bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consistent long-distance foraging flights across years and seasons at colony level in a Neotropical bat
Authors: Calderón-Capote María C. , van Toor Mariëlle L. , O’Mara M. Teague , Bayer Travis D. , Crofoot Margaret C. , Dechmann Dina K.N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAll foraging animals face a trade-off: how much time should they invest in exploitation of known resources versus exploration to discover new resources? For group-living central place foragers, balancing these competing goals poses particular challenges. The availability of social information may discourage individuals from investing in risky, expensive but possibly rewarding exploration. We GPS-tracked groups of greater spear-nosed bats (Phyllostomus hastatus) from three colonies on Isla Colón in Panamá. In the dry season, when these omnivores forage on the nectar of ephemeral balsa flowers (Ochroma pyramidale), bats consistently travelled long distances to remote, colony-specific foraging areas, bypassing flowering trees closer to their roosts. They continued to use these same areas in the wet season, when feeding on a diverse, presumably ubiquitously distributed diet, but also visited other, similarly distant foraging areas. Foraging areas were shared within, but not always between colonies. Our longitudinal dataset suggests that bats from each colony invest in long-distance commutes to socially learned shared foraging areas, bypassing other available food patches. Rather than investing in exploration to find nearby resources or engaging in a win-stay lost-shift foraging strategy, these bats follow colony specific behaviours consistent with the existence of culturally transmitted preferences for specific feeding grounds.
Exploration of Flavonoids to identify Potential Therapeutic Compounds by Targeting the Non-Structural V protein of Nipah Virus
Authors: Ahmad S Rehan , Zeyaullah Md. , AlShahrani Abdullah M. , Khan Mohammad Suhail , Ali Haroon , Muzammil Khursheed , Mohieldin Ali , AG Altijani Abdelrhman , Dawria Adam , Mohamed Awad Osman Abdalla , Kalam Abul 
Published: July 2024

AbstractResearchers are interested in a number of interdisciplinary approaches that might speed up and reduce the cost of creating new medications. This work aims to determine target proteins and choose a lead medication to combat the Nipah Virus. Following a study of the literature, we discover the non-structural V protein (UniProt ID: Q997F2). I-TASSER was used to estimate the 3D structure. We examined the flavonoid dataset in search of a strong inhibitor. Pyrx is used to use AutoDock Vina for docking. The interactions between the drug and the target protein binding were examined using BIOVIA Discovery Studio. Desmond’s Molecular Dynamics Simulation (MD simulation) was used to study the stability of protein and inhibitor complexes in a physiological environment. Based on our research, we have designed two lead compounds that lessen the virus’s effect. This discovery will benefit science as it may lead to the development of novel medications. The newly discovered natural compounds showed promise as inhibitors, showing less adverse effects and more efficiency.
Detection of Potential Phytochemicals against ctxAB Toxin to Combat Cholera
Authors: Akter Yasmin , Rahman Khalilur , Reza Md Selim , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Alam Munirul , Haque Mollah Md Nurul , Monir Md. Mamun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractVibrio choleraeis a gram-negative curved rod-shaped bacterium responsible for cholera, an intestinal infection characterized by severe acute watery diarrhea that can be fatal if untreated. The major virulence factor forVibrio choleraeis cholera toxin (ctx), a potent toxin which has two subunits, A and B (ctxAB), that are crucial for the progression of the deadly disease. The B subunit is a pentavalent protein that binds to the intestinal mucosa to allow internalization of the A subunit to initiate rice-watery diarrhea. This study explored potential phytochemicals to inhibit the B subunit from binding to the host mucosa by examining their interaction withctxB. Proteins encoded by the three genotypes of thectxBgene (ctxB1, ctxB3, andctxB7) present in the El Tor biotype strains ofV. choleraeO1 responsible for the currently ongoing seventh cholera pandemic were targeted. Analysis of 52 phytochemicals obtained from PubChem identified a group of phytochemicals based on their binding affinity scores with the proteins ofctxBgenotypes. Assessment of drug-likeliness and toxicity risk highlighted two phytochemicals, Limonin and Emodin, as the best potential candidates for inhibiting the mode of action of cholera toxin. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation-based MM-PBSA analysis suggested these compounds stably interact with the receptors. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations revealed that these phytochemicals might have potential to inhibit the cholera toxin function and reduce the severity of cholera.Author SummaryCholera toxin (ctx) subunits A and B (ctxAB) play a significant role in the disease, with the B subunit facilitating the binding of the toxin to the intestinal cells, and the A subunit entering the cells, resulting in the cellular changes that lead to watery diarrhea. To inhibit the B subunit of cholera toxin from binding host mucosa, we explored candidate phytochemicals instead of synthetic molecules as drug agents by examining their binding behavior with ctxB using a molecular docking approach. The molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations, and toxicity analyses identified two phytochemical compounds that have the potential to inhibit the mechanism of cholera toxin.
Hypersensitivity controlled by mir-9a modulates female receptivity ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zhang Xiaoli , Bagley Joshua A. , Huang Yongwen , Kim Woo Jae 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTFemaleDrosophila melanogasterundergo a complex behavioral transformation following mating, characterized by increased sensory sensitivity and altered reproductive behaviors. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-9a, a conserved microRNA, in regulating these post-mating changes. We found that miR-9a mutant females exhibited a hypersensitivity phenotype, with increased rejection of courting males, delayed onset of sexual receptivity, and abnormal mating termination behavior. This phenotype was associated with aberrant overgrowth of adult body wall sensory neurons, suggesting a link between neuronal hypersensitivity and reproductive behavior. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we performed genetic interaction studies withsensandbru2, genes known to interact with miR-9a. We found that removing one copy ofsensorbru2in miR-9a mutant backgrounds rescued the female rejection phenotype and normalized neuronal morphology. This suggests that miR-9a regulates sensory neuron development and female receptivity by modulating the expression of target genes likesensandbru2. Our findings reveal a novel role for miR-9a in regulating sensory hypersensitivity and reproductive behaviors inDrosophila. This research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying post-mating behavioral adaptations and neural development. Additionally, our findings highlight the potential ofDrosophilaas a model organism for investigating the role of miR-9 family members in neuronal specification and function, with implications for understanding sensory processing and neural plasticity in other organisms.
The Small GTPase Rho5 – Yet Another Player in Yeast Glucose Signaling
Authors: Schweitzer Franziska , Bischof Linnet , Walter Stefan , Morris Silke , Schmitz Hans-Peter , Heinisch Jürgen J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe small GTPase Rho5 has been shown to be involved in regulating the Baker’s yeast response to stress on the cell wall, high medium osmolarity, and reactive oxygen species. These stress conditions trigger a rapid translocation of Rho5 and its dimeric GDP/GTP exchange factor (GEF) to the mitochondrial surface, which was also observed upon glucose starvation. We here show thatrho5deletions affect carbohydrate metabolism both at the transcriptomic and the proteomic level, in addition to cell wall and mitochondrial composition. Epistasis analyses with deletion mutants in components of the three major yeast glucose signaling pathways indicate a primary role of Rho5 upstream of the Ras2 GTPase in cAMP-mediated protein kinase A signaling. We also observed an inhibitory role of Rho5 on respiratory capacity, which may be explained by its role in mitophagy.
Analysing student satisfaction with teaching strategies in vocational education
Authors: Noguera Ingrid , Quesada-Pallarès Carla , Sepúlveda-Parrini Paloma 
Published: July 2024

PurposePedagogical and digital innovation in vocational education training (VET) is scarce as well as research on the subject. The pandemic may have prompted a modernization of VET that needs to be examined with a focus on the main subjects: the students. The purpose of this paper is to analyse students' perspectives on henceforth VET pedagogies. We aim to investigate students' perspectives and satisfaction regarding the didactic strategies and teaching modalities they experience to inform further trends in VET.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative and cross-sectional study was conducted, gathering the views of 460 Catalan VET students through a questionnaire. Data were analysed descriptively and applying the generalised linear model (GLM) mediation model to address the specific aims detailed below.FindingsThe findings show that the most frequent and preferred teaching strategies are lecturing and active learning, while situated learning is found to be less frequent and preferred. Face-to-face is the preferred teaching mode for all teaching strategies. The internship modality does not affect students' satisfaction with teaching strategies, while the professional brunch does.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited responses gathered and the impact of the pandemic on the students' views limit the widespread applicability of the results. Future work must collect data from a broader sample and within a context of normality to determine current pedagogies and the use of digital technologies in VET.Originality/valueLiterature on VET pedagogies is scarce, and little is known about the predictable boost that the pandemic gave to the digitalisation and pedagogical modernisation of VET. Our study sheds light on the shift towards combined teaching strategies with a particular focus on active learning.
University students' participation in campus-based events
Authors: Nutsugbodo Ricky Yao , Blankson-Stiles-Ocran Sarah , Osei Benjamin Appiah , Afful Bernadette Ekua Bedua , Kuuder Conrad-Joseph Wuleka , Alhassan Thelma Ziemah , Akogo Josiane , Obeng Esther , Agyiri Philomina Dansowaa , Amponsah Gifty Nancy 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study examined university students’ participation in campus-based events (CBEs). Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory, the study specifically assessed the effect of motivation on emotional attachment and experiential value and how these affect the satisfaction and subjective well-being of students.Design/methodology/approachAn online questionnaire programmed using the Kobo toolbox was used to collect data from 840 CBE participants in August 2023. AMOS Graphics version 23 was used to establish the measurement and structural model to be validated and tested.FindingsThe study found that the organismic elements (emotional attachment and experiential value) significantly mediated stimulus (motivation) and response (satisfaction and subjective well-being). In all, the six hypotheses tested were significant.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings suggest that CBE stakeholders must consider the underlying motivations of students, the emotional attachment, and experiential values likely to be derived when designing and organizing CBE activities, and use impactful advertising media to entice and arouse students’ interest in participating in CBEs.Originality/valueThe study contributes to the understanding of the factors that influence CBE participants’ satisfaction and subjective well-being. The study’s focus on motivation, emotional attachment, and experiential value provides insights into developing effective strategies for the events industry.
We’re all just looking at the stars; how behavioral economics helps us understand the barriers to education programming in Tanzania
Authors: King Simon , Gove Amber 
Published: July 2024

PurposeWe’re all just looking at the stars; how behavioral economics helps us understand the barriers to education programming in Tanzania.Design/methodology/approachThis article uses a qualitative approach to explore the behaviorally normed barriers to quality classroom instruction that contribute towards low learning outcomes. Themed text analysis was applied to qualitative secondary data from seventeen classroom observations and teacher interviews collected from low-performing schools in rural Tanzania.FindingsIt was found that teachers in poor-performing schools in Tanzania were focused on the delivery of curriculum and pedagogy, with a misplaced belief that their pupils were performing adequately. The study found no evidence of teacher resistance to change; instead, the teachers were content and often happy to implement the reading program, believing that teaching phonics-based instruction improved their teaching approach. Teachers sought confirmation of their quality instructional practice from convenient yet inaccurate sources that did not include effective pupil assessment.Research limitations/implicationsAs a result of the chosen research approach, findings may lack generalizability.Practical implicationsWhile existing models of teacher change rely on logic and reason for decision-making, this paper provides evidence that teacher models of change are much more complex and irrational, aligned more closely with insights from behavioral economics (BE). Additionally, this paper justifies that traditional research frameworks that study what works provide an incomplete picture to support effective program improvement.Originality/valueThe application of behavioral economics to research and education programming focused on reducing the restraining forces rather than pushing incentives and other program components.
On corporate total factor productivity: public procurement
Authors: Cheng Lei , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Shaopeng , Zhao Meilin 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis study attempts to uncover the nonlinear relationship between public procurement and corporate total factor productivity (CTFP), and investigates the mediating roles of R&D investment and rent-seeking cost. Additionally, it conducts a heterogeneity analysis for firms with varying levels of political connections and corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachEmploying Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Olley-Pakes (OP) methods, the authors gauge CTFP and manually identify government customers to quantify public procurement. Leveraging panel data from Chinese listed companies, this study explores the relationship between public procurement and CTFP.FindingsThis study unveils a U-shaped relationship between public procurement and CTFP, highlighting R&D investment and rent-seeking costs as potential mechanisms. Furthermore, it identifies heterogeneous effects among companies with varying levels of political connections and CSR on the relationship between public procurement and CTFP, including their mediating effects.Practical implicationsThis research enhances understanding of demand-side policies and provides crucial insights for the government to further improve public procurement policies.Originality/valueBy offering empirical evidence of how public procurement impacts CTFP, this paper enriches the literature on the behavioral repercussions of public procurement and the determinants of CTFP. It also overcomes the “black box” of the mechanism between public procurement and CTFP, based on the government’s dual role as a pathfinder and customer of enterprises. It broadens the application scenarios of institutional theory and principal-agent theory. Additionally, the heterogeneity analysis of firms with varying political connections and CSR extends the frontiers of related research.
Resource availability alters breeding strategies in a small mammal community
Authors: Stephens Ryan B. , Willems Joshua S. , Yamasaki Mariko , Costello Christine A. , Rowe Rebecca J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Following a resource pulse, animals may finance reproduction by consuming concurrently available resources (income breeding) or by storing resources for future reproduction (capital breeding). Understanding how these reproductive strategies are used is important for determining the ecological mechanisms that structure timing of reproduction and that drive interannual population fluctuations in animals.

We gathered a reproductive dataset for five small mammal species over a 12‐year period in Northeastern USA during which six masting events of American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) occurred. Masting created alternate years where seeds were either available late (masting year) or early (cached from the previous year) in the breeding season. The small mammal species differed in reliance on seeds and overwintering strategies. We quantified the diet using stable isotopes and recorded reproduction timing, proportion breeding and litter size in females and testes size in males.

Timing of seed availability minimally affected litter size but strongly affected proportion breeding and timing of reproduction. During masting years (late seed availability), a higher proportion of females reproduced, with breeding taking place later in the season (lactation timed with peak seed availability), although the delay was restricted in Napaeozapus insignis, an obligate hibernator. After a fall mast, cached seeds were used as capital in the following spring (early seed availability) to support a litter that, depending on the species, occurred 24–79 days sooner than a mast year. No late‐season reproduction occurred in years with early seed availability except for Myodes gapperi which produced a second litter, likely financed by fungal consumption. Males also showed strong responses to seed availability, mirroring female reproduction with testes size staying constant in years with late seed availability and sharply decreasing over the breeding season in years with early seed availability.

Our results highlight that although photoperiod and temperature broadly set bounds of the breeding season in temperate environments, resource availability influences the reproductive strategies that species use, which in turn alters reproductive timing and can drive large inter‐annual population fluctuations. Differences in overwintering strategies and diet may further modulate reproductive timing and output relative to resource pulses.
Phenotype and gene signature of testicular tumors in 129.MOLF‐Chr19 mice resemble human teratomas
Authors: Gayer Fabian A. , Klaus Lucas , Reichardt Sybille D. , Fichtner Alexander , Reichardt Holger M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundTesticular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is the most common type of tumor in young men. Type II germ cell tumors including postpubertal‐type teratomas are derived from the germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), whereas prepubertal‐type teratomas arise independently of the GCNIS. The consomic mouse strain 129.MOLF‐Chr19 (M19) is a suitable murine model of such tumors, but its characterization remains incomplete.ObjectiveHere, we interrogated the suitability of testicular tumors in M19 mice as a model of human TGCT by analyzing their histological features and gene expression signature.Material and methodsTestes collected from M19 mice of different ages were categorized by macroscopic appearance based on size and the degree of suspected tumorigenesis. Histological sections from selected tumors were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and expression of genes associated with tumorigenesis was determined in frozen tissue samples from a large range of tumors of different subclasses using RT‐qPCR and Fluidigm Dynamic Arrays.ResultsMacroscopically, testicular specimens appeared very heterogeneous concerning size and signs indicating the presence of a tumor. Histological analysis confirmed the development of teratomas with areas of cells corresponding to all three germ cell layers. Gene expression analyses indicated upregulation of markers related to proliferation, vascular invasive potential and pluripotency, and revealed a strong correlation of gene expression with tumor size and a significant intercorrelation of individual genes.Discussion and conclusionTGCT in M19 mice is reminiscent of human testicular teratomas presenting with areas of cells derived from all germ layers and showing a typical gene signature. We thus confirm that these mice can serve as a suitable murine model of pure teratomas for preclinical research.
Quality performance indicators for oesophageal and gastric cancer: ANZ expert Delphi consensus
Authors: Kulasegaran Suheelan , Woodhouse Braden , Wang Yijiao , Siddaiah‐Subramanya Manjunath , Merrett Neil , Smithers Bernard Mark , Watson David , MacCormick Andrew , Srinivasa Sanket , Koea Jonathan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundQuality performance indicators for the management of oesophagogastric cancer can be used to objectively measure and compare the performance of individual units and capture key elements of patient care to improve patient outcomes.MethodsTwo systematic reviews were completed to identify evidence‐based quality performance indicators for the surgical management of oesophagogastric cancer. Based on the indicators identified, a two‐round modified Delphi process with invitations was sent to all members of the Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Gastric and Oesophageal Surgery Association. The expert working group discussed each suggested indicator and either removed, added, or adjusted the list of indicators of oesophagogastric cancer.ResultsThe final list of both OG cancer indicators included Specialized Multi‐disciplinary team discussion, Endoscopy documentation, Staging Contrast CT Chest/Abdomen and Pelvis, Neoadjuvant or Adjuvant chemo/radiotherapy administered in accordance with the Local multi‐disciplinary team, Pathological margin clearance (R0 Resection), Lymphadenectomy retrieving 15 or more nodes, Formal review of pathological findings and documentation, Postoperative complications, 30‐day and 90‐day postoperative mortality, clinical surveillance and Specialized Dietetic guidance. Indicators specific to gastric cancer included Preoperative biopsy for pathological diagnosis and Staging Laparoscopy.Indicators specific to oesophageal cancer include positron emission tomography scan if CT negative for metastasis, Perioperative Oesophagectomy Care Pathway, length of stay of 21 days or more, and Unplanned readmission within 30 days.ConclusionsThe results of this study present a core set of indicators for the surgical management of oesophagogastric cancer that can be used to measure quality and compare performance between different units.