bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender, emotional support and innovative behavior: psychological capital as a mediator
Authors: Hosseini Aboalhasan , Ghasempour Ganji Seyedeh Fatemeh , Dana Léo-Paul
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper explores the direct and indirect effects of family emotional, social and organizational support on Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) through psychological capital (Psy.Cap).

Design/methodology/approach

Selected by conducting stratified random sampling techniques, 397 employees completed a questionnaire. We used structural equation modeling and multi-group testing by Smart-PLS3 to analyze the data.

Findings

Findings reveal that all sources of social-emotional support, including family, supervisor and co-worker support, positively affect Psy.Cap. Moreover, Psy.Cap mediates the effect of family, co-workers and supervisors' emotional support on IWB. The multi-group analysis indicates that all relationships in the model are significant for both groups of males and females; however, there are no significant differences in the link between organizational support and psychological capital, as well as family and co-worker support and innovative work behavior between males and females. The study's results demonstrate the significantly higher impact of family emotional support – Psy.Cap and supervisor support on IWB amongst females compared to their male counterparts.

Originality/value

The implications of this research highlight the importance of considering affective factors on employees’ IWB, as well as the differences between genders in this regard.
How do ESG controversies moderate the nexus between ESG performance and cost of capital? Evidence from European listed companies
Authors: Hampl Filip , Vágnerová Linnertová Dagmar
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of ESG controversies and their moderating role in ESG performance and the cost of equity and overall, short-term and long-term debt capital relationship in European listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs two-way fixed effects panel linear regression models on the balanced longitudinal dataset of 231 European non-financial companies listed in the MSCI Europe Index in 2017–2022. To check the robustness, the study utilises the fixed effects logistic regression models with heteroskedasticity-consistent standard errors.

Findings

The study reveals the significant effect of ESG performance (negative) and ESG controversies (negative) on the cost of debt capital and the substantial moderating effect of ESG controversies (positive). Additionally, it provides empirical evidence of the crossover moderating effect of ESG controversies in ESG performance and cost of equity relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute to corporate practice and empirically support legitimacy and stakeholder theories.

Practical implications

Companies can utilise the results to proactively enhance their internal policies and behaviour to align with ESG practices and avoid ESG controversies, which will translate into reduced equity capital costs for shareholders and a lower cost of debt capital charged by creditors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively investigate the influence of ESG controversies and their moderating effect in the context of the equity and debt capital cost for European listed companies.
Videoconferencing CBT: a mixed-methods analysis of outcomes amongst young people depending on current self-harm risk status
Authors: Brown Katherine , Jenkinson Laura
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A notable number of young people self-harm, with only a minority receiving professional support. Evidence suggests that therapy can help recovery from self-harm, but little is known about the experiences of those who self-harm and participate in therapy delivered via videoconferencing.

Design/methodology/approach

Risk assessments were examined for evidence of self-harm and used to identify two groups for analysis: young people who had self-harmed in the past six months and those who had not. A mixed methods analysis was then conducted to examine process and outcome data for these two groups. Data included a number of sessions attended, late-cancelled and missed without notice; and patient-reported outcome measure scores (Young Person-Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation and Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale). End-of-treatment reports were subsequently analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Those with current self-harm risk appeared to start therapy with lower well-being. No notable differences in progress were found between groups on quantitative outcomes. There was greater reporting of poorer clinical outcomes in the reports of those with current self-harm risk, including two unique types of barriers to effective therapy: “general difficulties” (e.g. poor well-being limiting engagement, specific components of therapy being challenging) and “CBT was not preferred”.

Originality/value

Lower baseline well-being could explain the greater ongoing care needs and lower well-being post-therapy among those with current self-harm risk, despite both groups appearing to make similar levels of therapeutic progress quantitatively. Recent self-harm does not appear to reduce the utility of videoconferencing cognitive behavioural therapy; however, clients’ individual needs should be carefully considered.
THE PERSISTENCE OF PEENYA: Examining Industrial Space in Global Bangalore
Authors: Banerji Aman
Published: July 2024

Since 1991, Bangalore has seen spectacular redevelopment through the political hegemony of real estate, IT and parastatals in local urban governance. The global city literature has demonstrated how gentrification and real estate redevelopment have been at the heart of such neoliberal urban transformation. Yet, the literature's roots in notions of ‘post‐industrial’ cities obscure a view of how industry remains a key part of contemporary global cities. The persistence of the Peenya Industrial Area, one of South Asia's largest industrial areas today, reflects the negotiated, partial, contested and uneven character of the neoliberal urban project. Peenya demonstrates how obdurate inherited urban industrial geographies continue to shape the dynamics of world city‐making. Established in the heyday of Bangalore's postcolonial public sector industrialization, Peenya employs over 180,000 workers in 8,236 manufacturing firms, even today. How does such vast industrial space persist within the core of a global city? I draw on interviews and qualitative field research to argue that Peenya's resilience is rooted in the complexity of private land aggregation and state‐sponsored industrial relocation within an interwoven geography of tiny, legally fluid land holdings with variegated tenure regimes as well as the challenge of re‐signifying space in a region with obdurate industrial imaginaries.
Impacts of Fintech and natural resources on environmental quality: The role of renewable energy and carbon taxes: A panel QARDL approach
Authors: Ali Javid , Wu Xihao , Alam Muhammad Akhtar , Rehman Manzar , Jahanger Atif , Kakar Shayan Khan , Khan Sidra
Published: July 2024

The world is currently suffering from a significant environmental crisis characterized by global warming, rising sea levels, foods, and droughts. This has adversely affected the poorest nations, resulting in increased occurrences of both droughts and flooding that impact their means of livelihood. In order to address this issue, countries globally need to develop policies that efficiently reduce environmental destruction and achieve zero carbon emissions. A number of empirical estimates were used in this study. The Friedman, Frees, and Pesaran tests are used to evaluate cross‐sectional dependence. Unit root tests, such as the augmented Dickey–Fuller test, are used to assess the stationarity of variables. The Pedroni test is used in co‐integration analysis to find the long‐term relationships between variables, and a novel Panel quantile auto‐regression distributed lag methodology to investigate both long‐term and short‐run dynamics across G‐17 countries spanning from 2000 to 2021. The results clarify the pivotal role of carbon taxes, technological innovation, and renewable energy consumption in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, thereby enhancing environmental quality, while the sustained use of natural resources is harmful to environmental quality. Furthermore, the finding reveals that Fintech's association with CO2 emissions negatively impacts environmental quality. The study also demonstrates the efficacy of environmental taxes in reducing CO2 emissions across, supporting for higher carbon pricing as a viable policy tool for environmental protection.
Young people at a crossroads: Climate solidarity through intergenerational storytelling
Authors: Walker Catherine , van Holstein Ellen , Klocker Natascha
Published: July 2024

School‐based teaching on climate change rarely draws on diverse experiences and knowledge about climate change that circulate in migrant homes and communities. We set out to consider experiences of climate change education (CCE) in schools in Manchester, UK, and Melbourne, Australia, among migrant‐background students. We interviewed young people aged 14 to 18 and educators in multicultural secondary schools about climate change education. We then trained and supported young people to interview their parents. Here, we show how those interviews built young researchers’ appreciation of family stories. Those accounts revealed aspects of parents’ lives growing up that provided a platform from which families could discuss the changing relevance of climate change in their countries of origin and present locations. From those shared insights emerged critical, contextually informed understandings of climate change. Given those outcomes, we argue that intergenerational and cross‐cultural storytelling, when brought into dialogue with scientific knowledge, can support climate change educators. They can then draw upon a range of knowledges and responses to climate change wider than that, which currently exists in most classrooms. We conclude by suggesting that among diverse learner cohorts, what then becomes possible is work to build a greater sense of agency and capacity for empathy with respect to climate change.
Behavioral preferences and contract choice in the residential solar PV market
Authors: Crago Christine L. , Rong Rong
Published: July 2024

Greater adoption of renewable energy technologies by households is a key component of decarbonization and energy transition goals. Although existing literature has examined how sociodemographic characteristics, “green” preferences, and peer effects impact adoption of new energy technology, the role of behavioral preferences has not been adequately studied. In this paper, we examine the effect of two types of behavioral preferences, namely the degree of risk tolerance (risk preference) and attitude toward delayed reward (time preference) on the contract decision to lease or own a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. We develop a theoretical framework to show that the effect of risk and time preferences on the relative utilities from the two contracts is monotonic: Lower risk aversion and lower discount rate (more patience) imply a higher chance of solar PV ownership. To test these predictions empirically, we first estimate preference parameters (risk aversion and discount rate) from laboratory data collected from solar PV adopters. We then combine the parameter estimates with data on actual solar PV contract choice to examine the relationship between solar PV adopters' time and risk preferences and their lease‐versus‐own choice. Our regression results confirm that less risk averse individuals have a higher tendency to choose the ownership option, whereas more patient individuals are (weakly) more likely to own their solar PV systems. These findings contribute to a greater understanding of the role of behavioral factors in household decisions related to energy technologies.
A pilot multicentre randomised clinical trial to determine the effect of a pharmacist‐partnered opioid tapering intervention before total hip or knee arthroplasty
Authors: Liu Shania , Patanwala Asad E. , Stevens Jennifer , Penm Jonathan , Naylor Justine ,   the OpioidHALT Study Investigators and Coordinators
Published: July 2024

Background

Opioid analgesic use before total hip or knee arthroplasty has been associated with worse postoperative outcomes. This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility of a telehealth‐based pharmacist‐partnered opioid tapering intervention before elective primary hip or knee arthroplasty and its potential effectiveness compared with usual care.

Methods

This study was conducted at seven hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Eligible patients were those aged ≥ 18 years, scheduled to undergo primary hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis and taking opioid analgesics pre‐operatively. The intervention group participated in an opioid tapering telehealth service, a partnership between a pharmacist and general practitioner, for 3 months pre‐operatively up to the day of surgery, while the control group received usual care. The primary outcomes of the study were to investigate the feasibility of the intervention (i.e. adherence to treatment) and potential effectiveness in decreasing baseline daily opioid dose by > 50% before surgery.

Results

Between December 2021 and June 2023, 70 patients were recruited and assigned randomly to the intervention group (n = 35) or control group (n = 35). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Thirty patients in each group completed their allocated treatment. All patients allocated to the intervention group completed at least one appointment with a pharmacist, with the median (IQR [range]) being 2 (1–4 [1–6]) appointments. The number of patients who successfully decreased their baseline daily opioid dose by ≥ 50% before surgery was 27/30 in the intervention group compared with 5/30 in the usual care group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings of this pilot study support the feasibility of a telehealth‐delivered, pharmacist‐partnered opioid tapering service for patients scheduled for primary hip or knee arthroplasty. A broader multicentre study to examine the effectiveness of this intervention on clinical outcomes is warranted.
The sufficiency theory of justice and the allocation of health resources
Authors: Timmer Dick
Published: July 2024

According to the sufficiency theory of justice in health, justice requires that people have equal access to adequate health. In this article, I lay out the structure of this view and I assess its distributive implications for setting priority (i) between health needs across persons and (ii) between health care spending and other societal goods. I argue, first, that according to the sufficiency theory, deficiency in health cannot be completely offset by providing other societal goods. And, second, that it can prevent the medicalization of societies by stressing that improvements beyond the level of adequate health have relatively little weight, if any, from the standpoint of justice.
Navigating autonomy, privacy, and ageism in robot home care with aged users: A preliminary analysis of ROB‐IN
Authors: Liedo Belen
Published: July 2024

In this article, I propose an ethical analysis of assistive domestic robots for older users. In doing so, I illustrate my inquiry with the example of ROB‐IN assistive robot. ROB‐IN is a Spanish project which is devoted to developing a robot that will perform in the private home of nondependent, aged users. It is aimed to help people in their daily activities and contribute to appropriate health monitoring. One of their potentially most useful features is related to data gathering and sharing. For the inquiry on the ethical underpinnings of this case, I develop a framework for domestic assistive robots for competent older adults drawn on the ethics of care. I assess that this type of robots could be ethically appraised attending to their impact on the well‐being and autonomy of users. I approach autonomy from a relational perspective, and I delve into the relationship between autonomy and well‐being through the concept of paternalism. I argue that this type of assistive robots should never act paternalistically. Given ROB‐IN great implications regarding privacy, I subsequently explore the ways in which the privacy of users should be respected in their interaction with assistive robots, focusing on the relation with autonomy and well‐being. Lastly, I highlight the need for avoiding ageism. This investigation focuses on aged users, but it is suggested that the situation of caregivers should be also the object of further investigations.
Blockade of CaV3 calcium channels and induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in colon cancer cells by gossypol
Authors: Lopez‐Charcas Osbaldo , Benouna Oumnia , Lemoine Roxane , Rosendo‐Pineda Margarita Jacaranda , Anguheven‐Ledezma Tonantzin Guadalupe , Sandoval‐Vazquez Lizeth , Gallegos‐Gomez Martin Leonardo , Robles‐Martinez Leticia , Herrera‐Carrillo Zazil , Ramírez‐Aragón Miguel , Alfaro Ana , Chadet Stéphanie , Ferro Fabio , Besson Pierre , Jiang Lin‐Hua , Velu Sadanandan E. , Guerrero‐Hernandez Agustín , Roger Sébastien , Gomora Juan Carlos
Published: July 2024

Background and Purpose

Gastrointestinal tumours overexpress voltage‐gated calcium (CaV3) channels (CaV3.1, 3.2 and 3.3). CaV3 channels regulate cell growth and apoptosis colorectal cancer. Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde found in the cotton plant, has anti‐tumour properties and inhibits CaV3 currents. A systematic study was performed on gossypol blocking mechanism on CaV3 channels and its potential anticancer effects in colon cancer cells, which express CaV3 isoforms.

Experimental Approach

Transcripts for CaV3 proteins were analysed in gastrointestinal cancers using public repositories and in human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, SW480 and SW620. The gossypol blocking mechanism on CaV3 channels was investigated by combining heterologous expression systems and patch‐clamp experiments. The anti‐tumoural properties of gossypol were estimated by cell proliferation, viability and cell cycle assays. Ca2+ dynamics were evaluated with cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ indicators.

Key Results

High levels of CaV3 transcripts correlate with poor prognosis in gastrointestinal cancers. Gossypol blockade of CaV3 isoforms is concentration‐ and use‐dependent interacting with the closed, activated and inactivated conformations of CaV3 channels. Gossypol and CaV3 channels down‐regulation inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation by arresting cell cycles at the G0/G1 and G2/M phases, respectively. CaV3 channels underlie the vectorial Ca2+ uptake by endoplasmic reticulum in colorectal cancer cells.

Conclusion and Implications

Gossypol differentially blocked CaV3 channel and its anticancer activity was correlated with high levels of CaV3.1 and CaV3.2 in colorectal cancer cells. The CaV3 regulates cell proliferation and Ca2+ dynamics in colorectal cancer cells. Understanding this blocking mechanism maybe improve cancer therapies.
Does adding parent education and workforce training to Head Start promote or interfere with children's development?
Authors: Sabol Terri J. , Chor Elise , Sommer Teresa Eckrich , Tighe Lauren A. , Chase‐Lansdale P. Lindsay , Morris Amanda Sheffield , Brooks‐Gunn Jeanne , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , King Christopher
Published: July 2024

This study explores the effects of the two‐generation program CareerAdvance—which combines education and training for parents in healthcare with Head Start for children—on children's academic, language, mathematics, and inhibitory control followed for 3 years. The sample (collected in Tulsa, Oklahoma from 2011 to 2018) includes 147 children in the CareerAdvance group and 139 children in a matched comparison group (n = 286; 40% Black, 17%, White, 10% Hispanic, 33% Mixed Race, or Other Race; M = 3.6 years old; 47% female). Overall, the effect of CareerAdvance on child outcomes is neither greater nor less than Head Start alone. These findings suggest that children's developmental outcomes do not worsen or improve in the short term when their parents return to school.
Dupilumab: Mechanism of action, clinical, and translational science
Authors: McCann Marc R. , Kosloski Matthew P. , Xu Christine , Davis John D. , Kamal Mohamed A.
Published: July 2024

Allergic disease prevalence has increased globally with the subset of type 2 inflammatory diseases playing a substantial role. Type 2 inflammatory diseases may differ in clinical presentation, but they exhibit shared pathophysiology that is targeted by the unique pharmacology of dupilumab. Dupilumab binds to the interleukin (IL)‐4 receptor alpha subunit (IL‐4Rα) that blocks IL‐4 and IL‐13 signaling, two key drivers of type 2 inflammation. Herein, we review the mechanism of action and pharmacology of dupilumab, and the clinical evidence that led to the regulatory approvals of dupilumab for the treatment of numerous type 2 inflammatory diseases: atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, eosinophilic esophagitis, and prurigo nodularis.
Pericardial effusion: Unusual immunohistochemical expression
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Yan , Wang Rui , Guo Xiao , Ma Yang , Du Yun
Published: July 2024

Endometrial Gastric‐type Carcinoma is a rare disease, especially in cytology. A 65‐year‐old woman was admitted to the hospital due to intermittent chest tightness with dyspnoea. The chest CT showed a soft tissue shadow of the left lung with bronchial occlusion and pericardial effusion. What was her diagnosis?
Bridging the gaps in health and social equity for disabled children in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Olusanya Bolajoko O.
Published: July 2024

This commentary is on the original article by Asige et al. on pages 87–98 of this issue.
Cellular and molecular landscape of primary dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Insights from single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Peng Rui , Li Yingyi , Gao Yumei , Chen Dian , Li Zhenghui , Zhao Yi
Published: July 2024

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare cutaneous sarcoma characterized by the COL1A1‐PDGFB fusion gene. This study utilized single‐cell RNA sequencing to dissect the cellular and molecular landscape of primary DFSP. Distinct DFSP cell clusters, exhibiting fibroblast‐like traits, revealed variations in pathways associated with proliferation, inflammation and metabolism. Differential gene expression analysis during the differentiation from tumour stem cells to DFSP cells unveiled SMOC2, DCN and TGFBR3 as potential regulators of tumour invasion and immune infiltration through VEGF/TGF‐β signalling modulation. Cellular communication analysis highlighted interactions within DFSP cell clusters and with endothelial cells, implicating molecules such as NAMPT, ANGPT2 and PTN in pathogenesis and treatment resistance. These findings offer insights into DFSP intratumour heterogeneity, elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying tumour behaviour, and suggest potential therapeutic targets.
Genetic polymorphisms to identify patients with an optimal response to tildrakizumab in psoriasis patients from real‐life clinical practice
Authors: Butrón‐Bris B. , Llamas‐Velasco M. , Ovejero‐Benito M. C. , Santos‐Juanes J. , Martínez‐López A. , Ruiz‐Villaverde R. , Roustan G. , Baniandrés O. , Izu‐Belloso R. , de la Cueva P. , Sahuquillo‐Torralba A. , Gónzalez‐Quesada A. , Vilarrasa‐Rull E. , Pujol‐Montcusí J. , García‐Martínez J. , Navares M. , Palomar‐Moreno I. , Novalbos J. , Abad‐Santos F. , Daudén E. , de la Fuente H.
Published: July 2024

Detecting the association of genetic variants to the response of biological therapy represents an important advance in developing a personalized therapy. The aim of this work was to study the association of polymorphisms with an optimal response to tildrakizumab in patients with psoriasis in a real‐life clinical practice. Ninety patients with plaque psoriasis recruited from—Spanish hospitals receiving tildrakizumab for at least 24 weeks were genotyped for 180 polymorphisms. Optimal response to tildrakizumab was evaluated by absolute PASI ≤1 at 6 and 12 months. Polymorphisms corrected for weight and disease duration with an FDR <0.15 were included in a multiple regression model. Sixty three percent of patients achieved an absolute PASI ≤1 at 6 months, while 71% did so after 12 months. Disease duration (>27 years) and weight (>76 kg) were associated with treatment response; after correcting by these factors, no association (FDR >0.15) was found for any polymorphism and response to tildrakizumab at 6 months. The analysis at 12 months identified the genotype GG for rs610604 (TNFAIP3), CT for rs9373839 (ATG5), and delCTGT/delCTGT for rs72167053 (PDE4D) as risk factors to not achieve an optimal response (PASI ≤1), while CT for rs708567 (IL17RC) was protective, independently of weight and disease duration (FDR <0.15). The final multivariable model at 12 months showed an AUC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.82 to −0.98). We identified a set of polymorphisms that could be helpful to identify psoriatic patients with an optimal response to tildrakizumab at 12 months in real‐world practice conditions.
Time series modeling of coastal fishery landings on the Southwestern Atlantic shelf: Influence of environmental drivers
Authors: Compaire Jesus C. , Acha E. Marcelo , Moreira Diego , Simionato Claudia G.
Published: July 2024

Time‐series modeling of fisheries provides insights into stock tendencies and enables short‐term forecasting of landings, aiding decision makers in establishing management priorities. The Rio de la Plata Estuary and its maritime front sustain valuable fisheries for Argentina and Uruguay, with striped weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa), whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri), and Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) historically representing highest catches. However, their landings have declined in recent decades. To support resource management, we investigated the effectiveness of Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models in capturing fishery landing dynamics and providing reliable short‐term predictions. The best models exhibited a good fit and accurately captured the overall trends of landings. Residual variability unaccounted for by the model was analyzed in relation to time‐lagged environmental conditions. A wavelet coherence analysis was employed to examine the effect of the most significant variables on landings. Results revealed that environmental conditions affect differentially landings of each species as a result of their particular ecological traits. Turbidity and salinity affected mainly M. furnieri, which inhabits the innermost part of the estuary. Additionally, C. guatucupa, inhabiting the outer estuary and coastal region, exhibited a stronger association with river runoff compared to M. hubbsi, which inhabits the continental shelf. This study provides the first evidence of ARIMA models' reliability in representing the temporal evolution of catch in these fisheries, offering valuable tools for short‐term landings forecasting and facilitating sustainable management. Wavelet analysis findings will also contribute to enhancing our comprehension of trends in the correlation between environmental conditions and commercial landings.
Inference on noncooperative entry deterrence
Authors: Mizuta Seiichiro
Published: July 2024

This study empirically investigates strategic entry‐deterrence behavior under oligopolistic competition. I develop a structural econometric model describing incumbents' entry‐deterrence behavior based on the framework of Gilbert and Vives. I show theoretically that incumbents' marginal costs are interval‐identified under the assumption that incumbents deter entry in equilibrium. The structural model is estimated using data from the Japanese aluminum smelting industry. A Vuong‐type model selection test utilizing an instrument demonstrates that the entry‐deterrence model is more consistent with the data than an ordinary Cournot competition model without entry threats.
Reducing turnaround time for routine outpatient biochemical tests through Lean Six Sigma: A case study in China
Authors: Zhao Xinzhe , Qin Xiaoping , Miao Yuli
Published: July 2024

Background

Routine clinical biochemistry tests are crucial for clinical diagnostics and play a key role in enhancing outpatient turnover efficiency and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to implement Lean Six Sigma in the biochemistry laboratory of a hospital in China to improve efficiency and quality by reducing turnaround time.

Methods

The study was conducted from January to December 2023, using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework, and employed tools such as the voice of the customer, Value Stream Mapping, ‘5 whys’ technique, Nominal Group Technique, and Pareto chart.

Results

The turnaround time for outpatient routine clinical biochemistry tests was reduced from 139 min to 58 min (p < 0.05), effectively increasing both patient and physician satisfaction.

Conclusions

Lean Six Sigma aimed to reduce the turnaround time for biochemical tests have significant advantages. This study confirms the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma in a Chinese clinical laboratory setting and provides guidance for optimizing efficiency in global clinical laboratories with limited implementation experience, constrained technical and equipment resources, and high demand for medical diagnostics.
Stress analysis of mandibular Kennedy class I partial overdenture submitted to different implant length and clasp designs – An in vitro study
Authors: Mahross Hamada Z. , Atito Ehab M. , Mansour Mamdouh M. , Badr Wesam E. , Osman Mohamed S. , Quassem Mohamed A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To analyze the distribution of stresses for mandibular Kennedy class I removable partial overdentures submitted to different implant lengths and clasp designs.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐seven heat‐cured acrylic resin casts with a uniform soft acrylic layer were constructed from models representing the mandibular Kennedy class I removable partial denture with the first premolars terminal abutment on both sides. The casts were grouped into a control group, group I, and group II with three casts of each for designing a different clasp on the last abutment with Rest, Proximal plate, Aker circumferential (RPA), Rest, Proximal plate, I‐bar (RPI), and wrought wire (WW). All casts were submitted to vertical load for stress analysis after preparing channels at the buccal/distal surface of abutments, the crest of the ridge, and the buccal/lingual of the implant for placement of uniaxial strain gauges that can convert the electro‐signals to micro‐strain by using the software. Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test, independent t‐test, and one‐way anlysis of Variance (ANOVA) test followed by Tukey`s Post Hoc for multiple comparisons test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The control group results revealed more significant stresses on the ridge with RPA and RPI clasps but on the abutment with WW clasp as P < 0.05. In group I, the ridge was significantly stressed more than the implant followed by the abutment when the RPA clasp was used while there was insignificance on the implant with RPA and RPI as p > 0.05. In group II, the stresses were more on the abutment with RPA, RPI, and WW clasps followed by lower on the implant and lowest on the ridge.

Conclusions

Proper implant and clasp type selection are critical for stress distribution on the ridge, abutment, and implant when using removable partial overdenture. The stresses on longer implants are tolerated and more widely distributed than shorter ones.
On the robustness of reciprocal associations between personality and religiosity in a German sample
Authors: Lucas Richard E. , Rohrer Julia M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Entringer et al. used longitudinal data from a German panel study to examine reciprocal causal effects between personality and religiosity, along with cultural moderators of these effects. The current paper examines the robustness of the original effects to alternative model specifications.

Method

We reanalyzed the same four‐wave data spanning 12 years (total N = 46,316), first replicating the original cross‐lagged panel analyses and then extending these analyses in three ways: Using a random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model, using observed rather than latent variables, and modeling each trait individually rather than simultaneously.

Results

Correlations between personality and religiosity were all small in size, even when aggregating over 12 years. Lagged effects were very small, and none was robust across all model specifications. Cultural moderators also depended on model specifications.

Conclusions

The very small size of these reciprocal effects, along with their sensitivity to model specifications, suggest that conclusions about causal effects of personality and religiosity should be drawn very cautiously.
Curcumin, a plant polyphenol with multiple physiological functions of improving antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, immunomodulation and its application in poultry production
Authors: Zhang Jingyang , Zhang Ruoshi , Jin Sanjun , Feng Xingjun
Published: July 2024

Finding environmentally friendly, effective and residue‐free alternatives to antibiotics has become a research priority. This is due to the ban on antibiotics in animal feed. Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the rhizome of turmeric that has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Curcumin has been widely demonstrated as a traditional flavoured agent and herbal medicine in the fight against diseases. In recent years, curcumin has been extensively studied in animal production, especially in poultry production. This article reviews the source, structure, metabolism and biological functions of curcumin and focuses on the application of curcumin in poultry production. In terms of production performance, curcumin can improve the growth performance of poultry, increase the egg production rate of laying hens and alleviate the negative effects of heat stress on the production performance of poultry and livestock. In terms of meat quality, curcumin can improve poultry meat quality by regulating lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity. In terms of health, curcumin can improve immunity. Since mycotoxins have been a major problem in poultry production, this article also reviews the role of curcumin in helping poultry resist toxins. It is hoped that the review in this article can provide a concrete theoretical basis and research ideas for the research and application of curcumin in the field of poultry.
Machine learning uncovers manganese as a key nutrient associated with reduced risk of steatotic liver disease
Authors: Schophaus Simon , Creasy Kate Townsend , Koop Paul‐Henry , Clusmann Jan , Jaeger Julius , Punnuru Varnitha , Koch Alexander , Trautwein Christian , Loomba Rohit , Luedde Tom , Schneider Kai Markus , Schneider Carolin V.
Published: July 2024

Background

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 20%–30% of the general population and is linked to high‐caloric western style diet. However, there are little data that specific nutrients might help to prevent steatosis.

Methods

We analysed the UK Biobank (ID 71300) 24 h‐nutritional assessments and investigated the association between nutrient intake calculated from food questionnaires and hepatic steatosis indicated by imaging or ICD10‐coding. The effect of manganese (Mn) on subgroups with risk single nucleotide polymorphism carriage as well as the effect on metabolomics was investigated. All analyses are corrected for age, sex, body mass index, Townsend index for socioeconomic status, kcal, alcohol, protein intake, fat intake, carbohydrate intake, energy from beverages, diabetes, physical activity and for multiple testing.

Results

We used a random forest classifier to analyse the feature importance of 63 nutrients and imaging‐proven steatosis in a cohort of over 25 000 UK Biobank participants. Increased dietary Mn intake was associated with a lower likelihood of MRI‐diagnosed steatosis. Subsequently, we conducted a cohort study in over 200 000 UK Biobank participants to explore the relationship between Mn intake and hepatic or cardiometabolic outcomes and found that higher Mn intake was associated with a lower risk of ICD‐10 coded steatosis (OR = .889 [.838–.943], p < .001), independent of other potential confounders.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that higher Mn intake may be associated with lower odds of steatosis in a large population‐based sample. These findings underline the potential role of Mn in the prevention of steatosis, but further research is needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Regional diversity and leaf microbiome interactions of the fungal maize pathogen Exserohilum turcicum in Switzerland: A metagenomic analysis
Authors: Vidal‐Villarejo Mireia , Dößelmann Bianca , Kogler Benedikt , Hammerschmidt Michael , Oppliger Barbara , Oppliger Hans , Schmid Karl
Published: July 2024

The spread and adaptation of fungal plant pathogens in agroecosystems are facilitated by environmental homogeneity. Metagenomic sequencing of infected tissues allowed us to monitor eco‐evolutionary dynamics and interactions between host, pathogen and plant microbiome. Exserohilum turcicum, the causal agent of northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) in maize, is distributed in multiple clonal lineages throughout Europe. To characterize regional pathogen diversity, we conducted metagenomic DNA sequencing on 241 infected leaf samples from the highly susceptible Swiss maize landrace Rheintaler Ribelmais, collected over 3 years (2016–2018) from an average of 14 agricultural farms within the Swiss Rhine Valley. All major European clonal lineages of E. turcicum were identified. Lineages differ by their mating types which indicates potential for sexual recombination and rapid evolution of new pathogen strains, although we found no evidence of recent recombination. The associated eukaryotic and prokaryotic leaf microbiome exhibited variation in taxonomic diversity between years and locations and is likely influenced by local weather conditions. A network analysis revealed distinct clusters of eukaryotic and prokaryotic taxa that correlates with the frequency of E. turcicum sequencing reads, suggesting causal interactions. Notably, the yeast genus Metschnikowia exhibited a strongly negative association with E. turcicum, supporting its known potential as biological control agent against fungal pathogens. Our findings show that metagenomic sequencing is a useful tool for analysing the role of environmental factors and potential pathogen–microbiome interactions in shaping pathogen dynamics and evolution, suggesting their potential for effective pathogen management strategies.
Helping athletes to select botanical supplements for the right reasons: A comparison of self‐reported reasons for use versus evidence‐based supplement claims
Authors: McDaid Bridin , Wardenaar Floris C. , Woodside Jayne V. , Neville Charlotte E. , Tobin David , Madigan Sharon M. , Nugent Anne P.
Published: July 2024

Use of food supplements (FS) by athletes is well characterised but there is little information on ‘herbal’ or ‘botanical’ FS beyond ‘natural’. This study determined, by questionnaire, whether athletes' main self‐reported reason for using FS was reflective of what was written on product labels or, when these claims were unavailable, was in accordance with the scientific literature. In 217 elite (n = 55) and amateur (n = 162) athletes living on the island of Ireland, 71% (n = 153) consumed any kind of FS, with 16% (n = 34) of the entire cohort deemed botanical consumers. ‘Protein’ (21%, n = 46), ‘vitamin D’ (17%, n = 37) and ‘vitamin C’ (15% n = 32) were most consumed with the top reasons for use being ‘to support health’, ‘to prevent illness/for immunity purposes’ and ‘recovery’. There was generally good agreement between approved nutrition and health claims for such products and athletes' main reported reasons for use. Only the amateur athletes in our pool described using botanical supplements, with reasons for use stated as ‘sleep improvement’ (21%), ‘recovery’ (14%), ‘supporting health’ (12%) and ‘energy’ (12%), resulting in poor agreement with either approved claims or scientific evidence. Only half of amateur athletes knew if their botanical FS were third‐party tested. Athletes and practitioners require guidance to avoid consuming supplements for which there is little scientific evidence, and which may risk being contaminated/fraudulent.
High myopia: Reviews of myopia control strategies and myopia complications
Authors: Shah Rakhee , Vlasak Natalia , Evans Bruce J. W.
Published: July 2024

Background

Myopia and especially high myopia are recognised as major public health concerns. Although the prevalence of high myopia in young children is low, 10–20% of high school children in Asia have high myopia, with many still progressing, and one in three patients with high myopia develop visual impairment with age. Most participants in myopia control studies have low and moderate myopia; relatively little is known about myopia control in high myopia.

Method

Literature searches were undertaken in MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify publications in English, investigating (Aim 1) the efficacy of myopia control strategies (environmental, pharmacological and optical) in high myopia (≤−6.00 D) and (Aim 2) the complications of high myopia using keywords. Outcomes included change in spherical equivalent refractive error (SE) and/or axial length (AL) to evaluate progression in high myopia.

Results

Aim 1: Twelve studies were identified that reported the efficacy of optical and pharmacological (none on environmental) interventions on AL and SE for high myopia control. A statistically significant reduction in progression of SE and AL in high myopes was reported with 1% and 0.5% atropine. Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segment spectacle lenses had lower efficacy in slowing high myopia progression compared to moderate and low myopia. Ortho‐K lenses were equally effective in reducing myopia progression in low, moderate and high myopia. Aim 2: Myopic patients have an increased risk of myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, cataract and glaucoma, with the risk increasing with the level of myopia.

Conclusions

High myopia has significant effects on quality of life, risk of pathological complications and vision impairment. Young children, excluding those with some syndromic associations, who are fast progressing moderate and high myopes require early intervention and close monitoring. Further research investigating the efficacy of myopia control strategies in highly myopic patients, both independently and through combination treatments, are necessary.
Populations of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean in São Paulo state are inefficient vectors of Brazilian begomoviruses
Authors: Nogueira Angélica Maria , de Oliveira Cíntia Sabino , Bello Vinicius Henrique , Favara Gabriel Madoglio , Vicentin Eduardo , Marubayashi Julio Massaharu , da Cruz Martines Caroline , Watanabe Luis Fernando Maranho , Barbosa Tarsiane Mara Carneiro , de Lima Alvarez Daniel , de Oliveira Regiane Cristina , Zerbini Francisco Murilo , Rezende Jorge Alberto Marques , Krause‐Sakate Renate
Published: July 2024

Begomoviruses cause losses in several crops around the world. Whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci cryptic species MEAM1 and MED are efficient vectors of begomoviruses. MEAM1 has been the predominant species in Brazil since the mid‐1990s. MED was detected in Brazil in 2014, and since then, high insect infestations have been reported, mainly in greenhouse production of solanaceous crops. In this study, we compared the transmission efficiency of the begomoviruses tomato severe rugose virus (ToSRV) and tomato rugose mosaic virus (ToRMV) to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV) to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) by a population of MEAM1 and four populations of MED. B. tabaci MEAM1 efficiently transmitted ToSRV and ToRMV to tomato and BGMV to common bean. B. tabaci MED populations did not transmit ToSRV and ToRMV to tomato. Only one population of B. tabaci MED transmitted BGMV with an efficiency of 3%. PCR analysis indicated that B. tabaci MED can acquire ToSRV, ToRMV and BGMV after a 24 h acquisition access period. Furthermore, some greenhouse tomato plantings from São Paulo state were surveyed for the presence of viruses and whiteflies, and B. tabaci MED were predominant, whereas begomoviruses were absent. Our results demonstrate that populations of MED from São Paulo state are inefficient vectors of begomoviruses, being able to acquire the virus but not transmit it to plants. Understanding this interaction is important and suggests that the spread of B. tabaci MED could change the epidemiological scenario of begomoviruses in areas where this insect predominates.
Climate‐controlled conservation: Remaking ‘the botanical metropolis of the world’
Authors: Rutherford Jonathan , Marvin Simon
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the understudied relationship between nature conservation and climate control in botanic gardens. Drawing on research conducted at Kew Gardens in West London, we analyse how the relations between climate control, techniques that allow the creation of particular microclimatic conditions in volumetric enclosures, and ex‐situ—out of nature—botanical management have changed over time. The paper shows how climate‐controlled conservation works through three spatial‐technological modes—acclimatisation, climate simulation, and climate security—that reconfigure in‐situ and ex‐situ relations. These modes increasingly transcend local environmental conditions, creating the possibility of conservation without natural climate. The paper extends existing geographies of climate control by focusing on the role of technology in permitting plant life to be moved between different geographical contexts, in enabling ex‐situ and in‐situ natures to become increasingly entwined, and in constructing enclosed conditions decoupled from local climate. Secure climate‐controlled conservation now strategically transforms ex‐situ botanic gardens into the actual sites, and in some cases the last remaining sites, of these natures.
PENGGUNAAN TEMPURUNG KELApA SAWIT TERUBAHSUAI SEBAGAI BAHAN PENJERAP LOGAM BERAT DALAM SANIPEL AIR SISA
Authors: Haji Othman Fadil , Salim Mohd Razrnan , Ahmad Rahmalan
Published: July 2024

Abstract
DRIVERâ€™S CAR FOLLOWING HEADWAY ON SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY ROADS
Authors: Che Puan Othman
Published: July 2024

One of many aspects that are considered to influence road crashes and road traffic handling capacity is the driversâ€™ car following behaviour. This study examines the distance separation between impeded vehicles on single carriageway roads. Data defining headway and speed for more than 8000 vehicles were collected using video cameras to record traffic movement at four sites in Malaysia. The distance headways and associated vehicle speeds were separated into vehicle following category by vehicle type and then into speed classes for vehicle following vehicle: car following car, car following heavy goods vehicle (HGV), HGV following HGV and HGV following car categories. In most cases the lognormal distribution was found to be an appropriate representation of the variation in distance headways for vehicles within a particular speed class. Linear regression models were developed to represent the relationships between distance headway and speed and the predicted variation in population mean distance headway with vehicle speed. In general, Malaysian drivers tend to follow another vehicle closely and platoons appeared to develop rapidly.