bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee–customer interaction and emotional intelligence to impact emotional labor: does interaction type play any role?
Authors: Shagirbasha Shameem , Madhan Kumar , Iqbal Juman
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Grounded in emotional dissonance and social presence theories, this study examines whether the characteristics of employee–customer interaction (frequency, routineness and duration) and emotional intelligence (EI) have an impact on emotional labor (surface acting (SA), deep acting and naturally felt emotions (NFE)) and whether the type of interaction (face to face, voice to voice and online) moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was employed to collect data from employees working in hotels, customer care and e-booking services (n = 604). The model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The study showed that EI was positively linked to deep acting and NFE but negatively associated with SA. Frequency of interaction had a negative relationship with deep acting and NFE but a positive association with SA. Duration of interaction (DOI) had a positive relationship with deep acting and NFE but a negative association with NFE. Routineness of interaction had a negative relationship with deep acting and NFE but surprisingly had a negative relationship with SA. Online interaction moderated the relationship between EI and deep acting.

Originality/value

This pioneering study examines the relationship between EI and characteristics of employee–customer interaction with emotional labor in the Indian hospitality context. While the association between EI and emotional labor has been studied, this study is unique in substantiating the moderating effects of interaction type and is among the first to do so empirically.
Reliability analysis of repairable multistate phased mission systems with Markov approach based on states
Authors: Yılmaz Sibel , Elmastaş Gültekin Özge
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find the reliability of the three-component three-phased mission system, which can be repaired by considering the exponential distribution for repair and failure rates in the transitions between the phases based on states with Markov approach. Also, multilevel-phased mission systems are calculated based on states for partially working states.

Design/methodology/approach

The reliabilities of the repairable two-level and three-level three-component three-phased mission systems based on states are calculated with the Markov approach. The structure functions are obtained for each phase of the systems, and differential equations are created by the failure and repair of each working state component. These equations are solved using Laplace method.

Findings

Reliability values of two-level and three-level three-component three-phased systems with different failure, repair, and time intervals are calculated and compared. The intermediate states that multilevel systems handle differently from two-level systems provide a better investigation of the systems. So, these repairable systems offer transparent information in complex systems like transportation and energy, ensuring appropriate timing and cost for repair operations.

Originality/value

This study is original in terms of calculating the reliability of the repairable phased mission system based on the states using Markov method. It is also important in calculating the reliability of the repairable multilevel phased mission system based on states and making reliability comparisons according to different repair and failure rates, equal and different time intervals.
Against all odds: how the institutional context shapes diversity management in the Central and Eastern European Oil and Gas industry
Authors: Hilger Andreas M. , Velinov Emil , Özbilgin Mustafa F.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Due to their multifarious backgrounds, multinational enterprises from emerging economies offer unique research opportunities to push the boundaries of our understanding knowledge of diversity management in transitional contexts. In that regard, Central and Eastern European multinationals present a blind spot in diversity management research.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines the extent to which context shapes the discourse on diversity management in the Oil and Gas industry across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) through a qualitative approach based on content analyses of corporate communication data matched with data on national institutional contexts.

Findings

The data suggests a lack of effective pro-diversity pressures across CEE except for cultural pressure in European Union member countries. However, CEE Oil and Gas companies report a broader scope of diversity management than studies of Western counterparts suggest. Companies with subsidiaries in Western countries show convergence towards etic diversity approaches, while local and regional companies are more divergent.

Originality/value

This article defines the boundary conditions of diversity management in the Oil and Gas industry across nine CEE countries and how they impact the diversity discourse in the industry. This article also showcases the impact of foreign market presence in the West as a driver for diversity management reporting.
Superposition effect of online news on fintech platforms
Authors: Xia Huosong , Chen Siyi , Zhang Justin Z. , Liu Yulong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The rise of the mobile Internet has accumulated much text information in various online financial forums. Such information often contains the emotional attitudes of investors toward financial technology (fintech) platforms, so extracting the sentimental tendency information has great practical value for the development of fintech platforms. Based on the investor sentiment theory, the paper aims to analyze the relevant social media data and test the influence path of online news evaluation on the stock price fluctuation of fintech platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking Oriental Fortune as the research object, this paper selects multiple variables such as stock bar popularity, snowball popularity, news popularity and news sentiment scores collected by UQER and combines the sentiment scores of single daily news into a daily sentiment score. Based on the period from November 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, during the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as the background, the authors conduct the Granger causality test based on the vector autoregressive (VAR) model and analyze the relevant evaluation of Oriental Fortune through the empirical model.

Findings

The authors' results show that different online evaluations impact the rise and fall of stock prices differently, while news popularity has the most significant impact. Besides, news sentiment scores on share price fluctuation have a relatively substantial influence. These findings indicate that the authoritative news evaluation can strongly guide investors to make relevant investment behavior operations in the information dissemination process, significantly affecting stock prices.

Originality/value

The research findings of this paper have good inspiration and reference values for investors and financial regulators.
The effects of cross-cultural differences on HRM functions: the case of multinational corporations in Kuwaiti community
Authors: Baroun AbdulWahab Esmaeel
Published: June 2023

Purpose

With increasing globalization, the importance of referring to cross-cultural contexts is also amplifying in the contemporary era. The models, framework and dimensions devoted to such situations are increasingly mannered in practice today. With due consideration derivation to the input manner, an organization’s performance is also taken aside for its increasing marginality. The following study aims to examine the American multinational oil and gas company operating in Kuwait's oil sector to evaluate the respect. The branch has a total of 600 employees, which were all included in the data collection phase. Hence, the results derived with cumulative aspects of leadership, power distance and organizational value as their impact on human resource management (HRM) functions.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the quantitative approach of a self-adapted questionnaire, 101 responses were collected, and through SPSS Version 22, results were discreet.

Findings

The results reverted with the manual that the cultural dimension of Hofstede, i.e. power distance, did not have an apparent impact on the HRM functions. Whilst leadership and organizational values had their dissolved set of effects on HRM functions of the chosen firm. However, HRM functions were apparent enough to have its impact upon leadership, power distance (PD) and organizational value accumulated. Opening to the opportunities where in the future studies, a greater extent of population as well as variables could be considered for a better impact.

Research limitations/implications

The Major limitation of the study is related to the number of respondents as the research was conducted solely for the chosen branch of this private oil and gas firm in Kuwait, which makes its results limited and narrowed in the analysis phase. Moreover, the methodology selection did not do justice to the resulting research’s agenda, which was restricted due to the pandemic’s situation. Where with a better and respective methodology approach, better results could be attached.

Originality/value

The rationale of research refers to the gap concerning theoretical aspects within a field of business. As for the resulting study, in a cross-cultural management setting, the relevancy and implication of HRM functions concerning their transparency have not been explored. Globally, in different industries, the, study of similar nature has been conducted but has not examined, the fossil fuel industry particularly, which would be the focal point of this research.
Shadow economy–financial sustainability nexus: the case of Palestine
Authors: Abuamsha Mohammad Kamal , Hattab Lana Majdi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The present research aims at identifying the latent factors that are driving the rise of the shadow economy in Palestine, assesses its magnitude from 1998 to 2021 and investigates the influence that its size has on the financial sustainability of Palestine's public budget.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed the multi-indicator multi-causes (MIMIC) model to estimate the size of the shadow economy and investigate its effect on the financial sustainability of the public budget. Economic factors such as direct taxes, indirect taxes, government welfare, government spending and unemployment were considered causal variables, while indicators of financial sustainability included budget deficit, public debt and gross domestic product (GDP). The shadow economy served as an intermediary variable.

Findings

Based on the findings, the researchers recommend regulating and formalizing legitimate activities within the shadow economy. Additionally, they suggest promoting investment projects to reduce unemployment rates, lowering taxes on essential goods and consumer items and providing support to local producers in Palestine. These measures aim at addressing the challenges posed by the shadow economy and fostering economic stability.

Originality/value

The study reveals that the average size of the shadow economy in Palestine between 1998 and 2021 was 43.80%, fluctuating within the range of 39.92%–46.30%. It further establishes that an increase in direct and indirect taxes as well as unemployment contributes to the expansion of the shadow economy. Conversely, government welfare and spending exert a diminishing effect. Moreover, the study finds that the rise of the shadow economy correlates with an increase in public debt, budget deficit and GDP, indicating a negative impact on the financial sustainability of the public budget.
A comparison study on innovation and entrepreneurship education in and out of China from a bibliometric perspective
Authors: Feng Xin , Wang Xu , Qi Mengxia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In the era of the digital economy, higher demands are placed on versatile talents, and the cultivation of students with innovative and entrepreneurial abilities has become an important issue for the further development of higher education, thus leading to extensive and in-depth research by many scholars. The study summarizes the characteristics and patterns of dual-innovation education at different stages of development, hoping to provide a systematic model for the development of dual-innovation education in China and make up for the shortcomings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Citespace software to visualize and analyze the relevant literature in CNKI and Web of Science databases from a bibliometric perspective, focusing on quantitative analysis in terms of article trends, topic clustering, keyword co-linear networks and topic time evolution, etc., to summarize and sort out the development of innovation and entrepreneurship education research at home and abroad.

Findings

The study found that the external characteristics of the literature published in the field of bi-innovation education in China and abroad are slightly different, mainly in that foreign publishers are more closely connected and have formed a more stable ecosystem. In terms of research hotspots, China is still in a critical period of reforming its curriculum and teaching model, and research on the integration of specialization and creative education is in full swing, while foreign countries focus more on the cultivation of students' entrepreneurial awareness and the enhancement of individual effectiveness. In terms of cutting-edge analysis, the main research directions in China are “creative education”, “new engineering”, “integration of industry and education” and “rural revitalization”.

Originality/value

Innovation and entrepreneurship education in China is still in its infancy, and most of the studies lack an overall overview and comparison of foreign studies. Based on the econometric analysis of domestic and foreign literature, this paper proposes a path for domestic innovation and entrepreneurship education reform that can make China's future education reform more effective.
Happiness management through corporate volunteering in advancing CSR
Authors: Hatami Akram , Hermes Jan , Keränen Anne , Ulkuniemi Pauliina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To respond to recent calls for better understanding of the complexities related to happiness management, especially from the employees' perspective, this study examines how corporate volunteering (CV), as one form of corporate social responsibility (CSR), creates sustainable happiness in business organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical knowledge of CSR and CV as well as the literature on happiness management was examined to form a preliminary understanding of the phenomenon. The empirical section includes a qualitative multiple case study including two company cases of CV in Finland. The data were collected through qualitative interviews. Empirical analysis was made using thematical coding based on existing theory but also by allowing themes to emerge inductively from the data as well.

Findings

The study found that CV enables the emergence of sustainable happiness by allowing individual employee volunteers to transition from individual and rational mindsets to collective and emotional mindsets. A third transition was also identified, a process of change in the volunteers' approach in life that the authors describe as “from actual to potential”.

Originality/value

The study provides a theoretical contribution to the existing literature on happiness management by identifying the third dimension, from actual to potential, and depicting the way this allows employees to move from a state of being to becoming and thus the emergence of sustainable happiness. The study also contributes to existing literature on CV and CSR by revealing the way CV, as a form of practical CSR activity, generates happiness. This study concludes that companies' strategic activities that engage with society can create sustainable happiness for employees who participate. In order to achieve this, volunteering employees should have the chance to reflect on their experience and constant support from managers.
Children's oral health behaviour and new preventative health products in rural China
Authors: Su Yu‐hsuan , Wang Juei‐Chi , Wang Shinn‐Shyr
Published: June 2023

How to help children develop good health habits and improve people's health to eventually promote the quality of labour productivity are important issues for developing countries. Understanding how consumers adopt and demand new health products can also help governments or non‐governmental organizations design more effective interventions. This study utilizes surveys and randomized field experiments conducted in a rural village in China to study the impact of oral health promotion education on children's demand for dental floss picks and their health behaviour. Our results show that children are highly sensitive to price. Children who were exposed to the oral health promotion intervention—learning to sing the oral health song—were willing to pay more for dental floss picks, but the actual quantity bought in the experiment was not significantly higher than that in the control group. In a follow‐up survey, we find that subjects increased their frequency of toothbrushing on average, but the spillover effects were not as strong as those in the literature. More risk‐loving subjects reported a higher willingness to pay during the experiment, but they were less likely to tell their family about the product during the camp or try to buy floss picks after the camp. This finding helps reconcile disparate results about risk preference in earlier literature. Lastly, we find no evidence that time preference affects demand or health behaviour.
Salvianolic acid C promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in osteoporotic rats through activation of AMPK/SIRT1 pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhou Kaihua , Deng Xiaohui , Li Xiaoyu
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of salvianolic acid C (SAC) on osteoporosis.

Methods

Osteoporotic (OVX) rats were used as the model, and the impacts of SAC treatment on their serum and urine biochemical indicators were assessed. The biomechanical parameters of these rats were also evaluated. The effects of SAC treatment on the bone of OVX rats was quantified using hematoxylin & eosin staining and alizarin red staining, which reflect calcium deposition. The potential signaling pathway involved in SAC treatment was identified and confirmed through Western blotting, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitors, and sirtuin‐1 (small interfering RNA‐SIRT1).

Results

The results showed that SAC could ameliorate the serum and urine biochemical metabolism, and the pathological alterations of bone tissue in OVX rats. SAC promoted the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal cells in OVX rats, one of the key mechanisms for modulation of Runx2, Osx, and OCN, involved in the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The findings from this study suggest that SAC promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in osteoporotic rats by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.
Combined tumour of aberrant cytokeratin expressing acral lentiginous melanoma and poroma: Diagnostic challenge
Authors: Sevim Selim , Akay Bengu Nisa , Kozan Eda Nur , Heper Aylin Okcu , Kirmizi Ayca
Published: June 2023

Combined tumours are uncommon and therefore these tumours may pose a diagnostic challenge. In the current case report, it is aimed to present the clinicopathological features of a combined tumour including melanoma with aberrant cytokeratin expression and poroma.
Barriers and enablers to implementing an induction of labour guideline: A clinician survey
Authors: JOHN Savesh , ALSWEILER Jane , WISE Michelle R.
Published: June 2023

Background

Clinical guidelines improve outcomes, but poor compliance with recommendations is common. Insight into perceived barriers and enablers to the implementation of guidelines can engage maternity care providers and inform strategies for effective implementation.

Aim

To identify the perceived barriers and enablers to implementing the 2020 ‘Induction of Labour [IOL] in Aotearoa New Zealand; a Clinical Practice Guideline.’

Materials and Methods

Electronic anonymous survey of clinical leaders in midwifery, obstetrics, and neonatology in New Zealand, from August to November 2021. Recruitment of participants was initially through provided lists of national clinical leads, followed by chain sampling.

Results

There were 32 of 89 surveys returned (36%). The most frequently identified enablers were implementation tools such as ‘standardised IOL request form’ and ‘peer review process,’ and administrative support and dedicated time. Six maternity hospitals already had peer review in place, whereby IOL requests that did not adhere to guidelines were reviewed by a multidisciplinary group of senior colleagues or peers, with individual feedback to the referring clinician. Attitudes in the form of ‘existing systems, routines and culture’ was the most frequently identified barrier, followed by external barriers such as ‘lack of human resources.’

Conclusions

Overall, few barriers were identified to implementing this guideline, and some of the key enablers were already in place. The identified enablers warrant future research to develop and evaluate effectiveness in improving outcomes.
Comparison of the gut microbiome composition between men with erectile dysfunction and a matched cohort: a pilot study
Authors: Osman Mohamad M. , Hammad Muhammed A. , Barham David W. , Toma Ryan , El‐Khatib Farouk M. , Dianatnejad Sharmin , Nguyen Jeanie , Towe Maxwell , Choi Edward , Wu Qiaqia , Banavar Guruduth , Cai Ying , Moura Pedro , Shen Nan , Vuyisich Momchilo , Yafi Natalie R. , Yafi Faysal A.
Published: June 2023

Background

To‐date there have been minimal studies to investigate an association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction. There have been many inflammatory diseases linked to gut microbiome dysbiosis; such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. These same inflammatory diseases have been heavily linked to erectile dysfunction. Given the correlations between both conditions and cardiovascular disease and the metabolic syndrome, we believe that it is worthwhile to investigate a link between the two.

Objective

To investigate the potential association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Stool samples were collected from 28 participants with erectile dysfunction and 32 age‐matched controls. Metatranscriptome sequencing was used to analyze the samples.

Results

No significant differences were found in the gut microbiome characteristics, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes richness (p = 0.117), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes diversity (p = 0.323), species richness (p = 0.364), and species diversity (p = 0.300), between the erectile dysfunction and control groups.

Discussion

The association of gut microbiome dysbiosis and pro‐inflammatory conditions has been well studied and further literature continues to add to this evidence. Our main limitation for this study was our small‐sample size due to recruitment issues. We believe that a study with a larger population size may find an association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction.

Conclusions

The results of this study do not support a significant association between the gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these two conditions.
Assessing artificial intelligence enabled liquid‐based cytology for triaging HPV‐positive women: a population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xue Peng , Xu Hai‐Miao , Tang Hong‐Ping , Wu Wen‐Qing , Seery Samuel , Han Xiao , Ye Hu , Jiang Yu , Qiao You‐Lin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cytology‐based triaging is commonly used to manage the care of women with positive human papillomavirus (HPV) results, but it suffers from subjectivity and a lack of sensitivity and reproducibility. The diagnostic performance of an artificial intelligence‐enabled liquid‐based cytology (AI‐LBC) triage approach remains unclear. Here, we compared the clinical performance of AI‐LBC, human cytologists and HPV16/18 genotyping at triaging HPV‐positive women.

Material and methods

HPV‐positive women were triaged using AI‐LBC, human cytologists and HPV16/18 genotyping. Histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 or higher (CIN2+/CIN3+) were accepted as thresholds for clinical performance assessments.

Results

Of the 3514 women included, 13.9% (n = 489) were HPV‐positive. The sensitivity of AI‐LBC was comparable to that of cytologists (86.49% vs 83.78%, P = 0.744) but substantially higher than HPV16/18 typing at detecting CIN2+ (86.49% vs 54.05%, P = 0.002). While the specificity of AI‐LBC was significantly lower than HPV16/18 typing (51.33% vs 87.17%, P < 0.001), it was significantly higher than cytologists at detecting CIN2+ (51.33% vs 40.93%, P < 0.001). AI‐LBC reduced referrals to colposcopy by approximately 10%, compared with cytologists (51.53% vs 60.94%, P = 0.003). Similar patterns were also observed for CIN3+.

Conclusions

AI‐LBC has equivalent sensitivity and higher specificity compared with cytologists, with more efficient colposcopy referrals for HPV‐positive women. AI‐LBC could be particularly useful in regions where experienced cytologists are few in number. Further investigations are needed to determine triaging performance through prospective designs.
Gene expression andTCRamino acid sequences selected byHLA‐A02:01‐restrictedCTLsspecific toHTLV‐1 inATLpatients
Authors: Kusuda Machiko , Nakasone Hideki , Yoshimura Kazuki , Okada Yosuke , Tamaki Masaharu , Matsuoka Akari , Ishikawa Takuto , Meno Tomohiro , Nakamura Yuhei , Kawamura Masakatsu , Takeshita Junko , Kawamura Shunto , Yoshino Nozomu , Misaki Yukiko , Gomyo Ayumi , Tanihara Aki , Kimura Shun‐ichi , Kako Shinichi , Kanda Yoshinobu
Published: June 2023

Adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive malignancy of peripheral T cells caused by human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type‐1 (HTLV‐1).Taxis the most important regulatory protein for HTLV‐1. We aimed to reveal a unique amino acid sequence (AA) of complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) of the T‐cell receptor (TCR)β and TCRα chains of HLA‐A*02:01‐restricted Tax11–19‐specific cytotoxic T cells (Tax‐CTLs). The gene expression profiles (GEP) of Tax‐CTLs were assessed by the next‐generation sequence (NGS) method with SMARTer technology. Tax‐CTLs seemed to be oligoclonal, and their gene compositions were skewed. The unique motifs of ‘DSWGK’ in TCRα and ‘LAG’ in TCRβ at CDR3 were observed in almost all patients. Tax‐CTL clones harbouring the ‘LAG’ motif with BV28 had a higher binding score than those without either of them, besides a higher binding score associated with longer survival. Tax‐CTLs established from a single cell showed killing activities against Tax‐peptide‐pulsed HLA‐A2+T2 cell lines. GEP of Tax‐CTLs revealed that genes associated with immune response activity were well preserved in long‐term survivors with stable status. These methods and results can help us better understand immunity against ATL, and should contribute to future studies on the clinical application of adoptive T‐cell therapies.
Splicing factor TRA2A contributes to esophageal cancer progression via a noncanonical role in lncRNA m6A methylation
Authors: Bei Mingrong , Hao Shijia , Lin Kai , Chen Qiuyang , Cai Yujie , Zhao Xing , Jiang Leiming , Lin Lirui , Dong Geng , Xu Jianzhen
Published: June 2023

Transformer 2 alpha homolog (TRA2A), a member of the serine/arginine‐rich splicing factor family, has been shown to control mRNA splicing in development and cancers. However, it remains unclear whether TRA2A is involved in lncRNA regulation. In the present study, we found that TRA2A was upregulated and correlated with poor prognosis in esophageal cancer. Downregulation of TRA2A suppressed the tumor growth in xenograft nude mice. Epitranscriptomic microarray showed that depletion of TRA2A affected global lncRNA methylation similarly to the key m6A methyltransferase, METTL3, by silencing. MeRIP‐qPCR, RNA pull‐down, CLIP analyses, and stability assays indicated that ablation of TRA2A reduced m6A‐modification of the oncogenic lncRNA MALAT1, thus inducing structural alterations and reduced stability. Furthermore, Co‐IP experiments showed TRA2A directly interacted with METTL3 and RBMX, which also affected the writer KIAA1429 expression. Knockdown of TRA2A inhibited cell proliferation in a manner restored by RBMX/KIAA1429 overexpression. Clinically, MALAT1, RBMX, and KIAA1429 were prognostic factors of worse survival in ESCA patients. Structural similarity‐based virtual screening in FDA‐approved drugs repurposed nebivolol, a β1‐adrenergic receptor antagonist, as a potent compound to suppress the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells. Cellular thermal shift and RIP assay indicated that nebivolol may compete with MALAT1 to bind TRA2A. In conclusion, our study revealed the noncanonical function of TRA2A, which coordinates with multiple methylation proteins to promote oncogenic MALAT1 during ESCA carcinogenesis.
LncRNA‐HOTAIRM1 promotes aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in osteosarcoma via the miR‐664b‐3p/Rheb/mTOR pathway
Authors: Yu Xuecheng , Duan Weihao , Wu Furen , Yang Daibin , Wang Xin , Wu Jingbin , Zhou Dong , Shen Yifei
Published: June 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS), which is a common and aggressive primary bone malignancy, occurs mainly in children and adolescent. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to play a pivotal role in various cancers. Here, we found that the lncRNA HOTAIRM1 is upregulated in OS cells and tissues. A set of functional experiments suggested that HOTAIRM1 knockdown attenuated the proliferation and stimulated the apoptosis of OS cells. A subsequent mechanistic study revealed that HOTAIRM1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to elevate ras homologue enriched in brain (Rheb) expression by sponging miR‐664b‐3p. Immediately afterward, upregulated Rheb facilitates proliferation and suppresses apoptosis by promoting the mTOR pathway‐mediated Warburg effect in OS. In summary, our findings demonstrated that HOTAIRM1 promotes the proliferation and suppresses the apoptosis of OS cells by enhancing the Warburg effect via the miR‐664b‐3p/Rheb/mTOR axis. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and targeting the HOTAIRM1/miR‐664b‐3p/Rheb/mTOR axis are essential for OS clinical treatment.
Cardiorespiratory fitness components in relation to clinical characteristics, disease state and medication intake: A patient registry study
Authors: Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Sente Josephine , Sabovčik František , Ntalianis Evangelos , Hedman Kristofer , Claes Jomme , Goetschalckx Kaatje , Cornelissen Véronique , Kuznetsova Tatiana
Published: June 2023

Background

Interpretation of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) results requires thorough understanding of test confounders such as anthropometrics, comorbidities and medication. Here, we comprehensively assessed the clinical determinants of cardiorespiratory fitness and its components in a heterogeneous patient sample.

Methods

We retrospectively collected medical and CPET data from 2320 patients (48.2% females) referred for cycle ergometry at the University Hospital Leuven, Belgium. We assessed clinical determinants of peak CPET indexes of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and its hemodynamic and ventilatory components using stepwise regression and quantified multivariable‐adjusted differences in indexes between cases and references.

Results

Lower peak load and peak O2 uptake were related to: higher age, female sex, lower body height and weight, and higher heart rate; to the intake of beta blockers, analgesics, thyroid hormone replacement and benzodiazepines; and to diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation (p < 0.05 for all). Lower peak load also correlated with obstructive pulmonary diseases. Stepwise regression revealed associations of hemodynamic and ventilatory indexes (including heart rate, O2 pulse, systolic blood pressure and ventilation at peak exercise and ventilatory efficiency) with age, sex, body composition and aforementioned diseases and medications. Multivariable‐adjusted differences in CPET metrics between cases and controls confirmed the associations observed.

Conclusion

We described known and novel associations of CRF components with demographics, anthropometrics, cardiometabolic and pulmonary diseases and medication intake in a large patient sample. The clinical implications of long‐term noncardiovascular drug intake for CPET results require further investigation.
Iran in the Sadrist version of Iraqi nationalism
Authors: Khanafira Mavadat Said
Published: June 2023

Unlike many other Shiite political factions in Iraq, the Sadrist movement has become increasingly vocal in its criticism of Iranian influence in Iraq. Anti‐Iran chants have become almost ubiquitous in Sadrist demonstrations over the past few years, and prominent Sadrist politicians have unabashedly pointed the finger of blame for Iraq's crises at Iran. The growing Sadrist criticism of Iran has simultaneously come with the gradual ascendance of nationalist narratives in the religious movement. This article aims to study these narratives and their correlation with Iran. It argues that the Sadrist version of Iraqi nationalism encompasses three components that aim to differentiate Iraqi Arab Shiite identity from Iran. It also studies how Sadrist nationalism contributed to the rise of the Iran‐bashing trend among Iraqi Shiites.
Association of choline and betaine with the risk of cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Qinglin , Han Hua , Sun Zhongming , Liu Lu , Zheng Xingting , Meng Zeyu , Tao Na , Liu Jun
Published: June 2023

Background

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the role of circulating levels of choline and betaine in the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all‐cause mortality by comprehensively reviewing observational studies.

Methods

This study was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 statement. Six electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched for cohort studies and derivative research design types (nested case–control and case‐cohort studies) from the date of inception to March 2022. We pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the highest versus lowest category and per SD of circulating choline and betaine concentrations in relation to the risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality.

Results

In the meta‐analysis, 17 studies with a total of 33,009 participants were included. Random‐effects model results showed that highest versus lowest quantile of circulating choline concentrations were associated with the risk of CVD (RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.61) and all‐cause mortality (RR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.12–2.36). We also observed the risk of CVD were increased 13% (5%–22%) with per SD increment. Furthermore, highest versus lowest quantile of circulating betaine concentrations were not associated with the risk of CVD (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.92–1.24) and all‐cause mortality (RR = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.96–2.01). However, the risk of CVD was increased 14% (5%–23%) with per SD increment.

Conclusions

Higher levels of circulating choline were associated with a higher risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality.
Using digital technology to promote physical health in mental healthcare: A sequential mixed‐methods study of clinicians' views
Authors: Sawyer Chelsea , Hassan Lamiece , Sainsbury John , Carney Rebekah , Bucci Sandra , Burgess Harriet , Lovell Karina , Torous John , Firth Joseph
Published: June 2023

Aim

Recent years have seen innovation in ‘mHealth’ tools and health apps for the management/promotion of physical health and fitness across the general population. However, there is limited research on how this could be applied to mental healthcare. Therefore, we examined mental healthcare professionals' current uses and perceived roles of digital lifestyle interventions for promoting healthy lifestyles, physical health and fitness in youth mental healthcare.

Methods

A sequential, mixed‐methods design was used, consisting of a quantitative online survey, followed by qualitative in‐depth interviews.

Results

A total of 127 mental healthcare professionals participated in the online survey. Participants had limited mHealth experience, and the majority agreed that further training would be beneficial. Thirteen mental healthcare professionals were interviewed. Five themes were generated (i) digital technology's ability to enhance the physical healthcare; (ii) Conditions for the acceptability of apps; (iii) Limitations on staff capability and time; (iv) Motivation as the principal barrier; and (v) Practicalities around receiving lifestyle data. Systematic integration of data produced novel insights around: (i) staff involvement and needs; (ii) ideal focus and content of digital lifestyle interventions; and (iii) barriers towards implementation (including mental healthcare professionals own limited experience using digital lifestyle interventions, which aligned with the appeal of formal training).

Conclusions

Overall, digital lifestyle interventions were positively received by mental healthcare professionals, particularly for health behaviour‐tracking and mHealth support for exercise and nutrition. Practical suggestions for facilitating their uptake/implementation to improve availability of physical health interventions in mental healthcare are presented.
Investigating causal relationships between genetically determined increased risk of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and atopic dermatitis (AD): A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Ng W. , Loh M. , Yew Y. W.
Published: June 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition with a huge disease burden. Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often diagnosed in children, and is associated with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour. Observational studies have demonstrated associations between AD and ADHD. However, to date, there has been no formal assessment of causal relationship between the two. We aim to evaluate causal relationships between genetically increased risk of AD and ADHD using Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Two‐sample bi‐directional MR was conducted to elucidate potential causal relationships between genetically increased risk of AD and ADHD, using the largest and most recent genome‐wide association study datasets for AD and ADHD—EArly Genetics & Lifecourse Epidemiology AD consortium (21 399 cases and 95 464 controls) and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (20 183 cases and 35 191 controls). Genetically determined increased risk of AD is not associated with ADHD based on genetic information: odds ratio (OR) of 1.02 (95% CI −0.93 to 1.11; p = 0.705). Similarly, genetic determined increased risk of ADHD is not associated with an increased risk of AD: OR of 0.90 (95% CI −0.76 to 1.07; p = 0.236). Horizontal pleiotropy was not observed from the MR‐Egger intercept test (p = 0.328) Current MR analysis showed no causal relationship between genetically increased risk of AD and ADHD in either direction in individuals of European descent. Any observed associations between AD and ADHD in previous population studies could possibly be due to confounding lifestyle factors such as psychosocial stress and sleeping habits.
An adaptive artificial electric field algorithm for continuous optimization problems
Authors: Chauhan Dikshit , Yadav Anupam
Published: June 2023

The comprehensive learning strategy is a meticulous method for enhancing the optimization ability of population‐based optimization algorithms. This article proposes an adaptive artificial electric field algorithm (iAEFA), which is developed by embedding a comprehensive learning strategy into AEFA. The proposed algorithm utilizes a novel adaptive approach for developing a better learning strategy in which an agent's velocity is updated using the comprehensive influence of the entire population. The developed scheme has shown a stronger potential to discover better candidate solutions in each iteration. The objective of the proposed method is to develop an efficient optimizer for continuous optimization problems. The performance of the proposed iAEFA is evaluated using a set of 13 classical benchmark test problems and the CEC 2019 (100‐digit challenge) benchmark functions. The experimental results are compared to seven state‐of‐the‐art optimization algorithms. Using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, the statistical significance of the results is confirmed. This article also discusses the theoretical convergence of the proposed algorithm, along with other significant findings about the proposed scheme. The experimental results and the theoretical analysis shows that the proposed scheme can be an excellent choice for the function optimization task compared to other existing algorithms.
FoxA2 is a reliable marker for the diagnosis of yolk sac tumour postpubertal‐type
Authors: Ricci Costantino , Ambrosi Francesca , Franceschini Tania , Giunchi Francesca , Di Filippo Giorgia , Franchini Eugenia , Massari Francesco , Mollica Veronica , Tateo Valentina , Bianchi Federico Mineo , Colecchia Maurizio , Acosta Andres Martin , Fiorentino Michelangelo
Published: June 2023

Aims

Yolk sac tumour postpubertal‐type (YSTpt) shows a wide range of histological patterns and is challenging to diagnose. Recently, forkhead box transcription factor A2 (FoxA2) emerged as a driver of YSTpt formation and a promising marker for diagnosing YSTpt. However, FoxA2 has not been tested in the different patterns of YSTpt. This study aimed to assess the staining pattern of FoxA2 in te different patterns of YSTpt and other germ cell tumours of the testis (GCTT), comparing it with glypican‐3 (GPC3) and α‐fetoprotein (AFP).

Methods and results

FOXA2, GPC3 and AFP immunohistochemistry was performed on 24 YSTpt (24 microcystic/reticular, 10 myxoid, two macrocystic, five glandular/alveolar, two endodermal sinus/perivascular, four solid, two polyembryoma/embryoid body and two polyvesicular vitelline) and 81 other GCTT. The percentage of positive cells (0, 1+, 2+, 3+) and the intensity (0, 1, 2, 3) were evaluated regardless of and within each YSTpt pattern. FoxA2 was positive in all YSTpt (24 of 24) and all but one (23 of 24) exhibited 2+/3+ stain, with higher intensity [median value (mv): 2.6] than AFP (1.8) and GPC3 (2.5). Both FoxA2 and GPC3 were positive in all microcystic/reticular (24 of 24), myxoid (10 of 10), macrocystic (two of two), endodermal sinus/perivascular (four of four) and polyembryoma/embryoid body (two of two) patterns. Nevertheless, only FoxA2 was positive in all glandular/alveolar (five of five), solid (four of four) and polyvesicular vitelline (two of two) patterns. The intensity of FoxA2 was higher than AFP and GPC3 in almost all YST patterns. In the other GCTT, FoxA2 was positive only in teratoma postpubertal‐type (Tpt) [13 of 20 (65%)], with staining almost exclusively confined to the mature gastrointestinal/respiratory tract epithelium.

Conclusions

FoxA2 is a highly sensitive and specific biomarker that supports the diagnosis of YSTpt. FoxA2 is superior to GPC3 and AFP, especially in rare and difficult‐to‐diagnose histological patterns of YSTpt, but mature glands of Tpt could represent a potential diagnostic pitfall.
Quantitative trait loci underlying a speciation phenotype
Authors: Waller Hayden , Blankers Thomas , Xu Mingzi , Shaw Kerry L.
Published: June 2023

Sexual signalling traits and their associated genetic components play a crucial role in the speciation process, as divergence in these traits can contribute to sexual isolation. Despite their importance, our understanding of the genetic basis of variable sexual signalling traits linked to speciation remains limited. In this study, we present new genetic evidence of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) underlying divergent sexual signalling behaviour, specifically pulse rate, in the Hawaiian cricket Laupala. By performing RNA sequencing on the brain and central nervous system of the parental species, we annotate these QTL regions and identify candidate genes associated with pulse rate. Our findings provide insights into the genetic processes driving reproductive isolation during speciation, with implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying species diversity.
Lost in data translation: A critical review of datasets on refugees
Authors: Sağnıç Şevin Gülfer
Published: June 2023

Quantitative data are the backbone of the international refugee regime. Academic researchers and international organizations have been drawing attention to the problems of refugee data that obscure refugee vulnerabilities. Despite these efforts, the limitations of quantitative refugee data, particularly with regard to gendered aspects of refugee vulnerabilities, have often been overlooked. This article aims to address this issue by examining the major limitations of quantitative refugee data. It focuses on the question of “What are the major limitations of quantitative refugee data regarding gendered aspects of refugee vulnerabilities?” By conducting a systematic review of 67 datasets from international organizations, nation‐states, and independent data collectors, it argues that there are five fundamental problems with the data: (1) lack of disaggregation, (2) lack of cross‐tabulation and inability to harmonize datasets, (3) inconsistent periodization frequency, (4) lack of sex and gender diversity measurement, and (5) survivor bias. This article highlights the importance of critically analysing the data that informs theories and decisions regarding refugee vulnerabilities.
Preparation of isotropic submicron spherical boron nitride particles by restricted template method
Authors: Tian Zhaobo , Sun Siyuan , Du Songmo , Zhao Dengke , Zhang Jie , Li Fei , Chen Zhanglin , Zhu Yuan , Cui Wei , Liu Guanghua
Published: June 2023

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) has received considerable attention, due to its high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. However, the intrinsic platelike structure with the strong anisotropic property restricts its applications, and it is necessary to synthesize isotropic spherical h‐BN particles (SP‐BNs) with submicron size. Till now, methods to prepare (SP‐BN) still exist problems, such as high oxygen impurities and pollution, generated by the ammonia and pyrolysis of precursors. Here, a relatively green reaction between the restricted template of carbon nanospheres and boron trioxide (B2O3) under elevated temperature is conducted, and the SP‐BNs with an average diameter of 200–300 nm (named Nano‐BN‐s) have been successfully synthesized. Comprehensive scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction characterizations confirm the obtained products are spherical boron nitride. With the analysis of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared, the reaction mechanism is briefly discussed. These results indicate the reaction occurs on the restricted template of carbon nanospheres, and the C atoms are substituted by B and N atoms as the reaction progress, forming the Nano‐BN‐s. What is more, the restricted template method plays a key role in the design and improves h‐BN‐based materials in the future and may also be extended to form other novel materials.