bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cobalt effects on prokaryotic communities living in growing river biofilms: impact on their colonization kinetics, structure and functions
Authors: Gourgues Sarah , Goñi-Urriza Marisol , Milhe-Poutingon Mathieu , Baldoni-Andrey Patrick , Gurieff Nicholas Bagger , Gelber Clémentine , Le Faucheur Séverine
Published: May 2024

1.

Although cobalt (Co) is widely used in the transition to low-carbon energy technologies, its environmental impact remains almost unknown. This study examines Co impacts on the prokaryotic communities of river biofilms to assess their potential use as bioindicators of Co contamination. To that end, biofilms were grown on blank glass slides placed in artificial streams enriched with Co (0.1, 0.5 and 1 µM Co) for 28 days and prokaryotic abundance and diversity were analyzed using DNA-metabarcoding every 7 days. The resilience of the prokaryotic community was investigated after a further 35 days without Co contamination. Prokaryotic communities were impacted by 0.5 and 1 µM Co from the beginning of the biofilm colonization. Although biofilms reached similar biomasses regardless of Co concentration, control biofilms were dominated byCyanobacteriaandPlanctomyceteswhileBacteroidetesdominated Co contaminated biofilms. Potential functional redundancy was observed with the implementation of carbon fixation alternatives by non-photosynthetic prokaryotes in biofilms subjected to high Co concentrations. No structural resilience of the biofilms was observed after 35 days without Co contamination. The use of prokaryotic community response measured using molecular approaches appears to be a promising and cost-effective approach for assessing changes in water quality due to metals.

Graphical abstract

Synopsis

Few knowledge is available about Co ecotoxicity in freshwaters. This study assess the potential of prokaryotic communities developing in freshwater biofilms to be used as bioindicator of Co contamination.
Neuron-specific chromatin disruption at CpG islands and aging-related regions in Kabuki syndrome mice
Authors: Boukas Leandros , Luperchio Teresa Romeo , Razi Afrooz , Hansen Kasper D. , Bjornsson Hans T.
Published: May 2024

Many Mendelian developmental disorders caused by coding variants in epigenetic regulators have now been discovered. Epigenetic regulators are broadly expressed, and each of these disorders typically shows phenotypic manifestations from many different organ systems. An open question is whether the chromatin disruption—the root of the pathogenesis—is similar in the different disease-relevant cell types. This is possible in principle, because all these cell types are subject to effects from the same causative gene, which has the same kind of function (e.g., methylates histones) and is disrupted by the same germline variant. We focus on mouse models for Kabuki syndrome types 1 and 2 and find that the chromatin accessibility changes in neurons are mostly distinct from changes in B or T cells. This is not because the neuronal accessibility changes occur at regulatory elements that are only active in neurons. Neurons, but not B or T cells, show preferential chromatin disruption at CpG islands and at regulatory elements linked to aging. A sensitive analysis reveals that regulatory elements disrupted in B/T cells do show chromatin accessibility changes in neurons, but these are very subtle and of uncertain functional significance. Finally, we are able to identify a small set of regulatory elements disrupted in all three cell types. Our findings reveal the cellular-context-specific effect of variants in epigenetic regulators and suggest that blood-derived episignatures, although useful diagnostically, may not be well suited for understanding the mechanistic basis of neurodevelopment in Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery.
Electrical signaling in three-dimensional bacterial biofilms using an agent-based fire-diffuse-fire model
Authors: Carneiro da Cunha Martorelli Victor , Akabuogu Emmanuel , Krašovec Rok , Roberts Ian S. , Waigh Thomas A.
Published: May 2024

Agent-based models were used to describe electrical signaling in bacterial biofilms in three dimensions. Specifically, wavefronts of potassium ions in biofilms subjected to stress from blue light were modeled from experimental data. Electrical signaling occurs only when the biofilms grow beyond a threshold size, which we have shown to vary with the K+ ion diffusivity, and the K+ ion threshold concentration, which triggered firing in the . The transport of the propagating wavefronts shows superdiffusive scaling on time. K+ ion diffusivity is the main factor that affects the wavefront velocity. The K+ ion diffusivity and the firing threshold also affect the anomalous exponent for the propagation of the wavefront determining whether the wavefront is subdiffusive or superdiffusive. The geometry of the biofilm and its relation to the mean-square displacement (MSD) of the wavefront as a function of time was investigated for spherical, cylindrical, cubical, and mushroom-like structures. The MSD varied significantly with geometry; an additional regime to the kinetics occurred when the potassium wavefront leaves the biofilm. Adding cylindrical defects to the biofilm, which are known to occur in biofilms, also gave an extra kinetic regime to the wavefront MSD for the propagation through the defect.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unidirectional photonic reflector using a defective atomic lattice
Authors: Li Tianming , Yang Hong , Wang Maohua , Yin Chengping , Zhang Tinggui , Zhang Yan
Published: May 2024

Based on the broken spatial symmetry, we propose a scheme for engineering a unidirectional photonic reflector using a one-dimensional atomic lattice with defective cells that have been specifically designed to be vacant. By trapping three-level atoms and driving them into the regime of electromagnetically induced transparency, and through the skillful design of the number and position of vacant cells in the lattice, numerical simulations demonstrate that a broad and high unidirectional reflection region can be realized within the EIT window. This proposed unidirectional reflector scheme provides a new platform for achieving optical nonreciprocity and has potential applications for designing optical circuits and devices of nonreciprocity at extremely low energy levels.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Long-Lived Circular Rydberg Qubits of Alkaline-Earth Atoms in Optical Tweezers
Authors: Hölzl C. , Götzelmann A. , Pultinevicius E. , Wirth M. , Meinert F.
Published: May 2024

Coherence time and gate fidelities in Rydberg atom quantum simulators and computers are fundamentally limited by the Rydberg state lifetime. Circular Rydberg states are highly promising candidates to overcome this limitation by orders of magnitude, as they can be effectively protected from decay due to their maximum angular momentum. We report the first realization of alkaline-earth circular Rydberg atoms trapped in optical tweezers, which provide unique and novel control possibilities due to the optically active ionic core. Specifically, we demonstrate creation of very high-n (n=79) circular states of Sr88. We measure lifetimes as long as 2.55 ms at room temperature, which are achieved via cavity-assisted suppression of black-body radiation. We show coherent control of a microwave qubit encoded in circular states of nearby manifolds, and characterize the qubit coherence time via Ramsey and spin-echo spectroscopy. Finally, circular-state tweezer trapping exploiting the Sr+ core polarizability is quantified via measurements of the trap-induced light shift on the qubit. Our work opens routes for quantum simulations with circular Rydberg states of divalent atoms, exploiting the emergent toolbox associated with the optically active core ion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Biomechanical effects of men’s dress shoes made with bacterial cellulosic composite
Authors: Nam Changhyun (Lyon) , Stephenson Mitchell Lewis , Xiang Chunhui , Sanders Eulanda
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the performance of sustainable shoes made with bacterial cellulosic composite and commercial leather shoes using an experimental research design. The two specific research objectives were: (1) to examine the basic material properties of multi-layered bacterial cellulosic materials (MBC), which include green tea-based cellulosic (GBC) mats, hemp fabrics, and denim fabrics, in comparison with those of two-layered leathers (MCP) consisting of calf-skin and pig-skin – commonly used in shoe manufacturing; and (2) to explore wearers’ performance in the two types of shoes by assessing quantitative kinematic and kinetic parameters of lower body movements.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused on assessing the basic materials testing and performance of sustainable shoes through a biomechanical approach, in contrast to commercially available leather shoes, through human wear trials. In this study, green tea-based cellulosic (GBC) mats were developed using the optimal combination of ingredients for cellulose growth. Subsequently, the GBC, denim fabric (100% cotton), and 100% hemp fabric were combined to create multi-layered bacterial cellulosic materials (MBC) as an alternative to leather. Additionally, calf-skin and pig-skin leathers were utilized to produce a commercially available two-layered leather (MCP), commonly employed in shoe manufacturing. 37 of the 42 human subjects who participated in wear testing were collected. A paired t-test was conducted to determine whether significant mean differences existed between the two shoe types, a paired t-test was conducted.

Findings

To develop a biodegradable and compostable material that could be used as a leather alternative for the footwear industry, we proposed MBC and examined its properties compared with those of MCP, a product often used when making shoes. These findings confirmed the similar properties of MBC and MCP from the material testing and the possibility of using a men’s sustainable shoe prototype as a leather alternative, in terms of kinematics and kinetics.

Practical implications

The new multi-layered bacterial cellulosic materials (MBC) could be an alternative to commercial leathers such as innovative sustainable material construction, advanced design, and advanced techniques to optimize the overall performance of sustainable footwear.

Originality/value

Investigating the integration of smart textile technologies, ergonomic design principles, and personalized customization will contribute to developing MBC and making sustainable shoes using MBC compared with commercial leather shoes. This study provides valuable insights into further refinement and innovation in the sustainable footwear industry.
Convergence or fragmentation? Recent developments in recognition of microcredentials and their impact on higher education in Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Ashizawa Shingo , Ziguras Christopher , Yonezawa Akiyoshi
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the development of microcredentials (MCs) through a regional lens, considering their implications for lifelong learning and skilled labour mobility in Asia and the Pacific. It also examines recent global initiatives led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews recent global initiatives aimed at developing shared definitions and principles for MCs, as led by UNESCO, taking into account the importance of existing initiatives such as the pilot project launched by the Australian government in 2022. The formalization of MCs within national education systems is also examined, with reference to frameworks developed by organizations like the European Union (EU), Australia and the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA, 2020).

Findings

The paper underscores the increasing attention from international organizations and governments to the development and recognition of MCs, with significant efforts in countries like Australia and pilot initiatives in New Zealand and Malaysia. However, it also highlights that many MC projects in Asia are still in their early developmental stages, emphasizing the need for further progress and formalization.

Originality/value

This paper offers a unique perspective on the development of MCs in the Asia–Pacific region and their potential role in international education. It explores the prospects for MCs in international education, including student mobility and cross-border online courses. The challenge of integrating MCs into existing systems for recognizing international qualifications is discussed. Overall, the paper contributes to the understanding of MC frameworks as essential tools in the formalization of lifelong learning in the region, supported by the provided citations (OECD, 2021).
Physical activity to address mental health in a remote Australian community: community readiness assessment
Authors: Russell Kirsten , Barnett Fiona , Varela Sharon , Rosenbaum Simon , Stanton Robert
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The mental and physical health of those residing in Australian rural and remote communities is poorer compared to major cities. Physical health comorbidities contribute to almost 80% of premature mortality for people living with mental illness. Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) is a well-established intervention to improve physical and mental health. To address the physical and mental health of rural and remote communities through LTPA, the community’s level of readiness should be first determined. This study aims to use the community readiness model (CRM) to explore community readiness in a remote Australian community to address mental health through LTPA.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted using the CRM on LTPA to address mental health. Quantitative outcomes scored the community’s stage of readiness for LTPA programmes to address mental health using the CRM categories of one (no awareness) to nine (high level of community ownership). Qualitative outcomes were thematically analysed, guided by Braun and Clark.

Findings

The community scored six (initiation) for community efforts and knowledge of LTPA programmes and seven (stabilisation) for leadership. The community’s attitude towards LTPA and resources for programmes scored four (pre-planning), and knowledge of LTPA scored three (vague awareness).

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first Australian study to use CRM to examine community readiness to use LTPA to improve mental health in a remote community. The CRM was shown to be a useful tool to identify factors for intervention design that might optimise community empowerment in using LTPA to improve mental health at the community level.
How do environmental, social and governance initiatives and controversies explain the firm efficiency of Chinese energy companies?
Authors: Kweh Qian Long , Ting Irene Wei Kiong , Ren Chunya , Asif Jawad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates how the initiatives and controversies related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) explain firm efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, this study applies data envelopment analysis with the epsilon-based measure to estimate the firm efficiency of 80 companies in the Chinese energy sector in 2022. This approach accounts for the diversity and relative importance of inputs and outputs from a multidimensional perspective. Secondly, this study regresses the variables of ESG initiatives and controversies on the estimated firm efficiency scores through a generalised additive model, which can capture nonlinear patterns.

Findings

This study finds that a) the samples have i) about 49% room for improvement in efficiently optimising their resources and business outcomes and ii) the highest scores in governance initiatives, followed by social initiative. b) 69% of them have controversy scores that are greater than the average value. c) A cluster analysis indicates that companies with higher social initiatives have higher firm efficiency than their counterparts. d) ESG initiatives and controversies are nonlinearly related to firm efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have practical implications for policy makers and managers who prioritise ESG, particularly regarding (i) the need to examine firm performance from a multidimensional perspective, that is, to measure multiple inputs and outputs simultaneously, (ii) the nonlinearity of the nexus between ESG and efficiency in graphical forms, and (iii) the need to balance ESG initiatives and address ESG controversies.

Originality/value

This study integrates statistical approaches in examining and ensuring sustainable growth and efficiency within the Chinese energy sector and beyond.
HRM practices in app work: exploring training and feedback in the food delivery ecosystem
Authors: Cortellazzo Laura , Vaska Selma
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the human resource management (HRM) practices related to training and feedback in the app work industry, specifically in online food delivery service, and investigate the emotional and behavioral responses of gig workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative approach by interviewing 19 gig workers from six food delivery firms operating in different countries.

Findings

The results show limited training and feedback opportunities are provided to app workers, although the complexity of training and delivery methods differ across platforms. To address this shortage, app workers developed response strategies relying on social interaction.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the research on HRM practices in the gig economy by portraying the way in which training and feedback unfold in the food delivery app ecosystem and by disclosing the gig workers’ emotional and behavioral responses to it.

Practical implications

This study shows that the way training activities are currently designed may provide little value to the ecosystem and are likely to produce negative emotional responses in gig workers. Thus, platform providers may make use of these findings by introducing more transparent feedback and social learning opportunities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first empirical studies on online delivery gig workers addressing specific HRM practices. It reveals significant insights for training and feedback, suggesting app economy characteristics strongly affect training and feedback practices for app workers.
NEO‐PENTECOSTAL URBAN INFRASTRUCTURES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA: Ontology, Politics, Poetics
Authors: Millington Gareth , Garbin David , Coleman Simon
Published: May 2024

This article examines how the urban fabric of Lagos is being transformed by neo‐Pentecostal forms of Christian religiosity—a transformation not only of inner, ‘private’ lives but also of urban infrastructures and their provision. Neo‐Pentecostal churches in Lagos now provide a range of infrastructures such as roads, bridges, electricity, water, healthcare, plus banking and educational facilities as well as a range of residential options. Church emblems are common features of the Lagos streetscape and can be found on buildings, vehicles and advertisement hoardings. In addition to their symbolic, moral and aesthetic register, Pentecostal urban infrastructures can be understood as a response to the crisis of social reproduction in Lagos, within the context of a postcolonial state that has adopted a position of entrenched neoliberalism. Critical questions remain, however, regarding whose interests are served by this arrangement. The article aims to understand (1) the ontological status of neo‐Pentecostal infrastructures, taking seriously the production and delivery of material infrastructures that are understood by some users to also be spiritual; and (2) the novel relations between church, state, market and citizen articulated by these infrastructures. Our arguments are based on qualitative data collected in Lagos between 2018 and 2022.
A shelf life prediction method for butter based on the effects of β‐carotene on colour and oxidative stability
Authors: Cheng Shujie , Wu Shimin
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to examine the impact of β‐carotene, astaxanthin and phytosterol esters on the colour and oxidative stability of butter, as well as to explore a shelf life prediction method based on colour analysis. The results of correlation analysis indicated a significant linear correlation between acidity and whiteness index and yellowness index, with a linear fit coefficient (r2) exceeding 0.9796. In comparison with traditional shelf life prediction models, this method exhibited an average deviation of only 6.9% in its predicted results. The findings may contribute to the rapid evaluation of the shelf lives of commercial butter products.
Housing leverage, home value, and retirement
Authors: Bian Xun , Lin Zhenguo , Zhu Feifei
Published: May 2024

We study the effect of housing leverage, measured using the loan‐to‐value (LTV) ratio, on homeowners' retirement decisions. We find that in general, elevated LTV ratios delay retirements. By decomposing the changes of the current LTV ratio into (1) equity extractions, (2) equity build‐up, (3) home value increases, and (4) home value decreases, we find that equity extractions and declining home value drive the negative relationship between housing leverage and retirement. In contrast, retirement decisions are less responsive to equity build‐up and home value appreciation. Our results suggest that the influence of housing leverage on retirement decisions is path‐dependent and asymmetric. We also find that transitions into retirement are more sensitive to home price declines, and retirement reversals are often triggered by equity extraction. Further analyses also reveal that the impact of housing leverage on retirement differs by household age and financial constraints, and it also varies across different stages of a housing market cycle.
Feasibility and efficacy of endoscopy with blue laser imaging for the detection and diagnosis of cardia polyps: A single‐center randomized controlled study
Authors: Chen Jia Wei , Liu Gang , Lin Yan Fang , You Ting , Yao Li Jia , Wang Bao Shan , Wang Qing Hua , Li Da Zhou , Wang Wen
Published: May 2024

Objective

To compare the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of cardia polyps using endoscopy with blue laser imaging (BLI) and white‐light imaging (WLI).

Methods

Patients were randomly divided into the BLI group and WLI group according to the endoscopic procedures. BLI followed by WLI was conducted in the BLI group, whereas WLI followed by BLI examination was conducted in the WLI group. The number, size, microstructure, and microvascular patterns of cardia polyps detected were recorded. Biopsy of the polyps was then performed.

Results

The detection rate of cardia polyps in the BLI group was higher than that in the WLI group (7.87% vs 4.22%, P = 0.018). The rate of overlooked lesions in the BLI group was lower than in the WLI group (0.64% vs 3.38%, P = 0.003). The diagnostic coincidence rate between magnifying BLI and histopathology was 88.16%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of neoplastic lesions by magnifying endoscopy with BLI were 90.91%, 87.69%, 55.56%, and 98.28%, respectively. The most remarkable patterns for predicting inflammatory polyps were the prolonged and fine network patterns (sensitivity 71.43%, specificity 93.75%). Small round combined with honeycomb patterns were the most common among fundic gland polyps (sensitivity 80.00%, specificity 98.48%). Neoplastic lesions presented as villous or ridge‐like combined with core vascular or unclear pattern for both microvascular and microstructure patterns.

Conclusion

BLI is more effective than WLI in the detection and diagnosis of cardia polyps, and magnifying endoscopy with BLI may help diagnose such lesions.
Renal angiomyolipoma selective arterial embolization: Australian tertiary centre experience over 10 years
Authors: Siasat Paul , Griffin Jack , Jhamb Ashu , Lenaghan Dan , Florescu Cosmin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the patient selection methods, treatment outcomes, complications, clinical and radiological follow‐up after renal angiomyolipoma (AML) treatment with selective arterial embolization (SAE) in an Australian metropolitan tertiary centre.

Methods

This study presents a retrospective single‐centre review of patients' medical records who underwent SAE for renal AML during the period of 1st January 2012 and 1st January 2023.

Results

A total of 32 SAE procedures for renal AML occurred during the study period. Three episodes were classified as emergency cases [9.38%] and the remaining 29 were treated electively. Mean AML size pre‐treatment was 69.45 mm (range = 33–177; SD = 31.69). All AMLs demonstrated hyper‐vascularity on contrast‐enhanced cross‐sectional imaging (arterial‐phase enhancement characteristics and/or prominent tortuous feeding vessels) [n = 32; 100%] or an intralesional aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm [n = 12; 42.85%]. Periprocedural complications [n = 3; 9.38%] included: one intralesional haemorrhage after embolization, one vascular access site complication, and one lipiduria‐associated urinary tract infection. No patients suffered a life‐threatening complication, non‐target embolization, deterioration in renal function or death following SAE. Re‐treatment with SAE was performed in only three patients [10.71%]. Hospital mean length of stay was 1.58 days. Median durations of clinical and radiological follow‐up post‐treatment were 493 days (range = 104–1645) and 501 days (range = 35–1774), respectively. Follow‐up imaging revealed AML total size reduction in all cases [mean = −17.17 mm; −26.51%] and 50% had obliteration of lesion hyper‐vascularity after one episode of SAE. Outpatient clinical follow‐up signifies that none of the patients included in the study have re‐presented with lesion haemorrhage after successful SAE.

Conclusion

In this study, renal AMLs were treated safely with a high degree of success by using SAE, and there were very low rates of periprocedural complications. Follow‐up of patients after SAE treatment of renal AML should include both radiological (assessment for reduction in lesion vascularity and size) and clinical review in an outpatient clinic setting (either by an interventional radiologist or urologist).
Concomitant osimertinib and antituberculosis therapy in an elderly patient with EGFR‐mutated lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis: A case report
Authors: Matsuura Hiroaki , Higo Hisao , Kuribayashi Tadahiro , Tamaoki Akihiko , Nakasuka Takamasa , Uno Mari , Makimoto Go , Ninomiya Kiichiro , Fujii Masanori , Rai Kammei , Ichihara Eiki , Hotta Katsuyuki , Miyahara Nobuaki , Tabata Masahiro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Kiura Katsuyuki , Ohashi Kadoaki
Published: May 2024

The concurrent incidence of lung cancer and tuberculosis is expected to escalate due to the projected growth in the older population. Combination therapy with osimertinib and antituberculosis drugs has not been well‐established. We report a case of successful treatment involving the concomitant administration of osimertinib and antituberculosis drugs in an older patient, an 89‐year‐old female, diagnosed with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant lung cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis. Accumulating evidence is warranted to develop an optimal treatment strategy for patients with lung cancer and tuberculosis.
Liminality, Situated Digital Tales, and the Pandemic: Three Cases of Radical Placemaking in Australia
Authors: Gonsalves Kavita , Foth Marcus , Caldwell Glenda Amayo
Published: May 2024

Settlers of colour occupy a liminal space in the settler colony of Australia, and this liminality was exacerbated during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Through the literature on digital activism, technological immersion, and placemaking, this paper explores Radical Placemaking as a route for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) people based in Brisbane to stake their right to the city through alternative digitised modalities. Three projects using situated digital stories were created: (i) the Chatty Bench Project; (ii) the TransHuman Saunter Project; and (iii) Chatty Bench Festival Community Media Visual Projections. We analysed the experiences of study participants creating the digital stories and eventual user experiences of the stories for their ability to provoke self‐reflection, immersiveness, and belonging through evocation and representation of lived experiences. The paper suggests that radical placemaking offers CALD communities subversive tactics of occupying space through emerging technologies without engaging in erasure of existing histories of place.
The link between early adolescents' gender discrimination and gender attitudes about peers: Does gender similarity matter?
Authors: Xiao Sonya Xinyue , Faragó Flóra , Clancy Erin T. , Maheux Anne J. , Bermúdez Kasandra
Published: May 2024

Gender is one of the most salient social identities, particularly during early adolescence. However, factors related to adolescents' gender attitudes remain underexamined. We examined links between adolescents' gender discrimination, felt‐gender similarity, and intergroup gender attitudes. Participants were 270 adolescents in the United States (Mage = 12.95 years, SD = 1.33; 47.4% adolescent girls; 63.7% White, 12.2% Latinx, 10.7% Black, 4.1% Asian, 5.6% multiracial, and 3% indigenous). Path analyses showed that gender discrimination negatively predicted adolescents' attitudes towards own‐ and other‐gender peers. Felt own‐gender similarity positively predicted own‐gender attitudes as expected, but other‐gender similarity did not predict other‐gender attitudes. Further, own‐ and other‐gender similarity did not interact to predict adolescents' gender attitudes. However, adolescents' attitudes towards other‐gender peers were more negatively impacted by gender discrimination for those who felt highly similar to own‐gender peers than for those with average or low own‐gender similarity. Findings inform potential strategies to improve adolescents' gender attitudes.
What supports are people with intellectual disability living in group homes provided to access health care? A case study
Authors: Skoss Rachel , Chivers Paola , Arendts Glenn , Bulsara Caroline , Vithiatharan Rena , Codde Jim
Published: May 2024

Background

People with intellectual disabilities living in group homes often have complex health needs, are high health service users and need support from their service provider to access health services. In Australia, little is known about the types and amounts of these supports.

Methods

A case study was conducted on a large Western Australian disability provider of group homes to 160 people with intellectual disability. Over an 18‐month period, including during the COVID‐19 pandemic, the study quantified health service use in hospital‐ and community‐based settings, ways by which the person was supported to access health care and the impact on other people supported by the provider. Economic costs of supporting access to health services were estimated.

Findings

Overall, the disability provider supported 160 people in accessing health services an average of 23 times each (n = 3617, median = 20, interquartile range = 10–33) over the 18 months. Support included staff attending with the person (96%), following up with guardian/decision‐maker (50%), additional resourcing via overtime or staff backfills (6%) and transport (94%). The average cost of supporting one health visit was estimated at $78.51 AUD (2021). Impact on the person's household included loss of opportunity for housemates (30%), reduced supervision within the home (79%) and longer timeframes to complete care needs (32%). The impact of COVID‐19 restrictions saw a reduction in allied and mental health service use that did not return to prepandemic levels following the cessation of restrictions. Primary care, specialist, outpatient, pathology and emergency service use was also lower in the postrestriction period compared to the prepandemic period.

Conclusions

For people living in group homes, the disability provider plays an essential role in supporting health service access, primarily through the provision of support staff and transport. The change in health service utilisation following the COVID‐19 restriction period indicates that altered health system priorities can potentially exacerbate access inequality for people with intellectual disability.
Coparenting and Adolescent Academic Engagement: The Mediating Role of Parent–Child Communication Among a National Sample of Chinese Families
Authors: Ren Yizhen , Shi Jialin , Liu Aiyi , Wang Xinyi , Ying Jiefeng , Wu Xinchun
Published: May 2024

The relationship and related mediating mechanism between parental coparenting and adolescent academic engagement have yet to be elucidated during the pandemic. The present study is set to investigate the relationship between parental coparenting and adolescent academic engagement within Chinese families. Then it examines the mediating effects of parent–child communications in relationships. As a part of the national online survey in China, fathers, mothers and adolescents from 700 families across the country participated in the online survey. Both parents reported their coparenting support and conflict, while adolescents rated the level of open and problematic parent–child communication and their own academic engagement. Paternal coparenting conflict was related to adolescent academic engagement through both open and problematic communications. Paternal and maternal coparenting support was related to adolescent academic engagement through the mediating effect of open communication. Maternal coparenting conflict was related to adolescent academic engagement through problematic communication. Moreover, paternal coparenting support was positively directly related to adolescent academic engagement in the overall model. The research findings supported the effects of parental coparenting on adolescent academic engagement through the mediating effects of open and problematic parent–child communication. Paternal coparenting support had a greater impact on adolescent academic engagement.
Efficacy of montelukast for adenoid hypertrophy in paediatrics: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alanazi Farhan , Alruwaili Moteb , Alanazy Sultan , Alenezi Mazyad
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Leukotrienes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of adenoid hypertrophy (A.H.). Therefore, we aimed to analyse the role of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, alone or in combination with mometasone, a potent local intranasal steroid, for the treatment of A.H.

Methods

Participants were children with A.H. were treated with montelukast alone or montelukast and mometasone furoate. The main outcome measures were effect of montelukast on clinical symptoms of A.H. A literature review was conducted using online search engines, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, for randomized clinical trials assessing children with A.H. treated with montelukast alone or montelukast and mometasone furoate. Seven randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included with 742 children.

Results

Our study reveals that montelukast alone or in combination with intranasal mometasone furoate significantly improves clinical symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy such as snoring, sleeping disturbance, mouth breathing and A/N ratio. Montelukast was superior to placebo in decreasing snoring (SMD = −1.00, 95% CI [−1.52, −0.49]), sleep discomfort (SMD = −1.26, 95% CI [−1.60, −0.93]), A/N ratio (MD = −0.11, 95% CI [−0.14, −0.09]) and mouth breathing (SMD = −1.36, 95% CI [−1.70, −1.02]). No difference was detected between montelukast and mometasone versus mometasone alone in snoring (SMD = −0.21, 95%CI [−0.69, 0.27]); however, the combination group was superior to the mometasone alone in mouth breathing (SMD = −0.46, 95% CI [−0.73, −0.19]).

Conclusions

The limitation of studies included a small sample size, with an overall low to medium quality. Thus, further larger, higher‐quality RCTs are recommended to provide more substantial evidence.
Comparative analysis of approaches to the Wharton's duct during surgery of the submandibular gland: A retrospective case–control study
Authors: Vaiman Michael , Mizrakli Yuval , Gavriel Haim
Published: May 2024

Introduction

We investigated complications and recurrence rates after surgical techniques for sialolith removal with intact and resected Wharton's duct of the submandibular gland.

Methods

The retrospective case–control analysis of a series analysed 271 surgical operations (2003–2022) for sialolithiasis performed at a hospital department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. The study compared two approaches: (1) pure endoscopic technique or pinpoint stone removal with Wharton's duct left intact and (2) transoral duct dissection or pinpoint stone removal technique, after which the duct was shortened. While choosing the surgical option, the size of the stone, the location of the stone, and the presence of multiple stones were taken into account. The rates of complications (lingual nerve paraesthesia, duct stenosis, drooling, and sialoadenitis), the incidence of foreign bodies, and the rate of recurrence during follow‐up of ≥18 months were compared.

Results

323 sialoliths were removed from 271 patients. Of these 323 calculi, 150 were removed by the first approach and 173 by the second approach. The calculi varied in diameter from 2 to 38 mm with an average diameter of 8.2 mm. For all 271 patients, the rate of recurrence was 4.8%, but 11 recurrent cases (8.7%) appeared after the first approach surgeries and 2 cases (1.4%) after the second approach surgeries (p = .03). Other variables did not show statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

Surgical removal of the submandibular calculi, ending with shortening of Wharton's duct, reduces the recurrence rate for sialolithiasis but does not affect the rate of postsurgical complications.
Social capital of families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in South India
Authors: Banaru Diana , Boyd Dana , Halevy Melanie , Oliver Angel , Orsat‐Parker Kayla , Brien Marie , Krishna Dinesh , Coutinho Franzina , Ogourtsova Tatiana
Published: May 2024

Aim

To investigate the social capital of families with children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in South India receiving a community‐based early intervention (Enabling Inclusion®) program and to explore determinants and associations between social capital and program duration, socio‐demographic factors, family empowerment, and caregiver burden.

Method

Using purposive sampling in a cross‐sectional study design, 217 families (n = 71 received short Enabling Inclusion [<5 months]; n = 146 received long Enabling Inclusion [>9 months]) were recruited and completed the Short Adapted Social Capital Tool (SASCAT: cognitive, structural), measures of family empowerment, and caregiver strain. Descriptive statistics, regression, and correlations were used for analyses.

Results

In 52.1% of participants, low cognitive and structural social capital was observed. Higher odds of low structural social capital were observed for mothers with primary versus secondary education (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.90; p = 0.029); and caregivers of children with cerebral palsy versus autism (OR = 4.66; 95% CI 1.02–21.21; p = 0.046). Significant associations were found between structural social capital, the child's age, and support group membership (χ2 = 6.29; 4.70; degrees of freedom [df] = 2; 1; p = 0.04; p = 0.02 respectively), as well as between cognitive social capital and other disability in the family (χ2 = 4.62, df = 1, p = 0.03).

Interpretation

While program duration was not found to mediate social capital, mother's education and child's diagnosis emerged as key influential factors, warranting their consideration in interventions supporting families of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities in low‐ and‐middle‐income countries and elsewhere.
Does social media use help individuals with social anxiety form romantic relationships?
Authors: Langlais Michael , Rahm Abbigail
Published: May 2024

The goal of this study was to examine how social anxiety contributes to romantic relationship formation and whether technology may be used to assist this process. Participants completed an online survey (N = 242); individuals who scored moderate or higher in social anxiety on the Liebowitz social anxiety scale were invited to participate in an anonymous online chat (N = 41). Quantitative and qualitative data revealed that socially anxious individuals reported more confidence speaking to romantic interests virtually than in person. Social media appears to be a tool for socially anxious individuals to ease stress associated with romantic relationship formation.
What drives loyalty in small apparel retailers?
Authors: Lee Jaeha
Published: May 2024

This study explores the characteristics of customers who are likely to demonstrate loyalty toward small apparel retailers, specifically focusing on the connection between hedonic shopping values and loyalty. A quantitative research approach was used, employing a questionnaire survey to collect data. Participant criteria were: (1) US residency, (2) 18 years or older, and (3) apparel shoppers. Attitudinal loyalty toward small apparel retailers acts as a mediator between the influence of all six hedonic shopping values and behavioral loyalty toward small apparel retailers. Trust positively moderates the impact of attitudinal loyalty on behavioral loyalty toward small apparel retailers.
Associations between housing and psychological damage by earthquake and modifiable risk factors for dementia in general older adults: Tohoku Medical Megabank community‐based cohort study
Authors: Chiba Ippei , Nakaya Naoki , Kogure Mana , Hatanaka Rieko , Nakaya Kumi , Tokioka Sayuri , Nakamura Tomohiro , Nagaie Satoshi , Fuse Nobuo , Obara Taku , Kotozaki Yuka , Tanno Kozo , Kuriyama Shinichi , Hozawa Atsushi
Published: May 2024

Aim

To evaluate the association between housing and psychological damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and modifiable risk factors (MRFs) of dementia for general population of older adults.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 29 039 community‐dwelling older adults (mean age 69.1 ± 2.9 years, 55.5% women). We evaluated disaster‐related damage (by complete or not complete housing damage) and psychological damage (by post‐traumatic stress reaction [PTSR]) after the GEJE using a self‐report questionnaire. MRFs encompassed the presence of depression, social isolation, physical inactivity, smoking, and diabetes. We examined the association between disaster‐related damage and MRFs using ordinary least squares and modified Poisson regression models adjusted for sociodemographic and health status variables.

Results

Complete housing damage and PTSR were identified in 2704 (10.0%) and 855 (3.2%) individuals, respectively. The number of MRFs was significantly larger for the individuals with complete housing damage (β = 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19–0.27) and PTSR (β = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.53–0.67). Prevalence ratios (PRs) for depression and physical inactivity were higher in individuals with complete housing damage. The PRs for all domains of the MRFs were significantly higher in individuals with PTSR.

Conclusions

Housing and psychological damage caused by the GEJE were associated with an increased risk factor of dementia. To attenuate the risk of dementia, especially among older victims who have experienced housing and psychological damage after a disaster, multidimensional support across various aspects of MRFs is required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 509–516.
Development and experimental characterization of the thermomechanical behavior of a scaled steel ladle
Authors: Gajjar Pratik N. , Put Pieter , Pereira João M. , Luchini Bruno , Sinnema Sido , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: May 2024

A steel ladle usually employs mortarless refractory masonry in the innermost layer in direct contact with molten steel. The behavior of such masonry under high thermal loading is complex and essential for designing such installation. A large‐scale experimental campaign was carried out focusing on a simplified, laboratory‐scaled, pilot steel ladle built with multiple refractory linings as in an industrial ladle. Tests were performed under transient thermal loading up to 1400°C with new and used working linings. The results showed that the distribution of temperatures between the refractory linings was similar for all specimens and confirmed the importance of the selection of the refractory materials in the distinct linings of the ladle to limit heat losses. The heterogeneity in the distribution of dry joints and the effect of the dry joint thickness were also measured using strain gauges. The measurements indicate the effect of viscoplasticity in the working lining on the steel shell, which shows a progressive reduction in the strain starting at 1200°C. The tests performed on the working linings show lower strain built‐up due to large viscoplastic deformation and increased joint thickness.
A systematic review of the association between environmental risk factors and the development of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Yaow Clyve Yu Leon , Moo Jia Rong , Koo Shaun Wei Kang , Loo Evelyn Xiu Ling , Siah Kewin Tien Ho
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with roots in genetic, immune, psychological, and dietary factors. Recently, the potential correlation between environmental exposures, such as air pollution, and IBS has gained attention. This review aimed to systematically examine existing studies on environmental factors associated with IBS, elucidating this interplay and guiding future research.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from database inception to October 10, 2023, using the keywords “Irritable Bowel” or IBS or “Irritable Colon” or “Mucous Colitis” or “Spastic Colitis” or “Spastic Colon” AND “environment* exposure*”. Studies were included if they were original, published in English, described defined environmental exposure(s), and had documented diagnosis of IBS. For the purposes of this review, articles reporting physical (e.g. radiation and climate change), biological (e.g. bacteria and viruses), and chemical (e.g. harmful gases) exposures were included while psychological and dietary factors, which have been reviewed in detail elsewhere, are outside of the scope.

Results

A total of seven studies focusing on air quality, microbial exposure, and other environmental factors were reviewed. Studies highlighted a potential association between air pollutants and increased IBS incidence. Microbial exposure, post‐natural disaster or due to poor sanitation, was linked to IBS development and gut dysbiosis. Other exposures, such as early pet ownership, were also associated with IBS risk.

Conclusion

Existing research demonstrates an epidemiologic relationship between environmental exposures and the development of IBS. Further research is needed to understand these associations.