bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co‐production processes for translation and validation of psychosocial assessments for older adults in aged care
Authors: Siette Joyce , Nguyen Amy D. , Dodds Laura , Brett Lindsey , Georgiou Andrew
Published: April 2024

Objective

Given the diverse ethnic backgrounds of aged care clients, there is a critical requirement to translate psychosocial assessment tools into various languages to effectively evaluate social engagement and quality of life in older adults receiving aged care services. This study aimed to translate psychosocial tools into Turkish, Korean and Mandarin, the primary languages spoken by clients of an Australian community aged care provider.

Methods

A co‐development approach encompassing forward and backward translations of the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire and ICEpop CAPability measure for Older people tools, along with focus group discussions involving bilingual staff (n = 7) and clients (n = 16), was employed to ensure precision and cultural relevance. Multiple iterations were undertaken until linguistic, conceptual and scaling equivalence was achieved, with recorded sessions transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Cultural appropriateness significantly impacted the delivery of questions within the tools, emphasising translation challenges tied to specific queries. These difficulties included the lack of terms for unique places of worship, the use of outdated language (e.g., references to reading newspapers), and varying priorities in social and well‐being matters between Western and Eastern/Asian cultures. Staff feedback identified that formal translated tool versions eased administration for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) clients, enabling them to independently interpret questions, resulting in improved questionnaire completion rates.

Conclusions

Insights indicate the need for continued efforts in tailoring assessment tools to diverse cultural contexts to ensure accurate and meaningful data collection.
Vitrification of immature oocytes in pigs
Authors: Somfai Tamás
Published: April 2024

Cryopreservation of oocytes is an important technology for the in vitro gene banking of female germplasm. Although slow freezing is not feasible, porcine oocytes survive vitrification at high rates. Cryopreservation at the germinal vesicle stage appears to be more advantageous than that at the metaphase‐II stage. Several factors are considered to affect the success of vitrification and subsequent utilization of immature porcine oocytes such as the device, the protocols for cryoprotectant application, warming, and the post‐warming culture. Although live piglets could be obtained from vitrified immature oocytes, their competence to develop to the blastocyst stage is still reduced compared to their non‐vitrified counterparts, indicating that there is room for further improvement. Vitrified oocytes suffer various types of damage and alteration which may reduce their developmental ability. Some of these can recover to some extent during subsequent culture, such as the damage of the cytoskeleton and mitochondria. Others such as premature nuclear progression, DNA damage and epigenetic alterations will require further research to be clarified and addressed. To date, the practical application of oocyte vitrification in pigs has been confined to the gene banking of a few native breeds.
Beyond the phenotype: Exploring inherited retinal diseases with targeted next‐generation sequencing in a Turkish cohort
Authors: Ozguc Caliskan Busra , Uslu Kubra , Sinim Kahraman Neslihan , Erkilic Kuddusi , Oner Ayse , Dundar Munis
Published: April 2024

This research aims to compile recent clinical and genetic data from Turkish patients with inherited retinal disorders and evaluate the effectiveness of targeted Next‐generation sequencing panels. The study included Turkish individuals with hereditary retinal diseases who visited the Medical Genetic Department of Erciyes University between 2019 and 2022. One proband per family was selected based on eligibility. We used Hereditary Disorder Solution (HDS) by Sophia Genetics and performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) with Illumina NextSeq‐500. Bioinformatics analysis using Sophia DDM® SaaS algorithms and ACMG guidelines classified genomic changes. The study involved 354 probands. Disease‐causing variants were found in 58.1% of patients, with ABCA4, USH2A, RDH12, and EYS being the most frequently implicated genes. Forty‐eight novel variants were detected. This study enhances the knowledge of clinical diagnoses, symptom onset, inheritance patterns, and genetic details for Turkish individuals with hereditary retinal disease. It contributes to broader health strategies by enabling comparisons with other studies.
Pulmonary volumes and signs of chronic airflow limitation in quantitative computed tomography
Authors: Bäcklin Emelie , Gonon Adrian , Sköld Magnus , Smedby Örjan , Breznik Eva , Janerot‐Sjoberg Birgitta
Published: April 2024

Background

Computed tomography (CT) offers pulmonary volumetric quantification but is not commonly used in healthy individuals due to radiation concerns. Chronic airflow limitation (CAL) is one of the diagnostic criteria for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where early diagnosis is important. Our aim was to present reference values for chest CT volumetric and radiodensity measurements and explore their potential in detecting early signs of CAL.

Methods

From the population‐based Swedish CArdioPulmonarybioImage Study (SCAPIS), 294 participants aged 50–64, were categorized into non‐CAL (n = 258) and CAL (n = 36) groups based on spirometry. From inspiratory and expiratory CT images we compared lung volumes, mean lung density (MLD), percentage of low attenuation volume (LAV%) and LAV cluster volume between groups, and against reference values from static pulmonary function test (PFT).

Results

The CAL group exhibited larger lung volumes, higher LAV%, increased LAV cluster volume and lower MLD compared to the non‐CAL group. Lung volumes significantly deviated from PFT values. Expiratory measurements yielded more reliable results for identifying CAL compared to inspiratory. Using a cut‐off value of 0.6 for expiratory LAV%, we achieved sensitivity, specificity and positive/negative predictive values of 72%, 85% and 40%/96%, respectively.

Conclusion

We present volumetric reference values from inspiratory and expiratory chest CT images for a middle‐aged healthy cohort. These results are not directly comparable to those from PFTs. Measures of MLD and LAV can be valuable in the evaluation of suspected CAL. Further validation and refinement are necessary to demonstrate its potential as a decision support tool for early detection of COPD.
Too much diversity—Multiple definitions of geodiversity hinder its potential in biodiversity research
Authors: Maliniemi Tuija , Tukiainen Helena , Hjort Jan , Toivanen Maija , Vernham Grant , Bailey Joseph J. , Baines Oliver , Benniston Lucy , Brilha José , Field Richard , Fox Nathan , Gray Murray , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Huusko Karoliina , Kemppinen Julia , Pereira Paulo , Salminen Henriikka , Schrodt Franziska , Turner Laura , Alahuhta Janne
Published: April 2024

Geodiversity—the diversity of abiotic features and processes of the Earth's surface and subsurface—is an increasingly used concept in ecological research. A growing body of scientific literature has provided evidence of positive links between geodiversity and biodiversity. These studies highlight the potential of geodiversity to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and to complement current biodiversity conservation practices and strategies. However, definitions of geodiversity in ecological research vary widely. This can hinder the progress of geodiversity–biodiversity research and make it difficult to synthesize findings across studies. We therefore call for greater awareness of how geodiversity is currently defined and for more consistent use of the term ‘geodiversity’ in biodiversity research.
Successful valve‐in‐valve transcatheter intervention to treat severe stenosis of a 38‐year‐old tricuspid bioprosthesis
Authors: John Amal , Onwordi Eunice C. , Richens Trevor , Shah Benoy N.
Published: April 2024

A 60‐year‐old man presented with breathlessness. Nearly four decades previously, he had required three operations for Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis of the tricuspid valve and had received a bioprosthetic valve. He had critical tricuspid bioprosthesis stenosis which was treated successfully by valve‐in‐valve transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement using a balloon‐expandable transcatheter heart valve. One year after intervention, the patient is well with no tricuspid valve stenosis or regurgitation.
Oriental beech decline caused by Brenneria alni
Authors: Mirhabibi Mohammad‐Ali , Araeinejhad Mohammad‐Hossein , Falahi Charkhabi Nargues
Published: April 2024

Hyrcanian forests comprise a long strip along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) is one of the most valuable forest tree species in the Hyrcanian forests. Bark necrosis and bleeding spots of oriental beech were observed in Savadkuh forests in Mazandaran province during summer 2021. Ten samples were collected from symptomatic oriental beech trees. The bark canker symptoms included stem tissue necrosis, dark brown to black spots on the trunk, bleeding with dark exudates and dark lesions in the inner bark. Twenty‐six strains of culturable bacteria were isolated from the samples which in culture were predominantly round, convex, smooth with entire margins on nutrient agar and a metallic green sheen pigment on eosin‐methylene blue (EMB) agar. Fourteen strains induced necrosis and browning of the tissues around the inoculation sites on acorns after 2 weeks. Five representative strains also caused dieback in twigs of oriental beech 3 weeks after inoculation. These bacteria were Gram‐negative, catalase positive and oxidase negative. All strains produced colonies with a green metallic sheen on EMB agar. Strains were negative in tests for starch and gelatine hydrolysis or production of levan. A phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of gyrB and infB genes, of representative strains well as in each of the single gene‐based phylogenetic trees, indicated that these strains clustered with Brenneria alni NCPPB 3934T with high bootstrap values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. alni associated with bark necrosis and bleeding spots on oriental beech.
Fast–slow traits predict competition network structure and its response to resources and enemies
Authors: Daniel Caroline , Allan Eric , Saiz Hugo , Godoy Oscar
Published: April 2024

Plants interact in complex networks but how network structure depends on resources, natural enemies and species resource‐use strategy remains poorly understood. Here, we quantified competition networks among 18 plants varying in fast–slow strategy, by testing how increased nutrient availability and reduced foliar pathogens affected intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions. Our results show that nitrogen and pathogens altered several aspects of network structure, often in unexpected ways due to fast and slow growing species responding differently. Nitrogen addition increased competition asymmetry in slow growing networks, as expected, but decreased it in fast growing networks. Pathogen reduction made networks more even and less skewed because pathogens targeted weaker competitors. Surprisingly, pathogens and nitrogen dampened each other's effect. Our results show that plant growth strategy is key to understand how competition respond to resources and enemies, a prediction from classic theories which has rarely been tested by linking functional traits to competition networks.
The effect of SEC regulatory oversight on implied cost of equity
Authors: Abakah Alex Annan , Somé Hyacinthe Yirlier
Published: April 2024

We examine the effect of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) oversight on the cost of equity. We argue that companies near regulatory oversight by the SEC are subject to increased scrutiny. Such heightened scrutiny, which is associated with enhanced disclosure quality, ultimately leads to a reduction in the cost of equity. We find empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis. Importantly, the cost of equity declines significantly when firms relocate their headquarters close to SEC office. Our results suggest that SEC effective external monitoring lowers the cost of equity for firms with weak governance.
Temporal displacement and spatial unbinding of commuting in the Brno Metropolitan Area
Authors: Gorný David
Published: April 2024

Commuting is generally considered a routine aspect of daily life. As a result of the growing importance of the tertiary sector in the economy, the increasing flexibility of work arrangements, and other individual factors, there has been a noticeable change in commuting patterns, both in terms of time and place. This study aims to characterise the spatio‐temporal practices employed in commuting. We describe these spatio‐temporal practices using spatio‐temporal rhythms enforced among individuals in the case of the Brno Metropolitan Area. To achieve the results we use questionnaire surveys and semi‐structured interviews. The results indicate that the major morning and afternoon commuting flows are spread out over several hours. The afternoon commute is more distributed in time. The phenomenon of the daily commute is clearly weakened. Part of the population commutes to work only some days of the week. Also, the spatial dimension of commuting is diverse, as many originally non‐working places become centres where people commute, such as a café or a hotel. It turns out that commuters typically chain trips when commuting. In this paper, we demonstrate several specific practices associated with these movements, such as commuting to someone's house to work, commuting to a café or realising long‐distance commuting. The observed commuting characteristics are then referred to by the terms of temporal displacement and spatial unbinding of commuting.
Word by word: An attempt at creating a collective conversation around sexual violence
Authors: van Amsterdam Noortje
Published: April 2024

In this paper I present a reading of poetry on the silences that surround experiences of sexual violence. The reading took place at an academic conference in 2022 in a stream on the topic of vulnerability. I offer these poems, based on my personal experiences, in the spirit of connection and solidarity, and as a feminist strategy of reclamation and resistance. I posit that collective conversations about sexual violence as a social phenomenon are necessary to change the status quo and explore the difficulty to speak of/through pain in relation to my particular subjectivity as a grievable body. I also reflect on my experiences of doing the reading and the impossibilities of knowing how this kind of work will be received taking into consideration the different registers through which the experience can be communicated, discussed and taken forward: the affective, discursive, and action‐oriented registers. Grappling with the question how we can imagine an alternative future if we continue to be lost for words, I don't offer answers but an invitation for readers to engage.
Tales of the unexpected: The lives and experiences of working‐class academics
Authors: Burnell Reilly Iona
Published: April 2024

This article explores and discusses some aspects of autoethnographies from a published collection written by working‐class academics. The original objective was for each academic to write an account of their life and their experiences of becoming who they are in an industry steeped in elitism. I was interested in how they experienced becoming a working‐class academic, what their journeys had been like, and how they navigated their way into their professional roles. I was also curious about their identities and if they continued to identify as working class, or if their social positioning and/or identities have undergone change. The autoethnographies are powerful and deeply personal accounts of the working‐class academics' lives; they make a significant contribution to the field of research on higher education by providing unique insight into personal experiences. Within this article I have explored some of the accounts and considered how the academics overcame, for example, feelings of failure from previous educational experiences, feelings of (un)belonging and tackling imposterism.
Depression and anxiety between nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lin Wan‐Yi , Chen Yu‐An , Huang Kuang‐Hua , Tsai Tung‐Han , Shieh Shwn‐Huey
Published: April 2024

Aim

This study investigated the levels of depression and anxiety in nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We also explored the potential causes of depression and anxiety in nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on long‐term care facilities. The high infection and mortality rates for COVID‐19 have resulted in an increased workload for caregivers.

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic exposed caregivers working in long‐term care facilities to higher risks of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the high risk of infection in the work environment and concerns about spreading COVID‐19 to family members and long‐term care facility residents led to various forms of stress among caregivers.

Methods

The present study was a cross‐sectional study. Questionnaires were used to investigate depression and anxiety among regarding nurses and nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.

Results

The depression and anxiety levels of the nurses were higher than nursing assistants, but had no statistically significant difference (p = 0.551). The factors influencing levels of depression and anxiety in nurses contained facility affiliation and experience working. In terms of nursing assistants, age, marital status, and facility affiliation were correlated with the levels of depression and anxiety.

Discussion

The pandemic has severely impacted caregivers. In the process of implementing pandemic prevention measures and providing care for COVID‐19 patients, safeguarding the psychological health of caregivers is also essential.

Conclusion

The levels of depression and anxiety in nurses were higher than in nursing assistants working in long‐term care facilities during the pandemic.

Implication for nursing and health policy

Long‐term care facilities managers are recommended to enhance the education and training process for caregivers. Managers are also recommended to ensure provision of sufficient amounts of pandemic prevention equipment and resources.
Labor empowerment in corporate boards: The devil is in the details
Authors: Harnay Sophie , Manseri Riyad , Rebérioux Antoine
Published: April 2024

In 2013, mandatory worker representation on French corporate boards was enacted. We examine the way employee directors have been incorporated within the board machinery. Our empirical results indicate that employee representatives have a limited access to board committees. This result casts doubt on the ability of employee directors to significantly influence corporate governance. Consistent with this analysis, we do not find any significant impact, either positive or negative, of codetermination on firm performance.
Neutrophil extracellular trap formation and its implications in nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced small intestinal injury
Authors: Moriyama Eiji , Nadatani Yuji , Higashimori Akira , Otani Koji , Ominami Masaki , Fukunaga Shusei , Hosomi Shuhei , Tanaka Fumio , Taira Koichi , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Watanabe Toshio
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) damage the small intestine via neutrophil infiltration driven by the mucosal invasion of enterobacteria. The antimicrobial function of neutrophils is partially dependent on neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Excessive NET formation has been associated with several inflammatory diseases. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of NETs in NSAID‐induced small intestinal damage using human samples and an experimental mouse model.

Methods

Human small intestine specimens were obtained from NSAID users during double‐balloon enteroscopy. Wild‐type, protein arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) knockout, and antibiotic‐treated mice were administered indomethacin to induce small intestinal injury. The expression of NET‐associated proteins, including PAD4, citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), cell‐free DNA, and myeloperoxidase (MPO), was evaluated.

Results

The double‐positive stained area with CitH3 and MPO, which is specific for neutrophil‐derived extracellular traps, was significantly high in the injured small intestinal mucosa of NSAID users. In a mouse model, small intestinal damage developed at 6 h after indomethacin administration, accompanied by increased mRNA levels of interleukin‐1β and keratinocyte chemoattractant and elevated NET‐associated protein levels of PAD4, CitH3, and MPO in small intestine and serum levels of cell‐free DNA. Both genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of PAD4 attenuated this damage by reducing the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and NET‐associated proteins. Furthermore, mice pretreated with antibiotics showed resistance to indomethacin‐induced small intestinal damage, with less NET formation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that NETs aggravate NSAID‐induced small intestinal injury. Therefore, NET inhibition could be a potential treatment for NSAID‐induced small intestinal injury.
Streamlined benefit analysis of products based on the Sustainable Development Goals: Integrating the voice of society into life cycle sustainability assessment
Authors: Möller Martin , Grießhammer Rainer
Published: April 2024

Conducting benefit analyses used to be a controversial endeavor. In the absence of a consistent normative framework, indicators had to be determined on a case‐by‐case basis, requiring time‐consuming stakeholder workshops. The 2030 Agenda provided the missing normative basis to enable the inclusion of benefit aspects in life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA). However, given the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their 169 targets, it has remained unclear which of these targets relate to products and services and should therefore be used as indicators in benefit analyses. Against this background, this paper presents a consistent and well‐defined indicator framework for product‐related benefit analyses, developed through a detailed alignment with the 2030 Agenda and comprising a set of 30 indicators. It also describes how benefit analysis can be integrated into the LCSA methodology to provide a sound, evidence‐based framework for research and policy making: First, it outlines a sustainability self‐assessment tool for corporate researchers and designers, embedded in a Stage‐Gate process as a “voice‐of‐society” perspective. Second, it discusses approaches to improve regulatory impact assessment for policy making, particularly in the area of chemicals management. An illustrative case study shows how the developed benefit indicators can address current shortcomings in socio‐economic analysis methodology, such as an unbalanced focus on the economic impacts and insufficient information on human and environmental impacts. Despite its limitations, such as the inherent focus on societal benefits and existing “blind spots” in the 2030 Agenda, the indicator set has the potential to enrich LCSA studies with previously neglected aspects.
Environmental performance of eco‐design strategies applied to the building sector
Authors: Ipsen Kikki Lambrecht , Pizzol Massimo , Birkved Morten , Amor Ben
Published: April 2024

The application of eco‐design principles in the building sector is considered a promising way to mitigate its substantial environmental impacts. However, quantitative evidence for this mitigation potential is lacking. The objective of this study was to quantify the environmental performance of diverse eco‐design strategies when applied to the building sector. A macroscale model capable of simulating the future demand for housing and related material flows within the urban building stock was developed based on an existing building stock model. These material flows were used to build inventories for a consequential life cycle assessment and, in turn, to quantify the potential environmental consequences of introducing eco‐design strategies in the building sector, assessed across 16 impact categories. Model outputs have a high level of uncertainty but are still useful for decision‐making, given the model's simplicity and transparency. The main results show that impact reductions can be obtained from specific uses of wood and wooden products, for example, when used for the walls in high‐rise buildings, whereas using hempcrete for partition walls increases the impact. Although the use of adaptability or disassembly strategies can reduce impacts, this pay‐off can only be obtained after a long period of implementation. In summary, the present study provides new quantitative insights into the ability of eco‐design strategies to mitigate environmental impacts in the building sector.
Regional transformation pathways for the bioeconomy: A novel monitoring approach for complex transitions
Authors: Siekmann Florian , Venghaus Sandra
Published: April 2024

Addressing the complexities of transitioning to a sustainable bioeconomy, this paper presents a novel approach for developing regional transformation pathways (RTPs) based on narratives derived from the shared socioeconomic pathways. The methodology emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of underlying perspectives and perceptions, incorporating socio‐economic, environmental, and political dimensions. The developed indicator framework captures a balanced representation of diverse interests by integrating insights from stakeholder analyses. The case study in the Rheinisches Revier region, Germany, exemplifies the approach's applicability, providing valuable insights for decision‐making processes in the context of regional transitions toward a low‐carbon economy. The results consist of five developed RTPs, offering a multitude of potential future trajectories of possible directions for regional transformations. Understanding potential pathways and related consequences is crucial for informed decision‐making concerning resource use optimization since transformations of that scale influence the composition of supply chains and resource networks. This informed approach contributes to strategic planning and helps ensure resources are utilized efficiently and sustainably. By emphasizing the crucial role of transparency and reflection of assumptions in addressing the complexities of societal transformation processes, our approach seeks to support the implementation of a sustainable and inclusive bioeconomy at the regional level.
Small particles, big effects: How nanoparticles can enhance plant growth in favorable and harsh conditions
Authors: Wang Jie , Wu Honghong , Wang Yichao , Ye Wuwei , Kong Xiangpei , Yin Zujun
Published: April 2024

By 2050, the global population is projected to reach 9 billion, underscoring the imperative for innovative solutions to increase grain yield and enhance food security. Nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool, providing unique solutions to this challenge. Nanoparticles (NPs) can improve plant growth and nutrition under normal conditions through their high surface‐to‐volume ratio and unique physical and chemical properties. Moreover, they can be used to monitor crop health status and augment plant resilience against abiotic stresses (such as salinity, drought, heavy metals, and extreme temperatures) that endanger global agriculture. Application of NPs can enhance stress tolerance mechanisms in plants, minimizing potential yield losses and underscoring the potential of NPs to raise crop yield and quality. This review highlights the need for a comprehensive exploration of the environmental implications and safety of nanomaterials and provides valuable guidelines for researchers, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners. With thoughtful stewardship, nanotechnology holds immense promise in shaping environmentally sustainable agriculture amid escalating environmental challenges.
An indicator color chart for quick detection of Pigment Red 53 in cosmetic products in Indonesia
Authors: Pratiwi Rimadani , Agita Kiva , Hasanah Aliya Nur
Published: April 2024

Background

Pigment Red 53 is a dangerous synthetic dye that is often added to cosmetics, even though its use in cosmetic products has been prohibited because of possible impacts on health. Faster and more sensitive detection of Pigment Red 53 is needed for onsite analysis to protect the community from illegal cosmetics that contain the dye. Indicator color charts are a kind of analytical method that can be used to detect Pigment Red 53 in cosmetic products, including lipstick, rouge, and eyeshadow. Such charts are practical, fast, and can be used for onsite analysis.

Methods

In this study, an indicator for Pigment Red 53 detection was obtained through a reagent reaction that caused a specific color change. An indicator color chart was then produced by setting out in paper form the series of colors which resulted from the reaction of specific chemical reagents and Pigment Red 53 solutions at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 ppm.

Results

The testing results showed that the indicator color chart may be used as an initial screening method for the detection of Pigment Red 53 in cosmetic products with a detectable minimum concentration of 10 ppm. Out of nine samples, only one (Eyeshadow 3) tested positive for Pigment Red 53. Further analysis was carried out on the indicator color chart and the results showed good agreement with TLC and UV–Vis spectrophotometry methods.

Conclusion

The results reported in this paper demonstrate that the indicator color chart is a good prospective method for onsite analysis to detect Pigment Red 53 in cosmetic samples, with a lower detection limit compared to polymer‐based indicators.
Same model, same data, but different outcomes: Evaluating the impact of method choices in structural equation modeling
Authors: Sarstedt Marko , Adler Susanne J. , Ringle Christian M. , Cho Gyeongcheol , Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Hwang Heungsun , Liengaard Benjamin D.
Published: April 2024

Scientific research demands robust findings, yet variability in results persists due to researchers' decisions in data analysis. Despite strict adherence to state‐of the‐art methodological norms, research results can vary when analyzing the same data. This article aims to explore this variability by examining the impact of researchers' analytical decisions when using different approaches to structural equation modeling (SEM), a widely used method in innovation management to estimate cause–effect relationships between constructs and their indicator variables. For this purpose, we invited SEM experts to estimate a model on absorptive capacity's impact on organizational innovation and performance using different SEM estimators. The results show considerable variability in effect sizes and significance levels, depending on the researchers' analytical choices. Our research underscores the necessity of transparent analytical decisions, urging researchers to acknowledge their results' uncertainty, to implement robustness checks, and to document the results from different analytical workflows. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations and guidelines on how to address results variability. Our findings, conclusions, and recommendations aim to enhance research validity and reproducibility in innovation management, providing actionable and valuable insights for improved future research practices that lead to solid practical recommendations.
The Excavation of the Remains of Soldiers Killed in the Korean War: Implications and International Cooperation
Authors: Yun Jiwon
Published: April 2024

The main purpose of this article is to explore the significance of the objectives by focusing on activity theory, as well as the legal and institutional establishment of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) Agency for KIA Recovery & Identification (MAKRI), the subject of the Korean War remains excavation project, and the implications of expanding the excavation of remains in the DMZ and the repatriation of the remains of US and UN soldiers on the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement. The excavation project, which began in 2000, aimed to build public trust by realizing the noble will of national unlimited responsibility that “the state is responsible for those sacrificed for the country forever.” Thus, it has allowed social integration beyond ideological and generational conflicts. It expanded the issue of excavating remains from South Korea to Arrowhead Hill and White Horse Hill in the DMZ area under the September 19 Inter‐Korean Military Agreement in 2018. Also, the ROK–US MOU was signed in 2000 in terms of international cooperation in the excavation of remains and carries out joint identification and repatriation of remains. The repatriation of the remains of Chinese troops and the remains of UN combatant countries has important implications for strengthening military diplomacy in legal and humanitarian aspects.
Neuropsychological functioning and its correlates at 1 year follow‐up of severe COVID‐19
Authors: Costas‐Carrera Ana , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Marta Mónica , Ojeda Antonio , Rodríguez‐Rey Manuel Arturo , Martín‐Villalba Inés , Primé‐Tous Mireia , Valdesoiro‐Pulido Francisco , Segú Xavier , Borras Roger , Clougher Derek , Peri Josep Maria , Vieta Eduard
Published: April 2024

Background

Short‐term cognitive impairment is associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection but the long‐term impact is yet to be examined in detail. We aim to study the evolution of these symptoms in severe COVID‐19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between April and December 2020 1 year after hospital discharge and to analyze its clinical correlates.

Method

A total of 58 patients agreed to participate in the 6 months follow‐up and 30 at 1 year after hospital discharge. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery including validated tests for the main cognitive domains was administered. To test the magnitude of neurocognitive sequelae, two standard deviations below normative group were considered. To compare the neuropsychological performance at 6 and 12 months follow‐up we used repeated measures tests. Finally, regression analyses were performed to test the main effects of medical and psychological factors on multiple cognition.

Results

Almost half of the sample continued to have impaired performance on neuropsychological tests at 12 months follow‐up. In comparison with the results obtained at 6 months, significant improvements were found in immediate recall (d = 0.49), delayed recall (d = 0.45), and inhibitory control (d = 0.53). Medical variables predicted cognitive performance at 6 months but not at 12 months follow‐up, while anxiety and depression predicted cognitive deficits in the long‐term.

Conclusions

A generalised improvement was observed in severe COVID‐19 patients at follow‐up. This improvement was particularly notable in verbal memory and executive functioning. However, a considerable proportion of the sample continued to present deficits at 1 year follow‐up.
Associations between neighbourhood safety, social cohesion, sleep quality and sleep duration among older adults in India: Findings from the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health (WHO‐SAGE), 2015
Authors: Muhammad T. , Pai Manacy , Anil Kumar A.H. Sruthi , Lekshmi P.R. , Sekher T.V
Published: April 2024

Background

Most studies on later‐life health in India focus on families, with far less attention given to the health repercussions of neighbourhood conditions among older Indians. We address this limitation in existing research by examining the associations between perceptions of neighbourhood safety and social cohesion and sleep duration and sleep quality among older adults in India.

Methods

Data come from the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health (WHO‐SAGE), India 2015 wave 2, with a sample of 7118 adults aged 50 years and above. Sleep quality and duration were assessed using subjective responses. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were employed to test the research hypotheses.

Results

Prevalence of poor sleep quality was higher among older adults living in unsafe neighbourhoods (4.46%) than peers residing in safe neighbourhoods (3.52%), and it was also higher among those living in neighbourhoods with poor social cohesion (5.31%) than counterparts who lived in socially cohesive communities (3.10%). Older adults in neighbourhoods with poor social cohesion had higher odds of reporting compromised sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio 1.75, CI: 1.22–2.51) than those living in socially cohesive neighbourhoods. Moreover, compared to those who perceived they were living in safe neighbourhoods, their peers who perceived their neighbourhoods as unsafe reported shorter sleep duration, with a negative beta coefficient of −0.27 (CI: −0.45 to −0.085).

Conclusion

That perceived unsafety and poor social cohesion within one's neighbourhood are associated with compromised sleep reflects the significance of making neighbourhoods safer and more integrated for later‐life sleep health. In addition to micro‐level strategies (e.g., balanced nutrition and physical activity), efforts to improve sleep health should optimise macro‐level opportunities, such as rehabilitating and revitalising neighbourhoods, which may alleviate sleep disturbances and improve sleep outcomes among older adults.
Minority stressors and suicidal ideation in sexual minority individuals across adulthood
Authors: Canen Jenessa M. , Brausch Amy M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Suicidal ideation occurs at relatively high rates among adults identifying as sexual minorities compared to those identifying as heterosexual, and minority stress is one explanation for this disparity. Minority stress is known to associate with increased suicidal ideation, but research on how minority stress associates with suicidal ideation in sexual minority adults across the adult lifespan is lacking.

Methods

Data were collected online from 284 sexual minority adults ranging in age from 18 to 85. Participants were recruited from Prolific and completed self‐report measures assessing past‐month suicidal ideation and multiple sexual minority stressors.

Results

The minority stressors of acceptance concerns, concealment motivation, and difficulty processing one's identity were positively correlated with likelihood of past‐month suicidal deation. Age moderated the relationship between two minority stressors and suicidal ideation: identity uncertainty and internalized homonegativity. These relationships were only significant among older adults, compared to middle‐age and younger adults.

Conclusion

Specific internalized minority stressors about one's sexual identity were significantly associated with past‐month suicidal ideation for older adults. More research is needed on how minority stress impacts recent suicidal ideation for sexual minority adults across the lifespan.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in Mexico City
Authors: Martinez‐Rivera Nancy , Franco Daniel , Acosta‐Maldonado Brenda L. , Alatorre‐Fernandez Pamela , Islas‐Muñoz Beda , Perez‐Jimenez Carolina , Martin‐Onraet Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are among patients with highest risk of adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outcomes.

Objective

We compared clinical outcomes in post‐HSCT patients with COVID‐19 before and during the Omicron period.

Study Design

This was a retrospective study including patients post‐HSCT with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection from April 2020 to March 2023 at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City. We describe their clinical characteristics and report the variables associated with severe clinical disease, hospitalization, and death.

Results

Fifty‐three patients were included; 31 (58.5%) from the pre‐Omicron period and 22 (41.5%) from the Omicron period. Median age was 42‐years old (interquartile range 26–53), and 31 patients (59%) were men. Only four patients (16%) had received a vaccine prior to COVID‐19 diagnosis in the pre‐Omicron period versus 20 (91%) in the Omicron period (p < 0.001). COVID‐19 severe cases were more common before Omicron: seven patients (23%) versus two patients (9%). Only one patient (3%) received an antiviral in the pre‐Omicron period compared to 11 patients (50%) during the Omicron period (p < 0.01). COVID‐19‐associated mortality was almost double in the pre‐Omicron period (16% vs. 9%, p = 0.6).

Conclusions

This study reports patients with a high proportion of severe outcomes during the first 2 years of the pandemic. Outcomes improved during Omicron with better access to vaccines and antivirals and no in‐hospital cases. Variables associated with worse outcomes were similar to other reports. Strengthening infection control measures in the hospital and better access to preventive strategies and therapeutic options are mandatory in these high‐risk patients.

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Nutri‐cereal tissue‐specific transcriptome atlas during development: Functional integration of gene expression to identify mineral uptake pathways in little millet (Panicum sumatrense)
Authors: Pahari Shankar , Vaid Neha , Soolanayakanahally Raju , Kagale Sateesh , Pasha Asher , Esteban Eddi , Provart Nicholas , Stobbs Jarvis A. , Vu Miranda , Meira Debora , Karunakaran Chithra , Boda Praveen , Prasannakumar Mothukapalli K. , Nagaraja Alur , Jain Ashwani Kumar
Published: April 2024

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth ex Roem. & Schult.) is an essential minor millet of southeast Asia and Africa's temperate and subtropical regions. The plant is stress‐tolerant, has a short life cycle, and has a mineral‐rich nutritional profile associated with unique health benefits. We report the developmental gene expression atlas of little millet (genotype JK‐8) from ten tissues representing different stages of its life cycle, starting from seed germination and vegetative growth to panicle maturation. The developmental transcriptome atlas led to the identification of 342 827 transcripts. The BUSCO analysis and comparison with the transcriptomes of related species confirm that this study presents high‐quality, in‐depth coverage of the little millet transcriptome. In addition, the eFP browser generated here has a user‐friendly interface, allowing interactive visualizations of tissue‐specific gene expression. Using these data, we identified transcripts, the orthologs of which in Arabidopsis and rice are involved in nutrient acquisition, transport, and response pathways. The comparative analysis of the expression levels of these transcripts holds great potential for enhancing the mineral content in crops, particularly zinc and iron, to address the issue of “hidden hunger” and to attain nutritional security, making it a valuable asset for translational research.
Hybrid Analytical-Numerical Modeling of Surface Geometry Evolution and Deposition Integrity in a Multi-Track Laser-Directed Energy Deposition Process
Authors: Vundru Chaitanya , Ghosh Gourhari , Singh Ramesh
Published: April 2024

Modeling multitrack laser-directed energy deposition (LDED) is different from single-track deposition. There is a temporal variation in the deposition geometry and integrity in a multitrack deposition, which is not well understood. This article employs an analytical model for power attenuation and powder catchment in the melt pool in conjunction with a robust fully coupled metallurgical-thermomechanical finite element (FE) model iteratively to simulate the multitrack deposition. The novel hybrid analytical–numerical approach incorporates the effect of preexisting tracks on melt pool formation, powder catchment, geometry evolution, dilution, residual stress, and defect generation. CPM 9V steel powder was deposited on the H13 tool steel substrate for validating the model. The deposition height is found to be a function of the track sequence but reaches a steady-state height after a finite number of tracks. The height variation determines the waviness of the deposited surface and, therefore, the effective layer height. The inter-track spacing (I) plays a vital role in steady-state height evolution. A larger value of I facilitates faster convergence to the steady-state height but increases the surface waviness. The FE model incorporates the effects of differential thermal contraction, volume dilation, and transformation-induced plasticity. It predicts the deposition geometry and integrity as a function of inter-track spacing and powder feed rate. The insufficient remelting of the substrate or the preceding track can induce defects. A method to predict and mitigate these defects has also been presented in this article.
The Size and Charge Effect of Pt Cluster on the Electrocatalytic Activity Toward the First Step of Dehydrogenation of Methanol
Authors: Tong Yong-Chun , Wang Qing-Yun , Hu Yu-Jie , Shi Zhi-Juan , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2024

The O–H/C–H scission of methanol on Pt clusters is a crucial step in direct methanol fuel cells applications. The first dehydrogenation process of methanol on Ptnq clusters (n = 5, 13, 19; q = 0, +1, −1) in various charge states is studied. Our findings indicate that methanol adsorbs more easily on cationic Ptn+ than on neutral Ptn or anionic Ptn−. However, the adsorption capacity of methanol on Ptnq gradually decreases with increasing cluster size, especially for CH3OH on Ptn+, which decreases significantly (from −57.61 kcal/mol to −16.41 kcal/mol). Compared with Ptn and Ptn+, the energy barrier of O–H/C–H bond cleavage is significantly reduced by injecting an electron into Ptn to form Ptn−, and the activity of the catalyst is improved. However, the energy barrier of O–H/C–H cleavage increases gradually with cluster size, leading to a decrease in catalytic activity. The effect of charge weakens as cluster size increases, and small clusters with injected electrons exhibit better catalytic activity.