bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalization of the economy: general theoretical approaches and certain practical issues
Authors: Sorokolit Mykola
Published: September 2024

The article examines the issue of automation of accounting in the conditions of digitalization of the economy. The purpose of the article determine specific tasks, namely, the study of general theoretical approaches and individual practical tasks. It has been established that the automation of accounting processes allows to significantly reduce the time for performing routine tasks, reducing the volume of manual work, which contributes to increasing the efficiency and productivity of accounting employees. This allows them to focus on more important analytical and strategic tasks. The use of automated systems minimizes the human factor, which reduces the likelihood of data errors. This is especially important for financial statements and other documents where accuracy is critical. Automated accounting systems provide better transparency of financial transactions and allow for more effective control over the company's activities in conditions of digitalization. This helps increase the confidence of investors, auditors and other interested parties. The speed of data processing of modern software allows the processing of large volumes of data in real-time, which facilitates the adoption of operational management decisions. This is especially relevant in the rapidly changing economic conditions of the market, unpredictable circumstances and risk. Compliance with the requirements of the legislation helps enterprises to quickly respond to changes, quickly adapting their accounting systems to new requirements. This reduces the risks associated with non-compliance with regulations. Automated accounting systems are easily integrated with other enterprise information systems (ERP, CRM, HRM, etc.), which provide a unified information base and facilitate management of all aspects of enterprise activity. This, in turn, allows you to reduce the costs of administration and data management, which in the long term leads to significant savings in financial and human resources. Enterprises that have implemented automated accounting systems gain competitive advantages due to increased efficiency, transparency and speed of response to market changes. This allows them to be more flexible and adaptable to new challenges.
The essence and classification of innovations of trade enterprises
Authors: Yarovenko Tetiana , Litvin Yaroslav
Published: September 2024

The article considered scientific approaches to interpreting the concept of «trade innovation» or «innovation in trade», reflecting its various aspects. It is proposed, given the need for practical application, to use this term in the real sense (as an object). The author's definition of this term has been formulated, taking into account the peculiarities of trade activity, which makes it possible to more fully take into account its components and purpose. Specific features of trade innovations that distinguish them from production and other innovations have been identified: components, goals, mechanisms, spheres, approaches, and directions. It is noted that in order to ensure the innovation process, it is necessary to implement quality management mechanisms for the provision of trade services and the promotion of goods on the market. Three subjects take part in the innovation process: the donor, who generates innovative ideas, develops innovative techniques and technologies and creates information products; a catalyst that provides support for the diffusion of innovation; and a recipient who implements innovation in his own economic activity (trading enterprises). In order for trade innovations to be implemented in practice, it is necessary to ensure: the search for innovative ideas, the development of innovative products, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of use. It is noted that the novelty of the innovation, its application (technical, technological, organizational aspects) and commercialization (financial and economic aspects), which is mandatory, are equally important for trade innovations. It has been established that the efficiency of innovation implementation depends on the level of receptivity of the commercial enterprise to innovative changes and the availability of opportunities for their implementation. Within the scope of innovative development, the trade enterprise uses: object (introduction of new equipment, technologies) and process approaches (new forms and types of trade). It is noted that in trade, unlike other industries, innovations arise due to changes in consumer needs, and not as a result of scientific and technological progress. However, this industry can adopt innovations created in other industries (in particular, industry) by adapting them. Special attention should be paid to the creation, maintenance and improvement of the brand in ensuring the innovative activity of the trading company. A classification of trade innovations has been developed, which considers the classification criteria in terms of the spheres of origin, implementation, impact and consequences. This makes it possible to comprehensively characterize the types of innovation based on the selection of the main classification features.
Pembinaan Pemusik Gereja dan Pemandu Lagu di GMIT Jemaat Betel Oefafi
Authors: Fanggidae Rudi , Keo Glorius , Saefatu Meyrlin
Published: September 2024

Jemaat Betel Oefafi merupakan tempat kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat berlangsung. Pemantauan awal menunjukkan masalah seperti ketidaksesuaian gaya musik dengan genre, tempo, intro, dan ending yang tidak tepat, kesalahan membedakan teknik bernyanyi kontemporer dan klasik, serta kurangnya penguasaan notasi dan ketepatan nada dalam pelayanan musik gereja, baik di desa maupun kota. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini adalah seminar dalam bentuk ceramah, kemudian dilanjutkan dengan diskusi dan praktik. Kegiatan ini dihadiri oleh 11 orang peserta. Dengan adanya kegiatan ini maka para pemusik dan pemandu lagu dapat membunyikan dan menyanyikan nyanyian jemaat dengan baik dan benar sesuai genre, intro, tempo, menggunakan tanda baca lagu, dan notasi lagu.
Treatment fidelity in clinical trials
Authors: Cook Chad , O'Halloran Bryan , Karas Steve , Klopper Mareli , Young Jodi
Published: September 2024

In the context of clinical trials, treatment fidelity (TF) has traditionally referred to the extent to which an intervention or treatment is implemented by the clinicians as intended by the researchers who designed the trial. Updated definitions of TF have included an appropriate design of the intervention that was performed in a way that is known to be therapeutically beneficial. This requires careful attention to three key components: (1) protocol and dosage adherence, (2) quality of delivery, and (3) participant adherence. In this viewpoint, we describe several cases in which TF was lacking in clinical trials and give opportunities to improve the deficits encountered in those trials. We feel that along with quality, risk of bias, and certainty of evidence, TF should be considered an essential element of the veracity of clinical trial.
Promoting Engagement in Microcredential Coursework: Applications of a Course-Embedded Advising Model
Authors: Dennis Michelle , Gordon Eddie , Johnson Wendy , DiMatteo-Gibson Donna , Kalnbach Andrew , Halbert James D.
Published: September 2024

This pilot involved incorporating course-embedded advising into a course offered as part of a micro-credential. Microcredentials are targeted, short programs that align to key skills and are accompanied by documentation, such as digital badges (Varadarajan, Koh, & Daniel, 2023; Yueh, Kamsin,& Fuh, 2023). Emphasizing skills and utility must not come at the expense of engagement, which is a prerequisite to student learning. The inclusion of course-embedded advising offers faculty a venue from which to provide micro-mentorship while preserving course content. Lessons learned and future directions are discussed in the context of relevant best practices for the delivery of online coursework.
Pandemic GPAs
Authors: Felton James , Yoo Woongsun
Published: September 2024

A student’s grade point average (GPA) is very important to most scholarship committees, potential employers, and graduate school selection committees. Some students place such importance on grades that they actively manipulate their GPA higher by taking actions that raise grades without additional study and learning. Students can seek out easy professors, transfer grades for difficult topics from community colleges, try to gain favoritism with their professors, or cheat on assignments. During the Covid-19 pandemic, universities offered grading leniency, such as allowing students to switch grades to credit / no credit after the semester’s end, which artificially inflated grades. We apply Felton and Koper’s (2005) proposal for having two grades on a transcript, Nominal GPA and Real GPA, as an easy to understand and apply method for dealing with some of the methods of GPA manipulation.
Examınıng the Teacher Candıdates’ TPACK Competences: Evıdence From Four Teacher Educatıon Programs
Authors: Susanti Nova , Mukminin Amirul , Marzulina Lenny , Harto Kasinyo , Hadiyanto . , Razak Rafiza Abdul , Erlina Dian , Holandyah Muhammad , Ibarra Florante P. , Fridiyanto . , Muazza . , Amin Shofia , Habibi Akhmad
Published: September 2024

This study examined the valid items in the perception of TPACK competencies of physics, math, biology, and chemistry teacher candidates in one public university in Indonesia. This study used a cross-sectional survey where data were collected once from one sample at a time. The study was conducted in four teacher education programs in one public university. This study used a stratified proportioned random sampling technique. The sample for this study consisted of 400 students from 4 teacher education programs including Physics Education, Chemistry Education, Biology Education, and Mathematics programs. Data were collected through a questionnaire with 75 statements related to TPACK competency indicators. The data were processed and analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and by using SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results showed that of 75 statements, there were 27 valid statements related to TPACK competency indicators. These 27 statements can potentially be used to measure TPACK competencies of teacher candidates. The results obtained from the factor analysis and the Smart PLS procedures showed that the construction of items in the instrument and their relevance to each other is appropriate. Based on the overall results, one of the main findings of this study is that the predictive power of the core knowledge base and the second-level knowledge base on TPACK development is significantly different.
Profile Analysis of Hourly, Daily, and Weekly Student Access to Online Asynchronous Courses
Authors: LeBlanc, III H. Paul , Roy Anuradha
Published: September 2024

Recent global events have led to an increase in the delivery of higher education in an asynchronous online format. These changes have impacted students’ ability to schedule their lives around their education. This study investigates trends in student access to online asynchronous courses. This study utilized learning analytics data from the learning management system for thirty-eight online asynchronous communication courses taught by twelve different faculty members at a large research university in the southwestern United States. A total of 1,384 students were involved in the study. Profile Analyses indicate clear non-linear trends for time of day, day of the week, and week of the semester in student course access. Results indicate those trends vary significantly from a no-effect condition by level of course and gender of student across multiple courses.
Wave exposure influences kelp morphological and biomechanical phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Savard-Drouin A , Ulrick A , Metaxas A
Published: September 2024

Despite global and local declines in kelp ecosystems, luxuriant kelp beds persist at the Eastern Shore Islands (ESI) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Kelp beds in other regions of Nova Scotia were defoliated as the invasive bryozoan Membranipora membranacea and warming temperatures weakened kelp tissues and enhanced erosion and dislodgment. We propose that the high wave exposure at the ESI causes morphological and biomechanical phenotypic plasticity of kelp tissues. We compared differences in morphology and mechanical properties of the kelps Laminaria digitata and Saccharina latissima across 3 sites with different wave exposures, and differences in mechanical properties across blade lengths. Both species showed morphological plasticity; higher wave exposure resulted in longer and thicker stipes and thicker blades with increased branching. The mechanical properties of L. digitata showed increased breaking stress (strength) and strain (extensibility) with higher wave exposure, whereas S. latissima did not show mechanical plasticity with increasing exposure. For both species, blades were weaker but more extensible at the meristem and stronger but less extensible near the distal end of the blade. Larger and stronger kelp from high-exposure areas may promote the persistence of kelp beds in the ESI despite local stressors.
Linguagem Matemática, a teoria dos Três Mundos da Matemática e a regra da cadeia
Authors: Ribeiro Padilha Gabriel
Published: September 2024

O artigo mostra uma pesquisa qualitativa cujo objetivo foi evidenciar a relação entre a Teoria dos Três Mundos da Matemática e a linguagem matemática presente em conceitos de Cálculo Diferencial e Integral, especificamente, na Regra da Cadeia. Para o desenvolvimento do estudo, realizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica em trabalhos selecionados no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). Buscou-se por pesquisas de mestrado e doutorado acadêmico utilizando um recorte temporal de 2018 até 2023, com o descritor “três mundos da matemática”. A Teoria dos Três Mundos da Matemática oferece uma perspectiva intrigante sobre o papel da linguagem matemática na compreensão de conceitos complexos, como a Regra da Cadeia, que é uma ferramenta utilizada para encontrar a derivada de funções compostas. Em conclusão, a Teoria dos Três Mundos da Matemática destaca como a linguagem matemática desempenha um papel fundamental nos diferentes níveis de compreensão da Regra da Cadeia, desde as suas raízes, nas experiências perceptuais, até a sua formalização como um teorema matemático. Essa abordagem tende a oferecer subsídios para professores, pesquisadores e estudantes, destacando a importância do aprimoramento da linguagem matemática na construção do conhecimento e do pensamento.
Ensino de Matemática
Authors: Souza dos Santos Ítalo Samuel de , Miranda Guimarães Ana Paula
Published: September 2024

A pandemia causada pela COVID-19 impactou a educação em todo o mundo, incluindo o ensino de matemática. Com isso, os professores precisaram lidar com as novas demandas do ensino não presencial. A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar, a partir de estudos práticos publicados, o ensino remoto da matemática na educação básica, durante a pandemia, na perspectiva do professor. A pesquisa foi uma revisão sistemática, modalidade de pesquisa que obedece a protocolos definidos e busca responder a uma pergunta focal. A pergunta que buscamos responder foi: Como ocorreu o ensino de matemática na educação básica do Brasil durante a pandemia de Covid-19? O objeto de estudo foram artigos científicos publicados no Brasil, durante a pandemia e que versassem sobre o ensino de matemática na prática. Para analisar os artigos selecionados, foi utilizado o referencial metodológico da análise de conteúdo com a técnica de análise categorial. Após a leitura dos artigos, considerando as similaridades existentes e embasamento em referenciais teóricos da área, foram definidas três categorias: (1) As Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC); (2) Modalidades Didáticas; (3) Engajamento Comportamental. Como resultado foi identificado que diante do contexto pandêmico, os professores de matemática conseguiram driblar as dificuldades e desafios enfrentados, desempenhando suas práticas. As TDIC foram necessárias neste período, sendo utilizadas em duas formas de modalidades didáticas, as aulas expositivas e as metodologias ativas. Por fim, o engajamento comportamental dos estudantes foi uma das formas de avaliá-los, sendo que não possui relação direta com as modalidades didáticas escolhidas pelo professor.
Assessing the impact of turnip yellows virus infection and drought on canola performance: implications under a climate change scenario
Authors: Lago Clara , Fereres Alberto , Moreno Aránzazu , Trębicki Piotr
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide. Turnip yellows virus (TuYV), transmitted by aphids, is one of the most damaging viruses affecting canola crops and is challenging to control. With the prediction of more intense and prolonged drought events due to future climate change, an additional factor may extensively impact the epidemiology of plant diseases. This study aimed to understand the impact of drought on canola plants infected with TuYV and to explore the relationship between virus infection and drought.

Methods

Two glasshouse experiments were conducted: 1. Competition: Four plants (two infected, two non-infected) were grown in the same pot. 2. No Competition: One plant was grown per pot.

In both experiments, infected and non-infected canola plants were exposed to well-watered conditions, water stress (simulated drought), and terminal drought. Various plant traits were recorded, including biomass, leaf area, height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, and virus symptom expression.

Results

Both virus infection and water stress reduced dry biomass, leaf area, and height. Virus infection alone reduced canola biomass by up to 49% compared to non-infected, well-watered controls. Under water stress or terminal drought, the biomass of TuYV-infected plants was further reduced by up to 71% and 65%, respectively. Virus infection also reduced the number of leaves, although water treatment alone did not. Chlorophyll content was higher in water-stressed and terminal drought plants compared to well-watered ones, while virus infection reduced chlorophyll content. The impact of drought and virus infection was more pronounced when plants were under competition.

Discussion

Given the expected increase in prolonged and frequent droughts in many canola-growing regions due to climate change, a significant detrimental effect on canola production due to the combined influence of drought and TuYV is anticipated. This study underscores the need for developing mitigation strategies to protect canola production in a changing climate.
Cellular and extracellular proteomic profiling of paradoxical low-flow low-gradient aortic stenosis myocardium
Authors: Elkenani Manar , Barallobre-Barreiro Javier , Schnelle Moritz , Mohamed Belal A. , Beuthner Bo E. , Jacob Christoph Friedemann , Paul Niels B. , Yin Xiaoke , Theofilatos Konstantinos , Fischer Andreas , Puls Miriam , Zeisberg Elisabeth M. , Shah Ajay M. , Mayr Manuel , Hasenfuß Gerd , Toischer Karl
Published: September 2024

Aims

Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), low transvalvular flow (LF) and low gradient (LG) with normal ejection fraction (EF)—are referred to as paradoxical LF-LG AS (PLF-LG). PLF-LG patients develop more advanced heart failure symptoms and have a worse prognosis than patients with normal EF and high-gradient AS (NEF-HG). Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms underlying PLF-LG are still poorly understood.

Methods

Left ventricular (LV) myocardial biopsies of PLF-LG (n = 5) and NEF-HG patients (n = 6), obtained during transcatheter aortic valve implantation, were analyzed by LC-MS/MS after sequential extraction of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins using a three-step extraction method. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD055391.

Results

73 cellular proteins were differentially abundant between the 2 groups. Among these, a network of proteins related to muscle contraction and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (e.g., cTnI, FKBP1A and CACNA2D1) was found in PLF-LG. Extracellularly, upregulated proteins in PLF-LG were related to ATP synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation (e.g., ATP5PF, COX5B and UQCRB). Interestingly, we observed a 1.3-fold increase in cyclophilin A (CyPA), proinflammatory cytokine, in the extracellular extracts of PLF-LG AS patients (p < 0.05). Consistently, immunohistochemical analysis confirmed its extracellular localization in PLF-LG AS LV sections along with an increase in its receptor, CD147, compared to the NEF-HG AS patients. Levels of core ECM proteins, namely collagens and proteoglycans, were comparable between groups.

Conclusion

Our study pinpointed novel candidates and processes with potential relevance in the pathophysiology of PLF-LG. The role of CyPA in particular warrants further investigation.
Current state of data stewardship tools in life science
Authors: Aksenova Anna , Johny Anoop , Adams Tim , Gribbon Phil , Jacobs Marc , Hofmann-Apitius Martin
Published: September 2024

In today's data-centric landscape, effective data stewardship is critical for facilitating scientific research and innovation. This article provides an overview of essential tools and frameworks for modern data stewardship practices. Over 300 tools were analyzed in this study, assessing their utility, relevance to data stewardship, and applicability within the life sciences domain.
Utilize proteomic analysis to identify potential therapeutic targets for combating sepsis and sepsis-related death
Authors: Zhang Tianlong , Shi Yin , Li Jiayue , Huang Peiyao , Chen Kun , Yao Jiali
Published: September 2024

Background

Sepsis is an inflammatory disease that leads to severe mortality, highlighting the urgent need to identify new therapeutic strategies for sepsis. Proteomic research serves as a primary source for drug target identification. We employed proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR), genetic correlation analysis, and colocalization analysis to identify potential targets for sepsis and sepsis-related death.

Methods

Genetic data for plasma proteomics were obtained from 35,559 Icelandic individuals and an initial MR analysis was conducted using 13,531 sepsis cases from the FinnGen R10 cohort to identify associations between plasma proteins and sepsis. Subsequently, significant proteins underwent genetic correlation analysis, followed by replication in 54,306 participants from the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project and validation in 11,643 sepsis cases from the UK Biobank. The identified proteins were then subjected to colocalization analysis, enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction network analysis. Additionally, we also investigated a MR analysis using plasma proteins on 1,896 sepsis cases with 28-day mortality from the UK Biobank.

Results

After FDR correction, MR analysis results showed a significant causal relationship between 113 plasma proteins and sepsis. Genetic correlation analysis revealed that only 8 proteins had genetic correlations with sepsis. In the UKB-PPP replication analysis, only 4 proteins were found to be closely associated with sepsis, while validation in the UK Biobank sepsis cases found overlaps for 21 proteins. In total, 30 proteins were identified in the aforementioned analyses, and colocalization analysis revealed that only 2 of these proteins were closely associated with sepsis. Additionally, in the 28-day mortality MR analysis of sepsis, we also found that only 2 proteins were significant.

Conclusions

The identified plasma proteins and their associated metabolic pathways have enhanced our understanding of the complex relationship between proteins and sepsis. This provides new avenues for the development of drug targets and paves the way for further research in this field.
The absence of formal work experience may affect the rate of cognitive decline in older adult women: findings from the health and retirement study
Authors: Grewal Daya K. , Patapoff Molly A. , Liou-Johnson Victoria , Adamson Maheen M. , Jester Dylan J.
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between years of employment and cognitive health among older non-Latinx Black, Latinx, and non-Latinx White women. We hypothesized that women who had never been formally employed (i.e., zero years of formal work experience) would exhibit a pronounced cognitive decline.

Methods

Our study included 5,664 older adult women from the Health and Retirement Study (2010–2016) aged 65–101 (M = 75.41). Out of 5,664 participants, 850 identified as non-Latinx Black, 475 identified as Latinx, and 4,339 identified as non-Latinx White. Furthermore, 5,292 women indicated having a professional employment history of at least one year, whereas 372 women reported no formal work experience. The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-27 (TICS-27) was used to assess cognitive performance. Linear mixed effects models were conducted to assess whether employment history was associated with the rate of cognitive decline.

Results

In all three racial and ethnic groups, lower age, higher education, greater number of years worked, fewer chronic conditions, and greater household income were associated with better cognitive performance at baseline (p < .05). Additionally, women who had not worked in any formal capacity had a lower baseline cognitive performance (p < .001) and a more extreme decline in cognitive performance over time (p = .04).

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found that women without any formal work experience performed lower at baseline and experienced a steeper cognitive decline over time. These findings underscore the need to further explore the complex interrelationships between employment duration and cognitive trajectories, especially among older women and those from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Efficacy and safety of the first-line systemic treatments in patients with advanced-stage urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xu Xiaoqing , Sun Yuhan , Yu Xinyang , Qi Yuanfu , Dai Xin
Published: September 2024

Introduction

In recent years, some clinical studies of first-line treatment for advanced-stage urothelial carcinoma (aUC) have reached the main endpoint, showing inconsistent clinical efficacy. We hope to explore the efficacy and safety of first-line treatment for aUC.

Methods

The relevant literature from January 2000 to February 2024 was searched, and the R language (version 4.3.1) was used to perform a network meta-analysis based on the JAGS package and GEMTC package under the Bayesian framework. The main indicators included OS, PFS, ORR and adverse events of grade 3 or higher. This study has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024525372).

Results

A total of 8 RCTs involving 5539 patients and 12 treatments were included. Pembrolizumab plus Enfortumab Vedotin (PEM+EV) was significantly better than other groups in OS, PFS and ORR. In terms of OS, PEM+EV was significantly better than nivolumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy (NIVO+platinumCT) (HR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.45-0.81), PEM+platinumCT (HR=0.55; 95%CI: 0.42-0.72), atezolizumab (ATE) + platinumCT (HR=0.57; 95%CI: 0.43-0.75) and platinumCT (HR=0.47; 95%CI: 0.38-0.58). In terms of PFS, PEM+EV was also significantly better than NIVO+platinumCT (HR=0.62; 95%CI: 0.48-0.82), PEM+platinumCT (HR=0.58; 95%CI: 0.45-0.74), ATE+platinumCT (HR=0.55; 95%CI: 0.43-0.69) and platinumCT (HR=0.45; 95%CI: 0.38-0.54). In terms of ORR, PEM+EV had a significant be nefit compared with other treatment measures, which was 2.63 times that of platinumCT (OR=2.63; 95%CI: 2.00-3.45). The adverse events of grade 3 or higher in immunotherapy (ATE, PEM, durvalumab) was significantly lower than other treatment measures.

Conclusions

PEM+EV can significantly prolong OS and PFS compared with other treatments, and has a higher ORR. The adverse events of grade 3 or higher of ATE was the lowest.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024525372, identifier CRD42024525372.
Efficacy and safety of lumasiran for infants and young children with primary hyperoxaluria type 1: 30-month analysis of the phase 3 ILLUMINATE-B trial
Authors: Frishberg Yaacov , Hayes Wesley , Shasha-Lavsky Hadas , Sas David J. , Michael Mini , Sellier-Leclerc Anne-Laure , Hogan Julien , Willey Richard , Gansner John M. , Magen Daniella
Published: September 2024

Background

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a genetic disorder resulting in overproduction of hepatic oxalate, potentially leading to recurrent kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. Lumasiran, the first RNA interference therapeutic approved for infants and young children, is a liver-directed treatment that reduces hepatic oxalate production. Lumasiran demonstrated sustained efficacy with an acceptable safety profile over 12 months in infants and young children (age <6 years) with PH1 in ILLUMINATE-B (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03905694), an ongoing, Phase 3, multinational, open-label, single-arm study.

Methods

Here, we report interim efficacy and safety findings from ILLUMINATE-B following 30 months of lumasiran treatment. Eligible patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >45 ml/min/1.73 m2 if ≥12 months old or normal serum creatinine if <12 months old, and a urinary oxalate to creatinine ratio (UOx:Cr) greater than the upper limit of normal. All 18 patients enrolled in ILLUMINATE-B completed the 6-month primary analysis period, entered an extension period of up to 54 months, and continue to participate in the study.

Results

At Month 30, mean percent change from baseline in spot UOx:Cr was −76%, and mean percent change in plasma oxalate was −42%. eGFR remained stable through Month 30. In 14 patients (86%) with nephrocalcinosis at baseline, nephrocalcinosis grade improved at Month 24 in 12; no patient worsened. In the 4 patients without baseline nephrocalcinosis, nephrocalcinosis was absent at Month 24. Kidney stone event rates were ≤0.25 per person-year through Month 30. Mild, transient injection site reactions were the most common lumasiran-related adverse events (17% of patients).

Conclusion

In infants and young children with PH1, long-term lumasiran treatment resulted in sustained reductions in urinary and plasma oxalate that were sustained for 30 months, with an acceptable safety profile. Kidney function remained stable, low kidney stone event rates were observed through Month 30, and nephrocalcinosis grade improvements were observed through Month 24.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03905694.
The approach of Norm Balance in predicting pharmacists’ intention to collaborate with physicians to improve medication therapy
Authors: Liu Yifei , Farris Karen B. , Nayakankuppam Dhananjay , Sorofman Bernard A. , Urmie Julie M. , Doucette William R.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Norm Balance is an approach under the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) where subjective norm is weighted by the relative importance of others and self-identity is weighted by the relative importance of self. The relative importance was measured previously by a trade-off measure. In this study, we developed separate measures for the relative importance. The study objectives were to: 1) assess the construct validity of the separate measures; 2) examine the approach of Norm Balance in predicting pharmacists’ intention to collaborate with physicians to improve medication therapy; and 3) establish a modified TPB.

Methods

We selected a random sample of 750 Iowa pharmacists and conducted two surveys. The first survey was to examine intention prediction, and the second survey was to examine behavior prediction by measuring behavior among respondents to the first survey. The relative importance was measured by both the trade-off measure and the separate measures. Exploratory factor analyses were performed for the relative importance of others (separate measures) and subjective norm, and for the relative importance of self (separate measures) and self-identity. Regressions for intention prediction were conducted for TPB with self-identity and the approach of Norm Balance. The same regressions were also conducted for three subgroups according to the median of the relative importance of others (trade-off measure). Moreover, another regression was conducted for behavior prediction.

Results

239 practicing pharmacists responded to the first survey, and 188 responded to the second survey. The separate measures had cross factor loadings, whereas the trade-off measure had low correlations with other constructs. Both regressions for intention prediction explained 75% of the variance, with self-efficacy and attitude being strong predictors. Self-identity was not a predictor in the TPB with self-identify, but self-identity weighted by the relative importance of self was a significant predictor in the approach of Norm Balance. Regression coefficients of subjective norm and self-identify varied across subgroups. The regression for behavior prediction explained 30% of the variance, with intention and self-efficacy being two predictors.

Conclusion

The trade-off measure was better than separate measures. The approach of Norm Balance appears to be a better model than the TPB with self-identity to examine pharmacist-physician collaboration.
Revolutionizing tomato disease detection in complex environments
Authors: Xin Diye , Li Tianqi
Published: September 2024

In the current agricultural landscape, a significant portion of tomato plants suffer from leaf diseases, posing a major challenge to manual detection due to the task’s extensive scope. Existing detection algorithms struggle to balance speed with accuracy, especially when identifying small-scale leaf diseases across diverse settings. Addressing this need, this study presents FCHF-DETR (Faster-Cascaded-attention-High-feature-fusion-Focaler Detection-Transformer), an innovative, high-precision, and lightweight detection algorithm based on RT-DETR-R18 (Real-Time-Detection-Transformer-ResNet18). The algorithm was developed using a carefully curated dataset of 3147 RGB images, showcasing tomato leaf diseases across a range of scenes and resolutions. FasterNet replaces ResNet18 in the algorithm’s backbone network, aimed at reducing the model’s size and improving memory efficiency. Additionally, replacing the conventional AIFI (Attention-based Intra-scale Feature Interaction) module with Cascaded Group Attention and the original CCFM (CNN-based Cross-scale Feature-fusion Module) module with HSFPN (High-Level Screening-feature Fusion Pyramid Networks) in the Efficient Hybrid Encoder significantly enhanced detection accuracy without greatly affecting efficiency. To tackle the challenge of identifying challenging samples, the Focaler-CIoU loss function was incorporated, refining the model’s performance throughout the dataset. Empirical results show that FCHF-DETR achieved 96.4% Precision, 96.7% Recall, 89.1% mAP (Mean Average Precision) 50-95 and 97.2% mAP50 on the test set, with a reduction of 9.2G in FLOPs (floating point of operations) and 3.6M in parameters. These findings clearly demonstrate that the proposed method improves detection accuracy and reduces computational complexity, addressing the dual challenges of precision and efficiency in tomato leaf disease detection.
Utilization of radiometric data for mapping primary and secondary sources of gamma radiation and radon/thoron release potentials in Ireland
Authors: Aghdam Mirsina M. , Kavanagh Mark , Crowley Quentin
Published: September 2024

Background

This paper presents a novel approach to predict and map radon and thoron levels. We developed separate radon and thoron prediction maps for Ireland and introduced a system for producing high-resolution 3D radiation maps which may be used for planning purposes in residential areas, recycling and demolishing waste depots, and quarries of building and construction material. Additionally, we highlight the critical need to monitor thoron alongside radon in indoor surveys, as thoron’s shorter half-life and higher energy levels may pose a greater health risk.

Methods

We utilized Tellus radiometric survey data and indoor radon measurement records to investigate the spatial correlation between elevated indoor radon activity and anomalies in radioelement concentrations. We also estimated the degree of thoron interference in indoor radon surveys conducted in Ireland using CR-39 detectors. Field and laboratory surveys were performed to produce high-resolution radiation maps for four Irish quarries and estimate the radon and thoron potential of these quarries.

Results

Our initial findings suggest that thoron may be the primary health issue in some parts of Ireland, surpassing radon. For example, our map shows that the expected thoron potential in county Donegal is significantly higher than that for radon. Our radon and thoron exhalation tests on building material samples from four random quarries confirm this. We also estimate that over 20% of the elevated indoor radon activity recorded by the EPA using CR-39 detectors may be attributed to thoron-related sources.

Conclusion

This study contributes to a better understanding of the prevalence and impact of radon and thoron in Ireland, helping to determine the main radiological health issue related to indoor air quality in the country. Thoron’s impact on indoor air quality and health has been understudied in Ireland, necessitating more comprehensive studies and monitoring programs to accurately assess the prevalence and impact of both radon and thoron.
Coupling Coordination Degree of Land, Ecology, and Food and Its Influencing Factors in Henan Province
Authors: Yang Xian , Li Donghao , Wang Miao , Shi Xinjie , Wu Yong , Li Ling , Cai Wenpei
Published: September 2024

Studying the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the coupling coordination of the land–ecology–food system (LEF) aids in promoting green agricultural development and regional resource management. This study enriches food indicators under the dietary structure and uses the coupling coordination degree model to analyze the coupling coordination relationship among the LEF of 18 cities in Henan Province from 2011 to 2020. The gray relational degree model is used to investigate the main influencing factors determining the synergistic development of the system. The results show that the comprehensive development index of the LEF in Henan Province ranges between 0.4 and 0.6. The overall comprehensive evaluation index of various cities is ranked as Southern Henan > Eastern Henan > Central Henan > Northern Henan > Western Henan, with the greatest fluctuation observed in the food subsystem. During the study period, the coupling degree of Henan’s LEF ranged from 0.277 to 0.996, indicating stages from low- to high-level coupling. The coupling coordination degree ranged from 0.338 to 0.775, generally bordering on imbalance and barely coordinated. The impact of each subsystem evaluation index on the system’s coupling coordination degree can be ranked as food subsystem > ecology subsystem > land subsystem, with the correlation degree of internal indicators of the food and ecology subsystems with the system’s coupling coordination degree being over 85%, emphasizing the importance of strict management. In summary, the coupling coordination of the LEF system in Henan Province urgently needs to be improved; especially, the coordination of the agricultural system is particularly important. Clarifying the spatiotemporal pattern of the LEF coupling and its coordination can provide a scientific basis for the coordinated development of land use, agricultural ecology, and grain production in Henan Province.
Post-Harvest Alternatives in Banana Cultivation
Authors: Ruiz Medina Maritza D. , Ruales Jenny
Published: September 2024

Banana, also known as plátano in some places, is a fruit consumed and appreciated around the world. Its scientific name is Musa paradisiaca, belonging to the Musaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is currently grown in 130 countries in tropical and subtropical regions. This fruit is harvested throughout the year; 75% is generated mainly in India, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, and China. Post-harvest technology enables efficient processing, storage, transportation, and distribution while preserving the quality and safety of the fruit to reduce economic losses. Currently, challenges are being investigated for post-harvest treatments to minimize the environmental impact, reduce polluting emissions, and the requirement for less energy consumption. The most-used options for bananas are de-greening, atmospheric modification, coatings, and frigoconservation, which are important for achieving safe, healthy, and high-quality food in the XXI century. This review details the post-harvest mechanical damage, handling of environmental parameters (temperature and relative humidity), control of gases involved in storage and transport, wax treatment, coatings, the use of antifungal compounds, and packaging necessary for the export of the fruit.
A Review of Swine Breeding Herd Biosecurity in the United States to Prevent Virus Entry Using Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus as a Model Pathogen
Authors: Otake Satoshi , Yoshida Mio , Dee Scott
Published: September 2024

The prevention of disease introduction into swine herds requires the practice of science-based protocols of biosecurity that have been validated to reduce the risk of the entry of targeted pathogens. The fundamental pillars of biosecurity include bio-exclusion, biocontainment, and bio-management. Biosecurity protocols must be science-based, a way of life, continuously validated, cost-effective, and benchmarked over time. This paper will review these concepts, the direct and indirect routes of transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and the interventions that have been designed and validated to prevent infection of the breeding herd. It will close with a review of Next Generation Biosecurity, describing how a science-based approach is being used to prevent PRRSV infection in breeding herds from a large commercial pork production system in the US.
Bayesian Inference and Condition Assessment Based on the Deflection of Aging Reinforced Concrete Hollow Slab Bridges
Authors: Yan Xuliang , Jia Siyi , Jia Shuyang , Gao Jian , Peng Jiayu
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a Bayesian inference framework for updating the structural rigidity ratio of aging hollow slab RC bridges using deflection measurements. The framework models the structural rigidity ratio as a stochastic field along the hollow RC slabs, using the Karhunen–Loeve (KL) transform to capture spatial correlation and variation. Bayesian inference is then applied using deflection data from static loading tests, supported by a finite element model (FEM) and a Kriging surrogate model to enhance computational efficiency. The posterior distribution of the structural rigidity ratio is derived using a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampler. The proposed method was tested on an RC bridge with hollow slabs, using deflection measurements taken before and after reinforcement. The Bayesian updates indicated increased structural rigidity ratios after reinforcement, validating the effectiveness of the reinforcement. The deflection predictions from the updated models closely matched the measurements, with the 95% confidence bounds encompassing most of the data. This demonstrates the method’s validity and robustness in capturing the structural improvements post-reinforcement.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Proteins as Potential Targets against Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Shah Ruchi , Johnson Katherine A. , Lippert Anna E. L. , Kraus Sean G. , Emmerich Philip B. , Pasch Cheri A. , Zhang Wei , Matkowskyj Kristina A. , LeBeau Aaron M. , Deming Dustin A.
Published: September 2024

In colorectal cancer (CRC), attempts to identify cancer cell-specific markers to guide antibody-mediated therapeutics have failed to uncover markers that are both exclusive to cancer tissues and abundant across CRCs. Alternatively, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are abundant in the tumor microenvironment and upregulate unique surface markers, are not found in healthy tissues. Here, we evaluated the expression patterns of CAF-associated proteins α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), fibroblast activation protein (FAP), podoplanin (PDPN), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), transgelin (TAGLN), and THY1. While αSMA and THY1 were abundant in cancer tissues, high abundance in normal tissues limited their targeting potential. FAP was present in 94.5% of primary and metastatic CRC tissues and absent in 93.7% of adjacent normal colon and liver tissues assessed. These results indicate that FAP is a promising target for antibody conjugates with potential for broad application in CRC. Co-expression analyses showed that CRCs simultaneously expressing high levels of PDPN, MMP2, and THY1 were enriched for immune-related signatures, indicating potential for antibody-mediated immune engagers. Overall, this work highlights the potential of CAF proteins to act as therapeutic targets for novel anticancer agents and become important therapeutic biomarkers.
The Role of Local Prostate and Metastasis-Directed Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Choi Seo Hee , Beom Seung-Hoon , Choi Young Deuk , Ham Won Sik , Han Hyunho , Han Woong Kyu , Jang Won Sik , Lee Seung Hwan , Cho Jaeho
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Oligometastatic prostate cancer (OMPC) represents an early stage of metastatic disease characterized by a limited number of lesions. Recent advancements in imaging and treatment have revived interest in personalized therapies, including metastasis-directed radiotherapy (OMDRT) and primary prostate radiotherapy (PPR). This study evaluates the impact of OMDRT timing and the role of PPR on survival outcomes in OMPC patients; Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 82 patients with OMPC who underwent OMDRT between 2010 and 2019 were analyzed. Patients were classified based on OMDRT timing (early vs. late) and disease type (synchronous vs. metachronous). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary endpoints, assessed via Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models; Results: Among the patients, 36 (43.9%) had synchronous and 46 (56.1%) had metachronous OMD. With a median follow-up of 32 months, the 5-year PFS and OS rates were 77.5% and 88.5%, respectively. Early OMDRT significantly improved PFS (HR 0.461, 95% CI: 0.257–0.826, p = 0.009) and OS (HR 0.219, 95% CI: 0.080–0.603, p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis showed the most favorable outcomes for synchronous OMD patients receiving early OMDRT, with a median PFS of 22.2 months and a 5-year survival rate of 42.1%. The treatment of the primary prostate provided a survival benefit in the OS of synchronous OMD patients (5-year 83.1% vs. 50%, p = 0.025), and there was a further improvement in OS after PPR (5-year 87.7% vs. 50%, p = 0.015). Conclusions: Early OMDRT significantly enhances survival outcomes in OMPC, in both synchronous and metachronous cases. The integration of PPR can further improve results, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and personalized treatment strategies. To more definitively clarify our findings across various clinical situations, further studies with larger cohorts or prospective designs are necessary.