bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appraisal of solid waste generation in secondary schools towards sensitisation on environmental quality and education
Authors: Adeniyi Lateef Adeleke , Oladehinde Gbenga John , Oladipupo Abiola Stephen , Adesoye Peter Oluyemi , Folorunso Sikiru Akintunde
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study evaluates the quantity and composition of solid waste produce in secondary schools and assesses level of environmental consciousness and management activities. This is aimed for the present and future planning of high schools' environment as well as integrating the system into urban waste management.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used primary and secondary data to realize its purpose. Primary data was obtained through measurement of actual waste generation and questionnaire administration. Secondary data was the official information obtained on the schools selected. The primary data collected was analysed with descriptive statistical method such as percentage, mean cross measures of central tendency, frequency distribution and cross tabulation.

Findings

The study established that a total of 375.6 kg of solid waste is generated in the selected schools and daily per capita waste generation is 0.56 kg. Paper material is the waste component with the highest quantity and 88.5% of waste produced is recyclable. Thus, solid waste generated in secondary schools if carefully managed with suitable management options has potential for promoting circular economy and sustainable development. The paper recommends environmental education for stakeholders in secondary schools and waste segregation culture should be enforced in every secondary school.

Originality/value

The paper builds on the reasons for poor environmental quality in secondary schools in developing countries and revealed unscientific means by which resources are wasted and the environment is mismanaged through low understanding of solid waste.
Ethics of care: pedagogical encounters from Oceania
Authors: MacGill Belinda Mary , Jattan Sangeeta , Lal Dropati , Narain Babra , Neill Bec , Nayaca Teupola , Diamond Alexandra , Camaitoga Ufemia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explicate the links between public pedagogy, ethics of care and storying as a methodology and method in Oceania.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the role of extended families as First Teachers in iTaukei and Indo-Fijian Early Childhood contexts in Fiji. Using storying as methodology, the authors, three Australian and four Fijian academics, present three portraits to make visible the pedagogical entanglements of public pedagogy research in diverse community contexts. These portraits reveal the intersection and integration of extended family with the authors' community–family–child–informed pedagogical approaches, and the advantages of culturally located standpoints when working with iTaukei and Indo-Fijian communities. This article's unique contribution lies in its demonstration of the importance of an ethics of care approach in site-specific and contextually emerging pedagogical encounters.

Findings

The findings demonstrate the traditional role of First Teachers and carers in iTaukei and Indo-Fijian Early Childhood contexts in Fiji who use arts-based approaches to teaching and learning within a public pedagogical framework.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the research highlight the need to address policy interventions that disrupt the value of First Teachers in community context and their role in values formations for young people in community.

Practical implications

The implications of the research can be addressed at the policy and international level where considerations of educational arrangements need to be understood.

Social implications

The social implications of this publication are the value of iTaukei and Indo-Fijian Early Childhood educators in Fiji, and their voices being heard and understood via a published academic journal.

Originality/value

This work is original and is a collaborative paper written between Australian and iTaukei and Indo-Fijian Early Childhood educators.
Effects of local density dependence and temperature on the spatial synchrony of marine fish populations
Authors: Marquez Jonatan F. , Herfindal Ivar , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Aanes Sondre , Salthaug Are , Lee Aline Magdalena
Published: September 2023

Disentangling empirically the many processes affecting spatial population synchrony is a challenge in population ecology. Two processes that could have major effects on the spatial synchrony of wild population dynamics are density dependence and variation in environmental conditions like temperature. Understanding these effects is crucial for predicting the effects of climate change on local and regional population dynamics.

We quantified the direct contribution of local temperature and density dependence to spatial synchrony in the population dynamics of nine fish species inhabiting the Barents Sea. First, we estimated the degree to which the annual spatial autocorrelations in density are influenced by temperature. Second, we estimated and mapped the local effects of temperature and strength of density dependence on annual changes in density. Finally, we measured the relative effects of temperature and density dependence on the spatial synchrony in changes in density.

Temperature influenced the annual spatial autocorrelation in density more in species with greater affinities to the benthos and to warmer waters. Temperature correlated positively with changes in density in the eastern Barents Sea for most species. Temperature had a weak synchronizing effect on density dynamics, while increasing strength of density dependence consistently desynchronised the dynamics.

Quantifying the relative effects of different processes affecting population synchrony is important to better predict how population dynamics might change when environmental conditions change. Here, high degrees of spatial synchrony in the population dynamics remained unexplained by local temperature and density dependence, confirming the presence of additional synchronizing drivers, such as trophic interactions or harvesting.
Distribution and ecology of the generalist lactic acid bacterium Carnobacterium maltaromaticum in different freshwater habitats: Metabolic and antagonistic abilities
Authors: Tang Taya , Martinenghi Laura Daniela , Hounmanou Yaovi Mahuton Gildas , Leisner Jørgen J.
Published: September 2023

We explored the distribution, metabolic and antagonistic activities of Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, isolated from freshwater locations in Denmark during winter or early spring. This species was widely distributed in such habitats although it was relatively rare in low pH locations. Isolates possessed a diverse metabolism, potentially enabling functional capacities independent of habitat. The intraspecies competition showed a relatively high degree of mostly low‐intensity interactions, which overall were not correlated with phylogeny or location. Only a few isolates exhibited broad‐spectrum inhibition activity, targeting species from other genera and families, including one isolate that exhibited a broad inhibitory activity due to H2O2 production. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that the frequency of bacteriocinogenic systems was low, and only one unmodified bacteriocin, piscicolin 126, correlated with phenotypic antagonistic activity. Furthermore, most potential bacteriocin gene complexes were not complete. Overall, this study showed C. maltaromaticum to be a generalist (nomadic) species with a constant presence in freshwater habitats, especially those with pH values >5. General metabolic properties did not suggest a strong degree of adaptation to the freshwater environment, and bacteriocin‐mediated antagonistic activities appeared to play a minimal ecological role.
Risk of recurrent red‐cell transfusion in delivery: A nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Brynolf Anne , Sandström Anna , Edgren Gustaf
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate the risk of recurrent maternal red‐cell transfusion in delivery.

Design

Nationwide long‐standing retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Swedish medical birth register.

Population

All registered births from 2000 to 2017 in Sweden.

Methods

We included all women with between one and three consecutive registered births from 22 weeks of gestation onwards and all maternal red‐cell transfusions in the peripartum period within the defined period of study. Information on gestational and non‐gestational comorbidity was collected and we identified any female siblings. In our analyses we compared the risk of red‐cell transfusion in delivery in relation to transfusion history and gestational and non‐gestational comorbidity.

Main outcome measures

Maternal peripartum red‐cell transfusion, defined as a recorded transfusion in the period from 1 day before and 7 days after delivery.

Results

We included 825 451 women with a total 1 419 909 deliveries, including 786 097 (55.4%) first, 511 398 (36.0%) second and 122 414 (8.6%) third deliveries. Of women with previous obestric transfusion, 8.7% were transfused in a second delivery, compared with 1.7% of women without transfusion or diagnosis of haemorrhage. A previous diagnosis of haemorrhage did not affect the odds ratio of transfusion recurrence. Among women who were transfused in their first two deliveries, 15.5% were transfused in third delivery, corresponding to an 11‐fold increase, compared with non‐transfused women (adjusted odds ratio aOR 11.5, 95% CI 7.9–16.6). Women with a sister transfused in delivery were at increased risk of transfusion in a second delivery (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6–2.1).

Conclusions

Women with previous red‐cell transfusion are at an increased risk of red‐cell transfusion in a subsequent delivery, compared with women without a history of red‐cell transfusion.
If you build it, they may not come: Understanding factors influencing use of a community resource referral technology
Authors: Fichtenberg Caroline , Cartier Yuri , Burnett Jessica , Ricks‐Stephen Coiel , Paulson Gregory
Published: September 2023

Objective

Identify factors affecting the use of a community resource referral platform among local community‐based organizations (CBOs) and test strategies to increase platform use.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Data sources included platform usage data and semi‐structured interviews. The study took place in a small city in the Northeastern United States from 2020 to 2022.

Study Design

We analyzed platform data and conducted interviews with local organizations and organizations in other communities to understand barriers to CBOs' use of the referral platform and identify strategies that might increase use. We then tested 4 strategies and assessed impacts via time trend analysis of platform usage and qualitative interviews.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Platform usage data were obtained from the platform. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with staff and leaders of 36 local CBOs and 9 external organizations.

Principal Findings

Four years after launch, platform use remained relatively low. None of the tested strategies (data insight reports, a referral hub, tailored training, and a communication campaign) noticeably increased platform use. The main barrier to the use of the platform was the lack of perceived usefulness, mostly because existing processes for identifying resources and referring clients worked well enough and because many organizations were already required to use a client management or referral tool. Additional barriers included the lack of comfort with and, in some cases, active dislike of e‐referrals, and lack of comfort with technology tools overall. Organizations that were most likely to find the platform useful and to use it were those that provided referrals for a wide range of needs and whose staff were not already familiar with local resources.

Conclusions

Organizations seeking to implement referral platforms should not assume that local CBOs will automatically take up these platforms. For these platforms to succeed, much more attention needs to be paid to ensuring the platforms provide value to the CBOs they seek to engage.
Determinants of referral network size for screening colonoscopies in the Veterans Health Administration after the implementation of the MISSION Act
Authors: Eck Chase S. , Ho Vivian , Jiang Cheng , Petersen Laura A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To measure key characteristics of the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) Community Care (CC) referral network for screening colonoscopy and identify market and institutional factors associated with network size.

Data Sources

VHA electronic health records, CC claim data, and National Plan and Provider Enumeration System.

Study Design

In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, we measure the size of the VHA's CC referral networks over time and by VHA parent facility (n = 137). We used a multivariable linear regression to identify factors associated with network size at the market‐year level. Network size was measured as the number of physicians who performed at least one VHA‐purchased screening colonoscopy per 1000 enrollees at baseline.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted for all Veterans (n = 102,119) who underwent a screening colonoscopy purchased by the VHA from a non‐VHA physician from 2018 to 2021.

Principal Findings

From 2018 to 2021, median network volume of screening colonoscopies per 1000 enrollees grew from 1.6 (IQR: 0.6, 4.6) to 3.6 (IQR: 1.6, 6.6). The median network size grew from 0.63 (IQR: 0.30, 1.26) to 0.92 (IQR: 0.57, 1.63). Finally, the median procedures per physician increased from 2.5 (IQR: 1.6, 4.2) to 3.2 (IQR: 2.4, 4.7). After adjusting for baseline market characteristics, volume of screening colonoscopies was positively related to network size (β = 0.15, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.20]), negatively related to procedures per physician (β = −0.12, 95% CI: [−0.18, −0.05]), and positively associated with the percent of rural enrollees (β = 0.01, 95% CI: [0.00, 0.01]).

Conclusions

VHA facilities with a higher volume of VHA‐purchased screening colonoscopies and more rural enrollees had more non‐VHA physicians providing care. Geographic variation in referral networks may also explain differences in the effects of the MISSION Act on access to care and patient outcomes.
Matrix metalloproteinase 2 contributes to adult eclosion and immune response in the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida
Authors: Wu Lixian , Xu Yajing , Li Liangbin , Cao Dainan , Liu Fang , Zhao Hongxia
Published: September 2023

During the pupal‐adult eclosion process of holometabolous insects, the old cuticle is shed and replaced by a completely different new cuticle that requires tanning and expansion, along with extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In vertebrates, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a class of zinc‐dependent endopeptidases, play key roles in regulating the ECM that surrounds cells. However, little is known about these extracellular proteinases available in insects. The small hive beetle (SHB), Aethina tumida, is a widespread invasive parasite of honey bees. In this study, 6 MMP homologs were identified in the SHB genome. RNA interference experiments showed that all 6 AtMmps are not required for the larval‐pupal transition, only AtMmp2 was essential for pupal‐adult eclosion in SHB. Knockdown of AtMmp2 resulted in eclosion defects and wing expansion failure, as well as mortality within 3 d of adult eclosion. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that knockdown of AtMmp2 significantly increased expression of the Toll and Imd pathways, chitin metabolism, and cross‐linking (such as the pro‐phenoloxidase activating cascade pathway and the tyrosine‐mediated cuticle sclerotization and pigmentation pathway). These data revealed evolutionarily conserved functions of Mmp2 in controlling adult eclosion and wing expansion, also provided a preliminary exploration of the novel function of regulating Toll and Imd pathways, as well as new insights into how MMPs regulate insect development and defense barriers.
Improving the aroma profile of inoculated fermented sausages by constructing a synthetic core microbial community
Authors: Wu Liu , Zhao Linyu , Tao Yingmei , Zhang Di , He An , Ma Xiaozhong , Zhang Huan , Li Guoliang , Rong Liangyan , Li Ruren
Published: September 2023

Commercial starter cultures play a critical role in the industrial production of fermented sausages. However, commercial starter cultures could not reproduce the metabolic actions of diverse microorganisms and the aroma profile of the traditional spontaneously fermented sausages. Identifying the core microbial community in spontaneously fermented sausages will facilitate the construction of a synthetic microbial community for reproducing metabolic actions and flavor compounds in spontaneously fermented sausages. This study aimed to reveal the core microbial community of spontaneously fermented sausages based on their relative abundance, flavor‐producing ability, and co‐occurrence performance. We identified five promising genera to construct the synthetic core microbial community, these were Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Macrococcus, Streptococcus, and Pediococcus. Sausages inoculated with a synthetic core microbial community presented higher quality of aroma profile than the fermented sausages inoculated with a commercial starter culture. Some important volatile flavor compounds of spontaneously fermented sausage, such as (‐)‐β‐pinene, β‐caryophyllene, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, α‐terpineol, ethyl 2‐methylpropanoate, and ethyl 3‐methylbutanoate which are associated with floral, fruity, sweet, and fresh aromas, were also detected in fermented sausage inoculated with synthetic microbial community. This indicated that the synthetic core microbial community efficiently reproduced flavor metabolism. Overall, this study provides a practical strategy to design a synthetic microbial community applicable to different scientific fields.
Accumulative prediction values of serum thyroid stimulating hormone and visceral adipose tissue for metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women: A 10‐year follow‐up study of Chinese population
Authors: Yang Qiu , Cao Hongyi , Zeng Qi , Fu Bing
Published: September 2023

Aims

We aim to explore the cumulative predictive value of elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and visceral fat area (VFA) for metabolic syndrome (MS) development in postmenopausal women.

Methods

A total of 1006 postmenopausal females were enrolled in a 10‐year prospective longitudinal study from 2011 to 2021 in the community of Banknote Printing Company of Chengdu. The sociodemographic information collection and anthropometric measurements were made by a professional nurse. Fasting blood samples were drawn for chemical analysis of fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TSH.

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to measure VFA. All the participants were categorized into four groups according to median VFA and serum level of TSH.

Results

A total of 793 postmenopausal females without MS underwent a 10‐year follow‐up study grouping by TSH and VFA: Group 1 (TSH level <4.2 μIU/mL, and VFA < 70 cm2), Group 2 (TSH level ≥4.2 μIU/mL, and VFA < 70 cm2), Group 3 (TSH level <4.2 μIU/mL, and VFA ≥70 cm2) and Group 4 (TSH level ≥4.2 μIU/mL, and VFA ≥70 cm2). During the 10‐year follow‐up, MS was newly developed in 326 (41.1%) subjects. The incidence of MS was 29.8% (n = 53), 35.2% (n = 63), 41% (n = 87), and 55% (n = 123) from Group 1 to Group 4 (Group 4 vs other groups, p < .001). Cox regression analysis for MS prediction demonstrated that both TSH (Model 3, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.07 [95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.09]) and VFA (Model 4, HR = 1.02 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.08]) were not only independent predictors of MS but also involved some interaction between each other (p for interaction = .021).

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that mutual interaction between higher TSH and VFA contributed to the development of MS. Further studies are needed to clarify these contributions.
Ten‐year clinical characteristics of patients with early‐onset type 2 diabetes: A single‐center experience in China
Authors: Yu Ruiqi , Liu Xiaoyu , Li Ruochen , Xiao Xinhua
Published: September 2023

Aims

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in China has exhibited an increasing trend, including younger individuals, over the past years. Early‐onset type 2 diabetes (EOT2D) refers to diabetes diagnosed before 40 years of age. These patients have poor metabolic control and are highly susceptible to diabetic complications, which poses challenges for treatment. However, few studies have reported on the treatment of EOT2D. We determined clinical features and trends in drug use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was performed at the Endocrinology Ward, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). “Diabetes” was used when searching PUMCH's Electronic Medical Record Analytical Database to obtain clinical data of patients between January 2013 and May 2022.

Results

The analysis included 1590 patients with T2DM. Among them, 609 (38.3%) had EOT2D. Compared with late‐onset type 2 diabetes (LOT2D) patients, EOT2D patients exhibited worse glycemic control and higher body weight and lipid levels despite significant age differences. EOT2D patients also had a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Under the general trend of increasing use of dipeptidylpeptidase‐4 inhibitors, sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors, and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 agonists, patients with EOT2D were more likely to use organ‐protective drugs.

Conclusions

Compared with LOT2D patients, EOT2D patients have a longer course of diabetes, worse metabolic control, and a higher rate of developing microvascular complications. The administration of combined therapy, including new agents, may require consideration when selecting hypoglycemic agents for treating EOT2D.
The ecology and morphology of Australia's desert turtle (Emydura macquarii emmotti)
Authors: McKnight Donald T. , Georges Arthur , Guarino Fiorenzo , Bower Deborah S.
Published: September 2023

Cooper Creek is one of Australia's largest unregulated river systems and one of the world's most variable large river systems. It is a dynamic environment that oscillates between booms and busts; yet, many species thrive in it. One of these species, the Cooper Creek turtle (Emydura macquarii emmotti) has received little attention, despite being one of Australia's largest freshwater turtles and living further inland than any other Australian turtle. We conducted surveys for E. m. emmotti in 2001–2004, 2019, and 2022, focussing predominantly on the Waterloo waterhole. Waterloo had a large population of E. m. emmotti (508 estimated individuals; 95% CI = 447–596) with an estimated density of 64.8 turtles/ha (95% CI = 57.0–76.2) and estimate biomass of 74.4 kg/ha (95% CI = 57.6–100.3 kg/ha). Juveniles were highly abundant in all years, representing up to 63.6% of captured individuals. It was slightly (but not significantly) male‐biased in 2001–2004 and significantly female‐biased in 2019. All sizes and sexes used the floodplain during a flooding event in 2022, but more males than females were captured on the floodplain, and there was evidence of male‐biased dispersal across the years. Compared to Murray River turtles (Emydura macquarii macquarii), E. m. emmotti exhibited megacephaly across all ages and sexes, with particularly pronounced megacephaly in adult females. Algae were present on many individuals (including on the skin and plastron) but was relatively more abundant on juveniles. Leeches were not detected on any of the 66 turtles that were examined for them. The following injuries/malformations were noted: missing or injured limbs (3.2%), missing or injured eyes (1.3%), damaged shells (8.0%), scute/shell anomalies and malformations (10.6%), and marginal scute seams extending into the costals (67.4% of adults, 1.2% of juveniles). This paper presents some of the first work on this unusual turtle and makes recommendations for future research.
Preterm children born below 33–35 weeks of gestation have an increased risk of mathematical difficulties
Authors: Wiingreen Rikke , Greisen Gorm , Løkkegaard Ellen C. L. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Sørensen Kathrine K. , Andersen Mikkel P. , Hansen Bo M.
Published: September 2023

Aim

To investigate the association between gestational age (GA) and grade point averages by domains of language and mathematics at the end of lower secondary education.

Methods

A nationwide register‐based study including all Danish children born in 1992–1997 who completed lower secondary education. Grades were evaluated by GA. Domain‐specific differences in grades were investigated, and academic profiles were made.

Results

The study population comprised 319 796 children. For language, only minor differences in grades were observed. The grades in mathematics ranged from 7.02 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.00–7.04) at GA = 40 weeks to 5.86 (95% CI: 5.61–6.11) at GA <28 weeks. Grade differences showed lower grades in mathematics, compared to language, below GA 33–35 weeks. The academic profile of mathematical difficulties was more prevalent among GA <32 weeks. Average/high grades within both domains represented the predominant academic profile, constituting 68.8% at GA 39–41 weeks and 56.6% at GA <28 weeks.

Conclusion

Only in mathematics decreasing GA was associated with lower grades. Increased mathematical difficulties were found below GA 33–35 weeks. The academic profile of mathematical difficulties was more prevalent among GA <32 weeks. However, the absolute differences in grades were small, and the predominant academic profile was average/high grades within both domains across all GA.
Comparing Clovis and Folsom fluting via scaling analysis
Authors: Buchanan Briggs , Hamilton Marcus J. , Gala Nicholas , Smith Heather , Wilson Michael , Eren Metin I. , Walker Robert S.
Published: September 2023

This study examines the fluting of two well‐known Late Pleistocene fluted point types in North America: Clovis and Folsom. Using scaling analyses, we assess the changing relationship between flute length and point length in a large sample of each type. Researchers use scaling to investigate the physical constraints of an object and determine how its dimensions change with size. We compare the strength and consistency of the scaling relationships between the older Clovis and the younger Folsom with the aim of shedding light on scaling differences, if any, over their temporal span. Our results show that there is a significant difference in the relationship of fluting length to point length between these types. In Folsom point manufacture, flute length increases nearly twice as fast with increasing point length than in Clovis. Importantly, the scaling of flute length to point length relationship is isometric (linear) in the Folsom sample, whereas it is allometric (sublinear) in the Clovis sample. In other words, Folsom flintknappers maintained a constant ratio of flute length to point length. Clovis flintknappers were less concerned about maintaining this ratio. We attribute this difference to a potentially increasing, or changing, functional role of fluting in Folsom.
Testing four nudges in socially responsible investments: Default winner by inertia
Authors: Meunier Luc , Richit Sophie
Published: September 2023

Socially responsible investments (SRI) suffer from a lack of investments from individual investors, despite their positive attitudes toward SRI. This attitude–behavior gap is a serious issue, as SRI is often perceived as a way to promote sustainable development. We investigate nudges, especially the default option, as a way to encourage SRI. In a pre‐registered study conducted in October 2021 with 1050 US investors, we pit four nudges against one another to encourage individual investors to invest in SRI. All nudges significantly increased investment in SRI compared with the control group. Making SRI the default option with frictions to opt‐out is the most efficient intervention. This is closely followed by a default option without friction to opt out and option partitioning, which are not significantly different from each other. Precommitment, although statistically significant, has a modest effect on investment in SRI and is inferior to the other nudges. Overall, the two types of default as well as option partitioning are significant and impactful solutions for increasing investment in SRI.
The development and predictors of a preference for strivers over naturals in the United States and China
Authors: Yang Xin , Zhao Xin , Dunham Yarrow , Bian Lin
Published: September 2023

Across three pre‐registered studies (n = 221 4–9‐year olds, 51% female; 218 parents, 80% female; working‐ and middle‐class backgrounds; data collected during 2019–2021) conducted in the United States (Studies 1–2; 74% White) and China (Study 3; 100% Asian), we document the emergence of a preference for “strivers.” Beginning at age 7, strivers (who work really hard) were favored over naturals (who are really smart) in both cultures (R2 ranging .03–.11). We explored several lay beliefs surrounding this preference. Beliefs about outcomes and the controllability of effort predicted the striver preference: Children who expected strivers to be more successful than naturals and believed effort was more controllable than talent preferred strivers more. Implications of the striver preference in education and beyond are discussed.
Effects of low workload respiratory training with steam inhalation on lung function in stable asthma: A controlled clinical study
Authors: Kuronen Ilpo , Heinijoki Jukka , Sovijärvi Anssi
Published: September 2023

To investigate effects of low workload respiratory muscle training (RMT) on respiratory muscle power and lung function in asthmatics, we recruited asthmatic persons who performed a 4‐week training programme. The training included 20 daily ex‐ and inhalations with counter pressure 30% from the individual maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Lung function was measured before and after the training programme and a follow‐up period. The study also included several subjective endpoints for respiratory symptoms. A significant increase in a training group (n = 27) compared with a control group (n = 20) was seen in MEP (+12.4%, vs. +3.5%, p = 0.086), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (+21.1% vs. +0.82%, p = 0.023), slow vital capacity (VC) (+3.7% vs. +1.5%, p = 0.023) and in forced expiratory time (FET, +15.5%, vs. −5.0%, p = 0.022). After being a control for group A, also group B performed similar RMT as group A. In the combined group (A and B, n = 47) MEP (11.3%, p = 0.003), MIP (19.73%, p < 0.001), VC (4.1%, p < 0.001) and FET (14.7%, p < 0.001) increased significantly from the baseline. Changes in other lung function variables were not indicative. On a scale of 1–5, the subjects perceived improvement in reduction of mucus secretion in the airways (median 3, p < 0.001), alleviation of coughing (median 3, p < 0.001) and reduction in dyspnoea (median 3, p < 0.001). As a conclusion, low workload respiratory training of 4 weeks improved respiratory muscle power and increased VC in patients with stable asthma.
Patient and physician perspectives and experiences of basal insulin titration in type 2 diabetes in the United States: Cross‐sectional surveys
Authors: Harris Stewart B. , Mohammedi Kamel , Bertolini Monica , Carlyle Maureen , Walker Valery , Zhou Fang Liz , Anderson John E. , Seufert Jochen
Published: September 2023

Aim

Patient‐ and physician‐associated barriers impact the effectiveness of basal insulin (BI) titration in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated the experiences of patients with T2D and physicians with BI titration education.

Materials and Methods

In this observational, cross‐sectional study, patients with T2D and physicians treating patients with T2D were identified by claims in the Optum Research Database and were invited to complete a survey. Eligible patients had 12 months of continuous health‐plan enrolment with medical and pharmacy benefits during the baseline period, and recent initiation of BI therapy. Eligible physicians had initiated BI for ≥1 eligible patient with T2D during the past 6 months.

Results

In total, 416 patients and 386 physicians completed the survey. Ninety per cent of physicians reported treating ≥50 patients with T2D; 66% treated ≥25% of patients with BI. Whereas 74% of patients reported that BI titration was explained to them by a physician, 96% of physicians reported doing so. Furthermore, 20% of patients stated they were offered educational materials whereas 56% of physicians reported having provided materials. Physicians had higher expectations of glycaemic target achievement than were seen in the patient survey; their main concern was the patients' ability to titrate accurately (79%).

Conclusions

There is a marked difference in patients' and physicians' experiences of BI titration education. Novel tools and strategies are required to enable effective BI titration, with more educational resources at the outset, and ongoing access to tools that provide clear, simple direction for self‐titration with less reliance on physicians/health care providers.
A mixed‐methods project on the impact of the mental health first aid training on French university students' knowledge, attitudes and practices
Authors: Llopis Nathalie , Antoine Emeline , Grové Christine , Marinucci Alexandra , Touchard Florence , Montagni Ilaria
Published: September 2023

Aim

University students are increasingly affected by mental health problems and need prompt support. The aim of this project was to assess the impact of the mental health first aid (MHFA) training on students' knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) concerning mental health in the short, mid and long‐term.

Methods

Three studies were conducted in Bordeaux, France, from May 2021 to March 2022. The first study collected data from 55 students 1 to 6 months after they had followed the training to examine its efficacy in the mid‐long term. The second study collected data immediately before and after the training to evaluate the KAP of 52 students in the short‐term (1 to 10 days). The third study consisted of 14 semi‐structured interviews with students trained since 2020 to identify the training's long‐term impact (3 to 18 months). Descriptive statistics were used for studies one and two, and framework analyses for study three.

Results

Most participants reported that their KAP about mental health had improved after the training. In the first study, 94.2% of students reported being ready to intervene during a psychotic crisis in their peers. In the second study, 75.0% of students reported improved mental health‐related knowledge and decreased stigma. All students in the third study reported that they had assisted at least one person after the training.

Conclusions

These were the first data on the impact of the French MHFA on KAP. While not exhaustive, findings suggest that deploying the training would be beneficial to French students.
The elevational patterns and key drivers of soil microbial communities strongly depend on soil layer and season
Authors: Cao Rui , Chang Chenhui , Xu Mingzhen , Wang Zhuang , Wang Qin , Tan Bo , Li Han , Wang Zhihui , Hou Jianfeng , Li Fei , Li Xuqing , Wang Dan , Yang Wanqin , Li Mai‐He
Published: September 2023

Knowledge about the elevational patterns of soil microbial biomass and communities can facilitate accurate prediction of the responses of soil biogeochemical processes to climate change. However, previous studies that have considered intra‐ and inter‐annual variations have reported inconsistent results on the one hand, and they have paid little attention to the effect of soil layer on the other hand. We, therefore, conducted a 4‐year in situ soil core incubation experiment along a 2431‐m elevational gradient across the dry valley shrubland, valley‐montane ecotone forest, subalpine coniferous forest, alpine coniferous forest, and alpine meadow in an ecologically fragile alpine‐gorge region on the eastern edge of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. Soil microbial biomass and community composition in the organic and mineral layers were measured using the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) method at five critical periods each year. Our results indicated that soil microbial biomass in the organic layer was the highest in the subalpine coniferous forest, followed by the alpine meadow, alpine coniferous forest, and valley‐montane ecotone forest. In contrast, soil microbial biomass in the mineral layer was significantly higher in the alpine meadow than in the other sites. Soil microbial biomass exhibited differential seasonal fluctuations at different elevations, resulting in their elevational patterns being strongly intra‐annual and inter‐annual dependent. Our results revealed that elevation and seasonality significantly affected soil microbial communities. Seasonality had a more substantial effect than elevation on soil microbial communities during the first 3 years of incubation, whereas the relative importance of seasonal and elevational effects on microbial communities was reversed in the organic layer with incubation time. These results are mainly attributed to the magnitude and direction of effect of environmental variables on soil microbial biomass and communities vary with elevation, soil layer, and sampling time. Briefly, the elevational patterns and dominant factors of soil microbial biomass and communities have intense soil layer and temporal specificity, implying that differential responses of soil biochemical processes to climate change might be observed at different elevations.
Biomass potential from agricultural residues for energy utilization in West Nusa Tenggara (WNT), Indonesia
Authors: Fitri Hidayatul , Gürdil Gürkan A. K. , Demirel Bahadır , Cevher Elçin Yeşiloğlu , Roubík Hynek
Published: September 2023

The West Nusa Tenggara (WNT) province is one of the regions that contribute the most to the production of rice, corn, and cacao. The residues of these crops increase as production increases. The potential availability of the residue was calculated on the basis of the amount of agricultural product and the availability of unutilized residues. The estimated potential energy and collected data were processed and combined with converted factors, such as the yield per hectare and the calorific value, taking into account another purpose, the use of domestic residues for animal feed. Paddy straw, corn straw, and corn cobs had the highest percentage of residue availabilities, 85.91%, 82.26%, and 88.25%, respectively. In addition, the WNT regency has a rich diversity of agricultural residues from superior commodities such as rice, corn, coffee, coconut and cacao. The calculation of the total heating value (THV) of the agricultural residue available reached up to 42.4 PJ. Furthermore, the use of biomass for bioenergy resources is promising, particularly for the WNT region, with the potential for unused agricultural residues. The dependence on unsustainable energy, such as coal and fossil fuel, can be reduced by deploying and developing energy production from biomass use. Therefore, the potential for bioenergy generation and the availability of biomass can be developed for sustainable agriculture and energy management.
Histomorphometric lung density evaluation of Immulina treatment using a murine influenza pneumonia model
Authors: Wilson Floyd D. , Mir Tahir M. , Ashfaq Mohammad K. , Zhang Jin , Pugh Nirmal D. , Khan Ikhlas A. , Pace Lanny W. , Hoerr Frederic J.
Published: September 2023

Histomorphometric lung density measurements were used to evaluate the effects of Immulina on mouse pneumonia. Mice were intra‐nasally exposed to H1N1 influenza virus at a dose of 5 × 104 PFU/50 μL/mouse. Lung density was measured using the NIH ImageJ software program. Density values were compared to semiquantitative pneumonia severity scores. Lung photomicrographs were evaluated at 25‐×, 40‐× and 400‐× magnification. The study included viral inoculated controls (IC) and non‐inoculated controls (NC) and mice either treated or not treated with Immulina. Three doses of Immulina were included (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg) and administered using 3 protocols: prophylactic treatment (P), prodromal treatment (PD) and therapeutic treatment (TH) (note that in most of the evaluations of the data for the three treatment protocols were combined). Groups of mice were evaluated on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 following exposure. The occurrence of “digital pneumonia” (DP) was defined as a density measurement above the 95% confidence limit of the corresponding NC values. A significant reduction in the occurrence of DP with Immulina treatment at the higher doses compared to IC was seen as early as day 3 and persisted up to day 15. There were also statistically significant dose‐variable reductions in lung density in response to Immulina. The study suggests early administration of Immulina (P or PD protocols) may enhance resistance against influenza‐induced viral pneumonia. A moderate correlation between pneumonia severity scores and lung density was observed for the 25‐× and 40‐× images (R = 0.56 and 0.53 respectively), and a strong correlation (R = 0.68) for 400‐× images.
Development of a synbiotic spray‐dried tamarillo (Chyphomandra betacea) beverage, in vitro antioxidant activity and simulated gastrointestinal resistance evaluation
Authors: Reyes‐García Veronica , Pérez‐Armendáriz Beatriz , Totosaus Alfonso , Tapia‐Maruri Daniel , Jiménez‐Fernández Maribel , Juárez‐Trujillo Naida , Cardoso‐Ugarte Gabriel
Published: September 2023

Tamarillo is an exotic fruit consumed regionally in Mexico, that contains a considerable amount of bioactive compounds, like antioxidants and fibre. Since its prebiotic potential was recently established, the aim of this work was to encapsulate two probiotic LAB strains with tamarillo extract and maltodextrin (15% and 20%) as encapsulant agents. Two strains at different maltodextrin concentrations (L. casei with 20% maltodextrin and L. plantarum with 15% maltodextrin) demonstrated higher encapsulation efficiency (90.64% and 92.03%, respectively) and viability after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Both microcapsules presented satisfactory flow properties and low moisture (4.19% and 3.91%) and water activity (0.32 and 0.33). During in vitro digestion, the total polyphenols content and the antioxidant activity decreased, but the encapsulating material in both treatments maintained an acceptable concentration of these bioactive compounds. The microcapsules were reconstituted to prepare a synbiotic non‐dairy beverage, and both treatments presented good acceptability (7.66 and 7.86 overall acceptance scores, respectively). These results indicate that, first, L. casei and L. plantarum recovered from heat shock during spray drying, enhancing their ability to survive to acidic stress during in vitro digestion; second, tamarillo extract is a good source of antioxidants and prebiotics and can be reconstituted to formulate, in this case, a synbiotic beverage to improve nutritional concern of consumers.
Measuring What Matters: Industry Specificity Helps Companies and Investors Gain Traction on Sustainability
Authors: Herz Bob , Rogers Jean
Published: September 2023

Financial analysts interpret the performance of companies and their securities through an industry lens. Just as an industry approach is critical in financial analysis, it's also critical in helping investors evaluate sustainability performance, since sustainability issues differ from one industry to the next—in large because of differences in how companies use natural and other social resources when bringing their goods and services to market, and how they impact society and the environment in the process.

The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) was created in 2012 to deliver a full set of sustainability accounting standards that can be used to guide industry‐specific corporate sustainability disclosure to the capital markets. SASB has now issued provisional standards for 79 industries, thereby enabling companies and investors for the first time to identify patterns of sustainability risks and opportunities both across and within industries. Although high‐level issues such as climate change, product safety, and resource intensity and scarcity have material impacts across a variety of sectors, those impacts often vary greatly from one industry to the next. Thus, although the risk may be ubiquitous, it is also differentiated to the point that each industry has its own distinct sustainability profile. Understanding these unique profiles can help companies better manage the issues that are most likely to present material risks to their industries.
Materiality in Corporate Governance: The Statement of Significant Audiences and Materiality
Authors: Eccles Robert G. , Youmans Tim
Published: September 2023

Materiality is an elusive, but fundamentally important concept in corporate reporting of all kinds—not only in traditional financial reporting, but in sustainability and integrated reporting as well. In the end, materiality is entity‐specific and based on judgment. Moreover, it is a judgment that should ultimately be made by a company's board of directors, which makes materiality as much a governance as a reporting issue.

Whether a given ESG issue is material is in large part a function of the corporate stakeholders, or “audiences,” that the company's board of directors deems to be “significant”—that is, important to the company's ability to create value over the short, medium, and long term. The identification of such audiences—together with the time frames the board uses to evaluate the impact of the company's decisions on these audiences—provides the basis for determining the sustainability issues that corporate management must focus on for performance and reporting purposes.

To help ensure that decisions about materiality receive the attention they deserve, the authors propose that corporate boards articulate their views in an annual “Statement of Significant Audiences and Materiality.” Contrary to the prevailing belief that the fiduciary duty of the board is to place shareholders’ interests first, nothing precludes corporate boards from issuing such a statement. Recent research, including the compilation of legal memos on fiduciary duty and nonfinancial reporting for all G20 countries, makes it clear that the board's fiduciary duty is to “the corporation itself.” In exercising this duty, directors have full discretion, under the business judgment rule and other authorities, to decide which audiences, along with the company's shareholders, should be deemed significant.