bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A health systems analysis of non-compliance to the maternity referral system by health facilities in Uganda: Findings from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Zakumumpa Henry , Kyozira Caroline , Bulamu Martin , Buhuguru Remmy
Published: April 2024

Introduction

A fully functional referral system is central to achieving quality maternal and newborn care. In 2018, Uganda established Kawempe National Referral hospital (KRNH) as the highest level of care for maternity services. There is a dearth of data examining if the referral function for which it was established has been met. The objectives of this study were two fold; i) to assess the appropriateness of in-coming referrals at KRNH ii) to examine factors underpinning referral decisions at lower referring facilities across Uganda.

Methods

This was a two-phased, mixed-methods study involving 76 health facilities across Uganda. In Phase One, we conducted a cross-sectional study examining incoming referrals at KNRH between July 2019 and August 2020 based on routinely collected data in the Health Information System (HMIS) in-patient registers. In Phase Two, we qualitatively explored factors underpinning maternity referrals at 75 purposively selected facilities. Descriptive statistics were managed in STATA (v14) while qualitative data were analyzed by thematic approach.

Results

A total of 461,226 referrals were made to KNRH during the period under review. The three most common indications for referral at KNRH were; previous caesarian scar, premature rupture of membranes and obstructed labour. Facilities mandated to offer comprehensive emergency obstetric care such as general hospitals (84%) and sub-district hospitals or Health Centre IVs (18%) were the two leading sources of referrals at KNRH. Shortage of basic commodities, poorly equipped theatres, deficiencies in skills for labour, study leaves for maternity workforce at lower facilities contributed to unnecessary referrals.

Conclusion

Several of the indications of referrals at KNRH are ideally manageable at lower referring facilities such as district and sub-district hospitals levels suggesting deficiencies in the national obstetric referral system. Interventions for strengthening basic clinical skills in the management of labour at lower referring facilities and addressing underpinning health system constraints is recommended.
Role of Blood Lipids in the Shared Genetic Etiology Between Major Depressive Disorder and Myocardial Infarction: A Large-scale Multi-trait Association Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yanchen , Wu Zhengbo , Wang Yahui , Cui Zhaorui , Liu Fani , Hu Jiqiang
Published: April 2024

Background

The genetic role of blood lipids (BL) in the shared genetic etiology between major depressive disorder (MDD) and myocardial infarction (MI) has not been fully characterized.

Methods

We first evaluated genetic associations and causal inferences between MDD, MI and the quantitative traits of BL. To further unravel the underlying genetic mechanisms, we performed multi-trait association analysis to identify novel or pleiotropic genomic risk loci, and shared causal variants for diseases involving BL. Using multiple post-GWAS methods, we explored potential genes, pathways, tissues, cells, and therapeutic targets associated with diseases from different perspectives.

Findings

We found extensive global and local genetic correlations between MDD, MI and the traits of BL. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses showed that lipid metabolism mediated 26.5% of the mediating effect of MDD leading to MI. Multi-trait association analysis successfully identified 13 MDD- and 36 MI- novel risk loci which have never been reported before. Notably, many pleiotropic loci and shared causal variants were identified across risk loci for both diseases, such as 11q23.3 (rs117937125) and 12q13.3 (rs188571756), which also colocalized for traits of BL. Pathway enrichment analysis further highlighted shared biological pathways primarily involving synaptic function, arterial development, and lipid metabolism. Lastly, gene-mapping, gene-based, transcriptome-wide and proteome-wide association, and MR-proteomic analyses revealed candidate pathogenic genes and therapeutic targets (such as ANGPTL4 and TMEM106B).

Interpretation

These findings not only provide novel insights into the role of BL in the comorbidity between MDD and MI, but also benefit the development of preventive or therapeutic drugs for diseases.
Activating an invertebrate bistable opsin with the all-trans 6.11 retinal analogue
Authors: Rodrigues Matthew J. , Tejero Oliver , Mühle Jonas , Pamula Filip K. , Das Ishita , Tsai Ching-Ju , Terakita Akihisa , Sheves Mordechai , Schertler Gebhard F.X.
Published: April 2024

Animal vision depends on opsins, a category of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that achieves light sensitivity by covalent attachment to retinal. Typically binding as an inverse agonist in the 11-cis form, retinal photoisomerizes to the all-trans isomer and activates the receptor, initiating downstream signaling cascades. Retinal bound to bistable opsins isomerizes back to the 11-cis state after absorption of a second photon, inactivating the receptor. Bistable opsins are essential for invertebrate vision and non-visual light perception across the animal kingdom. While crystal structures are available for bistable opsins in the inactive state, it has proven difficult to form homogeneous populations of activated bistable opsins either via illumination or reconstitution with all-trans retinal. Here we show that a non-natural retinal analogue, all-trans retinal 6.11 (ATR6.11), can be reconstituted with the invertebrate bistable opsin, Jumping Spider Rhodopsin-1 (JSR1). Biochemical activity assays demonstrate that ATR6.11 functions as an agonist of JSR1. ATR6.11 binding also enables complex formation between JSR1 and downstream signaling partners. Our findings demonstrate the utility of retinal analogues for biophysical characterization of bistable opsins, which will deepen our understanding of light perception in animals.
Dissecting translation elongation dynamics through ultra-long tracking of single ribosomes
Authors: Madern Maximilian F. , Yang Sora , Witteveen Olivier , Bauer Marianne , Tanenbaum Marvin E.
Published: April 2024

mRNA translation by ribosomes is a highly dynamic and heterogeneous process. However, current approaches cannot readily resolve individual ribosomes during translation, limiting our understanding of translation dynamics. Here, we develop an imaging approach based on Stopless-ORF circular RNAs (socRNAs) to monitor individual translating ribosomes for hours. Using the socRNA imaging technology we obtained accurate measurements of ribosome pausing on various problematic RNA sequences or induced by ribosome-targeting drugs. In addition, we identified a novel translation factor involved in translation elongation, and revealed that translocation rates of ribosomes vary, indicative of intracellular ribosomal heterogeneity. Finally, socRNAs allow very sensitive measurements of translation elongation fidelity, revealing widespread frameshifting during translation. In summary, our single-ribosome imaging approach provides a detailed view of ribosome translocation kinetics and a powerful new tool to study the translation elongation phase.
ER-associated degradation by Doa10 restrains mitophagy in yeast
Authors: Eiyama Akinori , Onishi Mashun , Omi Yukiko , Nagumo Sachiyo , Nakatsukasa Kunio , Okamoto Koji
Published: April 2024

Degradation of defective or superfluous mitochondria via mitophagy, a specialized form of selective autophagy, is important for maintaining mitochondrial quality and quantity. In yeast, the pro-mitophagic factor Atg32 is transcriptionally upregulated upon oxidative stress and anchored to the mitochondrial surface, where it acts as a molecular signal to initiate efficient degradation of mitochondria. However, how the protein levels of Atg32 are regulated post-translationally remains enigmatic. Here we show that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) serves as a hub to govern Atg32 protein turnover. We found that the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) E3 ligase Doa10 interacts with Atg32, leading to its degradation by the proteasome. Furthermore, we show that Atg32 is destined for the ER in a manner dependent on the GET (guided entry of tail-anchored proteins) pathway, which mediates the delivery of tail-anchored (TA) proteins to the ER where Atg32 is potentially recognized by Doa10. Notably, Doa10 deficiency increased Atg32 levels and enhanced mitophagy under respiratory conditions, thus determining that ERAD serves as a brake on mitophagy.
Evidence that host-mediated epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression inWolbachia pipientis
Authors: Papaleo Stella , Panelli Simona , Bitar Ibrahim , Sterzi Lodovico , Nodari Riccardo , Comandatore Francesco
Published: April 2024

Wolbachia pipientisis an obligate intracellular bacterium, associated with several arthropods and filarial nematodes.Wolbachiaestablishes strict symbiotic relationships with its hosts, with the consequent loss of many genes and regulatory regions. Despite this, experimental studies show thatWolbachiagene expression is coordinated to host needs, but the mechanism is still unknown. The first published RNA-Seq study onWolbachiaevidenced a strong differential expression of a DNA methyltransferase (MTase). In bacteria, this enzyme methylates either adenines or cytosines on specific motifs, contributing to the regulation of gene expression. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that the activity of MTase modulates the expression ofWolbachiagenes. We first determined the methylation motif of theWolbachiaMTase by expressing it inEscherichia coli. Surprisingly, the experiment revealed that theWolbachiaMTase methylates both adenine and cytosine, without recognising highly specific motifs. Then, re-analysing data from six RNA-Seq studies, we found that the nucleotide content ofWolbachiagenes correlates with their expressions, with a pattern compatible to be a consequence of the DNA methylation. Lastly, we identified MTase as theWolbachiagene with the most conserved binding site for the Ccka/CtrA signalling transduction system, a mechanism likely involved the host-bacterium communication. Overall, these findings suggest a cascade mechanism in which the host activates theWolbachiaCcka/CtrA signalling system, thus inducing the expression of the MTase gene. Then, the subsequent DNA methylation will affect the expression of severalWolbachiagenes on the basis of their cytosine and adenine content.
Augmenting Bacterial Similarity Measures Using a Graph-Based Genome Representation
Authors: Ramanan Vivek , Sarkar Indra Neil
Published: April 2024

Relationships between bacterial taxa are traditionally defined using 16S rRNA nucleotide similarity or average nucleotide identity. Improvements in sequencing technology provides additional pairwise information on genome sequences, which may provide valuable information on genomic relationships. Mapping orthologous gene locations between genome pairs, known as synteny, is typically implemented in the discovery of new species and has not been systematically applied to bacterial genomes. Using a dataset of 378 bacterial genomes, we developed and tested a new measure of synteny similarity between a pair of genomes, which was scaled onto 16S rRNA distance using covariance matrices. Based on the input gene functions used (i.e., core, antibiotic resistance, and virulence), we observed varying topological arrangements of bacterial relationship networks by applying (1) complete linkage hierarchical clustering and (2) KNN graph structures to syntenic-scaled 16S data. Our metric improved clustering quality comparatively to state-of-the-art ANI metrics while preserving clustering assignments for the highest similarity relationships. Our findings indicate that syntenic relationships provide more granular and interpretable relationships for within-genera taxa compared to pairwise similarity measures, particularly in functional contexts.
E. colidivision machinery drives cocci development inside host cells
Authors: Pokhrel Alaska , Costas Ariana , Pittorino Matthew , Duggin Iain , Söderström Bill
Published: April 2024

Escherichia coliis arguably one of the most studied bacterial model systems in modern biology. Under normal laboratory conditionsE. coliadopts its characteristic rod-shape. However, during stress conditionsE. colihas been shown to undergo conditional morphology changes to inhibit division and grow into highly elongated forms. Here, on the other end of the morphology spectra, using anin-vitroinfection model system combined with advanced imaging we show uropathogenicE. colirods dividing to form and proliferate as cocci inside human bladder epithelial cells. In these intracellular bacterial communities, the frequency of cell division outpaced the rate of cell growth, resulting in smaller cocci cells. This mechanism was guided by an active FtsZ-governed division machinery, directed to midcell by division-site placement systems. These results show how a previously uncharacterised level of morphological plasticity occurs in bacteria with traditionally well-defined rod shape.
Microglia aging in the hippocampus advances through intermediate states that drive activation and cognitive decline
Authors: Shea Jeremy M. , Villeda Saul A.
Published: April 2024

During aging, microglia – the resident macrophages of the brain – exhibit altered phenotypes and contribute to age-related neuroinflammation. While numerous hallmarks of age-related microglia have been elucidated, the progression from homeostasis to dysfunction during the aging process remains unresolved. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we undertook complementary cellular and molecular analyses of microglia in the mouse hippocampus across the adult lifespan and in the experimental aging model of heterochronic parabiosis. Single-cell RNA-Seq and pseudotime analysis revealed age-related transcriptional heterogeneity in hippocampal microglia and identified intermediate states of microglial aging that also emerge following heterochronic parabiosis. We tested the functionality of intermediate stress response states via TGFα1 and translational states using pharmacological approachesin vitroto reveal their modulation of the progression to an activated state. Furthermore, we utilized single-cell RNA-Seq in conjunction within vivoadult microglia-specificTgfb1conditional genetic knockout mouse models, to demonstrate that microglia advancement through intermediate aging states drives transcriptional inflammatory activation and hippocampal-dependent cognitive decline.
Floquet stability analysis of pulsatile flow in toroidal pipes
Authors: Kern J. Simon , Lupi Valerio , Henningson Dan S.
Published: April 2024

The linear temporal stability of the fully developed pulsatile flow in a torus with high curvature is investigated using Floquet theory. The baseflow is computed via a Newton-Raphson iteration in frequency space to obtain basic states at supercritical Reynolds numbers in the steady case for two curvatures, δ=0.1 and 0.3, exhibiting structurally different linear instabilities for the steady flow. The addition of a pulsatile component is found to be overall stabilizing over a wide range of pulsation amplitudes, in particular for high values of curvature. The pulsatile flows are found to be at most transiently stable with large intracyclic growth rate variations even at small pulsation amplitudes. While these growth rates are likely insufficient to trigger an abrupt transition at the parameters in this work, the trends indicate that this is indeed likely for higher pulsation amplitudes, similar to pulsatile flow in straight pipes. At the edge of the considered parameter range, subharmonic eigenvalue orbits in the local spectrum of the time-periodic operator, recently found in pulsating channel flow, have been confirmed also for pulsatile flow in toroidal pipes, underlining the generality of this phenomenon.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Lower Bounds on Ground-State Energies of Local Hamiltonians through the Renormalization Group
Authors: Kull Ilya , Schuch Norbert , Dive Ben , Navascués Miguel
Published: April 2024

Given a renormalization scheme, we show how to formulate a tractable convex relaxation of the set of feasible local density matrices of a many-body quantum system. The relaxation is obtained by introducing a hierarchy of constraints between the reduced states of ever-growing sets of lattice sites. The coarse-graining maps of the underlying renormalization procedure serve to eliminate a vast number of those constraints, such that the remaining ones can be enforced with reasonable computational means. This process can be used to obtain rigorous lower bounds on the ground-state energy of arbitrary local Hamiltonians by performing a linear optimization over the resulting convex relaxation of reduced quantum states. The quality of the bounds crucially depends on the particular renormalization scheme, which must be tailored to the target Hamiltonian. We apply our method to 1D translation-invariant spin models, obtaining energy bounds comparable to those attained by optimizing over locally translation-invariant states of n≳100 spins. Beyond this demonstration, the general method can be applied to a wide range of other problems, such as spin systems in higher spatial dimensions, electronic structure problems, and various other many-body optimization problems, such as entanglement and nonlocality detection.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 5-hydroxypentanehydrazide
Authors: Justen Guilherme Augusto , Carneiro Neto José Severiano , Sousa Santana Francielli , Leiriane Batistel Ribas Maria , Gomes da Silva de Paula Felipe , Dario Priscila Paola , Gonçalves Montes D'Oca Marcelo
Published: April 2024

Carboxyhydrazides are widely used in medicinal chemistry because of their medicinal properties and many drugs have been developed containing this functional group. A suitable intermediate to obtain potential hydrazide drug candidates is the title compound 5-hydroxypentanehydrazide, C5H12N2O2 (1). The aliphatic compound can react both via the hydroxyl and hydrazide moieties forming derivatives, which can inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalase-peroxidase (KatG) and consequently causes death of the pathogen. In this work, the hydrazide was obtained via a reaction of a lactone with hydrazine hydrate. The colourless prismatic single crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group Pca21. Regarding supramolecular interactions, the compound shows classic medium to strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds involving the hydroxyl and hydrazide groups. Besides, the three-dimensional packing also shows weak H...H and C...H contacts, as investigated by Hirshfeld surface analysis (HS) and fingerprint plots (FP).
Earnings management with the absence of income tax avoidance motivation: evidence from pre-, during, and post- global financial crisis
Authors: Atayah Osama , Marashdeh Hazem , Hamdan Allam
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examines both accrual and real-based earnings management (EM) behavior of listed corporations in tax-free countries during different economic situations. It also addresses the link between firm- and country-level determinants of accrual and real-based EM and explores economic conditions' influence on these determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines 1,608 firm-years, covers sixteen years (2004–2019), clustered into three periods according to the global financial crisis (GFC): four years prior (2004–2007), two years during (2008–2009), and ten years post the GFC (2010–2019). We employ the modified Jones model (performance-matched) developed by Kothari et al. (2005) to measure the accrual-based EM (positive and negative discretionary accrual EM) and the three levels model for Dechow et al. (1998) to measure the real-based EM (cash flow from operating, discretionary expenses and abnormal production cost).

Findings

The study finds a significant increase in EM practices in the listed corporations in tax-free countries during the economic downturn. These corporations are found to understate their earnings during the economic stress period. Simultaneously, the firm-level determinants of EM practices were at the same level of significance during different economic conditions in accrual-based EM. In contrast, the country-level EM determinants vary based on the economic conditions.

Originality/value

Financial reports' users gain a deep understanding of the quality of financial reports in the context of tax-free country. And, the study outcomes inspire policymakers to develop relevant legislation to mitigate financial reports' risk and adequately protect the financial reports' users.
Smart housing adaptations register with user matching functionalities for different mobility categories for the social housing sector
Authors: Oyegoke Adekunle Sabitu , Ajayi Saheed , Abbas Muhammad Azeem , Ogunlana Stephen
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The lack of a proper register to store, match and display information on the adapted property has led to a waste of resources and prolonged delays in matching the disabled and elderly people with appropriate properties. This paper presents the development of a Housing Adaptations Register with user-matching functionalities for different mobility categories. The developed system accurately captures and documents adapted home information to facilitate the automated matching of disabled/aged applicants needing an adapted home with suitable property using banding, mobility and suitability index.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical review was conducted to identify parameters and develop adaptations register construct. A survey questionnaire approach to rate the 111 parameters in the register as either moderate, desirable or essential before system development and application. The system development relied on DSS modelling to support data-driven decision-making based on the decision table method to represent property information for implementing the decision process. The system is validated through a workshop, four brainstorming sessions and three focus group exercises.

Findings

Development of a choice-based system that enables the housing officers or the Housing Adaptations Register coordinators to know the level of adaptation to properties and match properties quickly with the applicants based on their mobility status. The merits of the automated system include the development of a register to capture in real-time adapted home information to facilitate the automated matching of disabled/aged applicants. A “choice-based” system that can map and suggest a property that can easily be adapted and upgraded from one mobility band to the other.

Practical implications

The development of a housing adaptation register helps social housing landlords to have a real-time register to match, map and upgrade properties for the most vulnerable people in our society. It saves time and money for the housing associations and the local authorities through stable tenancy for adapted homes. Potentially, it will promote the independence of aged and disabled people and can reduce their dependence on social and healthcare services.

Originality/value

This system provides the local authorities with objective and practical tools that may be used to assess, score, prioritise and select qualified people for appropriate accommodation based on their needs and mobility status. It will provide a record of properties adapted with their features and ensure that matching and eligibility decisions are consistent and uniform.
From exploitation and exploration to exaptation? A logistics service provider's (LSP) perspective on building supply chain resilience capabilities during disruptions
Authors: Herold David M. , Prataviera Lorenzo Bruno , Nowicka Katarzyna
Published: April 2024

Purpose

During the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, logistics service providers (LSPs) have invested heavily in innovations to enhance their supply chain resilience capabilities. However, only little attention has been given so far to the nature of these innovative capabilities, in particular to what extent LSPs were able to repurpose capabilities to build supply chain resilience. In response, using the concept of exaptation, this study identifies to what extent LSPs have discovered and utilized latent functions to build supply chain resilience capabilities during a disruptive event of high impact and low probability.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper uses a theory building approach to advance the literature on supply chain resilience by delineating the relationship between exaptation and supply chain resilience capabilities in the context of COVID-19. To do so, we propose two frameworks: (1) to clarify the role of exaptation for supply chain resilience capabilities and (2) to depict four different exaptation dimensions for the supply chain resilience capabilities of LSPs.

Findings

We illustrate how LSPs have repurposed original functions into new products or services to build their supply chain resilience capabilities and combine the two critical concepts of exploitation and exploration capabilities to identify four exaptation dimensions in the context of LSPs, namely impeded exaptation, configurative exaptation, transformative exaptation and ambidextrous exaptation.

Originality/value

As one of the first studies linking exaptation and supply chain resilience, the framework and subsequent categorization advance the understanding of how LSPs can build exapt-driven supply chain resilience capabilities and synthesize the current literature to offer conceptual clarity regarding the varied implications and outcomes linked to the repurposing of capabilities.
Beyond templates: methodological reporting practices and their impact in qualitative service research
Authors: Valtakoski Aku , Glaa Besma
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study aims to promote the use of qualitative methods in service research by investigating how these methods are reported in service journals, how the level of reporting has evolved and whether methodological reporting influences the downloads or citations received by qualitative articles.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodological reporting practices were identified through content analysis of 318 qualitative articles published in three major service research journals and comparison with prior methodological literature. Regression analysis was used to test how the level of methodological reporting influences article downloads and citations.

Findings

The study identifies 29 reporting practices related to 9 key methodological reporting areas. The overall level of methodological reporting in published qualitative articles has increased over time. While differences in the level of reporting between service journals persist, they are narrowing. The level of methodological reporting did not influence downloads or citations of qualitative articles.

Research limitations/implications

Service scholars using qualitative methods should pay attention to methodological reporting as it can improve the chances of being published. Factors such as theoretical contributions are likely to have a greater influence on article impact than methodological reporting.

Originality/value

No prior study has explored methodological reporting practices across different qualitative methodologies or how reporting influences article impact. For authors, reviewers and editors, the study provides an inventory of reporting practices relevant for evaluating qualitative articles, which should lower barriers for qualitative methods in service research by providing practical guidelines on what to focus on when reporting and assessing qualitative research.
Patient-led co-production in community mental health nursing practice: part 2
Authors: Mullen Jo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an example of patient-led co-production.

Design/methodology/approach

The New Economics Foundation’s six principles of co-production (nef, 2013) have been used to frame the activities undertaken during the author’s relationship with a community mental health nurse.

Findings

This paper describes a co-produced project between a patient and a community mental health nurse to create a range of resources and to deliver training, resulting in mutual benefit for both parties.

Practical implications

This paper invites policy makers to consider the unique role that community mental health nurses can play in supporting patients with long-term challenges that have developed because of an imbalance and an abuse of power within earlier relationships; by adopting a co-production approach, centred on the patient’s interests and skills, a working partnership can be achieved wherein both parties feel that they matter.

Originality/value

Co-production is usually used with groups of stakeholders working together in an equitable way to design or deliver a new service; this paper, however, seeks to demonstrate how the process can be effectively used when the project is patient-led within the context of a therapeutic relationship.
Exploring the relationship between character strengths and well-being in nursing students: an analysis
Authors: Malik Anjali , Sinha Neeta
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Nursing students encounter a combination of academic rigor, clinical demands and emotional hurdles. Juggling coursework, practical training and patient interaction can be stressful, and exposure to such situations may impact their psychological well-being. This study aims to highlight the top strengths among nursing students and identify the strengths associated with well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Convenience sampling was used to select a sample of 150 nursing students studying in first, second and third year from colleges of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Students were administered the Values In Action character strengths inventory, the satisfaction with life scale and scale of positive and negative experience. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation.

Findings

Results show that among nursing students, kindness emerged as the foremost strength with the highest mean, followed by honesty, creativity, spirituality and teamwork, and the strengths of curiosity, gratitude, perseverance, self-regulation, social intelligence, and zest were positively associated with life satisfaction and positive emotions and negatively related to negative emotions.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size was a limitation; however, this study has been conducted at different locations to improve generalizability.

Practical implications

This study has profound implications for nursing students, both in their personal development and their future roles as health-care professionals, as fostering these attributes can contribute to the students’ growth, well-being and effectiveness as compassionate and competent caregivers. Working on strengths is associated with well-being; therefore, using strengths identified by this study will have a beneficial effect on the students’ well-being.

Social implications

Curiosity and social intelligence, for instance, can help nurses better understand patient needs and emotions, developing strengths like perseverance and self-regulation can equip nursing students with tools to cope effectively with the challenges inherent in health-care settings. Traits such as gratitude and social intelligence can enhance communication and empathy which are vital skills for establishing rapport with patients and their families. Emphasizing teamwork as a strength aligns with the collaborative nature of health care. By embodying values like kindness and spirituality, nursing students can create a more compassionate and meaningful experience for patients, as well as themselves.

Originality/value

The research paper identifies and emphasizes the five character strengths that are most commonly observed in a sample of Indian nursing students. In addition, this study delves deeper into these identified strengths to understand how they relate to the overall well-being of nursing students within this specific population. The existing literature has not explored it exhaustively.
Through the eyes of non-vegans: using photovoice to explore the stigmatisation of vegans
Authors: Napoli Julie , Ouschan Robyn
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how veganism is “seen” by young adult non-vegan consumers and how prevailing attitudes reinforce or challenge stigmas around veganism.

Design/methodology/approach

Photovoice methodology was used to explore young non-vegan consumers’ attitudes and beliefs towards veganism. Data was collected from students studying advertising at a major university in Australia, who produced images and narratives reflective of their own attitudes towards veganism. Polytextual thematic analysis of the resulting visual data was then undertaken to reveal the dominant themes underpinning participants’ attitudes. Participant narratives were then reviewed to confirm whether the ascribed meaning aligned with participants’ intended meaning.

Findings

Participant images were reflective of first, how they saw their world and their place within it, which showed the interplay and interconnectedness between humans, animals and nature, and second, how they saw vegans within this world, with both positive and negative attitudes expressed. Interestingly, vegans were simultaneously admired and condemned. By situating these attitudes along a spectrum of moral evaluation, bounded by stigmatisation and moral legitimacy, participants saw vegans as being either Radicals, Pretenders, Virtuous or Pragmatists. For veganism to become more widely accepted by non-vegans, there is an important role to be played by each vegan type.

Originality/value

This study offers a more nuanced understanding of how and why dissociative groups, such as vegans, become stigmatised, which has implications for messaging and marketing practices around veganism and associated products/services. Future research could use a similar methodology to understand why other minority groups in society are stereotyped and stigmatised, which has broader social implications.
Shade tree trait diversity and functions in agroforestry systems: A review of which traits matter
Authors: Isaac M. E. , Gagliardi S. , Ordoñez J. C. , Sauvadet M.
Published: April 2024

Shade trees in agroforestry systems confer ecosystem services, such as enhanced soil fertility from diverse litter inputs, microclimate regulation via shade, and disease mitigation through trophic and abiotic interactions. With this thriving role of agroforestry in sustainable agriculture, particularly for tree crops, systematic and reliable methods to select shade trees for specific agroecosystem outcomes are crucial.

Plant functional traits offer a framework to describe, select and manage shade trees. Over the last decade, shade tree leaf functional traits and whole plant traits have been assessed in agroforestry systems. Yet, we lack amalgamated information on (i) what we know about shade tree trait relationships with functions to achieve desired agroecosystem outcomes, (ii) how decades of shade tree selection by farmers impacts agroforests inter‐ and intraspecific trait diversity, and (iii) which shade tree traits should be considered for achieving farmer priorities.

We consolidate literature on Coffea arabica (coffee) and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) agroforestry systems to summarize the role of shade tree functional traits in three key ecosystem functions: soil fertility, microclimate modification and crop productivity. We compile global and regional datasets on tree functional trait diversity to show the functional space of agroforestry tree species compared with the overall functional space observed in plants.

Despite, or maybe because of, high shade tree diversity, shade tree trait characterization remains coarse and commonly measured at the community scale in the literature. Based on published trait data, we show that farmers adjust the functional composition of shade trees to increase the recycling of soil nutrients (high leaf nitrogen), the production of wood (skewing towards lower wood densities) and the production of fruits (tendency towards high seed size). Common shade trees in coffee and cocoa systems fall in the mid‐range of leaf acquisitive to conservative strategies, providing evidence that expanding shade tree portfolios can improve, or even accelerate, functions.

Synthesis and applications: Based on the agroforestry literature and on trait‐environment relationships, we propose a matrix of shade tree traits that influence desirable agroecosystem outcomes for farmers, which can guide fine‐scale coordination of trait expression and agroforestry functions.
Unlocking Social Media Success: How Prosumers Drive Brand Engagement through Authentic Conversations with Consumers
Authors: Malodia Suresh , Filieri Raffaele , Otterbring Tobias , Dhir Amandeep
Published: April 2024

This research examines whether prosumer‐generated (vs. firm‐generated) content fosters consumer engagement through content relevance and perceived content sponsorship. Four between‐subjects experiments (N = 1048) show that prosumer‐led (vs. firm‐led) conversations, mediated by perceived content sponsorship and content relevance, generate higher engagement. Furthermore, consumer engagement increases significantly when prosumers share hedonic content and disclose information about their identity. A fifth study, a qualitative investigation with brand managers and marketing practitioners, further validates and extends these findings, providing nuanced insights in the form of four prosumer‐led engagement strategies for consumer engagement. These strategies have practical implications for companies seeking to leverage prosumers in social media marketing. Together, the current work broadens the research scope of prosumers from content co‐creators to drivers of brand engagement, while revealing the factors that increase the effectiveness of prosumer‐led social media content. Specifically, this research suggests that content type and authenticity are fundamental criteria for choosing a prosumer to engage social media brand followers. From a managerial viewpoint, the findings indicate that companies should identify, connect, and engage with online prosumers, as they will actively contribute towards improving consumer engagement levels.
Microorganisms and bacterial cellulose stability of Kombucha under different manufacture and storage conditions
Authors: Li Binbin , Wang Xufeng , Wang Ping
Published: April 2024

It is crucial to clarify the stability of Kombucha in the manufacture and storage stages due to the extensive study on the fermented products of Kombucha and the increase in the use of bacterial cellulose (BC). This study aimed to evaluate the stability of Kombucha in different manufacturing and storage temperatures within a certain time period. The stability of microorganisms and BC in Kombucha was investigated through regular replacement with the tea media at 28 and 25°C for manufacture, and the storage temperature of Kombucha was at 25, 4, and −20°C. Morphological observations of the BC in Kombucha ended at 28 and 25°C for manufacture and storage were performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) before inoculation. The viable cell counts and AFM results showed that the stability of Kombucha during manufacture was better at 28°C than at 25°C, with higher microbial viability and BC productivity in the former at the time of manufacture, whereas 25°C was more favorable for the stability of Kombucha during storage. At the same temperature of 25°C, the manufacturing practice improved the microbial viability and BC stability compared with storage; the pH value of Kombucha was lower, and the dry weight of BC was higher during storage compared with manufacture. The maximum BC water holding capacity (97.16%) was maintained by storage at 4°C on day 63, and the maximum BC swelling rate (56.92%) was observed after storage at −20°C on day 7. The research was conducted to provide reference information for applying Kombucha and its BC in food and development in other industries.
Gelling properties of acid‐induced tofu (soybean curd): Effects of acid type and nano‐fish bone
Authors: Khoder Ramy M. , Zhang Liangzi , Yin Tao , Liu Ru , You Juan , Wang Lan , Huang Qilin , Ma Huawei
Published: April 2024

The effects of different types of acid coagulants and nano fish bone (NFB) additives on the characteristics of tofu were investigated using texture analyzers, SEM, FT‐IR, and other techniques. The breaking force and penetration distance, in descending order, were found in the tofu induced by glucono‐d‐lactone (GDL) (180.27 g and 0.75 cm), citric acid (152.90 g and 0.74 cm), lactic acid (123.33 g and 0.73 cm), and acetic acid (69.84 g and 0.58 cm), respectively. The syneresis of these tofu samples was in the reverse order (35.00, 35.66, 39.66, and 44.50%). Lightness and whiteness were not significantly different among the different samples. Regardless of the acid type, the soluble calcium content in the soybean milk was significantly increased after adding NFB. As a result, the breaking force and penetration distance of all tofu samples increased significantly, but the syneresis decreased. Compared with tofu coagulated by other acids, GDL tofu formed a more uniform and dense gel network maintained by the highest intermolecular forces (especially hydrophobic interactions). Regarding the secondary structure, the lowest percentage of α‐helix (22.72%) and, correspondingly, the highest β‐sheet (48.32%) and random coil (18.81%) were noticed in the GDL tofu. The effects of NFB on the tofu characteristics can be explained by the changes in the gel network, intermolecular forces, and secondary structure, which were in line with the acid type. The characteristics of acid‐induced tofu can be most synergistically improved by coagulation with GDL and NFB.
Harnessing the dual nature of Bacillus (Weizmannia) coagulans for sustainable production of biomaterials and development of functional food
Authors: Maresca Emanuela , Aulitto Martina , Contursi Patrizia
Published: April 2024

Bacillus coagulans, recently renamed Weizmannia coagulans, is a spore‐forming bacterium that has garnered significant interest across various research fields, ranging from health to industrial applications. The probiotic properties of W. coagulans enhance intestinal digestion, by releasing prebiotic molecules including enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of not‐digestible carbohydrates. Notably, some enzymes from W. coagulans extend beyond digestive functions, serving as valuable biotechnological tools and contributing to more sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the homofermentative thermophilic nature of W. coagulans renders it an exceptional candidate for fermenting foods and lignocellulosic residues into L‐(+)‐lactic acid. In this review, we provide an overview of the dual nature of W. coagulans, in functional foods and for the development of bio‐based materials.
Retrospective case–control study on radiation dose for uterine artery embolization procedures
Authors: Nocum Don J , Liang Eisen Y
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Uterine artery embolization is performed in pre‐menopausal women. Understanding the contribution of radiation dose at each stage of the procedure is important for potential dose reduction. The aim was to retrospectively analyse radiation dose on a per‐procedural‐stage basis, comparing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and conventional roadmap (CRM).

Methods

Group A consisted of 50 patients where DSA was used for road mapping at all stages: (I) Aortogram, (II) Left internal iliac artery (IIA) DSA, (III) Left uterine artery (UA) DSA, (IV) Right IIA DSA and (V) Right UA DSA. Group B included 50 patients, where CRM was used for road mapping at stages (II) and (IV).

Results

For Group A, mean total dose‐area product (DAP) was 39.7 Gy·cm2; mean DAP for each stage were (I) Aortogram = 3.4 Gy·cm2, (II) Left IIA DSA = 5.9 Gy·cm2, (III) Left UA DSA = 3.2 Gy·cm2, (IV) Right IIA DSA = 5.5 Gy·cm2 and (V) Right UA DSA = 3.0 Gy·cm2. For Group B, mean total DAP was 33.6 Gy·cm2, mean DAP for each stage were (I) Aortogram = 3.3 Gy·cm2, (II) Left IIA CRM = 1.5 Gy·cm2, (III) Left UA DSA = 3.3 Gy·cm2, (IV) Right IIA CRM = 1.5 Gy·cm2 and (V) Right UA DSA = 3.3 Gy·cm2. Fluoroscopy time was 10 and 9.4 min for Groups A and B, respectively.

Conclusion

The highest road‐mapping radiation dose contribution was from bilateral IIA DSA. The use of CRM, intermittent fluoroscopy and elimination of the aortogram is recommended to further reduce procedural radiation dose.
Autologous platelet concentrate in epiretinal membrane surgery: A single‐centre prospective comparative non‐inferiority study
Authors: Furashova Olga , Adrianowicz Bartlomiej , Engelmann Katrin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to compare the anatomical and functional results including reading ability after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery in patients with and without the use of autologous platelet concentrate (APC).

Methods

Design: Prospective, comparative non‐inferiority series. Setting: Institutional. Patients: 51 eyes of 51 patients, who underwent pars‐plana vitrectomy (PPV) for ERM surgery. 29 eyes additionally received intraoperative APC, 22 eyes underwent standard procedure without APC use. Observations: anatomical and functional outcome parameters (central retinal thickness (CRT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading ability (RA)) were compared between the two groups at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Subjective assessment of visual acuity and reading ability was also analysed. Main outcome measures: BCVA, RA and CRT.

Results

Both groups showed significant CRT reduction and RA improvement, while BCVA improvement was significant only in eyes with intraoperative APC use during the follow‐up time of 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference between CRT reduction, BCVA and RA improvement between the groups.

Conclusion

Intraoperative APC use for ERM surgery results in similar anatomical and functional outcomes compared with standard ERM surgery without APC use.
Letter: Diet‐microbiome interactions in inflammatory bowel disease—Navigating towards individualised dietary strategies
Authors: Barth Iris , Stevens Corien L. , Strokap Colette J. , Campmans‐Kuijpers Marjo J. E. , Bourgonje Arno R. , Dijkstra Gerard
Published: April 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Faqerah et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17720
Letter: Use of liver stiffness measurement to identify liver cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis D—Authors' reply
Authors: Sandmann Lisa , Wedemeyer Heiner , Deterding Katja
Published: April 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sandmann et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17878 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17923
Editorial: Recompensation in PBC is good. But is it good enough? Authors' reply
Authors: Hofer Benedikt Silvester , Burghart Lukas , Halilbasic Emina , Simbrunner Benedikt , Petrenko Oleksandr , Mandorfer Mattias , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Trauner Michael , Reiberger Thomas
Published: April 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Hofer et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17908 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17924