bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid-nanofluid magneto-convective flow and porous media contribution to entropy generation
Authors: Mebarek-Oudina Fateh , Chabani Ines , Vaidya Hanumesh , Ismail Abdul Aziz I.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present a numerical study that investigates the flow of MgO-Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid inside a porous elliptical-shaped cavity, in which we aim to examine the performance of this thermal system when exposed to a magnetic field via heat transfer features and entropy generation.

Design/methodology/approach

The configuration consists of the hybrid nanofluid out layered by a cold ellipse while it surrounds a non-square heated obstacle; the thermal structure is under the influence of a horizontal magnetic field. This problem is implemented in COMSOL multiphysics, which solves the related equations described by the “Darcy-Forchheimer-Brinkman” model through the finite element method.

Findings

The results illustrated as streamlines, isotherms and average Nusselt number, along with the entropy production, are given as functions of: the volume fraction, and shape factor to assess the behaviour of the properties of the nanoparticles. Darcy number and porosity to designate the impact of the porous features of the enclosure, and finally the strength of the magnetic induction described as Hartmann number. The outcomes show the increased pattern of the thermal and dynamical behaviour of the hybrid nanofluid when augmenting the concentration, shape factor, porosity and Darcy number; however, it also engenders increased formations of irreversibilities in the system that were revealed to enhance with the permeability and the great properties of the nanofluid. Nevertheless, this thermal enhanced pattern is shown to degrade with strong Hartmann values, which also reduced both thermal and viscous entropies. Therefore, it is advised to minimize the magnetic influence to promote better heat exchange.

Originality/value

The investigation of irreversibilities in nanofluids heat transfer is an important topic of research with practical implications for the design and optimization of heat transfer systems. The study’s findings can help improve the performance and efficiency of these systems, as well as contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies. The study also offers an intriguing approach that evaluates entropy growth in this unusual configuration with several parameters, which has the potential to transform our understanding of complicated fluid dynamics and thermodynamic processes, and at the end obtain the best thermal configuration possible.
From intra-team conflict to interpersonal strain: the role of leader’s interpersonal modulation of emotional responses and sex
Authors: Santarpia Ferdinando Paolo , Sommovigo Valentina , Brecciaroli Sara , Consiglio Chiara , Borgogni Laura
Published: January 2024

Purpose

By integrating the conservation of resources and the emotion-as-social-information theories, this study aims to question whether the leader’s effort to calm down when team members perceive intra-team conflict (ITC) may have a counterproductive effect on their interpersonal functioning. Specifically, the authors investigated whether team members with higher individual perceptions of ITC would be more likely to experience interpersonal strain (ISW) when their team leaders downregulate or suppress their emotional responses (i.e. high interpersonal modulation of emotional responses [MER]). A further objective of the study was to examine whether this exacerbating effect would be conditional on the leader’s sex.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 236 white collars nested in 48 teams (Msize = 6.23; SDsize = 2.69) and their respective team leaders (56.7% men) of a large organization providing financial services.

Findings

Multilevel model results showed that team members confronted with higher ITC experienced higher ISW levels, especially when the leader’s interpersonal modulation of team members’ emotional responses was high (vs low). This effect was stronger when the interpersonal modulation was enacted by women (vs men) team leaders.

Originality/value

This study moves an important step forward in the conflict and ISW literature, as it is the first to identify a leader’s MER and sex as key boundary conditions under which ITC is related to team members’ ISW. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.
Study on surface properties of coated WC-Co alloy based on laser reduction process
Authors: Yang Shucai , Wang Dawei , Xiao Zhanjun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose is to explore the improvement mechanism of coating and laser micro-texture on the surface properties of cemented carbide, so as to give full play to the technical advantages of both and improve the overall surface properties of the material.

Design/methodology/approach

The surface hardness of the coating was measured by a microhardness tester, the surface element composition of the coating was tested by an energy spectrum analyzer and the phase was measured by an X-ray diffractometer to observe the surface morphology after the friction and wear experiment.

Findings

Laser will generate new oxide and nitride films on the surface of the coating, which will improve the hardness of the coating surface and the bonding strength between the coating and the substrate. The surface micro-texture can collect wear debris during the friction process, reduce abrasive wear and play a good role in inhibiting the expansion of the coating failure zone.

Originality/value

Most of the research on traditional laser coating is to process micro-texture first and then coating. This study is the opposite. In this paper, the modification effect of laser on the coating surface is explored, and the parameters of laser and coating are optimized, which paves the way for the subsequent milling experiments of textured coating tools.
Economic and governance drivers of global remittances: a comparative study of the UK, US, and UAE to India
Authors: Khan Imran
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse the impact of economic and governance factors on remittance inflows to India from the UK, USA and UAE. India is globally recognised as the largest recipient of remittances.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a comprehensive time series data set spanning 1996 to 2022, the authors use an innovative non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model approach to examine the influence of economic growth, corruption control and employer availability in the three source countries on remittance inflows to India.

Findings

The results indicate that in the UAE, changes in economic growth and corruption control directly affect remittance outflows. However, the presence of employers in the UAE has minimal impact on remittance outflows to India. Regarding the UK, fluctuations in economic growth primarily drive remittance outflows to India. The effect of corruption control and employment opportunities on remittance outflows is marginal. In the USA, economic growth does not notably impact remittance outflows, whereas corruption control and employment opportunities significantly influence the outflows to India.

Originality/value

These findings have important implications for policymakers. Analysing macroeconomic factors from key remittance-sending nations offers valuable insights for Indian policymakers and their international counterparts to enhance remittance inflows. The study focuses on three countries that collectively contribute to about 50% of India's remittances, providing a unique contribution compared to the usual country-specific or regional focus in existing literature. Finally, leveraging these findings, NITI Aayog, an organisation dedicated to achieving India's sustainable development goals, can effectively monitor macroeconomic indicators related to significant remittance-sending countries.
Slow food and the slow food movement: a case study of consumer activism in Turkiye
Authors: Tokucoglu Yumusak Tuba , Yilmaz Kadri Gokhan , Deligonul Seyda Z. , Cavusgil Tamer
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The slow food movement has become increasingly widespread globally in recent years. This paper focuses on explaining how Turkish cuisine, which has a deep-rooted history, meshes with the slow food movement and how this movement affects consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on expert opinion analysis with academics knowledgeable about the food industry and gastronomy, this paper explores how the slow food movement in Turkiye is evolving and how consumers perceive it. Content analysis was applied to the data obtained from the personal interviews.

Findings

The authors find that the slow food movement creates a strong brand image for businesses that rely on emphasizing the responsibility to the ecological system while appealing to the five senses of consumers. It already shows great potential even in emerging markets where typical household discretionary income is modest.

Practical implications

Based on key theories regarding all sales activism cases, the authors have offered insights into the dynamics, motivations and techniques of the case. Ensuring the preservation of the slow food movement, framing and creating associations need to be examined.

Originality/value

Slow food is a movement that emerged against the standard, fast, tasty, but unhealthy products of the fast-food industry. It entails product variety, local flavors and preference for the single-flavor focus embedded in the fast-food movement. The movement started with considerations of gastronomy and later was institutionalized as a social movement phenomenon. Later, it expanded its base to activism, targeting various social issues.
Knowledge sovereignty: clearing the mental cobweb through library engagement
Authors: Durodolu Oluwole Olumide , Ibenne Samuel Kelechukwu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate knowledge sovereignty and its implication for clearing the mental cobweb through library engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Review of literature

Findings

Knowledge sovereignty refers to people’s ability and aptitude to control, access and navigate information to enable them make informed decisions and channel their activities toward right choices. Library engagements within the new normal of knowledge sovereignty center on their knowledge-centric approach to create, scale, reframe and disseminate both new and existing knowledge to afford quick and gainful use within organizations and the larger society in a short period of time, thus eliminating the dilemma of digital information overload and its complexities, uncertainties and oftentimes, chaos.

Originality/value

This study comply with copyright requirement.
Geographical and gender inequalities in health sciences studies: testing differences in research productivity, impact and visibility
Authors: Goyanes Manuel , Demeter Márton , Háló Gergő , Arcila-Calderón Carlos , Gil de Zúñiga Homero
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Gender and geographical imbalance in production and impact levels is a pressing issue in global knowledge production. Within Health Sciences, while some studies found stark gender and geographical biases and inequalities, others found little empirical evidence of this marginalization. The purpose of the study is to clear the ambiguity concerning the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Health Sciences research data downloaded from the Scival (Scopus/Scimago) database from 2017 to 2020 (n = 7,990), this study first compares gender representation in research productivity, as well as differences in terms of citation per document, citations per document view and view per document scores according to geographical location. Additionally, the study clarifies whether there is a geographic bias in productivity and impact measures (i.e. citation per document, citations per document view and view per document) moderated by gender.

Findings

Results indicate that gender inequalities in productivity are systematic at the overall disciplinary, as well as the subfield levels. Findings also suggest statistically significant geographical differences in citation per document, citations per document view, and view per document scores, and interaction effect of gender over the relation between geography and (1) the number of citations per view and (2) the number of views per document.

Originality/value

This study contributes to scientometric studies in health sciences by providing insightful findings about the geographical and gender bias in productivity and impact across world regions.
A simulated natural heatwave perturbs bumblebee immunity and resistance to infection
Authors: Tobin Kerrigan B. , Mandes Rachel , Martinez Abraham , Sadd Ben M.
Published: January 2024

As a consequence of ongoing climate change, heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency, intensity, and duration in many regions. Such extreme events can shift organisms from thermal optima for physiology and behaviour, with the thermal stress hypothesis predicting reduced performance at temperatures where the maintenance of biological functions is energetically costly. Performance includes the ability to resist biotic stressors, including infectious diseases, with increased exposure to extreme temperatures having the potential to synergise with parasite infection.

Climate change is a proposed threat to native bee pollinators, directly and through indirect effects on floral resources, but the thermal stress hypothesis, particularly pertaining to infectious disease resistance, has received limited attention. We exposed adult Bombus impatiens bumblebee workers to simulated, ecologically relevant heatwave or control thermal regimes and assessed longevity, immunity, and resistance to concurrent or future parasite infections.

We demonstrate that survival and induced antibacterial immunity are reduced following heatwaves. Supporting that heatwave exposure compromised immunity, the cost of immune activation was thermal regime dependent, with survival costs in control but not heatwave exposed bees. However, in the face of real infections, an inability to mount an optimal immune response will be detrimental, which was reflected by increased trypanosomatid parasite infections following heatwave exposure.

These results demonstrate interactions between heatwave exposure and bumblebee performance, including immune and infection outcomes. Thus, the health of bumblebee pollinator populations may be affected through altered interactions with parasites and pathogens, in addition to other effects of extreme manifestations of climate change.
Particulate matter exposure is associated with increased inflammatory cytokines and eosinophils in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lubner Rory J. , Rubel Kolin , Chandra Rakesh K. , Turner Justin H. , Chowdhury Naweed I.
Published: January 2024

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is thought to result from complex interactions between the host immune system, microbiota, and environmental exposures. Currently, there is limited data regarding the impact of ambient particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) in the pathogenesis of CRS, despite evidence linking PM2.5 to other respiratory diseases. We hypothesized that PM2.5 may result in differential cytokine patterns that could inform our mechanistic understanding of the effect of environmental factors on CRS.

Methods

We conducted an analysis of data prospectively collected from 308 CRS patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. Cytokines were quantified in intraoperative mucus specimens using a multiplex flow cytometric bead assay. Clinical and demographic data including zip codes were extracted and used to obtain tract‐level income and rurality measures. A spatiotemporal machine learning model was used to estimate daily PM2.5 levels for the year prior to each patient's surgery date. Spearman correlations and regression analysis were performed to characterize the relationship between mucus cytokines and PM2.5.

Results

Several inflammatory cytokines including IL‐2, IL‐5/IL‐13, IL‐12, and 21 were significantly correlated with estimated average 6, 9, and 12‐month preoperative PM2.5 levels. These relationships were maintained for most cytokines after adjusting for age, income, body mass index, rurality, polyps, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (AR) (p < .05). There were also higher odds of asthma (OR = 1.5, p = .01) and AR (OR = 1.48, p = .03) with increasing 12‐month PM2.5 exposure. Higher tissue eosinophil counts were associated with increasing PM2.5 levels across multiple timeframes (p < .05).

Conclusions

Chronic PM2.5 exposure may be an independent risk factor for development of a mixed, type‐2 dominant CRS inflammatory response.
Medical ethics education as translational bioethics
Authors: Young Peter D. , Papanikitas Andrew N. , Spicer John
Published: January 2024

We suggest that in the particular context of medical education, ethics can be considered in a similar way to other kinds of knowledge that are categorised and shaped by academics in the context of wider society. Moreover, the study of medical ethics education is translational in a manner loosely analogous to the study of medical education as adjunct to translational medicine. Some have suggested there is merit in the idea that much as translational research attempts to connect the laboratory scientist's work to its implications for patient care, translational ethics focuses on bringing ethics scholarship into the sphere of personal and public action. We distinguish the term ‘translational ethics’ (the study of ethics being translated between academy, classroom and clinic) from other prominent definitions in the bioethics literature. To do this, we build off a notion of knowledge translation that focuses on the nonlinear movement of information that comes to professionals through multiple competing sources. We suggest that this knowledge, and particularly knowledge about ethics, becomes embodied by the individual. It is through a reflective practice that internally embedded ethics knowledge might be modified, and this work might be best carried out with a moral community that maintains a sense of practical wisdom. Applying this translational approach to the study of medical ethics education can be both academically relevant and practically useful. This view of translation can help bridge the evident, multidirectional relationships between research, education and performance. It might also create further opportunities to develop medical ethics education theory.
Uncovering the mechanism of Naoxintong capsule against hypertension based on network analysis and in vitro experiments
Authors: Chen Xiatian , Hu Longgang , Wang Ruoying , Luo Min , Wei Chuang , Li Peifeng , Yu Hua
Published: January 2024

Naoxintong capsule (NXT) is a clinical drug for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but its pharmacological mechanism against hypertension remains unclear. Data concerning the compounds and targets of NXT were obtained from the TCMSP and DrugBank, whereas data concerning hypertension‐related genes were obtained from DisGeNET. The network was analyzed and established by STRING and Cytoscape, and function enrichment was analyzed by GO and KEGG analysis. Molecular docking was performed to analyze the interaction between ingredients and targets, cellular activity was evaluated by MTT assay, and RT‐qPCR and western blot were used to evaluate the expressions of related genes. The results showed that 146 active therapeutic components can target hypertension‐related genes, and we found that core genes were mainly involved in the metabolism of lipids, lipopolysaccharides, the inflammatory signaling pathway, and the oxidative stress pathway. In addition, there was high affinity between the components of NXT and targets of hypertension, where the former can increase cell viability and reduce the expressions of NOX4, MCP‐1, BAX, TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Moreover, NXT inhibited the expressions of IL‐6 and Fis1, as well as increased the expression of MCL‐1. These results revealed the active compounds, hypertension targets, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms of NXT for treating hypertension, offering references for the clinical application of NXT and the treatment of hypertension.
Conservation implications of high gene flow and lack of pronounced spatial genetic structure in elephants supported by contiguous suitable habitat in north‐western India
Authors: De Rahul , Sharma Reeta , Singh Sujeet Kumar , Rasteiro Rita , Bhaskar Ranjana , Khan Imran , Kanagaraj Rajapandian , Kakati Kashmira , Nigam Parag , Williams A. Christy , Davidar Priya , Habib Bilal , Goyal Surendra Prakash
Published: January 2024

The western Terai Arc Landscape (wTAL) in Uttarakhand, India, marks the range limit for the Asian elephant in north‐western India. This region has been impacted by land‐use changes and infrastructure expansion for the last seven decades. To evaluate the impact of habitat deterioration on the population structure of elephants in the region, we characterized their genetic diversity and local genetic structure using mitochondrial (D loop) and nuclear DNA (microsatellites;n = 15) markers. We used tissue samples of 114 elephants from five different sub‐populations, collected between 2005 and 2014. The genetic variation was moderate (HO = 0.49–0.55) compared with other Indian elephant populations. Two mtDNA haplotypes were identified without strong spatial patterns across wTAL. Bayesian individual‐based clustering algorithm identified two genetic clusters (K = 2) with high admixture (50% atQ < 0.7) and no spatial adherence. ThoughK = 1 was not supported by the Bayesian algorithm, multivariate analysis and sibship patterns did not indicate genetic differentiation. The lack of spatial genetic structuring suggests high levels of gene flow, indicating that this population is still panmictic. This suggests that the life history traits of elephants as well as the ecological features of this landscape influence genetic connectivity. However, ongoing land use changes necessitate regular genetic monitoring in wTAL to identify incipient structuring caused by anthropogenic barriers to movement.
The Medium in the Sociology of Niklas Luhmann: From Children to Human Beings
Authors: Morgner Christian
Published: January 2024

In this paper, Christian Morgner provides a critical reading of Niklas Luhmann's thinking as ignoring human beings or even as antihumanist. Here, he presents an alternative view that centers on Luhmann's idea of the child or human being as a medium. To explain Luhmann's use of these ideas to conceptualize the child and the consequences for research, Morgner refers to the translation of Luhmann's paper “The Child as the Medium of Education” and to as yet unpublished material from his famous card‐box reference system. Drawing on these materials, Morgner can more clearly illuminate Luhmann's novel perspective and how it could inform further theoretical development, supported by new analysis of existing research in other fields, including developmental psychology, education, philosophy, and sociology. He concludes that, far from neglecting the human, Luhmann's theory takes human being very seriously and acknowledges its key role as a form‐giving medium in addressing the challenges faced by contemporary society. This renewed perspective should be of particular interest to educational theorists, enabling them to more freely apply his ideas in various settings.
Flexibilization or biomethane upgrading? Investment preference of German biogas plant operators for the follow‐up of guaranteed feed‐in tariffs
Authors: Schröer Daniel , Latacz‐Lohmann Uwe
Published: January 2024

This article reports the results of a discrete choice experiment with 183 German biogas plant operators designed to elicit the respondents' plans for biogas utilization pathways after the end of guaranteed feed‐in tariffs. Participants could choose between ‘flexibilization’ for demand‐based electricity generation and conversion to biomethane upgrading for direct feed‐in into the natural gas grid. A binomial logit model revealed a 37% probability of switching to biomethane upgrading. These plants are characterized by higher capacities, several involved shareholders, secured succession, costly digestate disposal and belonging to the upper performance quartile. Mixed logit estimations conducted separately for the two investment concepts revealed a very high overall willingness to invest: 71% for flexibilization and 82% for biomethane upgrading. The respondents demand a return on investment of 19% for flexibilization and 26% for biomethane upgrading. Within the flexibilization, twofold overbuilding (installed capacity equals 2 times the rated power) is clearly preferred to fivefold overbuilding. For the biomethane upgrading, private ownership of the upgrading plant is preferred to a joint investment in a central upgrading facility. Limiting the use of energy crops reduces the propensity to invest in both models, while a longer utilization period enhances it. The respondents consider lack of planning reliability as the biggest obstacle to invest, followed by long approval procedures and high investment costs due to restrictive legal requirements.
BRAFV600E immunohistochemistry can reliably substitute BRAF molecular testing in the Lynch syndrome screening algorithm in colorectal cancer
Authors: Grillo Federica , Paudice Michele , Pigozzi Simona , Dono Maria , Lastraioli Sonia , Lugaresi Marialuisa , Bozzano Silvia , Tognoni Camilla , Ali Murad , Sciallero Stefania , Puccini Alberto , Fassan Matteo , Mastracci Luca
Published: January 2024

Aims

The Lynch syndrome (LS) screening algorithm requires BRAF testing as a fundamental step to distinguish sporadic from LS‐associated colorectal carcinomas (CRC). BRAF testing by immunohistochemistry (IHC) has shown variable results in the literature. Our aim was to analyse concordance between BRAFV600EIHC and BRAF molecular analysis in a large, mono‐institutional CRC whole‐slide, case series with laboratory validation.

Methods and results

MisMatch repair (MMR) protein (hMLH1, hPMS2, hMSH2, and hMSH6) and BRAFV600EIHC were performed on all unselected cases of surgically resected CRCs (2018–2023). An in‐house validation study for BRAFV600EIHC was performed in order to obtain optimal IHC stains. BRAFVV600EIHC was considered negative (score 0), positive (scores 2–3), and equivocal (score 1). Interobserver differences in BRAFV600EIHC scoring were noted in the first 150 cases prospectively collected. Nine‐hundred and ninety CRCs cases (830 proficient (p)MMR/160 deficient (d)MMR) were included and all cases performed BRAFV600EIHC (BRAFV600EIHC‐positive 13.5% of all series; 66.3% dMMR cases; 3.4% pMMR cases), while 333 also went to BRAF mutation analysis. Optimal agreement in IHC scoring between pathologists (P < 0.0001) was seen; concordance between BRAFV600EIHC and BRAF molecular analysis was extremely high (sensitivity 99.1%, specificity 99.5%; PPV 99.1%, and NPV 99.5%). Discordant cases were reevaluated; 1 score 3 + IHC/wildtype case was an interpretation error and one score 0 IHC/mutated case was related to heterogenous BRAFV600EIHC expression. Among the 12 IHC‐equivocal score 1+ cases (which require BRAF molecular analysis), three were BRAF‐mutated and nine BRAF‐wildtype.

Conclusion

BRAFV600EIHC can be used as a reliable surrogate of molecular testing after stringent in‐house validation.
Variation in pollen load composition carried by wild bee species in native and nearby agricultural environments in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Brown Julian , Burke Helen , Stevenson Janelle , Cunningham Saul A.
Published: January 2024

Understanding the mechanisms by which wild bees survive in modified landscapes is important for their conservation and management as pollinators. Pollen is a critical resource for the completion of bee life cycles, so we investigated how the pollen loads carried by native bee communities change between natural forests and farms dominated by exotic crops and weeds in an agricultural region of south‐east Australia.

We found that individual bees tended to carry higher proportions of exotic pollen on farms compared with forests (after accounting for whether they were captured on exotic or native flowers), and the diversity of pollen carried by bees did not differ significantly between native forest and farm sites or along native forest cover gradients. This suggests that the native bees found on farms, which are predominantly different species compared with those found in native forests, are not disadvantaged by the dominance of exotic plants in these habitats (though impacts on larval nutrition were not investigated).

While some native bees carried crop pollen, others almost exclusively carried the pollen of agricultural weeds (e.g., Arctotheca and Brassica species), such that some native bee species may pollinate and benefit from crops, whereas others may only persist on farms if agricultural weeds are tolerated.
Displaced or depressed? Working in automatable jobs and mental health
Authors: Blasco Sylvie , Rochut Julie , Rouland Benedicte
Published: January 2024

Automation may destroy jobs and change the labor demand structure, thereby potentially impacting workers' mental health. Implementing propensity score matching on French individual survey data, we find that working in an automatable job is associated with a 3 pp increase in the probability of suffering from mental disorders. Fear of automation through fear of job loss, expectation of a required change in skills, and fear of unwanted job mobility seem to be relevant channels to explain the findings.
Higher penalties, broader definitions, and national standards: Did harmonized Australian workplace health and safety laws reduce workers' compensation receipt?
Authors: Bilgrami Anam , Cutler Henry , Sinha Kompal
Published: January 2024

A quasi‐experiment was created in Australian policy between 2012 and 2013 when workplace health and safety laws were harmonized in all but two jurisdictions. This reform expanded definitions for duty of care, introduced criminal enforcement, and increased penalties. Using stacked difference‐in‐difference estimation, we fail to find overall reduced workers' compensation probability over the post‐reform period. However, we find significantly reduced workers' compensation probabilities for high‐risk industry workers and workers in single‐location employers. We conclude that more consistent laws may not reduce overall claims and injury if they do not reduce complexity or consider available inspectorate resources, and if jurisdictions have implementation flexibility.
Exploring the complex cognitive, affective and behavioural processes of individuals with intellectual disabilities in financially abusive situations
Authors: Ghaderi Golnaz , Cobigo Virginie
Published: January 2024

Background

Understanding the cognitive processes of individuals with intellectual disabilities in financially abusive situations is critical to develop effective prevention strategies.

Aims

This study investigated how persons with intellectual disabilities define and analyse financially abusive situations, and how they would feel and act in situations that they consider abusive.

Materials and Methods

Twelve participants with intellectual disabilities participated in a semi‐structured interview where they were asked to reflect on three vignettes illustrating financial abuse. We analysed the interviews using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that individuals with intellectual disabilities considered the type of relationship between the victims and the perpetrators, the behavioural patterns of the perpetrators, and their own experiences when interpreting the situation. Furthermore, they discussed their emotional and behavioural reactions to the vignettes.

Conclusion

This study has important implications in supporting the autonomy and decision‐making rights of persons with intellectual disabilities regarding their finances and developing effective preventions against financial abuse among this population.
Validation of dual atrioventricular nodal physiology in dual atrioventricular nodal non‐reentrant tachycardia via adenosine triphosphate injection during atrial pacing: A novel insight into the role of leftward inferior extension
Authors: Arai Hirofumi , Asakawa Tetsuya , Sagawa Yuichiro , Yasui Yumi , Oda Atsuhito , Murata Kazuya , Nakagawa Kazuya , Sasano Tetsuo , Aonuma Kazutaka , Yamauchi Yasuteru
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Dual atrioventricular nodal non‐reentrant tachycardia (DAVNNT) is a rare and challenging‐to‐diagnose arrhythmia, without previous reports associating it with a leftward inferior extension (LIE).

Methods

Diagnosis was made using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) injection during atrial pacing in a suspected DAVNNT patient.

Results

Ablation of the rightward inferior extension was unsuccessful in eliminating DAVNNT; however, subsequent ablation of the LIE successfully eradicated the arrhythmia.

Conclusion

This unique case, marked by the first instance of DAVNNT caused by LIE, diagnosed through ATP injection, underscores the utility of this diagnostic approach and broadens the spectrum of our understanding and management of this condition.
Research Review: Grandparental care and child mental health – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Yihang , Chen Xintai , Wang Anzhuo , Jordan Lucy Porter , Lu Shuang
Published: January 2024

Background

The number of children residing in grandfamilies is growing worldwide, leading to more research attention on grandparental care over the past decades. Grandparental care can influence child well‐being in various forms and the effects vary across contexts. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we synthesize the evidence on the relation between grandparental care and children's mental health status.

Methods

We identified 5,745 records from seven databases, among which 38 articles were included for review. Random effects meta‐analyses were used to synthesize evidence from eligible studies. We also examined the variability across study and participant characteristics, including study design, recruitment method, child age, child gender, study region, family type, comparison group, and outcome rater.

Results

The meta‐analysis consisted of 344,860 children from the included studies, whose average age was 10.29, and of which 51.39% were female. Compared with their counterparts, children being cared for by their grandparents had worse mental health status, including more internalizing problems (d = −0.20, 95% CI [−0.31, −0.09], p = .001), externalizing problems (d = −0.11, 95% CI [−0.21, −0.01], p = .03), overall mental problems (d = −0.37, 95% CI [−0.70, −0.04], p = .03), and poorer socioemotional well‐being (d = −0.26, 95% CI [−0.49, −0.03], p = .03). The effects varied by study design and child gender.

Conclusions

The findings highlight that grandparental care is negatively associated with child mental health outcomes with trivial‐to‐small effect sizes. More supportive programs and interventions should be delivered to grandfamilies, especially in disadvantaged communities.
Development of a parallel plate capacitive sensor‐based system for assessing the quality of Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
Authors: Kumari Khushbu , Chakraborty Subir Kumar , Kishore Anand , Chitranayak
Published: January 2024

A parallel plate capacitive (PPC) sensor‐based system is proposed to estimate the Paneer quality as well as to detect adulteration in the Paneer by measuring the dielectric properties of the Paneer. The experimentation on a developed system with various types of Paneer showed that it could characterize Paneer quality in terms of its fat content by preparing it with the addition of skimmed milk powder (SMP) and adulteration with palmolein oil. The results depict that the capacitance of pure buffalo milk Paneer was highest (192.58 μF) and that the capacitance value decreased with increasing SMP content in the Paneer (or decreasing fat content), with the lowest value obtained for 100% SMP Paneer (75.37 μF). It can be observed that the accuracy of the device in detecting various categories of Paneer is significant (>80%). Specificity of the device to detect negative as true negative is also significantly high for all the categories (>0.85).

Practical applications

Conventional methods for estimating quality of dairy products are tedious, destructive, and require high‐end laboratory equipment. Therefore, a rapid, non‐destructive, and economical tool was needed. The present work details the development of dielectric capacitive sensor‐based system that can non‐destructively characterize Paneer and is efficient in detecting the adulteration in Paneer in terms of skim milk powder or vegetable oil. There is scope of using the developed system as a guideline for further study on other traditional dairy products such as chhana, yoghurt, condensed milk, khoa and so forth.
Fusarium species causing root rot and wilt in tomato in Brazil
Authors: Severo Robinson , Soki Shibutani Leandro Jun , da Silva Gilvan Ferreira , da Silva Costa Guimarães Sarah , de Alcântara Neto Francisco , Beserra José Evando Aguiar , de Souza José Fábio Ferreira , de Melo Maruzanete Pereira
Published: January 2024

A high frequency of plants showing symptoms of wilting and root rot has been observed in tomato‐producing areas in Santarém and Belterra, Pará, Brazil. These plants showed symptoms ranging from yellowing to wilting, with roots displaying reduced development and darkening of the xylem. Four fungal isolates, derived from a collection of 12 obtained from symptomatic plants, were chosen for identification using both morphological and phylogenetic species concepts. To determine the identity of the fungi, DNA was extracted and used in PCR reactions. PCR products were sequenced from the TEF‐1α and RBP2 regions and compared with sequences in GenBank using BLASTn. Based on the phylogenetic analyses, the isolates were identified as Fusarium falciforme and Fusarium suttonianum, belonging to the species complex Fusarium solani – (FSSC), and Fusarium triseptatum, belonging to the species complex Fusarium oxysporum – (FOSC). The fourth isolate, COUFPI 295, grouped within a clade of F. kalimantanense and F. sangayamense from FOSC. The fulfilment of Koch's postulates confirmed that all isolates induced symptoms of root rot and concomitant reduction in root mass, leading to observable wilting symptoms. This is the first report of F. suttonianum, F. falciforme and F. triseptatum causing root rot and wilt in tomato plants in Brazil.
Mixed duopoly in two‐sided markets
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Yoo
Published: January 2024

This paper considers a mixed duopoly two‐sided market of platforms in which a private firm competes with a public firm in a linear city model with fixed demand of full coverage. We examine whether prices of platforms are lower in the mixed duopoly market than in the standard pure duopoly market in which two private firms compete. We show that introducing a public competitor may or may not induce lower prices of the private platform than introducing a private firm, depending on the quality of the public platform service. In particular, if the quality of the public platform is superior, the prices of the platforms are lower than when it competes with the private rival, whereas they are higher if the quality is lower. We also show that the private firm invests more than the public firm. This has the policy implication that maintaining lower platform prices by introducing a competing public platform will not be sustainable in the long run.
Ancient tree genomes for old questions
Authors: Hipp Andrew L. , Lazic Desanka
Published: January 2024

Most foundational work on the evolution and migration of plant species relies on genomic data from contemporary samples. Ancient plant samples can give us access to allele sequences and distributions on the landscape dating back to the mid Holocene or earlier (Gugerli et al., 2005). Nuclear DNA from ancient wood, however, has been mostly inaccessible until now. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Wagner et al. (2023) present the first resequenced nuclear genomes from ancient oak wood, including two samples dated to the 15th century and one that dates to more than 3500 years ago. These ancient tree genomes open the possibility for investigating species adaptation, migration, divergence, and hybridisation in the deep past. They pave the way for what we hope will be a new era in the use of paleogenomics to study Holocene tree histories.
Hindu‐Christian Comparative Theology in a Decolonial Key
Authors: Voss Michelle
Published: January 2024

This article imagines how the discipline of comparative theology might sound in a decolonial key. Focusing on implications for Hindu‐Christian comparative theology, this article puts the sacramental theological approach of Indian Christian artist and theologian Jyoti Sahi into conversation with Michi Saagiig (Mississauga) Nishnaabeg theorist Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's notion of land as pedagogy. In contrast to the narrow epistemology that dominates the academy, this study highlights features of a land‐based alternative in which place, positionality, and relation are central to knowing; in which a subject is not first a thinker but a person in relation to a particular locale; and in which ecological and theological thinking encompass not only the sustainability of natural “resources,” but also the histories and exercises of power within a place.
Occupational fatigue, compassion competence and caring behaviours of intensive care nurses: A structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Sert Havva , Gulbahar Eren Merve , Ucgul Kübra
Published: January 2024

Background

No previous study has examined the direct effect of occupational fatigue, inter‐shift recovery and compassion competence on caring behaviours, including assurance, knowledge‐skill, respect and commitment in intensive care nurses.

Aim

We studied the direct effect of participating nurses' occupational fatigue, inter‐shift recovery and compassion competence levels on their caring behaviours and the relationship among these variables.

Study Design

This was a descriptive correlational study. All nurses who were registered members of the Turkish Intensive Care Nurses Association were invited to participate in this online survey. This study was conducted with 315 intensive care nurses using convenience sampling between April and July 2022. The data were collected using the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery Scale, which consists of three subscales: acute fatigue, chronic fatigue and inter‐shift recovery; the Compassion Competence Scale, including communication, sensitivity and insight subscales; and the Caring Behaviours Inventory‐24. In addition, a structural equation model was established using variables correlating with caring behaviours. Independent variables were occupational fatigue, inter‐ship recovery and compassion competence; and the dependent variable was caring behaviours in this hypothesized model.

Results

Three hundred and fifteen nurses completed the survey (315/1000) with a response rate of 31.5%. The increase in the inter‐shift recovery levels of participants was statistically and positively associated with caring behaviours (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001–0.011, β = .154 [moderate effect size], p < .05). The sub‐dimensions of the Compassion Competence Scale, that is, communication (95% CI: 0.110–0.443, β = .251 [moderate effect size]) and sensitivity (95% CI: 0.084–0.427, β = .241 [moderate effect size]), were statistically and positively associated with the caring behaviours of participants (p < .05). In addition, independent variables accounted for 35% (large effect size) of the total change in caring behaviours (R2 = 0.350).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the high inter‐shift recovery and compassion competence levels of intensive care nurses are positively associated with their caring behaviours.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nursing managers should consider the direct effect of occupational fatigue, inter‐shift recovery and the compassion competence levels of intensive care nurses on their caring behaviours to provide high‐quality care.
Deep learning‐based prediction of coronary artery calcium scoring in hemodialysis patients using radial artery calcification
Authors: Xu Yuankai , Li Wen , Yang Yanli , Dong Shiyi , Meng Fulei , Zhang Kaidi , Wang Yuhuan , Ruan Lin , Zhang Lihong
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study used random forest model to explore the feasibility of radial artery calcification in prediction of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients.

Material and Methods

We enrolled hemodialysis patients and performed ultrasound examinations on their radial arteries to evaluate the calcification status using a calcification index. All involved patients received coronary artery computed tomography scans to generate coronary artery calcification scores (CACS). Clinical variables were collected from all patients. We constructed both a random forest model and a logistic regression model to predict CACS. Logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors of radial artery calcification.

Results

One hundred eighteen patients were included in our analysis. In random forest model, the radial artery calcification index, age, serum C‐reactive protein, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and hypertension history were related to CACS based on the average decrease of the Gini coefficient. The random forest model achieved a sensitivity of 76.9%, specificity of 75.0%, and area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.869, while the logistic regression model achieved a sensitivity of 75.2%, specificity of 68.7%, and area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.742 in prediction of CACS. Sex, BMI index, smoking history, hypertension history, diabetes history, and serum total calcium were all the risk factors related to radial artery calcification.

Conclusions

A random forest model based on radial artery calcification could be used to predict CACS in hemodialysis patients, providing a potential method for rapid screening and prediction of coronary artery calcification.
Does digital government hollow out the essence of street‐level bureaucracy? A systematic literature review of how digital tools' foster curtailment, enablement and continuation of street‐level decision‐making
Authors: Marienfeldt Justine
Published: January 2024

The growing use of digital tools in policy implementation has altered the work of street‐level bureaucrats who are granted substantial discretionary power in decision‐making. Digital tools can constrain discretionary power, like the curtailment thesis proposed, or serve as action resources, like the enablement thesis suggested. This article assesses empirical evidence of the impact of digital tools on street‐level work and decision‐making in service‐oriented and regulation‐oriented organisations based on a systematic literature review and thematic qualitative content analysis of 36 empirical studies published until 2021. The findings demonstrate different effects with regard to the role of digital tools and the core tasks of the public administration, depending on political and managerial goals and consequent system design. Leading or decisive digital tools mostly curtail discretion, especially in service‐oriented organisations. In contrast, an enhanced information base or recommendations for actions enable decision‐making, in particular in regulation‐oriented organisations. By showing how street‐level bureaucrats actively try to resist the curtailing effects caused by rigid design to address individual circumstances, for instance by establishing ways of coping like rule bending or rule breaking, using personal resources or prioritising among clients, this study demonstrates the importance of the continuation thesis and the persistently crucial role of human judgement in policy implementation.