bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The muscle protein synthetic response following corn protein ingestion does not differ from milk protein in healthy, young adults
Authors: Pinckaers Philippe J. M. , Weijzen Michelle E. G. , Houben Lisanne H. P. , Zorenc Antoine H. , Kouw Imre W. K. , de Groot Lisette C. P. G. M. , Verdijk Lex. B. , Snijders Tim , van Loon Luc J. C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlant-derived proteins are generally believed to possess lesser anabolic properties when compared with animal-derived proteins. This is, at least partly, attributed to the lower leucine content of most plant-derived proteins. Corn protein has a leucine content that is highest among most plant-derived proteins and it even exceeds the levels observed in animal-derived proteins such as whey protein. Therefore, this study aimed to compare muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of 30 g corn protein and a 30 g blend of corn plus milk protein with 30 g milk protein. In a randomized, double blind, parallel-group design, 36 healthy young males (26 ± 4 y) received primed continuous L-[ring-13C6]-phenylalanine infusions and ingested 30 g corn protein (CORN), 30 g milk protein (MILK), or a 30 g proteinblend with 15 g corn plus 15 g milk protein (CORN + MILK). Blood and muscle biopsies were collected for 5 h following protein ingestion to assess post-prandial plasma amino acid profiles and myofibrillar protein synthesis rates. The results show that Ingestion of protein increased myofibrillar protein synthesis rates from basal post-absorptive values in all treatments(P < 0.001). Post-prandial myofibrillar protein synthesis rates did not differ between CORN vs MILK (0.053 ± 0.013 vs 0.053 ± 0.013%∙h−1, respectively; t-test P = 0.90), or between CORN + MILK vs MILK (0.052 ± 0.024 vs 0.053 ± 0.013%∙h−1, respectively; t-test P = 0.92). Ingestion of 30 g corn protein, 30 g milk protein, or a blend of 15 g corn plus 15 g milk protein robustly increases muscle protein synthesis rates in young males. The muscle protein synthetic response to the ingestion of 30 g corn-derived protein does not differ from the ingestion of an equivalent amount of milk protein in healthy, young males. Clinical Trial Registry number. NTR6548 (registration date: 27–06-2017) https://www.trialregister.nl/.
Post-graduation career pathways: a nationwide survey among dental students in Germany
Authors: Thiem Daniel G. E. , Puladi Behrus , Seifert Lukas , Becker Philipp , Bjelopavlovic Monika , Magennis Patrick , Wiltfang Jörg , Warwas Felix Benjamin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) has to compete with other specialties for the best candidates. With the upcoming change of generations (Z and Alpha) and the movement toward gender parity of dentistry, understanding changing preferences and misconceptions is essential.

Material and methods
An online survey was conducted by the German-Association-of-Oral-and-Maxillofacial-Surgery (DGMKG) across German dental schools. The survey collected demographic data, academic background, and career aspirations, with a focus on OMFS. The dental student survey results were compared to a survey given to OMFS Specialists.

Results
637 dental students, mainly female (70%), from 30 German universities participated. 27% had defined career aspirations post-graduation, with self-employment and academia being popular choices. 67% were unsure. Specializations leaned towards restorative dentistry (41%), orthodontics (36%), and prosthodontics (31%). While 73% showed interest in surgical practices, 20% were attracted in specializing in OMFS. Of those averse to OMFS, 78% cited long training duration as the deterrent, 12% were put off by perceived unattractive working hours. Other reasons included negative undergraduate experiences, scarcity of part-time positions, and perceived inadequate earnings.

Conclusion
Accurate data is crucial for career decisions. OMFS societies must proactively share accurate information and guide students. OMFS offers family-friendly hours, and while its training might be longer than dental specialties, it is on par with other surgical professions.

Clinical relevance
Dental students consistently regard OMFS as commendable career path. To guarantee sustained OMFS expertise, it is imperative to nurture this interest through dedicated academic mentorship and innovative education, thereby solidifying their professional direction.
Analysis of healthcare waste and factors affecting the amount of hazardous healthcare waste in a university hospital
Authors: Kaposi Adam , Nagy Attila , Gomori Gabriella , Kocsis Denes 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe ever-increasing amount of waste produced by the healthcare system is a growing burden worldwide. To effectively reduce waste, it is essential to know exactly what it is and to explore the factors influencing its amount. This study aims to analyze the amount of healthcare waste (HCW) and the change in that amount over time, as well as to explore and quantify the factors that influence hazardous healthcare waste (HHCW) in a university hospital. Descriptive statistical analysis, Spearman’s correlation and robust regression were performed to characterize the data. Our analysis revealed that the amount of HCW has been increased annually by 2.11%, and the generation rate ranges between 2.53 and 2.68 kg/bed/day. The amount of HHCW has increased by 20.19% over the 5-year period studied, with a generation rate varying between 1.13 and 1.31 kg/bed/day. It was found that surgical specialisms, anesthesiology and intensive care, and emergency patient care have higher rates of hazardous waste production. A significant positive correlation was found between the amount of hazardous waste and the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (r = 0.704), and the number of diapers used by adults and children (r = 0.555), whose significant predictive role was also confirmed by the robust regression.
Improving the Reliability of Peer Review Without a Gold Standard
Authors: Äijö Tarmo , Elgort Daniel , Becker Murray , Herzog Richard , Brown Richard K. J. , Odry Benjamin L. , Vianu Ron 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPeer review plays a crucial role in accreditation and credentialing processes as it can identify outliers and foster a peer learning approach, facilitating error analysis and knowledge sharing. However, traditional peer review methods may fall short in effectively addressing the interpretive variability among reviewing and primary reading radiologists, hindering scalability and effectiveness. Reducing this variability is key to enhancing the reliability of results and instilling confidence in the review process. In this paper, we propose a novel statistical approach called “Bayesian Inter-Reviewer Agreement Rate” (BIRAR) that integrates radiologist variability. By doing so, BIRAR aims to enhance the accuracy and consistency of peer review assessments, providing physicians involved in quality improvement and peer learning programs with valuable and reliable insights. A computer simulation was designed to assign predefined interpretive error rates to hypothetical interpreting and peer-reviewing radiologists. The Monte Carlo simulation then sampled (100 samples per experiment) the data that would be generated by peer reviews. The performances of BIRAR and four other peer review methods for measuring interpretive error rates were then evaluated, including a method that uses a gold standard diagnosis. Application of the BIRAR method resulted in 93% and 79% higher relative accuracy and 43% and 66% lower relative variability, compared to “Single/Standard” and “Majority Panel” peer review methods, respectively. Accuracy was defined by the median difference of Monte Carlo simulations between measured and pre-defined “actual” interpretive error rates. Variability was defined by the 95% CI around the median difference of Monte Carlo simulations between measured and pre-defined “actual” interpretive error rates. BIRAR is a practical and scalable peer review method that produces more accurate and less variable assessments of interpretive quality by accounting for variability within the group’s radiologists, implicitly applying a standard derived from the level of consensus within the group across various types of interpretive findings.
Patterns of variability in the structure of global value chains: a network analysis
Authors: Piccardi Carlo , Tajoli Lucia , Vitali Riccardo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGlobal Value Chains (GVCs) are a feature of the organization of production in many sectors and countries and they deeply affect international trade patterns. How far the separation of production stages—generating increasingly widespread GVCs—can go, is currently a matter of debate. The main focus of this paper is to investigate GVCs at the country-industry level by modelling them through the construction of a specific network and using network analysis tools. In particular, the aim is to propose a network-based measure of GVCs length to assess whether the structure of GVCs has stretched or shrank over time. Analyzing the evolution of these structures is important to better understand the role played by countries in the production chain, with implications also for their fragility or resilience in presence of external shocks. Our measure allows to consider differently shaped GVCs, and the results show that there are relevant differences among sectors and countries in terms of the evolution of GVCs, especially considering direct or indirect links. Overall, we find a general stability over time of GVCs, confirming the importance of the “relational approach” in GVCs. But the shifts in the geographical patterns of the connections also support the view that firms organizing this complex form of production are ready to grasp better opportunities when they appear in the global markets.
Relationship between GIX, SIDX, and ROTI ionospheric indices and GNSS precise positioning results under geomagnetic storms
Authors: Nykiel Grzegorz , Cahuasquí Juan Andrés , Hoque Mohammed Mainul , Jakowski Norbert 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIonospheric indices give information about ionospheric perturbations, which may cause absorption, diffraction, refraction, and scattering of radio signals, including those from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Therefore, there may be a relationship between index values and GNSS positioning results. A thorough understanding of ionospheric indices and their relationship to positioning results can help monitor and forecast the reliability and accuracy of GNSS positioning and support the precision and safety of life applications. In this study, we present the relationship between three indices: Gradient Ionosphere indeX (GIX), Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance indeX (SIDX), and Rate of Total electron content Index (ROTI) in relation to precise positioning results. We used two approaches: precise point positioning (PPP) and relative positioning for long baselines. We focus on GNSS stations located in Europe for two selected geomagnetic storms: March 17, 2015, and May 22, 2015. Our results show that in the case of PPP, positioning degradation occurred mainly at high latitudes and was mostly caused by rapid small-scale changes in ionospheric electron content represented by SIDX and ROTI. We also showed a significant correlation between cycle slips of GNSS signals and ROTI (0.88). The most significant degradations for relative positioning for low and medium latitudes were associated with large spatial gradients reflected by the GIX.
Plant–herbivore–natural enemy trophic webs in date palm agro-ecosystems
Authors: Shameer K. S. , Almandhari Tarik , Hardy Ian C. W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the composition and dynamics of ecological communities is challenging because of the large number of organisms present and their numerous interactions. Among agricultural systems, intercropping considerably increases the complexity of communities compared to monocultures and alternative host plants can influence insect pest damage. Using literature records, we construct and analyse connectance trophic webs of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) agro-ecosystems, including and excluding intercrops. Estimates of connectance (community complexity) are relatively low and little affected by consideration of intercrops. Plant–herbivore overlap is relatively high, suggesting that herbivores are typically not specialists. Herbivore–natural enemy overlap is greater when intercrops are considered, suggesting that diffuse apparent competition regulates pest populations. We pay particular attention to how trophic web structure might affect Batrachedra amydraula (Lesser date moth), an important economic pest. Records indicate it having 15 species of natural enemies and sharing 9 of these with other herbivores; these may maintain populations of natural enemies when the moth is seasonally rare, contributing to pest suppression. The estimated potential for apparent competition between the lesser date moth and other herbivores is higher when intercrops are considered. The consequent expectation of less severe infestations in plantations that are intercropped compared to monocultures matches empirically derived reports. Further, comparing results obtained from the literature on one country (Oman) and from 15 Middle Eastern countries, we find that community metric estimates are relatively little affected by the geographical scale considered. Overall, our results suggest that literature-based trophic web construction can provide an efficient and robust alternative, or in addition, to direct empirical methodologies and that the presence of intercrops will contribute to major pest suppression via indirect apparent competition.
Semi-Lagrangian finite element exterior calculus for incompressible flows
Authors: Tonnon Wouter , Hiptmair Ralf 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe develop a semi-Lagrangian discretization of the time-dependent incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with free boundary conditions on arbitrary simplicial meshes. We recast the equations as a nonlinear transport problem for a momentum 1-form and discretize in space using methods from finite element exterior calculus. Numerical experiments show that the linearly implicit fully discrete version of the scheme enjoys excellent stability properties in the vanishing viscosity limit and is applicable to inviscid incompressible Euler flows. We obtain second-order convergence and conservation of energy is achieved through a Lagrange multiplier.
Intelligent deep learning techniques for energy consumption forecasting in smart buildings: a review
Authors: Mathumitha R. , Rathika P. , Manimala K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUrbanization increases electricity demand due to population growth and economic activity. To meet consumer’s demands at all times, it is necessary to predict the future building energy consumption. Power Engineers could exploit the enormous amount of energy-related data from smart meters to plan power sector expansion. Researchers have made many experiments to address the supply and demand imbalance by accurately predicting the energy consumption. This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of forecasting methodologies used by researchers for energy consumption in smart buildings to meet future energy requirements. Different forecasting methods are being explored in both residential and non-residential buildings. The literature is further analyzed based on the dataset, types of load, prediction accuracy, and the evaluation metrics used. This work also focuses on the main challenges in energy forecasting due to load fluctuation, variability in weather, occupant behavior, and grid planning. The identified research gaps and the suitable methodology for prediction addressing the current issues are presented with reference to the available literature. The multivariate analysis in the suggested hybrid model ensures the learning of repeating patterns and features in the data to enhance the prediction accuracy.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Auditor Ethical Conflict and Turnover Intention
Authors: Tormo-Carbó Guillermina , Mardawi Zeena , Seguí-Mas Elies 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEthical conflicts (ECs), dilemmas auditors face when personal values or professional obligations clash with their actions, pose significant challenges to the auditing profession, potentially influencing turnover intention (TI). This study addresses a knowledge gap in the related research by focusing on two critical EC triggers: workload (WL) and perceived auditor ethical failure (PAEF: ethical sensitivity), which refers to auditors’ perceptions of ethical violations within their profession. Grounded in role theory and ethical climate theory, our study investigates the impact of WL and PAEF on ECs and explores how these conflicts mediate the relationship between PAEF/WL and TI. Additionally, we examine the moderating role of organisational ethical climate (EtC) in these relationships. Using a survey of auditors and employing partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), our results reveal that both WL and PAEF increase ECs, thus escalating TI. The findings suggest that a firm’s perceived EtC can negatively moderate the relationship between PAEF and ECs. The study underlines the importance of fostering a strong EtC to manage ECs effectively and provides valuable implications for professionals, regulators, and academics seeking to improve ethical practices within auditing firms and to reduce auditor turnover.
Neonatal IL-4 Over-Exposure is Accompanied by Macrophage Accumulation in Dura Mater After Instant Anti-inflammatory Cytokine Response in CSF
Authors: Wang Ling , Sha Haoran , He Xiaoyi , Xie Yinyin , Deng Jiapeng , Chen Jiexuan , Li Guoying , Yang Junhua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMultiple studies have shown that clinical events resulting into neonatal IL-4 over-exposure, such as asthma in early life and food allergy, were associated with brain damage and that the neuroinflammation induced by them might lead to cognitive impairments, anxiety-/depressive-like behaviors. IL-4 is the most major elevated cytokine in periphery when these clinical events occur and peripheral IL-4 level positively correlates with the severity of those events. Our previous studies have verified that neonatal IL-4 over-exposure induced a delayed neuroinflammatory damage in rodents, which might have adverse implications for brain development and cognition. Neuroinflammation in brain parenchyma is often accompanied by changes in CSF cytokines levels. However, whether the cytokines levels in CSF change after neonatal IL-4 over-exposure is unknown. Here, we found a delayed pro-inflammatory cytokines response (higher IL-6, IL-1β and, TNF levels) in both hippocampus and CSF after an instant anti-inflammatory cytokine response in IL-4 over-exposed rats. Moreover, the pro-inflammatory cytokines response appeared earlier in CSF than in hippocampus. The level of each of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in CSF positively correlated with that in hippocampus at the age of postnatal day 42. More microglia numbers/activation and higher M-CSF level in the hippocampus in IL-4 over-exposed rats were also observed. Furthermore, there were more macrophages with inflammatory activation in dural mater of IL-4 over-exposed rats. In sum, neonatal IL-4 over-exposure in rats induces delayed inflammation in CSF, suggesting CSF examination may serve as a potential method in predicting delayed neuroinflammation in brain following neonatal IL-4 over-exposure.
Graphical Abstract
A qualitative inquiry: management of recidivism in South Africa
Authors: Samuels Jerome A. , Roman Nicolette V. , Schoeman Marelize 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAt a high cost to the community and taxpayers, offenders frequently return to correctional facilities shortly after being released. In South Africa, the management of recidivism has not been researched extensively, and recidivism as a phenomenon has received scant attention. This study explores how the Department of Correctional Services in South Africa manages recidivism using the perspectives of staff and external stakeholders. A qualitative study was conducted with 19 Department of Correctional Services employees and ten external stakeholders. The findings postulate that South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services (1) lacks defined policy guidelines, processes, or structure for addressing recidivism; (2) suggests a gap in the system as departments work independently within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), which includes, among others, the Departments of Police, Home Affairs, Justice and Correctional Services; (3) recommends that the computer systems of the JCPS be integrated to manage recidivism, and the use of a criminal record number for the detection of recidivists; (4) identifies a need for the development of policy, policy procedures, and guidelines for managing repeat offending; and (5) a need for coherent research on the management of recidivism of offenders within the Department of Correctional Services in South Africa.
Unmasking academic cheating behavior in the artificial intelligence era: Evidence from Vietnamese undergraduates
Authors: Nguyen Hung Manh , Goto Daisaku 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has brought both innovative opportunities and unprecedented challenges to the education sector. Although AI makes education more accessible and efficient, the intentional misuse of AI chatbots in facilitating academic cheating has become a growing concern. By using the indirect questioning technique via a list experiment to minimize social desirability bias, this research contributes to the ongoing dialog on academic integrity in the era of AI. Our findings reveal that students conceal AI-powered academic cheating behaviors when directly questioned, as the prevalence of cheaters observed via list experiments is almost threefold the prevalence of cheaters observed via the basic direct questioning approach. Interestingly, our subsample analysis shows that AI-powered academic cheating behaviors differ significantly across genders and grades, as higher-grade female students are more likely to cheat than newly enrolled female students. Conversely, male students consistently engage in academic cheating throughout all grades. Furthermore, we discuss potential reasons for the heterogeneous effects in academic cheating behavior among students such as gender disparity, academic-related pressure, and peer effects. Implications are also suggested for educational institutions to promote innovative approaches that harness the benefits of AI technologies while safeguarding academic integrity.