bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Review of Adverse Effects in Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures: Insights from a Decade of Clinical Data
Authors: Beltran Munoz Cristina Guadalupe , Bracamontes Perez Elissa , Corrales Bay Fernanda , Barajas Nieto Aimee Adriana , Rojo Navarro Kate Georgette
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are medical interventions that do not involve the use of surgical incisions. They are usually based on the administration of biocompatible compounds into subcutaneous or dermal tissue. Although considered low-risk, they can have significant adverse effects such as tissue damage or occlusion of superficial blood vessels. Describing their complications is necessary to ensure the responsible use of these resources. Objective: To describe the adverse effects secondary to the use of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Materials and Methods: Studies describing the adverse effects of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar from January 2012 to December 2023. Results: A total of 98 articles were included. The administration of hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin, silicone, and autologous fat grafts were the most commonly used procedures. Local symptoms were the most commonly reported reactions (53 studies). Meanwhile, temporary or permanent blindness was reported in 10 studies, immunological alterations in 8, severe pulmonary involvement in 6, neurological damage in 5, arterial occlusion in 3, and 2 studies reported fatalities. Conclusion: Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures can cause local complications in the majority of cases, but they can also lead to fatal outcomes, particularly in unprofessional settings. Undergoing these techniques requires a comprehensive professional assessment and close follow-up by licensed personnel.
Exploratory analysis of students’ open-ended responses describing their perception of course inclusivity in an introductory physics course
Authors: Bustamante Vanessa P. , Blomgren Hannah E. , Walker Dasha K. , Edwards Joshua D. , Frey Regina F.
Published: August 2024

In this exploratory study, we examined students’ perceptions of inclusion in a calculus-based, introductory physics 1 course for science and engineering majors. This course, offered at a large R1 institution in the United States, was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Via a survey given at the end of the semester, students rated their course inclusion and provided open-text explanations for their ratings. On average, students rated the course as moderately inclusive. Using inductive qualitative content analysis, six categories emerged: academic, identity, lack of understanding, nonspecific, other, and remote learning. The top three categories were academic (41%), nonspecific (33%), and remote learning (18%). The remote learning category included phrases containing remote learning, Zoom, or COVID-19, along with a second idea explaining the student’s level of inclusion, leading to remote learning subcategories. These subcategories were similar to the other primary categories and the academic subcategories. Many students cited academic reasons for their inclusivity scores, including course structure, teaching practices, instructor-student interaction, student-student interaction, and overall course environment. Importantly, many of these factors are within the instructor’s influence. Chi-square tests indicated that students perceiving high inclusion emphasized academic factors, while those feeling low inclusion focused on the remote learning aspect of the course. Overall, our findings suggest that instructors can significantly influence students’ perceptions of inclusion through various teaching strategies, interactions between instructors and peers, and a welcoming environment. These insights contribute to the ongoing discussion about creating inclusive classrooms by incorporating student perspectives.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gate operations for superconducting qubits and non-Markovianity
Authors: Nakamura Kiyoto , Ankerhold Joachim
Published: August 2024

While the accuracy of qubit operations has been greatly improved in the last decade, further development is demanded to achieve the ultimate goal: a fault-tolerant quantum computer that can solve real-world problems more efficiently than classical computers. With growing fidelities even subtle effects of environmental noise such as qubit–reservoir correlations and non-Markovian dynamics turn into the focus for both circuit design and control. To guide progress, we disclose, in a numerically rigorous manner, a comprehensive picture of the single-qubit dynamics in presence of a broad class of noise sources and for entire sequences of gate operations. Thermal reservoirs ranging from Ohmic to deep 1/fɛ-like sub-Ohmic behavior are considered to imitate realistic scenarios for superconducting qubits. Apart from dynamical features, fidelities of the qubit performance over entire sequences are analyzed as a figure of merit. The relevance of retarded feedback and long-range qubit–reservoir correlations is demonstrated on a quantitative level, thus, providing a deeper understanding of the limitations of performances for current devices and guiding the design of future ones.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Many-Body Entropies and Entanglement from Polynomially Many Local Measurements
Authors: Vermersch Benoît , Ljubotina Marko , Cirac J. Ignacio , Zoller Peter , Serbyn Maksym , Piroli Lorenzo
Published: August 2024

Estimating global properties of many-body quantum systems such as entropy or bipartite entanglement is a notoriously difficult task, typically requiring a number of measurements or classical postprocessing resources growing exponentially in the system size. In this work, we address the problem of estimating global entropies and mixed-state entanglement via partial-transposed (PT) moments and show that efficient estimation strategies exist under the assumption that all the spatial correlation lengths are finite. Focusing on one-dimensional systems, we identify a set of approximate factorization conditions (AFCs) on the system density matrix, which allow us to reconstruct entropies and PT moments from information on local subsystems. This identification yields a simple and efficient strategy for entropy and entanglement estimation. Our method could be implemented in different ways, depending on how information on local subsystems is extracted. Focusing on randomized measurements providing a practical and common measurement scheme, we prove that our protocol requires only polynomially many measurements and postprocessing operations, assuming that the state to be measured satisfies the AFCs. We prove that the AFCs hold for finite-depth quantum-circuit states and translation-invariant matrix-product density operators and provide numerical evidence that they are satisfied in more general, physically interesting cases, including thermal states of local Hamiltonians. We argue that our method could be practically useful to detect bipartite mixed-state entanglement for large numbers of qubits available in today’s quantum platforms.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Do all roads lead to Rome? CEO narcissism and the role of ethnic courtiers
Authors: Dung Luu Tien
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Inspired by the internationalisation paths to prosperity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where narcissistic leaders are diligent about organisations but also pursue their dark goals, this study aims to concurrently examine two avenues for the internationalisation of narcissistic leaders in SMEs concerning the function of team organisational citizenship behaviours (OCB): corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) and digital business model innovation (BMI).

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilised a quantitative design emphasising mature theory research, and data was analysed using multiple regression analysis and Hayes' process model. The data for this study was collected via surveys from 270 SMEs in Vietnam.

Findings

The study showed that narcissistic Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) can penetrate the global market profoundly by utilising both the righteous path, which is based on the power of the times via BMI, and the unethical path, CSI. However, team devotion via OCB can mitigate the unethical conduct of narcissistic CEOs.

Practical implications

The study endeavoured to find a path to internationalisation for SMEs in emerging markets with high economic openness and increasingly close connections with international markets, via two strategies for SMEs to conquer the international market more successfully, and with utilising the foundations of CEO narcissism and team citizenship behaviour.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the theory of SME internationalisation by employing the resource-based view and upper-echelon theory, with the updated Uppsala model as its foundation.
Electric vehicle adoption toward sustainable transportation solution: key drivers and implications
Authors: J. Hemalatha , Y. Anjel Raj , S. Panboli , L. Aravindh Kumaran
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and validate the key consumer-related factors influencing consumer attitude toward electric vehicles (EVs) and intention to purchase EVs. The role of consumer attitude in mediating consumer-related factors and intention to buy is also explored in this study. Consumer-related factors considered in this study include environmental orientation (EO), new technology orientation (NTO), social orientation (SO) and perceived monetary benefits (PMB).

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected from individuals who do not own an EV in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Data were collected from 388 respondents using Google Forms. Convenience sampling technique was used to identify the respondents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics techniques were used to analyze data collected.

Findings

The study identified EO, SO and PMB as antecedents of attitude (ATT) toward EV and NTO, SO and PMB as potential drivers of EV purchase intention (PI). In addition, the authors also observe that EO is fully mediated by ATT toward consumer PI, whereas ATT partially mediates the relationship between the independent variables SO and PMB and the dependent variable PI.

Practical implications

EVs are at the forefront of automotive innovation. Automobile industries producing EVs showcase a commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology, positioning their companies as forward-thinking and technologically advanced. Creating awareness about EV technology, dispelling myths about range anxiety and charging times should be done methodologically. The lower operating costs of EVs and the government policies that reduce the total cost of ownership can lead to faster market penetration. The widespread adoption of EVs can contribute to a nation’s economic growth by adding new businesses in the industry, infrastructure development and job creation.

Social implications

The reduced environmental impact of EVs, such as improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, can lead to significant societal benefits in terms of better human health and mitigating the effects of climate change. Governments can leverage these benefits to achieve climate targets and improve public health.

Originality/value

Studies about EV diffusion and adoption in India are yet to gain momentum considering the slow penetration of EVs in the Indian automobile market. The Indian Government is enforcing policies and incentives to accelerate the adoption of EVs. However, without understanding the drivers of consumer EV adoption, it is difficult for policymakers to accelerate the growth of the EV market. The present study is one step toward understanding the same in its original sense.
From a hidden gem to a tourist spot: Examining brand gestalt, tourist attitude, satisfaction and loyalty in Bitung city
Authors: Mandagi Deske W. , Soewignyo Tonny , Kelejan Daysi Fikka , Walone Darvel Civlie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Brand gestalt has emerged as a crucial concept in marketing and branding, denoting the holistic perception and overall impression that consumers develop about a brand. This concept gains significance as it serves to measure the overall identity of a brand. Despite its importance, both empirical and theoretical exploration of this concept remains limited, particularly in the context of place branding. The present study aims to bridge the theoretical gap surrounding the interplay between brand gestalt, tourist attitude and loyalty within the city branding domain. In particular, it aims to comprehensively explore the dimensional impact of city brand gestalt (CBG) on tourist attitude, satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire containing 35 items, developed and adapted from the literature review. A total of 314 samples of Bitung City visitors were recruited, resulting in a 79% response rate. Structural equation modeling was performed using SmartPLS 3 to validate the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that CBG has a substantial and positive influence on tourist attitudes, satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, it was discovered that tourist attitude and satisfaction play a partial mediating role in the relationship between CBG and tourist loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study is a seminal contribution to understanding the link between CBG, tourist attitude, satisfaction and loyalty. It offers valuable insights for city destination management in designing strategies and interventions to foster positive tourist attitudes, increase satisfaction and sustain loyalty. In particular, it emphasizes the necessity of ongoing investments in maintaining a positive holistic brand experience (i.e., brand gestalt) that aligns with evolving expectations. The study highlights the need to develop a compelling narrative and consistent messaging tailored to the target audience's values and aspirations. Additionally, it underscores the importance of providing exceptional sensory experiences that appeal to the target audience.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is among the first to examine the role of brand gestalt in the context of city branding. Understanding the holistic interaction of the four brand gestalt elements – story, sensescape, servicescape and stakeholders – is crucial for fostering tourists' positive attitudes, satisfaction and loyalty toward urban destinations. The proposed CBG model offers a conceptual framework to guide future research in city branding.
Dysfunctional audit behavior: exploring the impact of longitudinal work experience and gender
Authors: Nehme Rabih , Kozah ALCheikh Edmond , Khalil Sandra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research paper investigates variances in auditors’ attitudes toward dysfunctional audit behavior (DAB) in two different time periods. The purpose of this paper is to explore changes in DAB among experienced/inexperienced auditors as well as differences between male/female auditors while facing time budget and time deadline pressures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses surveys administered to a group of junior auditors joining a Big 4 firm in the UK and compares the results to surveys completed by the same group of auditors after three years of experience. The survey assesses participant’s perception of DAB in the presence of time budget and time deadline.

Findings

The results of this paper show that experienced auditors have more tolerant views of DAB then inexperienced auditors. In terms of gender, inexperienced male auditors are more accepting of DAB when compared to their inexperienced female counterparts. Female auditors surveyed in both time periods seem to be unfavorable of DAB.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study derives from the fact that it explores the same group of auditors and assesses variances in their perception of DAB in two different periods over a passage of three years during which inexperienced auditors become experienced.
Smart food waste fighters: insights from mobile apps and users
Authors: Ozdemir Cansev , Kaman Gizem Sultan , Yilmaz Hakan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to evaluate mobile apps developed to prevent food waste from the perspective of responsible production and consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs qualitative methods, and the dataset consists of the 1,382 content and online reviews and comments for 11 mobile apps in addition to 30 in-depth interviews conducted with consumers and restaurant managers/owners using the apps.

Findings

Mobile apps are proving to be popular with people, inviting users to fight food waste in a sustainable and responsible way. While users' main motivations for becoming food waste fighters are responsibility, positive emotions and economic sensitivity, restaurants' motivations are different, such as social responsibility, innovative business models, attracting new customers and cost orientation.

Practical implications

Creating digital value and contributing significantly to sustainability in the food industry, mobile apps offer different opportunities to the market. By supporting and encouraging the use of these apps, businesses can reduce food waste, prevent financial losses and offer consumers more choice and variety.

Originality/value

The present study aims to address this lack of empirical research based on a holistic perspective by providing a multidimensional assessment. Such an approach should contribute to a thorough understanding of the motivations that drive users and restaurants to become food waste fighters.
The gratitude and mental health of student in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Hamka Hamka , Bil Haq Aniq Hudiyah , Ramdani Aulia , Haq Alfiza Fakhriya , Nulipata Muslimin , Damayanti Desita Dyah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

High levels of mental health disorders in students can affect their academic activity. Students should think positively to control the mental health disturbances they experience. This study aims to address the mental health problems of students by increasing their gratitude because gratitude is the key to facing the problems that a person faces. Therefore, the study focuses on finding the influence of gratitude on student mental health disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects in this study were 420 students in Eastern Kalimantan using quantitative methods with gratitude scales GQ-6 and DASS-21. Data collection method with online questionnaires to be analyzed with regression analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study empirically show that gratitude has a significant and positive effect on mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress). This shows that gratitude has an important effect on mental health in students. If gratitude is higher, then anxiety and stress decreases significantly. This study aims can serve as a foundation for student mental health improvement programs.

Research limitations/implications

This study was cross-sectional, which makes it impossible to conclude a causal relationship between the variables. Therefore, future research should use more advanced research methods, including longitudinal and experimental studies. Another potential limitation that could bias the results is the fact that the data were based solely on self-reports. Then, the study group included a larger proportion of female students than male students.

Practical implications

This study provides a deeper understanding of the importance of gratitude in maintaining mental health. Gratitude has been shown to have a positive correlation with increased psychological well-being, decreased levels of depression and increased resilience in the face of everyday stress and challenges in college students at private univesity and state university.

Originality/value

This research changes students' mindset to always be grateful by thinking positively during the teaching and learning process at university. Many students complain about the current conditions, especially related to study assignments, differences in the teaching and learning process at school. This study is useful for students to reduce mental health disorders at university.
Family care of older people: a matter of moral duty
Authors: Serrano-Gemes Gema , Serrano-del-Rosal Rafael
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the profile of the Andalusian population in relation to the motivations that support family care for older people, considering multiple sociodemographic and classificatory variables, such as sex, age groups (18–29; 30–44; 45–59; 60 or older), caregiving experience, as well as their general opinions regarding care and decision-making related to it.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative study is presented to know the opinion of the Andalusian population regarding the motivations that support the family care of older people. The sample comprised 774 participants (18 years or older).

Findings

The results show that the majority of the Andalusian population believes that the reason why families care for older people is that it is considered a moral obligation, regardless of the resources available to them. Thus, two population profiles have been found to explain these beliefs. The first profile is made up of current or former caregivers who are 60 years of age or older; and the second profile is made up of people who believe that the family should be primarily responsible for caregiving, who are or have been caregivers and who believe that in the future, the family trend in caregiving will not be modified.

Originality/value

The value of this research lies in the implications of “family care” and “resources and motivations to care” studies today.
Influence of Ukrainian refugees on the exchange rate and stock market in neighboring countries
Authors: Gheorghe Catalin , Panazan Oana
Published: August 2024

Purpose

As the onset of the Russia–Ukraine military conflict on February 24, 2022, individuals from Ukraine have been relocating in search of safety and refuge. This study aims to investigate how the influx of Ukrainian refugees has impacted the stock markets and exchange rates of Ukraine's neighboring states.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focused on the neighboring countries that share a western border with Ukraine and have received the highest number of refugees: Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The analysis covered the period from April 24 to December 31, 2022. After this period, the influence of the refugees is small, insignificant. Wavelet coherence, wavelet power spectrum and the time-varying parameter vector autoregressions method were used for data processing.

Findings

The key finding are as follows: a link exists between the dynamics of refugees from Ukraine and volatility of the stock indices and exchange rate of the host countries; volatility was significant in the first weeks after the start of the conflict in all the analyzed states; and the highest volatility was recorded in Hungary and Poland; the effect of refugees was stronger on stock indices than that on exchange rates.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first research that presents the impact of refugees from Ukraine on stock markets and exchange rates volatility in the countries analyzed.
Sonic branding in hospitality marketing
Authors: Kemp Elyria , Zhang Xingyi , Njeri Millicent , Williams Kim
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Music and sound have been used pervasively to enhance the tourism and hospitality experience. Incorporating music into a brand’s identity has the potential to influence consumer perceptions and decision-making. This study aims to identify how sonic branding influences consumer attitudes and engagement patterns with hotel brands by using feelings as information theory and applying the effects of music on neurochemical phenomena in the brain. It also explores how sonic branding differentially influences the decision-making of consumer segments.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental studies are used to examine how sonic brands influence consumer perceptions and engagement tendencies. Study 1 (n = 92) adopts a single-factor experimental design to investigate the main effects of sonic branding (presence vs absence) on customers’ responses. Study 2 (n = 204) uses a 2 (sonic branding: present vs. absent) × 2 (purpose of travel: leisure vs business) design to examine the interaction effects. Participants were recruited through Prolific.

Findings

Results indicate that the use of sonic branding increases engagement tendencies for a hotel brand. In addition, sonic branding interacted with the purpose of travel such that business travelers exhibited more favorable attitudes and higher engagement tendencies toward a hotel brand than leisure travelers when a sonic brand was used.

Originality/value

Given the proliferation of audio-centric environments, this research provides insight into how tourism and hospitality brands can engage and connect with customers by developing sonic brands that can be used throughout the customer journey.
Effect of excavations on the bearing capacity of adjacent foundations using three-dimensional upper bound limit analysis method
Authors: Hamzezadeh Nakhjavani Mohammad Hossein , Askari Faradjollah , Farzaneh Orang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

One of the primary challenges associated with excavation near buildings is the significant decrease in the bearing capacity of nearby foundations during the initial stages before the stabilization of the excavation wall. This study aims to investigate the correlation between excavation height and foundation-bearing capacity under actual field conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a three-dimensional rotational failure mechanism to propose a novel method for estimating foundation-bearing capacity using the upper bound limit analysis approach.

Findings

The study delineates two distinct zones in the excavation height versus bearing capacity diagram. Initially, there is a significant reduction in foundation-bearing capacity at the onset of excavation, with decreases of up to 80% compared to its undisturbed state. Within a specific range of excavation heights, the bearing capacity remains relatively constant until reaching a critical height. Beyond this threshold, the entire soil mass behind the excavation wall becomes unstable. The critical excavation height is notably influenced by the soil's internal friction angle, excavation slope angle and soil cohesion parameter. Notably, when the ratio of excavation height to foundation width is less than 0.4, changes in slope angle have no significant impact on bearing capacity.

Originality/value

The bearing capacity estimates derived from the method proposed in this paper are deemed to reflect real-world scenarios closely compared to existing methodologies.
Responses of the mesozooplankton community to marine heatwaves: Challenges and solutions based on a long‐term time series
Authors: Deschamps Margot M. , Boersma Maarten , Giménez Luis
Published: August 2024

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are extreme weather events that have major impacts on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems worldwide. Due to anthropogenic climate change, the occurrence of MHWs is predicted to increase in future. There is already evidence linking MHWs with reductions in biodiversity and incidence of mass mortality events in coastal ecosystems. However, because MHWs are unpredictable, the quantification of their effects on communities is challenging.

Here, we use the Helgoland Roads long‐term time series (German Bight, North Sea), one of the richest marine time series in the world, and implement a modified before‐after control‐impact (BACI) design to evaluate MHW effect on mesozooplankton communities. Mesozooplankton play an essential role in connecting primary producers to higher trophic levels, and any changes in their community structure could have far‐reaching impacts on the entire ecosystem.

The responses of mesozooplankton community to MHWs in terms of community structure and densities occurred mainly in spring and autumn. Abundances of seven taxa, including some of the most abundant groups (e.g. copepods), were affected either positively or negatively in response to MHWs. In contrast, we observed no clear evidence of an impact of summer and winter MHWs; instead, the density of the most common taxa remained unchanged.

Our results highlight the seasonally dependent impacts of MHWs on mesozooplankton communities and the challenges in evaluating those impacts. Long‐term monitoring is an important contributor to the quantification of effects of MHWs on natural populations.
Early social isolation disrupts adult personality expression in group‐living mites
Authors: Schausberger Peter , Nguyen Thi Hanh
Published: August 2024

Animal personalities are characterized by intra‐individual consistency and consistent inter‐individual variability in behaviour across time and contexts. Personalities abound in animals, ranging from sea anemones to insects, arachnids, birds, fish and primates, yet the pathways mediating personality formation and expression remain elusive.

Social conditions during the early postnatal period are known determinants of mean behavioural trait expressions later in life, but their relevance in shaping personality trajectories is unknown.

Here, we investigated the consequences of early social isolation on adult personality expression in plant‐inhabiting predatory mites Phytoseiulus persimilis. These mites are adapted to live in groups. We hypothesized that transient experience of social isolation early in life, that is, deprivation of any social contact during a sensitive window in the post‐hatching phase, has enduring adverse effects on adult personality expression.

Newly hatched mites were transiently reared in isolation or in groups and tested as adults for repeatability of various within‐group behaviours, such as movement patterns and mutual interactions including sociability, defined as the propensity to associate and interact benignly with conspecifics, and activity patterns when alone. Groups composed of individuals with the same or different early‐life experiences were repeatedly videotaped and individual behaviours were automatically analysed using AnimalTA.

Social experiences early in life had persistent effects on mean behavioural traits as well as adult personality expression, as measured by intraclass correlation coefficients (indicating repeatability). On average, isolation‐reared females moved at higher speeds, meandered less, kept greater distances from others and had fewer immediate neighbours than group‐reared females. Group‐reared females were highly repeatable in inter‐individual distance, moving speed, meandering and area explored, whereas isolation‐reared females were repeatable only in the number of immediate neighbours. Activity, quantified as the proportion of time spent moving within groups, was only repeatable in group‐reared females, whereas activity, quantified as the proportion of time spent moving when alone, was only repeatable in females reared in isolation. Strikingly, also the early‐life experiences of male mates influenced personality expression of mated females, with isolation‐reared males boosting the repeatability of behavioural traits of group‐reared females.

Overall, our study provides evidence that a transient phase of social isolation during a critical period early in life has lasting effects that extend into adulthood, impairing adult personality expression. These effects should cascade upward, changing the phenotypic composition and diversity within populations.
Weak reciprocal relationships between productivity and plant biodiversity in managed grasslands
Authors: Andraczek Karl , Dee Laura E. , Weigelt Alexandra , Hinderling Judith , Prati Daniel , Le Provost Gaëtane , Manning Peter , Wirth Christian , van der Plas Fons
Published: August 2024

Relationships between plant biodiversity and productivity are highly variable across studies in managed grasslands, partly because of the challenge of accounting for confounding's and reciprocal relationships between biodiversity and productivity in observational data collected at a single point in time. Identifying causal effects in the presence of these challenges requires new analytical approaches and repeated observations to determine the temporal ordering of effects.

Though rarely available, data collected at multiple time points within a growing season can help to disentangle the effects of biodiversity on productivity and vice versa. Here we advance this understanding using seasonal grassland surveys from 150 managed grassland sites repeated over 2 years, along with statistical methods that are relatively new in ecology, that aim to infer causal relationships from observational data. We compare our approach to common methods used in ecology, that is, mixed‐effect models, and to analyses that use observations from only one point in time within the growing seasons.

We find that mixed models overestimated the effect of biodiversity on productivity by two standard errors as compared to our main models, which find no evidence for a strong positive effect. For the effect of productivity on biodiversity we found a negative effect using mixed models which was highly sensitive to the time at which the data was collected within the growing season. In contrast, our main models found no evidence for an effect. Conventional models overestimated the effects between biodiversity and productivity, likely due to confounding variables.

Synthesis. Understanding the biodiversity‐productivity relationships is a focal topic in ecology, but unravelling their reciprocal nature remains challenging. We demonstrate that higher‐resolution longitudinal data along with methods to control for a broader suite of confounding variables can be used to resolve reciprocal relationships. We highlight future data needs and methods that can help us to resolve biodiversity‐productivity relationships, crucial for reconciling a long‐running debate in ecology and ultimately, to understand how biodiversity and ecosystem functioning respond to global change.
Short photoperiod inhibited gonadal growth and elevated hypothalamic Dio3 expression unrelated to promoter DNA methylation in young Brandt's voles
Authors: QIAO Yanting , LI Ning , SONG Ying , LIU Xiaohui , WANG Dawei
Published: August 2024

Photoperiod, the length of daylight, has a significant impact on the physiological characteristics of seasonal breeding animals, including their somatic and gonadal development. In rodents, expression of deiodinase type II (Dio2) and III (Dio3) in the hypothalamus is crucial for responding to photoperiodic signals. However, research on the photoperiodism of hypothalamic gene expression and the corresponding regulatory mechanism in Brandt's voles living in the Mongolian steppes is limited. In this study, we gradually changed day length patterns to simulate spring (increasing long photoperiod, ILP) and autumn (decreasing short photoperiod, DSP). We compared the somatic and gonadal development of voles born under ILP and DSP and the expression patterns of five reproduction‐related genes in the hypothalamus of young voles. The results showed that DSP significantly inhibited somatic and gonadal development in both female and male offspring. Compared with ILP, Dio3 expression was significantly upregulated in the hypothalamus under DSP conditions and remained elevated until postnatal week 8 in both males and females. However, there was no significant difference in the methylation levels of the proximal promoter region of Dio3 between ILP and DSP, suggesting that methylation in the proximal promoter region may not be involved in regulating the expression of Dio3. These findings suggest that hypothalamic expression of Dio3 plays a key role in the photoperiodic regulation of gonadal activity in Brandt's voles. However, it appears that CpGs methylation in the promoter region is not the main mechanism regulating Dio3 expression.
A Comparative Study of Ore‐bearing Dikes and a Barren Dike in the Zaozigou Gold Deposit, Western Qinling: Zircon Morphology, U‐Pb Chronology and Geochemical Constraints
Authors: LIU Jiawang , WANG Shuzhi , WANG Tao , CAO Chong , QIU Junting , XIE Fenquan
Published: August 2024

The Zaozigou gold deposit lies south of the Xiahe–Hezuo regional fault zone in the western Qinling orogenic belt and contains many intermediate to felsic dikes. Diorite porphyry, quartz diorite porphyry and biotite diorite porphyry are mineral‐bearing dikes, whereas granite porphyry is unrelated to gold mineralization. To compare the relationship between different dikes and mineralization, this study analyzed the cathodoluminescence (CL) of zircon crystals in all four types of dikes exposed in the Zaozigou deposit, using a zircon typological classification. The formation temperature of the granite porphyry (734°C) was higher than the average temperature of the other three types of dikes (704°C), whereas the former's alkalinity index (395) was lower than the average alkalinity index of the other three dikes (425). The ΣREE amount of granite porphyry (147.18 ppm) was smaller than the average ΣREE amount of the other three dikes (246.80 ppm) and its δEu value (0.33) was larger than the average δEu values of the other three dikes (0.30). The U‐Pb ages of zircon in the four types of dikes were relatively consistent with the crystallization ages of approximately 240 Ma, which indicates that all four types of dikes intruded in the Middle Triassic. Compared to the other three ore‐bearing dikes, the morphology of the zircon crystals in the barren dikes evolved from S13 to S5 and then returned to S13. These results indicate that the barren dike underwent an increase in temperature and a decrease in alkalinity, which may be an important reason for the absence of mineralization.
Incidence rate of chronic kidney disease and its association with long‐term nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use in ankylosing spondylitis: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Hwang Subin , Kim Ye‐Jee , Ahn Soo Min , Koo Bon San
Published: August 2024

Aim

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) predominantly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, with rare renal involvement. We investigated the incidence rate and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with AS and its relationship with long‐term nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data of patients diagnosed with AS from the Korean National Health Insurance service. The 3‐month, 6‐month, and 1‐year Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) NSAID Intake Scores were categorized into four groups, as follows: =0, >0 and ≤33.3, 33.3–66.6, and >66.6.

Results

Of the 12 000 patients with AS, 150 were identified with CKD, and the incidence rate was 4.64 per 10 000 patient‐years. Factors significantly associated with CKD included age ≥60 years, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. In the nested case–control analysis, among the ASAS NSAIDs Intake Scores for 0–365 days from diagnosis, the ≥66.6 group had a significantly lower odds ratio than those of the =0 group.

Conclusion

The present study established the incidence rate of CKD in Korean patients with AS. Though older age and comorbidities were found to be associated with a higher CKD risk, long‐term NSAID use was associated with a lower risk. Therefore, the optimal use of NSAIDs in inflammatory diseases requires extensive research.
Bond of allegiance? The three lines on Dilmun seals
Authors: Højlund Flemming
Published: August 2024

Stamp seals of the Dilmun type have kept their characteristic shape and boss decoration of three lines and four dotted circles for several 100 years. Although the carving of the shape of the seal and the design on the obverse normally reveal a confident experience, the cutting of the three lines on the reverse is generally irregular and clumsy. It is suggested that the former was in the hands of a professional seal carver, whereas the latter was carried out by the seal owner, perhaps as a sign of allegiance to the king.
Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis network responses to unpredictable threat in early alcohol abstinence
Authors: Zabik Nicole L. , Flook Elizabeth A. , Feola Brandee , Benningfield Margaret M. , Silveri Marisa M. , Winder Danny G. , Blackford Jennifer Urbano
Published: August 2024

Background

Anxiety during early alcohol abstinence, likely resulting from neural changes caused by chronic alcohol use, contributes to high relapse rates. Studies in rodents show heightened activation during early abstinence in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)—a neural hub for anxiety—and its extended anxiety‐related corticolimbic network. Despite the clinical importance of early abstinence, few studies investigate the underlying neural mechanisms.

Methods

To address this gap, we investigated brain function in early alcohol abstinence (EA = 20, 9 women) relative to controls (HC = 20, 11 women) using an unpredictable threat task shown to engage the BNST and corticolimbic brain regions involved in anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Group, anxiety, and sex were predictors used to determine whole‐brain activation and BNST functional connectivity.

Results

We found widespread interactions of group × anxiety and group × anxiety × sex for both activation and BNST connectivity during unpredictable threat. In the EA group, higher anxiety was correlated with activation in the BNST, rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula (men only), and dorsal ACC (men only). In the HC group, higher anxiety was negatively correlated with activation in the BNST, nucleus accumbens, thalamus, and insula (men only). For connectivity, anxiety was positively correlated in EA and negatively correlated in HC, between the BNST and the amygdala, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC), and dorsomedial PFC; EA men showed stronger BNST‐vmPFC connectivity than HC men.

Conclusions

These novel findings provide preliminary evidence for alterations in the BNST and anxiety‐related corticolimbic brain regions in early alcohol abstinence, adding to growing literature in humans supporting the BNST's role in anxiety and sex‐dependent effects of chronic alcohol use.
Media coverage and disclosure of short‐termism tone: Evidence from China
Authors: Ni Yingzhao
Published: August 2024

Using the frequency of short‐term‐oriented words scaled by the frequency of total words in Management Discussions and Analysis (MD&A) texts as the measure for disclosed short‐termism tone, we find in the Chinese A‐share stock market that media coverage induces covered firms to use less short‐termism tone. The effect is more likely to be caused by the tone management in strategic reaction to media coverage. Furthermore, the effect is stronger for firms with poorer corporate governance quality and varies depending on firms' operating conditions. Combined, the findings imply that firms respond to media pressure strategically through short‐termism tone management.
Rapid in‐field diagnostics to detect pyrethroid resistance in the redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor (Trombidiformes: Penthaleidae) (Tucker)
Authors: Umina Paul A. , Cheng Xuan , Jasper Moshe E. , Maino James , Arthur Aston L. , Endersby‐Harshman Nancy M. , Binns Matthew , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: August 2024

Pyrethroid resistance in the redlegged earth mite (Halotydeus destructor) continues to be a persistent and expanding problem across the grain belt of Australia, requiring ongoing monitoring to detect emerging local resistance issues. Detection of field resistance in H. destructor currently relies upon the collection and transport of live mites, followed by laborious experiments involving laboratory pesticide bioassays or fairly complex genetic screening assays. Both approaches require trained scientists and are time‐consuming and therefore do not provide rapid feedback to farmers. To facilitate the rapid detection of resistance issues, we developed a novel bioassay that can be readily applied in the field using commercially available materials and without the need for training. Although effective in detecting field resistance, this approach was found to be unsuitable in situations where the resistance allele frequency within a mite population was low. To address this limitation, we developed a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)‐based assay. This approach was successful in distinguishing between homozygote (SS) and heterozygote (RS) mites and, therefore, capable of detecting resistance at low frequency. These tools should help in the ongoing real‐time monitoring of resistance in this important agricultural pest.
A novel tetrahedral framework nucleic acid‐derived chemodynamic therapy agent for effective glioblastoma treatment
Authors: Li Xiaodie , Li Lei , Fu Xin , Huang Shiqian , Wang Yuhao , Yang Yuepeng , Zhou Shuqin , Zou Zhaowei , Peng Qing , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2024

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has garnered significant attention for treating diverse malignant tumours due to its minimally invasive nature, reduced damage to healthy tissues, and potential mitigation of side effects. However, its application in glioblastoma (GBM) is hindered by the diminished capacity of CDT agents to traverse the blood–brain barrier (BBB), inadequate tumour targeting efficiency, and restricted availability of H2O2 within the tumour microenvironment (TME). To address these challenges, we devised a novel CDT agent (Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT) based on a tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs). Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT was constructed by anchoring iron ions (Fe3+) onto the dual appendages‐modified tFNAs. Specifically, one appendage, Angiopep‐2 (ANG, a penetrating peptide), facilitates Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT penetration across the BBB and selective targeting of tumour cells. Simultaneously, the second appendage, 3‐Amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (3AT, a H2O2 enzyme inhibitor), augments the H2O2 levels required for effective CDT treatment. Upon tumour cell internalization, the loaded Fe3+ in Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT is reduced to Fe2+ by the overexpressed glutathione (GSH) in the TME, catalysing the generation of cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and inducing tumour cell death via elevated oxidative stress levels within tumour cells. It is anticipated that Fe@tFNAs‐ANG‐3AT holds promise as a transformative treatment strategy for GBM.
Individual peak alpha frequency correlates with visual temporal resolution, but only under specific task conditions
Authors: Haarlem Clinton S. , Mitchell Kevin J. , Jackson Andrew L. , O'Connell Redmond G.
Published: August 2024

The study of alpha band oscillations in the brain is a popular topic in cognitive neuroscience. A fair amount of research in recent years has focused on the potential role these oscillations may play in the discrete sampling of continuous sensory information. In particular, the question of whether or not peak frequency in the alpha band is linked with the temporal resolution of visual perception is a topic of ongoing debate. Some studies have reported a correlation between the two, whereas others were unable to observe a link. It is unclear whether these conflicting findings are due to differing methodologies and/or low statistical power, or due to the absence of a true relationship. Replication studies are needed to gain better insight into this matter. In the current study, we replicated an experiment published in a 2015 paper by Samaha and Postle. Additionally, we expanded on this study by adding an extra behavioural task, the critical flicker fusion task, to investigate if any links with peak alpha frequency are generalizable across multiple measures for visual temporal resolution. We succeeded in replicating some, but not all of Samaha and Postle's findings. Our partial replication suggests that there may be a link between visual temporal resolution and peak alpha frequency. However, this relationship may be very small and only apparent for specific stimulus parameters. The correlations found in our study did not generalize to other behavioural measures for visual temporal resolution.