bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of climate change on reference evapotranspiration at the subnational scale: case study of Egypt
Authors: Ads Abdelhamid , Pingale Santosh Murlidhar , Khare Deepak
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study’s fundamental objective is to assess climate change impact on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) patterns in Egypt under the latest shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) of climate change scenarios. Additionally, the study considered the change in the future solar radiation and actual vapor pressure and predicted them from historical data, as these factors significantly impact changes in the ETo.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models to analyze reference ETo. Six models are used, and an ArcGIS tool is created to calculate the monthly average ETo for historical and future periods. The tool considers changes in actual vapor pressure and solar radiation, which are the primary factors influencing ETo.

Findings

The research reveals that monthly reference ETo in Egypt follows a distinct pattern, with the highest values concentrated in the southern region during summer and the lowest values in the northern part during winter. This disparity is primarily driven by mean air temperature, which is significantly higher in the southern areas. Looking ahead to the near future (2020–2040), the data shows that Aswan, in the south, continues to have the highest annual ETo, while Kafr ash Shaykh, in the north, maintains the lowest. This pattern remains consistent in the subsequent period (2040–2060). Additionally, the study identifies variations in ETo , with the most significant variability occurring in Shamal Sina under the SSP585 scenario and the least variability in Aswan under the SSP370 scenario for the 2020–2040 time frame.

Originality/value

This study’s originality lies in its focused analysis of climate change effects on ETo, incorporating crucial factors like actual vapor pressure and solar radiation. Its significance becomes evident as it projects ETo patterns into the near and distant future, providing indispensable insights for long-term planning and tailored adaptation strategies. As a result, this research serves as a valuable resource for policymakers and researchers in need of in-depth, region-specific climate change impact assessments.
Analysis of project complexity factors and their interdependencies in metro rail projects
Authors: Sruthilaya Dara , Vilventhan Aneetha , Gopal P.R.C.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the interdependence of project complexity factors (PCFs) in metro rail projects using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). The study provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of project complexities factors and their relationships. The results of the study facilitate effective project planning, proactive risk management and informed decision-making by stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a case-based method for identifying PCFs and a DEMATEL method for analyzing the interdependence of complexity factors in metro rail projects. Initially, PCFs were identified through an extensive literature review. To validate and refine these factors, semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty experienced professionals, each having 5–20 years of experience in roles such as project management, engineering, and planning. Further, elevated and underground metro rail projects were purposefully selected as cases, for identifying the similarities and differences in PCFs. A questionnaire survey was conducted with various technical experts in metro rail projects. These experts rated the impact of PCFs on a five-point Likert scale, for the evaluation of the interdependence of PCFs. The DEMATEL technique was used to analyze the interdependencies of the PCFs.

Findings

Metro rail projects are influenced by project complexity, which significantly impacts their performance. The analysis reveals that “design problems with existing structures,” “change in design or construction” and “land acquisition” are the key factors contributing to project complexity.

Originality/value

The study of project complexity in metro rail projects is limited because most of the studies have studies on examining complexity in mega projects. The existing literature lacks adequate attention in identifying project complexity and its effects on metro rail project performance. This research aims to bridge this gap by examining project complexity and interdependencies in metro rail projects.
Orienting privacy literacy toward social change
Authors: Kumar Priya C.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This article advocates that privacy literacy research and praxis mobilize people toward changing the technological and social conditions that discipline subjects toward advancing institutional, rather than community, goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This article analyzes theory and prior work on datafication, privacy, data literacy, privacy literacy and critical literacy to provide a vision for future privacy literacy research and praxis.

Findings

This article (1) explains why privacy is a valuable rallying point around which people can resist datafication, (2) locates privacy literacy within data literacy, (3) identifies three ways that current research and praxis have conceptualized privacy literacy (i.e. as knowledge, as a process of critical thinking and as a practice of enacting information flows) and offers a shared purpose to animate privacy literacy research and praxis toward social change and (4) explains how critical literacy can help privacy literacy scholars and practitioners orient their research and praxis toward changing the conditions that create privacy concerns.

Originality/value

This article uniquely synthesizes existing scholarship on data literacy, privacy literacy and critical literacy to provide a vision for how privacy literacy research and praxis can go beyond improving individual understanding and toward enacting social change.
Do tax burdens and currency outside banks drive economic development? Empirics from Ghana
Authors: Amoh John Kwaku , Ofori-Boateng Kenneth , Nsor-Ambala Randolph , Anarfo Ebenezer Bugri
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Some African policymakers have turned their attention towards electronic transaction levy (e-levy) to maximise tax revenues in recent years due to the inability to meet revenue targets. However, some argue that the implementation of an e-levy will increase the tax burden (TB) and the currency outside banks (COB). Primarily, this paper examined the effects of the TB and COB on economic development as well as the impact of institutional quality on moderating the nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used structural equation modelling (SEM) and maximum likelihood (ML) estimation techniques on quarterised data from 1996 to 2020.

Findings

The results show that the TB negatively impacts gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and urbanisation but positively affects the Economic Freedom of the World Index (EFWI). The COB impacts EFWI, GDP per capita and urbanisation positively. Institutional quality moderates the TB and the COB, establishing positive relationships with the economic development indicators.

Practical implications

The findings strongly imply that the arguments that TB and COB are catalysts for tax evasion and corruption lack substantial empirical evidence.

Originality/value

The examination of the econometric impact of the COB on economic development is one of the first studies in the field. The paper recommends that to drive economic development and accelerate sustainable development goals (SDGs) achievement, tax revenues should be channelled into the productive sectors of the Ghanaian economy.
Towards sustainable development: antecedents of green entrepreneurship intention among tourism and hospitality students in Egypt
Authors: Al-Azab Mahmoud Ramadan , Zaki Heba Salah
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the antecedents of green entrepreneurship intention (GEI) amongst tourism and hospitality higher education students and further explores the effect of green entrepreneurship intention on sustainable development (SD). It also investigates the mediating role of GEI in the relationship between the antecedents of GEI and SD in students' future tasks in tourism and hospitality.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data collected via an online questionnaire from 970 tourism and hospitality universities' students in Egypt, either undergraduate or postgraduate.

Findings

The results show that green entrepreneurship intention is positively affected by attitude, subjective norms, environmental education, risk aversion, self-efficacy and environmental values. The results also revealed that green entrepreneurship intention is a significant driver for sustainable development. Moreover, the findings revealed that GEI mediates the link between the antecedents of GEI and SD.

Practical implications

The results offer highly persuasive insights that may be used to promote GEI and SD among tourism and hospitality students. The effectiveness of GEI in achieving SD will motivate government and educational institutions to develop GEI for university students. This study will assist policymakers in developing a novel strategy, providing a contribution to the green behavior literature in an emerging context.

Originality/value

The field of the green entrepreneur is uncharted and still in its infancy. As a result, further research is needed in the literature to better understand green entrepreneurship intention. Enhancing tourism and hospitality students' green entrepreneurial intentions will help the economy expand sustainably in the future because they are the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. The findings hold important implications for both the research community and tourism education and business management.
Transnational higher education cultures and generative AI: a nominal group study for policy development in English medium instruction
Authors: Bannister Peter , Alcalde Peñalver Elena , Santamaría Urbieta Alexandra
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to report on the development of an evidence-informed framework created to facilitate the formulation of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) academic integrity policy responses for English medium instruction (EMI) higher education, responding to both the bespoke challenges for the sector and longstanding calls to define and disseminate quality implementation good practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A virtual nominal group technique engaged experts (n = 14) in idea generation, refinement and consensus building across asynchronous and synchronous stages. The resulting qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics, respectively.

Findings

The GenAI Academic Integrity Policy Development Blueprint for EMI Tertiary Education is not a definitive mandate but represents a roadmap of inquiry for reflective deliberation as institutions chart their own courses in this complex terrain.

Research limitations/implications

If repeated with varying expert panellists, findings may vary to a certain extent; thus, further research with a wider range of stakeholders may be necessary for additional validation.

Practical implications

While grounded within the theoretical underpinnings of the field, the tool holds practical utility for stakeholders to develop bespoke policies and critically re-examine existing frameworks.

Social implications

As texts produced by students using English as an additional language are at risk of being wrongly accused of GenAI-assisted plagiarism, owing to the limited efficacy of text classifiers such as Turnitin, the policy recommendations encapsulated in the blueprint aim to reduce potential bias and unfair treatment of students.

Originality/value

The novel blueprint represents a step towards bridging concerning gaps in policy responses worldwide and aims to spark discussion and further much-needed scholarly exploration to this end.
Investigating the factors affecting the acceptance of blockchain in telemedicine through an integrated model approach
Authors: Shaukat Fatima , Shafiq Muhammad , Hussain Atif
Published: December 2023

Purpose

As a little research has been conducted to understand the factors influencing users’ intentions to adopt blockchain-based telemedicine (BBT), it is important to investigate BBT acceptance as incorporation of blockchain technology can solve telemedicine-related issues. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing behavioral intentions (BI) to adopt BBT.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model comprising the constructs taken from technology–organization–environment framework, technology acceptance model, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and theory of planned behavior based on their relevance to the context and the objectives of the study has been used for this research. A quantitative approach has been used to test the hypotheses, for which the data was collected from 324 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling has been used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study show that relative advantage, perceived usefulness, trust and perceived ease of use have a significant impact on BI to adopt BBT, whereas regulatory support, subjective norms and facilitating conditions do not have any significant impact on the same.

Research limitations/implications

As the concept of BCT in Pakistan is at its nascent stage and literature regarding this technology’s adoption is also limited, researchers and scholars can apply it to several other fields in Pakistan. For example, this study can be extended to explore the factors influencing blockchain adoption in areas such as education, logistics, transportation, finances and management. This research only considers the direct effects of constructs on BI to adopt BBT and does not consider any mediation and moderations constructs. Future researchers can also study the influence of mediation and moderation constructs on BI to adopt BCT.

Originality/value

Although studies on the acceptance of telemedicine exist, there is a gap concerning the acceptance of BBT, which the current study helps to bridge. From a practical standpoint, the current study makes a highly valuable contribution toward understanding acceptance factors for BBT projects, leading to help policymakers devise policies to promote telemedicine.
Size‐dependent clonal reproduction and sex allocation in the monoecious Begonia emeiensis
Authors: Wang Lei , Wu Bi‐Xian , Xia Nan , Wang Hao , Cao Guo‐Xing
Published: December 2023

Size‐dependent clonal and sexual reproduction has been studied in many species. However, very few attempts have investigated size‐dependent resource allocation among clonal reproduction, female function, and male function within a species. Moreover, how clonal reproduction and sexual reproduction interact to influence size‐dependent sex allocation has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the size dependency of clonal reproduction and sex allocation and how clonal reproduction and sexual reproduction interact to influence size‐dependent female function, male function, and sex allocation in the monoecious Begonia emeiensis. Individuals with no reproduction, reproducing clonally through bulbils, reproducing sexually through flowers, and reproducing through both bulbils and flowers differed significantly from each other in terms of size (leaf area), suggesting a threshold size for clonal versus sexual reproduction. Bulbil number per individual increased with size regardless of flower production. In contrast, the relationship between size and female and male flower production per individual was influenced by bulbil production; both female and male flower numbers per individual increased with size at a slower rate for individuals reproducing clonally and sexually than for those reproducing only sexually. The ratio of female to male flowers per individual increased with size independent of bulbil production. Our study shows that the size dependency of clonal reproduction was unlikely to be influenced by sexual reproduction; however, the size dependency of female and male function was influenced by clonal reproduction.
Estimating abundance of a small population of Bryde's whales: a comparison between aerial surveys and boat‐based platforms of opportunity
Authors: Hamilton O. N. P. , Fewster R. M. , Low P. , Johnson F. , Lea C. , Stockin K. A. , van der Linde K. , Constantine R.
Published: December 2023

Accurate abundance estimates are essential for the development of effective conservation management strategies, yet they are difficult to produce for small populations that are elusive and sparsely distributed throughout their range. For such populations it is challenging to collect a representative dataset sufficient for robust estimation of detectability and abundance. Over a one‐year study, we used two methods to estimate abundance of a Nationally Critical, widely dispersed Bryde's whale population in the Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa/New Zealand; (i) distance sampling from systematic line‐transect aerial surveys (n = 22 surveys, 9,944 km, total sightings 21–24 whales), and (ii) mark‐recapture (MR) using photo‐identification images collected from a platform‐of‐opportunity and small‐boat surveys (218 sampling occasions, 27 whales). From the aerial surveys, we estimated an average of 15 whales (95% CI = 6, 30; CV = 37%) at the sea‐surface at any time. For the boat‐based surveys, we developed a custom MR model to address seasonal and individual heterogeneity in capture probabilities and obtained an estimate of 72 distinct whales (95% CI = 38, 106; CV = 24%) in the population. These two approaches provide different perspectives on the abundance and dynamics of Bryde's whales. The aerial surveys estimate the average number of individuals present at any one time, whereas the MR model estimates the total number of animals that used the Gulf during the study. Although neither sampling method is optimal for estimating the abundance of this small, dispersed population, the use of two complementary approaches informs conservation managers about patterns of abundance and distribution over different temporal and spatial scales. It is common to have limited resources for marine research where model assumptions cannot be met. Here, we highlight pragmatic strategies showing how models can be customized to the population of interest to assist with monitoring species of conservation concern.
Delaying a prescribed burn to scale up the restoration of alien‐invaded Lowland Sand Fynbos in South Africa
Authors: Ngwenya Duduzile K. , Holmes Patricia M. , Geerts Sjirk , Esler Karen J.
Published: December 2023

Fire‐adapted species invading fire‐prone ecosystems in Mediterranean climate regions are difficult to control because they are equally responsive to restoration treatments. We assessed the efficacy of delaying a prescribed burn to promote the recruitment of native species in a Lowland Sand Fynbos ecosystem invaded by alienAcacia saligna. Acacia stands were felled and fallowed for 2 years before burning the slash and sowing pre‐treated fynbos seeds. We hypothesized that sowing pre‐treated fynbos seeds after fallowing cleared areas before burning would improve the regeneration of native species. Fallowing cleared areas would reduce the density of acacia seeds and post‐fire acacia recruitment while allowing felled acacia biomass to dry and decay over time leading to improved prescribed burn properties. Sowing pre‐treated fynbos seeds improved the recovery of native cover but had little effect on the recovery of native species diversity after 2 years. Although the rapid recruitment of annual native species did not affect acacia density, it might have contributed to reduced post‐fire acacia cover and allowed the native perennial species to establish. After 2 years of fallowing cleared areas, the density of acacia seeds and post‐fire acacia recruitment was reduced by ≈50% and 80% respectively. Although too dense to be outcompeted by recruited native species alone, this reduced acacia recruitment helped to decrease and delay the need for follow‐up acacia clearing as it was where burning occurred soon after felling acacia stands. The recruited native species managed to establish before the acacia emergents were removed unlike where burning occurs soon after felling and where native species were outcompeted resulting in the need for follow‐up sowing. In conclusion, building resilience against acacia resurgence by increasing the pool of sown species to recover a good cover of native species in combination with the timely removal of acacia recruits can help to scale up restoration.
Microfluidics: The future of sperm selection in assisted reproduction
Authors: Jahangiri Ali Reza , Ziarati Niloofar , Dadkhah Ehsan , Bucak Mustafa Numan , Rahimizadeh Pegah , Shahverdi Abdolhossein , Sadighi Gilani Mohammad Ali , Topraggaleh Tohid Rezaei
Published: December 2023

Background

Obtaining functional sperm cells is the first step to treat infertility. With the ever‐increasing trend in male infertility, clinicians require access to effective solutions that are able to single out the most viable spermatozoa, which would max out the chance for a successful pregnancy. The new generation techniques for sperm selection involve microfluidics, which offers laminar flow and low Reynolds number within the platforms can provide unprecedented opportunities for sperm selection. Previous studies showed that microfluidic platforms can provide a novel approach to this challenge and since then researchers across the globe have attacked this problem from multiple angles.

Objective

In this review, we seek to provide a much‐needed bridge between the technical and medical aspects of microfluidic sperm selection. Here, we provide an up‐to‐date list on microfluidic sperm selection procedures and its application in assisted reproductive technology laboratories.

Search method

A literature search was performed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to select papers reporting microfluidic sperm selection using the keywords: microfluidic sperm selection, self‐motility, non‐motile sperm selection, boundary following, rheotaxis, chemotaxis, and thermotaxis. Papers published before March 31, 2023 were selected.

Outcomes

Our results show that most studies have used motility‐based properties for sperm selection. However, microfluidic platforms are ripe for making use of other properties such as chemotaxis and especially rheotaxis. We have identified that low throughput is one of the major hurdles to current microfluidic sperm selection chips, which can be solved via parallelization.

Conclusion

Future work needs to be performed on numerical simulation of the microfluidics chip prior to fabrication as well as relevant clinical assessment after the selection procedure. This would require a close collaboration and understanding among engineers, biologists, and medical professionals. It is interesting that in spite of two decades of microfluidics sperm selection, numerical simulation and clinical studies are lagging behind. It is expected that microfluidic sperm selection platforms will play a major role in the development of fully integrated start‐to‐finish assisted reproductive technology systems.
Positive end‐expiratory pressure and surfactant administration mode influence function in ex‐vivo premature sheep lungs
Authors: Pasteka Richard , Hufnagl Lisa , Forjan Mathias , Berger Angelika , Werther Tobias , Wagner Michael
Published: December 2023

Aim

Respiratory distress syndrome often necessitates endotracheal surfactant administration in extremely preterm infants. Our study aimed to explore a multi‐modal simulation tool for investigating treatment strategies in ex vivo sheep lungs during spontaneous breathing.

Methods

An electromechanical lung simulator (xPULM) mimicking spontaneous breathing was coupled with a non‐aerated premature sheep lung, replicating a premature respiratory system. Changes in tidal volume for different positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels prior to and after either bolus or nebulised surfactant administration were compared.

Results

In two preterm sheep lungs, we observed a progressive decline in tidal volume with increasing PEEP levels prior to surfactant delivery from 0.30 ± 0.01 mL at zero PEEP to 0.04 ± 0.01 mL at 15 cmH2O PEEP. Our measurements showed that both bolus (p < 0.05) and nebulised (p < 0.05) surfactant administration resulted in a significant increase in tidal volume, with no significant difference (p = 0.71) between the two methods.

Conclusion

The experimental setup demonstrated the feasibility of xPULM for investigating the effectiveness of different PEEP levels and modes of surfactant administration with respect to tidal volume in premature sheep lungs. The lack of adequate lung water resorption in our model warrants further investigations.
Using spectral diversity and heterogeneity measures to map habitat mosaics: An example from the Classical Karst
Authors: Pafumi Emilia , Petruzzellis Francesco , Castello Miris , Altobelli Alfredo , Maccherini Simona , Rocchini Duccio , Bacaro Giovanni
Published: December 2023

Questions

Can we map complex habitat mosaics from remote‐sensing data? In doing this, are measures of spectral heterogeneity useful to improve image classification performance? Which measures are the most important? How can multitemporal data be integrated in a robust framework?

Location

Classical Karst (NE Italy).

Methods

First, a habitat map was produced from field surveys. Then, a collection of 12 monthly Sentinel‐2 images was retrieved. Vegetation and spectral heterogeneity (SH) indices were computed and aggregated in four combinations: (1) monthly layers of vegetation and SH indices; (2) seasonal layers of vegetation and SH indices; (3) yearly layers of SH indices computed across the months; and (4) yearly layers of SH indices computed across the seasons. For each combination, a Random Forest classification was performed, first with the complete set of input layers and then with a subset obtained by recursive feature elimination. Training and validation points were independently extracted from field data.

Results

The maximum overall accuracy (0.72) was achieved by using seasonally aggregated vegetation and SH indices, after the number of vegetation types was reduced by aggregation from 26 to 11. The use of SH measures significantly increased the overall accuracy of the classification. The spectral β‐diversity was the most important variable in most cases, while the spectral α‐diversity and Rao's Q had a low relative importance, possibly because some habitat patches were small compared to the window used to compute the indices.

Conclusions

The results are promising and suggest that image classification frameworks could benefit from the inclusion of SH measures, rarely included before. Habitat mapping in complex landscapes can thus be improved in a cost‐ and time‐effective way, suitable for monitoring applications.
Am I a good person? Academic correlates of explicit and implicit self‐esteem during early childhood
Authors: Cvencek Dario , Brečić Ružica , Sanders Elizabeth A. , Gaćeša Dora , Skala David , Meltzoff Andrew N.
Published: December 2023

Implicit and explicit self‐esteem are not commonly measured in the same children. Using a cross‐sectional design, data from 354 Croatian children (184 girls) in Grade 1 (Mage = 7.55 years) and Grade 5 (Mage = 11.58 years) were collected in Spring 2019. All children completed explicit and implicit self‐esteem measures; math and language grades were obtained. For the explicit measure, older children showed lower self‐esteem than younger children, and girls showed lower self‐esteem than boys. For the implicit measure, there were no age effects, and girls showed higher self‐esteem than boys. Although both types of self‐esteem were positively associated with academic achievement, implicit self‐esteem was associated more strongly with language than with math achievement. Discussion is provided about why self‐esteem relates to academic achievement during childhood.
Short‐term and long‐term outcomes of submucosal dissection for residual or recurrent colorectal tumors after endoscopic resection: Analysis of a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Tanaka Hirohito , Uraoka Toshio , Kobayashi Nozomu , Ohata Ken , Takeuchi Yoji , Chino Akiko , Yamada Masayoshi , Tsuji Yosuke , Hotta Kinichi , Harada Keita , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Murakami Takashi , Tsuji Shigetsugu , Katagiri Atsushi , Hori Shinichiro , Michida Tomoki , Suzuki Takuto , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Kiriyama Shinsuke , Fukase Kazutoshi , Murakami Yoshitaka , Ishikawa Hideki , Nagahara Akihito , Saito Yutaka
Published: December 2023

Objectives

We previously demonstrated that a favorable long‐term prognosis indicated that endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) could be the standard treatment for large colorectal epithelial neoplasms, but the usefulness of ESD for local residual or recurrent tumors with submucosal fibrosis has not been fully demonstrated. The aim of the present study was to assess the usefulness of ESD for local residual or recurrent colorectal tumors.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide multicenter prospective study to evaluate the outcomes of ESD for colorectal tumors. In this post hoc analysis, a total of 54 local residual or recurrent colorectal tumors in 54 patients were included, and we analyzed the short‐term and long‐term outcomes of ESD for these lesions.

Results

The median size of the lesions was 16.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 11–25) mm. ESD was completed in 53 cases (98.1%) with a median procedure time of 65.0 min, but it was discontinued in one case because of submucosal cancer invasion. En bloc resection was achieved in 52 cases (96.3%), whereas R0 resection was achieved in 45 cases (83.3%). Intraoperative perforation was observed in four cases (7.4%) and delayed perforation in one (1.9%), but all cases could be managed conservatively. Delayed bleeding was not observed. There were no significant differences in short‐term outcomes between the rectal and colonic lesions. There was no recurrence of the tumor during the median follow‐up period of 60 (IQR 50–64) months.

Conclusion

An analysis of our multicenter prospective study suggests that ESD is an effective salvage management for local residual or recurrent colorectal lesions.
Advancements in metabolic‐associated steatotic liver disease research: Diagnostics, small molecule developments, and future directions
Authors: Eeda Venkateswararao , Patil Nikhil Yuvaraj , Joshi Aditya Dilip , Awasthi Vibhudutta
Published: December 2023

Metabolic (dysfunction)‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is a growing global health concern with no approved pharmacological treatments. At the same time, there are no standard methods to definitively screen for the presence of MASLD because of its progressive nature and symptomatic commonality with other disorders. Recent advances in molecular understanding of MASLD pathophysiology have intensified research on development of new drug molecules, repurposing of existing drugs approved for other indications, and an educated use of dietary supplements for its treatment and prophylaxis. This review focused on depicting the latest advancements in MASLD research related to small molecule development for prophylaxis or treatment and diagnosis, with emphasis on mechanistic basis at the molecular level.
Seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the general population of Nepal during the first and second generalized waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic—2020–2021
Authors: Paudel Krishna Prasad , Samuel Reuben , Jha Runa , Pandey Basu Dev , Edirisuriya Chathura , Shrestha Nebin Lal , Gyawali Pradip , Pokhrel Amrit , Shrestha Lilee , Mahato Ram Kumar , Hossain Shaikh Shah , Arunkumar Govindakarnavar , Bose Anindya Sekhar , Dhimal Meghnath , Gautam Dipendra , Neupane Subash , Thakur Nishant , Shrestha Saugat , Bhusal Nirajan , Jha Priya , Gupta Binod Prasad , Rayamajhi Rajan Bikram , Subedi Koshal Chandra , Kandel Shashi , Poudel Mukesh , Thapa Lila Bikram , Sharma Guna Nidhi , Gocotano Allison Eugenio , Sunny Avinash K. , Gautam Rabin , Bhatta Deepak Raj , Awale Bal Krishna , Roka Bhola , Ojha Hemant Chandra , Baral Phanindra , Adhikari Mahendra Dhose , Lohani Guna Raj , Shrestha Mahendra , Singh Dipendra Raman , Aryal Laxman , Pandav Rajesh Sambhajirao , Pokhrel Roshan
Published: December 2023

Few seroprevalence studies have been conducted on coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in Nepal. Here, we aimed to estimate seroprevalence and assess risk factors for infection in the general population of Nepal by conducting two rounds of sampling. The first round was in October 2020, at the peak of the first generalized wave of COVID‐19, and the second round in July–August 2021, following the peak of the wave caused by the delta variant of SARS‐CoV‐2. We used cross‐sectional probability‐to‐size (PPS)‐based multistage cluster sampling to estimate the seroprevalence in the general population of Nepal at the national and provincial levels. We tested for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 total antibody using the WANTAI SARS‐CoV‐2 Ab ELISA kit. In Round 1, the overall national seroprevalence was 14.4%, with provincial estimates ranging from 5.3% in Sudurpaschim to 27.3% in Madhesh Province. In Round 2, the estimated national seroprevalence was 70.7%, with the highest in the Madhesh Province (84.8%) and the lowest in the Gandaki Province (62.9%). Seroprevalence was comparable between males and females (Round 1, 15.8% vs. 12.2% and Round 2, 72.3% vs. 68.7%). The seroprevalence in the ecozones—Terai, hills, and mountains—was 76.3%, 65.3%, and 60.5% in Round 2 and 17.7%, 11.7%, and 4.6% in Round 1, respectively. In Nepal, COVID‐19 vaccination was introduced in January 2021. At the peak of the first generalized wave of COVID‐19, most of the population of Nepal remained unexposed to SARS‐CoV‐2. Towards the end of the second generalized wave in April 2021, two thirds of the population was exposed.
Effects of 1‐kestose on microbiome changes caused by vonoprazan: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot study
Authors: Furune Satoshi , Suzuki Takahiro , Honda Takashi , Yamamoto Kenta , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masanao , Ishigami Masatoshi , Kinoshita Fumie , Kadota Yoshihiro , Tochio Takumi , Shimomura Yoshiharu , Hirooka Yoshiki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kawashima Hiroki
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

Potassium‐competitive acid blockers more strongly suppress the gastric acid barrier than proton pump inhibitors and cause dysbiosis. However, preventive measures in this regard have not been established. We aimed to evaluate whether 1‐kestose, a known prebiotic, was effective at alleviating dysbiosis caused by potassium‐competitive acid blockers.

Methods

Patients scheduled to undergo endoscopic resection for superficial gastroduodenal tumors were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to receive either 1‐kestose or placebo. All patients were started on potassium‐competitive acid blocker (vonoprazan 20 mg/day) and took 1‐kestose 10 g/day or placebo (maltose) 5 g/day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the effect of 1‐kestose on potassium‐competitive acid blocker‐induced alterations in the microbiome. The fecal microbiome was analyzed before and after potassium‐competitive acid blocker treatment via MiSeq (16S rRNA gene V3–V4 region).

Results

Forty patients were enrolled, and 16 in each group were analyzed. In the placebo group, the Simpson index, an alpha diversity, was significantly decreased and relative abundance of Streptococcus was significantly increased by 1.9‐fold. In the kestose group, the Simpson index did not change significantly and relative abundance of Streptococcus increased 1.3‐fold, but this was not a significant change. In both groups, no adverse events occurred, ulcers were well healed, and pretreatment and posttreatment short‐chain fatty acid levels did not differ.

Conclusions

The potassium‐competitive acid blocker caused dysbiosis in the placebo group; this effect was prevented by 1‐kestose. Thus, 1‐kestose may be useful in dysbiosis treatment.
Usual‐paced 400 m long distance corridor walk estimates cardiorespiratory fitness among older adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging
Authors: Garcia Reagan E. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Nicklas Barbara J. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Coen Paul M. , Forman Daniel E. , Cummings Steven R. , Newman Anne B. , Glynn Nancy W.
Published: December 2023

Background

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the gold‐standard method to quantify cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), is not always feasible due to cost, access, and burden. The usual‐paced 400 m long distance corridor walk (LDCW), a measure of mobility among older adults, may provide an alternate method to assess CRF. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an estimating equation to estimate VO2peak from average 400 m walking speed (WS) among participants in the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA).

Methods

At baseline, women (58%) and men age 70 years and older enrolled in SOMMA (N = 820, 76.2 ± 4.9 years, 86% Non‐Hispanic White) completed a 400 m LDCW (400 m WS = 400 m/completion time in seconds) and symptom‐limited maximal CPET (Modified Balke Protocol). VO2peak (mL/kg/min) was considered the highest 30‐second average oxygen consumption during CPET. Other covariates included: age, sex, race, physical activity (7‐day wrist‐worn accelerometer), physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, range 0–12), perceived physical fatigability (Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale, range 0–50), and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE, range 6–20) at completion of the 400 m LDCW. Stepwise linear regression was used. Internal validation was completed using data‐splitting method (70%; 30%).

Results

Mean VO2peak was 20.2 ± 4.8 mL/kg/min and mean 400 m WS was 1.06 ± 0.2 m/s. Each 0.05 m/s increment in 400 m WS was associated with a 0.40 mL/kg/min higher VO2peak after covariate adjustment. An estimating equation including 400 m WS, age, sex, race, and RPE was developed. Internal validation showed low overall bias (−0.26) and strong correlation (r = 0.71) between predicted and measured VO2peak values. Bland–Altman plot and regression analyses indicated predicted VO2peak was an acceptable alternative, despite mean underestimation of 4.53 mL/kg/min among the highly fit.

Conclusions

Usual‐paced 400 m LDCW strongly correlates with direct measures of CRF during CPET in older adults with lower fitness and can be used to test both fitness and function.
MMP‐2‐mediated Scube2 degradation promotes blood–brain barrier disruption by blocking the interaction between astrocytes and endothelial cells via inhibiting Sonic hedgehog pathway during early cerebral ischemia
Authors: Shi Tengrui , Yue Shiqin , Xie Cong , Li Xiaofeng , Yang Dexin , Hu Linghui , Zhong Yunxue , Zhang Yuan , Liu Wenlan
Published: December 2023

We have previously demonstrated a rapid secretion of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) in the ischemic brain. Since Scube2 can interact with Sonic hedgehog (Shh) to maintain blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity via regulating the interaction between brain capillary endothelial cells (ECs) and perivascular astrocytes, and it is also a substrate of MMP‐2, we hypothesized that the secreted MMP‐2 could degrade Scube2 and contribute to ischemic BBB disruption. Using an in vitro ischemic model of 90‐min oxygen–glucose deprivation/3‐h reoxygenation (OGD/R) and an in vivo mouse stroke model of 90‐min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with 3‐h reperfusion, we established an important role of MMP‐2‐mediated Scube2 degradation in early ischemic BBB disruption. Exposure of C8‐D1A cells and bEnd.3 cells to OGD/R increased MMP secretion in both cells, and C8‐D1A cells appeared to secrete more MMPs than bEnd.3 cells. Co‐IP and double‐immunostaining revealed that Scube2 co‐localized well with MMP‐2 in C8‐D1A cells and could be pulled down by MMP‐2 antibodies. In MCAO mice, Scube2 protein showed a drastic reduction in ischemic brain tissue, which was accompanied by suppressed expression of Shh and its downstream molecules. Of note, specific knockdown of astrocytic Scube2 with AAV‐shScube2 augmented MCAO‐induced Shh suppression and exacerbated BBB leakage and inflammatory reactions in the ischemic brain. Last, incubation of bEnd.3 cells with conditioned medium derived from OGD‐treated C8‐D1A cells led to a significant inhibition of the Shh pathway in bEnd.3 cells and degradation of VE‐cadherin and ZO‐1. Inhibition of MMP‐2 with SB‐3CT or over‐expression of Scube2 with plasmids in C8‐D1A cells alleviated the above effect of C8‐D1A cells‐derived conditioned medium. Taken together, our data indicate that ischemia‐induced secretion of MMP‐2 may contribute to early BBB disruption in ischemic stroke via interrupting the shared Scube2‐Shh pathway between brain capillary ECs and perivascular astrocytes.

image
Review of behavioral economics models of the altruistic crowding‐out effect from monetary incentives
Authors: Bruers Stijn
Published: December 2023

The altruistic crowding‐out effect is a decrease of prosocial behavior due to monetary incentives or material rewards that intend to increase an extrinsic motivation for the behavior. The decrease in a behavior by increasing a motivation for that behavior, seems irrational, but behavioral economists presented a dozen different models to explain this crowding‐out effect. In these models, the decrease in prosocial behavior is rational in the sense that agents maximize their expected utility. All the models assume that people have utility functions that represent their preferences and motivations. This review clarifies different kinds of motivations, rewards, incentives, and crowding‐out effects, presents 13 behavioral economics models, classifies them in five types of models, discusses subtle nuances of the models, summarizes the different predictions of the different models, and provides an overview of the empirical support of the models. The main take‐away is that the crowding‐out effect could not only be explained in terms of rational, utility‐maximizing behavior, but could be done so in many (at least 13) different ways. This review can be used to improve empirical validation of the models and to gain insights in the specific contexts in which crowding‐out occurs.
Frontal and anterior temporal hypometabolism post chemoradiation in head and neck cancer: A real‐world PET study
Authors: Bishay Steven , Robb W. Hudson , Schwartz Trent M. , Smith David S. , Lee Lok Hin , Lynn Cynthia J. , Clark Tammy L. , Jefferson Angela L. , Warner Jeremy L. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Murphy Barbara A. , Hohman Timothy J. , Koran Mary Ellen I.
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

Adverse neurological effects after cancer therapy are common, but biomarkers to diagnose, monitor, or risk stratify patients are still not validated or used clinically. An accessible imaging method, such as fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) of the brain, could meet this gap and serve as a biomarker for functional brain changes. We utilized FDG PET to evaluate which brain regions are most susceptible to altered glucose metabolism after chemoradiation in patients with head and neck cancer (HNCa).

Methods

Real‐world FDG PET images were acquired as standard of care before and after chemoradiation for HNCa in 68 patients. Linear mixed‐effects voxelwise models assessed changes after chemoradiation in cerebral glucose metabolism quantified with standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), covarying for follow‐up time and patient demographics.

Results

Voxelwise analysis revealed two large clusters of decreased glucose metabolism in the medial frontal and polar temporal cortices following chemoradiation, with decreases of approximately 5% SUVR after therapy.

Conclusions

These findings provide evidence that standard chemoradiation for HNCa can lead to decreased neuronal glucose metabolism, contributing to literature emphasizing the vulnerability of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes, especially in HNCa, where these areas may be particularly vulnerable to indirect radiation‐induced injury. FDG PET shows promise as a sensitive biomarker for assessing these changes.
The Lived Experiences of Students With Food Allergies During a Usual Weekday
Authors: Martinez Laurie A. , Opalinski Andra S. , Herbert Linda
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Extant literature indicates students living with food allergies (FA) experience biopsychosocial challenges (eg, social isolation, anxiety). The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of students living with FA during a usual weekday in a school setting.

METHODS

Phenomenological study with purposive convenience sample from the US states of Florida and Colorado. Students aged 10‐14 years who have been managing an IgE‐mediated FA for more than 1 year within a school setting. Data collection was guided by a story path process with semi‐structured interview, with Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis used to ascribe meaning to their experiences.

RESULTS

Four themes: (1) Living with Restraints: A Way of Life, (2) Managing Exposure, (3) Experiencing Stigma, and (4) Experiencing Lack of Knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Findings underscore unique biopsychosocial challenges faced by students living with FA, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches beyond traditional biological management in developing strategies, policies, future research, and recommendations in school settings.
Attention and purchase intention of sounding advertisements—A study on autonomous sensory meridian response of towel sound
Authors: Liang Chih‐Chin , Li Chao‐Hui
Published: December 2023

In the face of Taiwan's declining textile industry, companies strive to enhance product visibility but to little avail. Emphasizing personalized marketing in online advertising, they are exploring consumer‐preferred streaming adverts. However, the distracting nature of streaming media presents an obstacle. Herein, our research offers a solution. Utilizing audio autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), evidenced to significantly amplify skin conductance rate and brainwave activity, consumer attention can be effectively garnered. Studies have found that watching videos with the sound effect of ASMR can help the audience concentrate. Changes in brainwaves and skin conductance rates, when consumers use towel product, can be used to explore whether the participants are affected by ASMR. The results showed that audio ASMR streaming significantly increased the skin conductance rate and the brainwave of left anterior frontal area. This means that audio ASMR can attract consumer attention. The survey results have shown that all hypotheses were supported.

Practical Applications

This research explores the use of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) in online advertising for the declining textile industry in Taiwan. ASMR, a unique sound that captures attention and induces relaxation, has been shown to increase consumer concentration and purchase intention. By integrating ASMR into towel advertisements and analyzing participants' physiological signals, such as skin conductance rate and brainwave activity, the study found that audio ASMR significantly attracted consumer attention and increased purchase intentions. The findings suggest that textile companies should incorporate ASMR into their marketing strategies to effectively engage consumers and boost sales. Moreover, understanding audience preferences for specific ASMR sounds is crucial for achieving the desired advertising effects.