bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimensionality-mediated type-II Dirac semimetal to quantum spin Hall insulator phase transition in TiC
Authors: Sufyan Ali , Abdullah Hasan M. , Larsson J. Andreas 
Published: September 2024

We present first-principles results on monolayer (ML) and bulk titanium carbide (TiC) exhibiting dual topological characteristics: a quantum spin Hall insulator state in two-dimensional ML and a type-II Dirac semimetal state in its three-dimensional bulk form. The nontrivial nature of ML TiC is confirmed through the calculation of a Z2 invariant, spin Hall conductivity, and edge states. The edge band structure of ML TiC displays a single pair of gapless edge states at the M point. The insulating topological phase in ML TiC is driven by a band inversion around the M point involving Ti-d orbitals, with a nontrivial band gap of 0.47 eV. Our findings also indicate that ML TiC possesses excellent dynamical and thermal stability. Moreover, the bulk, ML hollow sphere arrays, and a 4-nm-thick film of TiC have already been synthesized, suggesting the high feasibility of the experimental synthesizing of ML TiC. On the other hand, we demonstrate that the bulk TiC hosts both a type-II Dirac cone and a topological nodal surface without spin-orbit coupling, protected by a combined symmetry of inversion and time reversal. The presence of spin-orbit coupling removes the nodal surface while preserving the type-II Dirac cone. Surface states connecting bulk Dirac nodes in bulk TiC can be readily observed, making the surface characteristics easily detectable in experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Interplay of multiple labels and willingness to pay
Authors: D'Souza Clare , Ibanez Vanessa Apaolaza , Hartmann Patrick 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThere are calls for irradiated food labelling due to a significant need for food safety and extensive procedures to safeguard consumer health. Additionally, there is a strong push from producers for mandatory Country of Origin (COO) labelling. The study examines how the COO and Radura labels influence consumer behaviour and shows the interplay between these influences. Using Attitude-Behavior-Context theory, a conceptual model is proposed and tested to evaluate these factors. The use of multiple labels allows for more choices. How the information presented on labels corresponds to consumers' pre-purchase information search is tested on regular label users.Design/methodology/approachStructural Equation Modelling (SEM), Generalised Linear Modelling and Cluster Analysis were used to analyse the data on a sample of 322 Australian respondents.FindingsThe study revealed that COO labelling had a significant positive relationship with attitudes but a negative relationship with WTP, acting as a suppressed mediator between attitudes and WTP. Interestingly, while knowledge was not found significant, label confidence emerged as a significant factor. Furthermore, the research suggests that regular users may prioritize COO labels over Radura labels.Originality/valueThis research contributes novelty by being the first to address the interplay between COO and irradiated labels, complementing the growing body of literature on irradiation labelling. It also offers valuable insights for retail practitioners, providing an understanding that can facilitate the delivery of high-value multiple labels at the point of purchase.
Cowpea grain sales by women and men traders in local markets of Senegal
Authors: Smale Melinda , Theriault Veronique , Assima Amidou 
Published: September 2024

PurposeTo orient the commercial development of cowpeas, we identify the determinants of the value of cowpea grain sold by traders in Senegal’s local markets. We test whether the determinants differ between men and women traders and explore seasonal patterns.Design/methodology/approachWe employ ordinary least squares and seemingly unrelated regressions using a nationally representative dataset of 973 traders, of whom 380 sell cowpea grain, in 99 urban and rural markets across the 14 regions of Senegal.FindingsThe value of cowpea grain sold is influenced by vendor and market characteristics but not by cowpea type. Women and men traders represent statistically distinct groups. The sales value was eight times higher during the survey season among men. Most women grain sellers are retailers, whereas men are involved in both retailing and wholesaling. The picture that emerges is that men traders are able to respond more to economic signals, such as purchase cost, credit and labor payments, perhaps because they operate on a larger scale. Sales were significantly correlated across seasons.Research limitations/implicationsTo support cowpea commercialization, researchers should explore the characteristics of enterprises led by women and men traders in greater depth. Sampling grain sold in markets to test genetic relationships with improved varieties would enable researchers to link market-based incentives directly to cowpea breeding.Originality/valuePrevious economics research about cowpea grain markets emphasized the hedonic analysis of grain characteristics to guide crop improvement. This study reveals differentiation among traders by gender and the importance of trader and market characteristics in sales value.
The impact of supply chain revamping announcements on shareholder value
Authors: Zhan Xinrui , Mu Yinping , Su Jiafu 
Published: September 2024

PurposeSupply chain revamping (SCR) is an important strategy for firms to improve their supply chain operations in a rapidly changing environment. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the impact of SCR on shareholder value.Design/methodology/approachBased on Signaling Theory and 184 SCR announcements published by US-listed firms from 2013 to 2018, this study employs event study methodology and empirically examines three issues: Antecedents of SCRs; Primary purposes and actions of SCRs; In addition to the impact of SCRs on shareholder value using stock returns, we also examined the factors that can influence the extent of stock returns.FindingsFirstly, our results indicate that SCRs are primarily driven by firms’ poor prior performance, CEO turnover and external control threats (ECTs). Secondly, the stock market favors SCRs aiming to meet customer needs and those accomplished through network remodel. However, the market reacts negatively to SCRs aiming at cutting costs, improving poor performance, and those implemented through network trim. Finally, the cross-sectional analysis indicates that shareholders prefer firms operating in more competitive or faster-growing industries and those adopting an expansionist strategy than those adopting a streamlining strategy.Originality/valueOur study provides managers with valuable insights into when firms can benefit from initiating SCRs not only by examining the purposes and actions of SCRs but also by examining the industry- and strategy-specific moderators. Our study illuminates the conditions under which SCR will positively affect shareholder value. Additionally, this study contributes to the existing literature by deepening the understanding of the impact of supply chain decisions on firm performance and identifying the marginal conditions under which the stock market will react positively to SCR announcements.
Promoting faculty collaboration to support school-university partnerships and increase coaching self-efficacy
Authors: Larson Kristine E. , Savick Stephanie L. , Silver Patrice M. , Poling Rosemary E. 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis manuscript examines how university coaches can use the Classroom Check-Up (CCU; Reinke et al., 2008) to support continuous school improvement efforts around teacher practice within a PDS model and how collaboration between university faculty can increase their coaching self-efficacy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is conceptual in that it presents an innovative idea to stimulate discussion, generate new ideas, and advance thinking about supporting educator coaching efficacy in school-university partnerships.FindingsThe paper provides insights and ideas for using a collaborative faculty coaching model based on the CCU (Reinke et al., 2008). Each coach provides insight about adapting the model to fit teacher, school, and district needs. Moreover, coaches report on how collaborating impacted their coaching self-efficacy.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to support continuous school improvement efforts amid a teaching shortage using a collaborative faculty coaching model. Moreover, the authors explore “coaching self-efficacy” as a rare but valuable construct that is impacted by peer feedback.
Variation of magnesium drives plant adaption to heterogeneous environments by regulating efficiency in photosynthesis on a large scale
Authors: Jiao Chaolian , Zhang Jiahui , Yu Haili , He Nianpeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is a vital nutrient for plants, and its role in photosynthesis, enzyme regulation and resistance to environmental stress is becoming increasingly evident. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the characteristics of Mg (content, density and stock) on a large scale, particularly at the community level, which is essential for linking to ecosystem functions.

A leaf‐branch‐trunk‐root‐matched database of the Mg content (mg g−1) and biomass density (g m−2) of plant organs across 1972 sampling sites in China was constructed based on field surveys and data compilation. Using machine learning algorithms, we comprehensively explored the spatial patterns and main influencing factors of plant Mg content and density (g m−2). Furthermore, a new index, leaf Mg productivity (LMP), was developed to determine the Mg use efficiency, defined as the ratio of gross primary productivity to leaf Mg density.

The Mg contents in the leaves, branches, trunks and roots were 2.80, 0.87, 0.23 and 1.66 mg g−1, respectively. Deserts exhibited higher Mg content, with the primary influencing factors being high temperatures and soil Mg supply. Higher LMP values observed in grasslands and deserts indicate that Mg use is more efficient in these relatively stressful environments, whereas forests require more Mg for unit biomass productivity. This change was driven by the minimum temperature, aridity and soil Mg content.

Synthesis. We systematically explored spatial variation in plant community Mg and its correlation with the photosynthetic capacity of plant communities. The aridity and soil Mg content have negative effects on LMP. This suggests that Mg is used more efficiently in photosynthesis under conditions of resource scarcity, indicating that resources become more valuable when they are limited. Photosynthesis in forests is more sensitive to Mg and more Mg is required for biomass production; therefore, Mg is not just a nutrient but a potential bottleneck in optimizing photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of Mg in photosynthesis and offer a foundation for optimizing ecosystem management through Mg regulation.
COVID‐19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnancy, A Nested Case–Control Study in Births From April 2021 to March 2022, England
Authors: Mensah Anna A. , Stowe Julia , Jardine Jennifer E. , Kirsebom Freja C. M. , Clare Tom , Kall Meaghan , Campbell Helen , Lopez‐Bernal Jamie , Andrews Nick 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveAssessment of COVID‐19 vaccine safety in pregnancy using population‐based data.DesignMatched case–control study nested in a retrospective cohort.SettingApril 2021–March 2022, England.Population or SampleAll pregnant individuals aged between 18 and 50 years with valid health records.MethodsIndividuals identified from the national Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) had their records linked to hospital admission, national COVID‐19 vaccine and COVID‐19 testing databases. Matching included participant's age and estimated week of conception. We compared outcomes across multiple COVID‐19 vaccine exposures using conditional multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and health characteristics.Main Outcome MeasuresAdverse pregnancy, maternal and neonatal outcomes.Results514 013 individuals were included. We found lower odds of giving birth to a baby who was low birthweight (aOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79–0.93), preterm (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85–0.92) or who had an Apgar score < 7 at 5 min of age (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.98) for individuals who received at least one dose of COVID‐19 vaccine during pregnancy. The odds of admission to intensive care unit during pregnancy were lower in those vaccinated (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76–0.95). There was no association between vaccination in pregnancy and stillbirth, neonatal death, perinatal death and maternal venous thromboembolism in pregnancy.ConclusionsCOVID‐19 vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy. Our findings generated important information to communicate to pregnant individuals and health professionals to support COVID‐19 maternal vaccination programmes.
Cardiovascular Adaptation in Fetal Growth Restriction: A Longitudinal Study From Fetuses at Term to the First Year of Life
Authors: Coutinho Conrado Milani , Giorgione Veronica , Thilaganathan Basky , Patey Olga 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate longitudinal trends in fetal and offspring cardiovascular adaptation in fetal growth restriction (FGR).DesignProspective longitudinal study.SettingFetal Medicine Unit.SampleThirty‐five FGR pregnancies and 37 healthy controls assessed as term fetuses (mean age 37 ± 1 weeks) and again in infancy (mean age 8 ± 2 months).MethodsConventional echocardiographic techniques, tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking echocardiography.Main Outcome MeasuresLeft ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) geometry and function. Echocardiographic parameters were normalised by ventricular size adjusting for differences in body weight between groups.ResultsCompared to healthy controls, late FGR fetuses showed significant alterations in cardiac geometry with more globular LV chamber (LV sphericity index, 0.56 vs. 0.52), increase in biventricular global longitudinal systolic contractility (MAPSE, 0.29 vs. 0.25 mm; TAPSE, 0.42 vs. 0.37 mm) and elevated cardiac output (combined CO: 592 vs. 497 mL/min/kg, p < 0.01 for all). Indices of LV diastolic function in FGR fetuses were significantly impaired with myocardial diastolic velocities (LV A', 0.30 vs. 0.26 cm/s; IVS E', 0.19 vs. 0.16 cm/s) and LV torsion (1.2 vs. 3.5 deg./cm, p < 0.01 for all). At postnatal assessment, FGR offspring revealed persistently increased SAPSE (0.27 vs. 0.24 mm), LV longitudinal strain (−19.0 vs. −16.0%), reduced LV torsion (1.6 vs. 2.1 deg./cm) and elevated CO (791 vs. 574 mL/min/kg, p < 0.01 for all).ConclusionsPerinatal cardiac remodelling and myocardial dysfunction in late FGR fetuses is most likely due to chronic placental hypoxaemia. Persistent changes in cardiac geometry and function in FGR offspring may reflect fetal cardiovascular maladaptation that could predispose to long‐term cardiovascular complications in later life.
Subdivision of M1 category and prognostic stage for de novo metastatic breast cancer to enhance prognostic prediction and guide the selection of locoregional therapy
Authors: Ji Lei , Song Ge , Xiao Min , Chen Xi , Li Qing , Wang Jiayu , Fan Ying , Luo Yang , Li Qiao , Chen Shanshan , Ma Fei , Xu Binghe , Zhang Pin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough de novo metastatic breast cancer (dnMBC) is acknowledged as a heterogeneous disease, the current staging systems do not distinguish between patients within the M1 or stage IV category. This study aimed to refine the M1 category and prognostic staging for dnMBC to enhance prognosis prediction and guide the choice of locoregional treatment.MethodsWe selected patients with dnMBC from the SEER database (2010–2019), grouping them into training (N = 8048) and internal validation (N = 3450) cohorts randomly at a 7:3 ratio. An independent external validation cohort (N = 660) was enrolled from dnMBC patients (2010–2023) treated in three hospitals. Nomogram‐based risk stratification was employed to refine the M1 category and prognostic stage, incorporating T/N stage, histologic grade, subtypes, and the location and number of metastatic sites. Both internal and external validation sets were used for validation analyses.ResultsBrain, liver, or lung involvement and multiple metastases were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). The nomogram‐based stratification effectively divided M1 stage into three groups: M1a (bone‐only involvement), M1b (liver or lung involvement only, with or without bone metastases), and M1c (brain metastasis or involvement of both liver and lung, regardless of other metastatic sites). Only subtype and M1 stage were included to define the final prognostic stage. Significant differences in OS were observed across M1 and prognostic subgroups. Patients with the M1c stage benefited less from primary tumor surgery in comparison with M1a stage.ConclusionSubdivision of the M1 and prognostic stage could serve as a supplement to the current staging guidelines for dnMBC and guide locoregional treatment.
Prepregnancy body mass index and visceral fat exhibit divergent associations with metabolic factors in pregnant women with obesity: A Norwegian cohort study
Authors: Bonnichsen Maja Lecic , Gunnes Nina , Nyfløt Lill Trine , Haugen Guttorm , Roland Marie Cecilie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionPregnancy involves changes in maternal metabolism that differ between normal‐weight women and women with overweight or obesity, including changes in glucose, insulin, lipids, and adipokines. These changes contribute to altered risk profiles for adverse outcomes for both mother and child during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. We explored associations between visceral fat and prepregnancy body mass index (pBMI), respectively, with glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as with adipokines and C‐reactive protein (CRP), measured fasting in early and late pregnancy. We hypothesized that among women with pBMI ≥35 kg/m2, visceral fat measured around gestational week 18 (visceral fat18) would show associations with greater number of metabolic variables during pregnancy, than pBMI.Material and MethodsThis prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Drammen Hospital from 2016 to 2019. We included 166 nulliparous (47.6%) and parous pregnant women with pBMI ≥35 kg/m2 and singleton pregnancy. Women with type 1 diabetes were excluded. We evaluated associations of pBMI and visceral fat estimated with bioimpedance weight around gestational week 18 (visceral fat18) with fasting metabolic measures around gestational weeks 18 and 36 using median regression models. We used the paired t‐test or the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, as appropriate, to analyze changes in metabolic measures from early to late pregnancy, and median regression to estimate crude and adjusted differences in medians of 21 maternal metabolic measures associated with one‐unit changes in pBMI and visceral fat18, respectively.ResultspBMI and visceral fat18 were highly correlated and showed associations with similar metabolic measures in pregnancy in crude analysis. After mutual adjustment for each other in addition to age and parity, pBMI was associated with glucose metabolism, in particular fasting insulin, whereas visceral fat18 was primarily associated with leptin.ConclusionsAmong pregnant women with BMI ≥35 kg/m2, easily obtainable pBMI and the more resource‐demanding estimate of visceral fat18 exhibit divergent associations with metabolic measures; pBMI was positively associated with insulin, glucose, and HbA1c, while visceral fat18 was positively associated with leptin. We did not find visceral fat18 to be associated with greater number of metabolic factors than pBMI.
Risk of cervical laceration in forceps vs vacuum delivery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hossein‐Pour Parnian , Rajasingham Maya , Muraca Giulia M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionCervical laceration is an obstetric injury associated with severe postpartum hemorrhage and subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. While operative vaginal delivery is a known risk factor for cervical laceration, it is unclear whether forceps and vacuum deliveries incur the same risk. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the risk of cervical laceration between operative instruments (forceps vs vacuum).Material and MethodsMedline, Embase, Global Health, CENTRAL, Emcare, and Web of Science were searched from inception until August 2024 with terms related to operative vaginal delivery and cervical laceration. Studies comparing the risk of cervical laceration in individuals undergoing forceps or vacuum delivery were included. Two authors conducted screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of all studies. Random‐effects models were used to pool risk ratios across studies and certainty of evidence was assessed using Cochrane methods and the GRADE approach. PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42023421890.ResultsThirteen studies were eligible for inclusion, 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 observational studies. The overall rate of cervical laceration was 0.35% (990/284218 births) where 1.04% of forceps deliveries (456/43817) were complicated by cervical laceration compared to 0.22% of vacuum deliveries (534/240401). The risk of cervical laceration was 2–5 fold greater in forceps deliveries than in vacuum deliveries: pooled unadjusted risk ratio [RR] 4.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56–14.98 among RCTs and pooled unadjusted RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.59–2.24 among observational studies. The overall quality of evidence was low to moderate mainly due to the lack of attention to confounding in the included literature. The GRADE assessment indicated that the certainty of evidence was very low for observational studies and moderate for RCTs.ConclusionsLow certainty of evidence indicates that forceps deliveries may be associated with an increased risk of cervical laceration compared to vacuum deliveries.
Evaluation of Serum Adipokine Levels in Girls With Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Caglayan Ilkin Seda Can , Çelik Nurullah , Bolat Serkan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeAdipose tissue has an important endocrine function by secreting a variety of hormones known as adipokines, such as Visfatin, Omentin‐1 and Chemerin. On the other hand, these hormones are also secreted from places other than fatty tissues in the girl's genital system. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the secretory status of adipokines in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) and their utility in the diagnosis of precocious puberty.MethodA total of 105 patients were included in the study (53 in the CPP group and 52 in the control group). The following were used as the CPP diagnostic criteria; breast development, basal LH measurement higher than 0.3 IU/L, peak LH level ≥ 5 IU/L, peak LH/FSH ratio ≥ 0.66 (after 0.1 mg GnRH stimulation test) and a difference of at least 1 year between bone and chronological age.ResultsA statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in serum Omentin‐1 and Chemerin levels, and no significant differences were detected between the groups in Visfatin values. The cut‐off values for the diagnosis of CPP were calculated as ≤ 48.9 with 81% sensitivity and 54% specificity for Omentin‐1, and as ≥ 417 with 85% sensitivity and 60% specificity for Chemerin.ConclusionIn our study, we found that Omentin‐1 level decreased and Chemerin level increased in lean girls with CPP. More studies are needed to elucidate how adipokines play roles in explaining the onset of CPP, and whether they may be used as a reliable marker for the diagnosis of CPP.