bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microscopic optical potentials for medium-mass isotopes derived at the first order of Watson multiple-scattering theory
Authors: Vorabbi M. , Barbieri C. , Somà V. , Finelli P. , Giusti C.
Published: March 2024

We perform a first-principles calculation of optical potentials for nucleon elastic scattering off medium-mass isotopes. Fully based on a saturating chiral Hamiltonian, the optical potentials are derived by folding nuclear density distributions computed with self-consistent Green's function theory with a nucleon-nucleon t matrix computed with a consistent chiral interaction. The dependence on the folding interaction as well as the convergence of the target densities are investigated. Numerical results are presented and discussed for differential cross sections and analyzing powers, with focus on elastic proton scattering off calcium and nickel isotopes. Our optical potentials generally show a remarkable agreement with the available experimental data for laboratory energies in the range 65–200 MeV. We study the evolution of the scattering observables with increasing proton-neutron asymmetry by computing theoretical predictions of the cross section and analyzing power over the calcium and nickel isotopic chains.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Multiscale defect cluster excitations in the melting transitions of two-dimensional Yukawa systems
Authors: Chiu Yen , Hu Hao-Wei , Zhang Yun-Xuan , I Lin
Published: March 2024

In this work, we numerically demonstrate and classify the intermittently emerged multiscale defect clusters (DCs) composed of few to tens of disclinations, in the two-stage solid-hexatic-liquid melting transition of a two-dimensional Yukawa system. We uncover the topological pathways for their formation and how the crystalline-ordered domains (CODs) with different lattice orientations nearby DCs can be formed, which affect the structural order variations in the transitions. It is found that the six basic processes: the pair generation (I), dissociation (II), scattering (III), propagation (IV), recombination (V), and pair annihilation (VI) of dislocations, each through a single bond-breaking-replacement process, govern DC evolutions. Small DCs composed of antiparallel dislocations through process I by localized particle-shear motion dominate in the solid phase. The further successive combination of processes II to IV, through successive bond-breaking-replacement rotations by stringlike cooperative hopping of several particles, are responsible for the formation of open and ring-shaped stringlike DCs composed of connected dislocations, free dislocations, free disclinations, and CODs enclosed by stringlike DCs, dominated in the hexatic phase. The spreading of neighboring small DCs or the emergence of new small DCs nearby can generate larger DCs with tens of dislocations. The combinations of reversed basic processes can break or diminish a DC. Even though the two-stage transitions can also be signified by the onsets of the rapid rises of the free disclinations and free dislocations successively, the increases of the number and averaged size of multiscale DCs enclosing CODs play the key roles for the successive losses of translational and orientational orders in the two-stage phase transitions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Implications of pulsar timing array data for scalar-induced gravitational waves and primordial black holes: Primordial non-Gaussianity
fNL
considered
Authors: Wang Sai , Zhao Zhi-Chao , Li Jun-Peng , Zhu Qing-Hua
Published: March 2024

Multiple pulsar-timing-array collaborations have reported strong evidence for the existence of a gravitational-wave background. We study physical implications of this signal for cosmology, assuming that it is attributed to scalar-induced gravitational waves. By incorporating primordial non-Gaussianity fNL, we specifically examine the nature of primordial curvature perturbations and primordial black holes. We find that the signal allows for a primordial non-Gaussianity fNL in the range of −4.1≲fNL≲4.1 (68% confidence intervals) and a mass range for primordial black holes mpbh spanning from ∼10−5M⊙ to ∼10−2M⊙. Furthermore, we find that the signal favors a negative non-Gaussianity, which can suppress the abundance of primordial black holes. We also demonstrate that the anisotropies of scalar-induced gravitational waves serve as a powerful tool to probe the non-Gaussianity fNL. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the angular power spectrum within the nano-Hertz band. Looking ahead, we anticipate that future projects, such as the Square Kilometre Array, will have the potential to measure these anisotropies and provide further insights into the primordial universe.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modeling resilient functions in perishable food supply chains: transition for sustainable food system development
Authors: Daultani Yash , Dwivedi Ashish , Pratap Saurabh , Sharma Akshay
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Natural disasters cause serious operational risks and disruptions, which further impact the food supply in and around the disaster-impacted area. Resilient functions in the supply chain are required to absorb the impact of resultant disruptions in perishable food supply chains (FSC). The present study identifies specific resilient functions to overcome the problems created by natural disasters in the FSC context.

Design/methodology/approach

The quality function deployment (QFD) method is utilized for identifying these relations. Further, fuzzy term sets and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) are used to prioritize the identified problems. The results obtained are employed to construct a QFD matrix with the solutions, followed by the technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) on the house of quality (HOQ) matrix between the identified problems and functions.

Findings

The results from the study reflect that the shortage of employees in affected areas is the major problem caused by a natural disaster, followed by the food movement problem. The results from the analysis matrix conclude that information sharing should be kept at the highest priority by policymakers to build and increase resilient functions and sustainable crisis management in a perishable FSC network.

Originality/value

The study suggests practical implications for managing a FSC crisis during a natural disaster. The unique contribution of this research lies in finding the correlation and importance ranking among different resilience functions, which is crucial for managing a FSC crisis during a natural disaster.
Projects for queering disaster: reciprocal knowledge exchange and practice
Authors: Faas A.J. , Parreno Jhaid
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify LGBTQ+ perceptions of and experiences with hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters in the San Francisco Bay Area in the USA and to co-develop applied projects to “queer” disaster knowledge production and risk reduction activities in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a community science project in which we collaborate with community members to enhance both community and scientific knowledge with the goal of utilizing it to produce a positive change to pressing social issues and their underlying causes. We do this through a series of four focus group workshops to identify community priorities, hazards, vulnerabilities and local action. We follow this with further ethnographic research and projects to apply findings from phase one.

Findings

The authors have found that: LGBTQ+ people in the Bay Area have unique experiences with hazards, vulnerabilities and disasters; there are significant gaps in the representation of LGBTQ+ hazard exposure in local scientific models that we can address through alternative methodologies; and tabletop exercises, learning modules and podcasts help orient and train disaster response agencies and personnel on LGBTQ+ inclusive operations.

Originality/value

This initiative entails novel approaches to community science for disaster risk reduction and creative collaboration with community-based organizations to foster the development of LGBTQ+ inclusive disaster risk reduction and response.
Cashless payment: behavior changes and gender dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Graziano Elvira Anna , Musella Flaminia , Petroccione Gerardo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumer payment behavior in Italy by correlating financial literacy with digital payment awareness, examining media anxiety and financial security, and including a gender analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Consumers’ attitudes toward cashless payments were investigated using an online survey conducted from November 2021 to February 2022 on a sample of 836 Italian citizens by considering the behavioral characteristics and aspects of financial literacy. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses and to determine whether the model was invariant by gender.

Findings

The analysis showed that the fear of contracting COVID-19 and the level of financial literacy had a direct influence on the payment behavior of Italians, which was completely different in its weighting. Fear due to the spread of news regarding the pandemic in the media indirectly influenced consumers’ noncash attitude. The preliminary results of the gender multigroup analysis showed that cashless payment was the same in the male and female subpopulations.

Originality/value

This research is noteworthy because of its interconnected examination. It examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s payment choices, assessed their knowledge, and considered the influence of media-induced anxiety. By combining these factors, the study offered an analysis from a gender perspective, providing understanding of how financial behaviors were shaped during the pandemic.
Re-examining the quality management and firm performance relationships: meta-analytical investigation on moderating effects of national culture differences
Authors: Prashar Anupama
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In the last 3 decades, organization-wide programs and practices based on the Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy have become central to continuous improvement (CI) strategy in both public and private enterprises. However, there is paradoxical evidence of TQM-firm performance linkage in non-Japanese contexts. This study presents a meta-analysis of empirical research on TQM-firm performance linkage and investigates the moderating influence of national cultural (NC) values on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Meta-analytical procedures are adopted to analyse 364 effects accumulated from 135 independent samples across 31 nations, for 30,015 firm observations. Additionally, weighted least square (WLS) meta-regression is used to test the moderation effects of four NC dimensions based on the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness (GLOBE) model.

Findings

The meta-analysis results reveal that the strengths of the association varied across five soft and hard TQM dimensions and three firm performance dimensions Meta-regression indicate that the effectiveness of the TQM program is high in cultures which reward collectivist behaviours, equity of power distribution and avoidance of ambiguity in rules/structures.

Originality/value

The study contributes to international operational management theory on cultural influences on the effectiveness of operations strategies and decisions.
Enhancing organizational citizenship behavior in a non-western context of the UAE: the role of organizational justice, leadership and psychological empowerment
Authors: AlHammadi Asma , Abu Elanain Hossam M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to examine the direct relationship of organizational justice (OJ), psychological empowerment (PE), Leader Member Exchange (LMX), organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), LMX on PE and OCB and PE on OCB; and second, to investigate the mediating role of PE between OJ and OCB and between LMX and OCB in the service industry in a non-Western context.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative questionnaire was used to test the proposed hypotheses of the study. From employees working in service providing organizations in the UAE, 364 usable responses had been collected and data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

OJ significantly influences PE and LMX, while its influence on OCB is insignificant. Also, LMX significantly affects PE and OCB, PE significantly impacts OCB, whereas PE and LMX significantly mediate the relationship between OJ and OCB.

Practical implications

Organizations should promote fairness, psychological empowerment and OCB among employees. Additionally, leaders should develop positive and productive relationships with their employees.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of a limited number of studies designed to analyze the hypothesized relationships within a non-Western context, specifically in the UAE.
Key factors influencing the e-government adoption: a systematic literature review
Authors: Aleisa Noura
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to identify and analyse the key factors influencing the adoption of e-government services and to discern their implications for various stakeholders, from policymakers to platform developers.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and detailed analysis of multiple studies, this research organised the influential factors based on their effect: highest, direct and indirect. The study also integrated findings to present a consolidated view of e-government adoption drivers.

Findings

The research found that users' behaviour, attitude, optimism bias and subjective norms significantly shape their approach to e-government platforms. Trust in e-Government (TEG) emerged as a critical determinant, with security perceptions being of paramount importance. Additionally, non-technical factors, such as cultural, religious and social influences, play a substantial role in e-government adoption decisions. The study also highlighted the importance of performance expectancy, effect expectancy and other determinants influencing e-government adoption.

Originality/value

While numerous studies have explored e-government adoption, this research offers a novel classification based on the relative effects of each determinant. Integrating findings from diverse studies and emphasising non-technical factors introduce an interdisciplinary approach, bridging the gap between information technology and fields like sociology, anthropology and behavioural sciences. This integrative lens provides a fresh perspective on the topic, encouraging more holistic strategies for enhancing e-government adoption globally.
Gender identity, inter-team competition and leader self-efficacy developmental trajectories in a multi-institutional leader development program
Authors: Rosch David Michael , Kuron Lisa , Reimer Robert , Mickler Ronald , Jenkins Daniel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study analyzed three years of data from the Collegiate Leadership Competition to investigate potential differences in longitudinal leader self-efficacy growth between students who identify as men and those who identify as women.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey design.

Findings

Results indicate that women participants enter their competition experience at higher levels of leader self-efficacy than men and that both groups were able to sustain moderate levels of growth measured several months after the end of the competition.

Originality/value

The gap between men and women in their leader self-efficacy did not change over the several months of measurement. Implications for leadership educators are discussed.
The impact of ICT infrastructure, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption and financial development on carbon dioxide emission in emerging economies: new evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Van Cam Thi , Le Hoi Quoc
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study is intended to analyze the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption and financial development on carbon dioxide emissions in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study adopts the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration technique for the annual data collection of Vietnam from 1990 to 2020.

Findings

The results of the study unveil that renewable energy consumption, the interaction between renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure and financial development have significant predictive power for carbon dioxide emissions. In the long term, renewable energy consumption, export and population growth reduce CO2 emissions, whereas the interaction between renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure and financial development increases CO2 emissions, while ICT infrastructure does not affect emissions. In the short run, changes in ICT infrastructure contribute to carbon dioxide emissions in Vietnam. In addition, changes in renewable energy consumption, financial development, the interaction between ICT infrastructure and renewable energy consumption and population growth have a significant effect on CO2 emissions. Notably, technological innovation has no impact on CO2 emissions in both the short and long run.

Originality/value

The current study provides new insights into the environmental effects of ICT infrastructure, technological innovation, renewable energy consumption and financial development. The interaction between renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure has a significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions. The paper suggests important implications for setting long-run policies to boost the effects of financial development, renewable energy consumption and ICT infrastructure on environmental quality in emerging countries like Vietnam in the coming time.
Factors and moderators influencing artificial intelligence adoption by Jordanian MSMEs
Authors: Abaddi Samer
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption intention of artificial intelligence (AI) by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the technology–organization–environment (TOE) model. It examines the moderating effects of innovation culture, employee digital skill level and market competition on the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. A survey was utilized to collect data from 537 MSME owners or managers in Jordan and employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study support seven out of eight hypotheses. Business innovativeness, management support, perceived benefits and technological infrastructure have positive and significant effects on AI adoption intention, while perceived costs have no significant effect. However, the innovation culture, employee digital skill level and market competition were found to moderate the relationships between some of the independent variables and dependent variables.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insights and recommendations for MSME owners, managers, employees, policymakers, educators and researchers interested in promoting and facilitating AI adoption by MSMEs in Jordan.

Originality/value

The current attempt extends the TOE framework by adding significant constructs representing the three contexts. Moreover, it is one of the few studies that analyzed the factors influencing the adoption intention of AI by MSMEs in Jordan, which are significant to the Jordanian economy and represent 99.5% of enterprises.
The Authority of Constituent Power
Authors: Szczaranski Federico
Published: March 2024

This article delves into a specific facet of the widely acknowledged ‘paradox of constitutionalism’. Specifically, it focuses on the tension between the disruptive aspect of constituent power and its alleged authority. Paying special attention to the Chilean social outbreak and the constitutional process that followed, the article draws inspiration from Robert Brandom's recent work to examine a constituent moment in action and argues that the constitutional paradox can be productively addressed if the pragmatic and semantic dimensions of the constituent moment are both distinguished and harmonised. By aligning these two aspects, the article offers a novel version of a ‘relational’ approach to the paradox, revealing the potential for reconciling the disruptive and authoritative elements of a constituent moment, and providing fresh insights into the Chilean case.
Acceptability of internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for adults with symptoms of obsessive‐compulsive disorder: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Waks Shifra , Moses Karen , Wootton Bethany M.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health disorder. Internet‐delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is demonstrated to be effective for OCD; however little is known about the acceptability of the treatment. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of ICBT for adults with OCD symptoms using a meta‐analytic approach.

Method

Seventeen studies (N = 1661; Mage range = 28–41 years; 58%–93% female) were included in this analysis.

Results

The random effects pooled estimates indicated that 16.3% (95% CI: 9.8%–25.7%) of participants did not commence the treatment once they were enrolled in the study, 27.6% (95% CI: 19.0%–38.2%) did not complete the treatment, and 27.0% (95% CI: 18.2%–38.0%) did not complete the post‐treatment questionnaires of the study. The mean score on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire ranged from 22.4 to 26.5. Overall, pooled estimates indicated that 81.6% (95% CI: 76.1%–86.0%) of participants were satisfied with the ICBT intervention and 84.7% (95% CI: 72.8%–92.0%) indicated that they would recommend the treatment to a friend. Some of the acceptability moderator analyses indicated that self‐guided ICBT interventions had lower levels of acceptability compared with clinician‐guided interventions. However, given low power, these results should be considered preliminary.

Conclusions

This study has important implications in the dissemination of ICBT for OCD.
Debate: Involuntary treatment and detention are a necessary part of mental health care – a perspective from low and middle‐income countries
Authors: Ani Cornelius , Abdulmalik Jibril
Published: March 2024

Mental health care is underpinned by human rights. However, certain mental health presentations can be associated with increased risk to self or others. Thus, appropriate and effective care plan to mitigate the risk may include a temporary restriction of the person's human rights. Legal frameworks are required to ensure appropriate safeguards for the affected person, and clarity about boundaries of necessity and proportionality for clinicians. The restriction needs to be proportionate, for the shortest possible period, done in a humane manner, and in a safe environment. Effective early mental interventions can reduce need for human right restrictions by preventing acute escalations in risk‐related behaviours. While these principles apply across all regions, we discuss the particular circumstances in low and middle‐income countries.
Debate: Involuntary treatment and detention are a necessary part of mental health care for children and young people – a perspective from an Independent Advocate in England, United Kingdom
Authors: Young Sam
Published: March 2024

This is a perspective from an Independent Advocate in England, United Kingdom on the importance of equality in the involuntary treatment of children and young people (CYP). The article highlights the need for safeguards when CYP require detention as part of their mental health care. The paper raises concern that CYP and their families who are less empowered to advocate for optimal care plans may be at risk of less satisfactory outcomes from mental health detention. It notes that CYP in the care system may be particularly vulnerable to such outcomes due to their lower levels empowerment. To mitigate this risk, services need to be proactive in reducing inequity arising from differential levels of empowerment among service users. This could be achieved by adopting strong participation and coproduction activities and ensuring access to Advocacy services for all CYP.
The role of anticomplement therapy in the management of the kidney allograft
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Copur Sidar , Yilmaz Zeynep Y. , Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Bilge Ilmay , Susal Caner , Kocak Burak , Ortiz Alberto
Published: March 2024

As the number of patients living with kidney failure grows, the need also grows for kidney transplantation, the gold standard kidney replacement therapy that provides a survival advantage. This may result in an increased rate of transplantation from HLA‐mismatched donors that increases the rate of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR), which already is the leading cause of allograft failure. Plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, anti‐CD20 therapies (i.e., rituximab), bortezomib and splenectomy have been used over the years to treat AMR as well as to prevent AMR in high‐risk sensitized kidney transplant recipients. Eculizumab and ravulizumab are monoclonal antibodies targeting the C5 protein of the complement pathway and part of the expanding field of anticomplement therapies, which is not limited to kidney transplant recipients, and also includes complement‐mediated microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and ANCA‐vasculitis. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the pathophysiological background and use of anti‐C5 strategies (eculizumab and ravulizumab) and C1‐esterase inhibitor in AMR, either to prevent AMR in high‐risk desensitized patients or to treat AMR as first‐line or rescue therapy and also to treat de novo thrombotic microangiopathy in kidney transplant recipients.
Macroclimate and canopy characteristics regulate forest understory microclimatic temperature offsets across China
Authors: Chen Siying , De Frenne Pieter , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Wu Qiqian , Peng Yan , Zheng Haifeng , Guo Kun , Yuan Chaoxiang , Xiong Ling , Zhao Zemin , Ni Xiangyin , Wu Fuzhong , Yue Kai
Published: March 2024

Forest microclimates can contrast substantially from the macroclimate outside forests. These microclimates regulate understory biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Studies have quantified the global patterns and driving factors of forest understory temperature offsets, but data from China were almost missing, making the global assessment incomplete. To fill this knowledge gap, we quantitatively synthesized 494 paired observations from China extracted from 91 publications to quantify mean (Tmean), maximum (Tmax) and minimum temperature offsets (Tmin). Results showed that (1) forest canopies significantly buffered understory Tmean and Tmax against macroclimatic temperature, with average offsets of 1.0 and 1.5°C, respectively, while understory Tmin offsets were not significantly different from zero; (2) forest type (broadleaved, mixed, vs. coniferous) and forest location (rural vs. urban) did not affect Tmean, Tmax or Tmin offsets, but climate zone and season showed significant impacts; and (3) macroclimatic temperature, wind speed, tree height and canopy density also impacted temperature offsets, although their effects varied among Tmean, Tmax and Tmin. Our results complement the global assessment of forest buffering capacity, and reiterate the necessity for incorporating microclimatic variability into future bioclimatic modelling of species demography and distributions.
Definition, assessment and management of frailty for people with intellectual disabilities: A scoping review
Authors: Grohmann Dominique , Wellsted David , Mengoni Silvana E.
Published: March 2024

Background

People with intellectual disabilities may experience frailty earlier than the general population. This scoping review aimed to investigate how frailty is defined, assessed, and managed in adults with an intellectual disability; factors associated with frailty; and the potential impact of COVID‐19 on frailty identification and management.

Method

Databases were searched from January 2016 to July 2023 for studies that investigated frailty in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Results

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Frailty prevalence varied between 9% and 84%. Greater severity of intellectual disability, presence of Down syndrome, older age, polypharmacy, and group home living were associated with frailty. Multiagency working, trusted relationships and provision of evidence‐based information may all be beneficial in frailty management.

Conclusion

Frailty is common for people with intellectual disabilities and is best identified with measures specifically designed for this population. Future research should evaluate interventions to manage frailty and improve lives.
Beyond the Heaven–Hell Binary and the One‐Way Traffic Paradigm: The European Union, Africa and Contested Human Rights in the Negotiations of the Samoa Agreement
Authors: Carbone Maurizio
Published: March 2024

This article, drawing on Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) and embracing the decentring agenda in European Union (EU) external relations, discusses the substance of human rights promotion in the negotiations of the Samoa Agreement. It documents how the EU has concentrated on civil and political rights, whereas Africa has advanced an innovative approach to economic, social and cultural rights underpinned by the right to development. More importantly, going beyond the ‘heaven–hell binary’, which draws neat lines between the good North and the bad South, and the ‘one‐way traffic paradigm’, which claims that human rights flow from the North to the South, it shows that the human rights corpus may be slowly evolving from its paradigmatic western orientation towards a truly universal project: the EU and Africa have started recognising each other as being holders of diverse yet legitimate perspectives on human rights.
Research on lightweight detection algorithm for millet quality grading
Authors: Wang Ying , Shao Jiayuan , Tian Jing , Jiao Fan , Du Yihan , Song Xinyue , Liu Zhenyu
Published: March 2024

Accurately assessing the quality of millet is of paramount importance for its storage, processing, and consumption. In complex environments, rapidly and precisely identifying densely packed millet poses a significant challenge in the quality grading process. This paper introduces an improved version of the YOLOv7 lightweight detection algorithm. The key enhancement involves integrating the super lightweight target detection algorithm ESNet. ESNet optimizes the lightweight design of the neck by enhancing the backbone network, thereby strengthening the network's feature extraction capabilities. Furthermore, by combining Soft non‐maximum suppression (NMS) with the EIOU Loss function, the accuracy of detecting dense millet in occluded scenarios is further optimized. Various models were evaluated using the millet dataset in this study. During the testing phase, images containing densely packed millet were randomly selected to assess the effectiveness of the models. The test results demonstrate that, compared to lightweight network architectures such as LCNet, ShuffleNetV2, and MobileNetV3, the improved YOLOv7‐ESNet model achieves higher average accuracy, precision, recall, and comprehensive evaluation metrics in detection. Additionally, by combining the YOLOv7‐ESNet model with Soft‐EIoU NMS, an average accuracy of 93.19% and an average prediction time of 52.5 ms were achieved. These results meet the real‐time grading requirements for millet quality, establishing a robust technical foundation for millet quality grading. This paper overcomes the challenge of precise millet detection in complex scenarios, providing a valuable contribution to the field.
Preoperative cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium among Holocaust survivors who achieved longevity
Authors: Weiss Yotam , Zarour Shiri , Kiselevich Yossef , Abu Ghanim Maher , Hikry Daniel , Sinai Brzezinski Isaac , Zac Lilach , Cohen Barak , Matot Idit
Published: March 2024

Background

Holocaust survivors (HS) experience higher rates of physiological and psychological morbidities, increasing their vulnerability to perioperative complications. Limited information exists regarding their perioperative neurocognitive disorders. This study aimed to assess the rates of preoperative cognitive impairment, postoperative delirium, and other complications among HS aged 75+ undergoing elective surgery.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective cohort study that analyzed prospectively collected data. All surgical patients born before 1945 who underwent elective noncardiac surgery at a tertiary hospital in Israel during 2020–2021 were included. The HS group was identified through the hospital's information system. Preoperative cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini‐Cog test. Postoperative delirium was defined as a combined outcome, which included a positive 4A's‐Test (4AT) result during the postanesthesia care unit stay up to the second postoperative day, a positive 3‐Minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method (3D‐CAM) test administered by the geriatric team, and identification through the medical records using the Chart‐based Delirium Identification Instrument (CHART‐DEL). We used multivariable regression to assess the risk factors for postoperative delirium.

Results

Out of 1332 eligible patients, 422 (32%) were HS, while the others served as controls. Both groups had a similar rate of preoperative cognitive impairment (24%, p = 0.89) and postoperative delirium (16%, p = 0.95). HS exhibited a higher risk of the composite adverse events (24% vs. 20%, p = 0.05, aOR [95% CI] 1.3 [1.0–1.7]), driven mainly by falls during hospitalization (4% vs. 2%, p = 0.03, aOR 2.1 [1.1–4.1]). HS patients were more likely to be childless (33% vs. 11%, p = 0.001) and had higher rates of chronic antidepressant and benzodiazepine use.

Conclusions

HS achieving longevity do not face increased risks of preoperative cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium. However, special care is still warranted due to their elevated rate of other complications during hospitalization.
Effects of prednisolone on 1,2‐O‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(60‐methylresorufin) ester‐lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity in healthy cats
Authors: Pacheva Militsa , Brugger Daniel , Riond Barbara , Dennler Matthias , Kook Peter Hendrik
Published: March 2024

Background

Corticosteroids are among the most commonly used drugs in cats and are increasingly discussed as a treatment for feline pancreatitis. However, its effects on serum lipase in healthy cats remain unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of prednisolone on serum lipase activity and pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) in cats.

Animals

Seven clinically healthy colony cats, aged 4 to 7 years, with unremarkable CBC/biochemistry panel were studied.

Methods

Prospective study: Prednisolone (1.1‐1.5 mg/kg, median 1.28 mg/kg PO) was given daily for 7 consecutive days. Lipase activity (LIPC Roche; RI, 8‐26 U/L) and PLI (Spec fPL; RI, 0‐3.5 μg/L) were determined at day 1 before first treatment and at days 2, 3, 8, 10, and 14. Cats were examined daily. An a priori power analysis indicated that 6 cats were needed to find a biological relevant effect at 1‐β = 0.8. Statistical analyses comprised the Friedman test, random intercept regression, and repeated‐measures linear regression.

Results

Median (range) day 1 lipase activities and PLI were 22 U/L (14‐52 U/L) and 3.2 μg/L (2.3‐15.7 μg/L). One cat with abnormally high lipase activity (52 U/L) and PLI (15.7 μg/L) at day 1 continued having elevated lipase activities and PLI throughout the study. Lipase activities and PLI concentrations did not differ significantly among time points regardless of whether the cat with elevated values was included or not. All cats remained healthy throughout the study.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Administration of prednisolone in anti‐inflammatory doses does not significantly increase serum lipase activity and PLI concentration.
Perilous Evolutionary Paths of Industrial Policy in a Developmental Context: Evidence from the Chinese Medical Industry
Authors: Zhang Wei , He Canfei
Published: March 2024

Industrial policy, as one of the most potent weapons employed by governments, is recommended to adhere to the principles of high relatedness and high economic complexity, which can minimize risks and maximize returns. However, this approach may not be optimal in developing countries with poor industrial bases, limited innovative capabilities and weak institutional frameworks. Based on relatedness and economic complexity, this study illustrates the evolution paths of industrial policy in China and identifies underlying influencing factors deciding the patterns of policymaking. Different from developed countries, it takes several steps for developing countries to reach the final target, the smart specialization approach, instead of one‐step jumping. Moreover, industrial policy is not always the panacea, and the effects of industrial policy vary depending on local contexts. In sum, this study extends research towards the complex co‐evolution process of policy and industries in developing countries and provides more insights for policymaking.
Increased genomic instability and reshaping of tissue microenvironment underlie oncogenic properties of
Arid1a
mutations
Authors: D’Ambrosio Alessandro , Bressan Davide , Ferracci Elisa , Carbone Francesco , Mulè Patrizia , Rossi Federico , Barbieri Caterina , Sorrenti Elisa , Fiaccadori Gaia , Detone Thomas , Vezzoli Elena , Bianchi Salvatore , Sartori Chiara , Corso Simona , Fukuda Akihisa , Bertalot Giovanni , Falqui Andrea , Barbareschi Mattia , Romanel Alessandro , Pasini Diego , Chiacchiera Fulvio
Published: March 2024

Oncogenic mutations accumulating in many chromatin-associated proteins have been identified in different tumor types. With a mutation rate from 10 to 57%,
ARID1A
has been widely considered a tumor suppressor gene. However, whether this role is mainly due to its transcriptional-related activities or its ability to preserve genome integrity is still a matter of intense debate. Here, we show that ARID1A is largely dispensable for preserving enhancer-dependent transcriptional regulation, being ARID1B sufficient and required to compensate for ARID1A loss. We provide in vivo evidence that ARID1A is mainly required to preserve genomic integrity in adult tissues. ARID1A loss primarily results in DNA damage accumulation, interferon type I response activation, and chronic inflammation leading to tumor formation. Our data suggest that in healthy tissues, the increased genomic instability that follows
ARID1A
mutations and the selective pressure imposed by the microenvironment might result in the emergence of aggressive, possibly immune-resistant, tumors.
Brain hypothyroidism silences the immune response of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease animal model
Authors: Kim Dong Kyu , Choi Hyunjung , Lee Woochan , Choi Hayoung , Hong Seok Beom , Jeong June-Hyun , Han Jihui , Han Jong Won , Ryu Hoon , Kim Jong-Il , Mook-Jung Inhee
Published: March 2024

Thyroid hormone (TH) imbalance is linked to the pathophysiology of reversible dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is unclear whether tissue hypothyroidism occurs in the AD brain and how it affects on AD pathology. We find that decreased iodothyronine deiodinase 2 is correlated with hippocampal hypothyroidism in early AD model mice before TH alterations in the blood. TH deficiency leads to spontaneous activation of microglia in wild-type mice under nonstimulated conditions, resulting in lowered innate immune responses of microglia in response to inflammatory stimuli or amyloid-β. In AD model mice, TH deficiency aggravates AD pathology by reducing the disease-associated microglia population and microglial phagocytosis. We find that TH deficiency reduces microglial ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) and inhibition of CD73 leads to impaired innate immune responses in microglia. Our findings reveal that TH shapes microglial responses to inflammatory stimuli including amyloid-β, and brain hypothyroidism in early AD model mice aggravates AD pathology by microglial dysfunction.
Redirecting raltitrexed from cancer cell thymidylate synthase to
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
phosphopantetheinyl transferase
Authors: Singh Amrita , Ottavi Samantha , Krieger Inna , Planck Kyle , Perkowski Andrew , Kaneko Takushi , Davis Andrew M. , Suh Christine , Zhang David , Goullieux Laurent , Alex Alexander , Roubert Christine , Gardner Mark , Preston Marian , Smith Dave M. , Ling Yan , Roberts Julia , Cautain Bastien , Upton Anna , Cooper Christopher B. , Serbina Natalya , Tanvir Zaid , Mosior John , Ouerfelli Ouathek , Yang Guangli , Gold Ben S. , Rhee Kyu Y. , Sacchettini James C. , Fotouhi Nader , Aubé Jeffrey , Nathan Carl
Published: March 2024

There is a compelling need to find drugs active against
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
). 4′-Phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PptT) is an essential enzyme in
Mtb
that has attracted interest as a potential drug target. We optimized a PptT assay, used it to screen 422,740 compounds, and identified raltitrexed, an antineoplastic antimetabolite, as the most potent PptT inhibitor yet reported. While trying unsuccessfully to improve raltitrexed’s ability to kill
Mtb
and remove its ability to kill human cells, we learned three lessons that may help others developing antibiotics. First, binding of raltitrexed substantially changed the configuration of the PptT active site, complicating molecular modeling of analogs based on the unliganded crystal structure or the structure of cocrystals with inhibitors of another class. Second, minor changes in the raltitrexed molecule changed its target in
Mtb
from PptT to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Third, the structure-activity relationship for over 800 raltitrexed analogs only became interpretable when we quantified and characterized the compounds’ intrabacterial accumulation and transformation.
Mono-UFMylation promotes misfolding-associated secretion of α-synuclein
Authors: Wang Lihui , Xu Yue , Fukushige Tetsunari , Saidi Layla , Wang Xiaorong , Yu Clinton , Lee Jin-Gu , Krause Michael , Huang Lan , Ye Yihong
Published: March 2024

Stressed cells secret misfolded proteins lacking signaling sequence via an unconventional protein secretion (UcPS) pathway, but how misfolded proteins are targeted selectively in UcPS is unclear. Here, we report that misfolded UcPS clients are subject to modification by a ubiquitin-like protein named ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1). Using α-synuclein (α-Syn) as a UcPS model, we show that mutating the UFMylation sites in α-Syn or genetic inhibition of the UFMylation system mitigates α-Syn secretion, whereas overexpression of UFBP1, a component of the endoplasmic reticulum–associated UFMylation ligase complex, augments α-Syn secretion in mammalian cells and in model organisms. UFM1 itself is cosecreted with α-Syn, and the serum UFM1 level correlates with that of α-Syn. Because UFM1 can be directly recognized by ubiquitin specific peptidase 19 (USP19), a previously established UcPS stimulator known to associate with several chaperoning activities, UFMylation might facilitate substrate engagement by USP19, allowing stringent and regulated selection of misfolded proteins for secretion and proteotoxic stress alleviation.
A metabolic pacer ensures smooth running of the lymphocyte activation race
Authors: Panova Veera , Richard Arianne C.
Published: March 2024

Upon lymphocyte stimulation, accumulation of intracellular NAD(H) reflects the strength of antigen receptor signals and controls the rate of cell cycle entry and proliferation (see related Research Article by Turner
et al
.).
Management of post blood patch severe rebound intracranial hypertension by the usage of an external ventricular drain
Authors: Maresca Leonardo , Fragale Maria , Petrella Giacomo , Boeris Davide
Published: March 2024

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a condition characterised by postural headaches due to low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, often stemming from CSF leakage. Diagnosis poses a significant challenge, and the therapeutic approach encompasses both conservative measures and operative interventions, such as the epidural blood patch (EBP). However, EBP carries the potential risk of inducing rebound intracranial hypertension (RIH), subsequently leading to high-pressure headaches. We present a case wherein RIH following EBP was effectively managed through the implementation of an external ventricular drain (EVD) aimed at reducing CSF pressure. The patient improved significantly, underscoring the potential utility, if not necessity, of EVD in carefully selected cases, highlighting the imperative for further research to enhance the management of SIH and optimise EBP-related complications.
Long-term outcomes of glued (sutureless) amniotic membrane transplantation in acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: a comparative study
Authors: Rashad Ramy , Kwan James T , Shanbhag Swapna S , Ngowyutagon Panotsom , Saeed Musa , Tahboub Mohammad A , Haseeb Abid , Chodosh James , Saeed Hajirah N
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To compare the effectiveness and efficiency of a glued (sutureless) technique for amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) with a traditional sutured one in the setting of acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated all patients diagnosed with SJS/TEN between 2008 and 2020 within our hospital network who received AMT in the acute phase according to our protocol and had at least one ophthalmic follow-up in the chronic phase. Primary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the most recent visit, presence of a severe ocular complication (SOC) via predefined criteria, time to procedure and duration of procedure. Random effects model analysis was used to evaluate the impact of potential covariates on outcome measures.

Results

A total of 23 patients (45 eyes) were included: 14 patients (27 eyes) in the AMT suture group and 9 patients (18 eyes) in the AMT glue group. There was no difference between the two groups in BCVA at the most recent visit (p=0.5112) or development of a SOC (p=1.000). The glue method was shorter in duration than the suture method (p<0.001). Random effects model additionally indicated that there was no difference in BCVA at most recent follow-up between patients who had received glued versus sutured AMT (p=0.1460).

Conclusions

Our glued technique for AMT is as effective as our sutured technique in stabilising the ocular surface and mitigating chronic ocular complications in SJS/TEN. The glued technique is also shorter in duration and performed more expediently than the sutured technique.