bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose-escalation, tolerability, and efficacy of intratumoral and subcutaneous injection of hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) against chemotherapy-resistant malignant pleural mesothelioma: a clinical trial
Authors: Sakura Kazuma , Kuroyama Muneyoshi , Shintani Yasushi , Funaki Soichiro , Atagi Shinji , Kadota Yoshihisa , Kuribayashi Kozo , Kijima Takashi , Nakano Takashi , Nakajima Toshihiro , Sasai Masao , Okumura Meinoshin , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: October 2024

The hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ-E) is an inactivated Sendai virus particle with antitumor effect and inducing antitumor immunity. However, its dosage and efficacy have not been verified. We conducted a phase I clinical study on chemotherapy-resistant malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) aiming to determine the recommended dosage for a phase II study through dose-limiting toxicity and evaluate HVJ-E’s preliminary efficacy. HVJ-E was administered intratumorally and subcutaneously to the patients with chemotherapy-resistant MPM. While no serious adverse events occurred, known adverse events of HVJ-E were observed. In the preliminary antitumor efficacy using modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria, three low-dose patients exhibited progressive disease, while all high-dose patients achieved stable disease, yielding disease control rates (DCRs) of 0% and 100%, respectively. Furthermore, the dose-dependent effect of HVJ-E revealed on DCR modified by RECIST and the baseline changes in target lesion size (by CT and SUL-peak; p < 0.05). Comparing targeted lesions receiving intratumoral HVJ-E with non-injected ones, while no clear difference existed at the end of the study, follow-up cases suggested stronger antitumor effects with intratumoral administration. Our findings suggest that HVJ-E could be safely administered to patients with chemotherapy-resistant MPM at both study doses. HVJ-E exhibited some antitumor activity against chemotherapy-resistant MPM, and higher doses tended to have stronger antitumor effects than lower doses. Consequently, a phase II clinical trial with higher HVJ-E doses has been conducted for MPM treatment. Trial registration number: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (#UMIN000019345).
Tumor immunogenicity regulates host immune responses, and conventional dendritic cell type 2 uptakes the majority of tumor antigens in an orthotopic lung cancer model
Authors: Kim Ki-Hyun , Kim Seung-jae , Eccles Jacob D. , Ascoli Christian , Park Gye Young
Published: October 2024

Human lung cancer carries high genetic alterations, expressing high tumor-specific neoantigens. Although orthotopic murine lung cancer models recapitulate many characteristics of human lung cancers, genetically engineered mouse models have fewer somatic mutations than human lung cancer, resulting in scarce immune cell infiltration and deficient immune responses. The endogenous mouse lung cancer model driven by Kras mutation and Trp53 deletion (KP model) has minimal immune infiltration because of a scarcity of neoantigens. Fine-tuning tumor antigenicity to trigger the appropriate level of antitumor immunity would be key to investigating immune responses against human lung cancer. We engineered the KP model to express antigens of OVA peptides (minOVA) as neoantigens along with ZsGreen, a traceable fluorescent conjugate. The KP model expressing minOVA exhibited stronger immunogenicity with higher immune cell infiltration comprised of CD8+ T cells and CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs). Consequently, the KP model expressing minOVA exhibits suppressed tumor growth compared to its origin. We further analyzed tumor-infiltrated DCs. The majority of ZsGreen conjugated with minOVA was observed in the conventional type 2 DCs (cDC2), whereas cDC1 has minimal. These data indicate that tumor immunogenicity regulates host immune responses, and tumor neoantigen is mostly recognized by cDC2 cells, which may play a critical role in initiating antitumor immune responses in an orthotopic murine lung cancer model.
Decision regret analysis in early URSL vs medical expulsive therapy 1 for ureteric calculi ≤ 1cm
Authors: Singh Anshuman , Chawla Arun , Gali Kasi Viswanath , Bhaskara Sunil Pillai , Hegde Padmaraj , Kothuri Charan , de la Rosette Jean , Laguna Pilar
Published: October 2024

Background

The study assesses the decisional regret following Shared Decision-making (SDM) in patients selecting either early ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) or medical expulsive therapy (MET) for ureteric stones ≤ 1 cm, with the aim to evaluate their decisional Conflict, satisfaction, and regret regarding their opted treatment choices.

Methods

Adults aged more than 18 years with one stone up to 1 cm in either ureter were included. After SDM, the patients were allocated into their opted group viz. URSL or MET. Patients in each group were reassessed at “treatment completion”. Cambridge Ureteric Stone PROM (CUSP) questionnaire for HRQoL, Decision Regret Scale and the OPTION scale (SDM) were filled at treatment completion.

Findings

111 patients opted for MET, while 396 patients opted for early URSL. Mean stone size was larger in URSL group (7.16 ± 1.63 mm vs. 5.50 ± 1.89; p < 0.001). Decisional conflict was higher in patients opting for URSL (77.3% vs. 57.7%; p < 0.001). Stone-free rate at four weeks was higher in URSL group (87.1%vs68.5%, p < 0.001). Decisional regret was higher in patients opting for MET (33.24 ± 30.89 vs. 17.26 ± 12.92; p = 0.002). Anxiety, was higher in patients opting for MET (6.94 ± 1.89 vs. 5.85 ± 1.54; p < 0.001). Urinary symptoms and interference in patients’ travel plans and work-related activities were more in URSL group (6.21 ± 1.57 vs. 5.59 ± 1.46; p < 0.001 and 6.56 ± 1.59 vs. 6.05 ± 1.72; p < 0.001 respectively).

Interpretation

After SDM, decisional regret is higher in patients opting for MET mainly due protracted treatment duration with increased pain and anxiety during the treatment course and the need for additional procedure for attaining stone clearance and the. Despite higher decisional conflict, a larger proportion of patients opt for early URSL with the aim of avoiding anxiety and achieving early stone clearance.
The importance of gut microbiome in the perinatal period
Authors: Catassi Giulia , Mateo Sandra Garcia , Occhionero Annamaria Sara , Esposito Chiara , Giorgio Valentina , Aloi Marina , Gasbarrini Antonio , Cammarota Giovanni , Ianiro Gianluca
Published: October 2024

This narrative review describes the settlement of the neonatal microbiome during the perinatal period and its importance on human health in the long term. Delivery methods, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, feeding practices, and early infant contact significantly shape microbial colonization, influencing the infant’s immune system, metabolism, and neurodevelopment. By summarizing two decades of research, this review highlights the microbiome’s role in disease predisposition and explores interventions like maternal vaginal seeding and probiotic and prebiotic supplementation that may influence microbiome development.

Conclusion: The perinatal period is a pivotal phase for the formation and growth of the neonatal microbiome, profoundly impacting long-term health outcomes.

What is Known::• The perinatal period is a critical phase for the development of the neonatal microbiome, with factors such as mode of delivery, maternal diet, antibiotic exposure, and feeding practices influencing its composition and diversity, which has significant implications for long-term health.• The neonatal microbiome plays a vital role in shaping the immune system, metabolism, and neurodevelopment of infants.

What is New:• Recent studies have highlighted the potential of targeted interventions, such as probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, and innovative practices like maternal vaginal seeding, to optimize microbiome development during the perinatal period.• Emerging evidence suggests that specific bacterial genera and species within the neonatal microbiome are associated with reduced risks of developing chronic conditions, indicating new avenues for promoting long-term health starting from early life.
3D monitors improve performance on the HUGO™ RAS system: a randomised trial
Authors: Østdal Theresa Bruun , Tang Diana Hai Yen , Olsen Rikke Groth , Olsen Louise Møller , Konge Lars , Bjerrum Flemming
Published: October 2024

Background

Robot-assisted surgery is used worldwide, allowing surgeons to perform complex surgeries with increased precision and flexibility. It offers technical benefits compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery due to its utilization of both 3D vision and articulated instruments. The objective was to investigate the isolated effect of 3D- versus 2D monitors when working with articulated instruments in robot-assisted surgery.

Methods

Surgical novices (medical students, n = 31) were randomized to simulation-based training with either the 3D vision switched on or off. Both groups completed each of the four exercises six times over two sessions on the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS system simulator. The outcome was the simulator performance parameters and a visual discomfort questionnaire.

Results

For the efficiency parameters, we found that both groups improved over time (p < 0.001) and that the intervention group (3D) consistently outperformed the control (2D) group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, we didn’t find any significant difference in the error metrics, such as drops (p-values between 0.07 and 0.57) and instrument collisions (p-values between 0.09 and 0.26). Regarding Visual Discomfort, it was significantly more difficult for the 3D group to focus (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

3D monitors for an open robotic console improve efficiency and speed compared to 2D monitors in a simulated setting when working with articulated instruments.
Living together—does it help or hinder the pursuit of a healthful diet, physical activity, and weight loss among cancer survivors and their chosen partners?
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Pavela Gregory , Pekmezi Dori W. , Rogers Laura Q. , Cole W. Walker , Parrish Kelsey B. , Sayer R. Drew , Wyatt Holly R. , Crane Tracy E. , Badr Hoda , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Parental or spousal cohabitating relationships are often targeted in behavioral interventions, but the contribution of cohabitation is poorly understood. This study explored whether cohabitation status moderated the impact of social cognitive theory constructs on adiposity, diet, and exercise in a dyadic, web-based weight loss intervention among cancer survivors and their chosen partners.

Methods

The 24-week weight loss intervention was conducted among 56 dyads, comprised of a cancer survivor and their chosen partner (n = 112). Baseline and 6-month data on social cognitive theory constructs (self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers), and study outcomes of adiposity (weight and waist circumference), diet (calories and diet quality), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were used to perform moderated-mediation analyses among cohabitating (n = 25) versus non-cohabitating (n = 31) dyads.

Results

The intervention was positively associated with dietary social support (path a1: 0.36, 95% CI [0.083, 0.659]) and inversely associated with perceived dietary barriers (path a1: − 10.57, 95% CI [− 19.109, − 3.091]) and perceived exercise barriers (path a1: − 11.29, 95% CI [− 22.098, − 3.500]) among those who did not cohabitate (effects not observed among cohabitating pairs). The intervention’s mediating effects through perceived barriers on weight (indirect effect (ab): − 2.21, 95% CI [− 4.794, − 0.548]), waist circumference (ab: − 1.13, 95% CI [− 2.452, − 0.171]), caloric intake (ab: − 5.09 (2.86), 95% CI [− 12.602, − 0.709]), and self-reported MVPA (ab: 0.29 (0.18), 95% CI [0.019, 0.754]) also were stronger among non-cohabitating pairs.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that social support partners outside the home substantially enhance intervention impact, though relationship quality and gender dynamics warrant further exploration.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04132219.
Tailored surgical approaches for spinal chordomas: A multidisciplinary perspective
Authors: Klein Lukas , Lenga Pavlina , Dao Trong Philip , Kleineidam Helena , Krieg Sandro M. , Ishak Basem
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The treatment of spinal chordomas presents a significant challenge due to their resistance to both radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well as the complexity of the surgical procedures required. This study presents a series of cases of primary spinal chordomas, focusing on the development of a personalized therapeutic strategy that is tailored to each patient's unique clinical status. This approach aims to ensure that treatments are optimally aligned with the patient’s overall prognosis and surgical eligibility.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 14 patients with primary spinal chordomas treated at our institution. We evaluated surgical strategies, clinical outcomes, and survival rates, The therapeutic strategy was formulated after interdisciplinary conferences with sarcoma management specialists. Data were collected on patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up status.

Results

All patients presented with neurological deficits preoperatively, which generally improved post-surgery. The study included a detailed analysis of two distinct surgical approaches: five patients underwent en bloc resection with dorsal stabilization and nine received decompression only. Patients undergoing en bloc resection showed a reduced need for additional surgery due to the comprehensive removal of the tumor. As anticipated, 40% of the patients who underwent decompression experienced tumor progression within the first three months. However, given the poor overall prognosis, the objective of maintaining neurological function was achieved.

Conclusions

Surgical en bloc resection offers a viable and effective intervention for spinal chordomas, enhancing neurological function. It is imperative to tailor treatment strategies to individual prognoses, integrating insights from multidisciplinary discussions that meticulously evaluate surgical risks. This collaborative approach aids in selecting the most appropriate surgical technique tailored to each patient’s specific condition.
Is there an association between salivary immune and microbial profile with dental health in systematically healthy children?
Authors: Davidovich Esti , Sarne Hadar , Shmueli Aviv , Polak David
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the inflammatory profile of systemically healthy children’s saliva and its association with clinical diagnoses of caries and gingival inflammation.

Materials and methods

Unstimulated saliva was collected from 100 children before clinical dental examinations. The saliva samples were analyzed for total protein and specific inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-8, IL-6, and TNFα) with Bradford and ELISA assays, respectively. Salivary bacteria were quantified using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain assay. The salivary values were then correlated with age, DMFT index, plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI).

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 8.08 ± 0.23 years with 49% females, the mean DMF of the cohort was 2.64 ± 0.31, the mean GI was 0.51 ± 0.06, and the mean PI was 1.33 ± 0.07. Significant correlations were found between PI with DMFT and GI. Children with DMFT > 2 had significantly higher levels of IL-8 compared with children with DMFT ≤ 2. IL-6 and TNFα were significantly higher among children with PI > 1 than among children with PI ≤ 1.

Conclusions

Salivary cytokine were found to be associate with clinical parameters as DMFT and PI, thus may be a potential tool that reflects dental health status.

Clinical relevance

The presence of salivary cytokines in children may reflect evaluation of dental caries and oral inflammation.
Biosynthesis and potential application of sustainable lignocellulolytic enzymes cocktail for the development of eco-friendly multifunctional cellulosic products
Authors: Ibrahim Nabil A. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed S. , Hamed Ahmed A. , Amin Hala A. , Yassin Mohamed A. , Eid Basma M.
Published: October 2024

The main task of the present research work is to search for appropriate fungal strains isolated from corn cob and orange peel wastes with the potential to produce a sustainable lignocellulolytic enzyme cocktail for surface modification and post-functionalization of cellulosic substrates. In this study, seven fungal isolates were selected for the investigation of potential lignocellulolytic enzyme producers using solid-state fermentation. Fungal isolate no. 5 grown on corn cob powder showed the highest activity in producing lignocellulolytic enzymes. The activity levels of cellulases (FPU, 2.679 U/ml; CMCase, 3.071 U/ml; salicinase, 3.139 U/ml), xylanase (15.798 U/ml), pectinase (6.278) U/ml, and laccase (9.841 U/ml) were determined. Isolate 5 was identified using rRNA gene sequence ITS1 and ITS2 as Penicillium subrubescens STDF-EG (GenBank Accession Number PP151275). Penicillium subrubescens STDF-EG lignocellulolytic cocktail enzyme was used to modify the surface properties and enhance the post-functional finishing of different cellulosic substrates, namely gray cotton knitted, woven, and denim fabrics using silicone microemulsion softener and vanillin as functional additives. The extent of surface modification and post-multifunctionalization is governed by the type of substrate and enzyme dose. This study demonstrates that the suggested regime is an eco-friendly promising method for developing sustainable antibacterial/anti-UV/softer hand feel/fragrance release multifunctional properties.

Graphical abstract
Diagnostic performance of TILs–US score and LPBC in biopsy specimens for predicting pathological complete response in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Shigematsu Hideo , Fukui Kayo , Kanou Akiko , Yokoyama Erika , Tanaka Makiko , Fujimoto Mutsumi , Suzuki Kanako , Ikejiri Haruka , Amioka Ai , Hiraoka Emiko , Sasada Shinsuke , Emi Akiko , Nakagiri Tetsuya , Arihiro Koji , Okada Morihito
Published: October 2024

Background

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes–ultrasonography (TILs–US) score is used to predict lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer (LPBC) in surgical specimens. We aimed to compare diagnostic performance of TILs–US score for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) with that of LPBC in biopsy specimens.

Methods

TILs ≥ 50% in biopsy specimens was defined as biopsy–LPBC, and TILs–US score ≥ 4 was categorized as TILs–US score-high. Basic nomogram for pCR was developed using stepwise logistic regression based on the smallest Akaike Information Criterion, and biopsy–LPBC and TILs–US score nomograms were developed by integrating biopsy–LPBC or TILs–US scores into a basic nomogram. The diagnostic performance of the nomograms for pCR was compared using area under the curve (AUC), categorical net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

This retrospective study evaluated 118 patients with breast cancer, including 33 (28.0%) with biopsy–LPBC, 52 (44.1%) with TILs–US score-high, with 34 (28.8%) achieving pCR. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and AUC for predicting pCR were 0.53, 0.82, 2.96, 0.57, and 0.68, respectively, for biopsy–LPBC, and 0.76, 0.69, 2.47, 0.34, and 0.73, respectively, for TILs–US score. The biopsy–LPBC nomogram showed significant improvements in categorical NRI (p = 0.023) and IDI (p = 0.007) but not in AUC (p = 0.25), compared with the basic nomogram. The TILs–US nomogram exhibited significant improvements in AUC (p = 0.039), categorical NRI (p = 0.010), and IDI (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The TILs–US score may serve as a novel marker for prediction of pCR in patients with breast cancer. An external validation study is warranted to confirm our findings.
Informing macrologistics connectivity in emerging economies through a triangulated research approach: the case of Uzbekistan
Authors: Simpson Zane P.
Published: October 2024

Uzbekistan has the potential to become a regional hub linking Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe. In order to inform the implementation of Uzbekistan’s Strategy for the Development of the Transport System, a triangulated research approach was followed to develop a spatially and commodity-level freight flow model for the country. The model outputs highlight that freight flow distribution is heavily skewed towards the East, that the country has significant exposure to freight risks beyond the borders due to the inordinate long distances of cross-border flows, and that demand for transport, and logistics costs, are high relative to gross domestic product. Transport policy, infrastructure development and the role of transport and logistics in development planning should therefore be prioritised as a strategic input into economic growth and development success, including the intelligence that enables these activities. There seem to be opportunities for domestic and regional consolidation, which can lead to the improved use of rail and intermodal solutions and support the development of effective special economic zones. These outputs can be refined with access to more detailed data.
Paenibacillus spp. may facilitate anaerobic soil disinfestation at low temperatures
Authors: Pitti Eduardo , Momma Noriaki , Kobara Yuso , Usami Toshiyuki , Shishido Masahiro
Published: October 2024

We screened for bacteria that may facilitate the suppressive effect on Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum at temperatures < 30 °C after anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) with 1% v/v ethanol. Among 22 isolates grown anaerobically, we selected three that significantly suppressed R. pseudosolanacearum population after ASD at 25 °C. Based on the 16 S rRNA sequences, two isolates were inferred as Paenibacillus polymyxa and the other as Paenibacillus sp. Using qPCR primers designed for these strains, we found that all strains increased in the soil after ASD at 25 °C. After ASD with 1% v/v ethanol and with or without soil inoculation with these three strains in a concrete frame in the field at mean temperature of 26.3 °C, the R. pseudosolanacearum population was significantly lower in the inoculation treatment at a depth of 10 cm. These results suggest that these Paenibacillus strains have the potential to promote the ASD effect using 1% ethanol at low temperatures.
Rainfall events stimulate episodic associative nitrogen fixation in switchgrass
Authors: Vizza Carmella , Belanger Matthew A. , Jones Jabarius , Murphy Sean J. , Buckley Daniel H. , Robertson G. Philip , Roley Sarah S.
Published: October 2024

Associative N2 fixation (ANF) is widespread but poorly characterized, limiting our ability to estimate global inputs from N2 fixation. In some places, ANF rates are at or below detection most of the time but occasionally and unpredictably spiking to very high rates. Here we test the hypothesis that plant phenology and rainfall events stimulate ANF episodes. We measured ANF in intact soil cores in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) in Michigan, USA. We used rain exclusion shelters to impose three rainfall treatments with each receiving 60 mm of water over a 20-day period but at different frequencies. We concurrently established a treatment that received ambient rainfall, and all four treatments were replicated four times. To assess the effects of plant phenology, we measured ANF at key phenological stages in the ambient treatment. To assess the effects of rainfall, we measured ANF immediately before and immediately after each wetting event in each treatment involving rainfall manipulation. We found that the previous day’s rainfall could explain 29% of the variation in ANF rates within the ambient treatment alone, and that bulk soil C:N ratio was also positively correlated with ANF, explaining 18% of the variation alone. Wetting events increased ANF and the magnitude of response to wetting increased with the amount of water added and decreased with the amount of inorganic N added in water. ANF episodes thus appear to be driven primarily by wetting events. Wetting events likely increase C availability, promote microbial growth, and make rhizosphere conditions conducive to ANF.
Inference for bivariate extremes via a semi-parametric angular-radial model
Authors: Murphy-Barltrop Callum John Rowlandson , Mackay Ed , Jonathan Philip
Published: October 2024

The modelling of multivariate extreme events is important in a wide variety of applications, including flood risk analysis, metocean engineering and financial modelling. A wide variety of statistical techniques have been proposed in the literature; however, many such methods are limited in the forms of dependence they can capture, or make strong parametric assumptions about data structures. In this article, we introduce a novel inference framework for bivariate extremes based on a semi-parametric angular-radial model. This model overcomes the limitations of many existing approaches and provides a unified paradigm for assessing joint tail behaviour. Alongside inferential tools, we also introduce techniques for assessing uncertainty and goodness of fit. Our proposed technique is tested on simulated data sets alongside observed metocean time series’, with results indicating generally good performance.
Long-term variations (1970–2020) and spatial patterns of nitrogen and phosphorus soil budgets and fates in Indian agriculture
Authors: Elsayed Hamdy , Beusen Arthur , Prusty Ashisa K. , Bouwman Lex
Published: October 2024

The Green Revolution rapidly increased India’s food production since the 1960s, but excessive synthetic fertilizer use caused severe environmental problems. Our spatially explicit analysis for 1970–2020 indicates an uneven distribution of the dramatic increase of surpluses of India’s soil N (4.3 to 21.6 Tg N/year) and P budget (0.4 to 3.3 Tg P/year): with high surpluses in e.g., Green Revolution (GR) and South-West (SW) regions, lower surpluses in e.g., North-West (NW) and even local deficits within some other states Nutrient surpluses were growing primarily through increased use of synthetic fertilizers, which resulted in declining nutrient use efficiency, high N and P losses and soil P accumulation, with large regional heterogeneity. Total N loss is determined by the surplus, through “holes in the pipe”, whereby the holes (loss pathways) differ in diameter, as determined by climate, crop, soil, terrain and management. Ammonia volatilization ranged from 16% of the N surplus (NC) to 45% (GR states), and denitrification losses from 50% (NC and SW) to 38% (GR) and 28% (NE). N loss via leaching ranged from 46% (NE), to 22–26% (GR and NC), and 16% (SW), and surface runoff losses between 2% (GR) and 9% (NC). In the period 1970-2020, our estimated soil P accumulation across India amounts to 290 kg P/ha, highest in SW followed by NE and GR states and lowest in NC. The SW region also has the highest surface runoff P loss (40% of its regional budget), followed by NC (53%), NE (34%), and GR (26%). Addressing these regional differences can help developing effective, targeted and region-specific nutrient management strategies while meeting India’s rising food demand.
Higher Education Teaching Quality in the Aftermath of the Double Disruption
Authors: Lundberg Adrian , Stigmar Martin
Published: October 2024

The pandemic (first disruption) eventually led to a forced digital transformation (second disruption) in higher education. Consequently, university educators had to re-navigate their academic teacher identity. This study’s purpose is to contribute new knowledge about how teaching quality in current, post-pandemic, higher education might have been affected by these structural changes. To identify consensus and patterns of disagreement regarding subjectively perceived changes, rather than investigating an objective reality, Q methodology was selected. Forty-three university educators shared their views by rank-ordering a set of teaching quality aspects. Q method analysis allowed the emergence of three statistically distinct factors (F1-F3), which were interpreted. More openness concerning new teaching methods and technological innovations and increased accessibility of teaching were seen as positive changes by all factors. Different areas of change regarding teaching quality were most prominent in the three factors: promising change concerning educators’ use of visualizations and their pedagogic knowledge and skills (F1); a loss of support for and facilitation of students’ learning processes (F2); aspects connected to their own mental health and their awareness of what makes them happy before and during classes (F3). Additionally, results illustrate that in post-pandemic higher education, some university educators might distinguish between mode of delivery and content of teaching when discussing teaching quality. In conclusion, data shows that the disruptive time, despite its unfortunate origin, seems to have triggered both positive changes and revealed new areas of academic development. It remains to be seen how permanent some of the subjectively perceived changes are.
Towards AI driven surface roughness evaluation in manufacturing: a prospective study
Authors: Ghosh Sourish , Knoblauch Ricardo , El Mansori Mohamed , Corleto Cosimi
Published: October 2024

In the era of Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector, this article explores the significant potential of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques in evaluating surface roughness—a critical metric of product quality. The integration of edge computing with current computational resources and intelligent sensors has revolutionized the application of AI-driven algorithms in smart manufacturing. It provides real-time data analysis and decision-making capabilities that were unattainable only a decade ago. The research effort intends to improve data-driven decision-making for product quality evaluation by leveraging data integration from manufacturing operations and surface quality measurements. Although a substantial amount of research has been conducted in the related fields, it is still difficult to comprehend and compile all the data on surface roughness research predictive assessment in the form of a process pipeline. This thorough systematic analysis examines scholarly articles published between 2014 and 2024 focusing on surface roughness assessment in precision manufacturing settings. The article is thoroughly classified based on the manufacturing processes, datasets, and ML models used, giving light on the present status, prominent approaches, and existing issues in this sector. A table summarizing the relevant works in this domain providing an easy access to the current trends have been provided. The article not only compiles essential findings and identifies research gaps and similarities in existing methodologies, but it also discusses future research directions and open issues in AI-aided surface roughness evaluation. The critical analysis of the literature reveals a scientific gaps which includes consistent development of benchmarked datasets and making the AI models more explainable using the state-of-the-art explainable AI (XAI) algorithms. The ultimate objective of the article is not only to provide a guide for the practitioners in either of the three domains of AI, manufacturing or surface metrology but also to pave the path for more robust, efficient, and accurate surface quality evaluation processes in production.
Recovery and Recidivism: The Aftermath of Helping the Organization Unethically
Authors: Yan Hongmin , Okimoto Tyler G. , Solnet David
Published: October 2024

This research draws from moral self-regulation and moral disengagement theories to examine how employees react to their own unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB). We hypothesize that UPB will elicit mixed moral-based cognitive responses among employees that promote both recovery and recidivism. Results of two studies show that, on the one hand, engaging in UPB damaged perpetrators' moral self-concept, captured by an increase in perceived loss of moral credits; this prompted them to perform customer-directed helping behaviors to recover their damaged moral self-concept; on the other hand, UPB also elicited a cognitive justification process, which was related to an increase in subsequent UPB. This nuanced reaction helps explain why individuals' moral self-regulation does not necessarily remedy for moral failings, while also suggesting practical steps that leaders can take to prevent a "slippery slope" pattern of UPB from taking hold in the organization.
Crop mixtures: yield responses to climate and management and impacts on seed and soil chemical composition in a Scottish-based study
Authors: Brooker R. , Pakeman R. J. , Hewison R. L. , Mitchell C. , Newton A. C. , Neilson R. , Raubach S. , Shaw P. D. , Verrall S. , Karley A. J.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Crop mixtures can be an important part of the toolkit for maintaining crop production while addressing the climate and nature crises. However, uncertainties around some issues may prevent their uptake.

Research question

This study addressed several uncertainties, specifically the response of mixture yields to climate and management, and the impacts of mixed cropping on seed chemical composition, soil carbon and nutrients.

Materials and methods

We undertook 32 intercropping trials between 2020 and 2022 on both commercial and research farms. These varied in design, management and crop combinations, with mixture choice often determined by farmers. We assessed multiple responses including yield, weed cover, and seed and soil chemical composition.

Results and conclusions

When compared to monocultures, yield gains from growing a crop mixture were roughly 20% based on Crop Performance Ratio (CPR). We found limited impacts of mixture diversity and composition on seed chemical composition, influences of management on weed control, and enhanced crop mixture performance under cooler conditions with lower rainfall. We also found varying mixture performance depending on mixture composition. Importantly, irrespective of management, climate, and composition effects, crop mixtures always performed at least as well as expectations based on monocultures. Even without further refinement from, for example, targeted breeding, crop mixtures provide reliable crops without yield losses or (for parameters tested) substantial changes in seed chemistry. However, detected reductions in organic matter in upper soil layers indicate a priority for future research is understanding crop mixture impacts on soil carbon dynamics in both shallow and deep soils.
A pilot cross-sectional investigation of symptom clusters and associations with patient-reported outcomes in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post COVID-19 Condition
Authors: Weigel Breanna , Eaton-Fitch Natalie , Thapaliya Kiran , Marshall-Gradisnik Sonya
Published: October 2024

Background

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is associated with long-term disability and poor quality of life (QoL). Cardinal ME/CFS symptoms (including post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbances) have been observed in Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC). To gain further insight into the potential role of ME/CFS as a post-COVID-19 sequela, this study investigates associations between symptoms and patient-reported outcomes, as well as symptom clusters.

Methods

Participants included Australian residents aged between 18 and 65 years formally diagnosed with ME/CFS fulfilling the Canadian or International Consensus Criteria or PCC meeting the World Health Organization case definition. Validated, self-administered questionnaires collected participants’ sociodemographic and illness characteristics, symptoms, QoL and functional capacity. Associations between symptoms and patient-reported outcomes were investigated with multivariate linear regression models. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify symptom clusters.

Results

Most people with ME/CFS (pwME/CFS) and people with PCC (pwPCC) were female (n = 48/60, 80.0% and n = 19/30, 63.3%, respectively; p = 0.12). PwME/CFS were significantly younger (x̄=41.75, s = 12.91 years) than pwPCC (x̄=48.13, s =10.05 years; p =0.017). Autonomic symptoms (notably dyspnoea) were associated with poorer scores in most patient-reported outcome domains for both cohorts. None of the four symptom clusters identified were unique to ME/CFS or PCC. Clusters were largely delineated by the presence of gastrointestinal and neurosensory symptoms, illness duration, ME/CFS criteria met and total symptoms.

Conclusions

Illness duration may explain differences in symptom burden between pwME/CFS and pwPCC. PCC diagnostic criteria must be refined to distinguish pwPCC at risk of long-term ME/CFS-like illness and subsequently deliver necessary care and support.
Financial performance of new circular economy companies in rural settings
Authors: Magdalena Adriana Serrano , Fernández Beatriz Cuellar , Callén Yolanda Fuertes
Published: October 2024

This study examines how rural conditions affect the establishment and performance of new circular economy (CE) companies—those that reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover materials in their processes—focusing on their longevity, financial performance, and distribution of economic value to stakeholders. We hypothesize that while rural conditions generally lead to fewer business establishments, the liability of rurality is less severe for CE companies than for others. We also anticipate that new CE companies will grow more slowly but achieve better performance, resulting in higher survival rates compared to those in other sectors. Our empirical analysis includes all CE companies established in Spain over the past decade. The results indicate that rural CE companies have higher survival rates than their urban counterparts, even after controlling for factors like subsidies and personnel costs. Although rural CE companies exhibit slower growth, they achieve greater profitability. Thus, the CE sector in rural areas demonstrates sustainability not only through its circular practices but also in financial terms, offering significant implications for investors seeking sustainable ventures.
Algebraic Semantics for a Mixed Type Fragment of IPC
Authors: Lipka Eryk , Słomczyńska Katarzyna
Published: October 2024

We investigate algebraically the fragment of the intuitionistic propositional calculus consisting of equivalence together with conjunction on the intuitionistic regularizations. We find that this fragment is strongly algebraizable with the equivalent algebraic semantics being the variety of equivalential algebras with an additional binary operation that can be interpreted as the meet on regular elements. We give a finite equational base for this variety, and investigate its properties, in particular the commutator. As applications, we prove that the fragment is hereditarily structurally complete and we describe the top of the lattice of its axiomatic extensions.
Applied static analysis and specialization of cross-core syscalls for multi-core AUTOSAR OS
Authors: Entrup Gerion , Kässens Andreas , Fiedler Björn , Lohmann Daniel
Published: October 2024

The development of static real-time control systems often follows a closed-world assumption, allowing extensive RTOS-aware whole-program optimization. For single-core systems, previous work could show the high potential of control-flow-aware static system-call tailoring. However, due to an exponential state explosion in the analysis phase, it cannot simply be extended to a multi-core setting, since the core’s relative timing to each other is undetermined. In this work, we present MultiSSE, a multi-core capable and RTOS-aware static whole-system optimization. First, MultiSSE analyzes the system by determining the relative positions of multiple cores only when necessary. For that, it exploits structural control flow and optionally timing information to handle each core separately as much as possible. Based on the analysis result, a synthesis applies lock elision and system-call optimization to generate specialized multi-core real-time systems for AUTOSAR OS. To enable a static prediction of the run-time reduction, we additionally provide cost models for the optimized cross-core system calls and evaluate the approach with synthetic benchmarks and a real-world quadrotor application. MultiSSE was able to optimize or even completely elide costly cross-core system calls and system objects leading to a reduction of up to 14% of a task’s execution time. In this extended version of a conference publication (Entrup et al. 2023), we provide an advanced description, new cost models, and an end-to-end measurement by developing a synthesis complementing the analysis.
The effect of Vachellia eriolaba leaf meal inclusion on growth performance, blood parameters and methane gas emission in lambs fed diets containing ammoniated maize stover
Authors: Chelopo G. M. , Marume U.
Published: October 2024

The study evaluated the effect of Vachellia erioloba leaf meal in diets containing ammoniated maize stove on growth performance, methane emission and heath of growing lambs. Thirty-two female lambs were allocated to the following four dietary treatments: total mixed ration (TMR, control), 20% inclusion of untreated maize stover (UMS), 20% inclusion of ammoniated maize stover (AMS), and combined inclusion of 10% ammoniated maize stover and 10% Vachellia erioloba leaves (AMSVL). Each treatment was replicated 8 times and a lamb in an individual pen was regarded as an experimental unit in a completely randomized design. Feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets compared to those fed UMS. Final body weights were higher in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets. Both average daily gain (ADG) and feed convention ratio (FCR) were not affected by diet. In comparison with the AMS and AMSVL diets, the lambs fed the UMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) methane emission. Overall, lambs fed the control diets had the lowest (P < 0.05) methane gas emission. Blood hematological values were affected by diet with the AMSVL fed lambs having the highest (P < 0.05) mean platelet volume (MPV) and procalcitonin (PCT) values. Furthermore, total albumin, amylase and total bilirubin were the highest (P < 0.05) in lambs fed on the AMSVL diet. Lambs fed on AMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) serum urea levels. It can be concluded that combined inclusion of ammoniated maize stover and Vachellia leaves improved feed value and lamb performance when compared to the individual inclusion of both UMS and AMS.
Effect of orange pulp with or without zeolite on productive performance, nitrogen utilization, and antioxidative status of growing rabbits
Authors: Ghoneem Wafaa Mostafa Ali , Rahmy Hassan Awny Fouad , El-Tanany Reham Roshdi Ali
Published: October 2024

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of dried orange pulp inclusion (OP diet), natural zeolite addition (Z diet), or both (OPZ diet) compared to control (CON diet) on digestibility, growth performance, nitrogen utilization, blood biochemical, antioxidative status, and cecum microbiota of growing rabbits. Seventy-two V-line male rabbits (6 weeks old) were divided into 4 balanced experimental groups. Results showed that administration of dried orange pulp or zeolite especially the OPZ diet significantly improved nutrient digestibility and nutritive values. Rabbits fed the experimental diets (OP, Z, or OPZ) recorded significantly higher values of average daily gain, N-retention, and N-balance compared with those fed the CON diet. Data on blood biochemical, showed non-significant differences in globulin concentrations, and significant decreases in levels of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoproteins), triglycerides, and MDA (malondialdehyde) as an antioxidant biomarker with OP, Z, or OPZ diets. Moreover, the incorporation of orange pulp or zeolite in diets significantly decreased the cecal count of E. coli, with no significant difference in total bacterial count among the experimental groups. It could be concluded that a combination between dried orange pulp and natural zeolite in the diet can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant and health status of rabbits.
Assessing variability among culturable phylloplane basidiomycetous yeasts from Italian agroecosystems
Authors: Ferluga Matteo , Avesani Michele , Lorenzini Marilinda , Zapparoli Giacomo
Published: October 2024

This study analysed basidiomycetous yeasts isolated from the phylloplane of crops and spontaneous plants in Italian agroecosystems. A total of 25 species belonging to 17 genera were recognized by analysing 83 isolates from vineyards and orchards, that are not treated with synthetic fungicides, and adjacent natural areas. Rhodotorula graminis and Filobasidium magnum were the most frequent species but 13 others were represented by a single isolate (e.g., Buckleyzyma salicina, Pseudozyma prolifica, and Moniliella megachiliensis). Preliminary analysis of (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting revealed high genetic intraspecific heterogeneity. All isolates were characterized by their production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and their sensitivity to six commercial fungicides used in Italy. The isolates displayed great variability in these phenotypic traits, which play an important role in the survival of yeast populations in agroecosystems. Most of them exhibited lipolytic, proteolytic, β-glucosidase and pectinolytic activities, but only three (F. magnum, Kwoniella mangroviensis and Ps. prolifica) also had cellulolytic and amylolytic activity. Most isolates were sensitive to four fungicides, and one R. graminis isolate was resistant to all six. This heterogeneity was not related to the geographical origin of the isolates. The lack of selective factors (i.e. pesticide treatments) in the sampling fields and the presence of adjacent natural areas may have favored the maintenance of an elevated level of strain diversity. This study provides new information on phylloplane basidiomycetous yeasts in agroecosystems and opens the way to further investigations into the impact of agricultural practices on the microbial diversity of these natural habitats.
Pilot study on neonicotinoids in Finnish waterbirds: no detectable concentrations in common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) plasma
Authors: Ask Amalie V. , Gómez-Ramírez Pilar , Jaspers Veerle L. B. , Fenoll José , Cava Juana , Vakili Farshad S. , Lemesle Prescillia , Eeva Tapio , Davranche Aurélie , Koivisto Sanna , Hansen Martin , Arzel Céline
Published: October 2024

Neonicotinoids have been detected in farmland-associated birds and exposure to these insecticides has been linked to adverse effects. Even though neonicotinoids are mobile and persistent and have been detected in surface waters and aquatic invertebrates, there is a considerable lack of knowledge on their occurrence in waterbirds. Here we investigated the occurrence of seven neonicotinoids and some of their transformation products (imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, 6-chloronicotinic acid, hydroxy-imidacloprid, imidacloprid-urea, imidacloprid-olefin, thiamethoxam-urea, thiacloprid-amide, acetamiprid-acetate, and acetamiprid-desmethyl) in blood plasma of 51 incubating female common goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula). We collected samples from five different regions from southern to northern Finland encompassing rural and urban settings in coastal and inland areas. Surprisingly, none of the targeted neonicotinoids was found above the limit of detection in any of the samples. As neonicotinoid concentrations in wild birds can be very low, a likely reason for the nil results is that the LODs were too high; this and other possible reasons for the lack of detection of neonicotinoids in the goldeneyes are discussed. Our results suggest that neonicotinoid exposure in their breeding areas is currently not of major concern to female goldeneyes in Finland. Even though this study did not find any immediate danger of neonicotinoids to goldeneyes, further studies including surface water, aquatic invertebrates, and other bird species could elucidate potential indirect food chain effects.