bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissecting Schizophrenia Biology Using Pleiotropy with Cognitive Genomics
Authors: Bhattacharyya Upasana , John Jibin , Lencz Todd , Lam Max
Published: April 2024

Given the increasingly large number of loci discovered by psychiatric GWAS, specification of the key biological pathways underlying these loci has become a priority for the field. We have previously leveraged the pleiotropic genetic relationships between schizophrenia and two cognitive phenotypes (educational attainment and cognitive task performance) to differentiate two subsets of illness-relevant SNPs: (1) those with “concordant” alleles, which are associated with reduced cognitive ability/education and increased schizophrenia risk; and (2) those with “discordant” alleles linked to reduced educational and/or cognitive levels but lower schizophrenia susceptibility. In the present study, we extend our prior work, utilizing larger input GWAS datasets and a more powerful statistical approach to pleiotropic meta-analysis, the Pleiotropic Locus Exploration and Interpretation using Optimal test (PLEIO). Our pleiotropic meta-analysis of schizophrenia and the two cognitive phenotypes revealed 768 significant loci (159 novel). Among these, 347 loci harbored concordant SNPs, 270 encompassed discordant SNPs, and 151 “dual” loci contained concordant and discordant SNPs. Competitive gene-set analysis using MAGMA related concordant SNP loci with neurodevelopmental pathways (e.g., neurogenesis), whereas discordant loci were associated with mature neuronal synaptic functions. These distinctions were also observed in BrainSpan analysis of temporal enrichment patterns across developmental periods, with concordant loci containing more prenatally expressed genes than discordant loci. Dual loci were enriched for genes related to mRNA translation initiation, representing a novel finding in the schizophrenia literature.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms’ histomorphology differs on the individual patient level and is not associated with classic risk factors – the HistAAA study
Authors: Nackenhorst Maja Carina , Menges Felix , Bohmann Bianca , Zschäpitz David , Bollwein Christine , Flemming Sven , Sachs Nadja , Eilenberg Wolf , Brostjan Christine , Neumayer Christoph , Trenner Matthias , Ibing Wiebke , Schelzig Hubert , Reeps Christian , Maegdefessel Lars , Regele Heinz , Wagenhäuser Markus Udo , Scholz Claus Jürgen , Gasser Thomas Christian , Busch Albert
Published: April 2024

Objective

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment is upon a diameter threshold by open (OAR) or endovascular aortic repair. So far, attempts for medical growth abrogation have failed. This study aims to elucidate the heterogeneity of AAA based on histomorphology in correlation to individual patient data and aneurysm metrics.

Patients and Methods

Aneurysm samples from the left anterior wall from four university center biobanks underwent histologic analysis including angiogenesis, calcification, fibrosis, type and grade of inflammation in adventitia and media. Clinical information included age, comorbidities, etc., type of aneurysm (intact, symptomatic, ruptured, inflammatory) and growth. Aneurysm morphology included diameter and semi-automated geometric analysis using Endosize©(Therenva) and finite element methods (A4Clinics©Research Edition, Vacops GmbH).

Results

364 patients’ samples (85.4% male, median age 69 years) were evaluated and scored for acute (mixed/granulocytes) or chronic (mononuclear/plasma cells) inflammation, which was not associated with rupture (52x), symptomatic (37x; p = 0.51) or diameter (57 [52–69] mm; p = 0.87). The degree of fibrosis and the presence of angiogenesis were significantly higher (both p < 0.001) with increasing inflammation, which in turn significantly decreased with patient age (est = −0.015/year, p = 0.017). No significant differences in were seen for ruptured (vs. intact), acute (vs. elective), male (vs. female) or diabetic patients. Current smoking was associated with chronic inflammation (p = 0.007) and a higher degree of fibrosis (p = 0.03). Aneurysm geometric morphology (n=252) or annual growth rate (n=142) were not associated with histologic characteristics. Yet, local luminal thrombus formation was significantly higher with increasing inflammation (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Type and degree of inflammation are the most distinguishable histologic characteristics in the AAA wall between individual patients, yet not associated with diameter or rupture. Local luminal thrombus formation is associated with inflammatory features and suggests a vivid bio-physical compartment with intra-individual differences.
Characterization ofBrettanomyces bruxellensisphenolic acid decarboxylase enzyme expressed inE. coli
Authors: Lentz Michael
Published: April 2024

Brettanomycesyeasts are considered spoilage organisms in commercial fermentation settings, but some historical beer styles and several modern specialty beer styles rely onBrettanomycesfor unique aroma and flavor contributions. The organoleptic properties of beer utilizing intentionalBrettanomycesfermentations can be unpredictable and inconsistent. This study investigates the contributions ofBrettanomycesfermentations to volatile phenolic character by expression of phenolic acid decarboxylase enzyme cloned from B.bruxellensis. Protein was expressed and isolated fromE. colicells. The enzyme has broad temperature and pH ranges, and showed variable activity against the most common potential hydroxycinnamic acid substrates.
Analysis of antibiotic response in Clinical WoundPseudomonas aeruginosaisolates: Unveiling Proteome Dynamics of tobramycin tolerant phenotype
Authors: Buchholtz Kasandra , Jersie-Christensen Rosa , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Mojsoska Biljana
Published: April 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic human pathogen, causing serious chronic infections.P. aeruginosacan adapt efficiently to antibiotic stressors via different genotypic or phenotypic strategies such as resistance and tolerance. The adaptation regulatory system is not always very well understood. In this study, we use shotgun proteomics to investigate the system-level response to tobramycin in two clinical woundP. aeruginosaisolates and PAO1. We profiled each strain for its antibiotic drug-tolerant phenotype using supra-minimum inhibitory concentrations (supra-MIC) of tobramycin and applied proteomics to investigate the protein expression profiles. The MIC revealed that all isolates were susceptible to tobramycin but at supra-MIC concentrations at stationary growth, a degree of tolerance was observed for the isolates. We identified around 40 % of the total proteins encoded by theP. aeruginosagenome and highlighted shared and unique protein signatures for all isolates. Comparative proteome profiling in the absence of antibiotic treatment showed divergent fingerprints, despite similarities in the growth behavior of the isolates. In the presence of tobramycin, the isolates shared a common response in the downregulation of proteins involved in the two-component system, whereas stress response proteins were present at higher levels. Our findings provide insight into the use of proteomic tools to dissect the system-level response in clinical isolates in the absence and presence of antibiotic stress.
“Comprehensive Analysis of Nascent Transcriptome Reveals Diverse Transcriptional Profiles Across the Trypanosoma cruzi Genome Underlining the Regulatory Role of Genome Organization, Chromatin Status, and Cis-Acting Elements”
Authors: Carvalho de Lima Pedro Leonardo , de Sousa Lopes Leticia , Nunes Rosón Juliana , Borges Alyssa , Karla Bellini Natalia , Tahira Ana , Santos da Silva Marcelo , Pires David , Elias Maria Carolina , da Cunha Julia Pinheiro Chagas
Published: April 2024

Trypanosomatids are eukaryotic parasites exhibiting polycistronic transcription and trans-splicing. Post-transcriptional mechanisms are acknowledged as pivotal in gene expression regulation of their protein-coding genes. To comprehensively investigate the impact of transcription on gene expression inTrypanosoma cruziand the association with the epigenetic landscape, we conducted a genome-wide nascent transcriptomic analysis. Our findings reveal significant asymmetrical transcriptional abundance across the genome, notably between polycistronic transcription units (PTUs) enriched in conserved genes (core PTUs) and those containing virulence genes (disruptive PTUs). We found that trypanosomes exploit linear genome organization to regulate transcription abundance by embedding virulence genes into highly transcribed core-enriched PTUs, by positioning PTUs near non-coding regions of small non-coding RNAs (e.g., tRNAs, snoRNAs), and by placing core CDSs in PTUs of various sizes. Additionally, we found correlations between open chromatin status and nascent transcript levels, both globally and particularly at transcription starting regions (divergent strand switch regions - dSSRs), indicating a crucial role for chromatin architecture in transcriptional regulation. While both core and disruptive dSSRs exhibit similar levels of some epigenetic marks (H2B.V deposition and 5mC), disruptive dSSRs display significantly higher 5hmC content and nucleosome occupancy compared to core dSSRs. Furthermore, we identified distinct conserved motifs within dSSRs of core and disruptive PTUs. These findings challenge the notion of constitutive and uniform transcription inT. cruzi, underscoring the paramount importance of linear genome organization, cis-acting motifs, and chromatin landscape in transcriptional regulation.
Geranylgeranylated-SCFFBXO10Regulates Selective Outer Mitochondrial Membrane Proteostasis and Function
Authors: Bhat Sameer Ahmed , Vasi Zahra , Jiang Liping , Selvaraj Shruthi , Ferguson Rachel , Gudur Anish , Ismail Hagar , Adhikari Ritika , Dhabaria Avantika , Ueberheide Beatrix , Kuchay Shafi
Published: April 2024

E3-ubiquitin ligases (E3s) are main components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), as they determine substrate specificity in response to internal and external cues to regulate protein homeostasis. However, the regulation of membrane protein ubiquitination by E3s within distinct cell membrane compartments or organelles is not well understood. We show that FBXO10, the interchangeable component of the SKP1/CUL1/F-box ubiquitin ligase complex (SCF-E3), undergoes lipid-modification with geranylgeranyl isoprenoid at Cysteine953 (C953), facilitating its dynamic trafficking to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). FBXO10 polypeptide does not contain a canonical mitochondrial targeting sequence (MTS); instead, its geranylgeranylation at C953 and the interaction with two cytosolic factors, PDE6δ (a prenyl group-binding protein), and HSP90 (a mitochondrial chaperone) orchestrate specific OMM targeting of prenyl-FBXO10 across diverse membrane compartments. The geranylgeranylation-deficient FBXO10(C953S) mutant redistributes away from the OMM, leading to impaired mitochondrial ATP production, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased mitochondrial fragmentation. Phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5) was identified as a potential substrate of FBXO10 at the OMM using comparative quantitative mass spectrometry analyses of enriched mitochondria (LFQ-MS/MS), leveraging the redistribution of FBXO10(C953S). FBXO10, but not FBXO10(C953S), promoted polyubiquitylation and degradation of PGAM5. Examination of the role of this pathway in a physiological context revealed that the loss of FBXO10 or expression of prenylation-deficient-FBXO10(C953S) inhibited PGAM5 degradation, disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis, and impaired myogenic differentiation of human iPSCs and murine myoblasts. Our studies identify a mechanism for selective E3-ligase mediated regulation of mitochondrial membrane proteostasis and metabolic health, potentially amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Aldehydic load as an objective imaging biomarker of mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Kirby Alexia , Ward Cian , Calvert Nicholas D. , Daniel Ryan , Leung Joseph Wai-Hin , Sharma Ashwin , Suchý Mojmír , Donatelli Cassandra , Wang Jing , Standen Emily , Shuhendler Adam J.
Published: April 2024

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) defined as complex neurological impairment induced by biomechanical forces without structural brain damage. There does not yet exist an objective diagnostic tool for concussion. Downstream injury from mTBI stems from oxidative damage leading to the production of neurotoxic aldehydes. A collagen-based 3D corticomimetic scaffold was developed affording anin vitromodel of concussion, which confirmed increased aldehyde production in live neurons following impact. To evaluate total aldehyde levelsin vivofollowing mTBI, a novel CEST-MRI contrast agent, ProxyNA3, has been implemented in a new model of closed-head, awake, single-impact concussion developed in aged and young mice with aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency. Behavioural tests confirm deficits immediately after injury. ProxyNA3-MRI was performed before impact, and on days two- and seven- post-impact. MRI signal enhancement significantly increased at two days post-injury and decreased to baseline seven days post-injury in all mice. An increase in astrocyte activation at seven days post-injury confirms the onset of a neuroinflammatory response following aldehyde production in the brain. The data suggest that advanced age and ALDH2 deficiency contribute to increased aldehydic load following mTBI. Overall, ProxyNA3was capable of mapping concussion-associated aldehydes, supporting its application as an objective diagnostic tool for concussion.
Getting seniors back on their bicycle; a pretest-posttest case-control study on the improvement of bicycle balance control
Authors: Maris Eric
Published: April 2024

Objective

Quantify the effectiveness and generalizability of an intervention that aims at restoring bicycle balance control skills in seniors that have quit cycling.

Methods

The intervention was designed such that the difficulty of the bicycle balance control task could be increased in a stepwise fashion, gradually approaching the difficulty of bicycle balance control on the public roads. The intervention lasted 11 weeks and involved three components: (1) training on an exercise bicycle, (2) balance control training on a bicycle simulator, and (3) cycling on the public roads with a safe start-and-stop technique that was practiced on the bicycle simulator. The intervention was administered to a group of community-dwelling senior citizens (N=23) that had quit cycling (N=19) or that were on the verge of doing so (N=4). The effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated by comparing balance control skill and confidence between a post- and a pre-intervention measurement. As a check for possible spontaneous recovery, the same comparison was also performed in a matched control group that did not participate in the intervention.

Results

This intervention produced a very large improvement (Cohen’s d = 1.5, t(16)=6.0, p<.001) in balance control skills and confidence on the public roads.

Conclusion

Bicycle balance control skills and confidence can be restored over a short period of time, but this does not rule out the importance of the slower process of acquiring a sufficient lower body strength.

Impact Statement

Increasing balance control skills and confidence is a realistic short-term target for rehabilitation interventions.
Experimental Speedup of Quantum Dynamics through Squeezing
Authors: Burd S. C. , Knaack H. M. , Srinivas R. , Arenz C. , Collopy A. L. , Stephenson L. J. , Wilson A. C. , Wineland D. J. , Leibfried D. , Bollinger J. J. , Allcock D. T. C. , Slichter D. H.
Published: April 2024

We show experimentally that a broad class of interactions involving quantum harmonic oscillators can be made stronger (amplified) using a unitary squeezing protocol. While our demonstration uses the motional and internal states of a single trapped 25Mg+ ion, the scheme applies generally to Hamiltonians involving just a single harmonic oscillator as well as Hamiltonians coupling the oscillator to another quantum degree of freedom such as a qubit, covering a large range of systems of interest in quantum information and metrology applications. Importantly, the protocol does not require knowledge of the parameters of the Hamiltonian to be amplified, nor does it require a well-defined phase relationship between the squeezing interaction and the rest of the system dynamics, making it potentially useful in instances where certain aspects of a signal or interaction may be unknown or uncontrolled, such as searches for novel forms of dark matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Characterizing the critical success factors influencing blockchain technology adoption in Indian public distribution system: an exploratory approach
Authors: Vishnu C.R. , Chatterjee Proshayan , Maddali Sai Pradyumna , Akenroye Temidayo O.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The public distribution system (PDS) is an Indian food security system established to manage the distribution of food grains at affordable prices. As a result of the population explosion, the long-established PDS system finds it challenging to maintain operational efficiency, quality, trust and transparency. This paper explores the possibility of leveraging blockchain technology to overcome these operational hurdles.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature review and expert interactions, the present research identifies critical success factors in terms of enablers and barriers that influence the adoption of blockchain technology in PDS. Furthermore, we propose two independent interpretive structural models (ISM) and MICMAC to characterize these attributes.

Findings

The research identifies 15 distinct enablers and ten barriers that influence the diffusion of the latest technology in the sector at focus. The analyses disclose the interrelationships/dependencies among these enablers and between barriers, along with their individual driving power and dependence power.

Practical implications

The research showcases the importance of automating the system and illustrates how the features of blockchain technology can assist in augmenting stakeholder satisfaction levels. However, poor or nonexistent government regulations and patronage are found to be the major impediments to adoption. The research also delineates the cost implications of this barrier through its interrelationships with other barriers.

Originality/value

Interesting inferences are drawn from the models that offer actionable insights for the industry, government and technologists for improving PDS performance. Such interventions will ensure national food security through enhanced trust and transparency, which can further improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Consumer responses to CEO activism: an impression management approach
Authors: Cabano Frank Gregory , Li Mengge , Jiménez Fernando R.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how and why consumers respond to chief executive officer (CEO) activism on social media. The authors developed a conceptual model that proposes impression management as a mechanism for consumer response to CEO activism.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1a, the authors examined 83,259 tweets from 90 CEOs and compared consumer responses between controversial and noncontroversial tweets. In Study 1b, the authors replicated the analysis, using a machine-learning topic modeling approach. In Studies 2 and 3, the authors used experimental designs to test the theoretical mechanism.

Findings

On average, consumers tend to respond more to CEO posts dealing with noncontroversial issues. Consumers’ relative reluctance to like and share controversial posts is motivated by fear of rejection. However, CEO fame reverses this effect. Consumers are more likely to engage in controversial activist threads by popular CEOs. This effect holds for consumers high (vs low) in public self-consciousness. CEO fame serves as a “shield” behind which consumers protect their online image.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on Twitter (aka “X”) in the USA. Future research may replicate the study in other social media platforms and countries. The authors introduce “shielding” – liking and sharing content authored by a recognizable source – as a tactic for impression management on social media.

Practical implications

Famous CEOs should speak up about controversial issues on social media because their voice helps consumers engage more in such conversations.

Originality/value

This paper offers a theoretical framework to understand consumer reactions to CEO activism.
The role of foreign aid in the nexus between capital flight and unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study assesses the relevance of foreign aid to the incidence of capital flight and unemployment in 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is for the period 1996–2018, and the empirical evidence is based on interactive quantile regressions in order to assess the nexuses throughout the conditional distribution of the unemployment outcome variable.

Findings

From the findings, capital flight has a positive unconditional incidence on unemployment, while foreign aid dampens the underlying positive unconditional nexus. Moreover, in order for the positive incidence of capital flight to be completely dampened, foreign aid thresholds of 2.230 and 3.964 (% of GDP) are needed at the 10th and 25th quantiles, respectively, of the conditional distribution of unemployment. It follows that the relevance of foreign aid in crowding out the unfavourable incidence of capital flight on unemployment is significantly apparent only in the lowest quantiles or countries with below-median levels of unemployment. The policy implications are discussed.

Originality/value

The study complements the extant literature by assessing the importance of development assistance in how capital flight affects unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa.
TOURQUAL scale: psychometric properties and internal structure validation
Authors: Mondo Tiago Savi , Medeiros Sandro , Sthapit Erose , Freitas Almeida Freitas Lara Brunelle Almeida , Björk Peter
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on assessing the psychometric properties necessary to validate the internal structure of the TOURQUAL scale.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research study was conducted in collaboration with the Brazilian Network of Tourism Observatories, comprising 927 respondents surveyed between October 2021 and May 2022. The data analysis involved the application of descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis, in alignment with the principles outlined in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing 2014 to validate the scale.

Findings

The findings of this study validate the TOURQUAL scale as a robust tool for assessing the perceived quality of tourist services, with results demonstrating one-dimensionality and replicability.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess the psychometric properties for validating the internal structure of the TOURQUAL scale.
Optimum firm size in Vietnam: Does subcontracting matter?
Authors: Tran Thi Bich , Nguyen Duy Khoi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the optimum size for manufacturing firms and the impact of subcontracting on firms' likelihood of achieving their optimal scale in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the enterprise census in 2017 and 2021, the paper first estimates the production function to identify the optimum firm size for manufacturing firms and then applies the logit model to investigate factors associated with the optimal firm size.

Findings

The study reveals that medium-sized firms exhibit the highest level of productivity. Nevertheless, a consistent trend emerges, indicating that nearly 90% of manufacturing firms in Vietnam operated below their optimal scale in both 2017 and 2021. An analysis of the impact of subcontracting on firms' likelihood to achieve their optimal scale emphasizes its crucial role, especially for foreign firms, exerting an influence nearly five times greater than that of the judiciary system.

Practical implications

The paper's findings offer crucial policy implications, suggesting that initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall productivity of the manufacturing sector should prioritise facilitating contract arrangements to encourage firms to reach their optimal size. These insights are also valuable for other countries with comparable firm size distributions.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first empirical evidence on the relationship between firm size and productivity as well as the role of subcontracting in firms' ability to reach their optimal scale in a country with a right-skewed distribution of firm sizes.
Role of leadership styles to foster innovative capabilities and green purchasing
Authors: Rasheed Rizwana , Rashid Aamir , Ngah Abdul Hafaz
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Due to the environmental concerns in our society, governments are moving towards green purchasing. However, public sector organizations have substantial internal problems. By using a theory of natural resource-based view, this study aimed to analyse the influence of leadership styles and innovation capabilities on green purchasing in the public sector organizations of a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 199 purchasing professionals of public sector organizations, and hypotheses were tested through a quantitative method using partial least square-structural equation modelling with the help of SmartPLS version 4 to validate the measurement model.

Findings

This study identified that transformational leadership and delegation style of leadership have a significant and positive effect on innovation capability and green purchasing. Similarly, innovation capability mediates the relationship between leadership styles and green purchasing. However, transformational leadership found a more substantial effect on innovation capability and green purchasing than the delegation leadership style.

Research limitations/implications

Results provide insight into the role of leadership styles in green purchasing and innovation capabilities in public sector organizations. Thus, addressing the important issues of how leadership styles and innovative capabilities (IC) can improve green culture, specifically green purchasing, to enhance ecological sustainability.

Originality/value

Results provide insight into the role of leadership styles in green purchasing and innovation capabilities in public sector organizations. Thus, it addresses how leadership styles and IC can improve green culture, specifically green purchasing, to enhance ecological sustainability.
Fostering civility and constructive debate in a polarized society: How leadership educators can leverage diverse perspectives
Authors: Noble Donnette , New II Jesse James
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper highlights an assignment in a combination upper-division undergraduate and graduate civic leadership class at a Midwestern state comprehensive university. The three-part assignment challenges students’ critical thinking skills and research capabilities while simultaneously necessitating the exploration of contrasting viewpoints on contentious issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Intentionally exposing students to diverse perspectives in a controlled environment.

Findings

We posit that the severity and frequency of these issues can be mitigated through focused efforts.

Originality/value

Students are better prepared to engage in civil debate on controversial topics, which continuously divide our communities, after completing a class using this pedagogical strategy.
Going forward and beyond: on the track of a practice turn in supply chain sustainability studies
Authors: Lissillour Raphael , Silva Minelle E.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite the growing interest in the field of supply chain sustainability (SCS), little exploration of new theories exists. Therefore, this paper aims to introduce practice theories to SCS studies through a practice turn.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper in nature. Hence, based on theoretical arguments, the authors elaborate on how the practice turn can arise in the SCS field.

Findings

The theoretical elaboration is rooted in the understanding that sustainability is not limited to the materiality of environmental and social issues, as often observed. Instead, there is a need to include immaterial, emotional and intangible elements to better comprehend SCS practice. The authors argue that a continuum exists for a practice turn, including practice-based view, practice-based studies and critical practice theory.

Research limitations/implications

The authors provide a research agenda with a comprehensive perspective of understanding the application and implications of practice theories to SCS.

Practical implications

The practice turn in SCS studies can support managers to better understand their practices not only through recognizing explicit activities but also mainly by reflecting on hidden elements that affect their performance.

Social implications

SCS studies can better engage with grand challenges through a practice turn, which helps increase its contribution to solving social problems.

Originality/value

Unlike previous literature, the paper elaborates on how practice theories are powerful in supporting both scholars and practitioners in moving away from an extremely economic focus to genuinely embrace sustainability practice. In doing so, the practice turn appears as an important phase for SCS field maturity.
Shopping destination brand equity and service quality
Authors: Xu Xing’an , Chen Fangting , Gursoy Dogan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Mianzi can powerfully influence tourists’ behavior. Compared with product brands, destination brands are more multidimensional, consisting of intangible and tangible elements. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the relationships among the Chinese culture-related variable mianzi, destination product quality, destination service quality, destination brand value, destination brand resonance, destination brand self-congruity and destination overall brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2021, yielding 475 valid responses from tourists who had traveled to Hainan, China. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results showed that mianzi plays a significant role in shopping destination brand equity, and the mianzi effect shapes tourists’ positive perceptions of destination product and service quality. Meanwhile, destination product quality and service quality enhance shopping destinations’ overall brand equity through destination brand value, brand resonance and brand self-congruity.

Originality/value

This study, focusing on shopping destinations, presents a novel view of brand equity. The research also uncovers influencing factors (e.g. product quality and service quality) that further enrich the destination brand equity model. Finally, findings offer valuable insights for academic research and the practical development of shopping destinations.
Forecasting nocturnal bird migration for dynamic aeroconservation: The value of short‐term datasets
Authors: Bradarić Maja , Kranstauber Bart , Bouten Willem , Shamoun‐Baranes Judy
Published: April 2024

Placing wind turbines within large migration flyways, such as the North Sea basin, can contribute to the decline of vulnerable migratory bird populations by increasing mortality through collisions. Curtailment of wind turbines limited to short periods with intense migration can minimize these negative impacts, and near‐term bird migration forecasts can inform such decisions. Although near‐term forecasts are usually created with long‐term datasets, the pace of environmental alteration due to wind energy calls for the urgent development of conservation measures that rely on existing data, even when it does not have long temporal coverage.

Here, we use 5 years of tracking bird radar data collected off the western Dutch coast, weather and phenological variables to develop seasonal near‐term forecasts of low‐altitude nocturnal bird migration over the southern North Sea.

Overall, the models explained 71% of the variance and correctly predicted migration intensity above or below a threshold for intense hourly migration in more than 80% of hours in both seasons. However, the percentage of correctly predicted intense migration hours (top 5% of hours with the most intense migration) was low, likely due to the short‐term dataset and their rare occurrence. We, therefore, advise careful consideration of a curtailment threshold to achieve optimal results.

Synthesis and applications: Near‐term forecasts of migration fluxes evaluated against measurements can be used to define curtailment thresholds for offshore wind energy. We show that to minimize collision risk for 50% of migrants, if predicted correctly, curtailments should be applied during 18 h in spring and 26 in autumn in the focal year of model assessments, resulting in an estimated annual wind energy loss of 0.12%. Drawing from the Dutch curtailment framework, which pioneered the ‘international first’ offshore curtailment, we argue that using forecasts developed from limited temporal datasets alongside expert insight and data‐driven policies can expedite conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world. This approach is particularly valuable in light of increasing interannual variability in weather conditions.
Reproductive ecology of free‐ranging striped hyena Hyaena hyaena in central Israel
Authors: Hadad Ezra , Balaban Amir , Kosicki Jakub Z. , Yosef Reuven
Published: April 2024

The striped hyena is one of the most secretive and enigmatic mammal species. Despite some success in describing their distribution and analyzing population trends, further understanding of the factors affecting reproductive success is needed. Therefore, we present the first analysis of the reproductive success of this species in the wild. We measured the reproductive success of female striped hyenas in at least one litter over 15 breeding seasons. We inspected 33 dens with 67 breeding events during this time and recorded 151 young hyenas. The dens were inhabited for an average of 2 years, with litter sizes ranging from 1 to 4 per reproductive female and most young born between January and June. We also found that litter size was positively associated with lowland areas and shrubs near the den. Despite methodological limitations that we could not overcome given the enigmatic nature of this species, our discovery is crucial because we have shown that reproductive success depends on the habitat in which dens are located, thus ensuring consistent reproductive success over the long‐term cycle.
From resource curse to green growth: Exploring the role of energy utilization and natural resource abundance in economic development
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Alam Md Shabbir , Jijian Zhang , Ozturk Ilhan , Wahab Salman , Doğan Mesut
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the profound repercussions of the resource curse hypothesis within the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) nations from 1991 to 2022, examining the intricate interplay among natural resource abundance, energy consumption, and economic development (ED). Methodologically, it employs the cross‐sectionally augmented Dickey–Fuller test to assess stationarity and utilizes the Westerlund cointegration technique to analyze cointegration. Subsequently, the cross‐sectionally augmented autoregressive distributive lag model is deployed to explore the impact of natural resource availability, renewable and non‐renewable energy utilization, and carbon emissions on ED within these countries. The findings reveal a stark reality wherein both carbon emissions and non‐renewable energy consumption wield a consistently positive influence on short‐ and long‐term economic growth across the BRICS economies. Particularly striking is the dominant impact of non‐renewable energy consumption. However, this comes in stark contrast to the adverse effects identified with excessive resource and coal rents, signifying potential economic setbacks arising from rampant natural resource exploitation. Furthermore, the suboptimal utilization of renewable energy resources hints at a detrimental effect on ED. These results transcend the confines of developing nations, underscoring the universality of the resource curse hypothesis, affecting both developing and developed countries. The study illuminates the grave risks inherent in overreliance and overexploitation of natural resources, elucidating heightened competition that severely impedes the ED trajectory of the BRICS countries in both short and long terms. Policymakers must prioritize economic diversification, implement sustainable resource management, and invest in innovative technologies to mitigate the resource curse in BRICS nations, fostering resilience and sustainable economic growth. In conclusion, This study highlights the severe impact of the resource curse in BRICS nations, stressing the imperative for adept resource management to counter the risks linked with overdependence on non‐renewable resources and bolster sustainable economic growth.
The role of natural resources and press freedom in sustainable development
Authors: Khan Musa , Chao Wu , Khan Muhammad Atif , Khan Mohammed Arshad , Haider Ahsanuddin
Published: April 2024

Fostering sustainable development (SD) through the utilization of available resources, including natural resources, is a common global aspiration. This study delves into the intricate relationship between natural resource abundance (NRA), SD, and the moderating role of press freedom in this paradigm. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset spanning 109 countries from 2001 to 2020, we employed fixed effect regression and two‐step dynamic system GMM estimators. Our findings show that NRA has a negative impact on SD, posing a significant threat to the SD. We identify each individual type of natural resource that negatively influences SD, underscoring the need for sustainable management practices for these resources. On the other hand, press freedom is found to have a positive effect on SD, playing an influential role in promoting SD. The moderating effect of press freedom further emphasizes its vital role as a safeguard, mitigating the detrimental effects of resource abundance on the SD. Our study has important policy implications, suggesting that by adopting sustainable resource management practices and upholding press freedom, policymakers can pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Review article: Patients who leave before care is completed: What does the legal duty to warn mean for emergency department clinicians?
Authors: Eburn Michael , Cockburn Tina , Kelly Anne‐Maree
Published: April 2024

Patients leave ED for a variety of reasons and at all stages of care. In Australian law, clinicians and health services owe a duty of care to people presenting to the ED for care, even if they have not yet entered a treatment space. There is also a positive duty to warn patients of material risks associated with their condition, proposed treatment(s), reasonable alternative treatment options and the likely effect of their healthcare decisions, including refusing treatment. This extends to a decision to leave the ED before care is completed. The form of that warning may vary based on what is known about the patient's condition and the associated risks at the time. Specific documentation of warnings given is essential.
Fetal external features and morphology of the umbilical cord of wild boars
Authors: Pinheiro Juliana Normando , dos Santos Ferraz Rosa Helena , Ribeiro Marlon , Motheo Tathiana Ferguson
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to describe the gestational and morphological aspects of the fetuses and their respective umbilical cords from two pregnant wild boars (Sus scrofa). Morphological descriptions were provided for 23 fetuses and the gestational ages were estimated through fetal characteristics and formula application. The specimens were fixed in 10% formalin for subsequent macroscopic and microscopic examination. Histological characterization was performed using haematoxylin–eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome (MT) and Verhöeff's staining techniques. The wild boar fetuses exhibited an estimated gestational age of 55 days (in the larger uterus) and 45 days (in the smaller uterus). They displayed well‐developed features consistent with domestic pig fetuses, except for the presence of five pairs of mammae. Additionally, the umbilical cord consisted of two arteries, one vein, an allantoic duct, and a vitelline duct (the latter two identified only microscopically), located in the juxtafetal, intermediate and juxtaplacental portions. The arteries and veins were comprised of endothelium, smooth muscle and collagen fibres, with no elastic fibres observed in the vessel walls. The allantoic duct was lined with simple cuboidal epithelium, while the vitelline duct featured a simple squamous epithelium. In conclusion, the morphological characteristics observed in the examined structures align with the expected patterns for species of the Suidae family. Furthermore, these findings contribute substantially to the morphological characterization of the wild boar, yielding valuable insights into the fetal morphology and the structure of the umbilical cord.
Accuracy of template‐based guided dental implant placement—An in vitro comparison of different manufacturing methods
Authors: Sium‐Abel Aura , Keilig Ludger , Dörsam Istabrak , Bourauel Christoph
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study investigates effects of surgical guide manufacturing process on 3D transfer accuracy of planned dental implant position, using three production methods: additive 3D‐printed (3DF), subtractive milled (MF), and analog laboratory fabricated templates (LF).

Material and Methods

Implant position for a single‐tooth gap (#26) planned digitally. 3DF and MF templates were designed digitally, while LF templates were analogously created. For each manufacturing type, 10 surgical guides were fabricated. Each guide was used for template‐guided implant placement in model replicas. For evaluation of implant placement, cone beam computed tomography scans of all implanted models were superimposed, and implant positions were determined. Deviations at implant shoulder/apex were measured, and median and inter‐quartile range (IQR) were determined for mesio‐distal, oro‐facial, coronal apico, 3D spaces, and angles.

Results

At implant shoulder, vertical components dominated position deviations (up to 1.04 mm, IQR 0.28 mm for 3DF). Horizontal deviations were much lower (mesio‐distally up to 0.38 mm, IQR 0.36 mm (LF)). Implant apex shows similar vertical deviations, while horizontal deviations clearly increased compared to shoulder, especially in mesio‐distal direction. Median angular deviations were between 2.1° (IQR 2.0 mm, max. 4.2°) for 3DF and 3.3° (IQR 1.9 mm, max. 5.3°) for MF. No statistical differences were found between manufacturing types (Kruskal–Wallis test, p = .05).

Conclusions

The study showed the method of implant guide fabrication did not affect the accuracy of implant placement within the limits of an in vitro environment. All methods resulted in implant placement which did not exceed the accepted safety deviation envelope (1.5–2.0 mm).
Current status of preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage for distal and hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Sato Junya , Sakamoto Hiroki , Doi Takuya , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: April 2024

The purpose of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is to reduce complications during the perioperative period. The extrahepatic bile duct comprises distal and hilar bile ducts and assessing the need for PBD must be considered separately for each duct, as surgical procedures and morbidities vary. The representative disease‐causing distal bile duct obstruction is pancreatic cancer. A randomized controlled trial has revealed that PBD carries the risk of recurrent cholangitis and pancreatitis before surgery, thus eliminating the need for PBD when early surgery is feasible. However, neoadjuvant therapy has seen a rise in recent years, resulting in longer preoperative waiting periods and an increased demand for PBD. In such cases, metal stents are preferable to plastic stents due to their lower stent occlusion rates. When endoscopic transpapillary biliary drainage (EBD) is not viable, endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biliary drainage may be a suitable substitute. In the hilar bile duct, the representative disease‐causing obstruction is hilar cholangiocarcinoma. PBD's necessity has long been a subject of contention. In spite of earlier criticisms of routine PBD, recent views have emerged recommending PBD, particularly when major hepatectomy is required, to prevent postoperative liver failure. Given the risk of tumor seeding associated with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage, EBD is preferable. Nevertheless, as its shortcomings involve recurrent cholangitis until surgery due to stent or tube obstruction, it is necessary to seek out novel approaches to circumvent complications. In this review we summarize the current evidence for PBD in patients with distal and hilar biliary obstruction.
Revisiting the beyond BMI paradigm in excess weight diagnosis and management: A call to action
Authors: Aguas‐Ayesa Maite , Yárnoz‐Esquiroz Patricia , Perdomo Carolina M. , Olazarán Laura , Vegas‐Aguilar Isabel M. , García‐Almeida José Manuel , Gómez‐Ambrosi Javier , Frühbeck Gema
Published: April 2024

Adolphe Quételet, a 19th‐century Belgian sociologist and statistician, pioneered the incorporation of statistics into social sciences. He initiated the development of anthropometry since he was interested in identifying the proportions of the ‘ideal man’. He devised a ratio between weight and height, originally termed the Quételet Index, and today widely known and used as the body mass index or BMI. In 1835, he demonstrated that a normal curve accommodates the distribution of human traits articulating his reasoning on human variance around the average. Quételet's long‐lasting legacy of the establishment of a simple measure to classify people's weight relative to an ideal for their height endures today with minor variations having dramatically influenced public health agendas. While being very useful, the limitations of the BMI are well known. Thus, revisiting the beyond BMI paradigm is a necessity in the era of precision medicine with morphofunctional assessment representing the way forward via incorporation of body composition and functionality appraisal. While healthcare systems were originally designed to address acute illnesses, today's demands require a radical rethinking together with an original reappraisal of our diagnosis and treatment approaches from a multidimensional perspective. Embracing new methodologies is the way forward to advance the field, gain a closer look at the underlying pathophysiology of excess weight, keep the spotlight on improving diagnostic performance and demonstrate its clinical validity. In order to provide every patient with the most accurate diagnosis together with the most appropriate management, a high degree of standardization and personalization is needed.