bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soils-on-a-chip reveal unforeseen motility parameters of microconfinedBradyrhizobium diazoefficiens
Authors: Pires Monteiro Moniellen , Carrillo Juan Pablo , Gutiérrez Nahuel , Montagna Sofía , Lodeiro Aníbal R. , Cordero María Luisa , Marconi V. I.
Published: December 2023

Soil bacteria of the order of the Rhizobiales associate symbiotically with legume plants. Particulary,Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiensis a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean, that helps to improve grain quality among other benefits. This bacterium possess two flagellar systems, which enable it to swim in water-saturated pores. However, the motility of B. diazoefficiens, which may be crucial for its competitiveness in root nodulation, has not been well understood. To address this knowledge gap, we designed and fabricated microfluidic soil-on-a-chip (SOC) devices that offer sustainable agriculture an original tool for directly visualizing bacterial behavior in confined-environments. Using these microdevices, we measured the population velocities and changes of direction along their paths for two strains ofB. diazoefficiens, namely the wild-type and a mutant with only one flagellar system. Our detailed statistical analysis revealed that both strains exhibited reduced speeds and increased changes of direction of 180°, in channels of decreasing microscopic cross sectional area, down to a few microns. Interestingly, while the wild-type strain displayed faster swimming speeds in unconfined spaces, this advantage was negated in the SOCs that mimicked porous soils. Moreover, we employed the measured motility parameters to model and simulateB. diazoefficiensmotion in SOC devices for extended periods and larger scales, enabling further predictions of diffusion in real soils. Thanks to miniaturization, microfabrication, and multidisciplinary knowledge, this study represents a significant breakthrough in soil bacteria field and methods, useful both for farmers and environment. Furthermore, the potential applications of this work extend to multiple beneficial bacteria widely used as biofertilizers.
Structural Basis of Voltage-Dependent Gating in BK Channels and Its Coupling to the Calcium Sensor
Authors: Contreras Gustavo F. , Sheng Rong , Latorre Ramon , Perozo Eduardo
Published: December 2023

The allosteric communication between pore domain, voltage sensors, and Ca2+binding sites in the Ca2+-activated K+channel (BK) shapes its multiple physiological roles as the preeminent signal integrator in excitable systems. BK displays shallow voltage sensitivity with very fast gating charge kinetics, yet little is known about the molecular underpinnings of this distinctive behavior. Here, we explore the mechanistic basis of coupling between voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) and calcium sensors inAplysiaBK by locking the VSDs in their resting (R196Q and R199Q) and activated (R202Q) states, with or without calcium. Cryo-EM structures of these mutants reveal unique tilts at the S4 C-terminal end, together with large side-chain rotameric excursions of the gating charges. Importantly, the VSD resting structure (R202Q) also revealed BK in its elusive fully closed state, highlighting the reciprocal relation between calcium and voltage sensors. These structures provide a plausible mechanism where voltage and Ca2+binding converge physically and couple energetically to define the conformation of the pore domain and thus, BK’ full functional range.
Principles of visual cortex excitatory microcircuit organization
Authors: Chou Christina Y.C. , Wong Hovy H.W. , Guo Connie , Boukoulou Kiminou E. , Huang Cleo , Jannat Javid , Klimenko Tal , Li Vivian Y. , Liang Tasha A. , Wu Vivian C. , Sjöström P. Jesper
Published: December 2023

Microcircuit function is determined by patterns of connectivity and short-term plasticity that vary with synapse type. Elucidating microcircuit function therefore requires synapse-specific investigation. The state of the art for synapse-specific measurements has long been paired recordings. Although powerful, this method is slow, leading to a throughput problem. To improve yield, we therefore created optomapping — an approximately 100-fold faster 2-photon optogenetic method — which we validated with paired-recording data. Using optomapping, we tested 15,433 candidate excitatory inputs to find 1,184 connections onto pyramidal, basket, and Martinotti cells in mouse primary visual cortex, V1. We measured connectivity, synaptic weight, and short-term dynamics across the V1 layers. We found log-normal synaptic strength distributions, even in individual inhibitory cells, which was previously not known. We reproduced the canonical circuit for pyramidal cells but found surprising and differential microcircuit structures, with excitation of basket cells concentrated to layer 5, and excitation of Martinotti cells dominating in layer 2/3. Excitation of inhibitory cells was denser, stronger, and farther-reaching than excitation of excitatory cells, which promotes stability and difference-of-Gaussian connectivity. We gathered an excitatory short-term plasticitome, which revealed that short-term plasticity is simultaneously target-cell specific and dependent on presynaptic cortical layer. Peak depolarization latency in pyramidal cells also emerged as more heterogeneous, suggesting heightened sensitivity to redistribution of synaptic efficacy. Optomapping additionally revealed high-order connectivity patterns including shared-input surplus for interconnected pyramidal cells in layer 6. Optomapping thus offered both resolution to the throughput problem and novel insights into the principles of neocortical excitatory fine structure.

HIGHLIGHTS

2-photon optomapping of microcircuits is verified as fast, accurate, and reliable

Synaptic weights distribute log-normally even for individual inhibitory neurons

Maximal excitation of basket and Martinotti cells in layer 5 and 2/3, respectively

Short-term plasticity depends on layer in addition to target cell
Video as an interventional tool for bridging the gap in anatomy knowledge of medical postgraduates
Authors: David Pamela , Zulkafli Intan S. , Mohd Zamin Rasheeda , Samberkar Snehlata , Wong Kah Hui , Naidu Murali , Das Srijit
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The teaching and learning of anatomy has experienced a significant paradigm shift. The present study assessed the level of knowledge in anatomy in medical postgraduate students and explored the impact of interventions in the form of anatomical videos on knowledge obtained. An awareness of the importance of human anatomy for clinical skills was created to ensure a certain level of competence be achieved by the end of the anatomy course.

Design/methodology/approach

Postgraduate medical students were recruited from various specialties on voluntary basis. The first step was to conduct a preliminary screening exam to determine the level of anatomical knowledge. The students were then divided into two groups at random, one of which received no intervention (the control group), and the other of which watched the videos with content that was pertinent to the practical demonstrations (intervention). To assess the effects of the video intervention, a post-test was administered to all students.

Findings

Both spot tests (SPOTs) and short answer question (SAQ) components for scores of all the regions from the intervention groups were comparable to the scores obtained by the post-test control group, although the findings were not significant (p > 0.05). However, the intervention group from the abdomen (ABD) region did perform significantly better (p < 0.05) than the screening test score.

Originality/value

The results of the research study imply that interventions like anatomical videos can bridge the postgraduate trainee’s anatomy knowledge gap in a practical method which will immensely help in increasing their knowledge.
Business model configurations for successful vertical farming
Authors: Marczewska Magdalena , Sanaullah Ahmed , Tucci Christopher
Published: December 2023

Purpose

As a response to global population growth and increasing demand for food, farmers have been complementing traditional agriculture practices with vertical farming (VF) and indoor hydroponic systems. To facilitate the growth of the VF industry, this paper aims to identify business model elements and their configurations that lead to high firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research goals were met by conducting literature reviews coupled with a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on five business model elements, “superior” OR “strong” performance as two possible outcomes, and the top-ranked global VF growers listed in the Crunchbase Database.

Findings

From the fsQCA results, it was observed that several business model configurations lead to strong firm performance. Vertical farms growing in urban settings and having strong customer engagement platforms, coupled with a presence of business-to-business (B2B) sales channels, are more consistently associated with superior performance. These results imply that the decision configuration of location, along with customer engagement activity and sales activity are differentiating factors between good firm performance and superior firm performance in the case of vertical farms.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to expanding the knowledge of business model theory, business model configurations and VF management, providing specific guidelines for vertical farm owners and investors related to decision-making for higher firm performance, as well as positive environmental, social and economic impact.
Climate change literacy and commitment in Spanish university students
Authors: Almansa-Martínez Ana , López-Gómez Sara , Castillo-Esparcia Antonio
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to find out if there is a relationship between access to climate change information and student activism.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory study focused on the survey of 400 [n = 400] students from 10 universities in Spain from April to May 2022. A questionnaire with 19 questions was divided into blocks of knowledge, awareness, and action and bivariate analysis with a margin of error of ±5% and a confidence level of 95%.

Findings

The greater the degree of information received, the greater the activism of university students, who tend to use digital media and social networks to get informed. However, they perceive that the university generates little information and a low number of activities related to climate change. Students demand that universities implement informal, formal, and service-learning environmental education strategies on sustainable consumption.

Research limitations/implications

Given the results of previous studies showing the variable “type of degree” does not show differences at the beginning and end of studies, it has not been considered in this research. Nevertheless, it would be convenient to introduce it in future investigations to confirm if this may have an impact on informational habits.

Practical implications

This paper urges universities to act as sources of environmental education, given the relationship between the information received and the pro-environmental attitudes of students.

Social implications

The universities are powerful social actors that can shape public and political discourses for eco-social transition.

Originality/value

This research adds the variable access to information in studies on pro-environmental attitudes. Furthermore, this research provides data about student perceptions of the university, government, industry, and NGO climate actions.
Applying a Kansei engineering-based relationship model design approach to developing consumers' sustainability reliance on apparel
Authors: Ge Baoru , Xue Yun
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Based on Kansei Engineering, this study obtained consumers' emotional preferences aiming to enhance the emotional connection between consumers and clothing to extend the service life of clothing and realize sustainable clothing design.

Design/methodology/approach

Six Kansei word pairs that are the most important to consumers were identified through literature reviews, magazines, websites, card sorting of consumers and cluster analysis. Finally, the consumers scored the 32 product specimens through a 5-level rating semantic differential scale questionnaire of six Kansei word pairs. The researchers verified the consumers' emotional preferences through principal component analysis and established the relationship between Kansei words and design elements of color through partial least squares.

Findings

The study found consumers' emotional preferences: elegant, minimalist, formal, casual, mature, practical and distinctive style. Besides white, black, gray, blue, consumers will also like red and yellow-red in the future. The crucial findings of this study are to get recommended guidelines that consumers' emotional preferences match the corresponding design elements.

Originality/value

The study's findings can be used to style the design of men's plain-color shirts and guide online marketers and designers to design apparel that meets consumers' emotional needs to develop consumers' sustainability reliance on clothing. This study also explains the overall process and methodology for integrating consumer preferences and product design elements.
The dynamic impact of oil shocks on the Saudi stock market: new evidence through dynamic simulated ARDL approach
Authors: Belanès Amel , Ben Maatoug Abderrazek , Triki Mohamed Bilel
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The paper investigates the dynamic relationship between oil prices, the USA dollar exchange rate and the Saudi stock market index.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform a novel dynamic simulated the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) on weekly data from 2010 to 2021.

Findings

The authors' work reveals three main results: First, a cointegration relationship exists between oil prices and the Saudi stock market index. Second, the Saudi stock market is strongly affected by fluctuations in oil prices in both the short and long run. Third, the exchange rate of the USA dollar has a slight influence on the movements of the Saudi stock market. The simulations show that the Saudi stock market index has a long-run upward trend after an oil price shock, while the dollar index rises moderately after a similar shock. Moreover, the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a significant decline in the Saudi stock market index, particularly the substantial drop in oil prices.

Practical implications

These findings encourage domestic and foreign investors to benefit from an upward trend in oil prices, especially after the opening of the Saudi market to foreign investment. On the other hand, it raises questions about the Saudi economy's dependence on oil as the sole vehicle for output growth. It highlights the urgent need for diversification and productivity growth in the non-oil sector and other renewable natural resources to increase Saudi competitiveness.

Originality/value

The novelty of the research lies in the following. First, the authors apply one of the latest developments in time-series modeling techniques. This dynamic ARDL simulation model provides a worthwhile alternative way to explore dynamic correlations in the short and long run and assess the choc effects. Secondly, the study would enable us to track the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on the Saudi stock market.
Unraveling the mystery: exploring managers' attraction to excessive markets and investigating behavioral biases in market entry decisions
Authors: Soleymanzadeh Omid , Hajipour Bahman
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address why managers enter the excessive market. A comparison of the facts and perceptions of entrants relative to success in the market shows that many entrants are confident about the viability of their businesses and enter the market. Accordingly, the authors simulate market entry decisions to detect behavioral biases.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adapted the entry decisions simulation method, which is supported by the theoretical foundations of signal detection theory (SDT) and signaling theory. The simulation model is implemented on the Anaconda platform and written in Python 3.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that overestimation relates to excess market entry. Also, the proportion of excess entry under difficult conditions is always higher than under easy conditions.

Practical implications

This research helps managers and firms think about their and their competitors' abilities and evaluate them before entering the market. Policymakers and practitioners can also design programs such as experiential learning to help entrants assess their skills.

Originality/value

So far, no research has investigated the role of overconfidence under different market conditions. Accordingly, this study contributes to the current market entry literature by disentangling the debate between absolute and relative confidence and by considering the role of task difficulty.
Corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose: a triple concept for achieving long-term prosperity
Authors: Florez-Jimenez María Paula , Lleo Alvaro , Danvila-del-Valle Ignacio , Sánchez-Marín Gregorio
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to narrow the gap caused by the lack of literature relating the three concepts of corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose in the context of corporations. A framework that explains how these three concepts are related and effectively merged for long-term corporate survival are proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review is carried out. It is explained, first, initial search strategies to identify those documents that define each concept and to identify concepts with which each concept is associated. Subsequently, it is designed a search strategy combining all three concepts and their associated concepts to gather and analyze all the possible studies that have tried to connect these concepts. Finally, it is identified some gaps in the understanding of how these three concepts are related.

Findings

Results indicate that corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose merge to achieve long-term corporate survival. There exists a two-way relationship between these three variables. Findings also present gaps and future directions that should be addressed to foster an increase in knowledge about the relationships between corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose.

Originality/value

Nowadays, some authors endeavor to explain how aspects such as corporate sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose are crucial in the dynamic environment facing corporations every day. Nevertheless, there needs to be more understanding of how these three concepts are related and effectively merged for long-term corporate survival. This paper contributes to the literature by closing this gap.
Board reforms and the choice of debt: international evidence
Authors: Xiao Yige , Tsang Albert
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The authors examine how the major board reforms recently implemented by countries around the world affect firms' choice of debt.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quasi-experimental setting of major board reforms around the world that aim to improve board-related governance practices in various areas, this study investigates the impact of effective board monitoring on corporate debt choice. The authors employ difference-in-differences-type quasi-natural experiment method and path analysis for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The authors find that the implementation of board reforms is positively associated with firms' preference for public debt financing over bank debt. However, this effect tends to weaken after the fourth year following the implementation of board reforms. In additional analyses, the authors find that “rule-based” reforms have a more pronounced effect on firms' choice of debt than do “comply-or-explain” reforms. Both (1) strengthened firm-level internal governance practices that address concerns about the agency cost of debt and (2) reduced information asymmetries play important roles in facilitating firms' debt choice, but the evidence suggests that the former is the economic mechanism through which country-level reforms affect corporate debt choice.

Research limitations/implications

The study extends the literature examining the heterogeneity of corporate debt choices in a global setting and the literature on the consequences of corporate governance reforms.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the corporate board reforms implemented in countries around the world, addressing concerns from critics about their potential harm or ineffectiveness.

Originality/value

The results indicate that country-level board reforms reduce the extent to which shareholder–creditor conflicts harm shareholders.
A numerical study on thermal deformation of through silicon via with electroplating defect
Authors: Hou Chongbin , Qiu Yang , Zhao Xingyan , Zheng Shaonan , Dong Yuan , Zhong Qize , Hu Ting
Published: December 2023

Purpose

By investigating the thermal-mechanical interaction between the through silicon via (TSV) and the Cu pad, this study aimed to determine the effect of electroplating defects on the upper surface protrusion and internal stress distribution of the TSV at various temperatures and to provide guidelines for the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process.

Design/methodology/approach

A simplified model that consisted of a TSV (100 µm in diameter and 300 µm in height), a covering Cu pad (2 µm thick) and an internal drop-like electroplating defect (which had various dimensions and locations) was developed. The surface overall deformation and stress distribution of these models under various thermal conditions were analyzed and compared.

Findings

The Cu pad could barely suppress the upper surface protrusion of the TSV if the temperature was below 250 ?. Interfacial delamination started at the collar of the TSV at about 250 ? and became increasingly pronounced at higher temperatures. The electroplating defect constantly experienced the highest level of strain and stress during the temperature increase, despite its geometry or location. But as its radius expanded or its distance to the upper surface increased, the overall deformation of the upper surface and the stress concentration at the collar of the TSV showed a downward trend.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not examined the influence of the electroplating void on the thermal behavior of the TSV. However, with the proposed methodology, the strain and stress distribution of the TSV under different conditions in terms of temperature, dimension and location of the electroplating void were thoroughly investigated, which might be beneficial to the positioning of TSVs and the optimization of the electroplating process.
Personal traits and formalization of entrepreneurial ventures: insights from a developing country
Authors: Sendawula Kasimu , Najjinda Shamirah , Nanyanzi Marion , Kimuli Saadat Nakyejwe Lubowa , Walugembe Ahmad
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how the personal traits of the informal entrepreneurs influence their formalization decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative approach using a multicase design in which 28 informal entrepreneurs situated in Kampala district, Uganda, were engaged. An interview guide, recorders and note books were used in data collection.

Findings

The results indicate that the traits of informal and semiformal entrepreneurs are distinct. Informal entrepreneurs have been noted to be more courageous and resilient, while their semiformal counterparts have greater passion for their businesses. It is thus observed that the formalization prospects are higher for the semiformal entrepreneurs than for their informal counterparts. Entrepreneurs that would be willing to formalize their businesses are discouraged by distance, technology and the cost of involving middlemen. Whereas the resilient entrepreneurs are noted to work through these challenges, the passive ones in both the informal and semiformal categories will not formalize their businesses by giving such excuses.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature on informal entrepreneurship by providing initial empirical evidence on how the personal traits of the entrepreneurs influence their formalization decisions specifically.
The influence of reflections from the train body and the ground on the sound radiation from a railway rail
Authors: Thompson David J. , Zhao Dong , Ntotsios Evangelos , Squicciarini Giacomo , Cierco Ester , Jansen Erwin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The vibration of the rails is a significant source of railway rolling noise, often forming the dominant component of noise in the important frequency region between 400 and 2000 Hz. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the influence of the ground profile and the presence of the train body on the sound radiation from the rail.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-dimensional boundary element calculations are used, in which the rail vibration is the source. The ground profile and various different shapes of train body are introduced in the model, and results are observed in terms of sound power and sound pressure. Comparisons are also made with vibro-acoustic measurements performed with and without a train present.

Findings

The sound radiated by the rail in the absence of the train body is strongly attenuated by shielding due to the ballast shoulder. When the train body is present, the sound from the vertical rail motion is reflected back down toward the track where it is partly absorbed by the ballast. Nevertheless, the sound pressure at the trackside is increased by typically 0–5 dB. For the lateral vibration of the rail, the effects are much smaller. Once the sound power is known, the sound pressure with the train present can be approximated reasonably well with simple line source directivities.

Originality/value

Numerical models used to predict the sound radiation from railway rails have generally neglected the influence of the ground profile and reflections from the underside of the train body on the sound power and directivity of the rail. These effects are studied in a systematic way including comparisons with measurements.
‘To assume another name’: Race, gender, family and name changing in New York City, 1887–2012
Authors: Fermaglich Kirsten
Published: December 2023

The name‐change petitions housed in the New York City Civil Court allow us to see the ways that Jewish families, cisgender women and transgender people throughout the twentieth and twenty‐first centuries used state mechanisms to challenge institutionalised antisemitism and traditional definitions of family and gender. At the same time, however, the petitions also indicate the oppressive elements of the state, as these groups increasingly felt it necessary to undertake the emotional and physical labour entailed in official name changing to establish the personal identity and familial authority that cisgender men are granted automatically in US legal tradition.
The end of an era: Who paid the price when the livestock futures pits closed?
Authors: Gousgounis Eleni , Onur Esen
Published: December 2023

This paper evaluates the impact of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's (CME) decision to close the livestock futures pits on the execution quality of customer orders. Our findings suggest that, prior to its closure, the livestock futures pit offers high immediacy execution and attracts large orders. Because such high immediacy orders generally execute faster and cost more, their migration to the electronic market after the pit closure explains why the execution of electronic orders becomes on average speedier and more expensive for customers who used to be active pit users. However, our results also indicate that these pit‐user customers face a lower overall execution cost following the pit closure when we account for all their orders, pit and electronic.
Single‐stage reconstruction of a large defect of the ear
Authors: Samaran Quentin , Stoebner Pierre , Ovtchinnikoff Bernadette
Published: December 2023

To reconstruct a large anterior skin and cartilage defect of the upper half of the external ear in an elderly patient after cancer surgery, different techniques are possible, but single‐stage procedures should be advised. Combining flaps with reliable vascular supply, like the revolving door post‐auricular flap and a mastoid advancement flap, is an attractive single‐stage reconstructive option to rebuild a sturdy auricle.
The hidden cues of social class: What do people rely on when determining someone else's social class?
Authors: Kiebler Jessica M. , Stewart Abigail J.
Published: December 2023

We aimed to understand the cues individuals use to assess social class, and their relation to social theories. Participant (N = 235) open‐ended survey responses were coded in response to the following: “If you can at least sometimes tell if someone is (#1) working‐class/poor OR (#2) middle‐/upper‐class, how can you tell? What are all of the characteristics, behaviors, and/or other indicators that communicate their social class to you?” Based on participant comments, we created six themes: embodied cultural capital, material/economic capital, taste, status/position, institutional cultural capital, and social capital. First, we found spontaneous participant responses reflected several classic social class theories. Second, while the content often differed in terms of how participants discussed the working‐class/poor compared to the middle‐/upper‐class, there was only one significant difference in frequency of response. Specifically, participants were more likely to express the embodied cultural capital theme when asked about the working‐class/poor. Finally, participants with some more privileged identities (e.g., racially white, those with higher education, straight/heterosexual participants) were more likely to focus on symbolic or non‐material aspects of class compared to participants with some less privileged identities (e.g., participants with lower incomes in their families of origin), who focused more on material and economic cues in determining a person's class.
Active around the year: Butterflies and moths adapt their life cycles to a warming world
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Schmitt Thomas , Gros Patrick , Ulrich Werner
Published: December 2023

Living in a warming world requires adaptations to altered annual temperature regimes. In Europe, spring is starting earlier, and the vegetation period is ending later in the year. These climatic changes are leading not only to shifts in distribution ranges of flora and fauna, but also to phenological shifts. Using long‐term observation data of butterflies and moths collected during the past decades across northern Austria, we test for phenological shifts over time and changes in the number of generations. On average, Lepidoptera adults emerged earlier in the year and tended to extend their flight periods in autumn. Many species increased the annual number of generations. These changes were more pronounced at lower altitudes than at higher altitudes, leading to an altered phenological zonation. Our findings indicate that climate change does not only affect community composition but also the life history of insects. Increased activity and reproductive periods might alter Lepidoptera–host plant associations and food webs.
Longitudinal associations between parents' prosocial behavior and media use and young children's prosocial development: The mediating role of children's media use
Authors: Padilla‐Walker Laura M. , Workman Katey , Calley Anna , Ashby Sarah , Holmgren Hailey G. , Archibald Corinne , Fraser Ashley M. , Coyne Sarah M.
Published: December 2023

Research has found that media is associated with children's prosocial behavior (PB) from an early age, and that parents play a key role in children's media use and behavior. However, few studies explore these relations as early as infancy while also controlling for well‐established predictors of PB (e.g., empathic concern). Thus, the present study examined longitudinal associations between parents' PB and media use, and prosocial development during early childhood, mediated by children's own media use. Participants were 519 children (M age at Time 1 = 17.77 months) and parents who participated in three timepoints of an ongoing, longitudinal study. A longitudinal path model suggested that children's media use was still significantly associated with PB 1 year later after accounting for factors such as parents' PB, media use, and empathy. These findings have important implications for the early development of behaviors that serve as a foundation for social and moral development.
Enhancing wound healing and overcoming cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Qifan , Guo Fengqin , Liu Hua , Hong Li
Published: December 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) poses significant oncological challenges, notably impaired wound healing in the context of cisplatin (DDP) resistance. This study investigates the role of miR‐200b in OC, emphasizing its impact on wound healing processes through DNMT3A/TGF‐β1 pathway. The primary aim was to explore how miR‐200b regulates autophagy and its consequential effects on wound healing in OC, alongside its influence on cisplatin resistance. Utilizing DDP‐sensitive (A2780) and resistant (A2780/DDP) OC cell lines, along with human fibroblast cultures, the study employed an array of in vitro techniques. These included cell transfection with miR‐200b mimic or inhibitor, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), dual‐luciferase reporter (DLR) assays, quantitative PCR, Western blotting, MTT and particularly, wound healing assays. The research highlighted the role of miR‐200b in wound healing within OC. Inhibition of miR‐200b in A2780 cells and its mimic in A2780/DDP cells affected cell viability, indicating the link with DDP resistance. Crucially, miR‐200b mimic significantly delayed fibroblast‐mediated wound closure in assays, underscoring its impact on wound healing. Bioinformatics analysis and subsequent DLR assays confirmed miR‐200b's interaction with DNMT3A, affecting TGF‐β1 expression, the key factor in wound repair. Further, ChIP, quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses validated the interaction and expression changes in DNMT3A and TGF‐β1. The study demonstrated that miR‐200b played a pivotal role in OC by modulating autophagy, which in turn significantly affected wound healing through the DNMT3A/TGF‐β1 pathway.
Internal governance and corporate social responsibility performance
Authors: Chen Wanyu (Tina) , Zhang Janus Jian , Zhou Gaoguang
Published: December 2023

Internal governance is the process by which vice presidents (VPs) use their influence with the chief executive officer (CEO) to impact the firm's direction and policy. This study examines the effect of internal governance on corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. Based on a large sample of US firms and after controlling for various CEO incentives, corporate governance and other determinants of CSR performance, we find that more effective internal governance is associated with a better CSR performance. These results are robust to alternative internal governance and CSR measures, alternative samples and various approaches that mitigate potential endogeneity problems. Further analysis shows that the effect of internal governance on CSR performance is more pronounced when (a) the CEO is subject to more intensive monitoring, (b) VPs are more powerful, (c) firms experience less short‐term financial performance pressure and (d) they face stronger product market competition. This study advances our understanding of corporate governance's effect on CSR by showing the importance of internal governance.
Towards causal relationships for modelling species distribution
Authors: Da Re Daniele , Tordoni Enrico , Lenoir Jonathan , Rubin Sergio , Vanwambeke Sophie O.
Published: December 2023

Aim

Understanding the processes underlying the distribution of species through space and time is fundamental in several research fields spanning from ecology to spatial epidemiology. Correlative species distribution models rely on the niche concept to infer or explain the distribution of species, though often focusing only on the abiotic component of the niche (e.g. temperature, precipitation), without clear causal links to the biology of the species under investigation. This might result in an oversimplification of the complex niche hypervolume, resulting in a single model formula whose estimates and predictions lack ecological realism.

Location

Not applicable.

Time Period

Not applicable.

Major Taxa Studied

Virtual species.

Materials and Methods

We believe that a causal perspective associated with a finer definition of the modelling target is necessary to develop more ecologically realistic outputs. Here, we propose to infer the geographical distribution of a species by applying the modelling relation approach, a causal conceptual framework developed by the theoretical biologist Robert Rosen, which can be formalized through structural equation modelling.

Results

Our findings suggest that building a model relying on a strong conceptual basis improves the stability of the estimated model's coefficients, without necessarily increasing the predictive accuracy metrics of the model.

Main Conclusions

Including causal processes underlying the spatial distribution of species into an inferential formal system highlights the methodological steps where uncertainty can arise and results in model outputs which are tightly linked to the ecology of the target species.
Dietary inflammatory index in relation to salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Syrjäläinen Sanna , Männistö Satu , Könönen Eija , Pussinen Pirkko , Gürsoy Mervi , Suominen Anna Liisa , Jousilahti Pekka , Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman
Published: December 2023

Aim

To examine the associations of dietary inflammatory index (DII) with salivary cytokine concentrations and periodontitis after controlling for body mass index (BMI), socio‐demographic factors and lifestyle.

Materials and Methods

Subgroups from two Finnish surveys, DILGOM 2007 and Health 2000, were included (total n = 727). The DII scores were calculated based on a food frequency questionnaire. Periodontal status was assessed with a cumulative risk score in DILGOM 2007 and by pocket depth measurement in Health 2000. From saliva, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐1 receptor antagonist, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α concentrations were measured.

Results

The DII scores did not differ between non‐periodontitis and periodontitis participants in pairwise comparison. After adjusting for energy intake, periodontal status, BMI, age, education level, smoking habit and physical activity, DII was not associated with salivary cytokine concentrations. After adjusting for salivary cytokine levels and other confounding factors, DII was associated with periodontitis in the Health 2000 subgroup but not in the DILGOM 2007 subgroup.

Conclusions

The current data support the evidence that diet is not associated with salivary cytokine levels but may be associated with periodontitis. The association observed between diet and periodontitis is related to factors other than diet‐dependent inflammatory tendency in the oral cavity.
Evaluating the factors influencing sun protection factors (SPF): Pooling data from multiple studies involving two reference ISO 24444:2019 sunscreen products (P2 and P8)
Authors: Granger Corinne , Trullàs Carles , Sokeechand Nusayha Bibi , Jourdan Eric , Krutmann Jean , Francois‐Newton Veronique , Hosenally Muzzammil
Published: December 2023

Background

Standardized methods for sun protection factor (SPF) testing are still beset with endpoint and method‐driven issues, and can be influenced by multiple factors. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the factors influencing the results of sun protection factor (SPF) testing in human subjects according to the ISO 24444:2019 standard. Intrinsic factors, such as baseline skin color, age and gender, the minimal erythemal dose on an unprotected area (MEDu), as well as environmental factors such as season/weather influences, are considered for analysis.

Methods

Datasets generated for two reference products (P2 and P8) during the conduct of 50 such studies using the ISO standard 24444:2019 for the testing of SPF products, from a single testing center located in Bucharest, Romania between April 2021 and December 2022, were retrieved and compiled. Overall, the data for 334 subjects was available, with 276 observations for the reference P8, and 171 for P2.

Results

No effects due to gender or age were detected. Seasonal changes, the individual typology angle (ITA°) and MEDu were found to have an influence on the outcome of the SPF values.

Conclusions

This study adds new original data about the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on SPF variations pertaining to ISO reference sunscreen P8 (SPF 50+). The findings suggest that some factors will inevitably impact the results between two SPF experiments for the same product and SPF testing laboratory. The interconnections between the sources of this variation are discussed. The findings of this research help to identify and characterize factors that contribute to SPF testing variability.
A narrative review of the impact of ultraviolet radiation and sunscreen on the skin microbiome
Authors: Grant Garett J. , Kohli Indermeet , Mohammad Tasneem F.
Published: December 2023

Background

The human skin microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem that plays an important role in skin health. The skin microbiome has been implicated in numerous diseases, and our knowledge surrounding it continues to evolve. A better understanding of the interactions between the environment and the skin microbiome will lead to improvements in skin health.

Methods

This article reviews the published literature surrounding the impact of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and sunscreen on the skin microbiome.

Results

Skin microbes are differentially impacted by UVR, and alterations in the microbiome can be detected following UVR exposure. These changes are related to direct bactericidal effects, alterations in the cutaneous metabolome, and changes in the cutaneous immune system. UV filters used in sunscreen have been shown to have bactericidal effects, and many compounds used in sunscreen emulsions can also negatively impact cutaneous microbes.

Conclusion

A healthy microbiome has been shown to produce compounds that help protect the skin from UVR, and sunscreen has the potential to reduce the diversity of the skin microbiome. This indicates that designing sunscreen products that both provide protection against UVR and preserve the skin microbiome may offer additional benefits to skin health when compared with traditional sunscreen products.
Abstraction and grounding
Authors: deRosset Louis , Linnebo Øystein
Published: December 2023

The idea that some objects are metaphysically “cheap” has wide appeal. An influential version of the idea builds on abstractionist views in the philosophy of mathematics, on which numbers and other mathematical objects are abstracted from other phenomena. For example, Hume's Principle states that two collections have the same number just in case they are equinumerous, in the sense that they can be correlated one‐to‐one:

.

The principal aim of this article is to use the notion of grounding to develop this sort of abstractionism. The appeal to grounding enables a unified response to the two main challenges that confront abstractionism. First, we must explicate the metaphor of metaphysical “cheapness.” Second, we must rebut the “bad company” objection, which rejects abstraction principles like (HP) as tarnished by their similarity to inconsistent principles like Frege's Basic Law V. By enforcing a simple requirement that all abstraction be properly grounded, we propose a unified solution to these two hard, and prima facie unrelated, problems. On our view, grounded abstraction simultaneously ensures “cheap” abstracta and permissible abstraction.
Implementation arrangements for research and innovation policies in the Italian, Spanish, French, and German national recovery plan: A comparative analysis of emerging challenges for multi‐level governance
Authors: Ottone Valentina , Barbieri Michele
Published: December 2023

The crisis triggered by the Covid‐19 pandemic has challenged the socioeconomic systems of all European member states. To reduce the severe impact of the pandemic, the European Union has established a common fund for European states, launching therefore a social‐economic recovery process. This fund was granted upon the submission of a programmatic plan of targets to be pursued within certain deadlines, appropriately assessed by the European Commission. Although the European Commission provided general guidelines for the elaboration of plans and the constitution of the multi‐level governance of national recovery plans, each country followed its own institutional, political, economic, and social context. Thus, this article investigates the influencing factors on the implementation arrangements of research and innovation policies in four different contexts, geographically, historically, economically, and administratively, such as Italy and Spain as representatives of the Mediterranean model; France and Germany as representatives of the continental model. Findings confirm two main key factors, enriching the reference literature on implementation arrangements of public policies. Firstly, the actors' ability to join together in synergetic and cooperative networks is oriented towards achieving common goals. The second is the policy legacy, which still anchors actors in path dependencies, thus complicating their path diversion.
Ahí se apuesta la vida. The emergence of impersonal interpretations in Spanish*
Authors: Maldonado Ricardo
Published: December 2023

This paper explores the range of uses associated with se constructions in Mexican Spanish. The validity of treating most se constructions as passives is under scrutiny. In contrast, a model to analyze the emergence of an important variety of impersonal interpretations is proposed. Arbitrary and quasi‐universal construals conform the base for finer interpretations for se constructions. In agreement with a usage‐based model, passive, impersonal and middle constructions are evaluated against four different genres which presumably determine the choice of se constructions for specific communicative necessities. While impersonal se constructions characterize journalistic writing and formal oral usage, middle se constructions are dominant in oral informal genres. Further specialization for impersonal se constructions, such as rules, norms, performative and arbitrary constructions are identified as a result of particular contexts determinacies.