bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does speculation impair informational efficiency? New evidence from the Indian agricultural commodity market
Authors: Pullaykkodi Sreekha , Acharya Rajesh H.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study explores the association between market efficiency and speculation. The government of India temporarily banned the futures trading of various commodities several times citing the presence of speculation. Many controversies exist about this topic; thus, this study clarifies the association between market efficiency and speculation and investigates whether market reforms altered this association.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for nine commodities is collected from the National Commodity and Derivative Exchange (NCDEX) for 2005–2022. Regression analysis and Automatic Variance Ratio (AVR) were adopted to inspect the informational efficiency and influence of speculation in the commodity market. Furthermore, this study uses different sub-samples to understand the changes in the market microstructure and its effects on market quality.

Findings

The results confirm an inverse and significant relationship between information efficiency and speculation and a deviation from the random walk process observed. Therefore, return predictability exists in the market. This study confirms that market reforms do not reduce the influence of speculation on market efficiency. The study concludes that the market is not weak-form efficient.

Research limitations/implications

This study has certain limitations, since this study is empirical in nature, it may possess the limitations of empirical research.

Originality/value

This paper has dual novelty. First, this study investigates the effects of market reforms. Second, this study captures the influence of speculation in the Indian agricultural commodity market by considering the market microstructure aspects.
Buyer-initiated knowledge payment facilitates free knowledge contribution in knowledge-sharing platforms: an integration of relational signaling theory and attribution theory
Authors: Jiang Shan , Shi Daqian , Cheng Yihang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The model of pay-for-knowledge incentivizes individuals with financial rewards for sharing their expertise, facilitating a transactional exchange between knowledge providers (sellers) and seekers (buyers). While this model is effective in promoting paid contributions, its influence on free knowledge exchanges remains ambiguous, creating uncertainty about its overall impact on platform knowledge ecosystems. This study aims to explore the mechanim of how knowledge payment influences free knowledge contribution. Based on relational signaling theory, this study posits that a buyer’s payment for knowledge acts as a positive relational signal in the buyer–seller relationship and examines how the signaling effect varies across different social contexts through attribution theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper empirically tests the hypotheses by analyzing a data set comprising 630 instances from 359 unique knowledge sellers on Zhihu, a prominent knowledge-sharing platform in China. This paper use zero-inflated negative binomial models to conduct this analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that when buyers pay for knowledge, this action positively influences sellers to contribute knowledge for free. However, the strength of this influence is moderated by the platform’s social functions: appreciation feedback tends to weaken this effect, while social network ties enhance it.

Originality/value

Prior research has predominantly focused on the financial incentives of pay-for-knowledge and its spillover effects on unpaid users’ activities. This study shifts the focus to the social dimensions of pay-for-knowledge, arguing that buyer-initiated knowledge payments signal buyers’ commitment to foster reciprocal relationships with sellers. It expands the literature on the relationship between knowledge payment and contribution, moving beyond financial incentives to include social factors, thus enriching our understanding of the interplay between paid and free knowledge activities. Additionally, the empirical evidence supports the efficacy of pay-for-knowledge in promoting both free and paid contributions within knowledge-sharing platforms.
Bayesian-optimized extreme gradient boosting models for classification problems: an experimental analysis of product return case
Authors: Bhattacharjee Biplab , Unni Kavya , Pratap Maheshwar
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Product returns are a major challenge for e-businesses as they involve huge logistical and operational costs. Therefore, it becomes crucial to predict returns in advance. This study aims to evaluate different genres of classifiers for product return chance prediction, and further optimizes the best performing model.

Design/methodology/approach

An e-commerce data set having categorical type attributes has been used for this study. Feature selection based on chi-square provides a selective features-set which is used as inputs for model building. Predictive models are attempted using individual classifiers, ensemble models and deep neural networks. For performance evaluation, 75:25 train/test split and 10-fold cross-validation strategies are used. To improve the predictability of the best performing classifier, hyperparameter tuning is performed using different optimization methods such as, random search, grid search, Bayesian approach and evolutionary models (genetic algorithm, differential evolution and particle swarm optimization).

Findings

A comparison of F1-scores revealed that the Bayesian approach outperformed all other optimization approaches in terms of accuracy. The predictability of the Bayesian-optimized model is further compared with that of other classifiers using experimental analysis. The Bayesian-optimized XGBoost model possessed superior performance, with accuracies of 77.80% and 70.35% for holdout and 10-fold cross-validation methods, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Given the anonymized data, the effects of individual attributes on outcomes could not be investigated in detail. The Bayesian-optimized predictive model may be used in decision support systems, enabling real-time prediction of returns and the implementation of preventive measures.

Originality/value

There are very few reported studies on predicting the chance of order return in e-businesses. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to compare different optimization methods and classifiers, demonstrating the superiority of the Bayesian-optimized XGBoost classification model for returns prediction.
Generational persona and entrepreneurial behavior among millennial entrepreneurs: the mediating role of adaptability tendencies
Authors: Sirajje Yiga , Abaho Ernest , Nsereko Isa , Basalirwa Edith Mwebaza , Muhammed Ngoma , Balunywa Juma Wasswa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between generational persona, adaptability tendencies and entrepreneurial behavior. The paper also aims at testing the mediating role of adaptability tendencies in the relationship between generational persona and entrepreneurial behavior among millennial entrepreneurs in an African setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative methodological approach with a cross-sectional, questionnaire survey and correlational design where hypotheses were statistically tested using Structural Equation Modelling based on survey data (n = 382) from millennial entrepreneurs in Kampala Uganda.

Findings

Drawing on the sample of 382 millennial entrepreneurs in Kampala, findings show that both generational persona and adaptability tendencies are positively and significantly associated with entrepreneurial behavior. Results further indicate that adaptability tendencies partially mediates the relationship between generational persona and entrepreneurial behavior among millennial entrepreneurs.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused only on millennial entrepreneurs in Kampala Uganda ignoring other equally important groups of entrepreneurs like the baby boomers, generation Xers, generation Y and others. As such, the findings of this research do not entirely apply to all entrepreneurs in the country and this may have affected the generalizability of the results. Therefore, future studies can be done on the entrepreneurial behavior focusing on all entrepreneurs from all generations. Also, the study used a quantitative approach, future studies should consider a mixed methodology, which may give a more holistic understanding of entrepreneurial behavior.

Practical implications

In practice, millennial entrepreneurs may use the results of the study to see how they can improve their performance for their businesses to benefit. Specifically, they ought to focus on adaptability, and generational persona to exhibit those entrepreneurial behaviors which will generally lead to the improvement of their businesses.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this study provides a shred of initial empirical evidence on the relationship between generational persona, adaptability tendencies and entrepreneurial behavior using evidence from a low developed African country Uganda. Mostly, this study provides initial evidence of the mediating role of adaptability tendencies in the relationship between generational persona and entrepreneurial behavior. This study incorporates the Generational Cohort Theory and the Complex Adaptive Systems Theory into an applied theoretical framework that explains entrepreneurial behavior. More still, this study answers the call for more empirical studies on entrepreneurial behavior.
Environmental constraints can explain clutch size differences between urban and forest blue tits: Insights from an egg removal experiment
Authors: Pitt Mark D. , Alhowiti Norah S. S. , Branston Claire J. , Carlon Eugenio , Boonekamp Jelle J. , Dominoni Davide M. , Capilla‐Lasheras Pablo
Published: September 2024

Urban environments present novel ecological challenges to wild species. In birds, urban populations generally exhibit reduced clutch sizes compared to forest populations. However, whether smaller urban clutches are adaptive or a result of environmental constraints is unclear.

To investigate these two hypotheses, we quantified the ability of urban and non‐urban blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) to lay new eggs after an experimental manipulation aimed to increase egg production. We removed the first four eggs laid by urban and forest birds to test their ability to produce new eggs. If the urban environment imposes constraints on egg production, we predicted that urban birds would not lay new eggs. If the small clutches of urban birds are an adaptive response, we predicted they would lay new eggs to reach the optimal clutch size for the environment.

Consistent with the environmental constraint hypothesis, our results suggest that urban females do not lay new eggs to the same extent as forest birds following egg removal. Forest birds laid approximately two new eggs after our experimental manipulation, while urban birds laid approximately 0.36 new eggs following egg removal.

Our manipulation resulted in a brood reduction in the urban experimental nests, yet there was no difference in the number of fledged offspring between urban control and experimental nests. This suggests that females might be misjudging urban habitat quality and produce a clutch with more eggs than nestlings they can rear.

Overall, our results suggest that environmental constraints could limit the number of eggs that urban females lay, generating urban versus non‐urban differences in this trait.
Early‐life variation in migration is subject to strong fluctuating survival selection in a partially migratory bird
Authors: Ugland Cassandra R. , Acker Paul , Burthe Sarah J. , Fortuna Rita , Gunn Carrie , Haaland Thomas R. , Harris Michael P. , Morley Timothy I. , Newell Mark A. , Swann Robert L. , Wanless Sarah , Daunt Francis , Reid Jane M.
Published: September 2024

Population dynamic and eco‐evolutionary responses to environmental variation and change fundamentally depend on combinations of within‐ and among‐cohort variation in the phenotypic expression of key life‐history traits, and on corresponding variation in selection on those traits. Specifically, in partially migratory populations, spatio‐seasonal dynamics depend on the degree of adaptive phenotypic expression of seasonal migration versus residence, where more individuals migrate when selection favours migration.

Opportunity for adaptive (or, conversely, maladaptive) expression could be particularly substantial in early life, through the initial development of migration versus residence. However, within‐ and among‐cohort dynamics of early‐life migration, and of associated survival selection, have not been quantified in any system, preventing any inference on adaptive early‐life expression. Such analyses have been precluded because data on seasonal movements and survival of sufficient young individuals, across multiple cohorts, have not been collected.

We undertook extensive year‐round field resightings of 9359 colour‐ringed juvenile European shags Gulosus aristotelis from 11 successive cohorts in a partially migratory population. We fitted Bayesian multi‐state capture‐mark‐recapture models to quantify early‐life variation in migration versus residence and associated survival across short temporal occasions through each cohort's first year from fledging, thereby quantifying the degree of adaptive phenotypic expression of migration within and across years.

All cohorts were substantially partially migratory, but the degree and timing of migration varied considerably within and among cohorts. Episodes of strong survival selection on migration versus residence occurred both on short timeframes within years, and cumulatively across entire first years, generating instances of instantaneous and cumulative net selection that would be obscured at coarser temporal resolutions. Further, the magnitude and direction of selection varied among years, generating strong fluctuating survival selection on early‐life migration across cohorts, as rarely evidenced in nature. Yet, the degree of migration did not strongly covary with the direction of selection, indicating limited early‐life adaptive phenotypic expression.

These results reveal how dynamic early‐life expression of and selection on a key life‐history trait, seasonal migration, can emerge across seasonal, annual, and multi‐year timeframes, yet be substantially decoupled. This restricts the potential for adaptive phenotypic, microevolutionary, and population dynamic responses to changing seasonal environments.
Influence of Neltuma flexuosa and rainfall event on the germination of Leptochloa crinita and Pappophorum caespitosum in two different locations along a stress gradient in the central Monte desert
Authors: Sartor Carmen E. , Greco Silvina A. , Allegretti Liliana I. , Arancibia Celeste , Pucheta Eduardo , Villagra Pablo E. , Passera Carlos B.
Published: September 2024

In drylands, grass germination occurs after a large rainfall event. However, trees influence the water requirements for germination either by decreasing the rate of evaporation from soil surface or by interception rainfall with their canopy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of Neltuma flexuosa tree on the germination of Leptochloa crinita and Pappophorum caespitosum grasses in response to precipitation events of different sizes. The experiment was conducted in two locations within the Monte desert, Argentina: a semi‐arid location with an average annual precipitation of 345 mm and an arid location with an average annual precipitation of 156 mm. Six microsites were established under N. flexuosa canopies and six microsites in open areas at both locations. Within each microsite, 35 seeds of each grass species were exposed to precipitation events of varying sizes. This procedure was repeated 14 times across two growing seasons. Germinated seeds were counted in the laboratory. Generalized linear mixed models were then applied to evaluate the effects of accumulated precipitation and the microsite on the grass germination in both locations. Results showed that N. flexuosa did not influence the germination of either grass species in the arid location. However, in the semi‐arid location, N. flexuosa facilitated the germination of P. caespitosum only. Large precipitation events would act as an environmental signal for these perennial grasses, allowing them to germinate in favorable years regardless of the microsite or the location.
On the motivation for pharmaceutical manufacturer coupons: Brand loyalty or customer acquisition?
Authors: Gibbons Jason Brian , Hermosilla Manuel , Trujillo Antonio
Published: September 2024

Objective

To generate evidence regarding the offensive (customer acquisition) versus defensive (customer retention) motivation for pharmaceutical manufacturer coupons.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Retail prescriptions from IQVIA's Formulary Impact Analyzer data between 2017 and 2019.

Study Design

Ordinary least squares regression models with person, therapeutic class, drug, and time‐fixed effects to measure the association between switching medications and coupon usage as well as the association between patient out‐of‐pocket spending and switching to a drug and using a coupon. To study switching type heterogeneity, reanalysis of associations for any type of switch, generic‐brand switches, and brand‐brand switches. Reestimation of baseline analyses for sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors, anticoagulants, and inhaled corticosteroids/long‐acting beta2‐agonists to assess heterogeneity by drug class and market maturity.

Data Collection

1,167,132 privately insured patients that utilized at least one coupon between 2017 and 2019 for one or more prescriptions.

Principal Findings

Coupon usage was associated with a 1.0 percentage point reduction in any kind of drug switch in the full sample and by 0.65–2.9 percentage points for the drug class subgroups. However, these estimates are governed by market dynamics; the probability of switching increased by 40% on the first coupon usage before declining by more than 50% on subsequent coupons. Switching after the first coupon use may be explained by systematic savings implied by coupon use; we find coupons reduced patient out‐of‐pocket spending by $45.00 (i.e., the majority of patient out‐of‐pocket costs). In subgroup analyses, coupon savings were $6.43 larger than average for anticoagulants, characterized by the highest levels of brand and generic competition among the considered therapeutic classes.

Conclusions

Pharmaceutical manufacturers may be using coupons to acquire customers and then build brand loyalty, especially in markets with more generic competition. Antitrust authorities and other regulators should scrutinize the impact of coupons on market competitiveness and drug spending.
Sulforaphane nanoparticles coated with zein‐propylene glycol alginate attenuate N‐diethylnitrosamine‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Wang Qilei , Feng Zhenzhen , Shi Chan , Lyu Xingang , Fan DaiDi
Published: September 2024

Sulforaphane‐loaded nanoparticles (NP‐SF) were prepared in this study to improve their biological effects. Based on propylene glycol alginate and zein as wall materials and anthocyanin and CaCl2 as crosslinking agents, the NPs were encapsulated by the crosslinking method and freeze‐dried. With the increasing contents of anthocyanin and Ca2+, the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of NP‐SF were both increased. In vitro simulated digestion experiments showed controlled release of SF from the NPs. The pharmacokinetics confirmed that NP‐SF exerted a slower release effect in rats, with improved SF bioavailability and protective effects on liver injury induced by N‐diethylnitrosamine in mice. NP‐SF reduced serum indicators of liver injury, increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and GSH levels, and reduced malondialdehyde levels in the liver. In addition, SF activated the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 downstream genes NQO1 and heme oxidase 1. High doses of NP‐SF, in particular, had a higher therapeutic effect. In conclusion, encapsulation enhanced the biological activity of SF and promoted physiological function.
Effect of packaging label color on consumer perception of Greek protected designation of origin table olives “Kalamata”
Authors: Kontousias Dimitrios , Defteraios Konstantinos , Panagiotou Malamatenia , Naziri Eleni , Koukoumaki Danai Ioanna , Gkatzionis Konstantinos
Published: September 2024

Kalamata table olives are a widely exported Greek protected designation of origin (PDO) product with distinct organoleptic profile. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of label color on the flavor perception of pasteurized and unpasteurized Kalamata PDO olives. Consumer perception was assessed in two studies. First, four packaged products with green, blue, red, and purple labeling were assessed by participants (n = 106) for preference using rating scales, and emotional profiles were obtained using a check‐all‐that‐apply list of 33 emotions developed in language native to the participants (Greek). The green label resulted to more positive emotion profiling of olive products (i.e., “healthy,” “pleased,” and “satisfied” with mean scores correspondingly equal to 2.99, 2.95, and 2.87), and red labeled olives resulted to willingness to pay more. In the second study, unpasteurized and pasteurized olives in red and green labeled glass jars were sensorially assessed by participants (n = 124) using rating scales, showing that green labeled products are liked most (mean scores; 5.12 and 5.12), whereas red labeled was scored less (mean scores; 4.96 and 4.67), along emotion profiles with emojis. Principal component analysis of emotional reactions revealed grouping of samples based only on pasteurization/no pasteurization, without been affected by the color of the label, and did not relate to the liking scores. The results showed that sensory perception of olives is significantly affected by the color of packaging (p‐value <0.05) due to emotional reactions and color of packaging can enhance the perception of olives’ quality as improvement of the processing is limited by the PDO status.
Characterization of ultrasonic‐assisted antifungal film loaded with fermented walnut meal on Rosa roxburghii Tratt during near‐freezing temperature storage
Authors: Hu Yue , Wan Shuangju , Zhao Ruijie , Cao Lisha , Fu Chengxin , Ren Di Feng
Published: September 2024

Fermented walnut meal (FW) has antifungal activity against Penicillium victoriae, a fungus responsible for Rosa roxbughii Tratt spoilage. This study characterized and applied ultrasonic‐assisted antifungal film loaded with FW to preserve R. roxbughii Tratt during near‐freezing temperature (NFT). Results showed that O2 and CO2 transmission rates decreased by 80.02% and 29.05%, respectively, and antimicrobial properties were improved with ultrasound at 560 W for 5 min and 1% FW. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction results revealed ultrasound improved hydrogen bonds and inductive effect via ─NH, ─OH, and C═O bonds. The addition of FW led to the formation of CMCS‐GL‐FW polymer via C═O bond. Thermogravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscope results demonstrated thermal degradation process was decomposed by ultrasound, and the internal structure of P. victoriae was accelerated by the addition of FW. Compared to the U‐CMCS/GL group, the vitamin C content, peroxidase, and catalase activities of U‐CMCS/GL/FW were enhanced by 4.24%, 8.52%, and 14.3% during NFT (−0.8 to −0.4°C), respectively. Particularly, the fungal count of the U‐CMCS/GL/FW group did not exceed 105 CFU g−1 at the end of storage, and the relative abundance of P. victoriae decreased to 0.007%. Our findings provide an effective route for agricultural waste as natural antifungal compounds in the active packaging industry.

Practical Application

In this study, the barrier and antimicrobial properties of film were successfully improved by ultrasonic treatment and loaded fermented walnut meal. The ultrasonic‐assisted antifungal film loaded with fermented walnut meal effectively delayed the degradation of nutrients and reduced microbial invasion of Rosa roxburghii Tratt. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of agricultural waste in the food packaging industry.
Data‐driven artificial intelligence‐based streamflow forecasting, a review of methods, applications, and tools
Authors: Jahanbani Heerbod , Ahmed Khandakar , Gu Bruce
Published: September 2024

Data‐driven artificial intelligence (DDAI) prediction has gained much attention, especially in recent years, because of its power and flexibility compared to traditional approaches. In hydrology, streamflow forecasting is one of the areas that took advantage of utilizing DDAI‐based forecasting, given the weakness of the old approaches (e.g., physical‐based approaches). Since many different techniques and tools have been used for streamflow forecasting, there is a new way to explore them. This manuscript reviews the recent (2011–2023) applications of DDAI in streamflow prediction. It provides a background of DDAI‐based techniques, including machine learning algorithms and methods for pre‐processing the data and optimizing or enhancing the machine learning approaches. We also explore the applications of DDAI techniques in streamflow forecasting. Finally, the most common tools for utilizing DDAI techniques in streamflow forecasting are presented.
METTL14‐mediated lncRNA‐FAS‐AS1 promotes osteoarthritis progression by up‐regulating ADAM8
Authors: Zhang Zhehua , Mao Honggang , Li Fang , Wang Dahai , Liu Yan
Published: September 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative disease. We explored the role and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA‐FAS‐AS1 in OA progression.

Methods

We exposed human immortalized chondrocytes to IL‐1β for 24 h to induce an OA cell model. The target molecule levels were assessed using western blot and quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR). Cell viability and apoptosis were measured using CCK‐8 and flow cytometry. The m6A modification of FAS‐AS1 was determined using MeRIP. We examined the binding relationships between FAS‐AS1, Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1), and A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8) using RIP and RNA pull‐down. The OA animal model was established by separating the medial collateral ligament and medial meniscus. Safranin‐O staining and Mankin's scale were employed to evaluate pathological changes within the cartilage.

Results

FAS‐AS1, METTL14, and ADAM8 were upregulated, and the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway was activated in OA mice and IL‐1β‐induced chondrocytes. FAS‐AS1 knockdown inhibited extracellular matrix degradation in IL‐1β‐induced chondrocytes; however, ADAM8 overexpression reversed this effect. FAS‐AS1 maintained the stability of ADAM8 mRNA by recruiting FMR1. METTL14 knockdown repressed FAS‐AS1 expression in an m6A‐dependent manner. FAS‐AS1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of METTL14 knockdown on JAK/STAT3 signaling and cartilage damage in the OA model both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

METTL14‐mediated FAS‐AS1 promotes OA progression through the FMR1/ADAM8/JAK/STAT3 axis.
A dramatic response to an immune checkpoint inhibitor plus chemotherapy in a patient with metastatic metaplastic carcinoma of the breast: A case report
Authors: Koi Yumiko , Tajiri Wakako , Kawasaki Junji , Akiyoshi Sayuri , Ijichi Hideki , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Koga Chinami , Koga Yutaka , Taguchi Kenichi , Tokunaga Eriko
Published: September 2024

We present a unique case of metastatic metaplastic breast carcinoma responding dramatically to immunochemotherapy. A 46‐year‐old Japanese woman with primary metaplastic carcinoma of the breast, which was immunohistochemically confirmed to be triple‐negative breast cancer, underwent radical surgery, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy with an anthracycline and a taxane. Since multiple lung metastases were detected two months post‐chemotherapy and the primary site was shown to be PD‐L1‐positive, the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) pembrolizumab plus gemcitabine/carboplatin was initiated. While the treatment was discontinued after 15 days due to suspected drug‐induced pneumonitis, the lung metastases significantly shrank with no development of new lesions for three months. The patient remained alive as of approximately 15 months after the recurrence date. This case highlights the potential of immunochemotherapy in treating metaplastic breast carcinomas.
Genomic responses to climatic challenges in beef cattle: A review
Authors: Colombi Daniele , Perini Francesco , Bettini Stefano , Mastrangelo Salvatore , Abeni Fabio , Conte Giuseppe , Marletta Donata , Cassandro Martino , Bernabucci Umberto , Ciampolini Roberta , Lasagna Emiliano
Published: September 2024

Climate change is a major concern for the near future and for livestock breeding. Cattle breeding, due to its greenhouse gas emissions, is one of the most implicated industries. Consequently, the main future goals are to breed animals resilient to climate change, with the aim of lowering the livestock impact on the environment and selecting animals that will be able to resist different, unsuitable, and changing climates. The aim of this literature review is to compare the most recent studies on the response and adaptation of beef cattle breeds to extreme environments, in terms of genes and pathways involved. Beef breeding is just starting to implement genomics in its selection plans, and shedding light on the genomic responses to extreme climates could speed up and simplify the adaptation of these breeds to climate change. This review discusses the genes involved in climatic stress responses, including those related to extremely cold climates, in beef and dual‐purpose cattle breeds. Genes were associated with productive traits, coat and skin structure and development, thermotolerance, cellular physiology and DNA repair mechanisms, immune system, and fertility traits. The knowledge of genes and pathways involved in climate resilience should be taken into consideration for further selection in beef cattle breeding and could promote the valorization of local breeds adapted to extreme environmental conditions. The use of local or resilient breeds could enhance the environmental and social sustainability, animal welfare, and production, compared with the introduction of cosmopolitan breeds with uncertain adaptation in uncontrolled environmental areas.
Development of a large diameter in vitro flow loop thrombogenicity test system
Authors: Serna Carlos , Parrish Anna , Patel Mehulkumar , Srinivasan Keerthana , Malinauskas Richard , Lu Qijin , Jamiolkowski Megan
Published: September 2024

Background

To accommodate a wider range of medical device sizes, a larger in vitro flow loop thrombogenicity test system using 9.5 ‐mm inner diameter (ID) tubing was developed and evaluated based on our previously established 6.4 ‐mm ID tubing system.

Methods

Four cardiopulmonary bypass roller pumps were used concurrently to drive four flow loops during testing. To ensure that each pump produced a consistent thrombogenic response for the same material under the same test conditions, a novel dynamic roller occlusion setting method was applied. Five materials with varying thrombogenic potentials were tested: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicone, 3D‐printed nylon, latex, and nitrile rubber (BUNA). Day‐old bovine blood was heparinized to a donor‐specific concentration and recirculated through the flow loops containing test materials at 20 rpm for 1 h at room temperature. Material thrombogenicity was characterized by measuring the thrombus surface coverage, thrombus weight, and platelet (PLT) count reduction.

Results

The larger tubing system can differentiate thrombogenic materials (latex, BUNA) from the thromboresistant PTFE material. Additionally, silicone and the 3D‐printed nylon exhibited an intermediate thrombogenic response with significantly less thrombus surface coverage and PLT count reduction than latex and BUNA but more thrombus surface coverage than PTFE (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The 9.5 ‐mm ID test system can effectively differentiate materials of varying thrombogenic potentials when appropriate pump occlusion settings and donor‐specific anticoagulation are used. This system is being assessed in an interlaboratory study to develop standardized best practices for performing in vitro dynamic thrombogenicity testing of medical devices and materials.
Review of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in Artificial Tears for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Mysen O. Martin B. , Hynnekleiv Leif , Magnø Morten S. , Vehof Jelle , Utheim Tor P.
Published: September 2024

Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent condition, resulting in reduced quality of life, lower participation in social life and impaired work efficiency. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose‐based viscosity‐enhancing agent and is one of the most popular therapeutic ingredients in artificial tears. This review aims to evaluate the literature on the efficacy and safety of HPMC used in the treatment of DED. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL. A total of 28 clinical trials from 26 publications are included in this review, including 21 clinical intervention studies evaluating the effect of HPMC treatment over time and seven single instillation studies evaluating the short‐term physical and symptomatic effects of HPMC after drop‐instillation. The duration of clinical intervention studies ranged from 2 weeks to 5.5 months. DED severity ranged from mild to severe. Drop frequency ranged from two to up to 16 drops per day. HPMC concentration in artificial tears ranged from 0.2% to 0.5%. No major complications or adverse events were reported. Artificial tears containing HPMC were effective at improving symptoms and some signs of DED. However, combination drops with HPMC plus other therapeutic ingredients seem more effective than HPMC alone. HPMC appears to be equally effective or inferior to hyaluronic acid (HA). There is no evidence of superiority or inferiority to either carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or polyethylene glycol 400/propylene glycol (PEG/PG). No single study explained the choice of drop frequency or HPMC concentration. More well‐designed studies are needed to determine an evidence‐based standard for HPMC treatment, including drop frequency, concentration and molecular weight for different DED severity and subgroups.
Functional anticholinergic activity of drugs classified as strong and moderate on the anticholinergic burden scale on bladder and ileum
Authors: Kagota Satomi , Futokoro Risa , Maruyama‐Fumoto Kana , Chimoto Junko , Yamada Shizuo , Shinozuka Kazumasa
Published: September 2024

Several medications are commonly administered to older Japanese patients. Since some of them have not been included in previously developed scales to estimate the anticholinergic burden, we have developed a new muscarinic receptor binding‐based anticholinergic burden scale. This study aimed to investigate the functional inhibitory effects of 60 medications, classified as anticholinergic burden scales 3 and 2 by the anticholinergic burden scale, on muscarinic receptor‐mediated contractions in the bladder and ileum.

The relaxation response induced by these drugs on isolated rat bladders and ileum smooth muscles constricted by carbachol was assessed using the organ bath method. All drugs inhibited smooth muscle contractile responses induced by the muscarinic receptor activation in a concentration‐dependent manner in the rat bladder and ileum. Notably, variations were observed in the relaxation responses of the drugs, and the function EC50 values were positively correlated with the binding IC50 values in the bladder and ileum.

The results of this study provide functional pharmacological evidence for the muscarinic receptor binding‐based anticholinergic burden scale. Implementation of this scale may help reduce the risk of constipation and urinary retention, which are common side effects associated with anticholinergic drugs.
Doses, serum concentrations and diagnoses of Norwegian quetiapine users 2001–2019 in a therapeutic drug monitoring material
Authors: Breivik Håvard , Westin Andreas Austgulen , Frost Joachim
Published: September 2024

Over the past decade, increasing off‐label use of quetiapine has been reported worldwide from various sources. We wanted to investigate how this is reflected in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) data. Requisitions for serum concentration measurements of quetiapine from a TDM service in Central Norway during 2001–2019 were obtained and analysed for age, gender, trends in quetiapine doses, serum concentrations and indicators of diagnoses. There were 19 759 requisitions from 7459 individuals. Daily doses of quetiapine decreased by 24 mg per year (95% CI: −25.61 to −21.48, p < 0.001, N = 4505). A corresponding decrease in quetiapine serum concentrations was not seen. The proportion of requisitions with diagnoses indicating reimbursable use was 13% for the whole study period. Mean daily doses were slightly higher in the reimbursable group, but declined over time in these samples, as well. To our understanding, these results signal a trend towards lower prescribed doses of quetiapine, possibly reflecting drug repurposing and/or off‐label use. The discrepancy in the decrease of doses versus serum concentrations may reflect the intake of higher doses than prescribed and/or inappropriate TDM sampling. Our findings show that TDM data have limitations when it comes to making inferences about the use of quetiapine based on serum concentrations and clinical information on the requisitions.
Impact of female directors' foreign experience on green innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Jameel , Gaoliang Tian , Hussain Khalil , Alhebri Adeeb , Kouki Fadoua
Published: September 2024

This study explores the realm of sustainability by examining the influence of female directors' foreign experience on green innovation across various industry sectors and corporate board structures. Specifically, the research focuses on the impact of female directors' foreign experience on green innovation in Chinese listed firms from 2004 to 2021. Our findings show that female directors with foreign experience have a positive and significant effect on green innovation. Further analysis indicates that this relationship is positively and significantly moderated by state‐owned enterprises, larger firms, firms operating in polluting industries, environments with low market competition, and the presence of foreign directors on the board. The robustness of our results is confirmed through the use of different econometric techniques, alternative measures of dependent and independent variables, and addressing endogeneity concerns. Overall, our study suggests that female directors with foreign experience enhance the transfer of environmental and sustainable knowledge and practices, thereby fostering green innovation within Chinese listed firms.
Directional Texture Editing for 3D Models
Authors: Liu Shengqi , Chen Zhuo , Gao Jingnan , Yan Yichao , Zhu Wenhan , Lyu Jiangjing , Yang Xiaokang
Published: September 2024

Texture editing is a crucial task in 3D modelling that allows users to automatically manipulate the surface materials of 3D models. However, the inherent complexity of 3D models and the ambiguous text description lead to the challenge of this task. To tackle this challenge, we propose ITEM3D, a Texture Editing Model designed for automatic 3D object editing according to the text Instructions. Leveraging the diffusion models and the differentiable rendering, ITEM3D takes the rendered images as the bridge between text and 3D representation and further optimizes the disentangled texture and environment map. Previous methods adopted the absolute editing direction, namely score distillation sampling (SDS) as the optimization objective, which unfortunately results in noisy appearances and text inconsistencies. To solve the problem caused by the ambiguous text, we introduce a relative editing direction, an optimization objective defined by the noise difference between the source and target texts, to release the semantic ambiguity between the texts and images. Additionally, we gradually adjust the direction during optimization to further address the unexpected deviation in the texture domain. Qualitative and quantitative experiments show that our ITEM3D outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods on various 3D objects. We also perform text‐guided relighting to show explicit control over lighting. Our project page: https://shengqiliu1.github.io/ITEM3D/.
RNF122 promotes glioblastoma growth via the JAK2/STAT3/c‐Myc signaling Axis
Authors: Xiao Qingbao , Xue Kaming , Li Lin , Zhu Kai , Fu Rong , Xiong Zhiyong
Published: September 2024

Objective

The E3 ubiquitin ligase is well recognized as a significant contributor to glioblastoma (GBM) progression and has promise as a prospective therapeutic target. This study explores the contribution of E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF122 in the GBM progression and the related molecular mechanisms.

Methods

RNF122 expression levels were evaluated using qRT‐PCR, WB, and IHC, while functional assays besides animal experiments were used to assess RNF122's effect on GBM progression. We also tested the RNF122 impact on JAK2/STAT3/c‐Myc signaling using WB.

Results

RNF122 was upregulated in GBM and correlated to the advanced stage and poor clinical outcomes, representing an independent prognostic factor. Based on functional assays, RNF122 promotes GBM growth and cell cycle, which was validated further in subsequent analyses by JAK2/STAT3/c‐Myc pathway activation. Moreover, JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitor WP1066 can weaken the effect of overexpression RNF122 on promoting GBM progression.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that RNF122 caused an aggressive phenotype to GBM and was a poor prognosticator; thus, targeting RNF122 may be effectual in GBM treatment.
Evidence of a twofold ecological trap driven by agricultural change causing a priority farmland bird population crash
Authors: Gameiro João , Marques Ana Teresa , Venâncio Luís , Valerio Francesco , Pacheco Carlos , Guedes Américo , Pereira José , Ribeiro Luís , Moreira Francisco , Beja Pedro , Arroyo Beatriz , Silva João Paulo
Published: September 2024

Extensive farmland in Europe hosts high biodiversity levels but is threatened by land use changes associated with market and agricultural policy drivers. We show that a nationwide replacement of rainfed cereals in favor of beef production in Portugal has coincided with a nearly 80% decline in the population of a ground‐nesting raptor, the Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus, since 2002. Reduced cereal crop cover led to nesting attempts occurring mostly in fodder crops, the predominant habitat with suitable sward structure at the onset of breeding. This results in a twofold ecological trap: early hay harvesting destroys first nesting attempts, whereas late cereal harvesting destroys replacement clutches. This double phenological mismatch prevents any breeding success and likely explains the country's observed population decline of Montagu's harriers and other key farmland birds. Reforming current agroenvironmental schemes to promote practices compatible with wild population phenology is paramount to revert these changes.
Effects of ertugliflozin on uric acid and gout‐related outcomes in persons with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease: Post hoc analyses from VERTIS CV
Authors: Sridhar Vikas S. , Cosentino Francesco , Dagogo‐Jack Samuel , McGuire Darren K. , Pratley Richard E. , Cater Nilo B. , Noyes Essex Margaret , Mancuso James P. , Zhao Yujie , Cherney David Z. I.
Published: September 2024

Aim

To conduct post hoc analyses of the VERTIS CV (NCT01986881) trial to explore the effects of ertugliflozin on serum uric acid (UA) and gout‐related outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Participants with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were randomised (1:1:1) to placebo, ertugliflozin 5 mg or ertugliflozin 15 mg. Mean UA over time (260 weeks) was evaluated for pooled ertugliflozin versus placebo overall, and by baseline quintile of UA (≤4.3 mg/dL [≤255.8 µmol/L], >4.3–5.1 mg/dL [>255.8–303.4 µmol/L], >5.1–5.8 mg/dL [>303.4–345.0 µmol/L], >5.8–6.9 mg/dL [>345.0–410.4 µmol/L] and >6.9 mg/dL [>410.4 µmol/L]), glycated haemoglobin level, albuminuria status, estimated glomerular filtration rate and KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease) risk category. The effect of ertugliflozin on a composite of gout onset or initiation of anti‐gout medication was assessed.

Results

The mean UA levels at baseline were 5.67 and 5.62 mg/dL in the placebo and ertugliflozin groups, respectively. Ertugliflozin reduced UA over Weeks 6–260 compared with placebo, with least squares mean (LSM) changes (95% confidence interval [CI]) from baseline at Week 260 of 0.07 mg/dL (−0.02, 0.15) and −0.19 mg/dL (−0.25, −0.13) in the placebo and pooled ertugliflozin groups, respectively. At Week 260, placebo‐adjusted LSM change (95% CI) from baseline in UA was −0.26 mg/dL (−0.36, −0.16) with ertugliflozin. Ertugliflozin was associated with reductions in UA across baseline UA quintiles compared with placebo. The incidence of the composite of gout‐related outcomes was 84/2539 (3.3%) for placebo and 133/5091 (2.6%) for ertugliflozin (hazard ratio for the composite 0.76 [95% CI 0.580, 1.002]).

Conclusions

Ertugliflozin was generally associated with lowering UA overall and across subgroups compared with placebo, and numerically reduced rates of gout‐related outcome events.
How meeting the ten pedometrics challenges can deliver healthy‐soil contributions to SDG‐related ecosystem services
Authors: Bouma Johan , Reijneveld Jan Adriaan
Published: September 2024

When considering ecosystem services in line with relevant Sustainable Development Goals, the proposed logical sequence of the ten pedometric challenges can form a framework defining effective contributions by the soil science discipline to the sustainability challenge facing society. Defining relatively simple, but scientifically sound, indicators and thresholds for ecosystem services can be the basis for a transparent regulatory system justifying payment for ecosystem services provided to society. The current serious lack of trust between the policy and farming arenas can and should be restored by scientists and farmers working jointly in Living Labs, aiming to become Lighthouses, to be part of Communites of Practice (CoP). A Living Lab case study is reviewed showing that much know‐how is already available to define indicators and innovative cutting‐edge methodology adds attractive new opportunities for rapid and relatively cheap characterizations. Field work remains essential and just routinely applying standard techniques fed by existing databases may lead to poor results. Research on indicator‐thresholds has a high priority. In the case study, the important soil fertility indicator was based on the current procedure of field sampling and fertilization recommendations by specialized agencies, that is already followed by 85% of farmers. This could be expanded by including indicators for other ecosystem services thereby contributing substantially to the societal sustainability debate. Soil health plays a key role when contributing to all ecosystem services. Showing this with specific examples in a Living Lab/Lighthouse and CoP context is the best way to promote the profession which is needed to justify current major funding. Not only cutting‐edge research can contribute to defining indicators and thresholds. A hundred years of research has produced many valuable insights and methodologies that can be applied as well. The: ‘better’ can be the enemy of the: ‘good’. The sustainable development challenge is highly urgent: there is no time to lose.