bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of in-hospital Mortality of Intensive Care Unit Patients with Acute Pancreatitis Based on an Explainable Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Ren Wensen , Zou Kang , Huang Shu , Xu Huan , Zhang Wei , Shi Xiaomin , Shi Lei , Zhong Xiaolin , Peng Yan , Tang Xiaowei , Lü Muhan
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim:

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is potentially fatal. Therefore, early identification of patients at a high mortality risk and timely intervention are essential. This study aimed to establish an explainable machine-learning model for predicting in-hospital mortality of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with AP.

Methods:

Data on patients with AP, including demographics, vital signs, laboratory tests, comorbidities, treatment, complication, and severity scores, were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) and the eICU collaborative research database (eICU-CRD). Based on the data from MIMIC-IV, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm to select variables and then established 9 machine-learning models and screened the optimal model. Data from the eICU-CRD were used for external validation. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, decision curve, and calibration plots were used to assess the models’ efficacy. Shapley’s additive explanation values were used to explain the model.

Results:

Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB) model had the best performance on the data from MIMIC-IV, with an AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.840, 0.787, 0.839, and 0.792, respectively. The GNB model also performed well on the data from the eICU-CRD, with an AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.862, 0.833, 0.848, and 0.763, respectively. According to Shapley’s additive explanation values, the top 4 predictive factors were maximum red cell distribution width, minimum saturation of blood oxygen, maximum blood urea nitrogen, and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score.

Conclusion:

The GNB model demonstrated excellent performance and generalizability in predicting mortality in ICU patients with AP. Therefore, it can identify patients at a high mortality risk.
A Review of Helicobacter pylori Diagnostics in Africa
Authors: Archampong Timothy , Tachi Kenneth , Duah Amoako
Published: September 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)is endemic in Africa with a prevalence estimate of 79.1%. In addition, there is a significant community burden of dyspepsia in Africa, similar to other western countries. However, the majority of infected persons do not manifest the disease. In Africa, for instance, peptic ulcer disease is prevalent, whereas gastric cancer has reportedly low incidence. Therefore, it is important that testing is focused, targeting individuals most likely to benefit from treatment. In Africa, there are currently no guidelines forH. pyloritesting and treatment. Empirical treatment is common due to variable access to diagnostics and health care. To assess the spectrum ofH. pyloritesting in Africa, we performed a literature search in PubMed over the past 10 years, 2013 to 2023. Histology was the most widely used modality in 16 out of 18 countries. Capacity for culture was shown in 11 studies, importantly across regions of Africa.H. pyloriserology was demonstrated in 8 countries, although it has limited sensitivity in identifying active infection.H. pyloritest-and-treat strategy has been shown to be cost-effective. Particularly in a region with high antibiotic resistance, adopting this strategy ensures that only confirmed positive patients are treated. Furthermore, test-of-cure ought to be mandatory to guide future therapies. Health authorities can leverage polymerase chain reaction facilities, left behind by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, to make molecular susceptibility testing available in the near future. A systematic approach to testing incorporating indication for endoscopy and medication use is recommended.
Development and validation of a Python 3 based software to calculate mean platelet survival time by multiple-hit method
Authors: Miñana Olmo Elena , Chivato Martín-Falquina Tomás
Published: September 2023

Platelet kinetic parameters predict the efficiency of splenectomy in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. The multiple hit model is recommended to calculate the mean platelet survival time. This method involves complex formulae and iterative calculations that need specialized software, but currently available programs present some drawbacks. A new optimized solution is proposed. A Python 3 based computer program was developed in order to perform the multiple-hit model calculations. Validation was done by comparing its results to two additional programs, one using the Microsoft Excel solver add-in and the other fitting the curve by brute force. There was no difference in the results obtained by the three programs. The brute force program however took much longer times to achieve the results. The new program proved to be a fast, robust solution to determine the multiple-hit parameters needed to assess platelet kinetics.
Changes in pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, and pain self-efficacy mediate changes in pain intensity on disability in the treatment of chronic low back pain
Authors: Ryum Truls , Stiles Tore C.
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) based on the fear-avoidance model (FAM) has received support in randomized controlled trials, but few studies have examined treatment processes associated with treatment outcome. This study examined changes in pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs, and pain self-efficacy as mediators of the relation between changes in pain intensity and disability in exposure-based treatment of CLBP.

Methods:

Data from a randomized controlled trial with 2 treatment arms (exposure treatment based on the FAM with/without in-session exposure) was pooled, including only participants with complete data (N = 69). Change scores (pre to booster session) were computed for all variables, and the indirect effect of change in pain intensity on change in 3 measures of disability, through change in the proposed mediators, was tested in parallel mediation analyses.

Results:

Decreases in pain catastrophizing and fear-avoidance beliefs, as well as increases in pain self-efficacy, mediated a unique proportion of the relation between changes in pain intensity and disability, depending on the outcome measure. The direct relation between changes in pain intensity and disability was absent when indirect effects were controlled.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that the way pain is interpreted (pain catastrophizing, fear-avoidance beliefs), as well as pain self-efficacy, are all more critical for reducing disability in exposure-based treatment of CLBP than symptom relief per se.
Outcomes of Immediate Multistaged Abdominal Wall Reconstruction of Infected Mesh
Authors: Alimi Yewande , Deldar Romina , Sosin Michael , Lofthus Alexander , Nijhar Kieranjeet , Bartholomew Alex J. , Fan Kenneth L. , Bhanot Parag
Published: September 2023

Background

Mesh infection is one of the most devastating complications after ventral hernia repair. To date, no clear consensus exists on the optimal timing of definitive abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) after excision of infected mesh. We evaluated outcomes of immediate multistaged AWR in patients with mesh infection.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients with mesh infection who underwent immediate, multistaged AWR, which consisted of exploratory laparotomy with debridement and mesh explantation, followed by definitive AWR during the same admission. Primary outcomes included hernia recurrence and surgical site occurrences, defined as wound dehiscence, surgical site infection, hematoma, and seroma.

Results

Forty-seven patients with infected mesh were identified. At mean follow-up of 9.5 months, 5 patients (10.6%) experienced hernia recurrence. Higher body mass index (P = 0.006), bridge repair (P = 0.035), and postoperative surgical site infection (P = 0.005) were associated with hernia recurrence.

Conclusion

Immediate multistaged AWR is an effective surgical approach in patients with infected mesh.
A Comparative Study of Titanium Cranioplasty for Extensive Calvarial Bone Defects
Authors: Kim Young Chul , Lee Seok Joon , Woo Soo Hyun , Yang Sook , Choi Jong Woo
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study compared the complications and symmetry outcomes between 3-dimensionally printed titanium implants and premolded titanium mesh in patients with extensive calvarial bone defects.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included patients with calvarial defects >50 cm2 undergoing cranioplasty who received either a 3-dimensionally printed titanium implant manufactured by selective laser melting techniques (N = 12) or a premolded titanium mesh customized onto a 3-dimensionally printed skull template (N = 23). Complications including intracranial infection, hardware extrusion, wound dehiscence, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks were investigated. Predictive factors affecting complications were investigated to identify the odds ratios in univariate and multivariate analyses. The symmetry was assessed by calculating the root mean square deviation, which showed the morphological deviation of the selected area compared with the mirrored image of the contralateral region.

Results

The overall complication rate was 26.1% (6/23 patients) in the premolded titanium group and 16.7% (2/12 patients) in the 3-dimensionally printed group. The reoperation rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (3-dimensionally printed group, 16.7%, versus premolded group, 21.7%). In multivariate analysis, only the number of previous cranial operation was significantly associated with the complication rate (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.037–5.649; P = 0.041). The mean ± SD of the root mean square deviation was significantly smaller in the 3-dimensionally printed group (2.58 ± 0.93 versus 4.82 ± 1.31 mm, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The 3-dimensionally printed titanium implant manufactured by the selective laser melting technique showed comparable stability and improved symmetry outcomes compared with the conventional titanium mesh in the reconstruction of extensive calvarial defects.
Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Immediate Breast Reconstruction Access
Authors: Raman Karanvir S. , Ninomiya Maya Morton , Bovill Esta S. , Doherty Christopher , Macadam Sheina A. , Van Laeken Nancy , Isaac Kathryn V.
Published: September 2023

Aims

As a result of COVID-19, there have been restrictions on surgical interventions across Canada. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR), while an essential component of cancer care, is classified as elective surgery and therefore has been restricted in access over the course of the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to compare wait times for breast cancer patients undergoing surgical intervention for IBR before and since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of consecutive patients who underwent IBR between July 2018 and October 2021 by 5 plastic surgeons at a single Canadian health center. Wait times to consultation and surgical intervention between pre- and post-COVID cohorts were analyzed.

Results

A total of 161 patients met inclusion criteria. For ablative surgery, there was no difference in wait times to surgical oncology consultation (14.0 ± 12.3 vs 14.0 ± 11.0 days, P = 0.991) and surgical intervention with IBR (41.0 ± 49.8 vs 35.0 ± 58.0 days, P = 0.621) between the pre- and post-COVID cohorts. For breast reconstruction, while time to consultation with plastic surgery (12.5 ± 14.8 vs 11.0 ± 12.8 days, P = 0.775) remained unchanged, usage of autologous techniques was reduced [n = 13 (16%) vs n = 2 (2%), P = 0.006], and time to second-stage alloplastic reconstruction increased (230 ± 102 vs 325 ± 224 days, P = 0.044) post-COVID.

Conclusions

Swift adoption of evidence driven protocols has resulted in comparable wait times for breast cancer ablative procedures. However, utilization of autologous techniques and wait times to second-stage reconstructions have increased.
Topologically associating domains can arise from stochastic folding of heterogeneous fluidlike chromatin
Authors: Meng Luming , Sheong Fu Kit , Luo Qiong
Published: September 2023

Topologically associating domains (TADs) are critical for gene regulation. Current views attribute TAD formation to cohesin-mediated extrusion and ignore the role of physical properties ofin vivochromatin. Here, we demonstrate that the two universal properties: chromatin fluidlike behavior and heterogeneity in DNA-packing density along chromatin, can drive TAD formation. We use DNA-accessibility data to parameterize DNA-packing density along chromatin and simulate stochastic folding of the heterogeneous chromatin in nucleus to yield a conformation ensemble. Such an ensemble can be cross-validated by Hi-C and FISH data. Furthermore, the stochastic folding model allowsde novoprediction of the establishment and disappearance of key TADs during early T cell differentiation. Together, our work demonstrates that the intrinsic stochastic folding of fluidlike chromatin leads to the prevalence of TAD-like domains in single cells and their cell-to-cell variation, while the heterogeneity in DNA-packing density along chromatin mediates the emergence of TADs at ensemble-averaged level.

In brief

A study based on polymer simulation reveals that the two universal physical properties ofin vivochromatin fiber: chromatin fluidlike behavior and heterogeneity in DNA-packing density along chromatin play a vital role in TAD formation.

Highlights

Intrinsic stochastic folding of fluidlike chromatin in nuclear space underlies the prevalence of TAD-like domains in single cells and their cell-to-cell variation

Heterogeneity in DNA-packing density along chromatin causes the emergence of TADs at ensemble-averaged level

The disappearance and establishment of key TADs during early T cell differentiation can occur through a stochastic folding process alone, without the need of any cohesin-mediated chromatin extrusion

The stochastic folding model applies to diverse cell types and is thus able tode novopredict the dynamics of genome organization over time
Evolutionary prediction for new echolocators
Authors: Liu Qi , Hua Qin-Yang , Sun Rui , He Shui-Wang , Li Meng-Cheng , Shi Lu-Ye , Chen Peng , Ma Yuan-Shuo , Zhang Qin , Jiang Xue-Long , Wang Yong , Shi Peng
Published: September 2023

It was suggested over 60 years ago that echolocation is widespread in animals. Although echolocation has been found to evolve independently in several mammalian lineages, this hypothesis remains largely untested due to the difficulty of determining the presence of echolocation. To address this issue, we combined molecular convergence analyses from 190 high-quality mammalian genomes with machine learning to predict potential new mammalian echolocators. Our model predicted three promising lineages of echolocating mammals. Behavioral experiments confirmed that the gracile shrew mole (Uropsilus gracilis), the highest- ranking species among predicted echolocators, as well as almost all shrew moles (Uropsilinae), are capable of echolocation through the use of ultrasonic pulses. In contrast to most bats that use laryngeal echolocation, the characteristics of calls, the morphology of the stylohyal bone, and the results of tongue ligation experiments all suggest that shrew moles produce ultrasonic clicks with their tongues for echolocation. Finally, we estimated at least 20% of all living mammalian orders with echolocation ability, thus empirically supporting Griffin’s hypothesis that echolocation is widespread among animals. Our findings not only provide evidence that three novel lineages of echolocating mammals, but also demonstrate that phylogenetically replicated phenotypes can be predicted through genetic convergence.

One sentence summary

Shrew moles are capable of echolocation.
Visual Artificial Grammar Learning Across One Year in 7-Year-Olds and Adults
Authors: Schönberger Daniela K. , Bruns Patrick , Röder Brigitte
Published: September 2023

Acquiring sequential information is of utmost importance, e.g., for language acquisition in children. Yet, the long-term storage of statistical learning in children is poorly understood. To address this question, 27 seven-year-olds and 28 young adults completed four sessions of visual sequence learning (Year 1). From this sample, 16 seven-year-olds and 20 young adults participated in another four equivalent sessions after a 12-month-delay (Year 2). The first three sessions of each year used stimulus set-1, while the last session used stimulus set-2 to investigate transfer effects. Each session consisted of alternating learning and test phases in a modified artificial grammar learning task. In Year 1, seven-year-olds and adults learned the regularities and showed transfer to stimulus set-2. Both groups retained their final performance level over the one-year-period. In Year 2, children and adults continued to improve with stimulus set-1, but did not show additional transfer gains. Adults overall outperformed children, but transfer effects were indistinguishable between both groups. The present results suggest that long-term memory traces are formed from repeated sequence learning which can be used to generalize sequence rules to new visual input. However, the present study did not provide evidence for a childhood advantage in learning and remembering sequence rules.
Clinical outcomes and survival of individuals with methylmalonic acidemia, propionic acidemia, classic homocystinuria, and remethylation disorders identified through newborn screening
Authors: Reischl-Hajiabadi Anna T. , Schnabel Elena , Gleich Florian , Mengler Katharina , Lindner Martin , Burgard Peter , Posset Roland , Lommer-Steinhoff Svenja , Grünert Sarah C. , Thimm Eva , Freisinger Peter , Hennermann Julia B. , Krämer Johannes , Gramer Gwendolyn , Lenz Dominic , Christ Stine , Hörster Friederike , Hoffmann Georg F. , Garbade Sven F. , Kölker Stefan , Mütze Ulrike
Published: September 2023

The current German newborn screening (NBS) panel includes 13 inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs). In addition, the NBS pilot study in Southwest Germany identifies individuals with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), propionic acidemia (PA), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) deficiency, remethylation disorders [e.g. cobalamin (cbl) C and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency], and neonatal cbl deficiency through a combined second-tier algorithm. The long-term health benefits of screened individuals are evaluated in a prospective multicenter observational study.

Twenty-seven individuals with IMDs [MMA (N=6), PA (N=13), cblC deficiency (N=5), MTHFR deficiency (N=2) and CBS deficiency (N=1)] and 42 with neonatal cbl deficiency were identified by the NBS pilot study and followed for a median of 3.6 years. Seventeen IMD patients (63%) experienced at least one metabolic decompensation, 14 of them neonatally and six even before the NBS report (cbl-nonresponsive MMA, PA). Three PA patients died despite NBS and immediate treatment. Fifteen individuals (79%) with MMA or PA and all with cblC deficiency presented with permanent, mostly neurological symptoms, while individuals with CBS, MTHFR and neonatal cbl deficiency had a favorable outcome.

Utilizing a combined second-tier algorithm we demonstrate that NBS and specialized metabolic care result in substantial benefits for individuals with CBS deficiency, MTHFR deficiency, neonatal cbl deficiency, and to some extent, cblC deficiency and cbl-responsive MMA. However, its advantage is less evident for individuals with cbl-nonresponsive MMA and PA.
Stakeholder collaboration in the forecast-informed reservoir operations (FIRO) pilot project at Lake Mendocino, California
Authors: Galaitsi S.E. , Rand Krista , Yeates Elissa , Talbot Cary , O'Donnell Arleen , Pinigina Elizaveta , Linkov Igor
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Water is a critical and contentious resource in California, hence any changes in reservoir management requires coordination among many basin stakeholders. The Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) pilot project at Lake Mendocino, California explored the viability of using weather forecasts to alter the operations of a United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reservoir. The pilot project demonstrated FIRO's ability to improve water supply reliability, but also revealed the key role of a collaborative Steering Committee. Because Lake Mendocino's Viability Assessment did not explore the features of the Steering Committee, this study aims to examine the relationships and interactions between Steering Committee members that supported FIRO's implementation at Lake Mendocino.

Design/methodology/approach

The project identified 17 key project participants who spoke at a FIRO workshop or emerged through chain-referrals. Using semi-structured interviews with these participants, the project examined the dynamics of human interactions that enabled the successful multi-institutional and multi-criteria innovation as analyzed through text-coding.

Findings

The results reveal the importance for FIRO Steering Committee members to understand the limitations and constraints of stakeholder counterparts at other organizations, the importance of building and safeguarding relationships, and the role of trust and belonging between members. The lessons learned suggest several interventions to support successful group collaboration dynamics for future FIRO projects.

Originality/value

This study identifies features of the Steering Committee that contributed to FIRO's success by supporting collaborative negotiations of infrastructure operations within a multi-institutional and multi-criteria context.
Exploring the potential of blockchain adoption for promoting value innovation: a case of the halal industry
Authors: Purusottama Ambara , Sunitiyoso Yos , Simatupang Togar Mangihut
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Blockchain technology has encouraged more transparent transactions process through decentralized protocols and has identified multi-dimensional benefits. However, value innovation–based blockchain for the particular industry requires further elaboration since there appears to be a vague understanding. Therefore, this study aims to provide a profound perspective of value innovation based blockchain, which has the potential to be applied in the halal industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a typology model that describes a profound understanding of blockchain adoption for value innovation. Empirical research was conducted using multiple case studies to justify the model. The case selection in this study was based on the halal industry in Indonesia. This study employed few sources to derive sufficient data through in-depth interviews, direct observations, and archival records. In particular, this study drew upon specific theories to elaborate on the blockchain-enable value innovation.

Findings

A blockchain is identified as having the opportunity to promote value innovation in the halal industry through its features. This study defines a typology model of value innovation-based blockchain for the halal industry that takes place on a particular spectrum. The model built in this study classifies blockchain adoption for the halal industry from specific dimensions: the degree of blockchain-based system complexity and the intensity of value innovation. Then, this study finds that these cases have different classifications and are evenly distributed in the quadrants of the model.

Originality/value

The typology model in this study can be a reference for decision-making when considering blockchain to leverage a value innovation in particular systems. Although blockchain technology can potentially be applied in vast areas, the decision-makers should understand that technology adoption should provide distinct values to its stakeholders, notably in multi-dimensional areas such as the halal industry. Thus, this study contributes significantly to blockchain technology usage for the halal industry.
Influencing air force logisticians' information seeking during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of organizational meetings in an expanded PRISM framework
Authors: Roberts Matthew D. , Price Christopher T. , Joo Seong-Jong
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This research aims to understand how organizational workplace meetings surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic impacted logistics Airmen across the United States Air Force and how these meetings impacted their risk seeking behavior on social media.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey research tested an extended Planned Risk Information Risk Seeking Model (PRISM) with organizational meetings as an antecedent to determine if current meetings influenced an Airman's perceived behavioral control, attitude toward seeking, subjective norms, knowledge sufficiency and intention to seek information regarding COVID-19.

Findings

Results of the CFA showed that the expanded PRISM model had good model fit. Additionally, using a custom dialog PROCESS macro in SPSS, it was found that perceptions of existing meetings were directly, positively related to attitude toward seeking, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, and indirectly related to knowledge sufficiency threshold and information seeking. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Originality/value

This research adds to the limited body of knowledge of crisis communication and effectively expands the PRISM model to include an antecedent that helps explain information seeking during times of uncertainty.
The moderating effect of environmental uncertainty on the relationship between budgetary participation and budget quality
Authors: Hassan Ali Falaah , Basiruddin Rohaida
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of budgetary participation on budget quality on top of the moderating role of environmental uncertainty on the said relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives of the current study were achieved through a survey conducted in 15 Iraqi states. Each state contains several municipalities. In total, 180 survey forms were disseminated to the heads of the municipalities, where ultimately 155 questionnaires proceeded to the data analysis stage. In this stage, statistical package for social sciences, analysis of moment structure and structural equation modelling were used to solve the research problem and achieve the objectives.

Findings

Through the results of the statistical analysis, this study concluded the significant and positive effect of budgetary participation on budget quality. In addition, the study confirmed the moderating role of environmental uncertainty in weakening the positive relationship between budgetary participation and budget quality.

Originality/value

The findings can be used to encourage municipal institutions and local governments to expand on the factor of employee participation in affecting the process of budget determination, hence mitigating budget failure.
Resource-based view theory perspective of information technology capabilities on organizational performance in hospitality firms: a time-lagged investigation
Authors: Mehmood Khalid , Zia Adil , Alkatheeri Haseena Bader , Jabeen Fauzia , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the link between information technology capabilities (ITC) and organizational performance (OP) in the hospitality industry by focusing on the indirect effect of sustainability practices, service innovation (SINO), service improvement (SIMP) and the moderating role of top management support (TMS).

Design/methodology/approach

Time-lagged survey data from 488 hotel managers in the United Arab Emirates was used in this study to examine the hypotheses by the PROCESS Macro.

Findings

The authors found significant support for our framework, demonstrating that ITC are linked with OP. The study found that ITC and OP are sequentially mediated by sustainability practices, SINO and SIMP. Additionally, the influence of information technology (IT) capabilities on OP is moderated by TMS, whereas TMS also enhances the sequential mediating effect of sustainability practices, SINO and improvement, such that the sequential mediating effect is stronger when TMS is at a high level.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the sequentially moderated mediating effect of sustainability practices and then SINO and SIMP between ITC and OP using a time-lagged design in the hospitality industry.
Examining the efficiency of stock markets using multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis. Empirical evidence from OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries during the GFC and COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rehan Muhammad , Gül Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the efficient market hypothesis (EMH) for the stock markets of 12 member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), such as Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), during the global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 (CV-19) epidemic. The objective was to classify the effects on individual indices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) on daily returns. After calculation and analysis, the data were then divided into two significant events: the GFC and the CV-19 pandemic. Additionally, the market deficiency measure (MDM) was utilized to assess and rank market efficiency.

Findings

The findings indicate that the average returns series exhibited persistent and non-persistent patterns during the GFC and the CV-19 pandemic, respectively. The study employed MF-DFA to analyze the sequence of normal returns. The results suggest that the average returns series displayed persistent and non-persistent patterns during the GFC and the CV-19 pandemic, respectively. Furthermore, all markets demonstrated efficiency during the two crisis periods, with Turkey and Tunisia exhibiting the highest and deepest levels of efficiency, respectively. The multifractal properties were influenced by long-range correlations and fat-tailed distributions, with the latter being the primary contributor. Moreover, the impact of the fat-tailed distribution on multifractality was found to be more pronounced for indices with lower market efficiency. In conclusion, this study categorizes indices with low market efficiency during both crisis periods, which subsequently affect the distribution of assets among shareholders in the stock markets of OIC member countries.

Practical implications

Multifractal patterns, especially the long memory property observed in stock markets, can assist investors in formulating profitable investment strategies. Additionally, this study will contribute to a better understanding of market trends during similar events should they occur in the future.

Originality/value

This research marks the initial effort to assess the impact of the GFC and the CV19 pandemic on the efficiency of stock markets in OIC countries. This undertaking is of paramount importance due to the potential destabilizing and harmful effects of these events on global financial markets and societal well-being. Furthermore, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study represents the first investigation utilizing the MFDFA method to analyze the primary stock markets of OIC countries, encompassing both the GFC and CV19 crises.
Revised guidelines for sustainability reporting: readability and assurance
Authors: Bakry Ahmed Elsayed Awad , Azhar Zubir , Kishan K.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In 2015, Bursa Malaysia Berhad (BMB) issued the first edition of the Sustainability Reporting Guide (SRG 1.0) to aid Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs) in preparing corporate social responsibility reporting (CSRR). After receiving users' commentaries, BMB issued the second edition of SRG (SRG 2.0) in 2018. Given the major amendments in CSRR regulatory guidelines, there is a need to analyze the readability of CSRR in light of the new guide and to investigate the combined effects of SRG 2.0 and the assurance of CSR information on the readability of CSRR.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs two readability indices to compare the readability of CSRR ex-ante and ex-post the implementation of SRG 2.0 across a sample of Malaysian PLCs that maintained their market capitalization among the top 100 companies.

Findings

The practical findings of the multivariate regression revealed that the readability of CSRR is reduced after the introduction of SRG 2.0. Meanwhile, the readability of CSRR is positively influenced by combining the effect of SRG 2.0 and CSRR assurance.

Practical implications

This study provides empirical evidence that the amendment to CSRR has made CSR reports more challenging to read and thus reduces their communicative value. Therefore, in their quest to mandate more CSRR information from companies, regulators might need to consider advocating that such data is reported in a readable manner. This study also shows the influential role of CSR information assurance in enhancing the readability of CSRR.

Originality/value

This study helps assess the readability of CSRR among Malaysian companies after the adoption of SRG 2.0. It also contributes to the literature on CSRR, as the readability of such reporting within the context of Malaysia has not been widely examined in previous studies.
Factors influencing the intention to use co-working spaces in emerging markets: an analytic hierarchy process approach
Authors: Girija Smitha , Sharma Devika Rani , Yeediballi Thorani , Sriramneni Chudamani
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Co-working spaces bundle all real estate services into a package and leverage shared economy trend to create new opportunities for growth. This sector is anticipated to expand significantly due to changes in mobility and office design driven by the development of remote or hybrid work settings. The current study attempts to identify key motivating factors for users in emerging economies in choosing co-working spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methodology and the self-determination theory framework, a total of 4 criteria-level factors, along with 13 sub-criteria level factors were identified as key motivators for adapting to co-working spaces.

Findings

The study highlights a few factors and their relative importance, which could help firms/organizations to start or offer co-working spaces within emerging economies.

Originality/value

The study contributes to literature by advancing the understanding of key motivators for users of co-working spaces within the ambits of emerging economies. In the process, the authors enlist a few factors vis-à-vis their relative importance, which could help firms/organizations to start or offer co-working spaces within emerging markets.
National culture has an impact on antecedents of engagement. Or does it?
Authors: Weeratunga Vindhya , Blackman Deborah , Buick Fiona , Cotton Anthony
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the applicability of employee engagement theories in a South Asian country, Sri Lanka, and determine whether engagement theories are universally applicable beyond the Western countries in which they have been developed and tested.

Design/methodology/approach

A heterogeneous sample of 451 private-sector employees in Sri Lanka was used. A mixed-method design was adopted; quantitative findings were compared with previous studies conducted in Western countries, and qualitative findings enabled a more nuanced understanding of employee engagement in the Sri Lankan context.

Findings

Despite cultural differences between Sri Lanka and Western countries, the antecedents of engagement did not manifest differently in a consistent way. Combined results suggest that the different manifestations of engagement in Sri Lanka cannot be attributed solely to cultural variance.

Research limitations/implications

The authors used cross-sectional data and tested only four antecedents of engagement.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of multinational organisations' awareness of how employee engagement manifests across different contexts and going beyond cultural adaptation when developing context-specific engagement strategies.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies on an Asian country to examine whether cultural differences impact the antecedents of engagement to empirically test Kahn's (1990) theory of engagement and the motivational process of the job demands-resources theory in a single study and to use a heterogeneous sample and mixed-methods design. The authors challenge the centrality of national culture as a determinant of employee engagement and highlight the importance of considering other contextual factors when examining employee engagement in different countries.
Mesoscale oceanographic meanders influence protist community function and structure in the southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Sturm Daniela , de Vries Joost , Balch William M. , Wheeler Glen , Brownlee Colin
Published: September 2023

The interface between the nutrient‐rich Southern Ocean and oligotrophic Indian Ocean creates unique environmental conditions that can strongly influence biological processes. We investigated protist communities across a mesoscale meander of the Subtropical Front within the Southern Indian Ocean. 18S V9 rDNA metabarcoding suggests a diverse protist community in which the dinoflagellates and parasitic Syndiniales were abundant. Diversity was highest in frontal waters of the mesoscale meander, with differences in community structure inside and outside the meander. While the overall community was dominated by mixotrophic taxa, the frontal boundary of the meander had increased abundances of heterotrophic taxa, with potential implications for net atmospheric CO2 drawdown. Pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) fluorimetry revealed significant differences in the photophysiology of phytoplankton communities inside and outside the meander. By using single‐cell PAM microscopy, we identified physiological differences between dinoflagellate and coccolithophore taxa, which may have contributed to changes in photophysiology observed at community level. Overall, our results demonstrate that frontal areas have a strong impact on the composition of protist communities in the Southern Ocean with important implications for understanding biological processes in this region.
Chlorinated water as a source of chlorate contamination in farm bulk milk
Authors: Twomey Lorna , Furey Ambrose , O'Brien Bernadette , Beresford Tom , Gleeson David
Published: September 2023

The potential for chlorinated water to cause chlorate contamination of milk was evaluated at both laboratory and field level. It was found that for such contamination to occur, direct contact of water and milk was necessary. To minimise the opportunity for chlorinated water to cause chlorate contamination of milk, it is vital to ensure that milk handling equipment is engineered to provide for proper drainage of water and that all necessary steps are taken to prevent the adulteration of milk with water.
Analysts’ Earnings per Share Forecasts: The Effects of Forecast Uncertainty and Forecast Precision on Investor Judgements
Authors: Goh Clarence
Published: September 2023

This study uses controlled experiments to investigate the joint effects of forecast uncertainty and forecast precision on investor judgements. It finds that forecast precision moderates the effects of forecast uncertainty on investors’ forecast reliability judgements such that the effects of forecast uncertainty on investors’ judgements of forecast reliability are more negative when an analyst's point earnings per share (EPS) forecast is rounded than when it is precise. In addition, the relationship between forecast precision and investors’ judgements of forecast reliability is mediated by investors’ perceptions of forecast attributes. The evidence also suggests that while forecast uncertainty exerts a negative effect on investment judgements, forecast precision does not play a role in mitigating these negative effects. Using a supplementary within‐participants experiment, the study further finds that investors may not be consciously aware of how forecast precision influences their judgements of forecast reliability.
IL‐21‐IgFc immunotherapy alters transcriptional landscape of lymph node cells leading to enhanced flu vaccine response in aging and SIV infection
Authors: Pallikkuth Suresh , Kvistad Daniel , Sirupangi Tirupataiah , Kizhner Alexander , Pahwa Rajendra , Cameron Mark J. , Richardson Brian , Williams Sion , Ayupe Ana , Brooks Marissa , Petrovas Constantinos , Villinger Francois , Pahwa Savita
Published: September 2023

Aging people living with HIV (PWH) frequently manifest impaired antibody (Ab) responses to seasonal flu vaccination which has been attributed to ongoing inflammation and immune activation. We have recently reported a similar scenario in old simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infected rhesus macaques (RM) with controlled viremia and have been able to compensate for this deficiency by immunotherapy with interleukin (IL)‐21‐IgFc. To understand the underlying mechanisms of IL‐21‐induced immunomodulation leading to enhanced flu vaccine response in aging and SIV, we have investigated draining lymph node (LN) cells of IL‐21‐treated and ‐untreated animals at postvaccination. We observed IL‐21‐induced proliferation of flu‐specific LN memory CD4 T cells, expansion of B cells expressing IL‐21 receptor (IL‐21R), and modest expansion of T follicular helper cells (Tfh) co‐expressing T‐cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) and DNAX accessory molecule (DNAM‐1). Transcriptional analysis of LN cells of IL‐21‐treated animals revealed significant inhibition of germinal center (GC) Tfh and B‐cell interferon signaling pathways along with enhanced B‐cell development and antigen presentation pathways. We conclude that IL‐21 treatment at the time of flu vaccination in aging SIV‐infected animals modulates the inductive LN GC activity, to reverse SIV‐associated LN Tfh and B‐cell dysfunction. IL‐21 is a potential candidate molecule for immunotherapy to enhance flu vaccine responses in aging PWH who have deficient antibody responses.
Dysregulated glial genes in Alzheimer's disease are essential for homeostatic plasticity: Evidence from integrative epigenetic and single cell analyses
Authors: Cai Yimei , Cui Tao , Yin Pengqi , Paganelli Paxton , Vicini Stefano , Wang Tingting
Published: September 2023

Synaptic homeostatic plasticity is a foundational regulatory mechanism that maintains the stability of synaptic and neural functions within the nervous system. Impairment of homeostatic regulation has been linked to synapse destabilization during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent epigenetic and transcriptomic characterizations of the nervous system have revealed intricate molecular details about the aging brain and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, how abnormal epigenetic and transcriptomic alterations in different cell types in AD affect synaptic homeostatic plasticity remains to be elucidated. Various glial cell types play critical roles in modulating synaptic functions both during the aging process and in the context of AD. Here, we investigated the impact of glial dysregulation of histone acetylation and transcriptome in AD on synaptic homeostatic plasticity, using computational analysis combined with electrophysiological methods in Drosophila. By integrating snRNA‐seq and H3K9ac ChIP‐seq data from the same AD patient cohort, we pinpointed cell type‐specific signature genes that were transcriptionally altered by histone acetylation. We subsequently investigated the role of these glial genes in regulating presynaptic homeostatic potentiation in Drosophila. Remarkably, nine glial‐specific genes, which were identified through our computational method as targets of H3K9ac and transcriptional dysregulation, were found to be crucial for the regulation of synaptic homeostatic plasticity in Drosophila. Our genetic evidence connects abnormal glial transcriptomic changes in AD with the impairment of homeostatic plasticity in the nervous system. In summary, our integrative computational and genetic studies highlight specific glial genes as potential key players in the homeostatic imbalance observed in AD.
Promoting regular parental supervised toothbrushing: An additive intervention design adopting the Health Action Process Approach
Authors: Smith Stephanie R. , Kroon Jeroen , Schwarzer Ralf , Hamilton Kyra
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to test the efficacy of the core elements of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) in an intervention among parents to promote regular supervised toothbrushing of preschool‐aged children. The pre‐registered study (https://osf.io/fyzh3/) tested the effects of an intervention employing information provision, behavioural instruction, implementation intention and mental imagery techniques, adopting a randomised controlled design in a sample of Australian parents of preschoolers (N = 254). The intervention used an additive design with four conditions—education, self‐efficacy, planning and action control—progressively layered to show the cumulative impact of incorporating self‐efficacy, planning and action control strategies with a foundational education component. The intervention was delivered online, and participants completed self‐report measures of parental supervised toothbrushing and HAPA‐based social cognition constructs pre‐intervention and 4 weeks post‐intervention. Although no significant intervention effects on behaviour were observed, mixed‐model analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed an increase in intention and task self‐efficacy within the action control condition and an increase in action planning in both the action control and planning conditions from pre‐intervention to follow‐up. Despite no anticipated changes in behaviour, these findings endorse the use of theory‐ and evidence‐based behaviour change strategies to inspire change in HAPA‐based determinants of parental supervised toothbrushing: intention, action planning and task self‐efficacy.
A thorough examination of organizations from an ethical viewpoint: A bibliometric and content analysis of organizational virtuousness studies
Authors: Goyal Richa , Sharma Himani , Sharma Aarti
Published: September 2023

The study comprehensively reviews previous research work in the domain of ‘Organizational Virtuousness’ (OV) using bibliometric and content analysis. It aims to provide insights into what is known about the field and where future research should be directed. As many as 193 published research articles during the last two decades (2004–2022) were retrieved from the Scopus database. These articles were thoroughly studied and then examined using VOSviewer and the Biblioshiny package of R software for bibliometric insights. The findings of the analysis have pinpointed the most influential journals, authors, and keywords and discovered seven research clusters. Notably, this study is one of the foremost attempts to review the extant research body on OV, and it inarguably helps and guides future research and practice.