bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: SAF-189s is a potent inhibitor in a lorlatinib-resistant NSCLC patient with acquired compound mutations ALK L1196M and D1203N
Authors: Li Na , Li Huihui , Wang Ding , Xu Xiaoling
Published: December 2023

Acquired anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation is the major resistant mechanism to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. At present, treatment options after acquiring secondary ALK mutations are still limited. Here, we report on a patient with metastatic ALK-rearranged NSCLC who was sequentially treated with ALK TKIs, from crizotinib to lorlatinib, and developed rare acquired compound ALK mutations (L1196M and D1203N) that confer resistance to lorlatinib. Moreover, our report describes the clinical response of an NSCLC patient with these compound mutations to multiple anti-tumor therapies. Among them, the patient was treated with SAF-189s 120 mg daily and had a stable disease lasting 3 months. Chemotherapy (pemetrexed-carboplatin) combined with bevacizumab was then administered. She achieved a partial response, which was maintained for 7 months as the best response. Since both SAF-189s and chemotherapy have shown a clear antitumor effect, they may be viable therapeutic options for these patients. Thus, our study can provide some reference in the treatment of NSCLC patients with ALK L1196M/D1203N compound mutations.
Efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine injections in combination with docetaxel and cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Liangtao , Xie Lixiang , Gong Fengying , Zhang Shunan , Xi Tieju
Published: December 2023

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses a serious threat to human health. Several clinical studies have reported the benefits of Chinese herbal injections (CHIs) in combination with docetaxel and cisplatin (DP). This multidimensional network meta-analysis aimed to investigate the preferred regimen of CHIs in combination with DP for the treatment of NSCLC.

Methods: Multiple databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CHIs for NSCLC from the database inception to 30 April 2023. Studies that met the inclusion criteria and exhibited good methodological quality were included. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 15.0 and R 4.2.1 software. An odds ratio (OR) was used as the effect size, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SCURA) was employed to rank the evaluated treatments.

Results: The network meta-analysis included 85 eligible RCTs, encompassing 6,580 patients and 11 CHIs. Astragalus Injection combined with DP was identified as the most effective regimen for improving the response rate (SUCRAs: 90.25%). Brucea Javanica Oil Milk Injection combined with DP proved most effective in ameliorating the quality of life (SUCRAs: 76.89%). Shenfu Injection combined with DP emerged as the most effective for enhancing CD3+ and CD4+ (SUCRAs: 93.75%, 88.50%). Kanglaite Injection combined with DP exhibited the best efficacy in improving CD8+ (SUCRAs: 88.96%). Brucea Javanica Oil Milk Injection combined with DP was the most potent regimen for enhancing CD4+/CD8+ (SUCRAs: 93.13%).

Conclusion: CHIs in combination with DP outperformed DP alone in NSCLC patients. Astragalus Injection plus DP, Brucea Javanica Oil Milk Injection plus DP, Shenfu Injection plus DP, Kanglaite Injection plus DP, and Brucea Javanica Oil Milk Injection plus DP were significantly effective. However, further multicenter and well-designed RCTs are required to validate our findings.
Magnetic isotope effects: a potential testing ground for quantum biology
Authors: Zadeh-Haghighi Hadi , Simon Christoph
Published: December 2023

One possible explanation for magnetosensing in biology, such as avian magnetoreception, is based on the spin dynamics of certain chemical reactions that involve radical pairs. Radical pairs have been suggested to also play a role in anesthesia, hyperactivity, neurogenesis, circadian clock rhythm, microtubule assembly, etc. It thus seems critical to probe the credibility of such models. One way to do so is through isotope effects with different nuclear spins. Here we briefly review the papers involving spin-related isotope effects in biology. We suggest studying isotope effects can be an interesting avenue for quantum biology.
Cotton Fusarium wilt diagnosis based on generative adversarial networks in small samples
Authors: Zhang Zhenghang , Ma Lulu , Wei Chunyue , Yang Mi , Qin Shizhe , Lv Xin , Zhang Ze
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to explore the feasibility of applying Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for the diagnosis of Verticillium wilt disease in cotton and compared it with traditional data augmentation methods and transfer learning. By designing a model based on small-sample learning, we proposed an innovative cotton Verticillium wilt disease diagnosis system. The system uses Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) as feature extractors and applies trained GAN models for sample augmentation to improve classification accuracy. This study collected and processed a dataset of cotton Verticillium wilt disease images, including samples from normal and infected plants. Data augmentation techniques were used to expand the dataset and train the CNNs. Transfer learning using InceptionV3 was applied to train the CNNs on the dataset. The dataset was augmented using GAN algorithms and used to train CNNs. The performances of the data augmentation, transfer learning, and GANs were compared and analyzed. The results have demonstrated that augmenting the cotton Verticillium wilt disease image dataset using GAN algorithms enhanced the diagnostic accuracy and recall rate of the CNNs. Compared to traditional data augmentation methods, GANs exhibit better performance and generated more representative and diverse samples. Unlike transfer learning, GANs ensured an adequate sample size. By visualizing the images generated, GANs were found to generate realistic cotton images of Verticillium wilt disease, highlighting their potential applications in agricultural disease diagnosis. This study has demonstrated the potential of GANs in the diagnosis of cotton Verticillium wilt disease diagnosis, offering an effective approach for agricultural disease detection and providing insights into disease detection in other crops.
Group membership and adolescents’ third-party punishment: a moderated chain mediation model
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Menghui , Liu Qiyun , Chen Chao , Qi Chunhui
Published: December 2023

Third-party punishment (TPP) reflects people’s social preference for fairness norms and is fundamental to maintaining fairness norms on a large scale. Several empirical studies have shown that the offender’s group membership impacts TPP, but the detailed mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. The current study used the third-party punishment game task to explore the relationship between group membership, perceived unfairness, anger, and adolescents’ TPP. A total of 306 teenagers aged 12 to 15 were chosen as subjects through cluster sampling. The results showed that group membership (classmate vs. stranger) and gender can affect adolescents’ TPP together, which manifests as adolescents enacting significantly harsher punishments on strangers than on classmates, especially for boys. Group membership indirectly affects TPP through the mediating effects of perceived unfairness, anger and through a chain mediation of perceived unfairness and anger. Moreover, gender positively moderate the relationship between group membership and perceived unfairness. Specifically, group membership significantly affects boys’ perceived unfairness, but cannot predict girls’ perceived unfairness. The above results can be used to guide adolescents toward appropriate justice concepts and moral awareness, thus enhancing TPP.
Meta-analysis of a mindfulness yoga exercise intervention on depression – based on intervention studies in China
Authors: Yang Yuehang , Cao Dawei , Lyu Teng , Gao Wei
Published: December 2023

Background

Using statistical methods to analyze and summarize the research data of the inclusion criteria, to provide a quantitative average effect size to interpret the influence of mindfulness yoga exercise on patients with different depressive symptoms, explain the therapeutic effect of mindfulness yoga therapy on depression and its possible mechanism of action, and provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of patients with depression.

Method

Review Manage 5.4 software was used to comprehensively evaluate the effect of yoga exercise on depression interventions to provide a reference for improving mental health. CNKI, PubMed, Web of science, EBSCO were searched for all case–control research articles on yoga for depression from 2000 to 2022. After screening, data extraction and quality evaluation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 22 studies with 2,216 patients were included, including 1,101 in the yoga intervention group and 1,115 in the control group.

Results

The results showed a large heterogeneity in the literature on the effect of yoga exercise on depression, with a combined total effect size [SMD = −1.53, 95%CI (−1.96, −1.10), p < 0.00001].

Conclusion

Mindfulness yoga exercise is effective in preventing and treating depression and improving mental health, and may be considered as a non-medical, low-cost intervention as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment.
Evaluation of organizational culture in enterprises in the Czech Republic using OCAI
Authors: Balková Miluše , Jambal Tsolmon
Published: December 2023

The goal of this work was to use the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) diagnostic method to find out the existing and preferred organizational culture in companies in the Czech Republic and then to evaluate their dependence on the size of the organizations. Data were collected in 2019–2021 and evaluated using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS 24 statistical program, e.g., descriptive statistics tools, one-sample z-test, analysis of variance and post hoc test (Tukey’s honest significant difference - HSD). The research was conducted on a sample of 962 companies across the entire republic and fields. The results of the study show that clan culture prevails in the Czech Republic, which was dominant in all six dimensions. Enterprises in the Czech Republic have a mix of organizational cultures in the following order: (1) clan culture (31.72%), (2) hierarchical culture (25.46%), (3) market culture (21.5%), and (4) adhocratic culture (21.28%). However, with regard to the desired cultural mix, this order changes as follows: (1) clan (35.3%), (2) hierarchical (22.91%), (3) adhocratic (22.63%), and (4) market culture (19.17%). Furthermore, it was found that a statistically significant difference was observed in the assessment of organizational culture depending on the size of the organization in the Czech Republic. A limitation of the research could be the unequal number of respondents in 2020 and 2021, which does not allow comparing differences in the time period. This work can serve as a comparative basis of organizational culture with another national culture.
Single sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial random noise stimulation exert no effect on sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia
Authors: Hohenester Michaela , Langguth Berthold , Wetter Thomas Christian , Geisler Peter , Schecklmann Martin , Reissmann Andreas
Published: December 2023

Background

Hypersomnia poses major challenges to treatment providers given the limitations of available treatment options. In this context, the application of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) may open up new avenues to effective treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests both acute and longer-lasting positive effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on vigilance and sleepiness in hypersomniac patients. Based on these findings, the present study sought to investigate short-term effects of single sessions of tDCS and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) on sleepiness in persons suffering from hypersomnia.

Methods

A sample of 29 patients suffering from narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) was recruited from the Regensburg Sleep Disorder Center and underwent single sessions of tES (anodal tDCS, tRNS, sham) over the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on three consecutive days in a double-blind, sham-controlled, pseudorandomized crossover trial. The primary study endpoint was the mean reaction time measured by the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) before and directly after the daily tES sessions. Secondary endpoints were additional PVT outcome metrics as well as subjective outcome parameters (e.g., Karolinska Sleepiness Scale; KSS).

Results

There were no significant treatment effects neither on objective (i.e., PVT) nor on subjective indicators of sleepiness.

Conclusion

We could not demonstrate any clinically relevant effects of single sessions of tDCS or tRNS on objective or subjective measures of sleepiness in patients with hypersomnia. However, we cannot exclude that repeated sessions of tES may affect vigilance or sleepiness in hypersomniac patients.
Cognitive deficits profiles in the first-episode of schizophrenia, clinical high risk of psychosis, and genetically high-risk of psychosis
Authors: Dong Fang , Mao Zhen , Ding Yushen , Wang Lu , Bo Qijing , Li Feng , Wang Feifei , Wang Chuanyue
Published: December 2023

Background

Cognitive deficits are core characteristics of schizophrenia, presenting before the emergence of psychotic symptoms. Individuals with a clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR) and those with genetically high-risk of psychosis (GHR) also exhibit cognitive impairments. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain in which domains of cognitive impairments in these two groups were more similar to those of schizophrenia patients. Moreover, it is unclear which domains of impairment are caused by quality factors and which are more related to the state of disease. This research initiative aimed to extensively examine the distinct cognitive impairment profiles among the CHR, GHR, and first-episode schizophrenia (FES) cohorts.

Methods

We compared the cognitive functions of the three groups and a healthy control group (HCs) using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). The participants for this study were recruited from the Beijing Anding Hospital of Capital Medical University. Our sample consisted of 56 patients with FES, 42 with CHR, 26 with GHR, and 62 HCs. The participants across all groups were matched in terms of gender, age, and level of education.

Results

Individuals with FES, GHR, and CHR showed significant impairment across the majority of MCCB domains, with the exception of visual learning, in comparison to HCs. None of the MCCB domains demonstrated a discerning ability to accurately differentiate between individuals with CHR and those with GHR. In the speed of processing and attention/vigilance domains, individuals with GHR and CHR exhibited scores between those of FES and HCs, with all group differences reaching statistical significance. This pattern of results indicates an intermediate level of cognitive function in individuals with GHR and CHR. Conversely, the levels of impairment observed in working memory and verbal learning were relatively consistent across all three groups: FES, CHR, and GHR. Notably, individuals in the CHR group exhibited performance akin to that of the HCs in the reasoning/problem-solving domain, while showing significant differences from the FES group, with the CHR individuals demonstrating better performance. Additionally, individuals with GHR displayed performance in social cognition similar to that of the HCs, while also demonstrating significant distinctions from the FES group, with the GHR individuals demonstrating better performance.

Conclusion

Significant cognitive deficits exist in individuals with CHR, GHR, and FES, and these deficits vary across domains. Processing speed and attention/vigilance could potentially serve as robust biomarkers for identifying individuals at a risk of psychosis. The impairment observed in reasoning/problem-solving abilities might signify a qualitative trait, whereas deficits in social recognition could indicate a state characteristic specific to schizophrenia.
Using participatory research to co-produce an education and training e-resource to support care home staff to meet the sexuality, intimacy and relationship needs of care home residents with and without dementia
Authors: Horne Maria , Youell Jane , Brown Wilson Christine , Brown Laura , Simpson Paul , Dickinson Tommy
Published: December 2023

Aim

To present the methodological approach and research methods chosen in a research study designed to enable the collaborative creation of an education and training e-resource designed to facilitate and support care home staff to address the sexuality, intimacy and relationship needs of older care home residents.

Design

Co-production using community-based participatory approach.

Methods

Four participatory workshops with care home staff, residents and their significant others.

Results

Workshops 1 and 2 identified and developed real-world case scenarios related to sexuality, intimacy and relationship needs and identified care staff training needs in this area. Then workshop 3 provided valuable feedback on the prototype training e-resource, and the final workshop identified care home staff engagement with and implementation of the e-resource in practice.

Conclusion

The findings provide evidence that using participatory approaches, such as co-production, to develop education and training resources in a sensitive subject area with care home residents, significant others, carers and care home staff, was a useful approach in engaging a vulnerable population group, in a sensitive area. However, this approach is not without challenges in care home communities.
Effectiveness of ultrasound guided interfascial hydrodissection with the use of saline anesthetic solution for myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius: a single blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suarez-Ramos Charidy , Gonzalez-Suarez Consuelo , Gomez Ivan Neil , Gonzalez Maria Katherine , Co Philippe Hubert , Llamas Jose Alfonso
Published: December 2023

Background

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is described as pain that arise from myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) which is a hyperirritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle. A newer needling technique called the interfascial hydrodissection (IH), wherein anesthetic saline solution (ASS) is injected between the fascia of the muscles using ultrasound as guide. It is theorized that this technique blocks the nerve branches and improve gliding in between the muscle and fascia.

Objective

To determine the short and long-term effects of interfascial hydrodissection using 2% Lidocaine and saline solution compared to dry needling with MPS of the upper trapezius on pain and quality of life using.

Methods

This study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial where ultrasound guided IH with ASS was compared to dry needling (DN) of the MTrPs. Both groups were taught self-stretch exercises (SSE) to be done everyday after the procedure. Outcome measures were pain using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life assessment with EQ-5D-5l questionnaire. All participants were assessed by a blinded assessor before the intervention, immediately after, 10 and 30 min, one week, two weeks, four weeks, three months, and six months after the procedure. Data Analysis: Two-way mixed ANOVA and follow-up independent T-test were conducted for the outcome measures across several time points between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 46 participants with two dropouts were all included during the final analysis. Both groups demonstrated significant differences in VAS scores between baseline and the different time points, the IH + SSE group demonstrated the more significant effect size at as compared to the DN + SSE group. For EQ-5D-5l, no statistical differences were seen in all dimensions but there was a larger effect size for usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression.

Conclusion

Interfascial hydrodissection is a technique that can manage both short and long term symptoms of MPS. This could be utilized as an alternative management for those with chronic MPS of the upper trapezius.

Philippine Health Research Registry ID

PHRR221003-005034.
Penetration of SDF and AgF from the infected dentine towards the unaffected tooth structure
Authors: Mulder Riaan , Potgieter Nicoline , Noordien Naeemah
Published: December 2023

Background

The use of SEM-EDS line scan analysis to evaluate the movement of ions from dental materials towards the tooth structure and the concept of ion movement is well established. This analysis technique was used to determine the ion movement of two commercially available silver- and fluoride-containing products.

Methods

This study aimed to compare the elemental analysis of primary molar teeth treated with silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and water-based silver fluoride (AgF) and to analyse the penetration of SDF and AgF from the infected dentine towards the healthy dentine. The teeth were cleaned from debris and contaminants off the roots and stored until use. A total of 15 primary molars with large active cavitated lesions, not extending into the pulp (specimens), were divided into three test groups: silver diamine fluoride (SDF) (n = 5), water-based silver fluoride (AgF) (n = 5), and deionised water (W) (n = 5) as the control group. The teeth were sectioned, embedded, and received SEM-EDS line scans. The line scan had a total length of 82.65 μm. The visible end of the infected dentine and the start of the more affected dentine were chosen as the starting point to ensure that the infected caries' line distribution towards the affected dentine's transition area was as standardized as possible. Therefore, the infected dentine length of the scan was 22.80 μm (8 scan points of 2.85 μm apart), and the affected dentine, including the healthy dentine, was 59.8 μm (21 scan points). The SEM-EDS line scan from each specimen determined the average fluoride, iodide, and silver weight percentage for that specimen.

Results

The 15 sample SEM-EDS line scans were used to determine the average ion movement in wt%. The Kruskall–Wallis test and Tukey's HSD test were completed at a p < 0.05. SDF and AgF presented no significant fluoride movement in terms of the weight percentage. There was, however, significantly more fluoride movement from infected caries to the healthy dentine with SDF and AgF (p = 0.0010053) compared to the control specimens treated with deionised water. There was no significant difference between SDF and AgF for the movement of the iodide (p = 0.5953) and silver (p = 0.3708) from infected caries to the healthy dentine.

Conclusion

SDF and AgF easily penetrated through infected caries and affected tooth structure to the healthy dentine for the line scan of 82.65 μm. There was no significant difference between SDF and AgF for the movement of ions within the infected dentine nor in the affected/healthy dentine.
Anthroponymy evolution of Javanese diaspora names in Malaysia (social onomastics study)
Authors: Widodo Sahid Teguh , Suyatno Suyatno , Mohamad Bahtiar , Ismail Shafinar
Published: December 2023

The personal name of the Malaysian Javanese Diaspora (MJD) grows and develops along with the history of dynamic life, thought, social, and cultural developments. This research specifically aims to reveal and explain the process of anthroponymy evolution of the Javanese-Malaysia diaspora personal name system from historical, social, cultural, and linguistic characteristics aspects and the meaning of personal names that developed due to the cultural shifts and changes. This research utilizes data sources from lists of names of Javanese diaspora communities and efforts to extract names from MJD people who are in the locations of the states of Johor, Selangor, and Melaka in Peninsular Malaysia. Data were collected using content analysis techniques and in-depth interviews through discussions and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) as well as informal meetings directly at the research location. The results of the study show that the forms of names that appear in MJD society are strongly influenced by historical, social, and cultural phenomena that developed in the era before and after Malaysia’s independence. This phenomenon affects the characteristics of personal names so that it can be seen that there are phases of MJD people’s names, namely the initial arrival phase, the transition phase, the modern phase, and the latest phase. The results of this study can be used to find out the development of thought, spirit of life, and cultural traditions of a large MJD collective in Peninsular Malaysia.
Time-Dependent Unavailability Exploration of Interconnected Urban Power Grid and Communication Network
Authors: Vrtal Matej , Fujdiak Radek , Benedikt Jan , Praks Pavel , Bris Radim , Ptacek Michal , Toman Petr
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a time-dependent reliability analysis created for a critical energy infrastructure use case, which consists of an interconnected urban power grid and a communication network. By utilizing expert knowledge from the energy and communication sectors and integrating the renewal theory of multi-component systems, a representative reliability model of this interconnected energy infrastructure, based on real network located in the Czech Republic, is established. This model assumes reparable and non-reparable components and captures the topology of the interconnected infrastructure and reliability characteristics of both the power grid and the communication network. Moreover, a time-dependent reliability assessment of the interconnected system is provided. One of the significant outputs of this research is the identification of the critical components of the interconnected network and their interdependencies by the directed acyclic graph. Numerical results indicate that the original design has an unacceptable large unavailability. Thus, to improve the reliability of the interconnected system, a slightly modified design, in which only a limited number of components in the system are modified to keep the additional costs of the improved design limited, is proposed. Consequently, numerical results indicate reducing the unavailability of the improved interconnected system in comparison with the initial reliability design. The proposed unavailability exploration strategy is general and can bring a valuable reliability improvement in the power and communication sectors.
Blood Cell Revolution: Unveiling 11 Distinct Types with ‘Naturalize’ Augmentation
Authors: Abou Ali Mohamad , Dornaika Fadi , Arganda-Carreras Ignacio
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a cutting-edge tool, simultaneously accelerating, securing, and enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of patients. An exemplification of this capability is evident in the analysis of peripheral blood smears (PBS). In university medical centers, hematologists routinely examine hundreds of PBS slides daily to validate or correct outcomes produced by advanced hematology analyzers assessing samples from potentially problematic patients. This process may logically lead to erroneous PBC readings, posing risks to patient health. AI functions as a transformative tool, significantly improving the accuracy and precision of readings and diagnoses. This study reshapes the parameters of blood cell classification, harnessing the capabilities of AI and broadening the scope from 5 to 11 specific blood cell categories with the challenging 11-class PBC dataset. This transformation facilitates a more profound exploration of blood cell diversity, surpassing prior constraints in medical image analysis. Our approach combines state-of-the-art deep learning techniques, including pre-trained ConvNets, ViTb16 models, and custom CNN architectures. We employ transfer learning, fine-tuning, and ensemble strategies, such as CBAM and Averaging ensembles, to achieve unprecedented accuracy and interpretability. Our fully fine-tuned EfficientNetV2 B0 model sets a new standard, with a macro-average precision, recall, and F1-score of 91%, 90%, and 90%, respectively, and an average accuracy of 93%. This breakthrough underscores the transformative potential of 11-class blood cell classification for more precise medical diagnoses. Moreover, our groundbreaking “Naturalize” augmentation technique produces remarkable results. The 2K-PBC dataset generated with “Naturalize” boasts a macro-average precision, recall, and F1-score of 97%, along with an average accuracy of 96% when leveraging the fully fine-tuned EfficientNetV2 B0 model. This innovation not only elevates classification performance but also addresses data scarcity and bias in medical deep learning. Our research marks a paradigm shift in blood cell classification, enabling more nuanced and insightful medical analyses. The “Naturalize” technique’s impact extends beyond blood cell classification, emphasizing the vital role of diverse and comprehensive datasets in advancing healthcare applications through deep learning.
A Study of the Impact of Digital Competence and Organizational Agility on Green Innovation Performance of Manufacturing Firms—The Moderating Effect Based on Knowledge Inertia
Authors: Jing Zhucui , Zheng Ying , Guo Hongli
Published: December 2023

Hierarchical regression is used to empirically investigate the impact of digital capabilities on green innovation performance, as well as the mediating role of organizational agility and the moderating effect of knowledge inertia. Based on the data from a large sample of 383 middle and senior managers from manufacturing companies, the dynamic capability theory is applied to SPSS 27.0. The results show that digital capability contributes to green innovation performance; knowledge inertia moderates the inverted U-shape between digital capability and green innovation performance; and two dimensions of organizational agility, market agility and operational adjustment agility, partially mediate the relationship between digital capability and green innovation performance. This paper contributes new ideas for companies to develop organizational agility, control knowledge inertia, enhance green innovation performance, and finally, sustainably gain a competitive advantage position.
Model for the Identification of Key Elements in the Management of Labor Relations and Conflict: Impact on the Internal Customer of Hotel Organizations and on Sustainable Development Goals 8
Authors: Paradinas-Márquez María del Carmen , Vicente-Pascual José Antonio , Barrientos-Báez Almudena
Published: December 2023

The object of the study is to examine conflicts that occur in hotel companies, how they affect their structure, the quality of the work environment, the well-being of their workers, and their perception of the management of labor relations and conflict. For any company that wants to orient its efforts towards the fulfillment of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda, in this case, SDG 8 on decent work for all, it is key to understand which variables have the greatest influence on the management of labor relations and conflict. The aim is to identify those areas where they should focus their efforts to avoid organizational malaise that leads to economic and emotional costs derived from lower productivity and increased absenteeism, thus affecting their competitiveness. Information was collected to validate the objectives using a questionnaire with 57 items completed by workers with at least 5 years of experience in the sector. Using a simple linear regression, 10 key variables have been identified to explain the global satisfaction of employees, such as treatment, respect for company values, and the existence of defined processes and responsibilities.
A New Species of the Genus Gekko (Squamata: Sauria: Gekkonidae) from the Dabie Mountains, China
Authors: Zhang Caiwen , Wu Afang , Cai Bo , Wang Lanrong , Pang Dapeng , Ma Haohao , Yu Lei , Li Xiangyang , Huang Hua , Zeng Lin , Li Li , Yan Jie , Li Peng , Zhang Baowei
Published: December 2023

This study describes a novel species of Gekko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) based on its distinct morphological features and molecular evidence, which was identified in the Dabie Mountains on the border of Anhui and Henan provinces of Central China. Gekko kaiyai sp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners owing to its morphological characteristics, such as being a medium body sized gecko species (snout–vent length, 56.98–64.99 mm, n = 4, females; 50.03–61.56 mm, n = 11, males); nostrils scale in contact with rostral scale; tubercles on the dorsal and limb, while the upper forelimb is smooth with no tubercles; 22–33 interorbital scales between the anterior corners of the eyes; 157–209 ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit; 90–121 midbody scale rows; 30–43 ventral scale rows; 7–9 sub-digital lamellae on first fingers, 8–13 fourth fingers, 7–9 first toes, and 7–11 fourth toes; free of webbing in the fingers and toes; 9–12 pre-cloacal pores in males, which are absent in females; post-cloacal unilateral tubercles 1 (few 2); and a dorsum that is greyish white to dark brown, with 6–7 brown markings between the nape and sacrum. The phylogenetic tree based on the mitochondrial DNA sequences (16S, CYTB, and COI) indicated that Gekko kaiyai sp. nov. form an independent clade with strong support (100/1) and are a sister group to G. hokouensis. At the inter-species level, the genetic distances were all large, further confirming that an independent species had been identified. The discovery of this species implies that there are now 87 identified species in the genus Gekko, 22 of which can be found within China.
Modified Ultrasound-Guided Dorsal Quadratus Lumborum Block in Cat Cadavers
Authors: Polo-Paredes Gonzalo , Laredo Francisco G. , Gil Francisco , Soler Marta , Agut Amalia , Belda Eliseo
Published: December 2023

The quadratus lumborum (QL) block is an ultrasound-guided locoregional anesthesia technique which aims to provide analgesia to the abdomen. The main objective of this study was to assess a modified ultrasound-guided dorsal QL block in cat cadavers. For this purpose, a volume of 0.4 mL kg−1 of a mixture of iopromide and methylene blue was administered between the psoas minor muscle and the vertebral body (VB) of the first lumbar vertebra, and its distribution was assessed in thirteen cat cadavers. We hypothesized that this injection point would be feasible, offering a more cranial distribution of the injectate and a more consistent staining of the truncus sympathicus. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of an anatomical study (three cadavers were dissected). Phase 2 consisted of the ultrasound-guided administration of the injectate and the assessment of its distribution by computed tomography and anatomical dissection. The results showed a consistent distribution of contrast media within five (4–8) VBs from T10 to L5. Methylene blue stained three (2–6) rami ventrales, affecting T11 (10%), T12 (20%), T13 (60%), L1 (85%), L2 (95%) and L3 (65%). The truncus sympathicus was dyed in all cadavers with a spread of five (3–7) VBs. Finally, the splanchnicus major nerve was stained in all cadavers (100%). These results suggest that this technique could provide analgesia to the abdominal viscera and the abdominal wall, probably with the exception of the cranial aspects of the abdominal wall.
Dogs with Bilateral Medial Coronoid Disease Can Be Clinically Sound after Unilateral Arthroscopic Fragment Removal—Preliminary Study
Authors: Seidler Sophia , Siedenburg Johannes , Rhode Michaela , Volk Holger A. , Harms Oliver
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of dogs with bilateral medial coronoid disease (MCD) treated with arthroscopic intervention for the clinically more severely affected side and conservative management for the contralateral side. The medical records of dogs with bilateral medial coronoid disease diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) and treated using arthroscopic intervention on one elbow and conservative management on the other elbow were retrospectively reviewed. The outcome evaluation included clinical re-examination; follow-up radiographic-visible osteophytic lesions; as well as sclerotic changes and Liverpool osteoarthritis in a dogs questionnaire. Data from 48 clinically affected elbow joints (24 dogs) with bilateral MCD diagnosed using CT were included. Every dog underwent arthroscopic intervention on the elbow joint, which was clinically more severely affected, and the other side was treated with conservative management. A fragment of the medial coronoid was diagnosed using CT in all elbows, whereas 19 elbows (39.4%) showed a dislocation of the fragment and the other 29 elbows (60.4%) did not. There are no findings regarding the radioulnar Incongruence. Initially, 86% of all radiographs had the same degree of osteophytes. At the time of follow-up, the arthroscopic-treated limbs had more severe radiological changes in comparison to the conservatively treated limbs. Lameness improved after arthroscopic therapy in walking. The conservative group showed a largely unchanged gait pattern. Radiological changes do not necessarily reflect the severity of clinical signs. Arthroscopic intervention showed an improvement of the clinical gait pattern, even though the radiographic changes worsened.
Different Starch Sources Affect the Growth Performance and Hepatic Health Status of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) in a High-Temperature Environment
Authors: Huang Dongyu , Gu Jiaze , Xue Chunyu , Zhang Lu , Chen Xiaoru , Wang Yongli , Liang Hualiang , Ren Mingchun
Published: December 2023

The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of different starch types on the growth performance and liver health status of largemouth bass in a high-temperature environment (33–35 °C). In this study, we designed five diets using corn starch (CS), tapioca starch (TS), sweet potato starch (SPS), potato starch (PS), and wheat starch (WS) as the starch sources (10%). We selected 225 healthy and uniformly sized largemouth bass (199.6 ± 0.43 g) and conducted the feeding experiment for 45 days. The results showed that the WS group had the highest WGR, SGR, and SR and the lowest FCR. Among the five groups, the WS group had the highest CAT activity, SOD activity, and GSH content, while the SPS group had the highest MDA content. Furthermore, oil red O staining of liver samples showed that the TS group had the largest positive region, indicating high lipid accumulation. Lastly, the gene expression results revealed that compared with the WS group, the CS, TS, and SPS groups showed suppressed expression of nrf2, keap1, cat, sod, gpx, il-8, and il-10. Therefore, our results demonstrated the effect of different starch sources on largemouth bass growth performance and hepatic health in a high-temperature environment.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis Identifies the PMEL Gene Affecting Coat Color and Birth Weight in Simmental × Holstein
Authors: Wang Jing , Fan Tingting , Du Zhenwei , Xu Lingyang , Chen Yan , Zhang Lupei , Gao Huijiang , Li Junya , Ma Yi , Gao Xue
Published: December 2023

Coat color and birth weight, as easily selected traits in cattle, play important roles in cattle breeding. Therefore, we carried out a genome-wide association study on birth weight and coat color to identify loci or potential linkage regions in 233 Simmental × Holstein crossbred beef cattle. The results revealed that nine SNPs were significantly associated with coat color (rs137169378, rs110022687, rs136002689, Hypotrichosis_PMel17, PMEL_1, rs134930689, rs383170073, rs109924971, and rs109146332), and these were in RNF41, ZC3H10, ERBB3, PMEL, and OR10A7 on BTA5. Interestingly, rs137169378, rs110022687, rs136002689, Hypotrichosis_PMel17, and PMEL_1 showed strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 > 0.8) and were significantly associated with coat color. Notably, Hypotrichosis_PMel17 and PMEL_1 were located in the gene PMEL (p = 2.22 × 10−18). Among the five significant SNPs associated with coat color, the birth weight of heterozygous individuals (AB) was greater than that of homozygous individuals (AA). Notably, the birth weight of heterozygous individuals with Hypotrichosis_PMel17 and PMEL_1 genotypes was significantly greater than that of homozygous individuals (0.01 < p < 0.05). Interestingly, the two loci were homozygous in black/white individuals and heterozygous in gray/white individuals, and the birth weight of heterozygous brown/white individuals (43.82 ± 5.25 kg) was greater than that of homozygous individuals (42.58 ± 3.09 kg). The birth weight of calves with the parental color (41.95 ± 3.53 kg) was significantly lower than that of calves with a non-parental color (43.54 ± 4.78 kg) (p < 0.05), and the birth weight of gray/white individuals (49.40 ± 7.11 kg) was the highest. Overall, PMEL appears to be a candidate gene affecting coat color in cattle, and coat color may have a selective effect on birth weight. This study provides a foundation for the breeding of beef cattle through GWAS for coat color and birth weight.
How Does the Provision of Shade during Grazing Affect Heat Stress Experienced by Dairy Cows in Sweden?
Authors: Nielsen Per Peetz , Wredle Ewa
Published: December 2023

Heat stress in dairy cows can cause an increase in body temperature and respiration rate, and a decreased feed intake leading to reduced production. Dairy cows are better at handling heat when they have access to shade. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of providing shade to high-yielding dairy cattle during the summer in the Swedish climate. Twenty high-yielding Swedish Red dairy cows, held on pasture, were divided into two groups, one with access to shade (S) and one without (NS). Milk production was recorded daily and shade temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 10 min intervals at pasture. A major effect of heat stress was found in cows in early lactation in the NS group. In this group, a high mean temperature two days before and a high THI two days before affected the milk production negatively (p < 0.001), which was the same for the maximum temperature and maximum THI measured on the same day (p < 0.001). Increases in the mean temperature and THI two days before also affected milk production negatively (p < 0.05) for cows in early lactation in the S group, though to a lesser extent. This study suggests that dairy cows in early lactation benefit from access to shade during summer.
An Efficient Bi-Parametric With-Memory Iterative Method for Solving Nonlinear Equations
Authors: Sharma Ekta , Mittal Shubham Kumar , Jaiswal J. P. , Panday Sunil
Published: December 2023

New three-step with-memory iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations are presented. We have enhanced the convergence order of an existing eighth-order memory-less iterative method by transforming it into a with-memory method. Enhanced acceleration of the convergence order is achieved by introducing two self-accelerating parameters computed using the Hermite interpolating polynomial. The corresponding R-order of convergence of the proposed uni- and bi-parametric with-memory methods is increased from 8 to 9 and 10, respectively. This increase in convergence order is accomplished without requiring additional function evaluations, making the with-memory method computationally efficient. The efficiency of our with-memory methods NWM9 and NWM10 increases from 1.6818 to 1.7320 and 1.7783, respectively. Numeric testing confirms the theoretical findings and emphasizes the superior efficacy of suggested methods when compared to some well-known methods in the existing literature.
Echo’s Fluid (Im)materiality across Text and Performance
Authors: Refini Eugenio
Published: December 2023

This article explores the use of echoes in early modern theater, particularly in the context of opera. By examining the incorporation of echoes in plays, libretti, and scores, the article argues that the Ovidian trope of Echo occupies a fluid space spanning textuality and performance. The article begins by delving into how the sonic essence of Echo was conveyed in early modern dramatic texts and conceptualized in coeval theoretical writings, forming a continual negotiation between the specific features of the performance and the endeavor to record it on the page. Subsequently, it looks at the appearance of Echo in Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, offering it as a case study for evaluation through the lens of modern performances and the interpretive questions they raise.
Analysis of Carbon Emission Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Herder Households: A County-Scale Investigation of the Sanjiangyuan Region on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Song Changsu , Liu Lu , Xian Chaofan , Feng Fan , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: December 2023

With further urbanization, household consumption firmly plays a key role in China’s national carbon emissions. However, current research concerning carbon issues has mainly focused on urban household consumption, and few studies have paid attention to herder households, leading to a research gap in the field of low-carbon shifting related to nomadic economies. In this study, we interviewed more than one-thousand herder households in the Sanjiangyuan region of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in China. The household carbon emissions and their influencing factors were investigated across the herder households of 15 counties. Our findings revealed the following: (1) There exist differences in the amounts of household carbon emissions and their compositions in the Sanjiangyuan region. From the perspective of spatial distribution, the emission hotspots are mainly concentrated in the eastern part of the Sanjiangyuan region. (2) At the prefecture level, average personal emissions were larger in the Hainan Prefecture (3.26 t ce/year), while they were approximately 1.36 times that of the Huangnan Prefecture (2.4 t ce/year), though with smaller personal emissions. The indirect carbon emissions of the four prefectures all occupied larger percentages of household carbon emissions that were mainly contributed by food consumption and housing. (3) Family type was the main diver influencing personal carbon emissions in the Huangnan Prefecture, Guoluo Prefecture, and Yushu Prefecture. The more people living in the household, the lower the per capita carbon emissions. However, the effect size of potential carbon reductions was weakened when the number of family members rose to over three. (4) We propose that grazing prohibitions and low-carbon dietary shifts would contribute to low-carbon herder livelihoods, especially for small-sized households that should be peer-to-peer targeted by regional government propaganda, which may help to strengthen the implementation of in-depth low-carbon promotions across the Sanjiangyuan region and even the overall Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.