bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and social inclusion: impact of mobile payment system on micro-entrepreneurs' perceived success and subjective well-being
Authors: Khan Asma Shahid , Shahid Subhan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The study examines how adopting e-paisa technology (a mobile payment system) enhances micro-entrepreneurs' perceived success and subjective well-being during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The study also theorizes the moderating effects of gender through a moderated-mediation model.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected from 282 micro-entrepreneurs in Pakistan using a two-week time-lagged approach to test the hypothesized framework. The analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro moderated-mediation method.

Findings

The results affirm that adopting e-paisa technology positively relates to perceived entrepreneurial success, ultimately increasing the entrepreneur's subjective well-being. Furthermore, in hypothesized moderated-mediation paths, the moderation effect of gender was stronger for women than men.

Practical implications

From the perspective of diversity, equality and inclusion, adopting a digital mobile payment system can be regarded as a catalyst for the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in marginalized communities, enabling them to continue their micro-businesses in times of global crises. Further, it is also suggested that public–private sector partnerships are essential for promoting a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem that subsequently leads to social and financial inclusion in marginalized communities.

Originality/value

The mediating role of perceived entrepreneurial success contributes to understanding the importance of psychological functioning among technology acceptance model (TAM) attributes and entrepreneurs' subjective well-being. In addition, theorizing gender differences in TAM and subjective well-being relationships revealed women's advantages, challenging the prevailing belief that women are less fortunate in entrepreneurial endeavors. This raises the need to reconsider and maybe change the perspective to consider women as a disadvantaged group in entrepreneurship.
What does it take to close the loop? Lessons from a successful citrus waste valorisation business
Authors: Rao Madhura , Bilić Lea , Bast Aalt , de Boer Alie
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In this case study, we examine how a citrus peel valorising company based in the Netherlands was able to adopt a circular business model while navigating regulatory, managerial, and supply chain-related barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with key personnel in the company, notes from field observations, photographs of the production process, and documents from a legal judgement served as data for this single, qualitative case study. Data were coded inductively using the in vivo technique and were further developed into four themes and a case description.

Findings

Results from our study indicate that the regulatory and political contexts in the Netherlands were critical to the company’s success. Like in the case of most fruitful industrial symbioses, partnerships founded on mutual trust and economically appealing value propositions played a crucial role in ensuring commercial viability. Collaborating with larger corporations and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders were also significant contributing factors. Lastly, employees’ outlook towards circularity combined with their willingness to learn new skills were important driving factors as well.

Originality/value

In addition to expanding the scholarship on the adoption of circular business models, this research offers novel insights to policymakers and practitioners. It provides empirical evidence regarding the importance of public awareness, adaptable legislation, and harmonised policy goals for supporting sustainable entrepreneurship in the circular economy.
Comparison of simulations of the gas conduction in HVDC GIL by application of nonlinear conductivity model and ion-drift-diffusion model
Authors: Hensel Hendrik , Clemens Markus
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Gas insulated systems, such as gas insulated lines (GIL), use insulating gas, mostly sulfur hexalfluoride (SF6), to enable a higher dielectric strength compared to e.g. air. However, under high voltage direct current conditions, charge accumulation and electric field stress may occur, which may lead to partial discharge or system failure. Therefore, numerical simulations are used to design the system and determine the electric field and charge distribution. Although the gas conduction shows a more complex current–voltage characteristic compared to solid insulation, the electric conductivity of the SF6 gas is set as constant in most works. The purpose of this study is to investigate different approaches to address the conduction in the gas properly for numerical simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, two approaches are investigated to address the conduction in the insulating gas and are compared to each other. One method is an ion-drift-diffusion model, where the conduction in the gas is described by the ion motion in the SF6 gas. However, this method is computationally expensive. Alternatively, a less complex approach is an electro-thermal model with the application of an electric conductivity model for the SF6 gas. Measurements show that the electric conductivity in the SF6 gas has a nonlinear dependency on temperature, electric field and gas pressure. From these measurements, an electric conductivity model was developed. Both methods are compared by simulation results, where different parameters and conditions are considered, to investigate the potential of the electric conductivity model as a computationally less expensive alternative.

Findings

The simulation results of both simulation approaches show similar results, proving the electric conductivity for the SF6 gas as a valid alternative. Using the electro-thermal model approach with the application of the electric conductivity model enables a solution time up to six times faster compared to the ion-drift-diffusion model. The application of the model allows to examine the influence of different parameters such as temperature and gas pressure on the electric field distribution in the GIL, whereas the ion-drift-diffusion model enables to investigate the distribution of homo- and heteropolar charges in the insulation gas.

Originality/value

This work presents numerical simulation models for high voltage direct current GIL, where the conduction in the SF6 gas is described more precisely compared to a definition of a constant electric conductivity value for the insulation gas. The electric conductivity model for the SF6 gas allows for consideration of the current–voltage characteristics of the gas, is computationally less expensive compared to an ion-drift diffusion model and needs considerably less solution time.
Prosocial behavior and work reattachment in healthcare: the mediating and moderating influence of mindfulness and awe
Authors: Faheem Muhammad Asim , Ahmad Shabir , Tayyab Hafsa
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Amidst the stressful work environment in the healthcare sector, employees struggle to maintain prosocial behavior and work reattachment. The potential role of awe and mindfulness in addressing these issues remains unexplored. This study investigates how coworker prosocial behavior affects work reattachment while considering the mediating role of mindfulness and the moderating role of awe.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through a survey questionnaire from 356 healthcare professionals in Pakistan. The data were analyzed in SPSS and AMOS for reliability and validity statistics, as well as for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant link between coworker prosocial behavior and work reattachment. Mindfulness acted as a mediator between coworker prosocial behavior and work reattachment, while awe had a positive moderating effect on these relationships.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize the need for fostering these elements to manage stress, support employees and improve work reattachment.

Originality/value

The existing literature lacks empirical evidence regarding the impact of coworker prosocial behavior on employee outcomes, and this study contributes by examining the roles of awe and mindfulness in the healthcare sector.
Assessing the effects of gender stereotype in STEM in a Brazilian university
Authors: Alvarenga Camila , Braga Cicero
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In Brazil, over 4.7 million women enrolled in university in the year 2017. However, Brazilian women have been consistently overrepresented in humanities and care majors and underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Given that observed gender differences in math-intensive fields have lasting effects on gender inequality in the labor market, and that observed gender variations do not necessarily associate with differences in innate ability, in this paper we explore the paths of societal gender bias and gender differences in a Brazilian university.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct a social experiment at a University in Southeastern Brazil, applying the gender-STEM Implicit Association Test.

Findings

We found that women in STEM are less likely to show gender-STEM implicit stereotypes, compared to women in humanities. The results indicate a negative correlation between implicit gender stereotyping and the choice of math-intensive majors by women.

Originality/value

The stereotype-congruent results are indicative of the gender bias in Brazilian society, and suggest that stereotypes created at early stages in life are directly related to future outcomes that reinforce gender disparities in Brazil, which can be observed in career choices.
Study on friction reduction performance of granular flow lubrication during the milling of Inconel 718 superalloy
Authors: Ma Lijie , Mao Xinhui , Li Chenrui , Zhang Yu , Li Fengnan , Pang Minghua , Feng Qigao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reveal the friction reduction performance and mechanism of granular flow lubrication during the milling of difficult-to-machining materials and provide a high-performance lubrication method for the precision cutting of nickel-based alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

The milling tests for Inconel 718 superalloy under dry cutting, flood lubrication and granular flow lubrication were carried out, and the milling force and machined surface quality were used to evaluate their friction reduction effect. Furthermore, based on the energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) spectrums and the topographical features of machined surface, the lubrication mechanism of different granular mediums was explored during granular flow lubrication.

Findings

Compared with flood lubrication, the granular flow lubrication had a significant force reduction effect, and the maximum milling force was reduced by about 30%. At the same time, the granular flow lubrication was more conducive to reducing the tool trace size, repressing surface damage and thus achieving better surface quality. The soft particles had better friction reduction performance than the hard particles with the same particle size, and the friction reduction performance of nanoscale hard particles was superior to that of microscale hard particles. The friction reduction mechanism of MoS2 and WS2 soft particles is the mending effect and adsorption film effect, whereas that of SiO2 and Al2O3 hard particles is mainly manifested as the rolling and polishing effect.

Originality/value

Granular flow lubrication was applied in the precision milling of Inconel 718 superalloy, and a comparative study was conducted on the friction reduction performance of soft particles (MoS2, WS2) and hard particles (SiO2, Al2O3). Based on the EDS spectrums and topographical features of machined surface, the friction reduction mechanism of soft and hard particles was explored.
Social media analytics for academic music library: a case study of CUHK center for Chinese Music Studies
Authors: Xue Bing , Yao Rui , Ye Zengyu , Chan Cheuk Ting , Chiu Dickson K.W. , Zhong Zeyu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

With the rapid development of social media, many organizations have begun to attach importance to social media platforms. This research studies the management and the use of social media in academic music libraries, taking the Center for Chinese Music Studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CCMS) as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a sentiment analysis of posts on Facebook’s public page to analyze the reaction to the posts with some exploratory analysis, including the communication trend and relevant factors that affect user interaction.

Findings

Our results show that the Facebook channel for the library has a good publicity effect and active interaction, but the number of posts and interactions has a downward trend. Therefore, the library needs to pay more attention to the management of the Facebook channel and take adequate measures to improve the quality of posts to increase interaction.

Originality/value

Few studies have analyzed existing data directly collected from social media by programming based on sentiment analysis and natural language processing technology to explore potential methods to promote music libraries, especially in East Asia, and about traditional music.
The impact of audit committee attributes on integrated reporting quality: evidence from European companies listed on the STOXX Europe 600 index
Authors: Belhouchet Saida , Chouaibi Jamel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on the relationship between audit committee attributes and integrated reporting quality (IRQ).

Design/methodology/approach

Data on a sample of 360 European firms selected from the STOXX Europe 600 index between 2010 and 2021 were used to test the model based on multiple regression for panel data to analyze the effect of audit committee attributes on IRQ. This paper considers generalized least squares (GLS) estimation for panel data models.

Findings

The findings of this study confirm expectations concerning the impact of audit committee attributes on the IRQ. Indeed, audit committee independence and meetings have a significant positive impact on IRQ. However, no significant association is found between financial expertise and IRQ.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper have significant implications for policymakers, who, through proper legislation, should encourage the formation of larger audit committees and ones with a higher percentage of independent members. They should also establish a minimum number of audit committee meetings per year. These regulations, which aim to increase the efficacy of audit committees’ supervisory and monitoring tasks, would promote corporate transparency and improve IRQ.

Originality/value

This study supports the existing literature. First, it expands the scientific debate on IRQ. Second, unlike previous studies, which used more subjective methods to measure the degree of integrated reporting (IR), this study relied on the CGVS variable from the DataStream ASSET 4 Database. Third, the research is novel because it indicates the crucial role of internal assurance mechanisms in wide managerial reporting practices in European companies. The sample consisted of European firms only, whereas previous studies used a global sample. Finally, this study is based on recent data (2010–2021), while other studies covered the period between 2008 and 2013.
Ecology and methodology of comparing traits and decomposition rates of green leaves versus senesced litter across plant species and types
Authors: Guo Chao , Tuo Bin , Seibold Sebastian , Sai Bi‐Le , Qin Han‐Tang , Yan En‐Rong , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: March 2024

Variation in leaf traits is critical for carbon gains and losses during leaf life and drives litter carbon and nutrient losses via decomposition. Accurately quantifying litter decomposition parameters is essential for assessing ecosystem carbon and nutrient dynamics. Leaf litterbags have commonly been employed to measure effects of environmental drivers, decomposers, and plant traits on decomposition rates. There has been much debate regarding the suitability of substituting senesced dead leaves with fresh (green) leaves in litterbags, which has been common practice for mimicking green leaf fall or for practical reasons. Therefore, we tested the null hypothesis that replacement of dead leaves with fresh leaves in litterbag experiments is justified, based on similarities in structural and chemical traits between fresh and dead leaves across plant species and growth forms.

We conducted a paired litterbag decomposition experiment with both fresh and dead leaves of 26 common species in subtropical China, in each of five contrasting ecosystems.

While fresh leaves generally decomposed faster than dead leaves, this deviation varied among species and growth forms, based on their traits. Overall, there was significant but rather weak correlation between dead leaf decomposition rate k and fresh leaf k, across species and ecosystem types; the deviation between fresh and dead leaf k was larger for fast‐decomposing, mostly herbaceous species. The different decomposition patterns for fresh versus dead leaves were underpinned by key underlying traits integrated in leaf resource economics spectra (LES) for fresh and dead leaves. The dead leaf LES exhibited a greater predictive capability for dead leaf k while the fresh leaf LES had higher explanatory value for the fresh leaf k values.

Our findings partly reject the null hypothesis and ask for caution in inferring leaf litter decomposition rates based on green leaf litterbags or traits data. We suggest follow‐up research on substituting senesced roots and stems with fresh ones in decomposition experiments.

Synthesis. Human activities and extreme weather events are leading to increasing pulse inputs of fresh plant parts and our study contributes to knowledge on how they contribute to overall decomposition rates besides senesced litter inputs.
A 2‐week treatment with 5‐azacytidine improved the hypercontractility state in prostate from obese mice: Role of the nitric oxide‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling pathway
Authors: Ghezzi Ana Carolina , Passos Gabriela Reolon , de Oliveira Mariana Gonçalves , Oliveira Akila Lara , Assis‐Mendonça Guilherme Rossi , de Mello Glaucia Coelho , Antunes Edson , Monica Fabiola Zakia
Published: March 2024

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterised by increases in prostate volume and contraction. Downregulation of the nitric oxide (NO)‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling pathway contributes to prostate dysfunctions. Previous studies in cancer cells or vessels have shown that the epigenetic mechanisms control the gene and protein expression of the enzymes involved in the production of NO and cGMP. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of a 2‐week treatment of 5‐azacytidine (5‐AZA), a DNA‐methyltransferase inhibitor, in the prostate function of mice fed with a high‐fat diet. Functional, histological, biochemical and molecular assays were carried out. Obese mice presented greater prostate weight, α‐actin expression and contractile response induced by the α‐1adrenoceptors agonist. The relaxation induced by the NO‐donor and the protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) were significantly decreased in the prostate of obese mice. The treatment with 5‐AZA reverted the higher expression of α‐actin, reduced the hypercontractility state of the prostate and increased the expression of eNOS and sGC and intraprostatic levels of cGMP. When prostates from obese mice treated with 5‐AZA were incubated in vitro with inhibitors of the NOS or sGC, the inhibitory effect of 5‐AZA was reverted, therefore, showing the involvement of NO and cGMP. In conclusion, our study paves the way to develop or repurpose therapies that recover the expression of eNOS and sGC and, hence, to improve prostate function in BPH.
Differential responses of cerebral and renal oxygenation to altered perfusion conditions during experimental cardiopulmonary bypass in sheep
Authors: Evans Roger G. , Cochrane Andrew D. , Hood Sally G. , Marino Bruno , Iguchi Naoya , Bellomo Rinaldo , McCall Peter R. , Okazaki Nobuki , Jufar Alemayehu H. , Miles Lachlan F. , Furukawa Taku , Ow Connie P. C. , Raman Jaishankar , May Clive N. , Lankadeva Yugeesh R.
Published: March 2024

We tested whether the brain and kidney respond differently to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and to changes in perfusion conditions during CPB. Therefore, in ovine CPB, we assessed regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) by near‐infrared spectroscopy and renal cortical and medullary tissue oxygen tension (PO2), and, in some protocols, brain tissue PO2, by phosphorescence lifetime oximetry. During CPB, rSO2 correlated with mixed venous SO2 (r = 0.78) and brain tissue PO2 (r = 0.49) when arterial PO2 was varied. During the first 30 min of CPB, brain tissue PO2, rSO2 and renal cortical tissue PO2 did not fall, but renal medullary tissue PO2 did. Nevertheless, compared with stable anaesthesia, during stable CPB, rSO2 (66.8 decreasing to 61.3%) and both renal cortical (90.8 decreasing to 43.5 mm Hg) and medullary (44.3 decreasing to 19.2 mm Hg) tissue PO2 were lower. Both rSO2 and renal PO2 increased when pump flow was increased from 60 to 100 mL kg−1 min−1 at a target arterial pressure of 70 mm Hg. They also both increased when pump flow and arterial pressure were increased simultaneously. Neither was significantly altered by partially pulsatile flow. The vasopressor, metaraminol, dose‐dependently decreased rSO2, but increased renal cortical and medullary PO2. Increasing blood haemoglobin concentration increased rSO2, but not renal PO2. We conclude that both the brain and kidney are susceptible to hypoxia during CPB, which can be alleviated by increasing pump flow, even without increasing arterial pressure. However, increasing blood haemoglobin concentration increases brain, but not kidney oxygenation, whereas vasopressor support with metaraminol increases kidney, but not brain oxygenation.
Technology Transfer Potential in Local and Foreign‐Owned Firms in Emerging Economies
Authors: Osabutey Ellis L. C. , Seny Kan Konan A. , Senyo P. K. , Arndt Felix , Röell Christiaan
Published: March 2024

Technology transfer in international collaborations is challenging but can bring benefits to both local and foreign‐owned firms in emerging economies. In this paper we focus on conditions for potential technology transfer in emerging economies. We develop a configurational theoretical framework and empirically operationalize it using qualitative comparative analysis. Building on differences in absorptive capacity between these two kinds of firms and relying on data from the construction industry in Ghana, we develop a process model of technology transfer in emerging economies. Our model shows that technology transfer in local and foreign firms can be achieved through different combinations of human resource development and knowledge management, as well as international collaborations and networks. The model also explicates mechanisms leading to potential technology transfer. Based on the findings and the process model, the study makes several contributions to the absorptive capacity and technology transfer literature in emerging economies by shedding light on the underlying processes that foster a firm's ability to absorb technology in international collaborations.
Quality characteristics and nutrient contents of Bactrian camel milk as determined by mid‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Li Yongqing , Liu Li , Fan Yikai , Liu Weihua , Yang Qi , Wen Wan , Li Weiqi , Hao Leixiao , Zou Huiying , Xieermaola Yeerlan , Cao Lijun , Na Jia , Wufuer Gulire , Wang Haitong , Yang Zhuo , Chu Chu , Hu Bo , Abula Zunongjiang , Zhang Shujun
Published: March 2024

Reference methods for determining the contents of functional traits in camel milk are expensive and complex, hindering their widespread use. Mid‐infrared technology has the advantages of fast, economic, batch processing for dairy detection. In the present study, mid‐infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) prediction models previously established based on cow milk were used to predict 1101 Bactrian camel milk samples in terms of fat, protein, lactose, total solids, total casein, β‐casein, K, Ca, Na and Mg contents. The MIRS‐predicted values for the 10 traits were close to the reference values, demonstrating the utility and efficiency of the proposed method. Furthermore, the quality characteristics of camel milk were compared with those of other dairy animals, confirming that it is a valuable and rich source of essential nutrients for humans.
Medicare Advantage growth and skilled nursing facility finances
Authors: Marr Jeffrey , Shen Karen
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine the relationship between growth in Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment and changes in finances at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

Data Sources

Medicare SNF cost reports, LTCFocus.org data, and county MA penetration rates.

Study Design

We used ordinary least squares regression with SNF and year fixed effects. Our primary outcomes were SNF revenues, expenses, profits, and occupancy. Our primary independent variable was the yearly county Medicare Advantage penetration.

Data Collection/Extraction

We linked facility‐year data from 2012 to 2019 obtained from cost reports and LTCFocus.org to county‐year MA penetration.

Principal Findings

A 10 percentage point increase in county MA enrollment was associated with a $213,883.89 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: −296,869.08, −130,898.71) decrease in revenue, a $132,456.19 (95% CI: −203,852.28, −61,060.10) decrease in expenses, and a 0.59 percentage point (95% CI: −0.97, −0.21) decrease in profit margin. A 10 percentage point increase in county MA enrollment was associated with a decline (−318.93; 95% CI: −468.84, −169.02) in the number of resident‐days (a measure of occupancy) as well as a decline in the revenue per resident day ($4.50; 95% CI: −6.81, −2.20), potentially because of lower prices in MA. There was also a decline in expenses per patient day (−2.35; 95% CI: −4.76, 0.05), though this was only statistically significant at the 10% level. While increased MA enrollment was associated with a substantial decline in the number of Medicare resident days (487.53; 95% CI: −588.70, −386.37), this was partially offset by an increase in other payer (e.g., private pay) resident days (285.91; 95% CI: 128.18, 443.63). Increased MA enrollment was not associated with changes in the number of Medicaid resident days or a decrease in staffing per resident day.

Conclusion

SNFs in counties with more MA growth had substantially greater relative declines in revenue, expenses, and profit margins. The continued growth of MA may result in significant changes in the SNF industry.
A retrospective study describing the effective exchange of total blood plasma for disease control in the exacerbation of serpiginous choroiditis
Authors: Katayama Yuri , Katagiri Daisuke , Harada Takuya , Terakawa Kanako , Shimada Keiki , Sakamoto Emi , Niikura Takahito , Suzuki Minami , Yoshizaki Yuki , Nunose Naoto , Sato Motohiko , Yashiro Shigeko , Kaneko Hiroshi , Takano Hideki
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Serpiginous choroiditis presents with large yellow‐white exudative lesions that occur near the optic nerve papillae, that progresses slowly with repeated relapses and cures. Although infection and autoimmunity have been implicated, the cause is unknown.

Methods

A man was diagnosed with serpiginous choroiditis on clinical and other examinations. He started treatment with oral corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, adalimumab, azathioprine, rituximab, and mycophenolate mofetil. Only the steroids and cyclophosphamide had a therapeutic effect. Plasma exchange was initiated, and the lesions quickly resolved.

Results

Disease control has been maintained by plasma exchange and cyclophosphamide during flare‐ups in the fall and winter, suggesting that plasma exchange is effective in the treatment of serpiginous choroiditis.

Conclusion

The reproducible response with each recurrence suggests a strong association between the disease and autoimmunity. Furthermore, that some, as yet unknown, autoantibodies are involved in the pathogenesis of serpiginous choroiditis.
Geochemical Behavior and Enrichment Mechanisms of Arsenic in Low‐Rank Coal, Baiyinhua Depression, Erlian Basin
Authors: DAI Guobiao , TANG Yuegang , LIU Ao , WANG Xiaoshuai , LI Ruiqing
Published: March 2024

In this study, the abundance of trace elements in the Baiyinhua depression coal and its relationship with the coal depositional environment was examined. (1) The content of arsenic in the Baiyinhua depression coal is that of a typically high arsenic coal from the late Mesozoic of China. The average arsenic content of Baiyinhua coal is 24.93 times, the highest being 132.71 times, that of Chinese coal. Coal rank is not a controlling factor affecting arsenic enrichment in coal. (2) Arsenic is primarily enriched in the syngenetic and diagenetic stages, the enrichment being most obvious in the syngenetic stage, with the intrusion of a magmatic‐hydrothermal solution in the epigenetic stage also providing rich sources of arsenic. (3) The Baiyinhua coal‐forming plant material is mainly woody plants. The coal seam was covered with deep water, the oxygen supply was very weak, the bacteria very few, the sedimentary environment of the swamp relatively calm and the degree of damage to the woody plants is very low. The minerals in the coal are mainly quartz and clay minerals. The coal ash yield of Baiyinhua is small, with SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, K2O, TiO2, MnO and P2O5 mainly being combined in the inorganic minerals of the coal.
Telomere length and micronuclei trajectories in APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: Correlating with cognitive impairment and brain amyloidosis in a sexually dimorphic manner
Authors: Guo Xihan , Li Jianfei , Qi Yanmei , Chen Juanlin , Jiang Minyan , Zhu Lina , Liu Zetong , Wang Han , Wang Gongwu , Wang Xu
Published: March 2024

Although studies have demonstrated that genome instability is accumulated in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), the specific types of genome instability linked to AD pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we report the first characterization of the age‐ and sex‐related trajectories of telomere length (TL) and micronuclei in APP/PS1 mice model and wild‐type (WT) controls (C57BL/6). TL was measured in brain (prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, pituitary gland, and hippocampus), colon and skin, and MN was measured in bone marrow in 6‐ to 14‐month‐old mice. Variation in TL was attributable to tissue type, age, genotype and, to a lesser extent, sex. Compared to WT, APP/PS1 had a significantly shorter baseline TL across all examined tissues. TL was inversely associated with age in both genotypes and TL shortening was accelerated in brain of APP/PS1. Age‐related increase of micronuclei was observed in both genotypes but was accelerated in APP/PS1. We integrated TL and micronuclei data with data on cognition performance and brain amyloidosis. TL and micronuclei were linearly correlated with cognition performance or Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels in both genotypes but to a greater extent in APP/PS1. These associations in APP/PS1 mice were dominantly driven by females. Together, our findings provide foundational knowledge to infer the TL and micronuclei trajectories in APP/PS1 mice during disease progression, and strongly support that TL attrition and micronucleation are tightly associated with AD pathogenesis in a female‐biased manner.
Early diastolic heart sounds caused by the atrial kick
Authors: Bachour Kinan , Mendez Eric , Jackson Samuel , Lluri Gentian , Honda Henry M.
Published: March 2024

An 81‐year‐old male with a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease presents with asymptomatic bradycardia. Examination was notable for an early diastolic heart sound. 12‐lead electrocardiogram revealed sinus bradycardia with a markedly prolonged PR interval and second‐degree atrioventricular block, type I Mobitz. We review the differential diagnosis of early diastolic heart sounds and present a case of Wenckebach associated with a variable early diastolic sound on physical exam.
Did government support delay bankruptcy during the pandemic?
Authors: Haini Hazwan , Loon Pang Wei , Abdulwahab Lawal Olamilekan , Sophian Wafid
Published: March 2024

The literature reports mixed findings on the role of government intervention, even during times of crisis. The recent Covid‐19 pandemic damaged the financial health of many small firms. This study examines whether government subsidies are associated with bankruptcy rates for firms with deteriorating financial health. Using a sample of 18,422 firms from 44 countries, we estimate a logistic model that accounts for rare events. Results indicate that those firms which receive government support are more likely to be associated with insolvency, even in the absence of liquidity issues and overdue financial obligations. Policy implications are discussed.
Core socialist values and curriculum policy in China: A study of the curriculum standard for Chinese language
Authors: Tian Xiaoming
Published: March 2024

This study employs Bernstein's concept of recontextualization and Rata's theorization of the Curriculum Design Coherence [CDC] model as theoretical tools to analyse the Curriculum Standard for Chinese Language [Standard] (The Standard, the Guidance, the Plan and all the quotations from the three policies were translated by me because the official English versions of them are unavailable.) which is part of a new approach to curriculum policy development in China. The study aims to identify and explain the mechanisms through which the Chinese government has recontextualized its ascendant political ideals of the core socialist values into the country's education system via curriculum policymaking. The study reveals that the Standard contains features embedding the core socialist values. This is achieved through three distinct mechanisms of recontextualization: policy propositions, subject competencies and subject concepts and content which operate from a sociocultural knowledge orientation. This sociocultural knowledge orientation aligns with the government's strong will to cultivate the core socialist values within the young generation so they become qualified builders and successors of the country's great socialist cause.
Rare, long‐distance dispersal underpins genetic connectivity in the pink sea fan, Eunicella verrucosa
Authors: Macleod Kirsty L. , Jenkins Tom L. , Witt Matthew J. , Stevens Jamie R.
Published: March 2024

Characterizing patterns of genetic connectivity in marine species is of critical importance given the anthropogenic pressures placed on the marine environment. For sessile species, population connectivity can be shaped by many processes, such as pelagic larval duration, oceanographic boundaries and currents. This study combines restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) and passive particle dispersal modelling to delineate patterns of population connectivity in the pink sea fan, Eunicella verrucosa, a temperate octocoral. Individuals were sampled from 20 sites covering most of the species' northeast Atlantic range, and a site in the northwest Mediterranean Sea to inform on connectivity across the Atlantic‐Mediterranean transition. Using 7510 neutral SNPs, a geographic cline of genetic clusters was detected, partitioning into Ireland, Britain, France, Spain (Atlantic), and Portugal and Spain (Mediterranean). Evidence of significant inbreeding was detected at all sites, a finding not detected in a previous study of this species based on microsatellite loci. Genetic connectivity was characterized by an isolation by distance pattern (IBD) (r2 = 0.78, p < 0.001), which persisted across the Mediterranean‐Atlantic boundary. In contrast, exploration of ancestral population assignment using the program ADMIXTURE indicated genetic partitioning across the Bay of Biscay, which we suggest represents a natural break in the species' range, possibly linked to a lack of suitable habitat. As the pelagic larval duration (PLD) is unknown, passive particle dispersal simulations were run for 14 and 21 days. For both modelled PLDs, inter‐annual variations in particle trajectories suggested that in a long‐lived, sessile species, range‐wide IBD is driven by rare, longer dispersal events that act to maintain gene flow. These results suggest that oceanographic patterns may facilitate range‐wide stepping‐stone genetic connectivity in E. verrucosa and highlight that both oceanography and natural breaks in a species' range should be considered in the designation of ecologically coherent MPA networks.
Statistical characterization of specimen size and temperature dependence of cleavage fracture toughness of ferritic steels
Authors: Lei Wei‐Sheng , Qian Guian , Zhang Peilei
Published: March 2024

Based on the numerical results on the non‐linear correlation between volume of plastic zone and global loading level represented by stress intensity factor, the dependence of cleavage fracture toughness of ferritic steels on specimen size and temperature is evaluated based on an empirical statistical model. The statistical correlation is supported by two sets of toughness data measured from different sized compact tension specimens at different temperatures. To further improve the accuracy of the statistical model, future work is identified to quantify the variation of volume of plastic deformation zone with loading level and measure the average volume for each microcrack at different temperature.
Response of the serine/threonine kinase AKT and phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase PDK in Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to three kinds of foods and their regulation of reproductive function
Authors: Qiu Xinyue , Huang Wanqing , Yue Wenbo , Li Dingyin , Zhi Junrui
Published: March 2024

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is a typical omnivorous insect that feeds on host plants, pollens and mite eggs, and poses a threat to crops worldwide. The insulin signalling pathway (ISP) is a typical nutrient‐sensitive pathway that participates in the regulation of various functions in insects. Serine/threonine kinases (AKTs) and phosphoinositide‐dependent kinases (PDKs) are key components of the ISP. In this study, the FoAKT and FoPDK genes in F. occidentalis were cloned, and the effects of three foods on their expression were determined. The expression of FoAKT and FoPDK in the thrips fed on kidney bean leaves supplemented with pine pollen or mite eggs was higher than in those primarily fed on leaves alone. Meanwhile, the fecundity of thrips fed on leaves supplemented with pine pollen was highest. In addition, RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of FoAKT and FoPDK decreased vitellogenin (Vg) content and Vg expression in females, shortened ovariole length, delayed egg development and reduced fecundity and offspring hatching rates. Furthermore, the synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) was reduced, and the contents of glucose, trehalose, glycogen and trehalase were affected. These results suggest that FoAKT and FoPDK regulate the reproduction of F. occidentalis by regulating Vg and JH production as well as carbohydrate metabolism.
Ambulatory blood pressure levels in individuals with uncontrolled clinic hypertension across Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
Authors: Zhu Anqi , Ostbye Truls , Naheed Aliya , de Silva H Asita , Jehan Imtiaz , Gandhi Mihir , Chakma Nantu , Kasturiratne Anuradhani , Samad Zainab , Jafar Tazeen Hasan
Published: March 2024

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease in South Asia. The authors aimed to assess the cross‐country differences in 24‐h ambulatory, daytime, and nighttime systolic blood pressure (SBP) among rural population with uncontrolled clinic hypertension in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The authors studied patients with uncontrolled clinic hypertension (clinic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) during the baseline assessment as part of a community‐based trial. The authors compared the distribution of ABPM profiles of patients across the three countries, specifically evaluating ambulatory SBP levels with multivariable models that adjusted for patient characteristics. Among the 382 patients (mean age, 58.3 years; 64.7% women), 56.5% exhibited ambulatory hypertension (24‐h ambulatory BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg), with wide variation across countries: 72.6% (Bangladesh), 50.0% (Pakistan), and 51.0% (Sri Lanka; P < .05). Compared to Sri Lanka, adjusted mean 24‐h ambulatory, daytime, and nighttime SBP were higher by 12.24 mmHg (95% CI 4.28–20.20), 11.96 mmHg (3.87–20.06), and 12.76 mmHg (4.51–21.01) in Bangladesh, separately. However, no significant differences were observed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka (P > .05). Additionally, clinic SBP was significantly associated with 24‐h ambulatory (mean 0.38, 95% CI 0.28–0.47), daytime (0.37, 0.27–0.47), and nighttime SBP (0.40, 0.29–0.50) per 1 mmHg increase. The authors observed substantial cross‐country differences in the distribution of ABPM profiles among patients with uncontrolled clinic hypertension in rural South Asia. The authors findings indicated the need to incorporate 24‐h BP monitoring to mitigate cardiovascular risk, particularly in Bangladesh.
Association between nocturnal blood pressure phenotype and adverse cardiovascular prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension
Authors: Du Yao , Zhu Binbin , Liu Yahui , Zhou Weicen , Du Zhou , Yang Wei , Gao Chuanyu
Published: March 2024

Nocturnal blood pressure and nighttime dipping patterns are associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events. However, there is few research on whether riser pattern is associated with the poor prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and hypertension independent of nighttime systolic blood pressure (SBP). This prospective and observational clinical study included 568 hospitalized patients with CHD and hypertension. All patients underwent 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring during their hospitalization. Multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to examine the associations of nocturnal blood pressure and dipping status with primary endpoint events. Additionally, Harrell's C‐statistics were employed to compare the discriminative ability of each model. During the 1‐year follow‐up period, 64 (11.3%) primary endpoint events were recorded, including 55 (9.7%) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events. After adjusting for demographic and clinical risk variables, nighttime SBP was significantly related to the risk of incident primary endpoint events [per 20 mm Hg increase: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.775, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.256–2.507]. The riser pattern group exhibited a significantly higher risk for primary endpoint events compared to the dipper pattern group, even after adjusting for office SBP (HR: 2.687, 95% CI: 1.015–7.110, p = .047). Furthermore, the addition of nighttime SBP or dipping status to the base model yielded statistically significant increments in C‐statistic values (p = .036 and p = .007). However, adding both nighttime SBP and dipping status did not significantly enhance the model's performance in predicting the risk of primary endpoint events and ASCVD events according to the C‐index (p = .053 and p = .054), which meant that the riser pattern group did not exhibit a significantly higher risk for primary endpoint events compared to the dipper pattern group after adjusting for nighttime SBP. In conclusion, nocturnal SBP and riser pattern demonstrated an association with adverse prognosis in patients with CHD and hypertension. Notably, nocturnal SBP proved to be a more reliable predictor than dipping status.
European consensus‐based interdisciplinary guideline for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of actinic keratoses, epithelial UV‐induced dysplasia and field cancerization on behalf of European Association of Dermato‐Oncology, European Dermatology Forum, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and Union of Medical Specialists (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes)
Authors: Kandolf Lidija , Peris Ketty , Malvehy Josep , Mosterd Klara , Heppt Markus V. , Fargnoli Maria Concetta , Berking Carola , Arenberger Petr , Bylaite‐Bučinskiene Matilda , del Marmol Veronique , Dirschka Thomas , Dreno Brigitte , Forsea Ana‐Maria , Harwood Catherine A. , Hauschild Axel , Heerfordt Ida Marie , Kauffman Roland , Kelleners‐Smeets Nicole , Lallas Aimilios , Lebbe Celeste , Leiter Ulrike , Longo Caterina , Mijušković Željko , Pellacani Giovanni , Puig Susana , Saiag Philippe , Šitum Mirna , Stockfleth Eggert , Salavastru Carmen , Stratigos Alexander , Zalaudek Iris , Garbe Claus ,   European Association of Dermato‐Oncology, European Dermatology Forum, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and Union of Medical Specialists (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes)
Published: March 2024

A collaboration of multidisciplinary experts from the European Association of Dermato‐Oncology, the European Dermatology Forum, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the European Union of Medical Specialists was formed to develop European recommendations on AK diagnosis and treatment, based on current literature and expert consensus. This guideline addresses the epidemiology, diagnostics, risk stratification and treatments in immunocompetent as well as immunosuppressed patients. Actinic keratoses (AK) are potential precursors of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and display typical histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of this malignancy in an early stage. They can develop into cSSC in situ and become invasive in a low percentage of cases. AK is the most frequent neoplasia in white populations, frequently occurring within a cancerous field induced by ultraviolet radiation. Since it cannot be predicted, which lesion will progress to cSCC and when treatment is usually recommended. The diagnosis of AK and field cancerization is made by clinical examination. Dermatoscopy, confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography or line‐field confocal‐OCT can help in the differential diagnosis of AK and other skin neoplasms. A biopsy is indicated in clinically and/or dermatoscopically suspicious and/or treatment‐refractory lesions. The choice of treatment depends on patients' and lesion characteristics. For single non‐hyperkeratotic lesions, the treatment can be started upon patient's request with destructive treatments or topical treatments. For multiple lesions, field cancerization treatment is advised with topical treatments and photodynamic therapy. Preventive measures such as sun protection, self‐examination and repeated field cancerization treatments of previously affected skin areas in high‐risk patients are advised.