bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finding purpose of life through K’aat-Kaizen in higher education institution’s students: a mixed study in Mexico
Authors: Suárez-Barraza Manuel F. , Huerta-Carvajal María Isabel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The educational environment in the twenty-first century has evolved by leaps and bounds in the last four years after COVID-19 pandemic. The concern of quality of student’s learning has increased in the last few years derived from the international accreditations and the global competitive environment among the same, some reasons why student learning have decreased have been stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and eating disorder in different countries as Spain, Mexico and England. In this manner, theoretical frameworks of Individual Kaizen such as the Japanese Ikigai (reason for being in life) or the Mexican and Latin American K’aat-Kaizen (purpose and vision of life) seem that they help this environment. The purpose of this research is to explore how the Kaizen individual model as is the K’aat-Kaizen can help HEIs students in Mexico to find a possible purpose of life that helps them to improve their learning in their university careers.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of the study was mixed, a quantitative questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were developed and a K’aat-Kaizen Report diary was applied to a group of third and fourth year university students of International Business at the University of the Americas Puebla in Mexico (Private University).

Findings

According to the results of the mixed research, it is feasible to indicate that an individual Kaizen framework (K’aat-Kaizen) can be applied to undergraduate students of a HEI with positive results. The theoretical sample of 12 students (male and female) allowed to observe a quantitative and qualitative progress of the K’aat-Kaizen framework in its pillars that behaved as vectors of emotional strength. Finally, another important conclusion is that the K’aat-Kaizen brought the students into an environment of harmony (without stress) in the classroom and while they learn they discover their purpose in life, having quality of life in their university environment.

Research limitations/implications

This research has several limitations, one of them, is the fact that this is a first approach to applying K’aat-Kaizen and that much more research work is needed with a larger sample, and although we have Mexican and French students, it is necessary to extend it to a wider range of samples both in other Mexican universities and abroad. Finally, although mixed research is robust, it is required to work on more data collection methods, maybe a longitudinal approach to see results over time, because with little time it was not possible to identify the mushin-no-shin (do tasks without thinking) in the students.

Originality/value

First article exploring the implementation of an individual Kaizen framework (the K’aat-Kaizen) to help students find a life purpose to enhance their learning and classroom experience.
Co-creation dynamics in tourism and hospitality: a horizon 2050 paper
Authors: Borges-Tiago Maria Teresa , Avelar Sónia
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The evolution of co-creation reflects a shift from a firm-centric to a user-centric and collaborative approach. The purpose of this study is to explore the benefits of co-creation, its potential drawbacks and implications for the tourism and hospitality industry to help frame the concept’s evolution and understand its importance for customizing and personalizing tourism experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study presents a holistic co-creation framework that encompasses various co-creation formats found over time. This study uses bibliometric analysis and thematic analysis powered by artificial intelligence tools as techniques.

Findings

Co-creation has transitioned from basic interactions between tourists and providers to sophisticated, technology-driven processes. This paper proposes a future-oriented framework that guides academic research and practical applications, outlining key innovation and sustainable growth areas in the tourism and hospitality sectors, demonstrating how co-creation fosters innovation, enhances consumer engagement and addresses sustainability challenges.

Practical implications

This study offers actionable recommendations for tourism firms to harness co-creation for hyper-personalized services, sustainability and community involvement. This study emphasizes the role of emerging technologies in shaping innovative and inclusive tourism experiences.

Social implications

This study promotes sustainable and ethical co-creation practices, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, cultural preservation and community empowerment in tourism development.

Originality/value

This reflection based on a bibliometric and artificial intelligence analysis helps to project the future developments of co-creation, raising new areas of research and paths to develop new theories and models to explain co-creation processes and outcomes and successfully integrate co-creation in tourism offers.
Robust analysis of diel activity patterns
Authors: Gilbert Neil A. , Dominoni Davide M.
Published: January 2025

Research Highlight: Iannarilli, F., Gerber, B. D., Erb, J., & Fieberg, J. R. (2024). A ‘how‐to’ guide for estimating animal diel activity using hierarchical models. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.14213. Diel activity patterns are ubiquitous in living organisms and have received considerable research attention with advances in the collection of time‐stamped data and the recognition that organisms may respond to global change via behaviour timing. Iannarilli et al. (2024) provide a roadmap for analysing diel activity patterns with hierarchical models, specifically trigonometric generalized linear mixed‐effect models and cyclic cubic spline generalized additive models. These methods are improvements over kernel density estimators, which for nearly two decades have been the status quo for analysing activity patterns. Kernel density estimators have several drawbacks; most notably, data are typically aggregated (e.g. across locations) to achieve sufficient sample sizes, and covariates cannot be incorporated to quantify the influence of environmental variables on activity timing. Iannarilli et al. (2024) also provide a comprehensive tutorial which demonstrates how to format data, fit models, and interpret model predictions. We believe that hierarchical models will become indispensable tools for activity‐timing research and envision the development of many extensions to the approaches described by Iannarilli et al. (2024).
Rapid Icm/Dot T4SS Inactivation Prevents Resuscitation of Heat‐Induced VBNCLegionella pneumophila by Amoebae
Authors: Schmid Camille , Hilbi Hubert
Published: January 2025

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, employs the Icm/Dot Type IV secretion system (T4SS) to replicate in amoebae and macrophages. The opportunistic pathogen responds to stress by forming ‘viable but non‐culturable’ (VBNC) cells, which cannot be detected by standard cultivation‐based techniques. In this study, we document that L. pneumophila enters the VBNC state after exposure to heat stress at 50°C for 30 h, at 55°C for 5 h or at 60°C for 30 min, while still retaining metabolic activity and intact cell membranes. Resuscitation of heat‐induced VBNC L. pneumophila neither occurred in amoebae nor in macrophages. VBNC L. pneumophila showed impaired uptake by phagocytes, formation of Legionella‐containing vacuoles (LCVs), and Icm/Dot‐dependent secretion of effector proteins. The T4SS was rapidly inactivated already upon exposure to 50°C for 3–5 h, while the bacteria were still culturable. The Legionella quorum sensing (Lqs)‐LvbR network is implicated in VBNC induction, since the ∆lvbR and ∆lqsR mutant strains showed a more pronounced heat sensitivity than the parental strain, and the ∆lqsA mutant was less heat sensitive. Taken together, our results reveal that heat exposure of L. pneumophila rapidly inactivates the Icm/Dot T4SS before the VBNC state is induced, thus impairing resuscitation by amoebae.
Supplementary bioactivities of Curcuma longa extracts and parasitoid Anisopteromalus calandrae as a postharvest eco‐friendly management tactic against maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Mamoon‐ur‐Rashid Muhammad , Riaz‐ud‐Din  , Baloch Muhammad Safdar , Begum Hussan Ara , Law Douglas , Elsadek Mohamed Farouk , Al‐Numair Khalid S. , Tan Daniel K.Y. , Yasin Muhammad
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the bioactivities of C. longa extracts and parasitoid A. calandrae against the maize weevil, a significant pest in tropical and subtropical regions. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with five replications and six concentrations of C. longa in an incubator at 27 ± 3°C with 65 ± 5% R.H. and a photoperiod of 12:12 h (L:D). This study found that concentrations of C. longa, except higher concentrations (2.5 and 3%), had no significant effect on the settlement of A. calandrae adults on treated maize grains. Corn kernels treated with C. longa aqueous extracts at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% concentrations showed no significant effect on parasitoid development and no significant differences compared to the untreated control. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were found when A. calandrae was offered Sitophilus zeamais for parasitization on maize grains treated with 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% concentrations of C. longa aqueous extracts. Corn kernels treated with C. longa extracts at the evaluated concentrations reduced the populations of S. zeamais by 20.06, 26.87, 35.19, 41.36, 52.97 and 62.54% whereas; treating with C. longa aqueous extracts at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% in combination with the release of five pairs of parasitoids per treatment reduced the population of S. zeamais by 64.24, 66.42, 72.71, 80.87, 86.30 and 90.64% respectively. The combination of C. longa extracts at appropriate concentrations and the release of A. calandrae can effectively manage maize weevil in grain storages as an alternative to chemical insecticides.
Diversity of disease‐vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the urban environment of Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Rashidi Hayat S. , Alyahya Hanan S. , Al‐Otaibi Wafa M. , Shaher Fekri M. , Alghamdi Abdullah G. , Aljameeli Mohammad M. , Al‐Dubai Talha A. , Mahyoub Jazem A.
Published: January 2025

Mosquitoes are one of the most significant vectors of diseases worldwide. They can transmit many viral and parasitic diseases to humans and animals. A survey was conducted in ten areas in Buraydah City to investigate the prevalence and distribution of mosquitoes in the area. The study involved the collection of adult mosquitoes using Blackhole light traps over a year, from January to December 2021. During this period, a total of 23,346 adult mosquitoes were collected and analyzed as part of the survey. The results showed the presence of several mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, Ae. caspius, Culex pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. citizens, and Anopheles d'thali. This mosquito survey revealed the dominance of Cx. mosquitoes, with 21,216 mosquitoes collected out of a total of 23,346, representing 91% of the total. In contrast, the Aedes genus was the second most prevalent species, with 1,860 mosquitoes collected, representing 8% of the total mosquito population. Anopheles mosquitoes were remarkably low, with only 270 individuals collected, representing less than 1% of the total mosquito population. The survey revealed that mosquitoes are present throughout the year, but their density varies due to monthly changes in temperature and humidity. Furthermore, the first documented sighting of the Ae. aegypti mosquito in the city was recorded. This finding represents a serious public health concern, as Ae. aegypti is a known vector of diseases, especially dengue fever. Therefore, there is an urgent need to enhance mosquito surveillance and control measures in Buraydah to mitigate the risks of mosquito‐borne disease outbreaks.
Association of changes in the type 2 diabetes and MASLD/related SLD status with risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Authors: Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Fujihara Kazuya , Khin Laymon , Ferreira Efrem d'Àvila , Takabayashi Shizuka , Yamashita Yuko , Yamada Takaho , Kodama Satoru , Sone Hirohito
Published: January 2025

Background & Aims

This study assessed the association of remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) or metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/related SLD (r‐SLD; MASLD with excessive alcohol intake) as defined by the fatty liver index with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

Health examination data at baseline and after 2 years (2‐Years) were extracted from a nationwide claims database in Japan. Among participants aged 18–72 years with at least 3 years of follow‐up, 9345 participants with DM‐associated MASLD/r‐SLD and 71 932 participants with non‐DM MASLD/r‐SLD at baseline were included in the study. The participants were stratified by the achievement of remission of MASLD/r‐SLD or DM at 2‐Years. In each group after stratification, the risk of new‐onset CVD during the observation period was analysed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 4.9 years (starting from 2‐Years), 1368 cases of CVD were observed. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for CVD was 0.50 (0.31–0.80) for participants with remission of DM, 0.65 (0.47–0.91) for participants with remission of MASLD/r‐SLD, and 0.34 (0.15–0.77) for participants with remission of both DM and MASLD/r‐SLD. Conversely, remission of MASLD/r‐SLD was not linked to a reduced risk of CVD in participants with non‐DM MASLD/r‐SLD.

Conclusion

The association of MASLD/r‐SLD remission with CVD risk differs greatly in the presence and absence of DM. In patients with DM‐MASLD/r‐SLD, MASLD/r‐SLD remission can significantly reduce CVD risk similarly as remission of DM.
Exploring climate change investment initiatives and funding challenges among faith‐based organizations in Ghana
Authors: Mintah Kelvin Omari , Nakouwo Solomon Nborkan , Ahenkan Albert , Bawole Justice Nyigmah
Published: January 2025

Motivation

Faith‐based organizations (FBOs) have a significant role to play at a time of environmental upheavals, but their ability to mobilize climate funds in sub‐Saharan Africa, especially Ghana, remains under question.

Purpose

The study asked three questions: (1) What spectrum of climate change investment opportunities are FBOs seeking? (2) What are the untapped climate change investment opportunities that FBOs can pursue? (3) What are the constraints that hinder FBOs in mobilizing funds to finance these opportunities?

Approach and methods

A qualitative research approach was adopted for the study and 18 FBOs in Ghana were purposively selected as a sample for the study.

Findings

The study uncovered the spectrum of climate change investment opportunities pursued by FBOs in the areas of agriculture and waste. However, there are untapped climate change investment opportunities in the energy and transport sectors. The constraints associated with mobilizing climate finance are ideological differences, knowledge gaps, limited institutional capacity, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Policy implications

Climate action funders need to reduce complications surrounding the means of obtaining funding and streamline their funding requirements to suit FBOs. They should also reassess their credibility evaluation standards to help FBOs from being sidestepped due to limited funding track records, despite the promising adaptation and mitigation initiatives they may have to offer. FBOs must upgrade their skills in the climate finance landscape by taking advantage of capacity‐building programmes and training that seek to increase their understanding of the climate finance opportunities and requirements of climate funders.
Physical Management Strategies for Enhancing Soil Resilience to Climate Change: Insights From Africa
Authors: Raheem Abdulkareem , Bankole Oluwaseyi Oyewale , Danso Frederick , Musa Moshood Olawale , Adegbite Temilade Anifata , Simpson Victor Bamidele
Published: January 2025

In Africa, where agriculture is the backbone of the economy and sustains livelihoods, the increasing threat of climate change necessitates a shift towards strategies that improve soil resilience. This study explores a range of soil and water conservation techniques, organic amendments and agroforestry, focusing on their application to specific soil types such as Luvisols, Lixisols, Ferralsols, Nitisols, Vertisols, Cambisols and Arenosols, tailored to address Africa's diverse agroecological zones under a changing climate. Furthermore, it elucidates the role of soil physical management in ensuring resilience to climate change, supported by evidence from long‐term studies. Our review demonstrates that these physical management strategies are essential for improving soil structure, increasing moisture retention, reducing erosion and enhancing soil organic matter. These improvements contribute to more resilient agricultural systems that maintain productivity despite fluctuating climatic conditions. However, their implementation in Africa faces challenges such as high soil variability, barriers to adoption and resource constraints. Despite these obstacles, significant opportunities exist to build resilience through tailored strategies that align with local soil and climate conditions, supported by innovative policies and the integration of traditional knowledge with scientific research. Therefore, we advocate for an integrated approach that harmonises local expertise, scientific advancements and policy interventions to transform Africa's croplands. By addressing both the biophysical and socio‐economic aspects of soil management, this approach can foster resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural systems capable of ensuring food security amidst climate variability.
Assessing the Very High Cycle Fatigue Behavior and Frequency Effect of Structural Steel Welds
Authors: England Andrew , Gorash Yevgen , Toumpis Athanasios
Published: January 2025

The very high cycle fatigue behavior of S275J2+N flux‐core arc welded joints was investigated using the ultrasonic fatigue testing method at a loading frequency of 20 kHz. A bespoke specimen design featuring the weld toe was employed to more suitably represent in‐service welded joints than typical ultrasonic fatigue testing specimens. This revealed that fracture occurs above 10 million cycles, beyond the classically accepted fatigue limit. Additionally, comparative fatigue tests were performed at 10 Hz to investigate the frequency effect on the fatigue behavior. A 35% increase in fatigue strength was measured at 20 kHz when compared to 10 Hz, indicating that a correction must be considered in the use of ultrasonic fatigue testing data for design purposes. Fracture surfaces for both test frequencies showed similar morphologies and typical characteristics for fatigue failures of ductile metals.
Development of Resources and Equipment to Promote Best Practices for the Humane Dispatch of Sharks in a Commercial Fishery
Authors: Diggles B. K.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to identify best‐practice methods and equipment for humane dispatch of 15 species of sharks commonly captured by commercial fishers in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Anatomical brain location was determined for each species using dissection, external photographs and radiographs (see www.ikijime.com website and Ikijime Tool phone apps). Eight dispatch methods were qualitatively evaluated for their effectiveness on sharks of various sizes. Electrical stunning equipment could not be used because it failed to meet Australian electrical safety standards. Field trials of 206 dispatch events found that penetrating captive bolt tools were most effective on medium‐sized (120–210 cm) and large sharks (210–360 cm long), with mean total dispatch scores (MTDS) that ranged from 4.6 to 4.84 out of 5 and instantaneous death rate (IDR) that ranged from 88.57% to 95.45% (n = 79), while ikijime was most effective on small sharks (< 120 cm long), with an MTDS of 4.69 and IDR of 93.75% (n = 16). In contrast, percussive stunning (MTDS = 3.95, IDR = 80.95%, n = 42), shooting with a 12‐gauge shotgun (MTDS = 2.92, IDR = 36.54%, n = 52) and spinal section (MTDS = 3, IDR = 0%, n = 2) were less effective, as shown by their lower IDR and MTDS scores. These preliminary findings may be useful for directing further research into best‐practice dispatch methods for sharks in the NT, Australia, and elsewhere globally.
Challenges and Strategies for Academic Diaspora Engagement in the Internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions: Empirical Evidence From a Low‐ and Medium‐Income Country
Authors: Moshtari Mohammad , Ghorbani Maryam
Published: January 2025

While the academic diaspora can serve as a facilitator of internationalisation for higher education institutions (HEIs) in low‐ and medium‐income countries, anecdotal evidence on the engagement of the academic diaspora indicates that it is temporary, superficial and of little impact on the quality of research and educational programmes; it has mainly benefited HEIs by raising their visibility and university rankings, thus exploiting the diaspora rather in home countries than vigorously engaging them in academic activities and capacity building efforts. The present study builds on the boundary‐spanning perspective to elaborate on the potential functions of academic diaspora as enhancers of HEIs' capabilities by enabling genuine partnerships between HEIs in developing and developed countries. Furthermore, using an explorative qualitative approach, the paper provides insights into the factors involved in the low‐quality engagement of academic diaspora at the national, institutional and individual levels. Finally, several implications for HEIs' managers and policymakers are laid out to improve the quality and impact of academic diaspora engagement.
Lions, Game Players and Niche Providers: Universities' Positioning in Funding Competitions in Germany
Authors: Krücken Georg , Götze Nicolai , Seidenschnur Tim
Published: January 2025

This research addresses two important developments in the academic field: First, universities are transforming into organisational actors, gaining more responsibilities and capacities for strategic action, and second, competition has reached a new level. An important driver of competition and universities' development towards strategic actorhood is funding contests in which actors compete with proposals over a limited timeframe with clear evaluation criteria. In Germany, funding contests are central to the crystallisation of a broader competitive positioning and universities develop different strategic approaches in relation to them. We focus on two large‐scale funding contests to analyse universities' heterogeneous positioning strategies: The German Excellence Initiative (EI) and the Quality Pact for Teaching (QPL). We empirically develop three ideal types of universities in terms of strategic positioning (lions, niche providers and game players) and examine different strategic approaches taken by universities when relating to internal and external reference groups.
Conservation status of Erebia palaricaChapman, 1905 (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae): Local insight and whole distribution perspective
Authors: Torrado‐Blanco Laura , Carballa Miguel , Vila Marta
Published: January 2025

Conservation efforts are often limited by the lack of information on poorly understood species. Such is the case of Erebia palarica Chapman, 1905, a narrow endemic butterfly restricted to the mountain ranges of northwest Iberia and classified as of “Least Concern” by the IUCN. By combining mark‐release‐recapture (MRR) and genetic data, we provide an insight into the population size of this species.

First, we marked 707 butterflies in a relatively isolated E. palarica population—Serra do Courel (NW Spain)—and obtained census size estimates for two close localities (Alto do Couto, Nc = 303; A Cabeza Grande, Nc = 565); the vast majority of individuals dispersed less than 500 metres.

Second, genotyping of 120 individuals from Alto do Couto (four generations, 1999–2021) with seven nuclear microsatellites revealed a small effective population size (Ne < 100), while also depicting a steady increase in its value since 2018. We also provide a fine‐scale distribution map of the species in the study area: we found E. palarica in a number of new sites with favourable habitat and confirmed its persistence in an area affected by a massive wildfire during 2022.

Finally, we propose that the conservation status of E. palarica should be updated to “Near Threatened”, as it is remarkably close to meet several criteria of the IUCN to qualify as “Vulnerable”.
Association between body mass index at birth and neonatal health outcomes in preterm infants: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Liu Chuntian , Chen Yijia , Pan Mengqing , Lu Xiaoyu , Xu Jianhong , Chen Xiaochun
Published: January 2025

Background

Studies on how birth body mass index (BMI) affects health outcomes in preterm infants are relatively limited.

Aim

To analyze the association between BMI at birth and neonatal health outcomes in extremely low and very low birth weight preterm infants in China.

Methods

Used data from the Chinese Premature Infant Informatization Platform (2022–2023). Preterm infants were categorized based on their birth BMI z‐scores into three groups: low BMI group (< −2), normal BMI group (−2 to 2) and high BMI group (>2). The relationship between BMI and neonatal health outcomes was then analyzed.

Results

The final analysis included 1662 extremely low and very low birth weight preterm infants. The results indicated that low BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.31–2.30), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00–1.80) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01–2.42). High BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of RDS (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.05–2.45).

Conclusions

BMI at birth is significantly associated with the risks of RDS, BPD and NEC in ELBW and VLBW, highlighting the importance of monitoring BMI as an additional risk predictor in a population of neonates already at high risk for adverse outcomes.
Frames of Reference: Dynamics of Change and Frame Misalignment Between Employers and Unions
Authors: Signoretti Andrea , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: January 2025

Industrial relations studies have struggled to explain the variations in human resource (HR) practices in firms operating in the same institutional contexts and sectors and facing similar market pressures. Budd, Pohler, and Huang's (2021) model on the frames of reference used by managers and employees constitutes a notable exception, as it focuses on how actors view HR practices. We build on this model and critique and extend it by including unions as actors and exploring employers' and unions' frames concerning HR practices and the ensuing outcomes. We also develop an analytical framework composed of workplace‐level relational and beyond‐workplace external elements. We invite future research to show the empirical validity of our model and framework.
Deciphering the Anti‐Diabetic Potential of Gymnema Sylvestre Using Integrated Computer‐Aided Drug Design and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Mayyas Amal , Al‐Samydai Ali , Oraibi Amjad Ibrahim , Debbabi Nawres , Hassan Sara S. , Al‐Hussainy Hany Aqeel , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Dauelbait Musaab , Bourhia Mohammed , Almaary Khalid S.
Published: January 2025

This study explores novel therapeutic avenues for diabetes, a global health concern marked by elevated blood glucose levels. We investigated the anti‐diabetic potential of Gymnema Sylvestre's bioactive compounds, including Gymnemic acid I, Stigmasterol, Deacylgymnemic acid, Beta‐Amyrin acetate, Longispinogenin, Gymnemic acid II, Gymnemic acid, Gymnemic acid X, Gymnemaside VI, Phytic acid and Gymnemic acid X. Employing network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD), we elucidated the potential mechanism of action. SwissTargetPrediction identified targets for bioactive constituents, while DisGeNET provided diabetes‐related targets. A GeneVenn diagram revealed 397 common potential targets for diabetes management. The protein–protein interaction network, constructed via the STRING database, underwent topological analysis in Cytoscape, identifying AKT1, SRC, TNF, PPARG and IL1B as top targets. Gene ontology analysis using FunRich identified crucial roles of screened targets in integrin family cell surface interactions and glypican pathways for diabetes management. Molecular interactions and binding affinities with the top target, AKT1, were assessed, with Gymnemic acid I displaying the least binding energy (−9.813) with H‐ and non‐H‐bond interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the distinct behaviours of Gymnemic acid I within the protein complex. In conclusion, our study elucidates the potential anti‐diabetic mechanism of Gymnemic acid I, underscoring the need for further in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies to validate our findings.
The Association Between Medication Adherence and Rational Drug Use Knowledge and Health Literacy in Older Adults Residing in Nursing Homes
Authors: İlhan Nesrin , Savci Cemile , Yildirim Sevinc
Published: January 2025

Background

Medication adherence is a crucial factor in managing and treating chronic diseases in older adults. Health literacy (HL) skills and rational drug use (RDU) knowledge are important for individuals to make informed decisions about medication adherence behaviours.

Aim

This study was conducted to determine the association between medication adherence and rational drug use knowledge and health literacy in older adults residing in nursing homes.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study was conducted with 121 older adults residing in a nursing home in Turkey. The data were collected using the Participant Information Form, the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS‐5), the Rational Drug Use Scale (RDUS), and The Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS EUEU‐Q‐TR).

Results

The mean age of the older adults was 69.92 ± 6.45 years and 76.9% were male. The mean score of MARS‐5 was 21.80 ± 3.55. Among older adults, 43.8% were found to have inadequate RDU knowledge, 28.9% had inadequate HL, and 46.3% had problematic‐limited HL. The RDU knowledge was a statistically significant strong predictor of medication adherence (R2 = 0.495, p < 0.001). The HL was a statistically significant predictor of medication adherence (R2 = 0.037, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study found that medication adherence among older adults residing in nursing homes was moderate, RDU knowledge and HL levels were low, and medication adherence increased as RDU knowledge and HL levels increased.
Parental separation and children's genetic influences on education
Authors: Van Winkle Zachary , Baier Tina
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study focuses on the extent to which parental divorce and separation during childhood affect children's chances to realize genetic influences on educational attainment.

Background

Whether the family context matters for genetic influences on children's educational attainment remains an open question. Previous research mainly considers parents' socio‐economic standing and overlooks a key dimension of social stratification: childhood family structure.

Method

This study draws on the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to estimate the association between education polygenic scores and educational attainment of adults who experienced a parental separation before age 16 compared to adults who lived continuously with both parents.

Results

Results show that genetic effects are smaller for adults whose parents separated compared to adults whose parents remained coupled. Moreover, additional analysis directed at the mechanisms provided no evidence that the negative impact of parental separation was attributable to adverse socioeconomic conditions during childhood.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that distinct inner‐familial conditions linked to parental separation affect children's genetic influences on educational attainment.
Regular Smoking Accelerates the Decline in Masticatory Performance in Japanese Men: The Suita Study
Authors: Kosaka Takayuki , Ono Takahiro , Fushida Shuri , Kida Momoyo , Nokubi Takashi , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Watanabe Makoto , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Ikebe Kazunori
Published: January 2025

Background

Smoking is presumed to cause a decline in masticatory performance by worsening the intraoral environment in various ways. However, no longitudinal study has examined the relationship between smoking and masticatory performance.

Objectives

To clarify how smoking affects future decline in masticatory performance through a 5‐year follow‐up study of a general urban population.

Methods

The study participants were 494 men (mean age at baseline: 65.8 years) who participated in baseline and follow‐up dental examinations in the Suita Study. The masticatory performance of the participants was evaluated using a test gummy jelly. The rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow‐up period was calculated by subtracting the masticatory performance at baseline from the masticatory performance at follow‐up and dividing this by the masticatory performance at baseline. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with the presence or absence of a decline in masticatory performance as the objective variable and age at baseline, number of functional teeth, periodontal status, salivary flow rate, maximum bite force, smoking status, utilisation of dental services, and follow‐up years as the explanatory variables.

Results

The rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow‐up period was significantly higher in smokers than in non‐smokers. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, maximum bite force, and smoking were significant explanatory variables for a decline in masticatory performance.

Conclusion

A 5‐year follow‐up study showed that smoking causes a decline in masticatory performance in men, even after adjusting for confounding factors.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Red and Larch Pine Needle Powders on Productivity, Egg Quality, Yolk Fatty Acids and Cholesterol and Hatchability of Laying Quails
Authors: Atalay Ali Ihsan , Tosun Ramazan , Saftan Metin
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of red pine and larch pine needles powder at different doses on productive performance, egg quality, hatching parameters, total fatty acid and cholesterol levels of laying quails. A total of 126 (84 ♀ and 42 ♂) 20‐week‐old laying quail were randomly distributed into seven experimental diets with three replicates of six (four female and two male) birds per cage. The groups were fed a basal diet (CON group), a basal diet with red pine needle powder (RPNP group) (1.5%, 3% and 4.5%), or a basal diet with larch pine needle powder (LPNP group) (1.5%, 3% and 4.5%) for 9 weeks. The results showed that the additives which were added into the ration did not affect feed intake and feed conversion ratio among the performance parameters compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Egg production increased by 13%–14% in RPNP 1.5% and LPNP 4.5% groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Egg weight increased by 4.04% only at the RPNP 4.5% dose (p < 0.05). However, egg weight decreased by 3.68%, 2.88% and 5.75% in RPNP 3% and LPNP 3% and 4.5% doses, respectively (p < 0.05). The highest increase in egg mass compared to the control was 13.61% in the RPNP 1.5% dose (p < 0.05). Egg shape index increased by 8.18% in the RPNP 1.5% group and 11.11% in the LPNP 3% group (p < 0.05). Haugh units increased by 1.87% and 1.77% in RPNP 1.5% and LPNP 4.5% doses, respectively (p < 0.05). The amount of broken eggs increased in the LPNP 1.5% (2.86%) and LPNP 3% (3.65%) doses relative to the control group (0.40%) (p < 0.05). Egg yolk decreased by 7.2%–17.6% in RPNP 1.5% and 3% groups and LPNP 3% and 4.5% doses (p < 0.05). Egg yolk diameter decreased by 3.21%–6.56% in RPNP 1.5% and 3% groups and LPNP 4.5% doses (p < 0.05). Yolk index decreased by an average of 5.5%–7% in RPNP 1.5% and 4.5% doses and LPNP 4.5% doses (p < 0.05). Pine needle supplementation increased total monounsaturated fatty acids in egg yolks by 6% compared to the control group, while cholesterol levels decreased by 7.73% compared to the control (p < 0.05). On the other hand, pine needle addition had no effect on incubation parameters (p > 0.05). Our results clearly indicated that the 1.5% red pine needles powder could be used as an additive to increase the egg production, egg mass and Haugh units in laying quails.
Pseudohaematuria Due to Mesalazine: A Case Report
Authors: Truong Mimi , Kairaitis Lukas , Castelino Ronald L.
Published: January 2025

The symptom of macroscopic or ‘visible’ haematuria can cause significant patient distress, largely due to its' potential association with urinary tract malignancy, infection or glomerular disease. This lesson from practice describes the case of a 19‐year‐old female patient for whom the cause of red/brown urinary discolouration was found to relate to a reaction between renally excreted mesalazine and domestic bleach in the toilet bowel. Recognition of this phenomenon in patients taking mesalazine for inflammatory colitis is important to minimise patient distress and unnecessary investigation for a urinary tract cause.
Development of a machine learning predictive model for central venous catheter‐associated thrombosis in patients undergoing abdominal surgery
Authors: Li Zirong , Zhang Cheng , Gan Xiao , Liu Liying , Tan Yanmei , Ying Yanping
Published: January 2025

Background

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are placed where the vena cava meets the right atrium. Their common use raises the risk of catheter‐related thrombosis (CRT), a potentially life‐threatening complication.

Aim

This study leverages machine learning to develop a CRT predictive model for abdominal surgery patients, aiming to refine clinical decisions and elevate treatment quality.

Study Design

The data were split into training and validation sets using the caret package in R. Decision Trees (DT), Extra Trees (ET), Ada Boost, Gradient Boosting (GB), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LGBM), K Neighbours Classifier (KNN) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms were used for model construction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under curve (AUC), accuracy, recall, precision, F1 score, sensitivity and specificity were used to evaluate the performance of the model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical utility of each model.

Results

Among the 400 subjects, 184 had thrombosis, with an incidence of 46%. Basic characteristics analysis and univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the history of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, age, mobility score, retention time, D‐dimer, fibrinogen and urea (p < .05). Among the models constructed by the seven algorithms, the performance of DT model was relatively balanced. The AUC of the validation set was 0.782, the sensitivity was 0.618, and the specificity was 0.781.

Conclusion

The predictive model for CRT developed using machine learning algorithms demonstrates good discrimination and clinical applicability among abdominal surgery patients, offering valuable guidance for CRT prevention strategies.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

By integrating risk prediction models into the Hospital Information System (HIS), nurses can assess catheter status in a timely and accurate manner, understand the risks of thrombosis for patients, and implement targeted preventive measures. This approach can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of nursing care, holding clinical significance in critical care practice.
Cell size has pervasive effects on the functional composition and morphology of leaves: a case study in Rhododendron (Ericaceae)
Authors: Dastpak Arezoo , Williams Monica , Perkins Sally , Perkins John A. , Horn Charles , Thompson Patrick , Ryan Connor , Medeiros Juliana , An Yi‐Dong , Jiang Guo‐Feng , Simonin Kevin A. , Roddy Adam B.
Published: January 2025

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) characterizes a tradeoff between building a leaf for durability versus for energy capture and gas exchange, with allocation to leaf dry mass per projected surface area (LMA) being a key trait underlying this tradeoff. However, regardless of the biomass supporting the leaf, high rates of gas exchange are typically accomplished by small, densely packed stomata on the leaf surface, which is enabled by smaller genome sizes. Here, we investigate how variation in genome size‐cell size allometry interacts with variation in biomass allocation (i.e. LMA) to influence the maximum surface conductance to CO2 and the rate of resource turnover as measured by leaf water residence time. We sampled both evergreen and deciduous Rhododendron (Ericaceae) taxa from wild populations and botanical gardens, including naturally occurring putative hybrids and artificially generated hybrids. We measured genome size, anatomical traits related to cell sizes, and morphological traits related to water content and dry mass allocation. Consistent with the LES, higher LMA was associated with slower water residence times, and LMA was strongly associated with leaf thickness. Although anatomical and morphological traits varied orthogonally to each other, cell size had a pervasive impact on leaf functional anatomy: for a given leaf thickness, reducing cell size elevated the leaf surface conductance and shortened the mean water residence time. These analyses clarify how anatomical traits related to genome size‐cell size allometry can influence leaf function independently of morphological traits related to leaf longevity and durability.
Distress Manifestation in Asphalt Pavements: Comparison between Local and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Measurements
Authors: Nunes-Ramos Victória , Viera Trevisan Eduardo , Pivoto Specht Luciano , Da Silva Pereira Deividi , Dotto Bueno Lucas
Published: January 2025

Surface surveys of asphalt concrete pavement condition the maintenance and rehabilitation solutions employed; however, they are laborious protocols for field operators. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the remote assessment of these pavements has become an alternative, but still lacks validation about current Brazilian regulations. This study sought to compare conventional surface assessment methods (DNIT 006/2003 - PRO, DNIT 007/2003 – PRO, and DNIT 433/2021 - PRO) with the survey carried out by UAV, and to compare the DNIT’s cracked area assessment methods. The assessment was carried out over two 400-meter stretches. The DNIT 433/2021 - PRO standard was more conservative than the DNIT 007/2003 - PRO protocol in determining the cracked area. In addition, the two segments result in the same Global Gravity Index (GGI) classification between the walking and UAV methodsonly when rutting is disregarded. It was also found that the device achieved, on average, 82% of the cracked area values obtained by the DNIT 007/2003 - PRO and DNIT 433/2021 - PRO standards. Thus, it was possible to verify that the Brazilian regulations generate different cracked area results, being used for other purposes and that the UAV, in the scope of this work, the UAV was a technically viable alternative for speeding up the evaluations but was unable to identify cracks with smaller openings (FC-1 class) and threedimensional distresses.
Oil Viscosity Effects on Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate Grease Modulus and Thixotropy
Authors: Bonta Jacob , Pham Jonathan T.
Published: January 2025

The effect of base oil viscosity and temperature on the thixotropic recovery of lubricating grease (LG) is investigated via shear rheology. The viscosity of the base lubricant phase of LGs impacts the storage modulus in both the undisturbed and post-sheared states. In this study, we focus on three greases with varied base oil viscosity but similar chemistry: polyalphaolefin (PAO) 8, PAO 40, and PAO 100. Small amplitude oscillatory shear testing is first used to evaluate the viscoelastic modulus in the undisturbed state at varied temperatures. A one-hour full rotation shear is then applied to mechanically disrupt the LGs. The storage modulus is then tracked over time under varied temperatures to investigate thixotropic recovery. These results show that the physical properties of the fluid phase of LGs can significantly impact the mechanical properties of the solid phase present in LGs and that the storage moduli is a function of the state related to temperature.
Optimizing the Concentration Ratio of Multi-Faceted Focusing Heliostats
Authors: Hénault François , Flamant Gilles , Caliot Cyril
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to optimize the concentration ratio of multi-faceted focusing heliostats implemented into a solar tower power plant. The ideal shape of a heliostat located off-axis in the field is known to be the local section of a fictitious paraboloïd whose parameters vary continuously with the sun’s angular position. We describe an optimization procedure applicable to those heliostats. The flux densities formed at the solar receiver and the achievable concentrating ratios are computed using an improved convolution algorithm. It is shown that the optimized heliostat shape can produce typical concentration gains of approximately 10%, even when the heliostats reflect the sun under large incidence angles.
An analysis of self-reported sleep disturbance from nighttime wind
turbine noise suggests minimal effects but highlights the need for
standardization in research design
Authors: Michaud David S. , Guay Mireille , Keith Stephen E. , Denning Allison , McNamee James P.
Published: January 2025

The World Health Organization Environmental Noise Guidelines provide source-based nighttime sound level (Lnight) recommendations. For non-aircraft sources, the recommended Lnight is where the absolute prevalence of high sleep disturbance (HSD) equals 3%. The Guideline Development Group did not provide an Lnight for wind turbines due to inadequate data. In the current study, calculated outdoor wind turbine Lnight levels ranged from <20.5 to 41.5 dB(A). Between May and September 2013, questionnaires were completed by 606 males and 632 females, 18–79 years of age, randomly selected from households 0.25 to 11.22 km from operational wind turbines. When the source of sleep disturbance was unspecified, the mean prevalence of HSD was 13.3% overall and unrelated to Lnight (p = 0.53). As Lnight increased, identifying wind turbines as one of the causes of HSD increased from 0% below 20.5 dB(A) to 3.8% between 35.5–41.5 dB(A) (p = 0.01). The 3%HSD benchmark was observed where Lnight was 33.5 dB(A) [95% confidence interval (CI) 31.1–36.1 dB(A)]. Results affirm findings from Health Canada's Community Noise and Health Study of minimal impacts of wind turbines on sleep [Michaud et al. (2016a). “Effects of wind turbine noise on self-reported and objective measures of sleep,” Sleep 39(1), 97–109], yet noted uncertainties and limitations are discussed, including the suggestion that the HSD benchmark for wind turbines may be too low.