bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical framework for assessing heterogeneous sensitivity of viruses to ultraviolet, ozone, and free chlorine
Authors: Yanagihara Miina , Smeets Patrick , Miura Fuminari , Torii Shotaro
Published: January 2025

Disinfection is key to controlling the infection risk caused by viral contaminations. Recent disinfection guidelines often refer to a single virus resistant to the disinfectant of interest, despite a large variation in sensitivity to disinfectants between viruses or even strains within the same species. Here, we show a statistical framework to integrate multiple experimental datasets and measure the variation in sensitivity to disinfectants across different virus species by a parametric distribution, termed the disinfectant sensitivity distribution. To illustrate this framework, we collected 37, 9, and 28 species-dependent inactivation rate constants for ultraviolet (UV), ozone, and free chlorine from systematic reviews, and constructed the sensitivity distributions for those disinfectants. Our approach incorporated the uncertainty in individual inactivation rate constants using a Bayesian framework. The estimated sensitivity distributions suggested that 93.0% (95% CrI: 84.4–97.6%), 99.4% (95% CrI: 86.7–100%), and 90.3% (95% CrI: 78.2–96.6%) of the examined virus species for UV, ozone, and free chlorine are expected to be inactivated by 4-log if the disinfectant dose complies with the values recommended by USEPA Guidelines for 4-log inactivation, respectively. The proposed approach provides a reasonable extrapolation of observed inactivation kinetics to untested viruses and tools for more transparent risk assessments.

Graphic for Table of Contents (TOC)/Abstract Art

One sentence summary

We propose a statistical framework to quantify the variation in sensitivity to common disinfectants across virus species synthesizing disinfection data.
Sound-Enhanced Sleep Depth Reduces Traumatic Brain Injury Damage and Sequelae and Supports Microglial Response
Authors: Moreira Carlos G. , Müllner Adrian , Gönel Meltem , Hofmann Pascal , Teixeira Filipe , Paolicelli Rosa C. , Dias Inês , Nemirovsky Sergio I. , Baumann Christian R. , Noain Daniela
Published: January 2025

Traumatic brain injury significantly reduces the quality of life for millions of survivors worldwide, with no established treatments currently available. High slow-wave activity (SWA) sleep immediately after rodent TBI improves posttraumatic outcomes. However, pharmacological SWA-enhancing strategies are hindered by severe specificity and scalability issues that prevent it from effectively reaching clinical implementation. Alternatively, closed-loop auditory stimulation (CLAS) of sleep slow waves offers specific SWA enhancement with high translational potential. Our present results demonstrate that up-phase-targeted CLAS (upCLAS)-mediated SWA enhancement reduced diffuse axonal injury, decreased demyelination, and preserved cognitive ability in TBI rats. The alleviated posttraumatic phenotype was associated with increased microglia response, likely mediating CLAS’ neuroprotective effect in the acute injury phase. Auditory-enhanced SWA may thus constitute a novel noninvasive neuroprotective therapy preventing TBI sequelae via boosted cellular response to tissue damage.
Daily intermittent fasting is an effective multiscale treatment in preclinical models of absence epilepsy
Authors: Rulhe Coline , Thirard Steeve , Aparicio Arias Juri , Makrini Leila , Fauvelle Florence , Beyne Emmanuelle , Dauvé Alexandra , Bouschet Tristan , Valjent Emmanuel , Bertaso Federica
Published: January 2025

Absence epilepsy (AE) is characterized by brief but frequent seizures with loss of consciousness. Existing treatments have heavy side effects, are only partially effective and do not address the comorbidities, including cognitive and social deficits. A tripartite link between seizures, cognitive deficits and diet has been established. We focused on intermittent fasting (IF), a regime where daily periods of fasting alternate with periods of food intake, with no restrictions in the type or quantity of food consumed. To date, the effects of IF on infantile epilepsy have not been addressed. We evaluated the therapeutic potential of a daily, one-month protocol of IF on three established mouse models of AE: the Grm7AAAKI mouse, the Scn2a haploinsufficiency mouse and the pharmacologically-induced AY-9944 mouse model. We show a reduction of the seizure frequency in all models, as well as an improvement of the sociability deficits observed in two of the models, with no adverse effects. Focusing on the Grm7AAAKI model, we performed RNA sequencing in a one of the key brain areas of the absence seizure circuit, the thalamus. We detected a deregulation of genes involved in vascularization associated with the development of malformed blood vessels in epileptic mice. Along with its anti-seizure effects, IF was able to counteract both abnormal gene expression and vessel morphology. This study demonstrates for the first time the positive effects of IF on AE and could facilitate the implementation of the diet in clinical trials.
Review of honeycomb-based Kitaev materials with zigzag magnetic ordering
Authors: Garlea V. Ovidiu , Sarkis Colin L.
Published: January 2025

The search for a Kitaev quantum spin liquid in crystalline magnetic materials has fueled intense interest in the two-dimensional honeycomb systems. Many promising candidate Kitaev systems are characterized by a long-range-ordered magnetic structure with an antiferromagnetic zigzag-type order, where the static moments form alternating ferromagnetic chains. Recent experiments on high-quality single crystals uncovered the existence of intriguing multi-k magnetic structures, which evolved from zigzag structures. Those discoveries have sparked new theoretical developments and amplified interest in these materials. We present an overview of the honeycomb materials known to display this type of magnetic structure and provide detailed crystallographic information for the possible single- and multi-k variants.
Crystallization induced by fungi and bacteria
Authors: Frank-Kamenetskaya Olga , Vlasov Dmitry
Published: January 2025

Crystallization induced by lithobiont microbial communities (fungi, bacteria, lichens) has received great attention in science and beyond. The studies discussed here focus on the mechanisms and factors of microbial biomineralization. The multilevel modelling approach, which made it possible to solve this interdisciplinary problem, is highlighted. The effect of chemical composition of biofilms, including acidity of the medium and cation oxidation degree, on oxalate formation is discussed. The variants of interaction between biofilm components and growing oxalate crystals are addressed. Particular attention is paid to the effect of metabolism of fungi, bacteria and their associations on carbonate and oxalate crystallization under various trophic conditions and the transitions between them. The possibility of applying the identified patterns to reveal the role of fungi and bacteria in the oxalate–carbonate pathway and in biotechnologies is considered.
The financial system and socio-economic development among emerging economies of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Agyapong Elvis Kwame , Ohemeng Williams , Astu Francis , Boateng Sarah Serwah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This empirical work verifies the effect of the development of the financial sector on socio-economic development of the sub-region of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were compiled from various sources for 40 countries from 2000 to 2020 and were analyzed using the two-step system generalized method of moments estimation technique. Socio-economic development is measured using the Human Development Index in order to focus on living standards and the welfare of individuals and households.

Findings

Empirical results indicate that financial development (efficiency, access and depth) has a significant positive effect on socio-economic development in the sub-region, all other things being equal. Again, the results reveal that improved governance structures positively moderate the nexus between the financial sector and development of economies in the sub-region. Financial stability, trade openness and financial freedom were also found to have a positive impact on living standards and welfare of the people in the sub-region.

Originality/value

The paper examines the nexus between the development of the financial sector and socio-economic development (living standards, welfare and health of the populace), with attention to the possible moderating role that quality of governance could play in the relationship.
Dynamic roles of hotel mobile application in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction: integrating text analytics and impact asymmetry analysis
Authors: Park Hyekyung , Lee Minwoo , Back Ki-Joon , DeFranco Agnes , Suh Jaebeom
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Despite the growth of hotel guests’ mobile application use, limited studies identify hotel mobile application attributes and their roles in mobile application satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Therefore, drawing onto the information system success model and the two-factor theory, this study aims to establish a comprehensive framework of hotel mobile application attributes categorized into system, information and service attributes and investigate their roles in mobile application satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive framework of hotel mobile application attributes has been developed, drawing on the information system success model and using text analytics. A total of 88,309 mobile application reviews were collected for analysis. Furthermore, an impact asymmetry analysis was conducted to examine the extent of influence of mobile application attributes on satisfaction and dissatisfaction, thereby elucidating the contribution of mobile application attributes to both outcomes and expanding upon the two-factor theory.

Findings

Research findings present a holistic mobile application attributes framework and their roles in mobile application satisfaction and dissatisfaction by integrating theories and methodologies. Regarding the information quality, relevance emerged as the key factor for enhancing customer satisfaction, serving as a satisfier. In the realm of system quality, features stood out as the principal attribute leading to dissatisfaction. For the aspects of service quality, reliability was identified as the critical factor for achieving satisfaction. Overall, the findings confirm that mobile application attributes have unique roles in developing mobile application (dis)satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The study extends an understanding of hotel mobile application attributes’ roles, providing rigorous and practical guidance for improving customers’ mobile application experience in the hotel industry. The study sheds light on the importance of considering mobile applications from various perspectives. However, the current study is limited to using text analytics as its methodological approach. Therefore, future research can benefit from including interviews to achieve a deeper comprehension of the underlying factors contributing to the outcomes of this research.

Originality/value

The novel theoretical and methodological approach enhances the application of existing theories and uses of impact asymmetry analysis. Such an approach uncovers hidden patterns of the roles of mobile applications in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The study also sheds light on the importance of considering mobile applications from various perspectives, such as information, system and service quality.
Empowering sustainable development through digital transformation: insights from digital India
Authors: Saini Neha , Kharb Ravita
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The Indian government’s launch of Digital India initiative is critical to achieving a sustainable future by leveraging digital capabilities to promote social justice, economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. There are a lot of factors affecting digital India’s transformation to achieve sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify, examine and develop an empirical model estimating the relationship among enablers affecting and enhancing digital India’s transformation toward sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a thorough review of the literature, 10 key enablers were identified and analyzed using the total interpretive structural model (TISM). This novel approach has been adopted to analyze the hierarchical linkage between identified Enablers. Further Matrice d’impacts croisés multiplication appliquée à un classement (MICMAC) analysis technique is used to evaluate the driving and dependence power among enablers.

Findings

Findings show that the government’s supportive policy is the strategic enabler with the highest driving power, positioned at the bottom of the model. The government must support digital empowerment initiatives to ensure all individuals have access to the information they require to make proper decisions regarding their lives. This study examines the literature to generalize the findings to focus on the motivator of digital India transformation to achieve sustainable development goals.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that TISM and MICMAC-based hierarchical models help practitioners, managers and other stakeholders to focus more on strategic factors to enhance the performance aspects of digital transformation. Government, business and academic cooperation promotes a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability by stimulating innovation and digital approach implementation.

Originality/value

In addition, it offers novel insights into the enablers, such as how the identified enablers interact with one another depending on the drive and dependency power to achieve the goals of digital India’s transformation to achieve sustainable development goals.
Innovation and market orientation in smallholder pig production: the roles for access to veterinary services and use of purchased feeds
Authors: Okello Daniel Micheal , Odongo Walter , Aliro Tonny , Owiny David Okello , Ndyomugyenyi Elly Kurobuza
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess the relationship between market orientation and innovation while accounting for the use of purchased feeds and access to veterinary services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used primary data collected from a cross-section of smallholder pig farmers in northern Uganda. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression.

Findings

Results show that having improved breeds and providing housing to pigs improve system-focused innovation but reduce customer-focused innovation. The use of purchased feeds was associated with higher levels of both dimensions of innovation, while access to veterinary services was only associated with higher levels of system-focused innovation. Customer orientation is positive for both dimensions of innovation, while competitor orientation is positive for system-focused innovation, but negative for customer-focused innovation. Lastly, interfunctional innovation was only associated with higher levels of customer-focused innovation. Access to veterinary services and the use of purchased feeds influence the magnitude of the effect of market orientation on innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this paper suggest that improving smallholder pig farmers’ market orientation could lead to a higher level of farm innovation. Similarly, improving access to veterinary services and better feeds could be linked to higher levels of market orientation, as well as farm-level innovation.

Originality/value

This paper is original and contributes to the understanding of the relationship between market orientation and farm-level innovation in the context of pig production in a developing country.
Risky firms, ESG and firm value: do women undertake a particular role?
Authors: Al-Shaer Habiba , Kuzey Cemil , Uyar Ali , Karaman Abdullah S. , Hasnaoui Amir
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study draws on financial slack, agency, and critical mass theories to investigate risky firms’ ESG engagement, board gender diversity’s moderating role between firm risk and ESG engagement, market reaction to risky firms’ ESG engagement, and board gender diversity’s role in moderating market reaction to risky firms’ ESG engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 44,129 firm-year observations between 2005 and 2019 across nine industries and 61 countries. We adopt Refinitiv’s (LSEG Workspace database) scheme in assessing firm ESG performance.

Findings

We find that firm risk is significantly and negatively associated with ESG performance. Board gender diversity (1) negatively moderates between firm risk and the environmental pillar (2) negatively moderates between firm risk and the social pillar, (3) negatively moderates between firm risk and CSR strategy metric of governance pillar but positively moderates between firm risk and management metric of the governance pillar. We show that as the number of female director increases, their moderating effect between firms’ risk and ESG performance becomes stronger. The existence of a critical mass of female directors on the board alleviates the market’s negative reaction to ESG engagements.

Originality/value

Although plenty of prior studies focused on board gender diversity’s role in driving firm outcomes, its role in risky firms’ ESG engagement is yet to be explored. It is imperative to investigate risky firms’ engagement in ESG because these firms face more financial distress and are more concerned about their short-term survival whilst investing in ESG is specifically sensitive to the accessibility of slack resources. Consequently, risky firms may have less flexibility to initiate ESG activities or cease them.
Prescriptive maintenance: a comprehensive review of current research and future directions
Authors: Giacotto Alessandro , Marques Henrique Costa , Martinetti Alberto
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Providing a comprehensive literature review to consolidate existing knowledge, advancements and future directions in the field. By synthesizing the state of research, this work enhances the understanding of Prescriptive Maintenance (PsM) methodologies, applications and potential benefits to assist researchers in identifying fruitful avenues for further investigation, and guide practitioners in implementing PsM strategies to improve maintenance outcomes in their industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a systematic, multistage, specialists audited analysis of peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, books sections, thesis, magazines and industry reports, this work provides a literature review analyzing PsM origins, definitions, enablers, outputs and emerging trends.

Findings

PsM concept evolved in recent years representing a shift from traditional maintenance, leveraging prescriptive analytics, data-driven modeling and optimization techniques to enable proactive decision-making and optimal resource allocation. By harnessing PsM, organizations can anticipate and mitigate failures, optimize maintenance actions and enhance asset reliability.

Research limitations/implications

Existing literature points out the following challenges for PsM implementation: prescriptive analytics improvement, scalability of frameworks, development of prototypes, processes integration; PsM maturity assessment; asset health prognostics assertiveness, real-time data availability and adoption of cost functions to grasp business and environmental, social and governance (ESG) costs.

Practical implications

Optimal deployment of resources with little or no human intervention in the maintenance decision process and the creation of new services improving reliability and operational performance.

Social implications

By optimizing maintenance, not only direct costs diminish but also environmental, social and governance (ESG) related costs decrease by reducing energy waste during equipment’s operating phase, assessing the ecological impact of providing maintenance to operators and line maintenance stakeholders and, consequently, minimizing or even eliminating harmful effects on the environment and the human.

Originality/value

Work consolidating existing PsM-related knowledge and indicating future work is a gap in the literature. This paper fills this gap.
Does the Islamic work ethic moderate the relationship between organizational culture and enterprise performance?
Authors: Kareem Olanrewaju , Aliyu Olayemi Abdullateef , Salimon Maruf Gbadebo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The performance of business enterprises is an impetus to every nation’s growth and development, as they constitute a multitude of businesses in most countries in the world. While ethical crises in the workplace are causing serious depletion in organizational performance and, in some cases, leading to total bankruptcy and the collapse of business in a developing country. This study aims to empirically examine the interaction effect of Islamic work ethics (IWEs) on the linkage between organization culture (OC) and enterprise performance (EP).

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method collected data from 531 managers of firms in the SME category of enterprises, using validated measurement instruments adapted from previous studies, and the data were quantitatively analyzed with Smart PLS SEM.

Findings

The results indicate that OC has a positive and significant effect on EP. The study also found that IWEs had a strong positive and significant impact on EP. The investigation revealed a significant effect of IWEs on the OC impact on EP. Therefore, we concluded that increased IWE practice will enhance the OC impact on EP.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the nexus of OC and EP as the first to investigate the interaction effect of IWE in an African context. Furthermore, the study suggests that if enterprise managers can exhibit Islamic work values, it will communicate and stimulate workers’ positive attitudes toward the organization. The creation of a harmonious and unethical behavior-free workplace environment would lead to improved enterprise performance. We presented theoretical and practical implications, along with recommendations for future research.
Identifying a process model for the transfer of spin-off technologies from a public-funded mission-oriented research organization
Authors: H. Thyagaraju P. , Jain Karuna , Grover R. B.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to identify an empirical process model and to delineate success factors (both success-enabling factors and success-inhibiting factors) and special insights useful for managerial interventions for the transfer of spin-off technologies from a public-funded mission-oriented research organization (PMRO) dealing with nuclear technologies in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical qualitative case study research was conducted on purposively selected five real-life cases by semistructured interviews with the actors involved in tech-transfers from the PMRO. Within-case content analyses were carried out as per grounded theory. The emerging subprocesses were mapped into a conceptual theoretical model preconstructed based on a literature review. Success factors and special insights were identified by reflecting upon the results of analyses. Cross-case analysis was carried out to yield organization-wide findings.

Findings

Organization-wide process model of tech-transfers, success factors and special insights emerged from five cases of technology transfer cases from a PMRO of India.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation stems from the inevitable subjectivity due to considerable presence of human element, and qualitative methods used to study a limited number of cases. However, purposive sampling of cases and traceability of evidence built into the procedure of content analysis largely allay this limitation.

Practical implications

The findings of this research would be useful to practitioners such as scientists, tech-transfer officers, executives of transferee firms and the policymakers of the PMROs for taking well-informed decisions.

Originality/value

Original research was carried out by eliciting field information from the actors of real-life cases. Two of the authors being affiliated with the PMRO makes the research realistic.
Developing a tool for meeting children’s needs through biophilic design: a combined approach of the Biophilia Interview and Connection to Nature Index – theoretical study
Authors: Ghanem Amira Fawzi , Aggour Mona Mohamed , Fahmy Marwa Kamal
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Nature and biophilic design have received widespread attention in architecture. There has been a need for a new concept of sustainability that includes the interrelationship between humans and the environment. Biophilic design is therefore a comprehensive and sustainable approach that contributes to restoring relationships and connections to promote mental and physical health. The purpose of the paper is to derive a method for measuring and evaluating the impact of incorporating biophilic design into spaces where children are present.

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows a three-stage methodology. The first stage is an Overview, including the concept of biophilia, the concept of biophilic design and its patterns. The second stage consists of methods for evaluating biophilic designed spaces. The third stage attempts to deduce a method for measuring and evaluating the impact of incorporating biophilic design into spaces designated for children on children.

Findings

Integrating the Biophilia Interview Scale and the Nature Connection Index scales could lead to the development of a new scale that captures the child’s understanding of nature, his connection to nature and knowledge of his environmental preferences. Linking this measure to the child’s basic needs aims to enhance the performance of spaces designated for pre-school children and measure the extent to which these spaces meet the child’s environmental preferences and match his basic needs.

Originality/value

There is limited understanding of evaluating preschool spaces in terms of their suitability for children, the extent to which the design patterns used in these spaces meet the child’s preferences and desires, and the extent to which these spaces meet the child’s basic needs. Therefore, this study aims to integrate methods for assessing environmental preferences appropriate for pre-school children and linking them to the child’s basic needs, which ultimately leads to the creation and design of spaces in which children can integrate, interact.
Enhanced dynamic inertia particle swarm optimization with velocity clamping for accurate parameter extraction in one-diode and two-diode solar PV models
Authors: Gamgula Bharathi , Saripalli Bhanu Prakash
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Accurate solar photovoltaic models (SPVM) are critical for optimizing solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to convert sunlight into electricity. The simulation and design of PV systems rely on estimating unknown constraints from solar photovoltaic (SPV) cells. Each parameter plays a crucial task in the output properties of an SPV under actual environmental conditions. Optimizing the unknown constraints of the SPVM is not an easy task due to the nonlinear characteristics of the PV cell. This study aims to develop a novel metaheuristic algorithm, enhanced dynamic inertia particle swarm optimization (EDIPSO) algorithm with velocity clamping, to establish all the seven and five constraints of the two-diode model (TDM) and one-diode model (ODM).

Design/methodology/approach

In complex parameter spaces, the conventional particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach typically leads to poor convergence because it fails to balance exploration and exploitation. The proposed approach is an EDIPSO with velocity clamping to minimize the possibility of overshooting possible solutions and improve stability. Velocity clamping is also used to prevent particle velocities from rising over specified limitations. Beginning the process with a large inertia weight to promote exploration and progressively decreasing it to improve exploitation, leading to a thorough analysis of the search space. The algorithm is implemented to investigate the accuracy of estimated constraint values of RTC-France (RTC-F) solar cell, Photo watt-PWP 201 SPV module (PWP 201 SPV), KC 200GT SPV module (KC 200 GT SPV) for ODM and TDM.

Findings

The proposed approach is used to extract the seven and five constraints of the TDM and ODM under standard test conditions for three different SPV modules. Thorough simulation and statistical analysis indicate that the EDIPSO with velocity clamping may outperform other cutting-edge optimization algorithms exclusively regarding accuracy, computational time and reliability.

Originality/value

An enhanced dynamic inertia PSO is suggested for determining the parameters of the TDM and ODM in SPV modules. This method specifically accounts for the recombination saturation current within the p–n junction’s depletion region, without overlooking or assuming away any parameters, thereby achieving greater accuracy. When comparing the estimated constraints of TDM and ODM for various SPVs, EDIPSO almost precisely aligns the data from the proposed model with the practical data. Thus, the proposed method for calculating the SPV model parameter may exhibit to be a feasible and efficient solution.
The Outsider Within. Anticolonial Critiques of Humanity and the Cosmopolitan Vision
Authors: Davison‐Vecchione Daniel , Carreira da Silva Filipe
Published: January 2025

This article re‐examines the anticolonial critique of the concept of ‘humanity’. It uses the example of Leopold Senghor to show the extent to which this critique is shaped by their sociological marginality. Drawing on Georg Simmel's discussion of the ‘stranger’ and Patricia Hill Collins's discussion of the ‘outsider within’, the study rethinks the production of knowledge in racially structured societies. As ‘outsiders within’ colonial empires, anticolonial thinkers from the 1930s to the 1960s challenge the idea of a universal humanity used to justify colonialism and expose its racial stratification. Their critique helps to end colonial domination and develop a more robust conception of common humanity, aligned with a genuine cosmopolitanism that resists exploitative manipulation and promotes anti‐racist agendas. By exploring the critical potential of the figure of the stranger or outsider within, this study invites sociologists to integrate diverse perspectives into sociological discourse and to promote a cosmopolitan epistemology that combines particular and universal insights.
“Where There's a Will There's a Way”: The Impact of State Variations in the Implementation of Continuous Coverage on Access to Postpartum Care During the Pandemic Emergency
Authors: Fox Ashley , Howell Frances M. , Weber Ellerie , Janevic Teresa
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To explore how the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement and unwinding process was implemented in three states with diverse existing policy environments and implications for the implementation of post‐emergency 12‐month postpartum extensions.

Data Sources

State data on unwinding performance and qualitative in‐depth interviews with 48 stakeholders and patient‐facing healthcare workers in Texas, New York and New Jersey.

Study Design

State Medicaid stakeholders and patient‐facing healthcare workers in each state were interviewed with the goal of gaining insights into: (1) How the continuous coverage requirement was implemented; (2) What effects continuous coverage had on access to care for postpartum mothers; (3) How states are implementing the pandemic unwinding and postpartum extensions.

Data Collection/Extraction

Interviews were recorded and took place over Zoom between September 2022 and March 2024. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically using an open coding approach.

Principal Findings

The study found that low awareness of the continuous coverage requirement blunted potential benefits: little changed in practice in recommended patient care or follow‐up procedures. Differences in state unwinding approaches reflected differential state capacity to minimize procedural disenrollment and political incentives to either rapidly reduce or maintain Medicaid rolls. Based on these findings, we describe how political will, state capacity and policy legacies interact to either increase or decrease administrative burdens associated with program enrollment/re‐enrollment.

Conclusions

While the continuous coverage requirement in theory applies equally across US states, its implementation was inconsistent and influenced by state capacity and political objectives creating differential experiences across states. To ensure that postpartum Medicaid coverage extensions have maximal impact on improving maternal health, states should develop improved communication strategies to ensure that providers and community‐based organizations are aware of coverage changes and leverage available flexibilities to increase use of administrative renewal and ensure smooth coverage transitions.
A comparison and evaluation of strategies for bulk sequencing of mitogenomes from museum collections
Authors: Zhu Yao‐Wei , He Mao , Wang Hou‐Shuai , Liang Dan , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2025

Collecting mitochondrial genome sequences from museum collections has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Currently, several sequencing strategies have been proposed for this purpose, including direct DNA pooling, DNA labelling and mtDNA enrichment. It is important to understand the advantages and limitations of these methods before embarking on large‐scale sequencing efforts. However, there is currently no comprehensive comparison and evaluation of the performance of these sequencing methods.

In this study, we evaluated the performance of four different strategies for sequencing mitogenomes by comparing reagent expense, experiment time, bioinformatics time, and the length and the base error rate of the obtained mitochondrial sequences. The four sequencing strategies mainly differ in: (1) whether to label the DNA of each specimen and (2) whether to perform mtDNA enrichment. To reduce experiment difficulty and expenses, we presented an ‘in‐situ’ DNA labelling protocol for cost‐effectively ligating barcode sequences to DNA samples and used PCR‐generated baits for mtDNA enrichment.

The widely adopted ‘direct pooling’ sequencing strategy is the fastest but performs the worst among the four strategies. Of the 96 samples analysed, this approach yields averagely only 670 bp of mitochondrial sequences per sample. The most complicated sequencing strategy, which labels the DNA of each specimen and performs mtDNA enrichment, performs the best, producing mitogenome sequences of ~9.3 kb per sample. The sequencing accuracy is highly related to the sequencing depths of mtDNA but not the storage time of samples.

We hope that our comparisons will assist researchers in selecting suitable strategies for large‐scale sequencing of mitogenomes from museum specimens, thereby advancing museomics.
Timing for a surgically safe and oncologically prompt pancreatoduodenectomy after preoperative biliary drainage in patients with bile duct cancer
Authors: Lee Okjoo , Yoon So Jeong , Jeong Hye Jeong , Lim Soo Yeun , Chae Hochang , Kim Hongbeom , Han In Woong , Heo Jin Seok , Shin Sang Hyun
Published: January 2025

Background

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is commonly performed in patients with bile duct cancer (BDC). However, data regarding the timing of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) after PBD are insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the optimal timing for surgically and oncologically safe PD after PBD.

Methods

Data of patients who underwent PD for BDC between 2018 and 2020 were reviewed. Risk factor analysis was performed to determine clinical associations of PBD with surgical and survival outcomes. Dose–response curves were plotted to indicate the effect of the time interval between PBD and PD on each outcome.

Results

A total of 109 patients underwent PBD before surgery. In multivariable analysis, PD after 20 days of PBD was significantly associated with improved survival after adjusting for other risk factors (hazard ratio 0.119, 95% confidence interval 0.028–0.5000; P = 0.004). Dose–response graphs showed that rates of postoperative complications and survival were lower when PD was performed around 20 days after PBD.

Conclusion

In BDC patients, the rate of postoperative complications was lower with fair survival outcomes when PD was performed around 20 days after PBD. A large‐scale, prospective study is needed to investigate surgical and oncological effects of PBD in BDC patients.
Characterization of academic output (h‐index) by Australian urologists according to gender and rurality
Authors: Paynter Jessica A. , Wang Eugene , Wynn Jessica , Qin Kirby R. , Brennan Janelle
Published: January 2025

Background

As the number of practicing female urologists in Australia continues to increase alongside the academic development of the specialty, it is essential to examine how gender and rurality impact academic performance and expectations. This study aims to assess differences in h‐index related to both gender and rurality among Australian urologists.

Methods

We identified all active, practicing Australian urologists through the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) membership database. Data on each practitioner's gender, subspecialty, academic rank or affiliation, seniority, and h‐index from the Web of Science were collected. Differences in h‐index by gender and rurality were analyzed using univariable and multivariable regression.

Results

A total of 463 Australian urologists were included, of whom 69 (14.9%) were female and 73 (15.8%) practiced in rural areas. Female urologists were less likely to hold an academic position of Associate Professor or Professor compared to their male counterparts (5.8% vs. 11.0%, P = 0.28). The average h‐index for female urologists was 39% lower than male urologists (univariable P < 0.001). Adjusting for demographic variables, h‐index remained 32% lower (multivariable P = 0.003). The average h‐index of rural urologists was 51% lower than their metropolitan colleagues (univariable P < 0.001); and after adjusting for demographics, the average h‐index was 30% lower (multivariable P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Female and rural urologists in Australia produce significantly less research than their male and metropolitan counterparts. To address this disparity, it is crucial to implement enhanced institutional academic support, targeted mentorship, and greater recognition of the challenges posed by caregiving responsibilities and rural practice.
Primary versus secondary recurrent pregnancy losses: Clinical findings and live birth rate after comprehensive work‐up and personalized management
Authors: Tersigni Chiara , Onori Marianna , Beneduce Giuliana , Sannino Fabio , Franco Rita , Busnelli Andrea , Granieri Chiara , Milardi Domenico , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Lanzone Antonio , Scambia Giovanni , Di Simone Nicoletta
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses before 24 weeks of gestation, affects up to 1%–2% of couples. Aim of this retrospective cohort study was to report the main causes and pregnancy outcomes of a cohort of women with RPL and the efficacy of a personalized work‐up and treatment in terms of live birth rate.

Material and Methods

Women with primary (pRPL) and secondary (sRPL) RPL underwent a complete work‐up and personalized therapeutic management. Data related to clinical findings and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were collected. A retrospective comparison between clinical findings and pregnancy outcomes of pRPL versus sRPL was performed by Mann–Whitney U or Chi‐square test.

Results

Main findings after diagnostic work‐up in pRPL (n = 157) versus sRPL (n = 138) couples were hormonal and metabolic factors (75% vs. 90%, p < 0.01), autoimmunity (52% vs. 59%, p = 0.2), acquired uterine/endometrial factors (43% vs. 34%, p = 0.2), vaginal and/or cervical infections (19% vs. 49%; p < 0.0001), congenital Mullerian anomalies (15% vs. 9%; p = 0.1), inherited thrombophilias (13% vs. 21%; p = 0.1), female karyotype abnormalities (2% vs. 2%; p = 0.9), sperm infections (27% vs. 22%; p = 0.1), abnormal semen analysis (17% vs. 14%; p = 0.1), male karyotype abnormalities (2% vs. 0%; p = 0.1). Higher pregnancy and fetal loss rate was observed in pRPL compared with sRPL (85% vs. 56%, p < 0.0001and 9% vs. 0%, p < 0.01, respectively). Higher live birth rate was found in pRLP versus sRPL women (76% vs. 56%, p < 0.001). Increased live birth rate was observed among pRPL women aged <40 years (OR 2.76; CI 1.36–5.64, p < 0.01) and/or with an AMH >1 ng/mL (OR 3.96; CI 1.34–12.52, p < 0.05). Among sRPL women, the age < 40 years was significantly associated to higher live birth rate (OR 3.23; 1.55–6.94, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

RPL is a heterogeneous multifactorial syndrome. A customized management can lead to a good pregnancy outcome in more than a half of cases. Age <40 and AMH >1 ng/mL are the major positive predictors of live birth rate in RPL women.
The Effects of Service Quality, Brand Loyalty, and Customer Satisfaction on Repurchase Intention: An Empirical Case Study of Online Travel Agents in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Chih‐Ming , Huang Ying‐Feng , Lou Kuo‐Ren
Published: January 2025

The rise of online travel agents (OTA) has substantially changed the ecology of the tourism industry, which in turn has impacted the market of traditional travel agencies. Although OTA is a future tourism trend, there is still much room for improvement in terms of its brand and customer service. Therefore, this study investigates the relationships among customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and consumer repurchase intentions from the perspective of service quality, and form a conceptual model for constructing consumer repurchase intentions. This study conducted a structural equation model (SEM) analysis of 226 samples. Based on the analysis results, there were two findings: First, for the influencing factors of consumer repurchase intentions, the positive direct impact of service quality is higher than brand loyalty and customer satisfaction. Second, in the proposed model, brand loyalty and customer satisfaction play the mediation variable between service quality and repurchase intention. The service quality will not only directly affect the repurchase intention, but also has an indirect impact through brand loyalty and customer satisfaction.
Ecotones Shape Ground‐Dwelling Mammal and Bird Diversity Along a Habitat Gradient in the Southern Coastal Dry Forests of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen An , Tilker Andrew , Le Quy Tan , Nguyen Minh , Tran Van Tiep , Luu Hong Truong , Tran Van Bang , Le Duy , Pflumm Luisa , Niedballa Jürgen , Sollmann Rahel , Wilting Andreas
Published: January 2025

Understanding biodiversity patterns is essential for ecology and conservation. Globally, conservation efforts often prioritize tropical rainforests due to their high species richness. At the regional scale, the same is true in the Greater Annamites ecoregion of Vietnam and Laos, where conservation efforts have largely focused on broadleaf wet evergreen forest, despite the fact that other habitats remain threatened. One such habitat is the coastal dry forest landscape in southern Vietnam, which has received little conservation focus despite the fact that its forested areas have been severely reduced. Nui Chua National Park (NP) in southern Vietnam harbors one of the few remaining sizable areas of dry coastal forest. In this study, we used camera‐trap data and a community Royle‐Nichols model to explore community structure of ground‐dwelling mammal and birds along a complex habitat gradient in Nui Chua NP. We first investigated species associations among three habitat types: dry forest, semi‐dry forest, and broadleaf wet evergreen forest. We then used occupancy‐based diversity profiles to assess diversity in these three habitats. Overall species diversity tended to be highest in the transitional semi‐dry forest ecotone, which supported species from both dry and evergreen forests. Notably, the semi‐dry forest also had the highest occupancies for several endemic and threatened species. Our findings highlight the importance of the semi‐dry forest for conservation in the broader coastal dry forest landscape. We emphasize the need for fine‐scale biodiversity assessments to inform conservation strategies, especially in habitats that may be overlooked by broader‐scale conservation strategies.
Comprehensive Clinical and Genetic Characterization of a Spanish Cohort of 22 Patients With Bainbridge–Ropers Syndrome
Authors: Trujillano Laura , Valenzuela Irene , Costa‐Roger Mar , Cuscó Ivon , Fernandez‐Alvarez Paula , Cueto‐González Anna , Lasa‐Aranzasti Amaia , Masotto Bárbara , Abulí Anna , Codina‐Solà Marta , del Campo Miguel , Ruiz Moreno Juan Antonio , Pardo Domínguez Cristina , Palma Milla Carmen , Pérez de la Fuente Rubén , Quesada‐Espinosa Juan Francisco , Núñez‐Enamorado Noemí , Gener Blanca , Ballesta‐Martínez María Juliana , Brea‐Fernández Alejandro J. , Fernández‐Prieto Montse , Trujillo‐Quintero Juan Pablo , Ruiz Anna , Santos‐Simarro Fernando , Rosello Mónica , Orellana Carmen , Martinez Francisco , Martinez‐Monseny Antonio F. , Casas‐Alba Dídac , Serrano Mercedes , Palomares‐Bralo María , Rikeros‐Orozco Emi , Gómez‐Cano María Ángeles , Tirado‐Requero Pilar , Pié Juste Juan , Ramos Feliciano J. , García‐Arumí Elena , Tizzano Eduardo F.
Published: January 2025

Bainbridge–Ropers Syndrome (BRPS) is a genetic condition resulting from truncating variants in the ASXL3 gene. The clinical features include neurodevelopmental and language impairments, behavioral issues, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, and distinctive facial features. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 22 Spanish individuals with BRPS, aiming to perform a detailed clinical and molecular description and establish a genotype–phenotype correlation. We identified 19 ASXL3 variants, nine of which are novel. We documented recurrence in nontwin siblings due to parental mosaicism. The predominant prenatal finding was intrauterine growth restriction (35%) followed, after birth, by feeding difficulties (90.5%), hypotonia (85.7%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (82.4%). Later in life, intellectual disability, language impairment, autism spectrum disorder (75%), and joint laxity (73.7%) were noted. Individuals with variants in the 3′ mutational cluster region (MCR) of exon 12 exhibited more perinatal feeding problems, and those with variants in the 5′ MCR of exon 11 displayed lower percentiles in height and occipitofrontal circumference, as well as higher frequency of arched eyebrows. This study is the first characterization of a Spanish BRPS cohort, with more than 50 clinical features analyzed, representing the most detailed phenotypic analysis to date.