bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variation of Changes in Extreme Discharge Seasonality Across the Northeastern United States
Authors: Richardson Owen H. , Renshaw Carl E. , Magilligan Francis J.
Published: October 2024

The Northeast United States exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity in flood seasonality, with spring snowmelt‐driven floods historically dominating northern areas, while other regions show more varied flood seasonality. While it is well documented that since 1996 there has been a marked increase in extreme precipitation across this region, the response of flood seasonality to these changes in extreme precipitation and the spatial distribution of these effects remain uncertain. Here we show that, historically, snowmelt‐dominated northern regions were relatively insensitive to changes in extreme precipitation. However, with climate warming, the dominance of snowmelt floods is decreasing and thus the extreme flood regimes in northern regions are increasingly susceptible to changes in extreme precipitation. While extreme precipitation increased everywhere in the Northeastern United States in 1996, it has since returned to near pre‐1996 levels in the coastal north while remaining elevated in the inland north. Thus, the inland north region has and continues to experience the greatest changes in extreme flooding seasonality, including a substantial rise in floods outside the historical spring flood season, particularly in smaller watersheds. Further analysis reveals that while early winter floods are increasingly common, the magnitude of cold season floods (Nov‐May) have remained unchanged over time. In contrast, warm season floods (June‐Oct), historically less significant, are now increasing in both frequency and magnitude in the inland north. Our results highlight that treating the entire Northeast as a uniform hydroclimatic region conceals significant regional variations in extreme discharge trends and, more generally, climate warming will likely increase the sensitivity of historically snowmelt dominated watersheds to extreme precipitation. Understanding this spatial variability in increased extreme precipitation and increased sensitivity to extreme precipitation is crucial for enhancing disaster preparedness and refining water management strategies in affected regions.
How Do Socially Responsible Investment Funds Go Green? The Influence of Investment Styles and managers' Experience
Authors: Mercadier Mathieu , Rannou Yves , Boutabba Mohamed Amine , Chen Jinzhao
Published: October 2024

We provide an holdings‐based analysis of socially responsible investment (SRI hereafter) funds' greenness and its determinants in Europe over 8 years (2015–22). To this end, a segmentation of SRI funds by greenness degree based on k‐means clustering is developed. Our results reveal that SRI funds' greenness depends on specific investment styles and the salient experience of managers in SRI. We verify that greening an SRI fund implies a higher stock selectivity leading managers to underweight their portfolios with fossil fuel stocks and raise the weight of green stocks once SRI market regulations in Europe have been implemented. Also, we find that active investment styles make SRI funds greener. Moreover, we provide evidence of counteracting experience effects provided that the more (resp. less) the manager is experienced in SRI (resp. mutual fund industry), the greener the fund is. In addition to those experience effects, we detect a gender diversity effect provided that a greater gender diversity in fund management teams contributes to increase SRI funds' greenness. Overall, our findings support the argument that the experience and abilities of fund managers are important factors for investors to consider when they choose SRI funds notably because skilled professionals with more experience in SRI are more likely to adapt to regulatory shifts.
An audit of the indications for peripartum hysterectomies performed at a tertiary institution in Johannesburg, South Africa: A retrospective study
Authors: Mmabatswa Rogers N. , Wadee Reubina , Bhoora Shastra
Published: October 2024

Background

Peripartum hysterectomy (PH), the surgical removal of the uterus during or shortly after childbirth, is a critical procedure in maternal health care. Definitions of PH vary globally, leading to challenges in understanding its occurrence. Our study aimed to provide comprehensive insights into PH in a South African context, investigating indications, demographic characteristics, clinical and histopathological diagnoses, complications, and outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective record review study design was used, focusing on PH cases at a tertiary facility in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA), between January 2018 and December 2020. Medical records were systematically examined to identify trends, indications, and outcomes associated with PH. Data collection encompassed demographic characteristics, obstetric history, clinical indications, clinical and histopathological diagnoses, and complications. Data analysis used descriptive statistics, interrater reliability tests, and comparative findings with previous SA studies.

Results

The study included 56 pregnant women with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range: 25–35) who underwent PH between January 2018 and December 2020 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in South Africa. We found that pregnancy‐related sepsis (PRS) emerged as the most common indication of PH, as reported among 18 (32.1%) of the women, with an 88.8% histopathological confirmation rate. Abnormal placentation (14/56, 25%) and PPH (8/56, 14%) were other common indications. Clinical and histopathological diagnoses exhibited a strong level of agreement (70.9%), emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnostics.

Conclusion

Our study found a shift in the primary historical indications, such as uterine atony and uterine rupture in South Africa, with PRS emerging as the primary indication in recent years(2009‐2020). Clinical assessment complemented by histopathological findings remains critical for improved obstetric complication management.
Delivery mode and subsequent birth rate: A nationwide register‐based analysis in Finland
Authors: Vaajala Matias , Liukkonen Rasmus , Mattila Ville M. , Kekki Maiju , Kuitunen Ilari
Published: October 2024

Objective

The study aimed to calculate the subsequent birth rate for different delivery modes, comparing them with spontaneous vaginal deliveries, using a comprehensive nationwide high‐quality registry.

Methods

Data from the National Medical Birth Register (MBR) were used to evaluate the birth rate after different delivery modes. All first deliveries for a mother during the years 2004 to 2016 were included. For these women, all second pregnancies from the MBR during the years 2004 to 2018 were retrieved and combined with the data of the first deliveries. A Cox regression model was used to evaluate the risk for the second pregnancy after giving birth the first time. The results were interpreted with adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 375 619 women with a first and second pregnancy leading to birth were included in this study. Of these, a total of 50 579 women underwent assisted vaginal delivery, 50 429 had an unplanned cesarean section (CS), 22 021 had elective CS, and 252 593 had spontaneous vaginal delivery as a mode of delivery in their first pregnancy. Women with assisted vaginal delivery (aHR, 1.23 [CI, 1.21–1.24]) and unplanned CS (aHR, 1.03 [CI, 1.02–1.05]) had higher birth rates after the first birth, and women with elective CS as a mode of delivery had lower birth rates (aHR, 0.86 [CI, 0.84–0.88]) when compared with women who had spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that the CS operation itself is not the only cause of the observed lower birth rate; rather, there are underlying factors that have a greater impact on birth rates.
The role of clinical exchange programs in postgraduate obgyn training: A case‐study of the FIGO‐WATOG One World Exchange
Authors: Ubom Akaninyene Eseme , Topcu Elif Goknur , Ogbuagu Eziaha Ugochukwu , Tapia‐Gutierrez Charmaine Clarisse , Mughal Mawrah , Negrin Atziri Ramirez , Afon Olire Christine , Ndukwe Munachiso Iheme , Roy Priyankur , Ruiloba Francisco , Aqua David Mfon , Conry Jeane Ann
Published: October 2024

Objective

To evaluate the role of clinical exchange programs in postgraduate obgyn training using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)–World Association of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology (WATOG) One World Exchange (OWE), a clinical exchange program held in France in October 2023, as a case‐study.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. A 31‐item structured questionnaire designed with Google Forms was electronically distributed to the 51 obgyn postgraduate trainees (OWE fellows) who participated in the OWE, to collect information about the exchange. Collected data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics for Windows.

Results

The survey response rate was 68.6%. The mean age of the respondents was 33.0 ± 4.0 years. Majority of the them were females (26, 74.3%), married (19, 54.3%), at least in their third year of training (30, 85.7%) and from Africa (11, 31.4%). During the period of the exchange program, fellows observed various obstetric and gynecologic procedures, including open and minimal access procedures, with more than one‐fifth (8, 22.9%) of them reporting that they were allowed to assist in some of these procedures. The fellows noted salient differences in practice between their exchange hospitals and their home countries. An overwhelming majority (30, 85.7%) of the fellows believed the OWE was beneficial and would positively impact their clinical practices back in their home countries.

Conclusion

Clinical exchange programs like the OWE provide valuable benefits in improving the clinical knowledge and skills of postgraduate obgyn trainees.
Hierarchical structure Fe@CNFs@Co/C elastic aerogels with intelligent electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Zhou Hongwei , Lin Ying , Ma Yongzhen , Han Luyao , Cai Zhixin , Cheng Yan , Yuan Qibin , Huang Wenhuan , Yang Haibo , Che Renchao
Published: October 2024

Developing intelligent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials with real‐time response‐ability is of great significance in complex application environments. Herein, highly compressible Fe@CNFs@Co/C elastic aerogels were assembled through the electrospinning method, achieving EMW absorption through pressure changes. By varying the pressure, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of Fe@CNFs@Co/C elastic aerogels shows continuous changes from low frequency to high frequency. The EAB of Fe@CNFs@Co/C elastic aerogels is 14.4 GHz (3.36–17.76 GHz), which covers 90% of the range of S/C/X/Ku bands. The theoretical simulation indicates that the external pressure prompts a reduction in the spacing between the fiber layers in the aerogels and facilitates the formation of a 3D conductive network with enhanced attenuation ability of EMW. The uniform distribution of metal particles and appropriate layer spacing can effectively optimize the impedance matching to achieve the best EMW absorption performance. This work state clearly that the hierarchically assembled elastic aerogels composed of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derivatives and carbon fibers are ideal dynamic EMW absorption materials for intelligent EMW response.

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India‐EU water partnership (IEWP): Collaboration for sustainable water management
Authors: Yadav Vandana
Published: October 2024

In 2016, the European Union (EU) and India have established the India‐EU Water Partnership (IEWP). This partnership aims to facilitate political alignment and cooperation on water management. A session on Good practices in water management: Learnings from the EU and India was organised during the Congress to highlight the key activities, success stories and insights gained from the IEWP Action with an outlook to the water‐secure future.
Hadamard and Riemann Matrix‐Based SLM for PAPR Reduction in OTFS Signal
Authors: Gopal Aare , Reddy Desireddy Krishna
Published: October 2024

In this letter, we study the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction and bit error rate (BER) performances of the Hadamard and Riemann matrix‐based selected mapping (SLM) technique for Orthogonal Time Frequency Space (OTFS) signals. Unlike the conventional phase sequence based on , which requires the entire sequence to extract the original signal at the receiver, the Hadamard and Riemann matrix‐based SLM techniques require only the row index of the matrix, reducing the additional information necessary to extract the signal. Simulation results are presented to verify the PAPR and BER performance. The results are also compared with the existing normalized μ‐law, rooting μ‐law, and conventional SLM methods. The results demonstrate that the Riemann‐based SLM technique shows significant performance improvement.
Unpacking automaticity: Scaffolded texts and comprehension
Authors: Hiebert Elfrieda H.
Published: October 2024

Automaticity in recognizing the words in a text is fundamental to comprehension. If the number of words readers need to stop and decode exceeds their ability to retain their understanding of a narrative's plot or an expository text's description, their comprehension suffers. The conventional intervention for students who lack the automaticity to adequately comprehend text has been to repeatedly read texts orally. The current review first addresses evidence for this conventional treatment, concluding that students have not shown substantial increases in silent reading comprehension. Next, this review presents evidence underlying an alternative perspective for automaticity support where texts are selected to support students in increasing their automaticity with the words they will encounter consistently—the 2500 morphological families that have been shown to account for at least 90% of most school texts. Finally, guidelines for teachers are provided that address the talk, tasks, and time of instruction, as well as texts, for automaticity.
The links between parenting, self‐esteem, and depressive symptoms: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Tehrani Hossein Dabiriyan , Yamini Sara , Vazsonyi Alexander T.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Framed by attachment and cognitive theories, the current meta‐analysis tested the direct and indirect links among parenting dimensions (parental support, authoritative control, psychological control, and behavioral control), self‐esteem, and depressive symptoms for children and adolescents.

Methods

Based on 53 studies, and 74 independent samples, the present study used One‐Stage Meta‐analytic Structural Equation Modeling (OSMASEM) to investigate these links, including testing a mediation effect by self‐esteem between parental support‐, authoritative control‐, psychological control‐, behavioral control‐, and depressive symptoms. It also tested for potential moderation effects by several variables.

Results

The evidence indicated that parental support (β = .29), authoritative control (β = .23), and behavioral control (β = .07) are positive correlates of self‐esteem, while psychological control (β = −.26) is a negative one. It also found that self‐esteem was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β range: −.49 to −.53). Furthermore, parental support (β = −0.14), authoritative control (β = −0.10), and behavioral control (β = −0.05) are negative correlates of depressive symptoms, while psychological control is a positive correlate (β = .11). OSMASEM also provided evidence that parental support, authoritative control, psychological control, and behavioral control are indirectly associated with depressive symptoms, via self‐esteem.

Conclusion

Parenting dimensions are associated with depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly. That is, self‐esteem partially mediates the relationships between parental support, authoritative control, psychological control, and behavioral control with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, OSMASEM moderator tests provided evidence of several significant moderators, including age, sex, parenting measurement, and self‐esteem measurement.
Tutorial on the Use of the Photon Diffusion Approximation for Fast Calculation of Tissue Optical Properties
Authors: Pinheiro Maria R. , Carvalho Maria I. , Oliveira Luís M.
Published: October 2024

Computer simulations, which are performed at a single wavelength at a time, have been traditionally used to estimate the optical properties of tissues. The results of these simulations need to be interpolated. For a broadband estimation of tissue optical properties, the use of computer simulations becomes time consuming and computer demanding. When spectral measurements are available for a tissue, the use of the photon diffusion approximation can be done to perform simple and direct calculations to obtain the broadband spectra of some optical properties. The additional estimation of the reduced scattering coefficient at a small number of discrete wavelengths allows to perform further calculations to obtain the spectra of other optical properties. This study used spectral measurements from the heart muscle to explain the calculation pipeline to obtain a complete set of the spectral optical properties and to show its versatility for use with other tissues for various biophotonics applications.
Hybrid Raman and Partial Wave Spectroscopy Microscope for the Characterization of Molecular and Structural Alterations in Tissue
Authors: Kriukova Elena , Mazurenka Mikhail , Marcazzan Sabrina , Glasl Sarah , Quante Michael , Saur Dieter , Tschurtschenthaler Markus , Puppels Gerwin J. , Gorpas Dimitris , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: October 2024

We present a hybrid Raman spectroscopy (RS) and partial wave spectroscopy (PWS) microscope for the characterization of molecular and structural tissue alterations. The PWS performance was assessed with surface roughness standards, while the Raman performance with a silicon crystal standard. We also validated the system on stomach and intestinal mouse tissues, two closely‐related tissue types, and demonstrate that the addition of PWS information improves RS data classification for these tissue types from R2 = 0.892 to R2 = 0.964 (norm of residuals 0.863 and 0.497, respectively). Then, in a proof‐of‐concept experiment, we show that the hybrid system can detect changes in intestinal tissues harvested from a tumorigenic Villin‐Cre, Apcfl/wt mouse. We discuss how the hybrid modality offers new abilities to identify the relative roles of PWS morphological features and Raman molecular fingerprints, possibly allowing for their combination to enhance the study of carcinogenesis and early cancer diagnostics in the future.
Using Polycaprolactone Nanofibers for the Proof‐of‐Concept Construction of the Alveolar‐Capillary Interface
Authors: Capandova Michaela , Sedlakova Veronika , Vorac Zbynek , Kotasova Hana , Dumkova Jana , Moran Lukas , Jaros Josef , Antol Matej , Bohaciakova Dasa , Hampl Ales
Published: October 2024

The alveolar‐capillary interface is the key functional element of gas exchange in the human lung, and disruptions to this interface can lead to significant medical complications. However, it is currently challenging to adequately model this interface in vitro, as it requires not only the co‐culture of human alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells but mainly the preparation of a biocompatible scaffold that mimics the basement membrane. This scaffold should support cell seeding from both sides, and maintain optimal cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation conditions. Our study investigates the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers as a versatile substrate for such cell cultures, aiming to model the alveolar‐capillary interface more accurately. We optimized nanofiber production parameters, utilized polyamide mesh UHELON as a mechanical support for scaffold handling, and created 3D‐printed inserts for specialized co‐cultures. Our findings confirm that PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are manageable and support the co‐culture of diverse cell types, effectively enabling cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Our research establishes a proof‐of‐concept model for the alveolar‐capillary interface, offering significant potential for enhancing cell‐based testing and advancing tissue‐engineering applications that require specific nanofibrous matrices.
Protective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid Against Amyloid‐Beta‐Induced Oxidative Stress and Ion Transport Dysfunction in SH‐SY5Y Cells
Authors: Singh Abhishek Kumar , Singh Ishika , Pai Varsha
Published: October 2024

Caloric restriction mimetics mimic the beneficial effects of dietary restriction approaches, such as caloric restriction approaches, without limiting the dietary intake. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) acts as a caloric restriction mimetic; however, its neuroprotective mechanisms remain ambiguous. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the neuroprotective effects of CGA on SH‐SY5Y cells treated with amyloid‐beta (Aβ)1‐42. Aβ1‐42 (1.25 μM) induced oxidative stress by significantly increasing the pro‐oxidant levels and decreasing the antioxidant levels in the cells. Additionally, it decreased the Na+/K+‐ATPase and Ca2+‐ATPase ion transporter activities and enhanced the acetylcholinesterase activity. However, CGA (100 μM) reversed these Aβ1‐42‐induced changes in SH‐SY5Y cells. Overall, CGA exerted neuroprotective effects against Aβ1‐42‐induced oxidative stress and impaired ion transporter and acetylcholinesterase activities, serving as a promising therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Identifying Financially Material Content in Corporate Social Responsibility Reports
Authors: Lang Tina
Published: October 2024

This study examines the relationship between financially material content in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports and the decision usefulness of these reports. Utilizing sustainability disclosure standards and a machine learning topic modeling algorithm, a firm‐specific quantitative measure of financially material content in CSR reports is developed. It is hypothesized that firms providing greater amounts of financially material CSR content enhance their information environment, which enables analysts to make more accurate earnings predictions. The findings confirm a positive relationship between the extent of financially material CSR content disclosed and analyst forecast accuracy. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of using machine learning to identify financially material content within unstructured voluntary disclosures and contributes to the literature on the financial materiality of CSR activities and their related disclosures.
Moving money to support social justice movements: A spiritual practice
Authors: Wernick Laura J. , Jimenez Danielle R. , Nimkarn Mica , Abbott Sarah , Green Ashley , Vaughn John H. , Robbins Blythe L. , Tice‐Brown Derek
Published: October 2024

Wealth inequality is rising, and millennials will be the future recipients of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer. Meanwhile, there is a need to move more money to support transformative social justice movements. This study examines the impact of spirituality as a motivator for the social justice movement giving among progressive young adult activists with wealth and class privilege, organizing toward the equitable redistribution of wealth, land, and power. Using survey data (n = 560), regressions and mediation models suggest that spiritual motivation was a significant positive predictor of how much participants monetarily gave to social justice movements. While religion did not significantly predict movement giving, indirect effects models showed that spirituality positively mediated the effect of being raised with any religion on movement giving compared to those indicating no religion. Implications are explored for how transformative organizing models draw upon secular spiritual practices in their pursuit of individual and collective change.
Nematicidal Potentiality of Four Marine Molluscans' Defensive Secretions From the Red Sea Against Syphacia obvelata (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) In Vitro
Authors: Radwan Nahla A. , Atlam Aalaa I. , Abdel‐ Malek Asmaa R. , Moustafa Alaa Y.
Published: October 2024

The continuous requirement to substitute safe and affordable alternatives for helminth medications, as well as address the resistance of some used drug classes, introduced bioactive products derived from marine animals into the field of competition; however, almost all the previous research only focused on their impact on bacterial and protozoal infection. In the present work, we investigated the potential in vitro nematocidal effect of the aqueous extract of defense secretions for four species of marine mollusks: two cephalopods, namely the cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis and the common Octopus Octopus vulagris and two gastropods, the sea hare Aplysia argus and the sea slug Berthillina citrina, against the adult murine pinworm Syphacia obvelata. Data showed dose and time efficacy in all examined extracts. The sea slug's skin acid secretion has the highest impact, causing death in the cultivated worms, followed by the ink of the sea hare, the common octopus and the cuttlefish, where LC90 after 10 h of exposure were 250, 290, 316, and 391 µg/mL, respectively. Comparatively with the control and albendazole‐treated groups, the skin acid secretion of the sea slug caused the highest levels of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, Cat and GSH‐PX; however, albendazole prompted the highest level of GSH‐PX enzyme in all experimental groups.
Optimal Design of Smart Antenna Arrays for Beamforming, Direction Finding, and Null Placement Using the Soft Computing Method
Authors: Chakraborty Avishek , Mishra Aishwarya , Singh Indrasen , Ahmad Saif , Khan Mohd Javed , Sharma Deepti , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Gupta Sumit
Published: October 2024

The urge of modern communication system is to design and development of the smart antennas with adaptive radiation characteristics. The multifold capabilities of fourth‐dimensional antenna arrays can cater that much needed adaptiveness if properly designed. Compared to the conventional arrays, the fourth‐dimensional arrays have one added advantage as the ‘Time’ of all the switched‐on antenna elements can be managed to generate the required amplitude and phase tapering without even using attenuators and phase shifters. However, one inherent limitation of fourth‐dimensional control parameter is the generation of harmonics or sidebands. This article proposes various means of radiation pattern synthesis in fourth‐dimensional linear antenna arrays with pulse shifting, pulse splitting, and a combination of both. First of all, the pulse splitting and shifting techniques are combinedly proposed by reducing the sidelobe levels and sideband levels of the beamforming antenna arrays to enhance directivities and efficiencies. Then, this mathematical proposition of the direction finding fourth‐dimensional arrays is developed. Finally, broad nulls over a specific angle of arrival region are created for jamming and interference mitigation. For all these cases, the sidelobe level and the unwanted higher‐order sideband levels are suppressed to reduce the unwanted interferences and power losses. The optimal time schemes for all the synthesized patterns are generated by proposing a chaos‐based soft computing algorithm. The radiofrequency signals at each radiating array element are processed by the optimal time schemes proposed for specific applications. The outcomes are validated and compared with other state‐of‐the‐art works of this domain to prove the competency of the proposed work. The qualitative and quantitative comparisons presented for beamforming array is aimed for a good improvement over other reported works by targeting ultralow (less than −40 dB) sidelobe and sideband levels. For direction‐finding array, the proposed idea has also targeted ultralow sidelobes for the main as well as steered beam patterns. Furthermore, the null placement over a region has been aimed to cover more area for jamming and sidelobe reduction for interference mitigation. Overall, the optimal designs proposed for these advanced applications are beneficial for cutting‐edge communication systems.
Responsible Leadership Behavioral Styles and Innovative Work Behavior: A Moderated‐Mediation Analysis
Authors: Pathak Priyanka , Jha Sumi
Published: October 2024

Drawing from the social learning theory (SLT), this study aims to examine the relationship between responsible leadership behavioral styles (RLBS) (instrumental and integrative) and employees' innovative work behaviors (IWBs). This study also examines the mediating role of meaningful work (MFW) and the moderating role of knowledge sharing (KS) in the relationship between RLBS and IWBs. Data were collected from 230 employees at different levels working in the public and private sectors. The SPSS PROCESS macros were used to analyze moderated mediation, mediation, and moderation results. All the hypothesized relationships are supported, except the mediating role of MFW in the relationship between integrative RLBS and IWBs, which is partially supported. The findings demonstrated that KS strengthens the instrumental and integrative RLBS' direct effect on MFW and its indirect effect on employees' IWBs. This paper provides a unique theoretical contribution to the effect of RLBS on IWBs in the organization. Instrumental (effective decision‐making and task orientation) and integrative (motivation and welfare orientation) RLBS would be helpful to industrial experts and academicians in creating an innovative work environment for employees in the organization.
Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and sarcopenia among United States adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Hao , Wu Dongze , Chen Yajin , Shi Ang , Cai Wanda , Yang Xinxin , Chen Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

Background

Diets high in antioxidants are associated with decreased prevalence of sarcopenia. This study aimed to investigate whether the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and sarcopenia have an underlying relationship.

Methods

We used the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018. According to dietary antioxidant intake, the CDAI was calculated for each individual. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index was employed to determine sarcopenia. Multivariate weighted logistic models and restricted cubic spline regression analysis was undertaken to determine the association between CDAI and sarcopenia.

Results

A total of 7012 participants were enrolled in this study, including 473 with sarcopenia (weighted percentage, 5.6%). Compared with the lowest tertile, those in the highest tertile of the CDAI exhibited a greater likelihood of being male, with lower body mass index, higher education level and economic standard, and more chance of being single or separated. In multivariate weighted logistic models, model 3 revealed a noteworthy inverse association between the CDAI and sarcopenia (odds ratio = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.98; P = 0.003). Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of CDAI was associated with a 0.57‐fold risk of sarcopenia (95% CI, 0.42–0.77; P < 0.001). The inverse association between CDAI and sarcopenia strengthened in the participants with elevated education levels (P for interaction = 0.003).

Conclusion

The CDAI was inversely correlated with the prevalence of sarcopenia. As a comprehensive measurement representing antioxidant status, the CDAI may help manage and prevent sarcopenia.
Surfactant monolayers at oil–water interfaces. Behavior upon compression and relation to emulsion stability
Authors: Wallon Laura , Salonen Anniina , Langevin Dominique
Published: October 2024

Surfactant monolayers modify the surface tension of fluid surfaces, and they confer to the surfaces a resistance to mechanical perturbances, such as compression or dilatation. The resistance can be characterized by elastic and viscous moduli, that affect the phenomena involving the motion of liquid surfaces such as wetting, two‐phase flow, foaming and emulsification, rheology and stability of foams and emulsions. Some of these phenomena, for instance coalescence of bubbles or drops, are extremely rapid, and although coalescence seems correlated with the elastic compression modulus, no quantitative comparison has been made. Indeed, this modulus is frequency dependent, and cannot be measured by most conventional devices at the short timescales during which coalescence events occur. In this paper, we first review the current understanding on foam and emulsion stability, highlighting the role of surface rheology in the stability of these systems, important for their formulation. We present tension measurements for various surfactant systems, nonionic and cationic, at oil–water interfaces. We show calculations of the high frequency elastic modulus using the Gibbs adsorption equation and compare the results to previous measurements at air–water interfaces. The moduli measured imposing a rapid expansion of the monolayers are consistently smaller, in particular at oil–water interfaces. We discuss the possible origin of the differences between the two types of interfaces.
Effects of microwave treatment on structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch
Authors: Dong Yulu , Shu Zhiwei , Wang Shunmin , Wang Junzhen , Wu Ningning
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Measuring the germination index of corn, and gelatinization index, thermodynamic properties, long‐range structure, short‐range structure and particle morphology of corn starch, the study aimed to investigate the effects of different microwave (MW) treatment on the structural and functional properties of germinated corn starch.

RESULTS

The results indicated that after appropriate MW treatment, the germination indices (germination rate, germination potential, sprout length and sprout weight) of germinated corn starch were improved after 7 days of germination. In addition, MW treatment also affected the structure of germinated corn starch. MW treatment could reduce the relative crystallinity of starch, but did not change the crystal type and the peak position of each absorption peak in Fourier transform infrared spectra. In addition, rapid visco‐analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results showed, respectively, that MW treatment decreased the peak viscosity of germinated corn starch and increased the gelatinization temperature. Finally, MW treatment made the starch surface become rough, destroyed the starch particle structure and produced random cracks and voids.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the present study proves that appropriate MW treatment is an effective measure for the modification of germinated corn starch, and provides a theoretical basis for the application of MW technology in germinated corn products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Surgical management of first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients may lower rates of redislocation compared to conservative management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Blackman Benjamin , Dworsky‐Fried Joshua , Cohen Dan , Slawaska‐Eng David , Gyemi Lauren , Simunovic Nicole , Peterson Devin , Ayeni Olufemi R. , de SA Darren
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess whether early surgical intervention for first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients is superior to conservative management. We hypothesized that surgical intervention would lead to lower redislocation rates compared to conservative treatment.

Methods

Three online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE) were searched from inception to 14 March 2024 to identify studies investigating the management options for acute first‐time patellar dislocations in paediatric patients. Data pertaining to patient demographics, patient management, redislocation rates and Kujala scores, evaluating function, were abstracted. Weighted means and meta‐analyses were conducted to compare rates of redislocation, as well as Kujala scores. The quality of included studies was assessed using the methodological index for non‐randomized studies criteria for non‐randomized studies and the ROB2 tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results

A total of 11 studies and 761 patients were included in this review. The weighted mean post‐operative combined rates of redislocation in the surgical group was 25.1%, compared to 46.4% in the conservative group at a mean follow‐up of 53.2 months (12–168). The relative risk (RR) of redislocation was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65‐1.04, I2 = 0%, p = 0.11), favouring surgery compared to conservative management. A subgroup meta‐analysis of two recent RCTs with 110 patients demonstrated an RR of redislocation of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31–0.91, I2 = 0%, p = 0.02), favouring surgery. Kujala scores among three comparative studies showed a mean difference of −2.7 (95% CI: −6.1 to 0.68, I2 = 0%, p = 0.12), favouring conservative treatment. The weighted mean redislocation rate in 131 patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) was 3.1%, compared to 39.4% in 203 patients undergoing other surgical procedures, such as lateral release and medial imbrication, Roux‐Goldwaith and MPFL repair. Furthermore, the conservative groups experienced a complication rate of 0.9% compared to 2.9% across the surgical groups.

Conclusion

Surgical management for first‐time patellar dislocations in a paediatric population, particularly MPFLR, may be more beneficial in lowering redislocation rates than conservative management. No significant differences in Kujala scores were found.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Comparison of blood flow restriction training rehabilitation and general rehabilitation exercise after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Luozhifei , Rothrauff Benjamin , Chen Lili , Jin Shirong , He Sixian , He Jinshen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) has been found to reduce quadriceps atrophy and weakness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. However, the clinical benefit of BFRT as compared to general rehabilitation exercise (GRE) alone remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the effects of BFRT and GRE on ACL reconstruction rehabilitation through a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Elsevier and Biosis were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing BFRT and GRE following ACL reconstruction. Primary outcomes included muscle strength (extensor and flexor muscle general strength), Lysholm score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, extensor muscle torque (peak torque and average torque) and muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA). The secondary outcomes included a range of motion (ROM), pain, Y‐balance and the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled trials involving 376 participants were included. The change in muscle strength (Mean difference, MD: 12.96, 95% confidence interval, [95% CI]: 7.02–18.91, heterogeneity, I2 = 39%), Lysholm score (MD: 9.41, 95% CI: 8.93–9.88, I2 = 40%) and IKDC score (MD: 9.88, 95% CI: 0.57–19.19, I2 = 87%) of the BFRT group were superior to that of the GRE group at the time of last follow‐up. However, no significant difference was found between the BFRT and the GRE groups regarding the change in muscle CSA, ROM, extensor muscle torque, pain score, Y‐balance and PROMIS.

Conclusion

BFRT seems to perform better than GRE in terms of functional improvement and muscle strength following ACL reconstruction, but there seems to be no significant difference between them in terms of joint mobility, pain relief, stability improvement and patient's perception of their disease and treatment.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Technosols Made from Iron Mine Tailings and Construction and Demolition Waste as an Alternative for Sustainable Solid Waste Management
Authors: Silva Beatriz Marchese , Queiroz Hermano Melo , Ferreira Amanda Duim , Ruiz Francisco , Ferreira Tiago Osório
Published: October 2024

Brazil faces urgent environmental challenges due to large waste production from mining and construction activities particularly regarding the disposal and management of the solid waste generated by these activities. The extraction of iron ore and the storage of tailings in dams, most of which are at imminent risk of rupture, represent foretold environmental disasters. Additionally, the disposal of construction waste raises environmental concerns due to the decreasing vailability of inert landfill space. To address these challenges, we evaluated the potential of Technosols made from construction and demolition waste (CDW) and iron mining tailing (IMT) in different proportions (60:40, 70:30, 80:20, and 100% of IMT and CDW, respectively) to support grass development. The Technosols were compared to a natural soil (Haplic Ferralsol). The soils were cultivated with Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in a field experiment conducted for 120 days. At the end of experiment, soil samples were collected and analyzed their chemical, physical, and mineralogical attributes, while plants were analyzed for dry biomass. Plants cultivated in Technosols exhibited dry biomass production 3.3‐fold (825 ± 270 g) greater than those cultivated in the natural soil (251 ± 77 g). Higher biomass production in the Technosols, especially in the TEC70:30, was associated with the favorable chemical conditions of these soils, such as slightly neutral pH (~7.5), higher cation exchange capacity (68.1 ± 12.4 mmol dm−3) and nutrient availability, especially Ca and P (57.8 ± 0.8 and 28.2 ± 0.4 mmol dm−3, respectively). These results aim to provide insights for the effective use of different Technosols in mitigating environmental impacts and promoting sustainable land and waste management practices, primarily to prevent future environmental disasters.
Microbial Inoculants Modify the Functions of Resident Soil Microbes to Expedite the Field Restoration of the Abandoned Mine
Authors: Li Chong , Shi Yuxuan , Jia Zhaohui , Tang Yingzhou , Lin Jie , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinchi , Müller Christoph
Published: October 2024

Global‐scale mining activities have had significant deleterious impacts on local ecosystems and the overall environment, which will necessitate robust restoration efforts. A practical approach includes combining microbial inoculants with the technology of external soil spray seeding. This approach holds the potential for sustainable abandoned mine site restoration by enhancing plant growth through the modulation of soil nutrients and microbial communities. Nonetheless, the detailed effects of microbial inoculants on specific aspects of soil microbial community functions and their complex interactions with plant growth remain underexplored, particularly in the context of restoration efforts. To bridge this gap, we performed a four‐year field study at an abandoned carbonate mine location, using metagenomic sequencing to evaluate the influence of microbial inoculants on soil microbial functionality. Our research revealed that introducing microbial inoculants greatly enhanced essential soil parameters and notably increased plant biomass. Additionally, these inoculants altered the functional gene makeup of the microbial community, significantly boosting the relative abundance of processes such as nitrogen fixation, nitrification, denitrification, assimilatory nitrate reduction (ANRA), dissimilatory nitrate reduction (DNRA), and organic phosphorus mineralization. Conversely, there was a decrease in the relative abundance of carbon degradation, phosphorus regulation, and transport processes. We observed strong correlations between the abundance of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles and plant biomass. Crucially, microbial inoculants affect plant biomass by initially altering soil properties and subsequently coordinating nitrogen and phosphorus cycles. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of microbial inoculants in mine site restoration and offer a theoretical foundation for their broader practical application.
A Simplified Non‐Hertzian Wheel‐Rail Adhesion Model Under Interfacial Contaminations Considering Surface Roughness
Authors: Wang Zhaoyang , Wu Bing , Huang Jiaqing
Published: October 2024

The accuracy and efficiency of the wheel‐rail adhesion model are important to the wheel‐rail rolling contact issues. The purpose of this study is to develop a simplified non‐Hertzian wheel‐rail adhesion model under interfacial contaminations to predict the wheel‐rail adhesion coefficient. Firstly, a non‐Hertzian full elasto‐hydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model was developed and applied to determine the wheel‐rail contact pressure and film thickness under interfacial contaminations. Then, the empirical formula of central film thickness available to non‐Hertzian wheel‐rail normal contact relating to train speeds, axle loads and material parameters were proposed based on a large number of non‐Hertzian full EHL simulation for smooth surface under interfacial contaminations using linear regression. The empirical non‐Hertzian central film thickness formula and minimum film thickness formula for wheel‐rail contact obtained in this paper show certain differences from the formulas based on Hertzian contact. Using the proposed non‐Hertzian central film thickness formula, a simplified non‐Hertzian wheel‐rail contact adhesion model was developed, and the adhesion coefficient was obtained at different speeds and compared with the field test data. The numerical results showed good agreement with field test data.
Applications of Diels–Alder Chemistry in Biomaterials and Drug Delivery
Authors: Yeingst Tyus J. , Helton Angelica M. , Hayes Daniel J.
Published: October 2024

Recent studies, leveraging click chemistry reactions, have significantly advanced the fields of biomaterials and drug delivery. Of these click reactions, the Diels–Alder cycloaddition is exceptionally valuable for synthetic organic chemistry and biomaterial design, as it occurs under mild reaction conditions and can undergo a retrograde reaction, under physiologically relevant conditions, to yield the initial reactants. In this review, potential applications of the Diels–Alder reaction are explored within the nexus of biomaterials and drug delivery. This includes an emphasis on key platforms such as polymers, nanoparticles, and hydrogels which utilize Diels–Alder for drug delivery, functionalized surfaces, bioconjugation, and other diverse applications. Specifically, this review will focus on the use of Diels–Alder biomaterials in applications of tissue engineering and cancer therapies, while providing a discussion of the advantages, platforms, and applications of Diels–Alder click chemistry.