bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel neural network architecture and cross-model transfer learning for multi-task autonomous driving
Authors: Li Youwei , Qu Jian
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to achieve multi-task autonomous driving by adjusting the network architecture of the model. Meanwhile, after achieving multi-task autonomous driving, the authors found that the trained neural network model performs poorly in untrained scenarios. Therefore, the authors proposed to improve the transfer efficiency of the model for new scenarios through transfer learning.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors achieved multi-task autonomous driving by training a model combining convolutional neural network and different structured long short-term memory (LSTM) layers. Second, the authors achieved fast transfer of neural network models in new scenarios by cross-model transfer learning. Finally, the authors combined data collection and data labeling to improve the efficiency of deep learning. Furthermore, the authors verified that the model has good robustness through light and shadow test.

Findings

This research achieved road tracking, real-time acceleration–deceleration, obstacle avoidance and left/right sign recognition. The model proposed by the authors (UniBiCLSTM) outperforms the existing models tested with model cars in terms of autonomous driving performance. Furthermore, the CMTL-UniBiCL-RL model trained by the authors through cross-model transfer learning improves the efficiency of model adaptation to new scenarios. Meanwhile, this research proposed an automatic data annotation method, which can save 1/4 of the time for deep learning.

Originality/value

This research provided novel solutions in the achievement of multi-task autonomous driving and neural network model scenario for transfer learning. The experiment was achieved on a single camera with an embedded chip and a scale model car, which is expected to simplify the hardware for autonomous driving.
Paths to BIM-based digital transformation: a bibliometric and systematic review of critical factors
Authors: Diaz Schery Carlos Alejandro , Caiado Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão , Aguilar Vargas Soraida , Rodriguez Vignon Yiselis
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to present a rigorous bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review of the critical success factors (CSFs) for Building information modelling (BIM)-based digital transformation; second, to identify the relationship between the dimensions in favour of BIM implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a two-step approach to combine bibliometric and systematic literature review to explore the research topic of BIM and CSFs. Bibliometric tools such as Biblioshiny in R language and Ucinet software were applied to this study.

Findings

Besides identifying the two most influential authors (e.g. Bryde and Antwi-Afari), the key journal for disseminating articles, and the most influential countries in this discourse (e.g. Hong Kong and Australia), the study also identifies four pivotal research themes derived from the co-occurrence analysis of keywords: the fusion of sustainability and technology with BIM; practical application and its integration within construction management; innovation and engineering paradigms; and the advent of emerging technologies (e.g. Blockchain) within developing nations. Additionally, the paper introduces a comprehensive framework for selecting CSFs pertinent to BIM-centred digital transformation as viewed through the lens of dynamic capabilities.

Originality/value

This paper establishes a link between dynamic capabilities theory, CSFs, and BIM dimensions, presenting a multifaceted framework guiding future paths and offering practical insights for managerial and political decision-makers engaged in digital transformation endeavours. The study positions dynamic capabilities as pivotal, aligning digital technologies with continuous business performance, and advocates for a strategic focus on digital transformation.
WONK: keeping the edge in the era of artificial intelligence
Authors: Singh Nimisha
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, students will learn to use Lean Canvas to identify business opportunity. They will also learn the balancing of exploitation of profit-producing activities and exploring new opportunities according to the environmental dynamism.

Case overview/synopsis

WONK, a tutor discovery and booking app was launched by MyEdge in 2016 to search and book verified tutors in locations served by the company. Based on their requirements, parents and students could sort and book verified tutors in their area. Through the app, users could search for academic and hobby classes in the form of individual tuitions. The ease of use and the service offering made it a popular app with students enrolling every 6 min. Within a span of six years, WONK had provided services to thousands of students in 20+ countries and had 200,000+ tutors registered on their app from 15,000+ pin codes. Despite a plethora of Edtech companies in India, a different business model and services offered gave them an edge over other Edtech companies. To keep up with the customer needs, they were constantly making the upgrades to their technology and expanding their services. Vidhu Goyal, the founder of the company, was enjoying the progress when another development in the technology hit the world. With the launch of applications based on artificial intelligence, will it disrupt the business or not?

Complexity academic level

The case study is recommended to be taught in a 90-min class to Master of Business Administration students. The case study may be used in courses related to strategy, information systems management and entrepreneurship.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Nam Nghi Resort in Phu Quoc
Authors: Vu Anh Dung , Chung Kyunghwa , Lee Ha Kyung
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes

This case study provides in-depth, practical knowledge to develop business strategies for the management program. After reading this case study, the students will be able to learn about the challenges and problems that service firms face during a crisis, the drastic changes in the market environment due to a crisis and the analysis tools that can be used when analyzing the shifted market environment. By analyzing this case study, students will be trained for the decision-making that arises in the process of crisis management in the hotel industry.

Case overview/synopsis

Nam Nghi Resort, situated on the picturesque Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, experienced the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, Nam Nghi was a thriving five-star resort, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and renowned for its luxurious amenities and breathtaking location. However, the onset of COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to the hospitality industry, leading to a sharp decline in tourism and revenue. Despite the adversity, Nam Nghi implemented risk management practices successfully and displayed resilience and adaptability. Through rigorous cost minimization, strategic facility upgrades and targeted marketing efforts, Nam Nghi managed to navigate the crisis and gradually rebuild its business as travel restrictions eased. As the industry began to show signs of recovery, the general manager faced new challenges in restoring the resort’s prepandemic vitality. The challenge remained of understanding changing consumer values and market dynamics.

Complexity academic level

This case study can be used as class material for Master of Business Administration (MBA) students. In particular, MBA students in the hospitality industry such as hotels, resorts, travel agencies and restaurants are the target audience.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 12: Tourism and hospitality.
Political relations and trade cooperation of the Belt and Road initiative: research on trade network based on strategic emerging industries
Authors: Wang Xin-Yi , Chen Bo , Hou Na
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of political relations on trade in strategic emerging industries (SEIs) in the Belt and Road initiative (BRI) associated countries. This investigation encompasses not only from the perspective of bilateral political relations but also the political intervention of third parties.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the temporal exponential random graphmodel to analyze the dynamic structure and influencing factor of SEIs trade network among 150 BRI-associated countries from 2015 to 2020.

Findings

The results indicate that the trade of SEIs in the BRI-associated countries exhibits a pattern of concentrated exporters and decentralized importers. Amicable bilateral political relations foster trade cooperations in SEIs, while political pressure from the United States has the opposite effect. Furthermore, compared with the influence of third parties, the BRI has created a more robust trade environment characterized by political mutual trust.

Practical implications

BRI-associated countries should strengthen their political communication, and endeavor to transform political consensus and shared vision into concrete collaborative projects, while mitigating geopolitical uncertainties through a sound risk evaluation system. Moreover, they should establish a more transparent and consistent consultation mechanism and leverage the BRI trade network to foster balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships that minimize rivalry and dependence on a single market.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond observed trade cost and incorporates the political factor into the determinants of the BRI trade, thereby expanding the theoretical boundaries of existing BRI research. Also, this study employs bilateral trade data to construct SEIs trade networks (SEITNs) along the BRI route. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic determinates of the SEITNs will provide valuable practical guidance for enhancing and expanding trade and cooperation among BRI-associated countries.
A shallow 2D-CNN network for crack detection in concrete structures
Authors: Honarjoo Ahmad , Darvishan Ehsan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to obtain methods to identify and find the place of damage, which is one of the topics that has always been discussed in structural engineering. The cost of repairing and rehabilitating massive bridges and buildings is very high, highlighting the need to monitor the structures continuously. One way to track the structure's health is to check the cracks in the concrete. Meanwhile, the current methods of concrete crack detection have complex and heavy calculations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a new lightweight architecture based on deep learning for crack classification in concrete structures. The proposed architecture was identified and classified in less time and with higher accuracy than other traditional and valid architectures in crack detection. This paper used a standard dataset to detect two-class and multi-class cracks.

Findings

Results show that two images were recognized with 99.53% accuracy based on the proposed method, and multi-class images were classified with 91% accuracy. The low execution time of the proposed architecture compared to other valid architectures in deep learning on the same hardware platform. The use of Adam's optimizer in this research had better performance than other optimizers.

Originality/value

This paper presents a framework based on a lightweight convolutional neural network for nondestructive monitoring of structural health to optimize the calculation costs and reduce execution time in processing.
Unlocking the potential of blockchain technology in China’s supply chain: a survey of industry professionals
Authors: Farooq Usman , Shahzad Khuram , Guan ZhenZhong , Rauf Abdul
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the essential elements impacting the adoption of blockchain technology (BCT) in supply chain management (SCM) by integrating the technology acceptance and information system success (ISS) models.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire-based data was collected from 236 supply chain professionals from Beijing. The proposed research framework was evaluated using structural equation modeling (SEM) by using SPSS 23 and AMOS 24 software.

Findings

The empirical findings specify the positive influence of total quality on perceived usefulness and compatibility. Further, perceived ease of use positively influences perceived usefulness, compatibility and behavioral intention. Moreover, perceived usefulness positively impacts compatibility and behavioral intention. Compatibility positively influences behavioral intention. Finally, technology trust was found to be a significant moderator between perceived usefulness and behavioral intention and between perceived ease of use and adoption intention to use BCT in SCM.

Originality/value

This study empirically develops the second-order construct of total quality, representing the ISS model. Furthermore, this study established how the ISS and technology acceptance models influence behavioral intention through compatibility. Finally, this study confirmed the moderating role of technology trust among perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and behavioral intention.
Accounting background and cross-membership effects on investment efficiency in Islamic banks: a study of Islamic Supervisory Board members
Authors: Permatasari Yani , Cahyono Suham , Rizki Amalia , Fitriani Nurul , Kamarudin Khairul Anuar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the joint effect of accounting background and cross-membership of Islamic Supervisory Board (ISB) members on bank investment efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data collected from 36 Islamic banks across 15 countries globally, spanning the period from 2012 to 2021. This research uses an ordinary least squares regression and a comprehensive set of endogeneity and robustness tests.

Findings

The findings show a negative relationship between the accounting background of ISB members and investment efficiency. However, when ISB members with accounting backgrounds also have ISB cross-memberships, the banks exhibit high investment efficiency. These results suggest that ISB cross-membership plays a crucial role in facilitating Islamic banks’ access to timely information on investment opportunities. This enables ISB members with accounting expertise to thoroughly assess the benefits and risks associated with their investment prospects. These findings imply that ISB members with accounting backgrounds and cross-memberships have greater motivation and thoughtful considerations for making better investment decisions. Consequently, Islamic banks are better positioned to undertake high profitable investment projects, which enhance their investment efficiency.

Practical implications

The current study holds immense value for Islamic bank management in their selection of ISB members who possess an accounting background and cross-membership.

Originality/value

This study delves into a comprehensive investigation of the proficiency, underlying principles and unique characteristics exhibited by ISB members with an accounting background. Moreover, this study acknowledges the burgeoning global prominence of Islamic banks.
Impact of corporate disclosure on dividend policy: a novel setting of COVID-19-related disclosure by Vietnamese listed firms
Authors: Hoang Thanh Thi , Nguyen Huu Cuong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether the extent of corporate disclosure, proxied by COVID-19-related disclosure, affects the dividend policy of listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a multinomial logistic regression model to examine the relation between corporate disclosure and the dividend policy of the 100 largest market-cap firms in Vietnam in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its unique impact on business operations, serves as the backdrop for this analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that firms with more extensive COVID-19-related disclosure are more inclined to distribute dividends in the form of stocks or cash instead of omitting them.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of how corporate disclosure practices influence a firm’s financial decisions, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings hold implications for corporate financial decision-making during times of macroeconomic shock.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: circular economic principles, sustainability and entrepreneurship in developing ecosystems
Authors: Madaan Geetika , Singh Amrinder , Mittal Amit , Shahare Padmakar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The circular economy (CE) promotes the recovery of value from waste while also working towards achieving long-term environmentally sustainable goals. The goal of this research is to explore the challenges, opportunities, future scope and green practices that small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) face as they move from the linear economy to the CE.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a structured questionnaire, a survey was conducted with representatives from 163 SMEs in India. The data were analysed using co-variance based structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

This research identifies various challenges, including consumer acceptability, worries about awareness, recyclability issues, financial constraints and the absence of a defined management plan for SMEs in adopting the CE. Further, strong management will, innovation, technical up-gradation, training of employees, employee motivation and appropriate guidelines are recognized as essential possibilities for CE implementation.

Originality/value

While there has been some work on CE, no studies have directly compared these efforts with the goal of shifting from a linear economy to a CE. Given the transient nature of many archives, it is critical that the efforts put into them and the opinions of those who work in them be recorded so that communities can benefit from a shared linear economy in making decisions about their own history.
Modeling and analysis of TiO2 filler's impact on specific wear rate in flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composite under abrasive wear using Taguchi approach
Authors: Prabhu Ravikantha , Mendonca Sharun , Bellairu Pavana Kumara , D'Souza Rudolf , Bhat Thirumaleshwara
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study explores how titanium oxide (TiO2) filler influences the specific wear rate (SWR) in flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composites (FFRCs) through a Taguchi approach. It aims to boost abrasive wear resistance by incorporating TiO2 filler, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

Design/methodology/approach

This study fabricates epoxy/flax composites with TiO2 particles (0–8 wt%) using hand layup. Composites were tested for wear following American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) G99-05. Statistical analysis used Taguchi design of experiments (DOE), with ANOVA identifying key factors affecting SWR in abrasive sliding conditions.

Findings

The study illuminates how integrating TiO2 filler particles into epoxy/flax composites enhances abrasive wear properties. Statistical analysis of SWR highlights abrasive grit size (grit) as the most influential factor, followed by normal load, wt% of TiO2 and sliding distance. Grit size has the highest effect at 43.78%, and wt% TiO2 filler contributes 15.61% to SWR according to ANOVA. Notably, the Taguchi predictive model closely aligns with experimental results, validating its reliability.

Originality/value

This paper integrates TiO2 filler and flax fibers to form a novel hybrid composite with enhanced tribological properties in epoxy composites. The use of Taguchi DOE and ANOVA offers valuable insights for optimizing control variables, particularly in natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRCs).
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Business: Towards a Strategic Human Resource Management Framework
Authors: Chowdhury Soumyadeb , Budhwar Pawan , Wood Geoffrey
Published: April 2024

As businesses and society navigate the potentials of generative artificial intelligence (GAI), the integration of these technologies introduces unique challenges and opportunities for human resources, requiring a re‐evaluation of human resource management (HRM) frameworks. The existing frameworks may often fall short of capturing the novel attributes, complexities and impacts of GAI on workforce dynamics and organizational operations. This paper proposes a strategic HRM framework, underpinned by the theory of institutional entrepreneurship for sustainable organizations, for integrating GAI within HRM practices to boost operational efficiency, foster innovation and secure a competitive advantage through responsible practices and workforce development. Central to this framework is the alignment with existing business objectives, seizing opportunities, strategic resource assessment and orchestration, re‐institutionalization, realignment and embracing a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. This approach provides a detailed roadmap for organizations to navigate successfully the complexities of a GAI‐enhanced business environment. Additionally, this paper significantly contributes to the theoretical discourse by bridging the gap between HRM and GAI adoption, the proposed framework accounting for GAI–human capital symbiosis, setting the stage for future research to empirically test its applicability, explore its implications on HRM practices and understand its broader economic and societal consequences through diverse multi‐disciplinary and multi‐level research methodologies.
Impact of Burial Dissolution on the Development of Ultra‐deep Fault‐controlled Carbonate Reservoirs: Insights from High‐temperature and High‐pressure Dissolution Kinetic Simulation
Authors: TAN Xiaolin , ZENG Lianbo , SHE Min , LI Hao , MAO Zhe , SONG Yichen , YAO Yingtao , WANG Junpeng , LÜ Yuzhen
Published: April 2024

Burial dissolution is a critical diagenetic process influencing ultra‐deep carbonate reservoir development and preservation. Artificial carbonate samples with different internal structures were prepared, and high‐temperature and high‐pressure dissolution kinetic simulations were conducted. The results demonstrate that the intensity of burial dissolution is controlled by temperature and pressure, while tectonic‐fluid activity influences the development pattern of burial dissolution, ultimately determining the direction of its differential modification. Extensive burial dissolution is likely to occur primarily at relatively shallow depths, significantly influencing reservoir formation, preservation, modification, and adjustment. The development of faults facilitates the maintenance of the intensity of burial dissolution. The maximum intensity of burial dissolution occurs at the tips and overlap zones of faults and intersections of multiple faults. The larger the scale of the faults, the more conducive it is to the development of burial dissolution. Burial dissolution fosters the formation of fault networks characterized by enhanced reservoir capacity and permeability. Burial dissolution controlled by episodic tectonic‐fluid activity is a plausible explanation for forming the Tarim Basin's ultra‐deep fault‐controlled “string‐bead‐like” reservoirs.
GPS tracking reveals koalas Phascolarctos cinereus use mosaics of different forest ages after environmentally regulated timber harvesting
Authors: Law Bradley , Gonsalves Leroy , Slade Chris , Brassil Traecey , Flanagan Cheyne
Published: April 2024

An accurate picture of an animal's home range is fundamental for quantifying habitat quality and response to disturbance. When combined with remote sensing of vegetation attributes, there is potential to assess habitat selection at high resolution. We used a high‐quality GPS‐collaring data set (> 12 500 fixes) from 10 koalas Phascolarctos cinereus and a canopy height model derived from LiDAR in multiple‐use forests harvested for timber 5–10 years previously. Our aim was to assess how individual koalas use the forest mosaic created by timber harvesting by quantifying home ranges and habitat selection of different forest age/height classes created by past harvesting. We found that koalas maintained a stable home range over the average of 7 months of tracking. On average, there was 95% overlap for individuals among seasons, illustrating high site fidelity in the regenerating forest. Also, there were no apparent shifts during the intense drought of spring 2019. Male home ranges (64 ha) were three times the size of females (21 ha). Core areas were considerably smaller, ranging from 15 (male) to 6 ha (female). Three forest age/height classes were defined from LiDAR: (i) harvest – regeneration <14 m, (ii) harvest – retained trees ≥14 m and (iii) harvest – exclusion trees ≥14 m (zones excluded from harvesting for environmental protection). Home ranges covered the mosaic of forest classes and mixed models revealed no selection of forest class based on use versus availability. High site fidelity with no clear selection for forest age/height class (i.e. harvested and non‐harvested patches) confirms that resource quality in the home range remained sufficient for breeding koalas in the post‐harvest landscape. Ongoing monitoring of koalas is required to ensure that environmental protections are effective in maintaining koala populations in the face of additional disturbances from fire and climate change.
Delayed immune‐related adverse events in long‐responders of immunotherapy: a single‐center experience
Authors: Kitano Masatake , Honda Takayuki , Hikita Eri , Masuo Masahiro , Miyazaki Yasunari , Kobayashi Masayoshi
Published: April 2024

Background

Immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) often cause immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). The spectrum of irAEs and their managements has been partially clarified, however the knowledge on time‐course of irAEs is not well understood.

Methods

A retrospective study based on the medical record was performed. The study subjects were consisting of patients with various types of solid tumors for whom ICIs (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, durvalumab, atezolizumab, nivolumab plus ipilimumab) were used between April 2016 and October 2021. We focused on irAEs developed more than 1‐year after commencement ICIs (delayed irAE group) and compared with irAEs developed within 1‐year (non‐delayed irAE group) in terms of types and severity of irAEs.

Results

A total of 336 patients were enrolled in the study. Eighty‐eight patients (26.2%) developed irAEs and 248 did not. Most of the patients developing irAEs were treated using PD‐L1/PD‐1 inhibitors. Eighty‐one patients (24.1%) in non‐delayed irAE group and 7 patients (2.1%) in delayed irAE group developed irAEs. The median onset of irAEs in the delayed irAE group was 18.6 months (range: 13.5–24.3). The types of irAEs observed in delayed irAE group were dermatitis (2 cases), pneumonitis (2 cases), nephritis (1 case), arthritis (1 case), and gastritis (1 case). The severity of irAEs was almost mild (≤G2), but one patient (.3%) developed G3 nephritis.

Conclusion

PD‐L1/PD‐1 inhibitors frequently caused various irAEs but their severities were mostly tolerable. Few patients developed delayed irAE with mild toxities.
The homeostatic effects of the RE‐1 silencing transcription factor on cortical networks are altered under ictogenic conditions in the mouse
Authors: Vitale Carmela , Natali Giulia , Cerullo Maria Sabina , Floss Thomas , Michetti Caterina , Grasselli Giorgio , Benfenati Fabio
Published: April 2024

Aim

The Repressor Element‐1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) is an epigenetic master regulator playing a crucial role in the nervous system. In early developmental stages, REST downregulation promotes neuronal differentiation and the acquisition of the neuronal phenotype. In addition, postnatal fluctuations in REST expression contribute to shaping neuronal networks and maintaining network homeostasis. Here we investigate the role of the early postnatal deletion of neuronal REST in the assembly and strength of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections.

Methods

We investigated excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission by patch‐clamp recordings in acute neocortical slices in a conditional knockout mouse model (RestGTi) in which Rest was deleted by delivering PHP.eB adeno‐associated viruses encoding CRE recombinase under the control of the human synapsin I promoter in the lateral ventricles of P0‐P1 pups.

Results

We show that, under physiological conditions, Rest deletion increased the intrinsic excitability of principal cortical neurons in the primary visual cortex and the density and strength of excitatory synaptic connections impinging on them, without affecting inhibitory transmission. Conversely, in the presence of a pathological excitation/inhibition imbalance induced by pentylenetetrazol, Rest deletion prevented the increase in synaptic excitation and decreased seizure severity.

Conclusion

The data indicate that REST exerts distinct effects on the excitability of cortical circuits depending on whether it acts under physiological conditions or in the presence of pathologic network hyperexcitability. In the former case, REST preserves a correct excitatory/inhibitory balance in cortical circuits, while in the latter REST loses its homeostatic activity and may become pro‐epileptogenic.
Diagnosis and management of urinary bladder paragangliomas: A Sino‐American‐European retrospective observational study
Authors: Pang Yingxian , Zhang Jing , Jiang Jingjing , Pamporaki Christina , Li Minghao , Bechmann Nicole , Meuter Leah , Wei Yongbao , Huang Haijian , Huang Shenghui , Yu Xunbin , Robledo Mercedes , Soria Miguel J. , Zhong Dewen , Xu Shangyuan , Timmers Henri J. L. M. , Langenhuijsen Johan F. , Chen Xiaofeng , Deng Wanglong , Deutschbein Timo , Remde Hanna , Wang Long , Yao Hanyu , Yan Bin , Berends Annika M. A. , Kerstens Michiel N. , Jiang Yazhuo , Crona Joakim , Xu Ning , Cai Hai , Wen Yanlin , Wang Anguo , Wu Ji , Zhang Zongpin , Ning Jinzhuo , Cheng Fan , Chen Xiang , Wang Jing , Xie Bin , Chen Danlei , Liu Yujun , Liu Longfei , Pacak Karel , Eisenhofer Graeme , Lenders Jacques W. M.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Paragangliomas of the urinary bladder (UBPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours and pose a diagnostic and surgical challenge. It remains unclear what factors contribute to a timely presurgical diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to identify factors contributing to missing the diagnosis of UBPGLs before surgery.

Design, Patients and Measurements

A total of 73 patients from 11 centres in China, and 51 patients from 6 centres in Europe and 1 center in the United States were included. Clinical, surgical and genetic data were collected and compared in patients diagnosed before versus after surgery. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify clinical factors associated with initiation of presurgical biochemical testing.

Results

Among all patients, only 47.6% were diagnosed before surgery. These patients were younger (34.0 vs. 54.0 years, p < .001), had larger tumours (2.9 vs. 1.8 cm, p < .001), and more had a SDHB pathogenic variant (54.7% vs. 11.9%, p < .001) than those diagnosed after surgery. Patients with presurgical diagnosis presented with more micturition spells (39.7% vs. 15.9%, p = .003), hypertension (50.0% vs. 31.7%, p = .041) and catecholamine‐related symptoms (37.9% vs. 17.5%, p = .012). Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that presence of younger age (<35 years, odds ratio [OR] = 6.47, p = .013), micturition spells (OR = 6.79, p = .007), hypertension (OR = 3.98, p = .011), and sweating (OR = 41.72, p = .013) increased the probability of initiating presurgical biochemical testing.

Conclusions

Most patients with UBPGL are diagnosed after surgery. Young age, hypertension, micturition spells and sweating are clues in assisting to initiate early biochemical testing and thus may establish a timely presurgical diagnosis.
Impact of age over 70 years in the new allocation system on the outcomes of heart transplantation in the US
Authors: Gemelli Marco , Doulamis Ilias P. , Addonizio Mariangela , Tzani Aspasia , Rempakos Athanasios , Kampaktsis Polydoros , Guariento Alvise , Dunque Ernesto Ruiz , Asleh Rabea , Alvarez Paulino , Briasoulis Alexandros
Published: April 2024

Background

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) allocation criteria changed in 2018 to accommodate the increased prevalence of patients on a ventricular assist device as a bridge to heart transplant and prioritize sicker people in anticipation of a heart graft. We aimed to assess the impact of patient age in the new allocation policy on mortality following heart transplantation. Secondary outcomes included the effect of age ≥70 on post‐transplant events, including stroke, dialysis, pacemaker, and rejection requiring treatment.

Methods

The UNOS Registry was queried to identify patients who underwent heart transplants alone in the US between 2000 and 2021. Patients were divided into groups according to their age (over 70 and under 70 years old).

Results

Patients aged over 70 were more likely to require dialysis during follow‐up, but less likely to experience rejection requiring treatment, compared with patients aged <70. Age ≥70 in the new allocation system was a significant predictor of 1‐year mortality (adjusted HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.05–1.91; p = .024), but its effect on 5‐year mortality was not significant after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted HR: 1.27; 95% CI:.97–1.66; p = .077). Undergoing transplantation under the new allocation policy vs the old allocation policy was not a significant predictor of mortality in patients over 70 years old.

Conclusions

Age ≥70 is a significant predictor of 1‐year mortality following heart transplantation, but not at 5 and 10 years; however, the new allocation does not seem to have changed the outcomes for this group of patients.
Clinical practice guidelines on the management of status epilepticus in adults: A systematic review
Authors: Vignatelli Luca , Tontini Valentina , Meletti Stefano , Camerlingo Maria , Mazzoni Stefania , Giovannini Giada , Pasini Elena , Michelucci Roberto , Bisulli Francesca , Tinuper Paolo , Di Vito Lidia
Published: April 2024

Objective

Status epilepticus (SE) is the second most common neurological emergency in adults. Despite improvements in the management of acute neurological conditions over the last decade, mortality is still durably high. Because a gap has emerged between SE management based on clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and actual clinical practice, we conducted a systematic review of CPGs, assessing their quality, outlining commonalities and discrepancies in recommendations, and highlighting research gaps.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases and other gray literature sources (nine among guideline registries, evidence‐based medicine databases, point‐of‐care tools; seven websites of governmental organizations and international neurologic societies) in December 2021 (updated in November 2023). The units of analysis were CPGs that included recommendations on the diagnostic and/or therapeutic management of SE in adults. The quality of the CPGs was assessed using the AGREE II tool.

Results

Fifteen CPGs were included. The “Applicability” domain was assigned the lowest median score of 10%. The domains “Stakeholder Involvement”, “Rigor of Development,” and “Editorial Independence” were as well generally underrated. Recommendations on general and diagnostic management and on organizational interventions were fragmented and scattered. Recommendations on pre‐hospital and hospital treatment of early‐onset and refractory SE were broadly agreed, whereas there was less agreement on the treatment model and medications for established SE and super‐refractory SE.

Significance

The CPGs for the management of SE developed in recent years are flawed by several methodological issues and discrepancies in the coverage of important topics. The gap between CPG‐based management of SE and actual clinical practice may be due in part to the inherent limitations of the CPGs produced so far.
Fungal systems for lignocellulose deconstruction: From enzymatic mechanisms to hydrolysis optimization
Authors: Ren Fengyun , Wu Fan , Wu Xin , Bao Tongtong , Jie Yucheng , Gao Le
Published: April 2024

Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable feedstock, but its complex structure of lignocellulose poses barriers to its enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation. Fungi possess diverse lignocellulolytic enzyme systems that synergistically deconstruct lignocellulose into soluble sugars for fermentation. This review elucidates recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning fungal degradation of lignocellulose. We analyze major enzyme classes tailored by fungi to depolymerize cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Highlighted are the concerted actions and intimate partnerships between these biomass‐degrading enzymes. Current challenges impeding large‐scale implementation of enzymatic hydrolysis are discussed, along with emerging biotechnological opportunities. Advanced pretreatments, high‐throughput enzyme engineering platforms, and machine learning or artificial intelligence‐guided lignocellulolytic enzyme cocktail optimization represent promising ways to improve hydrolytic efficiencies. Elucidating the coordinated interplay and regulation of fungal lignocellulolytic machinery can facilitate optimization of fungal biotechnology platforms. Harnessing the efficiency of fungal biomass deconstruction promises to enhance the development of biorefinery processes for sustainable bioenergy.
DOPPELTE BRECHUNGEN: DAS ‘DURCHS‐FERNGLAS‐SCHAUEN’ IN STIFTERS FRÜHEN ERZÄHLUNGEN
Authors: Schwenke Holger
Published: April 2024

This article explores the extent to which the use of the optical medium of binoculars in Der Condor and Der Hochwald reflects the experience of a paradigmatically new way of seeing. In Der Condor, the refractive power of ‘Durchs‐Fernglas‐Schauen’ is demonstrated by means of a kaleidoscopic fragmentation of the narrative perspective. The portrayal of the hot air balloon ride at the beginning of the story gives tragic evidence of the loss of the beloved as well as of the loss of an overall sense of perception due to the crossing of gazes that are technically mediated. An emancipatory aspect is expressed in that it is a female figure who becomes aware of the ‘transzendentale Obdachlosigkeit’ of modern man. The catastrophe perceived technically from a distance in Der Hochwald raises the question of the fundamental possibilities of representation. The experience of seeing, re‐created here from a narratorical point of view, is a dynamic process of de‐ and restructuring storytelling itself, anticipating moments of non‐representational strategies in the literary modernism of the twentieth century.
HERESY AND ORTHODOXY: A TEXTUAL VARIANT IN THOMAS MANN'S DOKTOR FAUSTUS
Authors: Eagles Peter
Published: April 2024

This article draws upon a textual variant in Thomas Mann's novel Doktor Faustus, and proceeds to investigate the issue which it raises: the role of heresy in the novel, and the question of whether the heretical in art is more accessible or inaccessible than the orthodox. Heresy and its opposite, the orthodox or the ‘pious’, as Mann normally describes it, are categories of religious thought, used by Mann in a transferred sense to convey the spiritual and intellectual dilemma of the modern artist. Given that Adrian Leverkühn is a composer, and that the reader therefore needs to take Mann's description (through the narrator Zeitblom) of his music ‘on trust’, the thesis of this article is that an understanding of the sources within the Christian heretical tradition upon which Leverkühn draws for his compositions is necessary for the reader's understanding of the nature of his music and its relationship to the artistic tradition which it both acknowledges and rejects. The article also posits the decisive influence upon Doktor Faustus of the treatment of heresy in Dostoevsky's major novels. It concludes by considering a further associated textual detail with regard to the question of salvation.
CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, EXTIRPATION? THE PALAST DER REPUBLIK AND THE CONFLICTING DESIRES OF GERMAN UNIFICATION
Authors: Hodgin Nick
Published: April 2024

Opened in 1976, East Berlin's Palast der Republik stood until its demolition in 2003 among and against the other buildings on Berlin's Museumsinsel. This article examines the circumstances surrounding the construction and demolition of the GDR's prestige construction and its storied location, now the site of the Stadtschloss and Humboldt Forum. This narrative analysis acknowledges recent vigorous debates concerning Germany's colonial history but focuses in particular on the East German past. In examining the iconoclastic impulse and the corresponding resistance to extirpation in the period since unification, the article questions the social power of the buildings at that site, their political symbolism and what the acts of demolition and reconstruction tell us about political desires and especially about Germany's unsteady handling of history since unification. Had the Palast remained, it is suggested, its awkward presence (whether as renovated structure or as ruin) might have better served the future as a reminder of uncomfortable pasts, a historical monument and a catalyst for ongoing, necessarily difficult discussions about history and heritage rather than an attempt to side‐step East German history.
The efficacy of premixed bioceramic sealers versus standard sealers on root canal treatment outcome, extrusion rate and post‐obturation pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zamparini Fausto , Lenzi Jacopo , Duncan Henry Fergus , Spinelli Andrea , Gandolfi Maria Giovanna , Prati Carlo
Published: April 2024

Background

Limited evidence is available regarding the superior clinical properties of bioceramic sealers comparted with traditional standard sealers.

Objectives

This review aimed to answer the following research questions: ‘In healthy patients requiring a root canal treatment (P), what is the efficacy of premixed bioceramic sealers (I) compared with traditional root canal epoxy resin‐based sealers (C) in terms of survival, success rates (PICO1) sealer extrusion and resorption (PICO2) post‐obturation pain (PICO3) (O)?’

Methods

Authors independently searched three electronic databases: PubMed (including MEDLINE), Web of Science, Embase and Scopus up to 31 October 2023. This was accompanied by both grey literature and manual search. Detailed selection criteria were applied, namely mature permanent teeth requiring root canal treatment, premixed bioceramic sealer with gutta‐percha as an intervention group, a standard filling technique as control group and full‐text available in English. A random‐effect meta‐analysis was used to synthesize the body of evidence regarding the use of bioceramic sealers in root canal treatment and their impact on post‐obturation pain. Effect sizes were represented as relative risks on a logarithmic scale for binary outcomes and as mean differences for continuous outcomes.

Results

A total of 941 articles were identified. Fifteen Comparative clinical studies were finally included. Eleven were randomized clinical trials, and four were prospective clinical trials with control group. The follow‐up of these studies was not greater than 2 years. No publication bias was observed in any study. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of survival and success rates. A small non‐significant lower risk of extrusion was observed for bioceramics. A small, non‐significantly lower post‐operative‐pain within 24‐h was observed when bioceramics were used.

Discussion

The majority of current evidence shows inconsistencies in reporting and is of short‐term duration. Robust prospective long‐term trials are needed in this area to better support future recommendations.

Conclusion

This systematic review is the first to analyse several clinical outcomes using premixed sealers. Included studies differed in terms of clinical protocol and operator expertise, but reported a similar outcome when comparing bioceramic versus standard sealers. Tooth survival, treatment outcome, post‐operative pain and periapical extrusion were similar and presented no significant differences between the two sealer types.

Registration

PROSPERO database (CRD42023449151).
Implications of husking process on the nutritional composition of sorghum grains: diverse varieties and regions
Authors: Khalfalla Maha , Zsombik László , Diósi Gerda , Győri Zoltán
Published: April 2024

Sorghum, known for its nutritional value, health benefits and gluten‐free status, is now widely produced and suitable for human consumption in developed regions due to advancements in sorghum research and processing techniques. The research looked at how well the husking fraction time unit (HFTU) technique worked by examining its effects on the nutritional value of three varieties of sorghum grain. The efficiency of the husking process was assessed at 87% for concentrated and redistributed nutritional contents and 60% for variation of mineral contents based on bran/ endosperm. The technique reduced the T.K.W. compared to whole grain to the endosperm (grits). Moreover, the redistribution of the crude protein % showed the precision of the HFTU procedure by demonstrating an average of 26.6% as a variation ratio of the bran/endosperm in the data set. Contrary to the content of the total dietary fibre content, for example, the variation of TDF % attributed to bran/endosperm was 10.9%. On the other hand, the average ash % of whole grains (hummer) and husked products (TM05C) was increased by 33.2% based on averages of 1.5% and 2.1%, respectively. Accordingly, it was approved that the HFTU procedure effectively separated the endosperm (grits) and bran. This study also found that minerals such as Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S and Zn changed over 30‐to‐80‐time units by 29%, 13%, 8%, 4%, 17%, 18%, 1%, 13%, 6% and 12% in the bran and endosperm. The HFTU process has influenced the colour attributes of variation sorghum varieties, particularly within a time scale of 80 (S) units. The research revealed that the husking technique substantially impacted the different sorghum grain varieties’ nutritional composition and colour properties. The method can be useful for developers in enhancing sorghum grain products’ nutritional properties attributed to various varieties and regions, allowing them to provide high nutritional quality sourced from sustainable products.