bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maxillary and mandibular overdentures retained by two unsplinted narrow‐diameter titanium‐zirconium implants – A clinical pilot study
Authors: Kern Jaana‐Sophia , Salin Esra , Elvers Dirk , Rittich Anne , Tuna Taskin , Hölzle Frank , Wolfart Stefan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the survival rates and marginal bone loss of narrow‐diameter titanium‐zirconium implants supporting complete maxillary and mandibular overdentures up to 3 years after loading.

Materials and Methods

Ten completely edentulous patients who were dissatisfied with their complete dentures were enrolled. Two narrow‐diameter implants were placed in the canine region of the maxilla and mandible. After second‐stage surgery, implant‐supported overdentures (palatal‐free) attached by parallel alignable stud‐attachments were placed. Patients were followed periodically for up to 36 months. Standardized radiographs were taken at baseline, 12 and 36 months to analyze mean marginal bone level changes around the implants.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier survival rates were 100% for mandibular and 68.0% (SE ± 10.9%) for maxillary implants at 36 months (p = .008). Six maxillary implants failed after loading; no mandibular implants were lost. Five implants failed due to loss of osseointegration. One implant fractured. The mean marginal bone level changes around the analyzed implants (n = 28, 9 patients) were −0.71 ± 0.82 mm in the mandible and −2.08 ± 1.52 mm in the maxilla at the 36‐month follow‐up. The difference in marginal bone level changes between the maxilla and mandible was significant (p = .019) at the 12‐ and 36‐month follow‐ups.

Conclusion

Two narrow‐diameter titanium‐zirconium implants with stud‐attachments showed a highly satisfactory outcome in the mandible. The maxillary implants showed a high failure rate and significantly more bone loss over time than the mandibular implants. The minimal concept of two implants and an overdenture should be limited to the edentulous mandible.
Exploring the potential of multiomics liquid biopsy testing in the clinical setting of lung cancer
Authors: Gottardo Andrea , Russo Tancredi Didier Bazan , Perez Alessandro , Bono Marco , Di Giovanni Emilia , Di Marco Enrico , Siino Rita , Bannera Carla Ferrante , Mujacic Clarissa , Vitale Maria Concetta , Contino Silvia , Iannì Giuliana , Busuito Giulia , Iacono Federica , Incorvaia Lorena , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Galvano Antonio , Russo Antonio , Bazan Viviana , Gristina Valerio
Published: June 2024

The transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and multiomics could enhance the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of liquid biopsy (LB) for lung cancer (LC). Despite advances, the transition from tissue biopsies to more sophisticated, non‐invasive methods like LB has been impeded by challenges such as the heterogeneity of biomarkers and the low concentration of tumour‐related analytes. The advent of multiomics – enabled by deep learning algorithms – offers a solution by allowing the simultaneous analysis of various analytes across multiple biological fluids, presenting a paradigm shift in cancer diagnostics. Through multi‐marker, multi‐analyte and multi‐source approaches, this review showcases how AI and multiomics are identifying clinically valuable biomarker combinations that correlate with patients' health statuses. However, the path towards clinical implementation is fraught with challenges, including study reproducibility and lack of methodological standardization, thus necessitating urgent solutions to solve these common issues.
Variable viral loads and immune response in an invasive ant's native and introduced ranges
Authors: Felden Antoine , Baty James W. , Chapple David G. , Gruber Monica A. M. , Haywood John , Paris Carolina , Suarez Andrew V. , Tsutsui Neil D. , Lester Philip J.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Pathogens can play an important role in biological invasions. Introduced populations may be particularly vulnerable to pathogens due to factors such as low genetic diversity and high population density. However, introduced populations that escape their natural pathogens may reallocate resources away from immunity and towards growth and reproduction. Interestingly, introduced ants have been suggested to have increased tolerance to new pathogens, contributing to their success as introduced species. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether introduced Argentine ant populations harbour different viral loads compared to native populations and if these differences were related to immunity‐related gene expression.

Location

The study was conducted across the native range of Argentine ants in Argentina and four introduced regions in California, France, Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

We used RT‐qPCR to quantify viral loads and gene expression in the ants. We analysed 15 different potentially pathogenic viruses across the Argentine ant's native and introduced ranges.

Results

We found that five viruses, LhuPcV1, LhuPiLV1, LhuCV1, Kashmir Bee virus and LHUV‐1, presented high loads in Argentine ants compared to the other viruses we screened. We found a significant effect of range on viral infections: high viral loads were commonly found in ants from introduced populations, which also exhibited increased immune gene expression. We found highly significant correlations between viral loads and expression of immune and metabolic genes. However, these associations were not fully consistent across the studied regions, indicating the complexity of eco‐immunological phenomena.

Main Conclusions

Our results suggest that introduced Argentine ant populations host different viral communities compared to native populations and that these differences are correlated with changes in immunity‐related gene expression. The study highlights the complex role of pathogens in biological invasions and the importance of considering eco‐immunological factors when assessing the impact of introduced species.
Host preference patterns in domestic and wild settings: Insights into Anopheles feeding behavior
Authors: Bouafou Lemonde , Makanga Boris K. , Rahola Nil , Boddé Marilou , Ngangué Marc F. , Daron Josquin , Berger Audric , Mouillaud Theo , Makunin Alex , Korlević Petra , Nwezeobi Joachim , Kengne Pierre , Paupy Christophe , Lawniczak Mara K. N. , Ayala Diego
Published: June 2024

The adaptation of Anopheles malaria vectors to domestic settings is directly linked to their ability to feed on humans. The strength of this species–habitat association is unequal across the species within the genus, with the major vectors being particularly dependent on humans. However, our understanding of how blood‐feeding behavior interacts with and adapts to environmental settings, including the presence of humans, remains limited. Using a field‐based approach, we first investigated Anopheles community structure and feeding behavior patterns in domestic and sylvatic settings in La Lopé National Park in Gabon, Central Africa. We characterized the preference indices using a dual‐host choice sampling approach across mosquito species, habitats, and seasons. We then quantified the plastic biting behavior of mosquito species in each habitat. We collected individuals from 16 Anopheles species that exhibited significant differences in species composition and abundance between sylvatic and domestic settings. The host‐seeking behavior also varied among the seven most abundant species. The general attractiveness to each host, human or animal, remained relatively constant for each species, but with significant variations between habitats across species. These variations, to more generalist and to more anthropophilic behavior, were related to seasonal changes and distance from the village, respectively. Finally, we pointed out that the host choice of major malaria vectors changed in the absence of humans, revealing a plastic feeding behavior of these species. This study highlights the effect of humans on Anopheles distribution and feeding evolution. The characterization of feeding behavior in wild and domestic settings provides opportunities to better understand the interplay between genetic determinants of host preference and ecological factors. Our findings suggest that protected areas may offer alternative thriving conditions to major malaria vectors.
Climate change introduces threatened killer whale populations and conservation challenges to the Arctic
Authors: Garroway Colin J. , de Greef Evelien , Lefort Kyle J. , Thorstensen Matt J. , Foote Andrew D. , Matthews Cory J. D. , Higdon Jeff W. , Kucheravy Caila E. , Petersen Stephen D. , Rosing‐Asvid Aqqalu , Ugarte Fernando , Dietz Rune , Ferguson Steven H.
Published: June 2024

The Arctic is the fastest‐warming region on the planet, and the lengthening ice‐free season is opening Arctic waters to sub‐Arctic species such as the killer whale (Orcinus orca). As apex predators, killer whales can cause significant ecosystem‐scale changes. Setting conservation priorities for killer whales and their Arctic prey species requires knowledge of their evolutionary history and demographic trajectory. Using whole‐genome resequencing of 24 killer whales sampled in the northwest Atlantic, we first explored the population structure and demographic history of Arctic killer whales. To better understand the broader geographic relationship of these Arctic killer whales to other populations, we compared them to a globally sampled dataset. Finally, we assessed threats to Arctic killer whales due to anthropogenic harvest by reviewing the peer‐reviewed and gray literature. We found that there are two highly genetically distinct, non‐interbreeding populations of killer whales using the eastern Canadian Arctic. These populations appear to be as genetically different from each other as are ecotypes described elsewhere in the killer whale range; however, our data cannot speak to ecological differences between these populations. One population is newly identified as globally genetically distinct, and the second is genetically similar to individuals sampled from Greenland. The effective sizes of both populations recently declined, and both appear vulnerable to inbreeding and reduced adaptive potential. Our survey of human‐caused mortalities suggests that harvest poses an ongoing threat to both populations. The dynamic Arctic environment complicates conservation and management efforts, with killer whales adding top‐down pressure on Arctic food webs crucial to northern communities' social and economic well‐being. While killer whales represent a conservation priority, they also complicate decisions surrounding wildlife conservation and resource management in the Arctic amid the effects of climate change.
Into the unknown: The role of post‐fire soil erosion in the carbon cycle
Authors: Girona‐García Antonio , Vieira Diana , Doerr Stefan , Panagos Panos , Santín Cristina
Published: June 2024

Wildfires directly emit 2.1 Pg carbon (C) to the atmosphere annually. The net effect of wildfires on the C cycle, however, involves many interacting source and sink processes beyond these emissions from combustion. Among those, the role of post‐fire enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC) erosion as a C sink mechanism remains essentially unquantified. Wildfires can greatly enhance soil erosion due to the loss of protective vegetation cover and changes to soil structure and wettability. Post‐fire SOC erosion acts as a C sink when off‐site burial and stabilization of C eroded after a fire, together with the on‐site recovery of SOC content, exceed the C losses during its post‐fire transport. Here we synthesize published data on post‐fire SOC erosion and evaluate its overall potential to act as longer‐term C sink. To explore its quantitative importance, we also model its magnitude at continental scale using the 2017 wildfire season in Europe. Our estimations show that the C sink ability of SOC water erosion during the first post‐fire year could account for around 13% of the C emissions produced by wildland fires. This indicates that post‐fire SOC erosion is a quantitatively important process in the overall C balance of fires and highlights the need for more field data to further validate this initial assessment.
Adaptation to bioinvasions: When does it occur?
Authors: Nota Alessandro , Bertolino Sandro , Tiralongo Francesco , Santovito Alfredo
Published: June 2024

The presence of alien species represents a major cause of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss worldwide, constituting a critical environmental challenge of our time. Despite sometimes experiencing reduced propagule pressure, leading to a reduced genetic diversity and an increased chance of inbreeding depression, alien invaders are often able to thrive in the habitats of introduction, giving rise to the so‐called “genetic paradox” of biological invasions. The adaptation of alien species to the new habitats is therefore a complex aspect of biological invasions, encompassing genetic, epigenetic, and ecological processes. Albeit numerous studies and reviews investigated the mechanistic foundation of the invaders' success, and aimed to solve the genetic paradox, still remains a crucial oversight regarding the temporal context in which adaptation takes place. Given the profound knowledge and management implications, this neglected aspect of invasion biology should receive more attention when examining invaders' ability to thrive in the habitats of introduction. Here, we discuss the adaptation mechanisms exhibited by alien species with the purpose of highlighting the timing of their occurrence during the invasion process. We analyze each stage of the invasion separately, providing evidence that adaptation mechanisms play a role in all of them. However, these mechanisms vary across the different stages of invasion, and are also influenced by other factors, such as the transport speed, the reproduction type of the invader, and the presence of human interventions. Finally, we provide insights into the implications for management, and identify knowledge gaps, suggesting avenues for future research that can shed light on species adaptability. This, in turn, will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of biological invasions.
ADD‐ON PRICING OVER REGIONAL BUSINESS CYCLES: EVIDENCE FROM EXTENDED WARRANTIES
Authors: Bošković Branko , Kapoor Sacha , Markiewicz Agnieszka , Scholnick Barry
Published: June 2024

Add ons are features or services that can enhance the functionality or quality of base goods. They are pervasive. Yet we know little about the behavior of add‐on prices over the business cycle. We use 10 years of data from a nationwide Canadian retailer to investigate the local cyclicality of extended warranty prices, a classic add on. We find base prices are acyclical. Warranty prices are procyclical because local stores use warranties to make demand for durable goods less price‐elastic. We show add ons amplify responses to national business cycles and study the implications for inflation rate bias.
Current issues and management consensus of advanced prostate cancer: Report of the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference—JAPAN 2023
Authors: Hashimoto Kohei , Kosaka Takeo , Terada Naoki , Kimura Takahiro , Nonomura Norio , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Uemura Hiroji
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate and compare the voting results of Japanese urologists with the global panel at the Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) 2022.

Methods

Among the 198 questions discussed at the APCCC 2022, the APCCC‐JAPAN 2023 focused on 14 key questions related to the management of advanced prostate cancer with insufficient high‐level evidence based on their relevance to the Japanese cohort. A panel of six prostate cancer experts addressed these 14 questions and presented the latest evidence to Japanese urologists who voted on‐site using a web‐based system. The results were compared with those of APCCC 2022.

Results

This study found significant differences in the voting results between Japanese urologists and the global panel regarding several crucial issues related to advanced prostate cancer management. These differences were those observed in treatment preferences, monitoring strategies, and treatment choices in specific clinical scenarios. These findings highlight the need for a nuanced approach tailored to the unique challenges with considerations of the Japanese healthcare environment.

Conclusions

APCCC‐JAPAN 2023 provides valuable insights into the current clinical issues surrounding the management of advanced prostate cancer in Japan. The partial divergence in the consensus between Japanese urologists and the global panel underscores the importance of a context‐specific approach. The results of this study provide practical guidance for physicians facing complex challenges and should be used to inform decision‐making in the management of advanced prostate cancer.
Radiation proctitis after iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy utilizing SpaceOAR hydrogel
Authors: Morita Masashi , Hiramatsu Aya , Nishimura Kota , Yanagida Wahei , Nakamura Saori , Yamatoya Jin , Noguchi Tetsuo , Tanabe Mayo , Fukagai Takashi , Lederer John L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of combining the SpaceOAR (SOAR) hydrogel with prostate brachytherapy, using colonoscopy findings to assess for radiation proctitis.

Methods

Among 731 patients undergoing iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy (LDR‐BT), SOAR was utilized in 394 patients (53.9%). Colonoscopy was performed for 97 patients (13.3%) to assess the presence, location, condition, and treatment of radiation proctitis. We also investigated treatment factors associated with the occurrence of radiation proctitis.

Results

Radiation proctitis was observed in 57 patients (7.8%) and 17 (2.3%) were treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). The incidence of radiation proctitis was 12.2% in the non‐SOAR and 4.1% in the SOAR group (p < 0.001). In the non‐SOAR group, the incidence of radiation proctitis was 6.6% for LDR‐BT monotherapy and increased to 22.0% when combined with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) (p = 0.001). However, in the SOAR group, these rates significantly decreased to 3.3% and 5.7% for monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively (p = 0.035, p < 0.001). With SOAR, inflammation was observed directly above the DL in most patients (87.5%), and only one patient (6.3%) required APC. The absence of SOAR (p < 0.001, HR = 0.29) and the concurrent use of EBRT (p = 0.018, HR = 2.87) were identified as significant risk factors for the occurrence of radiation proctitis.

Conclusion

The use of SOAR significantly reduced the incidence of radiation proctitis in patients undergoing LDR‐BT monotherapy and combined EBRT. Inflammation primarily occurred directly above the DL; further examination is necessary to clarify its cause.
Oncological outcomes of prophylactic urethrectomy at the time of radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A nationwide multi‐institutional study
Authors: Miki Jun , Fukuokaya Wataru , Taoka Rikiya , Saito Ryoichi , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Kawahara Takashi , Matsuda Ayumu , Kawai Taketo , Kato Minoru , Sazuka Tomokazu , Sano Takeshi , Urabe Fumihiko , Kashima Soki , Naito Hirohito , Murakami Yoji , Nishiyama Naotaka , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Kitamura Hiroshi , Kimura Takahiro ,   the Japan Urological Oncology Group
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To determine the effects of prophylactic urethrectomy (PU) on oncological and perioperative outcomes in patients with bladder cancer (BC) undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data on 1976 evaluable patients with BC who underwent RC. Patients were drawn from 36 institutions within the Japanese Urological Oncology Group. Oncological outcomes were compared using restricted mean survival times (RMSTs) based on inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)‐adjusted Kaplan–Meier curves for non‐urinary tract recurrence‐free survival (NUTRFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). Interaction terms within IPTW‐adjusted Cox regression models were examined to assess the heterogeneity of treatment effect based on the risk of urethral recurrence (UR). The association between PU, estimated blood loss (EBL), and the incidence of severe postoperative surgical complications (SPSCs) (Clavien‐Dindo grade 3 or higher) was analyzed.

Results

Of 1976 patients, 1448 (73.3%) received PU. IPTW adjustment was used to balance baseline characteristics between the treatment groups. Within the 107‐month window of patient monitoring, PU showed no survival benefits (NUTRFS difference: 0.2 months [95% confidence interval: −6.8 to 7.3]; CSS, 1.2 [−4.9 to 7.3]; OS, 0 [−6.5 to 6.5]). No significant interactions were observed with factors associated with UR, and PU was associated with unfavorable perioperative outcomes (EBL, 1179 mL vs. 983 mL; SPSC, 14.6% vs. 7.0%).

Conclusions

This study showed that (1) PU was not associated with survival in patients with BC undergoing RC, regardless of UR‐associated factors, and (2) PU was associated with unfavorable perioperative outcomes.
Understanding of and attitudes towards nursing education reform at medical colleges in Kyrgyzstan: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Skela‐Savič Brigita , Mambetova Altynai , Giachino Marina , Heller Olivia , Zimmermann Kathrine , Orozalieva Gulzat , Rustamova Burulcha , Zhusupbekova Nurida , Lab Bruno
Published: June 2024

Aim

To determine teachers’ understanding of and attitudes towards nursing education reform at four medical colleges in Kyrgyzstan.

Background

The quality of nursing education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels has a major impact on patient outcomes and the development of nursing as a profession and a science.

Introduction

Lower middle‐income countries have sought to advance their nursing education by adopting the experiences of high‐income countries.

Methods

A mixed‐method cross‐sectional study design was used. The STROBE combined checklist was followed. A cohort of all faculty members at four colleges were included (N = 150). The questionnaire consisted of 10 groups of questions and statements. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected.

Findings

A total of 56.4% of respondents were familiar with the European approach to nurse education; 73.3% of respondents with a nursing education reported being familiar with the European approach, compared to 40.7% of respondents with a medical education. Qualitative written comments yielded 57 superscripts of codes, 14 subcategories, 5 categories and 2 themes as drivers and barriers of reform.

Discussion

The survey revealed weak support for the nursing education reform. Respondents do not envisage nurse education being offered at all three levels of higher education (bachelor's, master's, and PhD), and even fewer recognise nurses as leaders of healthcare institutions.

Implication for nursing

Teachers in nursing programmes should mostly be nurses with academic careers.

Implication for health policy

Nursing is still not recognised as an extremely important health profession that needs to be developed. This misunderstanding and negative attitude towards the role of nurses in the health care system are evident in both the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study.
The old king is dead, long live the algorithmic king – the decline of Facebook and the rise of TikTok – comparative study of algorithmic design of social media platforms
Authors: Nowacki Lukasz
Published: June 2024

Almost 20 years of Facebook (FB) hegemony in the social media have lately been put in jeopardy by the newly arising Chinese platform TikTok (TT), which has taken the market by storm. This comparative study aims to analyse the divergencies in the employment of AI and algorithms in the mechanics of the two social media platforms. The ‘the networked self’ model of FB is contrasted with the ‘algorithmized self’ of TT and the implications of the latest shift in the social media approach, which has skewed from the engagement with other social media users to strict interaction with the AI‐induced algorithm. Additionally, particular elements and reasons for the declining importance and involvement in the FB platform are under scrutiny here to provide an explanation for the participation downturn of the Gen Z generation in the American social media platform. This study has revealed a steady shift from FB to other social media platforms that provide a more personalized experience and the content that is better suited to the needs of contemporary young people. Another issue that is discussed is the changing agency of social media participants, who have been switching from the traditional user model to the creator mode, which allows them to employ their creativity and become immediate producers of video content that challenges traditional approaches to social media.
Alliance Re‐Evaluation in the Context of Outside Partnering Opportunities: Decision Heuristics and the Impact of Environmental Uncertainty
Authors: Hampl Nina , Hoffmann Werner H. , Knoll Tobias , Reuer Jeffrey J.
Published: June 2024

Empirical evidence shows that firms engaging in alliance re‐evaluation are able to increase their alliances’ performance. However, extant literature largely treats alliance re‐evaluation as a ‘black box’. In this paper, we develop a conceptual model of alliance re‐evaluation to gain better insight on this important phase of the alliance lifecycle. Further, in a decision experiment, we study alliance managers’ heuristics applied to the decision of whether to pursue an outside partnering opportunity during the course of an alliance re‐evaluation. Our results show that in their decision heuristics alliance managers rate value creation‐related partner characteristics more highly than commitment‐related partner characteristics. However, the importance of commitment‐related characteristics is contingent on the level and dimension of uncertainty present in the managers’ environment. Thus, our findings call for a more nuanced perspective on environmental uncertainty in alliance re‐evaluation decision making. Implications for research on alliances and managerial heuristics are discussed.
Balancing Multiple Goals: The Effects of Performance Shortfalls Relative to Aspirations vs. Analysts' Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Lim Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Research commonly assumes that performance gap relative to aspirations (manifested in the difference between a firm's actual ROA and its prior ROA as a referent) exerts a similar influence on organizational change as the performance gap relative to analysts’ earnings forecasts (reflected in the difference between a firm's actual earnings and earnings forecasts as a referent). However, these distinct types of referents from different sources are conceptually unique and operate differently, which could give rise to dissimilar behaviours. Because corporate performance information can emanate internally from agency‐driven firms and externally from financial analysts, we examine both in a unified framework. To facilitate a deeper understanding of these relationships, we investigate how alternate income streams from business unit (BU) performance at a lower level in the organizational structure moderate the way corporate managers remedy corporate performance shortfalls at a higher level. Our study contributes to the behavioural theory by examining distinct influences of corporate performance goals derived from internally‐ versus externally imposed referents and their interactions with BU performance on new market entry activities. Empirical evidence from a sample of multiunit firms publicly listed in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector over the period 1998–2016 supported the hypotheses.
Clinical methemoglobinemia secondary to administration of hydroxyurea at therapeutic doses in a dog
Authors: Rigot Manon , Bateman Shane W. , Yiew Xiu Ting
Published: June 2024

Methemoglobinemia secondary to administration of hydroxyurea is only reported in veterinary medicine as a result of accidental ingestion of high doses, and once at therapeutic dose in human medicine. A 2.5‐year‐old female spayed mixed breed dog was presented for acute signs of neurologic disease and diagnosed with severe erythrocytosis without an identified underlying cause, leading to suspicion of polycythemia vera. The dog was managed with phlebotomies, supportive care, and administration of hydroxyurea. Within 2 h of administration of hydroxyurea (37 mg/kg) administration, respiratory distress with cyanosis, and methemoglobinemia developed. Signs resolved within 24 h but recurred after a second administration of lower dosage of hydroxyurea (17 mg/kg) 20 days later. The dog remained asymptomatic except for mild cyanosis but was humanely euthanized for lack of relevant improvement of signs of neurologic disease. This case report documents the repeated occurrence of methemoglobinemia in a dog after administration of hydroxyurea at therapeutic doses.
Wild felids in trophic cascades: a global review
Authors: Tossens Sarah , Drouilly Marine , Lhoest Simon , Vermeulen Cédric , Doucet Jean‐Louis
Published: June 2024

Carnivores, often identified as keystone species, can influence prey and subordinate carnivores through density‐ and behaviourally mediated pathways. Although the magnitude of their impacts remains debated, carnivores may trigger successional direct and indirect ecological effects on lower trophic levels in specific contexts, commonly known as trophic cascades. Felids, as ambush predators, have great potential to impact food webs. Yet, their influence on ecosystem dynamics remains understudied.

This global comprehensive literature review aimed to assess evidence for felids' ecological roles in trophic cascades across both natural and human‐dominated ecosystems.

We found 61 publications that studied the influence of 18 felid species in trophic cascades. Research exhibited taxonomic and geographic biases, favouring big cats, temperate regions and biomes, as well as tropical moist forests in Central and South America. Of the studies, 23% (n = 14) were experimental, while 77% were observational or correlative. Among the latter, 60% tested at least one alternative hypothesis and 47% examined bottom‐up processes.

Despite varying levels of inference, 80% of studies provide information consistent with trophic cascades involving felids. Their examination confirmed wild cats' ability to induce density‐ and behaviourally mediated trophic cascades, thereby influencing critical biotic and abiotic processes, including mesopredator control, functional diversity maintenance, and carbon storage. The magnitude of these effects may be altered in human‐dominated landscapes, although current research effort remains too limited to draw conclusions.

In conclusion, felids may act as drivers of ecosystem change, and acknowledging their ecological roles can aid in promoting their conservation. However, we encourage more strongly inferential and comprehensive investigations into felid‐mediated trophic cascades, prioritising research on small cats, felids in Asia and Africa, and the impacts of humans on trophic cascades, which can help to better inform conservation interventions and perspectives.
BAT and MAT for diagnosis of peanut allergy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Piletta‐Zanin Alexandre , Ricci Christian , Santos Alexandra F. , Eigenmann Philippe A.
Published: June 2024

Basophil activation test (BAT) or the mast cell activation test (MAT) are two in vitro tests that are currently being studied in food allergy as diagnostic tools as an alternative to oral food challenges (OFCs). We conducted a meta‐analysis on BAT and MAT, assessing their specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing peanut allergy. Six databases were searched for studies on patients suspected of having peanut allergy. Studies using BAT or MAT to peanut extract and/or component as diagnostic tools with results given in percentage of CD63 activation were included in this meta‐analysis. Study quality was evaluated with the QUADAS‐2 tool. On the 11 studies identified, eight focused exclusively on children, while three included a mixed population of adults and children. Only one study provided data on MAT, precluding us from conducting a statistical analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of BAT was higher when stimulated with peanut extract rather than Ara h 2 with a pooled specificity of 96% (95% CI: 0.89–0.98) and sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74–0.93). The sensitivity and specificity of BATs in discriminating between allergic and sensitized patients were studied as well, with pooled analysis revealing a sensitivity of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74; 0.93) and a specificity of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 0.98). BATs, when stimulated with peanut extracts, exhibit a satisfactory sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of peanut allergy and can help to discriminate between allergic individuals and those only sensitized to peanuts. More investigations on the potential for MATs diagnostic methods are warranted.
The role of adenoid immune phenotype in polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis and adenoid hypertrophy
Authors: Hu Lanye , He Wenjun , Li Junyang , Miao Yan , Liang Huanhuan , Li Youjin
Published: June 2024

Background

There is increasing interest in elucidating the relationship between adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the impact of aeroallergen sensitization patterns on children with AH and AR remains unclear.

Methods

Patients aged 2–8 years (recruited from January 2019 to December 2022) with nasal symptoms were assessed for allergies, adenoid size, and respiratory viral infection history. The serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE levels were measured, and flexible nasal endoscopy was performed. The relationship between AH, aeroallergen sensitization patterns, and lymphocyte subpopulations in adenoid samples was analyzed using flow cytometry.

Results

In total, 5281 children were enrolled (56.5% with AR; and 48.6% with AH). AH was more prevalent in children with AR. Compared to nonsensitized individuals, those polysensitized to molds had a higher prevalence of AH (adjusted OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.32–1.96) and a greater occurrence of two or more respiratory viral infections, particularly in adenoidectomy patients. The percentages and corrected absolute counts of regulatory T (Treg) cells, activated Tregs, class‐switched memory B cells (CSMBs), natural killer (NK) T cells, and NK cell subpopulations were reduced in the adenoid tissues of children with both AH and AR (AH‐AR) compared to AH‐nAR children. Polysensitization in AH‐AR children correlated with lower CSMB percentages.

Conclusion

Polysensitivity to molds is associated with an increased risk of AH in children with AR. Fewer B cells, NK cells, and Treg cells with an effector/memory phenotype were detected in the adenoids of AR children, and these lower percentages of immune cells, particularly CSMBs, were closely linked to aeroallergen sensitization models and respiratory viral infection.
Evaluation of indica‐type DEP1 mutant allele for rice (Oryza sativa) yield improvement and development of allele‐specific co‐dominant marker
Authors: Sen Poulomi , Purkaystha Shampa , Bhattacharyya Somnath
Published: June 2024

Erect panicles with enhanced grain numbers can rationally utilize solar energy for dry matter accumulation. Only in japonica cultivars an inactive natural nonsense mutant allele of DEP1 has been reported to pleiotropically improve panicle architecture, nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen and dry matter translocation and strength of the stem. Genomic sequence comparison of DEP1 in indica, aus and aromatic genotypes of West Bengal led to the identification of four natural allelic variants based on three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on intron 1, two SNPs on exon 5 and two deletions on intron 2. Among them, a yield favourable missense mutant allele of DEP1 with two amino acid substitutions from Patnai 23 has been identified, and an allele‐specific co‐dominant marker based on the SNP (A/G) at 333rd position of exon 5 was designed. Assessment of DEP1Patnai 23 allele for yield improvement was examined in RILs and NILs developed from Patnai23 × N22 as N22 carries wild‐type allele. The relative abundance of DEP1 transcript in young panicles was twice as high in Patnai 23 than in N22. RIL‐DEP1Patnai 23 and NIL‐DEP1Patnai 23 showed enhanced grain number per panicle and total yield per plant compared to RIL‐DEP1N22 and NIL‐DEP1N22 allele. This newly identified DEP1 allele and marker will accelerate MAS to improve rice yield precisely.
Perceived responsiveness in suicidal ideation: An experience sampling study in psychiatric patients
Authors: Sels Laura , Homan Stephanie A. , Reis Harry T. , Horn Andrea B. , Revol Jordan , Scholz Urte , Kowatsch Tobias , Kleim Birgit
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Perceived responsiveness, or the extent to which one feels understood, validated and cared for by close others, plays a crucial role in people's well‐being. Can this interpersonal process also protect people at risk? We assessed whether fluctuations in suicidal ideation were associated with fluctuations in the degree of perceived responsiveness that psychiatric patients (admitted in the context of suicide or indicating suicidal ideation) experienced in daily interactions immediately after discharge.

Methods

Fifty‐seven patients reported on suicidal ideation (5 times a day) and perceived responsiveness (daily) for four consecutive weeks. The effects of established risk factors—thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness—were assessed as well.

Results

The more patients felt that close others had been responsive to them, the less suicidal ideation they reported. At low levels of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, or hopelessness, perceived responsiveness seemed to play a protective role, negatively co‐occurring with suicidal ideation. When thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness were high, perceived responsiveness did not have an effect.

Conclusion

Perceived responsiveness could be a protective factor for suicidal ideation for people at risk only when they are experiencing low levels of negative perceptions. When experiencing highly negative perceptions, however, perceived responsiveness seems to matter less.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CUTTING FLUID IN THE MACHINING OF AISI 01 HARDENED STEEL USING PULSED JET MINIMAL QUANTITY LUBRICATION SYSTEM
Authors: Ariffin Ahmad Hamdan , Jamaludin Mohd Fadzil , Abou-El-Hossein Khaled , Shukor Mohd Hamdi Abd
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the performance evaluation of three different cutting fluids used in a minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) system. The MQL system, developed in-house at the University of Malaya, was capable of delivering high velocity cutting fluid in narrow pulsed jet forms at a rate of 2 ml/min and a pressure of 20 MPa. The three cutting fluids chosen were neat oil, soluble oil and semi-synthetic cutting fluids. The experiments were designed to evaluate the performance of the fluids at various cutting velocities of 20,40 and 60 m/min and feed rates of 0.05,0.06 and 0.07 mm/tooth. The results were measured in terms of the average surface roughness of the machined workpiece, the cutting forces and the maximum flank wear. In addition, the resultant chip formations were also observed. Analysis of the results has shown that in general, neat oil had performed the best in low cutting velocities and feed rates. On the other hand, soluble oil gave the lowest cutting forces and flank wears at high cutting velocities and feed rated as compared to neat oil and synthetic cutting fluid. It was observed that performance of soluble oil does not drastically change with variation to the cutting velocities and feed rates. Thus, the choice of soluble oil would be most appropriate for general machining usage. With suitable machining parameter selection, water-mixed cutting fluids (soluble oil and semisynthetics) performed comparatively well to deliver low surface roughness results. Therefore, this can be an economical choice for use in industrial production processes.
INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QUALITY AND COST OF QUALITY IN A WHOLESALE COMPANY
Authors: Suthummanon Sakesun , Sirivongpaisal Nikorn
Published: June 2024

The objective of this research is to extend understanding of variables that impact quality and cost of quality. The Prevention-Appraisal-Failure (PAF) model is employed to evaluate the cost of quality (COQ) and to determine the level of quality that minimizes the total COQ. The PAF models are developed in the framework of three major operational inputs; material, machine, and labor; the model is as well expanded for the company as one. It provides a conceptual view of the cost of quality and quality perspectives for researchers and practicing managers. The result confirms that the quality enhances along with the failure cost decrease as a result of increasing in appraisal cost plus prevention cost. Finally, it provides critical suggestions for investments in appraisal and prevention activities for material, machine and labor to minimize total cost of quality and to accomplish a satisfactory level of quality.
A CRN SIMULATION FOR EMISSION POLLUTANTS PREDICTION IN LEAN PREMIXED GAS TURBINE COMBUSTOR
Authors: Hao Nguyen Thanh , Nam Nguyen Thanh , Park Jungkyu
Published: June 2024

This study presents the use of a new CRN (Chemical Reactor Network) model and non-uniform injectors to predict the emission pollutant in the lean premixed gas turbine combustor. The CRN uses the information from the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) combustion analysis with two injectors of CH4-air mixture. The experiment and the modeling focus on the output of the turbine combustor and the optimized fuel load. The injectors of CH4-air mixture have different lean equivalence ratio, and they control the fuel flow to stabilize the combustion and adjust the combustor’s equivalence ratio. The non-uniform injector is applied to improve the burning process of the turbine combustor. The results of the new CRN emission predictions for the gas turbine combustor show very good agreement with the experimental data from Korea Electric Power Research Institute. The new CRN model is a valuable tool in the evaluation of the pollution formation and the performance of the turbine combustor systems.
SOLVING QUADRATIC PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS ON GRAPHICS PROCESSING UNIT
Authors: Huang Yunlong , Ling Keck Voon , See Simon
Published: June 2024

Quadratic Programming (QP) problems frequently appear as core component when solving constrained optimal control or estimation problems. The focus of this paper is on accelerating an existing Interior Point Method (IPM) for solving QP problems by exploiting the parallel computing characteristics of GPU. We compare the so-called data-parallel and the problem-parallel approaches to achieve speed up for solving QP problems. The data-parallel approach achieves speed up by parallelizing the vector and matrix computations such as the dot-product, while the problem-parallel approach solves multiple QP problems in parallel using one GPU. Our results show that solving several QP problems in parallel could lead to better utilization of the GPU resources. This problemparallel approach is well-suited for implementing a new type of Model Predictive Control algorithm characterized by solving multiple copies of MPC in parallel to improve closedloop performance.
SEISMIC HAZARD MAPPING FOR YOGYAKARTA DEPRESSION AREA, INDONESIA
Authors: Pramumijoyo Subagyo , Thant Myo , Kawase Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

The probabilistic seismic hazard maps are developed for Yogyakarta depression area. The earthquake catalog of ANSS (1970-2007) is taken into account. On the basis of seismicity of the area, tectonics and geological information, the seismic source zones are characterized for this area. The seismicity parameters of each seismic source are determined by applying the classical Gutenberg-Richter recurrence model, regarding the historical records. The attenuation relation for Yogyakarta depression area cannot be evaluated since the sufficient strong ground motion records are not available for this region. Therefore the attenuation relations which were developed for other territories as Europe and Japan are used for the present hazard calculation by validating, using the aftershocks records, modeling the peak ground acceleration maps for the recent event, 27 May, 2006, Yogyakarta earthquake inserting the damage area distribution pattern. The probabilistic seismic hazard maps are finally developed by using EQRISK computer program by modifying for the present purpose. The seismic hazard maps expressed in term of peak ground acceleration (PGA) are developed for the recurrence intervals of 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 years.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NUMBER OF DESIGN VARIABLES ON OPTIMAL SHELL SOLUTIONS
Authors: Petchsasithon Arthit
Published: June 2024

This paper describes the significance of the effect of the number of design variables on the optimal solution. An 18-node hexahedral shell is adopted as the basic element formulation with the inclusion of proposed methodologies to alleviate various locking phenomena. An automatic mesh generation scheme using Bezier surface method is employed to avoid re-meshing structures after each iteration of optimization process. Various benchmarks are performed to demonstrate the dependence of the optimal solutions on the number of design variables.
A STUDY ON THE SPECIFIC RATE OF BREAKAGE OF DIFFERENT LIMESTONES FROM LAO PDR AND MALAYSIA IN A LABORATORY BALL MILL
Authors: Houngaloune Sengpasith , Ariffin Kamar Shah , Hussin Hashim bin , Watanabe Koichiro , Nhinxay Visane
Published: June 2024

Effects of the different limestones and feed size on the specific rate of breakage (Si) were investigated at batch grinding conditions based on kinetic model. Six different mono-size fractions were prepared between 212 and 20 µm. The specific rates of breakage were determined from the size distributions at different grinding times, and the specific rates of breakage were compared for four limestone samples taken from different geological origin (Baling limestoneLB, Vangvieng limestone-LV, Laungprabang limestone-LL and Oudomxay limestone-LO). The results indicated that the different properties of limestone had a significant effect to the specific rate of breakage. The LB limestone gave the fastest rates of breakage because of its prominent cleavages texture, whereas the LO limestone had the slowest rates of breakage which this is due to its high content of impurities such as silica, magnesia, alumina and iron oxide. The variation of the specific rate of breakage with feed size of limestones studied show that the feed size of -75+53µm gave the highest rate of breakage compared to other feed sizes for LV, LL and LO samples; while the size fraction of -106+75µm was the best feed size for LB sample.
OPTIMISATION OF MILLING PARAMETERS DURING MECHANICAL ACTIVATION FOR DIRECT SYNTHESIS OF HYDROXYAPATITE
Authors: Othman Radzali , Zakaria Azlila
Published: June 2024

Mechanical activation is one of the methods to synthesize a single-phase hydroxyapatite. In this work, hydroxyapatite was directly synthesized by mechanical milling in a planetary ball mill, using calcium phosphate dibasic dihydrate, CaHPO4.2H2O, and calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, as the precursors or raw materials. The milling parameters investigated included the duration of milling, the milling media, and the ball-to-powder ratio (BPR). The results thus far indicated that the parameters of milling can be optimised down to 2 hours of milling duration, using either stainless steel or agate milling media, and a BPR of 10:1. The optimization was confirmed principally by x-ray diffraction (XRD) which indicated that only single-phase hydroxyapatite was the final product in this milling reaction. Other characterization methods employed were scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis. Characterization by SEM and TEM showed that the morphologies of the hydroxyapatite particles are needle-shaped and the sizes are dependent on the changes in the parameters used in the mechanical activation milling process.