bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The individual-team multilevel outputs of humble leadership based on the affective events theory
Authors: Feng Cailing , Fan Lisan , Huang Xiaoyu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to break through the limitations of previous studies that have focused too much on the individual-level effects of humble leadership. Based on the affective events theory (AET), this study provides to construct an individual-team multilevel model of humble leadership focusing on the followers’ affective reaction and attribution of intentionality.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of subordinates’ attribution of humble leadership, it is believed that there are actually two motivations for humble leadership: true intention (serve the organizational collective interest) and pseudo intention (serve the leader’s self-interest), to which subordinates have different affective reactions, causing different leadership effectiveness. Thus, this study conducted an extensive review based on the qualitative method and proposed an integrated multilevel model of leader humility on individual and team outputs.

Findings

Followers’ attribution of intentionality moderates the relationship between humble leadership and followers’ affective reaction, which also determines followers’ performance (task performance, interpersonal deviant behavior and leader–member exchange); the interaction between team leaders’ humble leadership and collective attribution of intentionality influences team outputs (team outputs, organizational deviant behavior and team–member exchange) through team affective reaction; team humble leadership affects individual outputs through affective reaction and team affective climate plays a moderating role between affective reaction and individual outputs.

Originality/value

This study explores the individual-team multilevel outputs of humble leadership based on the AET theory, which is relatively rare in the current field. This study attempts to incorporate leaders’ motivation (such as attributions of intentionality) into the humble leadership research, by confirming that humble leadership affects affective reaction, which further influences individual-team multilevel outputs.
Conceptualizing ephemerality in online marketing communication for consumers and firms
Authors: Wakefield Lane
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Consumers send billions of messages with high ephemerality each day, yet the effects of this type of communication are relatively unknown. Online ephemeral communication refers to sending and receiving information with a predetermined, finite lifespan in computer-mediated environments. The purpose of this paper is to conceptually understand online marketing communications with high ephemerality relative to messages with low ephemerality within a consumer’s goal system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an attempt to conceptually understand how high ephemerality differs from low ephemerality, particularly as online ephemeral communication has emerged and is widely used by consumers and firms. Goal systems theory is applied to understand how ephemerality is a means for consumers to reach their communication goals.

Findings

Consumers are more likely to use messages with high ephemerality to impress with narrowly relevant content, regulate emotions, build social relationships, persuade others through peripheral cues and protect privacy, but messages with high ephemerality are less likely to help consumers manage their impression, acquire or share useful information or present strong arguments. It is also proposed that messages with high ephemerality can help marketers increase interest through frequent peripheral cues, including fun and friendly content, drive sales by creating a sense of urgency and increase loyalty, but are less likely to increase awareness, build interest through flattering or informative content or drive sales through transactional messages.

Research limitations/implications

This study primarily advances the goal systems literature by introducing ephemerality. The defining feature of ephemerality, lifespan, also has research implications for studies of word-of-mouth marketing. The propositions in this study are ready for empirical investigation as to when consumers and firms choose to send messages with low or high ephemerality.

Practical implications

Firms need to understand how consumers are using messages sent with low and high ephemerality in order for firms to best move consumers through the sales funnel.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to differentiate messages with low and high ephemerality, identify the presence and effects of ephemerality in offline and online communication and explain how and why sending messages with low or high ephemerality can help consumers and firms reach their communication goals. There is only one other paper in marketing on ephemerality in online marketing communications and no other conceptual work.
Integration of blockchain and Lean Six Sigma approach for operational excellence:a proposed model
Authors: Rathi Rajeev , Singh Mahipal , Antony Jiju , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Goyat Rekha , Shokri Alireza
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the potential application of blockchain technology in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project through a proposed blockchain-LSS (BLSS) model. The proposed model can tackle real-time problems in information sharing, transparency and traceability in every stage of the LSS project.

Design/methodology/approach

The scoping review approach is used to develop the integrated model of the BLSS approach for operational excellence. The proposed model is validated through expert’s input, which is collected by a questionnaire survey method.

Findings

The prime function of the proposed BLSS model is the information sharing among the project team and real-time monitoring, transparency, traceability and immutability in the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control phase. The proposed model also consists the information about the role of blockchain features at each phase of the LSS project. The project team and industry employees can trace the success of the project at every moment, resulting in trust buildup and the elimination of fake data. Moreover, there would be no disputes among various sections/shops of the plant and employees to share the real information.

Practical implications

This paper provides guidelines to practitioners and managers for integrating the LSS approach and blockchain. The blockchain helps managers and practitioners in better data traceability and transparency, monitoring of data as well as more sustainable LSS project management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research attempt that developed an integrated model of blockchain and LSS approach to maintaining the immutable records of assets in projects and targeted Industry 4.0.
Development of performance evaluation matrix for farmer producer organizations in India
Authors: Bharti Nisha , Kumari Sneha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

As per the vision of promoting agricultural collectives, the government of India promoted the farmer producer organization (FPO). However, with the fast growth of FPOs, there is an issue with performance measurement. This study is aimed at the development of performance metrics for the FPOs.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first stage, we selected the measures from a secondary literature review and identified 11 parameters. Further, the Delphi round was conducted in the second stage with 26 experts working with FPOs and they were asked to rank these parameters. Based on the weightage of each parameter, the most important parameters were decided. The mean ranks and deviations of the performance parameters were analyzed. The hypothesis test and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance have been further used to validate the performance parameters. In the third stage, based on the inputs from the experts, a questionnaire was designed, and the data was collected from chief executive officers (CEOs) of the FPOs to identify the most important performance parameters.

Findings

The experts identified governance, financial support and professional management as important measures for FPOs. In the second round of the study, finance and governance were identified as the most important factors. It is important to note that finance and governance were the two most important factors in making an FPO successful. Finally, a 100-point metric was developed in seven major heads.

Research limitations/implications

This study will be advantageous for all the stakeholders involved in the promotion of FPOs, including FPOs themselves, funding agencies providing funds to FPOs, skill-building organizations, etc.

Originality/value

This paper is one of its kind to develop a 100 points metrics for performance evaluation of FPOs.
Class-based inequality and higher education achievement in Europe: the role of gender and class
Authors: Karmaeva Natalia , Ilieva-Trichkova Petya
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Against the recent reversal of the gender gap in higher education that has been observed in many countries, this paper aims to explore why there are better chances for lower social class women to access higher education than for higher social class women in a relative comparison with the same groups of men. Based on the occupational approach and the Breen–Goldthorpe model, we demonstrate those country conditions under which stratification in individual chances to obtain higher education is more severe.

Design/methodology/approach

We use contextual characteristics which capture gender-based and occupational differentiation, including female labour force participation, the share of females in the service sector, and the share of males in upper-secondary vocational education. By using multilevel modelling techniques and data provided by the European Social Survey (2002–2018) for 33 countries, we have made a cross-country analysis of how the relationship between gender and class, as well as the achievement of higher education, is moderated by these features.

Findings

Our results show that a higher share of males in upper secondary vocational education in a given country is negatively associated with the likelihood of obtaining higher education, whereas a high share of females employed in services in a given country has a positive association with this likelihood. We have also found cross-level interactions between a higher share of employed females and women in the service sector, on the one hand, and those of working-class origin, on the other, that are positively associated with higher education achievement. In higher education achievement, the growing importance of horizontal differentiation based on occupation and gender has accompanied the declining power of vertical inequality based on social class.

Originality/value

This study combines gender and class in an analysis of patterns of inequalities of educational opportunity in different societies undergoing a post-industrialist shift.
Integrated DEMATEL-ML approach for implementing lean supply chain in manufacturing sector
Authors: Panigrahi Swayam Sampurna , Katiyar Rajesh , Mishra Debasish
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The manufacturing sector is witnessing the need to continuously improve overall performance by eliminating inefficiencies in the supply chain. The adoption of lean concepts to address wasteful or non-value-adding activities in the supply chain is crucial. This article determines key factors of lean supply chain management (LSCM) for continuous improvement in the manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology comprises three steps. The first step identifies critical factors of LSCM in manufacturing from prior research and a series of expert consultations. Critical factors are identified and validated that industries can leverage to attain their lean goals. The second step uses the decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to determine the causal relationship among the factors. DEMATEL analysis categorizes factors into cause and effect, which will assist industry personnel in decision-making. The third step involves further data analysis to visualize the importance of the most critical factors. It develops a machine learning (ML) model in the form of a decision tree that helps in assessing the factors into cause or effect groups via a threshold value of expert ratings.

Findings

IT tools, JIT manufacturing and material handling and logistics form the most critical factors for LSCM implementation.

Originality/value

The analysis from DEMATEL and ML together will be beneficial for manufacturing practitioners to improve the supply chain performance based on the identified factors and their criticality towards LSCM implementation.
Generative artificial intelligence in manufacturing: opportunities for actualizing Industry 5.0 sustainability goals
Authors: Ghobakhloo Morteza , Fathi Masood , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Vilkas Mantas , Grybauskas Andrius , Amran Azlan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study offers practical insights into how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance responsible manufacturing within the context of Industry 5.0. It explores how manufacturers can strategically maximize the potential benefits of generative AI through a synergistic approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study developed a strategic roadmap by employing a mixed qualitative-quantitative research method involving case studies, interviews and interpretive structural modeling (ISM). This roadmap visualizes and elucidates the mechanisms through which generative AI can contribute to advancing the sustainability goals of Industry 5.0.

Findings

Generative AI has demonstrated the capability to promote various sustainability objectives within Industry 5.0 through ten distinct functions. These multifaceted functions address multiple facets of manufacturing, ranging from providing data-driven production insights to enhancing the resilience of manufacturing operations.

Practical implications

While each identified generative AI function independently contributes to responsible manufacturing under Industry 5.0, leveraging them individually is a viable strategy. However, they synergistically enhance each other when systematically employed in a specific order. Manufacturers are advised to strategically leverage these functions, drawing on their complementarities to maximize their benefits.

Originality/value

This study pioneers by providing early practical insights into how generative AI enhances the sustainability performance of manufacturers within the Industry 5.0 framework. The proposed strategic roadmap suggests prioritization orders, guiding manufacturers in decision-making processes regarding where and for what purpose to integrate generative AI.
Challenges of black construction professionals with Black Economic Empowerment as a procurement policy in South Africa
Authors: Amoah Christopher
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The South African Government announced the black economic empowerment (BEE) legislation in 2003 in the public procurement systems. The legislation was deemed a catalyst for the emancipation of the previously disadvantaged citizens due to the apartheid government policies that secluded them from economic activities. This study aims to explore the challenges of black construction professionals with the BEE as a procurement policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a qualitative research approach. Thirty-five black construction professionals were contacted for interviews, of which 21 responded. Due to the COVID-19 restriction, participants were interviewed using telephone interview techniques. The information received was analysed using the thematic contents analysis method.

Findings

The findings revealed the challenges confronting black construction professionals regarding the BEE policy as corrupt practices (leading to the award of contracts to unqualified people), fronting of contractors and individuals for unqualified firms, preventing the participation of experienced and foreign firms, poor policy implementation with no monitoring mechanism and loss of tender due to strict requirements.

Social implications

Urgent attention is needed to review the BEE policy implementation process by the South African government to address the challenges enumerated by the policy beneficiaries to ensure the achievement of the policy objectives.

Originality/value

This study has identified the challenges of the BEE policy; thus, the government can institute measures to address the hindrances thwarting the beneficiaries from realising the policy objectives.
Effects of training needs assessment in enhancing employees’ skills and firm performance
Authors: Robert Neema , Mori Neema
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Work-based learning is critical for enhancing employees’ skills and contributing to the firm’s performance. This paper aims to establish the effects of needs assessment on the relationship between training intensity as part of learning and how employees’ skills are reflected in firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used the World Bank Tanzania Employees Skills Survey (TESS) dataset, which contains 424 firms. This paper estimated the moderated mediation model through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and employed the index of moderated mediation to determine if the model was correctly specified.

Findings

The results show that among three skills, i.e. technical, interpersonal/communication and work ethic skills, only the level of technical skills mediated the relationship between training and the firm’s performance. The index of moderated mediation suggests a threshold point for the firm’s training needs, above which the indirect effect of training on performance through technical skills starts to decrease. The negative correlation between the firm’s training needs and the indirect effect suggests that employees’ essential human capital qualities, viewed from the angle of their training needs, are among the key factors for executing effective training.

Research limitations/implications

This paper’s conceptual model is limited because it does not incorporate an education variable for the trained employees. In addition, it only conceptualized the perceived most important skills of interpersonal communication, technical skills and work ethic, despite there being other skills that could have been considered. Moreover, the data only measured the present skill level at three on the Likert scale, providing limited room for skill level variance.

Practical implications

Those who decide which training programme deserves priority given limited resources and the firm’s goals need to understand that training is an addition to what their employees already have and, thus, should make extra efforts to equip them with more knowledge relating to their assignments. Moreover, this understanding should extend to the employees themselves.

Originality/value

The paper introduced and showed the necessity of training needs assessment to increase the value of training in enhancing the firm’s performance. We propose a model for assessing training intensity through process analysis. The respective model depicts a threshold point for the firm’s training needs, below which the training will work.
Biofilm‐derived membrane vesicles exhibit potent immunomodulatory activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Takahara Minato , Hirayama Satoru , Futamata Hiroyuki , Nakao Ryoma , Tashiro Yosuke
Published: May 2024

Pathogenic bacteria form biofilms on epithelial cells, and most bacterial biofilms show increased production of membrane vesicles (MVs), also known as outer membrane vesicles in Gram‐negative bacteria. Numerous studies have investigated the MVs released under planktonic conditions; however, the impact of MVs released from biofilms on immune responses remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and immunomodulatory activity of MVs obtained from both planktonic and biofilm cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. The innate immune responses of macrophages to planktonic‐derived MVs (p‐MVs) and biofilm‐derived MVs (b‐MVs) were investigated by measuring the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Our results showed that b‐MVs induced a higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, including Il1b, Il6, and Il12p40, than p‐MVs. The mRNA expression levels of Toll‐like receptor 4 (Tlr4) differed between the two types of MVs, but not Tlr2. Polymyxin B significantly neutralized b‐MV‐mediated cytokine induction, suggesting that lipopolysaccharide of native b‐MVs is the origin of the immune response. In addition, heat‐treated or homogenized b‐MVs induced the mRNA expression of cytokines, including Tnfa, Il1b, Il6, and Il12p40. Heat treatment of MVs led to increased expression of Tlr2 but not Tlr4, suggesting that TLR2 ligands play a role in detecting the pathogen‐associated molecular patterns in lysed MVs. Taken together, our data indicate that potent immunomodulatory MVs are produced in P. aeruginosa biofilms and that this behavior could be a strategy for the bacteria to infect host cells. Furthermore, our findings would contribute to developing novel vaccines using MVs.
The two environmental drivers of thermoregulatory costs: Interactions between thermal mean and heterogeneity influence thermoregulation
Authors: Chan Rachel L. , Hodgson Mitchell , Schwanz Lisa E.
Published: May 2024

Ectotherms often thermoregulate behaviourally within variable thermal environments in their attempts to acquire optimal body temperatures. Thermoregulation accrues benefits but incurs costs, which are crucial for understanding thermoregulatory behaviour. Costs of thermoregulating are influenced by two key attributes of the thermal environment—heterogeneity of thermal microhabitats and the deviation of the mean temperature from an animal's preferred temperature. However, empirical research has rarely distinguished between these two drivers of thermoregulatory costs or examined them concurrently.

Our experiment used a novel thermoregulatory arena to examine the independent and interactive effects of the two environmental drivers of costs of thermoregulation on the thermoregulatory behaviour of a small ectotherm, the jacky dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus).

Following previous theory, we predicted that (i) thermoregulation would be higher in environments with greater thermal heterogeneity (body temperatures closer to preferred temperatures, higher thermoregulatory accuracy and higher effectiveness of thermoregulation) and (ii) changes in thermoregulation as a function of mean environmental temperatures would differ depending on thermal heterogeneity.

We found support for our prediction that these two environmental attributes had an interactive effect on thermoregulation but not for our prediction that thermal heterogeneity would impact thermoregulation independently. Individuals in highly heterogeneous environments maintained greater thermoregulatory accuracy compared with those in less heterogeneous environments as the mean environment increasingly deviated from the preferred temperature range.

The results emphasise the crucial conceptual distinction between thermal mean and heterogeneity as drivers of thermoregulatory costs and how this distinction underpins variation in the thermal behaviour of ectotherms.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Rising inequality and public support for redistribution
Authors: HILLEN SVEN , STEINER NILS D.
Published: May 2024

Seminal models in political economy imply that rising economic inequality should lead to growing public demand for redistribution. Yet, existing empirical evidence on this link is both limited and inconclusive – and scholars regularly doubt it exists at all. In this research note, we turn to data from the International Social Survey Programme's (ISSP) Social Inequality surveys, now spanning the period from 1987 to 2019, to reassess the effect of rising inequality on support for redistribution. Covering a longer time series than previous studies, we obtain robust evidence that when income inequality rises in a country, public support for income redistribution tends to go up. Examining the reaction across income groups to adjudicate between different models of how rising inequality matters in a second step, we find that rising inequality increases support for redistribution within all income groups, with a marginally stronger effect among the well‐off. Our results imply that insufficient policy responses to rising inequality may be less about absent demand and more about a failure to turn demand into policy, and that scholars should devote more attention to the latter.
Assessment of artificial intelligence to detect gasoline in fire debris using HS‐SPME‐GC/MS and transfer learning
Authors: Huang Ting‐Yu , Chung Yu Jorn Chi
Published: May 2024

Due to the complex nature of the chemical compositions of ignitable liquids (IL) and the interferences from fire debris matrices, interpreting chromatographic data poses challenges to analysts. In this work, artificial intelligence (AI) was developed by transfer learning in a convolutional neural network (CNN), GoogLeNet. The image classification AI was fine‐tuned to create intelligent classification systems to discriminate samples containing gasoline residues from burned substrates. All ground truth samples were analyzed by headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) coupled with a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer (GC/MS). The HS‐SPME‐GC/MS data were transformed into three types of image presentations, that is, heatmaps, extracted ion heatmaps, and total ion chromatograms. The abundance and mass‐to‐charge ratios of each scan were converted into image patterns that are characteristic of the chemical profiles of gasoline. The transfer learning data were labeled as “gasoline present” and “gasoline absent” classes. The assessment results demonstrated that all AI models achieved 100 ± 0% accuracy in identifying neat gasoline. When the models were assessed using the spiked samples, the AI model developed using the extracted ion heatmap obtained the highest accuracy rate (95.9 ± 0.4%), which was greater than those obtained by other machine learning models, ranging from 17.3 ± 0.7% to 78.7 ± 0.7%. The proposed work demonstrated that the heatmaps created from GC/MS data can represent chemical features from the samples. Additionally, the pretrained CNN models are readily available in the transfer learning workflow to develop AI for GC/MS data interpretation in fire debris analysis.
Cranial trauma in handgun executions: Circumferential delamination defect and its relationship with contact/close‐range shooting
Authors: Parra Roberto C. , Baraybar Jose Pablo , Condori Lucio A. , Luna Leandro , Garizoain Gonzalo , Avalos‐Cordero Ernesto
Published: May 2024

Skeletal evidence usually constitutes the only source of information to interpret lesion patterns that help to clarify the circumstances surrounding death. The examination and interpretation of bone trauma are essential to the application and utility of anthropology as a forensic science. When discussing the effect of gunshot wounds in bone, it becomes imperative to differentiate between short and long‐distance injuries based on clear, distinct, and observable signs. To contribute to the debate, our focus is directed toward the external analysis of the so‐called circumferential delamination defect (CDD) as an observable proxy for close‐range shooting (≤30 cm) and contact gunshot wounds in the skull. In the context of known extrajudicial killings, in which the perpetrators used short 9 × 19 FMJ ammunition in a close‐range shooting, instances of CDD have been documented. Empirical evidence reinforcing the causal relationship between CDD and close‐range shootings is presented. Elements’ characteristics of firearm residues were also found in remains buried for up to 30 years. Primarily, this work shows that the concentrations of gunshot residues (Pb, Ba, and Sb) resemble those observed in fresh corpses with the same gunshot wound (GSW). Moreover, the correlation observed between CDD and gunshot residues, where the likelihood of CDD increases the closer to the head and the more perpendicular the shot angle is, reinforces CDD as a pivotal discriminatory factor in the skeletal evidence of short‐range or contact shot. This research contributes to the field of forensic anthropology by providing fundamental insights into the etiology of CDD and its practical application.
Gender differences in female and male Australian football concussion injury: A prospective observational study of emergency department presentations
Authors: Stella Julian , Gill Stephen D , Lowry Nicole , Reade Tom , Baker Tim , Kloot Kate , Hayden Georgina , Ryan Matthew , Seward Hugh , Page Richard S
Published: May 2024

Objective

To examine gender differences in Australian football (AF)‐related concussion presentations to EDs in regional Australia.

Methods

A prospective observational study of patients presenting to 1 of the 10 EDs in Western Victoria, Australia, with an AF‐related concussion was conducted. Patients were part of a larger study investigating AF injuries over a complete AF season, including pre‐season training and practice matches. Information regarding concussion injuries was extracted from patient medical records, including clinical features, concurrent injuries, mechanism and context of injury. Female and male data were compared with chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

From the original cohort of 1635 patients with AF‐related injuries (242 female and 1393 male), 231 (14.1%) patients were diagnosed with concussion. Thirty‐eight (15.7%) females had concussions versus 193 (13.9%) males (P > 0.05). Females over the age of 16 were more likely to be concussed than males in the same age range (females n = 26, 68.4% vs males n = 94, 48.7%; P = 0.026). Neurosurgically significant head injury was rare (one case). Similar rates of concurrent injury were found between females 15 (39.5%) and males 64 (33.2%), with neck injury the single most common in 24 (10.3%) concussions. Sixty‐nine patients (29%) were admitted for observation or to await the results of scans. The majority of concussions occurred in match play (87.9%). Females were more likely injured in contested ball situations (63.2% vs 37.3%; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Concussion rates for community‐level AF presentations to regional EDs were similar between genders. Serious head injury was rare, although hospital admission for observation was common. Concurrent injuries were common, with associated neck injury most often identified. Match play accounted for the majority of head injuries.
Ageing, microbes and health
Authors: O'Toole Paul W.
Published: May 2024

The human gut microbiome is a modifier of the risk for many non‐communicable diseases throughout the lifespan. In ageing, the effect of the microbiome appears to be more pronounced because of the lower physiological reserve. Microbial metabolites and other bioactive products act upon some of the key physiological processes involved in the Hallmarks of Ageing. Dietary interventions that delay age‐related change in the microbiome have also led to delayed onset of ageing‐related health loss, and improved levels of cognitive function, inflammatory status and frailty. Cross‐sectional analysis of thousands of gut microbiome datasets from around the world has identified key taxa that are depleted during accelerated health loss, and other taxa that become more abundant, but these signatures differ in some geographical regions. The key challenges for research in this area are to experimentally prove that particular species or strains directly contribute to health‐related ageing outcomes, and to develop practical ways of retaining or re‐administering them on a population basis. The promotion of a health‐associated gut microbiome in ageing mirrors the challenge of maintaining planetary microbial ecosystems in the face of anthropogenic effects and climate change. Lessons learned from acting at the individual level can inform microbiome‐targeting strategies for achieving Sustainable Development Goals at a global level.
Can Income Inequality Reduce the Happiness of a Healthy Population?
Authors: Haini Hazwan , Hashim Anwar
Published: May 2024

The relationship between health and happiness is well established. However, disability and the burden of disease can also affect the happiness of the local population. We argue that income inequality can worsen the positive effect of health on happiness levels. Using data from 136 economies from 2005 to 2019, we estimate a dynamic panel model that controls the endogeneity and simultaneity issues, and measure the effect of healthy life expectancy on happiness at varying levels of income inequality. We find evidence that healthy life expectancy is significantly and positively associated with happiness, however, at high levels of income inequality, this effect reduces. We shed new perspectives on the costs of income inequality.
Genomic and T cell repertoire biomarkers associated with malignant mesothelioma survival
Authors: Nie Muwen , Sun Zhao , Li Ningning , Zhou Liangrui , Wang Shuchun , Yuan Mingming , Chen Rongrong , Zhao Lin , Li Ji , Bai Chunmei
Published: May 2024

Background

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an exceedingly rare tumor with poor prognosis due to the limited availability of effective treatment. Immunotherapy has emerged as a novel treatment approach for MM, but less than 40% of the patients benefit from it. Thus, it is necessary to identify accurate and effective biomarkers that can predict the overall survival (OS) and immunotherapy efficacy for MM.

Methods

DNA sequencing was used to identify the genomic landscape based on the data from 86 Chinese patients. T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing was used to characterize MM TCR repertoires of 28 patients between October 2016 and April 2023.

Results

Patients with TP53, NF2, or CDKN2A variants at the genomic level, as well as those exhibiting lower Shannon index (<6.637), lower evenness (<0.028), or higher clonality (≥0.194) according to baseline tumor tissue TCR indexes, demonstrated poorer OS. Furthermore, patients with TP53, CDKN2A, or CDKN2B variants and those with a lower evenness (<0.030) in baseline tumor tissue showed worse immunotherapy efficacy. The present study is the first to identify five special TCR Vβ‐Jβ rearrangements associated with MM immunotherapy efficacy.

Conclusions

The present study reported the largest‐scale genomic landscape and TCR repertoire of MM in Chinese patients and identified genomic and TCR biomarkers for the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in MM. The study results might provide new insights for prospective MM trials using specific genes, TCR indexes, and TCR clones as biomarkers and offer a reference for future antitumor drugs based on TCR‐specific clones.
Real‐world study of lazertinib as second‐line or greater treatment in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lim Jeong Uk , Kim Kyuhwan , Kim Kyu Yean , Kang Hye Seon , Shin Ah. Young , Yeo Chang Dong , Kim Sung Kyoung , Park Chan Kwon , Lee Sang Haak , Kim Seung Joon
Published: May 2024

Background

Lazertinib is an oral, third‐generation EGFR‐TKI, which specifically targets the EGFR T790M mutation along with activating mutations Ex19del and L858R. More real‐world data are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety in treating locally advanced and metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following prior EGFR TKI treatment.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study was conducted at seven university hospitals affiliated to the Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Korea. A clinical data warehouse (CDW) platform was used to access and extract information.

Results

A total of 48 patients were assessed. The majority were female (75%) and diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (95.8%). All patients had the EGFR mutation at diagnosis, 27 (56.3%) had the exon 19 deletion, 20 (41.7%) had the L858R mutation, and one (2.0%) had the exon 18 mutation. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 15.4 months. At 6, 12, and 18 months, PFS rates were 79.1%, 53.6%, and 27.3%, respectively. When PFS was analyzed by prior TKI duration (<18 months vs. >18 months), significant differences were noted at the 6 and 9‐month mark (p = 0.013 and p = 0.010, respectively). In multivariate analysis for PFS, only prior TKI duration and ECOG score showed statistical significance (p = 0.026 and p = 0.049, respectively). In the multivariate analysis for OS, ECOG score showed statistical significance (p = 0.006). Among 48 patients, 34 (70.8%) experienced adverse events (AEs) related to lazertinib. The most frequent AEs were skin reaction (29.8%), diarrhea (21.3%), and peripheral neuropathy (20.8%).

Conclusions

The results suggest that lazertinib is effective in second or more line settings, with tolerable safety profile. More patient data are necessary to find possible prognostic markers associated with patient outcome.
Translatability of life‐extending pharmacological treatments between different species
Authors: Burdusel Daiana , Coman Cristin , Ancuta Diana–Larisa , Hermann Dirk M. , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Gresita Andrei , Popa‐Wagner Aurel
Published: May 2024

Anti‐aging research has made significant strides in identifying treatments capable of extending lifespan across a range of organisms, from simple invertebrates to mammals. This review showcases the current state of anti‐aging interventions, highlighting the lifespan extensions observed in animal models through various treatments and the challenges encountered in translating these findings to humans. Despite promising results in lower organisms, the translation of anti‐aging treatments to human applications presents a considerable challenge. This discrepancy can be attributed to the increasing complexity of biological systems, species‐specific metabolic and genetic differences, and the redundancy of metabolic pathways linked to longevity. Our review focuses on analyzing these challenges, offering insights into the efficacy of anti‐aging mechanisms across species and identifying key barriers to their translation into human treatments. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps in translatability, this review aims to underscore the importance of advancing these therapies for human benefit. Bridging this gap is essential to assess the potential of such treatments in extending the human healthspan.
MicroRNA 29 modulates β‐cell mitochondrial metabolism and insulin secretion via underlying miR‐29‐OXPHOS complex pathways
Authors: Cowan E. , Sun J. , Hamilton A. , Ruhrmann S. , Karagiannopoulos A. , Westholm E. , Ofori J. K. , Luan C. , Zhang E. , Mulder H. , Eliasson L.
Published: May 2024

Aim

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate β‐cell function, and β‐cell mitochondria and insulin secretion are perturbed in diabetes. We aimed to identify key miRNAs regulating β‐cell mitochondrial metabolism and novel β‐cell miRNA‐mitochondrial pathways.

Methods

TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org/) was used to predict if 16 miRNAs implicated in β‐cell function target 27 cis‐eGenes implicated in mitochondrial activity. The expression of candidate miRNAs and insulin secretion after 24 and 1 h pre‐incubation in 2.8, 11.1‐ and 16.7‐mM glucose was measured in clonal INS‐1 832/13 β‐cells. MiR‐29 silenced INS‐1 832/13 cells were assessed for insulin secretion (glucose, pyruvate, and K+), target cis‐eGene expression (Ndufv3 and Ndufa10 components of mitochondrial complex I (CI)), OXPHOS (CI‐V) protein expression, and mitochondrial OXPHOS respiration/activity. The expression of differentially expressed miR‐29 miRNAs was evaluated in Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rat, db/db mouse and type 2 diabetic (T2D) human islets, as well as NMRI mouse islets cultured under glucolipotoxic conditions.

Results

MiR‐29, miR‐15 and miR‐124 were predicted to regulate ~20 cis‐eGenes, while miR‐29 alone was predicted to regulate ≥12 of these in rat and human species. MiR‐29 expression and insulin secretion were reduced in INS‐1 832/13 cells after 24 h in elevated glucose. MiR‐29 knockdown increased all tested insulin secretory responses, Nudfv3, Ndufa10, complex I and II expression, and cellular mitochondrial OXPHOS. MiR‐29 expression was reduced in db/db islets but increased in GK rat and T2D human islets.

Conclusion

We conclude miR‐29 is a key miRNA in regulating β‐cell mitochondrial metabolism and insulin secretion via underlying miR‐29‐OXPHOS complex pathways. Furthermore, we infer reduced miR‐29 expression compensatorily enhances insulin secretion under glucotoxicity.
Systematic review: The use of large language models as medical chatbots in digestive diseases
Authors: Giuffrè Mauro , Kresevic Simone , You Kisung , Dupont Johannes , Huebner Jack , Grimshaw Alyssa Ann , Shung Dennis Legen
Published: May 2024

Background

Interest in large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, across multiple specialties has grown as a source of patient‐facing medical advice and provider‐facing clinical decision support. The accuracy of LLM responses for gastroenterology and hepatology‐related questions is unknown.

Aims

To evaluate the accuracy and potential safety implications for LLMs for the diagnosis, management and treatment of questions related to gastroenterology and hepatology.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search including Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and the Web of Science Core Collection to identify relevant articles published from inception until January 28, 2024, using a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary for LLMs and gastroenterology or hepatology. Accuracy was defined as the percentage of entirely correct answers.

Results

Among the 1671 reports screened, we identified 33 full‐text articles on using LLMs in gastroenterology and hepatology and included 18 in the final analysis. The accuracy of question‐responding varied across different model versions. For example, accuracy ranged from 6.4% to 45.5% with ChatGPT‐3.5 and was between 40% and 91.4% with ChatGPT‐4. In addition, the absence of standardised methodology and reporting metrics for studies involving LLMs places all the studies at a high risk of bias and does not allow for the generalisation of single‐study results.

Conclusions

Current general‐purpose LLMs have unacceptably low accuracy on clinical gastroenterology and hepatology tasks, which may lead to adverse patient safety events through incorrect information or triage recommendations, which might overburden healthcare systems or delay necessary care.
Portal hypertension and its prognostic implications in patients with Wilson's disease
Authors: Burghart Lukas , Ferenci Peter , Petrenko Oleksandr , Mandorfer Mattias , Schwarz Michael , Gschwantler Michael , Trauner Michael , Reiberger Thomas , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Wilson's disease may progress to cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). We aimed to assess the prevalence and prognostic impact of CSPH‐related features on hepatic decompensation and transplant‐free survival in patients with Wilson's disease.

Methods and Results

About 137 patients with Wilson's disease (Leipzig score ≥4), followed for a median observation period of 9.0 (3.9–17.7) years at the Vienna General Hospital, were included in this retrospective study. Overall, 49 (35.8%) developed features of CSPH: 14 (10.2%) varices, 40 (29.2%) splenomegaly, 20 (14.6%) ascites, 18 (13.1%) hepatic encephalopathy and 3 (2.2%) experienced acute variceal bleeding. Overall, 8 (5.8%) patients died, including three deaths caused by CSPH‐related complications. Within 10 years, compensated patients with features of CSPH developed more decompensation events (8.3% vs. 1.5% in patients without CSPH, p = 0.3) and had worse transplant‐free‐survival (91.7% vs. 98.6%), which further declined in patients with hepatic decompensation (26.7%, log‐rank: p < 0.0001). Patients with liver stiffness <15 kPa and normal platelets (≥150 G/L) were less likely to decompensate within 10 years (2.6% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.002) and had a better 10‐year transplant‐free‐survival (97.7% vs. 83.9%, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Patients with Wilson's disease developing features of CSPH are at an increased risk for hepatic decompensation and liver‐related mortality, warranting for regular screening and timely initiation of effective CSPH‐directed treatments.
The Disclosure of Recognised and Unrecognised Intangibles: Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Mehnaz Laura , Scott Tom , Zang Zeting
Published: May 2024

We examine the reporting of intangible assets and the disclosures on intellectual capital activities by listed companies and public benefit entities in New Zealand and assess the usefulness of these disclosures. Comparing trends in intangible asset disclosure frequency, we note that the most common is capitalised software costs, followed by goodwill. For intellectual capital, we find that qualitative disclosures are more prevalent than quantitative, with disclosure on relational capital being the most frequent. In addition, we find that intangible assets are value relevant, and more intellectual capital disclosures increase the value relevance of goodwill. Finally, we consider intangible reporting by public benefit entities and show that while the rate of intangibles capitalised is similar, they are of less relative economic importance. Overall, our findings provide evidence of divergence in intangible categorisation practice, highlight the absence of reporting digital technologies and call for improved disclosure criteria for recognised and unrecognised intangibles.
Regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction by estrogens and estrogen receptors in Alzheimer's disease: A focused review
Authors: Arjmand Shokouh , Ilaghi Mehran , Sisakht Ali Karimi , Guldager Matti Bock , Wegener Gregers , Landau Anne M. , Gjedde Albert
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily manifests itself by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, thus significantly affecting memory functions and quality of life. In this review, we proceed from the understanding that the canonical amyloid‐β hypothesis, while significant, has faced setbacks, highlighting the need to adopt a broader perspective considering the intricate interplay of diverse pathological pathways for effective AD treatments. Sex differences in AD offer valuable insights into a better understanding of its pathophysiology. Fluctuation of the levels of ovarian sex hormones during perimenopause is associated with changes in glucose metabolism, as a possible window of opportunity to further understand the roles of sex steroid hormones and their associated receptors in the pathophysiology of AD. We review these dimensions, emphasizing the potential of estrogen receptors (ERs) to reveal mitochondrial functions in the search for further research and therapeutic strategies for AD pharmacotherapy. Understanding and addressing the intricate interactions of mitochondrial dysfunction and ERs potentially pave the way for more effective approaches to AD therapy.