bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovators and Transformers Revisiting the gap between academia and practice: insights from the green logistics phenomenon
Authors: Jazairy Amer , Pohjosenperä Timo , Prataviera Lorenzo Bruno , Juntunen Jouni
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Logistics and supply chain management (L&SCM) scholars and practitioners have devoted extensive efforts to advancing green logistics practices (GLPs), yet the intersection between the two domains in relation to the topic remains underexplored. To accelerate GLPs’ development amid the escalating climate crisis, this research examines this intersection by comparing the responsiveness of academia and practice to the call for green logistics over time.

Design/methodology/approach

To compare between academia and practice, we combined a systematic literature review on the development of GLPs in L&SCM journals (N = 122) with a content analysis of annual and sustainability reports published by the four major global logistics service providers (LSPs: DHL, DB Schenker, UPS and FedEx; N = 156) over the past three decades.

Findings

This research reveals that all the GLPs covered in the L&SCM literature have already been applied and reported by practitioners, both consistently and over a significant period of time. Academic progress, in turn, is delayed by slow-paced empirical methods, elevated research quality standards, prolonged funding and recruitment processes, and extended peer-review intervals. Further, a tendency toward reactive knowledge creation rather than proactive knowledge transfer is evident, obscuring the role of L&SCM scholars in steering the industry’s green advancement.

Practical implications

Recommendations are offered to L&SCM authors, editors, reviewers and university departments to advance pracademic endeavors in green logistics research and increase its responsiveness to global events.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to scrutinize the intersection between academia and practice on the evolution of GLPs. The revealed gaps prompted us to suggest a transformative paradigm for academia-practice collaborations targeting the L&SCM discipline at large, combining a bold proactive research stream aimed at knowledge transfer with a more traditional reactive stream aimed at knowledge creation.
Analysis of green supply chains under fairness concern and differential power structure
Authors: Ghosh Soumita , Chakraborty Abhishek , Raj Alok
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine how fairness concerns and power structure in dyadic green supply chains impact retail price, supply chain profits and greening level decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops game-theoretic models considering fairness concerns and asymmetric power structures under an iso-elastic demand setting. The research paper employs the Stackelberg game approach, taking into consideration the fairness concern of the channel leader.

Findings

The findings indicate that under fairness, there is an increase in both wholesale and retail prices, as well as greening expenditures. Notably, when comparing the two models (manufacturer Stackelberg and retailer Stackelberg), double marginalization is more pronounced in the retailer Stackelberg setup than in the manufacturer Stackelberg setup. In a traditional supply chain with iso-elastic demand, the follower typically extracts higher profit compared to the leader; however, our results show that, under fairness conditions, the leader achieves higher profit than the follower. Additionally, our study suggests that supply chain coordination is unattainable in a fairness setup. This paper provides insights for managers on the optimal supply chain structure and the level of fairness to maximize profit.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the impact of a leader's fairness on the optimal decisions within a green supply chain, an area that has received limited attention previously. Additionally, the study investigates how fairness concerns manifest in distinct power dynamics, specifically, in the contexts of manufacturer Stackelberg and retailer Stackelberg.
Learn bamboo from bamboo: a kinaesthetic communication approach to curating cultures, crafts, and construction for higher education
Authors: Subasinghe Chamila
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Beyond symptomatic communication barriers between designers and communities, glocal resiliency building (GRB) by intercultural groups often challenges traditional service-learning trajectories. Without ambitious performance hurdles, two higher education institutions from Australia and Thailand built rapport via their shared love for Bamboo to level hierarchies between groups: architects, both social and professional.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used Basho’s “self” – object nexus, as depicted in “Learn Bamboo from Bamboo” Haiku, as a methodology to structure our observations of stakeholders (Haas, 1994). This reflective account, narrated through a tabulated account of iterative engagements among various stakeholders, narrates the metacognitive process of GRB.

Findings

Amidst intercultural communication tensions that could have alienated efforts, Bamboo’s resourcefulness prompted positive stakeholder interactions. Interculturally relatable Bamboo culture could become an effective mode of communication via a synthesis of craft and construction to cultivate culturally intelligent behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

Bamboo was a technology of community that overcame cultural tensions by completing an architectural product.

Originality/value

Despite different languages, work ethics and uneasiness, this activism project sensitised differentiating perspectives to transform traditional knowledge hierarchies to negotiate local know-how. Hence, it highlights activism as a methodology for figuring out the unknown layered in spatial and aspatial attributes of material cultures.
Management’s Gadfly: a critical biography approach to the work of Upton Sinclair
Authors: Zickar Michael J.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the life and work, both fiction and nonfiction, of the American author Upton Sinclair, for the purposes of better understanding his impact on management theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Critical biography is a historiographical approach that analyzes aspects of an individual’s life events and the context that surrounds those events to better understand the contributions of an individual. In this case, this paper analyzes Sinclair’s biography, his work-related fiction and nonfiction and his interactions with business leaders and management thinkers of the day, including scientific management founder Frederick Winslow Taylor, auto industry leader Henry Ford and safety razor magnate King Gillette.

Findings

This paper identified four themes which are related to management and workplace history that pervade his fiction and nonfiction writing and link these events to the events of his life as well as the context of the times.

Originality/value

Although others have cited certain aspects of Sinclair’s work for specific purposes, this paper presents a systematic review of Sinclair’s broad oeuvre and its relevance to management and workplace history using a critical biography approach.
A typology of validity: content, face, convergent, discriminant, nomological and predictive validity
Authors: Lim Weng Marc
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Research serves to elucidate and tackle real-world issues (e.g. capitalizing opportunities and solving problems). Critical to research is the concept of validity, which gauges the extent to which research is adequate and appropriate in representing what it intends to measure and test. In this vein, this article aims to present a typology of validity to aid researchers in this endeavor.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a synthesis approach informed by the 3Es of expertise, experience, and exposure, this article maintains a sharp focus on delineating the concept of validity and presenting its typology.

Findings

This article emphasizes the importance of validity and explains how and when different types of validity can be established. First and foremost, content validity and face validity are prerequisites assessed before data collection, whereas convergent validity and discriminant validity come into play during the evaluation of the measurement model post-data collection, while nomological validity and predictive validity are crucial in the evaluation of the structural model following the evaluation of the measurement model. Additionally, content, face, convergent and discriminant validity contribute to construct validity as they pertain to concept(s), while nomological and predictive validity contribute to criterion validity as they relate to relationship(s). Last but not least, content and face validity are established by humans, thereby contributing to the assessment of substantive significance, whereas convergent, discriminant, nomological and predictive validity are established by statistics, thereby contributing to the assessment of statistical significance.

Originality/value

This article contributes to a deeper understanding of validity’s multifaceted nature in research, providing a practical guide for its application across various research stages.
Does client importance affect key audit matters reporting? New Zealand evidence
Authors: Ji Ruoyu , Li Lina , Li Leonard Leye , Monroe Gary S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relation between a client’s relative economic importance to its auditor and the number of key audit matters (KAMs) reported in the expanded audit report.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors measure a client’s economic importance at the audit firm level as well as the audit partner level using the ratio of a client’s total fees to an auditor’s total fees earned from its listed clients and the ratio of a client’s audit fees to an auditor’s total audit fees from its listed clients. The authors estimate a multivariate regression model using a sample of New Zealand-listed company-years from 2017 to 2019.

Findings

Results reveal a positive relation between client importance to auditor and the number of KAMs disclosed. Furthermore, the positive association between client importance and the number of KAMs reported is more pronounced for clients audited by the Big 4 auditors and less experienced audit partners. These findings suggest that auditors’ incentive to protect against potential losses from important client engagements outweighs any impairment to auditor independence and leads to a higher number of KAMs reported for the economically more important clients. Overall, the results suggest that auditors report KAMs strategically to mitigate engagement risks.

Originality/value

This study provides the first evidence on how client economic importance relates to the disclosure in the expanded audit report and contributes to the dialogue on auditors’ reporting of KAMs in the Asia-Pacific region.
Epizoochorous seed dispersal by two Phasianidae birds: Green pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) and Chinese bamboo partridge (Bambusicola thoracicus)
Authors: Sato Kanon , Goto Yusuke , Koike Shinsuke
Published: July 2024

While diverse animal species have been implicated in epizoochorous seed dispersal, studies specifically focused on bird‐mediated seed dispersal are scarce. We evaluated the potential contribution of two terrestrial birds, green pheasant (Phasianus versicolor) and Chinese bamboo partridge (Bambusicola thoracicus), to epizoochorous seed dispersal using a dummy‐based method. Furthermore, we compared the number of seeds attached to birds and mammals using data from a previous study conducted using the same method, site, and season. The results revealed 435 seeds of four herbaceous species (Achyranthes bidentata, Hylodesmum podocarpum, Oplismenus undulatifolius, and Persicaria filiformis) attached to two bird dummies. All seeds found on birds possessed adhesive appendages such as hooks, bristles, or viscous substances. In addition, the number of attached seeds does not exhibit significant differences between birds and mammals, irrespective of the season or plant species. Our findings provide the first documented evidence of epizoochorous seed dispersal by Phasianidae birds, highlighting the potential redundancy and complementarity between birds and mammals in mediating epizoochory.
Lifetime abortion incidence when abortion care is covered by Medicaid: Maryland versus five comparison states
Authors: Jackson Heide M. , Rendall Michael S.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To estimate the association of Medicaid coverage of abortion care with cumulative lifetime abortion incidence among women insured by Medicaid.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We use 2016–2019 (Pre‐Dobbs) data from the Survey of Women studies that represent women aged 18–44 living in six U.S. states. One state, Maryland, has a Medicaid program that has long covered the cost of abortion care. The other five states, Alabama, Delaware, Iowa, Ohio, and South Carolina, have Medicaid programs that do not cover the cost of abortion care. Our sample includes 8972 women residing in the study states.

Study Design

Our outcome, cumulative lifetime abortion incidence, is identified using an indirect survey method, the double list experiment. We use a multivariate regression of cumulative lifetime abortion on variables including whether women were Medicaid‐insured and whether they were residing in Maryland versus in one of the other five states.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

This study used secondary survey data.

Principal Findings

We estimate that Medicaid coverage of abortion care in Maryland is associated with a 37.0 percentage‐point (95% CI: 12.3–61.4) higher cumulative lifetime abortion incidence among Medicaid‐insured women relative to women not insured by Medicaid compared with those differences by insurance status in states whose Medicaid programs do not cover the cost of abortion care.

Conclusions

We found that Medicaid coverage of abortion care is associated with a much higher lifetime incidence of abortion among individuals insured by Medicaid. We infer that Medicaid coverage of abortion care costs may have a very large impact on the accessibility of abortion care for low‐income women.
Quality assurance and other challenges in paediatric radiotherapy: Accurate delivery of craniospinal radiotherapy
Authors: Salkeld Alison L , Sykes Jonathan , Fernandez John , Murphy Laura , Chard Jennifer , Thwaites David I
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Cranio‐spinal radiotherapy (CSI) is used to treat central nervous system malignancies in paediatric, adolescent/young adult (AYA), and adult patients. Its delivery in the paediatric/AYA population is particularly challenging across different age groups. This study aims to assess the setup variations and dosimetric impact of CSI in paediatric and AYA patients.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included, 10 paediatric and AYA patients (aged 4–25) who underwent volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) CSI between 2016 and 2022. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, prescribed CSI doses, and fractionation details were assessed. CT simulation and treatment planning followed standard protocols with setup errors were quantified by comparing daily treatment setup images with the planned position. The study evaluated the dosimetric impact on target volumes and organs at risk (OARs).

Results

The setup errors were identified, ranging from 0.5 to 6.2 mm in different directions, especially in the cranio‐caudal direction. Despite these variations, there was minimal impact observed on the coverage of clinical target volumes (CTV) and doses to OARs (<1% relative change).

Conclusion

Ensuring precise setup in paediatric and AYA patients undergoing CSI is essential to maintain adequate CTV coverage. Although occasional substantial setup variations occurred during treatment, they had a limited impact on CTV coverage and OAR doses when infrequent. Appropriate planning target volume (PTV) margins can effectively compensate for occasional shifts. However, systematic errors could compromise treatment quality if undetected. Regular off‐line review of patient set‐up trends is recommended.
The effect of tobacco tax increase on price‐minimizing tobacco purchasing behaviours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cho Ara , Lim Carmen , Sun Tianze , Chan Gary , Gartner Coral
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

Tobacco product excise taxes are a cost‐effective method for reducing tobacco consumption, but industry pricing and marketing strategies encourage consumers to engage in price‐minimizing behaviours (PMBs). We investigated the relationship between tobacco tax increases and PMBs, measuring whether PMBs intensify following tax increases, whether low‐income consumers with higher nicotine dependence are more likely to engage in PMBs and whether PMBs are negatively related to smoking cessation.

Method

This was a systematic review with meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies from seven databases up to March 2023, using studies that reported any product‐ and purchasing‐related smoking behaviours post‐tobacco tax increase in a general representative population. Sixty‐eight studies were quality‐assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. All studies were narratively synthesized, with five studies involving 13 068–26 575 participants providing data for pooled analyses on PMBs [purchasing lower‐priced brands, roll‐your‐own (RYO) tobacco and cartons] pre‐ and post‐tax increases using a random effects meta‐analytical model.

Results

Fifty‐seven studies reported on legal PMBs, and 17 studies reported illicit cigarette purchasing. Meta‐analysis showed that consecutive tax increases were positively associated with purchasing RYO [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–2.46], especially in higher tobacco taxing environments, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). Lower income and higher nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing lower‐priced brands and RYO, whereas higher income and nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing cartons, large‐sized packs and cross‐border sales. Less evidence associated illicit tobacco purchases with tax increases or PMBs with smoking cessation.

Conclusions

Tobacco purchasers’ PMBs vary widely by state, country and time‐period within countries. Both legal and illegal PMBs, potentially influenced by industry pricing tactics, may exacerbate health inequalities and dilute the public health benefits of tobacco tax increases.
Prevalence of fetal anomalies, stillbirth, neonatal morbidity, or mortality in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Viana Pinto Pedro , Kawka‐Paciorkowska Katarzyna , Morlando Maddalena , Huras Hubert , Kołak Magdalena , Bertholdt Charline , Jaworowski Andrzej , Braun Thorsten , Fox Karin A. , Morel Olivier , Paping Alexander , Stefanovic Vedran , Mhallem Mina , Van Beekhuizen Heleen J. ,   IS‐PAS group
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS) lead to major complications in pregnancy. While the maternal morbidity associated with PAS is well known, there is less information regarding neonatal morbidity in this setting.

The aim of this study is to describe the neonatal outcomes (fetal malformations, neonatal morbidity, twin births, stillbirth, and neonatal death), using an international multicenter database of PAS cases.

Material and Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study based on prospectively collected cases, using the international multicenter database of the International Society for PAS, carried out between January 2020 and June 2022 by 23 centers with experience in PAS care. All PAS cases were included, regardless of whether singleton or multiple pregnancies and were managed in each center according to their own protocols. Data were collected via chart review. Local Ethical Committee approval and Data Use Agreements were obtained according to local policies.

Results

There were 315 pregnancies eligible for inclusion, with 12 twin pregnancies, comprising 329 fetuses/newborns; 2 cases were excluded due to inconsistency of data regarding fetal abnormalities. For the calculation of neonatal morbidity and mortality, all elective pregnancy terminations were excluded, hence 311 pregnancies with 323 newborns were analyzed. In our cohort, 3 neonates (0.93%) were stillborn; of the 320 newborns delivered, there were 10 cases (3.13%) of neonatal death. The prevalence of major congenital malformations was 4.64% (15/323 newborns), most commonly, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract malformations. The overall prevalence of major neonatal morbidity in pregnancies complicated by PAS was 47/311 (15.1%). There were no stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or fetal malformations in reported twin gestations.

Conclusions

Although some outcomes may be too rare to detect within our cohort and data should be interpreted with caution, our observational data supports reassuring neonatal outcomes for women with PAS.
Post‐cardiotomy extracorporeal life support: A cohort of cannulation in the general ward
Authors: Bari Gabor , Mariani Silvia , van Bussel Bas C. T. , Ravaux Justine , Di Mauro Michele , Schaefer Anne , Khalil Jawad , Pozzi Matteo , Botta Luca , Pacini Davide , Boeken Udo , Samalavicius Robertas , Bounader Karl , Hou Xiaotong , Bunge Jeroen J. H. , Buscher Hergen , Salazar Leonardo , Meyns Bart , Mazeffi Michael , Matteucci Sacha , Sponga Sandro , MacLaren Graeme , Russo Claudio , Formica Francesco , Sakiyalak Pranya , Fiore Antonio , Camboni Daniele , Raffa Giuseppe Maria , Diaz Rodrigo , Wang I‐wen , Jung Jae‐Seung , Belohlavek Jan , Pellegrino Vin , Bianchi Giacomo , Pettinari Matteo , Barbone Alessandro , Garcia José P. , Shekar Kiran , Whitman Glenn , Lorusso Roberto ,   the PELS Investigators
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Post‐cardiotomy extracorporeal life support (ECLS) cannulation might occur in a general post‐operative ward due to emergent conditions. Its characteristics have been poorly reported and investigated This study investigates the characteristics and outcomes of adult patients receiving ECLS cannulation in a general post‐operative cardiac ward.

Methods

The Post‐cardiotomy Extracorporeal Life Support (PELS) is a retrospective (2000–2020), multicenter (34 centers), observational study including adult patients who required ECLS for post‐cardiotomy shock. This PELS sub‐analysis analyzed patients´ characteristics, in‐hospital outcomes, and long‐term survival in patients cannulated for veno‐arterial ECLS in the general ward, and further compared in‐hospital survivors and non‐survivors.

Results

The PELS study included 2058 patients of whom 39 (1.9%) were cannulated in the general ward. Most patients underwent isolated coronary bypass grafting (CABG, n = 15, 38.5%) or isolated non‐CABG operations (n = 20, 51.3%). The main indications to initiate ECLS included cardiac arrest (n = 17, 44.7%) and cardiogenic shock (n = 14, 35.9%). ECLS cannulation occurred after a median time of 4 (2–7) days post‐operatively. Most patients' courses were complicated by acute kidney injury (n = 23, 59%), arrhythmias (n = 19, 48.7%), and postoperative bleeding (n = 20, 51.3%). In‐hospital mortality was 84.6% (n = 33) with persistent heart failure (n = 11, 28.2%) as the most common cause of death. No peculiar differences were observed between in‐hospital survivors and nonsurvivors.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that ECLS cannulation due to post‐cardiotomy emergent adverse events in the general ward is rare, mainly occurring in preoperative low‐risk patients and after a postoperative cardiac arrest. High complication rates and low in‐hospital survival require further investigations to identify patients at risk for such a complication, optimize resources, enhance intervention, and improve outcomes.
Cytochrome P450 2J2 is required for the natural compound austocystin D to elicit cancer cell toxicity
Authors: Kojima Yukiko , Fujieda Saki , Zhou Liya , Takikawa Masahiro , Kuramochi Kouji , Furuya Toshiki , Mizumoto Ayaka , Kagaya Noritaka , Kawahara Teppei , Shin‐ya Kazuo , Dan Shingo , Tomida Akihiro , Ishikawa Fuyuki , Sadaie Mahito
Published: July 2024

Austocystin D is a natural compound that induces cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenase‐dependent DNA damage and growth inhibition in certain cancer cell lines. Cancer cells exhibiting higher sensitivity to austocystin D often display elevated CYP2J2 expression. However, the essentiality and the role of CYP2J2 for the cytotoxicity of this compound remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that CYP2J2 depletion alleviates austocystin D sensitivity and DNA damage induction, while CYP2J2 overexpression enhances them. Moreover, the investigation into genes involved in austocystin D cytotoxicity identified POR and PGRMC1, positive regulators for CYP activity, and KAT7, a histone acetyltransferase. Through genetic manipulation and analysis of multiomics data, we elucidated a role for KAT7 in CYP2J2 transcriptional regulation. These findings strongly suggest that CYP2J2 is crucial for austocystin D metabolism and its subsequent cytotoxic effects. The potential use of austocystin D as a therapeutic prodrug is underscored, particularly in cancers where elevated CYP2J2 expression serves as a biomarker.
Heterogeneous impact of cost of carry on corporate money demand
Authors: Movaghari Hadi , Sermpinis Georgios
Published: July 2024

Transaction cost model predicts opportunity costs should negatively affect money demand. Examining the effect of cost of carry (CC) on cash holdings at the firm‐level, rather the average effect for entire population, we find that such a pervasive negative relation does not hold in times of low interest rate with about a 10% chance of observing positive effects. Firm size emerges as the primary driver of this heterogeneity, demonstrating a hump‐shaped effect on the cash‐CC link. Our findings suggest that policymakers should track the distributional impacts of opportunity cost of money demand over time to better evaluation of monetary policy.
Ultrasonography of the suspensory ligament branches in yearling and 2‐year‐old Thoroughbred sales horses: Prevalence, progression of findings and associations with racing performance
Authors: Peat Frances J. , Kawcak Christopher E. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Berk Jeffrey T. , Keenan David P. , Selberg Kurt T. , Ojeda Alejandro
Published: July 2024

Background

Equine suspensory ligament branch (branch) ultrasonography is becoming increasingly commonplace presale. No ultrasonographical branch reference data exists for Thoroughbred sales horses.

Objectives

To define the prevalence of ultrasonographical findings in the forelimb suspensory branches of yearling and 2‐year‐old sales Thoroughbreds and to analyse associations with racing performance. To track changes in branch findings between 1 and 2 years of age in horses that present for sale at both ages.

Study design

Prospective cohort study using an enrolled sample.

Methods

Horses were enrolled from a 2016 yearling sale and five 2017 2‐year‐old sales with consignor permission. Ultrasonography was performed immediately prior to the sales. Ultrasonographical findings relating to branch size, fibrillar pattern, the presence of hyperechoic foci, periligamentar tissue thickness and the adjacent proximal sesamoid bone surface were examined. Associations with racing performance from 2 to 4 years of age were investigated using multivariate regression analyses. Clinical follow‐up was sought to ascertain why horses that did not race never started.

Results

A total of 593 sales yearlings and 367 2‐year‐olds had forelimb branch ultrasonography performed. Grade ≥2 fibrillar branch change was present in 8.9% of yearlings and 14.4% of 2‐year‐olds. A 0.25 cm increase in branch width was associated with a 49‐day delayed start to racing careers (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 21–77 days). The presence of grade 2 hyperechoic foci was associated with significantly lower total earnings (P = 0.01, 95% CI: $2000–$16 022) and lower earnings per start (P = 0.003, 95% CI: $349–$1718) in United States Dollars. Grade 3 fibrillar branch change had clinically important reductions in the probability of racing, the calibre of racing performance and earnings. Grade 1 fibrillar pattern was associated with significantly higher earnings per start (P = 0.004, 95% CI: $2641–$5759).

Main limitations

The findings are applicable to horses prepared for public auction and deemed fit to be entered for sale. The results may underestimate the proportion of severe lesions in horses not entered for sale.

Conclusions

Reference values specific to young Thoroughbreds have been established. Grade 1 fibrillar branch change should be regarded as an acceptable appearance in sales yearlings and 2‐year‐olds. Approximately one‐third of grade 2 yearling branches progressed to a grade 3 lesion. Evidence of enlarged branch width and grade 2 hyperechoic foci at 2‐year‐old sales constitute a risk to racing performance.
LGBTQ+ affirming practices for family court professionals
Authors: Stahl Rebecca M.
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on the current issues faced by LGBTQ+ clients in family court cases. The paper proceeds in three parts. It first focuses on the specific issues that relate to LGBTQ+ people in the family court system and why they remain relevant despite the many advancements for LGBTQ+ people in recent years. The paper addresses what is unique about the legal system and how it can seem more accepting than it is. Finally, the paper addresses specific ways lawyers, judges, and forensic evaluators can support LGBTQ+ people in the family court system from the first moment people enter their office or courtroom. Overall, the goal of the article is to provide context for why it is important for family court professionals to be LGBTQ+ affirming and to provide specific ways to do so.
Microplastic pollution promotes soil respiration: A global‐scale meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao Shuling , Rillig Matthias C. , Bing Haijian , Cui Qingliang , Qiu Tianyi , Cui Yongxing , Penuelas Josep , Liu Baiyan , Bian Shiqi , Monikh Fazel Abdolahpur , Chen Jing , Fang Linchuan
Published: July 2024

Microplastic (MP) pollution likely affects global soil carbon (C) dynamics, yet it remains uncertain how and to what extent MP influences soil respiration. Here, we report on a global meta‐analysis to determine the effects of MP pollution on the soil microbiome and CO2 emission. We found that MP pollution significantly increased the contents of soil organic C (SOC) (21%) and dissolved organic C (DOC) (12%), the activity of fluorescein diacetate hydrolase (FDAse) (10%), and microbial biomass (17%), but led to a decrease in microbial diversity (3%). In particular, increases in soil C components and microbial biomass further promote CO2 emission (25%) from soil, but with a much higher effect of MPs on these emissions than on soil C components and microbial biomass. The effect could be attributed to the opposite effects of MPs on microbial biomass vs. diversity, as soil MP accumulation recruited some functionally important bacteria and provided additional C substrates for specific heterotrophic microorganisms, while inhibiting the growth of autotrophic taxa (e.g., Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria). This study reveals that MP pollution can increase soil CO2 emission by causing shifts in the soil microbiome. These results underscore the potential importance of plastic pollution for terrestrial C fluxes, and thus climate feedbacks.
Tree species explain only half of explained spatial variability in plant water sensitivity
Authors: Konings Alexandra G. , Rao Krishna , McCormick Erica L. , Trugman Anna T. , Williams A. Park , Diffenbaugh Noah S. , Yebra Marta , Zhao Meng
Published: July 2024

Spatiotemporal patterns of plant water uptake, loss, and storage exert a first‐order control on photosynthesis and evapotranspiration. Many studies of plant responses to water stress have focused on differences between species because of their different stomatal closure, xylem conductance, and root traits. However, several other ecohydrological factors are also relevant, including soil hydraulics, topographically driven redistribution of water, plant adaptation to local climatic variations, and changes in vegetation density. Here, we seek to understand the relative importance of the dominant species for regional‐scale variations in woody plant responses to water stress. We map plant water sensitivity (PWS) based on the response of remotely sensed live fuel moisture content to variations in hydrometeorology using an auto‐regressive model. Live fuel moisture content dynamics are informative of PWS because they directly reflect vegetation water content and therefore patterns of plant water uptake and evapotranspiration. The PWS is studied using 21,455 wooded locations containing U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis plots across the western United States, where species cover is known and where a single species is locally dominant. Using a species‐specific mean PWS value explains 23% of observed PWS variability. By contrast, a random forest driven by mean vegetation density, mean climate, soil properties, and topographic descriptors explains 43% of observed PWS variability. Thus, the dominant species explains only 53% (23% compared to 43%) of explainable variations in PWS. Mean climate and mean NDVI also exert significant influence on PWS. Our results suggest that studies of differences between species should explicitly consider the environments (climate, soil, topography) in which observations for each species are made, and whether those environments are representative of the entire species range.
A numerical oxidation model for SiC‐coated thermal protection systems in hypersonic applications
Authors: Le Maout Vincent , Yang Yosheph , You Hojun , Kim Jae Gang
Published: July 2024

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a widely used component for thermal protection system (TPS) design. This material is often used either as a coating layer to protect beneath carbon‐based material against oxidation or as a ceramic matrix for composite materials used in the hypersonic leading edges. A numerical equilibrium model for SiC‐coated material ablation is developed in this study to compute the material response of coated TPS in hypersonic relevant aerothermal environment. The developed model is based on an equilibrium approach similar to the carbon graphite oxidation framework for ablative charring materials. The equilibrium wall composition is calculated based on the minimization of the Gibbs free energy. The proposed method can capture numerically the transition from passive to active oxidation while maintaining a low computational cost and good numerical stability. Implementation of the model in the Porous Material Analysis Toolbox based on OpenFOAM code permits to compare against previous literature test cases. By comparing the surface temperature obtained from the model with the experimental data, it is observed that the numerical model gives a good estimation providing accurate surface temperature prediction.
Sexual dimorphism in the dwarf round ray Urotrygon nana
Authors: Guzmán‐Castellanos Ana Bricia , Cervantes‐Hernández Pedro , Ramírez‐Chávez Eduardo Juventino , Martínez Reyes Vanessa , Torres‐Huerta Ana María
Published: July 2024

This paper presents information on the morphological, morphometric, and dental sex differences in the dwarf round ray Urotrygon nana. We recorded 12 morphological traits, sex, the distribution pattern of dermal denticles, the number of tooth rows, and the tooth shape of 466 individuals. The disc width of females ranged from 50 to 172 mm and that of males ranged from 53 to 135 mm. A neuronal classification model and a correspondence analysis showed that female disc width was 21.5% broader, and the distance from the rostrum to the anus was 17.7% longer than that of males, whereas males presented 19.5% greater distance between the nostrils, 9.7% greater preorbital snout length, 6.8% greater cloaca to caudal‐fin length, 2.7% greater interorbital distance, and 1.1% greater total length than females. The disc of adult males, including the abdominal cavity area, was densely covered with dermal denticles, which were slightly larger than those observed in females. Females presented homodont dentition with molariform teeth and a smooth lozenge‐shaped crown with rounded margins. Males exhibited homodonty but with tooth morphology variations in individuals of different sizes (from molariforms to sharper cusp teeth). There were changes in disc shape (from subcircular to oval), distribution and size of dermal denticles (more abundant and larger), and tooth shape (from molariform to monocuspid teeth) during male development, from neonates to adults. U. nana exhibited sexual dimorphism in size, disc shape, number and shape of teeth, and distribution and size of dermal denticles.
Fish 3D Locomotion app: a user‐friendly computer application package for automatic data calculation and endpoint extraction for novel tank behavior in fish
Authors: Luong Cao Thang , Audira Gilbert , Kurnia Kevin Adi , Hung Chih‐Hsin , Hsiao Chung‐Der
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces the Fish 3D Locomotion app (F3LA), a Python‐based, Graphical User Interface (GUI)‐equipped tool designed to automate behavioral endpoint extraction in zebrafish locomotion assays. Building on our previous work, which utilized a specialized aquatic tank with a mirror and a single camera for fish movement tracking in three dimensions, F3LA significantly enhances data processing efficiency. Its accuracy was tested by reanalyzing and comprehensively comparing the calculated data with the previously published data from prior publications. From the comparison results, 90% of endpoints showed a similar statistical difference result. These minor differences were due to the different starting points for the dataset and updated calculation formulas that are implemented in F3LA. In addition, shoaling area or shoaling volume calculations are also included in F3LA as a new feature that can serve as sensitive indicators of social cohesion, group dynamics, or stress responses, offering insights into neuropsychological conditions or the effects of pharmacological interventions. Furthermore, F3LA offers a marked improvement over manual operations, being at least five times faster, while maintaining consistent accuracy as it reduces human‐induced errors, ensuring a higher degree of reliability in the results. Finally, the potency of F3LA was tested to evaluate the toxicities of 14 rare earth elements (REEs) to the adult zebrafish behaviors. Based on the results, our findings suggested that each tested REE altered fish behaviors in different patterns and magnitudes to each other. However, among the tested light rare earth elements (LREEs), neodymium was demonstrated to cause more relatively severe behavior alterations than other LREEs, indicated by the statistically higher value of entropy (0.2695 ± 0.04977 (mean with a standard deviation)) than the control group (0.2352 ± 0.05896). Meanwhile, in terms of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), erbium seemed to lead to more distinct behavior toxicities than other HREEs, which was shown by the statistically lower level of fractal dimension (2.022 ± 0.3412) than the untreated group (2.255 ± 0.1661). Taken together, F3LA's development marks a significant advance in high‐throughput toxicological and pharmacological assessments in zebrafish, leveraging three‐dimensional locomotion data for a more comprehensive analysis of fish behavior performance, providing a significant contribution to research in various fields.
Nurse judgements of hospitalized patients' safety concerns are affected by patient, nurse and event characteristics: A factorial survey experiment
Authors: Groves Patricia S. , Farag Amany , Perkhounkova Yelena , Sabin Janice A. , Witry Matthew J. , Wright Brad
Published: July 2024

Aim

To test the influences of patient, safety event and nurse characteristics on nurse judgements of credibility, importance and intent to report patients' safety concerns.

Design

Factorial survey experiment.

Methods

A total of 240 nurses were recruited and completed an online survey including demographic information and responses to eight factorial vignettes consisting of unique combinations of eight patient and event factors. Hierarchical multivariate analysis was used to test influences of vignette factors and nurse characteristics on nurse judgements.

Results

The intraclass coefficients for nurse judgements suggest that the variation among nurses exceeded the influence of contextual vignette factors. Several significant sources of nurse variation were identified, including race/ethnicity, suggesting a complex relationship between nurses' characteristics and their potential biases, and the influence of personal and patient factors on nurses' judgements, including the decision to report safety concerns.

Conclusion

Nurses are key players in the system to manage patient safety concerns. Variation among nurses and how they respond to scenarios of patient safety concerns highlight the need for nurse‐level intervention.

Implications for the Profession and Patient Care

Complex factors influence nurses' judgement, interpretation and reporting of patients' safety concerns.

Impact

Understanding nurse judgement regarding patient‐expressed safety concerns is critical for designing processes and systems that promote reporting. Multiple event and patient characteristics (type of event and apparent harm, and patient gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and communication approach) as well as participant characteristics (race/ethnicity, gender, years of experience and primary hospital area) impacted participants' judgements of credibility, degree of concern and intent to report. These findings will help guide patient safety nurse education and training.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

Members of the public, including patient advocates, were involved in content validation of the vignette scenarios, norming photographs used in the factorial survey and testing the survey functionality.
Parametric and non‐parametric measurement of efficiency in hotel industry: A systematic literature review
Authors: Vidali Mara E. , Menegaki Angeliki N. , Ahmad Nisar
Published: July 2024

This paper conducts an extensive systematic literature review on the measurement of efficiency in the hotel sector, which is the cornerstone of tourism. Thus, scrutinizing its performance measurement is vital for the advancement and strategic development of the sector. Exploiting the Scopus database, the paper offers a unique methodology for documenting sample transparency and selection objectivity and can constitute an example for future literature reviews. A range of articles is assessed to discern prevailing trends, key authors, and influential journals. A division of parametric and non‐parametric nature, various efficiency measurement methodologies, the input and output variables, geographical covering as well as various other metrics and benchmarks have been included. The study reveals a predominant focus on technical efficiency and commonly employed input variables such as the number of hotel rooms and employees. The paper suggests future research directions, advocating for a broader exploration of efficiency dimensions, including profit and cost aspects, the integration of emerging variables like digitalization and environmental factors and the use of larger samples. This study provides a comprehensive overview beneficial for academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers, synthesizing a clear orientation in the subject and indicating critical research routes for advancing the field's understanding and practical applications.
Combined MR quantitative susceptibility mapping and multi‐shell diffusion in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Andersson Forsman Oscar , Sjöström Henrik , Svenningsson Per , Granberg Tobias
Published: July 2024

Background and Purpose

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and the g‐ratio have separately shown differences between Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls. The g‐ratio has, however, not been studied in PD in the substantia nigra (SN) and the putamen. A combination of these methods could also potentially be a complementary imaging biomarker for PD. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of QSM, NODDI, the g‐ratio, and a combined QSM‐NODDI imaging marker in the SN and putamen of PD patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, the diagnostic performance of median region of interest values was compared in a cohort of 15 participants with PD and 14 healthy controls after manual segmentation. The diagnostic performance was assessed using the area under curve (AUC) for the receiving operator characteristic.

Results

Median QSM in the contralateral SN identified PD with AUC 0.77, and median isotropic volume fraction identified PD in the ipsilateral SN with AUC 0.68. A combined NODDI‐QSM marker improved diagnostic performance (AUC 0.80). No significant differences were found in the g‐ratio.

Conclusion

A combination of median QSM and median isotropic volume fraction improves the differentiation of PD from healthy controls and is a potential biomarker in the diagnostics of PD. This confirms previously reported results indicating that combining QSM and NODDI modestly improves differentiation of PD.