bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Applications and Limitations of Large Language Models in Nephrology: A Systematic Review
Authors: Unger Zoe , Soffer Shelly , Efros Orly , Chan Lili , Klang Eyal , Nadkarni Girish N 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundLarge Language Models (LLMs) are emerging as promising tools in healthcare. This systematic review examines LLMs’ potential applications in nephrology, highlighting their benefits and limitations.MethodsWe conducted a literature search in PubMed and Web of Science, selecting studies based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review focuses on the latest advancements of LLMs in nephrology from 2020 to 2024. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024550169.ResultsFourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into five key areas of nephrology: Streamlining workflow, disease prediction and prognosis, laboratory data interpretation and management, renal dietary management, and patient education. LLMs showed high performance in various clinical tasks, including managing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) alarms (GPT-4 accuracy 90-94%) for reducing intensive care unit (ICU) alarm fatigue, and predicting chronic kidney diseases (CKD) progression (improved positive predictive value from 6.7% to 20.9%). In patient education, GPT-4 excelled at simplifying medical information by reducing readability complexity, and accurately translating kidney transplant resources. Gemini provided the most accurate responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CKD.ConclusionsWhile the incorporation of LLMs in nephrology shows promise across various levels of patient care, their broad implementation is still premature. Further research is required to validate these tools in terms of accuracy, rare and critical conditions, and real-world performance.
Integrating entomopathogenic nematodes into sustainable organic potato farming through a three-stage release technology
Authors: Anorbayev Azimjon , Kurbonova Nafosat , Tillyakhodjaeva Nigora 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) play a crucial role as biocontrol agents in organic agriculture, targeting various pests, including potato pests. This study aimed to integrate EPNs into sustainable organic potato cultivation through an innovative three-stage release technology. The efficacy ofSteinernema feltiaeandHeterorhabditis bacteriophorawas evaluated using three different application methods: 1) waterless release through alginate capsules, 2) mixing multiple isolates in an aqueous suspension, and 3) field distribution viaAgrotis segetumlarvae. The pathogenic potential of the EPNs was assessed based on pest mortality rates and their persistence under different conditions. Results indicated that alginate capsules extended EPN activity by up to 30%, while the aqueous suspension increased pest mortality by 20%. Nematodes distributed viaAgrotis segetumlarvae achieved the highest mortality rates, providing direct pest targeting. Among the tested methods,S. feltiaeexhibited up to 96.3% efficacy against potato pests under laboratory conditions, whileH. bacteriophorademonstrated 86.4% efficacy in field trials. The three-stage release technology proved to be a sustainable and effective approach for pest management in organic potato cultivation, making it a promising strategy for broader implementation.
Segment-specific promoter activity for RNA synthesis in the genome of Oz virus, genusThogotovirus
Authors: Akter Lipi , Matsumura Ryo , Kobayashi Daisuke , Matsugo Hiromichi , Isawa Haruhiko , Matsumoto Yusuke 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOz virus (OZV), a tick-borne, six-segmented negative-strand RNA virus in the genus Thogotovirus, caused a fatal human infection in Japan in 2023. To investigate mechanisms of viral RNA synthesis, we developed an OZV minigenome assay used in mammalian cells. Comparisons of promoter activities across six segments revealed that Segment 5 exhibited markedly lower promoter activity. Unlike the other segments forming a “distal duplex”, a double-strand RNA beginning at the 11th nucleotide on the 5’ end and the 10th on the 3’, Segment 5 partially lacks this feature. Introducing a mutation in Segment 5 distal duplex resulted in a substantial increase in promoter activity. Further, we examined the promoter structures of other viruses in the genusThogotovirususing public database. Thogoto virus Segment 1 also partially lacks a base pair in the distal duplex. In six-segmented RNA viruses, promoter activities are varied, with notable differences in activities likely existing among segments.HighlightsA minigenome assay was developed to elucidate the RNA synthesis mechanism of Oz virus.Segment 5 of the Oz virus exhibits significantly lower promoter activity compared to other segments.The distal duplex region formed by double-strand RNA at the genomic ends is essential for Oz virus RNA synthesis.Promoter activities in six-segmented RNA viruses are inherently variable among segments.
Prenatal stress increases corticosterone levels in offspring by impairing placental glucocorticoid barrier function
Authors: Liu Can , Liu Hongya , Li Hongyu , Yang Deguang , Li Ye , Wang Rui , Zhu Jiashu , Ma Shuqin , Guan Suzhen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTo investigate the association between prenatal stress (PS) and corticosterone, and its influence on DNA methylation of genes related to the placental glucocorticoid (GC) barrier, including 11β-HSD2, P-gp, NR3C1, and FKBP5. The PS model was established through chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). DNA methylation of GC-related genes was analyzed using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS), and the results were confirmed using MethylTarget™ sequencing. The mRNA and protein expression levels of these genes were detected through qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Plasma corticosterone levels are elevated in pregnant female rats exposed to PS conditions and their offspring. Compared to the offspring of the prenatal control (OPC) group, the offspring of the prenatal stress (OPS) group showed down-regulation in both mRNA and protein expression of DNMT 3A and DNMT 3B, while up-regulation was observed in the expression of DNMT1. RRBS analyses identified P-gp and FKBP5 as hypermethylated genes, including a total of 43 differentially methylated sites (DMS) and 2 differentially methylated regions (DMR). MethylTarget™ sequencing revealed that both genes had 15 differentially methylated CpG sites. This study provides preliminary evidence that PS disrupts the placental GC barrier through abnormal gene expression caused by hypermethylation of GC-related genes, resulting in elevated corticosterone levels in offspring and affecting their growth and development.
Redesigning short and perishable food supply chains getting insight from the causal analysis of challenges to sustainable development
Authors: Haider Mohammad , Jha Ashok Kumar , Raut Rakesh , Kumar Mukesh , Ghoshal Sudishna 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe short/fast-food and perishable food supply chains (PFSC) have similar characteristics of lower lifespan and variable demand, leading to significant waste. However, the global population surge and increased health awareness make it impossible to continue wasting food because it is responsible for the loss of economy, resources, and biodiversity. A sustainable transition in short and PFSC is necessary; thus, addressing challenges is critical to explore the best strategy for redesigning PFSC.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive literature review helped to identify 40 challenges, while a Delphi study highlighted 21 critical challenges. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method establishes a causal relationship between sustainable development (SD) challenges to help redesign PFSC.FindingsFrom a strategic development perspective, frequent transportation disruption is the main critical challenge. Lack of supplier reliability is the most substantial cause of independence, with a causal value of 2.878. Overhead costs and lack of green maintenance strategies are part of the performance-oriented challenges. As it belongs to the driving zone, the second quadrant requires control while transforming PFSC for better sustainable development.Practical implicationsThe study has several implications, such as lack of supplier reliability and frequent transportation disruption, which have the most robust causal value used as short-term strategy development. For short- and fast-food supply chains, it is necessary to study market and consumer behavior patterns to optimize inventory and customer service. Combating transportation disruption and supplier reliability challenges is vital in both PFSC and short and fast-food supply chains to reduce waste and promote sustainability.Originality/valueThe study’s findings are unique and put value toward the sustainable transition of PFSC by revealing critical challenges and their impact.
Why do Chinese corporate innovations emphasize quantity over quality? A new perspective on R&D capital market distortions
Authors: Pang Silu , Hua Guihong , Yan Zhijun 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study investigates the heterogeneous impact of R&D capital market distortions (CMDs) on the quantity and quality of innovation in Chinese firms by exploring key pathways from a dual-arbitrage perspective.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from Chinese A-share listed companies (2015–2021), we employ a multidimensional fixed effects model to validate the research hypotheses. Under the Systems of National Accounts (SNA, 2008) framework, we use the Bureau of Economic Analysis method to estimate enterprise R&D capital stock and the Cobb-Douglas production function to estimate R&D CMDs.FindingsResults show that R&D CMDs drive firms toward strategic innovation, emphasizing quantity over quality. Policy arbitrage, including policy catering and rent-seeking, emerges as a pivotal mechanism under R&D CMDs, encouraging firms to prioritize quantity over quality in innovation. High-technology firms and those in the decline stage are more inclined to spearhead strategic innovation within the context of R&D CMDs.Practical implicationsThese findings help policymakers promote high-quality innovation in Chinese enterprises by enhancing patent review mechanisms and shifting policies from quantity-driven to quality-oriented goals.Originality/valueThis study enriches the research on factor market distortions and innovation in emerging markets from the perspective of R&D CMDs, based on the “emerging + transitional” comprehensive framework. Unlike previous studies, which generally use enterprise R&D expenditure flow data, we apply the theory of R&D capitalization accounting to the micro-enterprise level under the SNA (2008) framework, enhancing the accuracy of R&D CMD estimations.
An empirical test of auction efficiency: evidence from MBS auctions of the Federal Reserve
Authors: Bonadi Pietro , Hotacsu Ali , Song Zhaogang 
Published: November 2024

PurposeWe estimate the marginal cost curve of each dealer in each auction, based on structural models of the multiunit discriminatory-price auction.Design/methodology/approachAuction theory has ambiguous implications regarding the relative performance of three formats of multiunit auctions: uniform-price, discriminatory-price and Vickrey auctions. We evaluate the performance of these three auction formats using bid-level data of the Federal Reserve’s purchase auctions of agency MBS from June 2014 through November 2014.FindingsOur results suggest that neither uniform-price nor Vickrey auctions outperform discriminatory-price auctions in terms of the total expenditure. However, Vickrey auctions outperform discriminatory-price auctions in terms of efficiency, with the efficiency gain around 0.74% of the surplus that dealers extract on average.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this paper provides the first structural analysis of the auctions used by the Federal Reserve in implementing its monetary policies.
The impact of gamification on academic performance: the case of digital marketing in Lebanon
Authors: Shatila Khodor , Martínez-Climent Carla , Enri-Peiró Sandra , Perez-Ruiz Pilar 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to understand how gamification elements, perceived teacher support and boredom relate to academic performance and how these relationships are mediated by perceived enjoyment while pointing out such influence on educational outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey methodology was conducted with 350 Lebanese university students specializing in digital marketing. This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data and provide exciting insights into the complex ties between variables.FindingsThe results indicate that well-implemented gamification elements significantly increased perceived enjoyment and positively influenced academic performance. Furthermore, perceived teacher support enhanced the effectiveness of gamification by increasing student engagement and enjoyment. Conversely, boredom negatively affects perceived enjoyment and academic performance, underscoring the need for well-designed gamification strategies that sustain interest and motivation.Research limitations/implicationsStructural equation modeling and other quantitative tools excel at discovering connections but may not reveal the origins of the patterns they uncover. Given the complexity of causation, quantitative studies examining the mediating role of subjective satisfaction may gain more insight using a mixed or qualitative approach. Although the data supplied by the 350 responders were interesting, the sample size was insufficient to make any definitive conclusions. These findings may not be generalizable because Lebanon’s student bodies are diverse. The ability to detect tiny changes in the target variables requires researchers to consider how much time and energy they can dedicate to gathering data while structuring their investigations.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to understanding gamification as a powerful tool for innovation in education and reshaping learning into motivating, engaging and sustaining productive experiences to improve educational quality. Therefore, our recommendations shed light on such improvements' impact on society. In this vein, we enrich this path by highlighting the crucial role of teachers and decision-makers in developing new professional programs.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates the importance of perceived enjoyment in the transformative gamification process in education. This study emphasizes the value of effective gamification implementation supported by teachers as a powerful tool for enhancing learning experiences and improving the quality of education.
The degree apprenticeship experience: perceptions of apprentices and their employers
Authors: Garnett Jonathan , Reynier Paula 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe research presented in this paper deepens our understanding of the experience of apprentices and employers engaged in degree apprenticeships.Design/methodology/approachThe research is focused upon ten in depth interviews. Data collection and analysis was undertaken following a grounded theory approach.FindingsThe data analysis identified broad themes relating to original motivation, experience and outcomes of the degree apprenticeship. Apprentices and their employers highlighted the potential of real-life work-based projects undertaken as part of the degree apprenticeship to be of direct value not only to the apprentice but also to the employer organisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory in nature and based upon ten interviews across five different organisations. Although the methodology followed a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis, it is not claimed that there was the data saturation required as the basis to generate theory. The research provides insight to inform how apprentices, employers and degree apprenticeship providers might effectively work together.Originality/valueThe study is based on authentic first-hand accounts from apprentices and their employers. It identifies key themes of common interest, which suggest how future practice may be improved. The research suggests that work-based projects conducted as part of the degree apprenticeship have the potential to make a wider contribution to the employer organisation by increasing productivity.
Development and performance evaluation of a polyurethane elastomer based seamless expansion joint for bridges
Authors: Wu Yuxuan , Xu Wenyuan , Yu Tianlai , Ji Yongcheng , Wang Xingyu 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study aims to address the degradation and damage of traditional bridge expansion joints by proposing a seamless expansion joint device based on polyurethane elastomer (PUE).Design/methodology/approachA series of laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of PUE, including elasticity recovery, interfacial bonding and hygrothermal aging tests. Indoor model tests were also designed to analyze PUE's performance in actual bridge expansion structures. Based on these evaluations, the design of a seamless PUE expansion joint structure was completed.FindingsThe study reveals that PUE achieves optimal interfacial bond strength with PUC at −30°C after 7 h of curing and adhesive application, with a tensile strength of 9.2 MPa. PUE's elongation at break exceeds 3% at −30°C and retains its toughness and tensile strength after hygrothermal aging. When the beam end rotation reaches 0.0144 rad, PUE maintains a linear elastic state. With a groove width of 340 mm, PUE can withstand compressive displacements over 40 mm and tensile displacements up to 60 mm.Originality/valueThe findings highlight the excellent elasticity recovery and toughness characteristics of PUE, demonstrating the significant improvement in durability of the PUE seamless expansion joint structure and the rationality of the groove width calculation method based on the elongation at break of PUE. The broader impact of this study lies in its potential to innovate the design and maintenance strategies of bridge expansion joints.
How perceived team virtuality affects individual knowledge hiding in teams: unraveling the paradox when heads meet hearts
Authors: Xiao Mengtian , Xu Yingqing , Xiao Qijie 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThis study aims to enhance the understanding of team virtuality by exploring its impact on individual counterproductive knowledge behaviors, particularly knowledge hiding. It examines the mediating roles of cognitive and affective trust and the moderating influence of learning goal orientation, addressing a significant gap in understanding how virtual interactions affect knowledge management processes at the individual level.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a three-wave online survey with a matched sample of 274 employees who have virtual work experience in China. We performed a series of structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses using Mplus 8.3 to test our proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate a significantly positive association between perceived team virtuality and individual knowledge hiding, mediated by both cognition- and affect-based trust, with the latter showing a stronger mediation effect. Additionally, individual learning goal orientation negatively moderates the indirect relationship between perceived team virtuality and knowledge hiding via cognitive (affective) trust.Practical implicationsBy understanding the mechanisms through which virtuality influences individual knowledge behaviors within teams, organizations can provide emotional and instructional support for virtual interactions to mitigate knowledge hiding and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of knowledge management.Originality/valueThis study offers a differentiated analysis by exploring the mediating roles of cognitive and affective trust and the moderating role of learning goal orientation within virtual environments. Previous research has not concurrently examined these variables within the framework of team virtuality and knowledge hiding, making this research pivotal in enhancing the theoretical and practical understanding of individual knowledge behaviors in virtual settings.
Strategic enhancement infrastructure connectivity: a fuzzy exploratory factors analysis in Thailand’s regional ports within the RCEP framework
Authors: Netirith Narthsirinth , Ji Mingjun 
Published: November 2024

PurposeAdvancements in enhancing regional port connectivity are crucial to fostering global maritime transport. The objective of this paper is to explore the complex relationship between infrastructure connectivity and the regional port of Thailand, specifically within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilised fuzzy logic in exploratory factor analysis and introduced a new factor based on shipping networks, port operations, trade and emerging innovations. This can enhance the regional port and facilitate infrastructure connectivity in the RCEP. The results of this study have been successfully applied in specific contexts involving port authorities and private shipping companies.FindingsThe study’s findings indicate key factors for enhancing regional ports in Thailand. These factors include integrating connectivity, creating spare hubs, addressing service issues, optimising logistics and supply chains, considering market components and leveraging the digital market. These factors are also crucial for promoting infrastructure connectivity within the RCEP framework.Originality/valueThis research presents a strategic framework for enhancing regional ports in Thailand and improving international infrastructure. This is the first attempt to examine the influence of infrastructure connectivity on regional ports by applying fuzzy exploratory factor analysis to modernise infrastructure, which is key to unlocking the region’s maritime potential.
Family caregivers of people with dementia experiences of interaction with the Danish healthcare sector: a qualitative study on changes
Authors: Kjær Pedersen Emma , Tanggaard Andersen Pernille 
Published: November 2024

Purpose
This research aims to understand how family caregivers interact with the Danish healthcare sector while taking care of a relative with dementia.

Design/methodology/approach
Nine individual interviews of family caregivers were conducted in 2022. Data collection used a phenomenological narrative approach, and the analysis was influenced by Klaus Høyer “tin-opener” analytic method.

Findings
Family caregivers experienced significant ambivalence surrounding the diagnosis. Many family caregivers felt that professionals failed to adequately prepare them for their new informal caregiver role, resulting in feelings of shame and unpreparedness. The identified themes underscores the significant time commitment and the neglect of self-care associated with the role of informal caregivers.

Research limitations/implications
Research should focus on developing supportive interventions for family caregivers to be able to support their needs. Furthermore, research should ensure that family caregivers are prepared for their tasks without being trained and able to carry out health professionals’ tasks.

Practical implications
Insight into how the family caregivers experience the interaction with the Danish healthcare sector can help healthcare service providers better support the family caregivers and contribute with more tailored support, which may ensure a higher quality of healthcare delivery.

Originality/value
The authors of this study reveal the unseen and quiet work that occurs in everyday life when caring for a person with dementia and being the primary point of contact with the healthcare sector. It is important to consider family caregivers’ experiences with the healthcare sector when developing healthcare interventions to support family caregivers better. This will help tailor the interventions to their needs.