bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computation screening for incorrectly determined cocrystal structures
Authors: Chalupná Simona , Hušák Michal , Čejka Jan , Fňukal František , Klimeš Jiří
Published: February 2025

Pharmaceutical solid forms, like salts and cocrystals, play a crucial role in drug formulation. Despite differing mainly by a single hydrogen atom, the regulatory requirements set by the US Food and Drug Administration for these forms vary significantly. We previously developed a DFT-based computational method to distinguish salts from cocrystals. This method, validated on 95 structures, performed well for systems where hydrogen bonds were longer than 2.613 (16) Å. Here, benefits of the rSCAN functional over the PBE functional are discussed. We expand the dataset to 404 cocrystal models. Analysis confirms that 301 of these forms are indeed cocrystals. Additionally, 87 salt–cocrystal continuum forms are identified and 16 cocrystals are classified as possible salts. These 16 problematic structures are further investigated and for seven of them, single crystals were grown and their structure determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Among the phases exhibiting salt-like behaviour, five of them are identified as salts. In some cases, rSCAN alone gives unreliable results for strong hydrogen bonds, but these discrepancies are often corrected using better-renormalized or hybrid functionals (i.e. r2SCAN, PBE0 and PBE50). For future calculations, we recommend using the r2SCAN functional for salt–cocrystal differentiation, as it provides reliable results for O—H...N bonds longer than 2.554 (5) Å. The r2SCAN functional offers a good balance between accuracy and computational efficiency for systems with longer O—H...N bonds.
Do female directors and their foreign experience complement or substitute for CSR performance? Evidence from the cost of debt financing
Authors: Al-Dhamari Redhwan , Badru Bazeet Olayemi , Mohamad Nor Mohamad Naimi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and the cost of debt financing (CODF) in Malaysia. It further explores whether the potential impact of CSR performance on debt pricing is moderated by the females’ representation on board and female directors’ foreign experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a sample of 845 firm-year observations from 2017 to 2021 and apply various regression techniques, including the pooled ordinary least squares (POLS), the Heckman two-stage self-selection model, propensity score matching (PSM) and quantile regression, to test the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that socially responsible firms incur lower costs of debt. Similarly, female directors and female directors with foreign exposure are negatively associated with CODF. However, their impact becomes positive when these two variables are interacted with CSR performance. The study findings are robust across alternative measures of board gender diversity, different model specifications and approaches addressing the endogeneity problem. In additional analyses, we find that the positive implication of CSR on CODF is more pronounced for firms with higher CSR performance and less financial constraint. Nevertheless, the results reveal that only firms with lower CSR performance but a high proportion of female directors and female directors with foreign experience exhibit lower CODF. This underscores the likelihood that female directors and their foreign exposure may substitute CSR practices in mitigating the cost of debt.

Originality/value

Existing literature generally emphasises the importance of CSR performance to corporate financing decisions, often neglecting the role of female directors and their attributes in financial institutions’ creditworthiness evaluation. This study is among the first to address this gap by examining the moderating effect of female directors and their characteristics on CSR–CODF relationship within an emerging economy context. The findings contribute to the literature on CSR and board gender diversity, indicating that CSR performance and board gender diversity function more as substitutes than complements. Despite the unexpected consequences of interacting with female directors and their foreign experience with CSR, the study affirms the significance of CSR practices and board gender diversity in shaping borrowers’ financial decisions.
Forecasting sustainability performances of firms using grey theory and Markov models
Authors: Abhinav Pathak , Rajesh R.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Sustainability has been receiving increasing attention in recent times, due to increasing pressures from consumers and stakeholders. Based on few selected indicators, we suggest a method for calculating and forecasting the degree of sustainability supply chain considering the case of the IKEA Group.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to predict the sustainability of IKEA’s supply chain, utilizing IWAY fulfillment scores, this research uses the concept and theory of grey prediction models and moving probability-based Markov models.

Findings

According to the findings of prediction, we observe that the level of supply chain sustainability is declining for the case in the forecast year 2022. The results are perceived as per the outcomes of the first-order, one-variable-based grey prediction model (GM (1, 1) model) and the grey moving probability state Markov model-based error correction.

Research limitations/implications

Operationalizing sustainability, we consider the contribution a company’s supply chain toward the advancement of human rights, ethical labor practices, environmental improvement and anti-corruption principles into the account of supply-chain sustainability.

Practical implications

In order to understand the future trends in the supply chain sustainability performances of the firms and make corrective actions, managers may take a note on the results of prediction and they can subsequently work on the policy implications.

Originality/value

We build an advanced prediction model for forecasting the level of sustainability performances for a case firm using the indicator of human rights, ethical labor practices, environmental improvement and anti-corruption principles.
Breaking barriers: driving HR analytics adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Ilyas Muhammad , Alam Waqar , Ahmad Aziz
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the primary factors driving human resource analytics adoption in small and medium-sized organizations. The research seeks to confirm and expand the UTAUT model using direct predictors and a unique moderator to understand contextual complexities in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed convenience sampling to survey 308 HR experts with an 88% response rate, uncovering valuable insights into technology integration. SPSS and AMOS 21.0 were used for analysis.

Findings

The influencing elements for adopting human resource analytics in these firms were performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions and social influence. Moreover, personal innovativeness, fear appeal and perceived trust were highlighted as additional significant determinants. Finally, perceived supervisor support was reported as a significant moderator in driving human resource analytics adoption.

Originality/value

The study comprehensively models the elements that influence the adoption of human resource analytics in SMEs of a developing economy. The research validates and expands upon the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, analyzing key contributors and a unique context-specific moderator using robust statistical methods.
Bio-lubricant based on sinapic acid: property and structure-property relationship studies
Authors: Ma Lin , Hu Chenghong , Lv Zhenlin , He Xi , Dong Rui , Fan Mingjin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to develop synthetic ester lubricating oil using renewable sinapic acid as raw material, to explore the structural design and selection of raw materials for green, high-performance synthetic ester oils.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of the sinapate ester oils were synthesized through esterification and alkoxylation reactions using renewable source sinapic acid as the raw material. The molecular structures of the oils were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The oils were evaluated for safety, viscosity-temperature properties, thermal and oxidative stability, as well as friction reducing and anti-wear characteristics.

Findings

Compared to commercial base oil tris (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (Phe-3Ci8), the bio-lubricant exhibits superior antifriction and anti-wear properties. Notably, the JCi8-C12 sample performed exceptionally well, reducing the friction coefficient by 11.42% and wear volume (WV) by 54.44% in steel/steel tribo-pairs. In steel/aluminum tribo-pairs, the friction coefficient decreased by 27.48%, while WV was reduced by 85.81%. Mechanistic studies reveal that the introduction of short-chain methoxy groups and stable conjugated systems (aromatic rings and double bonds) inhibit oxidation and decomposition at elevated temperatures. The p-p stacking effect enables lubricant molecules to arrange stably on friction surfaces, forming a durable lubricating film.

Originality/value

The utilization of biomass resources to develop green synthetic lubricating oil with excellent performance not only enhances the added value of waste from agricultural processing but also offers significant benefits in terms of both economic and environmental sustainability.
Examining the impact of social media de-influencing on audiences
Authors: Elhajjar Samer , Itani Omar S.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of de-influencing and its related content on consumer behavior compared with influencing content. It considers the gender of de-influencers and consumers’ varied reactions to distinct types of de-influencing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on informational social influence theory, we conducted three experiments to investigate how consumers perceive and respond to de-influencing: the first explores consumer perception of social media de-influencers compared to influencers; the second examines the effect of de-influencers’ gender and the last compares consumer attitude toward various types of de-influencer content.

Findings

Consumers find de-influencers more credible than “traditional” influencers. De-influencing messages significantly affect attitude and purchase intention. The de-influencing creator’s gender does not affect brand attitude, perceived message effectiveness or perception. However, de-influencing video content influences attitudes toward brands and video effectiveness. Messages focusing on ethics and health elicit more negative perceived attitudes toward the brand.

Research limitations/implications

This pioneering research introduces “de-influence” as a new dynamic in social media marketing, revealing consumers’ preference for authentic, skeptical content over traditional influencer promotions. This lays the foundation for future research on consumer behavior and brand perception in digital spaces.

Practical implications

Brands in trust-sensitive industries should embrace authenticity and engage with de-influencers to build trust, turn criticism into growth opportunities and align themselves with consumer value.

Originality/value

Our study represents pioneering research in the emerging field of de-influencing, filling gaps in the literature and offering a comprehensive contribution to social media research.
Efficiency dynamics in Latin American healthcare reforms: a comprehensive growth mixture analysis within institutional theory
Authors: Tobar Claudia Isabel Vivas , Escandon-Barbosa Diana , Salas-Paramo Jairo , Giménez Víctor
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines the efficiency dynamics of public health service providers in Colombia between 2010 and 2021. In order to achieve this objective, a data panel is utilized to assess the effectiveness of 841 institutions across three levels of complexity (1, 2 and 3) in providing patient care, taking into account user satisfaction from 2010 to 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

By employing growth mixture analysis (GMA) and other statistical techniques, we may identify unique efficiency profiles among hospitals with different levels of complexity.

Findings

The results demonstrate varied efficiency patterns, with certain profiles generally retaining or improving efficiency over time, while others observe fluctuations or reductions. Efficiency outcomes are significantly impacted by factors such as capital investment, operational costs and workforce mix. Efficiency levels can be improved by making strategic investments in capital infrastructure and implementing effective operational cost management.

Originality/value

Changes in the healthcare market conditions in recent years in Colombia have compelled healthcare providers (IPS) to transform themselves into sustainable organizations.
Older consumers’ positive word-of-mouth toward m-banking: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Le Xuan Cu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Mobile banking (or m-banking) has become an inseparable part of the modern finance model. Its success relies on customers’ affective responses and behavioral decisions. This study aims to examine the important determinants of positive word-of-mouth (POW) toward m-banking among older consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was applied in examining a proposed model with data obtained from 358 respondents based on a Web-based survey from Vietnam using a questionnaire.

Findings

It was determined that attitude, usage intention and satisfaction are the fundamental facilitators of POW in m-banking. Furthermore, perceived usefulness, ease of use and trust are the main predictors of attitude and usage intention, and epistemic value, conditional value, social value and technological value are the primary motivators of usage intention. Ease of use and trust positively affect perceived usefulness. Usage intention fosters higher levels of satisfaction. This study affirms the insignificant effects of ease of use and hedonic value on usage intention as well as satisfaction on attitude.

Practical implications

The findings are insightful for developers to concentrate on how to promote cognitive, affective and behavioral responses among old consumers in m-banking. Marketers should boost value perceptions and trust as the prerequisite underlying judgment and behaviors toward m-banking.

Originality/value

This work validates the synergistic model of POW among older consumers in m-banking by combining the technology acceptance model (TAM) and theory of consumption values (TCV). Thus, it would increase the exploratory power of the theoretical base toward m-banking and in an emerging market.
A bridge too far: the dilemma of transport development in peripheral mountain areas
Authors: Apollo Michal
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Transportation infrastructure and destination accessibility are essential in developing the tourism industry. However, the situation is somewhat different in mountain peripheral areas, where poor accessibility is a kind of tourist attraction but also a driver of regional development. Thus, improving accessibility by “a bridge too far” can mean not just a lack of development but its regression and even the end of mountain tourism as we know it.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory ethnographic study aims to understand accessibility improvement and its impact on local communities. The data were collected in the Nepalese Khumbu region, which is the home of the Everest Base Camp Trek. Based on 18 in-depth interviews, this paper tested a proposed model of the evolution of a peripheral mountain area under the influence of transport development.

Findings

This study demonstrates the threats to local communities from the transport development (road and air) and improved tourist accessibility of a peripheral area that profits from its peripherality. Research shows unequivocally that transport development may result in the loss of business for many of them. Overall, in the opinion of the local communities, unplanned road and air transport development is destroying mountain tourism in this area.

Originality/value

To date, research on accessibility development in mountainous areas shows the main positive sides of change. This article contributes to understanding how accessibility improvements change people’s lives and how these changes can become “community killer”.
Managerial regulatory engagement, access to bank finance and the moderating role of institutional religiosity: a cross-country study
Authors: Liedong Tahiru Azaaviele , Aghanya Daniel E. , Saeed Abubakr
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Despite politicians sometimes playing an active agentic role in firms’ resource dependency and in the outcomes of corporate political activity (CPA), there is limited research on the supply-side dynamics of political markets and the contingent role of normative institutions. This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial regulatory engagement (MRE) − a type of CPA − and access to bank finance, and how this relationship is moderated by country-level religiosity and religion policy regime.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from over 37,000 firms in 43 sub-Saharan African countries and drawing on resource dependency and institutional theories, the authors deploy robust and sophisticated statistical analyses to test their hypotheses.

Findings

This study finds that MRE has a positive impact on access to bank finance. This effect is stronger in countries with more formal religion restriction where morality does not inhibit politicians’ discriminatory behaviour. However, this effect is weakened in countries where high levels of religiosity and more formal religion support curtail amoral rent provision.

Originality/value

These findings shed light on how firms’ use of CPA to manage resource dependency is affected by the influence of institutional religiosity on the agency of politicians. This study offers important theoretical contributions to the literature and generate useful implications for managers and policymakers.
Police legitimacy through procedural justice: examining the dual mediating role of institutional trust and obligation to obey
Authors: Lee Sunguook , Kwak Dae-Hoon , Yoo Youngjae
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The procedural justice theory of police legitimacy has been examined extensively by previous scholars; yet more expansion of the legitimacy literature is warranted. Specifically, the current study examines the effects of institutional trust and obligation to obey as mediators between procedural justice and perceived legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to test our hypotheses. Convenience sampling of South Korean university students (N = 2,188) was used to investigate our inquiry.

Findings

The results support our hypotheses in that while procedural justice was the primary predictor of legitimacy, institutional trust and obligation to obey were also significant mediators of procedural justice and perceived legitimacy.

Originality/value

A multitude of research examining various predictors of police legitimacy exists (e.g. Baker and Gau, 2018; Boateng and Buckner, 2019; Boateng et al., 2022; Lee and Lee, 2021; Lee et al., 2022, 2024; Lee and Kim, 2023; Nagin and Telep, 2017). More importantly, various researchers have concluded that procedural justice does in fact have a positive impact on the public’s perception of governmental institutions (Hough et al., 2010; Mazerolle et al., 2013a; Murphy and Cherney, 2012; Sunshine and Tyler, 2003). A few research have directly examined institutional trust in the policing context (e.g. Boateng, 2018; Camp et al., 2021). Specifically, Boateng (2018) examined institutional trust and its relationship to police performance, and Camp et al. (2021) examined police officers’ prosody and its impact on the citizens’ institutional trust in police. However, the objective of the current research is to examine the relationship between procedural justice and legitimacy through the double mediating role of the public’s perception of institutional trust and obligation to obey.
From Scarcity to Sustainability: Impact of Environmental Poverty on Green Growth in Developing Countries
Authors: Shen Lanjun , Xin Chengguo
Published: February 2025

This study contributes to the existing literature by comprehensively analysing the nexus between environmental poverty and green growth. This study uses the augmented mean group technique to explore the effects of environmental poverty on the advancement of sustainable development in developing nations between 1990 and 2023. The sample consists of various developing countries, examining data on environmental factors, socio‐economic metrics, and trade policies. The empirical methodology employs rigorous econometric methods, such as the Augmented Mean Group and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group estimators, to address cross‐sectional dependency and slope heterogeneity. The main findings indicate that environmental poverty significantly hinders green growth, with expansionary export policies exacerbating this negative impact. Conversely, green total factor productivity, the digital economy, sustainable innovation, contractionary export policies, and efficient use of labor and capital contribute positively to green growth. Policy implications include the need for broad policies to combat environmental poverty through better waste management, environmentally friendly farming, and natural habitat protection. To increase green growth, it is crucial to prioritize the digital economy, promote sustainable innovation, and maintain a balance in export policy. Global cooperation and financial support for environmentally friendly technology are essential for attaining sustainable development objectives.
Identification of ethanol analgesia quantitative trait loci and candidate genes in BXD recombinant inbred mouse lines
Authors: Rogers Walker D. , Presley Alyssa , Damaj M. Imad , Miles Michael F.
Published: February 2025

Alcohol consumption produces acute analgesic effects, and people experiencing pain conditions may drink alcohol to alleviate discomfort. However, tolerance to the analgesic properties of alcohol could prompt escalating consumption and dependence. Both nociception and alcohol‐induced analgesia are under significant genetic control. Understanding the genetic architecture of these processes could inform better treatment options for people with pain conditions. This study aims to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) driving variation in ethanol‐induced analgesia across BXD recombinant inbred mouse lines. Male and female mice from 62 BXD strains received ethanol or saline oral gavage for five days and were tested for hot plate (HP) latency at baseline, Day 1 and Day 5. QTL mapping of HP phenotypes identified a significant provisional QTL on chromosome 17 for Day 1 HP latency in mice receiving ethanol. An additional highly suggestive QTL was present on chromosome 9 for the difference in pre‐ and post‐ethanol thermal nociception. Candidate genes within QTL support intervals were provisionally identified using HP phenotypic correlations to transcriptomic database, expression QTL analysis and other bioinformatics inquiries. The combined behavioural and bioinformatic analyses yielded strong ethanol analgesia candidate genes, specifically Myo6. Thus, the results of this genetic study of ethanol‐induced analgesia in BXD mouse strains may contribute significantly to our understanding of the molecular basis for individual variation in the analgesic response to acute ethanol.
Management of maxillary permanent central incisors with combined injuries sustaining a second dental trauma: A case report with 8‐year follow‐up
Authors: Wu Zhifang , Wang Jian , Fang Linxian , Zhang Dandan , Shi Qiongling , Wang Manting , Gou Junzhuo , Deng Shuli
Published: February 2025

Root fractures often occur in immature maxillary permanent central incisors and can be combined with other injuries, making treating more difficult and prognosis uncertain. A 10‐year‐old girl sustaining a second dental trauma came to our hospital. Teeth 11 and 21 experienced root fracture following the first injury 15 months earlier. The second injury resulted in lateral luxation of the coronal fragment of Tooth 11 from the original fracture site and subluxation of Tooth 21. Tooth 11 was repositioned, and both Teeth 11 and 21 were splinted for 3 months. An apical plug was applied to Tooth 21 at 52 months. After 8 years of follow‐up, complete resorption was observed in the apical fragment of Tooth 11, and both teeth exhibited a favourable prognosis. It illustrates that complex root fractures sustaining two separate traumatic incidents can have a positive long‐term outcome through accurately judging and grasping the timing of sequential treatment.
Multiomics Analyses Demonstrate the Attenuation of Metabolic Cardiac Disorders Associated With Type 2 Diabetes by Stachydrine in Relation With the Transition of Gastrointestinal Microbiota
Authors: Yang Chaoxing , Zhong Huaping
Published: February 2025

Stachydrine (STA) has therapeutic effects on heart disorders. The current study assessed its effects on Type 2 diabetes (T2D) induced cardiac disorders by focusing on the heart–gut axis. Mice were subjected to high‐fat diet (HFD) and streptozocin (STZ) to induce cardiac disorders such as inflammation and structural deteriorations, which were handled with STA. Changes regarding the composition and metabolism of gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota were then determined using a multiomics strategy, including amplicon sequencing and metabolomics. The data showed that STA improved heart function, reduced intestinal permeability, and suppressed inflammation in mice in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the compound had little influence on the overall alpha diversity of gut microbiota, while it did influence the beta diversity. The analyses based on the multiomics strategy demonstrated that certain GI microbial groups, including Paramuribaculum, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and Adlercreutzia, responded to the STA administration, which contributed to the alternatives of metabolites in the gut. Correlation analyses showed that Duncaniella and Ruminococcus negatively impacted health, while Muribaculum, Paramuribaculum, and Prevotella positively influenced intestinal permeability and heart health. Collectively, STA attenuated T2D‐induced cardiac disorders by improving heart structure and function and suppressing inflammation, during which the GI homeostasis of the T2D mice changed to an alternative state that was different from that of healthy mice.
Gesture Reduces Mapping Difficulties in the Development of Spatial Language Depending on the Complexity of Spatial Relations
Authors: Ünal Ercenur , Kırbaşoğlu Kevser , Karadöller Dilay Z. , Sümer Beyza , Özyürek Aslı
Published: February 2025

In spoken languages, children acquire locative terms in a cross‐linguistically stable order. Terms similar in meaning to in and on emerge earlier than those similar to front and behind, followed by left and right. This order has been attributed to the complexity of the relations expressed by different locative terms. An additional possibility is that children may be delayed in expressing certain spatial meanings partly due to difficulties in discovering the mappings between locative terms in speech and spatial relation they express. We investigate cognitive and mapping difficulties in the domain of spatial language by comparing how children map spatial meanings onto speech versus visually motivated forms in co‐speech gesture across different spatial relations. Twenty‐four 8‐year‐old and 23 adult native Turkish‐speakers described four‐picture displays where the target picture depicted in‐on, front‐behind, or left‐right relations between objects. As the complexity of spatial relations increased, children were more likely to rely on gestures as opposed to speech to informatively express the spatial relation. Adults overwhelmingly relied on speech to informatively express the spatial relation, and this did not change across the complexity of spatial relations. Nevertheless, even when spatial expressions in both speech and co‐speech gesture were considered, children lagged behind adults when expressing the most complex left‐right relations. These findings suggest that cognitive development and mapping difficulties introduced by the modality of expressions interact in shaping the development of spatial language.
Relationship between parental self‐efficacy and parent–child relationships: Moderating roles of problem behaviors and autism stigma
Authors: So Wing‐Chee , Song Xue‐Ke , Lam Ho‐Wai , Chan Sze‐Man , Lau Ka‐Ho
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate the relationship between parental self‐efficacy and parent–child relationships in families including children with autism and to identify the potential family‐based moderators.

Background

More families in China are being affected by autism. Parents often have difficulties establishing positive relationships with their children with autism. Parental self‐efficacy positively influences the relationship with typically developing children. However, this association and its potential moderators are understudied in families that include children with autism.

Method

Chinese caregivers of children with autism completed standardized instruments on parental self‐efficacy, parent–child relationships, children's behavioral problems, parents' endorsement of autism stigma, and spouse support. Moderation analyses were conducted.

Results

Parental self‐efficacy was positively associated with parent–child relationships. Children's psychosomatic problems and parents' endorsement of autism stigma were the only significant moderators. More psychosomatic problems dampened the positive relationship between parental self‐efficacy and parent–child relationships, and less endorsement on autism stigma strengthened such relationship.

Conclusion

Caregivers with a greater sense of parental self‐efficacy will have better parent–child relationships. Such relationships were stronger when caregivers tended not to endorse autism stigma and weakened when children with autism exhibited more psychosomatic symptoms.

Implications

Chinese parents' lack of endorsement of autism stigma may offer a protective role for parent–child relationships, while psychosomatic problems of children with autism may serve as a risk factor. Our findings shed light on the direction of interventions for families including children with autism. In particular, it is necessary to identify those families whose parents endorse autism stigma and their children with autism who have psychosomatic problems. An intervention to help these families understand autism and accept their children is crucial for improving the parent–child relationship.
Antihypertensive Drug Use and COVID‐19 Disease Severity in Hospitalized US Veterans: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huntsman Merodean , Marquez Jessica L. , Stoddard Gregory J. , Wei Guo , Miller Aaron J. , Agarwal Jayant P. , Jeyapalina Sujee
Published: February 2025

This research investigated associations between hypertensive patients with COVID‐19 who did and did not use specific antihypertensive medications and had incurred hospital ventilation/death in the US Veterans Hospital System. This study included de‐identified medical records of 572 994 hypertensive US veterans who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 and hospitalized between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022, with a 60‐day follow‐up period. Mechanical ventilation and/or death within 60 days of COVID‐19 hospitalization served as the outcome variables. On multivariable analysis, CCB use was associated with a 9% increased risk of mechanical ventilation, while ACE inhibitors (HR: 0.90), alpha blockers (HR: 0.92), and CCB (HR: 0.93) users were associated with a significantly decreased risk of death. Additional multivariable analysis on those with and without additional comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure, and diabetes, revealed that in those with at least one additional comorbidity, CCB uses led to a 9% increased deleterious risk for ventilation. In contrast, the use of ACE inhibitors (HR: 0.86), alpha blockers (HR: 0.92), and CCB (HR: 0.93) demonstrated a moderate protective effect against mortality. Lastly, in hypertensive veterans without any additional comorbidities, there was a lack of significant association between hypertensive medication usage and mechanical ventilation and/or death. In summary, although CCB use was associated with an increased risk of requiring mechanical ventilation, it also demonstrated a protective effect against mortality. At the same time, ACEI, alpha blocker, and CCB usage led to a significantly decreased risk for death within all hypertensive hospitalized COVID‐19 veteran cohorts.
Diversity and Relevance of Non‐Sphingid Moths as Pollinators in the Neotropics
Authors: San Blas Germán , Devoto Mariano
Published: February 2025

Understanding the pollination mechanisms of “settling moths” (moths from families other than Sphingidae typically perched on corollas while feeding on flowers) in the Neotropics is crucial for assessing their contributions to plant reproduction and ecosystem resilience. Through extensive literature searches on Google Scholar and SCOPUS, this study identified 44 relevant studies from an initial pool of 410. These studies covered 37 ecoregions across over 30 million km2, primarily focusing on natural habitats, with Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico as major contributors. The research on Neotropical moth pollination has surged since 2000, with Noctuoidea, Geometridae, and Pyraloidea as the most cited moth groups. Despite the significant progress in documenting moth pollination, our assessment of taxonomic resolution revealed a heavy reliance on field observations, underscoring the need for collaboration with taxonomists to improve species‐level identifications and enrich ecological interpretations. Our network analysis of interactions between 37 plant families and 14 nocturnal moth families or higher taxon groups indicated a matrix fill of approximately 18.7%, with significant nestedness pointing to generalist‐specialist dynamics among plant and moth families. Modularity analysis identified distinct clusters of interactions, suggesting that specific plant and moth families engage in compartmentalised relationships shaped by ecological and evolutionary factors. Dominant groups, such as Asteraceae and Fabaceae among plants, and Erebidae and Noctuidae among moths, played central roles within these modules, underscoring their importance in maintaining nocturnal pollination networks. These findings emphasise the importance of both diverse and dominant pollinator groups in supporting Neotropical pollination dynamics. Our work highlights the need for pollinator‐centred studies, the adoption of standardised methodologies, and deeper exploration of exclusive moth pollination to advance understanding of plant reproduction across the Neotropics. Future research should aim to bridge gaps in species‐level identification and further investigate the ecological and evolutionary significance of nocturnal pollination across diverse environments.
Difficulties in providing nursing care to children with neurodevelopmental disorders admitted to child and adolescent psychiatric units for aggressive behavior
Authors: Kato Yuka , Kawahara Tae , Endo Yoshimi , Yamazaki Akemi
Published: February 2025

Background

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders admitted to child and adolescent psychiatric units often exhibit aggressive behaviors, posing challenges for nurses. It is unclear what experiences and challenges nurses have in these cases within the unique environment of hospitalization.

Purpose

This study aimed to elucidate the difficulties faced by nurses in providing care for children due to their aggressive behavior in these units.

Methodology

Qualitative descriptive research was conducted through semi‐structured interviews with nurses with over 3 years of clinical experience in child and adolescent psychiatric units. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and text units related to nursing difficulties were extracted and categorized.

Results

We interviewed 21 nurses, averaging 44 years old, with 6.8 years of experience in child and adolescent psychiatric units. Five categories of difficulties were identified: (1) building patient–nurse relationships, (2) encouraging behavior modification, (3) managing aggressive behavior, (4) facilitating reflection on aggressive behavior, and (5) establishing and maintaining appropriate behavior.

Conclusions

Nurses face numerous challenges in providing care for children with aggressive behavior. Despite experiencing physical and mental burdens in managing aggressive behavior, nurses strive to help children achieve social adjustment. Establishing systems to address nurses' difficulties can enhance the quality of nursing care.
The Outcomes of A Multifaceted Educational Intervention to Reduce Moral Distress Among Critical Care Nurses
Authors: Aljabery Mohannad , Coetzee‐Prinsloo Isabel , van der Wath Annatjie , Al‐Awabdeh Eman , Masenge Andries
Published: February 2025

Aim

To measure the outcome of the implementation of a multifaceted educational intervention on the impact of moral distress among critical care nurses.

Background

The complex nature of critical care settings exaggerates different morally distressing situations that require ongoing development of interventions to mitigate the impact of moral distress. Despite the availability of research that has addressed moral distress among nurses in the literature, there is a debate about the effectiveness of the applied interventions in reducing moral distress.

Design

A quasi‐experimental pretest‐posttest control group study design.

Methods

Critical care nurses in two public hospitals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE enrolled in a study that extended over 6 months. Hospital A was assigned as an experimental group (n = 76) and received four educational sessions and three booster sessions. Hospital B was assigned as a control group (n = 82) and didn't receive any moral distress‐related education. The Measure of Moral Distress for Health Care Professionals questionnaire and the Moral Distress Thermometer were utilised to measure the participants' moral distress frequency, intensity, and composite scores pre‐ and post‐intervention and identify the outcomes.

Results

The multifaceted educational intervention exhibited statistically significant reductions in the experimental group frequency, intensity, and composite moral distress scores post‐test. Conversely, moral distress scores were increased among the control group. Moreover, the intervention significantly reduced the number of nurses who intended to leave their positions from 58 nurses to 47 nurses in the experimental group.

Conclusion

The multifaceted educational intervention exerts positive outcomes in reducing moral distress across all the dimensions and improving the nurses' retention.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The intervention provides materials that could enhance the nurses' moral knowledge and skills. It provides different tools, techniques, and strategies to help the nurses address and manage their moral distress.
Chronic sustained hypoxia alters the pattern of diaphragm electrical activity in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Khalilpour Jamal , Alipour Mohammad Reza , Shahabi Parviz
Published: February 2025

Chronic sustained hypoxia (CSH) is known to induce functional and structural changes in the respiratory system. The diaphragm, as the main inspiratory muscle of mammals, is particularly important in the neuromotor regulation of respiration. Diaphragm electromyography (dEMG) records the sum of motor unit action potentials (MUAP) and provides information regarding motor unit recruitment and frequency coding during muscle contraction. We aimed to assess changes in dEMG activity following CSH. Herein, eight male Wistar rats (2–3 months) were subjected to CSH (10 ± 0.5% O2) for 10 successive days. In vivo dEMG recording was employed to assess changes in the diaphragm electrical activity. Filtered and rectified dEMGs were used for further analyses. Findings showed that CSH for 10 consecutive days significantly changed the pattern of dEMG signals. The slope of the rising phase of RMS‐enveloped dEMG bursts was much steeper in CSH rats compared to normoxic control rats (rise time: 373 vs. 286 ms; P = 0.005). Burst frequency significantly decreased following CSH (59 vs. 42 bursts/min; P = 0.0001), which was associated with a significant increase in burst amplitude (P = 0.039) and inter‐burst duration (0.65 vs. 0.88 s; P = 0.041). Power spectral density analyses showed that the mean frequency (293 vs. 266 Hz; P = 0.033) and high‐frequency to low‐frequency power ratio (P = 0.009) of dEMG signals significantly declined in CSH rats. Notably, the regularity of frequency and amplitude of dEMG signals did not change significantly following CSH.
Bi-suirface Induction in Biomimetic Multi-Gradient Foam-Filled Tubes with Enhanced Energy Absorption: Theory, Experiment, and Simulation
Authors: Wu Xiwei , Guo Haoyuan , Zhang Jianxun
Published: February 2025

The axial compressive deformed configurations of traditional and lightweight energy absorption thin-walled tubes are uncontrollable, while the introduction of internal and external induction grooves can control the deformed configuration at predetermined intervals to improve the stability of axial collapse. Thus, by introducing induction grooves and the concept of gradient into the design of energy-absorbing structures, an efficient energy absorber consisting of biomimetic foam-filled diameter-gradient tube with internal and external gradient induction grooves (FD-GIG Tube) is proposed. The axial compressive experiments of the FD-GIG Tubes filled with density uniform foam are carried out, and the deformation-related failure modes are clearly observed. An analytical model for axial crushing behaviour of a FD-GIG Tube filled with density gradient foam is established. The axial crushing behaviour of FD-GIG Tube filled with density gradient foam is analytically and numerically studied. The analytical average force-displacement curves of FD-GIG Tubes filled with density gradient / uniform foam, match well with experimental and numerical results. Increasing cone angle, density gradient factor, induction groove height factor and induction groove depth factor can all effectively increase the specific energy absorption (SEA) of the FD-GIG Tube up to 81.8% maximum.
Clinical study on the application effect of improved polyetheretherketone cranial plate in cranioplasty
Authors: Qin Jiajun , Xue Fei , Fu Jin , Sun Jiping
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the clinical outcomes associated with the use of an improved polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cranial plate in cranioplasty surgery. A total of 104 patients were involved, with significant findings revealing a reduced incidence of postoperative adverse reactions in the improved PEEK group (28.85%) compared to the conventional PEEK group (50.00%, P = 0.027). Patient satisfaction rates were markedly higher in the improved PEEK cohort (P < 0.05). Although the medical expenses for the enhanced PEEK group were greater (¥ 144 600 ± 21 200 vs ¥ 127 400 ± 20 100, P < 0.05), there were no notable differences in cerebral blood flow perfusion or survival time between the two groups (P > 0.05). The conclusions indicate that while the enhanced PEEK cranial plates incur higher upfront costs, their benefits in terms of safety and patient satisfaction, along with improved implant stability and bone healing, support their use in clinical practice. Consequently, the upgraded PEEK material is recommended for cranioplasty procedures.
Impact of vacuum ultraviolet photons on ultrathin negative tone resists for extreme ultraviolet lithography during plasma etching
Authors: Arvind Shikhar , Fallica Roberto , Bezard Philippe , Petersen John , De Gendt Stefan , Larsen Esben W.
Published: February 2025

To achieve further miniaturization of semiconductor devices, extreme ultraviolet lithography is employed for patterning at the cutting-edge nodes. This technique necessitates the use of ultrathin resists (less than 50 nm thick) to maintain pattern stability and meet depth of focus requirements. Typical cold plasmas used for dry etching are rich in vacuum ultraviolet photons, which can cause unintended damage to these resists. This can further reduce the etch budget and complicate pattern transfer. Thus, understanding the impact of these plasma photons on ultrathin resists can be crucial for enabling pattern transfer of sub-10 nm features. Here, we investigate the effects of the vacuum ultraviolet photons on three different models of ultrathin negative tone chemically amplified resists along with polymethyl methacrylate as a reference positive tone baseline resist. The resists were exposed to vacuum ultraviolet photons using a deuterium lamp, to argon ions using an ion beam etch tool, and to argon plasma using an inductively coupled plasma etch tool. Using different characterization techniques, the variations in etch rate, surface roughness, and bulk chemical changes of the resists under different processing conditions were examined. The applicability of the Ohnishi number and ring parameter etch rate models to the resists and processing conditions used was also studied.
What Is “Zone 2 Training”?: Experts’ Viewpoint on Definition, Training Methods, and Expected Adaptations
Authors: Sitko Sebastian , Artetxe Xabier , Bonnevie-Svendsen Martin , Galán-Rioja Miguel Ángel , Gallo Gabriele , Grappe Frédéric , Leo Peter , Mateo Manuel , Mujika Iñigo , Sanders Dajo , Seiler Stephen , Zabala Mikel , Valenzuela Pedro L. , Viribay Aitor
Published: February 2025

Background: The role of high-volume low-intensity training for enhancing endurance performance has gained growing interest in recent years. Specifically, so-called “zone 2 training” is currently receiving much attention, and many propose that this is the target intensity at which a large proportion of total endurance training should be performed. However, despite the popularity of this concept, there is no clear consensus among coaches, athletes, and scientists regarding the definition of zone 2 training. Purpose: This commentary summarizes the perspectives, experience, and knowledge of an expert panel of 14 applied sport scientists and professional coaches with the aim of providing insight and a basis for definitional consensus on zone 2 training. Moreover, potential training strategies at this intensity are proposed, and the expected physiological adaptations when exercising at this intensity and related research gaps are also discussed. Results: Experts reached consensus that zone 2 training should preferably be performed at intensities located immediately below the first lactate or ventilatory threshold through continuous, variable, or interval-type sessions. Furthermore, experts expected a broad range of central and peripheral adaptations from zone 2 training. These expected adaptations might not be unique to zone 2 and could also be induced with sessions performed at slightly higher and lower intensities. Conclusions: This commentary provides practical insight and unified criteria regarding the preferred intensity, duration, and session type for the optimization of zone 2 training based on the perspectives of acknowledged sport scientists and professional coaches.