bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dysregulations in Cardiogenic Mechanisms by TGF-beta and Angiotensin II in Cardiac Remodeling Post-Ischemic Injury: a systematic review
Authors: Shafi Ovais , Zahra Kashaf , Shah Haider Hussain
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to look into how TGF-beta and Angiotensin II disrupt cardiogenic regulators (Isl1, Brg1/Baf60-Smarcd3 complex, Nkx2-5, GATA4, Tbx5, Mef2c, HAND1/2, MYOCD, MSX2, HOPX, Wnt-signaling pathway, Notch, FGF, BMPs) during cardiac remodeling post-ischemic injury.

Background

Cardiac remodeling post-ischemic injury, influenced by TGF-beta and Angiotensin II, disrupts critical cardiogenic regulators essential for heart function. Understanding these disruptions is crucial for developing targeted therapies and biomarkers to assess disease severity. This research addresses a crucial gap in cardiovascular treatment by focusing on mechanisms underlying remodeling processes, aiming to improve therapeutic strategies and outcomes for ischemic heart disease patients.

Methods

Databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and open access/ subscription-based journals were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, to look into how TGF beta and Angiotensin II disrupt cardiogenic regulators in cardiac remodeling post-ischemic. Based on the criteria mentioned in the methods section, studies were systematically reviewed with focus on objectives of the study. This study adheres to relevant PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).

Results

Cardiac remodeling post-ischemic injury involves complex disruptions of cardiogenic regulators, prominently influenced by TGF-beta and Angiotensin II. Our study reveals these factors significantly alter critical regulators like Isl1, Nkx2–5, and GATA4, impacting myocardial repair mechanisms. TGF-beta induces fibrosis and inflammatory responses, while Angiotensin II exacerbates hypertrophic pathways and oxidative stress. Interactions between these pathways amplify remodeling through Smad, MAPK, and other signaling cascades. These findings point to the crucial roles of TGF-beta and Angiotensin II in pathological cardiac remodeling, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion

Cardiac remodeling post-ischemic injury, influenced by TGF-beta and Angiotensin II, disrupts vital cardiogenic regulators like Isl1, Brg1/Baf60 – Smarcd3 complex, Nkx2–5, GATA4, Tbx5, Mef2c, HAND1/2, MYOCD, MSX2, HOPX, Wnt-signaling pathway, Notch, FGF, and BMPs. These disruptions, involving altered receptor expression, signaling pathway interference, hypertrophic responses, and fibrosis promotion, compromise cardiac development and repair mechanisms. Targeting these pathways could enhance therapeutic strategies for ischemic heart disease by restoring normal regulator function and promoting effective cardiac repair and regeneration, thereby improving clinical outcomes.
A Longitudinal and Reproducible Anti-coactivation Pattern Between the Cerebellum and the Ventral Tegmental Area Relates to Apathy in Schizophrenia
Authors: Delavari Farnaz , Awada Jade , Bolton Thomas A. W. , Alouf Fares , Carruzzo Fabien , Kuenzi Noemie , Kaliuzhna Mariia , Geffen Tal , Katthagen Teresa , Schlagenhauf Florian , Van De Ville Dimitri , Eliez Stephan , Kaiser Stefan , Bègue Indrit
Published: July 2024

Background

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia lack effective treatments. Anomalies in the reward system and cerebellum have been linked to negative symptom The cerebellum modulates reward circuitry via the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The “cognitive dysmetria theory” posits that reduced cerebellar inhibition in schizophrenia may underlie striatal hyperdopaminergia. However, cerebellum-VTA connectivity and its impact on negative symptoms in schizophrenia remains unclear.

Methods

From 427 individuals screened, 146 participants were recruited: 90 with schizophrenia (SZ) and 56 healthy controls (HC). At 3 months (T2), 65 individuals (36 SZ, 29 HC) completed follow-up. SZ participants were invited for clinical interviews at 9 months (T3; 33 SZ). After quality check, 105 participants were retained at T1, 41 at T2, and 21 at T3. The validation cohort consisted of 53 individuals (28 SZ, 25 HC). The Brief Negative Symptom Scale was used to quantify negative symptoms. Dynamic functional connectivity of the cerebellum and VTA was analyzed using state-of-the-art coactivation patterns analysis.

Results

A reproducible cerebellum-VTA anti-coactivation pattern was found across T1 and T2 (r = 0.98) in bilateral paravermal Crus I/II. Lower anti-coactivation emergence at T1 correlated with worse apathy, particularly asociality and avolition. At T2, lower anti-coactivation persistence related to worse apathy, especially anhedonia, and correlated with worse anhedonia at T3. Similarly, reduced anti-coactivation emergence at T2 linked to worse asociality at T3. In the validation cohort, we replicated the anti-coactivation pattern (r = 0.93) and the correlation of its emergence with apathy, in particular, asociality.

Conclusion

Reduced cerebellum-VTA anti-coactivation is a reproducible neural marker of apathy in schizophrenia, highlighting its potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.
Time-Dependent Variation in Immunoparalysis Biomarkers Among Patients with Sepsis and Critical Illness
Authors: Samuelsen Abigail , Lehman Erik , Burrows Parker , Bonavia Anthony S
Published: July 2024

Immunoparalysis is a significant concern in patients with sepsis and critical illness, potentially leading to increased risk of secondary infections. This study aimed to perform a longitudinal assessment of immune function over the initial two weeks following the onset of sepsis and critical illness. We compared ex vivo stimulated cytokine release to traditional markers of immunoparalysis, including monocyte Human Leukocyte Antigen (mHLA)-DR expression and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). A total of 64 critically ill patients were recruited in a tertiary care academic medical setting, including 31 septic and 33 non-septic patients. Results showed that while mHLA-DR expression significantly increased over time, this was primarily driven by the non-septic subset of critically ill patients. ALC recovery was more prominent in septic patients. Ex vivo stimulation revealed significant increases in TNF and IL-6 production over time in septic patients. However, IFNγ production varied with the stimulant used and did not show significant recovery when normalized to cell count. No significant correlation was found between mHLA-DR expression and other immunoparalysis biomarkers. These findings suggest the need for more nuanced immune monitoring approaches beyond the traditional ‘sepsis’ versus ‘non-sepsis’ classifications in critically ill patients. It also provided further evidence of a potential window for targeted immunotherapeutic interventions in the first week of critical illness.
Cosmology and terrestrial signals of sexaquark dark matter
Authors: Moore Marianne , Slatyer Tracy R.
Published: July 2024

We investigate the hypothesis that sexaquarks, hypothetical stable six-quark states, could be a significant component of the dark matter. We expand on previous studies of sexaquark cosmology, accounting for the possibility that some relevant interaction cross sections might be strongly suppressed below expectations based on dimensional analysis. We update direct-detection constraints on stable sexaquarks comprising a subdominant fraction of the dark matter, as well as limits on the annihilation of an antisexaquark component from Super-Kamiokande. We argue that the scenario where sexaquarks comprise a O(1) fraction of the dark matter would require either a suppression of O(10−19) in sexaquark interactions with baryons, combined with a very high yield of net sexaquark number from the quark-hadron transition, or else a very strong suppression of the cross section for antisexaquark annihilation on nucleons (24+ orders of magnitude below the QCD scale). Independently, we find that a sexaquark component comprising more than O(10−3) of the dark matter can be excluded from direct-detection bounds, unless its scattering cross section is severely suppressed compared to the expected scale of strong and even electromagnetic interactions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Phase and amplitude responses for delay equations using harmonic balance
Authors: Nicks R. , Allen R. , Coombes S.
Published: July 2024

Robust delay induced oscillations, common in nature, are often modeled by delay-differential equations (DDEs). Motivated by the success of phase-amplitude reductions for ordinary differential equations with limit cycle oscillations, there is now a growing interest in the development of analogous approaches for DDEs to understand their response to external forcing. When combined with Floquet theory, the fundamental quantities for this reduction are phase and amplitude response functions. Here, we develop a framework for their construction that utilizes the method of harmonic balance.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
First Measurement of
νe
and
νμ
Interaction Cross Sections at the LHC with FASER’s Emulsion Detector
Authors: Abraham Roshan Mammen , Anders John , Antel Claire , Ariga Akitaka , Ariga Tomoko , Atkinson Jeremy , Bernlochner Florian U. , Boeckh Tobias , Boyd Jamie , Brenner Lydia , Burger Angela , Cadoux Franck , Cardella Roberto , Casper David W. , Cavanagh Charlotte , Chen Xin , Coccaro Andrea , Débieux Stephane , D’Onofrio Monica , Desai Ansh , Dmitrievsky Sergey , Eley Sinead , Favre Yannick , Fellers Deion , Feng Jonathan L. , Fenoglio Carlo Alberto , Ferrere Didier , Fieg Max , Filali Wissal , Fujimori Haruhi , Garabaglu Ali , Gibson Stephen , Gonzalez-Sevilla Sergio , Gornushkin Yuri , Gwilliam Carl , Hayakawa Daiki , Hsu Shih-Chieh , Hu Zhen , Iacobucci Giuseppe , Inada Tomohiro , Iodice Luca , Jakobsen Sune , Joos Hans , Kajomovitz Enrique , Kanai Takumi , Kawahara Hiroaki , Keyken Alex , Kling Felix , Köck Daniela , Kontaxakis Pantelis , Kose Umut , Kotitsa Rafaella , Kuehn Susanne , Kugathasan Thanushan , Lefebvre Helena , Levinson Lorne , Li Ke , Liu Jinfeng , Lutz Margaret S. , MacDonald Jack , Magliocca Chiara , Martinelli Fulvio , McCoy Lawson , McFayden Josh , Medina Andrea Pizarro , Milanesio Matteo , Moretti Théo , Munker Magdalena , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Nakano Toshiyuki , Neuhaus Friedemann , Nevay Laurie , Nonaka Motoya , Okui Kazuaki , Ohashi Ken , Otono Hidetoshi , Pang Hao , Paolozzi Lorenzo , Petersen Brian , Prim Markus , Queitsch-Maitland Michaela , Rokujo Hiroki , Ruiz-Choliz Elisa , Rubbia André , Sabater-Iglesias Jorge , Sato Osamu , Scampoli Paola , Schmieden Kristof , Schott Matthias , Sfyrla Anna , Shamim Mansoora , Shively Savannah , Takubo Yosuke , Tarannum Noshin , Theiner Ondrej , Torrence Eric , Vasina Svetlana , Vormwald Benedikt , Wang Di , Wang Yuxiao , Welch Eli , Zahorec Samuel , Zambito Stefano , Zhang Shunliang ,   FASER Collaboration
Published: July 2024

The first results of the study of high-energy electron neutrino (νe) and muon neutrino (νμ) charged-current interactions in the FASERν emulsion-tungsten detector of the FASER experiment at the LHC are presented. A 128.8 kg subset of the FASERν volume was analyzed after exposure to 9.5  fb−1 of s=13.6  TeV pp data. Four (eight) νe (νμ) interaction candidate events are observed with a statistical significance of 5.2σ (5.7σ). This is the first direct observation of νe interactions at a particle collider and includes the highest-energy νe and νμ ever detected from an artificial source. The interaction cross section per nucleon σ/Eν is measured over an energy range of 560–1740 GeV (520–1760 GeV) for νe (νμ) to be (1.2−0.7+0.8)×10−38  cm2 GeV−1 [(0.5±0.2)×10−38  cm2 GeV−1], consistent with standard model predictions. These are the first measurements of neutrino interaction cross sections in those energy ranges.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Physics-based approach to developing physical reservoir computers
Authors: Shirmohammadli Vahideh , Bahreyni Behraad
Published: July 2024

Reservoir computing leverages the dynamic properties of a fixed, randomly connected neural network to facilitate simplified training and enhanced computational efficiency. Many forms of physical reservoir computers have been proposed. In this paper, we use a three-dimensional (3D)-printed reservoir computer as the design environment, develop analytic models to describe its performance, and validate the models through simulations. This approach offers practical insights for designing physical reservoirs with targeted computational capabilities and enables the assessment of the influence of reservoir parameters such as scale or material choice, on performance metrics, including speed and power consumption. Additionally, the proposed approach may be employed to optimally design physical reservoir computers to solve specific problems. This work contributes to the understanding of physical RC systems by providing a detailed analysis of the physical basis that connects computational performance with multidomain physical interactions at the device level. The methods and results from this work not only propel the development of future 3D-printed physical RC systems but also serves as a framework for evaluating and designing diverse physical RC models based on other approaches.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Certifying Ground-State Properties of Many-Body Systems
Authors: Wang Jie , Surace Jacopo , Frérot Irénée , Legat Benoît , Renou Marc-Olivier , Magron Victor , Acín Antonio
Published: July 2024

A ubiquitous problem in quantum physics is to understand the ground-state properties of many-body systems. Confronted with the fact that exact diagonalization quickly becomes impossible when increasing the system size, variational approaches are typically employed as a scalable alternative: Energy is minimized over a subset of all possible states and then different physical quantities are computed over the solution state. Despite remarkable success, rigorously speaking, all that variational methods offer are upper bounds on the ground-state energy. On the other hand, so-called relaxations of the ground-state problem based on semidefinite programming represent a complementary approach, providing lower bounds to the ground-state energy. However, in their current implementation, neither variational nor relaxation methods offer provable bound on other observables in the ground state beyond the energy. In this work, we show that the combination of the two classes of approaches can be used to derive certifiable bounds on the value of any observable in the ground state, such as correlation functions of arbitrary order, structure factors, or order parameters. We illustrate the power of this approach in paradigmatic examples of 1D and 2D spin-1/2 Heisenberg models. To improve the scalability of the method, we exploit the symmetries and sparsity of the considered systems to reach sizes of hundreds of particles at much higher precision than previous works. Our analysis therefore shows how to obtain certifiable bounds on many-body ground-state properties beyond energy in a scalable way.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Preparing research samples for safe arrival at centers and facilities: recipes for successful experiments
Authors: Bowman Sarah E. J. , Byrnes James , Russi Silvia , Zimanyi Christina M.
Published: July 2024

Preparation of biomacromolecules for structural biology studies is a complex and time-consuming process. The goal is to produce a highly concentrated, highly pure product that is often shipped to large facilities with tools to prepare the samples for crystallization trials or for measurements at synchrotrons and cryoEM centers. The aim of this article is to provide guidance and to discuss general considerations for shipping biomacromolecular samples. Details are also provided about shipping samples for specific experiment types, including solution- and cryogenic-based techniques. These guidelines are provided with the hope that the time and energy invested in sample preparation is not lost due to shipping logistics.
Benchmarking executive compensations: exploring fresh perspectives on chief executive officer (CEO) compensation drivers in major US corporations
Authors: Lee Jooh , Pati Niranjan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the ongoing assessment of executive compensation by investigating the nexus between managerial entrenchment factors, adopting a multifaceted perspective encompassing both economic and non-economic dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs pooled cross-sectional Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and Least Squares with Dummy Variables (LSDV) models with fixed effects to examine the determinants of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation.

Findings

This research identifies firm size, performance (via ROA and Tobin’s Q), and CEO characteristics (age, tenure, stock ownership, MBA degree) as significant determinants of executive compensation at the 0.05 level. In contrast, the prestige of educational institutions, doctoral degrees, and the MBA’s relevance to short-term performance, along with CEO tenure, do not significantly affect pay. Additionally, the study highlights the significance of industry type (manufacturing vs technology) in shaping compensation, emphasizing the role of firm metrics and CEO credentials in designing executive pay packages.

Originality/value

This research introduces an innovative approach to controlling unobserved heterogeneity and adjusting for the dynamic nature of CEO compensation attributes across diverse CEO characteristics. By integrating both pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Least Squares Dummy Variable (LSDV) models, the study addresses the challenges posed by time-invariant variables and unobservable heterogeneity. Such issues have historically skewed the accuracy of traditional OLS models in identifying the comprehensive array of factors—both economic and non-economic—that influence CEO compensation. This novel methodological framework significantly advances the examination of unobservable variables that may vary not only across the firms selected for analysis but also over time periods, thereby offering a more detailed understanding of the determinants of CEO pay.
Early identification of high attention content for online mental health community users based on multi-level fusion model
Authors: Wang Song , Luo Ying , Liu Xinmin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The overload of user-generated content in online mental health community makes the focus and resonance tendencies of the participating groups less clear. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to build an early identification mechanism for users' high attention content to promote early intervention and effective dissemination of professional medical guidance.

Design/methodology/approach

We decouple the identification mechanism from two processes: early feature combing and algorithmic model construction. Firstly, based on the differentiated needs and concerns of the participant groups, the multiple features of “information content + source users” are refined. Secondly, a multi-level fusion model is constructed for features processing. Specifically, Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (BERT)-Bi-directional Long-Short Term Memory (BiLSTM)-Linear are used to refine the semantic features, while Graph Attention Networks (GAT) is used to capture the entity attributes and relation features. Finally, the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is used to optimize the multi-level fusion features.

Findings

The results show that the ACC of the multi-level fusion model is 84.42%, F1 is 79.43% and R is 76.71%. Compared with other baseline models and single feature elements, the ACC and F1 values are improved to different degrees.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in analyzing multiple features based on early stages and constructing a new multi-level fusion model for processing. Further, the study is valuable for the orientation of psychological patients' needs and early guidance of professional medical care.
Talent management in small and medium-sized enterprises: towards an integrative multilevel approach in the French context
Authors: Abid Kousay , Loufrani Sabrina
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This research seeks to unveil an integrative perspective on talent management (TM) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly through a multilevel approach and within the French context. Drawing on dynamic capability theory and focusing on French SMEs as a rich domain for multilevel studies, the research aims to elucidate how these enterprises operationalize TM while addressing and integrating their distinct capabilities and requirements, internal dynamics and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an integrative study based on a qualitative approach, we collect data from 15 French SMEs. In total, 20 semi-structured interviews with individuals from different levels, managing and working in SMEs, were conducted and analyzed thematically to identify patterns across all SMEs. Companies and interviewees represented a variety of sectors such as telecommunication, high-tech, circular economy, etc.

Findings

We present an integrative multilevel approach through TM in French SMEs, describing how SMEs operationalize TM. Across three main levels (organizational, collective and individual) and key SMEs’ capabilities, our results underscore the significance of top management commitment capabilities and SMEs' assessment capabilities, the involvement of line managers in facilitating strategic agility and cultivating the talent ecosystem and the outcomes of TM in driving SMEs' reconfiguration, extending beyond mere TM-level integrations and articulations. We address these findings for foreign SMEs intending to enter the French context and SMEs’ actors on the importance of contextual issues and level articulations while calling for future research focusing on group-level and managers’ roles in TM.

Originality/value

This article moves the TM research towards an integrative multilevel view in SMEs as a fertile ground for studying multilevel TM. As part of recent studies on TM in French SMEs within the broader European competitive context, it expands the integrative approach in SMEs by accommodating the unique requirements, the multilevel dynamics and the challenges that they encounter with TM, especially when compared to multinational enterprises (MNEs).
Fostering a knowledge sharing culture: the role of fun, empowerment, and inclusive leadership
Authors: Islam Talat , Ahmed Ishfaq , Alkharabsheh Omar Hamdan Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Knowledge is an important resource that becomes obsolete if not shared in time. Therefore, this study aims to examine how employees’ perceived fun at work affects their psychological empowerment to evoke knowledge-sharing behavior. The study further explored the conditional role of inclusive leadership between the same.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the time lag approach, the data for the current study was collected from 355 employees working in IT firms. The study used convenience sampling, and structural equation modeling was used for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The results showed that perceptions of fun have a favorable impact on employees' knowledge sharing behavior and psychological empowerment mediate this relationship. Furthermore, there was no empirical evidence of the conditional role of inclusive leadership between fun and psychological empowerment. However, the results of the alternative model indicated that inclusive leadership moderates the relationship between psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reveal that management should nurture fun at work as it can lead to psychological empowerment and knowledge sharing. The study also reveals that the role of leadership is important for empowerment and knowledge sharing relationships.

Originality/value

Based on the conservation of resources and self-determination perspectives, this study proposes and empirically investigates the mechanism of psychological empowerment and inclusive leadership which has largely been an unattended area of research in knowledge sharing literature.
Conceptualising a model for provider-employer collaborations in quantity surveying degree apprenticeship programmes
Authors: Obi Lovelin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

With increasing demand to enhance collaborative practices in Degree Apprenticeship (DA) programmes like Quantity Surveying Degree Apprenticeships (QSDA), there is a notable lack of models supporting employer engagement, particularly in curriculum design and delivery. This study aims to fill this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews, focus groups and questionnaires to gather stakeholder perspectives involved in QSDA programmes in England. This process aimed to identify key practice areas, collaboration process and enablers needed to conceptualise a collaborative model for employer engagement in QSDA curriculum design and delivery.

Findings

The model highlights four collaborative stages, four practice areas, fourteen focus actions, and twelve enablers essential for provider-employer collaborations in QSDA curriculum design and delivery.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel curriculum design model emphasising the collaboration process and enablers for provider-employer engagement. It offers new insights for QSDA programme curriculum development and is the first to address this area, contributing to the literature on Degree Apprenticeships in built environment education.
Nexuses between induction training and on the-job-training on employee job performance: the mediating role of organizational culture
Authors: Iddrisu Issah , Adam Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study aims to explore the mediating role of organizational culture in the relationship between on-the-job training (OJT), induction training and employee job performance. This study is conceptually grounded in Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. The function that organizational culture plays as a mediator in the links between employee performance and on-the-job training and induction is a unique aspect of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

An industry-wide representation was ensured in the study by using a stratified random sampling technique to choose participants. The main characteristics pertaining to organizational culture, training initiatives and worker job performance were measured by using validated scales from earlier studies. For the purpose of validating the measurement model, factor loadings, internal consistency reliability and discriminant validity were evaluated through the use of partial least squares structural equation modelling in SmartPLS.

Findings

In support of Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, the study’s results show a strong association between work performance, organizational culture, on-the-job training and induction training. The study highlights the positive synergistic effect that supportive organizational culture and well-designed training programmes have on improving employee job performance. The unique contribution of this study is the provision of empirical support for these correlations across a wide range of industries, highlighting the crucial roles that organizational culture plays in promoting employee success.

Originality/value

Authors’ knowledge of how organizations may create environments that maximize worker productivity and potential is expanded by the study’s practical insights.
The role of Eco-shame in shaping Behavioural Purchase Intentions toward sustainable fashion consumption
Authors: Nicolau Luiza Gonçalves Ferreira , Christino Juliana Maria Magalhães , Cardozo Érico Aurélio Abreu , Ferreira Frederico Leocádio
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Sustainable fashion encompasses principles of ethical production, fair trade, and the use of organic materials. This study explores the antecedents influencing behavioural intentions to purchase sustainable fashion among Brazilian fashion consumers, utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as a framework and examining the role of Eco-shame.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey involving 378 respondents was conducted, and structural equation modelling was applied to analyse the data.

Findings

The study revealed that Perceived Behavioural Control, Attitude, and Eco-shame significantly influenced Behavioural Purchase Intention toward sustainable fashion products. In contrast to prior research, Subjective Norms did not demonstrate a substantial influence on Behavioural Purchase Intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Enhancing the generalizability of findings necessitates expanding the sample size and employing a probability sampling method for future research endeavours.

Practical implications

In the realm of sustainable fashion consumption, it is imperative to understand consumer behaviour shifts, particularly amid the prevalence of fast fashion. This research aims to bridge this knowledge gap and underscore consumers’ motivations for selecting sustainable fashion products.

Originality/value

This study makes a theoretical contribution by introducing Eco-shame as an extension of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to evaluate Behavioural Purchase Intentions toward Sustainable Fashion Products, an innovation that has been absent from prior literature.
An adoption framework for agile new product development using hybrid RBWM-ISM-Fuzzy MICMAC approach
Authors: Palsodkar Manoj A. , Nagare Madhukar R. , Pansare Rajesh B. , Narwane Vaibhav S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Agile new product development (ANPD) attracts researchers and practitioners by its ability to rapidly reconfigure products and related processes to meet the needs of emerging markets. To increase ANPD adoption, this study aims to identify ANPD enablers (ANPDEs) and create a structural framework that practitioners can use as a quick reference.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, a comprehensive literature review is conducted to identify ANPDEs, and a structural framework is developed in consultation with an expert panel using a hybrid robust best–worst method interpretive structural modeling (ISM). During the ISM process, the interactions between the ANPDEs are investigated. The ISM result is used as input for fuzzy Matrice d’Impacts croises-multiplication appliqúean classment means cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis to investigate enablers that are both strong drivers and highly dependent.

Findings

The study’s findings show that four ANPDEs are in the low-intensity cluster and thus are excluded during the structural frame development. ISM output shows that “Strong commitment to NPD/top management support,” “Availability of resources,” “Supplier commitment/capability” and “Systematic project planning” are the important ANPDEs. Based on their driving and dependence power, the clusters formed during the fuzzy MICMAC approach show that 16 ANPDEs appear in the dependent zone, one ANPDE in the linkage zone and 14 ANPDEs in the driving zone.

Practical implications

This research has intense functional consequences for researchers and practitioners within the industry. Industry professionals require a conservative focus on the established ANPDEs during ANPD adoption. Management has to carefully prepare a course of action to avoid any flop during ANPD adoption.

Originality/value

The framework established is a one-of-a-kind study that provides an integrated impression of important ANPDEs. The authors hope that the suggested structural framework will serve as a blueprint for scholars working in the ANPD domain and will aid in its adoption.
Association between different dietary carbohydrates and risk of gallstone: a case-control study in Iranian adults
Authors: Nilghaz Maryam , Shahparvari Mohammadreza , Hekmatdoost Azita , Saadati Saeede , Ghorbani Moloud , Sadeghi Amir , Yari Zahra
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Dietary components have been mentioned as modifiable risk factors in the development of gallstone disease (GSD), but it has been less addressed. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between different types of dietary carbohydrate and the risk of gallstone.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case-control study 189 patients diagnosed with GSD as a case group and 342 people as a control group were enrolled. Dietary intake of the participants was collected through a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Total intakes of calories, macronutrients and different types of carbohydrate were estimated. Crude and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between carbohydrate intake and GSD.

Findings

Patients with gallstone consumed significantly more fructose and sucrose and less fiber. After fully adjustment, the logistic regression indicated significant association between GSD with dietary intake of total carbohydrate (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4, p = 0.009), sugar (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.8–1.7, p = 0.014), fructose (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7–3.9, p < 0.001), glucose (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.9, p = 0.002) and sucrose (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.9–1.6, p = 0.042). Also, increasing intakes of lactose, galactose and maltose were associated with a decrease in the risk of GSD, but not statistically significant, although lactose was close to significance (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.48–1, p = 0.051).

Originality/value

There is a positive and significant relationship between total carbohydrate, sugar, fructose, glucose and sucrose intake and the occurrence of gallstone.
Analysis practice of exchange rate determinants: a case study of foreign exchange operators in trading rooms
Authors: Lamzouri Ahmed Amine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on exploring and understanding the practice of analyzing the determinants of the Moroccan Dirham by foreign exchange professionals in trading rooms in the context of transitioning to a more flexible regime initiated by Moroccan authorities. The objective of this study is to highlight how foreign exchange operators analyze the determinants of the Moroccan Dirham in the context of exchange rate liberalization, focusing primarily on qualitative data rather than quantitative data.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, this paper opted for a methodological approach using interview surveys to understand the underlying behavior of Moroccan foreign exchange operators, conducting a content analysis. This paper targeted six foreign exchange operators from nine Moroccan banks authorized as market makers by Bank Al-Maghrib.

Findings

The results indicate that the fluctuations of the Moroccan Dirham are closely linked to two main factors: the analysis of the EUR/USD exchange rate and market liquidity analysis. Furthermore, content analysis revealed five essential aspects regarding the practice of analyzing the determinants of the Dirham: “Dirham determinants,” “complementarity between technical analysis and fundamental analysis,” “trends and reversals,” “utility of macroeconomic models” and “psychological factors.”

Research limitations/implications

Certainly, this methodology allows for exploring and understanding the underlying behavior of currency operators but inherently generates a certain degree of subjectivity that can affect the research validity. Indeed, the subjectivity can arise from the responses of the currency operators themselves. They may present the phenomenon coherently or selectively choose the elements they remember to respond to. On the other hand, the validity of this type of research relies on the researcher's ability to cultivate empathy throughout the knowledge creation process. The empathetic stance adopted in this study proved to be complex due to the uniqueness of operators and interaction, sometimes making it challenging to combine empathy, respect and critical thinking (Olivier De Sardan, 2004). Furthermore, the researcher is often faced with an interpretation bias, which can manifest not only during the coding of collected data but also during the analysis of the constructed content. To mitigate this interpretation bias, this paper subjected the collected data to a double coding procedure.

Practical implications

This study aims to narrow the gap in opinions between academics and practitioners by providing a practical overview for change novices.

Originality/value

This study is the pioneering inquiry exploring the process of determining the Moroccan dirham within the transition to a flexible exchange rate regime, using an exploratory methodological approach.
Effective enablers and tools for inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition in public policymaking organizations: a Delphi study in GCC countries
Authors: AlQasmi Maryam , Al-Busaidi Kamla Ali
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the most effective enablers and tools for inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition in public policymaking organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, the study summarized 51 individual, organizational, technological and inhabitant-related enablers of inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition, as well as 36 technological and social tools. The study assessed the effectiveness of these enablers and tools based on two rounds of a Delphi study targeting 31 policymakers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was assessed to determine consensus among participating policymakers.

Findings

The findings indicate that the most effective enablers were inhabitants’ willingness to get involved, information technology (IT) infrastructure, IT staff support and inhabitants’ trust in policymakers. Additionally, the study found that the most effective tools for inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition included meetings, interviews, social media and field visits.

Originality/value

Inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition is an important social and economic force that will drive change in any society by enabling the implementation of innovative ideas and practices. A review of the relevant research shows that despite the usability of inhabitants’ knowledge, the degree to which inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition is integrated into the public policymaking system remains unclear. This study of inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition from the policymaker perspective provides a better understanding of the inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition process in policymaking organizations.
“Striving to Facilitate the Achievement of the PIRA's Aims”? The Labour Government, the Army and the Crisis of the British State over Northern Ireland 1972–76
Authors: Dixon Paul
Published: July 2024

This article argues that there was a crisis within the British state over policy towards Northern Ireland (1972–76). The Conservative then Labour government pursued a broadly bipartisan and conciliatory policy, culminating in the failed powersharing experiment (1974). By contrast, the New Right within the Conservative Party but also powerful elements in the Army and Intelligence Services, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and Unionism opposed conciliation as ‘appeasement’ and even treachery. They claimed conciliation and rumours of British political support for withdrawal encouraged the IRA and undermined the repressive approach that was necessary to win. From this perspective, the Conservative then Labour government were, in effect, ‘… striving to facilitate the achievement of the PIRA's aims’ and so they resisted government policy. The crisis intensified as more troops were killed, and the Army suffered severe problems of morale, recruitment and retention. The Army's emergency created a need to withdraw troops and Ulsterise the conflict. Although this constrained the Labour government's ability to defend powersharing, the Army also appeared reluctant to support the government's conciliatory policy. The crisis of the British state over Northern Ireland (1972–76) provides part of the context in which allegations about the undermining of Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the Labour government in the 1970s should be considered.
Citizens’ Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Innovations: Evidence from Six European Union Member States
Authors: Jin Yan , Borgia Riccardo , Guesmi Bouali , Rahmani Djamel , Larvoe Noah , Targetti Stefano , Viaggi Davide , Gil José María
Published: July 2024

Innovations in the agri‐food industry targeting the strengthening of sustainability have recently increased their emphasis on compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the H2020 CO‐FRESH project, seven sustainable innovations have been implemented by seven local farms and companies in six EU Member States using diversified formats, including a smart irrigation system, reutilising water in processing, and sensors for precisely applying fertilisers. Previous studies have predominantly focused on sustainable innovations in one Member State but not at a pan‐European level. In this study, we adopted a choice experiment to assess citizens’ Willingness‐To‐Pay (WTP) for public goods associated with sustainable innovations in Europe. The common attributes derived from different innovations enable a cross‐country comparison of the WTP of citizens living near innovation sites for carbon emissions, biodiversity and local employment. The results indicate European citizens’ different WTP for public goods and significant regional heterogeneity of socio‐demographics among citizen clusters. A successful agricultural transition must be socially inclusive. This study has policy implications for various stakeholders in the agri‐food value chain as well as policymakers when deciding on optimally allocating resources or implementing policy incentives to enhance sustainability and avoid ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ applications, considering the heterogeneity in Europe.
Ensemble spatial modeling, considering habitat and biological traits, for predicting the potential distribution of Corythucha ciliata
Authors: Kim Tae‐Hyeon , Byeon Dae‐hyeon , Song Jae‐Woo , Lee Wang‐Hee
Published: July 2024

Ensemble species distribution modeling offers a robust approach to reduce the inherent uncertainties associated with single models, and ultimately providing more accurate predictions of regions with a heightened probability of occurrence. As Corythucha ciliata (Say) damages deciduous trees in diverse environments, including urban, suburban and forested regions, the objective of this study was to predict the potential distribution of C. ciliata by developing an ensemble model that comprehensively considered the biological and habitat traits of the pest using the CLIMEX and MaxEnt models. Although the ensemble model did not have significantly improved performance, compared with the single MaxEnt model, it was robust compared with distribution data. Our predictions suggest that C. ciliata will gradually expand its range from its current distribution in response to climate change, necessitating focused monitoring and pest‐control efforts in the predicted regions. This study not only evaluates pest distribution but also provides crucial insights into effective control strategies, which are adaptable to other pest management scenarios.
Efficacy of a pre‐operative anaemia clinic in patients undergoing elective abdominal cancer surgery
Authors: Barsballe Kristine Elisabeth Bagge , Bundgaard‐Nielsen Morten , Ruhnau Birgitte , Hillingsøe Jens Georg , Aasvang Eske Kvanner , Jans Øivind
Published: July 2024

Background

Pre‐operative iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is common in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery and is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications. However, widespread implementation of pre‐operative anaemia management is lacking. Guidelines recommend investigation of anaemia preferably 4–6 weeks before surgery to allow time for correction. However, this is not always feasible in abdominal cancer surgery with short time to surgery and may be influenced by concomitant chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of implementing a pre‐operative screening and treatment programme for IDA in elective abdominal cancer surgery patients, with short duration to surgery and concomitant use of chemotherapy.

Methods

All patients scheduled for elective abdominal cancer surgery with IDA were included. Anaemia was defined according to the World Health Organization‐criteria and iron deficiency as a transferrin saturation <0.20. The primary outcome was change in haemoglobin (Hb) between iron infusion and surgery in patients receiving pre‐operative intravenous iron infusion.

Results

Of 178 diagnosed IDA patients 134 (75%) received intravenous iron, 103 pre‐operatively (58%) at median day 17 (interquartile range: 9–27) before surgery while 31 (17%) received post‐operative intravenous iron treatment. The pre‐operative Hb increased 0.89 g/dL (95% CI: 0.64–1.13, p < .001) compared to a decrease of 0.4 g/dL (95% CI: 0.19–0.58, p < .001) in 75 patients not treated pre‐operatively. Patients diagnosed with severe anaemia had the largest pre‐operative Hb increase. Iron infusion >2 weeks pre‐operatively resulted in a greater Hb increment of 1.13 g/dL (95% CI: 0.81–1.45) compared to iron infusion ≤2 weeks before surgery 0.48 g/dL (95% CI: 0.16–0.81). Hb increased by 0.64 g/dL (95% CI 0.19–1.21) in patients receiving chemotherapy ≤31 days prior to surgery.

Conclusion

In patients scheduled for abdominal cancer surgery, including in patients with concomitant chemotherapy, pre‐operative IDA management is feasible and results in a significant pre‐operative Hb increase compared to patients not treated. On the day of surgery 25% patients treated pre‐operatively were no longer anaemic.
Bee diversity and pollination services improve with revegetation effort
Authors: Kireta D. , Lowe A. J. , Guerin G. R. , Leijs R. , Hogendoorn K.
Published: July 2024

Habitat loss is causing declines in native bees and reducing pollination services. Revegetation can be used to reverse these declines, and this restoration technique attracts growing efforts and resources. However, how the quality of revegetation affects native bee abundance, diversity and their pollination services is not well understood, and this limits opportunities to improve revegetation outcomes. To assess this gap, we surveyed floral and bee diversity in revegetated landscapes ranging in habitat quality, and compared these among each other and to remnant habitat and cleared areas. We also measured pollination services using two native phytometer species, which can be pollinated by native bees only, or by both native and introduced honey bees (Apis mellifera). We found that bee diversity and richness were higher within treatments that were higher in floral diversity. In addition, while pollination services provided by honey bees were uniform across treatments, remnant vegetation supported greater pollination services to the plant species pollinated by native bees only. These results indicate that higher quality revegetation characterized by the establishment of a more diverse set of plant species, has the potential to restore native bee diversity and associated pollination services. However, for the plant species investigated, restoration of pollination services had not occurred and might require more time. These results suggest preserving remnant vegetation should be the highest priority conservation action, and that restoration practitioners and landowners wishing to support landscape‐level bee diversity and pollination services, should aim for revegetation using high flowering plant diversity.