bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole-of-government approach in disaster management: collaborative case study on the 2023 Morocco earthquake response
Authors: Malhouni Youssef , Mabrouki Charif
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate Morocco’s Whole-of-Government (WoG) framework during the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, applying complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory to assess its effectiveness with minimal international aid. Through extensive stakeholder engagement and real-time analysis, it examines interagency coordination among civilian and military actors and their interactions with external nongovernmental responders. This study identifies strengths and weaknesses within the WoG framework and presents a strategic roadmap with practical recommendations to enhance disaster resilience, offering valuable insights for Morocco and other middle-income countries facing similar challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Framed by CAS theory, this research uses a rigorous mixed-methods approach through a collaborative case study methodology. Qualitative insights were derived from on-site observations and interviews with 126 stakeholders, including survivors. At the same time, quantitative data were collected through content analysis from multiple sources and rigorously triangulated to capture the full spectrum of WoG mobilization. The data were processed using TAMS Analyzer, and systemic evaluation was conducted through the M-MACBETH methodology, supported by a 21-member expert group. Informed by the assessment results and international best practices, this paper presents an actionable roadmap aimed at building a stronger and more flexible disaster management (DM) system.

Findings

The case study reveals that Morocco’s experience offers both a warning and a blueprint for future disaster response efforts. Although the WoG framework successfully coordinated military, civilian and political leadership, weaknesses in local preparedness, civil society integration and misinformation management reduced the overall effectiveness of the response. Aligned with CAS principles and informed by global best practices, the research advocates creating a National Emergency Management Agency with a comprehensive nationwide organigram to balance community-led initiatives with centralized authority, fostering a more resilient, adaptive and coordinated DM system.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a key research gap by applying CAS theory to a real-world disaster in the underexplored North African context. It offers a detailed, first-hand evaluation of Morocco’s WoG framework, assessing its ability to manage a large-scale disaster with minimal yet selective international aid. This study paves the way for comparative research across regions, disaster types and governance models while providing a practical roadmap for Morocco and similar nations to transition toward a Whole-of-Society strategy for DM, enhancing long-term resilience.
Evolution of takaful research: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Talib Jamhuri Binti , Aziz Shahab , Md Husin Maizaitulaidawati
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a bibliometric overview of research published in takaful by identifying the most relevant research in this field and the newest trends according to the information in the Scopus database. Several classifications are made, including analyzing the most productive authors, the most influential journals, the collaboration between countries and the highly cited articles.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper collected data from Scopus databases from 1989 to 2023. The Bibliometrics, R-Studio, VOSviewer and Excel software were used to analyze the collected data. Bibliographic analysis was applied, consisting of co-authorship, cartographic, co-citation and coupling analyses.

Findings

This paper found that the publication and citation of takaful are increasing over time, contributing to significant progress in impact and visibility. Salman, Ghazali, Hassan and Mamat are the most productive authors. Malaysia is the most cited country, followed by the UK, while institutions from Malaysia are leading the publication of takaful literature. In terms of collaboration between countries, network collaboration was found between countries in Asia (Malaysia and Indonesia), Central Asia (Pakistan and Bangladesh), the Middle East (the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain), Europe (the UK) and North America (the USA).

Originality/value

This paper examines the evolution of takaful literature using bibliometric analysis. The findings and potential applications of this research could be very beneficial to scholars and researchers in creating more dynamic improvements in the scientific development of takaful.
Does green HRM and intellectual capital strengthen psychological green climate, green behaviors and creativity? A step towards green textile manufacturing
Authors: Sharif Shahbaz , Malik Shahab Alam
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines how green human resource management (GHRM), individually and collectively, affects green psychological climate (PGC), green in-role behavior (GIB), extra-role behavior (GEB) and green creativity (GC) in small, medium and large textile companies. The study also explores how green intellectual capital (GIC) moderates the relationship between GHRM and PGC and GC.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in two phases: in phase 1 (N = 41 records), a systematic literature review was performed to identify the gaps, and in phase 2 (N = 412 managers and supervisors), a quantitative survey method was employed. The structural equation model, with 1st-order and 2nd-order hierarchical models, was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results showed that GHRM practices positively impacted PGC and GC. GHRM practices, including employee involvement (GEI), compensation and reward (GCR), training and development (GTD) and recruitment and selection (GRS), enhanced PGC. However, performance and management (GPM) do not significantly affect PGC. PGC significantly and positively affects GIB and GEB. GHRM also directly significantly influenced GC. Additionally, GIC significantly and positively moderated the relationship between GHRM and GC but not PGC, improving green creative behaviors in textile companies.

Practical implications

This study spurs textile enterprises, especially small, medium and large, to prioritize GHRM practices where employees with green climate (i.e. PGC), behaviors (i.e. GIB and GEB), knowledge, skills and abilities (i.e. GIC) strengthen their GC. Policymakers should encourage the adoption of GHRM to align GIC practices with environmental goals.

Originality/value

This study is unique in examining how GHRM practices, individually and collectively, enhance PGC employees’ GIB, GEB and GC. GIC strengthens employee green behaviors to develop innovative ideas (i.e. GC). It examines how GIC is crucial for GHRM to enhance creative activities toward environmental sustainability practices and goals.
Cross-border interpersonal knowledge sharing within the MNE: does intra-MNE competition hinder or facilitate it?
Authors: Phookan Himadree , Sharma Revti Raman
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The existing literature presents mixed findings on how intra-multinational enterprise (MNE) competition affects cross-border interpersonal knowledge sharing; some studies indicate that it hinders, while others suggest that it facilitates, such exchanges. The purpose of this study is to address this issue by proposing and testing the U-shaped curvilinear effects of intra-MNE competition on cross-border interpersonal knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey bias test, confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis on data gathered from a two-stage questionnaire survey of 333 R&D employees in India, representing 40 R&D subsidiaries across MNEs headquartered in 11 countries. To mitigate potential common method bias, the authors implemented ex-ante and ex-post measures.

Findings

The results of this study show a U-shaped effect of perceived intra-MNE competition on interpersonal knowledge sharing behaviours. The authors found that low to moderate levels of intra-MNE competition hinder cross-border interpersonal knowledge sharing within the MNE, while moderate to high levels facilitate it.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in challenging the current linear relationship and highlighting that the impact of the perceived intensity of intra-MNE competition on knowledge-sharing behaviours varies at different competition levels.
Achieving sustainable development goals from public (dis)value: evidence from Italy
Authors: Posa Michele , De Turi Ivano , Garzoni Antonello , Zanellato Gianluca
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The rising focus on effective pathways to sustainable development has led to the conceptualization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as an institutionalization of public value. However, further exploration of public value creation processes, particularly through the lens of public (dis)value, is now advocated by scholars and policymakers. This study aims to understand the role of local ecosystems in enabling sustainable development within local communities through a public value regeneration process.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a case study methodology to examine Fattoria dei Primi, a social agriculture and urban regeneration initiative led by the Italian social cooperative Semi di Vita, with the mission to transform confiscated assets into new public goods.

Findings

A framework is developed to facilitate practices of public value regeneration and sustainable development. This framework offers a structured approach to understanding the actors, roles and stages involved in the regeneration process, identifying enablers and triggers across the stages of (1) value destruction, (2) value regeneration and (3) new value creation.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable guidelines for public administration managers, institutions and policymakers to support public regeneration initiatives and progress toward the sustainable development in alignment with the UN Agenda 2030.

Originality/value

This study provides an initial examination of the mechanisms driving public value regeneration, demonstrating how collaboration among various stakeholders, including public, private and hybrid organizations, can facilitate regenerative processes and advance the SDGs.
Technology adoption in the apparel industry of Bangladesh: a qualitative study
Authors: Iqbal Md Arif , Su Jin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Given the substantial presence of the Bangladeshi apparel industry on the international stage, it is imperative to examine the sector’s technology adoption (TA) behavior. This study aims to understand the TA-related factors perceived by top apparel industry professionals in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework, this study used a two-step analytical sampling approach and conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with eight top-level industry professionals from Bangladeshi apparel firms.

Findings

The findings indicate that the technological factors include perceived benefits, technical compatibility, investment cost, and availability of training and technical support. Firm size, business scope, and financial viability were found as organizational factors, whereas buyer pressure, local and global competition, government policies, and sustainability were found as environmental factors of TA decisions.

Originality/value

This study provides practical and novel insights into the role of top management in TA within the TOE framework. By shedding light on TA in Bangladesh’s apparel industry, this research contributes to the literature.
Comparison of melt pool dimension with in-situ monitored acoustic emission signal in laser powder bed fusion of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Sung Sunghyun , Song Yeonghwan , Kim Wonrae , Kwon Ohyung , Jhang Kyung-Young
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between melt pool dimensions and acoustic emission (AE) signal magnitudes obtained during laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process of austenitic stainless steel. Specifically, by varying laser power and scan speed, the widths, depths and aspect ratios of melt pools were compared with AE signal magnitudes across a frequency range of 100–200 kHz.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were conducted under different laser powers at a fixed scan speed and scan speeds at a fixed laser power. Melt pool dimensions were measured from cross-sectional optical images, and AE signals were obtained using a piezoelectric AE sensor installed beneath the build plate. Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) was applied to AE signals, and the magnitudes of frequency components were obtained.

Findings

A strong correlation between melt pool dimensions and STFT magnitude was obtained. Pearson correlation coefficients between melt pool dimensions and STFT magnitudes were above 0.9 and the p-values were below 0.05. Increasing the laser energy enlarged the volume of melt pool and intensified the oscillation of melt pool. When scan speed exceeded 1,100 mm/s, STFT magnitude showed a slight increase owing to the increase in the vapor pressure.

Originality/value

Previous studies used AE signals to detect defects, but this study found a correlation between STFT magnitude and melt pool dimensions in L-PBF process. It was also found that STFT magnitude was more affected by vapor pressure at higher scan speeds. Monitoring STFT magnitude can help to understand melt pool dynamics, maintain process consistency and identify irregularities in real time.
Unveiling the drivers behind carbon emissions disclosure: an ESG perspective
Authors: Jarboui Anis , Mnif Emna , Akrout Zied , Chakroun Salma
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the key drivers of voluntary carbon disclosures among French firms, highlighting environmental, social and governance (ESG) components and sustainable investments as crucial factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses H2O AutoML, an advanced machine-learning framework, to examine CO2 emissions disclosure among 77 French non-financial companies listed on the SBF 120 index from 2017–2021. The research rigorously assesses CO2 disclosures using the Carbon Disclosure Project Index criteria, enhancing the precision of the findings. This approach paves the way for innovative advancements in ESG research by integrating cutting-edge computational tools with conventional environmental reporting metrics.

Findings

Social performance and sustainable investments are the most significant predictors of CO2 disclosure, outweighing traditional financial metrics such as the Book-to-Market ratio and direct environmental factors. Variable importance analysis and heatmaps underscore the critical role of social factors in shaping corporate transparency regarding carbon emissions.

Practical implications

This research offers valuable insights for companies and policymakers aiming to enhance environmental transparency and reporting, underscoring the significance of integrating ESG factors. Carbon emissions disclosure plays a critical role in promoting sustainability, ensuring regulatory compliance, attracting investors and strengthening risk management practices.

Originality/value

This research presents an innovative methodology for analyzing CO2 emissions disclosure using advanced machine learning within the H2O AutoML framework. It emphasizes the importance of model diversity and variable consideration to comprehensively understand environmental disclosure, potentially guiding policymakers and businesses in improving transparency and sustainability practices.
Research on a phonocardiogram and electrocardiogram signal classification algorithm based on global group coordinate attention mechanism and multi-scale feature fusion
Authors: Wang Guofu , Yang Yuhua , Cui Jiangong , Zhang Wendong , Zhang Guojun , Wang Renxin , Shi Pengcheng , Tian Hua
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In recent years, the incidence of cardiovascular disease has continued to rise, and early screening and prevention are especially critical. Phonocardiography (PCG) and electrocardiography (ECG), as simple, cost-effective and non-invasive tests, are important tools for clinical analysis. However, it is difficult to fully reflect the complexity of the cardiovascular system using PCG or ECG tests alone. Combining the multimodal signals of PCG and ECG can provide complementary information to improve the detection accuracy. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose a multimodal signal classification method based on continuous wavelet transform and improved ResNet18.

Design/methodology/approach

The classification method is based on the ResNet18 backbone, and the ResNet18 network is improved by embedding the global grouped coordinate attention mechanism module and the improved bidirectional feature pyramid network. Firstly, a data acquisition system was built using a MEMS-integrated PCG-ECG sensor to construct a private data set. Second is the time-frequency transformation of PCG and ECG synchronized signals on public and private data sets using continuous wavelet transform. Finally, the time-frequency images are categorized.

Findings

The global grouped coordinate attention mechanism and bidirectional feature pyramid network modules proposed in this paper significantly enhance the model’s performance. On public data sets, the method achieves precision, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and F1 score of 97.96%, 98.51%, 97.58%, 98.08% and 98.23%, respectively, which represent improvements of 3.54%, 3.92%, 4.18%, 4.03% and 3.72% compared to ResNet18. Additionally, it demonstrates a clear advantage over existing mainstream algorithms. On private data sets, the method’s five metrics are 98.15%, 98.76%, 98.08%, 98.42% and 98.45%, further validating the model’s generalization ability.

Originality/value

The method proposed in this paper not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of the test but also provides an effective solution for early screening and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Jobs for Economics PhDs in Government
Authors: de Fontenay Catherine
Published: February 2025

One possible career path for an economics PhD is a role in government. About 37% of PhD students obtain jobs in government after graduation. This article details a few personal reflections on the types of opportunities, the rewards of such opportunities and the skills required.
Investigating the nutritional quality of charitable ready meals for people experiencing food insecurity—An Australian case study
Authors: Law Kristy K. , Trieu Kathy , James Emma , Derjeu Crickette , Zheng Belinda , Tian Maoyi , Wang Tengyi , Wu Jason H. Y.
Published: February 2025

Aim

To analyse the nutritional quality of ready meals produced by a food relief charity in Melbourne, Victoria, to identify areas of nutritional strength and opportunities for improvement.

Methods

Data for this cross‐sectional study were collected over 30 consecutive cooking days in January–February, May–June, and October–November 2023. Chefs used pre‐specified, standardised forms to collect data such as raw ingredients and cooked weights. Data collected were entered into FoodWorks 10 for analysis. Average nutrient content and number of food group serves per meal were reported. Six criteria were used to assess nutritional quality, for noncommunicable disease prevention: contains ≥1 serve (i.e., ≥75 g) non‐starchy vegetables per meal, does not contain processed meats, used wholegrains, sodium <700 mg/meal, sugar <15 g/100 g, and unsaturated: saturated fat ratio ≥2:1.

Results

Ninety meal batches were collected and analysed per single meal serving. All meals contained ≥1 serve of non‐starchy vegetables and <15 g of sugar/100 g. Two out of 90 meals contained processed meats (i.e., sausages), and only one meal used wholegrains. Half of all meals met the <700 mg sodium/meal criteria, with the meals containing a mean (SD) 794 mg (378.5) of sodium. Most meals (62%) did not meet the ≥2:1 unsaturated: saturated fat ratio.

Conclusions

Meals contained adequate non‐starchy vegetable content, were low in sugar, and had minimal use of processed meats. Improvements could be made to their wholegrain, sodium, and fat content. Improving the nutritional quality of charitable meals could significantly improve recipients' health, without detracting from the call for policy action on food insecurity.
Navigating challenges and adherence in time‐restricted eating: A qualitative study
Authors: Rathomi Hilmi S. , Mavaddat Nahal , Katzenellenbogen Judith M. , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: February 2025

Aims

Adherence to any dietary approach is crucial for achieving long‐term benefits. This qualitative study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers to adherence, and how individuals in community settings navigate time‐restricted eating in their daily lives.

Methods

Semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 21 participants who had practised time‐restricted eating (confining the daily eating window to <10h a day; and excluding periodic fasting methods like the 5:2 approach or alternate day fasting) for periods ranging from 3 months to more than 5 years. A qualitative content analysis, underpinned by the Capability‐Opportunity‐Motivation‐Behaviour Model, identified multiple facilitators, barriers, and strategies that evolved over the practice.

Results

Key facilitators included the simplicity and versatility of time‐restricted eating, maintaining a non‐obsessive and non‐dieting mindset, and having a supportive environment. Barriers included hunger and food cravings, an obsessive mindset during the initial stages, and conflicting schedules with social eating occasions, including holidays. Participants employed several coping strategies to successfully navigate adherence and reported confidence in maintaining time‐restricted eating as a lifestyle that contributes to better health and weight management.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that successful implementation of time‐restricted eating in community settings requires flexibility and viewing it as more than a short‐term weight loss tool. Guidelines are needed to help individuals and practitioners implement better practices and promote healthier behaviours.
Sarcopenia as a Risk Factor for Mortality in NAFLD: How Should We Diagnose It?
Authors: Stankevicius Catherine , Davis Rachel H. , Huynh Dep , Hatzi Martine , Morgillo Stephanie , Day Alice S.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Sarcopenia increases the risk of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Subsequently, poorly managed NAFLD can result in adverse health outcomes. Lifestyle interventions are effective for both NAFLD and sarcopenia; however, diagnosis of sarcopenia in this population is not well defined. This review aimed to examine current methods to diagnose sarcopenia in NAFLD patients.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases were searched for articles published until July 2023 using the terms “Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease,” “NAFLD,” “fatty liver,” “sarcopenia,” and “myoatrophy.” Studies were excluded if they included pediatric populations, did not diagnose both sarcopenia and NAFLD, or included patients with alternate causes of liver disease.

Results

Twenty studies, predominantly from Asian countries (14 [70.0%]), involving 68 848 participants (45.5% females) were included. In 15 studies, most participants had a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Heterogeneity in the tools used to diagnose NAFLD was identified, with abdominal ultrasound being the most commonly used. European, Asian, and Australasian Sarcopenia Working Groups had differing diagnostic definitions of sarcopenia. Of the three potential diagnostic elements of sarcopenia (muscle mass, strength, function), all studies measured muscle mass, commonly through bioelectrical impedance analysis (12 [60.0%]). Seven studies (35.0%) measured muscle strength, with the majority (n = 6) utilizing hand grip strength. Four (20.0%) measured muscle function, through gait speed or a timed up‐and‐go test.

Conclusions

The lack of standardization in sarcopenia diagnosis for NAFLD patients is concerning. A consistent definition is necessary to prevent this comorbidity from being overlooked, improve care, and outcomes.
Efficacy and Safety of Tocilizumab in Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sharma Meha , Das Siddharth Kumar , Mohindra Ritin , Dutta Deep
Published: February 2025

Aims

No meta‐analysis has holistically analyzed and summarized the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). We undertook this meta‐analysis to address this knowledge‐gap.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for RCTs involving patients living with PMR receiving tocilizumab in intervention arm, and placebo/active comparator in control arm. Primary outcome was to evaluate percentage of patients able to achieve C‐reactive protein PMR assessment score (CRP‐PMR‐AS) < 10 or prednisolone dose < 5 mg/day or > 10 mg/dL decline in prednisolone from baseline. Secondary outcomes were to determine percentage of patients able to totally stop prednisolone and adverse‐events.

Results

From initially screened 115 articles, data from 2 RCTs (136 patients) was analyzed. In addition, a descriptive analysis of 8 observational studies (356 patients) was also done. After 24‐weeks of clinical use, patients with PMR receiving tocilizumab had significantly higher chances of achieving composite primary end‐point defined as CRP‐PMR‐AS < 10 and either prednisone dosage < 5 mg/day or decrease in prednisolone dosage by > 10 mg/day compared to baseline [odds ratio (OR) 4.89 (95% CI: 2.34–10.23); p < 0.001; I2 = 0%], compared to placebo. Patients with PMR receiving tocilizumab also had significantly higher chances of being able to stop prednisolone compared to placebo [OR 4.45 (95% CI: 2.06–9.61); p < 0.001; I2 = 0%]. Occurrence of total adverse‐events [risk ratio (RR) 1.24 (95% CI: 0.50–3.12); p = 0.64; I2 = 0%], adverse‐events leading to treatment discontinuation [RR 0.45 (95% CI: 0.10–2.02); p = 0.29; I2 = 17%], and infections [RR 1.71 (95% CI: 0.83–3.52); p = 0.14; I2 = 6%] were comparable in patients receiving tocilizumab as compared to placebo. Observational studies have noted lung infections, neutropenia and increased cholesterol with tocilizumab use.

Conclusion

Tocilizumab is well tolerated and is effective for managing PMR. Tocilizumab is an effective glucocorticoid sparing agent in PMR.
Individual or team analyst reports? The organization of analyst research activities
Authors: Chen Xia , Jia Ning , Wang Dan
Published: February 2025

Given the importance of research resource allocation within brokerage firms, we examine key factors that influence the issuance of individual versus team analyst reports. Using a comprehensive sample of analyst reports from China for the 2008–2021 period, we find that this decision is influenced by (1) the brokerage firm's client interests, whereby firms held by the brokerage firm's mutual fund clients and firms that are the brokerage firm's underwriting clients receive more team than individual reports from the brokerage firm, and (2) the nature of corporate events, whereby routine events receive more team reports and nonroutine events receive more individual reports. Additional analyses suggest that analysts' personal traits and analyst team characteristics also affect the decision. Our findings further the understanding of the factors that affect the organization and resource allocation of sell‐side equity research.
Use of Allied Health Services in Rural Northern Victoria, Australia
Authors: Hamilton Andrew J. , McGrath Ryan , Bourke Lisa , Glenister Kristen M. , Simmons David
Published: February 2025

Objective

Little is known about the socio‐demographic factors associated with the use of allied health services in rural Australia. The objective of this study was to determine which factors were associated with the use of various modes of allied health in a region of Northern Victoria.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the Crossroads‐II population health study. Generalised linear mixed models were constructed.

Design

Households were selected at random through address local government area lists. Data were collected by door‐to‐door surveying.

Settings

The northern part of the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, including one large rural conurbation (MM 3) and three medium rural towns (MM 4).

Participants

Over 15 years of age.

Main Outcome Measures

Use of allied health services.

Results

The odds of using audiology (1.047 [1.035, 1.059]), optometry (1.034 [1.027, 1.042]) and podiatry (1.052 [1.039, 1.066]) increased with age, and psychology decreased (0.985 [0.974, 0.997]). Females had lower odds than males for audiology (0.708 [0.553, 0.907]) and greater odds for optometry (1.712 [1.421, 2.064]) and pharmacy advice (1.593 [1.317, 1.927]). Greater odds were observed forbeing Australian‐born and pharmacy advice (1.581 [1.149, 2.175]), English spoken at home and physiotherapy (2.415 [1.279, 4.560]), a bachelor's degree and psychology (1.579 [1.011, 2.466]) and pharmacy advice (1.296 [1.002, 1.675]), not working and psychology (3.518 [1.999, 6.191]) and social work (4.202 [2.110, 8.367]). Those unable to work had greater odds of using six of the eight services investigated.

Conclusion

Socio‐demographic associations with allied health use vary across disciplines. For this population in rural Victoria, socio‐demographic associations were observed for all of the allied health modalities studied. Such relationships need to be studied in other rural and allied health contexts.
Dietary Protein Reduction in Lean Pigs From Pietrain Paternal Line Under Commercial Setting: An Interplay Between Nitrogen Efficiency and Meat Attributes
Authors: Álvarez‐Rodríguez Javier , Vigo‐Morancho Alba , Miana‐Mena Francisco Javier , Pérez‐Ciria Leticia , Latorre Maria Angeles
Published: February 2025

A trial was conducted to research the impact of reducing dietary crude protein (CP) levels from 14.8% to 12.6% in the finishing diet (90–120 kg of body weight) of lean pigs, with an essential AA supply (8.8 g Lys, 2.1 g Met, 6.7 g Thr, 5.5 g Ile, and 6.7 g Val, per kilogram of feed) in intact males and females under commercial setting. The productive performances and nitrogen (N) balance, blood markers related to protein metabolism, apparent digestibility of nutrients, carcass, and meat quality were evaluated. This dietary CP restriction did not impair the growth performances, decreased the N excretion, and did not affect the apparent digestibility of most nutrients, except phosphorus digestibility, which was reduced in the low‐CP diet. The responses to this dietary CP restriction were independent of sex, except the serum urea concentration and total proteins, which were only steadily reduced in intact males fed the low‐CP diet. The low‐CP diet reduced the nutritional pork quality by increasing the moisture content, although the technological characteristics of meat were not affected. Further studies are required to improve the sex‐tailored feeding strategies for high‐conformed lean pigs in an environmentally friendly context.
Supersulfide metabolome of exhaled breath condensate applied as diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal cancer
Authors: Asamitsu Seji , Ozawa Yohei , Okamoto Hiroshi , Ogata Seiryo , Matsunaga Tetsuro , Yoshitake Jun , Fusegawa Kazuki , Taniyama Yusuke , Sato Chiaki , Ishida Hirotaka , Abe Takaaki , Motohashi Hozumi , Akaike Takaaki , Kamei Takashi
Published: February 2025

Early detection of esophageal cancer is essential for esophagogastroduodenoscopy and histopathological diagnosis. However, endoscopic examinations are sometimes invasive, which limits their clinical application and compliance, and traditional blood tumor markers are unsuitable for cancer screening. The current study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of sulfur metabolites as new biomarkers for esophageal cancer using blood samples and exhaled breath condensate (EBC), which can be readily obtained and is non‐invasive. We collected EBC and plasma samples from 50 patients with esophageal cancer and 30 healthy controls. Sulfur metabolome analysis using tandem mass spectrometry was performed to compare the metabolic profile between the two groups. Supersulfide metabolic profiles were different between the two cohorts. Supersulfide metabolome analysis showed that cysteine hydropersulfide (CysSSH) and homocysteine hydropersulfide (HomoCysSSH) were increased in the plasma of patients with esophageal cancer. Elevated levels of HomoCysSSH could distinguish patients with esophageal cancer from healthy subjects (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.93, sensitivity: 89%, specificity: 96%). Interestingly, we also detected an elevation of supersulfides in the EBC analysis. CysSSH levels significantly increased in the EBC recovered from patients with esophageal cancer (AUC: 0.71, sensitivity: 60%, specificity: 96%). In addition, the observed level was correlated with that of HomoCysSSH in the plasma (r = 0.27). Supersulfides, such as CysSSH and HomoCysSSH, are potential biomarkers for detecting esophageal cancer. CysSSH from EBC may serve as a valuable non‐invasive biomarker with similar detection ability but with superior precision and convenience compared with the currently available blood biomarkers.
Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Support, Genetic Prediction and Accurate Genetic Counselling Enhance Family Planning Choices
Authors: Kearns Lisa S. , Staffieri Sandra E. , Mackey David A.
Published: February 2025

With the increased availability of genetic testing and the addition of mitochondrial genetic variants on disease panels, accurate genetic counselling for individuals and families affected by, or at risk of, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is becoming increasingly relevant. Challenges in providing genetic counselling for LHON include its mitochondrial inheritance pattern, different haplogroups, incomplete penetrance and that it predominantly affects males. Accurate genetic counselling aims to avoid incorrect disease‐risk assessment and delays in either diagnosis or implementation of psychosocial support. Families are also empowered to make autonomous health decisions regarding potential trigger factors for LHON vision loss and informed reproductive choices. Using clinical vignettes, this review demonstrates that an increased awareness of LHON amongst eye care, general and genetic health professionals can address challenges and misconceptions.
Composition as Nonlinear Combination in Semantic Space: A Computational Characterization of Compound Processing
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Xu Xu
Published: February 2025

Most Chinese words are compounds formed through the combination of meaningful characters. Yet, due to compositional complexity, it is poorly understood how this combinatorial process affects the access to the whole‐word meaning. In the present study, we turned to the recent development in compositional distributional semantics, and employed a deep neural network to learn the less‐than‐systematic relationship between the constituent characters and the compound words. Based on the compositional representations derived from the computational model, we investigated the combinatorial process in terms of the degree of overlap between the compositional and the lexicalized representations as well as the degree of distinctness of the compositional representation. Analyses of lexical decision and eye‐tracking data revealed the effects of both compositional attributes over and above the effects of constituent character features and compound features, indicating an active engagement of the combinatorial process in compound processing. Moreover, with the increase of compound frequency, and thus the increased likelihood that the holistic route prevails, these compositional effects appeared to be dampened. These findings, therefore, provided a computational characterization for the dual‐route framework, which sheds light on the universal process of compound comprehension across different languages.
Ten relevant questions for applying biodiversity offsetting in the Pantanal wetland
Authors: Lourival Reinaldo Francisco Ferreira , de Roque Fabio de Oliveira , Bolzan Fábio Padilha , Guerra Angélica , Nunes Alessandro Pacheco , Lacerda Ana Cristyna Reis , Nunes André Valle , Alves Amanda , Filho Antônio Conceição Paranhos , Ribeiro Danilo Bandini , Eaton Donald P. , Brito Elizângela Silva , Fischer Erich , Neto Francisco Valente , Porfirio Grasiela , Seixas Gláucia Helena Fernandes , Pinto João Onofre Pereira , Quintero Jose Manuel Ochoa , Sabino José , Sugai Larissa Sayuri Moreira , Garcia Leticia Couto , Matsumoto Marcelo H. , Silva Mariza , Almeida‐Gomes Mauricio , Stefanes Mauricio , Mills Morena , Pays Olivier , Renaud Pierre Cyril , Loyola Rafael Dias , Guariento Rafael Dettogni , Crouzeilles Renato , Chiaravalloti Rafael Morais , Morato Ronaldo Gonsalves , Santos Sandra Aparecida , Ikeda‐Castrillon Solange , Izzo Thiago , Semedo Thiago Borges Fernandes , Tomas Walfrido Moraes
Published: February 2025

In Brazil, biodiversity offsetting operates in an ad hoc manner while biodiversity equivalence has mainly been overlooked by public policies. Despite being mandatory since 1965s Forest Code (Law 4.771), we fail to have a robust offsetting framework. The revision of the forest code in 2012 (i.e., Native Vegetation Protection Law—NVPL—Law n° 12,651/2012), maintained the obligation for landowners to set aside a biome‐specific percentage of their native vegetation for preservation. Known as Legal Reserves, these set‐asides are a precondition for compliance with NVPL's regularization procedure called CAR (Rural Environmental Cadaster). Despite enthusiasm about biodiversity offsetting opportunities following the NVPL enactment in 2012, uncertainties around its implementation remains. Here, we formulated 10 questions that discuss and illustrate how offsetting can be applied to maintain wetland integrity, economic fairness and biodiversity conservation in the Pantanal and Upper Paraguay River basin (UPRB). The aim is to stimulate robust public policies and stimulate wetland offsetting research opportunities. We provided examples of implementation opportunities of the NVPL in integrating the floodplain and highland in Pantanal at UPRB, analyze spatial compliance deficits, and illustrate opportunities that require harmonized legislation and policies between Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul states in Brazil.
Validating Low‐Dose Iohexol as a Marker for Glomerular Filtration Rate by In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Dong Qian , Chen Zhendong , Boland Jana , Dokos Charalambos , Hagos Yohannes , Kühne Annett , Taubert Max , Gründemann Dirk , Fuhr Uwe
Published: February 2025

Clearance of an intravenous iohexol dose of 3235 mg is used to assess glomerular filtration rate (GFR), although systematic assessment of its pharmacokinetic (PK) properties is incomplete. The objectives of the present investigations were (i) to assess potential interactions of iohexol with important drug transporters, and (ii) whether a 259 mg dose could replace the current standard dose. In vitro, we evaluated whether iohexol inhibits or is transported by renal transporters (hOAT1/3, hOCT2, and hMATE1/2K) or other transporters (hOATP1B1/3, hOCT1, and hMDR1) using cell‐based and vesicle‐based systems. In vivo, we conducted a clinical trial with 12 volunteers with the administration of single intravenous doses of 3235 mg (“reference”) and 259 mg (“test”) using a changeover design. Plasma and urine samples were collected up to 24 h postdose. We assessed the dose linearity of iohexol pharmacokinetics using the standard bioequivalence approach and conducted a population PK analysis to characterize its profile. Our in vitro findings indicate that iohexol is neither a substrate nor a significant inhibitor of the transporters, suggesting it is unlikely to participate in transporter‐mediated drug–drug interactions in vivo. In the clinical trial, the test/reference ratio for plasma clearance, calculated as dose divided by the area under the plasma concentration–time curve, was 1.01 (90% confidence interval 0.968–1.05), confirming dose linearity. Population PK analysis further supported these results, showing no significant effect of dose on renal clearance and negligible nonrenal clearance of iohexol. Low‐dose iohexol is a suitable marker for precise GFR measurement, even when coadministered with other drugs.
Substance‐involved child‐to‐parent violence
Authors: Harries Travis , Mayshak Richelle , Skvarc David , Eckhardt Christopher , Benstead Michelle , Miller Peter , Curtis Ashlee
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Child‐to‐parent violence (CPV) is associated with youth substance problems; however, CPV which is substance‐involved (SU‐CPV) is specifically excluded from the consensus definition of CPV and few studies have explored the familial context surrounding SU‐CPV. This study utilised the I3 model to explore associations between parental monitoring, parental intrusiveness, affective reactivity, concurrent reactive CPV and SU‐CPV in an Australian community sample of caregivers.

Methods

A total of 119 caregivers experiencing abusive CPV (frequent and severe) completed an online survey reporting on incidence of CPV from 12 to 24‐year‐olds under their care, parenting behaviours, traits of the young person and their experience of SU‐CPV.

Results

Poor parental monitoring was positively associated with SU‐CPV, and this relationship was stronger at higher levels of affective reactivity in the young person. There were no significant three‐way interactions.

Discussion and Conclusions

SU‐CPV may be most likely to occur where opportunity for child substance use is high, and risk of escalation is also high. These findings should be used to inform current CPV intervention, which may otherwise neglect youth substance use.
The best of two worlds: toward large‐scale monitoring of biodiversity combining COI metabarcoding and optimized parataxonomic validation
Authors: Penel Benoit , Meynard Christine N. , Benoit Laure , Boudonne Axel , Clamens Anne-Laure , Soldati Laurent , Migeon Alain , Chapuis Marie‐Pierre , Piry Sylvain , Kergoat Gael , Haran Julien
Published: February 2025

In a context of unprecedented insect decline, it is critical to have reliable monitoring tools to measure species diversity and their dynamic at large‐scales. High‐throughput DNA‐based identification methods, and particularly metabarcoding, were proposed as an effective way to reach this aim. However, these identification methods are subject to multiple technical limitations, resulting in unavoidable false‐positive and false‐negative species detection. Moreover, metabarcoding does not allow a reliable estimation of species abundance in a given sample, which is key to document and detect population declines or range shifts at large scales. To overcome these obstacles, we propose here a human‐assisted molecular identification (HAMI) approach, a framework based on a combination of metabarcoding and image‐based parataxonomic validation of outputs and recording of abundance. We assessed the advantages of using HAMI over the exclusive use of a metabarcoding approach by examining 492 mixed beetle samples from a biodiversity monitoring initiative conducted throughout France. On average, 23% of the species are missed when relying exclusively on metabarcoding, this percent being consistently higher in species‐rich samples. Importantly, on average, 20% of the species identified by molecular‐only approaches correspond to false positives linked to cross‐sample contaminations or mis‐identified barcode sequences in databases. The combination of molecular methodologies and parataxonomic validation in HAMI significantly reduces the intrinsic biases of metabarcoding and recovers reliable abundance data. This approach also enables users to engage in a virtuous circle of database improvement through the identification of specimens associated with missing or incorrectly assigned barcodes. As such, HAMI fills an important gap in the toolbox available for fast and reliable biodiversity monitoring at large scales.
Reaching Distance Influences Perceptual Decisions
Authors: Assarioti Eleonora E. , van Beers Robert J. , Smeets Jeroen B. J. , van Wijk Bernadette C. M.
Published: February 2025

Decision making is an integral part of everyday life. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the potential influence of action on perceptual decisions, following ideas of embodied decision making. Studies examining decisions regarding the direction of noisy visual motion have found a bias towards the least effortful response option in experiments in which the differences in motor costs associated with alternative response actions were implicit, but not in an experiment in which these differences were made explicit. It remains unclear whether the biasing effect generalizes to other perceptual tasks than motion perception and whether consciously experiencing motor costs prevents such biases. To test the generalizability of effects across perceptual tasks, we used a within‐subjects design where 24 participants performed both a motion discrimination task and an orientation discrimination task. Motor costs were manipulated by presenting response buttons for the two alternative choices at different reaching distances. By varying distances randomly, we avoided implicit biases linked to specific decisions. Our findings revealed a bias towards closer response options in both tasks, indicating that explicit information of motor costs significantly impacts perceptual decisions beyond motion discrimination. Contrary to prevailing theories that consider the motor system as a mere effector of the decision, our study implies that the actions that are associated with the response options influence the decision process itself.
Brain Iron Alteration in Pediatric Tourette Syndrome: A Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Study
Authors: Lin Liping , Ruan Zhibin , Li Yufen , Qiu Huaqiong , Deng Chengfen , Qian Long , Cui Wei , Tang Wen , Yang Zhiyun , Cheng Yanglei , Liang Yujian , Su Shu
Published: February 2025

Background

The cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical circuits play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Tourette syndrome (TS). While iron deficiency has been reported in adult TS, the iron content in pediatric TS remains poorly understood. This study aims to quantitatively assess whole‐brain iron deposition in pediatric TS compared to typically developing (TD) children using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).

Methods

In this prospective study, we recruited 50 children with a clinical diagnosis of TS and 50 age‐ and gender‐matched TD controls. Whole‐brain images were acquired using 3D T1 and multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo sequences. QSM maps were generated using the STISuite toolbox. After normalizing the QSM maps to Montreal Neurological Institute space, voxel‐based analysis was applied to compare between‐group differences in iron content. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between iron content and tic severity in TS children using the Pearson's correlation test.

Results

Compared to TD children, those with TS exhibited iron deficiency in the right anterior cingulum (pFDR < 0.001). Conversely, increased QSM values were observed in the bilateral putamen of TS children (pFDR < 0.001). Notably, QSM values in the left putamen showed a significant negative correlation with tic severity (p = 0.044).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that disturbed brain iron homeostasis in specific regions is associated with pediatric TS. These results reinforce the importance of the cortico‐striato‐thalamo‐cortical circuits in TS pathogenesis and highlight the potential role of iron dysregulation. Furthermore, our study demonstrates that QSM could serve as a valuable auxiliary biomarker for diagnosing and potentially monitoring pediatric TS.