bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Let’s better not choose someone with HIV”: Dutch professionals’ attitudes and job promotion decisions regarding candidates living with HIV and the mediating role of employability concerns
Authors: Gaetani Marco , Schelleman-Offermans Karen , Jonas Kai J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDespite advancements in HIV health management, workplace stigma against people living with HIV (PLHIV) prevails. However, current literature has focused on labor market access rather than job promotion for PLHIV. This study investigated how professionals living with HIV are perceived compared to those with other chronic health conditions, and explored how employability concerns mediate the association between stigmatizing attitudes and discriminatory practices against PLHIV in job promotions.A nationally representative sample of 640 heterosexual and HIV-negative Dutch professionals completed an online questionnaire designed with input from professionals living with HIV for a cross-sectional study. Data was analyzed using multidimensional unfolding (MDU) to uncover latent dimensions driving participants’ perceptions of PLHIV and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the mediating role of employability concerns.The MDU analysis revealed that participants held similar perceptions of and attitudes towards job promotion applicants living with HIV and applicants surviving cancer, compared to those living with other chronic conditions. The SEM showed that prejudice and support for discriminatory policies were significantly associated with discriminatory behavior towards PLHIV, while stereotypes and social distancing attitudes were not. Employability concerns partially and fully mediated, respectively, the relationship between prejudice and support for discriminatory policies, and discriminatory decision-making.Consistent with previous research on discriminatory hiring practices, our findings highlight the crucial role of employability concerns in driving job promotion discrimination against PLHIV and the need to address knowledge gaps about HIV as a manageable condition among Dutch professionals as a means to combat stigma and safeguard careers of PLHIV.
FGR Src Family Kinase Causes Signaling and Phenotypic Shift Mimicking Retinoic Acid-Induced Differentiation of Leukemic Cells
Authors: Kazim Noor , Peng Wang , Yue Jianbo , Yen Andrew 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTRetinoic acid (RA) is an embryonic morphogen used in cancer differentiation-therapy. It causes a plethora of changes in gene expression culminating in cell differentiation. We now find that amongst them, expression of the Src-family-kinase, FGR, by itself causes cell differentiation analogous to RA. The historically dominant/classical paradigm for RA mechanism of action is transcriptional activation via binding to the ligand-activated nuclear receptors, RAR/RXR. In the HL-60 human myelo-monocytic leukemia model, an actively proliferating, phenotypically immature, lineage bi-potent NCI-60 cell line, RA causes election of the myeloid lineage and phenotypic maturation with G1/0 growth inhibition. It thereby converts transformed immature proliferating tumor cells to mature growth retarded cells that bear fidelity to non-transformed mature myeloid cells. The present study finds that expression of the FGR SFK(SRC-family-kinase) alone is sufficient to induce differentiation. Akin to RA, the phenotypic conversion manifests as expression of CD38, CD11b, and ROS, as well as the p27(kip1) CDKI (cyclin-dependent-kinase-inhibitor that retards cells in G1/0) characteristic of mature myeloid cells. To pursue mechanistic insight, signaling attributes known to promote RA-induced differentiation were analyzed to see what FGR affected. RA is known to cause expression of FGR which is incorporated into and activates a putative novel cytosolic macromolecular signaling machine(signalsome) that propels differentiation. RA enhances the abundance of signalsome constituents, their associations, and their phosphorylation. The signalsome contains connected nodes that appear as a spine to which the other components are connected. The apparent “nodes” are RAF, LYN, FGR, SLP-76 and CBL. All of these become enriched in the nucleus after RA-treatment. NUMB and VAV appear to provide further scaffolding functions enhanced by RA. RAF in the nucleus complexes with a RARE (retinoic acid-response-element) in the promoter of the blr1 gene, which encodes a serpentine G-protein-coupled-receptor. blr1 transcriptional activation by RA depends on RAF binding. BLR1 expression is necessary to propel RA-induced differentiation, although by itself is not sufficient to cause phenotypic differentiation. Analyzing this signaling process revealed that expression of FGR mimics RA-induced enhancement of the signalsome nodes, enhancing expression of RAF and its phosphorylation, and causing BLR1 expression. Interestingly, for cd38 and blr1, FGR apparently causes expression of genes targeted by RAR/RXR even without RA. FGR thus appears to cause signaling events and phenotypic shift characteristic of RA. In sum, the data indicate that FGR is the “trigger” for RA-induced differentiation. Given the historical perception of FGR as a pro-proliferation, transforming-viral-oncogene, this is a surprising paradigm shift.
Solving the periodic coupled operator matrix equations via BCR iterative method and its application in periodic state feedback pole assignment
Authors: Wang Wenling , Song Caiqin 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe paper aims to study the constraint solutions of the periodic coupled operator matrix equations by the biconjugate residual algorithm. The new algorithm can solve a lot of constraint solutions including Hamiltonian solutions and symmetric solutions, as special cases. At the end of this paper, the new algorithm is applied to the pole assignment problem.Design/methodology/approachWhen the studied periodic coupled operator matrix equations are consistent, it is proved that constraint solutions can converge to exact solutions. It is demonstrated that the solutions of the equations can be obtained by the new algorithm with any arbitrary initial matrices without rounding error in a finite number of iterative steps. In addition, the least norm-constrained solutions can also be calculated by selecting any initial matrices when the equations of the periodic coupled operator matrix are inconsistent.FindingsNumerical examples show that compared with some existing algorithms, the proposed method has higher convergence efficiency because less data are used in each iteration and the data is sufficient to complete an update. It not only has the best convergence accuracy but also requires the least running time for iteration, which greatly saves memory space.Originality/valueCompared with previous algorithms, the main feature of this algorithm is that it can synthesize these equations together to get a coupled operator matrix equation. Although the equation of this paper contains multiple submatrix equations, the algorithm in this paper only needs to use the information of one submatrix equation in the equation of this paper in each iteration so that different constraint solutions of different (coupled) matrix equations can be studied for this class of equations. However, previous articles need to iterate on a specific constraint solution of a matrix equation separately.
Income inequality persistence in African countries: financial regulation and military expenditure roles
Authors: Jungo João , Madaleno Mara , Botelho Anabela 
Published: August 2024

PurposeEvidence shows that African countries are confronted with high levels of income inequality. Therefore, it is relevant to approach and analyze the factors contributing to these severe inequality cases. This paper addresses the issue by focusing on the role of financial regulation and military spending.Design/methodology/approachWe used a sample of 30 African countries and a recent period (2009–2020), employing various instrumental variable estimation techniques to control for endogeneity.FindingsThe results confirm that economic growth aggravates income inequality due to high corruption and political instability. Results confirm that the increase in military spending increases inequality and that financial regulation weakens financial inclusion and also increases income inequality.Research limitations/implicationsThe study shows the need for greater control of corruption and the promotion of political stability so that economic growth and financial inclusion can effectively reduce income inequality, as well as the need for a better balance in the drafting of financial regulations and the preparation of military expenditure to safeguard other policy objectives.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to scarce financial, economic, and social literature considering the role of financial regulation and military spending in the persistence of income inequality in African countries. Previous studies disregarded this fact.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2023-0287
From social support to thriving at work via psychological capital: the role of psychosocial safety climate in a weekly study
Authors: Okros Norberth , Vîrgă Delia 
Published: August 2024

PurposeBased on the socially embedded model of thriving at work and using the Conservation of Resources theory, this study examines how different resources promote thriving at work. Thus, we investigate the mediating role of psychological capital, as a personal resource, in the positive relationship between social support, as a job resource, and thriving at work, as well as the impact of psychological safety climate, as an organizational resource, on thriving and its moderating role in the relationship between psychological capital and thriving at work.Design/methodology/approachEighty correctional officers (NL2 = 80) completed self-reported questionnaires at the beginning of the study and throughout six consecutive weeks (NL1 = 480), yielding a multi-level dataset.FindingsThe results supported the proposed weekly mediated process, also confirming the fact that a psychosocial safety climate has a positive effect on thriving at work. However, no moderation of the psychosocial safety climate was found.Practical implicationsIn an environment with social support, correctional officers are full of hope at work, resilient, confident, and optimistic, contributing to increased energy and learning. Also, supervisors should promote psychological well-being at work to increase thriving.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study pertains to exploring the relationship between the psychosocial safety climate and thriving at work, as well as the role that various resources play in promoting thriving among correctional officers.
Enhancing financial resilience of women-owned SMEs in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic: the antecedent role of social capital
Authors: Odoch Hojops J.P. , Namono Rehema , Wofuma Gorden 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Scientific knowledge is rich with literature on the antecedent role of social capital on resilience. However, empirical evidence has overlooked the role of the individual dimensions of bonding and bridging social capital on its outcomes. This study aims to extend empirical research on the influence of social capital facets of bonding social capital and bridging social capital on financial resilience and more specifically in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic where women SMEs mostly need bonding.

Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an explanatory research design to determine the hypothesized effect of social capital on financial resilience. The authors used regression to test the hypothesized relationship using a sample of three hundred and eight four women-owned SMEs in Kampala registered with Kampala City Traders Association.

Findings
According to the findings, the social bonding provides female entrepreneurs with emotive encouragement and inspiration through personal connections and responsibility sharing. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs bridging, which consisted of business networks, made it easier for them to identify new financial opportunities, which ultimately led to an increase in their financial resilience. The findings placed an emphasis on the significance of fellow business owners as sources of knowledge and assets that are crucial to maintaining one's financial resilience.

Research limitations/implications
Data were collected from women owned SMEs, and the application of the findings may be limited to women SMEs in Kampala District. Therefore, future research should replicate the current study findings using a sample drawn from other SMEs owned by both male and female from outside Kampala because of changes in operating environment. The study was cross-sectional, and financial resilience of a firm changes was periodical. This study paves the way for future longitudinal research in the same topic area, which will allow for a more complete comprehension of the financial resiliency of SMEs throughout a range of different time periods.

Practical implications
Research findings shape trajectory for current practitioners of SMEs to establish relevant social bonding and bridging as social capital in preparation for financial resilience in case of any pandemic.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to establish the antecedent role of social capital on financial resilience during an economic crisis induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, using a sample of women-owned medium- and small-sized businesses in Kampala.
Addition of nitrous oxide and oxygen to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery for pain reduction: A double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Verguts Jasper , Soors Eline , Callebaut Ina , Evers Stefan , Vandenbrande Jeroen , Ceulemans Angelique , Smeets Wouter , Tmimi Layth Al , Stessel Björn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo examine if peritoneal conditioning with an altered insufflation gas mixture is associated with reduced postoperative pain intensity compared to the standard insufflation gas (i.e., 100% CO2).DesignA prospective, single‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, superiority trial was performed.SettingThis study was conducted between 4 April 2019 and 10 February 2022 at the Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium.PopulationPatients scheduled for elective gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery.MethodsSeventy‐four patients scheduled for elective gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery were randomised to receive either the standard insufflation gas with 100 CO2 (n = 37; control group) or the altered gas mixture of 86% CO2, 10% N2O and 4% O2 (n = 37; experimental group).Main Outcome MeasuresPostoperative pain was assessed at 4, 8 and 24 hours after surgery and on postoperative day (POD) 7 by an 11‐point Numeric Rating Scale, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating worst imaginable pain.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the control and experimental groups regarding postoperative pain at 4, 8 and 24 h after surgery, as well as on POD7. In addition, the median (25% and 75%) total amount of IV piritramide consumption during the first 24 h after surgery was not significantly different between groups (control group: 18.0 [10.0, 27.0] mg vs. experimental group: 17.0 [10.0, 34.0] mg, p = 0.62).ConclusionThe alternative insufflation gas mixture comprising 86% CO2, 10% N2O and 4% O2 used for the pneumoperitoneum during gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery does not appear to reduce postoperative pain compared to the standard insufflation gas of 100% CO2.
Intracellular pyruvate as one of the major bioactive substances of lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi
Authors: Kang Jin Yong , Lee Moeun , Song Jung Hee , Choi Eun Ji , Mun So Yeong , Kim Daun , Lim Seul Ki , Kim Namhee , Park Bo Yeon , Chang Ji Yoon 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to identify the metabolites associated with the physiological activity of kimchi‐derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB). A clear difference was observed between the 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging rates when the pyruvate content was high (273.5 ng/µL; radical removal speed 6.50% per min) and the rates when the pyruvate content had decreased (131.9 ng/µL; radical removal speed 3.63% per min). Additionally, the characteristics of LAB antioxidant activity (increase in ABTS radical scavenging activity with reaction time, low level of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity) were similar to those of pyruvate‐derived activity. Hydrogen peroxide content (WiKim0124, 2.08 → 0.26; WiKim0121, 0.99 → 0.47; WiKim39, 1.93 → 0.24) and lactate dehydrogenase activity (WiKim0124, 1.53 → 0.00; WiKim0121, 0.73 → 0.01; WiKim39, 1.72 → 0.02) decreased more in heat‐killed LAB than in non‐heat‐killed LAB. Accordingly, this resulted in increased pyruvate content and the inhibitory activity of lipid peroxide production increased by 2–3 times. Our findings indicate that pyruvate is one of the major metabolites regulating LAB physiological activity.Practical ApplicationThe safety of utilizing live probiotics remains a topic of debate. To mitigate associated risks, there is a growing interest in non‐viable microorganisms or microbial cell extracts for use as probiotics. Various methods can be employed for probiotic inactivation. Heat treatment typically emerges as the preferred choice for inactivating probiotic strains in many instances. The present study shows the distinctions between inactivating lactic acid bacteria (LAB) through heat treatment and non‐heat treatment. It may serve as a valuable reference for selecting an appropriate inactivation method for LAB in industrial processes.
Growth, persistence and toxin production of pathogenic bacteria in plant‐based drinking milk alternatives
Authors: Kain Theresa , Albahri Manar , Plötz Madeleine , Jessberger Nadja 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe present study investigated the microbiological safety of the increasingly popular plant‐based milk alternatives. No (10/27) or only very low microbial counts (17/27) were detected in the tested products. These were mainly identified as spore formers via MALDI‐ToF‐MS. Three products contained Bacillus cereus group isolates, which were able to form considerable amounts of enterotoxins and exhibited cytotoxicity towards CaCo‐2 cells. Preliminary tests showed good growth of B. cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica in all tested products (maximum bacterial counts: 5 × 1012 cfu/mL). These experiments also revealed strain‐, time‐, and temperature‐, but especially product‐specific enterotoxin production of B. cereus. In propagation and persistence tests according to DIN EN ISO 20976‐1:2019‐09, rapid bacterial proliferation was also detected in all products. B. cereus generally showed lower bacterial counts (106–107 cfu/mL) compared to L. monocytogenes and S. enterica (108–109 cfu/mL), but was detectable in a larger number of products over the test period of 6 weeks. pH values decreased (20/27) over time and visual and/or olfactory alterations (24/27) were observed. The present study provides information on the occurrence, growth and persistence of pathogenic bacteria in plant‐based drinking milk alternatives. It also points out that the accompanying changes in pH, odor, and appearance are not necessarily recognizable to the consumer.Practical ApplicationThe present study contributes to the understanding of the microbial risk related to plant‐based drinking milk alternatives. It is crucial that the manufacturer ensures that particularly spore formers have been effectively eliminated from the products. Among them, especially toxin‐producing bacteria can pose a risk to the consumer, as these products promote proliferation and persistence of the bacteria.
Mapping consumptions and market size of cocaine, amphetamine and MDMA through wastewater analysis: A Dutch case study
Authors: ter Laak Thomas L. , Emke Erik , Dolot Nicole , van Loon Emiel E. , van der Kooi Margo M. E. , van Asten Arian C. , de Voogt Pim 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsIllicit drug consumption is associated with public health effects and criminal activities. This study aimed to estimate Illicit drug consumption and annual market in the Netherlands from wastewater analysis of drug residues.MethodsResidues of cocaine, amphetamine and 3,4‐methylene dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) were measured between 2015 and 2022 in 30 Dutch wastewater treatment plants serving both rural and urban populations. These wastewater treatment plants covered 20% of the total Dutch population. The Dutch annual retail market was estimated by extrapolating consumption to the total Dutch population, back‐calculating consumption volume, correcting for drug purity and street price collected in voluntary checking services, and accounting for the correlation of consumption and urbanity.ResultsThe per capita MDMA and cocaine consumption correlated positively with the urbanity of the wastewater treatment plant catchments with r2 of 31% and 64%, respectively. Amphetamine did not show a significant correlation with urbanity. The three studied drugs were conservatively estimated to cover an average annual market value of 903 (95% prediction interval 829 to 987) million Euro for the studied period. Market estimations from prevalence figures and interceptions of international trade were similar.ConclusionsIllicit drug consumption in the Netherlands appears to correlate positively with urban (in contrast to rural) areas. Wastewater analysis can be used to estimate the volume and monetary value of illicit drug markets as a proof of concept.
Mindfulness improves psychological health and supports health behaviour cognitions: Evidence from a pragmatic RCT of a digital mindfulness‐based intervention
Authors: Remskar Masha , Western Max J. , Ainsworth Ben 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundMindfulness‐based interventions can improve psychological health; yet the mechanisms of change are underexplored. This pre‐registered remote RCT evaluated a freely accessible digital mindfulness programme aiming to improve well‐being, mental health and sleep quality. Health behaviour cognitions were explored as possible mediators.MethodsParticipants from 91 countries (N = 1247, Mage = 27.03 [9.04]) were randomized to 30 days of mindfulness practice or attention‐matched control condition. Measures of well‐being, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, barriers self‐efficacy, self‐regulation and behavioural predictors (e.g., attitudes and behavioural intentions) were taken at baseline, 1‐month (post‐intervention) and 2‐months (follow‐up). Linear regression examined intervention effects between and within groups. Longitudinal mediation analyses explored indirect effects through health behaviour cognitions.ResultsThree hundred participants completed post‐intervention measures. Those receiving mindfulness training reported significantly better well‐being (Mdifference = 2.34, 95%CIs .45–4.24, p = .016), lower depression (Mdifference = −1.47, 95%CIs −2.38 to −.56, p = .002) and anxiety symptoms (Mdifference = −.77, 95%CIs −1.51 to −.02, p = .045) than controls. Improvements in well‐being and depression were maintained at follow‐up. Intervention effects on primary outcomes were mediated by attitudes towards health maintenance and behavioural intentions. Mediating effects of attitudes remained when controlling for prior scores in models of depression and well‐being.ConclusionsDigital, self‐administered mindfulness practice for 30 days meaningfully improved psychological health, at least partially due to improved attitudes towards health behaviours and stronger behavioural intentions. This trial found that digital mindfulness is a promising and scalable well‐being tool for the general population, and highlighted its role in supporting health behaviours.