bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
German and Dutch works councils: A trust theory of legal employee voice
Authors: Berg Annette van den , Grift Yolanda , Witteloostuijn Arjen van , Sapulete Saraï , Brehmer Wolfram , Behrens Martin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGerman and Dutch law grant works councils (WoCs) a significant role in company affairs, accompanied by the obligation to act in the organization's overall interest. However, is this sufficient to ensure meaningful WoC involvement in practical organizational decision‐making? We use the well‐emphasized concept of trust from the voluntary employment voice literature as a foundation for exploring how managerial goodwill translates into employment relations regimes with strict mandatory employee voice elements. We take two cases of strict employee voice systems as our litmus test: Germany and the Netherlands. Through structural equation modeling, we unravel the direct and indirect effects on employee representatives' assessment of employee voice effectiveness, considering factors such as legislation, interpersonal relationships between WoC and management team, and union involvement. Trust is positioned as a central mediator. Utilizing unique survey data from 2014 that includes responses from German and Dutch works councilors, the results indicate that legal information rights alone do not solely promote WoC involvement in both countries. Trust also plays a vital role, demonstrating a direct positive effect on having a say and acting as a mediator for timely information provision, goal sharing, organizational support, unity within the WoC (in the Netherlands), and union involvement (mainly in Germany). These cross‐country differences are attributed to variations within Rhineland capitalism, where German relations are primarily characterized by a strong capital‐labor divide, and Dutch relations predominantly emphasize consensus‐seeking.
Comparison of behavioral and physiological changes in postpartum healthy and inflammatory diseased cows
Authors: Huang Chen‐Yu , Kojima Tomoki , Yayou Ken‐ichi 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDuring parturition, cows often experience intense pain and stress, which increases the risk of inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to compare the postpartum health status between healthy cows and those diagnoses with inflammatory diseases by examining behavioral and heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) changes, to provide information before the onset of disease. Eight Holstein cows were used in this study. HR, parameters of HRV (low‐frequency power: LF; high‐frequency power: HF; LF/HF ratio, and total power) and time budget of individual maintenance behaviors (standing, recumbency, feeding, rumination while standing and lying, and sleep) were continuously recorded from 0 to 168 h postpartum. Milk and blood samples were collected daily. Cows were categorized as diseases based on the positive result of California mastitis test and/or serum haptoglobin concentration that exceeded 50 μg/ml after all blood samples have been collected. Compared to healthy individuals (n = 3), diseased cows (n = 5) exhibited higher HR, LF/HF, and lower total power (p < 0.05), suggesting the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system in cows with inflammatory diseases. Additionally, diseased cows showed an increased standing time budget and reduced recumbency (p < 0.05), which may be a behavioral strategy in response to discomfort from inflammation.
Dispersal‐related plant traits are associated with range size in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Petrocelli Isis , Alzate Adriana , Zizka Alexander , Onstein Renske E. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimThe efficiency of animal‐mediated seed dispersal is threatened by the decline of animal populations, especially in tropical forests. We hypothesise that large‐seeded plants with animal‐mediated dispersal tend to have limited geographic ranges and face an increased risk of extinction due to the potential decline in seed dispersal by large‐bodied fruit‐eating and seed‐dispersing animals (frugivores).LocationAtlantic Forest, Brazil, South America.TaxonAngiosperms.MethodsFirst, we collected dispersal‐related traits (dispersal syndrome, fruit size, and seed size), growth form (tree, climber, and other) and preferred vegetation type (open and closed) data for 1052 Atlantic Forest plant species. Next, we integrated these with occurrence records, extinction risk assessments, and phylogenetic trees. Finally, we performed phylogenetic generalised least squares regressions to test the direct and interactive effects of dispersal‐related traits and vegetation type on geographical range size.ResultsLarge‐seeded species had smaller range sizes than small‐seeded species, but only for species with animal‐mediated dispersal, not for those dispersed by abiotic mechanisms. However, plants with abiotic dispersal had overall smaller range sizes than plants with animal‐mediated dispersal. Furthermore, we found that species restricted to forests had smaller ranges than those occurring in open or mixed vegetation. Finally, at least 29% of the Atlantic Forest flora is threatened by extinction, but this was not related to plant dispersal syndromes.Main ConclusionsLarge‐seeded plants with animal‐mediated dispersal may be suffering from dispersal limitation, potentially due to past and ongoing defaunation of large‐bodied frugivores, leading to small range sizes. Other factors, such as deforestation and fragmentation, will probably modulate the effects of dispersal on range size, and ultimately extinction. Our study sheds light on the relationship between plant traits, mutualistic interactions, and distribution that are key to the functioning of tropical forests.
Evaluating the incidence of complications among people with diabetes according to age of onset: Findings from the UK Biobank
Authors: Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Sacre Julian W. , Carstensen Bendix , Ruiz‐Carmona Sergio , Shaw Jonathan E. , Magliano Dianna J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsTo examine the impact of current age, age at diagnosis, and duration of diabetes on the incidence rate of complications among people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsBaseline data from 19,327 individuals with type 2 diabetes in the UK Biobank were analysed. Poisson regression was used to model incidence rates by current age, age at diagnosis, and duration of diabetes for the following outcomes: myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), stroke, end‐stage kidney diseases (ESKD), chronic kidney diseases (CKD), liver diseases, depression, and anxiety.ResultsThe mean age at baseline was 60.2 years, and median follow‐up was 13.9 years. Diabetes duration was significantly longer among those with younger‐onset type 2 diabetes (diagnosed at <40 years) compared to later‐onset type 2 diabetes (diagnosed at ≥40 years), 16.2 and 5.3 years, respectively. Incidence rates of MI, HF, stroke, and CKD had strong positive associations with age and duration of diabetes, whereas incidence rates of ESKD liver diseases, and anxiety mainly depended on duration of diabetes. The incidence rates of depression showed minor variation by age and duration of diabetes and were highest among those diagnosed at earlier ages. No clear evidence of an effect of age of onset of diabetes on risk of complications was apparent after accounting for current age and duration of diabetes.ConclusionsOur study indicates age at diagnosis of diabetes does not significantly impact the incidence of complications, independently of the duration of diabetes. Instead, complications are primarily influenced by current age and diabetes duration.
Value of data in stock assessment models with misspecified initial abundance and fishery selectivity
Authors: Altuna‐Etxabe Miren , Garcia Dorleta , Ibaibarriaga Leire , Huynh Quang C. , Murua Hilario , Carruthers Thomas R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe age‐structured assessment model available in the MSEtool R package assesses stock status and exploitation for varying data availability, from limited to rich datasets. We investigated model accuracy in relation to data availability, population exploitation levels, initial population assumption and fishery selectivity misspecification. Estimates were accurate in all conditions when data were available for a stock in an unfished state. However, for estimates to be accurate without complete exploitation data, total catch and abundance index data needed to span more than two stock generations. When the data time series was shorter than two generations, fishery mean lengths spanning one generation improved relative estimates (e.g. depletion), but precise estimates of unfished recruitment required fishery age‐ or length‐structured data.
Improvement in gait velocity variability after cerebrospinal fluid elimination and its relationship to clinical symptoms in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Yamamoto Takahiro , Fujito Ryoko , Chadani Yoshihiro , Kashibayashi Tetsuo , Kamimura Naoto , Tsuda Atsushi , Akamatsu Masanori , Matsushita Takuya , Yamagami Takuji , Ueba Tetsuya , Saito Motoaki , Inoue Keiji , Izumi Masashi , Kazui Hiroaki 
Published: May 2024

AimThis study aimed to investigate the improvement in gait velocity variability after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) elimination, and the association between gait velocity variability and gait and cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.MethodsThe gait velocity of 44 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus was measured using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) for a total of 10 times over 3 days each before and after CSF elimination. The coefficient of variation (CV) in the time required for the sequence of actions in TUG (TUG‐CV) was calculated using 10 TUG data, and used for measuring intraindividual gait velocity variability. Gait quality was evaluated with the Gait Status Scale Revised (GSSR), and cognitive function was evaluated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Frontal Assessment Battery.ResultsThe TUG, TUG‐CV, GSSR and Frontal Assessment Battery results improved significantly after CSF elimination. The analyses using pre‐CSF elimination results showed that the TUG‐CV significantly and positively correlated with the TUG and GSSR results, and negatively with Mini‐Mental State Examination results, but not with age and the Frontal Assessment Battery results. The stepwise multiple regression analysis indicates that the TUG, GSSR and Mini‐Mental State Examination results were significant predictors of the TUG‐CV. The analysis using data of change after CSF elimination showed that ΔTUG and ΔGSSR were significant predictors of ΔTUG‐CV.ConclusionsGait velocity variability improved after CSF elimination, and gait velocity variability was associated with gait disturbances and cognitive impairment in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 693–699.
Dynamics and correlation between volatile compounds and microbial community in chestnut rice wine fermentation
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Xiaohui , Li Mingyuan , Wei Cunhong , Xiao Mingchun , Xiao Jingjing , Zhang Yaqi , Chang Xuedong , Zou Jing 
Published: May 2024

SummaryChestnut rice wine, also called banli mijiu (BLMJ), uses Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) in the fermentation of traditional glutinous rice wine. This study characterised the microbial communities and volatile compounds in BLMJ and explored their correlations. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC–MS) revealed that the major volatile compounds during BLMJ fermentation include eighteen important volatile compounds (OAV > 1). High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) demonstrated that the abundance and diversity of bacteria were significantly greater than those of fungi during the fermentation process. Among them, Kropensteria and Saccharomyces were the most abundant bacteria and fungi at the genus level during the fermentation of BLMJ. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that eighteen important volatile compounds were significantly positively correlated with seven microbial genera (|r| > 0.9, P < 0.01), including six bacterial genera (Rhodococcus, Lactococcus, Pseudomonas, Janthinobacterium, Unclassified_f_Bacillaceae and Burkholderia‐Caballeronia‐Paraburkholderia) and one fungal genus (Saccharomyces). Therefore, these bacterias and fungi may be core functional microorganisms during BLMJ fermentation. The findings may provide important reference for mediating the microbial community during fermentation to improve the flavour of BLMJ.
Multiple sclerosis and the intestine: Chasing the microbial offender
Authors: Peters Anneli , Gerdes Lisa Ann , Wekerle Hartmut 
Published: May 2024

SummaryMultiple sclerosis (MS) affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide but the distribution is not even. Although over 200 gene variants have been associated with susceptibility, studies of genetically identical monozygotic twin pairs suggest that the genetic make‐up is responsible for only about 20%–30% of the risk to develop disease, while the rest is contributed by milieu factors. Recently, a new, unexpected player has entered the ranks of MS‐triggering or facilitating elements: the human gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge of microbial effects on formation of a pathogenic autoreactive immune response targeting the distant central nervous system and delineate the approaches, both in people with MS and in MS animal models, which have led to this concept. Finally, we propose that a tight combination of investigations of human patients with studies of suitable animal models is the best strategy to functionally characterize disease‐associated microbiota and thereby contribute to deciphering pathogenesis of a complex human disease.
An Optimised Optional Randomised Response Technique
Authors: Pushadapu Kavya , Singh Sarjinder , Sedory Stephen A. 
Published: May 2024

SummaryIn this paper, we begin by reviewing the optional randomised response technique estimator (ORRTE) developed by Chaudhuri and Mukerjee for estimating the proportion of a sensitive characteristic in a population. We show that their estimator is unbiased and has smaller variance than the Warner's estimator. Then we make an attempt at developing an optimised optional randomised response technique estimator (OORRTE). The proposed OORRTE is shown to be more efficient than the ORRTE. Findings from simulation studies are discussed and interpreted for various situations. Sample sizes for the Warner's estimator, the ORRTE and the OORRTE are computed based on power analysis introduced by Ulrich, Schroter, Striegel and Simon. Finally, we include an application to real data on COVID‐19 by considering it to be partially sensitive variable; that is, sensitive to some but not to others. The data used are included in the paper and the R‐codes used in the simulation study are documented in online material.
Evaluating the quality of home care in community health service centres: A machine learning approach
Authors: Xia Qiujie , Huang Qiyuan , Li Jingjie , Xu Yue , Ge Song , Zhang Xiao , Li Mei , Yu Dehong , Tang Xianping , Xia Youbing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsThe aim of the study is to develop a model using a machine learning approach that can effectively identify the quality of home care in communities.DesignA cross‐sectional design.MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the quality of home care in 170 community health service centres between October 2022 and February 2023. The Home Care Service Quality Questionnaire was used to collect information on home care structure, process and outcome quality. Then, an intelligent and comprehensive evaluation model was developed using a convolutional neural network, and its performance was compared with random forest and logistic regression models through various performance indicators.ResultsThe convolutional neural network model was built upon seven variables, which encompassed the qualification of home nursing staff, developing and practicing emergency plan to cope with different emergency rescues in home environment, being equipped with medication and supplies for first aid according to specific situations, assessing nutrition condition of home patients, allocation of the number of home nursing staff, cases of new pressure ulcers and patient satisfaction rate. Remarkably, the convolutional neural network model demonstrated superior performance, outperforming both the random forest and regression models.ConclusionThe successful development and application of the convolutional neural network model highlight its ability to leverage data from community health service centres for rapid and accurate grading of home care quality. This research points the way to home care quality improvement.ImpactThe model proposed in this study, coupled with the aforementioned factors, is expected to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of a comprehensive evaluation of home care quality. It will also help managers to take purposeful measures to improve the quality of home care.Reporting MethodThe reporting of this study (Observational, cross‐sectional study) conforms to the STROBE statement.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareThe application of this model has the potential to contribute to the advancement of high‐quality home care, particularly in lower‐middle‐income communities.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting cognitive frailty in patients on maintenance haemodialysis
Authors: Qin Tong , Fan Chun , Liu Qingwei , Wang Jizhe , Zhu Xiuli 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to construct a nomogram for predicting the risk of cognitive frailty in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.DesignAn explorative cross‐sectional design was adopted.MethodsFrom April 2022 to July 2022, 496 participants were recruited from five haemodialysis centres in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. Participants with cognitive frailty were screened by Frailty Phenotype scale and Mini‐Mental State Examination. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to determine predictors. The predictive performance of the nomogram was validated by calibration and discrimination. Decision curve analysis was used to assess clinical utility. Internal validation was implemented using 1000 bootstrap samples to mitigate overfitting.ResultsThe prevalence of cognitive frailty was 17.5% (n = 87). Six risk predictors, namely health empowerment, alexithymia, age, educational level, marital status and dialysis vintage, were screened and used to develop a nomogram model. The nomogram had satisfactory discrimination and calibration, and decision curve analysis revealed considerable clinical utility.ConclusionsA nomogram incorporated with the six risk predictors was developed, and it exhibited excellent prediction performance. The nomogram may strengthen the effective screening of patients at high risk of cognitive frailty.ImpactThis study established a tool for healthcare staff to predict cognitive frailty probability and identify risk factors in patients on maintenance haemodialysis. The nomogram can meet the needs of personalized care and precision medicine simultaneously.Patient or Public ContributionData were collected from patients on maintenance haemodialysis by using questionnaire survey.Reporting MethodSTROBE checklist was used.
Hypoxia‐related THBD+ macrophages as a prognostic factor in glioma: Construction of a powerful risk model
Authors: Tang Weichun , Du Juntao , Li Lin , Hu Shangshang , Ma Shuo , Xue Mengtong , Zhu Linlin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractGlioma is a prevalent malignant tumour characterized by hypoxia as a pivotal factor in its progression. This study aims to investigate the impact of the most severely hypoxic cell subpopulation in glioma. Our findings reveal that the THBD+ macrophage subpopulation is closely associated with hypoxia in glioma, exhibiting significantly higher infiltration in tumours compared to non‐tumour tissues. Moreover, a high proportion of THBD+ cells correlates with poor prognosis in glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Notably, THBD+ macrophages exhibit hypoxic characteristics and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition features. Silencing THBD expression leads to a notable reduction in the proliferation and metastasis of glioma cells. Furthermore, we developed a THBD+ macrophage‐related risk signature (THBDMRS) through machine learning techniques. THBDMRS emerges as an independent prognostic factor for GBM patients with a substantial prognostic impact. By comparing THBDMRS with 119 established prognostic features, we demonstrate the superior prognostic performance of THBDMRS. Additionally, THBDMRS is associated with glioma metastasis and extracellular matrix remodelling. In conclusion, hypoxia‐related THBD+ macrophages play a pivotal role in glioma pathogenesis, and THBDMRS emerges as a potent and promising prognostic tool for GBM, contributing to enhanced patient survival outcomes.
Formation of tendinous intersections in the human fetal rectus abdominis
Authors: Iwasa Yui , Kanahashi Toru , Matsubayashi Jun , Imai Hirohiko , Otani Hiroki , Yamada Shigehito , Takakuwa Tetsuya 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have poorly described the initial development process of the tendinous intersections of the rectus abdominis muscle (RAM). The present study aimed to observe the formation of tendinous intersections in the RAM during the early fetal period using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Fifteen human fetal specimens (crown‐rump length [CRL]: 39.5–93.7 mm) were selected. Three‐dimensional measurements revealed that Zone‐4 (i.e., the zone between the pubic symphysis and the caudal base of the umbilical ring in the RAM) had a smaller width and was thicker than Zone‐1 and Zone‐2 (i.e., the zones between the costal arch and the cranial base of the umbilical ring) and Zone‐3 (i.e., the zone at the umbilical ring). Characteristics of tendinous intersections in the RAM during the early fetal period were assessed according to number, size, type, laterality, and sex. The mean number of tendinous intersections on both sides was 3.1 (range: 2.0–4.0), and 21% of specimens had only two tendinous intersections, which was higher than that reported in previous adult studies. The present data suggest that the formation of tendinous intersections was still in progress in specimens with two tendinous intersections in the RAM and that the third tendinous intersection was formed in Zone‐2. Ordinal logistic regression via generalized estimating equations revealed that the odds for a higher type of tendinous intersections in Zone‐1 and Zone‐2 were significantly higher than those in Zone‐4 (adjusted odds ratio: 14.85, 8.84). The odds for the presence of incomplete types (tendinous intersections that could not completely transverse the RAM) in Zone‐3 were significantly higher than those in Zone‐1 (adjusted odds ratio: 7.4). The odds for missing tendinous intersections in Zone‐4 were significantly higher than those in Zone‐1 (adjusted odds ratio: 20.5). These zonal differences in the formation of tendinous intersections were consistent with those observed in previous adult studies. In this study, DTI detected tendinous intersections in a sample with a CRL of 45.8 mm (approximately 11 weeks of gestation), which is earlier than that in previous histological findings, indicating that the RAM does not have mature tendinous intersections until the 17th week of gestation. In conclusion, DTI could detect the premature differentiation of tendinous intersection formation. Our data may aid in elucidating the developmental processes of tendinous intersections in the RAM.