bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of social media-related motivation on fantasy sport users’ playing skills, sense of competition and performance expectancy
Authors: Rai Jaskirat Singh , Cho Heetae , Itani Maher , Singh Amanpreet
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigated how sources of information across social media platforms influence fantasy users’ sport consumption and enhance their performance expectancy. Specifically, we examined the effects of social media-related motivation on fantasy users’ playing skills, sense of competition and performance expectancy based on the uses and gratifications theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 453 fantasy sport users on social media platforms. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis to assess a measurement model and used serial mediation techniques to examine the relationship between social media-related motivation and fantasy sport users’ performance expectancy.

Findings

Results showed that social media-related motivation had significant and positive impacts on fantasy users’ playing skills, sense of competition and performance expectancy. Additionally, we found that fantasy users’ playing skills increased their sense of competition and performance expectancy. A sense of competition was found to positively affect fantasy users’ performance expectancy.

Originality/value

This study provided a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge on social media by investigating the influence of social media-related motivation on fantasy sport users. The findings reveal that sharing content-based information on social media platforms plays a vital role in attracting and motivating individuals to engage in fantasy sports. The updated information enhances the playing skills of fantasy users, fosters a sense of competition and improves performance in virtual sport.
Trust region framework-based design of sub-6 GHz m-MIMO antenna and evaluation of SAR
Authors: Turgut Ahmet , Korunur Engiz Begum
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Currently, massive multiple-input multiple-output (m-MIMO) antennas are typically designed using complex trial-and-error methods. The purpose of this study is to determine an effective optimization method to achieve more efficient antenna design processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the design stages of a m-MIMO antenna array compatible with 5G smartphones operating in long term evolution (LTE) bands 42, 43 and 46, based on a specific algorithm. Each antenna element in the designed 10-port m-MIMO antenna array is intended to perfectly cover the three specified LTE bands. The optimization methods used for this purpose include the Nelder–Mead simplex algorithm, covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy, particle swarm optimization and trust region framework (TRF).

Findings

Among the primary optimization algorithms, the TRF algorithm met the defined objectives most effectively. The achieved antenna efficiency values exceeded 60.81% in the low band and 68.39% in the high band, along with perfect coverage of the desired bands, demonstrating the success of the design with the TRF algorithm. In addition, the potential electromagnetic field exposure caused by the designed m-MIMO antenna array is elaborated upon in detail using computational human models through specific absorption rate analysis.

Originality/value

The comparison of four different algorithms (two local and two global) for use in the design of a 10-element m-MIMO antenna array with a complex structural configuration and the success of the design implemented with the selected algorithm distinguish this study from others.
A catastrophe theory view of accidental dwelling fire injuries
Authors: Taylor Mark , Francis Hulya , Fielding John , Dean Emma
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study aims to apply catastrophe theory to the analysis of accidental dwelling fire injuries in terms of age band, gender and contributory factors in order to inform fire prevention activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a case study in a UK Fire and Rescue service concerning analysis of the circumstances of accidental dwelling fire injuries, and the characteristics and behaviours associated with utilising frequency analysis, percentages, ratios and catastrophe theory modelling.

Findings

Overall, males were more likely to be injured in an accidental dwelling fire compared to females by a ratio of 1.68 to 1, and those in the age band 50–64 appeared to be at maximum risk. A total of 15.4% of the accidental dwelling fire injuries involved consumption of alcohol or drugs, and 5.9% involved falling asleep.

Research limitations/implications

The circumstances of accidental dwelling fire injury can be analysed to identify patterns concerning when a catastrophic change relating to ordinary use of domestic objects results in an accidental dwelling fire injury.

Practical implications

A catastrophe theory view can aid the understanding of how ordinary use of domestic objects results in an accidental dwelling fire injury.

Social implications

Since fire injuries have both a social and economic cost, understanding how such fire injuries occur can aid fire prevention through appropriately targeted fire prevention activities.

Originality/value

The study made use of a catastrophe theory view to analyse the circumstances under which accidental dwelling fire injuries occurred using fire injury data from a UK fire and rescue service.
Sustainable recycling management: configuration of risk factors and resilience strategies
Authors: Khan Eijaz Ahmed , Chowdhury Md. Maruf Hossan , Hassan H.M. Kamrul , Mahmud A.K.M. Shakil , Shamsuddoha Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Recycling is associated with positive social and environmental impact, but previous studies have overlooked the cost of recycling operations. Based on the dynamic capability view, the purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate risk factors and resilience strategies within the recycling industry, prioritize these factors and identify the optimal combination of resilience strategies and risk factors to improve market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions were addressed in three subsequent studies. In Study 1, qualitative interviews were conducted to identify risk factors and strategies to mitigate those risks. In Study 2, quality function deployment methodologies were implemented via case studies derived from three different companies. Based on the results of Studies 1 and 2, in addition to the use of fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis, Study 3 aimed to determine the optimal combination of risk factors and strategies impacting market performance.

Findings

The results across the three studies revealed a number of risk factors as well as which risk factors and resilience strategies have the greatest impact on market performance. Specifically, it was found that higher levels of readiness, response and recovery strategies lead to greater market performance, whereas weak readiness, response and recovery strategies, along with low societal, environmental and health and safety risk factors, significantly inhibit performance.

Originality/value

This research extends current understandings of market performance in relation to recycling industry management and offers insight for decision-makers toward combating significant risk factors in business-to-business settings.
Anthropomorphised or not? Natural-organic logo’s impact on product value perceptions and consumers’ willingness to pay
Authors: Ho Kenneth Fu Xian , Tarabashkina Liudmila , Liu Fang
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Building on associative priming, anthropomorphism and biophilia theories, this study aims to explain that a natural–organic (that shows a natural object) and an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo (that shows an anthropomorphised natural object) both act as primes and imbue specific product value perceptions, which subsequently influence willingness to pay a premium price when products have not been used by or are unfamiliar to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two between-subjects experiments were conducted with different products (one with real, but unfamiliar to consumers brand and another with a fictitious brand). Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Experimental studies showed that natural–organic logos evoked stronger utilitarian (functional and economic) value perceptions, which triggered greater willingness to pay a premium price compared to anthropomorphised natural–organic logos. The effect of hedonic (emotional and novelty) values on willingness to pay a premium price was stronger when an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo was used.

Research limitations/implications

This research offers novel theoretical contributions highlighting the importance of careful logo design to imbue desired value perceptions when products have not been consumed or trialled.

Practical implications

Anthropomorphised natural–organic and natural–organic logos can provide different benefits to brand managers and can be used strategically to form desired value perceptions before products are consumed. Brands that wish to enhance premium pricing via hedonic values should consider using an anthropomorphised natural–organic logo. Natural–organic logos may be more suitable for brands that want to emphasise superior utilitarian values.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research provides the first empirical assessment of the differential effects of the two forms of natural–organic logos on value perceptions and willingness to pay premium price.
How do financial inclusion and bank stability explain agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Bekoe Isaac Kofi , Abor Joshua , Sekyi Samuel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of financial inclusion and bank stability on agricultural productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Design/methodology/approach

The study used 38 countries in the SSA with data spanning between 2004 and 2021. The data were analyzed using the two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) and the panel-corrected standard error (PCSE) model.

Findings

The study found a positive effect of financial inclusion and bank stability on agricultural productivity. The study also discovered that while the access component of financial inclusion has a negative influence on agricultural productivity, the usage dimension has a positive impact.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests to policymakers that an inclusive and stable financial system improves agricultural productivity. The findings recommend that policymakers should empower farmers to leverage financial inclusion.

Originality/value

This study provides insightful discussion on the impact of financial inclusion and its various dimensions and bank stability on agricultural productivity in SSA.
The relationship between sustainable HRM practices and employees’ attraction: the influence of SME managers’ values and intentions
Authors: Labelle François , Parent-Lamarche Annick , Koropogui Siba Théodore , Chouchane Rahma
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In many parts of the world, labor shortages are likely to affect the activities of SMEs. Consequently, SMEs needs to adopt attractive HRM practices. This study analyzes the impact of one type of sustainable HRM (SD-HRM) on employees’ attraction and retention factors such as employees’ motivation, the quality of image and customer satisfaction in SMEs context. It also looks at the impact of SME managers’ value-intentions, calculative (egoist-strategic) and non-calculative (altruist-institutional) on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on part of a survey of 409 Quebec SME managers’ commitment to sustainability, a mediation model is used to consider the impact of the manager’s values-intentions on potential workforce attraction and retention factors.

Findings

The results show that the implementation of SD-HRM practices has a positive impact on the outcomes considered, as it was expected, but show the counterintuitive results that it is altruistic values (non-calculative), rather than egoistic values, that helps to maximize the desired effects.

Practical implications

SME managers could adopt SRHRM practices to attract and retain employees. To maximize positive impacts, they might strategically integrate this approach while remaining authentic to their altruistic values. Purely institutional intentions are insufficient. By being both personally committed and strategic, managers can improve both employee well-being and organizational performance.

Originality/value

The original aspect of this research is the integration of expectations of spin-offs (positive or neutral) in relation to SD-HRM, based on the values and intentions of SME managers. This allows to recognize the multiple profiles, justifications and objectives of SMEs, which do not form a monolithic whole and need to be understood and supported by considering their differences.
Erythropoietin hyporesponsiveness in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zou Huixi , Wong Raymond S. M. , Yan Xiaoyu
Published: May 2024

Treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) can correct anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients; however, up to 10% exhibit resistance or hyporesponsiveness to EPO. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), prevalent liver disease in CKD patients, may limit EPO response because of thrombopoietin deficiency, iron homeostasis disorder and inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized NAFLD is a risk factor for EPO responsiveness. To test our hypothesis, we evaluated the effect of EPO in healthy rats and rats with NAFLD induced by a high‐fat, high‐carbohydrate (HFHC) diet. After 12 weeks on the HFHC diet, NAFLD rats showed lower erythroid response to EPO treatment than healthy rats. We, then, determined that the primary cause of EPO hyporesponsiveness could be iron deficiency associated with inflammation, which reduces erythroid cell production. Specifically, the concentrations of hepcidin, ferritin, transferrin and white blood cells in NAFLD rats were 12.8‐, 16.4‐, 2.51‐ and 1.40‐fold higher than those in healthy rats, respectively. However, erythroid cell types in the bone marrow of NAFLD rats were significantly reduced. In conclusion, our data suggest that NAFLD could be a risk factor for EPO responsiveness, which is attributed to functional iron deficiency associated with inflammation.
Politicians' high‐status signals make less‐educated citizens more supportive of aggression against government: A video‐vignette survey experiment
Authors: Noordzij Kjell , de Koster Willem , van der Waal Jeroen
Published: May 2024

Various branches of the literature suggest that exposure to the high‐status appearances and lifestyles of politicians in contemporary “diploma democracies” affects the attitudes and behavior of less‐educated citizens because it confronts them with their lower status in the political domain. Informed by this, we theorize that such exposure inspires docility (a lower subjective social status, weaker feelings of political entitlement) and revolt (anger, more support for aggression against government). To investigate this, we conducted an original, pre‐registered, video‐vignette survey experiment among a representative sample of the Dutch population. While our findings likely generalize to other liberal democracies, the Dutch context is suitable to test our theorizing because low‐status and high‐status appearances and lifestyles are found across the political arena, irrespective of politicians' substantive positions or use of populist rhetoric. Each less‐educated respondent (n = 1390) was presented with a professionally produced video of an actor playing the part of a fictitious politician. This politician signaled either a low or a high status via his appearance and lifestyle. The potentially confounding factors of his substantive positions and populist rhetoric were randomized and controlled for. We find that exposure to the high‐status politician increased less‐educated citizens' support for aggression against the government. Through exploratory analyses, we assess how the responses of docility and revolt are interrelated, and how they are shaped by less‐educated citizens' economic status.
Continuous production machine for separating and shaping Taiping Houkui tea
Authors: Wu Zhengmin , Zhong Hua , Wang Xiaoran , Sun Changying , Wang Yujie , Luo Kun , Qin Kuan
Published: May 2024

In response to the challenges of low automation and a lack of a continuous processing system for Taiping Houkui tea, this study proposed a design scheme for a continuous processing line and built a continuous processing prototype for testing by combining the production requirements of Taiping Houkui tea, the characteristics of withered leaves, and the existing relevant production equipment. First, the physical properties of Taiping Houkui tea were determined. A simulation was performed using the Hertz–Mindlin model, and the motion states of the tea leaves were obtained under different conditions to define the parameter design range of the experimental platform and verify its structural rationality. Then, the response surface methodology was used to optimize the working parameter ranges and obtain the best working parameters for the feeding and kneading mechanisms. Finally, a continuous production prototype was constructed for further production verification. The experimental results show that the success rate of continuous production on this platform was 70.68%, with an average output of approximately 0.4 kg/h for Taiping Houkui dry tea on a single slide track, and the produced tea was similar to manually made tea. This demonstrates that the continuous production technique has high feasibility and provides a reference for continuous production of Taiping Houkui tea.
Feeding strategy and feed protein level affect the gut microbiota of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Mes Wouter , Lücker Sebastian , Jetten Mike S. M. , Siepel Henk , Gorissen Marnix , van Kessel Maartje A. H. J.
Published: May 2024

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were fed food with different protein concentrations following different feeding regimes, which were previously shown to affect growth, nitrogen excretion and amino acid catabolism. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to investigate the gut microbiota of these fish. Lower dietary protein content increased microbial richness, while the combination of demand feeding and dietary protein content affected the composition of the gut microbiota. Hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity was correlated to the composition of the gut microbiota in all dietary treatments. We found that demand‐fed carp fed a diet containing 39% protein had a significantly higher abundance of Beijerinckiaceae compared to other dietary groups. Network analysis identified this family and two Rhizobiales families as hubs in the microbial association network. In demand‐fed carp, the microbial association network had significantly fewer connections than in batch‐fed carp. In contrast to the large effects of the feeding regime and protein content of the food on growth and nitrogen metabolism, it had only limited effects on gut microbiota composition. However, correlations between gut microbiota composition and liver GDH activity showed that host physiology and gut microbiota are connected, which warrants functional studies into the role of the gut microbiota in fish physiology.
German teachers' pilgrimage to an Israeli Holocaust Memorial: Emotions, encounters, and contested visions
Authors: Levenson Lance , Lorenz‐Sinai Friederike , Kessl Fabian , Resnik Julia
Published: May 2024

Drawing on anthropological conceptions of pilgrimage, our ethnography of professional development at an Israeli Holocaust Memorial follows German teachers on journeys to Israel. Seeking transformative and transferable experiences to combat anti‐Semitism in schools, teachers experienced the voyage as a secular pilgrimage rooted in Christian traditions of guilt, confession, and absolution. As teachers' emotional encounters in Israel simultaneously forged communitas and challenged official historical–pedagogical visions, their practices abroad elucidate prevalent Holocaust education discourses in contemporary Germany.
Metabarcoding advances agricultural invertebrate biomonitoring by enhancing resolution, increasing throughput and facilitating network inference
Authors: Hawthorne Ben S. J. , Cuff Jordan P. , Collins Larissa E. , Evans Darren M.
Published: May 2024

Biomonitoring of agriculturally important insects is increasingly vital given our need to understand: (a) the severity of impacts by pests and pathogens on crop yield and health and (b) the impact of environmental change and land management on insects, in line with sustainable development and global conservation targets.

Traditional entomological traps remain an important part of the biomonitoring toolbox, but sample processing is laborious and introduces latency, and accuracy can be variable. The integration of molecular techniques such as environmental DNA and DNA metabarcoding into insect biomonitoring has gained increasing attention, but the advantages of doing so, the kind of data this can generate, and how easily and effectively molecular analyses can be integrated with the diverse types of entomological traps currently used remains relatively unclear.

In this review, we examine how combining DNA metabarcoding with a range of conventional and unconventional entomological sampling techniques can advance biomonitoring in a way that is useful to researchers and practitioners. We highlight some of the key challenges and how to mitigate them, using examples of its integration with different sampling methods from the literature (e.g., interception, pitfall and sticky traps) to demonstrate efficacy and suitability.

We discuss how metabarcoding data can be used to infer ecological networks, emphasizing the importance of this as a framework for understanding species interactions and ecosystem functioning for more effective and descriptive biomonitoring.

Finally, future advances in biomonitoring are highlighted, alongside recommendations of best practice for researchers both new to and experienced in invertebrate biomonitoring with metabarcoding.
Dynamic linkages in agricultural and energy markets: A quantile impulse response approach
Authors: Wang Linjie , Chavas Jean‐Paul , Li Jian
Published: May 2024

This article investigates the dynamic linkages between agricultural and energy markets, with a focus on an econometric analysis of multivariate stochastic dynamics based on the joint distribution of state variables. The analysis relies on a quantile approach followed by the evaluation of a copula. Applied to nonlinear price dynamics, the approach is flexible and supports a general evaluation of impulse response functions representing how prices adjust over time and across markets in response to a given shock. The analysis allows for arbitrary distribution functions; it captures own‐price and cross‐price dynamics that can depend on the nature of shocks; and it also allows current changes to affect all moments of the future price distributions. The usefulness of the approach is illustrated in an econometric investigation of dynamic linkages in US corn, ethanol, and crude oil markets. We show how price adjustments can vary across quantiles, reflecting different speeds of adjustments depending on market conditions. We find evidence of nonlinear dynamics specific to the tails of the price distributions. We uncover evidence of positive contemporaneous codependence, especially tail dependence. We show how price shocks affect mean, variance, skewness as well as kurtosis of future price distributions. These results stress the importance of going beyond a standard mean‐variance analysis. They also shed new light on the deep linkages existing in the food‐fuel nexus.
Genetic predictors for bacterial vaginosis in women living with and at risk for HIV infection
Authors: Murphy Kerry , Shi Quihu , Hoover Donald R. , Adimora Adaora A. , Alcaide Maria L. , Brockmann Susan , Daubert Elizabeth , Duggal Priya , Merenstein Daniel , Dionne Jodie A. , Sheth Anandi N. , Keller Marla J. , Herold Betsy C. , Anastos Kathryn , Aouizerat Bradley
Published: May 2024

Problem

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) disproportionally impacts Black and Hispanic women, placing them at risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth. It is unknown whether there are differences by genetic ancestry in BV risk or whether polymorphisms associated with BV risk differ by ancestry.

Methods

Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) participants with longitudinal Nugent scores were dichotomized as having (n = 319, Nugent 7–10) or not having BV (n = 367, Nugent 0–3). Genetic ancestry was defined by clustering of principal components from ancestry informative markers and further stratified by BV status. 627 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 41 genes important in mucosal defense were identified in the WIHS GWAS. A logistic regression analysis was adjusted for nongenetic predictors of BV and self‐reported race/ethnicity to assess associations between genetic ancestry and genotype.

Results

Self‐reported race and genetic ancestry were associated with BV risk after adjustment for behavioral factors. Polymorphisms in mucosal defense genes including syndecans, cytokines and toll‐like receptors (TLRs) were associated with BV in all ancestral groups.

Conclusions

The common association of syndecan, cytokine and TLR genes and the importance of immune function and inflammatory pathways in BV, suggests these should be targeted for further research on BV pathogenesis and therapeutics.
Longitudinal peanut and Ara h 2 specific‐IgE, ‐IgG4, and ‐IgG4/‐IgE ratios are associated with the natural resolution of peanut allergy in childhood
Authors: Parker Kayla M. , Dang Thanh D. , Wijesuriya Rushani , Soriano Victoria X. , Lowe Adrian J. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Loke Paxton , Tang Mimi L. K. , Allen Katie J. , Koplin Jennifer J. , Perrett Kirsten P. , Peters Rachel L.
Published: May 2024

Background

There are no studies of longitudinal immunoglobulin measurements in a population‐based cohort alongside challenge‐confirmed peanut allergy outcomes. Little is known about biomarkers for identifying naturally resolving peanut allergy during childhood.

Objectives

To measure longitudinal trends in whole peanut and component Ara h 2 sIgE and sIgG4 in the first 10 years of life, in a population cohort of children with challenge‐confirmed peanut allergy, and to determine whether peanut‐specific immunoglobulin levels or trends are associated with peanut allergy persistence or resolution by 10 years of age.

Methods

One‐year‐old infants with challenge‐confirmed peanut allergy (n = 156) from the HealthNuts study (n = 5276) were prospectively followed at ages 4, 6, and 10 years with questionnaires, skin prick tests, oral food challenges, and plasma total‐IgE, sIgE and sIgG4 to peanut and Ara h 2.

Results

Peanut allergy resolved in 33.9% (95% CI = 25.3%, 43.3%) of children by 10 years old with most resolving (97.4%, 95% CI = 86.5%, 99.9%) by 6 years old. Decreasing Ara h 2 sIgE (p = .01) and increasing peanut sIgG4 (p < .001), Ara h 2 sIgG4 (p = .01), peanut sIgG4/sIgE (p < .001) and Ara h 2 sIgG4/sIgE (p < .001) from 1 to 10 years of age were associated with peanut allergy resolution. Peanut sIgE measured at 1 year old had the greatest prognostic value (AUC = 0.75 [95% CI = 0.66, 0.82]); however, no single threshold produced both high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

One third of infant peanut allergy resolved by 10 years of age. Decreasing sIgE and sIgG4 to peanut and Ara h 2 over time were associated with natural resolution of peanut allergy. However, biomarker levels at diagnosis were not strongly associated with the natural history of peanut allergy.
Quality of life following laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of a unilateral reducible inguinal hernia
Authors: Chuah Jun Sen , Siow Sze Li , Bujang Mohamad Adam
Published: May 2024

Background

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair has become increasingly favored over open Lichtenstein tension‐free mesh repair owing to its associated benefits, including reduced postoperative pain, early return to normal activities, and a comparable recurrence rate. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on patient‐reported outcomes, particularly health‐related quality of life (QOL), as a critical metric for evaluating surgical success. This study aimed to evaluate the overall QOL following laparoscopic TEP repair of unilateral inguinal hernia.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled patients aged 18 years or older who underwent elective laparoscopic TEP hernia repair for unilateral inguinal hernia from April 2020 to March 2022. Data collected include demographic details, hernia characteristics, postoperative complications, and postoperative QOL assessment. The Short Form 36 Health Survey Version 2 (SF‐36v2), a validated general QoL questionnaire, was administered preoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Statistical analysis utilized paired t‐tests for comparisons, with significance set at a p‐value <.05.

Results

A cohort of 49 patients, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 56.7 (14.0) years, predominantly comprising 47 men, was available for evaluation. Complications were observed in three (6.1%) of cases, with seroma/hematoma occurring in two patients and a wound infection necessitating antibiotic treatment in one patient. Notably, there were no instances of recurrence during the study period. Postoperative assessments revealed significant improvements in both physical and mental health at 1 month, with continued improvement noted up to 12 months.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic TEP inguinal hernia repair has been shown to improve both physical and mental health in patients with unilateral reducible inguinal hernia, with the majority of the improvement typically occurring within the initial month following surgery. It is crucial to communicate these improvement trends to patients undergoing hernia repair to help manage their expectations effectively.
Virulence‐associated genes in faecal and clinical Escherichia coli isolates cultured from broiler chickens in Australia
Authors: Awawdeh L , Forrest R , Turni C , Cobbold R , Henning J , Gibson J
Published: May 2024

A healthy chicken's intestinal flora harbours a rich reservoir of Escherichia coli as part of the commensal microbiota. However, some strains, known as avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC), carry specific virulence genes (VGs) that enable them to invade and cause extraintestinal infections such as avian colibacillosis. Although several VG combinations have been identified, the pathogenic mechanisms associated with APEC are ill‐defined. The current study screened a subset of 88 E. coli isolates selected from 237 pre‐existing isolates obtained from commercial poultry flocks in Australia. The 88 isolates were selected based on their enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles and included 29 E. coli isolates cultured from chickens with colibacillosis (referred to as clinical E. coli or CEC) and 59 faecal E. coli (FEC) isolates cultured from clinically healthy chickens. The isolates were screened for the presence of 35 previously reported VGs. Of these, 34 were identified, with iucA not being detected. VGs focG, hlyA and sfa/foc were only detected in FEC isolates. Eight VGs had a prevalence of 90% or above in the CEC isolates. Specifically, astA (100%); feoB (96.6%); iutA, iss, ompT, iroN and hlyF (all 93.1%); and vat (89.7%). The prevalence of these were significantly lower in FEC isolates (astA 79.7%, feoB 77.9%, iutA 52.5%, iss 45.8%, ompT 50.9%, iroN 37.3%, hlyF 50.9% and vat 42.4%). The odds ratios that each of these eight VGs were more likely to be associated with CEC than FEC ranged from 7.8 to 21.9. These eight VGs may be used to better define APEC and diagnostically detect APEC in Australia. Further investigations are needed to identify the roles of these VGs in pathogenicity.
Solvers' participation in crowdsourcing initiatives for social innovation: Exploring interactions among motivational forces
Authors: Piazza Mariangela , Mazzola Erica , Perrone Giovanni
Published: May 2024

We know that solvers self‐selecting in social innovation challenges come from diverse backgrounds including, among others, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals from various industries. However, we are not aware of what motives actually bring such solvers to self‐select to address these challenges. This study aims at understanding how different kinds of motivations intervene and interact with the solvers' intention to participate considering the specific context of crowdsourcing for social innovation. Drawing on the self‐determination theory, we built a theoretical framework that hypothesizes how intrinsic, extrinsic, and prosocial motivations interact with one another and affect solvers' self‐selection process in social innovation initiatives. Empirically, to investigate the theoretical framework, a survey research design involving the use of questionnaires was adopted to obtain primary data from solvers engaged in crowdsourcing initiatives for social innovation to solve Covid‐19‐related problems in the HeroX platform. We found that prosocial motivations positively affect the solvers' self‐selection process. Moreover, our results highlight that intrinsic and extrinsic motivations differently moderate the relationship between prosocial motivations and intention to participate. The results of this study offer relevant contributions to previous crowdsourcing and organizational psychology literature and provide critical implications for managers designing and organizing crowdsourcing for social innovation challenges.
A fine‐scale genetic map of the Japanese population
Authors: Takayama Jun , Makino Satoshi , Funayama Takamitsu , Ueki Masao , Narita Akira , Murakami Keiko , Orui Masatsugu , Ishikuro Mami , Obara Taku ,   the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Study Group, Kuriyama Shinichi , Yamamoto Masayuki , Tamiya Gen
Published: May 2024

Genetic maps are fundamental resources for linkage and association studies. A fine‐scale genetic map can be constructed by inferring historical recombination events from the genome‐wide structure of linkage disequilibrium—a non‐random association of alleles among loci—by using population‐scale sequencing data. We constructed a fine‐scale genetic map and identified recombination hotspots from 10 092 551 bi‐allelic high‐quality autosomal markers segregating among 150 unrelated Japanese individuals whose genotypes were determined by high‐coverage (30×) whole‐genome sequencing, and the genotype quality was carefully controlled by using their parents' and offspring's genotypes. The pedigree information was also utilized for haplotype phasing. The resulting genome‐wide recombination rate profiles were concordant with those of the worldwide population on a broad scale, and the resolution was much improved. We identified 9487 recombination hotspots and confirmed the enrichment of previously known motifs in the hotspots. Moreover, we demonstrated that the Japanese genetic map improved the haplotype phasing and genotype imputation accuracy for the Japanese population. The construction of a population‐specific genetic map will help make genetics research more accurate.
Accuracy of digital and conventional implant‐level impression techniques for maxillary full‐arch screw‐retained prosthesis: A crossover randomized trial
Authors: Jasim Ammar Ghanim , Abo Elezz Mona Galal , Altonbary Gilan Y. , Elsyad Moustafa Abdou
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of implant‐level conventional and digital impressions for atrophied maxillary ridges.

Materials and Methods

Twelve participants with atrophied edentulous maxillary ridges received six implants. Six months later and after soft tissue maturation around healing abutments, a control cast was constructed using the final passive restoration for each patient. Two types of implant‐level impression techniques were carried out for each patient: (1) conventional (splinted open‐tray) impression technique and (2) digital impression technique. For both techniques, scan bodies were labeled from the most distal implant on the left side (A, B, C, D, E, and F) and scanning was made. Accuracy of both techniques was measured using in vitro (two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional) and in vivo (clinical) methods. Two‐dimensional methods include measurement of the difference in linear distances AB, AC AD, AE, and AF. Geomagic software was used to assess the three‐dimensional deviation between the two impression techniques using the superimposition of standard tessellation language files. The incidence and percentage of nonpassive frameworks and framework misfits of final restorations for both types of impression techniques were assessed using the single screw test.

Results

For all distances, digital impressions recorded significantly higher deviation from control measurements than conventional impressions. The highest two‐dimensional linear deviation was noted for AF distance and the lowest difference was noted for AB distance. For all scan bodies, digital impressions recorded significantly higher three‐dimensional deviation than conventional impressions. The highest three‐dimensional deviation was noted with scan bodies C and D. Digital impressions recorded a significantly higher incidence of nonpassive frameworks and framework misfits than conventional impressions. [Correction added on 11 June 2024, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, “digital impressions” was changed to “conventional impressions” in this version.]

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, it could be concluded that the conventional implant‐level impression technique showed greater in vitro and in vivo accuracy than the digital impression technique when used for full‐arch maxillary fixed restorations on inclined implants.
An 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT‐based radiomics signature for estimating malignance probability of solitary pulmonary nodule
Authors: Zheng Jingchi , Hao Yue , Guo Yan , Du Ming , Wang Pengyuan , Xin Jun
Published: May 2024

Background

Some solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) as early manifestations of lung cancer, it is difficult to determine its nature, which brings great trouble to clinical diagnosis and treatment. Radiomics can deeply explore the essence of images and provide clinical decision support for clinicians. The purpose of our study was to explore the effect of positron emission tomography (PET) with 2‐deoxy‐2‐[fluorine‐18] fluoro‐d‐glucose integrated with computed tomography (CT; 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT) combined with radiomics for predicting probability of malignancy of SPNs.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 190 patients with SPNs confirmed by pathology from January 2013 to December 2019 in our hospital. SPNs were benign in 69 patients and malignant in 121 patients. Patients were randomly divided into a training or testing group at a ratio of 7:3. Three‐dimensional regions of interest (ROIs) were manually outlined on PET and CT images, and radiomics features were extracted. Synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) method was used to balance benign and malignant samples to a ratio of 1:1. In the training group, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses and Spearman correlation analyses were used to select the strongest radiomics features. Three models including PET model, CT model, and joint model were constructed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curves were plotted to evaluate diagnostic efficiency, calibration degree, and clinical usefulness of all models in training and testing groups.

Results

The estimative effectiveness of the joint model was superior to the CT or PET model alone in the training and testing groups. For the joint model, CT model, and PET model, area under the ROC curve was 0.929, 0.819, 0.833 in the training group, and 0.844, 0.759, 0.748 in the testing group, respectively. Calibration and decision curves showed good fit and clinical usefulness for the joint model in both training and testing groups.

Conclusion

Radiomics models constructed by combining PET and CT radiomics features are valuable for distinguishing benign and malignant SPNs. The combined effect is superior to qualitative diagnoses with CT or PET radiomics models alone.
Risk and prognosis of secondary lung cancer after radiation therapy for thoracic malignancies
Authors: Chen Kang , Liu Chong , Li Xueman , Chen Tianyou , Liu Shan , Xiong Fei , Zhang Zhou
Published: May 2024

Objective

Radiation therapy (RT) may increase the risk of second cancer. This study aimed to determine the association between exposure to radiotherapy for the treatment of thoracic cancer (TC) and subsequent secondary lung cancer (SLC).

Materials and Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (from 1975 to 2015) was queried for TC. Univariate Cox regression analyses and multiple primary standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to assess the risk of SLC. Subgroup analyses of patients stratified by latency time since TC diagnosis, age at TC diagnosis, and calendar year of TC diagnosis stage were also performed. Overall survival and SLC‐related death were compared among the RT and no radiation therapy (NRT) groups by using Kaplan–Meier analysis and competitive risk analysis.

Results

In a total of 329 129 observations, 147 847 of whom had been treated with RT. And 6799 patients developed SLC. Receiving radiotherapy was related to a higher risk of developing SLC for TC patients (adjusted HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.19–1.32; P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of developing SLC in TC patients with RT (3.8%) was higher than the cumulative incidence (2.9%) in TC patients with NRT(P). The incidence risk of SLC in TC patients who received radiotherapy was significantly higher than the US general population (SIR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.14–1.23; P < 0.050).

Conclusions

Radiotherapy for TC was associated with higher risks of developing SLC compared with patients unexposed to radiotherapy.
Listening to the response of bat and bush‐cricket communities to management regimes of powerline clearings
Authors: Thibault Martin , Garnier Lisa K. M. , Kauffmann Cyprian , Bas Yves , Kerbiriou Christian
Published: May 2024

Linear transportation infrastructures (LTIs) are established drivers of habitat fragmentation and barrier effects. Yet, they represent an increasing surface of managed seminatural habitats where increased consideration of biodiversity outputs is needed in an era of global biodiversity decline. A combined effort by both scientists and stakeholders is, therefore, needed to evaluate the promises and limits of these alternatives so that they best achieve their conservation potential. Our study explores the effects of forest powerline clearings on biodiversity, as well as the potential benefits of integrated vegetation management (IVM) as alternatives to clear‐cuts. We recorded the acoustic activity at 35 pairs of forest/clearing stations in two forested regions of France in 2021. Our results suggest that powerline clearings represent increased movement opportunities for bats and, most particularly, edge‐foraging species. They also provide suitable habitats for bush‐cricket species, particularly species requiring thermophilic conditions. We detected no direct benefit from IVM on bat communities. However, bush‐cricket communities appeared richer, more acoustically active, and statistically different from adjacent forests in clearings favoring secondary vegetation compared with clear‐cut ones. This collaborative study provides data on understudied taxa in the context of LTIs and sheds light on conservation promises and limits associated with their management.
Management of loperamide‐related opioid use disorder with buprenorphine within an Australian context: A case report
Authors: Dunn Andrew , Wu Nicholas , Cordaro Frank
Published: May 2024

Loperamide is an over‐the‐counter peripheral mu‐opioid agonist commonly used to manage diarrhoea. When taken in an excessive dose, loperamide's penetration of the central nervous system increases, leading to euphoria, respiratory depression and other opioid effects. A health warning was released in the United States in 2016 with increased reports of excessive loperamide use leading to cardiac conduction abnormalities such as ventricular tachycardia, prolonged QTc and Torsades des Pointes. The growing number of cases is likely due to the increased restrictions on other opioids. Loperamide use disorder has been managed effectively in the United States and the United Kingdom using buprenorphine. In Australia, there have been recent opioid restrictions limiting easy access to opioids. We describe the case of a 28‐year‐old male who was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions with symptoms relating to loperamide use disorder. Buprenorphine was used to manage withdrawal symptoms in the hospital and maintain abstinence from loperamide in the community through an opioid agonist treatment program. To our knowledge, this is the first case study to describe the successful management of loperamide use disorder with buprenorphine within Australia. Our findings suggest that buprenorphine can be used to manage patients with loperamide associated withdrawal and help them remain abstinent upon discharge. Extramedical use of over‐the‐counter opioid medication may be becoming an emerging trend in Australia, and increased monitoring is warranted to prevent detrimental health outcomes.
Factors affecting the sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors‐related initial decline in glomerular filtration rate and its possible effect on kidney outcome in chronic kidney disease with type 2 diabetes: The Japan Chronic Kidney Disease Database
Authors: Kanaoka Tomohiko , Wakui Hiromichi , Yano Yuichiro , Nagasu Hajime , Kanegae Hiroshi , Nangaku Masaomi , Hirakawa Yosuke , Nakagawa Naoki , Wada Jun , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Nakano Toshiaki , Maruyama Shoichi , Wada Takashi , Konishi Masaaki , Nagahiro Takanori , Yamagata Kunihiro , Narita Ichiei , Yanagita Motoko , Terada Yoshio , Araki Shinichi , Emoto Masanori , Okada Hirokazu , Isaka Yoshitaka , Suzuki Yusuke , Yokoo Takashi , Kataoka Hiromi , Kanda Eiichiro , Kashihara Naoki , Tamura Kouichi ,   for the J‐CKD‐DB investigators
Published: May 2024

Aim

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors often cause a transient decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) shortly after the initiation, referred to as the ‘initial drop’. However, the clinical significance of this initial drop in real‐world practice remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

Using the nationwide Japan Chronic Kidney Disease Database, we examined factors that affected the initial drop, in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We also evaluated the effects of the initial drop on a composite kidney outcome (a decline in GFR of ≥50% or progression to end‐stage kidney disease).

Results

Data from 2053 patients with CKD and T2DM newly prescribed an SGLT2 inhibitor were analysed. The follow‐up period after SGLT2 inhibitor administration was 1015 days (interquartile range: 532, 1678). Multivariate linear regression models revealed that the concomitant use of the renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors and diuretics, urinary protein levels ≥2+, and changes in GFR before the initiation of the SGLT2 inhibitor were associated with a larger initial GFR decline (β = −0.609, p = .039; β = −2.298, p < .001; β = −0.936, p = .048; β = −0.079, p < .001, respectively). Patients in the quartile with the largest initial GFR decline experienced a higher incidence of the subsequent composite kidney outcome than those in the other quartiles (p < .001).

Conclusions

The concomitant use of renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors and diuretics, higher urine protein levels and pre‐treatment GFR changes were associated with a larger initial GFR decline. Of these factors, the use of a diuretic had the largest effect. Furthermore, patients with CKD and T2DM experiencing an excessive initial GFR drop might be at a higher risk of adverse kidney outcomes.