bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic profile and prevalence of hypertension among type 2 newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients attending a tertiary hospital in Dhaka
Authors: Miah Wahiduzzaman  , Mir Mosarraf Hossain  , K M Muzibul Haque  , Md Shahriar Hossain Zishan  , Abida Yasmin  , Ashfak Al Arif Shuvon
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Untreated coexistence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) may result in more severe complications. The implementation of earlier intervention to prevent these complications can be facilitated by earlier identification of the conditions and their associated factors. Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted at Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, between June 2020 and July 2021. Following the diagnosis of DM in the symptomatic patients, SPSS V 25 was utilized to collect socioeconomic history and blood pressure data for further analysis. Results : 271 (40 %) of the 542 diabetic patients were between 33 to 47 years of age. Most (332, 60.9%) were females. A majority of the patients (302.55.7%) belonged to lower socioeconomic classes, with incomes ranging from 1 thousand to 14 thousand taka. 253 patients (46.7%) had a familial predisposition to diabetes. Concurrent hypertension was observed in 193 (35.6%) diabetic patients; this was substantially correlated with advancing age, lower socioeconomic status, and higher body mass index (p< 0.05). Result: Diabetic hypertensive patients were more prevalent among those with lower socioeconomic status, a demographic that is least likely to pursue and adhere to treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and execute policies that guarantee their appropriate treatment and avert subsequent complications. Conclusion A significant percentage of the participants simultaneously presented with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both of which are life-threatening conditions if left untreated. The majority of patients belonged to the lower socioeconomic class, which increases the likelihood of inadequate diagnosis and treatment. It is imperative to develop policies that facilitate their convenient access to healthcare services, thereby enabling them to obtain appropriate treatment and prevent any subsequent complications.
J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2023; 15(1): 55-58
The Making of An Excellent Neurosurgeon
Authors: Saumitra Sarkar
Published: October 2024

Abstract not available
J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2023; 15(1): 1-2
Growth Status of Bangladeshi Children in Functional Constipation: Experience From A Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Renesa Reza  , Md Wahiduzzaman Mazumder  , Ferdousi Hossain Poly  , Tasfia Jannat Rifah  , Morium Alam Noor  , Zinat Sultana Sharmin  , Mohammed Shahidul Islam  , Mohammad Mominul Haque
Published: October 2024

Background: Constipation is one of the common complaints of children with long-term hazardous consequences. It is a frequent cause of hospital visit in both primary and specialized care which needs proper evaluation and management. Recently in few studies, impairment of growth status has been reported as a result of functional constipation. But the relation is not well evaluated, especially in the pediatric population of our country. 
Aim: To assess the growth status of Bangladeshi children in functional constipation.
Methods: This analytical study was conducted at the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, BSMMU, Dhaka. A total 150 children aged 2-18 years were enrolled in this study. Children were divided into two groups, 75 having functional constipation (FC) and 75 healthy children with no constipation. Samples were collected randomly from pediatric out-patient department of BSMMU with consent of parents and child’s approval. Diagnosis of functional constipation was made by Rome IV criteria. Children with any red flag sign, chronic disease and on treatment of constipation were excluded from the study. Growth status (weight, height & BMI) was evaluated by using growth charts. Data collected in semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 23.0.  
Results: We evaluated 75 constipated children with the mean age of 7.61±3.50 years and 75 healthy children with the mean age of 7.40±3.88 years. The mean weight of children with functional constipation was 22.8±10.01 kg, mean height 117.7 ±18.4 cm and BMI 15.6±2.3 kg/m2. The mean weight of children with no constipation was 28.6± 13.72 kg, mean height 124.49±23.3 cm and BMI 18.11±2.9 kg/m2,demonstrated significant difference between two sets.  In functional constipation group, on weight for age and height for age chart, 28% and 24% children were below the 3rd centile respectively and 18.6% children had BMI below 5th centile. All these parameters (weight, height, BMI) were statistically significant in compare to children without constipation and p value is <.05. Presenting features of functional constipation were anorexia (64%), abdominal pain (73.3%), hard stool (84%), blood mixed hard stool (13.3%) and nausea (34%).
Conclusion: Growth impairment occurs in children with functional constipation in comparison to children without constipation. Children aged 2 to 18 years with functional constipation may have decelerated weight, height and BMI growth. And this observation needs further large-scale multicenter study for ensuring optimal growth of children with constipation.
J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2023; 15(1): 73-77
Tulkintoja suomalaisen peruskoulun työrauhasta Helsingin Sanomien mielipidekirjoituksissa vuosina 2010–2020
Authors: Lehtomäki Suvi , Mikkilä-Erdmann Mirjamaija
Published: October 2024

Työrauha on merkittävä oppimisen ja hyvinvoinnin osatekijä peruskoulussa. Artikkelissa tarkastellaan, millaista keskustelua koulujen työrauhasta julkisuudessa käydään ja mihin tekijöihin työrauhailmiöstä käyty keskustelu yleisimmin kohdistuu. Tutkimusaineisto koostuu Helsingin Sanomissa julkaistuista mielipidekirjoituksista (N=70). Tarkasteltava ajanjakso sijoittuu vuosiin 2010–2020. Analyysimenetelmänä käytetään aineistolähtöistä sisällönanalyysiä. Aineistosta tunnistettiin kolme pääteemaa, jotka nousivat yleisimmin esiin työrauhailmiöstä esitetyissä puheenvuoroissa. Teemat ovat: opettajan työnkuva, inkluusio käytännössä sekä peruskoulun muutos. Julkisessa keskustelussa työrauhan määrittelyssä korostuvat oppilaiden tasa-arvoiset oppimisen mahdollisuudet sekä opettajan mahdollisuus keskittyä opettamiseen. Peruskoulujärjestelmää koskeva puhe sen sijaan näyttäytyi keskustelussa polarisoituneena. Työrauhaan liittyvät haasteet paikannettiin usein keskustelussa yksilötason ongelmiin, kuten oppilaan tuen tarpeeseen, mutta ratkaisuehdotukset kohdistuivat järjestelmätasolle. Esimerkiksi opettajan työnkuvan rajaamisen tarve nousi vahvasti esiin mielipiteissä. Tämä tutkimus tuo esiin peruskoulun työrauhan toteutumisen kannalta tärkeitä teemoja, joita on tarpeen nostaa laajempaan koulutuspoliittiseen keskusteluun tulevaisuudessa.
Abckiriasta tekoälyyn
Authors: Karasma Katri
Published: October 2024

Katsauksessa selvitetään suomen kielen tuloa oppiaineeksi, sen esteitä ja hyväksyntää vuonna 1843. Historia kytkeytyy opetussuunnitelmiin. Opetussuunnitelmat ovat määrittäneet oppiaineen tavoitteita ja sisältöjä eri tavoin. Niissä tapahtuneita muutoksia tarkastellaan kronologisesti. Äidinkieli on kehittynyt kahden oppitunnin tuntimäärästä koulun runsastuntisimmaksi aineeksi, voidaan sanoa koulun tärkeimmäksi aineeksi, sillä se on kaiken oppimisen perusta. Oppimateriaalin muuttumista sivutaan jonkin verran. Vertailujen tuloksena päädytään esittämään seitsemän vaihetta. Viimeisenä on digitaalisuus. Internetin yleistymisen älypuhelimiin vuodesta 2009 katsotaan horjuttaneen paperikirjojen lukemista ja johtaneen lukemisen vähenemiseen. Koulun kirjallisuuden opetus on muuttunut kansallisen identiteetin vahvistamisesta entistä enemmän demokraattisten toiminta- ja vaikutusvalmiuksien kehittämiseen kuten myös virikkeiden antamiseksi oppilaan kulttuuripersoonallisuuden kasvua varten. Draamamenetelmien käytön ja toiminnallisen kieliopin avulla äidinkielestä tulee oppiaineena mieluisampi kasvavalle nuorelle. Opettajien koulutuksessa draamalle pitäisi olla enemmän aikaa. Opetussuunnitelmista toivotaan vastaisuudessa tiiviimpiä ja selkeämpiä, kuten esim. Virossa, eikä 500-sivuisia järkäleitä kuten Suomessa. Suomeen tarvittaisiin kaanonin kokeilua.
Integrating predictive modeling and causal inference for advancing medical science
Authors: Oh Tae Ryom
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare by providing tools for disease prediction, diagnosis, and patient management. This review focuses on two key AI methodologies in healthcare: predictive modeling and causal inference. Predictive models excel in identifying patterns to forecast outcomes but are limited in explaining the underlying causes. In contrast, causal inference focuses on understanding cause-and-effect relationships, which makes effective medical interventions possible. Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for causal inference, they face limitations including cost and ethical concerns. As alternatives, emulated RCTs and advanced machine learning techniques have emerged for estimating causal effects, bridging the gap between prediction and causality. Additionally, Shapley values and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations improve the interpretability of complex AI models, making them more actionable in clinical settings. Integrating prediction and causal inference holds great promise for advancing personalized medicine, enhancing patient outcomes, and optimizing healthcare delivery. However, careful application of AI tools is crucial to avoid misinterpretation and maximize their potential.
Could a STEM Designation Help the Accounting Workforce Shortage?
Authors: Bunker Randall B. , Cagle Corey S. , Carnes Gregory A.
Published: October 2024

The US is facing a shortage of accountants in the workforce, with numerous positions going unfilled every year. The number of college graduates earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting and the number of graduates sitting for the CPA Exam has also declined in recent years. The AICPA created an advisory group to help shape a national strategy to address the talent shortage, and one potential strategy is for accounting curricula to earn a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) designation. Many believe a STEM designation would attract more international students to this field of study and help alleviate the shortage of qualified accounting professionals.
College Student Self-Care: The Missing Ingredient for Success?
Authors: Stern Craig
Published: October 2024

College students are experiencing the highest rate of mental health challenges ever in history. This brief report on self-care consisted of nine participants, who were currently attending a public university. Three focus groups were held. Three themes emerged from the data: a.) defining and practicing self-care b.) self-care education and c.) self-care during the COVID pandemic. Since these students never received any formalized education about self-care and because of the college counseling center’ s inability to serve a growing number of students with mental health challenges, the researcher recommends that education institutions devote more time to educating students about self-care.
Brain Drain or Brain Circulation? The Impact of Gaza’s 7th October War on the Displaced Academicians and Personnel of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Abusamra Asmaa
Published: October 2024

The unprecedented Gaza war in October 2023 had a catastrophic impact on the Palestinian higher education sector in the Gaza Strip: deaths, injuries, psychological trauma to educators, and destruction to educational premises and their facilities. Major concerns include displacement, diminished access to education, and the subsequent exodus of qualified professionals from the country. These factors are exacerbated by increasing reduction or complete cessation of education, and infrastructure degradation in the war zone areas. This study aims to explore and examine the impact of the Gaza war crisis on higher education academicians and personnel which has intrinsically hampered education, research, and science. This study adopts a qualitative method by interviewing university academicians from Gaza addressing the impact of the war crisis on their careers. These interviews scope the barriers and sketch the scale and nature of challenges for the higher educational sector during the war aiming to record the most important decisions and interventions to maintain the continuity of the education process forward.
The Relationship Between Performance Appraisal System and Employee Job Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutions in Palestine
Authors: Shyoukhi Lubna , Lipinski John
Published: October 2024

The Performance Appraisal System (PAS) plays a key role in the overall success of an organization. An appropriate PAS can potentially increase employee Job Satisfaction (JS). This article aims to demonstrate the level of practices and characteristics of the PAS, characterize JS levels in the workplace, and understand the relationship between the PAS and JS in Palestine’s Higher Education Institutions (HEI). This article advocates to the Ministry of Higher Education to establish a Performance Appraisal (PA) model in all HEI that would meet their specific needs. It will also contribute to the development of HEI through facilitating improved services to students and society overall. Furthermore, the article identifies key factors contributing to the success of PAS in Palestine. Convenience sampling was utilized to study 370 HEI employees. A quantitative analysis was employed through SPSS that found a statistically significant relationship between PAS traits and employee JS. Clarity, trust, and fairness positively correlated with JS, whereas two-way communication correlated negatively. Substantial gender-based disparities in JS among the participants were also identified.
The Broken Promises of Neoliberal Soccer: Illusion and Disillusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Paché Gilles
Published: October 2024

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar attracted over 3.4 million spectators and more than a million international visitors. However, the tournament required a colossal investment of 220 billion US dollars for facilities whose future use remains uncertain. It also highlighted the excesses of neoliberal soccer, dominated by financial interests. Since the World Cup was awarded in December 2010, controversies have emerged, particularly regarding the working conditions of migrant workers, which have led to several thousand deaths. There have been widespread denunciations of labor and civil rights violations, and the banning of the “One Love” armband has illustrated FIFA’s censorship. Environmental criticisms were also significant, questioning the event’s claimed carbon neutrality. Extravagant spending on stadium construction and hotel infrastructures, often seen as unnecessary luxury after the tournament, has been highlighted. Qatar has not fulfilled its promises to dismantle and repurpose the stadiums, which remain underused. The 2022 FIFA World Cup exposed the tensions between sporting values and economic realities and underscored the need for a thorough analysis of the long-term impact of mega-sporting events.
Exploring Geographic Influences on the Engagement Divide Between Male and Female Employees
Authors: Westover Jonathan H. , Andrade Maureen Snow
Published: October 2024

This study analyzes survey data from over 500 U.S. employees to investigate how key workplace determinants uniquely relate to engagement for men and women within and outside of Utah. The aim is to address gaps in research examining potential gender variations and geographic influences on the drivers of discretionary effort at work. Traditional predictors like fulfillment of basic needs, individual contributions, teamwork, and growth were examined alongside the emerging construct of “worker activation,” reflecting empowering organizational cultures that motivate extra effort. Analyses included descriptive tests, gender-specific regression models, and assessments of activation variable impacts between genders, with findings revealing modest yet significant male-female disparities in average engagement levels. The multi-dimensional nature of engagement determinants also varied across genders and geographies. Activation was also found to significantly predict engagement across genders, validating its cross-cutting importance in conceptualization and offering implications for optimally designing inclusive strategies to inspire discretionary commitment and employee engagement both within and outside of Utah.
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS CARING FOR PATIENTS FROM DIVERSE CULTURES
Authors: Türedi Serdar , Gülsoy Hatice , Öntürk Akyüz Hatice
Published: October 2024

This research aims to examine the intercultural communication competence of healthcare professionals providing care and treatment to patients from different cultures. It evaluates the impact of intercultural communication on the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services. Method: The research was conducted with the participation of 280 healthcare professionals working at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Hospital. Data were collected using the Intercultural Sensitivity, Intercultural Effectiveness, and Intercultural Awareness scales. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and non-parametric tests were used for data that did not follow a normal distribution. Findings: Of the participants, 67.8% were female, 74.7% were under 25 years old, and 81.6% were single. In terms of education, 36.8% had an associate degree, and 44.8% had a bachelor's degree. The effects of demographic variables such as gender, marital status, and work department on intercultural competence were examined. Women scored higher than men in the Identity Protection sub-dimension, while married individuals scored lower than singles in the Cultural Communication Awareness sub-dimension. Paramedics had higher intercultural effectiveness scores compared to nurses. Discussion: The duration of experience significantly affected the Comfort in Communication sub-dimension. Higher education levels were associated with increased intercultural sensitivity and effectiveness scores. Those who received intercultural patient care training had higher scores, and those willing to work with patients from different cultures had higher intercultural sensitivity and effectiveness scores. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of intercultural training and development programs to improve the quality of healthcare services. Enhancing healthcare professionals' intercultural communication skills is crucial for increasing patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of healthcare services.
Regenerative management effects on pasture production: initial data from a dryland farmlet experiment
Authors: Watson Kaitlin , Moir James , Black Alistair
Published: October 2024

Regenerative agriculture (RA) is becoming more widely recognised in New Zealand (NZ) agriculture. It is claimed to increase productivity and improve landscape function. However, in an NZ context, there is a lack of quantifiable data in terms of productivity. To determine the feasibility of RA in terms of DM production, the total yield and botanical composition of two 4x4 Latin squares were measured. The four treatments were high and low fertility conventional (HC and LC) and high and low fertility regenerative (HR and LR). The R pastures were sown in a 12-species pasture mix and the C pastures were sown in Medicago sativa (lucerne). This paper focuses on the first 18 months of this experiment on Latin squares one and two. In the first season (June 2022 – June 2023), total yield was lower for regenerative (R) than conventional (C) treatments at an average of 8,660 and 10,380 kg DM/ha, respectively. This trend was reflected by growth rates where C had a higher mean growth rate of 34 compared to 30 kg DM/ha/day in the R treatment. Over the entire 18-month period weeds comprised 7% of yield for L compared with 14% for H. The average legume yield of both systems of the L pasture was 11 t DM/ha compared to the H treatments at only 9 t DM/ha. The results of this experiment will provide quantifiable data for farmers to make informed decisions about the implementation of RA.
Bulk milk urea as an indicator of herd dietary nitrogen surplus and nitrogen use efficiency on Canterbury dairy farms.
Authors: Woods Roshean , Pinxterhuis Ina (J. B.) , Kuhn-Sherlock Barbara , Wheadon Nicole M. , Edwards John
Published: October 2024

Managing herd dietary nitrogen surplus (DNS) remains a core challenge on pasture-based dairy farms to reduce the risk of nitrogen loss to the environment. To manage their herd’s DNS, farmers need readily available, practical indicators. In an observational longitudinal study of five Canterbury dairy farms over five seasons (2014/15 to 2018/19), we explored the usefulness of bulk milk urea concentration (BMU; mg/dL) and bulk milk urea nitrogen to milk protein nitrogen ratio (BMU-N:milk-N) to assess estimated herd DNS and dietary nitrogen use efficiency (DNUE). The analyses included correlations, linear and quadratic regression, and multivariate modelling to determine relationships of herd DNS and DNUE with BMU and BMU-N:milk-N and factors affecting BMU and BMU-N:milk-N. Herd DNS was moderately positively correlated with BMU and BMU-N:milk-N (r = 0.48-0.56, and r = 0.46-0.61, respectively). In contrast, herd DNUE was moderately negatively correlated with BMU and weakly to moderately correlated with BMU-N:milk-N (r = -0.48 to -0.56, and r = -0.38 to -0.49, respectively). Final multivariate models accounted for 51.6-52.8% of the variation in BMU, and 43.6-46.2% of the variation in BMU-N:milk-N. The results suggest that BMU can be used as a near real-time indicator of herd DNS and DNUE in current New Zealand dairy farm systems.
Adequacy of equations used to calculate urinary nitrogen contribution to total nitrogen excreted by ruminants
Authors: Vibart Ronaldo Eduardo , Pacheco David
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen (N) concentration in the diet is the best sole predictor of the contribution of urinary N to total N in excreta. A large database was compiled containing feed and excreta variables from dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep and deer, to evaluate the predictive ability of five linear models and four non-linear models to calculate the contribution of urinary N to total N in excreta. Species-specific linear models for beef cattle and sheep did not result in better predictions than those obtained from a generic linear model developed for all ruminant species. The predictive ability of a non-linear dairy cattle model was noticeably better than that of a linear model. The poor performance of a linear model along with a smaller number of observations from deer studies points to the merit of the construction of a new deer-specific model. This study provides support for the robustness of N partitioning towards urinary N in the animal sub-model of OverseerFM™ for a comprehensive range of diets with varying N concentration for beef cattle and sheep. In the future, the use of more sophisticated modelling approaches that involve partitioning of data for model development and evaluation may be required.
The environmental performance of a pasture and baleage wintering system on a poorly drained soil in southern New Zealand
Authors: Simon Priscilla , Cumming Rebecca , Smith Chris , Srey Fleur , Rutherford Alison , Monaghan Ross
Published: October 2024

Concern about environmental and animal welfare outcomes associated with crop-based wintering has prompted interest in the potential feasibility of pasture based approaches as alternative wintering methods. This interest is especially relevant to southern regions of New Zealand where forage crops are prevalent and soil quality can deteriorate during wet winter conditions. We compared changes in soil condition and nitrogen (N) leaching losses from treatments where mature dairy cows were winter-grazed on either fresh (annual) pasture and baleage or brassica crops as the main sources of dietary feed. These responses were measured fromlarge spatially randomized and hydrologically-isolated mole-pipe drained plots over a three year monitoring period. Considerable soil treading damage was incurred under both wintering treatments. Recovery of pasture in the pasture plots was accordingly slow, particularly in 2021 when soil conditions at the time of plot grazing were relatively wet: four months after grazing, about 30% of plot area remained bare, requiring resowing. Pasture recoveries in 2022 and 2023 were faster, with less than 20% bare ground present 3 months after winter grazing. There were no significant differences in N losses in drainage from the treatments in 2021 and 2022. Significantly more N was leached from the pasture-baleage than the crop treatment in 2023, most likely a consequence of a late autumn grazing that was required to manage pasture quality. Pasture-baleage wintering did not reduce N leaching compared towintering on crop for this soil type. Whilst measures of soil quality were better under the pasture-based than the crop-based wintering treatment, overall soil condition was assessed as poor for both treatments. A shift from crop to pasture-baleage wintering would appear to offer only modest advantages to soil and water quality when deployed on structurally-vulnerable soils. Other measures to help minimise soil treading damage, such as providing loafing surfaces or using standoff pads during very wet conditions, are likely needed to improve the performance of this pasture-based system on such vulnerable soil types.
Combining data sensors to enable the digitisation of the landscape to improve environmental and animal welfare outcomes.
Authors: Spera Alison , Halls Zoe , Stevens David , Meenken Esther D. , King Warren McG. , Pletnyakov Peter , Adams Sarah , Tickner Steven
Published: October 2024

This research demonstrates the opportunity of integrating data from a range of sources by defining landscape use by cattle under different climatic conditions to inform management decisions to improve environmental and animal welfare outcomes using virtual herding. Digital technologies provided data representing the climatic, geospatial, soil and pasture properties to characterise the grazing environment. Virtual herding technology defined animal position and activity. Data was collected at Waipori Station, a Pamu owned high-country sheep and beef farm of approximately 6,070 effective hectares, located in Otago, New Zealand about 60 kilometres west-northwest of Dunedin (-45.8410008°S, 169.7966283°E). Three hundred and two rising-3-year-old first calving cattle with calves at foot were monitored in two 65 ha paddocks from February to May 2022. Cattle used various parts of the landscape in different climatic conditions. Placement of cattle in sensitive parts of the catchment was identified. Activity patterns were also altered by climatic conditions. These insights, using integrated data sets, can guide farmer decision-making to reduce environmental impact and achieve animal welfare needs while optimising utilisation of the landscape when deploying virtual herding technologies. Further work is required to develop both the data storage systems and the protocols and algorithms to achieve successful integration.
Challenges and opportunities impacting New Zealand’s economic foundation – pastoral agriculture
Authors: Caradus John
Published: October 2024

New Zealand is unique amongst OECD countries in its reliance on pastoral agriculture for generating export dollars that underpins its economy. However, this biologically based production system is open to an unprecedented level of challenge which includes maintaining a high level of productivity to ensure international competitiveness, the impact of regulations and compliance, a social license to operate, the development and uptake of new technologies, competition from non-animal sourced  foods, ensuring an adequate and well directed  level of R&D investment, acceptable impacts on the environment and conversely having mitigation strategies to ensure adaptation to changes in climate,  farming continuity through supply of adequate skilled labour, land use change, biosecurity breaches, and enabling added value opportunities to be developed. The aim here is to review these challenges and identify options for alleviating, managing or mitigating them.
Exploring potential dairy and arable farm system integration to enhance nutrient circularity: A case study analysis from Oamaru's coastal plains
Authors: Lombardi Banira , Dynes Robyn A. , Dennison Chris , Taylor Anna L. , Van der Weerden Tony J.
Published: October 2024

The evolving challenges facing New Zealand's agricultural sector, particularly in dairy and arable farming, include rising costs, regulations, and environmental sustainability goals. In response, this study evaluated the potential benefits of enhancing nutrient circularity in a collective dairy and arable farming system aimed to reduce synthetic fertiliser use, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and decrease nitrogen (N) leaching. Using an “Innovation System Approach” that included Farmax Dairy and OverseerFM, a North Otago dairy and arable farm system was modelled to compare current practices with two scenarios aimed at optimising manure use for arable production. Scenario 1 introduced an off-paddock facility for restricted autumn grazing and wintering cows, with collected manure applied to arable crops. Scenario 2 included a pasture phase in the arable farm's crop rotation for dairy grazing and fertilised arable crops with effluents on the dairy platform. Both scenarios significantly reduced synthetic fertiliser inputs through their partial substitution with manure. N leaching decreased by 8-17% due to reduced N fertiliser use and excreta returns to the dairy platform. On-farm GHG emissions were effectively unchanged (1% decrease) due to pollution swapping. These results highlight the potential benefits of circular farming practices in NZ’s dairy and arable farming systems, improving resource-use efficiency and mitigating environmental impacts through optimised nutrient supply and manure management.
Hermann Gross, A Descendant of the German Expressionist Movement, Who Made his Home in the North of Scotland
Authors: Jackson Robin
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a brief biographical account of the life and work of Hermann Gross – a German Expressionist artist – who was born in 1904 in Lahr, Baden-Württemberg. The nature and extent of his professional training with a succession of distinguished teachers are outlined. With the outbreak of WW2, he was conscripted in January 1941 and joined a Luftwaffe propaganda unit. Attention is drawn to a number of sketches drawn by Gross, which were discovered long after the end of the war, and which appear to show a series of subversive messages. In the latter stages of WW2, Gross was transferred to the Russian front and was involved in the subsequent and calamitous retreat of the German army. This latter experience proved deeply traumatic for Gross and from which he did not fully recover for two decades. Partly in an attempt to address his impaired mental health he emigrated to the USA with his wife. Although he had two exhibitions of his work at the Macbeth Gallery in New York, where his work was highly commended by a number of leading American art critics, he never truly settled and returned to Germany to live a quiet and undemanding life. Then in 1966 he was invited by Dr Karl König, founder of the Camphill community in Scotland, to come to Aberdeen and to act as an artist-in-residence. For the next two decades, with his artistic drive and enthusiasm fully restored, Gross was actively engaged in a wide range of artistic work: none of which he chose to publicly exhibit beyond the Camphill community. He died in 1988 and is buried in Maryculter kirkyard, Aberdeenshire.
İşletmelerde Örgütsel Çevikliğin Stratejik Önemine Dair Literatürdeki Güncel Tartışmalar
Authors: Çubukcu Murat
Published: October 2024

Değişimi benimsemek ve sürdürülebilirliği teşvik etmek için çevikliğe ihtiyaç vardır. Bu makale öncelikle örgütsel çevikliğin önemini vurgulamaktadır. Çalışmamızda literatürdeki örgütsel çeviklik üzerine örgütlerde ve işletmelerde çeviklik üzerine literatür taraması yöntemiyle elde edilen veriler ve sonuçlar tartışılmaktadır. Bu makale örgüt çapında çevik bir uygulamaya liderlik eden yöneticilere bu tür bir uygulamayı etkili bir şekilde yönlendirmeleri ve yönetmeleri için yardımcı olabilecek ve rehberlik edecek bir çerçeve sunma amacını taşımaktadır. Araştırmacılar örgütsel çevikliği anlamak ve geliştirmek için farklı perspektiflerden yararlanmışlardır. Çeviklik kavramı araştırılıyor, tanımlanıyor ve örgütlerde veya işletmelerde çevikliği artıran yeteneklere yönelik bir çerçeve sunuluyor. Bu birbiriyle ilişkili yetkinliklerin genel kurumsal gelişime nasıl katkıda bulunduğunu daha iyi anlamak için bu çeviklik çerçevesinin belirli yönleri incelenmektedir. Literatürdeki kasti örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilen son 10 yılda yayınlanmış olan uluslararası akademik makalelerdeki örgütlerin veya işletmelerin örgütsel çeviklik kavramını tanımlamaya ve bu konudaki tartışmaları keşfetmeye çalışmaktadır. Literatür taraması sonucunda örgütsel çevikliğin örgütsel yenilikçilik yeteneğin yanı sıra işletme performansının arttırılmasında ve değişikliklere hızlı uyumun sağlama esnekliğinin kazanılmasında önemli bir rol oynadığı ve araştırmacılar arasında ortak bir yaklaşım eksikliği olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. İşletmelerin hızla değişen iç ve dış çevre koşullarında genel olarak rekabet avantajı elde etmek ve sürdürülebilmek için örgütsel çevikliği temel araçlardan biri olarak kullanmalarının önemi üzerine tartışmaların yoğunlaştığı tespit edilmiştir.
Biochar as a strategy to manage stem rot disease of groundnut incited by Sclerotium rolfsii
Authors: Manasa Ramaraju , Devi R. Sarada Jayalakshmi , Vemana Kuruba , John K. , Rao G. Rama , Anubhava P. J. , Vidyashree L. K. , Sri Ananth Kurella , Santosh Kale , Sawargaonkar Gajanan , Sudini Hari Kishan
Published: October 2024

Due to the pathogen’s ability to survive in the soil for longer durations, soil-borne diseases are often difficult to control. This study investigates the multifaceted impacts of biochar on the management of stem rot disease in groundnut and its influence on soil properties and microbial communities. The effects of biochar at different concentrations, such as 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% on groundnut stem rot disease incited by Sclerotium rolfsii were evaluated thoroughly. Under laboratory conditions, biochar exhibited no direct inhibitory effects on S. rolfsii at varying concentrations but revealed an indirect suppression of sclerotial body production, suggesting a concentration-dependent influence on pathogen resting structures. Further, it was observed that biochar treatments effectively delayed symptom onset and reduced disease progression in groundnut plants, with significant variation observed among genotypes and biochar concentrations. Notably, interactions involving genotypes ICGV 171002 and ICGV 181035 with BC2 + Sr (3% conc. of biochar + S. rolfsii) and BC3 + Sr (5% conc. of biochar + S. rolfsii) treatments showed superior efficacy in disease reduction under controlled conditions. Field evaluations confirmed these findings, highlighting genotype-specific responses to biochar treatments. However, no significant difference was observed between BC2 + Sr (3%) and BC3 + Sr (5%) treatments in managing stem rot disease compared to controls. Biochar application significantly increased soil nutrient levels, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and increased soil organic matter content, EC, pH, emphasizing its potential to improve soil fertility. Overall, these findings highlight the potential benefits of biochar for sustainable agriculture through disease management, soil nutrient enrichment, and microbial modulation, warranting further investigation into optimal application strategies across different agricultural contexts.
The role of STK11/LKB1 in cancer biology: implications for ovarian tumorigenesis and progression
Authors: Kang Jian , Gallucci Stefano , Pan Junqi , Oakhill Jonathan S. , Sanij Elaine
Published: October 2024

STK11 (serine-threonine kinase 11), also known as LKB1 (liver kinase B1) is a highly conserved master kinase that regulates cellular metabolism and polarity through a complex signaling network involving AMPK and 12 other AMPK-related kinases. Germline mutations in LKB1 have been causatively linked to Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS), an autosomal dominant hereditary disease with high cancer susceptibility. The identification of inactivating somatic mutations in LKB1 in different types of cancer further supports its tumor suppressive role. Deleterious mutations in LKB1 are frequently observed in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. However, its inconsistent effects on tumorigenesis and cancer progression suggest that its functional impact is genetic context-dependent, requiring cooperation with other oncogenic lesions. In this review, we summarize the pleiotropic functions of LKB1 and how its altered activity in cancer cells is linked to oncogenic proliferation and growth, metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, genomic instability, and immune modulation. We also review the current mechanistic understandings of this master kinase as well as therapeutic implications with particular focus on the effects of LKB1 deficiency in ovarian cancer pathogenesis. Lastly, we discuss whether LKB1 deficiency can be exploited as an Achilles heel in ovarian cancer.
Enhancing human capillary tube network assembly and maturation through upregulated expression of pericyte-derived TIMP-3
Authors: Yrigoin Ksenia , Bernard Kaitlyn N. , Castaño Maria A. , Cleaver Ondine , Sumanas Saulius , Davis George E.
Published: October 2024

In this study, we identify and characterize new molecular determinants that optimize human capillary tube network assembly. Our lab has previously reported a novel, serum free-defined 3D co-culture model using human endothelial cells (ECs) and human pericytes whereby EC-lined tubes form and co-assemble with pericytes, but when these cultures are maintained at or beyond 5 days, tubes become progressively wider and unstable. To address this issue, we generated novel human pericytes that carry a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-3 transgene which can be upregulated following doxycycline addition. EC-pericyte co-cultures established in the presence of doxycycline demonstrated marked enhancement of capillary network assembly including dramatic narrowing of capillary tube widths to an average of 8 µm (physiologic capillary tube width), increased tube lengths, increased tube branching, and robust stimulation of basement membrane matrix assembly, particularly with collagen type IV and fibronectin deposition compared to controls. These substantial changes depend not only on induction of pericyte TIMP-3, but also on recruitment of pericytes to EC tubes. Blockade of pericyte recruitment prevents these dramatic capillary network alterations suggesting that EC-pericyte interactions and induction of pericyte TIMP-3 are necessary together to coordinate and facilitate capillary assembly and maturation. Overall, this work is critical for our basic understanding of capillary formation, but also for the ability to reproducibly generate stabilized networks of capillary tubes.
Transglutaminase 2 in breast cancer metastasis and drug resistance
Authors: Li Mengxin , Wang Xuanzhong , Hong Jinghui , Mao Juanjuan , Chen Jiasi , Chen Xuyang , Du Ye , Song Dong
Published: October 2024

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a widely distributed multifunctional protein with various enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities. It is becoming increasingly evident that high levels of TG2 in tumors induce the occurrence of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the acquisition of stem cell-like phenotypes, promoting tumor metastasis and drug resistance. By regulating intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways, TG2 promotes breast cancer metastasis to lung, brain, liver and bone, as well as resistance to various chemotherapy drugs including docetaxel, doxorubicin, platinum and neratinib. More importantly, recent studies described the involvement of TG2 in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors resistance. An in-depth understanding of the role that TG2 plays in the progression of metastasis and drug resistance will offer new therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment. This review covers the extensive and rapidly growing field of the role of TG2 in breast cancer. Based on the role of TG2 in EMT, we summarize TG2-related signaling pathways in breast cancer metastasis and drug resistance and discuss TG2 as a therapeutic target.
Genomics—based approaches may assist in the verification and accelerate responsible deployment of marine carbon dioxide removal
Authors: Hook Sharon E. , Bodrossy Levente , Brewer Elizabeth A. , Willis Anusuya
Published: October 2024

Rapid development and deployment of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) approaches will be required to prevent the worst consequences of climate change and meet national treaty obligations under the Paris agreement. However, approaches to monitor the efficacy and environmental safety of mCDR are not being developed with the same intensity as the technology. Verification will be required to convince a sceptical public and regulatory community of the overall benefit of mCDR as well as provide the regulatory community a basis for risk assessments that will be required for at scale deployments. In this perspective, we posit that genomics-based approaches can be used to assess the efficacy of carbon sequestration and monitor for the possibility of unintended consequences. By adopting these approaches, it will be feasible to develop the evidence portfolio necessary to underpin assessments of the risks, benefits and trade-offs involved in responsible deployment of mCDR.
Enhancing public engagement through NICU storytelling on Facebook and Instagram: a case study from Gaslini Children’s Hospital
Authors: Canepa Maria E. , Macciò Maura , Raffini Luca , Striano Pasquale , Ramenghi Luca A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, have become pivotal in disseminating medical information to the public. However, the challenge of presenting neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stories in a manner that is both engaging and informative remains significant, especially in the context of a reputable pediatric hospital.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of Instagram as a storytelling medium for NICU experiences at the Gaslini Children’s Hospital, focusing on the impact of various storytelling elements on audience engagement and follower growth.

Methods

We analyzed Facebook and Instagram posts of the Gaslini Children’s Hospital, examining factors such as emotional appeal, news value, and content quality. Additionally, we considered the adherence of these posts to journalistic and medical guidelines.

Results

The research identified key themes in successful posts, including emotional resonance, portrayal of medical excellence, and humanization of patient stories. Posts that effectively combined these elements saw a significant increase in audience engagement, including likes, comments, and shares.

Conclusion

Strategic storytelling on Instagram can significantly enhance public engagement with hospital content, fostering a deeper connection between the institution and its audience. This study underscores the significance of narrative elements and adherence to ethical guidelines in crafting compelling medical stories for social media.
Can we foster pre-service teachers’ competences for digital collaboration?
Authors: Ohle-Peters Annika , Ludewig Ulrich , McElvany Nele
Published: October 2024

Digital collaboration in schools is becoming increasingly important in educational processes—for teachers as well as for students. Teachers’ competences, including professional knowledge (e.g., technological-pedagogical content knowledge; TPCK), attitudes (e.g., regarding the usefulness of digital collaboration), and their motivational orientations (e.g., intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy beliefs), are essential prerequisites for digital collaboration within the teaching staff and for teaching students how to learn collaboratively using digital media. Teacher education at universities plays a crucial role in the development of teachers’ professional competences, yet little is known about how teachers’ digital collaboration competences can be fostered effectively. Hence, the research aim was to investigate (a) the development of pre-service teachers’ TPCK, attitudes, and motivational orientations toward digital collaboration in general, (b) analyze the development of their intentions to use digital collaboration in the future, and (c) evaluate the effectiveness of interventions focused on digitally collaborative learning. In this multi-cohort quasi-experimental study with pre-post design, N = 439 students participated either in intervention group (IG) courses (nIG = 351) explicitly fostering digital collaboration or in regular university courses without explicit fostering of digital collaboration, who served as a control group (CG; nCG = 88). Results of conditional latent three-level growth models indicate a positive development of pre-service teachers’ TPCK and their intentions to use digital collaboration. This research contributes to the highly relevant question of how to prepare teachers for increasingly digitalized teaching and learning settings in school.
The microglial innate immune receptor TREM2 participates in fear memory formation through excessive prelimbic cortical synaptic pruning
Authors: Zhang Le-le , Cheng Peng , Chu Yuan-qing , Zhou Zi-ming , Hua Rong , Zhang Yong-mei
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Fear memory formation has been implicated in fear- and stress-related psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and phobias. Synapse deficiency and microglial activation are common among patients with PTSD, and induced in animal models of fear conditioning. Increasing studies now focus on explaining the specific mechanisms between microglia and synapse deficiency. Though newly-identified microglia regulator triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) plays a role in microglial phagocytic activity, its role in fear-formation remains unknown.

Methods

We successfully constructed a fear- formation model by foot-shock. Four days after foot-shock, microglial capacity of synaptic pruning was investigated via western blotting, immunofluorescence and Golgi-Cox staining. Prelimbic chemical deletion or microglia inhibition was performed to detect the role of microglia in synaptic loss and neuron activity. Finally, Trem2 knockout mice or wild-type mice with Trem2 siRNA injection were exposed to foot-shock to identify the involvement of TREM2 in fear memory formation.

Results

The results herein indicate that the foot-shock protocol in male mice resulted in a fear formation model. Mechanistically, fear conditioning enhanced the microglial capacity for engulfing synapse materials, and led to glutamatergic neuron activation in the prelimbic cortex. Prelimbic chemical deletion or microglia inhibition improved fear memory formation. Further investigation demonstrated that TREM2 regulates microglial phagocytosis, enhancing synaptic pruning. Trem2 knockout mice showed remarkable reductions in prelimbic synaptic pruning and reduced neuron activation, with decreased fear memory formation.

Discussion

Our cumulative results suggest that prelimbic TREM2-mediated excessive microglial synaptic pruning is involved in the fear memory formation process, leading to development of abnormal stress-related behavior.