bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hybrid framework to prioritize the performance metrics for Blockchain technology adoption in manufacturing industries
Authors: Matey Shweta V. , Raut Dadarao N. , Pansare Rajesh B. , Kant Ravi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Blockchain technology (BCT) can play a vital role in manufacturing industries by providing visibility and real-time transparency. With BCT adoption, manufacturers can achieve higher productivity, better quality, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. The current study aims to prioritize the performance metrics and ranking of enablers that may influence the adoption of BCT in manufacturing industries through a hybrid framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an extensive literature review, 4 major criteria with 26 enablers were identified. Pythagorean fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to compute the weights of the enablers and the Pythagorean fuzzy combined compromise solution (Co-Co-So) method was used to prioritize the 17-performance metrics. Sensitivity analysis was then carried out to check the robustness of the developed framework.

Findings

According to the results, data security enablers were the most significant among the major criteria, followed by technology-oriented enablers, sustainability and human resources and quality-related enablers. Further, the ranking of performance metrics shows that data hacking complaints per year, data storage capacity and number of advanced technologies available for BCT are the top three important performance metrics. Framework robustness was confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

Practical implications

The developed framework will contribute to understanding and simplifying the BCT implementation process in manufacturing industries to a significant level. Practitioners and managers may use the developed framework to facilitate BCT adoption and evaluate the performance of the manufacturing system.

Originality/value

This study can be considered as the first attempt to the best of the author’s knowledge as no such hybrid framework combining enablers and performance indicators was developed earlier.
Can state-owned equity participation improve a company’s environmental, social and governance performance? Evidence collected from China
Authors: Huang Shijun , Du Pengcheng , Hong Yu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

With the continuous deepening of China's mixed-ownership reform, the participants in the reform have gradually expanded from state-owned enterprises to private enterprises. Whether state-owned equity participation in private enterprises can facilitate the development of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in private enterprises is a question that needs urgent examination. This study aims to investigate the impact of state-owned equity participation on the ESG performance of private enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Chinese listed companies as the research sample, this study uses econometric methods such as multiple regression to analyze the relationship between state-owned equity and the ESG performance of private enterprises. Additionally, it explores the underlying mechanisms and influencing factors of this relationship.

Findings

There is a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between state-owned equity and the ESG performance of private enterprises. Mechanism analysis reveals that resource effects and governance effects play a mediating role in this nonlinear relationship. Furthermore, the authors find that environmental regulation and managers' attention to the environment positively moderate the relationship between state-owned equity participation and ESG performance.

Practical implications

A reasonable equity structure is crucial for enhancing corporate ESG performance. Moderate state-owned equity participation helps to leverage resource integration and governance advantages, which will assist private enterprises in maximizing ESG performance and achieving sustainable development.

Social implications

In advancing the process of mixed-ownership reform, the government should maintain an appropriate proportion of state-owned equity to avoid excessive intervention in enterprise decision-making. At the same time, it should ensure that enterprises can genuinely undertake their social and environmental responsibilities while pursuing economic benefits. This is of great significance for promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Originality/value

This study integrates state-owned equity, ESG and nonlinear relationships into a single research framework. It explores the internal mechanisms and influencing factors of their relationship, overcoming the limitations of previous studies and provides a new perspective for understanding the impact of state-owned equity on corporate ESG performance.
Sustainable consumption behavior among Bahraini young female consumers
Authors: Mehrotra Arpita Anshu , Sengupta Debashish , M. El Khoury Charbel , Arkadan Farah
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Understanding behavior toward sustainable consumption remains among the most challenging contemporary topics and requires continual investigation. The aim of this paper is to explore young Bahraini women’s level of awareness of sustainable consumption while also considering their attitudes, motivations and behavior as key elements in the study.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used to collect the data. More specifically, 46 semi-structured interviews with young Bahraini women took place and the results were produced using thematic analysis.

Findings

Results reveal that consumers’ awareness levels toward sustainable consumption have been growing but awareness remains variable among consumers. In turn, motivation toward supporting sustainability is more associated with environmental reasons than cultural or economic ones. The attitude toward sustainable consumption is generally positive among young consumers. Moreover, sustainable consumption has been found to be present through various means in the purchase decisions of young Bahraini women.

Originality/value

This study exclusively explores the awareness levels of young Bahraini women regarding sustainable consumption with a focus on the elements of the behavioral process, namely, “awareness, attitude, motivation, and behavior”, as central research pillars.
Falling between the ship and the wharf: An exploration of the challenges early intervention practitioners face and their commitment to work
Authors: Zhang Kaili C. , Li Qin
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges early childhood intervention practitioners faced and their commitment to work. Data suggested that participants struggled to manage their roles and responsibilities, the lack of time, resources, and professional support, and growing workloads. In the face of these challenges; however, the majority of the early intervention practitioners reported being ‘very committed’ to their work with children with disabilities. Working long hours, always seeking ways to improve their practice, and keeping themselves abreast of new information and evidence‐based interventions were mentioned as proof of their commitment. This article concludes that as the provision of early intervention services to support early childhood inclusion becomes more prevalent, it is critical that researchers work to identify effective service delivery models and under‐used resources, including the work commitment of the teaching professionals.
A Position Modification Device for the Prevention of Supine Sleep During Pregnancy: A Randomised Crossover Trial
Authors: Wilson Danielle L. , Whenn Carley , Barnes Maree , Walker Susan P. , Howard Mark E.
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a pillow‐like position modification device to reduce supine sleep during late pregnancy, and to determine the impacts on the severity of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and foetal well‐being.

Design

Randomised cross‐over study.

Setting and Population

Individuals in the third trimester of pregnancy receiving antenatal care at a tertiary maternity hospital in Australia.

Methods

Participants used their own pillow for a control week and an intervention pillow for a week overnight, in randomised order. Sleep position and total sleep time for each night of both weeks were objectively monitored, with a sleep study and foetal heart rate monitoring performed on the last night of each week.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome = percentage of sleep time in the supine position; secondary outcomes = apnoea–hypopnoea index, foetal heart rate decelerations and birthweight centile.

Results

Forty‐one individuals were randomised with data collected on 35 participants over 469 nights. There was no difference in percentage of total sleep time in the supine position overnight between the control or intervention pillow week (13.0% [6.1, 25.5] vs. 16.0% [5.6, 27.2], p = 0.81 with a mean difference of 2.5% [95% CI] = −0.7, 5.6, p = 0.12), and no difference in the severity of SDB or foetal heart rate decelerations across weeks. However, increased supine sleep was significantly related to a higher apnoea–hypopnoea index (rs = 0.37, p = 0.003), lower birthweight (rs = −0.45, p = 0.007) and lower birthweight centile (rs = −0.45, p = 0.006). The proportion of supine sleep each night of the week varied widely both within and across participants, despite awareness of side‐sleeping recommendations.

Conclusions

We found no evidence to suggest that the adoption of a pillow designed to discourage supine sleep was effective in late pregnancy, with women spending an average of 1 h per night supine. Alternative devices should be investigated, incorporating lessons learnt from this study to inform trials of supine sleep minimisation in pregnancy.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trial: (Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry): ACTRN12620000371998
Neuronormativity as ignorant design in human resource management: The case of an unsupportive national context
Authors: Erbil Cihat , Özbilgin Mustafa F. , Gündoğdu Nur
Published: September 2024

Neurodiversity refers to differences in how people's brains work. Reportedly, human resource functions lag behind scientific developments in offering inclusive design for neurodivergent individuals. Drawing on the sociology of ignorance, we examine mechanisms and forms of ignorant design based on a qualitative study with 20 HR professionals in a country with an unsupportive context for neurodivergence. We expand the literature on an ignorant design by identifying three mechanisms and seven forms of ignorance that shape neuronormative HR policies and practices, revealing that HR practices often marginalise neurodivergent individuals by not recognising their contributions, enforcing neurotypical standards, and maintaining a superficial approach to inclusion. Our findings underscore the need for substantial changes in HR policies and practices, such as involving neurodivergent individuals in policy design, providing comprehensive neurodiversity training for HR professionals, and adopting evidence‐based and inclusive HR strategies. Further, a supportive national context is invaluable for neuroinclusion.
Go where you know: range expansion and fidelity in mountain caribou following eight years of maternity penning
Authors: Hoffart D. , Johnson C. J. , McNay R. S.
Published: September 2024

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) are designated as Threatened or Endangered in Canada, with many populations being at risk of extirpation. Approaches for caribou conservation can be both invasive and expensive. For example, maternity penning involves the relocation of pregnant females to a predator‐free fenced enclosure where they are held for 20–22 weeks. This activity greatly reduces the risk of predation for adult females and their dependent calves, but requires the construction, maintenance, and monitoring of a penning facility as well as the risk associated with the capture and transport of adult caribou. With only four maternity pen trials within the last decade, there has been little study of the potential influence of maternity penning on the distribution and habitat use of caribou after release. We used Brownian Bridge Movement Models to examine changes in range fidelity and overall range use of the Klinse‐Za caribou herd in north‐central British Columbia, Canada, following eight years of maternity penning. We generated annual home range utilisation distributions and examined the space use of caribou among years and between penned and unpenned animals, as well as pre‐penning and post‐penning time periods. We found that following penning, caribou shifted distribution to areas near maternity pens and expanded their overall use of range. However, caribou did not shift their distribution relative to the elevation of their mountainous habitats. Our results suggest that caribou can adapt to capture and forced displacement without altering patterns of instinctual or learned habitat use.
Income inequality and financial overconfidence
Authors: Gottesman Aron , Morey Matthew
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we examine the relationship between income inequality and overconfidence. Using data from the FINRA Foundation's National Financial Capability Study, we measure respondents' self‐perceived and actual investment knowledge and thus identify overconfident individuals. We also identify for each respondent their U.S. state of residence and the corresponding state‐level income inequality. We then examine the relationship between state‐level income inequality and overconfidence of the survey participants. Using a number of controls, several overconfidence measures, and two different datasets we find a positive and significant relationship between income inequality and overconfidence. We also find evidence that income inequality is positively related to financial satisfaction and financial risk taking. Indeed, we find that as inequality increases, poorer individuals increase their risk willingness.
What good emotional care for miscarriage looks like: A mixed‐methods investigation in an Australian private hospital setting
Authors: Lee Lysha , Gerber Katrin , Kammers Marjolein P.M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Miscarriage is a common medical occurrence which can be associated with significant psychological distress. Patients and partners are frequently disappointed by aspects of their care, especially with regard to emotional support. Although most published studies investigated the experiences of patients and partners in emergency departments (EDs) of public hospitals, miscarriage is also frequently diagnosed in non‐emergency settings, such as during sonography or antenatal appointments, and approximately 25% of Australian women receive maternity care in private hospitals.

Aim

Because the experience of miscarriage is known to be setting‐dependent, it is important to understand how patients and partners experience care outside the ED. Here, we addressed this gap by investigating the experiences of patients and partners who attended a private maternity hospital for miscarriage using a mixed‐methods approach.

Materials and methods

Eighteen patients and six partners who had recently experienced a miscarriage were recruited at a private maternity hospital to take part in both semi‐structured interviews and online surveys.

Results

Overall, patients and partners were highly satisfied with the emotional care they received. Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews allowed us to identify a total of ten themes that contributed to satisfaction with emotional care.

Conclusions

We provide the first specific insights into the experiences of women and partners who received care for miscarriage in an Australian private hospital setting, and the first example of a healthcare setting that achieves high satisfaction with emotional care around miscarriage. The ten themes we identify provide a framework for improving satisfaction with care also in other settings.
Prognostic clinical prediction models for acute post‐surgical pain in adults: a systematic review
Authors: Papadomanolakis‐Pakis Nicholas , Munch Philip V. , Carlé Nicolai , Uhrbrand Camilla G. , Haroutounian Simon , Nikolajsen Lone
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute post‐surgical pain is managed inadequately in many patients undergoing surgery. Several prognostic risk prediction models have been developed to identify patients at high risk of developing moderate to severe acute post‐surgical pain. The aim of this systematic review was to describe and evaluate the methodological conduct of these prediction models.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL for studies of prognostic risk prediction models for acute post‐surgical pain using predetermined criteria. Prediction model performance was evaluated according to discrimination and calibration. Adherence to TRIPOD guidelines was assessed. Risk of bias and applicability was independently assessed by two reviewers using the prediction model risk of bias assessment tool.

Results

We included 14 studies reporting on 17 prediction models. The most common predictors identified in final prediction models included age; surgery type; sex or gender; anxiety or fear of surgery; pre‐operative pain intensity; pre‐operative analgesic use; pain catastrophising; and expected surgical incision size. Discrimination, measured by the area under receiver operating characteristic curves or c‐statistic, ranged from 0.61 to 0.83. Calibration was only reported for seven models. The median (IQR [range]) overall adherence rate to TRIPOD items was 62 (53–66 [47–72])%. All prediction models were at high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Effective prediction models could support the prevention and treatment of acute post‐surgical pain; however, existing models are at high risk of bias which may affect their reliability to inform practice. Consideration should be given to the goals, timing of intended use and desired outcomes of a prediction model before development.
On the function and origin of the avian renal portal shunt and its potential significance throughout evolution
Authors: Buyse Kobe , Stein Koen , De Spiegelaere Ward , Cornillie Pieter , Clauss Marcus , Janssens Geert P.J.
Published: September 2024

All birds possess a unique venous architecture surrounding the kidneys known as the renal portal system. In veterinary medicine, this system is well known for causing a first‐pass effect when medication is administered parenterally via the leg veins, that is venous blood from the leg is filtered before entering general circulation, thus possibly compromising adequate dosage. Additionally, bilateral valves are present in these veins, and it has been hypothesized that they play a crucial role in regulating flow through the kidneys to protect them against increases in blood pressure. While this hypothesis has been acknowledged, it has not been thoroughly explored. We propose that the function of the renal portal valve extends beyond its significance for kidney function, potentially impacting general hemodynamics. Examining anatomical similarities with extant non‐avian reptiles, which lack the renal portal shunt with valve, could reveal additional functionalities of this system in birds. Given the endothermic metabolism and the energetically expensive locomotor activity of birds, the resistance of the hepatic and renal portal system might constrain the blood flow from splanchnic to non‐splanchnic blood vessels necessary for (sustained) peak performance. Therefore, diverting blood from the renal portal system using the renal portal valve as a regulatory structure might represent a key adaptation to facilitate sustained peak performance. In addition, we hypothesize that this shunt and valve represents a very early adaptation in amniotes, possibly lost in extant non‐avian reptiles but enhanced in birds, with a pivotal role in maintaining hemodynamic homeostasis to support the high metabolic rates characteristic of birds.
Lived Experience as Evidence for Research, Policy, and Advocacy on Homelessness in Canada
Authors: Malik Hunaifa , Cristea Daniel , McLean Elizabeth , Kopec Anna
Published: September 2024

The rise of evidence‐based policymaking highlights the importance of evidence and how it is defined and utilized. It also uncovers the gaps in evidence and where lived experience stands to benefit policymaking. The rising level of encampments, homelessness, and housing unaffordability in Canada emphasize the need to consider how and where lived experiences of homelessness are included. This article interrogates the inclusion of lived experiences of homelessness in three specific domains: research, policy, and advocacy. Our findings from systematic reviews of each area reveal an evidence‐policy gap in homelessness policy and governance. Across all three domains, scholars and practitioners alike often fail to explicitly include lived experience to inform their efforts. Enhanced coordination and policy learning across and between the domains can offer a pathway to measurably improve policy effectiveness.
Suspended resting of caterpillars as an anti‐predator strategy
Authors: Matsubara Satoru , Sugiura Shinji
Published: September 2024

Resting animals are highly vulnerable to predation, making the location and manner in which they rest crucial for their survival. Some lepidopteran larvae and spiders rest while suspended in the air at night. Although previous studies have hypothesised that nocturnal suspended resting serves as an anti‐predator defence, this hypothesis has not yet been tested.

We found that Pogonopygia nigralbata larvae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) rest on leaves of the host plant Illicium anisatum (Austrobaileyales: Schisandraceae) during the day but hang from leaves by a thread at night. As some predators, such as praying mantises, centipedes and tree frogs, were observed on host plants at night, the larvae might hang from leaves to avoid encounters with these predators.

To test this hypothesis, we artificially placed model prey (i.e., live mealworms) on I. anisatum trees during the day and at night. We compared the attack rates on model prey suspended from leaves with those directly attached to the leaves. Model prey were attacked more frequently during the day than at night. Suspended models were attacked less frequently than those attached leaves at night. A mealworm attached to a leaf was also consumed by a centipede at night. Additionally, centipedes were found more frequently on the host plant I. anisatum at night than during the day. Furthermore, our laboratory experiments showed that P. nigralbata larvae were frequently consumed by praying mantises and centipedes.

Our results suggest that the nocturnal suspended resting of P. nigralbata larvae plays a crucial role in evading nocturnal predators, such as praying mantises and centipedes.
Patient evaluation of Klick, a technology‐enabled, nurse‐delivered HIV outpatient pathway
Authors: Day S. , Rae C. , McOwan A. , Wilkins R. , Gray A. , Harvey A. , Casley C. , Murungi A. , Asboe D.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Klick is a clinic‐specific, digitally supported outpatient pathway of care for people living with HIV (PLWH). It involves a smartphone application (app) for PLWH to self‐manage their care, navigate access to the clinic and communicate with their healthcare provider. We present a patient evaluation of Klick.

Methods

Patients use Klick to book/reschedule appointments, view laboratory results, request medication, access remote nurse‐delivered consultations and communicate with clinicians. In October 2022, Klick was evaluated by PLWH through a questionnaire and interviews.

Results

Between August 2020 and April 2024, 5859 patients had registered to use Klick; during April 2024 alone, 2509 (43%) used Klick. In October 2022, 1661 PLWH were invited to complete surveys, of whom 362 (22%) responded. These respondents were 95% (340/358) male and 84% (298/354) white, and 63% (227/359) were in the age range 41–60 years. Respondents felt Klick was easy to use (average score 4.3/5), and 92% thought having a clinic‐specific app was important/very important. Respondents valued the following app features as important/very important – online booking (93%); viewable results (94%); prescription requests (90%) – and rated their experience of using them highly – 91% for e‐booking and 91% for viewable results. A total of 93% said they would recommend Klick to friends and 82% rated Klick as above average/excellent.

Conclusions

PLWH reported high levels of satisfaction using a clinic‐specific mHealth app to manage their HIV care and demonstrated sustained active use. Klick was rated easy to use, as helping to meet healthcare needs and as providing a superior experience for some aspects of care. Other HIV clinics or services managing chronic conditions could benefit from the adoption of personalized digital solutions to enhance patient care.
Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease: A superior predictor for incident type 2 diabetes over traditional criteria – NAGALA study
Authors: Sakai Kimiko , Okamura Takuro , Toyokuni Ema , Okada Hiroshi , Obora Akihiro , Kojima Takao , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: September 2024

Aims/Introduction

The 2023 Delphi consensus recommended the use of new term, metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), aiming conceptual shift from the conventional non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The association between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development is well known. This study aimed to examine the correlation between MASLD and T2DM development, comparing their utility as predictors.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study obtained data from a medical health checkup program conducted at Asahi University Hospital, Japan, between 2004 and 2021. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between MASLD and incident T2DM over 5 years. To compare the predictive utility of NAFLD and MASLD, receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn, followed by area under the curve (AUC) comparisons.

Results

In total, 15,039 participants (59.6% males; median [interquartile range {IQR}] age, 44 [38, 50] years) were included. Out of 2,682 participants meeting the criteria for MASLD, 234 individuals (8.7%) developed T2DM. Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly elevated risk of T2DM in MASLD compared with the reference healthy group (without steatotic liver disease or cardiometabolic risk), presenting an OR of 127.00 (95% CI 40.40–399.00, P < 0.001). The concordance rate of diagnosis between NAFLD and MASLD was 98.7%. The AUC values were 0.799 for NAFLD and 0.807 for MASLD, respectively. Comparative analysis of the AUC showed a statistical difference between NAFLD and MASLD (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

MASLD was shown to be a significant risk factor for incident T2DM, exhibiting a potentially higher predictive capacity than conventional NAFLD.
WOUND‐Q questionnaire: Translational and cross‐cultural adaptation for Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Camargo Cristina P. , Matsumoto Bruno Y. , Apolinário Matheus S. , Gemperli Rolf
Published: September 2024

Studies shows that 1%–2% of world population will develop chronic skin wound in their lifetime. Nowadays, the patient report outcome measure (PROM) questionnaires are used to evaluate the patient's quality of life. However, several PROM's questionnaires analyse specific chronic wounds. In this sense, WOUND‐Q toll was designed to evaluate all types of wounds. Because of the WOUND‐Q wide applicability, the use of WOUND‐Q is helpful for other countries. This study aimed to translate and adapt WOUND‐Q tool for Brazilian Portuguese language. Two independent translators translated the WOUND‐Q questionnaire from English to Brazilian Portuguese. Then these translators build Version 1 (T1) and version 2 (T2). In a consensus meeting, a third senior author defined the final version. In the back translation process, an English proficient translator translated the Brazilian Portuguese version to the original version. After another consensus, a final version was defined. Then, our group performed a cognitive test to validate this version. After the first translation, the comparison of version T1 and T2 achieved an intraclass correlation coefficient of 77%. The back translation showed the need of few adjustments. For the cognitive test, the mean age was 44.1 ± 9.3 years. Only one question was changed to improve comprehensiveness. In the review phase, few adjustments were performed to the final Brazilian Portuguese version, mostly regarding verbal tense and prepositions. In conclusion, this study successfully translated and adapted the WOUND‐Q questionnaire for a Brazilian Portuguese version.
Spatial distribution of black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) immature taxocenoses from the Pedra Branca State Park, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues da Costa Tayanna , Nascimento Docile Tatiana , De Albuquerque Ferreira Christina , Miranda Souza-Martins Tainá Maria , Lima-de-Sousa Ivyn Karla , Gil-Azevedo Leonardo Henrique , Figueiró Ronaldo
Published: September 2024

To understand the relationship between environmental factors and black fly (Simuliidae) species’ distributions, we sampled immature individuals in Pedra Branca State Park, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the dry season in June 2018. We then correlated environmental variable values with black fly larvae abundances via redundancy analyses. The abundances of Simulium pertinax Kollar 1832, Simulium subpallidum Lutz 1910, Simulium (Thyrsopelma) spp., Simulium (Psaroniocompsa) spp., and Simulium (Inaequalium) spp. were negatively correlated with light and temperature, while Simulium (Hemicne tha) spp.’s abundance correlated positively with these variables. The abundances of Simulium pertinax Kollar 1832, Simulium (Hemicnetha) spp., and Simulium (Thyrsopelma) spp. were positively associated with altitude, while the abundances of the other species revealed negative correlations with this factor. Species richness was determined using pupae in a linear regression with the Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera Trichoptera (EPT) index. This analysis showed that the most deteriorated sites have a higher species richness than more conserved sites within Pedra Branca State Park. Our results suggest that simuliid species richness reflects habitat integrity, thus becoming a reliable indicator of habitat conservatio status.
University Rankings in Sport Science: A True Reflection of Excellence?
Authors: Matic Girard Ivana , Girard Olivier
Published: September 2024

Background: University rankings often serve as benchmarks for excellence in academic evaluation. For example, ShanghaiRanking data from 2016 to 2023 for the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments reveal consistent dominance by Australia (23.1%), Canada (18.0%), and the United States (12.0%), collectively counting over half of the top 50 universities worldwide. Nevertheless, there is uncertainty about how the methodology behind these rankings shapes a reality as much as it reflects one. Purpose: Our intention is to discuss the complexity of university rankings, using ShanghaiRanking as an example, to highlight how these rankings reflect academic excellence within the field of sport science. Current Evidence: When ranking universities in sport science, several aspects of academic excellence could be considered in addition to research metrics currently considered in ShanghaiRanking (publication, citation, citations per publication, top 25% journal publications, and internationally collaborated publications). These aspects may include (1) teaching quality, (2) practical training, (3) industry links and employability, (4) support services, (5) facilities and equipment, (6) international network, (7) community engagement, (8) sustainability and ethical practices, and (9) interdisciplinary approach. Altogether, they could provide a more comprehensive view of the quality and effectiveness of a sport-science program. Conclusions: The ranking of sport-science institutions poses a complex challenge due to diverse factors influencing academic excellence. Engaging in a broader dialogue and refining internationally relevant evaluation methodologies are crucial. These steps enable comparability between countries and provide a holistic understanding of the multidimensional nature of academic excellence in sport science.
Inhalable SPRAY nanoparticles by modular peptide assemblies reverse alveolar inflammation in lethal Gram-negative bacteria infection
Authors: Chen Dinghao , Zhou Ziao , Kong Nan , Xu Tengyan , Liang Juan , Xu Pingping , Yao Bingpeng , Zhang Yu , Sun Ying , Li Ying , Wu Bihan , Yang Xuejiao , Wang Huaimin
Published: September 2024

Current pharmacotherapy remains futile in acute alveolar inflammation induced by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), eliciting consequent respiratory failure. The release of lipid polysaccharides after antibiotic treatment and subsequent progress of proinflammatory cascade highlights the necessity to apply effective inflammation management simultaneously. This work describes modular self-assembling peptides for rapid anti-inflammatory programming (SPRAY) to form nanoparticles targeting macrophage specifically, having anti-inflammation and bactericidal functions synchronously. SPRAY nanoparticles accelerate the self-delivery process in macrophages via lysosomal membrane permeabilization, maintaining anti-inflammatory programming in macrophages with efficacy close to T helper 2 cytokines. By pulmonary deposition, SPRAY nanoparticles effectively suppress inflammatory infiltration and promote alveoli regeneration in murine aseptic acute lung injury. Moreover, SPRAY nanoparticles efficiently eradicate multidrug-resistant GNB in alveoli by disrupting bacterial membrane. The universal molecular design of SPRAY nanoparticles provides a robust and clinically unseen local strategy in reverse acute inflammation featured by a high accumulation of proinflammatory cellularity and drug-resistant bacteria.
Direct generation of time-energy-entangled W triphotons in atomic vapor
Authors: Li Kangkang , Wen Jianming , Cai Yin , Ghamsari Saeid Vashahri , Li Changbiao , Li Feng , Zhang Zhaoyang , Zhang Yanpeng , Xiao Min
Published: September 2024

Entangled multiphoton sources are essential for both fundamental tests of quantum foundations and building blocks of contemporary optical quantum technologies. While efforts over the past three decades have focused on creating multiphoton entanglement through multiplexing existing biphoton sources with linear optics and postselections, our work presents a groundbreaking approach. We observe genuine continuous-mode time-energy-entangled W-class triphotons with an unprecedented production rate directly generated through spontaneous six-wave mixing (SSWM) in a four-level triple-Λ atomic vapor cell. Using electromagnetically induced transparency and coherence control, our SSWM scheme allows versatile narrowband triphoton generation with advantageous properties, including long temporal coherence and controllable waveforms. This advancement is ideal for applications like long-distance quantum communications and information processing, bridging single photons and neutral atoms. Most importantly, our work establishes a reliable and efficient genuine triphoton source, facilitating accessible research on multiphoton entanglement.
Myosin-I synergizes with Arp2/3 complex to enhance the pushing forces of branched actin networks
Authors: Xu Mengqi , Rutkowski David M. , Rebowski Grzegorz , Boczkowska Malgorzata , Pollard Luther W. , Dominguez Roberto , Vavylonis Dimitrios , Ostap E. Michael
Published: September 2024

Class I myosins (myosin-Is) colocalize with Arp2/3 complex–nucleated actin networks at sites of membrane protrusion and invagination, but the mechanisms by which myosin-I motor activity coordinates with branched actin assembly to generate force are unknown. We mimicked the interplay of these proteins using the “comet tail” bead motility assay, where branched actin networks are nucleated by the Arp2/3 complex on the surface of beads coated with myosin-I and nucleation-promoting factor. We observed that myosin-I increased bead movement efficiency by thinning actin networks without affecting growth rates. Myosin-I triggered symmetry breaking and comet tail formation in dense networks resistant to spontaneous fracturing. Even with arrested actin assembly, myosin-I alone could break the network. Computational modeling recapitulated these observations, suggesting myosin-I acts as a repulsive force shaping the network’s architecture and boosting its force-generating capacity. We propose that myosin-I leverages its power stroke to amplify the forces generated by Arp2/3 complex–nucleated actin networks.
Landau-phonon polaritons in Dirac heterostructures
Authors: Wehmeier Lukas , Xu Suheng , Mayer Rafael A. , Vermilyea Brian , Tsuneto Makoto , Dapolito Michael , Pu Rui , Du Zengyi , Chen Xinzhong , Zheng Wenjun , Jing Ran , Zhou Zijian , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Gozar Adrian , Li Qiang , Kuzmenko Alexey B. , Carr G. Lawrence , Du Xu , Fogler Michael M. , Basov D. N. , Liu Mengkun
Published: September 2024

Polaritons are light-matter quasiparticles that govern the optical response of quantum materials at the nanoscale, enabling on-chip communication and local sensing. Here, we report Landau-phonon polaritons (LPPs) in magnetized charge-neutral graphene encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). These quasiparticles emerge from the interaction of Dirac magnetoexciton modes in graphene with the hyperbolic phonon polariton modes in hBN. Using infrared magneto-nanoscopy, we reveal the ability to completely halt the LPP propagation in real space at quantized magnetic fields, defying the conventional optical selection rules. The LPP-based nanoscopy also tells apart two fundamental many-body phenomena: the Fermi velocity renormalization and field-dependent magnetoexciton binding energies. Our results highlight the potential of magnetically tuned Dirac heterostructures for precise nanoscale control and sensing of light-matter interaction.
CD4
+
T cells with convergent TCR recombination reprogram stroma and halt tumor progression in adoptive therapy
Authors: Wolf Steven P. , Leisegang Matthias , Steiner Madeline , Wallace Veronika , Kiyotani Kazuma , Hu Yifei , Rosenberger Leonie , Huang Jun , Schreiber Karin , Nakamura Yusuke , Schietinger Andrea , Schreiber Hans
Published: September 2024

Cancers eventually kill hosts even when infiltrated by cancer-specific T cells. We examined whether cancer-specific T cell receptors of CD4
+
T cells (CD4TCRs) from tumor-bearing hosts can be exploited for adoptive TCR therapy. We focused on CD4TCRs targeting an autochthonous mutant neoantigen that is only presented by stroma surrounding the MHC class II–negative cancer cells. The 11 most common tetramer-sorted CD4TCRs were tested using TCR-engineered CD4
+
T cells. Three TCRs were characterized by convergent recombination for which multiple T cell clonotypes differed in their nucleotide sequences but encoded identical TCR α and β chains. These preferentially selected TCRs destroyed tumors equally well and halted progression through reprogramming of the tumor stroma. TCRs represented by single T cell clonotypes were similarly effective only if they shared CDR elements with preferentially selected TCRs in both α and β chains. Selecting candidate TCRs on the basis of these characteristics can help identify TCRs that are potentially therapeutically effective.
Gene discovery from microbial gene libraries I: protection against reactive oxygen species-driven DNA damage
Authors: Taylor John C. , Gu Liu Carmen , Chang James D. , Thompson Brianna E. , Maresso Anthony W.
Published: September 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) pose a lethal risk for all life forms by causing damage to cell processes, genome-wide DNA damage-driving mutation, replicative instability, and death. Thus, the development of mechanisms to resist or repair ROS-induced DNA damage is critical for the reliable replication of nucleic acids. DNA repair and protection mechanisms have been discovered in all forms of life. However, the vast array of microbes that may harbor novel repair or protection mechanisms, especially bacterial viruses, have not been adequately assessed. Here, we screened a microbial gene library composed primarily of phage open reading frames (ORFs) to uncover elements that overcome a DNA damage blockade. We report the discovery of one such protein, termed F21, which promotes bacterial survival by possibly repairing or protecting DNA in the face of ROS-induced DNA damage.

IMPORTANCE

Discovery of proteins that promote DNA damage repair and protection in the face of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is of vital importance. Our group is in possession of a unique microbial DNA library with which we can screen for undiscovered genes that encode novel proteins with DNA damage repair and protective functions. This library is composed of diverse DNA from a variety of sources, namely bacteriophages, which must be assessed for their novel functions. This work focuses on the discovery of DNA damage repair and protection, but the possibilities for discovery are endless, thus highlighting the significance of this work.
Environmental pH and compound structure affect the activity of short-chain carboxylic acids against planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and eradication of the food pathogen
Salmonella enterica
Authors: Ng Ker-Sin , Bambace Maria Florencia , Andersen Emilie Balleby , Meyer Rikke Louise , Schwab Clarissa
Published: September 2024

Short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) that are naturally produced by microbial fermentation play an essential role in delaying microbial spoilage. SCCAs are structurally diverse, but only a few of them are routinely used in food biopreservation. This study investigated the effects of environmental pH and intrinsic properties of 21 structurally different SCCAs on the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against
Salmonella enterica
. Inhibition of SCCA toward planktonic and biofilm growth of
S. enterica
was higher in an acidic environment (pH 4.5) that is common in fermented products, and for SCCA that possessed both a high acid dissociation strength (pK
a
) (>4.0) and a positive hydrophobicity [octanol/water partition coefficient (log
K
ow
)]. Crotonic and caproic acids were identified as SCCAs with potential as biopreservatives even at near-neutral pH. SCCA with hydrophilic groups such as lactic acid did not inhibit
S. enterica
at concentrations up to 50 mM, while SCCA with benzene or methyl groups or a double bond prevented
S. enterica
growth and biofilm formation. Stimulation of biofilm formation was observed for formic, acetic, and propionic acid close to the minimum inhibitory concentration to reduce 50% of cell density (MIC
50
) of planktonic cells, and for citric and isocitric acid with an MIC
50
of ≥50 mM. The presence of low concentrations of formic and propionic acids during biofilm formation conferred protection during eradication possibly due to a pre-adaptation effect, yet two consecutive acid treatments were successful in eradicating biofilms if the first acid treatment was two- to threefold of the MIC
50
.

IMPORTANCE

This study provides a systematic comparison on the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of more than 20 structurally different SCCAs against a common food pathogen. We tested the antimicrobial activity at controlled pH and identified the structure-dependent antimicrobial effects of SCCA without the confounding influence of acidification. The combined effect of pK
a
and log
K
ow
was identified as an important feature that should be considered when deciding for a specific SCCA in the application as antimicrobial. Our results imply that additional phenomena such as the use of SCCA as substrate and cellular pre-adaption effects have to be taken into consideration. We finally present a two-step treatment as an efficient approach to eradicate biofilms, which can be applied for the disinfection of contact surfaces and manufacturing equipment. Results obtained here can serve as guidelines for application of SCCA to avoid the growth of food pathogens and/or to develop biopreserved food systems.
Ranking sports science and medicine interventions impacting team performance: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies in elite football
Authors: Fernandes Tiago , Rago Vincenzo , Castañer Marta , Camerino Oleguer
Published: September 2024

This study protocol describes a systematic method to identify, collect and rank sports science and medicine interventions most associated with optimising team performance in elite football in observational studies. While numerous interventions, such as conditioning or injury prevention programmes, protective equipment, training periodisation, tactical decision-making, supplements, medication and hydration administration, have been associated with football players and team performance enhancement, there is a need to prioritise them to save resources and increase the efficiency of applications. Nevertheless, previous literature has shown that systematic reviews in elite football often need more protocol registration and have limited procedures, synthesis and practical implications directly applicable to the field. Therefore, this protocol outlines a comprehensive process developed following the Cochrane Collaboration and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement comprising the following stages: (1) research question formulation and preliminary study, (2) eligibility criteria, (3) search strategy, (4) study selection, (5) data collection, (6) data assessment and (7) data synthesis and statistical analysis. It also presents a data quality standard process incorporating human and large language models reviewers and a detailed flow diagram for selecting suitable quantitative synthesis and ranking techniques. It includes meta-regression, pairwise, network, Bayesian or hierarchical meta-analysis options. The project associated and pre-registration of the protocol is available on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/tzcxq/).
Introducing quantum information and computation to a broader audience with MOOCs at OpenHPI
Authors: Hellstern Gerhard , Hettel Jörg , Just Bettina
Published: September 2024

Quantum computing is an exciting field with high disruptive potential, but very difficult to access. For this reason, many approaches to teaching quantum computing are being developed worldwide. This always raises questions about the didactic concept, the content actually taught, and how to measure the success of the teaching concept. In 2022 and 2023, the authors taught a total of nine two-week MOOCs (massive open online courses) with different possible learning paths on the Hasso Plattner Institute’s OpenHPI platform. The purpose of the platform is to make computer science education available to everyone free of charge. The nine quantum courses form a self-contained curriculum. A total of more than 17,000 course attendances have been taken by about 7400 natural persons, and the number is still rising. This paper presents the course concept and evaluates the anonymized data on the background of the participants, their behaviour in the courses, and their learning success. This paper is the first to analyze such a large dataset of MOOC-based quantum computing education. The summarized results are a heterogeneous personal background of the participants biased towards IT professionals, a majority following the didactic recommendations, and a high success rate, which is strongly correlatated with following the didactic recommendations. The amount of data from such a large group of quantum computing learners provides many avenues for further research in the field of quantum computing education. The analyses show that the MOOCs are a low-threshold concept for getting into quantum computing. It was very well received by the participants. The concept can serve as an entry point and guide for the design of quantum computing courses.