bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Holistic customer experience: interplay between retail experience quality, customer in-shop emotion valence and in-shop involvement valence
Authors: Abid Muhammad Farrukh , Shamim Amjad , Thaichon Park , Quach Sara , Siddique Junaid , Awan Maheen Iqbal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the roles of retail experience quality dimensions, customers’ in-shop emotion valence and in-shop involvement valence in shaping the holistic retail customer experience.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a total of 25 interviews with customers who have used services at non-fuel retail stores in Malaysia, commonly known as tuckshops, which are located adjacent to fuel stations. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which led to the identification of key themes and categories that informed the development of our conceptual framework.

Findings

This study identifies three dimensions of retail experience quality: physical surroundings experience quality, interaction experience quality and service innovation experience quality. These dimensions, which were previously unexamined, are shown to influence customer evaluations based on their interactions with the retail environment, employees and digital applications. Additionally, the study finds that these dimensions impact customers’ emotions and involvement valence, suggesting that even with negative experiences, high involvement and overall positive perceptions can still occur.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the literature in several ways. First, it identifies key retail antecedents that shape how customers interact with, interpret and evaluate the quality of their retail experiences. Second, it examines the complex nature of customers’ in-store emotions and involvement valence, highlighting the coexistence of positive and negative emotions in certain retail contexts. Third, the study offers practical insights for retail firms, urging them to adopt a holistic approach in addressing customer emotions and involvement across diverse retail service channels.

Originality/value

The study introduces new dimensions of retail experience quality and develops a framework linking these dimensions to customer emotions and involvement valence. Unlike previous research that has focused on either positive or negative aspects in isolation, this study offers a comprehensive view of how mixed emotions and involvement can impact the overall retail experience. It provides both theoretical insights and practical guidance for creating more balanced and engaging retail experiences.
Predictability and behavior of water transfers across basin boundaries
Authors: Eng Ken , Medalie Laura , Skinner Kenneth D. , Ivahnenko Tamara I. , Heilman Julian A. , Smith Jared D.
Published: December 2024

Inter‐basin water transfers (IBTs) are important components of water balances of basins, and they can have substantial impact on regional water availability. Flow information is often not available at locations with known IBTs, which is a drawback in several published IBT databases. Few, if any, studies examine whether IBT flow behavior can be generalized, and if these behaviors can be predicted at undocumented locations or known IBT locations with no flow information. In this study, we employ a clustering method based on image matching to identify similar classes of flow behavior of IBTs. Machine learning models are used to assess how well IBT flow characteristics (e.g., average flow) associated with these behaviors can be predicted. These evaluations of IBTs are done for two regions in the United States. Three primary classes of IBTs (seasonal, nonseasonal/not mixed, and seasonal/mixed) are identified across the two regions analyzed. The IBT flow characteristics are accurately predicted in the northeast region. In the Colorado region, however, only the flow characteristics related to timing were accurately predicted. These results indicate that the proposed modeling framework can be used to identify generalizable IBT flow characteristics. This framework is shown to predict flow characteristics with a reasonable amount of accuracy to undocumented locations and improves previously published IBT databases by backfilling flow information to locations with a known IBT presence.
Does Antenatal Expressing Affect Onset of Lactogenesis for Women With Diabetes? Results From a Randomised Controlled Trial and Cohort Study
Authors: Moorhead Anita M. , Forster Della A. , Donath Susan , Bortoli Jessica De , Amir Lisa H.
Published: December 2024

Background

Previously it was recognised onset of Lactogenesis II was delayed in women with Type I diabetes compared to women without diabetes, but the effect of gestational diabetes was unclear. Some clinicians suggest pregnant women with diabetes express breastmilk in late pregnancy to hasten onset of Lactogenesis II.

Aims

To confirm if Lactogenesis II occurs later in women with diabetes in pregnancy, and test if advice to express antenatally hastens Lactogenesis II.

Materials and Methods

Data from the DAME (Diabetes Antenatal Milk Expression) randomised controlled trial collected at recruitment and 2 weeks postpartum were compared with a concurrent purposively recruited cohort of women without diabetes in pregnancy. Timing of lactogenesis and adjusted percentage differences were calculated. Study sample was women from both studies with complete data for included measures to assess onset of Lactogenesis II (maternal perception).

Results

Delayed onset of lactation (≥ 72 h postpartum) was similar in DAME trial arms: standard care 58.6% (143/244); antenatal expressing 55.8% (148/265) but lower in comparison cohort 46.9% (90/192). Percentage difference between groups (adjusted for parity, delivery mode, BMI and gestation):

DAME standard arm and comparison cohort 12.3% (95% CI 2.6%–22.0%; p = 0.01)

DAME intervention arm and comparison cohort 8.3% (95% CI −1.2%–17.8%; p = 0.09)

DAME standard care and intervention 4.0% (95% CI −4.5%–12.5%; p = 0.35).

Conclusions

Lactogenesis II occurs later for women with diabetes in pregnancy than women without diabetes. Our findings do not provide evidence that antenatal expressing hastens onset of lactation in women with diabetes in pregnancy.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ACTRN12611000217909
Psychological evaluation of candidates for the uterus transplantation French trial
Authors: Karpel Léa , Nicaise Margaux , Carbonnel Marie , Le Marchand Mathilde , Racowsky Catherine , Pirtea Paul , Ayoubi Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Since 2017, women with absolute uterine infertility due to Mayer‐Rokitansky‐Küster‐Hauser (MRKH) syndrome have been eligible to participate in a uterine transplantation clinical trial conducted by Foch Hospital in France. The aim of this study is to assess the psychological state of potential candidates, including recipients, their partners, and their living‐related donors.

Material and Methods

Sixteen potential uterus transplant candidates, including recipients, partners, and living‐related donors, participated in the study. The psychological evaluation of these candidates was conducted using three validated questionnaires: the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS‐16), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) questionnaire.

Results

No depression symptoms were observed in any participant according to the HADS. Most recipients did not exhibit signs of anxiety; however, three partners and three donors reported moderate to high anxiety levels. A positive correlation was found between the recipient's psychological distress related to infertility (FertiQoL) and the anxiety scores of their donors. The emotional aspect of infertility was identified as the most distressing factor for the recipients.

Conclusions

While the overall psychological state of the participants was generally good, anxiety was notably present among donors and partners. Therefore, providing psychological support throughout the uterine transplantation process is essential for not only the recipients but also their partners and donors.
A systematic review of predictors and moderators of treatment response in psychological interventions for persisting forms of depression
Authors: Lyons Margaret , Delgadillo Jaime
Published: December 2024

Background

Although psychological interventions can be effective for the treatment of major depressive disorder, some patients' symptoms persist or rapidly recur after therapy. This study aimed to synthesize research findings on predictors and moderators of treatment response for persisting forms of depression, such as chronic, recurrent, and treatment‐resistant depression.

Methods

A systematic review of studies investigating predictors and moderators of response to outpatient psychological treatment for adults with persisting forms of depression was conducted by searching Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycInfo. A total of 23 eligible studies were included, assessed for risk of bias, and summarized using a narrative synthesis.

Results

Sixty‐five predictor and moderator variables were examined across studies, categorized into sociodemographic, clinical, interpersonal/personality, psychological, and treatment variables. Most variables were only examined in single studies, which were rarely adequately powered for predictor and moderator analyses. Among variables studied more frequently (age, gender, baseline depression severity, childhood trauma), only baseline depression severity was found to be a replicated and consistent predictor of poorer treatment response. Risk of bias was low to medium for the majority of studies.

Limitations

Meta‐analysis could not be done due to methodological heterogeneity among studies.

Conclusion

Our current understanding of significant predictors and moderators for persisting forms of depression is limited. A high level of baseline severity of depressive symptoms is so far the only variable consistently associated with poorer treatment response in this clinical population.
The Metapopulation Bridge to Macroevolutionary Speciation Rates: A Conceptual Framework and Empirical Test
Authors: Januario Matheus , Pinsky Malin L. , Rabosky Daniel L.
Published: December 2024

Whether large‐scale variation in lineage diversification rates can be predicted by species properties at the population level is a key unresolved question at the interface between micro‐ and macroevolution. All else being equal, species with biological attributes that confer metapopulation stability should persist more often at timescales relevant to speciation and so give rise to new (incipient) forms that share these biological traits. Here, we develop a framework for testing the relationship between metapopulation properties related to persistence and phylogenetic speciation rates. We illustrate this conceptual approach by applying it to a long‐term dataset on demersal fish communities from the North American continental shelf region. We find that one index of metapopulation persistence has phylogenetic signal, suggesting that traits are connected with range‐wide demographic patterns. However, there is no relationship between demographic properties and speciation rate. These findings suggest a decoupling between ecological dynamics at decadal timescales and million‐year clade dynamics, raising questions about the extent to which population‐level processes observable over ecological timescales can be extrapolated to infer biodiversity dynamics more generally.
Environment‐Organism Feedbacks Drive Changes in Ecological Interactions
Authors: Meacock Oliver J. , Mitri Sara
Published: December 2024

Ecological interactions are foundational to our understanding of community composition and function. While interactions are known to change depending on the environmental context, it has generally been assumed that external environmental factors are responsible for driving these dependencies. Here, we derive a theoretical framework which instead focuses on how intrinsic environmental changes caused by the organisms themselves alter interaction values. Our central concept is the ‘instantaneous interaction’, which captures the feedback between the current environmental state and organismal growth, generating spatiotemporal context‐dependencies as organisms modify their environment over time and/or space. We use small microbial communities to illustrate how this framework can predict time‐dependencies in a toxin degradation system, and relate time‐ and spatial‐dependencies in crossfeeding communities. By re‐centring the relationship between organisms and their environment, our framework predicts the variations in interactions wherever intrinsic, organism‐driven environmental change dominates over external drivers.
Increasing Aridity May Threaten the Maintenance of a Plant Defence Polymorphism
Authors: Carley Lauren N. , Mitchell‐Olds Tom , Morris William F.
Published: December 2024

It is unclear how environmental change influences standing genetic variation in wild populations. Here, we characterised environmental conditions that protect versus erode polymorphic chemical defences in Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae), a short‐lived perennial wildflower. By manipulating drought and herbivory in a 4‐year field experiment, we measured the effects of driver variation on vital rates of genotypes varying in defence chemistry and then assessed interacting driver effects on total fitness (estimated as each genotype's lineage growth rate, λ) using demographic models. Drought and herbivory interacted to shape vital rates, but contrasting defence genotypes had equivalent total fitness in many environments. Defence polymorphism thus may persist under a range of conditions; however, ambient field conditions fall close to the boundary of putatively polymorphic environment space, and increasing aridity may drive populations to monomorphism. Consequently, elevated intensity and/or frequency of drought under climate change may erode genetic variation for defence chemistry in B. stricta.
Non‐Analog Behaviour of Eastern African Herbivore Communities During the Last Glacial Period
Authors: O'Brien Kaedan , Ashioya Lilian , Faith J. Tyler
Published: December 2024

Modern African ungulates navigate seasonal variation in resource availability through diet‐switching (primarily mixed‐feeders) and/or migrating (primarily grass grazers). These ecological generalisations are well‐documented today, but the extent to which they apply to the non‐analog ecosystems of the Pleistocene are unclear. Drawing from serially‐sampled stable isotope measurements from 18 Kenyan large herbivore species from the Last Glacial Period (LGP), we evaluate how diet, diet‐switching, and migration compare to observations from present‐day settings. We find a higher grazing signal in most LGP species and a greater magnitude of diet‐switching than in the present. Additionally, we find that the relationships between grass intake, migration, diet‐switching, and body size during the LGP were unlike those observed today. This establishes a revised paleoecology of LGP herbivore communities and highlights that LGP herbivores were behaviourally non‐analog. Our results imply that ecological observations from present‐day settings offer an incomplete perspective of herbivore‐environment interactions.
Global Biases in Ecology and Conservation Research: Insight From Pollinator Studies
Authors: Skaldina Oksana , Blande James D.
Published: December 2024

In the fields of ecology and conservation, taxonomic and geographic biases may compromise scientific progress. Using pollinator research as a case study, we evaluate four drivers of these biases and propose solutions to address (i) untested generalisations from highly studied taxa, (ii) information accessibility, (iii) scattered environmental regulations and (iv) restricted infrastructure and funding resources. Expanding the taxonomic, functional and geographic breadth of research and legislation, and involving scientists in policymaking, can generate greater equity, accessibility and impact of future science. Using search engines in different languages, Open Access (OA) publishing and promoting mutually beneficial collaborations between scientists from developed and developing countries, may help to overcome geographic biases in research and funding. We suggest reviewing potentially similar biases and their drivers in other branches of ecology and conservation and identifying further ways to achieve information balance in science.
A Latent Profile Analysis of EFL Teachers’ Self‐efficacy: Associations With Their Emotional Intelligence and Teaching Innovation Behavior
Authors: Sun Qiang , Yuan Qifang
Published: December 2024

As an important component of self‐concept, teachers’ self‐efficacy plays a crucial role in regulating their emotions and behavior. To date, few studies have been made to examine whether English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ self‐efficacy profiles are connected with their emotional intelligence and teaching innovation behavior. Guided by the control‐value theory, the present study intended to identify teachers’ self‐efficacy profiles and explore their relationships with emotional intelligence and teaching innovation behavior. Two hundred and sixty‐two Chinese EFL teachers were recruited to complete the questionnaires measuring their self‐efficacy, emotional intelligence, and teaching innovation behavior. A person‐centered latent profile analysis method was used to explore the potential profiles of Chinese EFL teachers’ self‐efficacy and one‐way ANOVAs were subsequently conducted to compare the differences in emotional intelligence and teaching innovation behavior scores among teachers with different self‐efficacy profiles. Grouped regression analysis was performed to examine the moderating effect of teachers’ self‐efficacy profiles on the relationship between their emotional intelligence and teaching innovation behavior. The study revealed that there were three teachers’ self‐efficacy profiles representing low, medium, and high levels which had significant differences in their emotional intelligence and teaching innovation behavior. It also disclosed that self‐efficacy profiles moderated the association between EFL teachers’ emotional intelligence and their teaching innovation behavior. Specifically, the emotional intelligence of teachers with medium and high self‐efficacy profiles significantly positively predicted teaching innovation behavior, but the emotional intelligence of teachers with low self‐efficacy profiles did not. It is hoped that the research results could enrich our understanding of EFL teachers’ self‐efficacy, emotional intelligence, and innovation behavior and offer new insights into EFL teachers’ professional development.
Children's Acceptance of Intraoral Cameras and Smartphones for Caries Detection: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Aly Nourhan M. , El Kashlan Mona K. , Giraudeau Nicolas , El Tantawi Maha
Published: December 2024

Background

Teledentistry can improve access to care, but children's acceptance of different imaging techniques is underexplored.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess children's acceptance of intraoral cameras and smartphones for caries detection.

Design

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in rural Egyptian nurseries, with children aged ≤ 6 years randomized into intraoral camera or smartphone groups. Behavior during imaging was assessed using four indicators: fear, mouth‐opening difficulty, opposition, and cooperation, with a total score calculated from their sum. Imaging time was recorded, and mood was assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. Linear regression assessed associations between behavior and time with technique and mood, adjusting for confounders.

Results

The study included 508 children, mean (SD) = age 4.54 [1.04] years. Children in the intraoral group showed higher fear and difficulty keeping their mouths open, with lower overall behavior scores (mean [SD] = 16.64 [2.95] vs. 17.18 [3.06], B = −1.05, p < 0.001). The intraoral camera required less time (mean [SD] = 3.62 [1.49] vs. 5.33 [2.82] minutes, B = −1.56, p < 0.001). Positive mood improved behavior (B = 0.25, p < 0.001), while negative mood increased time (B = 0.30, p < 0.001) and worsened behavior (B = −0.64, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Smartphones improved behavior, while intraoral cameras were more time‐efficient. Device choice should balance efficiency with child comfort.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06019884
A Postmodernist Qualitative Research Approach: Choosing Between Descriptive and Interpretive Phenomenology
Authors: Watson Adrianna
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Phenomenology is essential for researchers exploring human experience. To apply it rigorously, an understanding of its philosophical foundations is needed. This discussion outlines the key distinctions between interpretive and descriptive phenomenology to illustrate philosophical and methodological implications. Nursing researchers seeking to either uncover universal essences or interpret deeper, contextually situated meanings in lived experiences may find this discussion instructive.

Background

Phenomenology examines lived experiences, focusing on interpretation and meaning. The question of understanding follows either an epistemological (descriptive) or ontological (interpretive) line of questioning. Husserl's descriptive approach seeks to objectively capture the essence of experiences through bracketing, while Heidegger's interpretive approach emphasises co‐constructed meaning, shaped by researcher and participant.

Data Sources

In phenomenological studies, researchers use various qualitative data types to uncover the essence of participants' lived experiences. Common methods include in‐depth interviews, focus groups, and written narratives, along with artefacts like photographs or journals, and audio‐visual materials that capture personal reflections. Researchers may also use observations, field notes, and digital content, ensuring a comprehensive view of participants' perceptions and emotions.

Discussion

Descriptive phenomenology values authenticity through emphasis on objectivity, using methods like Giorgi's analysis, while interpretive phenomenology values co‐creation of meaning, employing Heidegger's hermeneutic circle for deeper contextual meaning. The choice of approach depends on the research aims.

Implications for Nursing

Descriptive phenomenology helps identify universal themes in patient care, whereas interpretive phenomenology uncovers significant subtle meanings in complex experiences. Nursing researchers should select approaches aligned with their study objectives.

Conclusion

Both methodologies offer valuable insights into nursing research. A clear understanding of their foundations helps researchers choose methods that best suit their research goals.
Life‐Space Mobility Is Related to Loneliness Among Living‐Alone Older Adults: Longitudinal Analysis With Motion Sensor Data
Authors: Yu Kexin , Wu Chao‐Yi , Barnes Lisa L. , Silbert Lisa C. , Beattie Zachary , Croff Raina , Miller Lyndsey , Dodge Hiroko H. , Kaye Jeffrey A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Life‐space mobility can be a behavioral indicator of loneliness. This study examined the association between life‐space mobility measured with motion sensors and weekly vs. annually reported loneliness.

Methods

Participants were older adults who lived alone. Passive infrared motion sensors were placed in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and living room. Time spent in each room and out‐of‐home across the day was derived and used as the measure of life‐space mobility. Participants reported via weekly questionnaires whether they felt lonely. In annual visits, the UCLA loneliness scale was administered to a subsample (n = 71), and the scores were categorized into high, moderate, and low groups. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to correlate life‐space mobility with weekly and yearly loneliness. Repeated observations from each individual were bootstrapped for 1000 rounds to associate annual and weekly loneliness measures.

Results

We analyzed 4995 weeks of data from 139 participants (age = 78.1 ± 8.6, 74% female, 23% African Americans, 14% with MCI diagnosis). An additional hour in the bedroom in the afternoon was associated with a 21.4% increased odds (OR = 1.214, p = 0.049) of experiencing loneliness in the week. An additional hour out‐of‐home in the morning and in the afternoon was associated with 18.2% (OR = 0.818, p = 0.040) and 15.3% (OR = 0.847, p = 0.018) fewer odds of experiencing weekly loneliness. In the subsample with annual loneliness assessments, an additional hour out‐of‐home was associated with 38.1% (OR = 0.619, p = 0.006) fewer odds of being in the high UCLA loneliness group. Compared with the low UCLA group, those with high UCLA scores were five times more likely to report loneliness weekly (OR = 5.260, p = 0.0004).

Conclusions

Frequent and objective measurements of mobility combined with self‐reported social wellbeing information can offer new insights into the experience of loneliness and provide opportunities for timely interventions.
Nation's material flow: From the whole economy to final consumption—the case of Israel
Authors: Stossel Zeev , Kissinger Meidad
Published: December 2024

Global demands for materials have led to resource depletion, ecosystem degradation, pollution, and climate change. Material flow analysis (MFA) is an established tool examining reliance on natural resources and related environmental pressure. The analysis presented in this paper advances a nation's MFA—from overall economy to final consumption. It considers some acknowledged gaps in the MFA literature including: (a) The need to relate nations' use of materials with consequent environmental impacts; (b) The need to analyze nations' domestic and overseas material sources and waste sinks; (c) The need to allocate the “economy wide” scale materials used and generated waste to the final consumption categories of households. Though applicable globally, the study concentrates on Israel. It revealed that the Israeli economy's annual total material consumption is approximately 2.5 billion tons from both domestic extractions and physical import. This flow of materials results in 937 million tons of domestic (domestic process output) and overseas (imported process output) wastes. Eight‐six percent of the materials and 94% of the wastes of the studied economy material flows are found to be related to households' demand for electricity, transportation, food, and consumables. The suggested framework can support environmental decision‐makers in developing strategies to reduce environmental impacts.
A framework for guiding safe and sustainable‐by‐design innovation
Authors: Blanco Carlos Felipe , Behrens Paul , Vijver Martina , Peijnenburg Willie , Quik Joris , Cucurachi Stefano
Published: December 2024

Assessing the safety and sustainability of novel technologies while they are still in the early research and development stages is the most effective way to avoid undesired outcomes. However, the journey from idea to market is highly uncertain and involves intensive trial and error as technology developers attempt to optimize material choices and product configurations. Designs evolve quickly, and assessing their risks and impacts while numerous factors remain undetermined is challenging. The standard practice is to evaluate a limited subset of scenarios that can guide design choices. However, selecting scenarios from hundreds of undetermined factors without a systematic sensitivity screening may leave out important improvement opportunities. To provide well‐informed guidance, the evaluated scenarios should be selected based on factors that are most influential to the safety and sustainability impacts of the technology. We propose an approach that accomplishes this by incorporating a wide spectrum of undetermined factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic to the technology design. The assessment models are then screened for highly‐sensitive factors using global sensitivity analysis. Strategies to reduce uncertainty on highly influential factors are proposed for subsequent iterations, and the residual factors for which uncertainty cannot be further reduced yet remain influential are selected as a basis for proposed “sensitive scenarios” and improvement roadmaps. We demonstrate the framework with an emerging photovoltaics case study. Over a hundred uncertain factors are reduced to less than five which, if optimized, would substantially improve the future safety and sustainability performance of the technology as well as reduce the uncertainty around it.
Real‐Time 2D Phase‐Contrast MRI to Assess Cardiac‐ and Respiratory‐Driven CSF Movement in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Authors: Karki Pragalv , Murphy Matthew C. , Ganji Sandeep , Gunter Jeffrey L. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Jones David T. , Botha Hugo , Cutsforth‐Gregory Jeremy K. , Elder Benjamin D. , Jack Clifford R. , Huston John , Cogswell Petrice M.
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

In idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow is typically evaluated with a cardiac‐gated two‐dimensional (2D) phase‐contrast (PC) MRI through the cerebral aqueduct. This approach is limited by the evaluation of a single location and does not account for respiration effects on flow. In this study, we quantified the cardiac and respiratory contributions to CSF movement at multiple intracranial locations using a real‐time 2D PC‐MRI and evaluated the diagnostic value of CSF dynamics biomarkers in classifying iNPH patients.

Methods

This study included 37 participants: 16 iNPH, 10 Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 11 cognitively unimpaired (CU) controls. Anatomical and real‐time (non‐gated) PC images were acquired in a 3T Philips scanner. CSF flow was assessed at the foramen magnum, fourth ventricle, Sylvian fissure, lateral ventricle, and cerebral aqueduct. We calculated three CSF dynamics biomarkers: mean velocity amplitude, cardiac signal power, and respiratory signal power. Biomarkers from each location were evaluated for classifying iNPH versus AD and CU using support vector machine (SVM). A p‐value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant.

Results

The velocity amplitude and cardiac signal power were significantly reduced in iNPH compared to CU (p < 0.005) and AD (p < 0.05) at the lateral ventricle. The SVM model using biomarkers from the lateral ventricle performed significantly better at classifying iNPH than the other locations in terms of accuracy (p < 0.005) and diagnostic odds ratio (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Evaluation of CSF movement beyond the cerebral aqueduct may aid in identifying patients with and understanding the pathophysiology of iNPH.
Actigraphy‐based assessment of circadian rhythmicity and sleep in patients with Usher syndrome type 2a: A case–control study
Authors: Hendricks Jessie M. , Metz Juriaan R. , Boss H. Myrthe , Collin Rob W. J. , de Vrieze Erik , van Wijk Erwin
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to improve our understanding of sleep problems as a comorbidity of hereditary deaf–blindness due to Usher syndrome type 2a. Fifteen patients with Usher syndrome type 2a with a conclusive genetic diagnosis and 15 unaffected controls participated in comprehensive sleep and activity assessments for 2 weeks, using the MotionWatch 8 actigraph and consensus sleep diary. Various sleep parameters including sleep opportunity window, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and self‐reported sleep quality were analysed. Non‐parametric circadian rhythm analysis was performed to evaluate circadian rhythmicity. Additionally, regression analyses were conducted to study potential correlations between sleep parameters and patients' demographics and disease progression. Patients with Usher syndrome type 2a exhibited significantly longer sleep latency and lower self‐reported sleep and rest quality compared with controls. Additionally, day‐to‐day variability of sleep efficiency and sleep latency were significantly higher in the patient population. Non‐parametric circadian rhythm analysis revealed no significant differences in circadian rhythmicity. Regression analyses indicated that having Usher syndrome type 2a was a significant predictor of poor sleep outcomes. No clear correlations were found between the level of visual impairment and sleep parameters, suggesting that the negative effects of Usher syndrome type 2a on sleep manifest independently of the progressive visual impairment. These findings suggest that, while circadian sleep–wake rhythm remain intact, patients with Usher syndrome type 2a suffer from sleep disturbances that likely arise from factors beyond their progressive blindness. With sleep problems being a major risk factor for physical and mental health problems, we advocate that sleep problems should be recognized as a hallmark symptom of Usher syndrome type 2a, warranting in‐depth research for potential targeted therapeutic interventions.
The Impact of Bolus Rheology on Physiological Swallowing Parameters Derived by Pharyngeal High‐Resolution Manometry Impedance
Authors: Omari T. , Ross A. , Schar M. , Campbell J. , Lewis D. A. , Robinson I. , Farahani M. , Cock C. , Mossel B.
Published: December 2024

Background

The shear rheology of ingested fluids influences their pharyngo‐esophageal transit during deglutition. Thus, swallowed fluids elicit differing physiological responses due to their shear‐thinning profile.

Methods

Two hydrocolloid fluids, xanthan gum (XG) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose gum (CMC), were compared in 10 healthy adults (mean age 39 years). Manometry swallowing assessments were performed using an 8‐French catheter. Swallows were analyzed using the Swallow Gateway web application (www.swallowgateway.com). Grouped data were analyzed by a mixed statistical model. The coefficient of determination (r2) assessed the relationship between measures and bolus viscosity (SI units, mPa.s) at shear rates of 1—1000 s−1.

Key Results

Rheology confirmed that the thickened fluids had similar viscosities at 50 s−1 shear rate (XG IDDSI Level‐1, 2, and 3 respectively, 74.3, 161.2, and 399.6 mPa.s vs. CMC Level‐1, 2, and 3 respectively 78.0, 176.5, and 429.2 mPa.s). However, at 300 s−1 shear, CMC‐thickened fluids exhibited approximately double the viscosity (XG Level‐1, 2, and 3 respectively 19.5, 34.4, and 84.8 mPa.s vs. CMC Level‐1, 2, and 3 respectively, 41.3, 80.8, and 160.2 mPa.s). In vivo swallows of CMC, when compared to XG, showed evidence of greater flow resistance, such as increased intrabolus pressure (p < 0.01) and UES Integrated Relaxation Pressure (UESIRP, p < 0.01) and shorter UES Relaxation Time (p < 0.05) and Bolus Presence Time (p < 0.001). The apparent fluid viscosity (mPa.s) correlated most significantly with increasing UESIRP (r2 0.69 at 50 s−1 and r2 0.97 at 300 s−1, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Fluids with divergent shear viscosities demonstrated differences in pharyngeal function. These physiological responses were linked to the shear viscosity and not the IDDSI level.
From femtoseconds to minutes: Spectroscopic study of optically induced thermal diffusion in aqueous solution of rhodamine B
Authors: Nome René A. , Oliveira Alexandre H.
Published: December 2024

Given that non‐equilibrium molecular motion in thermal gradients is influenced by both solute and solvent, the application of spectroscopic methods that probe each component in a binary mixture can provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of thermal diffusion for a large class of systems. In the present work, we use an all‐optical setup whereby near‐infrared excitation of the solvent leads to a steady‐state thermal gradient in solution, followed by characterization of the non‐equilibrium system with electronic spectroscopy, imaging, and intensity. Using rhodamine B in water as a case study, we perform measurements as a function of solute concentration, temperature, wavelength, time, near‐infrared laser power, visible excitation wavelength, and isotope effect. We find that spectroscopic excitation of solute and solvent as a function of temperature can be used to understand the thermal diffusion signal. Non‐equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations and analysis of infrared spectra and heat diffusion, and stochastic dynamics simulations of the coupled Brownian/spectroscopic non‐equilibrium dynamics. The stochastic/spectroscopic model shows how near‐infrared excitation of the solvent influences lifetime dynamics on the picosecond timescale as well as Brownian dynamics in real time. Overall, the results presented here exemplify how spectroscopic probing of solute and solvent can be useful for understanding molecular mechanisms of optically induced thermal diffusion in aqueous solution of rhodamine B.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES (KAP) ON BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS
Authors: Mohd Yusoff Nur Hanisah , Hamzah Nurul Ainun , Mohd Nawi Mohd Nasrom , Mamat Mohd Noor , Abdul Samad Nurul Izzah , Yhaya Mohd Firdaus , Che Hasan Nurul Atikah
Published: December 2024

Biomedical waste management (BMW) is crucial in healthcare due to its significant impact on public health and environmental safety. Malaysian hospitals are expected to generate up to 33,000 tons of BMW annually, with increased volumes during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. Participants were assessed using a modified questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding biomedical waste management. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), were used to analyse the data. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude and practices were 70.0%, 89.61% and 82.19% respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.012, r = 0.248). MLR analysis revealed that training significantly influenced knowledge (Adj β = 0.634, 95% CI: 0.015, 1.252), and the duration of employment significantly influenced practices (Adj β = 0.031, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.060). The findings underscore the critical role of training in improving biomedical waste management knowledge and practices among healthcare workers. Regular and comprehensive training programs are essential for enhancing the competency of MLTs, leading to safer and more effective waste management practices. This study provides empirical evidence on the importance of training in healthcare waste management, which is crucial for reducing health risks associated with improper waste handling and disposal.
MODELING SOLAR COLLECTORS: A REVIEW OF MODERN METHODS TO IMPROVE ENERGY CONVERSION EFFICIENCY UNDER CHANGING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Idris R. Mohamad , Ataalah Mohammed , Mohammed Ahmed Abed
Published: December 2024

Efficiency and reliability in solar energy systems are largely influenced by the development of solar collector technologies and methodologies adopted for performance modeling under variable climatic conditions. This paper reviews recent approaches to modeling solar collectors, with a primary emphasis on the integration of solar tracking systems with advanced computational techniques such as artificial intelligence and hybrid models. The review highlights the use of long short-term memory (LSTM) models, neural networks, and AI-driven optimizations for enhancing energy conversion efficiency. It also provides an overview of the contributions of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and thermodynamic models to the structural and thermal performance of solar collectors, mainly parabolic trough collectors (PTCs) and systems utilizing nanofluids as working mediums. Various case studies demonstrate the significant impacts of these modeling methods on improving efficiency and adapting to real-time environmental changes. The review concludes with recommendations for future work in integrating artificial intelligence (AI), hybrid model development, new material explorations, and long-term field studies to refine and enhance solar collector performance. These advancements are expected to contribute significantly to the future of solar energy, fostering sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
A Perspective on Nanomaterials-Based Therapeutics in Fighting Against Multidrug Resistance (MDR)
Authors: Mohd Hatta Mohd Hayrie , Batumalaie Kalaivani , Kamisan Farah Hidayah , Amran Nazirah , Matmin Juan
Published: December 2024

Nowadays, the antibiotic resistance crisis has become one of the major threats to public health, as it poses a serious medical concern that can lead to millions of fatalities, primarily due to the widespread transmission of resistance by bacterial species resulting in the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In addition, the increase in MDR infections is also associated with the lack of new and effective antibacterial agents and this has prompted global initiatives to develop more effective antibacterial agents to address the issue. In the past few years, the application of nanomaterials to address this issue has attracted global attention and the development of nanomaterial-based therapeutics has been considered as an innovative strategy to treat MDR infection. For example, their unique and excellent physiochemical properties could enable them to penetrate and disrupt the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that eventually destroy the microbes. In this review, the applications of various types of nanomaterials, such as organic-based nanomaterials, hybrid-based nanomaterials, and inorganic-based nanomaterials, particularly in treating MDR bacteria, are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects in the development of these types of nanomaterials for their application as antibacterial agents in the treatment of MDR infections are also discussed.
Niobium Oxide Doped Titanium Dioxide Photocatalyst for Phenol Photodegradation
Authors: Ling Chui Min , Mat Zaida Fatin Afni , Lee Siew Ling
Published: December 2024

Phenolic compounds are highly toxic and contribute to water pollution, posing health risks with long-term exposure. To address this issue, heterogeneous photocatalysis, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was chosen as a commonly used catalyst. However, TiO2 is ineffective under visible light due to its wide band gap energy and thus leads to rapid recombination of electron-hole pairs. To enhance its performance, TiO2 was doped with niobium oxide (Nb2O5), which had increased its photocatalytic activity under visible light. This study investigated the synthesis of Nb2O5-doped TiO2 via sol-gel method. The X-ray diffractometry results revealed that all samples had crystallized in the anatase phase. DRUV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the successful loading of Nb2O5 into TiO2, resulting in a reduced band gap energy and enhanced photocatalytic performance. Amongst all the samples, 5wt% Nb2O5 doped TiO2 recorded the highest phenol degradation activity (32%) under visible light irradiation.
An Elaeocarpus grandiflorus Leaves Extract Increased Immunoglobulin G Activity and Total Protein of SRBC-Induced Rat
Authors: Nugrahaningsih Wahyu Harini , Daniardi Necya Melynia , Hadiyanti Lutfia Nur
Published: December 2024

The immune system plays a critical role in defending against viral infections such as Covid-19. Elaeocarpus grandiflorus contains various active compounds, including flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, and tannins. Among these, the primary flavonoids identified in E. grandiflorus are kaempferol, quercetin, procyanidin, naringin, orientin, iso-orientin, vitexin, isovitexin, rutin, luteolin, and epicatechin. Kaempferol and quercetin have been particularly noted for their anti-inflammatory properties and their potential to enhance the immune system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of E. grandiflorus leaf extract on immunoglobulin G (IgG) activity and total protein levels in rats induced by sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Twenty-five Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: P1, P2, P3, Negative control, and Positive control. The extract suspension was administered from day 1 to day 7 at concentrations of 100 mg/kg BW (P1), 200 mg/kg BW (P2), and 400 mg/kg BW (P3). On day 7, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of a 2% v/v solution of SRBC as an antigen. IgG activity and total protein levels were assessed on day 12.  The average agglutination titters were as follows: 3.65 (Negative control), 3.89 (Positive control), 3.77 (P1), 3.65 (P2), and 4.61 (P3). Additionally, the average total protein values for the groups were 1.44 mg/dL (Positive control), 1.00 mg/dL (Negative control), 1.18 mg/dL (P1), 1.22 mg/dL (P2), and 1.46 mg/dL (P3). Significant differences were observed in IgG activity and total serum protein levels among the groups. These findings suggest a potential immunostimulant effect of E. grandiflorus leaf extract and warrant further exploration for its development.
Subacute PVC Microplastic Inhalation Alters the Complete Blood Count Profile
Authors: Sulistomo Hikmawan Wahyu , Wardani Dewi Azar Nuria , Gusti Kharisma Ciptaning , Aditya Muhammad Reva , Muhammad Athaya Rahmanardi , Holipah Holipah
Published: December 2024

Plastics are used in a wide range of items worldwide. With the increased usage of plastics, concerns about environmental contamination and the body's exposure to plastics have increased. Microplastics have been found in the atmosphere, and breathing them in might cause a risk to our health. One plastic polymer type commonly used is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). However, the harmful consequences of inhaling PVC microplastics are not well known. This study aims to determine the effects of inhaling PVC microplastics on female Wistar rats' blood cells. We exposed PVC microplastics to female Wistar rats via the whole-body inhalation method for 28 days. At the end of the study, we analyzed morphology and completed blood count tests such as erythrocyte count, erythrocyte index, leukocyte count, leukocyte differential count, and thrombocyte count. We discovered that sub-acute exposure to PVC microplastics increases the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin levels without causing morphology alteration. PVC microplastics groups showed leukopenia consistent with an increment of inflammatory marker neutrophil/ leukocyte ratio. PVC microplastic groups also showed a rise in thrombocyte counts. These results could provide data for understanding Microplastics inhalation's toxicity and health risks, especially in the blood.
In Silico Study on 5-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6,7- dimethoxychromen-4-one as a Candidate IL-1R and TNF-R Inhibitor
Authors: Alsaeidi Ali , Jamaleldeen Mohammed , Wiwekananda I Gusti Ngurah Agung , Khotimah Husnul , Widodo Edwin , Holipah Holipah , Mardhiyyah Kana , Endharti Agustina Tri , Permatasari Happy Kurnia
Published: December 2024

Inflammation is an important process that fights infections and allows the repair of tissues; however, chronic inflammation is implicated in many diseases, including autoimmune diseases and tumorigenesis. Central to this process are the Interleukin-1 receptor and Tumor Necrosis Factor receptor that mediate the action of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and TNF-α, respectively. This work is aimed at the theoretical investigation of the possibility of 5-Hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dimethoxychromen-4-one, a naturally occurring flavonoid with established anti-inflammatory properties, acting as an IL-1R and TNF-R inhibitor by in silico methods. In fact, molecular docking studies have indicated good binding affinities and identified crucial interactions with amino acid residues in the receptor binding sites. These observations strongly suggest that this compound is likely to inhibit IL-1R and TNF-R with high efficiency, leading to the modulation of the inflammation-related pathways. Further experimental validation is required to confirm these interactions and also to assess their therapeutic potential in inflammatory disorders.