bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Task-irrelevant stimuli reliably boost phasic pupil-linked arousal but do not affect decision formation
Authors: Hebisch J. , Ghassemieh A.-C. , Zhecheva E. , Brouwer M. , van Gaal S. , Schwabe L. , Donner T.H. , de Gee J.W.
Published: May 2024

The arousal systems of the brainstem, specifically the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system, respond “phasically” during decisions. These central arousal transients are accompanied by dilations of the pupil. Mechanistic attempts to understand the impact of phasic arousal on cognition would benefit from the ability to experimentally manipulate arousal in a temporally precise manner. Here, we evaluated a non-invasive candidate approach for such a manipulation in humans: presenting task-irrelevant auditory stimuli at different latencies during the execution of a challenging task. Task-irrelevant auditory stimuli drive responses of brainstem nuclei involved in the control of pupil size. But it is unknown whether such sound-evoked responses mimic the central arousal transients evoked during cognitive computations. A large body of evidence has implicated central arousal transients in a bias reduction during challenging perceptual decisions. We thus used challenging visual decisions as a testbed, combining them with task-irrelevant sounds of varying onset latency or duration. Across three experiments, the sounds consistently elicited well-controlled pupil responses that superimposed onto task-evoked responses. While we replicated a negative correlation between task-evoked pupil responses and bias established in previous work, the task-irrelevant sounds had no behavioral effect. This dissociation suggests that cognitive task engagement and task-irrelevant sounds may recruit distinct neural systems contributing to the control of pupil size.
Stress-induced dysfunction of neurovascular astrocytes contributes to sex-specific behavioral deficits
Authors: Bollinger Justin L. , Johnsamuel Shobha , Vollmer Lauren L. , Kuhn Alexander M. , Wohleb Eric S.
Published: May 2024

Astrocytes form an integral component of the neurovascular unit, ensheathing brain blood vessels with projections high in aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression. These AQP4-rich projections facilitate interaction between the vascular endothelium, astrocytes, and neurons, and help stabilize vascular morphology. Studies using preclinical models of psychological stress and post-mortem tissue from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have reported reductions in AQP4, loss of astrocytic structures, and vascular impairment in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Though compelling, the role of AQP4 in mediating stress-induced alterations in blood vessel function and behavior remains unclear. Here, we address this, alongside potential sex differences in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) effects on astrocyte phenotype, blood-brain barrier integrity, and behavior. CUS led to pronounced shifts in stress-coping behavior and working memory deficits in male –but not female– mice. Following behavioral testing, astrocytes from the frontal cortex were isolated for gene expression analyses. We found that CUS increased various transcripts associated with blood vessel maintenance in astrocytes from males, but either had no effect on-or decreased-these genes in females. Furthermore, CUS caused a reduction in vascular-localized AQP4 and elevated extravasation of a small molecule fluorescent reporter (Dextran) in the PFC in males but not females. Studies showed that knockdown of AQP4 in the PFC in males is sufficient to disrupt astrocyte phenotype and increase behavioral susceptibility to a sub-chronic stressor. Collectively, these findings provide initial evidence that sex-specific alterations in astrocyte phenotype and neurovascular integrity in the PFC contribute to behavioral and cognitive consequences following chronic stress.
Slow Oscillations Modulate Functional Brain Changes Supporting Working Memory
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Pin-Chun , Mednick Sara C. , Tambini Arielle
Published: May 2024

Working memory (WM), the temporary mental storage and manipulation of information, is a skill that can improve with training. Sleep, and specifically slow oscillations (SOs), has been linked with WM improvement, yet it is unknown how processing during SOs modulates WM function across sleep. The current study examines how WM-related neural processing changes with sleep, and how these changes are related to activity during SOs. To do so, participants performed a WM task during fMRI before and after sleep, and the first 2.5 hrs of sleep was monitored by simultaneous EEG-fMRI. Reliable overnight changes in WM-related activity patterns were found, with reduced recruitment of the dorsal precuneus after compared to before sleep. Moreover, greater neural activation during SOs was associated with reduced overnight recruitment during WM across multiple levels of analysis. Our findings highlight the important role of SOs, elucidating how SOs may support changes in WM function across sleep.
Stress hyperglycemia exacerbates inflammatory brain injury after stroke
Authors: Won Seok Joon , Zhang Yiguan , Butler Nicholas J. , Kim Kyungsoo , Mocanu Ebony , Nzoutchoum Olive Tambou , Lakkaraju Ramya , Davis Jacqueline , Ghosh Soumitra , Swanson Raymond A.
Published: May 2024

Post-stroke hyperglycemia occurs in 30% - 60% of ischemic stroke patients as part of the systemic stress response, but neither clinical evidence nor pre-clinical studies indicate whether post-stroke hyperglycemia affects stroke outcome. Here we investigated this issue using a mouse model of permanent ischemia. Mice were maintained either normoglycemic or hyperglycemic during the interval of 17 - 48 hours after ischemia onset. Post-stroke hyperglycemia was found to increase infarct volume, blood-brain barrier disruption, and hemorrhage formation, and to impair motor recovery. Post-stroke hyperglycemia also increased superoxide formation by peri-infarct microglia/macrophages. In contrast, post-stroke hyperglycemia did not increase superoxide formation or exacerbate motor impairment in p47phox-/-mice, which cannot form an active superoxide-producing NADPH oxidase-2 complex. These results suggest that hyperglycemia occurring hours-to-days after ischemia can increase oxidative stress in peri-infarct tissues by fueling NADPH oxidase activity in reactive microglia/macrophages, and by this mechanism contribute to worsened functional outcome.
Development of RT-RPA-based point-of-care tests for epidemic arthritogenic alphaviruses
Authors: Sridhar Sainetra , Tonto Prince Baffour , Lumkong Lily , Netto Eduardo Martins , Brites Carlos , Wang Wei-Kung , Herrera Bobby Brooke
Published: May 2024

Chikungunya (CHIKV), o’nyong-nyong (ONNV), and Mayaro (MAYV) viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes and known to cause a debilitating arthritogenic syndrome. These alphaviruses have emerged and re-emerged, leading to outbreaks in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Africa. Despite their prevalence, there persists a critical gap in the availability of sensitive and virus-specific point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. Traditional immunoglobulin-based tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs) often yield cross-reactive results due to the close genetic relationship between these viruses. Molecular diagnostics such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) offer high sensitivity but are limited by the need for specialized laboratory equipment. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), an isothermal amplification method, is a promising alternative to qPCR, providing rapid results with minimal equipment requirements. Here, we report the development and validation of three virus-specific RPA-based POC tests for CHIKV, ONNV, and MAYV. These tests demonstrated both speed and sensitivity, capable of detecting 10 viral copies within 20 minutes of amplification, without exhibiting cross-reactivity. Furthermore, we evaluated the clinical potential of these tests using serum and tissue samples from CHIKV, ONNV, and MAYV-infected mice, as well as CHIKV-infected human patients. We demonstrate that the RPA amplicons derived from the patient samples can be sequenced, enabling cost-effective molecular epidemiological studies. Our findings highlight the significance of these rapid and specific POC diagnostics in improving the early detection and management of these arboviral infections.
Single-nuclei sequencing of skeletal muscle reveals subsynaptic-specific transcripts involved in neuromuscular junction maintenance
Authors: Ham Alexander S. , Lin Shuo , Tse Alice , Thürkauf Marco , Oliveri Filippo , Rüegg Markus A.
Published: May 2024

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the synapse formed between motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers. Its stability relies on the continued expression of genes in a subset of myonuclei, called NMJ myonuclei. Here, we use single-nuclei RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq) to identify numerous undescribed NMJ-specific transcripts. To elucidate how the NMJ transcriptome is regulated, we also performed snRNA-seq on sciatic nerve transected, botulinum toxin injected andMuskknockout muscles. These data show that NMJ gene expression is not only driven by agrin-Lrp4/MuSK signaling, but is also affected by electrical activity and trophic factors other than agrin. By selecting three previously undescribed NMJ genesEtv4,Lrtm1andPdzrn4, we further characterize novel contributors to NMJ stability and function. AAV-mediated overexpression and AAV-CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout show thatEtv4is sufficient to upregulate expression of ∼50% of the NMJ genes in non-synaptic myonuclei, while muscle-specific knockout ofPdzrn4induces NMJ fragmentation. Further investigation ofPdzrn4revealed that it localizes to the Golgi apparatus and interacts with MuSK protein. Collectively, our data provide a rich resource of NMJ transcripts, highlight the importance of ETS transcription factors at the NMJ and suggest a novel pathway for NMJ post-translational modifications.
Fine structure splitting cancellation in highly asymmetric InAs/InP droplet epitaxy quantum dots
Authors: van Venrooij N. R. S. , da Cruz A. R. , Gajjela R. S. R. , Koenraad P. M. , Pryor Craig E. , Flatté Michael E.
Published: May 2024

We find the fine structure splitting (FSS) of a single exciton, which splits its degenerate ground-state manifold into singlets, nearly vanishes in highly asymmetric quantum dots (QDs) due to the cancellation of splitting effects with markedly different origin. The dots simulated are those that emerge on top of etch pits through the droplet epitaxy growth process; these etch pit dots break square (C4v) spatial symmetry, which has been previously associated with small FSS. Configuration interaction calculations predict a vanishing FSS at a specific finite etch pit displacement from the center of the dot, for a structure far from square symmetry. We thus predict that highly asymmetric QDs may still display negligible FSS, providing avenues for high-fidelity generation of indistinguishable, polarization entangled photon pairs on demand.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Statistics of Extreme Events in Integrable Turbulence
Authors: Congy T. , El G. A. , Roberti G. , Tovbis A. , Randoux S. , Suret P.
Published: May 2024

We use the spectral kinetic theory of soliton gas to investigate the likelihood of extreme events in integrable turbulence described by the one-dimensional focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation (fNLSE). This is done by invoking a stochastic interpretation of the inverse scattering transform for fNLSE and analytically evaluating the kurtosis of the emerging random nonlinear wave field in terms of the spectral density of states of the corresponding soliton gas. We then apply the general result to two fundamental scenarios of the generation of integrable turbulence: (i) the asymptotic development of the spontaneous modulational instability of a plane wave, and (ii) the long-time evolution of strongly nonlinear, partially coherent waves. In both cases, involving the bound state soliton gas dynamics, the analytically obtained values of the kurtosis are in perfect agreement with those inferred from direct numerical simulations of the fNLSE, providing the long-awaited theoretical explanation of the respective rogue wave statistics. Additionally, the evolution of a particular nonbound state gas is considered, providing important insights related to the validity of the so-called virial theorem.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Connections between specific mental health diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder and primary substance use
Authors: Foster Gavin , Taylor David , Gough Stephanie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to use the database of consumers referred to the dual diagnosis shared care service to examine those connections. The Eastern Dual Diagnosis Service, based in Melbourne, Australia, has established a database of consumers with co-occurring mental health disorders and problematic substance use. An examination of mental health and substance-use information obtained over a two-year period in the delivery of dual diagnosis shared care to consumers of mental health services is supporting an improved understanding of substance use and the connections to specific mental health diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a quantitative approach to review the prevalence of primary substance use and mental health diagnoses for consumers referred to as dual diagnosis shared care. Reviewed are referrals from adult mental health community and rehabilitation teams operating within a mental health and well-being program between January 2019 and December 2020 inclusive.

Findings

Of the 387 clients referred to the specialist dual diagnosis shared care, methamphetamine, alcohol and cannabis are associated with 89.4% of the primary mental health diagnosis (PMHD). The most common PMHDs are schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder. The most common PMHD and substance-use connection was schizophrenia and methamphetamine. Nicotine was reported to be used by 84% of consumers and often occurred in addition to another problematic primary substance.

Originality/value

Improved dual diagnosis data collection from a community-based clinical mental health service is increasing understanding of the mental health and substance-use relationship. This is now providing clarity on routes of investigation into co-occurring mental health and problematic substance-use trends and guiding improved integrated treatments within a contemporary mental health setting.
Uses and gratifications of metaverse: understanding the user adoption factors through a mixed method approach
Authors: Natarajan Thamaraiselvan , Pragha P. , Dhalmahapatra Krantiraditya
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Technology 4.0 comes with a challenge to understand the degree of users’ willingness to adopt a digital transformation. Metaverse, being a digital transformation, enables real-world activities in the virtual environment, which attracts organizations to adopt the new fascinating technology. This paper thus explores the uses and gratification factors affecting user adoption and recommendation of metaverse from the management perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a mixed approach where structural topic modeling is used to analyze tweets about the metaverse, and the themes uncovered from structural topic modeling were further analyzed through data collection using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The analyses revealed that social interaction, escapism, convenient navigability, and telepresence significantly affect adoption intent and recommendation to use metaverse, while the trendiness showed insignificance. In the metaverse, users can embody avatars or digital representations, users can express themselves, communicate nonverbally, and interact with others in a more natural and intuitive manner.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research as it is the first of its kind to explore the factors affecting adoption intent and recommendation to use metaverse using Uses and Gratification theory in a mixed approach. Moreover, the authors performed a two-step study involving both qualitative and quantitative techniques, giving a new perspective to the metaverse-related study.
Interplay of mindfulness, psychological empowerment and ostracism: an empirical study in the university setting
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Taherdoost Hamed , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The objective of this research is to examine the connections between mindfulness, psychological empowerment and the manifestation of ostracism in the workplace, particularly instigated ostracism, among university professors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on data from 746 professors from a renowned university located in northern India. The researchers utilized pre-established scales to measure latent variables, and a seven-point Likert scale for evaluation purposes. The data were analyzed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

The results indicate a positive correlation between mindfulness and psychological empowerment, explaining 42.20% of its variance. Additionally, a negative correlation between psychological empowerment and workplace ostracism is observed, accounting for 1.70% and 5.20% of their variances, respectively. These findings suggest associations but do not imply causality, highlighting the need for further research to explore these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

Its focus on university professors limits the study’s insights from a specific region, potentially affecting the findings' generalizability. Future research should encompass a broader demographic and geographic range to enhance the applicability and relevance of the results across diverse academic contexts.

Practical implications

This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting a correlation between mindfulness and perceived psychological empowerment among university professors. It also suggests a potential association between psychological empowerment and reduced perceptions of the workplace and instigated ostracism. These preliminary findings, while not indicative of causality, could inform future research and the development of policies promoting mindfulness and empowerment in academic environments.

Originality/value

This study examines the correlations between mindfulness, psychological empowerment and ostracism within academic settings. It uniquely highlights the positive correlation between mindfulness and psychological empowerment and how this relates to reduced perceptions of workplace ostracism among university faculty. These findings suggest that universities could enhance work environments by focusing on these areas, potentially enriching higher education management practices.
Examining the effects of international mindedness among prospective teachers on intercultural competence in higher education institutions: an empirical analysis
Authors: Malik Kamran Hyder , Jamil Hazri , Ismail Aziah , Rind Gul Muhammad , Bhutto Sobia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this empirical study is to examine prospective teachers' international mindedness and intercultural competence, grounded in sociocultural theory. The research aims to understand the factors that foster these traits in prospective teachers and their significance in promoting competence in culturally diverse environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized structured equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation to analyze data from 425 participants of two higher education institutions. The participants were selected through simple random probability sampling. This methodology allowed the researchers to explore the relationship between international mindedness and intercultural competence in prospective teachers.

Findings

The results of the study demonstrated a positive correlation between international mindedness and intercultural competence in prospective teachers. The findings suggest that by cultivating international mindedness, educators can enhance their intercultural competence, thereby fostering more effective interactions in diverse settings.

Practical implications

The present research holds practical implications for teacher education programs and higher education institutions. By understanding how international mindedness impacts intercultural competence, educators can implement targeted interventions and training to nurture these traits among prospective teachers. This can lead to the creation of culturally inclusive learning environments, promoting mutual respect and appreciation of diversity among students.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its investigation of the link between international mindedness and intercultural competence in the context of prospective teachers enrolled in B.Ed. program in higher education institution. By establishing a causal relationship between these traits, the research adds to the understanding of how teachers can be prepared to engage effectively in culturally diverse classrooms. The findings hold value for educators and policymakers seeking to improve teaching practices and foster global citizenship among future educators and their students.
Negative rivalry in use: toward a knowledge-sharing perspective in the digital economy era
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Zhang Haoyun , Huang Zhiyong
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce and prove the existence of negative rivalry in use, which should be an integral part of goods taxonomy, from the perspective of knowledge sharing and further present the critical role of knowledge sharing in the digital economy era by reviewing the literature, theoretical analysis and real-world cases. It also aims to open a new door for re-recognizing knowledge sharing through an interdisciplinary framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proves the existence of negative rivalry through both theoretical analysis (4-E model) and real-world cases, especially the cases of Tesla and ChatGPT, and puts up new reasons for knowledge sharing in the era of digital economy through interdisciplinary methods.

Findings

The authors find out that there are many new phenomena beyond the spectrum of current goods taxonomy, especially beyond the priori understanding of rivalry in use. Digital platforms such as ChatGPT should have been “used up” in no time, for they have attracted so massive users according to (positive) rivalry in use, or should have been unchanged at most according to non-rivalry in use. But what we see is their rapid upgrading with the help of billions of users. The reason is that negative rivalry in use has completely been neglected. The authors find out that the process of knowledge sharing unveils the unrecognized attribute of rivalry in use, i.e. negative rivalry in use, which serves as the fundamental driving force of the breathtaking growth of all kinds of digital platforms.

Originality/value

This study originally put up a 4-E model of goods’ rivalry in use, the brand new term, i.e. negative rivalry in use, and proves its existence and working mechanism from the perspective of knowledge sharing. With the introduction of negative rivalry in use, the traditional four-type goods classification model is extended into a six-type model, which may be a sound marginal contribution, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. The study may reshape people’s mindsets on goods usage, especially knowledge management, into a more open-sharing model because it shows that there is very likely a positive-sum game instead of a zero- or negative-sum game for shared knowledge per se and its platform in the process of knowledge sharing in the era of digital economy.
Prevalence of cosmetic surgery and its relationship with psychosocial status: a population based study in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Authors: Abdullah Farman Zahir
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of cosmetic surgery and its relationship with the level of mental health and socioeconomic variables in Sulaymaniyah city in Iraq.

Design/methodology/approach

This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on 941 subjects who were selected using multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a checklist as well as a questionnaire. Data analysis was done using chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model using Stata software version 20.

Findings

The prevalence of cosmetic surgery was 13.4% (female: 17.5%; male: 8.2%). The most common types of cosmetic surgery were rhinoplasty (7.6%) in women and hair transplant (5.5%) in men. Overall, rhinoplasty (7.6%) was the most common type of cosmetic surgery among both groups. In total, the prevalence of having symptoms of mental disorders was 34.5% and it was significantly higher among people with a history of cosmetic surgery (65.1%) than those without any experience of having cosmetic surgery (29.8%) (p < 0.001). Being female (odds ratio [OR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–3.22), having mild symptoms of mental disorders (OR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.71–4.47) and having moderate or severe symptoms of mental disorders (OR = 7.48; 95% CI: 4.60–12.29) were among the important variables that could affect performing cosmetic surgery.

Originality/value

The prevalence of cosmetic surgery in Sulaymaniyah is high, and based on the findings of this study, gender and mental health status are effective factors in this regard. Designing targeted interventions is suggested with an emphasis on the findings of this study to reduce the rate of cosmetic surgeries.
Digital technologies' impacts on alleviation of poverty: a bibliometric review
Authors: Garg Nitin , Chaudhary Neeraj , Dalmia Priyanka
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Digital technologies have been found to have long-lasting impacts on poverty. This study has been conducted to shed light on the contributions made by digital technologies toward poverty alleviation and also provide future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors thoroughly studied the sample of 258 publications from the Scopus database, covering the period from 1982 to June 2023. Using VOS viewer and Bibliometrix R, various graphs and networks are developed to understand publication trends, research collaborations and intellectual structures.

Findings

A significant amount of the existing literature on the impact of digital technologies on poverty alleviation demonstrates the need for more studies in this area. Lack of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and access exhibits less opportunity for work, social networking and entrepreneurship, directly affecting people’s livelihoods in developing countries.

Practical implications

This study will help country planners, regulatory bodies and academicians get a deeper insight into the impact of digital technologies on poverty alleviation and also develop the future research agenda.

Originality/value

This study employs a considerable period of time, from the year 1982 to June 2023. To the best of authors’ knowledge, the current study is a pioneer in using bibliometric analysis to identify the impact of digital technologies on the alleviation of poverty. This attempt will surely be helpful to academicians, researchers and those working on identifying the impact of digital technology on poverty alleviation.
Food vloggers and their content: understanding pathways to consumer impact and purchase intentions
Authors: Nguyen Thi My Nguyet , Le Bao Ngoc , Leenders Mark A.A.M. , Poolsawat Pimpika
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand pathways to success for food video bloggers (food vloggers) by identifying the drivers of positive reception among audiences. It examines how entertainment, information and interaction values affect attitudes toward food videos and vloggers. Additionally, it investigates the potential for product placement by studying the effects of attitudes toward food videos and vloggers on consumers’ behavioral intention regarding purchasing featured food ingredients.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model informed by theories (uses and gratification and stimulus-organism-response) was developed. An online survey was administered to 339 Vietnamese social media users. The data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that food videos’ entertainment and information value positively impact the attitude toward food videos. However, the interaction value does not have a significant impact. All three values (entertainment value, information value and interaction) impact the attitude toward food vloggers. Both attitudes significantly influence purchase intention, showing that there is a pathway to product placement. The frequency of social media use can moderate these relationships, with a negative effect on the attitude toward food videos and a positive effect on the attitude toward food vloggers.

Originality/value

These findings provide insights into vlogger success pathways, not only in terms of audience reception but also in terms of product placement. This study offers comprehensive suggestions on pathways for success that are interesting for vloggers, food business operators, restaurant managers and audiences on how to design effective food videos and potentially encourage consumer purchases. These pathways can also be valuable for other behaviors, such as food safety advice and food waste reduction.
Determining the factor levels for a green supply chain using response surface methodology based discrete event simulation
Authors: Dosdoğru Ayşe Tuğba , Buruk Sahin Yeliz , Göçken Mustafa , Boru İpek Aslı
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to optimize the levels of factors for a green supply chain (GSC) while concurrently gaining valuable insights into the dynamic interrelationships among several factors, leading to reductions in CO2 emissions and the maximization of the average service level, thereby enhancing overall supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Response surface methodology (RSM) is employed as a technique for multiple response optimization. This study uses a supply chain simulation model that includes decision variables related to the level of inventory control parameters and vehicle capacity. The desirability approach is adopted to achieve optimization objectives by focusing on minimizing CO2 emissions and maximizing service levels while simultaneously determining the optimum levels of considered decision variables.

Findings

The high R2 values of 97.38% for CO2 and 97.28% for service level, along with adjusted R2 values reasonably close to predicted values, affirm the models' capability to predict responses accurately. Key significant model terms for CO2 encompassed reorder point, order up to quantity, vehicle capacity, and their interaction effects, while service level is notably influenced by reorder point, order up to quantity, and their interaction effects. The study successfully achieved a high level of desirability value of %99.1 and the validated performance levels confirmed that the results fall within the prediction interval.

Originality/value

This study introduces a metamodel framework designed to optimize various design parameters for a GSC combining discrete event simulation (DES) and RSM in the form of a simulation optimization model. In contrast to the literature, the current study offers an exhaustive and in-depth analysis of the structural elements of the supply chain, particularly the inventory control parameters and vehicle capacity, which are crucial for comprehending its performance and environmental impact.
Quantifying direct and indirect effects of early‐season herbivory on reproduction across four brassicaceous plant species
Authors: Mertens Daan , Douma Jacob C. , Kamps Bram B. J. , Zhu Yunsheng , Zwartsenberg Sophie A. , Poelman Erik H.
Published: May 2024

Insect herbivores can directly affect plant reproduction by feeding on reproductive tissues, or indirectly by feeding on vegetative tissues for which plants are unable to compensate. Additionally, early arriving herbivores may have cascading effects on plant reproduction by altering the later arriving community. However, the dynamic interplay between plant development and the assembly of herbivore communities remains underexplored. Hence, it is unclear whether non‐outbreak levels of ambient herbivory early in the development of plants can impact plant fitness and to what extent these effects are mediated through changes in plant development and subsequent herbivory.

By excluding the herbivore community in an exclosure experiment and by manipulating early‐season herbivory in a common garden field experiment replicated across four Brassicaceae species and 2 years, we tested whether early‐season herbivory by caterpillars (Pieris rapae) or aphids (Myzus persicae) affected development, reproduction, and the herbivore communities associated with individual plants. In addition, we tested a causal hypothesis to assess the relative importance and temporal interplay between variation in herbivore communities and variation in plant development in determining plant reproduction.

Early‐season herbivory affected plant reproduction in the exclosure experiment, with effects being highly dependent on the plant species, the herbivore species and the year. However, we found no such effects in the field experiment. The exploratory path analysis indicated that variation in plant reproduction is best predicted by variation in plant development, explaining 80% of the total effect on seed production. This suggests early‐season herbivory had limited effects on later plant development, and plants were able to attenuate the impact of early‐season herbivory. However, no clear compensatory mechanism could be identified.

While early‐season herbivory has the potential to affect plant reproduction through changes in plant development or the subsequent development of the associated community, these effects were small and varied across closely related species. This suggests that plant species may be exposed to different levels of natural selection by early‐season herbivores through plant‐ or community‐mediated effects on reproduction.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The great tit HapMap project: A continental‐scale analysis of genomic variation in a songbird
Authors: Spurgin Lewis G. , Bosse Mirte , Adriaensen Frank , Albayrak Tamer , Barboutis Christos , Belda Eduardo , Bushuev Andrey , Cecere Jacopo G. , Charmantier Anne , Cichon Mariusz , Dingemanse Niels J. , Doligez Blandine , Eeva Tapio , Erikstad Kjell Einar , Fedorov Vyacheslav , Griggio Matteo , Heylen Dieter , Hille Sabine , Hinde Camilla A. , Ivankina Elena , Kempenaers Bart , Kerimov Anvar , Krist Milos , Kvist Laura , Laine Veronika N. , Mänd Raivo , Matthysen Erik , Nager Ruedi , Nikolov Boris P. , Norte Ana Claudia , Orell Markku , Ouyang Jenny , Petrova‐Dinkova Gergana , Richner Heinz , Rubolini Diego , Slagsvold Tore , Tilgar Vallo , Török János , Tschirren Barbara , Vágási Csongor I. , Yuta Teru , Groenen Martien A. M. , Visser Marcel E. , van Oers Kees , Sheldon Ben C. , Slate Jon
Published: May 2024

A major aim of evolutionary biology is to understand why patterns of genomic diversity vary within taxa and space. Large‐scale genomic studies of widespread species are useful for studying how environment and demography shape patterns of genomic divergence. Here, we describe one of the most geographically comprehensive surveys of genomic variation in a wild vertebrate to date; the great tit (Parus major) HapMap project. We screened ca 500,000 SNP markers across 647 individuals from 29 populations, spanning ~30 degrees of latitude and 40 degrees of longitude – almost the entire geographical range of the European subspecies. Genome‐wide variation was consistent with a recent colonisation across Europe from a South‐East European refugium, with bottlenecks and reduced genetic diversity in island populations. Differentiation across the genome was highly heterogeneous, with clear ‘islands of differentiation’, even among populations with very low levels of genome‐wide differentiation. Low local recombination rates were a strong predictor of high local genomic differentiation (FST), especially in island and peripheral mainland populations, suggesting that the interplay between genetic drift and recombination causes highly heterogeneous differentiation landscapes. We also detected genomic outlier regions that were confined to one or more peripheral great tit populations, probably as a result of recent directional selection at the species' range edges. Haplotype‐based measures of selection were related to recombination rate, albeit less strongly, and highlighted population‐specific sweeps that likely resulted from positive selection. Our study highlights how comprehensive screens of genomic variation in wild organisms can provide unique insights into spatio‐temporal evolutionary dynamics.
The impact of organisation capital on inventory efficiency
Authors: Li Tongxia , Lu Chun , Xu Lei
Published: May 2024

This study examines the influence of organisation capital on inventory efficiency. While the importance of human capital in enhancing operational efficiency is widely recognised, the effect of organisation capital has not been well documented in existing research. Our findings reveal a positive effect of organisation capital on inventory efficiency. We also identify underlying mechanisms that contribute to the positive impact of organisation capital on inventory efficiency. These include increased innovation, improved employee orientation and reduced financial constraints. Furthermore, our analysis shows that organisation capital strengthens the positive relation between inventory efficiency and firm performance.
Longer light‐curing time decreases the effect of ageing on composite resin hardness used in root reinforcement
Authors: Teixeira Cleonice da Silveira , Vitali Filipe Colombo , Bortoluzzi Eduardo Antunes , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the hardness of a composite resin used for root reinforcement, considering the light‐curing time, root canal region and ageing due to long‐term storage. Twenty incisor roots were reinforced using composite resin, varying the photopolymerisation time (40 or 120 s). Following fibre post cementation, the roots were transversely sectioned into coronal, middle and apical regions. Composite hardness was measured initially and after 18 months of water storage. Data underwent repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests. The factors ‘light‐curing time’, ‘root region’ and ‘ageing’ affected the hardness. Significant interactions were observed between ‘light‐curing time × root region’ and ‘ageing × light‐curing time’. Regardless of time, resin hardness in the apical region was lower. After ageing, hardness in the coronal and middle regions decreased when the light‐curing time was 40 s, while no significant effect on hardness was noted with a light‐curing time of 120 s.
The key to organizational democracy and corporate sustainability?—The role of employee shareholder associations in German listed companies
Authors: Steger Thomas
Published: May 2024

Employee shareholder associations (ESAs) have emerged as a novel, and widely underestimated actor in the European corporate arena, established to collect and pool the shares and voting power held by a company's employees. As such, they parallel existing institutions for employee representation, potentially empowering employees in their role as shareholders and possibly even providing a counterweight to traditional company owners. Unfortunately, we know little about the actual functioning, the inner workings, and, particularly, the ESAs' contributions to date. To address these shortcomings this paper explores the limitations but also the potential of ESAs in large, German listed companies to contribute to employee share ownership (ESO), to organizational democracy (OD), and to corporate sustainability (CS). Our findings show that, as far as ESOs and OD are concerned, in the specific German context, ESAs usually do not offer alternatives to (or even to compete with) existing employee representation but are instead rather dependent on cooperation with them. Regarding CS, any contribution here is closely linked to the ESAs' own principles and depends on the extent to which the ESA management takes them seriously and prioritizes them over other objectives.
Development of a colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection training model that simulates respiratory movements
Authors: Ueda Hiroki , Misumi Yoshitsugu , Nonaka Kouichi
Published: May 2024

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The acute effect of exercise on the endothelial glycocalyx in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Saz‐Lara Alicia , Cavero‐Redondo Iván , del Saz‐Lara Andrea , Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez Eva , Bizzozero‐Peroni Bruno , Pascual‐Morena Carlos
Published: May 2024

Background

In recent years, it has been demonstrated that when the endothelial glycocalyx, composed of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins, is altered or modified, this property is lost, playing a fundamental role in cardiovascular pathologies. Cardiovascular risk factors can destroy the endothelial glycocalyx layer. Exercise has a positive effect on cardiovascular risk factors, but little is known about its direct effect on the integrity of the endothelial layer.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched from their inception to June 30, 2022. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to compute pooled effect size estimates and their respective 95% confidence intervals for the acute effect of exercise (within 24 h) on the endothelial glycocalyx and its components in healthy adults.

Results

Ten studies were included in the meta‐analysis, with a total of 252 healthy subjects. The types of exercise included were resistance training, interval training, resistance training and maximal incremental exercise, with a duration range of 30–60 min. Glycocalyx assessment times included ranged from 0 to 90 min post‐exercise. Our findings showed that endothelial glycocalyx increases after acute effect of exercise in healthy population (.56, 95% CI: .38, .74). The acute effect of exercise on endothelial glycocalyx components were .47 (95% CIs: .27, .67) for glycosaminoglycans, .67 (95% CIs: .08, 1.26) for proteoglycans and .61 (95% CIs: .35, .86) for glycoproteins.

Conclusions

In a healthy population, various types of exercise showed an acute improvement of the endothelial glycocalyx and its individual components.
Effect of the host plant on the life history, behaviour and fungal community of a fungus‐farming ambrosia beetle
Authors: Melet Antoine , Biedermann Peter H. W.
Published: May 2024

Although there are benefits to being a generalist, the majority of herbivorous insects are diet specialists. This raises the question whether the ability to reproduce on various host plants hides an unknown ecological optimum. Our study investigated the existence of such an ecological optimum in the fungus‐farming ambrosia beetle, Xyleborinus saxesenii Ratzeburg (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

We hypothesised that X. saxesenii may exhibit higher fitness in specific hosts that are particularly abundant in their respective regions. To test this hypothesis, we bred X. saxesenii from a broadleaved forest population in semi‐artificial media mimicking either a coniferous or a broadleaved host‐tree species. As trade‐offs between different traits can occur, we examined various aspects of the life history, social behaviour and fungal symbionts of X. saxesenii.

We found that dispersing females did not exhibit any preference, and that the host tree did not have any impact on life history parameters or larval and adult behaviours. The fungal community associated with the species was made up of identical fungal species, albeit with different relative abundances between host trees. Our findings indicate that X. saxesenii does not exhibit a specific adaptation to the most abundant host trees in its native habitat. However, we identified significant effects of laboratory breeding on life history traits, social behaviour and adult dispersal.

This generalism in host use in combination with inbreeding mating system may be the main drivers of the invasion success of the Eurasian X. saxesenii, which is currently among the most prevalent and widely distributed ambrosia beetle species worldwide.
Subchondral cystic lesions of distal phalanx in young and mature horses: A new surgical option
Authors: Ravanetti Paolo , Zucca Enrica
Published: May 2024

Background

The outcome of conservative treatment for subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) of the distal phalanx may be poor, and surgical approach through the hoof may be challenging.

Objectives

To describe the use of an absorbable device to treat SCLs of the distal phalanx, regardless of cyst location, that eliminates lameness and stimulates bone healing in both young and mature horses.

Study design

Clinical case series.

Methods

Five young horses and five mature horses presented with an SCL of the distal phalanx causing lameness. Only rest and medical treatment were previously attempted. An absorbable screw was inserted in all horses after transcortical debridement of the SCL. Follow‐up data were obtained from the official electronic database.

Results

All horses returned to athletic activity after surgical treatment. In two patients, surgical complication was recorded.

Main limitations

The low number of patients, the need for dedicated instruments and the lack of familiarity with the use of absorbable devices to perform surgical procedures.

Conclusions

The insertion of an absorbable device can be considered a valid surgical option for treating subchondral cystic lesions of the distal phalanx.
Enhanced rock weathering increased soil phosphorus availability and altered root phosphorus‐acquisition strategies
Authors: Bi Boyuan , Li Guochen , Goll Daniel S. , Lin Luxiang , Chen Hui , Xu Tongtong , Chen Qiong , Li Chenlu , Wang Xing , Hao Zhanqing , Fang Yunting , Yuan Zuoqiang , Lambers Hans
Published: May 2024

Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) has been proposed as a measure to enhance the carbon (C)‐sequestration potential and fertility of soils. The effects of this practice on the soil phosphorus (P) pools and the general mechanisms affecting microbial P cycling, as well as plant P uptake are not well understood. Here, the impact of ERW on soil P availability and microbial P cycling functional groups and root P‐acquisition traits were explored through a 2‐year wollastonite field addition experiment in a tropical rubber plantation. The results show that ERW significantly increased soil microbial carbon‐use efficiency and total P concentrations and indirectly increased soil P availability by enhancing organic P mobilization and mineralization of rhizosheath carboxylates and phosphatase, respectively. Also, ERW stimulated the activities of P‐solubilizing (gcd, ppa and ppx) and mineralizing enzymes (phoADN and phnAPHLFXIM), thus contributing to the inorganic P solubilization and organic P mineralization. Accompanying the increase in soil P availability, the P‐acquisition strategy of the rubber fine roots changed from do‐it‐yourself acquisition by roots to dependence on mycorrhizal collaboration and the release of root exudates. In addition, the direct effects of ERW on root P‐acquisition traits (such as root diameter, specific root length, and mycorrhizal colonization rate) may also be related to changes in the pattern of belowground carbon investments in plants. Our study provides a new insight that ERW increases carbon‐sequestration potential and P availability in tropical forests and profoundly affects belowground plant resource‐use strategies.