bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of foraging pollinators in assembling the flower microbiota and transmitting the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Mukhtar Salma , Hassani M. Amine , Zarrillo Tracy , Cui Zhouqi , Sundin George W. , Zeng Quan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFlowers serve as hubs for biotic interactions with pollinators and microbes, which can significantly impact plant reproduction and health. Previous studies have shown that the flower microbiota undergoes dynamic assembly processes during anthesis. However, the influence of foraging pollinators on the assembly and dispersal of the flower microbiota and the transmission of plant pathogens remains poorly understood. In this study, we used insect exclusion netting to investigate the role of pollinators in the assembly of the microbiota on apple stigma and the transmission of the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora. We found that excluding pollinators had a minor impact on the community diversity and composition of the apple stigma microbiota, while the flower's developmental stage had a strong influence. Additionally, pollinator exclusion altered bacterial dispersal and the relative abundance of different bacterial species, including E. amylovora, suggesting that pollinators play a role in transmitting plant pathogens. Using a reporter system, we demonstrated that bumble bees can transmit the fire blight pathogen from an infected flower under controlled growth conditions. Our study highlights the importance of intrinsic and pollinator‐independent microbes as sources of inoculum for the stigma microbiota and underscores the role of foraging pollinators in vectoring plant pathogens.
Macroprudential regulation, bank stability, and the credit market in Kenya
Authors: Kiemo Samuel , Kamau Anne , Rugiri Irene W. , Tallam Camilla C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the effectiveness of macroprudential regulations in promoting bank stability and the credit market in the Kenyan financial system. The study applies a panel estimation methodology on bank‐level and non‐bank credit data for the period 2001–2021 to achieve its objectives. The study reveals three key findings. First, overall, the banking sector remains resilient as evidenced by the S‐score stability measure. Second, liquidity‐related, capital‐based, and asset‐side macroprudential regulations lower bank stability. Third, there is evidence of dampened bank credit and domestic leakage associated with macroprudential regulations. The paper concludes that macroprudential regulations are ineffective in promoting stability and the credit market. This paper recommends policymakers to use caution when implementing macroprudential conditions. This is to balance out the policy objectives of banking sector stability and access to finance. Additionally, policy makers should be mindful when implementing macroprudential measures that may cause banks to adjust their behavior, leading to domestic credit leakages and cross‐border spillovers.
The role of executive functions in adolescents' hypertext comprehension
Authors: Tabullo Ángel Javier , Saux Gastón Ignacio , Pearson María Rufina 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundInternet documents are characterised by their non‐linear hyperlink structure, which allows for more flexible reading, at the cost of higher cognitive loads. Linear text reading comprehension skills contribute to hypertext comprehension (either directly or through its impact on navigation behaviours) but cannot fully account for its complexity. There is also evidence that hypertext reading engages executive functions, but few studies have addressed the core executive function processes simultaneously. This study examined hypertext comprehension and navigation skills and their association with linear text reading comprehension and executive functions in adolescents.MethodsOne hundred thirty‐six third‐year students (61% boys; age: M = 14.03, SD = 0.44 years) participated in the study. Students were assessed with a paper‐and‐pencil expository text comprehension test, a computerised neuropsychological battery to measure executive functioning (perceptual and response inhibition, shifting and working memory [WM]) and a hypertext comprehension task.ResultsWe found direct contributions of shifting, linear text comprehension and navigation efficiency to hypertext comprehension. Linear text comprehension was associated with shifting, while navigation efficiency increased with WM and linear text comprehension skills. In addition, navigation partially mediated the effects of linear text comprehension and fully mediated those of WM on hypertext comprehension.ConclusionsWe found direct and indirect contributions of executive function to hypertext comprehension, mediated by linear text comprehension and navigation efficiency. This suggests that finding and integrating information from hypertexts engages shifting beyond its contribution to linear text reading. The role of WM was explained by its contribution to navigation efficiency (providing a workspace to keep track of navigation paths, reading goals and inferential processing). These findings underline the relevance of high‐level cognitive abilities for Internet reading in adolescents, as well as the importance of teaching boosting navigation strategies in middle school, given their impact on hypertext comprehension.
Barcode 100K Specimens: In a Single Nanopore Run
Authors: Hebert Paul D. N. , Floyd Robin , Jafarpour Saeideh , Prosser Sean W. J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIt is a global priority to better manage the biosphere, but action must be informed by comprehensive data on the abundance and distribution of species. The acquisition of such information is currently constrained by high costs. DNA barcoding can speed the registration of unknown animal species, the most diverse kingdom of eukaryotes, as the BIN system automates their recognition. However, inexpensive sequencing protocols are critical as the census of all animal species is likely to require the analysis of a billion or more specimens. Barcoding involves DNA extraction followed by PCR and sequencing with the last step dominating costs until 2017. By enabling the sequencing of highly multiplexed samples, the Sequel platforms from Pacific BioSciences slashed costs by 90%, but these instruments are only deployed in core facilities because of their expense. Sequencers from Oxford Nanopore Technologies provide an escape from high capital and service costs, but their low sequence fidelity has, until recently, constrained adoption. However, the improved performance of its latest flow cells (R10.4.1) erases this barrier. This study demonstrates that a MinION flow cell can characterise an amplicon pool derived from 100,000 specimens while a Flongle flow cell can process one derived from several thousand. At $0.01 per specimen, DNA sequencing is now the least expensive step in the barcode workflow.
Bacterial community response to novel and repeated disturbances
Authors: Halbrook Susannah , Wilber William , Barrow Mary Elizabeth , Farrer Emily C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDisturbance response and recovery are increasingly important in microbial ecology, as microbes may recover from disturbances differently than macro communities. Past disturbances can alter microbial community structure and their response to subsequent disturbance events, but it remains unclear if the same recovery patterns persist after long‐term exposure to stress. Here, we compare bacterial community composition in a community that experienced 2 years of monthly salinity addition disturbances with a community that has not experienced salinity additions. We then track the response and recovery to an additional salinity addition based on past disturbance exposure. We tested the following hypotheses: first, communities with a repeated disturbance history will have a different community composition than communities without a disturbance history; second, communities exposed to repeated disturbances will undergo a different recovery trajectory than communities experiencing a novel disturbance. We find that repeated disturbances alter community composition and affect community response and recovery to a subsequent disturbance after 2 years, primarily through increased resistance. This work enhances our understanding of microbial temporal dynamics and suggests that novel disturbances may pose a threat to microbial community structure and function.
Collective leadership for VUCA: From theoretical exploratory study to knowledge creation
Authors: Koh Cheng Boon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFrom COVID‐19 to the crisis in Ukraine, and fears surrounding a potential cold war brewing between global superpowers, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) events have created a tsunami of ripple effects affecting individuals, groups, organizations, societies, nations, and the world. To keep pace with or even stay ahead of the VUCA environment, leaders and organizations are required to understand and embrace new leadership skills. A mixed‐methods research design was conducted in a real‐world context as part of the theoretical exploratory research project to collect data for knowledge creation. A mixed‐methods research design was conducted in a real‐world context as part of the theoretical exploratory research project to collect data for knowledge creation. Qualitative data from the interviews of the SME (practitioners) and participants from focus group discussion (FGD) as well as quantitative data were collected from subject matter experts (SMEs, typically leadership educators) and participants working in cultures where collective leadership is practiced. Three key leadership competencies with 12 skills for collective leadership were identified from this knowledge‐creation process. From the 12 leadership skills, a preliminary collective leadership survey was proposed to help leaders and organizations develop greater self‐awareness to plan, conduct, measure, and refine evidence‐based leadership education and development for collective leadership. Limitations and future directions for this relatively new leadership research topic were identified and discussed.
The mediating role of ESG: Managers' moral cognition can improve corporate performance
Authors: Gao Wei , Lyu Xin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study explores the influence mechanism among managers' moral cognition (MC), environmental, social and governance (ESG) and financial performance. Based on the sample of A‐shares listed companies in China from 2010 to 2021, the text mining method was used to construct the indicators of MC so as to conduct empirical tests. The results show that MC is positively correlated with financial performance, and ESG plays a mediating role in this relationship. The heterogeneity test demonstrates that the positive effect of MC on financial performance is most obvious in the heavily polluting companies, while it is weak in the companies with high asset turnover.
Quality‐of‐life evaluation in hidradenitis suppurativa in Australia: Validation and outcomes of the HiSQOL questionnaire
Authors: Wu Kyle , Larney Conor , Marshman Gill , Spelman Lynda , Rubel Diana , Mcmeniman Erin , Veysey Emma , Saunders Helen , Frew John W. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory disease with significant impact upon quality of life. Generic quality‐of‐life measures suffer from decreased face validity and content validity, leading to the development of disease‐specific quality‐of‐life measures such as the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HiSQOL) outcome measure. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the HiSQOL in the Australian population and evaluate the quality‐of‐life impact in HS patients in Australia.MethodsA total of 301 patients were recruited and consented to be involved in this study. All participants were invited to complete the HiSQOL questionnaire along with basic demographic and disease information, the DLQI and HADS anxiety and depression scale. Participants were then asked to repeat the questionnaires 14 days later to assess test–retest reliability.ResultsThe mean HiSQOL score was 46.5 out of a possible total score of 76 (SD = 24.2) indicating a very large impact on quality of life. Based upon the published validity bands this corresponds to a very large impact on quality of life. Validation statistics indicated a high degree of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.956) with expected levels of convergent validity and excellent test–retest reliability (p = 0.95). Multiple regression analysis indicated individuals with a younger age of onset and positive family history had significantly greater quality‐of‐life impact as measured by the HiSQOL.ConclusionsThe HiSQOL is a valid, reliable measure for assessing the quality‐of‐life impact of HS. Significant factors influencing quality of life include age of onset and family history. Longitudinal measurements will enable evaluation of the impact of therapy upon QOL in the Australian context.
Semen static oxidation–reduction potential is not helpful in evaluating male fertility
Authors: Furtado Thiago Pardini , Osadchiy Vadim , Furtado Marcelo Horta 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundInfertility affects a significant percentage of couples worldwide, with male infertility contributing substantially in a considerable number of cases. Research indicates that oxidative stress is a critical factor impacting male fertility.ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between semen static oxidation–reduction potential (sORP), sperm parameters, and validated biomarkers of oxidative stress in infertile men.Materials and methodsThis cross‐sectional study involved 202 men diagnosed with idiopathic male factor infertility and male partners from couples with unexplained infertility. Multivariable linear regression to query the associations between sORP, sperm parameters, and oxidative aggression biomarkers (lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial membrane potential, annexin V, and sperm DNA fragmentation).ResultsSORP has no linear association with any semen analysis parameter. Furthermore, its relationship with validated biomarkers of oxidative stress was inconsistent. sORP was inversely related to lipid peroxidation (multivariable linear regression coefficient: −0.64), positively associated with sperm DNA fragmentation (multivariable linear regression coefficient: 3.20), and unrelated to mitochondrial membrane potential or annexin V.ConclusionsThere is no clear or consistent relationship between sORP and validated oxidative aggression biomarkers or sperm parameters. Our findings suggest that sORP is unlikely to be helpful in the evaluation of a male with idiopathic infertility.
HabitWalk: A micro‐randomized trial to understand and promote habit formation in physical activity
Authors: Baretta Dario , Gillmann Noemi , Edgren Robert , Inauen Jennifer 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHabit is a key psychological determinant for physical activity behavior change and maintenance. This study aims to deepen the understanding of habit formation in physical activity and identify promotion strategies. We examined the habit formation trajectory and its relationships with cue‐behavior repetition (a cue‐triggered 15‐minute brisk walk) and unconditional physical activity (daily steps). We also tested whether the behavior change techniques (BCTs) ‘commitment’ and ‘prompts and cues’ promote habit, cue‐behavior repetition, and daily steps within persons. This micro‐randomized trial included a 7‐day preparatory and a 105‐day experimental phase delivered via the HabitWalk app. Participants (N = 24) had a 50% probability of receiving each BCT daily, leading to four conditions. Habit strength was assessed daily using the Self‐Report Behavioral Automaticity Index, while cue‐behavior repetition and steps were measured via an activity tracker. Person‐specific growth functions indicated that habit strength trajectories were highly idiosyncratic. Multilevel models indicated a positive effect of cue‐behavior repetition on habit strength, but not vice versa. The effect of habit strength on daily steps varied by the operationalization of cue‐behavior repetition. Tentative findings suggest that commitment and prompts and cues are effective habit‐promotion strategies when delivered together.
Prostate cancer and solid organ transplantation: patient management and outcomes
Authors: Lazarovich Alon , Kristof Tanya W. , Steadman Shavano , Dahmen Aaron S. , Josephson Michelle A. , Barth Rolf , Morgan Todd M. , Timsit Marc‐Olivier , Eggener Scott 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo analyse the management and outcomes of individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer either before or after organ transplantation, as the impact of organ transplantation and associated immunosuppression on the incidence, progression, and mortality of prostate cancer remains an area of substantial clinical interest and uncertainty.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients from two tertiary care centres who had solid organ transplantation and were diagnosed with prostate cancer before or after organ transplantation. Data collected included demographics and clinical information.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 110 patients with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at prostate cancer diagnosis of 62 (56.6–67.2) years and a median (IQR) age at transplantation of 58.6 (52.7–65.3) years. Renal transplantation was the most common (54%). The median (IQR) prostate‐specific antigen concentration at prostate cancer diagnosis was 6.2 (4.5–10) ng/mL, and the distribution of American Urological Association risk groups was: low risk, 36%; intermediate risk, 50%; and high risk, 14%. In all, 45 (41%) patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer prior to transplantation. Management included radical prostatectomy (RP; 62%), prostate radiotherapy (RT; 13%), and active surveillance (AS; 18%). During a median (IQR) follow‐up of 5.8 (2.5–10) years from prostate cancer diagnosis, one (2%) patient developed metastatic disease. In all, 65 (59%) patients were diagnosed with prostate cancer subsequent to organ transplantation. Management included AS (29%), RT (45%), and RP (15%). During a median (IQR) follow‐up of 5.3 (1–8.4) years, three patients (5%) developed metastatic disease. There were no deaths from prostate cancer.ConclusionA diagnosis of localised prostate cancer should not preclude solid organ transplantation, and the presence of a transplant does not appear to substantially impact risk of prostate cancer progression.
A unified EM framework for estimation and inference of normal ogive item response models
Authors: Meng Xiangbin , Xu Gongjun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNormal ogive (NO) models have contributed substantially to the advancement of item response theory (IRT) and have become popular educational and psychological measurement models. However, estimating NO models remains computationally challenging. The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient and reliable computational method for fitting NO models. Specifically, we introduce a novel and unified expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm for estimating NO models, including two‐parameter, three‐parameter, and four‐parameter NO models. A key improvement in our EM algorithm lies in augmenting the NO model to be a complete data model within the exponential family, thereby substantially streamlining the implementation of the EM iteration and avoiding the numerical optimization computation in the M‐step. Additionally, we propose a two‐step expectation procedure for implementing the E‐step, which reduces the dimensionality of the integration and effectively enables numerical integration. Moreover, we develop a computing procedure for estimating the standard errors (SEs) of the estimated parameters. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of our algorithm in terms of its recovery accuracy, robustness, and computational efficiency. To further validate our methods, we apply them to real data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The results affirm the reliability of the parameter estimates obtained using our method.
Quality of Life in Children With Chronic Health Conditions and Its Contribution to Unmet Supportive Care Needs of Families
Authors: Thomas Sangeetha , Ryan Nicholas P. , Byrne Linda K. , Hendrieckx Christel , White Victoria 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundWhile theoretical models have established the bidirectional relationship between health and wellbeing of parents and children with chronic health conditions (CHCs), previous work has predominantly emphasised the impact of parent functioning on child outcomes. This study examines how quality of life (QoL) domains in children with CHCs are associated with unmet supportive care needs (SCN) of their parents and explores whether these associations vary by health condition.MethodParents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), type 1 diabetes (T1D) and cancer diagnosed before the age of 12 years and receiving treatment within the last 5 years were eligible. Parents recruited through charity organisations and social media platforms completed a secure, online survey via Qualtrics. The PedsQL examined child QoL across four dimensions: physical, emotional, social and school functioning. A 34‐item survey assessed parents' unmet SCN in the previous month across six need domains (e.g., care and informational). Linear regressions examined associations between child QoL and unmet SCN domains and moderation analyses determined whether associations varied as a function of CHC.ResultsThe study included 186 parents (age range 25–56 years) of children diagnosed with various CHCs (52% CHD; 27% T1D, 21% cancer). The child's emotional functioning was inversely related to all unmet SCN domains, social functioning was inversely related to three domains (physical and social; support; financial), school functioning was inversely related to two domains (physical and social; care), and child's physical functioning was not associated with any SCN domains. Only the association between child school functioning and unmet care needs was significantly moderated by CHC type (p < 0.05).ConclusionPoorer emotional functioning in children with a CHC is a key factor in determining parents unmet SCN. Larger studies are required to replicate these findings and inform design of interventions addressing QoL and unmet SCN in families of children with common CHCs.