bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of factory certifications on firm resources: a quantitative content analysis of the Bangladeshi readymade garments (RMG) industry
Authors: Das Sudipta , Das Debanjan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between certifications in the Bangladeshi readymade garment (RMG) sector and diverse firm resources, contributing to Bangladesh’s competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a quantitative content analysis of 366 Bangladeshi RMG firm websites, using Barney’s (1991) resource-based theory (RBT) framework. Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses were used to explore the research questions.

Findings

The findings reveal significant positive impacts of certifications on all firm resource categories (physical, human, organizational knowledge and learning, general organizational and financial) under the RBT framework. Certifications correlate positively with resources, from small to medium, and with various factors, though some negative correlations were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The study improves comprehension of apparel manufacturers’ certifications and their association with firm resources, offering valuable insights for stakeholders on long-term competitive advantages. Yet, limitations should be considered, including size-dependent variations and reliance on self-reported website data.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering effort, concentrating on Bangladesh’s RMG sector and offering a unique perspective on the implications of certifications for firm resources within emerging economies.
Effect of digital financial inclusion on banking for the poor in African emerging economies
Authors: Onyejiaku Chinyere C. , Ngong Chi Aloysius , Kum Fuein Vera , Nebasi Akosso Wilfred
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper studies the effect of digital financial inclusion in banking on the poor and deprived populations of African emerging economies from 1997 to 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

Automated teller machines, mobile payments and mobile money transactions measure digital financial inclusion. Household consumption expenditure proxies poverty reduction. The autoregressive distributed lag analyzes the study.

Findings

The results indicate that automated teller machines, mobile money transactions and financial deepening positively affect poverty reduction, while mobile payments negatively affect poverty reduction. Digital financial inclusion decreases poverty via increased investment and empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

Digital financial products and services should be expanded to all population segments in the economies. The governments should improve the quality and quantity of institutions that guarantee the operation of digital financial activities through the enforcement of law and order. The quality and quantity of mobile money transactions and financial deepening should be increased. The costs and charges involved in using automated teller machines and mobile payments should be regulated to relieve the burden on the population. The government should facilitate access to digital financial services via power supply, transport and telecommunication networks. Banks and telecommunications service providers should improve the payment system network to ensure cost-effective, convenient and secure financial service delivery. The digital infrastructure and financial services markets should be enhanced to fully capture the gains of financial inclusion and reduce poverty.

Originality/value

A literature review provides studies with conflicting findings on the effect of digital financial inclusion on poverty reduction. This study supports that digital financial inclusion decreases poverty.
Path to achieving SDG 8: do worker remittances reduce vulnerable employment?
Authors: Yerrabati Sridevi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The prevalence of high levels of vulnerable employment in developing countries poses a formidable obstacle to their progress towards achieving SDG 8. While worker remittances (remittances) are widely recognised as a potential source of improving the welfare of people experiencing poverty, their effectiveness in alleviating vulnerable employment from a macro perspective remains unclear. Consequently, the study examines the impact of remittances on reducing vulnerable employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses macro-level data from 73 developing countries covering 1990–2021. Vulnerable employment is measured in three forms: total, male, and female. Remittances are measured as a percentage of the gross domestic product. The findings are empirically analysed using dynamic panel data estimation techniques. A two-stage least squares (IV 2SLS) approach addresses remittance endogeneity.

Findings

Two key findings emerge from the study. First, increased remittances are associated with a decline in the total share of workers resorting to vulnerable employment, albeit a modest decline. Second, the remittance surge is associated with more males than females leaving vulnerable employment, indicating its gender-specific effects. These findings remain robust to several checks.

Practical implications

The study's findings underscore the potential of leveraging remittances to reduce vulnerable employment. To this end, selective and targeted policy interventions that promote financial literacy and inclusion, which serve as the cornerstones for effectively utilising remittances, are advised.

Originality/value

To the best of my knowledge, this study is the first to examine the impact of remittances on vulnerable employment on a macro scale. As such, the study makes a novel contribution to understanding how remittances serve as an enabler for SDG 8.
Islamic accounting research for upcoming research agenda
Authors: Meiryani Meiryani
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to offer quantitative data on the expansion of Islamic accounting literature. The analysis concentrated on publishing patterns, nations that conduct Islamic accounting research, prominent contributors, leading writers, highly productive nations, keywords and papers with the greatest citations.

Design/methodology/approach

The author describes the field’s development and structure, including co-citation, co-authorship and bibliographical coupling, using a bibliometric approach combined with content analysis. The author discovers that Malaysia is the most pertinent nation, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia is the most pertinent university and the most pertinent journal is the Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research.

Findings

The author stresses the importance of critically assessing such approaches as more research looks into the possible contribution of Islamic banks to the provision of Shari’ah-compliant microfinance to rural small and medium enterprises. Finally, all business models are changing paradigms as a result of Industry 4.0. information and communication technology advancements might increase the adoption of Islamic accounting. Future research could create Shari’ah-compliant Islamic accounting models based on financial technology (fintech) for the benefit of underprivileged business owners who have little access to accounting and financing through conventional financial channels. The consideration of the necessity of regulatory reform to enhance the practical feasibility of Islamic accounting as a vehicle for economic transformation could also be helpful to policymakers.

Originality/value

Future research could create Shari’ah-compliant Islamic accounting models based on financial technology (fintech) for the benefit of underprivileged business owners who have little access to accounting and financing through conventional financial channels. The study’s consideration of the necessity of regulatory reform to enhance the practical feasibility of Islamic accounting as a vehicle for economic transformation could also be helpful to policymakers.
Effect of abusive supervision on emotional exhaustion and organizational citizenship behavior: a moderating role of workplace friendship
Authors: Al-kashab Hassan T.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study uses the Conservation of Resource theory to examine the influence of abusive supervision on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) via emotional exhaustion, using a moderated mediation framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was adapted to collect data from 212 full-time employees in 22 private health centers in Nineveh governorate in Iraq in two waves. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression and bootstrapping analyses.

Findings

This study suggests that workplace friendship reduces the positive relationship between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion of employees and reduces the negative indirect effect of abusive supervision on OCB.

Originality/value

First, this study provides academicians with a better understanding of the moderating effect of workplace friendship on the relationship between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion and then its impact on OCB. Second, the paper is one of the few studies that dealt with the abusive supervision in the health sector using data from the Middle East in Iraq, while most leadership research is conducted in the western part of the world.
β‐Galactosidase: Insights into source variability, genetic engineering, immobilisation and diverse applications in food, industry and medicine
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Yuelin , Gao Fukang , Xia Zhenzhu , Zhang Zhoufan , Addai Frank Peprah , Zhu Yiyin , Chen Jinping , Lin Feng , Chen Dongfeng
Published: June 2024

β‐Galactosidases are crucial enzymes that hydrolyse oligosaccharides and polysaccharides with terminal β‐1,4‐glycosidic bonds. Though the traditional application of β‐Galactosidases has been to catalyse the breakdown of lactose in dairy products, its application extends beyond the production of lactose‐free products since variants capable of facilitating lactose condensation and exhibiting galactosyl transferase activity are extensively utilised for the synthesis of prebiotic galacto‐oligosaccharides. This review analyses β‐Galactosidase in multiple aspects, including sources, classification, characterisation, immobilisation, genetic engineering and applications in terms of whey treatment, biofuel production, production of lactose‐free dietary product, synthesis of galacto‐oligosaccharides and the early detection of cellular senescence and tumours.
Transition skills of youths with disabilities: The impact of individual characteristics, social support and self‐esteem
Authors: Chronopoulou Elena
Published: June 2024

The aims of this study were the investigation of the transition knowledge‐skills of adolescents and young adults with visual impairments, learning difficulties, or mobility impairments, and the impact of disability, individual characteristics, social support, and self‐esteem, on their transition knowledge‐skills. Apart from the questionnaire concerning the demographic/ individual characteristics of the participants, three more instruments were used: (a) the Transition Planning Inventory‐2, (b) the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS), and (c) the Rosenberg Self‐esteem Scale. The sample consisted of 169 youths with disabilities. The variable “disability” is a statistically significant predictor of transition knowledge‐skills. The total transition knowledge‐skills of participants with mobility impairments were worse than those of participants with learning difficulties and those of participants with visual impairments. Participants' transition knowledge‐skills were better when the received close friends' social support was higher. The findings of the present study also indicate that the self‐esteem of young people with disabilities has a positive effect on their transition knowledge‐skills. Moreover, the age of the participants, the number of their siblings and their parents' educational level influence their transition knowledge‐skills.
What does terroir mean? A science mapping of a multidimensional concept
Authors: Moroz David
Published: June 2024

Terroir is a pivotal concept in defining collective quality labels for agricultural products, such as geographical appellations. With climate change likely to significantly impact these appellations' delimitations, an in‐depth understanding of terroir's various dimensions becomes imperative. Yet, the literature presents diverse and multifaceted definitions of terroir, making it a challenging concept to delineate. Utilising 913 articles from 1986 to 2023 sourced from Scopus and adhering to the SPAR‐4‐SLR bibliometric protocol, we conducted a science mapping that includes analysis of document co‐citation, co‐authorship, bibliographical coupling and keyword co‐occurrence to elucidate terroir's definitions, research fields and issues. We propose a bibliometric analysis methodology that enables detailed mapping of the concept by disciplinary fields. The proposed methodology is applicable to systematic literature reviews aimed at studying a domain while incorporating the diversity of scientific disciplines in which it is investigated. Our analysis confirms that, in terms of agri‐food sectors, the literature predominantly focuses on wine. More specifically, within the fields of business, economics and social sciences, the primary applications of the concept are with respect to geographical indications and climate change. Research conducted in agricultural and biological sciences facilitates a better characterisation of terroirs in terms of microbial characteristics. This increasingly enables a distinction to be made between the soil—i.e., the terroir place—and the quality of agri‐food products. Future analysis can make use of this knowledge, as well as that on the cultural dimensions of terroir, to better understand the economic impacts of the different dimensions of terroir.
Unlocking rural resilience: Exploring innovative digital saving solutions for farming households in Mali
Authors: Wahbi Annkathrin , Musshoff Oliver
Published: June 2024

Financial savings at the household level are vital for poverty alleviation, yet they face social, psychological and institutional obstacles. Over recent years, mobile phones have proven effective in enhancing financial inclusion. However, when individuals decide how to save, their preferences remain unclear. This study investigates the preferences of 421 Malian smallholder farmers for a hypothetical mobile savings application using a discrete choice experiment. Apart from standard savings account features such as transaction charges, interest amount and minimum deposit requirements, it assesses preferences for two innovative features designed to address deviations from rational decision‐making. The first feature allows multiple users to pool their savings, utilising social dynamics and peer pressure to encourage responsible savings behaviour and enhance commitment. The second feature offers users the ability to manage their finances more effectively by dividing them into purpose‐specific sub‐accounts. The findings reveal a strong overall preference for saving via the application rather than keeping cash on hand. As anticipated, farmers favour lower costs and deposits and higher interest amounts. Generally, individual saving is preferred over group saving, and the option to compartmentalise is valued, albeit not statistically significantly so. However, the analysis of underlying heterogeneity reveals substantial differences in respondents' preferences for these commitment‐enhancing features. These findings underscore the need for customised approaches that align with farmers' unique preferences and constraints. Such approaches can inform the development of bespoke mobile savings solutions for farming households, thereby boosting their resilience and financial well‐being.
Seed coating with phages for sustainable plant biocontrol of plant pathogens and influence of the seed coat mucilage
Authors: Erdrich Sebastian H. , Schurr Ulrich , Frunzke Julia , Arsova Borjana
Published: June 2024

Pathogens resistant to classical control strategies pose a significant threat to crop yield, with seeds being a major transmission route. Bacteriophages, viruses targeting bacteria, offer an environmentally sustainable biocontrol solution. In this study, we isolated and characterized two novel phages, Athelas and Alfirin, which infect Pseudomonas syringae and Agrobacterium fabrum, respectively, and included the recently published Pfeifenkraut phage infecting Xanthomonas translucens. Using a simple immersion method, phages coated onto seeds successfully lysed bacteria post air‐drying. The seed coat mucilage (SCM), a polysaccharide–polymer matrix exuded by seeds, plays a critical role in phage binding. Seeds with removed mucilage formed five to 10 times less lysis zones compared to those with mucilage. The podovirus Athelas showed the highest mucilage dependency. Phages from the Autographiviridae family also depended on mucilage for seed adhesion. Comparative analysis of Arabidopsis SCM mutants suggested the diffusible cellulose as a key component for phage binding. Long‐term activity tests demonstrated high phage stability on seed surfaces and significantly increasing seedling survival rates in the presence of pathogens. Using non‐virulent host strains enhanced phage presence on seeds but also has potential limitations. These findings highlight phage‐based interventions as promising, sustainable strategies for combating pathogen resistance and improving crop yield.
Factors associated with footpad dermatitis in German laying hens: A retrospective study
Authors: Volkmann Nina , Riedel Anna , Kemper Nicole , Spindler Birgit
Published: June 2024

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) is characterized by lesions on the plantar region of the footpad. It is one of the most common foot health problems and welfare issues mainly described for broilers and turkeys. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the presence of this footpad disorder in laying hens as well as to identify typical risk factors for FPD during the laying period. Data were collected from 39 German laying hen flocks visited up to 16 times during production, where the housing system, flock size, age of flock, season, litter type and quality as well as hens' foot health were recorded in 30–200 randomly selected animals/visit using a four‐point scoring system (FPD‐Score 0–3). In total, 15,448 randomly selected laying hens were scored and classified, recording the highest degree of FPD per animal as well as whether FPD was detected in one or both of its feet. Of the hens examined, 78.9% showed no alterations, 18.6% showed slight ones, 2.2% moderate alterations, and 0.3% showed severe FPD. In the animals related to FPD (n = 3253), 48.0% of the hens showed an alteration in one foot and 52.0% in both feet. While few animals showed FPD at the first two visits (AF0, AF1), the percentage of animals related to FPD increased at the laying peak (~28th week of life). At the end of the laying period, 34.4% of the hens showed at least slight alterations (n = 955/2776). The results of the statistical analysis showed that the FPD‐Score was statistically affected by the type of litter, the season, and the age of flock (all P < .0001), while the quality of litter at the time of visit (P = .0940), the housing system (P = .2696), and flock size (P = .8776) were not related to FPD. In summary, this study detected that more than a third of the animals examined showed alterations in their footpads at the end of the laying period. Such changes in foot health occurred from the laying peak and increased to the end of the laying period. In addition to the age of the hens, the type of litter and the season were determined as potential risk factors. Moreover, this study shows how common this foot health problem is, not only in turkeys and broilers but also for laying hens.
The association of smoking with different eating and dietary behaviours: A cross‐sectional analysis of 80 296 United Kingdom adults
Authors: Alruwaili Arwa , King James A. , Deighton Kevin , Kelly Benjamin M. , Liao Zhining , Innes Aidan , Henson Joseph , Yates Thomas , Johnson William , Thivel David , Metz Lore , Thackray Alice E. , Tolfrey Keith , Stensel David J. , Willis Scott A.
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

Smokers typically have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non‐smokers, while smoking cessation is associated with weight gain. In pre‐clinical research, nicotine in tobacco smoking suppresses appetite and influences subsequent eating behaviour; however, this relationship is unclear in humans. This study measured the associations of smoking with different eating and dietary behaviours.

Design

A cross‐sectional analysis of data from health assessments conducted between 2004 and 2022.

Setting

An independent healthcare‐based charity within the United Kingdom.

Participants

A total of 80 296 men and women (mean ± standard deviation [SD]: age, 43.0 ± 10.4 years; BMI, 25.7 ± 4.2 kg/m2; 62.5% male) stratified into two groups based on their status as a smoker (n = 6042; 7.5%) or non‐smoker (n = 74 254; 92.5%).

Measurements

Smoking status (self‐report) was the main exposure, while the primary outcomes were selected eating and dietary behaviours. Age, sex and socioeconomic status (index of multiple deprivation [IMD]) were included as covariates and interaction terms, while moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise and sleep quality were included as covariates only.

Findings

Smokers had lower odds of snacking between meals and eating food as a reward or out of boredom versus non‐smokers (all odds ratio [OR] ≤ 0.82; P < 0.001). Furthermore, smokers had higher odds of skipping meals, going more than 3 h without food, adding salt and sugar to their food, overeating and finding it hard to leave something on their plate versus non‐smokers (all OR ≥ 1.06; P ≤ 0.030). Additionally, compared with non‐smokers, smoking was associated with eating fried food more times per week (rate ratio [RR] = 1.08; P < 0.001), eating fewer meals per day, eating sweet foods between meals and eating dessert on fewer days per week (all RR ≤ 0.93; P < 0.001). Several of these relationships were modified by age, sex and IMD.

Conclusions

Smoking appears to be associated with eating and dietary behaviours consistent with inhibited food intake, low diet quality and altered food preference. Several of these relationships are moderated by age, sex and socioeconomic status.
Leopard dispersal across a fragmented landscape in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Wilkinson Anita , Fabricius Michael , Brink Erica , Garbett Rebecca , Hahndiek Eugene , Williams Kathryn S.
Published: June 2024

Leopard (Panthera pardus) dispersal is poorly documented. An amalgamation of independent, mixed‐method camera trap data spanning six years provides evidence of male leopard dispersal across the highly fragmented Overberg region, Western Cape, South Africa. Dispersal distances from four individuals ranged from 35.3 to 112.0 km between the origin and destination datapoints. Leopard dispersal across the modified landscape affirms their adaptability and resilience and reveals local functional connectivity. We caution against population status complacency but rather advocate for maintaining and improving functional landscape connectivity for this umbrella species. This study, which collated piecemeal data from four sources, highlights the importance of collaboration and data sharing in conservation.
Attentive hands: The coexistence of digital and analog attentions in children's sports
Authors: Broch Trygve B.
Published: June 2024

Through an extended ethnography of a sports team of boys growing from 7 to 11 years old, I explore Norwegian parents' anxieties about the digital world encroaching on their children's lives. I compare parents' monitoring of their children's (non)digital leisure activities with how kids interact (non)digitally. On the surface, as parents observe how their children's bodies move from screens to sports, they see their kids' attentive hands shifting focus from electronic gaming and screen swiping to a more welcomed ballplaying and high‐fiving with nonelectronic teammates. However, close inspection reveals that my interlocutors never completely enter or leave the digital, but dwell within both worlds simultaneously. The result shows the meaning of children sports as changed by the digital, how the digital appears in the foreground or the background of our interactions, and how an emphasis on attentive hands can help unearth how the digital passes through us to constitute our lifeworlds.
Business innovation as a force for good: From doing less harm to positive impact type 1 and type 2
Authors: Laszlo Chris , Cooperrider David , Fry Ronald
Published: June 2024

Commitments of “getting to zero” or becoming a regenerative company are raising investor, customer, and employee expectations at a time when businesses are struggling just to reduce negative impacts. Executives are increasingly caught between wanting to build a better world and the reality of managing value‐add activities that continue to harm people and the environment.

Businesses need to distinguish between three types of innovation impacts to maintain their credibility and legitimacy. The first is doing less harm, where the goal is to minimize social wrongs and reduce ecological footprints. The second is incremental positive impact, where the goal is to increase prosperity, regenerate nature, and improve wellbeing through initiatives that are typically of limited scope. The third is system‐wide positive impact, where scalable business innovations have a discernible capacity to “move the needle” on social and global challenges such as climate change and social equity.

This conceptual paper provides a framework for assessing business innovations by type of impact and the high‐leverage points needed to create desired change at the scale of the whole.
A potential novel treatment for cirrhosis‐related ascites: Empagliflozin is safe and tolerable in advanced chronic liver disease
Authors: Shen Ivan , Stojanova Jana , Yeo Malcolm , Olsen Nick , Lockart Ian , Wang Max , Roggeveld Jan , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Greenfield Jerry R. , Day Richard , Danta Mark
Published: June 2024

Aims

Advanced chronic liver disease and advanced chronic liver disease‐related ascites have a high mortality. The pharmacological treatment of ascites and fluid overload has changed little over time. Empagliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor is an untested potential novel treatment in cirrhosis, as it has survival benefits in heart failure, which has similar pathophysiological fluid overload mechanisms. Before investigating empagliflozin's potential benefit in cirrhosis, its safety must be addressed.

Methods

Ten participants (five each with compensated or decompensated advanced chronic liver disease, based on Child–Pugh class) received empagliflozin 10 mg orally daily for 4 weeks with 2 weeks follow‐up. Empagliflozin safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were investigated.

Results

In total, eight patients (80%) reported an adverse event, and three patients (30%) experienced a serious adverse event, one of which was attributed to empagliflozin. Overall, the frequency of adverse events was similar to previous phase 3 trials of gliflozins. Higher plasma empagliflozin concentrations did not significantly increase the risk of adverse events.

Conclusions

Four‐week treatment with empagliflozin was safe and well tolerated in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. These preliminary data support assessment of long‐term treatment on disease‐related and mortality outcomes in patients with cirrhosis through randomized control trials.
Microglial forkhead box O3a deficiency attenuates LPS‐induced neuro‐inflammation and depressive‐like behaviour through regulating the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ
Authors: Wang Rikang , Ji Lianru , Yuan Shun , Liu Xiamin , Liang Zhi , Chen Wenjing , Wang Bocheng , Hu Suifa , Liu Zhiping , Zeng Zhiwen , Song Yonggui , Wu Tao , Chen Baodong
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose

Depression is closely linked with microglial activation and neuro‐inflammation. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) plays an important role in M2 activation of microglia. Forkhead box (FOX) O3a has been implicated in the regulation of mood‐relevant behaviour. However, little is known about the inflammatory mechanisms of in the microglia of the brain. Here, we have investigated the role of microglial FOXO3a/PPAR‐γ in the development of depression.

Experimental Approach

The effect of FOXO3a on microglia inflammation was analysedin vitroand in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced depression‐like behavioursin vivo. ChIP‐seq and Dual‐luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm the interaction between FOXO3a and PPAR‐γ. Behavioural changes were measured, while inflammatory cytokines, microglial phenotype and morphological properties were determined by ELISA, qRT‐PCR, western blotting and immunostaining.

Key Results

Overexpression of FOXO3a significantly attenuated expression of PPAR‐γ and enhanced the microglial polarization towards the M1 phenotype, while knockdown of FOXO3a had the opposite effect. FOXO3a binds to the promoters of PPAR‐γ and decreases its transcription activity. Importantly, deacetylation and activation of FOXO3a regulate LPS‐induced neuro‐inflammation by inhibiting the expression of PPAR‐γ in microglia cells, supporting the antidepressant potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Microglial FOXO3a deficiency in mice alleviated LPS‐induced neuro‐inflammation and depression‐like behaviours but failed to reduce anxiety behaviour, whereas pharmacological inhibition of PPAR‐γ by GW9662 restored LPS‐induced microglial activation and depressive‐like behaviours in microglial FOXO3a‐deficient mice.

Conclusion and Implications

FOXO3a/PPAR‐γ axis plays an important role in microglial activation and depression, identifying a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of major depression.
Identification, spatial distribution, and associated factors of urban protected areas in China
Authors: Zitong Zuo , Shuyi Wang , Le Zhong
Published: June 2024

The increasing proximity between protected areas (PAs) and urban areas, which can lead to urban protected areas (UPAs), is now commonplace. Use of Euclidean distance to measure the distance between PAs and cities has not correctly portrayed the spatial relationship between PAs and cities. We devised an isochronous circle model to accurately measure the distance between 2706 national PAs in 5 categories and 2844 cities in China based on human accessibility to identify urban human activity‐influenced protected areas (UHAIPAs) and to quantitatively analyze their distribution patterns and relationships with China's economy, population distribution patterns, and urban development indicators. Most of the PAs in China were established near cities. Of 2746 PAs in China, 18.35% (n = 504) became UPAs, and 58.27% (n = 1600), 16.72% (n = 459), and 3.31% (n = 91) of PAs were within 0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 min, respectively. Both UPAs and UHAIPAs in China in general exhibited obvious spatial aggregation characteristics (e.g., wetland parks and scenic areas), and there was a significant spatial dependence effect among characteristics. The degree of spatial distribution and aggregation of UPAs was correlated with 16 indicators across urban economic development, urban natural substrate, and urban policy support factors. Based on the results of our study, we call for various governments and scholars to focus on areas where wetland parks and PAs overlap with urban boundaries. It is important to emphasize the potential link between the development of agriculture, forestry, livestock and fisheries industries, and UPAs. Overall, we believe that examining the accessibility of PAs can more accurately measure the distance between PAs and cities, and more realistically reflect the possible impacts of urban human activities on PAs, which is helpful for strengthening the conservation and management of PAs.
MRD‐GAN: Multi‐representation discrimination GAN for enhancing the diversity of the generated data
Authors: Megahed Mohammed , Mohammed Ammar
Published: June 2024

The generative adversarial network (GAN) is a highly effective member of the generative models category and is extensively employed for generating realistic samples across various domains. The fundamental concept behind GAN involves two networks, a generator and a discriminator, competing against each other. During the training process, generator and discriminator networks encounter several issues that can potentially affect the quality and diversity of the generated samples. One such critical issue is mode collapse, where the generator fails to create varied samples. To tackle this issue, this article introduces a GAN approach called the multi‐representation discrimination GAN (MRD‐GAN). In this approach, the discriminator supports concurrent network discrimination flows to manage different representations of the data through various transformation functions, such as dimension rescaling, brightness adjustment, and gamma correction applied to the input data of the discriminator. We use a fusion function to aggregate the output of all flows and return a consolidated loss value to update the generator's weights. Hence, the discriminator conveys diverse feedback to the generator. The proposed approach has been evaluated on four distinct benchmarks, namely CelebA, Cifar‐10, Fashion‐Mnist, and Mnist. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach surpasses the existing state‐of‐the‐art GAN models in terms of FID metric that measures the diversity of the generated samples. Significantly, the proposed approach demonstrates remarkable FID scores of 14.02, 30.19, 9.42, and 3.14 on the CelebA, Cifar‐10, Fashion‐Mnist, and Mnist datasets, respectively.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomal miR‐221‐3p promotes angiogenesis and wound healing in diabetes via the downregulation of forkhead box P1
Authors: Qiu Zhi‐Yang , Xu Wei‐cheng , Liang Zun‐Hong
Published: June 2024

Aim

Impaired wound healing in patients with diabetes can develop into nonhealing ulcerations. Because bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exosomes can promote wound healing, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of BMSCs‐isolated exosomal miR‐221‐3p in angiogenesis and diabetic wound healing.

Methods

To mimic diabetes in vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were subjected to high glucose (HG). Exosomes were derived from BMSCs and identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), western blot analysis and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The ability to differentiate BMSCs was assessed via Oil red O staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining. The ability to internalise PKH26‐labelled exosomes was assessed using confocal microscopy. Migration, cell viability and angiogenesis were tested by scratch, MTT and tube formation assays separately. The miRNA and protein levels were analysed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) or western blotting. The relationship among miR‐221‐3p, FOXP1 and SPRY1 was determined using the dual‐luciferase reporter, ChIP and RIP assays.

Results

Exosomal miR‐221‐3p was successfully isolated from BMSCs and delivered into HUVECs. HG was found to suppress the angiogenesis, cell viability and migration of HUVECs and exosomal miR‐221‐3p separated from BMSCs inhibited the above phenomenon. FOXP1 could transcriptionally upregulate SPRY1, and the silencing of FOXP1 reversed the HG‐stimulated angiogenesis inhibition, cell viability and migration in HUVECs via the downregulation of SPRY1. Meanwhile, miR‐221‐3p directly targeted FOXP1 and the overexpression of FOXP1 reversed the positive effect of exosomal miR‐221‐3p on HUVEC angiogenesis.

Conclusion

Exosomal miR‐221‐3p isolated from BMSCs promoted angiogenesis in diabetic wounds through the mediation of the FOXP1/SPRY1 axis. Furthermore, the findings of this study can provide new insights into probing strategies against diabetes.
Real‐world glycaemic outcomes of automated insulin delivery in type 1 diabetes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Qin , Zeng Baoqi , Hao Jiayi , Yang Qingqing , Sun Feng
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the real‐world effectiveness of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies published up until 2 March 2024. We included pragmatic randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and before–after studies that compared AID systems with conventional insulin therapy in real‐world settings and reported continuous glucose monitoring outcomes. Percent time in range (TIR; 3.9–10 mmol/L), time below range (TBR; <3.9 mmol/L), time above range (TAR; >10 mmol/L), and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level were extracted. Data were summarized as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence interval.

Results

A total of 23 before–after studies (101 704 participants) were included in the meta‐analysis. AID systems were associated with an increased percentage of TIR (11.61%, 10.47 to 12.76; p < 0.001). The favourable effect of AID systems was consistently observed when used continuously for 6 (11.76%) or 12 months (11.33%), and in both children (12.16%) and adults (11.04%). AID systems also showed favourable effects on TBR (−0.53%, −0.63 to −0.42), TAR (−9.65%, −10.63 to −8.67) and HbA1c level (−0.42%, −0.47 to −0.37) when compared with previous treatments.

Conclusions

Similar improvements in glycaemic parameters were observed in real‐world settings in RCTs using AID systems in T1D. AID systems benefit both children and adults by increasing TIR for both short‐ and long‐term interventions.
Measuring metrics: what diversity indicators are most appropriate for different forms of data bias?
Authors: Qiao Huijie , Orr Michael C. , Hughes Alice C.
Published: June 2024

Biodiversity metrics have become a ubiquitous component of conservation assessments across scales. However, whilst indices have become increasingly widely used, their ability to perform in the face of different biases has remained largely untested under realistic conditions. Citizen science data are increasingly available, but present new challenges and biases, thus understanding how to use them effectively is essential. Here, we built a virtual world incorporating BirdLife data and accounting for their biases, then explored how well commonly‐used diversity metrics could estimate known values across a suite of representative scenarios. We used predictive modelling to model bird diversity globally and overcome biases using the approaches found most accurate in prior assessments. Performance was highly variable across the different types of biases, but in many instances Simpson's index performed best, followed by Hill numbers, whereas Pielou's index was almost universally worst. From standardised tests, we then applied these metrics to eBird data using 611 520 112 samples of 10 359 species of bird (around 88% of known species), to reconstruct global diversity patterns at five and ten km resolutions. However, when we mapped out diversity using Maxent based on these indices, Simpson's index generally over‐predicted diversity, whereas Hill numbers were more conservative. Based on an average of the better projected indices, one can map out diversity across resolutions and overcome biases accurately predicting diversity patterns even for data‐poor areas, but if a single metric is used, Hill numbers are most robust to bias. Going forward, this workflow will enable standardized best practices for diversity mapping based on a clear understanding of the performance of different metrics.
Simple 3D spheroid cell culture model for studies of prion infection
Authors: Fremuntova Zuzana , Hanusova Zdenka Backovska , Soukup Jakub , Mosko Tibor , Matej Radoslav , Holada Karel
Published: June 2024

Mouse neuronal CAD 5 cell line effectively propagates various strains of prions. Previously, we have shown that it can also be differentiated into the cells morphologically resembling neurons. Here, we demonstrate that CAD 5 cells chronically infected with prions undergo differentiation under the same conditions. To make our model more realistic, we triggered the differentiation in the 3D culture created by gentle rocking of CAD 5 cell suspension. Spheroids formed within 1 week and were fully developed in less than 3 weeks of culture. The mature spheroids had a median size of ~300 μm and could be cultured for up to 12 weeks. Increased expression of differentiation markers GAP 43, tyrosine hydroxylase, β‐III‐tubulin and SNAP 25 supported the differentiated status of the spheroid cells. The majority of them were found in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, which is typical for differentiated cells. Moreover, half of the PrPC on the cell membrane was N‐terminally truncated, similarly as in differentiated CAD 5 adherent cells. Finally, we demonstrated that spheroids could be created from prion‐infected CAD 5 cells. The presence of prions was verified by immunohistochemistry, western blot and seed amplification assay. We also confirmed that the spheroids can be infected with the prions de novo. Our 3D culture model of differentiated CAD 5 cells is low cost, easy to produce and cultivable for weeks. We foresee its possible use in the testing of anti‐prion compounds and future studies of prion formation dynamics.
Fitness consequences of variation in social group size are not population‐specific but are associated with access to food in the communally breeding rodent, Octodon degus
Authors: Hayes Loren D. , Strom Madeline K. , León Cecilia , Ramírez‐Estrada Juan , Grillo Sara , Gao Cuilan L. , Vásquez Rodrigo A. , Ebensperger Luis A.
Published: June 2024

Studies that concurrently investigate the functional benefits of group living in multiple populations of the same species are rare. Over a 3‐year period (2014–2016), we examined two ecologically contrasting populations to test multiple hypotheses for the adaptive significance of group living in the communally breeding rodent Octodon degus. We quantified the size of social units (number of adults, number of adult females), edible vegetation at burrow systems, and per capita offspring weaned (PCOW) in each population. Contrary to expectations, we did not observe population‐specific associations between group size and edible vegetation or PCOW nor universal benefits of group living. In one population, PCOW increased in mid‐sized groups with more edible vegetation. However, this trend was not consistent across years. Notably, we observed a complete reproductive failure in one population during the first year of study, one that was characterized by low rainfall and no detectable edible vegetation. This result is important because reproductive failure occurred regardless of group size, suggesting that communal living may not buffer degus against the harshest of environmental conditions. Examining how social organization shapes individual reproductive success under extreme variation in food availability is an important step towards understanding how populations will respond to a changing climate.
Mitochondrial biogenesis disorder and oxidative damage promote refractory apical periodontitis in rat and human
Authors: Wang Jun , Chen Yuge , Yuan Huina , Zhang Xuejia , Febbraio Maria , Pan Yihuai , Huang Shengbin , Liu Zhongfang
Published: June 2024

Aim

To elucidate whether mitochondrial biogenesis disorder and damage from oxidative stress promote refractory apical periodontitis (RAP) in rat and human.

Methodology

Twenty Enterococcus faecalis‐induced RAPs were established in the maxillary first molars of male Wistar rats. Concurrently, 12 periapical lesion specimens from patients presenting with RAP were obtained by apicoectomy. Radiographic examination and histologic analysis were conducted to evaluate periapical bone tissue destruction and morphological changes. The expression of key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, PGC‐1α and Nrf2, were detected by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and real‐time PCR were also assayed. Mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) was identified by MitoSOX staining. Mitochondrial function was detected by the quantification of ATP production, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes. Furthermore, mitochondrial oxidative stress was evaluated by the determination of 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT), 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE) and 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) expression levels, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) expression and antioxidant capacity. Student's t‐test was performed to determine significance between the groups; p < .05 was considered significant.

Results

In the maxilla, significantly more bone resorption, greater number of periapical apoptotic cells and Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive multinucleated cells were observed in the RAP group compared with the control group (p < .01). PGC‐1α and Nrf2 were significantly reduced in rat and human RAP lesions compared to the control group (p < .01) at both the mRNA and protein levels. Double immunofluorescence analysis of PGC‐1α or Nrf2 with TOMM20 also indicated that mitochondrial biogenesis was impaired in RAP group (p < .01). Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction was observed in RAP group, as reflected by increased mtROS, decreased ATP production, reduced mtDNA copy number and complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Finally, the expression levels of mitochondrial oxidative stress markers, 3‐NT, 4‐HNE and 8‐OHdG, were significantly increased in the RAP group (p < .01). Consistent with this, systemic oxidative damage was also present in the progression of RAP, including increased MDA expression and decreased antioxidant activity (p < .01).

Conclusions

Mitochondrial biogenesis disorder and damage from oxidative stress contribute to the development of RAP.
Brain carbon monoxide can suppress the rat micturition reflex through brain γ‐aminobutyric acid receptors
Authors: Yamamoto Masaki , Shimizu Takahiro , Shimizu Nobutaka , Fujieda Mikiya , Saito Motoaki
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate roles of brain carbon monoxide (CO), an endogenous gasotransmitter, in regulation of the rat micturition reflex.

Methods

In urethane‐anesthetized (0.8 g/kg, ip) male rats, evaluation of urodynamic parameters was started 1 h before intracerebroventricular administration of CORM‐3 (CO donor) or ZnPP (non‐selective inhibitor of heme oxygenase, a CO producing enzyme) and continued for 2 h after the administration. We also investigated effects of centrally pretreated SR95531 (GABAA receptor antagonist) or SCH50911 (GABAB receptor antagonist) on the CORM‐3‐induced response.

Results

CORM‐3 significantly prolonged intercontraction intervals (ICIs) without changing maximal voiding pressure (MVP), while ZnPP significantly shortened ICI and reduced single‐voided volume and bladder capacity without affecting MVP, post‐voided residual volume, or voiding efficiency. The ZnPP‐induced ICI shortening was reversed by CORM‐3. The CORM‐3‐induced ICI prolongation was significantly attenuated by centrally pretreated SR95531 or SCH50911, respectively.

Conclusions

Brain CO can suppress the rat micturition reflex through brain γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.