bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly comparative time series analysis of oxygen saturation and heart rate to predict respiratory outcomes in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Qiu Jiaxing , Di Fiore Juliann M. , Krishnamurthi Narayanan , Indic Premananda , Carroll John L. , Claure Nelson , Kemp James S. , Dennery Phyllis A. , Ambalavanan Namasivayam , Weese-Mayer Debra E. , Hibbs Anna Maria , Martin Richard J. , Bancalari Eduardo , Hamvas Aaron , Moorman J. Randall , Lake Douglas E.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Highly comparative time series analysis (HCTSA) is a novel approach involving massive feature extraction using publicly available code from many disciplines. The Prematurity-Related Ventilatory Control (Pre-Vent) observational multicenter prospective study collected bedside monitor data from>700 extremely preterm infants to identify physiologic features that predict respiratory outcomes. We calculated a subset of 33 HCTSA features on>7M10-minute windows of oxygen saturation (SPO2) and heart rate (HR) from the Pre-Vent cohort to quantify predictive performance. This subset included representatives previously identified using unsupervised clustering on>3500 HCTSA algorithms. Performance of each feature was measured by individual area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) at various days of life and binary respiratory outcomes. These were compared to optimal PreVent physiologic predictor IH90 DPE, the duration per event of intermittent hypoxemia events with threshold of 90%.

Main Results

The top HCTSA features were from a cluster of algorithms associated with the autocorrelation of SPO2 time series and identified low frequency patterns of desaturation as high risk. These features had comparable performance to and were highly correlated with IH90 DPE but perhaps measure the physiologic status of an infant in a more robust way that warrants further investigation. The top HR HCTSA features were symbolic transformation measures that had previously been identified as strong predictors of neonatal mortality. HR metrics were only important predictors at early days of life which was likely due to the larger proportion of infants whose outcome was death by any cause. A simple HCTSA model using 3 top features outperformed IH90 DPE at day of life 7 (.778 versus .729) but was essentially equivalent at day of life 28 (.849 versus .850). These results validated the utility of a representative HCTSA approach but also provides additional evidence supporting IH90 DPE as an optimal predictor of respiratory outcomes.
Evaluating the Potential of Large Language Models for Vestibular Rehabilitation Education: A Comparison of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Clinicians
Authors: Arbel Yael , Gimmon Yoav , Shmueli Liora
Published: January 2024

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the performance of two publicly available large language models, ChatGPT and Google Gemini in response to multiple-choice questions related to vestibular rehabilitation.

Methods

The study was conducted among 30 physical therapist professionals experienced with VR (vestibular rehabilitation) and 30 physical therapy students. They were asked to complete a Vestibular Knowledge Test (VKT) consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions that were divided into three categories: (1) Clinical Knowledge, (2) Basic Clinical Practice, and (3) Clinical Reasoning. ChatGPT and Google Gemini were tasked with answering the same 20 VKT questions. Three board-certified otoneurologists independently evaluated the accuracy of each response using a 4-level scale, ranging from comprehensive to completely incorrect.

Results

ChatGPT outperformed Google Gemini with a 70% score on the VKT test, while Gemini scored 60%. Both excelled in Clinical Knowledge with a perfect score of 100% but struggled in Clinical Reasoning with ChatGPT scoring 50% and Gemini scoring 25%. According to three otoneurologic experts, ChatGPT’s accuracy was considered comprehensive in 45% of the 20 questions, while 25% were found to be completely incorrect. ChatGPT provided comprehensive responses in 50% of Clinical Knowledge and Basic Clinical Practice questions, but only 25% in Clinical Reasoning.

Conclusion

Caution is advised when using ChatGPT and Google Gemini due to their limited accuracy in clinical reasoning. While they provide accurate responses concerning Clinical Knowledge, their reliance on web information may lead to inconsistencies. ChatGPT performed better than Gemini. Healthcare professionals should carefully formulate questions and be aware of the potential influence of the online prevalence of information on ChatGPT’s and Google Gemini’s responses. Combining clinical expertise and clinical guidelines with ChatGPT and Google Gemini can maximize benefits while mitigating limitations.

Impact Statement

This study highlights the potential utility of large language models like ChatGPT in supplementing clinical knowledge for physical therapists, while underscoring the need for caution in domains requiring complex clinical reasoning. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating technological tools carefully with human expertise to enhance patient care and rehabilitation outcomes.
Neutrophil extracellular traps linked to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis severity and survival
Authors: Matson Scott M. , Ngo Linh T. , Sugawara Yui , Fernando Veani , Lugo Claudia , Azeem Imaan , Harrison Alexis , Alsup Alex , Nissen Emily , Koestler Devin , Washburn Michael P. , Rekowski Michaella J. , Wolters Paul J. , Lee Joyce S. , Solomon Joshua J. , Demoruelle M. Kristen
Published: January 2024

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) leads to progressive loss of lung function and mortality. Understanding mechanisms and markers of lung injury in IPF is paramount to improving outcomes for these patients. Despite the lack of systemic involvement in IPF, many analyses focus on identifyingcirculatingprognostic markers. Using a proteomic discovery method followed by ELISA validation in multiple IPF lung compartments and cohorts we explored novel markers of IPF survival.

Methods

In our discovery analysis, agnostic label-free quantitative proteomics differentiated lung tissue protein expression based on survival trajectory (n=10). Following selection of the candidate pathway (neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation), we subsequently validated the presence of NETs in the IPF lung microenvironment using fully quantitative assays of known NET remnants in separate IPF cohorts (n=156 and n=52) with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. We then assessed the correlation of these markers with baseline pulmonary function and survival.

Results

Discovery lung tissue proteomics identified NET formation as significantly associated with poor IPF survival. Using fully quantitative confirmatory tests for reproducibility we confirmed the presence of NET markers in IPF BALF and found significant correlations with worse pulmonary function in both cohorts (p<0.03 and p = 0.04 respectively). In the survival cohort, higher levels of NET markers predicted worse survival after adjusting for gender, age, and baseline physiologic severity (hazard ratio range: 1.79–2.19).

Conclusions

NET markers were associated with disease severity and worse survival in IPF. These findings suggest NET formation contributes to lung injury and decreased survival in IPF and may represent a potential therapeutic target.
Enhancing Chemotherapy Response Prediction via Matched Colorectal Tumor-Organoid Gene Expression Analysis and Network-Based Biomarker Selection
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wu Chao , Huang Hanchen , Bleu Paulina , Zambare Wini , Alvarez Janet , Wang Lily , Paty Philip B. , Romesser Paul B. , Smith J. Joshua , Chen X. Steven
Published: January 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses significant challenges in chemotherapy response prediction due to its molecular heterogeneity. This study introduces an innovative methodology that leverages gene expression data generated from matched colorectal tumor and organoid samples to enhance prediction accuracy. By applying Consensus Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) across multiple datasets, we identify critical gene modules and hub genes that correlate with patient responses, particularly to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This integrative approach advances precision medicine by refining chemotherapy regimen selection based on individual tumor profiles. Our predictive model demonstrates superior accuracy over traditional methods on independent datasets, illustrating significant potential in addressing the complexities of high-dimensional genomic data for cancer biomarker research.
Growth characterization and biostimulant potential ofCoelastrellasp. D14 a green microalga isolated from a solar panel
Authors: Baldanta Sara , Ferreira Alice , Gouveia Luisa , Navarro Llorens Juana Maria , Guevara Govinda
Published: January 2024

Extremophile environments are an important source for finding microorganisms with a potential for biotechnological applications. Among these microorganisms, microalgae contribute to several sustainable processes such as wastewater treatments or nutrition. In this work it was characterized a microalga isolated from a solar panel. The morphological and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate collected was aCoelastrellastrain. Cultivation and stress experiments has shown thatCoelastrella sp.D14 can resist a long period of desiccation and it can grow on cheap sources such as piggery wastewaters (PWW). This work reports that aCoelastrellastrain displays biostimulant properties with a germination index of 123% onLepidium sativumwhen D14 biomass grown at 10% piggery effluent was used. Altogether, these results suggest that this novel strain could be a good chassis for further biotechnological applications.

Highlights

Coelastrellasp. D14, a xero-tolerant strain, has been isolated from a solar panel

This strain can grow on piggery wastewater

Coelastrellasp. D14 can promote germination ofLepidium sativum
ExoS Effector inPseudomonas aeruginosaHyperactive Type III Secretion System Mutant Promotes Enhanced Plasma Membrane Rupture in Neutrophils
Authors: Reuven Arianna D. , Mwaura Bethany W. , Bliska James B.
Published: January 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosais an opportunistic bacterial pathogen responsible for a large percentage of airway infections that cause morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, especially those with cystic fibrosis (CF). One importantP. aeruginosavirulence factor is a type III secretion system (T3SS) that translocates effectors into host cells. ExoS is a T3SS effector with ADP ribosyltransferase (ADPRT) activity. The ADPRT activity of ExoS promotesP. aeruginosavirulence by inhibiting phagocytosis and limiting the oxidative burst in neutrophils. TheP. aeruginosaT3SS also translocates flagellin, which can activate the NLRC4 inflammasome, resulting in: 1) gasdermin-D (GSDMD) pores, release of IL-1β and pyroptosis; and 2) histone 3 citrullination (CitH3) and decondensation and expansion of nuclear DNA into the cytosol. However, recent studies with theP. aeruginosalaboratory strain PAO1 indicate that ExoS ADPRT activity inhibits activation of the NLRC4 inflammasome in neutrophils. Here, an ExoS+CF clinical isolate ofP. aeruginosawith a hyperactive T3SS was identified. Variants of the hyperactive T3SS mutant or PAO1 were used to infect neutrophils from C57BL/6 mice or mice engineered to have a CF genotype or a defect in inflammasome assembly. Responses to NLRC4 inflammasome assembly or ExoS ADPRT activity were assayed, results of which were found to be similar for C57BL/6 or CF neutrophils. The hyperactive T3SS mutant had enhanced resistance to neutrophil killing, like previously identified hypervirulentP. aeruginosaisolates. ExoS ADPRT activity in the hyperactive T3SS mutant regulated inflammasome and nuclear DNA decondensation responses like PAO1 but promoted enhanced CitH3 and plasma membrane rupture (PMR). Glycine supplementation inhibited PMR caused by the hyperactive T3SS mutant, suggesting ninjurin-1 is required for this process. These results identify enhanced neutrophil PMR as a pathogenic activity of ExoS ADPRT in a hypervirulentP. aeruginosaisolate.
Argon neuroprotection in a non-human primate model of transient endovascular ischemic stroke
Authors: Gonzalez Torrecilla S , Delbrel A , Giacomino L , Meunier D , Sein J , Renaud L , Brige P , Garrigue P , Hak JF , Guillet B , Brunel H , Farjot G , Brochier T , Velly L
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of argon neuroprotection in rodent models of cerebral ischemia. The objective of the present study was to confirm a potential neuroprotective effect of argon in a non-human primate model of endovascular ischemic stroke as an essential step before considering the use of argon as a neuroprotective agent in humans.

Methods

Thirteen adult monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were allocated to two groups: a control group (n=8) without neuroprotection and an argon group (n=5) in which argon inhalation (90 min) was initiated 30 minutes after onset of ischemia. Animals in both groups underwent brain MRI (pre-ischemic) at least 7 days before the intervention. The monkeys were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia induced by a transient (90 min) middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). After tMCAO, MRI was performed 1 hour after cerebral reperfusion. The ischemic core volume was defined by the apparent diffusion coefficient (aDC) and edema in fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) acquisitions. MRI masks were applied to distinguish between cortical and subcortical abnormalities. In addition, a modified version of the Rankin scale was used to neurologically assess post-tMCAO.

Results

Despite variability in the ischemic core and edema volumes in the control group, argon significantly reduced ischemic core volume after ischemia compared to the control group (1.1±1.6 cm3vs.8.5±8.1 cm3;p=0.03). This effect was limited to cortical structures (0.6±1.1 cm3vs.7.4±7.2 cm3;p=0.03). No significant differences were observed in the edema volumes. Measures of neurological clinical outcome suggested a better prognosis in argon-treated animals.

Conclusions

In the tMCAO macaque model, argon induced effective neuroprotective effects, leading to a reduced ischemic core in cortical areas. These results support the potential use of this therapeutic approach for future clinical studies in stroke patients.
Differential contribution of distinct neuronal populations to danger representations
Authors: Menegolla Ana Paula , Lopez-Fernandez Guillem , Herry Cyril , Martin-Fernandez Mario
Published: January 2024

The recognition of specific stimuli and contexts in dangerous situations determines the expression of behaviors needed to appropriately cope with each threatening encounter. Moreover, the detection of common features shared by different dangerous situations allows eliciting general brain states and is necessary for both the expression of preparatory reactions and adaptive behavioral responses in a timely manner. However, it is unknown how general and specific danger representations emerge from the combined activity of different neuronal populations to elicit the expression of adaptive defensive responses. Using a behavioral paradigm that exposes mice to multiple threatening situations and calcium imaging recordings in freely moving mice, we investigated the role of different dmPFC neuronal populations in the generation of general and specific neuronal representations. Our results suggest that the population of somatostatin positive (SST+) interneurons generates specific representations while those arising from parvalbumin positive (PV+) interneurons are mainly unspecific. Together, this data suggests the presence of distinct information in different dmPFC neurons allowing a collective encoding of both general and specific danger representations.
The control costs of human brain dynamics
Authors: Ceballos Eric G , Luppi Andrea I , Castrillon Gabriel , Saggar Manish , Misic Bratislav , Riedl Valentin
Published: January 2024

The human brain is a complex system with high metabolic demands and extensive connectivity that requires control to balance energy consumption and functional efficiency over time. How this control is manifested on a whole-brain scale is largely unexplored, particularly what the associated costs are. Using network control theory, here we introduce a novel concept, time-averaged control energy (TCE), to quantify the cost of controlling human brain dynamics at rest, as measured from functional and diffusion MRI. Importantly, TCE spatially correlates with oxygen metabolism measures from positron emission tomography, providing insight into the bioenergetic footing of resting state control. Examining the temporal dimension of control costs, we find that brain state transitions along a hierarchical axis from sensory to association areas are more efficient in terms of control costs and more frequent within hierarchical groups than between. This inverse correlation between temporal control costs and state visits suggests a mechanism for maintaining functional diversity while minimizing energy expenditure. By unpacking the temporal dimension of control costs, we contribute to the neuroscientific understanding of how the brain governs its functionality while managing energy expenses.
Control of Munc13-1 Activity by Autoinhibitory Interactions Involving the Variable N-terminal Region
Authors: Xu Junjie , Esser Victoria , Gołębiowska-Mendroch Katarzyna , Bolembach Agnieszka A. , Rizo Josep
Published: January 2024

Regulation of neurotransmitter release during presynaptic plasticity underlies varied forms of information processing in the brain. Munc13s play essential roles in release via their conserved C-terminal region, which contains a MUN domain involved SNARE complex assembly, and control multiple presynaptic plasticity processes. Munc13s also have a variable N-terminal region, which in Munc13-1 includes a calmodulin binding (CaMb) domain involved in short-term plasticity and a C2A domain that forms an inhibitory homodimer. The C2A domain is activated by forming a heterodimer with the zinc-finger domain of αRIMs, providing a link to αRIM-dependent short- and long-term plasticity. However, it is unknown how the functions of the N- and C-terminal regions are integrated, in part because of the difficulty of purifying Munc13-1 fragments containing both regions. We describe for the first time the purification of a Munc13-1 fragment spanning its entire sequence except for a flexible region between the C2A and CaMb domains. We show that this fragment is much less active than the Munc13-1 C-terminal region in liposome fusion assays and that its activity is strongly enhanced by the RIM2α zinc-finger domain together with calmodulin. NMR experiments show that the C2A and CaMb domains bind to the MUN domain and that these interactions are relieved by the RIM2α ZF domain and calmodulin, respectively. These results suggest a model whereby Munc13-1 activity in promoting SNARE complex assembly and neurotransmitter release are inhibited by interactions of the C2A and CaMb domains with the MUN domain that are relieved by αRIMs and calmodulin.
An Integrative Network Approach for Longitudinal Stratification in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Ryan Barry , Marioni Riccardo E. , Simpson T. Ian
Published: January 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms resulting from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Currently, there is no cure for the disease which is in part due to the heterogeneity in patient symptoms, trajectories and manifestations. There is a known genetic component of PD and genomic datasets have helped to uncover some aspects of the disease. Understanding the longitudinal variability of PD is essential as it has been theorised that there are different triggers and underlying disease mechanisms at different points during disease progression. In this paper, we perform longitudinal and cross-sectional experiments to identify which data modalities or combinations of modalities are informative at different time points. We use clinical, genomic, and proteomic data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative. We validate the importance of flexible data integration by highlighting the varying combinations of data modalities for optimal stratification at different disease stages in idiopathic PD. We show there is a shared signal in the DNAm signatures of participants with a mutation in a causal gene of PD and participants with idiopathic PD. We also show that integration of SNPs and DNAm data modalities has potential for use as an early diagnostic tool for individuals with a genetic cause of PD.
Suppressed electric quadrupole collectivity in
Si32
Authors: Heery J. , Henderson J. , Hoffman C. R. , Hill A. M. , Beck T. , Cousins C. , Farris P. , Gade A. , Gillespie S. A. , Holt J. D. , Hu B. , Iwasaki H. , Kisyov S. , Kuchera A. N. , Longfellow B. , Müller-Gatermann C. , Poves A. , Rubino E. , Russell R. , Salinas R. , Sanchez A. , Weisshaar D. , Wu C. Y. , Wu J.
Published: January 2024

Lying between O16 and Ca40, the sd shell is well described by robust phenomenological and nuclear theories. In this work, however, we highlight an unexplained reduction in electric-quadrupole strength in the rare isotope Si32, studied through sub-barrier Coulomb excitation. It is found that the oblate nature of the deformation is well reproduced, while the absolute scale of quadrupole deformation, however, is inhibited by approximately a factor of 2 compared to theoretical predictions. Through comparison with shell-model and calculations, we present a number of possible explanations for this inhibited E2 strength. By comparing the results of these calculations to multiple observables, we conclude that there is a reduced role for out-of-space excitations in Si32, resulting in a reduction in the corrections normally applied to both models.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Search for dark photon dark matter in the mass range
41−74  μeV
using millimeter-wave receiver and radioshielding box
Authors: Adachi S. , Fujinaka R. , Muto Y. , Nakata H. , Sueno Y. , Sumida T. , Suzuki J. , Tajima O. , Takeuchi H. , Honda S. ,   DOSUE-RR Collaboration
Published: January 2024

Dark photons have been considered potential candidates for dark matter. The dark photon dark matter (DPDM) has a mass and interacts with electromagnetic fields via kinetic mixing with a coupling constant of χ. Thus, DPDMs are converted into ordinary photons at metal surfaces. Using a millimeter-wave receiver set in a radioshielding box, we performed experiments to detect the conversion photons from the DPDM in the frequency range 10–18 GHz, which corresponds to a mass range 41–74  μeV. We found no conversion photon signal in this range and set the upper limits to χ<(0.5–3.9)×10−10 at a 95% confidence level.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Generalized symmetries, gravity, and the swampland
Authors: Cvetič Mirjam , Heckman Jonathan J. , Hübner Max , Torres Ethan
Published: January 2024

Generalized global symmetries are a common feature of many quantum field theories decoupled from gravity. By contrast, in quantum gravity/the Swampland program, it is widely expected that all global symmetries are either gauged or broken, and this breaking is in turn related to the expected completeness of the spectrum of charged states in quantum gravity. We investigate the fate of such symmetries in the context of 7D and 5D vacua realized by compact Calabi-Yau spaces with localized singularities in M theory. We explicitly show how gravitational backgrounds support additional dynamical degrees of freedom which trivialize (i.e., “break”) the higher symmetries of the local geometric models. Local compatibility conditions across these different sectors lead to gluing conditions for gauging higher-form and (in the 5D case) higher-group symmetries. This also leads to a preferred global structure of the gauge group and higher-form gauge symmetries. In cases based on a genus-one fibered Calabi-Yau space, we also get an F-theory model in one higher dimension with corresponding constraints on the global form of the gauge group.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Two-Dimensional Momentum State Lattices
Authors: Agrawal Shraddha , Paladugu Sai Naga Manoj , Gadway Bryce
Published: January 2024

Building on the development of momentum state lattices (MSLs) over the past decade, we introduce a simple extension of this technique to higher dimensions. Based on the selective addressing of unique Bragg resonances in matter-wave systems, MSLs have enabled the realization of tight-binding models with tunable disorder, gauge fields, non-Hermiticity, and other features. Here, we examine and outline an experimental approach to building scalable and tunable tight-binding models in two dimensions describing the laser-driven dynamics of atoms in momentum space. Using numerical simulations, we highlight some of the simplest models and types of phenomena this system is well suited to address, including flat-band models with kinetic frustration and flux lattices supporting topological boundary states. Finally, we discuss many of the direct extensions to this model, including the introduction of disorder and non-Hermiticity, which will enable the exploration of new transport and localization phenomena in higher dimensions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Credibility of food processing companies in terms of food safety: perspective of Generation Z consumers
Authors: Czernyszewicz Eugenia , Wiśniewska Małgorzata Zdzisława
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The authors aimed to identify the opinions of young adult consumers regarding food processing companies’ (FPCs) credibility in terms of food safety (FS).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed Generation Z (GenZ) consumers. The authors assessed the reliability of the research questionnaire using Cronbach’s alpha statistics. The authors used descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA analysis of variance in the data analysis to determine intergroup variability. The authors performed statistical analyses using IBM SPSS Statistics. 27.

Findings

The most valued determinants for consumers were competence and skills, and the most valued family members’ opinions on FS, followed by experts’ opinions. FS concerns are more associated with FPCs than with farmers. The ethics of conduct and moral responsibility play an important role in assessing the FPCs’ credibility.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire did not focus on specific food industries, such as fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, dairy, etc. In the future, a similar survey on producers’ credibility should consider the issue of FS risks associated with the specifics of a particular industry.

Originality/value

The authors proposed a set of factors that may determine young adult consumers’ perception of the FPCs’ credibility, which they may use for research within other consumer groups.
External drivers of inter-organizational collaboration in megaproject: a perspective based on project governance
Authors: Liu Kai , Liu Yuming , Kou Yuanyuan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Inter-organizational collaboration is the organizational guarantee and key link to achieve the goals of megaproject management. Project governance has always played an important role in the construction of megaprojects, but the relationship between project governance and organizational collaboration is unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the role paths of different project governance mechanisms in influencing the collaborative behaviors of stakeholders and collaborative performance and to elucidate the mechanism of project governance on inter-organizational collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was developed based on a comprehensive literature review, termed the structural equation model (SEM). The hypotheses of the model were tested based on data obtained from a questionnaire survey of 235 experts with experience in megaprojects within the construction industry in China.

Findings

The results show that project governance positively contributes to the collaborative behavior of megaproject stakeholders and the collaborative performance of the project team. Collaborative behavior acts as a partial mediator between project governance and the collaborative performance of the megaproject inter-organization alliance. The complexity of the project modulates the relationship between the governance mechanism of the project and the collaborative behavior of the stakeholders, which affects the collaborative performance of the megaproject inter-organization alliance.

Originality/value

The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for promoting positive collaborative behavior among stakeholders in megaproject selection and improving the collaborative performance of megaproject inter-organization alliances.
Is the internet helping farmers build climate resilience? Evidence from rice production in the Jianghan Plain, China
Authors: Tong Qingmeng , Ran Shan , Liu Xuan , Zhang Lu , Zhang Junbiao
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of agricultural internet information (AII) acquisition on climate-resilient variety adoption among rice farmers in the Jianghan Plain region of China. Additionally, it explores the influencing channels involved in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on survey data for 877 rice farmers from 10 counties in the Jianghan Plain, China, this paper used an econometric approach to estimate the impact of AII acquisition on farmers’ adoption of climate-resilient varieties. A recursive bivariate Probit model was used to address endogeneity issues and obtain accurate estimates. Furthermore, three main influencing mechanisms were proposed and tested, which are broadening information channels, enhancing social interactions and improving agricultural skills.

Findings

The results show that acquiring AII can overall enhance the likelihood of farmers adopting climate-resilient varieties by 36.8%. The three influencing channels are empirically confirmed. Besides, educational attainment, income and peer effects can facilitate farmers’ acquisition of AII, while climate conditions and age significantly influence the adoption of climate-resilient varieties.

Practical implications

Practical recommendations are put forward to help farmers build climate resilience, including investing in rural internet infrastructures, enhancing farmers’ digital literacy and promoting the dissemination of climate-resilient information through diverse internet platforms.

Originality/value

Strengthening climate resilience is essential for sustaining the livelihoods of farmers and ensuring national food security; however, the role of internet information has received limited attention. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the casual relationship between internet information and climate resilience, which fills the research gap.
Leveraging strategic leadership for boosting operational resilience in hotels: the role of crisis response strategies and e-readiness
Authors: Ghazi Karam Mansour , Salem Islam Elbayoumi , Dar Hesham , Elbaz Ahmed Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of strategic leadership (SL) on business operational resilience (OR) in the hotel industry in Egypt, namely, during and after the pandemic. This investigation also aimed to explore the mediating function of crisis response strategies (CRSs) and organisational e-readiness (Oe-R) in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire as the primary data collection method. Using partial least squares structural equation simulation (PLS-SEM), the study used a comprehensive sample that targets the general managers of all five-star hotels in Egypt.

Findings

Results indicated that SL has a positive impact on CRSs and Oe-R. Furthermore, the results reveal a positive influence of Oe-R on both CRSs and hotel OR. On the other hand, CRSs do not influence hotel OR. The findings showed that CRSs fully mediate the link between SL and OR. However, CRSs do not serve as a mediator between Oe-R and OR. Furthermore, the findings showed that Oe-R partially mediates the link between SL and both OR and CRSs.

Practical implications

The study yields unique and valuable theoretical and practical insights to guide hotel leaders and managers towards adaptive recovery and resilience in turbulent and crisis-ridden environments by demonstrating that the combined mediating function of CRS and Oe-R is more effective in strengthening the relationship between SL and OR.

Originality/value

This study represents a pioneering investigation that establishes a correlation between SL and OR, either through direct or indirect means. The research examines the involvement of CRSs and Oe-R as collaborative mediators in this relationship. Previous studies undertaken in the hotel industry and service sector have not investigated this specific element.
Unleashing the creative spark: the mediating role of employee work engagement on the relationship between employee training and creativity
Authors: Singh Yuvika , Phoolka Shivinder
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the mediating role of employee work engagement in the relationship between training and creativity in the education sector in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for this study consisted of 260 faculty members from 11 public universities in the Punjab region. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study revealed that training has a significant direct and indirect effect on employee creativity through employee work engagement. The findings suggest that training can stimulate work engagement, highlighting the importance of fostering employee engagement for enhancing creativity.

Research limitations/implications

While the method used in this study may not facilitate direct generalizations, it offers valuable insights into prevalent discursive strategies found in numerous contemporary public organizations.

Practical implications

The findings offer insights for designing targeted training interventions to enhance work engagement and foster creativity among faculty members in the education sector.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing a gap in research on the interaction between training, work engagement and creativity. As there have been limited studies on this topic in the education sector in India, this research provides novel insights and extends the understanding of how these variables are related.
Contemporary crisis management in Ukraine's higher education system: a case study from the crises of the pandemic and the invasion
Authors: Kuzmina Svitlana L. , Popova Olena , Bachurina Ludmyla
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Taking the Institute of Philology and Journalism at Ukraine's Taurida National University as a case study, this paper overviews and distils the crisis management measures utilised in transitioning to fully online education during the crises of the Covid-19 pandemic and full-scale Russian invasion and violence.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aim of spotlighting the experiences of the people most directly impacted by these two contemporary crises, this case study documents the lived experience of the authors—all of whom are/were teaching staff at the Institute—and Institute students’ responses to online surveys conducted between 2020 and 2022.

Findings

The Institute's case study demonstrates that contemporary crisis management via transitioning to fully online learning can be achieved if the following instrumental and methodological components are employed: (1) an initial assessment of the risks and opportunities for the educational community involved; (2) the right choice of online teaching and communications tools; (3) followed by flexibility and gradualism in onward planning (i.e. where technology and pedagogy are understood as interconnected) taking members’ feedback into account. However, the success of these components is contingent upon fulfilling psychological components, with care devoted to: upholding members’ psychological well-being; offering members ongoing technical support; and strengthening trust between members.

Originality/value

This case study offers transferable and adaptable findings for successful crisis management in education, from the Ukrainian context out to the wider world.
Science to practice – networked governance of sustainability transitions in an African university
Authors: Jimu Tawanda , Rennkamp Britta
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present insights on the governance of sustainability transitions in higher education in Africa. The authors interrogate the research literatures on the governance of socio-technical transitions in water, electricity, transport and waste management, and identify barriers and enabling factors that enhance transformative practices in universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical framework proposed in this paper combines the elements of governance network theory (GNT) and transition topology. The framework of this study is grounded in an actor-centric approach using GNT to understand networks conducive to sustainability transitions. Events and governance networks were mapped on a transition topology to visualise organisational and institutional changes over time. The study engaged students, management, academic and administrative staff in building a community of practice towards sustainability. This research is based on qualitative content analysis grounded in interview data, focus group discussions, workshops, webinars and secondary data analysis.

Findings

The findings show that the university has consolidated a sustainability vision and targets, but several factors prevent the community from achieving these targets, including hierarchical decision-making processes, a multitude of disjointed committees and fragmentation in the campus community.

Originality/value

This research adds to an emerging body of literature in the field of sustainability in higher education with two contributions. Firstly, the study presents a novel perspective(s) on the governance of sustainability transitions by combining the literatures on governance and sustainability transitions using a new methodological approach of transition topology to show organisational and institutional changes. Secondly, the study presents new empirical evidence for improving the governance of sustainability transitions in a diverse and highly unequal African university community in the process of (de)colonisation of knowledge and governance.
European historic cities and overtourism – conflicts and development paths in the light of systematic literature review
Authors: Żemła Michał
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to check if destinations with powerful similarities also show similar tourism/overtourism effects that differentiate them from other destinations. This paper gathers and compares data on overtourism in European historic cities already presented in the existing literature and points out features and problems typical for these destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was based on the systematic literature review method, which allowed the author to indicate the most commonly studied European historic cities and the characteristics of overtourism problems.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that several European historic cities share similar tourism development patterns and the overtourism problems manifest numerous similarities. Significantly, these problems are characteristic of historic cities only and partially different from those observed in European urban destinations such as metropolises.

Research limitations/implications

This study enhances a proper understanding of overtourism and the contradictory results published in the existing literature. This study is the first step in building a more situational approach to overtourism and adjusting the theory to particular destinations' features.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study offers local policymakers several hints regarding effectively facing the overtourism problems. Historic cities require special attention when actions toward lowering extreme tourism pressure in monumental zones are implemented and residents' concerns about the spread of tourism, including short-term listings, to residential quarters need to be addressed.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study based on a comparison of similar destinations aimed to develop theory and practical implications devoted purely to a limited number of destinations sharing numerous similarities. The set of coherent theoretical and practical implications designed for a narrow group of cities is to be an essential contribution to the development of research and practice in urban tourism.
A review of research trends in the bullying of higher education employees, 2012–2022
Authors: Albro Marguerite
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to explore and identify gaps within the trends that have occurred in research relating to the bullying of higher education employees.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematized review procedure following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was used to search for and review literature for inclusion in the study. Studies were evaluated against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were then put through a critical appraisal process before being inductively coded using the NVivo software. Codes were then grouped into classifications, which were further grouped into themes.

Findings

The review identified three major themes among the included studies: (a) cause and effect, (b) demographic examinations and (c) institutional approaches to bullying. On their own, each theme stands as a pillar of the research trends explored in the decade of publication included in this review, highlighting several of the many approaches that could be taken when conducting bullying research. Within each theme, findings converge to provide insight to the actual landscape of bullying occurrences among higher education faculty.

Originality/value

Although there are a number of studies exploring bullying among employees in the field of higher education, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is one of the first papers to identify the themes of that research, ultimately summing up our current understanding of the phenomena and where the gaps in our knowledge lie.
Evaluating Construction 4.0 technologies in enhancing safety and health: case study of a national strategic plan
Authors: Shafei Hazwani , Rahman Rahimi A. , Lee Yong Siang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Policymakers are developing national strategic plans to encourage organizations to adopt Construction 4.0 technologies. However, organizations often adopt the recommended technologies without aligning with organizational vision. Furthermore, there is no prioritization on which Construction 4.0 technology should be adopted, including the impact of the technologies on different criteria such as safety and health. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate Construction 4.0 technologies listed in a national strategic plan that targets the enhancement of safety and health.

Design/methodology/approach

A list of Construction 4.0 technologies from a national strategic plan is evaluated using the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method. Then, the data are analyzed using reliability, fuzzy TOPSIS, normalization, Pareto, sensitivity, ranking and correlation analyses.

Findings

The analyses identified six Construction 4.0 technologies that are critical in enhancing safety and health: Internet of Things, autonomous construction, big data and predictive analytics, artificial Intelligence, building information modeling and augmented reality and virtualization. In addition, six pairs of Construction 4.0 technologies illustrate strong relationships.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by ranking a list of Construction 4.0 technologies in a national strategic plan that targets the enhancement of safety and health. Decision-makers can use the study findings to prioritize the technologies during the adoption process. Also, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate the impact of Construction 4.0 technologies listed in a national strategic plan on a specific criterion.
Explaining how Wikipedia deals with credibility to university students: the case of Wikipedia in the Basque language
Authors: Bidegain Eneko , Egaña Txema , Zuberogoitia Aitor
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse how first-year undergraduate audiovisual communication students assess the credibility and reliability of information on Wikipedia in Basque and analyse whether the experience of being a Wikipedia editor helps to improve students’ perceptions of Wikipedia’s trustworthiness. The purpose of this project was to help students to better understand the credibility mechanisms of Wikipedia in Basque regarding the work of editing and creating entries. Do students’ perceptions about how reliable Wikipedia is change if they receive training as Wikipedia content editors and understand Wikipedia’s credibility mechanisms? What are their perceptions about the credibility of Wikipedia?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors observed and analysed students’ behaviour and perceptions when creating Wikipedia articles and learning about the process of evaluating Wikipedia. This research was carried out at [masked for review] over four consecutive years, where 188 students in the Degree Programme in Audiovisual Communication participated through a questionnaire and in-depth interviews.

Findings

After the experience of creating content on Wikipedia and learning about Wikipedia’s credibility mechanisms experientially, the majority of students reported that their perception of Wikipedia’s credibility had increased, and 70% of students believed Wikipedia to be reliable or more reliable than expected. A smaller number of students stated that understanding Wikipedia’s editing processes decreased their perception of Wikipedia’s credibility.

Practical implications

This project will lead to a better understanding of the performance of students in editing content on Wikipedia and of the impact that this editing experience has on students’ perceptions of credibility with respect to Wikipedia. It will make it possible to better incorporate Wikipedia content editing into the learning processes of students and citizens. This study provides interesting keys to improving the reliability and credibility of Wikipedia among students.

Social implications

As the study examined Basque Wikipedia, it has important social implications since Basque is a minority language and Wikipedia is the main sources of information for students who study in Basque.

Originality/value

The authors have been analysing the credibility of information in general and that of information on Wikipedia in particular since 2010. Based on this experience, the authors decided to design this study so that it was carried out while the students were creating and editing Wikipedia content as part of a project in their educational curriculum. Furthermore, the study expands the body of research carried out to date by incorporating the perspectives of media studies students.