bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To disclose or to protect? Predicting social media users’ behavioral intention toward privacy
Authors: Chen Minghong , Huang Xiumei , Qi Xianjun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

In the paradox of personalized services and privacy risks, what factors influence users’ decisions is considered an interesting issue worth exploring. The current study aims to empirically explore privacy behavior of social media users by developing a theoretical model based on privacy calculus theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Privacy risks, conceptualized as natural risks and integrated risks, were proposed to affect the intention of privacy disclosure and protection. The model was validated through a hybrid approach of structural equation modeling (SEM)-artificial neural network (ANN) to analyze the data collected from 527 effective responses.

Findings

The results from the SEM analysis indicated that social interaction and perceived enjoyment were strong determinants of perceived benefits, which in turn played a dominant role in the intention to disclose the privacy in social media. Similarly, trust and privacy invasion experience were significantly related to perceived risks that had the most considerable effect on users’ privacy protection intention. And the following ANN models revealed consistent relationships and rankings with the SEM results.

Originality/value

This study broadened the application perspective of privacy calculus theory to identify both linear and non-linear effects of privacy risks and privacy benefits on users’ intention to disclose or protect their privacy by using a state-of-the-art methodological approach combining SEM and ANN.
Destination advocacy behaviour of residents: examining the role of psychological ownership
Authors: Gupta Anil , Singh Vattan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of psychological ownership (PO) on residents’ destination advocacy (DA) behaviour in the context of emerging tourist destinations and to assess the role of attitude as a mediator in the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was used and primary data was collected via an online survey to a sample of 333 residents from emerging tourist destinations in India. This study used the partial least squares (PLS) method to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that residents’ knowledge about their hometown positively influences PO which in turn affects DA behaviour. Furthermore, PO influences attitude which in turn significantly influences DA behaviour. Additionally, the findings reveal the mediating role of attitude between PO and residents’ advocacy behavioural outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances the concept that residents are important stakeholders who can promote a destination. Local authorities should prioritise residents over tourists and incorporate their image, identity, personality, style and values into destination promotion. They can also improve destination services to boost residents' positive attitudes.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of the study lies in associating PO and outcome as DA behaviour. The model suggests that enhancing PO of their hometown among the residents can have significant advantages for tourism development.
Greening the hospitality industry: examining institutional influences and perceived benefits of EMS in Malaysian SME hotels
Authors: Hamzah Hanafi , Wahab Siti Norida , Othman Norashida , Ferguson Gaven
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The majority of Malaysian firms are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the hospitality industry is no exception. However, a study on environmental management systems (EMS) reveals that relatively few studies have observed EMS implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises hotels (SMEHs). Hence, this study aims to determine the link between institutional influences and mediating effects of top managers' perceived benefits toward EMS implementation by Malaysian SMEHs.

Design/methodology/approach

The results of a questionnaire survey of 252 SMEHs managerial-level professionals using Smart-PLS software provide some explanation for the marginal action taken by these SMEHs to improve their environmental performance.

Findings

Based on the findings, five variables might stimulate the implementation of an EMS: regulatory influences, customer influences, competitor influences, employee influences and manager attributes influences.

Research limitations/implications

This study significantly advances understanding of EMS and SMEHs, offering a replicable research framework applicable across industries and countries. Scholars can leverage the framework for further exploration, while managers should recognize institutional influences on EMS implementation.

Originality/value

Given that this study is one of the few that investigates the institutional influences and perceived benefits of EMS implementation, it may provide valuable information for future research on the hospitality industry and the SMEHs among researchers and practitioners.
Nurturing trust in Islamic banking within the metaverse for market success
Authors: Al-Afeef Mohammad , Jaradat Hana , Al-Smadi Raed Walid , Al Shbail Mohannad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of trust in the metaverse on the Islamic banking sector, particularly in facilitating market success. Additionally, it seeks to explore the relationship between metaverse-driven brand image, product features, service quality and overall performance in the market.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 187 participants in Jordan, with the SmartPLS software used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal a significant impact of metaverse-enhanced brand image, product features and service quality on Islamic banking market performance. Furthermore, customer trust in the metaverse plays a significant role in shaping the relationship between product features, service quality and Islamic banking market performance.

Originality/value

The study’s practical implications still suggest the need for a more holistic metaverse-driven approach. Investing in service quality initiatives alone may not adequately build and sustain customer trust in the metaverse. Instead, transparent communication on ethical practices in the metaverse is required to reinforce trust and magnify the positive influence of superior service quality in the metaverse.
Mental Health First Aid™ for Deaf communities: responses to a lack of national Deaf mental health service provision
Authors: Terry Julia , Robins-Talbot Cathie
Published: May 2024

Purpose

For over 15 years, Mental Health First Aid™ (MHFA) has successfully been delivered in Wales, United Kingdom, with growing interest in the MHFA programme and increasing course attendees. Trainers, aware of the need for support, know the importance of MHFA being accessible for different communities and learner groups. MHFA has always focused on increasing mental health literacy. One marginalised group, with lower mental health literacy than the general population, is Deaf people, a group with increased risk of mental health problems. This paper aims to provide insights about why Deaf people are twice as likely as hearing people to experience mental health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

During this paper, the authors have used four focal points i) exploring situational contexts for Deaf people; ii) reasons why Deaf individuals are at greater risk of mental health problems; iii) the authors explore a project, “Hear Deaf”, and implementation of MHFA Wales by Deaf MHFA trainers; and iv) initiatives to influence and impact on policymakers.

Findings

During the project, nine MHFA courses were delivered to Deaf communities across different locations in Wales, often with information and advertisements circulated directly to Deaf communities through Deaf clubs, resulting in 120 Deaf people trained. The authors conclude with their own reflections as a researcher and an MHFA who work predominantly with Deaf communities.

Originality/value

This paper provides a discussion on the specific risks for Deaf people around mental health and the importance of mental health promotion programmes for Deaf communities. Further research is needed regarding the impact of MHFA on Deaf populations.
The impact of augmented reality on consumer behavior: a focus on value development, leading to brand engagement and purchase intention
Authors: Negm Eiman
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of augmented reality (AR) on consumers’ shopping process, focusing on value creation, brand engagement and purchasing intents.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative deductive study analyzed 393 questionnaires through non-probability sampling. A cross-sectional timeframe was applied; data collection took place in May 2023 to provide a snapshot of Egyptian consumers’ responses to AR. Once the needed data were collected, statistical analyses were conducted through the statistical package for social science (SPSS).

Findings

This study shows that in the shopping process, AR vividness, interactivity and informativeness lead consumers to develop utilitarian values toward the technology, and AR interactivity generates hedonic values towards the technology. When consumers sense the hedonic and utilitarian values, it impacts consumers purchase intention. Hedonic value in AR leads to consumers’ brand content consumption and creation; utilitarian value in AR leads to consumers’ brand content consumption, contribution and creation.

Practical implications

AR developers, brand managers and marketers may use this study to understand the current AR landscape and consumer responses toward AR (value development, purchase intention and brand engagement). With these insights, they can make better strategic decisions that include AR usage in brand marketing tactics.

Originality/value

This study develops conclusions to grasp more clearly and in-depth why and how AR impacts consumers’ shopping process. This study addresses various literature gaps, enhancing the understanding of AR: the salient AR attributes that offer consumers hedonic and utilitarian values and how AR influences consumer behavior, specifically when it comes to the development of brand engagement and purchase intents.
Semantic network analysis in consumer and marketing research: application areas in phygital contexts
Authors: Schöps Jonathan David , Jaufenthaler Philipp
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Large-scale text-based data increasingly poses methodological challenges due to its size, scope and nature, requiring sophisticated methods for managing, visualizing, analyzing and interpreting such data. This paper aims to propose semantic network analysis (SemNA) as one possible solution to these challenges, showcasing its potential for consumer and marketing researchers through three application areas in phygital contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines three general application areas for SemNA in phygital contexts and presents specific use cases, data collection methodologies, analyses, findings and discussions for each application area.

Findings

The paper uncovers three application areas and use cases where SemNA holds promise for providing valuable insights and driving further adoption of the method: (1) Investigating phygital experiences and consumption phenomena; (2) Exploring phygital consumer and market discourse, trends and practices; and (3) Capturing phygital social constructs.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations section highlights the specific challenges of the qualitative, interpretivist approach to SemNA, along with general methodological constraints.

Practical implications

Practical implications highlight SemNA as a pragmatic tool for managers to analyze and visualize company-/brand-related data, supporting strategic decision-making in physical, digital and phygital spaces.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the expanding body of computational, tool-based methods by providing an overview of application areas for the qualitative, interpretivist approach to SemNA in consumer and marketing research. It emphasizes the diversity of research contexts and data, where the boundaries between physical and digital spaces have become increasingly intertwined with physical and digital elements closely integrated – a phenomenon known as phygital.
Machine learning methods for financial forecasting and trading profitability: Evidence during the Russia–Ukraine war
Authors: Peng Yaohao , Souza João Gabriel de Moraes
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning models to yield profitability over the market benchmark, notably in periods of systemic instability, such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

This study made computational experiments using support vector machine (SVM) classifiers to predict stock price movements for three financial markets and construct profitable trading strategies to subsidize investors’ decision-making.

Findings

On average, machine learning models outperformed the market benchmarks during the more volatile period of the Russia–Ukraine war, but not during the period before the conflict. Moreover, the hyperparameter combinations for which the profitability is superior were found to be highly sensitive to small variations during the model training process.

Practical implications

Investors should proceed with caution when applying machine learning models for stock price forecasting and trading recommendations, as their superior performance for volatile periods – in terms of generating abnormal gains over the market – was not observed for a period of relative stability in the economy.

Originality/value

This paper’s approach to search for financial strategies that succeed in outperforming the market provides empirical evidence about the effectiveness of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques before and after the conflict deflagration, which is of potential value for researchers in quantitative finance and market professionals who operate in the financial segment.
Evaluating Taiwan's economic and labour market recovery strategies against COVID‐19
Authors: Lai Wei‐Wen , Wu Chia‐Hsuan , Liu Meng‐Chun , Wang Jiann‐Chyuan
Published: May 2024

Since its emergence in 2020, COVID‐19 has profoundly influenced the Taiwan economy and employment landscape, leading to differential impacts across sectors. In response to this unprecedented crisis, the Taiwanese government promptly enacted the “Special Regulations on the Prevention and Rescue of Severe Specific Infectious Pneumonia” on February 25, 2020, which came into force on March 13. This study examines the pandemic's effects through various stages, with a particular focus on the service industry, the sector most affected owing to diminished domestic demand. Using a computable general equilibrium model by integrating monthly changes, the study assess the effectiveness of the Taiwan government's interventions in mitigating job losses and stabilising the economy. Our findings indicate that without the government's relief and revitalisation measures, unemployment rates would have surged significantly. The study underscores the critical role of policy interventions in mitigating the economic impacts of the pandemic.
Managers' career preferences and corporate culture
Authors: Abernethy Margaret A. , Hung Chung‐Yu , Jiang Like
Published: May 2024

Building effective corporate culture is challenging as it requires senior managers to embed shared values within the firm. Yet some firms can do so, and some cannot. This study examines whether managers' career preferences influence manager‐employee value misalignment and weaken corporate culture. Career preferences for job‐hopping provide incentives for managers to signal their leadership quality in the labor market. We capture managers' and employees' attention allocation across different cultural values using data from conference calls and Glassdoor. We predict and find that job‐hopping managers direct their attention away from soft cultural values (e.g., respect and integrity) that are less observable by the external labor market. Furthermore, job‐hopping managers who pay insufficient attention to soft cultural values fail to address the concerns that employees have in their everyday work, resulting in lower overall employee culture ratings. Our study highlights the significance of managers' career preferences in shaping different cultural values and offers implications for firms selecting senior managers.
Using natural language processing in emergency medicine health service research: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Hao , Alanis Naomi , Haygood Laura , Swoboda Thomas K. , Hoot Nathan , Phillips Daniel , Knowles Heidi , Stinson Sara Ann , Mehta Prachi , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Natural language processing (NLP) represents one of the adjunct technologies within artificial intelligence and machine learning, creating structure out of unstructured data. This study aims to assess the performance of employing NLP to identify and categorize unstructured data within the emergency medicine (EM) setting.

Methods

We systematically searched publications related to EM research and NLP across databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Independent reviewers screened, reviewed, and evaluated article quality and bias. NLP usage was categorized into syndromic surveillance, radiologic interpretation, and identification of specific diseases/events/syndromes, with respective sensitivity analysis reported. Performance metrics for NLP usage were calculated and the overall area under the summary of receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) was determined.

Results

A total of 27 studies underwent meta‐analysis. Findings indicated an overall mean sensitivity (recall) of 82%–87%, specificity of 95%, with the area under the SROC at 0.96 (95% CI 0.94–0.98). Optimal performance using NLP was observed in radiologic interpretation, demonstrating an overall mean sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 96%.

Conclusions

Our analysis revealed a generally favorable performance accuracy in using NLP within EM research, particularly in the realm of radiologic interpretation. Consequently, we advocate for the adoption of NLP‐based research to augment EM health care management.
Development of a minimum clinical dataset for preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment using a modified Delphi technique
Authors: Lodge Margot , Aitken Rachel , Chong Yih Harng , Thillainadesan Janani
Published: May 2024

Objective

To construct a standardised, consensus‐guided minimum clinical dataset (MCDS) for preoperative comprehensive geriatric assessment and optimisation (CGA) in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods

We conducted a review of the international perioperative literature to identify CGA domains and tools for potential inclusion in the MCDS. We invited members of the Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine to participate in a Delphi study to obtain consensus on MCDS tools. Participants were asked to rate proposed tools using Likert scales (when >2 tools) or make a binary choice between two proposed tools. Consensus was considered to be achieved when there was at least 75% concordance between the two rounds amongst the participants, and at least one variable attaining over 50% of participants' votes. Domains that did not achieve consensus in Round 1 were carried over to Round 2.

Results

There were 73 participants in Round 1 of the Delphi study and 47 participants in Round 2. Consensus was achieved on tool/s recommended for every MCDS domain: Clinical Frailty Scale (frailty); sMMSE, RUDAS, MoCA (cognition); 4AT (delirium); timed‐up‐and‐go (physical function); GDS‐15 (mood); Barthel Index (functional status); and MUST (malnutrition).

Conclusions

We recommend clinicians delivering preoperative CGA consider the use of the MCDS we have constructed when assessing older people contemplating surgery, as part of a multicomponent and multidisciplinary approach to optimising perioperative outcomes.
DIY your captures when everything else fails: Description of an artisanal dart launcher with an assessment of the medium‐term response in a primate
Authors: Corbeau Alexandre , Minot Elsa , Tanvier Clara , Le Gouar Pascaline , Péron Guillaume
Published: May 2024

When our dart guns failed in Morocco, we devised an artisanal pressurised air launcher to replace them. The effective shooting range was between 12 and 20 m, which made it possible to capture wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus), from groups that would not allow for a closer approach or enter any trap. To assess the effect of that method of capture, we monitored the groups on foot before and after the captures. We looked for evidence of a change in risk perception after the captures. We did not uncover any such evidence in the step lengths, turning angles, home range area, frequency of rest while on the ground or frequency of social interactions. We conclude that for the study animals, being captured with our artisanal dart launcher, had a similar effect to being darted with a professional gun, and we intend this note as an inspiration to other field operators finding themselves in a similar predicament.
Stage‐related increase in PIM2 expression in mycosis fungoides
Authors: Nielsen Mie Holm , Nielsen Pia Rude , Bzorek Michael , Eriksen Jens Ole , Wehkamp Ulrike , Lindahl Lise Maria , Woetmann Anders , Ødum Niels , Litman Thomas , Gjerdrum Lise Mette Rahbek
Published: May 2024

The oncogene PIM2 is upregulated in several malignancies but has never been investigated in mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common type of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). PIM2 is a well‐known oncogene and is regulated by cell signaling pathways like the JAK/STAT‐ and NF‐kB‐pathway, key regulators in the pathogenesis of CTCL. The aim of this study was to examine the role of PIM2 in MF. PIM2 gene expression was measured in 81 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies from patients with MF and 46 control biopsies from healthy skin (HS) and benign inflammatory skin disease (BID). Validation of PIM2 protein expression was performed on selected biopsies with immunohistochemical staining. We found a significant difference in gene expression levels between both early stage MF and HS (p < 0.0001), and BID (p < 0.0001). In addition, the PIM2 gene expression was higher in advanced‐stage MF compared to early stage disease (p = 0.0001). No significant difference in gene expression levels was found between patients with and without disease progression. In conclusion, we found PIM2 expression is significantly increased in MF compared to controls, and in advanced‐stage MF compared to early stage MF. These findings could potentially have diagnostic value in discriminating early stage MF from BID.
Editorial: Has MetALD met the presumption?
Authors: Tan Chee‐Kiat
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tamaki et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18015 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18047
In response to “Health and healthcare of people with learning disabilities in the United Kingdom through the COVID‐19 pandemic” (Chris Hatton and colleagues)
Authors: Loblinzk Julie , Strnadová Iva
Published: May 2024

We chose to respond to this paper because bad things are happening in health care for people with intellectual disabilities. We met with Chris Hatton, one of the authors of the article. There were things we liked about the article, things we liked about the study that were not in the article and things we asked Chris about. We enjoyed talking to Chris about the study and writing our response.
The Impact of Emotional Dissonance on Turnover Intent in Child Welfare Social Work: Test of a Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Finne Live Bakke , Johannessen Håkon , Christensen Jan Olav
Published: May 2024

High employee turnover represents a substantial problem in child welfare work. To prevent turnover, knowledge about risk factors, mechanisms, and conditional factors that can explain turnover and turnover intent is highly important. This study investigated a moderated mediation model with (1) emotional dissonance as a predictor of subsequent turnover intent, (2) job dissatisfaction and burnout as potential mediators, and (3) being overly nurturing as a potential moderating variable. The associations were examined using data from a two‐wave prospective questionnaire survey of 424 child welfare workers in Norway. Emotional dissonance was positively related to burnout and job dissatisfaction (cross‐sectionally) and had a significant indirect association with increased turnover intent 6 months later (prospectively) through burnout, but not job dissatisfaction. An antagonistic interaction effect of being overly nurturing was found on the association between emotional dissonance and burnout, and the indirect association with turnover intent. Specifically, having low scores on the overly nurturing trait had a protective effect on burnout and turnover intent in cases of low to moderate exposure to emotional dissonance. In cases of high emotional dissonance, all employees reported the outcomes as equally negative irrespective of their tendency to be overly nurturing. The findings highlight the importance of organizational efforts that can help child welfare workers deal with emotional demands.
Astrocytic HILPDA promotes lipid droplets generation to drive cognitive dysfunction in mice with sepsis‐associated encephalopathy
Authors: Li Ling , Lixia Du , Gan Guifen , Li Jin , Yang Lin , Wu You , Fang Zongping , Zhang Xijing
Published: May 2024

Aims

Sepsis‐associated encephalopathy (SAE) is manifested as a spectrum of disturbed cerebral function ranging from mild delirium to coma. However, the pathogenesis of SAE has not been clearly elucidated. Astrocytes play important roles in maintaining the function and metabolism of the brain. Most recently, it has been demonstrated that disorders of lipid metabolism, especially lipid droplets (LDs) dyshomeostasis, are involved in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether LDs are involved in the underlying mechanism of SAE.

Methods

The open field test, Y‐maze test, and contextual fear conditioning test (CFCT) were used to test cognitive function in SAE mice. Lipidomics was utilized to investigate alterations in hippocampal lipid metabolism in SAE mice. Western blotting and immunofluorescence labeling were applied for the observation of related proteins.

Results

In the current study, we found that SAE mice showed severe cognitive dysfunction, including spatial working and contextual memory. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that lipid metabolism was widely dysregulated in the hippocampus by using lipidomic analysis. Furthermore, western blotting and immunofluorescence confirmed that LDs accumulation in hippocampal astrocytes was involved in the pathological process of cognitive dysfunction in SAE mice. We verified that LDs can be inhibited by specifically suppress hypoxia‐inducible lipid droplet‐associated protein (HILPDA) in astrocytes. Meanwhile, cognitive dysfunction in SAE was ameliorated by reducing A1 astrocyte activation and inhibiting presynaptic membrane transmitter release.

Conclusion

The accumulation of astrocytic lipid droplets plays a crucial role in the pathological process of SAE. HILPDA is an attractive therapeutic target for lipid metabolism regulation and cognitive improvement in septic patients.
Recommendations on self‐management interventions for adults living with obesity: COMPAR‐EU project
Authors: Medina‐Aedo Melixa , Beltran Jessica , Valli Claudia , Canelo‐Aybar Carlos , Song Yang , Ballester Marta , Bowman‐Busato Jacqueline , Christogiannis Christos , Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Groene Oliver , Heijmans Monique , Hoogendorn Martine , Killeen Sarah Louise , Kontouli Katerina‐Maria , Mavridis Dimitris , Miñambres Inka , Mueller Beate Sigrid , Niño de Guzman Ena , Noordman Janneke , Orrego Carola , Perestelo‐Perez Lilisbeth , Saz‐Parkinson Zuleika , Seitidis Georgios , Suñol Rosa , Tsokani Sofia , Alonso‐Coello Pablo
Published: May 2024

Self‐management interventions (SMIs) may improve disease management in adults living with obesity. We formulated evidence‐based recommendations for SMIs within the context of the COMPAR‐EU project. The multidisciplinary panel selected critical outcomes based on the COMPAR‐EU core outcome set and established decision thresholds for each outcome. Recommendations were informed by systematic reviews of effects, cost‐effectiveness, and a contextual assessment. To assess the certainty of the evidence and formulate the recommendations, we used the GRADE approach guidance. Overall, SMIs were deemed to have a small impact, but the absence of harmful effects and potential cumulative benefits indicated a favourable balance of effects, despite low certainty. SMIs showed variations in structure, intensity, and resource utilisation, but overall are likely to be cost‐effective. Adapting SMIs to local contexts would enhance equity, acceptability, and feasibility, considering patients' values, and availability of resources and teamwork. Consequently, the panel made conditional recommendations favouring SMIs over usual care. The rigorous and explicit recommendations demonstrated the effectiveness of SMIs for adults living with obesity. However, the gaps in the literature influenced the panel to make only conditional recommendations in favour of SMIs. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and improve recommendations' certainty and applicability.
Global Spillovers of China's Monetary Policy
Authors: Lei Wenni , Mei Dongzhou , Zhang Mi
Published: May 2024

Spillovers from China's monetary policy have become increasingly obvious with China's growing importance in the global economy and its close economic and trade ties with the world. This study establishes a proxy structure vector autoregression model to investigate the magnitude and transmission channel of spillovers from China to global and regional economies, taking advantage of high‐frequency changes in asset prices in the financial markets to identify monetary policy shocks. The analysis reveals that China's monetary policy can affect the global economy by influencing international trade and commodity prices but there is no evidence of China's monetary policy affecting global financial variables. Tightness in China's monetary policy can cause a decline in world output whereas expansion in monetary policy can support global trade and output. This study also finds that the response of emerging Asian economies to China's monetary policy shock was nearly twice that of developed economies, while the transmission path did not change. The results of this study are consistent with the stylized fact that China's monetary policy plays an important role in the global trade and commodity cycle, although it does not drive the global financial cycle.
Real time continuous glucose monitoring in high‐risk people with insulin‐requiring type 2 diabetes: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lever Claire S. , Williman Jonathan A. , Boucsein Alisa , Watson Antony , Sampson Rachael S. , Sergel‐Stringer Oscar T. , Keesing Celeste , Chepulis Lynne , Wheeler Benjamin J. , de Bock Martin I. , Paul Ryan G.
Published: May 2024

Aims

To investigate the impact of real‐time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) on glycaemia in a predominantly indigenous (Māori) population of adults with insulin‐requiring type 2 diabetes (T2D) in New Zealand.

Methods

Twelve‐week, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of adults with T2D using ≥0.2 units/kg/day of insulin and elevated glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥64 mmol/mol (8.0%). Following a 2‐week blinded CGM run‐in phase, participants were randomised to rtCGM or control (self‐monitoring blood glucose [SMBG]). The primary outcome was time in the target glucose range (3.9–10 mmol/L; TIR) during weeks 10–12, with data collected by blinded rtCGM in the control group.

Results

Sixty‐seven participants entered the RCT phase (54% Māori, 57% female), median age 53 (range 16–70 years), HbA1c 85 (IQR 74, 94) mmol/mol (9.9 [IQR 8.9, 10.8]%), body mass index (36.7 ± 7.7 kg/m2). Mean (±SD) TIR increased from 37 (24)% to 53 (24)% [Δ 13%; 95% CI 4.2 to 22; P = 0.007] in the rtCGM group but did not change in the SMBG group [45 (21)% to 45 (25)%, Δ 2.5%, 95% CI −6.1 to 11, P = 0.84]. Baseline‐adjusted between‐group difference in TIR was 10.4% [95% CI −0.9 to 21.7; P = 0.070]. Mean HbA1c (±SD) decreased in both groups from 85 (18) mmol/mol (10.0 [1.7]%) to 64 (16) mmol/mol (8.0 [1.4]%) in the rtCGM arm and from 81 (12) mmol/mol (9.6 [1.1]%) to 65 (13) mmol/mol (8.1 [1.2]%) in the SMBG arm (P < 0.001 for both). There were no severe hypoglycaemic or ketoacidosis events in either group.

Conclusions

Real‐time CGM use in a supportive treat‐to‐target model of care likely improves glycaemia in a population with insulin‐treated T2D and elevated HbA1c.
Can we accurately predict the distribution of soil microorganism presence and relative abundance?
Authors: Verdon Valentin , Malard Lucie , Collart Flavien , Adde Antoine , Yashiro Erika , Lara Pandi Enrique , Mod Heidi , Singer David , Niculita‐Hirzel Hélène , Guex Nicolas , Guisan Antoine
Published: May 2024

Soil microbes play a key role in shaping terrestrial ecosystems. It is therefore essential to understand what drives their distribution. While multivariate analyses have been used to characterise microbial communities and drivers of their spatial patterns, few studies have focused on predicting the distribution of amplicon sequence variants (ASVs). Here, we evaluate the potential of species distribution models (SDMs) to predict the presence–absence and relative abundance distribution of bacteria, archaea, fungi, and protist ASVs in the western Swiss Alps. Advanced automated selection of abiotic covariates was used to circumvent the lack of knowledge on the ecology of each ASV. Presence–absence SDMs could be fitted for most ASVs, yielding better predictions than null models. Relative abundance SDMs performed less well, with low fit and predictive power overall, but displayed a good capacity to differentiate between sites with high and low relative abundance of the modelled ASV. SDMs for bacteria and archaea displayed better predictive power than for fungi and protists, suggesting a closer link of the former with the abiotic covariates used. Microorganism distributions were mostly related to edaphic covariates. In particular, pH was the most selected covariate across models. The study shows the potential of using SDM frameworks to predict the distribution of ASVs obtained from topsoil DNA. It also highlights the need for further development of precise edaphic mapping and scenario modelling to enhances prediction of microorganism distributions in the future.
Serum ferritin and risk of colonic neoplasia: Implications for the workup and treatment of iron deficiency
Authors: Urback Adam L. , Martens Kylee , McMurry Hannah Stowe , Sharma Anil , Citti Caitlin , DeLoughery Thomas G. , Shatzel Joseph J.
Published: May 2024

Iron deficiency is the most common extraintestinal sign of colonic neoplasia, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and other lower gastrointestinal pathology. Both upper endoscopy and colonoscopy is usually recommended in the work‐up of patients with unexplained iron deficiency, particularly in men and postmenopausal women. As the incidence of early‐onset CRC (age <50 years) rises in the United States, there is an increasing need to identify risk predictors to aid in the early detection of CRC. It remains unknown if serum ferritin (SF), and what specific threshold, can be used as a marker to stratify those at risk for CRC and other lower gastrointestinal pathology. In this current review of the literature, we aimed to review guidelines for diagnostic workup of colonic neoplasia in the setting of iron deficiency and examine the association and specific thresholds of SF and risk of CRC by age. Some of the published findings are conflicting, and conclusions specific to younger patients are limited. Though further investigation is warranted, the cumulative findings suggest that SF, in addition to considering the clinical context and screening guidelines, may have potential utility in the assessment of colonic neoplasia.
The olfactory network of larval Xenopus laevis regenerates accurately after olfactory nerve transection
Authors: Hawkins Sara J. , Gärtner Yvonne , Offner Thomas , Weiss Lukas , Maiello Guido , Hassenklöver Thomas , Manzini Ivan
Published: May 2024

Across vertebrate species, the olfactory epithelium (OE) exhibits the uncommon feature of lifelong neuronal turnover. Epithelial stem cells give rise to new neurons that can adequately replace dying olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) during developmental and adult phases and after lesions. To relay olfactory information from the environment to the brain, the axons of the renewed ORNs must reconnect with the olfactory bulb (OB). In Xenopus laevis larvae, we have previously shown that this process occurs between 3 and 7 weeks after olfactory nerve (ON) transection. In the present study, we show that after 7 weeks of recovery from ON transection, two functionally and spatially distinct glomerular clusters are reformed in the OB, akin to those found in non‐transected larvae. We also show that the same odourant response tuning profiles observed in the OB of non‐transected larvae are again present after 7 weeks of recovery. Next, we show that characteristic odour‐guided behaviour disappears after ON transection but recovers after 7–9 weeks of recovery. Together, our findings demonstrate that the olfactory system of larval X. laevis regenerates with high accuracy after ON transection, leading to the recovery of odour‐guided behaviour.
The effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation over dorsal premotor cortex on primary motor cortex plasticity in young and older adults
Authors: Liao Wei‐Yeh , Opie George M. , Ziemann Ulf , Semmler John G.
Published: May 2024

Previous transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) research suggests that the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) influences neuroplasticity within the primary motor cortex (M1) through indirect (I) wave interneuronal circuits. However, it is unclear how the influence of PMd on the plasticity of M1 I‐waves changes with advancing age. This study therefore investigated the neuroplastic effects of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) to M1 early and late I‐wave circuits when preceded by iTBS (PMd iTBS‐M1 iTBS) or sham stimulation (PMd sham‐M1 iTBS) to PMd in 15 young and 16 older adults. M1 excitability was assessed with motor evoked potentials (MEP) recorded from the right first dorsal interosseous using posterior–anterior (PA) and anterior–posterior (AP) current TMS at standard stimulation intensities (PA1mV, AP1mV) and reduced stimulation intensities (PA0.5mV, early I‐waves; AP0.5mV, late I‐waves). PMd iTBS‐M1 iTBS lowered the expected facilitation of PA0.5mV (to M1 iTBS) in young and older adults (P = 0.009), whereas the intervention had no effect on AP0.5mV facilitation in either group (P = 0.305). The modulation of PA0.5mV following PMd iTBS‐M1 iTBS may reflect a specific influence of PMd on different I‐wave circuits that are involved in M1 plasticity within young and older adults.
Involvement of the contralateral hippocampus in ictal‐like but not interictal epileptic activities in the kainate mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Padmasola Guru Prasad , Friscourt Fabien , Rigoni Isotta , Vulliémoz Serge , Schaller Karl , Michel Christoph M. , Sheybani Laurent , Quairiaux Charles
Published: May 2024

Objective

Animal and human studies have shown that the seizure‐generating region is vastly dependent on distant neuronal hubs that can decrease duration and propagation of ongoing seizures. However, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the impact of distant brain areas on specific interictal and ictal epileptic activities (e.g., isolated spikes, spike trains, seizures). Such knowledge is critically needed, because all kinds of epileptic activities are not equivalent in terms of clinical expression and impact on the progression of the disease.

Methods

We used surface high‐density electroencephalography and multisite intracortical recordings, combined with pharmacological silencing of specific brain regions in the well‐known kainate mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. We tested the impact of selective regional silencing on the generation of epileptic activities within a continuum ranging from very transient to more sustained and long‐lasting discharges reminiscent of seizures.

Results

Silencing the contralateral hippocampus completely suppresses sustained ictal activities in the focus, as efficiently as silencing the focus itself, but whereas focus silencing abolishes all focus activities, contralateral silencing fails to control transient spikes. In parallel, we observed that sustained focus epileptiform discharges in the focus are preceded by contralateral firing and more strongly phase‐locked to bihippocampal delta/theta oscillations than transient spiking activities, reinforcing the presumed dominant role of the contralateral hippocampus in promoting long‐lasting, but not transient, epileptic activities.

Significance

Altogether, our work provides suggestive evidence that the contralateral hippocampus is necessary for the interictal to ictal state transition and proposes that crosstalk between contralateral neuronal activity and ipsilateral delta/theta oscillation could be a candidate mechanism underlying the progression from short‐ to long‐lasting epileptic activities.
Mixed mode I/II and I/III fracture toughness investigation for preplaced aggregate concrete mixtures: Experimental study and theoretical prediction
Authors: Raeisi Roya , Rezaie Freydoon , Aliha M. R. M.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, mixed mode I/II and I/III fracture toughness of preplaced aggregate concrete was studied using an edge‐notched disc bend specimen. The results showed the dependency of the fracture toughness value on the mode mixity. The values of modes I, II, and III fracture toughness were obtained to be equal to
,
, and
, respectively. Several theoretical fracture criteria were examined for predicting the trends of experimental data in the tested preplaced aggregate concrete material. The 3D averaged strain energy density criteria provided the best predictions for the KIIIc/KIc ratio. Mixed mode I/III fracture toughness data were between the predicted envelopes of the maximum tensile stress and 3D maximum tangential strain theories. The generalized maximum tangential stress criterion provided accurate predictions for pure mode II and mixed mode I/II fracture data among the investigated mixed mode fracture criteria. By comparing the preplaced aggregate concrete fracture results with those of other types of concrete, it is observed that preplaced aggregate concrete has acceptable and in‐the‐range fracture resistance.
Clinical HIV outcome trajectories associated with a history of child protective service out‐of‐home care: Longitudinal cohort findings with women living with HIV in Canada
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Sokolovic Nina , Casale Andrea , Ndung'u Mary , Kennedy V. Logan , Underhill Angela , Fallon Barbara , Cardinal Claudette , Webster Kathleen , Cotnam Jasmine , Kaida Angela , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Loutfy Mona
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Knowledge gaps exist regarding the effects of experiencing child protective services (CPS) out‐of‐home care (e.g. foster homes) among women with HIV. We examined whether CPS out‐of‐home care was associated with HIV clinical outcome trajectories among women with HIV in a longitudinal cohort study in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, Canada.

Methods

At three timepoints across 5 years (2013–2018), we examined self‐reported current antiretroviral therapy (ART) use and viral load (VL) detectability (>50 copies/mL). We used latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to identify trajectories of ART use and VL outcomes across study waves. LCGA identifies subgroups (classes) with similar trajectories within the sample. We assessed whether HIV outcome trajectories could be predicted by CPS history. We then conducted a mediation analysis to test whether a mental health latent construct mediated the association between CPS history and detectable VL.

Results

Nearly one‐fifth (n = 272; 19%) of participants (n = 1422; mean age 42.8 years) reported CPS out‐of‐home care. Most participants (89%) were in classes that consistently used ART and had an undetectable VL. Individuals with CPS out‐of‐home care histories were twice as likely to have a consistently detectable VL (β = 0.72, p = 0.02); there were no differences in ART use trajectories. In mediation analyses, we found an indirect path from CPS history to a consistently detectable VL via baseline mental health status (β = 0.02, 95% confidence interval 0.005–0.04, p = 0.02), with a significant odds ratio (1.12, z = 2.43, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Among women with HIV in Canada, experiencing childhood CPS out‐of‐home care was associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving viral suppression, via poorer mental health.
Beyond mixed embeddedness: Multilevel personal networks of migrant entrepreneurs in Naples and Manchester
Authors: Fraudatario Maria Camilla , Giordano Giuseppe , Zaccaria Anna Maria
Published: May 2024

This article analyses immigrant entrepreneurship in different urban contexts and recognizes its significant impact on the economic and sociocultural development of cities. Immigrant entrepreneurs are often concentrated in neighbourhoods and promote diversified economic activities. The mixed embeddedness (ME) framework highlights the complex interplay of contextual, economic and institutional factors that shape immigrant entrepreneurship. As a source of social capital, entrepreneurial networks provide access to resources and opportunities. Despite all progress, the systematic analysis and quantification of embeddedness among immigrant entrepreneurs remains a challenge. This article aims to understand how different urban contexts shape various entrepreneurial strategies by quantifying forms of embeddedness. To pursue this goal, we examined the entrepreneurial strategies of Sri Lankans in Rione Sanità (Naples, Italy) and Pakistani entrepreneurs in Rusholme (Manchester, United Kingdom). By using social network analysis, this article reveals distinct forms of embeddedness and how the characteristics of urban contexts and groups simultaneously help define differences in entrepreneurial strategies.