bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance and firm value: Bangladeshi manufacturing industry perspective
Authors: Sarker Niluthpaul , Hossain S.M. Khaled
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the influence of corporate governance practices on enhancing firm value in manufacturing industries in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample consists of 131 companies from 10 manufacturing industries listed in Dhaka stock exchange (DSE). Using the multiple regression method, the study analyzed 1,193 firm-year observations from 2012 to 2021.

Findings

The outcome reveals that managerial ownership, foreign ownership, ownership concentration, board size, board independence, board diligence and auditor quality have a significant positive influence on firm value. In contrast, audit committee size has no significant influence on firm value.

Originality/value

The practical implications of the current study demonstrated that good corporate governance creates value and must be invigorated for the interest of all stakeholders. Policymakers should formulate specific guidelines regarding firms' ownership structure and audit quality issues.
Imaging CO2$_2$ reinjection into basalts at the CarbFix2 reinjection reservoir (Hellisheiði, Iceland) with body‐wave seismic interferometry
Authors: Hassing S. H. W. , Draganov Deyan , Janssen Martijn , Barnhoorn Auke , Wolf K.‐H. A. A. , van den Berg Jens , Friebel Marc , van Otten Gijs , Poletto Flavio , Bellezza Cinzia , Barison Erika , Brynjarsson Baldur , Hjörleifsdóttir Vala , Obermann Anne , Sánchez‐Pastor Pilar , Durucan Sevket
Published: December 2023

As part of the Synergetic Utilisation of CO storage Coupled with geothermal EnErgy Deployment project, investigating CO reinjection with different seismic methods, both passive and active seismic surveys have been conducted at the geothermal power plant at Hellisheiði, Iceland. During the 2021 survey, two geophone lines recorded noise for a week. We process the passive‐source data with seismic interferometry to image the subsurface structure around the CarbFix2 reinjection reservoir. To improve image quality, we perform an illumination analysis to select only noise panels dominated by body‐wave energy. The results show that most noise panels are dominated by air‐wave energy arriving from the direction of the power plant. We use panels with a near‐vertical incidence to create a zero‐offset image and a larger selection of body‐wave‐dominated panels to create virtual common‐shot gathers. We process the gathers with a simple reflection seismology processing workflow to obtain stacked images. The zero‐offset images show a relatively lower signal‐to‐noise ratio and only horizontal reflectors. The stacked images show slightly dipping reflectors and possibly lateral amplitude variations around the expected injection region. This could indicate a region of interest for future research into the reinjection reservoir.
Carrying capacity for tree biomass of a subtropical mangrove along a river in Japan inferred from forest structural features
Authors: Bassar A. T. M. Zinnatul , Suwa Rempei , Kanda Takashi , Dannoura Masako
Published: December 2023

A subtropical mangrove along the Miyara River in Ishigaki Island, Japan was studied for evaluating the carrying capacity for biomass of the mangrove stands. The stem diameters D, tree height H, and fine roots mass were measured, while aboveground biomass (AGB) and belowground coarse root biomass (BGBcoarse) were estimated. The AGB, BGBcoarse, and fine root mass were estimated as 130, 31, and 13 Mg ha−1 in the Rhizophora stylosa; 271, 94, and 11 Mg ha−1 in the downstream Bruguiera gymnorrhiza; and, 228, 81, and 6.4 Mg ha−1 in the upstream B. gymnorrhiza stand, respectively. The AGB and BGBcoarse in the R. stylosa stand were significantly lower than B. gymnorrhiza stands, and fine root mass was significantly higher than upstream B. gymnorrhiza stand. Significantly lower mean individual phytomass wt specific to tree density ρ of R. stylosa stand than B. gymnorrhiza stand in the ρ − wt relationship denoted the lower carrying capacity for AGB of R. stylosa than that of B. gymnorrhiza. The results showed that high soil pore water salinity and low pH at the downstream did not limit biomass and potential canopy height Hmax of mangrove along a river gradient but AGB and BGBcoarse differed between different species at the same edaphic environment. Analysis of aboveground and belowground biomass variations between stands of two mangrove species along environmental gradients from upstream to downstream could be useful in assessing the consequences of sea level rise in relation to climate change on the evolution of blue carbon dynamics.
Red cell distribution width to albumin ratio predicts treatment failure in peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis
Authors: He Yujian , Xiao Fei , Luo Qingyun , Liao Jinlan , Huang Huie , He Yan , Gao Min , Liao Yumei , Xiong Zibo
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between baseline red cell distribution width (RDW) to albumin ratio (RAR) levels and treatment failure in peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis (PDAP) patients.

Methods

A retrospective single‐center study was conducted on 286 PDAP patients. Logistic regression and generalized estimation equation (GEE) analyses were employed to assess the relationship between RAR and treatment failure.

Results

RAR emerged as a robust predictor of treatment failure in PDAP patients. Elevated RAR levels were associated with an increased risk of treatment failure, exhibiting a linear relationship. Even after adjusting for demographic and clinical variables, this association remained statistically significant. ROC analysis revealed that RAR outperformed RDW and albumin individually in predicting PDAP prognosis.

Conclusion

This study highlights RAR as a superior prognostic marker for treatment failure in PDAP patients, offering new insights into risk assessment and management strategies for this challenging condition.
Pravastatin promotes type 2 diabetes vascular calcification through activating intestinal Bacteroides fragilis to induce macrophage M1 polarization
Authors: Chen Cong , Liang Zheng‐Feng , He Yu‐Qi , Li An‐Qi , Gao Yan , Pan Qun‐Wen , Cao Jing‐Song
Published: December 2023

Background

Pravastatin is an oral lipid‐lowering drug, commonly used by patients with diabetes that is positively correlated with the occurrence of vascular calcification (VC), but the mechanism is unclear.

Methods

In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing and qRT‐PCR wereused to detect the differential gut bacteria. Metabolomics and ELISA were used to analyze the differential metabolites. qRT‐PCR and western blotting (WB) were used to detect genes expression. Flow cytometry was used to analyze macrophage phenotype. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze aortic calcification.

Results

We found that gut Bacteroides fragilis (BF) increased significantly in patients who took pravastatin or type 2 diabetes (T2D) mice treated with pravastatin. In vitro experiments showed that pravastatin had little effect on BF but significantly promoted BF proliferation in vivo. Further analysis showed that ArsR was an important gene for pravastatin to regulate the activation of BF, and overexpression of ArsR significantly promoted the secretion of 3,4,5‐trimethoxycinnamic acid (TMCA). Importantly, pravastatin significantly promoted BF secretion of TMCA and significantly increased TMCA secretion in T2D patients or T2D mice. TMCA had little effect on vascular smooth muscle cell calcification but significantly promoted macrophage M1 polarization, which we had demonstrated that M1 macrophages promoted T2D VC. In vivo studies found that pravastatin significantly upregulated TMCA levels in the feces and serum of T2D mice transplanted with BF and promoted the macrophage M1 polarization in bone marrow and the osteoblastic differentiation of aortic cells. Similar results were obtained in T2D mice after intravenous infusion of TMCA.

Conclusions

Promoting intestinal BF to secrete TMCA, which leads to macrophage M1 polarization, is an important mechanism by which pravastatin promotes calcification, and the result will be used for the optimization of clinical medication strategies of pravastatin supplying a theoretical basis and experimental basis.

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Extension of Pradel capture–recapture survival‐recruitment model accounting for transients
Authors: Telenský Tomáš , Storch David , Klvaňa Petr , Reif Jiří
Published: December 2023

Population growth is the sum of survival and recruitment, and knowledge of these two vital rates is crucial for understanding population dynamics. Moreover, animal populations often contain varying number of transient (i.e. nonresident) individuals that do not contribute to these rates but may bias their estimates. The widely used Pradel (1996,Biometrics,52: 703) survival‐recruitment model for capture–mark–recapture data is only able to handle resident individuals on a fixed study area across a particular study period. Yet, numerous capture–mark–recapture data sets, from a wide range of taxa, feature transient individuals. The most widespread sources of avian demographic data, based on citizen science projects, feature both transient individuals and changes in the study area over time.

We present an extension of the Pradel model that accounts for the presence of transient individuals and changes in the study area. In contrast to known extensions of the Cormack–Jolly–Seber models in which transients are modelled as a proportion of newly captured individuals, our novel approach models transient individuals as a proportion of all birds captured. In addition, we present a new simple way to visualize the interlinkage of the vital rates produced by our extended Pradel model.

We demonstrate utilization of the model using capture–mark–recapture data collected by a constant‐effort mist‐netting citizen science programme in the Czech Republic, presenting demographic rates of two species with different population dynamics. To demonstrate the newly achieved ability to analyse the phenomenon of transience, we show the differences in transience and its temporal trends between wet and dry habitats.

Removing the limitations of the Pradel model opens up new potential for much wider range of applications. Furthermore, our novel parametrization of transients as a proportion of all birds captured facilitates biological interpretation of the transience parameter and the study of transience as a biological phenomenon. Calculating all demographic parameters in a single model also opens up a unique possibility to take into account their correlated error distributions in follow‐up analyses. Our model can be further extended in several ways and can serve as a basic building block in a wide range of demographic analyses.
Why Australian farmers should not kill venomous snakes
Authors: Shine R. , Dunstan N. , Abraham J. , Mirtschin P.
Published: December 2023

Many Australians who work outdoors (notably, farmers and graziers) routinely kill venomous snakes. We argue that this attitude is misguided and dangerous. Despite their fearsome reputation, venomous Australian snakes pose little risk to human health (snakes kill an average of less than three people per year in Australia). Also, snakes confer a substantial benefit by consuming agricultural pests such as rodents. We estimate the magnitude of that benefit with data on snake diets, feeding rates and abundances. The most valuable rodent‐controllers are Brownsnakes (genus Pseudonaja), which are rodent‐specialists as adults and are abundant in agroecosystems across much of Australia. We calculate that a free‐living adult Eastern Brownsnake consumes at least 50 mice per year (probably twice that number), and that population densities of Brownsnakes in agricultural areas can exceed 100 per km2. Thus, Brownsnakes remove thousands of mice per square kilometre of farmland per year. That offtake plausibly reduces rodent densities because Brownsnakes take all age classes and both sexes of rodents by hunting in burrows. Tolerating Brownsnakes also would benefit the environment (e.g. less reliance on toxic chemicals) and the health of humans and domestic pets (fewer rodent‐mediated diseases) and counter‐intuitively, might reduce rates of snakebite (because many bites occur when a snake is attacked). In summary, a societal policy of coexisting with highly venomous snakes would confer multiple benefits to Australian farmers.
Anthropogenic effects of habitat modification on anuran species diversity in a swamp forest area, Kenya
Authors: Kabanze Joseph Musonda , Kimanzi Johnstone , Malonza Patrick Kinyatta , Rutina Lucas Pius
Published: December 2023

Anuran species are some of the good environmental indicators of habitat quality and condition in ecosystems. This is due to their amphibious life modes and sensitivity to environmental change caused by rapid expansion of agricultural activities, advancement of forest destruction, climate change and emerging infectious diseases. Understanding their diversity and distribution patterns is crucial for the development and implementation of effective species and habitat conservation strategies. The study aimed at assessing and comparing anuran biodiversity and distribution patterns between a protected (North Nandi Forest Reserve) and a non‐protected area (Kingwal swamp) to provide additional baseline information, both being among the underexplored areas in Kenya. Data were gathered in both dry and wet seasons, between October 2022 and June 2023 by employing standard sampling techniques for anurans(Visual encounter and pitfall traps with a drift fence) to maximise detection. Three habitat types‐ farmland, intermediate land and forest were exploited. A total of 1649 individuals from 21 different species, belonging to nine different genera and nine different families were recorded. Ptychadenidae was the most abundant family from the recorded anurans, while Dicroglossidae, Arthroleptidae, Pyxicephalidae and Ranidae were the least. High biodiversity was observed in the forest habitat (Protected) and least in the farmland (non‐protected). The wet season had high species abundance, diversity and richness compared to the dry season. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in diversity between the habitats in wet season, but no significance difference during dry season (p > 0.05) except for forest and farmland (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in species abundance between seasons (p < 0.05), and between habitats (p < 0.05) in all seasons except for farmland and intermediate (p > 0.05), as well as farmland and forest (p > 0.05) during the wet season. Habitat type and season had no influence (p > 0.05) on species richness. Anuran biodiversity is a function of habitat diversity and season, with the associated differences in microhabitat structure providing diverse niches and ways of exploring resources. The modest sampling indicates that Kingwal Swamp and North Nandi Forest Reserve are rich and support anuran species, and the differences in anuran biodiversity between the 3 habitats demonstrates that conservation efforts continue to be a priority.
Investigation of the role of von Willebrand factor in shear‐induced platelet activation and functional alteration under high non‐physiological shear stress
Authors: Han Dong , Sun Wenji , Clark Kiersten P. , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: December 2023

Background

von Willebrand factor (vWF) plays a crucial role in physiological hemostasis through platelet and subendothelial collagen adhesion. However, its role in shear‐induced platelet activation and functional alteration under non‐physiological conditions common to blood‐contacting medical devices (BCMDs) is not well investigated.

Methods

Fresh healthy human blood was treated with an anti‐vWF antibody to block vWF–GPIbα interaction. Untreated blood was used as a control. They were exposed to three levels of non‐physiological shear stress (NPSS) (75, 125, and 175 Pa) through a shearing device with an exposure time of 0.5 s to mimic typical shear conditions in BCMDs. Flow cytometric assays were used to measure the expression levels of PAC‐1 and P‐Selectin and platelet aggregates for platelet activation and the expression levels of GPIbα, GPIIb/IIIa, and GPVI for receptor shedding. Collagen/ristocetin‐induced platelet aggregation capacity was characterized by aggregometry.

Results

The levels of platelet activation and aggregates increased with increasing NPSS in the untreated blood. More receptors were lost with increasing NPSS, resulting in a decreased capacity of collagen/ristocetin‐induced platelet aggregation. In contrast, the increase in platelet activation and aggregates after exposure to NPSS, even at the highest level of NPSS, was significantly lower in treated blood. Nevertheless, there was no notable difference in receptor shedding, especially for GPIIb/IIIa and GPVI, between the two blood groups at the same level of NPSS. The block of vWF exacerbated the decreased capacity of collagen/ristocetin‐induced platelet aggregation.

Conclusions

High NPSS activates platelets mainly by enhancing the vWF–GPIbα interaction. Platelet activation and receptor shedding induced by high NPSS likely occur through different pathways.
Systematics and character evolution of capitate hydrozoans
Authors: Maggioni Davide , Schuchert Peter , Ostrovsky Andrew N. , Schiavo Andrea , Hoeksema Bert W. , Pica Daniela , Piraino Stefano , Arrigoni Roberto , Seveso Davide , Montalbetti Enrico , Galli Paolo , Montano Simone
Published: December 2023

Capitate hydrozoans are a morphologically and ecologically diverse hydrozoan suborder, currently including about 200 species. Being grouped in two clades, Corynida and Zancleida, these hydrozoans still show a number of taxonomic uncertainties at the species, genus and family levels. Many Capitata species established symbiotic relationships with other benthic organisms, including bryozoans, other cnidarians, molluscs and poriferans, as well as with planktonic dinoflagellates for mixotrophic relationships and with bacteria for thiotrophic ectosymbioses. Our study aimed at providing an updated and comprehensive phylogeny reconstruction of the suborder, at modelling the evolution of selected morphological and ecological characters, and at testing evolutionary relationships between the symbiotic lifestyle and the other characters, by integrating taxonomic, ecological and evolutionary data. The phylogenetic hypotheses here presented shed light on the evolutionary relationships within Capitata, with most families and genera being recovered as monophyletic. The genus Zanclea and family Zancleidae, however, were divided into four divergent clades, requiring the establishment of the new genus Apatizanclea and the new combinations for species in Zanclea and Halocoryne genera. The ancestral state reconstructions revealed that symbiosis arose multiple times in the evolutionary history of the Capitata, and that homoplasy is a common phenomenon in the group. Correlations were found between the evolution of symbiosis and morphological characters, such as the perisarc. Overall, our results highlighted that the use of genetic data and a complete knowledge of the life cycles are strongly needed to disentangle taxonomic and systematic issues in capitate hydrozoans. Finally, the colonization of tropical habitat appears to have influenced the evolution of a symbiotic lifestyle, playing important roles in the evolution of the group.
Long‐term outcomes and prognostic factors of surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis – A retrospective study
Authors: Romandini Mario , Bougas Kostas , Alibegovic Lamija , Hosseini Sara , Carcuac Olivier , Berglundh Tord , Derks Jan
Published: December 2023

Aim

To evaluate long‐term outcomes and prognostic factors of non‐reconstructive surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis.

Materials and Methods

One hundred forty‐nine patients (267 implants) were surgically treated for peri‐implantitis and followed for an average of 7.0 (SD: 3.6) years. The primary outcome was implant loss. Additional bone loss and surgical retreatment were secondary outcomes. Patient/implant characteristics, as well as clinical and radiographic parameters collected prior to initial surgery, were evaluated as potential predictors of implant loss. Flexible parametric survival models using restricted cubic spline functions were used; 5‐ and 10‐year predicted rates of implant loss were calculated according to different scenarios.

Results

Fifty‐three implants (19.9%) in 35 patients (23.5%) were lost during the observation period. Implant loss occurred after a mean period of 4.4 (SD: 3.0) years and was predicted by implant surface characteristics (modified surface; HR 4.5), implant length (HR 0.8 by mm), suppuration at baseline (HR 2.7) and disease severity (baseline bone loss: HR 1.2 by mm). Estimates of 5‐ and 10‐year implant loss ranged from 1% (best prognostic scenario; initial bone loss <40% of implant length, turned implant surface and absence of suppuration on probing (SoP)) to 63% (worst prognostic scenario; initial bone loss ≥60% of implant length, modified implant surface and SoP) and from 3% to 89%, respectively. Surgical retreatment was performed at 65 implants (24.3%) in 36 patients (24.2%) after a mean time period of 4.5 (3.1) years. In all, 59.5% of implants showed additional bone loss, were surgically retreated or lost.

Conclusions

Recurrence of disease is common following surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis. The strongest predictor for implant loss was implant surface characteristics. Implant length as well as suppuration and disease severity at baseline were also relevant factors.
Future nicotine use preferences of current cigarette smokers: Findings from the 2020 International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Authors: Li Lin , Borland Ron , Le Grande Michael , Gartner Coral
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Consumer preferences should be important factors that are considered when developing health policies and interventions. This paper examines the prevalence of, and factors associated with, consumer preferences regarding smoking behaviour 1 to 2 years in the future.

Methods

At least weekly cigarette smokers in the 2020 wave of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey (USA, Canada, England and Australia) (N = 8642) were asked if they preferred to continue to smoke or to quit with or without an alternative nicotine product (ANP) over the next 1–2 years.

Results

Country‐specific weighted data showed 21.5% preferred to continue smoking and 8.0% were uncertain, leaving 70.6% preferring to quit: 13.7% using an ANP and 56.9% completely quitting nicotine. Apart from interest in quitting, the main predictors of preferring to quit were history of vaping, being aged 55 and over, smoking weekly, worrying about smoking harms, regretting starting and believing vaping is less harmful relative to smoking. Among those preferring to quit, preferring to use ANPs in future was very strongly associated with current vaping (especially daily), being younger, living in England, reporting strong urges to smoke, believing vaping is much less harmful than smoking, and not strongly regretting starting to smoke, and not wanting to quit.

Discussion and Conclusions

A significant minority of smokers preferred not to quit, at least in the next year or two. Both interest in quitting and preference for ANPs over complete cessation were associated with similar covariates, including interest in vaping.
An updated model of potential habitat for northern stock Pacific Sardine (Sardinops sagax) and its use for attributing survey observations and fishery landings
Authors: Zwolinski Juan P. , Demer David A.
Published: December 2023

Three years after the 2015 collapse of the northern stock of Pacific Sardine that is predominantly located off the west coast of the United States, acoustic‐trawl (A‐T) surveys documented an increase in the presence and persistence of the southern stock off coastal Southern California. Then in 2020, the biomass of Sardine that was landed in Mexico and attributed to the northern stock exceeded the estimated biomass for the entire northern stock. To investigate if the landings were incorrectly classified, we revisit a model of northern‐stock potential habitat and the associated range of sea‐surface temperature (SST) used to apportion the A‐T survey data and monthly fishery landings to the two stocks, respectively. We update the probabilistic model of potential habitat with data on sardine‐egg presence and absence and concomitant satellite‐sensed SST and chlorophyll‐a concentration through 2019 and apply the new model to more accurately attribute the A‐T observations and fishery landings data to the northern or southern stock. The addition of recent data, with increased coverage in SSTs between 15°C and 17°C, improves the model accuracy and spatial precision of the stock attribution. The attribution accuracy is critically dependent on the temporal and spatial coincidence of the environmental and survey or landings data and should be corroborated with other characteristics indicative of biological isolation such as spatial separation, distinct spawning areas and seasons, and uncorrelated demographics.
Decreased serum creatinine to cystatin C ratio is associated with low tongue pressure
Authors: Komorita Yuji , Ide Hitoshi , Yoshinari Masahito , Ohta Yuko , Nakamichi Ikuo , Fujisawa Ritsuko , Fujii Wataru , Fukuhara Masayo
Published: December 2023

Aim

Tongue strength plays an important role in the process of food intake, and low tongue pressure has been associated with aspiration pneumonia, cognitive decline, and mortality. However, special equipment for tongue pressure measurement is uncommon in general practice. Recently, the serum creatinine‐to‐cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio has been validated as a marker of muscle volume mass. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association of the serum Cr/CysC ratio with tongue pressure in a cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This single‐center, cross‐sectional study enrolled 73 participants (mean age, 71.7 years; men, 49.3%) who regularly attended the hospital for treatment of chronic disease. A tongue pressure of <30 kPa was defined as low tongue pressure. We evaluated the relationships between the serum Cr/CysC ratio and tongue pressure using multiple regression analysis.

Results

The serum Cr/CysC ratio was correlated with tongue pressure (R2 = 0.25, P < 0.0001). In multiple regression analyses adjusted for confounders including age, sex, body mass index, and serum albumin, the association remained significant (P = 0.0001). In logistic analyses, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios of the Cr/CysC ratio for tertiles 1 and 2 compared with tertile 3 for low tongue pressure were 7.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.45–51.73) and 2.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.60–13.19), respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that a decreased serum Cr/CysC ratio was associated with a higher risk of low tongue pressure. Our findings suggest that this simple serum surrogate marker may be a first step toward an intervention for oral function by general practitioners. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 102–108.
Methods for prediction of morphophysiological variables of Brachiaria decumbens grass
Authors: Conrado Jefte A. A. , Lopes Marcos N. , Pompeu Roberto C. F. F. , Cândido Magno J. D.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate different methodologies used in the field in order to find the one that could most effectively relate to the morphophysiological condition of Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk (syn. Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk Stapf R.D. Webster). Two light interception frequencies (LI, 85% and 95%) and two defoliation intensities were adopted as targets for the residual leaf area index (RLAI 1.3 and 1.8). The treatments consisted of evaluating different methods of measuring the canopy height (CH) through its ability to correlate with the morphophysiological variables of species B. decumbens cv. Basilisk. High correlations between the methods CH, compressed height (CHe), weighted height 1 (WH1) and weighted height 8 (WH8) were observed mainly with the variables total forage biomass (TFB) and leaf area index (LAI) in both residual and pre‐grazing conditions. The path analysis showed degrees of multicollinearity, which determined the use of the “k” constants in order to correct the distortions of the diagonal elements of the correlation matrix X'X. Path analysis provided direct cause/effect indexes on TFB using LAI = 0.1435, photosynthesis (A) = −0.1061, CH = 0.1616, CHe = 0.0913, WH1 = 0.1386 and WH8 = 0.0575; on LAI using CH = 0.2404, CHe = 0.2164, WH1 = 0.2307 and WH8 = 0.2183; and on photosynthesis rate (A) using LAI = 0.2895, CH = 0.0203, CHe = −0.1170, WH1 = 0.0352 and WH8 = 0.0937. Similarity was observed between intercepts and slope coefficients for TFB prediction using CH, CHe, WH1 and WH8, providing mean values of 1069.57 and 204.06, respectively. Methods CH and WH1 presented a significant correlation with most morphophysiological variables and can be used to quantify TFB and LAI, while CH and WH8 can be used only for TFB.
Occupational therapy in the management of haemophilia patients: A scoping review
Authors: Seoane‐Martín Marta Elisa , Cuesta‐Barriuso Rubén , Rodríguez‐Martínez María Carmen
Published: December 2023

Background

Haemophilia is a haematological disease, although most haemorrhages occur in the locomotor system. Patients are physically disabled from an early age and have a poorer perception of quality of life. In the day‐to‐day lives of patients and their families, psychosocial well‐being, the disease's physical, personal, and social impact, as well as work‐related problems are the most complicated aspects of the disease that need to be addressed.

Objective

To identify the role of occupational therapy in managing patients with haemophilia and to analyse the therapeutic potential of occupational therapy in treating these patients.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to identify the role of occupational therapy in managing patients with haemophilia and to analyse the therapeutic potential of occupational therapy in treating these patients. The review was registered in the international registry PROSPERO (Id: CRD42022319637). The databases consulted were SCOPUS, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Science Direct, including all studies published until 14 August 2023.

Results

No single study was found that specifically developed an occupational therapy intervention for patients with haemophilia. Measurement instruments have been identified, specific for patients with haemophilia and generic, that can be useful for the functional evaluation of these patients in the occupational therapy approach. Different studies showed the importance of multidisciplinary treatment, including occupational therapy.

Conclusions

The use of occupational therapy could be effective in improving autonomy and quality of life in haemophilia patients. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to conduct research studies within the field of occupational therapy.
Biomarkers in cluster headache: A systematic review
Authors: Søborg Marie‐Louise K. , Jensen Rigmor H. , Barloese Mads , Petersen Anja S.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To systematically investigate previously examined biomarkers in blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, tear fluid, and saliva of patients with cluster headache.

Background

Cluster headache is a condition with extensive clinical challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Identification of a biomarker with diagnostic implications or as a potential treatment target is highly warranted.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review including peer reviewed full text of studies that measured biochemical compounds in either blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, tear fluid, or saliva of patients with cluster headache diagnosed after the implementation of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (1988) written in English, Danish, Swedish, or Norwegian. Inclusion required a minimum of five participants. The search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE, in September 2022, and extracted data were screened by two authors. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines for reporting systematic reviews were followed. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias in case–controlled studies.

Results

We included 40 studies involving 832 patients with cluster headache and 872 controls, evaluating 80 potential biomarkers. The risk of bias for case–controlled studies was a median of 6 (range: 3–8) and 20 studies out of 40 (50%) were of fair or good quality. Most studies were identified within three groups: hypothalamic‐regulated hormones, inflammatory markers, and neuropeptides. Among the hypothalamic hormones, cortisol was the most frequently investigated (N = 7) and was elevated in cluster headache in most of the studies. The most frequently examined inflammatory marker was interleukin 1 (N = 3), but findings were divergent. Calcitonin gene–related peptide was the most investigated neuropeptide (N = 9) and all studies found increased levels during attacks.

Conclusion

Biomarker findings have been inconsistent and widely non‐specific for cluster headache, which explains why none of the previous studies succeeded in identifying a unique biomarker for cluster headache, but instead contributed to substantiating the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. Several of the examined biomarkers could hold promise as markers for disease activity but are unfit for a clear distinction from both controls and other headaches.
Bridging science and accessibility: a tactile journey from gluten through to coeliac disease
Authors: Henneken Lee M , Loh Tiing Jen , Ciacchi Laura , Ciacchi Lisa , Lim Jia‐Jia , Reid Hugh H , Tye‐Din Jason A
Published: December 2023

As part of the Monash Sensory Science Exhibition, our team guided participants through a multisensory journey unraveling coeliac disease development and pathology. Through tactile and sensory exhibits, we showed how benign dietary gluten can be transformed into a harmful entity for the 1 in 70 Australians with this illness. In contrast to the common misconception of coeliac disease as a food allergy, our exhibits revealed its closer association with autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, involving genetic susceptibility linked to specific human leukocyte antigens, crucial antigen‐specific T‐ and B‐cell responses and autoantibody production. Tactile models underscored the severe consequences of the proinflammatory immune response to gluten on patient health and quality of life. This educational event affirmed to us the value and importance of fostering inclusivity in science education.
Hemocytes from neonates of Biomphalaria glabrata are functionally less mature than those from adult snails
Authors: Sullivan John T.
Published: December 2023

Gastropod molluscs, which serve as obligatory intermediate hosts for digenetic trematodes, possess an internal defense system (IDS) consisting of phagocytic hemocytes and plasma factors. This IDS is responsible for resistance to infection with larval trematodes, which are encapsulated and killed by hemocytes in incompatible snails. Like other physiological systems, the IDS probably undergoes maturation during early stages of life, and the relatively undeveloped state of the IDS in young snails has been hypothesized to be a factor in their increased susceptibility to infection with larval trematodes. In this study, hemocytes were examined in the BS‐90 laboratory strain of Biomphalaria glabrata that is resistant to infection with Schistosoma mansoni as adults but susceptible to infection as neonates. Compared with hemocytes from adults, hemocytes from neonates had a smaller perimeter and lower intrinsic directional motility on glass microscope slides. Additionally, in vitro assays showed a lower association with fucoidan‐linked polystyrene beads and less ability to produce superoxide anion in hemocytes from neonates compared to hemocytes from adults. These results support the hypothesis that the gastropod IDS undergoes maturation during growth. However, whether the observed differences between hemocytes of neonatal and adult BS‐90 snails play a role in the susceptibility of the former and resistance of the latter to infection with S. mansoni is not known.
Wound complication risk factors following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures
Authors: Han Xiuguo , Chu Fenglong , Jia Dailiang , Gao Ming , Zhang Rui , Zhang Xu , Wang Haibin
Published: December 2023

This study was designed to identify risk factors for wound complications including surgical site infection (SSI) and wound healing issues following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. A retrospective analysis of individuals with ankle fractures treated with ORIF was undertaken. Study subjects were divided into a wound complications (WC) group and a no wound complication (NWC) group. The WC group was further divided into an SSI group and wound healing issues group. Twenty‐one potential risk factors associated with wound complications after ORIF were tracked. Uni‐ and multivariate binary logistical regression analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with wound complications, ISS and wound healing issues. In total, 613 individuals, who had undergone surgery for ankle fractures formed the study cohort. The incidence of postoperative wound complications was 10.3% (63 cases), including 5.2% of SSI (32 cases) and 5.1% of wound healing issues (31 cases). The independent risk factors for wound complications were age 65 years or older, preoperative serum albumin level below 35 g/L, peripheral neuropathy, open fracture, fewer than seven cases per year in surgical volume, and attending surgeon level. The independent risk factors for SSI were age 65 years or older, preoperative serum albumin level below 35 g/L, open fracture and fewer than seven cases per year in surgical volume. The independent risk factors for wound healing issues were preoperative serum albumin level below 35 g/L, peripheral neuropathy, open fracture and attending surgeon level. Herein we found both factors inherent to the injury and individual and those pertaining to the surgical team affected the frequency of wound complications after ORIF of ankle fractures. Specifically, advanced age and low surgical volume were associated with a greater risk of SSI. Peripheral neuropathy and the low expertise level on the part of the surgeon were associated with a greater risk of wound healing issues. Hypoproteinaemia and open fracture were both associated with a greater risk of both SSI and wound healing issues.
Re2TiO5: Special dielectric titanates exhibiting abnormally low permittivity and a positive coefficient of resonance frequency
Authors: Zhu Guobin , Chen Deqin , Zhu Xiaowei , Xiong Siyu , Xiao Hongxiang , Liu Laijun , Li Chunchun
Published: December 2023

In this study, a series of rare‐earth titanates with the general formula Re2TiO5 (Re = Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) were synthesized and their microwave dielectric properties were reported. The impact of differences in rare‐earth cation radii on the structure and dielectric properties was systematically analyzed. The findings indicated that ceramics of Re2TiO5 (Re = Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) were crystallized into a cubic structure with space group Fd‐3m, as confirmed by Rietveld refinement and selected‐area electron diffraction patterns. The rare‐earth elements were analyzed for their impact on microwave dielectric properties, considering factors such as ionic polarizability, packing fraction, and bond valence theory. The resulting materials exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties with a low permittivity (6.95–7.21), high‐quality factors (19 451–20 115 GHz), and low positive temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (19.34–20.90 ppm/°C). The origin of low permittivity was elucidated through the analysis of bond length, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. This series of titanates exhibited unusually low permittivity characteristics in the microwave frequency range, which could meet the low signal transmission delay requirements in wireless communication.
Improved hydrogen production performance from methanol steam reforming by Ce‐doped CuO–Y2O3 catalysts
Authors: Zhao Tianyun , Shen Qiuwan , Chen Gaokui , Zhang Xin , Zhu Kuanyu , Gao Pengyun , Yan Min , Li Shian
Published: December 2023

Compared with the relatively simple monometallic and bimetallic oxide catalytic systems, polymetallic catalysts have attracted much attention in recent years. CuO–(Y2O3)(1−x)/2(CeO2)x (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1) polymetallic catalyst for hydrogen production by methanol steam reforming(MSR) was prepared by sol–gel method and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Specific surface area and pore size analyser(BET) techniques. XRD results show that the diffraction peaks of CuO–(Y2O3)0.4(CeO2)0.2 are sharp and intense, indicating that it is highly crystalline. SEM results show that the pore structure of catalyst becomes loose with the increase of Ce doping amount, and the catalyst particles become more uniform in size and more loose in shape. The BET results show that compared with other catalysts, CuO–(Y2O3)0.4(CeO2)0.2 catalyst has larger specific surface area, which improves the catalytic performance. XPS results showed that CuO–(Y2O3)0.4(CeO2)0.2 still had catalytic activity after reduction treatment. The results of MSR showed that the doping amount of cerium and the reaction conditions affected the catalytic performance of the catalyst. Ce doping promoted the synergistic effect of Cu and Y, and the hydrogen production of CuO–(Y2O3)0.4(CeO2)0.2 was the highest (about 6.74 × 10−3 mol/min/gcat). Ce doping leads to the change of CO/CO2 selectivity in gas products. The CO selectivity of CuO–(Y2O3)0.4(CeO2)0.2 catalyst is only 2% under the catalytic conditions of 400°C, W/M 4:1, and LHSV 20 h−1, which shows good catalytic activity.
Unravelling the underlying mechanism of computational thinking: The mediating role of attitudinal beliefs between personality and learning performance
Authors: Zhang Shuhan , Wong Gary K. W.
Published: December 2023

Background

Computational thinking (CT) has been broadly considered one of the 21st‐century competencies, and an emerging trend has been seen in integrating CT into primary education. Cumulative research was conducted to investigate the influencing factors of CT learning performance, and an ample range of factors has been identified, involving both cognitive and non‐cognitive facets. However, limited has been done in exploring the non‐cognitive factors, and even less at the primary education level.

Objective

To address this gap, this study bridged CT with personality in the primary school context, and more importantly, it proposed a mediator in the personality‐CT relationship that is, attitudinal beliefs, which are amenable to change, thereby allowing further support for nurturing the traits.

Method

Based on the Big Five model of personality, standard tests were administered to a sample of 434 primary school students (ages 8–11), and data were analysed using structural equation modelling via Mplus. To improve the robustness of the results, control variables (i.e., demographic features, coding experience) were added to the research model, and a bootstrap approach with 5000 resamples was used to examine the mediating effect.

Result and Conclusion

Findings demonstrated that Conscientiousness had a positive effect on CT, and attitudinal beliefs mediated the effect of Open‐mindedness (positive) and Negative Emotionality (negative) on CT. The study contributes to the literature by enriching the CT network with non‐intellectual components and unravelling the mechanism of CT regarding how disposition traits turn into learning performance. The results implicate practitioners on the importance of encouraging conscientious behaviours and nurturing positive attitudinal beliefs in CT primary education.
Physical characterization and development of mathematical models for predicting mass and area of oil palm fruits
Authors: Sanganamoni Shivashankar , Kancherla Suresh , Pedapati Anitha , Akki Sathish , Patel Jyotsana
Published: December 2023

Engineering properties play an important role in designing any post‐harvest machinery or process. Oil palm fruits are nonuniform in size and shape, hence to develop an appropriate handling, conveying, and extraction method, detailed knowledge of engineering properties of oil palm fruits is required. Further, distribution of oil palm fruits within the bunch is also nonuniform, varied with fruit mass/size which affects the distribution pattern of oil within the bunch. Hence, to represent the complete bunch while sampling, fruit mass needs to be taken into consideration. However, measuring fruit mass for individual fruit may not be feasible. Hence the present study is targeted to measure the engineering properties of oil palm fruits and development of various mathematical models to predict the mass, surface area and projected area of oil palm fruits based on their engineering properties. Oil palm fruits (N = 1200) of the Tenera variety were collected from 10 bunches and engineering properties of oil palm fruits were measured. The data collected for engineering properties of oil palm fruits revealed that a wide range for each engineering property was reported for oil palm fruits, and hence it can be concluded that oil palm fruits are diversified in terms of their engineering properties. A correlation study was conducted and correlation coefficient for each parameter was recorded. Mass, surface area and project area modeling was done. The four models, linear, quadratic, S‐curve and power models were considered and best‐fitted model was selected based on fitting characteristics of the model.

Practical applications

Engineering properties of oil palm fruits measured in this study play a vital role in designing industrial level post‐harvest machinery for oil palm bunch processing and oil extraction. Models developed for predicting mass, surface area and projected area of oil palm fruits reported fairly accepted validation results. Hence post‐harvest machinery/process developed based on desired engineering property predicted with these models can work efficiently. Grading of oil palm fruits based on mass is now possible at industrial level with the help of grading machinery developed using these model data.
The evolution of indium precipitation in gallium focused ion beam prepared samples of InGaAs/InAlAs quantum wells under electron beam irradiation
Authors: Liu Shuo , Dong Jiawei , Ma Zhenyu , Hu Wenyu , Deng Yong , Shi Yuechun , Wang Xiaoyi , Qiu Yang , Walther Thomas
Published: December 2023

Gallium ion (Ga+) beam damage induced indium (In) precipitation in indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs)/indium aluminium arsenide (InAlAs) multiple quantum wells and its corresponding evolution under electron beam irradiation was investigated by valence electron energy loss spectroscopy (VEELS) and high‐angle annular dark‐field imaging (HAADF) in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Compared with argon ion milling for sample preparation, the heavier projectiles of Ga+ ions pose a risk to trigger In formation in the form of tiny metallic In clusters. These are shown to be sensitive to electron irradiation and can increase in number and size under the electron beam, deteriorating the structure. Our finding reveals the potential risk of formation of In clusters during focused ion beam (FIB) preparation of InGaAs/InAlAs quantum well samples and their subsequent growth under STEM‐HAADF imaging, where initially invisible In clusters of a few atoms can move and swell during electron beam exposure.