bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of replication origin licensing by ORC phosphorylation reveals a two-step mechanism for Mcm2-7 ring closing
Authors: Amasino Audra , Gupta Shalini , Friedman Larry J. , Gelles Jeff , Bell Stephen P
Published: January 2023

Eukaryotic DNA replication must occur exactly once per cell cycle to maintain cell ploidy. This outcome is ensured by temporally separating replicative helicase loading (G1 phase) and activation (S phase). In budding yeast, helicase loading is prevented outside of G1 by cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) phosphorylation of three helicase-loading proteins: Cdc6, the Mcm2-7 helicase, and the origin recognition complex (ORC). CDK inhibition of Cdc6 and Mcm2-7 are well understood. Here we use single-molecule assays for multiple events during origin licensing to determine how CDK phosphorylation of ORC suppresses helicase loading. We find that phosphorylated ORC recruits a first Mcm2-7 to origins but prevents second Mcm2-7 recruitment. Phosphorylation of the Orc6, but not of the Orc2 subunit, increases the fraction of first Mcm2-7 recruitment events that are unsuccessful due to the rapid and simultaneous release of the helicase and its associated Cdt1 helicase-loading protein. Real-time monitoring of first Mcm2-7 ring closing reveals that either Orc2 or Orc6 phosphorylation prevents Mcm2-7 from stably encircling origin DNA. Consequently, we assessed formation of the MO complex, an intermediate that requires the closed-ring form of Mcm2-7. We found that ORC phosphorylation fully inhibits MO-complex formation and provide evidence that this event is required for stable closing of the first Mcm2-7. Our studies show that multiple steps of helicase loading are impacted by ORC phosphorylation and reveal that closing of the first Mcm2-7 ring is a two-step process started by Cdt1 release and completed by MO-complex formation.

Significance Statement

Each time a eukaryotic cell divides (by mitosis) it must duplicate its chromosomal DNA exactly once to ensure that one full copy is passed to each resulting cell. Both under-replication or over-replication result in genome instability and disease or cell death. A key mechanism to prevent over-replication is the temporal separation of loading of the replicative DNA helicase at origins of replication and activation of these same helicases during the cell division cycle. Here we define the mechanism by which phosphorylation of the primary DNA binding protein involved in these events inhibits helicase loading. Our studies identify multiple steps of inhibition and provide new insights into the mechanism of helicase loading in the uninhibited condition.
Analysis of the rate of growth of intellectual capital ability in predicting present and future profitability of Sharia commercial banks in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Pujiharto Pujiharto , Pratama Bima Cinintya , Azizah Siti Nur
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This research examines the growth of intellectual assets in Islamic banking (IB) in Indonesia and intellectual capital (IC) growth to predict Islamic commercial banks' (ICBs) current and future profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a quantitative descriptive research, a study that emphasizes theory testing by measuring research variables with numbers that aim to test the hypothesis. The object of this research is sharia banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2014–2019. This study takes IB companies as an object because IB has its types of relatively different transactions from conventional banking or commercial banks.

Findings

The results show that the rate of growth of IC (ROGIC) for ICBs in Indonesia can predict the current year's financial performance but has not been able to predict the profitability of the future year.

Originality/value

This study examines the predictive value rate of IC return in predicting current and next three years’ earnings, which previous researchers have never done.
User perception on the utilisation of artificial intelligence for the management of records at the council for scientific and industrial research
Authors: Modiba Mashilo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the users’ perception on the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) for the management of records at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa. User perception plays a crucial role in the utilisation of AI for the management of records at the CSIR. It is important to know the views of the users, especially how they think AI can be used for effective and efficient management of records.

Design/methodology/approach

The convergent mixed methods research was applied, and data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. Data was analysed thematically and statistically and presented using tables and figures.

Findings

This study reveals that the users were not aware of the application of AI for the management of records until the workshops, which were facilitated by the researcher. The users are of the view that AI can be used to provide efficient storage of records, quick retrieval of records and adequate security. This study further reveals that the CSIR is not yet ready to use AI for the management of records because of the lack of knowledge and resources to implement AI.

Originality/value

This study also proposes a framework regarding the users’ perception on the utilisation of AI for the management of records at the CSIR. It is hoped that the framework proposed will serve as a benchmark and guideline for user perception regarding the use of AI for the management of records in the archives and records management industry.
Post-disaster neoliberal normalization in the 1985, 2010 and 2015 Chilean earthquakes
Authors: Saavedra Juan , Alvarado-Cañuta Catalina
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This article analyzes biopolitical strategies for the recovery of neoliberal normality in urban areas affected by earthquakes in 1985, 2010 and 2015 in Chile (intensity >8.0Mw).

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative design research. In total, 198 semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven focus groups. The data were processed in search of discursive threads, guided by the categories contained in the analysis and those arising from the interview transcripts.

Findings

Results describe three clusters of discursive threads: disruption of normality, strategies of disaster biopolitics and narratives on the recovery of normality in the medium to long term. In the analyzed cases, disaster biopolitics entered domestic and community spaces to govern life; while the aim was to safeguard lives, it also sought to ensure the continuity of the neoliberal regime. The disaster biopolitics used the exception to normalize, constructing subjectivity and memory around the idea of catastrophes.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative design can be used in sudden and extreme situations, but it is not possible to anticipate similar results in other kind of disasters (e.g. drought).

Social implications

This study wants to contribute a political vision about disasters by describing the process of restoring order, which follows highly destructive disasters, by demonstrating that in Chile, the biopolitical exception was key to returning to neoliberal normality.

Originality/value

The findings can help improve emergency responses and propose the necessity of political contextualization in post-disaster recovery processes.
One-stage extraction four-point algorithm for rainflow cycle counting in fatigue life estimation
Authors: Huang Gangting , Li Yunfei , Luo Yajun , Xie Shilin , Zhang Yahong
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In order to improve the computation efficiency of the four-point rainflow algorithm, a one-stage extraction four-point rainflow algorithm is proposed based on a novel data preprocessing method.

Design/methodology/approach

In this new algorithm, the procedure of cycle counting is simplified by introducing the data preprocessing method. The high efficiency of new algorithm makes it a preferable candidate in fatigue life online estimation of structural health monitoring systems.

Findings

According to the data preprocessing method, in the process of cycle extraction, all equivalent cycles can be extracted at just one stage instead of two stages in the four-point rainflow algorithm, where the cycle extraction has to be performed from the doubled residue. Besides, there are no residues in the new algorithm. The extensive numerical simulation results demonstrate that the accuracy of new algorithm is the same as that of the four-point rainflow algorithm. Moreover, a comparative study based on a long input data sequence shows that the computation efficiency of the new algorithm is 42% higher than that of the four-point rainflow algorithm.

Originality/value

This merit of new algorithm makes it preferable in some application scenarios where fatigue life estimation needs to be accomplished online based on massive measured data. And it may attribute to preprocessing of input data sequence before data processing, which provides beneficial guidance to improve the efficiency of existing algorithms.
Evaluating preparedness in using blockchains for electronic health record systems
Authors: Hosseini Sarkhosh Seyyed Mahdi , Akhavan Peyman
Published: January 2023

Purpose

An emerging technology in the primary stages of its life cycle is the blockchain. This research paper aims to evaluate the preparedness of hospitals in using blockchain technology in their electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In the initial stage, 15 criteria relating to preparedness in using blockchain in EHR systems were identified from the literature and divided into five criteria, namely, technological, legal, financial, environmental and organizational. Then, 17 experts from various specialized fields were invited to form expert panels. After validating the criteria identified by the expert panels, the weights of the criteria were determined through the fuzzy best-worst multicriteria decision-making method. Following that, the preparedness of ten selected hospitals in Tehran to use blockchain in their EHR systems was assessed via the weighted aggregated sum product assessment method. Finally, using sensitivity analysis and examining different scenarios, the robustness of the results of the proposed approach was validated.

Findings

According to expert judgments, the legal criterion (32%) was deemed the most important factor in the preparedness to use blockchain in EHR systems followed by technological (28%), financial (17%), organizational (13%) and environmental (9%) criteria. A sensitivity analysis showed that the proposed approach offers good strength and robustness in evaluating the selected hospitals.

Originality/value

This study can be useful in developing knowledge in the field of technology management for evaluating blockchain implementation in the health-care industry using a novel, coherent and robust approach. In addition, the proposed approach provides comprehensive insight for decision-makers on assessing preparedness in deploying blockchain technology in EHR systems.
Assessing the application of multi-criteria decision making techniques in hospitality and tourism research: a bibliometric study
Authors: Vatankhah Sanaz , Darvishmotevali Mahlagha , Rahimi Roya , Jamali Seyedh Mahboobeh , Ale Ebrahim Nader
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are decision support systems that provide systematic approaches to solve hospitality and tourism (H&T) problems while minimizing the risk of failure. However, less is known about the application of MCDM techniques in H&T research. This study aims to systematically assess the use of MCDM techniques in H&T research to classify its current application and determine its application potential for H&T research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used bibliometric analysis to examine all published MCDM studies focused on H&T industries, since 1997. In addition, topic modelling was used to discover key concepts. Finally, top cited studies in terms of total citations per year and total citations were qualitatively reviewed for more insights.

Findings

The findings revealed an ongoing interest in applying MCDM techniques in H&T research. Specifically, the extension of fuzzy theory in MCDM techniques is burgeoning among H&T researchers. However, a certain number of MCDM techniques seem to be ignored in this field with a repetitive application of MCDM techniques in particular areas.

Research limitations/implications

The data for the current research was solely retrieved from Scopus and other databases were not included. Therefore, future research is called for to re-examine the study by considering data from various databases.

Originality/value

This study contributes to extant H&T literature by identifying the most prolific and influential countries, journals, publications and trends by applying MCDM techniques in H&T research, and elucidating the implications and characteristics of MCDM techniques in H&T research.
The relationship between students’ psychological capital, social-contextual factors and study-related outcomes – an empirical study from higher education in Norway
Authors: Slåtten Terje , Lien Gudbrand , Batt-Rawden Victoria Helen , Evenstad Solveig Beyza Narli , Onshus Terje
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationships between students’ psychological capital (PsyCap), social-contextual factors and study-related outcomes. Social-contextual factors are represented by two education-related variables: academic support and peer support. Three study-related outcome variables are included, namely, study engagement, academic performance and student well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Students from different higher education campuses and academic programs in Norway participated.

Findings

PsyCap is directly related to the three study-related outcome variables. The relationship between PsyCap and academic performance is mediated by study engagement. The two social-contextual factors (academic support and peer support) are both related to PsyCap. Finally, PsyCap also mediated the relationship between the two social-contextual factors and the three study-related outcome variables.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the findings reveal that PsyCap has a key role in all study-related outcomes. Accordingly, managers of higher education institutions should take students’ PsyCap seriously and seek ways to intervene and manage the different resources embraced in the concept of PsyCap.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a relatively new but seemingly growing area of research in educational management, focusing on the role of student PsyCap.
Adoption and impacts of messaging applications and participation in agricultural information-sharing groups: an empirical analysis with Brazilian farmers
Authors: Mendes Juliana de Jesus , Carrer Marcelo José , Vinholis Marcela de Mello Brandão , Meirelles de Souza Filho Hildo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the determinants of farmers' participation in agricultural information-sharing digital groups and their impacts on farm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data of the 2015/2016 crop year collected from 175 cattle farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric models. Farmers who had smartphones and participated in social groups/applications, especially those created to exchange agricultural information, were considered adopters of the technology.

Findings

A Poisson hurdle model showed that farmers' decision to participate in agricultural information-sharing digital groups is determined by schooling, age (negative effect) and use of tools for planning production. The intensity of participation is affected by risk propensity, interaction with specialist advisors, use of tools for planning production and participation in cooperatives. The authors also found empirical evidence that farmers' participation in agricultural information-sharing digital groups positively affects farm income per hectare.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study are important for accelerating the diffusion of low-cost digital technologies, which are powerful tools for improving farmers' sharing and access to valuable information in real time and in locations far from urban areas.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical analysis of the adoption and impacts of agricultural information-sharing digital groups/applications by Brazilian cattle farmers. The diffusion of simple digital technologies is important for reducing heterogeneity and increasing the efficiency of cattle production.
A Wolf in sheep’s clothing: taxometric evidence of the dimensional structure of stalking
Authors: Longpré Nicholas , Stefanska Ewa B. , Tachmetzidi Papoutsi Maria , White Eleanor
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the latent structure of stalking. Stalking can be defined as a pattern of repeated and unwanted behaviours that cause another person to be afraid. The consequences for the victims can be severe and potentially happen over a long period of time. While stalking is considered as a taxon, empirical evidence and an absence of pathognomonic criteria point towards a dimensional structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this study is to examine the latent structure of stalking using taxometric analyses on the Severity of Stalking Behaviours Scale. Analyses were conducted on a sample of N = 1,032 victims’ accounts, who had contacted the National Stalking Helpline in the UK.

Findings

Taxometric analyses revealed that stalking presents a dimensional structure, and no taxonic peaks emerged. The results were consistent across analyses (MAMBAC, MAXEIG and L-Mode), indicators (CCFI, curves) and measures (items, factors).

Research limitations/implications

A dimensional structure implies that individual variation is a matter of intensity, and the present results suggest that the conceptualization of stalking should be modified. Understanding stalking from a dimensional perspective provides support to study stalking in non-clinical populations. Scales that measure stalking should provide discrimination along the entire continuum rather than focusing on putative taxonic boundaries and arbitrary threshold.

Originality/value

This paper is proposing the first set of taxometric analyses on stalking. The results are providing empirical support to the idea that stalking exists on a continuum. It also strengthened the validity of previous findings in non-clinical populations and their applications all along the continuum, including with clinical populations.
Can employee engagement be attained through psychological detachment and job crafting: the mediating role of spirituality and intrinsic motivation
Authors: Nehra Nagendra Singh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The present study is to develop an additional perspective on when and why psychological detachment and job crafting behaviors in predicting employee engagement through spirituality and intrinsic motivation. It was hypothesized that spiritual employees are better able to detach themselves from work and craft their job according to their preference and abilities, which would inculcate experience and make them intrinsically motivated and thereby leading to employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprised 408 employees, who are employed in different organizations across India. To test the hypotheses, the author conducted structural equation modeling on SPSS AMOS 22.

Findings

The results highlight the partial mediating role of spirituality in the association of psychological detachment with intrinsic motivation as well as between job crafting and intrinsic motivation. The results highlight the fully mediating role of intrinsic motivation in the association of psychological detachment with employee engagement as well as between job crafting and employee engagement.

Practical implications

This study has depicted that spiritual employee who are psychologically detached and have proactive job crafting behavior can achieve higher intrinsic motivation and more engaged.

Originality/value

On the basis of the broaden and build theory, self-determination theory (SDT) and the recovery process (i.e. the effort-recovery model), this paper demonstrates that spirituality plays the role of predictor that drives psychological detachment and encourages job crafting, which has the ability to intrinsically motivate the employee and are able to more engaged in work.
How do enterprises achieve sustainable success in green manufacturing era? The impact of organizational environmental identity on green competitive advantage in China
Authors: Chen Roulin , Cao Ling
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the “Resource- Capability – Competitive advantage” framework within Natural Resource-Based View, this study is purposed to address problems of manufacturing companies “turning into the green” issues, providing references for manufacturing companies to achieve green competitive advantage via internal motivation and identity perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected survey data from 112 Chinese manufacturing listed enterprises from the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and obtained 418 questionnaires. Following an empirical design, hierarchical regression analysis and Bootstrapping analysis were applied to examine these hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that green innovation behaviors positively mediate the positive relationship between organizational environmental identity and green competitive advantage. Furthermore, slack resource not only positively moderates the interaction effect between organizational environmental identity and green product innovation behaviors, but also moderates the mediation role of green product innovation behavior in the main effect.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to the data samples and dynamic evolution between variables. More longitudinal designs and diverse enterprise fields will be considered in future.

Practical implications

The findings provide guidance for manufacturing enterprises to gain green competitive advantage in green manufacturing era from identity value origins. Moreover, the results provide practical suggestions for manufacturing enterprises to enhance green innovation behaviors and integrate useful but slack resources.

Social implications

The findings provide implications for manufacturing industry to increase both the awareness of organizational environmental identity and green innovation behaviors, all of which helps promote the corporate environmental responsibility.

Originality/value

The study breaks the limitation of the existing literature which focuses on the influence of external push factors (e.g. environmental regulation), and bring new visions in constructing green competitive advantage in green manufacturing era, not only extending the identity theory and upper echelon theory, but also enriching the current studies on green management. Also, these findings provide deeper and new insights into risks and uncertain features of green manufacturing era, analyzing how polluted manufacturing enterprises obtain green competitive advantages through the mediating role of green innovation behaviors and the moderating role of slack resource.
Does Internet development have a spatial fluctuation spillover effect on green total factor productivity in China? A Spatial-SAR-ARCH model
Authors: Dong Kangyin , Wang Jianda , Ren Xiaohang
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the spatial fluctuation spillover effect of green total factor productivity (GTFP) under the influence of Internet development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using panel data from 283 cities in China for the period 2003–2016, this paper explores the spatial fluctuation spillover effect of internet development on GTFP by applying the spatial autoregressive with autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model (SARspARCH).

Findings

The results of Moran's I test of the residual term and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) value indicate that the GTFP has a spatial fluctuation spillover effect, and the estimated results of the SARspARCH model are more accurate than the spatial autoregressive (SAR) model and the spatial autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (spARCH) model. Specifically, the internet development had a positive spatial fluctuation spillover effect on GTFP in 2003, 2011, 2012 and 2014, and the volatility spillover effect weakens the positive spillover effect of internet development on GTFP. Moreover, Internet development has a significant positive spatial fluctuation spillover effect on GTFP averagely in eastern China and internet-based cities.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study provide digital solutions for policymakers in improving the level of GTFP in China, with more emphasis on regional synergistic governance to ensure growth.

Originality/value

This paper expands the research ideas for spatial econometric models and provides a more valuable reference for China to achieve green development.
Banks' risk taking in credit decisions: influences of loan officers' personality traits and financial risk preference versus bank-contextual factors
Authors: Jansson Magnus , Roos Magnus , Gärling Tommy
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether loan officers' risk taking in credit decisions are associated with their personal financial risk preference and personality traits or solely with bank-contextual and loan-relevant factors.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey administered in six large Swedish banks to 163 loan officers responsible for assessing credit risk and approval of loan applications. The loan officers rated their likelihood of approving fictitious loan applications from business companies.

Findings

The loan officers' credit risk taking is associated with bank-contextual factors, directly with perceived organizational credit risk norms and indirectly with self-confidence in assessing credit risks through attitude to credit risk taking. A direct association is also found with personal financial risk preference but not with personality traits.

Research limitations/implications

Increased awareness of that loan officers' personal financial risk preference is associated with their credit risk taking in loan decisions but that the banks' risk policy has a stronger association. Banks' managements and boards should therefore assure that their credit risk policy is implemented, followed and being aligned with their performance incentives.

Practical implications

Increased awareness of that loan officers' credit risk taking is associated with personal financial risk preference but more strongly with the banks' risk policy that motivate banks' managements and boards to assure that their credit risk policy is implemented, followed and being aligned with their performance incentives.

Originality/value

The first study which directly compare the associations of loan officers' risk taking in credit approvals with personal risk preference and personality traits versus bank-contextual factors and loan-relevant information.
Material extrusion additive manufacturing of 17–4 PH stainless steel: effect of process parameters on mechanical properties
Authors: Basak Animesh , Lee A. , Pramanik Alokesh , Neubauer Ken , Prakash Chander , Shankar S.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Regardless of the materials used, additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the most popular emerging fabrication processes used for creating complex and intricate structural components. This study aims to investigate the effects of process parameters – namely, nozzle diameter, layer thickness and infill density on microstructure as well as the mechanical properties of 17–4 PH stainless steel specimens fabricated via material extrusion AM.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental approach investigates the effects of printing parameters, including nozzle diameter, layer thickness and infill density, on surface roughness, physical and mechanical properties of the printed specimens. The tests were triplicated to ensure reproducibility of the experimental results.

Findings

The highest ultimate tensile strength, 795.26 MPa, was obtained on specimen that was fabricated with a 0.4 mm nozzle diameter, 0.14 mm layer thickness and 30% infill density. Furthermore, a 0.4 mm nozzle diameter also provided slightly better ductility. This came at the expense of surface finishing, as a 0.25 mm nozzle diameter exhibited better surface finishing over a 0.4 mm nozzle diameter. Infill density was shown to slightly influence the tensile properties, whereas layer thickness showed a significant effect on surface roughness. By contrast, hardness and ductility were independent of nozzle diameter, layer thickness and infill density.

Originality/value

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis relating to various input printing parameters on microstructural, physical and mechanical properties of additively manufactured 17–4 PH stainless steel to improve the printability and processability via AM.
Towards digitalisation of quality management: conceptual framework and case study of auto-component manufacturer
Authors: Prashar Anupama
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Industry 4.0-driven digitalisation is said to offer a way to redesign traditional compliance-oriented quality management (QM) models. However, despite a rising academic and practitioner interest, it is still unclear how companies transform their current QM models to meet the real-time needs of the new manufacturing paradigm. The purpose of this study is to explore practices for the digitalisation of QM and to uncover the digitalisation journey.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research approach of an embedded case study of a multinational auto-component manufacturer was adopted to achieve the research aim.

Findings

A guiding framework called the “Quality 4.0 transition framework” was developed based on literature and expert knowledge. The framework is made up of three building blocks, i.e. the foundation of “as-is” digitalisation maturity assessment; pillars representing horizontally and vertically integrated QM processes, and roof signifying reinforcement of total quality management (TQM) principles at all levels.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence of the case company's digitalisation journey to avert product recall due to field failure issues. The study contributes to theory and practice in many ways. First, the study uses empirical data from a real-world case to understand how digitalisation affects QM processes. Next, the guiding framework for the Quality 4.0 transition adds to the existing literature on the digitalisation of business processes.
Estradiol and raloxifene as adjunctive treatment for women with schizophrenia: A meta‐analysis of randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Li Zijia , Wang Yucheng , Wang Zhe , Kong Lingtao , Liu Linzi , Li Liu , Tang Yanqing
Published: December 2022

Objectives

We conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis of all available trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators as adjunctive treatment for women with schizophrenia.

Methods

Multiple databases were searched from the inception until March 2022. Only randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies (randomized controlled trials) were included. Mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models.

Results

The meta‐analysis included six estradiol versus placebo studies (n = 724) and seven raloxifene versus placebo studies (n = 419), covering a total of 1143 patients. Adjunctive estradiol outperformed the placebo in terms of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score (MD = −7.29; 95% CI = −10.67 to −3.91; I2 = 59.1%; p < 0.001; k = 9; N = 858), positive symptom score (MD = −1.54; 95% CI = −3.04 to −0.72; I2 = 45.8%; p < 0.001; k = 7; N = 624), negative symptom score (MD = −1.9; 95% CI = −1.77 to −0.34; I2 = 37.6%; p < 0.05; k = 14; N = 1042), and general psychopathology score (MD = −4.27; 95% CI = −7.14 to −1.41; I2 = 76.3%; p < 0.005; k = 7; N = 624). Adjunctive raloxifene outperformed the placebo in terms of the PANSS total score (MD = −6.83; 95% CI = −11.69 to −1.97; I2 = 67.8%; p = 0.006; k = 8; N = 432) and general psychopathology score (MD = −3.82; 95% CI = −6.36 to −1.28; I2 = 65.3%; p < 0.005; k = 8; N = 432).

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis showed that estradiol and raloxifene are effective and safe adjunctive treatments that improve schizophrenia symptoms in women. Moreover, the effects of estradiol and raloxifene differed in terms of timing and dosage. Both are promising adjunctive treatments that merit further study.
TLR8 agonist partially improves IFN‐γ deficiency of NK cells in chronic hepatitis B through the synergy of monocytes
Authors: Ao Xiulan , Gan Qiaorong , Huang Xuan , Bao Dongpeng , Wu Xuwei , Lin Qiuxiang , Lin Aifang , Ding Yating , Wang Lingxia , Chen Yanping , Huang Zuxiong
Published: December 2022

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells exhibit a selective deficiency of IFN‐γ production in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Toll‐like receptor 8 (TLR8) agonists could induce IFN‐γ production in immune cells, although their effects on the deficiency in NK cells remain unclear.

Aims

To investigate TLR8 expression in NK cells and the effect of TLR8 agonists in patients with CHB

Methods

We enrolled 32 patients with CHB and 19 healthy controls to assess TLR8 expression and IFN‐γ production in NK cells. The sorted NK cells and monocytes were co‐cultured to compare the extent of IFN‐γ and IL‐10 production after TLR8 agonist ssRNA40 stimulation. The synergic effect of NK cells and monocytes was assessed by blocking IL‐12 and IL‐18. We recruited another 22 patients with CHB undergoing nucleotide analogue (NA) therapy to explore the impact of antiviral treatment on the ssRNA40‐mediated response of NK cells.

Results

In patients with CHB, TLR8 expression in NK cells was up‐regulated, accompanied by insufficient IFN‐γ production. The enhanced IFN‐γ secretion by ssRNA40 in NK cells depended on monocyte‐derived IL‐12 and IL‐18. NK cells displayed an imbalanced response to ssRNA40 in patients with CHB with a weak increase in IFN‐γ despite a higher IL‐10 production. The response was improved in patients with CHB undergoing NA therapy.

Conclusions

In patients with CHB, targeting TLR8 partially rescues the IFN‐γ insufficiency in NK cells. However, NK cells show an inhibitory response to TLR8 agonist stimulation. TLR8 agonist combined with NA may enhance the antiviral effect of NK cells.
Who benefits from international tourism in small Pacific islands? Value capture in the hotel industry in Hawaii
Authors: Ulusemre Tolga , Lam Wendy
Published: December 2022

There is a consensus among small Pacific islands that the extent to which they benefit from international tourism largely depends on how much of the value created by tourism remains in the local economy. This study examines how the value created in the hotel industry is distributed among the key stakeholders in a small Pacific island context. We used aggregated income statements of full‐service and limited‐service hotels from the STR Inc., a hotel industry data company, to calculate the value distribution among the key stakeholders in the hotel industry of a small Pacific island. We found that labour and owners captured most of the value created, whereas hotel management companies and franchisors captured a small share of the value. Our results suggest that tourism workers' ability to take united action and hence to negotiate higher wages will result in higher value capture by local labour and less value leaking out of the local economy. Our results also reveal that foreign ownership in the hotel industry is the single largest cause of economic leakages. The study has several implications for the tourism‐based growth policies in small Pacific islands.
Reconsidering North Korean defectors: Social and semantic network analyses of YouTube videos on North Korean defectors
Authors: Chung Sae Won , Kim Yongmin
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the North Korean defector phenomenon by approaching YouTube as an internet forum for public discourse, using the novel analytic approaches of social network analysis, text mining and semantic analysis. The research produced three main findings. First, individual YouTube content creators are most influential in the video networks pertaining to the subject of North Korean defectors. Second, on YouTube space, the image of North Korea tends to be negative because of the prevalence of defectors' testimony of their life experiences. Finally, such negative narratives of North Korea on YouTube might have a negative influence by blocking the reunification of Korea. In conclusion, this study suggests the South Korean government and other relevant global actors should conduct thorough and continuous examinations of North Korean defectors' perceptions of South Koreans and vice versa. This study calls for the international community to take further action to formulate proper policy instruments.
High incidence of intracranial haemorrhage in Egyptian children with congenital afibrinogenaemia
Authors: Abdelwahab Magy , de Moerloose Philippe , Casini A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with congenital afibrinogenaemia. Details on location of cerebral haemorrhage, management and neurological outcomes are lacking.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on Egyptian children with congenital afibrinogenaemia who experienced ICH, in order to estimate frequency, symptoms and neurological outcomes.

Results

Among 58 children with congenital afibrinogenaemia treated on demand, 18 (31%) had an history of ICH (28 episodes). The first ICH occurred at a median age of 1 year (Q1‐Q3 1–7 years). Impaired consciousness level, vomiting and seizures were the most common presenting symptoms. Spontaneous bleeding was associated with a more severe clinical presentation and worse neurological outcomes, including hydrocephaly and impaired cognitive development. Only half of ICH events (n = 14) were treated in less than 24 h from the onset of symptoms. Fibrinogen replacement by Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate or fibrinogen concentrates was administered in seven (25%), 19 (68%) and three (10%) ICH events, respectively. Overall, seven (25%) ICH occurring in four patients required a surgical intervention. After the ICH, six patients started secondary prophylaxis. The cumulative incidence of ICH at 10 years was 35% (95% CI 23–51) and at 20 years was 40% (95 CI% 26.7–58.8).

Conclusion

In our cohort of children with congenital afibrinogenaemia, ICH was very frequent and associated with adverse neurological outcomes and death. Further studies are required to determine whether primary prophylaxis starting early in childhood is indicated after diagnosis.
Ab initio study of boron‐rich amorphous boron carbides
Authors: Yıldız Tevhide Ayça , Durandurdu Murat
Published: January 2023

Amorphous boron carbide compositions having high B contents (BxC1−x, 0.50 ≤ x ≤ 0.95) are systematically created by way of ab initio molecular dynamics calculations, and their structural, electrical, and mechanical characteristics are inclusively investigated. The coordination number of both B and C atoms increases progressively with increasing B/C ratio and more close‐packed materials having pentagonal pyramid motifs form. An amorphous diamond‐like local arrangement is found to be dominant up to 65% B content, and beyond this content, a mixed state of amorphous diamond– and B‐like structures is perceived in the models because sp3hybridization around C atoms is still leading one for all compositions. The pentagonal pyramid motifs around C atoms are anticipated to appear beyond 65% content. The intericosahedral linear C–B–C chains do not form in any model. All amorphous boron carbides are semiconducting materials. The mechanical properties gradually increase with increasing B concentration, and some amorphous compositions are proposed to be hard materials on the basis of their Vickers hardness estimation.
Serum aldosterone effect on left ventricular structure and diastolic function in essential hypertension
Authors: Al‐Hashedi Ekhlas Mahmoud , Zhao Xu , Mohammed Ayman A. , Juvenal Havyarimana , Yu Jing
Published: December 2022

Aldosterone has hypertrophic and profibrotic effects on the heart. This study aims to determine the relationship between serum aldosterone concentration (SAC) and aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio (ARR) with left ventricular (LV) geometry and diastolic function in essential hypertension (EH). We investigated 213 EH patients (50.3 ± 12.6 years; 57.7% male). SAC, ARR measurements, and echocardiographic analysis were performed for participants. Overall, stepwise multiple regression analysis showed significant associations between SAC and interventricular septum, LV posterior wall thickness, LV amass, LV mass index, e′ velocity, a′ velocity, and E/e′ ratio after adjustment of potentially confounding covariates. When patients were divided into three SAC tertiles, multivariate‐adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) demonstrated a significant increase in LV mass (P ˂ 0.001), LV mass index (P ˂ 0.001), relative wall thickness (P = 0.003), interventricular septum (P = 0.001), LV posterior wall thickness (P = 0.001) and E/e′ ratio (P ˂ 0.001), but a decrease in e′ velocity (P = 0.002) from the first to third tertile of SAC. In logistic regression analysis, increased SAC was independently associated with concentric LV hypertrophy [OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.11–1.33, P ˂ 0.001]. No significant associations were found between ARR and echocardiographic parameters of LV structure or diastolic function. In conclusion, SAC, but not ARR, is independently associated with echocardiographic indices of LV structure and diastolic function and is also related to concentric LV hypertrophy. Our findings suggest that aldosterone's pro‐hypertrophic and myocardial fibrosis effects contribute to alterations in LV structure and diastolic function in EH beyond blood pressure.
Hypertension, a linchpin between environmental noise exposure and the development of cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Salazar Martin R.
Published: December 2022

Environmental noise exposure has been considered one of the most common hazards worldwide, especially in the workplace environment, and could produce a variety of health issues. Some epidemiological evidence supports the association between occupational noise exposition and a high risk for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Wang et al. has conducted an observational cross‐sectional study using occupational data of 4746 workers, 32.4% were exposed to high occupational noise. These exposed individuals had a moderate increase in the risk for hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.62). The subgroup analyses showed that the relationship between noise and hypertension prevalence was stronger in young participants (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21–2.40). Noise exposure activates the sympathetic and endocrine systems producing an increase in blood pressure and the changes in other biological risk factors. Moreover, a recently published study showed that oxidative stress and DNA damage were significantly higher in subjects exposed to noise. Emotional stress reactions and unconscious physiological stress could also be potential mechanisms for hypertension. Finally, physiological stress caused by noise exposure may also increase indulgence in unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and indirectly result in an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Previously published studies showed relationships between environmental noise exposure (including road traffic, railway, and aircraft noises) and the development of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the study by Wang et al. emphasizes the importance of environmental control in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, not only in the workplace but also outside it.
Using artificial intelligence to predict the final color of leucite‐reinforced ceramic restorations
Authors: Kose Carlos , Oliveira Dayane , Pereira Patricia N. R. , Rocha Mateus Garcia
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of machine learning regression models in predicting the final color of leucite‐reinforced glass CAD/CAM ceramic veneer restorations based on substrate shade, ceramic shade, thickness and translucency.

Methods

Leucite‐reinforced glass ceramics in four different shades were sectioned in thicknesses of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.2 mm. The CIELab coordinates of each specimen were obtained over four different backgrounds (black, white, A1, and A3) interposed with an experimental translucent resin cement using a calibrated spectrophotometer. The color change (CIEDE2000) values, as well as all the CIELab values for each one of the experimental groups, were submitted to 28 different regression models. Each regression model was adjusted according to the weights of each dependent variable to achieve the best‐fitting model.

Results

Different substrates, ceramic shades, and thicknesses influenced the L, a, and b of the final restoration. Of all variables, the substrate influenced the final ceramic shade most, followed by the ceramic thickness and the L, a, and b of the ceramic. The decision tree regression model had the lowest mean absolute error and highest accuracy to predict the shade of the ceramic restoration according to the substrate shade, ceramic shade and thickness.

Clinical Significance

The machine learning regression model developed in the study can help clinicians predict the final color of the ceramic veneers made with leucite‐reinforced glass CAD/CAM ceramic HT and LT when cemented with translucent cements, based on the color of the substrate and ceramic thicknesses.
The regional turn to modernist studies in Singapore
Authors: Tan Teck Heng
Published: January 2023

The past decade or so saw a regional turn to modernist studies in Singapore. Numerous projects are mapping out the networks of institutions, artists, and writers that disseminated and reinvented Euro‐American modernism in Southeast Asia from the 1930s. While this networked approach enables the recovery of neglected modernists in the non‐West, particularly women, it is also too neatly aligned with Singapore's self‐branding as a global city and its ongoing accumulation of cultural capital. Related scholarship is circumscribed by a tension between a desire to diversify modernist studies and a narrow fixation on connecting Singapore‐based artists and writers to already established modernist networks. In the process, an implicit conception of modernity and modernism that privileges connectivity, mobility, and capital is installed. Consequently, inconvenient facets of regional art and literature, as well as intra‐regional connections, are overlooked. I examine how these dynamics play out in projects on the Nanyang artists and writers, a group of diasporic Chinese literati who worked in Southeast Asia following their exposure to Euro‐American modernism. In closing, I turn to emergent avenues of research which counteract the nationalist slant to the study of regional modernisms in Singapore.