the Avon River tributary. Detrital mixing models imply an overall fluvial contribution to the estuary and offshore systems of up to 50–65%. By contrast, modern beach samples are dominated by Swan Coastal Plain recycled sediment of up to 96%. The α‐dose values of the prominent 3300–3150 Ma age component suggest more efficient fluvial discharge in the Paleo‐Swan River than in more recent times. Modern estuary samples have lower average and progressively lower downstream zircon α‐dose values, consistent with prolonged chemical and physical reworking and loss of metamict grains with transport distance in the river. We conclude that fluvial drainage networks distribute a locally persistent catchment signal whilst coastal plains in tectonically quiescent settings appear characterized by sediment reprocessing and mixed provenance.
Non‐linearity and Temporal Variability Are Overlooked Components of Global Vertebrate Population Dynamics
Authors: Boennec Maelys , Dakos Vasilis , Devictor Vincent
Published: October 2024

Aim

Population dynamics are usually assessed through linear trend analysis, quantifying their general direction. However, linear trends may hide substantial variations in population dynamics that could reconcile apparent discrepancies when quantifying the extent of the biodiversity crisis. We seek to determine whether the use of non‐linear methods and the quantification of temporal variability can offer a more complete representation of changes in global population dynamics than commonly‐used linear approaches.

Methods

We analysed 6437 population time series from 1257 vertebrate species from the Living Planet Database over the period 1950–2020. We modelled populations through the use of second‐order polynomials and classified trajectories according to their direction and acceleration. We modelled and classified these same populations using a more classical linear trend analysis. We quantified temporal variability using the mean squared error of the fitted polynomials. We then used generalised linear mixed models to test potential sources of heterogeneity in non‐linear trajectories and temporal variability.

Results

In all, 44.8% of the analysed population time series were non‐linear. Across all populations, 30% were declining, 30% were increasing, and 40% were with no linear trend. Among the population showing no linear trend, half were concave or convex. Non‐linearity was expressed differently between taxonomic groups, with mammals showing higher prevalence of non‐linearity. Marine and freshwater populations were more variable than terrestrial populations, and fish were more variable than other vertebrates. Differences between geographical regions were detected in both non‐linearity and temporal variability, but no straightforward pattern emerged. There were no differences in both components between IUCN categories.

Main Conclusions

Non‐linearity and temporal variability reveal usually overlooked dramatic declines or recovery signals in global population dynamics. Thus, moving beyond linearity can improve our understanding of complex population dynamics and better inform conservation decisions. In particular, populations usually classified as ‘stable’ can hide informative changes in non‐linear and variability patterns that need to be considered in global biodiversity assessments.
Commentary on stimulus‐induced arousal with transient electroencephalographic improvement distinguishes nonictal from ictal generalized periodic discharges
Authors: Ng Marcus C. , Zafar Sahar , Foreman Brandon , Kim Jennifer , Struck Aaron F. , Westover M. Brandon
Published: October 2024

Here we critique recent arguments proposing to distinguish ictal from non‐ictal generalized periodic discharges (GPDs) based on etiology and stimulation response, arguing that these are unreliable. We advocate for an empirical approach to GPDs: describe objectively, interpret through medication trials, and base further treatment on response. We call for evidence‐based approaches considering meaningful clinical outcomes.
Comparing Genetic Ne Reconstructions Over Time With Long‐Time Wolf Monitoring Data in Two Populations
Authors: Pérez‐Sorribes Laia , Villar‐Yanez Pau , Smeds Linnéa , Mergeay Joachim
Published: October 2024

Many methods are now available to calculate Ne, but their performance varies depending on assumptions. Although simulated data are useful to discover certain types of bias, real empirical data supported by detailed known population histories allow us to discern how well methods perform with actual messy and complex data. Here, we focus on two genomic data sets of grey wolf populations for which population size changes of the past 40–120 years are well documented. We use this background to explore in what detail we can retrieve the known population history from these populations, in the light of pitfalls relating to population history, sampling design and the change in the spatial scale at which Ne is estimated as we go further back in time. The Scandinavian wolf population was founded in the early 1980s from a few individuals and has gradually expanded up to 510 wolves. Although the founder event of the Scandinavian population was detected by GONE, the founding effective population size was strongly overestimated when the most recent samples were used, but less so when older samples were considered. Nevertheless, the present‐day Ne corresponds to theoretical expectations. The western Great Lakes wolf population of Minnesota is the only population in the contiguous United States that persisted throughout the 20th century, surviving intense persecution. We found a good concordance between the estimated Ne and trends in census size data, but the reconstruction of Ne clearly highlights the difficulty of interpreting results in spatially structured populations that underwent demographic fluctuations.