bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free senior high school devours basic education in Ghana: rescue the children
Authors: Fuseini Inusah 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the effect of free senior high school on the quality of basic education in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
A convergent mixed method design as indicated in Sharma et al. (2023) is used in this work to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from documents available from the stakeholders of education. Quantitative data from already-existing reports with data on basic education are analysed to identify the effects of the FSHS on basic education in Ghana and ascertain the impact of the FSHS on the educational budget as well as the indicators of basic education in the country. This is followed by a qualitative data analysis of the reports to ascertain the gravity of the results in the quantitative data. The Ministry of Education in charge of education in the country and the Ministry of Finance in charge of resource distribution to various sectors of the country’s economy are the major institutions with relevant reports and data which assist in this research. Reports from organisations and institutions with a keen interest in education are also considered. The secondary data is therefore the source for this research using a document analysis.

Findings
The poor performance of learners is largely attributed to the inadequate resources for effective management of basic education. Government expenditure on education is managed by reducing the spending on basic education. Compensation which is the inevitable expenditure for basic education is the only expenditure the parliamentary committee could identify. This is clear evidence that goods and services at the basic education level are sacrificed to manage the government’s spendings on education.

Research limitations/implications
This research is limited to Ghana, a Sub-Sahara African country which introduced a free senior high school policy. The research only looks at the effects of the policy on the quality of basic education.

Practical implications
Educational policymakers should ascertain the consequences of a policy on the economy before implementation. The devastating effect of educational policy on other educational policies should also be considered when bringing in a new policy. As policies leverage existing policies, new policies must not devour already existing policies which are still relevant. An educational policy at any level must consider the basic policies of education that enhance inclusivity and equity at the lower levels of education. This will help in maximizing the effective implementation of the policies. Through this, nations can promote life-long learning with inclusivity and equity in education.

Originality/value
This research work has never been published elsewhere.
Embracing the AI/automation age: preparing your workforce for humans and machines working together
Authors: Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior , Watson Chrystie 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to highlight the crucial role of strategic human resource management and leadership in preparing workforces for the artificial intelligence (AI) and automation age.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts a conceptual approach, reviewing existing literature, drawing insights from industry experts, and real-world examples to develop a framework for preparing and sustaining workforces for the AI era.

Findings
The paper finds that successfully integrating AI and automation in the workforce requires a proactive and strategic approach from HR leaders, emphasising the critical importance of aligning AI and automation strategies with overall business goals through strategic workforce planning. Developing an AI-literate and adaptable workforce is crucial for embracing AI-driven changes, necessitating the creation of new AI-centric roles and career pathways, innovative job models, and comprehensive upskilling programs. HR must act as a translator between humans and machines, fostering seamless collaboration, addressing cultural and ethical implications, and leading the charge.

Research limitations/implications
The paper relies primarily on conceptual arguments and anecdotal evidence from industry experts.

Practical implications
The paper provides actionable insights for HR leaders to foster sustainable AI transitions within workforces.

Social implications
The paper highlights the potential social implications such as job displacement concerns and the need for reskilling and upskilling initiatives. It emphasises the importance of proactively addressing these concerns through clear communication, job security measures, and learning and development opportunities.

Originality/value
The paper offers a fresh perspective on the role of HR in the AI era, positioning HR leaders as strategic enablers of sustainable human-machine collaboration. It synthesises insights from various sources to provide a comprehensive framework for workforce preparation, emphasising the importance of aligning AI adoption with workforce development initiatives.
Divergent resource‐use strategies of encroaching shrubs: Can traits predict encroachment success in tallgrass prairie?
Authors: Wedel Emily R. , Ratajczak Zak , Tooley E. Greg , Nippert Jesse B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Changes in climate and land management over the last half‐century have favoured woody plants native to grasslands and led to the rapid expansion of woody species. Despite this being a global phenomenon, it is unclear why some woody species have rapidly expanded while others have not. We assessed whether the most abundant woody encroaching species in tallgrass prairie have common growth forms and physiology or unique traits that differentiate their resource‐use strategies.

We characterized the abundance, above‐ground carbon allocation, and leaf‐level physiological and structural traits of seven woody encroaching species in tallgrass prairie that span an order of magnitude in abundance. To identify species‐specific increases in abundance, we used a 34‐year species composition dataset at Konza Prairie Biological Station (Central Great Plains, USA). We then compared biomass allocation and leaf‐level traits to determine differences in carbon and water use strategies among species.

While all focal species increased in abundance over time, encroachment in this system is primarily driven by three species: Cornus drummondii, Prunus americana and Rhus glabra. The most dominant species, Cornus drummondii, had the most extreme values for several traits, including the lowest leaf:stem mass ratios, lowest photosynthetic capacity and highest turgor loss point.

Two of the most abundant species, Cornus drummondii and Rhus glabra, had opposing growth forms and resource‐use strategies. These species had significantly different above‐ground carbon allocation, leaf‐level drought tolerance and photosynthetic capacity. There were surprisingly few interspecific differences in specific leaf area and leaf dry matter content, suggesting these traits were poor predictors of species‐level encroachment.

Synthesis. Woody encroaching species in tallgrass prairie encompass a spectrum of growth forms and leaf physiology. Two of the most abundant woody species fell at opposite ends of this spectrum. Our results suggest niche differences among a community of woody species facilitate the rapid encroachment by a few species. This study shows that woody encroaching species do not conform to a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ strategy, and a diversity of growth forms and physiological strategies may make it more challenging to reach management goals that aim to conserve or restore grassland communities.
Plant traits attributable to endemism in persimmons (Ebenaceae: Diospyros spp.) throughout Asia analyzed using phenotypic approaches
Authors: Rindyastuti Ridesti , Azrianingsih Rodiyati , Junaedi Decky Indrawan , Arumingtyas Estri Laras 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDiospyros L. (Ebenaceae) is an indigenous plant group consisting of persimmons and ebony, which play essential ecological roles in tropical and subtropical vegetation communities. Understanding endemism attributes will significantly contribute to biological perspectives and recommendations for species conservation. The purpose of this study is to identify the morphological traits of Diospyros attributable to endemism that indicate low competition, constraints of reproduction and dispersion, and specific adaptation to the environment. To do so, we performed trait filtering based on apomorphic principles. We identified 12 endemism attributes that were obtained from synapomorphic analysis of phenetic clusters, trait filtering of island endemism, and trait filtering of endemism categories. Based on the phenetic cluster analysis, six traits are attributed to endemism, namely, sericeous twigs, the absence of bark lenticels, leaf width 2–5 cm, fruit length and diameter 5–7 cm, seed width 1.5–2 cm, and hard‐textured fruits. Trait filtering of island endemism strongly indicated that subcordate leaf tips were related to the endemism to Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands. Five plant traits obtained from trait filtering of island endemism are sericeous fruit and calyx trichomes (Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands), odorless fruits (Sulawesi), nonfleshy fruits (Bornean), and flat fruit calyces (Moluccan). Of the endemism categories, we obtained a leaf width of 2–5 cm as the attributable trait. Vegetative traits inherent to endemism indicated the specific adaptation to particular environments, while reproductive traits indicated seed dispersal limitations. Conclusively, species descriptions that were analyzed using phenotypic approaches provided important information on the endemism‐related aspects of the Diospyros genus.
Effect of Salinity Stress on Gut–Brain–Gonad Axis in the Red‐Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Zhang Qiongyu , Li Na , Tang Xue , Chen Hanru , Hong Meiling , Ding Li 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe red‐eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) can adapt to brackish water, which can endanger its biodiversity. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for establishing and maintaining spermatogenesis and are regulated by the gut–brain–gonad axis. However, the effect of salinity on SSCs is unclear. We investigated the influence of salinity stress on the composition of the gut microbiota in T. s. elegans to determine whether it regulates SSC self‐renewal and differentiation via the gut–brain–gonad axis. Three salinity groups (0‰, 5‰, and 10‰) were used in this study, and samples were obtained after 6 months of feeding. The mRNA expression of self‐renewing genes (GFRα‐1, RAS, and ERK) and meiotic initiation genes (RARα, NRG3, and ERBB4) in SSCs decreased with increasing salinity, indicating that salinity affects renewal and differentiation. In addition, harmful bacteria such as Enterococcus and Clostridium were increased in the S10 group, and lower levels of g_norank_f_Eubacteriaceae were negatively associated with γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), whereas higher Turicibacter levels were positively associated with GABA levels, resulting in increased GABA content in the S5 group. The results show that salinity affects the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain and negatively regulates the synthesis of reproductive hormones by changing the composition of intestinal microorganisms and metabolites, which affect SSC function. In conclusion, salinity influences the reproductive ability of T. s. elegans through the gut–brain–gonad axis. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the adaptation of T. s. elegans to brackish water.
Functional Characterization of SLC2A3 in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Unraveling Its Role in Ferroptosis and Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Lin Zhiping , Li Peng , Wang Chaojun , Tan Hongchang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundHence, we investigated that the function and effects of SLC2A3 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the underlying mechanism.MethodsC57BL/6 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen to induce mice model of RA.ResultsThe expression of serum SLC2A3 was down‐regulated, and was negative correlation with CRP, RF or anti‐CCP in patients with RA. In mice model of RA, SLC2A3 mRNA and protein expression in joint tissue were reduced. Sh‐SLC2A3 promoted RA and inflammation in mice model. SLC2A3 promoted cell growth and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells in vitro model of RA. SLC2A3 reduced ferroptosis in vitro model or mice model of RA. SLC2A3 induced Tiam1 protein expression, and SLC2A3 protein linked with Tiam1 protein in model of RA. Tiam1 reduced the effects of sh‐SLC2A3 on RA and inflammation in mice model. Tiam1 inhibitor the effects of SLC2A3 on osteogenic differentiation and ferroptosis in vitro model of RA.ConclusionsCollectively, SLC2A3 reduced inflammation levels and ferroptosis through the inactivation of mitochondrial damage by Tiam1 in model of RA, could serve as a potent therapeutic agent for alleviating RA.
Sodium‐Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors for Mesenchymal–Epithelial Transition Inhibitor‐Induced Edema
Authors: Oyakawa Takuya , Miura Keita , Muraoka Nao , Iida Kei , Fujita Ayano , Naito Tateaki , Takahashi Toshiaki 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor‐induced edema remain unclear. In a patient with tepotinib‐induced edema and an N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) level ≥ 300 pg/mL, the addition of empagliflozin to loop diuretics reduced the edema. This suggests that empagliflozin may be a treatment option for MET inhibitor‐induced edema.
Prevention of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw: institutional insights from a retrospective study
Authors: Chang YS , Nanayakkara S , Yaacoub A , Cox SC 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundMedication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious, debilitating condition of the jaw bones. Dental extraction is the most significant independent risk factor for MRONJ. This interim study aimed to evaluate the demographics, medical data and outcomes of patients at risk for MRONJ who underwent dental extractions in a dedicated MRONJ clinic following a risk reduction protocol at a large public dental clinic in New South Wales Health.MethodsA retrospective study analysed demographic and clinical data of patients at risk for MRONJ who underwent dental extractions between March 2020 and April 2024.ResultsData from 329 at‐risk patients who underwent 836 dental extractions were included. Most patients were women (75.1%) with a median age of 74 years (IQR 67–80). The primary indication for medications was osteoporosis (85.4%), with Denosumab being the most frequently prescribed (66.9%). Eighteen patients (5.5%) developed MRONJ at 8 weeks of follow‐up. Patients categorized as high‐risk had a higher incidence of MRONJ (72.2%) compared to the low‐risk group (22.2%).ConclusionThis study is the first retrospective audit carried out after implementing preventive protocols in this dedicated MRONJ clinic. The higher incidence of MRONJ in patients classified as ‘high risk’ underscores the importance of considering individual risk factors in their treatment.
Associations between pre‐operative iron deficiency and postoperative infection in patients undergoing major surgery (CARIPO): a prospective observational study
Authors: Campfort Maëva , Perrault Tristan , Blanchard‐Daguet Aymeric , Rineau Emmanuel , Lasocki Sigismond 
Published: December 2024

SummaryIntroductionIron deficiency, with or without anaemia, is common during the peri‐operative period. It has been hypothesised that pre‐operative iron deficiency is associated with an increased incidence of postoperative infection. We designed the CARIPO prospective observational study to assess the incidence of postoperative infection in patients with and without iron deficiency undergoing a variety of major surgeries.MethodsWe conducted a single‐centre study in a tertiary, university‐affiliated hospital in France. Iron deficiency was defined as a ferritin < 100 μg.l‐1 or < 300 μg.l‐1 with a transferrin saturation < 20%. The primary outcome was incidence of any postoperative infectious complication measured at 90 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of individual infectious complications: surgical site infection; bacteraemia; pneumonia; urinary tract infection; peripheral line‐associated bacterial infection; and all‐cause postoperative complication.ResultsWe recruited 390 patients. Of these, 170 (44%) had pre‐operative iron deficiency and 220 (66%) were iron replete; 27 (16%) patients in the iron deficient group developed a postoperative infection compared with 26 (12%) in the iron replete group (p = 0.25). Surgical site infections occurred in 11 (7%) iron deficient patients and 3 (1%) iron replete patients (p = 0.01). Other types of infectious complication and all‐cause postoperative complication were similar between groups.DiscussionIron deficiency was not associated with a higher rate of postoperative infection relative to an iron replete state. While iron deficiency was associated with a higher rate of surgical site infection, this result is hypothesis‐generating, and further prospective studies are required.
The Benefits of Licensed Midwifery and Community Birth Among BIPOC Birthing People in New Mexico
Authors: Rivera Raquel Z. , Cadena Micaela Lara , Gutfreund Jess F. , Dodge Esperanza 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundBlack, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) families comprise a disproportionately low percentage of home and freestanding birth center births in New Mexico (NM), despite NM Medicaid coverage of care by Licensed Midwives (LMs) in these settings. The purpose of this study was to examine why low income BIPOC seek out LM care, how they benefit from this model of care, and which factors facilitate and obstruct access.MethodsWe conducted 7 focus groups with 55 low income BIPOC individuals who had birthed in New Mexico in the past 5 years. Participants in four of the groups intended to birth with an LM in the community setting; participants in three of the groups intended to birth in a hospital.ResultsPrior negative birthing experiences at hospitals were the most‐often discussed reason for choosing LM care. The aspects of LM care most commonly described as beneficial were: (1) the high quality of one‐to‐one individualized and holistic care offered by LMs, as well as (2) the respectfulness of care received. Medicaid coverage of LM care and special payment allowances made by LMs were cited as two important facilitators of access to LM care. Barriers to care included the lack of general awareness of LM care, the persisting stigma against community birth, the small number of LMs, and payment and insurance coverage challenges.ConclusionLM care is beneficial for many families seeking respectful and accessible care, especially in underserved areas. BIPOC birthing individuals' reflections on their experiences with LM care provide valuable information that should be considered when designing and revising perinatal care systems and policies with the intent of increasing access to high‐quality maternal and newborn care in New Mexico and, more generally, the United States.
Human Brain Organoids Model Abnormal Prenatal Neural Development Induced by Thermal Stimulation
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhang Yufan , Chen Xingyi , Hong Yuan , Zhang Xu , Hu Hao , Han Xiao , Zou Xiao , Xu Min , Zhu Wanying , Liu Yan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe developing human foetal brain is sensitive to thermal stimulation during pregnancy. However, the mechanisms by which heat exposure affects human foetal brain development remain unclear, largely due to the lack of appropriate research models for studying thermal stimulation. To address this, we have developed a periodic heating model based on brain organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. The model recapitulated neurodevelopmental disruptions under prenatal heat exposure at the early stages, providing a paradigm for studying the altered neurodevelopment under environmental stimulation. Our study found that periodic heat exposure led to decreased size and impaired neural tube development in the brain organoids. Bulk RNA‐seq analysis revealed that the abnormal WNT signalling pathway and the reduction of G2/M progenitor cells might be involved in heat stimulation. Further investigation revealed increased neural differentiation and decreased proliferation under heat stimulation, indicating that periodic heat exposure might lead to abnormal brain development by altering key developmental processes. Hence, our model of periodically heating brain organoids provides a platform for modelling the effects of maternal fever on foetal brain development and could be extended to applications in neurodevelopmental disorders intervention.
Scutellarin Alleviates Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cellular Senescence via the Ezh2‐Nrf2 Signalling Axis in Diabetes‐Induced Bone Loss
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Chen Jiehao , Qu Bo , Zhou Dong , Hong Zhen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCurrently, there is no specific treatment for diabetes‐induced osteoporosis (DOP). Our study identified diabetes‐induced cellular senescence, marked by elevated activity of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase. Targeting senescent cells holds promise for osteoporosis treatment. We demonstrated that scutellarin (SCU) effectively mitigated bone loss in DOP mice, and co‐treatment with SCU significantly reduced diabetes‐induced senescence in LepR+MSCs. Furthermore, our research highlighted the role of Nrf2 in SCU's anti‐senescence effects on bone. The deletion of Nrf2 impaired SCU's ability to alleviate DOP. Mechanistically, SCU enhances Ezh2 expression and increases H3K27me3 activity at the Keap1 promoter region, leading to Keap1 repression and enhanced Nrf2‐ARE signalling. Additionally, SCU notably inhibited cellular senescence and diabetes‐related osteoporosis, these effects were significantly reduced in Ezh2LepRcre conditional knockout models. These findings suggest that the Ezh2‐Nrf2 signalling axis is crucial for mediating SCU's beneficial effects in this context. Overall, our discoveries provide insights into the mechanisms underlying DOP and propose a potential preventive strategy for this condition.
Filling in socio‐ecological knowledge gaps to support marine spatial planning in data‐scarce areas: Example from Zanzibar
Authors: Virtanen Elina A. , Käyhkö Niina , Khamis Zakaria , Muhammad Muhammad Juma , Muumin Hashim , Habib Mohammed , Karvinen Ville , Lappalainen Juho , Koskelainen Meri , Kulha Niko , Viitasalo Markku 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMarine spatial planning (MSP) is one of the most important tools for ensuring sustainable use of marine areas. Although MSP is a well‐established method, its adoption in rapidly developing countries is a challenge. One of the main concerns is data adequacy, as the MSP process typically requires a large amount of spatial data on human activities, biodiversity, and socio‐ecological interactions within the planning area. Drawing from an institutional cooperation project in Zanzibar, Tanzania, we share our experience and demonstrate how to fill in socio‐ecological data gaps to support the development of MSP in areas with limited data availability. We developed a rapid and cost‐effective system for collecting biological data, which, together with remote sensing and place‐based participatory mapping, helped formulate the first pilot ecologically informed MSP for Zanzibar. By sharing our results and experiences, we aim to provide best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations for future projects with a similar ecological setting and socio‐economic context.