bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of wasting, stunting, and undernutrition among children under five years: Cross-sectional study in southern Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Javeria , Zakar Rubeena , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Butt Muhammad Salman , Mushtaq Faisal , Bukhari Gul Mehar Javaid , Fischer Florian
Published: January 2023

Background

Malnutrition is a serious concern globally and may lead to early death if it remains untreated. Prevalence of malnutrition is high in South Asian countries. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the determinants of wasting, stunting, and undernutrition in under-five children of southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 185 children. Anthropometric measures were done by nutritional experts and pediatricians. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Significant determinants of wasting (weight-for-height) were family monthly earnings (β=-0.14; 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.04; p=0.03) and complementary feeding practices (β=-0.21; 95% CI: -1.14 to 0.19; p<0.001). For stunting (length/height-for-age), the significant determinants were tuberculosis (TB) contact history (β=-0.15; 95% CI: -0.97 to -0.03; p=0.03) and non-use of exclusive breastfeeding practices (β=-0.19; 95% CI: -1.40 to 0.16; p=0.01). For undernutrition, significant determinants were monthly income (β=0.28; 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.62; p=0.02) and exclusive breastfeeding practices (β=0.22; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.39; p=0.02).

Conclusion

Social determinants such as family earnings, family food security, practices of exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding, number of under-five siblings, and history of TB contact have a strong association with malnutrition and undernutrition. Concerted and comprehensive strategies are needed for the improvement of associated factors to combat malnutrition as well as undernutrition among children.
Biological diagnosis and characterization of occult hepatitis B virus infection in Burkina Faso
Authors: Doumbia Boubacar , Diarra Birama , Kone Bourahima , Djigma Florencia , Baya Bocar , Simpore Jacque
Published: January 2023

Introduction/objective

The occult infection by the hepatitis B virus (OBI) characterized by the undetectable (HBs Ag) negative antigen in the serum and the presence of viral DNA, constitutes a major public health problem and a major challenge for clinical forms of hepatitis worldwide. The persistence of OBI very often leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and immunodeficiency. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of OBI and to characterize the incriminated genotypes of the virus.

Material and method

The plasmas of 252 HBsAg-negative volunteers were used for highlighting the viral DNA by PCR classic. PCR Multiplex using specific primers of 6 genotypes (A to F) was used for characterization.

Results

A prevalence of 11.9% (30/252) of OBI was obtained with 7.5% in women and 4.4% for men. Genotypes E (60.0%) and A3 (23.3%) were present and genotypes B, C, D, and F were absent. A mixed infection with E/A3 genotypes (16.7%) was observed. AC Anti-HBc was present in 80% of cases OBI.

Discussion/Conclusion

The prevalence of 11.9% of OBI could be related to the level of endemicity of the study area, Burkina Faso being a country with a prevalence of more than 14% of HBV infection. These infections are dominated by the A3 and E genotypes, confirming their importance in chronic HBV infections. The absence of genotypes B and C in cases of OBI constitutes a positive predictive value since their presence is linked to a more rapid evolution of the infection towards HCC.
The immediate treatment outcomes and cost estimate for managing clinical measles in children admitted at Mulago Hospital: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Namugga Barbara , Malande Ombeva , Kitonsa Jonathan , Banura Cecily , Mupere Ezekiel
Published: January 2023

Background

Over the recent years, the Ministry of Health in Uganda has reported multiple measles outbreaks in various districts despite the availability of a safe cost effective vaccine. Measles, especially among the unvaccinated, can lead to serious complications including death, while its management heavily burdens the family and health care delivery system. Whereas the cost of measles vaccination is known, the cost of treating measles is unknown. Knowledge of this can inform policy and planning for healthcare services.

Method

A retrospective single cohort study using records review was conducted to determine the immediate treatment outcomes and estimate the health care delivery cost of managing measles among children 0-12 years admitted at Mulago hospital throughout 2018. Demographics, complications, vaccination status, discharge status, duration of hospital stay, type of treatment, supplies used and investigations done were abstracted from the patient charts. The costs of treatment were obtained from the hospital pharmacy price list while the unit cost of utilities, human resource, food and security were obtained from the hospital accounts department. Patients’ characteristics were summarized descriptively. For all cost information, we reported the mean with standard deviation (SD) and range, and costs information was stratified and presented as direct health care (blood test, radiology and treatment) and direct non health care.

Results

Out of 536 patient charts, 267 were chosen, 51% were for females and the median age was 1.0 (IQR 0.75-2) years. Sixty-three patients (24%) were immunised, 79 (29%) were not immunized, 56 (21%) were not due for immunisation at the time of hospitalisation while the status of 69 (26%) was not recorded. Median length of hospital stay was 4.0 days (IQR 3.0-7.0) with majority (n=207, 77%) staying < 7 days. There were 30 deaths (11%) with mortality highest among the unimmunised (n= 13, 44%) and severe pneumonia (39.5%) was the commonest complication.

The average cost estimate to the health care delivery system to treat a child with measles was (114.5 USD). Human resource (79.33USD, SD 4.63) and treatment costs (21.98USD, SD 22.77) were the largest expenses.

Conclusions

Mortality among children with measles was high and occurrence of complications common. The estimated average direct health care cost of treating a measles case in the National Referral Hospital was considerably high. Further research is required to estimate the cost to the family and society in managing a child with measles.
Filopodial protrusion driven by density-dependent Ena-TOCA-1 interactions
Authors: Blake Thomas C. A. , Fox Helen M. , Urbančič Vasja , Wolowczyk Adam , Allgeyer Edward S. , Mason Julia , Gallop Jennifer L.
Published: January 2023

Filopodia are narrow actin-rich protrusions with important roles in neuronal development. The neuronally-enriched TOCA-1/CIP4 family of F-BAR and SH3 domain adaptor proteins have emerged as upstream regulators that link membrane interactions to actin binding proteins in lamellipodia and filopodia, including WAVE and N-WASP nucleation promoting factors and formins. Here, we demonstrate a direct interaction between TOCA-1 and Ena/VASP actin filament elongators that is mediated by clustered SH3 domain interactions. UsingXenopusretinal ganglion cell axonal growth cones, where Ena/VASP proteins have a native role in filopodia extension, we show that TOCA-1 localises to filopodia and lamellipodia, with a retrograde flow of puncta, and correlates with filopodial protrusion. Two-colour single molecule localization microscopy of TOCA-1 and Ena supports their nanoscale association. TOCA-1 clusters coalesce at advancing lamellipodia and filopodia and operate synergistically with Ena to promote filopodial protrusion dependent on a functional SH3 domain. In analogous yet distinct ways to lamellipodin and IRSp53, we propose that transient TOCA-1 clusters recruit and promote Ena activity to orchestrate filopodial protrusion.
Optimization of molecular methods for detection and quantification of specific duckweed-bacteria interactions
Authors: Acosta Kenneth , Sorrels Shawn , Chrisler William , Huang Weijuan , Gilbert Sarah , Brinkman Thomas , Michael Todd P. , Lebeis Sarah , Lam Eric
Published: January 2023

Bacterial colonization dynamics of plants can differ between phylogenetically similar bacterial strains as well as in the context of complex bacterial communities. Quantitative studies that can resolve closely related bacteria within complex communities can lead to a better understanding of plant-microbe interactions. However, current methods lack the specificity to differentiate phylogenetically similar bacterial strains. In this study, we describe molecular strategies to study specific duckweed-bacteria interactions. We first systematically optimized a bead-beating protocol to co-isolate nucleic acids simultaneously from duckweed and bacteria. We then developed a generic fingerprinting assay to detect bacteria present in duckweed samples. To detect specific duckweed-bacteria interactions, we developed a genomics-based computational pipeline to generate bacterial strain-specific primers. These strain-specific primers differentiated bacterial strains from the same genus and enabled the detection of specific duckweed-bacteria interactions present in a community context. Moreover, we used these strain-specific primers to quantify the bacterial colonization of duckweed by normalization to a plant reference gene and revealed differences in colonization levels between strains from the same genus. Lastly, confocal microscopy of inoculated duckweed further supported our PCR results and showed bacterial colonization of the duckweed root-frond interface and root interior. The molecular methods introduced in this work should enable the tracking and quantification of specific plant-microbe interactions within plant-microbial communities.
Label-free single-cell live imaging reveals fast metabolic switch in T lymphocytes
Authors: Paillon Noémie , Ung Thi Phuong Lien , Dogniaux Stéphanie , Stringari Chiara , Hivroz Claire
Published: January 2023

T cell activation induces a metabolic switch generating energy required for proliferation, survival, and fueling their functions. Thus, it is essential to monitor metabolism associated to subcellular functional and structural changes. We used non-invasive label-free two-photon fluorescence lifetime microscopy (2P-FLIM) to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of the metabolic NADH co-enzyme during T lymphocyte activation. 2P-FLIM measurements of the protein-bound and free NADH ratios provides a readout of the redox state (NAD+/ NADH) of the cells, and thus of their OXPHOS and glycolysis rates. Using this method, we followed the dynamics of fraction of bound NADH (fb NADH) in live single cells. Comparing fb NADH between resting and activated T cells, we show that T cell activation induces a rapid switch toward glycolysis. The switch takes only 10 minutes and remains stable for at least one hour. Three-dimensional (3D) analysis revealed that the intracellular distribution of fb NADH is symmetrically distributed in resting cells, whereas increases at the contact zone in activated cells. Finally, we show that fb NADH negatively correlates with spreading of activated T cells, suggesting a link between actin remodeling and metabolic changes. This study shows that 2P-FLIM measurement of fb NADH is well suited to follow a fast metabolic switch in 3D, in single T lymphocytes with subcellular resolution.
Potential of imputation for cost-efficient genomic selection for resistance toFlavobacterium columnarein rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Fraslin C. , Robledo D. , Kause A. , Houston R.D.
Published: January 2023

Background

Flavobacterium columnareis the pathogen agent of columnaris disease, a major emerging disease affecting rainbow trout aquaculture. Selective breeding using genomic selection has potential to achieve cumulative improvement of host resistance. However, genomic selection is expensive partly due to the cost of genotyping high numbers of animals using high-density SNP arrays. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of genomic selection for resistance toF. columnareusingin silicolow-density (LD) panels combined with imputation. After a natural outbreak of columnaris disease, 2,874 challenged fish and 469 fish from the parental generation (n=81 parents) were genotyped with 27,907 SNPs. The efficiency of genomic prediction using LD-panels was assessed for panels of 10 different densities, createdin silicousing two sampling methods, random and equally spaced. All LD-panels were also imputed to the full 28K HD-panel using the parental generation as the reference population, and genomic predictions were reevaluated. The potential of prioritizing SNPs showing association with resistance toF. columnarewas also tested for the six lower densities.

Results

Similar results were obtained with random and equally spaced sampling of SNPs for accuracy of both imputation and genomic predictions. Using LD-panels of at least 3,000 makers or lower density panels (as low as 300 markers) combined with imputation resulted in comparable accuracy to the 28K HD-panel and 11% higher accuracy than pedigree-based predictions.

Conclusions

Compared to using the commercial HD-panel, LD-panels with imputation may provide a more affordable route to genomic prediction of breeding values, supporting wider adoption of genomic selection in aquaculture breeding programmes.
Chondro/osteoclasts and mast cells are co-villains in the joint destruction of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: McClure John , McClure Sheena F
Published: January 2023

Chondro/osteoclasts and mast cells are cells of interest in the cartilage and bone destruction of joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both are major cellular components of the vascular synovial pannus proliferation characteristic of this disease. Chondroclasts degrade calcified cartilage and osteoclasts degrade bone tissue. Chondroclasts and osteoclasts are identical cell types and differentiate from monocyte precursors. Our studies show a close microanatomical relationship between these cells and new capillary formation (shown by the lectinPsophocarpus tetragonolobus– PTL-11) in the resorption sites of the mineralized tissues. Clast and mast cells express receptors for the lectin lPHA indicating beta1,6-acetylglucosaminal transferase V (GNTase V/MGAT5) activity providing a mechanism for neoangiogenesis. In addition to an angiogenetic function for mast cells it is probable that their products control monocyte differentiation and chondro/osteoclastogenesis.
Identification of novel myeloid-derived cell states with implication in cancer outcome
Authors: Guimarães Gabriela Rapozo , Maklouf Giovanna Resk , Teixeira Cristiane Esteves , de Oliveira Santos Leandro , Tessarollo Nayara Gusmão , Pretti Marco Antônio , Toledo Nayara Evelin , da Cruz Jéssica Gonçalves Vieira , Falchetti Marcelo , Dimas Mylla M. , Serain Alessandra Freitas , de Macedo Fabiane Carvalho , Rodrigues Fabiana Resende , Bastos Nina Carrossini , da Silva Jesse Lopes , da Rocha Edroaldo Lummertz , Chaves Cláudia Bessa Pereira , de Melo Andreia Cristina , Moraes-Vieira Pedro Manoel Mendes , Mori Marcelo A. , Boroni Mariana
Published: January 2023

Tumor-associated myeloid-derived cells (MDCs) significantly impact cancer prognosis and treatment response due to their remarkable plasticity and tumorigenic behaviors. We integrated single-cell RNA-Sequencing datasets from seven different cancers, resulting in a comprehensive collection of 29 MDC subpopulations in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Distinguishing resident-tissue from monocyte-derived macrophages, we discovered a resident-tissue-like subpopulation within monocyte-derived macrophages. Additionally, hypoxia-driven macrophages emerged as a prominent TME component. Deconvolution of these profiles revealed five subpopulations as independent prognostic markers across various cancer types. Validation in large cohorts confirmed the FOLR2-expressing macrophage association with poor clinical outcomes in ovarian and triple-negative breast cancer. Moreover, the marker TREM2, commonly used to define immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages, cannot solely predict cancer prognosis, as different polarization states of macrophages express this marker in a context-dependent manner. This comprehensive MDC atlas offers valuable insights and a foundation for novel analyses, advancing strategies for treating solid cancers.
Conserved folding landscape of monomeric initiator caspases
Authors: Nag Mithun , Clark A. Clay
Published: January 2023

The apoptotic caspase subfamily evolved into two subfamilies - monomeric initiators and dimeric effectors. Sequence variations in the conserved caspase-hemoglobinase fold resulted in changes in oligomerization, enzyme specificity, and regulation, making caspases an excellent model for examining the mechanisms of molecular evolution in fine-tuning structure, function, and allosteric regulation. We examined the urea-induced equilibrium folding/unfolding of two initiator caspases, monomeric caspase-8 and cFLIPL, over a broad pH range. Both proteins unfold by a three-state equilibrium mechanism that includes a partially folded intermediate. In addition, both proteins undergo a conserved pH-dependent conformational change that is controlled by an evolutionarily conserved mechanism. We show that the conformational free energy landscape of the caspase monomer is conserved in the monomeric and dimeric subfamilies. Molecular dynamics simulations in the presence or absence of urea, coupled with limited trypsin proteolysis and mass spectrometry, show that the small subunit is unstable in the protomer and unfolds prior to the large subunit. In addition, the unfolding of helix 2 in the large subunit results in disruption of a conserved allosteric site. Because the small subunit forms the interface for dimerization, our results highlight an important driving force for the evolution of the dimeric caspase subfamily through stabilizing the small subunit.
Microbial fingerprints reveal interaction between museum objects, curators and visitors
Authors: Simon Lukas M , Flocco Cecilia , Henke David , Rauer Luise , Müller Christian , Vogel Johannes , Quassier Christiane , Overmann Jörg , Simon Stefan
Published: January 2023

Microbiomes populate the border between humans and their environment. Whether the microbiome can be leveraged to gain information on human interaction with museum objects is unclear. To answer this question, museum objects varying in material and size from two museums, the Museum für Naturkunde and the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin, Germany, which forms part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1999, were defined. In total 126 samples of natural and cultural heritage objects were taken with sterile nylon flocked swabs and subsequently subjected to 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. By comparing the microbial composition of touched and untouched mollusc and fossil natural heritage objects we derived a robust microbial touch signature characterized by increased abundance of microbes known to be present in human skin. Application of this touch signature to cultural heritage objects from the Pergamonmuseum revealed areas of differential exposure to human contact on the Ishtar gate and Sam’al gate lions. Moreover, we were able to distinguish museum objects and personal office items touched by two different individuals with high sensitivity. Our results demonstrate that the microbial composition of museum objects gives insight into the degree of exposure to human contact, which is an important parameter for conservation and heritage science, and possibly provenance research.
Targets and cross-reactivity of human T cell recognition of Common Cold Coronaviruses
Authors: Tarke Alison , Zhang Yun , Methot Nils , Narowski Tara M. , Phillips Elizabeth , Mallal Simon , Frazier April , Filaci Gilberto , Weiskopf Daniela , Dan Jennifer M. , Premkumar Lakshmanane , Scheuermann Richard H. , Sette Alessandro , Grifoni Alba
Published: January 2023

The Coronavirus (CoV) family includes a variety of viruses able to infect humans. Endemic CoVs that can cause common cold belong to the alphaCoV and betaCoV genera, with the betaCoV genus also containing subgenera with zoonotic and pandemic concern, including sarbecoCoV (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) and merbecoCoV (MERS-CoV). It is therefore warranted to explore pan-CoV vaccine concepts, to provide adaptive immune protection against new potential CoV outbreaks, particularly in the context of betaCoV sub lineages. To explore the feasibility of eliciting CD4+T cell responses widely cross-recognizing different CoVs, we utilized samples collected pre-pandemic to systematically analyze T cell reactivity against representative alpha (NL63) and beta (OC43) common cold CoVs (CCC). Similar to previous findings on SARS-CoV-2, the S, N, M, and nsp3 antigens were immunodominant for both viruses while nsp2 and nsp12 were immunodominant for NL63 and OC43, respectively. We next performed a comprehensive T cell epitope screen, identifying 78 OC43 and 87 NL63-specific epitopes. For a selected subset of 18 epitopes, we experimentally assessed the T cell capability to cross-recognize sequences from representative viruses belonging to alphaCoV, sarbecoCoV, and beta-non-sarbecoCoV groups. We found general conservation within the alpha and beta groups, with cross-reactivity experimentally detected in 89% of the instances associated with sequence conservation of >67%. However, despite sequence conservation, limited cross-reactivity was observed in the case of sarbecoCoV (50% of instances), indicating that previous CoV exposure to viruses phylogenetically closer to this subgenera is a contributing factor in determining cross-reactivity. Overall, these results provided critical insights in the development of future pan-CoV vaccines.
Preventing psychological symptoms among cancer survivors through a digital mindfulness psychoeducation program: Protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Klainin-Yobas Piyanee , Hounsri Kanokwan , Chng Wee Joo , Emily Ang Neo Kim , Shawn Goh Yong-Shian
Published: January 2023

Background

Cancer survivors experience challenges, that may affect their psychological well-being. Technology-based, mindfulness-based interventions have been offered to cancer survivors; however, contents do not sufficiently cover issues related to cancer and its treatments. This study protocol presents a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) that aims to examine the effectiveness of a digital mindfulness psychoeducation programme (Digital-MindCAN programme) on psychological symptoms among cancer survivors. This program contains knowledge linking to cancer-related matters, mindfulness principles and mindfulness practice, which will be delivered real-time using a videotelephony software.

Methods

Eligible cancer survivors will include adults who completed curative treatments from two weeks to two years. They will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups: Digital-MindCAN programme with standard care, Palouse Mindfulness programme with standard care, and a wait-list control group. A convenience sample will be recruited from a tertiary hospital in Singapore. A target sample size will be 150 participants, with 50 participants in each group. Primary outcomes encompass objective stress and subjective stress. Secondary outcomes comprise psychological well-being, perceived relaxation, mindfulness, resilience, depression, and anxiety. Self-administered questionnaires and physiological measures will be used to collect participants’ responses. Focus group interviews will be conducted for intervention groups after the end of the eighth session. Quantitative data will be analyzed by descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance and repeated measures analysis of variance. Qualitative findings will be analyzed using a realist evaluation method.

Discussion

This RCT will be the first to test the effectiveness of the technology-based, mindfulness-based intervention on cancer survivors in Singapore. Positive findings will add knowledge and inform clinical practice. Specifically, the Digital-MindCAN intervention may be offered as part of standard care for cancer survivors. Future research can be implemented and further tested the program in other healthcare institutions.

Trial registration

This study has been registered with ISCTN Clinical Trial Registry (Trial NO.ISRCTN10756933).
Extracting the morphology of gold bipyramids from small-angle X-ray scattering experiments via form factor modelling
Authors: Lyu Jieli , Goldmann Claire , Hamon Cyrille , Constantin Doru
Published: January 2023

Accurate shape description is a challenge in materials science. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) can provide the shape, size and polydispersity of nanoparticles by form factor modelling. However, simple geometric models such as the ellipsoid may not be enough to describe objects with complex shapes. This work shows that the form factor of gold nanobipyramids is accurately described by a truncated bicone model, which is validated by comparison with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data for nine different synthesis batches; the average shape parameters (width, height and truncation) and the sample polydispersity are obtained. In contrast, the ellipsoid model yields worse fits of the SAXS data and exhibits systematic discrepancies with the TEM results.
Reflexivity and academic identity in accounting: intersubjective reflexive identity work as a feminist academic
Authors: Haynes Kathryn
Published: January 2023

Purpose

I provide an exploration and critique of reflexive research practice, which explores the nature of reflexivity, its relevance to and influence on accounting academic identity formation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives detailed explanations of three different approaches to reflexivity dependent on perspectives on reality and exemplifies the chosen approach – intersubjective reflexivity. It draws from three personal experiences to illustrate intersubjective reflexive practice in action and its impact on academic identity, including my own identity as a feminist accounting academic. The examples involve the process of reflexively “being struck” regarding voice and representation; addressing power, privilege and decolonisation in knowledge production; and negotiating insider/outsider academic identities.

Findings

I reconceptualise and illustrate reflexivity as academic identity formation that enables transformative experience and more reflexive academic praxis within a turbulent academic context. Reflexive academic identity formation will resonate with accounting academics who are reflecting on the role and purpose of the accounting academy and their identity within it.

Originality/value

The paper provides a significant contribution into understanding intersubjective reflexivity, by reconceptualising intersubjective reflexivity beyond research and applying it to the identity formation of accounting academics. I identify the process of reflexive identity transformation through active engagement in identity work and emotion work, which transforms academic praxis. I argue for a broader more nuanced and power-laden perspective on reflexivity and academic praxis, which moves us to consider the responsibility of our academic identity and actions as accounting academics.
Explaining consumers' continuous purchase intention toward subscriber-based knowledge payment platforms: findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Chenghu , Wu Jiaqi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influencing mechanism of consumers' continuous purchase intention toward the subscriber-based knowledge payment platforms (SBKPPs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study obtained 226 valid samples through questionnaire surveys and used partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) methods to elucidate the complex causal patterns of consumers' continuous purchase intention toward the SBKPPs.

Findings

The findings revealed that perceived utilitarian value, perceived hedonic value and perceived social value directly affected consumers' continuous purchase intention, while content quality and service quality indirectly affected consumers' continuous purchase intention. In addition, this study also demonstrated that all factors must be combined to play a role, and there exist four configurations resulting in consumers' continuous purchase intention toward the SBKPPs.

Research limitations/implications

The results can help researchers and practitioners better understand the causal patterns of consumers' continuous purchase intention toward the SBKPPs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge payment literature by investigating consumers' continuous purchase intention toward the SBKPPs. This study also provides practical enlightenment for the SBKPPs' marketing.
A novel grey prediction model with structure variability and real domain fractional order and its performance comparisons
Authors: Mao Cuiwei , Gou Xiaoyi , Zeng Bo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to overcome the problem that the single structure of the driving term of the grey prediction model is not adapted to the complexity and diversity of the actual modeling objects, which leads to poor modeling results.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the nonlinear law between the raw data and time point is fully mined by expanding the nonlinear term and the range of order. Secondly, through the synchronous optimization of model structure and parameter, the dynamic adjustment of the model with the change of the modeled object is realized. Finally, the objective optimization of nonlinear driving term and cumulative order of the model is realized by particle swarm optimization PSO algorithm.

Findings

The model can achieve strong compatibility with multiple existing models through parameter transformation. The synchronous optimization of model structure and parameter has a significant improvement over the single optimization method. The new model has a wide range of applications and strong modeling capabilities.

Originality/value

A novel grey prediction model with structure variability and optimizing parameter synchronization is proposed.

Highlights

The highlights of the paper are as follows:

A new grey prediction model with a unified nonlinear structure is proposed.

The new model can be fully compatible with multiple traditional grey models.

The new model solves the defect of poor adaptability of the traditional grey models.

The parameters of the new model are optimized by PSO algorithm.

Cases verify that the new model outperforms other models significantly.
Broadening the field of information
Authors: Bosancic Boris
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The paper discusses the notion of information with regard to its carriers, representatives (or structural carriers) and carried-related processes of transmission, accumulation and processing through the developmental periods of the inorganic and organic world. In the first period, information is contained in a representation of the outcome of physical, chemical and other processes in the physical, chemical and other structures of the non-living world and refers to environmental information. In the second period, information begins to be used to create the physical and chemical structures of the living world and is contained in instructions of the genetic code. In the third period, with the evolution of cognitive systems and intelligence of living beings, in addition to those listed, information is finally being used to build its own structures, which in this paper are called knowledge structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the usual scientific methods in conceptual papers of this type (analysis, synthesis, etc.), the methodology of the paper also relies on the method of analogy, which was used to detect the carriers and representatives of information in the processes of transmission, accumulation and processing of information and the method of classification in order to propose a new taxonomy related to the concept of information.

Findings

The paper shows that information carriers and information representatives appear in each of the three mentioned processes - transmission, accumulation and processing of information - and that they need to be distinguished from the information itself. This insight opened a new perspective in observing this concept and led to the proposal of a new taxonomy related to the concept of information in a given context, eliminating seemingly incommensurable approaches to its study in different scientific fields.

Originality/value

The conducted synthesis results in information being recognized as a transmittable/transmissible documentation of reality inseparable from its carrier and its representative.
Comparing perspectives on organisational silence: an analysis of the Gosport inquiry
Authors: Powell Martin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper examines different perspectives on the broad umbrella term of organisational silence. It identifies ten perspectives on organisational silence from the previous literature on inquiries into failings of British National Health Service providers. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using content analysis, it applies ten perspectives on organisational silence to the report of the inquiry into the Gosport Hospital.

Findings

There is some overlap between the perspectives in that they draw on the same authors, and stress similar issues. There is some evidence for most of the perspectives in the report, but some perspectives appear stronger than others. However, none of the perspectives seem to cover the full spectrum of behaviour and place differential emphasis on different processes. It is not clear whether all ten perspectives add independent analytical value. This suggests that some might be extended or combined with the umbrella term of organisational silence more fully opened.

Originality/value

This is the first study in healthcare to review perspectives on organisational silence and apply them to a case study.
Should I donate secondhand clothes? Cognitive, affective, and conative model during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Amin Muslim , Herjanto Halimin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the secondhand clothes (SHC) donating behavior phenomenon using the cognitive-affective-conative model and examines the moderating role of COVID-19 knowledge on the relationship between the desire to donate and actual SHC donating behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 160 questionnaires were distributed to potential participants who donated their clothes to thrift shops during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA.

Findings

A total of 145 useable surveys were collected for analysis. The study found that the desire to donate SHC plays an essential role in enhancing actual SHC donating behavior. In addition, the study found that perceived responsibility and altruistic fear positively influence the desire to donate SHC. In contrast, individuals’ COVID-19 knowledge does not moderate the relationship between the desire to donate SHC and actual SHC donating behavior.

Originality/value

A limited empirical study uses the cognitive–affective–conative approach to SHC donating behavior. The findings of this study enhance the body of SHC’s theoretical knowledge and enhance individuals’ participation in donation programs in support of their community and humanitarian programs.
Corporate social responsibility and satisfaction in service industries: a systematic review and integrative framework
Authors: Mohammadi Elaheh , Vagnani Gianluca , Maleki Hossein
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The present study aims to explore the concepts involved in the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer and employee satisfaction in service industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research literature over the recent decade has been analyzed using a systematic review. Through thematic analysis and coding the findings of the final selected articles, the authors presented an integrative framework of the relationship between CSR and the satisfaction of critical stakeholders of service companies, namely, customers and employees.

Findings

The research framework encompasses six main categories called CSR, satisfaction, moderators, conditional variables, contextual variables and satisfaction outcomes. All categories but CSR are divided into customer and employee sections to make the research framework further comprehensible.

Practical implications

The results show that in service industries, employees need as much attention as customers, and CSR efforts to satisfy customers and employees can lead to several positive outputs for companies.

Social implications

Failure of service companies to commit to their social responsibility may harm the environment, society’s ethics and laws and long-term corporate profitability. On the other hand, adherence to CSR can lead to social development and economic growth.

Originality/value

This study is one of the most comprehensive studies in the field of CSR and satisfaction, which simultaneously considers the two key stakeholders of a service company. In addition, it provides valuable avenues for further studies.
Circadian rhythms of hosts and their gut microbiomes: Implications for animal physiology and ecology
Authors: Schmid Dominik W. , Capilla‐Lasheras Pablo , Dominoni Davide M. , Müller‐Klein Nadine , Sommer Simone , Risely Alice
Published: January 2023

Daily light–dark cycles shape the circadian physiology and behaviour of nearly all organisms, with variation in circadian phenotypes having cascading effects on individual fitness, species interactions and species co‐evolution.

Recent evidence that circadian rhythms in host immunity and metabolism are synchronised by the gut microbiota suggest that the circadian dynamics of gut microbes are a crucial component of their function. However, there remains little knowledge or understanding of the diurnal dynamics of gut microbiomes in natural populations or the consequences for host physiology and ecology.

Here, we summarise the hallmarks of gut microbiota oscillations reported to date and the mechanisms by which they synchronise rhythms in host immunity and metabolism. We outline the consequences for diverse biological processes such as host pathogen susceptibility and seasonal switches in metabolism, and discuss how the breakdown of these circadian interactions, for example during senescence or because of light pollution, may affect wildlife infection risk and disease.

We also provide practical guidelines for the measurement of microbial oscillations in wildlife, highlighting that whilst faecal samples of wild animals are rarely available over a 24‐h period, characterising even parts of the gut microbial cycle can be informative.

An improved understanding of how gut microbial diurnal rhythms manifest in wildlife is essential to fully comprehend their role in shaping variation in host circadian phenotypes and the consequences for host physiology and ecology.

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Unknown Unknowns: Knightian Uncertainty and Corporate Opportunistic Earnings Management
Authors: Yao Shouyu , Xie Xiaochen , Boubaker Sabri , Sensoy Ahmet , Cheng Feiyang
Published: January 2023

Uncertainty is inherent in the real world. Faced with Knightian uncertainty caused by many extreme events, this paper focuses on the analysis of corporate opportunistic earnings management behaviour under the unknown unknowns framework. This paper finds that with an increase in market Knightian uncertainty, corporations will significantly adopt both accrual earnings management and real earnings management. More importantly, when compared with upward earnings management, the results indicate that Knightian uncertainty will lead corporations to implement more downward earnings management. Our results are consistent with the big bath theory, which is also verified through the adjustment of non‐recurring profit and loss accounts. To understand the real process of earnings management, we also discuss the strategic choice behaviour of earnings management under different heterogeneous situations.
ANCA‐associated refractory vasculitis with multiple systemic involvement: A rare case report
Authors: Kharouf Fadi , Gomori John Moshe , Gur Chamutal
Published: January 2023

We report the case of a 65 year old female patient, presenting with a combination of bilateral hearing loss, otalgia, and hyperacusis. Pure tone audiometry revealed mixed bilateral hearing loss. Conventional cranial imaging tests failed to show a significant brain pathology, but fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scan displayed a diffuse infiltrative skull base process, extending from the nasopharynx to the jugular fossa, and encasing the internal carotid artery. The latter findings, besides elevated inflammatory markers and a positive perinuclear anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p‐ANCA) led to the diagnosis of ANCA‐associated vasculitis. Additional disease manifestations sequentially appeared, including a right peripheral nerve palsy, aortitis, hepatitis, peripheral neuropathy, and uveitis. Therapy with corticosteroids, azathioprine, and then cyclophosphamide brought no evident benefit, but rituximab led to impressive clinical and radiologic improvement.
A Collective Journey: Coalitional Critical Consciousness and Collaborative Methodologies in Bilingual Teacher Education
Authors: Bhansari Rachel Snyder
Published: January 2023

This article analyzes critical reflection groups held over the course of a year‐long collaborative ethnography between me as researcher and five novice bilingual teachers. Drawing on feminist theories of emotion as knowledge, I argue that coalitional critical consciousness developed in our meetings through emotional expression and acknowledgment of identity in connection to systems of power. I also explore the affordances of collaborative methods in the formation of collective critique for practicing teachers.
On the monetary policy in an economy with banks endogenously creating money
Authors: Wang X. Henry , Yang Bill , Young Alex
Published: January 2023

This paper attempts to employ a microeconomic model (industrial‐organization approach to banking) to formalize the concept that banks in an economy may also unilaterally create money, at least initially, rather than passively multiplying the base money exogenously issued by the Central Bank in the money creation process. It shows that in equilibrium, banks may indeed create money (bank deposits) when making loans without relying on the newly issued base money from the Central Bank. Instead, the endogenously created money by banks would cause the Central Bank to endogenously adjust base money to hit the target policy interest rate.
Black Belonging, White Belonging: Primitive Accumulation in South Africa's Private Nature Reserves
Authors: Thakholi Lerato , Koot Stasja
Published: January 2023

Evictions have been shown to be a mechanism of primitive accumulation in nature conservation. This paper adds an historical analysis to the discussion on primitive accumulation in conservation by exploring the seemingly innocuous mechanism of White belonging to land in South Africa's private nature reserves. Contemporary articulations of White belonging are replete with stories and images of White male “pioneers” from the colonial era who, upon arrival in “empty lands”, were able to create economies out of nothing. Such representations of history on private nature reserve websites and other promotional material invisibilise Black belonging and legitimise private conservation. By illuminating the inconsistencies in the empty lands narrative and the legacies of three championed conservation pioneers from the 19th century, this paper argues that White belonging is a mechanism of primitive accumulation, while Black belonging continues to be expressed in various ways in contemporary South Africa.
Heme oxygenase‐1 prevents non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis through modulating mitochondrial quality control
Authors: Li Dongdong , Yuan Xiwei , Dong Shiming , AL‐Dhamin Zaid , Du Jinghua , Fu Na , Nan Yuemin
Published: January 2023

Aim

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and lacks effective treatment options. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) is a critical defense against oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver injury. This study aims to investigate the protective role and underlying mechanisms of HO‐1 in NASH pathogenesis.

Methods

The hepatocyte‐specific HO‐1 knockout (HO‐1HEPKO) mice on a C57BL/6J background (HO‐1fl/fl/Alb‐Cre) were generated and fed a high‐fat/western‐style diet (HFD) or methionine‐choline‐deficient diet (MCD). Changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. A mitochondrial PCR array was used to identify the crucial genes associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Results

Hepatocyte‐specific HO‐1HEPKO mice developed steatohepatitis with severe steatosis, ballooning, and necroinflammation. Dysregulated hepatic expression of mitochondria‐related proteins, including DRP1, Tomm20, MFN1 and MFN2 were detected in NASH animals. Ultrastructural mitochondrial damage was observed in HO‐1HEPKO mice. Mitochondrial dysfunction was recapitulated in HO‐1‐knockdown cells in vitro, as evidenced by decreased membrane potential, reduced ATP content, and mtDNA damage. Conversely, HO‐1 overexpression restored these changes in vitro. Mechanistically, HO‐1 deficiency reduced the inhibitory effect on Tomm20, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, and thereby causing steatohepatitis.

Conclusions

HO‐1 attenuates diet‐induced steatohepatitis by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, indicating that HO‐1 may constitute a potential therapeutic target for NASH.
Patient autonomy and withholding information
Authors: Rees Melissa
Published: January 2023

Disclosure in clinical practice is aimed at promoting patient autonomy, usually culminating in patient choice (e.g., to consent to an operation or not, or between different medications). In medical ethics, there is an implicit background assumption that knowing more about (X) automatically translates to greater, or more genuine, autonomy with respect to one's choices involving (X). I challenge this assumption by arguing that in rare cases, withholding information can promote a patient's autonomy (understood as the capacity for rational choice in alignment with one's values and goals).
Extending exploratory diagnostic classification models: Inferring the effect of covariates
Authors: Yigit Hulya Duygu , Culpepper Steven Andrew
Published: January 2023

Diagnostic models provide a statistical framework for designing formative assessments by classifying student knowledge profiles according to a collection of fine‐grained attributes. The context and ecosystem in which students learn may play an important role in skill mastery, and it is therefore important to develop methods for incorporating student covariates into diagnostic models. Including covariates may provide researchers and practitioners with the ability to evaluate novel interventions or understand the role of background knowledge in attribute mastery. Existing research is designed to include covariates in confirmatory diagnostic models, which are also known as restricted latent class models. We propose new methods for including covariates in exploratory RLCMs that jointly infer the latent structure and evaluate the role of covariates on performance and skill mastery. We present a novel Bayesian formulation and report a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm using a Metropolis‐within‐Gibbs algorithm for approximating the model parameter posterior distribution. We report Monte Carlo simulation evidence regarding the accuracy of our new methods and present results from an application that examines the role of student background knowledge on the mastery of a probability data set.