bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herd behaviour in an emerging market: an evidence of calendar and size effects
Authors: Tauseef Sana
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine investors’ herd behaviour for various calendar events and size-based stock portfolios in Pakistan. The authors consider three calendar effects, crisis (COVID-19 and financial crisis 2018–19), announcement of political news and popular calendar anomalies (month-of-the-year and day-of-the-week), and investigate the impact of stock size on calendar effect in terms of investors’ herd behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses non-linear specification to capture herd behaviour using firm-level daily data for 496 stocks listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2001–2020.

Findings

The results indicate herd formation during periods of COVID-19, financial crisis, political news announcements and January (month-of-the-year). The authors also observe significant herding for the biggest and smallest size stocks over complete period. However, the authors find more pronounced herding in big stocks during January as compared to the more noticeable herding in small stocks over complete period. The findings suggest that herding in small stocks is not the main cause of January herding and hint on the prevalence of significant institutional herding during January.

Practical implications

The stock prices destabilize because of the mimicking behaviour during crisis periods, days of political announcements and month of January. Implementation of insider trading laws and transparent information environment can help in reducing these effects and increasing market efficiency.

Originality/value

The authors consider the recent COVID period in our analysis. In addition, we provide new evidence on the possible impact of stock size on calendar effect in terms of herd behaviour, which, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has not yet been documented in literature.
Individual entrepreneurial orientation, self-efficacy, and managerial skills for project performance: an integrated structural approach and analysis
Authors: Al-Kwifi Osama Sam , Petrovska Ilijana , Parast Mahour , Safari Arsalan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO), entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial managerial skills (EMS) on project performance at both the individual and team levels using a holistic framework.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 308 university students involved in two different types of projects (entrepreneurship and nonentrepreneurship) in Qatar.

Findings

The confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling showed that both IEO and EMS positively and almost equally influenced project performance. However, ESE’s impact on project performance was significantly mediated by both IEO and EMS and, in practice, it should be considered a motivational factor for increasing the impact of IEO and EMS on project performance.

Practical implications

Project managers should recognize the value of the management and leadership skills examined in this study and their implications for project outcomes.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the role these factors play in effective project management, thus allowing organizations to make effective decisions to reinforce these factors and gain a competitive advantage.
Impact of the application of IFRS 9 on listed Spanish credit institutions: implications from the regulatory, supervisory and auditing point of view
Authors: Gómez-Ortega Alba , Gelashvili Vera , Delgado Jalón María Luisa , Rivero Menéndez José Ángel
Published: July 2022

Purpose

At the European level, on January 1st 2018, the accounting standard IFRS 9, on the principles for the accounting information of financial instruments entered into force. The objective of this research paper is to analyse the impact of the first application of IFRS 9 on the credit institutions listed in Spain, specifically, its effects on their financial statements and the corresponding audit reports.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve research purpose, a descriptive analysis of the analysed entities has been carried out, through the financial and economic indicators, and through the review of the corresponding audit reports.

Findings

The results show that the application of IFRS 9 had a significant effect (both positive and negative) on the results of the subject companies. Based on the audit reports, the application of this new standard increased the degree of complexity and that of accounting estimates in the financial statements.

Originality/value

This research is an important contribution to the literature on this topic because it analyses the impact of IFRS 9 under the main points of view that allow for a more complete understanding of the standard thus addressing the regulatory accounting standpoint, the economic–financial impact and the consequences on the implementation process.
Quantifying global digital journalism research: a bibliometric landscape
Authors: Banshal Sumit Kumar , Verma Manoj Kumar , Yuvaraj Mayank
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive analysis of the current status and development of the digital journalism field from 1987 to 2021 using the Dimensions database.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Dimensions.ai database, 1734 articles were identified through search strategies which were published from 1987 to 2021. The downloaded results were analysed using specific parameters with the help of bibliometric and science mapping tools: Biblioshiny, VOSviewer and CiteSpace. The key contributions of the present comprehensive bibliometric study of the digital journalism field can be seen in terms of the following aspects: (1) Publication analysis from the perspectives of publication growth, key journals, contributing authors, institutions and countries done through Biblioshiny package. (2) Citation network analysis from the perspective of co-citation structure of papers, authors, countries and institutions done through VOSviewer. (3) Timeline analysis and keywords burst detection to identify hotspots and research trends in digital journalism with the help of CiteSpace.

Findings

The first paper with the keyword digital journalism was published in the year 1989. From 2011 onwards, there has been growth in digital journalism literature. The most popular journal in digital journalism studies is Digital Journalism, Journalism, Journalism Practice, Journalism Studies. Lewis, S.C. has contributed the most number of papers in digital journalism. Further, authors from the countries the USA, Spain, Brazil and UK have contributed immensely. The citation network of authors, institutions and countries contributing to digital journalism studies has also been explored in the study. Through burst analysis, hot topics in digital journalism were identified.

Originality/value

The paper provides a complete overview of the growth of digital journalism literature published from 1987 to 2021. The originality of this work lies in the triangulation of Biblioshiny, VOSviewer and CiteSpace software to present various aspects of bibliometric study. Findings of the study can help the researchers to identify areas as well as journals, authors, institutions working actively in the field of digital journalism.
Exploring the implementation of artificial intelligence applications among academic libraries in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yuan-Ho
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study explored the different artificial intelligence (AI) applications used in academic libraries and the key factors and impediments related to their implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The author applied quantitative research methods in the form of a questionnaire, using both open and closed questions. A total of 472 valid questionnaires were received from academic librarians.

Findings

The author sought responses from librarians who had implemented AI applications and those who had not, identifying the types of AI applications implemented, key factors relating to their implementation, and impediments to promoting AI. Gaps were identified between the level of support for AI applications and the negative effect of the impediments. Furthermore, the more extensive the individual and organizational knowledge activities performed by the librarians and libraries held, the more positive the attitude was librarians' attitude toward AI applications in their libraries. However, librarians recognized that AI applications are inevitable, but indicated that the difficulties of in execution have hampered the adoption of AI.

Research limitations/implications

The sample data were collected in Taiwan; therefore, the data may only represent the views of Taiwanese academic librarians on AI applications. The results of this study may not apply to librarians worldwide; however, they may provide a useful reference.

Practical implications

The results revealed the top four AI applications that libraries would most likely implement in the near future. Therefore, AI application developers and suppliers can prioritize the promotion of these products for to academic libraries. This study revealed that funding and costs related to AI implementation were discovered to be key factors relating to implementing AI applications. Some impediments to the implementation of AI applications relate to technological problems. Several librarians suggested that managers should invest more resources at an early stage rather than reducing cutting back on human resources initially. Although worries regarding privacy and ethics were mentioned expressed by some respondents, most academic librarians did not regard these to be major concerns.

Originality/value

This study provides the perspectives of librarians who have implemented AI applications and of those who have not. In addition, it explores the advantages and disadvantages of AI applications, and the level of support for and impact of AI applications and promotions. This study also included a gap analysis. Moreover, individual and organizational knowledge activity scales were adopted to examine AI awareness and the perceptions of academic librarians.
Reframing the performance management system: a conversations perspective
Authors: O'Kane Paula , McCracken Martin , Brown Travor
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To explore human resource (HR) practitioner perspectives of the effectiveness, challenges, and aspirations of the performance management (PM) system to inform future directions for PM design and success.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews with 53 HR practitioners from a cross-section of organisations operating in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

Findings

Practitioner's discussed the criticality of effective conversations across all elements of the PM system. Using an interpretive approach, and through a lens of social exchange theory (SET), we used their voice to develop a conversations-based PM model. This model centres on effective performance conversations through the design and implementation of the PM system. It includes four enablers and five environmental elements. The enablers (aligned goals, frequent feedback, skills development, and formality) depend on skilled interactions and conversations, and the organisational environmental elements (design, development function, buy-in, culture, and linkage to other systems) are enhanced when effective conversations take place.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the conversations model to help shape the way they design and implement PM systems, that place emphasis on upskilling participants to engage in both formal and informal honest conversations to build competency in the enablers and assess organisational readiness in terms of the environmental elements.

Originality/value

By listening to the under-utilised voice of the HR practitioner, and through a lens of SET, we developed a PM model which emphasises reciprocity and relationship building as key tenets of the PM system. While past research recognises the importance of effective conversations for PM implementation, it has largely silent been about the role of conversations in system design. Our model centres these conversations, presenting enablers and environmental elements to facilitate their core position within effective PM.
Conceptualization and validation of brand social capital construct by analyzing the role of social media capital
Authors: Zarei Azim , Taheri Ghazale , Ghazvini Hadi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Researchers, with the widespread acceptance of Web-based technologies by companies, have recently discovered a new type of social capital through these mass communication tools, but there is still limited knowledge about its formation. Therefore, this study specifically aims to conceptualize and validate brand social capital (BSC) by analyzing the role of the online brand community’s social media capital (OBCSC).

Design/methodology/approach

Research data was collected using a questionnaire with 39 closed-ended questions. Participants, among the 220 questionnaires distributed, only returned 140 acceptable questionnaires, indicating a response rate of 64%. The statistical population of the study included managers and employees of e-commerce companies active in social media in the field of B2C who introduce and sell their products and services on various types of social networking websites. This study performed data analysis using structural equation modeling with partial least squares.

Findings

The results showed that OBCSC has a positive and significant effect on the integration of brand knowledge, branding co-creation and sense of belonging to the brand community, and in addition, using the mediating role of these three variables, it also has a positive effect on BSC. This study rejects only hypothesis 8 among all the hypotheses formulated, which shows that the sense of belonging to the brand community has no significant effect on branding co-creation.

Originality/value

By conceptualizing a new phenomenon called BSC and how its conversion mechanism is, this research defines a specific and formulated path to better identify the results of the organizational use of social media. In addition, it significantly contributes to increasing managers’ understanding of the importance of online brand community activities in internalizing customer brand knowledge within the company and turning it into wealth.
Bringing Credibility Back to Macroeconomic Policy Frameworks
Authors: Anthony Stephen , Yahyaei Hamid
Published: July 2022

For most of the past decade, unconventional monetary policies (UMPs) have affected the wealth of savers, renters and younger generations. These policies, which enlarge central bank balance sheets – supporting credit expansion in the economy – but have no reliable mechanism for reversal, raise the simultaneous risk of higher inflation and deflation. In this paper, we critique UMPs by drawing on extant literature and empirical data that elucidate the undesired economic effects they cultivate. In particular, we focus on the implications of UMPs on efficient portfolio holdings by proposing an intuitive ex‐ante measure of dynamic efficiency loss that has applications for future research.
Resporulation of Metarhizium anisopliae granules on soil and mortality of Tenebrio molitor: Implications for wireworm management in sweetpotato
Authors: Shah Sudhan , Ash Gavin J. , Wilson Bree A. L.
Published: July 2022

In Australia, sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is vulnerable to root feeding insect pests such as wireworms (e.g., Agrypnus spp.). The number of registered insecticides to control these insect pests is limited and often pest pressure, for example by wireworms, is severe close to harvest, further limiting what insecticides can be applied. Incorporating biological control agents such as entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae) into integrated pest management programmes may be feasible in sweetpotato. M. anisopliae has been shown to be effective in controlling more than 200 insects and it is able to reside and grow in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane, suggesting that M. anisopliae could be a promising candidate against soil insect pests. In the study presented here, M. anisopliae was formulated into calcium alginate granules fortified with nutrients. The resporulation of the fungal granules was tested on four different soil types in the laboratory. The biocontrol efficacy of the resulting fungal growth was also examined using larval mealworms, Tenebrio molitor as a model insect in the laboratory and the glasshouse. Our results indicated that sterilised soil favoured optimal fungal resporulation, although different soil types did not have a significant effect on fungal resporulation. The resulting fungal resporulation and growth on sterilised soil caused high mortality (up to 76%) of larval mealworms in the glasshouse, whereas the fungal granules applied to non‐sterile soil demonstrated poor resporulation that led to low mortality (13%) of larval mealworms. The result of this study indicates that the manipulation of microbial populations in field soil is required to enhance the fungal growth and potential insect control against wireworms in the field.
Chronic ethanol exposure induced anxiety‐like behaviour by altering gut microbiota and GABA system
Authors: Yao Hui , Zhang Dalin , Yu Hao , Shen Hui , Lan Xinze , Liu Hao , Chen Xiaohuan , Wu Xu , Zhang Guohua , Wang Xiaolong
Published: July 2022

Ethanol, also known as alcohol, is one of the most common drinks in the world. Chronic ethanol exposure has been reported to induce mental disorders. Ethanol also has a strong effect on the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota has been reported to affect the brain via multiple pathways, including changes in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, and cause a variety of mental disorders. The GABA system in the cortex is associated with anxiety. However, the role of gut microbiota played in ethanol exposure‐induced changes in the GABA system and anxiety is still not clear. We established a 30‐day ethanol exposure mouse model and investigated the effects of microbiota using the antibiotic minocycline. Minocycline alleviated ethanol‐induced anxiety‐like behaviour, dysbiosis of microbiota, intestinal barrier disruption, increased serum endotoxin and interleukin (IL)‐6. Minocycline also attenuated ethanol‐induced apoptosis and decreased expression of glutamate decarboxylases (GADs) and GABRA1 in the prefrontal cortex. Our results indicated that gut microbiota plays an important role in ethanol‐induced anxiety‐like behaviour by altering the function of GABA system. In addition, causal mediation analysis showed that endotoxin and IL‐6 may mediate the connection between the gut microbiota and the expression of GABAA receptor in the prefrontal cortex.
Impaired social decision‐making in males with methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Li Ming‐Hui , Zhang Mingming , Yuan Ti‐Fei , Rao Li‐Lin
Published: July 2022

Individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) commonly exhibit socially problematic behaviours. Investigating the prosocial decision‐making of individuals with MUD could enable a better understanding of their impaired social functioning and help improve their social relationships. We conducted two studies to examine the performance of individuals with MUD and healthy controls on a modified dictator game. In Study 1, 55 male individuals with MUD and 34 healthy male participants made a series of choices between two pairs of monetary prizes for themselves and for others. In Study 2, 62 male individuals with MUD and 31 healthy male participants made the same choices as in Study 1 after a brief exposure to methamphetamine‐related pictures. In both studies, we consistently found a context dependency of decreased prosociality in individuals with MUD. That is, individuals with MUD made fewer prosocial choices than healthy individuals in disadvantageous contexts (but not advantageous contexts). The results of the computational model suggested that the lower prosociality of individuals with MUD in disadvantageous contexts could be attributed to the lower weight placed on others' benefits. Moreover, when exposed to methamphetamine‐related pictures, individuals with MUD showed less caution and slower encoding/motor speed than healthy individuals, and individuals with MUD with a longer history of methamphetamine use tended to respond less cautiously. Our findings provide evidence that in disadvantageous contexts, individuals with MUD show reduced prosociality and less consideration of others' benefits. Identifying the origin of the alterations in prosocial decision‐making has implications for diagnosis and treatment.
Characterization of telomere length in Agerolese cattle breed, correlating blood and milk samples
Authors: Iannuzzi Alessandra , Albarella Sara , Parma Pietro , Galdiero Giacomo , D'Anza Emanuele , Pistucci Ramona , Peretti Vincenzo , Ciotola Francesca
Published: July 2022

Studies into telomere length in cattle are relatively recent and have focused mainly on the Holstein Friesian cattle breed, making it arduous to evaluate the correlation with ageing due to the early age of culling in this breed. Telomere length provides information about the productive lifespan and the quality of farm management, complying with the ‘One Health’ approach. This study evaluated telomere length in Agerolese cattle, an autochthonous dairy breed characterized by a long productive lifespan (13 years). Multiplex quantitative PCR estimated telomere length in DNA extracted from blood and milk matrices. Interestingly, the results showed longer telomeres in Agerolese (compared to the Holstein Friesian cattle control group), with a negative correlation between telomere length and increasing age and a synchronous trend between blood and milk samples, with a positive correlation between them.
Plasma E‐selectin and kallistatin as predictive markers of histologic chorioamnionitis in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Cho Iseop , Lee Kyong‐No , Joo Eunwook , Kim Yu Mi , Kim Tae Eun , Park Kyo Hoon
Published: July 2022

Problem

We aimed to assess the predictive potential of 12 plasma biomarkers to predict acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and to develop multi‐biomarker panels based on these biomarkers in combination with widely used conventional laboratory markers.

Method of study

This was a retrospective cohort study involving 81 singleton pregnant women (24–34 weeks of gestation) who delivered within 96 h of blood sampling. White blood cell (WBC) count, differential counts, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured at admission. The levels of DKK‐3, Fas, haptoglobin, IGFBP‐2, kallistatin, MIP‐1α, MMP‐2, MMP‐8, pentraxin 3, progranulin, E‐selectin, and P‐selectin were evaluated by ELISA using stored plasma samples. The primary outcome measure was acute HCA.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed that low plasma E‐selectin and kallistatin levels were independently associated with HCA occurrence after adjusting for gestational age. Using a stepwise regression analysis, a multi‐biomarker panel comprising plasma E‐selectin, serum CRP, and WBC was developed, which provided a good prediction of acute HCA in women with PPROM (area under the curve [AUC], 0.899), with a significantly higher AUC than that of any single variable included in the panel (P < 0.05). The plasma levels of DKK‐3, Fas, haptoglobin, IGFBP‐2, MIP‐1α, MMP‐2, MMP‐8, pentraxin 3, and P‐selectin were not significantly associated with HCA occurrence.

Conclusions

This study identified E‐selectin and kallistatin as potential plasma biomarkers associated with acute HCA in women with PPROM. Their combined analysis with serum CRP and WBC counts significantly improved acute HCA diagnosis.
Review article: exclude or expose? The paradox of conceptually opposite treatments for irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Biesiekierski Jessica R. , Manning Lauren P. , Murray Helen Burton , Vlaeyen Johan W. S. , Ljótsson Brjánn , Van Oudenhove Lukas
Published: July 2022

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a heterogeneous disorder of gut‐brain interaction (DGBI) maintained by interacting biological, psychological, and social processes. Interestingly, there are two contrasting yet evidence‐based treatment approaches for reducing IBS symptoms: exclusion diets such as those low in fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) and exposure‐based cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT). Exclusion diets recommend patients avoid foods thought to be symptom‐inducing, whereas exposure‐based CBT encourages patients to expose themselves to foods.

Aims

To address the paradox of conceptually opposite exclusion diets and exposure‐based CBT for IBS.

Methods

In this conceptual review, we describe the rationale, practical implementation, evidence base and strengths and weaknesses of each treatment. We conducted up‐to‐date literature search concerning the low FODMAP diet and CBT, and performed a secondary analysis of a previously conducted trial to illustrate a key point in our review.

Results

The low FODMAP diet has demonstrated efficacy, but problems with adherence, nutritional compromise, and heightened gastrointestinal‐specific anxiety raise caution. Exposure‐based CBT has demonstrated efficacy with substantial evidence for gastrointestinal‐specific anxiety as a key mechanism of action. Mediation analysis also showed that increased FODMAP intake mediated decreased symptom severity in exposure‐based CBT. However, there is minimal evidence supporting which treatment “works best for whom” and how these approaches could be best integrated.

Conclusions

Even though exclusion diets and exposure‐based CBT are conceptually opposite, they each have proven efficacy. Clinicians should familiarise themselves with both treatments. Further research is needed on predictors, mechanisms and moderators of treatment outcomes.
Best practice—Is natural revegetation sufficient to achieve mitigation goals in road construction?
Authors: Mehlhoop Anne Catriona , Skrindo Astrid Brekke , Evju Marianne , Hagen Dagmar
Published: July 2022

Aims

The area influenced by road construction is large, and measures to re‐establish vegetation in disturbed areas are routinely carried out to reduce impacts on biodiversity. However, goals of mitigation measures are often unclear, and the effects on biodiversity of mitigation measures is rarely monitored. We assessed the effects of different revegetation treatments (natural revegetation, seeding, planting) on vegetation development along highways, and on wildlife crossings of different age.

Location

Highways in southeast Norway.

Methods

We collected data on vascular plant species, vegetation cover and height, soil grain size and organic matter content, and compared the species composition, richness, and diversity of the restored sites with reference plots in the adjacent target vegetation (mature forest).

Results

Our results show a significantly higher richness and diversity in restored plots compared to reference plots, and an increased similarity of species composition over time. Species composition was most similar to reference plots in naturally revegetated plots and seeding seemed to reduce both species and functional trait composition similarity.

Conclusions

It is unrealistic that the defined target vegetation will develop on restored sites. Defining a realistic and achievable target vegetation for each road construction project in relation to land use, adjacent vegetation type and successional stage, as e.g., forest edge instead of forest, would be useful. While this may require more effort for management it will translate to higher mitigation success.
Estimation of adherence to medication treatment in presence of censoring
Authors: Pasquier Jérôme , Schneider Marie P. , Locatelli Isabella
Published: July 2022

Aims

The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical framework for the analysis of medication adherence based on longitudinal data from electronic medication monitors and to suggest methods for unbiased estimation of the effect of time and covariates on adherence.

Methods

After defining the statistical summaries involved in adherence analyses and the assumptions necessary for their estimation, we address the issue of bias encountered when adherence is estimated on censored data. We suggest 2 unbiased methods to estimate adherence: (i) indirect combining implementation and persistence; and (ii) based on weights, allowing estimation of the effect of time and covariates on adherence via generalized estimating equations models.

Results

We applied the proposed methods to investigate the effect of sex on adherence in a sample of 43 oncology patients followed 1 year. Implementation was higher for men than for women at baseline (98.8 vs. 97.5%, odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–4.35), whereas the relationship was reversed at 1 year (94.5 vs. 96.4%, OR 0.65, 95%CI: 0.28–1.52). Adherence declined faster in men, with year‐end values of 46.3% for men and 92.2% for women (OR 0.07, 95%CI: 0.02–0.26).

Conclusion

Estimation of adherence is a complex statistical issue with longitudinal and duration data, possibly censored, interleaving. This study provides a theoretical framework and suggests methods for unbiased estimation of adherence as a function of time and covariates. This allows the effect of an intervention to be estimated in clinical trials, and helps healthcare providers reframe adherence programmes to address covariates such as sex.
More elaborate processing of own‐race faces and less elaborate processing of other‐race faces contribute to the other‐race effect in face memory
Authors: Herzmann Grit , Ogle Olivia , Curran Tim
Published: July 2022

Research suggests that own‐race faces are naturally memorized in a more elaborate (e.g., many features of a face or the whole face) way, whereas other‐race faces are memorized in a less elaborate (e.g., only selected features of the face) manner. Here, we tested if instructions for judgements about the whole face and a single facial feature modulated the other‐race effect in face memory. White participants performed whole‐face and single‐feature tasks while memorizing White and Black faces for later recognition. Encoding instructions had a stronger impact on own‐race than other‐race faces. Whole‐face instructions increased the other‐race effect, whereas single‐feature instructions decreased it. Own‐race faces in the whole‐face task demonstrated event‐related potential (ERP) patterns of memory encoding comparable to previously observed natural memory encoding, suggesting naturally more elaborate encoding of own‐race faces. ERPs of memory encoding for other‐race faces were similar between task conditions and comparable to previously observed natural encoding patterns, suggesting naturally less elaborate encoding. No impact of the encoding tasks was found on ERPs related to memory retrieval, which may be an artefact of a perceptual task that does not enhance semantic details in memory. The current results indicate that some contributions to the other‐race effect are more elaborate (more detailed) memory encoding for own‐race faces and less elaborate (less detailed) memory encoding for other‐race faces. This study also provides evidence for more malleability of own‐race than other‐race faces through task instructions, consistent with assumptions of perceptual learning theories of the other‐race effect.
MicroRNA‐210‐mediated mtROS confer hypoxia‐induced suppression of STOCs in ovine uterine arteries
Authors: Hu Xiang‐Qun , Song Rui , Dasgupta Chiranjib , Romero Monica , Juarez Rucha , Hanson Jenna , Blood Arlin B. , Wilson Sean M. , Zhang Lubo
Published: July 2022

Background and Purpose

Hypoxia during pregnancy is associated with increased uterine vascular resistance and elevated blood pressure both in women and female sheep. A previous study demonstrated a causal role of microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) in gestational hypoxia‐induced suppression of Ca2+ sparks/spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in ovine uterine arteries, but the underlying mechanisms remain undetermined. We tested the hypothesis that miR‐210 perturbs mitochondrial metabolism and increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) that confer hypoxia‐induced suppression of STOCs in uterine arteries.

Experimental Approach

Resistance‐sized uterine arteries were isolated from near‐term pregnant sheep and were treated ex vivo in normoxia and hypoxia (10.5% O2) for 48 h.

Key Results

Hypoxia increased mtROS and suppressed mitochondrial respiration in uterine arteries, which were also produced by miR‐210 mimic to normoxic arteries and blocked by antagomir miR‐210‐LNA in hypoxic arteries. Hypoxia or miR‐210 mimic inhibited Ca2+ sparks/STOCs and increased uterine arterial myogenic tone, which were inhibited by the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant MitoQ. Hypoxia and miR‐210 down‐regulated iron–sulfur cluster scaffold protein (ISCU) in uterine arteries and knockdown of ISCU via siRNAs suppressed mitochondrial respiration, increased mtROS, and inhibited STOCs. In addition, blockade of mitochondrial electron transport chain with antimycin and rotenone inhibited large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, decreased STOCs and increased uterine arterial myogenic tone.

Conclusion and Implications

This study demonstrates a novel mechanistic role for the miR‐210‐ISCU‐mtROS axis in inhibiting Ca2+ sparks/STOCs in the maladaptation of uterine arteries and provides new insights into the understanding of mitochondrial perturbations in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications resulted from hypoxia.
Lichen planus-like keratosis: what do we know about it?
Authors: Pogorzelska-Antkowiak Anna
Published: July 2022

Lichen planus-like keratosis is a common, benign pigmented skin lesion. It should be carefully diagnosed using modern diagnostic tools, such as dermoscopy and confocal microscopy, to avoid misdiagnosis as melanoma or other malignant pigmented lesions.
Patient choice in colorectal cancer treatment – A systematic review and narrative synthesis of attribute‐based stated preference studies
Authors: Kowal Mikolaj , Douglas Francesca , Jayne David , Meads David
Published: July 2022

Aim

The global burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) is set to increase by 60% by 2030. An aging population and increasing treatment complexity add difficulties for patients and clinicians in CRC management. Patient preferences can be investigated using attribute‐based stated preference (AbSP) techniques to explore trade‐offs between different treatments. These techniques include discrete‐choice experiments (DCEs), conjoint analysis and time‐trade off (TTO) methods. This systematic review with a narrative synthesis aimed to determine the use and design of AbSP studies in CRC treatment and to identify patient choice themes.

Methods

The searches were performed using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library in March 2021. All manuscripts featuring the use of AbSP techniques in CRC treatment were included. Data synthesis was performed using a narrative approach.

Results

The search strategy returned 271 articles. Eighteen AbSP studies were included featuring 1890 patients and 296 clinicians. AbSP techniques compromised DCE (38.9%, n = 7), TTO (38.9%, n = 7) and conjoint analysis (22.2%, n = 4). Eleven studies (61.1%) involved piloting of tasks and the average task completion rate was 75%. CRC treatments included chemotherapy (33%, n = 6), combined treatments (33%, n = 6), surgery (17%, n = 3), targeted therapy (11%, n = 2) and radiotherapy (6%, n = 1). The most examined domain was physical health, investigated with 49 (59.8%) attributes.

Conclusions

Life expectancy was the main attribute in chemotherapy treatment. With surgery, patients were willing to trade life‐expectancy to avoid adverse outcomes or a permanent stoma. Communication skills, treatment cost, and clinicians' views were important attributes for patients in cancer services. Further research in the elderly population, and other quality of life domains, are needed to deliver patient‐centred CRC care.
Subjective equivalence scales in Eastern versus Western European countries
Authors: Mysíková Martina , Želinský Tomáš , Garner Thesia I. , Fialová Kamila
Published: July 2022

We show that economies of scale estimated individually for each EU country differ from the officially adopted OECD‐modified scale; the differences across the countries further confirm the prevailing East‐West disparity. Using the minimum income question in the 2019 EU‐Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey, we demonstrate that applying the estimated country‐specific subjective equivalence scales, instead of the uniform OECD‐modified scale, results in up to a 6 pp change in the at‐risk‐of‐poverty rate. If inadequate equivalence scales are used, the equivalised income fails to inform the statistics of income poverty and prevents national social policies from being correctly targeted.
Divergent trends of ecosystem‐scale photosynthetic efficiency between arid and humid lands across the globe
Authors: Wei Fangli , Wang Shuai , Fu Bojie , Wang Lanhui , Zhang Wenmin , Wang Lixin , Pan Ning , Fensholt Rasmus
Published: July 2022

Aim

Widespread greening and an increasing global terrestrial carbon sink over recent decades have been reported. However, the spatio‐temporal relationships between vegetation greenness and productivity and the factors influencing this relationship remain unclear. We define a new metric of ecosystem‐scale photosynthetic efficiency (EPE) to analyse its spatio‐temporal pattern and investigate how potential drivers regulate the greenness–productivity relationship.

Location

Global.

Time period

From 2001 to 2016.

Major taxa studied

Global terrestrial ecosystems.

Methods

This study used global datasets of leaf area index (LAI) and solar‐induced fluorescence (SIF) as proxies of vegetation greenness and ecosystem productivity, respectively, to propose a new metric of SIF/LAI, representing ecosystem‐scale photosynthetic efficiency (EPE). We identified the spatial pattern and dynamics of EPE and examined factors influencing EPE.

Results

The results showed a weaker increase in productivity compared with the global greening rate from 2001 to 2016, suggesting a decline in EPE at the global scale. This decline in EPE indicates a disproportionate increase in terrestrial productivity against the widespread greening. When stratified into areas following an aridity gradient, we found that EPE overall showed upward trends in arid and semi‐arid areas, and downward trends in dry sub‐humid and humid regions. The EPE was controlled primarily by soil moisture, which promoted or constrained the EPE in xeric and mesic ecosystems, respectively. Moreover, the increase in short vegetation cover and atmospheric water demand contributed positively or negatively to EPE changes in xeric and mesic ecosystems, respectively.

Main conclusions

Our study shows that greening of the Earth is associated with decreasing EPE, revealing that current rates of carbon sequestration do not increase proportionally to greening of the Earth and highlighting that soil moisture is a key controller of EPE. These results help to reduce the uncertainties in future climate change impacts on vegetation dynamics, thus having implications for sustainable ecosystem management and climate change mitigation.
Dermatological adverse reactions after vaccination with BNT162b2 in a cohort of healthcare workers
Authors: Ruiz‐Villaverde Ricardo , Rivera‐Izquierdo Mario , Gil‐Villalba Ana , Pegalajar‐García Maria D. , Pérez‐Rojas Javier , Soler‐Iborte Eva , Valero‐Ubierna M Carmen
Published: July 2022

Background

The description of the skin reactions produced by the different vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2 has focused on the symptoms reported by the general population. There are few studies with very different measurement methods focused on healthcare workers.

Methods

A longitudinal observational study was conducted on all the healthcare workers from the Hospital Universitario San Cecilio that received vaccination against COVID‐19 with BNT162b2. The recruitment period was from December 2020 to September 2021. The recommended regimen was double, with a minimum interval of 21 days between doses. All dermatological reactions reported as adverse effects of the vaccine were evaluated by the Staff of the Dermatology Unit of our center.

Results

A total of 3969 healthcare workers of our center were followed. Only 0.7% of them reported dermatological adverse reactions. The most frequently reported reactions were morbilliform rash and COVID arm. In the multivariate analysis, the vaccination regimen (one dose) and the history of COVID‐19 infection remained the main factors associated with the report of dermatological adverse reactions.

Conclusion

The rate of dermatological adverse reactions after vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pfizer‐BioNTech) is extraordinarily low. No patient required hospitalization, which supports the safety of this vaccination in a population of healthcare workers.
Modelled estimates of hospitalisations attributable to respiratory syncytial virus and influenza in Australia, 2009–2017
Authors: Nazareno Allen L. , Muscatello David J. , Turner Robin M. , Wood James G. , Moore Hannah C. , Newall Anthony T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are important causes of disease in children and adults. In Australia, information on the burden of RSV in adults is particularly limited.

Methods

We used time series analysis to estimate respiratory, acute respiratory infection, pneumonia and influenza, and bronchiolitis hospitalisations attributable to RSV and influenza in Australia during 2009 through 2017. RSV and influenza‐coded hospitalisations in <5‐year‐olds were used as proxies for relative weekly viral activity.

Results

From 2009 to 2017, the estimated all‐age average annual rates of respiratory hospitalisations attributable to RSV and seasonal influenza (excluding 2009) were 54.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.1, 88.8) and 87.8 (95% CI: 74.5, 97.7) per 100,000, respectively. The highest estimated average annual RSV‐attributable respiratory hospitalisation rate per 100,000 was 464.2 (95% CI: 285.9, 641.2) in <5‐year‐olds. For seasonal influenza, it was 521.6 (95% CI: 420.9, 600.0) in persons aged ≥75 years. In ≥75‐year‐olds, modelled estimates were approximately eight and two times the coded estimates for RSV and seasonal influenza, respectively.

Conclusions

RSV and influenza are major causes of hospitalisation in young children and older adults in Australia, with morbidity underestimated by hospital diagnosis codes.
Fungal microbiome shifts on avocado fruit associated with a combination of postharvest chemical and physical interventions
Authors: Bill Malick , Gokul Jarishma Keriuscia , Viljoen Francois , Korsten Lise
Published: July 2022

Aim of the Study

The aim was to characterize the baseline microbial population of the avocado carposphere and understand shifts in community structure from the harvest to ready-to-eat stages.

Methods and Results

The changes in surface or stem-end (SE) fungal microbiomes at the postharvest stage of avocado fruit were studied using next-generation sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region. Avocado fructoplane and SE pulp fungal richness differed significantly between postharvest stages with a decline following prochloraz dip treatments. Known postharvest decay-causing genera, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Alternaria, Epicoccum, Penicillium and Neofusicoccum were detected, with Papiliotrema, Meyerozyma and Aureobasidium confirmed as the most dominant potentially beneficial genera. Postharvest interventions such as prochloraz had a negative non-target effect on the presence of Papiliotrema flavescens on the avocado fructoplane.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a core community of beneficial and pathogenic taxa in the avocado fructoplane and further highlight the reduction of pathogenic fungi as a consequence of fungicide use.

Significance and Impact of the Study

The current study provides important baseline data for further exploration of fungal population shifts in avocado fruit driven by chemical (fungicide) as well as physical (cold storage) interventions.
Intimate partner violence during the perinatal period by disability status: Findings from a United States population‐based analysis
Authors: Alhusen Jeanne L. , Lyons Genevieve , Laughon Kathryn , Hughes Rosemary B.
Published: July 2022

Aims

The aim of the current study was to compare the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) during the perinatal period among respondents with self‐reported disability compared with those without a disability.

Design

We conducted a secondary analysis of nationally representative data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data from 24 participating United States between 2018 and 2020.

Methods

A cross‐sectional sample of 43,837 respondents provided data on disability, including difficulty in vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, communication and self‐care. The exposure was perinatal IPV, defined as experiencing abuse by a current or ex‐partner in the year before or during pregnancy. Regression models were used to calculated odds of IPV by disability status while accounting for relevant sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Respondents who self‐reported disabilities experienced IPV at a higher rate than those without disabilities, both before and during pregnancy. In fully adjusted models, respondents with disabilities had about 2.6 times the odds of experiencing IPV before pregnancy, and about 2.5 times the odds of experiencing IPV during pregnancy, compared with those without disabilities.

Conclusion

Respondents with disabilities experienced IPV at higher rates than the general population, and thus are at increased risk for adverse maternal, neonatal and infant health outcomes.

Impact

Perinatal IPV is a significant issue globally, and our findings suggest perinatal IPV is particularly salient for persons with disability. Findings highlight the need to screen women with disabilities for IPV during the perinatal period as well as the importance of providing them appropriate, accessible information, resources and referrals.
Multimodal image reconstruction from tomographic diffraction microscopy data
Authors: Abbessi Riadh , Verrier Nicolas , Taddese Asemare Mengistie , Laroche Steve , Debailleul Matthieu , Lo Mohamed , Courbot Jean‐Baptiste , Haeberlé Olivier
Published: July 2022

Tomographic diffraction microscopy (TDM) is a tool of choice for high‐resolution, marker‐less 3D imaging of biological samples. Based on a generalization of digital holographic microscopy with full control of the sample's illumination, TDM measures, from many illumination directions, the diffracted fields in both phase and amplitude. Photon budget associated to TDM imaging is low. Therefore, TDM is not limited by phototoxicity issues. The recorded information makes it possible to reconstruct 3D refractive index distribution (with both refraction and absorption contributions) of the object under scrutiny, without any staining. In this contribution, we show an alternate use of this information. A tutorial for multimodal image reconstruction is proposed. Both intensity contrasts and phase contrasts are proposed, from the image formation model to the final reconstruction with both 2D and 3D rendering, turning TDM into a kind of ‘universal’ digital microscope.