bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of intraorganizational social capital and perceived organizational support on expatriate job performance: empirical evidence
Authors: Vihari Nitin Simha , Santiago Jesu , Yadav Mohit , Srivastava Anugamini Priya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

An expatriate is a person living outside their native country and is physically mobile across international borders for professional or personal reasons, whether for a short or long time, whether organizationally sponsored or not. In the competitive and globalized world, expatriation helps organizations to sustain international competition. Based on the social capital theory, performance theory and organizational support theory, this study aims to explore the impact of intraorganizational social capital (IOSC) and perceived organizational support (POS) on expatriate job performance (EJP) along with the intervening role of Islamic work ethics (IWE).

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from Expatriate employees working in UAE for at least three years among various knowledge-based industries. A total of 268 filled responses were received using the convenience sampling technique. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that POS and IOSC positively influence most EJP dimensions except demonstrating effect dimension and IWE acts as a partial mediator. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, and the respondents are white color expatriates working in the knowledge-based industries across the United Arab Emirates. Various other business sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, oil and energy can be considered in the study context and longitudinal research designs can be adapted to generalize the findings.

Research limitations/implications

The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, and the respondents are white color expatriates working in the knowledge-based industries across the United Arab Emirates. Various other business sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, oil and energy, can be considered the study context and longitudinal research designs can be adopted to generalize the findings.

Practical implications

Human resource managers need to formulate their company policies so that a recruit is given orientation and training the existing workforce on the benefits of IWE, as it can be seen as developing employee morale and ethical behavior. Onboarding an expat from different regions is an expensive initiative for the organization. The organization should consider both tangible and intangible costs that go into the recruitment, selection and onboarding of an expat.

Originality/value

Very few studies have explored the role of IWE with a second-order EJP construct with the respondents from the knowledge-based industries of the UAE.
Working capital management in competitive market: empirical insights
Authors: Banerjee Pradip , Deb Soumya G.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the relationship between a firm’s effectiveness in managing working capital (WCM), as measured by the cash conversion cycle (CCC), and its exposure to product market competition (PMC).

Design/methodology/approach

Using 85,356 firm-year observations of 9,611 unique firms for the period 1990–2019, from the US, the baseline model assesses the CCC and PMC connection while controlling for multiple firm-level factors. Additional analyses are conducted to control for financial constraints, economic policy uncertainty, and endogeneity.

Findings

An inverse relationship is shown between PMC and CCC, indicating that firms facing increased competition tend to implement more efficient WCM strategies in order to free up scarce resources. In addition, we observe that increased PMC pushes companies to strategically adjust their credit policies, while also improving their administration of payables and inventories, resulting in improved efficiency. Our research highlights that CCC serves as a mediator between PMC and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study enhances comprehension of the impact of PMC on WCM, offering practical recommendations for companies seeking to optimize their strategy in competitive settings.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable insights for managers operating in competitive markets, highlighting the significant influence of working capital on business policies as a response to competition. This study contributes to the existing literature on WCM and PMC by providing guidance to organizations on how to improve their WCM practices, maintain competitiveness, and free up scarce resources.
Enablers for green lean six sigma adoption in the manufacturing industry
Authors: Perez-Burgoin Monserrat , Baez-Lopez Yolanda , Limon-Romero Jorge , Tlapa Diego , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The objective of this article is to identify the relationships between the enablers in the implementation of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) in the Mexican manufacturing industry (MMI).

Design/methodology/approach

To create the survey instrument, the authors did an extensive literature research, which they then applied in the MMI to find the relationships between enablers and their impact on the positive effects of implementing GLSS projects. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), the data were empirically and statistically corroborated. Furthermore, the authors validated the hypotheses that support the research using the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach in SPSS Amos.

Findings

The findings reveal that leadership has a positive impact on social and economic benefits (EcB), as well as an indirect impact on the environmental benefits (EB) of GLSS projects, with organizational involvement (OI) and performance measurement (PM) functioning as mediators.

Practical implications

This study represents an empirical reference for practitioners and researchers pursuing high-quality, low-cost, environmentally and socially sustainable products or processes through the implementation of GLSS projects in the manufacturing industry.

Originality/value

This study provides a statistically validated model using the SEM technique to represent the relationships between GLSS enablers in the MMI.
Strategic internationalization decisions and dynamic capability deployment for the internationally growing firm (IGF)
Authors: Riviere Monica , Andersson Ulf , Bass A. Erin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationship between strategic internationalization decisions and dynamic capabilities deployment for the internationally growing firm (IGF). Dynamic capabilities refer to a firm’s ability to adapt proactively to a changing business environment, emphasizing the importance of “doing the right things” rather than just “doing things right.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature-based, this paper proposes a model that links internationalization decisions and dynamic capabilities deployment, offering valuable insights for both research and practical application.

Findings

The study highlights that the IGF – focused on expansion and growth abroad – faces unique complexities that demand “doing the right things” in terms of strategic internationalization decisions. Three critical organizational capabilities – knowledge transfer, knowledge recombination and learning capabilities – are mechanisms linking strategic internationalization decisions to dynamic capability deployment in the IGF. These organizational capabilities enable the IGF to act entrepreneurially and deploy dynamic capabilities across borders.

Research limitations/implications

The model provides a practical framework illustrating the interconnectedness of strategic internationalization decisions and their combined effects on the ability of IGF to deploy dynamic capabilities to adapt to a changing global environment.

Originality/value

This research addresses a gap in the literature, challenging the conventional assumption that dynamic capabilities precede firms’ decisions to internationalize and that these dynamic capabilities can only be enhanced abroad.
The UK's ‘Safe and Legal’ Humanitarian Routes: from Colonial Ties to Privatising Protection
Authors: Benson Michaela , Sigona Nando , Zambelli Elena
Published: June 2024

In this article, the UK's ‘safe and legal (humanitarian) routes’ are evaluated by examining how they are positioned in the post‐Brexit migration regime, and how these domestic provisions compare to those underwritten by international protections. The Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas)—HK BN(O)s—and Ukraine visa schemes are an area of focus which, combined, account for the vast majority of those arriving in the UK for the purposes of humanitarian protections since Brexit. Despite being formally presented under the same banner, the schemes have significant differences in terms of eligibility criteria, costs, rights and entitlements. Moreover, on closer inspection, while they share an overarching policy vision informed by foreign policy priorities, these new provisions are underpinned by different genealogies and policy logics. While the HK BN(O) scheme is rooted in the tradition of ancestry visas and colonial entanglements and requires that potential beneficiaries pay for protections, the Ukrainian schemes are more closely aligned with recent refugee resettlement schemes and share with them the push towards greater involvement of private and community stakeholders in humanitarian protection.
The dynamics of N6‐methyladenine RNA modification in resistant and susceptible rice varieties responding to rice stem borer damage
Authors: Li Shuai , Tan Xin‐Yang , He Zhen , Shen Chen , Li Ya‐Li , Qin Lang , Zhao Chun‐Qing , Luo Guang‐Hua , Fang Ji‐Chao , Ji Rui
Published: June 2024

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent modification in cellular RNA which orchestrates diverse physiological and pathological processes during stress response. However, the differential m6A modifications that cope with herbivore stress in resistant and susceptible crop varieties remain unclear. Here, we found that rice stem borer (RSB) larvae grew better on indica rice (e.g., MH63, IR64, Nanjing 11) than on japonica rice varieties (e.g., Nipponbare, Zhonghua 11, Xiushui 11). Then, transcriptome‐wide m6A profiling of representative resistant (Nipponbare) and susceptible (MH63) rice varieties were performed using a nanopore direct RNA sequencing approach, to reveal variety‐specific m6A modifications against RSB. Upon RSB infestation, m6A methylation occurred in actively expressed genes in Nipponbare and MH63, but the number of methylation sites decreased across rice chromosomes. Integrative analysis showed that m6A methylation levels were closely associated with transcriptional regulation. Genes involved in herbivorous resistance related to mitogen‐activated protein kinase, jasmonic acid (JA), and terpenoid biosynthesis pathways, as well as JA‐mediated trypsin protease inhibitors, were heavily methylated by m6A, and their expression was more pronounced in RSB‐infested Nipponbare than in RSB‐infested MH63, which may have contributed to RSB resistance in Nipponbare. Therefore, dynamics of m6A modifications act as the main regulatory strategy for expression of genes involved in plant–insect interactions, which is attributed to differential responses of resistant and susceptible rice varieties to RSB infestation. These findings could contribute to developing molecular breeding strategies for controlling herbivorous pests.
Effective exosomes reduction in hypercholesterinemic patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases by lipoprotein apheresis: Exosomes apheresis
Authors: Schröder Sophie , Epple Robert , Fischer Andre , Schettler Volker J. J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been identified as playing a role in atherosclerosis.

Methods

A group of 37 hypercholesterolemic patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and 9 patients requiring hemodialysis (HD) were selected for the study.

Results

EVs were comparably reduced by various LA methods (Thermo: 87.66% ± 3.64, DALI: 87.96% ± 4.81, H.E.L.P.: 83.38% ± 11.98; represented as SEM). However, LDL‐C (66%; 55%; 75%) and Lp(a) (72%; 67%; 79%) were less effectively reduced by DALI. There was no significant difference in the reduction of EVs when comparing different techniques, such as hemoperfusion (DALI; n = 13), a precipitation (H.E.L.P.; n = 5), and a double filtration procedure (Thermofiltration; n = 19). Additionally, no effect of hemodialysis on EVs reduction was found.

Conclusions

The study suggests that EVs can be effectively removed by various LA procedures, and this effect appears to be independent of the specific LA procedure used, as compared to hemodialysis.
Utilizing large language models for EFL essay grading: An examination of reliability and validity in rubric‐based assessments
Authors: Yavuz Fatih , Çelik Özgür , Yavaş Çelik Gamze
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the validity and reliability of generative large language models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT and Google's Bard, in grading student essays in higher education based on an analytical grading rubric. A total of 15 experienced English as a foreign language (EFL) instructors and two LLMs were asked to evaluate three student essays of varying quality. The grading scale comprised five domains: grammar, content, organization, style & expression and mechanics. The results revealed that fine‐tuned ChatGPT model demonstrated a very high level of reliability with an intraclass correlation (ICC) score of 0.972, Default ChatGPT model exhibited an ICC score of 0.947 and Bard showed a substantial level of reliability with an ICC score of 0.919. Additionally, a significant overlap was observed in certain domains when comparing the grades assigned by LLMs and human raters. In conclusion, the findings suggest that while LLMs demonstrated a notable consistency and potential for grading competency, further fine‐tuning and adjustment are needed for a more nuanced understanding of non‐objective essay criteria. The study not only offers insights into the potential use of LLMs in grading student essays but also highlights the need for continued development and research.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard, are known for their ability to generate text that mimics human‐like conversation and writing.

LLMs can perform various tasks, including essay grading.

Intraclass correlation (ICC) is a statistical measure used to assess the reliability of ratings given by different raters (in this case, EFL instructors and LLMs).

What this paper adds

The study makes a unique contribution by directly comparing the grading performance of expert EFL instructors with two LLMs—ChatGPT and Bard—using an analytical grading scale.

It provides robust empirical evidence showing high reliability of LLMs in grading essays, supported by high ICC scores.

It specifically highlights that the overall efficacy of LLMs extends to certain domains of essay grading.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The findings open up potential new avenues for utilizing LLMs in academic settings, particularly for grading student essays, thereby possibly alleviating workload of educators.

The paper's insistence on the need for further fine‐tuning of LLMs underlines the continual interplay between technological advancement and its practical applications.

The results lay down a footprint for future research in advancing the use of AI in essay grading.
Intervenções de esportes modificados para crianças e adolescentes com deficiência: Uma revisão de escopo
Authors: de Sousa Junior Ricardo Rodrigues , Sousa Alice Bustamante , de Lima Arthur Felipe Barroso , de Barros Santos‐Rehder Rebeca , Simão Camila Rocha , Fischer Gabriela , Camargos Ana Cristina Resende , Clutterbuck Georgina L. , Leite Hércules Ribeiro
Published: June 2024

Objetivo

Estabelecer o escopo da literatura sobre intervenção de esportes modificados para crianças e adolescentes com deficiência.

Métodos

Para esta revisão de escopo, os artigos foram selecionados e as características dos estudos foram extraídas. As intervenções de esportes modificados foram descritas quanto à sua estrutura, utilizando os itens do Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR). Os componentes do tratamento foram descritos usando a linguagem do Sistema de Especificação de Tratamento de Reabilitação. Os resultados foram analisados e validados por um grupo de profissionais, utilizando a estratégia de Envolvimento do Público e do Paciente.

Resultados

Doze estudos foram elegíveis para inclusão, investigando intervenções para crianças com transtorno do espectro do autismo, paralisia cerebral e outras condições. A maioria dos estudos apresentou nível de evidência moderado. Os ingredientes ativos foram o treino motor repetido relacionado com o esporte e a introdução à prática esportiva através do mecanismo de “aprendizagem pela ação”. O alvo da intervenção foi a capacidade de execução das habilidades motoras grossas, e os objetivos da intervenção (resultados indiretos) foram a participação em atividades físicas e diferentes funções corporais.

Interpretação

As principais características e estrutura da intervenção, lacunas de pesquisa e um passo‐a‐passo para implementação clínica foram apresentados para melhorar sua compreensão. São necessárias investigações futuras sobre a eficácia das intervenções de esportes modificados com estudos de melhor qualidade, incluindo resultados de participação, e estudos com crianças não deambulantes.

O que este artigo acrescenta

As intervenções de esportes modificados visam o desempenho de habilidades relacionadas ao esporte e visam alcançar a participação em atividades físicas e funções corporais

Essas intervenções incluíram treinamento de habilidades motoras relacionadas ao esporte em grupo e introdução ao esporte em ambientes do mundo real

Eles são oferecidos principalmente para crianças ambulantes com transtorno do espectro do autismo e paralisia cerebral

A maioria dos estudos de intervenção de esportes modificados apresentou nível de evidência moderado
Is our understanding of aquatic ecosystems sufficient to quantify ecologically driven climate feedbacks?
Authors: Selden Corday R. , LaBrie Richard , Ganley Laura C. , Crocker Daniel R. , Peleg Ohad , Perry Danielle C. , Reich Hannah G. , Sasaki Matthew , Thibodeau Patricia S. , Isanta‐Navarro Jana
Published: June 2024

The Earth functions as an integrated system—its current habitability to complex life is an emergent property dependent on interactions among biological, chemical, and physical components. As global warming affects ecosystem structure and function, so too will the biosphere affect climate by altering atmospheric gas composition and planetary albedo. Constraining these ecosystem‐climate feedbacks is essential to accurately predict future change and develop mitigation strategies; however, the interplay among ecosystem processes complicates the assessment of their impact. Here, we explore the state‐of‐knowledge on how ecological and biological processes (e.g., competition, trophic interactions, metabolism, and adaptation) affect the directionality and magnitude of feedbacks between ecosystems and climate, using illustrative examples from the aquatic sphere. We argue that, despite ample evidence for the likely significance of many, our present understanding of the combinatorial effects of ecosystem dynamics precludes the robust quantification of most ecologically driven climate feedbacks. Constraining these effects must be prioritized within the ecological sciences for only by studying the biosphere as both subject and arbiter of global climate can we develop a sufficiently holistic view of the Earth system to accurately predict Earth's future and unravel its past.
Higher education and the life course: Exploring the interactive effects of age and employment status on university graduation
Authors: Sánchez‐Gelabert Albert
Published: June 2024

The recent complexity of the university system, with diverse academic trajectories and varying socio‐demographic characteristics of students, has led to increased access for historically underrepresented students. This has resulted in a rising number of adult learners, students with external responsibilities and individuals returning to education. However, despite this enhanced access, it remains unclear whether it has improved graduation. This uncertainty stems from the fact that students' social circumstances and external responsibilities differ significantly based on when they enter university. From a life course perspective, the aim of this paper is to explore the interactive effects of age at university entrance and employment status on the probability of graduating of an entire cohort of new students who entered the Catalan Higher Education System in 2012 (N = 29,463). The results show an interaction effect between age and employment status on the probability of graduation where working decreases the probability of graduation among students younger than 42 years old. Conversely, the negative impact of employment on university graduation diminishes among students entering university at an older age. This underscores the importance of adopting a life course perspective to comprehend students' educational experiences and outcomes within higher education.
Impact of hormonal therapy on HIV‐1 immune markers in cis women and gender minorities
Authors: Pasin Chloé , Nuñez David Garcia , Kusejko Katharina , Hachfeld Anna , Buvelot Hélène , Cavassini Matthias , Damonti Lauro , Fux Christoph , de Tejada Begoña Martinez , Notter Julia , Trkola Alexandra , Günthard Huldrych F. , Aebi‐Popp Karoline , Kouyos Roger D. , Abela Irene A. ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: June 2024

Background

Although sex hormones are recognized to induce immune variations, the effect of hormonal therapy use on immunity is only poorly understood. Here, we quantified how hormonal therapy use affects HIV‐1 immune markers in cis women (CW) and trans women and non‐binary people (TNBP) with HIV.

Methods

We considered CD4, CD8 and lymphocyte measurements from cis men (CM), CW and TNBP in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. We modelled HIV‐1 markers using linear mixed‐effects models with an interaction between ‘gender’ (CW, TNBP) and ‘hormonal therapy use’ (yes/no). Models were adjusted on age, ethnicity, education level, time since start of antiretroviral therapy and use of intravenous drugs. We assessed the inflammatory effect of hormonal therapy use in 31 TNBP using serum proteomics measurements of 92 inflammation markers.

Results

We included 54 083 measurements from 3092 CW and 83 TNBP, and 147 230 measurements from 8611 CM. Hormonal therapy use increased CD4 count and CD4:CD8 ratio in TNBP more than in CW (pinteraction = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively). TNBP with hormonal therapy use had significantly higher CD4 counts [median = 772 cells/μL, interquartile range (IQR): 520–1006] than without (617 cells/μL, 426–892). This was similar to the effect of CW versus CM on CD4 T cells. Hormonal therapy use did not affect serum protein concentrations in TNBP.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential role of hormonal therapy use in modulating the immune system among other biological and social factors, especially in TNBP with HIV.
English medium instruction, EAP/ESP: Exploring overlap and divergences in research aims
Authors: Macaro Ernesto , Aizawa Ikuya
Published: June 2024

English medium instruction (EMI) is now a well‐established field of education research, yet its distinction from English for academic purposes (EAP) and from English for specific purposes (ESP) remains a subject of debate. This scoping review investigates the overlap and divergences between these fields. As well as using raw data from a previous systematic review of EMI, we identified research questions published in five selected journals between 2017 and 2022: Journal of English for Academic Purposes, English for Specific Purposes, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, Language and Education, and Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development in order to identify the convergence and divergence in academic interest areas. We additionally examined research settings and participants across these studies. Our findings revealed a spectrum of research questions with largely distinct areas of research interest and considerable differences in research settings. This study contributes to the academic discussion by offering a detailed picture of the current research landscape, and suggests not only a need for collaboration between EMI, and EAP/ESP researchers but also a value in maintaining some distinction between the two fields.
A comprehensive analysis of edible and processing quality changes in three whole grain flours induced by dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric cold plasma treatment
Authors: Zhu Yingying , Feng Xuewei , Zhang Jinna , Shen Ruiling , Yao Yang
Published: June 2024

Dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric cold plasma (DBD‐ACP) treatment has been used to reduce microbial contamination on the surface of grains, contributing to improved food safety, however, its effect on the edible and processing of whole grain flours is not totally clear. In this study, the effect of DBD‐ACP (5 W, 0–20 min) on the nutritional, physicochemical and structural properties of whole quinoa (WQ), whole highland barley (WHB) and whole triticale (WT) were evaluated. Results showed that the effect of DBD‐ACP treatment on the nutrient composition of different flours differed between grain types. The total polyphenol content of WQ exhibited the most significant changes after 20 min of treatment, decreasing by 62.98%. In addition, DBD‐ACP treatment increased Thr, Phe and Tyr content and accelerated fat oxidation. The results of in vitro simulated digestion experiments indicated that DBD‐ACP treatment significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the final digestibility of three types of whole grain flours. Besides, 20 min of DBD‐ACP treatment significantly changed the physicochemical properties of samples, evidenced by improved hydration and pasting characteristics, increased water absorption index (WAI) and swelling power (SP) and reduced peak temperature (Tp) and gelatinisation enthalpy (∆Hg), especially in WQ20. Further structural analysis showed that DBD‐ACP treatment caused granule cross‐linking and reduced crystallinity of flours. In conclusion, this experiment provided a theoretical basis for the application of DBD‐ACP in grain processing.
Evidence of dystocia in an oviparous shark
Authors: Wheeler Carolyn R. , Rummer Jodie L.
Published: June 2024

Dystocia, or obstructed labor, is a well‐documented phenomenon in various captive vertebrates, including fish. However, despite the documentation of dystocia in several viviparous (live‐bearing) Chondrichthyan species (i.e., sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras), there are no reports to date of dystocia in any oviparous (egg‐laying) species. Here we present a case of a captive female epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) that demonstrated symptoms of dystocia in a research‐related captive breeding programme. This communication serves as documentation that dystocia can occur in oviparous Chondrichthyans, and this information can help inform researchers and veterinary practitioners for improved care.
Structural and genetic basis for the binding of a mouse monoclonal antibody to Flavobacterium psychrophilum lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Cisar John O. , Wang Xiaocong , Woods Robert J. , Cain Kenneth D. , Wiens Gregory D.
Published: June 2024

A mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb FL100A) previously prepared against Flavobacterium psychrophilum (Fp) CSF259‐93 has now been examined for binding to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of this strain and Fp 950106‐1/1. The corresponding O‐polysaccharides (O‐PS) of these strains are formed by identical trisaccharide repeats composed of l‐Rhamnose (l‐Rha), 2‐acetamido‐2‐deoxy‐l‐fucose (l‐FucNAc) and 2‐acetamido‐4‐R1‐2,4‐dideoxy‐d‐quinovose (d‐Qui2NAc4NR1) where R1 represents a dihydroxyhexanamido moiety. The O‐PS loci of these strains are also identical except for the gene (wzy1 or wzy2) that encodes the polysaccharide polymerase. Accordingly, adjacent O‐PS repeats are joined through d‐Qui2NAc4NR1 and l‐Rha by wzy2‐dependent α(1–2) linkages in Fp CSF259‐93 versus wzy1‐dependent β(1–3) linkages in Fp 950106‐1/1. mAb FL100A reacted strongly with Fp CSF259‐93 O‐PS and LPS but weakly or not at all with Fp 950106‐1/1 LPS and O‐PS. Importantly, it also labelled cell surface blebs on the former but not the latter strain. Additionally, mAb binding was approximately 5‐times stronger to homologous Fp CSF259‐93 LPS than to LPS from a strain with a different R‐group gene. A conformational epitope for mAb FL100A binding was suggested from molecular dynamic simulations of each O‐PS. Thus, Fp CSF259‐93 O‐PS formed a stable well‐defined compact helix in which the R1 groups were displayed in a regular pattern on the helix exterior while unreactive Fp 950106‐1/1 O‐PS adopted a flexible extended linear conformation. Taken together, the findings establish the specificity of mAb FL100A for Wzy2‐linked F. psychrophilum O‐PS and LPS.
Tactile sensory processing deficits in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Falcão Margarida , Monteiro Patricia , Jacinto Luis
Published: June 2024

Altered sensory processing is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5). Although altered responses to tactile stimuli are observed in over 60% of individuals with ASD, the neurobiological basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. ASD has a strong genetic component and genetic mouse models can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tactile abnormalities in ASD. This review critically addresses recent findings regarding tactile processing deficits found in mouse models of ASD, with a focus on behavioral, anatomical, and functional alterations. Particular attention was given to cellular and circuit‐level functional alterations, both in the peripheral and central nervous systems, with the objective of highlighting possible convergence mechanisms across models. By elucidating the impact of mutations in ASD candidate genes on somatosensory circuits and correlating them with behavioral phenotypes, this review significantly advances our understanding of tactile deficits in ASD. Such insights not only broaden our comprehension but also pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.

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Special Issue on Realist Complexity: An Introduction
Authors: Knio Karim
Published: June 2024

This special issue was based on a flagship panel of the 2022 International Association for Critical Realism (IACR) annual conference held at the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague on realist complexity. The aim of this special issue is to capture and specify what Critical Realism (CR) can contribute to the literature on complexity. Against the background of previous attempts that have subsequently coalesced the two under the rubric of ‘Complex Realism’, the primary objective here takes stock of the various analytical shortcomings of ‘Complex Realism’ and aims instead to understand how CR scholars analytically treat complexity. Put differently, the contributors of this special issue problematize the amalgam between CR and complexity evident in ‘Complex Realism’ and ask instead how CR deals with complexity (Realist Complexity). In so doing, they present a variety of arguments and approaches which will be dealt with below. The next section will provide a short background on the origins of complexity sciences before it highlights both the tents and shortcoming of Complex Realism. The final section will provide a summary of all key contributors of this special issue.
Condensation of refractory minerals on igneous compact type A Ca‐Al‐rich inclusion from Northwest Africa 7865 CV chondrite
Authors: Suzumura Akimasa , Kawasaki Noriyuki , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Itoh Shoichi
Published: June 2024

A melilite‐rich, compact type A Ca‐Al‐rich inclusion (CAI), KU‐N‐02, from the reduced CV3 chondrite Northwest Africa 7865, is mantled by an åkermanite‐poor layer. We carried out a combined study of petrographic observations and in situ O and Al–Mg isotopic measurements for KU‐N‐02. The core shows a typical texture of igneous compact type A CAIs. The mantle consists of spinel, åkermanite‐poor melilite, and perovskite. Individual mantle melilite crystals show reverse zoning toward the crystal grain boundary, in contrast to core melilite crystals showing normal zoning. The O isotopic compositions of the minerals in KU‐N‐02 plot along the carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral line on a three O‐isotope diagram. The mantle and core spinel crystals are uniformly 16O‐rich (Δ17O ~ −23‰). The mantle melilite crystals exhibit variable O isotopic compositions ranging between Δ17O ~ −2‰ and −9‰, in contrast to the uniformly 16O‐poor (Δ17O ~ −2‰) core melilite. The mantle melilite crystals also exhibit variable δ25Mg values (δ25MgDSM‐3 ~ −2‰ to +3‰) compared with the nearly constant δ25Mg values of the core melilite (δ25MgDSM‐3 ~ +2‰). The mantle minerals are likely to have formed by condensation from the solar nebular gas after core formation. The Al–Mg mineral isochrons of the core and mantle give initial 26Al/27Al ratios of (4.66 ± 0.15) × 10−5 and (4.74 ± 0.14) × 10−5, respectively. The age difference between the core and mantle formation is estimated to be within ~0.05 Myr, implying that both melting and condensation processes in the variable O isotopically solar nebular environments occurred within a short time during single CAI formation.
Obinutuzumab in untreated primary membranous nephropathy: An observational case series
Authors: Hao Jinling , Wang Jing , Zhou Pan , Xu Rong , Chen Xiaoli
Published: June 2024

Background

As an initial treatment for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), there remains a significant proportion of patients for whom rituximab is not fully effective. Here, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of obinutuzumab as initial treatment in patients with PMN.

Methods

In this observational case series, patients diagnosed with PMN and treated with obinutuzumab as initial treatment were included. Treatment response was assessed by 24‐h urine total protein (24 h UTP) and serum albumin, and immunologic remission was assessed by phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies.

Results

Twelve patients with PMN receiving obinutuzumab as initial treatment were included. Over 6 months, a statistically significant reduction in 24 h UTP levels (p = 0.003) and an increase in serum albumin levels were observed (p < 0.001). By the 6‐month follow‐up, two patients (16.7%) achieved complete remission, eight (66.6%) reached partial remission, and two (16.7%) showed no remission. Immunological remission was observed in 44.4% of evaluable patients (n = 9) after 3 months, increasing to 100% (6/6) at 6 months. Except for cases 1, 2, and 3, the total B cell counts in the remaining patients fell to less than 5 cells/μL before the administration of the second dose of obinutuzumab, including seven patients with counts as low as 0 cells/μL. Mild to moderate treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported in 58.3% (7/12) of the patients. No serious TRAEs were reported.

Conclusions

Obinutuzumab demonstrates promising potential as an initial treatment for PMN, with good effectiveness and a manageable safety profile. Further large‐scale prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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A new species of Bistorta (Polygonaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Das Monalisa , Dash Sudhansu Sekhar
Published: June 2024

The new species Bistorta arunachalensis (Polygonaceae) is described and illustrated from Arunachal Pradesh, India. A detailed description, photographs, comparison of morphological characteristics with closely allied species and a diagnostic key to the Indian species of Bistorta are provided for easy identification.
Examining expert views on maternal mortality in Turkey: A qualitative study
Authors: Yüksel‐Kaptanoğlu İlknur , Keskin Faruk , Yayla Zehra , Koyuncu Yaser , Barkçin E. Mümine , Güneş Kardelen , Koç İsmet
Published: June 2024

Background

Maternal mortality ratio is one of the significant indicators of a country's healthcare quality and development. In recent years, Türkiye has made significant advancements in maternal and child health services. However, it has been discussed that stagnation has been observed in recent years, and the migration from Syria and the COVID‐19 pandemic have significantly overshadowed this success. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current situation of the maternal mortality level in the country based on the experiences and views of experts working in this area.

Methods

Key informant interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of academics, representatives of public institutions, and NGOs to understand the mechanisms of success in maternal mortality in the 1990s. Thematic analysis was used to understand the reasons for the stagnation of the decline in maternal mortality and to develop recommendations for reducing maternal mortality.

Results

Twenty‐five key informant interviews were conducted. Positive developments contributing to the success of maternal mortality, problems and obstacles hindering further progress and suggestions/recommendations are the themes of this research. The key informants highlighted the health transformation policies, the lack of data on the impact of COVID‐19, recent migration on maternal mortality, inadequate education and training on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), the absence of rights‐based policies, and gender equality as critical issues in current policies.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this study underline the importance of the availability, accessibility, and quality of SRH services and empowering women, girls, families, and communities to eliminate preventable maternal mortality levels.
Rhizophagus irregularis and biochar can synergistically improve the physiological characteristics of saline‐alkali resistance of switchgrass
Authors: Wen Yuqiang , Shi Feng , Zhang Bo , Li Kun , Chang Wei , Fan Xiaoxu , Dai Chang Lei , Song Fuqiang
Published: June 2024

Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or biochar (BC) application can improve photosynthesis and promote plant growth under saline‐alkali stress. However, little is known about the effects of the two combined on growth and physiological characteristics of switchgrass under saline‐alkali stress. This study examined the effects of four treatments: (1) no AMF inoculation and no biochar addition (control), (2) biochar (BC) alone, (3) AMF (Rhizophagus irregularis, Ri) alone, and (4) the combination of both (BC+Ri) on the plant biomass, antioxidant enzymes, chlorophyll, and photosynthetic parameters of switchgrass under saline‐alkali stress. The results showed that the above‐ground, belowground and total biomass of switchgrass in the BC+Ri treatment group was significantly higher (+136.7%, 120.2% and 132.4%, respectively) than in other treatments compared with Control. BC+Ri treatment significantly increased plant leaves' relative chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activity, and photosynthesis parameters. It is worth noting that the transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, PSII efficiency and other photosynthetic‐related indexes of the BC+Ri treatment group were the highest (38% to 54% higher than other treatments). The fitting results of light response and CO2 response curves showed that the light saturation point, light compensation point, maximum carboxylation rate and maximum electron transfer rate of switchgrass in the Ri+BC treatment group were the highest. In conclusion, biochar combined with Ri has potential beneficial effects on promoting switchgrass growth under saline‐alkali stress and improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes and photosynthetic characteristics of plants.
Two years outcome of an individualized oral health preventive program for preschool children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Vatsolaki Eleni , Agouropoulos Andreas , Papagiannoulis Evangelia , Gizani Sotiria
Published: June 2024

Aims

Limited data exist on the effectiveness of oral health preventive programs in children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized preventive oral health program for preschool children with NDD at a rehabilitation center, over a two years period.

Methods and results

In this study, 102 preschool children with NDD were assessed for caries (dmft), oral hygiene status (Green & Vermillion Index) and presence of developmental dental defects. An individualized preventive program was applied based on caries risk and children were followed for two years. Effectiveness of the program was assessed for caries and dental plaque change and explanatory individual factors were used in multivariate models. After two years prospective, dmft increased significantly from 1.1 (SD = 2.7) to 2.04 (SD = 3.6), while GVPI was reduced significantly from 1.8 (SD = 0.9) to 1.4 (SD = 0.9). Children in the moderate and high‐risk groups missed significantly more follow‐ups compared to the low caries risk group (p < .001) while older maternal age (OR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.057‐1.808) and consumption of more than three sugary snacks/day (OR = 0.005, 95%CI = 0‐0.0794) were significantly correlated with dental caries.

Conclusion

The individualized preventive program for preschool children with NDD was effective in improving oral hygiene but not dental caries status.
A tuberculosis elimination‐focused geospatial approach to optimising access to diagnostic GeneXpert machines in Fiji
Authors: Bates George , Hill Philip C. , Koroituku Isireli , Wilson Donald , Reddy Mun , Kama Mike
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Fiji could be the first country to eliminate tuberculosis. To inform this strategy, we aimed to identify how many GeneXpert® machines are required to enable over 90% of Fijians to be within one‐hour easy access.

Methods

We used Geographic Information System (Quantum GIS; QGIS), OpenStreetMap and population data (Kontur) to map possible facilities in relation to QGIS generated 60‐min drive‐time isochrones, with correction for missing road data. For outer islands, we calculated a distance to nearest hub operation.

Results

The solution comprised 24 GeneXpert® machines, allocating 7 GeneXpert® to Viti Levu, 6 GeneXpert® to Vanua Levu and 11 to other islands. This resulted in 827,810 people, 93.6% of Fiji's population, being within 1 h of a machine. Twenty‐one thousand four hundred seventy‐nine people on outer islands were an average of 43 km by water from the nearest facility.

Conclusions

We conclude that over 90% of Fijians could be within an hour of a GeneXpert® machine with placement of 24 machines.
An Android Sensors-Based Portable Road Health Monitoring System Utilizing Measurement Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Wang Yiping , Geng Xixi , Ma Pengfei , Zhang Deren , Shi Hongzheng , Li Junyu , Peng Weibing , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2024

Road health monitoring systems aim to obtain the technical indexes of roads and then analyze the usage and the degree of damage of the roads, which can provide an important basis for road construction, maintenance, and management. Road roughness is one of the main technical indexes for road quality evaluation and road health monitoring. A system that contains data obtaining, processing, and result evaluation is developed, and it is implemented as an application to measure and analyze longitudinal road profiles simply and conveniently using the sensors in a mobile phone. The application uses the accelerometer sensor and the gravity sensor to obtain vertical acceleration by a projection method, then denoises through empirical mode decompositions and a Butterworth filter, which has a repeated measurement error of 11%. Different filters were compared and the repeatability, accuracy, robustness, and effectiveness of the system were analyzed. An index is used to evaluated longitudinal road profiles so that the results can be analyzed and viewed interactively in the application and a series of cases are given in this paper.
Physics-Guided Machine Learning Approach to Safe Quasi-Static Impact Situations in Human–Robot Collaboration
Authors: Kovinčić Nemanja , Gattringer Hubert , Müller Andreas , Brandstötter Mathias
Published: June 2024

Following the performance and force limitation method of the ISO/TS 15066 standard, safety of a human–robot collaboration task is assessed for critical situations assuming quasi-static impact. To this end, impact forces and pressures are experimentally measured and compared with limit values specified by ISO/TS 15066. Consequently, such a safety assessment must be repeated whenever something changes in the collaborative workspace or the task, which severely limits the flexibility of collaborative systems. To overcome this problem, in this paper, a physics-guided machine learning (ML) method for prediction of peak impact forces, within predefined modification dimensions of collaborative applications, is proposed. Along with a pose-dependent linearized model, an ensemble of boosted decision tree (BDT) in combination with a feed-forward neural network (NN) is trained with peak impact forces measured at a UR10e robot covering the range of interest. A generic pick and place task with two modification dimensions is considered as an example of the presented methodology. The method yields the maximal safe impact velocity in the collaborative workspace.
Enhanced Air-Flow Forced Convection Through Metal Foams: Contrasting Compressed and Uncompressed Foams
Authors: Nanda Chaitanya P. , Zlatinov Metodi , Manglik Raj M.
Published: June 2024

The influence of complex pore architecture, its characteristic length, and the contrast between compressed and uncompressed open-cell foam structures in forced convection are explored experimentally. Air-flow (Pr ∼ 0.71; 300 < Re < 10,000) data is presented and a critical issue of the appropriate definition of the hydraulic diameter, especially with foams of different pores/inch (ppi) and compressions, is addressed. Instead of the usual characterization, fin theory is applied and for this, the foam void volume structure is precision mapped by micro-CT scans. The veracity of defining the hydraulic diameter as 4× void volume divided by wetted area is supported by forced convection heat transfer results for different uncompressed and compressed metallic (aluminum) foam cores. All foams promote higher heat transfer coefficients, albeit accompanied with greater pressure drop. While the latter increases with foam ppi and compression (decreasing porosity), the former has a more complex interplay with these factors along with surface area changes and ligament fin effects. This scales with thermally effective surface area density βe (product of area density and overall fin effectiveness), and the overall convective-conductance of the foam (product of empty-duct-based heat transfer coefficient ho and βe) increases. The consequent enhancement, when evaluated by a modified volume goodness factor figure of merit, shows that the 40 ppi compressed foam (×3-in-x) performance is the highest (∼ 15–45 times an empty duct for the same fan power) with significant reduction in the volume of a heat exchanger.