bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study into how thickness, infrared intensity, and airflow affect drying kinetics, modeling, activation energy, and quality attributes of apple slices using infrared dryer
Authors: El‐Mesery Hany S. , Hu Zicheng , Ashiagbor Kwami , Rostom Merit
Published: April 2024

Drying is a widely recognized process that reduces the need for storage and shipping weight, keeps free water out of the product, and prolongs its shelf life. An infrared dryer was designed to dry apples under different drying conditions. Apple slices of 6‐, 4‐, and 2‐mm thicknesses were dried at intensities 0.130, 0.225, and 0.341 W/cm2 and airflow 1.0, 0.5, and 1.5 m/s. The dehydrating period was prolonged with higher airflow and shortened with higher infrared intensity (IR). The shortest dehydrating period was verified by 190 min at 0.341 W/cm2, 0.5 m/s under 2 mm thickness. Increasing the sample thickness from 2 to 4 mm and then to 6 mm resulted in an 84% and 192% increase in drying time, respectively. Dehydrated apples had water activity values ranging from 0.30 to 0.40. The shrinkage ratio increased with an increase in infrared radiation intensity. However, it decreased with an increase in air velocity, while the rehydration ratio decreased with an increase in radiation intensity and increased with an increase in air velocity. Regarding total color change, apple slice thickness was a major factor. The effective diffusivities varied between 2.6 and 9.0 𝗑10−10 m2/s under different drying conditions. The dehydrating curves of apples were best described by the model developed by Midilli et al.
High‐dose dual therapy versus bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Kong Qing Zhou , Li Yue Yue , Yang Xiao Yun , Zuo Xiu Li
Published: April 2024

Objective

To update evidence‐based data comparing the efficacy and safety of high‐dose dual therapy (HDDT) and bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy (BQT) in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection through meta‐analysis.

Methods

Multiple databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to May 18, 2023. Dichotomous data were evaluated using risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, risk of bias assessment, and quality of evidence evaluation were performed.

Results

Twenty RCTs containing 7891 subjects were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in H. pylori eradication rate between HDDT and BQT in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis (86.31% vs 84.88%; RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04, P = 0.12). In the per‐protocol (PP) analysis, the eradication rates for HDDT and BQT were 90.27% and 89.94%, respectively (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.03, P = 0.44). Adverse events were significantly lower with HDDT than with BQT (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.38–0.51, P < 0.00001). Patient adherence was significantly different between the two groups (RR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.03, P = 0.02). Subgroup analysis based on antibiotic combinations within the BQT group showed a significantly higher eradication rate for HDDT than for BQT only when BQT used amoxicillin combined with clarithromycin (P = 0.0009).

Conclusions

HDDT showed comparable efficacy with BQT for H. pylori eradication, with fewer adverse effects and higher compliance. Due to regional differences, antibiotic resistance rates, and combined BQT antibiotics, more studies are needed for further validation and optimization of HDDT.
Interactive effects of alcohol and cannabis quantities in the prediction of same‐day negative consequences among young adults
Authors: Wardell Jeffrey D. , Coelho Sophie G. , Farrelly Kyra N. , Fox Nicolle , Cunningham John A. , O'Connor Roisin M. , Hendershot Christian S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use is common, but observational studies examining negative consequences of simultaneous use have rarely considered dose‐related interactions between alcohol and cannabis. This study examined interactions between quantities of cannabis and alcohol consumed in predicting negative consequences on simultaneous use days.

Methods

Young adults (N = 151; 64% female; 62% White) reporting recent simultaneous use and at least weekly alcohol and cannabis use completed 21 daily, smartphone‐based surveys assessing previous day quantities of cannabis and alcohol used, types of cannabis used (flower, concentrates, edibles), and negative substance‐related consequences. Multilevel models examined: (1) whether negative consequences differed within‐person across simultaneous use days and single‐substance use days; and (2) whether quantities of alcohol and cannabis consumed on simultaneous use days interacted, within‐person, to predict negative consequences. We focused on quantities of cannabis flower (grams) in primary analyses and explored quantities of other forms of cannabis (concentrates, edibles) in supplementary analyses.

Results

Participants reported fewer negative consequences on alcohol‐only (243 observations) and cannabis‐only (713 observations) days than they did on simultaneous use days (429 observations). On simultaneous use days involving cannabis flower use (313 observations across 81 participants), the within‐person association between number of standard drinks and negative consequences was weaker on days during which larger (vs. smaller) amounts of cannabis flower were consumed. Inspection of simple slopes revealed that decreased alcohol use was associated with less of a decline in negative consequences when combined with relatively greater amounts of cannabis flower.

Conclusions

Although simultaneous use was associated with more negative consequences than alcohol‐only and cannabis‐only use, negative consequences on simultaneous use days varied as a function of the interaction between alcohol and cannabis quantities. As findings suggest that using larger amounts of cannabis may attenuate declines in negative consequences associated with lighter drinking, interventions for higher‐risk simultaneous use patterns may benefit from a focus on quantities of both alcohol and cannabis.
The 2‐oxoglutarate/malate carrier extends the family of mitochondrial carriers capable of fatty acid and 2,4‐dinitrophenol‐activated proton transport
Authors: Žuna Kristina , Tyschuk Tatyana , Beikbaghban Taraneh , Sternberg Felix , Kreiter Jürgen , Pohl Elena E.
Published: April 2024

Aims

Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. The mitochondrial 2‐oxoglutarate/malate carrier (OGC) has been suggested as a potential target for preventing cancer progression. Although OGC is involved in the malate/aspartate shuttle, its exact role in cancer metabolism remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether OGC may contribute to the alteration of mitochondrial inner membrane potential by transporting protons.

Methods

The expression of OGC in mouse tissues and cancer cells was investigated by PCR and Western blot analysis. The proton transport function of recombinant murine OGC was evaluated by measuring the membrane conductance (Gm) of planar lipid bilayers. OGC‐mediated substrate transport was measured in proteoliposomes using 14C‐malate.

Results

OGC increases proton Gm only in the presence of natural (long‐chain fatty acids, FA) or chemical (2,4‐dinitrophenol) protonophores. The increase in OGC activity directly correlates with the increase in the number of unsaturated bonds of the FA. OGC substrates and inhibitors compete with FA for the same protein binding site. Arginine 90 was identified as a critical amino acid for the binding of FA, ATP, 2‐oxoglutarate, and malate, which is a first step towards understanding the OGC‐mediated proton transport mechanism.

Conclusion

OGC extends the family of mitochondrial transporters with dual function: (i) metabolite transport and (ii) proton transport facilitated in the presence of protonophores. Elucidating the contribution of OGC to uncoupling may be essential for the design of targeted drugs for the treatment of cancer and other metabolic diseases.
Assessment of habitat connectivity in a highly fragmented ecosystem: The seasonal tropical dry forest in Ecuador
Authors: Rivas Carlos A. , Guerrero‐Casado José , Navarro‐Cerrillo Rafael M.
Published: April 2024

Context

Connectivity is a parameter that plays a fundamental role in highly fragmented ecosystems, such as the seasonal tropical dry forest.

Objectives

The objective of this research is to calculate the evolution of fragmentation and the functional connectivity of the Ecuadorian seasonal dry forest from 1990 to 2018, and to compare the Ecuadorian state's reforestation plan with our reforestation plan, which is based on maximising connectivity with the smallest possible reforested area.

Methods

The land cover changes, fragmentation and functional connectivity, measured by employing cumulative cost analyses at three different distances (0.5, 5 and 10 km), that occurred in Ecuadorian seasonal dry forests between 1990 and 2018 were verified using GIS environments, vector layers and Graphab software. A reforestation plan was also developed using various connectivity metrics and was then compared with that proposed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment.

Results

Between 1990 and 2018, 2647 km2 of dry forest was lost in the study area. Former forest areas were put mainly to agricultural uses, which increased by 12.96%. The total number of patches decreased from 6908 to 5357, signifying a loss of 30% of the forest area and leading to losses of up to 75% of connectivity. Areas with low connectivity and a risk of disappearance were identified, and a new reforestation plan was proposed, which was based on maximising connectivity with small patches.

Conclusions

Because of the fragmentation, the connectivity of the seasonal dry forest in Ecuador is dramatically decreasing in the last decades. Therefore, the reforestation plans should prioritise areas whose reforestation increases habitat functional connectivity, which could provide more benefits than increasing the forest area without considering the global connectivity.
A comparison of different measures of the proportion of explained variance in multiply imputed data sets
Authors: van Ginkel Joost R. , Karch Julian D.
Published: April 2024

The proportion of explained variance is an important statistic in multiple regression for determining how well the outcome variable is predicted by the predictors. Earlier research on 20 different estimators for the proportion of explained variance, including the exact Olkin–Pratt estimator and the Ezekiel estimator, showed that the exact Olkin–Pratt estimator produced unbiased estimates, and was recommended as a default estimator. In the current study, the same 20 estimators were studied in incomplete data, with missing data being treated using multiple imputation. In earlier research on the proportion of explained variance in multiply imputed data sets, an estimator called was shown to be the preferred pooled estimator for regular . For each of the 20 estimators in the current study, two pooled estimators were proposed: one where the estimator was the average across imputed data sets, and one where was used as input for the calculation of the specific estimator. Simulations showed that estimates based on performed best regarding bias and accuracy, and that the Ezekiel estimator was generally the least biased. However, none of the estimators were unbiased at all times, including the exact Olkin–Pratt estimator based on .
Gendering innocence: An empirical inquiry into the lived experience of gender incongruence in childhood
Authors: Yarrow Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Gender diversity in childhood has become an issue of significant public debate in Britain. Growing concerns have amassed around the exposure of children and adolescents to new forms of gendered knowledge and expression, arousing discourses of childhood ‘vulnerability’ and ‘innocence’. These ideas draw on a specific framework for understanding ‘childhood’, in which children are depicted as passive, dependent and in need of protection, as they follow a universal, predetermined developmental pathway. Among other effects, this has resulted in a dearth of empirical research that has explored gender diversity as a developmental experience in childhood. This article draws on evidence from interviews with 40 gender and sex variant young people and 30 caregivers of transgender children. Participants' accounts illustrate the deep psychic investment in embodied gender incongruence that young people may manifest from the earliest years of childhood. They highlight the profound distress sometimes experienced by children denied external recognition of their internal (gendered) selves and required to conform to extraneous expectations informed by essentialist understandings of biological sex. Far from ‘innocent’ of gender (difference), children can be deeply and actively involved in creating and adopting gendered subject positions, sometimes generating unanticipated forms of diversity.
Perioperative and oncological outcomes following robotic en bloc multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer
Authors: DiBrito Sandra R. , Manisundaram Naveen , Kim Youngwan , Peacock Oliver , Hu Chung‐Yuan , Bednarski Brian , You Y. Nancy , Uppal Abhineet , Tillman Matthew , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Kaur Harmeet , Palmquist Sarah , Holliday Emma , Dasari Arvind , Chang George J.
Published: April 2024

Aim

As multidisciplinary treatment strategies for colorectal cancer have improved, aggressive surgical resection has become commonplace. Multivisceral and extended resections offer curative‐intent resection with significant survival benefit. However, limited data exist regarding the feasibility and oncological efficacy of performing extended resection via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine the perioperative and long‐term outcomes following robotic extended resection for colorectal cancer.

Method

We describe the population of patients undergoing robotic multivisceral resection for colorectal cancer at our single institution. We evaluated perioperative details and investigated short‐ and long‐term outcomes, using the Kaplan–Meier method to analyse overall and recurrence‐free survival.

Results

Among the 86 patients most tumours were T3 (47%) or T4 (47%) lesions in the rectum (78%). Most resections involved the anterior compartment (72%): bladder (n = 13), seminal vesicle/vas deferens (n = 27), ureter (n = 6), prostate (n = 15) and uterus/vagina/adnexa (n = 27). Three cases required conversion to open surgery; 10 patients had grade 3 complications. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Resections were R0 (>1 mm) in 78 and R1 (0 to ≤1 mm) in 8, with none being R2. The average nodal yield was 26 and 48 (55.8%) were pN0. Three‐year overall survival was 88% and median progression‐free survival was 19.4 months. Local recurrence was 6.1% and distant recurrence was 26.1% at 3 years.

Conclusion

Performance of multivisceral and extended resection on the robotic platform allows patients the benefit of minimally invasive surgery while achieving oncologically sound resection of colorectal cancer.
Frailty in inflammatory bowel disease: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015–2019
Authors: Sharma Sahil , McKechnie Tyler , Heimann Luke , Lee Yung , Amin Nalin , Hong Dennis , Eskicioglu Cagla
Published: April 2024

Aim

Preoperative frailty has been associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in various populations, but of its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains sparse. The present study aimed to characterize the impact of frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index (mFI), on postoperative clinical and resource utilization outcomes in patients with IBD.

Methods

This retrospective population‐based cohort study assessed patients from the National Inpatient Sample database from 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2019. Corresponding International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Clinical Modification codes were used to identify adult patients (>18 years of age) with IBD, undergoing either small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy. Patient demographics and institutional data were collected for each patient to calculate the 11‐point mFI. Patients were categorized as either frail or robust using a cut‐off of 0.27. Primary outcomes were postoperative in‐hospital morbidity and mortality, whilst secondary outcomes included system‐specific morbidity, length of stay, in‐hospital healthcare costs and discharge disposition. Logistic and linear regression models were used for primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

Overall, 7144 patients with IBD undergoing small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy were identified, 337 of whom were classified as frail (i.e., mFI < 0.27). Frail patients were more likely to be women, older, have lower income and a greater number of comorbidities. After adjusting for relevant covariates, frail patients were at greater odds of in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.42, 95% CI 2.31–12.77, P < 0.001), overall morbidity (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.30–2.28, P < 0.001), increased length of stay (adjusted mean difference 1.3 days, 95% CI 0.09–2.50, P = 0.035) and less likely to be discharged to home (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45–0.77, P < 0.001) compared to their robust counterparts.

Conclusions

Frail IBD patients are at greater risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity, and reduced likelihood of discharge to home, following surgery. This has implications for clinicians designing care pathways for IBD patients following surgery.
Risk of pulp necrosis and related complications in the permanent anterior teeth with lateral luxation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tewari Nitesh , Lauridsen Eva , Atif Mohammad , Srivastav Sukeshana , Tsilingaridis Georgios , Haldar Partha , Andersson Lars
Published: April 2024

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence related to the occurrence of pulp necrosis and related complications in permanent anterior teeth with lateral luxation. It was envisaged to address the ambiguity related to the recommendation for pulp extirpation in teeth with mature root apex. An a priori protocol was formulated as per the best practices of evidence‐based medicine and registered in PROSPERO. A comprehensive search was performed electronically in PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane on July 10,2023 without any restriction of language or year of publication. The screening of titles and abstracts and later the full‐text articles were performed. Later, the data extraction was performed by using a self‐designed sheet, risk of bias (ROB) assessment was done, meta‐analysis was performed, and the GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of evidence. The qualitative synthesis was performed on 13 studies done from 1985 to 2020 in hospital settings. There was variability in the minimum and total observation periods, sample sizes, and characteristics of the sample population. The overall pooled prevalence of pulp necrosis was found to be 57% (95% CI: 42, 72%). It was 12% (95% CI: 8%, 18%, I2 = 0%) in immature teeth, and 58% (95% CI: 42, 73%, I2 = 86%) in mature teeth. The pooled prevalence of EIRR was found to be 11% (95% CI: 4, 27%, I2 = 95%) with greater risk in teeth with mature root apex (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.42, I2 = 0%). The ROB was moderate or high in nine studies and the GRADE of evidence was very low in 14 of 15 outcomes. There are greater chances of pulp necrosis in teeth with lateral luxation, especially with mature apex. However, it can still be less than 60% in most cases with the prevalence of EIRR less than 20%. Hence, an absolute recommendation for endodontic intervention in mature teeth with lateral luxation must be interpreted with slight caution.
Dyslexia awareness among English language teachers in Türkiye
Authors: Özçelik Arzu Ekoç , Elverici Sibel Ergün
Published: April 2024

It is estimated that 10% of the world's population are dyslexic, and the ratio of dyslexia may be up to 20% in some countries. Considering this rate and the challenges that many dyslexic learners face when learning a foreign language in the classroom, it is crucial for language teachers to be aware of such challenges. Through an online questionnaire, this study seeks to understand whether English language teachers in Türkiye are well prepared to meet the particular educational needs of dyslexic language learners by implementing effective inclusive teaching methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Findings indicate that many English language teachers are not prepared enough to teach students with dyslexia. To overcome the difficulties experienced, teacher education programmes may be enhanced with additional activities and strategies to prepare novice teachers, while the teachers in the field are supported with more in‐service teacher training education such as seminars, webinars and workshops given by experts to increase their awareness of the needs of dyslexic language learners.
Alpha‐1 adrenergic antagonists and the risk of hospitalization or death in non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A population‐based study
Authors: Antoniou Tony , McCormack Daniel , Tadrous Mina , Gomes Tara
Published: April 2024

Background

Alpha‐1 receptor antagonists may interfere with IL‐6 signaling and could therefore be a potential treatment for COVID‐19. However, the effectiveness of these drugs in mitigating the risk of clinical deterioration among non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 is unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine the association between alpha‐1 antagonist exposure and the 30‐day risk of a hospital encounter or death in nonhospitalized patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study of Ontario residents aged 35 years and older who were eligible for public drug coverage and who had a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2 between January 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021. We matched each individual receiving an alpha‐1 antagonist at the time of their positive test with two non‐exposed individuals using propensity scores. Our outcome was a composite of a hospital admission, emergency department visit, or death, 1 to 30 days following the positive test.

Results

We matched 3289 alpha‐1 antagonist exposed patients to 6189 unexposed patients. Overall, there was no difference in the 30‐day risk of the primary outcome among patients exposed to alpha‐1 antagonists at the time of their diagnosis relative to unexposed individuals (28.8% vs. 28.0%; OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.11). In a secondary analysis, individuals exposed to alpha‐1 antagonists had a lower risk of death in the 30 days following a COVID diagnosis (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.93).

Conclusion

Alpha‐1 antagonists did not mitigate the 30‐day risk of clinical deterioration in non‐hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. Our findings do not support the general repurposing of alpha‐1 antagonists as a treatment for such patients, although there may be subgroups of patients in whom further research is warranted.
Strengthening effect of cyclic load on siltstone and its macro–micro fracture mechanism
Authors: Pengjin Yang , Shengjun Miao , Hui Wang , Peng Li , Mingchun Liang
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this research is to study the strengthening effect of cyclic load on the weakly cemented rock and reveal its microscopic mechanism. In this study, a series of cyclic‐to‐monotonic loading tests with different cycle numbers were conducted on siltstone. Results show that the strengthening and weakening effects of siltstone under cyclic loading depend on the upper limit of cyclic load. The microfracture mode that was changed by cyclic load is the essential reason for the strengthening effect, according to the study of acoustic emission b‐value, sources, and microscopic fracture morphology. Under the cyclic load test, the skeleton area of siltstone can bear the axial load increased. However, the burst of acoustic emission signals is delayed, and the crack scale is small due to the strengthening effect. The difficulty of geotechnical engineering disaster prediction and prevention has increased significantly, and attention should be paid to similar geotechnical engineering.
Demographic change and loss of big trees in resprouting eucalypt forests exposed to megadisturbance
Authors: Bendall Eli R. , Collins Luke C. , Milner Kirsty V. , Bedward Michael , Boer Matthias M. , Choat Brendan , Gallagher Rachael V. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Nolan Rachael H.
Published: April 2024

Aim

Increased tree mortality linked to droughts and fires is occurring across temperate regions globally. Vegetation recovery has been widely reported; however, less is known about how disturbance may alter forests structurally and functionally across environmental gradients. We examined whether dry forests growing on low‐fertility soils were more resilient to coupled extreme drought and severe fire owing to lower tree mortality rates, higher resprouting success and persistence of juveniles relative to wetter forests on more fertile soils.

Location

Fire‐tolerant eucalypt forests of temperate southeastern Australia.

Time period

2020–2023.

Major taxa studied

Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora.

Methods

Demographic surveys of tree mortality and regeneration in all combinations of dry/wet forest, fertile/less fertile substrates exposed to extreme drought and fire were conducted. We used Bayesian regression modelling to compare tree mortality, diameter, response traits, population structure and occurrence of fire scars between substrates/forest types.

Results

Overall mortality (20%–33%) and topkill (34%–41%) were within historically reported ranges for various forests and soil types. However, we observed an atypical trend of increased mortality and topkill in the largest trees, particularly when they had structural damage from past fires. Trees in wet forests on more fertile soils had the highest levels of mortality. Numbers of persistent resprouting juveniles were highest in dry forests on low‐fertility soils. Dry forests growing on low‐fertility soils appear more resilient to compound disturbances due to lower rates of mortality and higher rates of juvenile persistence. Wet forests on more fertile soils may experience greater demographic change due to higher mortality of small and large trees.

Main conclusions

Mesic forests on relatively fertile soils were found to be at relatively high risk of demographic change from compound disturbances. Combined, fire and drought are likely to reduce the number of large trees in affected areas, with consequences for forest carbon cycling and storage.
Oral health self‐management barriers among rural older adults in Guangxi, China: A qualitative study
Authors: Wei Li‐Juan , Chen Chun‐Xi , Wei Ke , Mo Xiao‐Yuan , Lu Shu‐Yu , Fan De‐Jing , Wang Min , Huang Hui‐Qiao , Tao Pin‐Yue
Published: April 2024

Background

Objective: To understand the barriers associated with self‐management of oral health among rural older adults in Guangxi, and to explore the high incidence of oral problems. This information will assist in the formulation of relevant strategies to solve the oral health problems in this population.

Methods

Taking a phenomenological approach, the current status of, and barriers to, oral health self‐management in rural older adults from different regions of Guangxi were explored. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed face‐to‐face.

Results

The interviews yielded four overarching themes and six corresponding sub‐themes pertaining to barriers in oral health self‐management. These included: (1) Older adults' understanding of oral health and disease, perceptions of oral health and their oral health behaviours; (2) Problems in accessing oral health information; (3) Role of family support; and (4) Barriers to healthcare that included access to dental services, oral treatment experience and financial burden of access to dental care.

Conclusion

Rural older adults in Guangxi face oral health self‐management barriers. Improving access to oral healthcare services and changing existing oral health perceptions and habits may assist them in overcoming self‐management challenges.
Breaking barriers: Reducing inequality in higher education by understanding and addressing diverse student needs
Authors: Cadet Fabienne , Weisfeld‐Spolter Suri , Yurova Yuliya V.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this research is to explore the differences in perceived opportunities and potential barriers leading to inequality in our higher education system. To do this, we examine differences in satisfaction and expectations that exist among college students based on three key heterogeneous characteristics – gender identity (male vs. female), major declaration (decided vs. undecided) and generation (first generation vs. non‐first generation). Six hundred twenty‐five students completed a survey about the level of importance and satisfaction with educational services at their institutions. A mixed method design including analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test differences between students. At a time where universities are working arduously to increase enrolment numbers, adjusting the strategy to cater to the unique needs of students may prove to be part of the solution and more importantly, help remove barriers to lessen the current inequalities and improve access to education for all types of students.
Impact of advertising puffery on purchase intention and brand loyalty of young adults
Authors: Punjani Krunal K. , Kumar V. V. Ravi , Mahadevan Kala
Published: April 2024

This research study proposes a model to test the impact of advertising puffery on purchase intention and brand loyalty involving the mediating role of ad‐related factors—likability of the advertisement and attitude toward the ad‐ and brand‐related factors—brand familiarity, attitude toward the brand, and brand credibility. The inclusion of brand loyalty as an exogenous construct is an attempt to extend the existing research in the ad puffery domain. Further, a combination of ad‐related and brand‐related factors as mediators is a novel approach in the field of ad puffery. It provides insightful findings for researchers as well as practitioners. The cross‐sectional approach used in this study involved gathering data from young adult respondents (age group between 18 and 24 years) over a specific period. Results based on 330 young adult respondents revealed significant direct and mediating effects. All the ad‐related and brand‐related factors mediated the direct relationship of ad puffery with purchase intention and brand loyalty. Additionally, gender significantly moderated the direct relationship of ad puffery with purchase intention. Further, theoretical contributions, practical implications, and future research directions are discussed.
Eating experiences in people living with dementia: A concept analysis using Rodgers's methodology
Authors: Wang Zih‐Ling , McHale Jenna R. , Belza Basia , Sonney Jennifer
Published: April 2024

Aims

To analyse the concept of eating experiences in people living with dementia.

Design

Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was used as a framework for the paper.

Data Sources

The literature was searched using electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, CINHAL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Embase and Elsevier databases. These databases cover a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to nursing, medicine and occupational therapy. The relevant literature published from 1989 to April 2023 was thoroughly examined. Any quantitative or qualitative studies published in English focused on eating or dining experiences in people with dementia were included.

Review Methods

Rodgers' evolutionary method for concept analysis was used. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and case examples of the concept were identified.

Results

Twenty‐two articles met the inclusion criteria, identifying key attributes of self‐connection, the special journey of life and self‐interpretation. Antecedents, as framed by the socio‐ecological model, were categorized to represent intrapersonal (personal preferences, individual culture, mealtime routines), interpersonal (social interaction) and environmental (dining room environment, policies) factors. Consequences were divided into external (nutritional health, physical health and quality of life) and internal (personhood, autonomy and independence, dignity and feeling valued and mental well‐being) domains.

Conclusion

A theoretical definition and conceptual model of eating experiences in people living with dementia was developed. The identified attributes, antecedents and consequences can be utilized in nursing education, research and intervention approaches.

Impact

This article allows nurses and other healthcare professionals to better understand people living with dementia through the relationship between eating and interpersonal, intrapersonal and environmental aspects to develop personalized interventions and care strategies to achieve an optimal quality of life.

Patient or Public Contribution

Not applicable.
Evaluating the effectiveness of artificial intelligence‐based tools in detecting and understanding sleep health misinformation: Comparative analysis using Google Bard and OpenAI ChatGPT‐4
Authors: Garbarino Sergio , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: April 2024

This study evaluates the performance of two major artificial intelligence‐based tools (ChatGPT‐4 and Google Bard) in debunking sleep‐related myths. More in detail, the present research assessed 20 sleep misconceptions using a 5‐point Likert scale for falseness and public health significance, comparing responses of artificial intelligence tools with expert opinions. The results indicated that Google Bard correctly identified 19 out of 20 statements as false (95.0% accuracy), not differing from ChatGPT‐4 (85.0% accuracy, Fisher's exact test p = 0.615). Google Bard's ratings of the falseness of the sleep misconceptions averaged 4.25 ± 0.70, showing a moderately negative skewness (−0.42) and kurtosis (−0.83), and suggesting a distribution with fewer extreme values compared with ChatGPT‐4. In assessing public health significance, Google Bard's mean score was 2.4 ± 0.80, with skewness and kurtosis of 0.36 and −0.07, respectively, indicating a more normal distribution compared with ChatGPT‐4. The inter‐rater agreement between Google Bard and sleep experts had an intra‐class correlation coefficient of 0.58 for falseness and 0.69 for public health significance, showing moderate alignment (p = 0.065 and p = 0.014, respectively). Text‐mining analysis revealed Google Bard's focus on practical advice, while ChatGPT‐4 concentrated on theoretical aspects of sleep. The readability analysis suggested Google Bard's responses were more accessible, aligning with 8th‐grade level material, versus ChatGPT‐4's 12th‐grade level complexity. The study demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence in public health education, especially in sleep health, and underscores the importance of accurate, reliable artificial intelligence‐generated information, calling for further collaboration between artificial intelligence developers, sleep health professionals and educators to enhance the effectiveness of sleep health promotion.
AI‐enabled airport runway pavement distress detection using dashcam imagery
Authors: Malekloo Arman , Liu Xiaoyue Cathy , Sacharny David
Published: April 2024

Maintaining airport runways is crucial for safety and efficiency, yet traditional monitoring relies on manual inspections, prone to time consumption and inaccuracy. This study pioneers the utilization of low‐cost dashcam imagery for the detection and geolocation of airport runway pavement distresses, employing novel deep‐learning frameworks. A significant contribution of our work is the creation of the first public dataset specifically designed for this purpose, addressing a critical gap in the field. This dataset, enriched with diverse distress types under various environmental conditions, enables the development of an automated, cost‐effective method that substantially enhances airport maintenance operations. Leveraging low‐cost dashcam technology in this unique scenario, our approach demonstrates remarkable potential in improving the efficiency and safety of airport runway inspections, offering a scalable solution for infrastructure management. Our findings underscore the benefits of integrating advanced imaging and artificial intelligence technologies, paving the way for advancements in airport maintenance practices.
Challenging neurological presentation: Scrub typhus with meningoencephalitis and multiple cranial nerve involvement
Authors: Biswas Uttam , León‐Ruiz Moisés , Shaikh Alamgir , Das Prasenjit , Pal Shyamal Kanti , Ghosh Ritwik , Benito‐León Julián
Published: April 2024

A 40‐year‐old male farmer from rural West Bengal, India, presented with fever, headaches, seizure, eschar, and palsy of left cranial nerves VII, VIII, IX, and X as a rare clinical manifestation of scrub typhus. Positive IgM enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests in serum and cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the diagnosis, with brain magnetic resonance imaging showing meningoencephalitis findings. Treatment with steroids and doxycycline led to neurological improvement. This case highlights the need for heightened clinician awareness toward early detection of scrub typhus's atypical presentations to ensure timely and effective treatment.
Effects of increasing atmospheric CO2 on leaf water δ18O values are small and are attenuated in grasses and amplified in dicotyledonous herbs and legumes when transferred to cellulose δ18O values
Authors: Morgner Eva , Holloway‐Phillips Meisha , Basler David , Nelson Daniel B. , Kahmen Ansgar
Published: April 2024

The oxygen isotope composition of cellulose (δ18O values) has been suggested to contain information on stomatal conductance (gs) responses to rising pCO2. The extent by which pCO2 affects leaf water and cellulose δ18O values (δ18OLW and δ18OC) and the isotope processes that determine pCO2 effects on δ18OLW and δ18OC are, however, unknown.

We tested the effects of pCO2 on gs, δ18OLW and δ18OC in a glasshouse experiment, where six plant species were grown under pCO2 ranging from 200 to 500 ppm.

Increasing pCO2 caused a decline in gs and an increase in δ18OLW, as expected. Importantly, the effects of pCO2 on gs and δ18OLW were small and pCO2 effects on δ18OLW were not directly transferred to δ18OC but were attenuated in grasses and amplified in dicotyledonous herbs and legumes. This is likely because of functional group‐specific pCO2 effects on the model parameter pxpex.

Our study highlights important uncertainties when using δ18OC as a proxy for gs. Specifically, pCO2‐triggered gs effects on δ18OLW and δ18OC are possibly too small to be detected in natural settings and a pCO2 effect on pxpex may render the commonly assumed negative linkage between δ18OC and gs to be incorrect, potentially confounding δ18OC based gs reconstructions.
Microhabitat humidity rather than food availability drives thermo‐hydroregulation responses to drought in a lizard
Authors: Bodineau Théo , Chabaud Chloé , Decencière Beatriz , Agostini Simon , Lourdais Olivier , Meylan Sandrine , Le Galliard Jean‐François
Published: April 2024

The regulation of energy, water and thermal balance involves integrated processes that should drive ecological responses of ectotherms to climate change. Functional tradeoffs between thermoregulation and hydroregulation are exacerbated during hot or dry spells, but how microhabitat hydric properties and trophic resource availability influence these tradeoffs remains unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of microhabitat humidity and food availability on thermo‐hydroregulation strategies in the ground‐dwelling common lizard Zootoca vivipara during a simulated hot and dry spell event. We exposed lizards to a five‐day long acute water restriction in hot conditions in the laboratory and manipulated hydric quality of the retreat site (wet or dry shelter) as well as food availability (ad libitum food or food deprivation). Water restriction and food deprivation caused physiological responses such as muscle catabolism and mobilization of caudal energy reserves. Lizards also developed behavioural strategies to conserve water or energy via decreased thermoregulation effort, higher shelter use and increased eye closure behaviours through time. These physiological and behavioural changes were importantly buffered by the presence of a wet shelter but not by food availability. A wet retreat site reduced the behavioural conflicts between thermoregulation and hydroregulation, allowed lizards to maintain a better condition and reduced physiological dehydration. Instead, food intake did not play a major role in the regulation of hydration state and increased behavioural conflicts between thermoregulation and hydroregulation. A better consideration of thermo‐hydroregulation behaviours and microhabitat hydric quality is required to address ectotherm responses to future climate change.
Lessons identified from applications of the Risk Analysis Quality Test Release 1.0
Authors: Waller Robert , Coleman Margaret , Denard Samuel , Soane Emma
Published: April 2024

The Risk Analysis Quality Test Release 1.0 (RAQT1.0) was developed as a framework to encourage mutual understanding between technical risk analysts and risk management decision makers of risk assessment quality indicators. The initial version (release 1.0) was published by the Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) in 2020 with the intent of learning from early test applications whether the approach was useful and whether changes in approach or contents would be helpful. The results of applications across three diverse fields are reported here. The applications include both retrospective evaluations of past risk assessments and prospective guidance on the design of future risk assessment projects or systems. The fields represented include Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment, Cultural Property Risk Analysis, and Software Development Cyber Risk Analysis. The RAQT1.0 proved helpful for identifying shortcomings in all applications. Ways in which the RAQT1.0 might be improved are also identified.
The politics of piloting. The case of minimum income schemes in European cities
Authors: Nesti Giorgia , Cittadini Matide , Bassoli Matteo
Published: April 2024

EU member states have adopted Minimum Income Schemes (MIS) to prevent destitution and ensure a minimum standard of living through means‐tested income support combined with Active Labor Market Policies (ALMPs). However, the effectiveness of MIS has been hindered by limited coverage, low take‐up rates, inadequate cash transfers, strict conditionalities, and the limited impact of ALMPs. Public opinion is polarized, leading to potential policy changes. Pilot projects have emerged as a strategy to address implementation barriers, facilitate evidence‐based policy making, and improve stakeholder relationships. This paper investigates the political conditions under which pilots are promoted and the effects these policy decisions have on scaling up through a qualitative analysis and comparison, using two exemplary cases—B‐MINCOME in Barcelona and Weten Wat Werkt in Utrecht.
Threshold dynamics and bifurcation analysis of an SIS patch model with delayed media impact
Authors: Zhang Hua , Wei Junjie
Published: April 2024

In this paper, an susceptible–infected–susceptible (SIS) epidemic patch model with media delay is proposed at first. Then the basic reproduction number is defined, and the threshold dynamics are studied. It is shown that the disease‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if and the disease is uniformly persistent if . When the dispersal rates of susceptible and infected populations are identical and less than a critical value, it is proved that the limiting model has a unique positive equilibrium. Furthermore, the stability of the positive equilibrium and the existence of local and global Hopf bifurcations are obtained. Finally, some numerical simulations are performed.
Family‐based association of HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes in a group of Iranian Type 1 diabetes children
Authors: Shirizadeh Ata , Razavi Zahra , Saeedi Vahid , Faradmal Javad , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Hajilooi Mehrdad , Morahan Grant , Solgi Ghasem
Published: April 2024

This family‐based study was conducted in a group of Iranians with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) to investigate the transmission from parents of risk and non‐risk HLA alleles and haplotypes, and to estimate the genetic risk score for this disease within this population. A total of 240 T1D subjects including 111 parent–child trios (111 children with T1D, 133 siblings, and 222 parents) and 330 ethnically matched healthy individuals were recruited. High‐resolution HLA typing for DRB1/DQB1 loci was performed for all study subjects (n = 925) using polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probe method. The highest predisposing effect on developing T1D was conferred by the following haplotypes both in all subjects and in probands compared to controls: DRB1*04:05–DQB1*03:02 (Pc = 2.97e‐06 and Pc = 6.04e‐10, respectively), DRB1*04:02–DQB1*03:02 (Pc = 5.94e‐17 and Pc = 3.86e‐09, respectively), and DRB1*03:01–DQB1*02:01 (Pc = 8.26e‐29 and Pc = 6.56e‐16, respectively). Conversely, the major protective haplotypes included DRB1*13:01–DQB1*06:03 (Pc = 6.99e‐08), DRB1*15:01–DQB1*06:02 (Pc = 2.97e‐06) in the cases versus controls. Also, DRB1*03:01–DQB1*02:01/DRB1*04:02|05–DQB1*03:02 and DRB1*03:01–DQB1*02:01/DRB1*03:01–DQB1*02:01 diplotypes conferred the highest predisposing effect in the cases (Pc = 8.65e‐17 and Pc = 6.26e‐08, respectively) and in probands (Pc = 5.4e‐15 and Pc = 0.001, respectively) compared to controls. Transmission disequilibrium test showed that the highest risk was conferred by DRB1*04:02–DQB1*03:02 (Pc = 3.26e‐05) and DRB1*03:01–DQB1*02:01 (Pc = 1.78e‐12) haplotypes and the highest protection by DRB1*14:01–DQB1*05:03 (Pc = 8.66e‐05), DRB1*15:01–DQB1*06:02 (Pc = 0.002), and DRB1*11:01–DQB1*03:01 (Pc = 0.0003) haplotypes. Based on logistic regression analysis, carriage of risk haplotypes increased the risk of T1D development 24.5 times in the Iranian population (p = 5.61e‐13). Also, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a high predictive power of those risk haplotypes in discrimination of susceptible from healthy individuals (area under curve: 0.88, p = 5.5e‐32). Our study highlights the potential utility of genetic risk assessment based on HLA diplotypes for predicting T1D risk in individuals, particularly among family members of affected children in our population.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐C*06:376N allele by Pacific Biosciences HiFi sequencing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Li Zihang , Li Yankun , Wang Liying , Gao Peng , Wang Xiaoning
Published: April 2024

HLA‐C*06:376N differs from HLA‐C*06:02:01:01 by seven nucleotide changes in exon 2, intron 2, and exon 3.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQB1*02:01:01:21Q allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Blandin Lucie , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Wojciechowski Elodie , Rouzaire Paul , Lemal Richard
Published: April 2024

HLA‐DQB1*02:01:01:21Q differs from HLA‐DQB1*02:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in the splice site in the beginning of intron 3.