bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The power of peer recognition points: does it really boost employee engagement?
Authors: Rusin Natalia , Szandała Tomasz
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of peer recognition points (PRP) on employee engagement and motivation within organizations. It investigates whether PRP systems genuinely satisfy employees’ need for appreciation and how they can be effectively implemented to enhance employee performance and retention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a comprehensive literature review and analysis of existing peer recognition platforms alongside case studies of organizations implementing PRP systems. Surveys and qualitative interviews with employees and HR professionals provide additional insights into the practical application and effectiveness of PRP.

Findings

The research indicates that PRP systems significantly boost employee engagement and motivation by fulfilling the psychological need for recognition. Organizations with robust PRP programs experience lower voluntary turnover rates and higher employee satisfaction. The study also identifies and addresses potential challenges, such as lack of interest or shy employees, for implementing PRP systems effectively.

Research limitations/implications

While the study offers substantial insights into PRP's benefits, it acknowledges the limitations of generalizability due to the primary focus on IT companies. Future research should examine a more diverse range of industries and consider long-term effects. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment of PRP systems to sustain their effectiveness.

Practical implications

The most important value of the paper is the actionable strategies provided for managers and organizations to integrate PRP into various work cultures and systems. These strategies focus on enhancing team morale and productivity, ensuring adaptability across different industries and organizational structures. The findings serve as a practical guide for fostering a more appreciative and motivated workplace culture.

Social implications

By promoting a culture of recognition and appreciation, PRP systems contribute to a more positive and supportive work environment. This, in turn, can lead to improved employee well-being, job satisfaction and a sense of belonging, ultimately enhancing the overall social dynamics within the workplace.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of nonmonetary recognition strategies in HR management. It highlights the psychological benefits of peer recognition and provides practical recommendations for organizations seeking to improve their employee engagement through PRP systems. The findings offer valuable insights for HR practitioners aiming to foster a more appreciative and motivated workplace culture.
Joule heating, Dufour and Soret effects on MHD hybrid nanoliquid flow over a moving thin needle in a porous medium with thermal radiation
Authors: Srinivasa Reddy Vinodh , Kandasamy Jagan , Sivanandam Sivasankaran
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore how Soret and Dufour diffusions, thermal radiation, joule heating and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) affect the flow of hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-SiO2/water) over a porous medium using a mobile slender needle.

Design/methodology/approach

To streamline the analysis, the authors apply appropriate transformations to change the governing model of partial differential equations into a group of ordinary differential equations. Following this, the authors analyze the transformed equations using the homotopy analysis method within Mathematica software, leading to the derivation of analytical solutions. This study investigates how changing values for porous medium, MHD, Soret and Dufour numbers and thermal radiation influence concentration, temperature and velocity profiles. In addition, the research assesses the effects on local Sherwood number, skin friction and Nusselt number.

Findings

In this investigation, the authors explore the movement of a needle away from its origin (

ε > 0). As the magnetic and porous medium parameters increase, there is a correspondence decrease in the velocity profile. Simultaneously, an increase in the Dufour number and thermal radiation parameter yields to a higher temperature profile, whereas arise in the Soret number results in an enhanced concentration profile. Furthermore, growth in the magnetic field parameter is correlated with a reduction in skin friction, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. In addition, an examination of the data reveals that an escalation in the thermal radiation parameter is associated with an elevation in the Nusselt number. Moreover, an elevation in the Dufour number results in an augmentation in the Nusselt number.

Practical implications

These results have practical applications across diverse fields, including heat transfer enhancement, energy conversion systems, advanced manufacturing and material processing.

Originality/value

This study is distinctive in its investigation of the flow of hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-SiO2/water) over a slender, moving needle. The analysis includes joule heating, MHD, porous medium, thermal radiation and considering the effects of Soret and Dufour.
Optimization of surface roughness using rotary ultrasonic machine of polyvinyl butyral glass with Taguchi and grey relational analysis
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Singh Chandan Deep , Singh Kanwal Jit
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study to identify and optimize the machining of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material for industrial uses. The research is based on input machining parameters of rotary ultrasonic machining for better understand the output response surface roughness (SR) property of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) by using the Taguchi approach. The grey relational grade analysis (GRG) is also implemented to resolve the complex interrelationship of SR data for optimization and predicting and validate the results.

Design/methodology/approach

In experimental work, the input parameters, namely, concentration, abrasives, power rate, grit size, tool material and hydrofluoric (HF) acid has been selected. The experiment’s design was created using MINITAB Software; the L27 orthogonal array was selected for the experimentation. SR was examined with the GRG technique for process optimization. On the other hand, for single parameter optimization analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been used.

Findings

ANOVA optimization technique gives the best result on concentration (40%) of abrasive (Al2O3+SiC+B4C), power rate (40%), grit size (600), HF acid (1.5%) and tool material (D2 alloy) are the optimal parameters to provide the slightest degree of SR. GRG optimization of multi-response parameter setting: 40% concentration, SiC+B4C mixed abrasive slurry, 40% of power rating, 280 grit size, 0.5% HF acid and high-speed tool steel tool material gives better results. The SR of PVB glass material improved by 20% after grey relational analysis.

Research limitations/implications

There are several practical applications in a variety of material processing sectors, including metallurgy, machinery, electronics and transportation. These real-world applications have produced substantial and discernible economic benefits.

Practical implications

The analytical and optimization results will be used in the various material processing sectors, including metallurgy, machinery, electronics and transportation.

Originality/value

The ANOVA and grey theory approaches offer the reader a primary picture of the machining research and process parameter optimization. Combined abrasive slurry of Al2O3+SiC+B4C with a high power-rating exhibits lower SR. Similarly, grit size is vital; larger grits produce better SR. Ra – 0. 611 m is the lowest SR value at the hole found in trial 25 after the experimentation.
Greedy Jobs, Labour Market Institutions, and the Gender Pay Gap*
Authors: Sobeck Kristen
Published: July 2024

Previous research argues that occupational gender pay gaps arise from greedy jobs within occupations. Greedy jobs involve working long and unpredictable hours in jobs where individuals are not easily substitutable. They engender compensating differentials resulting in an earnings‐to‐hours elasticity that often exceeds 1. This paper shows that greedy jobs also exist in Australia, where labour market institutions differ substantially from those in the United States. It shows that occupational gender earnings gaps are highest in occupations where greedy jobs proliferate. Wage‐setting institutions engender heterogeneous effects on occupational gender earnings gaps. Relative to the United States, occupational gender earnings gaps are smaller in Australia, consistent with evidence that labour market institutions compress the earnings distribution. Within occupations, the use of collective agreements attenuates the size of occupational gender earnings gaps, while the use of individual agreements increases them. Not surprisingly, individuals employed in greedy occupations predominantly use individual agreements to negotiate pay.
Drivers, performance evaluation and influencing factors of water resources utilisation—based on the theory of sustainable development
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Zhao Xin , Xu Junwei , Zhou Shenjie
Published: July 2024

Water constitutes an important natural and strategic resource, crucial to sustainable development, as well as the social stability and  wellbeing of every economy. The coordinated development of water resource utilisation and economic growth  is currently the focus of attention of social scientists and other representatives of the scholarly community, being one of the key factors for the long‐term development of a country. Based on theories of sustainable development and water resource utilisation, this paper examines the ‘quantity’ and ‘quality’ of water resource utilisation in 19 provinces, municipalities directly under the Central Government, and autonomous regions in the Yangtze River basin from 2006 to 2021, and explores the internal interaction mechanism. First, the decoupling model is used to explore the decoupling relationship between water resource use and economic growth in the Yangtze River Basin, and the LMDI additive index model is used to analyse the corresponding four driving factors. After discovering the interaction between the ‘quantity’ of water resources and economic growth, the ‘quality’ of water resources in the Yangtze River basin was explored, and after measuring the utilisation rate of water resources in the Yangtze River basin, the Tobit model was applied to introduce the explanatory and control variables to deeply analyse the influencing factors of water resources, and the two regulating variables of the digital economy and water endowment are introduced to further analyse the regulating mechanism. The results demonstrate that there is a corresponding ‘weak decoupling‐strong decoupling‐strong decoupling’ stage of development between water resource use and economic growth in the Yangtze River basin, with the corresponding technology effect factor being the most important driver. There is also a corresponding positive regulation impact of the digital economy on the relationship between the two, while water resources endowment has a corresponding negative regulation mechanism, as well as the role of corresponding influencing factors. Relevant recommendations for water resources use have been suggested.
The impacts of thermocouple insulation failure on the accuracy of temperature measurement data in forensic fire‐death scenarios—Part II: Low electrical resistance and contamination
Authors: Silveira David , Kendell Ashley , Shook Beth
Published: July 2024

Part II of this two‐part article investigates the impact of thermocouple insulation failure on temperature measurement data in forensic fire‐death scenarios. Two different models of glass fiber‐insulated thermocouple wires (GG‐K‐24‐SLE and HH‐K‐24 from Omega Engineering) were passed through a ceramic kiln at temperatures up to 1093°C to measure an ice bath at a constant 0°C. In a separate experiment, the same two models of thermocouple wire plus a BLMI‐XL‐K‐18U‐120 mineral‐insulated metal‐sheathed thermocouple probe were passed through a wood pallet fire to measure an ice bath. In the ceramic kiln, the effect on measurement errors was determined for short vs. long exposure lengths and clean insulation vs. insulation contaminated with pork fat. Glass fiber‐insulated thermocouple wires showed severe failure in both experiments, with errors ranging from −270°C to almost 2200°C. The metal‐sheathed probe showed no evidence of insulation failure and continued to accurately measure the ice bath temperature within expected margins of error around 0°C. This study highlights how exposure of inadequate thermocouples to fire‐level temperatures produces severe errors in temperature data. Consequently, it will not be possible to use this data to draw any accurate conclusions about the effects of fire exposure to human donors or animal proxies.
Bulgaria: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: SPIROVA MARIA
Published: July 2024

In 2023, Bulgaria saw the first regular, politically accountable, Cabinet after two years of caretaker cabinets following early elections in April. The election saw Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (Grazhdani za evropeysko razvitie na Bulgaria, GERB) emerge as the plurality winner but without a clear majority, and a coalition government between GERB and We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria (PP‐DB) materialized. Seen as an artificially cobbled‐together creation, the Cabinet faced increasing opposition and two failed no‐confidence votes. A constitutional amendment in late 2023 limited the president's power to appoint caretaker cabinets. Bulgaria remained divided on its stance toward Russia and nationalism, and political apathy rose, casting doubt on future stability.
Inflammation, oxidative stress and gut microbiome perturbation: A narrative review of mechanisms and treatment of the alcohol hangover
Authors: Turner Benedict R. H. , Jenkinson Poppy I , Huttman Marc , Mullish Benjamin H.
Published: July 2024

Alcohol is the most widely abused substance in the world, the leading source of mortality in 15–49‐year‐olds, and a major risk factor for heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, and cancer. Despite this, alcohol is regularly misused in wider society. Consumers of excess alcohol often note a constellation of negative symptoms, known as the alcohol hangover. However, the alcohol hangover is not considered to have long‐term clinical significance by clinicians or consumers. We undertook a critical review of the literature to demonstrate the pathophysiological mechanisms of the alcohol hangover. Hereafter, the alcohol hangover is re‐defined as a manifestation of sickness behavior secondary to alcohol‐induced inflammation, using the Bradford‐Hill criteria to demonstrate causation above correlation. Alcohol causes inflammation through oxidative stress and endotoxemia. Alcohol metabolism is oxidative and increased intake causes relative tissue hypoxia and increased free radical generation. Tissue damage ensues through lipid peroxidation and the formation of DNA/protein adducts. Byproducts of alcohol metabolism such as acetaldehyde and congeners, sleep deprivation, and the activation of nonspecific inducible CYP2E1 in alcohol‐exposed tissues exacerbate free radical generation. Tissue damage and cell death lead to inflammation, but in the intestine loss of epithelial cells leads to intestinal permeability, allowing the translocation of pathogenic bacteria to the systemic circulation (endotoxemia). This leads to a well‐characterized cascade of systemic inflammation, additionally activating toll‐like receptor 4 to induce sickness behavior. Considering the evidence, it is suggested that hangover frequency and severity may be predictors of the development of later alcohol‐related diseases, meriting formal confirmation in prospective studies. In light of the mechanisms of alcohol‐mediated inflammation, research into gut permeability and the gut microbiome may be an exciting future therapeutic avenue to prevent alcohol hangover and other alcohol‐related diseases.
Curcumin ameliorates pyroptosis in diabetic seminal vesicles by upregulating TRPV6
Authors: Ni Dawei , Xu Jie , Liu Kun , Wu Ning , You Bin , Yang Baibing , Dai Yutian
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetes damages the seminal vesicle tissues leading to a decrease in seminal fluid secretion, so investigations are ongoing to identify specific therapeutic approaches to address diabetes‐induced damage to seminal vesicles.

Objective

This study investigated the secretory dysfunction of seminal vesicles and how curcumin can ameliorate this dysfunction.

Materials and methods

First, 40 diabetic males (DM group) and 40 nondiabetic males (control group) underwent seminal vesicle ultrasound evaluation and ejaculate volume measurements. Then, the effects of curcumin on seminal vesicle function were investigated in a diabetic rat model. Fifty 8‐week‐old SPF‐grade SD rats were categorized into five groups: control, DM (diabetes mellitus), low‐dose CUR (curcumin 50 mg/kg/d), medium‐dose CUR (curcumin 100 mg/kg/d), and high‐dose CUR (curcumin 150 mg/kg/d). After a month‐long diet with varying curcumin doses, key parameters such as body weight, blood glucose levels, seminal vesicle volume, and seminal fluid secretion were measured. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to assess differences in gene expression and structural changes in rat seminal vesicle tissues were examined by HE staining. Finally, human seminal vesicle cell lines were cultured and divided into five groups (HG‐CON, HG‐CUR‐5 µM, HG‐CUR‐10 µM, HG‐CUR‐20 µM, and HG‐CUR‐50 µM) to measure the fructose levels in the seminal vesicle cell culture fluids and evaluate the expression of CASP1, GSDMD, and TRPV6. Post TRPV6 interference, variations in the gene expression of CASP1, GSDMD, and TRPV6 were monitored.

Results

Diabetic patients exhibited a notable reduction in seminal vesicle volume and ejaculate volume compared with the control group, with a direct correlation between the decrease in ejaculate and seminal vesicle volume. Animal studies demonstrated that curcumin supplementation significantly augmented seminal vesicle volume in diabetic rats and notably improved their seminal vesicle secretory dysfunction, particularly in the high‐dose curcumin group. Transcriptome sequencing and experimental verification pinpointed the differential expression of TPRV6 and pyroptosis‐associated genes (CASP1, GSDMD), with reduced TRPV6 expression but increased markers of pyroptosis (CASP1 and GSDMD) in diabetic rats. Curcumin treatment reversed these effects with an increase in TRPV6 and a decrease in GSDMD and CASP1. Cell transfection experiments indicated that TRPV6 downregulation increased GSDMD and CASP1 gene expression.

Conclusion

Curcumin effectively activates TRPV6, thereby diminishing pyroptosis in the seminal vesicle tissues of diabetic rats. This activation not only leads to an increase in the seminal vesicle volume but also significantly ameliorates the seminal vesicle secretory dysfunction in diabetic rats.
Arterio–ureteral fistula from a pseudoaneurysm of the right common iliac artery after robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy: A case report
Authors: Nara Taketoshi , Numakura Kazuyuki , Furihata Kengo , Kikuchi Akane , Sato Hiromi , Kobayashi Mizuki , Kashima Soki , Yamamoto Ryohei , Saito Mitsuru , Narita Shintaro , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: July 2024

Arterio–ureteral fistulas (AUFs), which are relatively rare but potentially life‐threatening, require prompt diagnosis and treatment. We reported a case of AUFs following robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) with extended pelvic lymph node dissection and ileal conduit urinary diversion for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, which resulted in massive hemorrhage. Urine leaked from the anastomosis between the ureter, and the end of the ileal conduit was infected, which resulted in an AUF between the pseudoaneurysm of the right common iliac artery and the ureter. The AUF was managed successfully by vascular intervention with an arterial stent graft.
A mixed‐methods approach to understand victimization discourses by opposing feminist sub‐groups on social media
Authors: Maxwell Christina , Selvanathan Hema Preya , Hames Sam , Crimston Charlie R. , Jetten Jolanda
Published: July 2024

Opposing social movements are groups that have conflicting objectives on a shared social justice issue. To maximize the probability of their movement's success, groups can strategically portray their group in a favourable manner while discrediting their opposition. One such approach involves the construction of victimization discourses. In this research, we combined topic modelling and critical discursive psychology to explore how opposing groups within the feminist movement used victimization as a lens to understand their movements in relation to transgender women. We compiled a dataset of over 40,000 tweets from 14 UK‐based feminist accounts that included transgender women as women (the pro‐inclusion group) and 13 accounts, that excluded transgender women (the anti‐inclusion group). Our results revealed differences in how victimization was employed by the opposing movements: pro‐inclusion groups drew on repertoires that created a sense of shared victimhood between cisgender women and transgender women, while anti‐inclusion groups invoked a competitive victimhood repertoire. Both groups also challenged and delegitimised their oppositions' constructions of feminism and victimhood. These findings add to our understanding of the communication strategies used by opposing movements to achieve their mobilization goals.
Current and preferred services of specialized professionals in childcare settings in Quebec, Canada: A descriptive survey of childcare administrators' perspectives
Authors: Pratte Gabrielle , Beaudoin Audrée Jeanne , Camden Chantal , Couture Mélanie
Published: July 2024

Background

Many challenges exist in promoting inclusion in childcare settings. Adequate support from specialized professionals is necessary to create inclusive childcare settings. Understanding which services are being delivered by specialized professionals in childcare contexts is an important first step. The aim of this study was to (1) describe the services currently being delivered by specialized professionals in childcare settings in Quebec (Canada) and (2) seek childcare administrators' perspectives on their preferred services.

Methods

An online province‐wide descriptive survey was conducted with childcare administrators (n = 344). Questions focused on 11 service delivery dimensions (e.g. professionals involved, children served). Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results

Childcare settings received services from a median of two specialized professionals (IQR [1–4]). Most services were delivered by early childhood special educators (61.3%), speech‐language pathologists (57.6%), psycho‐educators (43.6%) and occupational therapists (43.3%). Childcare administrators identified these four services as being particularly supportive. Professionals delivered a median of 0.4 h of service per week in each childcare setting (IQR [0.1–3.0]). A high percentage (91.2%) of administrators reported unmet needs for professional support in at least one developmental domain, with a high percentage (57.3%) of administrators identifying needs in the socio‐emotional domain. Most (63.3%) expressed a desire to prioritize services for children without an established diagnosis but identified by early childhood educators as having needs for professional support. Most administrators (71.4%) also preferred in‐context services.

Conclusions

Childcare administrators perceive an important role for specialized professionals in supporting inclusion in their settings. Recommendations emerging are based on the four main professional service needs identified: (1) increasing the intensity and stability of services; (2) providing services for undiagnosed children identified by early childhood educators as having unmet needs; (3) ensuring that services encompassing all developmental domains with a focus on the socio‐emotional domain; and (4) prioritizing of in‐context services.
CD300LF+ microglia impede the neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury by inhibiting STING pathway
Authors: Lu Zhichao , Liu Zongheng , Wang Chenxing , Jiang Rui , Wang Ziheng , Liao Weiquan , Wang Wei , Chen Jianfeng , Zhu Xingjia , Zhao Jingwei , Liu Qianqian , Yang Yang , Gong Peipei
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The diversity in microglial phenotypes and functions following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to explore precise targets for improving the prognosis of TBI patients from a microglial perspective.

Objectives

To assess whether the prognosis of TBI can be improved by modulating microglia function.

Results

In CD300LF‐deficient mice, we observed an increase in glial cell proliferation, more extensive neuronal loss, and worsened neurological function post‐TBI. Transcriptomic comparisons between CD300LF‐positive and CD300LF‐negative microglia illuminated that the neuroprotective role of CD300LF is principally mediated by the inhibition of the STING signaling pathway. In addition, this protective effect can be augmented using the STING pathway inhibitor C‐176.

Conclusions

Our research indicates that CD300LF reduces neuroinflammation and promotes neurological recovery after TBI, and that microglia are integral to the protective effects of CD300LF in this context. In summary, our findings highlight CD300LF as a critical molecular regulator modulating the adverse actions of microglia following acute brain injury and propose a novel therapeutic approach to enhance outcomes for patients with TBI.
Cytology or Multiparameter Flow Cytometry Positivity in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Before Transplantation is Predictive of Poor Outcomes After Allotransplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Hu Li‐Juan , Fu Guo‐Mei , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Ya‐Zhe , Qin Ya‐Zhen , Lai Yue‐Yun , Shi Hong‐Xia , Jiang Hao , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Xu Lan‐Ping , Wang Yu , Jiang Qian , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Chang Ying Jun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Central nervous system leukemia (CNSL) remains a serious complication in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and an ambiguous prognostic factor for those receiving allo‐geneic hematopoiesis stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). It is unknown whether using more sensitive tools, such as multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC), to detect blasts in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would have an impact on outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of 1472 AML patients with or without cytology or MFC positivity in the CSF before transplantation. Abnormal CSF (CSF+) was detected via conventional cytology and MFC in 44 patients at any time after diagnosis. A control group of 175 CSF‐normal (CSF−) patients was generated via propensity score matching (PSM) analyses according to sex, age at transplant, and white blood cell count at diagnosis.

Results

Compared to those in the CSF‐negative group, the conventional cytology positive and MFC+ groups had comparable 8‐year nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (4%, 4%, and 6%, p = 0.82), higher cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) (14%, 31%, and 32%, p = 0.007), lower leukemia‐free survival (LFS) (79%, 63%, and 64%, p = 0.024), and overall survival (OS) (83%, 63%, and 68%, p = 0.021), with no significant differences between the conventional cytology positive and MFC+ groups. Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed that CSF involvement was an independent factor affecting OS and LFS.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that pretransplant CSF abnormalities are adverse factors independently affecting OS and LFS after allotransplantation in AML patients.
Alkylating agents‐induced gonadotoxicity in prepubertal males: Insights on the clinical and preclinical front
Authors: Sriram Sruthi , Macedo Tiago , Mavinkurve‐Groothuis Annelies , van de Wetering Marianne , Looijenga Leendert H. J.
Published: July 2024

Rising cure rates in pediatric cancer patients warrants an increased attention toward the long‐term consequences of the diagnosis and treatment in survivors. Chemotherapeutic agents can be gonadotoxic, rendering them at risk for infertility post‐survival. While semen cryopreservation is an option that can be provided for most (post)pubertal boys before treatment, this is unfortunately not an option prepubertal in age, simply due to the lack of spermatogenesis. Over the last couple of years, studies have thus focused on better understanding the testis niche in response to various chemotherapeutic agents that are commonly administered and their direct and indirect impact on the germ cell populations. These are generally compounds that have a high risk of infertility and have been classified into risk categories in curated fertility guidelines. However, with it comes the lack of evidence and the challenge of using informative models and conditions most reflective of the physiological scenario, in short, the appropriate study designs for clinically relevant outcomes. Besides, the exact mechanism(s) of action for many of these “risk” compounds as well as other agents is unclear. Understanding their behavior and effect on the testis niche will pave the way for incorporating new strategies to ultimately combat infertility. Of the various drug classes, alkylating agents pose the highest risk of gonadotoxicity as per previously established studies as well as risk stratification guidelines. Therefore, this review will summarize the findings in the field of male fertility concerning gonadotoxicity of akylating agents as a result of chemotherapy exposure.
Climate disturbances during critical periods pose risks to European hamster conservation efforts
Authors: Łopucki Rafał , Wójciak Janusz , Klich Daniel
Published: July 2024

Aim

Long‐term population studies provide invaluable insights into natural variability, particularly in ecology and conservation. We reconstruct the 31‐year dynamics of the European hamster population in a vast area within Central Europe. We identify key meteorological factors influencing population dynamics and project the potential impact of climate change on their conservation.

Location

Poland.

Methods

As an indicator of hamster population changes, we utilized data on the prey of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) collected over 31 years (1993–2023) in the geographical region where the European hamster coexists. The reliability of ornithological data was validated.

Results

Meteorological factors play a critical role in driving hamster population changes. We found a strong correlation between population growth and warm weather patterns in October and November, as well as favourable conditions in March of the following year. These weather patterns allow hamsters to store larger food supplies and enter hibernation in better physiological condition, resulting in improved habitat and nutritional conditions upon emergence from hibernation in spring.

Main Conclusions

Our findings underscore the importance of considering meteorological factors in conservation risk assessments, especially when planning and evaluating hamster reintroduction programmes. The significant influence of meteorological conditions raises concerns about the future prospects of this species in the context of ongoing climate change. Disturbances during critical hamster periods, including unseasonal and prolonged temperature drops in spring following relatively warm winters, pose substantial risks to conservation efforts.
Clinical outcomes of endoscopic detachable snare ligation for colonic diverticular hemorrhage: Multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kobayashi Katsumasa , Miura Natsuki , Furumoto Yohei , Ito Kenji , Iseki Mari , Kobayashi Ryohei , Yamada Yurina , Oshina Eri , Arai Katsuhiro , Matsuoka Mana , Nozaka Takahito , Sato Ayako , Yauchi Masato , Matsumoto Taichi , Asano Toru , Namiki Shin , Azuma Seishin
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The hemostatic mechanism of endoscopic detachable snare ligation (EDSL) for colonic diverticular hemorrhage (CDH) is similar to that of endoscopic band ligation, which is effective and safe. However, because reports on EDSL are scarce, we conducted a two‐center cohort study to evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods

This study analyzed 283 patients with CDH treated with EDSL at two Japanese hospitals between July 2015 and November 2021. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to evaluate the cumulative probability of rebleeding after EDSL. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to compare the effects of complete and incomplete ligation on rebleeding.

Results

The initial hemostasis success and early rebleeding rates were 97.9% and 11.0%, respectively. The time to hemostasis after identification of the bleeding site and total procedure time were 9 min and 44 min, respectively. Red blood cell transfusion was required for 32.9% of patients. The median hospital length of stay after EDSL was 5 days. The complete ligation rate of the early rebleeding group was significantly lower than that of the group without early rebleeding (P < 0.01). The 1‐year cumulative rebleeding rate with EDSL was 28.2%. Complete ligation was associated with decreased cumulative rebleeding after EDSL (P < 0.01). One patient experienced colonic diverticulitis; however, colonic perforation was not observed.

Conclusion

Complete ligation is associated with reduced short‐term and long‐term rebleeding. EDSL could be valuable for CDH because of its low rebleeding rate and the absence of serious adverse events.
Who are Nietzsche's slaves?
Authors: Gemes Ken
Published: July 2024

This paper argues that Nietzsche is deliberately imprecise in his characterization of what he calls the slave revolt in morality. In particular, none of the people or groups he nominates as instigators of the slave revolt, namely, Jewish priests, the Jewish people, the prophets, Jesus, and Paul, were literally slaves. Analysis of Nietzsche's texts, including his usage of the term “slaves,” and his sources concerning those he nominates as the instigators of the slave revolt, make clear that Nietzsche knew none of these were literally slaves. He calls it a slave revolt because he means that the propagators of that revolt preached what he takes to be the slavish values, including, humility, compassion, obedience, and lack of egoism. He uses the high loaded term “slave” both to disparage those values and, most importantly, to bring home to his readers the message that they, as inheritors of Judeo‐Christian values, actual adhere to and practice the debased slavish values preached, but not necessarily practiced, by the original instigators of the slave revolt. For Nietzsche, his readers are strangers to themselves, thus he notes “slavery is everywhere visible, although it does not call itself as such.”
Rhizosphere development under alternate wetting and drying in puddled paddy rice
Authors: Islam Md. Dhin , Price Adam H. , Hallett Paul D.
Published: July 2024

Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation can save large amounts of water in rice cultivation. By repeatedly wetting and drying the soil under AWD, accentuated pore structure of the rhizosphere compared to flooded rice may occur. This could affect root growth and resource capture, but to date the physical structure and behaviour of the rhizosphere of rice under AWD has not been explored. In a controlled glasshouse experiment, two different textured soils were used in split rhizotrunks to separate a root‐zone from bulk soil using mesh. To mimic a paddy field, the top of the rhizotrunk was filled with puddled soil and below the puddled layer there was a sieved soil layer. Root‐zone physical properties were measured using a combination of high resolution X‐ray CT imaging (pore structure), a miniaturised infiltrometer (hydrological) and a small indenter (mechanical). Soil under AWD irrigation had 46% greater macroporosity and 20% more pore connectivity compared to continuous flooding (CF). Compared to the bulk soil, root‐zone soil under AWD or CF had greater macroporosity, water sorptivity and mechanical hardness. In the root‐zone, AWD compared to CF increased the rate of water absorption by around 36%, but did not affect mechanical hardness. Our results suggest AWD interacting with rice roots could promote more effective water transmission through a more stable, larger and better‐connected pore system. The results of this study also suggest that soil physical changes by AWD could improve the utilization of resources in a rice production system.
Impact of steroid biosynthesis on the aerobic adaptation of eukaryotes
Authors: Hoshino Yosuke , Gaucher Eric A.
Published: July 2024

Steroids are indispensable components of the eukaryotic cellular membrane and the acquisition of steroid biosynthesis was a key factor that enabled the evolution of eukaryotes. The polycyclic carbon structures of steroids can be preserved in sedimentary rocks as chemical fossils for billions of years and thus provide invaluable clues to trace eukaryotic evolution from the distant past. Steroid biosynthesis consists of (1) the production of protosteroids and (2) the subsequent modifications toward “modern‐type” steroids such as cholesterol and stigmasterol. While protosteroid biosynthesis requires only two genes for the cyclization of squalene, complete modification of protosteroids involves ~10 additional genes. Eukaryotes universally possess at least some of those additional genes and thus produce modern‐type steroids as major final products. The geological biomarker records suggest a prolonged period of solely protosteroid production in the mid‐Proterozoic before the advent of modern‐type steroids in the Neoproterozoic. It has been proposed that mid‐Proterozoic protosteroids were produced by hypothetical stem‐group eukaryotes that presumably possessed genes only for protosteroid production, even though in modern environments protosteroid production as a final product is found exclusively in bacteria. The host identity of mid‐Proterozoic steroid producers is crucial for understanding the early evolution of eukaryotes. In this perspective, we discuss how geological biomarker data and genetic data complement each other and potentially provide a more coherent scenario for the evolution of steroids and associated early eukaryotes. We further discuss the potential impacts that steroids had on the evolution of aerobic metabolism in eukaryotes, which may have been an important factor for the eventual ecological dominance of eukaryotes in many modern environments.
Protein degradation by a component of the chaperonin‐linked protease ClpP
Authors: Ishikawa Fumihiro , Homma Michio , Tanabe Genzoh , Uchihashi Takayuki
Published: July 2024

In cells, proteins are synthesized, function, and degraded (dead). Protein synthesis (spring) is important for the life of proteins. However, how proteins die is equally important for organisms. Proteases are secreted from cells and used as nutrients to break down external proteins. Proteases degrade unwanted and harmful cellular proteins. In eukaryotes, a large enzyme complex called the proteasome is primarily responsible for cellular protein degradation. Prokaryotes, such as bacteria, have similar protein degradation systems. In this review, we describe the structure and function of the ClpXP complex in the degradation system, which is an ATP‐dependent protease in bacterial cells, with a particular focus on ClpP.
“This is my job now”: Exploring the identity shift of trailing mothers through the lens of feminist mothering
Authors: Slobodin Ortal
Published: July 2024

Trailing spouses who relocate to support their partners' careers abroad often experience a threat or challenge to their sense of identity. Prior studies have shown that because expatriation processes reinforce traditional gender roles, expatriate mothers are involved in intensive mothering practices and ideologies, often as a way of finding new meaning in their lives. The current study aimed to explore how motherhood and professional identity intersect in trailing wives, and specifically, whether expatriate‐related developments in professional and mother identities reciprocally influence each other. In addition, the study explored whether these identity development processes may be intertwined with current sociocultural norms of motherhood. The study included in‐depth interviews with 14 trailing mothers of children under the age of 12. Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns of meaning across the dataset. Three main themes emerged capturing participants' experiences of their identity processes: negotiating the model of intensive mothering, mutual influence of mother identity and work identity, and empowered mothering. Together, these themes demonstrate how, through the subjective construction of their work and mother identities, expatriate mothers deconstruct the oppressive mandates of motherhood, reclaiming their power and agency.
Conceptualizing multimodal feedback literacy for L2 writing teachers in the digital age
Authors: Jiang Lianjiang , Lee Icy , Yu Shulin
Published: July 2024

Given that feedback is increasingly digital and multimodal, there is a pressing need to prepare L2 writing teachers to give multimodal feedback. Yet the notion of multimodal feedback appears underrepresented in extant research on teacher feedback literacy and it is often equated as multimedia feedback. To make feedback relevant to multiplicity in feedback‐giving modes and technologies, as well as diversity in student backgrounds and composing practices, this paper proposes the construct of multimodal feedback literacy as an important part of teacher feedback literacy. Grounded in social semiotic of multimodality, this paper elucidates the notions of feedback design, feedback affordance, feedback orchestration, and feedback ensemble as essential dimensions of multimodal feedback literacy. We argue that the development of multimodal feedback literacy entails competences in recognizing the affordances of multiple feedback‐giving modes, designing coherent feedback ensembles through orchestrating multiple feedback‐giving modes with apt intermodal relations, and managing feedback ensemble as motivated and accumulative. A framework for L2 writing teachers to develop multimodal feedback literacy in relation to a complex and recursive process of being, doing, and becoming is also developed. Implications and challenges are then discussed.
The Global Intellectual Disability Nursing Research Collaboratory: Forming an international transformational nursing network
Authors: Fisher Kathleen M. , Desroches Melissa L. , Northway Ruth , Marsden Daniel , Horan Paul , Rees Stacey
Published: July 2024

Aim

This paper explains how we created the Global Intellectual Disability Nurse Research Collaboratory (GIDNRC), a transformative network. The GIDNRC aims to make improvements in the understanding, research, policy, clinical care, and support provided to people with an intellectual disability.

Background

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) called upon healthcare leaders internationally to take actions to promote more equal healthcare for disabled persons. This paper promotes the GIDNRC as a way for professionals to work together to make more equal healthcare throughout the world for people with intellectual disabilities.

Sources of evidence

We created this paper by reviewing peer‐reviewed literature and research, international policies, and nursing networking initiatives.

Discussion

This paper explores current policy, research, and practice issues that formed the basis of beginning the GIDNRC, including how the COVID‐19 pandemic changed care.

Conclusion

Nurses are over 50% of the world's health workforce. Therefore, they have the potential to make a large impact in making care for people with intellectual disability much more equal than currently exists throughout the world. However, barriers exist. Forming the GIDNRC, as well as using the World Wide Web, offers an opportunity to address barriers to this goal.

Implications for nursing practice

Nurses can address the needs of people with intellectual disability in their daily nursing practice. The GIDNRC aims to strengthen these clinical skills, understand how care may vary throughout the world, and share knowledge, good practices, and new ways to approach care for people with an intellectual disability worldwide.

Implications for nursing policy

International nursing policy should actively focus on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and the role nurses play in addressing these health needs. The GIDNRC may provide an important way to achieve developments in this policy.
Incorporation of artificial intelligence into nursing research: A scoping review
Authors: Yasin Yasin M. , Al‐Hamad Areej , Metersky Kateryna , Kehyayan Vahe
Published: July 2024

Background

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across different sectors, notably healthcare, is on the rise. However, a thorough exploration of AI's incorporation into nursing research, as well as its advantages and obstacles, is still lacking.

Objective

The aim of this scoping review was to map the roles, benefits, challenges, and potentials for the future development and use of AI in the context of nursing research.

Methods

An exhaustive search was conducted across seven databases: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. Articles were additionally identified through manual examination of reference lists of the articles that were included in the study. The search criteria were restricted to articles published in English between 2010 and 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach for scoping reviews and the PRISMA‐ScR guidelines guided the processes of source selection, data extraction, and data presentation.

Results

Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria, covering topics from ethical considerations to methodological issues and AI's capabilities in data analysis and predictive modeling.

Conclusion

The review identified both the potentials and complexities of integrating AI into nursing research. Ethical and legal considerations warrant a coordinated approach from multiple stakeholders.

Implication

The findings emphasized AI's potential to revolutionize nursing research, underscoring the need for ethical guidelines, equitable access, and AI literacy training to ensure its responsible and inclusive use.