bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dim-light colour vision in the facultatively nocturnal Asian giant honeybee,
Apis dorsata
Authors: Vijayan Sajesh , Balamurali G. S. , Johnson Jewel , Kelber Almut , Warrant Eric J. , Somanathan Hema
Published: August 2023

We discovered nocturnal colour vision in the Asian giant honeybee
Apis dorsata—
a facultatively nocturnal species
—
at mesopic light intensities, down to half-moon light levels (approx. 10
−2
cd m
−2
). The visual threshold of nocturnality aligns with their reported nocturnal activity down to the same light levels. Nocturnal colour vision in
A. dorsata
is interesting because, despite being primarily diurnal, its colour vision capabilities extend into dim light, while the ‘model’ European honeybee
Apis mellifera
is reported to be colour-blind at twilight. By employing behavioural experiments with naturally nesting
A. dorsata
colonies, we show discrimination of the trained colour from other stimuli during the day, and significantly, even at night. Nocturnal colour vision in bees has so far only been reported in the obligately nocturnal carpenter bee
Xylocopa tranquebarica.
The discovery of colour vision in these two bee species, despite differences in the extent of their nocturnality and the limitations of their apposition compound eye optics, opens avenues for future studies on visual adaptations for dim-light colour vision, their role in pollination of flowers at night, and the effect of light pollution on nocturnal activity in
A. dorsata,
a ubiquitous pollinator in natural, agricultural and urban habitats in the Asian tropics and sub-tropics.
Caution regarding the specificities of pan-cancer microbial structure
Authors: Gihawi Abraham , Cooper Colin S. , Brewer Daniel S.
Published: August 2023

Results published in an article by Poore et al. (Nature. 2020;579:567–574) suggested that machine learning models can almost perfectly distinguish between tumour types based on their microbial composition using machine learning models. Whilst we believe that there is the potential for microbial composition to be used in this manner, we have concerns with the paper that make us question the certainty of the conclusions drawn. We believe there are issues in the areas of the contribution of contamination, handling of batch effects, false positive classifications and limitations in the machine learning approaches used. This makes it difficult to identify whether the authors have identified true biological signal and how robust these models would be in use as clinical biomarkers. We commend Poore et al. on their approach to open data and reproducibility that has enabled this analysis. We hope that this discourse assists the future development of machine learning models and hypothesis generation in microbiome research.
The AKT2/SIRT5/TFEB pathway as a potential therapeutic target in atrophic AMD
Authors: Ghosh Sayan , Sharma Ruchi , Bammidi Sridhar , Koontz Victoria , Nemani Mihir , Yazdankhah Meysam , Kedziora Katarzyna M. , Wallace Callen T. , Yu-Wei Cheng , Franks Jonathan , Bose Devika , Rajasundaram Dhivyaa , Hose Stacey , Sahel José-Alain , Puertollano Rosa , Finkel Toren , Zigler J. Samuel , Sergeev Yuri , Watkins Simon C. , Goetzman Eric S. , Flores-Bellver Miguel , Kaarniranta Kai , Sodhi Akrit , Bharti Kapil , Handa James T. , Sinha Debasish
Published: August 2023

Introductory paragraph

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of geriatric blindness, is a multi-factorial disease with retinal-pigmented epithelial (RPE) cell dysfunction as a central pathogenic driver. With RPE degeneration, lysosomal function is a core process that is disrupted. Transcription factors EB/E3 (TFEB/E3) tightly control lysosomal function; their disruption can cause aging disorders, such as AMD. Here, we show that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived RPE cells with the complement factor H variant [CFH(Y402H)] have increased AKT2, which impairs TFEB/TFE3 nuclear translocation and lysosomal function. Increased AKT2 can inhibit PGC1α, which downregulates SIRT5, an AKT2 binding partner. SIRT5 and AKT2 co-regulate each other, thereby modulating TFEB-dependent lysosomal function in the RPE. Failure of the AKT2/SIRT5/TFEB pathway in the RPE induced abnormalities in the autophagy-lysosome cellular axis by upregulating secretory autophagy, thereby releasing a plethora of factors that likely contribute to drusen formation, a hallmark of AMD. Finally, overexpressing AKT2 in RPE cells in mice led to an AMD-like phenotype. Thus, targeting the AKT2/SIRT5/TFEB pathway could be a potential therapy for atrophic AMD.
Modelling human neuronal catecholaminergic pigmentation in rodents recapitulates age-related multisystem neurodegenerative deficits
Authors: Laguna Ariadna , Peñuelas Núria , Gonzalez-Sepulveda Marta , Nicolau Alba , Arthaud Sébastien , Guillard-Sirieix Camille , Lorente-Picón Marina , Compte Joan , Miquel-Rio Lluís , Xicoy Helena , Liu Jiong , Parent Annabelle , Cuadros Thais , Romero-Giménez Jordi , Pujol Gemma , Giménez-Llort Lydia , Fort Patrice , Bortolozzi Analia , Carballo-Carbajal Iria , Vila Miquel
Published: August 2023

One key limitation in developing effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases is the lack of models accurately mimicking the complex physiopathology of the human disease. Humans accumulate with age the pigment neuromelanin inside neurons that synthesize catecholamines. Neurons reaching the highest neuromelanin levels preferentially degenerate in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and apparently healthy aging individuals. However, this brain pigment is not taken into consideration in current animal models because common laboratory species, such as rodents, do not produce neuromelanin. Here we generate a tissue-specific transgenic mouse, termed tgNM, that mimics the human age-dependent brain-wide distribution of neuromelanin within catecholaminergic regions, based on the constitutive catecholamine-specific expression of human melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase. We show that, in parallel to progressive human-like neuromelanin pigmentation, these animals display age-related neuronal dysfunction and degeneration affecting numerous brain circuits and body tissues, linked to motor and non-motor deficits, reminiscent of early neurodegenerative stages. This model may open new research avenues in brain aging and neurodegeneration.
Asymmetric tethering by exocystin vitrorequires a Rab GTPase, a v-SNARE and a Sac1-sensitive phosphoinositide lipid
Authors: Rossi Guendalina , Puller Gabrielle C. , Brennwald Patrick
Published: August 2023

Tethering factors play a critical role in deciphering the correct combination of vesicle and target membrane for subsequent fusion. The exocyst plays a central role in tethering post-Golgi vesicles to the plasma membrane, although the mechanism by which this occurs is poorly understood. We recently established an assay for measuring exocyst-mediated vesicle tetheringin vitroand we have adapted this assay to examine the ability of exocyst to tether vesicles in an asymmetric fashion. We demonstrate that exocyst differs from another post-Golgi vesicle tethering protein, Sro7, in that it is fully capable of tethering vesicles with functional Rab GTPase, Sec4, to vesicles lacking a functional Rab GTPase. Using this assay, we show that exocyst requires both the Rab and R-SNARE, Snc1, to be present on the same membrane surface. In contrast, using Sac1 phosphatase treatment, we demonstrate a likely role for phosphoinositides on the opposing Rab-deficient membrane. This suggests a specific model for exocyst orientation and its points of contact between membranes during heterotypic tethering of post-Golgi vesicles with the plasma membrane.
Predicted models and CCP4
Authors: Simpkin Adam J. , Caballero Iracema , McNicholas Stuart , Stevenson Kyle , Jiménez Elisabet , Sánchez Rodríguez Filomeno , Fando Maria , Uski Ville , Ballard Charles , Chojnowski Grzegorz , Lebedev Andrey , Krissinel Eugene , Usón Isabel , Rigden Daniel J. , Keegan Ronan M.
Published: August 2023

In late 2020, the results of CASP14, the 14th event in a series of competitions to assess the latest developments in computational protein structure-prediction methodology, revealed the giant leap forward that had been made by Google's Deepmind in tackling the prediction problem. The level of accuracy in their predictions was the first instance of a competitor achieving a global distance test score of better than 90 across all categories of difficulty. This achievement represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the field of experimental structural biology. For structure determination by macromolecular X-ray crystallography, access to highly accurate structure predictions is of great benefit, particularly when it comes to solving the phase problem. Here, details of new utilities and enhanced applications in the CCP4 suite, designed to allow users to exploit predicted models in determining macromolecular structures from X-ray diffraction data, are presented. The focus is mainly on applications that can be used to solve the phase problem through molecular replacement.
Prescription opioids, consumption cultures and “informal governing images” among “young street guys” in Nigeria
Authors: Onyima Blessing Nonye
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the misuse of prescription opioids, associated consumption cultures and the emergence of “informal governing images” among young men in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative research approach involving purposive sampling: six in-depth interviews, one focus group discussion and key informant interviews with two health-care professionals using the transgressive theory approach, this paper explores consumption cultures, motivations and the resultant “informal governing images” associated with the misuse of prescription opioids among young local street high-risk users in Nigeria.

Findings

Findings show complex expressions of diverse consumption practices, such as grinding, sniffing and concoction of tramadol (TM)with other opioids. The “puff-puff pass” practice serves as induction for new users of opioids commonly accessed through street drug dealers and pharmacists sold via backdoors. Codeine mixtures with different brands of soft drinks for dilution are used to achieve a “lower high” while a concoction of different opioids, with alcohol, and spirits obtains a “higher high”. Manufacturers’ indelible colouring and bottling discourage the non-medical use of opioids. Desiring to be awake for nocturnal activities, mostly “yahoo-yahoo” (internet fraud), sexual enhancement and dosage competitions, are motivations for the non-medical use of prescription opioids. These consumption cultures create “misuse circuits”, leading to the emergence of “informal governing images” triggered by threats from formal controls.

Practical implications

This paper, therefore, concludes that pharmaceutical industries should also add colourings to TM and codeine just like they did in rophinol to discourage the non-medical use of prescription opioids among young people in Nigeria.

Social implications

This paper concludes that rather than branding and packaging in such a way that concealability is difficult for high-risk users as the best way to discourage the non-medical consumption of prescription opioids in Nigeria, the focus should be on addressing youth poverty and unemployment and improving access to treatment for drug use disorders, instead of calling for more enforcement-based measures.

Originality/value

This is an original research.
Do financial constraints affect the CEO stock options remuneration? Evidence from a panel threshold model
Authors: Zaiane Sedki , Dabbou Halim , Gallali Mohamed Imen
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the nonlinear relationship between financial constraints and the chief executive officer (CEO) stock options compensation and to analyze whether the impact of financial constraints on the CEO stock options compensation changes at certain level of financial constraints or not.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a sample of 90 French firms for the period extending from 2008 to 2019. To deal with the non-linearity, the authors use a panel threshold method.

Findings

Using different measures of financial constraints [KZ index (Baker et al., 2003), SA index (Hadlock and Pierce, 2010) and FCP index (Schauer et al., 2019)], the results reveal that the impact of the financial constraints (SA index and FCP index) is positive below the threshold value and it becomes negative above.

Research limitations/implications

The non-linearity between financial constraints and CEO stock options shows that the level of financial constraints can be a major determinant of the CEO compensation structure. More specifically, this study sheds light on the key role played by the level of financial constraints and how this latter influence management decisions.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to the best of the authors' knowledge to examine the nonlinear relationship between financial constraints and the CEO stock options compensation using a panel threshold model.
Validation of a scale for the perception of competences and attitudes in the context of public administration
Authors: Moreira Ana , Nishimura Adriana , Sousa Maria José , Au-Yong-Oliveira Manuel
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims at validating a scale for the perception of competences and attitudes of the Portuguese public administration employees. The sample of this study consists of 1,119 participants working in public administration and other labour sectors in Portugal. The psychometric qualities of this instrument were studied to assess its use in future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial exploratory factor analysis showed that the scale is composed of one factor, with a Kaiser–Meyer–Oklin value of 0.83. The subsequent confirmatory factor analysis performed in AMOS 27 confirmed the existence of a single factor.

Findings

The analysis of the psychometric qualities of the scale allows concluding that it can be applied in the context of the Portuguese public administration.

Originality/value

Given the universality of the competences and attitudes adopted, it can be extended to other work and cultural contexts.
The more the merrier the wealthier? Multi-dimensional taxonomy of demography and development in Indonesia
Authors: Wardhana Dharendra
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to unpack the nexus of development and demography controlling for three important variables to represent the meaning of development, that is, poverty rate, unemployment rate and human development index (HDI). Demographic variables are proxied with total fertility rate (TFR) and net migration rate (NMR).

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies cluster analysis at the provincial level using INDO-DAPOER and 2015 Intercensal Population Survey data sets.

Findings

Demographic and development status of Indonesian provinces can be classified into four clusters, and members of these clusters are mostly dissimilar with those of previous groupings on demographic dividends (Adioetomo, 2018). With only less than 50% matching rate, the author argues that there is no simple linear relationship between demographic and development variables.

Research limitations/implications

The most recent data set on Population Census Year 2020 has not been made available at the time of the writing. Also sometimes known as unsupervised classification, cluster analysis is about finding groups in a set of objects characterised only by certain measurements; therefore, findings of this study need to be positioned solely within the context of development and demography.

Practical implications

Taxonomy in this study offers a more nuanced and contextual understanding of the diverse challenges at the local and regional levels. Recommendations from this study lead to asymmetrical design in development policies and budget proportions at local levels.

Social implications

It is expected that the findings are relevant to the input of policymaking process within the sphere of development and demography, especially for countries with significant size of populations and grappling with development issues.

Originality/value

To the author’s understanding, this paper is the first to discuss the impact of “demographic dividend” to economic development in Indonesia using the approach of cluster analysis. The expected contribution of this work is twofold: Firstly, the author would like to ignite a discourse on the nexus of development and demography using the most recent data set and cutting-edge method. Secondly, the findings are relevant to the input of policymaking process within the sphere of development and demography, especially for countries with significant size of populations and grappling with development issues.
Prospects of augmented reality and virtual reality for online education: a scientometric view
Authors: Tiwari Chandan Kumar , Bhaskar Preeti , Pal Abhinav
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are becoming increasingly interwoven into people's daily lives, with applications in fields such as science, engineering, medical, the arts, education, finance and business. While much study has been conducted in the field of VR and AR in a variety of areas, less attention has been paid to online education. The purpose of this research is to conduct a systematic review of studies on AR and VR, as well as its applications in many disciplines of education, with a special emphasis on online education.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from the SCOPUS database under the subject “Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications in Online Education.” The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) format has been used to summarize the available literature and research in academics throughout the world. First, systematic literature reviews and later bibliometric analysis were conducted for performance and science mapping analysis.

Findings

The research adds to the body of knowledge about the role of AR and VR in online education and its future prospects. AR and VR have demonstrated a substantial contribution to facilitating teaching in a variety of fields, including engineering, medicine, nursing and chemistry. Additionally, this research indicates that AR and VR can be utilized to teach various areas and specialties. Additionally, it can be used in other aspects of online education, such as admissions, industry visits, training, internationalization and specific courses for students with disabilities.

Practical implications

This research lays the framework for educational institutions, legislators and researchers to investigate additional applications of VR and AR. Though this research suggests some possible uses for AR and VR in the online education system, more applications can be integrated into the online education system to fully leverage the potential of AR and VR worldwide. AR and VR have the potential to be a very cost-effective method of delivering online education on a wide scale in the future.

Originality/value

The article explores the applicability of VR and AR in education using bibliometric analysis. This is one of the first studies to do an assessment of VR and AR, evaluating their strengths, drawbacks and current applications. Future application areas are also identified as a result of the investigation.
Use and acceptance of crypto currencies in India: an evaluation of block chain application in financial sector using PLS SEM and ANN approach
Authors: Mishra Niraj , Srivastava Praveen , Mahato Satyajit , Shivani Shradha
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to create and evaluate a model for cryptocurrency adoption by investigating how age, education, and gender impact Behavioural Intention. A hybrid approach that combined partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) was used for the purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a multi-analytical hybrid approach, combining PLS-SEM and ANN to illustrate the impact of various identified variables on behavioral intention toward using cryptocurrency. Multi-group analysis (MGA) is applied to determine whether different data groups of age, gender and education have significant differences in the parameter estimates that are specific to each group.

Findings

The findings indicate that Social Influence (SI) has the greatest impact on Behavioral Intention (BI), which suggests that the viewpoints and recommendations of influential and well-known individuals can serve as a motivating factor to invest in cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, education was found to be a moderating factor in the relationship found between behavioral intention and design.

Research limitations/implications

Prior studies on technology adoption have utilized superficial SEM and ANN methods, whereas a more effective outcome has been suggested by implementing a dual-stage PLS-SEM and ANN approach utilizing a deep neural network architecture. This methodology can enhance the accuracy of nonlinear connections in the model and augment the deep learning capacity.

Practical implications

The research is based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and expands upon this model by integrating elements of design and trust. This is an important addition, as design can influence individuals' willingness to try new technologies, while trust is a critical factor in determining whether individuals will adopt and use new technology.

Social implications

Cryptocurrencies are a relatively new phenomenon in India, and their use and adoption have grown significantly in recent years. However, this development has not been without controversy, as the implications of cryptocurrencies for society, the economy and governance remain uncertain. The results reveal that social influence is an important predictor for the adoption of cryptocurrency in India, and this can help financial institutions and regulators in making policy decisions accordingly.

Originality/value

Given the emerging nature of cryptocurrency adoption in India, there is certainly a need for further empirical research in this area. The current study aims to address this research gap and achieve the following objectives: (a) to determine if a dual-stage PLS-SEM and ANN analysis utilizing deep learning techniques can yield more comprehensive research findings than a PLS-SEM approach and (b) to identify variables that can forecast the intention to adopt cryptocurrency.
Street-level netocracy: rules, discretion and professionalism in a network-based intervention
Authors: Da Roit Barbara , Busacca Maurizio
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to analyse the meaning and extension of discretionary power of social service professionals within network-based interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically, the paper is based on a case study of a network-based policy involving private and public organisations in the Northeast of Italy (Province of Trento).

Findings

The paper identifies netocracy as a social policy logic distinct from bureaucracy and professionalism. What legitimises netocracy is neither authority nor expertise but cooperation, the activation of connections and involvement, considered “good” per se. In this framework, professionalism and discretion acquire new and problematic meanings compared to street-level bureaucracy processes.

Research limitations/implications

Based on a case study, the research results cannot be generalised but pave the way to further comparative investigations.

Practical implications

The paper reveals that the position of professionals in netocracy is to some extent trickier than that in a bureaucracy because netocracy seems to have the power to encapsulate them and make it less likely for them to deviate from expected courses of action.

Originality/value

Combining different literature streams – street level bureaucracy, professionalism, network organisations and welfare governance – and building on an original case study, the paper contribute to understanding professionalism in welfare contexts increasingly characterised by the combination of bureaucratic, professional and network logics.
The impact of enterprise social media usage on employee creativity: a self-regulation perspective
Authors: Deng Manting , Zhu Jiantao
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Organizations have widely adopted enterprise social media (ESM) to improve employees' creativity. This study applies self-regulation theory to explore the role of feedback seeking in mediating the effects of work-oriented and social-oriented ESM usage on employee creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was conducted on 219 working professionals in China – professionals that use ESM in respective organizations.

Findings

Results show that both work-oriented and social-oriented ESM usage are positively associated with employee feedback inquiry and, subsequently, increased employee creativity. The findings also suggest that social-oriented ESM usage is positively related to employee monitoring, whereas employee feedback monitoring is not related to employee creativity.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioners and/or managers need to pay greater attention to the impact of work-oriented and social-oriented ESM usage on employee feedback seeking strategies and creativity. The low response rate is one of the limitations in this study, although the results of the test suggest that non-response bias is not a critical issue in this study.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge of feedback inquiry in explaining the effect of work-oriented and social-oriented ESM usage on employee creativity. The current study helps to extend the intervening mechanism in the relationship between ESM usage and employee creativity.
Financial disclosure manipulation: a virtue ethics perspective
Authors: Demaline Christopher J.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Financial disclosure manipulation is unethical and unlawful because it leads to less transparent reporting and harmful economic decisions based on misleading information. The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary and synthesis of research covering financial disclosure misrepresentation via impression management (IM). Ultimately, this report proposes that virtuous managers may be well-suited to provide transparent, objective disclosure. By extension, virtuous managers may oversee profitable firms and improve capital market efficiency. Suggestions for future research are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an academic literature review covering financial disclosure manipulation. The findings are viewed through the lens of Christian virtue ethics (CVE).

Findings

IM studies commonly focus on specific methods used to mislead disclosure readers. Antecedent and mitigation strategies are less commonly noted in the research. This paper presents and analyzes IM tools and antecedents. Mitigation approaches are considered through the lens of CVE. This report proposes that virtuous managers may be well-suited to provide transparent, objective disclosure. By extension, virtuous managers may oversee profitable firms and improve capital market efficiency.

Originality/value

This present study focuses on the antecedents of IM in financial disclosures and introduces a novel perspective to financial disclosure mitigation – CVE. Financial disclosure authors and readers, researchers, financial regulators and accounting standards setters may be interested in the findings presented in this study.
The role of AMO HR practices and knowledge sharing in developing a learning organizational culture: evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Naqshbandi M. Muzamil , Meeran Sheik , Kim Minseo , Mughal Farooq
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the three types of human resource (HR) practices, encapsulated in the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) model, foster a learning organizational culture (LOC). In doing so, the authors evaluate the centrality of knowledge sharing (KS) in mediating this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey is undertaken to collect data from managers working in organizations operating in the UK. The authors use several statistical techniques to assess the psychometric properties of the measures and test the hypotheses using multiple regression executed with Preacher and Hayes’ Process macro.

Findings

The findings show that the AMO HR practices significantly facilitate the development of a LOC in the workplace, and KS among organizational members amplifies the effects of these HR practices in the process.

Originality/value

A LOC functions as an important source of organizational performance and effectiveness. It enhances the absorptive capacity of the organization to capture, share and transfer knowledge to optimize work. Hence, developing a culture that nurtures organizational learning could be a priority for managing HR. This study, therefore, extends the understanding of the role of AMO HR practices in fostering a learning culture – thus, providing managers with the essential knowledge to improve performance. The study also enriches the literature on HR practices, KS and LOC by integrating these three variables into a unifying framework.
Physical or digital media: the mediating role of psychological ownership
Authors: Stough Rusty , Graham Christian
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Access to media is more available now than ever before, both physically and digitally. This study was used to investigate the underlying personality traits that influence the decision to purchase either physical or digital books, and extend theory on access to art and provide a unique lens through which marketers can sell digital media.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 is a field study in which data were collected from several comic book readers and collectors to look at the role that psychological ownership plays in influencing the likelihood of buying physical or digital comics. Specifically, study 1 includes consumers' need for uniqueness and tech savviness as potential influencers. Study 2 extends the findings of study into a new context and manipulates, rather than measures, the identity of the participants. Study 2 looks at the effects of turning a digital object into a non-fungible token (NFT).

Findings

This paper demonstrates that consumers who have a high consumer need for uniqueness (CNFU) are more likely to prefer physical media to digital media. Further, it is shown that preference for physical media leads, on average, to more purchases and that the consumer's psychological ownership mediates the effects of CNFU. In addition, this paper shows that higher degrees of tech savviness led to a preference for digital media. Finally, this paper shows that when consumers identify with a collector identity, turning a digital item into an NFT increases their preference for that object.

Originality/value

This work builds off recent research into physical and digital media and is one of the first to examine the specific personality types that prefer each.
Cognitive style, entrepreneurial leadership and career success: the moderating role of social norms
Authors: Zhang Dixuan , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Shaopeng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Drawing on self-determination theory, this study reveals the formative and functional mechanism of entrepreneurial leadership and constructs an integrated model that combines objective and subjective career success.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from 189 leaders from China, this study examined the relationship among cognitive style, social norms, entrepreneurial leadership and career success. Using SPSS version 25.0 and AMOS version 23.0, factor analysis, correlation, path analysis and moderation analysis were performed.

Findings

The results indicated that innovative cognitive style is positively related to entrepreneurial leadership, and this relationship is reinforced by social norms. Adaptive cognitive style is negatively related to entrepreneurial leadership, but this relationship is not regulated by social norms. Besides, this study found a significantly positive relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and objective career success, while entrepreneurial leadership does not demonstrate a significant relationship with subjective career success.

Originality/value

By combining subjective and the objective career success into entrepreneurial leadership research, the findings provide a new perspective for understanding what other experiences entrepreneurship can bring to leaders. Furthermore, the current study analyzes the informal institutional environment's promoting and impeding roles between cognitive style and entrepreneurial leadership.
Factors influencing the financial satisfaction of MSME owners: the mediating role of access to Islamic financing
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Ahmad , Umar Umar Habibu , Ado Muhammad Bilyaminu , Kademi Tasiu Tijjani
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extend the extant literature on the relationship between financial risk tolerance (FRT), awareness of Islamic financial principles (AWIF) and positive financial behaviour (FB) on financial satisfaction (FS) of micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owners by principally investigating the mediating effect of access to Islamic financing (AIF) on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey method of data collection through a self-administered questionnaire. The sample of 384 MSME owners was selected in which 208 questionnaires were retrieved and analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The result shows that the relationships between FRT and AIF as well as FB and AIF are not significant. However, the AWIF–AIF relationship was found to be positively significant. Moreover, only the mediating effect of AIF on the AWIF–FS relationship was established.

Practical implications

The result implies that AIF could strongly influence the FS of MSME owners, and the AWIF–FS relationship is better explained with sufficient AIF. However, AIF could not mediate the relationships between FRT–FS and FB–FS. Therefore, policymakers and MSME owners should emphasize on AWIF and AIF to enhance FS.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the examination of the mediating influence of AIF on FRT, AWIF, FB and FS of MSME owners in a single framework. Despite the importance of MSME owners on economic sustainability, literature on MSME owners' FS is lacking expressly among developing countries, particularly in Nigeria. This study also revealed new theoretical and practical knowledge by illuminating the mediating effect of AIF on AWIF–FS relationship.
Mid‐trimester uterine artery Doppler for aspirin discontinuation in pregnancies at high risk for preterm pre‐eclampsia: Post‐hoc analysis of StopPRE trial
Authors: Bonacina Erika , Garcia‐Manau Pablo , López Monica , Caamiña Sara , Vives Àngels , Lopez‐Quesada Eva , Ricart Marta , Maroto Anna , de Mingo Laura , Pintado Elena , Castillo‐Ribelles Laura , Martín Lourdes , Rodriguez‐Zurita Alicia , Garcia Esperanza , Pallarols Mar , Vidal‐Sagnier Laia , Teixidor Mireia , Orizales‐Lago Carmen , Pérez‐Gomez Adela , Ocaña Vanesa , Puerto Linda , Millán Pilar , Alsius Mercè , Diaz Sonia , Maiz Nerea , Carreras Elena , Suy Anna , Mendoza Manel
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess whether aspirin treatment can be discontinued in pregnancies with normal uterine artery pulsatility index (≤90th percentile) at 24–28 weeks.

Design

Post‐hoc analysis of a clinical trial.

Setting

Nine maternity hospitals in Spain.

Population or Sample

Pregnant individuals at high risk of pre‐eclampsia at 11–13 weeks and normal uterine artery Doppler at 24–28 weeks.

Methods

All participants received treatment with daily aspirin at a dose of 150 mg. Participants were randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, either to continue aspirin treatment until 36 weeks (control group) or to discontinue aspirin treatment (intervention group), between September 2019 and September 2021. In this secondary analysis, women with a UtAPI >90th percentile at 24–28 weeks were excluded. The non‐inferiority margin was set at a difference of 1.9% for the incidence of preterm pre‐eclampsia.

Main outcome measures

Incidence of preterm pre‐eclampsia.

Results

Of the 1611 eligible women, 139 were excluded for UtAPI >90th percentile or if UtAPI was not available. Finally, 804 were included in this post‐hoc analysis. Preterm pre‐eclampsia occurred in three of 409 (0.7%) women in the aspirin discontinuation group and five of 395 (1.3%) women in the continuation group (−0.53; 95% CI −1.91 to 0.85), indicating non‐inferiority of aspirin discontinuation.

Conclusions

Discontinuing aspirin treatment at 24–28 weeks in women with a UtAPI ≤90th percentile was non‐inferior to continuing aspirin treatment until 36 weeks for preventing preterm pre‐eclampsia.
Impact of COVID‐19 and restricted self‐help group attendance on drinking behavior among people with alcohol use disorder: Results of a nationwide cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Nitta Chie , Matsushita Sachio
Published: August 2023

Background

Concerns regarding symptom severity and the risk of relapse among people seeking recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD) have been raised since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Owing to preventive measures implemented during the pandemic (social distancing or lockdown), self‐help group (SHG) meetings were restricted. However, the impact of deprivation of onsite recovery meetings on drinking behavior and risk among SHG members with AUD remains unclear. We examined the proportion of SHG members who reported drinking and their reasons for drinking during the early stages of the pandemic and the effect of nonattendance at onsite recovery meetings on drinking behavior during the early pandemic period, stratified by gender.

Methods

A national cross‐sectional survey of Japanese SHG members was conducted to measure self‐reported alcohol consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, AUD diagnosis, treatment status, SHG meeting attendance, membership duration, psychological distress, and health‐related variables. Of 6478 SHG members, 2955 (male: n = 2678; female: n = 277; response rate: 46.7%) responded, and the responses were analyzed using a gender‐stratified multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

Most participants reported having abstained from alcohol use, while 6% of the respondents reported having consumed alcohol during the early stages of the pandemic. The proportion of “drinkers” among women (10.5%) was significantly higher than that among men (5.9%; p = 0.012). Through multivariate model analysis, the factors associated with drinking during the pandemic were identified as psychological distress (among men and women) and not attending onsite recovery meetings (among men). Conversely, a longer duration of SHG membership was associated with less drinking during the pandemic for both genders.

Conclusions

Most SHG members appear to have remained abstinent during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, psychological distress in both genders and the inability to attend recovery meetings among men may have influenced drinking behavior.
Hiding in plain sight: Inconvenient facts for patient safety in non‐24/7 theatre on‐site staffed obstetric units
Authors: McGurgan Paul
Published: August 2023

The views expressed here are based on my professional experience as a consultant obstetrician, and previous role as clinical head of service for a small (<1800 births/year) obstetric unit in Perth metro. The obstetric unit in which I work has no 24/7 on‐site staffed theatre capacity, no high dependency unit, and at night is staffed by a resident medical officer and junior obstetric registrar, with a consultant on‐call within 30 min travel time. Based on my review of the literature on obstetric services nationally and various state guidelines (see Sources section), other Australian metro‐located obstetric services appear to have similar challenges, but in this paper I focus on the health service models and patient safety systems that I am most familiar with (Perth metro) and ask why obstetric services in this, and by inference, other areas of the country which have similar high population density, would continue to have these staffing/service profiles.
Effects of vitamin D on sex steroids, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone to luteinizing hormone ratio in 307 infertile men
Authors: Holt Rune , Yahyavi Sam Kafai , Kooij Ireen , Poulsen Nadia Nicholine , Juul Anders , Jørgensen Niels , Blomberg Jensen Martin
Published: August 2023

Objective

Vitamin D status has been associated with sex steroid production. The question is whether vitamin D supplementation has an impact on sex steroid production in infertile men with vitamin D insufficiency?

Design

A single‐center, double‐blinded, randomized clinical trial. Differences in sex steroids and reproductive hormones were predefined secondary outcomes, vitamin D status at baseline was a predefined subgroup and the primary outcome was differences in semen quality.

Methods

A total of 307 infertile men were included and randomized 1:1 to active or placebo treatment for 150 days. Men in the active group initially received an oral bolus of 300,000 IU cholecalciferol, followed by daily supplementation with 1400 IU cholecalciferol and 500 mg calcium.

Results

After intervention, no differences were found in serum concentrations of sex steroids, luteinizing hormone, testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio or SHBG between the vitamin D and placebo group. However, in a predefined subgroup analysis of men with serum 25OHD ≤ 50 nmol/L, men treated with vitamin D had a significantly higher testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio [4.2 (3.8–4.4) vs. 3.7 (3.4–4.0); p = 0.033] compared with placebo treatment. In men with vitamin D deficiency, the difference between groups was larger but not significant due to few men with serum 25OHD < 25 nmol/L.

Conclusion

Vitamin D + calcium supplementation did not alter sex steroid production in infertile men. However, vitamin D insufficient men treated with vitamin D supplementation had a significantly higher testosterone/LH ratio compared with placebo‐treated men, suggesting that optimal Leydig cell function are dependent on adequate vitamin D status.
Addition of a liver to the normothermic perfusion circuit reduces renal pro‐inflammatory factors
Authors: Li Fangcong , Zhang Yimin , Ruan Hehuan , He Yu , Zhan Liqiang , Chen Shirui , Wang Tielong , Qiu Jiang , Guo Zhiyong , Wang Dongping , He Xiaoshun
Published: August 2023

Background

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) provides a novel platform to preserve isolated organs in an artificial condition. Our study aimed to explore the interaction between the liver and kidney at an ex vivo organ level by adding a liver to the kidney NMP circuit.

Methods

Porcine kidney and liver obtained from abattoir were subjected to 9 h NMP after suffering 30‐min warm ischemia time and 90‐min cold ischemia time. The liver–kidney NMP group (n = 5) and the single‐kidney NMP group (n = 5) were designed. During the NMP, perfusion parameters, blood gas analysis, and tissue samples were compared.

Results

The perfusate of both groups remained stable, and continuous urine production was observed during NMP. In the liver–kidney NMP group, the lactate level was low, while blood urea nitrogen increased and glucose levels decreased. After the NMP, the renal tissue in the liver–kidney group exhibited fewer histological changes such as tubular epithelium vacuolization, along with reduced expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β, NLRP3, and GSDMD.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the expression of renal pro‐inflammatory factors was reduced in the liver–kidney NMP system.
Inhibition of cystathionine‐gamma lyase dampens vasoconstriction in mouse and human intracerebral arterioles
Authors: Peleli Maria , Lyngso Kristina S. , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Hansen Pernille B. L. , Papapetropoulos Andreas , Stubbe Jane
Published: August 2023

Aim

In extracerebral vascular beds cystathionine‐gamma lyase (CSE) activity plays a vasodilatory role but the role of this hydrogen sulfide (H2S) producing enzyme in the intracerebral arterioles remain poorly understood. We hypothesized a similar function in the intracerebral arterioles.

Methods

Intracerebral arterioles were isolated from wild type C57BL/6J mouse (9–12 months old) brains and from human brain biopsies. The function (contractility and secondary dilatation) of the intracerebral arterioles was tested ex vivo by pressure myography using a perfusion set‐up. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for detecting CSE expression.

Results

CSE is expressed in human and mouse intracerebral arterioles. CSE inhibition with L‐propargylglycine (PAG) significantly dampened the K+‐induced vasoconstriction in intracerebral arterioles of both species (% of maximum contraction: in human control: 45.4 ± 2.7 versus PAG: 27 ± 5.2 and in mouse control: 50 ± 1.5 versus PAG: 33 ± 5.2) but did not affect the secondary dilatation. This effect of PAG was significantly reversed by the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaSH) in human (PAG + NaSH: 38.8 ± 7.2) and mouse (PAG + NaSH: 41.7 ± 3.1) arterioles, respectively. The endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, Nω‐Nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), and the inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) reversed the effect of PAG on the K+‐induced vasoconstriction in the mouse arterioles and attenuated the K+‐induced secondary dilatation significantly.

Conclusion

CSE contributes to the K+‐induced vasoconstriction via a mechanism involving H2S, eNOS, and sGC whereas the secondary dilatation is regulated by eNOS and sGC but not by CSE.
Influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on prenatal and postpartum patient experiences and well‐being
Authors: Riggan Kirsten A. , Weaver Amy L. , Ashby Grayson , Huang Lily , Long Margaret E. , Torbenson Vanessa E. , Wick Myra J. , Allyse Megan A. , Rivera‐Chiauzzi Enid Y.
Published: August 2023

Background

It has yet to be fully elucidated how differing populations of obstetric patients adapted to the disruptions in perinatal care and postpartum support from the COVID‐19 pandemic. We surveyed an enriched sample of socioeconomically advantaged patients to understand the influence of COVID‐19 on their perinatal care experience, well‐being, and coping.

Methods

We surveyed pregnant and postpartum patients (n = 6140) at a large academic medical center in the Midwest of the United States using the Coronavirus and Perinatal Experiences instrument in Spring 2021.

Results

The survey was sent to 6141 pregnant and postpartum patients; 1180 (17.8%) respondents completed the survey, including 256 who were pregnant and 834 postpartum. Most pregnant patients experienced no changes in their prenatal care with 16.5% indicating somewhat worsened care. In the postpartum cohort, 37.5% stated their care had somewhat worsened. In describing influences on stress and mental health, 58.1% of postpartum respondents stated it was moderately, and 17.4% significantly, worse. The pandemic had a somewhat or moderately negative influence for 72.7% of respondents, with 11.0% stating these effects were extremely negative. Both cohorts characterized a range of coping strategies, most commonly, talking with friends and family (76.3%).

Conclusion(s)

Even among this sample of socioeconomically advantaged patients, respondents indicated that the pandemic disrupted many facets of their medical care and daily life, especially social activities and postpartum support. Our findings suggest that counseling on coping and adaptation strategies for stressors and increased health systems support be part of perinatal care during public health emergencies for all demographic groups.