bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of uncertain stochastic processes
Authors: Korbel Jan , Wolpert David H.
Published: January 2024

Stochastic thermodynamics is formulated under the assumption of perfect knowledge of all thermodynamic parameters. However, in any real-world situation, there is nonzero uncertainty about the precise value of temperatures, chemical potentials, energy spectrum, etc. Here we investigate how this uncertainty modifies the theorems of stochastic thermodynamics. We consider two scenarios: in the scenario, we fix the (unknown, randomly generated) parameters of an experimental apparatus and then repeatedly observe (stochastic) trajectories of the system for that fixed apparatus. In contrast, in the (consistently with the effective scenario) scenario, the (unknown) apparatus is re-generated for each trajectory. We derive expressions for thermodynamic quantities in both scenarios. For the effective scenario, we also discuss the physical interpretation of entropy production (EP) and derive the mismatch cost. To illustrate this scenario, we also provide a numerical analysis of the thermodynamics of a quantum dot implementing bit erasure with uncertain temperature. We also analyze the protocol for changing the distribution over states in a way that maximizes work extraction, again in the effective scenario. Next, we investigate the effective thermodynamic value of information, focusing on the case where there is a delay between the initialization of the system and the start of the protocol. Finally, we derive the detailed and integral fluctuation theorems (FTs) for the phenomenological EP. In particular, we show how the phenomenological FTs account for the fact that the longer a trajectory runs, the more information it provides concerning the precise experimental apparatus, and therefore the less EP it generates. Our results provide a very preliminary investigation of the myriad issues that arise when one tries to expand stochastic thermodynamics to account for uncertainty in the parameters governing a physical process.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Butterfly-themed collectible African phonecards
Authors: Tavares Wagner De Souza , Silitonga Rani Uli
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Phonecards were largely used in African countries for telephone services. They have been collected by people around the world as a hobby. Images from several themes were printed in phonecards, including insects (beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, etc.). We hypothesized that the display of butterfly images in phonecards aimed to arise issues associated with butterfly endangerment and conservation status by protecting their natural habitat and/or butterfly beautifulness, and that they present “extinct” or “threatened” conservation status classification. The purpose of this study is to describe how butterfly images were used in African phonecards; to identify the butterfly species name through their images and information available in all African phonecards; and to record the most recent known geographical distribution and conservation status of butterflies.

Design/methodology/approach

Colnect database was assessed to identify all butterfly-themed African phonecards. International Union for Conservation of Nature database was also assessed to obtain information on the most recent known geographical distribution and conservation status of butterflies.

Findings

The species name of butterflies was identified from 6 out of 18 African phonecards. The most recent known geographical distribution of butterflies was wide across Africa and conservation status of most genera is classified as “least concern”.

Originality/value

The display of butterfly images in African phonecards is mostly associated with their beautifulness and least related with butterfly conservation, protection and endangerment status.
Unleashing innovation and agility: interaction between intellectual capital and supply chain analytics
Authors: Al-Omoush Khaled Saleh , Ribeiro-Navarrete Samuel , Palomo Maite , Jaspe Nieto Javier
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study explores the impact of intellectual capital on the adoption of supply chain analysis by manufacturing companies. The authors also examine the potential role of supply chain analytics in supply chain innovation and agility.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 268 managers and directors of Jordanian companies. The hypotheses were tested using the Smart PLS software.

Findings

The results reveal that human, structural and social capital significantly impact supply chain analytics. Moreover, the findings show that supply chain analytics significantly affect supply chain innovation and agility. In other words, cultivating intellectual capital is crucial for utilizing supply chain analysis to enhance performance in terms of innovation and agility.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature on the determinants of the adoption of supply chain analytics and its function in establishing the dynamic capabilities of businesses, including supply chain innovation and agility.
Indigenous healing practices in Bangladesh: does science think parallel to these or not?
Authors: Yesmin Shamima , Akhter Ayesha
Published: January 2024

Purpose

A shared set of moral standards, ethical principles and behavioral norms of social structure can be referred to as culture. Many health problems are strongly influenced by one’s cultural background. The purpose of the paper is to examine the scientific explanation of indigenous norms and practice of health healing.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study considered in-person interviews to know the Tribals’ indigenous healing practice in Bangladesh. A focus group discussion with five tribal students was conducted to form a baseline on Tribals’ norms, rituals and information-sharing behavior. Around 35 tribal students were interviewed to find out their healing practices, norms and rituals on health issues. All these practicing indigenous knowledge were documented instantly. Peer-reviewed scientific papers from renowned databases were searched to have scientific evidence on each case. All the studies having negative or positive evidence were mentioned with each case.

Findings

The findings showed more indigenous knowledge with scientific disagreements on health aspects among the Tribals’ health practice in Bangladesh. However, the positive impact of such knowledge is not negligible. Therefore, showcasing the scientific tribals’ indigenous knowledge to a global audience is a strong recommendation.

Originality/value

Health and health care-seeking behavior among the tribal population in Bangladesh is not a new area of research, few studies have focused on the context, reasons and choices in patterns of health care-seeking behavior; obstacles and challenges faced in accessing health-care provision in the tribal areas in the country. However, research attempts to show the relationship between ecological knowledge and scientific indication is new in nature.
Towards the measurement of stereotype threat: scale development and validation
Authors: Sultana Almaas , Farooq Rayees
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to develop a valid measure of stereotype threat.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 2,900 respondents from different occupational sectors, including managers, engineers and health-care professionals, was used for the present study. The data were collected from various government and private organizations in North India. The questionnaire survey was administered in three phases. During the first phase, 800 questionnaires were circulated, followed by 1,200 questionnaires in the second phase, and the third phase involves 900 questionnaires. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate nine dimensions, namely, occupational identification, occupational stigma consciousness, gender identification, gender stigma consciousness, religion identification, religion stigma consciousness, caste identification, caste stigma consciousness and negative effect of stereotype threat. The study ensures the reliability and validity of the stereotype threat scale. The measure also fulfils the assumptions of nomological validity.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of its kind to develop and validate the stereotype threat scale adhering to scale development procedures.
Foreign aid impact on the economic growth of the Western Balkans during 2009–2021
Authors: Hoxhaj Lir , Qehaja Driton
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of foreign aid in the Western Balkans countries’ economic growth between 2009 and 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a panel data approach to examine the effects of foreign aid on economic growth in the region and incorporates a random-effects model to accommodate the unique cross-country variations and time-specific factors, as well as a pooled OLS and fixed-effects model for a comprehensive, comparative analysis.

Findings

The in-depth regression analysis shows that foreign aid has not had a significant impact on the economic growth of the region. Further evidence suggests that trade openness exhibited a significant positive correlation with economic growth, while gross capital formation, although positively associated, did not significantly impact it, indicating the complexity of its role in the region’s economies.

Practical implications

The analysis presented in this study has significant practical implications, particularly for policymakers in the Western Balkans. Given the region’s ambitions for European Union membership and the challenges of high unemployment and inflation, understanding the role of foreign aid is crucial.

Originality/value

This research provides a unique contribution to the field of development economics by examining foreign aid effectiveness within the context of a region often overlooked in the literature. The analysis also offers fresh insights into the complex dynamics of foreign aid and its implications for policy and development strategies.
Visiting and revisiting destinations: impact of augmented reality, content quality, perceived ease of use, perceived value and usefulness on E-WOM
Authors: Madi Jude , Al Khasawneh Mohammad , Dandis Ala' Omar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to identify and analyze the key factors that impact the intentions of Jordanian tourists to visit and revisit destinations using the Jannah Jo app.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaires via Google Forms was employed comprising a sample of 401 Jordanian tourists who have the Jannah Jo app. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach was applied for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The present investigation has revealed that the constructs of perceived ease of use (PEU), perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived value (PV) exerted a significant and positive impact on electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). Additionally, e-WOM was observed to wield a positive and significant influence on the attitudes of consumers' decision-making, thereby ultimately affecting the intentions of Jordanian tourists with regard to their decisions to visit and revisit destinations. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the results indicated that neither augmented reality nor content quality exhibited any statistically significant positive relationship with e-WOM.

Practical implications

Tourism agencies striving to encourage the adoption of smart applications must grasp the relevance of e-WOM within the contemporary digital milieu. Additionally, they should acknowledge the significance of tourists' intentions concerning both revisiting and initial visits. This research contends that such agencies ought to take into account the substantial influence exerted by PEU, PU and PV in shaping the favorable e-WOM discourse.

Originality/value

By integrating the technology acceptance model in conjunction with other relevant variables, this research strives to develop a comprehensive model that advances the comprehension of the intricate determinants affecting tourists' engagements with mobile applications. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this study represents the initial investigation conducted in the Middle East, specifically in Jordan, on this subject matter.
Pathways to decarbonization, circular construction, and sustainability in the built environment
Authors: Calle Müller Claudia , Pradhananga Piyush , ElZomor Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The built environment is responsible for approximately 40% of the world’s energy consumption, 30% of raw material use, 25% of solid waste, 25% of water use, 12% of land use and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, environmental improvement and decarbonization are becoming increasingly critical objectives for the construction industry. Sustainable construction can be achieved through several practices, including: considering life-cycle assessment, circular construction, resource efficiency and waste management and providing eco-efficient materials, reducing energy demands and consumption and incorporating low-carbon technologies and renewable energy sources. To achieve sustainable construction goals, it is critical to educate the future workforce about decarbonization, circular construction and how to overcome the challenges involved in transitioning to sustainable construction. This study aims to understand the gap in student knowledge related to decarbonization and circular construction and the importance of incorporating these topics in civil engineering and construction management curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 120 undergraduate and graduate students at one of the largest minority-serving institutions in the USA to understand the gap in student knowledge related to decarbonization and circular construction as well as the importance of incorporating these topics in civil engineering and construction management curricula. The authors conducted several statistical measures to assess the consistency, reliability and adequacy of the sample size, including the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy, the normality test to evaluate the appropriateness of using an ordered probit regression analysis and a multicollinearity test to observe the correlation between independent variables. The data was analyzed using ordered probit regression analysis to investigate the need for a curriculum that serves in educating students about decarbonization and circular construction.

Findings

The results of this research highlight the gaps in students’ knowledge pertaining to sustainable practices and the importance of providing future construction workforce with such knowledge to tackle global inevitable challenges.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to sustainable construction bodies of knowledge by advocating for a reformed curriculum to prepare the future workforce and adopt less carbonized, more circular approaches within the engineering and construction industry.
Evaluation of the strain response of FRP partially confined concrete using FEM and DIC testing
Authors: Zou Yunfei
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the understanding of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) applications in partially confined concrete, with a specific focus on improving economic value and load-bearing capacity. The research addresses the need for a more comprehensive analysis of non-uniform vertical strain responses and precise stress–strain models for FRP partially confined concrete.

Design/methodology/approach

DIC and strain gauges were employed to gather data during axial compression tests on FRP partially confined concrete specimens. Finite element analysis using ABAQUS was utilized to model partial confinement concrete with various constraint area ratios, ranging from 0 to 1. Experimental findings and simulation results were compared to refine and validate the stress–strain model.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that specimens exhibited strain responses characterized by either hardening or softening in both vertical and horizontal directions. The finite element analysis accurately reflected the relationship between surface constraint forces and axial strains in the x, y and z axes under different constraint area ratios. A proposed stress–strain model demonstrated high predictive accuracy for FRP partially confined concrete columns.

Practical implications

The stress–strain curves of partially confined concrete, based on Teng's foundation model for fully confined stress–strain behavior, exhibit a high level of predictive accuracy. These findings enhance the understanding of the mechanical behavior of partially confined concrete specimens, which is crucial for designing and assessing FRP confined concrete structures.

Originality/value

This research introduces innovative insights into the superior convenience and efficiency of partial wrapping strategies in the rehabilitation of beam-column joints, surpassing traditional full confinement methods. The study contributes methodological innovation by refining stress–strain models specifically for partially confined concrete, addressing the limitations of existing models. The combination of experimental and simulated assessments using DIC and FEM technologies provides robust empirical evidence, advancing the understanding and optimization of FRP-concrete structure performance. This work holds significance for the broader field of concrete structure reinforcement.
The relationship between women's empowerment and staff turnover in the Egyptian hospitality labor market
Authors: ElSayed Sally Fathy , Salih Mohamed Mohamed , EL Shaer Noha Saad , Abed Mohamed Abdel Aziz
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Although the hospitality sector is considered the most active and profitable sector in the Egyptian economy, it suffers from the non-stop immigration of skilled manpower and the high rates of labor turnover. One of the apparent solutions for this problem that could be implemented is empowering Egyptian females to play an active role in the success of this sector. Females faced many obstacles while working in hospitality, including prevailing social perception, the culture of shame, the traditional negative view of feminine hoteliers, long working hours and the shift system, which led to weak females' desire to enroll in the hospitality field. The study aims to determine how empowering Egyptian women in the hospitality industry affects staff turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim of the study, a sample of four- and five-star resorts in Red Sea, Egypt, was under study. A self-administrated questionnaire was addressed to female hotel employees, and 140 forms were statistically analyzed in addition to 14 semi-structured interviews with hospitality experts.

Findings

The study recommends that hotels should start re-tailoring policies to activate Egyptian females' role in reducing the high rate of hospitality labor turnover through increasing their work engagement (WENG) (as a mediator) by adopting a decent work environment and motivating them to get promoted to hold senior positions.

Research limitations/implications

In spite of some noteworthy contributions, the authors would like to point out certain shortcomings. The sample was homogeneous, consisting of female hotels employees in Egypt, but the findings are generalizable to other Arabian communities. Nonetheless, the authors feel that they have supplied some suggestive evidence, even for the most careful reader who wants to further study these elements of working attitudes in the hotel business.

Originality/value

According to the authors' knowledge, this study is among the few studies covering females' reluctance to continue working in the hospitality field.
Identifying the nexus between financial stability and economic growth: the role of stability indicators
Authors: Kurtoglu Betul , Durusu-Ciftci Dilek
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the interrelationship between financial stability and economic growth with a comprehensive analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The panel Granger causality testing approach is carried out to the panels of the Fragile Five (F5) and the Group of Seven (G7) countries for the period 1998–2020. To capture the different aspects of financial stability the authors use eight different indicators.

Findings

The findings reveal some important implications: the relationship between financial stability and economic growth is sensitive to the financial stability indicators for both the F5 and G7 countries. The stability indicators related to the credit market contain much more causality relationship with economic growth than the indicators related to the stock market. Z-score and provisions to nonperforming loans (NPLs) are among the two variables with the highest causality relationship with economic growth. The least number of causality link is found for the Regulatory Capital Ratio and Stock Price Volatility in F5 countries and Credit Ratio, NPLs and Stock Price Volatility in G7 countries. Economic growth affects financial stability through credit market stability indicators and mostly for the F5 countries. No causal relationship is found for any of the financial stability indicators of Canada, the UK and the USA from economic growth to financial stability.

Originality/value

Since the linkages between financial stability and economic growth may vary due to country/group specific differences, apart from the previous studies, the authors select two different groups of countries in terms of financial stability and economic size.
COVID-19 and CFO performance: evidence of large and medium-size companies
Authors: Zimon Grzegorz , Salehi Mahdi , Kalateh Arabi Samaneh
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of financial managers of medium and large companies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used the data of 173 listed large and over-the-counter as medium-size companies from 2018 to 2021. The results of these tests have been analyzed using panel data and STATA 15 software.

Findings

The results showed that COVID-19 has no significant relationship with the return on equity in large and medium-size companies. This variable does not significantly affect Tobin’s Q index in medium-size companies either. Other financial indicators examined in this research have decreased considerably in all companies under the influence of COVID-19. Still, the intensity of this effect is different in large and medium-size companies. Funds from borrowings and Tobin’s Q ratios in medium-size companies compared with large companies have been more severely affected by the COVID-19 disease; the return on assets, book value to market value and large companies compared with medium-size companies have been more severely and significantly affected by COVID-19; and financing funds through the issuance of shares in large companies and medium-size companies have been affected by COVID-19 almost equally.

Originality/value

Despite the studies related to financial crises and their effect on the performance of companies, no research has examined the financial performance indicators during the outbreak of COVID-19 in large and small companies. Therefore, the results of this research can affect different groups: financial managers and the board of directors of companies to better understand the impact of the corona disease on the company’s performance; investors benefit from research results in line with investment decisions; developing theory and educational topics for the benefit of students and studying and conducting more experimental research in this regard; and the stock exchange organization and regulatory and support institutions need to find out the depth of the disaster and the effect of COVID-19 on the performance of companies.
Preparation and performance of self-healing polymer cement-based waterproof coating with ion chelator
Authors: Li Linghuan , Sun Shibin , Zhuang Ronghua , Zhang Bing , Li Zeyu , Yu Jianying
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a polymer cement-based waterproof coating with self-healing capability to efficiently and intelligently solve the building leakage caused by cracking of waterproof materials, along with excellent durability to prolong its service life.

Design/methodology/approach

Ion chelators are introduced into the composite system based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion and ordinary Portland cement to prepare self-healing polymer cement-based waterproof coating. Hydration, microstructure, wettability, mechanical properties, durability, self-healing performance and self-healing products of polymer cement-based waterproof coating with ion chelator are investigated systematically. Meanwhile, the chemical composition of self-healing products in the crack was examined.

Findings

The results showed that ion chelators could motivate the hydration of C2S and C3S, as well as the formation of hydration products (C-S-H gel) of the waterproof coating to improve its compactness. Compared with the control group, the waterproof coating with ion chelator had more excellent water resistance, alkali resistance, thermal and UV aging resistance. When the dosage of ion chelator was 2%, after 28 days of curing, cracks with a width of 0.29 mm in waterproof coating could fully heal and cracks with a width of 0.50 mm could achieve a self-healing efficiency of 72%. Furthermore, the results reveal that the self-healing product in the crack was calcite crystalline CaCO3.

Originality/value

A novel ion chelator was introduced into the composite coating system to endow it with excellent self-healing ability to prolong its service life. It has huge application potential in the field of building waterproofing.
Adoption of drone technology in construction – a study on interaction between various challenges
Authors: Sridharan Srividhya Raju , Malsane Sagar , Bhutada Govinda Shashikant
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the sequence of forces acting as barriers in the usage of drones in the construction industry using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). The usage of drones in the construction industry is brought out phase-wise with the help of literature and live cases. Barriers to the usage of drones in construction and steps to derive the interaction between them are described in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

The extraction of barriers to the usage of drones in construction is done through cases and supported by the literature. The identification of the interaction between the barriers is done through multi-criteria decision models, namely, ISM and Matriced Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement (MICMAC) and the results are presented in the form of a hierarchical structure. The paper highlights the potential for the usage of drones in every phase of construction across three stages of construction and eight different applications.

Findings

The findings on the interaction between barriers show that technical and research and development-related barriers have a higher driving power, ultimately influencing negativity among stakeholders in drone usage for construction. By analysing interrelationships between barriers, management can frame suitable strategies to adopt drone usage in projects. Awareness about the strength of certain barriers can help management take steps to mitigate the same.

Research limitations/implications

By analysing interrelationships between barriers, management can frame suitable strategies to adopt drone usage in projects. A major limitation is a restriction of the study area to the Indian subcontinent. However, the authors believe that the results can be applied across countries where drone technology is at the nascent stage.

Practical implications

Awareness about the strength of certain barriers can help stakeholders take steps to mitigate the same.

Social implications

The results of this research also give some inputs to the government’s drone policy for wider usage of drones in the construction industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, most studies on drones in construction industry bring out a list various challenges to their adoption. In this study, the authors have gone further to perform a hierarchical sequencing of barriers to drone adoption based on challenges faced in an emerging economy like India.
Evaluative judgement in practice education: How does the ability to judge the quality of work impact placement performance?
Authors: Nicola‐Richmond Kelli , Ward Natalie , Logan Sally , Lyons Nikki , Ajjawi Rola
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapy students need to be ready to work autonomously in a range of environments as soon as they complete their degree. Practice education experiences are considered key to students developing the competencies that autonomous work requires. To function autonomously in practice environments, it is argued that practitioners need to be able to judge the quality of their own work and the work of others. This is referred to as evaluative judgement. However, there is limited empirical literature relating to evaluative judgement and even less exploring the concept within occupational therapy.

Methods

This study used qualitative methods, seeking to understand the evaluative judgements of clinical practice made by third‐ and fourth‐year occupational therapy students during practice education.

Results

Twenty‐one interviews were conducted with third‐ (n = 10) and fourth‐year occupational therapy students (n = 1), university support staff supporting practice education (n = 4), and practice education supervisors (n = 5) at one Australian university. Practice education grades and documentation were also used as data. Data were analysed thematically, and two themes, each with three sub‐themes, were identified: students coming to understand expected standards, with the following sub‐themes: students attuning to cues, cues that inform supervisors about students' meeting the standards, and barriers and frustrations to understanding standards; and practising and developing evaluative judgement, with the following sub‐themes: making comparisons, acting on feedback, and reflective practice.

Conclusions

Practice education experiences provide many context‐specific opportunities for students to develop their evaluative judgement. Students may be supported to come to know what quality work looks like by offering scaffolded opportunities to develop evaluative judgement in university and practice education settings.
Growth, fiscal and welfare implications of trade liberalization in Africa: A macro‐micro modeling assessment of the Senegalese economy
Authors: Diallo Mariam Amadou , D'Haese Marijke , Buysse Jeroen
Published: January 2024

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been hailed as a key pillar and catalyst for economic growth, industrialization, and sustainable development in Africa. One of the anticipated benefits is the promise to increase intra‐African trade through the elimination of import duties and other tariffs among countries. However, due to the heterogeneity between the African countries, questions remain as to whether each country will benefit from tariff elimination. This paper aims to evaluate the macroeconomic, fiscal, and welfare consequences of import tax removal in Senegal with the rest of Africa. We link an extended version of the partnership for economic policy (PEP) static computable general equilibrium (CGE) model with a non‐parametric microsimulation approach. We calibrate the model with Senegal's most recent Social Accounting Matrix. The microeconomic model is calibrated using the latest Senegalese household consumption survey. The findings indicate that tariff removal from the rest of Africa has favorable economic, fiscal, and welfare impacts for Senegal. The paper suggests that it will lead to an increase in economic growth and investment. The removal of tariffs is expected to favor urban households over rural ones and leads to a modest decrease in income inequality, accompanied by a 3.36% reduction in the number of poor.
Pathological characteristics of lung tumors in Sri Lanka 2017–2021
Authors: Mathangasinghe Yasith , Wijayawardhana Sameera , Perera Udeshika , Punchihewa Ramani , Pradeep Saman
Published: January 2024

The prevalence of lung cancer is steadily increasing globally, and it is projected to become the second most prevalent cancer in men by 2030. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, accounting for approximately 3.61% of total fatalities. Despite its significant impact, many Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, lack precise data on the epidemiological patterns of lung tumors. This study pioneers a comprehensive exploration in Sri Lanka, delving into the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer patients. The study included 733 consecutive patients with lung tumors from 2017 to 2021, with a median age of 59 years. The most common site of tumors was the right lower lobe and left upper lobes. Adenocarcinoma was the most prevalent histopathological type of primary malignant lung tumors, while colorectal adenocarcinomas were the most common cause of metastatic deposits in the lungs. The most common benign tumor was hamartoma. Significantly, our findings unveiled associations between patient demographics and tumor types, underscoring the importance of factoring in age and gender in diagnostic assessments. Notably, the absence of a dedicated lung cancer screening program in Sri Lanka underscores the critical reliance on clinical suspicion and accurate diagnostic methods.
Successful treatment of xanthoma disseminatum with pulsed dye laser: A case report
Authors: Jung Jin Woong , Kim Joon‐Goon , Alwabel Albaraa Abdullatif A. , Jung Yeon Woo , Chung Kee‐Yang
Published: January 2024

Xanthoma disseminatum is a rare form of non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis with limited treatment options due to its unknown aetiology and diffuse skin lesions. This case report presents the successful treatment of a 31‐year‐old male with severe pan‐facial xanthoma disseminatum lesions following a facial burn and traumatic brain injury resulting from a car accident. After 5 sessions of monthly pulsed dye laser treatment, there was a clinically significant reduction in the lesions. Over the course of 3 years, the patient underwent a series of monthly pulsed dye laser treatments, and the lesions were almost cleared. These findings suggest that pulsed dye laser therapy may offer an effective treatment option for managing xanthoma disseminatum. This is the first report on use of the pulsed dye laser for treatment of xanthoma disseminatum.
Shoulder dystocia by severity in families: A nationwide population study
Authors: Rasmussen Svein , Ebbing Cathrine , Baghestan Elham , Linde Lorentz Erland
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have established a history of shoulder dystocia as an important risk factor for shoulder dystocia, but studies on shoulder dystocia by severity are scarce. It is unknown if shoulder dystocia tends to be passed on between generations. We aimed to assess the recurrence risk of shoulder dystocia by severity in the same woman and between generations on both the maternal and paternal side. We also assessed the likelihood of a second delivery and planned cesarean section after shoulder dystocia.

Material and methods

This was a population‐based cohort study, using data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. To study recurrence in the same mother, we identified 1 091 067 pairs of first and second, second and third, and third and fourth births in the same mother. To study intergenerational recurrence, we identified an individual both as a newborn and as a mother or father in 824 323 mother‐offspring pairs and 614 663 father‐offspring pairs. We used Bayesian log‐binomial multilevel regression to calculate relative risks (RR) with 95% credible intervals.

Results

In subsequent deliveries in the same woman the unadjusted RR of recurrence was 7.05 (95% credible interval 6.39–7.79) and 2.99 (2.71–3.31) after adjusting for possible confounders, including current birthweight. The RRs were higher with severe shoulder dystocia as exposure or outcome. With severe shoulder dystocia as both exposure and outcome, unadjusted and adjusted RR was 20.42 (14.25–29.26) and 6.29 (4.41–8.99), respectively. Women with severe and mild shoulder dystocia and those without had subsequent delivery rates of 71.1, 68.9 and 69.0%, respectively. However, the rates of planned cesarean section in subsequent deliveries for those without shoulder dystocia, mild and severe were 1.3, 5.2 and 16.0%, respectively. On the maternal side the unadjusted inter‐generational RR of recurrence was 2.82 (2.25–3.54) and 1.41 (1.05–1.90) on the paternal side. Corresponding adjusted RRs were 1.90 (1.51–2.40) and 1.19 (0.88–1.61), respectively.

Conclusions

We found a strong recurrence risk of shoulder dystocia, especially severe, in subsequent deliveries in the same woman. The inter‐generational recurrence risk was higher on the maternal than paternal side. Women with a history of shoulder dystocia had more often planned cesarean section.
Leaf litter weevil richness increases with elevation in a tropical–temperate transitional forest in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, northeastern Mexico
Authors: Villaseñor‐Amador Damián , Janda Milan , Rosas‐Mejía Madai , Sandoval‐Becerra Fatima Magdalena , Morrone Juan J.
Published: January 2024

We studied communities of leaf litter weevils along a 2000 m elevation gradient in El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, northeastern Mexico, an area where Nearctic and Neotropical biotas overlap. After achieving high inventory completeness (0.922 site sample coverage), we encountered 81 weevil morphospecies, of which 55 were known to be leaf litter specialists. The diversity of leaf litter weevils increased with elevation. Beta diversity across the elevational gradient was mostly explained by species turnover rather than nestedness. The interaction between forest structure (measured as median DBH of trees) and precipitation seasonality explained more than 20% of the variation in weevil species richness: weevil richness showed a negative relationship with tree DBH and was positively associated with low climate seasonality variation, characteristics of tropical montane cloud forests. In contrast with insect taxa such as ants and dung beetles, which attain their highest richness at lower elevations, leaf litter weevil richness peaked at 1600 m. These results suggest that most litter weevil species are highly associated with a particular elevation range and the overall pattern of richness increasing with elevation is probably the result of an association of many weevil species with tropical montane cloud forest habitats, which occur close to the top of the mountain.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Synthesis and anti‐inflammatory activity of novel firocoxib analogues with balanced COX inhibition
Authors: Xu Junde , Tang Keshuang , Ju Zhiran
Published: January 2024

The adverse effects caused by nonselective and selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors remain a challenge for current anti‐inflammatory medications. A balanced inhibition of COX‐1/−2 represents a promising strategy for the development of novel COX‐2 inhibitors. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of a novel series of firocoxib analogues incorporating an amide bond to facilitate essential hydrogen bonding with amino residues in COX‐2. The synthesized analogs were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against both COX‐1 and COX‐2 enzymes. Among them, compound 9d demonstrated potent and balanced inhibition. Inhibition of COX enzymes by 9d in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophages resulted in the suppression of the NF‐κB signaling pathway to reduced expression of pro‐inflammatory factors such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), COX‐2, nitric oxide (NO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The remarkable in vitro anti‐inflammatory activity exhibited by 9d positions it as a promising candidate for further development as a novel lead compound for inflammation treatment.
Mechanism analysis of Buyang Huanwu decoction in treating atherosclerosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Jiajun , Hu Min
Published: January 2024

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the main risk factors of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWT) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription that is used for treating AS. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the molecular mechanism of BYHWT in treatment of AS through network pharmacology and in vitro experiments. Molecular structure information and targets of core components of BYHWT were obtained from PubChem and UniProtKB databases. Genes involved in AS were obtained from DisGeNet, GeneCards and OMIM databases. The core targets of BYHWT in AS treatment were identified by protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis with STRING platform, and analyzed by gene ontology (GO) analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity between the core targets and the bioactive ingredients. HUVEC viability, inflammatory response and mRNA expression levels of core target genes were evaluated by cell counting kit 8 assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT‐PCR. A total of 60 candidate compounds and 325 predicted target genes were screened. PPI network analysis suggested that TP53, SRC, STAT3, and AKT1 may be the core targets. BYHWT in AS treatment was associated with 46 signaling pathways. GA120, baicalein, and 3,9‐di‐o‐methylnissolin had good binding affinity with core target proteins. Baicalein treatment could significantly promoted the viability and repress the inflammatory response of HUVEC cells stimulated by ox‐LDL. In addition, Baicalein can regulate the expression of core targets including AKT1, MAPK1, PIK3CA, JUN, TP53, SRC, EGFR, and ESR1. In conclusion, BYHWT and its main bioactive component baicalein, inhibit inflammatory response and modulate multiple downstream genes of endothelial cells, and show good potential to block the progression of AS and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases.
Triptolide restrains the growth, invasion, stemness, and glycolysis of non‐small cell lung cancer cells by PFKFB2‐mediated PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Ren Jiankun , Zhao Songwei , Lai Junyu
Published: January 2024

Triptolide (TP) has been found to have anti‐tumor effects. However, more potential molecular mechanisms of TP in the progression of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) deserve further investigation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and stemness were detected by cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay, and sphere formation assay. Cell glycolysis was evaluated by corresponding assay kits. 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐biphosphatase 2 (PFKFB2) expression was measured by western blot (WB), qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemical staining. PI3K/AKT pathway‐related markers were determined by WB. Besides, xenograft tumor model was conducted to evaluate the anti‐tumor effect of TP in NSCLC. Our results revealed that TP treatment suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion, stemness, glycolysis, and enhanced apoptosis. PFKFB2 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells, and its expression was decreased by TP. PFKFB2 knockdown restrained NSCLC cell functions, and its overexpression also eliminated TP‐mediated NSCLC cell functions inhibition. TP decreased PFKFB2 expression to inactivate PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002 also could reverse the promoting effect of PFKFB2 on NSCLC cell functions. In addition, TP suppressed NSCLC tumorigenesis by inhibiting PFKFB2/PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, TP exerted anti‐tumor role in NSCLC, which was achieved by reducing PFKFB2 expression to inactivate PI3K/AKT pathway.
Illuminating the landscape of sibling relationship quality: An evidence and gap map
Authors: Holmes Megan R. , Bender Anna E. , O'Donnell Kari A. , Miller Emily K. , Conard Ivan T.
Published: January 2024

This paper used an evidence and gap map (EGM) to advance the scientific understanding of sibling relationship quality among children aged 2 to 18 years by synthesizing literature on 277 empirical studies from 1985 to 2022 to delineate patterns of study design, sampling, and measurement. Most existing research has utilized majority of White, middle‐to‐upper class, and/or two‐caregiver family samples. Nearly 85% (n = 235) of studies used quantitative methods to measure sibling relationship quality across eight domains: conflict, warmth/affection, quality, cohesion, hostility, power/control, positive engagement, and conflict management. A total of 122 studies used a measure of sibling relationship quality as a predictor of sibling behavior, social, psychological, cognitive, health, or physiological outcomes. Future directions for research are discussed.
Behavioural evidence for enhanced olfactory and trigeminal perception in congenital hearing loss
Authors: Landry Catherine , Nazar Rim , Simon Marie , Genest François , Giguère Fanny Lécuyer , Lepore Franco , Frasnelli Johannes
Published: January 2024

Sensory deprivation, especially hearing loss (HL), offers a valuable model for studying neuroplasticity in the human brain and adaptive behaviours that support the daily lives of those with limited or absent sensory input. The study of olfactory function is particularly important as it is an understudied aspect of sensory deprivation. This study aimed to compare the effects of congenital HL on olfactory capacity by using psychophysical tasks. Methodological concerns from previous studies regarding the onset of HL and cognitive assessments were addressed. We recruited 11 individuals with severe‐to‐profound sensorineural HL (SNHL) since birth and 11 age‐ and sex‐matched typical hearing non‐signers. We used standardized neuropsychological tests to assess typical cognition among participants with SNHL. We evaluated olfactory functions by assessing olfactory detection threshold, odour discrimination and odour identification. Hearing‐impaired participants outperformed their typical hearing counterparts in olfactory tasks. We further evaluated the accuracy and response time in identifying and localizing odours to disentangle olfactory sensitivity from trigeminal system sensitivity. Participants with SNHL demonstrated higher sensitivity to both the identification and localization tasks. These findings suggest that congenital SNHL is associated with enhanced higher‐level olfactory processing and increased trigeminal sensitivity.