bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fifty years of research on questionable research practises in science: quantitative analysis of co-citation patterns
Authors: Neoh Michelle Jin Yee , Carollo Alessandro , Lee Albert , Esposito Gianluca
Published: October 2023

Questionable research practises (QRPs) have been the focus of the scientific community amid greater scrutiny and evidence highlighting issues with replicability across many fields of science. To capture the most impactful publications and the main thematic domains in the literature on QRPs, this study uses a document co-citation analysis. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 341 documents that covered the past 50 years of research in QRPs. Nine major thematic clusters emerged. Statistical reporting and statistical power emerged as key areas of research, where systemic-level factors in how research is conducted are consistently raised as the precipitating factors for QRPs. There is also an encouraging shift in the focus of research into open science practises designed to address engagement in QRPs. Such a shift is indicative of the growing momentum of the open science movement, and more research can be conducted on how these practises are employed on the ground and how their uptake by researchers can be further promoted. However, the results suggest that, while pre-registration and registered reports receive the most research interest, less attention has been paid to other open science practises (e.g. data sharing).
Showing the limitations of available phenotypic assays to detect Burkholderia pseudomallei from clinical specimens in Nigeria
Authors: Orababa Oluwatosin Qawiyy , Adesida Solayide A. , Peters Rebecca F. , AbdulGanniyu Zainab , Olakojo Olawale , Abioye Adefunke
Published: October 2023

The genus

Burkholderia

comprises Gram-negative bacteria that are metabolically complex and versatile, often thriving in hostile settings.

Burkholderia pseudomallei

, the causative agent of melioidosis, is a prominent member of the genus and a clinical pathogen in tropical and sub-tropical regions. This pathogen is well known for its multidrug resistance and possible bioweapon potential. There is currently no report of the pathogen from clinical specimens in Nigeria, which might be due to misdiagnosis with phenotypic assays. This study aims to explore the accuracy of the use of phenotypic assays to diagnose

B. pseudomallei

in Nigeria. Two hundred and seventeen clinical samples and 28 Gram-negative clinical isolates were collected and analysed using Ashdown’s selective agar and monoclonal antibody-based latex agglutination. Species-level identification was achieved using the analytical profile index (API) 20NE system. The susceptibility of the isolates to nine different antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method. A total of seventy-four culture-positive isolates were obtained using Ashdown’s selective agar. Twenty-two of these isolates were believed to be

B. pseudomallei

through the monoclonal antibody-based latex agglutination test and the API 20NE system subsequently identified 14 isolates as

Burkholderia

. The predominant

Burkholderia

species was

B. cepacia

with an isolation rate of 30.8 % (8/26). No isolate was distinctively identified as

B. pseudomallei

but five isolates were strongly suspected to be

B. pseudomallei

with similarity indices ranging from 81.9–91.3 %. Other bacterial species with definitive identity include

Aeromonas

sp.,

Sphingomonas

sp. and

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

. The antibiotic susceptibility results revealed an overall resistance to amoxicillin–clavullanic acid of 71.4 %, to cefepime of 33.3 %, to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole of 38.1 %, to piperacillin–tazobactam of 33.3 %, to imipenem of 66.7 %, to doxycycline of 57.1% and to ceftazidime of 66.7 %. The highest intermediate resistance was observed for cefepime and piperacillin–tazobactam with a value of 66.7 % each, while there was no intermediate resistance for gentamicin, colistin and imipenem. Our findings, therefore, show that phenotypic assays alone are not sufficient in the diagnosis of melioidosis. Additionally, they provide robust support for present and future decisions to expand diagnostic capability for melioidosis beyond phenotypic assays in low-resource settings.
Decoding Ten Years of Little Penguin Foraging: Bio-Logging Reveals Foraging Patterns with Implications for Climate Change Mitigation and Marine Spatial Planning
Authors: Chimienti Marianna , Chiaradia Andre , Dupuis Benjamin , Joly Nicolas , Saraux Claire , Ropert-Coudert Yan , Kato Akiko
Published: October 2023

Protected areas are a widely adopted resource management strategy for mitigating the consequences of global change and preserve functioning ecosystems. Long-term species monitoring programmes, aided by bio-logging technology, provide insights into the extent and spatial variation of areas occupied by wild animals and inform conservation and management. High-resolution GPS-acceleration data offer a more accurate understanding of animal behavior and area use, compared to location-based inference, emphasizing the significance of specific sites amid long-term climate change.

We based our case-study on the largest colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) located at Phillip Island. Based on a ten-year bio-logging dataset (247 individual tracks), we combine high-resolution bio-logging data from GPS-accelerometer loggers with proxies for resource availability (e.g. Sea Surface Tenperature, thermocline, water turbidity). Using machine learning techniques and Generalized Additive Mixed Models, we quantify the environmental factors determining spatio-temporal variability in foraging effort (defined as hunting time) across different breeding seasons and stages.

Little penguins increased their hunting time by reducing spatial displacement (shorter step length) and diving deeper, with a slower increase in hunting effort below 10 m depth. In relation to environmental conditions, penguins increased hunting effort in coastal areas with high turbid and productive waters and decreased effort with increasing Sea Surface Temperature. This gives insights into how these animals allocate effort differently according to shifting environmental conditions.

Our analysis offers crucial long-term insights into little penguin area usage in the Bass Strait at sufficient spatial and temporal resolution for management and conservation planning. The Bass Strait is facing intense climatic and anthripogenic pressures, and the findings here on intensity of area usage and strategy shifting according to environmental conditions, are of great relevance for the marine spatial planning currently under development along the coast.

Policy implications:High-resolution behavioral information obtained from bio-logging data using GPS-accelerometer tags provides understanding of how species shift strategies in response to environmental variability. This is vital to implement climate-adaptive conservation and management strategies. Given the growing availability of long-term accelerometer datasets within the ecological community, we recommend integrating such high-resolution information into conservation programs.
Toxoplasma gondiiandTrypanosoma lewisiinfection in urban small mammals from Cotonou, Benin, with special emphasis on co-infection patterns
Authors: Etougbétché Jonas R. , Houéménou Gualbert , Missihoun Antoine A. , Gauthier Philippe , Dossou Henri-Joël , Galal Lokman , Dalecky Ambroise , Diagne Christophe , Dobigny Gauthier , Mercier Aurélien
Published: October 2023

A growing number of studies has highlighted the importance of co-infections in eco-evolutionary processes underlying host-parasite interactions and the resulting epidemiology of zoonotic agents. Small mammals, and particularly rodents, are known to be important reservoirs of many zoonotic pathogens, such asToxoplasma gondiiandTrypanosoma lewisithat are responsible for toxoplasmosis and atypical trypanosomiasis in human, respectively. Laboratory experiments on rodent models have shown that primary infection withT. lewisiincreases the host susceptibility to other co-infectious parasites, includingT. gondii, following an alteration of the immune system. However, data on potential interactions between these parasites in wild small mammals remain scarce. In this study, we estimate theT. lewisiprevalence in 553 small mammals from four localities of Cotonou city, Benin. They were then combined withT. gondiidata previously collected on the same individuals in order to investigate the influence ofT. lewisionT. gondiiinfection, andvice-versa, using cooccurrence tests and Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Despite quite high overall prevalence (32.5% and 15.2% forT. gondiiandT. lewisi, respectively), we observed a clear and significant segregation between the two parasites. This may be explained by (i) differences in the species-specific susceptibility of small mammal host species to infection by these two parasites, withR. rattusandM. natalensisbeing the main reservoirs ofT. lewisiwhileC. olivieriandM. m. domesticusare the main hosts forT. gondii; and/or by (ii) a possibly high mortality in co-infected animal in the wild. Although dedicated experimental studies are required to confirm this pattern, as they stand, our data fail to support that infection of small mammals by one of these two parasites favours widespread infection by the second one in nature.
Bridging the 3D geometrical organisation of white matter pathways across anatomical length scales and species
Authors: Kjer Hans Martin , Andersson Mariam , He Yi , Pacureanu Alexandra , Daducci Alessandro , Pizzolato Marco , Salditt Tim , Robisch Anna-Lena , Eckermann Marina , Toepperwien Mareike , Dahl Anders Bjorholm , Elkjær Maria Louise , Illes Zsolt , Ptito Maurice , Andersen Dahl Vedrana , Dyrby Tim B.
Published: October 2023

We used diffusion MRI and x-ray synchrotron imaging on monkey and mice brains to examine the organisation of fibre pathways in white matter across anatomical scales. We compared the structure in the corpus callosum and crossing fibre regions and investigated the differences in cuprizone-induced demyelination mouse brains versus healthy controls. Our findings revealed common principles of fibre organisation that apply despite the varying patterns observed across species; small axonal fasciculi and major bundles formed laminar structures with varying angles, according to the characteristics of major pathways. Fasciculi exhibited non-straight paths around obstacles like blood vessels, comparable across the samples of varying fibre complexity and demyelination. Quantifications of fibre orientation distributions were consistent across anatomical length scales and modalities, whereas tissue anisotropy had a more complex relationship, both dependent on the field-of-view. Our study emphasises the need to balance field-of-view and voxel size when characterising white matter features across length scales.
Perceptual versus attentional impairments of conscious access: Distinct neural mechanisms despite equal task performance
Authors: Noorman Samuel , Stein Timo , Fahrenfort Johannes J. , van Gaal Simon
Published: October 2023

This study investigates failures in conscious access resulting from either weak sensory input (perceptual impairments) or unattended input (attentional impairments). Participants viewed a Kanizsa stimulus with or without an illusory triangle within a rapid serial visual presentation of distractor stimuli. We designed a novel Kanizsa stimulus that contained additional ancillary features of different complexity (local contrast and collinearity) that were independently manipulated. Perceptual performance on the Kanizsa stimulus (presence vs. absence of an illusion) was equated between the perceptual (masking) and attentional (attentional blink) manipulation to circumvent common confounds related to conditional differences in task performance. We trained and tested classifiers on electroencephalogram (EEG) data to reflect the processing of specific stimulus features, with increasing levels of complexity. We show that late stages of processing (∼200-250 ms), reflecting the integration of complex stimulus features (collinearity, illusory triangle), were impaired by masking but spared by the attentional blink. In contrast, decoding of local contrast (the spatial arrangement of stimulus features) was observed early in time (∼80 ms) and was left largely unaffected by either manipulation. These results replicate previous work showing that feedforward processing is largely preserved under both perceptual and attentional impairments. Crucially however, under matched levels of performance, only attentional impairments left the processing of more complex visual features relatively intact, likely related to spared lateral and local feedback processes during inattention. These findings reveal distinct neural mechanisms associated with perceptual and attentional impairments and thus contribute to a comprehensive understanding of distinct neural stages leading to conscious access.
Restoring AIBP expression in the retina provides neuroprotection in glaucoma
Authors: Ju Won-Kyu , Ha Yonju , Choi Seunghwan , Kim Keun-Young , Bastola Tonking , Kim Jungsu , Weinreb Robert N , Zhang Wenbo , Miller Yury I , Choi Soo-Ho
Published: October 2023

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease manifested in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death and irreversible blindness. While lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only proven therapeutic strategy in glaucoma, it is insufficient for preventing disease progression, thus justifying the recent focus on targeting retinal neuroinflammation and preserving RGCs. We have identified apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) as the protein regulating several mechanisms of retinal neurodegeneration. AIBP controls excessive cholesterol accumulation via upregulating the cholesterol transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 (ABCA1) and reduces inflammatory signaling via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and mitochondrial dysfunction. ABCA1, TLR4 and oxidative phosphorylation components are genetically linked to primary open-angle glaucoma. Here we demonstrated that AIBP and ABCA1 expression was decreased, while TLR4, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), and the cholesterol content increased in the retina of patients with glaucoma and in mouse models of glaucoma. Restoring AIBP expression by a single intravitreal injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-AIBP protected RGCs in glaucomatous DBA/2J mice, in mice with microbead-induced chronic IOP elevation, and optic nerve crush. In addition, AIBP expression attenuated TLR4 and IL-1 beta expression, localization of TLR4 to lipid rafts, reduced cholesterol accumulation, and ameliorated visual dysfunction. These studies collectively indicate that restoring AIBP expression in the glaucomatous retina reduces neuroinflammation and protects RGCs and Muller glia, suggesting the therapeutic potential of AAV-AIBP in human glaucoma.
SydR, a redox-sensing MarR-type regulator ofSinorhizobium meliloti, is crucial for symbiotic infection ofMedicago truncatularoots
Authors: Nazaret Fanny , Farajzadeh Davoud , Mejias Joffrey , Pacoud Marie , Cosi Anthony , Frendo Pierre , Alloing Geneviève , Mandon Karine
Published: October 2023

Rhizobia associate with legumes and induce the formation of nitrogen-fixing nodules. The regulation of bacterial redox state plays a major role in symbiosis andReactiveOxygenSpecies (ROS) produced by the plant are known to activate signaling pathways. However, only a few redox-sensing transcriptional regulators (TRs) have been characterized in the microsymbiont. Here, we describe SydR, a novel redox-sensing TR ofS. melilotithat is essential for the establishment of symbiosis withMedicago truncatula. SydR, a MarR-type TR, represses the expression of the adjacent gene SMa2023 in growing cultures, and this repression is alleviated by NaOCl,tert-butyl, or H2O2treatment. Gels shift assays strongly suggest that SydR binds toTATCGCGATAmotif in thesydR-SMa2023 intergenic region in a redox-dependent manner. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the oxidative inhibition of SydR involves the formation of an intermolecular C16-C16 disulfide bond. The inactivation ofsydRdid not alter the sensitivity ofS. melilotito NaOCl,tert-butyl, or H2O2, nor did it affect the response to oxidants of the roGFP2-Orp1 redox biosensor expressed within bacteria. However,in planta, ΔsydRmutation impaired the formation of root nodules. Microscopic observations and analyses of marker gene expression showed that the ΔsydRmutant is arrested at an early stage of the bacterial infection process. Altogether, these results demonstrated that SydR is a redox sensing MarR-type TR that plays a key role in the regulation of symbiosis withM. truncatula.

IMPORTANCE

The nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between rhizobia and legumes has an important ecological role in the nitrogen cycle, contributes to nitrogen enrichment of soils, and can improve plant growth in agriculture. This interaction is initiated in the rhizosphere by a molecular dialog between the two partners, resulting in plant root infection and formation of root nodules, where bacteria reduce the atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium. This symbiosis involves modifications of the bacterial redox state in response to reactive oxygen species produced by the plant partner. Here, we show that SydR, a transcriptional regulator of theMedicagosymbiontSinorhizobium meliloti, acts as a redox-responsive repressor that is crucial for the development of root nodules and contributes to the regulation of bacterial infection inS. meliloti / Medicago truncatulasymbiotic interaction.
Developing and validating a new conceptual model for successful implementation of lean construction: SEM analysis
Authors: Bajjou Mohamed Saad , Chafi Anas
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Lean construction (LC) consists of very effective techniques; however, its implementation varies considerably from one industry to another. Although numerous lean initiatives do exist in the construction industry, the research topic related to LC implementation is still unexplored due to the scarcity of validated assessment frameworks. This study aims to provide the first attempt in developing a structural model for successful LC implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a Lean construction model (LCM) by critically reviewing seven previous LC frameworks from different countries, defining 18 subprinciples grouped into 6 major principles and formulating testable hypotheses. The questionnaire was pre-tested with 12 construction management experts and revised by 4 specialized academics. A pilot study with 20 construction units enhanced content reliability. Data from 307 Moroccan construction companies were collected to develop a measurement model. SPSS V. 26 was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS version 23. Finally, a structural equation model statistically assessed each construct's contribution to the success of LC implementation.

Findings

This work led to the development of an original LCM based on valid and reliable LC constructs, consisting of 18 measurement items grouped into 6 LC principles: Process Transparency, People involvement, Waste elimination, Planning and Continuous improvement, Client Focus and Material/information flow and pull. According to the structural model, LC implementation success is positively influenced by Planning and Scheduling/continuous improvement (β = 0.930), followed by Elimination of waste (β = 0.896). Process transparency ranks third (β = 0.858). The study demonstrates that all these factors are mutually complementary, highlighting a positive relationship between LC implementation success and the holistic application of all LC principles.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to develop a statistically proven model of LC based on structural equation modelling analysis, which is promising for stimulating construction practitioners and researchers for more empirical studies in different countries to obtain a more accurate reflection of LC implementation. Moreover, the paper proposes recommendations to help policymakers, academics and practitioners anticipate the key success drivers for more successful LC implementation.
The current role and contribution of “behavioural investigative advisers” (BIAs) to criminal investigation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sigurdardóttir Tinna Dögg , Rainbow Lee , Gregory Adam , Gregory Pippa , Gudjonsson Gisli Hannes
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to examine the scope and contribution of behavioural investigative advice (BIA) reports from the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Design/methodology/approach

The 77 BIA reports reviewed were written between 2016 and 2021. They were evaluated using Toulmin’s (1958) strategy for structuring pertinent arguments, current compliance with professional standards, the grounds and backing provided for the claims made and the potential utility of the recommendations provided.

Findings

Consistent with previous research, most of the reports involved murder and sexual offences. The BIA reports met professional standards with extremely high frequency. The 77 reports contained a total of 1,308 claims of which 99% were based on stated grounds. A warrant and/or backing was provided for 73% of the claims. Most of the claims in the BIA reports involved a behavioural evaluation of the crime scene and offender characteristics. The potential utility of the reports was judged to be 95% for informative behavioural crime scene analysis and 40% for potential new lines of enquiry.

Practical implications

The reports should serve as a model for the work of behavioural investigative advisers internationally.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically evaluate BIA reports commissioned by the NCA; it adds to previous similar studies by evaluating the largest number of BIA reports ever reviewed, and uniquely provides judgement of overall utility.
Impact of technical efficiency and input-driven growth in the Indian food processing sector
Authors: Akram Vasim , Al-Zyoud Hussein , Illiyan Asheref , Elloumi Fathi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines the performance of India's food processing sector by estimating its output growth, technical efficiency (TE) and input-driven growth (IDG)

Design/methodology/approach

This study used panel data from six food processing manufacturing industries for the period 2000–01 to 2017–18. Technical efficiency and input-driven growth was measured using the parametric half-normal stochastic frontier production function.

Findings

The findings of this study showed that the estimated average technical efficiency is 86.6%, which specifies that the Indian food processing sector is technically inefficient. In addition, the output growth rate is 5.5%, driven by high doses of inputs (5.7%), whereas there is no indication of constant returns to scale. However, the food processing sector has experienced more input-driven expansion than either technological or efficiency changes.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to India's organized manufacturing food processing sector; the aggregate macro data at a three-digit level based on the national industrial classification (NIC) was used. This study provides robust estimates for industrialists and processors, as well as concrete policy formulations on how overdoses of inputs may lead to high exploitation of resources, whereas outputs can be augmented by implementing upgraded and new technologies.

Originality/value

Previous research has estimated the total factor productivity and technical efficiency only in order to analyze the food sector's performance, but none of the studies have evaluated the share of inputs in growth performance and efficiency. Therefore, this study contributes by measuring growth performance and the share of inputs in the growth performance of India's food processing sector.
Antecedents of patient satisfaction in the medical tourism sector: a review
Authors: Toni Mercy , Jithina K.K. , Thomas K.V.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to outline the antecedents of patient satisfaction in the field of medical tourism (MT) applying extant literature and to develop a conceptual model based on the review.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a thorough review of prior studies related to the antecedents of patient satisfaction in the MT sector. Moreover, it provides the theoretical base that helped the researcher to identify significant relationship between the patient satisfaction and its antecedents.

Findings

The researchers identified the prominent antecedents of patient satisfaction and present the potential interrelationships between different antecedents of patient satisfaction such as treatment quality, cost attractiveness, destination image and service quality with patient satisfaction based on the review.

Practical implications

The results have momentous practical implications as they will help researchers to better understand the antecedents of patient satisfaction and their potential inter linkages with patient satisfaction in MT sector. The conceptual model derived from the review may guide the actions of researchers as well as practitioners in the MT industry as a whole. The present study provides insights for further research in the MT sector and thereby helps to further enrich the existing theoretical base of the MT.

Originality/value

The study brings together the scattered knowledge from the broad and extensive range of medical or health tourism and cognate literature which indicate ideological differences among various aspects of MT as well as potential factors determining patient satisfaction in MT sector (antecedents of satisfaction). The newly developed model incorporates a new construct called “treatment quality” as different from “service quality,” which is a widely used construct to explain customer satisfaction. The antecedents of patient satisfaction and their inter-linkages with patient satisfaction provide a sound theoretical foundation for the future studies.
Using social media-based telemedicine counselling to promote adherence to treatment plans after oral and maxillofacial surgeries in Nigeria
Authors: Anibueze Anselm Uchenna , Talabi Olaoluwa Temitope , Talabi Felix Olajide , Aderibigbe Adebola Adewunmi , Zannu Prosper Nunayon , Sanusi Bernice Oluwalanu , Gever Verlumun Celestine
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the impact of telemedicine with WhatsApp on adherence to treatment plans amongst patients who have experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeries like implants, wisdom tooth removal, facial trauma and facial reconstruction.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used a descriptive survey research design and sampled a total of 294 patients in Nigeria who experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeries 6 months before the study and provided responses that were used for analysis. The questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection.

Findings

The researchers found that telemedicine for counselling after oral and maxillofacial surgeries have a significant relationship with adherence to the treatment plan. The analysis revealed a significant interactive effect of telemedicine competence F(3,290) 11.423, p = 001 ? p2 = 0.038. The more skilful patients are at telemedicine, the more likely they are to engage in it and vice versa. The participants also preferred a combination of live and recorded interaction forms. It was also found that a combination of different message forms, like audio, text and video, predicts satisfaction with telemedicine.

Originality/value

This study has shown that social media are now playing important roles in health care delivery to patients, and this may continue to expand as societies evolve.
Women, food security and the pandemic in peri-urban and rural West Bengal
Authors: Dasgupta Rajeshwari
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Gender-differentiated role obligations, constraints and dependencies affect food security dynamics across peri-urban and rural areas. This paper aims to understand how periods of crisis disproportionately exacerbate hardships for female populations in such areas and endeavours to assist agro-food policymaking in formulating support initiatives more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

A feasibility/pilot survey was conducted through face-to-face semi-structured interviews in public settings and sought to understand and analyse the differentiated impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on rural and peri-urban food insecurity through the experiences of 50 women from across various districts in West Bengal.

Findings

The study found that women play multivarious roles regarding food security in rural and peri-urban households, extend these obligations to their female children and encounter deficiencies in financial autonomy to access and use food resources. It concludes that while women seem to contribute the most to household and community food security, they are also most vulnerable to food insecurity. These vulnerabilities were exacerbated during the pandemic.

Practical implications

This feasibility/pilot study may serve as a springboard for a larger, more comprehensive survey exploring the dynamics of gender inequality, food insecurity and the Covid-19 pandemic amongst women across peri-urban and rural areas in West Bengal. This may bolster pandemic vulnerability analyses and impact assessments in the State.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, no other study implemented in West Bengal explores the interfaces between gender inequality, food insecurity and the Covid-19 pandemic in rural and peri-urban areas.
A novel robust design optimization method combining improved flower pollination algorithm and dual Kriging
Authors: Zhang Duo , Li Yonghua , Wang Gaping , Xia Qing , Zhang Hang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a more precise method for robust design optimization of mechanical structures with black-box problems, while also considering the efficiency of uncertainty analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The method first introduces a dual adaptive chaotic flower pollination algorithm (DACFPA) to overcome the shortcomings of the original flower pollination algorithm (FPA), such as its susceptibility to poor accuracy and convergence efficiency when dealing with complex optimization problems. Furthermore, a DACFPA-Kriging model is developed by optimizing the relevant parameter of Kriging model via DACFPA. Finally, the dual Kriging model is constructed to improve the efficiency of uncertainty analysis, and a robust design optimization method based on DACFPA-Dual-Kriging is proposed.

Findings

The DACFPA outperforms the FPA, particle swarm optimization and gray wolf optimization algorithms in terms of solution accuracy, convergence speed and capacity to avoid local optimal solutions. Additionally, the DACFPA-Kriging model exhibits superior prediction accuracy and robustness contrasted with the original Kriging and FPA-Kriging. The proposed method for robust design optimization based on DACFPA-Dual-Kriging is applied to the motor hanger of the electric multiple units as an engineering case study, and the results confirm a significant reduction in the fluctuation of the maximum equivalent stress.

Originality/value

This study represents the initial attempt to enhance the prediction accuracy of the Kriging model using the improved FPA and to combine the dual Kriging model for uncertainty analysis, providing an idea for the robust optimization design of mechanical structure with black-box problem.
Competitive ability of dwarf bamboo (Sasa borealis) through long‐term clonal growth in mixed dwarf bamboo communities in the understory of a temperate deciduous forest
Authors: Niiyama Kaoru , Shibata Mitsue , Saitoh Tomoyuki , Naoe Shoji
Published: October 2023

We investigated the clonal competition of three co‐occurring dwarf bamboo species, Sasa borealis, Sasa nipponica, and Sasaella ramosa, for 32 years in an old‐growth beech forest in central Japan. A study plot (10 m × 24 m) was established to examine the culm dynamics of these species. Sasa borealis had a competitive advantage over the other species. It invaded the other bamboo populations at a rate of 0.84–0.89 m/y from 1988 to 2020, while S. nipponica invaded at a rate of 0.17 m/y until 2003. After that, S. nipponica started to retreat at a rate of 0.85 m/y along with the invasion of S. borealis until 2020. The invasion rate of S. borealis did not change before and after the competition with S. nipponica. Our results showed that it would take 13.9–14.8 years from S. borealis invasion for S. nipponica to disappear. The density of S. ramosa decreased but it did not disappear from the plot because it retreated at a slow rate of 0.08 m/y. Sasa borealis almost achieved its potential maximum culm density, but the other two bamboo species did not. If stable conditions were maintained, S. borealis would continue to invade, dominate, and eliminate the other bamboo species. The ecological traits of dwarf bamboo species, such as the maximum density, size, and longevity of culms, are good indicators for assessing their competitiveness. Our findings demonstrate that dwarf bamboo species are actually replaced by another bamboo species in the forest understory during a long period.
Novel virulent and temperate cyanophages predicted to infect Microcoleus associated with anatoxin‐producing benthic mats
Authors: Valadez‐Cano Cecilio , Reyes‐Prieto Adrian , Lawrence Janice
Published: October 2023

Cyanophages are crucial for regulating cyanobacterial populations, but their influence on anatoxin‐producing Microcoleus mat dynamics remains unexplored. Here, we use metagenomics to explore phage presence in benthic mats from the Wolastoq|Saint John River (New Brunswick, Canada) and the Eel River (California, USA). We recovered multiple viral‐like sequences associated with different putative bacterial hosts, including two cyanophage genomes with apparently different replication strategies. A temperate cyanophage was found integrated in the genomes of Microcoleus sp. 3 recovered from the Eel River and is phylogenetically related to Phormidium phages. We also recovered novel virulent cyanophage genomes from Wolastoq and Eel River mats that were dominated by anatoxin‐producing Microcoleus species predicted to be the host. Despite the geographical distance, these genomes have similar sizes (circa 239 kbp) and share numerous orthologous genes with high sequence identity. A considerable reduction of the anatoxin‐producing Microcoleus species in Wolastoq mats following the emergence of the virulent phage suggests that phage infections have an important role in limiting the abundance of this toxigenic cyanobacterium and releasing anatoxins into the surrounding water. Our results constitute the first report of cyanophages predicted to infect mat‐forming Microcoleus species associated with anatoxin production.
Predicting chronological age based on age‐related osteophyte development in the superior and inferior vertebral centrum margins of T12‐L5
Authors: Schanandore James V. , Ford Jonathan M. , Decker Summer J.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between vertebral margins at individual vertebral levels between T12‐L5 vertebra and chronological age and develop predictive models. Three hundred and nineteen CT scans from a medical imaging database in North America were randomly selected. Three superior and inferior vertebral margin sites were scored based on observable age‐related changes. All individual vertebral margin site scores significantly correlated with age at death with Pearson r values ranging from 0.47 to 0.77. Totaling the individual vertebral margin site scores for L1‐L5 improved Pearson r to 0.92. All resulting predictive models were significant, and the best models predicted age at death within 10 years 70%–76% of the time for males, females, and combined male and females. In conclusion, this study produced accurate and reliable models to predict age at death using age‐related changes in the spine for a North American population.
‘It Must End, or I Must End’: Castlereagh, Mental Health and Politics in Regency Britain
Authors: Brunatti Andrew
Published: October 2023

Viscount Castlereagh (1769–1822), Britain's polarising foreign secretary and leader of the house of commons from 1812–22, has been studied through the lens of diplomacy and politics, but never through the lens of mental health. As 2022 marked the 200th anniversary of Castlereagh's suicide, mental health is still the missing link in our understanding of both Castlereagh as a public and private figure and the politics of his era. This article examines Castlereagh's career through the lens of modern research on mental health, applying an interdisciplinary approach that combines history, psychology, sociology, political studies and gender studies. The article argues that applying a mental health lens helps us better understand the pressures on Castlereagh as a politician, the stresses and strains of Regency‐era politics, and how those stresses resulted in risks to mental health. Perhaps most importantly, the article concludes that Castlereagh continues to be relevant today because his story illustrates: first, the need to understand the complexity of mental health risks in politics; and second, the types of persistent mental health risks that are still relevant for today's politicians and civil servants.
The Referendum Issue and the Edwardian Constitutional Crisis
Authors: Quinault Roland
Published: October 2023

This article considers the debates generated by referendum proposals during the constitutional crisis from 1909 to 1914. None of those proposals were adopted and they have received little attention from historians but they were not without significance. Some Conservatives saw the referendum as a way of democratically protecting the right of the house of lords to veto legislation passed by the house of commons, while others regarded the referendum process as a means by which single issues could be more effectively dealt with than at multi‐topic general elections. The debates also revealed many practical problems inherent in the various referendum schemes. They were ignored in the 21st century, when Conservative governments adopted referendums as a mechanism for overcoming internal party divisions.
Re‐assessing the Conservative Anti‐EEC Rebellion of 1971–2*
Authors: Aker Tim
Published: October 2023

Historians have overlooked the 1971–2 Conservative EEC rebellion because of the relative ease with which Edward Heath took the UK into the European Economic Community (EEC). In contrast with the rebellion over ratification of the Maastricht Treaty in 1993, Heath did not lose a vote on ‘Europe’. However, the episode marks a turning point in the way anti‐EEC dissent was expressed in the Conservative Party. The rush for EEC entry after the 1970 election stunned anti‐marketeers who believed they would not be corralled into voting against their stated beliefs. This pushed Neil Marten MP into organising a more sophisticated rebel organisation that would intensify the rebellion against the EEC. When compared to previous dissent on the EEC, it was organised and fully prepared to bring down a Conservative government. The episode nearly split the Conservative Party in two as anti‐market MPs threatened their constituency associations with by‐elections to resist grassroots pressure.
Morphology and computed tomography of the larynx in the white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris)
Authors: Schimming Bruno Cesar , Inamassu Letícia Rocha , Carvalho Bruno Critelli , Matheus Selma Maria Michelin
Published: October 2023

The white‐eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is a Neotropical marsupial that occurs in the Brazilian territory. The larynx is an important organ of vocalization in mammals, although, other laryngeal functions are more fundamental for survival of mammals than phonation. The anatomical knowledge of respiratory structures is pivotal for a better understanding of the species. Thus, this study aimed to examine the larynx of the white‐eared opossum by gross anatomy, computed tomography and histological description. For this, 10 adult (six females and four males) white‐eared opossums (D. albiventris) were used. The white‐eared opossum larynx was formed by epiglottis, thyroid, cricoids and arytenoid cartilages and a corniculate process. There is a similarity between the larynx of this marsupial and those reported in other wild mammals, regarding the number of cartilages and their location. Histologically, the epiglottis consisted of elastic cartilage and thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid cartilages were composed of hyaline cartilage. The epiglottis protruded rostrally into the nasal part of the pharynx, above the soft palate, and this is probably a marsupial characteristic as the fact that the thyroid and cricoid cartilages were ventrally fused. The hyoid apparatus was similar to that of other animals, with the same bony constitution, but with a greatly reduced stylohyoid bone. Histologically, the larynx was similar to those of other species such as koala, armadillo, crab‐eating foxes and giant anteaters. The knowledge of the larynx morphology is important for the anatomical features of the species and clinical and surgical procedures, such as endotracheal intubation.
Quality of life after non‐nerve‐sparing, robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Nakai Yasushi , Tanaka Nobumichi , Inoue Takeshi , Onishi Kenta , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Gotoh Daisuke , Miyake Makito , Torimoto Kazumasa , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: October 2023

Objective

To evaluate quality of life (QOL) after non‐nerve‐sparing, robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and factors associated with worsened QOL.

Methods

Patients who underwent non–nerve‐sparing RARP (n = 115) were enrolled. The Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and 8‐item Short Form Health Survey were used to evaluate QOL at baseline and postoperative 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Preoperative factors were evaluated by multivariate analysis for worsened QOL.

Results

Postoperative 24‐month urinary QOL worsened in 68 of 115 (59%) patients. In multivariate analysis, membranous urethral length ≥10.8 mm [odds ratio (OR): .26, 95% confidence interval (CI): .07–.96] and intravesical prostatic protrusion ≥12 mm (OR: .14, 95% CI .06–.35) were significantly associated with maintaining postoperative 24‐month urinary QOL. Significantly more patients with intravesical prostatic protrusion ≥12 mm than < 12 mm had improved urinary QOL. At postoperative 24 months, 43 of 115 (38%) patients had worsened sexual QOL. In multivariate analysis, higher Sexual Health Inventory for Men score (OR: 8.39, 95% CI 2.28–30.9), sexual activity (OR: 6.94, 95% CI: 2.27–21.2), and intercourse activity (OR: 6.81, 95% CI: 1.64–28.3) preoperatively were significantly associated with worsened postoperative 24‐month sexual QOL. More patients with high preoperative intercourse activity (12/23,53%) had significantly worsened (p = .009) QOL regarding sexual bother than those who had no preoperative intercourse activity (21/92, 23%).

Conclusion

After non‐nerve‐sparing RARP, patients with long membranous urethral length and/or intravesical prostatic protrusion maintain urinary QOL. Patients with high intercourse activity presented with impairment of sexual QOL after non‐nerve‐sparing RARP.
A snake cathelicidin enhances transcription factor EB‐mediated autophagy and alleviates ROS‐induced pyroptosis after ischaemia–reperfusion injury of island skin flaps
Authors: Yang Ningning , Yu Gaoxiang , Lai Yingying , Zhao Jiayi , Chen Zhuliu , Chen Liang , Fu Yuedong , Fang Pin , Gao Weiyang , Cai Yuepiao , Li Zhijie , Xiao Jian , Zhou Kailiang , Ding Jian
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

Ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major contributor to skin flap necrosis, which presents a challenge in achieving satisfactory therapeutic outcomes. Previous studies showed that cathelicidin‐BF (BF‐30) protects tissues from I/R injury. In this investigation, BF‐30 was synthesized and its role and mechanism in promoting survival of I/R‐injured skin flaps explored.

Experimental Approach

Survival rate analysis and laser Doppler blood flow analysis were used to evaluate I/R‐injured flap viability. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and dihydroethidium were utilized to examine the levels of apoptosis, pyroptosis, oxidative stress, transcription factor EB (TFEB)‐mediated autophagy and molecules related to the adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)–transient receptor potential mucolipin 1 (TRPML1)–calcineurin signalling pathway.

Key Results

The outcomes revealed that BF‐30 enhanced I/R‐injured island skin flap viability. Autophagy, oxidative stress, pyroptosis and apoptosis were related to the BF‐30 capability to enhance I/R‐injured flap survival. Improved autophagy flux and tolerance to oxidative stress promoted the inhibition of apoptosis and pyroptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Activation of TFEB increased autophagy and inhibited endothelial cell oxidative stress in I/R‐injured flaps. A reduction in TFEB level led to a loss of the protective effect of BF‐30, by reducing autophagy flux and increasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in endothelial cells. Additionally, BF‐30 modulated TFEB activity via the AMPK–TRPML1–calcineurin signalling pathway.

Conclusion and Implications

BF‐30 promotes I/R‐injured skin flap survival by TFEB‐mediated up‐regulation of autophagy and inhibition of oxidative stress, which may have possible clinical applications.
Locked down in distress: A quasi‐experimental estimation of the mental‐health fallout from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Anaya Lina , Howley Peter , Waqas Muhammad , Yalonetzky Gaston
Published: October 2023

We use a large‐scale longitudinal survey with a differences‐in‐differences research design to estimate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on mental health in the United Kingdom. We report substantial increases in psychological distress for the population overall during the first wave. These impacts were not uniformly distributed, with the mental health costs being more pronounced for females, younger cohorts, the black, Asian and minority ethnic community, and migrants. We also identified characteristics capable of predicting resilience to the mental health effects. We find that people with financial worries, loneliness or living in overcrowded dwellings experienced significantly worse mental health deterioration during the first wave.
Risk‐averse two‐stage stochastic programming for the inventory rebalancing of bike‐sharing systems
Authors: Walker Awnalisa , Kwon Soongeol
Published: October 2023

As the popularity and usage of bike‐sharing systems increase, a better decision‐making model tailored for the successful operations of bike‐sharing systems is needed. This study is motivated to address operator‐based inventory rebalancing of bike‐sharing systems, and the main objective is to develop a mathematical optimization model designed to derive an optimal daily inventory rebalancing plan. Specifically, this study proposes a risk‐averse two‐stage stochastic programming to determine optimal initial inventory levels for each station to minimize operational costs for relocating bikes and expected penalty costs due to unmet requests. This study adopts the conditional value at risk to properly measure the risk associated with unmet requests to implement risk‐averse stochastic programming. Numerical experiments are conducted based on scenario data generated by empirical distributions fitted to trip data from the Houston BCycle to validate and evaluate the proposed model. The results show that the proposed model can be successfully applied to inventory rebalancing to improve the usability of bike‐sharing systems.