bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cisplatin drives mitochondrial dysregulation in sensory hair cells
Authors: Lee David S. , Schrader Angela , Zou Jiaoxia , Ang Wee Han , Warchol Mark , Sheets Lavinia
Published: January 2024

Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug that causes permanent hearing loss by injuring cochlear hair cells. The mechanisms that initiate injury are not fully understood, but mitochondria have emerged as potential mediators of hair cell cytotoxicity. Usingin vivolive imaging of hair cells in the zebrafish lateral-line organ expressing a genetically encoded indicator of cumulative mitochondrial activity, we first demonstrate that greater redox history increases susceptibility to cisplatin. Next, we conducted time-lapse imaging to understand dynamic changes in mitochondrial homeostasis and observe elevated mitochondrial and cytosolic calcium that surge prior to hair cell death. Furthermore, using a localized probe that fluoresces in the presence of cisplatin, we show that cisplatin directly accumulates in hair cell mitochondria, and this accumulation occurs before mitochondrial dysregulation and apoptosis. Our findings provide evidence that cisplatin directly targets hair cell mitochondria and support that the mitochondria are integral to cisplatin cytotoxicity in hair cells.
Multiplexed Short-wave Infrared Imaging Highlights Anatomical Structures in Mice
Authors: Zhong Xingjian , Patel Amish , Sun Yidan , Saeboe Alexander M. , Dennis Allison M.
Published: January 2024

While multiplexed fluorescence imaging is frequently used forin vitromicroscopy, extending the technique to whole animal imagingin vivohas remained challenging due to the attenuation and scattering of visible and traditional near infrared (NIR-I) wavelengths. Fluorescence imaging using short-wave infrared (SWIR, 1000 – 1700 nm, a.k.a. NIR-II) light enables deeper tissue penetration for preclinical imaging compared to previous methods due to reduced tissue scattering and minimal background autofluorescence in this optical window. Combining NIR-I excitation wavelengths with multiple distinct SWIR emission peaks presents a tremendous opportunity to distinguish multiple fluorophores with high precision for non-invasive, multiplexed anatomical imaging in small animal models. SWIR-emitting semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with tunable emission peaks and optical stability have emerged as powerful contrast agents, but SWIR imaging demonstrations have yet to move beyond two-color imaging schemes. In this study, we engineered a set of three high quantum yield lead sulfide/cadmium sulfide (PbS/CdS) core/shell QDs with distinct SWIR emissions ranging from 1100 – 1550 nm and utilize these for simultaneous three-color imaging in mice. We first use QDs to non-invasively track lymphatic drainage, highlighting the detailed network of lymphatic vessels with high-resolution with a widefield imaging over a 2 hr period. We then perform multiplexed imaging with all three QDs to distinctly visualize the lymphatic system and spatially overlapping vasculature network. This work establishes optimized SWIR QDs for next-generation multiplexed preclinical imaging, moving beyond the capability of previous dual-labeling techniques. The capacity to discriminate several fluorescent labels through non-invasive NIR-I excitation and SWIR detection unlocks numerous opportunities for studies of disease progression, drug biodistribution, and cell trafficking dynamics in living organisms.
Cellular Modeling of CLN6 with IPSC-derived Neurons and Glia
Authors: Otero Maria Gabriela , Kim Jaemin , Kushwaha Yogesh Kumar , Rajewski Alex , Nonis Fabian David , Santiskulvong Chintda , Bannykh Serguei I. , Oza Hiral , Farooqi Hafiz Muhammad Umer , Babros Madeline , Freeman Christina , Dupuis Lucie , Mercimek-Andrews Saadat , Mendoza-Londono Roberto , Bresee Catherine , Adams David R. , Tifft Cynthia J. , Toro Camilo , Khanlou Negar , Gahl William A. , Salamon Noriko , Pierson Tyler Mark
Published: January 2024

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), type 6 (CLN6) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with progressive neurodegeneration leading to dementia, seizures, and retinopathy.CLN6encodes a resident-ER protein involved in trafficking lysosomal proteins to the Golgi. CLN6p deficiency results in lysosomal dysfunction and deposition of storage material comprised of Nile Red+lipids/proteolipids that include subunit C of the mitochondrial ATP synthase (SUBC). White matter involvement has been recently noted in several CLN6 animal models and several CLN6 subjects had neuroimaging was consistent with leukodystrophy. CLN6 patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) were generated from several of these subjects. IPSCs were differentiated into oligodendroglia or neurons using well-established small-molecule protocols. A doxycycline-inducible transgenic system expressing neurogenin-2 (the I3N-system) was also used to generate clonal IPSC-lines (I3N-IPSCs) that could be rapidly differentiated into neurons (I3N-neurons). All CLN6 IPSC-derived neural cell lines developed significant storage material, CLN6-I3N-neuron lines revealed significant Nile Red+and SUBC+storage within three and seven days of neuronal induction, respectively. CLN6-I3N-neurons had decreased tripeptidyl peptidase-1 activity, increased Golgi area, along with increased LAMP1+in cell bodies and neurites. SUBC+signal co-localized with LAMP1+signal. Bulk-transcriptomic evaluation of control- and CLN6-I3N-neurons identified >1300 differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) with Gene Ontogeny (GO) Enrichment and Canonical Pathway Analyses having significant changes in lysosomal, axonal, synaptic, and neuronal-apoptotic gene pathways. These findings indicate that CLN6-IPSCs and CLN6-I3N-IPSCs are appropriate cellular models for this disorder. These I3N-neuron models may be particularly valuable for developing therapeutic interventions with high-throughput drug screening assays and/or gene therapy.
Adapting and optimizing GCaMP8f for use inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Liu Jun , Bonnard Elsa , Scholz Monika
Published: January 2024

Improved genetically-encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are essential for capturing intracellular dynamics of both muscle and neurons. A novel set of GECIs with ultra-fast kinetics and high sensitivity was recently reported by Zhang et al. (Nature, 2023). While these indicators, called jGCaMP8, were demonstrated to work inDrosophilaand mice, data forCaenorhabditis eleganswas not reported. Here, we present an optimized plasmid forC. elegansand use this to generate several strains expressing GCaMP8f. Utilizing themyo-2promoter, we compare pharyngeal muscle activity measured with GCaMP7f and GCaMP8f and find that GCaMP8f is brighter, shows faster kinetics and is less disruptive to the intrinsic contraction dynamics of the pharynx. Additionally, we validate its application for detecting neuronal activity in touch receptor neurons which reveals robust calcium transients at 25 ms time resolution. As such, we establish GCaMP8f as a potent tool forC. elegansresearch which is capable of extracting fast calcium dynamics at very low magnifications across multiple cell types.
Non-CG DNA methylation and MeCP2 stabilize repeated tuning of long genes that distinguish closely related neuron types
Authors: Moore J. Russell , Nemera Mati T. , D’Souza Rinaldo D. , Hamagami Nicole , Clemens Adam W. , Beard Diana C. , Urman Alaina , Mendoza Victoria Rodriguez , Gabel Harrison W.
Published: January 2024

The extraordinary diversity of neuron types in the mammalian brain is delineated at the highest resolution by subtle gene expression differences that may require specialized molecular mechanisms to be maintained. Neurons uniquely express the longest genes in the genome and utilize neuron-enriched non-CG DNA methylation (mCA) together with the Rett syndrome protein, MeCP2, to control gene expression, but the function of these unique gene structures and machinery in regulating finely resolved neuron type-specific gene programs has not been explored. Here, we employ epigenomic and spatial transcriptomic analyses to discover a major role for mCA and MeCP2 in maintaining neuron type-specific gene programs at the finest scale of cellular resolution. We uncover differential susceptibility to MeCP2 loss in neuronal populations depending on global mCA levels and dissect methylation patterns and intragenic enhancer repression that drive overlapping and distinct gene regulation between neuron types. Strikingly, we show that mCA and MeCP2 regulate genes that are repeatedly tuned to differentiate neuron types at the highest cellular resolution, including spatially resolved, vision-dependent gene programs in the visual cortex. These repeatedly tuned genes display genomic characteristics, including long length, numerous intragenic enhancers, and enrichment for mCA, that predispose them to regulation by MeCP2. Thus, long gene regulation by the MeCP2 pathway maintains differential gene expression between closely-related neurons to facilitate the exceptional cellular diversity in the complex mammalian brain.
An optoelectronic Coupler based on graphene patterns and SU-8 photoresist
Authors: Zandi Elham , Fouladian Majid , Mazloum Jalil
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to efficiently separate incident terahertz (THz) waves into distinct transmission and reflection channels by minimizing the absorption ratio. So, the optical systems operating within the THz frequency range can developed. To achieve a multi-band response, four different periodic arrays of graphene patterns are used. These arrays are strategically stacked on both sides of three SU-8 photoresists, serving as dielectric materials. Consequently, each layer exhibits a unique influence on the device's response, and by applying four external bias voltages, the behavior of the device can be precisely controlled and adjusted.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel optoelectronic device operating in the THz frequency range is introduced, using periodic arrays of graphene patterns and SU-8 photoresist dielectrics. The design of this device is based on meta-surface principles, using both the equivalent circuit model (ECM) and transmission line concept. The output of the device is a THz coupler implemented by analyzing the reflection and transmission channels. The structure is characterized using the ECM and validated through comprehensive full-wave simulations. By representing the electromagnetic phenomenon with passive circuit elements, enabling the calculation of absorption, reflection and transmission through the application of the theory of maximum power transfer.

Findings

Based on simulation results and theoretical analysis, the proposed device exhibits sensitivity to gate biasing, enabling efficient reflection and transmission of THz waves. The device achieves reflection and transmission peaks exceeding across the five distinct THz bands 90%, and its behavior can be tuned by external gate biasing. Moreover, the device's sensitivity to variations in geometrical parameters and chemical potentials demonstrates its reliable performance. With its outstanding performance, this high-performance meta-surface emerges as an ideal candidate for fundamental building blocks in larger optical systems, including sensors and detectors, operating within the THz frequency band.

Originality/value

The proposed device covers a significant portion of the THz gap through the provision of five adjustable peaks for reflection and transmission channels. Additionally, the ECM and impedance matching concept offers a simplified and time-efficient approach to designing the meta-surface. Leveraging this approach, the proposed device is effectively represented using passive circuit elements such as inductors, capacitors and resistors, while its performance is validated through the utilization of the finite element method (FEM) as a full-wave simulation tool. This combination of circuit modeling and FEM simulation contributes to the robustness and accuracy of the device's performance evaluation.
Exploring the relationship between economic diversification and energy-related CO2 emissions in a petroleum-producing country
Authors: AlSabbagh Maha
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to quantify sectoral energy and carbon intensity, revisit the validity of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and explore the relationship between economic diversification and CO2 emissions in Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

Three stages were followed to understand the linkages between sectoral economic growth, energy consumption and CO2 emissions in Bahrain. Sectoral energy and carbon intensity were calculated, time series data trends were analyzed and two econometric models were built and analyzed using the autoregressive distributed lag method and time series data for the period 1980–2019.

Findings

The results of the analysis suggest that energy and carbon intensity in Bahrain’s industrial sector is higher than those of its services and agricultural sectors. The EKC was found to be invalid for Bahrain, where economic growth is still coupled with CO2 emissions. Whereas CO2 emissions have increased with growth in the manufacturing, and real estate subsectors, the emissions have decreased with growth in the hospitability, transportation and communications subsectors. These results indicate that economic diversification, specifically of the services sector, is aligned with Bahrain’s carbon neutrality target. However, less energy-intensive industries, such as recycling-based industries, are needed to counter the environmental impacts of economic growth.

Originality/value

The impacts of economic diversification on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in the Gulf Cooperation Council petroleum countries have rarely been explored. Findings from this study contribute to informing economic and environment-related policymaking in Bahrain.
Exploring the impact of rider–driver ethnicity match/mismatch in ride-hailing
Authors: Idug Yavuz , Gligor David , Porchia Jamie , Niranjan Suman , Manuj Ila , Nowicki David R.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the social identity theory, this paper explores the impact of rider–driver ethnicity match on the driver’s expected ride satisfaction and willingness to perform, and rider’s trust on the driver.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on scenario-based online experiments with 291 ride-hailing drivers and 282 riders in the USA.

Findings

The findings indicate that ethnicity match between ride-hailing drivers and riders positively impact driver’s ride satisfaction and willingness to perform, and rider’s trust in the driver. The study also revealed a significant positive moderation effect of ethnic identity on the relationship of ethnicity match and those constructs.

Practical implications

While it may be challenging to influence an individual’s level of ethnic identity, managers can take steps to educate and train their employees regarding the impact of ethnic identity and discrimination, with a particular focus on those individuals who possess a strong sense of ethnic identity.

Originality/value

The findings of this research provide theoretical contributions to the existing literature on ride-hailing services and adds to the limited stream of logistics research that examines the impact of ethnicity on ride-hailing operations.
Determining factors of individual and organizational unlearning in the generation and realization of ideas: a multigroup analysis from organizational structure
Authors: Pardim Vanessa Itacaramby , Contreras Pinochet Luis Hernan , Viana Adriana Backx Noronha , Souza Cesar Alexandre de
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research sought to propose a theoretical model that analyzes the factors associated with unlearning (individual and organizational) and contributes to generating and realizing ideas among young people at the beginning of their careers based on the predominant type of structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study had a sample (n = 971) and used the multivariate data analysis partial least squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM regular) and multigroup analysis (PLS-MGA) to identify significant differences between the estimates of the specific parameters of each group (a- Organic/b- Mechanistic).

Findings

All the direct relationships and formulated mediations were found to be supported, except for H6 (ET→EO) within the group that had a primarily mechanistic organizational structure. Thus, the more turbulent the environmental, the more initiative-taking, innovative and risk-taking a company tends to be. However, it remains to be seen whether the organizational structure plays a role in facilitating or hindering this relationship. H1 (IG→IR) indicates that predominantly organic organizations have a stronger and more consistent relationship with the knowledge developed through individual and organizational unlearning process. This knowledge contributes to the idea-generation process and ultimately leads to realizing those ideas.

Originality/value

The article contributes to literature by proposing an original and integrated theoretical model incorporating individual and organizational approaches to unlearning to understand the effect on idea generation and realization.
Firm environmental disclosure and government’s sustainable leadership: an analysis of keywords in Chinese Government work reports
Authors: He Miao
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper examines how firms respond to local government’s environment initiatives through textual analysis of government work reports (GWRs). This study aims to provide insights into how firms strategically respond to government’s environmental initiatives through their disclosure and investment practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a textual analysis of GWRs from China’s provinces. The frequency and change rate of environmental keywords in these reports are used as a measure of the government’s environmental initiatives.

Findings

This study finds that environmental disclosure scores in environmental, social and governance (ESG) reports increase with the frequency or change rate of environmental keywords in provincial GWRs. This effect is more pronounced for non-state-owned enterprises, firms in highly marketized provinces or those listed in a single capital market. However, there is no significant relationship between firms’ environmental investments and government initiatives, except for cross-listed firms in provinces with consistently high frequency of environmental keywords in their GWRs.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that government environmental initiatives can shape firms’ disclosure behaviors, yet have limited influence on investment decisions, suggesting that environmental disclosure could potentially be opportunistic. This underscores the need for more effective strategies to stimulate firms’ environmental investments.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into the differential impacts of government environmental initiatives on firms’ disclosure and investment behaviors, contributing to the understanding of corporate environmental responsibility in the context of government initiatives.
Promoting university brand through student co-creation behaviors: the role of online brand posts
Authors: Vo Thanh-Thu , Le Quynh Hoa , Duong Linh N.K.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the role of social media brand posts on customer response and whether said impacts foster engagement in brand co-creation behaviors, especially in the higher education sector. The study further explores the moderating role of a university's reputation in strengthening the effects on student response and co-creation behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted this research by using the dual processes of the heuristic–systematic model to understand the effects of brand post‐characteristics on student’s responses and behaviors. A dataset obtained from a survey of 755 students was employed to estimate the proposed research model.

Findings

The results illustrated two key characteristics of brand posts, namely argument quality (systematic processing) and quantity of posts (heuristic processing), positively affect cognitive and affective responses, thus encouraging students to co-create value for a university brand. Moreover, our study also found that university reputation plays a significant moderating role in strengthening the relationship between recipients’ responses and co-creation behavior.

Originality/value

Online brand posts not only enable institutions to exchange brand information but also allow students to contribute their own resources to co-create brand value. Thus, the study findings can help brand managers successfully implement co-branding efforts and foster students in the co-creation process.
Self-concept as related to emotional intelligence: a study of tribal and non-tribal students
Authors: Sultana Aklima , Islam Nasrin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Emotional intelligence (EI) and self-concept (SC) play a very important role in one’s life. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the SC and EI of tribal and nontribal university students.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a quantitative approach, 100 nontribal (50 male and 50 female) and 100 tribal (50 male and 50 female) students were selected by nonprobability sampling method. The Bangla version of the self-concept questionnaire (Beck et al., 2001) and the emotional intelligence questionnaire (Hyde et al., 2002) were used to measure the SC and EI of students. Pearson correlation, t-test and post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.

Findings

The findings of this study showed that the tribal and nontribal students differ significantly on the measure of SC and EI (p < 0.01). Although nontribal students showed higher SC than tribal students, tribal students showed a higher level of EI than nontribal students. The results also showed that gender significantly affects SC and EI (p < 0.01). Males have higher SC and EI than females. Furthermore, the study revealed that socioeconomic status differs significantly in the case of SC. Finally, the result also showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.245, p < 0.01) between SC and EI.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the research are only based on the students of one university besides the sample size is limited.

Practical implications

This research allowed the authors to determine the practical implications. The findings suggest that there is a significant difference in SC and EI between tribal and nontribal students, with nontribal students showing higher levels of SC. This implies that interventions and programs aimed at enhancing SC may be particularly beneficial for tribal students. The study also reveals that there are significant differences in SC and EI between tribal and nontribal adolescent boys and girls. This highlights the importance of considering gender differences when designing interventions to improve SC and EI among tribal and nontribal students. Moreover, educators, parents and policymakers can use these findings to develop targeted interventions and strategies to enhance SC among tribal students, with the aim of improving their overall well-being, academic achievements and success in life.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature on the SC and EI of tribal and nontribal university students by describing the difference in levels and a significant correlation. This paper obtains an innovative statistical approach to develop the findings so that information can be used in the future.
Developing future competencies of people employed in non-standard forms of employment: employers’ and employees’ perspective
Authors: Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna , Bąk-Grabowska Dominika
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyze the differences between non-standard forms of employment (FoE) (i.e. dependent self-employment/business-to-business/B2B contract and contract of mandate) in terms of investing in the development of future competencies by employees and employers. This study also examined additional factors which influence these investments.

Design/methodology/approach

To collect data, the computer-assisted telephone interview technique was used. 200 employees from different companies located in Poland participated in this study, wherein each of the above-mentioned FoEs (i.e. dependent self-employment and contract of mandate) was represented by 100 people. The Chi-Square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used in the statistical analyses.

Findings

In the case of only 2 out of 14 competencies, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups of respondents: the employers financed training courses for B2B employees more frequently than for mandate contract workers. Moreover, in only one case there was a statistically significant difference: the self-employed financed training courses themselves more often than mandate contract workers. This study revealed an important impact of other variables such as respondents’ age, education level, parental status and industry on the training activities undertaken by employers and employees.

Originality/value

Although the issue of developing future competencies is important, there is little research examining this problem in the context of people who work in non-standard FoE. Moreover, previous research primarily focused on identifying differences between people working under employment contracts and the self-employed. This article fills these research gaps as well as shows that more factors should be considered in the research models to get a deeper insight into the problem of non-standard FoEs.
The relationship between soft skills, stress and reduced audit quality practices
Authors: Samagaio Antonio , Morais Francisco Paulo , Felício Teresa
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the effect of soft skills as a driver of audit quality and their moderating role in the relationship between stress and the propensity for auditors to engage in reduced audit quality practices (RAQP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 130 auditors, whose data were collected through an electronic questionnaire. The results were derived from the partial least squares-structural equation modelling method.

Findings

The findings show that the propensity to incur RAQP increases when auditors are under job stressors but decreases when individuals have resilience and time management skills. Moreover, the results suggest that the moderating effect of these two soft skills can effectively reduce the auditors’ propensity to engage in dysfunctional actions and judgments in auditing. Emotional intelligence and self-efficacy skills are shown not to affect RAQP.

Originality/value

This study adds to previous research on auditors’ drivers for supplying audit quality, by providing evidence of auditor characteristics as a critical input to audit quality. The results emphasize the importance of researchers including in models the moderating effect of soft skills on the relationship between audit quality and determinants associated with audit firms, clients or the regulatory framework.
How does population growth affect economic growth and vice versa? An empirical analysis
Authors: Brida Juan Gabriel , Alvarez Emiliano , Cayssials Gaston , Mednik Matias
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Our paper studies a central issue with a long history in economics: the relationship between population and economic growth. We analyze the joint dynamics of economic and demographic growth in 111 countries during the period 1960–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the concept of economic regime, the paper introduces the notion of distance between the dynamical paths of different countries. Then, a minimal spanning tree (MST) and a hierarchical tree (HT) are constructed to detect groups of countries sharing similar dynamic performance.

Findings

The methodology confirms the existence of three country clubs, each of which exhibits a different dynamic behavior pattern. The analysis also shows that the clusters clearly differ with respect to the evolution of other fundamental variables not previously considered [gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, human capital and life expectancy, among others].

Practical implications

Our results indirectly suggest the existence of dynamic interdependence in the trajectories of economic growth and population change between countries. It also provides evidence against single-model approaches to explain the interdependence between demographic change and economic growth.

Originality/value

We introduce a methodology that allows for a model-free topological and hierarchical description of the interplay between economic growth and population.
Non-transferring arc and wire additive manufacturing: microstructure, mechanical properties and bulk texture evolution of deposits
Authors: Pattanayak Suvranshu , Sahoo Susanta Kumar , Sahoo Ananda Kumar , Vinjamuri Raviteja , Dwivedi Pushpendra Kumar
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate a modified wire arc additive manufacturing (AM) named non-transferring arc and wire AM (NTA-WAM). Here, the build plate has no electrical arc attachment, and the system’s arc is ignited between tungsten electrode and filler wire.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of various deposition conditions (welding voltage, travel speed and wire feed speed [WFS]) on bead characteristics is studied through response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimum deposition condition, a single-bead and thin-layered part is fabricated and subjected to microstructural, tensile testing and X-ray diffraction study. Moreover, bulk texture analysis has been carried out to illustrate the effect of thermal cycles and tensile-induced deformations on fibre texture evolutions.

Findings

RSM illustrates WFS as a crucial deposition parameter that suitably monitors bead width, height, penetration depth, dilution, contact angle and microhardness. The ferritic (acicular and polygonal) and lath bainitic microstructure is transformed into ferrite and pearlitic micrographs with increasing deposition layers. It is attributed to a reduced cooling rate with increased depositions. Mechanical testing exhibits high tensile strength and ductility, which is primarily due to compressive residual stress and lattice strain development. In deposits, ϒ-fibre evolution is more resilient due to the continuous recrystallisation process after each successive deposition. Tensile-induced deformation mostly favours ζ and ε-fibre development due to high strain accumulations.

Originality/value

This modified electrode arrangement in NTA-WAM suitably reduces spatter and bead height deviation. Low penetration depth and dilution denote a reduction in heat input that enhances the cooling rate.
The moderating role of government support in chatbot adoption intentions among Malaysian government agencies
Authors: Jais Ramizatunnisah , Ngah Abdul Hafaz
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to use a survey to examine the factors encouraging Malaysian government agencies (MGAs) to adopt chatbots, which are a new artificial intelligence technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The minimum sample size was 98 according to the complexity model, and the respondents were top MGA management personnel. The questionnaire was emailed to all MGAs, and data were collected using snowball sampling in the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. Out of 348 top management personnel contacted, 341 agreed to participate in the study.

Findings

Technology readiness (TR), organizational readiness (OR) and citizen demand were all positively related to chatbot use intention. Government support (GS) strengthened the relationship between OR, TR and chatbot adoption intentions. The findings demonstrated the ability of the TOE framework to ascertain the factors influencing MGA chatbot adoption.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to Malaysian federal government agencies.

Practical implications

The findings provide useful information for a better understanding of factors influencing the adoption of chatbots among Malaysian government agencies. Related parties, such as the head of department, could use these findings to plan further action to empower counter service by integrating chatbot adoption.

Originality/value

The study revealed the capability of the TOE framework to identify the factors influencing the decision to adopt chatbots among Malaysian government agencies. GS was found to have moderation effect on the relationship between OR and TR toward the intention to adopt a chatbot.
A numerical scheme based on the Taylor expansion and Lie product formula for the second‐order acoustic wave equation and its application in seismic migration
Authors: Araujo Edvaldo S. , Pestana Reynam C.
Published: January 2024

We have developed a numerical scheme for the second‐order acoustic wave equation based on the Lie product formula and Taylor‐series expansion. The scheme has been derived from the analytical solution of the wave equation and in the approximation of the time derivative for a wavefield. Through these two equations, we obtained the first‐order differential equation in time, where the time evolution operator of the analytic solution of this differential equation is written as a product of exponential matrices. The new numerical solution using a Lie product formula may be combined with Taylor‐series, Chebyshev, Hermite and Legendre polynomial expansion or any other expansion for the cosine function. We use the proposed scheme combined with the second‐ or fourth‐order Taylor approximations to propagate the wavefields in a recursive procedure, in a stable manner, accurately and efficiently with even larger time steps than the conventional finite‐difference method. Moreover, our numerical scheme has provided results with the same quality as the rapid expansion method but requiring fewer computations of the Laplacian operator per time step. The numerical results have shown that the proposed scheme is efficient and accurate in seismic modelling, reverse time migration and least‐squares reverse time migration.
‘Trying to stay afloat’: Education professionals' perspectives on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children with special educational needs and disabilities
Authors: Ashworth Emma , Bray Lucy , Alghrani Amel , Kirkby Joanna
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the experiences of education professionals in their efforts to provide education and support to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) amid the COVID‐19 pandemic, and to gain insights into the perceived repercussions of pandemic‐related restrictions on the educational development and overall wellbeing of these children. Mixed‐methods surveys (N = 100) and semi‐structured qualitative interviews (N = 6) were utilised. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings indicate substantial challenges faced by education professionals in delivering appropriate and effective education and well‐being support to children with SEND during periods of school ‘closures’, resulting in hindered academic progression and adverse impacts on the well‐being of children with SEND, their families and the education professionals themselves. It is vital that effective support strategies and appropriate training are implemented, in addition to further research to establish what would be most beneficial for all teachers, and particularly those supporting children with SEND.
Hospital outpatient department billing is a poor indicator of primary care practice integration with hospital systems
Authors: Chatrath Saumya , Rich Eugene C. , O'Malley Ann S. , Cohen Genna , Jones David J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To test the reliability of Medicare claims in measuring vertical integration. We assess the accuracy of a commonly used measure of integration, primary care physician (PCP) practices billing Medicare as a hospital outpatient department (HOPD) in claims.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Medicare fee‐for‐service claims, IQVIA, and CPC+ practice surveys for this study.

Study Design

We compare measures of integration from Medicare claims to self‐reported indicators of integration from IQVIA and a survey of CPC+ participating practice sites.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We measure integration by using site‐of‐service billing in the 100% sample of Medicare Carrier claims from 2017–2020. In the IQVIA SK&A (2017–2018), OneKey (2019–2020), and practice survey data (2017–2019), we use self‐reported responses to measure integration.

Principal Findings

We find that currently most PCP practices sites that report themselves as being integrated with a health system do not bill as an HOPD. In 2017, 11% of CPC+ practices were identified as being vertically integrated in claims, while the equivalent numbers in SK&A and surveys were 52% and 54% integration, respectively. A t‐test found that both datasets significantly differed from claims (Survey: 41.3%–45.1%; SK&A: 45.3%–51.1%); this gap persists in 2018–2019.

Conclusion

Measuring physician‐hospital vertical integration accurately is integral to determining consolidation. The overwhelming majority of PCP practice sites not billing as an HOPD may reflect Medicare regulatory changes that have reduced the financial incentives for doing so. These findings have implications for researchers that study the growth in PCP‐hospital integration in health care markets.
Higher levels of state funding for Home‐ and Community‐Based Services linked to better state performances in Long‐Term Services and Supports
Authors: Cheng Zijing , Mutoniwase Espérance , Cai Xueya , Li Yue
Published: January 2024

Objective

To examine the relationship between the level of state funding for Home‐ and Community‐Based Services (HCBS) and state overall and dimension‐specific performances in Long‐Term Services and Supports (LTSS).

Data Sources and Study Setting

We employed state‐level secondary data from the Medicaid LTSS Annual Expenditures Reports, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) State Scorecards, the U.S. Census, and Federal Reserve Economic data, spanning the timeframe of 2010–2020.

Study Design

Overall state LTSS rankings, along with dimension‐specific rankings, were modeled separately against state Medicaid spending on HCBS relative to total Medicaid spending on LTSS. All models were adjusted for state covariates, secular trend, and state fixed effects.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

The study sample included all 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, California, Delaware, Illinois, and Virginia were excluded from FY2019 due to missing data on Medicaid HCBS expenditures.

Principal Findings

Every 10 percentage‐point increase in the proportion of Medicaid LTSS spending to HCBS demonstrated 2.05 points improvement (95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.88 to 0.22, p = 0.03) in rankings for state overall LTSS system performance, 2.92 points improvement (95% CI: −4.87 to 0.98, p < 0.01) in rankings for the Choice of Setting and Provider dimension, as well as 1.73 points (95% CI: −3.14 to 0.32, p = 0.02) ranking improvement in the dimension of Effective Transitions.

Conclusions

Our study suggested promising effects of increased state funding for HCBS on LTSS performance.
Combining phylogeography and ecological niche modeling to infer the evolutionary history of the Cordoba vesper mouse (Calomys venustus)
Authors: PINOTTI Juan Diego , MARTIN María Laura , CHIAPPERO Marina Beatriz , ANDREO Verónica , GONZÁLEZ‐ITTIG Raúl Enrique
Published: January 2024

The evolutionary dynamics of the ecoregions of southern South America and the species that inhabit them have been poorly studied, and few biogeographic hypotheses have been proposed and tested. Quaternary climatic oscillations are among the most important processes that have led to the current distribution of genetic variation in different regions of the world. In this work, we studied the evolutionary history and distribution of the Córdoba vesper mouse (Calomys venustus), a characteristic rodent of the region of which little is known about its natural history. Since the population dynamics of this species are influenced by climatic factors, this rodent is a suitable model to study the effects of Quaternary climatic oscillations in central Argentina. The mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was sequenced to analyze the phylogeography of C. venustus, and ecological niche modeling tools were used to map its potential distributions. The results of these approaches were combined to provide additional spatially explicit information about this species' past. Our results suggest that the Espinal was the area of origin of this species, which expanded demographically and spatially during the last glacial period. A close relationship was found between the Espinal and the Mountain Chaco. These results are consistent with previous studies and emphasize the role of the Espinal in the biogeographic history of southern South America as an area of origin of several species.
Does Green Bond Issuance Enhance Market Return of Equity Shares in the Indian Stock Market?*
Authors: Kodiyatt Snehith Jacob , Nair Biju A V , Jacob Manna Sarah , Reddy Krishna
Published: January 2024

This study examines the announcement effect of a green bond on the issuer's stock returns in the Indian Stock Market. The event study methodology for data analysis and abnormal returns were calculated using the market model for the 16‐day event window that includes the 5 days prior and 10 days after the issuance of the green bonds. The findings of this study show that green bond announcements do not create any significant abnormal returns, thus suggesting investors' irrationality toward environmental factors. This study informs policymakers that investor education relating to the environment is needed in India.
“I Let Him Have It”: Sex, Anti‐Americanism, and Criminal Justice in Wartime Brisbane, 1942–44
Authors: Bleakley Paul
Published: January 2024

With combat in Second World War shifting to the Pacific region after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, the Allied General Headquarters was established in Brisbane, Australia, in July 1942. American military personnel in wartime Brisbane were subject to a two‐tier criminal justice system, with the US military claiming extraterritorial jurisdiction over all crimes committed by American troops in Australia. In practical terms, this meant that American soldiers rarely faced local justice, which contributed to existing tensions between the American contingent and the Australian public. Although Americans accused of crimes were typically transferred to US custody, this jurisdictional arrangement did not extend to cases where Americans were victims of crimes allegedly committed by Australians. This article draws on extensive historical research to examine one such case, wherein American soldier Robert L. Norwood was killed by Australian Alma Muriel Morgan. By focussing on this case from the investigatory phase, and through the court process, it is possible to garner insight into the American experience with the Queensland legal system during the Second World War and to consider whether anti‐American tensions (particularly around sex) unduly impacted on securing justice where Americans were victims of crime.
Civil‐Military Bargaining in Early NATO Institution Building: The Long Shadow of Institutional Beginnings
Authors: Driver Darrell W.
Published: January 2024

NATO's unified command structure affords the US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff influence in transatlantic foreign and security policy unparalleled with any other region. This, as Stephen Saideman has argued, is a function of the central role the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) plays in Alliance decision‐making. This paper explores the early development of this decision‐making structure. It is argued that the structures, norms, and rules that advantage US military advice in transatlantic security and foreign policy were a function of domestic US civil‐military and international bargaining in the early development of NATO institutions. In exchange for supporting new US commitments in Europe, uniformed Pentagon leadership insisted on German rearmament and a key set of provisions in the development of NATO military structures and institutions that ensured US military leadership, especially regards the duties and responsibilities of SACEUR.
A Legal Geography of Prison and Other Carceral Spaces
Authors: Bloch Stefano
Published: January 2024

As scholars apply the concept of “the carceral” to more and increasingly diffuse spaces of containment, displacement, and cordoning across free society, I call for a means by which “carcerality” is measured and understood as a productive force in the denial of constitutional rights and protections. I therefore provide a legal reading of carcerality, which establishes prisons as the sine qua non of the carceral landscape, preceded by an analysis of how the reliance on civil law, nuisance ordinances, and other methods of constitutional circumvention in the absence of criminal procedure works within the public sphere to punish residents residing within what Foucault called the carceral archipelago. Along the way I provide vignettes about my own experience with the legal and insidious forms of criminalisation and non‐criminal punishment that comprise the carceral continuum.
Knowledge of community pharmacists on infantile haemangioma: Gaps and lack confidence to deliver propranolol still need to be filled
Authors: Pottier Charline , Guichard Elie , Thomann Claire , Denevault‐Sabourin Caroline , Maruani Annabel , Leducq Sophie
Published: January 2024

Aim

To evaluate the knowledge, practices and self‐confidence of community pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students about infantile haemangioma (IH) and propranolol treatment.

Methods

A national survey was conducted in France from May 2022 to October 2022. A 42‐item online questionnaire was used to assess pharmacists' knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical features and management of IH and propranolol treatment.

Results

The survey included 255 participants. The mean age was 34.9 years (±9.0); 225 (88%) were women. In all, 193 (76%) practised in urban pharmacies. Altogether, 83 participants (33%) had delivered oral propranolol solution for IH in the last 6 months. Participants' median score for self‐confidence regarding propranolol dispensing was five (interquartile range, 2.5–6) on a scale of 1 to 10. Overall, 96 (38%) had more than 50% correct answers on the questionnaire. Multinomial regression models showed high scores on the questionnaire associated with high self‐confidence when delivering oral propranolol solution, low number of years since graduation and having already delivered propranolol treatment.

Conclusion

This study highlights a lack of knowledge of IH and modalities of propranolol treatment by community pharmacists and slight self‐confidence when delivering propranolol. Greater cooperation between healthcare professionals could improve the proper use of medicine.