bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive effects of early life exposure to PCBs: Sex-specific behavioral, hormonal and neuromolecular mechanisms involving the brain dopamine system
Authors: Hilz Emily N. , Schnurer Cameron , Bhamidipati Swati , Deka Jahnabi , Thompson Lindsay M. , Gore Andrea C.
Published: September 2024

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental toxicants that disrupt hormonal and neurodevelopmental processes. Among these chemicals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are particularly concerning due to their resistance to biodegradation and tendency to bioaccumulate. PCBs affect neurodevelopmental function and disrupt the brain’s dopamine (DA) system, which is crucial for attentional, affective, and reward processing. These disruptions may contribute to the rising prevalence of DA-mediated neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, depression, and substance use disorders. Notably, these behaviors are sexually dimorphic, in part due to differences in sex hormones and their receptors, which are targets of estrogenic PCBs. Therefore, this study determined effects of early life PCB exposure on behaviors and neurochemistry related to potential disruption of dopaminergic signaling. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to PCBs or vehicle perinatally and then underwent a series of behavioral tests, including the sucrose preference test to measure affect, conditioned orienting to assess incentive-motivational phenotype, and attentional set-shifting to evaluate cognitive flexibility and response latency. Following these tests, rats were euthanized, and we measured serum estradiol (E2), midbrain DA cells, and gene expression in the midbrain. Female rats exposed perinatally to A1221 exhibited decreased sucrose preference, and both male and female A1221 rats had reduced response latency in the attentional set-shifting task compared to vehicle counterparts. Conditioned orienting, serum estradiol (E2), and midbrain DA cell numbers were not affected in either sex; however, A1221-exposed male rats displayed higher expression of estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) in the midbrain and non-significant effects on other DA-signaling genes. Additionally, E2 uniquely predicted behavioral outcomes and DAergic cell numbers in A1221-exposed female rats, whereas DA signaling genes were predictive of behavioral outcomes in males. These data highlight sex-specific effects of A1221 on neuromolecular and behavioral phenotypes.
Knowledge and experiences of adolescent girls and young women in the use of sexual reproductive health and HIV services at health facilities in Maputo City, Mozambique
Authors: Muchanga Vasco A. , Huo Luisa , Kampa Kathryn T. , Chilundo Baltazar , Munguambe Khátia R. , Moon Troy D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Knowledge and use of sexual reproductive health and human immunodeficiency virus (SRH and HIV) services are crucial for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). This study aims to assess the knowledge and perceptions of AGYW about the SRH and HIV services offered in health facilities in Maputo, Mozambique.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted based on exit surveys with AGYW held at Zimpeto and 1° de Junho Health Facilities in Maputo City, between May 1, and June 9, 2023. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA, using SPSS version 20.

Results

590 AGYW, aged 15-24 years of age, were included in the study. In general, knowledge of SRH and HIV services was fairly high, with knowledge of each specific service offered ranging between 38% and 97%. Knowledge about SRH and HIV services differed depending on the health facility where the AGYW sought SRH and HIV services; the participant’s age; their occupation; their religion, and who they lived with. Counseling services were the most commonly reported services attended, with >90% of participants reporting having received counseling for each of the following: STI and HIV and pregnancy prevention, sexuality, and safer sex practices. The quality of SRH and HIV services, and attitudes of the providers were considered good by >90% of AGYW. Roughly 95% of AGYW at Zimpeto Health Facility were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied”. Whereas at 1° de Junho Health Facility, only roughly 75% of AGYW were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied”, and roughly 20% of AGYW were “little satisfied that their needs had been met that day.

Conclusions

Among AGYW there is high levels of knowledge about counseling services in contrast to diagnostics, treatment and clinical care. Specific attention should be given to ensuring appropriate physical infrastructure, such as dedicated adolescent friendly spaces and comfortable seating, and targeted interventions designed and implemented for those health facilities’s identified. Targeted interventions should be designed and implemented for those HF’s identified with lower AGYW perceived quality of service delivery.
Decoding Specificity of Cyanobacterial MysDs in Mycosporine-Like Amino Acid Biosynthesis through Heterologous Expression inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyou , Xie Peifeng , Cai Andrew Chen , Jiang Yuze , Huang Sirui , Ma Xiaochong , Su Honghao , Wang Boxiang
Published: September 2024

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are potent natural UV-protectants, but their industrial production is hindered by efficiency and sustainability issues of large-scale extraction of their native hosts. Heterologous expression of MAA biosynthesis pathway genes in chassis organisms provides a promising alternative route, though the substrate promiscuity of the ATP-grasp ligase MysD complicates the biosynthesis of specific MAAs. In this study, we developed aSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrain with enhanced capacity of producing mycosporine-glycine (MG), through genomic expression of biosynthesis pathway genes and knockout of competing pathway genes. This strain serves as an efficient MysD expression platform, which converts MG into shinorine and porphyra-334. Through structural modelling, site-directed mutagenesis and mutant characterization, we identified two residues on the omega-loop of MysD involved in determining product specificity. We further characterized the product specificity of 20 MysDs from diverse cyanobacterial lineages and confirmed the residue pattern-product specificity correlation. Our findings provide guidance for screening, selecting, and designing novel MysDs for industrial-scale MAA production through heterologous expression.
Genetic code expansion reveals site-specific lactylation in living cells reshapes protein function
Authors: Shao Chang , Tang Shuo , Yu Siqin , Liu Chenguang , Wan Tianyan , He Zimeng , Yuan Qi , Zhang Yueyang , Zhan Mengru , Zhang Hanqing , Wan Ning , Wu Shihan , Tan Ren Xiang , Hao Haiping , Ye Hui , Wang Nanxi
Published: September 2024

Still in its infancy, the functions of lactylation remain elusive. To address this, we established a comprehensive workflow for lactylation studies that integrates the discovery of lactylation sites with proteomics, the expression of site-specifically lactylated proteins in living cells via genetic code expansion (GCE), and the evaluation of the resulting biological consequences. Specifically, we developed a wet-and-dry-lab combined proteomics strategy, and identified highly conserved lactylation at ALDOA-K147. Driven by its potential biological significance, we site-specifically expressed this lactylated ALDOA in mammalian cells and interrogated the biological changes. We discovered that it not only inhibited enzyme activity but also elicited gain-of-function effects——it dramatically reshaped the functionality of ALDOA by improving stability, enhancing nuclear translocation and affecting gene expression. Further, we demonstrated broad applicability of this workflow to study distinct histone lactylation sites. Together, we anticipate its wide uses in elucidating causative links between site-specific lactylation and target-centric or cell-wide changes.
Stress granule formation enables anchorage-independence survival in cancer cells
Authors: Yang Seungwon , Aulas Anaïs , Anderson Paul J. , Ivanov Pavel
Published: September 2024

Stress granules (SGs) are dynamic cytoplasmic structures assembled in response to various stress stimuli that enhance cell survival under adverse environmental conditions. Here we show that SGs contribute to breast cancer progression by enhancing the survival of cells subjected to anoikis stress. SG assembly is triggered by inhibition of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) or loss of adhesion signals. Combined proteomic analysis and functional studies reveal that SG formation enhances cancer cell proliferation, resistance to metabolic stress, anoikis resistance, and migration. Importantly, inhibiting SG formation promotes the sensitivity of cancer cells to FAK inhibitors being developed as cancer therapeutics. Furthermore, we identify the Rho-ROCK- PERK-eIF2α axis as a critical signaling pathway activated by loss of adhesion signals and inhibition of the FAK-mTOR-eIF4F complex in breast cancer cells. By triggering SG assembly and AKT activation in response to anoikis stress, PERK functions as an oncoprotein in breast cancer cells. Overall, our study highlights the significance of SG formation in breast cancer progression and suggests that therapeutic inhibition of SG assembly may reverse anoikis resistance in treatment-resistant cancers such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Highlights

Either anoikis stress or loss of adhesion induce stress granule (SG) formation

The Rho-ROCK-PERK-eIF2α axis is a crucial signaling pathway triggered by the absence of adhesion signals, leading to the promotion of SG formation along with the inhibition of the FAK- AKT/mTOR-eIF4F complex under anoikis stress.

PERK functions as an oncogene in breast cancer cells, initiating SG formation and activating AKT under anoikis stress.

Inhibiting SG formation significantly enhances the sensitivity to Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) inhibitors, suggesting a potential for combined therapy to improve cancer treatment efficacy.
TAT-1, a phosphatidylserine flippase, affects molting and regulates membrane trafficking in the epidermis ofC. elegans
Authors: Milne Shae M. , Edeen Philip T. , Fay David S.
Published: September 2024

Membrane trafficking is a conserved process required for the movement and distribution of proteins and other macromolecules within cells. TheCaenorhabditis elegansNIMA-related kinases NEKL-2 (human NEK8/9) and NEKL-3 (human NEK6/7) are conserved regulators of membrane trafficking and are required for the completion of molting. We used a genetic approach to identify reduction-of-function mutations intat-1that suppressnekl-associated molting defects.tat-1encodes theC. elegansortholog of mammalian ATP8A1/2, a phosphatidylserine (PS) flippase that promotes the asymmetric distribution of PS to the cytosolic leaflet of lipid membrane bilayers. CHAT-1 (human CDC50), a conserved chaperone, was required for the correct localization of TAT-1, andchat-1inhibition strongly suppressednekldefects. Using a PS sensor, we found that TAT-1 was required for the normal localization of PS at apical endosomes and that loss of TAT-1 led to aberrant endosomal morphologies. Consistent with this, TAT-1 localized to early endosomes and to recycling endosomes marked with RME-1, theC. elegansortholog of the human EPS15 homology (EH) domain-containing protein, EHD1. TAT-1, PS biosynthesis, and the PS-binding protein RFIP-2 (human RAB11-FIP2) were all required for the normal localization of RME-1 to apical endosomes. Consistent with these proteins functioning together, inhibition of RFIP-2 or RME-1 led to the partial suppression ofneklmolting defects, as did the inhibition of PS biosynthesis. Using the auxin-inducible degron system, we found that depletion of NEKL-2 or NEKL-3 led to defects in RME-1 localization and that a reduction in TAT-1 function partially restored RME-1 localization in NEKL-3–depleted cells.

ARTICLE SUMMARY

Endocytosis is an essential process required for the movement of proteins and lipids within cells. NEKL-2 and NEKL-3, two evolutionarily conserved proteins in the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, are important regulators of endocytosis. In the current study, the authors describe a new functional link between the NEKLs and several proteins with known roles in endocytosis including TAT-1, a conserved enzyme that moves lipids between the bilayers of cellular membranes. As previous work implicated NEKLs in developmental defects and cancer, the present study can provide new insights into how the misregulation of endocytosis affects human health and disease.
StudyingDrosophilaLarval Behavior in Agarose Channels
Authors: Greaney Marie R. , Heckscher Ellie S.
Published: September 2024

Larvae of the fruit flyDrosophila melanogasterare a popular and tractable model system for studying the development and function of sensorimotor circuits, thanks to the relative numerical simplicity of their nervous system and the wealth of available genetic tools to manipulate the anatomy, activity, and function of specific cell types. Researchers studying the role of a particular gene or cell type in sensorimotor circuit activity or function may wish to observe the effects of an experimental manipulation during behavior in the intact animal. Observing these effects, which may include changes in the intracellular calcium concentration or movement of small numbers of neurons, muscles, etc., typically requires high-spatial-resolution imaging, which poses several difficulties in the freely crawling larva. Freely crawling larvae can move quickly and with changeable heading, making manual or automatic tracking challenging; additionally, they may make three-dimensional movements, such as rearing, that can degrade imaging focus. These challenges are potentially solvable using advanced imaging and algorithmic tracking setups, but cost, space, or development time may be prohibitive. This protocol describes a simple and cost-effective method for placing larvae inside agarose channels, thereby restricting larval crawling to a single dimension and enabling higher-magnification time-series imaging of fluorescently labeled structures during many cycles of locomotion. By using larvae that express fluorescent calcium indicators in cells of interest, researchers can apply this method to study the effects of experimental manipulations on neural or muscular activity during behavior in the intact animal.
Characterization and Exploitation of the Rotational Memory Effect in Multimode Fibers
Authors: Gutiérrez-Cuevas Rodrigo , Goetschy Arthur , Bromberg Yaron , Pelc Guy , Andresen Esben Ravn , Bigot Laurent , Quiquempois Yves , Bsaibes Maroun , Sillard Pierre , Bigot Marianne , Katz Ori , de Rosny Julien , Popoff Sébastien M.
Published: September 2024

In an ideal perfectly straight multimode fiber with a circular core, the symmetry ensures that rotating the input wave front leads to a corresponding rotation of the output wave front. This invariant property, known as the rotational memory effect (RME), remains independent of the typically unknown output profile. The RME thus offers significant potential for imaging and telecommunication applications. However, in real-life fibers, this effect is degraded by intrinsic imperfections and external perturbations, and is challenging to observe because of its acute sensitivity to misalignments and aberrations in the optical setup. Building on a previously established method for precisely estimating fiber transmission properties, we demonstrate an accurate extraction of RME properties. Additionally, we introduce a comprehensive theoretical framework for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, which specifically links the angular-dependent correlation of the RME to the core deformation’s geometrical properties and the fiber’s mode characteristics. Our theoretical predictions align well with experimental data and simulations for various amounts of fiber distorsion. Finally, we demonstrate the ability to engineer wave fronts with significantly enhanced correlation across all rotation angles. This work enables accurate characterization of distributed disorder from the fabrication process and facilitates calibration-free imaging in multimode fibers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Do organizations based in Poland need identity leadership? Polish adaptation of the short and full form of identity leadership inventory
Authors: Retowski Sylwiusz , Godlewska-Werner Dorota , van Dick Rolf
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study aimed to test the validity and reliability of the Polish version of the identity leadership inventory (ILI) proposed by Steffens, Haslam, Reicher et al. (2014) and to confirm the relationship between identity leadership and various job-related outcomes (i.e., trust in leaders, job satisfaction, work engagement and turnover intentions) among employees from Poland-based organizations. Identity leadership appears to be a universal construct (van Dick, Ciampa, & Liang, 2018) but no one has studied it in Poland so far.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 1078 employees collected in two independent subsamples from different organizations located in Northern and Central Poland. We evaluated the ILI’s factorial structure using confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The results confirm that the 15-item Polish version of the ILI has a four-dimensional structure with factors representing prototypicality, advancement, entrepreneurship and impresarioship. It showed satisfactory reliability. The identity leadership inventory-short form (four items) also showed a good fit with the data. As expected, the relationships between identity leadership and important work-related outcomes (general level of job satisfaction, work engagement, trust toward the leader and turnover intentions) were also significant.

Originality/value

Despite the cultural specifics of Polish organizations, the research results were generally very similar to those in other countries, confirming the universality of the ILI as shown in the Global Identity Leadership Development project (GILD, see van Dick, Ciampa, & Liang, 2018; van Dick et al., 2021).
Determinants of SMEs' strategic entrepreneurial innovative digitalization: examining the mediation role of human capital
Authors: Hossain Md Billal , Rahman Mujib Ur , Čater Tomaž , Vasa László
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study was inspired by research of strategists on strategic innovation (SI), aiming to provide a unique model to enhance the digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh to fill the gap toward a digital economy.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was used to collect data from 180 SMEs in the manufacturing industry for this research. The results indicate that strategic innovativeness (SI), human capital (HC), infrastructure and technology and resistance to change significantly influence the digitalization in Bangladesh SMEs.

Findings

The link between SI and SMEs' digitalization in Bangladesh is mediated by HC. The results show that HC plays a big role in the connection between SI and the digitalization of SMEs. This study may be valuable for SMEs managers, researchers and policymakers in Bangladesh and other developing nations, who want to learn more about SI in adopting digitalization.

Originality/value

The specialized knowledge and abilities of strategists allow them to establish parallels between the past and present, enabling them to make a sustained forecast about the digital economy. This study encourages small and medium-sized businesses to develop their SI and advance their HC, which could further deject resistance to change toward enhancing and adopting digitalization in SMEs sectors.
Beyond liberalization: employers’ organizations’ varied responses to employment law
Authors: Gooberman Leon , Hauptmeier Marco , Heery Edmund
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A key meta-narrative of Employment Relations in the UK over recent decades has been that of labour market deregulation. However, governments have simultaneously introduced workplace rights legislation that juridified individual employment relationships. Within this process, employers and their representatives, Employers’ Organizations (EOs), are generally depicted as opposing the introduction of employment law or attempting to weaken its application. Contrary to this belief, our research identified a range of other responses to ask: how and why have EO responses varied?

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on primary qualitative and quantitative data from three projects; one examined the totality of EOs in the UK while the others examined topic-specific behaviour of EOs and other actors. The main source is the first project and its 98 interviews with representatives of EOs and related organisations between 2013 and 2017.

Findings

We demonstrate that opposition is not the only EO response to individual employment law by identifying three others: compliance, advocating for law and going beyond legally stipulated requirements by promoting voluntary standards/best practice. The article argues that there are two explanations for this pattern. One is that individual EOs possess different sets of member interests, the other relates to differences in their organizational characteristics.

Originality/value

The article makes two contributions to the literature. One is that our identification of varying responses challenges more unitary accounts emphasising neoliberal and deregulatory patterns. The other lies in our identification of causal forces not previously identified. Both combine to illustrate how the neo-liberal order is not characterised by employer consensus as to regulation.
Computational study on cilia transport of Prandtl nanofluid (blood-Fe3O4) enhancing convective heat transfer along microorganisms under electroosmotic effects in wavy capillaries
Authors: Ajmal Madiha , Mehmood Rashid , Akbar Noreen Sher , Muhammad Taseer
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focuse on the flow behavior of a specific nanofluid composed of blood-based iron oxide nanoparticles, combined with motile gyrotactic microorganisms, in a ciliated channel with electroosmosis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a powerful mathematical model to examine the combined impacts of bio convection and electrokinetic forces on nanofluid flow. The presence of cilia, which are described as wave-like motions on the channel walls, promotes fluid propulsion, which improves mixing and mass transport. The velocity and dispersion of nanoparticles and microbes are modified by the inclusion of electroosmosis, which is stimulated by an applied electric field. This adds a significant level of complexity.

Findings

To ascertain their impact on flow characteristics, important factors such as bio convection Rayleigh number, Grashoff number, Peclet number and Lewis number are varied. The results demonstrate that while the gyrotactic activity of microorganisms contributes to the stability and homogeneity of the nanofluid distribution, electroosmotic forces significantly enhance fluid mixing and nanoparticle dispersion. This thorough study clarifies how to take advantage of electroosmosis and bio convection in ciliated micro channels to optimize nanofluid-based biomedical applications, such as targeted drug administration and improved diagnostic processes.

Originality/value

First paper discussed “Numerical Computation of Cilia Transport of Prandtl Nanofluid (Blood-Fe3O4) Enhancing Convective Heat Transfer along Micro Organisms under Electroosmotic effects in Wavy Capillaries”.
An efficient three-dimensional node localization using recurrent neural networks in unmanned aerial vehicle-assisted wireless networks: an optimization perspective
Authors: Negassa Workeneh Geleta , Gelmecha Demissie J. , Singh Ram Sewak , Rathee Davinder Singh
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Unlike many existing methods that are primarily focused on two-dimensional localization, this research paper extended the scope to three-dimensional localization. This enhancement is particularly significant for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications that demand precise altitude information, such as infrastructure inspection and aerial surveillance, thereby broadening the applicability of UAV-assisted wireless networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduced a novel method that employs recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for node localization in three-dimensional space within UAV-assisted wireless networks. It presented an optimization perspective to the node localization problem, aiming to balance localization accuracy with computational efficiency. By formulating the localization task as an optimization challenge, the study proposed strategies to minimize errors while ensuring manageable computational overhead, which are crucial for real-time deployment in dynamic UAV environments.

Findings

Simulation results demonstrated significant improvements, including a channel capacity of 99.95%, energy savings of 89.42%, reduced latency by 99.88% and notable data rates for UAV-based communication with an average localization error of 0.8462. Hence, the proposed model can be used to enhance the capacity of UAVs to work effectively in diverse environmental conditions, offering a reliable solution for maintaining connectivity during critical scenarios such as terrestrial environmental crises when traditional infrastructure is unavailable.

Originality/value

Conventional localization methods in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), such as received signal strength (RSS), often entail manual configuration and are beset by limitations in terms of capacity, scalability and efficiency. It is not considered for 3-D localization. In this paper, machine learning such as multi-layer perceptrons (MLP) and RNN are employed to facilitate the capture of intricate spatial relationships and patterns (3-D), resulting in enhanced localization precision and also improved in channel capacity, energy savings and reduced latency of UAVs for wireless communication.
The impact of board diversity on earnings management in Kuwait
Authors: Alqatan Ahmad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the consequences of board diversity (BD) in Kuwait. In particular, it examines the impact of BD (gender, age and nationality) on earnings management (EM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses data from 103 non-financial Kuwaiti-listed companies from 2010 to 2017. The data is collected from the companies’ data from secondary sources such as their annual reports. The data analysis methods are correlation, multi-regression and robust regression. EM is measured using the modified Jones model (1995) and Kothari et al. (2005).

Findings

The findings show a negative association between gender diversity (GD) and EM. It also found a positive relationship between age diversity (AD) and EM and no relationship between national diversity (ND) and EM.

Practical implications

This study’s results have significant implications for investors. The practical empirical findings indicate that GD on the board did not impact on EM. Also, it is more important to have senior directors on the board than AD to reduce EM. There is no need to employ any foreigners because they do not affect EM.

Originality/value

It contributes to the growing body of literature on BD by investigating its effect on EM. Furthermore, building on the broader literature on gender, age and ND by highlighting the critical role that women, young people and foreign directors play in improving boards' monitoring role on EM. More specifically, it contributes to existing knowledge, provides a theoretical contribution and makes a methodological contribution.
Fostering employee autonomy through rewards: a self-determination theory perspective
Authors: Zeshan Muhammad , Rasool Shahid , Di Prima Christian , Ferraris Alberto
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explain and determine the effect of rewards on employees’ autonomy by investigating the mediating effect of enabling controls on their relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-wave survey strategy has been used to collect data from the alumni of a French business school. Structural equation modelling has been used for measures validating and hypotheses testing.

Findings

The study reveals a positive relationship between rewards and autonomy, mediated by enabling controls.

Practical implications

The study guides the process of administrating rewards to employees in a way that maximizes their autonomy, highlighting the crucial role of supervisors through enabling controls.

Originality/value

The study strives to create consensus regarding the long-existing debate on the effect of rewards on employees’ autonomy with the help of organizational theory literature. By considering the role of enabling controls, it provides a unique, cohesive framework to illustrate the intertwined relationship between the constructs.
Metabolic disturbances in normal-weight obesity: a cross-sectional study of Iranian employees
Authors: Masoumi Seyed Jalil , Kohanmoo Ali , Mohsenpour Mohammad Ali , Jamshidi Sanaz , Eftekhari Mohammad Hassan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Normal-weight obesity (NWO), characterized by normal body mass index (BMI) but excess body fat, is a potential contributor to chronic diseases. This study aims to assess the relationship between this phenomenon and some metabolic factors in a population of Iranian employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian employees from the baseline data of Employees Health Cohort Study, Shiraz, Iran. Anthropometric measures, including weight, height, waist circumference and percentage of body fat, were obtained from the cohort database. The participants were divided into three groups: healthy, normal-weight obese and overweight/obese. Metabolic variables including blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, liver function enzymes and metabolic syndrome were assessed in relation to the study groups.

Findings

A total of 985 participants aged 25–64 years were included. Males with NWO had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels compared to the healthy group in the fully adjusted model. Also, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was significantly lower among females with overweight/obesity than healthy group when adjusted for age and energy intake. Furthermore, after adjusting for age and energy intake, both genders in the overweight/obese group showed significantly elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while this was not observed for the NWO group. Lastly, metabolic syndrome was more prevalent in NWO as well as overweight/obesity.

Originality/value

These findings further encourage identification of excess body fat, even in normal-weight individuals, to prevent chronic metabolic diseases. Special attention should be paid to subgroups with sedentary occupations, as they may be at increased risk for NWO-related health issues.
Assessing the sustainable alignment of a sensor-based connected health system with SDGs: an evaluation model and case study
Authors: Díaz Jiménez David , López Ruiz José Luis , González Lama Jesús , Verdejo Espinosa Ángeles
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The main objective of the study is to address the lack of sustainability assessments of smart connected health systems in the academic literature by presenting an assessment model to determine the alignment of these systems with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed in the 2030 Agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation model based on decision analysis is proposed that includes three phases: alignment framework, information gathering and assessment. This model measures the alignment of the connected health system with each of the 17 SDGs, identifying the goals and criteria associated with each SDG that the system achieves to satisfy.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the system has achieved more than 24% of the targets among the 17 SDGs. In addition, it identifies four sustainability challenges that the system potentially addresses in relation to the SDGs, providing valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners interested in sustainable health technology development.

Practical implications

The study's results have significant implications for policymakers and stakeholders in the health and technology sectors.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive approach to assessing the sustainability of connected health systems in the context of the SDGs, filling an important gap in the existing literature.
An improved affine mixed‐grid method for frequency‐domain finite‐difference elastic modelling
Authors: Dong Shu‐Li , Chen Jing‐Bo
Published: September 2024

In seismic frequency‐domain finite‐difference modelling, the affine mixed‐grid method effectively eliminates the spatial sampling restriction associated with square meshes of the rotated mixed‐grid method. Nevertheless, the affine mixed‐grid method makes a weighted average of the entire elastic wave equations, resulting in reduced accuracy compared to the average‐derivative method in the case of rectangular meshes. It is worth noting, however, that the average‐derivative method is presently inapplicable to free‐surface scenarios, whereas the affine mixed‐grid method is applicable. By performing weighted averages of the derivative terms instead of the entire elastic wave equations in Cartesian and affine rotated coordinate systems, we have developed an improved affine mixed‐grid method for elastic‐wave frequency‐domain finite‐difference modelling. The proposed improved affine mixed‐grid method 9‐point scheme overcomes the drawback that the accuracy of affine mixed‐grid method is lower than that of average‐derivative method for unequal directional grid intervals. Moreover, the improved affine mixed‐grid method 6‐point scheme provides much higher numerical accuracy than the affine mixed‐grid method 6‐point scheme at either equal or unequal directional grid intervals. On the other hand, the proposed improved affine mixed‐grid method simplifies the coding complexity for implementing free‐surface condition in elastic‐wave frequency‐domain finite‐difference modelling by modifying the elastic parameters of the free‐surface layer and thus constructing the impedance matrix containing the free‐surface condition directly.
Investigation of isotopic linkages between raw materials and black powder
Authors: Hu Can , Huang Yang , Mei Hongcheng , Guo Hongling , Wang Ping , Li Yajun , Deng Xianhe , Zhu Jun
Published: September 2024

The stable isotope analysis of black powder (BP) is of great significance for its comparison and source inference. Previous studies have verified the feasibility of distinguishing different BP samples through stable isotopes. However, the impact of raw materials and synthesis processes on the stable isotopes of BP remains unclear. On the one hand, the raw materials of BP are widely sourced, and whether stable isotopes can distinguish different source materials remains to be studied. On the other hand, the synthesis of BP involves the physical mixing of raw materials, and whether this process leads to isotope fractionation also needs further investigation. To address these problems, stable isotope ratios of 27 charcoals, 15 potassium nitrates, 6 self‐made and 10 commercial BP samples were analyzed. The results showed that the stable isotope ratios can be utilized to distinguish charcoals and potassium nitrates from different manufacturers and batches. No significant differences in the nitrogen and oxygen stable isotope ratios between the self‐made BP and its raw materials were observed, indicating that the physical mixing process does not induce significant fractionation of stable isotopes. However, the carbon stable isotope ratios of charcoal increased (within 2SD) after being synthesized into BP. Due to the utilization of additives and variations in the synthesis process, the correlation between the stable isotope ratios of commercial BP and its raw materials was complex. The findings of this study provide a scientific reference for tracing the source of BP.
Subxiphoid video–assisted thoracoscopic extend thymectomy with sternal suspension for thymoma
Authors: Jia Bin , Chen Chen , Gong Ting , Zhang Zhenfa , Sun Bingsheng
Published: September 2024

Background

Thymoma is a primary tumor of the thymus, commonly located in the anterior mediastinum. Most thymomas are benign or low‐grade malignant, but they can invade surrounding organs or metastasize. The primary treatment for thymoma is surgical resection. Traditional methods involve open thoracotomy, but it is traumatic, with slow recovery and many complications. In recent years, with the development of thoracoscopic techniques, thoracoscopic total thymectomy has gradually become the preferred method for small size thymomas due to its minimally invasive, safe, and effective.

Methods

This paper introduces a thoracoscopic extend thymectomy technique, the subxiphoid video–assisted thoracoscopic extend thymectomy with sternal suspension. This method involves placing hooks at the upper and lower ends of the sternum to suspend the sternum upward, increasing the thoracic cavity space and facilitating thoracoscopic operations. This research reviews the clinical data of 59 patients with early‐stage thymomas treated with this technique at our center since 2020 and analyzes the perioperative therapeutic efficacy and safety. It also compares the outcomes with those of 17 patients who underwent thoracoscopic approaches.

Results

The results show that subxiphoid video–assisted thoracoscopic total thymectomy with sternal suspension is an innovative and effective surgical method, achieving the same tumor eradication as other thoracic surgeries. The flexible switching of observation ports provides a more comprehensive surgical field, reduces surgical trauma and complications, and improves the surgical outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Allometry and the distribution of fruit and seed traits across tropical plant species
Authors: Ramírez Nelson , Briceño Herbert
Published: September 2024

Fruit and seed morphometry was studied across 1070 plant species belonging to 140 families from 27 contrasting plant communities. The main objectives were to identify allometric relationships and describe the frequency distributions of the weights and sizes of fruits and seeds across plant species, regardless of any qualitative attribute or community type. The frequency distributions of 12 morphometric variables were then determined. Pearson correlations were used to describe associations between quantitative attributes and estimate the slopes of the lines (allometric coefficients) obtained. In general, small fruits and seeds (<1 cm) prevailed in the sample examined. The frequency distributions of the weight and size parameters of the fruits and seeds were bell‐shaped, with the exception of the number of seeds per fruit, which was skewed to the right. The highest allometric coefficients were found between the dry weights and sizes of the fruits and seeds, suggesting that these traits are mutually supporting. The cost of seed packaging per fruit, or the pericarp/seed ratio, tended to decrease with increasing investment in progeny, and the number of seeds per fruit decreased with an increase in seed weight. The significant associations between the fruit shape indexes and the morphometric attributes show that the shape of fruits is related to their size and weight. The highest allometric coefficients were found between the dry weights and sizes of the fruits and seeds. Fruit and seed size can predict their biomass and vice versa. There is a close relationship between fruit biomass values and their components (seeds and pericarp). Most species invest more biomass in pericarp (protection and dispersal) compared with the investment in progeny (seed per fruit). The sample examined could be influenced taxonomically along with selective pressures that favour the reproductive economy of the species and suggest that morphometric traits have evolved in coordination.
The king of martyrs
Authors: Love Stephanie V.
Published: September 2024

How can people talk about the past in a deeply fractured society, wounded by two centuries of colonial and postcolonial violence? In Oran—Algeria's second‐largest city—people find creative ways to speak without speaking about unspeakable pasts. They do this by creating poetic parallelism between urban forms—from skeletons of buildings to martyr images—in everyday speech and image‐events. In poetics, parallelism deploys similar linguistic forms to suggest equivalence of meaning for certain effects. In everyday life, parallelism is emergent social action that brings new publics to life through its performance. This parallelism enables ordinary people to talk to each other across entrenched sociopolitical divides, especially in contexts of authoritarian censorship. Through poetic parallelism, Oranis revivify the martyrs of independence as agentive witnesses to their decaying city's housing crisis. In doing so, they reconfigure the relationship between the colonial past and postcolonial present.
Prevalence of obstetric violence in high‐income countries: A systematic review of mixed studies and meta‐analysis of quantitative studies
Authors: Fraser Laura Katrina , Cano‐Ibáñez Naomi , Amezcua‐Prieto Carmen , Khan Khalid Saeed , Lamont Ronald F. , Jørgensen Jan Stener
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Obstetric violence, or mistreatment of women in obstetric care, can have severe consequences such as fear of future childbirth, post‐traumatic stress disorder, and depression.

Material and Methods

The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of obstetric violence in high‐income countries. The secondary objective was to extract the main domains of obstetric violence perceived by women from qualitative studies. Following prospective registration (PROSPERO CRD42023468570), PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched with no restrictions. Included studies were cross‐sectional, cohort, mixed methods, and qualitative studies based on populations from high‐income countries. The review was conducted by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed. Rates of obstetric violence were pooled using random effects model, computing 95% confidence intervals (CI) and assessing heterogeneity using I2 statistic. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to detect potential reporting biases and small‐study effects.

Results

Of the 1821 records screened, 25 studies were included: 14 quantitative and 2 mixed methods studies, comprising 60 987 women, and 9 qualitative studies were included, comprising an additional 4356 women. 81.25% of quantitative studies, including the quantitative component of the mixed methods studies, were considered satisfactory or better regarding risk of bias. The prevalence of obstetric violence was overall 45.3% (95% CI 27.5–63.0; I2 = 100.0%). The prevalence of specific forms of mistreatment was also estimated. Lack of access to analgesia was 17.3% (95% CI 6.9–27.7; I2 = 99.7%). Ignored requests for help was 19.2% (95% CI 11.7–26.6; I2 = 99.0%). Shouting and scolding 19.7% (95% CI 13.0–26.4; I2 = 98.7%). The use of fundal pressure during the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) was 30.3% (95% CI 22.1–38.5; I2 = 97.6%). There was no funnel asymmetry. Lack of information and/or consent were the most frequent domains extracted from the qualitative articles and the qualitative component of the mixed methods studies.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that obstetric violence is a prevalent problem that women in high‐income countries experience. Lack of information and/or consent were the domains most frequently described in the qualitative studies and the qualitative component of the mixed methods studies.
Disentangling the relationship between state self‐compassion and state coping self‐efficacy using dynamic structural equation modeling
Authors: Wang Huihui , He Guifen , Wang Enna , Wang Yang , Wang Ziqi , Zheng Ming Qing , Zhu Yutong , Kong Feng
Published: September 2024

The cross‐sectional association between self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy has been well documented, but little is known about the extent to which self‐compassion or coping self‐efficacy persists in daily life. This study used dynamic structural equation modeling to explore the temporal relationship between self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy through a daily diary study. Participants (N = 240, Mage = 18.98 ± 0.99 years, 44.8% female) completed 14 consecutive daily diaries on self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy (for a total of 3219 observations). We found that self‐compassion and coping self‐efficacy demonstrated stability through autocorrelations. Self‐compassion was a significant predictor of subsequent coping self‐efficacy, and coping self‐efficacy was a significant predictor of subsequent self‐compassion. These findings suggest that there has been a virtuous cycle between state coping self‐efficacy and state self‐compassion.
Selective cultural adoption: The roles of warmth, competence, morality and perceived indispensability in majority‐group acculturation
Authors: Kunst Jonas R. , Bierwiaczonek Kinga , Obaidi Milan , Fluit Sam , von Soest Tilmann , Sam David , Dovidio John F.
Published: September 2024

Psychological research has begun considering the dynamics involved in majority‐group acculturation, which is the extent to which cultural majority groups adopt the culture of immigrants and minority groups. However, previous research has predominantly concentrated on reactions to ‘immigrants’ or ‘minority groups’ as a homogenous entity, overlooking the nuanced perceptions and varied valuations attributed to different groups. Recognizing the heterogeneity among immigrant and minority groups, the present work investigated the influence of several perceived characteristics of immigrant and minority groups on majority‐group members' adoption of their cultures. Specifically, in three pre‐registered studies—one correlational (Nparticipants = 201, Ntrials = 2814) and two within‐subjects experimental (Nparticipants = 144 and 146, Ntrials = 720 and 730) designs with close to politically representative samples from the U.K. and U.S.  —majority‐group members were more willing to adopt immigrant and minority‐group cultures that they perceived as warm, competent and moral because these perceptions made immigrants and minority groups seem indispensable to the identity and economy of the mainstream society. Our studies highlight the importance of considering the differentiated acculturation that majority‐group members have to various groups within the same national context. We discuss the societal and cultural repercussions of this selective uptake of other cultures.
The effects of invertebrates on wood decomposition across the world
Authors: Njoroge Denis M. , Dossa Gbadamassi G. O. , Schaefer Douglas , Zuo Juan , Ulyshen Michael D. , Seibold Sebastian , Zanne Amy E. , Oberle Brad , Harrison Rhett D. , Liu Shengjie , Li Xiaobo , Birkemoe Tone , Taylor Melanie K. , Burton Philip J. , Lindenmayer David B. , Kouki Jari , Adhikari Yagya , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: September 2024

Invertebrates and microorganisms are important but climate‐dependent agents of wood decomposition globally. In this meta‐analysis, we investigated what drives the invertebrate effect on wood decomposition worldwide. Globally, we found wood decomposition rates were on average approximately 40% higher when invertebrates were present compared to when they were excluded. This effect was most pronounced in the tropics, owing mainly to the activities of termites. The invertebrate effect was stronger for woody debris without bark as well as for that of larger diameter, possibly reflecting bark‐ and diameter‐mediated differences in fungal colonisation or activity rates relative to those of invertebrates. Our meta‐analysis shows similar overall invertebrate effect sizes on decomposition of woody debris derived from angiosperms and gymnosperms globally. Our results suggest the existence of critical interactions between microorganism colonisation and the invertebrate contribution to wood decomposition. To improve biogeochemical models, a better quantification of invertebrate contributions to wood decomposition is needed.