bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep-learning prediction of gene expression from personal genomes
Authors: Drusinsky Shiron , Whalen Sean , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: July 2024

Models that predict RNA levels from DNA sequences show tremendous promise for decoding tissue-specific gene regulatory mechanisms, revealing the genetic architecture of traits, and interpreting noncoding genetic variation. Existing methods take two different approaches: 1) associating expression with linear combinations of common genetic variants (training across individuals on single genes), or 2) learning genome-wide sequence-to-expression rules with neural networks (training across loci using a reference genome). Since limitations of both strategies have been highlighted recently, we sought to combine the sequence context provided by deep learning with the information provided by cross-individual training. We utilized fine-tuning to develop Performer, a model with accuracy approaching the cis-heritability of most genes. Performer prioritizes genetic variants across the allele frequency spectrum that disrupt motifs, fall in annotated regulatory elements, and have functional evidence for modulating gene expression. While obstacles remain in personalized expression prediction, our findings establish deep learning as a viable strategy.
Sex Dimorphism in Expression of Immune Response Genes in Drosophila
Authors: Khan MD Mursalin , Graze Rita M.
Published: July 2024

Sex dimorphism in immunity is commonly observed in a wide variety of taxa and is thought to arise from fundamental life history differences between females and males. InDrosophila melanogaster, infection with different pathogens typically results in different modes of immune sex dimorphism, with male-or female-bias, likely due to specific disease-causing mechanisms of pathogens and host-pathogen interactions. Studies showed that some pathways, such as IMD and Toll, can explain these sex-dimorphic immune responses in Drosophila. However, it is unclear if sex differences in the immune response observed inD. melanogasterare conserved, even in closely related species. One window into identifying conserved and evolving sex differences in the immune response is to examine the sex-differential expression of immunity-related genes. Here, we aim to understand whether two closely related species,D. melanogasterandD. simulans, show conserved sex dimorphism in innate immunity, focusing on associated changes in gene expression in response to infection with a gram-negative bacterium,Providencia rettgeri. Survival, bacterial load, and bacterial load upon death (BLUD) were investigated to assess overall sex differences.D. melanogasterfemales and males differed significantly in survival, whereasD. simulansdid not. Enrichment analyses revealed that both sexes and species upregulate genes involved in similar immune-related biological processes, but downregulated groups differed. We identified conserved sex differential gene expression of genes in the bacterial infection response pathways IMD, Toll, Jak/STAT, their regulators, and other immune-related gene classes (e.g., BOMs), as well as sex and species differences. InD. melanogaster,the effector antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) regulated by IMD were more highly upregulated relative toD. simulansin both sexes. Moreover,D. melanogasterfemales uniquely initiated high levels of gene expression that were involved in negative feedback mechanisms that controlled the overstimulation of IMD. Genes in the Toll pathway were also sex-differentially expressed with a higher level of upregulation inD. melanogaster. Remarkably, comparing expression across species, we find thatD. simulanslikely employs both the conventional peptidoglycan recognition-driven PRR-SPE-Spz pathway and the microbial protease recognition-based Psh-dependent activation of Toll; in contrast,D. melanogasterappears to solely rely on the PRR-SPE-Spz pathway in this context. In summary, our findings indicate that sex differences are conserved in both species for the majority of upregulated genes, while downregulation patterns and specific gene subsets show notable differences between sexes or species.
Prognostic significance of somatic mutations in myeloid cells of men with chronic heart failure – interaction between loss of Y chromosome and clonal hematopoiesis
Authors: Cremer Sebastian , von Scheidt Moritz , Kirschbaum Klara , Tombor Lukas , Mas-Peiro Silvia , Abplanalp Wesley , Rasper Tina , Krefting Johannes , Ware Akshay , Leistner David , Schunkert Heribert , Speer Thimoteus , Dimmeler Stefanie , Zeiher Andreas Michael
Published: July 2024

Age-associated clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has been associated with increased incidence and worse prognosis of chronic heart failure. CHIP is driven by somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (LOY), the most common somatic mutation in blood cells of men, also correlates with clonal expansion of myeloid cells, increases with age and was experimentally shown to lead to diffuse cardiac fibrosis and subsequent heart failure in mice. However, the prognostic significance of LOY as well as its potential interaction with CHIP in patients with chronic heart failure is unknown. We investigated the prevalence and prognostic significance of the extent of LOY and the two most common CHIP-driver mutations DNMT3A and TET2 in 705 male patients with established chronic heart failure across the entire spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction. Both, LOY and DNMT3A/TET2 mutations, increased with age, and LOY co-occurred with DNMT3A/TET2 mutations in 27.1% of men at age > 70 years. LOY was an independent predictor of death during 3-years of follow-up across the entire spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction. The co-occurrence of harboring LOY and DNMT3A/TET2 mutations significantly contributed to the observed increased mortality observed in carriers of DNMT3A/TET2 mutations. The detrimental effect of LOY on prognosis was confirmed in a validation cohort of patients with ischemic heart disease. scRNA sequencing of peripheral blood cells in patients with chronic ischemic heart failure showed increased profibrotic signaling in LOY monocytes with elevated markers of monocyte mediated inflammation and profibrotic cardiac remodeling (S100A8, TLR2, CLEC4D) and reduced expression of TGF-β inhibiting genes (SMAD7, TGIF2). The proinflammatory phenotype of LOY monocytes was further amplified in LOY monocytes of patients simultaneously harboring DNMT3A mutations, who displayed heightened expression of alarmins (S100A8, HMGB2) and interferon signaling related genes (IFNGR1, TRIM56, CD84) compared to patients without CHIP mutations. Thus, the age-associated acquisition of somatic mutations in blood cells of men with chronic heart failure is associated with increased mortality, with loss of Y chromosome emerging as an independent predictor of all-cause death across the entire spectrum of left ventricular function.
A phase I clinical trial of intrahepatic artery delivery of TG6002 in combination with oral 5-fluorocytosine in patients with liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: West Emma J. , Sadoun Alain , Bendjama Kaidre , Erbs Philippe , Smolenschi Cristina , Cassier Philippe A. , de Baere Thierry , Sainte-Croix Sophie , Brandely Maud , Melcher Alan A. , Ismail Fay , Scott Karen J. , Bennett Angela , Banks Emma , Gasior Ewa , Kent Sarah , Kurzawa Marta , Hammond Christopher , Patel Jai V. , Collinson Fiona J. , Twelves Chris , Anthoney D. Alan , Swinson Dan , Samson Adel
Published: July 2024

Background

Effective treatment for patients with metastatic cancer is limited, particularly for colorectal cancer patients with metastatic liver lesions (mCRC), where accessibility to numerous tumours is essential for favourable clinical outcomes. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) selectively replicate in cancer cells; however, direct targeting of inaccessible lesions is limited when using conventional intravenous (i.v.) or intratumoural (i.t.) administration routes.

Methods

We conducted a multi-centre, dose-escalation, phase I study of vaccinia virus, TG6002, via intrahepatic artery (IHA) delivery in combination with the oral pro-drug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to fifteen mCRC patients.

Results

Successful IHA delivery of replication-competent TG6002 was achieved, as demonstrated by virus within tumour biopsies. Functional transcription of theFCU1transgene indicates viral replication within the tumour, with higher plasma concentrations of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) associated with patients receiving the highest dose of TG6002. IHA delivery of TG6002 correlated with a robust systemic peripheral immune response to virus with activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, associated with a proinflammatory cytokine response and release of calreticulin, potentially indicating immunogenic cell death. Gene Ontology analyses of differentially-expressed genes reveal a significant immune response at the transcriptional level in response to treatment. Moreover, an increase in the number and frequency of T cell receptor clones against both cancer- and neo-antigens, with elevated functional activity, may be associated with improved anti-cancer activity. Despite these findings, no clinical efficacy was observed.

Conclusions

In summary, these data demonstrate delivery of OV to tumour via IHA administration, associated with viral replication and significant peripheral immune activation. Collectively, the data supports the need for future studies using IHA administration of OVs.

A phase Ia study of TG6002 oncolytic vaccinia virus administration via the hepatic artery in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases. Virus was delivered to tumour with functional activity of the virus-encodedFCU1transgene, eliciting innate and adaptive anti-cancer immunity.
RESP2: An uncertainty aware multi-target multi-property optimization AI pipeline for antibody discovery
Authors: Parkinson Jonathan , Hard Ryan , Ko Young Su , Wang Wei
Published: July 2024

Discovery of therapeutic antibodies against infectious disease pathogens presents distinct challenges. Ideal candidates must possess not only the properties required for any therapeutic antibody (e.g. specificity, low immunogenicity) but also high affinity to many mutants of the target antigen. Here we present RESP2, an enhanced version of our RESP pipeline, designed for the discovery of antibodies against diverse antigens with simultaneously optimized developability properties. RESP2 provides a suite of methods to estimate the uncertainty of predictions including a new model combining neural network and Gaussian process with great flexibility to model protein engineering data, which accelerates in silico directed evolution to identify tight binders even those not present in the original screening library. An interpretable model is then exploited to assess antibody humanness to minimize immunogenicity risk of the selected candidates. To demonstrate the power of this pipeline, we use the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the COVID-19 spike protein as a case study, and discover a highly human antibody with broad (mid to high-affinity) binding to at least 8 different variants of the RBD. These results illustrate the advantages of this pipeline for antibody discovery against a challenging target. The code needed to reproduce the experiments in this paper is available athttps://github.com/Wang-lab-UCSD/RESP2.
Understanding the development of neural abnormalities in adolescents with mental health problems: a longitudinal study
Authors: Hou Jiangyun , van de Mortel Laurens , Liu Weijian , Liu Shu , Popma Arne , Smit Dirk J.A. , van Wingen Guido
Published: July 2024

Many mental health problems are neurodevelopmental in nature and have an onset during childhood. Mental health disorders are associated with neural abnormalities, but it is unclear when those emerge and how this relates to the development of different mental health problems. We used data from the largest longitudinal neurodevelopmental study to identify the structural and functional brain changes that co-occur with the onset of six mental health problems. The results showed premorbid brain-wide abnormalities that were comparable between internalizing and different from externalizing problems, and differential neurodevelopmental trajectories for specific brain regions in 11- to 12-year-old adolescents who developed ADHD, conduct, depressive and oppositional defiant problems. These results reveal that the onset of different mental health problems co-occur with common as well as problem-specific brain abnormalities.
Toscana Virus Infection Clinical Characterization
Authors: Ayhan Nazli , Eldin Carole , Charrel Remi
Published: July 2024

Background

Toscana virus (TOSV) is a sandfly-borne phlebovirus causing central nervous system (CNS) infection in Mediterranean countries, during summer season. However, clinical aspects of the disease caused by this virus are poorly known by clinicians, so that its prevalence is probably underestimated due to a lack of diagnosis.

Study design

We gathered data from all available case series and retrospective studies identifying TOSV as the causative viral agent. The informations of age, sex, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, imaging results and clinical outcomes of TOSV infection were recorded and analyzed.

Results

In our review a total of 95 articles including TOSV infections resulting in a total of 1,381 cases were analyzed. Our findings indicate, TOSV affects individuals across various age groups, with a median age of 44.45 years. A notable disparity in infection rates between genders, with men being significantly more likely to present symptoms due to TOSV than women, with a sex ratio of 2.0 (p<0.001). The clinical presentation of TOSV infection encompasses a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, retro-orbital pain, neurological and muscular manifestations with less common reports of cutaneous and gastrointestinal symptoms. To date, six fatalities have been attributed to TOSV infections, with a median age of 76 years.

Diagnostic evaluation of TOSV infections often involves the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, where findings may include an elevated white blood cell count.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the diverse clinical manifestations of TOSV infections and highlight the importance of considering this pathogen in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with acute febrile illness, especially in endemic regions. TOSV represents an emerging infectious threat that warrants inclusion in the diagnostic protocols for patients presenting with CNS, particularly within the Mediterranean basin or for those with recent travel history to endemic regions during warmer months when sandflies are actively circulating.
Destination image and revisit intentions: a mediation-moderation study through tourist satisfaction and place attachment
Authors: Zulfiqar Urooj , Aman-Ullah Attia , Mehmood Waqas , Singh Hacharanjit
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the relationship of cognitive destination image and affective destination image with tourist satisfaction and revisit intention. This study also tested the mediation effect of tourist satisfaction between cognitive destination image and affective destination image with revisit intention. Furthermore, place attachment is aimed to test as a moderator between tourist satisfaction and revisit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants in this study are international visitors who were visiting different tourist places in Pakistan. A total of 340 tourists participated in the data collection process, and subsequent data analysis was performed using SPSS and smart-PLS.

Findings

The results confirmed a significant effect of affective destination image on revisit intention, whilst’ cognitive destination image does not signify a significant influence on revisit intention for international tourists; however, tourist satisfaction confirmed the mediation effect between cognitive-affective destination image and revisit intention. Furthermore, the place attachment confirmed significant moderation with revisit intention.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into the context of tourist revisit intention in Pakistan. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the model tested in this study (affective destination image and cognitive destination image > tourists’ satisfaction > place attachment > revisit intention) is developed for the first time and is the first of its kind to test the moderation effect of place attachment with revisit intention. This study is supported by the Oliver expectancy disconfirmation theory and the Bowlby theory, which is another novelty of this study.
Homeownership through asnaf home financing in Malaysia: an empirical investigation
Authors: Amin Hanudin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine asnafs’ acceptance of home financing in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This work developed and introduced the maqasid theory of consumer behaviour (MTCB) to examine the effects of educational programmes, mortgage welfare, consumer justice and Islamic debt policy on receptiveness. Data analysis involving 733 respondents was conducted using partial least squares (PLS), where SmartPLS4.0 software comes into play.

Findings

In the core model, the effects of the MTCB’s variables helped shape the development of asnaf home financing acceptance.

Research limitations/implications

This study was based on quantitative data and geographical constraints.

Practical implications

The findings provide valuable inputs for the Joint Committee Body (JCB), combining Islamic banks and State Islamic Religious Councils to develop action plans for improving the facility offered.

Social implications

This work functioned as a social benchmark for improving Islamic home financing that includes asnafs’ homeownership.

Originality/value

A new conceptual framework for asnaf home financing drawn from MTCB is developed in the context of asnafs’ homeownership.
Workplace bullying and job burnout: the moderating role of employee voice
Authors: Ullah Atiat , Ribeiro Neuza
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the connection between workplace bullying and job burnout while also examining how employee voice moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study's sample comprises 303 employees employed in the automobile sector of Pakistan. Statistical analysis was conducted using tools such as SPSS, AMOS, and the PROCESS macro. Methods like CFA and regression were utilized to assess the study hypotheses.

Findings

Based on Conservation of Resource (COR) Theory, this study unveiled a positive effect of workplace bullying on employees' job burnout. Moreover, it found that employee voice moderates the association between workplace bullying and job burnout.

Practical implications

The study confirmed that workplace bullying leads to increased job burnout. Furthermore, when top management considers employee voice, it reduces the impact of workplace bullying on job burnout. Therefore, it is recommended that management in automobile organizations can promote a culture that encourages employee voice to effectively lessen the effects of workplace bullying on job burnout.

Originality/value

Firstly, this research pioneers the examination of workplace bullying's impact on job burnout among employees in the automobile sector. Secondly, it enhances our understanding of how employee voice affects the indirect influence of workplace bullying on job burnout. Thirdly, within an international context, this study pioneers the examination of how employee voice influences the association between workplace bullying and job burnout. Finally, this study is motivated by the increasing concern that workplace bullying leads to negative workplace experiences, adversely affecting employee well-being, and ultimately resulting in devastating long-term effects on organizations.
Multiple and intersectional discrimination and mental health of migrant populations in Portugal after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alarcão Violeta , Candeias Pedro , Stefanovska-Petkovska Miodraga , Pintassilgo Sónia , Machado Fernando Luís
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A growing body of evidence suggests that experiences of discrimination may affect physical and mental health through multiple pathways. This paper aims to characterize the extent of everyday perceived discrimination among Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrant adults in Portugal, to identify its forms and analyze its association with mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on data from the EQUALS4COVID19 (Equity in health in times of pandemic) project that implemented a cross-sectional survey combining online and face-to-face questionnaires for data collection between February and November 2022.

Findings

Women were less likely than men to report no discrimination experiences and more likely to report combined bases of discrimination. While Brazilian women were more likely than Cape Verdean counterparts to report gender and nationality-based discrimination, Cape Verdean women and men were more likely to report experiencing race-based discrimination. Gender (being identified as a woman) and length of stay in Portugal were the main predictors of depression, while resilience and perceived social support were protective factors. Participants with higher levels of resilience showed a significantly diminished association between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms.

Practical implications

This study highlights the need for further research on the interlocking influences of gender, race, nationality and other structures of power, on health and illness to increase our understanding of what would help meet the specific needs of migrants’ mental health and improve equitable health care.

Originality/value

The findings on the multiple and intersectional discrimination perceived by the Brazilian and Cape Verdean populations in Portugal illustrated the ways mental health can be affected by social structures, such as gender and ethnic hierarchies, and can be used to inform the relevance to design and implement programs on combating individual and institutional discrimination and improving the rights of all people.
Individual differences in risk attitude among managers: a multilevel approach
Authors: Ceschi Andrea , Dusi Matilde , Ferrara Michela , Tommasi Francesco , Sartori Riccardo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The way in which managers differ when confronted with risky options or when evaluating different alternatives constitutes a fundamental part of organizational risk management. This study aims to investigate how managerial risk-taking attitudes (i.e. ethical and financial risk-taking as a trade-off between benefit and riskiness) change over time and based on gender.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study on a sample of Italian executives and measured their perceptions of risk-taking, risk perception and risk-benefit, all referring to the company they worked for in the ethical and financial domain. The study also collected demographic data to gather information on age and gender. The authors analyzed data collected using multilevel analysis.

Findings

The results show that perceived benefits are the main drivers of risk-taking attitudes in both domains. Age and gender are not significant direct predictors of risk, but interactions with domains reveal insightful patterns.

Originality/value

Overall, this study highlights the need to assess the whole pattern of relationships emerging from the range of situational variables characterizing a specific population. Concerning the organizational context, it means addressing the role of organizational variables in influencing risk-taking so as to determine the extent to which organizational policies are indeed effective in fostering efficient organizational risk management.
Navigating the digital marketplace: perception, risks and webrooming intention
Authors: Bharath Sindu , Nagesh P. , Nanjundeswaraswamy T.S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to validate the factors influencing perception of digital buyers (PDB), risk factors of digital buying (RFDB) and webrooming intention (WI) and also to examine the mediating role of WI between PDB and RFDB.

Design/methodology/approach

The antecedents of variables were validated using exploratory data analysis. The association between PDB and RFDB was established using structural equation modelling. Furthermore, the mediating role of WI is examined using the Sobel test.

Findings

The antecedents of PDB (digitization practice, credence preference, brand awareness and consciousness, product features, utilitarian behaviour, price and discount factors), RFDB (performance risk, socio-psychological risk, financial risk, aesthetic risk, time and return risk and perceived quality risk) and WI (perceived ease of online search, usefulness of online search, need for touch, socialization and webrooming attitude) were identified. PDB significantly and positively influences RFDB. There is a direct relationship between PDB and WI. WI and RFDB are positively correlated. WI partially mediates between PDB and RFDB.

Practical implications

The research outcome helps the multi-channel retailers to identify the digital platforms to find greater opportunity for customer engagement.

Originality/value

The study augments the body of literature on WI by exploring the interplay of PDB, RFDB and WI, which will help retail personnel to strategize operational practices.
Unlocking the nexus: exploring the mediating and moderating dynamics of risk factors in economic literacy for organizational performance - A systematic review
Authors: Bamiro Nurudeen Babatunde , Zakariya Zainizam , Raimi Lukman , Thomas Yoburaj
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Recognizing economic literacy as a vital form of intellectual capital provides essential tools to mitigate the adverse impact of risk factors on business organizations' performance. This recognition serves as a strong rationale for prioritizing economic literacy as a strategic asset in navigating the complexities of risk factors for sustained organizational performance. To bridge this gap, this study examines the role of risk factors in the economic literacy of an organization and how they affect organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study employed a qualitative research method, utilizing a systematic review with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach to identify gaps. A comprehensive search across databases was conducted using keywords related to risks, economic literacy and organizational performance. In total, 32 articles were meticulously analyzed, focusing on methodology, results and discussion sections to address research questions.

Findings

This study highlights the impact of risk factors on economic literacy and organizational performance, focusing on risk-taking, attitude, enterprise risk management (ERM), financial literacy and organizational performance. It reveals that possessing economic literacy can mitigate financial risks in corporations by helping entrepreneurs identify business opportunities and pitfalls, enabling informed and prudent financial decision-making. Conflicting findings challenge existing knowledge on the link between risk factors and financial literacy, particularly in new product development decisions, highlighting the need for further investigation into environmental factors shaping this connection.

Originality/value

The study developed a conceptual model that explains the interaction among economic literacy, risk factor and organization performance, which has implications for the development of the required intellectual capital to mitigate the impact of risk factors. Also, the study identified diverse conceptual, methodological and geographical gaps that will provide direction for future studies. Future research could delve into firm-level or cross-country data via surveys, interviews or focus groups, enriching the research's robustness and depth for nuanced insights into the investigated relationships.
Village fund corruption mode: an anti-corruption perspective in Indonesia
Authors: Hidajat Taofik
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the corruption mode of village funds in Indonesia and provide recommendations to reduce such crime.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Diamond Fraud theory to explain why the mode of corruption continues, using secondary data from journal articles, research reports and websites.

Findings

Corruption mode is carried out through fund misuse, cover-up, fictional reports, fictitious activities and projects and budget markup.

Practical implications

Prevention and detection of fraud can be more effective when considering pressure, opportunities, rationalization and individual abilities.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper is to provide a more comprehensive view of the factors that can lead to fraud or corruption using the Fraud Diamond Theory.
Individual capacity growth over time in leadership courses: an intra-individual multilevel model approach
Authors: Klein Robert C. , Rosch David Michael
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Our study was designed to investigate the longitudinal trajectories of student leader development capacities in a sample of students enrolled in multiple leadership-focused courses across several semesters. Our goal was to assess the degree to which course enrollment was associated with growth over the time that students engage as undergraduates in academic leadership programs, and if so, to assess the shape and speed of capacity change.

Design/methodology/approach

We utilized a multilevel intra-individual modeling approach assessing students’ motivation to lead, leader self-efficacy, and leadership skills across multiple data collection points for students in a campus major or minor focused on leadership studies. We compared an unconditional model, a fixed effect model, a random intercept model, a random slope model, and a random slope and intercept model to determine the shape of score trajectories. Our approach was not to collect traditional pre-test and post-test data – choosing to collect data only at the beginning of each semester – to reduce time cues typically inherent within pre-test and post-test collections.

Findings

Our results strongly suggested that individual students differ greatly in the degree to which they report the capacity to lead when initially enrolling in their first class. Surprisingly, the various models were unable to predict a pattern of longitudinal leader development through repeated course enrollment in our sample.

Originality/value

Our investigation employed statistical methods that are not often utilized in leadership education quantitative research, and also included a data collection effort designed to avoid a linear pre-test/post-test score comparison.
Workplace diversity and positive leadership style: impacts on employee well-being in Australian businesses
Authors: Khanom Nilufa , Shee Himanshu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Increasing workforce diversity requires leadership to ensure employees retain their well-being. This study aims to examine how employees’ and managers’ co-creation of diversity in the workplace influences positive leadership (PL) style, which in turn affects employee well-being (EWB) positively.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees and managers of Australian businesses participated in a cross-sectional survey. EWB was regressed on PL style and diversity dimensions (DDs). Also, the mediation effect of PL style between DDs and EWB was tested.

Findings

Results suggest that Australian organisations appear to have more employee diversity with its partial impact on managers’ PL style, which then positively affects on employee well-being (EWB). Furthermore, the PL style partially mediated the relationship between DDs and EWB.

Practical implications

Managers will better understand workplace diversities and the key role that PL style can play in enhancing EWB.

Social implications

This study will help improve employees' and managers' personal and social lives by developing a better understanding of health and well-being. It will have further economic impacts, such as higher organisational productivity.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature where PL style will positively affect EWB. Investigating the relationship between DDs, PL style and EWB using PERMA-profiler is a unique contribution.
Traditional urban forms in contemporary cities: morphological analysis of the traditional Iranian bazaars in present-day cities
Authors: Rastiemadabadi Ayda , Sabaté Bel Joaquín , Pesoa Marcilla Melisa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between contemporary cities and traditional urban forms. The central focus lies in identifying the key factors that facilitate the harmonious coexistence of these contrasting sides of the city.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes Iranian bazaars as exemplars of traditional urban forms. To assess their current status, a comprehensive examination of their general evolution is conducted, tracing the transition of these urban complexes up to the present day. Subsequently, morphological analysis and exploration of spatial arrangements across numerous cases are employed to unveil the factors contributing to their disappearance or adaptation within the framework of Iran’s contemporary urban era.

Findings

The evolution process of the Iranian bazaar shows that the encounter between traditional bazaars and modernity occurred swiftly and blindly, resulting in adverse effects on traditional urban forms, notably bazaars. In recent years, contemporary urban planning has undertaken corrective measures, adopting a more nuanced approach. This shift significantly strides in restoring the symbiotic relationship between cities and their traditional bazaars. Morphologically, certain bazaars have preserved their vitality in contemporary cities through their natural development patterns, adept integration with new urban textures and the implementation of ingenious adaptive strategies.

Originality/value

This study employs a comprehensive and equitable approach to examining a distinct category of traditional urban forms. It initiates the inquiry by meticulously considering historical continuity in conjunction with detailed contemporary circumstances, subsequently scrutinising their losses, damages and developmental aspects. An extensive collection of cases is assembled and subjected to a consistent analytical framework for comparative evaluation to obtain the most accurate result. Consequently, the outcomes of this research may help the present urban planners engaged in projects concerning the restoration, preservation, revitalisation and development of traditional urban forms.
Psychological empowerment and employee resilience in travel agencies and hotels
Authors: Alshiha Ahmed Abdulaziz , Alkhozaim Sultan Mohammed , Alnasser Emad Mohammed , Khairy Hazem Ahmed , Al-Romeedy Bassam Samir
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Responding to the need for exploration of psychological predictors influencing innovation, this study aims to examine the impact of psychological ownership (PO) in employee innovation behavior (EIB) with a focus on psychological empowerment (PE) and employee resilience (ER) as mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from full-time employees working in travel agencies and five-star hotels in Egypt. A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling analysis was performed on 409 valid responses.

Findings

The findings of this study revealed PO has a positive effect on EIB. Such relationship is partially mediated by PE and ER.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that elucidate how PO influences employees' innovation behavior and resilience, while aligning with the principles of self-determination theory.
Treatment adjustment in biologic therapies for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: a German retrospective chart review (TABU)
Authors: Kirsten Natalia , Rubant Simone , Gomis‐Kleindienst Susana , Pfeiffer‐Vornkahl Heike , Augustin Matthias
Published: July 2024

Background and objectives

Flexible biologic therapy dosing regimens in psoriasis management are common, but data from routine care in Germany are scarce. This study evaluated treatment adjustments for biologic therapies commonly prescribed in Germany.

Patients and methods

Charts for up to 100 consecutive patients treated at 29 centers were reviewed. Data were extracted for adults (aged 18–65 years) with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with adalimumab, guselkumab, ixekizumab, secukinumab, or ustekinumab for ≥ 36 weeks. The primary endpoint was time to first treatment adjustment. Secondary endpoints included frequency of and reasons for treatment adjustments. Time to treatment adjustment was analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier methods.

Results

Among 982 patients, 297 treatment adjustments in 240 (24.4%) patients were identified. The mean (median; interquartile range) time to first treatment adjustment (n = 223) was 8.4 (4.0; 2.0–12.0) months (secukinumab: 14.1 [10.0; 4.0–21.0], adalimumab: 11.0 [7.0; 3.0–14.5], ustekinumab: 11.0 [6.0; 2.0–16.0], ixekizumab: 5.8 [3.0; 2.0–8.5], guselkumab: 5.1 [3.0; 2.0–7.0]). The most frequent adjustment type was starting concomitant treatment(s) (10.4% of patients); insufficient skin effectiveness was the most frequent reason for adjustment.

Conclusions

Biological treatment adjustments are frequent in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis; flexible dosing regimens would support optimal management.
Blended learning compared to traditional learning for the acquisition of competencies in oral surgery by dental students: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Blond Nicolas , Chaux Anne‐Gaëlle , Hascoët Emilie , Lesclous Philippe , Cloitre Alexandra
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine whether blended learning results in better educational outcomes compared to traditional learning in the acquisition of oral surgery technical skills for 4th‐year undergraduate dental students.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐three students participated in this two‐arm parallel randomized controlled trial. Only students in the blended learning group had access to the online preparation platform for oral surgery practical work (PW) on a pig's jaw and to the debriefing. Kirkpatrick's four‐level model was used to assess the educational outcomes directly after (levels 1 and 2) and 6 months later, after the start of the students' clinical activity (levels 3 and 4).

Results

For level 1, higher global satisfaction scores were found for students in the blended learning compared to the traditional learning group (p = .002). For level 2, blended learning resulted in an increase in knowledge score (p < .01), comparable to that observed in the traditional learning group. For level 3, students in the blended group made more progress in 6 months than those in the traditional group in terms of feeling able to assess and perform anaesthesia (p = .040) and surgical tooth extraction (p = .043). No difference in level 4 was found for the 6‐month clinical surgical activity between groups, but students in the blended group felt more able to assess and perform the surgical management of a failed extraction requiring bone removal (p = .044).

Conclusion

Blended learning for oral surgery PW had a positive impact on three of the four Kirkpatrick levels (level 1, 3 and 4). Efforts should focus on the procedures that are perceived as the most difficult.
Family meals are associated with lower substance use in female adolescents
Authors: Rahal Danny , Irwin Michael R. , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: July 2024

Adolescents, especially female youth, who have more family meals tend to be at lower risk for substance use. The present study tested whether family meals relate to substance use count and frequency during high school, whether associations differ by gender, and whether other family‐related variables explain these associations. A community sample of 316 adolescents (M
age = 16.40, SD = 0.74; 56.96% female; 41.77% Latine, 23.10% Asian American, 29.11% European American, 6.01% from other ethnic backgrounds including Middle Eastern and African American) reported the number of substances they have ever used and how often they used alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes, and completed measures of parental support and family cohesion. Across 15 days, they reported whether they had a family meal, got along with parents, and spent leisure time with their family each day. Regression models tested associations between frequency of family meals and substance use, whether associations differed by gender, and whether associations were explained by other family‐related variables. Results indicated that more frequent family meals were associated with lower substance use count and less frequent alcohol, marijuana, and cigarette use among female adolescents but not male adolescents. Other daily family experiences were unrelated to substance use, and family meal frequency was independently related to lower substance use after accounting for parental support and family cohesion. Taken together, more frequent family meals in high school may reduce substance use risk for female adolescents, and interventions could consider promoting family meals in addition to other positive family values.
Biodegradable monolayer film based on the collagen extracted from Oreochromis sp. processing byproducts blended with chitosan and assembled with PCL and PLA monolayers to form bilayers films
Authors: Navarro Arrieta Carlos , Acevedo‐Puello Vanessa , Fuentes Ordoñez Edwin Gustavo , Fonseca‐Florido Heidi , Ortega‐Toro Rodrigo
Published: July 2024

The objective of the study is to develop and characterize biodegradable monolayer and bilayer films using collagen extracted from tilapia skin and scales (Oreochromis sp.) with chitosan in combination with biodegradable polyester; polylactic acid (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL). Collagen extraction was conducted with acetic acid (0.5 M). Monolayer films based on collagen and chitosan were formed by the casting process with a solution of chitosan (2% w/w) in 1.5% acetic acid, followed by the addition of skin collagen at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, or 2% w/w, and dried at 45–50°C. The PLA and PCL films were made by compression molding. The films were characterized according to their appearance, structure, morphology, interaction with water, thermal stability, and mechanical and barrier properties. The results indicated that collagen from tilapia skin and scales yielded 36.5% and 2.57%, respectively. The results showed that adding chitosan increased the tensile strength but decreased the elongation of the films. An improvement in thermal stability was observed by increasing the proportion of collagen or chitosan, and it also influenced water solubility and water vapor permeability. Microscopy showed a crack‐free interface between collagen and chitosan. The color of the films varied depending on the composition, highlighting the influence of chitosan in yellow and reddish tones. The bilayers with PLA had lower water vapor permeability and higher gloss compared to those with PCL. Finally, the developed films showed promising properties for their application in food packaging and promote the use of fishery waste.

Practical applications

The study aims to develop and characterize biodegradable monolayer and bilayer films using collagen extracted from tilapia skin and scales (Oreochromis sp.) combined with chitosan and biodegradable polyester such as polylactic acid or polycaprolactone. The practical applications of this research span a wide range of industrial fields. For instance, monolayer films could be used as sustainable food packaging, offering enhanced barrier properties and biodegradability, thus reducing the environmental impact of conventional packaging. Furthermore, bilayer films could find applications in the healthcare industry, such as controlled‐release drug patches or dressings leveraging the antimicrobial properties of chitosan. This research also provides valuable insights into improving the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of biodegradable films, potentially leading to the production of more efficient and versatile materials for a variety of industrial applications.
Effect of microwave combined with ultrasonic pretreatment on the flavor of composite stewed soup‐stock
Authors: Wang Dianyuan , Zhang Min , Liu Yaping
Published: July 2024

In order to increase the content of flavoring components and nutrients in the stock, effects of microwave (MW) combined with ultrasonic pretreatment on water‐soluble proteins, flavor nucleotides, volatile gas constituents and sensory evaluation in the stewed stock were explored. The results showed that, compared with the control group (CK), MW, and ultrasonic (US) pretreatment could significantly promote the degradation of nucleotides and form a large number of 5′‐flavor nucleotides. The combined treatment of MW and US promoted protein hydrolysis and increased the content of water‐soluble protein. The microwave combined ultrasonication pretreated stew stock had the brightest color and the overall sensory score was better than that of the CK. In addition, GC–MS analysis showed that a total of 49 volatile substances were detected in the stock samples. After microwave combined ultrasonication pretreatment, the relative contents of aldehydes and alcohols in the stock increased significantly. The sensor response value of the electronic nose was the highest, indicating that the intensity of flavor characteristics increased. Therefore, MW combined with ultrasonic pretreatment can effectively promote the formation and dissolution of nutrients, and increase the content of flavorful nucleotides and volatile gases.

Practical application

This study provides a novel processing method for traditional stewed stock. Ultrasonic combined with MW treatment can quickly degrade the protein in the raw material and dissolve it into the stock. At the same time, it promotes the formation of flavor nucleotides and accelerates the Maillard reaction to produce more flavor substances. The technology has the advantages of short processing time, environmental protection and safety. It can be used as a potential pretreatment technology to regulate the flavor of stock‐soup.
The Ebb and Flow of Morality: The Role of Purity in the Public Perceptions of Fukushima's Processed Water Release
Authors: Matsuo Akiko , Miura Asako , Kitamura Hideya , Murayama Aya
Published: July 2024

The Japanese government's decision to discharge treated water into the ocean has drawn citizens' attention, and the evaluation of this issue remains controversial. The themes underlying social issues are connected to the moral foundation of Haidt's moral foundations theory. Accordingly, these foundations appeal to individuals' subjective approval of their moral foundations. The treated water issue is related to the purity foundation; thus, the present study aimed to investigate the role of the purity foundation on the support for the treated water issue by collecting data from 1,291 Japanese participants immediately after the first discharge of treated water. To measure the purity‐related concept, the Purity Orientation–Pollution Avoidance Scale (POPA) was employed. The results of our multiple regression analysis showed a negative association for the Mental Purity subscale and a positive association for the Respect for Religion subscale of POPA. The different aspects of Japanese purity highlighted by POPA are discussed. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in people's attitudes toward social issues.