bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does capital efficiency influence economic growth in Bangladesh? Application of the Harrod-Domar model
Authors: Amin Sakib Bin , Samia Bismi Iqbal , Khan Farhan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of capital efficiency on the economic growth of Bangladesh using the Harrod-Domar (H-D) model.

Design/methodology/approach

We use annual data from 1980 to 2019 for this paper. Three steps are taken in the data analysis. First, to check the existence of a unit root, we use the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test and to determine co-integration among the variables, we use the Johansen-Juselius co-integration test. Next, for long-run estimation, we use the dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) estimator. The sensitivity of the long-run estimations is further checked by the fully modified OLS (FMOLS) and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimators. Lastly, we use the Granger causality test to determine the long-run causality among the variables.

Findings

The long-run co-integration test validates the co-integrating relationship among the variables. DOLS estimations reveal that the economic growth of Bangladesh is negatively associated with the incremental capital output ratio (ICOR), validating the notion that capital efficiency matters for achieving higher economic growth. On average, an increase in ICOR by a unit tends to reduce economic growth in the long term by 0.75 percent. Our results also reveal no significant relationship between savings and economic growth when the model is extended. Finally, causality results indicate unidirectional causality between ICOR and economic growth.

Practical implications

Based on the results obtained, we argue that the enhancement of capital productivity could bring efficiency because ICOR is an inverse of capital productivity. Since Bangladesh’s capital productivity is considerably low compared with other neighbouring countries, it is suggested that firms should gradually move towards technological advancement and enhance economies of scale, etc. in the long run. Moreover, policies in favour of continuous skill development programmes could be highly effective in increasing capital productivity given that capital follows a vintage structure.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to analyse the economic growth pattern of Bangladesh using the traditional H-D model by incorporating variables such as savings and ICOR and also by relaxing the assumption of time-invariant (i.e. fixed) data of the variables. Moreover, this paper extends the traditional H-D empirical model by introducing key indicators and time breaks for Bangladesh’s economy through a stepwise regression process.
Can water conscientiousness influence consumers' purchase intentions and behaviours towards sustainable apparel?
Authors: Hasan Celine Ibrahim , Saleh Selena Mohammad , AbedRabbo Majd , Obeidat Zaid , Ahmad Alaeddin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This research examines the effect of water conscientiousness (WC) on consumers' purchase intentions and behaviours towards sustainable apparel. Through this exploration, the research aims to show how consumers' awareness of water conservation connects with their purchase choices for sustainable apparel.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the norm activation theory, this research developed a theoretical framework and tested it using structural equation modelling and mediation analysis. This research focuses on the unique context of Jordan, a region grappling with severe water scarcity. Data were collected using an online survey with 222 completed questionnaires retained for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that WC does not have a significant direct effect on purchase intentions of sustainable apparel (PISA). This finding challenges the assumption that conscientiousness towards water scarcity would drive prosocial behaviours such as purchasing sustainable apparel. However, the findings reveal a full mediation effect of perceived environmental apparel knowledge (PEAK) and perceived environmental concern (PEC) on the relationship between WC and PISA. Such a finding raises awareness of the need to develop consumers' PEAK and PEC by educating them on the importance of WC and the effect of the apparel industry on water preservation. A significant relationship exists between PISA and purchase behaviour of sustainable apparel (PBSA), affirming the role of intentions in driving sustainable purchase behaviours of consumers.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the role of WC in facilitating PISA and PBSA by testing a theoretical model that incorporates various environmental factors. Likewise, it extends the geographical scope of sustainability research and underscores the importance of considering diverse environmental conditions when studying consumer behaviour. The findings provide insights for marketers and policymakers in water-scarce regions, enabling them to develop strategies to promote sustainable apparel consumption.
Exploring the relationship between Lean and Green for further research
Authors: Martinez Felipe , Jirsák Petr
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Exploring the Lean and Green relationship goes back to the beginnings of Lean manufacturing. Most cases established that companies implementing Lean have Green results. However, there are Lean practices with a higher impact on Green, but others with less impact. Therefore, this paper presents research that explores the relationship between Lean and Green in manufacturing companies and aims to determine whether Lean practices have a higher association with Green aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted amongst manufacturing firms to determine their Lean Index (LI). The internally related elements of the Lean construct determined each firm’s LI, whilst Cronbach alpha determined internal LI consistency. The survey also identified firms developing six Green aspects: International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001, ISO 50001, general Green aspects and the specific aspects of materials, energy and water. An individual sample t-test shows different LI levels of association for each Green aspect. Binomial logistic regression shows the LI element association for each Green aspect.

Findings

LI is higher at firms reporting the inclusion of Green aspects. More than half of LI components have a statistically relevant association with the six Green aspects. In general, Ishikawa diagrams had the highest association with Green aspects whilst the lowest was seen in workers as improvement initiators. By grouping the LI elements into their categories, the Lean practices related to controlling processes have a higher association, whilst the involvement of employees has the lowest.

Research limitations/implications

Further research found in this paper identifies the possibilities for investigating the specificities of each Lean tool to develop Green aspects in companies.

Practical implications

Practitioners learn that Lean and Green are not separate issues in business. This article provides evidence that Lean practices in place at companies are already associated with Green aspects, so integration may already be happening.

Originality/value

This paper provides specifics on the relationship between each Lean practice and developing Green aspects. Thus, this paper specifies the Lean practices that contribute most to Green efficiency to support the joint development of both themes.
Communicating research to practitioners – between scientific rigor, easy science and practitioners' self-perception of expertise
Authors: Mohajerzad Hadjar , Martin Andreas , Kamphausen Lavinia , Widany Sarah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Research shows that there are mechanisms of information simplification that lead to the danger that first, laypeople rely on their own epistemological skills when assessing scientific claims. Second, laypeople underestimate their dependence on experts when they receive simplified information. This underestimation can be problematic because scientific knowledge, due to its complexity, usually cannot be fully understood without further advice from experts. Compared to laypersons, adult education practitioners can be expected to have a higher level of scientific literacy in relation to knowledge in their professional field because they are familiar with the structure of knowledge through their formal education. The present study examines whether the “easiness effect” also occurs in adult education practitioners when they read simplified and highly simplified texts about research findings.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 1.267 continuing education institutions. For the survey experiment, particioants were randomly assigned to tree text types at the end of the survey: easy, less scientific and scientific text. We used the difference-in-difference method to analyze the data.

Findings

The study examined whether easily presented research findings influenced self-assessment and reliance on experts. The results of our study support the hypothesis that the easiness effect is also present among professional practitioners.

Originality/value

The use of clear and nontechnical language is essential for ensuring that scientific knowledge is accessible and utilizable outside of academic circles. This aspect gains particular significance in educational research, as it enables professional practitioners to comprehend and ideally implement, research findings in their daily routines to address and resolve real-world challenges in their educational environments. Previous studies have demonstrated that the way text is presented influences laypeople's perceived reliance on experts. Building upon the conceptual framework of the easiness effect, this survey experiment took an additional step by focusing specifically on a targeted audience: professional practitioners in adult education.
Religious belief and emotional vampires in organizations
Authors: Salehzadeh Reza
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Consistent with the metaphor of narcissists as “emotional vampires” who leave their victims emotionally drained and devoid of energy, this research suggests that certain factors, such as subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and religious beliefs, can reduce the level of narcissistic behavior in organizations. Drawing from the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and self-regulation theory, the current study evaluates the moderating role of Islamic religiosity in the relationship between subjective norms and the intention to behave narcissistically. In addition, this study examines the moderating role of afterlife belief in the relationship between perceived behavioral control and the intention to behave narcissistically.

Design/methodology/approach

The research hypotheses were tested using two-wave survey data collected from managers of 103 service organizations (Study 1) and 323 employees of four service organizations (Study 2). This research applies structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the proposed model using SmartPLS 3 software.

Findings

Islamic religiosity had a negative moderating role in the relationship between subjective norms and the intention to behave narcissistically (Study 1 and Study 2). In addition, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control had significant positive effects on the intention to engage in narcissistic behavior among managers (Study 1). However, perceived behavioral control had no significant effect on the intention to engage in narcissistic behavior among employees (Study 2).

Originality/value

The current study not only tests the applicability of the TPB to narcissistic behaviors in Islamic organizations, but it also extends the classic TPB framework by including two moderating variables – Islamic religiosity and afterlife belief.
Sustainability reporting in Spanish public hospitals: has it become an institutionalized norm among these organizations?
Authors: Andrades Javier , Larrán Jorge Manuel , Muriel Maria Jose , Calzado Maria Yolanda
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it identifies whether sustainability reporting has become an institutionalized cultural norm in the daily routines and organizational practices of Spanish public hospitals. Second, it finds out why sustainability reporting has become (or not) an institutionalized norm in the Spanish public hospital field.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish the research aims, the authors have adopted a qualitative method approach by combining two main data sources: (1) a documentary analysis of reports published by 60 Spanish public hospitals that consistently maintained their commitment to this activity over the past 10 years; and (2) a semi-structured interview with seven hospital managers and with seven participants from professional organizations.

Findings

The authors have found that sustainability reporting has not become an institutionalized practice in the Spanish public hospital setting. Based on the notion of normativity, the findings indicate that the institutional conditions that support the emergence of a norm are not met (Bebbington et al., 2012). In particular, the lack of a coherent normative framework, the absence of congruence with previous similar practices and the lack of clarity in the norm explain why a reporting norm has not emerged. Currently, the societal context has not developed an appropriate discourse around the development of sustainability reporting in the Spanish public sector.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research is double: (1) From a practical level, this paper contributes to the accounting literature by analyzing the development of sustainability reporting practices in the public sector; (2) According to the notion of normativity, the novelty of this paper is to explore whether a sustainability reporting norm emerges in Spanish public hospitals.
Talent management through speed with dexterity: the postacquisition integration strategy of Celgene by Bristol Myers Squibb
Authors: Thomas Mark , Durand Muriel , Hassan Maram , Tabourier Mathieu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Skillful management of employees after a merger or acquisition (M&A) is one of the key aspects to ensuring a successful deal, and most notably to ensure talent retention. This paper aims to describe how Bristol Myer Squibb (BMS) efficiently integrated Celgene after it bought the company for a near-record $74bn in 2019. The authors explain the structural elements applied during the premerger phase (acquisition experience, partner location and portfolio alignment) and the subsequent postmerger decisions to ensure rapid integration (choice of the leadership team, cultural integration and the communication strategy).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a single-case approach of the second largest acquisition in the pharmaceutical industry. It analyzes the management and talent retention decisions taken to ensure rapid integration of Celgene while ensuring that employees felt engaged in the process. This was achieved despite the consideration challenges posed by the COVID-19 global lockdown.

Findings

M&As are well known for the HR challenges they generate such as change management, cultural clashes and increased employee turnover. This paper demonstrates how BMS was able to overcome these hurdles, combining a fast speed of integration with managerial dexterity.

Originality/value

This paper offers a concise and clear outline of the management strategies used by BMS to ensure a successful integration strategy. This approach included a strong respect for the human as well as financial and strategic aspects of the deal. For even greater clarity, this paper offers a diagrammatic representation of the strategy of BMS to improve the speed of integration.
Winning the war for talent: how strategic HR is the key to attracting and keeping top performers
Authors: Tenakwah Emmanuel Senior
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the critical role of strategic human resource management in attracting and retaining top talent amidst the intensifying war for skilled workers. The key battlegrounds in the talent wars and the strategic HR levers organisations can use to gain a competitive edge are also highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws upon previous studies, expert and industry insights to provide an overview of the challenges and strategies related to winning the war for talent. The findings from various sources are synthesised to identify the most critical issues and effective approaches in talent acquisition, employer branding, employee retention and the evolving role of chief human resources officers (CHROs).

Findings

This paper finds that innovative recruiting strategies, such as tapping into neurodiverse talent pools and leveraging remote work models, can help companies access new sources of skilled workers. Developing a compelling employer brand and value proposition is crucial for attracting top candidates. Retention strategies, including job crafting, frequent feedback, tailored benefits and a strong learning culture, are essential for engaging and retaining employees. This paper also highlights the increasing strategic importance of CHROs in driving talent management and organisational success.

Originality/value

This paper offers a timely overview of the war for talent by synthesising insights from various sources to offer actionable strategies for HR leaders. It emphasises the critical role of strategic HR in attracting and retaining top performers and underscores the importance of adapting talent management practices to the rapidly evolving world of work. This paper can be used as a source of information for HR professionals and executives, address some of the challenges of the talent wars.
Combining mobile health, action and coping plans to improve exercise adherence and functionality among elderly with knee pain in Bangkok
Authors: Piwong Pattaraporn , Junkhaw Tiwaporn , Loganathan Kavinash , Munisamy Murallitharan , Somrongthong Ratana
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The known advantage of exercise for older adults who had knee pain is limited by low adherence to an exercise program. This study aims to determine the effect of the LINE application on action and coping plans on exercise adherence, self-efficacy for exercise, specific self-efficacy (task, maintenance and recovery), functional performance (knee range of motion, time up and go, 30-s chair stand and knee outcome for activities of daily living) and knee pain scale among older adults with knee pain in suburban Bangkok, Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 86 participants aged between 50 and 65 years old were divided into two groups for a period of 14 weeks: intervention (received action and coping plans via the LINE application) and control group (received usual care). All outcomes were measured at baseline and posttest except exercise adherence, which was collected postintervention.

Findings

A significant difference between intervention and control groups across all outcomes. Within group comparisons before and after, the intervention indicates that participants of the intervention group significantly improved posttest. In conclusion, using mobile health technology in combination with action and coping plans was found to enhance older adults’ exercise adherence and motivation, thus, decreasing knee pain while increasing functionality.

Originality/value

This study provides new insight into the combination of action and coping plans implementing with instant messaging through the LINE application which had a positive impact on enhance exercise adherence and knee functional performance of Thai elderly with knee pain.
Clustered and rotating designs as a strategy to obtain precise detection rates in camera trapping studies
Authors: Palencia Pablo , Sereno‐Cadierno Jorge , Carniato Davide , Marques Tiago , Hofmeester Tim R. , Vicente Joaquin , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: May 2024

Camera traps have transformed the way we monitor wildlife and are now routinely used to address questions from a wide range of ecological and conservation aspects. Sampling design optimization and a better understanding of drivers determining the precision of detection rates (i.e. the number of detections per unit of effort) are important methodological issues. Little attention has been focused on the effect of placing more than one camera on each sampling point (hereafter, clustered design), and/or rotating (i.e. redeploying) the cameras to new placements during the sampling period.

We explored the differences in the precision of detection rates between clustered vs. single camera designs when cameras remained in the same location during the study. Furthermore, the effect of keeping the placement of cameras fixed or rotating them (i.e. moving them to new locations during the sampling period), when a limited number of camera devices are available, was also evaluated. We used simulations and field data to test differences in detection rate precision for the different sampling designs. We simulated three different population distributions (random, trail‐based and aggregated) and three abundance scenarios. The simulations were validated with a field experiment focused on eight species with different behavioural traits, including artiodactyls, carnivores, lagomorphs, and birds.

When a fixed number of sampling points were monitored simultaneously, clustered designs generally resulted in an increase in the precision of detection rates compared to single designs. The absolute reduction in the coefficient of variation by clustered designs was on average 0.07 units (min: 0.01, max: 0.15), which represents an average relative reduction in CV of 31% (min:6%, max:44%). An improvement in precision was also observed as a higher number of sampling points was used for all population distributions and sampling designs tested. When a fixed number of cameras were available, rotating the cameras to independent locations improved precision (an absolute reduction of 0.19 CV units) when monitoring aggregated populations, but not for random and trail‐based population distributions.

Synthesis and applications: Our research provides a guideline for wildlife managers and researchers to improve the precision of camera trap detection rates and optimize resource allocation. In general, the study design should accommodate the behaviour of the target species (e.g. spatial aggregation and abundance), monitoring program logistic resources (both human and economic) and study area characteristics (e.g. accessibility and vandalism).
Aerial eDNA contributes vital information for fungal biodiversity assessment
Authors: Runnel Kadri , Lõhmus Piret , Küngas Kati , Marmor‐Ohtla Liis , Palo Anneli , Pütsepp Geili , Tamm Heidi , Tammekänd Indrek , Lõhmus Asko
Published: May 2024

Fungal diversity drives key processes in terrestrial ecosystems, but remains challenging to measure in the field and to monitor over time. In particular, we lack methods capable of describing both the regional biotas and fungal related conservation values, such as habitats for rare and threatened fungi. Environmental DNA (eDNA) could serve this purpose, once its validity to capture fungal assemblage properties is established.

Using three approaches (full‐season eDNA sampling from air, snapshot visual surveys, and eDNA sampling from dead wood), we present the first comparative assessment of fungal diversity at forest stand scale. The focus was on two well‐known fungal groups (lichens and wood inhabiting basidiomycetes) in old hemiboreal forests.

Aerial eDNA revealed regional‐scale cryptic diversity not detected in visual surveys, particularly among lichens and including species of conservation concern. However, at the local population scale, both aerial eDNA and eDNA sampled from dead wood often missed visually detected species. In particular, eDNA sampled from dead wood performed only as a supplementary source of species data. The methods differed in detecting the spatial covariance of wood fungal and lichen diversity, with the combined (most complete) dataset indicating the strongest congruence.

Synthesis and applications. Neither eDNA approaches nor visual surveys were able to detect full diversity of local fungi and all species of specific conservation value. However, there is clear merit in combined use of these methods, particularly in pairing aerial eDNA with visual observation‐based surveys on selected taxon groups. This approach can be especially valuable in fungal groups that have challenging taxonomy, inhabit partly inaccessible microhabitats, or have overall high diversity (such as lichens).
International Biological Flora: Festuca dolichophylla†
Authors: Eduardo‐Palomino F. , Gibson D. J. , Barberá P. , Castro J. , Trillo F. , La Torre M. I. , Walters S. A.
Published: May 2024

This account provides information on all aspects of the biology of Festuca dolichophylla J. Presl (Chilliwa, Chilligua) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the International Biological Flora including distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic and environmental factors, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, conservation and global heterogeneity.

Festuca dolichophylla is a tall perennial tussock grass that thrives at high elevations. It is native and widely distributed along the Andes of South America. It also occurs in North and Central America, especially in Mexico and Costa Rica. Festuca dolichophylla plays a significant role in Andean ecosystems and communities of Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia and northern Argentina. It serves various purposes, primarily as food source for South American camelids such as llama and alpaca. Festuca dolichophylla is dominant in Altiplano (Andean high plains) grasslands and is also present in Bofedales (Andean peatlands), shrublands and possibly in Ecuador and Colombia paramos.

Festuca dolichophylla reproduces through seeds and vegetative tillers. Flowering tillers bear panicles with multiple spikelets and florets. An ungrazed plant can produce as much as 15.6 g of seeds during May and June, and seeds can germinate in 7 days or more.

Festuca dolichophylla exhibits physiological and ecological traits that enable it to thrive in harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, drought and nutrient‐poor soils. It thrives in a range of soil types from strongly acid to slightly alkaline, encompassing textures that include loamy, sandy clay loam, clay loam and clay, and which are influenced by the cold and semiarid Andean climate. Fertilizers with different NPK formulations enhance fresh aerial biomass, plant height and volume. Additionally, F. dolichophylla forms mycorrhizal associations, stores large amounts of fixed carbon in its stems, and bioaccumulates mercury, lead and arsenic.

Despite its importance, Festuca dolichophylla remains poorly studied. Further research is needed to explore its ecology, breeding systems, diseases or ecotypes. Moreover, population and demographic studies are crucial to assess the impact of climate change on this species. Adaptive, strategic and organized management and conservation efforts are essential, particularly in Indigenous Andean settlements, where F. dolichophylla offers multiple applications and benefits. Furthermore, utilizing this species in grassland revegetation and restoration initiatives highlights the need for ongoing research and management endeavours to ensure its conservation and sustainable use.
A biogeochemical model of acidification: MAGIC is alive and well
Authors: Norling Magnus D. , Kaste Øyvind , Wright Richard F.
Published: May 2024

For 40 years, Model of Acidification of Groundwater In Catchments (MAGIC) has been used to simulate the acidification of soils and waters due to acid deposition. The original model (MAGIC v8) has now been updated and re‐implemented in the C++ Mobius platform and is available as open source. MAGIC‐Forest includes new modules describing hydrology, forest growth, and soil carbon. The Mobius platform facilitates automatic optimization of calibrated parameters and multipoint calibrations using Monte‐Carlo routines. The usefulness of MAGIC is demonstrated here by application to the 50‐year data series for deposition and runoff at Birkenes, a small, calibrated catchment in southern Norway. Acid deposition has declined dramatically at Birkenes since the peak in the 1970s. Sulfate is 90% lower. Stream water has recovered strongly. Decreased concentrations of sulfate have led to increased acid‐neutralizing capacity, pH, and reduced concentrations of toxic aluminum. These changes are well‐simulated by MAGIC. The sulfate control on organic carbon solubility added as part of MAGIC‐Forest improves the simulations. The MAGIC‐Forest modeling tool is now available for applications to scenarios of land‐use and climate change.
Reproductive history of parous women and urinary incontinence in midlife: A National Birth Cohort follow‐up study
Authors: Kjeldsen Anne Cathrine , Taastrøm Katja Albert , Gommesen Ditte , Hjorth Sarah , Axelsen Susanne , Nohr Ellen Aagaard
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate how reproductive history was associated with urinary incontinence in midlife.

Design

A follow‐up study.

Setting

Denmark.

Population

A total of 39 977 mothers who participated in the Maternal Follow up (2013–2014) in the Danish National Birth Cohort. National registries provided their reproductive history.

Methods

How parity, mode of birth and obstetric tears associated with urinary incontinence were estimated with adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI using logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Self‐reported urinary incontinence including subtypes stress, urge and mixed urinary incontinence.

Results

At an average age of 44 years, the prevalence of any urinary incontinence was 32% (21% stress, 2% urge, and 8% mixed urinary incontinence). Women with two births more often had urinary incontinence than women with one birth (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10–1.31). Compared with women with only spontaneous births, a history of only caesarean sections was associated with much lower odds of urinary incontinence (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.35–0.42) and a history of instrumental births with slightly lower odds (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.98). Compared with no tear/first‐degree tear as the largest tear, episiotomy was associated with less urinary incontinence (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.97) whereas third/fourth‐degree tears were associated with more (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04–1.25). Findings were mainly explained by similar associations with stress and mixed urinary incontinence.

Conclusions

Vaginal birth was associated with a higher risk of long‐term urinary incontinence, but our results indicate that this risk may be reduced by shortening the second stage of birth.
Bedside urine testing for fentanyl in self‐reported heroin users in a tertiary Brisbane emergency department
Authors: Harris Keith , Holford Amanda G , Learmont Benjamin G , Isoardi Katherine Z
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine if patients presenting to our toxicology unit following self‐reported heroin use had positive urine immunoassay testing for fentanyl or its analogues.

Methods

Urine samples from consenting patients were tested at the bedside for the presence of opiates or fentanyl and its analogues.

Results

Over a 30‐month period, 58 patients were recruited. All samples tested positive for opiates, but none tested positive for fentanyl or its analogues.

Conclusion

In patients presenting to our toxicology unit in Brisbane, we did not find any cases where the urine of patients self‐reporting heroin exposure tested positive for fentanyl or its analogues.
Differences in metabolism among Saccharomyces species and their hybrids during wine fermentation
Authors: Contreras‐Ruiz Alba , Minebois Romain , Alonso‐del‐Real Javier , Barrio Eladio , Querol Amparo
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate how parental genomes contribute to yeast hybrid metabolism using a metabolomic approach. Previous studies have explored central carbon and nitrogen metabolism in Saccharomyces species during wine fermentation, but this study analyses the metabolomes of Saccharomyces hybrids for the first time. We evaluated the oenological performance and intra‐ and extracellular metabolomes, and we compared the strains according to nutrient consumption and production of the main fermentative by‐products. Surprisingly, no common pattern was observed for hybrid genome influence; each strain behaved differently during wine fermentation. However, this study suggests that the genome of the S. cerevisiae species may play a more relevant role in fermentative metabolism. Variations in biomass/nitrogen ratios were also noted, potentially linked to S. kudriavzevii and S. uvarum genome contributions. These results open up possibilities for further research using different “omics” approaches to comprehend better metabolic regulation in hybrid strains with genomes from different species.
Antibiotic influx and efflux in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Regulation and therapeutic implications
Authors: Wu Weiyan , Huang Jiahui , Xu Zeling
Published: May 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a notorious multidrug‐resistant pathogen that poses a serious and growing threat to the worldwide public health. The expression of resistance determinants is exquisitely modulated by the abundant regulatory proteins and the intricate signal sensing and transduction systems in this pathogen. Downregulation of antibiotic influx porin proteins and upregulation of antibiotic efflux pump systems owing to mutational changes in their regulators or the presence of distinct inducing molecular signals represent two of the most efficient mechanisms that restrict intracellular antibiotic accumulation and enable P. aeruginosa to resist multiple antibiotics. Treatment of P. aeruginosa infections is extremely challenging due to the highly inducible mechanism of antibiotic resistance. This review comprehensively summarizes the regulatory networks of the major porin proteins (OprD and OprH) and efflux pumps (MexAB‐OprM, MexCD‐OprJ, MexEF‐OprN, and MexXY) that play critical roles in antibiotic influx and efflux in P. aeruginosa. It also discusses promising therapeutic approaches using safe and efficient adjuvants to enhance the efficacy of conventional antibiotics to combat multidrug‐resistant P. aeruginosa by controlling the expression levels of porins and efflux pumps. This review not only highlights the complexity of the regulatory network that induces antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa but also provides important therapeutic implications in targeting the inducible mechanism of resistance.
Adaptive sampling by citizen scientists improves species distribution model performance: A simulation study
Authors: Mondain‐Monval Thomas , Pocock Michael , Rolph Simon , August Tom , Wright Emma , Jarvis Susan
Published: May 2024

Volunteer recorders generate large amounts of biodiversity data through citizen science which is used in conservation planning and policy decision‐making. Unstructured sampling, where the volunteer can record what they want, where they want, leads to spatial unevenness in these data. While there are many statistical techniques to account for the resulting biases, it may be possible to improve datasets by directing a subset of recorders to sample in the most informative locations, known as adaptive sampling. We investigated the potential for adaptive sampling to improve the performance of species distribution models built on citizen science data using simulated ecological communities.

We simulated ecological assemblages across Great Britain based on current butterfly data and modelled the distributions of each species. We then simulated the sampling of new data based on five adaptive sampling methods (one empirical method based simply on gap‐filling, and four model‐based methods using various measures from the model outputs) and one non‐adaptive method (a method in which recording continued in the current pattern), and re‐ran the species distribution models. In these, we also varied the rate of recording effort that was distributed according to adaptive sampling. The model predictions using the original and adaptively sampled data were compared to true species distributions to evaluate the performance of each method.

We found that all adaptive sampling approaches improved model performance, with greatest improvement for model‐based approaches compared to the empirical sampling method (i.e. simple gap‐filling). All four model‐based adaptive sampling approaches provided similar benefits for model outputs. Improvements in model performance were greatest when the amount of adaptive sampling changed from no uptake to 1% uptake, indicating that only a small amount of change in recorder behaviour is needed to improve model performance.

Directing volunteer recorders to places where records are most needed, based on information from model outputs, can improve species distribution models built on citizen science data, even with minimal uptake of suggested locations. Our results therefore suggest that adaptive sampling by recorders could be beneficial for real‐world citizen science datasets.
Potential organ donors during two years at the second largest hospital in Norway
Authors: Holmaas Gunhild , Hilton Edle , Foss Stein , Wathle Gaute K. , Kvåle Reidar
Published: May 2024

Background

Western Norway has the lowest number of actual deceased organ donors per million inhabitants in Norway. We wished to find the total number of potential donors and donor organs during 2 years at Haukeland University Hospital, the largest hospital in the region, and evaluate where and why potential donors were lost.

Methods

We evaluated all patients who died at Haukeland University Hospital in 2018–19. We checked if intensive care patients, filling the criteria as organ donors after brain death, became donors, and the reasons why potential donors were lost. We also estimated the number of potential donors after circulatory death. We checked if patients transferred from the intensive care units and patients never admitted to intensive care were potential donors. Location, gender, age, and possible number of organs were registered.

Results

Of 1453 in‐hospital deaths, 20 brain‐dead patients became actual donors. One brain‐dead and two other potential donors, one of them discharged to a bed ward, were not evaluated at the intensive care units. Relatives refused in five patients. Three fulfilled the Norwegian criteria from 2021 as organ donors after circulatory death. Ten potential donors after brain death were never admitted to intensive care and died on neurological or neurosurgical wards. If all potential organ donors were realised, the number of donors would double. The number of transplanted organs would increase less, as organs used per donor would drop from 3.50 to 2.90.

Conclusion

Our study cannot explain the low number of donors in our region compared with the rest of Norway. If all potential donations were implemented, the number of actual donors would double. Patients dying outside the intensive care units represent the largest potential source for extra donors, maximally increasing the number of donors by 42%, high‐quality livers 44% and kidneys 18%. Introducing organ donation after circulatory death may increase the number of donors by 15% and the number of high‐quality livers and kidneys by 12%.
The impact of high‐salt diet on asthma in humans and mice: Effect on specific T‐cell signatures and microbiome
Authors: Musiol Stephanie , Harris Carla P. , Gschwendtner Silvia , Burrell Amy , Amar Yacine , Schnautz Benjamin , Renisch Dennis , Braun Sonja C. , Haak Stefan , Schloter Michael , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Zielinski Christina E. , Alessandrini Francesca
Published: May 2024

Background

The rise in asthma has been linked to different environmental and lifestyle factors including dietary habits. Whether dietary salt contributes to asthma incidence, remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the impact of higher salt intake on asthma incidence in humans and to evaluate underlying mechanisms using mouse models.

Methods

Epidemiological research was conducted using the UK Biobank Resource. Data were obtained from 42,976 participants with a history of allergies. 24‐h sodium excretion was estimated from spot urine, and its association with asthma incidence was assessed by Cox regression, adjusting for relevant covariates. For mechanistic studies, a mouse model of mite‐induced allergic airway inflammation (AAI) fed with high‐salt diet (HSD) or normal‐salt chow was used to characterize disease development. The microbiome of lung and feces (as proxy for gut) was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene based metabarcoding approach.

Results

In humans, urinary sodium excretion was directly associated with asthma incidence among females but not among males. HSD‐fed female mice displayed an aggravated AAI characterized by increased levels of total IgE, a TH2‐TH17‐biased inflammatory cell infiltration accompanied by upregulation of osmosensitive stress genes. HSD induced distinct changes in serum short chain fatty acids and in both gut and lung microbiome, with a lower Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes ratio and decreased Lactobacillus relative abundance in the gut, and enriched members of Gammaproteobacteria in the lung.

Conclusions

High dietary salt consumption correlates with asthma incidence in female adults with a history of allergies. Female mice revealed HSD‐induced T‐cell lung profiles accompanied by alterations of gut and lung microbiome.
Association between multimorbidity and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing major surgery: a prospective study in 29 countries across Europe
Authors:   STARSurg Collaborative,   EuroSurg Collaborative
Published: May 2024

Background

Multimorbidity poses a global challenge to healthcare delivery. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of multimorbidity, common disease combinations and outcomes in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Methods

This was a pre‐planned analysis of a prospective, multicentre, international study investigating cardiovascular complications after major abdominal surgery conducted in 446 hospitals in 29 countries across Europe. The primary outcome was 30‐day postoperative mortality. The secondary outcome measure was the incidence of complications within 30 days of surgery.

Results

Of 24,227 patients, 7006 (28.9%) had one long‐term condition and 10,486 (43.9%) had multimorbidity (two or more long‐term health conditions). The most common conditions were primary cancer (39.6%); hypertension (37.9%); chronic kidney disease (17.4%); and diabetes (15.4%). Patients with multimorbidity had a higher incidence of frailty compared with patients ≤ 1 long‐term health condition. Mortality was higher in patients with one long‐term health condition (adjusted odds ratio 1.93 (95%CI 1.16–3.23)) and multimorbidity (adjusted odds ratio 2.22 (95%CI 1.35–3.64)). Frailty and ASA physical status 3–5 mediated an estimated 31.7% of the 30‐day mortality in patients with one long‐term health condition (adjusted odds ratio 1.30 (95%CI 1.12–1.51)) and an estimated 36.9% of the 30‐day mortality in patients with multimorbidity (adjusted odds ratio 1.61 (95%CI 1.36–1.91)). There was no improvement in 30‐day mortality in patients with multimorbidity who received pre‐operative medical assessment.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity is common and outcomes are poor among surgical patients across Europe. Addressing multimorbidity in elective and emergency patients requires innovative strategies to account for frailty and disease control. The development of such strategies, that integrate care targeting whole surgical pathways to strengthen current systems, is urgently needed for multimorbid patients. Interventional trials are warranted to determine the effectiveness of targeted management for surgical patients with multimorbidity.
Effect of residual methane emission on physiological characteristics and carcass performance in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Kim Minji , Masaki Tatsunori , Oikawa Kohei , Ashihara Akane , Ikuta Kentaro , Iwamoto Eiji , Lee Huseong , Haga Satoshi , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Roh Sanggun , Terada Fuminori , Nonaka Itoko
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the physiological characteristics and carcass performance associated with residual methane emissions (RME), and the effects of bull differences on CH4‐related traits in Japanese Black cattle. Enteric methane (CH4) emissions from 156 Japanese Black cattle (111 heifers and 45 steers) were measured during early fattening using the sniffer method. Various physiological parameters were investigated to clarify the physiological traits between the high, middle, and low RME groups. CH4‐related traits were examined to determine whether bull differences affected progeny CH4 emissions. Ruminal butyrate and NH3 concentrations were significantly higher in the high‐RME group than in the low‐RME group, whereas the propionate content was significantly higher in the low‐RME group. Blood urea nitrogen, β‐hydroxybutyric acid, and insulin concentrations were significantly higher, and blood amino acids were lower in the high‐RME group than in the other groups. No significant differences were observed in the carcass traits and beef fat composition between RME groups. CH4‐related traits were significantly different among bull herds. Our results show that CH4‐related traits are heritable, wherein bull differences affect progeny CH4 production capability, and that the above‐mentioned rumen fermentations and blood metabolites could be used to evaluate enteric methanogenesis in Japanese Black cattle.
Prognostic factors of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Honda Akira , Masuda Yasutaka , Oyama Yu , Matsuda Kensuke , Mizuno Hideaki , Saito Akiko M. , Katayama Yoshio , Komatsu Norio , Toyama Kazuhiro , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: May 2024

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (iHES) is a condition wherein persistent hypereosinophilia associated with end‐organ damage occurs without any known causes. Due to the rarity of the disease, insufficient knowledge has been accumulated. We therefore conducted a retrospective, multicentre, nationwide survey on iHES in Japan. A total of 57 patients were identified. For 43 patients who received any treatment, all cases were first treated with corticosteroids. An eosinophil percentage of less than 30% in the bone marrow and the absence of oedema were identified as factors associated with steroid dependency. The 5‐year overall survival was 88.2%, and five patients died during follow‐up; factors associated with worse overall survival were age >50, haemoglobin <12 g/dL, activated partial thromboplastin time >34 s, the presence of dyspnoea, the presence of thrombotic tendency and the presence of renal failure. Given the rarity of fatalities in our cohort, time‐to‐next‐treatment (TTNT) was further analysed; the presence of renal failure, splenomegaly and lung abnormalities were associated with worse TTNT. Our nationwide study not only demonstrated clinical characteristics and the outcome of patients with iHES but also for the first time revealed clinical factors associated with steroid dependency and duration of first‐line corticosteroid efficacy.