bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The many roads to reform: a configurational analysis of the conditions supporting performance management implementation
Authors: Musso Juliet Ann , Weare Christopher , Jackman Robert W.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The goal is to illuminate the requisites for the implementation of performance management reforms in a public bureaucracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs a configurational approach, qualitative comparative analysis, that identifies combinations of political and organizational conditions necessary and/or sufficient for success. The analysis applies the success factor identified in the literature in analyzing the experience of departments involved in a city-wide reform in Los Angeles. The analysis utilizes two rounds of survey data combined with case observations to evaluate the presence of these conditions. Cross-case comparisons employ Boolean logic to identify configurations associated with successful system implementation.

Findings

The analysis identifies several distinct configurations of conditions that appear in departments that implemented the reform. One emphasizes mayoral support, while others emphasize leadership in combination with other organizational capacities.

Practical implications

The analysis yields several insights for managers. First, no silver bullet such as strong leadership assures reform implementation. Second, there are multiple avenues to reform. An organization that lacks some prerequisites – such as leadership or metrics – may succeed in the presence of other features such as an innovative culture or external political support. Finally, the study provides a bracing council that even under favorable conditions, performance management reforms may fail to take root, for reasons that can be difficult to predict.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of considering configurations of conditions rather than focusing on conditions independently. Also, it highlights the importance of equifinality, the notion that observed outcomes can have multiple causes, a perspective typically missing in correlational analyses.
Thinking critically about scientific information generated by ChatGPT
Authors: Archila Pablo Antonio , Ortiz Brigithe Tatiana , Truscott de Mejía Anne-Marie , Molina Jorge
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In November 2022, the commercial company, OpenAI, launched ChatGPT. Since then, university students have rapidly become regular users of this artificial intelligence (AI) platform. One reason for this is the powerful capability of this generative AI tool to produce textual content, which in many cases, is almost indistinguishable from human-generated content. Another reason is that ChatGPT easily gives anyone access to knowledge. However, there is a problem as the vast majority of its users have no idea how this AI platform works and thus overlook the importance of thinking critically about information communicated in ChatGPT. While some call for banning this generative AI tool, this study aims to provide evidence that science classrooms can become scenarios where students find explicit, concrete, and realistic opportunities to critically evaluate scientific information generated by ChatGPT.

Design/methodology/approach

An intervention study was conducted with 55 students (26 females and 29 males, 17–24 years old) during a university Spanish-English bilingual science course taught within an active learning environment. The data consist of the written critiques of the students about Spanish-English bilingual scientific texts produced by ChatGPT.

Findings

Results indicate that the intervention had a positive effect on students’ abilities to construct sound arguments in Spanish and in English while judging the quality of scientific texts produced by this AI bot. Moreover, the findings suggest that the intervention enriched students’ skills to make improvements to texts produced by this generative AI tool.

Originality/value

The evidence provided in this study contributes to the exploration of possibilities to help students become critical users of ChatGPT.
Trust development in live streaming commerce: interaction-based building mechanisms and trust transfer perspective
Authors: Chen Yanhong , Li Man , Chen Aihui , Lu Yaobin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Live streaming commerce has emerged as an essential strategy for vendors to effectively promote their products due to its unique content presentation and real-time interaction. This study aims to investigate the influence of viewer-streamer interaction and viewer-viewer interaction on consumer trust and the subsequent impact of trust on consumers' purchase intention within the live streaming commerce context.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was conducted to collect data, and 403 experienced live streaming users in China were recruited. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that viewer-streamer interaction factors (i.e., personalization and responsiveness) and viewer-viewer interaction factors (i.e., co-viewer involvement and bullet-screen mutuality) significantly influence trust in streamers and co-viewers. Additionally, drawing on trust transfer theory, trust in streamers and co-viewers positively influences trust in products, while trust in co-viewers also positively influences both trust in streamers and products. Furthermore, all three forms of trust positively impact consumers' purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This study enriches the extant literature by investigating interaction-based trust-building mechanisms and uncovering the transfer relationships among three trust targets (streamers, co-viewers and products). Furthermore, this study provides some practical guidelines to the streamers and practitioners for promoting consumers’ trust and purchase intention in live streaming commerce.
Thermal modeling of variable process parameter effects in powder bed fusion using electron beam
Authors: Kirim Baris , Soylemez Emrecan , Tan Evren , Yasa Evren
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a novel thermal modeling strategy to simulate electron beam powder bed fusion at part scale with machine-varying process parameters strategy. Single-bead and part-scale experiments and modeling were studied. Scanning strategies were described by the process controlling functions that enabled modeling.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element analysis thermal model was used along with the powder bed fusion with electron beam experiments. The proposed strategy involves dividing a part into smaller sections and creating meso-scale models for each subsection. These meso-scale models take into consideration the variable process parameters, including power and velocity of the moving heat source, during part building. Subsequently, these models are integrated to perform partscale simulations, enabling more realistic predictions of thermal accumulation and resulting distortions. The model was built and validated with single-bead experiments and bulky parts with different features.

Findings

Single-bead experiments demonstrated an average error rate of 6%–24% for melt pool dimension prediction using the proposed meso-scale models with different scanning control functions. Part-scale simulations for three different geometries (cantilever beams with supports, bulk artifact and topology-optimized transfer arm) showed good agreement between modeled temperature changes and experimental deformation values.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel approach for electron beam powder bed fusion modeling that leverages meso-scale models to capture the influence of variable process parameters on part quality. This strategy offers improved accuracy for predicting part geometry and identifying potential defects, leading to a more efficient additive manufacturing process.
The future of print: rightsizing the physical collection to meet the research, learning and teaching needs in a community college
Authors: LaMagna Michael , Rodgers Andrea
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Recognizing the magnitude of disruption the pandemic caused for academic libraries, this study considers past collection development approaches considering a new post-pandemic landscape. It questions tried-and-true best practices held at our institution for decades with the purpose of seeking clarity and a way forward. Through this collection development self-study, our goal is to identify a new collecting model that meets our students “just-in-time” information needs while also maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our hope is that other institutions of similar size and purpose can apply these new models in their collections.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes collection analysis data obtained through the Bowker Book Analysis System (BBAS) to compare our existing collection against Resources for College Libraries (RCL) in addition to EZProxy Analytics and existing circulation data. The qualitative data helped inform conversations among the librarians with collection development responsibilities and sparked conversations and decisions on how to best move forward to rightsize a print collection.

Findings

Informed by data from the Bowker Book Analysis System, this article discusses a new approach to collection development which includes a focus on leasing books, rethinking when to permanently add a print title to our physical collection, and the expanded use of demand-driven acquisitions (DDA) to offer students the largest possible access to research.

Originality/value

While the library and information science literature include discussions of collection analysis, the originality of this proposed article is the focus on a collection analysis post-pandemic in a community college environment with new approaches to building a collection with limited financial resources.
Understanding how socio-historical contexts inform approaches to improving racial climate in stem graduate education within the United States
Authors: Rodriguez Sarah L. , Perez Rosemary , Kim Angie , Motshubi Rudisang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine how two socio-historical contexts within the United States, the Movement for Black Lives and the COVID-19 pandemic, informed approaches to improving racial climate in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) graduate education.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a general qualitative inquiry research study design to conduct focus groups (n = 121) with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members from across STEM disciplines as well as administrators whose work involves STEM graduate students. Participants were from two US institutions involved in a National Science Foundation networked improvement community seeking to create inclusive environments for STEM graduate students.

Findings

This study demonstrates how these socio-historical contexts illuminated and amplified on-going efforts to address racial climate for graduate students in US-based graduate education. In response to these events, STEM faculty devoted time that otherwise might have gone to purely technical or scientific endeavors to addressing racial climate. However, some faculty members remain hesitant to address racial climate and efforts appear to have further waned over time. While diversity, inclusion and equity efforts came to the forefront of the collective consciousness during this time, participants worry that these efforts are not sustainable, particularly without support from faculty and administrators.

Practical implications

The findings from this study will inform efforts to improve racial climate in STEM graduate programs.

Originality/value

This study fills an identified need to capture how socio-historical contexts, like the US Movement for Black Lives and the COVID-19 pandemic, have influenced approaches to improving racial climate in STEM graduate programs.
Unlocking the motivations behind vintage luxury desire
Authors: Phau Ian , Akintimehin Olamide Oluwabusola , Shimul Anwar Sadat , Lee Sean
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Despite the growing popularity of SHVL fashion, there is little empirical focus on the antecedent factors that influence consumers’ intention to purchase and recommend SHVL fashion. Drawing on insights from the stimulus–organism–response framework, this paper aims to investigate the motivational factors influencing the consumers’ attitudes and their intention to purchase and recommend SHVL fashion.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was gathered from 232 present customers of SHVL fashion products and analysed using the partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

Research findings show that eco-consciousness, treasure hunting, status consumption and the need for uniqueness were positively linked to intentions to purchase SHVL fashion through the intervening role of attitude. Attitude was positively linked with purchase intentions, which also positively influenced intention to recommend SHVL fashion.

Practical implications

The study findings assist brand managers in understanding how they can cater to the diverse needs of SHVL fashion consumers.

Originality/value

This research contributes significantly to the SHVL domain by examining core antecedents that motivate consumers’ intention to purchase and recommend SHVL fashion.
Does customer orientation mediate the relationship between knowledge-based dynamic capability and the competitive performance of SMEs in India?
Authors: Mohanty Sandeep Kumar , Dash Ajitabh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the mediating effect of customer functional and relationship customer orientation on the relationship between the knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and the competitive performance (CP) of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses proposed for this study were tested using data from the proprietors and competent authorities of 441 sample SMEs using structural equation modelling with partial least squares.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that knowledge-based dynamic capability (KBDC) has a significant connection with the CP of SMEs in a growing economy such as India. In addition, this study confirmed that the connection and functional customer orientation partially mediate the association between knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and the CP of SMEs.

Practical implications

This study’s practical contribution lies in its investigation of whether customer orientation serves as a mediator between KBDC and CP in SMEs in India. For instance, SMEs can implement strategies like customer feedback loops, loyalty programmes and customized solutions based on market insights to enhance customer orientation and ultimately improve CP.

Originality/value

This study analyses how SMEs can use knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and customer orientation to obtain a competitive advantage. This research contributes to the existing literature on knowledge management by expanding the notion of KBDC by integrating functional and relational customer orientation.
Green innovation for a sustainable environment: Modeling the new green knowledge production function for OECD countries
Authors: Özbay Ferhat
Published: August 2024

The world community faces serious challenges such as climate change, biological loss, and environmental degradation. Developing ecological technologies is vital for coping with these unreversible crises. This study proposed a modified green knowledge production function to achieve sustainable development goals and generate policies for promoting environmental technologies. It examined the impact of market demands, environmental research and development expenditures, human capital, and environmental protection policies on the production of green environment technologies. Panel data included 16 OECD countries from 1990 to 2019. Data analysis strategies included the Gengenbach, Urbain, and Westerlund panel co‐integration test, fully modified least squares, mean group dynamic least squares, and estimators such as feasible generalized least squares and panel‐corrected standard errors for robust checks. A novel panel causality test via a half‐panel jackknife estimator was also applied for causality analyses. The findings showed that human capital, market size, and environmental policy stringency played significant roles in producing environmental technologies and innovations. Although environmental expenditures made by the government positively affected the supply of green innovation, no statistically significant results were observed. The study highlights the importance of enhancing environmental innovation factors by promoting policies, including human capital development, environmental sanctions, and market demands for a sustainable environment.
How signature complexity affects expert and lay ability to distinguish genuine, disguised and simulated signatures
Authors: Scurich Nicholas , Angel Miriam , Stern Hal , Thompson William C.
Published: August 2024

This study examined how variations in signature complexity affected the ability of forensic document examiners (FDEs) and laypeople to determine whether signatures are authentic or simulated (forged), as well as whether they are disguised. Forty‐five FDEs from nine countries evaluated nine different signature comparisons in this online study. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses revealed that FDEs performed in excess of chance levels, but performance varied as a function of signature complexity: Sensitivity (the true‐positive rate) did not differ much between complexity levels (i.e., 65% vs. 79% vs. 79% for low vs medium vs high complexity), but specificity (the true‐negative rate) was the highest (95%) for the medium complexity signatures and lowest (73%) for low complexity signatures. The specificity of high‐complexity signatures (83%) was between these values. The sensitivity for disguised comparisons was only 11% and did not vary across complexity levels. One hundred‐one novices also completed the study. A comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUCs) revealed that FDEs outperformed novices in medium and high‐complexity signatures but not low‐complexity signatures. Novices also struggled to detect disguised signatures. While these findings elucidate the role of signature complexity in lay and expert evaluations, the error rates observed here may differ from those in forensic practice due to differences in the experimental stimuli and circumstances under which they were evaluated. This investigation of the role of signature complexity in the evaluation process was not intended to estimate error rates in forensic practice.
Molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia theileri and Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) in military working dogs and ticks collected from the Republic of Korea Army garrisons in Gangwon Province in 2021–2022
Authors: Kim Minsung , Cho Sunghoon , Park Gyeonggook , Kim Jeongyun , Rieu Misun , Noh Kyung Tae , Ha Sangyun , Park Quehn , Kim Du Hwan , Han Sangbeom , Jeon Geontae , Park Min Seong , Lee Buddle , Ha Beonmman , Park Ki Beom , Vasantha‐Srinivasan Prabhakaran , Han Yeon Soo , Lee Chanhee
Published: August 2024

Tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) are an emerging concern to humans and animals in the Republic of Korea, especially within the military zones of Gangwon Province, a mountainous region abundant with wild fauna and ticks. This study aimed to detect six TBPs in military working dogs (MWDs) and ticks in this region using Nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) and sequencing. The targeted pathogens included Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella henselae, Borrelia spp., Orientia tsutsugamushi, Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). A total of 164 serum samples from MWDs were collected at the Korean Army Military working dog training center and 1418 ticks were collected at various training sites between June 2021 and August 2022. Haemaphysalis longicornis was identified as the predominant species (98.3%, n = 1394), followed by Haemaphysalis flava (1.6%, n = 22) and Ixodes nipponensis (0.1%, n = 2). This study detected A. phagocytophilum and Borrelia theileri in 1.4% (1/72) of the tick pools and detected SFTSV in 0.6% (1/164) of MWD serum samples. The MWD found to be infected with SFTS was a German Shepherd, but showed no significant clinical signs, with a normal complete blood count (CBC). In the phylogenetic analysis, three sequences were acquired. One sequence (OR865211) exhibited 100% homology with 16S rRNA of A. phagocytophilum identified from animals and human patients in the Republic of Korea. Another sequence (OR865152) displayed 99.34%–100% sequence similarity with 16S rRNA of B. theileri fragments. The third sequence (OR865115), which belongs to the SFTS B‐1 genotype, showed 94.7% sequence similarity to a strain identified in the Republic of Korea (KY789441).
Pathogenic TDP‐43 accelerates the generation of toxic exon1 HTT in Huntington's disease knock‐in mice
Authors: Bai Dazhang , Deng Fuyu , Jia Qingqing , Ou Kaili , Wang Xiang , Hou Junqi , Zhu Longhong , Guo Mingwei , Yang Su , Jiang Guohui , Li Shihua , Li Xiao‐Jiang , Yin Peng
Published: August 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon1 of the HTT gene that encodes a polyglutamine tract in huntingtin protein. The formation of HTT exon1 fragments with an expanded polyglutamine repeat has been implicated as a key step in the pathogenesis of HD. It was reported that the CAG repeat length‐dependent aberrant splicing of exon1 HTT results in a short polyadenylated mRNA that is translated into an exon1 HTT protein. Under normal conditions, TDP‐43 is predominantly found in the nucleus, where it regulates gene expression. However, in various pathological conditions, TDP‐43 is mislocalized in the cytoplasm. By investigating HD knock‐in mice, we explore whether the pathogenic TDP‐43 in the cytoplasm contributes to HD pathogenesis, through expressing the cytoplasmic TDP‐43 without nuclear localization signal. We found that the cytoplasmic TDP‐43 is increased in the HD mouse brain and that its mislocalization could deteriorate the motor and gait behavior. Importantly, the cytoplasmic TDP‐43, via its binding to the intron1 sequence (GU/UG)n of the mouse Htt pre‐mRNA, promotes the transport of exon1‐intron1 Htt onto ribosome, resulting in the aberrant generation of exon1 Htt. Our findings suggest that cytoplasmic TDP‐43 contributes to HD pathogenesis via its binding to and transport of nuclear un‐spliced mRNA to the ribosome for the generation of a toxic protein product.
Heightened mortality risk after a non‐fatal opioid overdose: Risk factors for mortality in the week following emergency treatment
Authors: Eide Desiree , Gjersing Linn , Danielsen Aksel Wüsthoff , Skulberg Arne Kristian , Dale Ola , Braarud Anne‐Catherine , Heyerdahl Fridtjof , Tylleskar Ida
Published: August 2024

Aims

To measure all‐cause mortality risk after an ambulance‐attended non‐fatal opioid overdose and associations with number of days following attendance, and individual and clinical characteristics.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Setting

Oslo, Norway.

Participants

Patients treated with naloxone for opioid overdose by Oslo Emergency Services between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2018.

Measurements

Medical records were linked to the national Cause of Death Registry (1 June 2014–31 December 2019). Crude mortality rates (CMR) and incidence risk ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for the time periods (0–7 days, 8–31 days, 32–91 days, 92–183 days, >183 days) using multivariate Poisson regression analysis. IRR were estimated for sex, age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), respiration rate, place of attendance and non‐transportation following treatment. Robust variance estimates applied due to multiple risk periods. Standardized Mortality Rates (SMR) were estimated.

Findings

Overall, 890 patients treated for 1764 overdoses contributed to a total time at risk of 3142 person‐years (PY). Median number of attendances was 1 (range 1–27). The majority were male (75.5%) and the mean age was 37.7 years. In total, 112 (12.6%) died; 5.2% within 183 days and 2.2% between 184 and 365 days. Acute poisoning was the most common single cause of death (52.7%). The CMR was 3.6 (95% CI = 3.0–4.2) per 100‐PY. The women had a SMR of 32 (95% CI = 15.8–57.9) and the men 24.9 (95% CI = 17.7–34.2). The CMR (22.2, 95% CI = 10.6–46.8) was particularly high in the first 7 days, and significantly higher than in the following periods. However, this finding was only valid for those with severe overdose symptoms (GCS score = 3/15 and/or respiratory rate ≤6/min). Except for increasing age, no other indicators were associated with the mortality risk.

Conclusion

Patients treated by Oslo Emergency Services between June 2014 and December 2018 for a non‐fatal opioid overdose with severe overdose symptoms at attendance had an overall high mortality risk compared with the general population, but particularly during the first 7 days after attendance.
Do Non‐SOEs Engage in Less Tax Avoidance When the Government Is a Minority Shareholder in China?
Authors: Zhang Liguang , Liao Yunxiang , Yang Ruoyi , Wang Yunchen , Peng Liao
Published: August 2024

This study attempts to shed new light on how the state, as a minority shareholder, can affect the tax planning of non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs). We examine publicly traded non‐SOEs in China and find that non‐SOEs engage in more tax avoidance when the government is a minority shareholder, indicating that minority state ownership has had a ‘shelter effect’ on tax avoidance of non‐SOEs. Further analysis shows that the sheltering effect of minority state ownership is more prominent for firms located in areas with heavier social burdens, worse tax enforcement and firms with stronger incentives to avoid taxes. Furthermore, non‐SOEs with minority state ownership increase excessive capital expenditures and employ redundant employees but still have higher firm value. Overall, our findings suggest the state, as a minority shareholder, shapes the tax‐planning activities of non‐SOEs in a ‘two‐way favour exchange’ manner and it is beneficial for non‐SOEs to maintain a close relationship with the government in China, where the government controls key resources.
PDE4B inhibition by nerandomilast: Effects on lung fibrosis and transcriptome in fibrotic rats and on biomarkers in human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Reininger Dennis , Fundel‐Clemens Katrin , Mayr Christoph H. , Wollin Lutz , Laemmle Baerbel , Quast Karsten , Nickolaus Peter , Herrmann Franziska Elena
Published: August 2024

Background and Purpose

The PDE4 family is considered a prime target for therapeutic intervention in several fibro‐inflammatory diseases. We have investigated the molecular mechanisms of nerandomilast (BI 1015550), a preferential PDE4B inhibitor.

Experimental Approach

In addition to clinically relevant parameters of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF; lung function measurement/high‐resolution computed tomography scan/AI‐Ashcroft score), whole‐lung homogenates from a therapeutic male Wistar rat model of pulmonary fibrosis were analysed by next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Data were matched with public domain data derived from human IPF samples to investigate how well the rat model reflected human IPF. We scored the top counter‐regulated genes following treatment with nerandomilast in human single cells and validated disease markers discovered in the rat model using a human disease‐relevant in vitro assay of IPF.

Key Results

Nerandomilast improved the decline of lung function parameters in bleomycin‐treated animals. In the NGS study, most transcripts deregulated by bleomycin treatment were normalised by nerandomilast treatment. Most notably, a significant number of deregulated transcripts that were identified in human IPF disease were also found in the animal model and reversed by nerandomilast. Mapping to single‐cell data revealed the strongest effects on mesenchymal, epithelial and endothelial cell populations. In a primary human epithelial cell culture system, several disease‐related (bio)markers were inhibited by nerandomilast in a concentration‐dependent manner.

Conclusions and Implications

This study further supports the available knowledge about the anti‐inflammatory/antifibrotic mechanisms of nerandomilast and provides novel insights into the mode of action and signalling pathways influenced by nerandomilast treatment of lung fibrosis.
From convergence insufficiency to functional reorganization: A longitudinal randomized controlled trial of treatment‐induced connectivity plasticity
Authors: Hajebrahimi Farzin , Sangoi Ayushi , Scheiman Mitchell , Santos Elio , Gohel Suril , Alvarez Tara L.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Convergence Insufficiency (CI) is the most prevalent oculomotor dysfunction of binocular vision that negatively impacts quality of life when performing visual near tasks. Decreased resting‐state functional connectivity (RSFC) is reported in the CI participants compared to binocularly normal control participants. Studies report that therapeutic interventions such as office‐based vergence and accommodative therapy (OBVAT) can improve CI participants' clinical signs, visual symptoms, and task‐related functional activity. However, longitudinal studies investigating the RSFC changes after such treatments in participants with CI have not been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the neural basis of OBVAT using RSFC in CI participants compared to the placebo treatment to understand how OBVAT improves visual function and symptoms.

Methods

A total of 51 CI participants between 18 and 35 years of age were included in the study and randomly allocated to receive either 12 one‐hour sessions of OBVAT or placebo treatment for 6 to 8 weeks (1 to 2 sessions per week). Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging and clinical assessments were evaluated at baseline and outcome for each treatment group. Region of interest (ROI) analysis was conducted in nine ROIs of the oculomotor vergence network, including the following: cerebellar vermis (CV), frontal eye fields (FEF), supplementary eye fields (SEF), parietal eye fields (PEF), and primary visual cortices (V1). Paired t‐tests assessed RSFC changes in each group. A linear regression analysis was conducted for significant ROI pairs in the group‐level analysis for correlations with clinical measures.

Results

Paired t‐test results showed increased RSFC in 10 ROI pairs after the OBVAT but not placebo treatment (p < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). These ROI pairs included the following: Left (L)‐SEF–Right (R)‐V1, L‐SEF–CV, R‐SEF–R‐PEF, R‐SEF–L‐V1, R‐SEF–R‐V1, R‐SEF–CV, R‐PEF–CV, L‐V1–CV, R‐V1–CV, and L‐V1–R‐V1. Significant correlations were observed between the RSFC strength of the R‐SEF–R‐PEF ROI pair and the following clinical visual function parameters: positive fusional vergence and near point of convergence (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

OBVAT, but not placebo treatment, increased the RSFC in the ROIs of the oculomotor vergence network, which was correlated with the improvements in the clinical measures of the CI participants.
Mental health and financial risk attitudes: Panel data evidence from Australia
Authors: Kesavayuth Dusanee , Zikos Vasileios
Published: August 2024

We examine the impact of mental health on financial risk attitudes using panel data from Australia. In an instrumental‐variables framework that tries to address the endogeneity of mental health, we find that poor mental health can lead to a higher willingness to take risks. Specifically, a standard deviation decrease in mental health leads to a 10.3 percentage point increase in the likelihood of taking financial risks. This finding remains robust across various sensitivity checks and highlights the significant role that mental health plays in risk‐taking preferences in financial matters.
Q‐Tephrikey, an interactive tool for the identification of regulated fruit fly pests in the European Union
Authors: Rousse Pascal , Taddei Andrea , Mouttet Raphaëlle , Lethmayer Christa , Blümel Sylvia , Gottsberger Richard A. , Reisenzein Helga , Reynaud Philippe
Published: August 2024

The European Union (EU) regulation for fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) was modified in 2022, and the broad ‘non‐European Tephritidae’ group was replaced by a list of 75 regulated taxa (66 species and nine genera). The National Reference Laboratories in the EU must now be able to identify all of them, whatever the development stage, in order to carry out official surveillance. To help laboratories, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Insects and Mites developed an interactive and multi‐entry online key called Q‐Tephrikey. The key is now freely available on the XPer3 website. It covers a total of 113 tephritid taxa, encompassing the regulated ones, 12 species listed as non‐regulated exceptions and the species that have been intercepted in Europe. The taxa are encoded in two morphological matrices for adults and for larvae. This latter one is less extensive because only 38 species among the 113 taxa are described at the larval stage. To help the diagnosticians, the morphological matrices are accompanied by a pathway matrix encoded for the distributions and host ranges of each taxon. We present here the detailed content and functioning of Q‐Tephrikey, and discuss its strengths and weaknesses in terms of its objectives. The key is available at https://q‐tephrikey.identificationkey.org/mkey.html.
THE CRISIS OF SOCIABILITY AND LAUGHTER IN THOMAS MANN'S DER ZAUBERBERG
Authors: Prado Dante
Published: August 2024

The article explores the significance of laughter in Thomas Mann's Der Zauberberg. While laughter is a prominent feature in the novel, it has not received sufficient critical consideration either in Mann scholarship or, more generally, in studies of modernism. Through close examination of selected episodes of laughter, this study establishes the importance of laughter in the novel, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The analysis examines the extent to which the representation of laughter in the novel conforms to or deviates from recent characterisations of laughter in modernist texts. While certain interpretations of modernist laughter as disruptive and/or pathological can be applied to this text, this is not entirely true of its use in Der Zauberberg. Rather, the significance of laughter shifts constantly throughout the novel, culminating in a crisis of laughter that is part of a larger crisis of sociability and ‘Bildung’. The novel suggests that laughter formerly played a critical role in fostering communication, sociability, self‐awareness, and civility. In contrast, the crisis of laughter towards the end of the novel invites reflection on the loss of these social and humane functions. The crisis of laughter in Der Zauberberg, I argue, is of particular relevance to the interpretation of laughter in other modernist novels which engage in critical dialogue with the ‘Bildungsroman’ tradition.
Optimizing statin prescriptions for people living with HIV: Evidence for improved communication and shared care between primary care and specialist HIV services
Authors: Li N. , Thomas L. , Allan A. , John B. , Creighton S.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Our objective was to assess the numbers of eligible people living with HIV attending one HIV clinic and receiving statins, the factors increasing the likelihood of statin prescription, the knowledge and involvement of primary care in cardiovascular risk prevention in people living with HIV, and the barriers to and drivers of shared care between general practitioners (GPs) and an HIV centre.

Methods

This was a retrospective case note review identifying cardiovascular risk, medications, and communication between the HIV clinic and GPs via an electronic survey of GPs identifying their knowledge about statin indications in people living with HIV.

Results

In total, 62% of GPs were unaware of the indication for statins in people living with HIV aged >40 years. A total of 33% of patients received statins, rising to 61% of patients with independent indications for statins. 92% of all statin prescriptions were provided by the GP. Statins were recommended in 25% of clinic letters but were not prescribed in 72% of these cases. There was discordance between antiretrovirals prescribed by the HIV clinic and those documented on the GP record in 60% of cases and in 40% of non‐antiretroviral medications.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that GPs can engage people living with HIV in cardiovascular risk reduction measures but may not consider HIV a cardiovascular risk. Written communication alone is insufficient to improve safe patient care. Shared HIV care needs bidirectional shared medical records. Ongoing work needs to ensure that HIV is recognized as an independent cardiovascular risk factor.
Hypoxic tumour‐derived exosomal miR‐1290 exacerbates the suppression of CD8+ T cells by promoting M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Yang Yeni , Wu Tiansong , Wang Youpeng , Luo Dingan , Zhao Ziyin , Sun Hongfa , Zhang Mao , Zhang Bin , Han Bing
Published: August 2024

Hypoxia plays an important role in the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exosomes have been widely studied as mediators of communication between tumours and immune cells. However, the specific mechanism by which hypoxic HCC cell‐derived exosomes suppress antitumor immunity is unclear. Hypoxia scores were determined for The Cancer Genome‐Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA‐LIHC) dataset patients, and HCC patients in the hyperhypoxic group had a higher degree of M2 macrophage infiltration. Patients in the M2 high‐invasion group had a lower probability of survival than those in the low‐invasion group. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that exosomes secreted by hypoxic HCC cells promote M2 macrophage polarization. This polarization induces apoptosis in CD8+ T cells. Additionally, it encourages epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which increases HCC migration. Exosomal miRNA sequencing revealed that miR‐1290 was highly expressed in exosomes secreted by hypoxic HCC cells. Mechanistically, miR‐1290 in macrophages inhibited Akt2 while upregulating PD‐L1 to promote M2 polarization, induce apoptosis in CD8+ T cells, and enhance EMT in HCC. Animal studies found that the miR‐1290 antagomir in combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor produced better antitumor effects than the monotherapies. In conclusion, the secretion of exosome‐derived miR‐1290 from HCC cells in a hypoxic environment supported immune escape by HCC cells by promoting M2 macrophage polarization to induce apoptosis in CD8+ T cells and enhance EMT that promoted HCC metastasis. Therefore, miR‐1290 is an important molecule in antitumor immunity in HCC, and inhibition of miR‐1290 could provide a novel immunotherapeutic approach for HCC treatment.
Improving the mechanical properties of a sodium borosilicate glass through spinodal decomposition
Authors: Shi Menghan , Sun Daming , Christensen Johan F. S. , Jensen Lars R. , Wang Deyong , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: August 2024

The brittleness of oxide glasses remains a critical problem, limiting their suitability for high‐performance and safety‐critical applications. In this study, we attempt to address this by synthesizing nanostructures in sodium borosilicate glasses through phase separation. While most previous work on the mechanical properties of phase‐separated glasses has focused on phase separation through nucleation and growth, we here create interconnected structures through spinodal decomposition. Interestingly, this leads to improvements in Vickers hardness (from 5.8 to 6.2 GPa), crack initiation resistance (from 4.9 to 8.1 N), and fracture toughness (from 0.85 to 1.09 MPa⋅m1/2). We show that the interconnected glassy phases deflect the propagating cracks, causing the required energy for cracks to cross phase boundaries to increase when subjected to external stress. This study deepens the understanding of how to address the brittleness problem of oxide glasses and provides a promising way to design high‐performance glass materials.
A rapid review of telehealth in women with recent de novo hypertensive disease of pregnancy
Authors: Awoyemi Toluwalase , Teeri Samira , Daniel Emmanuel , Ogunmola Isaac , Ebili Ujunwa , Olojakpoke Eloho , Guzman Rocio Barriga , Ezekwueme Francis , Nunes Denise
Published: August 2024

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy pose significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Postpartum hypertension, a common complication, often leads to emergency room (ER) visits or hospital readmissions. Despite the prevalence of these complications, there is a paucity of studies that focus on blood pressure monitoring in postpartum patients with de novo hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This review aimed to address the gap by evaluating available evidence to compare telehealth monitoring with in‐person visits in preventing ER visits and hospital readmissions among postpartum patients with de novo hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study identified relevant studies by conducting a rigorous search strategy (Medline/OVID, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, and research registries such as the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform [ICTRP] and clinical trials) directed by the clinical information specialist. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, resolving discrepancies with the assistance of a third reviewer. Data extraction followed standardized protocols, and risk of bias assessments were conducted using appropriate tools. This rapid review synthesized evidence from 11 studies on telehealth for women with recent de novo hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Findings highlighted that telemonitoring led to earlier blood pressure documentation and intervention, reduced disparities in blood pressure measurement, decreased hypertension‐related readmissions, higher rates of postpartum antihypertensive treatment initiation, and increased patient satisfaction. Telehealth emerges as a promising tool for managing postpartum hypertension among women with recent de novo hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Identification and validation of basement membrane‐associated gene AGRN as prognostic and immune‐associated biomarkers in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Li Jianrong , You Daofeng , Hu Linjie , Yang Yusi , Gao Sheng , Bai Wenqi
Published: August 2024

Colorectal cancer (COCA) has a poor prognosis, with growing evidence implicating basement membranes (BMs) in cancer progression. Our goal was to investigate the role and predictive significance of BMs in COCA patients. We obtained BMs‐related genes from cutting‐edge research and used TCGA and GTEx databases for mRNA expression and patient information. Cox regression and LASSO regression were used for prognostic gene selection and risk model construction. We compared prognosis using Kaplan–Meier analysis and examined drug sensitivity differences. The CMAP dataset identified potential small molecule drugs. In vitro tests involved suppressing a crucial gene to observe its impact on tumour metastasis. We developed a 12 BMs‐based approach, finding it to be an independent prognostic factor. Functional analysis showed BMs concentrated in cancer‐associated pathways, correlating with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint activation. High‐risk individuals exhibited increased drug sensitivity. AGRN levels were linked to decreased progression‐free survival (p < 0.001). AGRN knockdown suppressed tumour growth and metastasis. Our study offers new perspectives on BMs in COCA, concluding that AGRN is a dependable biomarker for patient survival and prognosis.
A comprehensive prognostic and immune infiltration analysis of UBA1 in pan‐cancer: A computational analysis and in vitro experiments
Authors: Chen Can , Li Yiwei , Chen Zhenzhen , Shi Pengfei , Li Yun , Qian Shenxian
Published: August 2024

Ubiquitin like modifier activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) plays an important role in immune regulation and cellular function. However, the functional mechanism and role of UBA1 in pan‐cancer have not been fully elucidated and its value in haematological tumours (diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBC/DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML/LAML)) has not been explored. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the functional mechanism and role of UBA1 in pan‐cancer using multiple databases, including differential expression analysis, clinical pathological staging analysis, prognosis analysis and immune analysis. Then, we confirmed the function of UBA1 in haematological tumours through cell experiments. The results showed that the expression of UBA1 was significantly increased in most cancers and the differential expression of UBA1 was mainly concentrated in digestive tumours, haematological tumours and brain tumours. Moreover, the high expression of UBA1 had poor prognosis in most tumours, which may be related to its involvement in various cancer‐related pathways such as cell cycle, as well as its methylation level, protein phosphorylation level, immune cell infiltration and immune therapy response. Cell experiments have confirmed that UBA1 can significantly regulate the cycle progression and apoptosis of DLBCL cells and AML cells. Therefore, UBA1 may be a potential therapeutic target for haematological tumours. In summary, our study not only comprehensively analysed the functional mechanisms and clinical value of UBA1 in pan‐cancer, but also validated for the first time the regulatory role of UBA1 in haematological tumours.
Age and sex‐specific risk in fractures with Down syndrome in a retrospective case–control study from Germany
Authors: Krieg S. , Krieg A. , Kostev K.
Published: August 2024

Background

The increasing life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome has led to a growing awareness of mid‐ and late‐life conditions.

Methods

Based on the Disease Analyser database (IQVIA), this retrospective cohort study compared adults ≥18 years of age with Down syndrome (ICD‐10: Q90) in general practices in Germany with a propensity score‐matched cohort without Down syndrome. The outcome was the first diagnosis of a fracture within 5 years of the index date. The cumulative incidence of fractures over a 5‐year period was presented using Kaplan–Meier curves. Univariable Cox regression analyses by age group and sex were performed to assess the association between Down syndrome and fractures.

Results

A total of 2547 individuals with Down syndrome and 12 735 individuals without Down syndrome were included in the study. A significantly higher cumulative fracture incidence within 5 years was observed in the age group 51–60 years (9.3% Down syndrome vs. 4.8% without Down syndrome, P = 0.003) as well as in the age group >60 years (20.3% Down syndrome vs. 8.6% without Down syndrome, P < 0.001) compared with the cohort without Down syndrome. Regression analysis showed a significant association between Down syndrome and fracture risk in women with Down syndrome aged 51–60 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–2.26), and in those aged 51–60 years (HR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.27–3.41) and >60 years (HR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.87–4.73)), but not in men. When comparing fractures in individuals with and without Down syndrome, shoulder and arm fractures were most common in the Down syndrome cohort.

Conclusion

The results of our study indicate a positive association between individuals with Down syndrome and subsequent fractures in women and those aged >50 years. Prevention of falls appears to be particularly important in these populations. However, future studies should clarify the extent to which socio‐economic factors, such as housing, play a role in this context.
Spatial light modulation for interferometric scattering microscopy
Authors: Walter Vivien , Parperis Christopher , Guo Yujie , Wallace Mark Ian
Published: August 2024

Interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy enables high‐speed and label‐free detection of individual molecules and small nanoparticles. Here we apply point spread function engineering to provide adaptive control of iSCAT images using spatial light modulation. With this approach, we demonstrate improved dynamic spatial filtering, real‐time background subtraction, focus control, and signal modulation based on sample orientation.