bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dementia Training for Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Policy and Evidence Review
Authors: Zabihi Sedigheh , Delray Saskia , Muralidhar Malvika , Banerjee Sube , Giebel Clarissa , Harrison Dening Karen , Birks Yvonne , Hunter Rachael , Akhlak Rauf Mohammed , Kenten Charlotte , Walpert Madeleine , Cooper Claudia
Published: January 2025

Objective

To review policies and research on the effectiveness of healthcare professionals’ dementia training

Design

Policy and systematic review

Setting

Healthcare services

Participants

Healthcare professionals

Intervention

Training

Measurements

We reviewed relevant English policies and searched electronic databases for primary research studies (between 2015-2024) evaluating dementia training for healthcare professionals. We assessed risk of bias using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, prioritising studies scoring 4+, of interventions supported by Randomised Controlled Trial evidence, and reported outcomes using Kirkpatrick’s framework. We consulted professional stakeholders in a focus group regarding how findings might inform practice.

Results

Sixteen policies and related documents highlighted concerns about the limited implementation of the Dementia Core Skills Education and Training Framework (DCSETF). We reviewed 63 primary research studies. Only one study met priority criteria; it evaluated a Train-the-Trainer (TTT), team-based reflective practice model, which improved primary care nurses’ and doctors’ learning, and self-reported practice over ≥3 months. Higher quality, controlled studies evaluated a TTT programme for hospital staff, improving client outcomes (agitation) over ≤5 days; an expert-led two-day interactive training for inpatient nurses that reduced role strain; and an expert-led, nine-week, occupational therapy-derived training programme that improved retirement community staff strategies for client activity engagement. Eight focus group attendees considered time a limiting factor to evidence implementation, but valued group training to share experiences; and TTT models to enable tailoring to local contexts.

Conclusions

By increasing reach of dementia training and embedding learning in practice, Train-the-Trainer models could increase care quality and DCSETF implementation.
Automated imaging-based tumor burden and pre-treatment circulating tumor DNA in HPV-associated oropharynx cancer
Authors: Bakhtiar Mina , Ye Zezhong , Schoenfeld Jonathan D. , Mohammadi Homan , Guenette Jeffrey P. , Rettig Eleni M. , Hanna Glenn J. , Kann Benjamin H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging analysis has applications for the diagnosis of head and neck malignancies, and serum circulating tumor-associated DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging biomarker being evaluated for response assessment and risk stratification in human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC). The relationship between automated imaging biomarkers and ctDNA has not yet been explored.

Objective

To test the association between ctDNA and AI-derived measures of tumor burden among patients with HPV-OPSCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included patients who were treated with curative intent for HPV-OPSCC between 2020-2023, prospectively enrolled on a blood collection protocol (Clinical trials.gov identifier:NCT04965792).

Exposures

Clinical factors including demographics, AJCC 8thedition clinical staging, and HPV genotype.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pre-treatment serum measurement of circulating tumor-tissue modified viral (TTMV) HPV-DNA using a commercially available test, measured as a continuous value (fragments/mL). Primary tumor and nodal volumes, total tumor volume, and cystic/necrotic nodal volume were generated on pre-treatment diagnostic or radiation CT- planning scans using a prospectively validated AI auto-segmentation algorithm. Assessments of model fit: Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC).

Results

170 patients with HPV-OPSCC were included in the study. On univariable regression, primary tumor volume (coeff=39.43, p<0.001), nodal volume (coeff=39.54, p<0.001), AJCC 8thedition Tumor (T) stage (coeff = 1031.09, p=0.009), Nodal (N) stage (coeff=1840, p=0.018), HPV subtype 16 (coeff=3072.40, p=0.006), and CCI (coeff=-596.60, p=0.038) were associated with ctDNA. Cystic nodal volume was not associated with ctDNA (coeff=0.31, p=0.11). On multivariable analysis, primary tumor and nodal volumes were associated with ctDNA (coeff=34.79, p=0.001 and coeff=24.68, p=0.022, respectively), but T and N stage were not (coeff=-439.28, p=0.37 and coeff=238.19, p=0.29, respectively). Including automated tumor and nodal volumes improved model fit compared to T and N stage alone (3420.96 vs 3435.88 AIC, 3449.18 vs 3457.83 BIC).

Conclusions and Relevance

AI-automated volumetrics on pretreatment imaging are independently associated with ctDNA, controlling for clinical stage. The association is stronger than staging and improved predictive capacity of regression models. AI-automated volumetrics may provide a practical correlate to ctDNA levels and help risk stratify patients.
LDAK-PBAT: A Pathway-Based Analysis Tool for Decoding the Genetics of Complex Diseases
Authors: Berrandou Takiy-Eddine , Speed Doug
Published: January 2025

We introduce LDAK-PBAT, a novel tool for detecting gene pathways associated with complex traits. LDAK-PBAT tests pathways for significance using a heritability-based framework that controls for both the contributions of genes not in the pathway and of inter-genic SNPs.

LDAK-PBAT is computationally efficient, requiring only GWAS summary statistics and a reference panel, and when applied to human traits, can test 1000s of pathways within minutes. When assessed using simulated phenotypes, we find that LDAK-PBAT is well calibrated and has high sensitivity and specificity, outperforming both MAGMA and hypergeometric testing (F1 score of 0.734, versus 0.636 and 0.570, respectively).

When used to test 6,000 pathways for each of 37 traits (obtained from the UK Biobank, Millions Veterans Program and psychiatric genomics consortium; sample sizes ranging from 17,014 to 1,114,458), LDAK-PBAT identified 4,861 significant pathways (P < 0.05/6000), which is substantially more than found by MAGMA (97) and hypergeometric testing (522).

LDAK-PBAT emerges as a powerful tool for advancing genetic research, offering advanced insights into complex diseases. Its precise estimation of pathway enrichment and heritability, along with superior performance in detecting significant pathways. LDAK-PBAT holds significant promise for uncovering the genetic underpinnings of complex diseases and driving forward the development of personalized medicine.
Primary Aldosteronism and Long-term Outcomes Using PAMO Definition
Authors: Chu Wen-Kai , Lin Yen-Hung , Wu Vin-Cent
Published: January 2025

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated biochemical and clinical responses to mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy and identified predictors of treatment success based on the Primary Aldosteronism Medical Outcomes (PAMO) consensus.

Methods

This observational study analyzed data from the TAIPAI database linked to the National Health Insurance Research Databases, including 1,305 PA patients between June 2007 and June 2021. After excluding those who underwent surgery during the study period or had relevant disease, 269 patients were classified according to their clinical and biochemical responses to MRA therapy based on the PAMO criteria.

Results

Among the 269 patients (mean age: 54.9±11.5 years, 40.9% male), 22.3% achieved clinical success, 55.4% partial success, and 22.3% failed. Biochemically, 56.9% of patients achieved success, 37.5% partial success, and 5.6% failed. Notably, 14.1% of patients achieved both clinical and biochemical success. After a mean follow-up period of six years, clinical success was significantly associated with a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (p=0.020), whereas biochemical success alone did not show the same association. Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated a significant association between Charlson comorbidity score (HR=1.28, p=0.003), clinical success (HR=0.29, p=0.047), and cardiovascular outcomes.

Conclusions

MRA therapy achieved clinical success in 22.3% and biochemical success in 56.9% of PA patients. After a mean 6 years follow-up, clinical success independently reduced MACE risk, regardless of whether biochemical success is achieved. This highlights the importance of prioritizing clinical outcomes in PA treatment.
Nuclear Speckle Dynamics are Controlled by Polyphosphate Inhibition of CLK Proteins
Authors: Lázaro Blanca , Tadeo-Masa Francisco J. , Rodriguez Andrea , Ayuso Lucia , Martínez-Láinez Joan M , Quandt Eva , Bernard Maribel , Borghi Filipy , Saiardi Adolfo , Juan-Mateu Jonàs , Jiménez Javier , Clotet Josep , Bru Samuel
Published: January 2025

Nuclear speckles (NS) are membrane-less nuclear organelles that act as critical hubs for pre-mRNA splicing. Defects in splicing are linked to several human diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and dystrophies. While CLK kinases regulate the mobilization of splicing factors from NS, the molecular mechanisms underlying NS assembly and dissolution remain unclear. Using an adaptation of the Biotinylation by Antibody Recognition (BAR) technique, we identify polyphosphate (polyP) as a novel and essential regulator of NS dynamics. Polyphosphate, a highly conserved polyanion composed of a chain of phosphate molecules, is involved in several functions in mammalian cells. Here, we show that polyP interacts with the NS core component SRRM2, and polyP depletion disrupts NS organization releasing splicing factors into the nucleoplasm. RNA-seq analysis reveals that polyP depletion increases exon inclusion, particularly in long genes with multiple exons, highlighting its role in splicing regulation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that polyP acts as a physiological inhibitor of CLK3 kinase, preventing the phosphorylation of SR proteins and thereby maintaining NS stability. Our findings not only expand our understanding of NS biology but also provide new insights into the polyP involvement in splicing-related diseases.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Crb3 and NF2: A dynamic duo that controls assembly of the apical junctions and barrier function via Rho/ROCK signaling
Authors: Fan S. , Varadarajan S. , Garcia-Hernandez V. , Margolis B. , Parkos C.A. , Nusrat A.
Published: January 2025

The gastrointestinal epithelium serves as a critical barrier separating intestinal lumen contents from the underlying tissue environment. Structure and function of the apical junctional complex (AJC), comprising tight and adherens junctions, are essential for establishing and maintaining a polarized and functional epithelial barrier. In this study, we investigated mechanisms by which an apical polarity protein Crumbs homolog 3 (CRB3) regulates AJC assembly and barrier function in primary murine intestinal epithelial cells. Using primary colonic epithelial cells (colonoids) derived from inducible and conditional Crb3 knockdown (Crb3ERΔIEC) and control mice (Crb3fl/fl), we demonstrate that Crb3 loss leads to compromised epithelial barrier function that was associated with hypercontractile perijunctional actomyosin and defective assembly of the AJC. We identified CRB3 associates with the Band 4.1 family of cytoskeletal linker proteins, Merlin (NF2) via FERM (band4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin) binding domain (FBD) of CRB3. Interestingly, NF2 knockdown in cultured intestinal epithelial cells phenocopied the effect of CRB3 deletion, supporting a coordinated role in AJC formation and barrier assembly. Moreover, increased active Rho was detected in assembling junctions of Crb3-null cells and inhibition of ROCKII and myosin II alleviated the hypercontractile phenotype, highlighting involvement of Rho/ROCK signaling. Additionally, increased vinculin localization at the AJC seen in Crb3-null epithelial cells indicates elevated tension at junctions. Our findings underscore the important role of Crb3 and NF2 in regulating contractility of the perijunctional actomyosin ring, mechanical tension at the AJC and barrier function via Rho/ROCK signaling during junctional assembly in intestinal epithelial cells.
Immunization with a novel RNA replicon vaccine confers long-lasting protection against H5N1 avian influenza virus in 24 bird species
Authors: Stettler Marion , Hoby Stefan , Wenker Christian , Wyss Fabia , Heiderich Elisabeth , Butticaz Lisa , Ruggli Nicolas , Darpel Karin , Zimmer Gert
Published: January 2025

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) of subtype H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) have spread worldwide and caused the death of hundreds of millions of wild birds and domestic poultry. Moreover, spill over of H5N1 HPAIV from infected birds to more than 50 different mammalian species including humans has been recorded. While, licensed vaccines for protection of avian or mammalian species are not yet available, a few candidate vaccines are being trialled. Here, we report on the experimental vaccination of chickens and captive wild birds using a propagation-defective vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), in which the essential envelope glycoprotein (G) protein gene was replaced by a modified hemagglutinin gene derived from a clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 isolated in 2022 in the animal park of Bern, Switzerland. VSVΔG(H5mb) was produced on helper cells providing the VSV G proteinin trans. Specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens that were immunized twice via the intramuscular route with adjuvant-free VSVΔG(H5mb) replicon particles induced high levels of virus-neutralizing serum antibodies and were fully protected against lethal infection by H5N1 HPAIV (clade 2.3.4.4b). Notably, immunized animals did not shed challenge virus from the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that herd immunity can be achieved. The same vaccine was used to immunize a total of 317 captive wild birds at Bern Animal Park and Zoo Basel, representing 24 different species. No vaccine-associated side effects were observed. Birds without previous contact to H5Nx viruses produced high to very high H5-specific neutralizing antibody titers following the second immunization, while birds showing H5-specific antibodies prior to vaccination, already developed high neutralising antibody titers after a single immunization. One year after vaccination, most animals still showed significant neutralizing antibody titers, indicating that VSVΔG(H5mb) is able to induce a long-lasting protective immune response. Our results indicate that VSVΔG(H5mb) is an extraordinary safe and highly efficacious vaccine to stop H5N1 replication in various avian species.
PI31 is a positive regulator of 20S immunoproteasome assembly
Authors: Wang Jason , Kjellgren Abbey , DeMartino George N.
Published: January 2025

PI31 (Proteasome Inhibitor of31,000 Da) is a 20S proteasome-binding protein originally identified as an inhibitor ofin vitro20S proteasome activity. Although recent studies have provided a detailed structural basis for this activity, the physiologic significance of PI31-mediated proteasome inhibition remains uncertain and alternative cellular roles for PI31 have been described. Here we report a role for PI31 as a positive regulator for the assembly of the 20S immuno-proteasome (20Si), a compositionally and functionally distinct isoform of the proteasome that is poorly inhibited by PI31. Genetic ablation of PI31 in mammalian cells had no effect on the cellular content or activity of constitutively expressed proteasomes but reduced the cellular content and activity of interferon-γ-induced immuno-proteasomes. This selective effect is a consequence of defective 20Si assembly, as indicated by the accumulation of 20Si assembly intermediates. Our results highlight a distinction in the assembly pathways of constitutive and immuno-proteasomes and indicate that PI31 plays a chaperone-like role for the selective assembly of 20S immunoproteasomes.
Structural mechanism for recognition of E2F1 by the ubiquitin ligase adaptor Cyclin F
Authors: Ngoi Peter , Wang Xianxi , Putta Sivasankar , Da Luz Ricardo F. , Serrão Vitor Hugo B. , Emanuele Michael J. , Rubin Seth M.
Published: January 2025

Cyclin F, a non-canonical member of the cyclin protein family, plays a critical role in regulating the precise transitions of cell-cycle events. Unlike canonical cyclins, which bind and activate cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), Cyclin F functions as a substrate receptor protein within the Skp1-Cullin-F box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, enabling the ubiquitylation of target proteins. The structural features that distinguish Cyclin F as a ligase adaptor and the mechanisms underlying its selective substrate recruitment over Cyclin A, which functions in complex with CDK2 at a similar time in the cell cycle, remain largely unexplored. We utilized single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to elucidate the structure of a Cyclin F-Skp1 complex bound to an E2F1 peptide. The structure and biochemical analysis reveal important differences in the substrate-binding site of Cyclin F compared to Cyclin A. Our findings expand on the canonical cyclin-binding motif (Cy or RxL) and highlight the importance of electrostatics at the E2F1 binding interface, which varies for Cyclin F and Cyclin A. Our results advance our understanding of E2F1 regulation and may inform the development of inhibitors targeting Cyclin F.
Growth in Low Carbon Conditions Reveals Amino-Acid-Coupled Iron Uptake
Authors: Lara-Gutiérrez Juanita , Nguyen Jen , McIlvin Matthew R. , Sugiyama Ichiko , Landry Zachary , Alcolombri Uria , Keegstra Johannes M. , Pontrelli Sammy , Jiménez-Martínez Joaquín , Sauer Uwe , Hwa Terence , Saito Mak A. , Stocker Roman
Published: January 2025

Bacteria in nature encounter substrates at widely varying concentrations, yet studies of bacterial physiology have focused more on nutrient type than concentration, partly due to challenges in maintaining low concentrations. We developed a Millifluidic Continuous Culture Device (MCCD) to culture bacteria under precisely controlled nutrient conditions, including very low concentrations, in a manner suitable for proteomic analysis. Using the MCCD, we culturedEscherichia coliwith a mixture of amino acids as the sole carbon source at three concentrations supporting growth rates spanning a fivefold range. Surprisingly, at the lowest concentration, cells exhibited proteomic signatures of iron shortage despite equal iron levels across conditions. We observed the uptake of labeled iron-histidine and iron-cysteine complexes, indicating that amino acids facilitated iron acquisition and that amino-acid-bound iron is bioavailable toE. coli. These findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism of bacterial iron acquisition that emerged under the flow imposed by the MCCD, which likely diluted the siderophore pool and reduced their efficacy. This work highlights the importance of studying bacterial physiology under low nutrient concentrations and demonstrates how physical conditions, such as flow, shape microbial nutrient acquisition strategies.
Parenclitic network mapping predicts survival in critically ill patients with sepsis
Authors: Ito Emily , Oyelade Tope , Wikner Matthew , Liu Jinyuan , Lilaonitkul Watjana , Mani Ali R
Published: January 2025

Sepsis is a complex disease involving multiple organ systems. A network physiology approach to sepsis may reveal collective system behaviours and intrinsic organ interactions. However, mapping functional connectivity for individual patients has been challenging due to the lack of analytical methods for evaluating physiological networks using routine clinical and laboratory data. This study explored the use of parenclitic network mapping to assess organ connectivity and predict sepsis outcomes based on routine laboratory data. Data from 162 sepsis patients meeting Sepsis-3 criteria were retrospectively analysed from the MIMIC-III database, focusing on 48-hour deterioration and 30-day survival. Fifteen physiological variables representing organ systems were used to construct organ network connectivity through correlation analysis. Correlation analysis identified 7 organ interactions linked to 30-day survival and 9 related to 48-hour deterioration. Parenclitic network analysis was used to measure deviations in individual patients’ correlations between organ systems from the reference physiological interactions observed in survivors. Parenclitic deviations in the pH-bicarbonate axis (hazard ratio=2.081, p<0.001) and pH-lactate axis (hazard ratio=2.773, p=0.024) significantly predicted 30-day mortality, independent of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and ventilation status. However, parenclitic deviations did not predict 48-hour deterioration. This study highlights the potential of parenclitic network mapping to provide insights into sepsis pathophysiology and differences in organ system connectivity between survivors and non-survivors independent of sepsis severity and mechanical ventilation status. Integrating physiological network mapping with current prognostic tools may enhance personalized sepsis management and outcome prediction in clinical settings.

New and Noteworthy

This study employs an integrative network analysis approach to investigate sepsis, aiming to leverage routine laboratory data for prognostication and to enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis. Using parenclitic network mapping, we assessed individual organ connectivity patterns that distinguish between survivors and non-survivors. Our findings demonstrate that physiological network mapping in sepsis offers prognostic insights independent of disease severity and mechanical ventilation status in critically ill patients with sepsis.
Non-Markovian Feedback for Optimized Quantum Error Correction
Authors: Puviani Matteo , Borah Sangkha , Zen Remmy , Olle Jan , Marquardt Florian
Published: January 2025

Bosonic codes allow the encoding of a logical qubit in a single component device, utilizing the infinitely large Hilbert space of a harmonic oscillator. In particular, the Gottesman-Kitaev-Preskill code has recently been demonstrated to be correctable well beyond the break-even point of the best passive encoding in the same system. Current approaches to quantum error correction (QEC) for this system are based on protocols that use feedback, but the response is based only on the latest measurement outcome. In our work, we use the recently proposed feedback-GRAPE (gradient-ascent pulse engineering with feedback) method to train a recurrent neural network that provides a QEC scheme based on memory, responding in a non-Markovian way to the full history of previous measurement outcomes, optimizing all subsequent unitary operations. This approach significantly outperforms current strategies and paves the way for more powerful measurement-based QEC protocols.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
How do vocational students evaluate vocational education internships – an evaluation scale development in China
Authors: Yan Cailing
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research aims to construct an Evaluation Scale for Vocational Education Internships (ESVEI) tailored to assess the vocational educational internship experiences from the perspectives of vocational students. It also seeks to investigate the influence of certain factors – such as gender, family background, educational attainment, chosen major and the duration of the internship – on the assessment of these internships.

Design/methodology/approach

In the development of ESVEI, a combination of methods was employed, including literature analysis, item refinement, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, multiple group analysis and reliability analysis. A total of 1,114 vocational students who had finished their internships completed questionnaires formulated based on ESVEI.

Findings

A two-dimensional evaluation tool called the ESVEI, consisting of the “Internship Content Evaluation” (ICE) and “Internship Supervisor Evaluation” (ISE) with seven items, has been created. Based on this, the corresponding questionnaires’ results indicate that female respondents, those from urban areas and those in the medical and nursing fields generally rated their internships more favorably compared to their male, rural and engineering and manufacturing counterparts. Additionally, when the internships last less than six months, the longer the internship, the more favorable evaluations.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the limited number of respondents, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed evaluation scale further.

Practical implications

The scale developed in this study serves as a tangible instrument for assessing the vocational education internship experiences of vocational students. Furthermore, this analysis can provide valuable insights for identifying areas that require further growth and improvement based on the dimensions of internship content and the trainers involved.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to develop an evaluation scale for vocational education internships in China, which not only clarifies the evaluation dimensions of internships but also forms a tool for future research.
Green exploitation and exploration innovation as responses to environmental performance shortfalls: integration of performance feedback, threat-rigidity and ambidexterity perspectives
Authors: Lee Hanna
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Building on performance feedback and threat-rigidity theories, this study aims to argue that environmental performance shortfalls are powerful motivators for shaping green innovation strategies. To examine our argument, this study extends the theoretical logic to organizational ambidexterity and examines green exploitation and exploration innovation and relative green ambidexterity as organizational responses to environmental performance shortfalls. This study addresses how environmental performance shortfalls affect the implementation of green exploitation and exploration innovation and relative green ambidexterity and how this chosen green innovation strategy affects corporate environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test their theory using 145 sample firms’ environmental performance data spanning 2015 to 2021 and conduct a content analysis of their 697 sustainability reports spanning 2017 to 2021.

Findings

This paper finds that environmental performance shortfalls positively affect green exploitation innovation and relative green exploitation innovation and negatively affect green exploration innovation and relative green exploration innovation. It also finds that green exploration innovation and relative green exploration innovation positively affect environmental performance but that green exploitation innovation and relative green exploitation innovation negatively affect environmental performance.

Originality/value

The findings support the premise that environmental performance feedback guides the direction of strategic choices and actions related to green innovation and confirm the decisive role of green exploration innovation in improving environmental performance. This study augments performance feedback, threat-rigidity and organizational ambidexterity theories in the environmental management context.
Do we need harsh punishment? The effect of coercive power in collaborative consumption services
Authors: Bhalla Saubhagya , Kansal Purva
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study aims to investigate factors impacting consumers’ intention to adopt collaborative consumption (CC, hereafter) services. It extends the existing knowledge of CC services by testing and validating the moderating role of coercive power and the mediating role of attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying random sampling, the data was collected through the mall intercept method across four cities in India and was analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling and artificial neural network to test the proposed hypotheses. A follow-up qualitative study consisting of 15 in-depth structured interviews helped validate the results of the quantitative research.

Findings

Results of the conducted survey revealed that a sense of community, reason-based trust and enjoyment positively impact consumers’ attitudes toward CC services. Attitude positively impacts intention and shows a partial mediating influence on the relationship between motivations and intentions. Furthermore, the results revealed the moderation of the perceived coercive power of the service provider. The results of the follow-up qualitative study validated the results of the quantitative research.

Practical implications

Managers of CC firms must understand the relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in formulating the attitudes of consumers and intentions toward CC services. CC managers should acknowledge the influence of the consumer’s perceived coercive power of service providers and consumer’s reason-based trust.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors knowledge, the current research is the first of its kind. It has justifiably and logically applied self-determination theory and a slippery slope framework in a single context. By testing the moderating impact of coercive power, the research extends the existing literature on CC and the applicability of coercive power in CC. The present study extends the knowledge regarding the consumer’s perception of reason-based trust and the perceived coercive power of service providers in CC.
The extent and determinants of SDG disclosures in Vietnamese listed firms
Authors: Nguyen Huu Cuong , Duong Hien Khanh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) disclosures among Vietnamese listed firms and identify key influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse SDG-related disclosures of the top 100 listed firms by market capitalisation on the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh stock exchanges as of December 31, 2023, using an established reporting methodology. Data were sourced from annual, corporate governance, ESG, financial and sustainability reports. A regression model was used to examine factors influencing SDG disclosure.

Findings

SDG disclosure among Vietnamese firms is relatively low. Corporate governance, firm size, government ownership, industry and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) usage positively influence disclosure levels, while auditing firm type and firm age show a negative association. Financial firms tend to use sustainable development reports and GRI indicators more frequently.

Practical implications

Practically, strengthening governance frameworks and promoting GRI adoption can improve the quality and extent of sustainability reporting among Vietnamese firms. Socially, enhanced SDG disclosure supports improved corporate practices that align with the United Nations SDGs, fostering a more sustainable and transparent economy in Vietnam.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study examining SDG disclosure and influencing factors in Vietnamese listed (2021–2023), using the GRI (2016) standard. This study contributes to transparency in Vietnam’s financial markets and sustainability practices, offering insights for preparers and policymakers.
Unpacking role of environmental awareness in the triad relationship of religious commitment, environmental values and intentions in Indian textile industry
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Arora Muskaan , Kaur Rajinder , Rani Amita , Kathuria Payal
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between religious commitment (RC), environmental values (EVs), behaviour intentions and awareness. In this study, EV is studied as a mediator between the relationship of RC and environmental behavioural intentions. Finally, this study examines the conditional effect of environmental awareness on this mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in the textile industry in Punjab, India. The sample for this study was 259 managers of different textile firms. The data was collected on standardised scales. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct and indirect effects in this study.

Findings

It was found that the indirect effect between RC and environmental behaviour intention was significant through EV. This study confirmed that the mediation between the variables was moderated by environmental awareness.

Practical implications

Based on the tested model, textile organisations can improve their corporate social responsibility practices. This study highlights the importance of encouraging environmental awareness among textile industry employees, especially those with religious convictions, to reduce environmental impacts. It suggests ecological training, education initiatives and implementing eco-friendly policies.

Originality/value

This study provides a model based on social and psychological factors. The findings of this study can be applied in the textile industry to augment environmentally friendly behaviour among managers. The perspective of moderated meditation among the relationships of variables carries a unique value in this study. Furthermore, this study combines social factors like religion with environmental psychology within business settings. In this way, study carries a unique value.
Energy policies and regulations in the built environment; a policy perspective
Authors: Tinarwo Benonia , Rahimian Farzad Pour , Najafi Mina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore and analyse building energy performance (BEP) policies and regulations worldwide. It presents a perspective on the status quo of policy packages for the built environment. This study spans the six years between 2018 and 2023 to give a broad overview of the BEP policy landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory search of secondary sources was conducted within a six-year timeline. The six-year period enabled the creation of a pre- and post-COVID baseline through which comparisons of policy trends could be made. The International Energy Agency (IEA) and Scopus databases were the principal sources of relevant literature. A data extraction tool and four research questions were used to ensure the relevance of the selected sources. The primary limitation of this work is that the chosen time frame limited the number of policies and regulations investigated.

Findings

At the time of writing this paper, 272 were retrieved from the IEA database, together with 65 eligible studies from the Scopus database. After data analysis, it was established that most national policies target renewable energy installations, heating and cooling of buildings, net-zero ambitions, fiscal instruments and long-term national interests. However, most studies focus on BEP policy assessment, renewable energy and the social impact of policies. Furthermore, four main findings emerged from the analysed data. These point to fragmentation of policy goals across the BEP landscape, institutional influence in energy policy formulation and little consideration of socio-economic-environmental impacts within BEP policy packages.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the discourse on BEP policies and regulations by bringing BEP policy to the forefront. It highlights a fragmented BEP policy landscape and advocates for improved collaboration between academia, the private sector and policymakers to encourage accountability for the life-cycle energy performance of buildings and their services within policy frameworks. Additionally, this research identifies a need for integrative and holistic policy solutions.
Clock genes regulate sex pheromone production and male mating ability in Bactrocera dorsalis
Authors: Li Xinlian , Ye Long , Jiang Yanling , Cheng Daifeng , Lu Yongyue
Published: January 2025

Many animals display physiological and behavioral activities limited to specific times of the day. Certain insects exhibit clear daily rhythms in their mating activities that are regulated by an internal biological clock. However, the specific genetic mechanisms underlying this regulation remain largely unexplored. Mating in the fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis exhibits a daily rhythm and is dependent on sex pheromones produced in the male rectum. We used transcriptome sequencing and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated nuclease 9 techniques to understand whether the daily rhythmicity of mating in B. dorsalis and sex pheromone production in the rectum are regulated by clock genes. The results showed that the production of sex pheromones by B. dorsalis males is rhythmic (low during the day and high at night) and is influenced by clock genes. Knockout of the clock genes cryptochrome 1 (cry1) and timeless (tim) reduced the production of sex pheromones and significantly impaired mating ability in males. In addition, quantitative polymerase chain reaction results from 5 different tissues showed cry1 was highly expressed in the head, whereas tim was highly expressed in both the head and rectum (a key site for male sex pheromone production). Transcriptome analysis confirmed that cry1 (head) and tim (head and rectum) exhibit rhythmic expressions consistent with sex pheromone rhythmicity. These results suggest that cry1 may be related to a central clock neuron (like the suprachiasmatic nucleus), whereas the rhythmic expression of tim in the rectum indicates the potential presence of peripheral oscillators. Our study reveals new targets and ideas for improved control of the fruit fly.
Rainfall Variability Shapes Lion Movement and Home Range Dynamics in Three Kenyan Parks
Authors: Chege Mumbi , Torrents‐Ticó Miquel , Bertola Laura D. , de Snoo Geert R. , van ’t Zelfde Maarten , Musters C. J. M. , de Iongh Hans H.
Published: January 2025

Variation in climatic conditions is expected to impact the distribution and abundance of herbivore species, which may, in turn, influence African lions (Panthera leo) ranging behaviour. This necessitates proactive management of lion populations, as ecosystems may exhibit site‐specific responses to these variations. Using satellite and GPS‐GSM data from 10 lions collared in three different national parks in Kenya—Meru, Nairobi, and Lake Nakuru—we calculated monthly home ranges and distance moved and studied how these were influenced by rainfall. Across all parks, lions increased their distance moved with an increase in rainfall, and male lions covered larger distances than females. Model comparisons revealed that lions in Lake Nakuru significantly expanded their home ranges with higher rainfall compared to those in Nairobi; however, lions in Nairobi covered larger distances than those in Lake Nakuru. Lions in Meru had larger home ranges compared to the other two parks, but the effect of rainfall on their home range size and movement was not significantly different from the other two parks. Our results give insight into the site‐specific influence of rainfall on lion home range and movement across the parks. We call for prioritisation of conservation efforts and a site‐specific, tailored approach to lion conservation and management.
Food Allergy and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents—The Role of Shared Familial Environment
Authors: Karim Hanna , Lundholm Cecilia , Gong Tong , Brew Bronwyn , Silverman Michael , Almqvist Catarina
Published: January 2025

Background

Evidence suggests a link between food allergy and poor mental health, however, this may be explained by shared genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to investigate the association between food allergy of different severity and mental health in children, and the role of familial factors.

Methods

This population‐based, longitudinal cohort study is based on the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden with questionnaire data reported by parents and/or children. Food allergy ‘ever’ and doctor's diagnosis were reported at age 9–12 years, and ≥ 1 recent dispensation of adrenaline was used as a marker for current severe food allergy. Outcomes were identified using validated questionnaires for anxiety; Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED); Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and depression; Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV‐MDE) and reported at 9–12, 15 and 18 years of age. Multivariate linear and logistic modelling was applied to the whole cohort and a co‐twin control approach to remove confounding by familial factors.

Results

In total, 3039 (8.9%) children had a parent‐reported food allergy. Among these, 1292 (43.5%) had non‐severe food allergy without diagnosis, 1490 (49%) had non‐severe food allergy with diagnosis and 257 (8.5%) had severe food allergy. Compared to children with no food allergy, non‐severe food allergy with diagnosis by 9–12 years was associated with parent‐reported anxiety/depression; SCARED (adjOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.48–2.98), SMFQ (adjOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.19–3.10) at 9–12 years and SDQ (adjβ 0.2, 95% CI 0.0–0.4) at 15 years. All other associations were null including for those with severe food allergy. All positive estimates in the full cohort were attenuated using co‐twin controls.

Conclusion

Evidence associating paediatric food allergy severity and poor mental health was weak, and positive associations observed were likely due to familial confounding.
Online Sexual Exploitation Among Adolescents in Tanzania: Exploring the Stigmas of Victimization and Help‐Seeking
Authors: Lin Kai , Cheng Vincent Shing , Li Jessica C. M. , Jia Cindy Xinshan , Jiang Xin , Mlyakado Budeba Petro
Published: January 2025

Drawing upon a sample of adolescents from Tanzania (N = 955), the current study investigates the complex interplay of factors influencing stigmas associated with online sexual exploitation (OSE) victimization and help‐seeking behaviours. Employing path analysis, the study revealed that although the stigmas of OSE victimization and the stigmas of OSE help‐seeking are influenced by shared factors such as gender and self‐efficacy, the sizes and directions of the effects are different. In addition, older adolescents reported greater stigmas of OSE victimization, whereas those from urban areas and those who had experienced sextortion reported greater stigmas of help‐seeking. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy and practice interventions aimed at mitigating stigmas surrounding OSE among subpopulations with different demographic, socio‐economic and psychological characteristics. Such efforts are crucial for bolstering prevention and intervention strategies to combat OSE‐related stigmas effectively.
Clinical Application of the Fetal HQ Technique in the Evaluation of Normal Fetal Cardiac Function at Different Gestational Weeks
Authors: Su Xiao‐rong , Wang Ai‐lin , Tie Hong‐xia , Wu Wen‐rui , Zhang Wen‐dong , Niu Ke‐xiong , Li Tian‐gang
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate the clinical value of fetal heart quantification (fetal HQ) in the evaluation of normal fetal heart size, morphology, and cardiac function at different gestational weeks.

Materials and Methods

A total of 101 pregnant women diagnosed with a healthy fetus by fetal echocardiography from September 2021 to December 2023 were selected and classified into four different periods of gestational weeks: 20–28 weeks (25 cases), 29–32 weeks (26 cases), 33–36 weeks (26 cases), and 37–40 weeks (24 cases). Quantitative analyses were performed by automatically tracking the endocardium using fetal HQ software that comes with the Voluson E10 from GE. To investigate the correlation between four‐chambered vesicle length end‐diastolic (4CV LED), four‐chambered vesicle transverse width end‐diastolic (4CV TWED), global sphericity index (GSI), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and gestation age (GA), and the variability of normal fetal cardiac morphology and cardiac function at different gestational weeks.

Results

A statistically significant difference was observed between 4CV LED and 4CV TWED in normal fetuses at different gestational weeks (p < 0.05), which exhibited a positive correlation with gestational week. Conversely, no significant correlation was identified between GSI and gestational week (p > 0.05). The mean GSI of 101 normal fetuses was found to be 1.25 ± 0.09. A comparative analysis of EF, SV, and CO in normal fetuses at different gestational weeks revealed statistically significant differences in SV and CO (p < 0.05), which gradually increased with gestational weeks, whereas there was no statistically significant difference in EF (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Fetal HQ represents a straightforward and dependable method for evaluating GSI and 24‐segment SI of the left and right ventricles, which can provide a certain theoretical basis for the clinical quantitative evaluation of fetal cardiac geometry and cardiac function.
Fine‐Scale Genetic Structure of Small Fish Populations in Islands: The Case of Brook Charr Salvelinus fontinalis (Mitchill, 1814) in Saint‐Pierre and Miquelon (France)
Authors: Viana Julie , Evanno Guillaume , Audet Céline , Teletchea Fabrice
Published: January 2025

Island ecosystems, particularly vulnerable to environmental challenges, host many endangered native species. Diadromous fish, in particular, are threatened throughout their marine and freshwater habitats. The conservation of these species requires an in‐depth understanding of their genetic diversity and structure, to better understand their adaptive potential. We investigated fine‐scale population diversity and structure in native brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) by genotyping 10 microsatellite loci in 244 individuals at three spatial scales in Saint‐Pierre and Miquelon, France. We found limited genetic variability across the archipelago, with particularly low genetic diversity in one island, Langlade. A significant difference in allelic richness was also detected among the three islands, indicating a difference in genetic composition across the archipelago, probably induced by historical stocking actions on both Saint‐Pierre and Miquelon. Finally, a strong genetic structure was detected across the archipelago among hydrosystems (overall FST = 0.19) and even within several of them. The presence of predominant interisland gene flow combined with complete genetic isolation from certain hydrosystems suggests that this contemporary genetic structure is the result of both natural demographic processes during the species postglacial colonization and recent restocking actions. The complex genetic structure of such isolated brook charr subpopulations highlights the importance of considering fine‐scale genetic structure in conservation management.