bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should healthcare organizations be accountable for child community health indicators at the community level?
Authors: Kelleher Kelly J. , Hardy Rose
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

This paper reviews options for including community health accountability metrics for child healthcare systems, international and regional experience with such metrics, and some specific candidates for metric consideration.

Recent findings

The inclusion of community metrics in child health accountability systems requires expanded accountability frameworks and re-education of clinicians. Most of the experience with use of community metrics in accountability systems comes from international settings. Lessons learned in these settings include the importance of linking the metrics to various policy and practice implementation measures while balancing the incentives for such ‘horizontal’ or communitywide indicators with current incentives. The Accountable Communities for Health movement may be the best-known example of US community health indicators for accountability. Four new papers suggest specific child metrics for consideration as child metrics, but only infant mortality rates and high school graduation rates are sufficiently standardized and nationally reported to be useful for such efforts.

Healthcare accountability for child community health is an important next step, but the coordination with existing accountability systems, data collection systems, and financial incentives require more research to be effective in helping children. Infant mortality rates and high school graduation rates have the most potential as cross system accountability metrics.
Anaerobic HgII reduction is driven by cellular HgII-thiol interactions

Authors: Lavoie Noemie C , Poulain Alexandre J
Published: December 2024

Redox reactions play a critical role in determining the availability of mercury species, HgII and Hg0, to anaerobic microbes responsible for methylating inorganic mercury into toxic monomethylmercury. Some anaerobes also contribute to Hg cycling in methylation hotspots by reducing HgII to its gaseous elemental form, Hg0. However, their contributions remain poorly quantified due to limited mechanistic insights and the absence of genetic targets. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of anaerobic HgII reduction in the versatile anoxygenic photoheterotroph and fermenter Heliomicrobium modesticaldum Ice1. Given HgII strong electrophilic affinity for thiol groups, we hypothesized that cellular thiols are key interaction sites mediating HgII reduction. Exposure of H. modesticaldum to the thiol-alkylating agent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), which irreversibly binds thiols, resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of Hg0 production during both photoheterotrophy and fermentation. Hg partitioning assays with Escherichia coli cells revealed no significant differences in Hg-cell partitioning in the presence or absence of NEM, suggesting that HgII reduction is dependent on intracellular thiol interactions. These findings highlight the importance of thiol-mediated pathways in Heliobacterial HgII reduction. Although the exact cellular components remain unidentified, we discuss potential thiol-containing coupling sites that warrant further investigation.
The benefits of estradiol on cognitive aging in rats are independent from its effects on cardiometabolic health
Authors: Montanari Christian , Dong Emma L , Srinivasan Shruti , De Oliveira Leite Ana Paula , Delarge Alyssa F , Maroteaux Matthieu J , Desmoulins Lucie D , Menon Riva , Walker Alice B , Lindsey Sarah H , Zsombok Andrea , Daniel Jill M
Published: December 2024

Research in preclinical models of menopause indicates that exogenously administered estrogens positively impact cognitive aging. However, clinical evidence indicates that the effects of estrogen therapy on cognition are inconsistent and may be modulated by pre-existing cardiometabolic conditions. The extent to which cardiometabolic health affects the cognitive outcomes of estrogen therapy remains unclear. This study aimed to determine whether variations in cardiometabolic health, both prior to and resulting from different estradiol treatment regimens, are related to the ability of estradiol to improve the cognitive aging trajectory in ovariectomized Long-Evans rats. Cognitive function and health status were assessed at 10 months of age after which rats were ovariectomized and administered vehicle or various estradiol treatments. Rats were assessed again at 18 (middle age) and 22 (old age) months. Cognition was evaluated using a spatial memory radial-maze task. Health status was determined through body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), glucose tolerance testing, and blood pressure (tail-cuff plethysmography). Results demonstrated that both continuous ongoing estradiol treatment and a previous 40-day estradiol exposure (terminated long before testing) significantly improved the cognitive aging trajectory from middle to old age. However, only continuous estradiol treatment had positive impacts on health measures; previous estradiol treatment provided no benefits to aging cardiometabolic systems. In contrast, a delayed estradiol treatment (initiated months after ovariectomy) provided no benefits for cognition but provided health benefits. Results indicated that estradiol impacts on cognition in healthy aging rats are separate from and not secondary to its effects on cardiometabolic health.
Domain Structure and Interface Control of Mechanical Stiffness in Sustainable Cellulose Bio-nanocomposites
Authors: Jin Hanxun , Goldberg William , Wang Zhenqin , Li Huiyong , Huang Yuxuan , Foston Marcus , Genin Guy M.
Published: December 2024

Renewable and biodegradable plastics derived from soy protein isolate (SPI) offer a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, particularly for film-grade bioplastics applications such as plastic bags. However, even with reinforcement from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), their mechanical properties including stiffness lag behind those of petroleum-based plastics. To identify pathways for improving CNC-reinforced SPI composites, we studied stiffening mechanisms by interpreting experimental data using homogenization models that accounted for CNC agglomeration and the formation of CNC/SPI interphases. To model effects of surface modification of CNCs with polydopamine (polyDOPA), we incorporated two key mechanisms: enhanced CNC dispersion and modified CNC-SPI interfacial interactions. Models accounted for interphases surrounding CNCs, arising from physicochemical interactions with the polyDOPA-modified CNC surfaces. Consistent wih experimental observations of polyDOPA modification enhancing mechanical properties through both increased spatial distribution of CNCs and matrix-filler interactions, results demonstrated that improved dispersion and interfacial bonding contribute to increased composite stiffness. Results highlight the potential of biodegradable CNC/SPI bio-nanocomposites as sustainable plastic alternatives, and suggest pathways for further enhancing their mechanical properties.
Accurate measurements of slice electron beam parameters at the undulator in seeded free-electron lasers
Authors: Allaria Enrico , Cinquegrana Paolo , Danailov Miltcho B. , Ferrari Eugenio , Pannek Fabian , Penco Giuseppe , Roussel Eleonore , Spezzani Carlo
Published: December 2024

The operation of modern free-electron lasers (FELs) necessitates precise knowledge of electron beam properties at the undulator to ensure the level of control required by increasingly demanding experiments. In seeded FELs, where only electrons interacting with the seed laser contribute to the process, it is crucial to determine the local values of these properties. We present a novel method, based on accurate modeling of the FEL process in high-gain harmonic generation, to accurately retrieve the electron beam slice energy spread, current and laser-induced energy modulation. Understanding these values is essential for enabling advanced FEL schemes and optimally setting advanced seeding schemes such as echo-enabled harmonic generation. We describe the method and provide an experimental application to the FERMI FEL-1, where a slice energy spread in the range 40–100 keV with a few keV accuracy is measured.
Intelligent construction benefits the public: evidence from the opinion analysis on social media
Authors: Wang Lingxiao , Yuan Jingfeng , Chen Yudi , Wan Xin , Huang Guanying
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The construction and real estate sectors are vital to national economies, but traditional construction methods often lead to challenges such as safety risks, noise and environmental pollution. While intelligent construction is believed to mitigate these issues, there is a lack of solid empirical evidence on whether it truly benefits the general public. This paper seeks to explore the societal benefits of intelligent construction from the public’s perspective, addressing this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a two-step approach. First, topic mining is conducted to identify topics closely related to the public’s daily life, such as environmental impact, construction traffic management and construction technologies. These topics are then analyzed through sentiment analysis using a bidirectional long short-term memory model with attention mechanism to determine whether the public has a favorable view of these aspects of intelligent construction, indirectly demonstrating the benefits to the public.

Findings

The primary topics identified include “industry development,” “technology enterprise,” “construction equipment,” “intelligent technology,” “environmental protection,” “robots” and “construction traffic management.” Sentiment analysis shows that public sentiment is overwhelmingly positive across all topics and regions, with “environmental protection,” “construction traffic management” and “robots” receiving the most favorable reactions.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence of the societal benefits of intelligent construction from the public’s viewpoint using social media data. The results highlight the need for continued promotion and adoption of intelligent construction due to its positive impact on society.
Enhancing carbonation resistance of foamed concrete via microbial incorporation: a response surface methodology approach with Aspergillus iizukae EAN605 fungi
Authors: Al-Shaeer Honin Ali Yahya , Irwan J.M. , Alshalif Abdullah , Amran Mugahed , Alanazi Hani , Tang W.C. , Tang Liyaning , Alhokabi Abdulmajeed , Alluqmani Ayed Eid
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the resilience of foamed concrete (FC) against carbonation and water absorption (WA) by integrating microorganisms, specifically Aspergillus iizukae EAN605.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus was on understanding how variables such as microorganism concentration, concrete density and water-to-cement (w/c) ratio affect these properties. Optimal results were observed under specific conditions—FC density set at 1800 kg/m³, a w/c ratio of 0.5 and an Aspergillus iizukae EAN605 concentration of 0.5 g/L—resulting in significant reductions in carbonation and WA compared to standard FC.

Findings

It is observed that fungi not only fill pores with calcium oxalate but also limit carbonation by consuming CO2 and block water penetration through their mycelial network. A central composite design within response surface methodology was employed for the experimental design, resulting in mathematical models that align closely with the empirical data. The models identified the most effective parameters for minimizing carbonation depth: FC density at 1970 kg/m³, fungal concentration at 0.585 g/L and w/c ratio at 0.470. Further regression analysis showed a high correlation between the experimental data and the predicted outcomes, with a coefficient of determination (R²) of 92.29 and a model F-value of 16.45.

Originality/value

Statistical analysis highlighted the significant roles of density and fungal concentration in these reductions. Besides, scanning electron microscopy provided visual evidence of fungal-mediated mineral formation in FC, supporting the empirical findings. Overall, the study demonstrated the effective use of Aspergillus iizukae EAN605 in enhancing the durability of FC, marking an innovative stride in sustainable construction materials.
Does long-term management education change behaviors? A study of change in self-perceived leadership behaviors among participants in a three-year Danish diploma program
Authors: Sørensen Peter , Lindholst Andrej Christian
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Formal managerial education plays a pivotal role in organizational and personal career development. Research addressing the impact of managerial training and development programs has mainly relied on studies of short-term programs and focused on exam results, i.e. formal knowledge, as a main outcome. However, less is known about the impact of long-term programs in general, and specifically on managerial behaviors. We address these important gaps by raising the research question, “What is the impact of long-term formal management training on self-perceived leadership behaviors?” within the context of a three-year mandatory formal training program for Danish municipal managers.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilize linear mixed-effect modeling to analyze survey-based panel data from a total of 116 Danish public managers (primarily working within welfare services, such as childcare, eldercare and school services) enrolled in a mandatory management education program offered by a business school over a three-year period. Leadership behavior is operationalized and measured with reference to Yukl’s conceptual framework, which includes task-, relations- and change-oriented behaviors.

Findings

Formal management education has a differential impact on self-perceived management behaviors. During the observed period, task-oriented behaviors increase in absolute and relative levels for managers participating in management education, while relations- and change-oriented behaviors remain at the same levels.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, Yukl’s taxonomy has previously not been applied within this context, despite the fact that the three behaviors mirror core content in most formal management and leadership education.
Sipping and sharing: impact of emotions and topics on the usefulness of travelers’ wine festival forum posts
Authors: Bangwayo-Skeete Prosper , Skeete Ryan W.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Aficionados of wine festivals, a component of wine tourism experience, engage in vigorous online discussions that influence fellow travelers’ purchase behaviors. This study aims to delve into these overlooked discussions, identifying emotions, topics and assessing their usefulness in TripAdvisor’s Travel Forums for two US wine festivals: Taste of Yountville and Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, located in traditional and nontraditional wine tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses state-of-art sentiment analysis and topic modeling methods to extract emotions and underlying latent topics in travel forum discussions. Drawing from information theory, two regression analyses are performed on 10,677 forum posts to examine how the extracted Ekman’s emotions and key underlying topics influence the helpfulness of wine forum posts for each festival.

Findings

While three topics were identified in Epcot and four in Yountville, both festival platforms highlight travelers’ common preferences for “culinary experience” and “planning” attributes but reveal notable differences in their utility. Other shared novel findings include the importance of “anger” and “surprise” emotions on the helpfulness of forum posts.

Practical implications

These findings enhance wine festival managers’ and destination planners’ understanding of online travelers’ preferences and cognitive evaluation of user-generated contents’ usefulness. This marketing intelligence informs strategies for boosting the wine destination’s economic development.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel comparative analysis of social media on wine festival tourism experiences in diverse regions. Unlike hotel reviews, typically posted after consumption, forums offer unique and broader perspectives on discussions before, during, and after experiencing the wine festival.
Economic sanctions in the twilight of retorsions and countermeasures: beaten tracks or untrodden paths?
Authors: Schäffer Johannes
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This article begins, following a brief introduction (Section I), by delineating the current landscape and underscores the inherent shortcomings (Section II). On that basis, this paper aims to delve into the principal justifications for unilateral sanctions, seeks to identify common legal ground and highlights the inconsistencies (Section III). The last part concludes and advocates for reform (Section IV).

Design/methodology/approach

The article is based on “classical” legal methodology and designed to assess unilateral economic sanctions in their international law framework.

Findings

It is crucial to establish a more disciplined framework for the use of unilateral sanctions.

Originality/value

The article tries to buttress the need for reform based on inconsistencies regarding the present legal context of unilateral economic sanctions.
Evolution of financial advisory market with the advent of robo-advisors
Authors: Kumar Ishitha
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Rapid adoption of financial technology by financial sector firms in recent years has warranted the need to understand their effect on the responses of other markets in the players. Robo-advisor is a financial technology that is provided as a new product to consumers. The purpose of this study is to understand their impact on the evolution of the financial advisory market.

Design/methodology/approach

I use novel hand-collected data on robo-advisors to study the empirical patterns among various players (firms that offer robo-services vs firms that do no offer robo-services) in this market. Using a simple extensive game model, I propose a channel through which the observed market evolution can be explained. I further use empirical analysis to confirm the implications of the model.

Findings

I find that in response to the entry of robo-advisors incumbent firms adopt robo-advisory technology. I also find that in response to the incumbent firms adopting robo-advisory technology, the already existing robo-advisory firms increase their number of financial advisors. I also show that a demand expansion for financial advisors is induced due to the advent of robo-advisors – and this explains the observed responses by various players.

Originality/value

To my knowledge, there is no paper that has examined the responses of various players in the market due to the adoption of financial technology. Understanding the evolution of the market and the responses of players is the first step in estimating the evolution of various market-level variables, like market power. Understanding the responses of various players is important as this would guide policy makers to create an optimal policy that would improve the welfare of various players.
Global Britain versus Little England? National Identity and the Future of the British Right
Authors: Wraight Tom , Green Kai Roland
Published: December 2024

The idea of ‘global Britain’ became a centrepiece of Conservative Party rhetoric in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. This article examines how this formulation may evolve in the face of renewed conflict over immigration and identity on the British right. It is argued that, in recent years, British conservatism has faced two principal long‐term challenges: first, the challenge of broadening its appeal in an increasingly diverse and multicultural Britain and, second, the challenge of a national populist insurgency emphasising white British (especially English) identity and hostility to immigration and multiculturalism. In this context, it is argued that the term ‘global Britain’ exists in implied opposition to the idea of ‘little England’ and that this binary opposition has shaped the use and reception of the global Britain concept within conservative politics. It is further argued that the usefulness of the global Britain concept relies on its capacity to be a ‘coalition magnet’ linking liberal internationalist ideas to the more nationalist mood of the contemporary British right.
From Isolation to Social (and Psychedelic) Integration: A Sociology of Collective Effervescence and Therapeutic Community in Psychedelic‐Assisted Therapy
Authors: Rose Jarrett Robert
Published: December 2024

There is a disparity between contemporary scientific investigations into psychedelic phenomena and their 20th‐century counterparts, notably the lack of examination of psychedelic experiences within group settings. Whereas early research studies from the 1950s to the 1970s explored communal settings in psychedelic‐assisted therapy (PAT), today's resurgence of scholarship in the field primarily considers individualised, often clinical, settings. Consequently, there is an absence of empirical research and theoretical innovation on collective psychedelic contexts, for example, how social connectedness occurs relationally and what its impacts are. This paper addresses this gap by revisiting and applying Emile Durkheim's theory of “collective effervescence.” By analysing interview data from participants of a group‐based weeklong PAT retreat and supplementing it with ethnographic data, this study highlights the usefulness of incorporating sociological theory to examine and explain the social dynamics and therapeutic outcomes of collective psychedelic experiences. In doing so, this research study contributes to bridging the divide between psychedelic science, psychedelic studies and the social sciences by offering sociological insight into the transformative yet hitherto neglected potential of group‐based psychedelic events for therapeutic benefits.
Effect of vegetable oil unsaturation and minor polar components on the physical properties of rice bran wax oleogels
Authors: Hwang Hong‐Sik , Kim Sanghoon , Winkler‐Moser Jill K. , Liu Sean X.
Published: December 2024

For the practical application of oleogels and to produce oleogels with consistent properties, a full understanding of the factors affecting properties of oleogels is necessary. This study aimed to understand the effects of type of oil and minor components in oils on the properties of 3% and 7% rice bran wax (RBW) oleogels, which were prepared with 12 vegetable oils with different degrees of unsaturation as well as the same oils where polar compounds were removed (stripped oils). Correlation coefficients of iodine values (IVs) of oils with the firmness of 3% and 7% RBW stripped oil oleogels were −0.632 and −0.499, respectively, indicating that the gel strength decreased with increasing unsaturation of oil. The gel strength increased after removing polar compounds in oil for all the oleogel samples. Higher unsaturation of oil resulted in higher solid wax contents (SWCs) in 7% RBW stripped oil oleogels (r = 0.617), which, however, did not affect the gel strength. Very thin, large platelet wax crystals were observed under phase‐contrast microscopy, which were almost identical across the oleogel samples. The permeation of dyed oil through oleogels was faster with unstripped oil oleogels than stripped oil oleogels, and the negative correlation between the color permeation rate and the firmness of oleogels was significant (r = −0.602 at Day 28) indicating that defects in the three‐dimensional crystal network is an important factor for the gel strength. This study found several important factors affecting the physical properties of RBW oleogels, which can be applied to their practical applications.

Practical Application

For the practical application of oleogels, factors affecting properties of oleogels must be fully understood so that the quality of oleogel‐containing food products could be well controlled. Although oil is the major component of oleogels, the effect of the type of oil on oleogel properties was not well understood to date, and this study revealed very important relationships between oil properties and oleogel properties, which can be applied to the production of oleogel‐containing products. The major findings are that gel strength was higher with lower unsaturation of oil and less polar compounds in oil and that melting temperature was higher with higher unsaturation of oil.
Strategic alliance, trust and accounting performance stability
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Fan Liwei , An Ran , Yu Lisheng
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we document tension in the effects of strategic alliances on partner firms' profitability and stability in China in that the formation of strategic alliances decreases partner firms' short‐term profitability but increases their operating stability. However, the unique institutional features of the Chinese market, namely, relational networks and the stakeholder‐driven governance model, can relieve this tension. We also find that societal trust, a remedy for weak formal governance and legal protection, helps mitigate the deterioration of profitability and strengthens the positive relationship between strategic alliances and stability. Lastly, we document a positive effect of strategic alliances on partner firms' Tobin's Q, suggesting that the market values a powerful network of stakeholders related through alliances. Our study emphasises the distinct mechanisms of value creation through strategic alliances in emerging markets and the role of market institutions, governance, and socio‐economic structures in shaping these mechanisms.
Discursive Extraction: Language, Value, and Capital in Myanmar's Tourism Frontier
Authors: Smith Sean P.
Published: December 2024

The mid‐2010s tourism boom in Myanmar (Burma) shows how discourse creates and extracts value in tourism frontiers. Building on studies documenting tourism's operation as an extractive industry, interviews with 60 tourists, residents, and industry stakeholders in Myanmar in 2018–20 reveal that tourism in frontiers is oriented by an extractivist logic. The high‐value symbolic goods pursued by tourists are experiences with people who are otherised as “premodern”, which tourists accumulate and exchange on a linguistic market in a process described as discursive extraction. What is theorised as an extractive relation grounded in colonial hierarchies of value commodifies people and places as repositories of symbolic capital, supporting the territorialisation of spaces for tourism development and revealing discourse to be a constitutive force in the extractive geographies of tourism.
A psychologically interpretable artificial intelligence framework for the screening of loneliness, depression, and anxiety
Authors: Liu Feng , Wang Peiwan , Hu Jingyi , Shen Siyuan , Wang Hanyang , Shi Chen , Peng Yujia , Zhou Aimin
Published: December 2024

Negative emotions such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety (LDA) are prevalent and pose significant challenges to emotional well‐being. Traditional methods of assessing LDA, reliant on questionnaires, often face limitations because of participants' inability or potential bias. This study introduces emoLDAnet, an artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven psychological framework that leverages video‐recorded conversations to detect negative emotions through the analysis of facial expressions and physiological signals. We recruited 50 participants to undergo questionnaires and interviews, with their responses recorded on video. The emoLDAnet employs a combination of deep learning (e.g., VGG11) and machine learning (e.g., decision trees [DTs]) to identify emotional states. The emoLDAnet incorporates the OCC–PAD–LDA psychological transformation model, enhancing the interpretability of AI decisions by translating facial expressions into psychologically meaningful data. Results indicate that emoLDAnet achieves high detection rates for loneliness, depression, and anxiety, with F1‐scores exceeding 80% and Kendall's correlation coefficients above 0.5, demonstrating strong agreement with traditional scales. The study underscores the importance of the OCC–PAD–LDA model in improving screening accuracy and the significant impact of machine learning classifiers on the framework's performance. The emoLDAnet has the potential to support large‐scale emotional well‐being early screening and contribute to the advancement of mental health care.
The Australia story: Current status and future challenges for the clinical applications of psychedelics
Authors: Nutt David J , Hunt Peter , Schlag Anne Katrin , Fitzgerald Paul
Published: December 2024

The past decade has seen a huge increase in clinical research with psychedelic drugs and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which have revealed great potential for treating mental health conditions. Given this progress in research, as well as the current unmet clinical need of millions of patients, in 2023, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the use of psilocybin for treatment‐resistant depression and MDMA for PTSD to take effect from 1 July 2023. The campaign for TGA approval was led by a coalition comprising the Australian charity Mind Medicine Australia with support from Professor David Nutt, Drug Science, Professor Arthur Christopolous, Professor Chris Langmead (both from Monash University) and from large numbers of clinical, academic and patient groups. Under the rescheduling, current prescribing rights are limited to psychiatrists who have become authorised prescribers under the TGA's Authorised Prescriber Scheme, and psilocybin can only be used for treatment resistant depression and MDMA can only be used for PTSD. This paper reviews the background for this decision, its implications for approvals in other jurisdictions, as well as for the development pathways for other psychedelic drugs.
Editorial: The usual suspects and beyond – decontextualization as explanation for the suboptimal uptake of parenting interventions
Authors: Dekkers Tycho J. , Chacko Anil , Lebowitz Matthew S.
Published: December 2024

Although parenting interventions are recommended by major clinical guidelines for managing children's behavioral challenges, including ADHD, their uptake in clinical practice remains limited. Building on the contributions of Hodson et al. and Nijboer et al. in the current issue of this journal, we here explore solutions to enhance this uptake. We first summarize the usual suspects: solutions that could be implemented in our current mental healthcare systems. Digital and brief interventions could remove obstacles that are often experienced with traditional parenting interventions, and nudges inspired by behavioral economic theories can help remove dynamic, time‐varying barriers experienced by parents that may arise during the course of the intervention. We then zoom out and present a paradigmatic challenge. The current narrative surrounding behavioral problems like ADHD is predominantly biomedical, which tends to elevate expectations for treatments such as medication while simultaneously diminishing confidence in parenting interventions. From this perspective, it is unsurprising that engagement issues arise when a context‐focused intervention such as parent training is proposed as a solution to a decontextualized problem like ADHD. Adopting a truly balanced biopsychosocial‐societal perspective on behavioral problems like ADHD would better reflect their complex and heterogeneous etiology, and would broaden the scope for interventions, such as parenting programs, that focus on optimizing children's contextual environments.
Prayer and Perceptual (and Other) Experiences
Authors: Schille‐Hudson Eleanor , Weisman Kara , Luhrmann Tanya M.
Published: December 2024

Prayer, a repeated practice of paying attention to one's inner mental world, is a core behavior across many faiths and traditions, understudied by cognitive scientists. Previous research suggests that humans pray because prayer changes the way they feel or how they think. This paper makes a novel argument: that prayer changes what they feel that they perceive. Those who pray, we find, are more likely to report sensory and perceptual experiences which they take to be evidence of a god or spirit. Across three studies encompassing data from thousands of participants across five different cultures, we find that the amount of time spent daily in prayer is associated with the frequency of such events—and that prayer is associated with some of these experiences more strongly than others. Time in prayer has the strongest relationship with the frequency of everyday events (like dreams or strong emotion) that are experienced as not generated by the self but by a god or spirit. Prayer is also associated with more anomalous experiences like voices and a sense of presence, but prayer has no association with more dramatic events such as possession, out‐of‐body experiences, and sleep paralysis. Our results not only suggest interesting relationships between practice and experience in a religious domain, but hint at the power of practice to shape experience more broadly.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and immunogenicity of HLX14 versus reference denosumab in healthy males: A randomized phase I study
Authors: Li Nanyang , Chu Nannan , Zhu Leilei , Wu Xiaojie , Wei Qiong , Wang Jiahui , Hu Xuhui , Yu Haoyu , Wang Qingyu , Yuan Wei'an , Huang Kai , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2024

Denosumab is a human IgG2 monoclonal antibody against receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone loss. HLX14 is a proposed biosimilar of denosumab. This randomized, parallel‐group, two‐part, phase I study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and immunogenicity of HLX14 with reference denosumab in Chinese healthy adult male participants. In Part 1, participants were randomized 1:1 and given HLX14 or reference denosumab sourced from the European Union (EU). In double‐blind Part 2, participants were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive HLX14 or denosumab sourced from the United States, EU, or China. All study drugs were administered via subcutaneous injection at a single dose of 60 mg. The primary endpoints were area under the serum drug concentration–time curve from time 0 to the last concentration‐quantifiable time t (AUC0–t), maximum serum drug concentration (Cmax), and area under the serum drug concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0–inf). Twenty‐four participants were randomized in Part 1 and 228 in Part 2. The 90% confidence intervals of geometric mean ratio of AUC0–t, Cmax, and AUC0–inf between HLX14 and denosumab from different sources fell within the pre‐specified similarity margins of 0.80–1.25 (AUC0–t, 0.91–1.13; Cmax, 0.91–1.13; AUC0–inf, 0.91–1.12), demonstrating pharmacokinetic similarity. No notable difference was observed among treatment groups in pharmacodynamics, safety, or immunogenicity. HLX14 demonstrated highly similar pharmacokinetic characteristics with comparable pharmacodynamics, safety, and immunogenicity to denosumab, supporting its further investigation as a potential denosumab biosimilar.
Long‐term weight loss and cardiorenal outcomes by baseline BMI in the VERTIS CV trial
Authors: Cosentino Francesco , Dagogo‐Jack Samuel , Frederich Robert , Cannon Christopher P. , Cherney David Z. I. , Mancuso James P. , Wynant Willy , Xing Aiwen , Gantz Ira , Cater Nilo B. , Pratley Richard E.
Published: December 2024

Aim

To assess weight loss and cardiorenal outcomes by baseline body mass index (BMI) in VERTIS CV.

Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease were randomized to ertugliflozin or placebo. These post hoc analyses evaluated cardiometabolic and cardiorenal outcomes (a composite of death from CV causes or hospitalization for heart failure [HHF], CV death, HHF and an exploratory composite kidney outcome including ≥40% estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] decrease) by baseline BMI, using conventional clinical categories and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

In total, 8246 adults were randomized (mean age 64.4 years, diabetes duration 13.0 years, BMI 32.0 kg/m2, 61% with BMI >30 kg/m2). Absolute body weight reduction was greater with ertugliflozin versus placebo at 3 and 5 years in the overall population (p < 0.001) and across BMI subgroups. Ertugliflozin increased the proportion of participants achieving ≥5% and ≥10% body weight reduction (ertugliflozin 34.9% and 13.6%, placebo 19.4% and 4.1%; odds ratio [95% confident interval, CI], 2.21 [1.76–2.77] and 3.65 [2.39–5.57], respectively) at 5 years. No significant difference was observed in the effect of ertugliflozin on HHF across BMI subgroups (Pinteraction = 0.61). Similarly, no significant difference was observed in the effect of ertugliflozin on the kidney composite outcome across BMI subgroups (Pinteraction = 0.39). Results were similar for other CV outcomes, and safety was consistent with the known ertugliflozin profile.

Conclusion

Weight loss was observed across baseline BMI and was sustained over 5 years of follow‐up. The effects of ertugliflozin on HHF and kidney composite were consistent across baseline BMI.
E‐Kalaiva AI Technology in the Education of Social Work Students: Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Yousif Nagwa , Youssef Enaam , Gad Salah
Published: December 2024

The main purpose of this article is to investigate the prospects of using AI in the education of social workers and social work in general. The research methodology encompassed both pre‐test and post‐test assessments administered for closed examinations across five academic disciplines, all of which were instructed through the utilisation of the e‐Kalaiva AI platform. The findings of the current investigation revealed that a 6‐month implementation of the e‐Kalaiva AI program, rooted in artificial intelligence (AI), enriched with machine learning (ML), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) components, significantly enhanced the educational process within the domains of biology, computer science, sociology, social work, and psychology. It was ascertained that AI has the potential to aid educational institutions in achieving sustainable development objectives. AI could be a promising tool in social work in the UAE and globally.
Limited short‐term benefits of glacial rock flour for enhancing the physical quality of tropical arable soils
Authors: Obour Peter Bilson , Dietzen Christiana , Oppong Danso Eric , Arthur Emmanuel , Adu Michael Osei , Rosing Minik Thorleif
Published: December 2024

There is increasing recognition that the application of fine‐grained silicate rock granulates can improve soil productivity by increasing its fertility and ameliorating its physical properties. Although the former has been extensively studied, empirical information on the latter is scarce. Pot and field experiments were conducted at the University of Ghana's Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre (FOHCREC), Kade, Ghana, from May 2020 to December 2021 to quantify the short‐term effect of the application of Greenlandic glacial rock flour (GRF) on the physical properties of three benchmark arable soils in Ghana, namely an Acrisol (sandy clay loam), a Haplic Ferralsol (sandy loam), and an Arenosol (sand). The pot experiment included three GRF treatments (0, 10, and 20 t ha−1) and the three soil types, while the field experiment was conducted on only the sandy clay loam soil where GRF rates of 10 and 50 t ha−1 were compared to the control. Intact 100 cm3 soil cores were sampled from the soil surface in the field and pot experiments to assess the soil bulk density. We also quantified soil water retention, air and gas transport, and pore morphological characteristics over a range of matric potentials. Both the pot and field experiments showed that adding GRF did not improve soil water retention. Still, the response of gas transport and pore characteristics to changing matric potential was significantly (p < 0.05) modified by GRF in some soil types. The results suggested that the effectiveness of the use of GRF to ameliorate soil physical conditions for plant growth may depend on soil type and the soil water matric potential. We concluded that the application of GRF cannot be relied upon as a short‐term strategy to significantly improve the structural quality of the tropical soils studied. Rather, GRF should be considered for application to the soils for its other beneficial effects. We recommend that the effects of repeated applications and further build‐up of the material in the soil should be investigated to determine the effect of higher relative GRF concentrations on soil hydro‐physical properties.
Cannabidiol alleviates LPS‐inhibited odonto/osteogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells in vitro
Authors: Kornsuthisopon Chatvadee , Chansaenroj Ajjima , Suwittayarak Ravipha , Phothichailert Suphalak , Usarprom Khunakon , Srikacha Apicha , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok , Phrueksotsai Chaloemrit , Samaranayake Lakshman P. , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: December 2024

Aim

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, exhibits benefits in potentially alleviating a number of oral and dental pathoses, including pulpitis and periodontal diseases. This study aimed to explore the impact of CBD on several traits of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC), such as their proliferation, apoptosis, migration and odonto/osteogenic differentiation.

Methodology

hDPSCs were harvested from human dental pulp tissues. The cells were treated with CBD at concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 25 and 50 μg/mL. Cell responses in terms of cell proliferation, colony‐forming unit, cell cycle progression, cell migration, apoptosis and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs were assessed in the normal culture condition and P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ‘inflammatory’ milieus. RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis were performed to predict target pathways impacted by CBD.

Results

CBD minimally affects hDPSCs' behaviour under normal culture growth milieu in normal conditions. However, an optimal concentration of 1.25 μg/mL CBD significantly countered the harmful effects of LPS, indicated by the promoting cell proliferation and restoring the odonto/osteogenic differentiation potential of hDPSCs under LPS‐treated conditions. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that several proteins involved in cell proliferation and differentiation were upregulated following CBD exposure, including CCL8, CDC42 and KFL5. RNA sequencing data indicated that CBD upregulated the Notch signalling pathway. In an inhibitory experiment, DAPT, a Notch inhibitor, reduced the effect of CBD‐rescued LPS‐attenuated mineralization in hDPSCs, suggesting that CBD potentially mediates Notch activation to exert its impact on odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs.

Conclusions

CBD recovers the proliferation and survival of hDPSCs following exposure to LPS. Additionally, we report that CBD‐mediated Notch activation effectively restores the odonto/osteogenic differentiation ability of hDPSCs under inflamed conditions. These results underscore the potential role of CBD as a therapeutic option to enhance dentine regeneration.
Enhancing pharmaceutical cold supply chain: integrating medication synchronization and diverse delivery modes
Authors: Potters Elise , Mosalla Nezhad Behzad , Bernard Victor Johan , Hans Erwin , Asadi Amin
Published: December 2024

The significance of last‐mile logistics in the healthcare supply chain is growing steadily, especially in pharmacies where the growing prevalence of medication delivery to patients' homes is remarkable. This paper proposes a novel mathematical model for the last‐mile logistics of the pharmaceutical supply chain and optimizes a pharmacy's logistical financial outcome while considering medication synchronization, different delivery modes, and temperature requirements of medicines. We propose a mathematical formulation of the problem using mixed‐integer linear programming evolved from the actual problem of an outpatient pharmacy of a Dutch hospital. We create a case study by gathering, preparing, processing, and analyzing the associated data. We find the optimal solution, using Python MIP package and the Gurobi solver, which indicates the number of order batches, the composition of these batches, and the number of staff related to the preparation of the order batches. Our results show that our optimal solution increases the pharmacy's logistical financial outcome by 34%. Moreover, we propose other model variations and perform extensive scenario analysis to provide managerial insights applicable to other pharmacies and distributors in the last step of cold supply chains. Based on our scenario analysis, we conclude that improving medication synchronization can significantly enhance the pharmacy's logistical financial outcome.
Iterated local search with two strategies in the acceptance criterion for the tree t$t$‐spanner problem
Authors: Israni Manisha , Sundar Shyam
Published: December 2024

The tree ‐spanner problem (‐SP), for a given edge‐weighted, undirected, and connected graph, is an ‐hard problem with practical applications that aims to find a spanning tree with minimum , called the stretch factor. Due to its computational intractability, metaheuristic techniques have attracted much attention in the literature for finding good solutions within an acceptable computational time. In this article, we make the first attempt to propose a single solution‐based iterated local search (ILS) for the ‐SP. To ensure high search efficiency and efficacy, the proposed ILS framework relies on the perturbation strategy, a problem‐specific local search, and the use of two strategies in the acceptance criterion of ILS. On a set of available 48 benchmark instances, experimental results indicate that the proposed ILS consistently outperforms the existing best‐so‐far approach, particularly with the increase in instance sizes. The results yield new improved values on 32 instances out of 48 instances. We investigate the effectiveness of using two strategies in the acceptance criterion of ILS. Moreover, a statistical analysis is conducted to demonstrate its significance.