bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sir William Petty, the Cabal Ministry, and the Government of Empire
Authors: Ward Matthew
Published: January 2024

This chapter resumes the story of Petty’s engagement with Hobbes in the early 1670s, when Petty wrote The Political Anatomy of Ireland and Political Arithmetick. These texts were written under the ‘Cabal’ ministry, a member of which, Sir Henry Bennett, Lord Arlington, was a patron of Hobbes and an associate, at least, of Petty. The ministry’s relationships with Hobbes and Hobbesian discourse are much discussed; but these discussions are restricted thematically and geographically. This chapter recovers a debate about the government of empire which divided the Cabal ministry. It shows that Hobbes intervened in this debate, broadly on the same side as Arlington, and argues that Petty used Hobbes’s concepts of subjecthood, sovereignty, conquest, and the church to do the same. In both his texts, Petty thought with Hobbes to argue for reforms to imperial government and trade, a British union, and the incorporation of Irish Catholics into a British state.
Introduction
Authors: Ball Derek
Published: January 2024

A wide range of discussions in philosophy, popular politics, and everyday life—discussions about the nature of art, knowledge, marriage, disease, personhood, freedom, gender, and much else—turn in some sense on matters of definition. This chapter introduces three key claims about such definitional disputes. The first is Conservatism about Practice: that the way we engage in discussions of this kind makes sense, and is not in general confused or in need of wholesale revision. The second is Meaning Sameness: that discussions about matters of definition do not typically involve change in meaning, and parties to such discussions typically mean the same by their words, even when they disagree. The third is Temporal Externalism: that what happens in the future can play a role in determining the meanings of our words and the contents of our mental states in the present. The chapter develops these claims by discussing some key ideas from the era of ordinary language philosophy, including Malcolm’s account of knowledge ascriptions, Gricean pragmatics, and Ambrose and Lazerowitz’s metalinguistic account of philosophical claims. The chapter concludes by critiquing Henry Jackman’s defencse of temporal externalism.
Stipulation Reconsidered: Temporal Externalism
Authors: Ball Derek
Published: January 2024

This chapter develops and defends the temporal externalist account of definitional disputes. It begins by developing an account of stipulation that is designed to make sense of Quinean cases in which an attempted stipulation is abandoned after further investigation. It is shown that the resulting notion of definition—covert implicit definition—offers a promising account of definitional disputes, because it puts us in a position to charitably interpret thinkers across their changes in view. It isshow further shown that the resulting view is not committed to an objectionable notion of analyticity.
Freedom and Immorality
Authors: Guyer Paul
Published: January 2024

This chapter examines the debate over freedom of the will triggered by J. A. H. Ulrich’s 1788 objection that Kant’s identification of morality with rationality left no room for evil yet imputable or responsible action. C. C. E. Schmid, C. L. Reinhold, and Kant himself all attempted to answer this objection with some form of a distinction between reason as the source of the moral law and will as the power to choose whether or not to abide by the moral law. Kant provided his version of the answer in part one of the Religion, first published as a journal article in 1792, and then with part two of the four-part book published in 1793. Part two relies heavily on the principle that “ought implies can,” thus that if we ought to comply with the moral law we must be free to do so even if, or rather though, we have all apparently previously chosen evil. Kant complicated this clear-cut position in the Metaphysics of Morals, however, when he argued against Reinhold that freedom could not be defined simply as the power to choose between morality and immorality; this insistence is linked to his view that it is only our power to be moral rather than immoral that makes the fact of our freedom known to us.
Kantian Constructivism II
Authors: Guyer Paul
Published: January 2024

These students of Rawls have tried to develop versions of what Sharon Street calls comprehensive constructivism or constructivism all the way down that do not begin with any apparently normative premises but just from an apparently descriptive, non-normative conception of the person, rational agent, or rationality as such. Thomas Nagel argues for the “possibility of altruism” on the basis of a conception of persons identifying equally with later stages of themselves but in the same way with stages in the lives of others. Christine Korsgaard argues that rational agency rather than mere impulse could be explained only by acting on universally valid reasons. Adrian Piper argues, in a way reminiscent of the German idealist interpretation of Kant, that the “structure of the self” depends upon principles of rationality, but adds that immorality typically takes the form of “pseudo-rationality,” that is, the attempt to preserve the appearance of rationality. Onora O’Neill argues that rationality itself is the demand for interpersonally acceptable inquiry, so this model naturally applies to practical rationality as well. Finally, Barbara Herman returns to a more Rawlsian and indeed more Kantian approach in describing what she calls the “moral habitat” as the product of construction but not attempting to derive moral principles, in some form of constructivism “all the way down,” from a supposedly descriptive conception of personhood, agency, or rationality itself.
Mad Poets
Authors: Pegg Mark Gregory
Published: January 2024

This chapter notes how penitential culture now defined much of the early medieval West by the beginning of the eighth century. It explores the new understanding of what it means to be human, to be Christian, and to be judged by God and His servants. The chapter looks into the differences and similarities between the experiences and beliefs of the East Roman and Islamic worlds. Even though the British Isles and the Arabian peninsula were equally crisscrossed by songlines, the resemblances of these regions, such as their understanding of the holy, had disappeared by 700. The chapter tackles the practice of worship during the years 597-735.
Uncle, What Troubles You?
Authors: Pegg Mark Gregory
Published: January 2024

This chapter covers the notions of renaissance, revolution, and reformation rampant during the Middle Ages. The early penitential culture shifted into an overwhelmingly confessional and autobiographical period after the broader phenomenon of the imitation of Christ affecting how ordinary Christians understood themselves, holiness, and their existence in the world. The chapter acknowledges the irony of finding individuality and sense of self by copying the life of an individual life. Additionally, the confessional distinctiveness of people in Latin Christendom was equally determined by the efforts of popes, preachers, poets, and kings. The chapter mentions the correlation between confessional society and a persecuting society.
Love Moves the Sun and All the Other Stars
Authors: Pegg Mark Gregory
Published: January 2024

This chapter explains that the autobiographical sense of self became commonplace amongst laypeople throughout Latin Christendom by the beginning of the fourteenth century. Latin Christendom now encompassed the entire world of the past, present, and future when the sense of time and space covered all individuals who had ever lived and would live. The violent and cruel persecution of heretics and Jews (as heretics) was fundamental in creating a distinctly Western sense of self. The chapter notes how love was where the divine and human most met. It also references the pilgrim through hell, purgatory, and heaven depicted by Dante Alighieri the poet.
Introduction
Authors: Meissner Christopher M.
Published: January 2024

Until Homo sapiens goes extinct, globalization will continue. Trading is a uniquely human activity, and humans have been doing it since they emerged as a species. The gains from trade motivate humans to engage in international exchange. Similar gains are available from trade in financial assets and when people are allowed to move across borders. Once integrated, economic choices in one place affect other economies so that globalization brings interdependence. Over time, economies have cooperated but have also acted in adversarial ways. This chapter explores how these forces that determine how integration has evolved, focusing mainly on the years since 1820.
The Great Specialization
Authors: Meissner Christopher M.
Published: January 2024

What did countries trade and with whom between 1850 and 1914? In the early and mid-19th century, trade costs began to decline. Over time tariffs declined, transportation improved, communication times fell, and many other trade costs fell. As trade costs declined, the result was greater integration and a rising share of output was now traded. Across long distances, prices on commodities converged. Many countries specialized in producing goods that intensively used their abundant factor endowments. This led in some cases to a convergence in income. Did trade raise economic growth and promote convergence everywhere? No. Asia, and other places outside of Europe and North America, were once self-reliant on manufacturing but now became commodity producers. This led to the great Divergence. Japan was an exception.
The Bretton Woods System
Authors: Meissner Christopher M.
Published: January 2024

Did the Bretton Woods system generate international financial stability, seal its fate, or both? What was the role of the dollar as the key international currency? The Bretton Woods system reestablished fixed exchange rates with central role for the US dollar as the key reserve currency. The system attempted to balance international integration and policy independence. International capital controls were imposed. The deflationary pressures of adjustment to deficits under fixed-exchange-rate systems were disdained. Adjustment under the Bretton Woods system was challenging or impossible. Leaders had hoped that an international organization like the International Monetary Fund would promote cooperation, but the IMF was largely ineffective. The system that resulted placed the US dollar at the center of the global financial system, producing many unanticipated consequences. By 1971 the dollar had to be devalued, and the system had met its demise.
The International Economy since 2000
Authors: Meissner Christopher M.
Published: January 2024

Between 1988 and 2007, the level of globalization and integration continued to grow rapidly. Some referred to this dizzying rise as “hyper-globalization.” Levels of integration had broken historical records. The return of globalization was driven by lower communication costs and a continued push to lower trade barriers. Offshoring pushed global trade to unprecedented levels. At the same time, the entry of a quickly modernizing China presented new challenges and opportunities. Economic growth continued apace, dramatically lowering rates of poverty, but many countries experienced rising income inequality. In addition, large trade imbalances alerted the world to potential weaknesses in the global economy. The Global Financial Crisis that began in 2007 and 2008 once again changed the course of evolution of the global economy. What prospects does the international economy hold after a taste of “hyper-globalization”?
Access to dermatologic care and provider impact on hidradenitis suppurativa care: global survey insights
Authors: Rinderknecht Fatuma-Ayaan B. , Naik Haley B.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an understudied disease, and current HS studies have focused on participants already connected to dermatologic care.

Objective:

We surveyed participants in online HS support communities to gain a comprehensive understanding of how provider type impacts HS disease management and the issues individuals with HS face when accessing care.

Methods:

From June 13 to June 30, 2021, we administered an anonymous cross-sectional online survey to HS Facebook support group participants who had a self-confirmed diagnosis of HS. Survey items assessed respondent demographics, primary HS provider, and barriers to HS care and pain management. Descriptive analyses are presented.

Results:

The survey was viewed 5,168 times and 1,040 surveys met eligibility criteria (20.1%). Survey participants were 97% female and 72% White. Seventy-two percentage resided in the United States and 22% in Europe. Forty-seven percentage reported having a dermatologist as their primary HS provider, 38% reported a nondermatologist, and 15% reported no HS provider. We found that Asian race, full-time employment, private health insurance, and urban setting were each associated with higher rates of having a dermatologist as a primary HS provider. However, 43.7% of those with a dermatologist reported biologic use, as compared with 14.5% with nondermatologist HS providers. Our cohort was notably more severely impacted by comorbid diseases; 55.9% of our cohort had anxiety, 53.6% had depression, and 50.7% had obesity. Overall, 74.2% of our cohort reported experiencing stigma while accessing care for their HS.

Limitations:

Participant recruitment via social media platform facilitates recruitment of individuals across the spectrum of healthcare access, but may introduce selection bias and favor well-resourced areas. Self-reported data may be subject to recall bias.

Conclusion:

Our study provides unique insights into the characteristics and experiences of individuals with HS across the spectrum of health care access.
SOFA and APACHE II scoring systems for predicting outcome of neurological patients admitted in a tertiary hospital intensive care unit
Authors: Shahi Sumit , Paneru Hem , Ojha Rajeev , Karn Ragesh , Rajbhandari Reema , Gajurel Bikram Prasad
Published: January 2024

Background:

The field of neurology encompasses the study and treatment of disorders that affect the nervous system, and patients with neurological conditions often require specialized care, particularly in the ICU. Predictive scoring systems are measures of disease severity used to predict patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the discriminative power of commonly used scoring systems, namely the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) in the ICU of a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

This retrospective study included patients with neurological disorders in the ICUs of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Results:

A total of 153 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 54.76 ± 17.32 years with higher male predominance (60.78%). Ischaemic stroke was the most common neurological disorder. There were 58 patients (37.9%) who required mechanical ventilation and all-cause mortality was 20.9%. The mean SOFA score was significantly higher (P=0.002) in survivors, whereas the mean APACHE II did not show a significant difference (P=0.238). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed the area of curve (AUC) of SOFA score was 0.765 and of APACHE II was 0.722.

Conclusions:

SOFA score had comparatively higher discriminative power than APACHE II. Assessment of the performance of scoring systems in a specific ICU setting improves the sensitivity and applicability of the model to these settings.
KAT5 Acetylates Human Chromatin Protein PC4 to promote DNA Repair
Authors: Sikder Sweta , Agrawal Aayushi , Singh Siddharth , Peraman Ramalingam , Ravichandran Viswanathan , Kundu Tapas K.
Published: January 2024

Human positive coactivator 4 (PC4), is a highly abundant non-histone chromatin protein involved in diverse cellular processes, including transcription regulation, genome organization, DNA repair, etc. The majority of PC4 exists in a phosphorylated state in cells, which impinges its acetylation by p300 and thereby inhibits its double-stranded DNA binding ability and transcriptional co-activator function. Recently, we have shown that PC4 interacts with linker histone H1 in its phosphorylated state, and this interaction is important for PC4- mediated chromatin compaction. PC4 was also found to be an activator of non-homologous end joining and DSB repair activity. Knockdown of PC4 causes drastic decompaction and enhanced autophagy in the cells. Mechanistically, in the absence of PC4, the genome becomes highly vulnerable to DNA damage with an altered epigenetic landscape. Here, we report that other than p300, PC4 also gets acetylated by DNA repair facilitating lysine acetyltransferase KAT5 (Tip60), at K80 residue when the cells are subjected to DNA damage. The vulnerability of DNA in PC4 devoid cells could be substantially reduced by reintroducing wild-type PC4 to the cells but not the mutant PC4 (K80R PC4), defective in KAT5-mediated acetylation. Presumably, KAT5-mediated acetylation of PC4 at K80 residue facilitates the DNA repair machinery at the damage site and thus contributes to DNA damage repair, a process that could be of high significance both in cancer and in aging.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals recruitment of the M2-like CCL8highmacrophages in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice following hypofractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Yang Haonan , Lei Zheng , He Jiang , Zhang Lu , Lai Tangmin , Zhou Liu , Wang Nuohan , Tang Zheng , Sui Jiangdong , Wu Yongzhong
Published: January 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a crucial factor in reprogramming the tumor microenvironment following radiotherapy. The mechanisms underlying this process remain to be elucidated. Here, we seek to investigate the effects of hypofractionated radiotherapy on macrophages dynamics in a subcutaneous Lewis lung carcinoma murine model. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified a distinct M2-like population of macrophages with high Ccl8 expression level post-hypofractionated radiotherapy. Remarkbly, hypofractionated radiotherapy promoted CCL8highmacrophages infiltration and reprogrammed them by upregulating immunosuppressive genes and downregulating antigen-presenting genes, leading to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Further, we demonstrated that hypofractionated radiotherapy amplified the CCL signaling pathway, enhancing the pro-tumorigenic functions of CCL8highmacrophages and promoting macrophages recruitment. The combination therapy of hypofractionated radiotherapy with the CCL signal inhibitor Bindarit was effective in reducing M2 macrophages infiltration and extending the duration of local tumor control. This research highlights the potential of targeting TAMs and introduces a novel combination to improve the efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy.
WITHDRAWN: Oncogenic KRASG12Dextrinsically induces an immunosuppressive microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lasse-Opsahl Emily , Baliira Rachael , Barravecchia Ivana , McLintock Elyse , Lee Jennifer M. , Ferris Sarah F. , Espinoza Carlos E. , Hinshaw Rachael , Cavanaugh Sophia , Robotti Marzia , Brown Kristee , Donahue Katelyn , Abdelmalak Kristena Y. , Galban Craig J. , Frankel Timothy L. , Zhang Yaqing , di Magliano Marina Pasca , Galban Stefanie
Published: January 2024

Withdrawal Statement

This manuscript has been withdrawn by the authors due to a dispute over co-first authorship that is currently being arbitrated by the medical school at our institution. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. Upon completion of the arbitration process, we will take steps to revert the current withdrawn status. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Beyond Life: Exploring Hemodynamic Patterns in Postmortem Mice Brains
Authors: Sdobnov Anton , Bykov Alexander , Piavchenko Gennadi , Tsytsarev Vassiliy , Meglinski Igor
Published: January 2024

We use Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI) for transcranial visualization of cerebral blood flow microcirculation in mice during and after cardiac arrest. Analyzing time series of LSCI images, we observed temporal variations in blood flow distribution across the brain surface for up to several hours postmortem. Utilizing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis, we depicted the decay in blood flow oscillations and microcirculation following death. Due to the exponential drop in blood flow intensity and ensuing non-stationary conditions, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) was applied to identify potential spatial or temporal synchronization patterns in cerebral hemodynamics. Additionally, we conducted Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) analysis with four components to segment LSCI images, revealing temporal alterations in structural subcomponents. This integrated approach, combining LSCI, FFT, CWT and NMF, provides a comprehensive tool for understanding cerebral blood flow dynamics in mice, metaphorically capturing the ‘end of the tunnel’ experience. Results indicated a primary localization of hemodynamic activity in the olfactory bulbs postmortem, followed by minor successive relocations of blood microflows between the somatosensory and visual cortical regions via the superior sagittal sinus. The proposed approach opens avenues for further exploration into these phenomena, potentially bridging the gap between neuroscientific understanding and the longstanding mysteries surrounding consciousness and perception at the end of life.
Analytical Validation of NeXT Personal®, an Ultra-sensitive Personalized Circulating Tumor DNA Assay
Authors: Northcott Josette , Bartha Gabor , Harris Jason , Li Conan , Navarro Fabio C. P. , Pyke Rachel Marty , Hong Manqing , Zhang Qi , Ma Shuyuan , Chen Tina X. , Lai Janet , Udar Nitin , Saldivar Juan-Sebastian , Ayash Erin , Anderson Joshua , Li Jiang , Cui Tiange , Le Tu , Chow Ruthie , Velasco Randy , Mallo Chris , Santiago Rose , Bruce Robert C. , Goodman Laurie J. , Chen Yi , Norton Dan , Chen Richard O. , Lyle John M.
Published: January 2024

We describe the analytical validation of NeXT Personal®, an ultra-sensitive, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay for detecting residual disease, monitoring therapy response, and detecting recurrence in patients diagnosed with solid tumor cancers. NeXT Personal uses whole genome sequencing of tumor and matched normal samples combined with advanced analytics to accurately identify up to ∼1,800 somatic variants specific to the patient’s tumor. A personalized panel is created, targeting these variants and then used to sequence cell-free DNA extracted from patient plasma samples for ultra-sensitive detection of ctDNA.

The NeXT Personal analytical validation is based on panels designed from tumor and matched normal samples from two cell lines, and from 123 patients across nine cancer types. Analytical measurements demonstrated a detection threshold of 1.67 parts per million (PPM) with a limit of detection at 95% (LOD95) of 3.45 PPM. NeXT Personal showed linearity over a range of 0.8 to 300,000 PPM (Pearson correlation coefficient= 0.9998). Precision varied from a coefficient of variation of 12.8% to 3.6% over a range of 25 to 25,000 PPM. The assay targets 99.9% specificity, with this validation study measuring 100% specificity andin silicomethods giving us a confidence interval of 99.92 to 100%.

In summary, this study demonstrates NeXT Personal as an ultra-sensitive, highly quantitative and robust ctDNA assay that can be used to detect residual disease, monitor treatment response, and detect recurrence in patients.
Proteomic Insights into Biology of Bipolar Disorder: Implications for Health Complexity and Mortality
Authors: Ziani Paola Rampelotto , Antônio de Bastiani Marco , Alves Pietra Paiva , Henrique da Rosa Pedro , Schons Tainá , Mezzomo Giovana , Scotton Ellen , Kapczinski Flávio , Rosa Adriane R
Published: January 2024

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a debilitating condition associated with a high prevalence of medical comorbidities and premature mortality. This is the first study to explore, through high-throughput-omics combined with bioinformatics, molecular signatures, pathways, and main medical diseases related to different stages of BD. Blood samples from BD patients (n=10) classified into high (BD+) or poor functioning (BD-), based on functional and cognitive status, and healthy controls (n=5) were analyzed using mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Bioinformatics was performed to detect biological processes, pathways, and diseases related to BD. Eight proteins exclusively characterized the molecular profile of patients with BD+ compared to HC, while 26 altered proteins were observed in the BD-group. These altered proteins were mainly enriched in biological processes related to lipid metabolism, complement system and coagulation cascade, and cardiovascular diseases; all these changes were more prominent in the BD-group. These findings may represent systemic alterations that occur with the progression of the illness and a possible link between BD and medical comorbidities. Such comprehensive understanding provides valuable insights for targeted interventions, addressing mental and physical health aspects in subjects with BD.
Dialectical behaviour therapy outcomes for adolescents with autism spectrum conditions compared to those without: findings from a seven-year service evaluation
Authors: Phillips Matthew David , Parham Rhian , Hunt Katrina , Camp Jake
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have overlapping symptom profiles. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is an established treatment for self-harm and BPD, but little research has investigated the outcomes of DBT for ASC populations. This exploratory service evaluation aims to investigate the outcomes of a comprehensive DBT programme for adolescents with a diagnosis of emerging BPD and a co-occurring ASC diagnosis as compared to those without an ASC diagnosis.

Design/methodology/approach

Differences from the start to end of treatment in the frequency of self-harming behaviours, BPD symptoms, emotion dysregulation, depression, anxiety, the number of A&E attendances and inpatient bed days, education and work status, and treatment non-completion rates were analysed for those with an ASC diagnosis, and compared between those with an ASC diagnosis and those without.

Findings

Significant medium to large reductions in self-harming behaviours, BPD symptoms, emotion dysregulation and inpatient bed days were found for those with an ASC diagnosis by the end of treatment. There were no significant differences between those with an ASC and those without in any outcome or in non-completion rates. These findings indicate that DBT may be a useful treatment model for those with an ASC diagnosis, though all results are preliminary and require replication.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report the outcomes of a comprehensive DBT programme for adolescents with an ASC diagnosis, and to compare the changes in outcomes between those with a diagnosis and those without.
The study on the effect of restrictive rosewood trade policies on China’s rosewood import prices
Authors: Ding Yi , Yin Zhonghua
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Rosewood, as the most internationally traded endangered species, is subject to a series of restrictive trade policies globally. China has historically been the largest importer of rosewood in the world. The fluctuation of China’s rosewood import prices will have a profound impact on the global rosewood trade pattern. This study, therefore, assessed the impact of restrictive trade policies on China’s rosewood import prices to explore the fluctuation rule of rosewood trade prices under restrictive policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study built a partial equilibrium framework about the formation mechanism of rosewood import price bubbles under supply constraints. On this basis, with China’s daily import prices of major rosewood species, the generalized supremum augmented Dickey–Fuller (GSADF) and backward supremum augmented Dickey–Fuller (BSADF) tests were applied to explore the effect of restrictive trade policies on China’s rosewood import prices.

Findings

The empirical analysis revealed that there were multiple price bubbles for five of the seven rosewood species. The largest bubbles were always created before and after the deployment of supply constraints. The empirical results for the counterfactual examples implied that price bubbles would not have occurred if restrictive rosewood trade policies had not been implemented. The above findings indicated that these measures tended to trigger significant price bubbles in China’s rosewood imports.

Originality/value

The effect of restrictive rosewood trade policies on rosewood trade prices had not yet been explored in previous research studies. This study empirically analyzed the effect of restrictive trade policies on China’s rosewood import prices using econometric models.
Evaluating white wine consumer interest in Grüner Veltliner: a potential signature varietal for Pennsylvania
Authors: Kelley Kathleen , Hopfer Helene , Centinari Michela
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine white wine drinkers’ interest in Grüner Veltliner wine, a potential signature wine for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the USA and identify the consumer segments likely to look for and purchase this wine varietal.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 676 wine consumers from the Mid-Atlantic region in the USA were compared based on familiarity with Grüner Veltliner wine, variety-seeking (VARSEEK) scores and the likelihood of looking for and purchasing Pennsylvania Grüner Veltliner wine.

Findings

Although only a third of participants had some experience with Grüner Veltliner wine, 77% were “somewhat interested” to “very interested” in being able to sample and taste the wine, and 66%–67% were “somewhat likely” to “very likely” to look for and purchase the wine from both growing regions. Generation, wine consumption behavior and familiarity with Pennsylvania wine and Grüner Veltliner wine differed between participants based on purchase intent and VARSEEK scores (i.e. low VARSEEK/likely, high VARSEEK/unlikely). Differences in factors motivating Grüner Veltliner purchasing were also identified between low VARSEEK/likely and high VARSEEK/likely participants.

Originality/value

The paper presents evidence of potential demand for a signature wine from an emerging wine region. This provides direction for target marketing and related promotional strategy, along with identifying wine consumers interested in tasting and purchasing the wine.
Research on system integration and control methods of an apple-picking robot in unstructured environment
Authors: Zhou Qiaojun , Gao Ruilong , Ma Zenghong , Cao Gonghao , Chen Jianneng
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to solve the issue that apple-picking robots are easily interfered by branches or other apples near the target apple in an unstructured environment, leading to grasping failure and apple damage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces the system units of the apple-picking robot prototype, proposes a method to determine the apple-picking direction via 3D point cloud data and optimizes the path planning method according to the calculated picking direction.

Findings

After the field experiments, the average deviation of the calculated picking direction from the desired angle was 11.81°, the apple picking success rate was 82% and the picking cycle was 11.1 s.

Originality/value

This paper describes a picking control method for an apple-picking robot that can improve the success and reliability of picking in an unstructured environment and provides a basis for automated and mechanized picking in the future.
Quantified academics: Heideggerian technology critical analysis of the academic ranking competition
Authors: Koskinen Jani , Kimppa Kai Kristian , Lahtiranta Janne , Hyrynsalmi Sami
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The competition in the academe has always been tough, but today, the academe seems to be more like an industry than an academic community as academics are evaluated through quantified and economic means.

Design/methodology/approach

This article leans on Heidegger’s thoughts on the essence of technology and his ontological view on being to show the dangers that lie in this quantification of researchers and research.

Findings

Despite the benefits that information systems (ISs) offer to people and research, it seems that technology has made it possible to objectify researchers and research. This has a negative impact on the academe and should thus be looked into especially by the IS field, which should note the problems that exist in its core. This phenomenon of quantified academics is clearly visible at academic quantification sites, where academics are evaluated using metrics that count their output. It seems that the essence of technology has disturbed the way research is valued by emphasising its quantifiable aspects. The study claims that it is important to look for other ways to evaluate researchers rather than trying to maximise research production, which has led to the flooding of articles that few have the time or interest to read.

Originality/value

This paper offers new insights into the current phenomenon of quantification of academics and underlines the need for critical changes if in order to achieve the academic culture that is desirable for future academics.
The nexus of foreign direct investment and agricultural productivity: does absorptive capacity matter?
Authors: Han Yan , Sun Yanqi , Huang Kevin , Xu Cheng
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the complex effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) on China’s agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) from 2005 to 2020. It also explores the role of absorptive capacity as a moderating factor during this period.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing provincial panel data from China, this research measures agricultural TFP using the Stochastic Frontier Approach (SFA)-Malmquist method. The impact of FDI on agricultural productivity is further analyzed using a nondynamic panel threshold model.

Findings

The results highlight technological progress as the main driver of agricultural TFP growth in China. Agricultural FDI (AFDI) seems to impede TFP development, whereas nonagricultural FDI (NAFDI) shows a distinct positive spillover effect. The study reveals a threshold in absorptive capacity that affects both the direct and spillover impacts of FDI. Provinces with higher absorptive capacity are less negatively impacted by AFDI and more likely to benefit from FDI spillovers (FDISs).

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the intricate relationship between FDI, absorptive capacity and agricultural productivity. It underscores the importance of optimizing technological progress and research and development (R&D) to enhance agricultural productivity in China.
Starting Ingine
Authors: Khan Salman , Khan Faisal
Published: January 2024

Research methodology

The data has been provided by the protagonist in the form of interviews, tables and figures.

Case overview/synopsis

Abdul and his team, comprising MS Finance graduates from Lahore University of Management Sciences, embarked on a transformative process that led to the inception of their startup, Ingine. Originating from a discarded idea of importing recycling machines, the team pivoted to address a significant gap in the influencer marketing industry. They envisioned a subscription-based software-as-a-service platform that streamlines interactions between influencers and businesses, emphasizing secure payment processing, messaging and feedback features. The narrative underscores the intricate connection between influencer marketing and the return on investment for small businesses, recognizing the challenge of decoding tangible financial gains. Ingine’s mission is to unravel this puzzle, optimizing small businesses’ investments in influencer marketing while navigating the complexities of crafting a competitive influencer compensation model. The team’s background, strategic considerations and commitment to fostering sustainable relationships between influencers and businesses serve as a compelling backdrop to Ingine’s entrepreneurial aspirations.

Complexity academic level

The case can be used in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial finance. The case can be used in undergrad, master’s, MBA, executive MBA and short executive programs. The complexity of a case can be increased or decreased depending on the level of class, i.e. start, middle or end of the course, and the time allocation, i.e. 90 min.
2023 Sylvia Docker lecture: Ignite your passion, and connect, to make a difference
Authors: Carey Leeanne M.
Published: January 2024

Together, we grow our profession of occupational therapy as we engage in understanding and addressing the issues that challenge the people we work with. In this Sylvia Docker Lecture, I will share the collective journeys of myself and other occupational therapists and health professionals who have undertaken (or are currently undertaking) their PhDs and are actively involved in research, to address these challenges. Together, we will explore three themes: understanding the WHY that ignites one's passion; living the journey—the EXPERIENCE; and making a difference—the IMPACT. Stories will be told through the lived experience of those engaged in research as currently enrolled PhD students, emerging researchers, and experienced researchers. These stories will capture the lived experience across individuals, and at different times in the research journey. Stories are summarised and captured using natural language processing. Topics are identified, concept maps visualised, and outputs interpreted in context of related theoretical models. Key topics identified include: the clinical and personal motivators that have ignited the passion in individuals; the value of connecting with others and growing networks; and how one's research has made a difference. The impact of discoveries and outcomes are highlighted, together with the importance of people and networks. Analysis of connections and synthesis over time revealed frequent and strong connections across themes, concepts and topics; with synthesising concepts of passion, networks, knowledge translation, opportunities, supervision and communication emerging and being shaped over time. These collective journeys provide inspiration and pathways to creative careers that have future potential in the growth of the profession of occupational therapy. It is recommended that each occupational therapist take the time to reflect on the ‘why’ that ignites your passion, your journey and how you can make a difference!
Pre‐race tear volume and dry‐eye symptomatology in recreational middle‐aged male half‐marathoners: A pilot study
Authors: Blanco María Serramito , Romero Julia Bodas , Peral Assumpta , Carracedo Gonzalo , Aracil‐Marco Adolfo
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To describe the tear volume and dry‐eye symptomatology in recreational middle‐aged male recreational half‐marathoners, 24‐h pre‐race.

Methods: Twelve male recreational athletes (age: 43.1 ± 9.3 years; Body Mass Index (BMI): 24.2 ± 2.9 kg m−2) were recruited among participants in the Madrid half‐marathon 2023. 24 h before the race the volunteers responded the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the Dry‐Eye 5 (DEQ5) and reported their estimated time of finishing. Immediately after, the Schirmer test was performed in the right eye. Post hoc, the participants were categorized in two main groups, depending on their estimated time of finishing: a high‐performance group (HP, n = 6), that included the volunteers with an estimated time of finishing below 1 h and 40 min; and, a low‐performance group, (LP, n = 6) that included the runners with an estimated time of finishing longer than 1 h and 40 min. Correlational analyses were performed, and the unpaired Student's t‐test was used to look for between groups differences.

Results: Overall, no correlations were found between any of the studied variables. Similarly, no differences were noticed between groups in the mean age (39.6 ± 11 vs. 46.5 ± 6.6 years; p = 0.222; HP vs. LP) or BMI (22.7 ± 3.1 vs. 25.6 ± 2.1 kg m−2; p = 0.096; HP vs. LP). However, although non‐statistically significant, the HP group showed a trend to have a lower Schirmer test value than the LP group (4.6 ± 2.1 vs. 14.2 ± 12; p = 0.083; HP vs. LP). In contrast, no differences were noticed among groups in the OSDI (14.2 ± 12.3 vs. 15.2 ± 9.8; p = 0.886; HP vs. LP) or DEQ5 (7 ± 3 vs. 5.6 ± 3.2; p = 0.589, Mann–Whitney; HP vs. LP) scores.

Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that despite having a very low tear volume, high‐performance middle‐aged recreational runners do not experience higher dry‐eye associated symptomatology.
Choroidal neovascularization as first sign of Best's vitelliform dystrophy in a child
Authors: Montero‐Moreno Javier , Diez‐Montero Cecilia , Sanchis‐Merino Maria Eugenia , Hernandez‐Fernandez Rosario , Cañibano‐Perez Elisabeth
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To report a case of choroidal neovascularization secondary to Best's vitelliform dystrophy in a child managed by intravitreal aflibercept.

Methods: Interventional, case report.

Results: A 9‐year‐old boy reported decreased visual acuity (VA) with metamorphopsia in his right eye (RE) for the previous month. VA was RE 20/100 and left eye (LE) 20/20. Funduscopy revealed right‐eye macular oedema with deep macular haemorrhage associated to a bilateral orange‐yellowish deposit. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed sub‐ and intraretinal fluid in the foveal area along with a hyperreflective subretinal deposit and a localized retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) elevation. Blue autofluorescence (BAF) imaging disclosed a central hyper autofluorescence area as well as a larger defect corresponding to the haemorrhage and the subretinal deposit. The LE was positive for a central deposit located under the RPE with hyper autofluorescence at BAF. Familiar history was unknown for ocular conditions and the clinical history was irrelevant for fever, inflammation, adenopathy, articular, neurological or respiratory conditions. The condition was diagnosed as choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to Best's vitelliform dystrophy and a single intravitreal injection of aflibercept was performed under general anaesthesia. Genetic study revealed a likely pathogenic mutation c.874G>C (p.Glu292Gln) in the BEST1 gene (missense change, not previously published) affecting a functional dominion. The subretinal bleeding and fluid resolved after one single injection of aflibercept and VA improved to 20/20. No recurrences have been observed during the subsequent five years in either eye.

Conclusions: We report a case of CNV as first manifestation of a previously not reported mutation of Best's vitelliform dystrophy in a 9‐year‐old boy that was successfully treated with one single intravitreal injection of aflibercept.
Analysis of the photographers' quality control in the diabetic retinopathy screening at the IOBA's Reading Center
Authors: Espinilla Oscar Garcia , Lope Pablo Arlanzón , Díez Andrea Novo , Recio Inmaculada Yepes , de la Iglesia Rodríguez Purificación , Gálvez María Isabel López , Jimeno Jose Carlos Pastor
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent ocular complication of diabetes and one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness. Teleophthalmology screening by taken retinal images is an effective tool in its early detection and delivering prompt treatment. IOBA's Reading Center (RC) of the University of Valladolid is in charge for the Regional Health System (SACYL) DR screening program. Retinographies are taken at Primary Care Centers, under mydriasis, following the three‐field Joslin Vision Network protocol by certified photographers. Quality control (QC) is an indispensable process in a RC to ensure an accurate retinography reading. An upper limit of 5% of photographs taken with low quality has been set as acceptable. This study aimed to analyse the quality of the retinographies taken in the DR screening at the IOBA's RC during 2021 and 2022.

Methods: A retrospective study was designed analysing the quality outcomes of DR screening. Certified in image reading Optometrists determined if images received at the RC had enough quality according to seven factors (halo >1/3, inadequate vessels/parenchyma sharpness, inadequate central, nasal, temporal or fundus reflex image and inadequate disk sharpness). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26 (Chicago, USA). Chi‐square test was used to compare frequencies between 2021 and 2022 outcomes.

Results: 4474 retinographies were taken during 2021 and 6345 during 2022. 14 photographers took part in the program (8 in both years, 2 left in 2021, and 4 joined in 2022). All analysed factors showed less than 3% of incorrect images. 6.1% of images showed at least one error in 2021 and 4.4% in 2022 (p < 0.01). Every analysed factor showed a significant improvement (p < 0.02) between 2021 and 2022 except for disk sharpness in both eyes (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The quality of the images of the IOBA RC is adequate for the SACYL DR screening program showing values below the fixed upper limit in all the analysed factors with a significant decrease in almost all values that can be attributed to increased experience of capture personnel.
Analysis of prognostic and predictive factors in Kuopio wet age‐related macular degeneration cohort
Authors: Heloterä Hanna , Siintamo Leea , Kivinen Niko , Kaarniranta Kai
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Aim of this study was to explore factors affecting wet AMD disease progression and identify predictive factors that can estimate the time of intravitreal treatment duration.

Methods: This retrospective real‐world study included 421 wet AMD patients treated at Kuopio University Hospital during years 2007–2021. Collected data included background demographics, treatment history, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical changes. Impact of baseline factors to age at diagnosis, treatment duration, received treatment intensity and visual acuity gains was analysed.

Results: Heavy smoking and high BMI were associated with an earlier onset of wet AMD. Whereas, use of anti‐coagulation, anti‐aggregation and blood pressure medication were associated with later onset of wet AMD. Low number of injections during the first year and presence of intraretinal fluid (IRF) at baseline were associated with shorter treatment duration. Interestingly, when IRF only patients were compared to subretinal fluid (SRF) only patients, IRF patients showed higher occurrences of subretinal drusenoid deposits (43.5% vs. 15%, p = 0.04). In addition, when all patients with IRF were compared to SRF only patients, more hyperreflective foci (HRFs) and complete RPE and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA, 20.7% vs. 5%, p = 0.02) were observed with IRF patients.

Conclusions: Our results raise up number of factors involved in disease progression. They confirm previously described role of heavy smoking, high BMI and IRF as factors, which may accelerate earlier emergence of nAMD or result as fast progressing disease. More intriguingly, our result reveals the link between IRF and appearance of subretinal drusenoid deposits, HRFs and cRORA.