bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the vitality of urban public spaces: perspectives on crowd activity and built environment
Authors: Li Xinyang , Kozlowski Marek , Salih Sarah Abdulkareem , Ismail Sumarni Binti
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In urban planning, sustainability is closely linked to the quality of urban public spaces (UPS). However, some UPS encounter issues of low attractiveness and underutilisation. Vitality serves as a crucial measure in this context. The research perspective on the vitality of UPS centres on the balance between human activities and the built environment. Therefore, this article aims to systematically review critical aspects of UPS vitality evaluation system, including research objects, vitality components and research methods, from the dimensions of crowd activity and the built environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review using PRISMA analysed English-language publications from 2008 to 2023 in Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases, employing keywords related to UPS and vitality, with defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Findings

(1) Research objects, including parks, squares, waterfronts, blocks and streets. (2) The factors contributing to crowd activity characteristics originate from five dimensions, namely spatial, temporal, visitor, activity and feedback. Environmental factors, both external (accessibility, surrounding function mix and population density) and internal (service facility mix and water presence), significantly impact vitality. (3) The study primarily relies on quantitative data, including traditional surveys and emerging significant data sources like dynamic location and traffic, social media, geospatial and point of interest (POI) data. Data analysis methods commonly used include correlation analysis and comprehensive evaluation techniques.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the vitality evaluation system for UPS from multiple perspectives for urban planners, aiding in identifying key factors and research methods in the vitality evaluation of various types of UPS.
Antifragility, resilience and collaborative networks of SMEs: a theoretical foundation
Authors: Sagala Gaffar Hafiz , Őri Dóra
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The dynamic of the business environment has escalated the competition and uncertainty, which is challenging business survivability, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs attract researchers due to their unique characteristics that have limited resources but great flexibility and adaptability. Furthermore, Collaborative Networks (CNs) have been proposed by business scholars as a critical strategy to gain resilience and antifragility. However, the concept of antifragility and its relation with CNs is still vague in the SME sector. Therefore, this study aims to develop a complete understanding regarding: (1) the emerging knowledge that is critical in explaining antifragility in the business sector based on co-citation and thematic analysis; (2) the relation between resilience and antifragility in emerging business research; (3) the relation between CNs and antifragility in emerging business research and (4) a framework of antifragility in the SME context.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliographic Analysis and Systematic Literature Review are performed to reach the research objectives. We use co-citation and thematic analysis to identify the map of emerging knowledge and the related concepts, which are the fundamentals of antifragility. Furthermore, we use a systematic literature review to determine the relation of antifragility, resilience and CNs in the SME context.

Findings

Antifragility is a higher level of survivability compared to resilience. Antifragile SMEs could gain an advantage from the uncertain business environment. However, both in resilience and antifragility, SMEs should become active learners. Furthermore, CNs are proposed as the gateway for SMEs to manage their resource limitations. The conceptual framework of Antifragile SMEs is presented as the theoretical contribution of this manuscript.

Originality/value

This article explains the knowledge structure of antifragility in the business sector, particularly among SMEs. Based on bibliometric data, we describe critical characteristics or mental states entrepreneurs should have when facing uncertainty. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework for antifragile SMEs where active learning and positive psychology are the pillars, and CNs are critical ingredients of antifragility in SMEs.
The potential of virtual internships for management education: capturing student journey through experiential learning
Authors: Gandhi Aradhana , Kuknor Sunaina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The study aimed to capture student experience during virtual internships by identifying the facilitators and barriers during their experiential learning journey. The students were pursuing their Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program at a business school in India. The authors shed light on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the current education system, specifically experiential learning through virtual internships.

Design/methodology/approach

About 38 Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from July to September 2022 with the students of a business school located in Pune, India. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to generate new themes for ascertaining the facilitators and barriers to virtual internships. Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis was undertaken to analyze the lived experiences of the respondents.

Findings

Students viewed virtual internships positively in terms of mentor support, active learning, flexibility, and an easy onboarding process. Poor work-life balance, lack of peer learning and infrastructure issues were some of the barriers/challenges faced by the students.

Practical implications

The study discusses various managerial and administrative implications. The findings help educationists design effective pedagogy by drawing insights from constructivist learning theory, where students' active role during virtual internships must be given primary attention. Corrective measures in the pedagogy can be taken while designing a virtual internship, considering the barriers found in this study.

Originality/value

The themes identified in the study are a novel contribution to the growing body of knowledge on virtual experiential learning. The study empirically captures student experience regarding a relatively new phenomenon of virtual internships, which is the uniqueness of this paper.
How transformational leadership promotes employee creativity within the context of environmental dynamism: a multilevel perspective
Authors: Xu Shuang , Yaacob Zulnaidi , Cao Donghui
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how transformational leadership influences employees' creativity by considering the role of the environment and psychology. The study aims to provide insights into the impact of transformational leadership on team innovation climate, team reflexivity, psychological capital and employee creativity while also examining the moderating effect of environmental dynamism on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a multi-source, multi-wave approach, utilizing data from 618 participants in 118 teams. It constructed a multilevel structural equation model and estimated the confidence intervals of the mediated and moderated effects using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method.

Findings

The results of the multilevel analyses indicated that transformational leadership positively influenced the team innovation climate, team reflexivity, psychological capital and employee creativity. Moreover, the study found that environmental dynamism positively moderates the relationships among transformational leadership, team reflexivity, psychological capital and employee creativity.

Originality/value

Drawing on social cognitive theory and the motivated information processing in groups model, this study offers new insights into the interplay between transformational leadership and creativity. It examines the moderating role of cross-level process linkages and environmental dynamism, thereby validating and extending relevant theories.
The effect of bank artificial intelligence on consumer purchase intentions
Authors: Armutcu Barış , Tan Ahmet , Ho Shirie Pui Shan , Chow Matthew Yau Choi , Gleason Kimberly C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of the marketing world. This study is the first to examine the effect of AI marketing efforts, brand experience (BE) and brand preference (BP) in light of the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collected from 398 participants by the questionnaire method were analyzed by SEM (structural equation modeling) using Smart PLS 4.0 and IBM SPSS 26 programs.

Findings

We find that four SOR elements of AI marketing efforts (information, interactivity, accessibility and personalization) positively impact bank customer BE, BP and repurchase intention (RPI). Further, we find that BE plays a mediator role in the relationship between AI marketing efforts, RPI and BP.

Originality/value

The findings of the study have significant implications for the bank marketing literature and the banking industry, given the limited evidence to date regarding AI marketing efforts and bank–customer relationships. Moreover, the study makes important contributions to the AI marketing and brand literature and helps banks increase customer experience with artificial intelligence activities and create long-term relationships with customers.
Considering potential roles of selected MicroRNAs in evaluating subclinical mastitis and Milk quality in California mastitis test (+) and infected bovine milk
Authors: Özkan Hüseyin , Keçeli Hasan Hüseyin , Kaya Ufuk , Dalkiran Sevda , Yüksel Murat , Tek Erhan , Yakan Akın
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the relationships between subclinical mastitis and milk quality with selected microRNAs in cow milk. California Mastitis Test (CMT)‐positive (n = 20) and negative (n = 20) samples were compared (Experiment I). Additionally, samples with CMT‐positive but microbiological‐negative, as well as positive for only Staphylococcus subspecies (Staph spp.) and only Streptococcus subspecies (Strep spp.) were examined (Experiment II). Four groups were formed in Experiment II: Group I (CMT and microbiological‐negative) (n = 20), Group II (CMT‐positive but microbiological‐negative) (n = 10), Group III (Staph spp.) (n = 5), Group IV (Strep spp.) (n = 5). While electrical conductivity, somatic cell count (SCC), malondialdehyde (MDA) increased, miR‐27a‐3p and miR‐223 upregulated and miR‐125b downregulated in the CMT‐positive group in Experiment I. SCC and MDA were higher in CMT‐positive groups. miR‐27a‐3p and miR‐223 upregulated in Groups III and IV. While miR‐155 is upregulated, miR‐125b downregulated in Group IV. Milk fat is positively correlated with miR‐148a and miR‐223. As miR‐27a‐3p positively correlated with SCC and MDA, miR‐125b negatively correlated with electrical conductivity and SCC. miR‐148a and MDA were positively correlated. miR‐155 was correlated with fat‐free dry matter, protein, lactose, and freezing point. miR‐223 was positively correlated with SCC and miR‐148a. Results particularly highlight miR‐27a‐3p and miR‐223 as potential biomarkers in subclinical mastitis, especially those caused by Staph spp. and Strep spp., while miR‐148a, miR‐155, and miR‐223 stand out in determining milk quality.
Differing gender diverse children have differing experiences with same‐ and other‐gender peers
Authors: Martin Carol Lynn , Xiao Sonya Xinyue , DeLay Dawn , Fabes Richard A. , Hanish Laura D. , Oswalt Krista
Published: May 2024

How gender diversity is exhibited varies: some individuals feel similar to the other gender; others experience little similarity to either gender, and some feel similar to both genders. For children, do these variations relate to differing relationships with peers? The goal was to assess whether a community sample of children (884, Mage = 9.04, SD = .90, 51% boys/1 transgender boy; 57% non‐Latinx) with differing types of gender diversity have differing relationship experiences and beliefs about same‐ and other‐gender peers. Gender diversity was determined by gender self‐concepts (Both‐Gender Similar, Cross‐Gender Similar, Low‐Gender Similar); these were compared among themselves and to gender‐typical children (Own‐Gender Similar). Results confirmed that children who exhibited differing gender diversity patterns varied in their peer experiences such that gender self‐concept matching was found: Children who felt more similar to other‐gender peers reported more contact and felt included and efficacious with other‐gender peers; children who felt more similar to same‐gender peers reported more contact and felt included and efficacious with same‐gender peers. These findings suggest that children with two of the atypical patterns (i.e., Cross‐Gender and Both‐Gender) may experience social benefits that gender typical children do not. These findings illustrate the variability and strengths among gender diverse children.
Labor market forecasting in unprecedented times: A machine learning approach
Authors: Orozco‐Castañeda Johanna M. , Sierra‐Suárez Lya Paola , Vidal Pavel
Published: May 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic ushered in unprecedented social and economic conditions, alongside unexpected policy responses, challenging the effectiveness of traditional labor market forecasting approaches. This article presents a novel approach that integrates macroeconomic variables, traditional labor market metrics, and Google search data to develop a machine learning‐based indicator for the Colombian labor market. We employ support vector machine for regression and neural networks models to forecast monthly employment and unemployment rates, explicitly focusing on the third wave of COVID‐19 in the first half of 2021. Our study's findings reveal that the proposed models outperform the autoregressive benchmark regarding forecast accuracy, demonstrating a rapid adaptation to labor market shifts.
Differing contributions of the gut microbiota to the blood pressure lowering effects induced by first‐line antihypertensive drugs
Authors: González‐Correa Cristina , Moleón Javier , Miñano Sofía , Robles‐Vera Iñaki , Toral Marta , Barranco Antonio Manuel , Martín‐Morales Natividad , O'Valle Francisco , Guerra‐Hernández Eduardo , Sánchez Manuel , Gómez‐Guzmán Manuel , Jiménez Rosario , Romero Miguel , Duarte Juan
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose

This study analyses whether first‐line antihypertensive drugs ameliorate the dysbiosis state in hypertension, and to test if this modification contributes to their blood pressure (BP) lowering properties in a genetic model of neurogenic hypertension.

Experimental Approach

Twenty‐week‐old male Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were untreated or treated with captopril, amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide. A faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment was also performed by gavage of faecal content from donor SHR‐treated groups to SHR recipients for 3 weeks.

Key results

Faeces from SHR showed gut dysbiosis, characterized by lower acetate‐ and higher lactate‐producing bacteria and lower strict anaerobic bacteria. All three drugs increased the anaerobic bacteria proportion, captopril and amlodipine restored the proportion of acetate‐producing bacterial populations to WKY levels, whereas hydrochlorothiazide decreased butyrate‐producing bacteria. Captopril and amlodipine decreased gut pathology and permeability and attenuated sympathetic drive in the gut. Both drugs decreased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei. Hydrochlorothiazide was unable to reduce neuroinflammation, gut sympathetic tone and gut integrity. FMT from SHR‐amlodipine to SHR decreased BP, ameliorated aortic endothelium‐dependent relaxation to acetylcholine, lowered NADPH oxidase activity, aortic Th17 infiltration and reduced neuroinflammation, whereas FMT from SHR‐hydrochlorothiazide did not have these effects.

Conclusions and Implications

First‐line antihypertensive drugs induced different modifications of gut integrity and gut dysbiosis in SHR, which result in no contribution of microbiota in the BP lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide, whereas the vasculo‐protective effect induced by amlodipine involves gut microbiota reshaping and gut‐immune system communication.
A qualitative meta‐synthesis of carers’ perceptions of factors influencing preschool children’s oral hygiene practices—A social practices perspective
Authors: Girard Ivana Matic , Ward Paul , Durey Angela , McLean Caitlan , Lund Stephan , Calache Hanny , Baker Sarah R. , Slack‐Smith Linda
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study comprises a synthesis of published qualitative studies from developed countries on the perspectives of carers regarding the oral hygiene toothbrushing practices of preschool children, through the lens of social practice theory.

Methods

A search of the following electronic databases was conducted for all available years: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Global Health using the Ovid platform; Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source (DOSS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Scopus. Included qualitative studies reported primary caregivers' perceptions of oral hygiene practices (focusing on toothbrushing) in preschool children (0–5 years old) in developed countries. A thematic synthesis of the qualitative findings was undertaken for the results of each study.

Results

Eleven articles were included in this meta‐synthesis. The focus of this paper was toothbrushing practices. A conceptual map of toothbrushing as a social practice was developed. Key findings included practice elements (meanings, competences, and materials), spatial and temporal aspects, and barriers and facilitators to performance.

Conclusions

The application of a social practice lens to published qualitative research on the oral hygiene of preschool children provided insights into the meanings and competences related to toothbrushing, as perceived by primary caregivers. However, it also revealed limited information on material, spatial and temporal aspects of toothbrushing practices, indicating the importance of considering social practice theory as a framework in future research to address this gap. Furthermore, exploring toothbrushing in connection with related social practices has the potential to increase understanding of factors influencing oral health in preschool children.
Evaluating the influence of marine protected areas on surf zone fish
Authors: Marraffini M. L. , Hamilton S. L. , Marin Jarrin J. R. , Ladd M. , Koval G. , Madden J. R. , Mangino I. , Parker L. M. , Emery K. A. , Terhaar K. , Hubbard D. M. , Miller R. J. , Dugan J. E.
Published: May 2024

Marine protected areas (MPAs) globally serve conservation and fisheries management goals, generating positive effects in some marine ecosystems. Surf zones and sandy beaches, critical ecotones bridging land and sea, play a pivotal role in the life cycles of numerous fish species and serve as prime areas for subsistence and recreational fishing. Despite their significance, these areas remain understudied when evaluating the effects of MPAs. We compared surf zone fish assemblages inside and outside MPAs across 3 bioregions in California (USA). Using seines and baited remote underwater videos (BRUVs), we found differences in surf zone fish inside and outside MPAs in one region. Inside south region MPAs, we observed higher abundance (Tukey's honest significant difference [HSD] = 0.83, p = 0.0001) and richness (HSD = 0.22, p = 0.0001) in BRUVs and greater biomass (HSD = 0.32, p = 0.0002) in seine surveys compared with reference sites. Selected live‐bearing, fished taxa were positively affected by MPAs. Elasmobranchs displayed greater abundance in BRUV surveys and higher biomass in seine surveys inside south region MPAs (HSD = 0.35, p = 0.0003 and HSD = 0.23, p = 0.008, respectively). Although we observed no overall MPA signal for Embiotocidae, abundances of juvenile and large adult barred surfperch (Amphistichus argenteus), the most abundant fished species, were higher inside MPAs (K–S test D = 0.19, p < 0.0001). Influence of habitat characteristics on MPA performance indicated surf zone width was positively associated with fish abundance and biomass but negatively associated with richness. The south region had the largest positive effect size on all MPA performance metrics. Our findings underscored the variability in species richness and composition across regions and survey methods that significantly affected differences observed inside and outside MPAs. A comprehensive assessment of MPA performance should consider specific taxa, their distribution, and the effects of habitat factors and geography.
The Italian adaptation of the Mini‐SIPS, a tool for early detection of individuals at clinical high risk and first episode of psychosis: A preliminary study of implementation in an Italian FEP program
Authors: Ferrara Maria , Basaldella Marta , Vacca Francesca , Woods Scott W. , Walsh Barbara C. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Srihari Vinod H. , Grassi Luigi
Published: May 2024

Aims

The study aims are to present the Italian adaptation of the Abbreviated Clinical Structured Interview for DSM‐5 Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (Mini‐SIPS) and illustrate its implementation in a clinical setting.

Methods

The Mini‐SIPS was developed from the original extended version as a tool designed to identify, within the clinical high risk (CHR) framework, the DSM‐5 Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS) and to be implemented in clinical settings. The Mini‐SIPS was translated in Italian by a Yale‐certified SIPS trainer, then back‐translated in English by a trained psychologist, then approved by the Mini‐SIPS authors. Since September 2021, the adapted Italian version of the Mini‐SIPS has been implemented at the First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Program in Ferrara, Italy.

Results

The Italian version of Mini‐SIPS was successfully administered to 15 individuals subsequently referred to the First Episode Psychosis service in Ferrara. Within this sample, the tool has proven to be both an effective and efficient tool for the identification of CHR and FEP, and a valid instrument to help with the differential diagnosis. It also performed as a valuable guide for retrieving information about psychiatric history, to date the onset of APS and/or full‐blown psychosis, to track the progression from CHR to psychosis or to symptoms resolution and to describe patients' pathways to care.

Conclusion

The Mini‐SIPS is an efficient and easy‐to‐use interview to identify the early stages of psychosis and established psychosis in clinical contexts. The Italian adaptation of this interview could be effectively implemented in other Italian FEP Programs as a screening and monitoring tool. Formal validation of the instrument is needed to assessed validity and reliability in the diagnosis of the CHR and FEP.
In search of time: Higher education teachers' experience of an online professional development course
Authors: Poderi Giacomo , Popov Jelena , Møller Jeppe Kilberg
Published: May 2024

This article investigates teachers' lived experiences of an online professional development (OPD) course in Denmark – that is, Teknosofikum – through a hermeneutic phenomenological perspective, and it relies on the interpretive analysis of 15 semi‐structured interviews. The article's contribution focuses on the theme of ‘time’ and highlights it as a multifaceted construct that plays a relevant role in learning. By relying on the ideas of temporal structuring and multiple temporalities, the article shows that OPD courses and HE teachers' engagement nest themselves into pre‐existing and complex nexus of commitments and duties, each of which has its own temporality and rhythm, along with longer‐term aspirations for pedagogical development. As time emerged as a relevant aspect characterizing OPD course design and HE teachers' experiences, the article provides simple recommendations for ‘time‐aware’ OPD courses.
Ecological grief as a crisis in dwelling
Authors: Fernandez Velasco Pablo
Published: May 2024

In the current context of widespread environmental collapse, ecological grief—the sense of loss that arises from experiencing environmental destruction—has become a burgeoning topic of inquiry across psychology, geography, and anthropology. The central challenge in the study of ecological grief is that its theoretical foundations remain underdeveloped. Recent discussions in philosophy of emotions elucidate that a central element in this theoretical challenge is determining what the object of ecological grief is. In turn, our understanding of the object of ecological grief goes hand in hand with our understanding of the nature of ecological grief. This paper develops a phenomenological analysis of cross‐cultural subjective reports that identifies crucial themes in the experience of ecological grief. This phenomenological analysis reveals the object of ecological grief as the loss of the life possibilities that are sustained by dwelling. The resulting view is that ecological grief corresponds to a crisis in dwelling—a disturbance in the very way we inhabit our home environment.
Salmonids in hot water: An unprecedented warm‐water event in Labrador, a subarctic region of Canada
Authors: Geissinger Emilie A. , Van Leeuwen Travis E. , Kelly Nicholas , Pennell Curtis , Fitzsimmons Michelle G. , Duffy Steven , Poole Rebecca , Angnatok Joey , Dempson J. Brian , Coté David
Published: May 2024

Unprecedented warm river temperatures in July 2023 in Labrador, a subarctic region of Canada, were the highest since monitoring began (1994–2023) and ranged from 19.4°C (Hunt River) to 22.5°C (Eagle River). Incipient lethal water temperatures were exceeded for adult Atlantic salmon and brook trout (≥25°C) on 14 days in five of seven rivers and Arctic charr (≥24°C) on 17 days in six of seven rivers. Consequently, Labrador had the greatest number of angling restrictions and closures in 2023. Recent warming serves as a warning to fishery managers of regions historically unaffected by heat waves of the need to prepare action plans that mitigate the effects of a warming climate on fishes.
Fulminant hepatitis in a hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive patient with adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma after mogamulizumab monotherapy
Authors: Nakashima Takahiro , Kusumoto Shigeru , Ishida Takashi , Kato Chie , Hagiwara Shinya , Narita Tomoko , Masaki Ayako , Ito Asahi , Ri Masaki , Komatsu Hirokazu , Inagaki Hiroshi , Tanaka Yasuhito , Iida Shinsuke
Published: May 2024

We report a case of fulminant hepatitis in a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive patient with aggressive adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma who received monotherapy with an anti‐CCR4 monoclonal antibody, mogamulizumab, with decreased hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐ DNA levels by entecavir prophylaxis. Although HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis was considered in the differential diagnosis, the patient did not meet the conventional criteria for HBV reactivation and was finally diagnosed with drug‐induced hepatitis. Considering that the immunoenhancing effects of mogamulizumab can lead to HBV reactivation‐related hepatitis in HBsAg‐positive patients, we should differentiate drug‐induced hepatitis from HBV reactivation, especially in patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs, if HBV‐DNA levels are reduced by antiviral prophylaxis.
Holding the door slightly open: Germany's migrants' return intentions and realizations
Authors: Sallam Hend H.
Published: May 2024

Return migration intentions are complex and are not necessarily followed by future return migration. This study compares successful return or repeated migration with self‐declared return intentions. It takes advantage of the latest and unique German Socio‐Economic Panel (SOEP) survey dropout studies and fieldwork to observe a wider return migration window than reported in the literature to answer the question of whether return migration intentions eventually coincided with actual emigration behaviours. Moreover, return migration estimates are examined over this long‐observed return window. This empirical analysis explores (1) whether return intentions eventually materialize, (2) whether they can eventually predict actual return behaviours and (3) whether the determinants of actual and predicted return based on intentions are similar. Overall, my results support that migration intentions can predict actual return behaviour. While the underlying results show discrepancies in the predictors of return intentions and those of actual returns, they show emigration intentions as significant predictors of actual future emigration. Moreover, the findings suggest that life satisfaction significantly correlates with the individual intention to remigrate. Both effects are highly significant.
Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation in the management of sleep bruxism in children: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Amaral Cássia Cardozo , Fernandez Matheus dos Santos , Chisini Luiz Alexandre , Boscato Noeli , Jansen Karen , Goettems Marília Leão
Published: May 2024

Background

Sleep hygiene measures and meditation may reduce stress and improve sleep quality, but their effect on the occurrence of sleep bruxism in children has not yet been investigated.

Aim

To explore the effects of sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation (relaxation audio) in the management of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children.

Design

This clinical trial (no. NCT04501237) randomized 36 children with 3–8 years of age. Probable SB detection was performed according to the criteria established by the International Consensus on The Assessment of Bruxism—2018. Intervention group was instructed to practice sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation (i.e., the use of a digital app to broadcast audio relaxation) each night before bedtime for 5 weeks; control group did not receive guidance for therapies. Parents completed a bruxism diary for 5 weeks, and the outcome was the number of SB episodes‐day reported in the week (ranging from 0 to 7) in each period. A multilevel mixed‐effects Poisson regression model was performed.

Results

A total of 32 children (mean age: 6.1 years) completed the study. The children who received the therapies related to sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation had a reduction in the SB incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 46% (IRR = 0.54 [Confidence Interval 95%, 0.45–0.65]) during a 5‐week observation period. The sensitivity analyses did not show relevant changes in the measure of the effect.

Conclusion

Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation reduced the SB in children.
House finch leg color changes with infection
Authors: Coleman Sarah M. , Adelman James S. , Tillman Francis E.
Published: May 2024

In numerous animals, dramatic coloration (e.g. bright red or yellow) often indicates potential fitness, but it is less clear whether subtle coloration in the same individuals (e.g. grey or brown) could also encode such signals. To determine if subtle coloration could indicate health in a bird species with colorful feathers, house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), we used spectrometry to objectively quantify leg brightness and saturation before, six days after, and 13 days after captive individuals were inoculated with a naturally‐occurring bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma gallisepticum. We found that legs became less bright six days after infection (near the typical peak of infection), then more bright and less saturated at 13 days (entering the typical recovery period). These results suggest that subtle colors could reliably indicate current infection status, and therefore survival potential.
Climatic niche evolution and speciation modes in the transisthmian Alpheus shrimps (Caridea: Alpheidae)
Authors: Alves Douglas Fernandes Rodrigues , Martinez Pablo Ariel , de Barros‐Alves Samara de P. , de Almeida Ariádine Cristine , Elias Marco Aurélio Mendes , Hurt Carla , Hultgren Kristin M.
Published: May 2024

Aim

We studied the niche evolution and diversification modes in transisthmian Alpheus shrimps by examining the interplay between environmental niche divergence and conservatism in allopatric sister species. In a broader perspective, the current study analysed the evolution of climatic niche and the role of the environment in species diversification of Alpheus transisthmian shrimp.

Location

Atlantic and Eastern‐Pacific oceans.

Taxon

Alpheus shrimps (Caridea: Alpheidae).

Methods

We assembled georeferenced occurrences for 33 species of Alpheus (with 24 sister species) from a time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny. We modelled their ecological niches and assessed niche overlap through pairwise comparisons. Additionally, we performed phylogenetic reconstructions of the ancestral environmental niche, for each niche axis.

Results

Our results demonstrate that thermal tolerances, food availability and hydrodynamic forces were relevant environmental axes in evolutionary processes in transisthmian species of Alpheus. Among the 528 paired comparisons, we found that most niches were divergent, including in 12 clades formed by pairs of sister species (in only two of these clades were the niches fully equivalent). Phylogenetic reconstructions of ancestral niches showed an initial niche conservatism in all axes, with divergences intensifying in the last 12 million years.

Main Conclusions

We found evidence that confirms the relevance of the environmental changes that occurred in the West Atlantic and East Pacific for niche evolution in transisthmian Alpheus species, as well as for the emergence of some lineages. Our findings provide evidence for different modes of Alpheus species speciation in a period consistent with the closure of the Isthmus of Panama.
The hope, hype and obstacles surrounding cell therapy
Authors: Tręda Cezary , Włodarczyk Aneta , Rieske Piotr
Published: May 2024

Cell therapy offers hope, but it also presents challenges, most particularly the limited ability of human organs and tissues to regenerate. Since many diseases are associated with irreversible pathophysiological or traumatic changes, stem cells and their derivatives are unable to secure healing. Although regenerative medicine offers chances for improvements in many diseases, such as type one diabetes and Parkinson's disease, it cannot eliminate the primary cause of many of them. While successes can be expected for diseases such as sickle cell disease, this is not the case for hereditary diseases with varied mutation types or for ciliopathies, which start in embryogenesis. In this complicated medical environment, synthetic biology offers some solutions, but their implementation will take many years. Still, positive examples such as CAR‐T therapy offer hope.
The compensatory role of T cells from lymph nodes in mice with splenectomy
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Sun Yae , Su Yanhong , Gao Yang , Zhang Tianzhe , Wang Qianhao , Zhang Xiaoran , Zhang Dan , Sun Chenming , Li Jun , Li Zongfang , Zhang Baojun
Published: May 2024

The spleen is a vital organ for the immune system, while splenectomy may be necessary for various reasons. However, there is limited research on the impact of splenectomy on T cell function in peripheral lymph nodes as a compensatory mechanism in preventing infections. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and function of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in different peripheral lymph nodes during viral infection using a well‐established splenectomy model. The results revealed that splenectomy caused an increase in CD8+GP33+ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Moreover, we demonstrated that splenectomy resulted in an increase of effector KLRG1+ T cells in the MLN. Additionally, the number of CD4+ cytotoxic T cells (CD4 CTLs) was also elevated in the peripheral lymph nodes of mice with splenectomy. Surprisingly, aged mice exhibited a stronger compensatory ability than adult mice, as evidenced by an increase in effector CD8+ T cells in all peripheral lymph nodes. These findings provide compelling evidence that T cells in MLN play a crucial role in protecting individuals with splenectomy against viral infections. The study offers new insights into understanding the changes in the immune system of individuals with splenectomy and highlights the potential compensatory mechanisms involved by T cells in peripheral lymph nodes.
Phylogenetic and phylogeographic insights into Sri Lankan killifishes (Teleostei: Aplocheilidae)
Authors: Sudasinghe Hiranya , Ranasinghe Tharindu , Wijesooriya Kumudu , Rüber Lukas , Meegaskumbura Madhava
Published: May 2024

Three nominal species of the killifish genus Aplocheilus are reported from the lowlands of Sri Lanka. Two of these, Aplocheilus dayi and Aplocheilus werneri, are considered endemic to the island, whereas Aplocheilus parvus is reported from both Sri Lanka and Peninsular India. Here, based on a collection from 28 locations in Sri Lanka, also including a dataset of Asian Aplocheilus downloaded from GenBank, we present a phylogeny constructed from the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), and nuclear recombination activating protein 1 (rag1), and investigate the interrelationships of the species of Aplocheilus in Sri Lanka. The endemic Sri Lankan aplocheilid clade comprising A. dayi and A. werneri is recovered as the sister group to the clade comprising A. parvus from Sri Lanka and Aplocheilus blockii from Peninsular India. The reciprocal monophyly of A. dayi and A. werneri is not supported in our molecular phylogeny. A. dayi and A. werneri display strong sexual dimorphism, but species‐level differences are subtle, explained mostly by pigmentation patterns. Their phenotypes exhibit a parapatric distribution and may represent locally adapted forms of a single species. Alternatively, the present study does not rule out the possibility that A. dayi and A. werneri may represent an incipient species pair or that they have undergone introgression or hybridization in their contact zones. We provide evidence that the Nilwala‐Gin region of southwestern Sri Lanka may have acted as a drought refugium for these fishes.
Impact of inpatient geriatrics consultation on hospital outcomes in older adults with trauma
Authors: Tyree Sara , Fischer Karen , Stephens Daniel , Burton M. Caroline , Pagali Sandeep
Published: May 2024

Background

Older adults presenting with trauma have worse outcomes than younger adults. Starting in 2016, we provided geriatrics consultation (GC) to older adults admitted to the trauma service. We aimed to analyze the impact of GC on patient outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective pre–post study and year‐matched cohort study. We identified patients from the trauma registry at our level 1 trauma center. In the pre–post study, we compared patients who received GC (2016–2022) with controls (2011–2015). In the cohort study (2016–2022), we compared patients who received GC with controls. We matched for age, race, sex, and injury severity score (ISS) in both studies, as well as admission year in the cohort study. Outcome variables included mortality (in‐hospital, 30‐day, 90‐day), length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and hospital readmission rates (30‐day, 90‐day).

Results

We analyzed 1968 patients in the pre–post study and 2544 patients in the cohort study. Patients were similar in age, race, and sex. GC patients had a slightly higher ISS score and a higher rate of ICU stay. Delirium occurrence was lower among GC patients. GC patients had lower in‐hospital mortality compared to controls (pre–post OR 0.27, p < 0.001; cohort OR 0.31, p < 0.001) and increased LOS (6 days vs 4 days, p < 0.001; both studies). GC patients in the cohort study also had lower 30‐ and 90‐day mortality (OR 0.52 and 0.65, p < 0.01) and were less likely to return home (OR 0.81, p < 0.01); similar trends, though not statistically significant, were noted in the pre–post study. Lower readmission rates (statistically non‐significant) were noted in the GC group across both studies.

Conclusions

GC in older adults with trauma has proven benefit with reduced mortality and a trend toward lower readmission rates but was associated with increased LOS and higher rates of discharge to skilled facility.
The need for creation of new learning outcomes in core curricula publications on differences in sex development and transgender anatomy
Authors: Venkatesh A. , Morris Amy Georgia
Published: May 2024

Despite recognition that sex is a spectrum there are no learning outcomes in the Anatomical Society's Core Curricula that effectively deal with the anatomy of differences in sex development or the anatomy of transgender individuals who have undergone gender affirming surgery. We believe this is a gap that needs to be plugged urgently. Particularly in relation to healthcare students the consequence of perpetuating the stereotype of sexual dimorphism as a norm could marginalise these communities of patients even further. We believe that action in the form of a Delphi process to create new outcomes can be a first step in creating change that will lead to a more inclusive anatomy education.
The behavioral, economic, and political impact of the Internet and social media: Empirical challenges and approaches
Authors: Sabatini Fabio
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a review of empirical methods used to assess the behavioral, economic, and political outcomes of Internet and social media usage. Instead of merely surveying the various impacts of the Internet, we examine the methods adopted to identify these impacts. We describe two main approaches for establishing causal effects, each with strengths and limitations. The first approach involves searching for exogenous sources of variation in the access to fast Internet or specific content. The second approach takes the form of field or laboratory experiments. In this paper, we focus on the first approach, delving into the methodological threats, empirical design, and main findings of the most prominent studies that exploit natural or quasi‐experiments for identifying the causal impact of high‐speed Internet or specific social media. This undertaking allows us to highlight the key empirical challenges in the field of Internet and social media economics while summarizing the causal relationships that the literature has uncovered so far.
Conventional wisdom, meta‐analysis, and research revision in economics
Authors: Gechert Sebastian , Mey Bianka , Opatrny Matej , Havranek Tomas , Stanley T. D. , Bom Pedro R. D. , Doucouliagos Hristos , Heimberger Philipp , Irsova Zuzana , Rachinger Heiko J.
Published: May 2024

Over the past several decades, meta‐analysis has emerged as a widely accepted tool to understand economics research. Meta‐analyses often challenge the established conventional wisdom of their respective fields. We systematically review a wide range of influential meta‐analyses in economics and compare them to “conventional wisdom.” After correcting for observable biases, the empirical economic effects are typically much closer to zero and sometimes switch signs. Typically, the relative reduction in effect sizes is 45%–60%.
Old Skool Spinning and Syncing: Memory, Technologies, and Occupational Membership in a DJ Community
Authors: Foroughi Hamid , Eisenman Micki , Parsley Samantha
Published: May 2024

We show how technology and its temporal instantiations act as material‐relational mnemonic devices that provide temporal anchors for collective remembering in occupations and form the basis of what we call an 'occupational mnemonic community'. This is important because how the past is remembered shapes politics, the definition of membership and boundaries within occupations. Empirically, we focus on the occupation of DJing, an occupation that has witnessed major technological transformation. Utilizing interviews, archival research, and auto‐ethnographic data, we show how DJs’ engagement with material mnemonic devices, here, DJing technology, aligns group members’ interpretations of the past, and forms the basis of an ‘occupational mnemonic community’. In our analysis, we uncover that imagined perceptions regarding how existing group members assess the material choices of newcomers, as well as, the performative behaviours exhibiting these choices, play pivotal roles in sustaining mnemonic communities. We conclude with a discussion on occupational mnemonic processes and their effect on establishing boundaries within occupations. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the sociomaterial aspects of collective memory and its significance in understanding the politics of memory in work communities and organizations.
Consumer reactions to environmentally irresponsible sourcing practices: An intentionality and motive perspective
Authors: Mukandwal Prabhjot S. , Cantor David E. , Laczniak Russell N.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this research is to better understand how and why consumers pay attention to a firm's environmentally irresponsible sourcing practices. Using signaling theory, this research develops and tests a model that examines how a firm's intentionality and motive behind irresponsible environmental sourcing practices can signal a product's environmental characteristics to consumers. The findings suggest that consumers tend to view products as more environmentally harmful when they learn that a firm intentionally sources from irresponsible suppliers. Likewise, consumers are more likely to react unfavorably to a firm's products when a firm prioritizes profit motives over responsible sourcing practices. This research also offers insight into how a firm's corrective response strategy (e.g., mandatory vs. voluntary environmental supplier actions) could mitigate the adverse impact of the firm's environmentally irresponsible sourcing practices on consumer perceptions of environmental risk. The findings indicate that a firm's mandatory corrective actions targeted to its suppliers are more likely to be effective, whereas voluntary actions were found to be ineffective. Two experiments were conducted to test the study's hypotheses. Managerial and societal implications are also discussed.
A novel test and treat program for hepatitis C virus infection utilizing HCV core antigen testing, among police and general population, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2022
Authors: Qureshi Huma , Mahmood Hassan , Nasir Zubair , Siddique Saad , Averhoff Francisco , Cloherty Gavin
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis C virus core antigen (HCVcAg) testing can simplify and decrease costs of HCV infection confirmation compared to molecular testing (nucleic acid testing). We piloted HCVcAg testing for the confirmation of active infection. The study was conducted during June through December 2022 among the police and the general population of Islamabad, Pakistan age 18 years and older. Initial screening for HCV antibody was conducted using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for all consenting participants. Those who tested positive had venous blood samples tested for HCVcAg, platelets and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Persons with HCVcAg values ≥3 fmol/L were defined as viremic, and they were offered treatment with direct acting antiviral (DAA) medications, sofosbuvir and daclatasvir. Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) was calculated for each HCV infected person, and those with an APRI score <1.5 received treatment for 12 weeks, while those with APRI ≥ to 1.5 received 24 weeks of treatment. A total of 15,628 persons were screened for anti‐HCV using RDT and 643 (4.1%) tested positive. HCVcAg values of ≥3 fmol/L was found in 399/643 (62.1%), and all were offered and accepted treatment. Of those treated, 273/399 (68.4%) returned for a follow‐up SVR and HCVcAg was not detected in 261/273, a 95.6% cure rate. The pilot study demonstrated the effectiveness of reaching and treating an urban population using RDT for screening and HCVcAg for confirmation of infection and test of cure.