bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Berberine ameliorates contrast‐induced acute kidney injury by regulating HDAC4‐FoxO3a axis‐induced autophagy: In vivo and in vitro
Authors: Zuo Zhi , Li Qingju , Zhou Suqin , Yu Ran , Wu Caixia , Chen Jiajia , Xiao Yao , Chen Haoyu , Song Jian , Pan Yan , Wang Wanpeng
Published: November 2023

In hospitals, contrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) is a major cause of renal failure. This study evaluates berberine's (BBR) renal protection and its potential HDAC4 mechanism. CI‐AKI in rats was induced with 10 mL kg−1 ioversol. Rats were divided into five groups: Ctrl, BBR, CI‐AKI, CI‐AKI + BBR, and CI‐AKI + Tasq. The renal function of CI‐AKI rats was determined by measuring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Histopathological changes and apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells were observed by HE and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdTase)‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe autophagic structures. In vitro, a CI‐AKI cell model was created with ioversol‐treated HK‐2 cells. Treatments included BBR, Rapa, HCQ, and Tasq. Analyses focused on proteins and genes associated with kidney injury, apoptosis, autophagy, and the HDAC4‐FoxO3a axis. BBR showed significant protective effects against CI‐AKI both in vivo and in vitro. It inhibited apoptosis by increasing Bcl‐2 protein levels and decreasing Bax levels. BBR also activated autophagy, as indicated by changes in autophagy‐related proteins and autophagic flux. The study further revealed that the contrast agent ioversol increased the expression of HDAC4, which led to elevated levels of phosphorylated FoxO3a (p‐FoxO3a) and acetylated FoxO3a (Ac‐FoxO3a). However, BBR inhibited HDAC4 expression, resulting in decreased levels of p‐FoxO3a and Ac‐FoxO3a. This activation of autophagy‐related genes, regulated by the transcription factor FoxO3a, played a role in BBR's protective effects. BBR, a traditional Chinese medicine, shows promise against CI‐AKI. It may counteract CI‐AKI by modulating HDAC4 and FoxO3a, enhancing autophagy, and limiting apoptosis.
Genomic and biological variation in bat IFNs: An antiviral treatment approach
Authors: AL‐Eitan Laith , Mihyar Ahmad , Zhang Liguo , Bisht Punam , Jaenisch Rudolf
Published: November 2023

Bat‐borne viruses have attracted considerable research, especially in relation to the Covid‐19 pandemic. Although bats can carry multiple zoonotic viruses that are lethal to many mammalian species, they appear to be asymptomatic to viral infection despite the high viral loads contained in their bodies. There are several differences between bats and other mammals. One of the major differences between bats and other mammals is the bats' ability to fly, which is believed to have induced evolutionary changes. It may have also favoured them as suitable hosts for viruses. This is related to their tolerance to viral infection. Innate immunity is the first line of defence against viral infection, but bats have metamorphosed the type of responses induced by innate immunity factors such as interferons. The expression patterns of interferons differ, as do those of interferon‐related genes such as interferon regulatory factors and interferon‐stimulated genes that contribute to the antiviral response of infected cells. In addition, the signalling pathways related to viral infection and immune responses have been subject to evolutionary changes, including mutations compared to their homologues in other mammals and gene selection. This article discusses the differences in the interferon‐mediated antiviral response in bats compared to that of other mammals and how these differences are correlated to viral tolerance in bats. The effect of bat interferons related genes on human antiviral response against bat‐borne viruses is also discussed.
Advanced Light: Liquid Crystals‐Based Ultra‐Broadband Polarization Rotator for Functional Smart Devices
Authors: Lee Jae‐Hwan , Ma Jun‐Seok , An Chan‐Heon , Lee Gi‐Ho , Oh Seung‐Won
Published: November 2023

A novel ultra‐broadband polarization rotator with advanced angular adjustability is proposed for functional devices such as displays and smart windows. The new solution offers dynamic control of light polarization across a broad range of wavelengths, encompassing the complete visible spectrum, ultraviolet and near‐infrared. Moreover, it boasts a smaller footprint, faster response times, and lower dispersion compared to conventional rotators. The findings are remarkable in that they show that as the viewing angle increases, the hybrid alignment takes on a twist‐like configuration, with the polarization rotation angle determined by the spatial variation in the twist angle. This intriguing behavior leads to an improved range of angular adjustability, as the effective polarization rotation depth is extended. The improved angular adjustability of reconfigurable smart devices surpasses the limitations of traditional polarization rotators, unlocking new innovative possibilities. For example, the rotator plays a crucial role in display technologies, allowing for effective control of viewing angles and minimizing reflection from disturbing external light. Similarly, in smart windows, it optimizes energy conservation by regulating direct sunlight transmission while ensuring clear visibility in normal conditions. It is believed that the proposed advanced ultra‐broadband polarization rotator is a significant step forward in the development of reconfigurable smart devices.
Polymeric Hole‐Selective Contact for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Lou Xinliang , Wang Xinyu , Xu Dacheng , Gao Kun , Wang Shibo , Xing Chunfang , Li Kun , Li Wenhao , Li Dongdong , Xu Guifang , Yang Xinbo
Published: November 2023

Carrier‐selective contacts based on inorganic materials (e.g., silicon layers and metal oxides) have been intensively investigated for efficient crystalline silicon (c‐Si) photovoltaics. Compared to the vacuum deposition process for inorganic films, organic semiconductors offer a simplified and low‐cost processing. Herein, solution‐processed poly[bis(4‐phenyl) (2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) amine] (PTAA) is developed as hole‐selective contact for c‐Si solar cells. PTAA exhibits a suitable band alignment with p‐type c‐Si, featuring a small valence band offset (≈0.1 eV) and a large conduction band offset (≈2.2 eV) for effective electron blocking. PTAA combined with Al2O3 passivation interlayer is demonstrated to simultaneously offer a low contact resistivity (36.5 mΩ cm2) and a moderate surface passivation (implied open‐circuit voltage 635.6 mV) on p‐type c‐Si surface. By the implementation of a full‐area hole‐selective Al2O3/PTAA rear contact, a champion efficiency of 20.2% is achieved on the hybrid c‐Si solar cells. Herein, a guiding principle for future research on polymeric carrier‐selective contact for c‐Si solar cells is provided.
Organisational ambidexterity and knowledge management: A systems perspective towards Smart Model‐based Governance
Authors: Armenia Stefano , Barile Sergio , Iandolo Francesca , Pompei Alessandro , Sicca Luigi Maria
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework for the governance of ‘modern’ smart organisations that integrates IT‐based orientation to decision‐making, systems thinking through system dynamics modelling and cybernetics. The design of the proposed framework is based on the key role played by knowledge in the governance of organisations. The literature on ambidexterity, organisational learning, knowledge management and systems thinking is the adopted research background. A synthesis of the connection points between these fields is proposed within a theoretical framework named Smart Model‐based Organisations. The main result of this work is represented by the proposed Smart Model‐based Governance (SMbG) framework and an example of application. There are two main findings related to the contribution of the proposed framework: the overcoming of ‘data‐based’ approaches that favour rigidity in knowledge governance and the contribution of systems approaches that, increasing organisational involvement, improve knowledge governance.
Revealing the Removal Mechanism of Vanadium Addition on Nitrogen Pores in 30Cr15Mo1N High‐Nitrogen Steel Ingot
Authors: Zhu Hong-Chun , Ni Zhuo-Wen , Li Hua-Bing , He Zhi-Yu , Li Bin , Feng Hao , Jiang Zhou-Hua
Published: November 2023

The removal mechanism of vanadium addition on nitrogen pores in 30Cr15Mo1N ingot is systematically investigated through statistical analysis and theoretical calculation. The nitrogen solubility is obtained by the thermodynamic model, and the nitrogen content is obtained by combining the ProCAST software and the C–K model. Then, according to the formula of critical nucleation radius and growth rate of nitrogen bubbles, the variation of critical nucleation radius and growth rate of nitrogen bubbles with different vanadium contents is calculated. As the vanadium content increases, the number and mean area of nitrogen pores decrease. In comparison to the 0 V ingot, the number of nitrogen pores decreases in the 0.2 V ingot, but there is an increase in the number of large‐sized nitrogen pores (>3000 μm in diameter). When the vanadium content increases to 0.4, the nitrogen pores are completely removed. The results demonstrate that increasing vanadium content can remove nitrogen pores. Since the solidification mode remains unchanged with increasing vanadium content, increasing the vanadium content cannot remove nitrogen pores by changing the solidification mode of the 30Cr15Mo1N ingots. Therefore, increasing the vanadium content removes the nitrogen pores mainly by inhibiting the nucleation of nitrogen bubbles and promoting nitrogen bubble overflow in 30Cr15Mo1N ingots.
Reach-scale associations between introduced Brook Trout and juvenile and stream-resident Bull Trout in Idaho
Authors: Voss Nicholas S. , Bowersox Brett J. , Quist Michael C.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Native Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus populations can be influenced by a variety of stressors operating at multiple spatial scales, making the relative importance of biotic versus abiotic controls difficult to discern at small scales where monitoring and management typically occur. Nonnative Brook Trout S. fontinalis were widely introduced throughout western North America and negatively affect Bull Trout occurrence. Here, we examine reach-scale associations between nonnative Brook Trout and juvenile and stream-resident Bull Trout (i.e., <250 mm) abundances through the lens of a constraining threshold, where nonnative fish exceeding a certain fish density may constrain native fish abundance.

Methods

We used a large spatial data set to define the abiotic conditions in which stream-dwelling Brook Trout and Bull Trout smaller than 250 mm typically co-occur in Idaho. Next, we queried multipass electrofishing survey data collected in reaches with abiotic conditions suitable for both species within localized areas where their distributions overlap. We then used two-dimensional Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests to identify threshold Brook Trout densities beyond which Bull Trout less than 250 mm were consistently rare or absent.

Result

Bull Trout smaller than 250 mm were rare or absent where Brook Trout density exceeded 0.54 fish/100 m2 across the full range of abiotic conditions over which both species overlapped. However, Brook Trout rarely occurred in habitats associated with high Bull Trout density (e.g., where mean August water temperatures were 8.2°C).

Conclusion

Our results support existing hypotheses that the long-term co-occurrence of Bull Trout and Brook Trout in stream reaches suitable for both species may be unstable. Because low densities of Brook Trout appear to threaten Bull Trout, additional research is needed to better understand factors driving ongoing range shifts and invasion dynamics in Bull Trout habitat. We provide a simple tool to inform where Brook Trout represent a primary threat to Bull Trout, with potential applications for future monitoring, threat assessments, and conservation efforts.
Thomas Francis Tunney
Authors: Tunney Peter
Published: November 2023

A family man who lived to work.
Elemental composition of green tea infusions depending on the method of their brewing
Authors: Długaszek Maria , Mierczyk Jadwiga
Published: November 2023

Green tea infusions are a source of many bioactive compounds as well as elements, both nutrients and toxic ones. In this study, we assessed the content of elements in green tea infusions depending on the brewing time and their pH values. In instrumental analysis we used atomic absorption spectrometry. Elements such as Ca (calcium), Cu (copper), K (potassium), Mg (magnesium), Na (sodium), Fe (iron), Mn (manganese), Zn (zinc), and toxic Al (aluminium) were quantified in green tea infusions with pH = 6 and pH = 2, and after infusion times of 5, 10, and 20 min. The mean value of the elements in 250 mL of beverage was the following: (mg) K—114.68 ± 33.27, Ca—18.48 ± 334.24, Na—4.00 ± 0.92, Mg—2.71 ± 0.65, and (µg) Al 1266.53 ± 0.56, Mn—488.19 ± 320.46, Zn—46.65 ± 5.18, Fe—34.30 ± 10.96, Cu—5.00 ± 0.01. From 1 g of raw material, the following amounts of elements were leaching, µg/g: Al—ND-1479.89, Ca—190.42–7650.09, Fe—9.52–42.30, K—42108.07–108337.90, Mg—661.14–1760.73, Mn—58.82–931.19, Na—ND-1959.09, Zn—2.50–16.83. Cu content was at the LOD of the method. Based on the statistical analyses, significant differences between the sample series were found. Al and Mn significantly positively correlated with most of the elements studied. Both pH and brewing times affected the amount of extracted elements, especially in the case of Al, Ca, and Mn. The amount of K did not change much during the preparation of the brews. The acidic environment allows a large amount of leaching of Al and Mn into the infusion.
The combination of brentuximab vedotin and chidamide synergistically suppresses the proliferation of T-cell lymphoma cells through the enhancement of apoptosis
Authors: Tonozuka Yukio , Tanaka Hiroshi , Nomura Kazumi , Sakaguchi Kazuya , Soeda Junpei , Kakimoto Yoshihide
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody linked to a microtubule-disrupting agent, has been approved for the treatment of PTCL. We evaluated a new effective combination partner of BV using non-clinical approaches that could potentially identify agents capable of improving survival times for patients with PTCL.

Methods

A high-throughput screening test was used to select the most synergistic partner of BV from 14 candidate drugs that were under development or available in clinical practice for PTCL. HH cells, originating from an aggressive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, were used as an experimental model of PTCL. Apoptotic effects of the synergistic partner of BV were further investigated in vitro and in vivo using HH-cell xenograft mice.

Results

Chidamide (tucidinostat), a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, was found to have the greatest synergistic effect with BV on HH cells. The combined effects of chidamide and BV were demonstrated in a study of HH-cell xenograft mice; mean tumor size following combined treatment was 22% of that observed in the control group, compared with 71% and 58% following chidamide and BV monotherapy, respectively. Further investigations in vitro and in vivo revealed that the levels of an anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, and a rate-limiting factor of DNA replication, CDC45, were reduced in HH cells treated with chidamide combined with BV compared with the control group.

Conclusion

The use of chidamide in conjunction with BV may positively affect and enhance T-cellular apoptotic pathways without offsetting each other.
One-point quadrature of higher-order finite and virtual elements in nonlinear analysis
Authors: Bode Tobias
Published: November 2023

In the present article, a stability- and consistency-preserving integration scheme for polynomial Galerkin approaches of arbitrary order is presented. The basis is formed by Taylor series expansions of the stresses with respect to the strains, which in turn are expanded towards the spatial directions. With a split of the material and geometric nonlinearities and the assumption of a material behavior linearly variable within an element, the strain energy in elements of arbitrary shape and polynomial order can be evaluated exactly. Therefore, geometric moments have to be calculated in preprocessing, requiring only evaluations of derivatives at a single integration point during the analysis. The moments can be effectively integrated analytically over the boundary of the elements. As one of the manifold applications, the use in the context of second order virtual elements is elaborated for which the assembly time can be significantly reduced. The combination with the automatic differentiation and expression optimization software AceGen provides performant element routines. In the numerical examples, the integration scheme shows promising accuracy and makes the application in more complex material models up to computational homogenization attractive.
Conflict-based negotiation strategy for human-agent negotiation
Authors: Keskin Mehmet Onur , Buzcu Berk , Aydoğan Reyhan
Published: November 2023

Day by day, human-agent negotiation becomes more and more vital to reach a socially beneficial agreement when stakeholders need to make a joint decision together. Developing agents who understand not only human preferences but also attitudes is a significant prerequisite for this kind of interaction. Studies on opponent modeling are predominantly based on automated negotiation and may yield good predictions after exchanging hundreds of offers. However, this is not the case in human-agent negotiation in which the total number of rounds does not usually exceed tens. For this reason, an opponent model technique is needed to extract the maximum information gained with limited interaction. This study presents a conflict-based opponent modeling technique and compares its prediction performance with the well-known approaches in human-agent and automated negotiation experimental settings. According to the results of human-agent studies, the proposed model outpr erforms them despite the diversity of participants’ negotiation behaviors. Besides, the conflict-based opponent model estimates the entire bid space much more successfully than its competitors in automated negotiation sessions when a small portion of the outcome space was explored. This study may contribute to developing agents that can perceive their human counterparts’ preferences and behaviors more accurately, acting cooperatively and reaching an admissible settlement for joint interests.
Polish tourist facilities' engagement in the communication of the low-emission activities and sustainable development
Authors: Rutecka Paulina , Cicha Karina , Rizun Mariia , Strzelecki Artur
Published: November 2023

In 2021, Booking.com, one of the largest web portals for tourist facilities online reservations, started the Sustainable Travel Program. The main purpose behind it was to promote environmental consciousness among tourists as well as engage the tourist facilities owners to implement sustainable practices in their companies, and, as a consequence of such practices, reward them with a Sustainable Travel Badge. The objective of this research is to examine the engagement of Polish tourist facilities in low-emission and sustainable development activities. To meet the defined purpose, the research was conducted on the data about the facilities in Poland, included in the Booking.com Sustainable Travel Program. The study examines what types of facilities possess the sustainable badge more than others; in which voivodeships (provinces) of Poland there are more objects with the badge, and which Sustainable Travel Practices (out of 30) are realized more frequently. Such information may be useful when choosing a tourist destination, especially for tourists sensitive to environmental issues. The sustainable development practices introduced by Booking.com are mostly possible to be realized by large hotel enterprises. However, it is sometimes difficult to verify whether a certain practice is indeed implemented by a facility, or what exactly its implementation looks like in reality. The number of tourist objects engaged in the Booking.com Sustainable Travel Program has a low correlation with the level of wealth of the voivodeship where an object is located. It is justified by the fact that the wealthiest voivodeships in Poland are not necessarily the most attractive for tourists. The collected data can be a recommendation for both owners of tourist facilities and tourists regarding Polish regions and holiday destinations that meet the criteria of being sustainable, in accordance with the Booking.com guidelines.
Variational integrators and graph-based solvers for multibody dynamics in maximal coordinates
Authors: Brüdigam Jan , Sosnowski Stefan , Manchester Zachary , Hirche Sandra
Published: November 2023

Multibody dynamics simulators are an important tool in many fields, including learning and control in robotics. However, many existing dynamics simulators suffer from inaccuracies when dealing with constrained mechanical systems due to unsuitable integrators with bad energy behavior and problematic constraint violations, for example in contact interactions. Variational integrators are numerical discretization methods that can reduce physical inaccuracies when simulating mechanical systems, and formulating the dynamics in maximal coordinates allows for easy and numerically robust incorporation of constraints such as kinematic loops or contacts. Therefore, this article derives a variational integrator for mechanical systems with equality and inequality constraints in maximal coordinates. Additionally, efficient graph-based sparsity-exploiting algorithms for solving the integrator are provided and implemented as an open-source simulator. The evaluation of the simulator shows improved physical accuracy due to the variational integrator and the advantages of the sparse solvers. Comparisons to minimal-coordinate algorithms show improved numerical robustness, and application examples of a walking robot and an exoskeleton with explicit constraints demonstrate the necessity and capabilities of maximal coordinates.
A cross-sectional study examining the nature and extent of interprofessional education in schools of pharmacy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Depasquale Clare , Cunningham Scott , Jacob Sabrina Anne , Boyter Anne , Portlock Jane , Power Ailsa , Addison Brian
Published: November 2023

Background

Interprofessional education can prepare the workforce for collaborative practice in complex health and social care systems.

Aim

To examine the nature and extent of interprofessional education in schools of pharmacy in the United Kingdom.

Method

An online questionnaire was developed using systems theory, published literature and input from an interprofessional expert panel; it included closed and open-ended questions and a demographic section. Following piloting, it was distributed to 31 schools of pharmacy. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data, and a content analysis approach for qualitative data.

Results

Ten schools of pharmacy responded. All reported delivering compulsory interprofessional education. Most (80%) reported an interprofessional steering group overseeing development. Formative and/or summative assessment varied depending on year of study. Mechanism and purpose of evaluation varied with respondents reporting Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model Levels 1–3 (100%; 80%; 70%). Two themes were identified: “Variation in Interprofessional Education Approaches and Opportunities” and “Factors Influencing Development and Implementation of Interprofessional Education”. Formal teaching was mainly integrated into other modules; various pedagogic approaches and topics were used for campus-based activities. Respondents referred to planned interprofessional education during practice-based placements; some still at pilot stage. Overall, respondents agreed that practice-based placements offered opportunistic interprofessional education, but a more focused approach is needed to maximise student pharmacists’ learning potential.

Conclusion

Most interprofessional education offered in undergraduate pharmacy curricula in the United Kingdom is campus-based; the nature and extent of which varies between programmes. Very few examples of practice-based activities were reported. Results may inform future interprofessional education curricular development.
Nonlinear Forward-Backward Splitting with Momentum Correction
Authors: Morin Martin , Banert Sebastian , Giselsson Pontus
Published: November 2023

The nonlinear, or warped, resolvent recently explored by Giselsson and Bùi-Combettes has been used to model a large set of existing and new monotone inclusion algorithms. To establish convergent algorithms based on these resolvents, corrective projection steps are utilized in both works. We present a different way of ensuring convergence by means of a nonlinear momentum term, which in many cases leads to cheaper per-iteration cost. The expressiveness of our method is demonstrated by deriving a wide range of special cases. These cases cover and expand on the forward-reflected-backward method of Malitsky-Tam, the primal-dual methods of Vũ-Condat and Chambolle-Pock, and the forward-reflected-Douglas-Rachford method of Ryu-Vũ. A new primal-dual method that uses an extra resolvent step is also presented as well as a general approach for adding momentum to any special case of our nonlinear forward-backward method, in particular all the algorithms listed above.
GPNMB Ameliorates Neuroinflammation Via the Modulation of AMPK/NFκB Signaling Pathway After SAH in Mice
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Yuansheng , Lu Qixiong , Lei Li , Du Jingshu , Lu Xiaoyang
Published: November 2023

Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) got its name from the first discovery in a cell line of non-metastatic melanoma. Later studies found that GPNMB is widely expressed in various tissues and cells of the human body, most abundant in neural tissue, epithelial tissue, bone tissue, and monocyte-macrophage system. GPNMB has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in a variety of neurological diseases, however, it has not been reported in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Male CD-1 mice were used and intra-arterial puncture method was applied to establish the SAH model. Exogenous recombinant GPNMB (rGPNMB) was injected intracerebroventricularly 1 h after SAH. SAH grading, brain edema and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity were quantified, and neurobehavioral tests were performed to evaluate the effect of GPNMB on the outcome. Dorsomorphin, the selective inhibitor on AMPK was introduced to study the downstream signaling through which the GPNMB works. Furthermore, western blot, immunofluorescence staining and ELISA were utilized to confirm the signaling. After SAH, GPNMB expression increased significantly as a result of the inflammatory response. GPNMB was expressed extensively in mouse microglia, astrocytes and neurons. The administration of rGPNMB could alleviate brain edema, restore BBB integrity and improve the neurological outcome of mice with SAH. GPNMB treatment significantly magnified the expression of p-AMPK while p-NFκB, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were suppressed; in the meantime, the combined administration of GPNMB and AMPK inhibitor could decrease the intensity of p-AMPK and reverse the quantity of p-NFκB and the above inflammatory cytokines. GPNMB has the potential of ameliorating the brain edema and neuroinflammation, protecting the BBB and improving the neurological outcome, possibly via the AMPK/NFκB signaling pathway.

Graphical Abstract
The post-materialist economic freedom puzzle
Authors: Czeglédi Pál
Published: November 2023

Countries with a higher proportion of people with post-materialist values are freer economically than those with a lower proportion. The reasons why this is puzzling are that post-materialist values are not obviously more supportive to economic freedom than materialist ones, and that post-materialism correlates negatively with market friendliness in the West and positively outside it. The paper argues that seeing market attitudes as opinions with which people express their materialist or post-materialist identity, an equilibrium in which post-materialists are market friendly and another in which they are market unfriendly are both possible. A change in the proportion of post-materialists, however, can easily trigger a shift from one equilibrium to the other. Regressions with data from the Integrated Values Survey confirm that post-materialists are more market unfriendly when their proportion in society is high enough, but this negative effect is mitigated by their political identity, the expressiveness of the individuals themselves, the ideology of the political parties in their country, and culture. The argument casts some doubt on the claim that post-materialism is a determinant of the institutions and policies of economic freedom.
Genetic testing and management of prostate cancer patients with pathogenic germline variants
Authors: Reiter Katharina , Hassler Melanie R.
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is an androgen-receptor signaling-dependent disease with a subset of patients harboring pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in genes essential for DNA repair. In the last decade, several guidelines and recommendations have been developed to define which PCa patients should receive genetic testing to identify individuals at higher risk due to inherited alterations and to facilitate personalized treatment strategies. Notably, the presence of specific germline alterations in carriers undergoing PCa screening has implications for screening strategies, and PGV carriers with advanced disease are eligible to receive targeted therapies such as poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (CKI) depending on the alterations encountered. Although less information is available on carriers with localized disease, several trials are addressing this specific patient population and will help to collect data and improve clinical management of PCa patients with PGVs.
Mapping crop yield spatial variability using Sentinel-2 vegetation indices in Ethiopia
Authors: Tiruneh Gizachew Ayalew , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Adgo Enyew , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Fenta Ayele Almaw , Alemayehu Tiringo Yilak , Mulualem Temesgen , Fekadu Genetu , Demissie Simeneh , Reichert José Miguel
Published: November 2023

Crop yield prediction before harvest is a key issue in managing agricultural policies and making the best decisions for the future. Using remote sensing techniques in yield estimation studies is one of the important steps for many countries to reach their agricultural targets. However, crop yield estimates rely on labor-intensive surveys in Ethiopia. To solve this, we used Sentinel-2, crop canopy analyzer, and ground-truthing data to estimate grain yield (GY) and aboveground biomass (AGB) of two major crops, teff and finger millet, in 2020 and 2021 in Ethiopia’s Aba Gerima catchment. We performed a supervised classification of October Sentinel-2 images at the tillering stage. Among vegetation indices and leaf area index (LAI) used to predict teff and finger millet GY and AGB, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI) and normalized-difference VI (NDVI) provided the best fit to the data. NDVI and EVI most influenced teff AGB (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.50 ton/ha) and GY (R2 = 0.84; RMSE = 0.14 ton/ha), and NDVI most influenced finger millet AGB (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.98 ton/ha) and GY (R2 = 0.87; RMSE = 0.22 ton/ha). We found a close association between GY and AGB and the satellite EVI and NDVI. This demonstrates that satellite images can be employed in yield prediction studies. Our results show that satellite and crop canopy analyzer-based monitoring can facilitate the management of teff and finger millet to achieve high yields and more sustainable food production and environmental quality in the area. The results could be reproducible under similar study catchment conditions and boost crop yield. Extrapolation of the models to other areas requires local validation. To improve crop monitoring for farmers and reduce expenses, we suggest integrating time series Sentinel-2 images along with LAI obtained from crop canopy analyzers collected during the cropping season.
Potentials and prospects of solid biowaste resources for biofuel production in Ethiopia: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Seboka Ararsa D. , Ewunie Gebresilassie A. , Morken John , Feng Lu , Adaramola Muyiwa S.
Published: November 2023

Biowaste is becoming a significant category in the global energy mix to mitigate the negative impacts of burning fossil fuels. The aim of this review paper was to investigate the potential, conversion mechanisms, benefits, and policy gaps related to the utilization of solid biowaste resources as renewable, clean, and affordable energy sources. Thus, a systematic review approach was employed to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the studies that dealt with solid biowaste resources for energy recovery. This review paper was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023. The relevant literature was searched using databases from scholarly journal publishers, online search engines, and websites. A total of 82 studies were determined to be eligible from 659 records. Ethiopia has a huge potential for biowaste resources, with an annual generation potential of 18,446.4 MJ per year. The multifaceted advantages associated with biowaste-to-energy conversion such as clean energy production, waste management, forest conservation, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and maintaining soil fertility using the digestate left after anaerobic digestion were mentioned. This review highlights various conversion technologies for converting solid biowastes into valuable forms of energy, such as thermochemical, biochemical, and physico-mechanical techniques. It also investigated the value-added products of the Solid Biowastes-to-Energy (SBWtoE) process, including bio-oil, syngas, bioethanol, biodiesel, biomethane, bio-briquettes, and pellets, with applications ranging from transportation to power generation. Furthermore, this review addresses the multifaceted challenges associated with implementing a circular economy, emphasizing the need to overcome policy, technological, financial, and institutional barriers. These efforts are crucial for harnessing the growing biowaste resources in Ethiopia, ultimately promoting sustainable and cost-effective energy production while advancing the nation's environmental objectives.
Cardiovascular Health Priorities in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Obonyo Nchafatso G. , Etyang Anthony O.
Published: November 2023

The overall burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) tends to be underestimated. Model predictions, estimating CVDs are responsible for approximately 13% of all deaths and 38% of all non-communicable disease (NCD) deaths in sSA, are based on data mainly from urban areas and primarily hospital-based clinical data. Conservative estimates report NCD account for a total of 2.6 million deaths in sSA. Additionally, upstream determinants of poor health in general such as poverty and level of education extend beyond established and reliable data-capture systems. Majority of these present challenges require multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary strategies to effectively address. However, the limitations notwithstanding, available estimates show that countries in sSA are facing a double burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases. The infectious disease burden in sSA has previously been high; however, populations in Africa are undergoing both an epidemiological and demographic transition with increased survival from childhood to adulthood. There has also been a rise in modifiable risk factors, such as dietary and sedentary lifestyle, accounting for an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. This shift and a rise in cardiovascular morbidity have placed substantial strain on healthcare systems in Sub-Saharan Africa that require to be prioritized right from policy to practice. The recent COVID-19 pandemic with a disproportionately higher incidence of morbidity and mortality among patients with pre-existing risk factors for cardiovascular disease has also highlighted challenges and potential areas of improvement in the delivery of cardiovascular healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dynamic Strength Index in Basketball Players: Age and Position Differences, Seasonal Variation and Association with Sprinting and Change of Direction Performance
Authors: Pleša Jernej , Ujaković Filip , Bishop Chris , Kozinc Žiga , Šarabon Nejc
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in bilateral and unilateral dynamic strength index (DSI) between age categories (seniors and juniors), player positions (guards and forwards), its variation during the basketball season, and its association with sprint and change of direction (CoD) performance. Highly trained basketball players (n = 32) performed bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), bilateral and unilateral isometric squats, 10-m sprint, and 505 CoD test. DSI was calculated from CMJ and isometric peak force, while 10-m sprint and 505 test were used to calculate the CoD deficit. Two-way factorial analysis showed larger isometric peak force in seniors, and larger bilateral DSI in juniors, while guards had higher DSI values and larger peak force in both metrics compared to forwards. Two-way mixed model ANOVA showed a significant increase in unilateral isometric squat and CMJ peak force force (g = –0.08 to –0.64) and increase in bilateral DSI values. Post-hoc analysis showed that isometric squat force significantly increased only in seniors (g = 0.88), resulting in decreased bilateral DSI values (g = 0.52), with bilateral and unilateral DSI values increasing in juniors. Similar trends were observed in guards and forwards, with guards exhibiting a more pronounced increase in all variables compared to forwards. Furthermore, correlation analysis for in-season testing showed moderate associations between isometric squat peak force and CoD ability (r = –0.43 to –0.54; P < 0.001), and weak associations between DSI and CoD ability (r = 0.36 to 0.39; P < 0.05), while associations were not significant for sprint performance. The relationships were lower or absent during pre-season testing. Further interventional studies are needed to determine the usefulness of DSI to guide training related decision-making.
Economic Transformation and Income Distribution in China over Three Decades
Authors: Meng Cai , Gustafsson Bjorn , Knight John
Published: November 2023

It is arguable that the most important event in the world economy in recent decades has been the rise of China, from being on a par with Sub Sahara Africa at the start of economic reform to being an economic superpower today. That rise remains under-researched. Moreover, the great structural changes which accompanied economic growth require examination. The nationally representative China Household Income Project (CHIP) surveys, conducted for the years 1988, 1995, 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2018, permit a detailed examination of many important aspects of a country's economic development. Much of the analysis of this Element is closely related to, and largely caused by, China's remarkable economic growth and income distribution over the thirty years. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Lessons learned from over a decade of data audits in international observational HIV cohorts in Latin America and East Africa
Authors: Lotspeich Sarah C. , Shepherd Bryan E. , Kariuki Marion Achieng , Wools-Kaloustian Kara , McGowan Catherine C. , Musick Beverly , Semeere Aggrey , Crabtree Ramírez Brenda E. , Mkwashapi Denna M. , Cesar Carina , Ssemakadde Matthew , Machado Daisy Maria , Ngeresa Antony , Ferreira Flávia Faleiro , Lwali Jerome , Marcelin Adias , Cardoso Sandra Wagner , Luque Marco Tulio , Otero Larissa , Cortés Claudia P. , Duda Stephany N.
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Routine patient care data are increasingly used for biomedical research, but such “secondary use” data have known limitations, including their quality. When leveraging routine care data for observational research, developing audit protocols that can maximize informational return and minimize costs is paramount.

Methods:

For more than a decade, the Latin America and East Africa regions of the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium have been auditing the observational data drawn from participating human immunodeficiency virus clinics. Since our earliest audits, where external auditors used paper forms to record audit findings from paper medical records, we have streamlined our protocols to obtain more efficient and informative audits that keep up with advancing technology while reducing travel obligations and associated costs.

Results:

We present five key lessons learned from conducting data audits of secondary-use data from resource-limited settings for more than 10 years and share eight recommendations for other consortia looking to implement data quality initiatives.

Conclusion:

After completing multiple audit cycles in both the Latin America and East Africa regions of the IeDEA consortium, we have established a rich reference for data quality in our cohorts, as well as large, audited analytical datasets that can be used to answer important clinical questions with confidence. By sharing our audit processes and how they have been adapted over time, we hope that others can develop protocols informed by our lessons learned from more than a decade of experience in these large, diverse cohorts.
Double Schubert polynomials do have saturated Newton polytopes
Authors: Castillo Federico , Cid-Ruiz Yairon , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Montaño Jonathan
Published: November 2023

We prove that double Schubert polynomials have the saturated Newton polytope property. This settles a conjecture by Monical, Tokcan and Yong. Our ideas are motivated by the theory of multidegrees. We introduce a notion of standardization of ideals that enables us to study nonstandard multigradings. This allows us to show that the support of the multidegree polynomial of each Cohen–Macaulay prime ideal in a nonstandard multigrading, and in particular, that of each Schubert determinantal ideal is a discrete polymatroid.
Far-field hydrodynamic interaction in a group of swimmers
Authors: Li Gen , Duan Lei , Sesterhenn Jörn , Godoy-Diana Ramiro , Thiria Benjamin , Kolomenskiy Dmitry
Published: November 2023

Three-dimensional schools of hydrodynamically axisymmetric swimmers self-propelling at a constant velocity are studied. We introduce a low-order model for the induced velocity based on the far-field approximation. We inquire if, by holding suitable relative positions in the three-dimensional space, the swimmers can reduce the overall energy consumption of the school in comparison with the same number of isolated individuals at the same velocity. We find a considerable (several per cent) energy saving achievable by chain formations. The benefit increases asymptotically with the number of individuals, towards a finite limit that is a function of the minimum allowed spacing between each pair of neighbours.
A Rejoinder to: ‘Questioning the Appropriateness of ExaminingGuanxiin aWastaEnvironment: Why Context Should Be Front and Center in Informal Network Research – A Commentary on “De-Linking from Western Epistemologies: UsingGuanxi-Type Relationships to Attract and Retain Hotel Guests in the Middle East”’
Authors: Shaalan Ahmed , Eid Riyad , Tourky Marwa E.
Published: November 2023

This rejoinder responds to a commentary (Horak et al., 2023) on our article ‘De-Linking from Western Epistemologies: UsingGuanxi-Type Relationships to Attract and Retain Hotel Guests in the Middle East' (2022). We thank the authors for engaging with our work and are grateful to the editor for the chance to respond. Firstly, we do not accept the central assertion that we imposed the Chinese concept ofguanxion a Middle Eastern context. Some aspects ofguanxiextend beyond China, and we consider it part of our role as researchers to explore universal behavioral aspects that transcend specific cultural settings. While we describedguanxito introduce the variables, we drew a clear distinction betweenguanxiitself andguanxi-type relationships, and provided on page 859 an explicit statement about what we meant by the term ‘guanxi-type relationships’, i.e. the networks of interpersonal ties found in the Middle East. While this distinction could have been more clearly emphasized in places, we consider that the article as a whole made it abundantly clear.
Between Global History and Microhistory: Rethinking Histories of “Small Spaces” and Cities
Authors: Garg Gaurav C.
Published: November 2023

How can historians of “small spaces” and cities focus on local events and issues and at the same time carry on conversations with peers in a disciplinary mode marked by the spatial expansiveness of global history, on one hand, and a focus on objects and individuals of microhistory on the other? At stake here are key questions connected with the intellectual value of place-based knowledge and detailed single-site historical case studies. I argue that as long as we are caught between the positivist idea that causal regularity and time-place independence of explanatory mechanisms are the hallmark of theory, and the postmodernist resistance to generalizations, histories of cities and other small spaces will suffer from “defanged empiricism.” This problem is particularly debilitating for non-global histories of small spaces and cities of the global South, which often “do not travel well.” Is there a way out? I argue that a critical engagement with the stratified ontologies of critical realism— in particular, a version that I call “soft critical realism”—and Charles Tilly’s “deep order” can enable historians of small spaces and cities to re-situate their research at the heart and center of social theory, and simultaneously strike a better balance between attention to local details, the narrative form, and engagement with larger processes, concepts, and theories. Finally, I concretize the discussion by offering the example of how my own research on late colonial and early postcolonial Calcutta has benefitted from this approach.