bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional and genetic variations within foxtail millet (Setaria italica) landraces collected from indigenous communities across the Philippines
Authors: Ereful Nelzo C. , Reyes Jose Arnel O. , Emanuel M. Cardona Don , Christian S. Alonday Roneil , Oliver B. Mateo Nel , Jones Huw , Boyd Lesley , Delfin Evelyn F.
Published: May 2023

Unknown to many, the Philippines is host to a few remaining accessions of the underutilized and understudied cereal foxtail millet(Setaria italica(L.) P. Beauv.). We collected together accessions from different eco-geographical locations within the Philippines, along with a few accessions from Lanyu, Taiwan, to undertake a study of the nutritional value and genetic diversity within accessions of foxtail millet grown in the Philippines. All accessions were field grown in 2022, dry season (DS) at the Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) Experiment Station, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The accessions were tested for micronutrients, including Zn and Fe, nitrogen as a proxy for protein, β-carotene and a number of phenolic compounds with known nutritional potential. Of the 20 accessions tested, the accessions Bayaras andGB61438had the highest level of Zn (107.1 mg/kg) and Fe (70.52 mg/kg), respectively, higher than levels found in traditional rice varieties. For β-carotene the highest concentration was found in the accession Balles (∼10µg/g). Twelve phenolic compounds were detected, with catechin, syringic acid, ferulic acid and kaempferol having the highest concentrations and greatest variation between accessions. To assess the genetic diversity of these local foxtail millet accessions, we sequenced a core set of eight accessions to a depth of at least 25-fold. Analysis of the population structure, using genome-wide, high-quality SNPs, showed modest diversity among the accession, with two unadmixed groups. The accessions are monophyletic relative to their earliest common ancestor, with the very light brown accessions emerging earlier than the light brown and reddish-brown varieties. Analysis of Zinc/Iron permease (ZIP) transporters within the foxtail millet reference sequence, var. Yugu1 identified 17 putative ZIP transporters. Variant calling identified SNPs primarily within 3’ and 5’ regions, and introns, indicating variation between foxtail millet accessions within regulatory gene regions rather than in structural proteins. The local foxtail millet accessions found across the Philippines, therefore, represent a potential alternative source of nutrition that would help to address the problems of the double-burden of malnutrition found in the Philippines.
SEPALLATA-driven MADS transcription factor tetramerization is required for inner whorl floral organ development
Authors: Hugouvieux Veronique , Blanc-Mathieu Romain , Paul Michel , Janeau Aline , Xu Xiaocai , Lucas Jeremy , Lai Xuelei , Galien Antonin , Yan Wenhao , Nanao Max , Kaufmann Kerstin , Parcy François , Zubieta Chloe
Published: May 2023

MADS genes encode transcription factors that act as master regulators of plant reproduction and flower development. The SEPALLATA (SEP) subfamily is required for the development of floral organs and plays roles in inflorescence architecture and development of the floral meristem. The SEPALLTAs act as organizers of MADS complexes, forming both heterodimers and heterotetramersin vitro. To date, the MADS complexes characterized in angiosperm floral organ development contain at least one SEPALLATA protein. Whether DNA-binding by SEPALLATA-containing dimeric MADS complexes are sufficient for launching floral organ identity programs, however, is not clear as only defects in floral meristem determinacy were observed in tetramerization impaired SEPALLATA mutants. Here, we used a combination of genome-wide binding studies, high resolution structural studies of the SEP3/AGAMOUS tetramerization domain, structure-based mutagenesis and complementation experiments insep1 sep2 sep3andsep1 sep2 sep3 ag-4plants transformed with versions ofSEP3encoding tetramerization mutants. We demonstrate that while SEP3 heterodimers are able to bind DNA bothin vitroandin vivoand recognize the majority of SEP3 wild type binding sites genome-wide, tetramerization is not only required for floral meristem determinacy, but also absolutely required for floral organ identity in the second, third and fourth whorls.
Snowden, Assange, Manning & the new knowledge cyberclass
Authors: Boussios Emanuel G.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore and theorize on the motivations of a new class of whistleblowers or leakers stemming from the “abusive” cybersecurity practices of Western governments. This research primarily focuses on such practices of the US Government.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is designed as a case study research of cybersecurity whistleblowers or leakers on Western governments, involving data collection from primary and secondary sources. The method is a content analysis to determine the presence of certain themes within this primary and secondary data which this research can then make inferences about the messages within the texts.

Findings

The findings show a formation of a recent class of power brokers, with its own collective ethos, who will be known by a new term: the “New Knowledge Cyberclass” (NKC). The development of the NKC was revealed through the shocking data revelations by Edward Snowden, Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning. What separates the NKC from government “protectors” (i.e. President Obama, Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo), who argue that these leakers stole and leaked classified documents that endangered lives, is their definitions of what it means to be defenders of democracy, which here pertains to the rights to citizens’ online privacy and the degree of secrecy in US Government.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study directed toward connecting, Snowden, Assange and Manning, to the birth of a new class of power brokers designed to directly challenge Western government malpractices with citizens’ online privacy and secrecy in foreign operations. This research explores both the birth of this new class and a collective ethos that binds this group together despite the tensions and conflicts within this new class.
Factors affecting BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia: a critical analysis
Authors: Al-Mohammad Mohammad S. , Haron Ahmad Tarmizi , Rahman Rahimi A. , Alhammadi Yasir
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study examines the underlying relationships between the critical factors of building information modeling (BIM) implementation and the factors' groupings among architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) organizations in Saudi Arabia. The objectives of the study are to (1) identify the critical factors for BIM implementation, (2) analyze the interrelationships between the critical factors and (3) compare the critical factors between the different organizational characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

First, potential factors were identified through a systematic literature review and interviews with AEC professionals. Then, a questionnaire survey was sent to AEC professionals and the collected data were analyzed using the following techniques and tests: mean score ranking, standard deviation, normalized value, factor analysis (FA), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey test.

Findings

The analyses show that 14 factors are critical for BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia. The top critical factors include the existence of standard contracts on data security and user confidentiality, consistent views on BIM among stakeholders and the availability of guidelines for implementing BIM. Of the 14 critical factors, 9 can be grouped into 4 underlying factors: environmental, governmental, legal and organizational. The analysis shows that the criticality of the most critical factors grouped by the FA varies between different levels of BIM competency. Finally, the presence of public–private partnerships (PPPs) in realizing BIM projects is a new and emerging critical factor for BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

This study differs from prior works on BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia by using FA to explore the underlying relationships among factors of BIM implementation and the factors' groupings. Based on the FA results, a roadmap for implementing the BIM was developed. These findings will help to purposefully and efficiently customize BIM implementation strategies and initiatives to ensure successful BIM implementation in Saudi Arabia.
Uncovering the depths of trade-based money laundering: evidence from a seaport in Bangladesh
Authors: Milon Md Noor Uddin , Zafarullah Habib
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Money laundering (ML) is a major criminal offence stemming from unethical practices by personnel on the ground at Chattogram Port, an important import and export facility in Bangladesh. Because money can be more easily laundered through imports, it is necessary to investigate the dubious process in this sector. This study aims to identify the items most regularly used for easy ML and the factors contributing to their vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative approach and analyses information from primary sources. Data is obtained from customs officials, port authority personnel, importers and customs brokers through semi-structured questionnaires. Although there are many techniques for ML, this study only found three most overwhelming: under-invoicing, over-invoicing and misdeclaration. A few case studies have been used based on newspaper reports and the internet to triangulate the qualitative data.

Findings

Four import items – food products, garments, capital machinery and chemicals – have a higher risk of ML. This study also revealed that money launderers prefer under-invoicing food and garment items. Misdeclaration is more commonly associated with capital machinery and chemical items. Over-invoicing, on the other hand, is only prevalent in government purchases. The port authorities need to pay particular attention to these issues.

Research limitations/implications

As ML is an ongoing activity that changes over time, the findings of this research are circumscribed by the data collected at a single point in time. Additionally, this research did not consider alternative laundering methods.

Practical implications

The research results can provide a basis for creating effective anti-money laundering (AML) strategies to assist with sustainable economic growth.

Social implications

Developing effective AML measures can help combat corruption and establish good governance in the country and support human well-being.

Originality/value

This paper presents original research findings based on technical analysis. The Chattogram Port Authority and the National Board of Revenue have accepted and used the main findings in a collaborative action plan to tackle ML. The Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank, has also incorporated the necessary guidelines and regulations into the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012.
Asymmetric information flow to G7 and Nordic equities markets during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Owusu Junior Peterson , Hung Ngo Thai
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the probable differential impact of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the equities markets of G7 and Nordic countries to ascertain possible interdependencies, diversification and safe haven prospects in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic over the short-, intermediate- and long-term horizons.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a unique methodology in a denoised frequency-domain entropy paradigm to the selected equities markets (Li et al. 2020).

Findings

The authors’ findings reinforce the operability of the entrenched market dynamics in the COVID-19 pandemic era. The authors divulge that different approaches to fighting the pandemic do not necessarily drive a change in the deep-rooted fundamentals of the equities market, specifically for the studied markets. Except for an extreme case nearing the end (start) of the short-term (intermediate-term) between Iceland and either Denmark or the US equities, there exists no potential for diversification across the studied markets, which could be ascribed to the degree of integration between these markets.

Practical implications

The authors’ findings suggest that politicians should pay closer attention to stock market fluctuations as well as the count of confirmed COVID-19 cases in their respective countries since these could cause changes to market dynamics in the short-term through investor sentiments.

Originality/value

The authors measure the flow of information from COVID-19 to G7 and Nordic equities using the entropy methodology induced by the Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (ICEEMDAN), which is a data-driven technique. The authors employ a larger sample period as a result of this, which is required to better comprehend the subtleties of investor behaviour within and among economies – G7 and Nordic geographical blocs – which largely employed different approaches to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors’ focus is on diverging time horizons, and the ICEEMDAN-based entropy would enable us to measure the amount of information conveyed to account for large tails in these nations' equity returns. Furthermore, the authors use a unique type of entropy known as Rényi entropy, which uses suitable weights to discern tailed distributions. The Shannon entropy does not account for the fact that financial assets have fat tails. In a pandemic like COVID-19, these fat tails are very strong, and they must be accounted for.
Determining which CEO candidates will lead growth through innovation
Authors: Oliver John
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper argues that certain CEO characteristics are a significant predictor of relative firm R&D spending and innovation performance and that executive boards need to be remain vigilant of their CEO’s performance by ensuring that they have the capabilities to drive innovation-led growth strategies.

Findings

The successful economic recovery from the global pandemic will be founded on the type of innovation-led growth that takes advantage of opportunities presented by a profoundly different competitive landscape. This paper demonstrates that certain CEO characteristics (age, education, career experience) are a significant predictor of relative firm R&D spending and innovation performance.

Practical implications

CEO performance is an increasingly important issue for many executive boards who are tasked with assessing whether or not incumbent CEOs and potential new CEO hires are equipped with the skills to drive innovation-led growth strategies. The findings will help executive board members and headhunting agencies to assess a CEO’s orientation toward innovation.

Originality/value

This paper presents a review of how certain CEO characteristics act as a predictor of relative firm R&D spending and innovation. It presents the main findings from both academic and business sources in a way that is easily accessible to executive boards, senior management and headhunting agencies.
The structure and ecological function of the interactions between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi through multilayer networks
Authors: Garrido José L. , Alcántara Julio M. , López‐García Álvaro , Ozuna Carmen V. , Perea Antonio J. , Prieto Jorge , Rincón Ana , Azcón‐Aguilar Concepción
Published: May 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizas are one of the most frequent mutualisms in terrestrial ecosystems. Although studies on plant mutualistic interaction networks suggest that they may leave their imprint on plant community structure and dynamics, this has not been explicitly assessed. Thus, in the context of plant‐fungi interactions, studies explicitly linking plant‐mycorrhizal fungi interaction networks with key ecological functions of plant communities, such as recruitment, are lacking.

In this study, we analyse, in two Mediterranean forest communities of southern Iberian Peninsula, how plant‐arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) networks modulate plant‐plant recruitment interaction networks. We use a new approach integrating plant‐AMF and plant recruitment networks into a single multilayer structure. We also develop a new metric (Interlayer Node Neighbourhood Integration, INNI) to explore the impact of a given node on the structure across layers.

The similarity of plant species in their AMF communities is positively related to the observed frequency of recruitment interactions in the field. Results reveal that properties of plant‐AMF networks, such as plant degree and centrality, can explain about the properties of plant recruitment network, such as in‐ and out‐degree (i.e. sapling bank and canopy service) and its modular structure. However, these relationships differed between the two forest communities. Finally, we identify particular AMF that contribute to integrate the neighbourhood of recruitment interactions between plants.

This multilayer network approach is useful to explore the role of plant‐AMF interactions on recruitment, a key ecosystem function enhanced by fungi. Results provide evidence that the complex structure of plant‐AMF interactions impacts functional and structurally plant‐plant interactions, which in turn may potentially influence plant community dynamics, through their effects on the structure of the recruitment network.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Robert Harley as Secretary of State and his Intelligence Work: 1702–1708
Authors: MARSHALL ALAN
Published: May 2023

This article seeks to reassess Robert Harley's role as Secretary of State (1704–10) and especially his work in the intelligence and espionage fields of his day. It examines not only his reputation in such affairs but his skills and techniques in early eighteenth‐century espionage, and also his failures. It sets out the important administrative background of Harley's espionage work, and how he handled and processed secret material through his secretarial office. It also explores the cases of some of his secret agents, especially that of the notorious William Greg, who was later exposed as an agent of the French government and cost Harley not only his reputation for astuteness, but his post as Secretary of State. Above all, however, Harley's secretaryship of state shows how by the early eighteenth‐century, espionage had become an essential part of the routine of the early modern state.
The use of cultural repertoires of everyday nationhood and citizenship in national identity boundary‐drawing: The case of Syrian refugees in Turkey
Authors: Siviş Selin
Published: May 2023

Elaborating on salient contextual factors, such as historical conditions, national history, militarised masculinity, and language, this study looks at how repertoires of everyday nationhood are deployed in relation to boundary‐drawing in the context of the recent refugee influx in Turkey. Drawing on ethnographic observations, semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with ordinary Turkish citizens in Adana, this paper sheds light on the complexities of everyday understandings of citizenship and nationhood with regards to the emergence of ‘insider versus outsiders’ notions. Results suggest that ordinary citizens evoke various notions of nationhood in everyday life in drawing boundaries against ‘outsiders’ (i.e., refugees) by deploying historically rooted national identity constructions (militaristic, unitary) and symbols (language, flag). This article, therefore, reveals a national identity boundary‐drawing mechanism involving widespread adherence to a militarised sense of nationhood, related more to other ideas of belonging than ethnicity. It further indicates that ordinary citizens, in their narratives, link such constructions and symbols with historical and current political contexts (e.g., the conflict between Turks and Arabs during WW1, or; current military operations in Syria).
Effect of milk protein standardisation using buffalo milk protein co‐precipitates on the texture, composition and yield of paneer
Authors: Gawande Hemant , Arora Sumit , Sharma Vivek , Meena Ganga Sahay , Singh Ashish Kumar
Published: May 2023

Buffalo milk was utilised for preparing paneer samples after standardisation of protein:fat ratio to 0.68 with the addition of buffalo milk protein co‐precipitates (BMPC). These paneer samples along with control paneer (from buffalo milk) were analysed for yield, composition, microstructure, sensory, texture profile and protein loss in whey during manufacture. Paneer prepared using BMPC was considerably higher in yield and recovery of total solids, protein and calcium content than control paneer and could withstand the frying conditions in terms of retention of shape and integrity. Texture profile analysis and microstructure evaluation revealed the differences in textural properties of paneer samples prepared using BMPC with control paneer.
Improvement of clinical and radiological manifestations of coxitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitor golimumab: Results of a 24‐Month prospective observation study (GO‐COX Study)
Authors: Erdes Shandor , Agafonova Ekaterina M. , Timokhina Daria G. , Davidian Satenik Y. , Zemerova Elena V. , Kulikov Aleksey I. , Markova Olga G. , Achikyan Vladimir F.
Published: May 2023

Aim

The hip joint is the most commonly affected non‐axial joint in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Data on the effects of tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors (TNFi) in AS patients with coxitis are limited. The aim of this study was evaluation of coxitis treated with the TNFi golimumab in real‐world settings.

Methods

This study was a prospective non‐interventional cohort study. A total of 39 patients newly prescribed with golimumab were enrolled and followed for up to 24 months. The data collected included BASFI, BASMI, ASDAS‐CRP, BASDAI indices. BASRI‐hip X‐ray score was assessed at baseline, and at 12 and 24 months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound examination data were obtained at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Significant improvements in BASFI, BASMI, ASDAS‐CRP, BASDAI scores were observed (P ≤ 0.0001), but the BASRI‐hip score remained stable. After 6 months of treatment, MRI signs of joint effusion were found in a smaller percentage of patients compared with baseline (P = 0.005 for the right and P = 0.015 for the left hip joints). After 12 months, this percentage was significantly lower than at baseline for the right hip joint (P = 0.005) and numerically lower for the left hip joint (P = 0.098). Ultrasound showed a significant increase in the percentage of patients without inflammatory changes after 6 and 12 months compared with baseline (right hip joint: P = 0.026 and P = 0.045, respectively; left hip joint: P = 0.026 for both time points).

Conclusion

Golimumab therapy in AS patients with coxitis was accompanied by improvement in clinical scores, and in MRI and ultrasound findings without obvious radiographic progress.
I'll Be Good for Grandma: Institutional and Relational Trust andCOVID‐19 Restriction Compliance*
Authors: Andrade‐Molina Derly M. , Fernández‐Cadena Juan Carlos , Fernandez Mario A. , Rhodes Lauren A. , Sánchez Gonzalo E.
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has wreaked social and economic havoc across the globe. This article addresses an aspect of trust that has not received wide attention in the context of the pandemic: how relational trust can affect compliance behaviour with health campaigns. This article uses a unique dataset of people receiving a COVID test after suspicion of infection. We use regression analysis to study the relation between compliance with mobility restrictions and institutional and relational trust. We find that trusting that close relations will be there for you in the case of falling ill is associated with a significant increase in the probability of complying with health campaigns as is trust that public institutions will respond appropriately to the pandemic. Additionally, we find no statistical relationship between compliance and trust in media outlets nor compliance and trust that community members (neighbours, co‐workers or others) will care for you. The findings suggest that enhancing trust may improve compliance with mobility restrictions, however, increasing trust in specific groups may not aid in the effectiveness of some health campaigns. Importantly, nudging people towards compliance could be achieved by emphasising in campaigns that your behaviour could influence the health of those who you care about.
Switzerland: Political Developments and Data in 2022
Authors: FREIBURGHAUS RAHEL
Published: May 2023

In 2022, Switzerland's notorious fame as an “island of bliss” was significantly challenged by a sequence of numerous unprecedented large‐scale crises. While the country has managed to phase out most COVID‐19 protective measures already in the year's early weeks, the 202 Russian invasion of Ukraine internationally discredited neutrality—that is, one of the traditional pillars of Swiss identity. This article traces how Switzerland muddled through crisis after crisis. Moreover, it shows how domestic politics was affected by the distinct interconnectedness of the federal and regional (i.e., cantonal) electoral arenas, an above‐average number of direct‐democratic ballot proposals, as well as by the resignation of two out of seven members of the Federal Council. The article concludes by discussing two major and highly controversial “elephant‐in‐the‐room” issues that are continuing to shape the Swiss political discourse: Swiss–EU relations and institutional reforms to gear up Swiss‐style consensus democracy for future crises.
Labour analgesia by single shot spinal for any parturient?—A retrospective one‐year single centre audit
Authors: Kähkönen Kati , Väänänen Antti
Published: May 2023

Background

Single shot spinal (SSS) provides effective analgesia for multiparous parturients during advanced labour. Its utility in early labour or primiparous parturients may be limited by the insufficient duration of action. Regardless, SSS may offer a reasonable labour analgesia option in certain clinical scenarios. In this retrospective study, we analyse the failure rate of SSS analgesia by assessing pain after the SSS and by determining the need for additional analgesic interventions in primiparous or early‐stage multiparous parturients compared to multiparous parturients in advanced labour (cervix ≥6 cm).

Methods

Following institutional ethical board approval, the patient files of all parturients receiving SSS analgesia during a 12‐month period in a single centre were analysed for any recorded notes regarding recurrent pain or subsequent analgesia interventions (a new SSS, epidural, pudendal or paracervical bloc) as a marker for insufficient analgesia.

Results

A total of 88 primiparous and 447 multiparous parturients (cervix <6 cm: N = 131; cervix ≥6 cm: N = 316) received SSS analgesia. The odds ratio for the insufficient duration of analgesia was 1.94 (1.08–3.48) in primiparous and 2.08 (1.25–3.46) in early‐stage multiparous parturients compared to advanced multiparous labour (p < .01). Primiparous and early‐stage multiparous parturients were also 2.20 (1.15–4.20) and 2.61 (1.50–4.55) times more likely, respectively, to receive new peripheral and/or neuraxial analgesic interventions during delivery (p < .01).

Conclusions

SSS appears to provide adequate labour analgesia for the majority of parturients in whom it is used, including nulliparous and early‐stage multiparous parturients. It remains a reasonable option in certain clinical scenarios, including resource‐limited settings where epidural analgesia is unavailable.
Four species in one: taxonomic revision of the Eirmocides helenita (Semper, 1879) complex (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from Australia and New Guinea
Authors: Braby Michael F. , Müller Chris , Espeland Marianne
Published: May 2023

Taxonomic investigations of the Eirmocides helenita (Semper, 1879) complex from north‐eastern Australia and mainland New Guinea based on adult morphology (male genitalia and wing colour pattern elements), together with a phylogenetic hypothesis of the genus (18 or 69% of the recognised species) based on molecular data (1 mitochondrial and 12 nuclear genes), and examination of type material, indicate that there are five species within this monophyletic lineage, here referred to as the E. helenita species‐group. Four of the species, previously classified under the name Eirmocides helenita (Semper, 1879) sensu lato and characterised by iridescent turquoise dorsal colouration in the male, are predominantly allopatric, as follows: Eirmocides callainus Braby & Müller, sp. nov., is endemic to the Wet Tropics biome of north‐eastern Queensland; Eirmocides helenita (Semper, 1879) sensu stricto is restricted to Cape York Peninsula of northern Queensland; Eirmocides rouku Braby & Müller, sp. nov., is endemic to the Western Province of southern Papua New Guinea; and Eirmocides dimorphus (Röber, 1886), stat. rev., occurs more widely throughout mainland New Guinea and its adjacent islands. The fifth member of the group, Eirmocides cupreus (Röber, 1886), is sympatric with E. dimorphus on mainland New Guinea. The taxonomic revision brings to 26 the total number of species recognised in Eirmocides and within the tribe Candalidini to 40 species. Lectotypes are designated for Plebeius dimorphus Röber, 1886, Plebeius dimorphus var. cupreus Röber, 1886, and Holochila subargentea Grose‐Smith & Kirby, 1896.
Feasible laparoscopic surgery for selected cases of primary adrenal neuroblastoma: Results from a comparison with open surgery at a single institution
Authors: Sugita Koshiro , Kawano Takafumi , Murakami Masakazu , Nanako Nishida , Kedoin Chihiro , Nagano Ayaka , Yano Keisuke , Onishi Shun , Harumatsu Toshio , Yamada Koji , Yamada Waka , Matsukubo Makoto , Muto Mitsuru , Kaji Tatsuru , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Surgical management of neuroblastoma (NB) has been performed by open procedures for decades. However, advances in surgical devices and technology have made minimally invasive surgery safe and reproducible. In this study, we compared open and laparoscopic surgery regarding biopsy success and curative resection to determine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for pediatric patients with adrenal NB.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of 22 NB patients who underwent surgery from 2006 to 2021 in our institution. All patients with adrenal NB were diagnosed histologically, and we retrospectively analyzed the data.

Results

The male/female ratio was 16/6. The median age was 2.5 (interquartile range: 2–4) years old, and the laterality was on the right in 13 and on the left in 9. A total of 20 patients underwent a tumor biopsy: 14 via laparotomy, five laparoscopically, and one retroperitoneally. Four patients underwent laparoscopic resection and 11 patients underwent open resection after chemotherapy. Two patients with stage LI underwent primary tumor resection laparoscopically. For curative resection in image‐defined risk factor (IDRF)‐negative patients, laparoscopic surgery resulted in shorter operation time, with less bleeding and an earlier oral intake. The three IDRF‐single‐positive patients on the liver (laparoscopic surgery: one patient) had a shorter operation time and less bleeding than the IDRF‐multiple positive patients.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery was performed in a limited number of adrenal NB cases. A laparoscopic biopsy for adrenal NB seems to be safe and feasible to perform. Laparoscopic surgery, in carefully selected cases, permits safe and efficient resection of adrenal NB in pediatric patients.
Chemometrics as a valuable tool for evaluating interactions between antiretroviral drugs and food
Authors: Wiesner Agnieszka , Zagrodzki Paweł , Jamrozik Marek , Korchowiec Jacek , Marcinkowska Monika , Paśko Paweł
Published: May 2023

Aims

Clinically significant interactions with food occur for more than half of antiretroviral drugs. Different physiochemical properties deriving from the chemical structures of antiretroviral drugs may contribute to the variable food effect. Chemometric methods allow analysing a large number of interrelated variables concomitantly and visualizing correlations between them. We used a chemometric approach to determine the types of correlations among different features of antiretroviral drugs and food that may influence interactions.

Methods

Thirty‐three antiretroviral drugs were analysed: ten nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, six non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, five integrase strand transfer inhibitors, ten protease inhibitors, one fusion inhibitor and one HIV maturation inhibitor. Input data for the analysis were collected from already published clinical studies, chemical records and calculations. We constructed a hierarchical partial least squares (PLS) model with three response parameters: postprandial change of time to reach maximum drug concentration (ΔTmax), albumin binding (%) and logarithm of partition coefficient (logP). Predictor parameters were the first two principal components of principal component analysis (PCA) models for six groups of molecular descriptors.

Results

PCA models explained 64.4% to 83.4% of the variance of the original parameters (average: 76.9%), whereas the PLS model had four significant components and explained 86.2% and 71.4% of the variance in the sets of predictor and response parameters, respectively. We observed 58 significant correlations between ΔTmax, albumin binding (%), logP and constitutional, topological, hydrogen bonding and charge‐based molecular descriptors.

Conclusions

Chemometrics is a useful and valuable tool for analysing interactions between antiretroviral drugs and food.
The effects of instructor participation in asynchronous online discussions on student performance: A systematic review
Authors: Xie Jiarui , Correia Ana‐Paula
Published: May 2023

Asynchronous online discussion is a learning activity commonly used in online teaching. The way instructors participate in asynchronous online discussions significantly impacts students' learning outcomes. This systematic review aims to determine the effects of instructor participation in asynchronous online discussions on student performance by analysing 25 relevant studies in the past twelve years (2011–22). The findings show that the research was focused on the presence, frequency and type of instructor participation. The effects of instructor participation on student performance were mixed and concentrated in five main aspects: the quantity of student participation, the quality of student participation, student achievements, student emotions and student learning time. Not only the teaching experience of instructors but also course content, learning objectives, class sizes and learner characteristics influenced the effects. Based on the findings, several recommendations were made to help instructors effectively participate in asynchronous online discussions, thereby contributing to improving the quality of online education.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Asynchronous online discussion is a learning activity commonly used in online teaching.

The way instructors participate in asynchronous online discussions significantly impacts students' learning outcomes.

What this paper adds

Previous research on instructor participation in asynchronous online discussions and student performance primarily focuses on the presence, frequency and type of instructor participation.

The impact of instructor participation on student performance is mixed and concentrated in the following main areas:

Quantity of student participation

Quality of student participation

Student achievements

Student emotions

Student learning time

The effects of instructor participation are influenced not only by the teaching experience of instructors but also by:

Course content

Learning objectives

Class sizes

Learner characteristics

Implications for practice and/or policy

Instructors should participate in asynchronous online discussions based on the class sizes, more in small classes (within 15 students) and less in large classes (more than 30 students). If it is possible, divide the large classes into small discussion groups.

Instructors should initiate discussions with heuristic and interesting open‐ended questions, gradually release control and give the central position to students and intervene only when necessary (eg, keep discussions on track, provide correct information, extend discussions, mediate conflicts, etc).

Instructors should apply appropriate facilitation strategies (eg, establish detailed discussion rubrics, grade student posts and provide regular individual feedback).

Instructors should use more instructional comments and supplement them with sincere rather than perfunctory social comments.
Cerebellar structural, astrocytic, and neuronal abnormalities in the SMNΔ7 mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Cottam Nicholas C. , Bamfo Tiffany , Harrington Melissa A. , Charvet Christine J. , Hekmatyar Khan , Tulin Nikita , Sun Jianli
Published: May 2023

Spinalmuscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease that affects as many as 1 in 6000 individuals at birth, making it the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. A growing number of studies indicate that SMA is a multi‐system disease. The cerebellum has received little attention even though it plays an important role in motor function and widespread pathology has been reported in the cerebella of SMA patients. In this study, we assessed SMA pathology in the cerebellum using structural and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology with the SMNΔ7 mouse model. We found a significant disproportionate loss in cerebellar volume, decrease in afferent cerebellar tracts, selective lobule‐specific degeneration of Purkinje cells, abnormal lobule foliation and astrocyte integrity, and a decrease in spontaneous firing of cerebellar output neurons in the SMA mice compared to controls. Our data suggest that defects in cerebellar structure and function due to decreased survival motor neuron (SMN) levels impair the functional cerebellar output affecting motor control, and that cerebellar pathology should be addressed to achieve comprehensive treatment and therapy for SMA patients.
Interactive Depixelization of Pixel Art through Spring Simulation
Authors: Matusovic Marko , Parakkat Amal Dev , Eisemann Elmar
Published: May 2023

We introduce an approach for converting pixel art into high‐quality vector images. While much progress has been made on automatic conversion, there is an inherent ambiguity in pixel art, which can lead to a mismatch with the artist's original intent. Further, there is room for incorporating aesthetic preferences during the conversion. In consequence, this work introduces an interactive framework to enable users to guide the conversion process towards high‐quality vector illustrations. A key idea of the method is to cast the conversion process into a spring‐system optimization that can be influenced by the user. Hereby, it is possible to resolve various ambiguities that cannot be handled by an automatic algorithm.
Simulating analogue film damage to analyse and improve artefact restoration on high‐resolution scans
Authors: Ivanova D. , Williamson J. , Henderson P.
Published: May 2023

Digital scans of analogue photographic film typically contain artefacts such as dust and scratches. Automated removal of these is an important part of preservation and dissemination of photographs of historical and cultural importance. While state‐of‐the‐art deep learning models have shown impressive results in general image inpainting and denoising, film artefact removal is an understudied problem. It has particularly challenging requirements, due to the complex nature of analogue damage, the high resolution of film scans, and potential ambiguities in the restoration. There are no publicly available high‐quality datasets of real‐world analogue film damage for training and evaluation, making quantitative studies impossible. We address the lack of ground‐truth data for evaluation by collecting a dataset of 4K damaged analogue film scans paired with manually‐restored versions produced by a human expert, allowing quantitative evaluation of restoration performance. We have made the dataset available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21803304. We construct a larger synthetic dataset of damaged images with paired clean versions using a statistical model of artefact shape and occurrence learnt from real, heavily‐damaged images. We carefully validate the realism of the simulated damage via a human perceptual study, showing that even expert users find our synthetic damage indistinguishable from real. In addition, we demonstrate that training with our synthetically damaged dataset leads to improved artefact segmentation performance when compared to previously proposed synthetic analogue damage overlays. The synthetically damaged dataset can be found at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21815844, and the annotated authentic artefacts along with the resulting statistical damage model at https://github.com/daniela997/FilmDamageSimulator. Finally, we use these datasets to train and analyse the performance of eight state‐of‐the‐art image restoration methods on high‐resolution scans. We compare both methods which directly perform the restoration task on scans with artefacts, and methods which require a damage mask to be provided for the inpainting of artefacts. We modify the methods to process the inputs in a patch‐wise fashion to operate on original high resolution film scans.
CubeGAN: Omnidirectional Image Synthesis Using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: May C. , Aliaga D.
Published: May 2023

We propose a framework to create projectively‐correct and seam‐free cube‐map images using generative adversarial learning. Deep generation of cube‐maps that contain the correct projection of the environment onto its faces is not straightforward as has been recognized in prior work. Our approach extends an existing framework, StyleGAN3, to produce cube‐maps instead of planar images. In addition to reshaping the output, we include a cube‐specific volumetric initialization component, a projective resampling component, and a modification of augmentation operations to the spherical domain. Our results demonstrate the network's generation capabilities trained on imagery from various 3D environments. Additionally, we show the power and quality of our GAN design in an inversion task, combined with navigation capabilities, to perform novel view synthesis.
Editing Compressed High‐resolution Voxel Scenes with Attributes
Authors: Molenaar M. , Eisemann E.
Published: May 2023

Sparse Voxel Directed Acyclic Graphs (SVDAGs) are an efficient solution for storing high‐resolution voxel geometry. Recently, algorithms for the interactive modification of SVDAGs have been proposed that maintain the compressed geometric representation. Nevertheless, voxel attributes, such as colours, require an uncompressed storage, which can result in high memory usage over the course of the application. The reason is the high cost of existing attribute‐compression schemes which remain unfit for interactive applications. In this paper, we introduce two attribute compression methods (lossless and lossy), which enable the interactive editing of compressed high‐resolution voxel scenes including attributes.
Variational Pose Prediction with Dynamic Sample Selection from Sparse Tracking Signals
Authors: Milef N. , Sueda S. , Kalantari N. Khademi
Published: May 2023

We propose a learning‐based approach for full‐body pose reconstruction from extremely sparse upper body tracking data, obtained from a virtual reality (VR) device. We leverage a conditional variational autoencoder with gated recurrent units to synthesize plausible and temporally coherent motions from 4‐point tracking (head, hands, and waist positions and orientations). To avoid synthesizing implausible poses, we propose a novel sample selection and interpolation strategy along with an anomaly detection algorithm. Specifically, we monitor the quality of our generated poses using the anomaly detection algorithm and smoothly transition to better samples when the quality falls below a statistically defined threshold. Moreover, we demonstrate that our sample selection and interpolation method can be used for other applications, such as target hitting and collision avoidance, where the generated motions should adhere to the constraints of the virtual environment. Our system is lightweight, operates in real‐time, and is able to produce temporally coherent and realistic motions.
State of the Art in Dense Monocular Non‐Rigid 3D Reconstruction
Authors: Tretschk Edith , Kairanda Navami , B R Mallikarjun , Dabral Rishabh , Kortylewski Adam , Egger Bernhard , Habermann Marc , Fua Pascal , Theobalt Christian , Golyanik Vladislav
Published: May 2023

3D reconstruction of deformable (ornon‐rigid) scenes from a set of monocular 2D image observations is a long‐standing and actively researched area of computer vision and graphics. It is an ill‐posed inverse problem, since—without additional prior assumptions—it permits infinitely many solutions leading to accurate projection to the input 2D images. Non‐rigid reconstruction is a foundational building block for downstream applications like robotics, AR/VR, or visual content creation. The key advantage of using monocular cameras is their omnipresence and availability to the end users as well as their ease of use compared to more sophisticated camera set‐ups such as stereo or multi‐view systems. This survey focuses on state‐of‐the‐art methods for dense non‐rigid 3D reconstruction of various deformable objects and composite scenes from monocular videos or sets of monocular views. It reviews the fundamentals of 3D reconstruction and deformation modeling from 2D image observations. We then start from general methods—that handle arbitrary scenes and make only a few prior assumptions—and proceed towards techniques making stronger assumptions about the observed objects and types of deformations (e.g. human faces, bodies, hands, and animals). A significant part of this STAR is also devoted to classification and a high‐level comparison of the methods, as well as an overview of the datasets for training and evaluation of the discussed techniques. We conclude by discussing open challenges in the field and the social aspects associated with the usage of the reviewed methods.