bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating customer behavior on Instagram to enhance online sale: modeling the effect of content types and broadcasting tools
Authors: Houshiarian Rozhin , Amidi Asra , Nejad Mohammad Nameghi Ehsaneh
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of various Instagram contents on customer behavior. The studied case is associated with herbal teas sold on active Instagram pages.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire is exploited to collect data from customers. The integration of two entropy weight methods and weighted sum method are used to evaluate the priority of contents. In addition, model development is illustrated through which Instagram broadcasting tools are prioritized benefiting from fuzzy cognitive map method.

Findings

The results illustrate that customer behavior is moderated by content types, which empirically enhances the profitability of the business. The results of this study reveal that educational live, show other ones experience at live as well as motivational lives are the most effective contents. This study is a pioneering one to practically assess the construct of social media engagement through the effects of content types on the Instagram platform.

Originality/value

The effects of various contents, including motivational content, other customers’ experiences, products, educational content and purchase bill, on customer behavior are studied.
The influence of economic policy uncertainty on stock market liquidity? The mediating role of investor sentiment
Authors: Nasraoui Mahbouba , Ajina Aymen , Kahloul Amani
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The study examines the relationship between Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) and stock liquidity, and the mediating role of investor sentiment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on a sample of 4,620 firm-year observations covering nonfinancial firms in the United States from 2007 to 2020. We employ multiple regression analysis with panel data and path analysis with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the impact of EPU on stock liquidity in detail.

Findings

EPU significantly enhances stock liquidity. However, at elevated levels of EPU, this relationship reverses. The path analysis results indicate that EPU positively affects stock liquidity via the investor sentiment channel. This sentiment partially mediates the relationship between EPU and both trading volume and turnover rate, and fully mediates the relationship between EPU and both turnover price impact and illiquidity.

Practical implications

Our findings underscore the importance of liquidity for investors, who may require higher returns for holding more illiquid stocks. Second, they can help the government understand the implications of changes in EPU, highlighting the need for clear communication and the implementation of appropriate capital market policies.

Originality/value

While considerable research focuses on the relationship between EPU and stock market liquidity, the analysis of the channels through which EPU influences stock market liquidity remains largely unexplored. Our study highlights the importance of investor sentiment in explaining this relationship.
From code to connection: the role of responsible artificial intelligence (RAI) and leaders’ RAI symbolization in fueling high-tech employee innovation
Authors: Tariq Shahan Bin , Zhang Jian , Gilal Faheem Gul
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) radically transforms organizations, yet ethical AI’s effect on employee innovation remains understudied. Therefore, this study aims to explore whether responsible artificial intelligence (RAI) enhances high-tech employees’ innovative work behavior (IWB) through creative self-efficacy (CSE) and employee mental health and well-being (EMHWB). The study further examines how leaders’ RAI symbolization (LRAIS) moderates RAI’s effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Through structural equation modeling, 441 responses of high-tech firms’ employees from Pakistan were utilized for hypotheses testing via SmartPLS-4.

Findings

The results revealed that second-order RAI enhances employees’ IWB. The effect was supported directly and indirectly through CSE and EMHWB. Findings also showed that LRAIS significantly moderates RAI’s influence on CSE, on the one hand, and EMHWB, on the other.

Practical implications

High-tech firms’ managers can fix AI-outlook issues that impair their employees’ IWB by prioritizing an ethical AI design involving actions like AI control mechanisms, bias checks and algorithmic audits. Similarly, these managers should facilitate RAI discussions and targeted trainings focusing on employees’ cognitive development and well-being. Likewise, RAI embracement programs and evaluations for leadership positions could be incorporated into high-tech firms.

Originality/value

This study advances the mainstream AI literature and addresses a notable gap concerning RAI’s influence on employees’ IWB while grounding in social cognitive theory. Moreover, this study unveils how CSE and EMHWB affect IWB within RAI milieus. Additionally, through signaling theory, it underscores the significance of LRAIS in amplifying the direct association between RAI, CSE, and EMHWB within high-tech firms in emerging markets.
Time perspective and eating behaviour of young adults: how important is a healthy future compared to the present?
Authors: Begho Toritseju , Liu Shuainan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Promoting healthy dietary habits is a concern for public health due to the association between unhealthy diets and nutrient-related diseases. This paper aims to examine the relationship between individuals’ temporal dietary behaviour and perceptions of the effect of dietary habits on physical health and how these perceptions influence two important aspects of eating behaviour, i.e. daily consumption of healthy food and self-reported extra payment for healthy food options.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional data on 457 young Chinese adults within the age category of 18–30 years were collected through a survey. Two subscales (immediate and future) were obtained from the consideration-of-future-consequences (CFC)-12 scale through a factor analysis. A seemingly unrelated regression was estimated to determine whether CFC impacts behaviour through an awareness of the consequences of one’s dietary habits.

Findings

Individuals who are more focused on immediate gratification were more likely to perceive their current dietary habit have a negative effect on their physical health (p < 0.001). In contrast, those who prioritise the future benefits were less likely to perceive negative health effects from their dietary habits (p < 0.001). However, the perception of negative consequences of dietary habit on physical health did not motivate healthier eating daily (p < 0.001) nor allocating more money towards eating healthy (p < 0.001).

Practical implications

Understanding the relationship between time perspective and dietary habits could help identify potential risk factors for poor dietary choices and promote healthier eating habits.

Originality/value

The paper uses insights from behavioural economics to identify the behavioural triggers that lead to a healthier dietary habit.
Impact of virtual influencers on customer engagement of Generation Z consumers: a presence perspective
Authors: Lin Qiaoling , Ng Siew Imm , Kamal Basha Norazlyn , Luo Xi , Li Yingxia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Based on the computers as social actors (CASA) theory, this study aims to explore the impact of three characteristics of virtual influencers (conversational tone, autonomy and responsiveness) on social presence, telepresence and customer engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the purposive sampling technique, online survey was administered to Chinese Gen-Z consumers engaging with virtual influencers. Subsequently, 357 respondents were sampled. SPSS 29.0 and Smart PLS 4.0 were used to perform the analyses.

Findings

The results show that conversational tone and responsiveness have significant positive effects on both social presence and telepresence. Autonomy has a positive effect on telepresence, but not social presence. Social presence and telepresence have a positive impact on customer engagement.

Originality/value

As a burgeoning field, there is still uncertainty among both practitioners and researchers about the methods that virtual influencers engage their users in the context of social media. Limited research has focused on presence (social presence and telepresence) due to virtual influencers. Therefore, the CASA theory offers valuable insights into how virtual influencers’ characteristics contribute to the presence and customer engagement and provides practical guidance for the design of virtual influencers.
Seismic wave propagation in coupled fluid and porous media: A finite element approach
Authors: Bucher Federico , Zyserman Fabio I. , Monachesi Leonardo B.
Published: June 2024

We present a numerical method to simulate seismic wave propagation in coupled fluid and porous media. We developed a numerical finite element–based algorithm to approximate solutions to viscoacoustic and Biot's equations, considering the open pore conditions at the interfaces between both media. The algorithm architecture allows to simulate arbitrary distributions of viscoacoustic and poroelastic regions, facilitating the modelling of heterogeneous systems involving complex geometries. The algorithm includes a double parallelization scheme whose efficiency in terms of computing time and memory requirements was tested for different core distributions and mesh sizes. We validate our proposal by performing a comparison between its results and those obtained with a well‐known freely available code. We test its capabilities by studying two different scenarios with geophysical interest: a lake with an irregular bottom and a fractured porous medium.
The long‐term drive count and culling data of the sika deer (Cervus nippon) population introduced on Nakanoshima Island in Lake Toya, Hokkaido, Japan, during 1980–2023
Authors: Igota Hiromasa , Takahashi Hiroshi , Matsuura Yukiko , Ikeda Takashi , Watanabe Takuma , Kaji Koichi
Published: June 2024

Cervid populations introduced to favorable habitats in confinement often increase excessively without predators and hunting. Overabundant deer populations impact the ecosystems and may cause damages to agriculture and forestry. Long‐term count data on the changes in a deer population is essential to understand the relationship between the population dynamics and the natural vegetation. The introduced sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck, 1836) population without predators on Nakanoshima Island, Hokkaido, Japan, showed repeated irruptions and declines with mass mortality and irregular culling between 1980s and 2000s. The overabundant deer significantly altered the natural vegetation, and density‐dependent changes in population parameters such as body size and reproduction were observed. Here, we present the drive count and culling data to examine the population dynamics during 1980–2023. Deer were counted by 20–30 walking drivers and 2–3 observers on boats once per year in February or March. The number of counted deer rapidly increased from the original three introduced around 1960 to >270 deer (the first peak) in two decades and decreased by half due to starvation and the first culling. Thereafter, the number of counted deer continued to increase with a lower growth rate, reached a higher peak (>400, the second peak) than the first irruption in two decades, and decreased again by half due to starvation and the second culling. Although the number of counted deer increased again up to >300 in several years, it decreased and was maintained at around 100 deer with the annual culling program since 2012. The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Article section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2024-06.1/jalter-en.
Assessing the predictive ability of information globalization under global value chains‐environmental sustainability nexus in the BRICS economies: A nonparametric causality approach
Authors: Yu Dong , Wang Zilong , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: June 2024

The expansion of cross‐border information and production resources is facilitated by information globalization through the transfer of fresh ideas, products, technologies, and business models. This encourages information globalization's potential to achieve environmental and other technological advancements in the meantime and helps to make greener production possible through value‐added trade. Prior research, however, largely ignored this aspect of globalization in global value chains' studies. In order to anticipate carbon emissions (CO2) in BRICS economies, this novel study aims to assess the significance of participation in global value chains (GVCs) and information globalization (ING). The innovative research uses nonparametric causality‐in‐quantiles techniques on quarterly data from 1995Q1 to 2018Q4 to quantify for causality‐in‐variance and causality‐in‐mean because there might not be any causation at the first stage but there might be higher‐order interdependencies. The results show that GVC and ING had high predictive capability for carbon emissions, indicating asymmetry regarding environmental sustainability. Additionally, GVC and information globalization asserted that there is a significant interaction effect when it comes to forecasting pollution levels in chosen nations. The provision of financial and R&D assistance for energy efficiency and green production, as well as the use of mass and social media to raise awareness among the firms participating in global value chains, may assist in achieving SDG 13 and Cope26's goal of reducing pollution by 2030. The finding contributes crucial insights for policymakers and enhances the discourse on sustainable hones inside GVCs. The study proposes prioritizing information transparency, worldwide measures, and motivations for eco‐friendly advances to improve environmental sustainability in GVCs. Policymakers are encouraged to foster public–private associations for cohesive global endeavors in diminishing CO2 emanations inside GVCs.
A metagenomic survey of the fecal microbiome of the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: du Preez Louis Lategan , van der Walt Elzette , Valverde Angel , Rothmann Christopher , Neser Frederick Wilhelm Cornelius , Cason Errol Duncan
Published: June 2024

The African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest terrestrial animal on Earth and is found primarily in Southern and Eastern Africa. It is a hindgut, colonic fermenter and subsists on a diet of raw plant materials found in its grazing area. In this study the bacterial, archaeal and fungal populations of seven African savanna elephant fecal metagenomes were first characterized using amplicon sequencing. On the genus level it was observed that the p‐1088‐a5 gut group in the bacteriome, Methanocorpusulum and Methanobrevibacter in the archaeome and Alternaria, Aurobasidium, Didymella and Preussia in the mycome, predominated. Subsequently, metagenomic shotgun sequencing was employed to identify possible functional pathways and carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes). Carbohydrate catabolic pathways represented the main degradation pathways, and the fecal metagenome was enriched in the glycohydroside (GH) class of CAZymes. Additionally, the top GH families identified – GH43, GH2, GH13 and GH3 – are known to be associated with cellulytic, hemicellulytic and pectolytic activities. Finally, the CAZymes families identified in the African savanna elephant were compared with those found in the Asian elephant and it was demonstrated that there is a unique repository of CAZymes that could be leveraged in the biotechnological context such as the degradation of lignocellulose for the production of second‐generation biofuels and energy.
What does it mean to be a citizen in the contemporary moment?
Authors: Vora Neha
Published: June 2024

This commentary on the set of articles for the “Citizenship, Solidarity, and Nonbelonging” forum considers ways that relationships between states and residents are being reconfigured in the wake of environmental, technological, and economic changes. It also questions the concept of liberal citizenship as a framework for understanding contemporary political subjectivity.
Corporate social responsibility, CEO characteristics, and earnings management: Evidence from China
Authors: Erraja Chayma , Ying Qu , Khalil Hassan
Published: June 2024

This study examines the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR), earnings management (EM), and the characteristics of chief executive officers (CEOs) within the context of China's economic transformation. Drawing on stakeholder theory and upper echelon theory, this study investigates the influence of CSR on EM and the role of CEO characteristics. The empirical analysis is based on a sample of 1,980 Chinese firm‐year observations from the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock markets, between 2013 and 2017. The findings reveal a negative relationship between CSR performance and discretionary accruals (DA), suggesting that higher CSR is associated with lower EM. Moreover, this relationship is more pronounced among firms with highly educated CEOs (postgraduates) and mature CEOs (approaching retirement age). Notably, the negative CSR–EM relationship is strengthened in firms with mandatory CSR reports. This study expands prior research by exploring the impact of CEO characteristics on the CSR–EM relationship, incorporating CEO attributes alongside ownership structures and governance mechanisms. The findings offer insights for organizations in terms of selecting ethically committed CEOs, as well as guidance for shareholders in understanding CEO selection criteria. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of mandatory CSR disclosure (CSRD) for policymakers evaluating CSR performance according to the disclosure type.
The use of C‐reactive protein testing and antibiotic prescribing in Italy: A population‐based study in primary care
Authors: Lapi Francesco , Marconi Ettore , Rossi Alessandro , Lagolio Erik , Concia Ercole , Cricelli Claudio
Published: June 2024

Testing serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels can help determine whether there is a need for antibiotics and can limit prescribing of antibiotics for illnesses that are likely viral or non‐infectious in origin. Using Health Search, an Italian primary care database, we identified all patients, aged 15 years or older, being registered in the period between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019 and newly diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) or COPD‐ or asthma‐related exacerbations. From the date of these diagnoses, patients were followed up until occurrence of antibiotic prescription (for these indications) up to 31 December 2019. The association between the CRP testing and the outcome was investigated using a nested case–control analysis. In a cohort of 469 684 patients being diagnosed for URTI (83%), COPD‐ (11%) and asthma (7%)‐related exacerbations, 28 688 (6.11%) were prescribed with antibiotics because of the aforementioned indications. Of note, 98% of cases, nominally those prescribed with antibiotics, were not tested with CRP. However, those receiving antibiotics were more likely to have been previously tested for CRP than controls who did not receive antibiotics (833/28 601 [3%] and 4128/277 968 [1.5%]; OR 2.0 [95% CI: 1.8–2.1]). Our findings indicate that most of the antibiotic prescriptions for the investigated conditions were given without any prior CRP testing. A small minority of GPs did properly use CRP to determine whether antibiotics were needed. Further guidance is needed in Italy on the use of CRP in guiding antibiotic prescribing in primary care.
A case study analysis of a successful birth center in northern Uganda
Authors: Telfer Michelle , Zaslow Rachel , Nalugo Mbalinda Scovia , Blatt Rachel , Kim Diane , Kennedy Holly Powell
Published: June 2024

Background

Mothers and infants continue to die at alarming rates throughout the Global South. Evidence suggests that high‐quality midwifery care significantly reduces preventable maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This paper uses a case study approach to describe the social and institutional model at one birth center in Northern Uganda where, in over 20,000 births, there have been no maternal deaths and the neonatal mortality rate is 11/1000—a rate that is lower than many high‐resource countries.

Methods

This case study combined institutional ethnographic and narrative methods to explore key maternal and neonatal outcomes. The sample included birthing people who intended to or had given birth at the center, as well as the midwives, staff, stakeholders, and community health workers affiliated with the center. Data were collected through individual and small group interviews, participant observation, field notes, data and document reviews. Iterative and systematic analytical steps were followed, and all data were organized and managed with Atlas.ti software.

Results

Findings describe the setting, an overview of the birth center's history, how it is situated within the community, its staffing, administration, clinical outcomes, and model of care. A synthesis of contextual variables and key outcomes as they relate to the components of the evidence‐informed Quality Maternal and Newborn Care (QMNC) framework are presented. Three overarching themes were identified: (a) community knowledge and understanding, (b) community integrated care, and (c) quality care that is respectful, accessible, and available.

Conclusions

This birth center is an example of care that embodies the findings and anticipated outcomes described in the QMNC framework. Replication of this model in other childbearing settings may help alleviate unnecessary perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Seabird presence and seasonality influence nutrient dynamics of atoll habitats
Authors: Appoo Jennifer , Bunbury Nancy , Letori Jake , Hector Aurelie , Gendron Annie , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Rocamora Gerard , Le Corre Matthieu , Jaquemet Sébastien
Published: June 2024

Marine nutrients underpin productivity and functioning of oceanic island ecosystems. On islands where they nest, seabirds represent a primary source of marine nutrients. In tropical regions, some of the largest seabird populations nest on atolls, yet there is limited information available on seabird contributions to atoll ecosystem nutrient dynamics. To investigate the spatial and seasonal dynamics of seabird contributions, we assessed seabird colonies of different taxa, including red‐footed boobies and terns, nesting on separate islands of Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles. We assessed nutrient concentrations of guano, soil, coastal plants, and nearby seagrass in seabird colonies and at a control island with no seabirds, during the wet and dry seasons. Sooty terns contributed the highest quantities of nutrients, estimated at 71.2 N tonne/year and 52.2 P tonne/year. Seabird‐derived nutrient transfer occurred year‐round from seabird colonies to soil, coastal plants and seagrass. Soil macro‐ and inorganic nutrients were higher in the high‐density tern colony and during the dry season, coinciding with the breeding period of sooty terns. Both red‐footed booby and tern colonies maintained high nitrogen levels in coastal plants year‐round, while phosphorus levels did not differ between islands or seasons. Seabird‐derived nitrogen reversed nitrogen limitation of seagrass during the dry season. We provide the first insights into seabird nutrient contributions to atoll ecosystems in Seychelles, with recommendations for seabird conservation to boost and support atoll and island ecosystem resilience. Our results from a relatively undisturbed atoll serve as a baseline with which more impacted atolls and future changes can be assessed.
Randomized split‐mouth clinical trial comparing osteoblastic activity and osteogenic potential of autogenous particle harvesting during implant surgery without irrigation and with irrigation
Authors: Camacho‐Alonso Fabio , Mercado‐Díaz Ana María , Rivas‐Ballester Rebeca , Bernabeu‐Mira Juan Carlos , Peñarrocha‐Oltra David , del Rosario Tudela‐Mulero María
Published: June 2024

Objective

To compare the osteoblastic activity and osteogenic potential of autogenous particle harvesting during implant surgery using low‐speed drilling without irrigation and high‐speed drilling with irrigation.

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients with bilateral missing teeth of 3.6 and 4.6 were randomized into two groups (Group 1: low‐speed drilling without irrigation and Group 2: high‐speed drilling with irrigation) and 60 single dental implants were placed. The temperature at the tip of each drill was recorded and the harvested bone was weighed; particle size and Ca and P levels were also analyzed. After osteoblast culture, cell viability, cell cycle assay, cell migration, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentration, and mineralized nodule formation were assessed.

Results

Although the temperature of the drills was slightly higher in Group 1, no statistically significant differences were observed (p ≤ 0.05); however, the amount of harvested bone was higher (p < 0.001) and the size of the particles was higher (p = 0.019). In relation to osteoblastic activity and osteogenic potential, higher cell proliferation, higher number of cells in G2/M and S phases, higher cell migration capacity, higher VEGF concentration, and higher amount of mineralized nodule formation were observed in Group 1.

Conclusions

Low‐speed drilling without irrigation does not result in a significant increase in bone temperature compared to conventional drilling. However, a greater amount of bone is obtained; in addition, osteoblastic activity and osteogenic potential are higher with this technique, but further clinical studies are necessary.
Economic voting behavior: The peak‐end growth rule
Authors: Shen Zekai , Jin Yiyang , Dong Yuanyuan , Liu Yazhou
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces the peak‐end rule to economic voting, finding that voters focus on peak and end economic growth when evaluating incumbents. Cross‐national data from 595 elections in 70 countries (1960–2020) shows that the average of the highest GDP growth rate during the term and the growth rate in the election year positively impacts incumbent vote share, with peak growth having a stronger effect. Instrumental variable analysis addresses endogeneity. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that less‐educated voters rely more on the peak‐end rule. The findings contribute to understanding voters' behavioral patterns and improving democratic accountability.
Anomalies, option volume, and disagreement
Authors: Hameed Allaudeen , Jeon Byounghyun (BH)
Published: June 2024

We document robust amplification of stock market anomaly returns associated with elevated option trading volume driven by disagreement trades. Consistent with the correction of mispricing associated with biased beliefs, anomaly returns are higher when disagreement option volume is high prior to earnings announcements. Additionally, we demonstrate that disagreement‐based option volume is negatively related to future stock returns among stocks that are overpriced based on anomaly characteristics. Our findings also concentrate in stocks that are also difficult to short, emphasizing the combined impact of investor bias and shorting costs. Leveraging the staggered adoption of eXtensible Business Reporting Language, we establish a plausibly identified link between investor disagreement and short‐horizon mispricing in stocks.
Application of vacuum‐sealing drainage in buttonhole‐related arteriovenous fistula infection: A case report
Authors: Luo Manyu , Ding Yushuang , Qu Zhijie , Feng Wenyuan , Lu Xuehong
Published: June 2024

Few studies have reported the application of vacuum‐sealing drainage of infected dialysis vascular access wounds. Herein, we present a case of buttonhole‐related arteriovenous fistula infection treated with vacuum‐sealing drainage. A 53‐year‐old female hemodialysis patient was hospitalized with an inflamed arteriovenous fistula. The patient underwent non‐tunneled catheterization for dialysis and was treated with moxifloxacin and vancomycin for staphylococcal infection. On Day 3, the skin overlying the inflamed fistula was ulcerated, resulting in severe hemorrhage. Emergency surgery was performed along with vacuum‐sealing drainage for fistula reconstruction. Vacuum‐sealing drainage accelerated the recovery of the wound without complications. No further access complications occurred during over a 3‐year follow‐up.
Circadian functional changes of pain‐processing brainstem nuclei and implications for cluster headache: A 7 Tesla imaging study
Authors: Pohl Heiko , Neumeier Maria S. , Gantenbein Andreas R. , Wegener Susanne , Rosio Michael , Hennel Franciszek , Sandor Peter S. , Weller Michael , Michels Lars
Published: June 2024

Background

Pain thresholds and primary headaches, including cluster headache attacks, have circadian rhythmicity. Thus, they might share a common neuronal mechanism.

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate how the modulation of nociceptive input in the brainstem changes from noon to midnight. Insights into the mechanism of these fluctuations could allow for new hypotheses about the pathophysiology of cluster headache.

Methods

This repeated measure observational study was conducted at the University Hospital Zurich from December 2019 to November 2022. Healthy adults between 18 and 85 years of age were eligible. All participants were examined at noon and midnight. We tested the pain threshold on both sides of the foreheads with quantitative sensory testing, assessed tiredness levels, and obtained high‐field (7 Tesla) and high‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at each visit.

Functional connectivity was assessed at the two visits by performing a region‐of‐interest analysis. We defined nuclei in the brainstem implicated in processing nociceptive input as well as the thalamus and suprachiasmatic nucleus as the region‐of‐interest.

Results

Ten people were enrolled, and seven participants were included. First, we did not find statistically significant differences between noon and midnight of A‐delta‐mediated pain thresholds (median mechanical pain threshold at noon: left 9.2, right 9.2; at night: left 6.5, right 6.1). Second, after correction for a false discovery rate, we found changes in the mechanical pain sensitivity to have a statistically significant effect on changes in the functional connectivity between the left parabrachial nucleus and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (T = −40.79).

Conclusion

The MRI data analysis suggested that brain stem nuclei and the hypothalamus modulate A‐delta‐mediated pain perception; however, these changes in pain perception did not lead to statistically significantly differing pain thresholds between noon and midnight. Hence, our findings shed doubt on our hypothesis that the physiologic circadian rhythmicity of pain thresholds could drive the circadian rhythmicity of cluster headache attacks.
Differences in circulating alpha‐calcitonin gene–related peptide levels in inflammatory bowel disease and its relation to migraine comorbidity: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pascual‐Mato Marta , Gárate Gabriel , González‐Quintanilla Vicente , Madera‐Fernández Jorge , Castro Beatriz , García María José , Crespo Javier , Rivero Montserrat , Pascual Julio
Published: June 2024

Objective

To analyze the specificity of calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) levels, we measured alpha‐CGRP circulating levels in a large series of patients with a recent diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who were interviewed regarding comorbid headache.

Background

Several studies have found an association between migraine and IBD.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study performed in an IBD clinic, morning serum alpha‐CGRP levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 96 patients who were recently diagnosed with IBD and compared to those from 50 similar patients with chronic migraine (CM) and 50 healthy controls (HC).

Results

Alpha‐CGRP levels were higher in patients with IBD (median [interquartile range] 56.9 [35.6–73.9] pg/mL) and patients with CM (53.0 [36.7–73.9] pg/mL) compared to HC (37.2 [30.0–51.8] pg/mL; p = 0.003; p = 0.019, respectively). Regarding IBD diagnostic subtypes, alpha‐CGRP levels for ulcerative colitis (67.2 ± 49.3 pg/mL; 57.0 [35.6–73.4] pg/mL) and Crohn's disease (54.9 ± 27.5 pg/mL; 57.7 [29.1–76.1] pg/mL) were significantly higher than those of HC (p = 0.013, p = 0.040, respectively). Alpha‐CGRP levels were further different in patients with IBD with migraine (70.9 [51.8–88.7] pg/mL) compared to HC (p < 0.001), patients with IBD without headache (57.5 [33.3–73.8] pg/mL; p = 0.049), and patients with IBD with tension‐type headache but without migraine (41.7 [28.5–66.9] pg/mL; p = 0.004), though alpha‐CGRP levels in patients with IBD without migraine (53.7 [32.9–73.5] pg/mL) remained different over HC (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Together with CM, circulating alpha‐CGRP levels are different in patients with IBD, perhaps reflecting a chronic inflammatory state. IBD is an example of how alpha‐CGRP levels are not a totally specific migraine biomarker. However, alpha‐CGRP levels were further increased in patients with IBD who have a history of migraine, which reinforces its role as a biomarker in migraine patients, always bearing in mind their comorbidities.
Defining a learning curve for urology trainees to achieve renal access without complications in endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery
Authors: Yanase Takahiro , Taguchi Kazumi , Sugino Teruaki , Sue Yasuhito , Isogai Masahiko , Hattori Tatsuya , Chaya Ryosuke , Okada Tomoki , Kawase Kengo , Unno Rei , Hashimoto Hiroya , Hamamoto Shuzo , Ando Ryosuke , Okada Atsushi , Yasui Takahiro
Published: June 2024

Objectives

There is a lack of data on the number of surgeries required for endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). Accordingly, we aimed to identify the learning curve for ECIRS performed by multiple surgeons.

Methods

We included 296 patients who underwent ECIRS at our university hospital between 2016 and 2021. A learning curve for percutaneous nephrolithotomy side was calculated considering urology‐resident surgeons. The learning curve was retrospectively analyzed for surgical time, renal puncture time, stone‐free rate, and complications and corrected for age, body mass index, stone size, computed tomography value, cumulative number of surgeries, and stone location.

Results

This study included cases performed by 32 surgeons, including 30 residents and 2 attending surgeons. The median number of surgeries performed by the residents and attending surgeons prior to this study was 4.5 and 90, respectively. The median number of surgical procedures performed during the training period was seven. The surgical time of the residents decreased as the number of cases increased, reaching a median surgical time of 111 min for the attending surgeons after 16.4 cases. Renal puncture time was achieved in 20.1 cases. Complications related to renal access were observed in 13.0% (34 patients), Clavien–Dindo grade II in 1.9% (5 patients), and grade III or higher in 0.8% (2 patients). Comparing the first to fifth cases with the 21st and subsequent cases, the complication rate improved from 35% to 13%.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that ECIRS training provided 16–20 cases with a learning curve to achieve acceptable surgical outcomes.
Determinants of Water Source Choice for Irrigation in the Arkansas Delta
Authors: Kovacs Kent , Henry Christopher , Huang Qiuqiong , Krutz Larry Jason
Published: June 2024

The use and the share of water applied from several irrigation water sources correlate with the irrigation practices in use by the peers of Arkansan farmers. From a sample of producers from an irrigation survey in Arkansas, a bivariate sample selection model accounts for how peer use of numerous irrigation practices affects the use and the share of irrigation that comes from a water source. The bivariate sample selection model controls for the bias in the statistical estimates that occur because producers who volunteer for an irrigation survey are likely to know about and use irrigation more than the population. We find that peer influence operates through multiple irrigation practices, and peer influence through an irrigation practice depends on an irrigator's location and current farm practices. For example, peer use of a tail‐water recovery system and peer use of alternate wetting and drying both increase the probability of surface water use alone.
Feasibility of Wastewater‐based Public Health Monitoring Systems in Texas’ Small Rural Communities
Authors: Mendoza‐Sanchez Itza , Smyth Davida S. , Mendez Monica O. , Pearl Trish , Rifai Hanadi , Howell Nathan , Butler Erick
Published: June 2024

In recent years, there has been much focus on the use of wastewater‐based epidemiology (WBE) in urban centers, particularly for SARS‐CoV‐2 monitoring. However, less is known about the application of WBE in rural settings or in areas of limited resources. Most WBE programs in low‐resource communities have occurred outside the United States. To reap the benefits, WBE would need to be tailored to better reflect the socioeconomic challenges, technical barriers, communication limitations, and variable wastewater infrastructures associated with rural communities. The objective of this review is to evaluate the potential opportunities and challenges of deploying the current SARS‐CoV‐2 monitoring methodologies in small, rural communities, with a particular focus on rural Texas. For this, we conducted an inventory of rural communities in the state of Texas and their wastewater infrastructure. Based on specific rural examples, we evaluated the potential of current WBE methodologies used in urban settings to monitor for emerging biological agents of concern such as SARS‐CoV‐2. Our findings include an overview of rural wastewater capacity across rural Texas, a look at current WBE efforts to detect SARS‐CoV‐2, and recommendations for future implementation in two cities in rural counties, Kerrville and Valentine. WBE is a rapidly evolving public health tool with several notable advantages associated with cost, access, and adaptability. It is of particular use in resource‐limited communities that often exhibit healthcare disparities. This study presents the first overview of the feasibility of implementing WBE in the rural settings of Texas. We provide several recommendations and suggest alternatives that may be of use when planning an expansion of WBE into these areas.
Perfect couple or toxic relationship? A meta‐analysis of the effects and interplays of lean and agile strategies to improve performance
Authors: Matz Katharina , Foerstl Kai , Suurmond Robert
Published: June 2024

Both lean and agile practices have emerged as dominant organizational strategies to improve supply chain and firm performance. In addition, combinations of lean and agile, so‐called leagile practices, have developed. Most extant studies have tested the effects of specific subsets of lean, agile, or leagile practices on performance. This study proposes a comprehensive framework to investigate the complementary versus mutually exclusive performance gains of lean, agile, and leagile practices and their combinations. We review the literature and conduct a meta‐analysis of 127 empirical studies, yielding a total of 969 effect sizes across 30,741 firms. Our results indicate support for the positive link between lean, leagile, and agile practices and firm performance. Further analyses provide support for some aspects of cumulative capability theory, while others support aspects of trade‐off theory. We thereby enlighten the discourse about the cumulative and comparative effects of lean, leagile, and agile leveraging our comprehensive framework of practices. Specifically, our contribution identifies practice combinations that can be considered more valuable performance enhancers than others. Furthermore, our research guides managers on aligning and adapting lean, leagile, and agile practices with their firms' strategic priorities and performance goals. Finally, we showcase areas that require additional empirical investigation.
Impact of chromafenozide on the expression of Halloween gene and nuclear receptor gene in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval)
Authors: Xin Tianrong , Zhang Xiaojing , Yang Cui , Ye Xianyan , Zou Zhiwen , Xia Bin
Published: June 2024

Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval), a worldwide acarine pest, has garnered significant attention in recent studies, particularly regarding the role of ecdysteroids. Ecdysteroids (moulting hormone) played key roles in regulating the important physiological processes of arthropods, such as ecdysis, metamorphosis reproduction and immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms of ecdysteroid biosynthesis and signalling have not been elucidated in T. cinnabarinus. Therefore, in this study, we utilized RACE technology in conjunction with RT‐PCR to obtain the complete sequence of three Halloween genes disembodied (dib), shadow (sad), shade (shd) and ecdysone receptor (EcR). Moreover, we analysed the expression level of these target genes in T. cinnabarinus, which was found to be expressed at all developmental stages. When using sublethal concentration of chromafenozide for bioassay on nymph of T. cinnabarinus, as the concentration increased, the ecdysis rate, mortality and ecdysteroid content were increased, and the moulting duration was decreased. We also characterized the expression on nymph of T. cinnabarinus after treatment with sublethal concentrations of chromafenozide, which were up‐regulated. Based on these findings, we concluded that the treatment of sublethal chromafenozide enhanced Halloween gene and nuclear receptor gene expression, aided in the investigation of the molecular regulatory mechanism for moulting of T. cinnabarinus, and provided a theoretical basis for new agents.
Assessment of Azorean native strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for the biological control of Popillia japonica
Authors: Garriga Anna , Monteiro Hugo R. , Beltrí Rubén , Frias Jorge , Peñalver Ángel , Teixeira Mario , Toubarro Duarte , Simões Nelson
Published: June 2024

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), especially Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, are promising candidates for biological control of Popillia japonica larvae. Thus, there is a need to study native strains to ensure biological agents adapted to specific environmental conditions to improve their effectiveness in field applications. This work aimed to test the pathogenicity of five Azorean isolates of H. bacteriophora strains to third‐instar larvae of P. japonica under laboratory and semi‐field conditions. All EPNs were able to quickly infect larvae with LT50's ranging between 3.66 and 4.54 days in controlled laboratory conditions. The semi‐field experiment consisted of an EPN application in buried tubes containing five larvae each in May and October. After 15 days, larvae were recovered and confirmed for nematode parasitism. In May, Az29, Az148, Az170, and Az171 displayed a mean of 37% infected larvae per tube. In contrast, EPNs showed a lower infection ability during the experiment in October, and only Az148 maintained the number of parasitized larvae, with a proportion of 40% of infectivity. The results suggest that native EPNs, like Az148, could be better adapted to climatic and edaphic conditions to control P. japonica larvae.
First detection of Ichthyophonus sp. in invasive wild pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) from the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Erkinharju Toni , Hansen Haakon , Garseth Åse Helen
Published: June 2024

Pacific pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) were deliberately introduced to rivers surrounding the White Sea and has spread to Norway and several other countries surrounding the North Atlantic Ocean. In August 2021, a female pink salmon displaying pale gills and abnormal behaviour was captured in River Lakselva in Northern Norway and later submitted to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) for post‐mortem examination. Histological examination of organ samples revealed structures indicative of systemic ichthyophoniasis, caused by Ichthyophonus sp. The parasites appeared to be especially abundant in the heart and skeletal musculature, and local tissue responses were assessed to be absent or very mild. Sequences of the ribosomal 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) genes confirmed the diagnosis and identified the pathogen as Ichthyophonus sp. The CO1 sequence further established that the isolate from pink salmon was most similar to sequences of Ichthyophonus sp. from Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, from the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of the US and from Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, from Iceland. We here report the first detection of Ichthyophonus sp. in pink salmon in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Overexpression of tonoplast Ca2+‐ATPase in guard cells synergistically enhances stomatal opening and drought tolerance
Authors: Su Jinghan , He Bingqing , Li Peiyuan , Yu Baiyang , Cen Qiwen , Xia Lingfeng , Jing Yi , Wu Feibo , Karnik Rucha , Xue Dawei , Blatt Michael R. , Wang Yizhou
Published: June 2024

Stomata play a crucial role in plants by controlling water status and responding to drought stress. However, simultaneously improving stomatal opening and drought tolerance has proven to be a significant challenge. To address this issue, we employed the OnGuard quantitative model, which accurately represents the mechanics and coordination of ion transporters in guard cells. With the guidance of OnGuard, we successfully engineered plants that overexpressed the main tonoplast Ca2+‐ATPase gene, ACA11, which promotes stomatal opening and enhances plant growth. Surprisingly, these transgenic plants also exhibited improved drought tolerance due to reduced water loss through their stomata. Again, OnGuard assisted us in understanding the mechanism behind the unexpected stomatal behaviors observed in the ACA11 overexpressing plants. Our study revealed that the overexpression of ACA11 facilitated the accumulation of Ca2+ in the vacuole, thereby influencing Ca2+ storage and leading to an enhanced Ca2+ elevation in response to abscisic acid. This regulatory cascade finely tunes stomatal responses, ultimately leading to enhanced drought tolerance. Our findings underscore the importance of tonoplast Ca2+‐ATPase in manipulating stomatal behavior and improving drought tolerance. Furthermore, these results highlight the diverse functions of tonoplast‐localized ACA11 in response to different conditions, emphasizing its potential for future applications in plant enhancement.
Rice stripe mosaic virus hijacks rice heading‐related gene to promote the overwintering of its insect vector
Authors: Chen Siping , Zhong Xinyi , Wang Zhiyi , Chen Biao , Huang Xiuqin , Xu Sipei , Yang Xin , Zhou Guohui , Zhang Tong
Published: June 2024

Rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV) is an emerging pathogen which significantly reduces rice yields in the southern region of China. It is transmitted by the leafhopper Recilia dorsalis, which overwinters in rice fields. Our field investigations revealed that RSMV infection causes delayed rice heading, resulting in a large number of green diseased plants remaining in winter rice fields. This creates a favorable environment for leafhoppers and viruses to overwinter, potentially contributing to the rapid spread and epidemic of the disease. Next, we explored the mechanism by which RSMV manipulates the developmental processes of the rice plant. A rice heading‐related E3 ubiquitin ligase, Heading date Associated Factor 1 (HAF1), was found to be hijacked by the RSMV‐encoded P6. The impairment of HAF1 function affects the ubiquitination and degradation of downstream proteins, HEADING DATE 1 and EARLY FLOWERING3, leading to a delay in rice heading. Our results provide new insights into the development regulation‐based molecular interactions between virus and plant, and highlights the importance of understanding virus‐vector‐plant tripartite interactions for effective disease management strategies.