bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsidiary political embeddedness: mechanisms for leveraging local competences
Authors: Botella-Andreu Ana , Villar Cristina , Pla-Barber José , Andersson Ulf
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the drivers of political embeddedness and the possible outcome in terms of autonomy and subsidiary unique competences.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on resource dependence theory and applies structural equation modeling on a sample of 193 subsidiaries.

Findings

Political embeddedness is confirmed as a source of potential autonomy and the development of competences and is usually boosted by previous existing networks at the internal and external levels.

Originality/value

The authors investigate and discuss how multinational corporations can leverage political resources in host-country political arenas, extending their understanding of the interplay between political activities and market strategies.
Nurses’ MOOCs continuance intention and task performance: antecedents and mediators
Authors: Cheng Yung-Ming
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a research model based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to explore whether media richness and social interaction as environmental feature antecedents to nurses’ learning engagement (LE) can affect their continuance intention of massive open online courses (MOOCs) and task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Sample data for this study were collected from nurses at five university-/medical university-affiliated hospitals in Taiwan. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, and 303 (60.6%) usable questionnaires were analyzed using structural equation modeling in this study.

Findings

This study proved that nurses’ perceived media richness and social interaction in MOOCs positively influenced their behavioral LE and psychological LE elicited by MOOCs, which jointly caused their continuance intention of MOOCs and, in turn, enhance their task performance. The results support all proposed hypotheses and the research model, respectively, explains 84.3% and 63.7% of the variance in nurses’ continuance intention of MOOCs and task performance.

Originality/value

This study uses the S-O-R model as a theoretical base to frame nurses’ continuance intention of MOOCs and task performance as a series of the internal process, which is affected by environmental stimuli (i.e. media richness and social interaction) and organismic states. Noteworthily, while the S-O-R model has been extensively used in prior literature, little research uses this paradigm to expound nurses’ continuance intention of MOOCs in the work settings. Besides, there is a dearth of evidence on the antecedents of nurses’ task performance in the context of MOOCs. Hence, this study’s empirical evidence contributes significantly to the existing literature on bridging the gap of limited evaluation for the research on the impact of nurses’ MOOCs learning on their task performance in the work settings, which is very scarce in the S-O-R view.
The role of universities in Latin American social entrepreneurship ecosystems: a gender perspective
Authors: Macías-Prada John Fernando , Silva Yamila , Zapata Ángela María
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study examines the role of universities in the social entrepreneurship ecosystems (SEEs) in Latin America from the perspective of female academic staff, administrators and outreach workers of universities in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative approach, the study scrutinises in-depth interviews conducted with 24 women from eight Latin American universities.

Findings

The findings underscore the pivotal role of universities in promoting social entrepreneurship through knowledge generation, entrepreneur training, network enhancement and the promotion of equity. They also highlight the importance of incorporating a gender perspective into university programmes and practices.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative nature and small, diverse sample of this research inherently limit its scope. However, these limitations arise from the exploratory approach adopted, which was confined to eight Latin American countries. Further comparative studies in different contexts are needed to deepen the understanding of the dynamics involved.

Practical implications

Universities should offer more tangible support and training in social entrepreneurship with a gender focus. Governments can create incentives for universities to prioritise their contribution in this area.

Social implications

The study emphasises the potential of women-led social entrepreneurship initiatives to generate positive impact, underscoring the need for inclusive supportive environments.

Originality/value

By providing insights on the role of Latin American universities in SEEs from a gender perspective, this study contributes to limited literature on the intersection of social entrepreneurship, gender, higher education and geographic context in the region. The research underscores the need to further explore how gender and regional dynamics influence social entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Workplace mitigators of the negative relationship between stress and health
Authors: Gregory Brian , Moates K. Nathan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to more deeply understand how stress impacts the physical and mental health of employees and what management can do to attenuate the impact of stress on employee health. While the relationship between stress and employee health has received some empirical support in the literature (e.g. Cooper and Cartwright, 1994), less is known about workplace variables that may mitigate the negative effects of stress on health. This study aims to contribute to the literature by exploring three important workplace variables that could lessen the negative effects of stress on health.

Design/methodology/approach

A diverse group of employees from two healthcare organizations in the United States of America were surveyed about their work environments, job stress, mental health and physical health. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to investigate three unique workplace mitigators of the stress-health relationship.

Findings

Results support perceived organizational support, procedural justice and managerial perspective-taking as variables that serve to make individuals hardier to the health consequences of stressful work. However, different moderating processes seem to account for mental health (perceived organizational support) and physical health (perspective-taking), while procedural justice mitigates the effect of stress on both mental and physical health.

Originality/value

This study contributes to an enhanced understanding of the relationships between stress and mental and physical health in the workplace. In particular, three workplace factors associated with managerial practices were identified that organizations can utilize to protect employees from the negative health consequences of stressful work. These findings can assist managers and organizations who are interested in improving employee health.
Information as a circular resource – facilitating information exchange to extend product-life
Authors: Jørgensen Rasmus , Scarso Enrico
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study a circular economy business model that offers services with embedded information exchange capabilities to extend product life through maintenance and repair. Information exchange has been identified as a critical factor in advancing the principles of a circular economy, and this research was conducted to illustrate how information exchange can facilitate maintenance and repair.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has a case study approach of collecting data through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires.

Findings

Information exchange on what and when to do something engages end-users in maintenance and facilitates learning. For repair, the problem description and possible solutions are information that must be exchanged. Both types of information exchange are facilitated by simple tech solutions relying on known and inexpensive technology (e.g. e-mail service, video call and text messaging).

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the organisational development and knowledge management fields with novel insights on how information exchange and circular economy are related and can be facilitated.

Practical implications

The study provides insights for companies looking for solutions on how to generate revenue from services and reduce resource consumption. The findings of the study suggest that the development of circular business models does not always require expensive high-tech solutions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique as it is empirically based on insights into how information exchange can extend product life through the use of simple digital tools.
Functional diversity of microbial eukaryotes in a meromictic lake: Coupling between metatranscriptomic and a trait‐based approach
Authors: Monjot Arthur , Bronner Gisèle , Courtine Damien , Cruaud Corinne , Da Silva Corinne , Aury Jean‐Marc , Gavory Frederick , Moné Anne , Vellet Agnès , Wawrzyniak Ivan , Colombet Jonathan , Billard Hermine , Debroas Didier , Lepère Cécile
Published: November 2023

The advent of high‐throughput sequencing has led to the discovery of a considerable diversity of microbial eukaryotes in aquatic ecosystems, nevertheless, their function and contribution to the trophic food web functioning remain poorly characterized especially in freshwater ecosystems. Based on metabarcoding data obtained from a meromictic lake ecosystem (Pavin, France), we performed a morpho‐physio‐phenological traits‐based approach to infer functional groups of microbial eukaryotes. Metatranscriptomic data were also analysed to assess the metabolic potential of these groups across the diel cycle, size fraction, sampling depth, and periods. Our analysis highlights a huge microbial eukaryotic diversity in the monimolimnion characterized by numerous saprotrophs expressing transcripts related to sulfur and nitrate metabolism as well as dissolved and particulate organic matter degradation. We also describe strong seasonal variations of microbial eukaryotes in the mixolimnion, especially for parasites and mixoplankton. It appears that the water mixing (occurring during spring and autumn) which benefits photosynthetic host communities also promotes parasitic fungi dissemination and over‐expression of genes involved in the zoospore phototaxis and stage transition in the parasitic cycle. Mixoplanktonic haptophytes over‐expressing photosynthesis‐, endocytosis‐ and phagosome‐linked genes under nutrient limitation also suggest that phagotrophy may provide them an advantage over non‐phagotrophic phytoplankton.
Population structure and conservation of Cola nitida and Garcinia kola in a West African rainforest area
Authors: Agwu Onyebuchi Patrick , Bakayoko Adama , Jimoh Saka Oladunni , Ogana Friday Nwabueze , Kanu Chidozie , Stefan Porembski
Published: November 2023

Native multi‐purpose tree species in West Africa, Cola nitida and Garcinia kola have the potential to advance agroforestry practices in the sub‐region. There is limited information on the ecology of both species which are currently characterised by low yield (fruit). This study investigated the influences of vegetation type on the population structure and floral association of both species in Nigeria. Data were collected using a purposive sampling design. Dendrometric variables of all the subject trees were measured, and all plant species associated with the subject tree species were enumerated across their places of natural occurrence. A 3‐parameter Weibull Distribution Function was used to describe both species' diameter and height structures. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 84 and 71 plant species were found accompanying G. kola and C. nitida, respectively, in both zones. The height and stem diameter distribution of the two species showed a bell‐shape population structure, suggesting an unstable demographic pattern. The diameter distribution is skewed to the right, indicating the predominance of adult individuals. The height–diameter relationships show a monotonic increment. Both species coexist freely with other species and can be used in agroforestry practices.
Combining avidin with CD63 improves basophil activation test accuracy in classifying peanut allergy
Authors: Castaño Nicolas , Chua Kaiser , Kaushik Abhinav , Kim Sungu , Cordts Seth C. , Nafarzadegan Ceena D. , Hofmann Grady H. , Seastedt Hana , Schuetz Jackson P. , Dunham Diane , Parsons Ella S. , Tsai Mindy , Cao Shu , Desai Manisha , Sindher Sayantani B. , Chinthrajah R. Sharon , Galli Stephen J. , Nadeau Kari C. , Tang Sindy K. Y.
Published: November 2023

Background

Conventional basophil activation tests (BATs) measure basophil activation by the increased expression of CD63. Previously, fluorophore‐labeled avidin, a positively‐charged molecule, was found to bind to activated basophils, which tend to expose negatively charged granule constituents during degranulation. This study further compares avidin versus CD63 as basophil activation biomarkers in classifying peanut allergy.

Methods

Seventy subjects with either a peanut allergy (N = 47), a food allergy other than peanut (N = 6), or no food allergy (N = 17) were evaluated. We conducted BATs in response to seven peanut extract (PE) concentrations (0.01–10,000 ng/mL) and four control conditions (no stimulant, anti‐IgE, fMLP (N‐formylmethionine‐leucyl‐phenylalanine), and anti‐FcεRI). We measured avidin binding and CD63 expression on basophils with flow cytometry. We evaluated logistic regression and XGBoost models for peanut allergy classification and feature identification.

Results

Avidin binding was correlated with CD63 expression. Both markers discriminated between subjects with and without a peanut allergy. Although small by percentage, an avidin+/CD63− cell subset was found in all allergic subjects tested, indicating that the combination of avidin and CD63 could allow a more comprehensive identification of activated basophils. Indeed, we obtained the best classification accuracy (97.8% sensitivity, 96.7% specificity) by combining avidin and CD63 across seven PE doses. Similar accuracy was obtained by combining PE dose of 10,000 ng/mL for avidin and PE doses of 10 and 100 ng/mL for CD63.

Conclusions

Avidin and CD63 are reliable BAT activation markers associated with degranulation. Their combination enhances the identification of activated basophils and improves the classification accuracy of peanut allergy.
Kaempferol exerts antioxidant effects in age‐related diminished ovarian reserve by regulating the HSP90/NRF2 pathway
Authors: Hua Zhoujia , Zhang Wei , Han Lin , Zhang Yuwei , Jiang Xuejuan , Ding Caifei
Published: November 2023

Kaempferol is the active ingredient of Er‐Xian decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula used clinically to treat ovarian dysfunction, but the mechanism of kaempferol relieving age‐related diminished ovarian reserve (AR‐DOR) is still unclear. In this study, 36 volunteers and 78 DOR patients (37 patients with EXD treatment) were enrolled in the clinical research. Meanwhile, 32‐week‐old female mice were used to establish the AR‐DOR model, and these model mice were intragastrically administered with 100 mg/kg kaempferol in the presence or absence of 200 mg/kg geranylgeranylacetone (GGA) or 1 mg/kg geldanamycin (GDA). The effects of kaempferol on serum hormone levels and oxidative stress‐related indexes were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Antral follicle count (AFC) was determined by hematoxylin–eosin staining. The protein levels of HSP90 and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) were assayed by Western blot. This study displayed that the serum anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) level in DOR patients with EXD treatment was higher than that in DOR patients without EXD treatment. Kaempferol treatment reversed the low levels of AMH, estradiol (E2), AFC, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), as well as the high levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malonaldehyde (MDA). The results showed that HSP90 was predicted to have high affinity with kaempferol, and its expression was inhibited by kaempferol, while the expression of NRF2, the target of HSP90, was up‐regulated by kaempferol. However, the above effects of kaempferol were reversed by GGA. On the contrary, GDA enhanced the therapeutic effects of kaempferol on AR‐DOR mice. Moreover, the treatment of kaempferol resulted in a reduction in the phosphorylation level of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), the transcription factor associated with HSP90, and an increase in the phosphorylation level of Src, a client protein of HSP90. In summary, kaempferol exerts an antioxidant effect on AR‐DOR by inhibiting HSP90 expression to up‐regulate NRF2 expression. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of kaempferol in AR‐DOR.
The Fusion Clinic: Integrating the care of people with severe mental illness and diabetes
Authors: Rønne Sabrina Trappaud , Hansen Anne B. , Zabell Vicki , Santos Monica , Olsen Mette Wallbohm , Iversen Peter Bindslev , Tarnow Lise , Holt Richard I. G.
Published: November 2023

Aim

People with coexisting severe mental illness (SMI) and type 2 diabetes have a shorter life expectancy and poorer diabetes outcomes than those without SMI. This is partly explained by the separate treatment of diabetes and SMI, which occurs in parallel silos in many healthcare systems. The Steno Diabetes Center Sjaelland and Region Zealand established the Fusion Clinic to offer combined psychiatric and diabetes care delivered by both diabetes and mental healthcare professionals. This study describes how the clinic was established and the initial diabetes outcomes.

Methods

The Fusion Clinic was co‐designed by people with diabetes and SMI and healthcare professionals to improve the care of adults with diabetes and SMI. The clinic approach utilised the F‐ACT model. The 63 people referred to the Fusion Clinic between 01.02.2020 and 01.01.2022 who attended the clinic for more than 6 months were included in this study. Diabetes outcomes were recorded in the electronic medical records (Sundhedsplatformen EPIC).

Results

There was a high prevalence of diabetes complications at baseline. Furthermore, 70% had one or more additional concomitant diseases, as well as SMI and diabetes. Assessment of diabetes complications and measurements of HbA1c and lipid profile improved after referral to the clinic. HbA1c declined during the first 6 months of attendance at the clinic.

Conclusions

This model of service delivery has the potential to improve the quality of care for people with SMI and type 2 diabetes.
Comparing Large‐Scale Assessments in Two Proctoring Modalities with Interactive Log Data Analysis
Authors: Shin Jinnie , Guo Qi , Morin Maxim
Published: November 2023

With the increased restrictions on physical distancing due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, remote proctoring has emerged as an alternative to traditional onsite proctoring to ensure the continuity of essential assessments, such as computer‐based medical licensing exams. Recent literature has highlighted the significant impact of different proctoring modalities on examinees’ test experience, including factors like response‐time data. However, the potential influence of these differences on test performance has remained unclear. One limitation in the current literature is the lack of a rigorous learning analytics framework to evaluate the comparability of computer‐based exams delivered using various proctoring settings. To address this gap, the current study aims to introduce a machine‐learning‐based framework that analyzes computer‐generated response‐time data to investigate the association between proctoring modalities in high‐stakes assessments. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this framework using empirical data collected from a large‐scale high‐stakes medical licensing exam conducted in Canada. By applying the machine‐learning‐based framework, we were able to extract examinee‐specific response‐time data for each proctoring modality and identify distinct time‐use patterns among examinees based on their proctoring modality.
Effectiveness of the mentalisation‐based serious game ‘You & I’ for adults with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Derks Suzanne D. M. , Willemen Agnes M. , Wouda Mirjam , Sterkenburg Paula S.
Published: November 2023

Background

Mentalising and stress regulation pose challenges for adults with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID), emphasising the importance of an intervention program. The study examined the effectiveness and social validity of the serious game ‘You & I’ in enhancing mentalising and stress regulation among adults with MBID.

Method

A randomised controlled superiority trial with experimental and waitlist‐control groups was conducted with 159 adults with MBID (Mage = 36) at baseline, post‐test, and follow‐up. Analyses investigated the effects on aspects of mentalising, stress regulation, and social validity.

Results

The experimental group showed decreased stress from negative interpersonal relations, while the control group experienced increased stress (d = 0.26). There were no significant effects on mentalising, but positive user expectations and experiences were reported.

Conclusions

This initial study on ‘You & I’ provides limited evidence of its effectiveness for people with MBID, warranting further examination of the potential of serious games.
Impaired communication ability in SOX11 syndrome
Authors: Smith H. , Al‐Jawahiri R. , Stokes L. , Freeth M. , Fricke S. , Matthews D. , McNeill A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Speech and language skills are important for social interaction and learning. This study characterised the communication abilities of verbal individuals with SOX11 syndrome using a standardised parent/carer questionnaire, the Children's Communication Checklist (CCC‐2).

Method

Thirteen parent/carers of verbal individuals (aged 5–19 years) diagnosed with SOX11 syndrome completed the CCC‐2. In order to contextualise findings, responses were compared to norms and to data from Noonan syndrome, a relatively well‐known genetic diagnosis associated with communication impairment.

Results

For all individuals, the CCC‐2 composite score indicated significant communication difficulties. Language structure (speech, syntax, semantics and coherence), pragmatic language (inappropriate initiation, stereotyped language use of context and non‐verbal communication) and autistic features (social relations and interests) scores were lower than typically developing norms. Subscale comparisons revealed relative difference in use of context compared to other pragmatic domains (stereotyped language and inappropriate initiation). Individual scores showed substantial variation, particularly in regard to language structure profile. Differences were more pronounced than for Noonan syndrome, specifically in domains of speech, syntax, non‐verbal communication and social relations.

Conclusions

SOX11 syndrome is associated with communication impairment. It is important to assess communication abilities as part of the management of individuals with SOX11 syndrome and understand individual strengths and difficulties in order to provide targeted support.
Physiological effects of appropriate washing on xerotic skin
Authors: Takeuchi Satoshi , Murakami Yumi , Matsunaka Hiroshi , Nakahara Takeshi , Furue Masutaka
Published: November 2023

Background

Daily skin care is important for treatment of skin diseases, but few studies have reported on appropriate washing methods.

Aim

This study aimed to provide guidance on washing techniques and examine changes in skin condition after using the recommended washing technique and foaming‐type skin cleanser in patients with atopic or asteatotic dermatitis.

Methods

An internet‐based questionnaire survey on skin symptoms and cleaning methods was conducted. Further, a left–right comparative, nonrandomized trial was performed in 19 patients with asteatotic or atopic dermatitis and xerosis. Participants were instructed to wash with a cotton towel and their normal cleanser during Weeks 1–4 and with bare hands or a cotton towel and the recommended foaming‐type cleanser during Weeks 5–8.

Results

The survey revealed that the degree of lathering differed depending on the cleaning tool. In the trial, scores for erythema, desquamation, and xerosis in the lower legs were significantly reduced after 4 weeks compared with scores at the start. Between Weeks 4 and 8, scores for erythema, xerosis, and pruritus in the inner forearm on the side washed with bare hands and scores for xerosis, pruritus, and excoriation on the side washed with a cotton towel were significantly reduced. A significant increase was noted in stratum corneum ceramide content on both left and right inner forearms, whereas a significant decrease was noted in stratum corneum thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine level ratios in the lower legs on both sides.

Conclusions

Xerotic skin disease symptoms can be improved using appropriate body washing methods.
Fans on the silver screen: Portrayals of fandom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Authors: Radošinská Jana , Mago Zdenko
Published: November 2023

Fan culture has changed the whole entertainment industry, becoming “mainstream.” Thus, its expressions necessarily shape franchise cinema, including Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The study reacts to this shift, aiming to explore how MCU movies incorporate images of fan culture and turn some of their support characters into “fans.” The offered critical reflection on related theoretical outlines is intertwined with elements of discourse analysis. The authors focus on selected scenes from Marvel's superhero movies that depict and personalize fan culture. The examination is based on the assumption that such images function as efficient ways of celebrating and encouraging real‐life fan activities.
Association of the FGF4L2 retrogene with fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy in dogs
Authors: Embersics Colleen , Bannasch Danika , Batcher Kevin , Boudreau Elizabeth C. , Church Molly , Miller Andrew , Platt Simon , Koehler Jey , Olby Natasha , Rossmeisl John , Rissi Daniel , Grahn Robert , Donner Jonas , Dickinson Peter J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCE) is a well‐documented condition in dogs although rarely reported in chondrodystrophic breeds. Genetic associations have not been defined.

Objectives

Define the association of the chondrodystrophy‐associated FGF4L2 retrogene with histopathologically confirmed cases of FCE.

Animals

Ninety‐eight dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of FCE.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter study. Dogs were genotyped for the FGF4L2 and FGF4L1 retrogenes using DNA extracted from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. Associations between breed, FCE and retrogene status were investigated with reference to a hospital population and known breed and general population allele frequencies.

Results

FGF4L2 genotype was defined in 89 FCE cases. Fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy was present in 22 dogs from FGF4L2‐segregating breeds with allele frequencies of ≥5%; however, all dogs were wild type. Two Labrador retrievers with FCE carried FGF4L2 alleles. Frequency of the FGF4L2 allele was significantly (P < .001) and negatively associated with FCE relative to predicted hospital‐population dogs. FCE was overrepresented in Boxer, Great Dane, Yorkshire Terrier, Bernese Mountain Dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Rottweiler, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Study data based on genotypically and histopathologically defined cases support the historical observation that FCE is uncommon in chondrodystrophic dog breeds. FGF4 plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular integrity; anatomical studies comparing chondrodystrophic and non‐chondrodystrophic dogs might provide insight into the pathogenesis of FCE.
“It felt like I had an old fashioned telephone ringing in my breasts”: An online survey of UK Autistic birthing parents' experiences of infant feeding
Authors: Grant Aimee , Griffiths Catrin , Williams Kathryn , Brown Amy
Published: November 2023

Around 3% of people are Autistic. Autistic people communicate differently from non‐Autistic people and experience the sensory world differently. There is limited evidence that Autistic people can face additional barriers to breastfeeding. We are an Autistic‐led research team that developed an online survey following consultation with the Autistic community. Autistic people from the UK who had been pregnant were eligible to take part in the survey, which focused on the entire maternity journey. A total of 193 people participated, of whom 152 had experiences of infant feeding (137 breastfeeding, 82 formula feeding). Participants were highly motivated to breastfeed, and almost half of those who breastfed found it positive always or most of the time. However, breastfeeding—and in particular the milk let‐down reflex—could result in pain and sensory difficulties, including ‘feeling odd’. Expressing breastmilk always or most of the time was reported by 10% of breastfeeding participants. The intensity and unpredictability of both breast and formula feeding were challenging to manage. Parents reported that it was easy to understand how to prepare infant formula, but that it could also be a negative and anxiety‐inducing experience. Support for breast and formula feeding was often considered inadequate. When parents did access breastfeeding support, this significantly improved a range of breastfeeding experiences. However, participants recommended more tailored support and continuity of carer. To meet the needs of Autistic birthing parents, those providing infant feeding support should receive training on Autism through a neurodiversity‐affirming lens, which should be delivered by Autistic people.
Application of machine learning for mortality prediction in patients with candidemia: Feasibility verification and comparison with clinical severity scores
Authors: Hu Wei‐Huan , Lin Shang‐Yi , Hu Yuh‐Jyh , Huang Ho‐Yin , Lu Po‐Liang
Published: November 2023

Background

Clinical severity scores, such as acute physiology, age, chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), Pitt Bacteremia Score (PBS), and European Confederation of Medical Mycology Quality (EQUAL) score, may not reliably predict candidemia prognosis owing to their prespecified scorings that can limit their adaptability and applicability.

Objectives

Unlike those fixed and prespecified scorings, we aim to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) approach that is able to learn predictive models adaptively from available patient data to increase adaptability and applicability.

Methods

Different ML algorithms follow different design philosophies and consequently, they carry different learning biases. We have designed an ensemble meta‐learner based on stacked generalisation to integrate multiple learners as a team to work at its best in a synergy to improve predictive performances.

Results

In the multicenter retrospective study, we analysed 512 patients with candidemia from January 2014 to July 2019 and compared a stacked generalisation model (SGM) with APACHE II, SOFA, PBS and EQUAL score to predict the 14‐day mortality. The cross‐validation results showed that the SGM significantly outperformed APACHE II, SOFA, PBS, and EQUAL score across several metrics, including F1‐score (0.68, p < .005), Matthews correlation coefficient (0.54, p < .05 vs. SOFA, p < .005 vs. the others) and the area under the curve (AUC; 0.87, p < .005). In addition, in an independent external test, the model effectively predicted patients' mortality in the external validation cohort, with an AUC of 0.77.

Conclusions

ML models show potential for improving mortality prediction amongst patients with candidemia compared to clinical severity scores.
Mutual benefits for research and practice: Randomized controlled trials in the Hector Children's Academy Program
Authors: Trautwein Ulrich , Golle Jessika , Jaggy Ann‐Kathrin , Hasselhorn Marcus , Nagengast Benjamin
Published: November 2023

This article describes how a series of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were implemented in the Hector Children's Academy Talent Development Program with the goal of generating mutual benefits for research and practice. The Hector Children's Academy Program, founded in 2010 and located in one of the largest states in Germany, Baden‐Württemberg, is a statewide enrichment program for talented primary school students, with a focus on STEMM topics. The program is financed by a private foundation, supervised by the Ministry of Education, and offered by 69 local sites that are hosted by local schools. About 15,000 primary school students (Grades 1–4) attend enrichment courses (more than 23,000 course participations) offered by the Hector Children's Academy Program every year. A unique element of the Hector Children's Academy Program is the role of empirical research in course development. The Hector Core Courses—offered by all local sites—undergo a strict quality assurance process in which RCTs are used to test their effectiveness with regard to central outcomes. After describing the Hector Children's Academy Program, we explain how the Hector Core Courses were developed and incorporated into the program, summarize key findings from the RCTs, and discuss mutual benefits for research and practice.
All we need is love? Irreconcilable political incongruence in families after the 2019 social unrest in Hong Kong
Authors: Yu Branda Yee‐Man , Lam Calvin , Chan Christian S.
Published: November 2023

Political disagreement with family members can have a deleterious impact on familial relationships, but the long‐term consequences are understudied. This study examined the relational outcomes of familial political incongruence two years after the 2019 social unrest in Hong Kong and the extent to which frequency and types of family contact explain their association. This two‐wave questionnaire study augmented with a 14‐day daily record of family contact recruited (1) young adults and (2) parents with children aged 18–30 (N = 559). Nearly half of the respondents reported significant political incongruence with their parents/children. We observed consistent findings in both adult children and parents. Greater parent–child political differences were associated with reduced likelihood of having positive family communication and family functioning. Increased political differences with family members were associated with greater odds of family dysfunctionality. Moreover, expression of love and care mediated the effect of political differences with family members on changes in family functioning. This study demonstrates familial political incongruence exerts an influence on families two years after the unrest. Parent–child political differences are associated with a decline in the quality of family communication and family environment. We discuss how parent–child political incongruence drives a family to worsened well‐being through dysfunctional family dynamics.
Development and application of a droplet digital PCR assay for the detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 from different biological samples
Authors: Lovera Andrea , Rodríguez Edwin , Simbaqueba Jaime , Burbano‐David Diana , Carmona Sandra L. , Izquierdo‐García Luisa F. , Gómez‐Correa Juan C. , Leon‐Pacheco Rommel I. , Parra‐Fuentes Madeleyne , Rodríguez‐Yzquierdo Gustavo , Betancourt Mónica , Zuluaga Paola , Soto‐Suárez Mauricio
Published: November 2023

Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4), is a threat to food security as it affects the global banana industry. Control of this pathogen is complex due to the lack of resistant banana or plantain genotypes, lack of effective commercial fungicides, the production of chlamydospores, late appearance of symptoms in infected plants, high adaptability of the pathogen to diverse soil conditions and the polycyclic nature of the disease. Currently, the management strategy for Foc TR4 is exclusion and eradication, which is costly for the producer and the environment because the plants are treated with glyphosate and the affected area is quarantined for a long time. Thus, the development of early detection strategies for Foc TR4 from environmental samples and asymptomatic tissues with low inoculum concentration is essential; this would enable restriction of pathogen spread and minimize the environmental impact by eradication only in areas with accurate data of the pathogen's presence. In this study, three different PCR technologies (conventional PCR, quantitative PCR and droplet digital [dd] PCR) were evaluated for Foc TR4 detection in complex environmental samples. We report the development of a sensitive and specific ddPCR primer/probe set and protocols that can be used as a tool for Foc TR4 detection from symptomatic and asymptomatic plant tissue without prior DNA extraction. The limits of detection in drainage waters, footbaths and soil samples were evaluated using artificial inoculation assays. Finally, environmental samples from Foc TR4‐affected fields were analysed.
Polymorphism of ADAM12, DPP6 and PRKN genes and their associations with milk production traits in Holstein
Authors: Li Rui‐Rui , Hu Hong‐hong , Feng Xue , Hu Chun‐li , Ma Yan‐fen , Cai Bei , Han Li‐Yun , Ma Yun
Published: November 2023

Milk production traits as the most important economic traits of dairy cows, they directly reflect the benefits of breeding and the economic benefits of pasture. In this study, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase‐12 (ADAM12), Parkinson's disease gene 2 (PRKN) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐like protein subtype 6 (DPP6) polymorphism in 384 Chinese Holstein cows were detected by time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and through statistical analysis using software such as Popgene 32, SAS 9.4 and Origin 2022, the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of three genes with four milk production traits such as daily milk yield (DMY), milk fat percentage (MFP), milk protein percentage (MPP) and somatic cell score (SCS) was verified at molecular level. The results showed that four polymorphic loci (116,467,133, 116,604,487, 116,618,268 and 116,835,111) of DPP6 gene, two polymorphic loci (97,665,052 and 97,159,837) of PRKN gene and two polymorphic loci (45,542,714 and 45,553,888) of ADAM12 gene were detected. PRKN‐97665052, DPP6‐116467133, ADAM12‐45553888, DPP6‐116604487 and DPP6‐116835111 were all in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium state (p > .05). ADAM12‐45542714, PRKN‐97159837 and PRKN‐97665052 were moderately polymorphic (0.25 ≤ PIC <0.50) in Holstein. It is evident that the selection potential and genetic variation of these five loci are relatively large, and the genetic richness is relatively high. The correlation analysis of different genotypes between these eight loci and milk production traits of Holstein showed that ADAM12‐45542714 and DPP6‐116835111 (p < .01) had an extremely significant effects on the DMY of Chinese Holstein in Ningxia, while PRKN‐97665052 had an extremely significant effect on MFP (p < .01). The effect of PRKN‐97665052 and DPP6‐116467133 on MPP of Holstein were extremely significant (p < .01). DPP6‐116618268 had an extremely significant effect on the SCS of Holstein in Ningxia (p < .01), and AA genotype individuals showed a higher SCS than GG genotype individuals; the other two loci (ADAM12‐45553888 and DPP6‐116604487) had no significant effects on milk production traits of Holstein (p > .05). In addition, through the joint analysis of DPP6, PRKN and ADAM12 gene loci, it was found that the interaction effect between the three gene loci could significantly affect the DMY, SCS (p < .01) and MPP (p < .05). In conclusion, several different loci of DPP6, PRKN and ADAM12 genes can affect the milk production traits of Holstein to different degrees. PRKN, DPP6 and ADAM12 genes can be used as potential candidate genes for milk production traits of Holstein for marker‐assisted selection, providing theoretical basis for breeding of Holstein.
Large-Eddy Simulation Study of Injector Geometry and Parcel Injection Location on Spray Simulation of the Engine Combustion Network Spray G Injector
Authors: Kumar Aman , Boussom Justin A , Van Dam Noah
Published: November 2023

Recent improvements in computing power and numerical techniques have enabled us resolve minute details of spray plume behavior and its wall boundary interactions, and made detailed spray simulations using large-eddy simulation (LES) turbulence models available to many more engineers. However, guidelines for parcel-based spray simulation boundary and initial conditions are still based on results from lower-resolution and Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations. Hence, it is necessary to critically examine those assumptions and compare their impact with results using a RANS turbulence model. Three different parameters, including whether a simulation includes a detailed injector tip geometry or a flat surface, whether parcels are initialized at the counterbore exit, which is more common, or at the nozzle exit, and whether to use an experimentally derived rate of injection or one-way coupling with a separate internal nozzle volume of fluid simulation, were examined with an LES turbulence model. Both local data close to the injector and global penetration results were used to compare simulations. Local data, such as the local liquid volume fraction, showed greater variation between the conditions, which may have an impact on mixing and combustion predictions in engine applications. Spray penetration and other global measures demonstrated limited sensitivity to the boundary conditions/initialization procedure. Results were also compared with prior results that used a RANS turbulence model. RANS simulations had overall smoother responses to the changes, as would be expected, but LES simulations showed similar trends in the effects for the measured variables.
Optimal Concentric Tube Robot Design for Safe Intracerebral Hemorrhage Removal
Authors: Huang Zhefeng , Alkhars Hussain , Gunderman Anthony , Sigounas Dimitri , Cleary Kevin , Chen Yue
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal geometrical design of concentric tube robots (CTR) for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) evacuation, with a focus on minimizing the risk of damaging white matter tracts and cerebral arteries. Methods: To achieve our objective, we propose a parametrization method describing a general class of CTR geometric designs. We present mathematical models that describe the CTR design constraints and provide the calculation of a path risk value. We then use the genetic algorithm to determine the optimal tube geometry for targeting within the brain. Results: Our results show that a multi-tube CTR design can significantly reduce the risk of damaging critical brain structures compared to the conventional straight tube design. However, there is no significant relationship between the path risk value and the number and shape of the additional inner curved tubes. Conclusion: Considering the challenges of CTR hardware design, fabrication, and control, we conclude that the most feasible geometry for a CTR path in ICH treatment is a straight outer tube followed by a planar curved inner tube. These findings have important implications for the development of safe and effective CTRs for ICH evacuation by enabling dexterous manipulation to minimize damage to critical brain structures.
Characterization of the temperature and frequency dependency of the complex Poisson’s ratio using a novel combined torsional-axial rheometer
Authors: Rodríguez Agudo José Alberto , Haeberle Jan , Müller-Pabel Michael , Troiss Alexander , Shetty Abhishek , Kaschta Joachim , Giehl Christopher
Published: November 2023

This study discusses the feasibility of using a combined torsional-axial rheometer to indirectly measure the complex Poisson’s ratio based on shear and Young’s modulus. For this purpose, isothermal frequency sweeps in torsion and extension are performed sequentially on the same cylindrical specimen and under the same environmental conditions. The method is tested on two amorphous polymers, a semicrystalline polymer, a polymer blend, and a copolymer. The article includes an extensive literature review and an uncertainty assessment of the method to provide a basis for subsequent data comparison with existing research. The experimental data show a monotonic increase in the complex Poisson’s ratio up to 0.5 as the temperature approaches α-relaxation for all samples, except for the amorphous polymer. The latter shows a local minimum in the complex Poisson’s ratio observed near α-relaxation, which disappears after thermal annealing of the sample above the α-relaxation temperature. The real and imaginary parts of the complex Poisson’s ratio are additionally determined by evaluating both phase shift angles from torsional and extensional measurements. All polymers show a certain offset between the torsional and extensional phase shift angles in the glassy state, which gradually decreases as the temperature approaches α-relaxation. The complex Poisson’s ratio results are in good agreement with the literature data obtained by existing methods. This confirms that the method is applicable to polymers up to α-relaxation temperatures with significant time savings due to the nondestructive approach. This is of particular interest, given the limited availability of data in the literature.
Autoregulatory control of mitochondrial glutathione homeostasis
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Liu Shanshan , Tomar Anju , Yen Frederick S. , Unlu Gokhan , Ropek Nathalie , Weber Ross A. , Wang Ying , Khan Artem , Gad Mark , Peng Junhui , Terzi Erdem , Alwaseem Hanan , Pagano Alexandra E. , Heissel Søren , Molina Henrik , Allwein Benjamin , Kenny Timothy C. , Possemato Richard L. , Zhao Li , Hite Richard K. , Vinogradova Ekaterina V. , Mansy Sheref S. , Birsoy Kıvanç
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria must maintain adequate amounts of metabolites for protective and biosynthetic functions. However, how mitochondria sense the abundance of metabolites and regulate metabolic homeostasis is not well understood. In this work, we focused on glutathione (GSH), a critical redox metabolite in mitochondria, and identified a feedback mechanism that controls its abundance through the mitochondrial GSH transporter, SLC25A39. Under physiological conditions, SLC25A39 is rapidly degraded by mitochondrial protease AFG3L2. Depletion of GSH dissociates AFG3L2 from SLC25A39, causing a compensatory increase in mitochondrial GSH uptake. Genetic and proteomic analyses identified a putative iron-sulfur cluster in the matrix-facing loop of SLC25A39 as essential for this regulation, coupling mitochondrial iron homeostasis to GSH import. Altogether, our work revealed a paradigm for the autoregulatory control of metabolic homeostasis in organelles.