bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion and Static Cold Storage Drive Distinct Immunomodulation During Liver Transplantation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Aspord Caroline , Macek Jílková Zuzana , Bonadona Agnes , Gerster Theophile , Lesurtel Mickael , Girard Edouard , Saas Philippe , Decaens Thomas
Published: December 2024

Background.

Organ injury is a major problem in liver transplant. Prolonged liver ischemia may result in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), leading to inadequate activation of innate immunity. Hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion (HOPE) of the graft emerges as a more physiologic method for liver preservation compared with static cold storage (SCS) by reducing IRI, which improves the quality of the graft. Despite being crucial, the immunological aspects of IRI in liver transplantation remained poorly explored.

Methods.

We designed a pilot study to assess intrahepatic immune responses to HOPE compared with SCS (6 patients in each group). We explored immunologic and inflammatory pathways using both bulk RNA-sequencing and single-cell multiparametric flow cytometry analyses from liver biopsies performed on the graft before and after transplantation.

Results.

Despite a limited number of patients and heterogeneous effects on IRI, we observed immune changes in liver biopsies before and after organ storage and distinct functional modulations of intrahepatic immune cells from the transplanted liver that underwent SCS versus HOPE. A significant increase of infiltrated monocytes, conventional type 2 dendritic cells (cDC2s), and neutrophils (P < 0.05) and a trend toward reduced immune cell viability were observed after SCS but not after HOPE.

Conclusions.

This pilot study did not allow us to conclude on IRI but showed that HOPE perfusion dampens liver infiltration of some innate immune cells. It reveals that the inclusion of additional transplanted patients and analysis of later time points after transplantation are needed to draw a definitive conclusion. However, it can guide future studies evaluating the development of new strategies to prevent IRI.
Modelling individual variation in human walking gait across populations and walking conditions via gait recognition
Authors: Duncanson Kayne A. , Horst Fabian , Abbasnejad Ehsan , Hanly Gary , Robertson William S. P. , Thewlis Dominic
Published: December 2024

Human walking gait is a personal story written by the body, a tool for understanding biological identity in healthcare and security. Gait analysis methods traditionally diverged between these domains but are now merging their complementary strengths to unlock new possibilities. Using large ground reaction force (GRF) datasets for gait recognition is a way to uncover subtle variations that define individual gait patterns. Previously, this was done by developing and evaluating machine learning models on the same individuals or the same dataset, potentially biasing findings towards population samples or walking conditions. This study introduces a new method for analysing gait variation across individuals, groups and datasets to explore how demographics and walking conditions shape individual gait patterns. Machine learning models were implemented using numerous configurations of four large walking GRF datasets from different countries (740 individuals, 7400 samples) and analysed using explainable artificial intelligence tools. Recognition accuracy ranged from 52 to 100%, with factors like footwear, walking speed and body mass playing interactive roles in defining gait. Models developed with individuals walking in personal footwear at multiple speeds effectively recognized novel individuals across populations and conditions (89–99% accuracy). Integrating force platform hardware and gait recognition software could be invaluable for reading the complex stories of human walking.
When children can explain why they believe a claim, they suggest a better empirical test for that claim
Authors: Hermansen Tone K. , Mathisen Kamilla F. , Ronfard Samuel
Published: December 2024

We tested the hypothesis that children’s ability to reflect on the causes of their uncertainty about a surprising claim allows them to better target their empirical investigation of that claim—and that this ability increases with age. We assigned 4–7-year-old children (
n
=174, M
age 
= 68.77 months, 52.87% girls) to either a prompted or an unprompted condition. In each condition, children witnessed a series of vignettes where an adult presented a surprising claim about an object. Children were then asked whether they thought the claim was true or not, how certain or uncertain they were, and how they would test that claim. In the prompted condition, children were also asked why they were certain or uncertain. As predicted, older children were more likely to justify their beliefs and to suggest targeted empirical tests, compared with younger children. Being prompted to reflect on their uncertainty did not increase children’s ability to
generate
an efficient test for those claims. However, exploratory analyses revealed that children’s ability to provide a plausible reason for their beliefs did, controlling for their ability to
select
an efficient test for a claim. This suggests that developments in children’s reasoning about their beliefs allow them to more effectively assess those beliefs empirically.
Therapeutic efficacy of JNJ-49214698, an RSV fusion inhibitor, in RSV-infected neonatal lambs
Authors: Alnajjar Sarhad , Larios-Mora Alejandro , Van-Geelen Albert , Gallup Jack , Koul Anil , Rigaux Peter , Roymans Dirk , Ackermann Mark
Published: December 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infection, hospitalization and death in infants worldwide. No fully effective RSV therapy using direct antivirals is marketed. Since clinical efficacy data from naturally infected patients for such antivirals are not available yet, animal studies are indispensable to predict therapeutic intervention. Here, we report the impact of an RSV fusion inhibitor, JNJ-49214698, on severe RSV-associated acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in neonatal lambs. Randomized animals were treated once daily with 25 mg/kg JNJ-49214698, starting either before RSV infection, 1 day post-infection or as late as peak lung viral load on Day 3 post-infection. Treatment efficacy was assessed by scoring clinical signs of illness, development of RSV-induced gross and microscopic lung lesions and measuring virus titres in the lungs. Treatment with JNJ-49214698 was very effective in all treatment groups. Even in animals for which treatment was delayed until peak viral load was reached, a reduced amount and severity of gross and microscopic lesions, as well as RSV titres and RNA levels, were found. These results strongly suggest that treatment with small-molecule fusion inhibitors is an effective strategy to treat patients who are diagnosed with an RSV-induced ALRTI.
Performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for microbiological diagnosis of infectious uveitis
Authors: Cai Zhen , Zhang Xian , Song Yaqin , Jiang Yan , Jiang Ling , Li Tao , Sun Xufang
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Diagnosis of uveitis is challenging due to the multitude of possible pathogenies. Identifying infectious and non-infectious uveitis is of great clinical significance. Recently, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was used to detect infectious and non-infectious uveitis, but its efficacy has not been widely evaluated.

Hypothesis. Compared with routine diagnostic tests (RDTs), mNGS is more effective in identifying infectious and non-infectious uveitis.

Aim. To describe the microbiological diagnostic performance of mNGS in detecting infectious and non-infectious uveitis.

Methodology. Patients with suspected infectious uveitis of uncertain pathogenesis were tested by mNGS and RDTs. Infectious and non-infectious uveitis were grouped according to the final diagnosis based on comprehensive analysis of the test results and the effect of therapy. The test results were used to assess the performance of mNGS in actual clinical practice.

Results. Fifty-eight cases were enrolled in this project, including 32 cases of infectious uveitis and 26 cases of non-infectious uveitis. The sensitivity of mNGS was 96.88%, which was much higher than that of RDTs. The detected pathogenic micro-organisms included bacteria, fungi, viruses, Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella. Consequently, mNGS showed a high negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.74%, indicating that an mNGS negative should be a true negative result most of the time, but a low positive predictive value (PPV) of 79.49%.

Conclusions. mNGS showed extremely high sensitivity but low specificity, which increased the detection rate of infectious uveitis pathogens but might result in false positives. The excellent NPV suggested that the identification of non-infectious uveitis is of considerable clinical importance.
LC3-associated endocytosis facilitates extracellular Tau aggregate internalization and degradation in microglia
Authors: Chidambaram Hariharakrishnan , Chinnathambi Subashchandrabose
Published: December 2024

Background

Microglia, which are resident phagocytic cells in the brain, are involved in the active clearance of microbes, misfolded proteins, and cell debris, among others. In Alzheimer’s disease, microglia play a pivotal role in clearing extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and intracellular Tau aggregates from the brain. Microglial cells have several mechanisms for Tau internalization, including macropinocytosis, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), dynamin- dependent endocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Internalized Tau seeds either undergo proteasomal or lysosomal degradation or are exocytosed into the extracellular space via exosomes. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-associated endocytosis (LANDO) is a recently discovered microglial mechanism for an effective clearance of Aβ aggregates and alleviates neurodegeneration in murine Alzheimer’s disease. Several microglial receptors are reported to be involved in misfolded Aβ and Tau aggregate internalization such as triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM-2), P2Y purinoceptor 12 (P2Y12R), C- X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1), etc.

Methods

In this study, we report the LANDO of Tau monomers and aggregates by murine microglial cells, which are further degraded by lysosomal fusion. LANDO of extracellular Tau is demonstrated by several biochemical and cell-biology studies including western blotting, fluorescence and confocal imaging of microglial cells.

Results

We analyzed microglial activation by measuring the upregulation of Ionized Calcium- binding Adapter Molecule 1 (Iba-1) expression. Later, we demonstrated the LANDO of human full-length Tau species, where LC3 colocalizes with internalized Tau, followed by lysosomal degradation by microglia. The accumulation of internalized Tau in the perinuclear region of the cell in the presence of chloroquine supports phagolysosomal fusion and degradation.

Conclusion

Hence, we concluded that microglia internalize extracellular Tau species via LANDO, which further undergoes degradation via the lysosomal pathway.
Investing in Open Science: Key Considerations for Funders
Authors: Cobb-Lewis Dana E. , Synder Devin , Dumanis Sonya , Thibault Robert , Marebwa Barbara , Clark Elisia , St. Clair Lara , Kirsch Leslie , Durborow Michelle , Riley Ekemini
Published: December 2024

The open science movement aims to transform the research landscape by promoting research transparency in order to enable reproducibility and replicability, lower the barriers for collaboration, and reduce unnecessary duplication. Recently, in recognition of the value of open science, funding agencies have begun to mandate open science policies as a condition in grantee awards. However, operationalization and implementation of an open science policy can have unanticipated costs and logistical barriers, which can impact both the funder, as well as the grantee. These factors should be considered when implementing an open science policy.

The Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative utilizes a comprehensive open science policy, which, in addition to requiring immediate free online access to all publications, also requires all newly-generated datasets, protocols, code, and key lab materials be shared by the time of publication. Moreover, preprints must be posted to a preprint repository by the time of manuscript submission to a journal for review.

Here, we outline the potential costs associated with implementing and enforcing this open science policy. We recommend that funders take these considerations into account when investing in open science policies within the biomedical research ecosystem.
Variation in Resource Environment Drives Adaptive Divergence inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Beltz Jack K. , Bitter Mark Christopher , Goldfischer August , Petrov Dmitri A. , Schmidt Paul
Published: December 2024

Natural populations often experience heterogeneity in the quality and abundance of environmentally acquired resources across both space and time, and this variation can influence population demographics and evolutionary dynamics. In this study, we directly manipulated diet in replicate populations ofDrosophila melanogastercultured in experimental mesocosms in the field. We found no significant effect of resource variation on demographic patterns. Furthermore, while resource variation altered the patterns of phenotypic and genomic evolution, this effect is secondary to population responses to seasonally fluctuating selective pressures. Seasonal adaptation was observed for all traits assayed and elicited genome-wide signatures of selection; in contrast, adaptation to the resource environment was trait-specific and exhibited an oligogenic architecture. This illustrates the capacity of populations to adapt to a specific axis of variation (the resource environment) without hindering the adaptive response to seasonal change. This in turn, suggests that resource variation may be an important force driving fluctuating selection across natural populations, ultimately contributing to the maintenance of genetic and phenotypic variation.
Reversible and reusable compartmentalized microfluidic chip for coculture of dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Moreau Solène , Flores-Berdines Raul , Jalkh Tatiana El , Simon Anne , Taret Guillaume , Fomina Anna , Dargenet-Becker Céline , Estevez-Torres André , Bernard Sophie , Salmon Hugo
Published: December 2024

Compartmentalized microfluidic chips play an important role in understanding the cellular mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative disorders. Dorsal root ganglia are a well-established model for modelling the peripheral nervous system (PNS), but their development on a chip remains limited. Furthermore, it would be beneficial for the devices to be openable in order to access the biological material inside for analyses. Easy to prototype and biocompatible, styrenic block copolymers (SBC) are an alternative to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that offer both reversible and permanent bonding properties. This paper presents a fast and straightforward method to produce compartmentalized SBC chips. The study validates the culture of murine dorsal root ganglia explants, comparing it to the standard methods, to obtain a model of the PNS. Moreover, the reversible bonding properties of the SBC permit the reuse of the chip with a quick and easy cleaning protocol. It provides direct access to the cells, opening the way for imaging and molecular biology analysis. The comparison of the resources required to produce PDMS and SBC chips highlights the importance of moving to reusable devices. These detachable, easy-to-manufacture and sustainable all-thermoplastic platforms provide an alternative way of prototyping compartmentalized devicesfor in vitroPNS modeling.
Beacon Reconstruction Attack: Reconstruction of genomes in genomic data-sharing beacons using summary statistics
Authors: Saleem Kousar , Cicek A. Ercument , Sav Sinem
Published: December 2024

Genomic data sharing beacon protocol, developed by the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), offers a privacy-preserving mechanism for querying genomic datasets while restricting direct data access. Despite their design, beacons remain vulnerable to privacy attacks. This study introduces a novel privacy vulnerability of the protocol: One can reconstruct large portions of the genomes of all beacon participants by only using the summary statistics reported by the protocol. We introduce a novel optimization-based algorithm that leverages beacon responses and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) correlations for reconstruction. By optimizing for the SNP correlations and allele frequencies, the proposed approach achieves genome reconstruction with a substantially higher F1-score (70%) compared to baseline methods (45%) on beacons generated using individuals from the HapMap and OpenSNP datasets. Our findings reveal critical vulnerabilities in beacon protocol, underscoring the need for enhanced privacy-preserving mechanisms to protect genomic data. Our implementation is available athttps://github.com/ASAP-Bilkent/Beacon-Reconstruction-Attack.
Interplay between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA in gene expression regulation
Authors: Giannoulis Xenofon , Wengert Simon , Ratajczak Florin , Heinig Matthias , Cai Na
Published: December 2024

Using data from 48 tissues and 684 European individuals in the GTEx dataset, we investigate the role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and its encoded genes in gene regulation. We perform a comprehensive multi-tissue eQTL analysis on mtDNA encoded protein-coding genes, identifying 111 mtDNA-cis-eQTLs (FDR<5%) and 260 nucDNA trans-eQTLs (P<5×10−8). We further identify 108 mtDNA associations with 68 nucDNA encoded genes (FDR<5%). Our results are not driven by nuclear mitochondrial sequences (NUMTs) or minority cell types within tissues. Incorporating mtDNA trans-eQTLs in gene expression networks improves prediction of nucDNA genes with mitochondrial function. nucDNA trans-eQTLs for mtDNA genes are enriched in genes involved in mitochondrial pathways and GWAS hits for complex traits and diseases, implicating dual regulation by both genomes in maintaining mitochondrial function and organismal health. Our multi-tissue map of dual-genome gene regulation is an essential step towards understanding mito-nuclear cross-talk in health and disease.
Collective description of low energy mesonic states
Authors: Yépez-Martínez Tochtli , Rico-Trejo O. A. , Hess Peter O. , Civitarese Osvaldo
Published: December 2024

The phenomenology of hadronic states at high energy is well described in the framework of quantum chromodynamics. By the other hand, that is the description of the low-energy regime, e.g., mesoniclike states, requires the introduction of effective degrees of freedom, a condition resulting from confinement. As an alternative to lattice gauge calculations, and own to the similarities with other quantum many-body systems, we have adopted a nonperturbative scheme where quarks are treated as quasiparticles. These quasiquarks interact between them, allowing mesonlike states to be described as collective superposition of quasiquark pairs. The results of the calculations, performed in the context of the random phase approximation method, show that this scheme is a suitable one to describe meson states up to energies of the order of couple of GeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Floquet prethermalization of
Z2
lattice gauge theory on superconducting qubits
Authors: Hayata Tomoya , Seki Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Arata
Published: December 2024

Simulating nonequilibirum dynamics of a quantum many-body system is one of the promising applications of quantum computing. We simulate the time evolution of one-dimensional Z2 lattice gauge theory on IBM’s superconducting 156-qubit device, ibm_fez. We consider the Floquet circuit made of the Trotter decomposition of Hamiltonian evolution and focus on its dynamics toward thermalization. Quantum simulation with the help of error mitigation is successful in running the Floquet circuit made of 38 and 116 qubits up to 10 Trotter steps in the best case. This is enough to reach the early stage of prethermalization. Our work would be a benchmark for the potential power of quantum computing for high-energy physics problems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonperturbative study of the electroweak phase transition in the real scalar singlet extended standard model
Authors: Niemi Lauri , Ramsey-Musolf Michael J. , Xia Guotao
Published: December 2024

We perform a nonperturbative lattice study of the electroweak phase transition in the real singlet scalar extension of the Standard Model. We consider both the heavy and light singletlike scalar regimes at nonzero singlet-doublet mixing angle. After reviewing features of the lattice method relevant for phase transition studies, we analyze the dependence of phase transition thermodynamics on phenomenologically relevant parameters. In the heavy singletlike scalar regime, we find that the transition is a crossover for small doublet-singlet mixing angles, despite the presence of an energy barrier in the tree-level potential. The transition becomes first order for sufficiently large mixing angles. We find two-loop perturbation theory to agree closely with the lattice results for all thermodynamical quantities considered here (critical temperature, order parameter discontinuity, latent heat) when the transition is strongly first order. For the light singletlike scalar regime relevant to exotic Higgs decays, we update previous one-loop perturbative results using the two-loop loop dimensionally reduced effective field theory and assess the nature of the transition with lattice simulations at set of benchmark parameter points. For fixed singletlike scalar mass the transition becomes crossover when the magnitude of the Higgs-singlet portal coupling is small. We perform our simulations in the high-temperature effective theory, which we briefly review, and present analytic expressions for the relevant lattice-continuum relations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quasifragmentation functions in the massive Schwinger model
Authors: Grieninger Sebastian , Zahed Ismail
Published: December 2024

We introduce the concept of the quark quasifragmentation function (qFF) using an equal-time and spatially boosted form of the Collins-Soper fragmentation function where the out-meson fragment is replaced by the current asymptotic condition. We derive the qFF for a fermion in two-dimensional quantum electrodynamics (QED2) using the Kogut-Susskind Hamiltonian after a mapping onto spin qubits in a spatial lattice with open boundary conditions. This form is suitable for quantum computations. We compute the qFF by exact diagonalization of the spin Hamiltonian. The results are compared to the qFF following from the Drell-Levy-Yan result for QED2, both at strong and weak coupling, and to two-dimensional quantum chromodynamics in the lowest Fock approximation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Vacuum pair production in zeptosecond pulses: Peculiar momentum spectra and striking particle acceleration by bipolar pulses
Authors: Aleksandrov I. A. , Rosanov N. N.
Published: December 2024

We examine the phenomenon of electron-positron pair production from vacuum in a combination of two counterpropagating electromagnetic pulses having a duration of the order of the Compton time. We show that in this extreme short-time domain, the momentum distributions of the particles produced possess a peculiar structure which strongly depends on whether the electromagnetic pulses have a unipolar or bipolar profile. It is shown that bipolar pulses can predominantly generate particles with ultrarelativistic velocities along the propagation direction of the pulses, while unipolar ones are generally more favorable in terms of the total particle yield in the same regime. The highly nontrivial properties of the e+e− spectra revealed in our study provide strong experimental signatures paving the way to probe a complex vacuum response within the short-time domain of quantum electrodynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unexplored aspects of spiral wave dynamics in the Barkley model within an extended parameter range
Authors: Zykov V. S. , Bodenschatz E.
Published: December 2024

The Barkley model has been widely used to simulate diverse reaction-diffusion systems exhibiting various self-organization processes, including creation of spiral waves. Depending on the given parameters, this model is capable of simulating monostable, bistable, or oscillatory dynamics that are often observed in nature. This study is concentrated on the general features of spiral wave dynamics in the extended parameter range of the Barkley model, including both monostable and bistable dynamics. The numerical data obtained and the results of analytical studies illustrate the existence and the interplay between spiral wave dynamics in these two different but closely related regimes. In particular, the symmetry between the spiral waves in monostable and bistable regions is demonstrated, analytical expressions for the boundaries of these regions are found, the existence of the hysteresis phenomenon in the dynamics of spiral waves is discovered, and an additional region of existence of spiral waves is found in the region of a low excitability.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Wetting Phenomena: Line Tension and Gravitational Effect
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Haodong , Nestler Britta
Published: December 2024

An apparent contact angle is formed when a droplet is deposited on a solid substrate. Young’s law has been employed to describe the equilibrium contact angle. Often in experiments, the equilibrium contact angle deviates from Young’s law and depends on the volume of the droplet, known as the line tension effect. However, the physical origin of the line tension is quite controversial. Especially, the sign and the quantity of the line tension spanning 6 orders of magnitude are unsolved problems. Here, we quantify the line energy in terms of physical parameters and demonstrate that both positive and negative line tensions exist. The results are quantitatively compared with existing experiments as well as with previous theories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Management control systems and dynamic capabilities as antecedents to financial performance
Authors: Silva Thiago Bruno de Jesus , Dal Magro Cristian Bau , Rocha Joséilton Silveira da , Lavarda Carlos Eduardo Facin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The resource-based theory (RBT) explains that the management control system (MCS) represents a resource that complements dynamic capabilities by steering employees toward strategies, leading to superior performance. This study aims to identify the impacts of the MCS and dynamic capabilities such as entrepreneurship, innovation, organizational learning and market orientation on financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research sample included 200 managers from grain-producing agribusiness organizations in Brazil. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to conduct a symmetric analysis, while fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was applied for an asymmetric analysis.

Findings

In the symmetric analysis, the linear association model did not fully explain how the use of MCSs and dynamic capabilities drive financial performance. However, the findings indicate that diagnostic and interactive MCSs positively affect dynamic capabilities. In the asymmetric analysis, the results suggest that the high financial performance of the analyzed organizations can be achieved without considering the need for Entrepreneurship or Innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The study broadens and complements the interpretive scope of previous studies and allows for comparisons.

Practical implications

MCSs must be used in a balanced and synergistic manner (diagnostic and interactive), with an emphasis on monitoring goals and discussions with managers. This is important and contributes to developing internal capabilities, which are embodied in decisions and actions, potentially impacting financial performance. These results are crucial for Brazilian agribusiness organizations, as they provide actionable insights into how the strategic use of MCSs can directly enhance financial performance. By revealing that the balanced and synergistic use of diagnostic and interactive MCSs fosters dynamic capabilities such as innovation and market orientation, the study offers practical guidance for managers aiming to boost organizational effectiveness. This research not only informs management practices but also positions Brazilian agribusinesses to remain competitive in a global market.

Originality/value

This study has generated new discussions based on possible combinations and interactions between MCSs and dynamic capabilities to predict high organizational performance. In practical terms, MCSs and dynamic capabilities can be designed in various manners to reach optimal performance levels.
Robot teleoperation assisted by composite virtual fixtures in dynamic environment
Authors: Shao Xingmao , Xie Lun , Li Weiqiang , Liu Chenjun
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a virtual fixture (VF) – assisted robot teleoperation framework that modulates the generated trajectory from demonstrations to response varying obstacles in complex environment.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a single trajectory is learned from demonstration using dynamic movement primitives (DMP). Then, the classic DMP is improved by integrating adaptive terms and updating the radial basis function kernel weights, allowing the single-skill trajectory to alter to respond to obstacles dynamically. Finally, composite virtual forces are generated on the haptic device to enhance operational stability and prevents unintentional operations that could bring the robot into close proximity with obstacles.

Findings

The VF method can accomplish online obstacle avoidance and operation guidance. The experimental results show that the operation trajectory based on VFs is smoother compared to the operation without assistance. Moreover, the operational speed has increased by up to 44.37% compared to the demonstrations.

Originality/value

The proposed composite VF-based protection framework solves the problem that classical DMP method cannot dynamically avoid obstacles, and effectively improves the operational safety and efficiency.
Delivering an inclusive built environment for students with disabilities in a Malaysian public university
Authors: Liu Zhifang , Jamil Emynordiana , Sawadengdist Anan , Hui Xianxin , Kalai K. , Tang Lingjie
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This case study investigates the accessibility and inclusivity of the built environment for students with disabilities at a Malaysian public university.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research captures the lived experiences of four undergraduates with physical and visual disabilities through semi-structured interviews guided by the Americans with Disabilities Act checklist.

Findings

Findings reveal mixed levels of accessibility across campus, highlighting well-designed areas with accessible pathways and ramps, contrasted with others lacking adequate features and posing significant risks, especially for visually impaired students. The study identifies key design shortcomings, including insufficient safety features in staircases and inconsistent availability of modern technological aids and human assistance. Despite some commendable initiatives, the research underscores the need for comprehensive accessibility audits, consistent application of universal design principles and improved support services. Limitations of the study include its small sample size and focus on a single institution.

Originality/value

By addressing these challenges, universities can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for students with disabilities, promoting equality within higher education.
Does financial sector development promote economic globalization in Africa?
Authors: Baidoo Samuel Tawiah , Sakyi Daniel , Buabeng Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates whether financial sector development promotes economic globalization (EG) using data from 45 African countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data of the selected African countries, the two-step system generalized method of moments estimation technique which is capable of solving any possible endogeneity problem is employed for the empirical analysis.

Findings

The main finding is that all measures of financial sector development have a significant positive impact on EG in Africa. The results suggest that improving the financial sector development in a holistic manner is key in fostering EG in Africa.

Originality/value

This present paper uses broader measures of EG and financial sector development. Using broader measures of these variables widens the policy scope in terms of policy adoption and implementation.
Cooperative maximum adhesion tracking control for multi-motor electric locomotives
Authors: Zhao Leiting , Wang Yongxiang , Liu Kan , Li Liran , Zhan Jingyuan , Liu Qingliang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a cooperative adhesion control method for trains with multiple motors electric locomotives. The method is intended to optimize the output torque of each motor, maximize the utilization of train adhesion within the total torque command, reduce the train skidding/sliding phenomenon and achieve optimal adhesion utilization for each axle, thus realizing the optimal allocation of the multi-motor electric locomotives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a model predictive control (MPC)-based cooperative maximum adhesion tracking control method for multi-motor electric locomotives is presented. Firstly, train traction system with multiple motors is constructed in accordance with Newton’s second law. These equations include the train dynamics equations, the axle dynamics equations, and the wheel-rail adhesion coefficient equations. Then, a new MPC-based multi-axle adhesion co-optimization method is put forward. This method calculates the optimal output torque through real-time iteration based on the known reference slip speed to achieve multi-axle co-optimization under different circumstances.

Findings

This paper presents a MPC system designed for the cooperative control of multi-axle adhesion. The results indicate that the proposed control system is able to optimize the adhesion of multiple axles under numerous different conditions and achieve the optimal power distribution based on the reduction of train skidding/sliding.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel cooperative adhesion tracking control scheme. It is designed for multi-motor electric locomotives, which has rarely been studied before. And simulations are carried out in different conditions, including variable surfaces and motor failing.
Effects of different heat treatments on the bioactive components, bactericidal and antioxidative capacity of bovine milk
Authors: Shuang Junyi , Liu Yaowei , Hettinga Kasper , Zhang Lina , Liu Xiaoming , Zhou Peng
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the changes in native microbiota, representative bioactive components and functions therefrom of raw milk after heating for 15 s at different temperatures (from 72 to 100°C). When a common high‐temperature short time (HTST) pasteurisation (72°C for 15 s) was applied, the total bacterial count was reduced by ~log 2 cfu/mL relative to the raw milk; the retention of native lactoferrin, IgG, vitamin C and vitamin B2 in milk was 73.1% and 77.8%, 80.8%, and 97.8%, respectively. As the heating temperature increased, the bacteriostatic and antioxidative capacity of milk decreased with the increasing loss of bioactive components. Furosine level was significantly increased when heating above 90°C, whereas only after heating at 100°C, a limited lactosylation of both α‐lactalbumin and β‐lactoglobulin was found. This study provided an evaluation on the milk quality after HTST processing, providing a guidance for optimising dairy processing parameters.
Beta‐carotene and astaxanthin inhibit the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in butter during heat treatment
Authors: Cheng Shujie , Wu Shimin , Lan Jianqiang
Published: December 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) generated from heating butter pose a potential threat to consumer health. This study involved heating butter under different conditions and analysing the changes in the content of 54 PAHs. Furthermore, we investigated the inhibitory effects of β‐carotene, pure astaxanthin and astaxanthin microcapsule powder on PAH formation. Results showed that heating temperature and duration affect the formation and transformation of PAHs, with higher temperatures facilitating the synthesis of oxygenated PAHs, whereas longer heating times promote the accumulation of light PAHs. Despite an observed increase in the concentration of light PAHs following heat treatment with added antioxidants, the antioxidants significantly reduced the toxic equivalency quotients (TEQs) in butter. This study revealed the PAH production pattern during butter heating and the effectiveness of antioxidants in inhibiting their accumulation.
Physicians' hybridisation with accounting in public hospitals
Authors: Gago‐Rodríguez Susana , Ferreira‐da‐Silva Amélia , Fernandez‐Feijoo Belen
Published: December 2024

Accounting information has become an integral part of management tools in public hospitals. Following COVID‐19, the crisis in the supply chain and the war in Ukraine severely impacted the financing of public hospitals. In response to this multi‐crisis environment, physicians have increased their awareness on an efficient use of scarce resources. This paper examines the intersection between accounting and medical practice, taking into account both the competing logics and the two prevailing models of medical practice. We develop a theoretical framework to understand how these crises, and potential future crises, influence the hybridisation of medical practice with accounting principles.
Postoperative outcomes in colorectal surgery by day of surgery: A national cohort study
Authors: Joseph Nejo , Xu William , McGuinness Matthew J. , Varghese Chris , Baraza Wal , O'Grady Greg , Bissett Ian , Harmston Christopher , Wells Cameron I.
Published: December 2024

Aim

Poorer postoperative outcomes have been observed for patients admitted and operated on later in the week and over the weekend. This is thought to be related to temporal fluctuations in the quality of perioperative care. The aim of this work was to identify if the day of surgery influenced outcomes in a national cohort of colorectal cancer (CRC) resections.

Method

A retrospective population‐based study of patients undergoing CRC resection during the period 2010–2020 in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) was conducted. Ninety‐day postoperative mortality, morbidity, postoperative length of stay (PLOS), reoperation and failure to rescue (FTR) were calculated for elective and acute cohorts, stratified by the day of surgery. FTR‐Surgical (mortality following reoperation within 90 days of the index operation) was also analysed by day of reoperation. Univariable and mixed‐effects, multivariate, logistic regression models were analysed.

Results

The overall cohort included 17 174 patients who underwent surgery for CRC. The 90‐day mortality in the elective and acute cohorts was 2.4% (336/13 744) and 11% (371/3430), respectively. Ninety‐day mortality, inpatient complications, FTR and PLOS did not differ by day of surgery in acute and elective cohorts. Notably, patients having elective surgery on a Wednesday had a significantly higher rate of reoperation (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.06–1.56, p = 0.012). Furthermore, reoperation following complication of the index surgery was associated with a significantly higher 90‐day mortality (FTR‐Surgical) for patients having reoperation on a Friday (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.01–4.33, p = 0.045).

Conclusion

There is no variation in postoperative outcomes across the week for both elective and emergency cases. This study does, however, highlight a higher FTR‐S later on Friday, suggesting that these high‐risk patients may require closer postoperative monitoring over the weekend.
Appraisal of current surgical guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease using the AGREE‐S instrument: A scoping review
Authors: Khan Zarnigar Mussarat , Ball Camille , Saeed Dalha , Tai Grace , Chandran Shaneil , Vashista Abhishek , Davey Simon , Lee Matthew James , Brown Steven R. , Hind Daniel , Sayers Adele Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Aim

Guidelines play a crucial role in improving patient care by providing clinicians with up to date evidence‐based recommendations. A vast number of guidelines exist on the surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this scoping review was to identify current surgical IBD guidelines, assess their quality and identify areas of variation between the existing guidelines.

Method

A systematic search of the literature from January 2008 to September 2023 was conducted. After identifying eligible guidelines, they were assessed for quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation for Surgical Interventions (AGREE‐S) instrument. Data were extracted on descriptive guideline characteristics and recommendations.

Results

Fifteen guidelines were identified globally. Most guidelines were published between 2011 and 2023, with six focusing solely on Crohn's disease, five on ulcerative colitis and four on both. Six guidelines focused exclusively on surgical management, while nine contained both medical and surgical recommendations. The overall mean AGREE‐S score was 59%, with more recent guidelines scoring higher.

Conclusions

The quality of IBD surgical guidelines varies considerably. High‐quality, collaborative, international guidelines are needed to reduce duplication and ensure consistent, evidence‐based surgical care for IBD patients worldwide. Future guideline development should adhere to the AGREE‐S criteria to enhance methodological rigour and transparency.
Barriers faced by surgeons in identifying and managing malnutrition in emergency general surgery: A qualitative study
Authors: Ashmore Daniel L. , Baker Daniel M. , Wilson Timothy R. , Halliday Vanessa , Lee Matthew J.
Published: December 2024

Aim

Many patients undergoing emergency surgery are malnourished. Identifying malnutrition is a prerequisite to offering targeted nutritional support. Guidelines exist but little is known regarding exactly how surgeons identify malnutrition, or the barriers that influence surgeons' clinical decision‐making. The aim of this work was to explore how consultant surgeons identify malnutrition in emergency general surgery (EGS) patients and the barriers to nutritional assessment and intervention.

Method

Consultant surgeons with emergency surgery duties were invited to participate. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted online, audiovisually recorded and transcribed. An inductive approach was used for data analysis using the framework method. Coding and analysis were performed by two independent researchers using NVivo software. Themes were developed and reviewed with the supervising team. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Ethical approval was gained prior to interviews.

Results

Eighteen interviews were conducted across three hospital settings. Identification of malnutrition consisted of three themes: ‘The surgeon’ (knowledge, experience, planning ahead); ‘The patient’ (selection, composition, clinical progress, operative considerations); and ‘The institution’ (collaboration, extended surgical team). Three themes encompassed barriers experienced: ‘The surgeon’ (understanding, culture, ownership, time constraints); ‘The institution’ (provision, staffing, conflict, hospital setting); and ‘The wider context’ (research, external factors). These influenced clinical decision‐making, which had two themes: ‘To join or not to join’ (risk taking, site of anastomosis) and ‘Nutritional support’ (timing, referral pathways).

Conclusions

The identification and management of malnutrition in EGS is fraught with barriers, impacting operative and clinical decision‐making. Improvements in surgeon education, culture, collaborative working and resources are needed.
Efficacy and safety of 4‐hydroxy 2‐methyl‐N‐(5‐methyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2H‐1, 2‐benzothiazin‐3‐carboxamide 1,1‐dioxide, a fast‐acting meloxicam formulation, on moderate‐to‐severe pain following abdominal surgery: A phase III randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Xiaohua , Zhao Yanhua , Yang Mengchang , Ren Jinghua , Ouyang Wen , Wang Saiying , Shen Yufei , Gao Yuanli , Zhao Ling , Qin Zhong , Cao Jun , Xia Jiangyan , Zhou Hongmei , Zeng Haihua , Li Jiangang , Li Qiongcan , Jiang Haitao , Zhou Ruiren , Yuan Kaiming , Jin Shu’an , Zhang Xuanqiang , Wang Chunhui , Chen Yongquan , Dong Hailong , Lv Jieping , Yu Sen , Jiu Yonghui , Wang Qingsong , Su Diansan , Yu Weifeng
Published: December 2024

4‐hydroxy 2‐methyl‐N‐(5‐methyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2H‐1, 2‐benzothiazin‐3‐carboxamide 1,1‐dioxide (QP001), a novel long‐lasting meloxicam formulation, may provide adequate postoperative pain relief with a good safety profile. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of QP001 for moderate‐to‐severe pain following abdominal surgery. This multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III trial recruited patients undergoing abdominal surgery at 23 centers between October 30, 2022, and July 10, 2023. Patients were randomized to a QP001 or placebo group in a 2:1 ratio. Postoperative pain intensity was evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale. The primary efficacy outcome was the area under curve (AUC) of pain intensity‐time 0–24 h after awakening from anesthesia (AUC0–24). Adverse events and drug reactions were recorded to evaluate safety. A total of 258 patients underwent randomization, and 255 patients received at least one trial drug, including 170 in the QP001 group and 85 in the placebo group. Among these patients, 250 completed the study. The AUC0–24 was significantly lower in the QP001 group than in the placebo group (50.5 vs. 85.19, difference of 34.69 [40.7%], p < 0.0001). This was accompanied by a decrease in morphine use and an increase in patient satisfaction. Moreover, the overall adverse events or adverse drug reaction rates were similar between the QP001 and placebo groups. Among patients undergoing abdominal surgery, postoperative pain was significantly lower in the QP001 group than in the placebo group. QP001 has a great analgesic effect of up to 24 h and satisfactory safety in patients with moderate‐to‐severe abdominal pain.