bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altcoins as safe havens for bitcoin investors
Authors: Cai Jin , Pinto Gerard 
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to improve how investors can better manage their exposure to bitcoin (BTC), given the growing importance of BTC and the accompanying high volatility of BTC. This paper tests whether altcoins can serve as safe havens and diversifiers against exposure to BTC.

Design/methodology/approach
Using daily returns of altcoins and BTC from 2014 to early 2022, this paper examines the relationship between altcoins and BTC in a GARCH regression framework.

Findings
This paper finds that altcoins act as reliable safe havens during periods of extremely negative BTC returns and provide BTC investors with diversification benefits during normal periods. The safe haven effect of altcoins is superior to that of conventional assets. This paper presents evidence that this safe haven property of altcoins can be attributed to the informational efficiency channel, which arose from the increased adoption of BTC by institutional investors.

Research limitations/implications
The study uses a data set from 2014 to early 2022. While the sample is among the largest samples in the literature on crypto assets and includes adequate BTC tail events to test the hypotheses, it may not capture more recent changes in the crypto markets.

Practical implications
The findings suggest that BTC investors can enjoy diversification and safe haven protections by including altcoins in their portfolios.

Originality/value
This paper’s focus on alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) as potential diversifiers and safe havens is original. The hypothesis about altcoins being better alternatives during extreme negative movements in BTC prices is a unique contribution. The test of the role of the information efficiency channel further enhances the paper’s originality.
Learning about place from Indigenous Elders: self-study in social studies education
Authors: Trout Muffet 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThis paper explores the effects of land education on the practice of a White social studies teacher educator who wanted to teach about the ecological crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe teacher educator used self-study methodology to analyze her experiences with local Indigenous leaders when she was a high school social studies teacher and currently as a social studies methods professor. Data sources included journals, field notes, course-related materials, and formal writings.FindingsThrough experiences, Indigenous leaders helped the teacher educator identify contrasting cultural paradigms to broaden her understanding of where she lives. This learning enabled the teacher educator to use the two paradigms in her teaching about place and the ecological crisis.Originality/valueThis research shows inner work that can position teacher educators to understand the value of Indigenous wisdom regarding place when teaching about the ecological crisis.
Reduced count size can provide a robust and more efficient diatom assessment of environmental conditions
Authors: Riato Luisa , Stoddard John L. , Herlihy Alan T. , Blocksom Karen A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Bioassessment indices routinely used in freshwater assessments are calculated using enumeration methods that are often time‐intensive. For diatom assessments that are mainly based on time‐consuming valve counts, little attention has been devoted to optimizing current counting methods, despite the need for cost‐effective bioassessments and biomonitoring.

With a focus on count size sufficiency, we examined diatom samples from >3000 rivers and streams across the United States to assess the effects of reducing the standard count size of 600 diatom valves on the recently published, genus‐level, trait‐based multimetric diatom indices (MMIs) and its component metrics. The diatom data were collected by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Rivers and Streams Assessment (NRSA). The MMIs, based on the NRSA data, were designed to assess river and stream ecological condition for three large ecoregions across the United States—East, Plains and West.

We found that reducing the standard 600 valve counts introduced variability in component metric values, especially for % taxa metrics, but the variability had little effect on the performance of the actual MMI. More than 90% of all subsamples from the Plains and East ecoregions, and over 80% of West subsamples, were placed in the same condition class regardless of whether a 600‐ or 100‐count size was used. Moreover, the ability of each component metric and MMI to discriminate least‐ from most‐disturbed sites remained the same at 100 valves as that obtained using 600 valves.

Synthesis and applications. Contrary to the general perception that counting a high number of diatom valves will lead to a more responsive and robust index, our research shows that a good index performance can still be obtained by counting considerably fewer diatom valves. A smaller count sum will not just reduce the analysis effort but also the quality assurance/quality control effort. For large‐extent bioassessment programmes, reducing the count size could lead to substantial savings in resources that could potentially allow the assessment of more sites. Our subsampling approach to determine an optimal count size is an effective way to achieve time‐ and cost‐effective sample processing that can be applied to any group of organisms.
Analysis of the roles of MAD proteins in the wing dimorphism of Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Tian Miaomiao , Lu Zeiwei , Luo Jiguang , Han Huilin , Wen Dong , Zhao Muhua , Zhu Zhihui , Hua Hongxia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWing dimorphism in Nilaparvata lugens is controlled by the insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) signaling – Forkhead transcription factors (IIS‐FoxO) pathway. However, the role of this signal in the wing development program remains largely unclear. Here, we identified 2 R‐SMAD proteins, NlMAD1 and NlMAD2, in the brown planthopper (BPH) transcriptome, derived from the intrinsic transforming growth factor‐β pathway of insect wing development. Both proteins share high sequence similarity and conserved domains. Phylogenetic analysis placed them in the R‐SMAD group and revealed related insect orthologs. The expression of Nlmad1 was elevated in the late instar stages of the macropterous BPH strain. Nlmad1 knockdown in nymphs results in malformed wings and reduced wing size in adults, which affects the forewing membrane. By contrast, Nlmad2 expression was relatively consistent across BPH strains and different developmental stages. Nlmad2 knockdown had a milder effect on wing morphology and mainly affected forewing veins and cuticle thickness in the brachypterous strain. NlMAD1 functions downstream of the IIS‐FoxO pathway by mediating the FoxO‐regulated vestigial transcription and wing morph switching. Inhibiting Nlmad1 partially reversed the long‐winged phenotype caused by NlFoxO knockdown. These findings indicate that NlMAD1 and NlMAD2 play distinct roles in regulating wing development and morph differentiation in BPH. Generally, NlMAD1 is a key mediator of the IIS‐FoxO pathway in wing morph switching.
Unveiling quiet activism: Urban community gardens as agents of food sovereignty
Authors: Kanosvamhira Tinashe P. , Tevera Daniel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUrban community gardening is emerging as a form of quiet activism challenging the corporate food system. In urban community gardening, quiet activism subtly challenges the dominant corporate food system. However, research tends to overlook its presence and impact in global South cities, where issues of food insecurity and corporatisation are acute. There is a gap in research on urban community gardening activism, with a focus mainly on global North cities. Global South cities and populations face unique challenges in the corporate food system that require attention and exploration in scholarly literature. We draw on qualitative research conducted with urban community gardeners in Cape Town, South Africa. Through interviews and observations, the study investigates how these gardeners engage in quiet activism to challenge the corporate food system. We find that community gardens are subtle but potent platforms for bolstering local food movements and fostering healthier dietary practices by cultivating and sharing produce. Quiet activism through community gardening offers a nuanced approach to challenging the corporate food system. The study highlights the need to recognise and understand varying levels of activism intensity and their implications for reshaping urban food systems. We underscore the need to discern the distinct embodiments necessitated by different modes of activism. Understanding these different modes of activism is crucial for comprehending their varying impacts on challenging and reshaping the corporate food system. This nuanced approach reveals the transformative potential inherent in community gardening practices. Community gardening in Cape Town exemplifies the transformative potential of understated acts in food activism.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic changes might predict frailty in SAMP8 mice
Authors: Dacomo Letizia , La Vitola Pietro , Brunelli Laura , Messa Letizia , Micotti Edoardo , Artioli Luisa , Sinopoli Elena , Cecutti Greta , Leva Susanna , Gagliardi Stella , Pansarasa Orietta , Carelli Stephana , Guaita Antonio , Pastorelli Roberta , Forloni Gianluigi , Cereda Cristina , Balducci Claudia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFrailty is a geriatric, multi‐dimensional syndrome that reflects multisystem physiological change and is a transversal measure of reduced resilience to negative events. It is characterized by weakness, frequent falls, cognitive decline, increased hospitalization and dead and represents a risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The fact that frailty is recognized as a reversible condition encourages the identification of earlier biomarkers to timely predict and prevent its occurrence. SAMP8 (Senescence‐Accelerated Mouse Prone‐8) mice represent the most appropriate preclinical model to this aim and were used in this study to carry transcriptional and metabolic analyses in the brain and plasma, respectively, upon a characterization at cognitive, motor, structural, and neuropathological level at 2.5, 6, and 9 months of age. At 2.5 months, SAMP8 mice started displaying memory deficits, muscle weakness, and motor impairment. Functional alterations were associated with a neurodevelopmental deficiency associated with reduced neuronal density and glial cell loss. Through transcriptomics, we identified specific genetic signatures well distinguishing SAMP8 mice at 6 months, whereas plasma metabolomics allowed to segregate SAMP8 mice from SAMR1 already at 2.5 months of age by detecting constitutively lower levels of acylcarnitines and lipids in SAMP8 at all ages investigated correlating with functional deficits and neuropathological signs. Our findings suggest that specific genetic alterations at central level, as well as metabolomic changes in plasma, might allow to early assess a frail condition leading to dementia development, which paves the foundation for future investigation in a clinical setting.
Association between host defence peptide IDR‐1002 and ciprofloxacin: Effects on human dental pulp cells
Authors: Martins Danilo César Mota , da Costa Sousa Maurício Gonçalves , Silva Poliana Amanda Oliveira , Aguiar Lana Ribeiro , de Andrade Rosângela Vieira , Silva‐Carvalho Amandda Évellin , Saldanha‐Araújo Felipe , Franco Octávio Luiz , Rezende Taia Maria Berto 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo evaluate the effects of the association of host defence peptide IDR‐1002 and ciprofloxacin on human dental pulp cells (hDPSCs). hDPSCs were stimulated with ciprofloxacin and IDR‐1002. Cell viability (by MTT assay), migration capacity (by scratch assay), production of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory mediators by hDPSCs (RT‐PCR) and osteogenic differentiation (alizarin red staining) were evaluated. Phenotypic profile of hDPSCs demonstrated 97% for positive marked mesenchymal stem cell. Increased pulp cell migration and proliferation were observed after 24 and 48 h of exposure to IDR‐1002 with ciprofloxacin. Mineral matrix formation by hDPSCs was observed of the association while its reduction was observed in the presence of peptide. After 24 h, the association between ciprofloxacin and IDR‐1002 significantly downregulated TNFRSF‐1, IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐6 and IL‐10 gene expression (p ≤ 0.0001). The association between the IDR‐1002 and ciprofloxacin showed favourable immunomodulatory potential, emerging as a promising option for pulp revascularisation processes.
Optimizing intrauterine insemination: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the effectiveness and safety of clinical treatment add‐ons
Authors: Chronopoulou Elpiniki , Gaetano‐Gil Andrea , Shaikh Sadaf , Raperport Claudia , Al Wattar Bassel H. , Ruiz‐Calvo Gabriel , Zamora Javier , Bhide Priya 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionIntrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most widespread fertility treatments. However, IUI protocols vary significantly amongst fertility clinics. Various add‐on interventions have been proposed to boost success rates. These are mostly chosen arbitrarily or empirically. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to assess the effectiveness and safety of add‐on interventions to the standard IUI protocol and to provide evidence‐based recommendations on techniques used to optimize the clinical outcomes of IUI treatment.Material and MethodsSystematic review and meta‐analyses were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A computerized literature search was performed from database inception to May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included reporting on couples/single women undergoing IUI with any protocol for any indication using partner's or donor sperm. A meta‐analysis based on random effects was performed for each outcome and add‐on. Three authors independently assessed the trials for quality and risk of bias and overall certainty of evidence. Uncertainties were resolved through consensus. Primary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) or live birth rate (LBR) per cycle/per woman randomized. Registration number PROSPERO: CRD42022300857.ResultsSixty‐six RCTs were included in the analysis (16 305 participants across 20 countries). Vaginal progesterone as luteal phase support in stimulated cycles was found to significantly increase LBR/OPR (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09–1.72, I2 = 4.9%) (moderate/low certainty of the evidence). Endometrial scratch prior/during stimulated IUI cycles may increase LBR/OPR (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03–2.01, I2 = 1.8%), but evidence is very uncertain. Results from two studies suggest that follicular phase ovarian stimulation increases LBR/OPR (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00–1.94, I2 = 0%) (low certainty of evidence). No significant difference was seen for the primary outcome for the other studied interventions.ConclusionsThe findings of this systematic review and meta‐analysis suggest that vaginal luteal phase progesterone support probably improves LBR/OPR in stimulated IUI treatments. In view of moderate/low certainty of the evidence more research is needed for solid conclusions. Further research is also recommended for the use of endometrial scratch and ovarian stimulation. Future studies should report on results according to subfertility background as it is possible that different add‐ons could benefit specific patient groups.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates in oocytes associated with increased risk of neonatal birth defects: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Long Rui , Wang Meng , Yang Qiyu , Zhang Yini , Gao Limin , Jin Lei , Zhu Lixia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies have indicated the association between smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates (SERa+) and poorer medically assisted reproduction outcomes. However, the link between SERa+ and neonatal outcomes remains controversial and open for debate. A comprehensive meta‐analysis on the relation between SERa+ and the risk of birth defects is needed.Material and MethodsThe literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, Web of Science, and Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wan Fang from inception until July 2023. Risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by a fixed‐effected model, while heterogeneity was assessed by forest plots and I2 statistic. Funnel plot was produced to assess publication bias. This meta‐analysis has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022313387).ResultsThe search resulted in 122 studies, 14 of which met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of birth defects revealed a higher risk (RR = 2.17, 95%CI 1.24 to 3.81, p = 0.007) in children derived from SERa+ cycle compared to SERa‐ cycles (711 vs. 4633). Meanwhile, in a subgroup analysis, the risk of birth defects was significantly increased in the SERa+ oocytes group as compared with the sibling SERa‐ oocytes group (RR = 3.53, 95%CI 1.21 to 10.24, p = 0.02).ConclusionsTo conclude, our analysis indicated that SERa+ cycles/oocytes may have a potential risk of increased additional major birth defects comparing with SERa‐ cycles/oocytes. This conclusion may provide evidence‐based support for clinicians in IVF clinical guidance and embryologists in prudent embryo selection strategy.
Robot NAO integrated lesson vs. traditional lesson: Measuring learning outcomes on the topic of “societal change” and the mediating effect of students' attitudes
Authors: Rosanda Violeta , Bratko Ivan , Gačnik Mateja , Podpečan Vid , Istenič Andreja 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOur research aims to examine the effectiveness of introducing social robots as educational technology within authentic classroom activities without modifying them to be designed for a robot. We chose as test subject the fifth‐grade curricular topic “The role of technology and its impact on society”, meeting the critical stage of moral development students aged of 11–12. The study, with both experimental (EG) and control groups (CG), will be conducted over 6 weeks. This study will examine the impact of robot‐supported lessons with post‐participation testing on learning outcomes and examine students' perception of the robot in the classroom as a potential correlation with academic performance. The form of the study will be a between‐group non‐randomised controlled experiment. Control and experimental groups will be matched concerning gender, mastery of technology and previous knowledge and understanding of the curricular topic in focus. The instructional design of process‐outcome strategies will incorporate all of Bloom's taxonomic levels. In the review of related studies, we identified gaps in social robot‐supported lessons within the regular curriculum between‐group experiment. Based on a review of related research showing more focus on robot performance in the classroom from technical‐interaction aspects we want to convey from pedagogical starting point. The robot's placement in the pedagogical process will be considered an integral part of the teacher's technical environment. We will use the pre‐participation test to establish whether there is the initial equivalence between EG and CG in terms of gender, mastery of technology, and previous knowledge and understanding of the curricular topic under examination.
Early implant placement versus ridge preservation and delayed implant placement: Analysis of profilometric, clinician‐ and patient‐reported outcomes from a two‐centre RCT
Authors: Thoma Daniel , Gil Alfonso , de Bruyckere Thomas , Jung Ronald E. , Fukuba Shunsuke , Ickroth Axelle , Strauss Franz J. , Cosyn Jan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo compare early implant placement (EP) to alveolar ridge preservation and delayed implant placement (ARP/DP) in terms of contour changes, along with clinician‐ and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) until the delivery of the implant‐supported restoration.Materials and MethodsPatients with a failing single tooth in the maxilla or mandible were recruited in two centres. After tooth extraction, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either EP or ARP/DP. At abutment connection and crown delivery, the buccal contour changes at 3 mm below the mucosal margin (primary outcome) along with clinician‐ (ease of treatment) and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed using numeric rating scales and OHIP‐14.ResultsA total of 46 patients were analysed. The mean buccal contour at abutment connection decreased by −1.2 ± 0.6 mm in group EP and −1.6 ± 0.8 mm in group ARP/DP (estimated mean difference; 0.45 [95%CI, −0.02; 0.94]; p = .061) with no significant differences between the groups. ARP/DP was consistently easier than EP across all stages of the surgery (estimated mean difference; 2.0 [95%CI, 1.3; 2.7] p < .001): during flap elevation (EP: 4.8 vs. ARP/DP: 1.6), implant placement (EP: 5.7 vs. ARP/DP: 2.2) and wound closure (EP: 3.4 vs. ARP/DP: 1.6). Both interventions improved quality of life but patients who underwent ARP/DP were significantly more satisfied at the time of crown delivery (ARP/DP: 9.6 vs. EP: 9.1, p = .02).ConclusionsEP and ARP/DP show no significant differences in buccal contour changes, aesthetics and patient‐reported outcomes. However, ARP/DP is an easier procedure at all stages of the surgery compared to EP and could therefore be the preferred therapy for less experienced clinicians.
Establishment of human corneal epithelial organoids for ex vivo modelling dry eye disease
Authors: Wan Xichen , Gu Jiayu , Zhou Xujiao , Le Qihua , Wang Jingyuan , Xin ChangChang , Chen Zhi , He Yao , Hong Jiaxu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDry eye disease (DED) is a growing public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide and causing ocular discomfort and visual disturbance. Developing its therapeutic drugs based on animal models suffer from interspecies differences and poor prediction of human trials. Here, we established long‐term 3D human corneal epithelial organoids, which recapitulated the cell lineages and gene expression signature of the human corneal epithelium. Organoids can be regulated to differentiate ex vivo, but the addition of FGF10 inhibits this process. In the hyperosmolar‐induced DED organoid model, the release of inflammatory factors increased, resulting in damage to the stemness of stem cells and a decrease in functional mucin 1 protein. Furthermore, we found that the organoids could mimic clinical drug treatment responses, suggesting that corneal epithelial organoids are promising candidates for establishing a drug testing platform ex vivo. In summary, we established a functional, long‐term 3D human epithelial organoid that may serve as an ex vivo model for studying the functional regulation and disease modelling.