bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimization on 2D-SLAM Map Construction Algorithm Based on LiDAR
Authors: Li Zhuoran , Chamran Kazem , Alobaedy Mustafa Muwafak , Sheikh Muhammad Aman , Siddiqui Tahir , Ahad Abdul
Published: September 2024

When a mobile robot moves in an unknown environment, the emergence of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology becomes crucial for accurately perceiving its surroundings and determining its position in the environment. SLAM technology successfully addresses the issues of low localization accuracy and inadequate real-time performance of traditional mobile robots. In this paper, the Robot Operating System (ROS) robot system is used as a research platform for the 2D laser SLAM problem based on the scan matching method. The study investigates the following aspects: enhancing the scan matching process of laser SLAM through the utilization of the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) method; improving the optimization map by exploring the traditional Hector-SLAM algorithm and 2D-SDF-SLAM algorithm, and employing the Weighted Signed Distance Function (WSDF) map for map enhancement and optimization; proposing a method for enhanced relocation using the Cartographer algorithm; establishing the experimental environment and conducting experiments utilizing the ROS robot system. Comparing and analyzing the improved SLAM method with the traditional SLAM method, the experiment proves that the improved SLAM method outperforms in terms of localization and mapping accuracy. The research in this paper offers a robust solution to the challenge of localizing and mapping mobile robots in unfamiliar environments, making a significant contribution to the advancement of intelligent mobile robot technology.
Hazards, Risks and Selected Security Problems in Unnmaned Aircraft Vehicles Operations
Authors: Osiecki Mateusz , Cyran Klaudia , Dębowski Leon
Published: September 2024

This article pertains to hazards and risk as well as selected security problems in unmanned aircraft vehicles operations from legal and policy perspective. It covers regulations concerning drones, statistics, safety promotion in drone sector and key risk areas. In the current world, there is a need for new legal provisions and technical solutions that will bring stability and security to public airspace. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, more reliable hardware, and efficient software, new threats for the public domain are emerging that we have never faced before. The usage of UAVs is limited only by human imagination. It is already used in search and rescue (SAR) missions (increasing search coverage and reducing the risk of rescuers), the professional movie industry (creating breathtaking shots), or the agricultural sector (plants optimization). Hence the need to identify key safety and security concerns that might disrupt such operations.
Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Intention to use Generative Artificial Intelligence in Inquiry-Based Teaching
Authors: Ramnarain Umesh , Ogegbo Ayodele Abosede , Penn Mafor , Ojetunde Segun , Mdlalose Noluthando
Published: September 2024

This research investigated pre-service science teachers’ intention to use generative artificial intelligence (AI) in inquiry-based teaching using Azjen’s Theory of Planned Behavior. Quantitative data were collected by means of a survey that was administered to pre-service teachers enrolled for an undergraduate teacher education degree at a South African public university. Thereafter, through interviews, the study investigated how the pre-service teachers explained their intentions to use AI in inquiry-based teaching. The survey results showed that pre-service teachers’ AI literacy, subjective norm, attitude to the use of AI, perceived behavioral control, and perceived usefulness have significant effects on their intention to use AI for inquiry-based teaching. However, pre-service teachers’ concern about generative AI and their perceived skill readiness had no significant effect on their intention to use AI. The findings of the interviews that were presented as themes provided some corroboration of the results of the survey. In exploiting the use of AI to drive inquiry-based teaching, the findings of this study provide some insight into possible enablers and inhibitors in the use of AI for inquiry in the classroom. From a practical perspective, these findings could inform teacher educators on issues they may engage pre-service science teachers when discussing the uses of AI.
CRITERION OF THE GLOBAL SOLVABILITY OF REGULAR AND SINGULAR DIFFERENTIAL-ALGEBRAIC EQUATIONS
Authors: Filipkovska Maria
Published: September 2024

For regular and nonregular (singular) semilinear differential-algebraic equations (DAEs), we prove theorems on the existence and uniqueness of global solutions and on the blow-up of solutions, which allow one to identify the sets of initial values for which the initial value problem has global solutions and/or for which solutions are blow-up in finite time, as well as the regions that the solutions cannot leave. Together these theorems provide a criterion of the global solvability of semilinear DAEs. As a consequence, we obtain conditions for the global boundedness of solutions.
Building Collective Power to Advance Maternal and Child Health Equity: Lessons from the New Orleans Maternal and Child Health Coalition
Authors: Johnson Iman , Vilda Dovile , Allen Emma , Boisson Desiree , Daniel Clare , Giwa Latona , Goldin Evans Melissa , Ledet Hali , Richardson Lisa , Wallace Maeve
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The New Orleans Maternal Child Health Coalition convenes to support and amplify the work of New Orleans-based individuals and organizations working to reduce disparities and protect the health of birthing families in the New Orleans area. The objectives of this qualitative study were to identify successes, challenges, and areas of growth for the Coalition and develop broadly generalizable recommendations for similar groups seeking to mobilize and advance health equity in their own communities.

Methods

Using purposive sampling, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants from within and outside of the Coalition. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data was analyzed using inductive and deductive coding approaches.

Results

We identified themes relating to the barriers and facilitators to the maintenance of the Coalition, as well as opportunities to advance the mission of the Coalition. Some themes included structural- and systemic-level barriers to achieving the mission, varying perspectives on the effectiveness of the Coalition, opportunities to enhance the operations of the Coalition’s work, and opportunities to involve other individuals, particularly those with lived experience, and non-MCH related sectors in Coalition’s work.

Conclusions for Practice

As the maternal health crisis continues, coalitions like the New Orleans MCH Coalition provide a vehicle to amplify the mission-driven work of people and organizations. Recommendations put forth by the Coalition can also be utilized by coalitions in other jurisdictions.
Ammonium nutrition enhances rhizosphere mobilization and uptake of silicon in white lupin grown in low phosphorus soil
Authors: Kravljanac Ljiljana Kostic , Pavlovic Jelena , Bosnic Predrag , Kostic Igor , Trailovic Maja , Dubljanin Tijana , Nikolic Miroslav
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

While nitrogen (N) supply can enhance plant silicon (Si) accumulation, the mechanisms by which different forms of N affect Si mobilization in the rhizosphere are not well understood. This study aims to elucidate how pH changes induced by ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) affect Si availability in the rhizosphere, especially under low phosphorus (P) conditions.

Methods

White lupin (Lupinus albus) plants were grown in non-fertilized low-P soil, supplied with a low dose of N, either as NH4+ or NO3−, with or without supply of monosilicic acid. We measured Si levels in various rhizosphere soil pools, along with different plant and rhizosphere soil parameters.

Results

The addition of NH4+ significantly lowered rhizosphere pH and decreased both Si adsorbed to pedogenic Fe/Mn oxides and amorphous phytogenic Si, resulting in higher concentrations of plant available Si in the white lupin rhizosphere. This led to greater Si uptake and improved plant growth compared to both the –N and + NO3− treatments. The supply of Si further enhanced these effects, with NH4+ showing a consistently different pattern of influence compared to NO3−. Additionally, –N white lupin plants accumulated more P than those treated with N, while Si supply significantly improved P acquisition across all treatments.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that rhizosphere acidification induced by NH4+ nutrition can significantly enhance Si mobilization from the rhizosphere soil in the absence of Si supply and reduce Si adsorption when Si is applied. These findings may have practical implications for improving both Si mobilization in the rhizosphere and the effectiveness of Si fertilizers.
Comparative science mapping: a novel conceptual structure analysis with metadata
Authors: Aria Massimo , Cuccurullo Corrado , D’Aniello Luca , Misuraca Michelangelo , Spano Maria
Published: September 2024

Textual analyses on scientific publications are increasingly employed in Bibliometrics to explore the conceptual structure of a research domain, often overlooking other rich metadata that can provide deeper insights into the scientific landscape of reference. This paper introduces an innovative technique to explore the conceptual structure of different observation units in a joint representation. The proposed strategy segments bibliographic datasets based on several metadata dimensions, such as the authors (and their characteristics), the corresponding institutions, or their geographical localisation. It provides detailed maps that depict multiple conceptual frameworks, allowing for detailed comparisons and insights in a joint visualisation. We employed these strategic diagrams to visualise and analyse the oncological research of Italian Academic Medical Centres (AMCs), particularly focusing on public institutions. The analysis focuses on how different AMCs specialise and interact, providing a comparative framework that aids AMCs themselves in directing their research strategies toward innovative fronts. Furthermore, these visualisations can assist policymakers and healthcare stakeholders in understanding the broader research environment, which is crucial for informed decision-making regarding funding and policy development related to the AMCs’ triple mission.
The mutual reinforcement of scientific and technological knowledge—a technology-level analysis
Authors: Szczygielski Krzysztof , Mycielski Jerzy
Published: September 2024

While the contribution of science to technological progress has been empirically confirmed, the literature looking at the positive feedback from technology to science remains limited, because of the constrained citation linkages. We apply a novel machine-learning-based method to attribute 2.5 million scientific articles to the categories of WIPO patent taxonomy. We then employ Granger causality analysis to study the coevolution of technological and scientific knowledge over more than 25 years. We demonstrate that the evolution of scientific output is a good predictor of the evolution of technology production, while the opposite effect is weaker. Looking at individual WIPO technology fields, we find significant effects in about one-third of categories.
Do Changes in Journal Rank Influence Publication Output? Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Zhuanlan , Zhang Chenwei , Pang Ka Lok , Tang Ying , Li Yiwei
Published: September 2024

Despite considerable progress in understanding the journal evaluation system in China, empirical evidence remains limited regarding the impact of changes in journal rank (CJR) on scientific output. By employing the difference-in-differences (DID) framework, we exploit panel data from 2015 to 2019 to examine the effect of changes in journal ranks on the number of publications by Chinese researchers. Our analysis involves comparing two groups—journals that experienced a change in ranking and journals that did not—before and after the change in ranking. Our analysis reveals a statistically significant negative effect. The results suggest that CJR has led to a 14.81% decrease in the number of publications per 100, relative to the sample mean value. The observed negative impact is consistently confirmed through robustness tests that involve excluding journals that do not adhere to best practices, removing retracted publications from the calculation of publication numbers, and randomly selecting journals with changed ranks for estimation. We also observed that CJR exhibits a widespread but unequal effect. The negative effect is particularly pronounced in the academic domains of life sciences and physical sciences, in journals that experience declines in rank, and in less-prestigious universities. We contribute to the literature on how changes in journal rankings affect researchers’ academic behavior and the determinants of scholarly publication productivity.
The Experience of Housing Discrimination and Housing Deprivation Across Social Groups in Ireland
Authors: Grotti Raffaele , Russell Helen , Maître Bertrand , Gritti Davide
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on housing inequalities across diverse social groups with respect to two housing indicators: subjective housing discrimination; and objective housing deprivation. By scrutinizing the correspondence in inequalities between the two indicators, we enhance the measurement of housing inequality and at the same time we shed light on the relationship between subjective and objective dimensions of housing— a relationship that has received little empirical examination so far. Existing research suggests that housing discrimination can contribute to housing deprivation through two channels: inadequate information and limited economic resources. Our focus is the post-2008 housing market crash era in Ireland. We use two separate large-scale individual-level surveys, the QNHS (2004, 2010, 2014) for analysing housing discrimination and SILC (2014, 2015) for analysing housing deprivation. Our findings reveal a robust convergence between perceptions of housing discrimination and objective housing deprivation across various social groups. Traditionally vulnerable groups—such as young individuals, those with disabilities, non-natives (excluding EU citizenship holders), single parents, and individuals without children—experience both discrimination and deprivation. Notably, certain groups exhibit persistent disparities in discrimination and disadvantage, even after considering factors like human capital, regional and tenure differences.
High dietary Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal compromises growth performance, carcass traits, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality of broilers
Authors: Mthana Makiwa Simeon , Mthiyane Doctor Mziwenkosi Nhlanhla
Published: October 2024

Usage of soyabean meal (SBM) in broiler diets is economically and environmentally unsustainable thus necessitating investigation of alternative protein sources. Therefore, this study investigated effects of incremental inclusion levels of Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) for partial substitution of SBM in broiler diets. In a completely randomized design (CRD), 400 day-old Ross 308 chicks were allotted to 5 iso-caloric-nitrogenous MSM-containing (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) dietary treatments. Each treatment was replicated 8 times, with each pen having 10 birds, during starter (d1 – 14), grower (d15 – 28), and finisher (d29 – 42) phases. Results showed that dietary MSM decreased feed intake (FI: quadratic: P < 0.001), body weight gain (BWG: linear: P < 0.001), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE: linear: P < 0.001) as it linearly decreased slaughter weight (SW: P < 0.001), hot carcass weight (HCW: P < 0.001), cold carcass weight (CCW: P < 0.001), dressing percentage (P < 0.001), and breast weight (P < 0.05). In contrast, dietary MSM linearly increased the weights of the liver (P < 0.01), proventriculus (P < 0.001), gizzard (P < 0.001), duodenum (P = 0.01), jejunum (P < 0.001), ileum (P < 0.001), caecum (P < 0.01), and colon (P < 0.01). Also, dietary MSM quadratically increased blood heterophils (P < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.05) of the chickens whilst linearly increasing their serum amylase (P = 0.001) and lipase (P = 0.001) activities and linearly decreasing their serum symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA: P = 0.001) and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Further, dietary MSM linearly decreased chicken breast meat ultimate pH (P < 0.05) whilst linearly increasing its cooking loss (P < 0.01), drip loss (P < 0.05) and shear force (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary MSM compromised growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers as it increased the weights of their digestive-metabolic organs.
Mammary carcinoma in a male cat following long-term medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Pîrvu Adina Mihaela , Cappelleri Andrea , Sala Laura , Banco Barbara , Giudice Chiara , Stefanello Damiano , Militaru Manuella , Grieco Valeria
Published: September 2024

In male cats, as in men, mammary carcinomas are rarely reported. However, like in females, hormonal therapy is a significant risk factor. This study reports the case of an 11-year-old male cat with multiple mammary tumours and a history of long-term medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy for the suppression of sexual behaviour, along with a brief review of the literature. Complete surgical removal of the right mammary chain and the ipsilateral inguinal lymph nodes was performed, and all tissues were submitted for histology. Histological examination revealed the presence of a tumour in the third and fourth mammary glands, consisting of neoplastic cells arranged in various structures, including tubulopapillary and tubular structures, sometimes cystically dilated, and solid areas. The inguinal lymph nodes were also involved. The morphology was consistent with a diagnosis of mammary carcinoma, tubulopapillary type, with nodal metastases. Immunohistochemistry revealed that tumour cells were positive for cytokeratin (clones AE1/AE3), while stromal cells were positive for vimentin (clone V9). The proliferation marker Ki-67, evaluated on both the primary tumour and the nodal metastases, was strongly expressed in the nuclei of neoplastic cells, with a Ki-67 proliferation index of 8.9% and 20% for the primary tumour and the metastases, respectively. This case highlights the importance of considering the possibility of malignant mammary tumours not only in female but also in male cats with a history of long-term hormonal treatment for suppression of sexual behaviour.
Exploring acid mine drainage treatment through adsorption: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Dube Vuyiswa , Phiri Zebron , Kuvarega Alex Tawanda , Mamba Bhekie Brilliance , de Kock Lueta-Ann
Published: October 2024

Discharge of acidic wastewater from mining activities (acid mine drainage (AMD)) is a major global environmental and public health issue. Although several approaches, including chemical precipitation and membrane technology, have been developed to treat AMD, adsorption has emerged as the most promising technology due to its cost-effectiveness and efficacy. Despite the wide adoption of adsorption in treating AMD, the evolution of research in this area remains poorly understood. To address this gap, a bibliometric analysis of the most recent literature involving the application of adsorption in AMD remediation was conducted by merging datasets of articles from Scopus (1127) and the Web of Science Core Collection (1422), over the past decade (2013–2022). This analysis revealed a yearly increase of 11% in research publications, primarily contributed by China, the United States, and South Africa. Keyword analysis revealed that natural schwertmannites and their transformations, activated carbon, zeolites, and clay minerals, are the most extensively employed adsorbents for the removal of common metals (arsenic, chromium, iron, manganese, among others). The findings underscore the need for future focuses on recovering rare earth elements, using nanoparticles and modified materials, pursuing low-cost, sustainable solutions, integrating hybrid technologies, pilot-scale studies, exploring circular economic applications of AMD sludges, and inter-continental collaborations. These insights hold significant future implications, serving as a valuable reference to stakeholders in the mining industry.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in black crusts on stone monuments in Milan: detection, quantification, distributions, and source assessment
Authors: Ricciardi Maria , Faggiano Antonio , Fiorentino Antonino , Carotenuto Maurizio , Bergomi Andrea , Comite Valeria , Motta Oriana , Proto Antonio , Fermo Paola
Published: September 2024

In the field of conservation of cultural heritage, one must always consider the environmental conditions in which the works of art are located and the level of atmospheric pollution to which they are exposed, especially in the case of monuments stored outdoors. The present study is focused on the detection and the quantification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in black crust samples from the Monumental Cemetery of Milan (Italy), and the assessment of their sources through the analysis of the distributions of the different compounds in the samples, together with the use of diagnostic ratios. Six black crust samples taken from funerary monuments were analyzed. Fourteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were identified (naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) by high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC–DAD), with a total concentration from 0.72 to 3.81 μg/g (mean of 1.87 μg/g). The known carcinogenic benzo[a]pyrene accounted for 5–10% of the total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the samples analyzed, with concentrations up to 0.20 μg/g. Moreover, the study of the distribution and diagnostic ratios allowed us to confirm that anthropogenic sources such as traffic and the proximity of the train station are the major causes of the degradation of the monuments contained in this Cemetery.
How AI Systems Can Be Blameworthy
Authors: Altehenger Hannah , Menges Leonhard , Schulte Peter
Published: October 2024

AI systems, like self-driving cars, healthcare robots, or Autonomous Weapon Systems, already play an increasingly important role in our lives and will do so to an even greater extent in the near future. This raises a fundamental philosophical question: who is morally responsible when such systems cause unjustified harm? In the paper, we argue for the admittedly surprising claim that some of these systems can themselves be morally responsible for their conduct in an important and everyday sense of the term—the attributability sense. More specifically, relying on work by Nomy Arpaly and Timothy Schroeder (In Praise of Desire, OUP 2014), we propose that the behavior of these systems can manifest their ‘quality of will’ and thus be regarded as something they can be blameworthy for. We develop this position in detail, justify some of its crucial presuppositions, and defend it against potential objections.
Why are City Residents Less Happy than the Rest of the Population in Developed Countries? Studying the Urban-Rural Happiness Gap in Denmark Using Blinder-Oaxaca Decomposition
Authors: Sørensen Jens Fyhn Lykke
Published: October 2024

In Denmark, and in developed countries in general, urban residents tend to report lower subjective well-being than rural residents. This difference has been referred to as a happiness paradox as cities historically have pulled in residents from the countryside in what has become known as the rural exodus. This paper explores the urban-rural happiness gap in Denmark. Using the Danish Rural-Urban Survey administered in 2011/2012 (n = 2000), the paper compares the respondents who live in the five largest cities in Denmark (Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, and Esbjerg) to the respondents who live in other parts of the country. The residents in the five largest cities report significantly lower life satisfaction than residents in the rest of the country. In contrast to evidence from other developed countries, this urban-rural happiness gap is found to be consistent across groups in the Danish society, e.g., across age, education, and employment groups. Further, the results show that the urban-rural happiness gap loses its statistical significance - and the two groups display similar satisfaction levels - when adjusting for several important factors. Decomposition analyses reveal that differences in urban-rural characteristics explain up to 94% of the urban-rural happiness gap. Of these urban-rural characteristics, lower access to nature amenities, lower bonding social capital, lower rates of retired people, and higher rates of non-native residents in the five largest cities in Denmark were found to account for up to 37%, 22%, 14%, and 9% of the urban-rural happiness gap, respectively.
The Republican and Retributivist Punishment of Police Misconduct
Authors: Goldrosen Nicholas
Published: September 2024

This paper conceptualizes the administrative punishment of police misconduct as a republican retributivist endeavor. Blameworthiness for police misconduct stems from its collective and civic harms to liberty — as conceived of as equal protection, rather than non-interference. Police have a special obligation to uphold liberty. Failing to uphold these conditions of liberty is what makes misconduct blameworthy. Police misconduct, insofar as it represents the arbitrary domination of some people over others, threatens republican freedom. I trace this conception of police misconduct across various categories of police misconduct, including criminal and non-criminal violations and violations that do and do not use police powers. While administrative punishment for police misconduct may be justified by its consequences, there also exists a retributive element to this punishment. Republicanism explains why officers are blameworthy for police misconduct, and retributivism explains why they ought to be punished for that blameworthiness. I conclude with an argument for why this republican retributivist paradigm is more coherent than traditional consequentialist or retributivist ones.
Environmental regulation and corporate green innovation: evidence from the implementation of the total energy consumption target in China
Authors: Su Larry
Published: October 2024

Using a continuous difference-in-differences (DID) model, this study examines the influence of environmental regulations on corporate green innovation. By analyzing a panel dataset of Chinese publicly listed companies spanning from 2010 to 2020, this study finds that stricter total energy consumption target (TECT) policies, in line with Porter’s hypothesis, have encouraged companies to increase their development of green inventions. Additionally, the study reveals that the positive relationship between TECT policies and corporate green innovation is strengthened by market competition and institutional development. Furthermore, the study finds that the Porter effect primarily affects firms operating in pollution-intensive industries within regions characterized by high energy consumption. This suggests that the TECT policies have effectively directed regions with high energy consumption to prioritize energy control objectives over economic expansion goals. These results emphasize the importance of formulating environmental policies that are tailored to the specific characteristics of different regions, sectors, and individual firms. By doing so, a more effective and targeted approach to sustainable transformation can be achieved.
Robot-assisted repair of ureteral stricture
Authors: Xu Mu-Yang , Song Zheng-yao , Liang Chao-Zhao
Published: September 2024

As robot-assisted laparoscopic techniques continue to advance, becoming increasingly complex and refined, there has been significant progress in the minimally invasive treatment of ureteral strictures. This abstract aims to provide an overview and description of various surgical techniques that utilize robots for repairing ureteral strictures. We have summarized the progression of these surgical methods and highlighted the latest advancements in the procedures. When compared to open surgery, robot-assisted reconstruction techniques demonstrate superior functional outcomes, fewer postoperative complications, and a faster recovery in the treatment of ureteral strictures. This abstract aims to provide an overview and description of various surgical techniques utilizing robots to repair ureteral strictures. Robotic ureteral stricture correction has emerged as a valuable therapeutic option, particularly when endoscopic procedures are not feasible. Compared to traditional open surgery, robotic methods exhibit superior therapeutic effectiveness, fewer postoperative complications, and accelerated recovery. Reconstructive procedures such as reimplantation, psoas hitch, Boari flap, ureter-to-ureter anastomosis, appendix graft, buccal mucosa graft (BMG), ileal transplantation, or kidney autotransplantation can be performed depending on the extent and location of the stricture. Robotic surgical techniques also offer advantages, such as an expanded field of vision and the incorporation of supplementary technologies such as FireflyTM, indocyanine green (ICG), and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging. However, further long-term, multicenter investigations are necessary to validate the positive findings reported in existing case series. Compared with open surgery, robot-assisted reconstruction techniques yield superior functional outcomes, fewer postoperative complications, and accelerated recovery for the treatment of ureteral strictures.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction
Authors: Bersang Ann Kortbæk , Rashu Badal Sheikho , Niebuhr Malene Hartwig , Fode Mikkel , Thomsen Frederik Ferløv
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To explore surgical, functional, and symptomatic outcomes in a series of patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty (RALP) for ureteropelvic junction obstruction using the DaVinci Si surgical robotic system.

Methods

Retrospective study including patients aged 16 years or older who underwent RALP from June 2016 to December2021. The following outcomes were recorded: operative outcome and complications [classified according to the Clavien–Dindo Classification (CD)] within 30 days of the procedure as well as 1 year success rate and restenosis during follow-up.

Results

In total, 194 patients were available for analyses with a median follow-up of 4.5 (IQR 3.0-6.0) years. The primary indications were loss of kidney function (45%), pain (36%), infection (11%), kidney stone (6%), and others (2%). The median operation time was 134 min (IQR 112-159), the median length of stay was 2 days (IQR 2-2), and the median time with double-j stent postoperatively was 24 days (IQR 22-27). Overall, 65 out of 194 patients (33%) experienced a postoperative complication (12% CD I, 13% CD II, 8% CD IIIa or IIIb). The 1 year success rate was 92% for patients treated because of deteriorating renal function, 78% for patients treated because of symptoms, 82% for patients treated because of infections, and 78% for patients treated because of kidney stones. Seven percent of the patients presented a recurrent ureteropelvic junction stricture during follow-up.

Conclusions

In our experience, robot-assisted laparoscopic Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty performed with the DaVinci Si system is a safe with a few major complications and acceptable success rate.
Medtronic’s Hugo™ robotic surgery system for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review of current worldwide experiences
Authors: Tehrani Mehrshad Sultani , Shepherd Andrew , Challacombe Ben
Published: September 2024

Urology’s pioneering role in surgical innovations, from cystoscopy to laparoscopic surgery, culminated in the twenty-first-century advent of robotic surgery. The dominant da Vinci® system faced new competition following its 2019 patent expiration. Medtronic’s Hugo™ system emerged. Its growing global adoption, especially in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), necessitates a systematic review, evaluating safety, feasibility, and comparison with established systems. A comprehensive search identified eligible studies of the Hugo™ robotic platform for RARP, presenting their current experiences. Following systematic screening, quality of eligible studies was assessed using ROBINS-I. Results then underwent a narrative synthesis. This systematic review analysed 19 eligible studies, consisting of 9 comparative and 10 single arm studies. Due to the non-randomised nature of the studies, a moderate risk of bias was concluded in most. On account of the high heterogeneity between studies, a narrative synthesis of data was enacted; categorised into themes relating to operative timings, transfer of skills, patient demographics, plus safety and feasibility. Eligible studies demonstrated the promise of the Hugo™ platform within these themes, in comparison to currently available platforms. Despite a paucity of high-quality randomised controlled trials, available evidence indicates Hugo™ as a promising, safe alternative for RARP. Positive experiences across diverse centres and surgeons revealed minimal differences in surgical outcomes compared to the established da Vinci® system, fostering global Hugo™ adoption. Despite evidence demonstrating Hugo™ safety and comparability, the review underscores the scarcity of high-quality evidence, attributing it to early stage implementation challenges.
Enhancing Close Quarters Battle Performance—The Effect of a Compact Training on the Tactical Performance and Stress Response of Non-Specialized and Special Forces
Authors: Ibrahim Fabio , Feildboy Eliran , Huber Yannik , Nagy David , Hennig Jürgen , Herzberg Philipp Yorck
Published: September 2024

Close Quarters Battle (CQB) is a highly challenging and relevant ability, especially with the increasing frequency of urban operations. Evaluating the impact of CQB training on performance and stress response can inform effective training approaches for different training levels. This study assessed the effects of a compact CQB training program on the tactical performance and physiological stress responses of police special forces and soldiers. A sample of N = 35 participants (n = 18 police special forces) conducted a CQB training and a pre- and post-CQB performance test (standardized eye-tracking and video-based evaluation by two experts). The stress response was measured during (heart rate), before, and after CQB (salivary αlpha-amylase and cortisol samples). The results indicated that the training enhanced the performance of specialized and non-specialized forces, particularly evident in tactical behavior, while response time and gaze behavior did not improve. Stress responses decreased post-training, and a positive correlation was found between the anticipatory stress response and pre-training performance. A CQB compact training proved effective in performance enhancement and stress reduction, with gaze behavior indicating in-depth CQB expertise. Moreover, the results indicated that a heightened anticipatory stress response enhances performance. These insights support the development of CQB training programs tailored for both novices and experts, using tactical behavior, weapon handling, gaze behavior, and response time as evaluation metrics. Gaze behavior, in particular, proved to be a reliable indicator of CQB mastery and can be leveraged for personnel selection and training assessments.
Evaluating Strategies to Assess the Differentiation Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Review, Analysis and Call for Innovation
Authors: Smith Lucy , Quelch-Cliffe Rebecca , Liu Felicity , Aguilar Alejandro Hidalgo , Przyborski Stefan
Published: September 2024

Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into all cells and tissues within the human body, and as a result they are attractive resources for use in basic research, drug discovery and regenerative medicine. In order to successfully achieve this application, starting cell sources ideally require in-depth characterisation to confirm their pluripotent status and their ability to differentiate into tissues representative of the three developmental germ layers. Many different methods to assess potency are employed, each having its own distinct advantages and limitations. Some aspects of this characterisation process are not always well standardised, particularly techniques used to assess pluripotency as a function. In this article, we consider the methods used to establish cellular pluripotency and subsequently analyse characterisation data for over 1590 human pluripotent cell lines from publicly available repositories in the UK and USA. In particular, we focus on the teratoma xenograft assay, its use and protocols, demonstrating the level of variation and the frequency with which it is used. Finally, we reflect on the implications of the findings, and suggest in vitro alternatives using modern innovative technology as a way forward.

Graphical Abstract
Tumor microenvironment as a complex milieu driving cancer progression: a mini review
Authors: Li Zhengrui , Li Jing , Bai Xiaolei , Huang Xufeng , Wang Qi
Published: September 2024

It has been spotlighted that the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) is crucial for comprehending cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, this comprehensive review elucidates the intricate architecture of the TME, which encompasses tumor cells, immune components, support cells, and a myriad of bioactive molecules. These constituents collectively foster dynamic interactions that underpin tumor growth, metastasis, and nuanced responses to anticancer therapies. Notably, the TME’s role extends beyond mere physical support, serving as a critical mediator in cancer-cell evolution, immune modulation, and treatment outcomes. Innovations targeting the TME, including strategies focused on the vasculature, immune checkpoints, and T-cell therapies, have forged new pathways for clinical intervention. However, the heterogeneity and complexity of the TME present significant challenges, necessitating deeper exploration of its components and their interplay to enhance therapeutic efficacy. This review underscores the imperative for integrated research strategies that amalgamate insights from tumor biology, immunology, and systems biology. Such an approach aims to refine cancer treatments and improve patient prognoses by exploiting the TME’s complexity.
Cultivating flexibility: the relationship between flexible organizational values, participation climate, and job attitudes from an employee perspective
Authors: Hafstad Marius D. , Bang Henning , Bjørkli Cato , Myklebust Trond , Fostervold Knut Inge
Published: October 2024

Adopting a flexible organizational culture have the potential to be a remedy for organizations that face globalization, technological advancements, and higher expectations from the workforce. However, research on the mechanism between organizational culture and its outcomes remain understudied. This study adopts an employee-centric approach, suggesting that employees’ perception of a participation climate act as a mediator between flexible organizational culture values (clan and adhocracy values) and employees’ organizational commitment and readiness for change. Cross-sectional data was collected from 619 police employees and analyzed by a two-step structural equation modeling approach. The results supports participation climate as a mediator. Participation climate partially mediated the relationship between clan culture and organizational commitment, adhocracy culture and organizational commitment, and adhocracy culture and readiness for change. Full mediation was found for the relationship between clan culture and readiness for change. Theoretically, this study provides supporting evidence of a relationship between employees’ perceptions of flexible organizational values and a climate for participation, grounded in the notion that organizational climate is the surface level manifestation of organizational culture. Practically, the results offer valuable insight for leaders and organizations who seek knowledge on flexible values, participation climate, employee commitment and readiness for change.
Gender Stereotypes as Related to Language Learning Engagement: Mediating Roles of Motivational Beliefs and Emotional Factors
Authors: Li Jiajing , Wang Chuang , Shen Ziyou
Published: September 2024

Most people view language learning as a feminine domain and take it for granted that females have better performance in foreign language learning. Despite researchers’ efforts in uncovering the phenomenon of gender stereotypes in language learning, it remains unclear: (1) whether there were differences in language learning stereotypes and their correlates across genders; (2) whether gender stereotypes impinge on Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ engagement through the mediating role of motivational beliefs and emotional factors. This study examined the gender differences in and the relationships among gender stereotypes, motivational beliefs (i.e., task values and competence beliefs), emotional factors (i.e., enjoyment and anxiety), and language learning engagement with 473 university EFL learners in China. Results of multivariate analyses of variance failed to see differences in gender stereotypes between females and males, both viewing foreign language learning as a feminine domain. Females exhibited significantly higher levels of motivational beliefs and enjoyment in learning English. Using structural equation modeling, we found that gender stereotypes indirectly predicted learners’ engagement via motivational beliefs and emotional factors. Future directions and pedagogical implications are discussed.
Glucocorticoid treatment and adrenal suppression in children: current view and open issues
Authors: Improda Nicola , Chioma Laura , Capalbo Donatella , Bizzarri Carla , Salerno Mariacarolina
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used for several acute and chronic pediatric diseases. However, chronic treatment may result in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) dysfunction. Glucocorticoid-induced adrenal insufficiency (GI-AI) is indeed the most frequent cause of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in children, possibly resulting in a life-threatening event such as adrenal crisis (AC). It is generally underestimated, especially when using non-systemic glucocorticoid formulations. This review aims at summarizing current evidence on the effects of long-term GC treatment on the HPA axis, management of GC tapering and assessment of the HPA recovery.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review of the relevant literature focusing on pathogenic mechanisms, predictive factors, diagnosis and treatment of GI-AI.

Results

All types of GCs, whatever the route of administration, may have suppressive effects on the HPA axis, especially when compounds with higher potency and long half-life are used. Moreover, chronic GC administration is the most common cause of Cushing syndrome in children. In order to overcome the risk of GI-AI, slow withdrawal of GCs is necessary. When approaching the replacement dose, it is recommended to switch to shorter half-life formulations such as hydrocortisone. Assessment of HPA axis recovery with basal and stimulated cortisol levels may help detecting children at risk of AC that may require hydrocortisone supplementation.

Conclusion

The management of GI-AI in children is challenging and many areas of uncertainty remain. Improving the knowledge on long-term GC effects on HPA in children, the management of steroid discontinuation and emergency dosing may help preventing GI-AI symptoms and acute hospital admission for AC.
Mini Self-Retrieval Practices of Skeletal Muscles in the Human Gross Anatomy Course
Authors: Lu Yuefeng , Boadum Oheneba
Published: September 2024

Students in health professional studies are often faced with the daunting task of memorizing large volumes of information in a limited time. Gross anatomy is usually the first course students may take in their curriculum, and the volume and complexity of anatomical information students must memorize, including muscle names, become overwhelming. Here, we outline a teaching method and pedagogical application of self-retrieval in gross anatomy courses, where students were provided with a number system that served as goals and cues for easy retrieval of muscle names for different anatomical regions.
Mechanical, durability and microstructure properties of self-healing concrete utilizing agro-industrial waste: a critical review
Authors: Kadamba Siddharth , Blesson S. , Rao A. U. , Kamath Muralidhar , Tantri Adithya
Published: September 2024

Self-healing concrete is an innovative solution to improve durability issues in traditional concrete structures. The review focuses on a novel approach in self-healing concrete technology by partially replacing cement with agro-industrial waste, which has received less attention in existing literature. The use of agro-industrial waste aims at increasing the environmental sustainability of concrete production, it also introduces unique properties that contribute to the self-healing process. The literature of various agro-industrial waste materials like coffee husk ash (CHA), rice husk ash (RHA), sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), as a potential replacement for cement. The waste materials that act as supplementary cementitious materials and possess inherent healing properties due to their chemical composition. To evaluate the processes governing this precipitation, this paper discusses the impact of incorporating agro-industrial waste on bacterial concrete's mechanical, durability, and self-healing performance. The present work sheds a light on various factors of bacterial concrete such as types of bacteria and dosage, mix proportion and the outcome of mechanical and durability tests. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for comprehensive investigations on self-healing concrete's long-term performance and scalability with agro-industrial waste. The limited availability of studies on use for future research to explore deeper into the connection between agro-industrial waste and self-healing concrete, opening the door to more durable and sustainable building materials.

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