bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian network methodology and machine learning approach: an application on the impact of digital technologies on logistics service quality
Authors: Maleki Vishkaei Behzad , De Giovanni Pietro
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to use Bayesian network (BN) methodology complemented by machine learning (ML) and what-if analysis to investigate the impact of digital technologies (DT) on logistics service quality (LSQ), employing the service quality (SERVQUAL) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 244 Italian firms, this study estimates the probability distributions associated with both DT and SERVQUAL logistics, as well as their interrelationships. Additionally, BN technique enables the application of ML techniques to uncover hidden relationships, as well as a series of what-if analyses to extract more knowledge.

Findings

The results show that the average probability of firms investing in DT for analytics (DTA) is higher than that of investing inDT for immersive experiences (DTIE). Furthermore, adopting both offers only a moderate likelihood of successfully implementing SERVQUAL logistics. Additionally, certain technologies may not directly influence some SERVQUAL dimensions. The application of ML reveals hidden relationships among technologies, enhancing the predictions of SERVQUAL logistics. Finally, what-if analyses provide further insights to guide decision-making processes aimed at enhancing SERVQUAL logistics dimensions through DTA and DTIE.

Originality/value

This research delves into the influence of DTIE and DTA on SERVQUAL logistics, thereby filling a gap in the existing literature in which no study has explored the intricate relationships between these technologies and SERVQUAL dimensions. Methodologically, we pioneer the integration of BN with ML techniques and what-if analysis, thus exploring innovative techniques to be used in logistics and supply-chain studies.
Information technology investment and rural bank performance in Ghana: the moderating role of ICT diffusion and financial development
Authors: Annor Louis David Junior , Agyapong Elvis Kwame , Robaina Margarita , Vieira Elisabete , Anarfo Ebenezer Bugri
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study sought to examine the interaction between rural bank performance, information and communication technology (ICT) investment, ICT diffusion and financial development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were sourced from the Association of Rural Banks (ARB) Apex and World Development Indicators (WDI) for the period 2014–2020. A total of 122 rural banks were used for this study. The study adopted the two-step system generalized method of moments (SGMM) estimation technique in assessing the interactions among variables.

Findings

This study found compelling evidence to support the positive effect of ICT investment on banks’ performance (return on asset and net interest margin). Further, ICT diffusion and financial development positively influence banks’ performance. The results show a positive moderating effect exerted by ICT diffusion and financial development on the impact of bank risk (bank stability) and ICT investment on all three performance measures.

Originality/value

The study focuses on the rural banking sector in the Ghanaian economy, compared to related studies that examine the subject matter for commercial banks. The moderating effects of ICT diffusion and financial development are assessed to guide policy on rural banking development in Ghana.
Balancing work and family when family is work: a reconceptualization of work–family integration, burnout and detachment in family business
Authors: Blumentritt Timothy , Randolph Robert , Marchisio Gaia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Building from calls for greater interdisciplinary research in interpreting family business phenomena, we integrate research on work–family conflict, detachment and burnout from both organizational and family studies. Using the characteristic work–family integration of family business settings as a backdrop we develop theoretical arguments that emphasize the reconciliatory role of interdisciplinary perspectives to explain the ostensibly contradictory findings in extant research. The diminishing barriers separating work and life spheres occurring in most global industries illustrate the importance of conceiving the study of work–life phenomena through recursive, rather than linear, logics and emphasizing the relevance of family business research in providing a contextual foundation for interdisciplinary discussions.

Design/methodology/approach

This theoretical paper integrates perspectives from the literatures on organizational behavior and family systems theory to form six propositions on the relationship between work–life integration and the antecedents and consequences of burnout and psychological detachment.

Findings

This paper explores the nuances that overlapping work and family roles might be a source of both harmony and discord in family firms. In doing so, our research contributes to the growing relationship between family systems theory and family business research, and creates the foundation for future empirical studies on the psychological dynamics that underlie work–family integration.

Originality/value

This research advances a novel perspective on the interactions between work–family integration and burnout and detachment, and does so by noting that the way the family business literature treats work–family integration may apply to any employee that experiences tension between these different spheres of their identity.
Evolutionary game analysis on cross-border cooperative R&D of intelligent new energy vehicle industry
Authors: Tang Jinhuan , Wu Qiong , Wang Kun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Intelligent new energy vehicles (INEVs) are becoming the competitive hotspot for the automobile industry. The major purpose of this study is to determine how to increase innovation efficiency through knowledge sharing and technology spill between new energy vehicle (NEV) enterprises and technology enterprises. This will help to improve the core competence of the automobile industry in China. Also, it serves as a guide for the growth of other strategic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a tripartite evolutionary game model to study the cross-border cooperative innovation problem. Firstly, the payment matrix of NEV enterprise, technology enterprise and government is established, and the expected revenue of each participant is determined. Then, the replication dynamic equations and evolutionary stability strategies are analyzed. Finally, the theoretical research is validated through numerical simulation.

Findings

Results showed that: (1) An optimal range of revenue distribution coefficient exists in the cross-border cooperation. (2) Factors like research and development (R&D) success rate, subsidies, resource and technology complementarity, and vehicles intelligence positively influence the evolution towards cooperative strategies. (3) Factors like technology spillover risk cost inhibit the evolution towards cooperative strategies. To be specific, when the technology spillover risk cost is greater than 2.5, two enterprises are inclined to choose independent R&D, and the government chooses to provide subsidy.

Research limitations/implications

The research perspective and theoretical analysis are helpful to further explore the cross-border cooperation of the intelligent automobile industry. The findings suggest that the government can optimize the subsidy policy according to the R&D capability and resource allocation of automobile industry. Moreover, measures are needed to reduce the risk of technology spillovers to encourage enterprise to collaborate and innovate. The results can provide reference for enterprises’ strategic choice and government’s policy making.

Originality/value

The INEV industry has become an important development direction of the global automobile industry. However, there is limited research on cross-border cooperation of INEV industry. Hence, authors construct a tripartite evolutionary game model involving NEV enterprise, technology enterprise and the government, and explore the relationship of cooperation and competition among players in the INEV industry, which provides a new perspective for the development of the INEV industry.
Risk assessment of high-speed railway CTC system based on improved game theory and cloud model
Authors: Sun Yanhao , Zhang Tao , Ding Shuxin , Yuan Zhiming , Yang Shengliang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In order to solve the problem of inaccurate calculation of index weights, subjectivity and uncertainty of index assessment in the risk assessment process, this study aims to propose a scientific and reasonable centralized traffic control (CTC) system risk assessment method.

Design/methodology/approach

First, system-theoretic process analysis (STPA) is used to conduct risk analysis on the CTC system and constructs risk assessment indexes based on this analysis. Then, to enhance the accuracy of weight calculation, the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (FDEMATEL) and entropy weight method are employed to calculate the subjective weight, relative weight and objective weight of each index. These three types of weights are combined using game theory to obtain the combined weight for each index. To reduce subjectivity and uncertainty in the assessment process, the backward cloud generator method is utilized to obtain the numerical character (NC) of the cloud model for each index. The NCs of the indexes are then weighted to derive the comprehensive cloud for risk assessment of the CTC system. This cloud model is used to obtain the CTC system's comprehensive risk assessment. The model's similarity measurement method gauges the likeness between the comprehensive risk assessment cloud and the risk standard cloud. Finally, this process yields the risk assessment results for the CTC system.

Findings

The cloud model can handle the subjectivity and fuzziness in the risk assessment process well. The cloud model-based risk assessment method was applied to the CTC system risk assessment of a railway group and achieved good results.

Originality/value

This study provides a cloud model-based method for risk assessment of CTC systems, which accurately calculates the weight of risk indexes and uses cloud models to reduce uncertainty and subjectivity in the assessment, achieving effective risk assessment of CTC systems. It can provide a reference and theoretical basis for risk management of the CTC system.
Modelling dynamics between free‐living amoebae and bacteria
Authors: Ali Marwa , Rice Christopher A. , Byrne Andrew W. , Paré Philip E. , Beauvais Wendy
Published: May 2024

Free‐living amoebae (FLA) serve as hosts for a variety of endosymbionts, which are microorganisms that reside and multiply within the FLA. Some of these endosymbionts pose a pathogenic threat to humans, animals, or both. The symbiotic relationship with FLA not only offers these microorganisms protection but also enhances their survival outside their hosts and assists in their dispersal across diverse habitats, thereby escalating disease transmission. This review is intended to offer an exhaustive overview of the existing mathematical models that have been applied to understand the dynamics of FLA, especially concerning their interactions with bacteria. An extensive literature review was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases to identify mathematical models that describe the dynamics of interactions between FLA and bacteria, as published in peer‐reviewed scientific journals. The literature search revealed several FLA–bacteria model systems, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pasteurella multocida, and Legionella spp. Although the published mathematical models account for significant system dynamics such as predator–prey relationships and non‐linear growth rates, they generally overlook spatial and temporal heterogeneity in environmental conditions, such as temperature, and population diversity. Future mathematical models will need to incorporate these factors to enhance our understanding of FLA–bacteria dynamics and to provide valuable insights for future risk assessment and disease control measures.
Fiscal consolidation and voting: on the electoral costs of budgetary stability
Authors: Lago‐Peñas Santiago , Cadaval‐Sampedro María , Herrero‐Alcalde Ana
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we analyse the potential impact of policies aimed at fostering fiscal sustainability on citizens’ preferences. A survey specifically designed for this purpose quantifies citizens’ knowledge and concern about fiscal imbalances and the institutional framework that addresses them in Spain, and their possible electoral reactions to public spending cuts and tax increases. Using both ordered and unordered multinomial probit models, we corroborate that citizens tend to disapprove of retrenchment policies. However, the effect on citizens’ voting intentions varies depending on their political ideology. We confirm that left‐wing voters supporting the incumbent coalition parties prefer austerity policies based on the revenue side of the budget, while right‐wing voters tend to approve retrenchments based on the expenditure side to a larger extent.
Volcanically Driven Terrestrial Environmental Perturbations during the Carnian Pluvial Episode in the Eastern Tethys
Authors: RAHMAN Naveed Ur , XIAN Benzhong , FANG Linhao , CHEN Sirui , CHEN Peng , ULLAH Zaheen , WANG Pengyu
Published: May 2024

The Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) fingerprints global environmental perturbations and biological extinction on land and oceans and is potentially linked to the Wrangellia Large Igneous Province (LIP). However, the correlation between terrestrial environmental changes and Wrangellia volcanism in the Ordos Basin during the CPE remains poorly understood. Records of negative carbon isotopic excursions (NCIEs), mercury (Hg), Hg/TOC, and Hg enrichment factor (HgEF) from oil shales in a large‐scale terrestrial Ordos Basin in the Eastern Tethys were correlated with marine and other terrestrial successions. The three significant NCIEs in the study section were consistently correlated with those in the CPE successions of Europe, the UK, and South and North China. The U‐Pb geochronology indicates a Ladinian–Carnian age for the Chang 7 Member. A comprehensive overview of the geochronology, NCIE correlation, and previous bio‐ and chronostratigraphic frameworks shows that the Ladinian–Carnian boundary is located in the lower part of Chang 7 in the Yishicun section. HgEF may be a more reliable proxy for tracing volcanic eruptions than the Hg/TOC ratio because the accumulation rates of TOC content largely vary in terrestrial and marine successions. The records of Hg, Hg/TOC, HgEF, and NCIEs in the Ordos Basin aligned with Carnian successions worldwide and were marked by similar anomalies, indicating a global response to the Wrangellia LIP during the CPE. Anoxia, a warm‐humid climate, enhancement of detrital input, and NCIEs are synchronous with the CPE interval in the Ordos Basin, which suggests that the CPE combined with the regional Qinling Orogeny should dominate the enhanced rate of terrigenous input and paleoenvironmental evolution in the Ordos Basin.
Detection dogs can help researchers with elusive forest owl conservation
Authors: Gill Nicole , Cristescu Romane , Cisterne Adam , Stojanovic Dejan
Published: May 2024

Elusive fauna are often studied indirectly, via traces they leave behind, or via other non‐invasive survey methods. Critically endangered Tasmanian masked owls are both rare and elusive, which hampers conservation efforts. Spotlighting and call playback often have low success rates in accurately determining the presence/absence of Tasmanian masked owls. Using indirect survey techniques for traces such as owl pellets can be more efficient and provide a more reliable source of detailed data regarding presence/absence, diet, health, population structure and environmental contaminants. However, pellets can be difficult for researchers to find in the field. We evaluate whether detection dogs are effective in finding owl pellets in two steps: an experimental trial comparing the performance of a dog team to that of an ecologist with significant field experience with masked owls; and in a pilot field study where the dog team searched potential owl habitat in Tasmanian forests. During the experimental trials, the dog team significantly outperformed the ecologist. The dog team was more sensitive, finding 89% versus 40% of pellets present for the ecologist, and took half as long to search an equivalent‐sized search area. The combined efficiency of the dog team was 4.5 times greater than that of an ecologist working alone. During the pilot study, in searching areas of potential masked owl habitat, no pellets were found. However, when sites were visited where owls were known to have been recently sighted, the dog team were able to find large numbers of owl pellets suitable for collection and potential data extraction. Our trials suggest that dogs can find owl pellets with considerably greater sensitivity and efficiency than ecologists working alone and that they would be best used in combination with targeted surveys, especially when the detection and subsequent collection of as many pellets as possible is desirable for DNA extraction or other analysis.
In vitro mRNA‐S maternal vaccination induced altered immune regulation at the maternal‐fetal interface
Authors: Kammala Ananth Kumar , Tatiparthy Madhuri , Thomas Tilu Jain , Bonam Srinivasa Reddy , Boldogh Istvan , Haitao Hu , Sharma Surendra , Menon Ramkumar
Published: May 2024

Background

Maternal‐fetal immunology is intricate, and the effects of mRNA‐S maternal vaccination on immune regulation at the maternal‐fetal interface require further investigation. Our study endeavors to elucidate these immunological changes, enhancing our comprehension of maternal and fetal health outcomes. By analyzing immune profiles and cytokine responses, we aim to provide valuable insights into the impact of mRNA‐S vaccination on the delicate balance of immune regulation during pregnancy, addressing critical questions in the field of reproductive pharmacology.

Objectives

This investigation sought to examine the prospective influence of mRNA‐S‐based vaccines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing the Spike (S) protein at the maternal‐fetal interface. Our primary emphasis was on evaluating their effects on maternal decidua cells and fetal chorion trophoblast cells (hFM‐CTCs).

Methods

We validated the generation of EVs containing the S protein from small human airway epithelial cell lines (HSAECs) following mRNA‐S vaccine exposure. We assessed the expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) gene and protein in fetal membranes and the placenta, with specific attention to decidual cells and fetal membrane chorion cells. To assess cellular functionality, these cells were exposed to both recombinant S protein and EVs loaded with S proteins (eSPs).

Results

Our findings revealed that cells and EVs subjected to mRNA‐S‐based vaccination exhibited altered protein expression levels of S proteins. At the feto‐maternal interface, both placental and fetal membrane tissues demonstrated similar ACE‐2 expression levels. Among individual cellular layers, syncytiotrophoblast cells in the placenta and chorion cells in the fetal membrane exhibited elevated ACE‐2 expression. Notably, EVs derived from HSAECs activated the MAPK pathway in decidual cells. Additionally, decidual cells displayed a substantial increase in gene expression of chemokines like CXCL‐10 and CXCL‐11, as well as proinflammatory cytokines such as IL‐6 in response to eSPs. However, the levels of Ccl‐2 and IL‐1β remained unchanged in decidual cells under the same conditions. Conversely, hFM‐CTCs demonstrated significant alterations in the proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines with respect to eSPs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study indicates that mRNA‐S‐based maternal vaccination during pregnancy may influence the maternal‐fetal interface's COVID‐19 interaction and immune regulation. Further investigation is warranted to assess safety and implications.
Association of severity of menstrual dysfunction with cardiometabolic risk markers among women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Li Xuelan , Yang Jie , Blockeel Christophe , Lin Min , Tian Xiaoyan , Wu Haocun , Cao Yaqi , Deng Ling , Zhou Xianli , Xie Jinying , Hu Yunzhao , Chen Xin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a wide range of unfavorable cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, impaired glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Compared with women with regular menstrual cycles, women with a history of irregular menstrual periods have an increased unfavorable cardiometabolic risk. Recently, the association between the severity of oligomenorrhea and hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance has been demonstrated. However, evidence linking the severity of menstrual cyclicity with cardiometabolic risk in PCOS women is scarce.

Material and Methods

This work was a prospective cross‐sectional study. A total of 154 women diagnosed with PCOS by the Rotterdam criteria were recruited from July 2021 to September 2022. PCOS women with eumenorrheic (eumeno group), oligomenorrhea (oligo group), and amenorrhea (ameno group) underwent history and physical examination, gonadal steroid hormone measurement, lipid profile, oral glucose tolerance test, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

Results

A trend toward an increase in unfavorable cardiometabolic risk markers including obesity, hypertension, prevalence of insulin resistance, prediabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome was observed in the ameno group (n = 57) as compared with the eumeno (n = 24) or oligo group (n = 73). A higher prevalence of insulin resistance (odds ratio [OR]: 3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–8.81) and prediabetes (OR: 3.94; 95% CI: 1.01–15.40) was observed in the ameno group than in the eumeno group, and a higher proportion of dyslipidemia (OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.16–5.15) was observed in the ameno group than in the oligo group in the binary logistic regression analysis after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

PCOS women with amenorrhea show a higher prevalence of insulin resistance, prediabetes, and dyslipidemia compared with those with oligomenorrhea or eumenorrhea. The severity of menstrual dysfunction could be used as a readily obtainable marker for the identification of PCOS women at greatest risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Maternal metabolic conditions as predictors of breastfeeding outcomes: Insights from an Australian cohort study
Authors: Rassie Kate , Dhungana Raja Ram , Mousa Aya , Teede Helena , Joham Anju E.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Breastfeeding represents an important opportunity to optimize health outcomes for both mother and infant, particularly in the context of maternal metabolic conditions such as diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. However, evidence suggests that women affected by these conditions breastfeed at reduced rates and durations. Our aim was to use the large, prospective, community‐based Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) to conduct an in‐depth exploratory analysis of breastfeeding outcomes in Australian women affected by key maternal metabolic conditions.

Material and Methods

Data from 12 920 pregnancies to 5605 women from the 1973–1978 birth cohort of the ALSWH were examined. Univariable and multivariable regression using generalized estimating equation models were applied to assess breastfeeding initiation and duration (outcome measures) in relation to key self‐reported maternal metabolic diagnoses (pre‐gestational type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome; main explanatory variables). Key sociodemographic and clinical covariates were also considered.

Results

Results showed no significant association between specific maternal metabolic diagnoses (pre‐gestational or gestational diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome) and breastfeeding outcomes. However, maternal body mass index emerged as a key predictor of suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes. Pregnancies affected by maternal obesity were associated with a 2.1‐fold increase in the odds of not initiating breastfeeding, after adjusting for other key variables (95% CI 1.67 to 2.60, p < 0.01). Maternal overweight and obesity were, respectively, associated with an adjusted 1.4‐fold (95% CI 1.20 to 1.55, p < 0.01) and 1.8‐fold increase (95% CI 1.60 to 2.10, p < 0.01) in the odds of a breastfeeding duration less than 6 months.

Conclusions

Maternal obesity, rather than any specific maternal metabolic condition, appears to be a key predictor of breastfeeding outcomes in Australian women.
Pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of benralizumab in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: Phase III, randomized, placebo‐controlled OSTRO trial
Authors: Emson Claire , Han Joseph K. , Hopkins Claire , Asimus Sara , Cann Jennifer A. , Chain David , Wu Yuling , Reddy Yasa , McCrae Christopher , Cohen David , Kreindler James L. , Werkström Viktoria , Jison Maria , Wagenmann Martin , Bachert Claus
Published: May 2024

Aims

Benralizumab, a humanized, afucosylated monoclonal antibody against the interleukin 5 receptor, α subunit, causes rapid depletion of eosinophils by antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity. We investigated the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of benralizumab in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) from the phase III OSTRO trial.

Methods

Patients received a placebo or 30 mg of benralizumab by subcutaneous injection every 8 weeks (first three doses every 4 weeks) to week 48; a subset of patients continued in an extended follow‐up period to assess treatment durability to week 80. Serum benralizumab concentrations and blood eosinophil and basophil counts were assessed to week 80. Biomarker assessments were performed on nasal polyp tissue biopsies at week 56 and nasal lining fluid at weeks 24 and 56 to examine changes in immune cells and inflammatory mediators.

Results

Among 185 patients in this analysis, 93 received benralizumab. Serum benralizumab concentrations reached a steady state by week 24 (median concentration 385.52 ng mL−1); blood eosinophils were almost fully depleted and blood basophils were reduced between weeks 16 and 56. Nasal polyp tissue eosinophils decreased with benralizumab from 57.6 cells mm−2 at baseline to 0 cells mm−2 at week 56 (P < .001 vs placebo), and tissue mast cells were numerically reduced. In nasal lining fluid, eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin was significantly reduced at weeks 24 and 56 (P < .001) and interleukin‐17 at week 56 (P < .05) with benralizumab.

Conclusion

Benralizumab treatment led to rapid, sustained, nearly complete depletion of eosinophils from blood and nasal polyp tissue in patients with CRSwNP.
Efficacy and safety of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in elderly patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Li , Xu Chunhua , Wang Wei , Zhang Qian
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in treatment of elderly patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Patients with advanced NSCLC ≥70 years old who received PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to age, the patient were stratified as follows: 70–75 years old, 76–80 years old, and >80 years old. Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the correlation between different clinical characteristics and survival.

Results

A total of 58 elderly patients with advanced non‐small cell cancer were enrolled in this study. Patients aged 70–75, 76–80, and >80 years old were 32, 19, and 7, respectively. For the all, median OS was 17.0 months, and PFS was 7.0 months. PFS and OS did not differ according to age (P = 0.396, 0.054, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that PS of 0–1, stage III, first‐line therapy and irAEs were associated with longer PFS, and PS of 0–1, stage III, and first‐line therapy were associated with longer OS. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with stage III had longer PFS. PFS and OS of patients with PS ≥ 2 were significantly shorter than those of patients with PS of 0–1.

Conclusions

In the present real‐world retrospective cohort, PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors are effective and well tolerated in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC. Immunotherapy should be actively used as early as possible in older patients advanced NSCLC.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and reno‐protection: What's the evidence & where do they fit? A guide for non‐specialists
Authors: Bakris George
Published: May 2024

The role of aldosterone has yet to be well appreciated in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Two variables define CKD: an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and a spot urine albumin‐creatinine ratio of >30 mg/g. Both are needed for an accurate diagnosis. The presence of CKD at this level is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular death and a greater risk of CKD progression to kidney failure and subsequent dialysis. This paper presents an overview of aldosterone's importance in CKD and its contribution to the inflammatory processes involved in CKD development. Data on outcomes, both surrogate and hard, related to outcomes on CKD progression will also be discussed in the context of mineralocorticoid blockade. Based on recent epidemiological data as well as data examining markers of diabetic kidney disease progression, it is clear that use of both renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors and aldosterone receptor antagonists have a significant role in altering the natural history of kidney disease progression itself, as well as reducing the risk of cardiovascular events that generally accompany long‐standing kidney disease. This paper will discuss these issues and the management of consequent hyperkalaemia when both steroidal and non‐steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are used in detail.
How to lie to God: Kant's Thomistic turn
Authors: Sorensen Roy , Proops Ian
Published: May 2024

For most of his career, Kant accepts Augustine's requirement that lying requires an intention to deceive. However, he eventually converts to Aquinas, following him in rejecting this requirement in favor of Aristotle's teleological conception of lying. This change of view amounts to an improvement, for it makes room for the possibility of lying to an omniscient being—and such lies, we argue, are indeed possible. We accompany these historical and philosophical theses with a biographical thesis taking the form of the following story. Kant believed that in his youth he had lied to God, largely because of his religious training. He adopted policies designed to help him resist the habit of lying to God. However, this program conflicted with his desire to lead a well‐rounded life as a public intellectual. This worldly ambition led him to forego the Quaker solution to the problem of lying to God: refuse to swear any oath to God, avoid set prayers and hymns, decline offers of intercession by clergy. Kant's worldly compromise served him well, but as he entered his twilight years, he came to worry that his only surviving argument for theism—the moral argument—might constitute a relapse into the vice of lying to God.
Living fast, dying young: Anthropogenic habitat modification influences the fitness and life history traits of a cooperative breeder
Authors: Alamán Alejandro , Casas Enrique , Arbelo Manuel , Keynan Oded , Koren Lee
Published: May 2024

Anthropogenic habitat modification can indirectly effect reproduction and survival in social species by changing the group structure and social interactions. We assessed the impact of habitat modification on the fitness and life history traits of a cooperative breeder, the Arabian babbler (Argya squamiceps). We collected spatial, reproductive and social data on 572 individuals belonging to 21 social groups over 6 years and combined it with remote sensing to characterize group territories in an arid landscape. In modified resource‐rich habitats, groups bred more and had greater productivity, but individuals lived shorter lives than in natural habitats. Habitat modification favoured a faster pace‐of‐life with lower dispersal and dominance acquisition ages, which might be driven by higher mortality providing opportunities for the dominant breeding positions. Thus, habitat modification might indirectly impact fitness through changes in social structures. This study shows that trade‐offs in novel anthropogenic opportunities might offset survival costs by increased productivity.
Pathogenic MTOR somatic variant causing focal cortical dysplasia drives hyperexcitability via overactivation of neuronal GluN2C N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors
Authors: Pineau Louison , Buhler Emmanuelle , Tarhini Sarah , Bauer Sylvian , Crepel Valérie , Watrin Françoise , Cardoso Carlos , Represa Alfonso , Szepetowski Pierre , Burnashev Nail
Published: May 2024

Objective

Genetic variations in proteins of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway cause a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders often associated with brain malformations and with intractable epilepsy. The mTORopathies are characterized by hyperactive mTOR pathway and comprise tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type II. How hyperactive mTOR translates into abnormal neuronal activity and hypersynchronous network remains to be better understood. Previously, the role of upregulated GluN2C‐containing glutamate‐gated N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) has been demonstrated for germline defects in the TSC genes. Here, we questioned whether this mechanism would expand to other mTORopathies in the different context of a somatic genetic variation of the MTOR protein recurrently found in FCD type II.

Methods

We used a rat model of FCD created by in utero electroporation of neural progenitors of dorsal telencephalon with expression vectors encoding either the wild‐type or the pathogenic MTOR variant (p.S2215F). In this mosaic configuration, patch‐clamp whole‐cell recordings of the electroporated, spiny stellate neurons and extracellular recordings of the electroporated areas were performed in neocortical slices. Selective inhibitors were used to target mTOR activity and GluN2C‐mediated currents.

Results

Neurons expressing the mutant protein displayed an excessive activation of GluN2C NMDAR‐mediated spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. GluN2C‐dependent increase in spontaneous spiking activity was detected in the area of electroporated neurons in the mutant condition and was restricted to a critical time window between postnatal days P9 and P20.

Significance

Somatic MTOR pathogenic variant recurrently found in FCD type II resulted in overactivation of GluN2C‐mediated neuronal NMDARs in neocortices of rat pups. The related and time‐restricted local hyperexcitability was sensitive to subunit GluN2C‐specific blockade. Our study suggests that GluN2C‐related pathomechanisms might be shared in common by mTOR‐related brain disorders.
Helicobacter pylori infection associated with an increased incidence of cholelithiasis: A retrospective real‐world cohort study of 50 832 patients
Authors: Loosen Sven H , Killer Alexander , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph , Kostev Karel
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a bacterial disease of the stomach that has been associated with an increased incidence of cholelithiasis. While the updated German guideline emphasizes the relevance of H. pylori as a pathogen and recommends eradication therapy, systematic data on the association between H. pylori infection, its eradication, and the subsequent diagnosis of cholelithiasis in Germany are missing.

Methods

A total of 25 416 patients with and 25 416 propensity score‐matched individuals without H. pylori infection were identified from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) between 2005 and 2021. A subsequent diagnosis of cholelithiasis was analyzed as a function of H. pylori infection as well as its eradication using Cox regression models.

Results

After 10 years of follow‐up, 8.0% versus 5.8% of patients with and without H. pylori infection were diagnosed with cholelithiasis (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant association between H. pylori infection and cholelithiasis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33–1.58), which was stronger in men (HR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.41–1.90) than in women (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.22–1.52). In terms of eradication therapy, both an eradicated H. pylori infection (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.31–1.67) and a non‐eradicated H. pylori infection (HR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.25–1.60) were associated with a subsequent diagnosis of cholelithiasis.

Conclusion

The present study reveals a strong association between H. pylori infection and a subsequent diagnosis of cholelithiasis in a large real‐world cohort from Germany. Eradication therapy was not associated with a reduced incidence of cholelithiasis in our cohort.
Governing Corporations in National and Transnational Spaces: Cross‐Level Governmental Orchestration of Corporate Social Responsibility in South Korea
Authors: Shin Hyemi , Gond Jean‐Pascal
Published: May 2024

The loose spatial and temporal coordination of national and transnational governmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies enables multinational corporations (MNCs) to externalize irresponsible behaviours. Political CSR (PCSR) and ‘government and CSR’ studies show how governmental authority shapes CSR at the domestic and transnational levels but provide only limited insights into how to govern MNCs across levels and over time. Combining the concept of orchestration with insights from power transition theory, we theorize cross‐level governmental orchestration as power‐imbued, dynamic, and involving multiple modes of orchestration. Through an analysis of how the South Korean state has deployed CSR domestic and transnational strategies over 30 years, we induce three configurations of cross‐level governmental orchestration, blending coercive, directive, delegative and facilitative modes of orchestration, and identify the mechanisms behind Korea's transition from one configuration to another. Our results: (1) contribute to PCSR and ‘government and CSR’ studies by conceptualizing a systemic and dynamic view of cross‐level orchestration of governmental CSR strategies; (2) advance transnational governance studies by consolidating orchestration theories and considering coercive power, and (3) add to power transition theory by explaining how regulatory capacity‐building enables shifts of cross‐level orchestration configurations.
Religious Fundamentalism and Perception of Group Norms as Predictors of Radical Action Intention
Authors: Besta Tomasz , Jaśkiewicz Michał , Pastwa‐Wojciechowska Beata , Piotrowski Andrzej , Szulc Marcin
Published: May 2024

We aimed at exploring the interplay between fundamentalism and perception of group norms in predicting willingness to join radical group actions. We conducted three studies in two countries to examine the relationship between religious fundamentalism (RF), general religiosity, and support for radical actions on behalf of various social movements. Three studies (N1 = 305, N2 = 251, and N3 = 137) show positive relation between religious fundamentalism and willingness to engage in radical action in favor of the right‐wing and antivaccine movements. The significant interaction between RF and perception of group norms has also been found: RF was linked to radical action intention at the high level of radical group norms’ perception. We discussed possible explanations of these results and future avenues for research.
CRWN nuclear lamina components maintain the H3K27me3 landscape and promote successful reproduction in Arabidopsis
Authors: Choi Junsik , Gehring Mary
Published: May 2024

Arabidopsis lamin analogs CROWDED NUCLEIs (CRWNs) are necessary to maintain nuclear structure, genome function, and proper plant growth. However, whether and how CRWNs impact reproduction and genome‐wide epigenetic modifications is unknown. Here, we investigate the role of CRWNs during the development of gametophytes, seeds, and endosperm, using genomic and epigenomic profiling methods.

We observed defects in crwn mutant seeds including seed abortion and reduced germination rate. Quadruple crwn null genotypes were rarely transmitted through gametophytes. Because defects in seeds often stem from abnormal endosperm development, we focused on crwn1 crwn2 (crwn1/2) endosperm. These mutant seeds exhibited enlarged chalazal endosperm cysts and increased expression of stress‐related genes and the MADS‐box transcription factor PHERES1 and its targets.

Previously, it was shown that PHERES1 expression is regulated by H3K27me3 and that CRWN1 interacts with the PRC2 interactor PWO1. Thus, we tested whether crwn1/2 alters H3K27me3 patterns. We observed a mild loss of H3K27me3 at several hundred loci, which differed between endosperm and leaves.

These data indicate that CRWNs are necessary to maintain the H3K27me3 landscape, with tissue‐specific chromatin and transcriptional consequences.
Does Focal Kyphotic Deformity at Non‐responsible Levels Affect the Outcomes of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion?
Authors: Liu Jia , Tan Jian , Wang Haotian , Tan Yixuan , Qi Junqiang , Chen Rukun , Huang Jian , Zhu Chao , Tan Junming , Yuan Wen , Shi Changgui , Xu Guohua
Published: May 2024

Objective

Focal cervical kyphotic deformity (FCK) without neurologic compression is not uncommon in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) who underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery. It remains unclear whether FCK at non‐responsible levels needs to be treated simultaneously. This study aims to investigate whether FCK at non‐responsible levels is the prognostic factor for CSM and elucidate the surgical indication for FCK.

Methods

Patients with CSM who underwent ACDF between January 2016 and April 2021 were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of FCK and two classifications according to global cervical sagittal alignment. Clinical outcomes were compared using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and recovery rate (RR) of neurologic function. Univariate and multivariate analysis based on RR assessed the relationship between various possible prognostic factors and clinical outcomes. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of the focal Cobb angle to predict poor clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 94 patients were included, 41 with FCK and 53 without. Overall, the RR of neurologic function was significantly lower in the FCK than in the non‐FCK group. Further analysis showed that the RR difference between the two groups was only observed in hypo‐lordosis classification (kyphotic and sigmoid alignment), but not in the lordosis classification. Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative focal Cobb angle in the FCK level (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.18–0.97) was independently associated with clinical outcomes in the hypo‐lordosis classification. The optimal cutoff point of the preoperative focal kyphotic Cobb angle was calculated at 4.05°.

Conclusion

For CSM with hypo‐lordosis, FCK was a risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes. Surgeons may consider treating the FCK simultaneously if the focal kyphotic Cobb angle of FCK is greater than 4.05° and is accompanied by cervical global kyphotic or sigmoid deformity.
The role of theta and gamma oscillations in item memory, source memory, and memory confidence
Authors: Wynn Syanah C. , Townsend Christopher D. , Nyhus Erika
Published: May 2024

Theta and gamma oscillations have been linked to episodic memory processes in various studies. Both oscillations seem to be vital for processes guided by the medial temporal lobe, such as the retrieval of information from memory. While theta oscillations increase with successful memory, it is unclear what the unique contribution of theta is to various subcomponents of memory. On the other hand, memory‐related gamma oscillations have been mainly reported in the hippocampus, leaving the role of neocortical gamma in memory underexplored. In this study, we investigated how unique variability in memory accuracy and memory confidence contributes to fluctuations in theta and gamma power. To this end, we recorded EEG from 54 participants while they performed a source memory task. From this task we obtained their item memory accuracy, source memory accuracy, item memory confidence, and source memory confidence. These behavioral measures were put in a trial‐by‐trial linear mixed effects model to uncover their unique contribution to the oscillatory power in frontal and parietal regions. Our results are in line with the involvement of theta oscillations in both memory accuracy and confidence, but seem to indicate a main role for theta oscillations in memory‐related confidence. In addition, we found that gamma oscillations play various roles in memory processing, dependent on brain region.
Research bibliography for Philippine English (2008–2023)
Authors: Bolton Kingsley , Cruz Priscilla Angela T. , Martin Isabel Pefianco
Published: May 2024

The research bibliography presented here is intended to complement the earlier research bibliographies from Bautista on Philippine English (Bautista, 2004; Bautista & Bolton, 2008a). It includes 11 sections dealing with book‐length studies of Philippine English, as well as book chapters and journal articles on such topics as code‐switching, code‐mixing and linguistic hybridization; critical linguistics; discourse analysis; language attitudes and intelligibility; sociolinguistic description; language policies; multilingualism and multilingual education; Philippine literature in English; Philippine English features; and summative perspectives. While the bibliography is essentially contemporary in orientation, this article also emphasizes the foundational contributions of earlier scholars in the field.
Empowering Higher Education through a Micro-Credential Program in Power Electronics Course
Authors: Jaalam Norazila , Bakar Mohd Shafie , Ahmad Abu Zaharin , Ab Ghani Suliana , Mohd Saad Norhafidzah , Arshad Nurul Wahidah 
Published: May 2024

In line with the global and national shifts towards enhancing educational accessibility, flexibility, and quality, Malaysia has embarked on a transformative journey with the implementation of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015–2025 (Higher Education) and E-Learning Guidelines for Malaysian Higher Education Institutes. This strategic initiative acknowledges the pivotal role of e-learning in shaping the future of education by enabling greater access to knowledge and skills. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the growth of e-learning, emphasizing the need for innovative educational approaches. This paper presents a micro-credential program in the field of power electronics, aligned with Malaysia's commitment to advancing higher education through technology-driven solutions. The curriculum, which is tailored to meet the needs of a wide range of learners, covers all the fundamentals of power electronics and leaves participants with specific knowledge and abilities. This micro-credential program is designed to empower professionals and students, supporting their career objectives in the dynamic power electronics industry, by emphasizing accessibility, flexibility, and high-quality learning experiences.