bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Linguistic Analysis of United States Navy Orthopaedic Surgery Applicant Personal Statements
Authors: Colon-Morillo Reinaldo E , Chennupati Nithya , Tompane Trevor , Healy Nicholas , Janney Cory
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Despite the importance of linguistic analysis, no systematic research has been explored in the form of linguistic analysis on personal statements for military orthopedic surgery residency programs. This study was conducted to analyze U.S. Navy (USN) orthopedic surgery applicants’ personal statements using an automated textual analysis program to assess personal statements for linguistic styles.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of USN orthopedic applicant personal statements from application years 2016 to 2019 was performed utilizing the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software. LIWC analyzed the text for summary variables: analytical thinking, clout, authenticity, and emotional tone. We compared this analysis with Step 1 and Step 2 scores and determined whether an applicant matched.

Results

A total of 94 personal statements (60,230 words) were analyzed using LIWC. The average word count was 640.7, with an average of 23 words per sentence. The average-matched applicant USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores were 240 and 250, respectively. When examining summary traits utilizing multiple logistic regression analysis, only analytical thinking demonstrated a statistically significant difference in matched versus unmatched applicants with a P = .011 (OR = 1.10).

Conclusion

As the USMLE Step 1 exam transitions from a scoring system to Pass/Fail grading, programs will look at other characteristics to determine who would likely succeed in residency. From a linguistic analysis standpoint, matched applicants’ personal statements demonstrated higher analytical thinking, clout, affiliation, power, and risk focus than unmatched applicants. Unmatched applicants demonstrated higher authenticity than matched applicants.
Widespread occurrence and diverse origins of polintoviruses influence lineage-specific genome dynamics in stony corals
Authors: Stephens Danae , Faghihi Zahra , Moniruzzaman Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Stony corals (Order: Scleractinia) are central to vital marine habitats known as coral reefs. Numerous stressors in the Anthropocene are contributing to the ongoing decline in coral reef health and coverage. While viruses are established modulators of marine microbial dynamics, their interactions within the coral holobiont and impact on coral health and physiology remain unclear. To address this key knowledge gap, we investigated diverse stony coral genomes for ‘endogenous’ viruses. Our study uncovered a remarkable number of integrated viral elements recognized as ‘Polintoviruses’ (Class Polintoviricetes) in thirty Scleractinia genomes; with several species harboring hundreds to thousands of polintoviruses. We reveal massive paralogous expansion of polintoviruses in stony coral genomes, alongside the presence of integrated elements closely related to Polinton-like viruses (PLVs), a group of viruses that exist as free virions. These results suggest multiple integrations of polintoviruses and PLV-relatives, along with paralogous expansions, shaped stony coral genomes. Re-analysis of existing gene expression data reveals all polintovirus structural and non-structural hallmark genes are expressed, providing support for free virion production from polintoviruses. Our results, revealing a significant diversity of polintovirus across the Scleractinia order, open a new research avenue into polintovirus and their possible roles in disease, genomic plasticity, and environmental adaptation in this key group of organisms
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Utilized to Predict Real-Time Adverse Outcomes in Individuals Arriving at the Emergency Department With Hyperglycemic Crises?
Authors: Bhimani Alisha Amin , Frenkel Tova Safier , Hasham Adam Kaizer
Published: May 2024

This column on translating research into practice is crafted to offer advanced practice registered nurses an analysis of current research topics that hold practical relevance for emergency care settings. The article titled “Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Adverse Outcomes in Emergency Department Patients With Hyperglycemic Crises in Real Time,” authored by C. Hsu et al. (2023), investigates through a randomized control trial, the effectiveness of artificial intelligence as a practical tool compared with the traditional predicting hyperglycemic crisis death score to clinically predict adverse outcomes in individuals presenting to the emergency department with hyperglycemic crises. The results are discussed in the context of averting adverse outcomes associated with sepsis/septic shock, intensive care unit admission, and all-cause mortality within a 1-month time frame.
Pharmacological Approach for Symptomatic Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Obeso-Martinez Ida , Raissi Farshad
Published: May 2024

Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) is a common arrhythmia associated with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, electrolyte imbalances, and congenital heart disorders (Foth et al., 2023). NSVT is often asymptomatic depending on its burden percentage. However, typical NSVT presentation in the emergency department (ED) includes palpitations, near-syncope, dizziness, skipped beats, chest pain, and/or dyspnea (Katritsis et al., 2012). In some instances, NSVT can present with elevated or slightly elevated troponin from demand ischemia. A definite diagnosis of NSVT is not of high complexity; nevertheless, it is not always identified on electrocardiogram (ECG) by the time the patient arrives to the ED. Identification of NSVT usually requires prolonged cardiac monitoring, mobile cardiac telemetry (MCT), and in some instances internal loop recorder placement. The purpose of this case is to discuss the typical presentation and pharmacological approach of patients with stable NSVT.
Bleeding Reversal With Antifibrinolytics or Cryoprecipitate Following Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bailey Abby M. , Baum Regan , Nestor Melissa , Platt Thomas
Published: May 2024

Patients who develop an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have a mortality rate as high as 50%. Treatment options include blood products, such as cryoprecipitate, or antifibrinolytics, such as tranexamic acid (TXA) or ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA). Current guidelines recommend cryoprecipitate first-line despite limited data to support one agent over another. In addition, compared to antifibrinolytics, cryoprecipitate is higher in cost and requires thawing before use. This case series seeks to characterize the management of thrombolytic reversal at a single institution as well as provide additional evidence for antifibrinolytics in this setting. Patients were included for a retrospective review if they met the following criteria: presented between January 2011–January 2017, were >18 years of age, were admitted for AIS, received a thrombolytic, and received TXA EACA, or cryoprecipitate. Twelve patients met the inclusion criteria. Ten (83.3%) developed an ICH, one (8.3%) experienced gastrointestinal bleeding, and one (8.3%) had bleeding at the site of knee arthroscopy. Eleven patients received cryoprecipitate (median dose: 10 units), three received TXA (median dose: 1,000 mg), and one patient received EACA (13 g). TXA was administered faster than the first blood product at a mean time of 19 min and 137 min, respectively. Hemorrhagic expansion (N = 8, 66.67%) and inhospital mortality (N = 7, 58.3%) were high. While limited by its small sample size, this case series demonstrates significant variability in reversal strategies for thrombolysis-associated bleeding. It also provides additional evidence for the role of antifibrinolytics in this setting.
Laboratory characterization of hydrothermally processed oligopeptides in ice grains emitted by Enceladus and Europa
Authors: Khawaja Nozair , Hortal Sánchez Lucía , O’Sullivan Thomas R. , Bloema Judith , Napoleoni Maryse , Klenner Fabian , Beinlich Andreas , Hillier Jon , John Timm , Postberg Frank
Published: May 2024

The Cassini mission provided evidence for a global subsurface ocean and ongoing hydrothermal activity on Enceladus, based on results from Cassini’s mass spectrometers. Laboratory simulations of hydrothermal conditions on icy moons are needed to further constrain the composition of ejected ice grains containing hydrothermally altered organic material. Here, we present results from our newly established facility to simulate the processing of ocean material within the temperature range 80–150°C and the pressure range 80–130 bar, representing conditions suggested for the water–rock interface on Enceladus. With this new facility, we investigate the hydrothermal processing of triglycine (GGG) peptide and, for the first time, analyse the extracted samples using laser-induced liquid beam ion desorption (LILBID) mass spectrometry, a laboratory analogue for impact ionization mass spectrometry of ice grains in space. We outline an approach to elucidate hydrothermally processed GGG in ice grains ejected from icy moons based on characteristic differences between GGG anion and cation mass spectra. These differences are linked to hydrothermal processing and thus provide a fingerprint of hydrothermal activity on extraterrestrial bodies. These results will serve as important guidelines for biosignatures potentially obtained by a future Enceladus mission and the SUrface Dust Analyzer (SUDA) instrument onboard Europa Clipper.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Dust in the Solar System and beyond’.
Splendidivirga corallicola gen. nov., sp. nov. and Agaribacillus aureus gen. nov., sp. nov., two bacteria isolated from coral Porites lutea, and proposal of Splendidivirgaceae fam. nov.
Authors: Li Jin , Luo Jixin , Li Mi , Wang Chenyan , Hu Siyu , Lu Kun , Wang Guanghua
Published: May 2024

The Bacteroidota is one of the dominant bacterial phyla in corals. However, the exact taxa of those coral bacteria under the Bacteroidota are still unclear. Two aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile rods, designated strains BMA10T and BMA12T, were isolated from stony coral Porites lutea collected from Weizhou Island, PR China. Global alignment of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that both strains are closest to species of Fulvivirga with the highest identities being lower than 93 %, and the similarity value between these two strains was 92.3 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences indicated that these two strains form an monophylogenetic lineage alongside the families Fulvivirgaceae, Reichenbachiellaceae, Roseivirgaceae, Marivirgaceae, Cyclobacteriaceae, and Cesiribacteraceae in the order Cytophagales, phylum Bacteroidota. The genomic DNA G+C contents of BMA10T and BMA12T were 38.4 and 41.9 mol%, respectively. The major polar lipids of BMA10T were phosphatidylethanolamine, unidentified aminophospholipid, four unidentified aminolipids, and five unidentified lipids. While those of BMA12T were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, and five unidentified lipids. The major cellular fatty acids detected in both isolates were iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1
 ω5c. Carbohydrate-active enzyme analysis indicated these two strains may utilize coral mucus or chitin. Based on above characteristics, these two strains are suggested to represent two new species in two new genera of a new family in the order Cytophagales, for which the name Splendidivirga corallicola gen. nov., sp. nov., Agaribacillus aureus gen. nov., sp. nov. and Splendidivirgaceae fam. nov. are proposed. The type strain of S. corallicola is BMA10T (=MCCC 1K08300T=KCTC 102045T), and that for A. aureus is BMA12T (=MCCC 1K08309T=KCTC 102046T).
Eubacterium album sp. nov., a butyrate-producing bacterium isolated from faeces of a healthy human
Authors: Liu Feng-Lan , Abdugheni Rashidin , Ran Cong-Guo , Zhou Nan , Liu Shuang-Jiang
Published: May 2024

An oval to rod-shaped, Gram-stain-positive, strictly anaerobic bacterium, designated LFL-14T, was isolated from the faeces of a healthy Chinese woman. Cells of the strain were non-spore-forming, grew optimally at 37 °C (growth range 30–45 °C) and pH 7.0 (growth range 6.0–9.0) under anaerobic conditions in the liquid modified Gifu anaerobic medium (mGAM). The result of 16S rRNA gene-based analysis indicated that LFL-14T shared an identity of 94.7 0% with Eubacterium ventriosum ATCC 27560T, indicating LFL-14T represented a novel taxon. The results of genome-based analysis revealed that the average nucleotide identity (ANI), the digital DNA–DNA hybridisation (dDDH) and average amino acid identity (AAI) between LFL-14T and its phylogenetically closest neighbour, Eubacterium ventriosum ATCC 27560T, were 77.0 %, 24.6 and 70.9 %, respectively, indicating that LFL-14T represents a novel species of the genus Eubacterium. The genome size of LFL-14T was 2.92 Mbp and the DNA G+C content was 33.14 mol%. We analysed the distribution of the genome of LFL-14T in cohorts of healthy individuals, type 2 diabetes patients (T2D) and patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We found that its abundance was higher in the T2D cohort, but it had a low average abundance of less than 0.2 % in all three cohorts. The percentages of frequency of occurrence in the T2D, healthy and NAFLD cohorts were 48.87 %, 16.72 % and 13.10 % respectively. The major cellular fatty acids of LFL-14T were C16 : 0 (34.4 %), C17 : 0 2-OH (21.4 %) and C14 : 0 (11.7 %). Additionally, the strain contained diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), as well as unidentified phospholipids and unidentified glycolipids. The glucose fermentation products of LFL-14T were acetate and butyrate. In summary, On the basis of its chemotaxonomic, phenotypic, phylogenetic and phylogenomic properties, strain LFL-14T (= CGMCC 1.18005T = KCTC 25580T) is identified as representing a novel species of the genus Eubacterium, for which the name Eubacterium album sp. nov. is proposed.
SaLTy: a novel Staphylococcus aureus Lineage Typer
Authors: Cheney Liam , Payne Michael , Kaur Sandeep , Lan Ruiting
Published: May 2024

Staphylococcus aureus asymptomatically colonises 30 % of humans but can also cause a range of diseases, which can be fatal. In 2017 S. aureus was associated with 20 000 deaths in the USA alone. Dividing S. aureus isolates into smaller sub-groups can reveal the emergence of distinct sub-populations with varying potential to cause infections. Despite multiple molecular typing methods categorising such sub-groups, they do not take full advantage of S. aureus genome sequences when describing the fundamental population structure of the species. In this study, we developed Staphylococcus aureus Lineage Typing (SaLTy), which rapidly divides the species into 61 phylogenetically congruent lineages. Alleles of three core genes were identified that uniquely define the 61 lineages and were used for SaLTy typing. SaLTy was validated on 5000 genomes and 99.12 % (4956/5000) of isolates were assigned the correct lineage. We compared SaLTy lineages to previously calculated clonal complexes (CCs) from BIGSdb (n=21 173). SALTy improves on CCs by grouping isolates congruently with phylogenetic structure. SaLTy lineages were further used to describe the carriage of Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette containing mecA (SCCmec) which is carried by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Most lineages had isolates lacking SCCmec and the four largest lineages varied in SCCmec over time. Classifying isolates into SaLTy lineages, which were further SCCmec typed, allowed SaLTy to describe high-level MRSA epidemiology. We provide SaLTy as a simple typing method that defines phylogenetic lineages (https://github.com/LanLab/SaLTy). SaLTy is highly accurate and can quickly analyse large amounts of S. aureus genome data. SaLTy will aid the characterisation of S. aureus populations and ongoing surveillance of sub-groups that threaten human health.
Combining Transdiagnostic and Disorder-Level GWAS Enhances Precision of Psychiatric Genetic Risk Profiles in a Multi-Ancestry Sample
Authors: Khan Yousef , Davis Christal N. , Jinwala Zeal , Feuer Kyra L. , Toikumo Sylvanus , Hartwell Emily E. , Sanchez-Roige Sandra , Peterson Roseann E. , Hatoum Alexander S. , Kranzler Henry R. , Kember Rachel L.
Published: May 2024

The etiology of substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychiatric disorders reflects a combination of both transdiagnostic (i.e., common) and disorder-level (i.e., independent) genetic risk factors. We applied genomic structural equation modeling to examine these genetic factors across SUDs, psychotic, mood, and anxiety disorders using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of European-(EUR) and African-ancestry (AFR) individuals. In EUR individuals, transdiagnostic genetic factors represented SUDs (143 lead single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]), psychotic (162 lead SNPs), and mood/anxiety disorders (112 lead SNPs). We identified two novel SNPs for mood/anxiety disorders that have probable regulatory roles onFOXP1,NECTIN3, andBTLAgenes. In AFR individuals, genetic factors represented SUDs (1 lead SNP) and psychiatric disorders (no significant SNPs). The SUD factor lead SNP, although previously significant in EUR- and cross-ancestry GWAS, is a novel finding in AFR individuals. Shared genetic variance accounted for overlap between SUDs and their psychiatric comorbidities, with second-order GWAS identifying up to 12 SNPs not significantly associated with either first-order factor in EUR individuals. Finally, common and independent genetic effects showed different associations with psychiatric, sociodemographic, and medical phenotypes. For example, the independent components of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder had distinct associations with affective and risk-taking behaviors, and phenome-wide association studies identified medical conditions associated with tobacco use disorder independent of the broader SUDs factor. Thus, combining transdiagnostic and disorder-level genetic approaches can improve our understanding of co-occurring conditions and increase the specificity of genetic discovery, which is critical for psychiatric disorders that demonstrate considerable symptom and etiological overlap.
Characterization of high affinity IgM and IgG monoclonal antibodies against norovirus variants GII.4 and GII.17
Authors: Tagawa Jumpei , Yanaka Saeko , Kato Yuri , Masuda Akitsu , Lee Jae Man , Senoo Akinobu , Oyama Kosuke , Nishida Motohiro , Kusakabe Takahiro , Caaveiro Jose M.M.
Published: May 2024

Human norovirus, a leading cause of viral gastroenteritis, results in significant global health and economic burden, requiring sensitive and accurate diagnosis and effective therapeutics and vaccines. In this study, we immunized mice with the virus like capsid particles of GII.4, a mainstream strain, and GII.17, a modern strain that began to circulate in 2014, and used hybridoma technology to generate hybridoma cells that produce norovirus-binding antibodies against GII.4 and GII.17, respectively. Selection of these hybridoma cells yielded monoclonal IgG and IgM antibodies against these strains. Characterization of these antibodies revealed that avidity effect by multivalent binding is necessary for IgM to bind to norovirus at high efficiency, while IgG achieve high affinity even by monovalent binding. Surface plasmon resonance and ELISA data suggest that the high density of antigen protrusion domain in the norovirus capsid, containing approximately protomers, facilitates IgM to bind to norovirus capsid with high efficiency.
Sociodemographic inequalities related to the early beginning of antenatal care visits in Peruvian women: an analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey between 2019 and 2022
Authors: Intimayta-Escalante Claudio
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Starting antenatal care within the first three months of pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health, but sociodemographic barriers hinder timely care initiation for women. This study aims to assess sociodemographic inequalities in the initiation of antenatal care visits among Peruvian women.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis with data from the 2019-2022 Demographic and Family Health Survey in Peru was conducted. Weighted Cox regression models helped calculate adjusted Hazard Ratios (aHR), and the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) was used to measure how sociodemographic factors like age, education, location, insurance, and ethnicity influenced the timing of antenatal care initiation.

Results

The study included 22668 Peruvian women aged 18 to 49. Among these women, the mean age was 31.45 years. Only 30.63% of women started their antenatal care visits in the first month of pregnancy. Additionally, women without education (aHR: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.63 to 0.85, p¡0.001), those in urban areas (aHR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89 to 0.98, p=0.003), and individuals of Quechua or Aymara descent (aHR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.87 to 0.95, p¡0.001) were less likely to initiate antenatal care in the first months. Furthermore, individuals aged 18 to 29 (SII: -0.22, 95%CI: -0.26 to -0.18, p¡0.001), those without education (SII: -0.03, 95%CI: -0.04 to -0.02, p¡0.001), residing in rural areas (SII: -0.75, 95%CI: -0.78 to -0.71, p¡0.001), or living outside the capital (SII: -0.65, 95%CI: -0.70 to -0.60, p¡0.001) exhibited similar patterns.

Conclussion

Sociodemographic inequalities exist in the early beginning of antenatal care visits are evident among Peruvian women, especially impacting individuals in rural or non-capital regions with lower education levels and belonging to the Quechua or Aymara ethnic communities.
Identifying Patient Subpopulations with Significant Race-Sex Differences in Emergency Department Disposition Decisions
Authors: Lin Peter , Argon Nilay T , Cheng Qian , Evans Christopher S , Linthicum Benjamin , Liu Yufeng , Mehrotra Abhishek , Murphy Laura , Patel Mehul D , Ziya Serhan
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives

The race-sex differences in emergency department (ED) disposition decisions have been reported widely. Our objective is to identify demographic and clinical subgroups for which this difference is most pronounced, which will facilitate future targeted research on potential disparities and interventions.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 93,987 White and African-American adults assigned an Emergency Severity Index of 3 at three large EDs from January 2019 to February 2020. Using random forests, we identified the Elixhauser comorbidity score, age, and insurance status as important variables to divide data into subpopulations. Logistic regression models were then fitted to test race-sex differences within each subpopulation while controlling for other patient characteristics and ED conditions.

Results

In each subpopulation, African-American women were less likely to be admitted than White men with odds ratios as low as 0.304 (95% confidence interval (CI): [0.229, 0.404]). African-American men had smaller admission odds compared to White men in subpopulations of 41+ years of age or with very low/high Elixhauser scores, odds ratios being as low as 0.652 (CI: [0.590, 0.747]). White women were less likely to be admitted than White men in subpopulations of 18-40 or 41-64 years of age, with low Elixhauser scores, or with Self-Pay or Medicaid insurance status with odds ratios as low as 0.574 (CI: [0.421, 0.784]).

Conclusions

While differences in likelihood of admission were lessened by younger age for African-American men, and by older age, higher Elixhauser score, and Medicare or Commercial insurance for White women, they persisted in all subgroups for African-American women. In general, patients of age 64 years or younger, with low comorbidity scores, or with Medicaid or no insurance appeared most prone to potential disparities in admissions.
Proteomic Changes in the Cytoplasmatic Fraction of Weaned Piglets Liver and Kidney Under Antioxidants and Mycotoxins Diets
Authors: Popescu Roua Gabriela , Dinischiotu Anca , Marinescu George Cătălin
Published: May 2024

Antioxidants can mitigate some of the effects of mycotoxins due to their ability to scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This work investigates the potential of antioxidants derived from grape seed and sea buckthorn meal to mitigate the adverse effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). As mycotoxins contamination in weaned piglet diets. We used an unbiased Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) approach to analyse the proteomic impact of OTA and AFB1-contaminated diets on liver and kidney cytoplasmic metabolism, particularly focusing on the conjugation phase. Our findings shed light on the effects of mycotoxins that are partial mitigated by the antioxidants enriched diet. Additionally, we show that in kidneys, some of the effects are synergistically amplified, such as proteins involved in the fatty acids’ degradation, peroxisome, PPAR signaling, translation, TCA cycle and the excretion pathways. Inclusion of antioxidants in the animal diet can have beneficial effects. Nevertheless, caution is advised, synergistic effects can occur with potentially more serious consequences than the effect of mycotoxins alone.
Experimental demonstration of radius-varying active plasma lensing for laser-plasma-accelerated proton beams with increased collection angle
Authors: Yan Yang , Yang Tong , Guo Zhen , Huang Mingfeng , Cheng Hao , Li Yuze , Fang Yanlv , Li Chentong , Xia Yadong , He Qiangyou , Yan Yiting , Lin Chen , Yan Xueqing
Published: May 2024

Active plasma lensing, a compact method for intensifying the focus of charged particle beams by providing a magnetic field gradient of kT/m, has emerged as a sought-after technology in laser plasma accelerator applications. However, the utilization of active plasma lenses faces significant hurdles when dealing with laser-driven proton pulses, characterized by their broad bandwidth and high divergence. To address this challenge, we developed a novel active plasma lens with a variable radius, specifically designed to optimize lens geometry in accordance with the beam envelope, and performed the first measurement of its focusing ability. The experimental findings reveal that, compared to conventional cylindrical active plasma lenses, our radius-varying lens exhibits a 2.0-fold improvement in single-energy transmission efficiency, while maintaining comparable achromatic ability. This breakthrough is anticipated to significantly contribute to the miniaturization of laser proton accelerators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Found in translation, lost in education: artificial intelligence’s impacts on translation tertiary education in Macao
Authors: Amaro Vanessa , João Pires Manuel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To explore the interplay between human translators and AI tools, focusing on tertiary students' perceptions in the context of Portuguese-Chinese translations in Macao.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative surveys were complemented by qualitative responses. Qualitative class observations (participant and non-participant) and autoethnography further enriched the insights. Participants included undergraduate and postgraduate students in translation studies from the Macao Polytechnic University.

Findings

The data revealed a dual perspective: appreciation for AI’s efficiency contrasted with concerns about its potential to overshadow human touch in translations, especially in cultural nuances. Views on integrating AI into curricula were diverse, but a balanced, synergistic approach between human expertise and AI efficiency emerged as a common theme.

Originality/value

This study offers a fresh perspective by integrating various methodologies, capturing both statistical and experiential insights on the evolving relationship between AI and human translation efforts in academia.
Prioritization of emergency assembly points in a campus using grey p-median linear programming model
Authors: Yalçıner Çal Damla , Aydemir Erdal
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a scenario-based grey methodology using clustering and optimizing with imprecise and uncertain body size data in an emergency assembly point area to assign the people on a campus to reach the emergency assembly points under uncertain disaster times.

Design/methodology/approach

Grey clustering and a new grey p-median linear programming model are developed to determine which units to assign to the pre-determined assembly points for a main campus in case of a disaster. The models have two scenarios: 70 and 100% occurrence capacities of administrative and academic personnel and students.

Findings

In this study, the academic and administrative units have been assigned to determine five different emergency assembly points on the main campus by using the numbers of the academic and administrative personnel and student and distances of the units to the assembly point areas of each other. The alternative solutions are obtained effectively by evaluating capacity utilization rates in the scenarios.

Practical implications

It is often unclear when disasters can occur and therefore, a preliminary preparation time must be required to minimize the risk. In the case of natural, man-made (unnatural) or technological disasters, the people are required to defend themselves and move away from the disaster area as soon as possible in a proper direction. The proposed assignment model yields a final solution that effectively eliminates uncertainty regarding the selection of emergency assembly points for administrative and academic staff as well as students, in the event of disasters.

Originality/value

Grey clustering suggests an assignment plan and concurrently, an investigation is underway utilizing the grey p-median linear programming model. This investigation aims to optimize various scenarios and body sizes concerning emergency assembly areas. All campus users who are present at the disaster in units of the campus are getting uncertainty about which emergency assembly point to use, and with this study, the vital risks aim to be ultimately reduced with reasonable plans.
Unveiling universities’ sustainability disclosure antecedents: an empirical analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nicolò Giuseppe , Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo , Aversano Natalia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the level of online sustainability disclosure provided by international universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ultimate goal is to identify the factors influencing the amount of sustainability information these universities disclose through their websites.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a manual content analysis to measure the extent to which a sample of 100 international universities disseminate information on sustainability and COVID-19 issues via the web. A multiple regression analysis is performed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings confirm that universities worldwide leverage the potential of websites to convey sustainability information beneficial for stakeholders and society. Moreover, while board gender diversity positively affects the level of online sustainability disclosure, board size exerts a negative effect. Furthermore, university size, internet visibility and ranking position have no significant impact on the amount of online sustainability information provided by international universities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that provides insight into the possible determinants of universities’ online sustainability reporting during COVID-19. This study extends prior research mainly conducted in single countries by providing data on the sustainability disclosure level of universities in different geographical regions. Empirical findings also support policymakers’ global action in the past decade to increase the role of women in leadership and governing positions.
Is collaborative consumption the new gamble to speed digital knowledge up in the accommodation sector?
Authors: Gravili Ginevra , Avram Alexandru , Benvenuto Marco
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The present article aims to examine the development of the theoretical framework surrounding collaborative consumption (CC) standards in recent years regarding European short-stay accommodation booking platforms. The sharing economy has significantly impacted the tourist accommodation market in recent years. Starting with the use of experimental data on CCs published on Eurostat in 2019, this article analyzes the correlation between choices of CCs for short-stay accommodation, employment and the economic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

A vector autoregressive panel approach was applied to investigate the correlation between CC short-stay accommodation choices using panel organization data from 561 EU regions between 2018 and 2021.

Findings

Analyzing the connection between the main data panel variables, a positive correlation was found, followed by an increasing trend in CC use. A self-multiplying effect is generated; that is, the more people use CC, the more electronic captures occur. Consequently, the improvement of CC use and knowledge-intensive activities in short-stay accommodation is strongly linked with employment and GDP.

Originality/value

The originality of the investigation is to examine with a cross-sectional panel data overview the reasons that can push stakeholders to adopt CC and to clearly define a new perimeter of research in terms of the endpoint of CC in short-stay accommodation. Furthermore, the study seeks to assess the end-point congruence to utilize CC as a new gamble to accelerate digital knowledge in the hospitality sector.
Identifying minibonds issued level’s determinants to empower companies’ funding managerial strategies
Authors: Cerqueti Roy , Deffains-Crapsky Catherine , Quaranta Anna Grazia , Storani Saverio
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the determinants of the level of minibonds issued by companies. In doing so, it discusses the importance of minibonds in providing a market-based funding source. In the empirical analysis, special attention is paid to the study of the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is carried out through an econometric approach, on the basis of a high-quality empirical dataset related to the Italian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The reference period covers the recent pandemic. From a theoretical point of view, a regression model is implemented, including a multicollinearity analysis and an outlier detection procedure.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that factors such as leverage, cash flow, firm collaterals and seniority can explain the amount of minibonds issued. These findings provide valuable insights into the drivers of minibond issuance and highlight the potential benefits of minibonds as a funding option for Italian SMEs.

Practical implications

Importantly, results highlight relevant managerial implications at two levels. On one side, we carry on a managerial discussion about the worthiness of accessing the minibonds market; on the other side, we give insights on the managerial implications related to the features of the companies issuing minibonds.

Originality/value

The paper investigates an innovative financial instrument that has been introduced recently and has not yet been studied in depth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first contribution assessing the main drivers for minibonds issuance level, which is a timely and relevant managerial research topic. In addition, this study also takes into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on minibond issuance, making the analysis appropriate for explaining the current economic context.
ESG-driven ecopreneur selection in European financial institutions: entropy and TOPSIS analysis
Authors: Ragazou Konstantina , Lemonakis Christos , Passas Ioannis , Zopounidis Constantin , Garefalakis Alexandros
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This is the application of the Entropy and TOPSIS model to assess the eco-efficiency of European financial institutions using environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. The aim is to categorize financial institutions based on key factors such as environmental training and management and to examine the alignment between ideal ESG performance and eco-efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies to identify and categorize eco-entrepreneurs in European financial institutions. The study utilizes data to examine the structure between environmental training, effective management practices, and the green performance of financial institutions.

Findings

The study shows that European financial institutions exhibit varying degrees of eco-efficiency as assessed using the Entropy and TOPSIS model applied to ESG strategies. Surprisingly, the study found that institutions with a high ESG performance do not always match those with the highest eco-efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

They emphasize the need for financial institutions to align their operations with sustainable practices. This research provides insights to increase eco-efficiency and improve the ESG performance of financial institutions. It also informs policy and decision-making in these institutions in relation to environmental training and management practices, contributing to the wider dialogue on sustainable finance.

Originality/value

This indicates a discrepancy between ESG ratings and actual eco-efficiency, emphasizing the need to reassess the ESG framework. The study findings are crucial for aligning financial institutions with sustainable practices and improving the effectiveness of the ESG framework, especially for institutions at the lower end of the eco-efficiency spectrum.
Non‐linear nexus of mineral rents, coal rents, foreign direct investment, and environmental sustainability: Importance of institutional quality in E‐7 nations
Authors: Qing Lingli , Li Peng , Wang Yaode , Mehmood Usman , Alofaysan Hind
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of natural resources (NRs), economic growth (GDP), institutional quality, mining and coal rents, and foreign direct investment (FDI) on the environmental quality in the E‐7 countries (Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Turkey, and Mexico) from 1990 to 2021. To do this, such advanced estimation methods are used as the method of moments quantile regression (MMQR), with the artificial neural network utilized for robustness checks. The initial diagnostic test results unveiled the presence of cross‐sectional dependence, slope heterogeneity, and long‐run cointegration. The MMQR analysis results indicate that coal and mineral rents escalate environmental pollution by reducing the load capacity factor (LCF) across all quantiles. The results further indicate that FDI and economic growth negatively affect while institutional quality (INS) significantly promotes the LCF in E‐7 countries. Moreover, INS significantly moderates the relationship between mineral resources and LCF, as well as coal resources and LCF. The robustness test also validates these findings. Based on these results, policy measures aimed at strengthening institutional quality, particularly within the NR sector, are crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of coal and mineral extraction on LCF and promoting sustainable development in the E‐7 countries.
Does financial distress suppress CSR gap? The moderating effect of state ownership and market competition
Authors: Long Xianyi , Cao Qinwei
Published: May 2024

Companies will prioritize external corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices over internal ones, a phenomenon known as the corporate social responsibility gap (CSR gap). Previous studies have mostly focused on its consequences, little is known about its antecedents. We argue that such practice is illegitimate because it goes against stakeholder expectation that primary stakeholders' interests should be prioritized, but it also has potential to gain differentiation benefit for intense investment on external CSR. Drawing on compensatory orchestration logic and the three types of firm legitimacy, we argue that firms that have gained high pragmatic legitimacy are more likely to engage in morally illegitimate but differentiation gaining activities such as CSR gap. Using financial distress to indicate low pragmatic legitimacy, we predict that distressed firms are inclined to practice low CSR gap. Considering the competing logics in China, we further argue that this negative relationship will be less pronounced if firms are state‐owned or operating in a competitive industry. Using Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2019 as an empirical sample, the results provide support for our arguments.
Paddy management controls potassium release from minerals in purple soils after 40 years of cultivation
Authors: Han G. Z. , Fan H. Z. , Han B. S. , Huang L. M. , Cao X. M. , Yang F.
Published: May 2024

This study explored the mechanisms underlying the release and transformation of potassium from potassium‐rich minerals in paddy soils derived from purple soils. While potassium is abundant in these minerals, it is typically insoluble and inaccessible to plants. The agricultural practices employed in paddy soils may activate insoluble mineral potassium, potentially reducing potassium fertilizer applications. The activation of mineral potassium not only helps alleviate the dependence on soluble potassium fertilizers in rice cultivation, but also contributes to enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural development. Despite these potential benefits, the transformation pathways of mineral potassium in paddy soils remain unclear, posing an important science question that requires further investigation. This study collected data from a long‐term fertilizer experiment of paddy soils derived from purple soils with abundant potassium‐rich minerals (1982–2019, rice‐wheat rotation). The results revealed that paddy management could drive the transformation of potassium in illite minerals in paddy soils and meet the long‐term growth needs of crops. Submergence reduction significantly increased the concentration of positive ions such as Fe2+ and Ca2+ and provided a pathway for the free movement of ions, promoting the substitution of these ions with interlayer potassium of minerals. This substitution and alternating reduction and oxidation conditions played an important role in the transformation of potassium in illite minerals. The study indicates the promising potential for using crushed illite rocks in rice paddies as a substitute for traditional potassium fertilizers.
Joining SiC ceramics with ZrSi2–SiC filler at low temperatures
Authors: Zhu LinLin , Jian YuJian , Tan XingHao , Chen JiaHao , Liu HongLan , Zhang GuangXiang , Zhao ChengCai , Lin HuaTay , Dai MinMin , Xu Xin
Published: May 2024

ZrSi2–SiC powder was employed as the joining material to join SiC ceramics in this study. The effects of SiC particle (SiCp) content and joining temperature on the phase composition, microstructure, and shear strength of SiC joints were studied and reported for the first time. Research results showed that introduction of SiCp into the interlayer improved the mechanical performance of the joint. When 10 wt.% SiCp was introduced into the interlayer, the optimal shear strength measured of the joint was 116.7 ± 6.7 MPa under the joining condition of 1500°C for 10 min. With the joining temperature increased, the shear strength of the joint gradually increases. When the joint was performed at 1600°C for 10 min, an ultra‐high temperature phase of ZrC was detected in the interlayer, and the shear strength of the joint was 168.1 ± 12.6 MPa. The SiC joint with high mechanical strength might have the potential for application in the field of nuclear industry.
An ovine model for investigation of the microenvironment of the male mammary gland
Authors: Davies Benjamin P. , Crew Rachael C. , Cochrane Anna L. K. , Davies Katie , Figueiredo Baptista André , Jeckel Sonja , McCrone Ian S. , Niu Youguo , Strugnell Benjamin W. , Waine Katie , Fowden Abigail L. , Bryant Clare E. , Wills John W. , Giussani Dino A. , Hughes Katherine
Published: May 2024

The specific biology of the male breast remains relatively unexplored in spite of the increasing global prevalence of male breast cancer. Delineation of the microenvironment of the male breast is restricted by the low availability of human samples and a lack of characterisation of appropriate animal models. Unlike the mouse, the male ovine gland persists postnatally. We suggest that the male ovine mammary gland constitutes a promising adjunctive model for the male breast. In this study, we evaluate the male ovine mammary gland microenvironment, comparing intact and neutered males. Assessment of the glandular histo‐anatomy highlights the resemblance of the male gland to that of neonatal female sheep and confirms the presence of rudimentary terminal duct lobular units. Irrespective of neutered status, cell proliferation in epithelial and stromal compartments is similarly low in males, and cell proliferation in epithelial cells and in the intralobular stroma is significantly lower than in pubertal female sheep. Between 42% and 72% of the luminal mammary epithelial cells in the male gland express the androgen receptor and expression is significantly reduced by neutering. Luminal epithelial cells within the intact and neutered male gland also express oestrogen receptor alpha, but minimal progesterone receptor expression is observed. The distribution of leukocytes within the ducts and stroma is similar to the mammary gland of female sheep and females of other species. Both macrophages and T lymphocytes are intercalated in the epithelial bilayer and are more abundant in the intralobular stroma than the interlobular stroma, suggesting that they may have a protective immunological function within the vestigial glandular tissue of the male sheep. Mast cells are also observed within the stroma. These cells cluster near the glandular tissue and are frequently located adjacent to blood vessels. The abundance of mast cells is significantly higher in intact males compared to neutered males, suggesting that hormone signalling may impact mast cell recruitment. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of the male ovine mammary gland as a model for furthering our knowledge of postnatal male mammary biology.
Youth's political identity and fertility desires
Authors: Rackin Heather M. , Gibson‐Davis Christina M.
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study examines the association between political identity and young adults' fertility desires from 1989 to 2019.

Background

Understanding the factors that shape fertility preferences is important because these preferences are the critical bridge between social forces and fertility. Identity is a theorized, but understudied, predictor of fertility desires. The increasing salience of political identity suggests that the association between political identity and fertility desires has strengthened over time.

Method

Data come from the 1989–2019 waves of Monitoring the Future, a nationally representative study of 12th graders (N = 67,557). Regression models examined how political identity (measured by Republican or Democrat preference) predicts the desired number of children, measured both continuously and categorically.

Results

Regardless of the period, Republicans desired more children than Democrats—a difference that grew over time, from 0.07 in 1989–1993 to 0.29 in 2014–2019. Differences in religiosity and attitudes toward gender and childbearing explained pre‐2004 partisan gaps. From 2004 and onward, these factors attenuated, but did not fully explain, Republican–Democrat gaps. In later periods, relative to Democrats, Republicans still wanted more children on average, had a higher probability of wanting four or more children in 2004–2013 and a lower probability of eschewing parenthood in 2014–2019.

Conclusion

Political identity has become increasingly salient for fertility desires, suggesting that identity might shape fertility intentions and future fertility behavior.