bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting NUF2 suppresses gastric cancer progression through G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis induction
Authors: Long Bo , Zhou Huinian , Xiao Lixia , Jiang Xiangyan , Li Jian , Ma Zhijian , He Na , Xin Wei , Zhang Boya , Zhu Xiaoqin , Yu Zeyuan , Jiao Zuoyi
Published: August 2024

Background:

Gastric cancer (GC), a malignant tumor with poor prognosis, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide; consequently, identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for its corresponding treatment. NUF2, a component of the NDC80 kinetochore complex, promotes cancer progression in multiple malignancies. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the potential of NUF2 as a therapeutic target to inhibit GC progression.

Methods:

Clinical samples were obtained from patients who underwent radical resection of GC at Lanzhou University Second Hospital from 2016 to 2021. Cell count assays, colony formation assays, and cell-derived xenotransplantation (CDX) models were used to determine the effects of NUF2 on GC progression. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of NUF2 or quercetin on cell cycle progression and apoptosis. A live-cell time-lapse imaging assay was performed to determine the effect of NUF2 on the regulation of mitotic progression. Transcriptomics was used to investigate the NUF2-associated molecular mechanisms. Virtual docking and microscale thermophoresis were used to identify NUF2 inhibitors. Finally, CDX, organoid, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were used to examine the efficacy of the NUF2 inhibitor in GC.

Results:

NUF2 expression was significantly increased in GC and was negatively correlated with prognosis. The deletion of NUF2 suppressed GC progression both in vivo and in vitro. NUF2 significantly regulated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, promoted G2/M phase transition, and inhibited apoptosis in GC cells. Additionally, quercetin was identified as a selective NUF2 inhibitor with low toxicity that significantly suppressed tumor growth in GC cells, organoids, CDX, and PDX models.

Conclusions:

Collectively, NUF2-mediated G2/M phase transition and apoptosis inhibition promoted GC progression; additionally, NUF2 inhibitors exhibited potent anti-GC activity. This study provides a new strategy for targeting NUF2 to suppress GC progression in clinical settings.
Top 100 cited articles related to EUS: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Tongxin , Kang Chenxi , Ren Gui , Lv Yong , Luo Hui , Kang Xiaoyu , Liang Shuhui , Wang Xiangping , Pan Yanglin
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Citation analysis is a fundamental method in bibliometrics for quantifying the impact and contribution of articles on a specific biomedical field. The purpose of our study was to identify and analyze the top 100 cited articles in the field of EUS.

Methods

All published articles in the field of EUS were searched by using “endoscopic ultrasound” and its synonyms as the search terms without time limit. The Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science Core database was searched to determine the citations. The top 100 cited articles were identified and further evaluated for characteristics including publication year, authors, journals, impact factor, countries, institutions, article type, topic term, and evidence grade, among others.

Results

A total of 430 articles were cited more than 100 times. The 100 most-cited articles were published between 1988 and 2018, and the medium citation was 240.5 (104.25). The top 100 cited articles mainly focused on diagnostic performance (80%) and interventional therapy (20%). The numbers of articles studying the diagnostic accuracy of FNA (n = 29) and tumor diagnosis (n = 29) were the highest among research articles on FNA and EUS of diagnostic categories, and EUS transluminal drainage (n = 14) was the most frequently used EUS technique for therapy. The focus of the majority of the articles was on diseases of pancreas (n = 55), and among the 55 articles related to pancreatic diseases, pancreatic cancer (n = 17) and solid pancreatic masses (n = 13) were the most researched topics. In addition, we found that the proportions of diagnostic and treatment-related articles at different time periods have statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our analysis provides an insight into the top 100 articles in the field of EUS, revealing EUS-guided FNA, tumor staging, and transluminal drainage as the major advances in the past 35 years. Pancreatic diseases were the most researched, especially pancreatic cancer or solid pancreatic masses. Our research has found that the number of articles on the application of EUS treatment has significantly increased.
“Successful Living” Among Adolescents With HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis
Authors: Kayiranga Dieudonne , Mukamana Donatilla , Gishoma Darius , Relf Michael V.
Published: August 2024

The concept of successful living in the context of adolescents with HIV lacks clarity and is unexplored. Without a common understanding of successful living among adolescents with HIV (AWH) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), health care interventions focusing on this population may continue to fall short, resulting in avoidable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this analysis used Rodgers Evolutionary Concept Analysis method to identify attributes, antecedents, consequences, and related concepts of successful living among AWH in SSA. Health care interventions are encouraged to promote successful living among AWH to achieve behavioral and clinical outcomes.
Elevated 131I Activity in Adrenal Cyst in a Patient With Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Xiao , Gong Weidong , Wang Jianqiang , Fan Xueyuan
Published: August 2024

A 23-year-old man with papillary thyroid cancer underwent radioiodine (131I) treatment following total thyroidectomy and node dissection. Posttreatment 131I SPECT/CT images revealed an additional focus of increased 131I activity in the left adrenal gland, raising suspicion for possible adrenal metastasis. Ultimately, pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an adrenal cyst.
NINJ1: A Novel Sepsis Severity and Mortality Biomarker
Authors: Wu Yongbin , Li Tao , Tan Sichuang , Song Ruoyu , Song Kaiyuan , Zhou Jiankang , Xiao Xianzhong , Wang Kangkai , Zhang Huali , Tan Sipin
Published: August 2024

Background

Multiple cell death modalities are implicated in sepsis pathobiology. However, the clinical relevance of NINJ1, a key mediator of plasma membrane rupture during lytic cell death, in sepsis progression and outcomes has remained poorly explored.

Methods

Circulating NINJ1 levels were measured in 116 septic ICU patients, 16 non-septic ICU controls, and 16 healthy controls. Comparative analysis of serum NINJ1 across these groups was performed. Correlations between NINJ1 and clinical disease severity scores (SOFA, APACHE II) as well as laboratory parameters were examined in the sepsis cohort. Furthermore, we assessed the prognostic performance of NINJ1 for predicting 28-day mortality in septic patients using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

Circulating NINJ1 levels were elevated in septic patients and positively correlated with sepsis severity scores. NINJ1 also showed positive correlations with liver injury markers (AST/ALT) and coagulation parameters (D-dimer, APTT, PT, TT) in sepsis. Further analysis using the ISTH overt DIC scoring system revealed an association between NINJ1 and sepsis-induced coagulopathy.

ROC analysis demonstrated NINJ1 outperformed traditional inflammatory biomarkers PCT and CRP in predicting 28-day sepsis mortality, although its prognostic accuracy was lower than SOFA and APACHE II scores. Combining NINJ1 with SOFA improved mortality prediction from an AUC of 0.6843 to 0.773.

Conclusions

Circulating NINJ1 serves as a novel sepsis biomarker indicative of disease severity, coagulopathy and mortality risk, and its integration with SOFA and APACHE II scores substantially enhances prognostic risk stratification. These findings highlight the prospective clinical utility of NINJ1 for sepsis prognostication and monitoring, warranting further validation studies to facilitate implementation.
Obesity-associated Inflammation and Alloimmunity
Authors: Zhou Hao , Gizlenci Merih , Xiao Yao , Martin Friederike , Nakamori Keita , Zicari Elizabeth M. , Sato Yuko , Tullius Stefan G.
Published: August 2024

Obesity is a worldwide health problem with a rapidly rising incidence. In organ transplantation, increasing numbers of patients with obesity accumulate on waiting lists and undergo surgery. Obesity is in general conceptualized as a chronic inflammatory disease, potentially impacting alloimmune response and graft function. Here, we summarize our current understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms that control obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation and provide insights into mechanisms affecting transplant outcomes, emphasizing on the beneficial effects of weight loss on alloimmune responses.
Chronic Rejection After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Diebold Matthias , Mayer Katharina A. , Hidalgo Luis , Kozakowski Nicolas , Budde Klemens , Böhmig Georg A.
Published: August 2024

In kidney transplantation, ongoing alloimmune processes—commonly triggered by HLA incompatibilities—can trigger chronic transplant rejection, affecting the microcirculation and the tubulointerstitium. Continuous inflammation may lead to progressive, irreversible graft injury, culminating in graft dysfunction and accelerated transplant failure. Numerous experimental and translational studies have delineated a complex interplay of different immune mechanisms driving rejection, with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) being an extensively studied rejection variant. In microvascular inflammation, a hallmark lesion of AMR, natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as pivotal effector cells. Their essential role is supported by immunohistologic evidence, bulk and spatial transcriptomics, and functional genetics. Despite significant research efforts, a substantial unmet need for approved rejection therapies persists, with many trials yielding negative outcomes. However, several promising therapies are currently under investigation, including felzartamab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the surface molecule CD38, which is highly expressed in NK cells and antibody-producing plasma cells. In an exploratory phase 2 trial in late AMR, this compound has demonstrated potential in resolving molecular and morphologic rejection activity and injury, predominantly by targeting NK cell effector function. These findings inspire hope for effective treatments and emphasize the necessity of further pivotal trials focusing on chronic transplant rejection.
Landscape of fear: indirect effects of conflict can account for large-scale population declines in non-state societies
Authors: Kondor Dániel , Bennett James S. , Gronenborn Detlef , Turchin Peter
Published: August 2024

The impact of inter-group conflict on population dynamics has long been debated, especially for prehistoric and non-state societies. In this work, we consider that beyond direct battle casualties, conflicts can also create a ‘landscape of fear’ in which many non-combatants near theatres of conflict abandon their homes and migrate away. This process causes population decline in the abandoned regions and increased stress on local resources in better-protected areas that are targeted by refugees. By applying analytical and computational modelling, we demonstrate that these indirect effects of conflict are sufficient to produce substantial, long-term population boom-and-bust patterns in non-state societies, such as the case of Mid-Holocene Europe. We also demonstrate that greater availability of defensible locations act to protect and maintain the supply of combatants, increasing the permanence of the landscape of fear and the likelihood of endemic warfare.
Inhibition of Rho Kinase or Myosin-light chain kinase decreases Dengue virus replication in endothelial cells
Authors: Nichols Gena , Spengler Andrea , Voss Thomas G.
Published: August 2024

Dengue virus (DV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, has been demonstrated to induce changes to the actin cytoskeleton to promote efficient viral entry and replication. These cytoskeletal alterations continue throughout infection, and disruption of the cytoskeleton has been shown to decrease the release of infectious virions. However, few studies have assessed the contribution of actin alterations to Dengue-induced vascular leak in endothelial cells. A number of cellular kinases control the assembly and rearrangement of actin filaments, including Rho-activated kinase (ROK) and Myosin Light Chain kinase (MLCK). To determine whether the observed changes to the actin cytoskeleton during Dengue viral infection contribute to the loss of endothelial cell barrier function, the roles of the cellular kinases ROK and MLCK were evaluated during DV infection. While kinase inhibition did not prevent virus-induced changes in monolayer permeability, specific inhibition of either kinase resulted in a significant decrease in virus yield indicating that ROK/MLCK-mediated cytoskeletal alterations play a role in virus replication and biogenesis that do not affect vascular integrity in Dengue virus infection in vitro.  Further investigation revealed that ROK or MLCK inhibition decreased virus yield, but only MLCK inhibition decreased viral protein synthesis and genome replication. Taken together, these results identify a role for both ROK and MLCK activity in the efficient replication of Dengue virus in endothelial cells, potentially affecting the assembly or budding of mature Dengue virions.
Edaphobacter paludis sp. nov., a new acidophilic representative of the Acidobacteriota isolated from fen soils
Authors: Huber Katharina J. , Papendorf János , Pilke Carolin , Bunk Boyke , Spröer Cathrin , Kirstein Sarah , Wolf Jacqueline , Neumann-Schaal Meina , Rohde Manfred , Pester Michael
Published: August 2024

Two new strains JP48T and JP55 affiliated with the acidobacterial class Terriglobia have been isolated from fen soil sampled in the Fichtelgebirge Mountains near Bayreuth, Germany. Both strains were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming rods that divide by binary fission, segregate exopolysaccharide-like material and form capsules. Strains JP48T and JP55 grew at 4–36 °C (optimum at 27 °C), pH 3.6–7.3 (optimum at pH 4.6–5.5) and with NaCl concentrations of 0–3% (optimum at 1.0%; w/v). Strains JP48T and JP55 grew aerobically on a wide range of organic substrates including mono- and oligosaccharides, amino acids and short-chained fatty acids. MK-8 was identified as the major respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids for strains JP48T and JP55 were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c, C16 : 0 and iso-diabolic acid. Phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, lysophophatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, unidentified glyco- and glycophospholipids, and unidentified high mass lipid species were the major polar membrane lipids. The G+C content of strains JP48T and JP55 was 57.4 and 57.2 mol%, respectively. The genomes of strains JP48T and JP55 contained nine potential secondary metabolite regions encoding for the compound classes NRPS(-like), T3PKS, terpene, or lanthipeptide class IV. Phylogenetic reconstruction and 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.3 and 96.9% identified Edaphobacter dinghuensis DHF9T and Edaphobacter lichenicola DSM 104462T as the most closely related type strains to strains JP48T and JP55. Based on their phenotype, phylogeny and chemotaxonomy, we propose the novel species Edaphobacter paludis sp. nov. (type strain JP48T=DSM 109919T=CECT 30269T; additional strain JP55=DSM 109920=CECT 30268) within the class Terriglobia of the phylum Acidobacteriota.
Comparison of gene-by-gene and genome-wide short nucleotide sequence-based approaches to define the global population structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: King Alannah C. , Kumar Narender , Mellor Kate C. , Hawkins Paulina A. , McGee Lesley , Croucher Nicholas J. , Bentley Stephen D. , Lees John A. , Lo Stephanie W.
Published: August 2024

Defining the population structure of a pathogen is a key part of epidemiology, as genomically related isolates are likely to share key clinical features such as antimicrobial resistance profiles and invasiveness. Multiple different methods are currently used to cluster together closely related genomes, potentially leading to inconsistency between studies. Here, we use a global dataset of 26 306 Streptococcus pneumoniae genomes to compare four clustering methods: gene-by-gene seven-locus MLST, core genome MLST (cgMLST)-based hierarchical clustering (HierCC) assignments, life identification number (LIN) barcoding and k-mer-based PopPUNK clustering (known as GPSCs in this species). We compare the clustering results with phylogenetic and pan-genome analyses to assess their relationship with genome diversity and evolution, as we would expect a good clustering method to form a single monophyletic cluster that has high within-cluster similarity of genomic content. We show that the four methods are generally able to accurately reflect the population structure based on these metrics and that the methods were broadly consistent with each other. We investigated further to study the discrepancies in clusters. The greatest concordance was seen between LIN barcoding and HierCC (adjusted mutual information score=0.950), which was expected given that both methods utilize cgMLST, but have different methods for defining an individual cluster and different core genome schema. However, the existence of differences between the two methods shows that the selection of a core genome schema can introduce inconsistencies between studies. GPSC and HierCC assignments were also highly concordant (AMI=0.946), showing that k-mer-based methods which use the whole genome and do not require the careful selection of a core genome schema are just as effective at representing the population structure. Additionally, where there were differences in clustering between these methods, this could be explained by differences in the accessory genome that were not identified in cgMLST. We conclude that for S. pneumoniae, standardized and stable nomenclature is important as the number of genomes available expands. Furthermore, the research community should transition away from seven-locus MLST, whilst cgMLST, GPSC and LIN assignments should be used more widely. However, to allow for easy comparison between studies and to make previous literature relevant, the reporting of multiple clustering names should be standardized within the research.
Measuring Disparities in the Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric Mental Health in Primary Care Settings
Authors: Rogers Cecilia , Boguszewski Katherine , Gummadi Angela , Conaway Mark , Shaffer Laura , Mathieu Irène
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To examine disparities in mental health diagnosis, depression screening, and depressive symptoms in pediatric primary care settings before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate the use of electronic health records to study temporal trends in pediatric mental and behavioral health (MBH).

Methods

This is an IRB-approved, retrospective study of pediatric patients (n=10,866) who visited three primary care sites at an academic medical center before (2017-2019) and during (2020-2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. We used logistic regression to compare rates of diagnoses, depression screening, and depression symptom scores among demographic groups.

Results

This study demonstrates an increase in both PHQ-9A screening rates and average scores from 2017-2019 to 2020-2022. There were significant disparities in common mental health diagnoses, including higher rates of psychological distress among lower income and Hispanic patients, both before and during the pandemic, despite lower rates of screening among Hispanic patients. This suggests a need for improved equity in routine MBH screening and additional research to better understand the underlying social determinants that may be driving the greater mental health burden for certain marginalized youth.

This study also highlights the strengths and challenges of utilizing EHR data to characterize disparities in pediatric mental illness. Although the nature of care delivery in an academic medical center clinic and the limitations of the EHR for collecting relevant data present challenges to this measurement, the EHR is nevertheless a promising tool for measuring and tracking pediatric mental health disparities.
Transcriptomically-measured gene expression predicts physiological variation across single neurons in humans and mice
Authors: Kendrick Rennie M. , Linderman Scott W. , Owen Scott F.
Published: August 2024

Single-cell transcriptomics measures the molecular landscape of individual neurons with unprecedented efficiency and scale. This insight has the potential to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of neuronal function, and to identify druggable targets for disease treatments. However, transcriptomics also suffers from greater measurement noise than traditional techniques (e.g., RT-PCR), which raises questions about its ability to offer insight into function at true single-cell resolution. We tested if transcriptomic data could yield insight into function of individual neurons in human and mouse neocortex by analyzing two datasets collected via Patch-Seq, a powerful technique for obtaining transcriptomic and physiology data from the same neuron. We found that computational models trained on single-cell transcriptomic data robustly predicted physiology of individual neurons. Critically, models trained on single cells outperformed those trained on cell type averages when predicting single-cell physiology.

Thus, the standard approach of denoising single-cell transcriptomic data by averaging on cell types sacrifices functionally-relevant information. Our analysis also revealed novel relationships between gene expression and physiology, including a potential molecular substrate of human- mouse cross-species differences in the speed of single-neuron computation. Broadly, our findings highlight the promise of Patch-Seq for generating new insight into the molecular basis of neuronal function.
Machine Learning Uncovers Vascular Endothelial Cell Identity Genes by Expression Regulation Features in Single Cells
Authors: Arulsamy Kulandaisamy , Xia Bo , Chen Hong , Zhang Lili , Chen Kaifu
Published: August 2024

Deciphering cell identity genes is pivotal to understanding cell differentiation, development, and many diseases involving cell identity dysregulation. Here, we introduce SCIG, a machine-learning method to uncover cell identity genes in single cells. In alignment with recent reports that cell identity genes are regulated with unique epigenetic signatures, we found cell identity genes exhibit distinctive genetic sequence signatures, e.g., unique enrichment patterns of cis-regulatory elements. Using these genetic sequence signatures, along with gene expression information from single-cell RNA-seq data, enables SCIG to uncover the identity genes of a cell without a need for comparison to other cells. Cell identity gene score defined by SCIG surpassed expression value in network analysis to uncover master transcription factors regulating cell identity. Applying SCIG to the human endothelial cell atlas revealed that the tissue microenvironment is a critical supplement to master transcription factors for cell identity refinement. SCIG is publicly available athttps://github.com/kaifuchenlab/SCIG, offering a valuable tool for advancing cell differentiation, development, and regenerative medicine research.
Extraction, Characterization, and Toxicological Assessment of Chemicals from Thermal Bill Paper: An In-Silico ADME and Daphnia pulex Study
Authors: Ramesh Usha , Bhat Aniketh Vinod , Ranganath Nalini , Hosamane Asha Changuli , Selvam Athavan Alias Anand
Published: August 2024

The current study provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of thermal bill paper, revealing the presence of hazardous chemical compounds such as Bisphenol S (BPS) and Diphenyl Sulfone (DPS). The extraction process using ethyl acetate as the solvent effectively isolated these compounds, as evidenced by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) results, which displayed distinct spots corresponding to the compounds of interest. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups, while High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HR-MS) identified molecular weights consistent with BPS and DPS. In-silico analysis using the SwissADME web tool provided insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds, with bioavailability radar plots indicating optimal absorption ranges, except for a low degree of saturation. The BOILED-Egg model predicted that BPS is likely to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, while DPS may cross the blood-brain barrier, raising potential concerns about its impact on the central nervous system. Toxicity studies conducted with Daphnia pulex showed significant toxicity at higher concentrations, supporting the idea that the presence of BPS and DPS in thermal bill paper poses a risk to human health and the environment. These findings underscore the need for increased regulation and the exploration of safer alternatives.
Circulation of West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Birds in Germany, 2021 and 2022
Authors: Schopf Franziska , Sadeghi Balal , Bergmann Felicitas , Fischer Dominik , Rahner Ronja , Müller Kerstin , Günther Anne , Globig Anja , Keller Markus , Schwehn Rebekka , Guddorf Vanessa , Reuschel Maximilian , Fischer Luisa , Krone Oliver , Rinder Monika , Schütte Karolin , Schmidt Volker , Heenemann Kristin , Schwarzer Anne , Fast Christine , Sauter-Louis Carola , Staubach Christoph , Lühken Renke , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Brandes Florian , Lierz Michael , Korbel Rüdiger , Vahlenkamp Thomas W. , Groschup Martin H. , Ziegler Ute
Published: August 2024

Background

Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are zoonotic arthropod-borne orthoflaviviruses. The enzootic transmission cycles of both includeCulexmosquitoes as vectors and birds as amplifying hosts. For more than ten years, these viruses have been monitored in birds in Germany by a multidisciplinary network. While USUV is present nationwide, WNV used to be restricted to the central-east.

Methods

In 2021 and 2022, over 2300 live bird blood samples and organs from over 3000 deceased birds were subjected to molecular and serological analysis regarding presence of WNV and USUV. The samples were collected at sites all over Germany.

Results

Circulation of both viruses increased in 2022. For USUV, the nationwide presence of lineages Africa 3 and Europe 3 reported in previous years was confirmed. Lineage Europe 2, formerly restricted to the German east, was able to expand westward. Nonetheless, USUV neutralizing antibody (nAb) detection rates remained low (< 9%). 2021 and 2022 were characterized by stable enzootic circulation of WNV lineage 2, dominated by one previously identified subcluster (95% of generated sequences). In 2022, more than 20% of birds in the endemic region in eastern Germany carried nAb against WNV. Serological data also indicate expanding WNV circulation west and south of the known hotspots in Germany.

Conclusions

USUV circulates enzootically nationwide. Emergence of WNV at several new locations in Germany with a potential increase in human infections may be imminent. In this context, wild bird monitoring serves as a capable early-warning system in a One Health setting.
Mapping the intellectual landscape of financial inclusion and sustainable development: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Suryavanshi Urvashi , Chaudhry Rishi , Mishra Akshay Kumar , Yadav Mahender
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This research mirrors a 360° probe into bibliometric review of various studies aimed to examine the relationship between financial inclusion and sustainable development (FI and SD). It also offers a conspectus of apex contributors, influential articles, key journals and potential avenues for further research in this crucial area of global progress.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is the abstract of a total 233 papers on the subject representing a period between 2012 and 2023 in the Scopus database in the domain. This investigation probes into publication trends, the most inexhaustible contributors by national journals, publications and authors. The study conducts keyword co-occurrence analysis and examines thematic evolution using Vosviewer and Biblioshiny.

Findings

The findings reveal four prominent clusters: (a) Financial growth with FI, (b) Economic Empowerment with Sustainable Goals, (c) Environmental Sustainability and (d) Microfinance and Digital Era. Furthermore, the study paves way for the future research agenda with the help of these research themes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind in deeply probing the literature on FI and SD from a bibliometric perspective. Hence the findings of this study is a powerful weapon for researchers and practitioners coupled with future research inquiries, offering valuable insights and establishing robust quantitative foundations for advancing knowledge in the realms of FI and SD.
Assessing the deliverables of beyond-the-classroom engagement of management students: an outcome-oriented model approach
Authors: Dhaliwal Amandeep , Malik Sahil , Hazarika Deepti Dabas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Student engagement is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various dimensions that significantly influence students and their learning journey. This study aims to explore the extent of engagement among management students outside the confines of the classroom, specifically focusing on their engagement with the campus and community and assessing the outcomes resulting from this engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review provided the basis for developing a student engagement framework, focusing on campus and community engagement and their outcomes. Established scales measured these variables through surveys administered to 386 UG and PG management students. In-depth analysis using PLS-SEM technique revealed the interplay of variables, beyond demographic and descriptive examinations.

Findings

The study found that campus and community engagement fosters a sense of responsibility. Campus engagement also cultivates long-term loyalty to the institution, while community engagement enhances social consciousness. Additionally, no significant differences in engagement levels were observed based on gender or educational level among management students.

Research limitations/implications

The study faces limitations that need addressing for balanced understanding and future research guidance. Firstly, varying definitions across studies lead to inconsistent outcomes and comparability challenges. Secondly, accurate measurement is difficult due to reliance on self-reporting tools, which are prone to biases. Cultural and contextual differences also limit generalizability, and quantitative data alone may not capture the full picture. In India, identifying specific skills and competencies as engagement outcomes in outcome-based education is challenging, requiring precise variable identification.

Practical implications

The study would contribute to improving the efficacy of efforts beyond the classroom engagement activities as it tests, validates, and projects them as outcome-driven by showcasing learning both as generic competencies in a broad sense and higher-order competencies in particular.

Originality/value

The literature indicates higher education institutes' activities beyond classroom teaching enhance students' campus and community relationships. This study measures these engagements' outcomes and suggests new research dimensions in student engagement.
“This is not my forte”: examining the impact of cultural dimensions, teacher support, and self-efficacy on university student learned helplessness
Authors: Pham Hang Thanh , Do Minh Ngoc
Published: August 2024

Purpose

University students often encounter academic challenges and setbacks, which can impact their beliefs about their capabilities, leading to a phenomenon known as learned helplessness. This study explores the antecedents of learned helplessness through the interaction between teacher support, self-efficacy, and cultural dimensions such as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from constructivism, the authors empirically examined a conceptual model utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM). A total of 268 university students completed a self-survey on learned helplessness via a Google Form.

Findings

The study shows that LH is influenced by personal attributes, perceived support, and cultural context. Higher self-efficacy is linked to lower LH scores, while teacher support indirectly affects LH through self-efficacy. Power distance and uncertainty avoidance also directly impact LH. Additionally, cultural influences indirectly affect LH through perceived support and self-efficacy. However, the hypothesized connections between masculinity and LH were not supported.

Originality/value

The study advances LH literature by exploring it among university students using a multidimensional, constructivist approach, providing valuable insights for educational authorities. We illuminate how individual, social, and cultural factors influence LH, underscoring the serial mediation between self-efficacy and perceived teacher support. Existing literature frequently overlooks the intricate interplay among cultural dimensions and other factors, limiting the formulation of comprehensive solutions. Our research breaks new ground in quantitative LH examination within education, delving into Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and suggesting strategies to mitigate uncertainty and power distance for student well-being and success.
Doctoral students’ perceptions of the English language proficiency completion criteria in Iran: making a case for English for General Academic Purposes (EGAP)
Authors: Chahkandi Fateme
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study set out to investigate PhD students’ perceptions of the criteria for showcasing English proficiency as part of the requirements for completing PhD programs in Iranian universities. The criteria included The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT) test, an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, achieving the minimum score on the English section of the doctoral entrance exam, and gaining approval from supervisors regarding students’ proficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were collected by conducting interviews with 19 PhD students as well as a corpus of 325 students’ commentaries posted on an online forum. The data were then analyzed using the constant comparison method (Creswell, 2013).

Findings

Students held mixed feelings in relation to the new completion requirements and in particular, the MSRT test. However, they advocated egalitarian, objective, and need-responsive measures, which were better mirrored in the EAP program.

Research limitations/implications

The findings were discussed with reference to the predictive validity, authenticity, and construct relevance of the MSRT test and the EAP program. Despite the absence of quantitative data on the comparability of high-stakes tests and the EAP program, the study offers implications for testing agencies, academic institutions, and tertiary students.

Originality/value

A multitude of PhD students and candidates are affected by the results of the new policy. Accordingly, gaining a better understanding of students’ perceptions may assist policymakers in reconsidering their policies, if necessary.
Online disclosure of intellectual capital and the determinants: evidence from higher education in Indonesia
Authors: Ma’wa Afifah , Setiawan Doddy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the effect of age, complexity, internationalization, educational background of the vice rector for finance and the presence of professors on intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) in the official websites of Indonesian higher education institution (HEI). It also proved whether there was a difference between ICD in the three types of HEI based on autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

The intellectual capital (IC) instrument used was adopted from Nicolo et al. (2021) and subsequently analyzed 78 HEIs in Indonesia, namely PTNBH, PTNBLU and PTS accredited “Excellent.” The content analysis method and multiple linear regression models were used to test the impact of independent variables, while Kruskal–Wallis was used to conduct a t-test.

Findings

The empirical results showed that complexity, internationalization and the presence of HEI professors had a positive effect, while age and educational background of the vice rector for finance showed an insignificant effect on ICD. The t-test showed there was a difference in ICD among the three types of HEI.

Practical implications

This study provides new evidence related to differences in ICD practices in three types of HEIs in Indonesia. The research findings are expected to encourage cooperation between the government and HEI to improve regulations for PTNBLU and PTS by referring to regulations that have been applied to PTNBH to improve the quality of universities in Indonesia through increasing international accreditation and the number of professors in HEI.

Originality/value

This study was the first to compare ICD among the three types of Indonesian HEI with new variables, namely the educational background of the vice rector for finance and the presence of professors.
Understanding the aftermath of banks merger: analyzing price effects on public sector banks since the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Verma Amandeep
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The current study immerses in the realm of bank mergers among prominent PSBs in India, focusing on the financial performance of six recently merged PSBs entities. Amidst the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economies, the study aims to uncover the efficiency of these PSBs in navigating this unprecedented crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The evaluation encompasses panel data on an annual basis spanning from 2020 to 2023. To assess the overall efficiency of merged PSBs, the advanced statistical technique like one-step system generalized method of moments has been applied to estimate its efficiency.

Findings

The study findings affirm that PSB mergers have bolstered financial metrics and efficiency. Enhanced return on equity (ROA) and net profit margin (NPM) signify improved profitability and efficiency. The consolidation also facilitates better asset management and utilization. Moreover, merged entities benefit from economies of scale, cost efficiencies, risk diversification, technological investments, and overall performance improvements.

Practical implications

The study's policy suggestions stress ongoing consolidation efforts to boost banking sector resilience, advocating for improved efficiency, governance, and asset quality management. These steps are crucial for successful bank mergers and fostering a robust, competitive banking landscape in India.

Originality/value

This study is a novel attempt to analyze Indian bank profitability and efficiency post PSB mergers amid COVID-19 pandemic. In a developing country like India, especially in PSBs has experienced significant structural changes over the previous 7 years just before pandemic, such a study necessitates a prompt empirical investigation.
Environmental sustainability balanced scorecard: a strategic map for joint action by municipalities
Authors: Santos Ana Sofia Silva , Moreira Maria R.A. , Sousa Paulo S.A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to develop an Environmental Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (ESBSC) articulated through a strategic map for collaborative implementation by municipalities by municipalities. In addition, it aims to elucidate the architecture of this tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses qualitative methodology, initiating with document analysis, followed by municipal-level surveys and an interview with the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N).

Findings

The study constructs an ESBSC that adopts an integrative approach to sustainability, focusing on municipal joint action. The tool fosters synergies and enhances cooperation. By incorporating a strategic mix, the tool contributes to improving the environmental management performance of the participating municipalities.

Practical implications

This study introduces a tool designed for municipalities that aspire to incorporate environmental sustainability into their strategies. This tool facilitates the implementation and management of a long-term environmental strategy, with potential implications for organization and its culture. In addition, it highlights critical environmental factors that should serve as a starting point in future studies or applications of this tool.

Social implications

Involving both an academic institution and multiple municipalities, this research identifies critical environmental factors that enhance environmental awareness within municipalities and designs a tool that, when consciously adopted, can influence the culture dynamics of the population involved. Furthermore, it proposes a structured and systematic research method for creating an ESBSC for joint municipal action.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this research constitutes the first exploratory attempt to devise an environmental strategy for joint municipal action. Although the tool emphasizes the environmental component, it promotes an integrated vision of sustainability. Despite the extensive application of balanced scorecards in various organizational contexts, their utilization in fostering environmental sustainability at a municipal level remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by developing a tailored strategic tool that operationalizes environmental priorities within municipal governance frameworks.
Advances in drift compensation algorithms for electronic nose technology
Authors: Ren Lei , Cheng Guolin , Chen Wei , Li Pei , Wang Zhenhe
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore recent advances in drift compensation algorithms for Electronic Nose (E-nose) technology and addresses sensor drift challenges through offline, online and neural network-based strategies. It offers a comprehensive review and covers causes of drift, compensation methods and future directions. This synthesis provides insights for enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of E-nose systems in drift issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adopts a comprehensive approach and systematically explores the causes of sensor drift in E-nose systems and proposes various compensation strategies. It covers both offline and online compensation methods, as well as neural network-based approaches, and provides a holistic view of the available techniques.

Findings

The article provides a comprehensive overview of drift compensation algorithms for E-nose technology and consolidates recent research insights. It addresses challenges like sensor calibration and algorithm complexity, while discussing future directions. Readers gain an understanding of the current state-of-the-art and emerging trends in electronic olfaction.

Originality/value

This article presents a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in drift compensation algorithms for electronic nose technology and covers the causes of drift, offline drift compensation algorithms, online drift compensation algorithms and neural network drift compensation algorithms. The article also summarizes and discusses the current challenges and future directions of drift compensation algorithms in electronic nose systems.
Experimental investigations on thermo-fluid performance of perforated baffle aided with oppositely oriented sawtooth deflector in tubular heat exchanger
Authors: Rahman Md Atiqur
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The investigation concentrated on studying a distinct category of tubular heat exchanger that uses swirling airflow over tube bundle maintained at constant heat flux. Swirl flow is achieved using a novel perforated baffle plate with rectangular openings and multiple adjustable opposite-oriented saw-tooth flow deflectors. These deflectors were strategically placed at the inlet of the heat exchanger to create a swirling flow downstream.

Design/methodology/approach

The custom-built axial flow heat exchanger consists of three baffle plates arranged longitudinally supporting tube bundle maintained at constant heat flux. The baffle plate equipped with saw-tooth flow deflector of various geometry represented by space height ratio(e/h). Next, ambient air was then directed over the tube bundle at varying Reynolds number and the effect of baffle spacing (PR), Space height ratio (e/h) and inclination angle(a) of deflectors on performance of heat exchanger was experimentally analyzed.

Findings

The heat transfer augmentation of heat exchanger for given operating condition is strongly dependent on geometry, inclination angle of deflector and baffle spacing.

Originality/value

An average improvement of 1.42 times in thermal enhancement factor was observed with inclination angle of 30°, space height ratio of 0.4 and a pitch ratio of 1.2 when compared to a heat exchanger without a baffle plate under similar operating conditions.
Estimating the value of self‐drive recreation in the remote Kimberley: Sensitivity to multi‐destination trips
Authors: Spencer‐Cotton Alaya , Kragt Marit E. , Burton Michael
Published: August 2024

The remote and iconic Kimberley region, in northern Western Australia, is a contested landscape with growing pressure for different types of land use and development. The region has high biodiversity values and impressive scenery that provide attractive recreation experiences for visitors. We estimate the value of domestic recreation to the region using a travel cost model. Analysis includes two approaches for accounting for multi‐destination trips (MDTs) given travel to remote sites are more likely to include these than shorter trips, and four specifications for the value of travel time. We estimate a total consumer surplus of A$110.34 million annually and find that adjusting travel costs for MDTs using stated survey information produces a better fitting model than using revealed travel information. These findings highlight both the importance of estimating recreation values for use in land use planning in the Kimberley and for improving the travel cost method for remote sites where per‐trip travel costs are high.
Disputes over the figures of the COVID‐19 pandemic: Epistemic diversity, dissemination of science, and political opposition
Authors: Sarrazin Jean‐Paul , Cáceres Carlos F.
Published: August 2024

The health policies imposed by multiple national governments after the emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 were publicly justified by official figures on the deaths that the new virus would have caused and could cause in the future. At the same time, however, groups of people from different countries expressed their scepticism about those figures. Although they were categorised as ‘anti‐science’, ‘spreaders of misinformation’ or ‘conspiracy theorists’ in some media, many of those sceptics claimed to be based on scientific evidence. This article qualitatively analyses a sample of the content published by sceptics on their social media between 2020 and 2022. More specifically, it examines the shared documents supposedly coming from the scientific community. We find very diverse content ranging from unsubstantiated assumptions to documents produced by prestigious scientists inviting questions about the fatality rates, the mathematical models anticipating millions of deaths, and the real numbers of people who died from COVID‐19. The disputes surrounding the official figures lead us to a reflection about the relationship between, epistemic diversity, the dissemination of science, censorship, and new forms of political opposition. We also touch upon the nature and ethics of scientific controversy in times of a ‘war’ against ‘misinformation’.