bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Hidden Mark Interaction Model for Detecting Spatially Variable Genes in Imaging-Based Spatially Resolved Transcriptomics Data
Authors: Yang Jie , Jiang Xi , Jin Kevin W. , Shin Sunyoung , Li Qiwei
Published: December 2023

Recent technology breakthroughs in spatially resolved transcriptomics (SRT) have enabled the comprehensive molecular characterization of cells whilst preserving their spatial and gene expression contexts. One of the fundamental questions in analyzing SRT data is the identification of spatially variable genes whose expressions display spatially correlated patterns. Existing approaches are built upon either the Gaussian process-based model, which relies onad hockernels, or the energy-based Ising model, which requires gene expression to be measured on a lattice grid. To overcome these potential limitations, we developed a generalized energybased framework to model gene expression measured from imaging-based SRT platforms, accommodating the irregular spatial distribution of measured cells. Our Bayesian model applies a zero-inflated negative binomial mixture model to dichotomize the raw count data, reducing noise. Additionally, we incorporate a geostatistical mark interaction model with a generalized energy function, where the interaction parameter is used to identify the spatial pattern. Auxiliary variable MCMC algorithms were employed to sample from the posterior distribution with an intractable normalizing constant. We demonstrated the strength of our method on both simulated and real data. Our simulation study showed that our method captured various spatial patterns with high accuracy; moreover, analysis of a seqFISH dataset and a STARmap dataset established that our proposed method is able to identify genes with novel and strong spatial patterns.
Ca2+Oscillation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Control Myogenic Spontaneous Vasomotion and Counteract Post-ischemic No-reflow
Authors: Li Jinze , Zhang Yiyi , Zhang Dongdong , Wang Wentao , Xie Huiqi , Ruan Jiayu , Jin Yuxiao , Li Tingbo , Li Xuzhao , Zhao Bingrui , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Lin Jiayi , Shi Hongjun , Jia Jie-Min
Published: December 2023

Ischemic stroke produces the highest adult disability. Despite successful recanalization, no-reflow, or the futile restoration of the cerebral perfusion after ischemia, is a major cause of brain lesion expansion. However, the vascular mechanism underlying this hypoperfusion is largely unknown, and no approach is available to actively promote optimal reperfusion to treat no-reflow. Here, by combining two-photon laser scanning microscopy (2PLSM) and a mouse middle cerebral arteriolar occlusion (MCAO) model, we found myogenic vasomotion deficits correlated with post-ischemic cerebral circulation interruptions and no-reflow. Transient occlusion-induced transient loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) permanently impaired mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contacts and abolished Ca2+oscillation in smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the driving force of myogenic spontaneous vasomotion. Furthermore, tethering mitochondria and ER by specific overexpression of ME-Linker in SMCs restored cytosolic Ca2+homeostasis, remotivated myogenic spontaneous vasomotion, achieved optimal reperfusion, and ameliorated neurological injury. Collectively, the maintaining of arteriolar myogenic vasomotion and mitochondria-ER contacts in SMCs, are of critical importance in preventing post-ischemic no-reflow.
Estimation of effective population size and effective number of breeders in an abundant and heavily exploited marine teleost
Authors: Bertram Andrea , Bell Justin , Brauer Chris , Fairclough David , Hamer Paul , Sandoval-Castillo Jonathan , Wellenreuther Maren , Beheregaray Luciano B.
Published: December 2023

Obtaining reliable estimates of the effective number of breedersN(b) and generational effective population size (Ne) for fishery-important species is challenging because they are often iteroparous and highly abundant, which can lead to bias and imprecision. However, recent advances in understanding of these parameters, as well as the development of bias correction methods, have improved the capacity to generate reliable estimates. We utilized samples of both single-cohort young of the year and mixed-age adults from two geographically and genetically isolated stocks of the Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) to investigate the feasibility of generating reliableNbandNeestimates for a fishery species. Snapper is an abundant, iteroparous broadcast spawning teleost that is heavily exploited by recreational and commercial fisheries. Employing neutral genome-wide SNPs and the linkage-disequilibrium method, we determined that the most reliableNbandNeestimates could be derived by genotyping at least 200 individuals from a single cohort. Although our estimates made from the mixed-age adult samples were generally lower and less precise than those based on a single cohort, they still proved useful for understanding relative differences in genetic effective size between stocks. The correction formulas applied to adjust for biases due to physical linkage of loci and age structure resulted in substantial upwards modifications of our estimates, demonstrating the importance of applying these bias corrections. Our findings provide important guidelines for estimatingNbandNefor iteroparous species with large populations. This work also highlights the utility of samples originally collected for stock structure and stock assessment work for investigating genetic effective size in fishery-important species.
Distinct host preconditioning regimens differentially impact the antitumor potency of adoptively transferred Th17 cells
Authors: Wittling Megen C. , Knochelmann Hannah M. , Wyatt Megan M. , Rangel Rivera Guillermo O. , Cole Anna C. , Lesinski Gregory B. , Paulos Chrystal M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Mechanisms by which distinct methods of host preconditioning impact the efficacy of adoptively transferred antitumor T helper cells is unknown.

Methods

CD4+T cells with a transgenic TCR that recognize TRP-1 melanoma antigen were polarized to the T helper 17 (Th17) phenotype and then transferred into melanoma-bearing mice preconditioned with either total body irradiation or chemotherapy.

Results

We found that preconditioning mice with a non-myeloablative dose of total body irradiation (TBI of 5 Gy) was more effective than using an equivalently dosed non-myeloablative chemotherapy (CTX at 200 mg/kg) at augmenting therapeutic activity of anti-tumor TRP-1 Th17 cells. Anti-tumor Th17 cells engrafted better following preconditioning with TBI and regressed large established melanoma in all animals. Conversely, only half of mice survived long-term when preconditioned with CTX and infused with anti-melanoma Th17 cells. IL-17 and IFN-g produced by the infused Th17 cells, were detected in animals given either TBI or CTX preconditioning. Interestingly, inflammatory cytokines (G-CSF, IL-6, MCP-1, IL-5, and KC) were significantly elevated in the serum of mice preconditioned with TBI versus CTX after Th17 therapy.

Conclusions

Our results indicate, for the first time, that the antitumor response, persistence, and cytokine profiles resulting from Th17 therapy are impacted by the specific regimen of host preconditioning. This work is important for understanding mechanisms that promote long-lived responses by ACT, particularly as CD4+based T cell therapies are now emerging in the clinic.
The role of foreign board and ownership on the quality of sustainability disclosure: the moderating effect of social reputation
Authors: Zarefar Arumega , Agustia Dian , Soewarno Noorlailie
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of social reputation on the relationship between boards and foreign ownership on the quality of sustainability disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study consists of publicly-traded primary and secondary sector companies in Indonesia for 12 years, from 2009 to 2020. This study uses panel model regression to generate its results. The disclosure data are hand-collected data sourced from annual financial and company sustainability reports.

Findings

Higher foreign board component companies report lower quality of sustainability disclosure, whereas companies that possess foreign ownership components report a higher quality of sustainability disclosure. This result is strengthened by obtaining consistent results tested with economic, social and environmental disclosure components. In addition, if the company has a good social reputation, it will strengthen the relationship of foreign ownership to the quality of sustainability disclosure.

Practical implications

These findings are relevant for policymakers, professional organizations and practitioners in Indonesia and other developing countries.

Originality/value

The moderating effect of social reputation on the relation of the foreign board and foreign ownership-quality of sustainability disclosure as this study does remain rare in developing countries. This study complements various research conducted in developing countries, such as Indonesia, by offering a new dimension. The results indicate that social reputation has a moderating role in determining the impact of foreign ownership on the quality of sustainability disclosure.
Interview between Bruno Haghebaert and Ian Davis concerning the early days of disaster risk reduction 1970–2000
Authors: Davis Ian
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The interview documents early days in the field of disaster risk reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

The transcript and video were developed in the context of a United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) project on the History of DRR.

Findings

The transcript presents important developments during the 1980s with valuable lessons about risk reduction.

Originality/value

It takes the readers on a history of the journey of DRR over three decades.
Environmental protection versus economic growth in the views of Muslims: a large sample of empirical evidence
Authors: Sholihin Muhammad , Sugiyanto Catur , Susamto Akhmad Akbar
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research aims to examine the impact of religiosity and other control variables on Muslims’ environmental preservation and economic growth choices in 33 nations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from the World Values Survey (Waves 4–7) with a large sample size of 30,242 individuals. Logistic regression analysis is used to analyze the data, and the robustness principle is applied using the marginal effect of interaction variables method to select a viable model.

Findings

This study reveals that different aspects of religiosity – cognitive, affective and behavioral – positively impact the tendency of Muslims in 33 countries to prioritize environmental protection over economic progress. However, these influences vary significantly, as seen through odds ratios. In essence, the degree of religious devotion in these nations affects individuals’ leaning toward environmental preservation. This impact is further shaped by other factors such as politics, governance, economic development, environmental measures and legal frameworks.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this study is the development of an alternative theory that explains the conditions and categories under which religious beliefs and attitudes can influence the preferences of Muslims concerning environmental issues and economic growth.

Originality/value

This study fills a void in the body of literature by examining the nonlinear relationship between religiosity and individual Muslim preferences for environmental preservation and economic growth. It offers a framework for comprehending religion’s impact on Muslims’ redistributive individual preferences in these fields.
What enhances or worsens the user-generated metaverse experience? An application of BERTopic to Roblox user eWOM
Authors: Oh Yun Kyung , Yi Jisu , Kim Jongdae
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Given its growing economic potential and social impact, this study aims to understand the motivations and concerns regarding metaverse usage. It identifies user needs and risks around the metaverse grounded on uses and gratifications theory and perceived risk theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed user reviews and rating data from Roblox, a representative modern metaverse platform. They applied BERTopic modeling to extract topics from reviews, identifying key motivations and risk aspects related to metaverse usage. They further constructed an explanatory model to assess how those affect user satisfaction and changes in these effects over time.

Findings

This study discovered that gratifications like entertainment, escapism, social interaction and avatar-based self-expression significantly influence user satisfaction in the metaverse. It also highlighted that users find satisfaction in self-expression and self-actualization through creating virtual spaces, items and video content. However, factors such as identity theft, fraud and child safety were identified as potential detriments to satisfaction. These influences fluctuated over time, indicating the dynamic nature of user needs and risk perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

The novelty of this study lies in its dual application of the uses and gratifications theory and perceived risk theory to the metaverse. It provides a novel perspective on user motivations and concerns, shedding light on the distinct elements driving user satisfaction within the metaverse. This study unravels the metaverse’s unique capacity to assimilate features from established digital media while offering a distinctive user-generated experience. This research offers valuable insights for academics and practitioners in digital media and marketing.

Originality/value

This research pioneers the application of both uses and gratifications and perceived risk theories to understand factors influencing metaverse satisfaction. By establishing a comprehensive framework, it explores the metaverse’s unique value as a user-content creation platform, while encompassing existing digital platform characteristics. This study enriches the academic literature on the metaverse and offers invaluable insights for both metaverse platforms and brand marketers.
Impact of agricultural credit sources heterogeneity on rice production efficiency in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Ouattara N'Banan , Xiong Xueping , Ali Abdelrahman , Sedebo Dessalegn Anshiso , Youan Bi Trazié Bertrand Athanase , Ballo Zié
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of agricultural credit on rice farmers' technical efficiency (TE) in Côte d'Ivoire by considering the heterogeneity among credit sources.

Design/methodology/approach

A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 588 randomly sampled rice farmers in seven rice areas of the country. The authors use the endogenous stochastic frontier production (ESFP) model to account for the endogeneity of access to agricultural credit.

Findings

On the one hand, agricultural credit has a significant and positive impact on rice farmers' TE. Rice farmers receiving agricultural credit have an average of 5% increase in their TE, confirming the positive impact of agricultural credit on TE. On the other hand, the study provides evidence that the impact of credit on rice production efficiency differs depending on the source of credit. Borrowing from agricultural cooperatives and paddy rice buyers/processors positively and significantly influences the TE, while borrowing from microfinance institutions (MFIs) negatively and significantly influences the TE. Moreover, borrowing from relatives/friends does not significantly influence TE.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can further explore the contribution of agricultural credit by including several agricultural productions and using panel data.

Originality/value

The study provides evidence that the impact of agricultural credit on agricultural production efficiency depends on the source of credit. This study contributes to the literature on the impact of agricultural credit and enlightens policymakers in the design of agricultural credit models in developing countries, particularly Côte d'Ivoire.
How do family support factors influence college students’ online-startup thinking?
Authors: Li Lifu , Kang Kyeong
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present the relationship between family support factors and Chinese college students’ online-startup thinking on live streaming platforms. Considering China's specific online entrepreneurial environment, this paper divides Chinese college students’ online-startup thinking according to the liberal–conservative thinking theory. This study classifies family support factors based on the tangible–intangible resource division theory. Different tangible and intangible factors have different impacts on their online-startup thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tests 588 samples based on the partial least squares path modelling and variance-based structural equation modelling. This study promotes importance-performance map analysis to explore additional findings of influencing factors and provide suitable suggestions for Chinese college students and related departments.

Findings

Tangible family support factors, such as labour resources support, and intangible family support factors, such as verbal encouragement, can positively enhance Chinese college students’ liberal thinking to online-startup and decrease their conservative thinking. Meanwhile, according to importance-performance map analysis results, verbal encouragement from the intangible unit instead of financial resource support from the tangible unit has a higher total effect and performance on Chinese college students’ liberal thinking and conservative thinking.

Originality/value

This study draws on psychology research based on Chinese college students’ unique entrepreneurial mentality. This paper divides Chinese college students’ thinking in online-startups into liberal thinking and conservative thinking based on the liberal–conservative thinking theory. Meanwhile, according to the feature of Chinese family support factors, this paper classifies various elements based on the tangible–intangible resource division theory, which is helpful for scholars to understand that the student perceptions of the value of family support are critical to the success of the online-startup.
The effects of virtual reality travel on satisfaction and visiting intention utilizing an extended stimulus-organism-response theory: perspectives from Thai tourists
Authors: Sann Raksmey , Luecha Pakkapol , Rueangchaithanakun Rawisara
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates how virtual reality (VR) travel attributes (e.g. sense and quality of information) influence spectators' flow experience, how emotion and past experience affect enjoyment and examines the impact of flow experience and enjoyment on satisfaction and booking or visiting intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The VR tour stimuli were fabricated using scenic views from the National Aquarium in the USA. Participants were equipped with Matterport VR and audio headsets and started their virtual travel. Once the participants completed their VR tours, they were asked to complete the questionnaire. Using the stimulus-organism-response theory, 303 valid responses were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results showed that the sense and quality of information in VR travel positively and significantly impacted the flow experience. Moreover, emotions and past experiences positively and significantly influenced the enjoyment of VR travel. Similarly, flow experience and enjoyment positively and significantly affect satisfaction. However, satisfaction with VR-related tourism experiences negatively affects users' bookings and visiting intentions.

Practical implications

This study concludes that, from Thai tourists' perspectives, virtual travel should be used as a solution only during the pandemic because, in the long term it can cause a loss to the business chain in the tourism industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no prior research has examined the influence of past experiences and emotions on satisfaction with VR travel.
Love thinketh no evil: mediation role of brand love on consumer religiosity and consumer forgiveness in Tanzanian Islamic banking
Authors: Amani David
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop and test a research model that explores the empirical relationship between consumer religiosity, brand love and consumer forgiveness. Its objective was to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms that can influence consumers to extend forgiveness to brands in the context of Islamic banking in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey design to gather data from 399 respondents in the Dodoma and Dar-es-salaam regions of Tanzania. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data, which were subsequently analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS 21.

Findings

The study’s findings revealed that consumer forgiveness is influenced by the level of brand love at an individual level. Additionally, the findings indicate that in the context of Islamic banking, brand love is an emotional behavior that is influenced by the strength of religious beliefs, that is, consumer religiosity. Consequently, the findings highlighted the mediating role of brand love in the proposed relationship between consumer religiosity and consumer forgiveness.

Practical implications

The fact that Islamic banking is guided by Islamic laws (Sharia) and Islamic values means that competitiveness in this sector can be established by serving consumers who are well-versed in Islamic teachings and doctrines. Furthermore, customers who possess a strong understanding of Islamic teachings and doctrines can be an asset to Islamic banks, as they are less likely to switch banks due to service delivery issues.

Originality/value

This empirical study is one of the few attempts to explore the relationship between consumer religiosity, consumer forgiveness and brand love. It expands our understanding of consumer forgiveness by examining the influence of deontological norms (applying norms to assess Islamic banking practices) and teleological evaluation (evaluating Islamic banking practices based on the overall balance of right and wrong expected to occur).
Research streams, gaps and opportunities in servant leadership research
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Supphellen Magne , Bagozzi Richard P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose is to use co-citation analysis of servant leadership (SL) research to investigate the evolution of the field, its subfields, gaps and opportunities for future research in a systematic manner.

Design/methodology/approach

A document co-citation technique and three clustering algorithms (latent semantic index (LSI), the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) and the mutual information (MI) index) were employed to analyse 24,030 references from 549 articles spanning a period of 50 years.

Findings

Cluster analyses reveal that SL research consists of eight distinct subfields: (1) conceptualisation and measurement of SL; (2) SL and related theories; (3) methodological foundations and empirical expansion of SL research; (4) individual-level cognitive effects of SL and related theories; (5) “Warmth effects” of leadership behaviour; (6) antecedents of effective leadership; (7) SL, marketing, sales management and ethics and (8) SL, job design and work engagement. Important gaps and opportunities for future research are identified.

Research limitations/implications

The analyses do not show a complete picture of research on SL. Interesting works used by subgroups of SL researchers may not have enough citations to be included in the results. Moreover, bibliometric analyses do not explain the impact of books, journals and articles on the practice of SL. The authors welcome future analyses of the most influential sources of SL practice. The authors expect that managerial and practice-oriented books and journals, such as the International Journal of Servant Leadership and the Servant Leadership Theory and Practice, would play a central role in such analyses.

Practical implications

The discussions of the nature of SL, its effects and antecedents are useful to leaders who want to develop a SL style or assist others in developing it. For researchers and doctoral students, the cluster analyses of co-citations give an overview of the subfields of SL research and reveal important knowledge gaps in the literature.

Social implications

SL has several favourable effects on the motivation and psychological well-being of followers. Also, followers tend to adopt a willingness to serve.

Originality/value

Previous research has categorised SL research into three broad categories or phases. The cluster analyses of the co-citations reported here reveal a meaningful structure of eight distinct subfields. Knowledge gaps within the subfields represent novel opportunities for future research on SL. The authors also suggest a new subfield of SL research: pedagogical approaches to the motivation and development of SL skills.
Barriers to online second-hand purchase behavior
Authors: Calvo-Porral Cristina , Orosa-González Javier , Viejo-Fernández Nuria
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In this context, the aim of the present research is to examine what factors determine that consumers restrain from shopping used products through the Internet. So, this research aims to analyze what makes consumers prevent from shopping second-hand products online.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, the authors propose and empirically test a conceptual model of the barriers towards online second-hand shopping behavior. Drawing on a sample of 405 consumers data were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The findings reveal that contamination effects and the lack of trust towards the online store, followed by the low perceived product reliability and the poor product perceived quality prevent consumers from shopping used products online. Conversely, consumer embarrassment for shopping second-hand products and the purchase uncertainty do not influence consumers' second-hand shopping behavior.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the marketing literature on second-hand shopping, being an attempt to explore the factors that prevent consumers from purchasing used products through the Internet.
Cultural influences on early trust development in virtual teams
Authors: Gardner Ross , Blomme Robert J. , Kil Ad , van Dam Nick
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Transference-based trust (TBT) via referral sources is a cognitive process where trust in third-party information about an individual transfers to trust in the individual. TBT via referral sources can have significant effects on early trust development in a virtual team (VT). This study aims to examine the potential influence of Hofstede’s (1980) cultural variables and two proposed combinations of these cultural variables on early trust development in VT, including the effects of referral source.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted multigroup analysis partial least squares structural modeling to examine potential cultural differences in the responses of 357 university students from 51 different countries to understand early trust development in VT.

Findings

TBT via referral sources as in interpersonal construct has a positive, direct impact on early trust development. TBT mediated the individual and organizational model constructs. There were significant differences in the high/low values of 3 of the 56 tested cultural dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Reaffirmed the validity of cognitive-based trust models in understanding early trust development in VTs TBT as an interpersonal construct and has a significant influence on early trust development in VTs. TBT via referral sources mediated the individual and organizational constructs of the model. There were significant differences in the high/low measures of three cultural dimensions (i.e. IV, M and the combination of IV-M-LT) in the relationship of early trusting beliefs to early trusting intensions.

Practical implications

To positively influence interpersonal and organizational aspects of trust development, managers should ensure that the early phases of VTs, before actual implementation begins, are well organized. Managers could make VT members fully aware of how referral sources can influence early trust development. Managers could encourage individuals to have open access to relevant social media accounts for other VT members and encourage individuals to research referral sources on other VTs members. The implication for managers of culturally diverse VT is that the development of early trust is largely by individual choice, rather than differences in national culture.

Social implications

People need to maintain and actively manage their online presence, ensuring that online information about them is accurate and updated. Referral sources could help VT members learn about one another, which might in turn help foster early trust in their online teams.

Originality/value

Although some studies have found significant cultural differences in early trust development, other studies, including a meta-analysis of 43 studies, found no significant cultural differences in early trust development. This study confirmed the results of the meta-analysis.
Unveiling the factors influencing transparency and traceability in agri-food supply chains: an interconnected framework
Authors: Essien Aniekan , Chukwukelu Godwin Onyekachi , Kazantsev Nikolai , Subramanian Nachiappan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The global food industry is faced with the dilemma of finding a balance between food wastage and food shortage. Approximately one-third of food produced globally goes to waste, while about 800 million people suffer from undernourishment. Given this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate the unresolved challenges related to enhancing transparency associated with products of high perishability and low shelf life.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted 25 interviews with global agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) experts to ask what impedes the progress of the current technologies, such as blockchain, to enable transparency and traceability (T&T) in AFSCs.

Findings

The findings indicate barriers at the individual, firm and supply chain levels. Based on these barriers, the authors propose an interconnected framework to explain technologically-driven T&T and guide on barrier removal from AFSCs. The authors conclude that by applying technology (i.e. blockchain) the authors can resolve the tension of supporting T&T in AFSCs. This can enable the efficient and transparent tracking of goods, reduction of food waste and loss, as well as promotion of the use of recyclable packaging and further sustainable practices and materials, all of which are aligned with a range of UN Sustainable Development Goals (2, 8, 10 and 12). Moreover, the authors see that some factors are interrelated. Based on these factors, the authors build an interconnected framework to guide on barrier removal from AFSCs. Managers in AFSC would find the findings especially relevant.

Originality/value

Drawing on industrial network theory and signalling theory, the authors propose an interconnected framework for explaining barriers (challenges) and potential solutions (opportunities) to T&T in AFSCs. This framework is developed by examining the interconnections of barriers at micro, meso and macro levels and applying signalling theory to explain how solutions address these barriers. The specific contributions of this study are: the list of barriers that impede the implementation of technological solutions for T&T in AFSCs; and a three-stage framework that explains how to remove the barriers for T&T. The study is limited by the focus on blockchain, which calls for future research once the next decentralised technology becomes available.
HPV vaccines induce trained immunity and modulate pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression in response to secondary Toll‐like receptor stimulations
Authors: Yamaguchi Mako , Mtali Yohana S. , Sonokawa Hitomi , Takashima Ken , Fukushima Yoshimi , Kouwaki Takahisa , Oshiumi Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Cervical cancer is caused mostly by human papillomavirus (HPV), and several HPV vaccines have been developed to prevent its onset. Vaccines include antigens as well as adjuvants, with adjuvants playing an important role in activating the innate immune responses necessary for inducing adaptive immunological responses. Recent research has shown the presence of trained immunity inside the innate immune system. However, trained immunity conferred by HPV vaccinations is not well understood. In this work, we explored the innate immune responses and trained immunity caused by two HPV vaccines, Cervarix and Gardasil. Cervarix includes monophosphoryl lipid A and an aluminum adjuvant, and it significantly increased the expression of IL‐6 and IFN‐β mRNAs in RAW264.7 cells. On the contrary, Gardasil, which only includes an aluminum adjuvant, exhibited little cytokine expression but increased the expression of TLRs. Furthermore, Cervarix significantly increased IL‐1β secretion from mouse macrophages, while Gardasil only mildly induced IL‐1β secretion. Interestingly, initial stimulation with Gardasil enhanced the expression of IL‐6 and TNF‐α mRNAs upon secondary stimulation with TLR ligands, indicating that Gardasil induced trained immunity in macrophages. Moreover, Gardasil injection into mice resulted in enhanced TNF‐α production in sera following secondary TLR stimulation. Our findings suggest that HPV vaccinations have the ability to induce trained immunity that modulate TLR ligand responses.
No evidence for fractal scaling in canopy surfaces across a diverse range of forest types
Authors: Fischer Fabian Jörg , Jucker Tommaso
Published: December 2023

Canopy structural complexity is a key emergent property of forest ecosystems that directly relates to their ability to store carbon, cycle water and nutrients, and provide habitat for biodiversity. However, we lack a general framework for quantifying the structural complexity of forest canopies, and it remains to be seen if there are simple rules that explain the huge variation in canopy structure that we observe across the world's forests.

A leading candidate for characterizing differences in structural complexity among forest ecosystems are fractal scaling laws, or measures of statistical self‐similarity. If forest canopies were fractal in nature, their structural attributes could be distilled into a single coefficient—their fractal dimension—which could then be used to directly compare structural differences within and across biomes.

To test this idea, we used airborne laser scanning (ALS) data acquired across nine landscapes in Australia that span a huge environmental gradient and include everything from dry shrublands, tropical savannas, dense rainforests, to 90 m tall Mountain Ash forests. Using the ALS data, we built high‐resolution 3D canopy height models of each landscape so that we could quantify how closely they followed fractal scaling laws, based on a comprehensive set of fractal dimension estimators.

Across all ecosystem types, fractal scaling assumptions were consistently violated, with clear and systematic differences between real‐world forest canopies and simulated fractal surfaces. However, deviations from fractality did vary predictably among sites, with forests in less arid environments, dominated by tall trees with large crowns, exhibiting a higher degree of self‐similarity across scales.

Synthesis: Our study conclusively shows that canopy surfaces are not fractal beyond the scale of individual tree crowns. Nevertheless, we still observed ecologically meaningful and generalisable patterns in forest structure across scales, which closely reflect biophysical and physiological constraints on tree size and architecture. These patterns point the way towards a more general framework for characterizing ecological complexity.
Considerations of dialect on the identification of speech sound disorder in Vietnamese‐speaking children
Authors: Phạm Ben , McLeod Sharynne
Published: December 2023

Background

The dialect spoken by children influences diagnostic decision‐making regarding the identification and severity of speech sound disorder (SSD).

Aims

The primary objective was to review papers that examined the influence of dialect on the identification of SSD in Vietnamese‐speaking children.

Methods & Procedures

Five studies of mono‐ and multilingual Vietnamese‐speaking children living in Vietnam and Australia were reviewed to examine the influence of dialect on the assessment and analysis children's speech. The main Vietnamese dialects (Standard, Northern, Central, Southern) differ in the production of consonants, vowels and tones.

Main contribution

Most speech assessments define correct production using the standard dialect of a language. Insights from recent studies of Vietnamese provide recommendations for also considering dialect in diagnostic decision‐making. First, we recommend adding column(s) to the assessment score sheet that includes the dialectal variants spoken by adults in the child's family or community. Second, we calculate the accuracy of production twice, based on the standard form and dialectal form. Third, we report the percentage of consonants correct—standard (PCC‐S) and percentage of consonants correct—dialect (PCC‐D).

Conclusions & Implications

Diagnostic decision‐making is influenced by dialectal variation in children's speech, so speech and language therapists need to compare standard and dialectal productions when undertaking assessments, analysis and diagnostic decision‐making.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject

Most speech assessments use the standard form of a dialect as the correct production. The standard dialect is used for diagnosis of SSD and identification of intervention targets.

What this paper adds to the existing knowledge

This paper examines five research studies of Vietnamese to identify ways to consider dialect in speech and language therapy assessment and analysis. Vietnamese provides a complex environment for this examination since there are numerous Vietnamese dialects and they differ according to consonants, vowels and tones.

What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?

Speech and language therapists are encouraged to add column(s) to their assessment score sheet that includes the dialectal variants spoken by adults and to report the PCC‐S and PCC‐D.
Special education Teachers' attitudes to teaching students with disabilities in the regular school system in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alkhatib Razan Numan , Gharaibeh Mahmoud , Dukmak Samir Jabra , Ijha Mervat Amin
Published: December 2023

Special education teachers' attitudes to teaching students with disabilities in the regular classroom were investigated alongside demographic characteristics. They had positive attitudes to inclusive teaching, with males, expatriates and Cycle. Two teachers being more positive. Attitudes towards inclusion were not, however, significantly correlated with age, place of residence, education, teaching experience or specialty. These findings offer the Ministry of Education important evidence on teacher attitudes to inclusive education, for the promotion of collaboration, respect and equality. Through inclusion, students with disabilities can form positive relationships with peers and grow to become fully participating members of the learning community.
Simulating climate change in a coastal watershed with an integrated suite of airshed, watershed, and estuary models
Authors: Linker Lewis C. , Shenk Gary W. , Bhatt Gopal , Tian Richard , Cerco Carl F. , Bertani Isabella
Published: December 2023

In 2020, the Chesapeake Bay Program moved to offset impacts from climate change for the 30‐year period from 1995 through 2025 by having its seven watershed jurisdictions (Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia) apply additional nutrient pollutant reduction practices. The climate change assessment was performed with integrated models of the Chesapeake watershed, airshed, and estuary. Scenarios run for the years 2025, 2035, 2045, and 2055 estimated effects from the different future climatic conditions. This article presents the results of that assessment and is intended to provide a guide to assist other modeling practitioners in assessing climate change impacts in coastal watersheds. Major influences of climate change that were quantified include increases in precipitation volume, potential evapotranspiration, watershed nutrient loads, tidal water temperature, and sea level. Minor influences quantified in the climate change analysis include changes in nutrient speciation and increases in wet deposition of nitrogen, CO2, rainfall intensity, tidal wetland loss, up‐estuary salt intrusion, and phytoplankton biomass. To offset climate change impacts from 1995 to 2025 on water quality, the scenarios indicate an additional 2.3 million and 0.3 million kg of nitrogen and phosphorus per annum, respectively, will need to be reduced beyond what is called for in the Chesapeake Total Maximum Daily Load.
An on‐line school‐based substance use harm reduction programme: The Illicit Project randomized controlled trial results
Authors: Debenham Jennifer , Birrell Louise , Champion Katrina E. , Newton Nicola
Published: December 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of an on‐line, neuroscience‐based harm reduction intervention (The Illicit Project) on substance use, harms and knowledge over a 12‐month period.

Design

We used a two‐arm cluster‐randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The study was conducted at eight secondary schools across New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

A total of 950 (mean age = 15.9; standard deviation = 0.68) in grades 10–12 at participating schools in 2020 took part.

Intervention and comparator

The Illicit Project intervention group (schools = five, n = 681) received an on‐line, universal substance use and harm reduction programme over three classes. The active control group (schools = three, n = 269) received school‐based health education as usual.

Measurements

Self‐report questionnaires assessed primary [alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cocaine and prescription drug misuse] and secondary outcomes (alcohol‐related harms and drug literacy) at baseline and the 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up assessment.

Findings

Approximately 63% (n = 595) of the sample completed the 12‐month follow‐up assessment, including 58% of the intervention group (n = 396/679) and 66% of the active control group (n = 179/271). Participants in the intervention group had slower annual increases in binge drinking [odds ratio (OR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.12–0.89], nicotine use (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.52–1.23), MDMA use (OR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.02–1.00), cocaine use (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01–0.64) and prescription drug misuse (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01–0.54) compared with the active control group. There was limited evidence of an intervention effect on cannabis use and alcohol‐related harm (P > 0.5). The secondary outcomes showed that the intervention group maintained higher levels of drug literacy knowledge (β = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.86–5.56) and harm reduction help‐seeking skills (β = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.62–2.48) compared with the active control group.

Conclusion

The Illicit Project (an on‐line, neuroscience‐based substance use harm reduction intervention) was effective in slowing the uptake of risky substance use and improving drug literacy skills among late secondary school students in Australia, compared with school‐based health education as usual.
Molecular and computational characterization of ABCB11 and ABCG5 variants in Tunisian patients with neonatal/infantile low‐GGT intrahepatic cholestasis: Genetic diagnosis and genotype–phenotype correlation assessment
Authors: Khabou Boudour , Kallabi Fakhri , Abdelaziz Rim Ben , Maaloul Ines , Aloulou Hajer , Chehida Amel ben , Kammoun Thouraya , Barbu Veronique , Boudawara Tahya Sellami , Fakhfakh Faiza , Khemakhem Bassem , Sahnoun Olfa Siala
Published: December 2023

Many inherited conditions cause hepatocellular cholestasis in infancy, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), a heterogeneous group of diseases with highly overlapping symptoms. In our study, six unrelated Tunisian infants with PFIC suspicion were the subject of a panel–target sequencing followed by an exhaustive bioinformatic and modeling investigations. Results revealed five disease‐causative variants including known ones: (the p.Asp482Gly and p.Tyr354 * in the ABCB11 gene and the p.Arg446 * in the ABCC2 gene), a novel p.Ala98Cys variant in the ATP‐binding cassette subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5) gene and a first homozygous description of the p.Gln312His in the ABCB11 gene. The p.Gln312His disrupts the interaction pattern of the bile salt export pump as well as the flexibility of the second intracellular loop domain harboring this residue. As for the p.Ala98Cys, it modulates both the interactions within the first nucleotide‐binding domain of the bile transporter and its accessibility. Two additional potentially modifier variants in cholestasis‐associated genes were retained based on their pathogenicity (p.Gly758Val in the ABCC2 gene) and functionality (p.Asp19His in the ABCG8 gene). Molecular findings allowed a PFIC2 diagnosis in five patients and an unexpected diagnosis of sisterolemia in one case. The absence of genotype/phenotype correlation suggests the implication of environmental and epigenetic factors as well as modifier variants involved directly or indirectly in the bile composition, which could explain the cholestasis phenotypic variability.
Space use by African savannah elephants in an arid protected area dominated by a mosaic of different vegetation
Authors: Mukomberanwa Nobert Tafadzwa , Taru Phillip , Utete Beaven
Published: December 2023

The African savannah elephant (Loxodonta Africana) migrate in response to limiting environmental factors in arid areas. Using global positioning systems (GPS) telemetry data, we determined: (i) the dominant vegetation types used by African savannah elephants and (ii) the differences in the area occupied by dominant vegetation types in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) in Zimbabwe. Significant spatiotemporal differences (p < 0.05) detected in vegetation types utilised by the African savannah elephant, and in the area covered by vegetation types induced a determinate foraging pattern. Global positioning system telemetry is a smart conservation tool for surveillance of movement patterns of African savannah elephants in protected areas.