bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle algorithms for animal movement modelling in autonomous receiver networks
Authors: Lavender Edward , Scheidegger Andreas , Albert Carlo , Biber Stanisław , Illian Janine , Thorburn James , Smout Sophie , Moor Helen
Published: November 2024

1. Particle filters and smoothers are powerful sequential Monte Carlo algorithms used to fit non-linear, non-Gaussian state-space models. These algorithms are well placed to fit process-orientated models to animal-tracking data, especially in autonomous receiver networks, but to date they have received limited attention in the ecological literature. 2. Here, we introduce a Bayesian filtering–smoothing algorithm that reconstructs individual movements and patterns of space use from animal-tracking data, with a focus on passive acoustic telemetry systems. Within a sound probabilistic framework, the methodology uniquely integrates the movement process and the observation processes of disparate datasets, while correctly representing uncertainty. In a comprehensive simulation-based analysis, we compare the performance of our algorithm to the prevailing, heuristic methods used in passive acoustic telemetry systems and analyse algorithm sensitivity. 3. We find the particle smoothing methodology outperforms heuristic methods across the board. Particle-based maps consistently represent simulated movements more accurately, even in dense receiver networks, and are better suited to analyses of home ranges, residency and habitat preferences. 4. This study sets a new state-of-the-art for movement modelling in autonomous receiver networks. Particle algorithms provide a flexible and intuitive modelling framework with potential applications in many ecological settings.
Multiple Imputation Approaches for Missing Time-to-Event Outcomes with Informative Censoring: Practical Considerations from a Simulation Study Based on Real Data
Authors: Bellavia Andrea , Guo Min , Murphy Sabina A.
Published: November 2024

Missing outcomes data represent a common threat to the validity and robustness of clinical trials and prospective epidemiologic studies with time-to-event outcomes. Several studies have outlined the importance of critically evaluating missing outcome data in clinical studies, as well as the relevance of multiple imputations (MI) in this context. Recent MI extensions, namely controlled-MI, have been introduced as a viable alternative for sensitivity analysis in the presence of informative censoring, yet they lack validation based on real data. In this study we used data from a randomized trial to generate realistic scenarios of potential censoring mechanisms, used to assess the practical relevance of several imputation approaches for missing outcome data. Our results confirm the relevance of multiple imputations approaches, especially in studies with long follow-up and higher proportion of potentially informative censoring. This first study comparing MI and controlled-MI approaches for missing outcome data can help practitioners appreciate the advantages of different imputation approaches under realistic settings in prospective studies in clinical epidemiology.
Sigma Ligand-mediated Cytosolic Calcium Modulation in BV2 Microglia Cells
Authors: Lodholz Eric , Simin Faria Anjum , Crider Michael , Neumann William , Schober Joseph
Published: November 2024

While initially protective, prolonged neuroinflammation can lead to a disrupted brain microenvironment and neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia cells are the primary regulators of neuroinflammation, with anti- or pro-inflammatory phenotypes. Just as microglia are crucial in neuroinflammation, calcium is a crucial regulator in the activation of the microglia. Intracellular calcium dynamics can be modulated by small, membrane bound chaperone proteins called sigma receptors. Both sigma receptors 1 and 2, which are involved in a wide variety of cellular functions, have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatry, and cancer. We examined the use of sigma-receptor ligands to modulate cytosolic calcium levels in BV2 cells, an immortalized mouse microglia cell line. Immunofluorescence staining detected both sigma 1 and 2 receptors in perinuclear regions and the cell cytoplasm. Our selection of compounds was a mixture of commercially available sigma receptor ligands and compounds synthesized at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. We used the Fluo-8-AM calcium probe to measure cytosolic calcium concentrations using flow cytometry after 15-, 25- and 35-minute ligand exposure. With 1 µM ligand concentration, we found significantly increased cytosolic calcium levels in BV2 cells after 15-minute exposure. A moderate correlation was determined between sigma receptor 2 selectivity and calcium activity, suggesting a sigma-mediated calcium effect. In addition, we aimed to determine the location of calcium flux by pretreating cells with thapsigargin and EGTA to inhibit both the endoplasmic reticulum and extracellular space of suspected calcium entry. We found all four compounds tested, siramesine, PB-28, cis-8-OMe BBZI, and BN-IX-111-F1 promote calcium entry from the extracellular space, but only siramesine promotes calcium entry from both locations. We tested for a common drug-induced effect called phospholipidosis using HCS LipidTOX phospholipid detection reagent to determine a correlation between calcium activity and a membrane-mediated effect. Only two out of the five compounds tested, PB-28 and amiodarone, resulted in significant phospholipid accumulation at 10 µM treatment, suggesting little to no correlation between calcium levels and phospholipidosis. Further investigations are required to target the exact mechanism of calcium flux and characterize the connection between phospholipidosis and sigma receptors after sigma ligand exposure. Nevertheless, our work emphasizes the importance of sigma ligand-modulated intracellular calcium dynamics as a potential route of therapy, specifically for modulation of neuroinflammation.
A platform for multimodalin vivopooled genetic screens reveals regulators of liver function
Authors: Saunders Reuben A. , Allen William E. , Pan Xingjie , Sandhu Jaspreet , Lu Jiaqi , Lau Thomas K. , Smolyar Karina , Sullivan Zuri A. , Dulac Catherine , Weissman Jonathan S. , Zhuang Xiaowei
Published: November 2024

Organ function requires coordinated activities of thousands of genes in distinct, spatially organized cell types. Understanding the basis of emergent tissue function requires approaches to dissect the genetic control of diverse cellular and tissue phenotypesin vivo. Here, we develop paired imaging and sequencing methods to construct large-scale, multi-modal genotype-phenotypes maps in tissue with pooled genetic perturbations. Using imaging, we identify genetic perturbations in individual cells while simultaneously measuring their gene expression and subcellular morphology. Using single-cell sequencing, we measure transcriptomic responses to the same genetic perturbations. We apply this approach to study hundreds of genetic perturbations in the mouse liver. Our study reveals regulators of hepatocyte zonation and liver unfolded protein response, as well as distinct pathways that cause hepatocyte steatosis. Our approach enables new ways of interrogating the genetic basis of complex cellular and organismal physiology and provides crucial training data for emerging machine-learning models of cellular function.
Obesity’s Impact on Pulmonary Hypertension Progression: A Cohort Study of Body Composition Metrics in UAE Population
Authors: Itikhar Hassa
Published: November 2024

Background

Obesity is recognized as a major public health concern in UAE that significantly contributes to complications of obesity-induced metabolic and cardiac stress particularly pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study explored the relationship between obesity and body composition changes to address the role of visceral fat and sex differences using a combination of real and simulated data.

Methods

A cohort of 500 participants was analyzed, categorized BMI (normal weight, overweight, obese I-III) with echocardiographic parameters including pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), right ventricular size, and body composition metrics were collected five-year period (2019-2024). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the time onset of PH adverse events as the primary outcome. The influence of age and gender with metrics alteration such as muscle and fat mass, on pulmonary issues was evaluated through statistical models using IBM SPSS Statistics version 2.0.

Results

The study identified Obese Class III men 45-age-group, who revealed the highest incidence of PH (60%) respectively. Longitudinal analysis showed that BMI and visceral fat distribution are the strongest predictors of PH severity which causes right ventricular remodeling, indicating that specific fat distribution worsens the PH outcomes.

Conclusion

Obesity plays a critical role in accelerating the progression of mechanistic fat distribution. The study highlights monitoring body composition rather than relying only on BMI could enhance the importance of PH obese patients’ intervention. These findings provide insight into tailoring the obesity-PH linkage approach to mitigate improvements in obese patients.
Functional insights on chemical communication of fishing cats: a strategic mechanism for adaptation in semi-aquatic habitat
Authors: Das Subhadeep , Das Payel , Manna Sourav , Poddar Sarkar Mousumi
Published: November 2024

Chemical communication system of fishing cats, focusing on volatile organic compounds present in their urine (UR) and ‘marking fluid’ (MF) has been explored. Using solid-phase microextraction guided gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis, a diverse range of functional groups from UR and MF were detected, including ketones, aldehydes, sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds, among which 3-Mercapto-3-methylbutanol (3MMB) and its related sulfur compounds were found to be sex-specific, predominantly present in males. The unique behavior of fishing cats to urinate frequently in water when experimentally tested with synthetic 3MMB, was aligned for its retention in aqueous medium upto 21 days. This suggests that fishing cats may employ an energy-efficient scent-marking strategy by leveraging aquatic environments for prolonging chemical signalling process. The analysis of less-volatile compounds, such as triglycerides and fatty acids, suggests that these compounds could be acted as fixatives, helping to stabilize and prolong the intensity of chemical messages coded to highly volatile molecules. The combination of highly volatile, less volatile compounds and lipids may create complex synergy to facilitate interindividual communication, potentially serving as pheromones. This research enhances our understanding of the fishing cat’s adaptation to semi-aquatic environments and its unique behavioural pattern in marshy landforms, thus concentrated with high population density in deltaic South Bengal.
Reintroduction of wild song culture to a critically endangered songbird
Authors: Appleby Daniel Lloyd , Langmore Naomi E , Pitcher Benjamin , Heinsohn Robert , Tripovich Joy , Matkovics Richard , Crates Ross Alexander
Published: November 2024

Animal cultures are learned behaviours, traditions, and collective knowledge that are maintained within populations through social learning. Global biodiversity decline can lead to the loss of animal culture within small and sparsely distributed populations, making the conservation of animal cultures increasingly important. The Critically Endangered regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia)is an Australian songbird whose population is declining to the extent that song culture is being lost in the wild. Reintroduced, zoo-bred males that supplement the wild population sing songs that differ from all wild birds, representing a significant cultural barrier that may impact their fitness after release to the wild. Over three breeding seasons within the applied breeding system, we undertook adaptive song tutoring experiments using combinations of song broadcast and live tutoring from two wild-origin males to teach zoo-bred juveniles the wild song. The proportion of juveniles that learned the wild song increased from 0 before the experiment to 42% after three years. The entire population is predicted to sing the wild song within two years. The full version of the wild song taught to zoo-bred males disappeared from the wild over the course of the experiment, making the zoo population the only remaining repository of traditional song culture. Using just two wild founders, we show how animal cultures can be restored in ex-situ populations with simple modifications to husbandry protocols. Ex-situ populations can then play important roles in the maintenance and restoration of wild animal cultures through reintroductions.
Exploring the Connection Between Pet Attachment and Owner Mental Health: The Roles of Owner-Pet Compatibility, Perceived Pet Welfare, and Behavioral Issues
Authors: Hawkins Roxanne D. , Ellis Annalyse , Robinson Charlotte
Published: November 2024

Research exploring the connection between pet ownership and mental health has expanded substantially in recent years, yet scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Existing studies have oversimplified this relationship by focusing primarily on pet ownership itself, without accounting for crucial factors such as species of the pet, or important relationship dynamics such as owner-pet attachment orientations. This study sought to investigate whether the relationship between owner-pet attachment and owner mental health could be better understood through the lens of owner-perceived pet compatibility, perceived pet welfare, and pet behavioral issues. These aspects, often overlooked in previous research, are believed to play crucial roles in shaping owner-pet relationships and owner mental wellbeing. This study surveyed emerging adults (ages 18-26) from the UK (N=600) with anxiety and/or low mood who owned dogs and/or cats. A large portion of the sample met clinical criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. Our findings revealed that dog owners exhibited more secure pet attachments than cat owners. Attachment notably influenced mental health whereby anxious attachment was linked to poorer mental health among dog owners, while avoidant attachment was associated with better mental health in both dog and cat owners. Insecure attachment related to poorer pet quality of life, increased reports of pet behavioral problems, and poorer owner-pet compatibility, regardless of pet species. Additionally, poorer welfare and more behavioural problems were associated with poorer mental health for dog owners; these findings were not replicated for cat owners. Notably, a dog’s mental state (such as appearing depressed), as well as fear and anxiety in dogs, mediated the relationship between owner-pet attachment and owner mental health. Owner-dog compatibility, particularly in the affection domain, influenced owner anxiety, positively mediating the relationship between anxious attachment and poorer mental health, while negatively mediating the relationship between avoidant attachment and better mental health. These findings suggest that a simplistic view of pet ownership fails to capture the complexity of the factors that shape the mental health of pet owners and underscores the need to consider important owner-pet factors to fully understand how the human-pet relationship can impact the wellbeing of both people and their pets.
Long-term mortality trends among individuals with tuberculosis: a retrospective cohort study of individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis in Brazil
Authors: Kim Sun , Pelissari Daniele M. , Harada Luiza O. , Sanchez Mauro , Oliveira Patricia Bartholomay , Johansen Fernanda D. C. , Maciel Ethel L. N. , Cohen Ted , Castro Marcia C. , Menzies Nicolas A.
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background

Even after successful treatment, tuberculosis (TB) survivors experience elevated morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited evidence on how these risks vary over time and according to individual characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of individuals diagnosed with TB in Brazil, using national TB notifications and linked mortality records for 2007-2016. For this study population we estimated mortality rate ratios (MRRs) and cumulative mortality by year since TB diagnosis, as compared to general population mortality rates matched on age, sex, year, and state. We identified clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with elevated post-TB mortality, and compared the distribution of causes of death to the general population.

Findings

The study sample included 834,594 individuals, with 4.1 million person-years of follow-up. The TB cohort had elevated mortality compared to the general population, particularly in the first year post-diagnosis (MRR 11.28, 95%CI: 11.18–11.37). Post-TB MRRs declined from 3.59 (3.53–3.64) in year 2 to 1.46 (1.34–1.59) in year 10. Cumulative excess mortality was 6.12% (95%CI: 6.07–6.17) after 1 year and 9.90% (9.58–10.24) after 10 years. MRRs were highest for individuals 30-44 years-old at diagnosis. Relapse, loss to follow-up, and co-prevalent conditions like HIV and alcoholism were strongly associated with higher MRRs. Over time, causes of death shifted from TB and HIV to chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Interpretation

Individuals developing TB disease face elevated mortality up to 10 years after diagnosis. These excess risks vary across demographic and clinical characteristics.

Funding

NIH.
Comamonas aquaticainhibits TIR-1/SARM1 induced axon degeneration
Authors: O’Connor Lauren C , Kang Woo Kyu , Vo Paula , Spinelli Jessica B , Alkema Mark J , Byrne Alexandra B
Published: November 2024

Emerging evidence suggests the microbiome critically influences the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases; however, the identity of neuroprotective bacteria and the molecular mechanisms that respond within the host remain largely unknown. We took advantage ofCaenorhabditis elegans’well characterized nervous system and ability to eat uni-bacterial diets to determine how metabolites and neuroprotective molecules from single species of bacteria suppress degeneration of motor neurons. We foundComamonas aquaticasignificantly protects against degeneration induced by overexpressing a key regulator of axon degeneration, TIR-1/SARM1. Genetic analyses and metabolomics revealComamonasprotects against neurodegeneration by providing sufficient Vitamin B12 to activate METR-1/MTR methionine synthase in the intestine, which then lowers toxic levels of homocysteine in TIR-1-expressing animals. Defining a molecular pathway betweenComamonasand neurodegeneration adds significantly to our understanding of gut-brain interactions and, given the prominent role of homocysteine in neurodegenerative disorders, reveals how such a bacterium could protect against disease.
Multiomics-based assessment of 2D and 3D human iPSC-cardiomyocyte models of insulin resistance demonstrate metabolic and contractile dysfunction that recapitulates diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Carter Ryan D. , Purnama Ujang , Castro-Guarda Marcos , Montes-Aparicio Claudia N. , Chandran Anandhakumar , Mbasu Richard , Ruby Maxwell , Daly Charlotte , Buffa Francesca M. , Heather Lisa C. , Carr Carolyn A.
Published: November 2024

In type II diabetes (T2DM), the heart is exposed to hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hyperinsulinaemia, leading to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction, culminating in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM). Human-centric models of DbCM are needed to provide mechanistic insights and therapeutic targets in a translationally relevant setting. We hypothesised that culturing human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) in an “insulin resistance” (IR) media, and assessing this using a systems biology approach, would offer a comprehensive evaluation of dysregulated pathways, establishing their suitability as a model of DbCM.

Culturing hiPSC-CMs in 2D or 3D as engineered heart tissue (EHT) in IR media induced insulin resistance and activated numerous pathways implicated in DbCM, including metabolic remodelling, mitochondrial dysfunction, extracellular matrix remodelling, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Pathways involved in fatty acid oxidation were upregulated, while those involved in glucose metabolism were downregulated, which was validated using radioisotope flux measurements. Adaptation to hypoxia, a key component of post-ischaemic remodelling, was blunted in the 2D IR hiPSC-CMs. Combining proteomic and transcriptomic analyses in the IR 3D EHT revealed significant enrichment of DbCM pathways, with subnetworks enriched for several metabolic and diabetes-related pathways. Additionally, IR 3D EHT displayed impaired relaxation, mimicking the diastolic dysfunction observed in T2DM patients.

In conclusion, culturing hiPSC-CM in 2D or 3D in an IR media activates multiple mechanisms implicated in the development of DbCM, with IR 3D EHT also recapitulating the diastolic dysfunction present in patients with T2DM.
Delayed protein translocation protects mitochondria against toxic CAT-tailed proteins
Authors: Bertram Nils , Izawa Toshiaki , Thoma Felix , Schwenkert Serena , Wagener Nikola , Osman Christof , Neupert Walter , Mokranjac Dejana
Published: November 2024

Ribosome-associated quality control (RQC) protects cells against toxic effects of faulty polypeptides produced by stalled ribosomes. However, mitochondria are vulnerable to C-terminal alanyl-and-threonyl (CAT)-tailed proteins that are generated in this process and faulty nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins are handled by the recently discovered mitoRQC. Here, we performed a genome-wide screen in yeast to identify additional proteins involved in mitoRQC. We found that Pth2, a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase in the mitochondrial outer membrane, influences aggregation of CAT-tailed proteins without majorly affecting the CAT-tailing process itself. Peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase activity is essential during this process, yet the activity of Pth2 can be substituted by another peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase, upon proper localization. Our data suggest that Pth2 acts through modulating protein translocation and that mitochondrial proteostasis network is relieved through increased access of CAT-tailed proteins to cytosolic chaperones. Other hits obtained in the screen show that, in general, delayed protein translocation protects mitochondria against toxic CAT-tailed proteins.
Visuoinertial and visual feedback in online steering control
Authors: Liu Jo-Yu , Cooke James R.H. , Selen Luc J.P. , Medendorp W. Pieter
Published: November 2024

Multisensory integration has primarily been studied in static environments, where optimal integration relies on the precision of the respective sensory modalities. However, in numerous situations, sensory information is dynamic and changes over time, due to changes in our bodily state and the surrounding environment. Given that different sensory modalities have different delays, this suggests that optimal integration may not solely depend on sensory precision but may also be affected by the delays associated with each sensory system. To investigate this hypothesis, participants (n = 22, 16 female) engaged in a continuous steering task. Participants sat on a motion platform facing a screen that displayed a cartoonish traffic scene, featuring a car traveling along a road. In the visuoinertial condition, where vestibular and somatosensory feedback were available, they were tasked with counteracting an external multi-frequency perturbation signal, which laterally perturbed the platform and the car, such that the car was kept within the center of the road. In the visual condition, the visual car was perturbed, while the motion platform remained stationary. We show that participants compensate better for the perturbation in the visuoinertial than the visual condition, particularly in the high frequency range of the perturbation. Using computational modelling, we demonstrate that this enhanced performance is partially due to the shorter delay of the vestibular modality. In this condition, participants rely more on the vestibular information, which is less delayed than the more precise but longer delayed, visual information.

Author summary

Navigating the world effectively requires the continuous integration of sensory information related to our self-motion, forming a cohesive representation of our current location and direction. Although studies on multisensory integration indicate that sensory inputs are combined optimally based on their precision, these findings have largely been derived from static experimental settings. In real-life situations, the sensory environment changes continuously, as does the state of our body. In such scenarios, how are sensory inputs combined? We developed an experimental paradigm where participants were tasked with controlling a simple vehicle while counteracting a time-varying perturbation signal. To assess the role of different sensory inputs we manipulated whether visual and inertial (primarily vestibular) cues were available or solely visual cues. Our results show that the presence of both visual and inertial cues significantly improved task performance. Modeling suggests this improvement is likely due to the shorter delay associated with the vestibular system compared to the visual system. Collectively, our results suggest that sensory precision alone is insufficient for effective state estimation and control in naturalistic scenarios, where accounting for the different delays of the sensory systems is critical for optimal task performance.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (2,7-diethoxynaphthalene-1,8-diyl)bis[(4-bromophenyl)methanone]
Authors: Li Kun , Yao Jiali , Iitsuka Hiroaki , Yonezawa Noriyuki , Okamoto Akiko
Published: November 2024

The title compound, C28H22Br2O4, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c at 193 K. The two 4-bromobenzoyl groups are attached in a non-coplanar fashion to the naphthalene ring system and are oriented in opposite directions. The two 4-bromobenzene rings are tilted almost symmetrically with respect to the naphthalene ring system. The crystal packing features several kinds of non-classical hydrogen bonds such as C—H...X (X = polar atom), in which the C—H group acts as a hydrogen-atom donor, and C—H...π interactions. The two-dimensional fingerprint plots generated in a Hirshfeld surface analysis show non-classical hydrogen bonding with short contacts involving the bromo group.
Strategic resource amalgamation and diversified business operations: unraveling competitive advantage in Chinese construction contractors
Authors: Wang Zhixiu , Feng Li
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Existing research lacks exploration of factors that can drive contractors to expand their market, resulting in a research gap where they cannot identify key determining factors in expanding their market. This study aims to explore the multiple pathways of driving diversified business operations of international construction contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identified key factors that affect the diversified business operations of international construction contractors and explored the multiple causal paths of factors through Chinese contractors selected from the Engineering News Record top 250 as samples using Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

This study reveals that six factors, namely, enterprise scale, operation capability, financial capability, innovation capability, internationalization and corporate social responsibility (CSR), are key drivers of international contractors’ diversified operations. These factors combine to generate four different diversification paths, including three broad diversification paths and one narrow diversification path. The elements involved in these paths have complementary and enhanced roles in broadening the contractor’s diversified business operations, suggesting that contractors may need to integrate resources and make strategic adjustments to enhance their positioning in the international market. Among them, operation capability is the core element of diversified business operations and innovation capability and CSR are also important factors in successfully forming a “broad” diversified operation in the international market.

Practical implications

The research results provide a profound understanding of which the key determining factors of the diversified business operations of international construction contractors to build new competitive advantages.

Originality/value

This study has enriched the research perspective of contractor competitive advantage theory by introducing the concept of diversified operations, providing a comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding how contractors can expand their market paths.
Mental well­being and work-related quality of life across European workers: characteristics and associated factors
Authors: Erro-Garcés Amaya , Iriarte Redín Concha
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Mental well-being of employees has decreased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the data collected by Eurofound in the electronic survey “Living, working and COVID-19” (2020), this paper aims to identify which aspects of the work-related quality of life and other sociodemographic variables can explain the mental well-being of workers in, especially, convulsive times like those experienced during COVID-19 and beyond. The main objective is to improve labor welfare in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

With a sample of 8,777 observations (Round 2), cross-sectional analyses were conducted.

Findings

The results indicated that all factors of work quality of life such as working conditions, work–family interface, job stress and job satisfaction were predictors of the mental well-being of workers. Likewise, being a woman, being of mature age, having a partner and having good training/education were variables also associated with mental well-being.

Originality/value

The research revealed that the pandemic in Europe had a greater impact on the psychological well-being of women compared to men. Also, younger populations exhibited decreased levels of mental health.
Unlocking the nexus: intellectual capital and environmental innovations among manufacturing firms in Uganda
Authors: Alinda Kassim , Wakibi Aziz , Ahimbisibwe Godwin Mwesigye , Andabati David
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the intricate relationship between intellectual capital and environmental innovations among manufacturing medium and large firms in Uganda, utilizing the SmartPLS methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a cross-sectional and quantitative approach, collecting data through a questionnaire survey from a sample of manufacturing medium and large (ML) firms in Uganda. The collected data underwent analysis to identify patterns and relationships using the SmartPLS structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The findings highlight a distinct pattern: structural capital is the strongest predictor of environmental innovations, with human capital being the next most significant factor. However, the positive relationship with relational capital did not attain statistical significance, suggesting the need for further exploration into inter-firm relationships.

Practical implications

For managers, investing in robust organizational structures and human capital development programs can enhance firms’ capacity to drive eco-friendly initiatives, aligning with global sustainability agendas. Policymakers are encouraged to create an enabling environment that nurtures IC and incentivizes environmental innovation through supportive policies such as tax incentives and funding mechanisms for green technologies.

Originality/value

This study enriches the intellectual discourse on IC and environmental innovation by employing SmartPLS methodology to highlight the nuanced impact of its components, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of IC and its role in driving EI.
From adaptation to transformation: how to stimulate leaders’ change-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors in project-based temporary organizations
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Guo Peng , Zhao Jing
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Project-based temporary organizations, as an efficient organizational form for the execution of complex and innovative tasks, encounter challenges in fostering the effectiveness of inter-organizational cooperation within their temporary, uncertain, and dynamic nature. Although change-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors are recognized for promoting organizational relationships and performance in changing contexts, research in temporary organizational settings remains sparse. This study diverges from the majority concentrating on change-oriented behaviors on intra-organizational leader-employee relations and behaviors, aiming to propose a dynamic adaptive capacity of organizational leaders and explore how leadership capabilities and organizational climate shape their change-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors at inter-organizational level.

Design/methodology/approach

Developing a person-organization fit model tailored for complex and dynamic organizational settings, using survey data from 225 leaders with project cooperative experience and structural equation modeling for empirical analysis.

Findings

This study reveals the direct positive influences of organizational leaders’ dynamic adaptive capacity on their changed-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors. And, change self-efficacy, as a mediating psychological trait, enhances the positive relation between dynamic adaptive capacity and changed-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors. The findings also highlight person-organization interactions, where organizational justice, acting as a situational and moderating factor, has a positive yet disruptive effect on the relationship between dynamic adaptive capacity, change self-efficacy, and changed-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors.

Originality/value

This research enriches the mechanisms linking dynamic managerial capability in organizational leadership to citizenship behaviors at the micro-level, providing valuable insights for the management and development of temporary cross-organizational cooperation.
Motivating cybersecurity behaviors: a beyond reasoned action conceptualization
Authors: Hinsz Verlin B.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

A critical issue in organizations concerned with cybersecurity is how to motivate personnel to engage in safety and security behaviors to counter potential threats. For these organizations to be effective, they must rely upon their members who are motivated to engage in behaviors to assure various forms of cybersecurity.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptualization is described outlining the factors and processes involved in motivating cybersecurity behaviors. The theoretical starting point is the reasoned action approach (Fishbein and Ajzen, 2010), which provides a strong and parsimonious basis for considering the processes and factors that predict safety and security behaviors (intentions, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, attitude toward the behavior and beliefs).

Findings

The conceptualization presented goes beyond the reasoned action approach to consider factors involved in cybersecurity behaviors that might not be reasoned (work routines and habits and motivating emotions). This more integrated conceptualization describes how personal factors such as anticipated affect, attitude toward the process and personal norms can be seen as contributing to motivated behavior.

Originality/value

The beyond reasoned action conceptualization is of value to organizations for which motivated safety and security behaviors contribute to their effectiveness, with the conceptualization providing practical recommendations for enhancing cyber safety and cybersecurity. A research agenda based on this beyond reasoned action conceptualization articulates numerous avenues for further investigation.
Understanding inter organizational learning for improvement in integrated health care – a Norwegian case study about collaboration across borders
Authors: Lørum Rachel M. , Skyvulstad Hilde , Eri-Montsma Astrid , Smith Frida
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore important elements involved in interorganizational learning (IOL) in the complex context of integrated health care.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied concept-driven content analysis of qualitative data collected from documents, protocols, reports, reflection circles and interviews related to an improvement initiative in Norwegian integrated health care for elderly and fragile patients.

Findings

The analysis supports the applicability of Engeström’s activity system model to better understand the local contexts of IOL in integrated health care. However, the study also identified an essential additional contextual element in the case under study: an organizational network structure binding all involved parties together. This structure was crucial for facilitating the IOL process, indicating potential for further development of Engeström’s model to address the complexities of integrated health care.

Originality/value

This study tested and extended a long-standing model – the human activity system – within the context of integrated health care. The authors propose introducing leadership as a distinct element, organized as a network structure that connects all stakeholders. Implications for leaders and policymakers include the importance of developing network structures and conducting contextual analysis before designing IOL processes in integrated health care. The study opens new avenues for research on IOL in integrated health care.
The causes of perceived government trustworthiness
Authors: DEVINE DANIEL , VALGARÐSSON VIKTOR , JENNINGS WILL , STOKER GERRY , BUNTING HANNAH
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the qualities of governments that influence their perceived trustworthiness, presenting the first experimental study of the distinct roles of ‘competence’, ‘benevolence’ and ‘integrity’ (CBI) in shaping trust in government. We empirically test the effects of these three dimensions of trustworthiness through conjoint experiments conducted in five countries: Britain, Croatia, Spain, Argentina and France. The results indicate that benevolence – government acting in citizens' interests – is the most significant determinant of trust judgements across individuals and nations. Competence and integrity have a secondary, approximately equal effect. Building on recent advances in analyses of conjoint experiments, we explore how these attributes are conditional on each other, and how respondent characteristics moderate those effects. The findings reveal that the effects of attributes are generally consistent, although respondent left‐right ideology moderates the impact of government competence.
Simpson's tachytely or bradytely? The importance of quantifying rate uncertainty
Authors: Zenil‐Ferguson Rosana , Liow Lee Hsiang
Published: November 2024

The spectacular variation in species forms and richness across space and time can be explored using sophisticated and powerful tools recently developed by evolutionary modellers. In this contribution, we ask if the classic ‘Simpsonian’ view of tachytelic (fast), horotelic (standard) and bradytelic (slow) diversification rates can be distinguished with currently available tools and data. A neglected topic here is the role that the uncertainty of diversification rate estimates plays, where the lack of in‐depth uncertainty measures could hinder our ability to confidently suggest differences in speciation or extinction rates in any given comparison.

We propose quantifying the relative uncertainty of diversification estimates, to better compare diversification tempo across phylogenies of different sizes and ages. We present three case studies, using the most popular models for diversification rate estimation, with or without fossils, to investigate claims of bradytely or tachytely. Using summary statistics and linear models, we ask if point estimates of diversification rates are comparable across clades. More specifically, we fit a linear model to understand which phylogenetic tree properties (including size and age) may affect the uncertainty of diversification estimates.

We found the ‘Goldilocks of uncertainty’: Phylogenies that are young with insufficient tips or that are old increase the uncertainty of diversification estimates. The choice of diversification modelling approach is independent of the pattern of diversification rates decaying exponentially with clade age.

In practice, we still cannot confidently compare diversification rates or their variation, due to uncertainties stemming from clade age, sample size and biased sampling. We emphasize the need for researchers to focus on estimating and presenting uncertainty in their estimates. Such uncertainty estimates are currently absent from many publications, limiting our ability to compare the tempo of diversifications across the tree of life. We conclude by proposing solutions and guidelines to encourage new studies for measure uncertainty.
Politically connected audit committee and audit risk: Evidence from a quasi‐experiment
Authors: Perry Yumin Karen Zhang , Adrian Christofer , Truong Cameron
Published: November 2024

We present evidence that auditors consider audit committees with political connections in their audit pricing decisions. Our tests exploit Document 18 released in China in 2013 as a quasi‐experiment where government officials are required to resign from serving as independent directors in Chinese publicly listed firms. We identify 2862 treatment firms whose audit committees immediately lost political connections due to the exogenous shock imposed by Document 18. Our difference‐in‐differences analyses show that treatment firms incur significant audit fees increases after Document 18. Overall, our findings support the view that external auditors perceive client firms whose audit committees possess political connections as of lower audit risk.
Berberine and Lung Cancer: From Pure Form to Its Nanoformulations
Authors: Tamtaji Zeinab , Sheikhsagha Elham , Behnam Mohammad , Nabavizadeh Fatemeh , Shafiee Ardestani Mehdi , Rahmati‐Dehkordi Fatemeh , Aschner Michael , Mirzaei Hamed , Tamtaji Omid R.
Published: November 2024

Lung cancer is the most fatal cancer worldwide. The etiology of lung cancer has yet to be fully characterized. Smoking and air pollution are several risk factors for lung cancer. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is an antihyperglycemic, antidepressant, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer compound. Evidence substantiates that berberine has antitumor effects, exerting its effects by targeting a variety of cellular and molecular processes, such as apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, migration, and metastasis. Although the beneficial effects of berberine have been reported, some limitations including low bioavailability and absorption as well as poor aqueous solubility have hindered its clinical application. Nanotechnology and nanodelivery bioformulation approaches may bypass these limitations. In addition, the combination of berberine with other therapies has been shown to result in greater treatment efficacy for lung cancer. Herein, we summarize cellular and molecular pathways that are affected by berberine, its clinical efficacy upon various combinations, and the potential for nanotechnology in lung cancer therapy.
Complete skin remission of Sneddon‐Wilkinson disease with acalabrutinib
Authors: Bhullar Harmeet K. , Bhabha Friyana , McCormack Chris , Prince H. Miles
Published: November 2024

Sneddon‐Wilkinson (SW) disease is rare condition which typically occurs in the context of a monoclonal immunoglobulin and treatment options have not been well studied. Here we present a case of a 65‐year‐old female with SW with underlying, otherwise indolent, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) with an IgA paraprotein, who achieved a complete skin remission with the administration of the Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (BTKi), acalabrutinib.
Expression of JAK/STAT signalling in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Iyengar Laxmi , Hosking Patrick , Dowsett Joel , Su John
Published: November 2024

In the present study, we characterise the expression of JAK/STAT signalling in Bullous Pemphigoid (BP). Punch biopsy specimens of normal skin, lesional and perilesional skin of patients diagnosed with biopsy proven BP were utilised for immunoperoxidase labelling with commercially available antibodies for Phosphorylated STAT 1,2,3,5A and 6 (Genesearch, USA). Quantitative analysis demonstrated that in comparison to normal skin, phosphorylated STAT 2, 3, 5A and 6 were overexpressed in BP.
Development and Validation of a PIVKA‐II‐Based Model for HCC Risk Stratification in Patients With HCV‐Related Cirrhosis Successfully Treated With DAA
Authors: Caviglia Gian Paolo , Fariselli Piero , D'Ambrosio Roberta , Colombatto Piero , Degasperi Elisabetta , Ricco Gabriele , Abate Maria Lorena , Birolo Giovanni , Troshina Giulia , Damone Francesco , Coco Barbara , Cavallone Daniela , Perbellini Riccardo , Monico Sara , Saracco Giorgio Maria , Brunetto Maurizia Rossana , Lampertico Pietro , Ciancio Alessia
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related cirrhosis with sustained virological response (SVR) to direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) remain at risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist‐II (PIVKA‐II) has shown promising results as an HCC‐predictive biomarker. We aimed to develop and validate a PIVKA‐II‐based model for HCC risk stratification in cirrhotic patients with SVR to DAA.

Methods

A total of 1220 consecutive patients (Turin, n = 531; Pisa, n = 335; Milan, n = 354) with HCV‐related cirrhosis treated with DAA were included in the study. Patients were retrospectively allocated to the training cohort (Turin+Pisa; median follow‐up [FU] 39, 22–55 months; incident HCC: 93 [10.7%]) and validation cohort (Milan; median FU 49.0, 35.0–52.0 months; incident HCC: 19 [5.4%]). Serum PIVKA‐II levels were measured using the LumipulseG system (Fujirebio, Japan) at SVR12 (Turin and Pisa cohorts) or the end of treatment (Milan cohort).

Results

Using Cox regression analysis, a model including PIVKA‐II combined with age, sex, ALT, AST, γGT, platelet count, albumin and total bilirubin was derived from the training cohort (C‐index = 0.72). In the validation cohort, the model showed a C‐index of 0.71 with an area under the curve of 0.84 for identifying patients who developed HCC during the first 12 months of FU. When patients were grouped into three risk categories, the cumulative incidence of HCC was 2.7%, 4.0% and 14.3% in the low‐, medium‐ and high‐risk groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Notably, no HCC occurred within 3 years of FU in the low‐risk group.

Conclusions

Our PIVKA‐II‐based model showed satisfactory accuracy for HCC risk stratification and may represent a valuable tool for implementing risk‐based surveillance protocols in patients with HCV‐related cirrhosis with SVR to DAA.