bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global plant responses to intensified fire regimes
Authors: Grau‐Andrés Roger , Moreira Bruno , Pausas Juli G. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimGlobal change factors, such as warming, heatwaves, droughts and land‐use changes, are intensifying fire regimes (defined here as increasing frequency or severity of fires) in many ecosystems worldwide. A large body of local‐scale research has shown that such intensified fire regimes can greatly impact on ecosystem structure and function through altering plant communities. Here, we aim to find general patterns of plant responses to intensified fire regimes across climates, habitats and fire regimes at the global scale.LocationWorldwide.Time periodStudies published 1962–2023.Major taxa studiedWoody plants, herbs and bryophytes.MethodsWe carried out a global systematic review and meta‐analysis of the response of plant abundance, diversity and fitness to increased fire frequency or severity. To assess the context dependency of those responses, we tested the effect of the following variables: fire regime component (fire frequency or severity), time since the last fire, fire type (wildfire or prescribed fire), historical fire regime type (surface or crown fire), plant life form (woody plant, herb or bryophyte), habitat type and climate.ResultsIntensified fire regimes reduced overall plant abundance (Hedges' d = −0.24), diversity (d = −0.27), and fitness (d = −0.69). Generally, adverse effects of intensified fire regimes on plants were stronger due to increased severity than frequency, in wildfires compared to prescribed fires, and at shorter times since fire. Adverse effects were also stronger for woody plants than for herbs, and in conifer and mixed forests than in open ecosystems (e.g. grasslands and shrublands).Main conclusionsIntensified fire regimes can substantially alter plant communities in many ecosystems worldwide. Plant responses are influenced by the specific fire regime component that is changing and by the biotic and abiotic conditions.
Health and social care managers' self‐assessed competence in knowledge management: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Karsikas Eevi , Meriläinen Merja , Koivunen Kirsi , Kanste Outi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimTo describe health and social care managers' self‐assessed competence in knowledge management and the factors associated with management competence.BackgroundIt has been shown that the performance of an organization is as good as the competence of its managers, so health and social care managers' competence in knowledge management should be assessed to improve organizational performance.DesginA descriptive cross‐sectional design.MethodsA total of 116 managers participated from six Finnish public health and social care organizations. The data were collected in February and August 2022 using the managers' competence in knowledge management (MCKM) instrument and analysed using descriptive statistical methods.ResultsHealth and social care managers rated their self‐reported total competence in knowledge management as good. Among the dimensions of knowledge management competence, managing a culture of competence received the highest rating, while planning competence development and cooperation was perceived as the weakest dimension. The results indicate that background factors such as the healthcare setting, the number of units managed and the number of direct staff had a statistically significant association with the health and social care managers' self‐assessed competence in planning competence development and cooperation.ConclusionEven though the health and social care managers' total self‐assessed competence level in knowledge management was rated as good, the results underscore the significance of continuous competence development among these managers in all dimensions of knowledge management.ImpactBy enhancing and clarifying managers' tasks and competence in knowledge management, managers can increase staff retention, attractiveness and work well‐being.ImplicationsThe results can be utilized to identify managers' strengths and weaknesses in knowledge management and, thus, effectively target their limited competence development resources.Reporting MethodThe STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.Patient or Public ContributionThere is no patient or public contribution.
Artificial fluorescent sensor reveals pre‐synaptic NMDA receptors switch cholecystokinin release and LTP in the hippocampus
Authors: Wong Yin‐Ting , Zheng Xuejiao , Lau Siu‐Hin , Sun Ka‐Hei Murphy , Chen Xi , Li Huangcan , Ng Siu‐Lung , Jiang HeHai , Lau Geoffrey Chun Yue , He Jufang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCholecystokinin (CCK) has been confirmed to be essential in NMDA‐dependent long‐term potentiation (LTP) at mouse cortical synapses. This paper has proven that CCK is necessary for LTP induced by high‐frequency stimulation of mouse hippocampal synapses projected from the entorhinal cortex. We show that the subunit of the axonal NMDA receptor dominant modulates the activity‐induced LTP by triggering pre‐synaptic CCK release. A functional pre‐synaptic NMDA receptor is required to induce LTP mediated by the axonal Ca2+ elevation and CCK exocytosis at CCK‐specific neurons. Genetic depletion of the GluN1 subunit of NMDA receptors on CCK neurons, which projected from the entorhinal cortex largely abolished the axonal Ca2+ elevation and disturbed the secretion of CCK in hippocampus. These results demonstrate that activity‐induced LTP at the hippocampal synapse is CCK‐dependent, and CCK secretion from the axonal terminal is modulated by pre‐synaptic NMDA receptors.image
The impact of payday alternative loans on credit union performance and loan quality
Authors: Goenner Cullen F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFederal regulators in 2010 amended lending rules to allow federal credit unions (FCU) to originate short‐term, small‐dollar amount loans, with an annual percentage rate of up to 1000 basis points above the otherwise imposed interest rate ceiling of 18 percent. The purpose of the change in policy was to allow FCUs the ability to provide their members with an alternative to payday loans. We find the decision to originate these higher‐interest loans is primarily influenced by the characteristics of a credit union's environment. Credit unions located in minority neighborhoods and in markets with fewer traditional financial services are more likely to participate in the payday alternative loan program. Participation in the program is shown to improve earnings performance without adversely affecting participants' loan quality. These results suggest credit unions can provide lower‐priced alternatives to payday loans that are beneficial to members and their credit unions.
Aesthetic management of lips and perioral region with Hylacross® and Vycross® hyaluronic‐acid based fillers: A document of recommendations
Authors: Díaz‐Aguayo Iratxe , Urdiales‐Gálvez Fernando , Benítez Paula A , Carvajal‐Larrate Antonio , Farollch‐Prats Lisandro , Hospido Ana , Mira Mar , Uva Luís , Zuluaga Luís 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundLip volumization and perioral rejuvenation with hyaluronic‐acid (HA) based dermal fillers are generating increasing interest and demand. However, this topic is still having many unmet needs nowadays. This document aimed to provide tips and recommendations that may help clinicians to achieve optimal and more predictable aesthetic outcomes.MethodsA multidisciplinary group of aesthetic medicine doctors from Spain and Portugal reviewed the tools used for assessing the patient and aesthetic outcomes, as well as the different techniques and products used in lips/perioral rejuvenation.ResultsThe consensus panel provided specific recommendations focusing on the basic information to collect before performing the aesthetic procedure; comprehensive approach to lips/perioral region rejuvenation; clinical and aesthetic assessment tools; product and technique selection; patient profile and needs; and safety issues (complications/adverse‐events).ConclusionsThe rapid evolution of techniques and tools for assessing the patient and aesthetic outcomes, as well as the development of new HA‐based fillers makes it necessary to update the clinical recommendations that guide the daily practice of clinicians, particularly those who have less experience with these procedures. This document addressed relevant subjects related to lip/perioral‐region rejuvenation to perform the correct procedure, with the appropriate HA‐based, on the right patient; to help specialists to obtain optimal and predictable aesthetic outcomes.
Rural comprehensive cancer care: Qualitative analysis of current challenges and opportunities
Authors: Evans Sydney , Seaman Aaron T. , Johnson Erin C. , Engelbart Jacklyn M. , Gao Xiang , Vikas Praveen , Phadke Sneha , Schroeder Mary C. , Lizarraga Ingrid M. , Charlton Mary E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeWhile limited resources can make high‐quality, comprehensive, coordinated cancer care provision challenging in rural settings, rural cancer patients often rely on local hospitals for care. To develop resources and strategies to support high‐quality local cancer care, it is critical to understand the current experiences of rural cancer care physicians, including perceived strengths and challenges of providing cancer care in rural areas. MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 cancer providers associated with all 12 non‐metropolitan/rural Iowa hospitals that diagnose or treat >100 cancer patients annually. Iterative thematic analysis was conducted to develop domains.FindingsParticipants identified geographic proximity and sense of community as strengths of local care. They described decision‐making processes and challenges related to referring patients to larger centers for complex procedures, including a lack of dedicated navigators to facilitate and track transfers between institutions and occasional lack of respect from academic physicians. Participants reported a desire for strengthening collaborations with larger urban/academic cancer centers, including access to educational opportunities, shared resources and strategies to collect and monitor data on quality, and clinical trials.ConclusionsRural cancer care providers are dedicated to providing high‐quality care close to home for their patients and would welcome opportunities to increase collaboration with larger centers to improve coordination and comprehensiveness of care, collect and monitor data on quality of care, and access continuing education opportunities. Further research is needed to develop implementation approaches that will extend resources, services, and expertise to rural providers to facilitate high‐quality cancer care for all cancer patients.
The need for critical and intersectional approaches to equity efforts in postgraduate medical education: A critical narrative review
Authors: Lam Justin T. H. , Coret Michal , Khalil Carlos , Butler Kat , Giroux Ryan J. , Martimianakis Maria Athina ( Tina) 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundRacialised trainees in Canada and the USA continue to disproportionately experience discrimination and harassment in learning environments despite equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) reform efforts. Using critical approaches to understand what problems have been conceptualised and operationalised as EDI issues within postgraduate medical education (PGME) is important to inform ongoing learning environment reform in resident training.MethodsWe conducted a critical narrative review of EDI literature from 2009–2022 using critical race theory (CRT) and the concept of intersectionality to analyse how issues of discrimination in PGME have been studied. Our search yielded 2244 articles that were narrowed down to 349 articles for relevance to Canadian and American PGME contexts. We attended to reflexivity and our positionality in analysing the database and identifying themes related to EDI reform.ResultsInterest convergence was noted in how EDI reform was rationalised primarily by increased productivity. Problems of learner representation, gender inequities and curricular problems were conceptualised as EDI issues. The role that racism played in EDI‐related problems was largely invisible, as were explicit conceptualisations of race and gender as social constructs. Overall, there was a lack of critical or intersectional approaches in the literature reviewed. Misalignment was noted where studies would frame a problem through a critical lens, but then study the problem without attention to power.DiscussionInterest convergence and epistemic injustice can account for the absence of critical approaches due to the alignment of existing EDI work with institutional interests and priorities. Interest convergence conceptually limits existing EDI reform efforts in PGME. CRT and intersectionality connect racialised learner experiences to systemic phenomena like racism and other forms of discrimination to challenge dominant assumptions. Because they attend to power, critical approaches are key to understanding why inequities have persisted to advance equity in learning environments for racialised and intersectionally marginalised learners.
Interspecific variation in Rubisco CO2/O2 specificity along the leaf economic spectrum across 23 woody angiosperm plants in the Pacific islands
Authors: Sakata Tsuyoshi , Matsuyama Shin , Kawai Kiyosada , Yasumoto Ko , Sekikawa Seikoh , Ishida Atsushi 
Published: May 2024

Summary

The coordinated interspecific variation in leaf traits and leaf lifespan is known as the leaf economic spectrum (LES). The limitation of CO2 diffusion to chloroplasts within the lamina is significant in C3 photosynthesis, resulting in a shortage of CO2 for Rubisco. Although Rubisco CO2/O2 specificity (SC/O) should be adaptively adjusted in response to the interspecific variation in CO2 concentrations [CO2] associated with Rubisco, SC/O variations across species along the LES remain unknown.

We investigated the coordination among leaf traits, including SC/O, CO2 conductance, leaf protein content, and leaf mass area, across 23 woody C3 species coexisting on an oceanic island through phylogenetic correlation analyses.

A high SC/O indicates a high CO2 specificity of Rubisco. SC/O was negatively correlated with [CO2] at Rubisco and total CO2 conductance within lamina, while it was positively correlated with leaf protein across species, regardless of phylogenetic constraint. A simulation analysis shows that the optimal SC/O for maximizing photosynthesis depends on both [CO2] at Rubisco sites and leaf protein per unit leaf area.

SC/O is a key parameter along the LES axis and is crucial for maximizing photosynthesis across species and the adaptation of woody plants.
A big data scheme for heart disease classification in map reduce using jellyfish search flow regime optimization enabled Spinalnet
Authors: Jaya Mabel Rani Antony , Srivenkateswaran Chinnapillai , Vishnupriya Gurunathan , Subramanian Nalini , Ilango Poonguzhali , Jacintha Vijaya Kumar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe disease related to the heart is serious and can lead to death. Precise heart disease prediction is imperative for the effective treatment of cardiac patients. This can be attained by machine learning (ML) techniques using healthcare data. Several models on the basis of ML predict and identify disease in the heart, but this model cannot manage a huge database because of the deficiency of the smart model. This paper provides an optimized SpinalNet with a MapReduce model to categorize heart disease.ObjectiveThe objective is to design a big data approach for heart disease classification using the proposed Jellyfish Search Flow Regime Optimization (JSFRO)‐based SpinalNet.MethodThe binary image conversion is applied on Electrocardiogram (ECG) images for converting the image to binary image. MapReduce model is adapted, in which the mappers execute feature extraction and the reducer performs heart disease classification. In the mapper phase, the features like statistical features, shape features and temporal features are extracted and in reducer, the SpinalNet with JSFRO is considered. Here, the training of SpinalNet is done with JSFRO, which is produced by the unification of Jellyfish Search Optimization (JSO) and Flow Regime Optimization (FRO).MethodThe JSFRO‐based SpinalNet offered effectual performance with the finest accuracy of 90.8%, sensitivity of 95.2% and specificity of 93.6%.
How useful is setting safety goals?
Authors: Sugawara Shin‐etsu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe study explores the multifaceted role of safety goals in fostering a risk‐informed culture, reflecting the global experience within the nuclear safety domain. Analysis of the phases of transition evoked by establishing and applying safety goals sheds light on the need for epistemic, reflexive, and practical transitions for better management of nuclear safety. This pivotal role of safety goals underscores the importance of recognizing them not as ready‐to‐use turnkey products but as catalysts for stakeholder dialog, reassessment of existing safety paradigms, and regulatory framework refinement. Finally, this study explores the challenges associated with standardizing safety goals globally and navigating the transition process within the framework of transition management.
Predictability and transparency of working conditions for food delivery platform workers across selected EU countries
Authors: Leschke Janine , Scheele Laura 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhile prior research has demonstrated the poor and unpredictable working conditions and ambiguous working arrangements characteristic of platform‐based food delivery, we lack research on the question of how well these workers are informed about essential aspects of their work, including protection of their rights, working time and schedules, and earnings. Comprehensive and transparent information on working conditions at an early stage is indispensable if workers are to be able to make informed decisions on taking up work and, where relevant, investing in equipment and exercising rights linked to a specific job. Drawing on the multi‐dimensional job quality literature, this article focuses on digital labour platforms in the food delivery sector across four countries: Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. We exploit firm‐level variations, including with regard to the types of work arrangements used and the application—or not—of collective agreements. We draw on information provided to riders during the application process prior to the start of employment, including via websites and FAQs, as well as scrutiny of contracts, service agreements and collective bargaining agreements, where relevant. This information is complemented with interviews with trade union representatives. Our findings point to the relationship between a firm's choice of employment status and form of contract, on one hand, and the predictability and transparency of information provided to workers, on the other. Differences and similarities in such information seem to be more strongly bound to firm‐level decisions than to the welfare and industrial relations regimes in which the platform companies operate.
A Modular Nitinol Model With Lode Angle-Based Asymmetry and Improved Representation of the Superelastic Loops for Medical Device Applications
Authors: Mould John , Kelly Alex , Peterson Ash , Rebelo Nuno 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We describe a phenomenological constitutive model for representing Nitinol in medical device applications. The intent is to capture some of the response features important to medical device applications that are neglected in prevalent state of the art models such as the Abaqus superelastic model, without losing any of the major capabilities that are already widely adopted. These features include better representation of the superelastic loops under compression which is needed to accurately assess bending—a primary response mode in slender medical devices. This model captures tension/compression asymmetry as a function of Lode angle rather than pressure as in some existing models. Test data show Lode angle functionality is superior. We will refer to this implementation as the Thornton Tomasetti (TT) model to distinguish it from other existing implementations that have evolved from the baseline underlying theory. We implement the model in a modular form suitable for use in commercial finite element software and describe initialization from laboratory test data. This model improves fidelity in representing the mechanical response of Nitinol, but as will be shown below, there is more to be done. Higher fidelity models lead to improved medical device simulations and hence better designs.
Habitual Nocturnal Sleep, Napping Behavior, and Recovery Following Training and Competition in Elite Water Polo: Sex-Related Effects
Authors: Koutouvakis Nickos G. , Geladas Nickos D. , Mouratidis Athanasios , Toubekis Argyris G. , Botonis Petros G. 
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To examine nocturnal sleep patterns, napping behaviors, and subjective wellness responses of elite water polo players within an in-season week and to identify whether sleeping patterns differ between men and women. Methods: Sleep characteristics of 10 male and 17 female professional water polo players were objectively assessed during 1 week of the in-season period, including 5 training days, 1 match day, and 1 day of rest. Internal load (rating of perceived exertion × duration of training or match) was assessed 30 minutes posttraining or postmatch, and the total quality of recovery was recorded every morning. A series of multilevel models were used to analyze the data. Results: Time in bed and wake-up time were earlier on both training (P < .001) and rest days (P < .001) than on the day of the match. Internal workload did not predict any of the players’ sleeping patterns. Midday naps predicted less time in bed (P = .03) and likely less sleep time (P = .08). The total quality of recovery was predicted only by the total sleep time (P < .01). Women exhibited higher sleep efficiency (P < .001), less waking after sleep onset (P = .01), and a lower number of awakenings (P = .02) than men. Conclusions: The current results indicate that the nocturnal sleep patterns of elite water polo players are not associated with internal load and that women display better nocturnal sleep quality compared with men. As long naps interfere with nocturnal sleep, and total nocturnal sleep time predicts total quality of recovery, we suggest that athletes follow hygiene sleep strategies to facilitate adequate nocturnal sleep and next-day recovery.