bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration fears and housing affordability in France, Germany, the UK and the USA and the mediating role of interest rate
Authors: Salisu Afees Adebare , Olaniran Abeeb Olatunde , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the literature on migration by examining the nexus between migration-related fears and housing affordability in France, Germany, the UK and the USA using new datasets for migration-related fears.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the feasible quasi-generalized least squares approach wherein a predictor can be isolated in the estimation process. Thus, rather than specifying a multi-predictor model that may also lead to parameter proliferation, a single-predictor model (for the predictor of interest) is formulated while also accounting for other salient features resulting from suppressing other important factors that may not be of interest to the current study. Such salient features include persistence, endogeneity and conditional heteroscedasticity issues.

Findings

Overall, the results show heterogeneous responses of housing affordability to migration fears across the four developed countries, as the latter deteriorates housing affordability in Germany and the USA and improves it in France and the UK. Similarly, the GFC makes housing less affordable in all four countries as low interest rate passes the mediation test in the nexus. The results, especially for low interest rates, are robust to different uncertainty measures.

Research limitations/implications

As is often the case with economic phenomena, no single model can capture all the factors influencing an economic variable. Thus, besides examining the nexus between migration fears and housing affordability, the authors also account for the role of GDP per capita, given the influence of population and income dynamics on housing affordability. However, incorporating GDP per capita alone does not substantially enhance the model’s ability to predict housing affordability. Future research should explore additional macroeconomic and social factors, such as human capital development, to further enhance this subject.

Practical implications

The findings have significant implications for policymakers regarding the use of low interest rates to counteract the adverse effects of migration-related fear on housing affordability. Specifically, to mitigate the potential negative impact of migration and the associated fear on housing affordability, monetary authorities could adopt a more accommodative stance on mortgages. By allowing real estate investors to obtain loans at lower rates, this approach would help increase housing supply and reduce the housing gap exacerbated by migration influx.

Originality/value

The values of this study lie in its examination of housing affordability in relation to migration fears from both the demand and supply sides of the market. Furthermore, the analyses are conducted to cover out-of-sample forecast evaluation as in-sample predictability may not guarantee out-of-sample prediction.
Lean six sigma for health care: multiple case studies in Latin America
Authors: Buestan Marcos , Perez Cinthia C. , Rodríguez-Zurita Denise
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Health-care organisations face many challenges in delivering safe, high-quality services while experiencing significant pressure to increase productivity and reduce costs. In this context, hospitals have implemented lean six sigma (LSS) programmes to improve their performance. This study aims to explore the application of LSS in three different non-profit Ecuadorian hospitals to comprehend the effectiveness of the methodology under this context.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple-case analysis was performed in four phases: selecting the cases, defining a data collection protocol, performing a within-case analysis of each case and performing a cross-case analysis.

Findings

This research found that the LSS application positively impacts hospital performance indicators by reducing service time. The most frequently used tools include the supplier input process output customer diagram, value stream mapping, cause-and-effect diagram, five-why analysis, Gemba walk and paired two-sample test. Lastly, the results show that the most common challenges faced were lack of top management engagement, technical training and data availability.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by the constraint of a single Latin American country from which the cases were analysed. Collaboration with external partners, like universities, and government policies promoting training in continuous improvement methodologies are crucial for success. Academic implications stress the importance of integrating soft skills in LSS implementation and engineering education.

Originality/value

This study shows a multiple-case analysis of LSS in a Latin American country highlighting the most commonly used tools, their impact on performance and the challenges of implementing LSS in health-care organisations in non-profit Ecuadorian hospitals.
Analysis of the factors determining educational mismatches: evidence from the Catalonian employment insertion surveys
Authors: Cortadas-Guasch Pau
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The existence of mismatches between training and jobs is relatively common and is accentuated in times of crisis where unemployment is growing. The negative effects that this phenomenon can generate on both workers and the economy makes its study relevant. The objective of this research is to analyse whether graduates of the Catalan university system have jobs according to their educational level.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper sees how graduates’ own and acquired characteristics influence the probability of a mismatch from the analysis of the microdata of different waves of the employment insertion survey conducted by the Agència per a la Qualitat del Sistema Universitari de Catalunya (AQU).

Findings

The main conclusions focus on confirming that more humanities-oriented degrees tend to have a higher level of mismatch while technology or medicine approach a perfect fit. Therefore, bringing the education and business systems together is important to reduce this gap. Meanwhile, in terms of activities, services such as hospitality and retail have historically been sectors with a poor fit, and what has happened with Catalan graduates has not been an exception.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the research has been to highlight where there is a greater mismatch from the point of view of training, the type of work and its evolution over time, detecting the need to adjust labour supply and demand.
Does eco-innovation lead to company growth?
Authors: Altuzarra Artola Amaia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study presents new empirical evidence to the relatively scarce number of research papers on the correlation between eco-innovation and company growth. It sheds light on the causal relationship between these two variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from the Spanish Technological Innovation Panel from 2008 to 2016. Propensity Score Matching is applied to avoid self-selection problems.

Findings

The study found that engaging eco-innovation has no statistically significant impact on employment and sales growth. Therefore, the main benefits of transitioning to green innovations are in the environmental aspect.

Practical implications

The research findings provide a clear direction for policymakers. Such directions suggest the design of instruments that make the adoption of eco-innovations mandatory with the firm promise of substantial environmental benefits.

Originality/value

The paper explores an important issue for environmental policy. If being an eco-innovator is positively or at least neutrally related to growth, policymakers could create measures that encourage this type of green innovation. This would benefit the environment, and if the impact is positive, it would also have a positive social effect.
Challenges and opportunities in the digitalization of the B2B customer journey
Authors: Andersson Svante , Aagerup Ulf , Svensson Lisa , Eriksson Sanna
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore challenges and opportunities in the digitalization of the business-to-business (B2B) customer journey in different buying situations. It also investigates where in the customer journey digital marketing is most efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a single case study approach to examine a B2B company that implemented digitalization in its customer journey in different buying situations. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, complemented by internal documents and information from the company’s website and social media, to identify reasons for and against the decision to digitalize the B2B customer journey.

Findings

Digitalization can offer firms a cost-effective and value-creating way to interact with customers in a B2B context. The B2B buying situation, however, plays a significant role in decisions on how to implement digitalization. Moreover, in the prepurchase phase, digital marketing is more effective in building awareness; in the purchase phase, personal selling is more effective in addressing customers’ needs.

Research limitations/implications

The use of a single case study cannot produce results directly generalizable to other contexts. However, the findings are applicable to the digitalization of B2B customer journeys in similar industrial contexts.

Practical implications

To successfully implement digitalization in the customer journey, B2B firms should choose digital tools according to different buying situations and phases in the customer journey, segment buyers by their needs rather than individual characteristics and integrate the sales and marketing functions.

Originality/value

This study contradicts prior research that claims that digital marketing can be used in a similar way in both B2B and business-to-consumer contexts. It further shows that the relevant demarcation is not between personal sales and digitalization but between automated digital marketing and individualized personal sales, regardless of medium.
Enhancing financial inclusion in India: the impact of socioeconomic and macroeconomic factors
Authors: Khan Imran , Sahu Mrutuyanjaya
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically examine the influence of macroeconomic and socioeconomic factors on improving financial inclusion in India, with a specific focus on two distinct indicators of financial inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used a time-series data set covering the years 1996 to 2022, using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag methodology. This approach allows for the examination of both short- and long-run effects of key macroeconomic and socio-economic indicators, including GDP per capita growth, remittance inflows and the income share held by the lowest 20% of the population on the growth of two financial inclusion indicators: the number of commercial bank branches and ATMs per 100,000 adults.

Findings

Model-1 investigates how commercial bank branch growth affects financial inclusion. Positive remittance inflow growth and a rise in the income share of the bottom 20% both lead to increased financial inclusion in both the short and long term, with the effects being more pronounced in the long run. Conversely, negative effects of remittance inflow growth and a decline in GDP per capita growth lead to reduced financial inclusion, primarily affecting the long run. Focusing on ATM growth, Model-2 reveals that positive remittance inflow growth has the strongest impact on financial inclusion in the short term. While income share growth for the bottom 20% and GDP growth also positively influence financial inclusion, their effects become significant only in the long run. Conversely, a decline in GDP per capita growth hinders financial inclusion, primarily affecting the short run.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in research on macroeconomic and socioeconomic factors influencing financial inclusion in India by examining the impact of GDP per capita growth, remittance inflows and the income share held by the lowest 20% of the population, an area relatively unexplored in the Indian context. Second, the study provides comprehensive distinct results for different financial inclusion indicators, offering valuable insights for policymakers. These findings are particularly relevant for policymakers working toward Sustainable Development Goal 8.10.1, as they can use the results to tailor policies that align with SDG objectives. Additionally, policymakers in other developing nations can benefit from this study’s findings to enhance financial inclusion in their respective countries.
In search of superior performance: knowledge management and learning capability of entrepreneurial firms
Authors: Appietu-Ankrah Kwaku , Agyapong Ahmed , Mensah Henry Kofi , Asiedu-Appiah Felicity
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study underscores the critical importance of knowledge management (KM) in the context of small and medium entrepreneurial firms (SMEFs) that aim to leverage their organisational learning capability (OLC) to enhance their product innovation performance (PIP). Drawing on the foundations of resource-based and contingency theories, this study delves into the impact of OLC on SMEFs' PIP through the intermediary role of KM, focussing on an emerging economy perspective. Additionally, this investigation explores how market dynamism (MDY) moderates the indirect connection between OLC and PIP via KM.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved 262 SMEFs in Ghana, with data analysis conducted using PROCESS macros in SPSS 23.0 and LISREL 8.50.

Findings

This study's findings underscore the mediating role of KM in shaping the relationship between OLC and PIP. Furthermore, they reveal that, particularly in high MDY environments, the link between KM and PIP through KM is significantly strengthened.

Practical implications

The study clarifies that responding to MDY's demands is a complementary managerial capability enabling firms to channel their KM activities to improve PIP. Effectively, understanding the relationship between MDY and KM could substantially influence the policies and strategies managers adopt to improve PIP for organisational growth and survival.

Originality/value

This study extends the OLC–PIP research and contributes to the growing literature by offering a strong account of how OLC influences PIP and the prevailing boundary conditions that impact the KM-PIP relationship.
A systematic literature review on the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies in sustainability improvement of transportation construction projects: state-of-the-art and future directions
Authors: Abbasnejad Behzad , Soltani Sahar , Karamoozian Amirhossein , Gu Ning
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This systematic literature review aims to investigate the application and integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in transportation infrastructure construction projects focusing on sustainability pillars.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a systematic literature review approach, combining qualitative review and quantitative analysis of 142 academic articles published between 2011 and March 2023.

Findings

The findings reveal the dominance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a central tool for sustainability assessment, while other technologies such as blockchain and autonomous robotics have received limited attention. The adoption of I4.0 technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, Augmented Reality (AR), and Big Data, has been prevalent for data-driven analyses, while Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) and 3D printing are mainly being integrated either with BIM or in synergy with Artificial Intelligence (AI). We pinpoint critical challenges including high adoption costs, technical barriers, lack of interoperability, and the absence of standardized sustainability benchmarks.

Originality/value

This research distinguishes itself by not only mapping the current integration of I4.0 technologies but also by advocating for standardization and a synergistic human-technology collaborative approach. It offers tailored strategic pathways for diverse types of transportation infrastructure and different project phases, aiming to significantly enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. The study sets a new agenda for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to meet ambitious future sustainability and efficiency goals, making a compelling case for rethinking how these technologies are applied in the construction sector.
Management of geoheritage conservation and vulnerability in tourism destinations
Authors: Ferdowsi Sajad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Due to the nonrenewable nature of most geoheritage sites, restoration and reconstruction can be extremely difficult or even impossible. The purpose of this study is to create a model for the management of geoheritage conservation and vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the initial research model, two steps were taken. First, a systematic review of previous literature was conducted. Second, experts were asked to provide their input through semistructured and structured questionnaires. The statistical population of the research included experts and researchers in geoheritage. To analyze the data, the methods of meta-synthesis, thematic analysis and contextual analysis panels were used.

Findings

Based on research findings, a model for the management of geoheritage conservation and vulnerability has been developed. This model focuses on two key variables vulnerability and intervention, and it is based on three approaches: value-led conservation, preventive conservation and value-led management. The vulnerability variable has two dimensions: antecedents and drivers, while the intervention variable includes a management process with six dimensions: transparency, inclusion, institutionalization, communication, implementation and efficiency.

Originality/value

The management model for geoheritage conservation and vulnerability suggests that if the level of vulnerability of geological values can be controlled or reduced through management interventions, it is possible to achieve geoheritage conservation in three levels: physical, functional and visual.
Conservation triage in action: Planning, governance and knowledge co‐production for biodiversity protection
Authors: Martínez‐Harms Maria José , Estévez Rodrigo A. , Álvarez‐Miranda Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Conservation triage is an evolving strategy designed to allocate limited resources to address pressures that require urgent actions due to their consequences on biodiversity and essential ecosystem services for human well‐being.

This perspective proposes a structured, ethical and inclusive conservation triage‐based framework for efficiently addressing socio‐ecological requirements in biodiversity conservation, leveraging limited resources. Based on three main pillars—conservation planning, policy and governance and co‐production of knowledge—our goal is to promote conservation triage as a pragmatic and comprehensive approach.

We explore the application of conservation triage principles in Chile, following the recent establishment of the Conservation and Human Well‐being programme, a science‐based initiative promoting the conservation of Chile's unique biodiversity and informing the development of conservation policies.

Synthesis and applications. This perspective offers guidance to scientists and practitioners on how to prioritize conservation efforts while taking resource constraints into account when navigating conservation triage. It emphasizes how crucial it is to integrate ethical issues, fostering a decision‐making process enriched by diverse perspectives and collaborative knowledge co‐production. Through the alignment of strategic resource allocation with socio‐ecological aspects, this approach offers insights for developing equitable and well‐balanced conservation outcomes that are transferable to other geographical and environmental settings.
Procedural abortion, provider‐initiated preterm delivery and survival in pregnant people with cancer: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Cairncross Zoe F. , Ray Joel G. , Shack Lorraine , Nelson Gregg , Friedenreich Christine M. , Sikdar Khokan , Lisonkova Sarka , McMorris Carly A. , Bhatti Parveen , Fell Deshayne B.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To assess whether procedural‐induced abortion or provider‐initiated preterm delivery are associated with improved survival in pregnant people with cancer.

Design

Retrospective population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Provinces of Alberta and Ontario, Canada, 2003–2016.

Population

Females aged 18–50 years diagnosed with cancer at <20 weeks' (for the assessment of procedural‐induced abortion) or <37 weeks' gestation (for the assessment of provider‐initiated delivery).

Methods

Cox proportional hazard models assessed all‐cause mortality in relation to procedural‐induced abortion and provider‐initiated preterm delivery, adjusting for cancer site, stage at diagnosis and age. Meta‐analysis pooled the results across both provinces.

Main Outcome Measures

All cause mortality.

Results

There were 512 pregnant people diagnosed with cancer at <20 weeks' gestation and 782 diagnosed with cancer at <37 weeks' gestation. Neither procedural‐induced abortion (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.32–6.17) nor provider‐initiated preterm delivery (aHR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.76–1.81) were associated with improved survival following adjustment for age, stage at diagnosis and cancer site.

Conclusions

Neither procedural‐induced abortion nor provider‐initiated preterm birth was associated with improved survival in pregnant people diagnosed with cancer; however, these obstetric interventions are highly personal decisions best decided by the pregnant person in consultation with their care providers.
Exploring the role of ICT and education in reducing environmental degradation among Asian countries
Authors: Khan Farah , Zahir Salma , Rahman Haseeb Ur , Raza Ali , Noor Sameena
Published: August 2024

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and education are largely believed to be two significant predictors of uplifting environmental quality by providing opportunities to address economic, social, and environmental challenges and creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Thus, this inquiry probes whether ICTs and education mitigate the degradation of the environment measured by CO2 emissions in five selected countries of Asia from 1980 to 2022. Applying the autoregressive distributed lag approach (ARDL), ICTs were found to significantly mitigate environmental degradation in both the short and long term in all sample countries. Education was also found to significantly reduce the degradation of the environment in the short and long run in Bangladesh, China, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In India, however, the Beta of education is significantly positive (in the long run) and negative (in the short run) in association with environmental degradation. The outcomes propose that key stakeholders should highly concentrate on ICTs and education to decrease the degradation of the environment in the sample countries. Besides, these selected five countries are also required to effectively implement stringent regulations for upholding energy efficiency and decreasing excessive usage and abuse of resources. The inquiry not only contributes to the extant body of knowledge but also provides rich insights about the contribution of ICTs and education in decreasing energy usage and protecting the environment without compromising national economic growth for achieving sustainable development.
Size distribution and proportion of stages of Cyrtograpsus species in Playa Cangrejales, Argentina
Authors: Onorato M. Andrea , Cochia Pablo D. , Oviedo J. G. Loreley
Published: August 2024

Crabs are fundamental in coastal ecosystems due to their role in nutrient cycling, habitat structuring, population control and as indicators of environmental health. Investigating the size distribution and life stages of these species is crucial for understanding their ecology and designing effective conservation strategies. This study provides data on the distribution and stage ratios of two populations of local species of the genus Cyrtograpsus (Decapoda: Brachyura: Varunidae) in the Playa Cangrejales intertidal. These endemic species had not been previously described in the study area, highlighting the need for further research in the future. Three surveys were conducted from December 2019 to February 2020, following a transect perpendicular to the coast, obtaining two series of data (C‐I and C‐II). Specimens were identified, sexed and measured in situ for subsequent release. A total of 1099 individuals were counted, identifying Cyrtograpsus affinis (C‐I = 278; C‐II = 332) and Cyrtograpsus angulatus (C‐I = 215; C‐II = 277), with a higher proportion of C. affinis. The presence of these species at Playa Cangrejales coincides with the geographical distribution reported in the literature, although the proportions differ from those reported for other Argentinean beaches. The most frequent lengths were equal to or less than 10 mm cephalothorax length (±1 mm). The maximum lengths reported in the literature for each species were not recorded. For C. angulatus, juveniles always predominated over adults and recruits. C. affinis showed fluctuations between adult and juvenile proportions in the upper and middle zones, with adults predominating in the lower zone during December and February. Juveniles occupied all mesolittoral floors, whereas adults were more frequent in the middle and lower floors. This information is essential to develop management tools to protect these species and their environment. The division between stages was realized following criteria from the literature. Analyses and interpretations were made using data distribution and frequency graphs.
Abundance and movement of gastropods in response to vegetation and cover in a southeastern Australian saltmarsh
Authors: Poda Arda , Glencross Jasmine , Lai Livian Yen , Um Simon , Ross Pauline M.
Published: August 2024

Southeast Australian saltmarshes are endangered ecological communities under threat from various anthropogenic factors including climate change. As climate change drives sea‐level rise mangrove encroachment and saltmarshes are squeezed at their landward edge, our lack of knowledge of the ecological interactions and any associations between saltmarsh vegetation and fauna becomes concerning, especially given the importance of saltmarsh for fisheries and as a blue carbon habitat. This study investigated the association of saltmarsh vegetation and the abundance and movement of gastropods in a typical coastal saltmarsh at Patonga, New South Wales, Australia. Densities of the gastropods including Phallomedusa solida, Ophicardelus spp. and Littoraria luteola were significant in vegetated Salicornia quinqueflora and least in unvegetated saltmarsh and areas where mangroves had encroached. Experiments that translocated Ophicardelus spp. and manipulated cover revealed that these patterns were actively maintained by Ophicardelus spp., which dispersed up to 40 cm and 1.4 m after 3 and 24 h, respectively, away from unvegetated saltmarsh and mangroves. The results of this study suggest that both habitat and cover influence the abundance and movement of gastropod dynamics in southeastern saltmarsh. Given future anticipated saltmarsh loss, further investigations are needed on the unknown functional role of gastropods in saltmarsh ecosystems.
Resetting a heartbeat: Cultural transmission and holistic learning through Alaska Native dance
Authors: Smith David E. K.
Published: August 2024

I examine the educational properties of Iñupiaq songs and dances showing how they convey critical cultural knowledge, practical skills, and teach the value system of the Iñupiaq people. The practice of Alaska Native dance, a fundamental pedagogical strategy, was limited for 100 years by oppressive colonial forces. Framed in revitalization efforts, I argue for working against this loss through including song and dance in all educational contexts as a holistic departure from Western compartmentalized education.
The impact of imidacloprid on the subterranean survivorship of Laricobius (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), a biological control agent of Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae)
Authors: Hillen Ashleigh P. , Foley Jeremiah R. , Gross Aaron D. , Mayfield Albert E. , Williams Jacob , Xia Kang , Salom Scott M.
Published: August 2024

1. The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), Adelges tsugae (Annand) (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), has spread throughout most of the range of eastern hemlock, Tsuga canandensis (L.), and the entire range of Carolina hemlock, Tsuga caroliniana (Engelman), in the United States.

2. Integrated pest management (IPM) of HWA combines chemical applications with the release of biological control agents on untreated trees within the same stand. Laricobius spp., Rosenhauer (Coleoptera: Derodontidae), have been used as biological control agents of HWA since 2003 and have subterranean and arboreal life phases that are synchronous with HWA's lifecycle. When utilizing IPM tactics, there is potential for Laricobius spp. to settle below an insecticide‐treated tree for its subterranean phase.

3. Field investigations assessed the impact of historical (five years post treatment in 2017) and recent imidacloprid soil treatments (via soil injection, soil drench, and tablet in November 2020) on the subterranean survivorship of Laricobius spp. by quantifying concentrations of imidacloprid and its metabolites to determine its potential impact on percent adult emergence from the soil.

4. We observed a significant treatment effect on mean soil concentration among application methods at the recent treatment site, but not the historical treatment site. Additionally, at the more recently treated site, significantly lower mean percent emergence was observed from soil drench and tablet imidacloprid applications after one year (2021), but by the following year (2022), that effect was no longer present.

5. This study supports recent recommendations to delay releases of Laricobius spp. for one‐year post‐treatment with imidacloprid. Furthermore, these data suggest when applying imidacloprid to a stand established with Laricobius spp., soil injection techniques pose the least risk to their subterranean survivorship.
Do place‐based policies impact residents’ nutrient intake? Evidence from China
Authors: Yang Yang , Huang Teng , Liu Tianjun
Published: August 2024

Place‐based policies (PBPs) associated with China's “reform and opening‐up” have played a significant role in the country's rapid economic development. However, the relationship between PBPs and residents’ nutrient intake remains unexplored. To fill this research gap, this study uses longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1991–2011), applies a difference‐in‐differences approach to analyze the association between PBPs and residents’ nutrient intake, and sheds light on the potential mechanisms. The findings reveal that PBPs are positively associated with increased intake of total energy, fat, and protein. This relationship is facilitated through mechanisms such as promoting local employment opportunities, increasing household income, optimizing the food environment, and increasing residents’ dietary knowledge. The findings also show that the increase in nutrient intake associated with PBPs is more pronounced among men, high‐income groups, individuals with higher education, urban residents, and following China's accession to the World Trade Organization. Additionally, PBPs are linked to improved self‐assessed health and a decreased likelihood of insufficient fat intake. Meanwhile, insufficient evidence supports the hypothesis that these policies are associated with overnutrition or non‐communicable diseases.
Isotopes Complement Morphology: Niche Partitioning Among Greenbuls in the Afrotropical Lowland Forest
Authors: Brlík Vojtěch , Procházka Petr , Yohannes Elizabeth , Sedláček Ondřej , Albrecht Tomáš , Hořák David
Published: August 2024

Biodiversity plays a vital role in ecosystem functioning, so understanding how species coexist is a cornerstone of ecology. However, despite decades of research, our current knowledge is incomplete due to methodological limitations and sampling bias, particularly in the species‐rich tropics. In this study, we combined bill and body morphological traits with stable isotopes in feathers to quantify niche differentiation among six co‐occurring greenbul taxa, a diverse group of frugivorous and insectivorous passerines with remarkable similarities in body shape, in the lowland rainforests of Mount Cameroon, West‐Central Africa. Our results showed that the greenbul's niche space was primarily differentiated by variations in body morphology, with yellow‐lored bristlebill Bleda notatus and eastern bearded greenbul Criniger chloronotus occupying ecological niches distinct from the remaining four taxa, while bill morphology indicated substantial overlap between the taxa. In addition, isotopic composition of the feathers revealed a separation of western greenbul Arizelocichla tephrolaema from the other taxa. Our results show that the integration of morphological and isotopic data can provide robust estimates of niche overlaps, providing evidence for the differentiation of ecological roles. This highlights the importance of integrating variable traits to improve our understanding of how animals exploit the multidimensional niche space that enables their coexistence.
Cardiac arrest in adult cardiology patients receiving anaesthetic care: analysis from the 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) of the Royal College of Anaesthetists
Authors: Agarwal Seema , Armstrong Richard A. , Kursumovic Emira , Kane Andrew D. , Cook Tim M. , Soar Jasmeet , Finney Simon J. , Kunst Gudrun ,   collaborators
Published: August 2024

Background

The 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists studied peri‐operative cardiac arrest because of existing knowledge gaps in this important topic. This applies in particular to cardiology patients receiving anaesthetic care, because numbers, types and complexity of minimally invasive interventional procedures requiring planned and unplanned anaesthesia in the cardiac intervention suite is increasing.

Methods

We analysed collected data to determine the epidemiology, clinical features, management and outcomes of peri‐operative cardiac arrest in adult patients receiving anaesthetic care for cardiology procedures.

Results

There were 54 reports of peri‐operative cardiac arrest in adult patients receiving anaesthetic care for cardiology procedures, accounting for 54/881 (6.1%) of all reports to NAP7. The estimated incidence (95%CI) of cardiac arrests in this group was 1/450 or 0.22 (0.17–0.29)%. These patients were older than other adult patients in the NAP7 population, with a notably high proportion of patients of Asian ethnicity when compared with the remaining NAP7 cohort (9/54, 17% vs. 35/709, 5%). Rates of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiopulmonary resuscitation were low (3/53, 6%). A common theme was that of logistical issues and teamworking, with reporters commenting on the difficulties of remote and/or unfamiliar locations and communication issues between specialties, on occasion resulting in poor teamworking and a lack of focus. The NAP7 panel review identified several other common themes which included: cardiogenic shock; late involvement of anaesthesia in the case; and transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Conclusion

Cardiology procedures requiring anaesthesia care account for < 1% of anaesthesia activity but generate 6% of all peri‐operative cardiac arrests. The incidence of cardiac arrest was disproportionately high in cardiological procedures requiring anaesthetic care. The nature of the cardiac arrest reports to NAP7 indicate that logistical and human factors in multidisciplinary teams in the cardiac intervention suite merit addressing to improve care.
Efficacy and safety of penetrating canaloplasty versus ab externo canaloplasty for primary open‐angle glaucoma: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ye Wenqing , Li Jinxing , Zhang Shaodan , Zhu Shuqing , Xie Yanqian , Le Rongrong , Zhou Weihe , He Mingguang , Wang Ningli , Liang Yuanbo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To report the 2‐year efficacy and safety of penetrating canaloplasty versus ab externo canaloplasty for the treatment of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).

Setting

A single surgical site in China.

Design

This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. POAG patients were randomly assigned to the penetrating canaloplasty or ab externo canaloplasty group.

Methods

This study enrolled POAG patients who underwent penetrating canaloplasty or ab externo canaloplasty randomly. Surgical success, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and surgical complications were evaluated until 24 months post‐operatively. Surgical success was defined as 6 mmHg ≤ IOP ≤21 mmHg with an IOP reduction ≥20%, which included qualified success (with or without medications) and complete success (without medications).

Results

A total of 52 eyes (45 patients) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the penetrating canaloplasty group (PCP, n = 26) or the ab externo canaloplasty group (CP, n = 26). The probabilities of qualified success and complete success were 92.3% and 76.9%, respectively, in the PCP group and 64.1% and 52.1%, respectively, in the CP group at 24 months (p = 0.013, p = 0.042, log‐rank test). The mean IOP decreased from 30.8 ± 10.7 and 28.6 ± 11.8 mmHg to 14.1 ± 3.3 mmHg in the PCP group and 22.1 ± 13.6 mmHg in the CP group at year two (p = 0.007). The PCP group also received fewer medications (0.2 ± 0.5) than did the CP group (0.7 ± 1.2) at year two (p = 0.038). Post‐operative complications were similar, and the most common complications were transient IOP elevation and hyphema in the PCP group (42.3%, 46.2%) and the CP group (38.5%, 23.1%) (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared to ab externo canaloplasty, penetrating canaloplasty had a greater surgical success rate and better IOP reduction with a comparable rate of complications.
The human AMPKγ3 R225W mutation negatively impacts site‐1 nucleotide binding and does not enhance basal AMPKγ3‐associated activity nor glycogen production in human or mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Eskesen Nicolas O. , Kjøbsted Rasmus , Birk Jesper Bratz , Henriksen Nicolai S. , Andersen Nicoline R. , Ringholm Stine , Pilegaard Henriette , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F. P.
Published: August 2024

Aim

AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated during cellular energy perturbation. AMPK complexes are composed of three subunits and several variants of AMPK are expressed in skeletal muscle. The regulatory AMPKγ3 subunit is predominantly expressed in fast‐twitch muscle fibers. A human AMPKγ3 R225W mutation has been described. The mutation increases the total pool of AMPK activity in cells cultured from R225W carrier muscle and is associated with increased glycogen levels in mature skeletal muscle. This led to the idea of AMPKγ3 being involved in the regulation of skeletal muscle glycogen levels. Evidence for this causative link remains to be provided.

Methods

We studied muscle biopsies from human carriers of the AMPKγ3 R225W mutation and we developed a novel AMPKγ3 R225W knock‐in mouse model (KI HOM). Through in vitro, in situ, and ex vivo techniques, we investigated AMPK activity, AMPK function, and glycogen levels in skeletal muscle of humans and mice.

Results

In human carriers, the basal AMPKγ3‐associated activity was reduced when assayed in the absence of exogenous AMP. No difference was observed when assayed under AMP saturation, which was supported by findings in muscle of KI HOM mice. Furthermore, effects of AICAR/muscle contraction on AMPKγ3‐associated activity were absent in KI HOM muscle. Muscle glycogen levels were not affected by the mutation in human carriers or in KI HOM mice.

Conclusions

The AMPKγ3 R225W mutation does not impact the AMPK‐associated activity in human skeletal muscle and the mutation is not linked to glycogen accumulation. The R225W mutation ablates the AMPKγ3‐associated activation by AICAR/muscle contractions, presumably due to loss of nucleotide binding in the CBS 1 domain of AMPKγ3.
Alveolar ridge preservation in posterior maxillary teeth for reduction in the potential need for sinus floor elevation procedures: A pilot study
Authors: Lam Lisetta , Ivanovski Saso , Lee Ryan S. B.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the effects of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) on ridge height, sinus pneumatization and the potential need for lateral sinus augmentation following extraction in the posterior maxilla.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled pilot study included 28 patients requiring extraction in the posterior maxilla with bone height between 6 and 8 mm. The sites were randomly allocated to either unassisted socket healing (Control), ARP with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) (Test 1), or collagen‐stabilized DBBM (Test 2) groups. Pre‐ and post‐operative CTs at 4 months were taken to determine changes in ridge heights, sinus volume, and the need for sinus floor elevation (SFE) procedures for cases where the residual mid‐ridge height was < 5 mm. Site‐level analyses for changes in vertical ridge dimensions and sinus volume pre‐ and post‐extraction/ARP were conducted using paired t‐tests. Differences in mean changes in vertical ridge dimensions and sinus volume between the groups were determined using one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Significantly greater mean mid‐ridge height reduction occurred in the control group (−2.7 ± 0.9 mm) compared to Test 1 (0.9 ± 3.7 mm) and Test 2 (1.0 ± 2.8 mm) groups (p < .05). No significant changes in mean mid‐ridge height were found in either test groups. Volumetric analysis showed a significantly greater increase in sinus volume in the control group (0.7 ± 0.7 cm3) compared to Test 1 (n = 3, −0.7 ± 0.8 cm3) group (p = .03). 89% of patients in the control group would require lateral window SFE  compared to Test 1 (42.8%) and Test 2 (40%) groups.

Conclusion

ARP was effective in attenuating height changes in the middle of the ridge and may reduce sinus pneumatization following extraction in the posterior maxilla. This could potentially decrease the need for more invasive sinus augmentation procedures.
Results of patch testing propolis in the European baseline series: A 4‐year retrospective study
Authors: Kocabas Gizem , Ipenburg Norbertus A. , de Groot Anton , Rustemeyer Thomas
Published: August 2024

Background

Propolis was added to the European baseline series (EBS) in 2019.

Objectives

To investigate the frequency and relevance of positive patch tests to propolis in the EBS and to study co‐reactivities.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective study in patients patch tested between June 2019 and November 2023 in a university hospital in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Results

Of 3134 consecutive patients, 299 (9.5%) had a positive reaction to propolis 10% pet. Only nine reactions (3%) were judged to be clinically relevant. There were significant co‐reactivities to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru), colophonium, fragrance mixes 1 and 2, and to limonene and linalool hydroperoxides. A steep increase in rates of positive reactions to propolis was observed from 2020 to 2023. This was highly likely the result of the replacement of Chinese propolis with Brazilian propolis by the manufacturer.

Conclusions

Positive patch tests for propolis are very frequent in Amsterdam, but only a few of these reactions are relevant. Most are probably (pseudo‐)cross‐reactions in patients with fragrance allergies. Propolis in the EBS has very limited value for dermatologists and patients in The Netherlands. Changes in patch test materials should be provided to all users to avoid misinterpretation of patch test results.
The amino acid transporter SLC16A10 promotes melanogenesis by facilitating the transportation of phenylalanine
Authors: Luo Liping , Zeng Hongliang , Hu Yibo , Jiang Ling , Fu Chuhan , Huang Jinhua , Chen Jing , Zeng Qinghai
Published: August 2024

Phenylalanine is a crucial amino acid in the process of melanogenesis. However, the exact mechanism by which it is transported into melanocytes has not been disclosed. The aim of this study was to identify and examine the key transporters that are responsible for phenylalanine transportation and evaluate their significance in melanogenesis. The amino acid transporter SLC16A10 was found to be up‐regulated in both melasma (GSE72140) and sun‐exposed skin (GSE67098). The protein levels of SLC16A10 were proportional to the melanin content in melanocytic nevi, indicating that SLC16A10 was related to melanogenesis. After SLC16A10 overexpression, melanin increased significantly in MNT1 cells. Meanwhile, the expression of melanogenesis‐related proteins such as TYR and TYRP1 increased, while their RNA levels did not change. Transcriptomics data indicated that SLC16A10 can enhance the function of ribosome. Furthermore, targeted metabolomics data and ELISA results demonstrated SLC16A10 mainly affected the transport of phenylalanine into the cells. Then, phenylalanine was added to the cell culture medium after SLC16A10 overexpression, melanin synthesis in cells furtherly increased, which verified that SLC16A10 enhances melanogenesis by promoting the uptake of phenylalanine. Finally, we found that SLC16A10 expression increased after UVB irradiation. Knockdown SLC16A10 reduced UVB‐induced melanin production and phenylalanine uptake by cells. In summary, SLC16A10 enhances melanogenesis by promoting the uptake of phenylalanine, and upregulation SLC16A10 is likely responsible for the UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation as well.
Class integration of ChatGPT and learning analytics for higher education
Authors: Civit Miguel , Escalona María José , Cuadrado Francisco , Reyes‐de‐Cozar Salvador
Published: August 2024

Background

Active Learning with AI‐tutoring in Higher Education tackles dropout rates.

Objectives

To investigate teaching‐learning methodologies preferred by students. AHP is used to evaluate a ChatGPT‐based studented learning methodology which is compared to another active learning methodology and a traditional methodology. Study with Learning Analytics to evaluate alternatives, and help students elect the best strategies according to their preferences.

Methods

Comparative study of three learning methodologies in a counterbalanced Single‐Group with 33 university students. It follows a pre‐test/post‐test approach using AHP and SAM. HRV and GSR used for the estimation of emotional states.

Findings

Criteria related to in‐class experiences valued higher than test‐related criteria. Chat‐GPT integration was well regarded compared to well‐established methodologies. Student emotion self‐assessment correlated with physiological measures, validating used Learning Analytics.

Conclusions

Proposed model AI‐Tutoring classroom integration functions effectively at increasing engagement and avoiding false information. AHP with the physiological measuring allows students to determine preferred learning methodologies, avoiding biases, and acknowledging minority groups.