bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications for improving evacuation safety in primary school corridors: a video-based analysis on evacuees’ speed and density
Authors: Bahmani Homa , Ao Yibin , Yang Dujuan , Wang Dongpo , Li Mingyang , Long Yi , Peng Panyu
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance evacuation safety and efficiency measures in primary school corridors by considering the impact of adult guidance and evacuation graphical signs on evacuation speed and density by considering different visibility conditions and corridor design.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment setup involved ten carefully designed drills exploring the evacuation behavior of 6–7-year-old students in a primary school, varying factors such as adult guidance, smoke conditions and graphical evacuation signs. Kinovea software was employed for data extraction to transform video footage into frames, facilitating meticulous manual tallies of children’s movements in designated sub-areas during the drills. The research utilized statistical tests, a generalized linear model and curve-fitting techniques to analyze the extracted data.

Findings

The findings highlight the vital role of adult guidance in expediting evacuations, emphasizing the importance of trained personnel during emergencies. Additionally, graphical evacuation signs were identified as powerful tools for enhancing evacuation speed during low visibility, as they provide clear visual cues to guide evacuees effectively. Signage and adult guidance are beneficial when the classrooms’ gates opening to the passage are far from each other. In contrast, in areas with close and multiple exits, guidance strategies, especially those involving adults, are more effective in reducing population density during evacuations.

Originality/value

These findings have practical implications for improving emergency preparedness, guiding the design of primary school corridors and informing evacuation protocols. School administrators, architects and emergency planners can utilize these findings to inform the development of safety protocols, enhance evacuation guidance strategies and improve the design of primary school corridors. Further research can expand on these findings by exploring their applicability in diverse educational settings and evaluating the real-world implementation of evacuation measures.
How does anthropomorphism promote consumer responses to social chatbots: mind perception perspective
Authors: Li Baoku , Yao Ruoxi , Nan Yafeng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Benefiting from the development and innovation of artificial intelligence and affective computing technology, social chatbots that integrate cognitive analysis and affective social services have flooded into the consumer market. For cognition and emotion-oriented tasks, social chatbots do not always receive positive consumer responses. In addition, consumers have a contradictory attitude toward the anthropomorphism of chatbots. Therefore, from the perspective of mind perception and the two dimensions of social judgment, this research explores the mechanism of consumer responses to anthropomorphic interaction styles when social chatbots complete different service tasks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes three behavior experimental designs and survey methods to collect data and the ANOVA, t-test and bootstrap analysis methods to verify the assumed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that when the service task type of a social chatbot is cognition-oriented, compared to a warm anthropomorphic interaction style, a competent anthropomorphic interaction style can improve consumer responses more effectively. During this process, agent-mind perception plays a mediating role. When the service task type of a social chatbot is emotion-oriented, compared with a competent anthropomorphic conversation style, a warm anthropomorphic conversation style can improve consumer responses. Experience-mind perception mediates this influencing relationship.

Originality/value

The research results theoretically enrich the relevant research on the anthropomorphism of social chatbots and expand the application of the theory of mind perception in the fields of artificial intelligence and interactive marketing. Our findings provide theoretical guidance for the anthropomorphic development and design of social chatbots and the practical management of service task scenarios.
The welfare impact of financial inclusion: does the source of financing matter? A GMM and channel analysis
Authors: Agyekum Francis , Reddy Krishna , Shen Yun , Wallace Damien
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how finance contributes to socioeconomic development through an inclusive financial system and the impact of financial inclusion programs pursued by non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we leverage a rich, nationally representative household survey (ICPSR, 2014) from 17 Ghanaian MFIs (1,629 households), sponsored by the World Bank, to analyze microfinance impacts using a generalized method of moment (GMM) and channel analysis.

Findings

Our findings reveal a statistically significant positive impact of donor-funded financial inclusion projects on targeted households’ welfare, regardless of implementing agency (donor, government or microfinance institution). The channel analysis further suggests that credit unions and savings and loan (S&L) institutions may be particularly effective conduits for delivering these welfare gains through financial inclusion programs. These findings hold valuable insights for funders seeking to maximize the welfare impact of such interventions: credit unions and S&Ls may be preferential channels for delivering financial inclusion programs aimed at improving household well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The poverty-reducing impact of informal non-bank financial intermediaries like credit unions and susu groups highlights the need for policies that integrate these institutions into the formal financial system. Therefore, donor-funded initiatives should not rely solely on local government implementation. Since the focus of this study is on Ghana, we caution readers to exercise caution when generalizing the findings to other jurisdictions.

Practical implications

The World Bank/IMF-backed financial sector reform in Ghana has many important implications for financial inclusion and welfare impacts which are rare in other jurisdictions. Our finding has policy implications for agencies that wish to translate financial inclusion into significant economic inclusion, especially in middle- and low-income countries (LICs) where the COVID-19 pandemic and the global impact of the recent war in Ukraine could exacerbate the exclusion gap.

Originality/value

The focus of this study is to understand if MFIs, funded by different sources, can contribute to inclusive growth and welfare. This research employs channel analysis, considering that donor and government programs are often channeled through community-based NBFIs and offer key contributions to the existing body of knowledge on financial inclusion and household welfare. This study extends the current literature by providing a deeper understanding of the role of each NBFI type in deepening financial inclusion and improving household welfare and allows policymakers, donors and governments to target inclusion efforts for maximum impact.
Innovating with impact: CEO attributes and their influence on firm innovation in Australia
Authors: Shen Yun , Wallace Damien , Ramiah Vikash , Reddy Krishna
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the influence of CEO characteristics on firm innovation within the Australian market, using R&D expenditure as a proxy for innovation. The aim is to analyze how factors such as CEO gender, educational background and dual roles (CEO-chairman) impact firms' R&D investment across various industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel and Tobit regression models are employed to assess the relationship between CEO characteristics and R&D expenditure. The study controls for endogeneity and applies firm-level control variables to ensure robustness, examining CEO traits like gender, educational qualifications and CEO-chairman duality.

Findings

The study reveals that CEO gender and educational level significantly impact firm innovation, particularly R&D expenditure, compared to other characteristics like CEO-chairman duality. Female CEOs and those with PhD degrees are associated with higher R&D spending, with variations across industries such as basic materials and healthcare.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its focus on Australian firms and the time span of 2006–2016. Additionally, mixed results for CEO-chairman duality and CEO location may reduce the generalizability of the findings across all industries on the ASX.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the importance of gender diversity and CEO education in driving firm innovation. Companies aiming to enhance competitiveness and performance through R&D activities, especially in industry-specific contexts, should consider these CEO characteristics.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights by analyzing the impact of CEO characteristics, such as gender and education level, on firm innovation in the underexplored Australian market. By using R&D expenditure as a proxy for innovation and employing both panel and Tobit regression models, it highlights the significance of CEO traits, particularly in specific industries. The findings emphasize the stronger influence of CEO gender and educational level compared to CEO-chairman duality and location, offering valuable implications for gender diversity and industry-specific innovation strategies in enhancing firm competitiveness.
Ownership structure and market competition in the Gulf cooperation council
Authors: AbdulBasith AbdulQuddoos , Al-Fayoumi Nedal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of sector market competition on the ownership structure of publicly listed firms in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed the system-Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) model for panel data, utilizing over 93,000 data points from 6,215 firm-years across six GCC countries from 2010 to 2020.

Findings

The results reveal a statistically significant negative relationship between total block holders and institutional ownership for both Herfindahl–Hirschman and Tobin’s-Q competition proxies. This finding suggests that companies operating in monopolistic or oligarchic sectors are likely to attract block holder investors. Moreover, various firm- and country-level factors, including return on assets, growth, size, gross domestic product and political crisis, also exhibit significant relationships with specific ownership variables.

Practical implications

Investigating the influence of competition on block holders’ ownership in the GCC region may provide new insights into the role of competitive markets in fostering economic development, promoting investor protection and shareholder rights, enhancing market efficiency and competitiveness and implementing effective reform policies and strategies.

Originality/value

Despite the significant contribution of GCC countries to global oil commodities, limited market competition research has been conducted in these markets. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the impact of various firm-, industry-, and country-level factors on firm ownership structure in the GCC region, focusing on the influence of market competition.
Influence tactics and marketing channel relationship management
Authors: Dang-Van Thac , Nguyen Ninh , Pervan Simon , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Saleem Muhammad Abid
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how rational, coercive and emotional influence tactics affect key factors in managing relationships between marketing channel members, i.e. knowledge transfer, relational capital and channel conflict management.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-way time-lagged sample data were obtained from purchase managers of 559 firms across industries in Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was adopted to analyze the data and test hypotheses in the research model.

Findings

The results indicate that rational tactics positively affect knowledge transfer, relational capital and channel conflict management. However, coercive tactics have a contrasting effect and emotional tactics have a mixed impact on these three factors. Moreover, knowledge transfer and relational capital mediate the link between influence tactics and channel conflict management.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by clarifying the mechanism through which different types of influence tactics affect the key factors in marketing channel relationship management. The findings highlight various tactics managers can use to foster knowledge transfer, relational capital and channel conflict management.
NASUP Exemplary Mentor Award Winners – 2023 and 2024
Authors: Grabowski Christine , Outten Clara , O'Brien Charlene
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The following narratives describe how successful relationships between mentors and pre-service and inservice teachers go beyond observations and feedback. The purpose is to share the multifaceted approach mentors take to support teacher candidates in generative ways so they can develop their potential as practitioners and how they nurture a culture of professional respect and understanding about how the school–university partnership supports teachers and students across the school and beyond the individual placement classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

The article contains first-person experiences of the recent National Association for School–University Partnerships (NASUP) Exemplary Mentor Award Winners for 2023 and 2024.

Findings

The work of mentors facilitates the growth of pre-service and inservice teachers, empowering them to innovate and enjoy a sense of autonomy within their placement site and supports the growth of the university program, making the partnership more responsive to the needs of the pre-service and inservice teachers. These narratives are evidence of the power of the school–university partnership in growing teachers who exemplify the profession.

Originality/value

A successful Professional Development Schools (PDS) partnership includes exemplary mentors who support pre-service teachers, in-service teachers and teacher candidates as they prepare for the profession.
Sixty years of ecology with impact
Authors: Groves Lydia , Gordon Rowena , Siqueira Tadeu , Macinnis‐Ng Cate , Marini Lorenzo , Nuñez Martin A. , Suryawanshi Kulbhushansingh , Barlow Jos
Published: December 2024

Journal of Applied Ecology celebrates its 60th birthday in 2024. In this Editorial, we explore how the journal's role has changed since its launch and investigate whether the articles we publish are achieving real‐world impact.

We designed and ran an author survey for all authors who have published with us between 2017 and 2021. Authors were asked if their publication achieved real‐world impact, and if so, how they achieved it. Forty four percent of respondents achieved real‐world impact with their article, primarily citing engagement with key stakeholders as the reason for this impact.

We also assessed our impact on online policy documentation, comparing this to our citations in the published scientific literature. We are the most highly cited British Ecological Society journal for policy mentions with over 2800 citations in total. We also found a weak correlation between policy citations and citations in academic literature, which highlights the fact that article with relatively few academic citations can have large real‐world impact.

Synthesis and applications. Whilst these results are encouraging, there are significant challenges involved in achieving and measuring impact scale. To help address some of these, we launch here a suite of new author services to help our authors achieve real‐world impact with their work. This includes offering plain language summaries and the opportunity to present findings to British Ecological Society's stakeholder community.
Obsolescence and Innovation in the Middle English Religious Lexicon
Authors: Vogelsanger Johanna
Published: December 2024

Lexical loss has long been of interest to scholars of the history of English, even though it is difficult to measure and has therefore received less attention than related processes, such as lexical innovation. Recently, the topic has received renewed interest, especially concerning the idea of French replacing large swathes of native vocabulary after the Norman Conquest. Using data from the Historical Thesaurus of English (HT), the present article tracks changes in the Middle English (ME) religious lexis, focusing on nouns and the influence of French and Latin, and investigates patterns of lexical obsolescence and innovation in conjunction with language of origin and semantic specificity. Following Sylvester et al. (2020), semantic specificity is measured by utilising the HT's structure, and etymological information is extracted from the OED and MED. Overall, most lexical items are found at the hypernymic level of the semantic hierarchy. Already in the early ME period, about 30% of the religious lexicon is of Romance origin and this proportion only continues to grow. The proportion of English‐origin items decreases accordingly, although the absolute number stays relatively stable. Peaks in first and last attestations are shown to coincide, likely due to the nature of the available data.
Generative‐adversarial network for falsification of handwritten signatures
Authors: Marcinowski‐Prażmowski Maciej
Published: December 2024

With further development of generative AI, primarily generative‐adversarial networks (GAN), deepfakes are gaining in quality and accessibility. While, forensic methods designed for examination of handwriting are often applied to its digital copies, despite being possibly insensitive to cases of GAN‐made forgeries (unless methods of digital forensics are co‐employed). Approaching this problem from a novel perspective, we have created a translational GAN tasked with generating false handwritten signatures from limited examples, aiming to ascertain whether traditional methods of signature examination will be effective against such forgeries. We have found that traditional methods of handwriting examination are sufficient for identification of discriminative features that could result in rejection of GAN‐made forgeries, however, those stemmed mostly from the lesser visual quality of the generated signatures, which could be improved in the future.
Telehealth vs face‐to‐face consultations in a urological oncology clinic: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Armany David , Katelaris Athos , Dhar Ankur , Alghazo Omar , Wood Dale , Kim Lawrence H. , Patel Manish I.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of telehealth, among patients reviewed for urological oncological diseases, compared with standard face‐to‐face (F2F) consultations with regard to patient‐reported satisfaction through use of a validated questionnaire.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a single‐centre randomised controlled trial in 126 patients recruited from the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centres urological oncology clinics. Patients were randomised to either a telehealth audio‐only (telephone) consultation group or a standard F2F consultation group for their next routine appointment. Validated questionnaires, using a 4‐point Likert index scale, were completed at the end of the appointments. Questionnaire scores were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. The primary outcome measured was patients' preference for type of consultation on subsequent follow‐up. Secondary outcomes involved evaluation of efficiency, quality of care, ease of understanding, overall satisfaction, professionalism, limitations, and convenience.

Results

A total of 63 patients in the F2F group and 53 patients in the telephone group completed and returned the validated questionnaires. Patients' preference for next follow‐up was statistically significant, favouring the telephone group (P = 0.012). For the secondary outcomes, patients in the telephone group also reported greater satisfaction with regard to the efficiency and timing of the consultation (P = 0.005). Conversely, patients in the F2F group reported higher rates of satisfaction with regard to ‘tests and follow‐up’ and the clinician's ability to deal with their issues, as compared to the telephone group (P = 0.002). Also, patients in the F2F group reported higher rates of perceived quality of consultation (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that patients with urological oncological diseases attending routine follow‐up generally prefer telehealth over F2F appointments. However, patients in the F2F group perceived that there was a higher quality of care in their consultation, and that the services provided were superior, in comparison to patients in the telehealth group. These are barriers to the widespread adoption of telehealth in urological oncology follow‐up care and are rarely reported in the current literature.
Tier 2 adult weight management services in the UK: A case study evaluation of local authority provision of targeted services for higher‐risk groups in England
Authors: McSweeney Lorraine , Rothwell Charlotte , Adamson Ashley , Barrett Simon , Mathews Claire , Lloyd Scott , Fong Mackenzie
Published: December 2024

In 2021, the UK Government announced additional funding in England for Adult Weight Management Services (AWMS); it was specified that the extra funding must be used to commission or extend existing tier 2 services. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities encouraged commissioners to prioritise services for higher‐risk groups such as those with learning disabilities, severe mental illness, people from minority ethnic groups, those living in deprived areas and men. To better understand the findings from previous survey work and to explore the implementation of targeted services in greater depth, we undertook a multiple case study comprising eight tier 2 adult weight management service providers and 35 individual stakeholder interviewees. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as an interview guide and in data analysis, we determined key enablers and barriers to successful service provision and programme implementation. Good practice for successful AWMS provision for higher‐risk groups includes, having an existing programme in place that can be adapted, ensuring adequate time for programme development/implementation, having good existing networks/partnerships, collaborative working and putting the target group at the heart of any intervention. The findings from this work provide practical recommendations for policy and practice when targeting tier 2 services for higher‐risk groups.
Esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma: An unrecognised esophageal counterpart of minor salivary gland tumours with frequent BRAF V600E mutations
Authors: Hua Hongjin , Hu Die , Ding Ying , Li Hai
Published: December 2024

Aims

Esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma is an extremely rare benign tumour, with only a few reported cases. We conducted the largest single‐centre clinical study of esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma, examining its molecular mechanisms and clinicopathological features.

Methods and Results

Between 2018 and 2023, seven cases of esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma were identified at a tertiary medical centre; two were female and five were male, aged between 51 and 75 years (mean = 63.8 years). Comprehensive evaluations of clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular characteristics were conducted. Histologically, tumours showed papillotubular and cystic patterns lined with double layers of cells arranged in ducts, papillary folds and microcysts. The inner luminal tall columnar cells had eosinophilic cytoplasm and did not show mucin production and the basal cells showed myoepithelial differentiation. Immunohistochemically, inner luminal  layer cells were positive for CK7, CK19 and CK5/6 and outer basal layer cells were positive for SMA and P40. Both layers were negative for CK20, CDX2, MUC5AC, MUC6, MUC2, GCDFP15 and Alcian blue‐periodic acid–Schiff (AB‐PAS). Genomic analyses revealed the presence of BRAF V600E mutations in five of seven tumours (71.43%).

Conclusions

This study delineates a distinct subtype of benign adenoma arising from the esophageal submucosal gland duct, characterised by multiple lobulated cystic proliferation of benign epithelial layers within the submucosa. BRAF V600E mutations were present, similar to in sialadenoma papilliferum. We determined the genetic mutation present in esophageal submucosal gland duct adenoma, providing further evidence that it is an esophageal counterpart of minor salivary gland tumours.
A case for rethinking the gender targeting of child cash transfers in Brazil and South Africa: Assessing caregiver sex in determining stunting in child beneficiaries
Authors: Khan Zoheb , Patel Leila
Published: December 2024

Little is known about the effects of the receipt of child‐centred cash transfers by men. This article tests whether caregiver sex matters in determining stunting (low height for age) in child beneficiaries of Brazil's Bolsa Família and South Africa's Child Support Grant using household survey data. Overall, we find that caregivers’ socioeconomic and education status are more influential alongside the region of residence. However, among households at intermediate levels of poverty, female recipients are significantly less likely to have stunted children. Improving the complementary service environment while encouraging more men to apply for benefits and to assume caregiving responsibilities could be a transformative, gender‐sensitive policy intervention.
Minding the gender gap in Viet Nam's old‐age pensions: Actuarial insights on addressing women's discrimination in the design of social insurance schemes
Authors: López Betina Ramírez , Sengupta Anasuya
Published: December 2024

The article presents an analysis of the factors that shape gender gaps in old‐age pension coverage and outcomes in Viet Nam. The authors argue that gender norms shape not only women's roles and constraints in society, but further influence policy discourse that impact women's access to employment and social security over their life course. Drawing on a mix of quantitative, qualitative and actuarial evidence from the International Labour Organization and other key actors working on women's employment and access to social security in Viet Nam, such as Viet Nam Women's Union, the article seeks to illustrate the confluence of demand and supply side factors that underly gender gaps in old‐age pensions. A key finding from Viet Nam, relevant for many parts of the region and the world, is that women are discriminated against in social security systems by design. This is particularly stark in the legacy design of social insurance systems, that were once tailored to serve a predominantly male, formal workforce. Moreover, without introducing an explicit gender lens in the design of social insurance schemes, for example eligibility criteria and benefit calculations, any proposals for policy reform further risk exacerbating rather than mitigating existing gender gaps in social insurance schemes. The authors propose key recommendations for both Vietnamese policy makers and international actors to address such gender gaps and help achieve the government's commitments towards an inclusive social security system.
Co‐treatment with erythropoietin derived HBSP and caspase‐3 siRNA: A promising approach to prevent fibrosis after acute kidney injury
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Wang Yanan , Chen Fei , Han Cheng , Huang Lili , Sai Wenli , Fan Yaping , Brunskill Nigel J. , Yang Bin
Published: December 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a risk factor of chronic kidney disease, without specific treatment. This study investigated the effect of co‐treatment using erythropoietin‐derived helix B surface peptide (HBSP) and caspase‐3 small interfering RNA (CASP3siRNA) on preventing fibrosis post AKI in order to achieve better efficacy by different action mechanisms. Ischemia–reperfusion (IR) in mice was induced by clamping bilateral renal pedicles for 30 min followed by 2‐week reperfusion, with HBSP and/or CASP3siRNA administered at the onset of IR. Serum creatinine, apoptosis, active caspase‐3 and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) in kidneys were decreased by HBSP, CASP3siRNA or both, with increased PCNA. α‐SMA expression and collagen I deposition were also reduced by CASP3siRNA and both. Most interestingly, the co‐treatment further reduced tubulointerstitial damage and fibrosis, but raised PCNA compared to CASP3siRNA. EPOR/βcR was reduced by HBSP, and positively correlated with Sirius red staining, whereas EPOR was unchanged. In TCMK‐1 cells, H2O2 raised apoptosis and α‐SMA were reduced by HBSP, while the same was occurred to HMGB1. However, HMGB1 was further increased by EPOR siRNA under H2O2 stimulation with/without HBSP treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrated synergistic long‐term renoprotection post IR‐AKI by HBSP and CASP3siRNA, which may be due to co‐inhibiting inflammation and stimulating repair at early stage, and subsequently preventing fibrosis.
Buprenorphine prescribing practices for older adults in 2019 and 2020
Authors: Ernecoff Natalie C. , Sheng Flora , Cantor Jonathan , Stein Bradley D.
Published: December 2024

Background

Opioid use disorder (OUD) prevalence has increased threefold among Medicare beneficiaries 65 years and older (hereafter “older adults”) since 2013, with a prevalence of 15.7 per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries in 2018. Yet, access to treatment that addresses the needs of older adults with OUD is limited, including patterns of buprenorphine prescribing to older adults. Therefore, we sought to describe buprenorphine treatment patterns among older adults and prescribing clinician specialties.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study using 2019–2020 IQVIA Real World Data–Longitudinal Prescriptions. High‐prescribing clinicians are those who prescribed buprenorphine to >15 unique older adults within a calendar year. We used T‐test and chi‐square tests to compare characteristics associated with differences in prescribing.

Results

Among 26,202 clinicians prescribing buprenorphine to 67,921 unique older adults, 1232 (5%) prescribed to more than 15 older adults (mean 28.1, SD = 23.6), corresponding to buprenorphine prescribing for 24,672 (36%) older adults. Among older adults dispensed buprenorphine, the majority (58%) were 66–70 years of age and male (54%). Individuals older than 70 years (44%) and males (51%) were slightly more common among high prescribers than non‐high‐prescribing clinicians (41% and 49%, respectively). Primary care clinicians (42%) and advance practice providers (APPs) (29%) were the most common specialties prescribing buprenorphine. Most (87%) buprenorphine prescribers were in urban counties; with a slightly higher percentage of high‐prescribing clinicians in urban counties (91%).

Conclusions

A relatively small subset of clinicians prescribes most buprenorphine to older adults. This work provides evidence of gaps in care delivery. Scalable systems‐level interventions should be developed and tested to improve treatment availability mindful of existing clinical infrastructure.
Multicamera simultaneous total internal reflection and interference reflection microscopy
Authors: Spector Jeffrey O. , Chen Jiayi , Szczesna Ewa , Roll‐Mecak Antonina
Published: December 2024

Interference Reflection Microscopy (IRM) is an optical technique that relies on the interference between the reflected light from an incident beam as it passes through materials of different refractive indices. This technique has been successfully used to image microtubules, biologically important biofilaments with a diameter of 25 nm. However, it is often desirable to image both the microtubule and microtubule interacting proteins simultaneously. Here we present a simple modification to a standard multicolour total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscope that enables simultaneous high‐speed IRM and single molecule TIRF imaging. Our design utilises a camera for each channel (IRM and TIRF) allowing independent optimisation of camera parameters for the two different modalities. We illustrate its application by imaging unlabelled microtubules and GFP‐labelled end‐binding protein EB1, which forms comets on the tips of polymerising microtubules. Our design is easily implemented, and with minimal cost, making it accessible to any laboratory with an existing fluorescence microscope.
A Qualitative Study of Postpartum Women's Lived Experiences During COVID‐19
Authors: Toledo Christine , Quidley‐Rodriguez Narciso , Cianelli Rosina , Villegas Rodriguez Natalia
Published: December 2024

Introduction

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state of Florida became the epicenter of the COVID‐19 delta variant during the summer of 2021. There is limited knowledge on how the pandemic impacted postpartum women's lived experiences in the United States. The purpose of the study was to explore the lived experiences of postpartum women living in South Florida during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their responses.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study design was used. Study participants included 26 postpartum women living in South Florida who had given birth to a live newborn from March 2020 to May 2022. We used purposeful sampling and social media recruitment methods. Sociodemographic information was collected using REDCap, and live face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews were conducted on Webex using a semistructured questionnaire. Content analysis was used to analyze the research data and develop themes and subthemes.

Results

The first central theme, raising an infant during a pandemic, included 3 subthemes: (1) protecting the infant, (2) feeling isolated, and (3) food for thought. The second central theme, maternal needs during a pandemic, included 3 subthemes: (1) mental health needs, (2) support needs, and (3) health care needs.

Conclusion

Findings suggest women experienced significant challenges in caring for themselves and their infants during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Findings highlight the need for policy reform that secures comprehensive and quality postpartum health care for women that includes mental health screenings.
Internal factors driving willingness to seek financial advice: The role of trust and anxiety
Authors: Westermann Steffen , Harrison Jennifer L. , Niblock Scott J.
Published: December 2024

We construct and test a conceptual framework that extends the five‐step financial help‐seeking model (Grable and Joo, J Financ Couns Plann, 1999, 10, 14–25) by incorporating different trust dimensions and financial adviser anxiety to examine how internal factors influence willingness to seek financial advice. Using structural equation modeling and a sample of 1297 Australian adults, we find willingness is mostly driven by narrow‐scope trust and, to a lesser extent, by future time perspective and an indirect effect of system trust (through narrow‐scope trust). However, we do not find evidence to suggest that financial adviser anxiety is associated with financial advice‐seeking willingness or narrow‐scope trust. Our results suggest factors that policymakers can target to increase consumer advice‐seeking willingness to help increase the uptake of financial advice when needed and available.
Race and ethnicity dynamics in survival to 100 years in the United States
Authors: Ouellette Nadine , Perls Thomas
Published: December 2024

Background

After age 85, the U.S. non‐Hispanic Black population mortality rate becomes less than that of the White population (called the Black–White mortality crossover). It is not known how this survival advantage compares to Asian and Hispanic groups, and whether differences persist to age 100+ years.

Methods

The U.S. period life table data were extracted to obtain life expectancy at birth and at ages 70, 85, and 100 years according to year, sex, and race and ethnicity. Age‐specific death rates and adult modal age at death were calculated. We computed period probabilities of survival to age 100, from ages 70, 80, and 90. Pseudo‐birth cohort calculations were undertaken to enable comparison with period‐based results.

Results

In 2019, the Black–White mortality crossover occurred at 86–88 years and persisted at ages 100 and 100+. Life expectancies at age 100 for non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations were similar and were significantly greater than the non‐Hispanic White population. From 2006 to 2019, the probability of survival from 70 and 80 years to age 100 was highest for the Hispanic population, followed by non‐Hispanic Black and then non‐Hispanic White populations. Probability of survival from age 90 to 100 years was similar for all but the non‐Hispanic White population, which had a comparatively lower probability of survival. When Asian population data became available in 2019, this population had the highest probability of survival to age 100, starting from ages 70, 80, and 90 years. Pseudo‐cohort results displayed patterns consistent with those observed over calendar years.

Conclusions

Race‐ and ethnicity‐based variation in mortality between ages 85 and 100+ years suggests differences in environmental and possibly genetic influences upon risk for exceptional longevity.
Personal Values and Cognitive Biases
Authors: Elster Andrey , Sagiv Lilach
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Psychology textbooks abound with demonstrations of classic biases, yet the question why some people are more or less susceptible to those biases remains little explored. Drawing on Schwartz Values Theory (1992), we aim to show how individual differences in personal values, which express trans‐situational, chronic motivations of a perceiver, impact cognitive biases.

Method

In six studies (N = 843; 42.6% female, Mage = 30.7), we assessed personal values and manipulated or measured two fundamental cognitive biases: the self‐serving bias (Studies 1–3) and the halo effect (Studies 4–6).

Results

As hypothesized, individuals were more susceptible to cognitive biases, when the content of a bias was compatible with their important values. Specifically, the more individuals emphasized achievement values, the more they were susceptible to the self‐serving bias; and the more individuals emphasized benevolence values, the more they were susceptible to the halo effect of warmth. Other value types were not systematically associated with the biases.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings indicate that cognitive biases are more likely to emerge when their manifestations are compatible with the chronic motivation of the perceiver. We suggest additional examples of cognitive biases that may be related to values and discuss theoretical implications of our findings.
Computational modeling of reinforced concrete dapped‐end beams
Authors: D'Angela Danilo , Magliulo Gennaro , Di Salvatore Chiara , Cosenza Edoardo
Published: December 2024

The structural response of reinforced concrete dapped‐end beams is simulated through finite element analysis. The case study consists in experimental tests performed in the framework of an Italian research project on bridges. The study assesses both the local and global behavior of the beam and characterizes the damage patterns. A blind prediction is initially performed inputting the main basic material and geometrical properties of the specimen. Further models are developed by varying several structural parameters and modeling/analysis features, assessing their influence on the structural capacity and response of the beams. The blind model yielded relatively accurate behavior and capacity estimations. Additionally, the modeling is enhanced by accounting for experimental data. Technical and operative guidelines for implementing the numerical analysis of dapped‐end beams are finally provided, in light of the critical assessment of the modeling and analysis results.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal interactions and nutrient supply mediate floral trait variation and pollinator visitation
Authors: Guzman Aidee , Montes Marisol , Lamie Nada , Bañuelos Martin , DeLaCerda Gisel , Soria‐Gilman Isabel , Firestone Mary , Bowles Timothy , Kremen Claire
Published: December 2024

Floral traits, including floral display and nutritional rewards from pollen and nectar, drive pollinator visitation. Even within a single plant species, environmental factors can influence the quality and quantity of floral resources. Yet, the ecological interactions driving this variation in floral resources, especially those belowground, remain unknown.

Here, we investigate how soil microbial community composition and nutrient availability, specifically distinct arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species and phosphorus (P) supply, affect plant growth, AMF traits, floral traits, and how that, in turn, affects bee visitation.

We found that increased AMF richness of functional diversity enhanced floral display (flower size and number) and rewards (nectar volume and pollen protein) and increased bee visitation. Using structural equation modeling, we found that AMF associations could boost bee visitation by enhancing flower size. However, trade‐offs occur; flower size correlates negatively with root colonization but positively with hyphal length, suggesting that AMF traits drive the effects of AMF on flower growth.

Overall, the effect of AMF on floral traits and bee visitation was not homogenous; instead, AMF trait differences interact with P supply, resulting in varying effects on floral traits and subsequently bee foraging dynamics. These results highlight that focusing on beneficial belowground interactions could provide an opportunity to bolster bee visitation.
Low‐energy diets before metabolic bariatric surgery: A systematic review of the effect on total body weight, liver volume, glycemia and side effects
Authors: Nilsen Inger , Andersson Agneta , Laurenius Anna , Österberg Johanna
Published: December 2024

There is no consensus regarding energy content or duration of hypocaloric diets used for preoperative optimization of patients before metabolic bariatric surgery. In this systematic review, we aimed to compare the effect of different hypocaloric diets on reductions in total body weight, liver volume, glucose and insulin concentrations, and side effects. Six databases were searched for articles including adults with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 treated with hypocaloric diets before metabolic bariatric surgery. Hypocaloric diets were categorized as (1) low‐energy diet containing 800–1200 kcal/day for 2–4 weeks, (2) very low‐energy diet containing 450–<800 kcal/day for 2–4 weeks, and (3) low‐energy diet containing 800–1200 kcal/day for >4 weeks. Thirty‐three articles (1868 patients) were included, and if data were sufficient, synthesis without meta‐analysis was conducted. A low‐energy diet and very low‐energy diet for 2–4 weeks resulted in similar reductions in total body weight, but longer treatment correlated to a more pronounced weight reduction. In addition, a low‐energy diet for 2–4 weeks led to decreased liver volume, which might facilitate the surgical procedure. Insulin resistance was generally reduced after a low‐energy diet for 2–4 weeks. However, most studies were within‐group control, and since more than 60% of the studies lacked variance measures for our outcomes, we did not perform a meta‐analysis. Accordingly, our results should be interpreted carefully. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration number: CRD42022295757; available at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=295757.
Enhancing Food Production Through Modern Agricultural Technology
Authors: Yu Kaixin , Zhao Siqi , Sun Bo , Jiang Hongwei , Hu Limin , Xu Chang , Yang Mingliang , Han Xue , Chen Qingshan , Qi Zhaoming
Published: December 2024

Food security is fundamental to human capacity building and is crucial for sustainable global development. As the global population continues to surge, the demand for food production is increasingly strained, struggling to keep pace with nutritional needs. This challenge is exacerbated by climate change effects, including extreme weather events and natural disasters, leading to significant losses in both crop yield and arable land. In this article, we delve into the innovative strategies employed by plant researchers to enhance crop resilience and productivity. These efforts have led to the development of new crop varieties that boast adaptability to varying climatic conditions, improved resistance to diseases and herbicides, and significantly increased yields. Alongside genetic advancements, the article also highlights sustainable and smart agricultural practices that are pivotal in augmenting crop productivity. These practices include optimizing water resource management during irrigation and integrating modern informational and intelligent technologies in farmland management. By synthesizing these technological and methodological advances, this article proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing the pressing issues of food security. These solutions not only aim to meet the immediate food demands but also foster long‐term sustainability in agricultural practices.
Interannual Variation of Stomatal Traits Impacts the Environmental Responses of Apple Trees
Authors: Zuffa Francesca , Jung Michaela , Yates Steven , Quesada‐Traver Carles , Patocchi Andrea , Studer Bruno , Dow Graham
Published: December 2024

Stomata are fundamental to plant‐water relations and represent promising targets to enhance crop water‐use efficiency and climate resilience. Here, we investigated stomatal density (SD) variation in 269 apple accessions across 3 years (2019–2021), which demonstrated significant differences between accessions but consistency over time. We selected 2 subsets of 20 accessions, each with contrasting SD: high stomatal density (HSD; 370–500 mm−2) and low stomatal density (LSD; 192–316 mm−2). SD groups were compared in stomatal function, leaf physiology and crop productivity across two seasons (2021–2022). LSD had lower stomatal conductance (gs) and higher intrinsic water‐use efficiency in both years (p < 0.05). Hotter and drier conditions in 2022 reduced gs similarly in both groups (−22% HSD, −21% LSD), but also created a difference in net carbon assimilation (Anet) that was not present in 2021 (HSD + 1.7 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1, p < 0.05). LSD constraints on Anet were reflected in carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C, p < 0.001) and annual decline in fruit yield (−35%, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate the suitability of SD as a trait to improve WUE, but also identifies a trade‐off between water savings and productivity, which requires consideration for breeding.
Expanding Early Childhood Home Visitation Services in the United States to Reach More Vulnerable Families: A Backward Mapping Analysis
Authors: Ballard Julianne , Lobo Brittany , Dawson‐Rose Carol
Published: December 2024

Early childhood home visitation (ECHV) in the United States is a voluntary service providing health and social support to low‐income families who are experiencing, or at risk for experiencing, adversities such as adolescent pregnancy, poverty, and child maltreatment. The federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program funds the delivery of evidence‐based early childhood home visits, but these services are chronically under‐utilized despite a substantial capacity for enrollment. Of particular concern are the families likely to encounter adversity but are unable to access services due to rigid criteria for participation. Using the theory of backward mapping developed by Richard Elmore, this paper analyzes the implementation of the MIECHV Program policy to identify possible factors responsible for the under‐utilization of funded services. We explore issues related to the referral process, enrollment criteria, and attrition challenges for evidence‐based ECHV models with recommendations for a centralized intake system, qualitative inquiry, and universal postpartum home visits.