bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-stakes Technical Performance Assessments Across the Continuum of Surgical Training
Authors: Toale Conor , Kavanagh Dara O. , Devine Michael , Morris Marie
Published: September 2024

Objective:

The aim of this article to outline proposals for the use of high stakes technical performance assessments, defined as assessments of technical skill that take place outside of the operating theatre, across the continuum of surgical training.

Summary Background Data:

Technological advancements have allowed for the assessment of operative technical skill outside of the workplace environment, developed and evaluated in line with modern concepts of assessment validity. With the introduction of competency-based education principles across surgical training curricula, increasing scrutiny is being placed on the validity and reliability of assessments used to inform high-stakes training decisions regarding selection, progression through training, autonomy granting and end-of-training certification. The role of performance assessments, conducted outside of the workplace environment, is yet to be fully established.

Methods:

This article discusses the use of high-stakes performance assessments across the continuum of surgical training, with reference to relevant theories of surgical skill acquisition and assessment, along with contemporary evidence from the performance science literature.

Results:

Assessments of increasing professional authenticity are required across the continuum of surgical training. In an attempt to capture inherent ability rather than skill at the time of trainee selection, assessments should be of deliberately low levels of professional authenticity. Assessment in early surgical training should focus on ensuring competence in core surgical skills, and then assessing for canonical competence across a series of commonly encountered procedures. Baseline competence in these procedures should ideally be assessed prior to the transition to (supervised) lead operator, with a view to ensuring patient safety and improving the efficiency of in-theatre training. Assessment later in training relies more heavily on the workplace, with simulation offering a complimentary role in ensuring a minimum competency standard in procedures less likely to be encountered in the workplace.

Conclusion:

High-stakes performance assessments can play an important role as part of a programmatic approach to surgical training and certification. They can and should be designed with an appropriate level of professional authenticity to ensure adequate and appropriate representation of the assessment construct.
α-Synuclein seeding activity and progression in sporadic and genetic forms of Parkinson’s disease in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative cohort
Authors: Schumacher Jackson G. , Zhang Xinyuan , Wang Jian , Bayati Armin , Dijkstra Johannes M. , Watanabe Hirohisa , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Cortese Marianna , Zhang Xuehong , Chen Xiqun
Published: September 2024

Background

α-Synuclein (α-syn) seed amplification assays (SAAs) have shown remarkable potential as a diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Using data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort, we aimed to assess whether baseline α-syn seeding and seed concentration are associated with progression in sporadic PD,LRRK2-associated PD (LRRK2PD), andGBA-associated PD (GBAPD).

Methods

Using a linear mixed-effects model adjusted for potential confounding factors, we analyzed 14 years of motor and cognitive assessments and five years of dopamine transporter imaging data from 878 PPMI participants to establish comprehensive progression profiles for sporadic PD (n=473),LRRK2PD (n=275), andGBAPD (n=130). By introducing α-syn SAA results from 586 participants (n=351 sporadic PD, 163LRRK2PD, and 72GBAPD), we determined whether baseline α-syn seeding positivity (95% sporadic PD, 69%LRRK2PD, and 94%GBAPD) and the time to 50% of the maximum fluorescence (T50), an indicator of seed concentration, are associated with progression in PD.

Findings

Participants with sporadic PD (yearly change in MDS-UPDRS III: 1.50 points; 95% confidence interval 1.41–1.58) andGBAPD (1.52; 1.31–1.72)(p=0.873) progressed similarly while those withLRRK2PD progressed slower (1.05; 0.89–1.20)(p<0.001). There was no significant difference between α-syn SAA+ sporadic PD (1.48; 1.03–1.92) andLRRK2PD (1.09; 0.76–1.44) participants and their negative counterparts (1.25; 0.81–1.70)(p=0.347)(0.80; 0.50–1.10)(P=0.087). Similarly, α-syn seeding activity was not significantly associated with progression inGBAPD. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in progression between sporadic PD participants with high (1.46; 1.33–1.59), medium (1.45; 1.30–1.61)(p=0.948), and low seed concentration (1.42; 1.11–1.73)(p=0.804). Similarly, seed concentration was not significantly associated with progression inLRRK2orGBAPD.

Interpretation

Baseline α-syn seeding activity and seed concentration were not statistically significantly associated with PD progression in the PPMI cohort. More longitudinal investigations into the relationship between α-syn seeding activity, seed concentration, and progression are needed before concretely establishing α-syn aggregation as the primary driver of PD.

Funding

This study was funded in part by Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s No. ASAP-237603 through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the National Institute of Health through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke grant R01NS102735.
FASER: A TOOL TO SIMULATE PSF DISTORTIONS IN STED MICROSCOPY
Authors: Bancelin Stephane , Roos Johannes , Nägerl U. Valentin
Published: September 2024

We introduce Faser, a software package developed in Python as a plugin for the open-source napari platform, designed to simulate the excitation point spread functions (PSFs) of microscopes. Using a full-vectorial computational approach to simulate the electromagnetic fields within the focal region, it makes precise predictions and allows detailed analyses of excitation PSFs. Faser is intended as a pedagogical tool enabling users to explore the impact of various geometrical and optical parameters of practical importance on imaging performance. It supports the modeling of complex beam profiles, including donut and bottle-shaped beams, which are instrumental in advanced microscopy techniques such as Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy. Through specific simulations and accessible illustrations, we showcase Faser’s capabilities in replicating the distinctive properties of STED beams, making it a valuable resource for researchers and students in optical microscopy to explore and optimize high-resolution imaging techniques.
Chronic treatment with fluoxetine downregulates mitochondrial activity in parvalbumin interneurons of prefrontal cortex
Authors: Jetsonen Elias , Suleymanova Ilida , Castrén Eero , Umemori Juzoh
Published: September 2024

Chronic treatment with fluoxetine, a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is known to promote neural plasticity. The role of fluoxetine in plasticity has been particularly tied to parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV-INs), which are critical regulators of inhibitory tone and synaptic plasticity. Our previous studies have highlighted behavioral plasticity and gene expression changes in the visual cortex and hippocampus after chronic treatment with fluoxetine. However, the impact of fluoxetine treatment on gene expression and neuronal function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment on PV-INs in the PFC. Using Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP), we found that fluoxetine treatment downregulated pathways involved in mitochondrial energy production, including multiple steps of the respiratory chain. Upregulated genes were associated with phosphatase activity, voltage-gated potassium channels, and amino acid transmembrane transport. Mitochondrial analysis for sorted cells demonstrated mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced in PV-INs, but increased in non-PV-INs in the PFC. These observations indicate altered mitochondrial dynamics between the cell types and reduced mitochondrial activity in PV-INs, potentially contributing to their disinhibition. Immunohistochemical analyses further demonstrated reduced PV expression and weakened perineuronal nets in specific PFC regions, suggesting elevated plasticity, and potentially explaining the modulation of fear and anxiety-related behaviors that were previously observed. Our results underscore the differential impact of chronic fluoxetine on gene expression and mitochondrial function in PV-INs, suggesting region-specific disinhibition and enhanced synaptic plasticity in the PFC.
A Water Relaxation Atlas for Age- and Region-specific Metabolite Concentration Correction
Authors: Simegn Gizeaddis Lamesgin , Song Yulu , Murali-Manohar Saipavitra , Zöllner Helge J. , Davies-Jenkins Christopher W. , Simičić Dunja , Hupfeld Kathleen E. , Gudmundson Aaron T. , Muska Emlyn , Carter Emily , Hui Steve C.N. , Yedavalli Vivek , Oeltzschner Georg , Dean Douglas C. , Ceritoglu Can , Ratnanather Tilak , Porges Eric , Edden Richard
Published: September 2024

Metabolite concentration estimates from Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) are typically quantified using water referencing, correcting for relaxation-time differences between metabolites and water. One common approach is to correct the water reference signal for differential relaxation within three tissue compartments (gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid) using fixed literature values. However, water relaxation times (T1andT2) vary between brain locations, in pathology, and with age. MRS studies, even those measuring metabolite levels across the lifespan, often ignore these effects, because of a lack of reference data. The purpose of this study is to develop a water relaxometry atlas and to integrate location- and age-appropriate relaxation values into the MRS analysis workflow. 101 volunteers (51 men, 50 women; ∼10 male and 10 female participants per decade (from the 20s to 60s), were recruited.T1-weighted MPRAGE images ((1-mm)3isotropic resolution) were acquired. Whole-brain waterT1andT2measurements were made with DESPOT ((1.4 mm)3isotropic resolution).T1andT2maps were registered to the JHU MNI-SS/EVE atlas using affine and LDDMM transformation. The atlas’s 268 parcels were reduced to 130 by combining homologous parcels. MeanT1andT2values were calculated for each parcel in each subject. Linear models ofT1andT2as functions of age were computed, usingage – 30as the predictor. Reference atlases of “age-30-intercept” and age-slope forT1andT2were generated. The atlas-based workflow was integrated into Osprey, which co-registers MRS voxels to the atlas and calculates location- and age-appropriate water relaxation parameters for quantification.

The water relaxation aging atlas revealed significant regional and tissue differences in water relaxation behavior across adulthood. Using location- and subject-appropriate reference values in the MRS analysis workflow removes a current methodological limitation and is expected to reduce quantification biases associated with water-referenced tissue correction, especially for studies of aging.
AFG3L2-mediated proteolysis restricts mitochondrial biogenesis and gene expression in hypoxia
Authors: Chandragiri Srikanth , Grotehans Nils , Lasarzewski Yvonne , Patron Maria , MacVicar Thomas , Ohba Yohsuke , Hermans Steffen , Rugarli Elena , Nolte Hendrik , Langer Thomas
Published: September 2024

Mitochondria are metabolically rewired in hypoxia when cells switch to glycolytic growth. In addition to the well-established role of transcriptional and translational programs, there is increasing evidence that post-translational mechanisms contribute to the rapid adaptation of the mitochondrial proteome to hypoxia. Here, we have used a proteomic survey to define how the m-AAA protease AFG3L2, a proteolytic complex in the inner mitochondrial membrane, regulates mitochondrial proteostasis. Our experiments identify a broad spectrum of mitochondrial substrate proteins and show that AFG3L2 is activated in hypoxia along an HIF1α-mTORC1 signaling axis. AFG3L2-mediated proteolysis restricts mitochondrial biogenesis and gene expression by degrading proteins, which are involved in mitochondrial protein import, mitochondrial transcription, mRNA processing, mRNA modification and stability, and RNA granule formation. Our experiments highlight the important contribution of proteolytic rewiring of the mitochondrial proteome for the adaptation to low oxygen tension and shed new light on the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders associated with mutations inAFG3L2.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB infections boost cross-variant neutralizing antibodies, potentially explaining the observed delay of the JN.1 wave in some Brazilian regions
Authors: Lopez Tort Luis Fernando , de Araújo Mia Ferreira , Arantes Ighor , Martins Jéssica SCC , Gomes Marcelo , de Carvalho Felipe Cotrim , Ferreira de Almeida Walquiria Aparecida , Caetano Braulia Costa , Appolinario Luciana R. , Pereira Elisa Calvalcante , Carvalho Jéssica , Miyajima Fábio , Wallau Gabriel Luz , Naveca Felipe Gomes , Alves Pedro , Espíndola Otávio , Brasil Patricia , Resende Paola Cristina , Bello Gonzalo , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 lineage emerged in late 2023 and quickly replaced the XBB lineages, becoming the predominant Omicron variant worldwide in 2024. We estimate the epidemiological impact of this SARS-CoV-2 lineage replacement in Brazil and we further assessed the cross-reactive neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses in a cohort of convalescent Brazilian patients infected during 2023.

Methods

We analyzed the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases in Brazil between July 2023 and March 2024. We evaluated the cross-reactive NAb responses to the JN.1 variant in a cohort of convalescent Brazilian patients, both before and after infection with XBB.1* lineages.

Results

JN.1 replaced XBB with similar temporal dynamics across all country regions, though its epidemiological impact varied between locations. The Southeastern, Southern, and Central-Western regions experienced a brief XBB wave around October 2023, shortly before the introduction of JN.1, without any immediate upsurge of SARI cases during viral lineage replacement. By contrast, the Northeastern and Northern regions did not experience an XBB wave in the latter half of 2023 and displayed a rapid surge in SARI cases driven by the emergence of the JN.1. We found that recent XBB infections in the Brazilian population significantly boosted cross-reactive NAb levels against JN.1.

Conclusions

The XBB wave observed in the second half of 2023 in some Brazilian states likely acted as a booster for population immunity, providing short-term protection against JN.1 infections and delaying the rise of SARI cases in certain regions of the country.
Transplantation and old stem cell age independently increase the risk of clonal hematopoiesis in long-term survivors of pediatric HCT
Authors: Müskens K.F. , Wieringa N. , van Bergen M. , Bense J.E. , Pas B.M. te , de Pagter A.P.J. , Lankester A.C. , Bierings M.B. , Neuberg D. , Haitjema S. , Kremer L.C.M. , Huls G.A. , Nierkens S. , Jansen J.H. , Lindemans C.A. , de Graaf A. , Belderbos M.E.
Published: September 2024

In pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients, transplanted donor cells may need to function far beyond normal human lifespan. Here, we investigated the risk of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in 144 pediatric long-term HCT survivors, compared to 115 healthy controls. CH was detected in 16% of HCT survivors, at variant allele frequencies (VAFs) of 0.01-0.31. Mutations were predominantly in DNMT3A (80%) and TET2 (20%). Older stem cell age and the HCT procedure independently increased the risk of CH (odds ratios 1.07 per year increase (p<0.001) and 2.61 for HCT (p=0.02)), indicating both aging- and transplantation-induced effects. Large clones (VAF >0.10) were found exclusively in HCT recipients. Notably, CH was also detected within 15 years after cord blood HCT. Inflammatory processes around graft infusion were associated with CH presence. Future studies are required to track the evolution of post-transplant CH and its impact on future cardiovascular disease, second malignancies and overall survival.

Significance statement

As the number of long-term HCT survivors continues to increase, so does the population at risk of long-term effects. We demonstrate that pediatric HCT survivors are at increased risk of clonal hematopoiesis compared to the general population. Given the young age of these recipients, our data emphasize the need for prospective studies to assess the potential health consequences of post-transplant CH.
Metabolic reprogramming regulates histone lactylation during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration
Authors: Borbinha Jorge , Lourenço Raquel , Brandão Ana S. , Carvalho Ana , Matthiesen Rune , Jacinto António
Published: September 2024

Tissue regeneration relies on precise molecular mechanisms controlling cell fate transitions, with cell metabolism emerging as a key regulator. Lactate-derived histone lactylation has recently been identified as an important epigenetic modification involved in the regulation of gene expression across various biological processes. In this study, we report an increase in global histone lactylation and H3K18Lac levels in the mesenchyme and osteoblasts of the zebrafish caudal fin, during the early stages of regeneration. Our findings demonstrate that this epigenetic modification is functionally regulated by increased lactate levels, while inhibition of glycolysis and lactate production significantly reduces histone lactylation. These results suggest that metabolic reprogramming, in response to caudal fin injury, regulates histone lactylation, potentially modulating gene expression essential for cell plasticity and proliferation. This study expands our understanding of how metabolic-epigenetic interactions influence regenerative processes, providing valuable insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance tissue repair.

Summary statement

Lactate-derived histone lactylation plays a role in the early stages of zebrafish caudal fin regeneration, coupling metabolic adaptation with tissue repair mechanisms, through epigenetic regulation.
Phage Steering in the Presence of a Competing Bacterial Pathogen
Authors: Czerwinski Sean M. , Gurney James
Published: September 2024

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has necessitated the development of alternative therapeutic strategies such as bacteriophage therapy, where viruses specifically infect bacteria. However, rapid bacterial resistance to phage treatment remains a critical challenge, often leading to failure. Phage steering, which leverages the co-evolutionary dynamics between phage and bacteria, offers a novel solution by driving bacteria to evolve away from virulence factors or resistance mechanisms. In this study, we examined whether phage steering using bacteriophage Luz19 could function in the presence of a competing pathogen,Staphylococcus aureus(USA300), while targetingPseudomonas aeruginosa(PAO1). Throughin vitroco-evolution experiments with and without the competitor, we observed that Luz19 consistently steeredP. aeruginosaaway from the Type IV Pilus (T4P), a key virulence factor, without interference fromS. aureus. Genomic analyses revealed mutations in T4P-associated genes, includingpilRandpilZ, which conferred phage resistance. Our findings suggest that Phage Steering remains effective even in polymicrobial environments, providing a promising avenue for enhancing bacteriophage therapy efficacy in complex infections.
Etiological Factors ofRisk for Occupational Illnessin Nursing Professionals: Etiology and Risk Review Protocol
Authors: da Silva Cyntia Leenara Bezerra , Dantas Ana Clara , Coutinho Borges Bárbara Ebilizarda , de Carvalho Leandro Melo , Nascimento Heloise Rosália de Carvalho , de Souza Maria Clara Regis , Vitor Allyne Fortes
Published: September 2024

Aim

To describe the protocol for a systematic review of etiology and risk to identify the etiological factors ofRisk for Occupational Illnessin nursing professionals.

Design

Etiology and risk review protocol, conducted according to JBI guidelines.

Methods

This is an etiology and risk review protocol to be carried out following the JBI guidelines in the following data sources: CINAHL, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, National Institute of Security and Health at Work and National Institute of Health at Work. The inclusion criteria are studies that address workers aged 18 years until retirement, demonstrate etiological factors that condition the susceptibility of the ND in question and address analyses regarding the identification, definition and association of factors with theRisk of Occupational Illness. The exclusion criteria are studies that did not address the topic, opinion articles, letters to the editor and editorials.

Expected Results

The results of this review will be publicly disclosed in scientific journals in the health area and will contribute to increasing the level of evidence of the Nursing DiagnosisRisk for Occupational Illness, so that they remain in future editions of NANDA International and that the diagnosis is updated and revised based on the current scientific literature.

Conclusion

It is expected identify the possible uses of the concept; determine the essential critical attributes; identify the antecedents and consequences of the concept; and define the empirical references and to highlight the etiological factors that are consistent with susceptibility to occupational illness.

Strengths and limitations of this study

This study will review the scientific literature on the etiological factors ofRisk for Occupational Illnessin nursing professionals, providing an increase in the level of evidence for this Diagnosis;

The steps of this review will be followed strictly in accordance with the criteria of the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis;

To avoid selection bias, data collection will occur independently with active blinding of researchers, who will use software to export and select data.
Bacterial motility patterns adapt smoothly in response to spatial confinement and disorder
Authors: Zhang Haibei , Wetherington Miles T. , Ko Hungtang , FitzGerald Cody E. , Munro Edwin M. , Nirody Jasmine A.
Published: September 2024

Recent studies have shown thatEscherichia coliin highly confined porous media exhibit extended periods of ‘trapping’ punctuated by forward ‘hops’, a significant restructuring of the classical run- and-tumble model of motility. However, bacterial species must navigate a diverse range of complex habitats, such as biological tissues, soil, and sediments. These natural environments display varying levels of both (1) packing density (i.e., confinement) and (2) packing structure (i.e., disorder). Here, we introduce a microfluidic device that enables precise tuning of these environmental parameters, allowing for a more systematic exploration of bacterial motility bridging the extremes of unconfined and highly confined conditions. We observe that motility patterns characteristic of both hop-and-trap and run-and-tumble models coexist in nearly all environments tested, with ensemble dynamics transitioning between these behaviors as both confinement and disorder increase. We demonstrate that dynamics expected from the hop-and-trap model emerge naturally from a modified run-and- tumble model under specific environmental constraints. Our results suggest that bacterial motility patterns lie along a continuum, rather than being confined to a small set of discrete locomotive modes.
Strangeness-correlations on the pseudocritical line in (
2+1
)-flavor QCD
Authors: Bollweg D. , Ding H.-T. , Goswami J. , Karsch F. , Mukherjee Swagato , Petreczky P. , Schmidt C.
Published: September 2024

We present some lattice QCD results on first (χ1i) and second (χ2i) cumulants of and correlations (χ11ij) among net baryon-number (B), strangeness (S) and electric charge (Q) along the pseudocritical line [Tpc(μB)] in the temperature (T)–baryon chemical potential (μB) phase diagram of (2+1)-flavor QCD. We point out that violations of sum rules among second order cumulants, which hold in the isospin symmetric limit of vanishing electric charge chemical potential, are small along the Tpc(μB) for the entire range of μB covered in the RHIC beam energy scan. For the strangeness neutral matter produced in heavy-ion collisions this leads to a close relation between χ11BS and χ11QS. We compare lattice QCD results for χ11BS/χ2S along the Tpc(μB) line with preliminary experimental measurements of χ11BS/χ2S for collision energies 7.7  GeV≤sNN≤62.4  GeV. While we find good agreements for sNN≥39  GeV, differences are sizeable at smaller values of sNN. Moreover, we compare lattice QCD results for the ratio of the strangeness (μS) to baryon (μB) chemical potentials, which define a strangeness neutral system with fixed electric charge to baryon number density, with experimental results obtained by the STAR collaboration for μS/μB using strange baryon yields on the freeze-out line. Finally, we determine the baryon chemical potential at the freeze-out (μBf) by comparing χ1B/χ2B along the Tpc(μB) with the experimentally measured net-proton cumulants χ1p/χ2p. We find that {μBf,Tpc(μBf)} are consistent with the freeze-out parameters of the statistical-model fits to experimentally measured hadron yields for sNN≥11.5  GeV.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Departmental case study of physics doctoral students’ perspectives of written qualifying exams
Authors: Basir Shiva , Burkholder Eric
Published: September 2024

Little research in physics education focuses on graduate student experiences related to structural elements of their programs. This departmental case study examines the impact and perceptions of written qualifying exams (QEs) from a student perspective, following recent research which questions the role and utility of such exams. We conducted semistructured interviews with two physics doctoral students at a large research university before and after taking their QEs, capturing their expectations, preparedness levels, and apprehensions regarding the exam. We also conducted a survey of the rest of their student cohort one month before and one month after their exams to understand further variation in the students’ perspectives. The students’ experiences reflected substantial frustration with the nature and transparency of the QE process, as well as substantial negative emotional and mental impacts of the exams. The students’ experiences with the QEs are consistent with psychological responses to traumatic events. The responses further indicate that building trust and establishing transparency around the QE process, as well as creating emotionally and academically safe spaces that allow students to fail on exams and in coursework without the threat of punitive action, are important trauma-informed pedagogical strategies that faculty can use to support students through this process and help them build resilience. While we do not suggest that the current QE process in this department follows best practices for assessment, the students and faculty in this department do agree on the need for some kind of assessment indicating research readiness early in the graduate program; this provides a common perspective from which departmental change can begin.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The impact of perceived experience with ChatGPT on online consumers' information searching behavior: an empirical study of Iranian college students
Authors: Alizadeh Hamid , Nazarpour Kashani Hamed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of perceived experience with ChatGPT on online consumers' information searching behavior. The study also examines the moderating effects of those relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected through an online survey. In total, 370 eligible responses were received. This study applied partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that both perceived personalization and perceived relevance have a direct impact on online consumers' information searching behaviors. Additionally, the results also indicate that perceived accuracy and perceived convenience lead to positive online consumers' information searching behavior. Moreover, age and gender and education level play moderating mechanisms in this relationship.

Practical implications

Overall, the conclusions of this study provide valuable insights into the potential of ChatGPT to improve online consumers behavior. However, there are still many unanswered questions about the impact of ChatGPT on consumers' experience. Future research is needed to explore these questions and to further our understanding of the potential of ChatGPT to revolutionize online information searching and digital marketing.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind to highlight the impact of perceived experience with ChatGPT on online consumers' information searching behavior of its extensive use in scientific research and academic work. The importance of this study lies in the fact that it presents the behaviors concerns and future fears of people in academia as they cope with and deal with the inevitable reality of artificial intelligence (AI) language models such as ChatGPT.
Towards sustainable living: an investigation of the motivations behind green residential ownership in Malaysia
Authors: Chuweni Nor Nazihah , Mohamed Saraf Mohamad Haizam , Fauzi Nurul Sahida , Ahmad Mohamed Nurulanis
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of green residential properties. This phenomenon indicates that the demand for environmentally friendly residential properties is rising. However, the true reasons behind the growing interest and investment in green residential properties remain poorly understood. When it comes to residential properties, assessing these benefits becomes more challenging and complex, as it is crucial to understand the motivations to invest in green residential properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the component factors that motivate homebuyers to invest in green residential properties.

Design/methodology/approach

This research aims to address a research gap by identifying the component factors that motivate individuals to invest in green residential properties using a factor analysis approach. The authors gathered data by distributing an online questionnaire among 161 certified green residential owners in Selangor, Malaysia.

Findings

The results from the factor analysis revealed three components as the primary factors that motivate individuals to invest in green residential properties. The findings contribute significantly to the growing yet limited literature in this area of research.

Research limitations/implications

This research, however, set out to provide a context-specific motivation in Selangor as a limitation.

Originality/value

By understanding the motivations behind these investments, the research can encourage greater adoption of sustainable housing investment and guide developers and policymakers in offering better solutions for the green property market. The authors could facilitate informed decision-making and inspire positive change towards a future where sustainable housing becomes the norm.
Blockchain-enabled traceability systems for supply chain quality management: empirical insights from pharmaceutical manufacturers
Authors: Sahoo Saumyaranjan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The emergence of blockchain technology has the potential to bring about transformative changes in various industries, with supply chain management being a prominent domain of application. This study investigates the strategic performance benefits of using blockchain-enabled traceability systems for improving supply chain quality management.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study employed structural equation modelling to analyse data obtained from 200 practitioners working in Indian pharmaceutical companies.

Findings

The results reflect that blockchain-enabled traceability systems have a positive impact on multi-tier quality governance (MQG); supply chain process alignment and coordination (SPAC) and quality centric collaboration (QCC); all of which are the facets of supply chain quality management. Furthermore, when examining the impact of blockchain-enabled traceability systems on firm quality performance and economic performance, the mediation role of SPAC and QCC was confirmed, whereas the mediation role of MQG could not be established.

Practical implications

The study’s empirical insights offer practical guidance for pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulators and other industry participants seeking to harness the potential of blockchain technology for creating resilient and transparent supply chains that uphold product quality and safety standards.

Originality/value

These findings underscore the significance of blockchain-enabled traceability systems in revolutionizing supply chain quality management practices to achieve superior strategic performance in the pharmaceutical sector.
Exploring opportunities for language immersion in the posthuman spectrum: lessons learned from digital agents
Authors: Lotherington Heather , Pegrum Mark , Thumlert Kurt , Tomin Brittany , Boreland Taylor , Pobuda Tanya
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Technologically-enhanced language education has shifted from computer-assisted language learning (CALL) to mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), including the use of conversational digital agents, and more recently, towards the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) large language model (LLM) programmes for language learning purposes. This paper aims to explore the interplay between such posthuman communication and posthumanist applied linguistics, and between digital agents and human agency in response to the increasing permeation of AI in life and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

A core team of four researchers investigated how digital agents could be leveraged to support immersive target language learning and practice, focusing specifically on the conversational AI that pervaded digitally-mediated communication prior to the release of generative AI. Each researcher engaged in a digital autoethnography using conversational agents found in the digital wilds to learn a target second language via digital immersion.

Findings

Through qualitative data analysis of autoethnographic narratives using NVIVO, four key thematic codes characterizing the learning journeys emerged: context, language learning, posthuman engagement and technological parameters. The posthuman learning experiences conflicted with the multisensory, embodied and embedded ethos of posthumanist applied linguistics, indicating that informed human pedagogical agency must crucially be exercised to benefit from the learning potential of posthuman agents. Interactions with conversational agents did provide small-scale, just-in-time learning opportunities, but these fell short of immersive learning.

Originality/value

The methodology and findings offer a unique and valuable lens on the language learning potential of emerging LLM-based generative agents that are rapidly infusing conversational practices.
Indigenous knowledge for climate action at the Ekyisalhalha kya Karoro sacred site, adjacent to Rwenzori mountains national park in Kasese
Authors: Nsibambi Fredrick , Akiiki Aliguma Ahabyona
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This case study examines the contribution of Indigenous knowledge (IK) and practices to climate action at Ekisalhalha kya Kororo sacred site, adjacent to Rwenzori Mountains National Park in the Kasese district of Western Uganda. This paper is intended to make a case for IK as an important component of climate change mitigation strategies especially if the knowledge is profiled and publicised. The paper presents aspects of traditional knowledge in terms of ceremonies, rituals, norms and customs that can be re-energised for climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed mainly a participatory and qualitative data collection methodology. The data were collected in Kasese district largely from the local government officials, cultural leaders, civil society actors and representatives of indigenous minority communities such as the Basongora. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources, at the desk and through community interactions to collect various narratives based on IK. Primary data were collected during individual interviews, by administering a semi-structured questionnaire and holding focus group discussions with different stakeholders in Kasese, Uganda. The respondents were carefully identified and included cultural leaders, young people, local government authorities and representatives of civil society organisations responsible for implementing climate change mitigation strategies.

Findings

Climate change effects are manifest in rising temperatures, flooding, desertification and other natural hazards. The Kasese district, in particular, has faced several climatic change catastrophes and there has been limited use or mainstreaming of the existing IK of the communities in the region in different climate action interventions. Amongst the key research findings was that IK can be utilised to address or mitigate climate change risks/hazards and provide valuable insights into climate adaptation strategies, including rain-water harvesting, weather forecasting and preparedness, and sustainable farming practices. In addition, it is easily accessible, especially in areas that modern science has not reached.

Research limitations/implications

Few elders with IK related to climate change mitigation and the disconnect between young people and IK bearers were limitations encountered during data collection.

Originality/value

The information in the article is an original compilation by the authors based on previous published work from the NetZero Heritage for Climate Action research project.
A geography of early vulnerabilities and exploitation in the narratives of adolescent males in England
Authors: Ashton Sally-Ann
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The victimisation and criminal involvement of young people in organised criminal groups is a recognised form of child criminal exploitation (CCE) in the UK. Three phases of exploitation were identified (peer influence, adult street-level gangs and organised criminal groups). This paper aims to consider the locations associated with three stages of criminal exploitation and considers implications for safeguarding.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses narratives of adolescent males and those of adults reflecting on their experiences as adolescents who had been immersed in street gangs and organised crime from northern England.

Method

Narratives of criminal action approach, a thematic analysis and multidimensional scaling (smallest space analysis) were undertaken to explore key locations in the planning and commissioning of a crime with at least one other person.

Findings

The narratives revealed that local and regional geographic locations relate to the stages of CCE. They offer an insight into the process of CCE and identify locations that could be used as a risk indicator for police forces and safeguarding teams. A clear pathway from involvement with street-level gangs to direct contact with organised criminal groups was found. This transition was represented by a move from outdoor to indoor locations.

Research limitations/implications

Out of the 30 participants, 29 came from the same region in Northern England, spanning a period of 30 years. It is possible that the findings may be limited to this region, or that there have been changes to criminal structures and opportunities over this time.

Originality/value

Although drug selling and the movement of victims across the UK is central to CCE, comparatively little attention has been given to the locations where early exploitation takes place at a micro level. Practical implications for policing and safeguarding will be discussed.
Does religiosity affect green entrepreneurial intention? Case study in Indonesia
Authors: Pusparini Martini Dwi , Bonang Dahlia , Virgiawan Rheyza , Sukmana Raditya , Lahuri Setiawan bin , Fedro Alfarid
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine various factors influencing the inclination of students toward Green Entrepreneurial Intention (GEI), including University Support (USP), Family Support (FSP), Religiosity (REL), Commitment to Environment (CEN) and Green Entrepreneurial Motivation (GEM), as well as Attitude towards Green Entrepreneurship (AGM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through an online survey of Muslim students at Indonesian Islamic universities. A five-point Likert scale was used in the online questionnaire, with 419 processed data. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and test the relationship between the variables.

Findings

The results showed that AGM, CEN and REL impacted GEM. AGM was influenced by FSP but not by USP while GEI was significantly influenced by AGM, FSP and USP.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of the study is the composition of the sample, consisting solely of Islamic university students. Another limitation is the variables used. Future studies should analyze other factors, such as role models, green knowledge or family background.

Practical implications

This study provided fresh perspectives by empirically establishing a framework for assessing GEI, considering REL variables, an unexplored area conceptually. Practically, it helped to advance sustainable entrepreneurship education, particularly in Islamic universities. Accordingly, it provided several practical contributions for universities to develop curricula that better support green entrepreneurship among students.

Originality/value

This study represented the first investigation into the influence of REL on GEI, specifically among university students. Furthermore, Stimuli, Organism and Response theory was used as a foundation for the development of the diverse variables under investigation.
The mediating effect of reciprocating responses between organizational support and quality of care: a multigroup moderation analysis
Authors: Garcia-Pereyra Facundo , Matute Jorge
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Drawing on social exchange theory, this study has two objectives. First, it sought to explore the mediating role of social exchange reciprocating responses, specifically citizenship behavior toward the organization (OCB-O) and organizational deviance, in the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and quality of care. Second, it aimed to develop a better understanding of the moderating effect of the educational level in the relationships proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey design was implemented. The study involved 228 nurses from Argentina and data were collected between May and November 2019. A cross-sectional survey design was implemented. This study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis (MGA) to examine hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that both social exchange reciprocating responses (i.e. OCB-O and organizational deviance) play a mediating role in the relationship between POS and quality of care. Moreover, the mediating role of OCB-O between POS and quality of care is moderated by the educational level of nursing professionals.

Practical implications

Nurse managers should acknowledge and promote nurses' reciprocating responses such as citizenship or deviant behaviors that enhance the quality of care. Furthermore, senior managers and HR departments should design strategies to support nurses in obtaining further education.

Originality/value

This study identifies the mediating role of social exchange reciprocating responses such as OCB-O and organizational deviance in the relationship between POS and quality of care. Furthermore, our research shows that educational level moderates the mediating effect of OCB-O in the relationship between POS and quality of care.
Military college alumni application of leadership competencies in the workplace
Authors: Egan John Davidson , Clark Thomas S. , Connolly Iolani M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the leadership competencies that are effectively transferring into the workplaces of recent military college alumni from both their curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Through semi-structured interviews, this study explored 15 military college alumni’s perspectives on the leadership competencies they developed in college and currently apply in the workplace.

Findings

The findings indicated the 15 military college alumni participants developed and applied the following student leadership competencies at work: productive relationships, helping others, supervision, empathy, ethics, functioning independently, resiliency, positive attitude and scope of competence.

Originality/value

Limited research explores leadership learning at military colleges and service academies in the United States. Yet these collegiate military environments have a missional focus on leadership education and development. This article highlights the importance of the alumni lens in assessing leadership learning in collegiate military environments and provides recommendations to administrators of this institution type.
Barriers in achieving quality valuations: the New Zealand perspective
Authors: Amidu Abdul-Rasheed , Levy Deborah , Bolomope Muhammed , Liman Hassan Shuaibu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To inform ways of improving valuation quality, this study seeks to understand the lived experiences of practising valuers regarding the challenges of conducting quality valuations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative strategy involving 19 semi-structured interviews with valuers in New Zealand. The interview data were analysed using progressive comparative analysis and the constant comparative method, which yielded comprehensive and well-founded conclusions.

Findings

The data analysis revealed several challenges that hinder the improvement and maintenance of valuation quality. These challenges were categorised into nine key areas, covering a wide range of issues, including a wide scope of practice, lack of experienced valuers, inappropriate use of graduate valuers, stakeholder expectations, access to relevant information, differing approaches, valuer attitudes and dissatisfaction with compensation.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have the potential to inform the valuation profession and other stakeholders about the challenges that practising valuers face in conducting quality valuations, which can ultimately lead to improvements in the valuation process.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the valuation literature, by highlighting the lived experiences of valuers in terms of the potential and challenges pertaining to valuation quality improvement. This has been an area that has received limited attention in the past, and an understanding of these issues has the potential to approach valuation quality in new and innovative ways.