bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot-Scale Process for the Extraction of Raffinose-Oligosaccharides from Pulse Protein Concentrates
Authors: Garbers Philipp , Gaber Sara M. , Tyl Catrin , Sahlstrøm Stefan , Knutsen Svein H. , Westereng Bjørge
Published: April 2024

Plant protein concentrates have gained popularity in recent years as part of a shift towards healthier and sustainable food production. Their production via dry fractionation is well established and leads to a protein ingredient that is also rich in raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs). Although these can cause gut discomfort, they might also serve as a valuable substrate fowr growth of probiotic bacteria or as substrate in other biotechnological applications. By using a process including mildly acidic extraction, separation and sequential filtration, a carbohydrate fraction enriched in RFOs was isolated from peas (48 %) and faba beans (26 %) on a kilogram scale. Simultaneously a fraction with elevated protein concentration (5-6 % increase compared to the starting material) and only minor changes in amino acid composition is produced. This process could serve ingredient manufacturers that seek to reduce RFOs in protein concentrates or to produce RFOs for biotechnological or chemical conversion towards new products. It also has potential to reduce the amount of acid and base compared to protein isolate production through wet fractionation. Furthermore, the whole process was performed with industrially relevant and scalable equipment.

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Long-term fasting remodels gut microbial metabolism and host metabolism
Authors: Ducarmon QR , Grundler F , Giannopoulou C , Loumé A , Karcher N , Larralde M , Romano S , MacArthur MR , Mitchell SJ , Wilhelmi de Toledo F , Zeller G , Mesnage R
Published: April 2024

Long-term fasting has become a promising research subject for its potential of treating and preventing metabolic diseases. However, little is known about its impact on the functional capacity of the gut microbiome and the combined effect on the serum metabolome. Here, we demonstrate extensive remodelling of the gut microbial ecosystem in humans (n=92) after an average of 9.8 days of fasting (∼250 kcal / day). Fasting transiently affected the relative abundance of the majority of bacterial species (306 decreased and 210 increased out of 772). Species changes could largely be explained by their genomic repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), which were investigated here for the first time. Fasting induced extensive abundance changes in CAZyme families, depleting families with dietary fibre substrates and increasing families with host-derived glycan substrates. Likewise, we observed extensive changes in the serum metabolome, with 382 out of 721 metabolites significantly affected (246 increased and 136 decreased). In-depth metagenome-metabolome co-variation analysis suggestedOscillibacterspecies to be key producers of indole-3-propionic acid, a crucial metabolite for cardiometabolic health. Together, our results provide an unprecedented view on the impact of long-term fasting on gut microbiome composition and function.
Discovery of RNA-Protein Molecular Clamps Using Proteome-Wide Stability Assays
Authors: Goldstein Stanley I. , Fan Alice C. , Wang Zihao , Naineni Sai K. , Cencic Regina , Garcia-Gutierrez Steve B. , Patel Kesha , Huang Sidong , Brown Lauren E. , Emili Andrew , Porco John A.
Published: April 2024

Uncompetitive inhibition is an effective strategy for suppressing dysregulated enzymes and their substrates, but discovery of suitable ligands depends on often-unavailable structural knowledge and serendipity. Hence, despite surging interest in mass spectrometry-based target identification, proteomic studies of substrate-dependent target engagement remain sparse. Herein, we describe a strategy for the discovery of substrate-dependent ligand binding. Using proteome integral solubility alteration (PISA) assays, we show that simple biochemical additives can enable detection of RNA-protein-small molecule complexes in native cell lysates. We apply our approach to rocaglates, molecules that specifically clamp RNA to eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A (eIF4A), DEAD-box helicase 3X (DDX3X), and potentially other members of the DEAD-box (DDX) helicase family. To identify unexpected interactions, we used a target class-specific thermal window and compared ATP analog and RNA base dependencies for key rocaglate-DDX interactions. We report and validate novel DDX targets of high-profile rocaglates – including the clinical candidate Zotatifin – using limited proteolysis-mass spectrometry and fluorescence polarization (FP) experiments. We also provide structural insight into divergent DDX3X affinities between synthetic rocaglates. Taken together, our study provides a model for screening uncompetitive inhibitors using a chemical proteomics approach and uncovers actionable DDX clamping targets, clearing a path towards characterization of novel molecular clamps and associated RNA helicases.
Proteomic analysis of the Aggregation Factor from the spongeClathria (Microciona) proliferasuggests an ancient protein domain toolkit for allorecognition in animals
Authors: Ruperti Fabian , Dzieciatkowska Monika , Pankey M. Sabrina , Asensio Cedric S. , Anselmetti Dario , Fernàndez-Busquets Xavier , Nichols Scott A.
Published: April 2024

The discovery that sponges (Porifera) can fully regenerate from aggregates of dissociated cells launched them as one of the earliest experimental models for cell adhesion and allorecognition studies in animals. This process depends on an extracellular glycoprotein complex called the Aggregation Factor (AF). However, our understanding of how animal adhesion and allorecognition mechanisms first evolved is complicated by the fact that the known components of the AF are thought to be unique to sponges. We used label-free quantitative proteomics to identify additional AF components and interacting proteins in the classical modelClathria proliferaand compare them to proteins involved in cell interactions in Bilateria. Our results confirm MAFp3/p4 as the primary components of the AF, but implicate related proteins with calx-beta and wreath domains as additional components. Using AlphaFold, we unveiled close structural similarities of AF components to distant homologs in other animals, previously masked by the stark decay of sequence similarity. The wreath domain, believed to be unique to the AF, was predicted to contain a central beta-sandwich of the same organization as the vWFD domain in extracellular, gel-forming gly-coproteins in other animals. Additionally, we co-purified candidate AF-interacting proteins that share a conserved C-terminus, containing divergent Ig-like and Fn3 domains, a combination also known from IgCAMs. One of these, MAFAP1, may function to link the AF to the surface of cells. Our results highlight the existence of an ancient toolkit of conserved protein domains regulating cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions in all animals, and likely reflect a common origin of cell-adhesion and allorecognition.
The moderating role of individual and social resources in gender effect on entrepreneurial growth aspirations
Authors: Nyakudya Frederick Wedzerai , Mickiewicz Tomasz , Theodorakopoulos Nicholas
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the effect of gender on entrepreneurial growth aspirations is moderated differently by individual resources (human and financial capital) compared to those within the social environment (availability of entrepreneurial knowledge and role models).

Design/methodology/approach

A multilevel estimator is used to investigate the determinants of growth aspirations of owners-managers of nascent start-ups. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor database is employed, covering the period 2007–2019, with 99,000 useable cases drawn from 95 countries.

Findings

The results suggest that individual financial resources and human capital have positive effects on entrepreneurial growth aspirations; yet these effects are weaker for female entrepreneurs relative to males. In contrast, the impact of the availability of entrepreneurial social knowledge and role models on their growth aspirations is more positive than for male entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel insight into entrepreneurial growth ambition, as it utilises a global perspective to scrutinise whether individual and social resources contribute differently to male versus female growth-aspirations, employing a multilevel approach. It also integrates insights from the resource-based view and from the relevant business literature on entrepreneurs’ gender to develop theoretical explanations.
Unveiling buyers’ preferences for privately developed affordable housing: a study in Kolkata, India
Authors: Biswas Sujoy , Mukerji Arjun
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the buyers’ preferences influencing the purchase of privately developed affordable housing in Kolkata and to determine whether unsold houses result from misalignment with these preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review and user-opinion survey identified 119 independent variables that indicate buyers’ preferences. A questionnaire survey of 383 households in affordable housing units from 32 housing complexes in Kolkata recorded buyers’ preferences and satisfaction against the independent variables grouped under five levels of characteristics. The product weights of variables derived from the rank sum method and percentage satisfaction give the Utility Score. Multivariate regression and univariate linear regressions were conducted to determine the significance of each Level of characteristics and each variable, identifying the significant variables that would affect the sale of affordable houses.

Findings

The multivariate regression analysis has indicated that 68.56% of the variation in the percentage of unsold houses was explained by the five utility scores, which affirms that misalignment with buyers’ preferences significantly affects the sale of privately developed affordable houses. Furthermore, building and neighbourhood-level utility show the highest significance as predictors, while city-level and miscellaneous utility have moderate significance, but housing complex-level utility lacks statistical significance.

Originality/value

This study addresses a research gap in privately developed affordable housing in Kolkata, enhancing understanding of buyer preferences in this segment.
Aggressive CSR strategy and CSR awarding: managerial opportunism versus social activism
Authors: Gerged Ali Meftah , Kuzey Cemil , Uyar Ali , Karaman Abdullah S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite the extensive body of research on absolute corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance, limited attention has been given to the distinct concepts of optimal and aggressive CSR engagement, as well as their associations with CSR awarding. This study aims to differentiate between optimal and aggressive CSR engagement and examine their relationship with CSR awarding while considering the moderating influence of board characteristics from the perspectives of stakeholder and agency theories.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical analysis draws on an international dataset comprising 43,803 observations from nine sectors across 41 countries. We employ a least squares dummy variable regression approach that accounts for country, industry and year effects to conduct the analysis.

Findings

The results reveal that engagement in aggressive CSR activities beyond the optimal level leads to the generation of a social reputation through CSR awarding. However, the influence of board characteristics on this relationship is significant. Specifically, the presence of a dedicated CSR committee encourages CSR awarding in the context of aggressive CSR engagement. Conversely, board independence constrains the relationship between aggressive CSR engagement and CSR awarding. Notably, board gender diversity does not have a discernible impact on this connection.

Practical implications

Our evidence provides valuable insights to help firms seeking to enhance their social reputation through CSR activities better allocate their resources and avoid unnecessary financial commitments.

Originality/value

This study advances the current understanding by exploring the relationship between aggressive CSR engagement and the recognition of CSR awards. Furthermore, it scrutinises the factors that dictate when such aggressive CSR engagement translates into enhanced social reputation, as evidenced by the attainment of CSR awards.
Managerial rationality, dysfunctional cognition and organizational decision comprehensiveness
Authors: Scholtes Christian , Trif Sabina , Curseu Petru Lucian
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Our study aims to explore the interplay between dysfunctional cognitive schemas and rationality for decision comprehensiveness in organizational strategic decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a cross-sectional design in which we evaluated individual decision rationality using an objective decision competence test and dysfunctional cognitive schemas in a sample of 270 managers (145 women with an average age of 41 years old). In addition, we asked managers to rate the decision comprehensiveness of their organization’s strategic decision processes.

Findings

Our findings support the detrimental impact of dysfunctional cognition in strategic decision-making in such a way that the association between individual managerial rationality and the comprehensiveness of organizational strategic decisions was positive only when managers reported low dysfunctional cognition, while when managers reported high levels of dysfunctional cognitive schemas, the association between rationality and comprehensiveness was negative.

Originality/value

Our study provides initial empirical evidence for the interplay between dysfunctional cognition and managerial rationality in strategic decision processes, and it opens venues for future research to explore the detrimental role of dysfunctional cognitive schemas in strategy processes.
When do we think farther and deeper? Interacting impacts of accountability focus and organizational learning on proactive policy orientation
Authors: Lee Junesoo , Choi Heungsuk
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study attempts to answer the question: “how are the two drivers, accountability focus and organizational learning, independently and interactively associated with public agencies’ proactive policy orientation?” The first driver is the multiple accountabilities that public agencies pursue: (1) bureaucratic, (2) legal, (3) professional and (4) political. The second driver is the organizational learning activities of public agencies: (1) socialization, (2) externalization, (3) combination and (4) internalization.

Design/methodology/approach

For data, 800 respondents from the public agencies in South Korea were surveyed.

Findings

The analysis provided several findings: (1) the discretionary accountabilities (professional and political) have a greater positive influence on the proactive policy orientation; (2) the conventional accountabilities (legal and bureaucratic) tend to have negative impacts on the proactive policy orientation and (3) among the four types of accountability, legal accountability can be more significantly complemented by organizational learning activities, which can enable both visionary and realistic administration in a balanced manner.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique insight on how organizational proactivity can be ensured through the interactions of organizational accountabilities and organizational learning.
Corporate social responsibility: an enabler of organizational resilience
Authors: Zheng Qinyao , Lin Jiabao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Drawing on social capital theory, this study aims to explore the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on organizational resilience. The research investigates the mediating role of relationship quality in the association of CSR with organizational resilience, and the moderating role of data-driven culture in the association between CSR and relationship quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from Chinese agricultural firms with a sample of 241 senior or middle executives and structural equation modeling was used to test the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that CSR positively affects the relationship quality between agribusinesses and farmers, which in turn positively affects both proactive resilience and reactive resilience. Relationship quality has a partial mediating role in the association of CSR with proactive resilience and reactive resilience. Data-driven culture has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between CSR and relationship quality.

Originality/value

By arguing for CSR toward organizational resilience and analyzing its underlying mechanism, this study enriches the literature on CSR and organizational resilience and expands the existing knowledge on the roles of relationship quality and data-driven culture. This study also provides practical insights into how to improve organizational resilience.
Innovation-enhancing HRM, employee promotive voice and perceived organizational performance: a multilevel moderated serial mediation analysis
Authors: Zhang Mingqiong Mike , Zhu Jiuhua Cherrie , De Cieri Helen , McNeil Nicola , Zhang Kaixin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In a complex, ever-changing, and turbulent business world, encouraging employees to express their improvement-oriented novel ideas through voice behavior is crucial for organizations to survive and thrive. Understanding how to foster employee promotive voice at work is a significant issue for both researchers and managers. This study explores how to foster employee promotive voice through specific HRM practices and positive employee attitudes. It also examines the effect of employee promotive voice on perceived organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a time-lagged multisource survey design. Data were collected from 215 executives, 790 supervisors, and 1,004 employees in 113 firms, and analyzed utilizing a multilevel moderated serial mediation model.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed that promotive voice was significantly related to perceived organizational performance. Innovation-enhancing HRM was positively associated with employee promotive voice. The HRM-voice relationship was partially mediated by employee job satisfaction. Power distance orientation was found to significantly moderate the relationship between innovation-enhancing HRM and employee job satisfaction at the firm level. Our findings showed that innovation-enhancing HRM policies may fail to foster promotive voice if they do not enhance employee job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study challenges some taken-for-granted assumptions in the literature such as any high performance HRM bundles (e.g. HPWS) can foster employee promotive voice, and the effects of HRM are direct and even unconditional on organizational outcomes. It emphasizes the need to avoid potential unintended effects of HRM on employee voice and the importance of contextualizing voice research.
Introduction: can we operationalize digital nomadism in the tourism sector?
Authors: Günay Semra , Akgiş İlhan Öznur
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The authors focus on the strategic question in this article. It is aimed to draw a conceptual framework in line with the articles in the thematic issue to understand the rise of digital nomadism in tourism and to examine how it can be integrated into the tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on a literature review and examination of existing research on the subject, with the aim of answering the research question and contributing to the development of future strategic thoughts.

Findings

Digital nomadism is changing traditional tourism models and offering new opportunities to industry stakeholders. In this context, digital nomadism is an important opportunity for countries that want to increase their tourism income.

Originality/value

This article explores the potential contributions of digital nomadism to the tourism industry and offers suggestions for developing strategic thinking in the industry.
Experimental study of geophysical and transport properties of salt rocks in the context of underground energy storage
Authors: Falcon‐Suarez Ismael Himar , Dale Michael , Marin‐Moreno Hector
Published: April 2024

Artificial caverns in salt rock formations play an important role in the net‐zero energy transition challenge, both for covering short‐term fluctuations in energy demand and serving as safe locations for long‐term underground gas storage both for hydrogen and natural gas. Geophysical tools can serve for monitoring geomechanical changes in the salt cavern during selection and development, and during gas storage/extraction activities, but the use of common geophysical monitoring techniques has been very limited in this area. Here, we present experimental work on physical and transport properties of halite rocks within the energy storage context and assess the potential of seismic and electromagnetic data to monitor gas storage activities in salt formations. First, we analysed the stress‐dependency of the elastic and transport properties of five halite rocks to improve our understanding on changes in the geological system during gas storage operations. Second, we conducted two dissolution tests, using cracked and intact halite samples, monitored with seismic (ultrasonic P‐ and S‐waves velocities and their attenuation factors) and electromagnetic (electrical resistivity) sources to evaluate (i) the use of these common geophysical sensing methods to remotely interpret caverning development and (ii) the effect of structural discontinuities on rock salt dissolution. Elastic properties and permeability showed an increasing trend towards rock sealing and mechanical enhancement with increasing pressure for permeabilities above 10−21 m2, with strong linear correlations up to 20 MPa. In the dissolution tests, the ultrasonic waves and electrical resistivity showed that the presence of small structural discontinuities largely impacts the dissolution patterns. Our results indicate that seismic and electromagnetic methods might help in the selection and monitoring of the caverning process and gas storage operations, contributing to the expected increase in demand of large‐scale underground hydrogen storage.
What did it used to look like? A case study from tall, wet mainland Mountain Ash forests prior to British invasion
Authors: Lindenmayer David , Taylor Chris , Bowd Elle , Zylstra Philip
Published: April 2024

There has been extensive commentary about historical First Nations' land management in Australia, including in tall, wet forests, and therefore their condition at the time of the British invasion in 1788. Popular texts have interpreted records kept by early British invaders to argue that extensive areas of tall, wet forest were kept open through frequent burning by the First Peoples. However, these interpretations conflict with historical and ecological evidence, which is rarely acknowledged in public discourse. Here, we present evidence about what Victorian Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests were like at the time of the British invasion. We show that at the time of the British invasion, most areas of mainland Mountain Ash forests were likely to have been naturally dense and wet, with: (1) overstorey trees spaced relatively widely; and (2) an understorey consisting of a cool temperate rainforest mesic layer. Ecological and physiological evidence suggests that Mountain Ash forests evolved under conditions where high‐severity wildfire was comparatively rare, leading to patterns of landscape‐level cover dominated by relatively mature forests. This is broadly consistent with reports from the First Peoples, early historical accounts, paintings, and photographs. These forests were not open or park‐like, as may have been the case in some other Australian vegetation types. However, these forests were not wilderness, but places of significance to the First Peoples. Understanding forest structure at the time of the British invasion is critically important in establishing historical reference conditions for guiding appropriate restoration programmes, especially the reinstatement of traditional ecological knowledge, after long periods of post‐British invasion disturbance and degradation. Notably, the dense, wet understorey that characterizes Mountain Ash forests should be recognized as an inherent and entirely natural part of the ecological dynamics of this ecosystem, with approaches to thin, burn, or remove it highly likely to be counterproductive and have a range of detrimental environmental effects.
Productive leisure on the farm
Authors: Frazier Camille
Published: April 2024

In the context of deepening national concern about the future of farming in India, professionals in Bengaluru's (Bangalore's) booming information technology and related industries are purchasing agricultural land at the edges of the city and farming in their free time. These “techie farmers” invest their money and time in cultivation either (1) to generate idealized agrarian traditions and aesthetics or (2) to prove that with the right approach, agriculture can be economically and ecologically viable. Techie farmers’ weekends spent on the farm are a form of what I call “productive leisure”: the act of engaging in leisure activities that are positioned as productive alternatives to other forms of work and play. Yet techie farmers’ experiments in cultivating self and society remain anchored in and further entrench the inequalities that make agriculture a precarious livelihood strategy for some and a productive leisure activity for others.
Observational study showed that using video consultations was a viable way of delivering an early discharge programme for preterm infants
Authors: Gustavsen Linn Jahren , Le Marechal Flore , Tandberg Bente Silnes
Published: April 2024

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate an early discharge programme with video consultations for preterm infants.

Methods

A homecare programme for preterm infants was developed. Prospective data on readmissions, length of stay, growth, breastfeeding rates, and parent self‐reports about satisfaction were collected from April 2021 to August 2023. Additionally, retrospective data were collected from the Norwegian Neonatal Network Central Database from 2020.

Results

Preterm infants, 72 and parents, 128 were included. The infants were discharged from the hospital at a median of 35 + 6 (34 + 0–42 + 4) weeks postmenstrual age. The median length of stay in the program was 18 days (3–37). There were four readmissions. The Z‐score of infant weight slightly increased during the follow up, with a mean of 0.16. By discharge, 75% of the infants were exclusively breastfed. Growth and breastfeeding rates were in line with retrospective data (85 infants). The response rate of the parents to the survey was 61 (52%). Overall, the parents (n = 54) were highly satisfied (96%). The video consultations contributed to ensuring parents to feel safe in caring for their infant at home.

Conclusion

Follow up by video consultations is a viable healthcare service for preterm infants, the infants' growth is sufficient, breastfeeding rates are maintained, and parents feel safe and satisfied.
Group ethical voice and ethical behaviors: The mediating role of group moral transitive motivation and moderating role of group faultlines
Authors: Qi Meng , Feng Bin , Liu Fei , Qian Ting
Published: April 2024

Ethical voice involves individuals’ perceptions of what is right and what is wrong. Although prior research has investigated the impacts of individual‐level prohibitive ethical expression on personal outcomes, there has been limited examination of ethical voice at the group level. Our study examines how and when different types of ethical voice influence group outcomes. Using data gathered from 363 participants from 61 groups in two Chinese companies, the results reveal that promotive and prohibitive ethical voices at the group level exert opposing influences on group moral transitive motivation. Group moral transitive motivation serves as a mediating factor in the association between the two types of ethical voice and group ethical behaviors (GEB). In addition, group faultlines moderate the impact of promotive ethical voice and prohibitive ethical voice on group moral transitive motivation and on GEB (via group moral transitive motivation). Our study extends the focus of research from a single type of ethical voice at the individual level to multiple types at the group level. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge regarding group ethical voice (GEV) by articulating its mediating mechanism as well as its boundary condition. This research provides valuable insights for researchers and managers by offering a comprehensive understanding about the role of different types of GEV and how to reform GEV.
Bariatric surgeons' views on pre‐operative factors associated with improved health‐related quality of life following surgery
Authors: Majstorovic M. , Chur‐Hansen A. , Andrews J. M. , Burke A. L. J.
Published: April 2024

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity, affording significant improvements in weight loss and health‐related quality of life. However, bariatric surgeons' views on whether certain pre‐operative factors predict improvements in post‐operative health‐related quality of life, and if so, which ones, are largely unknown. This cross‐sectional survey study examined the views of 58 bariatric surgeons from Australia and New Zealand. A total of 18 factors were selected for exploration based on their mention in the literature. Participants rated the extent to which they thought these pre‐operative factors would improve post‐operative health‐related quality of life. Responses showed that bariatric surgeons held diverse perspectives and revealed a lack of consensus regarding “predictive” factors. Generally, respondents agreed that better than average health literacy, higher socioeconomic status, good physical and psychological health, and positive social support were predictors of improved health‐related quality of life following surgery. However, poor eating behaviours, smoking, and the use of alcohol or other substances were deemed negative predictors. Interestingly, aside from higher socioeconomic status, good psychological health, and positive social support, none of the aforementioned views aligned with existing literature. This study offers an initial insight into bariatric surgeons' views on the influence of different pre‐operative factors on post‐operative health‐related quality of life. The array of views identified suggests that there may be an opportunity for medical education, but the findings warrant caution due to the sample size. Replication with a larger survey may be useful, especially as predicted health‐related quality of life outcomes could guide decisions regarding surgical (non)progression.
The role of substrate‐borne vibrational signals in the sexual communication of the painted bug, Bagrada hilaris
Authors: Scala Marica , Peccerillo Chiara , Fouani Jalal M. , Nieri Rachele , Baser Nuray , Verrastro Vincenzo , Cristofaro Massimo , Anfora Gianfranco , Mazzoni Valerio
Published: April 2024

The invasive alien stink bug Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), native to eastern‐southern Africa and central‐southern Asia, poses significant economic threats to agroecosystems due to its polyphagous diet with a preference for brassicaceous crops. Current control methods using broad‐spectrum insecticides are expensive and often result in significant negative ecological impacts, as well as posing a health risk to consumers. This study provides a detailed description of the mating behavior of B. hilaris, with the aim to ascertain whether substrate‐borne vibrations have a role in premating phases. Such knowledge may contribute to the development of alternative biorational control techniques employing vibrational strategies. Virgin adults were tested individually or in pairs on different substrates, that is, a loudspeaker membrane and a bean plant. Vibrations emitted by males and females were recorded using a laser Doppler vibrometer, and the following spectral and temporal parameters were analyzed: fundamental frequency, emission time, repetition time, and signal modulation. Three distinct types of vibration emitted by males and females were identified: a male vibrotype (MV‐1), a female vibrotype (FV), and a copula signal exclusively emitted by males (MS‐2). MV‐1 and FV were emitted prior to genitalia contact, whereas MS‐2 was emitted within the mounting and engagement phases. Statistical analysis revealed significant transitions in behavioral phases for couples that achieved mating. By analyzing the walking behavior, there was an inverse relationship between motility and signal emission when comparing the two sexes, which suggests that males might engage in a form of searching behavior. These findings provide insight into the crucial role of vibrational communication to achieve mating in B. hilaris.
Evaluation of a community‐based brief intervention service for youth in crisis with suicidal ideation or self‐harm
Authors: Teasdale Scott B. , Dixon Caitlin , Ball Jeffrey S. , Bradbury Natalie A. , Gaskin Claire I. T. , Curtis Jackie , Mohan Adith
Published: April 2024

Aim

To evaluate the implementation of a mixed virtual and in‐person brief intervention for young people, aged 12–25 years, presenting to a large urban mental health service in crisis with suicidal ideation and/or self‐harm.

Methods

A pragmatic, real‐world evaluation was conducted on the Youth Brief Intervention Service between June 2021 (inception) and October 2022. Service users were offered four sessions over an approximate one‐month period. Sessions focused on distress tolerance, safety plans and support systems. Implementation outcomes related to service uptake, retention, fidelity of the model and service user experience. Effectiveness outcomes were measured pre‐post and included mental health‐related hospital service utilization (primary outcome), functioning, mental health status, self‐harm, suicidal ideation and quality of life.

Results

Of the 136 young people referred to the Youth Brief Intervention Service, 99 were accepted with 17 disengaging before the first session. Eighty percent of people who commenced, completed the package of care. Young persons' and parent/carers experience of service was high (97% and 88%, respectively). Mental health‐related emergency department presentations and inpatient days decreased from 3 months pre‐intake to 3 months post‐intake (42 vs. 7 presentations, X
2 = 25.3, p < .001; 11 vs. 0 inpatient days, X
2 = 9.1, p = .01). There were significant improvements in mental health status, days engaging in self‐harm, general health and functioning and quality of life.

Conclusions

The Youth Brief Intervention Service is feasible, acceptable, subjectively beneficial and coincided with less mental health‐related emergency department presentations and inpatient days, and improved mental health status and behaviour.
Extruded seed pelleting offers an alternative direct seeding option to rehabilitate forested ecosystems impacted by a soil‐borne plant pathogen
Authors: Harshani Himbutugoda S. , Burgess Treena , Hardy Giles , Erickson Todd E.
Published: April 2024

The high cost of native seeds and low seedling establishment percentages after seed broadcasting are major constraints for seed‐based rehabilitation. This study examines whether extruded seed pelleting can be used as a tool to distribute seeds more effectively (e.g. distribute small seeds in a precise manner) while maintaining or enhancing seedling emergence and establishment of Australian shrub species used in the rehabilitation of Phytophthora cinnamomi infested Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest sites. Pellet formulation was first tested using five different formulations of dry ingredients and the addition of seeds from four Phytophthora‐resistant species under glasshouse conditions. The best performing formulation from this work was then adopted to compare laboratory‐produced and field‐deployed pellets. Seedling emergence of the larger seeded species, Raspberry Jam Wattle (Acacia acuminata) and Pin‐cushion Hakea (Hakea laurina), was highest using field‐deployed pellets and emergence was statistically similar to the non‐pelleted seeds. Seedling emergence reached 100% for the small seeded species, Silky‐leaved Bold Flower (Calothamnus sanguineus) and Melaleuca seriata, from laboratory‐produced pellets and was significantly higher than non‐pelleted seeds. These results indicate that extruded pelleting offers an alternative direct seeding option that can result in greater or equal seedling emergence than that observed with non‐pelleted seeds, yet the responses are species‐specific. These species‐specific pelleting techniques must now be tested under field conditions to confirm whether pellet production method and delivery improve seedling establishment under field conditions.
Do different camera trap lures result in different detection rates of vertebrates because of their attractiveness to invertebrates?
Authors: Weston Michael A. , Porch Nick , Whisson Desley A. , White John G. , Cooke Raylene , Gagliardi Jarrod , Rendall Anthony R.
Published: April 2024

The type of attractant used in camera trap lures is recognised as an important methodological decision. We investigated whether the type of attractant in lures indirectly influences detectability of wildlife on cameras via differential attraction of invertebrates which themselves constitute prey of insectivorous animals. We indexed invertebrate abundance using pitfall and sticky‐traps at 36 camera stations deployed in a Latin Squares design for 5 days, with three lure options (peanut‐butter, tuna oil and control) in a coastal mosaic, at Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia. We classified vegetation types (habitat) as: low (no or sparse), medium (grass), and high (shrubs) from aerial imagery and estimated their percentage cover at each grid point (medium and high were uncorrelated and included as separate variables in models). We first examine if attractant types or the habitat influence invertebrate abundance and assemblage, and then examine whether invertebrate abundance influences vertebrate detectability on cameras. There was a trend for the composition of terrestrial invertebrate assemblages to be influenced by lure type (peanut‐butter, tuna oil and control attractants) and the proportional cover of medium height vegetation within 20 m; however, assemblage composition was clearly influenced by the proportional area of high vegetation cover within 20 m. The detection probability of insectivorous birds increased where medium‐sized (2.5–5 mm) flying invertebrates were present whereas insectivorous mammal detectability increased with terrestrial invertebrate species richness. Mammal detections are more likely associated with use of habitats that have more diverse invertebrate communities. This study provides some support to the hypothesis of the indirect mechanism whereby bird detections are influenced by invertebrate attraction to lures. Therefore, lure choice for camera traps is critical and the possibility of guild‐level biases in detection suggests that cautious interpretation of results is required.
The use of automated and AI‐driven algorithms for the detection of hippocampal sclerosis and focal cortical dysplasia
Authors: Bernasconi Andrea , Gill Ravnoor S. , Bernasconi Neda
Published: April 2024

In drug‐resistant epilepsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a central role in detecting lesions as it offers unmatched spatial resolution and whole‐brain coverage. In addition, the last decade has witnessed continued developments in MRI‐based computer‐aided machine‐learning techniques for improved diagnosis and prognosis. In this review, we focus on automated algorithms for the detection of hippocampal sclerosis and focal cortical dysplasia, particularly in cases deemed as MRI negative, with an emphasis on studies with histologically validated data. In addition, we discuss imaging‐derived prognostic markers, including response to anti‐seizure medication, post‐surgical seizure outcome, and cognitive reserves. We also highlight the advantages and limitations of these approaches and discuss future directions toward person‐centered care.
Penile carcinoma: A retrospective analysis of 93 patients at a tertiary care center in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Manurung Mega Anara , Umbas Rainy , Hamid Agus Rizal A. H. , Mochtar Chaidir Arif
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Penile carcinoma (PC) is a rare disease with considerable physical and psychological impact. To date, there is no data regarding PC prevalence and characteristics in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of patients with PC in Indonesia and determine cumulative survival rates and time to disease progression.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with PC at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital from 1995 to 2014, with a minimum of 1 year follow‐up. The outcomes of the study were cumulative survival rates and time‐to‐disease progression.

Results

Ninety‐three subjects were recruited, with a mean age of 49.44 ± 13.62. Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) was performed in 49 (53%) patients. The mean survival in the ILND group was better compared to the non‐ILND group (80.7 months vs. 67.1 months; p = 0.032). Time‐to‐progression in the ILND group was significantly longer than in the non‐ILND group (71.7 months vs. 54.3 months; p = 0.022). No significant difference in survival between the total and partial penectomy (PP) groups was observed (p = 0.701). Time‐to‐progression in total penectomy (TP) was significantly longer than in PP (68 months vs. 56.0 months; p = 0.023). In Cox‐regression analysis, after adjustment of other variables, history of ILND, higher stage of cancer, and older age were found to affect the survival of patients.

Conclusion

ILND in PC led to better survival and reduced disease progression. The type of penectomy is only associated with progression but not survival. TP had a longer time to disease progression compared to PP.
Influence of trap centers on persistent luminescence of Cr3+ or Yb3+ Co‐doped Y3Al2Ga3O12:Pr3+ ceramic phosphors
Authors: Du Qiping , Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: April 2024

Lanthanide ion doped garnet is one of the representative persistent luminescence (PersL) phosphors that have been widely investigated. However, the role of the trap centers, either intentionally added co‐dopants or intrinsic defects arising during the sintering process, and their effect on the performance of PersL has not been completely elucidated, especially when they coexist. In pursuit of clarifying the relationship among different trap centers and their impact on the afterglow, herein, low‐concentration Pr3+ and Cr3+/Yb3+ (electron trap) co‐doped Y3Al2Ga3O12 ceramic phosphors are synthesized using a solid‐state reaction method under a vacuum atmosphere and some of them are further subjected to annealing condition. The observed thermoluminescence glow curves are composed of two strong peaks related to oxygen vacancies and a weak peak formed by each Cr and Yb trap based on the relative concentration ratio. On the other hand, it is found that the Cr3+ and Yb3+ions act as prominent near‐infrared (NIR) PersL centers in the NIR‐I and NIR‐II region, respectively, matching with the first and the second biological window. This work allowed for an exploration of the properties of distinct trap centers and how they influence the PersL and are likely to hasten the development of new PersL materials.
Thermodynamic properties of rare‐earth tantalates enhanced by high entropy design
Authors: Liu Wenqing , Peng Fan , Huang Yiling , Zheng Wei , Song Xuemei , Zeng Yi
Published: April 2024

Rare‐earth tantalates present promise as thermal barrier coatings due to their favorable thermodynamic characteristics. To further diminish thermal conductivity, three high‐entropy tantalate samples, namely (Ce0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Lu0.2)3TaO7, (Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Gd0.2Tm0.2)3TaO7, and (Ce0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Dy0.2)3TaO7, denoted as HE‐1, HE‐2, and HE‐3, respectively, were synthesized in this investigation. HE‐1 exhibits a low thermal conductivity of 1.46 W/(m·K)–1 at 1000°C. The rationale behind this reduced thermal conductivity is expounded via the phonon scattering mechanism. The introduction of atomic disparities and grain size inhomogeneity, attributable to high‐entropy doping, collaborates to enhance phonon scattering, culminating in the lowest thermal conductivity. HE‐3, on the other hand, possesses a notable thermal expansion coefficient of 11.6 × 10−6 K−1 at 1200°C and manifests pronounced anisotropy in CTEs. All three high‐entropy samples demonstrate commendable mechanical properties, with Young's modulus lower than that of single‐component rare‐earth tantalates, while simultaneously exhibiting high hardness values (>8.4 GPa). This work furnishes a valuable reference for the utilization of high entropy rare‐earth tantalates in the realm of thermal barrier coatings.
Glass‐ZnS:Ag scintillating composite for radiation detection
Authors: Tu Degui , Wang Dazhao , Liu Xunpiao , Lv Shichao , Tang Bin , Sun Zhijia , Zhou Shifeng
Published: April 2024

Neutrons are widely used in national defense, security, and medical health fields. It is critical to realize neutron detection with high efficiency. The most popular neutron detection scintillators such as lithium glass and 6LiF/ZnS:Ag screen exhibit insurmountable limitations: the former usually has relatively rather low light yield and latter is opaque. In this research, we report the successful construction of the novel full inorganic composite scintillators by low temperature co‐firing technology. The composite scintillator is derived from the ZnS:Ag and borate glass matrix, and it shows better transparency compared with the standard 6LiF/ZnS:Ag screen. It exhibits excellent scintillation properties with the X‐ray induced emission intensity of these composite scintillators reaching approximately 2.46 times of the standard Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal. The light output under thermal neutron excitation can reach 75 000 photons/neutron. In addition, it presents excellent neutron detection performance with natural abundance of 10B isotope. Our research findings can serve as a valuable reference for the advancement of robust neutron detection materials, particularly in the domain of ZnS:Ag‐based full inorganic scintillator for neutron detection.
Combined experimental and computational assessment of the Li2O${\rm Li}_2{\rm O}$‐La2O3${\rm La}_2 {\rm O}_3$═ZrO2${\rm ZrO}_2$ phase diagram
Authors: Hong Qi‐Jun , Tepesch Patrick D. , van de Walle Axel
Published: April 2024

We perform an assessment of the ‐═ phase diagram using an array of computational methods to address significant gaps in available experimental data at high‐temperatures, due to lithium loss and high reactivity with most materials, which poses significant containment challenges. Free energies of the solids are calculated via the quasi‐harmonic approximation (QHA) and thermodynamic integration, based on the density functional theory (DFT) simulations. Free energies of the liquids are modeled as regular solutions, with enthalpies of mixing calculated from DFT molecular dynamics simulations. The melting temperatures of , , , and (LLZO) are calculated using the small‐size coexistence method. Free energies from prior experimental assessments are combined with our computational results to generate a CALculation of PHAse Diagram (CALPHAD) model and phase diagrams.