bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of artificial intelligence on unemployment: a review
Authors: Virgilio Gianluca Piero Maria , Saavedra Hoyos Fausto , Bao Ratzemberg Carol Beatriz
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to summarise the state-of-the-art debate on impact of artificial intelligence on unemployment and reporting up-to-date academic findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed as a review of the labour vs capital conundrum, the differences between industrial automation and artificial intelligence, threat to employment, the difficulty of substituting, role of soft skills and whether technology leads to the deskilling of human workers or favors increasing human capabilities.

Findings

Some authors praise the bright future developments of artificial intelligence while others warn about mass unemployment. Therefore, it is paramount to present an up-to-date overview of the problem, compare and contrast its features with what happened in past innovation waves and contribute to academic discussion about the pros/cons of current trends.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is presenting a balanced view of 100+ different studies, the vast majority from the last five years. Reading this paper will allow to quickly grasp the main issues around the thorny topic of artificial intelligence and unemployment.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2023-0338
Multidimensional destination perception effects over medical tourists’ behavioural in emerging destinations: empirical evidence from China’s international medical tourism pilot area
Authors: Jiang Mengyin , Zhao Lindu , Li Yingji
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the consumer perceptions of cognition and intention to visit pilot zone of international medical tourism as emerging, developed medical tourism destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey-based quantitative method, based on a survey of 439 tourists who have cross-border travel experience, the partial least squares approach was performed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that internal factors had a stronger influence on destination image compared to external factors. Among different factors, preferential policies had the greatest impact on intention to visit. Perceived quality had a stronger effect on intention to visit than preference. Geographical distance had a varied effect, with those furthest away in Northeast China showing greater intention to visit compared to closer regions.

Originality/value

This study explores the impact of multidimensional destination perception on medical tourists’ behavioural intention in emerging destinations by integrating the push-pull theory and theory of planned behaviour and tests how geographical distance affects intention to visit emerging destinations. Using China international medical tourism pilot area as a typical case of medical tourism emerging destinations for empirical analysis. This research offers guidance for branding and marketing strategies, contributes to a deeper understanding of medical tourists’ destination choices, enriches the theoretical explanation of emerging destination choice in medical tourism and provides valuable insights for destination recovery.
B2B social media use as a double-edged sword on trust: a social presence theory perspective
Authors: Weng Chenchen , Liu Martin J. , Luo Jun , Yannopoulou Natalia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the social presence theory, this study aims to explore how supplier–customer social media interactions influence supplier observers’ trust in the customers and what mechanisms contribute to variation in trust experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 36 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese suppliers using WeChat for business-to-business interactions. Data were analyzed in three steps: open coding, axial coding and selective coding.

Findings

Findings reveal that varied trust is based not only on the categories of social presence of interaction – whether social presence is embedded in informative interactions – but also on the perceived selectivity in social presence. Observer suppliers who experience selectivity during social and affective interactions create a perception of hidden information and an unhealthy relationship atmosphere, and report a sense of emotional vulnerability, thus eroding cognitive and affective trust.

Originality/value

The findings contribute new understandings to social presence theory by exploring the social presence of interactions in a supplier–supplier–customer triad and offer valuable insights into business-to-business social media literature by adopting a suppliers’ viewpoint to unpack the mechanisms of how social presence of interaction positively and negatively influences suppliers’ trust and behavioral responses.
Evaluating the management of ethnic minority heritage and the use of digital technologies for learning
Authors: Sun Xiaolin , Ch’ng Eugene
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This article examines curatorial practices, both traditional and digital, in the Guizhou Provincial Museum’s ethnic exhibition to assess their effectiveness in representing ethnic minority cultures, fostering learning and inspiring curiosity about ethnic textiles and costumes and associated cultures. It also explores audience expectations concerning digital technology use in future exhibitions.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was employed, where visitor data were collected through questionnaires, together with interviews with expert, museum professionals and ethnic minority textile practitioners. Their expertise proved instrumental in shaping the design of the study and enhancing the overall visitor experience, and thus fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of ethnic minority cultures.

Findings

Visitors were generally satisfied with the exhibition, valuing their educational experience on ethnic textiles and cultures. There is a notable demand for more immersive digital technologies in museum exhibitions. The study underscores the importance of participatory design with stakeholders, especially ethnic minority groups, for genuine and compelling cultural representation.

Originality/value

This study delves into the potentials of digital technologies in the curation of ethnic minority textiles, particularly for enhancing education and cultural communication. Ethnic textiles and costumes provide rich sensory experience, and they carry deep cultural significance, especially during festive occasions. Our findings bridge this gap; they offer insights for museums aiming to deepen the visitor experiences and understanding of ethnic cultures through the use of digital technologies.
Exploring a link between faculty intrapreneurship, student entrepreneurship and ecosystem dynamism
Authors: Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Schaeffer Paola Rücker , Alves André Cherubini , Heaton Sohvi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the impact of student entrepreneurship and university support on faculty intrapreneurship. The authors also analyze the role of the university’s dynamic and ordinary capabilities and the environmental dynamism in which the university is embedded.

Design/methodology/approach

With a large survey data set involving 680 professors and 2,230 students from 70 Brazilian universities, the authors use a multimethod approach with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The PLS-SEM results demonstrate that student entrepreneurship indirectly influences faculty intrapreneurship through the interaction of students with faculty and entrepreneurs, in addition to proving the intense influence of university support on faculty intrapreneurship, especially in a slow-growth environment. Additionally, the authors confirmed the moderating effect of universities’ dynamic and ordinary capabilities on student interaction and university support, respectively, and some exciting differences considering the ecosystem dynamism. The fsQCA results deepened the differences between environments, presenting different configurations between the antecedents that lead to high levels of faculty intrapreneurship in fast and slow-growth environments.

Originality/value

The study makes a unique and significant contribution to the literature on faculty intrapreneurship by examining the cross-interactions between individual, organizational and environmental levels about the promotion of faculty intrapreneurship. From a practical point of view, it is possible to identify more effective, innovative and systematic ways to encourage faculty intrapreneurship in a developing country. The findings help open up the black box of faculty intrapreneurship.
Mindfulness, resilience and the happiness of service employees working from home
Authors: Le Nguyen-Hau , Mai My-Quyen Thi , Le Kieu-Giang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The work-from-home scheme (WFH) is increasingly being adopted in service firms. However, the blurred border between employees’ work and life can create work–life conflict (WLC) that negatively affects their well-being. Therefore, identifying factors that help employees overcome WLC and nurture their well-being is imperative. From a transformative service research (TSR) and personal psychology perspective, this study aims to explore the roles of service employee state of mindfulness and resilience in reducing WLC, alleviating its negative effects and ultimately nurturing their happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural model was proposed. Data were collected from 339 WFH employees in various knowledge-based services such as professional services, information, education and training, financial consulting and marketing. Direct, indirect, mediating and moderating effects were estimated using the CB-SEM method.

Findings

Mindfulness is the overarching capability that helps reduce WLC and raise resilience. It nurtures WFH employee happiness not only directly but also via the mediation of resilience and WLC. Resilience, on the other hand, mediates the effect of mindfulness on happiness and moderates the negative impact of WLC on happiness.

Practical implications

Firms are recommended to organize mindfulness and resilience training programs, and encourage organizational- and job-related facilitators. WFH employees should actively participate in such programs and add them to their to-do-list practices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first empirical studies of employee mindfulness and resilience in the WFH context. It contributes to the TSR research stream and enriches the concepts of mindfulness and resilience by elucidating different mechanisms in which each of these personal qualities operates to help employees nurture happiness in this specific working condition.
How does humble leadership stimulate employees’ service improvisation in hospitality? A social information processing perspective
Authors: Elhadidy Islam Ali , Gao Yongqiang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Drawing on social information processing theory (SIP), this paper examines whether and how humble leadership affects employees' service improvisation (ESI) in the hospitality industry. Further, the study investigates the mediating role of psychological safety and the moderating role of creative self-efficacy (CSE).

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed relationships, the study adopts a cross-sectional design, administering questionnaires to 456 frontline staff in Egypt’s hospitality industry across three main sectors: restaurants, hotels and travel agencies. SPSS 27 and AMOS 22 were used for statistical analysis.

Findings

The study reveals a positive relationship between humble leadership and ESI, partially mediated by psychological safety. Furthermore, CSE not only strengthens the relationship between psychological safety and ESI but also enhances the indirect effect of humble leadership on ESI via psychological safety.

Practical implications

The study offers valuable insights for practitioners in the hospitality industry. To boost ESI, organizations can incorporate humble leadership attributes into their leadership development programs. Fostering a psychologically safe workplace would facilitate the positive impact of humble leadership on ESI. Recognizing CSE as a pivotal moderator underscores the importance of strategically selecting and developing employees with high CSE. These insights aim to cultivate a more service-oriented and effective workforce in the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to leadership research in the hospitality industry by uncovering a previously unexplored link between humble leadership and ESI. Exploring psychological safety as a mediator and CSE as a moderator enhances our comprehension of how and when humble leadership influences ESI.
The role of human behaviour in activist content sharing on social media
Authors: Sinha Ekta
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Social media (SM) platforms tempt individuals to communicate their perspectives in real-time, rousing engaging discussions on countless topics. People, besides using these platforms to put up their problems and solutions, also share activist content (AC). This study aims to understand why people participate in activist AC sharing on SM by investigating factors related to planned and unplanned human behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a quantitative approach and administered a close-ended structured questionnaire to gather data from 431 respondents who shared AC on Facebook. The data was analysed using hierarchical regression in SPSS.

Findings

The study found a significant influence of both planned (perceived social gains (PSGs) , altruism and perceived knowledge (PK)) and unplanned (extraversion and impulsiveness) human behaviour on activist content-sharing behaviour on SM. The moderating effect of enculturation and general public opinion (GPO) was also examined.

Practical implications

Sharing AC on SM is not like sharing other forms of content such as holiday recommendations – the former can provoke consequences (sometimes undesirable) in some regions. Such content can easily leverage the firehose of deception, maximising the vulnerability of those involved. This work, by relating human behaviour to AC sharing on SM, offers significant insights to enable individuals to manage their shared content and waning probable consequences.

Originality/value

This work combined two opposite constructs of human behaviour: planned and unplanned to explain individual behaviour in a specific context of AC sharing on SM.
Research on influences of education and financial literacy on commercial insurance purchase in China
Authors: Lou Shiyan , Wang Junhao , Zeng Yi Ting , Fong Chun Cheong
Published: April 2024

Purpose

With the rapid development of the economy in China, the wealth of residents has continued to increase, and most families have gradually been aware of the importance of commercial insurance. The family purchase of insurance in China was still not optimistic. Many scholars focus on wealth allocation, but the attention to the commercial insurance market was still less. Based on previous research studies, this study aims to investigate the impact of education and financial literacy on the commercial insurance purchase in China.

Design/methodology/approach

China Household Finance Survey data was used to investigate the purchase of commercial insurance in Mainland Chinese families. Factor analysis was used to construct financial literacy, and the education data were combined to analyze the commercial insurance purchase using the Probit model and the Tobit model. Finally, the contributions of education and financial literacy to commercial insurance purchases were analyzed.

Findings

Both education and financial literacy exerted a positive impact on the purchase of commercial insurance in China. Individual characteristics such as gender, age, marital status, risk attitude, purchase of social insurance and consultation with a financial advisor possessed significant effects; household factors like household size and assets, macro factors such as the density of financial institutions and the density of financial industry staff, and regional factors as local unemployment rate excreted influences on the commercial insurance purchase.

Originality/value

Based on the current economic development in China, this study investigated and expressed opinions on the public and insurance companies regarding commercial insurance purchases. It accentuated financial literacy and education as factors that facilitated commercial insurance development.
From isolation to interaction: evaluating social media awareness and adoption in a developing construction industry
Authors: Aliu John , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Oluwasogo Oyediran Abiola , Kanya Rislan Abdulazeez , Ukaha Onyeukwu Samuel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although social media has gained prominence as a communication and marketing tool in various sectors, its adoption and utilization within the construction industry remain relatively underexplored. Therefore, this study fills this gap by evaluating the level of awareness and the extent of adoption of social media within the Nigerian construction industry, shedding light on its current status and potential impact.

Design/methodology/approach

This objective was attained via a quantitative research approach that utilized a structured questionnaire to obtain responses from construction professionals such as architects, builders, engineers, quantity surveyors and estate managers. Frequencies and percentages and the mean item score (MIS) were used to analyze the questionnaire responses and assess the overall awareness and adoption of social media among construction professionals. Additionally, the Kruskal–Wallis H-test provided valuable insights into the variations in social media adoption levels among different professional categories within the construction industry.

Findings

The results indicate that construction professionals possess a generally high level of awareness regarding various social media platforms. However, despite this awareness, the extent of adoption does not align with the level of awareness, suggesting that adoption rates are not as widespread as anticipated.

Practical implications

The findings of this study underscore the importance of not just awareness but also effective adoption and utilization of social media platforms. While awareness is a crucial first step, construction firms should focus on implementing strategies to encourage greater adoption and integration of these platforms into their daily operations. This can go a long way in bridging the awareness – adoption gap which was revealed in this study.

Originality/value

While the limited existing research on social media in the construction industry has predominantly concentrated on areas such as marketing, addressing the root causes of fatalities, data environment tools and business branding, none have undertaken a thorough evaluation of social media awareness and adoption within the sector. This study fills a critical gap by narrowing its focus to the adoption dynamics and the technology’s potential impact on communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing among construction professionals.
Beyond lean production practices and Industry 4.0 technologies toward the human-centric Industry 5.0
Authors: Eriksson Kristina M. , Olsson Anna Karin , Carlsson Linnéa
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Both technological and human-centric perspectives need to be acknowledged when combining lean production practices and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies. This study aims to explore and explain how lean production practices and I4.0 technologies may coexist to enhance the human-centric perspective of manufacturing operations in the era of Industry 5.0 (I5.0).

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach is an explorative and longitudinal case study. The qualitative data collection encompasses respondents from different job functions and organizational levels to cover the entire organization. In total, 18 interviews with 19 interviewees and five focus groups with a total of 25 participants are included.

Findings

Identified challenges bring forth that manufacturing organizations must have the ability to see beyond lean production philosophy and I4.0 to meet the demand for a human-centric perspective in socially sustainable manufacturing in the era of Industry 5.0.

Practical implications

The study suggests that while lean production practices and I4.0 practices may be considered separately, they need to be integrated as complementary approaches. This underscores the complexity of managing simultaneous organizational changes and new digital initiatives.

Social implications

The research presented illuminates the elusive phenomena comprising the combined aspects of a human-centric perspective, specifically bringing forth implications for the co-existence of lean production practices and I4.0 technologies, in the transformation towards I5.0.

Originality/value

The study contributes to new avenues of research within the field of socially sustainable manufacturing. The study provides an in-depth analysis of the human-centric perspective when transforming organizations towards Industry 5.0.
Priests and their Bodies after Trent: (Dis)abilities, Masculinities, Sexualities
Authors: Pattenden Miles
Published: April 2024

This article discusses the impact of a “corporeal turn” in early modern religious history on recent publications in Counter‐Reformation Catholic History. Scholars increasingly look towards the Church's legal archives in Rome as a source of information about ecclesiastical and theological attitudes to the body and sexuality. The figure of the priest has emerged as one of the most interesting subjects in that inquiry because of the richness of material about clerics which those archives hold. Scholars are now engaged in study of how past generations of theologians, ecclesiastical magistrates, and medics assessed priestly abilities and disabilities, priests' engagement in sexual acts, and their wider performances of masculine identities. Rome's role as a major centre in shaping Catholic masculinities is reinforced in this scholarship but a new study underscores the blurred boundaries between the lay and ecclesiastical in masculinities there. Overall, this research provides much new material both for rethinking historical questions about Trent's impact on reform discourses and also for commenting on contemporary debates in theology and Church politics about the nature of Christian priesthood.
Distinguishing climate change impacts from development impacts on summer low flows in Puget Sound streams
Authors: Georgiadis Nicholas , Bogue Kevin , DeGasperi Curtis
Published: April 2024

In many Puget Sound streams, summer low flows have declined in recent decades, and are projected to decline further. Concerns that humans may be responsible have focused on two main causes: anthropogenic climate warming and aspects of development, including urbanization and the abstraction of groundwater. Difficulty in distinguishing their relative impacts has hindered the conception and design of strategies intended to restore and enhance future low flows. We analyzed trends in low flows over recent decades, separating the effects of these factors in two steps. First, low flow variation was assessed in 23 basins that are minimally disturbed by development. Low flows varied over time, and with elevation, in complex ways, consistent with the loss of snowpack at elevations >~800 m. Second, low flow trends in developed lowland basins were compared with trends in a minimally developed lowland reference basin. Flows in developed basins deviated from a purely climate‐driven pattern in unique ways, reflecting unique histories of development. In 21 lowland basins, there was no consistent decline in low flows with increasing impervious land cover, at least between 2001 and 2019. Effects on low flows of private wells alone could be assessed in only one basin, but no impact was evident. An assessment of projected relative impacts on low flows of urbanization, rural development, and anthropogenic warming suggested that the latter will be the greatest.
Macrophage polarization in adenomyosis: A review
Authors: Qiu Yingying , Cao Jian , Li Sujuan , Liu Yongli , Wan Guiping , Gui Tao
Published: April 2024

Adenomyosis (AM) is a common gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma within the uterine myometrium. It is associated with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Although several mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate AM, the exact cause and development of the condition remain unclear. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of macrophage polarization in the microenvironment, which plays a crucial role in AM initiation and progression. However, a comprehensive review regarding the role and regulatory mechanism of macrophage polarization in AM is currently lacking. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the phenotype and function of macrophage polarization and the phenomenon of the polarization of adenomyosis‐associated macrophages (AAMs). It also elaborates on the role and regulatory mechanism of AAM polarization in invasion/migration, fibrosis, angiogenesis, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. Furthermore, this review explores the underlying molecular mechanisms of AAM polarization and suggests future research directions. In conclusion, this review provides a new perspective on understanding the pathogenesis of AM and provides a theoretical foundation for developing targeted drugs through the regulation of AAM polarization.
Association between reversal agents (sugammadex vs. neostigmine) for neuromuscular block and postoperative pulmonary complications: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Ren Aolin , Fan Meihan , Gu Zhen , Liang Xiao , Xu Liuhang , Liu Chengjun , Wang Dutian , Chang Hanxuan , Zhu Minmin
Published: April 2024

Aims

Residual neuromuscular blockade has been linked to pulmonary complications in the postoperative period. This study aimed to determine whether sugammadex was associated with a lower risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) compared with neostigmine.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary academic medical center. Patients ≥18 year of age undergoing noncardiac surgical procedures with general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation were enrolled between January 2019 and September 2021. We identified all patients receiving rocuronium and reversal with neostigmine or sugammadex via electronic medical record review. The primary endpoint was a composite of PPCs (including pneumonia, atelectasis, respiratory failure, pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax). The incidence of PPCs was compared using propensity score analysis.

Results

A total of 1786 patients were included in this study. Among these patients, 976 (54.6%) received neostigmine, and 810 (45.4%) received sugammadex. In the whole sample, PPCs occurred in 81 (4.54%) subjects (7.04% sugammadex vs. 2.46% neostigmine). Baseline covariates were well balanced between groups after overlap weighting. Patients in the sugammadex group had similar risk (overlap weighting OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.41) compared to neostigmine. The sensitivity analysis showed consistent results. In subgroup analysis, the interaction P‐value for the reversal agents stratified by surgery duration was 0.011.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the rate of PPCs when the neuromuscular blockade was reversed with sugammadex compared to neostigmine. Patients undergoing prolonged surgery may benefit from sugammadex, which needs to be further investigated.
Canadian productivity growth: Stuck in the oil sands
Authors: Loertscher Oliver , Pujolas Pau S.
Published: April 2024

We study the behaviour of Canadian Total Factor Productivity (TFP) growth over the past 60 years. We find that the observed stagnation during the last 20 years is accounted for entirely by the oil sector. Higher oil prices made capital‐intensive sources of oil like the oil sands viable to extract on a commercial scale. However, the greater input required per barrel of oil slowed TFP growth. Comparing Canadian TFP growth with that of the United States and Norway reinforces these results. However, our result should not be interpreted to carry any welfare implications.
Maternal dispositional mindfulness and mother–child relationship: The mediating role of emotional control during parenting
Authors: Passaquindici Ilenia , Nardozza Odette , Sperati Alessandra , Lionetti Francesca , D'Urso Giulio , Fasolo Mirco , Spinelli Maria
Published: April 2024

Background

The literature supports the role of parental dispositional mindfulness on parent–child relationship quality. However, little is known about the connection between these two aspects.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether emotion regulation during parenting, that is, the ability to control negative emotions, mediated the association between parental dispositional mindfulness and parent–child relationship quality. The study also explored the moderation role of child age on the association between parental dispositional mindfulness and parent's ability to control negative emotions during parenting.

Methods

Participants were 635 mothers of children aged between 12 months and 5 years. Mothers completed self‐report questionnaires to measure maternal dispositional mindfulness, mother–child relationship quality and maternal control of negative emotions during parenting.

Results

Results showed that maternal ability to control negative emotions during parenting partially mediated the association between maternal dispositional mindfulness and mother–child relationship quality. Moreover, the moderation role of child age indicated that the association between maternal dispositional mindfulness and maternal ability to control negative emotions during parenting was stronger for older children's mothers.

Conclusion

Dispositional mindfulness has a protective role for the quality of parenting and the mother–child relationship. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Sustainable commodity sourcing requires measuring and governing land use change at multiple scales
Authors: zu Ermgassen Erasmus KHJ , Renier Cécile , Garcia Andrea , Carvalho Tomás , Meyfroidt Patrick
Published: April 2024

The increased availability of remote sensing products and new legislative agendas are driving a growing focus on farm‐level traceability and monitoring to tackle commodity‐driven deforestation. Here, we use data on land use change in Brazil (1985–2021) from Mapbiomas to demonstrate how analyses of the drivers of deforestation are sensitive to the scale of analysis: while pixel‐ or property‐level analyses identify proximate drivers of deforestation, analyses at larger scales (subnational regions or countries) capture more complex land use dynamics, including indirect land use change. We argue that initiatives which seek to monitor and address commodity‐driven deforestation—such as the European Union's deforestation due‐diligence regulation and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development's Greenhouse Gas Protocol—must be conscient of these wider land use dynamics. Only by measuring progress and defining success at multiple scales can initiatives for sustainable commodity sourcing create the right mix of incentives for addressing deforestation.
Do biological control agents adapt to local pest genotypes? A multiyear test across geographic scales
Authors: Gibson Amanda Kyle , Mundim Fabiane M. , Ramirez Abbey L. , Timper Patricia
Published: April 2024

Parasite local adaptation has been a major focus of (co)evolutionary research on host–parasite interactions. Studies of wild host–parasite systems frequently find that parasites paired with local, sympatric host genotypes perform better than parasites paired with allopatric host genotypes. In contrast, there are few such tests in biological control systems to establish whether biological control parasites commonly perform better on sympatric pest genotypes. This knowledge gap prevents the optimal design of biological control programs: strong local adaptation could argue for the use of sympatric parasites to achieve consistent pest control. To address this gap, we tested for local adaptation of the biological control bacterium Pasteuria penetrans to the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne arenaria, a global threat to a wide range of crops. We measured the probability and intensity of P. penetrans infection on sympatric and allopatric M. arenaria over the course of 4 years. Our design accounted for variation in adaptation across scales by conducting tests within and across fields, and we isolated the signature of parasite adaptation by comparing parasites collected over the course of the growing season. Our results are largely inconsistent with local adaptation of P. penetrans to M. arenaria: in 3 of 4 years, parasites performed similarly well in sympatric and allopatric combinations. In 1 year, however, infection probability was 28% higher for parasites paired with hosts from their sympatric plot, relative to parasites paired with hosts from other plots within the same field. These mixed results argue for population genetic data to characterize the scale of gene flow and genetic divergence in this system. Overall, our findings do not provide strong support for using P. penetrans from local fields to enhance biological control of Meloidogyne.
Harvest and decimation affect genetic drift and the effective population size in wild reindeer
Authors: Kvalnes Thomas , Flagstad Øystein , Våge Jørn , Strand Olav , Viljugrein Hildegunn , Sæther Bernt‐Erik
Published: April 2024

Harvesting and culling are methods used to monitor and manage wildlife diseases. An important consequence of these practices is a change in the genetic dynamics of affected populations that may threaten their long‐term viability. The effective population size (Ne) is a fundamental parameter for describing such changes as it determines the amount of genetic drift in a population. Here, we estimate Ne of a harvested wild reindeer population in Norway. Then we use simulations to investigate the genetic consequences of management efforts for handling a recent spread of chronic wasting disease, including increased adult male harvest and population decimation. The Ne/N ratio in this population was found to be 0.124 at the end of the study period, compared to 0.239 in the preceding 14 years period. The difference was caused by increased harvest rates with a high proportion of adult males (older than 2.5 years) being shot (15.2% in 2005–2018 and 44.8% in 2021). Increased harvest rates decreased Ne in the simulations, but less sex biased harvest strategies had a lower negative impact. For harvest strategies that yield stable population dynamics, shifting the harvest from calves to adult males and females increased Ne. Population decimation always resulted in decreased genetic variation in the population, with higher loss of heterozygosity and rare alleles with more severe decimation or longer periods of low population size. A very high proportion of males in the harvest had the most severe consequences for the loss of genetic variation. This study clearly shows how the effects of harvest strategies and changes in population size interact to determine the genetic drift of a managed population. The long‐term genetic viability of wildlife populations subject to a disease will also depend on population impacts of the disease and how these interact with management actions.
Using cryotherapy, EMLA (eutectic lidocaine/prilocaine) cream, or lidocaine spray to reduce pain during arteriovenous fistula puncture: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Al‐Jubouri Mohammed Baqer , Jaafar Sabah A. , Abbas Murtadha Khudair , Gazi Ihab Nadhir , Shawwat Maitham A. , Karmoud Karrar Faleh , Al‐Faham Taher Mohsin
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In hemodialysis patients, pain associated with needle insertion into an arteriovenous fistula is a physical and psychological problem. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of pre‐puncture application of an ice pack, EMLA cream, or lidocaine spray to reduce pain associated with access puncture.

Methods

This was a multicenter study done in nine hemodialysis centers in Iraq. The study utilized a randomized, parallel‐group design, in which patients being dialyzed using an arteriovenous access were allocated into one of four groups. Access puncture was preceded by nothing (control group), by use of ice pack cooling at the puncture site, by application of EMLA cream, or by application of lidocaine spray. Pain after access puncture was assessed during a single treatment for each patient. Pain was quantified using a Visual Analogue Scale.

Findings

A total of 1548 patients agreed to participate, and 1041 patients were included in the data analysis. Use of an ice pack, EMLA cream, or lidocaine spray each was associated with a lower pain score on access puncture compared with no pretreatment. The mean Visual Analogue Scores in the four groups were: 69.7 ± 15.7 in the controls, 39.8 ± 13.2 in the ice pack group, 45 ± 18.4 in the EMLA group, and 52.9 ± 15.2 in lidocaine group. Ranking of the pain severity scores suggested that ice pack use was associated with the least pain, followed by use of EMLA cream and use of lidocaine spray (severity score ranking, from lowest to highest, being 1.62, 2.18, and 2.63, respectively).

Discussion

Application of an ice pack prior to vascular access puncture is a fast and inexpensive technique to limit pain associated with this procedure.
The role of germination on changes in bioactive properties, fatty acids and biogenic element profiles of tigernut tubers germinated at different times
Authors: Al Juhaimi Fahad , Mohamed Isam A. , Uslu Nurhan , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Albakry Zainab
Published: April 2024

In this study, the effects of different germination times on some chemical characteristics, total phenol and flavonoid quantity, antioxidant capacities, phenolic and fatty acid compositions and biogenic element contents of tigernut tubers were investigated. Total phenolic and flavonoid quantities of raw and tigernut tubers germinated at certain germination periods were reported to be between 24.40 (first period of germination) and 63.84 mgGAE/100 g (third period of germination) to 33.00 (control) and 184.24 mgRE/100 g (third period of germination), respectively. Antioxidant capacities of raw and germinated tigernut tubers were recorded to be between 0.91 (first period of germination) and 1.57 mmolTE kg−1 (third period of germination). Gallic (except control), catechin, caffeic acid, rutin and kaempferol values of tubers were higher especially in the second and third periods of germination compared to the first period of control and germination. Oleic and linoleic acid values of raw (control) and germinated tigernut oils were identified between 69.41% (third period of germination) and 72.53% (control) to 9.77 (control) and 11.77% (third period of germination), respectively. P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Na were the dominant elements of raw and germinated tigernuts. The bioactive properties, phenolic component amounts and element quantities of germinated tubers were increased.
Preserving the quality attributes of king oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus eryngii) through electron beam irradiation
Authors: Yoon Ki‐Nam , Yoon Yeong‐Seok , Lee Geon‐Ah , Yeom Seo‐Joon , Park Jong‐Heum , Song Beom‐Seok , Eun Jong‐Bang , Kim Jae‐Kyung
Published: April 2024

The preservation of King oyster mushrooms (KOMs) during storage remains a significant challenge due to their susceptibility to microbial spoilage, browning and quality degradation. This study explores the efficacy of electron beam irradiation (EBI) as a novel preservation technique for KOMs, targeting these specific storage issues. Employing a range of detection techniques, we evaluated the impact of EBI on microbial contamination, essential qualities and the browning of KOMs. Our findings reveal that EBI significantly reduces microbial contamination, including total aerobic bacteria and Pseudomonas spp., effectively inhibiting pathogenic spoilage and the formation of browning lesions. The treatment successfully preserved the moisture content, water activity and minimised weight loss, thus maintaining the mushrooms' textural and visual quality. Notably, doses of EBI up to 2 kGy did not adversely affect the firmness of KOMs. Additionally, we determined that photostimulated luminescence and thermoluminescence are effective methods for detecting EBI treatment in KOMs, whereas electron spin resonance proved unsuitable due to the lack of a distinctive irradiation signal in high‐moisture content foods. These findings contribute to the development of an efficient preservation technique for perishable KOMs, offering potential applicability in the food industry.
Evaluation of the potential use of the by‐products of Passiflora maliformis L. and Passiflora edulis Sims from the Southern Colombian Massif as dietary fibre and prebiotic activity
Authors: Sabogal‐Palma A. Carolina , Zapata‐Ocampo Paola A. , Rodríguez‐Cabal H. Alejandro , Ocampo‐Jiménez Omar , Méndez‐Arteaga John J. , Monsalve Zulma I.
Published: April 2024

Within tropical fruits, the Passifloraceae family is distinguished; Colombia is recognised as the most diverse country in this family. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential use of by‐products (shell‐seeds + pulp) of Passiflora maliformis L. and Passiflora edulis Sims as dietary fibre and prebiotic activity, through tests of water, oil and swelling retention capacity and dietary fibre, its potential application was evident in products that require hydration, viscosity development and freshness conservation. Toxicity test, extracts can be classified as ‘safe’ when ingested, as cell viability is equal to or greater than 90%. Probiotic potential is evident for a growth of Latilactobacillus sakei BAP110‐FSC111 ranging from 15% to 100%, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT220 ranging from 10% to 75%, acid digestibility test, hydrolysis percentage varied from 20% to 100%, values according to the by‐product, extract and study species. Highlighting its use as a source of prebiotics, because it increases the proliferation of probiotics from the Lactobacillus family.
Unlocking adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma's epigenetic secrets: delving into the mechanism and impact of EZH1/2 inhibition
Authors: Tavakoli Shirazi Paniz , Bywater Megan J
Published: April 2024

Epigenetic modifications, particularly through methylation of DNA packaging histones, play a pivotal role in controlling gene expression. Aberrant patterns of histone methylation have been associated with the development and progression of hematological malignancies. Unraveling the impact of aberrant histone marks on gene expression and leukemogenesis has spurred a concerted effort to develop clinically effective epigenetic therapies. In malignancies associated with the accumulation of histone H3 lysine trimethylation (H3K27me3), one such intervention involves preventing the deposition of this repressive histone mark by inhibiting the histone‐modifying enzymes EZH1 and EZH2. While inhibition of EZH1/2 has demonstrated efficacy in both preclinical studies and clinical trials in various cancers, studies delineating the dynamic effect of EZH1/2 inhibition on H3K27me3 and disease relapse in clinical samples are lacking. In a recent publication, Yamagishi et al. explore how responses of a patient with adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma to valemetostat, an EZH1/2 inhibitor, are associated with changes in H3K27me3, chromatin accessibility and gene expression, and how these changes can be circumvented in relapsed disease.
Predictors of fall protection motivation among older adults in rural communities in a middle‐income country: A cross‐sectional study using the Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Ong Mei Fong , Soh Kim Lam , Saimon Rosalia , Saidi Hasni Idayu , Tiong Ing Khieng , Myint Wai Wai , Mortell Manfred , Japar Salimah
Published: April 2024

Aims

To evaluate factors associated with fall protection motivation to engage in fall preventive behaviour among rural community‐dwelling older adults aged 55 and above using the protection motivation theory scale.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The study was conducted in a healthcare clinic in Malaysia, using multistage random sampling from November 2021 to January 2022. Three hundred seventy‐five older adults aged 55 and older were included in the final analysis. There were 31 items in the final PMT scale. The analysis was performed within the whole population and grouped into ‘faller’ and ‘non‐faller’, employing IBM SPSS version 26.0 for descriptive, independent t‐test, chi‐square, bivariate correlation and linear regressions.

Results

A total of 375 older participants were included in the study. Fallers (n = 82) and non‐fallers (n = 293) show statistically significant differences in the characteristics of ethnicity, assistive device users, self‐rating of intention and participation in previous fall prevention programmes. The multiple linear regression model revealed fear, coping appraisal and an interaction effect of fear with coping appraisal predicting fall protection motivation among older adults in rural communities.

Conclusion

Findings from this study demonstrated that coping appraisal and fear predict the protection motivation of older adults in rural communities. Older adults without a history of falls and attaining higher education had better responses in coping appraisal, contributing to a reduction in perceived rewards and improving protection motivation. Conversely, older adults from lower education backgrounds tend to have higher non‐preventive behaviours, leading to a decline in fall protection motivation.

Implications for the profession and/or patient care

These results contribute important information to nurses working with older adults with inadequate health literacy in rural communities, especially when planning and designing fall prevention interventions. The findings would benefit all nurses, healthcare providers, researchers and academicians who provide care for older adults.

Patient or Public Contribution

Participants were briefed about the study, and their consent was obtained. They were only required to answer the questionnaire through interviews. Older individuals aged fifty‐five and above in rural communities at the healthcare clinic who could read, write or understand Malay or English were included. Those who were suffering from mental health problems and refused to participate in the study were excluded from the study. Their personal information remained classified and not recorded in the database during the data entry or analysis.