bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting water quality in tin mining using the free drainage column leach test
Authors: Andini D E , Irvani  , Henri  , Susilo N B , Widodo P , Lovina R V
Published: December 2024

The potential for acid mine drainage formation can be predicted by an understanding of the geochemical characteristics of the rocks in question, which in turn informs the planning of effective mine water management techniques. This approach represents an effective method for the prevention of acid mine drainage formation or the control of its movement. In order to ascertain the initial characteristics, leachate water quality modelling was conducted using samples obtained from the tin mining front, which represents the area of exploration and exploitation. Leachate water quality testing is conducted using the Free Draining Column Leach (FDCL) method. The samples were subjected to a wet cycle and a dry cycle, comprising daily cycles. The test results indicated an average pH range of 5 to 6, with a relatively moderate TDS content. In some samples, clay minerals (kaolinite) were present, suggesting that acidity can be neutralised indirectly by these minerals, which are derived from pit walls and outcrops at the tin mining site.
Gender inequality and local patriarchy in the mine industry of Bangka Island
Authors: Hidayat N , Fienda T E , Septia R , Anggraeni D
Published: December 2024

Unconventional mining (TI) has exerted a considerable influence on Bangka Island. A group or individual with minimal resources has been engaged in non-traditional tin mining methods. Primarily, it pertains to artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), which involves little or basic equipment and low technology but relies heavily on manual labor. We examine the gender perspective in relation to tin mining, a topic that has received limited attention in previous studies. Initially, the primary objective is to examine the concept of gender and the issue of gender inequality at the mining site in Bangka. This study specifically examines the challenges and actual conditions faced by female workers in mining sites. Experiencing unjust treatment, individuals often feel uncomfortable but choose to disregard it as an issue, with many accepting inequity as an inherent aspect of the workplace. Furthermore, they are simultaneously engaged in domestic responsibilities such as nourishing their children, maintaining the cleanliness of the household, tending to the needs of their unwell children, and other maternal duties, all while working at the mining site.
Championing change: enhancing the green knowledge and skill capacities of tobacco farm workers for climate change adaptation and eco-management
Authors: Irawan N C , Mahananto  , Suswadi  , Irianto H , Santoso A B
Published: December 2024

Many tobacco farm workers struggle with limited knowledge of sustainable farming practices, making adopting eco-friendly methods difficult. This lack of awareness leaves them relying on outdated techniques, harming their livelihoods and the environment. Research highlights these challenges, stressing the need for better education and training to empower workers to increase the capabilities and skills of tobacco farm workers to manage land more sustainably. By improving their green knowledge and skills, tobacco farmers can become leaders in climate adaptation and ecological stewardship, ensuring a healthier future for themselves and the planet. The study examines these crucial areas to understand the hurdles, opportunities, and routes for enabling tobacco farm workers to become more ecologically responsible and resilient to climate change and other sustainability issues. The goal is to find ways to improve tobacco farm workers’ lives and protect their ecosystems. This study used mixed methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and descriptive methods. It occurred in Central Java’s Gatak District, Sukoharjo Regency. A simple random sample with 75 participants was selected as the respondents. Survey data will be analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and cross-tabulations. According to the study, tobacco farm workers struggle to implement sustainable agricultural methods due to lacking knowledge, information, and motivation. Education and training initiatives have also improved workers’ productivity, income, and efficiency by teaching them about natural resource conservation, integrated pest management, and sustainable farming. The training helped tobacco farm workers choose climate-resilient crop varieties, adopt eco-friendly methods, and manage agricultural waste sustainably.
The role of civic engagement in post-mining environmental revitalization
Authors: Suntara R A , Darwance  , Satrio N , Hijran M
Published: December 2024

The large tin potential in the Bangka Belitung Islands has an impact on the high level of mining activity that has been carried out for a long time. The ecological impact of mining activities leaves behind post-mining pits or known as kulong are not properly reclaimed. Large and spacious kulongs are found in Perlang and Nibung Villages, Central Bangka Regency. This research explains the contribution of local community towards tourism awareness groups “Pokdarwis” and village-owned enterprises “Bumdes” in revitalizing post-mining sites to become tourist destinations known as Lake Pading and Lake Kaolin. Designed as a qualitative-descriptive approach, the data collection was carried out through observation, interviews and document study. Research findings show that the revitalization of post-mining pit areas, specifically at Lake Pading and Lake Kaolin by Pokdarwis and Bumdes has had a significant impact on the escalation of environmental and tourism use values. Efforts to increase tourism are also a means of sustainable environmental preservation and preventing damage from illegal mining activities. Community participation in revitalizing and preserving the environment reflects principles that are in accordance with the concept of Civic Engagement.
Criteria and sub-criteria for selecting solid waste processing technology through literature review
Authors: Sukma N M W , Marleni N N N , Ahmad J S M
Published: December 2024

The increase in population, urbanization, and alterations in lifestyle have led to a significant increment in waste production. Despite the significant increase, waste management in certain regions largely depends on the collect-transport-dispose system, which substantially impacts the land requirements for final disposal sites. One potential solution to this problem is supplanting landfills with technology-based management system at integrated treatment sites. In this context, diverse geographical conditions and perplexing criteria have been reported to affect the identification of the most suitable system. Therefore, this study aims to explore criteria and sub-criteria used for selecting waste processing technology using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. The results showed that there were 5 crucial factors affecting the choice of technology at integrated waste treatment facilities, including economic, environmental, sociocultural, technical, and institutional. Criteria used for establishing sub-criteria for the selection process were derived from a time series covering 2014 to 2024, geographical regions grouped by continent, and economic situations classified as either Global North or Global South.
Downloading Web Pages
Authors: Panchekha Pavel , Harrelson Chris
Published: December 2024

A web browser displays information identified by a URL. And the first step is to use that URL to connect to and download information from a server somewhere on the Internet.
Laying Out Pages
Authors: Panchekha Pavel , Harrelson Chris
Published: December 2024

So far, layout has been a linear process that handles open tags and close tags independently. But web pages are trees, and look like them: borders and backgrounds visually nest inside one another. To support that, this chapter switches to tree-based layout, where the tree of elements is transformed into a tree of layout objects before drawing. In the process, we’ll make web pages more colorful with backgrounds.
Adding Visual Effects
Authors: Panchekha Pavel , Harrelson Chris
Published: December 2024

Right now our browser can only draw colored rectangles and text—pretty boring! Real browsers support all kinds of visual effects that change how pixels and colors blend together. To implement those effects, and also make our browser faster, we’ll need control over surfaces, the key low-level feature behind fast scrolling, visual effects, animations, and many other browser features. To get that control, we’ll also switch to using the Skia graphics library and even take a peek under its hood.
Reusing Previous Computations
Authors: Panchekha Pavel , Harrelson Chris
Published: December 2024

Compositing (see Chapter 13) makes animations smoother, but it doesn’t help with interactions that affect layout, like text editing or DOM modifications. Luckily, we can avoid redundant layout work by treating the layout tree as a kind of cache, and only recomputing the parts that change. This invalidation technique is traditionally complex and bug-prone, but we’ll use a principled approach and simple abstractions to make it manageable.
MiRNA-323 Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Modulating the Prostate Apoptosis Response-4/Cleaved Caspase-3 Pathway
Authors: Song Ji , Huang Bizhen , Sun Changqing , Liu Zuheng , Zheng Wuyang
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of microRNA-323 (miR-323) on cardiomyocyte injury induced by ischemia-reperfusion.

METHODS

The H9C2 cell models for hypoxia/reoxygenation (HO) injury and mice models for ischemia/reperfusion were established. Cell viability was assessed through methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetry, while cardiomyocyte injury was determined using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Cardiac function was evaluated via ultrasound and the myocardial infarction area was measured through 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride-evans blue double staining. The protein levels of prostate apoptosis response-4 (PAR4) and cleaved caspase-3 were assessed via Western blot in H9C2 cell models both pre- and post-HO.

RESULTS

In the cellular experiment, after HO, the HO-miR-323 group demonstrated a substantially reduced LDH content (t = 13.65, P < 0.01) compared to the control group, concurrently leading to a noteworthy amelioration in cell viability (t = 8.50, P < 0.01). In contrast, the HO-miR-323-inhibitor group manifested a notable increase in LDH content (t = 22.75, P < 0.01) and a significant reduction in cell viability (t = 8.46, P < 0.01). In the animal experiment, miR-323-agomiR significantly improved cardiac function compared to the negative control group [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF): (39.9 ± 4.4)% vs. (32.0 ± 3.2)%, t = 3.54, P < 0.01; left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS): (19.2 ± 2.0)% vs. (15.4 ± 2.1)%, t = 3.17, P = 0.01]. But miR-323-antagomiR reversed this improvement [LVEF: (29.2 ± 3.7)% vs. (34.0 ± 4.1)%, t = 2.20, P = 0.04; LVFS: (11.9 ± 1.7)% vs. (14.9 ± 1.9)%, t = 2.74, P = 0.01]. Furthermore, compared to the control group, the miR-323-agomiR group exhibited a significant reduction in the infarct size percentage [(57.7 ± 5.9)% vs. (47.2 ± 9.1)%, t = 2.38, P = 0.04] and relative risk area [(44.9 ± 6.4)% vs. (30.2 ± 4.2)%, t = 4.70, P < 0.01]. Conversely, the miR-323-antagomiR group demonstrated an opposite pattern, with an increase in infarction area [(53.2 ± 6.7)% vs. (65.1 ± 7.8)%, t = 2.84, P = 0.02] and the relative area at risk [(44.3 ± 7.5)% vs. (53.5 ± 4.5)%, t = 2.59, P = 0.03]. Transfection of miR-323 inhibited the protein expression of PAR4 and cleaved caspase-3 simultaneously in H9C2 cell models.

CONCLUSION

MiR-323 can ameliorate cardiomyocyte injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion and improve cardiac dysfunction by targeting PAR4 to regulate cleaved caspase-3.
De novo variants disrupt an LDB1-regulated transcriptional network in congenital ventriculomegaly
Authors: Allington Garrett , Mehta Neel H , Dennis Evan , Mekbib Kedous Y , Reeves Benjamin , Kiziltug Emre , Chen Shuang , Zhao Shujuan , Duy Phan Q , Saleh Maha , Ang Lee C , Fan Baojian , Nelson-Williams Carol , Moreno-de-Luca Andrés , Haider Shozeb , Lifton Richard P , Alper Seth L , McGee Stephen , Jin Sheng Chih , Kahle Kristopher T
Published: December 2024

Congenital hydrocephalus (CH), characterized by cerebral ventriculomegaly (CV), is among the most common and least understood pediatric neurosurgical disorders. We have identified in the largest-assembled CV cohort (>2,697 parent-proband trios) an exome-wide significant enrichment of protein-altering de novo variants (DNVs) in LDB1 (p = 1.11 x 10-15). Eight unrelated patients with ventriculomegaly, developmental delay, and dysmorphic features harbored loss-of-function DNVs that truncate LDB1’s carboxy-terminal LIM interaction domain, which regulates assembly of LIM homeodomain-containing transcriptional modulators. Integrative multiomic analyses suggest LDB1 is a key transcriptional regulator in ventricular neuroprogenitors through it’s binding to LIM-homeodomain proteins, including SMARCC1 and ARID1B. Indeed, LIM-homeodomain-containing genes carry a disproportionate burden of protein-damaging DNVs in our cohort, with SMARCC1 (p = 5.83 x 10-9) and ARID1B (p = 1.80 x 10-17) surpassing exome-wide significance thresholds. These data identify LBD1 as a novel neurodevelopmental disorder gene and suggest an LDB1-regulated transcriptional program is essential for human brain morphogenesis.
The MaEIL4-MaMADS36-MaACS7 module transcriptionally regulates ethylene biosynthesis during banana fruit ripening
Authors: Fu Maoni , Zheng Yunke , Zhang Jing , Deng Chengju , Zhang Jianbin , Jia Caihong , Miao HongXia , Wang Jingyi , Zheng Sijun , Jin Zhiqiang , Li Xinguo , Xie Jianghui , Liu Juhua
Published: December 2024

The present research examined the regulatory function of MaEIL4 in the ripening process of banana. The findings demonstrated that MaEIL4 is a transcription factor with activity in the nucleus. The transient modulation of MaEIL4 expression in banana fruit slices has been found to exert a significant impact on maturation, either enhancing or inhibiting its progression, as shown by phenotype and endogenous gene expression. MaEIL4, MaMADS36, and MaACS7 were co-expressed in bananas. MaEIL4 interacted with both the MaMADS36 protein and the TGAA box of the MaMADS36 promoter to activate its expression. Moreover, MaMADS36 bound to the C(A/T)rG box of the MaACS7 promoter to regulate fruit ripening. The results have characterized the mechanism of MaMADS36’s response to upstream ethylene signals and established a new module, MaEIL4-MaMADS36-MaACS7, that transcriptionally regulates banana fruit ripening. This research has enhanced our comprehension of the pivotal function of MaMADS36 in controlling fruit maturation and thus suggests new strategies for fruit shelf-life improvement and post-harvest loss reduction.
Key genes in a “Galloylation-Degalloylation cycle” controlling the synthesis of hydrolyzable tannins in strawberry plants
Authors: Zhang Lingjie , Li Rui , Wang Maohao , Zhao Qiaomei , Chen Yifan , Huang Yipeng , Liu Yajun , Jiang Xiaolan , Wang Nana , Xia Tao , Gao Liping
Published: December 2024

Strawberry fruits, known for their excellent taste and potential health benefits, are particularly valued for their rich content of hydrolyzable tannins (HTs). These compounds play key roles in regulating growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HT synthesis in plants remains poorly elucidated. In this study, based on a correlation analysis between the transcriptome and metabolome of HTs, galloyl glucosyltransferase (UGT84A22), serine carboxypeptidase-like acyltransferases (SCPL-ATs), and carboxylesterases (CXEs) were screened. Furthermore, in vitro enzymatic assays confirmed that FaSCPL3–1 acted as a hydrolyzable tannins synthase (HTS), catalyzing the continuous galloylation of glucose to form simple gallotannins (GTs). Additionally, FaCXE1/FaCXE3/FaCXE7 catalyzed the degalloylation of simple GTs and ellagitannins (ETs), and FaUGT84A22 catalyzed the glycosylation of gallic acid (GA) to produce 1-O-β-glucogallin (βG), a galloyl donor. Moreover, in FvSCPL3–1-RNAi transgenic strawberry plants, the contents of simple GT and some ET compounds were reduced, whereas, in FaCXE7 overexpressing strawberry plants, these compounds were increased. These enzymes constituted a biosynthetic pathway of galloyl derivatives, termed the “galloylation-degalloylation cycle” (G-DG cycle). Notably, the overexpression of FaCXE7 in strawberry plants not only promoted HT synthesis but also interfered with plant growth and development by reducing lignin biosynthesis. These findings offer new insights into the mechanisms of HT accumulation in plants, contributing to improving the quality of berry fruits quality and enhancing plant resistance.
Unwanted or negative treatment reactions in digital psychological interventions for adolescents with chronic pain
Authors: de la Vega Rocío , Yokoyama Kaylee , Daniels Kristen , Palermo Tonya M
Published: December 2024

Objective

Reports of pain clinical trials evaluating psychological treatments often lack sufficient details on the potential and actual harm resulting from intervention. We aimed to understand how frequent and intense treatment reactions, conceptualized as unwanted symptoms, were in three clinical trials of digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adolescents with: (1) chronic primary pain, (2) sickle cell disease, and (3) chronic pancreatitis. We also aimed to understand any differences by demographic and clinical variables.

Method

Analyses were conducted with 246 youths (12–18 years old) experiencing chronic pain and one of their caregivers. 66% of the total sample was female. The number, intensity, and type of treatment reactions experienced were assessed post treatment. T-tests and Chi-squared tests were conducted to explore whether certain treatment reactions were more frequent as a function of baseline or clinical characteristics.

Results

9% of participants experienced some negative treatment reaction. The average intensity of those events was very low on a 0–3 scale (M = 0.1, SD = 0.4). There were no differences in the prevalence or intensity as a function of participant’s sex, age, race, or baseline pain intensity. However, baseline anxiety [t = −2.4 (244); p < .05] and baseline pain interference [t = −2.2 (223); p < .05] were significantly higher in those who experienced negative treatment reactions.

Conclusions

A small number of participants reported experiencing negative treatment reactions, with a low intensity level. Those experiencing negative treatment reactions showed higher baseline anxiety and pain interference. Future research may build from our example to standardize collection of harms data in trials of psychological interventions.
Exploring the molecular mechanism of Taohong Siwu decoction in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Qin Yuan , Lian Jia-Ning , Chen Xin , Huang Feng-Yu , Chen Hai-Wen , Dong Tai-Wei , Jin Zuo-Lin
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Taohong Siwu decoction (THSWD) in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by using comprehensive analysis.

Methods

The active components and relevant targets of THSWD were analyzed by network analysis to construct the active component-target-disease network diagram. Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were conducted on the core targets by the Metascape database. Molecular docking verification was used for molecular visualization.

Key findings

A total of 69 active compounds and 114 targets were filtered in lung cancer treatment with THSWD. KEGG analysis suggested that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, and apoptosis pathway played critical roles. The results of molecular docking showed that populoside_qt with IL-6, baicalein with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and luteolin with MAPK8 had the strongest binding ability. Moreover, experiment validation revealed that THSWD regulated the expression of IL-6, AKT, Cyclin D1, E-cadherin, and LC3A/B, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and migration ability, promoting apoptosis, and blocking the cell cycle of NSCLC cells.

Conclusions

The potential targets and molecular mechanisms of THSWD in the treatment of NSCLC were preliminarily revealed by a comprehensive analysis in this study, which will provide new ideas and methods for the study of the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in treating lung cancer.
Use of optical techniques to evaluate the ionizing radiation effects on biological specimens
Authors: Fujita Hideaki , Watanabe Tomonobu M
Published: December 2024

Radiation induces various changes in biological specimens; however, the evaluation of these changes is usually complicated and can be achieved only through investment in time and labor. Optical methods reduce the cost of such evaluations as they require less pretreatment of the sample, are adaptable to high-throughput screening and are easy to automate. Optical methods are also advantageous, owing to their real-time and onsite evaluation capabilities. Here, we discuss three optical technologies to evaluate the effects of radiation on biological samples: single-molecule tracking microscopy to evaluate the changes in the physical properties of DNA, Raman spectral microscopy for dosimetry using human hair and second-harmonic generation microscopy to evaluate the effect of radiation on the differentiation of stem cells. These technologies can also be combined for more detailed information and are applicable to other biological samples. Although optical methods are not commonly used to evaluate the effects of radiation, advances in this technology may facilitate the easy and rapid assessment of radiation effects on biological samples.
A comprehensive analysis framework for evaluating commercial single-cell RNA sequencing technologies
Authors: De Simone Marco , Hoover Jonathan , Lau Julia , Bennett Hayley M , Wu Bing , Chen Cynthia , Menon Hari , Au-Yeung Amelia , Lear Sean , Vaidya Samir , Shi Minyi , Lund Jessica M , Xavier-Magalhães Ana , Liang Yuxin , Kurdoglu Ahmet , O’Gorman William E , Modrusan Zora , Le Daniel , Darmanis Spyros
Published: December 2024

This study examined nine prominent commercially available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) kits across four technology groups. Each kit was characterized using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a single donor, which enabled consistent assessment of factors such as analytical performance, protocol duration and cost. The Chromium Fixed RNA Profiling kit from 10× Genomics, with its probe-based RNA detection method, demonstrated the best overall performance. The Rhapsody WTA kit from Becton Dickinson exhibited a balance between performance and cost. Importantly, we introduce the read utilization metric, which differentiates scRNA-seq kits based on the efficiency of converting sequencing reads into usable counts. Thus, read utilization is an important feature that substantially impacts sensitivity and cost. With data from 169, 262 cells, our work provides a comprehensive comparison of commercial scRNA-seq technologies to facilitate the effective implementation of single-cell studies.
Kinetoplast DNA: a polymer physicist’s topological Olympic dream
Authors: Michieletto Davide
Published: December 2024

All life forms are miraculous, but some are more inexplicable than others. Trypanosomes are by far one of the most puzzling organisms on Earth: their mitochondrial genome, also called kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) forms an Olympic-ring-like network of interlinked DNA circles, challenging conventional paradigms in both biology and physics. In this review, I will discuss kDNA from the astonished perspective of a polymer physicist and tell a story of how a single sub-cellular structure from a blood-dwelling parasite is inspiring generations of polymer chemists and physicists to create new catenated materials.
Weight and Metabolic Changes With Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine or Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide
Authors: Tan Darrell H. S. , Antinori Andrea , Eu Beng , Galindo Puerto María José , Kinder Clifford , Sweet Donna , Van Dam Cornelius N. , Sutton Kenneth , Sutherland-Phillips Denise , Berni Alessandro , Zhang Feifan , Urbaityte Rimgaile , Baugh Bryan , Spreen William , van Wyk Jean , Garges Harmony P. , Patel Parul , Batterham Rachel , D'Amico Ronald
Published: December 2024

Background:

Modest weight and lipid changes have been observed in cabotegravir plus rilpivirine long-acting (CAB + RPV LA) phase 3/3b studies. The SOLAR study included standardized evaluations of weight and metabolic changes in people living with HIV switching to CAB + RPV LA dosed every 2 months (Q2M) vs. continuing bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF).

Setting:

Phase 3b, randomized, open-label study conducted in 118 centers across 14 countries.

Methods:

Participants (n = 687) were randomized 2:1; 454 switched to CAB + RPV LA Q2M and 227 continued BIC/FTC/TAF. Participants who started lipid-modifying agents or underwent cosmetic procedures were excluded. We analyzed changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), muscle mass, body fat, and proportion with insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome at 1 year.

Results:

Median (interquartile range) change in body weight from baseline was −0.40 kg (−2.95 to +2.10) and +0.05 kg (−2.30 to +1.95) in the LA and BIC/FTC/TAF arm, respectively. Median (interquartile range) changes in WC and HC were +0.06 cm (−4.50 to 4.00) and +0.00 cm (−4.00 to 3.97) in the LA arm, and +1.14 cm (−3.00 to 5.09) and +0.13 cm (−3.10 to 4.00) in the BIC/FTC/TAF arm. There were no clinically relevant changes in WHtR, WHR, or the proportion with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance in either arm.

Conclusions:

Standardized changes in weight, BMI, and body composition were minor and similar between participant switching to CAB + RPV LA Q2M or continuing BIC/FTC/TAF, with no clinically relevant changes in metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance.
Development and Validation of the Predictive and Prognostic ChemoResist Signature in Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Lei , Han Quanli , Zhao Liangchao , Wang Zhikuan , Dai Guanghai , Shi Yan
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To develop and validate a signature to precisely predict prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergoing resection and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Summary Background Data:

PDAC is largely heterogeneous, and responds discrepantly to treatment.

Methods:

551 consecutive patients with PDAC from 3 tertiary centers were initially enrolled. Genetic events of the four most commonly mutated genes in PDAC and expressions of 12 PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway markers were examined. A 9-feature signature for prediction of chemotherapy benefits was constructed in the training cohort using the LASSO Cox regression model, and validated in 2 independent cohorts.

Results:

Utilizing the LASSO model, a predictive and prognostic signature, named ChemoResist, was established based on KRAS SNV, PTEN and mTOR expressions, and six clinicopathologic features. Significant differences in survival were observed between high- and low-ChemoResist patients receiving chemotherapy in both the training (median OS, 17 vs. 42 months, P<0.001; median DFS, 10 vs. 23 months, P<0.001) and validation cohorts (median OS, 18 vs. 35 months, P=0.034; median DFS, 11 vs. 20 months, P=0.028). The ChemoResist classifier also significantly differentiated patient survival in the whole patients regardless of chemotherapy. Multivariable-adjusted analysis substantiated the ChemoResist signature as an independent predictive and prognostic factor. For predicting 2-year OS, the ChemoResist classifier had significantly higher AUC than TNM stage (0.788 vs. 0.636, P<0.001), other clinicopathologic characteristics (0.505-0.668), and single molecular markers (0.507-0.591) in the training cohort. Furthermore, patients with low ChemoResist score exhibited a more favorable response to adjuvant chemotherapy compared to those with high ChemoResist score (HR for OS: training, 0.22 vs. 0.57; validation, 0.26 vs. 0.50; HR for DFS: training, 0.35 vs. 0.54; validation, 0.18 vs. 0.59). The ChemoResist signature was further validated in the total cohort undergoing R0 resection.

Conclusions:

The ChemoResist signature could precisely predict survival in PDAC undergoing resection and chemotherapy, and its predictive value surpassed TNM stage and other clinicopathologic factors. Moreover, the ChemoResist classifier could assist with identifying patients who would more likely benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
Immunogenicity of bivalent versus monovalent mRNA booster vaccination among adult paramedics in Canada who had received three prior mRNA wild-type doses
Authors: Asamoah-Boaheng Michael , Goldfarb David M. , Kayda Iryna , Yap Justin , Kirkham Tracy , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Demers Paul , Copp Jeffrey M. , Grunau Brian
Published: December 2024

Introduction Comparative immunogenicity from different mRNA booster vaccines (directed at wild-type [WT], BA.1, or BA.4/5 antigens) remains unclear. Methods We included blood samples from adult paramedics who received three mRNA WT-directed vaccines plus a fourth dose of: (1) WT monovalent; (2) Moderna BA.1-WT bivalent; or (3) Pfizer BA.4/5-WT bivalent vaccine. The primary outcome was angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) inhibition to BA.4/5 antigen. We used optimal pair matching (using age, sex-at-birth, preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection, and fourth vaccine-to-blood collection interval) to create balanced groups to individually compare each vaccine type to each other vaccine (overall, within subgroups defined by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and after combining BA.1 and BA.4/5 cases). We compared outcomes with Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test. Results Overall, 158 paramedics (mean age 45 years) were included. ACE-2 inhibition was higher for BA.1 compared to WT (p=0.002); however, no difference was detected between BA.4/5 vs. WT, or BA.1 vs BA.4/5. Among cases with preceding SARS-CoV-2, there were no between-group differences. Among cases without preceding SARS-CoV-2, the only difference was BA.1 > WT (p=0.003). BA.1 and BA.4/5 cases combined had higher ACE2 inhibition than WT (p = 0.003). Conclusion Omicron-directed vaccines appear to improve Omicron-specific immunogenicity; however, this appears limited to SARS-CoV-2-naïve individuals.
Inferior Caballeronia symbiont lacks conserved symbiosis genes
Authors: Martinez Kaisy , Stillson Patrick T. , Ravenscraft Alison
Published: December 2024

Pentatomomorphan bugs can form symbiotic associations with bacteria belonging to the supergenus Burkholderia sensu lato. This relationship has become a model for understanding environmental symbiont acquisition. Host insects can utilize various symbiont strains from across Burkholderia sensu lato; however, host colonization success and benefits conferred vary by bacterial clade. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis aimed at identifying candidate genes that underpin beneficial symbioses within this system. We scanned the entire Burkholderiaceae family for the presence of 17 colonization-associated genes, as well as 88 candidate genes that are differentially expressed during symbiosis. There was no difference in the distribution of the 17 colonization-associated genes between symbiotic (Caballeronia and insect-associated plant beneficial and environmental clade) and non-symbiotic lineages; however, there was a higher prevalence of the 88 candidate genes in the insect symbiont lineages. We subsequently analysed the genomes of nine symbiotic Caballeronia species that confer varying fitness benefits to their insect hosts. One symbiont species was significantly worse, one was significantly better and the remaining seven were intermediate in terms of conferred host fitness benefits. We found that species possessing a higher number of the candidate genes conferred faster host development time. Furthermore, we identified two candidate genes that were missing in the least beneficial species but present in the other eight, suggesting that these genes may be important in modulating symbiont quality. Our study suggests that the mechanisms required for host colonization are broadly distributed across Burkholderiaceae, but the genes that determine symbiont quality are more prevalent in insect-associated species. This work helps to identify genes that influence this highly specialized yet diverse symbiosis between Pentatomomorphan insects and Burkholderiaceae bacteria.
Stress enhances memory for previously encoded events depending on stressor recall
Authors: Lilja Antonia , Fernandez Guillen , Schwabe Lars
Published: December 2024

Stressful events are typically well remembered, but their effects on memory for surrounding neutral events and the underlying mechanisms remain less clear. We hypothesized that stress would enhance memory for events surrounding the stressor, contingent on the memory of the stressor itself. Additionally, we predicted that memory for neutral events would be modulated by pairing them with stressor-related cues. To test these hypotheses, 122 healthy participants encoded a series of images before and after experiencing a stressful or control episode. During encoding, images were preceded by cues from stressor or control contexts. Memory for the stress or control episode and the encoded images was tested 24 h later. Our results showed enhanced memory prioritization, reflected in better memory for central versus peripheral features, for the stressful compared to the control episode. Exposure to the stressful episode further enhanced memory for neutral images preceding the stressor. However, this memory boost occurred only in participants with enhanced memory prioritization for the stressor. Memory for stimuli encoded after the stressor remained unaffected, and there was no evidence for the proposed cueing mechanism. These findings indicate that stressful events enhance memory consolidation only when these events themselves are distinctly represented in memory.
Tunable counterpropagating twin photon source
Authors: Peralta Amores Albert , Swillo Marcin
Published: December 2024

We present an optical configuration for the generation of degenerate counterpropagating photon pairs via spontaneous-parametric down-conversion in subwavelength thin waveguides with 4¯3m symmetry. The generated photon pairs exhibit orthogonal polarizations and excite TE- and TM-like modes. Compensation of the momentum mismatch between the excited modes by pump tilting enables tunable degenerate emission across the S, C, and L bands (1400 to 1600 nm). Experimental verification confirms an efficiency of ≈10−5 photon pairs per pump photon with an expected linewidth of 0.3 nm in 2-mm-long Ga0.51In0.49P waveguides.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Tackling food waste: unveiling causes, implications and solutions in Oman's fresh and short food supply chain
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed , Al Balushi Mohammed , Zubairu Nasiru
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates food waste within the food supply chain (FSC), for the case of fresh and short FSC (FS-FSC), aiming to (1) reveal the major causes of waste across FSC (2) identify the food waste mitigation strategies, (3) measure food waste impacts at each supply stream, and (4) propose practical initiatives to support decision/policymakers in strategic food waste management, especially in the case country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a mixed-method approach to investigating food waste, examining existing literature using template analysis. The focus is on three key elements: factors enabling food waste, its final destinations, and strategies to reduce it. The study then gathers information from a prominent regional retailer and consumers through interviews and surveys. The empirical data collected is then analysed using template analysis and descriptive statistics.

Findings

This research highlights key waste enablers across the food supply chain networks, including procurement and storage, processing, operation strategy, people, and consumers. The enablers differed in the amount of food waste produced, and the research outcome demonstrates that the end consumers were the largest contributors to the food waste generated. The changes in people's habits and tastes significantly affect the FS-FSC. Interestingly, results demonstrated that 40% of consumers utilise food leftovers as pet food.

Practical implications

The proposed food waste management initiatives can help companies minimise and mitigate food waste at each supply chain stage. Practitioners can use the identified causes and mitigation strategies to implement mitigation efforts and translate them into actionable plans.

Originality/value

The article outlines a practical approach for addressing food waste in an FS-FSC case throughout the entire chain, encompassing supply, distribution, catering, delivery, and consumption. The study not only sheds light on the primary reasons for food wastage but also provides insights into potential solutions that are not only effective but also feasible in real-world scenarios.
Revisiting consumer loyalty: luxury brand extension into restaurants and cafés
Authors: Kim Sanghee , Cuevas Leslie , Chang Hyo Jung (Julie)
Published: December 2024

Purpose

With luxury brands extending into restaurants and cafés, the definition of luxury consumption no longer refers to tangible products alone but to intangible and authentic experiences as well. Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response framework (SOR) and the costly signalling theory, this study explores the sequential mechanisms of experiences in luxury brands’ restaurants and cafés among Korean and US consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study distributed online surveys in South Korea and the US and recruited 419 participants (South Korea = 210; US = 209). PLS-SEM and multigroup analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Perceived quality influenced perceived luxury values positively and led to consumers’ loyalty to both the parent brand (i.e. luxury fashion brand) and extended brand (i.e. luxury restaurants and cafés).

Originality/value

Luxury brands seek to offer their consumers authentic and extraordinary experiences. By merging luxury fashion with gastronomy, these brands can foster synergistic long-term relationships with consumers and enhance their brand equity in the global luxury market. Our results also demonstrated that such expansion contributes to competitive advantages in luxury fashion retailing by increasing their intangible values in addition to their parent luxury fashion brands. Further, in the context of globalisation, this research provides insights into how luxury retailers’ novel approach to the F&B sector can enhance consumers’ loyalty across different cultures and strengthen their global luxury retail strategy.
Mini-programs as substitution or promotion? Deciphering the cross-channel impact on e-marketplace purchases
Authors: Wang Juan , Fang Jie , Wang Yuting
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study disentangles the impact of consumers’ adoption of mini-program channels on social media on their purchase behavior in e-marketplaces from a multichannel retailer’s perspective and examines the moderating roles of two types of brand messages (informational and transformational messages).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 2,204 transaction records from a Chinese multichannel retailer, this study used a Poisson regression model with fixed effects for empirical testing. The case of the WeChat mini-program in China was employed.

Findings

Adopting mini-program channels on social media reduces consumers’ purchase frequency but increases their purchase breadth in e-marketplaces. Moreover, informational messages worsen the negative effect of mini-program channel use on purchase frequency. In contrast, transformational messages reduce the negative effect of mini-program channel use on purchase frequency and amplify its positive effect on purchase breadth.

Practical implications

Managers can effectively leverage mini-programs to widen the range of consumers’ product purchases in e-marketplaces and the intensity of transformation messages posted within mini-programs to alleviate their negative impact on purchase frequency in e-marketplaces.

Originality/value

Previous studies only focus on the intrachannel impact of mini-program channels; however, this study highlights their cross-channel impact. Its findings underscore the dual role of mini-program channel use in e-marketplaces. Additionally, the nuanced moderating effects of informational and transformational messages enrich our understanding of mini-program channels on social media. Moreover, a substitution framework is utilized to understand the cross-channel effects generated by mini-program channels, demonstrating the applicability and generalizability of the framework in a new context.
Self-service technologies in retail stores: how phygital retailing creates customer value and drives choice confidence
Authors: Stan Valentina , Baltas George , Pourot-Feenstra Florence
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical study is to consider the interaction of self-service technologies (SSTs) with retail customers, exploring how retail customers perceive SST value and how this value affects their choice confidence when shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

We carried out a large shopper survey in collaboration with six French mass retailers. Digital kiosks and interactive tablets were the focal SSTs. Partial least squares-path modelling (PLS-PM) was used to test our cost‒benefit conceptual framework and the corresponding research hypotheses. Furthermore, through multigroup comparison analysis, we tested the moderating effect of customers’ subjective knowledge of the product category.

Findings

Functional and interactive benefits/costs arising from SST usage determine customer perceived value. The key notion of perceived SST value implies that people make favourable cost‒benefit tradeoffs. Customer choice confidence is positively affected by perceived SST value. Customer product category knowledge plays a key role as a moderator of human–SST interactions in phygital retail settings.

Originality/value

This paper is concerned with the role of SST in creating phygital experiences and delivering value to retail customers. This is a first attempt at examining how perceived SST value affects customer choice confidence and what role customer product category knowledge plays.
Past, present and future of AI in marketing and knowledge management
Authors: Marvi Reza , Foroudi Pantea , Cuomo Maria Teresa
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and marketing within the context of knowledge management (KM). It investigates how AI technologies facilitate data-driven decision-making, enhance business communication, improve customer personalization, optimize marketing campaigns and boost overall marketing effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative and systematic approach, integrating citation analysis, text mining and co-citation analysis to examine foundational research areas and the evolution of AI in marketing. This comprehensive analysis addresses the current gap in empirical investigations of AI’s influence on marketing and its future developments.

Findings

This study identifies three main perspectives that have shaped the foundation of AI in marketing: proxy, tool and ensemble views. It develops a managerially relevant conceptual framework that outlines future research directions and expands the boundaries of AI and marketing literature within the KM landscape.

Originality/value

This research proposes a conceptual model that integrates AI and marketing within the KM context, offering new research trajectories. This study provides a holistic view of how AI can enhance knowledge sharing, strategic planning and decision-making in marketing.
Influence of brand community social responsibility on consumer citizenship behaviors: mediating role of collective self esteem
Authors: Guo Xiaoxuan , He Yuan , Wang Yucheng , Zhou Zhimin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing from social contagion theory, this study aims to clarify whether consumers become motivated to help a brand and its community when observing other members contributing to society. The authors also analyzed the boundary conditions and mechanisms of this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used to test hypotheses. Study 1 collected survey data from Chinese automobile brand communities, which were analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Study 2 conducted an experiment with a fictional Chinese smartphone brand community.

Findings

Results showed that brand community social responsibility influenced brand community citizenship behavior but did not directly influence brand citizenship behavior. Collective self-esteem respectively mediated the relationships between brand community social responsibility and both brand community citizenship behavior and brand citizenship behavior. Additionally, a sequential mediation mechanism was identified, where collective self-esteem and brand community citizenship behavior functioned as the first and second mediators. Furthermore, membership duration positively moderated the relationship between brand community social responsibility and collective self-esteem and moderated the mediation effects.

Practical implications

Brand community managers should conduct various social responsibility activities to elicit community and brand citizenship behaviors by cultivating ethical awareness. These activities should be tailored to the membership duration.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore how brand community social responsibility cultivates community and brand citizenship behavior. It is also based on social contagion theory to demonstrate the sequential mediation mechanism.
The genomic landscape of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Kato Junji , Hida Tokimasa , Idogawa Masashi , Tokino Takashi , Uhara Hisashi
Published: December 2024

Comprehensive studies of the genetic profiles of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in Japanese patients have been lacking, although an understanding of these profiles is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. Since 2019, comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) has been covered by Japan's health insurance, and the resulting data have been compiled into a comprehensive database by the country's Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C‐CAT). In this retrospective study, we used CGP data from the C‐CAT database to analyze genomic characteristics of cSCC in Japanese patients. The patients' clinical and genomic data, including the chemotherapy regimens, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and survival status, were obtained. We analyzed the cases of 152 patients, with only those evaluated by the FoundationOne® CDx included for accuracy. Among the 152 patients, the most common gene oncogenic alterations were observed in TP53 (67%), CDKN2A (54%), TERT (49%), CDKN2B (33%), and NOTCH1 (18%). TMB‐high (≥10 mut/Mb) was observed in 27% (n = 41) of the patients, with a median age of 75 years for this group. TMB‐low (<10 mut/Mb) was observed in 73% (n = 111) of the patients; their median age was 67 years.