bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arginine ingestion inhibits phagocyte invasion in eccentrically contracted rat fast-twitch muscle
Authors: Kanzaki Keita , Wada Masanobu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEccentric contraction (ECC) has been shown to induce leukocyte invasion into skeletal muscle, resulting in muscle inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether prior ingestion of L-arginine (ARG), a nitric oxide precursor, inhibits ECC-induced macrophage invasion. Male Wistar rats received ARG in water for 7 days, beginning 3 days prior to ECC. ECCs were induced in the anterior crural muscles for 200 cycles. Three days later, the tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus muscles were excised for biochemical analysis and force measurement, respectively. ARG ingestion increased nitrite and nitrate levels in plasma and muscle, inhibiting force depression and reducing CD68 content in muscles subjected to ECC. ARG ingestion also ameliorated an ECC-induced increase in protein nitration, although neither ARG ingestion nor ECC induction affected protein carbonyl levels. The present results suggest that ingestion of ARG or ARG-rich foods may alleviate inflammation by attenuating phagocyte invasion in eccentrically contracted skeletal muscles.
Determinants of bank efficiency in developed (G7) and developing (E7) countries: role of regulatory and economic environment
Authors: Nasim Asma , Nasir Muhammad Ali , Downing Gareth 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEfficiency is one of the key factors promoting the long-term performance and sustainability of the banking industry. In this context, this paper investigates the implications of the regulatory environment, macroeconomic factors, monetary conditions, and uncertainty for the banking sectors’ operating as well as investment efficiencies. Using data from G7 and E7 countries from 2001 to 2020, we employ a set of empirical techniques, including Fixed Effects, Random Effects, Panel Fully Modified Least Squares, Panel Dynamic Least Squares and Generalized Method of Moments. Our key findings show that leverage, capital adequacy, monetary conditions, economic growth, price stability as well as exchange rate stability and uncertainty have substantial effects on bank efficiency, with notable differences between impact on operational and investment efficiencies and developed (G7) and developing (E7) economies.
Biotransformation of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Value-Added Bioproducts: Insights into Bio-Saccharification Strategies and Potential Concerns
Authors: Jahangeer Muhammad , Rehman Muti Ur , Nelofer Rubina , Nadeem Muhammad , Munir Bushra , Smułek Wojciech , Jesionowski Teofil , Qamar Sarmad Ahmad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLignocellulose is considered to be the most abundant and sustainable material on earth. The concept of lignocellulosic biomass conversion into value-added chemicals or materials is gaining in importance worldwide as a means of replacing conventional petrochemical resources for environmental sustainability. The production of biofuels such as bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass consists of three main processes: pretreatment, enzymatic saccharification, and fermentation. As lignocellulose exhibits a highly recalcitrant structure, effective pretreatments are required for its deconstruction, making carbohydrates accessible for microbes to produce valuable bioproducts. These carbohydrate polymers (cellulose and hemicellulose) are then transformed into free monomeric sugars by the process of saccharification. Saccharification, especially enzymatic hydrolysis, is the crucial step for achieving lignocellulose bioconversion. Several strategies have been developed for diminishing biomass recalcitrance, ultimately improving the efficiency of product conversion, and reducing overall process costs. Some of these approaches include consolidated bioprocessing, consolidated bio-saccharification (on site), as well as simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and separate hydrolysis and fermentation (off site). This review provides a detailed overview of current approaches to on-site and off-site saccharification and highlights the key factors for obtaining bioproducts from lignocellulosic feedstock via economically feasible bioconversion processes. Moreover, the key factors for process optimization and the production of various industrially important bioproducts from lignocellulosic biomasses are also summarized.
A Numerical Simulation of PFPE Lubricant Kinetics in HAMR Air Bearing
Authors: Tom Roshan Mathew , Cheng Qilong , Bogy David B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis report investigates the kinetics of lubricant molecules in the HAMR air bearing to understand the initiation and growth of PFPE contamination on the head surface. The collisions with the air bearing induce three forces—drag, thermophoresis, and lift. Of these, we find that lift forces are negligible. Then, a sensitivity analysis of the remaining two forces reveals the conditions where they dominate. Further, a hybrid simulation strategy is utilized to track their movements. The results show that the contaminations (smear) highly depend on the interplay between the thermophoresis and drag forces. We then explain the mechanism of the formation of the various observed patterns. Finally, we offer some recommendations to exploit the air bearing to contain smear on the head.
An analytical approach for modelling unmanned aerial vehicles and base station interaction for disaster recovery scenarios
Authors: Casmin Eugene , Ever Enver 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUnmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging technology with the potential to be used in various sectors for various applications and services. In wireless networking, UAVs can be used as a vital part of the supplementary infrastructure to improve coverage, principally during public safety emergencies. Because of their affordability and potential for widespread deployment, there has been a growing interest in exploring the ways in which UAVs can enhance the services offered to isolated ground devices. Large areas may lose cellular coverage following a public safety emergency that impacts critical communication infrastructure. This prompts the need for the employment of D2D communication frameworks as a complement. In such critical conditions, timely response and network connectivity are essential factors for reliable communication. This study focuses on the mathematical models of UAV-based wireless communication in the context of disaster recovery. Particularly, we aim to model a queuing framework comprising UAVs as mobile relay nodes between the stranded user devices and neighbouring operational base stations. We present an iterative solution with a novel method for generating initial conditions for the two-stage queuing model. The approximate approach presented is validated for its accuracy using discrete-event simulation. The effects of various factors on performance measures are also analysed in detail. The validation results show that the discrepancy between the analytical approach and the simulation is less than 5%, which is the confidence interval of the simulation.
The Effect of Loneliness on Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from the UK Household Longitudinal Study 2017–2021
Authors: Seifert Nico 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlthough loneliness is associated with lower levels of subjective well-being, little is known about the precise nature of this association. Theoretical arguments have indicated a negative effect of loneliness on well-being, but there are alternative explanations, such as the possibility that chronically unhappy people select themselves into loneliness. This study investigates whether loneliness is detrimental to subjective well-being by considering selection as a competing explanation. The analyses were based on three waves of panel data from Understanding Society, the UK Household Longitudinal Study (2017–2021, containing 85,083 observations from 31,223 individuals aged 16 to 103 years). Subjective well-being was measured using a single item capturing life satisfaction. Loneliness was measured both directly using a single item and indirectly using the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. First, pooled ordinary least squares (POLS) models were estimated to confirm previous cross-sectional findings. Subsequently, fixed-effects (FE) models were used to account for the possibility that chronically unhappy people select themselves into loneliness. The results of the POLS models showed that lonely people reported significantly lower levels of life satisfaction. This association persisted in the FE model, and the remaining association can be interpreted as evidence of the negative effect of loneliness on well-being. Further analyses showed that the results were similar for men and women and for younger and older people. Moreover, the results were remarkably robust across the two measures of loneliness and model specifications. Overall, the results support the claim that loneliness is detrimental to well-being. Thus, intervention strategies aimed at reducing loneliness may also be effective in improving well-being in the general population.
Die Persönlichkeit von Coaches: Eine quantitative Untersuchung der Big Five Persönlichkeitsdimensionen von Coaches
Authors: Bachmann Thomas , Berz Jochen 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungIn dieser empirischen Studie wird untersucht, ob Coaches eine andere Persönlichkeitsausprägung aufweisen als die Allgemeinbevölkerung. Hierzu wurden Daten von 559 deutschsprachigen Coaches mit Hilfe eines Persönlichkeitsfragebogen im Rahmen der Coachingumfrage Deutschland 2022 erhoben und mit vorhandenen Referenzdaten aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung verglichen. Die Datenerhebung zur Persönlichkeit erfolgte mit der deutschen Version des Big Five Inventory 2 (BFI-2). Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die untersuchten Coaches signifikant extravertierter, verträglicher, gewissenhafter, offener und weniger emotional labil (neurotizistisch) als die Allgemeinbevölkerung sind.
Artificial intelligence enabled product–service innovation: past achievements and future directions
Authors: Naeem Rimsha , Kohtamäki Marko , Parida Vinit 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study intends to scrutinize the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Product-Service Innovation (PSI). The literature on AI enabled PSI, other related innovation business models, product-service systems, and servitization has grown significantly since 2018; therefore, there is a need to structure the literature in a systematic manner and add to what has been studied thus far. Product-service innovation is used to represent the relevance of achieving innovation in business models dealing with innovation outcomes including artificial intelligence. This study used bibliographic coupling to analyze 159 articles emerging from the fields of computer sciences, engineering, social sciences, decision sciences, and management. This review depicts structures of the literature comprising five (5) clusters, namely, (1) technology adoption and transformational barriers, which depicts the barriers faced during the adoption of AI-enabled technologies and following transformation; (2) data-driven capabilities and innovation, which highlights the data-based capabilities supported through AI and innovation; (3) digitally enabled business model innovation, which explained how AI-enabled business model innovation occurs; (4) smart design changes and sustainability, which reveals the working of AI in product service environments with different design changes and transformations based on sustainability; and (5) sectorial application, which highlights industry examples. Each cluster is comprehensively analyzed based on its contents, including central themes, models, theories, and methodologies, which help to identify the gaps and support suggestions for future research directions.
The Use of both Free and Microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus parvulus in Cucumber Pickles
Authors: Kirmizigul Peker Aysegul , Guney Damla , Sengun Ilkin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis is the first study to produce cucumber pickles using both free and microencapsulated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HL4 and Pediococcus parvulus HL14, and to investigate the probiotic viability, as well as the physicochemical (pH, total acidity, salt, and color), bioactive (total phenolic content and antioxidant activity) and sensory properties of the pickles during 15 days of fermentation and 9 weeks of storage. L. plantarum HL4 and P. parvulus HL14 were encapsulated with sodium alginate (as a coating agent) and inulin (as a prebiotic source) using an extrusion method. The encapsulation efficiency of L. plantarum HL4 and P. parvulus HL14 was 95.77 ± 6.21% and 94.94 ± 2.94%, respectively. Both free and microencapsulated cells were incorporated into prepared cucumbers at a rate of 1%. Probiotic cucumber pickles kept the highest microencapsulated cell count (> 6 log CFU/g) until the fourth week of storage. This study indicated that the probiotic survivability in samples can be improved by microencapsulation. During fermentation, the pH and total acidity of the samples varied in the range of 3.22–3.97 and 0.19-0.87%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the samples ranged from 4.54 to 18.70% (DPPH) and from 51.92 to 88.06% (ABTS+). The total phenolic content of the samples varied between 142.83 and 2465.50 mg GAE/L. Moreover, CP-L (samples fermented with L. plantarum HL4) and CP-P (samples fermented with P. parvulus HL14) showed the highest general assessment scores of 6.90 and 6.95 at the end of storage, respectively. This study offers the opportunity for food companies to become competitive in one of the most innovative research areas in the food sector and to meet the requirements and needs of various consumer groups.
State of open science in cancer research
Authors: Rius Cristina , Liu Yiming , Sixto-Costoya Andrea , Valderrama-Zurián Juan Carlos , Lucas-Dominguez Rut 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study has been focused on assessing the Open Science scenario of cancer research during the period 2011–2021, in terms of the derived scientific publications and raw data dissemination.

Methods
A cancer search equation was executed in the Science Citation Index-Expanded, collecting the papers signed by at least one Spanish institution. The same search strategy was performed in the Data Citation Index to describe dataset diffusion.

Results
50,822 papers were recovered, 71% of which belong to first and second quartile journals. 59% of the articles were published in Open Access (OA) journals. The Open Access model and international collaboration positively conditioned the number of citations received. Among the most productive journals stood out Plos One, Cancers, and Clinical and Translational Oncology. 2693 genomics, proteomics and metabolomics datasets were retrieved, being Gene Expression Omnibus the favoured repository.

Conclusions
There has been an increase in oncology publications in Open Access. Most were published in first quartile journals and received higher citations than non-Open Access articles, as well as when oncological investigation was performed between international research teams, being relevant in the context of Open Science. Genetic repositories have been the preferred for sharing oncology datasets. Further investigation of research and data sharing in oncology is needed, supported by stronger Open Science policies, to achieve better data sharing practices among three scientific main pillars: researchers, publishers, and scientific organizations.
Reimagining Masculinity: Models of Masculinities in Italian Cisgender and Transgender Emerging Adults
Authors: Anzani Annalisa , Pavanello Decaro Sofia , Paganin Giulia , Siboni Laura , Portolani Daniel Michael , Prunas Antonio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMasculinities are defined as the repository of cultural and personal meanings attributed to men and boys. According to literature, masculinity ideals have an impact on how men behave. The present study aims at investigating how emerging adults interpret the concept of masculinity and embody and enact it. We were interested in understanding whether trans masculine and cisgender emerging adults conceptualized masculinity differently or similarly and whether they adopted different or similar strategies to act it out. To this aim, we conducted 6 focus groups with trans masculine (N = 16) and cisgender (N = 15) young adults. During the focus groups, participants discussed their concept of masculinity and how they embody and perform masculinity. Results showed that both groups identified social and bodily aspects in their conceptualization of masculinity. Although to varying extents, emerging adults were able to identify the limits of traditional models of masculinity. In both groups, markers for being recognized and affirming masculinity were found at both the bodily and social levels. Some peculiarities of the trans experience involve recognition of the privilege associated with masculinity, medicalized transition in order to achieve certain masculine markers, and a shift in perspective following social recognition of masculine identity.
Harmonic Flow of Quaternion-Kähler Structures
Authors: Fowdar Udhav , Sá Earp Henrique N. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe formulate the gradient Dirichlet flow of $$\textrm{Sp}(2)\textrm{Sp}(1)$$

Sp
(
2
)
Sp
(
1
)

-structures on 8-manifolds, as the first systematic study of a geometric quaternion-Kähler (QK) flow. Its critical condition of harmonicity is especially relevant in the QK setting, since torsion-free structures are often topologically obstructed. We show that the conformally parallel property implies harmonicity, extending a result of Grigorian in the $$\textrm{G}_2$$

G
2

case. We also draw several comparisons with $$\textrm{Spin}(7)$$

Spin
(
7
)

-structures. Analysing the QK harmonic flow, we prove an almost-monotonicity formula, which implies to long-time existence under small initial energy, via $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
-regularity.We set up a theory of harmonic QK solitons, constructing a non-trivial steady example. We produce explicit long-time solutions: one, converging to a torsion-free limit on the hyperbolic plane; and another, converging to a limit which is harmonic but not torsion-free, on the manifold $$\textrm{SU}(3)$$

SU
(
3
)

. We also study compactness and the formation of singularities.
Die Gewalt „der Anderen“. Feministische Außenpolitik nach der Zeitenwende
Authors: Zilla Claudia 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungGeht deutsche feministische Außenpolitik über Gleichstellungspolitik und Gender-Mainstreaming hinaus? Schlägt sich das Bekenntnis zur feministischen Außenpolitik auf der Ebene wichtiger außenpolitischer Entscheidungen der Bundesregierung, also in high politics nieder? Ziel der Analyse ist es, ausgehend von den Ressortkonzepten und feministischen Ansätzen Ambivalenzen und Widersprüche einer feministischen deutschen Außenpolitik nach der Zeitenwende herauszuarbeiten.
Current status and future trends in particle therapy – lessons from an interdisciplinary workshop
Authors: Durante Marco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To provide an introduction to the special issue containing the proceedings of the workshop on cancer therapy using hadrons (proton, carbon ions or boron neutron capture therapy) that was held in Pavia in October 2023 and organized by CNAO and IAEA.

Methods
Papers contained in the issue are briefly summarized.

Results
This issue contains a collection of papers from the workshop that provide a great opportunity to learn about the status and progress of this technology.

Conclusions
Particle therapy is exponentially growing worldwide. While several clinical trials are now providing convincing evidence of the effectiveness of the treatment in tumor control and reduced toxicity, the technology remains expensive and the cost effectiveness is still under debate. The IAEA-CNAO workshop provided a clear picture of the state of the art and future prospective of this technology.
Effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ID-D01 Probiotic Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Gut Microbiota in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Jang Ye-Ji , Choi Han Sol , Oh Ikhoon , Chung Jae Hyuk , Moon Jin Seok 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe gut microbiota composition in animals and humans has recently been found to be influenced by exercise. Although Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains have notable probiotic properties that promote human health, understanding of its effects in combination with exercise and physical activity is limited. Therefore, this study examined the effects of L. reuteri ID-D01, a human-derived probiotic, on exercise performance and fatigue in Sprague-Dawley rats. Organ weight, maximal running distance, serum biochemistry, muscle performance, microbial community composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were assessed. Results indicated that ID-D01 supplementation significantly improved endurance performance. Rats in the probiotic group demonstrated a significant increase in maximal running distance compared with that in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, levels of fatigue markers, such as lactate and creatine phosphokinase, were significantly reduced in the ID-D01-administered groups, suggesting its potential to alleviate exercise-induced fatigue. Microbiome analysis revealed a distinct shift in gut microbiota composition in response to ID-D01 administration. The group that received ID-D01 probiotics exhibited a significant increase in the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, particularly Akkermansia spp., compared with that in the control groups. Furthermore, they showed elevated production of SCFAs, such as acetate and butyrate. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ID-D01 can enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue. Herein, we highlighted that human-derived probiotics could improve physical performance, as observed by changes in gut microbiota composition and SCFA production.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Catalyst Supports Prepared from South African Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Aphane Mathibela E. , Maggott Emile D. , Doucet Frédéric J. , Mapolie Selwyn F. , Landman Marilé , van der Merwe Elizabet M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe development of environmentally sustainable catalytic reaction systems for the oxidation of organic compounds has gained significant interest, with widespread application across various industries. This study investigates the suitability of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, synthesized from coal fly ash, as catalyst supports in the oxidation of veratryl alcohol, a compound that serves as a model to mimic the oxidation behavior of lignin-derived structures commonly found in biomass waste. A Cu(II) salicylaldimine complex was employed as the catalyst, with tert-Butyl hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. Silica catalyst supports were synthesized from coal fly ash derived Na2SiO3 solutions. The effect of pre-dealumination of coal fly ash during Na2SiO3 preparation, variation of the surfactant in silica nanoparticle synthesis, and storage conditions of the catalyst supports on the performance of the coal fly ash derived silica catalyst supports were evaluated and compared to the performance of MCM-41 and SBA-15. The textural properties of the coal fly ash derived silica catalyst supports were notably influenced by the choice of surfactant used during its synthesis, while storage conditions affected the abundance of silanol groups necessary for successful catalyst immobilisation.
Graphical Abstract