bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on production decisions of marginal, small and medium farmers: empirical evidence from South India
Authors: Saripalle Madhuri , Chebolu-Subramanian Vijaya 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on agricultural production in South India by evaluating the influence of market channels and socioeconomic conditions on the production decisions of farmers during two key cropping seasons. We base our analysis on primary data from 200 marginal, small and medium farmers, primarily focusing on the key seasonal crops, namely paddy and black gram.Design/methodology/approachWe studied the downstream supply chains of paddy and black gram crops in the district of Villupuram, situated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Using a Bi-Probit model, we analyzed the production decisions of marginal, small and medium farmers engaged in paddy and black gram cultivation. Various factors are considered, including farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, gender, market channels accessed and the coping strategies employed.FindingsAfter the easing of lockdown measures in June 2020, our research revealed substantial disruptions in agricultural production during the critical Kharif and Rabi seasons. Most farmers refrained from returning to their fields during the Kharif season; those who did produced millet as the main crop. Factors such as choice of market channels in previous seasons, economic status, access to all-weather roads, labor availability, gender and coping strategies played an important role in the return to production in the subsequent Kharif and Rabi seasons.Research limitations/implicationsOur data revealed several interesting threads related to price volatility, irrigation and access to markets and their impact on food security. The role of intermediaries and market channels in providing liquidity emerges as an important aspect of farmers' choice of markets. The pandemic impacted all these factors, but a detailed analysis was beyond the scope of this study.Social implicationsWe also find that resilience to economic shocks varies not only by economic status but also by gender and social groups. Farmers with female members are more likely to be resilient, and marginal and small farmers primarily belong to social groups that are economically less developed.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on factors influencing farmer choice and decision-making and provides nuances to discussions by analyzing crop-specific supply chains, highlighting the critical role of socioeconomic factors. It also highlights the role of demographics and infrastructural factors like access to all-weather roads and access to markets that influence farmers’ production decisions.
What factors contribute to the socioeconomic and socioenvironmental valorisation of heritage sites?
Authors: Robina-Ramírez Rafael , Pizarro-Polo Ángel , Folgado-Fernández José A. , Santana-Talavera Agustín 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe heritage and tourist attractiveness of Heritage Cities have aroused interest in establishing mechanisms to enhance their value based on the development of sustainability policies. The socioeconomic and socioenvironmental valuation of these heritage sites has become a necessary tool for decision-making.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the recommendations of International Council on Monuments and Sites – ICOMOS, this paper proposes a series of indicators and an exploratory model to define the factors that contribute to their valuation. Following the partial least squares structural equation modelling methodology, information was obtained from 363 intramural residents in the three Heritage Cities that currently have management plans in Spain.FindingsThe results show the importance of specifying indicators of sustainable mobility and socioeconomic and socioenvironmental sustainability for an adequate valorisation of heritage sites.Originality/valueTo this end, it is necessary to follow the guidelines of international bodies such as ICOMOS in relation to the management plans.
Exploring industrial symbiosis for circular economy: investigating and comparing the anatomy and development strategies in Italy
Authors: Sgambaro Lucrezia , Chiaroni Davide , Lettieri Emanuele , Paolone Francesco 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the most recurrent variables characterizing the collaborative relationships of industrial symbiosis (IS) (hereinafter also referred to as “anatomic” variables) established in the attempt to adopt circular economy (CE) by collecting evidence from a rich empirical set of implementation cases in Italy.Design/methodology/approachThe current literature on IS was reviewed, and a content analysis was performed to identify and define the “anatomic” variables affecting its adoption in the circular economy. We followed a multiple-case study methodology investigating 50 cases of IS in Italy and performed a content analysis of the “anatomic” variables characterizing each case.FindingsThis research proposes the “anatomic” variables (i.e. industrial sectors involved, public actors involvement, governmental support, facilitator involvement and geographical proximity) explaining the cases of IS in the circular economy. Each “anatomic” variable is discussed at length based on the empirical evidence collected, with a particular reference to the impact on the different development strategies (i.e. “bottom-up” and “top-down”) in the cases observed.Originality/valueCurrent literature on IS focuses on a sub-set of variables characterizing collaboration in IS. This research builds on extant literature to define a new framework of five purposeful “anatomic” variables defining IS in the circular economy. Moreover, we also collect and discuss a broad variety of empirical evidence in what is a still under-investigated context (i.e. Italy).
Differential effects of visual complexity in firm-generated content on consumer engagements: a deep learning approach
Authors: Wang Feng , Yue Mingyue , Yuan Quan , Cao Rong 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThis research explores the differential effects of pixel-level and object-level visual complexity in firm-generated content (FGC) on consumer engagement in terms of the number of likes and shares, and further investigates the moderating role of image brightness.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a deep learning analysis of 85,975 images on a social media platform in China, this study investigates visual complexity in FGC.FindingsThe results indicate that pixel-level complexity increases both the number of likes and shares. Object-level complexity has a U-shaped relationship with the number of likes, while it has an inverted U-shaped relationship with the number of shares. Moreover, image brightness mitigates the effect of pixel-level complexity on likes but amplifies the effect on shares; contrarily, it amplifies the effect of object-level complexity on likes, while mitigating its effect on shares.Originality/valueAlthough images play a critical role in FGC, visual data analytics has rarely been used in social media research. This study identified two types of visual complexity and investigated their differential effects. We discuss how the processing of information embedded in visual content influences consumer engagement. The findings enrich the literature on social media and visual marketing.
New findings of Changxingaspis (Xiushuiaspidae, Galeaspida) from the Silurian of Tarim Basin and Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: LI Xutong , ZHANG Yumeng , LIN Xianghong , ZHU Min , ZHAO Wenjin , TANG Lizhou , SHAN Xianren , GAI Zhikun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNew discovery of the early Silurian fossil fish Changxingaspis (Xiushuiaspidae, Galeaspida), Changxingaspis nianzhongi sp. nov. and C. gui, are described from the Tataertag Formation in Tarim Basin and the Kangshan Formation in Zhejiang Province, respectively. C. nianzhongi mainly differs from C. gui in the shape of the median dorsal opening that is transverse elliptic with a width/length ratio of about 3.0, the long lateral transverse canals extending to the lateral margin of the headshield, and the second lateral transverse canal with dichotomous branchings. Discovery of C. nianzhongi from the Tataertag Formation and C. gui from the Kangshan Formation provide direct evidence on the specific level for the correlation between these two formations, which further supports the Silurian fish‐bearing red beds in northwest Zhejiang belonging to the Silurian Lower Red Beds (LRBs) rather than the Upper Red Beds (URBs). Additionally, as the first record of the Changxingaspis in Tarim Basin, it extends the paleogeographical distribution of this genus from the South China Block to the Tarim Block, providing new evidence to support faunal exchanges between these two blocks and the hypothesis of a united Tarim–South China Block during the early Silurian.
A historical perspective on Lionel Penrose: Scientist, geneticist and dedicated opponent of eugenics
Authors: Kiladi Maria 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe paper explores Lionel Penrose's scientific work. Penrose investigated the causes of mental disorders from clinical and genetic points of view. His investigations on phenylketonuria and Down syndrome helped to demonstrate the heterogenous character of mental disorders, whose causes can range from genetic with high penetrance, to largely environmental. He was specifically selected by JBS Haldane to become University College London's third Galton Chair as a result of his Colchester survey investigations. He became the first Galton Chair who had medical training. He never concealed his distaste for anything related to eugenics. As well as using his scientific work to reject eugenic ideas such as suggestions on sterilisation measures or the existence of a social problem group, he campaigned successfully to rename the Department of Eugenics, Biometry and Genetics to Department of Human Genetics and Biometry. With his work, he discredited prejudiced eugenic ideas on mental disorders and became an advocate for those with mental disabilities.
Outcome and feasibility of radiotherapy bridging in large B‐cell lymphoma patients receiving CD19 CAR T in the UK
Authors: Kuhnl A. , Roddie C. , Kirkwood A. A. , Chaganti S. , Norman J. , Lugthart S. , Osborne W. , Gibb A. , Gonzalez Arias C. , Latif A. , Uttenthal B. , Seymour F. , Jones C. , Springell D. , Brady J. L. , Illidge T. , Stevens A. , Alexander E. , Hawley L. , O'Rourke N. , Bedi C. , Prestwich R. , Frew J. , Burns D. , O'Reilly M. , Sanderson R. , Sivabalasingham S. , Mikhaeel N. G. 
Published: April 2024

SummaryRadiotherapy (RT) has potential synergistic effects with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T but is not widely used as bridging therapy due to logistical challenges and lack of standardised protocols. We analysed RT bridging in a multicentre national cohort of large B‐cell lymphoma patients approved for 3L axicabtagene ciloleucel or tisagenlecleucel across 12 UK centres. Of 763 approved patients, 722 were leukapheresed, 717 had data available on bridging therapy. 169/717 (24%) received RT bridging, 129 as single modality and 40 as combined modality treatment (CMT). Of 169 patients, 65.7% had advanced stage, 36.9% bulky disease, 86.5% elevated LDH, 41.7% international prognostic index (IPI) ≥3 and 15.2% double/triple hit at the time of approval. Use of RT bridging varied from 11% to 32% between centres and increased over time. Vein‐to‐vein time and infusion rate did not differ between bridging modalities. RT‐bridged patients had favourable outcomes with 1‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) of 56% for single modality and 47% for CMT (1‐year PFS 43% for systemic bridging). This is the largest cohort of LBCL patients receiving RT bridging prior to CAR T reported to date. Our results show that RT bridging can be safely and effectively used even in advanced stage and high‐risk disease, with low dropout rates and excellent outcomes.
The antioxidant effect of tetrahedral framework nucleic acid‐based delivery of small activating RNA targeting DJ‐1 on retinal oxidative stress injury
Authors: Wu Qiaowei , Zhu Jingyi , Zhang Xianggui , Xu Xiaoxiao , Luo Delun , Lin Yunfeng , Yan Ming , Song Yanping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAge‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are the world's leading causes of blindness. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and vascular endothelial cell exposed to oxidative stress is the major cause of AMD and DR. DJ‐1, an important endogenous antioxidant, its overexpression is considered as a promising antioxidant treatment for AMD and DR. Here, we modified the tetrahedral frame nucleic acids (tFNAs) with DJ‐1 saRNAs as a delivery system, and synthesized a novel nanocomplex (tFNAs‐DJ‐1 saRNAs). In vitro studies show that tFNAs‐DJ‐1 saRNAs can efficiently transfer DJ‐1 saRNAs to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and ARPE‐19s, and significantly increased their cellular DJ‐1 level. Reactive oxygen species expression in H2O2‐treated HUVECs and ARPE‐19s were decreased, cell viability was enhanced and cell apoptosis were inhibited when tFNAs‐DJ‐1 saRNAs were delivered. Moreover, tFNAs‐DJ‐1 saRNAs preserved mitochondrial structure and function under oxidative stress conditions. In the aspect of molecular mechanism, tFNAs‐DJ‐1 saRNAs activated Erk and Nrf2 pathway, which might contribute to its protective effects against oxidative stress damage. To conclude, this study shows the successfully establishment of a simple but effective delivery system of DJ‐1 saRNAs associated with antioxidant effects in AMD and DR, which may be a promising agent for future treatment in oxidative stress‐related retinal disorders.
Targeting novel regulated cell death: Ferroptosis, pyroptosis and necroptosis in anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Yu Li , Huang Ke , Liao Yixiang , Wang Lingzhi , Sethi Gautam , Ma Zhaowu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy represent key tumour treatment strategies. Notably, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly anti‐programmed cell death 1 (PD1) and anti‐programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1), have shown clinical efficacy in clinical tumour immunotherapy. However, the limited effectiveness of ICIs is evident due to many cancers exhibiting poor responses to this treatment. An emerging avenue involves triggering non‐apoptotic regulated cell death (RCD), a significant mechanism driving cancer cell death in diverse cancer treatments. Recent research demonstrates that combining RCD inducers with ICIs significantly enhances their antitumor efficacy across various cancer types. The use of anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy activates CD8+ T cells, prompting the initiation of novel RCD forms, such as ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. However, the functions and mechanisms of non‐apoptotic RCD in anti‐PD1/PD‐L1 therapy remain insufficiently explored. This review summarises the emerging roles of ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis in anti‐PD1/PD‐L1 immunotherapy. It emphasises the synergy between nanomaterials and PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors to induce non‐apoptotic RCD in different cancer types. Furthermore, targeting cell death signalling pathways in combination with anti‐PD1/PD‐L1 therapies holds promise as a prospective immunotherapy strategy for tumour treatment.
Randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind phase I trial of co‐administered pyronaridine and piperaquine in healthy adults of sub‐Saharan origin
Authors: Kuemmerle Andrea , Gossen Denis , Janin Annick , Stokes Andrew , Abla Nada , Szramowska Maja , Lorch Ulrike , El Gaaloul Myriam , Borghini‐Fuhrer Isabelle , Chalon Stephan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDrug resistance to sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine and amodiaquine threatens the efficacy of malaria chemoprevention interventions in children and pregnant women. Combining pyronaridine (PYR) and piperaquine (PQP), both components of approved antimalarial therapies, has the potential to protect vulnerable populations from severe malaria. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled (double‐dummy), parallel‐group, single site phase I study in healthy adult males or females of Black sub‐Saharan African ancestry investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of PYR + PQP (n = 15), PYR + placebo (n = 8), PQP + placebo (n = 8), and double placebo (n = 6) administered orally once daily for 3 days at the registered dose for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. All participants completed the study. Forty‐five adverse events were reported in 26 participants, most (41/45) were mild/moderate in severity, with no serious adverse events, deaths, or study withdrawals. Adverse events were reported in 66.7% (10/15) of participants administered PYR + PQP, 87.5% (7/8) with PYR + placebo, 50.0% (4/8) with PQP + placebo, and 83.3% (5/6) with placebo. For PYR containing regimens, five of 23 participants had asymptomatic transient increases in alanine and/or aspartate aminotransferase. With PQP containing regimens, four of 23 participants had mild Fridericia‐corrected QT interval prolongation. Liver enzyme elevations and prolonged QTc interval were consistent with observations for PYR‐artesunate and dihydroartemisinin‐PQP, respectively, administered to healthy adults and malaria patients. Increases in PYR and PQP exposures were observed following co‐administration versus placebo, with substantial interparticipant variability. The findings suggest that PYR + PQP may have potential in chemoprevention strategies. Further studies are needed in the target populations to assess chemoprotective efficacy and define the benefit–risk profile, with special considerations regarding hepatic and cardiac safety.
Closure of the neuro‐central synchondrosis and other physes in foal cervical spines
Authors: Olstad Kristin , Bugge Mari Dahl , Ytrehus Bjørnar , Kallerud Anne Selvén 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe neuro‐central synchondrosis (NCS) is a physis responsible for the growth of the dorsal third of the vertebral body and neural arches. When the NCS of pigs is tethered to model scoliosis, stenosis also ensues. It is necessary to describe the NCS for future evaluation of its potential role in equine spinal cord compression and ataxia (wobbler syndrome).ObjectivesTo describe the NCS, including when it and other physes closed in computed tomographic (CT) scans of the cervical spine of foals, due to its potential role in vertebral stenosis.Study designPost‐mortem cohort study.MethodsThe cervical spine of 35 cases, comprising both sexes and miscellaneous breeds from 153 gestational days to 438 days old, was examined with CT and physes scored from 6: fully open to 0: fully closed. The dorsal physis, physis of the dens and mid‐NCS were scored separately, whereas the cranial and caudal NCS portions were scored together with the respective cranial and caudal vertebral body physes.ResultsThe NCS was a pair of thin physes located in a predominantly dorsal plane between the vertebral body and neural arches. The mid‐NCS was closed in C1 from 115 days of age, and in C2–C7 from 38 days of age. The dorsal physis closed later than the NCS in C1, and earlier than the NCS in C2–C7. The dens physis was closed from 227 days of age. The cranial and caudal physes were closing, but not closed from different ages in the different vertebrae of the oldest cases.Main limitationsHospital population.ConclusionsThe NCS was a thin physis that contributed mainly to height‐wise growth, but also width‐ and length‐wise growth of the vertebral body and neural arches. The mid‐NCS was closed in all cervical vertebrae from 115 days of age. The NCS warrants further investigation in the pathogenesis of vertebral stenosis.
Genetic background and sex influence somatosensory sensitivity and oxycodone analgesia in the Hybrid Rat Diversity Panel
Authors: Duffy Eamonn P. , Ward J. O. , Hale L. H. , Brown K. T. , Kwilasz Andrew J. , Saba Laura M. , Ehringer Marissa A. , Bachtell Ryan K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOpioid use disorder (OUD) is an ongoing public health concern in the United States, and relatively little work has addressed how genetic background contributes to OUD. Understanding the genetic contributions to oxycodone‐induced analgesia could provide insight into the early stages of OUD development. Here, we present findings from a behavioral phenotyping protocol using several inbred strains from the Hybrid Rat Diversity Panel. Our behavioral protocol included a modified “up‐down” von Frey procedure to measure inherent strain differences in the sensitivity to a mechanical stimulus on the hindpaw. We also performed the tail immersion assay, which measures the latency to display tail withdrawal in response to a hot water bath. Initial withdrawal thresholds were taken in drug‐naïve animals to record baseline thermal sensitivity across the strains. Oxycodone‐induced analgesia was measured after administration of oxycodone over the course of 2 h. Both mechanical and thermal sensitivity are shaped by genetic factors and display moderate heritability (h2 = 0.23–0.40). All strains displayed oxycodone‐induced analgesia that peaked at 15–30 min and returned to baseline by 2 h. There were significant differences between the strains in the magnitude and duration of their analgesic response to oxycodone, although the heritability estimates were quite modest (h2 = 0.10–0.15). These data demonstrate that genetic background confers differences in mechanical sensitivity, thermal sensitivity, and oxycodone‐induced analgesia.
Rapid synthesis of Cu2O/CeO2 p–n heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic properties by a sonochemical method
Authors: Zeng Shenghui , Shui Anze , Yu Hulei , He Chao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe construction of p–n heterojunction is critical to reduce the electron–hole recombination rate and broaden the light absorption edge of photocatalysts. In this study, we successfully synthesize the Cu2O/CeO2 p–n heterojunctions through a rapid, simple, and environmentally friendly sonochemical method without any additional oxidants or elevation of the temperature and pressure. The prepared Cu2O/CeO2 heterojunction shows excellent adsorption of light, low electronic transfer resistance, and higher electron transfer efficiency. Under the irradiation of visible light, the as‐prepared Cu2O/CeO2 heterojunction exhibits exceptional capability for the degradation of methylene blue as well as outstanding reusability. The photo‐generated h+ is found to have a significant influence on the photocatalytic antibacterial of the as‐prepared Cu2O/CuO2 heterojunction under visible‐light irradiation and the sterilization rate toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of our samples can achieve up to 100%. Our work provides a green and rapid way to produce Cu2O/CeO2 p–n heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalysis.