bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A detailed spatio-temporal atlas of the white matter tracts for the fetal brain
Authors: Calixto Camilo , Soldatelli Matheus Dorigatti , Jaimes Camilo , Warfield Simon K. , Gholipour Ali , Karimi Davood
Published: April 2024

This study presents the construction of a comprehensive spatiotemporal atlas detailing the development of white matter tracts in the fetal brain using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). Our research leverages data collected from fetal MRI scans conducted between 22 and 37 weeks of gestation, capturing the dynamic changes in the brain’s microstructure during this critical period. The atlas includes 60 distinct white matter tracts, including commissural, projection, and association fibers. We employed advanced fetal dMRI processing techniques and tractography to map and characterize the developmental trajectories of these tracts. Our findings reveal that the development of these tracts is characterized by complex patterns of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), reflecting key neurodevelopmental processes such as axonal growth, involution of the radial-glial scaffolding, and synaptic pruning. This atlas can serve as a useful resource for neuroscience research and clinical practice, improving our understanding of the fetal brain and potentially aiding in the early diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. By detailing the normal progression of white matter tract development, the atlas can be used as a benchmark for identifying deviations that may indicate neurological anomalies or predispositions to disorders.
Unveiling the dominant role of soil pH in shaping nitrogen cycling microbial gene abundances: Insights from 65-years of chemical fertilizer selection in acidic grassland meadow
Authors: Mitsuta Akari , Lourenco Kesia Silva , Ros Mart , Uchida Yoshitaka , Kuramae Eiko Eurya
Published: April 2024

Understanding the microbial processes driving the nitrogen (N) cycle is crucial for enhancing plant productivity and mitigating environmental pollution. The long-term application of synthetic fertilizers induces significant alterations in the microbial community functions. Microbes inhabiting acidic soils may exhibit distinct responses to chemical fertilizer application compared to soils with neutral pH. However, the chronic or occasional changes resulting from repeated nutrient flushes due to fertilizer application remain insufficiently elucidated, especially in acidic grasslands. Therefore, our study was on an acidic semi-natural grassland, where the soil was subjected to chemical fertilizer P (superphosphate), K (potassium sulfate), PK, N (ammonium nitrate), NPK, PK+N (PK applied in spring and N applied once in summer) over a span of 65 years. Gene abundances associated with the N-cycle (amoA,nifH,nirK,nirS, andnosZ) were quantified at seven different time points throughout the year considering the temporal effect caused by fertilizer application. Our findings reveal that in the long term, soil pH emerged as the predominant factor influencing the gene abundance related to N-fixation and denitrification outweighing the impact of nutrient availability. Notably, the application of N fertilizer had a positive effect on the abundance of nitrifiers, while the abundance of denitrifiers decreased due to soil acidification induced by fertilizer application. In summary, our study highlights that the microbial community involved in N cycling is more sensitive to the difference in soil pH shaped by long-term fertilizer application rather than to the direct impact of fertilizer application.

Highlight

Seasonal sampling confirmed the long-term effect of fertilizer on microbial N-cycling genes

Fertilizer types shaped soil pH, consequently impacted on diazotrophs and denitrifies abundances

Abundance of denitrifying microbe did not explain the increase of N2O emission by N fertilizer

N2O emission was positively correlated with AOA abundance
Altering the redox status ofChlamydia trachomatisdirectly impacts its developmental cycle progression
Authors: Singh Vandana , Ouellette Scot P.
Published: April 2024

Chlamydia trachomatisis an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen with a unique developmental cycle. It differentiates between two functional and morphological forms: elementary body (EB) and reticulate body (RB). The signals that trigger differentiation from one form to the other are unknown. EBs and RBs have distinctive characteristics that distinguish them, including their size, infectivity, proteome, and transcriptome. Intriguingly, they also differ in their overall redox status as EBs are oxidized and RBs are reduced. We hypothesize that alterations in redox may serve as a trigger for secondary differentiation. To test this, we examined the function of the primary antioxidant enzyme alkyl hydroperoxide reductase subunit C (AhpC), a well-known member of the peroxiredoxins family, in chlamydial growth and development. Based on our hypothesis, we predicted that altering the expression ofahpCwould modulate chlamydial redox status and trigger earlier or delayed secondary differentiation. To test this, we createdahpCoverexpression and knockdown strains. DuringahpCknockdown, ROS levels were elevated, and the bacteria were sensitive to a broad set of peroxide stresses. Interestingly, we observed increased expression of EB-associated genes and concurrent higher production of EBs at an earlier time in the developmental cycle, indicating earlier secondary differentiation occurs under elevated oxidation conditions. In contrast, overexpression of AhpC created a resistant phenotype against oxidizing agents and delayed secondary differentiation. Together, these results indicate that redox potential is a critical factor in developmental cycle progression. For the first time, our study provides a mechanism of chlamydial secondary differentiation dependent on redox status.
Natural antibodies to polysaccharide capsules enable Kupffer cells to capture invading bacteria in the liver sinusoids
Authors: Tian Xianbin , Liu Yanni , Zhu Kun , An Haoran , Feng Jie , Zhang Linqi , Zhang Jing-Ren
Published: April 2024

The interception of blood-borne bacteria in the liver defines the outcomes of invasive bacterial infections, but the mechanisms of this anti-bacterial immunity are largely speculative. This study shows that natural antibodies (nAbs) to capsules enable liver macrophage Kupffer cells (KCs) to rapidly capture and kill blood-borne encapsulated bacteria in mice. Affinity pulldown with serotype-10A capsular polysaccharides (CPS10A) ofS. pneumoniae(Spn10A) led to the identification of CPS10A-binding nAbs in serum. The CPS10A-antibody interaction enabled KCs to captureSpn10A bacteria from the bloodstream, in part through complement receptors on KCs. The nAbs were found to recognize the β1-6-linked galactose branch of CPS10A, and similar moieties of serotype-39S. pneumoniaeand serotype-K50Klebsiella pneumoniaecapsules. More importantly, the nAbs empowered KCs to capture serotype-39S. pneumoniaeand serotype-K50K. pneumoniaein the liver. Collectively, our data have revealed a highly effective immune function of nAb against encapsulated bacteria, and provided a proof of concept for treating septic bacterial diseases with monoclonal antibodies.

Short summary

Rapid capture of potentially harmful bacteria in blood by liver macrophages are vital for the blood sterility and health. This work reports how naturally occurring antibodies in the plasma enable macrophages to capture and kill blood-borne bacteria in the liver.
The nuclear speckles protein SRRM2 is a new therapeutic target molecule on the surface of cancer cells
Authors: Kellner Markus , Hörmann Julia , Fackler Susanne , Yuanyu Hu , Tielin Zhou , Lin Lu , Ilik Ibrahim , Aktas Tugce , Feederle Regina , Hauck Stefanie M. , Gires Olivier , Gärtner Kathrin , Lietao Li , Zeidler Reinhard
Published: April 2024

The membrane composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) largely reflects that of the plasma membrane of the cell of origin. We therefore hypothesized that EVs are a source for the detection of hitherto unknown tumor-associated druggable target molecules. For this, we used EVs derived from cancer cell lines for an immunization of a rat. From this immunization, we obtained a monoclonal antibody specific for SRRM2, a protein involved in splicing a major component of nuclear speckles. Here, we used this antibody to demonstrate that SRRM2 is exposed at the surface of most cancer cell lines from various entities and, even more important, on cancer cells in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrate that SRRM2-specific CAR-T cells are killing SRRM2-positive cancer cells electively. Collectively, we identified SRRM2 as a promising new target molecule exposed on the cancer cell surface and show that our SRRM2-specific antibody can be used as a basis for the development of new targeted cancer therapies.
Resolving Challenges in Detection and Quantification of D-2-hydroxyglutarate and L-2-hydroxyglutarate via LC/MS
Authors: Dowdy Tyrone , Larion Mioara
Published: April 2024

D-2-Hydroxyglutarate and L-2-Hydroxyglutarate (D-2HG/L-2HG) are typically metabolites of non-specific enzymatic reactions that are kept in check by the housekeeping enzymes, D-2HG /L-2HG dehydrogenase (D-2HGDH/L-2HGDH). In certain disease states, such as D-2HG or L-2HG aciduria and cancers, accumulation of these biomarkers interferes with oxoglutarate-dependent enzymes that regulate bioenergetic metabolism, histone methylation, post-translational modification, protein expression and others. D-2HG has a complex role in tumorigenesis that drives metabolomics investigations. Meanwhile, L-2HG is produced by non-specific action of malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase under acidic or hypoxic environments. Characterization of divergent effects of D-2HG/L-2HG on the activity of specific enzymes in diseased metabolism depends on their accurate quantification via mass spectrometry. Despite advancements in high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HR-QTOF-MS), challenges are typically encountered when attempting to resolve of isobaric and isomeric metabolites such as D-2HG/L-2HG for quantitative analysis. Herein, available D-2HG/L-2HG derivatization and liquid chromatography (LC) MS quantification methods were examined. The outcome led to the development of a robust, high-throughput HR-QTOF-LC/MS approach that permits concomitant quantification of the D-2HG and L-2HG enantiomers with the benefit to quantify the dysregulation of other intermediates within interconnecting pathways. Calibration curve was obtained over the linear range of 0.8-104 nmol/mL with r2≥ 0.995 for each enantiomer. The LC/MS-based assay had an overall precision with intra-day CV % ≤ 8.0 and inter-day CV % ≤ 6.3 across the quality control level for commercial standard and pooled biological samples; relative error % ≤ 2.7 for accuracy; and resolution, Rs= 1.6 between 2HG enantiomers (m/z 147.030), D-2HG and L-2HG (at retention time of 5.82 min and 4.75 min, respectively) following chiral derivatization with diacetyl-L-tartaric anhydride (DATAN). Our methodology was applied to disease relevant samples to illustrate the implications of proper enantioselective quantification of both D-2HG and L-2HG. The stability of the method allows scaling to large cohorts of clinical samples in the future.
Creating coveted bioluminescence colors for simultaneous myriad-color bioimaging
Authors: Hattori Mitsuru , Wazawa Tetsuichi , Orioka Mariko , Hiruta Yuki , Nagai Takeharu
Published: April 2024

Bioluminescence, an optical marker that does not require excitation by light, allows researchers to simultaneously observe multiple targets, each exhibiting a different color. Notably, the colors of the bioluminescent proteins must sufficiently vary to enable simultaneous detection. Here, we aimed to introduce a method that can be used to expand the color variation by tuning dual-acceptor bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). Using this approach, we could visualize multiple targets with up to 20 colors through single-shot acquisition using a color CMOS camera. Overall, this method enables simple and simultaneous observation of numerous biological targets and phenomena.
Beauty premium: the impact of CEO facial attractiveness on corporate social responsibility
Authors: Wang Shiquan , Wang Xuantong , Li Qianlin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Face is the most intuitive and representative feature at the individual level. Many studies show that beautiful faces help individuals and enterprises obtain economic benefits and form a high economic premium, but the discussion of their potential social value is insufficient. This study aims to focus on the impact of the personal characteristics of executives. It mainly analyzes the impact mechanism of CEO facial attractiveness on corporate social responsibility (CSR) decision-making, clarifying the social value of beauty from the perspective of CSR.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the regression model to analyze the panel data set, which was conducted by a sample of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2016 to 2018.

Findings

The study found that CEOs with high facial attractiveness are more active in fulfilling CSR, which can usually bring higher social benefits. CEOs with beautiful faces are prone to overconfidence, are optimistic about their ability and the future development of the enterprise and are more willing to increase their investment in CSR. CEO duality can positively regulate the positive correlation between a CEO’s facial attractiveness and CSR.

Originality/value

Based on the perspective of upper echelons theory, this paper explores the mechanism of CEO facial attractiveness on CSR. This study enriches the perspective of the upper echelon’s theoretical research and has essential enlightenment for CEO selection and training practice.
A versatile plasma generation power supply featuring a multilevel converter for arbitrary waveforms generation
Authors: Álvarez Gariburo Ignacio Jesús , Sarnago Hector , Lucia Oscar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Plasma technology has become of great interest in a wide variety of industrial and domestic applications. Moreover, the application of plasma in the domestic field has increased in recent years due to its applications to surface treatment and disinfection. In this context, there is a significant need for versatile power generators able to generate a wide range of output voltage/current ranging from direct current (DC) to tens of kHz in the range of kVs. The purpose of this paper is to develop a highly versatile power converter for plasma generation based on a multilevel topology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a versatile multilevel topology able to generate versatile output waveforms. The followed methodology includes simulation of the proposed architecture, design of the power electronics, control and magnetic elements and test laboratory tests after building an eight-level prototype.

Findings

The proposed converter has been designed and tested using an experimental prototype. The designed generator is able to operate at 10 kVpp output voltage and 10 kHz, proving the feasibility of the proposed approach.

Originality/value

The proposed converter enables versatile waveform generation, enabling advanced studies in plasma generation. Unlike previous proposals, the proposed converter features bidirectional operation, allowing to test complex reactive loads. Besides, complex waveforms can be generated, allowing testing complex patterns for optimized cold-plasma generation methods. Besides, unlike transformer- or resonant-network-based approaches, the proposed generator features very low output impedance regardless the operating point, exhibiting improved and reliable performance for different operating conditions.
Linking faculty research output and activities to sustainable development goals: opportunities for metadata specialists
Authors: Nel Marguerite Alice , Makhera Pfano , Moreana Mabjala Mercia , Maritz Marinda
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although universities have extensive research and initiatives in place that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is still a significant gap in documenting and assessing these efforts. This paper aims to discuss how academic libraries can apply their information management skills and open-access platforms, to facilitate the discoverability and retrieval of evidence on SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduced by a brief literature review on the role of libraries in contributing to the SDGs in general, the authors draw on their personal experiences as metadata specialists, participating in a project aimed at linking their university’s research output to the SDGs. A case study, from the University of Pretoria’s Veterinary Science Library, is used as an example to demonstrate the benefits of resourceful metadata in organising, communicating and raising awareness about the SDGs in the field of veterinary science.

Findings

Through practical examples and recommended workflows, this paper illustrates that metadata specialists are perfectly positioned to apply their information management skills and library platforms to facilitate the discoverability and retrieval of evidence on SDGs.

Originality/value

Although there are increasing reports on the contributions of libraries to support the successful implementation of the SDGs, limited information exists on the role of metadata specialists, as well as those with a practical focus.
Outcomes for high-risk young people referred to secure children’s homes for welfare reasons: a population record linkage study in England
Authors: Wood Sophie , Williams Annie , Warner Nell , Hodges Helen Ruth , Cummings Aimee , Forrester Donald
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Secure children’s homes (SCHs) restrict the liberty of young people considered to be a danger to themselves or others. However, not all young people referred to SCHs find a placement, and little is known about the outcomes of the young person after an SCH or alternative placement. The purpose of this paper is to understand which characteristics most likely predict allocation to an SCH placement, and to explore the outcomes of the young people in the year after referral.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective electronic cohort study was conducted using linked social care data sets in England. The study population was all young people from England referred to SCHs for welfare reasons between 1st October 2016 to 31st March 2018 (n = 527). Logistic regression tested for differences in characteristics of SCH placement allocation and outcomes in the year after referral.

Findings

In total, 60% of young people referred to an SCH were allocated a place. Factors predicting successful or unsuccessful SCH allocation were previous placement in an SCH (OR = 2.12, p = 0.01); being female (OR = 2.26, p = 0.001); older age (OR = 0.75, p = 0.001); and a history of challenging behaviour (OR = 0.34, p = 0.01). In the year after referral, there were little differences in outcomes between young people placed in a SCH versus alternative accommodation.

Originality/value

The study raised concerns about the capacity of current services to recognise and meet the needs of this complex and vulnerable group of young people and highlights the necessity to explore and evaluate alternatives to SCHs.
Ranking and rating halal-certified restaurants in Malaysia: an application of AHP
Authors: Azam Md. Siddique E. , Ahmad Anis Najiha , Jaiyeoba Haruna Babatunde
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to measure the performance level of halal compliance practices by the halal-certified restaurants in Malaysia and rank and rate them based on several dimensions of halal compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 320 halal restaurants were surveyed. The absolute measurement approach of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to rank and rate the restaurants. Finally, ANOVA and independent t-test were applied to assess if there is any significant difference in halal compliance performance between different groups of the respondents.

Findings

The AHP application resulted in only 19 restaurants (5.94%) achieving an “Excellent” rating. A significant difference has been observed between different groups of the respondents regarding their halal compliance performance.

Research limitations/implications

An onsite audit and ranking of all the restaurants in Malaysia were beyond the scope of the study. The research was able to rank only 320 restaurants across Malaysia.

Practical implications

The findings and methodology of the study will provide policymakers with a clear roadmap for establishing a comprehensive rating system in the fields of the halal food industry to enhance the quality and integrity of the halal food management system.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time an empirical approach, like AHP, has been used to determine how Malaysia’s halal-certified restaurants stack up against one another. Similar studies can be carried out in other sectors of the halal industry as well as in similar context.
Assessment of halal blockchain in the Indonesian food industry
Authors: Vanany Iwan , Soon-Sinclair Jan Mei , Rahkmawati Nur Aini
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The demand for halal food products is increasing globally. However, fraudulent activities in halal products and certification are also rising. One strategy to ensure halal integrity in the food supply chain is applying halal blockchain technology. However, to date, a few studies have assessed the factors and variables that facilitate or hinder the adoption of this technology. Thus, this study aims to assess the significant factors and variables affecting the adoption of halal blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A Delphi-based approach, using semi-structured interviews, was conducted with three food companies (chicken slaughterhouses, milk processing plants and frozen food companies). The cognitive best–worst method determines the significant factors and variables to prioritise halal blockchain adoption decisions.

Findings

The results showed that the most significant factors were coercive pressure and halal strategy. Nineteen variables were identified to establish a valid hierarchical structure for halal blockchain adoption in the Indonesian food industry. The five significant variables assessed through the best–worst method were demand, regulator, supply side, sustainability of the company’s existence and main customers.

Practical implications

The proposed halal blockchain decision structure can assist food companies in deciding whether to adopt the technology.

Originality/value

This study proposes 19 variables that establish a valid hierarchical structure of halal blockchain adoption for the Indonesian food industry.
Towards definitive categories for online video game money laundering
Authors: Higgs James , Flowerday Stephen
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how best to classify money laundering through online video games (i.e. virtual laundering). Currently, there is no taxonomy available for scholars and practitioners to refer to when discussing money laundering through online video games. Without a well-defined taxonomy it becomes difficult to reason through, formulate and implement effective regulatory measures, policies and security controls. As such, efforts to prevent and reduce virtual laundering incidence rates are hampered.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes three mutually exclusive virtual laundering categorizations. However, instead of fixating on the processes undergirding individual instances of virtual laundering, it is argued that focusing on the initial locale of the illicit proceeds provides the appropriate framing within which to classify instances of virtual laundering. Thus, the act of classification becomes an ontological endeavour, rather than an attempt at elucidating an inherently varied process (as is common of the placement, layering and integration model).

Findings

A taxonomy is proposed that details three core virtual laundering processes. It is demonstrated how different virtual laundering categories have varied levels of associated risk, and thus, demand unique interventions.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first taxonomy available in the knowledge base that systematically classifies instances of virtual laundering. The taxonomy is available for scholars and practitioners to use and apply when discussing how to regulate and formulate legislation, policies and appropriate security controls.
Impact of digital transformation on supply chain efficiency: a parallel mediation model
Authors: Wang Jingmin , Cui Ligang , Xu Maozeng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

It becomes a strategic option for enterprises to upgrade and improve supply chain efficiency (SCE) by promoting the digital transformation (DT). This study formulated a parallel mediation model to analyze the relationships among DT, supply chain transparency (SCT), supply chain agility (SCA) and SCE to reveal how DT affects SCE through the mediation of SCT and SCA.

Design/methodology/approach

Three paradigms, i.e. resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capability view (DCV) and structure-conduct-performance (SCP) were employed to address the parallel mediation effects. A total of 392 questionnaires (samples) from the port-hinterland supply chain in the DT pilot project of New Land-Sea Corridor in western China were collected, which was then applied to formulate a structural equation model (SEM) to verify the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results confirmed the existences of parallel mediating effects of SCT and SCA between DT and SCE. On one hand, the direct effect of DT on SCE is not significant when SCT and SCE plays jointly impacts on DT and SCE. On the other hand, SCT and SCA play a positive parallel full mediating effect of DT on SCE.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributed to the literature on changing activities of SCE in DT processes. Specifically, it highlighted how DT leads to SCE via SCT and SCA activities. In addition, this study specified the conditions that the insignificant direct effect of DT has reflects on SCE, it is the time when SCT and SCE are jointly acting on DT and SCE.

Originality/value

By integrating insights from the RBV, DCV and SCP paradigms, this study clarified the mechanisms of DT on SCE, and provided insight on the role of SCT and SCA in the relationship between DT and SCE. The novelty of this study and the results extend the existing literature and provide implications for future research.
Implications of climate change for strategic management theory
Authors: Knott Paul
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose is to stimulate scholarship in the strategic management field that accounts for conditions implied by projected impacts of climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

Following conceptual logic, the article analyses how changes in the strategic environment brought about by climate change may challenge current strategic management theory. It develops avenues for theory development based on expanding the field’s scope and extending its limits of applicability.

Findings

The article highlights the extent to which the strategy field has evolved in a stable empirical context, despite its attention to dynamism and hence is less well aligned with potentially pervasive new pressures and impacts. It sets out a rationale for moving beyond symbolic environmentalism, possibilities to harness cognitive and behavioural insights, dilemmas in strategic innovation and the empirical potential of non-mainstream contexts.

Practical implications

Firms and organisations can expect widespread systemic effects from climate change that challenge established ways of operating. The article explores how strategic management could better support strategists in navigating these shifts such that firms can continue to thrive.

Originality/value

The article approaches the issue of climate change specifically from the perspective of strategic management of firms rather than as policy or social advocacy. It focuses on pressures and characteristics that distinguish climate change from other environmental and social impacts on firms.
Modelling the role of perceived marketplace influence and moral norms in organic food consumption: a moderated mediation approach
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Tripathi Vibhuti , Yadav Vibha , Ashesh Gaurav , Mehrotra Richa
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study seeks to explore why despite growing concern for the environment, consumers’ intention to purchase organic foods remains relatively low. In addition, the study also seeks to investigate the role of perceived marketplace influence (PMI) and moral norms in organic food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 330 young consumers chosen with non-probability sampling were analysed using structural equation modelling in Amos 22.0.

Findings

The results of the parallel mediation analysis confirmed that environmental concern influences purchase intention indirectly through attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and perceived marketplace influence. In addition, moral norms were found to moderate the effect of perceived behavioural control on purchase intention. Moreover, the results also indicated that the impact of environmental concern on consumers’ attitude toward organic foods was also moderated by moral norms. Further, the results of moderated mediation showed that the indirect effect of environmental concern on purchase intention (through attitude and perceived behavioural control) was moderated by moral norms.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the inconsistency between environmental concern and purchase intention. In addition, the study also investigate role of perceived marketplace influence and moral norms in stimulating organic food consumption intentions.

Practical implications

The emergence of perceived marketplace influence as an important determinant of organic food consumption shows that every individual needs to realise the importance of their environment friendly actions to promote organic food consumption. In addition, the study also highlights the pivotal role of moral norms in the promotion of organic food consumption. Thus, markets, policy-makers, family, friends, society all should promote and inculcate the spirit of contributing in the cause of safeguarding the environment to the young children specially by promoting consumption of organic foods.

Originality/value

The study examines the role of perceived marketplace influence as predictor of purchase intention towards organic foods which is rarely explored specially in the domain of organic food consumption. In addition, the results also produced some novel insights into the moderating role of moral norms.
Incorporating generalist seagrasses enhances habitat restoration in a changing environment
Authors: Hensel Enie , Patrick Christopher J. , Wilson Stephanie J. , Song Bongkeun , Reay William G. , Orth Robert J.
Published: April 2024

Coastal habitat‐forming species provide protection and essential habitat for fisheries but their ability to maintain these services are under threat from novel stressors including rising temperatures. Coastal habitat restoration is a powerful tool to help mitigate the loss of habitat‐forming species, however, many efforts focus on reintroducing a single, imperilled species instead of incorporating alternatives that are more conducive to current and future conditions. Seagrass restoration has seen mixed success in halting local meadow declines but could begin to specifically utilize generalist seagrasses with climate change‐tolerant and opportunistic life history traits including high reproduction rates and rapid growth.

Here, we built on decades of successful eelgrass (Zostera marina) restoration in the Chesapeake Bay by experimentally testing seed‐based restoration potential of widgeongrass (Ruppia maritima)—a globally distributed seagrass that can withstand wide ranges of salinities and temperatures. Using field experiments, we evaluated which seeding methods yielded highest widgeongrass survival and growth, tested if seeding widgeongrass adjacent to eelgrass can increase restoration success, and quantified how either seagrass species changes restored bed structure, invertebrate communities, and nitrogen cycling.

We found that widgeongrass can be restored via direct seeding in the fall, and that seeding both species maximized total viable restored area. Our pilot restoration area increased by 98% because we seeded widgeongrass in shallow, high temperature waters that are currently unsuitable for eelgrass survival and thus, would remain unseeded via only eelgrass restoration efforts. Restored widgeongrass had higher faunal diversity and double animal abundance per plant biomass than restored eelgrass, whereas restored eelgrass produced three times greater plant biomass per unit area and higher nitrogen recycling in the sediment.

Synthesis and applications. Overall, we provide evidence that supplementing opportunistic, generalist species into habitat restoration is a proactive approach to combat climate change impacts. Specifically, these species can increase trait diversity which, for our study, increased total habitat area restored—a key factor to promote seagrass beds' facilitation cascades, stability, and grass persistence through changing environments. Now, we call for tests to determine if the benefits of restoration with generalist species alone or in conjunction with historically dominant taxa are broadly transferrable to restoration in other marine and terrestrial habitats.
Factors affecting clinical outcomes of continuous and intermittent plasmapheresis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Hussein Eiman A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Acute hypertriglyceridemia is considered a category III indication for plasmapheresis. The use of plasma as replacement fluid (RF) has been suggested to replace the consumed lipoprotein lipase. Heparin when used as an anticoagulant could possibly release lipoprotein lipase, thereby increasing triglyceride clearance.

Methods

The impact of RF (albumin vs fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and anticoagulant (ACD‐A vs. heparin) on triglycerides following plasmapheresis in 27 patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) was investigated. A paired study of four patients with recurrent SHTG was conducted, evaluating continuous (Optia) versus intermittent flow plasmapheresis (Haemonetics).

Results

Shorter procedures positively impacted triglycerides (TG) drop post‐sessions p < 0.05. In albumin sessions, patients who used heparin demonstrated significantly greater drop in TG and required less sessions than did those with citrate p < 0.05. In heparin sessions, patients who used albumin demonstrated significantly greater drop in triglycerides and required less sessions than did those with FFP p < 0.05. Three of six patients who used FFP and heparin showed a triglyceride drop of 11.7% following three sessions and a 50% drop with one albumin session. Compared with Haemonetics, Optia removed comparable volumes of plasma in less time, processing smaller blood volumes and using less citrate p < 0.05. Patients demonstrated significantly lower drop in TG and required more sessions with Haemonetics than they did with Optia p < 0.05.

Conclusion

Shorter procedure was the main predictor for effective TG clearance. This can be achieved by continuous apheresis technology, particularly when using albumin as RF. TG removal via Optia seems to be optimized by using heparin.
Impact of artificial barriers on benthic macroinvertebrate functional diversity in estuarine ecosystems
Authors: Kim Min Kyung , Kim Myoung Chul , Suh Kyong In , Kim Dong Gun
Published: April 2024

Functional diversity research enhances our understanding of ecosystems and both their functioning and their responses to environmental variations. This study investigated the biological trait responses of benthic invertebrate communities to various environmental conditions in estuarine habitats. We analyzed benthic macroinvertebrate communities in freshwater and estuarine environments to compare their characteristics between estuary sites with and without artificial barriers. Moreover, we combined taxonomic analyses (species richness, abundance, and four community indices) with functional diversity indices and biological trait analyses. The major results are as follows: (i) the most important environmental factors shaping species distribution in estuarine habitats were salinity and electrical conductivity; (ii) comparing functional diversity indices, tidal estuaries revealed that seawater intrusion induced changes in species distribution and the dispersion of benthic macroinvertebrates; (iii) the presence or absence of artificial barriers in estuaries affected biological traits owing to the influence of specific functional strategies of certain species. Consequently, the presence or absence of artificial barriers in estuaries can lead to significant changes in habitat connectivity and functional diversity related to ecosystem functions. These findings indicate that the presence of artificial barriers can significantly influence the ecological dynamics of estuarine ecosystems, thereby affecting species distribution, functional diversity and habitat connectivity. Understanding these effects contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem functionings, as it complements existing taxonomic findings and integrates information about the functional aspects of diverse ecosystems.
Synergistic rosemary extract with TBHQ and citric acid improves oxidative stability and shelf life of peanut
Authors: Ma Ping , Wen Huiliang , Chen Xianxiang , Zhang Weidong , Rong Liyuan , Luo Yi , Xie Jianhua
Published: April 2024

Lipid oxidation often accompanies the processing and storage of peanuts, which causes a serious waste of peanut resources. To solve the problem of being prone to oxidation in peanut processing, a ternary complex antioxidant based on rosemary extract (RE) was constructed to investigate its effect on the oxidative and thermal stability of peanuts, and the inhibition of peanut oxidation by compound antioxidants was revealed by dynamic Arrhenius formula and complexation theory. The results showed that there was a synergistic effect between RE and Tert‐butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ), and the antioxidant effects of RE and TBHQ were 4.86 and 1.45 times higher when used in combination than when used alone, respectively. In addition, RE‐TBHQ‐CA (citric acid) effectively inhibited primary and secondary oxidation of peanuts with a shelf life 8.7 times longer than that of control peanuts. This study provides a novel antioxidant compounding idea, which has a positive effect on improving the quality of peanut and other nut products, prolonging the shelf life and reducing the waste of resources.

Practical Application

Compounding a complex antioxidant that permits its use in peanuts. It was found that rosemary and TBHQ might have synergistic antioxidant effects. Meanwhile, this combination of RE‐TBHQ‐CA effectively inhibited the oxidation of peanut oils and prolonged the shelf life of peanuts. RE‐TBHQ‐CA is a highly efficient complex antioxidant that can reduce the amounts of antioxidants added while maintaining high antioxidant efficiency, which may be useful for the future preservation and storage of nut products as it positively affects the quality and shelf life of the product.
Zirconium‐porphyrin‐MOF‐based oxidase‐like nanozyme with oxygen vacancy for aflatoxin B1 colorimetric sensing
Authors: Zhang Shengyuan , Li Hong , Xia Qinghai , Yang Dezhi , Yang Yaling
Published: April 2024

In this study, a porous coordination network zirconium‐porphyrin‐based nanoparticle with oxygen vacancies (OVs) was prepared using acetic acid and benzoic acid as modulators via a simple hydrothermal method. The presence of OVs was confirmed by various characterization methods and was found to enhance oxygen uptake and activation. This resulted in the generation of more reactive peroxyl radicals (•O2−) and led to an improved oxidase (OXD) mimetic activity. Additionally, it promoted 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) oxidation, with a low Km value of 0.07 mM and a high Vmax of 1.47 × 10−7 M·s−1. As aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) inhibits the Pt@PCN‐222‐ABTS nanozyme system, a colorimetric probe for AFB1 detection was constructed. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.074 µg·L−1. This research presents a novel approach for designing a nanozymatic‐based colorimetric method to analyze trace AFB1 residues in food.
Exercise capacity prior to major cancer surgery: A cross‐sectional observational study of the validity of the 6‐minute walk and 30‐second sit‐to‐stand tests
Authors: Butson Grace , Edbrooke Lara , Ismail Hilmy , Denehy Linda ,   The Centre for Prehabilitation and Peri‐operative Care (CPPOC)
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is the gold standard for measuring exercise capacity, however, it is resource intensive and has limited availability. This study aimed to determine: 1) the association between the 6‐min walk test (6MWT) and the 30‐s sit‐to‐stand test (30STS) with CPET peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and anaerobic threshold (AT) and 2) 6MWT and 30STS cut points associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study, retrospectively analyzing data collected from a tertiary cancer center over a 23‐month period. Measures included CPET VO2peak and AT, 6MWT and 30STS test. Correlations were used to characterize relationships between variables. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses determined 6MWT and 30STS cut points that aligned with CPET variable cut points.

Results

Note that, 156 participants were included. The 6MWT and 30STS displayed moderate correlations with VO2peak, rho = 0.65, p = 0.01 and rho = 0.52, p < 0.005 respectively. Fair correlations were observed between AT and 6MWT (rho = 0.36, p = 0.01) and 30STS (rho = 0.41, p < 0.005). The optimal cut points to identify VO2peak < 15 mL/kg/min were 493.5 m on the 6MWT and 12.5 stands on the 30STS test and for AT < 11 mL/kg/min were 506.5 m on the 6MWT and 12.5 stands on the 30STS test.

Conclusion

Both the 6MWT and 30STS test could be used as alternative tools for measuring exercise capacity preoperatively in the cancer setting where CPET is not available. A range of 6MWT and 30STS cut points, according to sensitivity and specificity levels, may be used to evaluate risk of postoperative outcomes.
Investigation of the quality and health literacy demand of online information on pelvic floor exercises to reduce stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Willburger Brydie , Chen Zhuoran , Mansfield Kylie J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Many women are embarrassed to discuss pelvic floor exercises with health professionals during pregnancy; instead they search the internet for information on pelvic floor exercises.

Aims

This project investigated the quality and health literacy demand in terms of readability, understandability and actionability of information available on the internet relating to pelvic floor exercises.

Materials and Methods

An analysis was conducted on 150 websites and 43 videos obtained from three consecutive Google searches relating to pelvic floor exercises. Websites were assessed for Health on the Net certification. Readability was assessed using a readability calculator, and understandability/actionability of website and video information was assessed using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) for Print or Audiovisual Materials.

Results

Less than one‐third (24%) of the websites were certified for quality. The median readability score for the websites was grade 9 and the websites and videos both rated highly for understandability and actionability. The median understandability score for the website information was 87%, and the median actionability score was 71%. The median understandability score of the video information was 95.5% and the median actionability score was 100%. The understandability and actionability of video information was also significantly greater than that for website information (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Clinicians could consider directing patients to video‐based resources when advising online pelvic floor exercise resources for women during pregnancy, especially those with lower health literacy.
The gendered costs of stigma: How experiences of conflict‐related sexual violence affect civic engagement for women and men
Authors: Koos Carlo , Traunmüller Richard
Published: April 2024

A common understanding emphasizes the destructive effects of conflict‐related sexual violence (CRSV) on social cohesion and community life. Stressing the agency of survivors, we present an alternative argument. Our theory predicts that survivors seek to counteract the stigma attached to CRSV by contributing to the community in the form of civic engagement. Drawing on three original surveys from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Liberia, and Sri Lanka and relying on list experiments to reduce underreporting bias, we find that survivors of CRSV indeed show increased levels of civic engagement. This civic effect is consistent across the three contexts and very likely causal. We also rule out an alternative mechanism based on posttraumatic growth and dispel concerns that increased civic engagement comes at the expense of decreased intergroup relations. However, looking at sex differences, our results are more sobering. While in line with our prediction, they do not support the optimistic notion that survivors' mobilization results in female empowerment and the closing of existing gender gaps in civic behavior. Our findings have important implications for our understanding of CRSV, the legacy of violent conflict, and the gendered nature of politics.
“Green peppers, tomatoes, and lemons, disunite!”: Feminist solidarity in times of wars
Authors: Hakyemez Serra , Yasak Ozlem
Published: April 2024

This article focuses on female bodies co‐laboring across the racial lines and academic‐activist divides to explore both the potentials and constraints of feminist solidarity in the hyper‐masculine and ultra‐nationalist normative order of the global war on terror. Anthropological studies have deconstructed phantasmatic narratives of the global war on terror by disclosing its racialized and classed structure. However, what remains understudied is how racialized female bodies are subjected to the biopower and necropower of this war. This ethnography concentrates on the feminist solidarity between Özlem Yasak and Serra Hakyemez, the coauthors of this article, which stretches over 13 years and moves between the colony and the metropole and the Global South and Global North. It examines how a Turkish academic and a Kurdish activist (both lower middle‐class women) forge, cultivate, and repair their comradeship as they move from an immigration office to their family house to neoliberal universities. Based on what we call the Other‐graphy as a new feminist method, this article argues that the global war on terror expands its reach as the humanitarian and neoliberal regimes of power recruit activists and academics to the fantasy of autonomous subjectivity posited against their possible political solidarity.