bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the nexus of stakeholder management, project performance and stakeholder satisfaction in Malaysian residential building projects: a PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Abolghasemi Maryam , Al-Mhdawi M.K.S. , Rahimian Farzad , Qazi Abroon
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In this research, the authors distributed a survey to 156 residential construction developers and 468 buyers to assess the level of perceived agreement of developers and buyers on the key indicators for measuring stakeholder management, project performance and stakeholder satisfaction. Following this, a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) model was developed to quantitatively analyse the direct impacts of stakeholder management on both project performance and stakeholder satisfaction, and to analyse the mediating role of stakeholder satisfaction in enhancing project performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper seeks to investigate the direct effects of stakeholder management on project performance and stakeholder satisfaction within residential construction projects, and also examine the mediating role of stakeholder satisfaction in enhancing project performance by surveying residential buildings’ developers and buyers in Malaysia.

Findings

This research found that effective stakeholder management directly improves project performance and stakeholder satisfaction within Malaysian residential construction projects. It further identified that stakeholder satisfaction significantly enhances project performance, serving as a critical mediator in the relationship between stakeholder management and project performance.

Practical implications

This study enhances the understanding of stakeholder management, stakeholder satisfaction and project performance in the Malaysian construction industry, offering strategic insights that emphasise the importance of stakeholder-centric practices for improving project outcomes, ensuring better collaboration and fostering enhanced project performance. Integrating these insights with digital technologies like building information modelling can lead to clearer communication, more informed stakeholder engagement, and, ultimately, enhanced project efficiency and satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper offers empirical evidence on the critical role of stakeholder management and satisfaction in enhancing project performance in Malaysia’s residential construction projects, providing novel insights into stakeholder-centric approaches that contribute to improved project outcomes.
Construction professionals’ perspectives of adaptive learning adoption: an SEM-machine learning approach
Authors: Hu Xinping , Goh Yang Miang , Tay Juliana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the acceptance of adaptive learning (AL) amongst construction professionals in Singapore. It seeks to compare their perceptions and attitudes with those of professionals from other industries to assess the rate of AL adoption in the construction sector. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the factors influencing construction professionals’ intention to adopt AL technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted with 188 construction professionals and 153 non-construction professionals. By employing the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) and the general extended technology acceptance model for e-learning (GETAMEL), this study also explored factors influencing construction professionals’ behavioural intention (BI) towards AL adoption. An SEM-machine learning approach facilitated the evaluation of the factors’ influence on BI.

Findings

A comparative analysis of the data found that construction professionals’ intention to use AL surpassed 75%, which had no significant difference with professionals from other industries. The findings revealed that learning value (LV) and self-efficacy (SE) were statistically significant predictors of construction professionals’ intentions to use AL. Furthermore, a supervised machine learning analysis identified performance expectancy (PE) as a crucial factor in predicting these intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s focus on self-reported intentions and a specific demographic limits its generalisability; further research should examine actual usage across diverse cultures.

Practical implications

The results offered insights into construction professionals’ perceptions and attitudes towards AL adoption, guiding the integration of AL into construction professional development.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a recognised gap by examining construction professionals’ perceptions and attitudes towards adopting AL.
Teacher perceptions about the reputation of technical and vocational education and training in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Agyeman Yaw , Brenya Boahemaa , Kwapong Olivia Adwoa Tiwaah Frimpong , Abrefa-Gyan Tina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the perceptions of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) teachers about the factors that influence the reputation of TVET in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 680 TVET teachers in Ghana using a survey instrument that included an open-ended section that required participants to provide written comments. The quantitative data gathered were analysed by way of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), while the written narratives of participants were evaluated using thematic analysis. The quantitative and qualitative data analysed were subsequently integrated using a four-stage pillar integration process (PIP), which included listing, matching, checking and pillar building.

Findings

The findings show that TVET teachers’ perceptions regarding the factors influencing the reputation of TVET in Ghana include investment in infrastructure and learning resources; collaboration between TVET institutions and industries; public perceptions of TVET prospects; occupational standards; testing and certification; pedagogical approaches; students’ academic coping abilities; gender and equity considerations and labour market information requirements. Furthermore, state policies regarding student access, funding models, curriculum reform, investment in TVET teacher education and professional development as well as the remuneration, motivation and working conditions of TVET teachers, significantly influence the reputation of TVET in Ghana.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scholarly discourse on the reputation of TVET and how the sector could be improved to attract more learners who can contribute meaningfully to the development of Ghana. The findings illustrate how human capital theory and the concept of reputation in its expansive form, which includes social factors, culture, time and space, are jointly linked to skills development, employability, and public acceptance of TVET. To address the issues concerning the reputation of TVET, this study recommends, among others, that issues concerning student access, gender and equity and collaborations between TVET institutions and industry should be improved.
Evaluation of theoretical models for anisotropic effective thermal conductivity in continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic laminates
Authors: Gayton James T , Lapp Justin Lawrence
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites are a class of materials highly valuable for structural applications and modeling of heat transfer within them is critical to the design of their processing methods. However, the fiber reinforcement leads to highly anisotropic thermal conduction. Among a variety of methods to account for anisotropic thermal conductivity, continuum models with effective media approximation thermal conductivity are computationally efficient and require minimal data to begin modeling a specific composite material. The purpose of this study is to evalute the utility of these models.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, six potential effective media approximation models are evaluated against experimental heating data. Thick (>25 mm) glass fiber-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) specimens with 40% fiber volume fraction were heated with embedded resistance heating to produce validation and testing data sets. A two-dimensional finite-difference solver was implemented using each of the six effective media approximation models. The accuracy of each model is compared.

Findings

The model developed by Cheng and Vachon was found to predict the experimental results most accurately. Fit statistics were similar in the testing and validation data sets. This model is recommended for simulation of transient heating in continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites with low-to-moderate fiber volume fractions.

Originality/value

There are a wide variety of mathematical models for effective media approximation thermal conductivity, though very few have been applied to continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. This work shows that the simplest methods based on rules of mixtures are well outperformed by more modern and complex models, and should be incorporated for accurate prediction of heating during thermal processing of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites.
Stakeholders' perception on sustainability indicators for urban heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Malaysia
Authors: Cho Ken Ying , Kusumo Camelia , Tan Keith Kay Hin , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To manage heritage cities for locals' needs, a contextualized indicator to measure the sustainability of urban heritage is needed because it is often neglected. This study aims to identify the stakeholders’ perceptions on sustainability indicators of urban heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a qualitative method by interviewing stakeholders (governmental, experts and communities) who are involved in urban heritage sites. A thematic analysis is used to group the data patterns into themes.

Findings

The existing site management and attention to heritage conservation are varied for both sites. The discussions of the stakeholders on the practicality of indicators, challenges in using indicators and suggestions to improve indicators monitoring provided a richness of concerns for monitoring the sustainability of urban heritage sites in the future. Thus, it is concluded that indicators cannot be generalized and require adaptation to diverse cultural contexts.

Research limitations/implications

Perceptions from local stakeholders can raise concerns when developing indicators in the future. However, this study is only related to two locations with a limited sample size. Deeper conversations or surveys are necessary to identify the criteria for sustaining heritage sites.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the importance of communities’ inclusiveness and their voices for a good urban heritage management policy. Subsequently, it supports the fulfillment towards Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 that highlights the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
How sensory marketing affects perceived service quality and customer satisfaction: study in Vietnam public hospitals
Authors: Tran Viet An , Tran Que Nhi , Doan Ha My , La Gia Long , Vu Tien Duc , Pham Thi Huyen
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This article aims to assess the impact of factors affecting the senses (via Sensory Marketing theory) on customer perceived quality and satisfaction when using health services in public hospitals. Based on the results, the research proposes solutions for public hospitals to improve the service experience to increase customer satisfaction in Vietnam generally and in developing countries particularly.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used 619 respondents’ non-convenient probability sampling method, focusing on objects experienced with public hospital services in Vietnam. A preliminary quantitative study (n = 113) and qualitative research (n = 20) have been conducted to finalise the designed questionnaire before conducting a formal quantitative survey. Cronbach Alpha, CFA and SEM have been used to explore the meanings of the data collected.

Findings

The result showed that through Sensory Marketing, sensorial stimulus (tactile, sight, smell and taste) significantly impacts customer satisfaction with medical services at the public hospital. Research findings are the premise to conclude that the application of the Sensory Marketing model creates a great sensory experience, and minimises negative psychological feelings in the medical, especially in a prioritised personalisation society.

Practical implications

The authors open up a new health service quality and satisfaction assessment tool based on the original human senses that were previously applied in researching other services, it has been proven to be successfully applied to specific service areas such as healthcare. This research is believed to provide valuable implications for medical service stakeholders and policymakers to improve service quality and enhance the customer experience and satisfaction level through sensorial approaches, strategies and tactics.

Originality/value

While most studies on customer satisfaction in the medical field use SERVQUAL, SERVPERF or KQCAH model, this study breaks the research gap by not only affirming and strengthening the research perspective on Sensory Marketing but also contributing to creating a solid theoretical framework on perceived service quality and satisfaction.
Wedge Politics: The Japanese Factor in Germany's Asian Policy, 1895–1914
Authors: OVERLACK PETER
Published: December 2024

This article examines Imperial Germany's East Asian aims within the framework of Weltpolitik (world policy) and political‐diplomatic activity centred around Japan before the First World War. Archival sources clearly record Germany's attempts to neutralise Japan's alliance with Britain to attain its world‐political goals. Attempts to woo Japan even after the outbreak of the First World War aimed to achieve a separate peace arrangement to break Entente unity, prepare the way for a separate peace with Russia and weaken Britain's global strategic position. Germany's Asian strategies become clear within the framework of Eurocentric issues, as well as the need to counteract increasing American presence in Asia. Policy was characterised throughout by a public wooing of Japan and secret attempts to weaken its position and to manipulate the United States in this process. The absence of a consistent and coherent policy meant that by 1914, it was impossible for Germany to achieve any long‐term success in Asia.
Allometric Constraint Predominates Over the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis in a Radiation of Neotropical Treefrogs
Authors: Escalona Moisés , Simões Pedro Ivo , Gonzalez‐Voyer Alejandro , Mendoza‐Henao Angela M. , Mello Bezerra Andressa De , Pinheiro Paulo D. P. , Morales Belén , Guayasamin Juan M. , Carvalho Thiago , Chaparro Juan C. , De la Riva Ignacio , Rojas‐Runjaic Fernando J. M. , Rivera‐Correa Mauricio , Kok Philippe J. R. , Peloso Pedro , Nakamura Daniel Yudi Miyahara , Maneyro Raúl , Castroviejo‐Fisher Santiago
Published: December 2024

Male frogs emit stereotypical advertisement calls to attract mates and deter conspecific rivals. The evolution of these calls is thought to be linked to anatomical constraints and the acoustic characteristics of their surroundings. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) posits that species evolve calls that maximize propagation distance and reduce signal degradation in the environment where they are emitted. We applied phylogenetic comparative analyses to study the association of body size, vegetation density, type of aquatic ecosystem, and calling site on the evolution of acoustic traits in Cophomantini, a large radiation of Neotropical treefrogs (Hylidae). We obtained and analyzed body size, acoustic, and habitat data from a total of 112 species (58% of Cophomantini), using the most inclusive available phylogeny. We found a significant negative correlation between peak frequency, body size, and calling site, but contrary to the predictions of the AAH, we did not find support for associations among call traits and environmental characteristics. Although spectral allometry is explained by an anatomical constraint, it could also be maintained by female choice. We recommend that future studies strive to incorporate factors such as female mate preferences, eavesdropping by predators or parasites, and genetic drift.
Appendage Sizes in Three Rodent Species are Affected Indirectly by Climate Factors via Their Effects on Body Size
Authors: Li Ke , Sommer Stefan , Guo Yongwang , Ozgul Arpat , Wang Deng
Published: December 2024

In mammals, temporal and spatial variation in appendage sizes within and among species may be driven by variations in ambient temperature and allometric scaling. Here, we use two decades of morphological data on three rodent species distributed across vast latitudinal gradients in China to estimate temporal and spatial trends of tail, hind‐foot, and ear lengths. Further, we test 14 climate variables to identify the critical drivers of these trends and use structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze whether the effects of climate variables on the appendage lengths are direct or indirect, via effects on body length. Relative to body length, and in contradiction to Allen's rule, all appendage lengths remained unchanged over time and across space. By contrast, absolute appendage lengths increased in one species (Apodemus agrarius) over time and in two species (A. agrarius and Rattus norvegicus) across space; and most of the appendage lengths in the two species were associated with annual mean minimum temperature in the year preceding capture (PreAnnMinTemp). The SEM results suggest that PreAnnMinTemp affected absolute appendage lengths indirectly through body length. In addition, except for tail length in two species and both hind‐foot and ear length in one species, absolute appendage lengths scaled allometrically with body length. These results suggest that the distinct temperature–appendage‐length patterns among and within species arise from species‐specific temperature sensitivities and appendage‐specific ontogenetic rates and functions.
The Effects of Environmental Policy Stringency on Firms' Performances: Focusing on Korean Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Lee Jinhee , Song Cheol Jong
Published: December 2024

This study analysed how stringent environmental policy affects firms' performances in Korean manufacturing. The environmental policy stringency index published by the OECD was used as the main explanatory variable. As for the firms' performances variables, real total cost, real total sales and real EBIT were used, which capture the impact‐response‐outcome of environmental policies, respectively. By and large environmental policy stringency had a negative effect. Environmental policy stringency also had a more delayed effect on EBIT than on cost and sales. In addition, firms responded differently to the cost increase by firms' characteristics such as size and financial soundness.
Recent Cutting‐Edge Designing Strategies for Mtb‐DHFR Inhibitors as Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Sonawane Nitin Govind , Thakur Amrita , Pillai Anil Kumar Sasidharan , Sharma Ajay , Gunjal Amol Pandurang , Sharma Kalicharan
Published: December 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is an obstinate and infectious disease requiring a relatively longer treatment duration than other bacterial infections. The current treatment regime is prolonged and cumbersome, with adverse effects, often leading to nonadherence. The upsurge in TB's multidrug‐resistant and extensively drug‐resistant strains with evolved resistance to existing drugs has compounded the problems. The last two decades witnessed unprecedented progress in developing TB drugs with better efficacy and reduced toxicity. Of late, inhibitors targeting the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme were being explored and developed as antitubercular drugs. A plethora of diverse molecular cores, such as pteridines, diamino heterocycles, diamino triazoles, and nontraditional cores, were developed recently as Mtb‐DHFR targets. Besides the characteristic binding pockets of Mtb‐DHFR, an extended hydrophilic binding pocket was also studied for intermolecular interactions with the designed compounds to assess the enzyme specificity. In this study, prominent DHFR inhibitors developed in the last two decades were reported. Key features of the designed compounds, such as the structural similarities with existing pharmacophores, interactions with binding pockets, enzyme selectivity and specificity, and percentage of inhibition, were evaluated. The authors hope the study will help streamline the pharmacological pipeline of Mtb‐DHFR inhibitors and bring the investigators one step closer to success.
An overview of drug‐induced sodium channel blockade and changes in cardiac conduction: Implications for drug safety
Authors: Chaudhary Khuram W. , Clancy Colleen E. , Yang Pei‐Chi , Pierson Jennifer B. , Goldin Alan L. , Koerner John E. , Wisialowski Todd A. , Valentin Jean‐Pierre , Imredy John P. , Lagrutta Armando , Authier Simon , Kleiman Robert , Sager Philip T. , Hoffmann Peter , Pugsley Michael K.
Published: December 2024

The human voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.5 (hNav1.5/SCN5A) plays a critical role in the initiation and propagation of action potentials in cardiac myocytes, and its modulation by various drugs has significant implications for cardiac safety. Drug‐dependent block of Nav1.5 current (INa) can lead to significant alterations in cardiac electrophysiology, potentially resulting in conduction slowing and an increased risk of proarrhythmic events. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms by which various pharmacological agents interact with Nav1.5, focusing on the molecular determinants of drug binding and the resultant electrophysiological effects. We discuss the structural features of Nav1.5 that influence drug affinity and specificity. Special attention is given to the concept of state‐dependent block, where drug binding is influenced by the conformational state of the channel, and its relevance to therapeutic efficacy and safety. The review also examines the clinical implications of INa block, highlighting case studies of drugs that have been associated with adverse cardiac events, and how the Vaughan‐Williams Classification system has been employed to qualify “unsafe” sodium channel block. Furthermore, we explore the methodologies currently used to assess INa block in nonclinical and clinical settings, with the hope of providing a weight of evidence approach including in silico modeling, in vitro electrophysiological assays and in vivo cardiac safety studies for mitigating proarrhythmic risk early in drug discovery. This review underscores the importance of understanding Nav1.5 pharmacology in the context of drug development and cardiac risk assessment.
Usefulness of detective flow imaging endoscopic ultrasound for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors difficult to detect with other imaging modalities
Authors: Hayakawa Takaoki , Iwasaki Eisuke , Kanai Takanori
Published: December 2024

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Maximum insulin dose in patients admitted to the intensive care units with severe COVID‐19 in the “Cross ICU Searchable Information System” study: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ushigome Emi , Imai Dan , Hamaguchi Masahide , Hashimoto Satoru , Fukui Michiaki
Published: December 2024

Aims

This study aimed to determine the maximum daily insulin dose (MDI) and associated factors in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) receiving insulin therapy, under ventilator and/or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) management.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional analysis used the Cross ICU Searchable Information System data from a Japanese multicenter retrospective observational cohort study of critically ill patients with COVID‐19 receiving ventilation and/or ECMO, from February 2020 to March 2022. Maximum daily insulin dose was determined, and factors associated with it and maximum daily insulin dose per body weight were assessed using linear regression analysis.

Results

The analysis included 788 patients. Their mean age, glycated hemoglobin level, maximum daily insulin dose, and time from admission to the maximum daily insulin dose were 65.2 ± 13.0 years, 7.0 ± 1.5% (53.0 ± 7.1 mmol/mol), 46.0 ± 43.6 U/day, and 7.3 ± 7.0 days, respectively. Male sex (β = 6.902, P = 0.034), body mass index (β = 1.020, P = 0.001), glycated hemoglobin (β = 12.272, P < 0.001), and having renal failure (β = 20.637, P = 0.003) were independent determinants of maximum daily insulin dose. Age (β = 0.004, P = 0.035), glycated hemoglobin (β = 0.154, P < 0.001), and having renal failure (β = 0.282, P = 0.004) were independent determinants of maximum daily insulin dose per body weight.

Conclusions

In patients with COVID‐19 on ventilator and/or ECMO management, the maximum daily insulin dose reached after about 1 week of hospitalization was approximately 46.0 U/day. Glycated hemoglobin and renal failure were both associated with the maximum daily insulin dose and maximum daily insulin dose per body weight.
Defining Mental Health Conditions Within Primary Care Data: A Validation Study With a Mixed Qualitative and Quantitative Approach
Authors: Bazo‐Alvarez Juan Carlos , Avgerinou Christina , Nimmons Danielle , Hayes Joseph F. , Osborn David , Cooper Claudia , Walters Kate , Petersen Irene
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To validate codelists for defining a range of mental health (MH) conditions with primary care data, using a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach and without requiring external data.

Methods

We validated Read codelists, selecting and classifying them in three steps. The qualitative step included an in‐depth revision of the codes by six doctors. Simultaneously, the quantitative step performed on UK primary care data included an exploratory factor analysis to cluster Read codes in MH conditions to obtain an independent classification. The statistical results informed the qualitative conclusions, generating a final selection and classification.

Results

From a preselected list of 2007 Read codes, a total of 1638 were selected by all doctors. Later, they agreed on classifying these codes into 12 categories of MH disorders. From the same preselected list, a total of 1364 were quantitatively selected. Using data from 497,649 persons who used these Read codes at least once, we performed the exploratory factor analysis, retaining five factors (five categories). Both classifications showed good correspondence, while discrepancies informed decisions on reclassification.

Conclusions

We produced a comprehensive set of medical codes lists for 12 MH conditions validated by a combination of clinical consensus panel and quantitative cluster analysis with cross‐validation.
Is Ecological Anxiety Due to Climate Change Associated With the Fertility Preferences of Women?
Authors: Özkan Asibe , Kolcu Merve , Yilmaz Aydan , Akbaş Gonca
Published: December 2024

Background

Eco‐anxiety caused by climate change, which is a significant public health problem, has negative effects on sexual and reproductive health, and these effects are expected to increase continuously. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between eco‐anxiety caused by climate change and the fertility preferences of women.

Methods

This descriptive study was conducted between June and August 2024 with 491 women at the ages of 18 to 49 who were registered at a family health center. A personal information form, the Attitudes toward Fertility and Childbearing Scale, and the Hogg Eco‐Anxiety Scale were used to collect data.

Results

The mean total AFCS score of the participants was 66.1 ± 14.2, while their mean total HEAS score was 27.1 ± 7.0. There was a weak negative correlation between the AFCS scores and HEAS scores of the participants (r = −0.124, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

As the ecological anxiety levels of women increased, their attitudes toward childbearing became more negative.
Von Willebrand Factor in Weibel–Palade Bodies of Endothelial Cells Involved in the Immune Response to Hirame Novirhabdovirus Infection in a Teleost Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Gan Qiujie , Chi Heng , Meng Xianghu , Tang Xiaoqian , Xing Jing , Sheng Xiuzhen , Zhan Wenbin
Published: December 2024

von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a large multimeric sialoglycoprotein that plays key roles in normal haemostasis, inflammation regulation, angiogenesis and cancer metastasis in mammals. The gene, protein sequences and functions of vWF in flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (PovWF) were analysed in this study. PovWF possesses an 8550‐bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a 2849 amino acid protein. PovWF mRNA is highly expressed in the heart and gill, followed by the intestine, skin, spleen, kidney, muscle and liver. PovWF positive cells are mainly endothelial cells (ECs), predominantly located along the inner lining of blood vessels, enclosing the bloodstream. After being infected with hirame novirhabdovirus (HIRRV), flounder exhibits a dark body colour, congested fins and visceral membranes. Histopathologic analysis revealed that the ECs of diseased fish had compromised integrity, accompanied by a significant increase in number of cells within blood vessels. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural studies showed that virions infect ECs can induce morphological and functional alterations, which lead to the release of vWF and facilitate the migration of neutrophils into tissues to exert antiviral functions. This research pinpoints the role of vWF in the immune response to HIRRV infection in teleost. It offers an in‐depth and all‐encompassing understanding of the pathophysiological interaction between HIRRV and endothelial cells during invasive infections in fish.
Research on Apples' Mechanical‐Structural Damage Behavior During Dropping Collision With High‐Speed Observation
Authors: Yang Liu , Shu Can , Xu Zilong , Wu Junfeng , Cao Zhentao , Cui Bo , Wang Zhicheng , Song Shaoyun , Zhang Yonglin
Published: December 2024

Apples have been constantly damaged in collecting, transporting, and processing, leading research focus on apples' mechanical‐structural damage behavior. To research apples' mechanical‐structural damage behavior during collision, a dropping collision damage testing device was self‐established, with PLC control, data acquisition‐processing, in situ high‐speed observation. The effect of impact material, drop height, impact orientation on apple deformation and bruise area was investigated with self‐established device, considering three typical kinds of apples. The results indicated that apple dropping collision can be divided into two stages: dropping down contact deformation stage and recovering contact deformation stage. Three kinds of apples demonstrate the largest deformation and bruise area when the impact material is steel and acrylic plate. The deformation is similar when apples collide with soil and foam, apples have no bruise area when the impact material is foam. The correlation between apple deformation, bruising area, and drop height was established, reflecting the relationship between drop height and apples' mechanical‐structural damage behavior. Yellow Marshal apple deformation is the largest compared to other two kinds of apples under the same collision condition. Red Fuji apple bruise area is the largest compared to other two kinds of apples. The largest bruise area of Yellow Marshal apple and Guoguang apple are in apple transverse, and Red Fuji apple is in apple top. The study can provide basic theoretical and practical guidance for apples postharvest work.
Avoiding Cutaneous Melanoma Requires Proper Sun Protection and a Correspondingly High Level of Education: A Case Control Study
Authors: Altan Ferhatoglu Zeynep , Tas Faruk
Published: December 2024

Background/Aim

Cutaneous melanoma ranks 5th among all cancers in terms of estimated new case rates in men and women (6% and 4%, respectively). The most consistent known modifiable risk factor for a cancer of this severity is exposure to ultraviolet rays. In this study, we aimed to compare the sun protection knowledge, habits and behaviors of CM patients with healthy volunteers. In addition, we aimed to determine the level of change in sun protection attitude of CM patients before and after diagnosis.

Materials and Methods

In this study, the knowledge levels and habits of cutaneous melanoma patients regarding sun protection were questioned through surveys and compared with the control group. The surveys were developed taking into consideration the Turkish Dermatology Association's sun protection patient information recommendations.

Results

The Male:Female (M: F) ratio of 86 melanoma patients was 1.52, and the median age was 51 ± 15 years. In the control group of 174 participants, the M:F ratio was 1.38 and the median age was 49 ± 10 years. The education level of melanoma patients was statistically significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). Compared to melanoma patients, participants in the control group had more accurate information on 5 questions about sunscreen application methods (applying at least 30 min before sun exposure, renewing after 2–4 h in sunny environments, renewing after the sea/pool, renewing after sports, amount of application) (p < 0.001 for each of the 5 questions).

Conclusion

The results of our study revealed that the education level in CM patients was statistically significantly lower than in the control group of similar age and gender. In addition, in the control group, parallel to the education level, the level of sun protection knowledge was higher, and sun avoidance/protection behaviors were closer to what they should be.
Major facilitator family transporters specifically enhance caffeyl alcohol uptake during C‐lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Zhuo Chunliu , Wang Xiaoqiang , Shrestha Him K. , Abraham Paul E. , Hettich Robert L. , Chen Fang , Barros Jaime , Dixon Richard A.
Published: December 2024

The mode of transport of lignin monomers to the sites of polymerization in the apoplast remains controversial.

C‐Lignin is a recently discovered form of lignin found in some seed coats that is composed exclusively of units derived from caffeyl alcohol.

RNA‐seq and proteome analyses identified a number of transporters co‐expressed with C‐lignin deposition in the seed coat of Cleome hassleriana. Cloning and influx/efflux analysis assays in yeast identified two low‐affinity transporters, ChPLT3 and ChSUC1, that were active with caffeyl alcohol but not with the classical monolignols p‐coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl alcohols, consistent with molecular modeling and docking studies. Expression of ChPLT3 in Arabidopsis seedlings enhanced root growth in the presence of caffeyl alcohol, and expression of ChPLT3 and ChSUC1 correlated with lignin C‐unit content in hairy roots of Medicago truncatula.

We present a model, consistent with phylogenetic and evolutionary considerations, whereby passive caffeyl alcohol transport may be supplemented by hitchhiking on secondary active transporters to ensure the synthesis of C‐lignin, and inhibition of synthesis of G‐lignin, in the apoplast.
Removal of Forearm Plate Leads to a Higher Risk of Refracture—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Cao Renwei , Zhang Jianyu , Sun Weitong , Jiang Xieyuan , Hua Kehan , Xiao Dan , Chen Chen , Zha Yejun , Gong Maoqi
Published: December 2024

Objective

Plate fixation is the preferred method for treating forearm shaft fractures. However, it remains controversial regarding the necessity of implant removal after bone union. This review aims to assess refracture risk after plate removal.

Methods

We searched various data sources, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. A total of 6749 papers were identified, of which 23 studies were eligible for final quantitative syntheses. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to reduce heterogeneity and make the results more reliable.

Results

The total risk difference (RD) was 0.06 (0.04–0.09), indicating that the difference was significant. In the “Reasons for Removal” subgroup analysis, the RD of the “No Symptom” subgroup was 0.07 (95% CI = 0.04–0.11), while the RD of the “Symptoms” subgroup was 0.04 (95% CI = −0.02 to 0.10). In the “Plate Type” subgroup analysis, the RD of the “LCP” subgroup was 0.07 (95% CI = 0.02–0.13), while the RD of the “DCP” subgroup was 0.07 (95% CI = 0.01–0.13). After omitting each study one by one, the RDs were all significant.

Conclusions

Plate retention is significantly associated with a lower rate of refracture than plate removal. Consequently, it is not recommended to remove implants, especially for patients without implant‐related symptoms, but more reliable evidence is still needed.

Trial Registration

The review was registered on PROSPERO and the registration ID is CRD42023424743, and a protocol was not prepared
Causal relationship between mitochondrial function and delirium: a bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomisation analysis
Authors: Han Yun‐Yang , Tian Yu , Song Lin‐Fang , Zhou Quan , Rong Yin‐Hui , Qin Zai‐Sheng
Published: December 2024

Background

Previous studies have suggested a potential link between delirium and mitochondrial function. Consequently, this Mendelian randomisation (MR) study aimed to further investigate their causal relationship.

Methods

In this bidirectional MR study, the relationship between 73 proteins related to mitochondrial function and delirium, including delirium not induced by alcohol or other psychoactive substances (DEL) and delirium associated with alcohol withdrawal (AL‐DEL). The random‐effects inverse variance weighting (RE‐IVW) method was used as the primary analytical method. Furthermore, multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was performed to assess the impact of positive exposures and known risk factors for delirium. To ensure the reliability of our findings, heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests were conducted.

Results

The results of the RE‐IVW method of MR analysis revealed that two proteins were positively associated with DEL (P < 0.05, odds ratio (OR) >1), whereas one protein was negatively associated with AL‐DEL (P < 0.05, OR <1). In MVMR, ATP synthase subunit beta (ATP5F1B) was positively associated with DEL (P < 0.05, OR >1). Moreover, reverse MR analysis demonstrated that DEL was positively associated with three proteins (P < 0.05, OR >1) and negatively associated with two proteins (P < 0.05, OR <1). Finally, none of these associations displayed heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy (P > 0.05) or reverse causality.

Conclusions

This bidirectional, multivariable two‐sample MR analysis identified a causal relationship between eight proteins related to mitochondrial function and delirium. These findings offer novel insights that could potentially influence early diagnosis, expand our understanding of the underlying mechanisms, and inform treatment strategies for delirium. Nevertheless, given the possibility of bias, these results should be interpreted with caution.
Lessons from pond creation and restoration projects in Europe
Authors: de Necker Lizaan , Brendonck Luc , Vanschoenwinkel Bram , Florencio Margarita , Rhazi Laila , Gołdyn Bartłomiej
Published: December 2024

Pond ecosystems harbour substantial biodiversity and contribute to several ecosystem services as nature‐based solutions (NbS). Pond restoration and creation projects have been initiated to address these trends, yet while some insights are published, many remain within the expertise of practitioners and are not easily accessible. Moreover, papers synthesizing findings from multiple such projects to derive broad, universal conclusions are very much lacking. Here, we contacted pond creation and restoration practitioners that worked on recent pond restoration projects in Europe using a questionnaire. We reported which practices are currently most common and identified where current good practices might need to be modified. As expected, most projects targeted and monitored species and habitats protected under the European Union Birds Directive and Habitats Directive. Most projects focused on species as conservation targets, rather than the promotion of specific Natura 2000 habitats, pond ecosystem services or NbS. Several challenges were highlighted including funding limitations and stakeholder engagement difficulties. Recommendations included amending legal frameworks, improving connectivity among pondscapes for effective biodiversity conservation and implementing more systematic monitoring. This work illustrates how consultation of practitioners as stakeholders can generate insights that may remain hidden in typical monitoring reports.
A low-temperature tunable microcavity featuring high passive stability and microwave integration
Authors: Herrmann Yanik , Fischer Julius , Scheijen Stijn , Wolfs Cornelis F. J. , Brevoord Julia M. , Sauerzapf Colin , Wienhoven Leonardo G. C. , Feije Laurens J. , Eschen Martin , Ruf Maximilian , Weaver Matthew J. , Hanson Ronald
Published: December 2024

Open microcavities offer great potential for the exploration and utilization of efficient spin-photon interfaces with Purcell-enhanced quantum emitters thanks to their large spectral and spatial tunability combined with high versatility of sample integration. However, a major challenge for this platform is the sensitivity to cavity length fluctuations in the cryogenic environment, which leads to cavity resonance frequency variations and thereby a lowered averaged Purcell enhancement. This work presents a closed-cycle cryogenic fiber-based microcavity setup, which is in particular designed for a low passive vibration level, while still providing large tunability and flexibility in fiber and sample integration, and high photon collection efficiency from the cavity mode. At temperatures below 10 K, a stability level of around 25 pm is reproducibly achieved in different setup configurations, including the extension with microwave control for manipulating the spin of cavity-coupled quantum emitters, enabling a bright photonic interface with optically active qubits.
Salmonella
pathogenicity Island 1 undergoes decay in serovars adapted to swine and poultry
Authors: Tambassi Martina , Berni Melissa , Bracchi Chiara , Menozzi Ilaria , Dodi Alessandra , Mazzera Laura , Morganti Marina , Scaltriti Erika , Pongolini Stefano
Published: December 2024

Human salmonellosis is a high-priority foodborne disease worldwide. The main reservoir of
Salmonella
is livestock, mainly swine and poultry that are infected both by generalist serovars and serovars adapted to them. The most widespread livestock-adapted serovars are attenuated in both their primary hosts and humans. We previously identified a lineage of the swine-adapted
Salmonella
Derby carrying mutations in
Salmonella
Pathogenicity Island-1(SPI-1) giving attenuation. To evaluate if SPI-1 decay is a general feature of swine-adapted serovars, we analyzed the Enterobase global population of
Salmonella
serovars most frequently isolated from swine. We found that deleterious mutations in SPI-1 are accumulated more in swine-adapted (
S
. Derby and
Salmonella
Rissen) than in generalist (
Salmonella
Typhimurium, I 1,4,[5],12:i:-, and
Salmonella
Infantis) serovars. The genomes carrying such mutations are widespread in the population of
S
. Derby and
S
. Rissen, indicating that the occurrence and fixation of deleterious mutations in SPI-1 are frequent. Similarly, also poultry-adapted
Salmonella
Kentucky has accumulated deleterious mutations in SPI-1, leading to over 70% of mutated genomes of this serovar compared with negligible proportions of mutated genomes in the generalist serovars from poultry. Although
in vitro
attenuation of
S
. Derby carrying mutated SPI-1 had been previously demonstrated, we showed the same phenotype for mutated
S
. Rissen. Considering also the known attenuation of
S
. Kentucky, our population-scale findings provide evidence of progressive evolution toward the attenuation of serovars adapted to the main animal reservoirs of human salmonellosis through the food chain. Intensive farming with a high density of animals could be a possible driver of this evolution.

IMPORTANCE

This study shows at the global population level of
Salmonella
that the main attenuated serovars adapted to food-producing animals are undergoing convergent evolution toward further attenuation through the decay of SPI-1, considered critically important for the intestinal phase of
Salmonella
infection. The drivers of this evolution are unknown, but they could be attributed, at least in part, to the intensive farming of livestock with its high densities. On one side, our results contribute to the knowledge of the interaction between livestock populations and their host-adapted serovars of
Salmonella
. On the other side, the study provides scientific background for reconsidering the microbiological criteria adopted by the food safety legislation of many countries that ask for the absence of
Salmonella
in foods, regardless of any virulence evaluation of the detected strain. In this respect, the study provides molecular bases to investigate the virulence of different lineages within these host-adapted serovars.
Erratum to: Propargyl-Substituted Furazanoazepines: Synthesis, Structure, Enthalpy of Formation, Ballistic Efficiency
Authors: Lempert D. B. , Ignatieva E. L. , Stepanov A. I. , Dashko D. V. , Kazakov A. I. , Nabatova A. V. , Shilov G. V. , Lagodzinskaya G. V. , Korchagin D. V. , Aldoshin S. M.
Published: December 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1990793124340013
Synthesis of existing literature on the colorectal surgery patients’ challenges during hospital-to-home transitions: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Steane Auden , Singh Hardeep , Orchanian-Cheff Ani , Chadi Sami A , Okrainec Karen
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Despite advances in innovation to improve patients’ transition experiences, it is unclear—in the context of colorectal surgery—what elements of patient education and care could provide the greatest benefit to patient experiences and clinical outcomes. Thus, this scoping review protocol aims to outline a plan to synthesise the existing literature from countries with publicly funded health systems (ie, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the USA) on the challenges experienced by colorectal surgery patients’ when transitioning home from the hospital.

Methods and analysis

This is a protocol for a scoping review to identify literature relating to adult patient challenges experienced when transitioning from hospital to home following colorectal surgery. We will search the following databases for studies published between 2012 and present: Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Ovid) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid). Title, abstract and full-text review will be conducted independently by at least two reviewers. Data will be extracted, collated, summarised and reported numerically (eg, frequency counts) and presented using descriptive summaries. In addition, data related to the challenges reported by colorectal surgery patients during their transition home from the hospital will be descriptively analysed using deductive content analysis. The extracted challenges will be categorised according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and the surgical transition trajectory (eg, predischarge, during discharge and postdischarge) to identify when in the patient journey is the best point to implement improved practices and achieve patient-centred care.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol does not require ethics approval as data have not been collected or analysed. The findings will highlight insights into patient care transitions following colorectal surgery, which will be disseminated via publications and presentations.