bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of associations between thyroid dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xiong Juan , Hu Hongxia , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhang Jiexi , He Jie
Published: February 2024

Background:

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a comprehensive syndrome with endocrine and metabolic complications. This review aims to explore the correlation between thyroid hormone levels and the severity of OSAHS in patients.

Methods:

The protocol for this meta-analysis has been registered on PROSPERO. Searches were carried out from the inception of the databases to July 18, 2023, utilizing 6 databases (PubMed, CNKI, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine, and Wanfang). Standardized mean difference (SMD) and correlation coefficients were used as the effect size measures. Additionally, random effects or fixed effects models were used for pooled analysis. Moreover, data were statistically evaluated with the help of STATA 11.0 and R 4.1.3.

Results:

This study included 23 articles that satisfied the pre-defined criteria. The prevalence of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism in OSAHS patients was 6% and 8%, whereas hyperthyroidism had a prevalence of 2%. Moreover, thyroid hormone levels in OSAHS individuals exhibited no significant difference relative to healthy subjects. Subgroup analysis based on disease severity also established no significant changes in thyroid hormone levels between OSAHS individuals and controls. There was no significant correlation between the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and free triiodothyronine (FT3), serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is relatively low in OSAHS individuals. Thyroid hormone levels show no significant difference between OSAHS patients and healthy subjects. Furthermore, there is no significant correlation between AHI and serum TSH, FT3, and FT4 levels. Based on existing data, the relationship between OSAHS and thyroid function remains controversial, and further in-depth research is warranted to validate the connection and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Assessing the impact of physical activity on bone density, cardiopulmonary function, and metabolic health in stroke survivors
Authors: Alajam Ramzi Abdu , Shaphe Mohammad Abu , Qasheesh Mohammed , Najmi Ayat Abdullah Ahmad , M. Alshehri Mohammed , Raheem Khan Abdur
Published: February 2024

Stroke survivors often face motor impairments leading to decreased physical activity, which can, in turn, result in secondary health-related issues like cardiovascular and pulmonary impairment and osteoporosis. This research finds out the impact of physical activity on bone mineral density, cardiopulmonary health, and metabolic status in stroke survivors. The goal is to generate knowledge to inform rehabilitation strategies, emphasizing the significant role of regular exercise in enhancing the health of individuals recovering from stroke. This study was conducted using a cross-sectional study design, and involved 100 stroke survivors selected through stratified random sampling. Physical activity was measured using the validated Stroke-Specific Physical Activity Questionnaire. Health outcomes were assessed through various means: bone mineral density via the OSTEOKJ3000 ultrasonic bone densitometer; resting heart rate and blood pressure via an automated monitor; lipid profiles through the CardioChek PA analyzer; Hb1Ac levels via the A1CNow + System; and respiratory parameters through a spirometer. Statistical analysis revealed bone mineral density is positively correlated with physical activity (R = 0.53,P < .001). Additionally, an association was found between physical activity and improved cardiopulmonary function (resting heart rate r = −0.45,P < .001; forced expiratory volume in one secondR = 0.30,P = .0023; forced vital capacityR = 0.28,P = .0041). Moreover, higher physical activity levels correlated with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (r = −0.35,P = .0007), higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (R = 0.33,P = .0012), and better glycaemic control (HbA1c r = −0.40,P = .0002). This study highlights the significant benefits of physical activity for stroke survivors, showing positive impacts on bone density, cardiopulmonary function, and metabolic health. It underscores the need to include regular exercise in rehabilitation strategies to mitigate secondary health complications and enhance the overall health of stroke survivors. Future research should continue investigating the potential benefits of physical activity in this population.
Evolution of sagittal spinal shape for the development of thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum
Authors: Choi Yong Hyuk , Shin Myung Hoon , Kim Jong Tae
Published: February 2024

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is a rare pathology for which limited research exists. While it is known that mechanical factors play a role in the development of TOLF, little is currently understood about the sagittal alignment and related mechanical stress involved in its development. This study aims to describe the sagittal alignment of patients with TOLF based on the pathologic evolution of the Roussouly classification. The current study evaluated the preoperative Roussouly type in consecutive patients who underwent posterior decompressive laminectomy with or without posterior screw fixation for TOLF between January 2015 and December 2021. The post-evolution sagittal alignments were analyzed using the classic Roussouly classification based on sacral slope (SS). To determine the pre-evolution Roussouly type, the patients were retrospectively classified using their individual PI and PT values. Lumbopelvic parameters and morphological index including inflection point (IP), lumbar apex (LA), and lordosis distribution index (LDI) were also evaluated. Forty-three patients (21 women and 22 men) were included; their mean age was 64.21 ± 11.01 years (range 43–81). The most affected level was T10-11 (48.83%). The mean PI was 50.81 ± 9.56°, the mean SS was 33.11 ± 8.61°and the mean PT was 17.69 ± 7.89°. According to the post-evolution Roussouly classification, type 2 shape was the most frequently observed type (n = 23, 53.5%) in the post-evolution classification while type 3 was the most common type observed in the pre-evolution classification (n = 22, 51.5% and P = .00). The level of IP and LA in type 3 moved caudally (around L2 and L4/5 level, respectively) and the LDI increased (77.98 ± 8.08%) than the normal standard value. The authors found that the majority of the patients had a false type 2 spine, which had evolved pathologically from Roussouly type 3 and exhibited increased LDI, a lowered level of IP, and a lowered level of LA. These changes of spinal shape, including the transition to long hypolordosis and increased length of the thoracic kyphosis, may have accentuated tensile stress at the lower thoracic spine and contributed to the development of TOLF.
Mimicking descending necrotizing mediastinitis as acute myocardial infarction in a patient with severe coronary artery disease: A case report
Authors: Jung Yu Jung , Park Jong-Il
Published: February 2024

Rationale:

It is a crucial disease that descending necrotizing mediastinitis need to be treated promptly with proper antibiotics and drainage. The characteristics of its symptoms such as chest pain are difficult to distinguish from acute myocardial infarction.

Patient concerns:

An 80-year-old female presented with severe squeezing chest pain. The cardiac marker was elevated. And coronary angiography showed the significant coronary stenosis. Although the revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention was completed successfully, the patient still presented chest pain. Computed tomography of neck revealed that hypodense heterogeneous lesions with clear and distinguishable margin extended from the deep neck to mediastinum diffusely.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with descending necrotizing mediastinitis.

Interventions:

Percutaneous catheter insertion to patient’s abscess lesion at was performed.

Outcomes:

Catheter drainage of descending necrotizing mediastinitis led to an improvement in the patient’s condition.

Lesson:

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis made chest paint with elevated cardiac enzyme mimicked myocardial infarction.
Prediction of molecular mechanism of processed ginseng in the treatment of heart failure based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Authors: Dai Tingting , Gong Jiyu , Liu Shuying
Published: February 2024

Background:

Heart failure (HF) is the most common cardiovascular disease in clinics. Processed Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. Products have significant therapeutic effects on HF. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the mechanism of action of Processed Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. Products in the treatment of HF.

Methods:

The saponin-like constituents of 3 different ginseng preparations were characterized by UPLC/QE-MS and the identified saponin constituents were subjected to network pharmacological analysis. Protein–protein interaction analyses of the targets of different ginseng preparations for the treatment of heart failure (HF) were performed using the STRING database, Gene Ontology enrichment analyses and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database, and the results of the network pharmacological analyses were validated using the Autodock software. Finally, the relative quantitative content of 5 major ginsenosides in 3 processed ginseng products was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 40 saponin compounds were identified based on mass spectrometry data. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were used to predict the major targets of these sapions compounds and the key pathways mediating their anti-HF effects. After conducting a thorough screening, the study identified 5 primary ingredients of ginseng products ginsenoside Rh4, ginsenoside Rk3, ginsenoside Rk1, ginsenoside Rg5, and ginsenoside CK that can potentially target 22 essential proteins: EGFR, AKT1, ERBB2, STAT3, TNF, ESR1, MTOR, HRAS, MMP9, and PIK3CA, etc. Additionally, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that ginseng products can be beneficial in treating HF by interacting with pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, the mTOR signaling pathway, and others.

Conclusion:

The present study revealed that the treatment of HF with different processed ginseng products may be related to the regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, apoptosis pathway, mTOR signaling pathway, etc, and that the key active ingredients may be concentrated in black ginseng, which provides a theoretical basis and direction for the further study of the mechanism of action of ginseng. This provides a theoretical basis and research direction for further in-depth study of its mechanism of action.
Risk factors for stroke outcomes in adults: Stroke in China
Authors: Fan Rongli , Gu Jingjie , Zhang Jingxin , Wang Maiqiu , Chen Zheng , Xu Fangshen , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to determine the possible risk factors for stroke outcomes based on prospective cohort study in China. A total of 146 stroke patients were recruited and divided into 2 groups, which assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), good outcomes (mRS <= 2) and poor outcomes group (mRS > 2). Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of participants were obtained from the medical record. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the risk factors for stroke outcomes. Of 146 participants, 28 (19.18%) were presented with poor outcomes at day 90. As a result of multivariable logistic regression analysis, a significantly increased risk of stroke outcomes was found in patients with Barthel Index (BI) score (stroke (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.21 ~ 1.85, P < .001) and IS (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20 ~ 1.83, P < .001)).
Kato's theorem and ultralong-range Rydberg molecules
Authors: Eiles Matthew T. , Hummel Frederic
Published: February 2024

We consider nonadiabatic coupling in the “trilobite”-like long-range Rydberg molecules created by perturbing degenerate high-ℓ Rydberg states with a ground-state atom. Due to the flexibility granted by the high Rydberg level density, the avoided crossings between relevant potential energy curves can become extremely narrow, leading to highly singular nonadiabatic coupling. We find that the gap between the trilobite potential curve and neighboring “butterfly” or “dragonfly” potential curves can even vanish, as in a conical intersection, if the gap closes at an internuclear distance which matches a node of the s-wave radial wave function. This is an unanticipated outcome of Kato's theorem.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Positivity and the electroweak hierarchy
Authors: Davighi Joe , Melville Scott , Mimasu Ken , You Tevong
Published: February 2024

We point out that an unnatural hierarchy between certain higher-dimensional operator coefficients in a low-energy effective field theory (EFT) would automatically imply that the Higgs’ vacuum expectation value is hierarchically smaller than the EFT cutoff, assuming the EFT emerged from a unitary, causal and local UV completion. Future colliders may have the sensitivity to infer such a pattern of coefficients for a little hierarchy with an EFT cutoff up to O(10)  TeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonperturbative photon
qq¯
light front wave functions from a contact interaction model
Authors: Shi Chao , Yang Zhongtian , Chen Xurong , Jia Wenbao , Luo Cuibai , Xiang Wenchang
Published: February 2024

We propose a method to calculate the qq¯ light front wave functions (LFWFs) of photons at low virtuality, i.e., the light front amplitude of γ*→qq¯ at low Q2, based on a light front projection approach. We exemplify this method using a contact interaction model within Dyson-Schwinger equations formalism and obtain the nonperturbative photon qq¯ LFWFs. In this case, we find the nonperturbative effects are encoded in the enhanced quark mass and a dressing function of covariant quark-photon vertex, as compared to the leading order quantum electrodynamics photon

q

q

¯

LFWFs. We then use nonperturbative-effect modified photon qq¯ LFWFs to study the inclusive deep inelastic scattering HERA data in the framework of the color dipole model. The results demonstrate that the theoretical description of data at low Q2 can be significantly improved once the nonperturbative corrections are included in the photon LFWFs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Pc
states in the mixture of molecular and pentaquark pictures
Authors: Xu K. , Phumphan K. , Ruangyoo W. , Chen C. C. , Limphirat A. , Yan Y.
Published: February 2024

We systematically study hidden charm pentaquark states in the constituent quark model with a general Hamiltonian for multiquark systems, considering the coupling between the Σc(*)D¯(*) molecular states and the q3cc¯ compact pentaquark states by the one-gluon exchange hyperfine interaction. The ground state hidden-charm pentaquark mass spectra and the strong decay widths are calculated. This work suggests that Pc(4312), Pc(4457), and Pc(4380) resonances might be mainly ΣcD¯, ΣcD¯*, and Σc*D¯ hadronic molecules respectively, and Pc(4440) might include sizable pentaquark components.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Search for decaying dark matter in the Virgo cluster of galaxies with HAWC
Authors: Albert A. , Alfaro R. , Alvarez C. , Arteaga-Velázquez J. C. , Ayala Solares H. A. , Babu R. , Belmont-Moreno E. , Caballero-Mora K. S. , Capistrán T. , Carramiñana A. , Casanova S. , Cotzomi J. , Coutiño de León S. , Depaoli D. , Diaz Hernandez R. , DuVernois M. A. , Durocher M. , Fraija N. , García-González J. A. , González M. M. , Goodman J. A. , Harding J. P. , Hernández-Cadena S. , Herzog I. , Huang D. , Hueyotl-Zahuantitla F. , Joshi V. , Kaufmann S. , León Vargas H. , Linnemann J. T. , Longinotti A. L. , Luis-Raya G. , Malone K. , Martínez-Castro J. , Matthews J. A. , Miranda-Romagnoli P. , Morales-Soto J. A. , Mostafá M. , Nayerhoda A. , Nellen L. , Nisa M. U. , Noriega-Papaqui R. , Omodei N. , Pérez-Pérez E. G. , Rho C. D. , Rosa-González D. , Schneider M. , Son Y. , Springer R. W. , Tibolla O. , Tollefson K. , Torres I. , Torres-Escobedo R. , Turner R. , Ureña-Mena F. , Villaseñor L. , Wang X. , Watson I. J. , Yun-Cárcamo S. ,   HAWC Collaboration
Published: February 2024

The decay or annihilation of dark matter particles may produce a steady flux of very-high-energy gamma rays detectable above the diffuse background. Nearby clusters of galaxies provide excellent targets to search for the signatures of particle dark matter interactions. In particular, the Virgo cluster spans several degrees across the sky and can be efficiently probed with a wide field-of-view instrument. The High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory, due to its wide field of view and sensitivity to gamma rays at an energy scale of 300 GeV–100 TeV is well-suited for this search. Using 2141 days of data, we search for γ-ray emission from the Virgo cluster, assuming well-motivated dark matter substructure models. Our results provide some of the strongest constraints on the decay lifetime of dark matter for masses above 10 TeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring the growth index
γL
: Insights from different CMB dataset combinations and approaches
Authors: Specogna Enrico , Di Valentino Eleonora , Said Jackson Levi , Nguyen Nhat-Minh
Published: February 2024

In this study we investigate the growth index γL, which characterizes the growth of linear matter perturbations, while analysing different cosmological datasets. We compare the approaches implemented by two different patches of the cosmological solver : and __. In our analysis we uncover a deviation of the growth index from its expected ΛCDM value of 0.55 when utilizing the Planck dataset, both in the case and in the __ case, but in opposite directions. This deviation is accompanied by a change in the direction of correlations with derived cosmological parameters. However, the incorporation of cosmic microwave background lensing data helps reconcile γL with its Λ-cold dark matter value in both cases. Conversely, the alternative ground-based telescopes Atacama Cosmology Telescope and South Pole Telescope consistently yield growth index values in agreement with γL=0.55. We conclude that the presence of the Alens problem in the Planck dataset contributes to the observed deviations, underscoring the importance of additional datasets in resolving these discrepancies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Noncommutative double geometry
Authors: Kodžoman Toni , Lescano Eric
Published: February 2024

We construct noncommutative theories with the Moyal-Weyl product in the double field theory (DFT) framework. We deform the infinitesimal generalized diffeomorphisms and the Leibniz rule in a consistent way. The prescription requires a generalized star metric, which can be thought of as the fundamental double metric, in order to construct the action. Finally we use the generalized scalar field dynamics and the generalized scalar field-perfect fluid correspondence to construct the generalized energy-momentum tensor of a perfect fluid in the noncommutative double geometry. The present formalism paves the way to the study of string cosmologies scenarios including the Moyal-Weyl product in a T-duality invariant way.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Discord in the voter model for complex networks
Authors: Vendeville Antoine , Zhou Shi , Guedj Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Online social networks have become primary means of communication. As they often exhibit undesirable effects such as hostility, polarization, or echo chambers, it is crucial to develop analytical tools that help us better understand them. In this paper we are interested in the evolution of discord in social networks. Formally, we introduce a method to calculate the probability of discord between any two agents in the multistate voter model with and without zealots. Our work applies to any directed, weighted graph with any finite number of possible opinions, allows for various update rates across agents, and does not imply any approximation. Under certain topological conditions, the opinions are independent and the joint distribution can be decoupled. Otherwise, the evolution of discord probabilities is described by a linear system of ordinary differential equations. We prove the existence of a unique equilibrium solution, which can be computed via an iterative algorithm. The classical definition of active links density is generalized to take into account long-range, weighted interactions. We illustrate our findings on real-life and synthetic networks. In particular, we investigate the impact of clustering on discord and uncover a rich landscape of varied behaviors in polarized networks. This sheds lights on the evolution of discord between, and within, antagonistic communities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Resummation of Next-to-Leading Nonglobal Logarithms at the LHC
Authors: Becher Thomas , Schalch Nicolas , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: February 2024

In cross sections with angular cuts, an intricate pattern of enhanced higher-order corrections known as nonglobal logarithms arises. The leading logarithmic terms were computed numerically two decades ago, but the resummation of subleading nonglobal logarithms remained a challenge that we solve in this Letter using renormalization group methods in effective field theory. To achieve next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy, we implement the two-loop anomalous dimension governing the resummation of nonglobal logarithms into a large-Nc parton shower framework, together with one-loop matching corrections. As a first application, we study the interjet energy flow in e+e− annihilation into two jets. We then present, for the first time, resummed predictions at next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy for a gap-between-jets observable at hadron colliders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring academic influence of algorithms by co-occurrence network based on full-text of academic papers
Authors: Wang Yuzhuo , Zhang Chengzhi , Song Min , Kim Seongdeok , Ko Youngsoo , Lee Juhee
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms have gained unprecedented importance. Scientific studies have shown that algorithms are frequently mentioned in papers, making mention frequency a classical indicator of their popularity and influence. However, contemporary methods for evaluating influence tend to focus solely on individual algorithms, disregarding the collective impact resulting from the interconnectedness of these algorithms, which can provide a new way to reveal their roles and importance within algorithm clusters. This paper aims to build the co-occurrence network of algorithms in the natural language processing field based on the full-text content of academic papers and analyze the academic influence of algorithms in the group based on the features of the network.

Design/methodology/approach

We use deep learning models to extract algorithm entities from articles and construct the whole, cumulative and annual co-occurrence networks. We first analyze the characteristics of algorithm networks and then use various centrality metrics to obtain the score and ranking of group influence for each algorithm in the whole domain and each year. Finally, we analyze the influence evolution of different representative algorithms.

Findings

The results indicate that algorithm networks also have the characteristics of complex networks, with tight connections between nodes developing over approximately four decades. For different algorithms, algorithms that are classic, high-performing and appear at the junctions of different eras can possess high popularity, control, central position and balanced influence in the network. As an algorithm gradually diminishes its sway within the group, it typically loses its core position first, followed by a dwindling association with other algorithms.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first large-scale analysis of algorithm networks. The extensive temporal coverage, spanning over four decades of academic publications, ensures the depth and integrity of the network. Our results serve as a cornerstone for constructing multifaceted networks interlinking algorithms, scholars and tasks, facilitating future exploration of their scientific roles and semantic relations.
R&D team network configurations, knowledge diversity and breakthrough innovation: a combined effect framework
Authors: Zhou Wenhao , Li Hailin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose a combined effect framework to explore the relationship between research and development (R&D) team networks, knowledge diversity and breakthrough technological innovation. In contrast to conventional linear net effects, the article explores three possible types of team configuration within enterprises and their breakthrough innovation-driving mechanisms based on machine learning methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the patent application data of 2,337 Chinese companies in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry to construct the R&D team network, the study uses the K-Means method to explore the configuration types of R&D teams with the principle of greatest intergroup differences. Further, a decision tree model (DT) is utilized to excavate the conditional combined relationships between diverse team network configuration factors, knowledge diversity and breakthrough innovation. The network driving mechanism of corporate breakthrough innovation is analyzed from the perspective of team configurations.

Findings

It has been discerned that in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry, there exist three main types of enterprise R&D team configurations: tight collaboration, knowledge expansion and scale orientation, which reflect the three resource investment preferences of enterprises in technological innovation, network relationships, knowledge resources and human capital. The results highlight both the crowding-out effects and complementary effects between knowledge diversity and team network characteristics in tight collaborative teams. Low knowledge diversity and high team structure holes (SHs) are found to be the optimal team configuration conditions for breakthrough innovation in knowledge-expanding and scale-oriented teams.

Originality/value

Previous studies have mainly focused on the relationship between the external collaboration network and corporate innovation. Moreover, traditional regression methods mainly describe the linear net effects between variables, neglecting that technological breakthroughs are a comprehensive concept that requires the combined action of multiple factors. To address the gap, this article proposes a combination effect framework between R&D teams and enterprise breakthrough innovation, further improving social network theory and expanding the applicability of data mining methods in the field of innovation management.
Importance of AI attributes in Indian retail stores: a conjoint analysis approach
Authors: Srivastava Kavita , Pal Divyanshi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The study’s objective is to measure the importance consumers attach to AI-based attributes, namely, chatbots, face recognition, virtual fitting room, smart parking and cashier-free station in retail stores. The study also examines the specific purpose of using these attributes for shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

A conjoint experiment was conducted using fractional factorial design. Consumers were given 14 profiles (AI attributes and its levels) to rank according to their visiting preferences.

Findings

The results revealed that the retail chatbot was considered the most important attribute, followed by face recognition, virtual fitting room, smart parking system and cashier-free station. Moreover, consumers prefer to use chatbots for in-store shopping assistance over alerts and updates, customer support and feedback. Similarly, consumers wish a face recognition facility for greetings while entering the store over other services. In addition, cluster analyses revealed that customer groups significantly differ in their preferences for AI-based attributes.

Practical implications

The study guides retail managers to invest in AI technologies to provide consumers with a technology-oriented shopping experience.

Originality/value

Our results provide an insight into the receptivity of AI technologies that consumers would like to experience in their favorite retail stores. The present study contributes to the literature by investigating consumer preferences for various AI technologies and their specific uses for shopping.
Construction of a sustainability reporting score index integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs). The case of Sri Lankan listed firms
Authors: Soysa R.N.K. , Pallegedara Asankha , Kumara A.S. , Jayasena D.M. , Samaranayake M.K.S.M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Although publicly listed firms in Sri Lanka have been increasingly adapting sustainability reporting into their annual reporting practices, a limited number of firms prepare sustainability reports by integrating sustainable development goals (SDGs) into reporting mechanisms. This study attempts to develop an index to monitor firms' sustainability reporting practices based on Global Reporting Institute (GRI) guidelines integrating SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a sustainability score index using the 17 SDGs utilising the results of content analysis of corporate annual reports of a selected sample of 100 firms listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Principal component analysis was employed to examine the reliability of data in the developed index.

Findings

Findings show that the developed scoring index is efficient for evaluating the contents of the sustainability reports of Sri Lankan firms. Sustainability reporting practises with regard to the SDGs were observed to have a turbulent period from 2015 to 2019 and the SDGs 12 and 15 were identified to be mostly reported in Sri Lankan corporate sustainability reports.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the study add to knowledge on the monitoring of sustainability reporting practises with reference to SDGs. The study outcomes are useful for the investors, stakeholders, and statutory bodies to measure the sustainable performance of business firms and assess the firm’s commitment towards the global sustainability agenda.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that constructs a sustainability reporting score index integrating SDGs.
Unpacking the influence of foreignness on employment prospects within a multinational enterprise: an examination of gender, professional experience and duration of stay
Authors: Nowinska Agnieszka , Solheim Marte C.W.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purposes of this paper are to delve into the “liability of foreignness” among immigrants and to explore factors that may enhance or moderate such liability while obtaining jobs in host countries. We explore the competition for jobs in a host country among foreign-born individuals from various backgrounds and local residents, by examining such factors as their human capital, as well as, for the foreign-born, their duration of residence in the host country.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying configurational theorizing, we propose that the presence of specific human capital can help reduce the challenges associated with the “liability of foreignness” for migrants who have shorter durations of stay in the host country, and, to a lesser extent, for female migrants. Our study draws upon extensive career data spanning several decades and involving 249 employees within a Danish multinational enterprise.

Findings

We find that specific human capital helps established immigrants in general, although female immigrants are more vulnerable. We furthermore find a strong “gender liability” in the industry even for local females, including returnees in the host countries. Our findings suggest that for immigrants, including returnees, career building requires a mix of right human capital and tenure in the host country, and that career building is especially challenging for female immigrants.

Originality/value

While the concept of “liability of foreignness” – focussing on discrimination faced by immigrants in the labour market – has been brought to the fore, a notable gap exists in empirical research pertaining to studies aiming at disentangling potential means to overcome such liability, as well as in studies seeking to explore this issue from a stance of gendered experience.
Direct slicing of microcellular structures for digital light processing (DLP) additive manufacturing
Authors: Oh Seo-Hyeon , Park Keun
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Additive Manufacturing (AM) conventionally necessitates an intermediary slicing procedure using the standard tessellation language (STL) data, which can be computationally burdensome, especially for intricate microcellular architectures. This study aims to propose a direct slicing method tailored for digital light processing-type AM processes for the efficient generation of slicing data for microcellular structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a direct slicing method designed for microcellular structures, encompassing micro-lattice and triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures. The sliced data of these structures were represented mathematically and then convert into 2D monochromatic images, bypassing the time-consuming slicing procedures required by 3D STL data. The efficiency of the proposed method was validated through data preparations for lattice-based nasopharyngeal swabs and TPMS-based ellipsoid components. Furthermore, its adaptability was highlighted by incorporating 2D images of additional features, eliminating the requirement for complex 3D Boolean operations.

Findings

The direct slicing method offered significant benefits upon implementation for microcellular structures. For lattice-based nasopharyngeal swabs, it reduced data size by a factor of 1/300 and data preparation time by a factor of 1/8. Similarly, for TPMS-based ellipsoid components, it reduced data size by a factor of 1/60 and preparation time by a factor of 1/16.

Originality/value

The direct slicing method allows for bypasses the computational burdens associated with traditional indirect slicing from 3D STL data, by directly translating complex cellular structures into 2D sliced images. This method not only reduces data volume and processing time significantly but also demonstrates the versatility of sliced data preparation by integrating supplementary features using 2D operations.
Recent tree diversity increase in NE Iberian forests following intense management release: A task for animal‐dispersed and drought‐tolerant species
Authors: Selwyn Miriam , Pino Joan , Espelta Josep Maria
Published: February 2024

Under increasing human‐related threats to forests, many studies suggest that increasing tree species diversity may boost forest resilience by enhancing the range of species' responses to disturbances. However, it remains unclear whether passive or active forest management strategies should be applied to increase tree diversity. This issue would benefit from investigating which management and environmental factors, together with species' functional traits, influence temporal changes in tree species diversity.

We explored the influence of the bioclimatic region, land‐use history, forest cover, protection, management, forest structure and changes in temperature and precipitation, to explain tree species diversity changes in NE Iberian forests, by comparing 3141 plots from the Spanish National Forest Inventory sampled between 1989 and 2016. Moreover, we assessed which species' functional traits (dispersal habit, drought and shade tolerance) were most relevant for diversity changes.

After 27 years, tree species richness and diversity moderately increased in the tree and regeneration layers. This trend occurred mostly in long‐established, non‐recently managed forests and in those with a lower initial basal area. Increasing temperature had negative effects for diversity increase in the tree layer but positive for the regeneration compartment, while decreasing precipitation showed the opposite effects.

Tree species with higher drought tolerance, and especially those animal‐dispersed ones arriving from the regional pool, mostly contributed to the local diversity increase. This pattern occurred in all forest types, although the taxonomic array of species varied.

Synthesis and applications. The main drivers influencing the passive increase in tree species diversity suggest a primary role of diminishing forest exploitation in this recovery process, fine‐tuned by climatic changes. This ecological scenario has particularly favoured animal‐dispersed tree species with higher drought tolerance, which mostly led the diversity increase. A higher presence of such highly mobile and drought‐tolerant species can be crucial to increase functional diversity and, ultimately, increase forest resilience under future scenarios of greater aridity. In light of these results, management strategies should continue fostering the restoration of diversity in once intensively exploited forests while ensuring the maintenance of the already gained tree species diversity.
Affix Not Clitic‐Based Vowel Shortening in Modern Arabic Varieties
Authors: Lindsay‐Smith Emily
Published: February 2024

Word formation in most languages is inextricably linked to a distinction between clitics and affixes. Although famous for its templatic morphological structure, Arabic also contains concatenative formatives some of whose status as clitics or affixes is controversial. It is well known that Arabic varieties exhibit a range of interacting shortening and lengthening processes. Some of the shortening processes have been linked to the clitic/affix distinction in the Arabic literature. In this paper, I discuss two vowel shortening processes, CSS‐Morph and CSS‐Phon, that are often conflated as the same Closed Syllable Shortening process. Based on evidence from 16 modern Arabic varieties, I show that these CSS processes are in fact two independent processes. While CSS‐Morph is a phonological alternation within a morphophonological context, CSS‐Phon is purely phonological. Neither provides evidence to classify any formative as a clitic or indeed differentiate between formatives as suffixes or clitics.
Enhanced capacity of a leaf beetle to combat dual stress from entomopathogens and herbicides mediated by associated microbiota
Authors: ZHANG Yuxin , XU Handan , TU Chengjie , HAN Runhua , LUO Jing , XU Letian
Published: February 2024

Herbicides have demonstrated their impact on insect fitness by affecting their associated microbiota or altering the virulence of entomopathogenic fungi toward insects. However, limited research has explored the implications of herbicide stress on the intricate tripartite interaction among insects, associated bacterial communities, and entomopathogens. In this study, we initially demonstrated that associated bacteria confer a leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora, with the capability to resist the entomopathogenic fungus Aspergillus nomius infection, a capability sustained even under herbicide glyphosate stress. Further analysis of the associated microbiota revealed a significant alteration in abundance and composition due to glyphosate treatment. The dominant bacterium, post A. nomius infection or following a combination of glyphosate treatments, exhibited strong suppressive effects on fungal growth. Additionally, glyphosate markedly inhibited the pathogenic associated bacterium Pseudomonas though it inhibited P. versicolora’s immunity, ultimately enhancing the beetle's tolerance to A. nomius. In summary, our findings suggest that the leaf beetle's associated microbiota bestow an augmented resilience against the dual stressors of both the entomopathogen and glyphosate. These results provide insight into the effects of herbicide residues on interactions among insects, associated bacteria, and entomopathogenic fungi, holding significant implications for pest control and ecosystem assessment.
Facile synthesis of gold nanostars for the duplex detection of pesticide residues in grapes using SERS
Authors: Zhai Kairui , Sun Lin , Nguyen Trang H. D. , Lin Mengshi
Published: February 2024

In recent years, concerns have been raised regarding the contamination of grapes with pesticide residues. As consumer demand for safer food products grows, regular monitoring of pesticide residues in food has become essential. This study sought to develop a rapid and sensitive technique for detecting two specific pesticides (phosmet and paraquat) present on the grape surface using the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method. Gold nanostars (AuNS) particles were synthesized, featuring spiky tips that act as hot spots for localized surface plasmon resonance, thereby enhancing Raman signals. Additionally, the roughened surface of AuNS increases the surface area, resulting in improved interactions between the substrate and analyte molecules. Prominent Raman peaks of mixed contaminants were acquired and used to characterize and quantify the pesticides. It was observed that the SERS intensity of the Raman peaks changed in proportion to the concentration ratio of phosmet and paraquat. Moreover, AuNS exhibited superior SERS enhancement compared to gold nanoparticles. The results demonstrate that the lowest detectable concentration for both pesticides on grape surfaces is 0.5 mg/kg. These findings suggest that SERS coupled with AuNS constitutes a practical and promising approach for detecting and quantifying trace contaminants in food.

Practical Application

This research established a novel surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method coupled with a simplified extraction protocol and gold nanostar substrates to detect trace levels of pesticides in fresh produce. The detection limits meet the maximum residue limits set by the EPA. This substrate has great potential for rapid measurements of chemical contaminants in foods.
Metabolomic age and risk of 50 chronic diseases in community‐dwelling adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Shang Xianwen , Liu Jiahao , Zhu Zhuoting , Zhang Xueli , Huang Yu , Liu Shunming , Wang Wei , Zhang Xiayin , Ma Shuo , Tang Shulin , Hu Yijun , Ge Zongyuan , Yu Honghua , He Mingguang
Published: February 2024

It is unclear how metabolomic age is associated with the risk of a wide range of chronic diseases. Our analysis included 110,692 participants (training: n = 27,673; testing: n = 27,673; validating: n = 55,346) aged 39–71 years at baseline (2006–2010) from the UK Biobank. Incident chronic diseases were identified using inpatient records, or death registers until January 2021. Predicted metabolomic age was trained and tested based on 168 metabolomics. Metabolomic age was linked to the risk of 50 diseases in the validation dataset. The median follow‐up duration for individual diseases ranged from 11.2 years to 11.9 years. After controlling for false discovery rate, chronological age‐adjusted age gap (CAAG) was significantly associated with the incidence of 25 out of 50 chronic diseases. After adjustment for full covariates, associations with 15 chronic diseases remained significant. Greater CAAG was associated with increased risk of eight cardiometabolic disorders (including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes), some cancers, alcohol use disorder, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease and age‐related macular degeneration. The association between CAAG and risk of peripheral vascular disease, other cardiac diseases, fracture, cataract and thyroid disorder was stronger among individuals with unhealthy diet than in those with healthy diet. The association between CAAG and risk of some conditions was stronger in younger individuals, those with metabolic disorders or low education. Metabolomic age plays an important role in the development of multiple chronic diseases. Healthy diet and high education may mitigate the risk for some chronic diseases due to metabolomic age acceleration.
EHMT2/G9a and EZH2: Epimarkers in testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Estevão‐Pereira Helena , Guimarães‐Teixeira Catarina , Flores Bianca C. T. , Moreira‐Silva Filipa , Tavares Nuno Tiago , Guimarães Rita , Braga Isaac , Maurício Joaquina , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen , Lobo João
Published: February 2024

Background

Testicular germ cell tumors remain the most frequent solid malignancies in young males. Despite excellent prognosis, the fact that only 60% of patients at diagnosis have elevated serum tumor markers (dependent on stage and histology) and the poor quality of life of patients who develop resistance to chemotherapy cannot be neglected. Consequently, it is mandatory to bring out novel biomarkers.

Objectives

The main goal was to evaluate EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression in a well‐characterized patients’ cohort of primary and metastatic testicular germ cell tumors, seeking associations with clinicopathological features and discovering differential immunoexpression patterns among specific subtypes.

Materials and methods

First, an in silico analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database was performed regarding EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a. Then, immunohistochemistry for EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a was carried out in a cohort of testicular germ cell tumor patients, comprising 155 chemo‐naïve primary tumors and 11 chemo‐treated metastases. Immunoexpression was evaluated using a digital pathology analysis software.

Results

Higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a expression levels were found in non‐seminoma in the in silico analysis, particularly in embryonal carcinoma. Through digital pathology analysis, non‐seminomas showed significantly higher EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a immunoexpression, with embryonal carcinoma showing higher expression. Moreover, mixed tumors with 50% or more of embryonal carcinoma component revealed the highest nuclei positivity for both biomarkers. Cisplatin‐exposed metastases demonstrated a higher EZH2‐positive nuclei and H‐score, as well as higher EHMT2/G9a‐positive nuclei.

Discussion and conclusion

Overall, our data suggest that EZH2 and EHMT2/G9a might be associated with greater aggressiveness and, eventually, involved in the metastatic setting, paving the way for testing targeted therapies.
Effective reduction of anxiety in hospitalised children through bibliotherapy
Authors: Lawrence Edwin Jose , Lazer Jerly
Published: February 2024

Aim

The process of being admitted to a hospital is widely recognised as a distressing encounter for children, frequently resulting in notable levels of anxiety. The main aim was to assess the effectiveness of bibliotherapy in reducing anxiety and to associate anxiety levels with demographic and clinical variables.

Methods

This study was conducted at a paediatric ward in a tertiary care hospital located in Tamil Nadu, India, for 3 months from 1 August 2023–30 October 2023. In this study, a one‐group pre‐test and post‐test design was employed. A sample of 60 children, aged between 5 and 12 years, was recruited using a convenience sampling method. Spence Children Anxiety Scale was used for assessing anxiety levels.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 8.46 ± 1.91 years, and the majority, comprising 57%, were male. Following bibliotherapy, 72% of children showed mild anxiety, 28% showed moderate anxiety and no individual had considerable anxiety. Anxiety scores dropped 27%. Significant associations were found between anxiety reduction and variables such as age, educational status, and type of family.

Conclusion

Bibliotherapy was notably effective in substantially reducing anxiety levels among children aged 5–12 years who were admitted to hospitals.