bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting disaster relief operations through RFID: enabling visibility and coordination
Authors: Wagner Stephan M. , Ramkumar M. , Kumar Gopal , Schoenherr Tobias
Published: December 2023

Purpose

In the aftermath of disasters, humanitarian actors need to coordinate their activities based on accurate information about the disaster site, its surrounding environment, the victims and survivors and the supply of and demand for relief supplies. In this study, the authors examine the characteristics of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and those of disaster relief operations to achieve information visibility and actor coordination for effective and efficient humanitarian relief operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the contingent resource-based view (CRBV), the authors present a model of task-technology fit (TTF) that explains how the use of RFID can improve visibility and coordination. Survey data were collected from humanitarian practitioners in India, and partial least squares (PLS) analysis was used to analyze the model.

Findings

The characteristics of both RFID technology and disaster relief operations significantly influence TTF, and TTF predicts RFID usage in disaster relief operations, providing visibility and coordination. TTF is also a mediator between the characteristics of RFID technology and disaster relief operations and between visibility and coordination.

Social implications

The many recent humanitarian disasters have demonstrated the critical importance of effective and efficient humanitarian supply chain and logistics strategies and operations in assisting disaster-affected populations. The active and appropriate use of technology, including RFID, can help make disaster response more effective and efficient.

Originality/value

Humanitarian actors value RFID technology because of its ability to improve the visibility and coordination of relief operations. This study brings a new perspective to the benefits of RFID technology and sheds light on its antecedents. The study thus expands the understanding of technology in humanitarian operations.
Higher education curriculum design for sustainable development: towards a transformative approach
Authors: Cardiff Philip , Polczynska Malgorzata , Brown Tina
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Education is widely recognized as a key domain for the promotion of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), prompting an increased focus on sustainable development in foreign language education. Despite increased attention, guidelines about SDGs are often primarily policy-based without concrete guidance, and the integration of education for sustainable development (ESD) within higher education curricula has been slow. This paper aims to mitigate this gap by providing an outline for the curriculum development for three elective English courses integrating SDG themes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by introducing the SDGs, ESD and its application to language education. From there, this paper outlines three content and language integrated learning courses that integrate global issues into their curriculum. Finally, there is a discussion and consideration of various factors to consider when implementing global issues into an English language classroom.

Findings

Following practical examples of how to integrate global issues into an English language classroom, considerations such as socio-cultural context, teaching context and the expertise of the instructor are discussed.

Originality/value

This paper covers a variety of social topics related to sustainable development in addition to the often addressed environmental topics. Many guidelines about integrating SDGs into education are policy-based without concrete guidance, so this paper aims to provide practical examples and considerations.
The explanatory role of religious identity, practices and beliefs in perceived discrimination among Muslim American racial/ethnic groups
Authors: Zainiddinov Hakim
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study examines the effects of religious identity, practices and beliefs on Muslim Americans' perceptions of discrimination and the extent to which religion might shape the perception of discrimination differently within Muslim race/ethnic groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Study data were obtained from the 2011 Pew Survey (N = 1,033), a nationally representative sample of Muslim adults 18 years old and older living in the United States. The sample weights with the exclusion of non-response cases were used for bivariate analyses. For multivariate analyses, multiple imputation procedures were employed to impute missing values on all variables.

Findings

Muslim Americans with high levels of religious practices are more likely and Muslim Americans with strong belief in religious tenets are less likely to report experiencing different forms of discrimination. Black, Asian and other/mixed race Muslims with high levels of religious practices report higher rates of discrimination than their white coreligionists. Within group comparison shows that the pure extrinsic group reports higher rates of perceived discrimination than the pro-religious, pure intrinsic and non-religious groups.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes varying effects of religious factors on different Muslim American groups in perceived discrimination and suggests researchers challenge a common perception of viewing religion as a “master status” for the Muslim identity.
Like it, buy it? Examining the role of bookmarking in the mediation of visual appeal and purchase intent from a dual-system perspective
Authors: Yu Youngjoon , Ahn Jae-Hyeon , Kim Dongyeon , Park Kyuhong
Published: December 2023

Purpose

While prior studies have explored the relationship between visual appeal and purchasing decisions, the role of bookmarking has largely been underemphasized. This research aims to address this gap by focusing on the impact of bookmarking on consumer behavior, guided by the cognitive load theory and dual-system theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors executed a controlled experiment and analyzed the results using a two-stage regression method that linked visual appeal, bookmarking and purchase intent. Further empirical analysis was conducted to authenticate the authors' proposed model, utilizing real-world mobile commerce data from a clothing company.

Findings

This study's findings suggest that visual appeal influences purchase intent primarily through the full mediation of bookmarking, rather than exerting a direct influence. Furthermore, an increase in colorfulness corresponds positively with visual appeal, while visual complexity exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with it.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the choice-set formation process through the theoretical lens of dual-system theory. Additionally, the authors employed an image processing technique to quantify a product's visual appeal as depicted in a photograph. This study also incorporates a comprehensive econometric analysis to connect the objective aspects of visual appeal with subjective responses.
Mobilising a shared service centre in a power-dominant context: an actor-network analysis in a Chinese state-owned enterprise
Authors: You Kun , Azhar Zubir , Wang Qingyu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how a shared service centre (SSC) is mobilised in a power-dominant context of a Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE). Specifically, it examines the mobilisation of SSC within this multi-divisional SOE, the role and dynamics of actors involved and the influence of changes in the integrated information system (IIS) during the mobilisation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a qualitative case study methodology. The authors draw on actor-network theory to examine the network and translation processes constructed in mobilising SSC in the chosen SOE. The data sources of this study were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary reviews.

Findings

The mobilisation of SSC is not a linear process but rather a “spiral” interplay through continuous interactions and compromises between human and non-human actors. Power gave the core actor as an orchestrator legitimacy and formality to reduce resistance and obstruction in translation for the mobilisation of SSC. The changes in IIS appear to facilitate the interaction between the heterogeneous actors.

Practical implications

This case study contributes towards understanding the mobilisation of SSC in a power-dominant context by highlighting the impact of changes in IIS and the details of the mobilisation of SSC in terms of the role played by both the individual actors and the technology.

Originality/value

This study provides a broader understanding of the interactions of the heterogeneous actors for mobilising SSC in a power-dominant context. More importantly, the study inspires future research into examining how SSC practices unfold and how the changes in IIS influence the mobilisation of SSC.
Investigating nostalgia’s influence on brand love
Authors: Sadeghvaziri Faraz , Shafeie Leila
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between nostalgic brand positioning, nostalgic brand relationship dimensions and brand love.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the data collected from 401 citizens of Tehran aged over 18 years old. Respondents admitted that they have felt love for at least one Iranian brand in their lives. The data collected from a questionnaire and the hypothesized relationships were analyzed using the partial least squares approach using Smart PLS.

Findings

The results showed that nostalgic brand positioning positively and significantly impacts nostalgic brand relationship dimensions. Also, there was a positive and significant relationship between nostalgic brand relationship dimensions and brand love. Nostalgic brand positioning has a significant effect on brand love through the mediating role of the nostalgic brand relationship.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this research is that, based on the construal level theory and literature review, the authors developed a conceptual model in which nostalgic brand relationship dimensions, i.e. emotional attachment, brand local iconness, and brand authenticity, explain how nostalgic brand positioning results in brand love.
Blockchain-driven framework for financing credit in small and medium-sized real estate enterprises
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsin , Zheng Ruixue , Wu Fan , Zeng Ningshuang , Li Jiajia , Tao Xingyu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to improve the financing credit evaluation for small and medium-sized real estate enterprises (SMREEs). A financing credit evaluation model was proposed, and a blockchain-driven financing credit evaluation framework was designed to improve the transparency, credibility and applicability of the financing credit evaluation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The design science research methodology was adopted to identify the main steps in constructing the financing credit model and blockchain-driven framework. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)–entropy weighting method (EWM)–set pair analysis (SPA) method was used to design a financing credit evaluation model. Moreover, the proposed framework was validated using data acquired from actual cases.

Findings

The results indicate that: (1) the proposed blockchain-driven financing credit evaluation framework can effectively realize a transparent evaluation process compared to the traditional financing credit evaluation system. (2) The proposed model has high effectiveness and can achieve efficient credit ranking, reflect SMREEs' credit status and help improve credit rating.

Originality/value

This study proposes a financing credit evaluation model of SMREEs based on the FAHP–EWM–SPA method. All credit rating data and evaluation process data are immediately stored in the proposed blockchain framework, and the immutable and traceable nature of blockchain enhances trust between nodes, improving the reliability of the financing credit evaluation process and results. In addition, this study partially fulfills the lack of investigations on blockchain adoption for SMREEs' financing credit.
Analyzing barriers of integrated RFID-blockchain adoption in the Indian public distribution systems
Authors: Kumar Singh Sandeep , Singh Amit , Jenamani Mamata , Rana Nripendra P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

As an emerging technology, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) and blockchain have the potential to disrupt many areas of business and social structure. However, it is loaded with significant technical, social, legal, financial and ethical complications that bring difficulty in its widespread use within the public distribution system (PDS). This research aims to analyze the barriers to integrated RFID and blockchain adoption in developing countries' PDS. Furthermore, this study also aims to validate the proposed framework against the Indian PDS.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework consists of 10 potential barriers to integrated RFID and blockchain adoption. To identify the barriers, this study referred to the extant literature followed by consultations with domain experts. This study prepared the DEMATEL-based questionnaires, collected the data from four domain experts and analyzed them using an integrated Grey-DEMATEL approach.

Findings

The obtained results provide a precise list of barriers and the correlations among them. From the results, it is concluded that the unavailability of a skilled workforce at affordable cost, lack of knowledge about privacy level and unclear return on investment and benefits are the most critical blockchain adoption barriers in the context of Indian PDS.

Originality/value

This research proposes a framework consisting of 10 integrated RFID and blockchain adoption barriers in relation to Indian PDS. It also proposes a method for analyzing causal interrelationships between the barriers while allowing for data input from domain experts. Consequently, the framework is capable of coping with experts' biases and data scarcity.
“Do you think I ever learn English?”: experiences of limited technology access among Middle Eastern refugee mothers in regional Australia
Authors: Motevali Zadeh Ardakani Azadeh , Sellars Maura , Imig Scott
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges of Middle Eastern refugee mothers in using technology for language learning in regional Australian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative research design and used a narrative enquiry technique to understand participants’ experiences of language acquisition with limited access to technology in new resettlement setting.

Findings

The findings presented in this paper were derived from a qualitative investigation conducted on a sample of 21 refugee mothers from Middle Eastern countries. The research aimed to explore the role of a language education programme on their integration within the regional Australian context. Participants discussed a variety of aspects of their everyday lives within their new resettlement context while offering insights on the language education programme and its impacts on their educational progress. The theme “lack of access/use of technology in English language learning” emerged from the narratives. This paper draws on selected interview data from the participants.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature on Middle Eastern refugees in regional Australia by exploring how lack/limited technology access can impact language acquisition of women from under-represented contexts.
Brand communications during a global crisis: understanding persuasion intent, perceived brand opportunism and message sincerity
Authors: Ryu Sann
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how consumers perceive the persuasion intent and sincerity of brand messages differently and to what extent the advertised brand sounds opportunistic within the context of a crisis, depending on what the message offers.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1 (N = 163), the brand messages were manipulated in terms of control (an empathetic claim only), monetary reward (with a discount offer) and cause-related marketing (CRM) conditions. In Study 2 (N = 150), the message effects were replicated using a different product category. In Study 3 (N = 216), the three brand messages were examined under high vs low involvement conditions.

Findings

The results revealed a linear decrease in negativity in consumer responses when the brand message offers CRM activity, followed by one that offers a discount. It was also found that the monetary reward message was perceived to have greater persuasion intent and be more opportunistic than other message types under low involvement, whereas such effects disappeared under high involvement. Conversely, the CRM message was perceived to have greater persuasion intent and be more opportunistic under high involvement (vs low).

Originality/value

Amidst the global economic impact and corporate landscape changes, there is limited understanding of consumer responses to crisis-related brand messages. Rooted in the attribution theory and the persuasion knowledge model, this study fills the gap by examining how consumers assess the underlying motives of different message types and perceive brands as taking advantage of the crisis situation.
A networking view of collaborative consumption on social media: integrating value-in-exchange and value-in-use into value co-creation
Authors: Chen Fengwen , Zhang Lu , Tsai Fu-Sheng , Wang Bing
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on the self-organized cooperative consumption of platform participants on social media platform, and reveals how the brand owner cooperates with two-sided customers to achieve value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a case study approach to explore how a Chinese beauty startup developed collaborative networks from 2013 to 2022, and tracked the the changes of network structure and cooperation mechanism.

Findings

The study finds that the brand owner cooperates with two-sided customers to integrate resources and establish diverse relational trust, which enhances the evolution of a heterogeneous collaborative network for value co-creation.

Originality/value

The study builds upon traditional dyadic actor-to-actor interactions between providers and customers, develops a novel interaction framework of actor-to-network to explain the value co-creation by collaborative networking, reveals the self-organized mechanism of cooperative consumption on social media.
Looking within: cultivating compassion for shaping sustainable mindsets in accounting education
Authors: Powell Lisa , McGuigan Nicholas
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of individual inner dimensions in fostering sustainable mindsets in accounting students and graduates. Individual inner dimensions such as compassion shape our behaviour and responses to sustainability challenges. Consideration of inner dimensions, in conjunction with sustainability knowledge and skill development, is needed for reshaping the accounting profession towards achieving sustainable futures.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors explore the role of individual inner dimensions in accounting and how approaches to cultivating compassion in other disciplinary educational settings could be applied to cultivate and facilitate compassion within accounting education. Approaches to cultivating compassion for human and non-human species within accounting education are presented, highlighting their relevance to accounting decisions and organisational accountability.

Findings

Cultivating compassion for human and non-human species within accounting education aligns with the broader role of accounting in social and environmental issues. Embedding compassionate approaches with a problem-solving focus within accounting pedagogies and curricula design could contribute to shaping behaviour and reorienting the mindsets of future accounting professionals.

Social implications

Cultivating compassion within accounting students enhances connections across species, encourages students to recognise the role of compassion in sustainable decision-making and promotes a sustainable mindset. Enhanced compassion in accounting graduates could provide the motivational force for action-oriented responses from the accounting profession to the unprecedented ecological crisis.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper presents a first step in exploring potential approaches to cultivating and facilitating compassion within accounting pedagogies and curricula design. This paper extends sustainability accounting education literature by considering individual inner dimensions in shifting mindsets of accounting students, graduates and educators towards sustainability.
Exploring the role of self-conscious emotions between consumer minimalism and rental behavior
Authors: Mishra Sita , Moharana Tapas Ranjan , Chatterjee Ravi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research aims to examine how consumer minimalism (CM), self-conscious feelings (such as consumer guilt (CG) and consumer pride (CP)) and the inclination to use rental services interact. It also looks at how attitudes toward pro-environmental advertisements affect these relationships as a moderator, recognizing the importance of pro-environmental advertising in influencing consumer behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a quantitative methodology to investigate the aforementioned associations. Survey questionnaires are used to collect data, which is then analyzed using AMOS 25 and Process Macro to generate meaningful insights.

Findings

The findings indicate that the willingness to use rental services is directly associated with CM, while self-conscious emotions (SCEs) play the role of a mediator in this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

It is essential to recognize the limitations of this study. There may be other variables at play, but the research focuses on SCEs (CG and CP) and their role as mediators. The findings must be interpreted based on the selected research methodology and sample size. Future research could investigate additional variables and enlarge the sample size to increase generalizability.

Practical implications

Targeted marketing can leverage CM, SCEs and willingness to use rental services. Recognizing the moderating effect of attitude toward pro-environmental advertisements can help create more effective campaigns promoting environmental behavior.

Originality/value

Underpinned by SCEs, the current study is one of the initial studies to explain how CM encourages responsible environmental behavior through access-based consumption models.
Experimental evidence that increased surface temperature affects bioturbation by ants
Authors: García Ibarra Fátima , Jouquet Pascal , Bottinelli Nicolas , Bultelle Angélique , Monnin Thibaud
Published: December 2023

Ants are important bioturbators that actively produce biopores and move soil particles. They could be particularly affected by global warming as they are ectotherms. Nevertheless, they can indirectly regulate their temperature, through changes in their circadian cycles and the architecture of their nests (e.g. digging deep nests or using insulating materials). Nest architecture has been considered an expanded functional trait of ant colonies and thus sensitive to environmental changes such as increasing temperatures. This work aimed to study the nest architecture of ants as a functional trait and its effects on soil bioturbation. We hypothesized that, when exposed to increased surface temperatures, ants would increase their excavation activities, build deeper nests and alter the layout of chambers to maintain their preferred temperature and humidity, thus enhancing soil porosity.

We allowed 17 young Lasius niger ant colonies to excavate nests in soil columns exposed to three surface temperatures (mild, n = 5; medium, n = 6; and high, n = 6) for 100 days. We measured the amount of soil excavated weekly and took X‐ray scans of the soil column on Days 7, 14, 28, and 88 to characterize the three‐dimensional structure of the nests (depth, shape, volume of chambers and tunnels). We then collected the colonies and measured their growth during the experiment, and the size and weight of workers.

Ants reacted to surface temperature. Colonies exposed to medium and high temperatures excavated larger and deeper nests than those exposed to mild temperature. Nests excavated under high and medium temperatures had the same maximal depth, but chambers were located deeper in the former, which were further characterized by the refiling of some of the upper chambers. Colonies grew well in all treatments, although less under mild temperature. They produced normal‐sized workers despite differences in surface temperature. Overall, these results suggest that ants exposed to higher temperatures live in deeper chambers.

This study shows that surface temperature affects ant nest architecture, confirming its status as extended phenotype and highlighting its flexibility over time, which has in turn consequences on soil porosity.
Fieldwork in conservation organisations–A review of methodological challenges, opportunities and ethics
Authors: Saif Omar , Staddon Sam , Keane Aidan
Published: December 2023

Social science methodologies are increasingly used by conservation organisations to improve social‐ecological outcomes. However, ethnographic approaches seeking to understand organisations themselves and how organisational culture impacts biodiversity and social justice are rarely discussed. By exploring previous studies of the methodological considerations of organisational ethnography in conservation, we provide conservationists and ethnographers with an empirically grounded understanding of the opportunities, challenges and underlying ethical considerations of this approach.

We conducted a scoping review of a disparate body of literature where ethnographers were embedded in conservation organisations and discussed their methodology, identifying 26 studies for analysis. We then extracted information on key themes relevant to methodological process and uptake.

Our review found such research spanned the globe, with a broad range of methodological and ethical considerations related to how ethnographers and conservationists interact. For example, organisational ethnography was perceived as valuable by conservationists as it allowed tracking progress toward internal goals such as diversification of staff and providing moral and emotional support and valuable information for transforming organisational practices. However, conservationists also worried about ethnographers' presence in their organisations. A key methodological challenge we identify, corroborating with the literature, is how ethnographers can benefit organisations while supplying critique.

Based on the results, we provide recommendations and areas of reflection for conservation organisations and ethnographers. Mainstreaming organisational ethnography through attention to certain methodological considerations can be beneficial for the future of conservation organisations and the biodiversity and people they impact.
How age affects health‐related‐quality‐of‐life outcomes in maxillomandibular reconstructive surgery
Authors: Patfield Alexander , Wykes James , Venchiarutti Rebecca , Dunn Masako , Clark Jonathan , Froggatt Catriona
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Maxillomandibular reconstruction has various functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial effects that can decrease patients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to compare HRQOL outcomes in older and younger patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction surgery between November 2008 and January 2021 was conducted. Participants completed the FACE‐Q Head and Neck Cancer Module, M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Speech Handicap Index (SHI). Results from these instruments were used to compare HRQOL outcomes in old (≥70 years) and young (<70 years) patients.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients who underwent maxillomandibular reconstruction completed the instruments (response rate 50%), of which 33 (33%) were aged ≥70 years. Older age was associated with improved FACE‐Q speaking (+11.3, P = 0.045), FACE‐Q cancer worry (−9.97, P = 0.050), and SHI score (−16.6, P = 0.013). After adjusting for the effect of radiotherapy, age was associated with improved FACE‐Q speaking (+16.8, P = 0.012), FACE‐Q smiling distress (+12.6, P = 0.040), FACE‐Q worry (−11.0, P = 0.032), and SHI scores (−18.4, P = 0.004). Older age was associated with an increased likelihood of postoperative complications (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, P = 0.02) and medical complications (OR = 4.6, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction, older age (≥70 years) was associated with better HRQOL outcomes in domains relating to speech and cancer worry. In all other HRQOL outcomes, the two age groups performed similarly.
Retrospective cohort evaluation of postnatal growth and retinopathy of prematurity (G‐ROP) criteria in a tertiary centre in Turkey
Authors: Kaya‐Guner Emine , Inci‐Bozbiyik Duygu , Kefeli‐Demirel Melike
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The postnatal growth and retinopathy of prematurity (G‐ROP) study has proposed a new model to increase the effectiveness of screening retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the G‐ROP model in a tertiary centre in Turkey.

Methods

The medical records of infants screened for ROP in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Babies with a documented ROP result and regular body weight measurements up to the 40th day of life were included in the study, and the G‐ROP model was applied. The sensitivity of the G‐ROP prediction model in detecting treated ROP, Type 1 ROP, Type 2 ROP, and low‐grade ROP and the reduction in the number of babies to be screened by applying the model were calculated.

Results

The G‐ROP model was applied to a total of 242 infants. While 194 babies were determined for screening, 22 of them were treated. The sensitivity to predict treated ROP was 100%, and the specificity was 21.8%. The model successfully predicted all cases of Type 1 ROP in the cohort, while the sensitivity was 90.9% for Type 2 ROP and 90.7% for low‐grade ROP. The G‐ROP model reduced the number of infants requiring screening by 19.8% in our study.

Conclusions

The G‐ROP model was successfully validated in our cohort in detecting treated ROP and Type 1 ROP, reducing the number of infants requiring screening by approximately 1 in 5.
Cerebral and systemic near infrared spectroscopy patterns in preterm infants treated by caffeine
Authors: Strozzi Chiara , Di Battista Caterina , Graziosi Alessandro , D'Adamo Ebe , Librandi Michela , Patacchiola Roberta , Maconi Antonio , Ghiglione Valeria , Pelazzo Claudia , Pasino Marta , Paterlini Giuseppe , Bozzetti Valentina , Salvo Vincenzo , Gazzolo Francesca , Concolino Daniela , Abella Laura , Spinelli Martina , Betti Marta , Bertolotti Marinella , Gazzolo Diego
Published: December 2023

Aim

To investigate the effects of caffeine loading/maintenance administration on near‐infrared spectroscopy cerebral, kidney and splanchnic patterns in preterm infants.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre case–control prospective study in 40 preterm infants (gestational age 29 ± 2 weeks) where each case acted as its own control. A caffeine loading dose of 20 mg/kg and a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg after 24 h were administered intravenously. Near infrared spectroscopy monitoring parameters were monitored 30 min before, 30 min during and 180 min after caffeine therapy administration.

Results

A significant increase (p < 0.05) in splanchnic regional oxygenation and tissue function and a decrease (p < 0.05) in cerebral tissue function after loading dose was shown. A preferential hemodynamic redistribution from cerebral to splanchnic bloodstream was also observed. After caffeine maintenance dose regional oxygenation did not change in the monitored districts, while tissue function increased in kidney and splanchnic bloodstream.

Conclusion

Different caffeine administration modalities affect cerebral/systemic oxygenation status, tissue function and hemodynamic pattern in preterm infants. Future studies correlating near infrared spectroscopy parameters and caffeine therapy are needed to determine the short/long‐term effect of caffeine in preterm infants.
Giant saltwater inflow in AD 1951 triggered Baltic Sea hypoxia
Authors: Moros Matthias , Kotilainen Aarno Tapio , Snowball Ian , Neumann Thomas , Perner Kerstin , Meier H. E. Markus , Papenmeier Svenja , Kolling Henriette , Leipe Thomas , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Schneider Ralph
Published: December 2023

A marked sedimentological change in subsurface sediments from the entire Baltic Proper, the Baltic Sea, has been previously noted. Our detailed work on a variety of multi‐cores from basin‐wide transects indicates that this sedimentological change was caused by a large shift in environmental conditions during the 1950s. Until the 1950s, the water column was rather weakly stratified and winter‐time convection – although weakened during the post Little Ice Age warming – was still able to ventilate the bottom waters of the Baltic Proper. Therefore, complete sediment sequences only accumulated in calm waters deeper than 150–160 m. High‐resolution benthic foraminiferal records of subsurface sediments obtained along the saline water inflow pathway in combination with historical data indicate that the depositional environment changed drastically owing to the giant saline water inflow in AD 1951. The accompanied sharpening of the halo(pycno)cline triggered a collapse in the ventilation of the basin, resulting in oxygen‐deficient bottom waters. This deficiency, in turn, caused the onset of phosphate release from the sediments, which accelerated primary production. The ventilation collapse also enabled the onset of deposition of organic carbon‐rich sediments also in shallower water areas as calm conditions prevailed up to the modern winter mixing depth (60–70 m). A slight return to Little Ice Age‐type conditions was observed during the late 1980s when temperatures decreased and stratification weakened. These conditions gave rise to a reduction in hypoxic areas and to a bottom‐water ventilation, most pronounced in the north of the so‐called Baltic Sea Klint, a hydrographic and topographic barrier. However, the general environmental conditions essentially have not changed since the 1950s. Remarkably, external (temperature and stratification) in combination with internal factors (e.g. ventilation collapse and phosphate release) were able to change the redox conditions of the Baltic Proper from oxic to hypoxic within less than 10 years.
LINC00460 knockdown sensitizes cervical cancer to cisplatin by downregulating TGFBI
Authors: Tian Ping , Feng Yuanyuan , Tao Ling
Published: December 2023

The acquired resistance of cancer to cisplatin (DDP) limits the efficacy of chemotherapy. The prognostic value of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00460 has been reported in cervical cancer. However, its effect on DDP sensitivity in cervical cancer remains poorly understood. In present study, LINC00460 was screened out through bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of mRNAs and proteins were measured by reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) or western blot analysis. The sensitivity to DDP was investigated using an CCK8 assay. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The differentially expressed genes that were associated with the poor prognosis of cervical cancer were screened, and their correlations with LINC00460 expression were explored using Pearson's correlation analysis. Tumor xenograft model was used to assess the effect of LINC00460 knockdown on DDP sensitivity in vivo. The interaction between miR‐338‐3p and LINC00460 or transforming growth factor β‐induced protein (TGFBI) was confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. LINC00460 expression was increased in cervical cancer tissues and cells. High expression of LINC00460 was associated with dismal prognosis in cervical cancer patients. Silencing of LINC00460 increased drug sensitivity and induced apoptosis in DDP‐resistant‐cervical cancer cells. LINC00460 knockdown enhanced DDP sensitivity in cervical cancer cells largely by downregulating TGFBI expression. LINC00460 knockdown enhanced the sensitivity of cervical cancer to DDP in vivo, and this effect was partly mediated by the downregulation of TGFBI. LINC00460 positively regulated TGFBI expression, possibly by acting as a sponge of miR‐338‐3p. LINC00460 knockdown contributed to DDP sensitivity of cervical cancer by downregulating TGFBI, providing a novel mechanism underlying the acquisition of DDP sensitivity.
Trends in childhood obesity in Japan: A nationwide observational study from 2012 to 2021
Authors: Fujiwara Shintaro , Harada Ko , Hagiya Hideharu , Koyama Toshihiro , Hasegawa Kosei , Tsukahara Hirokazu , Otsuka Fumio
Published: December 2023

The persistent ascension of childhood obesity on a global scale constitutes a significant quandary. The prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan peaked in the early 2000s and has been reported to have declined since then, but recent data and its trend including the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic era are not available. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies examining the correlation between the trend in childhood obesity and exercise habits over the past decade. This study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of obesity, physical fitness, and exercise habits over the past 10 years in Japanese children. We investigated the prevalence of childhood obesity in Japan, using the School Health Statistics Survey data from 2012 to 2021. The dataset has a sample size representative of children nationwide and includes variables for obesity, such as height, weight, and age. Data were classified into groups by sex and age (6–8, 9–11, and 12–14 years age). Children weighing 20% or more of the standard body weight are classified as obese. The annual percentage changes and average annual percentage changes were estimated using the joinpoint regression model. We also examined the trends in the physical fitness test score and exercise time. Average annual percentage changes of boys increased, especially in the 6‐ to 8‐year age group (3.4%–4.6%). For girls, average annual percentage changes had increased in 6‐ to 8‐year (2.5%–4.0%) and 9‐ to 11‐year (0.9%–2.2%) age groups. Since the late 2010s, significantly increasing annual percentage changes were observed in 12‐ to 14‐year age boys (6.7%–8.9%) and girls of many age groups (2.6%–8.6%). The physical fitness test score and exercise time showed decreasing trends since the late 2010s. Childhood obesity may have generally risen in Japan, in the last decade. Encouraging healthy eating and physical activity through school policies and curricula is necessary.
An in vivo drug screen in zebrafish reveals that cyclooxygenase 2‐derived prostaglandin D2 promotes spinal cord neurogenesis
Authors: González‐Llera Laura , Sobrido‐Cameán Daniel , Quelle‐Regaldie Ana , Sánchez Laura , Barreiro‐Iglesias Antón
Published: December 2023

The study of neurogenesis is essential to understanding fundamental developmental processes and for the development of cell replacement therapies for central nervous system disorders. Here, we designed an in vivo drug screening protocol in developing zebrafish to find new molecules and signalling pathways regulating neurogenesis in the ventral spinal cord. This unbiased drug screen revealed that 4 cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors reduced the generation of serotonergic interneurons in the developing spinal cord. These results fitted very nicely with available single‐cell RNAseq data revealing that floor plate cells show differential expression of 1 of the 2 COX2 zebrafish genes (ptgs2a). Indeed, several selective COX2 inhibitors and two different morpholinos against ptgs2a reduced the number of serotonergic neurons in the ventral spinal cord and led to locomotor deficits. Single‐cell RNAseq data and different pharmacological manipulations further revealed that COX2‐floor plate‐derived prostaglandin D2 promotes neurogenesis in the developing spinal cord by promoting mitotic activity in progenitor cells. Rescue experiments using a phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor suggest that intracellular changes in cAMP levels underlie the effects of COX inhibitors on neurogenesis and locomotion. Our study provides compelling in vivo evidence showing that prostaglandin signalling promotes neurogenesis in the ventral spinal cord.
Enhancing thalassemia gene carrier identification in non‐anemic populations using artificial intelligence erythrocyte morphology analysis and machine learning
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhan Jieyu , Wang Yang , Cheng Jing , Wang Meinan , Chen Peisong , Ouyang Juan , Li Junxun
Published: December 2023

Background

Non‐anemic thalassemia trait (TT) accounted for a high proportion of TT cases in South China.

Objective

To use artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of erythrocyte morphology and machine learning (ML) to identify TT gene carriers in a non‐anemic population.

Methods

Digital morphological data from 76 TT gene carriers and 97 controls were collected. The AI technology‐based Mindray MC‐100i was used to quantitatively analyze the percentage of abnormal erythrocytes. Further, ML was used to construct a prediction model.

Results

Non‐anemic TT carriers accounted for over 60% of the TT cases. Random Forest was selected as the prediction model and named TT@Normal. The TT@Normal algorithm showed outstanding performance in the training, validation, and external validation sets and could efficiently identify TT carriers in the non‐anemic population. The top three weights in the TT@Normal model were the target cells, microcytes, and teardrop cells. Elevated percentages of abnormal erythrocytes should raise a strong suspicion of being a TT gene carrier. TT@Normal could be promoted and used as a visualization and sharing tool. It is accessible through a URL link and can be used by medical staff online to predict the possibility of TT gene carriage in a non‐anemic population.

Conclusions

The ML‐based model TT@Normal could efficiently identify TT carriers in non‐anemic people. Elevated percentages of target cells, microcytes, and teardrop cells should raise a strong suspicion of being a TT gene carrier.
Blood–brain barrier disruption in dementia: Nano‐solutions as new treatment options
Authors: Cooper Ceinwyn G. , Kafetzis Konstantinos N. , Patabendige Adjanie , Tagalakis Aristides D.
Published: December 2023

Candidate drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS) demonstrate extremely low clinical success rates, with more than 98% of potential treatments being discontinued due to poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Neurological conditions were shown to be the second leading cause of death globally in 2016, with the number of people currently affected by neurological disorders increasing rapidly. This increasing trend, along with an inability to develop BBB permeating drugs, is presenting a major hurdle in the treatment of CNS‐related disorders, like dementia. To overcome this, it is necessary to understand the structure and function of the BBB, including the transport of molecules across its interface in both healthy and pathological conditions. The use of CNS drug carriers is rapidly gaining popularity in CNS research due to their ability to target BBB transport systems. Further research and development of drug delivery vehicles could provide essential information that can be used to develop novel treatments for neurological conditions. This review discusses the BBB and its transport systems and evaluates the potential of using nanoparticle‐based delivery systems as drug carriers for CNS disease with a focus on dementia.
The genetic legacy of the first successful reintroduction of a mammal to Britain: Founder events and attempted genetic rescue in Scotland's beaver population
Authors: Taylor Helen R. , Costanzi Jean‐Marc , Dicks Kara L. , Senn Helen V. , Robinson Sarah , Dowse Gill , Ball Alex D.
Published: December 2023

Conservation translocations often inherently involve a risk of genetic diversity loss, and thus loss of adaptive potential, but this risk is rarely quantified or monitored through time. The reintroduction of beavers to Scotland, via the Scottish Beaver Trial in Knapdale, is an example of a translocation that took place in the absence of genetic data for the founder individuals and resulted in a small and suspected to be genetically depauperate population. In this study we use a high‐density SNP panel to assess the genetic impact of that initial translocation and the effect of subsequent reinforcement translocations using animals from a different genetic source to the original founders. We demonstrate that the initial translocation did, indeed, lead to low genetic diversity (Ho = 0.052) and high mean kinship (KING‐robust = 0.159) in the Knapdale population compared to other beaver populations. We also show that the reinforcement translocations have succeeded in increasing genetic diversity (Ho = 0.196) and reducing kinship (KING robust = 0.028) in Knapdale. As yet, there is no evidence of admixture between the two genetic lineages that are now present in Knapdale and such admixture is necessary to realise the full genetic benefits of the reinforcement and for genetic reinforcement and then rescue to occur; future genetic monitoring will be required to assess whether this has happened. We note that, should admixture occur, the Knapdale population will harbour combinations of genetic diversity not currently seen elsewhere in Eurasian beavers, posing important considerations for the future management of this population. We consider our results in the wider context of beaver conservation throughout Scotland and the rest of Britain, and advocate for more proactive genetic sampling of all founders to allow the full integration of genetic data into translocation planning in general.
Go west: Population genomics reveals unexpected population fluctuations and little gene flow in Western hemisphere populations of the predatory lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens
Authors: Sethuraman Arun , Nunziata Schyler O. , Jones Angela , Obrycki John , Weisrock David W.
Published: December 2023

Hippodamia convergens—the convergent lady beetle, has been used extensively in augmentative biological control of aphids, thrips, and whiteflies across its native range in North America, and was introduced into South America in the 1950s. Overwintering H. convergens populations from its native western range in the United States are commercially collected and released across its current range in the eastern USA, with little knowledge of the effectiveness of its augmentative biological control. Here we use a novel ddRADseq‐based SNP/haplotype discovery approach to estimate its range‐wide population diversity, differentiation, and recent evolutionary history. Our results indicate (1) significant population differentiation among eastern USA, western USA, and South American populations of H. convergens, with (2) little to no detectable recent admixture between them, despite repeated population augmentation, and (3) continued recent population size expansion across its range. These results contradict previous findings using microsatellite markers. In light of these new findings, the implications for the effectiveness of augmentative biological control using H. convergens are discussed. Additionally, because quantifying the non‐target effects of augmentative biological control is a difficult problem in migratory beetles, our results could serve as a cornerstone in improving and predicting the efficacy of future releases of H. convergens across its range.