bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Students’ perceptions of an artificially intelligent chatbot as a support tool to develop their research skills
Authors: Alshwiah Abeer 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis research aims to evaluate students’ perception of using a chatbot to develop their understanding of the various parts of a research article, and their ability to apply what they have learned to write a new research plan.Design/methodology/approachThis research is qualitative in approach. The sample contained 10 students on a research skills course as part of the master of educational technologies program. The research instruments consisted of (1) semi-structured interviews to gather the students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of using a chatbot, and (2) observation notes to triangulate the interview results, relating to the students’ application of what they had learned from the teacher and ChatGPT, in new contexts.FindingsThis study found that the use of ChatGPT contributed to developing students’ knowledge of writing a research plan. The students were satisfied with their personalized learning experience, and believed that ChatGPT had improved their autonomy, competence and relatedness. These three variables had played a role in developing their application skill. However, there were concerns about using ChatGPT in learning, like limiting the students’ creativity, human interaction and critical thinking skills. There were also concerns over accuracy, ethics and plagiarism.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its examination of how ChatGPT can help satisfy students' need for autonomy (having more knowledge to communicate with the app and control their choices), competence (feeling more capable of using artificial intelligence [AI] and possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed) and relatedness (being less disappointed when failing to obtain satisfactory responses from the AI application), while improving their skills in application. According to self-determination theory (SDT), these factors affect students’ skills in applying what they have learned to new tasks. Therefore, this study extends the examination of SDT and its effect to include application skill, using qualitative methods to study the relationships between variables in depth.
Business process management and digital transition. The case study of an Italian Public University
Authors: Ammirato Salvatore , Cutrì Laura , Felicetti Alberto Michele , Di Maio Fabrizio 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to highlight how the digitalization of a public university through a structured Business Process Management (BPM) approach allows for a significant performance improvement, even in a bureaucratized context not inclined to process thinking.

Design/methodology/approach
The used research methodology centers on a single case study conducted at an Italian public university. The selected process has been examined and redesigned within the BPM lifecycle framework. The AS-IS and TO-BE state, i.e. before and after the organizational change, have been modeled according to BPMN2.0 notation and evaluated through quantitative and qualitative techniques.

Findings
The authors first carried out a literature review to identify pertinent performance indicators suitable for assessing a BPM project within a public organization. Secondarily, applying the BPM framework to the case study enabled significant improvements in the quality of the process. Third, the authors analyzed the impact on people and the organization and how to soothe the transition to a digitalized process.

Originality/value
The study’s findings can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on BPM as a digitalization approach in the public sector. The case study is the first of its kind in the higher education context. Its value also resides in highlighting the efficacy of using BPM as a guiding tool for making organizational and technical decisions during the implementation phase within the specific context of this paper.
Predicting low-velocity impact on the CNTs-reinforced plate using machine learning models
Authors: Ranjbar-Roeintan Mehdi , Ahmadian Sajad , Soleymani Ali 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The study aims to predict a low-velocity impact on a plate reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using machine learning models.

Design/methodology/approach
The first-order shear deformation plate theory (FSDT) is used to express the plate displacements filed. The Hertz nonlinear contact law is used to predict the contact between impactor and plate. Using the energy method and Hamilton’s principle, the motion equations are extracted. The six main parameters considered as inputs to machine learning models are CNTs percentage, impactor radius, plate thickness, plate length and width, CNTs distribution profile and impactor initial velocity. These input parameters are used to predict two impact targets including contact force and contact time.

Findings
As the values of the targets are continuous, the machine learning task is considered a regression problem. Therefore, this study uses different regression models to predict the targets. These regression models include linear regression, stochastic gradient descent regressor, Bayesian regression, partial least squares regression, Gaussian process regression, multilayer perceptron regressor, support vector regression and decision tree regression. To validate the effectiveness of the regression models, experiments are designed based on different evaluation metrics. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the machine learning models achieve promising performance in predicting the contact force and contact time based on the input parameters.

Originality/value
Due to the volume of high numerical calculations of impact mechanics to reach the response, the targets of the impact problem are predicted using a variety of machine learning methods.
Urban bird commensals maintain coexistence under extreme food shortages
Authors: Soh Malcolm C. K. , Goh Marcus W. X. , Ng Breyl X. K. , Han Hui Zhen , Khoo Max D. Y. , Leong Duncan Y. W. , Lee Benjamin P. Y.‐H. , Loo Adrian H. B. , Er Kenneth B. H. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In developed cities, bird communities are typically comprised of a few dominant invasive species that can cause considerable social and economic costs. While various studies advocate restricting anthropogenic food as a suitable management approach, a significant knowledge gap persists regarding how these species interact and respond to such an intervention. Here, we evaluate whether limiting a shared food resource may affect their abundances similarly and assess whether such limitations influence their niche dynamics.

In Singapore, open food centres for people, colloquially known as hawker centres, serve as key food sources for three highly adapted urban birds: feral pigeons, Javan mynas and house crows. We counted these three species across 63 hawker centres and analysed their niche dynamics across different phases—before, during COVID‐19 social restrictions when dining‐in was prohibited, and during an enforcement phase mandating the return of crockery. We modelled their counts, diet niche widths and niche overlaps, considering predictors which include the sampling phases, food availability, structural characteristics of hawker centres and spatial attributes such as distance to public housing.

During social restrictions, feral pigeon and Javan myna counts showed a significant decline, while the count proportions of the three species compared to each other remained relatively stable. Hawker centres closer to bridges and public housing, and those that structurally more open, attracted more birds.

The niche widths of feral pigeons and Javan mynas significantly narrowed during social restrictions due to reduced food availability. However, their niche overlaps remained consistent across sampling phases, indicating resource partitioning strategies to cope with extreme food shortages—feral pigeons adapted by foraging more on grass verges outside, while Javan mynas frequented tray return stations. This resilience in maintaining species proportions and the absence of significant niche overlap suggested the existence of an ecological balance despite substantial reductions in available food.

Synthesis and applications. Our study underscores the importance of controlling human‐provided food to collectively manage dominant urban bird commensals. Beyond the two social restriction phases, curbing the availability of anthropogenic food through enforcement also kept nuisance birds away, validating a cost‐effective approach in reducing their counts.
Direct Effects of Inflammatory Cytokines on Mouse Uterine Contraction
Authors: Bao Junjie , Zhao Caihan , Wang Xiaodi , Liu Shiyun , Wang Lele , Zou Yong , Liu Huishu 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTProblemUterine contractions signal labor onset, with elevated pro‐inflammatory cytokines playing a pivotal role. Prior studies have explored their effects on prostaglandins, oxytocin, and signaling pathways, but have overlooked their direct effects on uterine contractions. Here, we aim to investigate the direct effects of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) on contractions to ascertain if they have immediate observable effects like those reported for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other effects.Method of StudyTension recordings were used to assess the direct effects of cytokines and/or LPS on mouse uterine contractions. Calcium imaging was employed to observe calcium oscillations in cytokine‐pretreated myometrial smooth muscle cells (MSMCs) in response to oxytocin. The release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines from uterine explants after LPS and/or cytokines application was investigated using Luminex.ResultsIL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α rapidly enhanced contractions of term pregnant mouse uterus. LPS combined with TNF‐α intensified contractions compared to LPS alone, although this effect was not statistically significant in our results (p > 0.050). Pretreatment of MSMCs with IL‐1β, IL‐6, or TNF‐α increased calcium oscillations in response to oxytocin. LPS and/or cytokine significantly stimulated the release of IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, Chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP1) from uterine explants in vitro.ConclusionsInflammatory cytokines have short‐term and long‐term effects on mouse uterine contractions, which together contribute to progressively stronger contractions during labor.
Analysis of two reperfusion techniques in uterine transplantation in an experimental model
Authors: Macedo Arantes Rubens , Ejzenberg Dani , Tanigawa Ryan Yukimatsu , da Silva Neto Amadeu Batista , de Martino Rodrigo Bronze , Galvão Flávio Henrique , Waisberg Daniel Reis , Ducatti Liliana , Rocha Santos Vinicius , Pinheiro Rafael Nunes , Haddad Luciana Bertocco , Lee André Dong , Soares‐Junior José Maria , Baracat Edmund Chada , Carneiro D'Albuquerque Luiz Augusto , Andraus Wellington 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionUterine transplantation was developed for the treatment of absolute uterine factor infertility. As it is a new modality of transplantation, there is still room for technical improvement. A factor that impacts graft survival in organ transplantation is the warm ischemia time. In uterine transplantation specifically, at least two vascular anastomoses are performed on each side of the uterus, and the graft revascularization takes place when the vascular clamps of the arteries and veins are released on both sides simultaneously. For this reason, the warm ischemia time in uterine transplant is expected to be considerably long. The purpose of this study was to compare the sequential technique of uterine graft revascularization, which aims to reduce the warm ischemia time of the procedure, with the simultaneous revascularization technique.Material and MethodsFor the procedure, the uterine auto‐transplantation technique was performed using 10 non‐pregnant adult ewes weighing about 45 kg, divided into two groups: simultaneous revascularization group (5 animals) and sequential revascularization group (5 animals). To evaluate the groups, we analyzed the procedure and warm ischemia times, graft macroscopy, hemodynamic, laboratory, and histological parameters of the uterus.ResultsThe sequential revascularization technique group had similar surgical procedure times, and the warm ischemia time was significantly shorter with medians of 32 min in the sequential group versus 72 min in the simultaneous group (p < 0.008). The graft macroscopy and hemodynamic, laboratory, and histological parameters evaluated were similar between the groups.ConclusionsThe sequential revascularization technique proved to reduce the warm ischemia time in the sheep uterine auto‐transplantation model without compromising graft viability.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 receives FDA approval to be used as hearing aids
Authors: Treffalls John A. , Shah Aakash M. 
Published: October 2024

SummaryApple AirPods Pro 2 recently received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for use as an over‐the‐counter hearing aid device, the first approval of an over‐the‐counter hearing aid software by the Agency.
Review article: Optimisation of biologic (monoclonal antibody) therapeutic response in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chaemsupaphan Thanaboon , Leong Rupert W. , Vande Casteele Niels , Seow Cynthia H. 
Published: October 2024

SummaryBackgroundThere are a plethora of therapeutic options for the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Despite this, clinical outcomes with standard dosing often fall short of established targets. While efforts centre on developing novel therapies, there is an ongoing need to optimise the use of existing agents.AimsTo focus on strategies to optimise response to biologic (monoclonal antibody) therapies in IBD, including use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).MethodsAn extensive review of the published literature.ResultsTDM is a strategy aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of drugs with variable exposure‐response relationships by measuring serum concentrations of biologic therapies and detecting neutralising antibodies. Reactive TDM is performed when therapeutic goals have not been achieved. Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) inhibitors are the treatment class most frequently associated with immunogenicity and loss of response. Immunogenicity can be reduced through avoidance of low serum drug concentrations by dose optimisation or use of concomitant immunomodulator therapy. Subtherapeutic dosing in the absence of antidrug antibodies is best managed by dose escalation or dose interval reduction. Persistent neutralising drug antibodies necessitate switching to an alternative therapy. Proactively ensuring adequate serum trough levels might help sustain treatment durability and prevent loss of response. Newer non‐TNF inhibitors demonstrate less robust exposure‐response relationships, and TDM may not prove as beneficial.ConclusionsIn the treat‐to‐target paradigm of IBD treatment, optimising treatment effect with dose optimisation, which may involve strategies including TDM, increases the likelihood of achieving clinical remission and may accomplish deeper levels of remission beyond symptom control.
Review article: Prevention of inflammatory bowel disease—The path forward
Authors: Bronze Sérgio , Agrawal Manasi , Colombel Jean‐Frédéric , Torres Joana , Ungaro Ryan C. 
Published: October 2024

SummaryBackgroundThe possibility of preventing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is becoming more plausible due to advances in understanding preclinical disease and successful prevention trials in other immune‐mediated diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. However, before that possibility becomes reality, several efforts need to occur in parallel and in a coordinated way.AimTo propose some critical steps necessary for advancing the field of IBD prediction and prevention.MethodsWe reviewed the current literature to identify the necessary steps toward a preventive strategy for IBD.ResultsThe first step should determine the most robust predictive biomarkers and validate them across independent cohorts, creating a multidimensional predictive tool. The second step is to gain a better understanding of the preferences of first‐degree relatives and people at risk for IBD, informing the implementation of screening and preventive strategies. Third, these efforts should contribute to the development of high‐risk clinics and establish the necessary networks for disease prevention trials.ConclusionsAdvancing the field of IBD prediction and prevention will require a multifaceted approach, integrating biomarker discovery, understanding patient preferences, and establishing infrastructure for a collaborative network to support the practical implementation of IBD prevention strategies.
Vulnerability of Southern Hemisphere bats to white‐nose syndrome based on global analysis of fungal host specificity and cave temperatures
Authors: Wu Nicholas C. , Welbergen Justin A. , Villada‐Cadavid Tomás , Lumsden Lindy F. , Turbill Christopher 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhite‐nose syndrome (WNS), a disease affecting hibernating bats, is caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). Since the initial introduction of Pd from Eurasia to the United States in 2006, WNS has killed millions of bats throughout the temperate parts of North America. There is concern that if Pd is accidentally introduced to the Southern Hemisphere, WNS could pose similar threats to the bat fauna of the Southern Hemisphere's more temperate regions. Efforts are required to better understand the vulnerability of bats globally to WNS. We examined phylogenetic distances among cave roosting bat species globally to estimate the probability of infection by Pd. We predicted cave thermal suitability for Pd for 441 cave‐roosting bat species across the globe via spatial analysis. We used host specificity models based on 65 species tested for Pd to determine phylogenetic specificity of Pd. Phylogenetic distance was not an important predictor of Pd infection, confirming that Pd has low host specificity. We found extensive areas (i.e., South America, Africa, and Australia) in the Southern Hemisphere with caves that were suitable for cave‐roosting bat species and for Pd growth. Hence, if Pd spreads to the Southern Hemisphere, the risk of exposure is widespread for cave‐roosting bats, and infection is possible regardless of relatedness to infected species in the Northern Hemisphere. Predicting the consequences of infection remains difficult due to lack of species‐specific information about bat winter biology. Nevertheless, WNS is an important threat to naive Southern Hemisphere bat populations. Hence, biosecurity measures and planning of management responses that can help prevent or minimize a potential WNS outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere are urgently needed.
Indigenous Peoples’ human genomic sovereignty: Lessons for Africa
Authors: Kabata Faith 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHuman genomics research with indigenous peoples has often been characterised by tension between the ‘western’ science ideologies and indigenous peoples’ cultural beliefs in relation to their human genetic resources and data. This article explores this tension from the lens of the concept of indigenous peoples’ human genomic sovereignty and tests the applicability of the concept in Africa. The article achieves this by first highlighting the tension between ‘western’ science and indigenous peoples through three case studies from Canada, the USA, and South Africa. It then analyses indigenous peoples’ human genomic sovereignty in the USA and Canada and compares it with the notion of indigenous peoples’ sovereignty in Africa. The article concludes by highlighting lessons that indigenous groups in Africa can draw from the USA and Canada in their quest for human genomic sovereignty.
Microplastic fate in a chronosequence of biosolid‐amended agricultural soil in Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Walker Harriet , Aherne Julian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMunicipally sourced biosolids are commonly used as cost‐effective fertilizers, diverting material from landfills and contributing to the circular economy. However, biosolids contain high concentrations of microplastics (MPs), which are emerging contaminants of concern due to their ubiquity in the environment. Despite this, there is a lack of environmentally relevant field studies. In 2022, composite topsoil samples (0–15 cm depth) were collected from seven agricultural fields in Southern Ontario, Canada, representing a chronosequence of biosolid applications ranging from 1 to 9 years since amendment and a control (untreated) field. MP particles down to 20 μm in size were extracted by density separation, enumerated, characterized by stereomicroscope and polymers identified using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy. Here, we report on the characteristics, abundance and polymer type of MP particles in the study area to assess their fate in biosolid‐amended soils. The average MP concentration among fields was 6.87 ± 1.47 MP g−1 (3.43 ± 0.74 mg MP kg−1). Additionally, the MP soil pool increased with repeated applications of biosolids. The dewatered biosolid plastic content of 8816 ± 1809 MP g−1 dry weight (11.6 ± 17.5 g MP kg−1 dry weight) was used to estimate a mean MP loading of 94.5 ± 10.9 kg ha−1 to each field per application, suggesting that 7% of the MP soil pool persisted over time. Quantifying the MP pool in biosolid‐amended agricultural soil will inform evidence‐based plastic policy changes in our global effort to understand and reduce plastic pollution.
Participants' Experiences of Being Treated for Peri‐Implant Mucositis—A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Bengtsson Viveca Wallin , Skovdahl Kirsti , Andersson Pia 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo describe participants' experiences of being treated for peri‐implant mucositis.MethodsA qualitative study with nine individual, semistructured interviews was performed. The interview guide was based on a focus group interview. The participants had recently been treated for peri‐implant mucositis on one dental implant in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). The treatment included information, oral hygiene instructions, nonsurgical treatment with Er:YAG laser or ultrasonic scaler and professional cleaning in several sessions over 6 months. The interviews performed were analysed using qualitative manifest and latent content analysis.ResultsThe manifest results showed that learning how to brush the teeth, and repeated feedback, was appreciated, and increased the motivation to improve oral hygiene habits. Most participants experienced no discomfort from the treatment. The participants had an understanding that a longer treatment time was required to ensure the quality of the treatment. Respect and attention were important elements of the personal treatment. The latent results suggest that treatment with a laser or an ultrasonic scaler was not perceived as the most important part of the treatment. Participants felt that receiving information about the treatment process was more important; moreover, a person‐centred approach gave a feeling of good and safe care.ConclusionsThe present study highlights factors of importance in treatment of peri‐implant mucositis with laser and ultrasonic scaler. A person‐centred approach with respect and attention is important for a good and safe experience and may be important factors in future treatments.