bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spindle cell porocarcinoma with a novel YAP1::MAML3 fusion
Authors: Li Philippa , Busam Klaus J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPorocarcinomas are rare sweat gland cancers representing the malignant counterpart to benign poromas. Their diagnosis can be challenging, especially in the absence of an associated poroma or when the tumor is poorly differentiated. Since recurrent YAP1::MAML2 and YAP1::NUTM1 fusions have been identified in poroid tumors, molecular studies provide an opportunity to support the diagnosis in challenging cases. We describe a case of a female patient in her early 90s, with a polypoid mass of the hip. Histopathologically, there was a poorly differentiated malignant spindle cell tumor adjacent to a poroma. Because of the close association with a poroma and immunoreactivity for p40, a diagnosis of spindle cell porocarcinoma was rendered, which was further supported by YAP1 immunohistochemical studies. Antibodies targeting both the N‐terminus and C‐terminus confirmed YAP1 rearrangement in both the poroma and the spindle cell neoplasm. Subsequent targeted RNA sequencing revealed a YAP1::MAML3 gene fusion. MAML3 has previously not yet been reported as a YAP1 fusion partner in porocarcinoma. With the illustration of a rare spindle cell variant of porocarcinoma and the identification of a novel gene fusion, this case report expands the spectrum of morphologic and genomic aberrations associated with porocarcinoma.
Circulating haematopoietic stem cells and long‐term outcomes of COVID‐19
Authors: Bonora Benedetta Maria , Marassi Marella , Fogar Paola , Zuin Jenny , Cappellari Roberta , Marinello Serena , Ferrari Anna , Cattelan Annamaria , Avogaro Angelo , Basso Daniela , Fadini Gian Paolo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsAn acute depletion of circulating haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) occurs during COVID‐19, especially among patients with a poorer disease course. We herein examined whether HSPCs levels at hospital admission for COVID‐19 predict 1‐year mortality and the long‐COVID syndrome.Materials and MethodsPatients hospitalized for COVID‐19 in an infectious disease ward were consecutively enrolled. Circulating HSPC levels were assessed by flow cytometry as cells expressing CD34 and/or CD133. Follow‐up was performed for 12 months after hospitalization through the review of electronic medical records and demographic local registers.ResultsThe study included 100 patients, 36 of whom reported symptoms of long‐COVID and 20 died during follow‐up. The reduction of 1‐SD of HSPCs was associated with a 3‐ to 5‐fold increase in the risk of 1‐year mortality. Age, admission hyperglycaemia, C‐reactive protein peak, liver enzymes, the need of high‐flow oxygen and/or invasive ventilation were predictors of mortality at univariate analysis. Among pre‐existing comorbidities, coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease, but not diabetes, were associated with 1‐year mortality. In multivariate analyses, HSPCs remained significantly associated with 1‐year mortality independently of confounders. The development of pneumonia an in‐hospital treatment with glucocorticoids and convalescent plasma were associated with long‐COVID symptoms at follow‐up. HSPCs, diabetes and other comorbidities were not predictors of long‐COVID.ConclusionsIn a cohort of patients hospitalized for COVID‐19, lower HSPC levels at the time of admission were independent predictors of 1‐year mortality. However, COVID‐19 severity, but not HSPC level, was significantly associated with the development of long‐COVID symptoms.
A method for unraveling the complexity of single disaster cases: Lessons for “normal” functioning
Authors: Allard‐Poesi Florence , Dul Jan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article develops a new method for (re)analyzing data from a single disaster case to identify the temporal chain of collections of factors that was sufficient to lead to a disaster. The method combines elements of existing process methods with Mackie's (1965) interpretation of causal complexity; the INUS concept: An Insufficient but Necessary factor from a collection of factors that is Unnecessary but Sufficient for the effect. By systematically analyzing the factors that have changed shortly before the occurrence of the disaster, the method identifies not only the (collection of) factors that are sufficient for the disaster but also—by logical transformation—the collection of reversed factors that enable and ensure “normal” functioning without similar disasters and can be acted upon by management. We provide step‐by‐step guidelines for the graphical representation of the complexity of the disaster and the related “normal” functioning by showing the temporal relationships between collections of factors. The method may help develop an impact in two ways: first, in eliciting the factors necessary to avoid similar disasters, and second, in allowing dialogical sensemaking with practitioners at each step of the process.
Data augmentation using virtual word insertion techniques in text classification tasks
Authors: Long Zhigao , Li Hong , Shi Jiawen , Ma Xin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLabelling multiple training examples for text classification models is usually time‐consuming and complex. Data augmentation can be used to automatically expand the dataset by transforming the original data. However, it may cause semantic changes without modifying the labels, which reduces the effectiveness of the classifiers. In this paper, we propose a data‐augmentation method called the virtual word insertion technique, which generates new sentences by randomly inserting virtual words into existing sentences. Two methods are used to achieve virtual word embedding: unweighted average and weighted average. Furthermore, a new concept of weight is proposed: the class deviation factor, which demonstrates the correlation between words and classes. Based on this new concept, different weights are assigned to words of different classes. Experiments are conducted on five different classification tasks. Ablation experiments are also performed to explore the effects of random operation and number of augmented sentences for classification results. The results of these experiments show that our method improves the classification performance and outperforms two other contrasting data‐augmentation methods in automatically augmenting the dataset. Compared to raw datasets, the average accuracy improvement of our method is 3.5% for a small‐scale dataset and 1% for a large‐scale dataset.
Recent decline in tropical temperature sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 growth rate variability
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Xuhui , Li Xiangyi , Tang Shuchang , Xu Hao , Sang Yuxing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA two‐fold enhancement in the sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 growth rate (CGR) to tropical temperature interannual variability () till early 2000s has been reported, which suggests a drought‐induced shift in terrestrial carbon cycle responding temperature fluctuations, thereby accelerating global warming. However, using six decades long atmospheric CO2 observations, we show that has significantly declined in the last two decades, to the level during the 1960s. The decline begs the question of whether the sensitivity of ecosystem carbon cycle to temperature variations at local scale has largely decreased. With state‐of‐the‐art dynamic global vegetation models, we further find that the recent decline is barely attributed to ecosystem carbon cycle response to temperature fluctuations at local scale, which instead results from a decrease in spatial coherence in tropical temperature variability and land use change. Our results suggest that the recently reported loss of rainforest resilience has not shown marked influence on the temperature sensitivity of ecosystem carbon cycle. Nevertheless, the increasing extent of land use change as well as more frequent and intensive drought events are likely to modulate the responses of ecosystem carbon cycle to temperature variations in the future. Therefore, our study highlights the priority to continuously monitor the temperature sensitivity of CGR variability and improve Earth system model representation on land use change, in order to predict the carbon–climate feedback.
Feasibility, safety, and effects of a Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure™ balance and strengthening exercise program in community‐dwelling older adults with a history of falls: A feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Wayne Lap Sun , Chan Cody Wing Lam , Lam Freddy Man Hin , Chan Howard Ho Wing , Chan Kelvin Chi Kin , Chan Jerry Sai Kit , Chan Oscar Lok Wang , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki 
Published: December 2023

AimThis pilot study examined the feasibility, safety, and effects of a Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure™‐based exercise program to enhance balance and lower limb muscle strength in community‐dwelling older adults with a history of falls.MethodsIn total, 42 older adults who experienced at least one fall in the past year were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Participants in the experimental group performed 60‐min sessions of the exercise program twice per week for 8 weeks. The control group received usual care. We assessed the feasibility (retention and adherence to the exercise program), safety (number of adverse events), and clinical outcomes: (1) balance (Mini‐BESTest); (2) functional lower limb muscle strength (Five‐Time Sit‐to‐Stand test); (3) mobility (Timed‐Up and Go test); (4) dual‐task ability (Timed‐Up and Go test – Dual Task); (5) fear of falling (Icon‐FES); and (6) executive function (Color Trails Test).ResultsThirty‐one participants (74%) completed the 8‐week assessment. No adverse event associated with the exercise program was reported. There was a significant interaction in the anticipatory domain score of the Mini‐BESTest between the experimental and control groups over the 8 weeks (P = 0.019).ConclusionsThe Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure™‐based exercise program was feasible, safe, and potentially effective in improving anticipatory balance in community‐dwelling older fallers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 334–341.
Experiential learning… remotely: Study abroad, global citizenship and NGO management
Authors: Thier Michael , Mason Dyana P. , Mattice Brittany 
Published: December 2023

AbstractExperiential learning has become a fundamental pillar of higher education, particularly in public administration and nonprofit management programmes. This approach purposefully aims to engage learners directly in (a) concrete experiences; (b) focused, personal reflection; (c) abstract conceptualizations and (d) active experimentation. As universities have increased attention on experiential learning, they have also developed more study‐abroad opportunities that position global citizenship as a primary expected learning outcome. Following the cancellation of study‐abroad opportunities during the COVID‐19 pandemic, this study provides an opportunity to review the student outcomes of two courses with the same materials, course focus (NGOs in Southeast Asia) and learning objectives: a study‐abroad cohort in 2016 and a remote cohort in 2020. The findings suggest that the remote version may lead to similar outcomes in terms of global citizenship dispositions as the in‐person version, although students in the remote version exhibited a more superficial, homogenized response to course materials. Implications for online, on‐site and hybrid learning are discussed.
A good university or a good city?: Double considerations in the employment decisions of STEM doctoral graduates in China
Authors: Chen Yue , Lyu Jiayi , Shen Wenqin , Xyu Dandong , Zhai Yue 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study explores how doctoral graduates weigh considerations of employment sectors and cities in their career decision‐making processes. Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory and a Four‐quadrant Model, researchers analysed interviews from 40 STEM doctoral graduates in China. Findings demonstrate that self‐efficacy, outcome expectations and goal‐setting were factors in participants' interests and selections of academic careers. Three types of doctoral graduates were identified: (1) highfliers, (2) academic loyalists and (3) city pickers. While participants prioritize employment sectors and cities differently, cities played a significant role in their career choices which intersected with gender and class factors. Female doctoral graduates were more inclined to follow their partners, while those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds tended to prioritize cost of living factors at the expense of pursuing opportunities in top‐tier cities. Implications suggest that factors undergirding doctoral graduates' career choices rely on the interaction between geographical locations and employment sector opportunities.
Tailoring antimicrobial characteristic and mechanical behavior with silver in leucite–glass–ceramics for hard tissue engineering
Authors: Singh Shweta , Gurjar Ankit , Bhatia Eshant , Pareek Shiwani , Krishnatrey Ishita , Awasthi Lisha , Dani Parve , Srivastava Rohit , Kapoor Saurabh , Bhargava Parag 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLeucite glass–ceramics are excellent dental restorative materials, but they have relatively poor fracture toughness and high hardness, which leads to lower damage tolerance and counter‐tooth wear, respectively. These materials are also susceptible to bacterial infections and biofilm formations. Here, we report a versatile material leucite–silver‐based glass–ceramic to address the aforementioned shortcomings. Silver was incorporated in leucite (K2O·Al2O3·4SiO2) glass–ceramic to improve the fracture toughness, reduce hardness, and impart antibacterial characteristics. Silver (2, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) was added into the leucite glass matrix by two approaches, that is, using silver nanoflakes (AgNFs) and using precursor (AgNO3), via thermal decomposition, followed by a sintering process. The incorporation of silver was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. Results showed that the hardness of the leucite‐silver composite material was reduced by 30% and indentation toughness improved by 47% as determined by Vickers indentation. Antibacterial characteristics of the material were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy was done to see the morphology of damaged bacteria and colonies. Further, antibacterial activity was quantified using the colony formation unit counting method. All the samples showed antibacterial activity and the sample with the highest silver content, that is, 15 wt.% showed maximum potential to damage the bacteria. Inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy analysis is done in phosphate buffer saline solution to quantify the amount of silver leached out from the leucite‐silver glass–ceramic samples. It was seen that the cumulative leached‐out silver over 3 days was less than 4 μg/cm2 which is well within the daily tolerance limit (5 μg/kg/day) of silver for the human body. Further, to confirm the cell viability, a cytocompatibility test is performed using L929 fibroblast and AW8507 oral cell lines. Cell viability of more than 80% was achieved, suggesting their suitability for biomedical applications. It is believed that the developed material can be a potential candidate for various applications like dental restorations, implants, and coating material for different substrates (SS 304, SS 316, Ti6Al4V, etc.) to protect them from bacterial infections and biofilm formation, etc.
Addition of particle stabilised foams to optimise the quality of gluten‐free toast bread
Authors: Schmid Tamara , Steinegger Stefanie , Kinner Mathias , Müller Nadina 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThe number of people buying gluten‐free breads and baked goods is increasing. To optimise the quality of gluten‐free breads, fat and additives are still often used. This project investigated whether the use of particle‐stabilised foams could eliminate or at least reduce the need for large amounts of fat and additives in gluten‐free toast bread. Hence, particle‐stabilised foams were added to bread doughs, kneaded in, baked and then analysed. The breads containing particle‐stabilised foams had no significant difference in firmness nor in adhesiveness compared to gluten‐free toast bread with additives or to the gluten‐containing bread. While the volume of the toast bread containing foam was lower than for the gluten containing reference toast bread, it had up to 2.0–2.5 times the volume than the gluten‐free bread reference without additives. These results showed a positive influence of the use of particle‐stabilised foams in gluten‐free bread without addition of additives.
Utilisation, efficiency, health, and environmental performance assessment of Ethiopian Agro‐Processors
Authors: Kassahun Estifanos , Tibebu Solomon , Chaka Seblewongel , Seifu Yoktan , Wubetu Meseret 
Published: December 2023

SummaryThe manufacturing sector is vital to the blistering economic transformation of developing countries such as Ethiopia. According to Ethiopia's industrial development strategy, one of the priority sub‐sectors of the manufacturing sector is the agricultural processing industry. This study focuses on the utilisation prospects, health, and environmental performance of afro‐food processing industries. The data were collected from 71 industry‐level respondents. The data collectors used Open Data Kit (ODK) packages as a data collection mechanism. The average utilisation of the cereal processors in Ethiopia was calculated to be 50.84%, 57.39%, 72.18%, 58.44%, and 42.81% for biscuits, macaroni, maize flour, spaghetti, and wheat flour, respectively. The average efficiency was determined to be 68.27%, 73.72%, 90.49%, 83.38%, and 64.76% for biscuits, macaroni, maize flour, spaghetti, and wheat flour, respectively. It is also noted that among the edible oil processors, peanut oil has the highest average efficiency (90.49%) and utilisation (72.18%). The lowest average efficiency and utilisation were determined to be 64.76% and 42.81% respectively for sunflower oil. From a health and environmental performance perspective, it is noted that 70.83% of oil processors and 59.57% of cereals processors have quality control laboratories. Moreover, 91.48% of cereal processors and 87.5% of oil processors have solid waste disposal systems.
Effect of low frequency ultrasound on lactose‐protein interactions in protein solution containing different casein to whey protein ratios
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Saxena Juhi , Cherian Vineetha , Silva Mayumi , Truong Tuyen , Chandrapala Jayani 
Published: December 2023

SummaryMilk systems containing varying casein‐whey ratios (80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 20:80) and lactose concentrations similar to those of bovine milk underwent ultrasound at 20 kHz for 1, 5 and 10 min. The influences of low‐frequency ultrasound on the physicochemical, structural, thermal and water mobility properties of lactose/protein systems were examined. The physiochemical properties, protein structural changes, water mobility and lactose crystallisation behaviour were mainly a function of the type of protein, the ratio of proteins and the sonication time. The particle size, turbidity and pH values of all milk systems decreased with the increase in sonication time. A higher proportion of whey in the system decreased the lactose crystallisation temperature without sonication. FTIR results indicated that the addition of lactose to the milk system delayed the protein‐protein aggregation until 5 min of sonication.
Does audit regulation improve corporate decision making? Evidence from the disclosure of tax‐related key audit matters
Authors: Lei Lijun (Gillian) , Shu Sydney Qing 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOur study examines changes in corporate cash tax savings around the disclosure of tax‐related key audit matters (tax KAMs). We expect publicly disclosed tax KAMs to increase the visibility of a firm's tax complexity and uncertainty, thereby motivating the firm to improve its tax function. In turn, we expect to observe increased cash tax savings as an outcome of improvements to corporate tax functions. As predicted, we document that firms exhibit lower cash effective tax rates in the period after their auditors disclose tax KAMs. Additional tests suggest that disclosure of tax KAMs does not increase the likelihood of firms being aggressive in cash tax planning and increased cash tax savings are primarily driven by firms that adjust toward their optimal levels of cash tax savings. Cross‐sectional analyses support our expectation that post‐disclosure increases in cash tax savings are less pronounced when investors were better informed about firms’ tax strategies in the pre‐disclosure period and when firms faced stronger tax enforcement in the pre‐disclosure period. Collectively, our results highlight the role of KAM disclosure requirements in prompting firms to improve their internal operational decisions.
Investigation of the possibility of using an augmented reality‐based endotracheal aspiration simulation tool for nursing education
Authors: Arakida Mikako , Takahashi Tokiichiro , Matsuda Yuko , Yamabe Yuta , Miyamoto Chizuko , Aoki Emiko , Takahashi Sawako , Ando Mizuho , Moriya Tomoaki , Kodama Shuhei , Yamashita Ruriko , Igarashi Takahiro , Tanizaki Keito , Uchida Kenta 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimWe developed an augmented reality technology‐based endotracheal aspiration simulation tool (the AR tool) consisting of three modes: a mode for nursing students to learn endotracheal aspiration by themselves (learning mode); a mode for repeated practice (practice mode); and a mode for confirmation testing (test mode). This study aimed to compare the learning outcomes of the AR tool with traditional training mannequins and identify potential uses and improvements of the AR tool.MethodsWe invited students, and faculty members from the three universities who agreed to cooperate in conducting this study. Fifty‐four students and nine faculty members agreed to participate in this study. The students were divided into two groups. One group was to study with the AR tool and the other group was to study with the traditional half‐body training mannequin for suction. The students in both groups were asked to demonstrate endotracheal aspiration on another full‐body type training mannequin which could be used as a patient with a tracheostomy (Skill test). Group interviews with faculty members focused on the topic of the AR tool's potential use in nursing education and improvement needed.ResultsThere was little significant difference in the skill test results of endotracheal aspiration of students in both groups. The students and faculty members both expressed an interest in the AR tool. They said it was suitable for self‐study of endotracheal aspiration.ConclusionsThis AR tool is an effective teaching tool for learning the sequence of endotracheal suctioning, although there are some areas that need improvement.