bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do oilcloth sessions work? A realist evaluation approach to exploring ripple effects in an implementation strategy
Authors: Kirk Jeanette Wassar , Stefansdottir Nina Thorny , Andersen Ove , Lindstroem Mette Bendtz , Powell Byron , Nilsen Per , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Broholm-Jørgensen Marie
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To explore the mechanisms of the implementation strategy, “oilcloth sessions” and understand and explain the ripple effects of oilcloth sessions as a strategy to implement a new emergency department.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design was used whereby data were collected using field notes from an ethnographic study of the oilcloth sessions and follow-up semi-structured interviews with staff, managers and key employees who participated in the oilcloth sessions. The data analysis was inspired by the realist evaluation approach of generative causality proposed by Pawson and Tilley.

Findings

The primary ripple effect was that the oilcloth sessions were used for different purposes than the proposed program theory, including being used as: (1) a stage, (2) a battlefield, (3) a space for imagination and (4) a strategic management tool influencing the implementation outcomes. The results bring essential knowledge that may help to explain why and how a well-defined implementation strategy has unplanned outcomes.

Originality/value

Unintended outcomes of implementation strategies are an underexplored issue. This study may help implementation researchers rethink the activities required to reduce unintended negative outcomes or explore potential unplanned outcomes and, in this way, hinder or enhance outcomes, effectiveness and sustainability. Future studies within implementation research should incorporate attention to unintended outcomes to fully understand the impact of implementation strategies.
Incremental implementation concept for healthy eating habits in German school with kiosk
Authors: Bauer Monika , Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

School kiosk offerings play a crucial role in the dietary behavior of students. The importance of healthy meals in schools is emphasized again and again, but there is a lack of practical implementation and literature data on kiosk offers and acceptance. This study aimed to analyze the reasons and improve the situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual nutrition knowledge and behavior as well as purchasing behavior at a typical kiosk scenario at schools were collected. Based on the outcome, a concept for improving the school kiosk offerings according to the quality standard of the German Nutrition Society was developed. Many obstacles and challenges had to be overcome in the transition to healthier offerings and their implementation. In the course of these changes, the creation of a new feel-good cafeteria lounge was deemed necessary and finally realized.

Findings

A large percentage of the school kiosk offerings did not meet the desires of the school community. Opportunities to improve the school kiosk service were identified. The skillful planning of structural changes towards healthy food offers and warm meals on two weekdays made it possible to implement the official nutrition standards for healthier meals at school kiosks, despite long-term challenges for food providers.

Originality/value

After a critical analysis of the reasons for the lack of politically desired standards for healthier meals at school kiosks, a new implementation culture is presented and was successfully applied to overcome barriers and challenges through an incremental-dynamic concept strategy with iterative cooperation between the actors of food service providers, school administration, school management, teachers and students.
May changes in nutritional habits be an indicator of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic period?
Authors: Başmısırlı Eda , Çapar Aslı Gizem , Kaya Neşe , Durmuş Hasan , Aykut Mualla , İnanç Neriman
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety levels of adults on their nutritional status during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kayseri province, Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 898 adults consisting of 479 individuals with and 419 individuals without a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. The individuals’ socio-demographic characteristics, health status, nutritional habits, anthropometric measurement and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) information were obtained online.

Findings

The mean FCV-19S score of the participants was 17.49 ± 6.02. FCV-19S score was higher in those who reduced their consumption of protein sources compared to those who did not change and those who increased (p < 0.001). It was determined that FCV-19S scores of participants who increased their consumption of fruit/vegetables, sweets and sugar were higher than those who did not change their consumption of such items (p = 0.007). The FCV-19S scores of individuals who did not change their onion/garlic and snack consumption were lower than those who decreased or increased the consumption of these nutrients (p = 0.001, p = 0.002).

Practical implications

Education programs can be organized especially targeting vulnerable populations, such as women, individuals with chronic diseases and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. These programs can be conducted by dietitians and psychologists in collaboration, focusing on promoting healthy eating habits and coping strategies during stressful times.

Originality/value

It was determined that those who changed their nutrition habits during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher fear levels than those who did not. Individuals with high fear paid more attention to healthy nutrition than individuals without fear.
Herding behaviour surrounding the Russo–Ukraine war and COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from energy, metal, livestock and grain commodities
Authors: Mohamad Azhar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study examines herding behaviour in commodity markets amid two major global upheavals: the Russo–Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

By analysing 18 commodity futures worldwide, the study examines herding trends in metals, livestock, energy and grains sectors. The applied methodology combines static and dynamic approaches by incorporating cross-sectional absolute deviations (CSAD) and a time-varying parameter (TVP) regression model extended by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling to adequately reflect the complexity of herding behaviour in different market scenarios.

Findings

Our results show clear differences in herd behaviour during these crises. The Russia–Ukraine war led to relatively subdued herding behaviour in commodities, suggesting a limited impact of geopolitical turmoil on collective market behaviour. In stark contrast, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly amplified herding behaviour, particularly in the energy and livestock sectors.

Originality/value

This discrepancy emphasises the different impact of a health crisis versus a geopolitical conflict on market dynamics. This study makes an important contribution to the existing literature as it is one of the first studies to contrast herding behaviour in commodity markets during these two crises. Our results show that not all crises produce comparable market reactions, which underlines the importance of the crisis context when analysing financial market behaviour.
Manifestations of loan growth – profitability and non-performing loans – a study of the Indian banking sector
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Bansal Rohit
Published: June 2024

Purpose

After half a decade of balance sheet clean-up prompted by the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) asset quality review (AQR), Indian banks are back on track for increased loan growth. Being a financial vehicle for the economy, loan growth cannot be put on hold for a long period of time. But it is also important to understand that loan growth carries an inherent risk of default. A trade-off exists between loan growth, non-performing loans (NPLs) and bank profitability. Our study highlights the importance of understanding this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

For our study, we have taken a sample of India’s private and public sector banks. The dataset consists of the financials of our sample for the period 2006–2021. Two-step differenced generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) estimation has been used to establish the relationship. The mediating role of NPLs in the relationship between loan growth and profitability is examined by the mediation analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) and the Sobel test. We have used Stata 16.1 for the analysis of our dataset.

Findings

The findings of our study suggest that bank lending is a major contributor to the bank’s earnings. Loan growth after a certain point has a negative impact on profitability, and it also adds to the NPLs of the bank. The study result indicates that moderate loan growth is key to steady and stable growth in the Indian banking industry.

Practical implications

Our study is directed toward understanding the positive and negative manifestations of loan growth. We develop a framework to understand this relationship and then empirically prove it. The study is beneficial for employees and policymakers alike to minimize the negative impact of loan growth.

Originality/value

The issue of the simultaneous impact of loan growth on NPLs and profitability has not been studied in the Indian banking sector. Also, this study adds to the present literature by studying the mediation effect of the NPLs on the loan growth and profitability relationship.
The efficiency of China's export trade with Africa and its influence mechanism
Authors: Chen Weibing , Wu Bian , Guo Qing
Published: June 2024

This paper calculates the trade efficiency of China's exports to Africa by considering trade inefficiency factors, such as Chinese aid to Africa and Chinese contracted projects. Based on a stochastic frontier gravity model and data for China's exports to 38 African countries from 2010 to 2020, this study draws the following conclusions. First, trade inefficiencies, such as China's aid and contracted projects, play a positive role in promoting China's export trade to Africa. Second, the efficiency of China's export trade to Africa varies significantly in different regions, among which countries with high export trade efficiency are concentrated in North and South Africa. Third, the trade potential and trade expansion space of China's exports to Africa vary significantly among different product sectors, which provides much space for promoting trade policy. We highlight that China's government should develop differentiated regional trade policies due to regional heterogeneity in terms of export trade efficiency between China and African countries.
Risk assessment for hypocalcemia in therapeutic apheresis for kidney transplantation
Authors: Okwuonu Chimezie Godswill , Shah Monarch , Rafique Iram , Abdelrazeq Abdallah Saleh , Dumor Korshie , Balogun Rasheed A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The increase in the number of kidney transplants performed in the United States has been paralleled with an increase in the utilization of therapeutic apheresis (TA) for kidney transplant indications. Hypocalcemia remains a significant contributor to the adverse event in TA. The magnitude of hypocalcemia and its risk factors are scarcely discussed in literature.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort review of adults from 18 years and above who received TA for kidney transplant‐related indications from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Data extracted included basic demographics, indication for apheresis, procedure characteristics, serum ionized calcium at the mid and end of procedure and serum creatinine at the beginning of apheresis, and so forth.

Results

Data from 131 patients and 860 sessions of TA were analyzed. Antibody‐mediated rejection (69%) and recurrent FSGS (15%) were the leading indications for TA. There were 60 (7%) TA sessions complicated by hypocalcemia. Of these, 53 (88%) occurred in the first session, 5 (8%) occurred in second session while 2 (4%) occurred in the third and subsequent sessions. Female sex, elevated serum creatinine and use of fresh frozen plasma‐ are the risk factors for hypocalcemia with odd's ratio of 2.34, 7.42, and 5.01, respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that elevated serum creatinine at the commencement of therapy is an independent predictor of hypocalcemia (adjusted odd's ratio = 3.31, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Hypocalcemia is prevalent in this study. Clinical vigilance and tailored procedure will avert adverse consequences.
Identification and molecular docking of xanthine oxidase and α‐glucosidase inhibitors in Opuntia ficus‐indica fruit
Authors: Wang Huixian , Zhou Xiaolu , Liu Yixuan , Xie Wenxuan , Yang Derui , Huo Dongxue , Guo Quan , Wang Ruimin
Published: June 2024

Opuntia ficus‐indica fruit (OFI) is rich in bioactive compounds, which can promote human health. In this work, the purified OFI extract was prepared from OFI and its bioactivities were investigated. Xanthine oxidase (XOD) and α‐glucosidase (α‐Glu) inhibitors of the purified OFI extract were screened and identified by bio‐affinity ultrafiltration combined with UPLC‐QTRAP‐MS/MS technology. The inhibitory effect of these inhibitors on enzymes were verified, and the potential mechanism of action and binding sites of inhibitors with enzymes were revealed based on molecular docking. The results showed that the total phenolic content of the purified OFI extract was 355.03 mg GAE/g DW, which had excellent antioxidant activity. Additionally, the extract had a certain inhibitory effect on XOD (IC50 = 199.00 ± 0.14 µg/mL) and α‐Glu (IC50 = 159.67 ± 0.01 µg/mL). Seven XOD inhibitors and eight α‐Glu inhibitors were identified. Furthermore, XOD and α‐Glu inhibition experiments in vitro confirmed that inhibitors such as chlorogenic acid, taxifolin, and naringenin had significant inhibitory effects on XOD and α‐Glu. The molecular docking results indicated that inhibitors could bind to the corresponding enzymes and had strong binding force. These findings demonstrate that OFI contains potential substances for the treatment of hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia.
Drinking patterns among US men and women: Racial and ethnic differences from adolescence to early midlife
Authors: Tam Christina C. , Li Libo , Lui Camillia K. , Cook Won Kim
Published: June 2024

Background

Drinking patterns among young adult men and women in the United States have been understudied, especially among racial and ethnic groups such as Asian Americans and Hispanics. Because alcohol‐related racial and ethnic health disparities persist or increase in midlife, identifying peak ages of hazardous drinking could help to reduce disparities.

Methods

We used the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to examine: (1) past 12‐month heavy episodic drinking (HED) and total alcohol volume consumption among non‐Hispanic White (NHW), Black, Hispanic, and Asian men and women from ages 12 through 41, and (2) age‐varying associations of race and ethnicity with drinking. Hispanic and Asian ethnic groups were disaggregated by historical drinking patterns. Time‐varying effect models accounted for major demographic confounders.

Results

NHW men and women experienced elevated drinking rates in their early 20s, with a second elevation in their 30s. Black men and women did not have elevated drinking until their 30s. Among Hispanic men and women, peak drinking periods varied by gender and subgroup drinking pattern. Peak HED and total consumption emerged in the early 30s for Asian men, while peak HED occurred in the early 20s for Asian women. Drinking at certain ages for some racial and ethnic minoritized men and women did not differ from that in their NHW counterparts.

Conclusions

Age periods during which subgroups in the U.S. population experience elevated alcohol consumption vary by ethnicity and gender. Recognition of these group differences could enhance our understanding of intervention timing.
Unplanned hospital readmissions following HeartMate 3 implantation: Readmission rates, causes, and impact on survival
Authors: Shih Hueyjong , Mondellini Giulio M. , Kurlansky Paul A. , Sun Jocelyn , Ning Yuming , Feldman Vivian R. , Tiburcio Melie , Maguire Conor W. , Ladanyi Annamaria , Clerkin Kevin , Naka Yoshifumi , Sayer Gabriel T. , Uriel Nir , Colombo Paolo C. , Takeda Koji , Yuzefpolskaya Melana
Published: June 2024

Background

Hospital readmissions following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) remain a frequent comorbidity, associated with decreased quality of life and increased resources utilization. This study sought to determine causes, predictors, and impact on survival of hospitalizations during HeartMate 3 (HM3) support.

Methods

All patients implanted with HM3 between November 2014 to December 2019 at Columbia University Irving Medical Center were consecutively enrolled in the study. Demographics and clinical characteristics from the index admission and the first outpatient visit were collected and used to estimate 1‐year and 900‐day readmission‐free survival and overall survival. Multivariable analysis was performed for subsequent readmissions.

Results

Of 182 patients who received a HM3 LVAD, 167 (92%) were discharged after index admission and experienced 407 unplanned readmissions over the median follow up of 727 (interquartile range (IQR): 410.5, 1124.5) days. One‐year and 900‐day mean cumulative number of all‐cause unplanned readmissions was 0.43 (95%CI, 0.36, 0.51) and 1.13 (95%CI, 0.99, 1.29). The most frequent causes of rehospitalizations included major infections (29.3%), bleeding (13.2%), device‐related (12.5%), volume overload (7.1%), and other (28%). One‐year and 900‐day survival free from all‐cause readmission was 38% (95%CI, 31–46%) and 16.6% (95%CI, 10.3–24.4%). One‐year and 900‐day freedom from 2, 3, and ≥4 readmissions were 60.7%, 74%, 74.5% and 26.2%, 33.3%, 41.3%. One‐year and 900‐day survival were unaffected by the number of readmissions and remained >90%. Male sex, ischemic etiology, diabetes, lower serum creatinine, longer duration of index hospitalization, and a history of readmission between discharge and the first outpatient visit were associated with subsequent readmissions.

Conclusions

Unplanned hospital readmissions after HM3 are common, with infections and bleeding accounting for the majority of readmissions. Irrespective of the number of readmissions, one‐year survival remained unaffected.
GABAergic neurons of anterior thalamic reticular nucleus regulate states of consciousness in propofol‐ and isoflurane‐mediated general anesthesia
Authors: Yi Rulan , Chen Shiyu , Zhong Fuwang , Luo Dan , You Ying , Yu Tian , Wang Haiying , Zhou Liang , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2024

Background

The thalamus system plays critical roles in the regulation of reversible unconsciousness induced by general anesthetics, especially the arousal stage of general anesthesia (GA). But the function of thalamus in GA‐induced loss of consciousness (LOC) is little known. The thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is the only GABAergic neurons‐composed nucleus in the thalamus, which is composed of parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST)‐expressing GABAergic neurons. The anterior sector of TRN (aTRN) is indicated to participate in the induction of anesthesia, but the roles remain unclear. This study aimed to reveal the role of the aTRN in propofol and isoflurane anesthesia.

Methods

We first set up c‐Fos straining to monitor the activity variation of aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons during propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. Subsequently, optogenetic tools were utilized to activate aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons to elucidate the roles of aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons in propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings and behavioral tests were recorded and analyzed. Lastly, chemogenetic activation of the aTRNPV neurons was applied to confirm the function of the aTRN neurons in propofol and isoflurane anesthesia.

Results

c‐Fos straining showed that both aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons are activated during the LOC period of propofol and isoflurane anesthesia. Optogenetic activation of aTRNPV and aTRNSST neurons promoted isoflurane induction and delayed the recovery of consciousness (ROC) after propofol and isoflurane anesthesia, meanwhile chemogenetic activation of the aTRNPV neurons displayed the similar effects. Moreover, optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of the aTRN neurons resulted in the accumulated burst suppression ratio (BSR) during propofol and isoflurane GA, although they represented different effects on the power distribution of EEG frequency.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that the aTRN GABAergic neurons play a critical role in promoting the induction of propofol‐ and isoflurane‐mediated GA.
PD‐L1 regulates tumor proliferation and T‐cell function in NF2‐associated meningiomas
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Chao , Yan Minjun , Ma Xin , Song Lairong , Wang Bo , Li Peng , Liu Pinan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression is an immune evasion mechanism that has been demonstrated in many tumors and is commonly associated with a poor prognosis. Over the years, anti‐PD‐L1 agents have gained attention as novel anticancer therapeutics that induce durable tumor regression in numerous malignancies. They may be a new treatment choice for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients.

Aims

The aims of this study were to detect the expression of PD‐L1 in NF2‐associated meningiomas, explore the effect of PD‐L1 downregulation on tumor cell characteristics and T‐cell functions, and investigate the possible pathways that regulate PD‐L1 expression to further dissect the possible mechanism of immune suppression in NF2 tumors and to provide new treatment options for NF2 patients.

Results

PD‐L1 is heterogeneously expressed in NF2‐associated meningiomas. After PD‐L1 knockdown in NF2‐associated meningioma cells, tumor cell proliferation was significantly inhibited, and the apoptosis rate was elevated. When T cells were cocultured with siPD‐L1‐transfected NF2‐associated meningioma cells, the expression of CD69 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was partly reversed, and the capacity of CD8+ T cells to kill siPD‐L1‐transfected tumor cells was partly restored. Results also showed that the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway regulates PD‐L1 expression, and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rapidly and persistently suppresses PD‐L1 expression. In vivo experimental results suggested that anti‐PD‐L1 antibody may have a synergetic effect with the mTOR inhibitor in reducing tumor cell proliferation and that reduced PD‐L1 expression could contribute to antitumor efficacy.

Conclusions

Targeting PD‐L1 could be helpful for restoring the function of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and inducing apoptosis to inhibit tumor proliferation in NF2‐associated meningiomas. Dissecting the mechanisms of the PD‐L1‐driven tumorigenesis of NF2‐associated meningioma will help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor progression and could facilitate further refinement of current therapies to improve the treatment of NF2 patients.
Education needs in palliative care and advance care planning of Italian residents in neurology: an online survey
Authors: Bombaci Alessandro , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Pucci Eugenio , Solari Alessandra , Veronese Simone ,   the Società Italiana di Neurologia–Società Italiana di Cure Palliative Intersociety Table
Published: June 2024

Background and purpose

Most neurological diseases have a chronic and progressive clinical course, with patients living for extended periods with complex healthcare needs. Evidence from other countries suggests that palliative care (PC) is insufficiently integrated in the care of these patients. This study aims to identify PC and advance care planning (ACP) knowledge and the perceived preparedness of Italian residents in neurology.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional online survey of physicians attending the 36 Italian neurology residency programmes.

Results

Of 854 residents, 188 (22%) participated. Their mean age was 28.4 ± 2.0 years; 49% were women; 45% were from the north, 23% from the centre and 32% from the south of Italy. Few residents (6%) reported that a teaching course in PC was part of the graduate programme, and 3% of the postgraduate programme. During their residency, 9% of participants received PC training, and 18% ACP training. Only 13% reported to have participated in the ACP process, half within their neurology residency programme. Residents considered PC support very/extremely important in all the pre‐specified clinical situations, with values ranging between 78% and 96%. Over 70% of residents revealed education needs, particularly concerning ACP.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the need for improving PC training in the graduate and postgraduate curriculum. This, together with collaboration and joint training of neurology and PC, is essential to improve the quality and continuity of care and respond to the complex needs of people with neurological disorders causing severe disability.
WONOEP 2022: Neurotechnology for the diagnosis of epilepsy
Authors: Wagstyl Konrad , Kobow Katja , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Cole Andrew J. , Jiménez‐Jiménez Diego , Nariai Hiroki , Baulac Stéphanie , O'Brien Terence , Henshall David C. , Akman Ozlem , Sankar Raman , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Auvin Stéphane
Published: June 2024

Epilepsy's myriad causes and clinical presentations ensure that accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments remain a challenge. Advanced neurotechnologies are needed to better characterize individual patients across multiple modalities and analytical techniques. At the XVIth Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy: Early Onset Epilepsies: Neurobiology and Novel Therapeutic Strategies (WONOEP 2022), the session on “advanced tools” highlighted a range of approaches, from molecular phenotyping of genetic epilepsy models and resected tissue samples to imaging‐guided localization of epileptogenic tissue for surgical resection of focal malformations. These tools integrate cutting edge research, clinical data acquisition, and advanced computational methods to leverage the rich information contained within increasingly large datasets. A number of common challenges and opportunities emerged, including the need for multidisciplinary collaboration, multimodal integration, potential ethical challenges, and the multistage path to clinical translation. Despite these challenges, advanced epilepsy neurotechnologies offer the potential to improve our understanding of the underlying causes of epilepsy and our capacity to provide patient‐specific treatment.
Nutrient composition, fermentation characteristics and mass balance of press juice and press cake obtained from biorefining of grass‐clover and red clover silage
Authors: Resch Reinhard , Terler Georg , Winter Manuel , Mandl Michael , Baldinger Lisa , Sweeney Joseph , McDonnell Kevin , Steinwidder Andreas
Published: June 2024

Biorefining is seen as a potential method to produce protein‐rich feed for monogastric farm animals from grassland, which does not compete with human nutrition. Therefore, a new biorefinery facility was constructed and tested in this experiment by using silages from grass clover mixture and red clover. After biorefining, press juice was stored for further use while press cake was re‐ensiled. Samples from silage, press juice, fresh press cake and re‐ensiled press cake were analysed for nutrient composition, fermentation parameters, amino acids (AA) and biogenic amines (BA) concentrations. Furthermore, digestibility of silage and re‐ensiled press cake was tested in wethers. We found that press juice contained about 205 g crude protein (CP), more than 180 g crude ash and more than 130 g volatile organic compounds (VOC, all values per kg dry matter [DM]). Furthermore, press juice had an unfavourable AA ratio for use as a monogastric feed (methionine and cysteine were reduced). Forage type hardly affected nutritive value of press juice. Re‐ensiling of press cake was successful as a sufficient decrease of pH and VOC concentration was observed. Press cake had 26–36 g/kg DM lower CP content and 0.77–1.12 MJ/kg DM lower metabolisable energy content than silage with greater differences in red clover than in grass clover mixture. Press juice can be used as feed in monogastric animals, but its use is limited due to its low CP content and unfavourable AA profile. Press cake could be an appropriate feed for ruminants, especially dry cows or heifers.
Characteristics of freeze‐dried white cheese powder and utilisation in bread formulation
Authors: Konuk Takma Dilara , Ökay Utku , Güneş Ümmü
Published: June 2024

Freeze‐dried white cheese powder was produced using WPI (Whey protein isolate) and CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) and applied in bread production. The optimal formulation ratio of WPI and CMC in freeze‐dried white cheese powder was determined as 5% and 1% (w/w) based on powder properties. Quality characteristics of bread were examined by replacement of white flour with white cheese powder at 10%, 15% and 20%. The addition of CMC provided a significant increase in centrifugal stability (97.18%) and kinetic stability (97.25%) of white cheese emulsions. In powders, CMC reduced water activity, potentially contributing to quality preservation during shelf‐life. The powder with CMC indicated a lighter colour and incorporating the powder into bread formulations resulted in lower L* values and higher a* values compared to the control bread. Texture properties of bread were significantly affected by amount of the powder. The study indicated that white cheeses approaching expiration date can be used in the food industry by converting them into a value‐added product, white cheese powder, using the freeze‐drying technique.
Comparative detection of goat's milk casein through various enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approaches using caprine alpha‐S1 casein peptides and bovine casein polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Samsudin Nurul Izza Nabilah Mohd , Sukor Rashidah , Mohsin Aliah Zannierah , Saari Nazamid
Published: June 2024

Casein causes allergic reactions in cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) individuals. Casein can cross‐react with cows and goats. Hence, a rapid and highly specific technique is required for its detection. The study aims to evaluate and optimise multiple Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) approaches for the detection of casein isolated from goat's milk. The study utilised and optimised various ELISA approaches, including direct, indirect and sandwich with various antibodies. Several parameters of ELISA including pre‐treatments of casein, blocking reagent, concentrations of antibodies and background signal were evaluated. The results showed that sandwich ELISA revealed a good signal‐to‐noise ratio at 1 mg mL−1. Indirect ELISA showed a higher signal‐to‐noise ratio without any heat treatment in comparison to the direct ELISA despite utilising an equivalent concentration (i.e., 10 μg mL−1) of goat's milk casein. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for obtaining a high signal‐to‐noise ratio for antigenicity studies of goat's milk casein to minimise its immunological response.
Chemical design of barium titanate thin films for nanophotonic devices
Authors: Zhu Minmin , Zhang Xianrong , Wei Can , Yi Xiaoyuan , Yang Dan , Zhang Haizhong , Wang Linghua
Published: June 2024

High‐performance electro‐optic (EO) materials greatly enhance modulators and switches in various photonic applications. We investigate the evolution of the tolerance factor (t) and EO coefficient (rc) in A‐site and B‐site doped BaTiO3 (BT) thin films. Our analysis reveals that cation transmutation has a remarkable impact on their dielectric constant, spontaneous polarization, optical band gap, and EO coefficient. Notably, Pb‐doped BT samples exhibit an even higher rc value of 336.5 pm/V, representing a nearly 60% increase compared to pure BT and approximately 11 times larger than that of LiNbO3. This substantial improvement in EO performance can be attributed to enhanced local structural heterogeneity resulting from cation dopants. Furthermore, infusing dopants in BT also result in good structural uniformity and reliable EO performances, regardless of temperature and frequency. Our study offers valuable insights into doping engineering for obtaining functional perovskite oxides, enabling the development of power‐efficient, ultra‐compact integrated nanophotonic devices.
Effects of B′‐site configurational entropy on structure and microwave dielectric characteristics in Ba(B′1/3Nb″2/3)O3 complex perovskite ceramics
Authors: Guo Rui Ze , Yu Chen Xing , Ding Yi Han , Wang Xi , Zhu Xiao Li , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: June 2024

Ba[(Ca0.2Mg0.2Zn0.2Co0.2Ni0.2)1/3Nb2/3]O3 and Ba[(Mg0.25Zn0.25Co0.25Ni0.25)1/3Nb2/3]O3 perovskite single‐phase ceramics were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method, and they were annealed at different temperatures in order to investigate the effect of B′‐site configurational entropy on phase stability, ordered domain structure and microwave dielectric characteristics. By comparing the B′‐site high‐entropy composition with B′‐site medium‐entropy and low‐entropy compositions, the entropy‐dominated phase‐stabilization effect and sluggish diffusion effect were observed in Ba[(Ca0.2Mg0.2Zn0.2Co0.2Ni0.2)1/3Nb2/3]O3. These effects enhanced the temperature stability of the B‐site 1:2 ordered structure. Ba[(Ca0.2Mg0.2Zn0.2Co0.2Ni0.2)1/3Nb2/3]O3 even reached a higher Qf value after annealing above the order‐disorder transition temperature (To‐d). This research extends the entropy regulation to ordered complex perovskite and provides a promising way to modify the performances of complex perovskite dielectric ceramics.
Dual process models of clinical reasoning: The central role of knowledge in diagnostic expertise
Authors: Norman Geoff , Pelaccia Thierry , Wyer Peter , Sherbino Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Rationale

Research on diagnostic reasoning has been conducted for fifty years or more. There is growing consensus that there are two distinct processes involved in human diagnostic reasoning: System 1, a rapid retrieval of possible diagnostic hypotheses, largely automatic and based to a large part on experiential knowledge, and System 2, a slower, analytical, conscious application of formal knowledge to arrive at a diagnostic conclusion. However, within this broad framework, controversy and disagreement abound. In particular, many authors have suggested that the root cause of diagnostic errors is cognitive biases originating in System 1 and propose that educating learners about the types of cognitive biases and their impact on diagnosis would have a major influence on error reduction.

Aims and Objectives

In the present paper, we take issue with these claims.

Method

We reviewed the literature to examine the extent to which this theoretical model is supported by the evidence.

Results

We show that evidence derived from fundamental research in human cognition and studies in clinical medicine challenges the basic assumptions of this theory—that errors arise in System 1 processing as a consequence of cognitive biases, and are corrected by slow, deliberative analytical processing. We claim that, to the contrary, errors derive from both System 1 and System 2 reasoning, that they arise from lack of access to the appropriate knowledge, not from errors of processing, and that the two processes are not essential to the process of diagnostic reasoning.

Conclusions

The two processing modes are better understood as a consequence of the nature of the knowledge retrieved, not as independent processes.
Updated classification of the phylum Parabasalia
Authors: Boscaro Vittorio , James Erick R. , Fiorito Rebecca , del Campo Javier , Scheffrahn Rudolf H. , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: June 2024

The phylum Parabasalia includes very diverse single‐cell organisms that nevertheless share a distinctive set of morphological traits. Most are harmless or beneficial gut symbionts of animals, but some have turned into parasites in other body compartments, the most notorious example being Trichomonas vaginalis in humans. Parabasalians have garnered attention for their nutritional symbioses with termites, their modified anaerobic mitochondria (hydrogenosomes), their character evolution, and the wholly unique features of some species. The molecular revolution confirmed the monophyly of Parabasalia, but considerably changed our view of their internal relationships, prompting a comprehensive reclassification 14 years ago. This classification has remained authoritative for many subgroups despite a greatly expanded pool of available data, but the large number of species and sequences that have since come out allow for taxonomic refinements in certain lineages, which we undertake here. We aimed to introduce as little disruption as possible but at the same time ensure that most taxa are truly monophyletic, and that the larger clades are subdivided into meaningful units. In doing so, we also highlighted correlations between the phylogeny of parabasalians and that of their hosts.
Anxiety among Japanese nursing researchers before and after dispatch for COVID‐19 pandemic support: Effects of anxiety‐enhancing and buffering factors
Authors: Imazu Yoko , Kondo Akiko , Ushikubo Mitsuko , Kanbara Sakiko , Kawahara Noriko , Kondo Mari
Published: June 2024

Aim

We investigated the levels of anxiety and the factors influencing it among Japanese nursing researchers before and after engaging in dispatch support activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study also tested the relationships between pre‐ and post‐relief anxiety and their enhancing and buffering factors.

Methods

A web‐based survey was conducted with 9832 members from the Japan Academy of Nursing Science, covering 15 items related to participant attributes such as age and disaster relief qualifications, factors affecting anxiety about support activities such as the content and duration of one activity, and the level of anxiety before and after activities. After performing multiple regression analyses on the effects of the attributes and the factors influencing anxiety before and after support activities, path analysis was conducted on the adopted independent variables to examine their influence on anxiety before and after support activities.

Results

Of the 886 participants, 82.3% were affiliated with educational institutions and 94.8% had no qualifications in disaster relief. Most of the support involved vaccination and activities at health centers. The relationship between pre‐ and post‐relief activities and factors influencing anxiety constituted a high goodness‐of‐fit, with health center assistance being both a direct and indirect reinforcer of post‐relief anxiety.

Conclusions

Participants expressed anxiety enhanced by activities at the health center both before and after support activities in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Intervention research should examine anxiety‐buffering and ‐enhancing factors, and a support system to respond to rapidly increasing medical needs is necessary.
“Perinatal loss, a devastating cyclone”: A situation‐specific nursing theory
Authors: Furtado‐Eraso Sara , Marín‐Fernández Blanca , Escalada‐Hernández Paula
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop a preliminary theory that explores in depth into understanding the experiences of women who have suffered a spontaneous perinatal loss during any trimester of their pregnancy regarding their emotional response to this loss.

Design

A grounded theory approach was used, and 25 in‐depth interviews were conducted with Spanish women who suffered a spontaneous perinatal loss.

Methods

Theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis were used to reach theoretical saturation. EQUATOR guidelines were followed, using the COREQ checklist.

Results

The “Perinatal loss, a devastating cyclone,” a situation‐specific nursing theory, explains the process that a woman experiences when she loses her baby at any stage of pregnancy, drawing an analogy with tropical cyclones as natural disasters that destroy everything in their path. This situation‐specific theory includes three dimensions, explaining the phases identified in the perinatal loss process (phase prior to impact [before the perinatal loss], impact phase [diagnostic moment], emergency phase [hospital care], relief or honeymoon phase [return home], disillusionment or stock‐taking phase [after the first postloss days at home], reconstruction and recovery phase [grief construction process] and consequences [with an eye to the future]). Three intervention areas were described around the perinatal loss process: “rescue area” (partner, grandparents, and siblings of the deceased baby), “relief area” (healthcare professionals), and “base camp” (society).

Conclusion

The situation‐specific nursing theory “Perinatal loss, a devastating cyclone” is the final product of a grounded theory study that provided an in‐depth analysis of women's experiences when they suffer a spontaneous perinatal loss at any point in their pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance

The situation‐specific theory “Perinatal loss, a devastating cyclone” with the seven identified phases and the three areas of intervention could be used as a framework for healthcare professionals in their clinical practice as a guide to support women in this disfranchised grief.
Defining distress tolerance in a structural model of Big Five personality domains
Authors: Lopez Maria Martin , Naragon‐Gainey Kristin , Conway Christopher C.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Distress tolerance (DT)—willingness to face internal discomforts—has a fuzzy boundary with neuroticism (low emotional stability), raising questions about its independent role in models of personality and mental health.

Method

We investigated DT's overlap with neuroticism and other Big Five factors in a structural model of personality and personality disorder features in samples of university students (N = 1025), emotional disorder patients (N = 225), and substance‐use patients (N = 210).

Results

In exploratory factor analyses, we found that DT indicators clustered with neuroticism and were essentially unrelated to other Big Five domains. Big Five personality dimensions collectively explained approximately 40%–70% of variation in DT, across different samples and methods of quantifying shared variance.

Conclusions

We conclude that DT and neuroticism are near neighbors in empirical space and speculate that much of the observed correlation between DT and mental health outcomes in the literature may be carried by shared neuroticism variance. We suggest that clearer distinctions between the two constructs in empirical research could improve our understanding of DT's unique role in the development and treatment of psychopathology.
Short‐term impact of a combination intervention on family cohesion: Results from a pilot cluster‐randomized clinical trial in Northern Ghana
Authors: Sensoy Bahar Ozge , Byansi William , Ibrahim Abdallah , Boateng Alice , Nartey Portia Buernarkie , Nabunya Proscovia , Kumbelim Kingsley , Ssewamala Fred M. , McKay Mary M.
Published: June 2024

Child labor remains a concern in sub‐Saharan Africa. Yet, evidence‐based preventive efforts are limited. We analyzed longitudinal data from Ghanaian adolescent girls in a pilot randomized clinical trial testing the preliminary impact of a combination intervention on family cohesion as a protective factor against child labor and school dropout. While there was no statistical difference between the control and intervention groups at 9 months, the results show that family cohesion scores improved significantly from baseline to 9 months for the ANZANSI intervention group. Qualitative results indicated improved family cohesion in the intervention group. Hence, future studies should further examine this promising social work intervention.
Using technology broadcasting to explore market applications: The moderating role of a firm's domain‐specific and general knowledge
Authors: Rijssegem Laurence , Andries Petra
Published: June 2024

Innovative firms, like startups, are increasingly making use of technology broadcasting to explore market applications for their technology. While findings from previous studies suggest that these firms can get access to a large pool of suggestions for market applications through technology broadcasting, we lack empirical evidence on whether firms that use technology broadcasting will actually be able to process and explore these suggestions. The current study points to the distinct role of firms' domain‐specific and general knowledge base in this respect. It proposes that technology broadcasting is positively related to the number of market applications a firm explores. Moreover, it hypothesizes that this relationship is weakened by the firm's domain‐specific knowledge and strengthened by its general knowledge base. We use Poisson analyses on hand‐collected survey and secondary data on a sample of 205 Flemish startups. We find that technology broadcasting is positively associated with the number of market applications a firm explores. Furthermore, this positive relationship is stronger with increasing general knowledge, but weaker with increasing domain‐specific knowledge. These findings advance our understanding of the boundary conditions of technology broadcasting. Additionally, our study contributes to the open innovation literature which has called for more attention to the challenges an organization faces in managing its external knowledge search. Finally, our study provides important practical insights for innovative firms that are trying to find market applications for their technology.
Cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate influences growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal morphology in yellow‐feather broilers
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyang , Nan Shanshan , Zhang Li , Chen Cheng , Zhang Wenju , Nie Cunxi
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the effects of cottonseed meal protein hydrolysate (CPH) on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, and enzyme activities of yellow‐feather broilers. We randomly divided 240 chicks into four groups, each with six replicates: a basal diet with 0% (CON), 1% (LCPH), 3% (MCPH), or 5% (HCPH) CPH. The trail spanned 63 days and included three phases: Days 1–21, 22–42, and 43–63. Increased average daily gain (ADG) and decreased ratio of feed to gain (F/G) with LCPH were observed in 21‐day‐old broilers (P < 0.05). MCPH led to higher ADG and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in 42‐day‐old broilers (P < 0.05). Additionally, CPH supplementation resulted in increased dressing percentage, percentage of half‐eviscerated yield, percentage of eviscerated yield, breast muscle rate, and leg muscle rate were observed (P < 0.05) with diet. The serum levels of total protein (TP), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) were enhanced, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and triglyceride (TG) levels decreased with diet and CPH (P < 0.05). CPH increased the length of the jejunum and ileum and the weight of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in 21‐day‐old broilers (P < 0.05). Alterations in the duodenal villus structure in broilers occurred on Days 21 and 42, and the CPH groups performed better; however, a similar change occurred in the jejunum on Days 42 and 63 (P < 0.05). MCPH and HCPH enhanced trypsin activity in the duodenum of 21‐day‐old and 63‐day‐old broilers (p < 0.05). Chymotrypsin activity increased (P > 0.05) in the duodenum of 63‐day‐old broilers fed MCPH. Lipase activity increased (P < 0.05) in the jejuna of 21‐day‐old broilers treated with HCPH. CPH increased trypsin activity in the ilea of 21‐day‐old broilers (P < 0.05). These results showed that CPH influenced the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal morphology of yellow‐feather broilers, which are related to growth stage. The recommended CPH level in broilers is 1% before 21 days of age and 3% after 21 days of age.