bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social free sampling: engaging consumer through product trial reports
Authors: Liao Junyun , Chen Jiawen , Jin Fei
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Recent years have witnessed the popularity of social free sampling (SFS). That is, firms on social commerce platforms (e.g. Amazon Vine and Pconline Try) offer free sample products for consumers' applications, and the selected applicants are required to write a product trial report on the sites as a return. The main advantage of SFS is to leverage users' product trial reports to increase product exposure and attract prospective consumers. Thus, product trial reports play a central role in SFS. Despite that scholars have examined the rating bias of product trial reports in recent years' knowledge concerning how product trial reports influence user (i.e. readers of product trial reports) engagement remains sparse. To address the research gap, this paper aims to examine the drivers of user engagement with product trial reports.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized the Poisson regression model to analyze 3,419 trial reports collected from a well-known Chinese SFS site.

Findings

Based on the ELM model, the empirical results indicate that product rating, vividness, opinion balance, and reputation of the trial user are positively associated with user engagement. However, longer reports and reports with higher emotional intensity lead to weaker user engagement. Furthermore, product prices strengthen the positive impact of opinion balance but weaken the positive impact of trial users' reputations.

Originality/value

This study is among one of the first studies to investigate the impact of trial reports on user engagement in SFS. It yields actionable guidelines for SFS campaigns.
AI-powered information and Big Data: current regulations and ways forward in IFRS reporting
Authors: Leitner-Hanetseder Susanne , Lehner Othmar M.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

With the help of “self-learning” algorithms and high computing power, companies are transforming Big Data into artificial intelligence (AI)-powered information and gaining economic benefits. AI-powered information and Big Data (simply data henceforth) have quickly become some of the most important strategic resources in the global economy. However, their value is not (yet) formally recognized in financial statements, which leads to a growing gap between book and market values and thus limited decision usefulness of the underlying financial statements. The objective of this paper is to identify ways in which the value of data can be reported to improve decision usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the authors' experience as both long-term practitioners and theoretical accounting scholars, the authors conceptualize and draw up a potential data value chain and show the transformation from raw Big Data to business-relevant AI-powered information during its process.

Findings

Analyzing current International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) regulations and their applicability, the authors show that current regulations are insufficient to provide useful information on the value of data. Following this, the authors propose a Framework for AI-powered Information and Big Data (FAIIBD) Reporting. This framework also provides insights on the (good) governance of data with the purpose of increasing decision usefulness and connecting to existing frameworks even further. In the conclusion, the authors raise questions concerning this framework that may be worthy of discussion in the scholarly community.

Research limitations/implications

Scholars and practitioners alike are invited to follow up on the conceptual framework from many perspectives.

Practical implications

The framework can serve as a guide towards a better understanding of how to recognize and report AI-powered information and by that (a) limit the valuation gap between book and market value and (b) enhance decision usefulness of financial reporting.

Originality/value

This article proposes a conceptual framework in IFRS to regulators to better deal with the value of AI-powered information and improve the good governance of (Big)data.
How ostracism jeopardizes customers' interests at restaurants: a study in context of COVID-19
Authors: Sarwar Ambreen , Abdullah Muhammad Ibrahim , Imran Muhammad Kashif , Rafiq Nazia
Published: July 2022

Purpose

With theoretical underpinnings in the conservation of resources theory, this research aims at understanding the link between workplace ostracism (WPO) and its effects on customers' interests in the context of COVID-19, with the mediation of stress and moderation of self-efficacy (SE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a time-lagged design. A sample of 217 frontline employees working in the food sector of southern Punjab, Pakistan, responded to the study questions using the survey method with structured questionnaires. A Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) tool was utilized for data analysis with bootstrapping and PROCESS macro.

Findings

The findings show that an important mechanism by which ostracism translates into customer service sabotage (CSS) is the increase in perceived stress levels of the employees. Additionally, SE was found to be an important personal resource that acts as a moderator in the said relationship.

Practical implications

Employees with high SE sense less workplace stress even during a pandemic. Leadership should consider the stress-alleviating effect of SE for lessening the damaging influence of WPO on customers.

Originality/value

The study fills an important empirical gap in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, by showing that due to resource loss perceived by employees while being targeted by ostracism, they may decide to transfer their frustration towards organizational customers by sabotaging their service experience.
Entrepreneurial marketing orientation of the Polish and Finnish SMEs and its environmental determinants
Authors: Kowalik Izabela , Danik Lidia , Pleśniak Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The entrepreneurial marketing orientation (EMO) has been studied primarily in developed countries. The past research has focused on entrepreneurial marketing dimensions and their relationship with selected small- and medium-sized firm (SME) activities, strategic orientations or performance. Scholars have not paid enough attention to the EMO determinants. This study aims to investigate whether the SMEs originating from different countries, including the post-transition market, differ in their entrepreneurial marketing approach and checks its external determinants connected with environmental turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 219 Polish and 81 Finnish manufacturing SMEs, serving mainly business-to-business clients, were surveyed using the mixed-mode computer assisted telephone interview/computer assisted web interview method between 2020 and 2021. Structural equation modelling, multigroup confirmatory factor analysis analysis, analysis of variance and T-tests were applied.

Findings

The metric and partial scalar invariance of the EMO scale used in Finland and Poland was found. The authors showed that Finnish firms represent a more robust entrepreneurial posture in marketing than Polish ones. The export market turbulence and the perceived crisis influence are the environmental determinants of EMO level, while the industry technological development level is not.

Research limitations/implications

The conducted analyses allowed to identify EMO determinants, verify the entrepreneurial marketing measurement concept in a new country (Finland) and show the differences in EMO between SMEs from a less and more developed country.

Originality/value

The existing literature lacks empirical data on the external EMO determinants and inter-country comparisons. This study shows the differences in EMO level of companies from different country backgrounds and points to the market turbulence as its determinant.
How digital fabrication technologies within digitalized innovation environments lead to participative aid development
Authors: Hellwig Lukas , Preissner Lisa , Pawlowski Jan , Deiters Wolfgang
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Facilities such as FabLabs and Makerspaces are characterized by the facilities' wide range of digital fabrication technologies as well as facilities' interdisciplinary user base and collaborative problem solving and product development. These possibilities can also hold great potential for people with disabilities who have a specific need for assistive technology. Since there are no established models of such participatory development processes (PDP) within digitalized innovation environments (DIE), this study intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of these processes along with the influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a cooperation with a Thalidomide Association, various PDPs were accompanied within a DIE and interviews were conducted with 16 stakeholders involved. Hereby, the perspective of thalidomide-affected people (5) as well as the supporting makers (6) and experts (5) were taken into account. Through a subsequent structured analysis, various dimensions as well as relevant influencing factors could be identified.

Findings

In total, 33 paraphrases could be formed in 8 categories and four dimensions concerning the PDPs investigated. In addition, 17 paraphrases on potentials and challenges could be extracted through generalization.

Originality/value

Due to findings' holistic approach, the findings form an empirical basis for further research into this still very young research topic and represent a first step toward theory building. By the applicability of the identified influencing factors an important contribution can be made to the supply of aids and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at:https://publons.com/publon10.1108/JET-01-2022-0013
Forensic psychiatry in times of COVID-19: a qualitative study into the concerns and needs of patients
Authors: Simjouw Annabel , Verstegen Nienke , Smid Wineke , Langeveld Agnita
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the concerns and needs of forensic psychiatric patients regarding the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their mental health and treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine patients from various wards of the hospital. Using the consensual qualitative research method, these interviews were coded by a team of three researchers.

Findings

Four domains emerged from the analysis, namely, restrictions, emotional consequences, coping and communication. One of the primary restrictions for patients was not being allowed to have physical contact with the people in their network/visitors. This prompted patients, in some cases, to decline visitors altogether. Emotional consequences of the COVID-19 measurements included anxiety, frustration and passivity. Ambiguity about the rules added to this frustration. Furthermore, a cut in autonomy was felt by patients due to them not being able to do their own grocery shopping. Despite these restrictions that were imposed on patients, the relationship between patients and staff was perceived as good and even improved according to the participants.

Practical implications

A lack of autonomy emerged as a salient issue related to the restrictions within the hospital. Certain degrees of control may be inevitable, but it is nonetheless important to focus on the effect of control within forensic settings. This could be done by aiming to actively include patients in decisions that affect their living climate. Furthermore, it appeared that the “ballet dancer” approach was used by the staff of the hospital, leaving more room for individualized care. As perceived support is important to increase willingness to accept the treatment being offered, a focus on this approach in times of rapid change such as during a pandemic, would be recommended.

Originality/value

Because few pandemics have occurred in the past century, little information is available about how a pandemic might affect patients residing in forensic psychiatric hospitals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is one of the first studies to assess concerns and needs of forensic psychiatric patients regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dividend reduction and stock price reaction in Indian market: is there a role of share repurchase?
Authors: Chatterjee Chanchal , Tiwari Sweta
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the stock price reaction because of dividend reduction (DR) announcements in the Indian equity market, controlling for share repurchases.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises National Stock Exchange (NSE) 500 companies listed in the NSE Ltd. covering a time span from year 2009 to 2019. Using the event study methodology, the authors measure the impact of DR announcements on security prices around the event day. The authors also examine the price response to DRs at the interim stage versus the final stage and identify the factors that drive the decision to reduce dividends at the interim level versus final level.

Findings

The authors find that overall DR announcements negatively impact abnormal returns. Firms that experience stronger adverse price reaction following DR announcements resort to share repurchase in the same year to boost stock prices. The authors find that interim DRs create more negative price reactions than final DRs. Finally, firms experiencing lower levels of prior year earnings, firms with smaller sizes and overvalued firms tend to reduce dividends at the interim level instead of postponing the reduction to the final level.

Originality/value

This paper examines stock price reaction because of DR announcements of Indian firms. The sample comprises firms that reduce dividends with contemporaneous share repurchases as well as firms that reduce dividends without contemporaneous repurchase activity. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, studies on substitution effect of dividends with buyback in the context of Indian equity market are rare. Further, investigating the difference in stock price movement because of DRs at the interim level versus the final level is the unique contribution of this paper.
The olfactory experience (in retail) scale: construction, validation and generalization
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Singh Priyanka
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Measurement scales for sensory experience in retailing exist for sight, touch and sound. In the present study, the authors aim to develop the olfactory experience (OEX) scale in the context of retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on literature review and six studies that follow standard scale development protocols (combined n = 1,203), the authors develop and validate a three-dimensional OEX scale. The scale is further validated in the final study in a different market set-up than the first five.

Findings

The authors found the three dimensions of OEX as (scent) company, congeniality and congruity. The OEX scale is found to be generalizable and valid across different cultural and market set-ups. In addition, the OEX (i.e. the scale) was found to effect psychological and behavioral outcomes of the consumer in a significant manner.

Research limitations/implications

The present study contributes to the domain of sensory experience in retailing with the OEX scale and provides three new dimensions of OEX for the academicians to further explore.

Practical implications

The OEX scale provides a ready to use tool for the retailer to gauge the level of OEX in the store and to predict consumer attitudes and behavior.

Originality/value

The study is the first to develop a scale for OEX in retailing or for that matter in consumer behavior.
Optimal data backup policies for information systems subject to sudden failure
Authors: Tekin Salih , Bicakci Kemal , Mersin Ozgur , Erdem Gulnur Neval , Canbay Abdulkerim , Uzunay Yusuf
Published: July 2022

Purpose

With the irresistible growth in digitization, data backup policies become essential more than ever for organizations seeking to improve reliability and availability of organizations' information systems. However, since backup operations do not come free, there is a need for a data-informed policy to decide how often and which type of backups should be taken. In this paper, the authors present a comprehensive mathematical framework to explore the design space for backup policies and to optimize backup type and interval in a given system. In the authors' framework, three separate cost factors related to the backup process are identified: backup cost, recovery cost and data loss cost. The objective function has a multi-criteria structure leading to a backup policy minimizing a weighed function of these factors. To formalize the cost and objective functions, the authors get help from renewal theory in reliability modeling. The authors' optimization framework also formulates mixed policies involving both full and incremental backups. Through numerical examples, the authors show how the authors' optimization framework could facilitate cost-saving backup policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology starts with designing different backup policies based on system parameters. Each constructed policy is optimized in terms of backup period using renewal theory. After selecting the best back-up policy, the results are demonstrated through numerical studies.

Findings

Data backup polices that are tailored to system parameters can result in significant gains for IT (Information Technology) systems. Collecting the necessary parameters to design intelligent backup policies can also help managers understand managers' systems better. Designed policies not only provides the frequency of back up operations, but also the type of backups.

Originality/value

The original contribution of this study is the explicit construction and determination of the best backup policies for IT systems that are prone to failure. By applying renewal theory in reliability, the authors present a mathematical framework for the joint optimization of backup cost factors, i.e. backup cost, recovery time cost and data loss cost.
Regenerative tourism: the challenge of transformational leadership
Authors: Cave Jenny , Dredge Dianne , van't Hullenaar Claudia , Koens Waddilove Anna , Lebski Sarah , Mathieu Olivier , Mills Marta , Parajuli Pratishtha , Pecot Mathias , Peeters Nico , Ricaurte-Quijano Carla , Rohl Charlotte , Steele Jessica , Trauer Birgit , Zanet Bernadette
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aims of this paper are to share how one cohort of tourism practitioners viewed the transformative change needed within the tourism industry and to explore the implications for leadership in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on a virtual whiteboard brainstorming activity incorporating both the individual and collective thinking of 20 participants in a global cohort class. Using conversational techniques to elicit cognitive knowledge and felt experience, the methodology generates shared understandings about the opportunities and challenges of implementing regenerative tourism.

Findings

The conversations reported in the findings of this paper provide important insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by tourism professionals as enablers of regenerative tourism. Findings included, first, that participants within the course demonstrated characteristics of transformational leadership including a strong moral positioning, embodied self-awareness, collaboration and collective action. Second, specific points of inertia that impede regenerative tourism are identified including embedded culture, power and organisational structures. Third, professionals are calling for practical tools, new frames of reference, and examples to help communicate regenerative tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This is a viewpoint, not a research paper. Nonetheless, it provides a rich vein of future research in terms of disruptive pedagogy, potentially gendered interest in regenerative tourism, issues of transforming the next generation and power.

Practical implications

Governance, organisational, destination management strategies, planning and policy frameworks, individual issues as well as contradictions within the tourism system were revealed. Transformative change in an uncertain future requires transformational leadership, characterised by moral character and behaviours that trigger empowered responses.

Originality/value

This paper shares insights from a unique global cohort class of tourism professionals wherein the challenges and opportunities for regenerative tourism are identified. The methodology is unusual in that it incorporates both individual and collective thinking through which shared understandings emerge.
The advantages of using negotiated syllabus in EFL classes: exploring the undergraduate students' perceptions
Authors: Pakdaman Ali , Alibakhshi Goudarz , Baradaran Abdollah
Published: July 2022

Purpose

A couple of decades ago, the negotiated syllabus was introduced as an alternative to the predetermined syllabus. The review of the related studies shows the number of studies on the use of negotiated syllabus in English language teaching is scanty. The main purpose of the study was to explore the advantages/merits of employing negotiated syllabus in general English courses that undergraduate students take.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed the phenomenology research method to deeply delve into the undergraduate students' perceptions of the advantages of the negotiated syllabus. The phenomenology method is used for investigating human lived experiences through the descriptions given by the people involved in the study. This qualitative research method is mainly used to study fields with little or no knowledge. The authors collected the data through in-depth interviews with the informants (18 students) who were selected through theoretical sampling. The informants were undergraduate students at Allameh Tabataba'i University who were selected through theoretical sampling. The authors listened to the recordings to transcribe the participants' statements and remarks verbatim. Then, we analyzed the interviews thematically through open, axial and selective coding. This study aimed at exploring the participants' perspectives on the advantages of the negotiated Syllabus. The study's main objective was to investigate the advantages/merits of employing negotiated Syllabus in undergraduate students' general English courses.

Findings

Findings revealed that employing the negotiated syllabus resulted in many advantages which were reduced into three axial coding: psychological, pedagogical and individual. Generally, the negotiated syllabus reduces the students' anxiety, improves their motivation, affects their language achievement and develops their critical thinking and learner autonomy.

Practical implications

Teachers are recommended to minimize the constraints and use the negotiated syllabus to optimize language learners' motivation and language achievement in teaching English programs.

Originality/value

The impact of the negotiated syllabus on language learners has been investigated through quantitative research methods. However, the language learners' perceptions of the negotiated syllabus have not been well explored qualitatively.
Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae‐based biosensors for copper detection
Authors: Fan Cong , Zhang Danli , Mo Qiwen , Yuan Jifeng
Published: July 2022

Heavy metals, that is Cu(II), are harmful to the environment. There is an increasing demand to develop inexpensive detection methods for heavy metals. Here, we developed a yeast biosensor with reduced‐noise and improved signal output for potential on‐site copper ion detection. The copper‐sensing circuit was achieved by employing a secondary genetic layer to control the galactose‐inducible (GAL) system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The reciprocal control of the Gal4 activator and Gal80 repressor under copper‐responsive promoters resulted in a low‐noise and sensitive yeast biosensor for copper ion detection. Furthermore, we developed a betaxanthin‐based colorimetric assay, as well as 2‐phenylethanol and styrene‐based olfactory outputs for the copper ion detection. Notably, our engineered yeast sensor confers a narrow range switch‐like behaviour, which can give a ‘yes/no’ response when coupled with a betaxanthin‐based visual phenotype. Taken together, we envision that the design principle established here might be applicable to develop other sensing systems for various chemical detections.
GATA transcription factor WC2 regulates the biosynthesis of astaxanthin in yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Authors: Huang Ruilin , Ding Ruirui , Liu Yu , Li Fuli , Zhang Zhaohui , Wang Shi’an
Published: July 2022

Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid widely used as powerful antioxidant and colourant in aquaculture and the poultry industry. Production of astaxanthin by yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous has attracted increasing attention due to high cell density and low requirements of water and land compared to photoautotrophic algae. Currently, the regulatory mechanisms of astaxanthin synthesis in X. dendrorhous remain obscure. In this study, we obtained a yellow X. dendrorhous mutant by Atmospheric and Room Temperature Plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis and sequenced its genome. We then identified a putative GATA transcription factor, white collar 2 (XdWC2), from the comparative genome data and verified that disruption of the XdWC2 gene resulted in a similar carotenoid profile to that of the ARTP mutant. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis and yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) assay showed that XdWC2 regulated the expression of phytoene desaturase gene CrtI and astaxanthin synthase gene CrtS. The yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) assay demonstrated that XdWC2 interacted with white collar 1 (XdWC1) forming a heterodimer WC complex (WCC) to regulate the expression of CrtI and CrtS. Increase of the transcriptional levels of XdWC2 or CrtS in the wild‐type strain did not largely modify the carotenoid profile, indicating translational and/or post‐translational regulations involved in the biosynthesis of astaxanthin. Overexpression of CrtI in both the wild‐type strain and the XdWC2‐disrupted strain apparently improved the production of monocyclic carotenoid 3‐hydroxy‐3′, 4′‐didehydro‐β, ψ‐carotene‐4‐one (HDCO) rather than β‐carotene and astaxanthin. The regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis by XdWC2 presented here provides the foundation for further understanding the global regulation of astaxanthin biosynthesis and guides the construction of astaxanthin over‐producing strains.
Comparison of clinical results between high grade patterns in stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jeon Hyun Woo , Kim Young‐Du , Sim Sung Bo , Moon Mi Hyoung
Published: July 2022

Background

The histological subtype has been introduced in invasive lung adenocarcinoma. The predominant micropapillary and solid subtypes are categorized as high‐grade patterns and provide a worse prognosis. However, the prognostic analysis of high‐grade patterns has not previously been fully investigated. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of high‐grade patterns in pathological stage I lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma and micropapillary or solid components were reviewed. Clinicopathological features and clinical course were compared in these subtypes, and prognostic factors were analyzed in high‐grade patterns.

Results

The patients were classified into five groups based on the presence of micropapillary or solid subtypes, namely, micropapillary predominant, solid predominant, both nonpredominant subtypes, only minor micropapillary subtype, and only minor solid subtype present. Disease‐free interval was significantly different, and the micropapillary predominant group showed worse disease‐free interval (p = 0.001). Contrastingly, the solid predominant group showed significantly worse overall survival among high‐grade patterns (p = 0.035). The multivariate analysis revealed an association between smoking, micropapillary predominant, blood vessel invasion, and visceral pleural invasion with recurrence and more association between solid predominant and visceral pleural invasion with overall survival.

Conclusions

Clinical results were different in stage I high‐grade adenocarcinoma. The predominant micropapillary subtype is the independent prognostic factor for recurrence. However, the solid subtype is the significant factor for overall survival. Furthermore, the predominant subtype is the most valuable and independent prognostic factor for predicting recurrence or survival.
Age‐related thymic involution: Mechanisms and functional impact
Authors: Liang Zhanfeng , Dong Xue , Zhang Zhaoqi , Zhang Qian , Zhao Yong
Published: July 2022

The thymus is the primary immune organ responsible for generating self‐tolerant and immunocompetent T cells. However, the thymus gradually involutes during early life resulting in declined naïve T‐cell production, a process known as age‐related thymic involution. Thymic involution has many negative impacts on immune function including reduced pathogen resistance, high autoimmunity incidence, and attenuated tumor immunosurveillance. Age‐related thymic involution leads to a gradual reduction in thymic cellularity and thymic stromal microenvironment disruption, including loss of definite cortical‐medullary junctions, reduction of cortical thymic epithelial cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells, fibroblast expansion, and an increase in perivascular space. The compromised thymic microenvironment in aged individuals substantially disturbs thymocyte development and differentiation. Age‐related thymic involution is regulated by many transcription factors, micro RNAs, growth factors, cytokines, and other factors. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of age‐related thymic involution mechanisms and effects.
Understanding the inverse relationship between age and psychotic symptoms: The role of borderline personality traits
Authors: Peters Evyn M. , Yates Kathryn , DeVylder Jordan , Lodhi Rohit J. , Kelleher Ian
Published: July 2022

Objective

There is a well‐established inverse relationship between age and positive psychotic symptoms, both in patients with psychotic disorders and in general population samples with psychotic experiences. The reason for this inverse relationship is unclear. We hypothesized that life‐course developmental changes in borderline personality traits, which also typically decline with age, might explain the inverse relationship between age and positive psychotic symptoms.

Methods

We tested this hypothesis with data from 19,980 adults who completed 2000, 2007, and 2014 UK Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey studies. Hallucinations and delusions were assessed with the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire. Borderline features were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis II Personality Disorders Screening Questionnaire. Logistic regression models with effect decompositions were used to conduct the analyses.

Results

As expected, age was negatively associated with hallucinations and delusions. These effects were wholly or mostly reduced after controlling for borderline features. Similar results were found in a subgroup of participants with a probable psychotic disorder. Repeating the analysis with a broad index of psychopathology severity instead of borderline features did not produce comparable results. Borderline factor scores reflecting identity/relationship disturbance, mood instability/anger, and self‐harm/suicidality were created, all of which appeared to explain part of the inverse relationship between age and psychotic experiences.

Conclusion

Declining borderline traits throughout adulthood may account for the reduced prevalence of positive psychotic symptoms in both clinical and non‐clinical populations. Future research might evaluate the impact of treatments that target borderline traits on positive psychotic symptoms.
Alcohol and cannabis co‐use and longitudinal gray matter volumetric changes in early and late adolescence
Authors: Luo Xi , Yang James J. , Buu Anne , Trucco Elisa M. , Li Chiang‐Shan R.
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous studies have characterized the impact of substance use on cerebral structure and function in adolescents. Yet, the great majority of prior studies employed a small sample, presented cross‐sectional findings, and omitted potential sex differences.

Methods

Using data based on 724 adolescents (370 females) curated from the NCANDA study, we investigated how gray matter volumes (GMVs) decline longitudinally as a result of alcohol and cannabis use. The impacts of alcohol and cannabis co‐use and how these vary across assigned sex at birth and age were examined. Brain imaging data comprised the GMVs of 34 regions of interest and the results were evaluated with a Bonferroni correction.

Results

Mixed‐effects modeling showed faster volumetric declines in the caudal middle frontal cortex, fusiform, inferior frontal, superior temporal (STG), and supramarginal (SMG) gyri, at −0.046 to −0.138 cm3/year in individuals with prior‐year alcohol and cannabis co‐use, but not those engaged in alcohol or cannabis use only. These findings cannot be explained by more severe alcohol use among co‐users. Further, alcohol and cannabis co‐use in early versus late adolescence predicted faster volumetric decline in the STG and SMG across assigned sex at birth.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the longitudinal impact of alcohol and cannabis co‐use on brain development, especially among youth reporting early adolescent onset of use. The volumetric decline was noted in cortical regions in support of attention, memory, executive control, and social cognition, suggesting the pervasive effect of alcohol and cannabis co‐use on brain development.
Alcohol's effects on the mouse brain are modulated by age and sex
Authors: Piekarski David J. , Zahr Natalie M. , Zhao Qingyu , Sullivan Edith V. , Pfefferbaum Adolf
Published: July 2022

Binge alcohol consumption is common among adolescents and may impair normal brain development. Emerging, longitudinal studies in adolescents suggest that the effects of binge alcohol exposure on brain structure differ between sexes. To test the hypothesis that the effects of binge alcohol exposure on developmental brain growth trajectories are influenced by age of exposure and sex, adolescent and adult, male and female C57Bl/6 mice (n = 32), were exposed to a binge‐like ethanol (EtOH) exposure paradigm (i.e., 5 cycles of 2 on/2 off days of 5 g/kg EtOH intraperitoneal) or served as saline controls. Longitudinal structural magnetic resonance imaging was acquired at baseline, following binge EtOH exposure, and after 2 weeks of recovery. Alcohol treatment showed interactions with age and sex in altering whole brain volume: adolescents of both sexes demonstrated inhibited whole brain growth relative to their control counterparts, although significance was only attained in female mice which showed a larger magnitude response to EtOH compared to male mice. In region of interest analyses, the somatosensory cortex and cerebellum showed inhibited growth in male and female adolescent mice exposed to EtOH, but the difference relative to controls did not reach multiple comparison‐corrected statistical significance. These data suggest that in mice exposed to binge EtOH treatment, adolescent age of exposure and female sex may confer a higher risk to the detrimental effects of EtOH on brain structure and reinforce the need for direct testing of both sexes.
Modelling the distribution of a key habitat feature to guide future on‐ground habitat assessment for an endangered specialist songbird
Authors: Alves Fernanda , Potts Joanne , Round Vanessa , Stojanovic Dejan , Webb Matthew , Heinsohn Robert , Langmore Naomi E.
Published: July 2022

Species distribution models (SDMs) are often used during the planning stage of reintroduction programmes to model species' occurrence with the aim of selecting potential release sites. However, for many endangered species, only a low number of records are available, leading to models with low accuracy. When planning reintroductions for rare species, an alternative approach may be to model surrogate species that are more abundant or easier to locate. Here, we modelled the distribution of white gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), the preferred food tree of the forty‐spotted pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus), a rare songbird for which reintroduction has been proposed. Using boosted regression trees, we modelled white gum distribution under current and future climate conditions with the aim of identifying areas of high probability of occurrence that later can be used to plan on ground habitat assessments for reintroductions. Our model show areas with high probability of white gum occurrence outside its currently mapped distribution, indicating that there may be opportunities for reintroduction of pardalotes beyond their current range. Predictions of future climate scenarios showed climate space shifts, not only with some decrease but also with substantial increase in the probability of suitability for occurrence under some scenarios. Our spatial predictions for white gum may be used to design a survey to ground‐truth our model and undertake a comprehensive habitat assessment for other habitat features forty‐spotted pardalotes need to persist. The approach used in our study may be used for other highly specialized species, not only in the context of reintroduction planning but also in the general management of data‐poor specialist species that depend on a more common resource.
Mepolizumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (SYNAPSE): In‐depth sinus surgery analysis
Authors: Fokkens Wytske J. , Mullol Joaquim , Kennedy David , Philpott Carl , Seccia Veronica , Kern Robert C. , Coste André , Sousa Ana R. , Howarth Peter H. , Benson Victoria S. , Mayer Bhabita , Yancey Steve W. , Chan Robert , Gane Simon B.
Published: July 2022

Background

Patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) often require repeat sinus surgery. Mepolizumab reduced the need for sinus surgery in the SYNAPSE trial; this analysis sought to provide a more in‐depth assessment of surgery endpoints in SYNAPSE.

Methods

SYNAPSE was a double‐blind Phase III trial (NCT03085797) in adults with recurrent, refractory, severe, CRSwNP eligible for repeat sinus surgery despite standard of care treatments and previous surgery. Patients were randomized (1:1) to mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneously or placebo, plus standard of care, every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. Time to first inclusion on a waiting list for sinus surgery and time to first actual sinus surgery (both up to week 52) were assessed; the latter endpoint was also analyzed post hoc according to time since last sinus surgery before study screening and baseline blood eosinophil count.

Results

Among 407 patients (mepolizumab: 206; placebo: 201), mepolizumab versus placebo reduced the risk of being included on a waiting list for sinus surgery (week 52 Kaplan–Meier probability estimate [95% confidence interval]: 13.9% [9.8%, 19.5%] vs. 28.5% [22.7%, 35.4%]). Mepolizumab versus placebo reduced the risk of sinus surgery irrespective of time (<3 vs ≥3 years) since patients' last sinus surgery prior to study screening (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] 0.28 [0.09, 0.84] and 0.50 [0.26, 0.98], respectively) and baseline blood eosinophil count.

Conclusions

Mepolizumab reduced the risk of further sinus surgery in patients with recurrent, refractory, severe CRSwNP, irrespective of the patient baseline characteristics assessed.
Efficacy and safety of Aflibercept for the treatment of inflammatory choroidal neovascularization: The ALINEA study
Authors: Kodjikian Laurent , Abukhashabah Amro , Fardeau Christine , Tadayoni Ramin , Brézin Antoine , Dumas Stéphane , Weber Michel , Bernard Lorraine , Loria Olivier , Decullier Evelyne , Huot Laure , Mathis Thibaud
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To evaluate mean change in best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 52 weeks in patients with inflammatory choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with aflibercept.

Methods

We conducted a prospective non‐comparative open‐label trial. Following one mandatory intravitreal injection of aflibercept, patients were treated under a pro re nata (PRN) dosing regimen with monthly visits.

Results

A total of 19 patients were included, but one presented exclusion criteria; 16 patients were followed for the whole 52‐week study, and data for the primary endpoint analysis were available for 14. At baseline, mean BCVA and mean central retinal thickness (CRT) were 64.53 (±19.64) letters and 351.79 (±97.77) μm, respectively. At 52 weeks, the mean change in BCVA was +9.50 (±12.90) letters [95%CI = +2.05–+16.95]. One patient had lost more than 15‐letters at 24 weeks, and another one at 52 weeks. CRT change was −62.77 (±100.73) μm at 24 weeks and −66.53 (±97.47) μm at 52 weeks. There was a mean number of 3.56 (±3.29) intravitreal injections at 52 weeks (min = 1; max = 12). No serious ocular adverse events related to the treatment were reported.

Conclusions

Our study shows that aflibercept is clinically effective, both anatomically and functionally in the treatment of inflammatory CNV. Following the first injection, the PRN strategy appears sufficient for treating most choroidal neovessels.
Five‐year incidence of primary glaucoma and related risk factors – The Handan eye study
Authors: Zhang Ye , Hao Jie , Zhang Qing , Wang Jin , Li Si Zhen , Thomas Ravi , Wang Ning Li ,   The Handan Eye Study Group
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To determine the 5‐year incidence of primary glaucoma and its associated risk factors in rural northern China.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study. A total of 5184 participants aged 30 years and older, without glaucoma at baseline, were subjected to comprehensive standardized interviews and ophthalmic and systemic examinations at baseline and after a 5‐year interval in the Handan Eye Study. Incident glaucoma was diagnosed by a consensus panel of five senior glaucoma specialists. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the baseline risk factors that could predict the incidence of glaucoma.

Results

During the 5‐year follow‐up, incident primary glaucoma developed in 82 subjects (1.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2%–1.9%). The age‐ and gender‐standardized incidence of glaucoma among subjects ≥40 years old was 2.1% (0.4% annually), calculated according to the 2010 Chinese census. A higher age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04–1.09; p < 0.001), higher intraocular pressure (IOP) (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02–1.20; p = 0.017), and vertical cup disc ratio (VCDR) ≥ 0.60 (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 3.22–8.73; p < 0.001) were found to be associated with an increased risk of incident glaucoma. For each year, older age and each mmHg higher IOP, the risks of primary glaucoma increased by 1.2% and 2.0% per year, respectively.

Conclusion

We reported the 5‐year incidence of primary glaucoma in a rural Chinese population and found that older age, higher IOP, and VCDR ≥ 0.60 at baseline could help in identifying those at highest risk of disease development.
The impact of equalisation of basic public health and medical services on the long‐term urban settlement intentions of internal migrants in China
Authors: Lu Chong
Published: July 2022

Using China Migrants Dynamic Survey Project data from 2012 to 2018, this paper evaluates the causal impact of equalisation of basic public health and medical services on the long‐term urban settlement intentions of internal migrants by the difference‐in‐differences approach. The results reveal that the equalisation of basic public health and medical services has a negative impact on the long‐term urban settlement intentions of internal migrants of 4%. Male, middle‐aged, and unmarried internal migrants have a much stronger negative response, in terms of long‐term urban settlement intentions, to changes in basic public health and medical services. Moreover, more recent internal migrants, those in first‐tier cities and those in cities in eastern regions also have a much stronger negative response. Mechanism checks imply that the negative impact on the long‐term urban settlement intentions of internal migrants is caused by social integration decline after implementation of equalisation of basic public health and medical services.
Effects of a teacher development program on teachers' knowledge and collaborative engagement, and students' achievement in computational thinking concepts
Authors: Kong Siu‐Cheung , Lai Ming
Published: July 2022

An important educational goal for the next generation is the ability to think computationally. Cultivating K‐12 students' computational thinking (CT) requires the capacity building of teachers through teacher development programs. However, if students' learning outcomes were not assessed, it is not known whether the enhancement of teacher capacity could impact on students' learning. This study aimed to examine how a teacher development program changed teachers' content knowledge and collaborative engagement, which in turn influenced their students' learning achievement. The participants were 81 teachers and 3226 students from primary schools. We employed multi‐level modelling to study the relationships between teacher‐level variables and student achievement assessed by a CT concepts test. The teachers' content knowledge and collaborative engagement were significantly enhanced through the program, which in turn had a significant impact on student achievement. Teachers' years of teaching experience, but not their gender or whether they had majored in computer science, could also affect student achievement. The results indicate that a teacher development program can play a significant role in enhancing the teachers' CT content knowledge and collaborative engagement, which can then have a positive effect on student learning.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

The cultivation of students' computational thinking (CT) in K‐12 education requires the capacity building of teachers.

A teacher development program can improve teachers' knowledge and attitudes related to CT.

Whether the enhancement of teacher capacity can in turn affect students' learning achievement in CT is less studied.

What this paper adds

We found that a teacher development program could significantly enhance teachers' knowledge in CT and their collaborative engagement in the program.

Using multilevel modelling, we found further that the enhancement of teachers' knowledge and collaborative engagement could affect students' understanding of CT concepts positively.

Teachers' years of teaching experience, but not their gender or whether they had majored in computer science, could also influence student achievement.

Implications for practice and/or policy

In designing similar teacher development programs for teachers, collaborative engagement opportunities should be provided as it can have a positive impact on student achievement.

Although the majority of teachers do not have a background in computer science, a teacher development program can play a significant role in enhancing their knowledge in CT, no matter they had majored in computer science or not.

The significance of the program is not limited to the development of teachers, as the enhancements of teachers' knowledge and collaborative engagement through the program can in turn have a positive impact on students' understanding of CT concepts.
Artificial intelligence: Training the trainer
Authors: Kaestner Lars
Published: July 2022

Including artificial intelligence in haematological education is compulsory but should not be limited to students. Experienced haematologist and decision‐makers in the clinical environment have at least similar needs. This is because of the tremendous potential, opportunities and benefits the timely inclusion of artificial intelligence offers in diagnosis, prediction and personalised therapy.

Commentary on: Chai et al. Integrating artificial intelligence into haematology training and practice: opportunities, threats and proposed solutions. Br J Hematol 2022;198:807–811.