bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simplified circuit model of novel bypass diode based PV array for circulating current and power loss minimization under partial shading
Authors: Santra Subhendu Bikash , Mohanty Subodh Kumar , Roy Choudhury Tanmoy
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a new connection technique of bypass diode (BD) in photovoltaic (PV) array, which reduces the circulating current (CC) within PV modules as well as conduction loss in partial shaded condition (PSC).

Design/methodology/approach

Linearized circuit model of PV panel is proposed for calculating the CC and power loss of novel BD arrangements in PV array. From the analysis the best BD arrangement is applied in series parallel, TCT and honeycomb (HC) PV array structure for simulation and hardware verification. The hardware verification is performed in a 3 × 3 PV array, where individual panel capacity is 200 W.

Findings

The proposed BD arrangement reduces the power loss due to CC under PSC by almost 3% compared to conventional BD structure in a PV array.

Originality/value

The proposed BD arrangement is simple and useful in large PV power plants to reduce the CC-based extra power loss under PSC.
Mapping global research on Generation Z: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Malik Amara , Gulzar Ayesha , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Siddique Nadeem
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the literature on Generation Z (Gen Z) accessible through Scopus to determine which nations, universities and writers have the highest publication and citation rates on the topic. Together with identifying the most popular keywords and trending topics over the years found in the literature analysis, the study also aims to ascertain the patterns of collaboration among writers and nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers searched the Scopus database to collect and assess the literature on the topic. The paper used applications such as Biblioshiny, VosViewer, Python, MS Access, Power BI and Excel to collect, analyze and present the literature.

Findings

The analysis shows that authors prefer to use the terms “Gen Z”, “digital natives” and “social media” most often. Findings revealed that the topic is well-researched in different fields of study including social science, computer science, business management, engineering and arts and humanities from the perspective of various world regions such as Europe, America, Australia and Asia. However, the African region was less discussed in the literature, indicating the need for more research covering the context of underdeveloped nations. Moreover, the USA accounts for the greatest proportion of publications produced in cross-border collaboration, especially with China and the UK.

Research limitations/implications

This examination is crucial for academics and researchers, policymakers and businesses seeking insights into the preferences, challenges and opportunities associated with this generation to inform effective strategies and decision-making. Furthermore, by identifying key themes, trends and gaps in the existing literature, this paper can serve as a foundational study for future researchers to select the prospective research topics related to Gen Z.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that shares a bibliometric analysis of literature published on Gen Z. This paper is an attempt to fill the research gap on the topic and also shares implications for relevant stakeholders and future research directions for prospective researchers.
Does YouTube help to reduce plagiarism? A content analysis of YouTube videos and sentiment analysis through viewers comments
Authors: Rout Lulu , Acharya Shubhasmita
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Plagiarism can occur in research in various ways, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This study aims to assess the role of YouTube in providing information and creating awareness about plagiarism through videos. It also investigates the topics related to plagiarism covered in YouTube videos and evaluates viewer satisfaction with the content provided.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the software Webometric Analyst and various search strings, a total of 526 YouTube videos and 18,050 comments were retrieved on April 23, 2023. The “syuzhet” package has been installed on R-studio to comprehend the sentiment associated with the videos.

Findings

The greatest number of videos (184) were submitted describing plagiarism software-related information, followed by 122 videos describing examples of plagiarism. The sentiment analysis of viewers’ associated comments revealed that the majority (111.36 %) were positive, indicating that viewers are satisfied with the available videos.

Research limitations/implications

This study has potential limitations. The number of videos assigned to each content category may be biased to some extent because the videos were not fully viewed and the content categories were assigned manually by analyzing the video title. While analyzing comments for sentiment analysis, some comments are difficult for the software to assign a type of sentiment to, so the percentage of sentiment may be slightly biased.

Originality/value

All data used in this research are original and verified manually. The data for this study was obtained using software (Webometric Analyst) and cross-checked on a regular basis. The titles of the videos were individually inspected and evaluated to analyze the content and emphasis area of previously posted films. This allows the authors to identify the areas of plagiarism when no or few videos have been submitted.
Electroosmosis-modulated Darcy–Brinkman flow in sinusoidal microfluidic pipe: an analytical approach
Authors: Rana Amalendu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This investigation is devoted to analyze the electroosmotic flow characteristics in a sinusoidal micropipe through a porous medium. This study aims to investigate the impact of surface waviness on Darcy–Brinkman flow in the presence of electroosmotic force, achieved through the unification of perturbation techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Analytical approximate solutions for the governing flow equations are obtained through the utilization of a perturbation method.

Findings

The analytical study reveals that the periodic roughness on the surface of the micropipe generates periodic disturbances not only in the potential fields but also in the velocity profiles. An increase in the relative waviness of the pipe leads to the generation of corresponding waviness within the boundary layers of the flow. Surface waviness reduces the average velocity by increasing frictional resistance, while higher Darcy numbers and electroosmotic parameters lead to higher velocities by reducing flow resistance and enhancing electrokinetic forces, respectively. In addition, the presence of waviness introduces higher flow resistivity, contributing to an overall increase in the friction factor. Higher permeability in porous media induces boundary-layer reverse flows, resulting in elevated flow resistivity.

Originality/value

The current findings offer valuable insights for researchers in biomedical engineering and related fields. The author’s discoveries have the potential to drive advancements in microfluidic systems, benefiting various domains. These include optimizing drug delivery in biomedical devices, improving blood filtration applications and enhancing the efficiency of fluid transport in porous media for engineering applications.
Overqualification in the socialization context: how being relatively qualified leads to leadership emergence
Authors: Bai Jingyi , Zhao Xinyuan (Roy) , Huan Tzung-Cheng , Leong Aliana Man Wai
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Building on the social capital theory of career success (SCT), this paper aims to explore how and when newcomers’ overqualifications can grant them positions as informal leaders within the workgroup over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested using a social relations modeling analysis conducted using a three-wave survey with 242 newcomers in Macau.

Findings

The results support the view that relatively qualified newcomers can enjoy social capital advantages in workgroup networks. Newcomers’ desired qualifications can grant them positions as informal leaders through leader–member exchange and advice network centrality. These relationships are moderated by relational dissimilarity, such that the benefits of being relatively overqualified will be weakened when relational dissimilarity is high (vs. low).

Practical implications

When assisting overqualified newcomers in integrating into their teams, practitioners shall be aware of the time and resources that new hires require for adjustment, especially when significant newcomer–veteran relational dissimilarity exists.

Originality/value

The present paper challenges the overtly detrimental outcomes of overqualification by highlighting the positive relational implications of being relatively overqualified.
A humanistic manager? Integrating humanities into professional management education in Colombia: the case of Eafit University, 1994-2007
Authors: Londoño-Correa Diana , Lopez-Diez Juan Carlos , Campuzano-Hoyos Jairo
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to thecomprehension of management education in the Global South, focusing on how contextual specificities, exemplified in the Colombian case, have driven curricular reforms. These reforms harmonize traditional practical training with a substantial emphasis on humanities education. to 

Design/methodology/approach

Using a historical approach, this study conducts a heuristic and hermeneutic analysis of historical primary documents from archives, secondary sources and interviews.

Findings

The curricular reforms in Eafit’s Business Administration program responded to the need to diverge from a model borrowed from the United States. This departure leads to organic transformations that empower the inclusion of humanities for holistic professional manager education. This holistic approach was aimed to equip graduates to address organizational challenges and unique local issues, transcending conventional boundaries of education.

Research limitations/implications

This research serves as an initial exploration of a Global South case, laying the groundwork for future analyses of analogous cases. Comparative studies may eventually provide a more comprehensive understanding of management education beyond the Global North.

Originality/value

This work pioneers a relatively unexplored area of literature by investigating the history, unique aspects of business administration curricula and the role of curricular reforms within specific contexts. It is particularly pertinent in understanding the distinctive characteristics of business schools in the Global South. These institutions initially took inspiration from well-established American counterparts and literature reflecting Northern Global settings. However, they introduced innovations tailored to their local demands. This study spotlights the distinctive character of management education in Latin America, emphasizing a robust humanistic component.
A fisheye image correction method based on deep learning
Authors: Gai Shuli , Cui Wenhua , Liang Bodong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Fisheye camera is a wide-angle camera with a large field of view, which can obtain more information than conventional cameras, but its own disadvantage of large distortion can lead to shape distortion of objects in the captured image. To correct lens distortion, most scholars use manual calibration methods. The traditional manual calibration method relies on complex data computation and specialized mathematical knowledge, but the method is complex and not universal. Considering the nonlinear features of neural networks can be used to fit the nonlinear distortion of distorted images, this paper aims to correct the distortion of a fisheye image based on convolutional neural networks.

Design/methodology/approach

By generating fisheye distortion images using readily available cityscape road data sets, this paper designs an effective correction model by taking advantage of the fact that the relationship between the pixel coordinates is basically stable after uniform distortion. In our training process, the corresponding distortion is firstly synthesized using the original image, the loss function is constructed using the geometric means of the Hough transform, the whole model is then trained with the help of the loss of the linear slope, and finally the predicted parameters are used to correct the fisheye image, which realizes the overall end-to-end framework.

Findings

Experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper outperforms similar methods in terms of correction performance.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a fisheye distortion correction algorithm based on convolutional neural network, which uses distortion-free images based on a generalized fisheye imaging model and maps to generate a fisheye distortion picture data set. It also builds a loss function training model based on line reconstruction error loss of Hough transforms.
Regulation by enforcement: the impact of Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement actions on crypto valuation
Authors: Brož Václav
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of enforcement actions by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the valuation of major crypto assets.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the recent increase in regulatory efforts to combat fraudulent activity within the market, the paper concentrates on the period from 2019 to 2023 and uses the event study approach.

Findings

The analysis reveals a negative and economically significant effect of SEC actions on crypto valuations, ranging from −0.7% to −1.4% over a three-day window surrounding the announcement of enforcement actions for the entire sample. Particularly, a pronounced negative reaction is observed from crypto investors to SEC enforcement actions in 2022 and those where individuals are charged.

Originality/value

The findings align with existing literature, even though the study uses more conservative methodological approaches and data selection criteria. Specifically, the author uses a market event study model, account for potential confounding events, and use initial news reports about investigations rather than official SEC communications as event dates.
Setting the tone: perspectives on the role of the team in promoting a healthy and inclusive research environment
Authors: Spanner Leigh , Cox Susan M. , Smithdeal Matthew , Lee Michael , Hunt Michael A.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to answer the following research questions: The research questions were as follows: What factors contribute to faculty, postdocs, research staff and graduate students feeling part of a healthy and inclusive team environment? and How can faculty, postdocs, research staff and graduate students contribute to creating and maintaining a healthy and inclusive research team environment?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted student, postdoctoral fellow, staff and faculty focus groups to solicit perceptions on the characteristics of healthy and inclusive research teams, and how research team members can contribute to shaping this environment. Focus groups were semistructured and guided by an appreciative inquiry approach. Thematic analysis was used to summarize and categorize findings across focus groups and to understand how these themes contributed to the overall research questions.

Findings

The authors conducted 11 focus groups that were comprised of 48 different individuals: 30 graduate students (6 focus groups), 6 faculty members (2 focus groups), 6 staff members (2 focus groups) and 6 postdoctoral fellows (1 focus group). Themes that were discussed included collaboration and clarity on role definition; effective communication; cultivating safe relationships; promoting and modeling work–life balance; and supporting professional development in these areas.

Originality/value

This study reinforces the role that research teams can have on how graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, staff and faculty experience the research environment. The authors also identified a number of themes and factors that can be used to develop training initiatives to facilitate healthy research team environments.
Toward measuring R&D knowledge management capability: scale development and empirical validation
Authors: Tikas Gaurav
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to perceive research and development (R&D) knowledge management from a capability-based view, develops a theoretically grounded construct and empirically validates it within R&D organizational settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a five-step multi-method research design consisting of a literature review, expert interviews and surveys to develop and validate the R&D knowledge management capability scale within R&D organizations.

Findings

R&D knowledge management capability construct emerges as a three-dimensional construct with dimensions – knowledge creation, communication and commercialization which can be measured through a parsimonious set of items, designed at team levels within R&D organizations.

Research limitations/implications

R&D managers can use this R&D knowledge management capability scale to measure, compare and develop the knowledge management capabilities of their R&D teams.

Originality/value

The three dimensions of R&D knowledge management capabilities along with their measurement items are the unique contributions of this study to the knowledge-based view of the firm.
Survey on forensic DNA biology training in forensic science service laboratories in the United States
Authors: Elkins Kelly M. , Joseph Shervonne , Skrant Cassandra
Published: November 2024

Training is an essential component of onboarding new hires in forensic science service provider (FSSP) laboratories. There are several DNA training standards published by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Academy Standards Board (ASB) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited framework. In this study, we conducted a survey of forensic DNA laboratory training programs to better understand training activities and materials. The survey was approved by the IRB and emailed to forensic laboratory directors, assistant directors, and/or DNA technical leaders and responses were submitted by them or their designees. Over thirty leaders and stakeholders responded. In this article, we report on the results of the survey. Respondents indicated that training activities included readings, writing assignments and quizzes, shadowing analysts, and mock casework and that training is documented and is a collaborative effort of the technical leader, unit supervisor, advanced forensic scientists, and other analysts and technicians. Laboratories assess competency using multiple methods including performance on mock casework, report writing, laboratory practical and competency tests, and a mock trial and testimony. The top three training activities reported are hands‐on practice, shadowing, and readings. The top three focuses of the training are laboratory techniques (extraction, quantitation, amplification, and capillary electrophoresis), STR typing, and mixture analysis. Ethics violations and failure to pass the competency tests and mock trial, even after remediation, are the top reasons new hires fail training. Finally, the top items respondents would like to spend more time offering training on are troubleshooting, validation, and root cause analysis.
Analysis of physicochemical variables and bioactive compounds in baked sweet potato snacks
Authors: Caro‐Hernández Olivia , Aguilar‐Palazuelos Ernesto , Gutiérrez‐Dorado Roberto , Caro‐Corrales José , Jacobo‐Valenzuela Noelia , Carrazco‐Escalante Marco , Iribe‐Salazar Rosalina , Vázquez‐López Yessica , Pacheco‐Plata Felícitas , Camacho‐Hernández Irma Leticia
Published: November 2024

Sweet potatoes have been the focus of study due to their nutritional content, as they are considered a food that can help reduce malnutrition owing to their energy contribution. In addition, they serve as a source of other compounds with biological activity that can offer health benefits. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of baking temperature on the physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of sweet potato snacks and to analyze the kinetics for these variables during the process as a function of temperature and time. Fracturability (F), water activity (aw), color variables (L*, a*, and b*), total color difference (ΔE), ascorbic acid (AA), phenolic compounds (PC), and total carotenoids (TC) of raw and baked sweet potatoes at 100, 120, and 140°C were measured. The kinetics of moisture content ratio (X/X0), fracturability (F), water activity (aw), and total color difference (ΔE) were set up. Physicochemical analysis showed that higher baking temperatures led to softer texture with reduced water activity and significant color changes. Bioactive compounds: AA, PC, and TC exhibited a reduction with temperature. Despite these temperature‐induced reductions, significant retention of AA and partial retention of PC and TC for these nutrient and antioxidants were achieved. Kinetic analysis emphasized the dynamic nature of physicochemical transformations during baking, providing valuable insights for both the food industry and consumer acceptance.

Practical Application

Comprehending the kinetics of quality variables allows to understand the changes occurring in the food during the baking process. This knowledge enables the development of more efficient and controlled baking processes for producing healthier sweet potato snacks with characteristics that harmonize with consumers’ preferences.
Development and biochemical characterization of freeze‐dried guava powder fortified with Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Yousaf Ali Asad , Zeng Hui , Abbasi Kashif Sarfraz , Bergholz Teresa , Siddiq Muhammad , Dolan Kirk
Published: November 2024

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most nutrient‐dense fruits, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The processing of value‐added products from guava has not been carried out on a scale similar to some other fruits, which offers an opportunity to fully exploit the potential of this fruit, such as guava‐based nutraceutical food products. The objectives of the present study were to develop freeze‐dried guava powders (FDGPs) from two guava varieties (white and pink) and characterize their physico‐chemical and nutritional properties. FDGP was also incorporated with probiotic strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, to develop a healthy nutraceutical probiotic supplement. Functional groups assessed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy exhibited the existence of strong C–Br stretch, O–H stretch, and C = C stretch vibrations; however, scanning electron micrograms (SEMs) showed the flaky structure indicating the presence of starch, dietary fibers, and esterified groups of pectin. Significant mineral concentrations (mg/100 g) of potassi‐um (323–362), magnesium (26.2–28.8), zinc (0.43–0.51), and iron (0.52–0.63) were observed in FDGPs. The FDGP samples from both guava varieties had high levels of crude fiber (43.94–46.29%), vitamin C (2.27–2.49 mg/g), and phenolic compounds (57.50–61.86 mg GAE/g) as well as significant antioxidant properties. Fortification of FDGP with L. plantarum strains produced significant results in terms of probiotic viability that was nearly maintained at 108 CFU/g up to 60 days in the final product. The viability of probiotics proved that FDGP is a good carrier of prebiotics and can be utilized as a potent probiotic supplement.
Development of reduced‐fat eggless mayonnaises using clove basil and sweet basil seed mucilages
Authors: Neeharika B. , Vijayalaxmi K. G.
Published: November 2024

The seeds of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) and sweet basil (O. basilicum) produce mucilage upon hydration that can be utilized as a substitute in several foods. In the present study, reduced‐fat eggless mayonnaises were developed by substituting 30% of the oil content in the formulation with clove basil and sweet basil seed mucilages. The developed mayonnaises exhibited a similar appearance and better texture with ideal firmness, thick consistency, spreadable texture, lesser stickiness, and adhesiveness than the control eggless mayonnaise. The replacement of oil with basil seed mucilages significantly (p ≤ 0.01) improved the emulsion, freeze‐thaw, and heat stability of mayonnaises as mucilages acted as emulsifying and stabilizing agents. Further, the mayonnaises with clove basil and sweet basil seed mucilages exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.01) high ash (0.78, 0.69 g), carbohydrate (36.55, 38.37 g), soluble dietary fiber (0.21, 0.22 g), total dietary fiber (0.22, 0.23 g) contents and less fat (33.07, 38.37 g), energy (304, 305 Kcal) contents per 100 g than control. Also, they exhibited significantly (p ≤ 0.01) higher total phenols content (90.57, 83.35 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g) and total antioxidant capacity (268.28, 259.94 mg TE/100 g) than the control. Thus, the utilization of clove basil seed and sweet basil seed mucilages aided in the development of eggless mayonnaises with reduced fat content and enriched with bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and antioxidants. The technology of development of reduced fat mayonnaises can be taken up by the food industries and the product can be popularised further to meet the rising demand for eggless mayonnaises with reduced fat content by health‐conscious lacto‐vegetarian consumers.
Extraction optimization, identification using UPLC–tandem mass spectrometry, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from the fruit body of Morchella sextelata
Authors: Zhai Fei‐Hong , Yan Miao‐Qing , Wang Yan
Published: November 2024

Polyphenols, as important active ingredients in edible fungi, have many beneficial functions. As rare edible fungi, Morchella spp., are highly popular due to their nutritional value and unique flavor. However, most Morchella have not yet been artificially cultivated due to their special biological characteristics, resulting in limited research on polyphenols in artificially cultivated Morchella. In this study, the extraction parameters of polyphenols from artificially cultivated Morchella sextelata were optimized using response surface methodology, the polyphenol components were analyzed via UPLC‒tandem mass spectrometry, and their antioxidant properties were determined in vitro. The optimal extraction process parameters were as follows: ethanol concentration, 43%; solid‒liquid ratio, 1:41 g mL−1; extraction temperature, 52°C; extraction time, 2 h; rotation speed, 180 r min−1; and extraction frequency, twice. The optimized extraction parameters resulted in a polyphenol yield of 4.82 mg g−1, a 69.97% increase. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified: gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, dl‐4‐hydroxyphenyllactic acid, methyl 2,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetate, salicylic acid, 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4‐hydroxyacetophenone, eucommiol, luteolin, ethylparaben, hinokiflavone, amentoflavone, propyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate, and 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol. The EC50 values of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)· scavenging ability, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating ability of polyphenols were 2.70, 30.98, and 72.06 µg mL−1, respectively. These findings indicated that polyphenols had a significantly stronger ability to scavenge DPPH· compared with their reducing power and ability to chelate ferrous ions. The results of this study provide a solid foundation for the subsequent study of function of M. sextelata polyphenols as well as a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of M. sextelata, which will help promote healthy development of Morchella industry.

Practical Application

The extraction, composition, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from Morchella sextelata were identified, which provides a theoretical basis for better utilization of Morchella resources.
Visium spatial transcriptomics and proteomics identifies novel hepatic cell populations and transcriptomic signatures of alcohol‐associated hepatitis
Authors: Gripshover Tyler C. , Treves Rui S. , Rouchka Eric C. , Chariker Julia H. , Zheng Shirong , Hudson Elizabeth , Smith Melissa L. , Singal Ashwani K. , McClain Craig J. , Hardesty Josiah E.
Published: November 2024

Background

Alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) is the clinical manifestation of alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD). AH is a complex disease encompassing the dysregulation of many cells and cell subpopulations. This study used a hepatic spatial transcriptomic and proteomic approach (10X Genomics Visium) to identify hepatic cell populations and their associated transcriptomic and proteomic alterations in human AH.

Methods

Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded liver tissue from AH patients (n = 2) and non‐ALD controls (donors) (n = 2) were used for Visium spatial transcriptomic and proteomic analysis.

Results

AH cell clusters and cell markers were drastically different in regard to tissue pattern and number of cell types compared to non‐ALD controls. Cholangiocytes, endothelial cells, macrophages, and stellate cells were more profuse in AH relative to non‐ALD controls. Transcriptionally, proliferating cell nuclear antigen‐positive (PCNA+) hepatocytes in AH more closely resembled cholangiocytes suggesting they were non‐functional hepatocytes derived from cholangiocytes. Furthermore, mitochondria protein‐coding genes were reduced in AH versus non‐ALD control hepatocytes, suggesting reduced functionality and loss of regenerative mechanisms. Macrophages in AH exhibited elevated gene expression involved in exosomes as compared to non‐ALD controls. The most upregulated macrophage genes observed in AH were those involved in exosome trafficking. Gene and protein signatures of disease‐associated hepatocytes (ANXA2+/CXCL1+/CEACAM8+) were elevated in AH and could visually identify a pre‐malignant lesion.

Conclusions

This study identified global cell type alterations in AH and distinct transcriptomic changes between AH and non‐ALD controls. These findings characterize cellular plasticity and profuse transcriptomic and proteomic changes that are apparent in AH and contribute to the identification of novel therapeutics.
Evidence from citizen science suggests foliage as a possible day roost for the hairy big‐eyed bat (Chiroderma villosum)
Authors: Garbino Guilherme S. T. , de Oliveira Eulerson Xavier , Bertrands Joachim , van den Berghe Eric
Published: November 2024

Frugivorous bats in the subfamily Stenodermatinae are known to use foliage and cavities, such as tree hollows or caves, as roosting sites. Species with paler facial and dorsal markings are typically thought to prefer enclosed spaces, while those with more conspicuous markings often roost in more exposed locations. Among the genus Chiroderma, the hairy big‐eyed bat (C. villosum) has the widest distribution and is the most studied ecologically, yet its roosting habits remain poorly understood. We present three observations of C. villosum using foliage as daytime roosting sites, with records from tropical rainforest areas in Belize, Brazil and Nicaragua. These findings challenge the assumption that C. villosum prefers enclosed spaces due to its less conspicuous pelage markings. The apparent scarcity of day roost reports for Chiroderma species may be due to their solitary roosting habits and the difficulty of spotting them in exposed shelters.
Does admission to intensive care post total joint arthroplasty result in poorer outcomes 12‐months after surgery?
Authors: Price Veronique , Thuraisingam Sharmala , Choong Peter F , Perriman Diana , Dowsey Michelle M
Published: November 2024

Background

It is unknown if total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) benefit from the surgery. This impedes clinical decision‐making, resource allocation and patient informed consent. This study aims to identify whether admission to ICU post‐TJA surgery is associated with poorer quality of life, pain and function, compared to those not requiring ICU admission.

Methods

Data on patients who underwent elective total hip or knee arthroplasty between 2006 and 2019 were extracted from a single‐institution registry in Melbourne, Australia. Adjusted mixed‐linear regression models were used to estimate the mean difference at 12 months in quality of life (VR‐12), and pain and function (WOMAC) between patients admitted postoperatively to ICU and those not admitted.

Results

Of the 8444 patients that met the study inclusion criteria, 128 (1.5%) patients were admitted to ICU peri‐ or postoperatively. The median length of stay in ICU was 1 day (IQR = 1). Patients in both groups reported similar clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life, pain and function 12‐months after surgery.

Conclusion

Clinicians weighing up risks versus benefits of TJA in patients with a higher risk of ICU admission should not overlook the significant improvements in quality of life, pain and function likely to be seen.
No Camp is a “Good Camp”: The Closed Controlled Access Centre on Samos as a Torturing Environment and Necropolitical Space of Uncare
Authors: Manek Julia
Published: November 2024

In a crisis‐shaken globalised world, migration‐related sites of detention emerge as a harmful figure of attempts to contain human mobility. The new Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC) on Samos is a blueprint for the EU's future border practices. While openly dehumanising conditions contributed to the previous “old camp” amounting to a torturing environment, the new remote and securitised CCAC promised safety and humanitarian care. Psycho‐geographical counter‐mappings by people living in the camps and of human rights defenders allow the reading of the hotspot camps as a built environment and social space. They expose how the violent neglect of the old camp transforms into the surveilled and weaponised space of yet another torturing environment. This time, it operates a necropolitical space of uncare that distributes harm differentially. The findings emphasise the abolitionist argument that camps cannot be turned into “better” places.
Safety of enoxaparin in patients implanted with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Klosko Rachel C. , Whitson Bryan , Lampert Brent , McLaughlin Eric , Orzel Libby
Published: November 2024

Background

The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of major bleeding events in patients implanted with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF‐LVADs) bridged with enoxaparin (LMWH) compared to intravenous unfractionated heparin (IV UFH) for a subtherapeutic INR on warfarin.

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective, cohort study was conducted including patients with CF‐LVADs implanted between January 1, 2012 and July 1, 2020 who received at least one inpatient dose or outpatient prescription for LMWH or IV UFH at least 60 days after CF‐LVAD implantation. The primary endpoint was the incidence of major bleeding.

Results

In total, 176 orders were screened and 90 orders in 62 unique patients were included. Major bleeding and thromboembolic events occurred in 1 (2.5%) versus 4 (10.0%) orders (p = 0.36) and 3 (7.5%) versus 1 (2.5%) orders (p = 0.62) in the LMWH and IV UFH groups, respectively. One patient had a fatal thromboembolic event in each group. More patients receiving IV UFH had minor bleeding events (10 [25.0%] vs. 3 [7.5%]; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

There was no difference between bleeding and thromboembolic events in patients implanted with CF‐LVADs prescribed LMWH or IV UFH for bridging of subtherapeutic INRs. Larger prospective randomized data are needed to validate these findings.
Examining the network dynamics of daily movement and dietary behaviors among college students: A diary study
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Qing , Huang Jiasheng
Published: November 2024

Promoting individuals' overall health and well‐being is important, and understanding the interconnections between daily movement and dietary behaviors may provide insights for developing effective health behavior interventions. In the current study, we therefore adopted a network approach to investigate the complex relationships among movement and dietary behaviors within a daily diary study. Data were collected from 101 college students over a 28‐day period, assessing movement (i.e., physical exercise and sedentary behavior) and dietary (i.e., overeating, sugar‐sweetened beverage intake, and snack consumption) behaviors. We employed a multilevel vector autoregressive model to analyze the within‐person (temporal and contemporaneous) and between‐person networks of movement and dietary behaviors. Our findings unveiled a negative association between physical exercise and sedentary behavior at both contemporaneous and between‐person levels, while the interconnections among dietary behaviors displayed nuanced variations across different levels. We also found intricate relationships between movement and dietary behaviors, with sedentary behavior and sugar‐sweetened beverage intake emerging as central nodes in the behavior networks. This exploratory study underscores the complex interconnections of daily health behaviors, particularly highlighting the potential roles of sedentary behavior and sugar‐sweetened beverage intake in multiple behavior interventions. These preliminary findings have yet to be validated through theory‐driven studies with experimental designs.
3D‐printed model for resection of positive surgical margins in robot‐assisted prostatectomy
Authors: Engesser Christian , Brantner Philipp , Gahl Brigitta , Walter Matthias , Gehweiler Julian , Seifert Helge , Subotic Svetozar , Rentsch Cyrill , Wetterauer Christian , Bubendorf Lukas , Vlajnic Tatjana , Hosseini Abolfazl , Ebbing Jan
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To improve precision of secondary resection (SR) after positive surgical margin (PSM) detection by frozen section (FS) during nerve‐sparing (NS) robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) by employing a personalised three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed prostate model derived from pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This model was used to mark positive surgical margins (PSM) and guide intraoperative SR during NS‐RARP.

Patients and Methods

Prospective multicentre cohort study with 100 patients undergoing NS‐RARP between September 2018 and August 2021. Primary and secondary endpoints were the conversion rate of FS‐identified PSM to a tumour‐free margin and functional/oncological parameters within a 12‐month follow‐up, respectively.

Results

A PSM was identified in 23% of cases during FS, with a conversion to negative surgical margins (NSM) in 83% (19/23 cases) by model‐guided SR. The tumour detection rate in SR specimens was 39% (nine of 23 cases). Among the 19 patients with converted margins, 18 (95%) achieved undetectable prostate‐specific antigen levels 2 months postoperatively, with six (32%) having subsequent biochemical recurrence within 12 months. prostate‐specific‐membrane‐antigen positron emission tomography computed tomography found one local recurrence, and five cases of metastatic disease. In converted patients, the baseline median five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score decreased by 16% after 1 year, with no significant difference compared to patients with primarily NSM. Limitations include the absence of a control group, the potential for false‐negative FS results and limited accuracy of MRI.

Conclusion

The integration of 3D‐printed prostate models into NS‐RARP has the potential to positively impact surgical outcomes by improving the precision of SR and optimising pathosurgical communication.
Pan‐immune‐inflammation value predicts immunotherapy response and reflects local antitumor immune response in rectal cancer
Authors: Wang Qianyu , Zhong Wentao , Xiao Yi , Lin Guole , Lu Junyang , Xu Lai , Zhang Guannan , Liu Aijun , Du Junfeng , Wu Bin
Published: November 2024

The pan‐immune‐inflammation value reflects the systemic inflammatory response, and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes indicate a local immune response in rectal cancer. However, the association between systemic inflammatory response, as indicated by the pan‐immune‐inflammation value, and local immune responses in rectal cancer remains unclear. This study analyzed 915 treatment‐naïve rectal cancer patients from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and PLA General Hospital (PLAGH) cohorts who underwent radical surgery to investigate the relationship between the pan‐immune‐inflammation value and immune responses. Lower pan‐immune‐inflammation value was significantly associated with improved disease‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival. Multivariate Cox regression models identified the pan‐immune‐inflammation value as an independent prognostic factor. In the PLAGH cohort, patients with low pan‐immune‐inflammation values had higher immune cell levels, activated immune pathways, and increased expression of immune checkpoint genes according to RNA sequencing. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis revealed that lower pan‐immune‐inflammation value was associated with higher tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte density, more mature tertiary lymphoid structures, increased CD8+ T cells, and elevated human lymphocyte antigen class I expression. Conversely, patients with high pan‐immune‐inflammation values exhibited pathways linked to tumor progression, such as angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, KRAS signaling, and TGF‐ß signaling. Among patients receiving anti‐PD‐1 therapy, responders had low pre‐ and post‐treatment pan‐immune‐inflammation values. The pan‐immune‐inflammation value is a reliable marker associated with distinct immune microenvironment characteristics and can effectively predict disease‐free survival, cancer‐specific survival, and response to immunotherapy.
Mainstreaming Cancer Genomic Testing: A Scoping Review of the Acceptability, Efficacy, and Impact
Authors: Berkman Jennifer , DeBortoli Emily , Steinberg Julia , Milch Vivienne , Yanes Tatiane , McInerney‐Leo Aideen
Published: November 2024

Finite clinical genetics services combined with expanding genomic testing have driven development of mainstreaming models‐of‐care for genomic testing: specifically genetic counselor embedded (GEM) and upskilled‐clinician (UPC) models. To determine feasibility, acceptability, and health economic impact in cancer mainstreaming settings we conducted a scoping review of the literature. A comprehensive PubMed search identified relevant manuscripts, published in English between 2013 and 2023. Of 156 identified articles, 37 proceeded to full review, encompassing five cancer types. In both models‐of‐care, testing uptake was > 90% and referral/testing rates increased 1.2–6.7‐fold. Time from diagnosis to result disclosure decreased 1.5–6‐fold and pathogenic variant detection rates were ≥ 10%. GEM model studies evaluated neither cost‐effectiveness nor physician/patient outcomes. UPC models were economically viable, primarily through reducing genetics‐related appointments. Physicians found the UPC model workload acceptable and reported improvements in knowledge and confidence. Patient distress in the UPC model was low overall and comparable to standard‐of‐care. Patients' acceptance and satisfaction/decisional satisfaction were high, and continuity‐of‐care was appreciated. Mainstreaming cancer genomic testing is feasible and beneficial to patients, physicians, and healthcare systems. More studies are needed to capture GEM model impacts and to compare GEM with UPC models. Further detail of allied health and nursing support for the UPC model is also required.
Dorsal Raphe Serotonergic Neurons‐Ventral Tegmental Area Neural Pathway Promotes Wake From Sleep
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Wang Dan , Zhang Xinxin , Li Huiming , Wang Sa , He Yuting , Zhao Guangchao , Dong Hailong , Li Jiannan
Published: November 2024

Background

Dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) serotonergic neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) neural circuit participate in regulating wake‐related behaviors; however, the effect and mechanism of which in regulating sleep–wake are poorly understood.

Methods

Fiber photometry was used to study DRN serotonergic afferent activity changes in the VTA during sleep–wake processes. Optogenetics and chemogenetics were took advantage to study the effects of DRN serotonergic afferents modulating VTA during sleep–wake. In vivo electrophysiology was employed to investigate how VTA neuronal firings were influenced by upregulation of DRN serotonergic afferents during sleep–wake.

Results

We found that DRN serotonergic afferent activity in the VTA was higher during wake than during NREM and REM sleep. Chemogenetic activation of VTA‐projecting DRN serotonergic neurons increased wake, and optogenetic activation of DRN serotonergic terminals in the VTA induced wake during NREM and REM sleep. Furthermore, we found that optogenetic activation of DRN serotonergic terminals in the VTA increased glutamatergic neuronal firing, decreased dopaminergic neuronal firing, but not influenced GABAergic neuronal firing during NREM sleep.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence in understanding the role of DRN serotonergic neurons‐VTA neural pathway in regulating sleep–wake, in which dynamic VTA dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neuronal firing changes responded to the wake promoting effect of DRN serotonergic afferents.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by glucose sensors and insulin pumps: A full review
Authors: de Groot Anton , van Oers Emma M. , Ipenburg Norbertus A. , Rustemeyer Thomas
Published: November 2024

During the past 8 years, a large number of reports have appeared on allergic contact dermatitis to glucose sensors and insulin pumps in paediatric and adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Isobornyl acrylate in one particular sensor sensitised many hundreds of (published) individuals, and many other allergens were discovered in a large number of sensors and pumps. Diagnostic procedures with patch tests proved very complicated, as manufacturers showed a serious lack of cooperation with dermatologists in providing information on the ingredients of their products and samples for patch testing. This two part article provides a full and detailed review of all aspects of the subject of allergic contact dermatitis to glucose sensors and insulin pumps. Part 1 provided a general introduction to sensors and pumps, a survey of the cutaneous adverse reactions that they have caused, a full account of the allergens in the diabetes devices and an overview of the glucose sensors and insulin pumps that have caused allergic contact dermatitis. This part 2 presents all published case reports and case series, clinical features of allergic contact dermatitis, patch test procedures, differentiation from irritant dermatitis, management of allergic patients and (proposed) legislation.