bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiway Junction Conditions for Spacetimes with Multiple Boundaries
Authors: Shen Jia-Yin , Peng Cheng , Li Li-Xin
Published: September 2024

We explore the construction of gluing together an arbitrary number of spacetimes along a common interface. This provides a general tool to construct new gravitational backgrounds with multiple boundaries. We derive junction conditions across the interface, in both Einstein gravity and dilaton gravity, using two methods (1) by developing a geometrical technique of introducing an auxiliary reverse extension manifold and (2) by the variational principle. Our junction condition works for both spacelike and timelike interfaces. We illustrate applications of the junction conditions in Jackiw-Teitelboim gravity and analyze their constraints on the allowed dilaton profile. We further comment on the geometry of a web of spacetime in the presence of multiple interfaces and its resemblance to Feynman diagrams.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The magnetic structure and spin-reorientation of ErGa
Authors: Cadogan J. M. , Ryan D. H. , Susilo R. A. , Muñoz Pérez S. , Cobas R. , Lee-Hone N. R. , Hansen B. R. , Avdeev M.
Published: September 2024

The magnetic structure of the intermetallic compound ErGa has been determined using high-resolution neutron powder diffraction. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic (Cmcm, No. 63) CrB-type structure and orders ferromagnetically at 32 (2) K, with the Er moments initially aligned along the b axis. Upon cooling below 16 K, the Er magnetic moments cant away from the b axis towards the c axis. At 3 K, the Er moment is 8.7 (3) μB and the Er magnetic moments point in the direction 31 (3)° away from the crystallographic b axis, within the bc plane. 166Er Mössbauer spectroscopy work supports this structure and shows clear signals of the spin-reorientation in both the magnetic and electric quadrupole hyperfine interactions.
Enriching the concept of employer branding: investigating its impact in the service sector
Authors: Jaffari Asad Abbas , Foroudi Pantea , Palazzo Maria , Akbari Morteza
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the research on employer branding (EB) by identifying elements of EB according to the perceptions of employees working in the service sector and investigating the impact of EB on employer of choice and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Around544 respondents helped to test the model. The research considers development, growth opportunities, equality and justice as new elements of EB, along with organizational culture, salary, incentives and work–life balance.

Findings

EB significantly influences employer of choice through organizational commitment and employer brand advocacy. Organizational performance is influenced by EB through job satisfaction and employee performance. Nevertheless, no significant relation was observed between EB and employer of choice through person–organization fit. The EB’s impact on employee performance through employee retention was not significant.

Originality/value

The study suggests reflecting on the importance of the role played by new elements of EB and on the existence of a direct relationship between employee performance and EB. Despite the widespread belief that EB primarily serves as a recruitment tactic to attract candidates, this paper shows that the positive impacts on company performance stem more from outcomes related to current employees than from prospective applicants.
Impacts of cultural practices on consumers’ buying behavior in sales promotional activities in the settings of COVID-19
Authors: Rehman Fazal ur , Javed Farwida , Shiekh Sadia Ejaz , Prokop Viktor
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of cultural practices on consumers’ buying behavior in sales promotional activities toward the fashion clothing brands based on the Theory of Black-Box Model under the conditions of COVID-19 at Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has collected data through questionnaire-based survey from 600 consumers of fashion clothing brands using convenience sampling technique in Pakistan and analyzed through PLS-SEM to find results.

Findings

The results confirmed that cultural practices and sales promotional activities have positive significant relationship with the consumers’ buying behavior during the celebration of events, also under the conditions of COVID-19. The study also found that ethnocentrism and xenocentrism are positively associated with cultural practices while social factors, physical factors, product innovation and marketing innovation with sales promotional activities.

Practical implications

The outcomes provide interesting insights about consumers’ assessment toward the sale’s promotional activities and cultural practices of fashion clothing brands during the celebration of events and guide the marketing practitioners to develop the customers edifying and environment-oriented business strategies to boost up the buying behavior in crisis situations.

Originality/value

Although prior research has widely investigated the cultural practices, sales promotion and consumers’ buying behavior in various settings, but to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in these domains.
Comparative study of corrosion-based service life prediction of reinforced concrete structures using traditional and machine learning approach
Authors: Rajender Amgoth , Samanta Amiya K. , Paral Animesh
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Accurate predictions of the steady-state corrosion phase and service life to achieve specific safety limits are crucial for assessing the service of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Forecasting the service life (SL) of structures is imperative for devising maintenance and repair strategy plans. The optimization of maintenance strategies serves to prolong asset life, mitigate asset failures, minimize repair costs and enhance health and safety standards for society.

Design/methodology/approach

The well-known empirical conventional (traditional) approaches and machine learning (ML)-based SL prediction models were presented and compared. A comprehensive parametric study was conducted on existing models, considering real-world conditions as reported in the literature. The analysis of traditional and ML models underscored their respective limitations.

Findings

Empirical models have been developed by considering simplified assumptions and relying on factors such as corrosion rate, steel reinforcement diameter and concrete cover depth, utilizing fundamental mathematical formulas. The growth of ML in the structural domain has been identified and highlighted. The ML can capture complex relationships between input and output variables. The performance of ML in corrosion and service life evaluation has been satisfactory. The limitations of ML techniques are discussed, and its open challenges are identified, along with insights into the future direction to develop more accurate and reliable models.

Practical implications

To enhance the traditional modeling of service life, key areas for future research have been highlighted. These include addressing the heterogeneous properties of concrete, the permeability of concrete and incorporating the interaction between temperature and bond-slip effect, which has been overlooked in existing models. Though the performance of the ML model in service life assessment is satisfactory, models overlooked some parameters, such as the material characterization and chemical composition of individual parameters, which play a significant role. As a recommendation, further research should take these factors into account as input parameters and strive to develop models with superior predictive capabilities.

Originality/value

Recent deployment has revealed that ML algorithms can grasp complex relationships among key factors impacting deterioration and offer precise evaluations of remaining SL without relying on traditional models. Incorporation of more comprehensive and diverse data sources toward potential future directions in the RC structural domain can provide valuable insights to decision-makers, guiding their efforts toward the creation of even more resilient, reliable, cost-efficient and eco-friendly RC structures.
The impact of organizational culture on knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity: a study of the microfinance institutions in Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Salman , Ullah Sami , Rizwan Amina , Nazeer Naima , Rasheed Mamoona , Siddiqi Ahmed Faisal Imtiaz
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Microfinance institutions (MFI) must adapt to rapidly changing market conditions, including stringent regulations and diverse customer demands, necessitating a high absorptive capacity. This research elucidates how organizational culture promotes knowledge sharing, thereby enhancing an organization’s ability to absorb and utilize new knowledge, with particular attention to the moderating role of MFI size.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 450 randomly selected employees of MFIs in Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling in WarpPLS 8.0.

Findings

The findings show that knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between organizational culture and absorptive capacity. The impact is more pronounced in larger MFIs, while smaller MFIs exhibit greater agility in adapting to new knowledge.

Practical implications

MFIs, particularly in dynamic markets like Pakistan, should enhance their absorptive capacity by fostering an organizational culture that promotes knowledge sharing. While larger MFIs benefit from structured knowledge-sharing practices, they should address potential bureaucratic impediments to maintain agility.

Social implications

By improving absorptive capacity, MFIs can better innovate and tailor their services to underserved communities, contributing to financial inclusion and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. This research provides insights for policymakers and practitioners on fostering sustainable development through strategic organizational practices in MFIs.

Originality/value

The findings offer a practical framework linking theoretical concepts from the resource-based and knowledge-based views to real-world applications, particularly in developing economies. It emphasizes the crucial role of organizational culture in enabling MFIs to adapt and thrive in challenging environments.
Can—and should—automaticity be self‐reported using a single item? A secondary analysis of 16 datasets
Authors: Gardner Benjamin , Lally Phillippa , Rebar Amanda L.
Published: September 2024

Understanding the influence of habit on health behaviour, or the formation or disruption of health habits over time, requires reliable and valid measures of automaticity. The most used measure, the Self‐Report Behavioural Automaticity Index (SRBAI; derived from the Self‐Report Habit Index [SRHI]), comprises four items, which may be impractical in some research contexts. Responding to demand from fellow researchers, this study sought to identify whether and which single items from the SRBAI adequately detect hypothesised effects of automaticity, via secondary analysis of 16 datasets, incorporating 16,838 participants and seven different behaviours. We assessed construct validity through correlations between each item and the full SRBAI (and where possible, the SRHI) and predictive validity by examining correlations with behaviour. All four single‐item measures independently met construct and predictive validity criteria. We recognise compelling conceptual and methodological arguments regarding why people should not attempt to assess automaticity via a single, self‐report item. However, where circumstances require brief measures, three SRBAI items each offer a credible and practical one‐item measure that can substitute for the SRBAI or SRHI. We recommend one item in particular—‘Behaviour X is something I do automatically’—because it tended to most closely replicate the effects of the four‐item SRBAI.
Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Public Administration
Authors: David Geneviève
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) could be at the heart of a fourth revolution by significantly changing professional identity, relationships between individuals and resource management. To help public administration practitioners and researchers cope with changes anticipated by AI, this research note maps existing conceptual approaches on the opportunities and challenges of AI in public administration and proposes a conceptual framework and initiatives that can inform and support effective, public interest‐oriented technology policymaking. This research note outlines a potential research agenda, with multi‐level opportunities and challenges, to accelerate this critical work.
TCSR: Self‐attention with time and category for session‐based recommendation
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yu , Li Jiaxuan , Wang Jiayin , Lai Xin
Published: September 2024

Session‐based recommendation that uses sequence of items clicked by anonymous users to make recommendations has drawn the attention of many researchers, and a lot of approaches have been proposed. However, there are still problems that have not been well addressed: (1) Time information is either ignored or exploited with a fixed time span and granularity, which fails to understand the personalized interest transfer pattern of users with different clicking speeds; (2) Category information is either omitted or considered independent of the items, which defies the fact that the relationships between categories and items are helpful for the recommendation. To solve these problems, we propose a new session‐based recommendation method, TCSR (self‐attention with time and category for session‐based recommendation). TCSR uses a non‐linear normalized time embedding to perceive user interest transfer patterns on variable granularity and employs a heterogeneous SAN to make full use of both items and categories. Moreover, a cross‐recommendation unit is adapted to adjust recommendations on the item and category sides. Extensive experiments on four real datasets show that TCSR significantly outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Dispersal direction, geographic location and river discharge all influence juvenile growth of a freshwater fish
Authors: Barrow Joshua S. , Morrongiello John R. , Koehn John D. , Zampatti Brenton , Fanson Ben , Thiem Jason D. , Tonkin Zeb , Koster Wayne M. , Butler Gavin L. , Strawbridge Arron , Brooks Steven G. , Woods Ryan , Yen Jian D. L.
Published: September 2024

Seeking out appropriate habitat or food resources is one of the key reasons why animals move. Despite the benefits of movement, some individuals in a population remain resident or express alternative movement phenotypes. Movement, however, is energetically costly and can result in resources being diverted away from growth and reproduction. The presence of multiple movement phenotypes within populations suggests that each can have commensurate levels of performance depending on the underlying environmental conditions.

Here we explore the context‐dependent costs and benefits of upstream and downstream juvenile dispersal in a large river system. We expect that if the energetic costs of moving (upstream against a current or downstream with a current) exceed any benefits to growth, then residents (who do not move) will have faster growth. Alternatively, movement costs may be offset if individuals move to more favourable environments, resulting in dispersers benefiting with faster growth.

We used biological information naturally archived in the otoliths of a potamodromous fish, golden perch Macquaria ambigua, to quantify how movement phenotypes affect growth across individuals exposed to spatiotemporally varying environmental conditions.

We found that juvenile growth differed considerably among dispersal phenotypes (resident, upstream, downstream, stocked): in general, surviving wild‐spawned downstream and upstream dispersers and hatchery‐stocked fish all grew faster than individuals that remained resident within their natal reach. Further, juvenile growth was sensitive to local environmental conditions and had carryover effects from an individual's natal‐year. Juvenile growth of all dispersal phenotypes was higher in years with below average natal‐year summer discharge (when fish are ~2–3 months old), likely because of increased concentrations of food resources. In contrast, the effects of natal‐year spring discharge (around the time individuals were spawned) were dependent on dispersal direction, with positive effects for downstream dispersers and upstream dispersers, and negative effects for resident individuals.

Our results suggest that an individual's growth can benefit from early‐life movement, although the magnitude of this effect depends on local environmental conditions and the direction travelled. Our study reinforces the importance of heterogeneous and connected riverscapes that foster a diversity of individual growth responses.
Associations Among Family Strengths, Depression and Life Satisfaction Between Disabled Children and Their Parent Caregivers: An Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model
Authors: Kim Yoonjung , Chae Heemin
Published: September 2024

Aim

To explore the actor–partner effect and mediating role of depression on family strength and life satisfaction among children with disabilities and their parent–caregiver dyads.

Design

A cross‐sectional study using secondary data collected from the 2020 (third) Korea Disability and Life Dynamics Panel.

Methods

This study included 434 Korean dyads of children with disabilities and their parent caregivers. A dyadic analysis was performed using the actor–partner interdependence mediation model.

Results

The findings showed significant indirect actor effects of family strength on life satisfaction through depression for children with disabilities and their parent caregivers. The direct partner effects of one's family strengths on a partner's life satisfaction were statistically significant only for children. Additionally, significant indirect partner effects were observed in the association between parents' family strengths and children's life satisfaction through their own and their children's depression. The findings indicated that the life satisfaction of children with disabilities was more likely to be affected by their parent caregivers' perceived family strengths and depression.

Conclusion

It is significant for health professionals to acknowledge the mediating and cross‐over pathways linking family strengths to life satisfaction through depression and, thus, focus on family‐based strategies to enhance life satisfaction among children with disabilities and their parent caregivers.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

This study highlights the need for family‐oriented mental health interventions and education to promote life satisfaction among children with disabilities and their parent caregivers.

Impact

Basic data were provided for establishing efficient healthcare education and counselling protocols and integrated family intervention programmes that can contribute to improving life satisfaction through the reduction of depression by strengthening the family strengths of disabled children–parent caregivers dyads. In future, studies should explore dyadic interdependence among children with disabilities and their parent caregivers.

Reporting Method

STROBE guidelines were followed for this study.

Patient or Public Contribution

No public or patient contribution was required for this study.
Política estatal en territorio indígena: Los negocios étnicos turísticos (NET) en San Pedro de Atacama, Norte de Chile
Authors: Valenzuela América , Chiappe Carlos
Published: September 2024

Since 2000, Atacama communities and state agencies established agreements for the installation of a management system for natural and archaeological sites located in Los Flamencos National Reserve (Northern Chile) that have become prominent ethnic tourist businesses‐henceforth NET. The NETs not only represent a matter of economic entrepreneurship in the context of mass tourism in San Pedro de Atacama, but also an exercise of power to mitigate the negative effects of tourism and protect the territory. From an ethnographic perspective, the present study addresses the processes of agreement, installation and functioning of three cases of the Atacama NETs and their relationship with the indigenous state policy.
Evaluating Weight Status, Snacking Patterns, and Physical Activity Levels Among Primary Schoolchildren in Relizane, Algeria: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Hadri Zouheyr , Benada M'hamed , Boumaaza Boualem , Boudalia Sofiane
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the weight status, snack consumption, and physical activity levels among primary schoolchildren, with a focus on both rural and urban areas.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study surveyed 557 primary schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years, covering general identification (age, gender), anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist, and hip circumference), food patterns (frequency of food consumption), and sports activities.

Results

Using CDC body mass index thresholds, we identified a 25% prevalence of obesity and over 17% for overweight, revealing a significant urban–rural disparity. In urban areas, boys had a higher obesity rate (32.58%), while girls had a higher overweight rate (15%). Conversely, in rural regions, girls had a higher obesity rate (24.82%), and boys had a higher overweight rate (22.3%). Dietary analysis showed that over 86% consumed three daily meals, but distinctions in snack choices, such as chips, wafers, and biscuits, were noted between urban and rural areas. Additionally, urban schoolchildren were more likely to participate in sports activities compared to their rural counterparts, with rates of 70.22% versus 55.08%, respectively.

Conclusion

Findings provide valuable insights into the health and food behaviors of primary schoolchildren and can inform interventions and strategies to promote healthier lifestyles.
Searching for Needles in a Haystack: Exploring Alternative Operational Approaches to Classify the Safety of Induced Abortions Using Respondent‐Driven Sampling Data From Two Sub‐Saharan African Settings
Authors: Owolabi Onikepe O. , Rossier Clémentine , Compaore Rachidatou , Kim Caron , Ganatra Bela , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Zan Moussa , Bangha Martin , Baguiya Adama ,   the N‐MAS team
Published: September 2024

This study aims to describe the circumstances under which women obtained abortions in two sites, explore more nuanced approaches to classify abortion safety and examine the relationship between safety and self‐reported health outcomes. We analyze data on the most recent abortion or only abortion reported by 551 women in Nairobi slums and 479 women in rural Kaya ages 15–49 years within the three years preceding the study, recruited via respondent‐driven sampling. Using the most liberal safety classification, there were very few safe abortions (8 percent in Nairobi and 5 percent in Burkina Faso). A significant proportion of women reported using unidentified pills which we hypothesize may be medication abortion. Although a smaller proportion of women with safe abortions reported side effects, more of them reported side effects suggestive of infections and sought care for their symptoms. It is important that we explore and move towards more nuanced global safety classifications that more accurately reflect the risk associated with different methods and can capture women's access to comprehensive abortion care and its impact on their health.
A Preliminary Study Using High‐Frequency Ultrasound to Evaluate Vulvar Skin With Lichenoid Vulvar Dermatoses
Authors: Ma Jingyi , Song Yan , Xv Jun , Shen Kaikai , Wu Ming , Chen Jiyun , Zhao Xinyu , Zhu Haohui , Zhang Xijun
Published: September 2024

Background

Lichenoid vulvar dermatoses (LVD) are inflammatory diseases primarily affecting the vulva and anus. This study aims to evaluate the skin changes in patients with LVD using high‐frequency ultrasound.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with LVD, who attended Henan Provincial People's Hospital from November 2021 to March 2024, were selected. According to the pathological conclusions, patients were divided into two groups: the vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) group (n = 24) and the vulvar lichen simplex chronicus (VLSC) group (n = 21). Thirty age‐ and BMI‐matched healthy women were selected as the control group. We assessed the epidermal thickness, subepidermal low echogenic band (SLEB) thickness, dermal thickness, and vascular index (VI) among the three groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of these ultrasound parameters for LVD. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors influencing LVD pathology in VLS patients.

Results

Epidermal thickness, SLEB thickness, dermal thickness, and VI were increased in the VLS and VLSC groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in ultrasound parameters between the VLS and VLSC groups (p > 0.05). The ROC curves showed that the area under the curve (AUC) value for the dermis (AUC = 0.882) was the largest for VLS, and VI (AUC = 0.917), it was the largest for VLSC. Binary logistic regression indicated that having an allergic disease was a risk factor for VLS between VLS and VLSC groups (OR = 6.797, p = 0.028).

Conclusion

High‐frequency ultrasound can detect thickening of the skin and increasing VI in patients with LVD, which can be helpful in the evaluation and management of LVD.
Comparison of commercial next‐generation sequencing assays to conventional culture methods for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of samples obtained from clinical cases of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis
Authors: Smart Kimberly , Pieper Jason B. , Viall Austin K. , Noxon James O. , Berger Darren J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is an important step in timely therapeutic decisions for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (SBF), commonly caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) offers the appeal of potentially expedited results with complete detection of bacterial organisms and associated resistance genes compared to culture. Limited studies exist comparing the two methodologies for clinical samples.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To compare and contrast genotypic and phenotypic methods for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility from cases of canine SBF.

Animals

Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs with lesions consistent with SBF were enrolled.

Materials and Methods

A sterile culturette swab was used to sample dogs with SBF lesions. The swab was rinsed in 0.9 mL of sterile phosphate‐buffered saline and vortexed to create a homogenous solution. Two swabs for NGS laboratories (Labs) and one swab for culture (Culture Lab) were randomly sampled from this solution and submitted for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results

No statistical difference regarding turnaround time for NGS Labs compared to Culture Lab was found. NGS Lab 1 identified more organisms than NGS Lab 2 and Culture Lab, which were both statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in detection frequency for Staphylococcus spp. among all laboratories. There was poor agreement for the presence of meticillin resistance and most antimicrobials among all laboratories.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Utilisation of NGS as a replacement for traditional culture when sampling canine SBF lesions is not supported at this time.
Language as a Communication Tool for Maximum Participation in Municipalities: Lessons from Moqhaka Local Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Mnguni Aaron , Hlohlolo Sephiri David
Published: September 2024

This study attempts to accent the momentousness of public participation as an essential element of successful good local governance in the Republic of South Africa. Public participation is a fundamental dimension of democracy and an important factor in the deepening of democratic process. In this study, a total of 283 literate and semi-literate residents from the Moqhaka Local Municipality (comprising Kroonstad, Viljoenskroon and Steynsrus) participated in a purposive non-probability sampling exercise. Questionnaires were given to respondents following the population sizes, where Kroonstad (150 respondents) being the largest, followed by Viljoenskroon (80 respondents), and lastly, Steynsrus (53 respondents). The results showed overwhelmingly that both literate and semi-literate members of the Municipality strongly suggest that the use of African languages, in this case Sesotho is crucial for democracy to thrive. This paper intended to revitalise and encourage public participation at South African local municipalities, and to help minimise protest actions where residents constantly demand better service delivery.  This has been true with the low voter turnout rate during the November 2021 local government elections. Local municipalities in South Africa are facing a huge task of advocating the involvement of communities and community organisations in local government. Language of communication is thus important in achieving this.
Managing Intercultural Business Relations: Metapragmatic Expressions in Online Negative Review Responses
Authors: Chen Jialiang
Published: September 2024

The proliferation of mass media and online platforms has catalyzed the digital turn of business communication. This paper adopts an intercultural pragmatic perspective to explore the interpersonal functions of metapragmatic expressions (MPEs) in online negative review responses, an area that has received limited attention in earlier research, particularly with regard to the interpersonal dynamics in intercultural business settings. Based on 277 English negative reviews and responses gathered from TripAdvisor in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this study found that agents use MPEs to manage rapport when responding to online negative reviews. More specifically, the interpersonal functions of MPEs are embodied in different move structures as they are used as common ground builders and salience adjusters. The present study advances our understanding of the MPEs in digital intercultural business communication and sheds light on metapragmatic awareness and intercultural pragmatic competence that are essential for managing business relations.
Applied Communication in Classrooms: Tips for Teachers to Enhance English Communication among Tribal Learners in India
Authors: Binoy Binny , R Subramania Pillai
Published: September 2024

English language communication has a significant role in current culture. Teaching English language communication inside the classroom is a difficult task since it is directly linked to the outer world. Teaching Tribal learners how to communicate in English or to make them communicate more effectively is a difficult task. By analyzing tribal learners and the learning facilities that exist in India, this paper discusses some of the effective ways and methods to teach these students to help them communicate and express their views in English, which is an important need. Additionally, the technologically assisted applications which might help teachers in teaching English communication are also discussed. This study promises to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the need of inclusive education and the importance of address the disparity regarding English language learning and communication.
Cells and ionic conductances contributing to spontaneous activity in bladder and urethral smooth muscle
Authors: Drumm Bernard T. , Gupta Neha , Mircea Alexandru , Griffin Caoimhin S.
Published: September 2024

Smooth muscle organs of the lower urinary tract comprise the bladder detrusor and urethral wall, which have a reciprocal contractile relationship during urine storage and micturition. As the bladder fills with urine, detrusor smooth muscle cells (DSMCs) remain relaxed to accommodate increases in intravesical pressure while urethral smooth muscle cells (USMCs) sustain tone to occlude the urethral orifice, preventing leakage. While neither organ displays coordinated regular contractions as occurs in small intestine, lymphatics or renal pelvis, they do exhibit patterns of rhythmicity at cellular and tissue levels. In rabbit and guinea‐pig urethra, electrical slow waves are recorded from USMCs. This activity is linked to cells expressing vimentin, c‐kit and Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels, like interstitial cells of Cajal in the gastrointestinal tract. In mouse, USMCs are rhythmically active (firing propagating Ca2+ waves linked to contraction), and this cellular rhythmicity is asynchronous across tissues and summates to form tone. Experiments in mice have failed to demonstrate a voltage‐dependent mechanism for regulating this rhythmicity or contractions in vitro, suggesting that urethral tone results from an intrinsic ability of USMCs to ‘pace’ their own Ca2+ mobilization pathways required for contraction. DSMCs exhibit spontaneous transient contractions, increases in intracellular Ca2+ and action potentials. Consistent across numerous species, including humans, this activity relies on voltage‐dependent Ca2+ influx in DSMCs. While interstitial cells are present in the bladder, they do not ‘pace’ the organ in an excitatory manner. Instead, specialized cells (PDGFRα+ interstitial cells) may ‘negatively pace’ DSMCs to prevent bladder overexcitability.

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Analytical model for sound of explosives and firearms
Authors: Salomons E. M.
Published: September 2024

An analytical model is presented for approximate prediction of the waveform and the sound level spectrum of blast waves generated by explosives and firearms. The model is based on numerical results for spherical blast waves, with overpressures between 10 kPa and 100 MPa, and a nonlinear propagation theory for blast waves. The matching of the numerical results and the nonlinear propagation theory is investigated, and compared with results from the literature and results of calculations with a nonlinear propagation model. The analytical model presented here assumes a Friedlander waveform, from which formulas are derived for the 1/3-octave band spectrum of the sound exposure level. The formulas take into account the nonlinear effect of pulse broadening, and the corresponding frequency shift. For firearms, the muzzle blast levels vary in general with the emission direction, and the model takes into account an empirical directivity correction. Apart from the directivity correction, the model has no empirical parameters. The waveform and the spectrum follow directly from the explosion energy or the explosive charge mass. Model predictions are in good agreement with measurement results of explosives and firearms, with the explosive charge mass ranging from 0.4 g to 4 kg TNT.
Cross-species single-cell spatial transcriptomic atlases of the cerebellar cortex
Authors: Hao Shijie , Zhu Xiaojia , Huang Zhi , Yang Qianqian , Liu Hean , Wu Yan , Zhan Yafeng , Dong Yu , Li Chao , Wang He , Haasdijk Elize , Wu Zihan , Li Shenglong , Yan Haotian , Zhu Lijing , Guo Shiyong , Wang Zefang , Ye Aojun , Lin Youning , Cui Luman , Tan Xing , Liu Huanlin , Wang Mingli , Chen Jing , Zhong Yanqing , Du Wensi , Wang Guangling , Lai Tingting , Cao Mengdi , Yang Tao , Xu Yuanfang , Li Ling , Yu Qian , Zhuang Zhenkun , Xia Ying , Lei Ying , An Yingjie , Cheng Mengnan , Zhao Yun , Han Lei , Yuan Yue , Song Xinxiang , Song Yumo , Gu Liqin , Liu Chang , Lin Xiumei , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Zhifeng , Wang Yang , Li Shenyu , Li Huanhuan , Song Jingjing , Chen Mengni , Zhou Wanqiu , Yuan Nini , Sun Suhong , Wang Shiwen , Chen Yu , Zheng Mingyuan , Fang Jiao , Zhang Ruiyi , Zhang Shuzhen , Chai Qinwen , Liu Jiabing , Wei Wu , He Jie , Zhou Haibo , Sun Yangang , Liu Zhen , Liu Chuanyu , Yao Jianhua , Liang Zhifeng , Xu Xun , Poo Muming , Li Chengyu , De Zeeuw Chris I. , Shen Zhiming , Liu Zhiyong , Liu Longqi , Liu Shiping , Sun Yidi , Liu Cirong
Published: September 2024

The molecular and cellular organization of the primate cerebellum remains poorly characterized. We obtained single-cell spatial transcriptomic atlases of macaque, marmoset, and mouse cerebella and identified primate-specific cell subtypes, including Purkinje cells and molecular-layer interneurons, that show different expression of the glutamate ionotropic receptor Delta type subunit 2 (
GRID2
) gene. Distinct gene expression profiles were found in anterior, posterior, and vestibular regions in all species, whereas region-selective gene expression was predominantly observed in the granular layer of primates and in the Purkinje layer of mice. Gene expression gradients in the cerebellar cortex matched well with functional connectivity gradients revealed with awake functional magnetic resonance imaging, with more lobule-specific differences between primates and mice than between two primate species. These comprehensive atlases and comparative analyses provide the basis for understanding cerebellar evolution and function.
Rare photos reveal North Korea’s nuclear program
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: September 2024

Nation appears to have upgraded its bombmaking capacity, experts say
A ponderous hint of new physics fades away
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2024

The W boson has precisely the mass predicted by physicists’ standard model
Monocentric evaluation of the Novaplex dermatophyte multiplex qPCR assay in the diagnosis of dermatophytoses
Authors: Harel Florian , Robert-Gangneux Florence , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Guegan Hélène
Published: September 2024

Superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes are a prevalent global health concern. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of these pathogens through molecular tools would offer a substantial advantage for early detection and effective treatment. The conventional fungal culture presents inherent limitations, including extended result delivery delay and variable sensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the multiplex real-time PCR Novaplex dermatophyte assay (Seegene) in comparison to traditional mycological methods including direct examination and culture. A total of 312 nail, skin, and scalp samples collected from patients with suspected superficial fungal infections for mycological diagnosis were retrospectively subjected to the Novaplex dermatophyte assay. Overall, 170 (54.6%) and 186 (59.6%) samples tested positive for dermatophyte culture and dermatophyte PCR, respectively. The concordance between PCR and culture for dermatophyte detection was 87.2%. There were 158 culture-positive/PCR-positive samples, 12 culture-positive/PCR-negative samples, and 28 culture-negative/PCR-positive samples. The sensitivity of PCR against culture varied according to the dermatophyte target, ranging from 90.5% (
Trichophyton mentagrophytes/interdigitale/benhamiae
), 91.2% (
Trichophyton rubrum
), to 100% (
Microsporum
spp. and
Trichophyton tonsurans
). When considering the final diagnosis using composite criteria, the sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of dermatophytosis were 92.9% and 96.6% for PCR, 86.7% and 100% for culture, and 95.4% and 92.2% for direct examination and culture combined, respectively. The Seegene Novaplex dermatophyte assay is an easy-to-use automated one-step extraction-PCR system that offers satisfactory performance for routine diagnosis of dermatophytoses in clinical laboratories, particularly in non-specialized centers. However, it cannot fully replace conventional mycology due to its inability to detect mold infections and to identify dermatophytes at the species level.
Cost of operating a human milk bank in the UK: a microcosting analysis
Authors: Mistry Hema , Weaver Gillian , Shenker Natalie
Published: September 2024

Objective

Globally, demand for donor human milk (DHM) is increasing with WHO guidelines recommending DHM as the first line nutrition for premature infants in the absence or shortfall of maternal milk. Policymakers and clinicians currently have limited knowledge regarding costs incurred by human milk banks (HMBs) making the planning and resourcing of these services challenging. This study aimed to evaluate costs in a national network of HMBs in the UK.

Design and setting

All 14 UK HMBS were invited to complete a bottom-up microcosting survey from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 covering four key areas: Staffing, equipment, donor screening and incidental costs. Total annual salary costs included on-costs (ie, national insurance, pensions), qualifications, overheads (ie, non-staff costs) and capital overheads. The annual equivalent costs for each equipment item were based on the total cost over its useful life and discounted at 3.5%.

Results

10 out of 14 milk banks provided responses with more complete datasets returned by larger milk banks. Staffing costs ranged from £24 983 to £476 194 (n=9, mean: £159 798) and considerable expertise was provided voluntarily or from non-costed staffing. Other costs included equipment (n=7, range: £2600–£51 453, mean: £19 279), donor screening (n=6, range: £925–£38 057, mean: £18 570), incidentals (n=6, range: £650–£109 996, mean: £23 774). The total annual cost of operating a milk bank annually was £202 719 (range, £27 583–£675 699) to provide between 205 and 3495 litres of DHM. The cost per litre averaged £173.49 (range, £95.94–£274.88).

Conclusions

The average cost of DHM is currently higher than current cost recovery tariffs and this study likely under-represents total costs. This study provides useful benchmarking data for future economic analyses, trial development and service planning.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to improve outcomes for parents or carers of children with anxiety and/or depression
Authors: Tsang Anthony , Dahmash Dania , Bjornstad Gretchen , Rutter Nikki , Nisar Aleem , Horne Francesca , Martin Faith
Published: September 2024

Question

Depression and anxiety are common among children and young people and can impact on the well-being of their parents/carers. Dominant intervention approaches include parent training; however, this approach does not directly address parents’ well-being. Our objective was to examine the effect of interventions, with at least a component to directly address the parents’ own well-being, on parents’ well-being outcomes, including stress, depression and anxiety.

Study selection and analysis

A systematic search was performed in the following: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science Core Collection (six citation indexes) and WHO ICTRP from inception to 30 December 2023. Interventions that aimed to support parents/carers managing the impact of their child’s/young person’s mental health were eligible. EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) was used to quality appraise the included studies. A meta-analysis of relevant outcomes was conducted.

Findings

Fifteen studies were eligible comprising 812 parents/carers. Global methodological quality varied. Seven outcomes (anxiety, depression, stress, burden, self-efficacy, quality of life and knowledge of mood disorders) were synthesised at post-intervention. A small reduction in parental/carer anxiety favouring intervention was indicated in one of the analyses (g=−0.26, 95% CI −0.44 to –0.09, p=0.02), when excluding an influential case. Three outcomes were synthesised at follow-up, none of which were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Interventions directly addressing the well-being for parents of children with anxiety and/or depression appear not to be effective overall. Clearer conceptualisation of factors linked to parental distress is required to create more targeted interventions.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022344453.
Racial and ethnic minority representation in dementia risk factor research: a scoping review of cohort studies
Authors: Krishnan Arjun , Pathak Anupa , Nicholas Thomas Blyth , Lee Jeffrey , Waite Louise , Stanaway Fiona
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite a potentially greater burden of dementia, racial and ethnic minority populations around the world may be more likely to be excluded from research examining risk factors for incident dementia. We aimed to systematically investigate and quantify racial and ethnic minority representation in dementia risk factor research.

Methods

We performed a two-stage systematic search of databases—MEDLINE (Ovid SP), Embase (Ovid SP) and Scopus—from inception to March 2021 to identify population-based cohort studies looking at risk factors for dementia incidence. We included cohort studies which were population-based and incorporated a clinical dementia diagnosis.

Results

Out of the 97 identified cohort studies, fewer than half (40 studies; 41%) reported the race or ethnicity of participants and just under one-third (29 studies; 30%) reported the inclusion of racial and ethnic minority groups. We found that inadequate reporting frequently prevented assessment of selection bias and only six studies that included racial and ethnic minority participants were at low risk for measurement bias in dementia diagnosis. In cohort studies including a multiethnic cohort, only 182 out of 337 publications incorporated race or ethnicity in data analysis—predominantly (90%) through adjustment for race or ethnicity as a confounder. Only 14 publications (4.2% of all publications reviewed) provided evidence about drivers of any observed inequalities.

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic minority representation in dementia risk factor research is inadequate. Comparisons of dementia risk between different racial and ethnic groups are likely hampered by significant selection and measurement bias. Moreover, the focus on ‘adjusting out’ the effect of race and ethnicity as a confounder prevents understanding of underlying drivers of observed inequalities. There is a pressing need to fundamentally change the way race, ethnicity and the inclusion of racial and ethnic minorities are considered in research if health inequalities are to be adequately addressed.
Spatiotemporal analysis of the association between Kawasaki disease incidence and PM2.5exposure: a nationwide database study in Japan
Authors: Yoneda Kota , Shinjo Daisuke , Takahashi Naoto , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: September 2024

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis primarily affecting children. While some studies suggest a link between KD and PM2.5exposure, findings remain inconsistent. This study aimed to perform spatiotemporal analysis to investigate the impact of monthly and annual exposure to PM2.5and other air pollutants on the incidence of KD before and after the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, we used the Japanese administrative claims database to identify the incidence of KD in children under age 5 in 335 secondary medical care areas across Japan before (from July 2014 to December 2019) and during (from January 2020 to December 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. For each of these periods, we developed hierarchical Bayesian models termed conditional autoregressive (CAR) models that can address the spatiotemporal clustering of KD to investigate the association between the monthly incidence of KD and exposure to PM2.5, NO, NO2and SO2over 1-month and 12-month durations. The pollution data were collected from publicly available data provided by the National Institute for Environmental Studies.

Results

In the before-pandemic and during-pandemic periods, 55 289 and 14 023 new cases of KD were identified, respectively. The CAR models revealed that only 12-month exposure to PM2.5was consistently correlated with KD incidence, and each 1 µg/m3increase in annual PM2.5exposure corresponded to a 3%–10% rise in KD incidence. Consistent outcomes were observed in the age-stratified sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Annual exposure to PM2.5was robustly linked with the onset of KD. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism by which the spatiotemporal distribution of PM2.5is associated with KD.