bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the barriers to the adoption of environmental economic practices in the construction industry
Authors: Aliu John , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Austin Odia Onoriode , Akanni Prince O. , Leo-Olagbaye Feyisetan , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Recognizing the importance of sustainable development, environmental economic practices have gained significant attention globally as effective measures to mitigate environmental degradation and promote resource conservation. Therefore this study identifies and evaluates the barriers hindering the implementation of environmental economic practices in the Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach, utilizing a well-structured questionnaire, was employed to collect data from construction professionals. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was utilized to assess the normality of the data, while the Kruskal-Wallis H-test was employed to investigate potential significant differences in opinions among various categories of respondents. Subsequently, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify underlying patterns and relationships within the collected data.

Findings

The top five barriers were: prioritization of short-term financial gain over long-term benefits, inefficient and unreliable energy supply systems, inadequate disposal and management of waste, insufficient funding and investment and high costs associated with sustainable construction practices. Furthermore, four critical clusters of barriers were revealed, which are regulatory-related, financial and economic-related, technical and logistical-related and knowledge-related.

Practical implications

These clusters can guide policymakers, industry professionals and educators in developing tailored strategies to overcome barriers within each specific category, fostering a more holistic and effective approach toward sustainable practices in the construction sector.

Originality/value

The findings of this study were compared with results from similar cases in Iran, China and New Zealand to provide a cross-cultural perspective on challenges faced by different regions. This comparative analysis aims to identify both commonalities and unique factors, contributing to a much deeper understanding of sustainable construction practices on a global scale.
Internet memes and social media marketing: a review of theories
Authors: Kamath Charunayan , Alur Sivakumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Several businesses have begun to use memes as part of social media marketing. Although memes have been independently explored through various theories, their use in social media marketing has not yet been explored. This study analyzes theories used to study memes and suggests popular marketing theories to do the same for memes in social media marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a mixed methodology. We used the Scopus database and the SPAR-4 protocol to gather, organize, and evaluate the literature. A bibliometric analysis was performed to understand the themes explored in the literature. Manual content analysis was performed to identify the theories used to elucidate study memes.

Findings

We profiled meme research through a bibliometric analysis. Relevance theory, Rhetoric theory, Theories of humor, Evolutionary theory, and the theory of conceptual blending are the most frequently used theories in meme literature. Furthermore, we found that the marketing theories used to study memes are limited.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will benefit academia, marketers, and social media managers by offering a comprehensive picture of theories used in meme research. It also suggests new avenues for conducting future research on memes based on identified theories.

Originality/value

This is one of the first known studies to employ both bibliometric and content analyses to review theories in meme literature. Furthermore, we suggest marketing theories and research questions to explain meme marketing.
Experimental studies on dynamic response of piezoelectric based hemispherical resonator gyroscope
Authors: Chabbi Pradnya , Gautam Diplesh , Rao Venkatesh Kadbur Prabhakar , Yenuganti Sujan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This work measures the performance characteristics of a hemispherical resonator gyroscope (HRG) and compares it with a numerical model.

Design/methodology/approach

This work we explore the optical and piezoelectric measurement methods to determine the resonant frequency of HRG. These experimental results are compared with their numerically obtained values. To explore the performance characteristics, the effect of varying actuation voltages on the sense mode displacement and the piezoelectric sensor output was studied in the absence of input angular rate. The structure was then subjected to range of angular rate signals, at a constant actuation voltage and the corresponding sensor response was analysed.

Findings

Experimental values of the resonant frequencies in drive and sense modes are found to be within 8% of the numerical results. The sensor output depicts a quadratic dependency on the applied angular rate, which is synchronous with the governing equations of the HRG. The experimental output is within 12% of that obtained numerically. The sensor is found to resolve upto 0.24 rad/s.

Originality/value

This work presents an in-house developed inexpensive measurement setup for static and dynamic characterization of mesoscale MEMS gyroscopes. The measurement setup can also be modified accordingly for measurement of other MEMS-based devices.
The interplay between stakeholder engagement and sustainability materiality assessment: a circular perspective
Authors: Gromis di Trana Melchior , Fiandrino Simona , Tonelli Alberto , Devalle Alain
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore the role of stakeholder engagement for the sustainability materiality assessment process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study develops a qualitative research approach based on a single case study. Triangulated data was collected from semi-structured interviews, sustainability reports and archival materials, and was analysed with a combined top-down and bottom-up coding procedure to generate explanatory categories.

Findings

The findings show that stakeholder engagement and sustainability materiality assessment are interconnected. Furthermore, the study highlights a circular perspective facilitated by three iterative mechanisms: sustainability interdisciplinarity, sense of belonging and cultural mindset.

Originality/value

Despite the extensive knowledge of stakeholder engagement regarding the practices and advantages, the understanding of its interplay with sustainability materiality assessment over time remains limited. Consequently, the research analyses the reciprocal relationship between stakeholder engagement and sustainability materiality in a circular way.
Reframing the image of older adults and advocating for their rights: the role of the older people’s association in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremichael Asadirew Zerihun , Teshome Abraham Zelalem , Kotecho Messay Gebremariam , Adamek Margaret E.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Older people in Ethiopia are a vulnerable group due to the lack of governmental and societal support. The absence of national social protection and the decline in family support contributes to older adults’ vulnerability, furthering a climate of ageism. This study aims to explore the role of the Ethiopian Elders and Pensioner's National Association (EEPNA) in reframing the image of older adults and advocating for their rights.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using multiple approaches: interviews with older adult members of EEPNA (n = 8), a focus group of older members (n = 7) and key informant interviews (n = 3). Narrative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Findings revealed that EEPNA plays a pivotal role in promoting access to services and advocating for older adults’ rights, offering capacity-building programs, supporting vulnerable older adults to gain access to secure incomes and strengthening the network of older peoples’ associations. Older participants noted that the government had not ratified the National Convention for Older People, creating a considerable challenge to the association’s efforts.

Practical implications

Stakeholders can advocate with and on behalf of older adults to enhance the societal view of older adults in Ethiopia and to promote policies to increase their access to needed resources.

Originality/value

Using a strengths-based approach, this study presents the perspectives of older adult advocates who are fighting to create awareness of the needs of vulnerable older people in Ethiopia and to advance their rights.
Pandemic shock, debt maturity structure and corporate performance
Authors: Wang Zhenshan , Feng Dandan , Li Chengcheng
Published: August 2024

We quantify the magnitude of COVID‐19 pandemic shocks based on a unique data set that describes the number of risk days for the urban areas in China, and empirically examine the mitigating effect of the firm debt maturity structure on its pandemic shocks. We find that extending debt maturity can mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic and contribute to firms' performance improvement. We further show that a longer debt maturity helps a firm to mitigate the maturity mismatch, to reduce debt financing costs, as well as to alleviate liquidity pressures. In addition, the mitigating effect of debt maturity on the shock is more significant among firms with a higher level of financial constraints and growth. Our study highlights the role of capital structure characteristics in withstanding external shocks.
Non‐executive directors and corporate risk‐taking: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Siyu , Lu Chao
Published: August 2024

This study empirically examines the relationship between non‐executive directors and corporate risk‐taking. The findings show that non‐executive directors could significantly improve the risk‐taking level of corporations. Non‐executive directors reduce corporate agency costs and alleviate financing constraints, thus promoting a corporation's risk‐taking level. Further research shows that the positive impact of non‐executive directors on corporate risk‐taking is weakened by being state‐owned, higher executive incentives, better external supervision, higher ownership concentration, higher management age and greater uncertainty in the external environment. Additionally, non‐executive directors appointed by both controlling and non‐controlling shareholders play a positive role in promoting corporate risk‐taking.
Linking demography and food consumption to project population growth and damage potential of Spodoptera frugiperda in India
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Sharma Prem Lal , Verma Subhash Chander , Sharma Deepika , Devi Manju , Sharma Nidhi , Sharma Priyanka , Thakur Shikha , Sharma Prajjval
Published: August 2024

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), identified as an invasive pest worldwide, has severely threatened agricultural production and food security in India. To formulate eco‐friendly integrated pest management strategies for S. frugiperda in its new invasive habitat, the basic knowledge about demographic parameters and damage potential of this pest is crucial. The effects of five host crops viz. maize (Zea mays L.), popcorn (Zea mays everta Sturt), sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) on the development and food consumption of S. frugiperda were examined. Population projection curves based on life table and consumption rates were drawn on different hosts using computer simulation.

The pre‐adult development of S. frugiperda was fastest on popcorn (28.02 days), maize (28.04 days) and sweet corn (28.31 days) but slowest on soybean (34.83 days). The highest net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and finite rate of increase were observed on maize. The feeding potential of S. frugiperda was also highest on maize. The maximum consumption of the sixth larval instar was observed on maize (19470.47 mm2) while lowest on soybean (9033.67 mm2). In the simulation period of 90 days, the fastest growth of S. frugiperda was expected on maize, popcorn and sweet corn while the slowest on soybean.

High larval and pupal survival recorded on the non‐maize hosts (sorghum and soybean) reflects that fall armyworm could be an obstacle in their production as well as in the success of maize‐soybean intercropping system. Simulations based on age‐stage, two‐sex life table could be helpful in predicting the most appropriate time for the pesticide application as well as augmentative releases of egg and larval parasitoids for the control of fall armyworm.
A 12‐month retrospective cohort study investigating the incidence and short‐term outcomes of e‐scooter injuries in regional Western Australia
Authors: Briotti Joshua , Sexton Luke , Robson John , Nasim Sana
Published: August 2024

Background

The rise in popularity of ride share e‐scooters has led to an increase in the number of e‐scooter injuries, with existing literature reporting increases in rates of admission by more than 350%. In April 2023, the Broome Shire signed a contract to provide 300 e‐scooters as part of a shared micro mobility platform. This study aimed to describe the demographics, clinical presentation and health system utilization of patients presenting with e‐scooter‐related injuries at Broome Regional Hospital (BRH).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study examined all e‐scooter‐related injuries presenting to BRH between April 1st 2023 and April 30th 2024. Patients with e‐scooter injuries described in their Emergency Department (ED) electronic triage records were included. Data was collected from chart review.

Results

A total of 190 patients were identified as having sustained an e‐scooter injuries over the 12‐month trial period. The median age was 26 years with equal numbers of males and females. Most injuries occurred between 6 pm and 12 am (28%) with 53% of patients reporting being intoxicated, while 75% were not wearing a helmet. Almost all patients (80%) were managed in the emergency department because of the low severity of their injuries. Of the remaining patients, 22 were admitted, with 16 transferred for tertiary‐level operative management.

Conclusion

The introduction of e‐scooters for shared micromobility represents a new cause of trauma related presentations to BRH. Our study's results have raised awareness regarding the incidence and severity of electric scooter injuries in Broome.
Postpartum perineal pain and its association with sub‐classified second‐degree tears and perineal trauma—A follow‐up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Edqvist Malin , Ajne Gunilla , Teleman Pia , Tegerstedt Gunilla , Rubertsson Christine
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Postnatal perineal pain is prevalent following childbirth and can impact women both physically and emotionally. The aim of the study was to study the effect of collegial midwifery assistance on perineal pain and pain medication 1 month after birth and to investigate the associations between the type of tear and perineal pain, satisfaction with healing, and resumption of intercourse.

Material and Methods

A follow‐up questionnaire was sent 1 month postpartum to women with a first spontaneous vaginal birth participating in a randomized controlled trial (Oneplus trial). Data were collected from December 2019 to May 2020. Differences in perineal pain between women attended by one or two midwives were analyzed according to intention‐to‐treat using bivariate analyses. Associations between the type of tear and perineal pain, satisfaction with healing, and resumption of sexual intercourse were investigated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. The category no tear/first‐degree tear was compared separately to each of the other tear categories. Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03770962.

Results

Out of 2233 women, 1762 responded within 30–60 days postpartum. Of women in the no tear/first‐degree tear category, 27.7% reported perineal pain during the past week, in contrast to women with OASI, where 64.2% reported perineal pain. Women with OASI experienced the highest odds of perineal pain (aOR 4.51, 95% CI 2.72–7.47) compared to those with no tear/first‐degree tear, followed by women with major second‐degree tears (aOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.45–2.41), women with an episiotomy (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.11–2.87), and those with minor second‐degree tears (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.06–1.94). Women with episiotomy reported the highest odds ratios for dissatisfaction with tear healing (aOR 3.48, 95% CI 1.92–6.31). No significant differences in perineal pain and pain medication were observed between women allocated to collegial midwifery assistance and those allocated to standard care.

Conclusions

Women with OASI reported the highest odds of perineal pain 30–60 days after birth compared to women with no tear or first‐degree tear, followed by women with major second‐degree tears. Women subjected to an episiotomy reported highest odds ratios of dissatisfaction with tear healing.
Behavioral reasoning theory perspectives on voluntary social insurance: The roles of collectivism and long‐term orientation
Authors: Hien Nguyen Ngoc , Liem Vo Tan , Ghi Tran Nha
Published: August 2024

Voluntary social insurance is part of Vietnam's social security system, aimed at stabilizing the lives of laborers, ensuring their safety and lifelong quality of life. To motivate workers to engage in voluntary social insurance, it is necessary to have a thorough comprehension of the fundamental factors that influence their behavioral intentions. Accordingly, this current study expands the framework of behavioral reasoning theory to assess consumers' intentions to purchase social insurance. The authors suggest an expanded behavioral reasoning model that includes the cultural values of consumers, specifically collectivism and long‐term orientation. The proposed model underwent testing through the utilization of structural equation modeling with a sample size of 518 individuals who expressed interest in voluntary social insurance in Vietnam. The findings of this study indicate that behavioral reasoning theory is suitable for explaining intentions to purchase voluntary social insurance, where behavioral intentions are influenced by “reasons for,” “reasons against,” and consumers' attitudes. Furthermore, the cultural values of consumers have an important effect on shaping their perceptions and attitudes towards voluntary social insurance. Therefore, this study has significant ramifications for individuals responsible for making decisions and creating policies who are interested in obtaining a more profound comprehension of consumer intentions about voluntary social insurance.
Using photovoice method to analyze student lives in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A case study Binh Duong province, Viet Nam
Authors: Vu Le Anh
Published: August 2024

Globally, the COVID‐19 epidemic had significantly influenced people's lives. In Vietnam, during the pandemic, we had implemented various safeguards to protect our lives. This article explores student's experiences in the COVID‐19 epidemic in Binh Duong, Vietnam. Eight students were recruited, and they enrolled in the same social work class. By using photovoice as a participatory method, 13 images were collected and illustrated their lives during COVID‐19. Research findings show that Vietnamese students faced many difficulties. These included Online learning experiences: Insufficient educational equipment; volunteer engagement for the community; memorable experiences when participants were in the “three on the spot”; increasing trauma in life; and returning to normal as a new life. This study sheds light on the multifaceted impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on student life, emphasizing the importance of adaptive learning strategies, support systems, and the value of resilience and community engagement in overcoming challenges.
Analyzing child health and water, sanitation, hygiene facilities in Punjab, Pakistan: A multilevel and spatial approach
Authors: Hussain Muhammad Munawar , Iqbal Asim , Abbas Syed Jaffar
Published: August 2024

The health and well‐being of children can be achieved through access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices. The current study investigates the effect of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) on health outcomes using the multiple indicator cluster surveys (MICS) data. The household‐level and district‐level determinants of child health are analyzed using logistic regression models and multilevel logistic regression models. The results indicate that there are significant relationships between water availability, sanitation facilities, hygiene practices, and health outcomes. Access to clean water, an increase in sanitation facilities, and proper hygiene have a significant positive relationship with child health. Better access to clean water enhances children's well‐being. The level of parental education, household head dynamics, and WASH indicators at the district level also have a significant relationship with child health. The bivariate Local Moran's I analysis of child health and WASH facilities shows positive spatial autocorrelation (0.441). It also identifies the districts with significant high–high and low–low clustering patterns. This study contributes to achieving SDGs 3 and 6 to develop policies, programs, and future‐based solutions to promote the health and well‐being of children in Punjab and other similar areas.
Unveiling injustice: Disrupting child removal policies and upholding breastfeeding: An emancipatory framework
Authors: Peek Amanda , Hamilton Sharynne , Atchan Marjorie , Jojo Natasha , Northam Holly
Published: August 2024

Before colonization, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities had nurturing, holistic, and communitarian approaches that promoted extended and healthy lives for their children. Colonization, marked by policies of genocide and assimilation, has resulted in an alarming overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under the care of child protection agencies, resulting in compromised health outcomes and reduced life expectancies. We are conducting a study designed to enhance positive developmental outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by articulating and enabling the rights of mothers and children to breastfeed in the context of a child protection intervention and child removal. To understand and address this problem, it is critical to implement culturally safe, de‐colonized, emancipatory research that is guided by and benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This article presents an emancipatory framework that we are applying to our study using an Aboriginal participatory action research approach, that serves as a guide for non‐Indigenous researchers seeking to conduct research with Indigenous communities. We emphasize the importance of incorporating an Aboriginal participatory action research framework, using community consultation and codesign; culturally secure data collection methods, and paying attention to Indigenous data sovereignty. Developing trusting respectful relationships is conducive to knowledge acquisition, exchange, and use, when research approaches deeply rooted in community involvement are applied. A call to action by the critical midwifery studies collective, urges non‐Indigenous researchers to become accountable allies that demonstrates respect for community leadership while actively striving to ensure research does not perpetuate further harm, and produces effective change. This article provides an overview of ways to conduct ethical emancipatory research with Indigenous participants, that is, of benefit to midwifery practitioners and is applicable to many areas of research, policy, and practice.
Surgical cystectomy training using human cadavers embalmed using Thiel's method: a pilot study
Authors: Jaeger Dariya , Maghaireh Omar , Shaleva Andriy , Mohammed Nasreldin , Hinrichs Eric , Schumann Sven , Reiss Gebhard , Feigl Georg , Abol‐Enein Hassan , Hautmann Richard
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To develop the use of Thiel soft embalmed human cadavers (TeC) in open radical cystectomy (ORC) training for the first time, to investigate the effect of cadaveric training on surgical trainees' technical skills/performance and to determine how trainees perceive the use of cadaveric workshops.

Methods

A 3‐day hands‐on workshop was organised. Ten trainees performed ORC on five TeC, supervised by five experts. Feedback from trainees and mentors was evaluated on a five‐point Likert scale. All procedures were completed in a fully equipped surgical environment and complied with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results

The workshop participants evaluated the anatomical and manipulation characteristics of the TeC as similar to real‐life conditions. The colour and consistency of the urethra and ureter differed little from those in live patients. The trainees stated that the TeC were beneficial for learning the stages of ORC and urinary diversion (UD), while their self‐confidence increased. In terms of realism, all steps of radical cystectomy (RC) were rated 4 out of 5 or higher on the Likert scale by both trainees and faculty.

Conclusions

The use of TeC for RC und UD was perceived as favourable by trainees and faculty. The TeC demonstrated a surprising ability to mimic real‐life anatomy and represent a new and effective surgical training tool.
Diagnostic and management challenges in paediatric Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Joshi Kriti , Taliou Anna , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Cushing syndrome (CS) is the result of chronic exposure to glucocorticoid excess. CS in children is most often caused by the administration of exogenous steroids. Endogenous CS is rare in the paediatric population and is caused mainly by tumours of the pituitary and adrenal glands, with ectopic sources being extraordinarily rare before the age of 18 years. In addition, children and young adults with CS present with different epidemiology, management issues, prognosis and outcomes than older adult patients. This complex disorder needs early diagnosis and management to avoid the significant morbidity and even mortality that can result from chronic untreated CS.

Methods

In this review, we present the complex case of a 7‐year‐old boy with CS that highlights the diagnostic and management challenges of paediatric CS patients, including the considerations for genetic predisposition and life‐long consequences of CS in children and young adults.

Results

The diagnostic protocols for the evaluation of CS have been devised for adults and tested predominantly on adults. In this review, we discuss necessary modifications so that the testing can be adjusted for use in children. Additionally, pituitary adenomas in children are generally smaller and thus more difficult to recognize on pituitary imaging.

Conclusions

The management of the case and its complexities underline the need for children with CS to be managed in a centre with experienced paediatric endocrinologists and skilled neurosurgeons both for their initial diagnosis and treatment as well as for their long‐term follow‐up and management.
Irony, Tragedy, Deception
Authors: Currie Gregory
Published: August 2024

Two theories dominate the current debate over the nature of verbal irony: the pretence theory and the echoic theory. It is common ground in this debate that irony is sometimes both echoic and enacted through pretence; my concern here is with such cases. I ask how these features interact with each other within a form of irony that has not so far been the focus of theoretical attention: hidden or deceptive irony. This enables us to see that interesting cases of verbal irony often target an outlook or point of view rather than some real or imagined prior utterance. This, in turn, suggests a move from the idea of echoic irony to irony which invokes a defective outlook. Using the tools constructed thus far, I focus on an exchange in Euripides' Medea, indicating how deceptive verbal irony gives rise to situations of dramatic irony, and provides a showcase for exhibitions of mastery by characters otherwise lacking control of their situations. I ask whether such instances of deceptive irony encourage audience members to see themselves as side‐participants in the dramas they witness. The question has an empirical aspect we are in no good position to answer; I offer a version of the idea which has at least the merit of not falling victim to obvious philosophical objections.
The “dark side” of smart contracts: A contract theory perspective
Authors: Vatiero Massimiliano
Published: August 2024

Smart contracts govern transactions using the blockchain as the enforcing medium. They may be a cheaper form of governance of transactions compared to traditional contracts, the hierarchy of firms, and relational contracts. However, I argue that smart contracts do not eliminate transaction costs; rather, they can increase them, particularly when considering the issue of ex‐post efficiency‐enhancing adaptation. Thus, while smart contracts offer a new theoretical and practical way to govern transactions, they are not without challenges and limitations.
CATcAFSMs: Context‐based adaptive trust calculation for attack detection in fog computing based smart medical systems
Authors: Nawaz Alishba , Iqbal Waseem , Altaf Ayesha , Almjally Abrar , AlSagri Hatoon , Alabdullah Bayan
Published: August 2024

Fog's basic distributed nature and ability to process data in transit—that is, to make decisions in real time—make it a good fit for scenarios involving several distributed devices that need to communicate, provide real‐time data analysis, and carry out storage functions. The majority of fog computing applications are driven by the user's demands and/or their desire for functioning services, either neglecting or giving security considerations second attention. Fog computing security issues have not received enough attention. Fog computing could be exploitable due to the security difficulties associated with cloud computing. Due to its flexibility to function near the end user and independence from a centralized design, fog computing provides the dependability required by time‐sensitive smart healthcare systems. There is a need for enhanced security and privacy solutions for fog computing, where trust is essential, due to the importance of healthcare data. This research aims to develop a context‐based adaptive trust solution for the smart healthcare environment utilizing Bayesian approaches and similarity measures against bad mouthing and ballot stuffing, while context‐dependent trust solutions for fogs remain an unexplored area of study. The proposed trust model has been simulated in Contiki‐Cooja to evaluate our findings. In contrast to static weighting, adaptive weights are provided to direct and indirect trust using entropy values that ensure the least degree of trust bias, and context similarity calculations eliminate recommender nodes with malicious intent by leveraging server, colleague, and service similarities. The proposed model protects smart healthcare systems from attacks using similarity metrics, incorporates context, and also uses adaptive weighting for trust calculation. By eliminating trust bias and also detecting attacks, this solution enhances the trust calculation by 10% as compared to the previous solution. This paradigm is efficient due to its small trust computation overhead and linear complexity O(n).
Controls on authigenic mineralization in experimental Ediacara‐style preservation
Authors: Slagter Silvina , Konhauser Kurt O. , Briggs Derek E. G. , Tarhan Lidya G.
Published: August 2024

The earliest evidence of complex macroscopic life on Earth is preserved in Ediacaran‐aged siliciclastic deposits as three‐dimensional casts and molds, known as Ediacara‐style preservation. The mechanisms that led to this extraordinary preservation of soft‐bodied organisms in fine‐ to medium‐grained sandstones have been extensively debated. Ediacara‐style fossilization is recorded in a variety of sedimentary facies characterized by clean quartzose sandstones (as in the eponymous Ediacara Member) as well as less compositionally mature, clay‐rich sandstones and heterolithic siliciclastic deposits. To investigate this preservational process, we conducted experiments using different mineral substrates (quartzose sand, kaolinite, and iron oxides), a variety of soft‐bodied organisms (microalgae, cyanobacteria, marine invertebrates), and a range of estimates for Ediacaran seawater dissolved silica (DSi) levels (0.5–2.0 mM). These experiments collectively yielded extensive amorphous silica and authigenic clay coatings on the surfaces of organisms and in intergranular pore spaces surrounding organic substrates. This was accompanied by a progressive drawdown of the DSi concentration of the experimental solutions. These results provide evidence that soft tissues can be rapidly preserved by silicate minerals precipitated under variable substrate compositions and a wide range of predicted scenarios for Ediacaran seawater DSi concentrations. These observations suggest plausible mechanisms explaining how interactions between sediments, organic substrates, and seawater DSi played a significant role in the fossilization of the first complex ecosystems on Earth.
Micro/nanoplastics pollution poses a potential threat to soil health
Authors: Chen Li , Qiu Tianyi , Huang Fengyu , Zeng Yi , Cui Yongxing , Chen Jing , White Jason C. , Fang Linchuan
Published: August 2024

Micro/nanoplastic (MNP) pollution in soil ecosystems has become a growing environmental concern globally. However, the comprehensive impacts of MNPs on soil health have not yet been explored. We conducted a hierarchical meta‐analysis of over 5000 observations from 228 articles to assess the broad impacts of MNPs on soil health parameters (represented by 20 indicators relevant to crop growth, animal health, greenhouse gas emissions, microbial diversity, and pollutant transfer) and whether the impacts depended on MNP properties. We found that MNP exposure significantly inhibited crop biomass and germination, and reduced earthworm growth and survival rate. Under MNP exposure, the emissions of soil greenhouse gases (CO2, N2O, and CH4) were significantly increased. MNP exposure caused a decrease in soil bacteria diversity. Importantly, the magnitude of impact of the soil‐based parameters was dependent on MNP dose and size; however, there is no significant difference in MNP type (biodegradable and conventional MNPs). Moreover, MNPs significantly reduced As uptake by plants, but promoted plant Cd accumulation. Using an analytical hierarchy process, we quantified the negative impacts of MNP exposure on soil health as a mean value of −10.2% (−17.5% to −2.57%). Overall, this analysis provides new insights for assessing potential risks of MNP pollution to soil ecosystem functions.
Ultrasound‐assisted conjugation of Moringa proteins with gallic acid: characterisation of structural and techno‐functional properties
Authors: Zulfiqar Aliza , Imran Muhammad , Ahmad Muhammad Haseeb , Sablani Shyam S. , Khan Muhammad Kamran
Published: August 2024

In this study, ultrasound‐assisted covalent binding method, free radical‐induced method, was used to prepare Moringa protein isolate (MPI) – gallic acid conjugates (MPI‐GAC) to examine the improvement of the sonication application. Additionally, the influence of polyphenol conjugation on functional and structural attributes of MPI was assessed thru spectral analysis, scanning electron microscopy, antioxidant activity, emulsification, foaming, and water and oil holding properties. The enhanced value of grafted polyphenol species was observed after introducing ultrasound treatment during free radical mediation process. The structural changes in protein by gallic acid conjugation were confirmed by using FT‐IR which illustrated the modification in MPI‐GAC with modified peak width of the amide‐I band. Scanning electron microscopy also showed a significant difference in the structure of MPI and MPI‐GAC. The grafting of gallic acid onto MPI directed under ultrasound‐assisted conditions conferred distinctive functional characteristics, containing elevated emulsification capacity (51.4 mg mL−1) along with enhanced water and oil holding capacity by 2.07 and 5.11 g g−1, respectively. Furthermore, conjugation also increased the protein solubility 89.3–97.6% and significant trend (68.04–88.06%) of antioxidant capacity was observed by increasing the concentration. The findings of this research work offer new insights on the effective fabrication of MPI‐GAC with multifaceted functionalities, thus broadening the scope and possibilities of high‐value Moringa seed protein.
Influence of high‐sulfur fly ash on the microstructure and properties of magnesium phosphate cement
Authors: Du Jiaheng , Sun Weiwei , Xin Yujie , Tao Rui , Hu Xiaoxia , Wang Pan , Hou Dongshuai
Published: August 2024

Using fly ash (FA) to modify magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) not only extends setting time and enhances MPC performance but also reduces costs. Currently, high‐quality FA is predominantly used, whereas the accumulation of low‐quality FA poses challenges for waste management and environmental protection. This study focuses on low‐quality FA with excessive sulfur content. Initially, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy was employed to select two types of FA with SO3 contents of 1.06% and 6.07%. FA replaced magnesium oxide in equal mass to prepare FA/MPC composite cementitious materials. The composite materials were studied for hydration heat, phase composition, infrared spectroscopy, mechanical properties, and microscopic morphology to explore SO3’s impact on MPC hydration processes, microstructure, and properties. The findings indicate that adding FA effectively dilutes reactants, extending setting time from 7 to 17 min and 18 min, aiding construction operations. In the FA/MPC composite cementitious materials, MPC hydration, along with FA's synergistic hydration, forms a new hydration product MgSiO3, improving material density and mechanical strength post‐hardening. Excessive SO3 in high‐sulfur FA accelerates MgO decomposition, providing ample Mg2+ for K‐struvite synthesis, promoting MPC hydration, and transforming K‐struvite from amorphous to crystalline, enhancing material strength.
Treatment of psoriasis with biologic and non‐biologic targeted therapies in patients with latent tuberculosis infection or at risk for tuberculosis disease progression: Recommendations from a SPIN‐FRT expert consensus
Authors: Torres T. , Brembilla N. C. , Langley R. G. , Warren R. B. , Thaçi D. , Kolios A. G. A. , Prinz J. C. , Londono‐Garcia A. , Nast A. , Santin M. , Goletti D. , Abreu M. , Spuls P. , Boehncke W. H. , Puig L.
Published: August 2024

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a significant global health problem. In immunocompetent individuals, the microorganism can remain in a latent, non‐contagious form, however, it may become active under conditions of immunosuppression. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, which are frequently used for the management of immune‐mediated disorders like psoriasis, have been associated with a significantly increased risk of reactivating latent TB. Consequently, international guidelines recommend TB screening and preventive treatment before starting anti‐TNF therapy. These recommendations have extended to IL‐12/23, IL‐17, IL‐23 and TYK2 inhibitors under a caution principle, despite their different mechanisms of action. However, current evidence suggests that some of these agents are arguably not associated with an increased risk of TB reactivation or development of TB disease after infection, which calls for a critical reassessment of these guidelines. We have conducted a literature search evaluating the risk of TB reactivation associated with these innovative therapies, integrating findings from both randomized clinical trials and real‐world evidence. The identified evidence is limited but the low number of identified cases of reactivation with IL‐17 and IL‐23 inhibitors prompts reconsidering the need for preventive treatment for latent TB in all cases, regardless of biologic class or individual patient's risk of TB reactivation or drug toxicity. This review, along with the clinical insight of a panel of experts on behalf of the SPIN‐FRT, led to the development of these consensus recommendations for managing psoriasis treatment in patients with latent TB infection or at risk of TB infection, who are receiving or are intended to receive biologic and non‐biologic targeted therapies. These recommendations highlight the need for updates to the existing guidelines, aiming to provide a more differentiated approach that reflects the evolving landscape of psoriasis treatment and its implications for TB management.
Gaidropsarus mauritanicus (Gadiformes, Gaidropsaridae) a new three‐bearded rockling from a deep‐water coral ecosystem with a genetically verified biogeographical distribution of the genus and notes to its ecology and behavior
Authors: Knorrn Alexander H. , Beuck Lydia , Barros‐García David , Fernández‐Peralta Lourdes , Freiwald André
Published: August 2024

Gaidropsarus mauritanicus sp. nov. is described from one specimen collected using a grab sample from the Tanoûdêrt Canyon (ca. 20° N) off Mauritania at a depth of 595 m. The new species was further observed during eight remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dives along the Mauritanian slope southwards down to the Tiguent Coral Mound Complex (~17° N) in a bathymetric range between 613 and 416 m. It can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of characteristics, including large eyes (38.1% head length [HL]), large head (25.8% standard length [SL]), elongated pelvic fins (35.7% SL), low number of vertebrae (44), and coloration (pinkish with a dorsal darker brownish hue and bright blotches along the dorsal‐fin base). A species‐delimitation analysis performed with available cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences affiliated to the genus Gaidropsarus additionally supported the validity of the new species. Video analyses showed a deep‐water coral‐associated and protection‐seeking behavior, which may explain why the species has remained undescribed until now. Additional ROV footage from separate deep‐water coral sites in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea further highlights the ecological behavior and hidden diversity of bathyal three‐bearded rocklings. Here, we additionally discuss the biogeographical distribution of all genetically verified Gaidropsarus spp. in combination with genetic data and morphological characters. G. mauritanicus sp. nov. is closely related to a species from Tasmania (43° S), a geographical point furthest among the studied samples, which may hint to an important influence of (paleo‐) oceanography on the distributions of Gaidropsarus species.
Wrist‐worn voice recorders capture the circumstances and context of losses of balance among community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Lee Youngjae , Alexander Neil B. , Pompeii Lisa , Nyquist Linda V. , Madigan Michael L.
Published: August 2024

Background

Most falls among community‐dwelling older adults are due to a loss of balance (LOB) after tripping or slipping. Unfortunately, limited insight is available on the detailed circumstances and context of these LOBs. Moreover, commonly used methods to collect this information is susceptible to limitations of memory recall. The goal of this pilot observational study was to explore the circumstances and context of self‐reported LOBs captured by wrist‐worn voice recorders among community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

In this pilot observational cohort study, 30 community‐dwelling adults with a mean (SD) age of 71.8 (4.4) years were asked to wear a voice recorder on their wrist daily for 3 weeks. Following any naturally‐occurring LOB, participants were asked to record their verbal responses to six questions regarding the circumstances and context of each LOB abbreviated with the mnemonic 4WHO: When, Where, What, Why, How, and Outcome.

Results

Participants wore the voice recorder 10.9 (0.6) hours per day for 20.7 (0.5) days. One hundred seventy‐five voice recordings were collected, with 122 meeting our definition of a LOB. Each participant reported 0–23 LOBs over the 3 weeks or 1.4 (2.1) per participant per week. Across all participants, LOBs were most commonly reported 3 p.m. or later (42%), inside the home (39%), while walking (33%), resulting from a trip (54%), and having induced a stepping response to regain balance (48%). No LOBs resulted in a fall.

Conclusions

Among community‐dwelling older adults, wrist‐worn voice recorders capture the circumstances and context of LOBs thereby facilitating the documentation of detail of LOBs and potentially falls, without reliance on later recall.
Occurrence of Phyllariopsis brevipes (C. Agardh) E.C. Henry & G.R. South 1987 in the Gulf of Naples
Authors: Colletti Alberto , Chiarore Antonia , De Benedictis Sara , Fabbrizzi Erika , Franzitta Giulio , Licciardi Luca , Musumeci Simone , Neiva João , Silvestrini Chiara , Fraschetti Simonetta
Published: August 2024

The first record of the kelp species Phyllariopsis brevipes in the Campania Region (Tyrrhenian Sea, South Italy) is here reported. The species has been observed in October 2021 in four sites along Sorrento Peninsula and Capri Island coast during scuba diving surveys. P. brevipes grew on living thalli of crustose coralline algae from 32 up to 55 m depth, occasionally forming dense aggregations with a maximum cover of about 0.2 m2. The DNA barcoding analysis on the basis of the cox1 gene supported the identification, with 98.36% of similarity between the sample collected in this study (NCBI accession number: PP622796) and a sequence obtained from a specimen from Provence, Mediterranean France (NCBI accession number: GQ368264). The study area can be considered a stepping stone for the species dispersion. The occurrence of P. brevipes can be related to upwelling and good water quality and the monitoring of its health status might be a sentinel of environmental changes.
Local carbon reserves are insufficient for phloem terpene induction during drought in Pinus edulis in response to bark beetle‐associated fungi
Authors: Thompson R. Alex , Malone Shealyn C. , Peltier Drew , Six Diana , Robertson Nathan , Oliveira Celso , McIntire Cameron D. , Pockman William T. , McDowell Nate G. , Trowbridge Amy M. , Adams Henry D.
Published: August 2024

Stomatal closure during drought inhibits carbon uptake and may reduce a tree's defensive capacity. Limited carbon availability during drought may increase a tree's mortality risk, particularly if drought constrains trees' capacity to rapidly produce defenses during biotic attack.

We parameterized a new model of conifer defense using physiological data on carbon reserves and chemical defenses before and after a simulated bark beetle attack in mature Pinus edulis under experimental drought. Attack was simulated using inoculations with a consistent bluestain fungus (Ophiostoma sp.) of Ips confusus, the main bark beetle colonizing this tree, to induce a defensive response.

Trees with more carbon reserves produced more defenses but measured phloem carbon reserves only accounted for c. 23% of the induced defensive response. Our model predicted universal mortality if local reserves alone supported defense production, suggesting substantial remobilization and transport of stored resin or carbon reserves to the inoculation site.

Our results show that de novo terpene synthesis represents only a fraction of the total measured phloem terpenes in P. edulis following fungal inoculation. Without direct attribution of phloem terpene concentrations to available carbon, many studies may be overestimating the scale and importance of de novo terpene synthesis in a tree's induced defense response.