bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical issues in the development of artificial intelligence: recognizing the risks
Authors: Kamila Manoj Kumar , Jasrotia Sahil Singh
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the ethical implications associated with the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and to examine the potential ethical ramifications of AI technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study undertakes a thorough examination of existing academic literature pertaining to the ethical considerations surrounding AI. Additionally, it conducts in-depth interviews with individuals to explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI technology operating as autonomous ethical agents. A total of 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were transcribed using grounded theory methodology.

Findings

The study asserts the importance of fostering an ethical environment in the progress of AI and suggests potential avenues for further investigation in the field of AI ethics. The study finds privacy and security, bias and fairness, trust and reliability, transparency and human–AI interactions as major ethical concerns.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the study are far-reaching and span across various domains, including policy development, design of AI systems, establishment of trust, education and training, public awareness and further research. Notwithstanding the potential biases inherent in purposive sampling, the constantly evolving landscape of AI ethics and the challenge of extrapolating findings to all AI applications and contexts, limitations may still manifest.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study is attributed to its comprehensive methodology, which encompasses a wide range of stakeholder perspectives on the ethical implications of AI in the corporate sector. The ultimate goal is to promote the development of AI systems that exhibit responsibility, transparency and accountability.
Carbon media legitimacy in UK companies: actions or words?
Authors: Rohani Alireza , Jabbour Mirna
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study investigates whether carbon media legitimacy is influenced by carbon performance and/or carbon disclosure using a direct measure of carbon media legitimacy in UK context.

Design/methodology/approach

To test this study's hypotheses, the authors employ Tobit regression analysis of 95 UK companies listed in FTSE350. The authors use balanced panel data (475 observations in total) to reduces the noise introduced by unit heterogeneity.

Findings

The authors find that while corporate carbon performance is not reflected in carbon media legitimacy, carbon media legitimacy is positively and significantly affected by voluntary carbon disclosure (irrespective of its quality). Thus, voluntary carbon disclosure is shown to be an effective tool in legitimising corporate activities.

Research limitations/implications

The results show a certain degree of naivety on the part of the media in assessing corporate carbon behaviour, since it values carbon disclosure (irrespective of its quality) more than carbon performance. Such media behaviour may hinder future improvement in carbon performance of firms.

Practical implications

This study's results indicate that the existing UK carbon disclosure policy does not address the heart of climate change and global warming. Thus, tougher regulations should be considered by policy-makers in relation to voluntary carbon disclosure in the UK.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine whether carbon media legitimacy is associated with both carbon performance and carbon disclosure using a direct measure of carbon media legitimacy, and to use the UK context when addressing this association. It also examines the effectiveness of quality of carbon disclosure as legitimation tool.
Gender and food security in Nigeria: the role of corporate social responsibility in the oil-producing communities
Authors: Uduji Joseph Ikechukwu , Okolo-Obasi Nduka Elda
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies’ (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on gender and food security in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a survey research technique aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population. A total of 800 women respondents were sampled across the rural areas of the Niger Delta region. It is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation.

Findings

The results from the use of a combined propensity score matching (PSM) and logit model indicate that the CSR interventions of the MOCs using GMoUs have contributed to empowering women to effectively discharge their role in food and nutritional security. This is achieved by enhancing coherence in policies on gender, agriculture, nutrition, health, trade and other relevant areas in the Niger Delta. The findings also show that the CSR intervention of MOCs supported ecologically sound approaches to food production, such as agro-ecology that promotes sustainable farming and women’s empowerment in the region.

Practical implications

This suggests that recognizing and respecting the local knowledge of farmers, including women farmers, will help develop locally relevant food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa.

Social implications

This implies that promoting the implementation of everybody’s right to food, particularly that of women, as well as giving women rights to other resources such as land, in addition to engaging women and men in challenging the inequitable distribution of food within the household, will help strengthen food security in Africa.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the gender debate in agriculture from a CSR perspective in developing countries and serves as a basis for the host communities to demand social projects. It concludes that corporate establishments have an obligation to help solve problems of public concern.
Technology-enabled leadership and performance enhancement outcomes: an empirical investigation from the dynamic capabilities perspective
Authors: Singh Shubham , Hong Paul C. , Jagani Sandeep
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of technology-enabled leadership (TEL) in achieving performance-enhancement outcomes. This empirical investigation is from a dynamic capabilities perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework presents a general model with an overarching dynamic capabilities theory. The research model defines key variables – macroeconomic turbulence (MET), TEL, analytics-based responsiveness (ABR), knowledge-driven innovation (KDI) and performance enhancement outcomes (PEOs). Empirical tests of eight hypotheses are conducted using an original survey instrument based on the respondents (n = 203).

Findings

In response to MET, TEL is crucial in implementing ABR in strategic planning aspects and KDI in operational dimensions. In turn, ABR and KDI are key mediating variables that achieve a desirable level of PEOs.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limitations associated with survey-based research, the findings suggest robust analytical results. For example, the alternative model suggests that MET negatively moderates the positive impact of TEL on ABR, while KDI positively moderates the positive impact of ABR on PEOs.

Practical implications

Outstanding firms demonstrate both TEL and data-savvy decision-making processes. Knowledge-intensive innovation allows firms to achieve multiple performance outcomes that help firms survive and thrive in challenging market environments.

Social implications

There has been a growing concern about how firms use customers’ data in choosing their business practices. Customers are concerned about privacy and data security issues if firms misuse the data while pursuing profit-based goals. However, this empirical investigation confirms that business analytics improve firm performance (e.g. firm productivity enhancements), ultimately benefiting the customers. Providing relevant data to firms has potentially positively enhanced customer services and thus benefits societal well-being.

Originality/value

Using an original survey instrument, this research empirically tests a research model that defines the complex paths between TEL and competitive performance outcomes.
Forced innovation: leveraging text data to analyse firms’ response to COVID-19
Authors: Angela Jovita , Iman Nofie
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore and present a clear overview of innovation topics during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and then organise these topics into various analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use multiple language analysis methods, such as text mining and latent Dirichlet allocation topic modelling, to address the research questions. A total of 440 news articles are analysed using Python and Google Colaboratory tools.

Findings

The analysis identified 20 innovation topics, highlighted sector-specific analyses and proposed phases of innovation. The authors suggest that each sector develops unique patterns and forms of innovation for long-term benefits and further research. This study expands upon existing literature on innovation and crisis at a theoretical level by incorporating an actor as the agency.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings, the authors conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted businesses to adopt dynamic capabilities. Furthermore, the authors provide several strategic recommendations for addressing the pandemic in the developing context. The study discusses the roles of policymakers, business practitioners and academia in this context as well.

Originality/value

Very few studies specifically explore and identify forced innovation topics in emerging countries during the pandemic. There has been no review of forced innovations implemented in Indonesia using news media as a source. Additionally, this study presents the trajectory of innovation during the time of crises.
Use of blockchain technology for smart health-care services: a critical perspective of ethnic minority group
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Jain Geetika
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The essence of blockchain governance is a far departure from the cryptocurrency or Bitcoin that has led to innovation and changing the outline of medical services. The major challenge in medical services is the lack of accessibility of medical services and lack of awareness. A large group of the population belonging to an ethnic minority has a high rate of complications, re-operation and graft rejection. To connect with a minority group and address privacy and safety issues, blockchain-based e-health-care services have massive potential in the medical industry, especially from the perspective of the social aspect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposed a framework that describes the complex interplay of different stated factors, including perceived ease of use, trust, perceived usefulness and perceived security and privacy. The paper uses structural equation modeling to understand the ethnic minority group’s readiness to adopt blockchain-based e-health-care services.

Findings

It was found that all the direct relationships between variables are supported by the findings and have a significant positive relationship with the adoption intention. The tested framework will help regulatory bodies and marketers to develop support health-care service mechanisms for ethnic minority groups by addressing their issues related to security and privacy.

Originality/value

Blockchain-based e-health-care services have massive potential in the medical industry, although, its actual diffusion has not been explored much, with particular reference to an ethnic minority group. This study will explore the diffusion of smart health-care services with respect to ethnic minority group.
Evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of machine learning methods for rapidly determining the safety factor of road embankments
Authors: Habib Maan , Bashir Bashar , Alsalman Abdullah , Bachir Hussein
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Slope stability analysis is essential for ensuring the safe design of road embankments. While various conventional methods, such as the finite element approach, are used to determine the safety factor of road embankments, there is ongoing interest in exploring the potential of machine learning techniques for this purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the study context, the outcomes of the ensemble machine learning models will be compared and benchmarked against the conventional techniques used to predict this parameter.

Findings

Generally, the study results have shown that the proposed machine learning models provide rapid and accurate estimates of the safety factor of road embankments and are, therefore, promising alternatives to traditional methods.

Originality/value

Although machine learning algorithms hold promise for rapidly and accurately estimating the safety factor of road embankments, few studies have systematically compared their performance with traditional methods. To address this gap, this study introduces a novel approach using advanced ensemble machine learning techniques for efficient and precise estimation of the road embankment safety factor. Besides, the study comprehensively assesses the performance of these ensemble techniques, in contrast with established methods such as the finite element approach and empirical models, demonstrating their potential as robust and reliable alternatives in the realm of slope stability assessment.
Factors that make open innovation more successful than traditional approaches
Authors: Dencik Jacob , Fisher Lisa-Giane , Higgins Lisa , Lipp Anthony , Marshall Anthony , Palmer Kirsten
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Four management capabilities for successfully operationalizing open innovation are: strategy and culture, ecosystem capability, internal capability and technology enablement. Surveying more than 1,000 executives on current open innovation practices and capabilities, IBM IBV was able to identify how the different operating model capabilities interact and complement each other to drive better innovation and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

To help organizations build and improve their open innovation capabilities, the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) partnered with APQC to develop the Ecosystem-Enabled Innovation Maturity Model (EEIMM) - an open standards model encompassing four domain competencies required for successful open innovation. To assess the maturity and benchmark the performance of organizations’ open innovation capabilities, the IBV, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, used the EEIMM to survey over 1000 leaders responsible for open innovation at their organizations.

Findings

Four management capabilities for successfully operationalizing open innovation are: strategy and culture, ecosystem capability, internal capability and technology enablement. IBV analysis found that organizations that are more advanced in developing the four building blocks see significantly better performance across key financial and innovation metrics.

Practical implications

For every dollar of investment, the proportion of direct revenue attributed to open innovation is four times higher than for traditional innovation.

Originality/value

Leading organizations are embracing open innovation as a critical component of innovation strategy and investment. They recognize that adopting open innovation yields far greater returns than traditional innovation can. Recent research by the IBM Institute for Business Value (IBM IBV) reveals, for example, that as many as 84 percent of executives now view open innovation as important for their organization’s future growth.
Un‐disciplined: An invitation to flash ethnography
Authors: McGranahan Carole , Craig Sienna R.
Published: July 2023

This flash essay introduces a special section on flash ethnography. We consider how and why this genre has emerged as a vital intervention for ethnographic practice and theoretical storytelling. We invite questions about the value, methods, and scope of this form—a move toward un‐disciplining our writing and offering new ways of thinking about ethnographic wholes.
Paths of Erasure and Trails of Resistance in aNeo‐Settler‐ColonialCity
Authors: Huss Michal
Published: July 2023

Urban displacement is receiving growing visibility within urban studies. However, most literature centres on the logic of late capitalism and tends to neglect colonial history and local resistance to displacement. This paper takes an alternative path: it relates (a) the history of colonialism and ethnic cleansing of the city of Jaffa with (b) the present‐day gentrification and displacement caused by neoliberal urbanism. To unpack this entanglement, the article focuses on political city walking tours led by Internally Displaced Palestinians in Jaffa, alongside a broader repertoire of urban subaltern tactics to reclaim it—ranging from community meetings to more overtly politicised acts of protest and initiatives to disrupt gentrification. The article therefore advances debates on urban displacement and urban citizenship mobilisation through the lens of post‐colonial theories, and by adopting a participatory interdisciplinary approach—from a novel perspective that centres local knowledge, lived experiences, and grassroots activism.
Inter‐individual variability in redox and performance responses after antioxidant supplementation: A randomized double blind crossover study
Authors: Margaritelis Nikos V. , Nastos George G. , Vasileiadou Olga , Chatzinikolaou Panagiotis N. , Theodorou Anastasios A. , Paschalis Vassilis , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Kyparos Antonios , Fatouros Ioannis G. , Nikolaidis Michalis G.
Published: July 2023

Aim

We aimed to investigate the inter‐individual variability in redox and physiological responses of antioxidant‐deficient subjects after antioxidant supplementation.

Methods

Two hundred individuals were sorted by plasma vitamin C levels. A low vitamin C group (n = 22) and a control group (n = 22) were compared in terms of oxidative stress and performance. Subsequently, the low vitamin C group received for 30 days vitamin C (1 g) or placebo, in randomized, double‐blind, crossover fashion, and the effects were examined through a mixed‐effects model, while individual responses were calculated.

Results

The low vitamin C group exhibited lower vitamin C (−25 μmol/L; 95%CI[−31.7, −18.3];p < 0.001), higher F2‐isoprostanes (+17.1 pg/mL; 95%CI[6.5, 27.7];p = 0.002), impaired VO2max(−8.2 mL/kg/min; 95%CI[−12.8, −3.6];p < 0.001) and lower isometric peak torque (−41.5 Nm; 95%CI[−61.8, −21.2];p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Regarding antioxidant supplementation, a significant treatment effect was found in vitamin C (+11.6 μmol/L; 95%CI[6.8, 17.1],p < 0.001), F2‐isoprostanes (−13.7 pg/mL; 95%CI[−18.9, −8.4],p < 0.001), VO2max(+5.4 mL/kg/min; 95%CI[2.7, 8.2],p = 0.001) and isometric peak torque (+18.7; 95%CI[11.8, 25.7 Nm],p < 0.001). The standard deviation for individual responses (SDir) was greater than the smallest worthwhile change (SWC) for all variables indicating meaningful inter‐individual variability. When a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was set, inter‐individual variability remained for VO2max, but not for isometric peak torque.

Conclusion

The proportion of response was generally high after supplementation (82.9%–95.3%); however, a few participants did not benefit from the treatment. This underlines the potential need for personalized nutritional interventions in an exercise physiology context.
MFN2 deficiency promotes cardiac response to hypobaric hypoxia by reprogramming cardiomyocyte metabolism
Authors: Zhang Ru , Yang Ailin , Zhang Lin , He Linjie , Gu Xiaoming , Yu Caiyong , Lu Zhenxing , Wang Chuang , Zhou Feng , Li Fei , Ji Lele , Xing Jinliang , Guo Haitao
Published: July 2023

Aim

Under hypobaric hypoxia (HH), the heart triggers various defense mechanisms including metabolic remodeling against lack of oxygen. Mitofusin 2 (MFN2), located at the mitochondrial outer membrane, is closely involved in the regulation of mitochondrial fusion and cell metabolism. To date, however, the role of MFN2 in cardiac response to HH has not been explored.

Methods

Loss‐ and gain‐of‐function approaches were used to investigate the role of MFN2 in cardiac response to HH. In vitro, the function of MFN2 in the contraction of primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes under hypoxia was examined. Non‐targeted metabolomics and mitochondrial respiration analyses, as well as functional experiments were performed to explore underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

Our data demonstrated that, following 4 weeks of HH, cardiac‐specific MFN2 knockout (MFN2 cKO) mice exhibited significantly better cardiac function than control mice. Moreover, restoring the expression of MFN2 clearly inhibited the cardiac response to HH in MFN2 cKO mice. Importantly, MFN2 knockout significantly improved cardiac metabolic reprogramming during HH, resulting in reduced capacity for fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and oxidative phosphorylation, and increased glycolysis and ATP production. In vitro data showed that down‐regulation of MFN2 promoted cardiomyocyte contractility under hypoxia. Interestingly, increased FAO through palmitate treatment decreased contractility of cardiomyocyte with MFN2 knockdown under hypoxia. Furthermore, treatment with mdivi‐1, an inhibitor of mitochondrial fission, disrupted HH‐induced metabolic reprogramming and subsequently promoted cardiac dysfunction in MFN2‐knockout hearts.

Conclusion

Our findings provide the first evidence that down‐regulation of MFN2 preserves cardiac function in chronic HH by promoting cardiac metabolic reprogramming.
Childhood body mass index trajectories and asthma and allergies: A systematic review
Authors: Chang Chia‐Lun , Ali Gulshan Bano , Pham Jonathan , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Lodge Caroline J. , Tang Mimi L. K. , Lowe Adrian J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous systematic reviews have focused on associations between single time point measures of Body Mass Index (BMI) and asthma and allergic diseases. As BMI changes dynamically during childhood, examination of associations between longitudinal trajectories in BMI and allergic diseases is needed to fully understand the nature of these relationships.

Objective

To systematically synthesise the association between BMI trajectories in childhood (0–18 years) and allergic diseases (asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, or food allergies outcomes).

Design

We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines, and two independent reviewers assessed the study quality using the ROBINS‐E and GRADE tools. A narrative synthesis was performed as the statistical heterogeneity did not allow a meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

A search was performed on PubMed and EMBASE databases on 4th January 2023.

Eligibility Criteria

Longitudinal cohort studies assessing the associations between childhood BMI trajectories and allergic diseases were included.

Results

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 37,690 participants between 0 and 53 years of age. Ten studies examined asthma outcomes, three assessed association with allergic rhinitis, two assessed eczema, and one assessed food allergy. High heterogeneity and high risk of bias were observed. Overall, the quality of evidence was very low. Nevertheless, two consistent findings were identified: (1) a persistently high BMI between 6 and 10 years of age may be associated with an increased risk of asthma at 18 years and (2) a rapid increase in BMI in the first 2 years of life may be associated with subsequent asthma.

Conclusions

Maintaining a normal BMI trajectory during childhood may reduce the risk of asthma. Future research that adequately addresses confounding and includes longer‐term follow‐up is needed. Moreover, additional studies examining potential associations with eczema, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis outcomes are needed.
Ultrasound reduces inflammation by modulating M1/M2 polarization of microglia through STAT1/STAT6/PPARγ signaling pathways
Authors: Hsu Chin‐Hung , Pan Yi‐Ju , Zheng Yin‐Ting , Lo Raymond Y. , Yang Feng‐Yi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Activated microglia can be polarized to the pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype and the anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype. Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can attenuate pro‐inflammatory responses in activated microglia.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of LIPUS on M1/M2 polarization of microglial cells and the regulatory mechanisms associated with signaling pathways.

Methods

BV‐2 microglial cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to an M1 phenotype or by interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) to an M2 phenotype. Some microglial cells were exposed to LIPUS, while others were not. M1/M2 marker mRNA and protein expression were measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)‐/arginase‐1 (Arg‐1)‐ and CD68‐/CD206‐positive cells.

Results

LIPUS treatment significantly attenuated LPS‐induced increases in inflammatory markers (iNOS, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6) as well as the expression of cell surface markers (CD86 and CD68) of M1‐polarized microglia. In contrast, LIPUS treatment significantly enhanced the expression of M2‐related markers (Arg‐1, IL‐10, and Ym1) and membrane protein (CD206). LIPUS treatment prevented M1 polarization of microglia and enhanced or sustained M2 polarization by regulating M1/M2 polarization through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1/STAT6/peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma pathways.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that LIPUS inhibits microglial polarization and switches microglia from the M1 to the M2 phenotype.
Prevalence of work‐related skin symptoms and associated factors among tertiary hospital workers exposed to cleaning agents in Southern Africa
Authors: Sonday Zahida , Baatjies Roslynn , Mwanga Hussein H , Jeebhay Mohamed F
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Working with cleaning products is associated with occupational contact dermatitis in health workers (HWs), but information on predictors for these outcomes is limited.

Objectives

This study investigated the prevalence of work‐related skin symptoms (WRSS) and associated factors in HWs exposed to cleaning agents in two Southern African tertiary hospitals.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 697 HWs used an interviewer‐administered questionnaire and assessed for atopy using Phadiatop.

Results

HWs' median age was 42 years, 77.0% were female and 42.5% were atopic. The prevalence of WRSS in the last 12 months was 14.8%, 12.3% had probable contact dermatitis (PCD) and 3.2% had probable contact urticaria (PCU). Technicians (ORadj 3.91) and tasks involving cleaning and disinfection of skin wounds (ORadj 1.98) were associated with WRSS in the past year. Factors associated with PCD included sterilizing instruments, disinfecting skin before procedures and use of wound adhesives. Factors associated with PCU included specimen preparation using formalin, medical instrument sterilization tasks, and skin/wound cleaning and disinfection. Appropriate glove use when performing patients' skin/wound care was protective against WRSS.

Conclusions

Tasks involving cleaning and disinfecting patients' skin and wounds were associated with WRSS in HWs, especially when performed without gloves.
An analysis of randomized controlled trials on anal fistula conducted between 2000 and 2020 based on the Fragility Index and Reverse Fragility Index
Authors: Placer‐Galán Carlos , Enriquez‐Navascués Jose María , Lopetegui Ane Etxart , Ansorena Yolanda Saralegui
Published: July 2023

Aim

The aim of this work was to evaluate the robustness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on anal fistula management using the news tools of Fragility Index (FI), Reverse Fragility Index (RFI) and their corresponding fragility quotients.

Method

A systematic search was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA) guidelines which utilized MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria included RCTs related to the management of anal fistula published from 2000 to 2022 with dichotomous outcomes measures and 1:1 allocation. Calculation of FI and RFI was performed by creating 2 × 2 contingency tables by successively changing one nonevent to an event for each outcome measure until the result was made nonsignificant or significant, respectively. The Fragility Quotients were calculated by dividing the FI or RFI by the total sample size. Fragile results were defined as those with a FI or RFI equal to or less than the number of patients lost to follow‐up. Additionally, those with a FI or RFI less than 3 were also considered fragile. Studies were considered extremely fragile if FI was ≤1 or FQ was ≤0.01.

Results

There were 36 RCTs that met our criteria, with 3223 patients. Among these, 19 (53%) were positive RCTs (p < 0.005) and 17 (47%) were negative RCTs (p > 0.05). The median FI was 2 (0–5). The analysis by categorical subgroup showed a strong correlation between FI and the p‐value (p = 0.000) and the number of events (p = 0.011). The median RFI was 5 (3.5–9.5) and the subgroup analysis showed a strong correlation between RFI and the p‐value (p = 0.000), sample size (0.021) and number needed to treat/number needed to harm (0.000). We considered 63.2% of positive RCTs to be fragile and 35.3% of negative RCTs.

Conclusions

In the present study we demonstrated the lack of robustness of study findings in published RCTs in the field of anal fistula.
Suspected idiopathic vestibular syndrome in the horse: Eight cases (2014–2021)
Authors: Wilson Amie , Gonçalves Rita , Carslake Harry , Malalana Fernando
Published: July 2023

A descriptive case series of the presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of eight horses presenting to a UK equine veterinary hospital with suspected idiopathic peripheral vestibular syndrome over a 7‐year period (2014–2021). Idiopathic vestibular syndrome in the horse causes unilateral clinical signs including; ataxia, nystagmus, strabismus and a head tilt. Diagnosis is aided by neurological examination, endoscopy of the upper airway and cross‐sectional imaging (i.e. magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography). This case series indicates that horses with this condition can make a full recovery with return to ridden exercise. Treatment with anti‐inflammatory medication did not appear to influence outcome.
Historical geographies of Japanese colonial urbanism
Authors: Xu Yiming
Published: July 2023

While historical geographers contributed to colonial projects as surveyors, explorers and map‐makers, since the 1990s they have contributed to the critical analysis of the imaginary and material geographies of empire. However, as the only example of Asian‐led colonialism, the study of Japanese colonialism has not received anywhere near the same degree of scholarly attention as western colonialism, especially in the English‐speaking literature. This study summarizes the historical geographies on both Japanese colonialism and colonial cities in Japanese Empire, arguing the vulnerable status of Japanese colonial cities in postcolonial urbanism, and concludes with a discussion of the particularities of Japanese colonialism. It argues that there is plenty of space for geographical research in the Japanese colonial context. Japan's colonial cities have special characteristics and should receive more attention in post‐colonial urbanism as it in line with the urban scholar's call for ordinary cities in global south. It is hoped that this review can be a complete summary of relevant research and will provide useful references for future geographers to comparatively research Japanese colonialism.
Single Spot Rb‐Sr Isochron Dating of Biotite by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS/MS
Authors: Cruz‐Uribe Alicia M. , Craig Grant , Garber Joshua M. , Paul Bence , Arkula Cemil , Bouman Claudia
Published: July 2023

Laser ablation tandem mass spectrometry is a burgeoning field for in situ Rb‐Sr geochronology. Here, we determined simultaneous isotope ratios of 87Sr/86Sr and 87Rb/86Sr in metamorphic biotite from western Maine, using an ESL™ imageGEO™193 excimer laser ablation system coupled to a Thermo Scientific™ Neoma™ MC‐ICP‐MS/MS. Measurements were made on Faraday cups with Rb+ at mass 87; Sr isotopes were reacted with SF6 gas and measured as SrF+ at masses 103–107. Twenty‐two laser spots in biotite from a single sample yield a "traditional" Rb‐Sr isochron date of 289 ± 6 Ma. Time‐resolved signals reveal significant zoning in 87Sr/86Sr and 87Rb/86Sr within single spot analyses, which were used to construct single spot isochrons. Individual laser spots contain multiple isochronous subpopulations; some spots contain up to three distinct Rb‐Sr isochrons that are decoupled from variations in Rb/Sr. Thirty‐five isochron dates were determined using this "sub‐spot" approach, with 87Sr/86Sr intercepts that systematically vary with Rb‐Sr date; two‐point isochrons were calculated for individual integrations (n = 780) based on these variable intercepts. Both methods yield age peaks at 303, 270 and 240 Ma. These data suggest that the Rb‐Sr system has the potential to record multiple heating, cooling or fluid‐alteration events spanning ~ 100 My within small domains in single biotite crystals.
Control of Structural Landform Evolution on Karst Groundwater Cycle in a Large‐Scale Anticlinorium
Authors: Fan Yu , Ji Huaisong , Lu Ruyang , Wan Junwei , Huang Kun
Published: July 2023

Structural landform evolution and hydrogeochemical analyses are crucial for understanding the characteristics of karst groundwater systems and the development of deep karst formed by complex aquifers in a tectonic collision zone. Detailed structural landform evolution analysis was carried out along the large‐scale anticlinorium to investigate the temporal evolution of karst aquifer systems and karstification. Results showed that the tectonic activity included weak horizontal compression and slow vertical uplift during the Triassic to Middle Jurassic, forming a denuded clastic platform. This period was mainly preserved in the geological record as burial karst. From the Late Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, the study area was strongly compressed by S–N‐trending stress, and developed E–W‐trending high‐angle imbricate thrust structures, which controlled the formation of folded and fault‐blocked mountains. Vertical multilayered strata underwent a strong horizontal extrusion, forming a large‐scale anticlinorium with secondary folds and faults. With the exposure of carbonate rocks due to rapid crustal uplift, karst began to develop, forming a vertical multilayer karst aquifer system and controlling the distribution of karst groundwater. The Fangxian faulted basin was formed from the Late Cretaceous to the Paleogene, whereby landforms were dominated by intermountain basins. Slow crustal uplift caused the retreat of the denudation line to the east, leading to an increase in hydrodynamic conditions and karstification, and the initiation of early karst groundwater systems. Since the Neogene, intermittent and rapid crustal uplift has led to the deepening of rivers, resulting in the formation of peak clusters and canyons, the development of deep karst, and the complete formation of karst groundwater systems. Combined with hydrogeochemical and borehole data, local, intermediate, and regional karst groundwater systems were identified. It has vital significance to the geological route selection or construction of deep‐buried tunnels and the utilization of karst groundwater.
Trends in biopolymer science applied to cosmetics
Authors: Mendoza‐Muñoz Néstor , Leyva‐Gómez Gerardo , Piñón‐Segundo Elizabeth , Zambrano‐Zaragoza María L. , Quintanar‐Guerrero David , Del Prado Audelo María Luisa , Urbán‐Morlán Zaida
Published: July 2023

The term biopolymer refers to materials obtained by chemically modifying natural biological substances or producing them through biotechnological processes. They are biodegradable, biocompatible and non‐toxic. Due to these advantages, biopolymers have wide applications in conventional cosmetics and new trends and have emerged as essential ingredients that function as rheological modifiers, emulsifiers, film‐formers, moisturizers, hydrators, antimicrobials and, more recently, materials with metabolic activity on skin. Developing approaches that exploit these features is a challenge for formulating skin, hair and oral care products and dermatological formulations. This article presents an overview of the use of the principal biopolymers used in cosmetic formulations and describes their sources, recently derived structures, novel applications and safety aspects of the use of these molecules.
“Our study offers insight into…” Rhetorical promotion in English and Spanish conference abstracts
Authors: Martín Pedro , Burgess Sally
Published: July 2023

The conference abstract (CA) is an important promotional academic genre that allows scholars to introduce their research to their peers as a conference presentation if the proposal is accepted by the reviewing gatekeepers. However, few studies have explored the CA in specific disciplines and no studies have examined this genre from an intercultural perspective. In this paper, we present a move‐step framework for the analysis of CAs and we examine comparatively the rhetorical structure of 80 CAs written in English and Spanish in the field of Applied Linguistics, with a special focus on those moves/steps that convey a promotional function. The results revealed that, to a great extent, the texts written in both languages present a high degree of similarity in terms of the frequency and distribution of most moves/steps, except for a significant difference reported in the frequency of occurrence of the step that states the implications of research findings, which appeared to be more prevalent in the English CAs. These findings may have relevant pedagogical implications for early career researchers and English as an Additional Language (EAL) scholars who seek to accommodate to the rhetorical conventions expected by the members of their specific national and international disciplinary communities.
Temperature dissimilarity drives flower–visitor interaction turnover across elevation in the Mexican Transition Zone
Authors: Luna Pedro , Villalobos Fabricio , Escobar Federico , Neves Frederico , Castillo‐Campos Gonzalo , Hinojosa‐Díaz Ismael , Cagnolo Luciano , del‐Val Ek , Leponce Maurice , Dáttilo Wesley
Published: July 2023

Aim

Most biodiversity studies have considered species to be isolated entities, neglecting the fact that their biotic interactions and spatial variation are fundamental to their persistence across elevational gradients. Here, using a standardized sampling methodology, we evaluated how and why the composition of flower–visitor interactions (i.e. beta diversity) varies over an extensive elevational gradient. Specifically, we aimed to identify which biotic (species turnover) and abiotic factors (temperature, precipitation and primary productivity) inherent to elevational gradients can explain the distribution of floral visitor–plant interactions.

Location

Mexican Transition Zone.

Taxon

Angiosperms, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera.

Methods

We sampled ecological interactions between floral visitors and flowering plants at 10 sites along an elevational gradient from 4 to 3425 m.a.s.l. We measured the additive partitioning of the beta diversity of species interactions and used generalized dissimilarity modelling to assess how spatial and environmental factors can explain the observed dissimilarity.

Results

We found that the composition of interactions between floral visitors and plant species differs from lowlands to highlands mainly due to differences in temperature across the studied elevation gradient, rather than geographical distance or other environmental factors (i.e. mean annual precipitation and net primary productivity). We also observed that the main component of the beta diversity of interactions was interaction turnover driven by the turnover of both plants and floral visitors along the elevation gradient studied, which may be influenced by both temperature and the biogeographical affinity of biotas.

Main Conclusions

We conclude that environmental filters play a crucial role in the establishment of novel interactions, as temperature can filter species and impact the behaviour and traits of floral visitors and plants across an elevational gradient. These findings underscore the importance of considering the role of abiotic factors in predicting and explaining the distribution of species interactions across different elevational gradients.
Pathogenic copy number variations are associated with foetal short femur length in a tertiary referral centre study
Authors: Cai Meiying , Que Yanting , Chen Meihuan , Zhang Min , Huang Hailong , Xu Liangpu , Lin Na
Published: July 2023

Shortened foetal femur length (FL) is a common abnormal phenotype that often causes anxiety in pregnant women, and standard clinical treatments remain unavailable. We investigated the clinical characteristics, genetic aetiology and obstetric pregnancy outcomes of foetuses with short FL and provided a reference for perinatal management of such cases. Chromosomal microarray analysis was used to analyse the copy number variations (CNV) in short FL foetuses. Of the 218 foetuses with short FL, 33 foetuses exhibited abnormal CNVs, including 19 with pathogenic CNVs and 14 with variations of uncertain clinical significance. Of the 19 foetuses with pathogenic CNVs, four had aneuploidy, 14 had deletions/duplications, and one had pathogenic uniparental diploidy. The 7q11.23 microdeletion was detected in three foetuses. The severity of short FL was not associated with the rate of pathogenic CNVs. The duration of short FL for the intrauterine ultrasound phenotype in foetuses carrying a pathogenic CNV was independent of the gestational age. Further, maternal age was not associated with the incidence of foetal pathogenic CNVs. Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 77 cases, including termination of pregnancy in 63 cases, postnatal dwarfed foetuses with intellectual disability in 11 cases, and three deaths within 3 months of birth. Pathogenic CNVs closely related to foetal short FL were identified, among which the 7q11.23 microdeletion was highly associated with short FL development. This study provides a reference for the perinatal management of foetuses with short FL.
Effect of financial incentives onhospital‐cardiologistintegration and cardiac test location
Authors: Ye Yuan Andy , Black Bernard , Viragh Timea , Magid David J. , Luo Qian , Moghtaderi Ali
Published: July 2023

Starting around 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) progressively reduced Medicare Fee‐for‐Service (M‐FFS) payments for the principal noninvasive cardiac tests, when performed in a cardiologist office (Office), yet kept payments flat to increasing for the same tests, performed in the hospital‐based outpatient (HBO) setting. This produced a growing gap between HBO and Office payments for the same tests, and thus an incentive for hospitals to acquire cardiology practices in order to move cardiac tests to the HBO location and capture the HBO/Office payment differential. We use difference‐in‐differences analysis, in which we compare national M‐FFS trends in cardiac test location to those for a control group of several large, integrated Medicare Advantage (M‐Adv) health systems over 2005–2015, which were not affected by these reimbursement changes, and provide evidence that these reimbursement changes led to a large shift in testing from Office to HBO. This shift was concurrent with a sharp rise in hospital‐cardiologist integration. The rise in integration and the proportion of testing in HBO varied greatly across states. Independent practice remains viable in very large states, but is endangered in many states, and is all but extinct in a growing number of states.
Evaluating nanopore sequencing for microbial community characterization in catfish pond water
Authors: Older Caitlin E. , Richardson Bradley M. , Wood Monica , Waldbieser Geoffrey C. , Ware Cynthia , Griffin Matt J. , Ott Brian D.
Published: July 2023

In the United States, catfish are primarily farmed in earthen ponds, resulting in an aquatic environment influenced both by management practices and natural ecological processes. Profiling pond water microbiota can be useful for understanding what conditions may lead to microbial communities associated with production issues and could inform management practices. The aim of this study was to identify appropriate methods for bacterial community profiling of catfish pond water with nanopore sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. To this end, two forward primers, two reverse primers, and three different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cycle numbers were tested on a mock community consisting of aquaculture‐relevant bacteria. The optimized protocol was applied to water samples obtained from three experimental catfish ponds sampled in May, June, August, and September 2020. Applying these methods to pond samples allowed for the identification of 1488 genera, primarily within four dominating phyla: Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, and Firmicutes. High variation was observed between individual ponds and sampling timepoints; only 18 of the 1488 genera were found in relative abundances ≥1% in all ponds from at least one sampling point. Despite this variation, consistent results could be observed. Samples obtained from the month of September had the highest number of observed genera, and samples from June had the lowest. Overall, these data demonstrated individual ponds represent distinct microcosms composed of unique bacterial communities, although this pond effect was secondary to the influence of sampling month on pond community composition.
Path of fear: Experiences of health professionals in the fight against COVID‐19
Authors: Ramos Flávia Regina S. , da Silva Denise Maria Guerreiro V. , Lima Kássia Janara V. , Monteiro Wagner Ferreira , Sachett Jaqueline de A. G. , Monteiro Wuelton , Ferreira Darlisom Sousa , de Andrade Lucas Lorran C. , Tavares Igor Castro
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to understand the expressions of fear in the journeys of health professionals who worked in the confrontation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), in the city of Manaus, in the Brazilian Western Amazon. This is an exploratory qualitative study that adopts interpretive description as a method to generate informed knowledge responsive to the needs of the practice. We included 56 participants, comprising 23 health managers and 33 health workers (middle and higher level) of different professional categories. The results revealed three circles of experience: (1) knowledge and professional experience in dealing with the disease (unknown–known–experienced); (2) the growing proximity to death and loss (predicted–witnessed–suffered); and (3) the involvement and proximity to whatever affects the individual, their emotions, and personal transformations in the face of the threat (the collective, the neighbor, and oneself). Our results suggest that health professionals who worked during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Manaus experienced insecurity, dread, and fear, illustrating the complexity of developing their activities in the front line of care and management during the different phases of the pandemic. A contribution of the study is precisely that of capturing this complexity, which suggests the impossibility of analyzing fear only in its simple manifestation, or in each circle of experience.