bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of service quality on student satisfaction and student loyalty in Vietnam: the moderating role of the university image
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Viet , Vu Tuan Duong , Saleem Muhammad , Yaseen Asif
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Improving service quality, student satisfaction and student loyalty is important to higher education institutions’ sustainable growth. The objectives of this study are a twofold: first, the study seeks to determine the dimensions of higher education service quality with a specific focus on Vietnam. Second, it examines how the service quality dimensions impact student satisfaction and student loyalty, with the moderating role of the university image.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a rigorous procedure, including interviews, a survey, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis to identify higher education service quality dimensions and their measures. After that, using the data obtained from 1,550 university students in Vietnam, confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the identified dimensions and structural equation modeling was used to test a proposed model explaining the outcomes of higher education service quality.

Findings

The findings reveal five dimensions of higher education service quality: academic aspect, nonacademic aspect, programming issues, facilities and industry interaction. Most of these factors have a positive influence on student satisfaction. In addition, the university image moderates the positive relationship between student satisfaction and student loyalty.

Practical implications

This study’s findings highlight the complexity of service quality in the higher education context and encourage higher education institutions to improve their service quality in image to enhance student satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value

This study suggests a unique measure of higher education service quality dimensions and provides fresh insights into how they impact student satisfaction and loyalty in Vietnam.
Epidemiology and risk factors of bloodstream infections among adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: An 11‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xue Longlong , Tang Yishu , Wang Liwen , Xu Cong , Cheng Qian , Li Xin
Published: March 2024

Adolescent and young adults (AYAs) belong to a unique category of patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a leading cause of treatment‐related mortality in ALL patients. However, the epidemiology and risk factors for mortality from BSIs in AYA patients remain unclear. In this study, we analysed these aspects in AYAs patients and compared similarities and differences with children (<15 years old) and older adults (>39 years old). We analysed the pathogenic epidemiology, antibiotic resistance and BSI risk factors of 73 children, 180 AYAs, and 110 older adults with ALL in three comprehensive hospitals from January 2010 to August 2021. The data on BSIs in AYAs were compared to that of the other two groups. In this study, the epidemiology of BSIs in AYAs was similar to that of older adult patients. Concerning clinical characteristics, most AYAs and older adults with BSIs were in a relapsed or uncontrolled state (34.5% vs. 35.4%, p = 0.861). In terms of pathogen distribution, Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) were the most common causative pathogens in AYAs and older adult groups. Extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing bacteria were more commonly found in AYAs than in children (32.8% vs. 16.4%, p = 0.09). Regarding risk factors, the length of hospitalization (>14 days) and renal inadequacy (creatinine ≥ 177 μmol/L) were influencing factors for 30‐day mortality in AYAs patients with BSIs. In our study, AYA patients with BSIs showed clinical characteristics and pathogen distributions similar to those of older adult patients but quite different from those of children.
Rethinking the tiered trauma team response: A case‐series study in a regional trauma centre
Authors: Curtis Kate , Clark Benjamin , Lam Mary K , Huckle Ryan , Melville Geoffrey , Binks Simon , Ryan Ms Wende , Gardner Trevor , Parsons Ms Brooke , Ashford Bruce
Published: March 2024

Objective

To reduce perceived unnecessary resource use, we modified our tiered trauma response. If a patient was not physiologically compromised, surgical registrar attendance was not mandated. We investigated the effect of this change on missed injury, unplanned representation to ED, diagnostic imaging rates and staff satisfaction.

Methods

A retrospective case series study assessing the 3‐month period before and after the intervention was conducted. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between ordering of computerised tomography (CT) and ED length of stay (LOS), injury severity (ISS), age, surgical review and admission. A staff survey was conducted to investigate staff perceptions of the practice change. Free text data were analysed using inductive content analysis.

Results

There were 105 patients in the control and 166 in the intervention group and their mean (SD) ISS was the same (ISS [SD] = 4 [±4] [P = 0.608]). A higher proportion of the control group were admitted (56.3% vs 42.2% [P = 0.032]) and they had a shorter ED LOS (274 min [202–456] vs 326 min [225–560], P = 0.044). The rate of missed injury was unchanged. A surgical review resulted in a 26‐fold increase in receipt of a whole‐body CT scan (odds ratio = 26.89, 95% confidence interval = 3.31–218.17). Just over half of survey respondents felt the change was safe (54.4%), and more surgical (90%) than ED staff (69%) reported the change as positive.

Conclusion

The removal of the surgical registrar from the initial trauma standby response did not result in any adverse events, reduced admissions, pathology and imaging, but resulted in an increased ED LOS and time to surgical review.
Konfokale Line‐Field optische Kohärenztomographie, ein innovatives nichtinvasives Instrument zur Diagnose der Onychomykose
Authors: Eijkenboom Quirine Louise , Daxenberger Fabia , Gust Charlotte , Hartmann Daniela , Guertler Anne , Steckmeier Stephanie , Deussing Maximilian , French Lars Einar , Welzel Julia , Schuh Sandra , Sattler Elke Christina
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund und Ziele

Onychomykose ist weit verbreitet und sollte von anderen Nagelerkrankungen unterschieden werden. Eine rasche und genaue Diagnostik ist für die optimale Behandlung des Patienten und ein bestmögliches Ergebnis erforderlich. Nichtinvasive Techniken haben ein wachsendes Potenzial bei der Diagnose von Nagelerkrankungen, einschließlich Onychomykose. In dieser Studie wurde die konfokale Line‐Field optische Kohärenztomographie (LC‐OCT) als schnelle nichtinvasive Methode zur Diagnose von Onychomykose im Vergleich zur konfokalen Laserscanmikroskopie (KLM), optischen Kohärenztomographie (OCT) und konventionellen Methoden bewertet.

Patienten und Methodik

In dieser prospektiven Studie wurden 86 Patienten mit klinischem Verdacht auf Onychomykose und 14 Kontrollen mittels LC‐OCT, OCT und KLM untersucht. KOH‐Präparation, Pilzkultur, PCR und Histopathologie wurden als vergleichende konventionelle Methoden eingesetzt.

Ergebnisse

LC‐OCT hatte die höchste Sensitivität und den höchsten negativen Vorhersagewert aller verwendeten Methoden, dicht gefolgt von PCR und OCT. Die Spezifität und der positive Vorhersagewert der LC‐OCT waren genauso hoch wie bei der KLM, während OCT deutlich schlechter abschnitt. Das Goldstandardverfahren Pilzkultur zeigte die geringste Sensitivität und den niedrigsten negativen Vorhersagewert. Nur PCR und Kultur ermöglichten eine Differenzierung der Pilzspezies.

Schlussfolgerungen

LC‐OCT ermöglicht eine schnelle und nichtinvasive Diagnostik von Onychomykose, mit Vorteilen gegenüber KLM und OCT und ähnlicher diagnostischer Genauigkeit wie die PCR, aber ohne Differenzierung der Pilzarten. Für eine genaue Nageluntersuchung erfordert die LC‐OCT gut geschulte und erfahrene Anwender.
Patient Journey und krankheitsbezogene Nutzung digitaler Medien: Eine Querschnittsstudie unter Dermatologie‐Patienten in Deutschland
Authors: Wecker Hannah , Höllerl Lea , Schick Teresa Sophie , Biedermann Tilo , Zink Alexander , Ziehfreund Stefanie
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund und Ziele

Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Auswirkungen der Nutzung gesundheitsbezogener digitaler Medien auf die Arzt‐Patienten‐Beziehung und die Patient Journey (Weg des Patienten durch alle Phasen seiner Erkrankung) zu untersuchen, um positive Veränderungen in der dermatologischen Praxis zu bewirken.

Patienten und Methodik

Von Juni bis November 2022 füllten Personen mit Hautkrankheiten in Deutschland einen Fragebogen zur Bewertung der gesundheitsbezogenen Nutzung digitaler Medien, der E‐Health‐Kompetenz, des Einflusses der Nutzung digitaler Medien auf die Arzt‐Patienten‐Beziehung und die Patient Journey sowie soziodemografischer und gesundheitlicher Merkmale aus. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv und mittels linearer Regressionen analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 919 Teilnehmer analysiert (medianes Alter: 47,00, Interquartilsbereich [28,00; 61,00] Jahre, weiblich: 53,6%, Nutzer digitaler Medien im Kontext der Erkrankung: 56,8%). Google und Online‐Enzyklopädien wurden am häufigsten vor und nach der dermatologischen Konsultation genutzt. Online‐Selbsthilfegruppen wurden von 76,3% der nicht behandelten Teilnehmer in Anspruch genommen. Die Nutzung digitaler Medien hatte keinen Einfluss auf die Arzt‐Patienten‐Beziehung und wirkte sich positiv auf die Patient Journey aus. Positive Auswirkungen wurden mit höherer E‐Health‐Kompetenz, Zufriedenheit mit der Qualität digitaler Medien, Bedeutung digitaler Medien, ländlichem Wohnsitz, höherem Bildungsniveau und Vertrauen in Dermatologen in Verbindung gebracht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die dermatologische Versorgung in Arztpraxen kann vom Potenzial digitaler Gesundheitsmedien profitieren. Eine evidenzbasierte digitale Gesundheitsplattform ist erforderlich, um die E‐Health‐Kompetenz der Betroffenen zu erhöhen und ihre Zufriedenheit mit der Qualität digitaler Medien zu verbessern.
Lymphogranuloma venereum verläuft häufig asymptomatisch bei Männern, die Sex mit Männern haben, in Österreich
Authors: Chromy David , Sadoghi Birgit , Gasslitter Irina , Skocic Mattias , Okoro Anthony , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer Katharina , Willinger Birgit , Weninger Wolfgang , Öllinger Angela , Sarcletti Mario , Stary Georg , Bauer Wolfgang Michael
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund und Ziele

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) ist eine sexuell übertragene Erkrankung verursacht durch Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Serovar L1–L3. Eine Zunahme von LGV ist vorwiegend bei Männern, die Sex mit Männern haben (MSM), beobachtet worden. Die Unterscheidung zwischen LGV und Nicht‐LGV‐Serovaren hat therapeutische Konsequenzen, daher wurden Prävalenz und Charakteristika von LGV innerhalb aller CT‐Infektionen untersucht.

Patienten und Methodik

Alle CT‐positiven Befunde, erhoben an den vier größten österreichischen HIV‐ und STI‐Kliniken von 04/2014–12/2021, wurden hinsichtlich Charakteristika der Erkrankung und Demographie der Patienten ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden n = 2083 CT‐Infektionen bei n = 1479 Personen dokumentiert. Das mediane Alter betrug 31,4 Jahre, 81% waren männlich, 59% MSM, 44% HIV‐positiv, 13% nutzten HIV‐Prä‐Expositionsprophylaxe. Serovaranalysen waren bei 61% (1258/2083) verfügbar, wobei L1–L3 in 15% (192/1258) aller Fälle nachgewiesen wurde. Bei MSM mit rektaler CT‐Infektion waren 23% (101/439) LGV. LGV‐Fälle verglichen mit CT‐Infektionen traten vermehrt bei MSM (92% [177/192] vs. 62% [1179/1891], p < 0,001), HIV‐Positivität (64% [116/180] vs. 46% [631/1376]; p < 0,001) und konkomitanter Syphilisinfektion (18% [32/180] vs. 7% [52/749]; p < 0,001) auf. LGV‐Infektionen verliefen zumeist asymptomatisch (45% [87/192]), gefolgt von Proktitis (38% [72/192]).

Schlussfolgerungen

Lymphogranuloma venereum machte 23% der rektalen CT‐Infektionen bei MSM aus und 45% aller LGV‐Fälle waren asymptomatisch. Bei fehlender CT‐Serovar‐Analyse sollte in Risikopopulationen eine erhöhte LGV‐Prävalenz in Betracht gezogen und bei der empirischen Therapiedauer berücksichtigt werden.
Daily dynamics of feeling loved by parents and their prospective implications for adolescent flourishing
Authors: Xia Mengya , Coffey John K. , Fosco Gregory M.
Published: March 2024

Feeling loved by one's caregiver is essential for individual flourishing (i.e., high levels of psychological well‐being in multiple dimensions). Although similar constructs are found to benefit adolescent well‐being, research that directly tests parental love as a feeling from the recipient's perspective is rare. Historically, parental love has been measured using single‐assessment methods and assumed to be a stable, trait‐like characteristic; yet, like any feeling, it may fluctuate in meaningful ways on a day‐to‐day basis—the implications of which are unknown. Using a sample of 150 adolescents (59.3% female; ages 14–16), this study estimated level (person's mean level across days) and instability (fluctuations across days) of feeling loved by a caregiver across 21 days for each adolescent, and then examined their prospective effects on adolescent flourishing 1 year later. After controlling for demographics (adolescent age, gender, family income, and parent's sex) and variable baseline levels, feeling more loved by one's caregiver in daily life significantly predicted higher levels of flourishing in two global measures 1 year later. Moreover, level and instability of feeling loved by one's caregiver played different roles for different dimensions of flourishing: higher levels significantly predicted higher levels of autonomy, purpose in life, and personal growth, whereas higher instability significantly predicted lower levels of positive relations with others and environmental mastery. Findings emphasized the importance of considering daily dynamics of feeling loved by one's caregiver and demonstrated that level (of feeling loved) is particularly important for intrapersonal aspects while instability is particularly important for interpersonal aspects of flourishing.

Research Highlights

Adolescents feeling more loved by their caregiver in daily life had higher levels of overall flourishing 1 year later.

Level (of feeling loved) is particularly important for intrapersonal aspects of adolescent flourishing, including autonomy, purpose in life, and personal growth.

Stability (of feeling loved) is particularly important for interpersonal aspects of adolescent flourishing, including positive relations with others and environmental mastery.
The political economy of fiscal dominance: Evidence from the Chilean government of Salvador Allende
Authors: Espinosa Víctor I , Cueva David O
Published: March 2024

This article examines the political economy of fiscal dominance during the Chilean government (1970–73) of Salvador Allende. Fiscal dominance appears when the monetary authority complies with the fiscal authority's demand to buy treasury bonds and monetise the deficit. It is argued that persistent fiscal dominance is inflationary, especially without robust fiscal and monetary rules. The Allende government financed the deficit with present taxes, debt (future taxes) and monetary issuance (inflation tax), causing the crowding‐out effect and, together with other policies such as expropriation and price controls, collapsed the demand for money, triggering hyperinflation. The lessons of Chile clarify the fiscal trigger of the inflation, stagnation, and widespread poverty that has affected Latin American countries in recent decades.
Effect of temperature on metabolic stress and recovery of two Argyrosomus species from simulated catch‐and‐release angling
Authors: Pringle Brett A. , Duncan Murray I. , Winkler Alexander C. , Mafwila Samuel , Jagger Charmaine , McKeown Niall J. , Shaw Paul W. , Henriques Romina , Potts Warren M.
Published: March 2024

Catch‐and‐release (C&R) angling has grown in popularity due to increasing numbers of conservation‐minded anglers and regulations of recreational fisheries. C&R is often assumed to cause low mortality but can cause physiological and physical impairment. Fish metabolism and temperature interact to play a critical role in the biological functioning of fish. Understanding the relationship between temperature, fish metabolism, and physiological impairment is important for effective fisheries management and conservation, particularly for C&R angling in a changing thermal environment. We used respirometry to quantify post‐release metabolic stress and recovery of two popular Namibian angling species (Argyrosomus inodorus and A. coronus) subjected to simulated C&R angling across a range of temperatures. Metabolic stress and recovery time did not differ significantly between warm (A. coronus) and cold‐water (A. inodorus) species at any test temperature. However, several specimens of both species failed to recover physiologically and physically after 10 hours, thereby indicating C&R‐related impairment and potential for mortality. Given the predator‐rich environment of coastal waters in Namibia, best C&R practices are needed to minimise post‐release mortality.
Optimal treatment strategy and prognostic analysis of salvage liver transplantation for patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after hepatectomy
Authors: Hung Hao‐Chien , Lai Yin , Lee Jin‐Chiao , Wang Yu‐Chao , Cheng Chih‐Hsien , Wu Tsung‐Han , Wu Ting‐Jung , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Chan Kun‐Ming , Lee Wei‐Chen , Lee Chen‐Fang
Published: March 2024

Aim

We aimed to investigate the prognostic factors for salvage liver transplant in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after hepatectomy.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 53 patients who underwent salvage living‐donor liver transplantation between January 2007 and January 2018. There were 24 and 29 patients in the early (recurrence ≤24 months after primary liver resection) and the late recurrence groups, respectively.

Results

In the multivariate Cox regression model, pre‐liver transplant downstaging therapy, early recurrence (ER) after primary liver resection , and recurrence‐to‐liver‐transplant ≥12 months were independent risks to predict recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after salvage living‐donor liver transplantation. Compared with the late recurrence group, the ER group showed lower disease‐free survival rates (p < 0.001); however, the overall survival rates did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.355). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates were 83.3%, 70.6%, and 66.2%, and 96.0%, 91.6%, and 91.6% in the early and late recurrence groups, respectively. When stratified by recurrence‐to‐liver transplant time and pre‐liver transplant downstaging therapy in the ER group, disease‐free survival and overall survival rates were significantly different.

Conclusion

ER after primary liver resection with advanced tumor status and a longer period of recurrence‐to‐liver‐transplant (≥12 months) have a negative impact on salvage liver transplant. Our findings provide novel recommendations for treatment strategies and eligibility for salvage liver transplant candidates.
East Asia's private higher education crisis: Demography as destiny?
Authors: Welch Anthony
Published: March 2024

Globally, one in three students are now enrolled in private higher education institutions (PHEIs), with the total reaching almost 70 million enrolments. This pattern is similar across a highly diverse Asia: more than 35% of students are enrolled in the private sector, and around 60% of higher education institutions (usually much smaller than their public counterparts) are private. But in East Asia, a combination of high participation rates and a rapidly ageing demographic has led to a complex, developing crisis, particularly in a much‐expanded private sector. Adding to the existing suite of problems – finance, over‐supply, declining standards, regulatory issues, and in some cases, corruption – the combined effect of recent COVID disruptions, regional economic reversals, and a rapidly ageing demographic has intensified existing problems, constituting a major crisis for the sector, especially more marginal private institutions. The analysis charts the various responses of governments in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, draws out some of the limits to reform, and poses the dilemma for the future of private higher education in the region.
Unpacking “the system”: Multi‐level governance gaps in the labour market integration of highly skilled refugees
Authors: van Riemsdijk Micheline
Published: March 2024

A plethora of government‐ and non‐government actors are involved in the labour market integration of highly skilled refugees, forming a complex “system” that is difficult to navigate for integration actors and refugees. Based on interviews with 32 labour market integration actors in Sweden, this article examines multi‐level governance gaps in the wake of the simultaneous centralization and decentralization of labour market preparation services. It examines various “steps” in the labour market integration process to gain a more holistic perspective of “the system”, and identifies governance gaps in each step. The article finds that the devolution of services has opened up participatory spaces for non‐government actors, but narrowly defined mandates and short‐term funding mechanisms hamper cooperation within and between territorial levels of policy implementation.
Clinical decision‐making processes among graduate nurses, specialist nurses and nurse practitioners A collaborative international study
Authors: Levy‐Malmberg Rika , Boman Erika , Lehwaldt Daniela , Fagerström Lisbeth , Lockwood Emily B
Published: March 2024

Aim

To explore clinical decision‐making by comparing the processes used by three groups of nurses in the emergency departments of three hospitals: in Norway, Finland and Ireland.

Background

Clinical decision‐making in an emergency department environment is a complex process often occurring in times of crisis. It is an important aspect contributing to the quality of care. However, empirical research is limited regarding the decision‐making process in different nursing roles.

Methods

In accordance with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research, a qualitative and observational study was conducted to explore clinical decision‐making by comparing the processes used by three groups of nurses in the emergency departments of three hospitals: in Norway, Finland and Ireland. Six Registered Nurses, six Nurse Specialists and six Nurse Practitioners were observed. A total of 40 hours of observation was made at each setting according to a structured observation guideline, followed by clarifying questions. The data material was analysed by means of a qualitative manifest and latent content analysis.

Results

Three themes arose: acting in accordance with routines, previous experience and intuition; considering patient experience; and facilitating new alternatives based on critical thinking. The Registered Nurses mainly used the first approach, the Nurse Specialists used the first and the second approaches, and the Nurse Practitioners used all three approaches.

Conclusions

The results highlight the differences in decision‐making processes between these groups. Nurse Practitioners were the only group that facilitated and evaluated new alternatives using their clinical autonomy, such as stepping up and making independent and collaborative decision‐making.

Implication

The results can be used in countries developing advanced practice nursing education and defining their scope of practice to inform stakeholders.
Tax enforcement and corporate cash holdings
Authors: Pang Jiaren , Wang Kun , Zhao Le
Published: March 2024

Strengthened tax enforcement increases firms’ expected tax liabilities and uncertainty; thus, firms have incentives to hold more cash. Considering the staggered implementation of a new tax system that increases tax enforcement across provinces in China as a quasi‐natural experiment, we employ the difference‐in‐differences method to test the above prediction. The results indicate that stricter tax enforcement is associated with greater corporate cash holdings. This effect is stronger for financially constrained firms and those located in areas with high tax noncompliance penalties. Additionally, tax enforcement increases firms’ propensity to accumulate cash from cash flows and decreases capital expenditures and dividend payouts. The main findings are robust to the stacked difference‐in‐differences method, alternative cash holding measures and different sample selections.
Outcomes of tricuspid regurgitation after lead extraction
Authors: Shanafelt Colby , Middour Thomas G. , Ibrahim Rand , Leal Miguel , Lloyd Michael S. , Shah Anand D. , Westerman Stacy B. , El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Merchant Faisal M. , Bhatia Neal K. ,   and other members of the Tricuspid Regurgitation after Lead Extraction Group
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Transvenous leads have been implicated in tricuspid valve (TV) dysfunction, but limited data are available regarding the effect of extracting leads across the TV on valve regurgitation. The aim of this study is to quantify tricuspid regurgitation (TR) before and after lead extraction and identify predictors of worsening TR.

Methods

We studied 321 patients who had echocardiographic data before and after lead extraction. TR was graded on a scale (0 = none/trivial, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe). A change of >1 grade following extraction was considered significant.

Results

A total of 321 patients underwent extraction of a total of 338 leads across the TV (1.05 ± 0.31 leads across the TV per patient). There was no significant difference on average TR grade pre‐ and postextraction (1.18 ± 0.91 vs. 1.15 ± 0.87; p = 0.79). TR severity increased after extraction in 84 patients, but was classified as significantly worse (i.e., >1 grade change in severity) in only 8 patients (2.5%). Use of laser lead extraction was associated with a higher rate of worsening TR postextraction (44.0% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In our single‐center analysis, extraction of leads across the TV did not significantly affect the extent of TR in most patients. Laser lead extraction was associated with a higher rate of worsening TR after extraction.
“Extremely toxic and evil” reflections on gender identity change efforts by Christian religious leaders: Implications for therapy with transgender and nonbinary clients
Authors: McGeorge Christi R. , Coburn Katelyn O.
Published: March 2024

Given the religious groundings that support the practice of gender identity change efforts (GICE), we sought to explore the beliefs of Christian religious leaders about this practice and their understanding of marginalized gender identities. Nineteen religious leaders mainly from diverse Mainline Christian Protestant traditions were interviewed. Queer theory‐informed thematic analysis revealed two themes related to participants' beliefs about transgender and nonbinary identities: (1) Transgender and nonbinary identities are normative and authentic and (2) God created gender diversity. The analyses also highlighted two themes reflecting the pastors' beliefs about GICE: (1) GICE is harmful and (2) Therapy should affirm transgender and nonbinary identities. Finally, the thematic analysis exploring participants' messages for couple and family therapists could be organized into two themes: (1) Christian religious beliefs do not justify the use of GICE and (2) Therapists should be helpful and not harmful. Implications for couple and family therapists are also discussed.
Early childhood development and nutritional status in urban Ethiopia
Authors: Delbiso Tefera Darge , Nigatu Yakob Desalegn , Tilahun Natan
Published: March 2024

Early childhood development (ECD) is crucial for better health and well‐being throughout life, but few studies have examined how ECD relates to child malnutrition. This is mainly due to lack of reliable and disaggregated data on ECD. We estimated the prevalence of ECD delays (communication, fine motor, gross motor, problem‐solving and personal–social) and examined how different ECD domains were associated with child nutritional status in urban Ethiopia. Using a community‐based cross‐sectional survey design, 627 mother–child (12–36 months old) pairs were included in the study. The ECD was assessed using the Age and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ‐3), and the nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. The association between the ECD domains and nutritional status was analysed using ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for confounding variables. Delays in ECD domains were common, especially in fine motor domain (41.9%); and more than half of the children were stunted (52.8%). Stunting and underweight were associated with ECD delays, while wasting was not. Accordingly, stunted children were more likely to have worst ECD delays in fine motor (odds ratios [OR] = 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11; 2.15), gross motor (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.05; 2.04) and problem‐solving (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.02; 1.96) domains compared to non‐stunted children. Similarly, underweight children were more likely to have worse ECD delays in gross motor (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.20; 3.04) and fine motor (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.15; 3.15) domains compared to normal children. Coordinated and targeted ECD interventions, such as nurturing care, should be promoted and implemented widely to improve ECD outcomes and child nutrition.
When I say … pipeline programme
Authors: Mauney Carrinton A. , Garcia Alejandro V.
Published: March 2024

In the latest "When I Say…" the authors argue that "Pipeline programs" should be replaced by "Pathway programs" given that pipelines have harmful cultural associations and are rigid and impermeable, unlike the course of medical training.
Who moves first? Resource price interdependence through time‐varying Granger causality
Authors: Esposti Roberto
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the interdependence among natural resource prices. Commodities belonging to three different groups (energy commodities, metals, agricultural commodities) are considered. The analysis is performed via a battery of time‐varying Granger causality tests. They allow to assess whether price interdependence occurs and to identify the candidate first movers. These tests also allow observing how long and in which subperiods these causality relationships occur. The approach is applied to the monthly prices of 11 natural resources over the 1980–2021 period. Results suggest that interdependence is weak for energy and agricultural commodities and often concerns limited time periods, while it seems stronger and longer lasting among metals. Moreover, if an overall price driver has to be identified, agricultural commodities more than oil seem to be the best candidates.
Water exchange between the Chlorenchyma and the Hydrenchyma and its physiological role in leaves with Crassulacean acid metabolism
Authors: Cabrita Paulo José Vieira
Published: March 2024

Direct and non‐destructive measurements of plant‐water relations of plants exhibiting the Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthetic pathway are seldom addressed, with most findings inferred from gas exchange measurements. The main focus of this paper was to study how the water exchange between the chlorenchyma and the hydrenchyma depends on and follows the CAM photosynthetic diel pattern using non‐invasive and continuous methods. Gas exchange and leaf patch clamp pressure probe (LPCP) measurements were performed on Aloe vera (L.) Burm f., a CAM species, and compared to measurements on banana (Musa acuminata Colla), a C3 species. The LPCP output pressure, Pp, of Aloe vera plants follows its diel CAM photosynthetic cycle, reversed to that observed in banana and other C3 species. The four phases of CAM photosynthesis can also be identified in the diel LPCP output pressure, Pp, cycle. The Pp values in Aloe vera are determined by the hydrenchyma turgor pressure, with both parameters being reversely related. A non‐invasive and continuous assessment of the water exchange between the chlorenchyma and the hydrenchyma in CAM plants, namely, by following the changes in the hydrenchyma turgor pressure, is presented. However, showing once more how the LPCP output pressure, Pp, depends on the leaf structure, such an approach can be used to study plant‐water relations in other CAM species with a leaf structure similar to Aloe vera, with the hydrenchyma composing most of the leaf volume.
Multiple resistance to EPSPS and ALS inhibitors in Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) identified in Turkey
Authors: Kaya‐Altop Emine , Jabran Khawar , Pala Firat , Mennan Husrev
Published: March 2024

Amaranthus palmeri was first reported in Turkey in 2016, and an immediate heavy infestation of the weed was found in fruit orchards and summer crops such as maize, cotton, and sunflower. There have been farmers' complaints about the ineffective control of Palmer amaranth through the use of glyphosate and some sulfonylureas herbicides. Hence, this study aimed to determine the possible herbicide resistance evolution in Palmer amaranth against glyphosate and acetolactate synthase (ALS) herbicides. Seeds of 21 Palmer amaranth populations were collected from five provinces of Turkey where control problems with glyphosate and ALS inhibitors were reported in maize fields. Seeds of certain biotypes categorized as resistant or susceptible were grown to obtain the F2 generation. A single‐dose experiment determined the possible resistance to ALS inhibitors and glyphosate among the 21 populations. Of this, 18 populations were included in the subsequent dose–response experiments due to evident survival. Based on ED50 values from the dose–response experiment, SNU‐04 and ADN‐21 biotypes had the highest resistance index for glyphosate which was more than 7. The biotypes ADN‐21, OSM‐15, and DIR‐09 recorded the highest ED50 value with a resistance index of 9.21–10.35 after nicosulfuron application. Whereas, the biotypes SNU‐04, OSM‐15, and ADN‐21 were with the highest ED50 value and resistance index of 6.41–7.44, after the application of foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron methyl‐sodium. The increase in genomic 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) copy number has been observed in suspected cases that have been accepted as the molecular basis for the development of resistance against glyphosate. The sequence alignment results for the ALS gene contained Ala122Val and Pro197Arg mutations related to target‐site resistance against ALS herbicides.
A Novel Industrial Software Model for Social Manufacturing
Authors: Shi Haoliang , Dong Huawei , Yang Maolin , Guo Wei , Jiang Pingyu
Published: March 2024

Distinct from the conventional manufacturing paradigm, the functioning of the Social Manufacturing (SocialM) model relies on a vast and dispersed array of social manufacturing resources. SocialM communities/groups emerge autonomously through business interactions, resource self-organization, and production information sharing, all driven by product orders within the SocialM system. This necessitates a more open, distributed, and autonomous software model to facilitate the allocation and operation of social manufacturing resources in support of the SocialM model. Consequently, this paper introduces a novel software development model designed specifically for SocialM. This proposed model employs business interaction software as the system's primary control portal, enabling efficient management of resources and users based on the social manufacturing communities/groups. Additionally, it facilitates the administration and oversight of numerous applications by utilizing an industrial Appstore. Moreover, the paper delves into the technological roadmap for realizing the essential technologies of the software model by integrating multi-agent and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) technologies. A 3D printing task simulation case was employed to demonstrate the model's working principle, which served to confirm the reliability and scalability of the SocialM software, as well as the feasibility of the SocialM theory.
Interlayer registry effects on the electronic and piezoelectric properties of transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers
Authors: Likith S. R. J. , Brennecka Geoff L. , Ciobanu Cristian V.
Published: March 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) are currently drawing significant interest from the scientific community as 2D materials that have intrinsically semiconducting bandgaps. One additional advantage of TMDCs for discovering and developing materials with novel electronic, electromechanical, or optoelectronic properties is that both layer composition and registry can be readily tailored. To understand how such tailoring can expand the range of properties, here we used density functional theory calculations to determine the electronic structure and piezoelectric properties of bilayer TMDC heterostructures based on MoX2 and WX2, where X can be S, Se, or Te. For identical layers with no misorientation with respect to one another, we find that the registry of the two layers can change the bandgap type (direct vs indirect), as well as its value (by ≈0.25 eV). We report similar conclusions for bilayer heterostructures in which the composition of the two layers is different. Interlayer registry also has a pronounced effect on piezoelectric properties as the piezoelectric coefficients of the two layers either nearly cancel each other or add up to yield enhanced values for the associated TMDC bilayer heterostructures. These results may serve as a guide for enhancing electronic and piezoelectric properties by stacking TMDC layers.
CO
2
drawdown from weathering is maximized at moderate erosion rates
Authors: Bufe Aaron , Rugenstein Jeremy K. C. , Hovius Niels
Published: March 2024

Uplift and erosion modulate the carbon cycle over geologic timescales by exposing minerals to chemical weathering. However, the erosion sensitivity of mineral weathering remains difficult to quantify. Solute-chemistry datasets from mountain streams in different orogens isolate the impact of erosion on silicate weathering—a carbon dioxide (CO
2
) sink—and coupled sulfide and carbonate weathering—a CO
2
source. Contrasting erosion sensitivities of these reactions produce a CO
2
-drawdown maximum at erosion rates of ~0.07 millimeters per year. Thus, landscapes with moderate uplift rates bolster Earth’s inorganic CO
2
sink, whereas more rapid uplift decreases or even reverses CO
2
sequestration. This concept of an “erosion optimum” for CO
2
drawdown reconciles conflicting views on the impact of mountain building on the carbon cycle and permits estimates of geologic CO
2
fluxes dependent upon tectonic changes.
Generalized biomolecular modeling and design with RoseTTAFold All-Atom
Authors: Krishna Rohith , Wang Jue , Ahern Woody , Sturmfels Pascal , Venkatesh Preetham , Kalvet Indrek , Lee Gyu Rie , Morey-Burrows Felix S. , Anishchenko Ivan , Humphreys Ian R. , McHugh Ryan , Vafeados Dionne , Li Xinting , Sutherland George A. , Hitchcock Andrew , Hunter C. Neil , Kang Alex , Brackenbrough Evans , Bera Asim K. , Baek Minkyung , DiMaio Frank , Baker David
Published: March 2024

Deep-learning methods have revolutionized protein structure prediction and design but are presently limited to protein-only systems. We describe RoseTTAFold All-Atom (RFAA), which combines a residue-based representation of amino acids and DNA bases with an atomic representation of all other groups to model assemblies that contain proteins, nucleic acids, small molecules, metals, and covalent modifications, given their sequences and chemical structures. By fine-tuning on denoising tasks, we developed RFdiffusion All-Atom (RFdiffusionAA), which builds protein structures around small molecules. Starting from random distributions of amino acid residues surrounding target small molecules, we designed and experimentally validated, through crystallography and binding measurements, proteins that bind the cardiac disease therapeutic digoxigenin, the enzymatic cofactor heme, and the light-harvesting molecule bilin.
In Science Journals
Authors: Grocholski Brent , Osborne Ian S. , Suleymanov Yury , Vignieri Sacha , Maroso Mattia , Jiang Di , Fogg Christiana N. , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Stern Peter , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Walia Ankit , Hurtley Stella M. , Lopez Bianca , Lavine Marc S. , Ash Caroline , Berry Brandon J.
Published: March 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
The reckoning
Authors: O’Grady Cathleen
Published: March 2024

Didier Raoult and his institute found fame during the pandemic. Then, a group of dogged critics exposed major ethical failings
Antibodies from chlamydia-infected individuals facilitate phagocytosis via Fc receptors
Authors: Hybiske Kevin , Paktinat Shahrokh , Newman Katherine , Patton Dorothy , Khosropour Christine , Roxby Alison C. , Mugo Nelly R. , Oluoch Lynda , Ngure Kenneth , Suchland Robert , Hladik Florian , Vojtech Lucia
Published: March 2024

Non-neutralizing functions of antibodies, including phagocytosis, may play a role in
Chlamydia trachomatis
(CT) infection, but these functions have not been studied and assays are lacking. We utilized a flow-cytometry-based assay to determine whether serum samples from a well-characterized cohort of CT-infected and naïve control individuals enhanced phagocytosis via Fc-receptor-expressing THP-1 cells, and whether this activity correlated with antibody titers. Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis was detected only in CT+ donors. Phagocytosis generally did not correlate well with antibody titer. In addition, we found that complement from both CT+ and negative individuals enhanced phagocytosis of CT into primary neutrophils. These results suggest that anti-CT antibodies can have functions that are not reflected by titer. This method could be used to quantitively measure Fc-receptor-mediated function of anti-CT antibodies or complement activity and could reveal new immune correlates of protection.
Complete genome sequence of
Bacillus halotolerans
F29-3, a fengycin-producing strain
Authors: Shu Hung-Yu , Chen Chien-Chi , Ku Hsin-Tzu , Wang Chun-Lin , Wu Keh-Ming , Weng Hui-Ying , Liu Shih-Tung , Chen Chyi-Liang , Chiu Cheng-Hsun
Published: March 2024

Bacillus halotolerans
F29-3, a Gram-positive bacterium, is recognized for its synthesis of the antifungal substance fengycin. This announcement introduces the complete genome sequence and provides insights into the genetic products related to antibiotic secondary metabolites, including non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), polyketide synthase (PKS), and NRPS/PKS combination.
Crustal evolution of a continental magmatic arc from subduction to collision: A case study in the Gangdese arc, southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Ze-Ming , Ding Hui-Xia , Palin Richard M. , Dong Xin , Tian Zuo-Lin , Li Xiao-Wei
Published: March 2024

Magmatic arcs are the main environment where continental crust is created on the post-Archean Earth; however, how juvenile arc crust evolves into mature continental crust is still controversial. In this study, we report new bulk-rock major and trace elements, Sr-Nd isotopes, and zircon U-Pb ages and Hf isotopes from a large suite of granites collected from the eastern segment of the Gangdese arc, southern Tibetan Plateau, which record a complete history of arc crust evolution from Mesozoic subduction to Cenozoic collision. These new data show that Gangdese crust-derived granites generated during the subduction to collisional stages record significant geochemical changes with age, indicating that the bulk composition, lithological makeup, and thicknesses of the arc crust evolved over time. Here, we propose that the Gangdese arc had a thick juvenile crust with a small volume of ancient crustal components during late-stage subduction of the Neo-Tethys Ocean, a thin juvenile crust with heterogeneously distributed ancient crustal materials during early collision, and a thick juvenile crust with minor proportions of ancient rocks during late collision. This implies that the arc experienced episodes of crustal thickening during the Late Cretaceous and Eocene, interspersed by periods of thinning during the Paleocene and Miocene, and several discrete episodes of partial melting in the lower arc crust, and cycling or recycling of juvenile and ancient crustal materials within the arc crust and between the crust and mantle. We suggest that shallow subduction of the Neo-Tethys during the Late Cretaceous promoted tectonic thickening of the arc crust, partial melting of lower crust, and formation of high Sr/Y granites. After the onset of the Indo-Asian collision, breakoff of the subducted Neo-Tethyan oceanic slab during the Paleocene/early Eocene allowed thinning of the overlying arc crust and generation of granites derived from juvenile and ancient crustal sources. Continued underthrusting of the Indian continental crust and subsequent delamination of thickened lithospheric mantle led to thickening and thinning of the arc crust, respectively, and partial melting of thickened lower crust and generation of high Sr/Y granites during the Oligocene and Miocene. Using the Gangdese as an analogue for post-Archean continental margins, we suggest that the repeated thickening and thinning of arc crust, and associated multistage remelting of the lower arc crust, and material cycling or recycling within the crust and between the crust and mantle from subduction to collision are common processes that drive maturation of juvenile arc crust.
Constraining the provenance of black shales using rare earth elements and neodymium isotopes, Midcontinent United States
Authors: Morris Noah , Potra Adriana , Samuelsen John R.
Published: March 2024

We conducted research to determine neodymium model dates (TDM), εNd values, and the relative proportions of rare earth elements (REEs) of Paleozoic black shales from the Midcontinent United States to constrain their sediment sources. Twenty-one Cambrian to Pennsylvanian shale formations of the Illinois, Cherokee, Forest City, and Arkoma basins, the Ozark Dome, and the Ouachita Mountains were examined. Findings reveal that these midcontinental shales consist primarily of felsic detrital minerals that originated from the craton. The Cambrian Mt. Simon, Eau Claire, and Tunnel City shales of the northern Illinois Basin exhibit REE patterns and Nd isotopic signatures similar to those of the Ordovician Mazarn and Womble shales of the Ouachita Mountains, which indicates derivation from a similar sediment source. Sediment was likely derived from the Superior and/or Trans-Hudson cratonic provinces. The dominant sediment source shifted during deposition of the Middle Ordovician Womble Shale due to the uplift of the Appalachian Mountains during the Taconic orogeny, as suggested by the younger TDM dates, less negative εNd values, and similar REE patterns compared to those of the older Cambrian and Early Ordovician shales. The Grenville province and Appalachian Basin remained the primary sediment source into the Pennsylvanian.
Two pulsed activities of the Emeishan large igneous province in southwestern China inferred from dolomite U-Pb geochronology and significance
Authors: Xiao Di , Huang Tianhai , Xu Qiang , Tan Xiucheng , Wen Long , Zheng Jianfeng , Cao Jian
Published: March 2024

The Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) was a major geological event that took place around the Middle–Late Permian boundary. The major episode of the ELIP is generally considered to have occurred at 260–259 Ma, although an increasing number of geological data have suggested that multiple episodes of magmatic activity might have occurred. Here we report a study of a Lower Permian dolomite whose formation was influenced by the ELIP in the Sichuan Basin of southwestern China. Results show two new pulsed activities at 273.2 ± 9.7 Ma to 269.1 ± 12.0 Ma (ELIP-I) and 263.2 ± 10.3 Ma to 258.7 ± 8.1 Ma (ELIP-II). The two stages of the ELIP magmatism and thermal activity controlled the regional tectonic, sedimentary, and diagenetic evolution and exerted a profound influence on the oil and gas reservoirs, source rocks, and lithofacies paleogeography. This study is the first to interpret the timing of the ELIP from analysis of hydrothermal dolomite and provides new clues and data for improving our understanding of the dynamic formation mechanism and Earth system of the ELIP.