bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathways of romantic jealousy to intimate partner violence in Mwanza, northern Tanzania
Authors: Aloyce Diana , Mshana Gerry , Peter Esther , Malibwa Donati , Buller Ana Maria , Mchome Zaina , Kapiga Saidi , Stöckl Heidi
Published: April 2023

Objective

The goal of this research is to establish the pathways through which romantic jealousy leads to intimate partner violence.

Background

Physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence is widespread, with one in four women reporting it globally. Romantic jealousy is a known risk factor for intimate partner violence, yet little is known about the pathways that link it to intimate partner violence, especially in Africa.

Method

We used a qualitative design, interviewing 18 adult women in Northern Tanzania to understand their experiences and reflections of intimate partner violence. To grasp the mechanisms through which jealousy can trigger intimate partner violence, our analysis utilizes the concept of hegemonic masculinity.

Results

Intimate partner violence and romantic jealousy emerged as major issues in women's lives in this study. We established six pathways linking these variables: women confronting their partners because of infidelity, partners' anger because women confronted their mistress, women refusing to have sex or talk with their partners because they were jealous, male partners failing to control or regulate their emotions and becoming violent, and men feeling that their masculinity is threatened.

Conclusion

In this study, intimate partner violence against women was largely men's reaction to their interpretation of perceived triggers of romantic jealousy and emotions as a threat to their masculinity and dominance.

Implications

Interventions aiming to prevent intimate partner violence need to address the pathways linking the violence to romantic jealousy and include this connection in their programming.
Hypoxia‐inducible lncRNA MIR210HG promotes HIF1α expression by inhibiting miR‐93‐5p in renal tubular cells
Authors: Saigusa Hanako , Mimura Imari , Kurata Yu , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: April 2023

Chronic hypoxia in the renal tubular interstitium has been reported to contribute to the progression of chronic kidney disease. Recently, long‐noncoding RNAs have been shown to be involved in various pathological conditions, including hypoxia, one of which is the MIR210 host gene (MIR210HG). To elucidate the function of MIR210HG in renal hypoxia, we exposed primary cultured renal proximal tubular epithelial cells to hypoxia and examined the temporal profile of MIR210HG expression and the role of MIR210HG interaction with hypoxia‐inducible factor1α (HIF1α, encoded by HIF1A). MIR210HG expression was induced by hypoxia. HIF1A silencing and cobalt chloride exposure showed that MIR210HG expression in hypoxia is HIF1α‐dependent. MIR210HG silencing significantly reduced both the mRNA and protein levels of HIF1α, pointing to positive feedback regulation. To further investigate the details of this regulation, we turned to the in‐silico miRNA targets of MIR210HG. We found that miR‐93‐5p levels increased when MIR210HG was knocked down. We then showed that miR‐93‐5p reduced the expression of HIF1A mRNA and MIR210HG. Furthermore, a dual luciferase assay confirmed that miR‐93‐5p binds to MIR210HG and HIF1A 3′ UTR, inhibiting their expression. In conclusion, the long‐noncoding RNA MIR210HG is induced shortly after hypoxia, and it promotes HIF1α expression by competing for miR‐93‐5p and inhibiting it. MIR210HG plays a crucial role in the biological response to hypoxia in renal tubular epithelial cells.
Experimental study and model on the low‐cycle fatigue behavior of thermoplastic vulcanizates
Authors: Mao Wentao , Yang Fengpeng , Jin Zenggui , Gong Hao , Liu Ruohan
Published: April 2023

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) is composed of crosslinked rubber and plastic and have recently been used to replace traditional rubber. To investigate their constitutive behavior throughout the fatigue life, a series of tensile fatigue tests were carried out. The experimental results show significant fatigue softening of TPV, which can be regarded as the joint action of fatigue damage and fatigue creep. After many cycles, the viscous flow can also be restored; thus, the fatigue creep was eliminated by the cyclic‐pause‐cyclic experiment. The cyclic curves were obtained when the fatigue damage was the only effect. Based on a visco‐hyperelastic constitutive model, the evolution rate of the constitutive model parameters during fatigue damage was obtained using the network alteration theory. Considering fatigue damage and fatigue creep effect together, a fatigue‐softening constitutive model is proposed. The model can predict the constitutive behavior of TPVs over their entire fatigue life.
Forest tree species adaptation to climate across biomes: Building on the legacy of ecological genetics to anticipate responses to climate change
Authors: Leites Laura , Benito Garzón Marta
Published: April 2023

Intraspecific variation plays a critical role in extant and future forest responses to climate change. Forest tree species with wide climatic niches rely on the intraspecific variation resulting from genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity to accommodate spatial and temporal climate variability. A centuries‐old legacy of forest ecological genetics and provenance trials has provided a strong foundation upon which to continue building on this knowledge, which is critical to maintain climate‐adapted forests. Our overall objective is to understand forest trees intraspecific responses to climate across species and biomes, while our specific objectives are to describe ecological genetics models used to build our foundational knowledge, summarize modeling approaches that have expanded the traditional toolset, and extensively review the literature from 1994 to 2021 to highlight the main contributions of this legacy and the new analyzes of provenance trials. We reviewed 103 studies comprising at least three common gardens, which covered 58 forest tree species, 28 of them with range‐wide studies. Although studies using provenance trial data cover mostly commercially important forest tree species from temperate and boreal biomes, this synthesis provides a global overview of forest tree species adaptation to climate. We found that evidence for genetic adaptation to local climate is commonly present in the species studied (79%), being more common in conifers (87.5%) than in broadleaf species (67%). In 57% of the species, clines in fitness‐related traits were associated with temperature variables, in 14% of the species with precipitation, and in 25% of the species with both. Evidence of adaptation lags was found in 50% of the species with range‐wide studies. We conclude that ecological genetics models and analysis of provenance trial data provide excellent insights on intraspecific genetic variation, whereas the role and limits of phenotypic plasticity, which will likely determine the fate of extant forests, is vastly understudied.
Applying climate change refugia to forest management and old‐growth restoration
Authors: Pradhan Kavya , Ettinger Ailene K. , Case Michael J. , Hille Ris Lambers Janneke
Published: April 2023

Recent studies highlight the potential of climate change refugia (CCR) to support the persistence of biodiversity in regions that may otherwise become unsuitable with climate change. However, a key challenge in using CCR for climate resilient management lies in how CCR may intersect with existing forest management strategies, and subsequently influence how landscapes buffer species from negative impacts of warming climate. We address this challenge in temperate coastal forests of the Pacific Northwestern United States, where declines in the extent of late‐successional forests have prompted efforts to restore old‐growth forest structure. One common approach for doing so involves selectively thinning forest stands to enhance structural complexity. However, dense canopy is a key forest feature moderating understory microclimate and potentially buffering organisms from climate change impacts, raising the possibility that approaches for managing forests for old‐growth structure may reduce the extent and number of CCR. We used remotely sensed vegetation indices to identify CCR in an experimental forest with control and thinned (restoration) treatments, and explored the influence of biophysical variables on buffering capacity. We found that remotely sensed vegetation indices commonly used to identify CCR were associated with understory temperature and plant community composition, and thus captured aspects of landscape buffering that might instill climate resilience and be of interest to management. We then examined the interaction between current restoration strategies and CCR, and found that selective thinning for promoting old‐growth structure had only very minor, if any, effects on climatic buffering. In all, our study demonstrates that forest management approaches aimed at restoring old‐growth structure through targeted thinning do not greatly decrease buffering capacity, despite a known link between dense canopy and CCR. More broadly, this study illustrates the value of using remote sensing approaches to identify CCR, facilitating the integration of climate change adaptation with other forest management approaches.
Learning by exporting: A system‐based review and research agenda
Authors: Freixanet Joan , Federo Ryan
Published: April 2023

Over the past four decades, flourishing empirical research has attempted to establish the mechanisms and conditions underpinning improvements in exporters’ innovation and productivity via the learning‐by‐exporting (LBE) effect, and the domain has gained legitimacy and empirical credibility. However, the literature's findings are largely fragmented and require systematic review and analysis to draw definitive conclusions on the factors that influence the subsequent realization of learning from exporting. To fill this void, we critically examine the extant LBE research for the period 1984–2021. We systematically review 167 articles to develop a system‐based taxonomy and conceptual model of LBE, which comprises five major components: system outputs (productivity and innovation), inputs (e.g., institutional factors and resources), firm‐level capabilities (e.g., absorptive capacity and innovation persistence), managerial characteristics (e.g., entrepreneurship skills) and internationalization strategies. In doing so, we uncover paradoxical tensions within the system brought about by the conflicting roles of some components of the LBE system, such as firm‐, industry‐ and country‐level technological capabilities. Our review also reveals research gaps that open relevant opportunities for further research and conclusions that hold novel implications for managers and policymakers.
Unfolding executive coaches' identity work through the social constructivist lens: Coach–coachee–organisation
Authors: Lai Yi‐Ling , Passmore Jonathan
Published: April 2023

This study responds to a recent call on coaches' professional identity work through a socially contextualised lens. Coaches, as the freelancer, encounter complex working relationships with clients due to multiple contracting entities; yet coaches' identity work has been neglected in the extant training and development courses. A total of 36 semi‐structured interviews with coaches and relational others (e.g., coachees and organisational stakeholders) were conducted to understand how coaches develop professional identity as part of their career development in responding to interactions with relational others. The research findings identify that learning facilitator is the core identity of coaches regardless of varied stages of the coaching process. Three layers of sub‐identity are distinguished for them to handle a multi‐level working relationship with clients. Coaches often ‘travel’ in‐and‐out between layers of these sub‐identities to incorporate micro‐personal career interests, meso coaching dyadic working relationships and the macro‐level organisational scope into their identity development and negotiation. Accordingly, coaches' learning agility is required to remain identity flexibility for coping with varied coaching scenarios. This study outlines a conceptual framework which illustrates coaches' identity work as a conscious cognitive learning process embedded social and psychological exchanges. This framework offers coaching professional development courses a groundwork to facilitate coaches' identity development.
‘Selection into training will always be an inexact process’: A survey of Directors of Physician Education on selection into Basic Physician Training in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Grosse Anna , Thomas Josephine
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite being one of the largest medical specialty training programmes in Australasia, there is no standardised method for selection into Basic Physician Training (BPT), and limited data exist regarding current practices.

Aims

To address existing knowledge gaps, we aimed to create a ‘snapshot’ of current BPT selection practices and explore the perspectives of Directors of Physician Education (DPEs) regarding trainee selection.

Methods

An electronic survey of DPEs from adult and paediatric medicine BPT sites in Australia and New Zealand was undertaken in January–February 2022. A combination of free text, multiple‐choice and yes/no answers were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Results

A total of 70 responses were received, achieving a response rate of 35% (70/198). Selection practices were found to be heterogenous across BPT sites. Respondents had varying opinions regarding the utility of selection tools and desirable candidate attributes. A heavy reliance upon interviews and the reported use of subjective assessments raise concerns for selection process bias.

Conclusion

BPT sites should critically evaluate their selection methods, and more research in this field is needed to establish best practice.
Intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator and deoxyribonuclease administered concurrently and once daily for complex parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema
Authors: Smith Dugal , Shaw Hannah , Ryder Timothy
Published: April 2023

Background

Pleural infection is life‐threatening and increasingly prevalent. In addition to usual care, twice‐daily, separate administration of tissue plasminogen activator and deoxyribonuclease (tPA‐DNase) reduces radiological pleural opacity with lower surgical referral rates.

Aims

This retrospective cohort study examines the use of once‐daily, concurrent administration of tPA‐DNase for complex parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema.

Methods

Patients with pleural infection who received intrapleural tPA‐DNase between October 2014 and July 2020 at Logan Hospital, where it is given concurrently and once‐daily as salvage therapy, were retrospectively identified. Radiographic opacification, inflammatory markers, clinical response and complications were examined.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were identified. Mean age was 48.8 years (standard deviation [SD], 17.2). Median tPA‐DNase administration was 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 2–3). Chest x‐ray pleural opacity decreased significantly (P = 0.047) from a median of 39.6% (IQR, 28.8–65.7%) to 9.7% (IQR, 2.5–23.2%), a median relative reduction of 75.5% (IQR, 47.7–93.9%). White cell count and C‐reactive protein improved significantly (P = 0.002 and P = 0.032, respectively) from a median of 16.3 × 109/L (IQR, 11.8–20.6 × 109/L) to 9.9 × 109/L (IQR, 8.0–12.3 × 109/L) and 311.0 mg/L (IQR, 218.8–374.0 mg/L) to 69.0 mg/L (IQR, 36.0–118.0 mg/L), respectively. No patients experienced significant bleeding or died. Five patients (16.1%) were referred for surgery.

Conclusion

This is pilot evidence that a practical regimen of concurrent, once‐daily intrapleural tPA‐DNase improved pleural opacification and inflammatory markers without bleeding or mortality. The surgical referral rate was higher than in studies assessing twice‐daily administration, though the validity of this outcome as a measure of treatment success is limited, and further studies are needed to assess the optimal dose and frequency of intrapleural therapy and indications for surgical referral.
Child health nurses in Solomon Islands, piloting the ‘Bachelor of nursing: Child health’
Authors: Burhin Mikael , Isom Verzilyn , Ogaoga Divinal , Devine Sue , Duke Trevor , Bugoro Hugo , Tamou Mathias , Mark Caleb , Panda Nixon
Published: April 2023

Aim

In 2016, the Solomon Islands National University developed and implemented the country's first nursing specialisation in child health, the Bachelor of Nursing: Child Health. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of the first cohort of students (n = 14) during this course in order to evaluate the programme.

Background

The Bachelor of Nursing: Child Health was implemented in 2016 to develop nurses’ knowledge and skills in child health and improve child health outcomes and so on.

Design

The qualitative evaluation study used an exploratory, descriptive design.

Methods

The 14 nurses who constituted the first cohort of students were selected as study participants. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted between August and December 2018. Thematic analysis was undertaken following the Braun and Clarke six‐phase process to generate themes and sub‐themes from the data. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist guided the reporting of the study.

Results

Interviews revealed important feedback about the course, including areas to strengthen and avenues to improve it in the future. Four themes emerged: learning during the Bachelor of Nursing: Child Health, support during the course, challenges experienced during the course and suggested course improvements in the future. The study found that theoretical sessions combined with practical and interactive activities were most effective in learning both theoretical concepts and their related clinical applications and skills. Although support was generally available during the course, participants emphasised their responsibility to take the lead in their learning and seek support when required. The lack of mentoring combined with logistical difficulties were perceived as barriers to learning. Participant recommendations support further development of the child health nursing specialisation, with specific strengthening in areas such as teaching and mentoring, logistics, course curriculum and human and material resources.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Given the potential benefits of increasing nurses’ knowledge and skills in child health and paediatric care on reducing neonatal and child mortality and morbidity, ongoing support for the implementation of this course in Solomon Islands and more broadly across the Pacific region is recommended. The provision of such support is a local, regional and a global responsibility. Indeed, Sustainable Development Goal 3c calls for a substantial increase in health financing and in the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Conclusions

Results of the evaluation demonstrate the positive aspects of the course in relation to content and curriculum delivery strategies as well as identifying areas where further refinement and strengthening is required.
Perception of political influence within the general population of the United Kingdom
Authors: Rigoli Francesco
Published: April 2023

When reflecting upon politics, people express judgements about the political influence exerted by different institutions. However, the nature of these judgements remains to be studied by scholars. The paper explores this with a focus on the United Kingdom. Online, participants recruited from the general population judged the political influence of a variety of institutions such as parties, media and economic powers. Political institutions (e.g., the Conservative Party) were attributed the highest influence, followed by economic powers (e.g., banks), the media (e.g., BBC) and by marginal groups (e.g., laypeople without political expertise). Variability in judgement was explained by two factors: one capturing a tension between marginal groups and economic powers and the second between the media and political institutions. Ideology modulated the latter factor, with participants opposing tradition in politics attributing higher influence to political institutions over the media. These observations shed light on an important, yet poorly known, aspect of political thinking, namely, the perception of political influence.
Fintech applications in social welfare schemes during Covid times: An extension of the classic TAM model in India
Authors: Singh Jaskirat , Singh Manjit
Published: April 2023

In terms of remote banking services for social welfare programmes, fintech has completely changed the game for financial institutions, particularly during the COVID pandemic. However, many recipients continue to be dubious due to fears about its security. This study aims to create an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) that incorporates perceived risk, trust and innovation diffusion theory into the conventional TAM model to understand better the variables that influence user adoption and implementation of Fintech technologies. The critical FinTech applications were evaluated using the hypothetical classic model, which included external influences. The proposed model (urban poor beneficiaries‐TAM) was experimentally verified using semi‐structured questionnaires and structural equation modelling data. This research shows that attitude has a considerable impact on how fintech apps are meant to be used, outweighing usefulness and risk as factors that directly affect how they are used. The report concludes by discussing the critical organizational consequences and offering a variety of strategies for maintaining this recently innovative business in light of current technological improvements.
Religion, social capital and poverty in Ghana: Correlations and explanations
Authors: Ababio Abraham Gyamfi , Osei‐Fosu Anthony K. , Dramani John Bosco
Published: April 2023

Religion is a key source of social capital for poverty reduction. This study used nationally representative data from households (N = 16,772) in Ghana to determine the association between religious affiliation and the incidence of poverty. Descriptive statistics, multilevel mixed‐effect logistic model and nearest neighbour matching estimator were used to analyse the data. We found that relative to the unaffiliated, except affiliation with Other Christian and Other religions, affiliation with Catholic, Protestant, Pentecostal/Charismatic, Islam and Ahmadiyya is negatively associated with the incidence of absolute poverty. In urban areas, relative to those who belong to no religion, except affiliation with Other religions, affiliation with all the major religious denomination is negatively associated with the incidence of absolute poverty. The study also found that, compared to all other denominations, affiliation with Ahmadiyya and Catholic is positively associated with the incidence of poverty in Ghana. We concluded that in Ghana, religious affiliation reduces the odds of falling into poverty for those who live in urban areas, although some religious norms and values could expose households to poverty. The study recommends that the introduction of faith tax on religious denominations and conditional transfer programmes could help maximize the effect of religious affiliation on poverty reduction in Ghana.
Purification and single crystallization of glass‐cladding GaSb core fiber using 532 nm laser‐driven thermal gradients
Authors: Liu Bingjun , Han Bin , Yan Na , Sun Min , Tang Guowu , Huang Hao , Qian Qi , Yang Zhongmin
Published: April 2023

Single‐crystal core multimaterial fibers have a wide range of applications in optics. Though some multimaterial fibers with single‐element crystal cores have been manufactured successfully, the preparation of binary and multielement crystals is limited by segregation or stoichiometry deviation during the thermal drawing and recrystallization process. This paper presents a new method, several times recrystallization by laser, to solve the crystal segregation problem of binary or multielement crystal core multimaterial fibers.
Luminescence enhancement of Mn4+‐activated double‐perovskite phosphors for LEDs through a co‐replacement strategy
Authors: Cao Qianwen , Li Liang , Xie Jing , Feng Yuan , Wang Wenming , Pan Yan , Wei Xiantao , Li Yong
Published: April 2023

Phosphors doped with Mn4+ ions have strong emission in the red and far‐red light regions and are therefore used as red phosphors for indoor plant cultivation light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) and white LEDs (w‐LEDs). This paper introduces La2Mg(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O6: Mn4+ (Mg2La3TaO9: Mn4+) red phosphors prepared by conventional high‐temperature solid‐phase method. The broad excitation band of Mg2La3TaO9: Mn4+ phosphor is effectively excited by ultraviolet and blue light in the range of 250–600 nm, with the emission of 707 nm centered on far‐red light. The phosphor has a high color purity of 99.07% and an internal quantum efficiency of 59.87%. To further enhance the performance of the phosphor, a cation substitution method was adopted in this paper to synthesize La2Mg(Al1/2Ta1/2)O6: Mn4+ phosphor by replacing [1/3Mg2+–2/3Ta5+] in La2Mg(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O6: Mn4+ with [1/2Al3+–1/2Ta5+]. The luminescence intensity and thermal stability of the samples were enhanced. The emission spectrum of the Mg2La3TaO9: Mn4+ samples matched well with the phytochrome PFR (phytochrome that absorbs far‐red light) and is suitable for the preparation of LEDs for indoor plant cultivation. The concentration quenching effect of the samples was investigated, the main mechanism of which is the electric dipole–dipole interaction. Red LEDs and w‐LEDs devices were prepared with the synthesized phosphors that produce light stably at different currents. The w‐LEDs have a correlated color temperature of 5310 K and a color rendering index of 80.1. Therefore, these samples are expected to be used as red components for w‐LEDs.
NDUFV1 attenuates renal ischemia–reperfusion injury by improving mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Li Lu , Zhang Lingling , Cao Yingjie , Chen Xu , Gong Haifeng , Ma Yidan , Gui Yuanyuan , Xiang Tianya , Liu Jianxing , Huang Xinzhong
Published: April 2023

Impaired mitochondrial function and dysregulated energy metabolism have been shown to be involved in the pathological progression of kidney diseases such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and diabetic nephropathy. Hence, improving mitochondrial function is a promising strategy for treating renal dysfunction. NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit V1 (NDUFV1) is an important subunit of mitochondrial complex I. In the present study, we found that NDUFV1 was reduced in kidneys of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) mice. Meanwhile, renal I/R induced kidney dysfunction as evidenced by increases in BUN and serum creatinine, severe injury of proximal renal tubules, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. All these detrimental outcomes were attenuated by increased expression of NDUFV1 in kidneys. Moreover, knockdown of Ndufv1 aggravated cell insults induced by H2O2 in TCMK‐1 cells, which further confirmed the renoprotective roles of NDUFV1. Mechanistically, NDUFV1 improved the integrity and function of mitochondria, leading to reduced oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Overall, our data indicate that NDUFV1 has an ability to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis in AKI, suggesting therapies by targeting mitochondria are useful approaches for dealing with mitochondrial dysfunction associated renal diseases such as AKI.
Anthropogenic noise does not strengthen multiple‐predator effects in a freshwater invasive fish
Authors: Rojas Emilie , Prosnier Loïc , Pradeau Aurélie , Boyer Nicolas , Médoc Vincent
Published: April 2023

Anthropogenic noise has the potential to alter community dynamics by modifying the strength of nested ecological interactions such as predation. Direct effects of noise onper capitapredation rates have received much attention but the context in which predation occurs is often oversimplified. For instance, many animals interact with conspecifics while foraging and these nontrophic interactions can positively or negatively influenceper capitapredation rates. These effects are often referred to as multiple‐predator effects (MPEs). The extent to which noise can modulate MPEs and thereby indirectly alterper capitapredation remains unknown. To address this question, we derived the relationship betweenper capitapredation rate and prey density, namely the functional response (FR), of single and pairs of the invasive topmouth gudgeonPseudorasbora parvawhen feeding on water fleas under two noise conditions: control ambient noise estimated at 95 dB re 1 μPa and ambient noise supplemented with motorboat sounds whose relative importance over ambient noise ranged from 4.81 to 27 dB. In addition, we used video recordings to track fish movements. To detect MPEs, we compared the observed group‐level FRs to predicted group‐level FRs inferred from the individual FRs and based on additive effects only. Regardless of the number of fish and the noise condition, the FR was always of type II, showing predation rate in a decelerating rise to an upper asymptote. Compared to the noiseless condition, the predation rate of single fish exposed to noise did not differ at high prey densities but was significantly lower at low prey densities, resulting in an FR with the same asymptote but a less steep initial slope. Noise also reduced fish mobility, which might explain the decrease in predation rate at low prey densities. Conspecific presence suppressed the individual response to noise, the FRs of two fish (observed group‐level FRs) being perfectly similar between the two noise conditions. Although observed and predicted group‐level FRs did not differ significantly, observed group‐level FRs tended to fall in the low range of predicted group‐level FRs, suggesting antagonism and a negative effect of nontrophic interactions on individual foraging performance. Interestingly, the difference between predicted and observed group‐level FRs was not greater with noise, which means that noise did not strengthen MPEs. Our results show that when considering the social context of foraging, here through the presence of a conspecific, anthropogenic noise does not compromise foraging in the invasiveP. parva.
Depression in older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Silva Celso , Fonseca César , Ferreira Rogério , Weidner Anna , Morgado Bruno , Lopes Manuel J. , Moritz Steffen , Jelinek Lena , Schneider Brooke C. , Pinho Lara G.
Published: April 2023

Background

Depression affected 5.7% of people aged 60 years and over prior to the pandemic and has increased by approximately 28%. The aim of this study is to identify and describe factors associated with depressive symptoms, the diagnostic assessment instruments and interventions used to evaluate and treat depression in adults aged 60 years and older since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Four electronic databases were systematically searched to identify eligible studies published since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. A total of 832 articles were screened, of which 53 met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Factors contributing to depressive symptoms in older adults prior to the pandemic were grouped into the following categories: sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., being female); loneliness and weak social support; limitations in daily functioning, physical activity and neurocognitive impairment; and clinical factors. The following groups of factors directly related to the pandemic were found: stress‐related factors and feelings or worries related to the pandemic; information access (e.g., receiving news about COVID‐19 through the media); factors directly related to COVID‐19 (e.g., having infected acquaintances); and factors related to the measures that were taken to reduce the spread of COVID‐19 (e.g., confinement measures). The most frequently used instrument to assess depressive symptoms was the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS‐SF). Four studies implemented interventions during the pandemic that led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness.

Conclusions

Improved understanding of pandemic‐associated risk factors for depression can inform person‐cantered care. It is important continued mental healthcare for depression for older adults throughout crises, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic. Remote delivery of mental healthcare represents an important alternative during such times. It is crucial to address depression in older adults (which often causes disability), since the pandemic situation has increased depressive symptoms in this population.
Book Review: Posttraumatic Epilepsy: Basic and Clinical Aspects (Jonak, Peterson and Binder; Academic Press, 2023)
Authors: Semple Bridgette D. , Reid Christopher A.
Published: April 2023

Post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a common form of epilepsy affecting a significant proportion of people who sustain a brain injury. The complex pathophysiological mechanisms that drive the process of epileptogenesis after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are incompletely understood. A new book entitled ‘Posttraumatic Epilepsy: Basic and Clinical Aspects’ by Jonak and colleagues provides an introduction into to the topic of PTE, starting from a historical perspective and extending through to our current understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms, and evaluation of the most promising therapeutic candidates. Here, we review the book highlighting strengths and suggesting a few areas of potential improvements. We conclude that the book provides an excellent read for scientists and clinicians entering the PTE field.
A workflow for the creation of photorealistic 3D cadaveric models using photogrammetry
Authors: Titmus Morgan , Whittaker Gary , Radunski Milo , Ellery Paul , IR de Oliveira Beatriz , Radley Hannah , Helmholz Petra , Sun Zhonghua
Published: April 2023

Three‐dimensional (3D) representations of anatomical specimens are increasingly used as learning resources. Photogrammetry is a well‐established technique that can be used to generate 3D models and has only been recently applied to produce visualisations of cadaveric specimens. This study has developed a semi‐standardised photogrammetry workflow to produce photorealistic models of human specimens. Eight specimens, each with unique anatomical characteristics, were successfully digitised into interactive 3D models using the described workflow and the strengths and limitations of the technique are described. Various tissue types were reconstructed with apparent preservation of geometry and texture which visually resembled the original specimen. Using this workflow, an institution could digitise their existing cadaveric resources, facilitating the delivery of novel educational experiences.
‘I'm still a woman’: A qualitative study on sexuality in heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome
Authors: Granero‐Molina José , Román Rocío Aguirre , del Mar Jiménez‐Lasserrotte María , Ruiz‐Fernández María Dolores , Ventura‐Miranda María Isabel , Granero‐Heredia Gonzalo , Fernández‐Medina Isabel María
Published: April 2023

Aim and objectives

The aim of this study was to describe and understand how heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome experience sexuality.

Background

Turner Syndrome is a genetic condition that is the result of one of the X chromosomes missing or partially missing, and it affects women of all ages. Turner Syndrome may lead to psychological, relational and sex life disorders.

Design

This is a qualitative study, and the COREQ checklist was employed to report on the current study.

Methods

The study was conducted in a region of southern Spain. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to recruit 18 women, aged 22–51 years, who had been diagnosed with Turner Syndrome. Participants' experiences were explored through semi‐structured interviews between January and May 2021. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

Three main themes and eight sub‐themes emerge from the data analysis: (1) Sexuality linked to corporeality, with the sub‐themes: ‘Discovering that your body is different’, ‘Social stigma limits one's sex life’ and ‘Fear of penetration surpresses sexual desire’. (2) Adapting one's sexuality to Turner Syndrome, with the sub‐themes: ‘Feeling like a woman’ and ‘Suffering from and adapting to comorbidities’. (3) When infertility overshadows sexuality, with the sub‐themes: ‘Prolonging childhood by ignoring sexuality’, ‘Fertility treatment: always a possibility’ and ‘Lack of specialised professional knowledge’.

Conclusion

Heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome suffer from sexual problems, delayed diagnosis and treatment, and lack of information. Unawareness and relational problems may also lead to scarce and late sexual relations, jealousy and a fear of being left. The women with Turner Syndrome refer to little self‐exploration or masturbation as well as a fear of penetration.

Relevance to clinical practice

Understanding the experiences of sexuality in heterosexual women with Turner Syndrome is a challenge for clinical nurses, who could provide quality care to these women in contextualised services.
Hormone replacement therapy and cancer risks in perimenopausal women: A retrospective cohort study using a Japanese claims database
Authors: Inayama Yoshihide , Mizuno Kayoko , Yamaguchi Ken , Hamanishi Junzo , Takeuchi Masato , Egawa Miho , Mandai Masaki , Kawakami Koji
Published: April 2023

Aim

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) relieves menopausal syndromes but concerns regarding certain cancer risks remain. This study aimed to investigate cancer risks in perimenopausal women using HRT.

Methods

Using a health care database in Japan, we compared breast cancer and other cancer risks in perimenopausal women who started HRT between January 2011 and October 2021 at age 45–54 years with that of women who did not use HRT. Women in the control group were selected by 1:4 exact matching on birth year, and followed from the same index time as their counterparts.

Results

Data from 12 207 women in the exposure group and 48 828 age‐matched women in the control group were analyzed. The median HRT duration was 16.1 (interquartile range, 9.9–28.0) months. Breast cancer risk was lower in the HRT group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54–0.82). When stratified by age, breast cancer risk was lower in the HRT group who started HRT at age 45–49 years (adjusted HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40–0.72). Estrogen‐major HRT accounted for approximately one‐third of HRT and uterine corpus cancer risk was increased in estrogen‐major HRT (adjusted HR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.56–3.81).

Conclusions

Breast cancer risk in women starting HRT between 45 and 49 years is lower than that in the average population; this finding might be susceptible to unmeasured factors such as early menopause among HRT recipients. Unopposed estrogen therapy accounts for considerable proportion of HRT in Japan and it increases uterine corpus cancer.
Adolescents’ interactive electronic device use, sleep and mental health: a systematic review of prospective studies
Authors: Dibben Grace O. , Martin Anne , Shore Colin B. , Johnstone Avril , McMellon Christina , Palmer Victoria , Pugmire Juliana , Riddell Julie , Skivington Kathryn , Wells Valerie , McDaid Lisa , Simpson Sharon A.
Published: April 2023

Optimal sleep, both in terms of duration and quality, is important for adolescent health. However, young people's sleeping habits have worsened over recent years. Access to and use of interactive electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, portable gaming devices) and social media have become deep‐rooted elements of adolescents’ lives and are associated with poor sleep. Additionally, there is evidence of increases in poor mental health and well‐being disorders in adolescents; further linked to poor sleep. This review aimed to summarise the longitudinal and experimental evidence of the impact of device use on adolescents’ sleep and subsequent mental health. Nine electronic bibliographical databases were searched for this narrative systematic review in October 2022. Of 5779 identified unique records, 28 studies were selected for inclusion. A total of 26 studies examined the direct link between device use and sleep outcomes, and four reported the indirect link between device use and mental health, with sleep as a mediator. The methodological quality of the studies was generally poor. Results demonstrated that adverse implications of device use (i.e., overuse, problematic use, telepressure, and cyber‐victimisation) impacted sleep quality and duration; however, relationships with other types of device use were unclear. A small but consistent body of evidence showed sleep mediates the relationship between device use and mental health and well‐being in adolescents. Increasing our understanding of the complexities of device use, sleep, and mental health in adolescents are important contributions to the development of future interventions and guidelines to prevent or increase resilience to cyber‐bullying and ensure adequate sleep.
Electroencephalographic evaluation under standing sedation using sublingual detomidine hydrochloride in Egyptian Arabian foals for investigation of epilepsy
Authors: Vinardell Tatiana , Elestwani Sami , Jamieson Camilla , Karim Ejaz , Robin Matthew , Glynn Sarah , Benini Ruba , Aleman Monica
Published: April 2023

Background

A standardized protocol for electroencephalography (EEG) under standing sedation for the investigation of epilepsy in foals is needed.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate a modified standardized EEG protocol under standing sedation using sublingual detomidine hydrochloride in Egyptian Arabian foals.

Animals

Nineteen foals (controls, 9; juvenile idiopathic epilepsy [JIE], 10).

Methods

Descriptive clinical study. Foals were classified as controls or epileptic based on history or witnessed seizures and neurological examination. Foals were sedated using sublingual detomidine hydrochloride at a dosage of 0.08 mg/kg to avoid stress associated with injectable sedation. Once foals appeared sedated with their heads low to the ground and with wide base stance (30 minutes), topical lidocaine hydrochloride was applied at the determined locations of EEG electrodes. Fifteen minutes were allowed for absorption and electrodes were placed, protected, and EEG recording performed.

Results

Level of sedation was considered excellent with no need of redosing. The EEG recording lasted from 27 to 51 minutes and provided interpretable data. Epileptic discharges (ED) were noted predominantly in the central‐parietal region in 9 of 10 epileptic foals. Photic stimulation triggered ED in 7 of 10 epileptic foals and in none of the controls. Foals were not oversedated and recovered uneventfully.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Sublingual detomidine hydrochloride is a safe, painless, simple, and effective method of sedation for EEG recording in foals. Sublingual sedation allowed the investigation of cerebral electrical activity during states of sleep and arousal, and during photic stimulation for the investigation of epilepsy in foals.
Habitat mosaic as a driver of the resilience of native species: The case of the assemblage of small mammals from the city of Franceville, Gabon
Authors: Mangombi‐Pambou J. B. , Fossati‐Gaschignard O. , N'Dilimabaka N. , Banga Mve‐Ella O. , Longo Pendy N. M. , Dibakou S. E. , Mediannikov O. , Fenollar F. , Leroy E. , Bourgarel M.
Published: April 2023

Rodents (Rodentia) are the most abundant and diverse order of mammals, present in all habitats, including urban areas. The traffic linked to globalisation has favoured their involvement in biological invasions that have an impact on local biodiversity, the economy and human health. In Franceville, Gabon, little is known about the rodent community. We therefore studied the composition and distribution of rodents along a gradient highlighting the heterogeneity of the city's landscape. The three habitat types studied showed no difference in small mammal abundance, while the diversity index was higher in the vegetated habitat (SDI = 0.73) compared to the outdoor (SDI = 0.71) and indoor (SDI = 0.45) habitats. Our work shows the importance of vegetal remnants in the city for the maintenance of native species. It also highlights the impact of introduced species on small mammal assemblages and the need for management to reduce the factors of their proliferation.
Activity and habitat use of a dune gecko and its spatial and temporal correlation with other animals on dunes
Authors: Domer A. , Subach A. , Haimov R. , Dorfman A. , Samocha Y. , Scharf I.
Published: April 2023

Compared with other desert habitats, desert dunes are relatively rich in species, some of which are unique to such habitats. To better understand the interspecific interactions among species in the dunes, their ecology, and their behavior, we studied the habitat use ofStenodactylus petrii. This species is common in desert dunes in Israel and North Africa, and it is a mesopredator, interacting with both its predators and prey, thus affecting populations of both higher and lower trophic levels. We performed an experiment to see whether these animals spend more time in vegetated or open habitats. Our experiment demonstrated thatS. petriiindividuals moved twice faster out of open dune areas than out of microhabitats simulating desert vegetation. Yet, observations of the gecko's tracks suggest that it is similarly present in open areas and around bushes, necessitating further studies. We also reveal that this nocturnal species is more active earlier in the night than later, and more active in late summer (August) than earlier (June–July). We examined which other co‐occurring animals are active together with the studied gecko in time or space. The spatial and temporal activity patterns ofS. petriiare negatively correlated with the activity patterns of gerbils, suggesting that their activity time and microhabitat preference differ. The spatial activity pattern ofS. petriiis positively correlated with Tenebrionid ground beetles, suggesting a shared microhabitat preference. However, neither the temporal nor the spatial activity of the gecko is correlated with that of vipers, which are its potential predators. Future studies ofS. petrii's natural history are important to understand how expected habitat change (e.g. dune stabilization) should affect it.
Recent advances in reinforcement learning in finance
Authors: Hambly Ben , Xu Renyuan , Yang Huining
Published: April 2023

The rapid changes in the finance industry due to the increasing amount of data have revolutionized the techniques on data processing and data analysis and brought new theoretical and computational challenges. In contrast to classical stochastic control theory and other analytical approaches for solving financial decision‐making problems that heavily reply on model assumptions, new developments from reinforcement learning (RL) are able to make full use of the large amount of financial data with fewer model assumptions and to improve decisions in complex financial environments. This survey paper aims to review the recent developments and use of RL approaches in finance. We give an introduction to Markov decision processes, which is the setting for many of the commonly used RL approaches. Various algorithms are then introduced with a focus on value‐ and policy‐based methods that do not require any model assumptions. Connections are made with neural networks to extend the framework to encompass deep RL algorithms. We then discuss in detail the application of these RL algorithms in a variety of decision‐making problems in finance, including optimal execution, portfolio optimization, option pricing and hedging, market making, smart order routing, and robo‐advising. Our survey concludes by pointing out a few possible future directions for research.