bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cash holding in Islamic rural banks
Authors: Mongid Abdul , Muazaroh  , Anggraeni  , Hidayat Sutan Emir , Ghalib Saladin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the importance of profitability and bank soundness as determinants of cash holdings by Islamic Rural Bank (IRB) in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study covers 134 IRB during 2012–2016. The authors apply pooled regression and panel data method. The best model is used for further analysis.

Findings

The maximum cash holding is 22.21%, meaning the bank retains 22.21% of its liabilities in the cash vault. Cash holding is positively related to higher credit risk (LLR), soundness and profitability (ROA) and negatively to asset composition (PATA) and size (LASSET) for Model I. Soundness, asset composition (PATA), higher credit risk (LLR) and profitability (ROA) are negatively related to size. Larger IRB hold less cash as it has a better reputation in the market. The intermediation level (financing deposit ratio) is positive and significant for Model 1 but negative and not significant for Model 2. Different measures of liquidity ratio – cash to liabilities (CR) or cash to capital ratio (CCR) – produce different results. Evidence from multivariate analysis reports that the results from both models are mostly in the opposite direction.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to look at cash holding in the IRB in Indonesia.
Making mobile financial services stick: an empirical investigation into user attitudes and intentions for sustainable adoption
Authors: Isiaku Labaran , Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq , Oluwajana Dokun , Kwala Adacha
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examined the factors that affect attitudes and intentions for sustainable adoption of mobile financial services (MFS) in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study expands the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating constructs like perceived service quality, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived credibility, perceived trust and attitude. It includes an empirical analysis with 382 participants and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with MFS adoption in Nigeria.

Findings

The findings show that perceived service quality, perceived usefulness and attitude positively influence the adoption of MFS. However, perceived ease of use and perceived credibility have little impact on adoption. Qualitative insights from Study 2 shed light on the challenges and opportunities as well as the reasons behind the insignificant effects of perceived ease of use and perceived credibility.

Originality/value

This research stands out by using a mixed-methods approach, blending quantitative and qualitative analysis to provide a more detailed understanding of the factors influencing MFS adoption.
Addressing “social hesitancy” with visual marketing
Authors: Mathaisel Dennis F. , Comm Clare L.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

“Social hesitancy” is a reluctance by people to purchase products, or engage in activities, that may benefit themselves and society. This paper aims to review and assess a visual marketing approach to this significant social marketing problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data visualization technology as an informational tool, visual sentiment analysis as a social text mining tool and Latent Dirichlet Allocation visual (LDAvis) modelling as a topic modelling tool to measure, assess and address social attitudes inherent in hesitancy. The paper’s hypothesis is that these technologies can help society understand the reasons for, and barriers to, hesitancy, and that visual marketing is an extremely effective approach to the hesitancy problem.

Findings

Using extensive vaccination data and results from the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors found that the visual marketing technologies were successful informational and motivational tools for social hesitancy.

Social implications

Hesitancy is a social marketing concern that can have an impact on product or service promotional and motivational campaigns during a crisis. The LDA visual model, for example, can quantitatively extract and measure the social attitudes of people and identify and segment these people based on their feelings. These tools can be valuable to social marketers by helping to establish strategies for any product or service exhibiting hesitant consumer behaviour.

Originality/value

Using advanced visual technology, the paper contributes to social hesitancy by addressing the following question: does a visual marketing approach help social marketers understand the underlying reasons for, and help to mitigate, social hesitancy?
Development of track geometry inspection equipment for high-speed comprehensive inspection train in China
Authors: Wang Yan , Wei Shibin , Yang Fei , Fei Jiyou , Guo Jianfeng
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the development direction of track geometry inspection equipment for high-speed comprehensive inspection train in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of track geometry inspection equipment for high-speed comprehensive inspection train in China in the past 20 years can be divided into 3 stages. Track geometry inspection equipment 1.0 is the stage of analog signal. At the stage 1.0, the first priority is to meet the China's railways basic needs of pre-operation joint debugging, safety assessment and daily dynamic inspection, maintenance and repair after operation. Track geometry inspection equipment 2.0 is the stage of digital signal. At the stage 2.0, it is important to improve stability and reliability of track geometry inspection equipment by upgrading the hardware sensors and improving software architecture. Track geometry inspection equipment 3.0 is the stage of lightweight. At the stage 3.0, miniaturization, low power consumption, self-running and green economy are co-developing on demand.

Findings

The ability of track geometry inspection equipment for high-speed comprehensive inspection train will be expanded. The dynamic inspection of track stiffness changes will be studied under loaded and unloaded conditions in response to the track local settlement, track plate detachment and cushion plate failure. The dynamic measurement method of rail surface slope and vertical curve radius will be proposed, to reveal the changes in railway profile parameters of high-speed railways and the relationship between railway profile, track irregularity and subsidence of subgrade and bridges. The 200 m cut-off wavelength of track regularity will be researched to adapt to the operating speed of 400 km/h.

Originality/value

The research can provide new connotations and requirements of track geometry inspection equipment for high-speed comprehensive inspection train in the new railway stage.
Effective combinations of different fiber reinforcements and super-plasticizers for optimal performance of geo-polymer concrete
Authors: Sathe Sandeep , Dandin Shahbaz , Wagale Makrand , Mali Pankaj R.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate and compare the influence of various fiber types (polypropylene, steel and glass) on the workability, mechanical properties, ductility, impact resistance, durability and microscopic properties of geopolymer concrete (GPC) with conventional concrete (CC).

Design/methodology/approach

The CC and GPC of M40 grade were incorporated with an optimum 1% of fibers and superplasticizers were added in a ratio of 2% by weight of the geopolymer binder. The slump cone and compaction factor tests were performed to analyze the workability. To evaluate the mechanical performance of GPC, the compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (STS), flexural strength (FS) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) tests were performed. A falling weight impact test was performed to determine the impact energy (IE) absorbed, the number of blows for initial cracking, the number of blows for complete failure and the ductility aspect.

Findings

Fibers and superplasticizers significantly improve GPC properties. The study found that fibers reduce the brittleness of concrete, improving the impact and mechanical strength compared to similar-grade CC. The steel fibers-reinforced GPC has a 15.42% higher CS than CC after three days, showing a faster CS gain. After 28 days, GPC and CC have MOE in the range of 23.9–25.5 GPa and 28.8–30.9 GPa, respectively. The ultimate IE of the GPC with fibers was found to be 5.43% to 21.17% higher than GPC without fibers.

Originality/value

The findings of the study can be used to explore different combinations of raw materials and mix designs to optimize the performance of GPC.
Concentrations and inter‐element correlations of seven essential elements in wild plants of Japan
Authors: Mizuno Takafumi , Kondo Daichi , Kasai Hiroto , Kuwabara Kosuke , Yamashita Jun , Murai Yoshinori , van der Ent Antony , Hashimoto Atsushi , Watanabe Toshihiro
Published: October 2024

We assessed the effects of soil type on the concentrations of seven elements (calcium, potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc) in plants using x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and plant specimens collected from calcareous and ultramafic soil areas, and ‘general soils’ (other types of soil represented by Brown Forest soils and Andosols) of Japan. Compared with the plants from other types of soils, the means of these seven elements were lower in plants originating from ultramafic soils, especially in phosphorus. Plants from calcareous soil areas had high iron and zinc concentrations on average, but this tendency was biased by plants collected on Mt. Fujiwara, which had extremely high average values of these elements. Calcium concentration in plants had a negative correlation with zinc or iron from calcareous or general soils, respectively, and iron showed positive correlations with zinc, manganese, and sulfur in plants from calcareous, ultramafic, and general soils, respectively. These correlations were not found in plants from general soils, suggesting that these relationships reflect the chemical characteristics of soil types. On the contrary, plants from all soil types showed a positive correlation between sulfur and phosphorus, whereas a positive correlation between potassium and phosphorus was found in plants from calcareous and general soils, but not in ultramafic plants, which instead showed a weak, but statistically significant correlation between potassium and sulfur. Statistically, iron and sulfur concentrations were positively correlated in all soil types, but manganese showed a low correlation with the other elements.
Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Assessment and Review Team experiences to improve and inform special educational needs and disabilities systems in England
Authors: Laverick Tracy , Baron Richard
Published: October 2024

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan has been published for England and includes a recommendation for SEND Assessment and Review Teams guidance. These teams co‐ordinate and monitor the statutory Education, Health and Care Plans detailing the needs and provision for children with SEND, but their views on this responsibility are absent from the literature and are essential to inform the proposed guidance. This study gathered the views of 58 SEND officers within a region. They completed an online survey with a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative items. SEND officers wish to work collaboratively with families but struggled with the capacity to be able to do this. Increasing numbers of assessment requests, reported experiences of abusive interactions and lack of clarity in their role contributed to the high turnover of SEND officers. They predominantly receive ‘on the job’ training for their role, contributing to inconsistencies both within and between local authorities. The study concludes by sharing the recommendations from the SEND officers on the improvements needed to support these teams and in turn provide a supportive and responsive service for families.
Sincere critique in Israeli filmmaking
Authors: Cohen Maayan
Published: October 2024

This article investigates an increasingly observable yet insufficiently studied phenomenon: the emphasis placed by artists on personal experience as the most legitimate inspiration for art. To this end, I introduce the term ‘sincere realism’ to describe an emerging form of personal cinema in Israel, illustrating how sincerity has evolved into a dominant ‘regime of truth’ that moulds modern forms of critique and expression in contemporary Israeli filmmaking. Through a critique of Foucault's concept of ‘regimes of truth’, I argue that ‘sincere realism’ has ethical and political implications and therefore allows a more nuanced anthropological approach to Foucault's concept of power. This perspective offers a fresh insight into how artists negotiate contemporary ‘regimes of truth’.
Research progress on measurement methods and evaluation of the hemodialysis adequacy index Kt/V
Authors: Li Le‐le , Xu Rui‐feng , He Ning , Hu Ta‐la , Gao Wu‐niri , Wang Xi‐feng , Shi Dong‐ying , Zhao Jian‐rong , Meng Yan
Published: October 2024

The most common form of replacement therapy for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is hemodialysis, and the adequacy of hemodialysis is strongly associated with the quality of life and long‐term survival of patients. Kt/V is currently one of the most important indicators for evaluating the adequacy of hemodialysis. There are many methods for measuring Kt/V, such as blood collection and measurement, dialysate measurement, bioresistive resistance, WinNonlin software analysis, and artificial intelligence. There are different views on the importance of Kt/V as an indicator of the adequacy of hemodialysis. This article provides a literature review of the various methods of measuring Kt/V and on different perspectives on Kt/V as an evaluation of hemodialysis adequacy.
Evaluation of the effect of ultrasound‐assisted hot air drying on the drying characteristics and physicochemical properties of cherries based on the entropy‐weighted TOPSIS method
Authors: Lu Hongyang , Huang Xiaopeng , Ma Guojun , Xu Yanrui , Zang Zepeng , Zhang Kaikai , Ma Wenli , Wan Fangxin
Published: October 2024

To address the challenges associated with prolonged traditional hot air drying (HAD) times and significant nutrient loss in cherries, this study employs ultrasound‐assisted hot air drying (USA‐HAD) technology. The study investigates the impacts of various ultrasound (US) frequencies, US powers, and hot air temperatures on the drying kinetics, physicochemical properties, texture attributes, and microstructure of cherries during drying. Cherry physicochemical quality serves as the evaluation criterion, with the entropy‐weighted TOPSIS method used to identify the optimal drying parameters. The findings indicate that USA‐HAD accelerates the drying process, reduces drying time, and enhances drying efficiency. In comparison to natural drying, USA‐HAD significantly preserves polysaccharides, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and organic acids in cherries, while boosting antioxidant activity. Concurrently, it reduces color intensity, as well as the hardness, chewiness, and gumminess of dried cherry products. Microstructural observations under different drying methods reveal an increase in surface micropores and relatively intact tissue structure. Under conditions of 55°C, 48 W, and 28 kHz, cherries exhibit superior overall quality based on the TOPSIS relative closeness degree. This study offers practical insights for optimizing post‐harvest processing of cherries.

Practical Application

In this rapidly evolving era, the application of combination drying technology is clearly on the rise. The USA‐HAD treated cherries had better nutritional and bioactive than HAD. The conclusions obtained indicate that the USA‐HAD technology has more potential for development.
High‐precision identification of highly similar Pinelliae Rhizoma and adulterated Rhizoma pinelliae pedatisectae through deep neural networks based on vision transformers
Authors: Chen Rong , Zhang Ying , Song Wen‐Jun , Zhao Ting‐Ting , Wang Jiu‐Ning , Zhao Yong‐Hong
Published: October 2024

Pinelliae Rhizoma is a key ingredient in botanical supplements and is often adulterated by Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae, which is similar in appearance but less expensive. Accurate identification of these materials is crucial for both scientific and commercial purposes. Traditional morphological identification relies heavily on expert experience and is subjective, while chemical analysis and molecular biological identification are typically time consuming and labor intensive. This study aims to employ a simpler, faster, and non‐invasive image recognition technique to distinguish between these two highly similar plant materials. In the realm of image recognition, we aimed to utilize the vision transformer (ViT) algorithm, a cutting‐edge image recognition technology, to differentiate these materials. All samples were verified using DNA molecular identification before image analysis. The result demonstrates that the ViT algorithm achieves a classification accuracy exceeding 94%, significantly outperforming the convolutional neural network model's 60%–70% accuracy. This highlights the efficiency of this technology in identifying plant materials with similar appearances. This study marks the pioneer work of the ViT algorithm to such a challenging task, showcasing its potential for precise botanical material identification and setting the stage for future advancements in the field.
Retention of microplastics by biofilms and their ingestion by protists in rivers
Authors: Hamann Leandra , Werner Jennifer , Haase Felicia J. , Thiel Massimo , Scherwaß Anja , Laforsch Christian , Löder Martin G. J. , Blanke Alexander , Arndt Hartmut
Published: October 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are released into the environment through human activities and are transported by rivers from land to sea. Biofilms, which are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems such as rivers, may play an essential role in the fate of MPs and their ingestion by biofilm protists. To assess this, biofilms were naturally grown on clay tiles in the River Rhine, Germany, and analysed in a combined field and laboratory study. Compared to the ambient river water, biofilms grown for 6, 12, and 18 months in the River Rhine contained up to 10 times more MPs. Between 70% and 78% of all MPs were smaller than 50 μm. In laboratory experiments, clay tiles covered with 1‐month‐old naturally grown biofilm retained 6–12 times more MPs than clay tiles without biofilm coverage. Furthermore, the ingestion of MPs of 6 and 10 μm by the ciliate Stentor coeruleus was confirmed, and a positive correlation between ingestion rates and ambient MP concentrations was found. The results are relevant for particle transport models in riverine systems, risk assessment of MPs regarding their distribution and fate in the aquatic environment, and the effects of MPs on micro‐ and macroorganisms.
Singapore's triumph: Governance strategies and societal cohesion during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rasheed Zainul Abidin , Goh Crystal Wen Wen
Published: October 2024

This case study article delves into the comprehensive governance strategies employed by Singapore during the COVID‐19 pandemic, as elucidated in a compelling speech delivered by Mr. Zainul Abidin Rasheed at Lien Development Conference 2022. The former Senior Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) and Member of the Board of Trustees at Nanyang Technological University sheds light on the triumvirate of key elements—capacity, collaboration and cohesion—that underscore Singapore's successful management of the crisis. The article explores the multifaceted state capacities meticulously developed over time, highlighting the instrumental role of public–private partnerships in fostering collaborative innovation. Anchoring these strategies is societal cohesion, intricately woven with political trust, effective communication and a shared spirit of mutual support. As Mr. Rasheed contemplates the open question of whether humanity has gleaned the necessary lessons from history to adequately prepare for the future, he envisions Singapore's experience serving as a valuable reference for others.
Road to human‐centric smart city governance in Japan: The case of Fujisawa sustainable smart town
Authors: Wang Zhijian
Published: October 2024

While the smart city literature extensively discusses the human‐centric approach to smart city governance, empirical evidence remains limited. This study examines the practical applications of this approach and considers the remaining challenges, using the case of the Sustainable Smart Town of Fujisawa, Japan. It focuses on institutionalisation, organisational transformation, and public participation, highlighting the achievements and limitations of human‐centric governance in this context. In Fujisawa, a practical approach to human‐centric governance emerged to overcome bureaucratic barriers to implementing smart city initiatives. This includes formulating smart city policies tailored to the urban context and introducing institutional reforms in the local government; these allow the city to engage with multiple stakeholders and prioritise citizens' needs. However, several challenges persist, such as the limited competence of the local smart city department to drive a citywide initiative and limited governmental digitalisation. Furthermore, while public opinion is collected by certain advanced digital tools, there is no mechanism for stakeholder dialog or direct citizen participation in decision‐making processes; this lack of engagement prevents the city from adequately addressing citizens' needs. Addressing these limitations is vital for achieving a human‐centric approach in local smart city initiatives.
Impact of Clinical and Pharmacological Parameters on Faecal Microbiota Transplantation Outcome in Clostridioides difficile Infections: Results of a 5‐Year French National Survey
Authors: Benech Nicolas , Cassir Nadim , Alric Laurent , Barbut Frédéric , Batista Rui , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Briot Thomas , Davido Benjamin , Galperine Tatiana , Joly Anne‐Christine , Kapel Nathalie , Melchior Chloé , Mosca Alexis , Nebbad Biba , Pigneur Bénédicte , Schneider Stéphane M. , Wasiak Mathieu , Scanzi Julien , Sokol Harry ,   the French Faecal Transplant Group (GFTF)
Published: October 2024

Background

Detailed comparative assessment of procedure‐related factors associated with faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) efficacy in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is limited.

Aims

We took advantage of the differences in procedures at the various French FMT centres to determine clinical and procedure‐related factors associated with FMT success in CDI.

Methods

We performed a nationwide retrospective multicentre cohort study. All FMTs performed within The French Faecal Transplant Group for CDI from 2018 to 2022 were included. Clinical data were collected retrospectively from recipient medical files, characteristics of stool transplant preparations were prospectively collected by each Pharmacy involved. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Fisher's test and multiple logistic regression.

Results

Six hundred fifty‐eight FMTs were performed for 617 patients in 17 centres. The overall efficacy of FMT was 84.3% (520/617), with 0.5% of severe adverse events possibly related to FMT (3/658). Forty‐seven patients were treated at the first recurrence of CDI with a similar success rate (85.1%). Severe chronic kidney disease (CKD; OR: 2.18, 95%CI [1.20–3.88]), non‐severe refractory CDI (OR: 15.35, [1.94–318.2]), the use of ≥ 80% glycerol (OR: 2.52, [1.11–5.67]), insufficient bowel cleansing (OR: 5.47, [1.57–20.03]) and partial FMT retention (OR: 9.97, [2.62–48.49]) were associated with CDI recurrence within 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Conditions of transplant manufacturing, bowel cleansing, and a route of delivery tailored to the patient's characteristics are key factors in optimising FMT efficacy. FMT at first recurrence showed high success in real‐life practice, whereas it had lower efficacy in severe CDI and non‐severe refractory CDI.
Additive Effect of Blood and Tissue Eosinophilia on Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Yang Peipei , Shen Yongcong , Wang Wenqing , Wang Yuhong , Fan Yuhui , Liu Jisheng , Zhang Dan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a highly heterogeneous disease with varied clinical features and treatment effects. This study aimed to investigate the additive effect of blood and tissue eosinophilia on patients with CRSwNP.

Methods

Based on the blood eosinophil (Beos) count and tissue eosinophil (Teos) count, we divided 144 CRSwNP patients into four groups, analysed their clinical features and histopathologic changes, and investigated their postoperative control.

Results

Patients in the Beos+Teos+ (blood eosinophil count > 0.3 × 109/L, tissue eosinophil count > 10/HPF) group had a higher incidence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. Lund‐Mackay (LM) scores, hyposmia visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Global Osteitis Scoring Scale (GOSS) scores were higher in the Beos+Teos+ group than those in the other groups. Tissue remodelling, such as connective tissue oedema and basement membrane thickening was more severe in the Beos+Teos+ group compared with other groups. There were more uncontrolled patients after surgery in Beos+Teos+, Beos+Teos− (blood eosinophil count > 0.3 × 109/L, tissue eosinophil count ≤ 10/HPF)and Beos−Teos+ (blood eosinophil count ≤ 0.3 × 109/L, tissue eosinophil count > 10/HPF)groups compared with the Beos−Teos− group.

Conclusions

Eosinophilic inflammation both in blood and tissue was accompanied by more severe clinical features and tissue remodelling. Eosinophilia in blood or tissue indicated poorer disease control after surgery.
Extraembryonic mesoderm cells derived from human embryonic stem cells rely on Wnt pathway activation
Authors: Wang Si‐Le , Shi Gao‐Hui , Duan Kui , Yin Yu , Li Tianqing
Published: October 2024

Extraembryonic mesoderm cells (EXMCs) are involved in the development of multiple embryonic lineages and umbilical cord formation, where they subsequently develop into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although EXMCs can be generated from human naïve embryonic stem cells (ESCs), it is unclear whether human primed ESCs (hpESCs) can differentiate into EXMCs that subsequently produce MSCs. The present report described a three‐dimensional differentiation protocol to induce hpESCs into EXMCs by activating the Wnt pathway using CHIR99021. Single‐cell transcriptome and immunostaining analyses revealed that the EXMC characteristics were similar to those of post‐implantation embryonic EXMCs. Cell sorting was used to purify and expand the EXMCs. Importantly, these EXMCs secreted extracellular matrix proteins, including COL3A1 and differentiated into MSCs. Inconsistent with other MSC types, these MSCs exhibited a strong differentiation potential for chondrogenic and osteogenic cells and lacked adipocyte differentiation. Together, these findings provided a protocol to generate EXMCs and subsequent MSCs from hpESCs.
Serum liver enzymes and risk of stroke: Systematic review with meta‐analyses and Mendelian randomization studies
Authors: Li Chun , Gu Long , Shi Fu‐Yi , Xiong Shi‐Ying , Wu Gui‐Sheng , Peng Jian‐Hua , Wang Ruo‐Lan , Yuan Yuan , Jiang Yong , Huang Chen , Luo Huai‐Rong
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

Previous observational studies have identified correlations between liver enzyme levels and stroke risk. However, the strength and consistency of these associations vary. To comprehensively evaluate the relationship between liver enzymes and stroke risk, we conducted meta‐analyses complemented by Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we performed meta‐analyses of prospective studies and conducted subgroup analyses stratified by sex and stroke subtype. Subsequently, adhering to the STROBE‐MR guidelines, we performed two‐sample bidirectional univariable MR (UVMR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) analyses using the largest genome‐wide association studies summary data. Finally, the single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with liver enzymes on sex differences underwent gene annotation, gene set enrichment, and tissue enrichment analyses.

Results

In the meta‐analyses of 17 prospective studies, we found the relative risks for serum γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.16–1.31) and 1.3 (95% CI: 1.19–1.43), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed sex and stroke subtype differences in liver enzyme‐related stroke risk. Bidirectional UVMR analyses confirmed that elevated GGT, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were associated with increased stroke occurrence. The primary results from the MVMR analyses revealed that higher ALP levels significantly increased the risk of stroke and ischemic stroke. Gene set and tissue enrichment analyses supported genetic differences in liver enzymes across sexes.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence linking liver enzyme levels to stroke risk, suggesting liver enzymes as potential biomarkers for early identification of high‐risk individuals. Personalized, sex‐specific interventions targeting liver enzymes could offer new strategies for stroke prevention.
Electroencephalographic source imaging of spikes with concurrent high‐frequency oscillations is concordant with the clinical ground truth
Authors: Gonsisko Colton B. , Cai Zhengxiang , Jiang Xiyuan , Duque Lopez Andrea M. , Worrell Gregory A. , He Bin
Published: October 2024

Objective

Epilepsy raises critical challenges to accurately localize the epileptogenic zone (EZ) to guide presurgical planning. Previous research has suggested that interictal spikes overlapping with high‐frequency oscillations, referred to here as pSpikes, serve as a reliable biomarker for EZ estimation, but there remains a question as to whether and to how pSpikes perform as compared to other types of epileptic spikes. This study aims to address this question by investigating the source imaging capabilities of pSpikes alongside other spike types.

Methods

A total of 2819 interictal spikes from 76‐channel scalp electroencephalography (EEG) were analyzed in a cohort of 24 drug‐resistant focal epilepsy patients. All patients received surgical resection, and 16 were declared seizure‐free based on at least 1 year of postoperative follow‐up. A recently developed electrophysiological source imaging algorithm—fast spatiotemporal iteratively reweighted edge sparsity (FAST‐IRES)—was used for source imaging of the detected interictal spikes. The performance of 217 pSpikes was compared with 772 nSpikes (spikes with irregular high‐frequency activations), 1830 rSpikes (spikes with no high‐frequency activity), and all 2819 aSpikes (all interictal spikes).

Results

The localization and extent estimation using pSpikes are concordant with the clinical ground truth; using pSpikes yields the best performance compared with nSpikes, rSpikes, and conventional spike imaging (aSpikes). For multiple spike type seizure‐free patients, the mean localization error for pSpike imaging was 6.8 mm, compared with 15.0 mm for aSpikes. The sensitivity, precision, and specificity were .41, .67, and .93 for pSpikes compared with .32, .48, and .93 for aSpikes.

Significance

These results demonstrate the merits of noninvasive EEG source localization, and that (1) pSpike is a superior biomarker, outperforming conventional spike imaging for the localization of epileptic sources, and especially those with multiple irritative zones; and (2) FAST‐IRES provides accurate source estimation that is highly concordant with clinical ground truth, even in situations of single spike analysis with low signal‐to‐noise ratio.
Litter quality modulates the effects of environmental drivers on microbial decomposition and home‐field advantage in headwater streams
Authors: Fenoy Encarnación , Moya‐Laraño Jordi , Rubio‐Ríos Juan , Moyano‐López Francisco J. , Casas J. Jesús
Published: October 2024

We investigated how microbial decomposition in headwater streams is influenced by environmental factors and litter quality, including the potential adaptation of microbes to decompose more efficiently leaf‐litter species from their native range (HFA, ‘home‐field advantage’ hypothesis).

We conducted a leaf‐litter decomposition experiment in streams from four subregions contrasting in water chemistry and temperature regime, using cross‐subregion reciprocal incubations of the dominant riparian plant species in each subregion.

Low‐quality litters decomposed faster at their native site, supporting the HFA hypothesis for low‐quality litter species. Moreover, temperature sensitivity of decomposition of low‐, but not high‐, quality litters was close to that predicted by the metabolic theory of ecology. Among litter traits, nitrogen content and toughness were the major predictors of decomposition. Temperature and nitrate concentration in stream water enhanced decomposition but, these two extrinsic factors did not act synergistically.

Together our results indicated that leaf‐litter traits have a leading role as drivers of the decomposition process in headwater streams. However, this role is indirect, and occurs because low‐quality litters modulate the decomposition effects of environmental drivers (temperature and N in water). Consistently with the above finding, HFA occurred only in low‐quality litter.

Thus, if climate change leads to minor local changes in litter quality, microbial decomposition would be accelerated additively by warming and stream‐water nitrate enrichment, with more pronounced effects on low‐quality litters.
IDEAL DEFAULT FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES EFFICIENTLY
Authors: Anbarci Nejat , Celik Gorkem
Published: October 2024

We study arbitration mechanisms where two parties to the dispute have single‐peaked preferences over outcomes, represented by concave utility functions. The most preferred outcome of each party is her private information. By participating in an arbitration mechanism, the parties forfeit the default outcome, which is set without consideration of private preferences. We show that the ideal default outcome for efficient dispute resolution maximizes the sum of the reservation payoffs of the most difficult agent types to persuade to participate in the mechanism. This result is contrary to the conventional wisdom that an unattractive default could force the parties to agree.
The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Consumers' Impulsive Buying Behavior
Authors: Shahzad Khuram , Zafar Abaid Ullah , Shahzad Muhammad Faisal , Husnain Mudassir , Hayat Khizar
Published: October 2024

Product quality is essential for companies' success because it is integral to meeting customers' expectations. In this context, blockchain technology (BT) offers potential solutions for tracking products' origins and flows, eliminating or reducing fraudulent activities efficiently and effectively. Drawing upon signaling theory, this study investigates how BT's traceability and transparency attributes can enhance consumers' urge to buy impulsively and impulsive buying behavior. The results reveal that transparency positively affects perceived product quality and trust in BT‐enabled e‐commerce platforms. Moreover, traceability positively affects perceived product quality and product affection. The study also identifies that perceived product quality positively affects the urge to buy impulsively and product affection. In addition, product affection and consumers' trust positively affect the urge to buy impulsively and impulsive buying behavior. Furthermore, the urge to buy impulsively positively affects impulsive buying behavior. Finally, consumers' situations moderate the relationship between the urge to buy impulsively and impulsive buying behavior. The findings provide insight for e‐commerce platforms and sellers to refine marketing strategies by providing BT‐related signals.
Mindfulness, work–family conflict, family–work conflict and depressive symptoms among nurses: A cross‐sectional design
Authors: AL‐Hammouri Mohammed Munther , Rababah Jehad
Published: October 2024

Background

Work and family role conflict is a common source of stressors that affect nurses, leading to negative outcomes on their mental health, such as depressive symptoms, which affect nurses' job performance and patients' health outcomes. Mindfulness positively affected mental health, but its role in the relationship between role conflict and depressive symptoms was not previously examined.

Purpose

To examine the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between work–family conflict and family–work conflict with depressive symptoms among nurses.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used to collect data from a sample of 188 nurses from two large referral hospitals in northern and central Jordan. Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and macro PROCESS.

Results

The mean score of depressive symptoms in our sample indicated that our sample is at risk for clinical depression. The bivariate correlation showed that depressive symptoms were significantly and negatively associated with work–family and family–work conflicts and significantly and positively associated with mindfulness. Both regression models explained 52% of the variance in depressive symptoms (F [6, 181] = 35.38, p < .001). The models also showed that mindfulness had a significant negative effect on depressive symptoms (t = −8.98, p < .001). The results of macro PROCESS indicated that mindfulness mediated the relationship between work–family conflict and family–work conflict with depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Nurses are exposed to a number of stressors in their work environment, including long work hours and frequent exposure to traumatic events. The current study showed that mindfulness might play a role in mediating the relationship between family–work conflict and family–work conflict with depressive symptoms. Nurses, nurse managers and policymakers can work with healthcare organizations to promote nurses' work quality by controlling risk factors, such as depressive symptoms, and implementing strategies to mitigate these risks.
A national study of infective endocarditis models of care in Australia
Authors: Robson Christopher , Horvath Robert , Stuart Rhonda L. , Nicholls Stephen J. , Smith Julian A. , Rogers Benjamin A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Multidisciplinary endocarditis team (MDET) management is supported by current evidence and recommended in international society guidelines. The extent to which this recommendation has been implemented in Australian centres and the attitudes, barriers and facilitators of this model are unclear.

Aim

To describe current infective endocarditis (IE) models of care in Australian specialist referral centres and evaluate facilitators, barriers and attitudes towards MDET implementation.

Methods

Aims were addressed using two online surveys. Survey 1 audited IE models of care and was distributed to infectious disease physicians at specialist referral centres. Survey 2 assessed barriers, facilitators and attitudes towards MDETs and was distributed via societal email listings.

Results

From 56 identified cardiac surgery centres, survey 1 received 47 responses (84%). A total of 28% (13/47) of participating institutions had an existing MDET. A total of 85% (11/13) of MDETs were in public hospitals and 85% (11/13) were in high IE volume centres. Survey 2 had 109 respondents from seven specialties. Attitudes towards MDET implementation were generally favourable. Identified barriers to MDET implementation included a lack of funding, resources, expertise, time and collaboration. Facilitators included strong leadership, engagement from key stakeholders and tangible benefits.

Conclusions

Even though it is recommended in international guidelines, the MDET model is used by less than one‐third of Australian specialist referral centres. Stakeholders in IE care have generally favourable attitudes towards MDET implementation but cite a lack of resources, funding, collaboration and time as barriers to this. Dedication of financial and administrative support and leadership from key stakeholders are required to increase MDET utilisation.
The Immune Regulatory Functions in B Cells Are Restored by CpG to Reduce Experimental Food Allergy
Authors: Liu Qiao , Bin Dong‐Hua , Wang Zhuo‐Ya , Peng Ke‐Ping , Tang Wang , Huang Jing‐Weng , Xu Ling‐Zhi , Wang Xiang‐Yu , Yang Ping‐Chang , Tian Gui‐Xiang
Published: October 2024

Dysfunctional immune regulation contributes to the pathogenesis of food allergy (FA). The mechanism behind regulatory B‐cell dysfunction is unclear. CpG has immune regulatory functions. The purpose of this study is to use CpG to recover the immune suppressive functions of B cells in mice with FA. An FA mouse model was created using ovalbumin as the specific antigen. Flow cytometry was used to isolate B cells from the intestinal tissues. The immune regulatory functions of B cells were assessed using immunological approaches. The results showed that the FA response was linked to low IL‐10 levels in gut lavage fluids of FA mice. FA mouse intestinal B cells produced lower amounts of IL‐10 as compared with B cells isolated from naïve control mice. Impaired immune suppressive functions were observed in B cells isolated from the FA mouse intestine. The inducibility of the Il10 expression in naïve B cells of the intestine of FA mice was defective. The induction of Il10 expression in FA B cells could be restored by CpG through regulating the methylation status of the Cmip promoter. CpG promoted the therapeutic efficacy of allergen specific immunotherapy by restoring the induction of IL‐10+ B cells in the intestine. The expression of Il10 in B cells of the FA mouse intestine was impaired. Administration of CpG could restore the expression of Il10 in B cells in the intestine and promote immunotherapy for FA.
Regulation of 6‐Benzylaminopurine on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grain Weight Under Waterlogging and Shading After Anthesis
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Anmin , Li Zihong , Wang Beibei , Luan Jiameng , Zhang Xiangshuo , Ma Shangyu , Fan Yonghui , Huang Zhenglai
Published: October 2024

Waterlogging during the anthesis, exacerbated by continuous rainy weather and heavy soil, has become a primary limiting factor affecting wheat yield in southern China's rice‐wheat rotation regions. Previous research indicates that utilizing exogenous 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BA) can effectively alleviate the adverse effects of continuous rain on wheat yield, while the fundamental process is yet to be fully understood. In this research, two wheat varieties with contrasting waterlogging sensitivities were selected, which were exposed to waterlogging and shading for 7, 11, and 15 days after anthesis. Subsequently, three different concentrations of 6‐BA solution (15, 25, and 35 mg L−1) were applied through spraying. The application of 6‐BA significantly increased the total soluble sugar and starch content in grains during the filling process, as well as enhanced the activities of starch synthesis‐related enzymes: sucrose synthase (SuS, EC 2.4.1.13), ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase, EC 2.7.7.21), and starch phosphorylase (Pho, EC 2.4.1.1). Moreover, the application of 6‐BA notably enhanced the transfer and transport rate for non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in the stem and sheath. It resulted in a notable increase in the distribution ratio of dry matter in the grain, ultimately leading to higher grain weight and yield. Applying 6‐BA through spraying mitigated the adverse effects of waterlogging and shading on starch accumulation and dry matter transport in grains, thereby improving grain weight. The most effective concentration in this experiment was 25 mg L−1.
Structure–property relations of sodium iron phosphate nuclear waste glasses: Effects of iron redox ratio and glass composition
Authors: Kalahe Jayani , Lu Xiaonan , Riley Brian J. , Vienna John D. , Du Jincheng
Published: October 2024

Iron phosphate glasses, known for their exceptional chemical durability and potential applicability in nuclear waste management, have gained significant attention over the years. The structures of these glasses are complicated by the coexistence of Fe3+ and Fe2+, which plays a crucial role in determining their structures and properties. This work uses molecular dynamics simulations to study the structural changes in Na2O–Fe2O3–P2O5 glasses with varying glass composition and Fe2+/Fe3+ redox ratio. It was found that the redox ratio and modifier contents significantly affected the short‐range and medium‐range orders in the glasses. Significant changes in the local environments around P5+ and Fe3+ were observed, as reflected by the bond distances and coordination numbers. Na+ cations are found to preferentially associate with Fe3+ (rather than Fe2+),  whereas Fe2+ has stronger association with P5+ than Na+, confirming the structural role of Fe2+ as a glass modifier. The disruptions in P–O–P linkages upon increasing FeO suggest that FeO causes glass depolymerization. These glasses achieved higher connectivity with increasing ratios, conerting phosphorous Q2 to Q3 units and iron Q5 units to Q4 units. The decrease of nonbridging oxygen fractions with increasing ratios, through creating P–O–Fe linkages, is the main reason of enhanced network connectivity. Quantitative structure–property relationship analyses with different structural descriptors were used to correlate with measured properties. The analyses provided valuable insights into structure–property relationships, emphasizing the importance of choosing relevant energy parameters and defining glass network connectivity, particularly in Fnet descriptors. It was found the Fe–O–P linkage density exhibits strong correlations to measured dissolution rates, supporting the importance of these linkages in improving the chemical durability in iron phosphate glasses.
Integrative morphological, cytogenetic and molecular characterization of the Andean climbing catfish Astroblepus mindoensis (Regan, 1916) (Siluriformes:Astroblepidae)
Authors: Nirchio Mauro , Oliveira Claudio , de Bello Cioffi Marcelo , Sassi Francisco M. C. , Rizzi Francisco Provenzano , Benavides Santiago Wladimir Núñez , Berrones Alison Jazmín Calderón , Romero Juan Francisco Rivadeneira , Deon Geize Aparecida , Kuranaka Mariana , Valdiviezo‐Rivera Jonathan Santiago , Carrión Olmedo Julio C. , Rossi Anna Rita
Published: October 2024

Astroblepus species, commonly known as Andean climbing catfish, exhibit a unique challenge in species delimitation, leading to ongoing taxonomic debates. Here we report data on Astroblepus mindoensis, a vulnerable species endemic to Ecuador, obtained by an integrative approach that includes cytogenetic analysis, molecular identification of the specimens, and recording of morphological and morphometric characters useful for species diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to associate the karyotype data of the specimens analyzed with morphological and molecular characters, improving and expanding the existing taxonomic information, thus contributing to the systematics of the species. Our morphology results, unlike Regan's original description, which is brief and ambiguous, provide a more detailed morphometric and meristic description. Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction and genetic distance based on a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) showed that our samples constitute a well‐supported and monophyletic clade within the A. grixalvii species complex. The cytogenetic analysis identified distinct chromosomal markers, including a single cluster of major ribosomal genes (on chromosome pair 3) and of minor ribosomal genes (on chromosome pair 12) with their localization differing from those reported in other Astroblepus species analyzed. Additionally, the presence of a heteromorphic chromosome pair in males suggests the presence of an XX/XY sex‐determination system that has not been identified in other congeneric species. Further investigation is necessary to determine if these chromosomes are associated with the accumulation of repeated sequences, as typically occurs with sex chromosomes, and to assess their presence in other species of the genus.