bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on blockchain-based marketplace governance platform adoption: a multi-industry perspective
Authors: Saurabh Kumar , Upadhyay Parijat , Rani Neelam
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Decentralised autonomous organisations (DAOs) are internet-native self-governing enterprises where individual groups, communities, agencies, consumers and providers work together using blockchain-led smart contracts (SCs). This study aims to examine the role of DAO marketplaces in technology-led autonomous organisation design for enterprise technology sourcing industries, with algorithmic trust and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined the importance of an enterprise marketplace governance platform for technology sourcing using DAO as a decentralised/democratised business model. A total of 98 DAO products/services are evaluated across 11 industries that envisage DAO as a strategic choice for the governance of decentralised marketplace platforms.

Findings

The research findings validate how a DAO-led enterprise marketplace governance platform can create a cohesive collaboration between consumers (enterprises) and providers (solution vendors) in a disintermediated way. The proposed novel layered solution for an autonomous governance-led enterprise marketplace promises algorithmic trust-led, self-governed tactical alternatives to a strategic plan.

Research limitations/implications

The research targets multiple industry outlooks to understand decentralised autonomous marketplace governance and develop the theoretical foundation for research and extensive corporate suitability.

Practical implications

The research underpinnings boost the entrepreneurs’ ability to realise the practical potential of DAO between multiple parties using SCs and tokenise the entire product and service offerings over immutable ledger technologies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is unique and the first of its kind to study the multi-industry role of algorithmic trust and governance in enterprise technology sourcing marketplaces driven by 98 decentralised and consensus-based DAO products across 11 industries.
Does female descendent entrepreneur's self-compassion and financial literacy matter for succession success?
Authors: Ahmad Zeshan , Sharif Shahbaz , Ahmad Iftikhar , Abbas Syed Muhammad Waseem , Shaheen Mussrat
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Present study investigated the influence of female descendent entrepreneur's self-compassion on the perceived succession success of small-family businesses (S-FB) with the mediating mechanism of financial literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data was collected from 319 female descendent entrepreneurs who were designated as chairwomen, and managing director positions in their retails sector S-FBs. The purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data. The provided hypotheses are tested using the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. This study followed multiple regression analyses to see the influence of self-compassion (mindfulness, self-isolation, self-judgment and over-identification) on financial literacy and perceived succession success.

Findings

The results reveal that female descendent entrepreneurs mindfulness and over-identification significantly increase but self-isolation decreases the likelihood of successful succession transition. Moreover, female descendent entrepreneur's financial literacy increases mindfulness and overidentification while it decreases self-isolation and improves the likelihood of succession success. However, financial literacy does not influence self-judgmental traits and perceived succession success.

Practical implications

This study highlights a vital issue, how the financial literacy of female descendent entrepreneurs manages their self-compassion and increases the likelihood of succession success. In addition, it covers a research gap and helps the S-FBs to improve their survival rate by focusing on the descendent entrepreneur's self-compassion and financial literacy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge by emphasizing predictors that influence the successful succession transition to subsequent generations. This study determines the influence of self-compassion of female descendent entrepreneurs on perceived succession success and financial literacy as a mediator by using the self-control theory. The study can be useful to family business consultants, policymakers and family businesses.
Relaxation, morning recovery state and customer- and coworker-directed extra-role service behavior: the moderating effect of work–family interface
Authors: Park Hyewon , Hur Won-Moo , Rhee Seung-Yoon
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of overnight off-work relaxation on the performance of frontline service employees (FLEs). Specifically, the authors focused on FLEs' customer-directed extra-role service behavior (C-ERSB) and coworker-directed extra-role service behavior (CW-ERSB) as indicators of outstanding service performance. Drawing on the conservation of resources (Hobfoll, 1989) and ego depletion theories (Baumeister, 2002), the authors hypothesized that the positive effect of overnight relaxation on ERSBs will be mediated by the state of recovery. Additionally, the authors examined the boundary conditions of these relationships by testing the moderating effects of work–family conflict (WFC) and family–work conflict (FWC).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed an episodic sampling method. One hundred thirty-five FLEs completed two daily surveys (before- and after-work) over five consecutive workdays, yielding 636 time-lagged day-level observations. Multilevel path modeling was performed to analyze the mediation and second-stage moderated mediation effects.

Findings

Results showed that overnight off-work relaxation was positively related to FLEs' next-day C-ERSB and CW-ERSB via next-morning recovery state. The positive relationship between overnight off-work relaxation and the next-morning recovery state was weaker for FLEs who experienced overnight WFC. FWC during work hours weakened the positive relationship between the next-morning recovery state and CW-ERSB, but not the relationship between the next-morning recovery state and C-ERSB.

Originality/value

The study used an episodic sampling method to reveal the significance of off-work relaxation, recovery and family–work interface on FLEs' ERSBs, a critical yet underexplored phenomenon in service literature. This study sheds light on the pathways to achieve exceptional service performance by revealing the importance of overnight off-work relaxation and the conditions that promote ERSBs.
Causal inference in the age of big data: blind faith in data and technology
Authors: Chao Fan , Wang Weibin , Yu Guang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In the era of big data, there is doubt about the significance of causal inference as a paramount scientific task in the social sciences. Meanwhile, data-mining techniques rooted in big data and artificial intelligence (AI) have infiltrated numerous aspects of social science research. This study aims to expound the criticality of discerning causal relationships – beyond mere correlations – and scrutinizes the ramifications of big data and AI in the identification of causality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study discusses the challenges and opportunities for causality identification in the era of big data under the framework of potential outcomes model and structural causal model.

Findings

First, even in the age of big data, correlations that lack interpretability, robustness and feasibility cannot substitute causality. Second, the richness of the sample size does not help solve the problem of systematic bias in the process of causal inference. Furthermore, current AI research targets correlations rather than causality, thus creating difficulties in advancing from observations to counterfactuals.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the impact of big data era on causal inference in the social sciences, with a view toward enhancing the pool of theoretical concepts available to researchers in relevant fields and accurately guiding the direction of scientific research in these fields.
Study on creep behaviors of nickel-based single-crystal alloys considering microstructure evolution
Authors: Ai Xing , Wang Shuaishuai , Luo Fenghua , Pei Haiqing , Li Zhenwei
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the mechanism of single-crystal high-temperature creep deformation, predict the creep life more accurately and study the creep constitutive and lifetime models with microstructure evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanical properties of nickel-based single-crystal superalloy are closely related to the γ' phase. Creep tests under four different temperature and stress conditions were carried out. The relationship between creep temperature, stress and life is fitted by numerical method, and the creep activation energy is obtained. The creep fracture surface, morphology and evolution of strengthening phase (γ') and matrix phase (γ) during different creep periods were observed by scanning electron microscope. With the increase of creep temperature, the rafting time is advanced. The detailed morphology and evolution of dislocations were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Findings

With the increase of creep temperature, the rafting time is advanced. The detailed morphology and evolution of dislocations were observed by TEM. Dislocations are mainly concentrated in the γ channel phase, especially at high temperature and low stress.

Originality/value

A creep constitutive model based on the evolution of γ' phase size and γ channel width was proposed. Compared with the experimental results, the predicted creep life is within 1.4 times error dispersion band.
A serial mediation model of the linkage between entrepreneurial education, self-efficacy, attitudes and intentions: does gender matter? A multi-group analysis
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to use the Social Cognitive Career Theory and a serial mediation model to explore how entrepreneurial self-confidence and attitudes mediate the connection between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intention. Additionally, the study seeks to examine how gender impacts these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the formulated hypothesis and the serial mediation effect, a sample of 1,266 master’s students from nine universities/institutions across three primary regions of Vietnam was used. The structural equation modeling technique, with Gaskin (2019)'s plugin and a 5,000-bootstrapping sample, was applied. Also, a multi-group analysis was used to illustrate the differences between male and female students in the relationships between variables.

Findings

The research reveals that entrepreneurial education plays a contributive role in increasing entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial attitudes and startup intentions. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitudes also serve as serial mediators in the entrepreneurial education-intention relation. Moreover, this study demonstrates the significant moderation role of gender in these links.

Practical implications

The outcomes of the current research hold significance for educators, policymakers and practitioners, as they can use these findings to encourage individuals to engage in entrepreneurial activities and to improve the overall entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Originality/value

The current research sheds new light on the entrepreneurship and gender literature by using the Social Cognitive Career Theory to elucidate the serial mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial attitudes in the relation between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intentions.
Adiponectin‐expressing Treg‐containing T cell fraction inhibits tumor growth in orthotopically implanted triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Chikaishi Wakana , Higashi Toshiya , Hayashi Hirokatsu , Hanamatsu Yuki , Futamura Manabu , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Saigo Chiemi , Takeuchi Tamotsu
Published: September 2023

Background

In our previous study, we identified a population of adiponectin expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) residing within thymic nurse cell complexes, which were capable of inhibiting the development of breast cancer in vitro. Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) with no proper treatment at present is characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of a cultured T cell fraction comprising adiponectin‐expressing Tregs, referred to as A‐TregTF (adiponectin‐expressing Treg‐containing T cell fraction), in inhibiting the progression of TNBC in vivo.

Methods

The efficacy of a spontaneously expanding T cell fraction comprising adiponectin‐expressing Treg in inhibiting tumor growth was analyzed in a murine orthotopic 4 T1‐Luc TNBC model.

Results

The treatment with T cell fraction containing adiponectin‐expressing Tregs significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of orthotopically transplanted 4 T1‐Luc tumor cells. Histopathological examination further revealed that the adiponectin‐expressing Tregs infiltrated the tumor tissue via a cell‐in‐cell mechanism and were found to be specifically localized around the necrotic areas.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, the T cell fraction comprising adiponectin‐expressing Tregs, represents a potential candidate for adoptive cell therapy against TNBC.
Bootstrapping outperforms community‐weighted approaches for estimating the shapes of phenotypic distributions
Authors: Maitner Brian S. , Halbritter Aud H. , Telford Richard J. , Strydom Tanya , Chacon Julia , Lamanna Christine , Sloat Lindsey L. , Kerkhoff Andrew J. , Messier Julie , Rasmussen Nick , Pomati Francesco , Merz Ewa , Vandvik Vigdis , Enquist Brian J.
Published: September 2023

Estimating phenotypic distributions of populations and communities is central to many questions in ecology and evolution. These distributions can be characterized by their moments (mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis) or diversity metrics (e.g. functional richness). Typically, such moments and metrics are calculated using community‐weighted approaches (e.g. abundance‐weighted mean). We propose an alternative bootstrapping approach that allows flexibility in trait sampling and explicit incorporation of intraspecific variation, and show that this approach significantly improves estimation while allowing us to quantify uncertainty.

We assess the performance of different approaches for estimating the moments of trait distributions across various sampling scenarios, taxa and datasets by comparing estimates derived from simulated samples with the true values calculated from full datasets. Simulations differ in sampling intensity (individuals per species), sampling biases (abundance, size), trait data source (local vs. global) and estimation method (two types of community‐weighting, two types of bootstrapping).

We introduce thetraitstrapR package, which contains a modular and extensible set of bootstrapping and weighted‐averaging functions that use community composition and trait data to estimate the moments of community trait distributions with their uncertainty. Importantly, the first function in the workflow,trait_fill, allows the user to specify hierarchical structures (e.g. plot within site, experiment vs. control, species within genus) to assign trait values to each taxon in each community sample.

Across all taxa, simulations and metrics, bootstrapping approaches were more accurate and less biased than community‐weighted approaches. With bootstrapping, a sample size of 9 or more measurements per species per trait generally included the true mean within the 95% CI. It reduced average percent errors by 26%–74% relative to community‐weighting. Random sampling across all species outperformed both size‐ and abundance‐biased sampling.

Our results suggest randomly sampling ~9 individuals per sampling unit and species, covering all species in the community and analysing the data using nonparametric bootstrapping generally enable reliable inference on trait distributions, including the central moments, of communities. By providing better estimates of community trait distributions, bootstrapping approaches can improve our ability to link traits to both the processes that generate them and their effects on ecosystems.
Dental referrals for patients with diabetes: survey of barriers and enablers for medical and health professionals
Authors: Davies K , McGowan K , Dover T , McGowan T , Tadakamadla SK
Published: September 2023

Background

Oral health care improves diabetes management; however, medical and other health practitioners do not commonly refer their patients with diabetes for oral health care. This study aimed to understand barriers to and enablers of dental referrals for patients with diabetes.

Methods

Quantitative data were collected from a cross‐sectional survey of health care providers attending a virtual Grand Rounds on the relationship between oral health and diabetes. Attendees were invited to complete and share a Forms survey. Barriers to and enablers of dental referrals were compared for 18 health professionals working in inpatient/ward settings to 23 working in community/primary care settings using the chi‐square test.

Results

Across both work settings, only 12% of respondents often or always discussed the importance of oral health and only 8% often or always referred their patients with diabetes for dental care. Time barriers, awareness and knowledge of how/where to send dental referrals were significant barriers, while online referral pathways, more education and availability of brochures for the patient to take home were identified as key enablers for dental referrals.

Conclusions

Online referral pathways, targeted oral health education and resources for medical and health professionals caring for patients with diabetes may increase the number of patients being referred for dental care as part of their diabetes managements. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.
Mopane (Colophospermum mopane): A potential winner under climate change in southern Africa
Authors: Jinga Percy , Mureva Admore , Manyangadze Tawanda
Published: September 2023

Distribution and abundance under climate change of particularly non‐timber forest product tree species is vital since they sustain many livelihoods, especially in rural sub‐Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the current and future natural range of mopane (Colophospermum mopane (J. Kirk ex Benth.) J. Léonard, Fabaceae), a dominant tree species in mopane woodlands of southern Africa. An ensemble model was built in ‘biomod2’ from eight algorithms and used to estimate the current and future distribution. Seven bioclimatic variables and 269 occurrence records were used to calibrate individual models that were later combined into an ensemble model. The ensemble model was projected to two time periods, 2041–2060 and 2081–2100, under two shared socio‐economic pathways (SSPs), SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5, and three general circulation models (GCMs). The ensemble model showed high performance (KAPPA = 0.770, ROC = 0.961, TSS = 0.792, ACCURACY = 0.900). A map of the current distribution shows occurrence predominantly in low‐lying areas, including the Zambezi, Save and Limpopo valleys, Okavango and Cuvelai basins, and in southern and central Mozambique. Projection maps show expansion under all SSPs, GCMs and time periods. Averaged across GCMs in 2041–2060, the range expanded by 22.37% under SSP2‐4.5, and by 19.94% under SSP5‐8.5. In 2081–2100, the range expanded by 20.43% under SSP2‐4.5, and by 27.62% under SSP5‐8.5. Notably, the range expansion was highest under SSP5‐8.5, an SSP that envisages unmitigated greenhouse gas release and the largest mean global temperature increase. It is highly likely that mopane is not directly threatened by climate change. Indirect climate change threats, however, remain uncertain.
With passionate kisses of parting
Authors: Lingis Alphonso
Published: September 2023

This piece is part of a special section of “hundreds” in honor of Kathleen Stewart, examining the origins of our personal principles and ideology.
Getting back ‘home’ after emergency laparotomy: how many never make it?
Authors: Holmes Merran , Rugendyke Anya , Ming Yan Joyce , Howley Peter , Gani Jon , Pockney Peter ,   the Hunter Emergency Laparotomy Audit Collaborator Group
Published: September 2023

Background

Emergency laparotomy (EL) is performed on about 15 500 patients in Australia each year. Aside from mortality there is significant concern about the possibility that previously independent patients discharged after EL will become reliant on long‐term dependent care. This study aimed to establish the proportion of patients not returning to their pre‐admission residence, a proxy for dependent care, following EL.

Methods

Data were collected on all adult patients who underwent EL across four Australian hospitals over 2 years. A total of 113 data points were collected including pre‐hospital residence, discharge destination, mortality and place of residence at 90 and 365 days.

Results

A total of 782 patients underwent EL, the mean age was 64 years. Pre‐admission, 95.5% of patients were living in their own home. Inpatient mortality was 7.0% and at discharge 72.4% of patients returned directly back to their pre‐hospital residence. At 90 days, mortality was 10.5%, and 87% of patients had returned to their pre‐hospital residence, including all patients under 70 years of age. By 365 days, overall mortality was 16.8%, and only 1.5% of patients (all aged >70 years) had not returned to their pre‐hospital residence.

Conclusion

Patients who survive 90 and 365 days following EL nearly all return to their pre‐hospital residence, with only a very small proportion of previously independent patients entering dependent care. This should help inform shared decision‐making regarding emergency laparotomy in the acute setting.
Estimation of nonlinear mixed‐effects continuous‐time models using the continuous‐discrete extended Kalman filter
Authors: Ou Lu , Hunter Michael D. , Lu Zhaohua , Stifter Cynthia A. , Chow Sy‐Miin
Published: September 2023

Many intensive longitudinal measurements are collected at irregularly spaced time intervals, and involve complex, possibly nonlinear and heterogeneous patterns of change. Effective modelling of such change processes requires continuous‐time differential equation models that may be nonlinear and include mixed effects in the parameters. One approach of fitting such models is to define random effect variables as additional latent variables in a stochastic differential equation (SDE) model of choice, and use estimation algorithms designed for fitting SDE models, such as the continuous‐discrete extended Kalman filter (CDEKF) approach implemented in the dynr R package, to estimate the random effect variables as latent variables. However, this approach's efficacy and identification constraints in handling mixed‐effects SDE models have not been investigated. In the current study, we analytically inspect the identification constraints of using the CDEKF approach to fit nonlinear mixed‐effects SDE models; extend a published model of emotions to a nonlinear mixed‐effects SDE model as an example, and fit it to a set of irregularly spaced ecological momentary assessment data; and evaluate the feasibility of the proposed approach to fit the model through a Monte Carlo simulation study. Results show that the proposed approach produces reasonable parameter and standard error estimates when some identification constraint is met. We address the effects of sample size, process noise variance, and data spacing conditions on estimation results.
The decline in kidney function after heart transplantation and its impact on survival
Authors: Chaemchoi Tasigan , Ittiwattanakul Wannee , Ritteeverakul Puangpen , Intrarakamhang Ai‐lada , Thammanatsakul Kanokwan , Sinphurmsukskul Supanee , Siwamogsatham Sarawut , Puwanant Sarinya , Ariyachaipanich Aekarach
Published: September 2023

Background

Evidence of decline in native renal function after heart transplantation (HTx) in the Asian population is limited. This study determined the incidence and risk factors associated with declining kidney function after HTx and its impact on survival.

Methods

A retrospective study of consecutive adult heart transplant patients was conducted in a single center between 2010 and 2020. The decline in kidney function was defined as the presence of one of the following criteria, including a ≥ 40% decline in eGFR, absolute value <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 (calculated by the CKD‐EPI method), doubling of serum creatinine, or dialysis.

Results

A total of 79 patients (77% male, mean age 44.5 ± 11.53 years, with a mean eGFR at discharge from the heart transplant admission of 87.9 ± 25.48 mL/min/1.73 m2) were included. During the median follow‐up of 42 months, the rate of decline in eGFR was 3.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year, with a cumulative probability of decline in kidney function of 22% at 1 year and 43% at 5 years. The need for dialysis was 2.5% at 1 year and 5% at 5 years. The decline in kidney function within 1 year after discharge (hazard ratio (HR), 22.24; p = .007) and pre‐HTx diabetes mellitus (DM) (HR, 8.99; p = .034) were independently associated with the need for dialysis. Post‐HTx dialysis predicted all‐cause mortality (HR, 4.47; p = .017).

Conclusions

Approximately 20% of HTx patients developed a decline in kidney function within 1 year after discharge. These individuals and pre‐HTx DM patients needed preventive measures to prevent progression to chronic dialysis, which impacted survival. (thaiclinicaltrials.org number, TCTR20230620004).
Shift in habitat selection during natal dispersal in a long‐lived raptor species
Authors: Orgeret Florian , Grüebler Martin U. , Scherler Patrick , Bergen Valentijn S. van , Kormann Urs G.
Published: September 2023

Animals select their habitat along environmental gradients, but the mechanisms that constrain the ecological requirements of an individual can differ between life stages. Dispersal is a key demographic process that determines gene flow and alters species distributions, yet few empirical studies have examined whether habitat selection in animals is changing during dispersal. In this study, we examined changes in habitat preferences during natal dispersal of red kites Milvus milvus, a European raptor species. By deploying solar‐powered GPS‐GSM transmitters on nestlings, we continuously tracked individuals up to six years (2015–2020), from fledging to settlement. We applied habitat selection functions (HSF) to the tracking data using hierarchical generalized additive models, a flexible method which combines individual‐ and population‐level inference, while allowing for the contrast of the prospecting and settlement phases. During the prospecting phase (n = 204 birds), individuals were less responsive to their environment than during the settlement phase, resulting in a predicted wide distribution in western Europe. During the settlement phase, individuals (n = 78 birds) selected a narrower range of environmental gradients, while avoiding areas of high elevation, steep topographic slopes, high human population density and highly heterogeneous landscapes. During this phase, individuals were also more philopatric, i.e. they were more inclined to choose an environment closer to their natal area, than during the prospecting phase. Suitable habitats predicted during settlement were much more spatially contrasted than during prospecting. Our study provides empirical evidence that habitat selection changes across natal dispersal phases in a long‐lived species, indicating that species conservation strategies should account for different environmental constraints before and after settlement. Furthermore, our findings underscore the importance of long‐term tracking data, with sufficient sample size, to study the link between habitat selection and natal dispersal.
Generalized generosity: Lessons from a social and educational organization
Authors: Frémeaux Sandrine , Moneyron Jean‐Didier
Published: September 2023

While the personal and social benefits of generosity have been demonstrated in sociological studies, little is known about the levers and mechanisms of generosity within organizations. This article explores how members of a social and educational organization can participate in the culture of generosity. Based on an analysis of 89 semi‐structured interviews with members of five different institutions oriented toward youth education, the authors provide insight into the different ways to contribute to disseminating generosity. Our study reveals how certain managerial practices can be effective levers for developing generalized generosity within an educational organization. We also show that each member of this type of organization is assigned specific roles of giver and receiver to enable their participation in the educational project.
Crafting literature reviews worth publishing: Five recommendations
Authors: Michailova Snejina
Published: September 2023

Crafting and publishing high‐quality literature reviews is a challenging journey. In this Viewpoint article, I outline what authors should consider when submitting a stand‐alone literature review or a manuscript containing a literature review section to the European Management Review. I focus on five selected themes and offer recommendations to authors. I also address reviewers and editors when relating some of my observations to the “An A is an A” mentality debate.
Structural evolution, dielectric, electric, and energy storage properties of BaTi1‐xLixO3‐3xF3x oxyfluorides
Authors: Li Yumin , Bian Jianjiang
Published: September 2023

Sintering behavior, structural evolution, dielectric, electric, and energy storage properties of BaTi1‐xLixO3‐3xF3x (x = 0–0.10) oxy fluorides have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), impedance, and ferroelectric analyzer in this paper. The oxy‐fluoride ceramic (x = .06) could be densified at ∼1000°C/2 h in an N2 atmosphere without reduction of Ti4+. The solid solutions experienced a transformation from a tetragonal phase into a pseudo‐cubic phase at room temperature with increasing doping levels, exhibiting typical relaxor features. Pseudo‐cubic phase with a small amount of residual tetragonal phase could be observed in x = .02, while a trace amount of BaF2 secondary phase appeared, resulting in the formation of oxygen vacancies in the x ≥ 0.08 compositions. Temperature‐dependent Raman analysis of the doped compositions seems to imply the presence of local polar clusters even above the Burns temperature. Insulation of the grain could be improved by appropriate doping of BaLiF3 due to an increase in the band gap, whereas high‐level doping (x > 0.06) leads to a decrease in insulation due to the formation of oxygen vacancies (BaTi0.94‐xLi0.06+xO2.82‐2xF0.18+x). Optimized energy storage properties with recoverable energy density Wrec = 2.92J/cm3, efficiency η = 85%, and breakdown strength (BDS) = 315 kV/cm can be achieved at x = .06 composition. Sintering of BaTi1‐xLixO3‐3xF3x in the ambient atmosphere leads to the deterioration of the dielectric, electric, and energy storage properties compared with the counterpart sintered in N2 due to the formation of F− vacancies (BaTi0.94Li0.06O2.82+xF0.18‐2x).
RETRACTED: Wound infection in robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy compared with retropubic radical prostate surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wu Lingfeng , Xie Wenhua , Zhang Gaoyue , Gu Yanqin , Hou Yansong , He Yi
Published: September 2023

A meta‐analysis investigation was executed to measure the wound infection (WI) in robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RRP) compared with retropubic radical prostate surgery (RRPS). A comprehensive literature investigation till February 2023 was applied, and 1197 interrelated investigations were reviewed. The 19 chosen investigations enclosed 107 153 individuals with prostate cancer (PC) at the starting point. 72 008 of them were utilising RRP, and 35 145 were utilising RRPS. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was utilised to compute the value of the WI in RRP compared with RRPS by the dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random model. RRP had significantly lower surgical site wound infection (SSWI) (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.21–0.52, P < .001) and infected lymphoceles (ILs) (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22–0.92, P = .03) compared with RRPS in individuals with PC. RRP had significantly lower SSWI and ILs compared with RRPS in individuals with PC. However, care must be exercised when dealing with its values because of the low sample size of some of the nominated investigations for the meta‐analysis.
Enhanced acceptor concentration, proton conductivity, and hydration in multicomponent rare‐earth ortho‐niobates
Authors: Dawczak Arkadiusz , Skubida Wojciech , Mielewczyk‐Gryń Aleksandra , Gazda Maria
Published: September 2023

The structural properties of (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2)1−xCaxNbO4−δ (x = 0–0.05) series have been studied by X‐ray powder diffraction at room temperature. The thermal properties were investigated using thermogravimetry, from which the concentration of proton defects was determined. Additionally, dilatometry studies were carried out, from which the thermal expansion coefficients and the phase transition temperature between low‐ and high‐temperature polymorphs were determined. In order to determine the electrical properties, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements under atmospheres of dry synthetic air and saturated with water vapor and heavy water at 300–800°C temperature range were performed. All the studied materials were single‐phase compositions and were stable in monoclinic I2/c crystal structure at room temperature. The water uptake studies revealed a small mass change under the switch from dry to humidified synthetic air atmospheres, suggesting the formation of proton defects. The phase transition from monoclinic to tetragonal crystal structure in the (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2)1−xCaxNbO4−δ (x = 0–0.05) series occurs above 650°C. A small amount of calcium dopant increases the total conductivity in all tested atmospheres by two orders of magnitude, for example, from 0.34 μS cm−1 in La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2NbO4 to 63.7 μS cm−1 in (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Eu0.2)0.95Ca0.05NbO4−δ at 700°C in humid synthetic air atmosphere.
Synthesis and characterization of Celsian by solid‐state reaction process from mullite
Authors: Guo Tenglong , Li Yuanbing , Li Shujing , Qiao Zhe , Liu Jingfei , Li Xiaoxiao
Published: September 2023

Monolithic barium aluminosilicate (Celsian), with good thermal shock resistance, high thermal stability, and strong versatility, is attractive material as a ceramic matrix for high‐temperature composites. However, Celsian cannot be precipitated directly during the synthesis process but can only be generated by crystallographic transformation of the metastable Hexacelsian at high temperatures, and this process is sluggish. In this study, mullite was chosen as the main raw material for the synthesis of Celsian with almost fully monoclinic through a simple one‐step solid‐state reaction process at a lower temperature and shorter time, which was investigated using differential thermal analysis, phase identification, microstructure observation, and FactSage thermodynamic calculations. The results showed that mullite is a favorable raw material for the synthesis of Celsian, effectively avoiding the appearance of BaAl2O4 in Hexacelsia, making it possible to synthesize Celsian with almost fully monoclinic with only 4.5 h of holding at 1300°C. This is a significant improvement compared to the higher temperatures and longer holding times required for the synthesis of Celsian from other raw materials, according to previous literature.
Prevalence and associated factors of chemotherapy‐related cognitive impairment in older breast cancer survivors
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Zhang Xueyan , Zhong Tangsheng , Zhou Meng , Gao Lan , Chen Li
Published: September 2023

Aims

To examine the prevalence and associated factors of chemotherapy‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) in older breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

We searched EMBASE, PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Cochrance Library, Web of Science, CNKI and SinoMed, without language restrictions, for studies published from the establishment of the database to September 2022.

Review Methods

Two researchers independently examined the full texts, data extraction and quality assessment, and any discrepancies were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale.

Results

The seven included studies showed that the estimated prevalence of CRCI in older BCS ranged from 18.6% to 27% on objective neuropsychological tests and from 7.6% to 49% on subjective cognitive assessments. The areas most affected were attention, memory, executive functioning and processing speed. CRCI was associated with 10 factors in six categories, including sociodemographic (e.g. age, education level), physiological (e.g. sleep disorders, fatigue and comorbidities), psychological (e.g. anxiety, depression), treatment modalities (e.g. chemotherapy cycles, chemotherapy regimens), genetic (e.g. APOE2, APOE4) and lifestyle factor (e.g. physical inactivity).

Conclusion

CRCI is multifactorial and has a relatively high prevalence. However, the results of subjective and objective cognitive examinations were inconsistent, possibly due to variations in tools used to evaluate different definitions of CRCI. Nevertheless, as there are few published studies of older BCS, this conclusion still require verification by well‐designed studies in the future.

Impact

We found that the prevalence of CRCI in older adults is relatively high and multifactorial, providing evidence for further health care for this population.

No Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement.
Partial ownership, control, and investment in vertical relationships
Authors: Levy Nadav
Published: September 2023

This paper examines whether partial ownership of a trading partner can alleviate hold‐up problems and promote relationship‐specific investments. Unlike a silent financial interest, which does not give the owner control over the partner and promotes both parties' investments, partial control over the partner could reduce the partner's investment and lead the owner to overinvest, thereby decreasing the joint surplus. The inability of the owner to restrain himself from abusing his control limits the effectiveness of partial ownership. An analysis of the control environment should be part of the empirical analysis of partial ownership and the assessment of its potential benefits by competition authorities.
Nodal–paranodal antibodies in HIV‐immune mediated radiculo‐neuropathies: Clinical phenotypes and relevance
Authors: Moodley K. , Patel V. B. , Moodley A. A. , Bill P. L. A. , Kajee A. , Mgbachi V. , Fehmi J. , Rinaldi S.
Published: September 2023

Background

The frequency of nodal–paranodal antibodies in HIV‐infected patients with chronic immune‐mediated radiculo‐neuropathies (IMRN) has not been previously described.

Methods

HIV‐infected patients who met the inclusion criteria for chronic IMRN were screened for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against nodal (neurofascin (NF)186) and paranodal (NF155, contactin‐1 (CNTN1) and contactin‐associated protein(Caspr1)) cell adhesion molecules, using a live, cell‐based assay.

To explore potential pathogenicity, binding of human IgG to myelinated co‐cultures was assessed by incubation with patients' sera positive for nodal or paranodal antibodies. Normal human serum was added as a source of complement to assess for complement activation as a mechanism for myelin injury.

Results

Twenty‐four HIV‐infected patients with IMRN were included in the study, 15 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 4 with ventral root radiculopathies (VRR), and 5 with dorsal root ganglionopathies (DRG). Five patients with CIDP had combined central and peripheral demyelination (CCPD). Three patients (12.7%) tested positive for neurofascin IgG1 antibodies in the following categories: 1 patient with VRR was NF186 positive, and 2 patients were NF155 positive with DRG and mixed sensory‐motor demyelinating neuropathy with optic neuritis, respectively.

Conclusion

The frequency of nodal–paranodal antibodies is similar among IMRN regardless of HIV status. Interpretation of the results in the context of HIV is challenging as there is uncertainty regarding pathogenicity of the antibodies, especially at low titres. Larger prospective immune studies are required to delineate pathogenicity in the context of HIV, and to establish a panel of antibodies to predict for a particular clinical phenotype.
Reducing brain kynurenic acid synthesis precludes kynurenine‐induced sleep disturbances
Authors: Rentschler Katherine M. , Milosavljevic Snezana , Baratta Annalisa M. , Wright Courtney J. , Piroli Maria V. , Tentor Zachary , Valafar Homayoun , O'Reilly Christian , Pocivavsek Ana
Published: September 2023

Patients with neurocognitive disorders often battle sleep disturbances. Kynurenic acid is a tryptophan metabolite of the kynurenine pathway implicated in the pathology of these illnesses. Modest increases in kynurenic acid, an antagonist at glutamatergic and cholinergic receptors, result in cognitive impairments and sleep dysfunction. We explored the hypothesis that inhibition of the kynurenic acid synthesising enzyme, kynurenine aminotransferase II, may alleviate sleep disturbances. At the start of the light phase, adult male and female Wistar rats received systemic injections of either: (i) vehicle; (ii) kynurenine (100 mg kg−1; i.p.); (iii) the kynurenine aminotransferase II inhibitor, PF‐04859989 (30 mg kg−1; s.c.); or (iv) PF‐04859989 and kynurenine in combination. Kynurenine and kynurenic acid levels were evaluated in the plasma and brain. Separate animals were implanted with electroencephalogram and electromyogram telemetry devices to record polysomnography, and evaluate the vigilance states wake, rapid eye movement sleep and non‐rapid eye movement sleep following each treatment. Kynurenine challenge increased brain kynurenic acid and resulted in reduced rapid eye movement sleep duration, non‐rapid eye movement sleep delta power and sleep spindles. PF‐04859989 reduced brain kynurenic acid formation when given prior to kynurenine, prevented disturbances in rapid eye movement sleep and sleep spindles, and enhanced non‐rapid eye movement sleep. Our findings suggest that reducing kynurenic acid in conditions where the kynurenine pathway is activated may serve as a potential strategy for improving sleep dynamics.
Exploring the interaction of viscosity and nipple design on feeding performance in an infant pig model
Authors: Howe Stephen , Steer Kendall , Johnson Maxwell , Adjerid Khaled , Edmonds Chloe , German Rebecca , Mayerl Christopher
Published: September 2023

Infant feeding behaviors are modulated via sensorimotor feedback, such that sensory perturbations can significantly impact performance. Properties of the nipple and milk (e.g., nipple hole size and viscosity) are critical sources of sensory information. However, the direct effects of varying milk and nipple properties on infant motor output and the subsequent changes in feeding performance are poorly understood. In this study, we use an infant pig model to explore the interaction between nipple hole size and milk viscosity. Using high‐speed videofluoroscopy and electromyography, we measured key performance metrics including sucks per swallow and suck duration, then synchronized these data with the onset and offset of activity of jaw opening and closing muscles. The combination of a small nipple hole and thick milk resulted in negative effects on both suck and swallow performance, with reduced feeding efficiency compared to the other treatments. It also appears that this combination of viscosity and hole size disrupts the coordination between correlates of tongue and jaw movements. We did not see a difference in feeding efficiency between viscosities when infants fed on the large‐hole nipple, which may be the result of non‐Newtonian fluid mechanics. Our results emphasize the importance of considering both fluid and nipple properties when considering alterations to an infant's feeding system.
Human in vivo evidence of reduced astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation in patients with treatment‐resistant depression following electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Xu Shu‐xian , Xie Xin‐hui , Yao Lihua , Wang Wei , Zhang Honghan , Chen Mian‐mian , Sun Siqi , Nie Zhao‐wen , Nagy Corina , Liu Zhongchun
Published: September 2023

Aim

The current study aimed to investigate the neuroinflammatory hypothesis of depression and the potential anti‐inflammatory effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in vivo, utilizing astrocyte‐derived extracellular vesicles (ADEVs) isolated from plasma.

Methods

A total of 40 patients with treatment‐resistant depression (TRD) and 35 matched healthy controls were recruited at baseline, and 34 patients with TRD completed the post‐ECT visits. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post‐ECT. Plasma ADEVs were isolated and confirmed, and the concentrations of two astrocyte markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP] and S100β), an extracellular vesicle marker cluster of differentiation 81 (CD81), and nine inflammatory markers in ADEVs were measured as main analyses. In addition, correlation analysis was conducted between clinical features and ADEV protein levels as exploratory analysis.

Results

At baseline, the TRD group exhibited significantly higher levels of two astrocyte markers GFAP and S100β, as well as CD81 compared with the healthy controls. Inflammatory markers interferon γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin (IL) 1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor α, IL‐10, and IL‐17A were also significantly higher in the TRD group. After ECT, there was a significant reduction in the levels of GFAP, S100β, and CD81, along with a significant decrease in the levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐4. Furthermore, higher levels of GFAP, S100β, CD81, and inflammatory cytokines were associated with more severe depressive symptoms and poorer cognitive function.

Conclusion

This study provides direct insight supporting the astrocyte activation and neuroinflammatory hypothesis of depression using ADEVs. ECT may exert an anti‐inflammatory effect through inhibition of such activation of astrocytes.