bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Science in Olfaction
Authors: Agarwal Vivek K , Harvey Joshua S. , Rinberg Dmitry , Dhar Vasant
Published: October 2024

Advances in neural sensing technology are making it possible to observe the olfactory process in great detail. In this paper, we conceptualize smell from a Data Science and AI perspective, that relates the properties of odorants to how they are sensed and analyzed in the olfactory system from the nose to the brain. Drawing distinctions to color vision, we argue that smell presents unique measurement challenges, including the complexity of stimuli, the high dimensionality of the sensory apparatus, as well as what constitutes ground truth. In the face of these challenges, we argue for the centrality of odorant-receptor interactions in developing a theory of olfaction. Such a theory is likely to find widespread industrial applications, and enhance our understanding of smell, and in the longer-term, how it relates to other senses and language. As an initial use case of the data, we present results using machine learning-based classification of neural responses to odors as they are recorded in the mouse olfactory bulb with calcium imaging. Our larger objective is to create the equivalent of an “MNIST database for olfaction,” which we call ‘oMNIST,’ so that researchers are able to work from a standard dataset to further the state of the art, similar to how the availability of standard datasets catalyzed research in computer vision.
Multi-Channel Funnel Adapted Sensing Tube (MFAST) for the Simple and Duplex Detection of Parasites
Authors: Peng Ruonan , Yuqing Fnu , Wiggins Taralyn J. , Bahadori Negin , Dollery Stephen J. , Waitkus Jacob , Rogers Joshua S. , Chen Yun , Tobin Gregory J. , Du Ke
Published: October 2024

Leishmaniasis poses a significant global health threat, infecting millions of people annually, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Timely and accurate detection ofLeishmaniaspecies is crucial for effective treatment and control of this debilitating disease. This study introduces the Multi-channel Funnel Adapted Sensing Tube (MFAST) chip, an innovative diagnostic tool designed for the rapid detection ofLeishmania panamensis. MFAST is fabricated through 3D printing and sacrificial molding of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and the reagents are transported between the reservoirs by gravity. We combine experiments and finite element analysis to reduce the leaking issues and facilitate smoother fluid flow, improving the overall performance of the device. Highly sensitive and specific RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a assay is utilized in the chip, achieving a detection limit as low as 1,000 parasites/mL (detecting as few as 5 parasites per reaction). The multi-channel design enables duplex detection, allowing for simultaneous identification of bothL. braziliensisandL. panamensisthrough distinct channels. Furthermore, stability tests indicate that lyophilized reagents retain functionality for up to 15 days when stored at 4 °C, underscoring the potential of this chip for practical diagnostic applications in low-resource settings.
Economic Gains from Health Equity: A Model for Pregnancy and Childbirth Policy Decisions
Authors: Evans Mark I. , Ryan Gregory F. , Devoe Lawrence D. , Mussalli George M. , Britt David W. , Worth Jaqueline M. , Mondestin-Sorrentino Myriam , Macedonia Christian R.
Published: October 2024

Importance

American maternal and neonatal mortality rates are the worst of the world’s high-income countries. These rates are particularly low among patients of color, who have higher Cesarean delivery rates (CDR), higher healthcare costs, and poorer outcomes than White patients. However, common economic analyses do not address interlinked issues and therefore underestimate both the hidden causes of health inequities and the resultant costs to taxpayers. We have therefore designed a more comprehensive health economic model and metric (DEVELOP) that incorporates population health, equity, and economic integration.

Design & Measures

The DEVELOP model, a childbirth-specific model of the societal economic gain or loss related to healthcare outcomes, incorporates an individual’s long-term economic contributions into its calculations of economic benefits. We first used our model to estimate fiscal outcomes if each state’s CDR for Black patients was lowered to that of White patients. Second, we calculated the costs of “excess” CDR and mortalities among Black patients. Third, we incorporated the additional long-term economic contributions of mothers and their children.

Results

In the U.S., maternal and neonatal mortality rates and associated costs were higher for Black patients than White patients, and states with the lowest per capita health expenditures showed worse maternal outcomes and higher continuing costs. If the Black patient CDR were reduced to the White patient CDR, taxpayer-funded healthcare programs would save $263 million annually. Reducing the Black patient MMR would improve economic output by $224 million per year, and reducing the Black patient NMR would save $3.1 billion per year, for a combined economic improvement of $3.3 billion annually.

Conclusions and Relevance

The costs of improved prenatal care should be reconceptualized as investments for future economic growth rather than as short-term burdens. Policies blocking reasonable investments in health equity are counterproductive.
Precise prostate contours: setting the bar and meticulously evaluating AI performance
Authors: Song Yuze , Dornisch Anna , Dess Robert T , Margolis Daniel JA , Weinberg Eric P , Barrett Tristan , Cornell Mariel , Fan Richard E , Harisinghani Mukesh , Kamran Sophia C. , Lee Jeong Hoon , Li Cynthia Xinran , Liss Michael A , Rusu Mirabela , Santos Jason , Sonn Geoffrey A , Vidic Igor , Woolen Sean A , Dale Anders M , Seibert Tyler M
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Evaluation of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for prostate segmentation is challenging because ground truth is lacking. We aimed to (1) create a reference standard dataset with precise prostate contours by expert consensus and (2) evaluate various AI tools against this standard.

Materials and methods

We obtained prostate MRI cases from six institutions from the Quantitative Prostate Imaging Consortium. A panel of four experts (two genitourinary radiologists, two prostate radiation oncologists) meticulously developed consensus prostate segmentations on axialT2-weighted series. We evaluated the performance of six AI tools (three commercially available, three academic) using Dice scores, distance from reference contour, and volume error.

Results

The panel achieved consensus prostate segmentation on each slice of all 68 patient cases included in the reference dataset. We present two patient examples to serve as contouring guides. Depending on the AI tool, median Dice scores (across patients) ranged from 0.80 to 0.94 for whole prostate segmentation.

For a typical (median) patient, AI tools had a mean error over the prostate surface ranging from 1.3 to 2.4 mm. They maximally deviated 3.0 to 9.4 mm outside the prostate and 3.0 to 8.5 mm inside the prostate for a typical patient. Error in prostate volume measurement for a typical patient ranged from 4.3% to 31.4%.

Discussion

We established an expert consensus benchmark for prostate segmentation. The best-performing AI tools have typical accuracy greater than that reported for radiation oncologists using CT scans (most common clinical approach for radiotherapy planning). Physician review remains essential to detect occasional major errors.
Olduvai domain expression downregulates mitochondrial pathways: implications for human brain evolution and neoteny
Authors: Keeney Jonathon G. , Astling David , Andries Vanessa , Vandepoele Karl , Anderson Nathan , Davis Jonathan M. , Lopert Pamela , Vandenbussche Jonathan , Gevaert Kris , Staes An , Paukovich Natasia , Vögeli Beat , Jones Kenneth l. , van Roy Frans , Patel Manisha , Sikela James M.
Published: October 2024

Encoded by the NBPF gene family, Olduvai (formerly DUF1220) protein domains have undergone the largest human lineage-specific copy number expansion of any coding region in the genome. Olduvai copy number shows a linear relationship with several brain size-related measures and cortical neuron number among primates and with normal and disease-associated (micro- and macrocephaly) variation in brain size in human populations. While Olduvai domains have been shown to promote proliferation of neural stem cells, the mechanism underlying such effects has remained unclear. Here, we investigate the function of Olduvai by transcriptome and proteome analyses of cells overexpressingNBPF1, a gene encoding 7 Olduvai domains. Our results from both RNAseq and mass spectrometry approaches suggest a potential downregulation of mitochondria. In our proteomics study, a Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis for the downregulated proteins revealed a striking overrepresentation of the biological process related to the mitochondrial electron transport chain (pvalue: 1.81e−11) and identified deregulation of the NADH dehydrogenase activity (pvalue: 2.43e−11) as the primary molecular function. We verify the reduction of apparent mitochondria via live-cell imaging experiments. Given these and previous Olduvai findings, we suggest that the Olduvai-mediated, dosage-dependent reduction in available energy via mitochondrial downregulation may have resulted in a developmental slowdown such that the neurogenic window among primates, and most extremely in humans, was expanded over a greater time interval, allowing for production of greater numbers of neurons and a larger brain. We further suggest that such a slowdown may extend to other developmental processes that also exhibit neotenic features.
Environmental cues influence timing and location of construction activity in a beaver damming complex
Authors: Kennedy Jordan , McCreery Helen , Jones Audrey , Spotted Horse Dannette , Chen Candice , Fairfax Emily , Werfel Justin
Published: October 2024

Beavers are famous for building extensive damming complexes1, which can extend over kilometer-scale distances2and persist for centuries3. Dams have major impacts on their surrounding environment, including effects on the hydrology, geomorphology, and ecosystems of the area4. Current understanding of how the environment in turn affects beavers’ building activity centers on the single auditory cue of running water, based primarily on captive studies14,15. Observational challenges have limited a more detailed picture of the full feedback loop between beavers and their environment. Here we describe the detailed progress of new construction by 20 beaver colonies in northwest Montana, through field studies using drones to obtain surveys with spatial and temporal resolution each three orders of magnitude finer than typically reported5-13. We show that both the timing and location of beaver construction activity are influenced by environmental factors. Initiation of trail clearing, a stage preceding dam building, was associated with a narrow range of stream flow rates. Beavers preferentially built in locations associated with preexisting canals. These results emphasize the importance of non-dam elements in the beavers’ construction and its coordination across the colony, and point to environmental feedback processes that may span across years and unrelated colonies.
High-speed tracking of coalescence and mixing of optically controlled droplets
Authors: Radhakrishnan Soumya , Hanstorp Dag , Aleman Ademir
Published: October 2024

We are presenting an all-optical platform for on-demand and nonintrusive studies of coalescence of micron-sized liquid droplets in air. The platform has the purpose to mimic the airborne conditions occurring in typical environments where droplet interactions are involved. By means of the Förster resonance energy transfer mechanism, we have been able to track the dynamics of two coalescing glycerol droplets, with a radius of ∼10µm and a temporal resolution of 86µs. At the onset of coalescence, a fast mixing is observed. Such an effect depletes the fluorescence of the donor fluorophore to half its initial intensity on a timescale below the temporal resolution of our platform, whereas a complete mixing is observed to occur on a timescale of seconds. The experimental platform design and findings facilitate an increased understanding of the microphysics of collisions, coalescence, and the subsequent mixing/diffusion of droplets on the micrometer lengthscale and the microsecond timescale.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exploring female entrepreneurship experience of Ireland’s business ecosystem: implications for business support
Authors: Turley Anna-Marie , Ryan Marie , Doyle Eleanor
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the motivations and challenges of women entrepreneurs in Ireland, assessing the role of policies and Enterprise Ireland (EI) support for women-led companies and high potential start-ups (HPSUs). It employs the gendered theory of entrepreneurship and opportunity recognition theory to analyse the enablers and obstacles to women’s entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of EI’s support, aiming to suggest improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in a feminist epistemology and employing a mixed-methods approach, a targeted survey explores motivations, barriers and supports the needs of female entrepreneurs in Ireland, offering a comprehensive gender perspective evaluation for policy enhancement.

Findings

Findings note a shift in Irish women’s entrepreneurship motivations and outlines major hurdles like limited funding and work–life balance issues. It recommends policy enhancements in data collection, website usability, financial guidance and childcare support.

Practical implications

This paper aims to highlight the impact of gender-specific factors on entrepreneurship, the study highlights the importance of ongoing data collection and gender comparative analyses. It advocates for women mentoring networks and improved financial support to build a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment in Ireland, with potential global implications.

Originality/value

This study is unique for its in-depth exploration into Irish female entrepreneurship challenges, this study proposes actionable strategies with local and global relevance. Advocating for caregiving support integration and women’s increased involvement in tech, it offers a blueprint for fostering female entrepreneurship. It contributes to global discussions on creating supportive, equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems, serving as a valuable resource for advancing gender inclusivity and equity in entrepreneurship worldwide. It identifies scope for integration of a feminist epistemology in policy development.
Family affairs or Government's duty? The tax morality of a mobile society
Authors: Caferra Rocco , Cascavilla Alessandro , Morone Andrea
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on the relationship between intergenerational labor mobility and tax morale among European citizens, given the relatively limited evidence on the potential influence of tax compliance behavior on future inequalities.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploiting data from the European Values Study (2008), we show that the larger the intergenerational mobility, i.e. better economic conditions of children respect to their parents, the larger the willingness to pay taxes. In this vein, the subjective tax payment may be meant as an investment which could be rewarded with a more mobile society result by considering different estimation strategies. This evidence remarks the importance to foster intergenerational mobility to build a more tax-compliant society.

Findings

The linkage between mobility and tax morale is stronger and significant across citizens living in high income classes, and in countries where there is a commitment of the Government in guaranteeing more opportunities to citizens regardless of their familiar starting conditions (more defamiliarized countries). We further show that the intergenerational mobility significantly shapes the attitude towards tax payment only among individuals who claim for independence from their family context (i.e. those showing less family ties). This evidence remarks the importance to foster intergenerational mobility to build a more tax-compliant society.

Originality/value

We revisit the linkage between attitude toward tax compliance and inequality, on the light of the intergenerational labor mobility, that may be seen as the dependence between children's and parents' earnings. Given the insights from the existing studies, this paper represents the first empirical work that aims to analyze the potential relationship between intergenerational mobility and personal attitude toward tax payment across European citizens.
How and when does benevolent leadership promote followers’ proactive customer service behavior?
Authors: Elsaied Mervat
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of benevolent leadership on proactive customer service performance by creating a moderated mediation model. The model focuses on the role of harmonious passion as a mediator in the relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance as well as the moderating influence of proactive personality on this mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested using data from 339 immediate supervisor-subordinate pairs in eight five-star hotels in Egypt. Frontline service employees and their immediate supervisors completed separate questionnaires, and the responses were matched using identification numbers.

Findings

The results indicate that harmonious passion fully mediates the positive relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance. Additionally, proactive personality was found to moderate the mediated relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance through harmonious passion, such that the mediation was stronger for employees with higher proactive personalities.

Research limitations/implications

By testing the moderated mediation model, this study contributes to our theoretical understanding of the motivational mechanism through which benevolent leadership influences proactive customer service performance.

Originality/value

This research offers initial evidence of the mediating role of harmonious passion in the positive relationship between benevolent leadership and proactive customer service performance. The moderated mediation model extends existing findings by incorporating proactive personality as a significant moderator in explaining the impact of benevolent leadership on proactive customer service performance.
Transformational leadership and moral norms: green human resource management and behaviour
Authors: Alwali Joather , Alwali Wafaa
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study introduces a theoretical model that integrates the conservation of resources (COR) and ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) theories. This model is used to examine the relationship between green transformational leadership and green human resources management. Additionally, the study explores the influence of this relationship on employee green behaviour and the development of personal moral norms.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses developed in this study were tested through a quantitative approach, employing structural equation modelling via partial least squares (PLS-SEM) along with bootstrapping estimation techniques. For data analysis, the study utilized responses from a total of 475 participants.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the implementation of green transformational leadership has a positive impact on green human resources management. In turn, enhanced green human resources management positively influences employee green behaviour. The research further reveals that employee green behaviour not only contributes positively to the development of personal moral norms but also plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between green human resources management and personal moral norms. Additionally, evidence supports the significant mediating effect of green human resources management in the relationship between green transformational leadership and employee green behaviour.

Originality/value

This study highlights the pivotal role of employee green behaviour as a foundational element in developing personal moral norms, marking a departure from prior research in the green transformational leadership field, which has predominantly focused on green human resources management. By implementing green transformational leadership strategies, organisations can not only enhance their competitive edge but also effectively attract highly skilled and qualified candidates, thereby making a significant contribution to the field.
SMEs’ strategic orientation through Miles and Snow typology: a synthesis of literature and future directions
Authors: Anwar Jamil , Butt Irfan , Ahmad Nisar
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to present a systematic analysis of consequents and antecedents of strategy and performance. To acheive this, this systematic review article analyzes and synthesizes mainstream research on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) where Miles and Snow typology was used for strategic orientation of the SMEs. The specific focus of the research is to develop a conceptual framework showing consequents and antecedents of the strategic orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses systematic literature review (SLR) method to identify, summarize and synthesize literature on Miles and Snow typology. Preferred reporting method for systematic reviews and meta-analyses to ensure adherence to systematic approach. The key words search consists of the words: “Miles and Snow”, “Miles and Snow” and “miles-snow” from Web of Science and Scopus databases for sample articles.

Findings

The trend of research on SMEs using Miles and Snow typology is on the rise with a shift from developed countries to the developing ones. Support for strategy-performance relationship hypotheses is overwhelming but the traditional view is in decline while new antecedent and consequent variables are being added. Mediator and moderating variables are also identified.

Originality/value

The SLR where a synthesis approach was applied for finding antecedents and consequent variables of strategy-performance relationship along with a presentation of conceptual framework makes this research unique. Additionally, the article presents the trends of research over the time based on timeframe, regions, methodological approaches and hypotheses support.
Managing public floors in private development: perceptions and challenges
Authors: Max David , Mualam Nir
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the phenomenon of mixing public floors within private development, shedding light on underlying rationales, the acceptability of integrating different uses, and the various challenges associated with the management and creation of these mixed-use, mixed-ownership buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic is reviewed by examining the opinions and perceptions of expert planners and developers using a triangulation of qualitative interviews data and quantitative and qualitative analysis of survey results, cross-referenced with some grey literature in the form of planning tribunal decisions.

Findings

Findings suggest that the allocation of public floors is made in response to the shortage of land in high-demand areas with the aim of densifying development and making it more efficient. Experts were generally open to the concept of a private–public floorspace mix, noting that certain public land uses are better than others when combined as floorspace within private structures. Furthermore, the findings highlight managerial obstacles as well as issues with the process of allocating public floors in new plans.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to provide guidance for municipal authorities and developers looking to make the most of their available land, ensuring that both the public and private domains can coexist as cities continue to grow and become more densely populated in the future.

Originality/value

Few studies have reviewed this type of public–private mix, while highlighting challenges in their creation and management. The Israeli case-study in the paper showcases a unique context where high growth rates, increasing densification, and vertical development all spur development in this direction.
Corporate culture and shareholder litigation rights: evidence from a quasi-natural experiment and textual analysis
Authors: Ongsakul Viput , Chintrakarn Pandej , Jiraporn Pornsit
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Taking advantage of an innovative measure of corporate culture obtained from advanced machine learning and textual analysis, we investigate how corporate culture is influenced by shareholder litigation rights, which are widely recognized as a crucial external governance mechanism. The innovative measure of corporate culture is based on a textual analysis of over 200,000 earnings call transcripts.

Design/methodology/approach

To mitigate endogeneity and thus demonstrate causality, we exploit a quasi-natural experiment based on the staggered passage of universal demand laws, which reduce shareholder litigation rights. The enactment of state-level legislation is likely exogenous to individual firms’ characteristics as it is beyond the control of any given firm. Following the literature, we employ a difference-in-difference analysis, supplemented by several robustness checks, i.e. propensity score matching and entropy balancing.

Findings

Our difference-in-difference estimates show that an exogenous reduction in shareholder litigation rights weakens corporate culture considerably. Specifically, corporate culture is 12.74–14.41% weaker after the implementation of universal demand laws. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that a decline in litigation risk exacerbates agency problems, discouraging self-interested managers from taking actions that enhance shareholder value in the long run, such as cultivating a strong corporate culture.

Originality/value

Our study is the first to explore how corporate culture is affected by shareholder litigation risk, which constitutes a vital external governance mechanism. Moreover, we utilize an innovative measure of corporate culture based on sophisticated textual analysis. Finally, we employ a quasi-natural experiment based on an exogenous shock, making it more likely that our conclusion reflects a causal influence rather than merely a correlation.
The continuous increase in the number of newly medically attended cases of herpes zoster did not accelerate during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Kanagawa, Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Yu , Watanabe Ryo
Published: October 2024

Possible changes in the epidemiology of herpes zoster (HZ) since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is an unfolding topic. The number of newly medically attended cases (NMAC) of HZ during the pandemic in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, was quantitatively investigated using a claims database. The study period was from April 2017 to March 2022. The number of NMAC of HZ showed a continuously increasing trend throughout the study period, which could be attributed to population aging. Autoregressive integrated moving average modeling and forecasting revealed that the increase in the actual number of NMAC of HZ since the start of the pandemic was generally similar to that predicted based on a model fitted using data from the pre‐pandemic period, but at a slightly reduced pace. This slowdown suggests that refraining from medical visits during the pandemic affected HZ surveillance.
Increasing expenditures on home‐ and community‐based services: Do home care workers benefit?
Authors: Miller Katherine E. M. , Coe Norma B. , Kreider Amanda R. , Hoffman Allison , Rhode Katherine , Gonalons‐Pons Pilar
Published: October 2024

Objective

To examine the association of Medicaid home‐ and community‐based services (HCBS) expenditures on the home care workforce.

Data Sources/Study Setting

We use two national, secondary data sources from 2008 to 2019: state‐level Medicaid HCBS expenditures and the American Community Survey, in which we identify direct care workers in the home (i.e., home care workers), defined as nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides or personal care aides working in home health care services, individual and family services, and private households.

Study Design

Our key explanatory variable is HCBS expenditures per state per year. To estimate the association between changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and the workforce size, hourly wages and hours worked, we use negative binomial, linear, and generalized ordered logit regression, respectively. All models include demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, the number of potential HCBS beneficiaries (individuals with a disability and income under the federal maximum income eligibility limits), indicators for minimum wage and/or overtime protections for direct care workers, wage pass‐through policies, and state and year fixed effects.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We exclude states with incomplete reporting of expenditures.

Principal Findings

States' HCBS expenditures increased between 2008 and 2019 after adjusting for inflation and the number of potential HCBS beneficiaries. Yet, home care workers' wages remained stagnant at $11–12/h. We find no association between changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and wages. For every additional $1 million in Medicaid HCBS expenditures, the expected number of workers increases by 1.2 and the probability of working overtime increased (0.0015% points; p < 0.05). Results are largely robust under multiple sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

We find no evidence of a statistically significant relationship between changes in state‐level changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and worker wages but do find a significant, but small, association with hours worked and workforce size.
Bioactive compounds delivery and bioavailability in structured edible oils systems
Authors: Lazăr Alexandra Raluca , Pușcaș Andreea , Tanislav Anda Elena , Mureșan Vlad
Published: October 2024

The health benefits of bioactive compounds are dependent on the amount of intake as well as on the amount of these compounds that become bioavailable and bioaccessible. Various systems have been developed to deliver and increase the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds. This review explores the impact of gelled (oleogels, bigels, emulgels, emulsions, hydrogels, and hydrogel beads), micro‐(gels, particles, spheres, capsules, emulsions, and solid lipid microparticles) and nanoencapsulated systems (nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, liposomes, and nanoliposomes) on the digestibility and bioavailability of lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactives. Structurant molecules, the oil type, antioxidants, emulsifiers, and coatings in delivery systems with promising potential in food applications are critically discussed. The release and bio‐accessibility of bioactive compounds in gelled systems are influenced by various factors, such as the type and concentration of gelators, the gelator‐to‐oil ratio, the type of antioxidant, the network of the system, and its hydrophobicity. The stability, bioaccessibility, and controlled release of bioactives were improved in structured emulsions. Several variables, including wall material, oil/water ratios, encapsulation process, and pH conditions, can affect the bioactives release in microencapsulated systems. Factors like coating type and core‐to‐wall ratio impact the stability and release of core components. The encapsulating material, the encapsulation technology, and the nature of the nanomaterials all have an impact on the bioaccessibility of nanoencapsulated systems. Nanoliposomes provide enhanced stability and absorption. In general, all encapsulated systems have shown great potential in improving the distribution and availability of bioactive compounds.
Analysing the behaviour change techniques in an effective food literacy program to inform future program design
Authors: Butcher Lucy M. , Batt Caylah , Royce Sophie , Barron Eamon , Giglia Roslyn , Begley Andrea
Published: October 2024

Aim

Food literacy programs aim to improve food related skills and knowledge and are selected Governments as a strategy to address dietary intakes at a community level. The purpose of this research is to identify behaviour change techniques in a food literacy program, which were assessed by the achievement of participant goals related to food literacy and dietary behaviour changes.

Methods

Consensus methods were applied to map behaviour change techniques to an adult food literacy program. A second phase investigation applied content analysis of participant process evaluation data (collected between 2016 and June 2021) to align target behaviours and behaviour change techniques. Chi‐square and ANCOVA were used to assess the statistically significant demographic characteristics, food literacy, and dietary behaviour scores for participants who set goals and recorded changes.

Results

A total of 4697 program participants provided evaluation data from the 4‐week food literacy program. Participants who set goals and made changes were statistically more likely to have higher food literacy factor scores (p < 0.001) and fruit serves (p = 0.004). Statistical analysis showed that participants were more likely to have set goals and recorded changes if they were female (p < 0.001), older (p < 0.001), higher education level (p < 0.001), had a higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.049), lived with children (p = 0.014), were born in Australia (p = 0.019), or did not identify as Indigenous (p < 0.001). The behaviour change technique mapping process identified nine techniques used weekly and a total of 22 techniques used over the entire 4 week program curriculum.

Conclusions

This is the first Australian study to link the contribution of behaviour change techniques to food literacy and dietary behaviour change in an established effective food literacy program. Knowing the behaviour change techniques associated with effective programs will facilitate replication of effective interventions.
Thinking beyond the closure assumption: Designing surveys for estimating biological truth with occupancy models
Authors: Valente Jonathon J. , Jirinec Vitek , Leu Matthias
Published: October 2024

Occupancy models estimate distributions of imperfectly detected species, but violations of the closure assumption can bias results. However, researchers working with mobile animals may find it impossible to eliminate such violations. Here, we tested the hypothesis that occupancy models fit to realistic sampling data can generate unbiased occupancy estimates for an itinerant Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) population.

In 2013 and 2014, we tracked movements of 41 breeding Wood Thrush males. We modelled territory shift probabilities using logistic exposure models and within‐territory movements using continuous‐time stochastic process models. We then constructed an individual‐based model, simulated (1000 iterations) spatiotemporal locations for individuals and simulated sampling these populations using 162 different point count protocols with variable spatial (sampling radius and point placement method), and temporal (survey length, between‐survey intervals and number of surveys) characteristics. We compared occupancy estimates with true values of instantaneous, daily and seasonal occupancy from the simulations.

We parameterized continuous time stochastic process models based on movements within 34 unique territories and estimated a daily territory shift probability of 0.0099 (95% CI: 0.0060, 0.0152). Simulated data indicated that estimates of occupancy ranged from 0.18 (0.06, 1.00) to 0.80 (0.71, 0.89) depending on protocol characteristics. Occupancy estimates increased with increasing survey radius, survey length and between‐survey interval. Protocols using shorter surveys and between‐survey intervals were good estimators for instantaneous occupancy (low bias and mean‐squared error) but poor estimators for daily and seasonal occupancy; longer surveys and intervals generated unbiased estimators of daily occupancy but underestimated seasonal occupancy. Logistic regression models that ignored imperfect detection outperformed occupancy models for estimating instantaneous occupancy but not daily or seasonal occupancy.

For mobile animals, occupancy of sampling sites changes in space and time. Consequently, the spatial and temporal aspects of a sampling protocol have strong, but predictable, effects on occupancy model parameter estimates. Our results demonstrate that how these factors interact is critical for designing surveys that produce occupancy estimates representative of the biological process of interest to a researcher.
Ambiguity of tone in annual reports and bank risk taking
Authors: Kanagaretnam Kiridaran , Li Wen , Shi Guifeng , Zhou Zejiang
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we examine whether abnormal ambiguity of tone in banks' 10‐K filings is associated with banks' risk‐taking behaviour. We estimate abnormal ambiguous tone using residual of a tone model that disentangles the obfuscation component from the information component in the ambiguous tone. We find that banks that intentionally use more ambiguous tone in 10‐K filings exhibit higher risk taking subsequently, consistent with the argument that an intentional ambiguous tone adds to the opacity of financial statements, which potentially masks managerial risk‐taking activities and curbs market discipline from external stakeholders. Our results remain robust to alternative model specifications and sensitivity tests which address potential endogeneity concerns. Furthermore, banks with higher abnormal ambiguous tone are associated with more aggressive investment decisions. Together, our findings suggest that abnormal ambiguous tone in annual reports is informative of banks' risk‐taking activities.
Neonatal SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA Vaccination Efficacy Is Influenced by Maternal Antibodies
Authors: Schumer Amy , Bonney Elizabeth A. , Harby Ethan , Majumdar Devdoot
Published: October 2024

Problem

Vaccination in pregnancy guards against infection. Maternal antibodies, however, can inhibit antibody production in neonates. We sought to determine the effects of maternal vaccination on neonatal immune response to a SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine.

Method of Study

We hypothesized that mRNA‐lipid nanoparticles (LNP) vaccination allows for a de novo neonatal antibody response even in the presence of vertically transmitted maternal antibodies. Female mice were vaccinated with SARS‐CoV‐2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) mRNA‐LNPs. Mice were then bred, and 21‐day‐old pups were inoculated with the same mRNA‐LNPs. Spike‐specific IgG ELISAs were performed using mouse serum. A SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein peptide library to perform peptide ELISAs characterized high affinity binding domains within the spike protein. Results were analyzed with one‐way ANOVAs with Tukey's multiple comparisons tests.

Results

Compared to pups of unvaccinated dams, there were high levels of spike‐specific IgG detected in the pups of vaccinated dams at 3 weeks of life (p < 0.0001). After neonatal vaccination, pups of unvaccinated dams had higher spike‐specific serum IgG than pups of vaccinated dams at 12 weeks of life (p < 0.001). Antibody specificity to peptide moieties within spike RBD were similar when comparing a vaccinated dam to her pup at Week 3 of life, with different binding affinities observed in the pups by Week 15 of life.

Conclusions

Pre‐existing maternal antibodies may partially blunt the initial neonatal antibody response to mRNA‐LNPs vaccination. This vaccine strategy, however, does not prohibit the subsequent development of a broad range of RBD antibody specificities that may be protective.
Gandy & 'Books under threat': A response
Authors: Houghton Frank
Published: October 2024

Short Abstract

Gandy's (2023) resistance to open access requirements under recent UK government initiatives is disconcerting. This response explores these new requirements, before examining the inequitable impact of the paywall to academic outputs both globally and within the Global North.
An extension of the theory of planned behaviour to predict exclusive breastfeeding among Australian mother–father dyads using structural equation modelling
Authors: McAlpine Thomas , Charlesworth Jessica , Martin Annegret , Scott Jane , Mullan Barbara
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The objective of this paper was to examine the predictors of breastfeeding exclusivity at two time‐points (6 and 26 weeks postpartum) using a dyadic mother–father extended model of the theory of planned behaviour.

Design/Method

A sample of 1139 first‐time Australian mother–father dyads completed measures of each of the Theory of Planned Behaviour variables (intention, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control) and additional psychosocial and behavioural predictors of breastfeeding, including problems with breastfeeding, psychological distress, childcare stress, partner support, and the frequency and time of first public breastfeed. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the factor structures of the latent constructs to be included in the structural model. Structural equation modelling was used to model pathways between variables.

Results

Breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 weeks was significantly predicted by breastfeeding self‐efficacy at 6 weeks, intention to exclusively breastfeed, and frequency of public breastfeeding over the month prior, whereas childcare stress, partner support, time of first public breastfeed, and fathers' variables (attitudes and subjective norms) had little influence. Self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between mothers' attitudes, psychological distress, and breastfeeding problems with breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 weeks. Breastfeeding exclusivity at 26 weeks was significantly predicted by mothers' attitudes, self‐efficacy, breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 weeks, and frequency of public breastfeeding in the month prior.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of breastfeeding self‐efficacy and confidence to breastfeed in public as crucial constructs in promoting long‐term exclusive breastfeeding and provides support for an extended theory of planned behaviour model in predicting breastfeeding outcomes.
Elucidation of DPP‐4 involvement in systemic distribution and renal reabsorption of linagliptin by PBPK modeling with a cluster Gauss–Newton method
Authors: Nakamura Ryo , Yoshikado Takashi , Aoki Yasunori , Sugiyama Yuichi , Chiba Koji
Published: October 2024

The dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor linagliptin (LNG) exhibits target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) in clinical settings, characterized by saturable binding to plasma soluble DPP‐4 (sDPP‐4) and tissue transmembrane DPP‐4 (tDPP‐4). Previous studies have indicated that saturable renal reabsorption of LNG contributes to its nonlinear urinary excretion observed in humans and wild‐type mice, but not in Dpp‐4 knockout mice. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these complex phenomena, including DPP‐4‐related renal reabsorption of LNG, we employed physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling combined with a cluster Gauss–Newton method (CGNM). The CGNM facilitated the exploration of parameters in rat and human PBPK models for LNG and the determination of parameter identifiability. Through PBPK–CGNM analysis using reported autoradiography data ([14C]‐LNG) in wild‐type and Dpp‐4‐deficient rats, DPP‐4‐specific distributions of LNG in various tissues were clearly differentiated from nonspecific parts. By fitting to human plasma concentrations and urinary and fecal excretions of LNG after intravenous and oral administrations, multiple unknown PBPK parameters were simultaneously estimated by the CGNM. Notably, the amount of tDPP‐4 and the reabsorption clearance for LNG–DPP‐4 complexes were identifiable, indicating their critical role in explaining the complex nonlinear pharmacokinetics of LNG. Compared with previous PBPK analyses, the CGNM allowed us to incorporate greater model complexity (e.g., consideration of tDPP‐4 expressions and in vitro binding kinetics), ultimately resulting in a more accurate reproduction of LNG's TMDD. In conclusion, by considering LNG as a high‐affinity probe for DPP‐4, comprehensive PBPK–CGNM analyses suggested a dynamic whole‐body distribution of DPP‐4, including its involvement in the renal reabsorption of LNG.
Mitochondrial DNA replication is essential for neurogenesis but not gliogenesis in fetal neural stem cells
Authors: Walter‐Manucharyan Meri , Martin Melanie , Pfützner Julia , Markert Franz , Rödel Gerhard , Deussen Andreas , Hermann Andreas , Storch Alexander
Published: October 2024

Mitochondria are unique organelles that have their own genome (mtDNA) and perform various pivotal functions within a cell. Recently, evidence has highlighted the role of mitochondria in the process of stem cell differentiation, including differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). Here we studied the importance of mtDNA function in the early differentiation process of NSCs in two cell culture models: the CGR8‐NS cell line that was derived from embryonic stem cells by a lineage selection technique, and primary NSCs that were isolated from embryonic day 14 mouse fetal forebrain. We detected a dramatic increase in mtDNA content upon NSC differentiation to adapt their mtDNA levels to their differentiated state, which was not accompanied by changes in mitochondrial transcription factor A expression. As chemical mtDNA depletion by ethidium bromide failed to generate living ρ° cell lines from both NSC types, we used inhibition of mtDNA polymerase‐γ by 2′‐3′‐dideoxycytidine to reduce mtDNA replication and subsequently cellular mtDNA content. Inhibition of mtDNA replication upon NSC differentiation reduced neurogenesis but not gliogenesis. The mtDNA depletion did not change energy production/consumption or cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the NSC model used. In conclusion, mtDNA replication is essential for neurogenesis but not gliogenesis in fetal NSCs through as yet unknown mechanisms, which, however, are largely independent of energy/ROS metabolism.