bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A successful management of Candy Cane syndrome post Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a rare case report
Authors: Ahmad Youssef , Sleman Qamar , Siddiqui Umer , Cuevas Sandra , Gill Gurkiran , Souleiman Fadi
Published: March 2024

Introduction and importance:

Candy Cane syndrome (CCS) is a rare condition in which the proximal gastrojejunal attachment’s afferent blind limb is elongated. This can lead to different symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, with less commonly described reflux and regurgitation symptoms.

Case presentation:

A 38-year-old female presented with a chronic complaint of postprandial pain, discomfort, and reflux lasting for about 2 years after a previous Roux-en-y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Upper endoscopy was done and raised suspicion for CCS. The patient underwent an exploratory laparoscopy, which confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical resection of the afferent limb was done, and all symptoms were completely resolved at the postoperative follow-up.

Clinical discussion:

CCS is considered a rarely described complication that can occur after RYGB gastric bypass surgery. Diagnosing this condition includes performing upper gastrointestinal (GI) studies and endoscopy, which reveal a redundant afferent limb. Laparoscopy serves as a dual-purpose tool, confirming the diagnosis of CCS and providing a definitive curative intervention. Surgical resection has a high success rate, with evidence supporting its efficacy in relieving symptoms.

Conclusion:

As the popularity of Bariatric surgeries rises, it is crucial to consistently consider CCS, despite its rarity, as a potential complication. Although diagnosing CCS can be challenging, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in patients presenting with upper GI symptoms following metabolic surgeries.
The relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D status and hypertension in Syrian population: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bakkar Nouha Abd AL-Hameid , Bakr Aliaa Youssef , Alhusseini Ayham Haitham , Alourfi Zaynab Haidar
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Vitamin D is a liposoluble steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the maintenance of bone metabolism and calcium homoeostasis. Many studies on the effects of vitamin D on general health have been significantly increased, driven by new findings concerning the systemic and extraskeletal effects of this hormone. This study was performed to determine whether low levels of vitamin D were associated with hypertension in Syrian people.

Materials and methods:

This retrospective cohort study consisted of 207 subjects, including 83 (40.1%) patients suffering from essential hypertension and 124 (59.9%) patients with normal blood pressure. Aged older than 18 years, who was referred to the endocrinology clinic from September 2022 to September 2023. The data were analysed by using SPSS (version 25). Logistic regression analyses were performed with adjustments for age, sex, and waist circumference.

Results:

Hypertension rates were 73%, 20%, and 5% in 25-hydroxyvitamin D groups less than 12 ng/ml, 12–20 ng/mL, and greater than or equal to 20 ng/ml, respectively. Odds ratios (95% CIs) for hypertension adjusting for age, sex, and waist circumference were 178.6 (30.5_1045.6), 5.13 (0.9_26.5) for 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels less than 12 ng/ml, and 12–20 ng/ml, respectively, compared with the greater than or equal to 20 ng/ml group.

Conclusions:

This study has shown a high prevalence of low vitamin D levels (25OHVD/20 ng/ml) among a sample of Syrian people (78.3%). The lowest 25OHVD group was associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, which refers to an adverse association between vitamin D level and essential hypertension. Further research is needed to confirm this relationship.
Surgical removal of multiple xanthomas in familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
Authors: Tolba Mohamed A. , Mohamad Anwar , Farhat Youssef Z. , Omar Mohammed A. , Safy Ahmed M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Xanthomas are skin swellings that are caused by the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in the body. They are associated with lipid disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH is a rare genetic disorder, which is characterized mainly by high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Case presentation:

The authors report a case of an 11-year-old female who had multiple swellings all over the body with the largest measuring 7×4×3 cm in diameter. These lesions were gradually increasing in size since 4 years. She was being bullied by her school colleagues because of swellings appearance. Clinical examination revealed multiple yellowish masses on the patient’s elbows, knees, and buttocks which were painless, firm, and nontender. Laboratory tests revealed elevated levels of serum cholesterol (512 mg/dl) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (469.2 mg/dl). Masses ultrasound showed similar echogenicity to upper and lower extremities subcutaneous fat. Incisional biopsy microscopic images revealed clusters of foam cells. These findings led to a diagnosis of Homozygous FH and she underwent surgery to remove the xanthomas on her elbows.

Discussion:

Xanthomas are small, yellowish skin swellings that form due to the presence of high lipids. As they are typically painless and small, this could lead to a late treatment or misdiagnosis. Drugs, lifestyle changes, and surgery represent treatment plan options.

Conclusion:

Xanthomas can be the first indication of an underlying hypercholesterolemia problem and this case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis of Homozygous FH by providing the suitable management for this case in its early stages which can prevent developing serious complication.
Concordance between daily diary reported pre-exposure prophylaxis intake and intraerythrocytic tenofovir diphosphate in the Amsterdam Pre-exposure Prophylaxis demonstration project
Authors: Wijstma Eline S. , Jongen Vita W. , Boyd Anders , van den Elshout Mark A.M. , de Vries Henry J.C. , Davidovich Udi , Anderson Peter L. , Prins Maria , Hoornenborg Elske , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F.
Published: March 2024

Objective:

We assessed the association and concordance between self-reported oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) intake in a diary app and intraerythrocytic drug metabolite concentrations.

Design:

AMPrEP was a prospective demonstration study providing daily and event-driven PrEP to MSM in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (2015–2020).

Methods:

Participants could record their PrEP intake in a diary app. Dried blood spots (DBS) were taken at 6, 12, 24, and 48 months and analysed for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) and emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC-TP) concentrations. We included TFV-DP measurements preceded by diary completion on at least 90% of days in the 6 weeks prior. We examined the association between self-reported PrEP intake (i.e. number of pills) and TFV-DP concentrations using tobit regression with a random intercept per participant. We also calculated concordance between categorized PrEP intake (i.e. <2, 2–3, 4–6 or 7 pills per week) and categorized TFV-DP concentrations (i.e. <350, 350–699,700–1249 or ≥1250 fmol/punch) using weighted Cohen's kappa. Last, we calculated concordance between self-reported recent PrEP intake (yes/no, in past 2 days) and quantifiability of FTC-TP (yes/no) using Cohen's kappa.

Results:

Seven hundred and fifty-nine DBS measurements from 282 MSM were included. Self-reported PrEP intake was strongly and positively associated with TFV-DP concentration (β = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.70–0.84, P < 0.0001). Concordance between categorized PrEP intake and TFV-DP concentration was moderate (κ = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.39–0.50). Concordance between self-reported recent PrEP intake and FTC-TP quantifiability was perfect (κ = 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.90).

Conclusion:

Self-reported PrEP intake in a diary app is strongly correlated with actual use, and therefore reliable for comparing PrEP adherence between groups. Still, suboptimal criterion validity according to clinically relevant categories warrants caution when assessing 6-week reported adherence for individuals.
EARLY TRAJECTORY OF VENOUS EXCESS ULTRASOUND SCORE IS ASSOCIATED WITH CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF GENERAL ICU PATIENTS
Authors: Trigkidis Kyriakos K. , Siempos Ilias I. , Kotanidou Anastasia , Zakynthinos Spyros , Routsi Christina , Kokkoris Stelios
Published: March 2024

Background: Systemic venous congestion, assessed by the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score, has been associated with adverse effects, including acute kidney injury (AKI), in patients with cardiac disease. In general intensive care unit (ICU) patients, the association between VExUS score and outcomes is understudied. We aimed to investigate the association between the trajectory of VExUS score within the first 3 days of ICU admission and the composite clinical outcome of major adverse kidney events within 30 days (MAKE30). Methods: In this prospective observational study, including patients consecutively admitted to the ICU, VExUS score was calculated within 24 h after ICU admission (day 1) and at 48 to 72 h (day 3). D-VExUS was calculated as the difference between the VExUS score on day 3 minus that on day 1. Development of AKI within 7 days and all-cause mortality within 30 days were recorded. Results: A total of 89 patients (62% men; median age, 62 years; median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, 24) were included. Sixty (67%) patients developed AKI within 7 days, and 17 (19%) patients died within 30 days after ICU admission. D-VExUS was associated with MAKE30, even after adjustment for confounders (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–3.66; P = 0.01). VExUS scores on days 1 or 3 were not associated with MAKE30. Also, VExUS scores on day 1 or on day 3 and D-VExUS were not associated with development of AKI or mortality. Conclusions: In a general ICU cohort, early trajectory of VExUS score, but not individual VExUS scores at different time points, was associated with the patient-centered MAKE30 outcome. Dynamic changes rather than snapshot measurements may unmask the adverse effects of systemic venous congestion on important clinical outcomes.
Exploring Potential Barriers and Facilitators to Integrate Tuberculosis, Diabetes Mellitus, and Tobacco-Control Programs in India
Authors: Mutalikdesai Nisha , Tonde Kajal , Shinde Kanchan , Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Surbhi , Dayma Girish , Krishnan Anand , Juvekar Sanjay , Santosa Ailiana , Ng Nawi , Patil Rutuja
Published: March 2024

Background

Integrating Tuberculosis (TB), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), and Tobacco-Control (TC) programs in India presents a promising strategy to address the triple burden of these diseases. However, limited information exists regarding the feasibility and influencing factors of such integration. This study investigates potential barriers and facilitators to integrate TB, DM, and TC programs in Ambegaon Block of Pune District in Maharashtra and Ballabgarh Block of Faridabad District in Haryana states of India.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted between Nov 2022 to March 2023 among health workers, program managers, and stakeholders involved in program implementation (n=32). Interview guide was based on World Health Organization’s Health System Strengthening framework. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were used to select participants. Rapid analysis of the data was done using the WHO HSS Framework.

Results

There were barriers and facilitators for the integration of TB-DM-TC programs observed in India. The primary challenges for integration are at the level of service delivery which is largely attributed to inadequate implementation of all three programs and negligible involvement of private practitioners in the program implementation. Moreover, inadequate referral system, insufficient infrastructure, limited resources, a shortage of trained staff, and lack of essential drugs and equipment impeded the uptake and coverage of services.

Conclusion

The results highlight the critical importance of addressing barriers and facilitators of implementation program in India to build a robust structure of managing the triple burden of TB, DM and tobacco control. The proposed strategies, such as sensitizing health system staff, implementing feedback and referral systems, and developing cross-program digital platforms offer a roadmap for policymakers and healthcare system managers. A multidimensional approach is vital for overcoming barriers and facilitating integration.
The detrimental effect of stroke on motor adaptation
Authors: Abram Sabrina J. , Tsay Jonathan S. , Yosef Heran , Reisman Darcy S. , Kim Hyosub E.
Published: March 2024

Background

While it is evident that stroke impairs motor control, it remains unclear whether stroke impacts motor adaptation—the ability to flexibly modify movements in response to changes in the body and the environment. The mixed results in the literature may be due to differences in participants’ brain lesions, sensorimotor tasks, or a combination of both.

Objective

We first sought to better understand the overall impact of stroke on motor adaptation and then delineated the impact of lesion hemisphere and sensorimotor task on adaptation poststroke.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies comparing individuals poststroke to neurotypical controls, with each group consisting of over 200 participants.

Results

We found that stroke impairs motor adaptation (d = −0.64; 95% CI [−1.06, −0.22]), and that the extent of this impairment did not differ across sensorimotor tasks but may vary with the lesioned hemisphere. Specifically, we observed greater evidence for impaired adaptation in individuals with left hemisphere lesions compared to those with right hemisphere lesions.

Conclusions

This review not only clarifies the detrimental effect of stroke on motor adaptation but also underscores the need for finer-grained studies to determine precisely how various sensorimotor learning mechanisms are impacted. The current findings may guide future mechanistic and applied research at the intersection of motor learning and neurorehabilitation.
Evaluation of Six Commercial and Non-Commercial Colistin Resistance Diagnostics
Authors: Leshaba Tumisho Mmatumelo Seipei , Mmatli Masego , Skosana Lebogang , Mbelle Nontombi Marylucy , Sekyere John Osei
Published: March 2024

Background

Resistance to colistin, a last-reserve antibiotic used for treating drug-resistant infections, is increasing globally. This study evaluated six diagnostic tests designed to detect colistin-resistant pathogens.

Methods

PCR and broth microdilution assays (BMD) were used to respectively characterize the molecular mechanisms and phenotypic colistin resistance of 142 Gram-negative bacterial isolates and controls. The sensitivity, specificity, positive- and negative-predictive values, major (ME) and very major errors (VME), categorical and essential agreements (EA) of ComASP Colistin, CHROMagar COL-APSE, Rapid NP Test, Sensititre, MicroScan, and Vitek 2 were determined with these isolates; the BMD was used as gold standard.

Results

The Vitek 2, Sensititre, and ComASP tests were more efficient, albeit with concerning ME and VMEs and low EAs. Sensititre was 100% specific with 0% ME and 3.61% VME; Vitek 2 had the least VME (1.25% and 0%) and a low EA (57.50%). ComASP had an EA of 75.35%. MicroScan was highly sensitive (96.55%) but less specific (87.50%), with very below-accetable EAs (48.11%). The CHROMAgar COL-APSEefficiently identified the species with their unique colours but was the least specific (67.80%), with the highest ME (32.20%) and high VME (7.23%). The Rapid NP test had the highest VME (7.84%), producing results within 4 hours with 92.16% sensitivity and 96.08% specificity.

Conclusion

Vitek 2, MicroScan, ComASP colistin, and Sensititre are good for determining colistin resistance; the latter two tests are recommendable for low-resourced laboratories. The in-house Rapid NP test has short turnaround time with high efficiency for initial resistance screening.
Delineating redox cooperativity in water-soluble and membrane multiheme cytochromes through protein design
Authors: Hardy Benjamin J. , Dubiel Paulina , Bungay Ethan L. , Rudin May , Williams Christopher , Arthur Christopher J. , Guberman-Pfeffer Matthew J. , Oliveira A. Sofia , Curnow Paul , Anderson J. L. Ross
Published: March 2024

Nature has evolved diverse electron transport proteins and multiprotein assemblies essential to the generation and transduction of biological energy. However, substantially modifying or adapting these proteins for user-defined applications or to gain fundamental mechanistic insight can be hindered by their inherent complexity.De novoprotein design offers an attractive route to stripping away this confounding complexity, enabling us to probe the fundamental workings of these bioenergetic proteins and systems, while providing robust, modular platforms for constructing completely artificial electron-conducting circuitry. Here, we use a set ofde novodesigned mono-heme and di-heme soluble and membrane proteins to unpick the contributions of electrostatic micro-environments and dielectric properties of the surrounding protein medium on the inter-heme redox cooperativity that we have previously reported. Experimentally, we find that the two heme sites in both the water-soluble and membrane constructs have broadly equivalent redox potentials in isolation, in agreement with Poisson-Boltzmann Continuum Electrostatics calculations. BioDC, a Python program for the estimation of electron transfer energetics and kinetics within multiheme cytochromes, also predicts equivalent heme sites, and reports that burial within the low dielectric environment of the membrane strengthens heme-heme electrostatic coupling. We conclude that redox cooperativity in our diheme cytochromes is largely driven by heme electrostatic coupling and confirm that this effect is greatly strengthened by burial in the membrane. These results demonstrate that while ourde novoproteins present minimalist, new-to-nature constructs, they enable the dissection and microscopic examination of processes fundamental to the function of vital, yet complex, bioenergetic assemblies.
The L-lactate dehydrogenases ofPseudomonas aeruginosaare conditionally regulated but both contribute to survival during macrophage infection
Authors: Florek Lindsey C. , Lin Xi , Lin Yu-Cheng , Lin Min-Han , Chakraborty Arijit , Price-Whelan Alexa , Tong Liang , Rahme Laurence , Dietrich Lars E.P.
Published: March 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic pathogen that thrives in environments associated with human activity, including soil and water altered by agriculture or pollution. Because L-lactate is a significant product of plant and animal metabolism, it is available to serve as a carbon source forP. aeruginosain the diverse settings it inhabits. Here, we evaluateP. aeruginosa’s production and use of its redundant L-lactate dehydrogenases, termed LldD and LldA. We confirm that the protein LldR represseslldDand identify a new transcription factor, called LldS, that activateslldA; these distinct regulators and the genomic contexts oflldDandlldAcontribute to their differential expression. We demonstrate that thelldDandlldAgenes are conditionally controlled in response to lactate isomers as well as to glycolate and ◻-hydroxybutyrate, which, like lactate, are ◻-hydroxycarboxylates. We also show thatlldAis induced when iron availability is low. Our examination oflldDandlldAexpression across depth in biofilms indicates a complex pattern that is consistent with the effects of glycolate production, iron availability, and cross-regulation on enzyme preference. Finally, macrophage infection assays revealed that bothlldDandlldAcontribute to persistence within host cells, underscoring the potential role of L-lactate as a carbon source duringP. aeruginosa-eukaryote interactions. Together, these findings help us understand the metabolism of a key resource that may promoteP. aeruginosa’s success as a resident of contaminated environments and animal hosts.

Importance

Pseudomonas aeruginosais a major cause of lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis, hospital-acquired infections, and wound infections. It consumes L-lactate, which is found at substantial levels in human blood and tissues. In this study, we investigated the spatial regulation of two redundant enzymes, called LldD and LldA, which enable L-lactate metabolism inP. aeruginosabiofilms. We uncovered mechanisms and identified compounds that controlP. aeruginosa’s LldD/LldA preference. We also showed that both enzymes contribute to its ability to survive within macrophages, a behavior that is thought to augment the chronicity and recalcitrance of infections. Our findings shed light on a key metabolic strategy used byP. aeruginosaand have the potential to inform the development of therapies targeting bacterial metabolism during infection.
Identification and functional analysis of recent IS transposition events in rhizobia
Authors: Mogro Ezequiel G. , Draghi Walter O. , Lagares Antonio , Lozano Mauricio J.
Published: March 2024

Rhizobia are alpha- and betaproteobacteria that, through the establishment of symbiotic interactions with leguminous plants, are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen as ammonium. The successful establishment of a symbiotic interaction is highly dependent on the availability of nitrogen sources in the soil, and on the specific rhizobia strain. Insertion sequences (ISs) are simple transposable genetic elements that can move to different locations within the host genome and are known to play an important evolutionary role, contributing to genome plasticity by acting as recombination hot-spots, and disrupting coding and regulatory sequences. Disruption of coding sequences may have occurred either in a common ancestor of the species or more recently. By means of ISComapare, we identified Differentially Located ISs (DLIS) in nearly related rhizobial strains of the generaBradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium, RhizobiumandSinorhizobium. Our results revealed that recent IS transposition events don’t seem to be playing a major role in adaptation. Nevertheless, DLIS could have a role enabling the activation and inactivation of certain genes that could dynamically affect the competition and survival of rhizobia in the rhizosphere.
Dark Matter Induced Power in Quantum Devices
Authors: Das Anirban , Kurinsky Noah , Leane Rebecca K.
Published: March 2024

We point out that power measurements of single quasiparticle devices open a new avenue to detect dark matter (DM). The threshold of these devices is set by the Cooper pair binding energy, and is therefore so low that they can detect DM as light as about an MeV incoming from the Galactic halo, as well as the low-velocity thermalized DM component potentially present in the Earth. Using existing power measurements with these new devices, as well as power measurements with SuperCDMS-CPD, we set new constraints on the spin-independent DM scattering cross section for DM masses from about 10 MeV to 10 GeV. We outline future directions to improve sensitivity to both halo DM and a thermalized DM population in the Earth using power deposition in quantum devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Photoelectron Circular Dichroism in the Spin-Polarized Spectra of Chiral Molecules
Authors: Artemyev A. N. , Tomar R. , Trabert D. , Kargin D. , Kutscher E. , Schöffler M. S. , Schmidt L. Ph. H. , Pietschnig R. , Jahnke T. , Kunitski M. , Eckart S. , Dörner R. , Demekhin Ph. V.
Published: March 2024

We studied strong-field multiphoton ionization of 1-iodo-2-methylbutane enantiomers with 395 nm circularly polarized laser pulses experimentally and theoretically. For randomly oriented molecules, we observe spin polarization up to about 15%, which is independent of the molecular enantiomer. Our experimental findings are explained theoretically as an intricate interplay between three contributions from HOMO, HOMO-1, and HOMO-2, which are formed of 5p-electrons of the iodine atom. For uniaxially oriented molecules, our theory demonstrates even larger spin polarization. Moreover, we predict a sizable enantiosensitive photoelectron circular dichroism of about 10%, which is different for different spin states of photoelectrons.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Emergence of Homochirality via Template-Directed Ligation in an RNA Reactor
Authors: Laurent Gabin , Göppel Tobias , Lacoste David , Gerland Ulrich
Published: March 2024

RNA in extant biological systems is homochiral; it consists exclusively of -ribonucleotides rather than -ribonucleotides. How the homochirality of RNA emerged is not known. Here we use stochastic simulations to quantitatively explore the conditions for RNA homochirality to emerge in the prebiotic scenario of an RNA reactor, in which RNA strands react in a nonequilibrium environment. These reactions include the hybridization, dehybridization, template-directed ligation, and cleavage of RNA strands. The RNA reactor is either closed, with a finite pool of ribonucleotide monomers of both chiralities ( and ), or the reactor is open, with a constant inflow of a racemic mixture of monomers. For the closed reactor, we also consider the interconversion between and monomers via a racemization reaction. We first show that template-free polymerization is unable to reach a high degree of homochirality, due to the lack of autocatalytic amplification. In contrast, in the presence of template-directed ligation, with base pairing and stacking between bases of the same chirality thermodynamically favored, a high degree of homochirality can arise and be maintained provided the nonequilibrium environment overcomes product inhibition, for instance, via temperature cycling. Indeed, if the experimentally observed kinetic stalling of ligation after chiral mismatches is also incorporated, the RNA reactor can evolve towards a fully homochiral state, in which one chirality is entirely lost. This is possible because the kinetic stalling after chiral mismatches effectively implements a chiral cross-inhibition process. Taken together, our model supports a scenario where the emergence of homochirality is assisted by template-directed ligation and polymerization in a nonequilibrium RNA reactor.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Development of the multiplex imaging chamber at PAL-XFEL
Authors: Hwang Junha , Kim Sejin , Lee Sung Yun , Park Eunyoung , Shin Jaeyong , Lee Jae Hyuk , Kim Myong-jin , Kim Seonghan , Park Sang-Youn , Jang Dogeun , Eom Intae , Kim Sangsoo , Song Changyong , Kim Kyung Sook , Nam Daewoong
Published: March 2024

Various X-ray techniques are employed to investigate specimens in diverse fields. Generally, scattering and absorption/emission processes occur due to the interaction of X-rays with matter. The output signals from these processes contain structural information and the electronic structure of specimens, respectively. The combination of complementary X-ray techniques improves the understanding of complex systems holistically. In this context, we introduce a multiplex imaging instrument that can collect small-/wide-angle X-ray diffraction and X-ray emission spectra simultaneously to investigate morphological information with nanoscale resolution, crystal arrangement at the atomic scale and the electronic structure of specimens.
Why do knowledge seekers turn to knowledge contributors in social Q&A platforms? Evidence from China
Authors: Qiu Junping , Mi Qinze , Xu Zhongyang , Zhang Tingyong , Zhou Tao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Based on the social interaction theory and trust theory, this study investigates the switching of users on social question and answer (Q&A) platforms from knowledge seekers to knowledge contributors.

Design/methodology/approach

We used Python to gather data from Zhihu, performed hypothesis testing on the models using Poisson regression and finally conducted a mediation effect analysis.

Findings

The findings reveal that knowledge seeking impacts users' motivation for information interaction, emotional interaction and trust. Notably, information interaction and trust exhibit a chained mediation effect that subsequently influences knowledge contribution.

Originality/value

Current studies on user knowledge behavior typically examine individual actions, rarely connecting knowledge seeking and knowledge contribution. However, the balance of knowledge inflow and outflow is crucial for social Q&A platforms. To cover this gap, this paper empirically investigates the switching between knowledge seeking and knowledge contribution based on the social interaction theory and trust theory.
When digitalization meets HRM: developing a HRM value chain model in China
Authors: Zhao Yixuan , He Guangyuan , Wei Danxia , Zhao Shuming
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the mechanism of digitalized transformation in organizations’ human resource management (HRM). This study summarizes three basic factors driving the digital transformation process in China: level of perception, level of application and speed of transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the strategic transformation process of HRM in Haier, Hisense and Chambroad to explore the human resource digital transformation mechanism in Chinese enterprises.

Findings

The results of this study show that three HR value chain models can be constructed based on how well HRM deals with business: the efficiency-oriented HRM value chain, quasi-business-oriented HRM value chain and business-oriented HRM value chain. The basic factors – level of perception, level of application and speed of transformation – are observed in the entire HRM digital transformation process.

Originality/value

This study provides theoretical and empirical insights for enterprises to explore the value of digital technology in HRM and facilitate the digital transformation of HRM.
Stakeholder exclusion practices of responsible leaders: an investigation into the application of responsible leader values in stakeholder inclusion and exclusion
Authors: Ellis Mark , Dean Dianne
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to explore the stakeholder exclusion practices of responsible leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive multiple case analyses of seven responsibly led organisations was employed. Twenty-two qualitative interviews were undertaken to investigate and understand perceptions and practice of responsible leaders and their approach to stakeholder inclusion and exclusion.

Findings

The findings revealed new and surprising insights where responsible leaders compromised their espoused values of inclusivity through the application of a personal bias, resulting in the exclusion of certain stakeholders. This exclusivity practice focused on the informal evaluation of potential stakeholders’ values, and where they did not align with those of the responsible leader, these stakeholders were excluded from participation with the organisation. This resulted in the creation and continuity of a culture of shared moral purpose across the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

This study focussed on responsible leader-led organisations, so the next stage of the research will include mainstream organisations (i.e. without explicit responsible leadership) to examine how personal values bias affects stakeholder selection in a wider setting.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that reflexive practice and critically appraising management methods in normative leadership approaches may lead to improvements in diversity management.

Originality/value

This paper presents original empirical data challenging current perceptions of responsible leader inclusivity practices and indicates areas of leadership development that may need to be addressed.
Implications of remote work in post-pandemic times: a gender risk profile in Colombian workers
Authors: Campos García Ángela Ximena , Cabrera-García Victoria Eugenia , Docal-Millán María del Carmen , Acuña Arango Lina María , Riveros Munevar Fernando
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Remote work has been intensifying in organizations, and the recent pandemic forced an immediate increase in it, ignoring its effect on the family. The purpose of this study was to analyze the work and personal-family life balance of Colombian workers during the lockdown and the effects on post-pandemic times.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative correlational study with a non-probabilistic sample of 1,069 participants: 349 (32.64%) men and 720 (67.35%) women.

Findings

A total of 44.8% of the participants reported that their work interfered with their personal life; 61.6% reported that their work exceeded their habitual time; 72.2% felt comfortable with the remote work; and women perceived more affectation, as did participants with children. No interaction was present between these variables. There are more interruptions for workers with children younger than 12 years.

Practical implications

There is satisfaction with remote work. However, there are difficulties regarding work-personal life balance that must be addressed to improve quality of life, with an emphasis on women and workers with children, especially younger children.

Social implications

This study provides empirical evidence for the foundation of public and organizational policies aimed at managing remote work and the work-personal life balance to reduce the risk of loss of female labor force and effects on the quality of life of workers.

Originality/value

Studies on the work-personal life balance with Latin American samples are scarce. This research contributes to the literature about satisfaction with working from home modality and the work-personal life balance during COVID-19 confinement, with a look at the differences by gender and the evaluation of the family conditions of Colombian workers, contributing to a regional perspective.
Boron nitride doped with transition metals for carbon monoxide detection: a promising nanosensor for air cleaning
Authors: Mollaamin Fatemeh , Monajjemi Majid
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential of the decorated boron nitride nanocage (BNNc) with transition metals for capturing carbon monoxide (CO) as a toxic gas in the air.

Design/methodology/approach

BNNc was modeled in the presence of doping atoms of titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) which can increase the gas sensing ability of BNNc. In this research, the calculations have been accomplished by CAM–B3LYP–D3/EPR–3, LANL2DZ level of theory. The trapping of CO molecules by (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc has been successfully incorporated because of binding formation consisting of C → Ti, C → V, C → Cr, C → Co, C → Cu, C → Zn.

Findings

Nuclear quadrupole resonance data has indicated that Cu-doped or Co-doped on pristine BNNc has high fluctuations between Bader charge versus electric potential, which can be appropriate options with the highest tendency for electron accepting in the gas adsorption process. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has explored that the yield of electron accepting for doping atoms on the (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc in CO molecules adsorption can be ordered as follows: Cu > Co >> Cr > Zn ˜ V> Ti that exhibits the strength of the covalent bond between Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn and CO. In fact, the adsorption of CO gas molecules can introduce spin polarization on the (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc which specifies that these surfaces may be used as magnetic-scavenging surface as a gas detector. Gibbs free energy based on IR spectroscopy for adsorption of CO molecules adsorption on the (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc have exhibited that for a given number of carbon donor sites in CO, the stabilities of complexes owing to doping atoms of Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn can be considered as: CO →Cu–BNNc >> CO → Co–BNNc > CO → Cr–BNNc > CO → V–BNNc > CO → Zn–BNNc > CO → Ti–BNNc.

Originality/value

This study by using materials modeling approaches and decorating of nanomaterials with transition metals is supposed to introduce new efficient nanosensors in applications for selective sensing of carbon monoxide.
“They will at least do no harm”: LGBTQ social studies teacher education
Authors: Brant Cathy A.R.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the self-efficacy of social studies teacher education working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) preservice teachers, teaching LGBTQ content in their methods courses, and helping the preservice teachers they teach in those classes reduce their bias and prejudice against LGBTQ individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, framed by self-efficacy theory, employs a mixed methods approach, qualitative semistructured interviews (n = 6) and quantitative (Likert-scale) survey questions (n = 174).

Findings

Participants reported high self-efficacy in working with LGBTQ students but showed decreased efficacy in teaching about LGBTQ content and helping reduce preservice teacher LGBTQ bias. Participants suggested that time in the curriculum, lack of knowledge about LGBTQ topics/issues, and the lack of institutional support are some of the leading barriers to LGBTQ inclusion in the social studies teacher preparation curriculum.

Originality/value

This is the only work conducted at this scale to examine social studies teacher educators' self-efficacy in LGBTQ-inclusion in methods courses. It has implications for increasing this self-efficacy to help make P-16 social studies education LGBTQ-inclusive.
The study on role of media diversity and political interest on echo chamber effect
Authors: Sakhiya Palak , Rathod Raju
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Social media has made people better informed but also easier to manipulate. By using literature review and observing social media, the authors found a problem about echo chamber effect. The purpose of this paper is to know how the echo chamber affects the people who consume political news and the role of media diversity in it.

Design/methodology/approach

To conduct this study, the authors used a structured questionnaire on the Qualtrics platform to collect data from 183 participants. The authors collected data using a simple random technique. This study is based on the cross-sectional survey; the data collection period is from October to November 2023. The authors used the SPSS software to analyze the relationships between the variables and test the hypothesis.

Findings

This study found that; echo chamber is not affected by media diversity. Because of increased political interest, people will be less influenced by echo chambers. In addition, demographic factors affect political interest. People use search engines and social media sites instead of political websites when it comes to the consumption of political news online. People like to communicate with individuals who hold conflicting political views.

Originality/value

Researchers have not yet been able to gain a clear understanding of whether users are in an echo chamber or not and how they interact in that environment. Research on this topic is still going on from different perspectives. This study helped to clarify whether or not more media consumption will affect echo chambers. The possibility of being trapped in an echo chamber exists whether we use a single medium or a variety of media. The novelty of this study lies in the use of the echo chamber scale to investigate a thorough understanding of this word through the use of many factors.
Out of sight, but not out of season: Nitrifier distributions and population dynamics in a large oligotrophic lake
Authors: Peoples Logan M. , Seixas Miranda H. , Evans Kate A. , Bilbrey Evan M. , Ranieri John R. , Tappenbeck Tyler H. , Dore John E. , Baumann Adam , Church Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

Nitrification is an important control on the form and distribution of nitrogen in freshwater ecosystems. However, the seasonality of nitrogen pools and the diversity of organisms catalyzing this process have not been well documented in oligotrophic lakes. Here, we show that nitrogen pools and nitrifying organisms in Flathead Lake are temporally and vertically dynamic, with nitrifiers displaying specific preferences depending on the season. While the ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) Nitrosomonadaceae and nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB) Nitrotoga dominate at depth in the summer, the ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) Nitrososphaerota and NOB Nitrospirota become abundant in the winter. Given clear seasonality in ammonium, with higher concentrations during the summer, we hypothesize that the succession between these two nitrifying groups may be due to nitrogen affinity, with AOB more competitive when ammonia concentrations are higher and AOA when they are lower. Nitrifiers in Flathead Lake share more than 99% average nucleotide identity with those reported in other North American lakes but are distinct from those in Europe and Asia, indicating a role for geographic isolation as a factor controlling speciation among nitrifiers. Our study shows there are seasonal shifts in nitrogen pools and nitrifying populations, highlighting the dynamic spatial and temporal nature of nitrogen cycling in freshwater ecosystems.
Does the internet bring food prices closer together? Exploring search engine query data in Iran
Authors: Zamani Omid , Bittmann Thomas , Loy Jens‐Peter
Published: March 2024

Modern communication technologies make information more easily and quickly accessible, leading to more transparent and competitive markets. Based on a theoretical model, this paper provides new empirical evidence on the potential impact of online search intensity on asymmetric cost pass‐through. Prices often move as ‘rockets and feathers’: they rise quickly in response to cost increases and they fall slowly in response to cost reductions. A panel threshold error correction model is applied to weekly producer and retail prices of chicken and mutton in Iran. The results suggest that the volume of online searches is associated with a more complete and less asymmetric cost pass‐through from farmgate to retail prices. Thus, online platforms and search engines have the potential to increase competition by bringing prices closer together and reducing profit margins.
Geographic variation in larval cold tolerance and exposure across the invasion front of a widely established forest insect
Authors: Hafker Petra , Thompson Lily M. , Walter Jonathan A. , Parry Dylan , Grayson Kristine L.
Published: March 2024

Under global climate change, high and low temperature extremes can drive shifts in species distributions. Across the range of a species, thermal tolerance is based on acclimatization, plasticity, and may undergo selection, shaping resilience to temperature stress. In this study, we measured variation in cold temperature tolerance of early instar larvae of an invasive forest insect, Lymantria dispar dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), using populations sourced from a range of climates within the current introduced range in the Eastern United States. We tested for population differences in chill coma recovery (CCR) by measuring recovery time following a period of exposure to a nonlethal cold temperature in 2 cold exposure experiments. A 3rd experiment quantified growth responses after CCR to evaluate sublethal effects. Our results indicate that cold tolerance is linked to regional climate, with individuals from populations sourced from colder climates recovering faster from chill coma. While this geographic gradient is seen in many species, detecting this pattern is notable for an introduced species founded from a single point‐source introduction. We demonstrate that the cold temperatures used in our experiments occur in nature during cold spells after spring egg hatch, but impacts to growth and survival appear low. We expect that population differences in cold temperature performance manifest more from differences in temperature‐dependent growth than acute exposure. Evaluating intraspecific variation in cold tolerance increases our understanding of the role of climatic gradients on the physiology of an invasive species, and contributes to tools for predicting further expansion.
Introduction to the special issue: “Current challenges of corporate governance: Reputation, risk and sustainability”
Authors: García‐Olalla Myriam , Vázquez‐Ordás Camilo José
Published: March 2024

In the modern business landscape, the challenges of corporate governance have become increasingly important. In particular, those related to reputation, risk, and sustainability are today crucial to the well‐being of both individual organizations and the global economy and society at large. For these reasons, corporate governance today plays a more important role than ever before in shaping the strategies and operations of companies.
Navigating conflicts of reproductive rights: Unbundling parenthood and balancing competing interests
Authors: Accoe Dorian , Pennings Guido
Published: March 2024

Advances in assisted reproductive technologies can give rise to several ethical challenges. One of these challenges occurs when the reproductive desires of two individuals become incompatible and conflict. To address such conflicts, it is important to unbundle different aspects of (non)parenthood and to recognize the corresponding reproductive rights. This article starts on the premise that the six reproductive rights—the right (not) to be a gestational, genetic, and social parent—are negative rights that do not entail a right to assistance. Since terminating or continuing a pregnancy is a form of assistance, the right (not) to be a gestational parent should enjoy primacy in conflicts. However, while refusing assistance may hinder the reproductive project of another person, “prior assistance” does not entitle someone to violate a reproductive right. Therefore, our analysis provides reasons to argue that someone has a right to unilaterally use cryopreserved embryos or continue the development of an entity in an extracorporeal gestative environment (i.e., ectogestation). Although this could lead to a violation of the right not to be a genetic parent, it does not necessarily entail a violation of the right not to be a social parent.