bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of neighborhood factors on exercise capacity in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Masood Imran R. , Wang Lei , Stanley Helen M. , Edwards Jonathan J. , Ahmed Humera , Lin Kimberly Y. , Wittlieb-Weber Carol A. , O’Connor Matthew J. , Rossano Joseph W. , O’Malley Shannon , Paridon Stephen , Tam Vicky W. , Edelson Jonathan B.
Published: October 2024

Background

Restricting certain patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from exercise likely has negative cardiovascular effects and may not reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. Promoting exercise in children with HCM is complex and requires knowledge of the environmental factors that impact exercise capacity in children with HCM.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional analysis includes children with HCM who underwent exercise stress testing (EST) at a single, children’s tertiary-care center between 2000 and 2023. Addresses from contemporaneous EST were accessed and geocoded to census tracts. The Child Opportunity Index (COI) was the primary exposure of interest. Granular neighborhood measures including walkability index, Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes (RUCA), Index of Concentration at the Extremes and Uniform Crime Reporting rates were measured. The primary outcome measure was peak oxygen consumption (VO2). Linear regression and multivariable analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 155 patients were identified who met inclusion criteria, 23% (n=35) of whom were female. Mean age at time of EST was 15.8 ±3.1 years. More than half of included patients were from high or very high COI (30%, n=46, and 35%, n=54, respectively). Most patients lived in urban environments (RUCA score 1 or 2, 96.7%, n=150). The mean peak VO2was 2159 ±906 milliliters/min and adjusted peak VO235.5 ±9.3 mL/kg/min. A multivariate model adjusting for disease severity, age at diagnosis of HCM, race and accounting for collinearity, showed that low COI, higher levels of urbanization and lower concentration of neighborhood wealth were independently associated with lower peak VO2.

Discussion

Our study identified previously unrecognized environmental determinants of exercise capacity in children with HCM, with lower COI, increased urbanization, and lower neighborhood wealth independently associating with lower exercise performance. Programs designed to increase physical activity levels and exercise performance in children with HCM should account for neighborhood and economic factors.
Association Between SomaticPIK3CAMutations and Ancestry in South Asia: Prognostic Insights From a Sri Lankan Breast Cancer Study
Authors: Cabraal Tharini Ruwinya , Kumarasinghe Iranthi , Perera Ranga , Balawardane Jayantha , Viswakula Sameera , Perera Nandika , Galhena Gayani Harendra
Published: October 2024

Background

ThePIK3CAoncogene is one of the most mutated oncogenes in breast cancer, with ancestry-linked variations reported globally. The study aimed to discern the prevalence and prognostic role ofPIK3CAmutations in Sri Lankan breast cancer patients for the first time, focusing on the correlation between somatic mutations and patient ancestry in an exclusively South Asian cohort of breast cancers.

Materials & Methods

A qPCR-based genetic analysis was performed on DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of 63 clinically diagnosed, female, Sri Lankan breast cancer patients using the QClamp®PIK3CAMutation Detection Test for the hotspot mutations ofPIK3CA(i.e., H1047R, E545K, E542K) followed by a statistical analysis. Patient samples and clinical data were fully anonymized, with no identifying information available to authors at any point of the study.

Results

Somatic missensePIK3CAmutations H1047R and E542K, were detected in 17.46% of the cohort. E545K mutation was not detected. The observed mutations were associated with an increased risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis (p=0.036, OR 9.60) and reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p<0.001, HR 26.19). In addition, LN metastasis (p=0.026, HR 123.94) and a high Ki67 index (p=0.029, HR 79.69) were individually associated with reduced RFS. All three factors above-presence of aPIK3CAmutation, LN metastasis and a high Ki67 index-in combination, were also associated with reduced RFS (p<0.001). Further analysis revealed a significant association between patient ancestry andPIK3CAmutation status (p=0.028).

Conclusion

Despite being a pilot study, the findings suggest thatPIK3CAmay serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in Sri Lankan breast cancer patients, with ancestry-linked variations potentially influencing metastatic outcomes. These results bring out the importance of integrating PI3K inhibitors into the therapeutic management of breast cancers in Sri Lanka after validating these findings in a functional study using a larger cohort.
Assessing how women access healthcare to inform cervical cancer and HIV screening in rural Uganda
Authors: Sheehan Mia , Dau Hallie , AboMoslim Maryam , Naguti Priscilla , Mwandacha Nelly , Booth Amy , Ruck Candice , Smith Laurie , Orem Jackson , Ogilvie Gina , Nakisige Carolyn
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to compare how HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in a remote sub-country in Uganda access health services to inform consideration of potential HIV and HPV-based cervical cancer screening integration at the community level.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited women living in the South Busoga District Reserve from January to August 2023. Women were eligible if they were aged 30 to 49 years old, had no history of cervical cancer screening or treatment, had no previous hysterectomy, and could provide informed consent. Participants completed a survey administered by village health teams, which included questions on HIV status, demographics, healthcare access, and services received. The data was analyzed using bivariate descriptive statistics, including chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

Among the 1437 participants included in the analysis, 8.8% were HIV-positive. The majority of the respondents were between 30-39 years of age, were married, had received primary education or higher, and were farmers. The majority of women in both groups had accessed outreach visits (HIV-positive = 89.0%, HIV-negative = 85.8%) and health centres (HIV-positive = 96.1%, HIV-negative = 80.2%). The most commonly received services among both groups of women at outreach visits and health centres were immunization and antenatal care, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that there were no significant differences in healthcare access between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women in rural Uganda. Additionally, the high usage of healthcare services by women living with HIV suggests that the integration of cervical cancer and HIV screening may facilitate early detection and prevention of cervical cancer among this population. This can reduce the burden of disease in Uganda and further contribute to the World Health Organization’s initiative to eradicate cervical cancer.
Protocol for evaluation of sustained virological response as a surrogate outcome for mortality, decompensated cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma in people with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with direct-acting antivirals
Authors: Gurusamy Kurinchi , Gluud Christian
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Sustained virological response (SVR) is commonly used as an indicator of treatment success in people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, there is uncertainty on whether SVR is a validated surrogate marker of successful treatment of chronic HCV infection.

Aim

To evaluate whether SVR is a good surrogate for all-cause mortality, decompensated cirrhosis, or any specific aspect of liver decompensation (jaundice, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, or variceal haemorrhage), or hepatocellular carcinoma in people with chronic HCV infection eligible to receive direct-acting antiviral drugs.

Methods

Data source

Two ongoing systematic reviews on the effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral drugs in chronic HCV infection.

Analysis

Estimate the regression coefficients or between-studies correlation between SVR and the event by three different Bayesian approaches with OpenBUGS, as outlined in the guidance by the Evidence Synthesis Unit (Technical support document 20).

Estimate the average proportion of the effect mediated through SVR by causal mediation analysis using R.

Discussion

We will use the German Institute of Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) criterion for surrogacy for cancer and at least 50% of the treatment effect mediated through SVR but will report the information in a way that allows people to interpret the information using their own criteria.
Dysregulated balance of D- and L-amino acids modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission in severe spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Hassan Amber , di Vito Raffaella , Nuzzo Tommaso , Vidali Matteo , Carlini Maria Jose , Yadav Shubhi , Yang Hua , D’Amico Adele , Kolici Xhesika , Valsecchi Valeria , Panicucci Chiara , Pignataro Giuseppe , Bruno Claudio , Bertini Enrico , Errico Francesco , Pellizzoni Livio , Usiello Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by reduced expression of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. In addition to motor neuron survival, SMN deficiency affects the integrity and function of afferent synapses that provide glutamatergic excitatory drive essential for motor neuron firing and muscle contraction. However, it is unknown whether deficits in the metabolism of excitatory amino acids and their precursors contribute to neuronal dysfunction in SMA. To address this issue, we measured the levels of the main neuroactive D- and L-amino acids acting on glutamatergic receptors in the central nervous system of SMNΔ7 mice as well as the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of SMA patients of varying severity before and after treatment with the SMN-inducing drug Nusinersen. Our findings reveal that SMN deficiency disrupts glutamate and serine metabolism in the CSF of severe SMA patients, including decreased concentration of L-glutamate, which is partially corrected by Nusinersen therapy. Moreover, we identify dysregulated L-glutamine to L-glutamate conversion as a shared neurochemical signature of altered glutamatergic synapse metabolism that implicates astrocyte dysfunction in both severe SMA patients and mouse models. Lastly, consistent with a correlation of higher CSF levels of D-serine with better motor function in severe SMA patients, we show that daily supplementation with the NMDA receptor co-agonist D-serine improves neurological deficits in SMNΔ7 mice. Altogether, these findings provide direct evidence for dysregulation of D- and L-amino acid metabolism linked to glutamatergic neurotransmission in severe SMA and have potential implications for treating this neurological disorder.
Engineered protein destabilization reverses intrinsic immune evasion for candidate vaccine pan-strain KSHV and SARS-CoV-2 antigens
Authors: Wan Li , Xie Bingxian , Shuda Masahiro , Delgoffe Greg , Chang Yuan , Moore Patrick S.
Published: October 2024

Both Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus LANA and SARS coronavirus 2 RdRp/nsp12 are highly conserved replication proteins that evade immune processing. By deleting the LANA central repeat 1 domain (LANAΔCR1) or by dividing RdRp into two separated fragments (RdRpFrag) to maximize nascent protein mis-folding, cis peptide presentation was increased. Native LANA or RdRp SIINFEKL fusion proteins expressed in MC38 cancer cells were not recognized by activated OT-1 CD8+cells against SIINFEKL but cytotoxic recognition was restored by expression of the corresponding modified proteins. Immunocompetent syngeneic mice injected with LANA- or RdRp-SIINFEKL MC38 cells developed rapidly-growing tumors with short median survival times. Mice injected with LANAΔCR1- or RdRpFrag-SIINFEKL had partial tumor regression, slower tumor growth, longer median survival, as well as increased effector-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. These mice developed robust T cell responses lasting at least 90 days post-injection that recognized native viral protein epitopes. Engineered vaccine candidate antigens can unmask virus-specific CTL responses that are typically suppressed during native viral infection.
Transverse momentum dependence of the
T
-even hadronic structure functions in the Drell-Yan process
Authors: Lyubovitskij Valery E. , Zhevlakov Alexey S. , Anikin Iurii A.
Published: October 2024

We present detailed analysis of the T-even lepton angular distribution in the Drell-Yan process including γ/Z0 gauge boson exchange and using perturbative QCD based on the collinear factorization scheme at leading order in the αs expansion. We focus on the study of the transverse momentum QT dependence of the corresponding hadronic structure functions and angular coefficients up to next-to-next-to-leading order in the QT2/Q2 expansion. We analyze QT dependence numerically and compare T-even angular coefficients integrated over rapidity with available data of the ATLAS Collaboration at LHC. Additionally, we present our results for the forward-backward asymmetry and compare it with data.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hybrid particle-phase field model and renormalized surface tension in dilute suspensions of nanoparticles
Authors: Hardy Alexandra J. , Daddi-Moussa-Ider Abdallah , Tjhung Elsen
Published: October 2024

We present a two-phase field model and a hybrid particle-phase field model to simulate dilute colloidal sedimentation and flotation near a liquid-gas interface (or fluid-fluid interface in general). Both models are coupled to the incompressible Stokes equation, which is solved numerically using a combination of sine and regular Fourier transforms to account for the no-slip boundary conditions at the boundaries. The continuum two-phase field model allows us to analytically solve the equilibrium interfacial profile using a perturbative approach, demonstrating excellent agreement with numerical simulations. Notably, we show that strong coupling to particle dynamics can significantly alter the liquid-gas interface, thereby modifying the liquid-gas interfacial tension. In particular, we show that the renormalized surface tension is monotonically decreasing with increasing colloidal particle concentration and decreasing buoyant mass.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Theory-Driven Evolution of the Weak Mixing Angle
Authors: Erler Jens , Ferro-Hernández Rodolfo , Kuberski Simon
Published: October 2024

We present the first purely theoretical calculation of the weak mixing angle in the MS¯ scheme at low energies by combining results from lattice QCD with perturbation theory. We discuss its correlation with the hadronic contribution to the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon and to the energy dependence of the electromagnetic coupling. We also compare the results with calculations using cross-section data as input. Implications for the standard model prediction of the mass of the W boson are also discussed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unifying Monopole and Center Vortex as the Semiclassical Confinement Mechanism
Authors: Hayashi Yui , Tanizaki Yuya
Published: October 2024

Magnetic excitations play a crucial role in understanding the color confinement of 4D Yang-Mills theory, and we have the monopole and the center vortex as plausible candidates to explain its mechanism. Under suitable compactified setups of 4D Yang-Mills theory, we can achieve different weakly coupled descriptions of confinement phenomena: The monopole mechanism takes place on R3×S1 with the double-trace deformation, and the center-vortex mechanism is effective on R2×T2 with the ’t Hooft flux. We unify these two semiclassical descriptions by showing the explicit relation between the monopole and center vortex.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Topological conditions drive stability in meta-ecosystems
Authors: Nauta Johannes , De Domenico Manlio
Published: October 2024

On a global level, ecological communities are being perturbed at an unprecedented rate by human activities and environmental instabilities. Yet, we understand little about what factors facilitate or impede long-term persistence of these communities. While observational studies indicate that increased biodiversity must, somehow, be driving stability, theoretical studies have argued the exact opposite viewpoint instead. This encouraged many researchers to participate in the ongoing debate. Within this context, however, there has been a severe lack of studies that consider spatial features explicitly, even though nearly all habitats are spatially embedded. To this end, we study here the linear stability of meta-ecosystems on networks that describe how discrete patches are connected by dispersal between them. By combining results from random-matrix theory and network theory, we are able to show that there are three distinct features that underlie stability: edge density, tendency to triadic closure, and isolation or fragmentation. Our results appear to further indicate that network sparsity does not necessarily reduce stability, and that connections between patches are just as important, if not more so, to consider when studying the stability of large ecological systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Singular viscoelastic perturbation to soft lubrication
Authors: Bharti  , Ferreira Quentin , Jha Aditya , Carlson Andreas , Dean David S. , Amarouchene Yacine , Chan Tak Shing , Salez Thomas
Published: October 2024

Soft lubrication has been shown to drastically affect the mobility of an object immersed in a viscous fluid in the vicinity of a purely elastic wall. In this theoretical article, we develop a minimal model incorporating viscoelasticity, carrying out a perturbation analysis in both the elastic deformation of the wall and its viscous damping. Our approach reveals the singular-perturbation nature of viscoelasticity to soft lubrication. Numerical resolution of the resulting nonlinear, singular, and coupled equations of motion reveals peculiar effects of viscoelasticity on confined colloidal mobility, opening the way towards the description of complex migration scenarios near realistic polymeric substrates and biological membranes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Acceptor-Induced Bulk Dielectric Loss in Superconducting Circuits on Silicon
Authors: Zhang Zi-Huai , Godeneli Kadircan , He Justin , Odeh Mutasem , Zhou Haoxin , Meesala Srujan , Sipahigil Alp
Published: October 2024

The performance of superconducting quantum circuits is primarily limited by dielectric loss due to interactions with two-level systems (TLSs). State-of-the-art circuits with engineered material interfaces are approaching a limit where dielectric loss from bulk substrates plays an important role. However, a microscopic understanding of dielectric loss in crystalline substrates is still lacking. In this work, we show that boron acceptors in silicon constitute a TLS bath that leads to an energy dissipation channel for superconducting circuits. We discuss how the electronic structure of boron acceptors leads to an effective TLS response in silicon. We sweep the boron concentration in silicon and demonstrate the bulk dielectric loss limit from boron acceptors. We show that boron-induced dielectric loss can be reduced in a magnetic field due to the spin-orbit structure of boron. This work provides the first detailed microscopic description of a TLS bath for superconducting circuits and demonstrates the need for ultrahigh-purity substrates for next-generation superconducting quantum processors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
1-Ethoxy-3-[4-(ethoxycarbonyl)phenyl]-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-aminium chloride
Authors: Schollmeyer Dieter , Proz Igor , Detert Heiner
Published: October 2024

The title compound, C14H20NO5
+·Cl−, was prepared as a racemate of R,R- and S,S-enantiomers by reduction of the corresponding hydroxyiminoketone. In the crystal, layers are formed via hydrogen bridges of four ammonium groups to chloride ions; these lamellae are connected via interdigitated benzoic ester groups.
Advancing open education through open-source software: examining UTAUT 2 factors in adoption and implementation
Authors: Duan Chenggui
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing university students' adoption of open-source software (OSS) within the context of open educational practices (OEP) by applying an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a quantitative approach, gathering data from 156 students at Hong Kong Metropolitan University through an online survey. The survey was designed to test nine hypotheses derived from the UTAUT 2 model, incorporating additional constructs relevant to OSS. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and test the relationships between constructs.

Findings

The results indicate that Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Price Value (PV), Self-Efficacy (SE) and Value Alignment (VA) significantly influence students' Behavioral Intention (BI) to adopt OSS. Conversely, Social Influence (SI), Facilitating Conditions (FC), Hedonic Motivation (HM) and Habit (HT) were not significant predictors. The findings suggest that while UTAUT 2 provides a useful framework for understanding OSS adoption, it requires adaptation to fully capture the unique characteristics of OSS in educational settings.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by extending the UTAUT 2 model to the context of OSS adoption in higher education, highlighting the importance of economic factors and user alignment with OSS values. The results offer practical insights for higher education institutions aiming to promote OSS, emphasizing the need for support structures, training, and the promotion of OSS’s economic and collaborative benefits.
Nondestructive differential eddy current testing for corrosion detection on coated aluminium alloys
Authors: Tang Xiaoliang , Zhou Jun , Jian Guangjian , Deng Qingzhu , Zhao Wen , Mo Shaolan , She Zuxin , Zhong Yong , Huang Lun , Shu Chang , Pan Maolin , Wang Zhongwei
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to use non-destructive testing of corrosion on coated aluminium alloys using differential eddy current detection (DECD), with the aim of elucidating the relationship between the characteristics of corrosion defects and the detection signal.

Design/methodology/approach

Pitting corrosion defects of varying geometrical dimensions were fabricated on the surface of aluminium alloy plates, and their impedance signals were detected using DECD to investigate the influence of defect diameter, depth, corrosion products and coating thickness on the detection signals. Furthermore, finite element analysis was used to ascertain the eddy current distributions and detection signals under different parameters.

Findings

The size of the defect is positively correlated with the strength of the detection signal, with the defect affecting the latter by modifying the distribution and magnitude of the eddy current. An increase in the diameter and depth of corrosion defects will enhance the eddy current detection (ECD) signal. The presence of corrosion products in the corrosion defects has no significant effect on the eddy current signal. The presence of a coating results in a decrease in the ECD signal, with the magnitude of this decrease increasing with the thickness of the coating.

Originality/value

The objective is to provide experimental and theoretical references for the design of eddy current non-destructive testing equipment and eddy current testing applications.
Towards the fair regulation of all coca leaf derivatives in Colombia
Authors: Snapp Zara , Quintero Julián
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to envision the possible path to regulation of the coca leaf and its derivatives. There are a range of possible coca derivatives that could be considered for the broader market and which could be conceived of as risk and harm reduction interventions, as well as have other nutritional and industrial uses.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of a historical analysis of the advances in alternative uses of the coca leaf within a commercial market in Colombia as a means of providing greater economic capacity to communities that cultivate the plant, while exploring the nutritional and industrial benefits of the plant.

Findings

Low-risk products, such as coca leaf and coca tea, could be regulated under the same criteria as coffee or other caffeinated beverages. With a more diverse range of products on the market, consumers can make more informed decisions about their consumption, particularly regarding the associated risks and the effects they desire.

Practical implications

The legal regulation of coca leaf products implies the creation of a regulatory government agency specialized in the subject, as well as monitor and evaluate the cultivation and processing of products. The production of the coca leaf would still be in the hands of the cultivating communities but would fall under the control and monitoring of the government.

Social implications

The legal regulation of the coca leaf could have strong impacts on cultivating communities to guarantee their human rights and provide greater protection. Various industries have expressed an interest in using coca leaf derivatives and could represent economic opportunities for communities that cultivate.

Originality/value

Minimal work has been done on the regulation of coca leaf although there are some international examples that could be relevant in Bolivia and Perú. There is a need to continue exploring the multiple uses of the leaf to reach greater international consensus on its rescheduling.
Examining how consumers can love brands through internal storytelling
Authors: Sarkar Abhigyan , Sarkar Juhi Gahlot , Dandotiya Gunjan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research aims to empirically test the boundary conditions under which the archetype-based narrative structure of storytelling brand advertisement through internal endorsement can generate brand love by making the consumers anthropomorphize the brand archetype.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies based on survey and experimentally designed stimuli were conducted to validate the conceptual framework. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and process macro on SPSS.

Findings

The results support that when the brand is endorsed in the storytelling ad by an internal endorser or storyteller, the narrative structure of the storytelling ad impacts brand love via the anthropomorphization of the brand archetype. The congruence between the internal storyteller’s personality and the archetype’s personality moderates the effect of the narrative structure on the anthropomorphization of the brand archetype, leading to brand love. The psychological sense of brand community further conditions the moderating impact of congruence.

Originality/value

The research provides insights to the brand marketers that internally endorsed archetype-based storytelling brand ads can be effective when the personality of the internal endorser is congruent with the personality of the archetype and the target consumers have a strong psychological sense of brand community.
Analysis of intangible assets reporting standards and automation in KSA within an Islamic context – a case study
Authors: Bamhdi Alwi M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to the significance of intangible assets in boosting financial credibility and accounting transparency in Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Moreover, it articulates the indispensable role of information and communication technology (ICT), including cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, inefficaciously mitigating manual challenges while safeguarding the authenticity and reliability of financial information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines relevant literature on national and international standards to define the significance of intangible assets within conventional and Islamic Shari’ah principles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It delves into how automation technologies can improve accuracy and verifiability in reporting intangible assets while adhering to Islamic Shari’ah Compliance (ISC) principles, providing valuable insights into standardization and automation benefits.

Findings

The study highlights that ISC laws affect intangible asset reporting. Integrating conventional accounting principles with ISC is necessary to establish a unified international standard. Adopting ICT, AI and blockchain is crucial for automating and ensuring consistent, verifiable reporting of intangible assets.

Research limitations/implications

This case study highlights the importance of intangible assets in KSA, but its findings require validation through workshops with scholars, stakeholders and policymakers to ensure broader acceptance and applicability beyond the specific context.

Practical implications

This study provides guidance on using AI, blockchain and other ICT tools to ensure accurate financial reporting by validating and verifying intangible assets, benefiting stakeholders, policymakers, accountants, auditors and ISC professionals.

Originality/value

This study underscores the importance of reporting intangible assets according to Islamic principles in KSA, with relevance to other Islamic countries. Promoting International Financial Reporting Standards and Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants standards enhances accurate reporting and supports Saudi Vision 2030 goal of boosting global investment and trade.
Gender inequality in the public sphere as perceived by Muslim female graduate students at a Pakistani higher education institution – a critical grounded theory perspective
Authors: Rashid Amber Gul , Asif Zaheeruddin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The subject of gender inequality has been approached by academics of various fields – psychologists, political scientists, developmental economists, feminists, sociologists, among others. Although there is a considerable amount of evidence indicating the presence of gender bias in various aspects of educational and work life in Muslim countries, not many studies have attempted to understand the female perspective during extra- and co-curricular activities in higher education institutions (HEIs) and their coping strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical grounded theory approach was used.

Findings

The findings indicate that the role of female “religio-socio-cultural” stereotypes mutually reinforces each other to perpetuate an uneven playing field. Females have evolved many strategies to cope, including creation of sub-private spheres within larger public spheres and restricting their interactions to specific strata within the public sphere.

Originality/value

The study provides a female perspective regarding participation during extra- and co-curricular activities in a HEI in a Muslim majority context using critical grounded theory.
Self-presentational concerns and lurking among users on social networking sites: an empirical study based on a moderated mediation model
Authors: Bao Zheshi
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The phenomenon of nonposting behavior, known as lurking, has become increasingly prevalent on social networking sites (SNS). This study aims to understand why certain users are inclined to lurk on SNS by proposing a theoretical framework that integrates self-presentational concerns, SNS fatigue and social presence.

Design/methodology/approach

Building upon the theoretical framework, a moderated mediation model is established to illustrate the mechanisms of lurking on SNS. Survey data were collected from 616 SNS users through an online survey and analyzed using the SPSS macro PROCESS.

Findings

The findings show that self-presentational concerns have positive and direct effects on lurking. Moreover, the relationship between self-presentational concerns and lurking is partially mediated by SNS fatigue. Furthermore, both the direct effect and the mediating effect are moderated by social presence.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel theoretical perspective on lurking behavior by introducing a moderated mediation model. The findings reveal intricate mechanisms underlying this specific SNS usage behavior and its connections to both self-presentational concerns and SNS fatigue, thereby enriching the existing literature on user engagement and inactivity on SNS. Furthermore, this research highlights the pivotal role of social presence in moderating the effects of self-presentational concerns, offering new insights into the dynamics of online social interactions.
Detecting anomalies in currency market of BRICS countries: insights into emerging economies
Authors: Gadhavi Mahipal Yasuman
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The primary motive of the research paper is to investigate the efficiency of currency market of emerging economies (BRICS countries), by analyzing the presence and consistency of calendar anomalies – specifically the day-of-the-week (DOW) effect, the January effect and the Turn-of-the-month (TOM) effect. Daily data of around 23 years and 4 months were examined for the purpose of study. Segmented data of 8-year intervals were also analyzed to observe the changes in the pattern over a period. The findings are intended to offer insights into market behaviors and potential trading strategies for astute traders.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative research design utilizing ordinary least squares regression with dummy variables and Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) (1,1) model. To study the calendar anomalies, the daily closing price of five currency pairs has been taken from Bloomberg’s software. The Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted to validate and check the robustness of analysis.

Findings

There are mixed results regarding calendar anomalies in the BRICS currency markets. Analysis of aggregate data revealed that DOW effect is present in all the currencies except USDZAR, with Monday showing positive return. The segmented analysis showed the presence of DOW effect in USDCNY and USDINR, while other currencies lacked consistent patterns. The January effect was evident for Indian Rupees and Chinese Yuan but not for other currencies. TOM effect was present only in Chinese Yuan. Overall, the Indian Rupee and Chinese Yuan displayed inefficiencies, indicating potential for trading strategies, while other currencies appeared efficient and lacked consistent patterns.

Originality/value

The literature on currency pricing anomalies is sparse, particularly in the context of developing and underdeveloped economies. While some research exists on anomalies within the currencies of developed nations, there is a significant gap in studies focusing on emerging economies. This paper seeks to address this deficiency by investigating the presence of calendar anomalies in the currencies of BRICS countries, providing new insights into the behaviors of these emerging economies.
Full‐tensor magnetic gradiometry: Comparison with scalar total magnetic intensity, processing and visualization guidelines
Authors: Ugalde Hernan , Morris Bill , Kamath Akshay , Parsons Brian
Published: October 2024

Full‐tensor magnetic gradiometry data have been collected commercially for the last few years. However, to date, there is still no clarity on how to compare these data to scalar total field surveys. Some users display the vertical gradient of the vertical component (Bzz) and compare that to a first vertical derivative of total field with the caveat that ‘they are similar’. Others compute the length of the measured vector and call that total field. We establish the basic formulas to calculate total field from the tensor components and demonstrate this with a real data example from Thompson, Manitoba, Canada. Another key question is whether full‐tensor interpolation is required to obtain total field from tensor data. We compare the results from using a commercial full‐tensor interpolation algorithm with standard minimum curvature of the tensor components individually and with another open‐source code that uses a radial basis function interpolator on the individual tensor components. All three applications produced a total field grid of superior quality to that calculated from a scalar total field survey available for the area of study.
Steering via algorithmic recommendations
Authors: Chen Nan , Tsai Hsin‐Tien
Published: October 2024

This article studies self‐preferencing in algorithmic recommendations on dominant platforms, focusing on Amazon's dual role as platform owner and retailer. We find that products sold by Amazon receive substantially more “Frequently Bought Together” recommendations across popularity deciles. To establish causality, we exploit within‐product variation generated by Amazon stockouts. We find that when Amazon is out of stock, identical products sold by third‐party sellers face an eight‐percentage‐point decrease in the probability of receiving a recommendation. The pattern can be explained by the economic incentives of steering but not explained by consumer preference. Furthermore, the steering lowers recommendation efficiency.
Better monitoring …Worse outcome?
Authors: Zhu John Y.
Published: October 2024

New technologies allow firms to collect more information about worker performance than ever before. How will this extra information—much of which is non‐contractible and is used at the firm's discretion—impact incentives? I highlight a better monitoring/worse outcome channel that speaks to these concerns. Some improvements to monitoring tempt the firm to punish excessively. Workers then demand contracts with a small punishment threat. Without a serious punishment threat, effort and surplus decline. I characterize what kinds of improvements to monitoring lead to a worse outcome and explore how technologies can be designed to mitigate the better monitoring/worse outcome effect.
How do high phosphate concentrations affect soil microbial communities after a century of ecosystem self‐reclamation?
Authors: Ducousso‐Détrez Amandine , Morvan Simon , Fontaine Joël , Hijri Mohamed , Sahraoui Anissa Lounès‐Hadj
Published: October 2024

The use of rock phosphate (RP) instead of soluble phosphate fertilizers is preferred for the development of more sustainable agriculture. However, the impact of high concentrations in RP on bacterial and fungal communities remains poorly documented. Thus, next‐generation sequencing was used to characterize bacterial and fungal communities in the soils and roots of four plant species growing naturally in a self‐restored ecosystem, on former open‐pit phosphate mines where past exploitation generated locally a substantial phosphate enrichment of the soil. Our results show that bacterial communities are dominated by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria phyla, while the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota phyla predominate in the fungal community. The alpha and beta diversities of both bacterial and fungal communities differ significantly between the root and soil compartments but are not significantly affected by RP inputs. However, Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) indicative of RP‐enriched soils have been identified; among them are bacteria representative of Streptomyces, Bacillus, Mycobacterium or Agromyces. Implications of these results open new ways of reflection to understand the microbial response following RP‐inputs and long‐term soil restoration, as well as to formulate microbial‐based bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture applications based on microorganisms better adapted to high concentrations of RP.
Investigating the resistome of haemolytic bacteria in Arctic soils
Authors: Mogrovejo‐Arias Diana C. , Hay Melanie C. , Edwards Arwyn , Mitchell Andrew C. , Steinmann Jörg , Brill Florian H. H. , Neumann Bernd
Published: October 2024

Microorganisms inhabiting hostile Arctic environments express a variety of functional phenotypes, some of clinical interest, such as haemolytic ability and antimicrobial resistance. We studied haemolytic bacterial isolates from Arctic habitats, assessing their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against antimicrobials. We then performed whole genome sequencing and analysed them for features conferring antimicrobial resistance. MIC data showed that Micromonospora spp. belong to 33% non‐wild type (NWT) for erythromycin and penicillin and 22% NWT for tetracycline. Both Pseudomonas spp. belong to 43% NWT for nalidixic acid and streptomycin and 29% NWT for colistin. Finally, the Pedobacter isolate was in 80% NWT for antimicrobials tested. Whole‐genome sequencing analyses revealed that fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, macrolides and penams were the most frequent drug classes against which genotypic resistance was found. Additionally, resistance genes to heavy metals and disinfectants were identified. Our research demonstrates the presence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from Arctic habitats and highlights the importance of conservation efforts in these environments, where anthropogenic influence is becoming more evident. Furthermore, our data suggest the possible presence of novel resistance mechanisms, which could pose a threat if the responsible genes are transferable between species or become widespread due to environmental stress and alterations brought about by climate change.
TreeCompR: Tree competition indices for inventory data and 3D point clouds
Authors: Rieder Julia S. , Link Roman M. , Köthe Konstantin , Seidel Dominik , Ullmann Tobias , Žmegač Anja , Zang Christian , Schuldt Bernhard
Published: October 2024

In times of more frequent global change‐type droughts and associated tree mortality events, competition release is one silvicultural measure discussed to have an impact on the resilience of managed forest stands. Understanding how trees compete with each other is therefore crucial, but different measurement options and competition indices (CI) leave users with a difficult choice, as no single competition index has proven universally superior.

To help users with the choice and computation of appropriate indices, we present the open‐source TreeCompR package, which handles 3D point clouds and classical forest inventory data, enabling the calculation of both innovative point cloud‐based indices and traditional distance‐dependent indices. It serves as a centralized platform for exploring and comparing different CIs, allowing users to test and select the most suitable CI for their specific research questions within a common interface.

To evaluate the package, we used TreeCompR to quantify the competition situation of 307 European beech trees from 13 sites in Central Europe. Based on this dataset, we discuss the interpretation, comparability and sensitivity of the different indices to their parameterization and identify possible sources of uncertainty and ways to minimize them.

The compatibility of TreeCompR with different data formats and different data collection methods makes it accessible and useful for a wide range of users, specifically ecologists and foresters. Due to the flexibility in the choice of input formats as well as the emphasis on tidy, well‐structured output, our package can easily be integrated into existing data‐analysis workflows both for 3D point cloud and classical forest inventory data.
A spatial matrix factorization method to characterize ecological assemblages as a mixture of unobserved sources: An application to fish eDNA surveys
Authors: Lamperti Letizia , François Olivier , Mouillot David , Mathon Laëtitia , Sanchez Théophile , Albouy Camille , Pellissier Loïc , Manel Stéphanie
Published: October 2024

Understanding how ecological assemblages vary in space and time is essential for advancing our knowledge of biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Metabarcoding of environmental DNA (eDNA) is an efficient method for documenting biodiversity changes in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. However, current methods fail to detect and display the biodiversity structure within and between eDNA samples limiting ecological and biogeographical interpretations.

We present a spatial matrix factorization method that identifies optimal eDNA sample assemblages—called pools—assuming that taxonomic unit composition is based on a fixed number of unknown sources. These sources, in turn, represent taxonomic units sharing similar habitat properties or characteristics. The method aims to reduce the multi‐taxa composition structure into a low number of dimensions defined by these sources. This method is inspired by admixture analysis in population genetics. Using a marine fish eDNA survey on 263 sampling stations detecting 2888 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), we apply this method to analyse the biogeography and mixing patterns of fish assemblages at regional and large scales.

At large scale, our analysis reveals six primary pools of fish samples characterized by distinct biogeographic patterns, with some mixtures between these pools. We identify pools composed of unique sources, corresponding to distinct and more isolated regions such as the Mediterranean and Scotia Seas. We also identify pools composed of a greater mix of sources, corresponding to geographically connected areas, such as tropical regions. Additionally, we identify the taxa underpinning the formation of each pool. In the regional analysis of Mediterranean eDNA samples, our method successfully identifies different pools, allowing the detection of not only geographic gradients but also human‐induced gradients corresponding to protection levels.

Spatial matrix factorization adds a new method in community ecology, where each sample is considered as a mixture of K unobserved sources, to assess the dissimilarity of ecological assemblages revealing environmental and human‐induced gradients. Beyond the study of fish eDNA samples, this method has the potential to shed new light on any biodiversity survey and provide new bioindicators of global change.
Assessment of teledentistry in improving access to dental care: a systematic review
Authors: Alavi SE , Gholami M , Malik L , Matti R , Oktaei S , Al‐Najafi F , Sharma A , Sharma LA
Published: October 2024

Teledentistry has emerged as a promising approach to improving access to dental care, particularly for underserved populations. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of teledentistry interventions in enhancing access to dental care. A comprehensive search across multiple databases was conducted to identify studies evaluating teledentistry interventions. Studies were included if they investigated the impact of teledentistry on dental care accessibility, utilization, or patient outcomes. Eligibility criteria were applied systematically to select relevant studies for inclusion. Forty‐six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The synthesized evidence showed the effectiveness of teledentistry interventions in improving access to oral healthcare services, facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment planning, and enhancing patient outcomes. Despite variations in study designs and methodologies, teledentistry interventions consistently exhibited high diagnostic accuracy and concordance rates compared to traditional face‐to‐face consultations. The findings highlight teledentistry's transformative potential in modernizing oral healthcare delivery and reducing access disparities.