bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do competitive strategies affect working capital management efficiency?
Authors: Habib Ahmed Mohamed , Yang Guo-liang , Cui Yuan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines the effects of CLS and DS on companies' WCME and analyses the differences in WCME at company and market levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the DEA approach, regression, differences, and additional analyses to achieve its objectives. This study employs 235 non-financial companies and 1,175 company-year observations from eight active industries in the United States from 2016 to 2020.

Findings

The findings indicate that CLS and DS strategies positively influence companies' WCME. Additionally, WCME differed across size categories and industries, with large companies and those operating in the communication services industry showing better WCME. By contrast, WCME did not differ between the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

This study scrutinizes the impact of CLS and DS strategies on companies' WCME to bridge the gap in this field. It extends the investigation of competitive strategies as explanatory variables for a company's WCME and examines the differences in companies' WCME at the company and market levels, which may assist decision-makers in improving their strategies and efficiencies for continuous improvement.

Originality/value

This study enhances current knowledge by uncovering the influence of CLS and DS strategies on improving companies' WCME, an underexplored topic. It also explores companies' WCME trends and patterns regarding company size, industry type, and the pandemic period to draw interesting conclusions about the essence of WCME.
The relationship between professional moral courage and individual characteristics among emergency medical services providers
Authors: Shokouhi Mohammad Reza , Torabi Mohammad , Salimi Rasoul , Hajiloo Parisa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are often faced with a range of ethical dilemmas in their line of work that require moral courage to make a quick and ethical decision. The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of professional moral courage (PMC) in EMS providers and its relationship with their demographic characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2022, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 175 EMS providers at the Hamadan Emergency Medical Center. The study utilized an available sampling method. Data was collected using a demographic information form and Sekerka's moral courage questionnaire, which was distributed electronically. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 26 software with descriptive and analytic tests.

Findings

According to the findings, the average age of the participants was 34.57 ± 3.46 years. The majority of participants were married (50.3%), had work experience ranging from 8 to 14 years (49.7%), and held a degree in emergency medicine (52.6%). The participants displayed a high level of PMC, with an average score of 62.5 ± 8.14. Notably, age, work experience, educational level, and employment status were all found to have a significant relationship with moral courage (p < 0.05) among the demographic characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The study has a limitation in terms of the sampling method employed, which may impact the generalizability of the results. Another limitation, by a narrow margin, is that the sample size is smaller than what was estimated. Furthermore, using various measurement tools to assess PMC might lead to varying outcomes. Consequently, it is recommended that future research incorporates random sampling and devises a dedicated psychometric instrument to assess the PMC of EMS providers.

Originality/value

The results revealed a positive correlation between work experience and PMC among providers. This can be attributed to the challenges and outcomes they have encountered throughout their careers. Moreover, EMS providers with higher educational qualifications and job stability demonstrated higher levels of moral courage.
Work-life balance, job satisfaction and turnover intentions among nurses
Authors: Gautam Prakash Kumar , Gautam Dhruba Kumar , Bhetuwal Rakshya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the role of work–life balance (WLB) experiences and job satisfaction on turnover intentions (TI) among nurses working in private sector hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed the analytical research design with a self-administered questionnaire survey using a five-point Likert scale. Responses from 386 nurses working in different positions in private sector hospitals were collected. The collected data were examined using descriptive and inferential statistics using structural equation modelling. Data validation, path coefficient analysis and a mediation effect test were conducted using Smart PLS 4 with a 5% significance level. WLB was examined with three dimensions: work interference with personal life, personal life interference with work and work–personal life enhancement.

Findings

The study established a significant relationship between personal life interference with work and work–personal life enhancement with job satisfaction. Also, the result revealed a significant negative relationship between interferences of WLB and TI. The study also established a partial and full mediation of job satisfaction about two WLB dimensions with TI.

Originality/value

This research suggests emphasizing WLB and job satisfaction to discourage TI. This research can be used by managers and policymakers alike to improve the scenario and take measures accordingly. This study also provides theoretical implications based on the boundary theory.
Microstructure, corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of laser cladded NiTi–xAl2O3 coatings in 3.5%NaCl solution
Authors: Chenglong Yang , Dejun Kong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Al2O3 mass fraction on the corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of NiTi coating in 3.5% NaCl solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The NiTi–xAl2O3 coatings were fabricated on S355 steel by laser cladding, and their corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance were investigated using a wear tester and electrochemical workstation, respectively.

Findings

The wear rates of NiTi–5%Al2O3, –10%Al2O3 and –15%Al2O3 coatings are 82.33, 54.23 and 30.10 µm3 mm−1 N−1, respectively, showing that the wear resistance of NiTi–15%Al2O3 coating is the best. The wear mechanism is abrasive wear, which is attributed to the increase of coating hardness by the Al2O3 addition. The polarization resistance of NiTi–5%Al2O3, –10%Al2O3 and –15%Al2O3 coatings is 3,639, 5,125 and 10,024 O cm2, respectively, exhibiting that the NiTi–15% Al2O3 coating has the best corrosion resistance.

Originality/value

The roles of Al2O3 in the corrosive-wear and electrochemical performance of NiTi–xAl2O3 coating were revealed through the experimental investigation.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0044/
Investigating tax risk’s influence on tax avoidance and debt costs: evidence from France
Authors: Guedrib Mouna , Hamdi Zeineb
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of tax avoidance on the cost of debt. It also investigates the effect of tax risk on the relationship between tax avoidance and the cost of debt.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hypotheses are tested on a sample of nonfinancial French firms listed in the société des Bources Françaises 120 index from 2010 to 2022 using the feasible generalized least squares. To ensure the robustness of the findings, the authors changed the measures of tax avoidance and tax risk and used instrumental variable regression to effectively address concerns related to endogeneity. Additional analysis is conducted to examine if the relationship between tax avoidance and the cost of debt varies based on the magnitude of tax risk.

Findings

The authors found that tax avoidance negatively affects the cost of debt. However, when tax avoidance is associated with a high risk, it impacts positively the cost of debt.

Practical implications

This study’s findings are relevant to firms, creditors and French lawmakers. Creditors must make their decision to grant credit based simultaneously on proxies of tax avoidance and tax risk. Managers must effectively manage tax risks to protect their financial decisions, urging French policymakers to implement new regulations on corporate tax risk management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to have investigated the joint impact of tax avoidance and tax risk on the cost of debt in the French context.
SME project: an approach to maintaining student engagement during online learning
Authors: Sagala Gaffar Hafiz , Dongoran Faisal Rahman , Syah Dedy Husrizal
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed educational practices due to the intense use of information technology for teaching and learning. That phenomenon presents challenges for lecturers in higher education establishments because student engagement is threatened during online interactions. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the SME project for maintaining student engagement during online learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a quasi-experimental method involving experimental and control groups. Researchers collect quantitative and qualitative data to obtain comprehensive information. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and open coding were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The research used a quasi-experimental method involving experimental and control groups. Researchers collected quantitative and qualitative data using an electronic questionnaire to obtain comprehensive information. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and open coding were used to analyze the data.

Originality/value

This study provides the educational community with a new insight into optimizing PBL in the online learning environment. Qualified PBL, as practiced by educators, will lead to student engagement, which leads to meaningful learning.
Artificial intelligence as an enabler for entrepreneurial finance: a practical guide to AI-driven video pitch evaluation for entrepreneurs and investors
Authors: Giuggioli Guglielmo , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Giannone Giorgio
Published: June 2024

Purpose

While different attempts have been made to use artificial intelligence (AI) to codify communicative behaviors and analyze startups’ video presentations in relation to crowdfunding projects, less is known about other forms of access to entrepreneurial finance, such as video pitches for candidacies into startup accelerators and incubators. This research seeks to demonstrate how AI can enable the startup selection process for both entrepreneurs and investors in terms of video pitch evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

An AI startup (Speechannel) was used to predict the outcomes of startup video presentations by analyzing text, audio, and video data from 294 video pitches sent to a leading European startup accelerator (LUISS EnLabs). 7 investors were also interviewed in Silicon Valley to establish the differences between humans and machines.

Findings

This research proves that AI has profound implications with regards to the decision-making process related to fundraising and, in particular, the video pitches of startup accelerators and incubators. Successful entrepreneurs are confident (but not overconfident), engaging in terms of speaking quickly (but also clearly), and emotional (but not overemotional).

Practical implications

This study not only fills the existing research gap but also provides a practical guide on AI-driven video pitch evaluation for entrepreneurs and investors, reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurial finance thanks to AI. On the one hand, entrepreneurs could use this knowledge to modify their behaviors, enabling them to increase their likelihood of being financially backed. On the other hand, investors could use these insights to better rationalize their funding decisions, enabling them to select the most promising startups.

Originality/value

This paper makes a significant contribution by bridging the gap between theoretical research and the practical application of AI in entrepreneurial finance, marking a notable advancement in this field. At a theoretical level, it contributes to research on managerial decision-making processes – particularly those related to the analysis of video presentations in a fundraising context. At a practical level, it offers a model that we called the “AI-enabled video pitch evaluation”, which is used to extract features from the video pitches of startup accelerators and incubators and predict an entrepreneurial project’s success.
Target area treatment ratio of varied lesions in the cultured pure melanocyte transplantation repigmentation of vitiligo: A retrospective study
Authors: Lin Fuquan , Wang Yunxia , Zheng Yujie , Hong Weisong , Fu Lifang , Zhou Miaoni , Xu Aie
Published: June 2024

Autologous cultured pure melanocyte transplantation (CMT) can be utilized to treat stable vitiligo cases, but clinical data are insufficient to improve its efficacy. To evaluate the influence of various factors on the therapeutic effect of CMT, this single‐center retrospective study enrolled stable vitiligo patients who underwent CMT between 2009 and 2020. Univariate and multivariable analysis were used to determine the factors affecting the outcome of repigmentation. The study included 491 patients with long‐term follow‐up data (6–120 months). It was found that 69.7% of patients achieved an excellent re‐color effect and 18.4% achieved a good re‐color effect. There were statistically significant differences in pigmentation between patients with stable disease course, vitiligo type, and lesion site. Overall, a significant positive correlation between the target area treatment ratio of varied lesions and the percentage of repigmentation was found. CMT is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of stable vitiligo. Various factors, especially the target area treatment ratio of varied lesions, should be carefully assessed before using CMT. As the target area treatment ratio of varied lesions could further improve the post‐operative repigmentation other than type of vitiligo. This clinic trial was approved by Hangzhou Third People's Hospital (number 2023KA015, national clinical record number MR‐33‐23‐034502).
Digital peacebuilding in post‐conflict Colombia – A conceptual framework
Authors: Ryan‐Mosley Tate
Published: June 2024

This article proposes a preliminary conceptual framework that integrates digitality, or the condition of being digital, with existing frameworks of peacebuilding and post‐conflict reconstruction. It builds on existing literature about how the Internet impacts social capital, polarization, participation, and conflict as well as traditional conflict research that examines stability post‐conflict. The framework is designed to evaluate the impact of digitality, which I treat as the independent variable, on six societal factors relevant to post‐conflict civil society, which I treat as dependent variables. I hypothesize that these effects are meaningful for outcomes of social capital, reintegration, and justice in post‐conflict civil society and find that digitality meaningfully changes post‐conflict civil society. Finally, I recommend that policymakers tailor a peacebuilding approach to a digital world.
Climate change and security narratives in Colombia
Authors: Yoss Will , Reust Benjamin L.
Published: June 2024

In September of 2022, Gustavo Petro presented an alternative vision of the future of Colombia from that which Colombian administrations have pursued for the past two decades. In his speech to the United Nations, Petro called for an end to the irrational war on drugs and described the drug epidemic as a symptom of significant societal failures. Petro directed his criticism at Plan Colombia, a counternarcotics security strategy, speaking directly about vital elements such as the aerial eradication program. Although Plan Colombia has ended, the United States continues to provide significant financial support to the Colombian government to fund its counter narcotics mission. Is Petro serious about ending the counternarcotics mission in Colombia? Given the political climate, should the United States change its policy approach in Colombia? This article argues that despite an increased use of narratives about climate change and a declining relevance of security narratives, US funding for security has remained constant. Our findings suggest that the United States uses aid as a hard power tool to ensure that certain strategic interests are met irrespective of the political climate.
Austria: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: PRAPROTNIK KATRIN
Published: June 2024

In 2023, Austria continued to experience low levels of democratic satisfaction. This was particularly beneficial for the populist right‐wing Freedom Party of Austria/Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs (FPÖ) in regional elections and opinion polls, as well as for parties not previously represented in the federal Parliament. After the regional elections in Lower Austria and Salzburg, the FPÖ assumed government responsibility and entered a coalition with the Austrian People's Party/Österreichische Volkspartei in both states. Approval ratings for the governing parties remained low. The Social Democratic Party of Austria/Sozialdemokratische Partei Österreichs concluded its long‐standing internal directional debate with a change in leadership, albeit accompanied by mishaps. In terms of domestic policy, parties were able to reach a consensus, particularly on the abolition of official secrecy.
Population‐genetic and comparative interpopulation studies of the 15 autosomal STR markers in the population living in the Northwest of Iran
Authors: Haddadan Saeed Ghadimi , Babaei Esmaeil , Setareh Mehrdad
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Iran, a country in the Middle East, has several ethnic and ethno‐religious groups and needs its own ethnic‐specific databases for the forensic statistical parameters and allele frequency of STR markers.

Methods

We have investigated 600 unrelated Turk individuals from four northwestern provinces of Iran using the Identifiler™ system (TPOX, FGA, vWA, TH01, CSF1PO, D2S1338, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, and D21S11). Furthermore, STR allelic frequencies were compared to previously population‐based data.

Results and conclusion

After Bonferroni correction, deviation from Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was observed in the FGA, TPOX, VWA, and D19S433 loci (P value < 0.05). The combined power of discrimination (CPD) and exclusion (CPE) values for all 15 STR loci were 0.9999999999999999999984 and 0.9999999, respectively. In comparison with Azerbaijani and Turkish populations, there were no significant differences on all STR markers. However, in the Chinese Han population, differences at 13 STR loci were detected. Additionally, comparisons of Fischer genetic distance indices (FST) P‐values did not reveal any statistically significant difference between Northwestern Iran, Azerbaijan and Iran (Fars) populations. PCA and PCoA analyses showed that our population was grouped with different populations in different quarters, showing a positive and negative correlation, respectively. In the NJ and UPGMA phylogenetic trees, Iranian populations were grouped together. These results demonstrated that the given set of STR markers can be confidently used for all identification tests in Northwestern Iran.
In silico assessment of the reliability and performance of artificial sphincter for urinary incontinence
Authors: Mascolini Maria Vittoria , Carniel Emanuele Luigi
Published: June 2024

Background

The standard artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is an implantable device for the treatment of urinary incontinence by applying a pressure loading around the urethra through an inflatable cuff, often inducing no‐physiological stimulation up to tissue degenerative phenomena. A novel in silico approach is proposed to fill the gap of the traditional procedures by providing tools to quantitatively assess AUS reliability and performance based on AUS‐urethra interaction.

Methods

The approach requires the development of 3D numerical models of AUS and urethra, and experimental investigations to define their mechanical behaviors. Computational analyses are performed to simulate the urethral lumen occlusion by AUS inflation under different pressures, and the lumen opening by applying an intraluminal pressure progressively increased under the AUS action (Abaqus Explicit solver). The AUS reliability is evaluated in terms of tissue stimulation by the mechanical fields potentially responsible for vasoconstriction and tissue damage, while the performance by the intraluminal pressure that causes the lumen opening for a specific occlusive pressure, showing the maximum urethral pressure for which continence is guaranteed.

Results

The present study implemented the procedure considering the gold standard AMS 800 and a novel patented AUS. Results provided the comparison between two sphincteric devices and the evaluation of the influence of different building materials and geometrical features on the AUS functionality.

Conclusions

The approach was developed for the AUS, but it could be adapted also to artificial sphincters for the treatment of other anatomical dysfunctions, widening the analyzable device configurations and reducing experimental and ethical efforts.
Greater physical fitness (VO2max) in healthy older adults associated with increased integrity of the locus coeruleus–noradrenergic system
Authors: Plini Emanuele R. G. , Melnychuk Michael C. , Andrews Ralph , Boyle Rory , Whelan Robert , Spence Jeffrey S. , Chapman Sandra B. , Robertson Ian H. , Dockree Paul M.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Physical activity (PA) is a key component for brain health and Reserve, and it is among the main dementia protective factors. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning Reserve are not fully understood. In this regard, a noradrenergic (NA) theory of cognitive reserve (Robertson, 2013) has proposed that the upregulation of NA system might be a key factor for building reserve and resilience to neurodegeneration because of the neuroprotective role of NA across the brain. PA elicits an enhanced catecholamine response, in particular for NA. By increasing physical commitment, a greater amount of NA is synthetised in response to higher oxygen demand. More physically trained individuals show greater capabilities to carry oxygen resulting in greater – a measure of oxygen uptake and physical fitness (PF).

Methods

We hypothesized that greater would be related to greater Locus Coeruleus (LC) MRI signal intensity. In a sample of 41 healthy subjects, we performed Voxel‐Based Morphometry analyses, then repeated for the other neuromodulators as a control procedure (Serotonin, Dopamine and Acetylcholine).

Results

As hypothesized, greater related to greater LC signal intensity, and weaker associations emerged for the other neuromodulators.

Conclusion

This newly established link between and LC–NA system offers further understanding of the neurobiology underpinning Reserve in relationship to PA. While this study supports Robertson's theory proposing the upregulation of the NA system as a possible key factor building Reserve, it also provides ground for increasing LC–NA system resilience to neurodegeneration via enhancement.
Utility of visualization and quantification of surgical techniques using motion analysis software for thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Tamagawa Satoru , Matsuura Yosuke , Ichinose Junji , Nakao Masayuki , Okumura Sakae , Satoh Yukitoshi , Mun Mingyon
Published: June 2024

In this era of endoscopic surgery, feedback from recorded surgical videos is useful and efficient; therefore, effective methods of obtaining this feedback are needed. We analyzed surgical videos using motion analysis software and verified the usefulness of visualizing and objectively evaluating surgical procedures. We measured the grasping and traction angles of the vascular sheath when using forceps and the trajectory of the forceps tip for the upper pulmonary vein during right upper lobectomy during video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery performed by three trainers and trainees. Compared with the trainers, the trainees exhibited insufficient traction of the vascular sheath, performed many slow and unnecessary manipulations, and sometimes performed sudden and fast movements. By visualizing the surgical procedures, the trainee will be better able to identify dangerous or futile movements. It may also make it easier to objectively recognize improvements in one's technique. Motion analysis software could allow for efficient surgical education and self‐learning.
Effect of milking time on yield, composition, and antimicrobial components of milk in lactating goats
Authors: Liang Zi‐Long , Nii Takahiro , Suzuki Naoki , Tsugami Yusaku , Sugino Toshihisa , Isobe Naoki
Published: June 2024

Various studies have attempted to improve the milk yield and composition in dairy animals. However, no study has examined the effects of milking at different times on milk yield and composition. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the yield, composition, and antimicrobial components of milk obtained from milking at different times in lactating goats. Eight goats were milked once daily at different times for three consecutive weeks (first week: 06:00 h; second week: 09:00 h; and third week: 12:00 h). The light ranged from 06:30 to 19:00 h. Milk and blood samples were collected once a day during milking time. Milking at 09:00 h resulted in a significantly higher milk yield than that obtained after milking at 06:00 and 12:00 h. Prolactin levels in plasma and the fat, Na+, β‐defensin, and S100A7 (antimicrobial component) levels in milk were the lowest in the 09:00 h milking. These results indicate that milk yield, composition, and antimicrobial components can be affected by milking time, which may be related to the altered concentration of prolactin in the blood. These findings provide a rational basis for achieving maximal milk production with strong immunity by changing to a more effective milking time.
“Money does not understand disability”: Barriers to microfinance for people with disabilities in Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Debashis
Published: June 2024

Due to limited access to affordable financial products and services, many people with disabilities experience social exclusion and struggle to secure their financial well‐being. While microfinance has been widely used in Bangladesh for more than three decades as a tool to reduce poverty and empower people living in poverty, few people with disabilities have had access to microfinance services. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify the barriers and challenges that people with disabilities experience to access microfinance in Bangladesh. Drawing on a qualitative case study approach, the findings of a thematic analysis show that people with disabilities experience significant barriers in accessing microfinance such as stigma against people with disabilities, stringent credit conditions, negative staff attitudes, insufficient training, and the absence of an integrated approach. The research suggests that inclusive policies and their effective implementation are vital to ensure that people with disabilities have access to financial resources so that they could work to enjoy greater socio‐economic independence and contribute equally to society with others.
Time to optimize vaccination strategies in blood cancer patients
Authors: Muhsen Ibrahim N. , Heslop Helen E.
Published: June 2024

Immune response to vaccinations is dampened in patients with indolent lymphomas due to disease and treatment‐related factors. The study by Lim et al. demonstrated impaired humoral response but intact cellular response to the SARS‐CoV2 vaccine in patients with follicular lymphoma receiving front‐line therapy. The results highlight the importance of several factors in predicting immune response to vaccination and provide estimates of immune response for different clinical scenarios and treatment points.

Commentary on: Lim et al. Immunogenicity of COVID‐19 vaccines in patients with follicular lymphoma receiving frontline chemoimmunotherapy. Br J Haematol 2024;205:440‐451.
‘At Least I Get a Glimpse’: South African Patients' Perspectives on Getting to Know Their Therapists
Authors: Long Carol
Published: June 2024

The process of psychotherapy invites the patient to explore their mind and the mind of the other but does so in the context of a therapeutic relationship in which the therapist is at least partly unknown. This article explores how patients, unbeknown to their therapist, explore clues that may disclose some knowledge about their therapists. One route towards exploring the unknown is through the therapist's social identities. The article presents an analysis of interviews conducted with 11 patients attending a free clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. Their process of exploring the therapist and encountering the unknown, and wondering about whether their therapist can know them, is presented. The therapist's social identities offer a ‘glimpse’ into the therapist's mind. The article offers an alternative way of approaching inadvertent self‐disclosure and invites therapists to be aware of their patients' explorations of them that may remain unknown to therapists. Social identity offers a potential vehicle for alienation but also for connection.
CHMP4B contributes to maintaining the follicular cells integrity in the panoistic ovary of the cockroach Blattella germanica
Authors: Farrus Nuria , Maestro José Luis , Piulachs Maria‐Dolors
Published: June 2024

Background

The Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) is a highly conserved cellular machinery essential for many cellular functions, including transmembrane protein sorting, endosomal trafficking, and membrane scission. CHMP4B is a key component of ESCRT‐III subcomplex and has been thoroughly studied in the meroistic ovaries of Drosophila melanogaster showing its relevance in maintaining this reproductive organ during the life of the fly. However, the role of the CHMP4B in the most basal panoistic ovaries remains elusive.

Results

Using RNAi, we examined the function of CHMP4B in the ovary of Blattella germanica in two different physiological stages: in last instar nymphs, with proliferative follicular cells, and in vitellogenic adults when follicular cells enter in polyploidy and endoreplication. In Chmp4b‐depleted specimens, the actin fibers change their distribution, appearing accumulated in the basal pole of the follicular cells, resulting in an excess of actin bundles that surround the basal ovarian follicle and modifying their shape. Depletion of Chmp4b also determines an actin accumulation in follicular cell membranes, resulting in different cell morphologies and sizes. In the end, these changes disrupt the opening of intercellular spaces between the follicular cells (patency) impeding the incorporation of yolk proteins to the growing oocyte and resulting in female sterility. In addition, the nuclei of follicular cells appeared unusually elongated, suggesting an incomplete karyokinesis.

Conclusions

These results proved CHMP4B essential in preserving the proper expression of cytoskeleton proteins vital for basal ovarian follicle growth and maturation and for yolk protein incorporation. Moreover, the correct distribution of actin fibers in the basal ovarian follicle emerged as a critical factor for the successful completion of ovulation and oviposition.

Significance

The overall results, obtained in two different proliferative stages, suggest that the requirement of CHMP4B in B. germanica follicular epithelium is not related to the proliferative stage of the tissue.
Determinants of stunting among under‐five children: Evidence from Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey 2021–2022
Authors: Sumon Imran Hossain , Akter Suchana , Sujon Md. Sazzad Hossan , Alam Muhammad Khairul , Yasmin Sabina , Yeasmin Sabina , Kabir Mohammad Alamgir , Hossain Md. Moyazzem
Published: June 2024

Background

Epidemiological and nutritional modifications are causing an increase in stunting in many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), which will eventually result in juvenile diseases and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the influential factors contributing to stunting among under‐five children in Cambodia.

Methods

A secondary dataset consisting of 3268 under‐five children was extracted from the latest Cambodian Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS)‐2021/2022 dataset. The Chi‐square test and Boruta algorithm were used for covariate selection, and logistic regression approaches were used to determine the influence of demographic, socioeconomic and other factors on the presence of stunting.

Results

Findings revealed that about 21% of under‐five children were stunted, and the prevalence of stunting was higher in rural areas than in urban areas. The prevalence of child stunting was lower in families with highly educated parents. A child whose father had a secondary education had 0.71 times lower (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.520–0.969) chance of stunting than a child whose father had no education. Findings revealed that Ratnak Kiri, Mondul Kiri, Stung Treng, Pursat and Kampot had a greater prevalence of stunting than other places, ranging from 27.11% to 35.70%, whereas Banteay Meanchey, Phnom Penh and Kandal had the lowest rates, ranging from 12.80% to 16.00%. Results of the Boruta algorithm and logistic regression suggested that under‐five stunting is significantly influenced by factors such as the child's age, size at birth, mother's age at first birth, mother's body mass index (BMI), father's educational status, cooking fuel, and wealth index.

Conclusions

It is necessary to take initiatives for reducing the prevalence of stunted children prioritising the identified factors that ultimately help to reduce the burden of child health. The authors believed that the findings of this study will be helpful for policymakers in designing the appropriate policies and actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing stunting among under‐five children in Cambodia.
Effects of physical activity patterns on myopia among children and adolescents: A latent class analysis
Authors: Li Yin , Xu Chang , Liu Zhonghui , Qu Zhiyi , Xi Wei , Zhang Xin , Gao Lei
Published: June 2024

Background

The daily physical activity (PA) patterns of children and adolescents are intricate and ambiguous, with varying effects on myopia resulting from different combinations of PA. This study aims to scrutinize the spectrum of PA patterns among children and adolescents and assess their impact on myopia.

Methods

Data sourced from the 2014 National Student Physical Fitness Survey (Tianjin segment) encompassed PA records and visual acuity measurements of participants. Latent Class Analysis and a generalized linear model were employed to investigate the relationship between PA categories and visual acuity across different educational stages.

Results

The study comprised 6465 primary and middle school students, among whom 50.13% were male. PA patterns were categorized into high (27.16%), medium (29.88%) and low visual acuity regulation groups (13.97%) and the nonmainstream group (28.99%). Following adjustments for sex, age, region and BMI, the medium visual acuity regulation group exhibited a lower risk of myopia (OR = 0.617, 95% CI = 0.424–0.897, p = 0.012; OR = 0.654, 95% CI = 0.438–0.976, p = 0.038) compared to the nonmainstream group among junior and senior middle school students.

Conclusion

The efficacy of diverse PA patterns in mitigating myopia risk varies across educational stages and is influenced by sex‐specific factors. It is imperative to advance myopia management strategies by emphasizing tailored PA interventions, discerning between PA patterns and delivering timely guidance and interventions tailored to distinct educational stages and sexes.
Progression of diabetic retinopathy in women with pregestational diabetes during pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Widyaputri Felicia , Khong Edmund W. C. , Rogers Sophie L. , Nankervis Alison J. , Conn Jennifer J. , Sasongko Muhammad B. , Shub Alexis , Fagan Xavier J. , Guest Daryl , Symons Robert C. A. , Lim Lyndell L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) may worsen during pregnancy, but its course in the postpartum remains poorly understood. Understanding the natural history of DR during and after pregnancy can help determine when sight‐threatening DR treatment should be administered.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal cohort study recruited pregnant women with pre‐existing type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes from two tertiary Diabetes Antenatal Clinics in Melbourne, Australia. Eye examination results in early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and up to 12‐months postpartum were compared to determine DR changes. Two‐field fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography scans were used to assess DR severity.

Results

Overall, 105 (61.4%) women had at least two eye examinations during the observation period. Mean age was 33.5 years (range 19–51); 54 women (51.4%) had T1D; 63% had HbA1c <7% in early pregnancy. DR progression rate was 23.8% (95% CI 16.4–32.6). Having T1D (RR 4.96, 95% CI 1.83–13.46), pre‐existing DR in either eye (RR 4.54, 95% CI 2.39–8.61), and elevated systolic blood pressure (adjusted RR 2.49, 95% CI 1.10–5.66) were associated with increased risk of progression. Sight‐threatening progression was observed in 9.5% of women. Among the 19 eyes with progression during pregnancy, 15 eyes remained stable, three eyes progressed, and only one eye regressed in the postpartum.

Conclusions

Nearly 1 in 4 women had DR progression from conception through to 12‐months postpartum; almost half of these developing sight‐threatening disease. DR progression occurring during pregnancy was found to predominantly remain unchanged, or worsen, after delivery, with very few eyes spontaneously improving postpartum.
Numbers in Context: Cardinals, Ordinals, and Nominals in American English
Authors: Woodin Greg , Winter Bodo
Published: June 2024

There are three main types of number used in modern, industrialized societies. Cardinals count sets (e.g., people, objects) and quantify elements of conventional scales (e.g., money, distance), ordinals index positions in ordered sequences (e.g., years, pages), and nominals serve as unique identifiers (e.g., telephone numbers, player numbers). Many studies that have cited number frequencies in support of claims about numerical cognition and mathematical cognition hinge on the assumption that most numbers analyzed are cardinal. This paper is the first to investigate the relative frequencies of different number types, presenting a corpus analysis of morphologically unmarked numbers (not, e.g., “eighth” or “21st”) in which we manually annotated 3,600 concordances in the Corpus of Contemporary American English. Overall, cardinals are dominant—both pure cardinals (sets) and measurements (scales)—except in the range 1,000–10,000, which is dominated by ordinal years, like 1996 and 2004. Ordinals occur less often overall, and nominals even less so. Only for cardinals do round numbers, associated with approximation, dominate overall and increase with magnitude. In comparison with other registers, academic writing contains a lower proportion of measurements as well as a higher proportion of ordinals and, to some extent, nominals. In writing, pure cardinals and measurements are usually represented as number words, but measurements—especially larger, unround ones—are more likely to be numerals. Ordinals and nominals are mostly represented as numerals. Altogether, this paper reveals how numbers are used in American English, establishing an initial baseline for any analyses of number frequencies and shedding new light on the cognitive and psychological study of number.
MRE11 is essential for the long‐term viability of undifferentiated spermatogonia
Authors: Tang Zhenghui , Liang Zhongyang , Zhang Bin , Xu Xiaohui , Li Peng , Li Lejun , Lu Lin‐Yu , Liu Yidan
Published: June 2024

In the meiotic prophase, programmed SPO11‐linked DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) are repaired by homologous recombination (HR). The MRE11‐RAD50‐NBS1 (MRN) complex is essential for initiating DNA end resection, the first step of HR. However, residual DNA end resection still occurs in Nbs1 knockout (KO) spermatocytes for unknown reasons. Here, we show that DNA end resection is completely abolished in Mre11 KO spermatocytes. In addition, Mre11 KO, but not Nbs1 KO, undifferentiated spermatogonia are rapidly exhausted due to DSB accumulation, proliferation defects, and elevated apoptosis. Cellular studies reveal that a small amount of MRE11 retained in the nucleus of Nbs1 KO cells likely underlies the differences between Mre11 and Nbs1 KO cells. Taken together, our study not only demonstrates an irreplaceable role of the MRE11 in DNA end resection at SPO11‐linked DSBs but also unveils a unique function of MRE11 in maintaining the long‐term viability of undifferentiated spermatogonia.
Managing multiple uncertainties in species distribution modelling
Authors: Raiter Keren Gila , Hawlena Dror
Published: June 2024

Aim

We present a methodology to address multifaceted uncertainties in species distribution models (SDMs), enhancing their robustness and providing vital insights to inform management and conservation decisions. Data uncertainties, including positional inaccuracies in historical data and absences in survey data that could be attributed to anthropogenic disturbances rather than habitat unsuitability, can compromise SDM predictions, risking the efficacy of resultant conservation strategies.

Location

While the concepts and methodologies presented hold global applicability, our case study is situated in and around the Negev Desert of southern Israel and the Palestinian West Bank, focusing on the critically endangered Be'er Sheva fringe‐fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus beershebensis) that is endemic to this area.

Methods

Utilizing calculated combinations of reliable and uncertain datasets, we created diverse dataset scenarios. Pre‐development distribution and habitat requirements were estimated for each scenario using a blend of statistical and machine‐learning algorithms in R. Additionally, a combined scenario was modelled using hierarchical model ensembles to effectively weight data by reliability.

Results

Our innovative approach produces more robust models and reveals the impact of uncertain datasets on model predictions. Incorporating potential anthropogenic absences led to erroneous model conclusions, particularly when historical data exclusion occurred—a practice often implemented in the pursuit of model robustness.

Main Conclusions

Uncertainties in SDMs can yield incorrect conclusions, imperilling conservation efforts. Initiated by land managers, our work actively informs conservation practices. The study's global relevance provides an approach for addressing real‐world challenges in estimating species distributions, advancing the application of conservation science.
A novel preparation for histological analyses of intraventricular macrophages in the embryonic brain
Authors: Murayama Futoshi , Asai Hisa , Patra Arya Kirone , Wake Hiroaki , Miyata Takaki , Hattori Yuki
Published: June 2024

Microglia colonize the brain starting on embryonic day (E) 9.5 in mice, and their population increases with development. We have previously demonstrated that some microglia are derived from intraventricular macrophages, which frequently infiltrate the pallium at E12.5. To address how the infiltration of intraventricular macrophages is spatiotemporally regulated, histological analyses detecting how these cells associate with the surrounding cells at the site of infiltration into the pallial surface are essential. Using two‐photon microscopy‐based in vivo imaging, we demonstrated that most intraventricular macrophages adhere to the ventricular surface. This is a useful tool for imaging intraventricular macrophages maintaining their original position, but this method cannot be used for observing deeper brain regions. Meanwhile, we found that conventional cryosection‐based and naked pallial slice‐based observation resulted in unexpected detachment from the ventricular surface of intraventricular macrophages and their mislocation, suggesting that previous histological analyses might have failed to determine their physiological number and location in the ventricular space. To address this, we sought to establish a methodological preparation that enables us to delineate the structure and cellular interactions when intraventricular macrophages infiltrate the pallium. Here, we report that brain slices pretreated with agarose‐embedding maintained adequate density and proper positioning of intraventricular macrophages on the ventricular surface. This method also enabled us to perform the immunostaining. We believe that this is helpful for conducting histological analyses to elucidate the mechanisms underlying intraventricular macrophage infiltration into the pallium and their cellular properties, leading to further understanding of the process of microglial colonization into the developing brain.
Impaired longitudinal systolic–diastolic coupling and cardiac response to exercise in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: MacNamara James P. , Turlington William M. , Dias Katrin A. , Hearon Christopher M. , Ivey Erika , Delgado Vincent A. , Brazile Tiffany L. , Wakeham Denis J. , Turer Aslan T. , Link Mark S. , Levine Benjamin D. , Sarma Satyam
Published: June 2024

Background

In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), impaired augmentation of stroke volume and diastolic dysfunction contribute to exercise intolerance. Systolic–diastolic (S‐D) coupling characterizes how systolic contraction of the left ventricle (LV) primes efficient elastic recoil during early diastole. Impaired S‐D coupling may contribute to the impaired cardiac response to exercise in patients with HCM.

Methods

Patients with HCM (n = 25, age = 47 ± 9 years) and healthy adults (n = 115, age = 49 ± 10 years) underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and echocardiogram. S‐D coupling was defined as the ratio of LV longitudinal excursion of the mitral annulus during early diastole (EDexc) and systole (Sexc) and compared between groups. Peak oxygen uptake (peak V̇O2) (Douglas bags), cardiac index (C2H2 rebreathe), and stroke volume index (SVi) were assessed during CPET. Linear regression was performed between S‐D coupling and peak V̇O2, peak cardiac index, and peak SVi.

Results

S‐D coupling was lower in HCM (Controls: 0.63 ± 0.08, HCM: 0.56 ± 0.10, p < 0.001). Peak V̇O2 and stroke volume reserve were lower in patients with HCM (Peak VO2 Controls: 28.5 ± 5.5, HCM: 23.7 ± 7.2 mL/kg/min, p < 0.001, SV reserve: Controls 39 ± 16, HCM 30 ± 18 mL, p = 0.008). In patients with HCM, S‐D coupling was associated with peak V̇O2 (r = 0.47, p = 0.018), peak cardiac index (r = 0.60, p = 0.002), and peak SVi (r = 0.63, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Systolic–diastolic coupling was impaired in patients with HCM and was associated with fitness and the cardiac response to exercise. Inefficient S‐D coupling may link insufficient stroke volume generation, diastolic dysfunction, and exercise intolerance in HCM.