bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1630–1639
Authors: Randall Dale B J , Boswell Jackson C
Published: October 2023

|

In the latter part of 1626, when the very young William D’Avenant (1606–1668) wrote The Cruel Brother, he leavened his tragic matter with a comic strand in which the main character is a “rustick” fellow named Borachio (Spanish borracho, “drunken”). Perceived by Koeppel to be descended from Cervantes’s Sancho Panza, Borachio is the servant companion of Lothario, a country gentleman who, like Don Quixote, makes his way to the court of a duke.
Strategy and Dynamics in Contests
Authors: Konrad Kai A
Published: October 2023

This book describes the theory structure underlying contests, in which players expend effort and/or spend money in trying to get ahead of one another. Uniquely, this effort is sunk and cannot be recovered, regardless of whether a player wins or loses in the competition. Such interactions include diverse phenomena such as marketing and advertising by firms, litigation, relative reward schemes in firms, political competition, patent races, sports, military combat, war and civil war. These have been studied in the field of contest theory both within these specific contexts and at a higher level of abstraction. The purpose of this book is to describe the fundamental common properties of these types of interactions and to uncover some common properties or laws that govern them. The book begins by describing the properties of static contests and tournaments. Aspects such as timing, entry, sabotage and delegation are added and contest design issues such as the admission or exclusion of players and the structure of prizes are discussed. Further, structures are analysed in which players interact repeatedly in the same or different contest environments. Examples are inter-group conflict followed by intra-group rivalry, elimination tournaments and other dynamic contest structures.
Types of Contest
Authors: Konrad Kai A
Published: October 2023

Many dimensions can be distinguished for a typology of contests. Hirshleifer and Riley (1992, chapter 10), for instance, distinguish dimensions such as whether random elements play a role in the contest success function, whether contestants are informed about their co-players ‘ costs or their co-players ‘ valuations of the prize, whether the contestants ‘ costs of their effort choices are determined by themselves or partially by their co-players, as in wars of attrition, etc. With so many such dimensions, classification is cumbersome. I will follow an alternative strategy and present the three types of contest technology described by the contest success functions that are most prominent in the literature.
The Bad Guys First
Authors: Rumsfeld —Donald
Published: October 2023

Standing beneath a sun-bleached sky, Michael Lehnert scanned the horizon stretching behind the remote airfield on the leeward side of Guantanamo Bay. It was exactly four months since American Airlines flights 11 and 175 struck the Twin Towers and AA 77 had hit the Pentagon and United Flight 93 had crashed into the field near the town of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Inspecting the landing site from a rise 100 yards away, Lehnert tried to get an overall picture of his JTF’s readiness for their first consignment of detainees, a group of 20 whom Lehnert described before they arrived as “the bad guys first.”
Towels into Turbans
Authors: Sassi —Nizar , #325 Guantanamo Detainee
Published: October 2023

“15, 17, 14, No B, L, D” was scribbled by hand on a large piece of canvas taped to the wall above the press desk. The sequence telegraphed an ongoing human drama in numbers and letters. To an outsider, it might have resembled some sort of enigmatic code. But everyone on the island base—officers, staff, the press, and even the detainees—knew exactly what it meant.
Efficiency Concepts In Economic Theory
Authors: Schwalbe Ulrich , Zimmer Daniel
Published: October 2023

According to the classical definition, ‘Economics is the science which studies human behaviour as a relationship between given ends and scarce means which have alternative uses.’ This definition was given by Robbins in 19321 and remains valid today. It follows that economics must address the issue of the efficient use of existing resources, production factors, and goods and of the conditions under which a market economy will utilise these factors in the most efficient way. Economic theory has proposed a number of efficiency criteria in order to determine whether or not resources are being used efficiently: allocative efficiency, productive efficiency, and dynamic efficiency.
Market Power And Price Elasticities
Authors: Schwalbe Ulrich , Zimmer Daniel
Published: October 2023

In Part 1 2. above, it was shown that inefficiencies will arise if the price of a good exceeds its marginal cost. This applies above all to allocative efficiency, but it may also be true with respect to productive efficiency, which is liable to be affected by X-inefficiencies, particularly in the case of a monopoly. If a firm is able to charge a price above the competitive level, this gives it a certain margin of discretion in setting its prices. Economic theory refers to that discretion as market power. In other words, the economic definition of market power is the firm’s ability to set a price above long-run marginal cost.1 This definition also covers cases in which a firm continues to charge the same price, whilst at the same time reducing the quality of its product and thus the cost of production, since price will exceed marginal cost in that case too.2
Single Dominance
Authors: Schwalbe Ulrich , Zimmer Daniel
Published: October 2023

A merger is relatively easy to analyse when it gives rise to a monopoly or a dominant firm with a competitive fringe. In those cases, competition will be either eliminated entirely or limited to a competitive fringe unable to affect the market outcome to any significant extent. In either case, the market outcome is likely to be adversely affected, especially with respect to allocative and productive efficiency. Dynamic efficiency on the market may also be affected in certain circumstances.1 There is hardly a convincing economic justification for mergers resulting in such market structures and they should therefore be prohibited. However, especially in the case of imminent single dominance as identified on the basis of the resulting market shares, mitigating factors have to be considered. Important mitigating factors include barriers to market entry and potential competition.2 While it is possible that the merger will give rise to substantial efficiency gains, these do not usually suffice to counteract the resulting deterioration in the market structure.3
A pairwise radiomics algorithm–lesion pair relation estimation model for distinguishing multiple primary lung cancer from intrapulmonary metastasis
Authors: Chen Ting-Fei , Yang Lei , Chen Hai-Bin , Zhou Zhi-Guo , Wu Zhen-Tian , Luo Hong-He , Li Qiong , Zhu Ying
Published: October 2023

Abstrac

Background

Distinguishing multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) from intrapulmonary metastasis (IPM) is critical for their disparate treatment strategy and prognosis. This study aimed to establish a non-invasive model to make the differentiation pre-operatively.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 168 patients with multiple lung cancers (307 pairs of lesions) including 118 cases for modeling and internal validation, and 50 cases for independent external validation. Radiomic features on computed tomography (CT) were extracted to calculate the absolute deviation of paired lesions. Features were then selected by correlation coefficients and random forest classifier 5-fold cross-validation, based on which the lesion pair relation estimation (PRE) model was developed. A major voting strategy was used to decide diagnosis for cases with multiple pairs of lesions. Cases from another institute were included as the external validation set for the PRE model to compete with two experienced clinicians.

Results

Seven radiomic features were selected for the PRE model construction. With major voting strategy, the mean area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the training versus internal validation versus external validation cohort to distinguish MPLC were 0.983 versus 0.844 versus 0.793, 0.942 versus 0.846 versus 0.760, 0.905 versus 0.728 versus 0.727, and 0.962 versus 0.910 versus 0.769, respectively. AUCs of the two clinicians were 0.619 and 0.580.

Conclusions

The CT radiomic feature-based lesion PRE model is potentially an accurate diagnostic tool for the differentiation of MPLC and IPM, which could help with clinical decision making.
A preliminary randomized trial of reinforcement contingencies to improve compliance with ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Gass Julie C , Tonkin Sarah , Maguin Eugene , Colder Craig R , Mahoney Martin C , Tiffany Stephen T , Hawk Larry W
Published: October 2023

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) methods are increasingly used by translational scientists to study real-world behavior and experience. The ability to draw meaningful conclusions from EMA research depends upon participant compliance with assessment completion. Most EMA studies provide financial compensation for compliance, but little empirical evidence addresses the impact of reinforcement parameters on the level of compliance. The purpose of this study-within-a-trial was to determine the effects of varying the amount and frequency of reinforcement on EMA compliance in a clinical sample of individuals seeking treatment for cigarette smoking. In the parent clinical trial, participants were asked to complete 9 weeks of EMA (1 daily Morning Assessment and 4 daily Random Assessments). Following a 5-week Standard Payment phase for EMA compliance, 61 individuals seeking treatment for cigarette smoking enrolled in the larger clinical trial were randomized to receive Standard ($1 per assessment, paid biweekly), Frequent ($1 per assessment, paid 3 times per week), or Large ($2 per assessment, paid biweekly) payments for EMA compliance during a 4-week Payment Manipulation Phase. Overall, receiving Frequent or Large payments did not improve EMA compliance compared to Standard payments, Ps > .30. Varying frequency and amount of remuneration for EMA compliance did not generally improve compliance in an ongoing clinical trial, raising further questions about the importance of reinforcement parameters in promoting EMA compliance.
Treatment of interspinous pain with extracorporeal shockwave therapy: a case report
Authors: Leupold Olivia , Cheng Jennifer , Barcavage Christine , Press Joel , Wyss James
Published: October 2023

The interspinous region is an atypical source of low back pain (LBP), and it can often be difficult to identify. There are many structural components in the interspinous region that can contribute to interspinous pain, including the interspinous ligament (ISL) which plays a role in providing stabilization to the spine. Successful treatments of interspinous pain have not been well characterized in the literature. This case presents the first documentation of the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as a non-invasive treatment for refractory interspinous-related LBP. ESWT has previously been shown to facilitate regeneration and tissue healing in tendons and ligaments, but has not previously been used to treat interspinous pain. A 24-year-old former collegiate softball player presented with 5 months of LBP; the ISL was clinically suspected as a pain generator, and this was confirmed via an ultrasound-guided injection. She underwent a course of physical therapy that improved function but did not improve pain, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only provided minimal and temporary relief. Three consecutive ESWT treatment sessions provided 90% improvement in pain and function, and she was able to return to exercise and recreational sports. At >6 months post-ESWT treatment, she reported no recurrences or functional limitations.
Superficial vein thrombosis following intra-articular particulate steroid injection for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Sammartino Francesco , Dean Steven M. , Baria Michael R.
Published: October 2023

Intra-articular (IA)steroid injections for knee osteoarthritis (OA) are a routine procedure in musculoskeletal clinics. While their role in OA care is debatable, they serve as an important therapeutic option to relieve OA-associated pain. Potential risks are self-limited (increased pain flare, local skin irritation, flushing, insomnia) or severe (septic arthritis, intravascular medication placement, and the deleterious effect on cartilage and bone). In our experience, more serious adverse events are rare. In this case, we present a complication secondary to IA steroid administration that has not previously been reported in the literature: superficial vein thrombosis. This will raise awareness among clinicians, improve the informed consent process, and provide an approach for the management of subsequent injections.
Duped by dumping syndrome: non-endemic Vibrio cholerae bacteremia in an immunocompetent host with gastric bypass surgery, a case report
Authors: Reyes Fabiola , Pecora Nicole , Weiss Zoe Freeman
Published: October 2023

Extra-intestinal infection with non-O1/non-O139 strains of

Vibrio cholerae

(NOVC) is rare, though bacteremia and hepatobiliary manifestations have been reported. Reduced stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, can increase risk of

V. cholerae

infection. We describe a 42-year-old woman with hypochlorhydria due to untreated

Helicobacter pylori

infection, gastric-bypass surgery, and chronic proton pump inhibitors (PPI) exposure, who developed acute diarrhoea following raw oyster consumption. Her symptoms were attributed to rapid gastric emptying (dumping syndrome) after a negative limited stool work-up. She had persistent diarrhoea, weight loss, and after 5 months was admitted with acute cholecystitis and NOVC bacteremia, requiring cholecystectomy. This is the first reported case of NOVC bacteremia and cholecystitis in a patient with gastric bypass. This case highlights the potential for NOVC biliary carriage, the role of hypochlorhydria as a risk factor for

Vibrio

infection, and the importance of excluding infectious diarrhoea in patients with new onset of symptoms compatible with dumping syndrome and a relevant travel history.
Marnyiella aurantia, gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterial species of the family Weeksellaceae that could produce flexirubin type pigments
Authors: Zhao Lijun , Yang Caixin , Chen Mengshan , Zhang Jing , Kong Mimi , Dong Lingzhi , Gong Jian , Yang Jing , Pu Ji , Lu Shan , Jin Dong , Liu Liyun , Wang Suping , Xu Jianguo
Published: October 2023

Two Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, and obligately aerobic bacteria, designated strains CX-624T and cx-311, were isolated from soil samples in Qinghai Province, China. The two strains grew best at 28 °C on the plate with Tryptone soya agar (TSA). Cells formed circular, convex, translucent, smooth, and orange colonies with approximately 1.0 mm diameter after 2 days of incubation on TSA at 28 °C. The strains were oxidase-negative and catalase-positive. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0, and major polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, four unidentified lipids and an aminolipid. MK-6 was the sole menaquinone in strain CX-624T. Comparative analysis of the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences showed strains CX-624T and cx-311 were member of the family

Weeksellaceae

, with the highest similarity to

Kaistella haifensis

H38T (96.66 %),

Epilithonimonas pallida

DSM 18015T (96.59 %), and

Chryseobacterium gambrini

DSM 18014T (96.53 %). Both phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and 177 core genes revealed that strains CX-624T and cx-311 formed an independent clade. Average nucleotide identity values (< 72.64 %), average amino-acid identity values (<72.61 %) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (< 21.10 %) indicated that the strains CX-624T and cx-311 should constitute a novel genus. The DNA G+C contents of strains CX-624T and cx-311 were 43.0 mol% and 42.7 mol%. According to the data obtained in this study, strain CX-624T represents a novel species belonging to a novel genus of the

Weeksellaceae

, for which the name Marnyiella aurantia gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CX-624T (=GDMCC 1.1714T = JCM 33925T).
Asymptotically exact fit for linear mixed model
Authors: Guan Yongtao , Levy Daniel
Published: October 2023

The linear mixed model (LMM) has become a standard in genetic association studies to account for population stratification and relatedness in the samples to reduce false positives. Much recent progresses in LMM focused on approximate computations. Exact methods remained computationally demanding and without theoretical assurance. The computation is particularly challenging for multiomics studies where tens of thousands of phenotypes are tested for association with millions of genetic markers. We present IDUL and IDUL†that use iterative dispersion updates to fit LMMs, where IDUL†is a modified version of IDUL that guarantees likelihood increase between updates. Practically, IDUL and IDUL†produced identical results, both are markedly more efficient than the state-of-the-art Newton-Raphson method, and in particular, both are highly efficient for additional phenotypes, making them ideal to study genetic determinants of multiomics phenotypes. Theoretically, the LMM like-lihood is asymptotically uni-modal, and therefore the gradient ascent algorithm IDUL†is an asymptotically exact method. A software package implementing IDUL and IDUL†for genetic association studies is freely available athttps://github.com/haplotype/IDUL.
Insights in neuronal tuning: Navigating the statistical challenges of autocorrelation and missing variables
Authors: Nevjen Fredrik , Dunn Benjamin Adric
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in neuroscience have improved our ability to investigate neural activity by making it possible to measure vast amounts of neurons and behavioral variables, and explore the underlying mechanisms that connect them. However, comprehensively understanding neuronal tuning poses challenges due to statistical issues such as temporal autocorrelation and missing variables, as neurons are likely driven in part by unknown factors. The field consequently needs a systematic approach to address these challenges. This study compares various methods for covariate selection using both simulated data and calcium data from the medial entorhinal cortex. We conclude that a combination of cross-validation and a cyclical shift permutation test yields higher test power than other evaluated methods while maintaining proper error rate control, albeit at a higher computational cost. This research sheds light on the quest for a systematic understanding of neuronal tuning and provides insight into covariate selection in the presence of statistical complexities.
Real-Time Computation of Brain E-Field for Enhanced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Neuronavigation and Optimization
Authors: Hasan Nahian I. , Dannhauer Moritz , Wang Dezhi , Deng Zhi-De , Gomez Luis J.
Published: October 2023

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) coil placement and pulse wave-form current are often chosen to achieve a specified E-field dose on targeted brain regions. TMS neuronavigation could be improved by including real-time accurate distributions of the E-field dose on the cortex. We introduce a method and develop software for computing brain E-field distributions in real-time enabling easy integration into neuronavigation and with the same accuracy as 1st-order finite element method (FEM) solvers. Initially, a spanning basis set (< 400) of E-fields generated by white noise magnetic currents on a surface separating the head and permissible coil placements are orthogonalized to generate the modes. Subsequently, Reciprocity and Huygens’ principles are utilized to compute fields induced by the modes on a surface separating the head and coil by FEM, which are used in conjunction with online (real-time) computed primary fields on the separating surface to evaluate the mode expansion. We conducted a comparative analysis of E-fields computed by FEM and in real-time for eight subjects, utilizing two head model types (SimNIBS’s ‘headreco’ and ‘mri2mesh’ pipeline), three coil types (circular, double-cone, and Figure-8), and 1000 coil placements (48,000 simulations). The real-time computation for any coil placement is within 4 milliseconds (ms), for 400 modes, and requires less than 4 GB of memory on a GPU. Our solver is capable of computing E-fields within 4 ms, making it a practical approach for integrating E-field information into the neuronavigation systems without imposing a significant overhead on frame generation (20 and 50 frames per second within 50 and 20 ms, respectively).
Reorganization of Structural Connectivity in the Brain Supports Preservation of Cognitive Ability in Healthy Aging
Authors: Neudorf Josh , Shen Kelly , McIntosh Anthony R.
Published: October 2023

The global population is aging rapidly, and a research question of critical importance is why some older adults suffer tremendous cognitive decline while others are mostly spared. Past aging research has shown that older adults with spared cognitive ability have better local short-range information processing while global long-range processing is less efficient. We took this research a step further to investigate whether the underlying structural connections, measured in vivo using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), show a similar shift to support cognitive ability. We analyzed the structural connectivity streamline probability (representing the probability of connection between regions) and nodal efficiency and local efficiency regional graph theory metrics to determine if age and cognitive ability are related to structural network differences. We found that the relationship between structural connectivity and cognitive ability with age was nuanced, with some differences with age that were associated with poorer cognitive outcomes, but other reorganizations that were associated with spared cognitive ability. These positive changes included strengthened local intrahemispheric connectivity and increased nodal efficiency of the ventral occipital-temporal stream, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus for older adults, and widespread local efficiency primarily for middle-aged individuals.

Author Summary

We utilized network neuroscience methods to investigate why some older adults suffer tremendous cognitive decline while others are mostly spared. Past functional research found that older adults with spared cognitive ability have better local short-range information processing while global long-range processing is less efficient. We took this research a step further to investigate whether structural connectivity reorganizes to preserve cognitive ability. We analyzed age and fluid intelligence as a function of structural connectivity and regional graph theory measures using partial least squares. Some differences with age were associated with poorer cognitive outcomes, but other reorganizations spared cognitive ability. Beneficial reorganizations included strengthened local intrahemispheric connectivity and increased nodal efficiency of focal regions for older adults, as well as widespread increased local efficiency for middle-aged individuals.
Nature and location of modifier alleles determine the resolution of intralocus sexual conflict
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Jain Koyna , Geeta Arun Manas , Prasad N G
Published: October 2023

When selection favours different levels of expression for a shared trait in males and females, the population is said to be in Intralocus Sexual Conflict (IaSC). In a landmark study, Connallon and Clark (2010) showed that modifiers (alleles at a different locus that alter the expression of the trait under IaSC in a sex-specific manner), effectively resolve IaSC. Their model assumed that modifier alleles are “perfect”; i.e., they fully rescue the harmful effects of the deleterious allele while leaving the positive effects of the beneficial allele unaffected. In the present study, we relaxed this assumption to include more realistic “imperfect” modifier alleles. Imperfect modifiers are those that reduce the expressions ofbothdetrimental allele and beneficial allele to different extents in a given sex. We also ask whether autosomes or X chromosomes are more conducive to resolution of IaSC. Our results suggest that the resolution of IaSC may not always be guaranteed when the modifier allele is “imperfect.” Interestingly, IaSC gets resolved more easily on autosomes only when modifier alleles are “perfect” or near “perfect” in concordance with the assumption made by Connallon and Clark (2010). However, in general, X chromosomes are more conducive to the resolution of IaSC.
Pan-cancer profiling of tumor-infiltrating natural killer cells through transcriptional reference mapping
Authors: Netskar Herman , Pfefferle Aline , Goodridge Jodie P , Sohlberg Ebba , Dufva Olli , Teichmann Sara A , Clancy Trevor , Horowitz Amir , Malmberg Karl-Johan
Published: October 2023

The functional diversity of natural killer (NK) cell repertoires stems from differentiation, homeostatic receptor-ligand interactions, and adaptive-like responses to viral infections. Here, we generated a single-cell transcriptional reference map of healthy human blood and tissue-derived NK cells, with temporal resolution and fate-specific expression of gene regulator networks defining NK cell differentiation. Using transfer learning, transcriptomes of tumor-infiltrating NK cells from seven solid tumor types (427 patients), combined from 39 datasets, were incorporated into the reference map and interrogated for tumor microenvironment (TME)-induced perturbations. We identified six functionally distinct NK cellular states in healthy and malignant tissues, two of which were commonly enriched for across tumor types: a dysfunctional ‘stressed’ CD56brightstate susceptible to TME-induced immunosuppression and a cytotoxic TME-resistant ‘effector’ CD56dimstate. The ratio of ‘stressed’ CD56brightand ‘effector’ CD56dimwas predictive of patient outcome in malignant melanoma and osteosarcoma. This resource may inform the design of novel NK cell therapies and can be extended endlessly through transfer learning to interrogate new datasets from experimental perturbations or disease conditions.
Distinguishing between- from within-site phase-amplitude coupling using antisymmetrized bispectra
Authors: Pellegrini Franziska , Nguyen Tien Dung , Herrera Taliana , Nikulin Vadim , Nolte Guido , Haufe Stefan
Published: October 2023

Phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) is a form of cross-frequency coupling in which the amplitude of a fast oscillation is locked to the phase of a slow oscillation. PAC has been proposed as a mechanism for integrating slow large-scale networks with fast-oscillating local processes in the brain. On a signal level, PAC can be observed in single time series, reflecting local dynamics, or between two time series, potentially reflecting a functional interaction between distinct brain sites. To investigate the role of PAC as a mechanism of brain signalling, it is important to distinguish these two cases. However, when mixtures of underlying signals are observed, between-site PAC can spuriously emerge even if the true interaction is only local (within-site). This problem arises in electrophysiological recordings where mixing occurs due to volume conduction or the presence of a shared electrical reference. To address this problem, we propose to estimate PAC using the anti-symmetrized bispectrum (ASB-PAC). It has previously been shown that the cross-bispectrum can be used to measure PAC while efficiently sup-pressing Gaussian noise, and that the anti-symmetrized bispectra vanish for mixtures of independent sources. However, ASB-PAC has so far not been used to assess the presence of genuine between-site PAC. Using simulations, we here investigate the performance of different algorithms to detect PAC in a mixed signal setting as well as the performance of the same methods to distinguish genuine between-site PAC from within-site PAC. This is done in a minimal two-channel setup as well as in a more complex setting that assesses PAC on reconstructions of simulated EEG sources. We observe that bispectral PAC methods are considerably better at detecting simulated PAC in the volume conduction setting than three conventional PAC estimators. ASB-PAC achieves the highest performance in detecting genuine between-site PAC interactions while detecting the fewest spurious interactions. Using the ASB-PAC could therefore greatly facilitate the interpretation of future PAC studies when discriminating local from remote effects.

We demonstrate the application of ASB-PAC on EEG data from a motor imagery experiment. Additionally, we present an upgraded version of the free ROIconnect plugin for the EEGLAB toolbox, which includes PAC and ASB-PAC metriscs based on bispectra.
Two-years mothering into the pandemic: Impact of the three COVID-19 waves in the Argentinian postpartum women’s mental health
Authors: Miranda Agustín Ramiro , Scotta Ana Veronica , Cortez Mariela Valentina , Soria Elio Andrés
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affects certain vulnerable groups, including postpartum women. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the mental health evolution in Argentinian postpartum women during the first three waves of COVID-19 and its determinants. In this repeated cross-sectional study, data were collected during the three waves of COVID-19: May-July/2020 (n=319), April-August/2021 (n=340), and December/2021-March/2022 (n=341). Postpartum depression (PDSS-SF), insomnia (ISI), and perceived stress symptoms (PSS-C) were used. Statistical analyses included multivariate logistic regression, analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling to test for temporal trends in mental health indicators during the pandemic and to identify their determinants. The prevalence rates of postpartum depression and insomnia rose from 37% to 60% and 46% to 62%, respectively. In contrast, pandemic-related stress decreased. Certain factors increased maternal risk of mental symptoms: unemployment status, no medical support, reduced family size, remote working, advanced maternal age, late postpartum, multiparity, and living in the least developed region of Argentina. Structural equation modeling confirmed a process of pandemic-stress adaptation, although there is a persistent increment of postpartum depression and consequent increased insomnia. Postpartum women’s mental health was worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although women have become more able to cope and perceive less pandemic-related stress, its social and economic impact still persists and puts them at higher psychological risk. Thus, health systems must ensure the women’s well-being to deal with current and future consequences of this epidemiological scenario.
Observations on the curvature of Physcomitrium patens (Hedw.) Mitt. and Funaria hygrometrica (Hedw.) caulonemal filaments
Authors: Antonishyn Nick A , Duckett Jeffrey G , Ashton Neil W
Published: October 2023

Light-grown, whole gametophytic colonies of Physcomitrium (formerly Physcomitrella) patens (Hedw.) Mitt. exhibit a spiral morphology resulting from the strongly coordinated curvature of the population of peripheral caulonemal filaments. The direction of curvature is predominantly clockwise when cultures are illuminated from above and anticlockwise when illuminated from below. In P. patens, side branch initials (SBIs) emerge from caulonemal subapical cells on the outside of the curve. By contrast, the curvature of caulonemata of Funaria hygrometrica is predominantly anticlockwise when colonies are illuminated from above and clockwise when illuminated from below. In F. hygrometrica, SBIs emerge from caulonemal subapical cells on the inside of the curve. We have discounted a role for gravity in these phenomena and discuss several other possible mechanistic explanations. We also document for the first time thigmotropism of protonemata of P. patens.
A global survey of small RNA interactors identifies KhpA and KhpB as major RNA-binding proteins inFusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Zhu Yan , Ponath Falk , Cosi Valentina , Vogel Jörg
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

The common oral microbeFusobacterium nucleatumhas recently drawn attention after it was found to colonize tumors throughout the human body. Fusobacteria are also interesting study systems for bacterial RNA biology as these early-branching species encode many small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) but lack homologs of the common RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) CsrA, Hfq and ProQ. To search for alternate sRNA-associated RBPs inF. nucleatum, we performed a systematic mass spectrometry analysis of proteins that co-purified with 19 different sRNAs. This approach revealed strong enrichment of the KH domain proteins KhpA and KhpB with nearly all tested sRNAs, including the σE-dependent sRNA FoxI, a regulator of several envelope proteins. KhpA/B act as a dimer to bind sRNAs with low micromolar affinity and influence the stability of several of their target transcripts. Transcriptome studies combined with biochemical and genetic analyses suggest that KhpA/B have several physiological functions, including being required for ethanolamine utilization. Our RBP search and the discovery of KhpA and KhpB as major RBPs inF. nucleatumare important first steps in identifying key players of post-transcriptional control at the root of the bacterial phylogenetic tree.
Effect of high-dose glucocorticoids on persistent opioid use 3 to 12 months after primary total hip or knee arthroplasty. Protocol for a target trial emulation using observational data from Danish registries
Authors: Laigaard Jens , Christensen Robin , Varnum Claus , Lindberg-Larsen Martin , Haxholdt Lunn Troels , Mathiesen Ole , Overgaard Søren
Published: October 2023

Background

Persistent postsurgical pain and opioid use after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) have major consequences for the patient and for society. High-dose perioperative treatment with glucocorticoids reduces inflammation and acute pain, both of which are associated with persistent postsurgical pain. We therefore hypothesise that routine treatment with glucocorticoids reduces the number of patients with persistent opioid use.

Objective

To determine if perioperative glucocorticoids for primary THA or TKA surgery, relative to no glucocorticoids, decreases the number of patients taking opioids in the period from 3 to 12 months after surgery.

Design

Target trial emulation trial with data from Danish national registries.

Setting

All departments of orthopaedic surgery in Denmark, from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020.

Participants

Patients with primary osteoarthritis undergoing primary THA or TKA, excluding presurgical users of glucocorticoids or insulin because these patients do not always receive the intervention.

Intervention

A single high-dose glucocorticoids (≥125 mg methylprednisolone or ≥24 mg dexamethasone) after induction of anaesthesia.

Comparator

No glucocorticoids during surgery.

Allocation

Patients operated at departments where treatment with high-dose glucocorticoids was standard of care at the time of surgery constitute the treatment arm, while patients operated at departments where high-dose glucocorticoids was not used serve as controls. Thus, all patients will be analysed according to their ‘allocation’, regardless of whether they received the treatment or not.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome is number of persistent opioid users, defined as patients who redeem a prescription within at least two of the last three quarters during the first postsurgical year. The primary safety outcome is number of days alive and out of hospital within 90 days after surgery.

Expectations

These results will provide important evidence for or against the use of perioperative glucocorticoids in total hip and knee arthroplasty.
The role of positive online reviews in risk-based consumer behaviours: an information processing perspective
Authors: Lam Tri , Heales Jon , Hartley Nicole
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The continuing development of digital technologies creates expanding opportunities for information transparency. Consumers use social media to provide online reviews that are focused on changing levels of consumer trust. This study examines the effect of perceived risk that prompts consumers to search for online reviews in the context of food safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Commitment-trust theory forms the theoretical lens to model changes in consumer trust resulting from online reviews. Consumer-based questionnaire surveys collected data to test the structural model, using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The findings show when consumers perceive high levels of risk, they use social media to obtain additional product-related information. The objective, unanimous, evidential and noticeable online reviews are perceived as informative to consumers. Perceived informativeness of positive online reviews is found to increase consumers trust and, in turn, increase their purchase intentions.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the knowledge of online review-based trust literature and provide far-reaching implications for information system (IS)-practitioners in business.
Where have the ethical and moral standards landed? Consumer self-congruency and psychological distance in the context of AI-based services
Authors: Jin Dan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide insights and guidance for practitioners in terms of ensuring rigorous ethical and moral conduct in artificial intelligence (AI) hiring and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed two experimental designs and one pilot study to investigate the ethical and moral implications of different levels of AI implementation in the hospitality industry, the intersection of self-congruency and ethical considerations when AI replaces human service providers and the impact of psychological distance associated with AI on individuals' ethical and moral considerations. These research methods included surveys and experimental manipulations to gather and analyze relevant data.

Findings

Findings provide valuable insights into the ethical and moral dimensions of AI implementation, the influence of self-congruency on ethical considerations and the role of psychological distance in individuals’ ethical evaluations. They contribute to the development of guidelines and practices for the responsible and ethical implementation of AI in various industries, including the hospitality sector.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of exercising rigorous ethical-moral AI hiring and implementation practices to ensure AI principles and enforcement operations in the restaurant industry. It provides practitioners with useful insights into how AI-robotization can improve ethical and moral standards.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by providing insights into the ethical and moral implications of AI service robots in the hospitality industry. Additionally, the study explores the relationship between psychological distance and acceptance of AI-intervened service, which has not been extensively studied in the literature.
Times of crisis and new entrepreneurial opportunities in highly regulated environments: the case of mRNA-biotechs during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Truong Yann , Tahar Yosr Ben
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Crises, such as COVID-19 pandemic, are critical events that provoke important changes in organizational practices, regulations and actors' roles. The pharmaceutical sector has been strongly affected because of the urgency to produce drugs that are effective and safe. However, the validation process and regulations are historically restrictive in this sector. This study aims to study how biotechnology firms, small companies lacking resources, have undertaken strategic actions during crisis time to induce important changes to their advantage within such a highly regulated environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews were conducted with 21 managers in four mRNA-based biotechnology firms.

Findings

Results showed that rhetorical strategies and institutional actions are used in order to manage change opportunities. Media attention, greater openness of state agencies and public willingness to accept new ways of treatment illustrated this opportunity of change in favor of biotechnology firms.

Originality/value

Highly regulated environments tend to be unfavorable to smaller firms with limited resources to overcome these constraints. The authors show that times of crisis can reverse this assumption through the provision of new opportunities as long as the smaller firms skillfully use strategic actions to exploit the institutional changes at play.
Combating corruption based on Al-Siyasah al-Syar’iyyah perspective: a literature review
Authors: Din Salah Ud , Syed Ismail Sharifah Hayaati , Raja Sulong Raja Hisyamudin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present an analysis of the Islamic good governance concept and means known as Al-Siyasah Al-Syar’iyyah as a principle and approach for combating corruption. This literature review aims to synthesize extant literature that discusses the determinants of integrity and how to prevent and combat corruption based on the Al-Siyasah Al-Syar’iyyah perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search was conducted on a literature review based on Scopus and referred journals from Google Scholar databases. A manual search on Google Scholar was performed to identify additional relevant studies. Studies were selected based on the predetermined criteria. They were thematically examined using content analysis.

Findings

The study found that most of the 45 works of the literature, (41 studies and four chapters) suggested that corruption should be considered a sin and that education of Al-Siyasah Al-Syar’iyyah’s perspective against corruption, emphasizing the principle of piety, the institutionalization of justice and accountability, good governance performance with an emphasis on its belief in self-accountability and justice, is the means to combat corruption.

Originality/value

This study is unique in that it focuses on locating material on battling corruption from the standpoint of Al-Siyasah Al-Syar’iyyah. Based on the al-Quran, the Sunnah and the best practices of Muslim rulership, this notion provides an epistemological, ethical and ontological stance in Islam.
Are consumers willing to co-create value when focal firms' suppliers are proactive in green innovation? A chain liability and green halo effect
Authors: Yao Qi , Liang Yuntong , Feng Mengying , Wang Hao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Based on the chain liability and green halo effects, this study uses the perspective of multi-tier supply chain management to examine the impact mechanism and boundary conditions of suppliers' green innovation types on consumers' willingness to participate in value co-creation with focal firms from the perspective of multi-tier supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using four situational experiments, 660 participants were recruited in Credamo, and SPSS 23.0 was used for data analysis. Experiments 1a and 1b verify the effect of suppliers' green innovation on consumers' willingness to participate in value co-creation with focal firms; experiment 2 examines the mediating effect of green sincerity perception; and experiment 3 explores the moderating effect of innovation proactiveness.

Findings

The results show that suppliers' green innovation efforts are more sincere when they are substantive (vs. symbolic), thereby generating higher value co-creation intentions. As a driving force, innovation proactiveness moderates the influence of suppliers' green innovation types on consumer's willingness to co-create value with focal firms.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature on green supply chain management (GSCM) and consumers' willingness to co-create value. Furthermore, this study provides firms with practical guidance to improve marketing performance and green innovation practices through multilevel GSCM.
Show me? Inspire me? Make me? An institutional theory exploration of social and environmental reporting practices
Authors: Wukich Jacqueline Jarosz , Neuman Erica L. , Fogarty Timothy J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Albeit gradual and uneven, the emergence of social and environmental reporting by publicly held corporations has been a major development in the last few decades. This paper aims to explore patterns of the emergence of these disclosures. Using an institutional theory lens, this paper considers mimetic, normative and coercive possibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

US publicly traded company data from 2013 to 2019 is used to test the hypotheses. Mimetic forces are proxied with corporate board interlock frequency. Normative ones use the extent of gender diversity on corporate boards. Measures of business climate and industry regulatory sensitivity proxy coercive potentiality.

Findings

Studied in isolation, each of the three forces through which organizations pursue the heightened legitimacy of enhanced environmental and social disclosures has credibility. The strongest support exists for mimetic and normative mechanisms, perhaps because the US government has been reluctant to make these expanded disclosures mandatory.

Research limitations/implications

In the world of voluntary action, more attention to diffusion is needed. For these purposes, better proxies will be needed to study change. Social and environmental information should be separated for individual analysis.

Practical implications

At least in the USA, companies are attentive to what other companies are doing. There is something to be said for the ethical dimension of corporate transparency.

Social implications

Governmental action in this area has not been effective, at current levels. Corporate leadership is essential. Critical information is shared about disclosure by board members.

Originality/value

Although institutional theory makes several appearances in this area, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first empirical archival study to examine the three forces simultaneously, providing evidence as to the relative magnitude of each institutional force on environmental and social disclosures. Should these disclosures not be mandated by government, this study shows pathways for enhanced disclosures to continue to spread.