bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How feasible is it to mobilize $31 billion a year for pandemic preparedness and response? An economic growth modelling analysis
Authors: Shahid Minahil , Schäferhoff Marco , Brown Garrett , Yamey Gavin
Published: October 2023

Background

Covid-19 has reinforced the strong health and economic case for investing in pandemic preparedness and response (PPR). The World Bank and World Health Organization (WHO) propose that low- and middle-income governments and donor countries should invest $31.1 billion each year for PPR. We analyse, based on the projected economic growth of countries between 2022 and 2027, how likely it is that low- and middle-income country governments and donors can mobilize the estimated funding.

Methods

We modelled trends in economic growth to project domestic health spending by low- and middle-income governments and official development assistance (ODA) by donors for years 2022 to 2027. We modelled two scenarios for countries and donors – a constant and an optimistic scenario. Under the constant scenario we assume that countries and donors continue to dedicate the same proportion of their health spending and ODA as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) and gross national income (GNI), respectively, as they did during baseline (the latest year for which data are available). In the optimistic scenario, we assume a yearly increase of 2.5% in health spending as a share of GDP for countries and ODA as a share of GNI for donors.

Findings

Our analysis shows that low-income countries would need to invest on average 37%, lower-middle income countries 9%, and upper-middle income countries 1%, of their total health spending on PPR each year under the constant scenario to meet the World Bank WHO targets. Donors would need to allocate on average 8% of their total ODA across all sectors to PPR each year to meet their target.

Conclusions

The World Bank WHO targets for PPR will not be met unless low- and middle-income governments and donors spend a much higher share of their funding on PPR. Even under optimistic growth scenarios, low-income and lower-middle income countries will require increased support from global health donors. The donor target cannot be met using the yearly increase in ODA under any scenario. If the country and donor targets are not met, the highest-impact health security measures need to be prioritized for funding. Alternative sources of PPR financing could include global taxation (e.g., on financial transactions, carbon, or airline flights), cancelling debt, and addressing illicit financial flows. There is also a need for continued work on estimating current PPR costs and funding requirements in order to arrive at more enduring and reliable estimates.
Retinoic acid-dependent loss of synaptic output from bipolar cells impairs visual information processing in inherited retinal degeneration
Authors: Ganzen Logan , Yadav Shubhash Chandra , Wei Mingxiao , Ma Hong , Nawy Scott , Kramer Richard H
Published: October 2023

In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate, depriving downstream neurons of light-sensitive input, leading to vision impairment or blindness. Although downstream neurons survive, some undergo morphological and physiological remodeling. Bipolar cells (BCs) link photoreceptors, which sense light, to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which send information to the brain. While photoreceptor loss disrupts input synapses to BCs, whether BC output synapses remodel has remained unknown. Here we report that synaptic output from BCs plummets in RP mouse models of both sexes owing to loss of voltage-gated Ca2+channels. Remodeling reduces the reliability of synaptic output to repeated optogenetic stimuli, causing RGC firing to fail at high stimulus frequencies. Fortunately, functional remodeling of BCs can be reversed by inhibiting the retinoic acid receptor (RAR). RAR inhibitors targeted to BCs present a new therapeutic opportunity for mitigating detrimental effects of remodeling on signals initiated either by surviving photoreceptors or by vision-restoring tools.

Significance Statement

Photoreceptor degenerative disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) lead to vision impairment or blindness. Vision mediated by surviving photoreceptors or artificial vision restoration technologies, rely on bipolar cells retaining normal function despite photoreceptor death. We find that in two animal models of RP, synaptic transmission from both rod and cone bipolar cells is severely impaired owing to diminished voltage-gated calcium current, preventing postsynaptic amacrine cells and retinal ganglion cells from properly receiving and encoding visual information. We find that an inhibitor of the retinoic acid receptor restores both the calcium current and synaptic release from bipolar cells. These discoveries about bipolar cells reveal a new functional deficit in blindness and a potential therapeutically important solution.
LysoTracker Deep Red exhibits photoconversion in multi-color structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Opstad Ida Sundvor , Larsen Kenneth Bowitz , Birgisdottir Åsa Birna , Agarwal Krishna
Published: October 2023

In new chemical environments or for untested combinations of illumination, unexpected changes to the fluorescent labels’ photophysical properties, such as photoconversion, can occur. This letter reports on photoblueing of a common cellular probe, LysoTracker Deep Red, in multi-color super-resolution structured illumination microscopy. The dye was found to exhibit a blue shift of its fluorescence spectrum as a step on the photobleaching pathway during such imaging. The observed photoblueing (emission spectrum shifted to lower wavelengths) of this probe is an important finding as many cellular assays rely on the spectral separation of this and such fluorescent cellular markers. No spectral shift of LysoTracker Deep Red was observed for longterm imaging using diffraction limited microscopy requiring significantly lower light dose. We expect that the knowledge of occurrence of photoconversion during super-resolved imaging using this popular dye will help researchers design better imaging experiments and avoid potentially erroneous interpretations in multi-color microscopy.
Telomere protein arrays stall DNA loop extrusion by condensin
Authors: Analikwu Brian T. , Deshayes Alice , van der Torre Jaco , Guérin Thomas , Katan Allard J. , Béneut Claire , Barth Roman , Phipps Jamie , Scolari Vittore , Veaute Xavier , Barrington Christopher , Busso Didier , Uhlmann Frank , Dubrana Karine , Mattarocci Stefano , Dekker Cees , Marcand Stéphane
Published: October 2023

DNA loop extrusion by SMC proteins is a key process underlying chromosomal organization. It is unknown how loop extruders interact with telomeres where chromosome ends are covered with a dense array of tens of neighboring DNA-binding proteins. Using complementaryin vivoandin vitrosingle-molecule approaches, we study the interaction between loop-extruding condensin and arrays of Rap1, the double-stranded-DNA-binding telomeric protein ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that dense linear Rap1 arrays can completely halt DNA loop extrusion, where the blocking efficiency depends on the array length and the DNA gap size between neighboring proteins. In cells, Rap1 arrays in the chromosome are found to act as contact insulators and to accumulate condensin at their borders, with direct implications for the resolution of dicentric chromosomes produced by telomere fusions. Our findings show that linear arrays of DNA-bound proteins can efficiently halt DNA loop extrusion by SMC proteins, which may impact a wide range of cellular processes from telomere functions to transcription and DNA repair.
Activity-regulated micro-exon splicing programs underlie late-onset plasticity at the axon initial segment
Authors: Darwish Mohamed , Suzuki Satoko , Ogawa Yuki , Takase Akinori , Tanaka Masami , Iijima Yoko , Sato Yuji , Suzuki Mariko , Kanegae Yumi , Okada Chisa , Takana Masayuki , Okano Hirotaka-James , Kuba Hiroshi , Iijima Takatoshi
Published: October 2023

The axon initial segment (AIS) is a specialized neuronal compartment located at the proximal end of axons and initiates action potentials. AIS undergoes plastic changes with aging, disease, and activity levels; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their plasticity remain unclear. We discovered that depolarization induces diffuse elongation of the AIS in cerebellar granule cells over the span of days via the Ca2+-dependent ERK/MAP kinase pathway. These structural changes were accompanied by a decrease in voltage-gated Na+channel density, resulting in a homeostatic attenuation in neuronal excitability. Notably, we found that the late-onset AIS plasticity is associated with depolarization-induced alternative splicing of smaller exons (<100 nt) of transcripts encoding AIS-enriched proteins. In addition, depolarization-induced the skipping of the 53-nt exon19 from the transcript of the splicing protein Rbfox1. CRISPR-mediated removal of exon 19 from Rbfox1 promoted its nuclear localization and sequentially induced a series of downstream micro-exon splicing changes in several AIS proteins, recapitulating cerebellar AIS plasticity. In a Rbfox1-independent mechanism, depolarization-induced insertion of the developmentally regulated micro-exon 34 into the key AIS scaffolding protein Ankyrin G (AnkG). The constitutive insertion of exon 34 into AnkG disrupted its interaction with the AIS cytoskeletal protein βIV spectrin and induced plastic changes in the AIS. Our findings provide fundamental mechanistic insights into the activity-mediated late-onset plasticity of AIS, highlighting the power of micro-scale splicing events in the homeostatic regulation of axonal remodeling.
Zinc finger domains bind low-complexity domain polymers
Authors: Iguchi Naohiko , Isozumi Noriyoshi , Hattori Yoshikazu , Imamura Tomohiro , So Masatomo , Nanaura Hitoki , Kiriyama Takao , Eura Nobuyuki , Yamaoka Minako , Nakanishi Mari , Mori Masashi , Ohki Shinya , Kumeta Hiroyuki , Koga Hironori , Watabe Mai , Mabuchi Takuya , Kanemura Shingo , Okumura Masaki , Yoshizawa Takuya , Ota Ichiro , Suzuki Naoki , Aoki Masashi , Yamashiro Yoshito , Saio Tomohide , Sugie Kazuma , Mori Eiichiro
Published: October 2023

Self-association of low-complexity protein sequences (LC domains) is important for polymer formation. Several molecular chaperones are involved in the regulation of LC domain polymer formation. However, the mechanisms underlying cell recognition of LC domain polymers remain unclear. Here we show that zinc finger domains (ZnFs) bind LC domains of RNA-binding proteins in a cross-β polymer-dependent manner. ZnFs bound to LC domain hydrogels and suppressed LC domain polymer formation. Moreover, ZnFs preferentially recognize LC domains in the polymeric state. These findings suggest that ZnFs act as physiological regulators of LC domain polymer formation.
Untangling the Role of Pathobionts from Bacteroides Species in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Shan Yue , Lake Joash , Cham Candace M. , Zhu Mingming , Kaur Deepinder , Ringus Daina , Fei Na , Weber Christopher R. , Spedale Melanie , Theriault Betty , Dalal Sushila , Rubin David T. , Fiebig Aretha , Crosson Sean , Lolans Karen , Comstock Laurie , Eren A. Murat , Basu Anindita , Pott Sebastian , Sogin Mitchell , Liu Cambrian , Chang Eugene B.
Published: October 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) arise from a convergence of underlying genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and shifts in gut microbiota function and membership. Although the latter may trigger and contribute to IBD, there is little consensus on a specific causative pathogen. In this study, we demonstrate that commensalBacteroides fragilisstrains from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients before and during the development of ileal pouchitis engraft and promote colitis in specific pathogen free (SPF) IL-10 deficient (IL-10-/-) mice, but not in wild type SPF mice or when mono-associated in germ free mice. The colitis in IL-10-/-mice was also associated with significant alterations in commensal microbiota potentially important for maintaining intestinal and immune homeostasis. UC pouchitisB. fragilisalso engrafts in DSS-induced colitis in WT SPF mice, indicating a fitness advantage under conditions of mucosal inflammation over other commensals in the gut microbiota. These findings show that gut inflammation promotes the expansion and fitness of UC-derivedBacteroidesspecies that is associated with changes in the SPF gut microbiota and may be promote colitis in genetically susceptible hosts.

Importance

This study supports the notion that human inflammatory bowel diseases arise from the emergence of indigenous pathobionts in genetically-prone subjects. Colitis-promoting pathobionts are well-suited to establish themselves in the host inflammatory environment and outcompete endogenous microbiota. Once engrafted, the pathobiont can further aggravate inflammation in a genetically-susceptible host. Such complex interplay among several factors creates a vicious pro-inflammatory cycle and promotes disease development. These findings are consistent with our previous clinical observation thatB. fragilis, an otherwise low-abundance commensal species, expands prior to the development of UC pouchitis. We believe these findings are relevant to the pathogenesis of UC pouchitis and possibly human inflammatory bowel diseases in general, underscoring the role of commensal to pathobiont transitions, rather than classical pathogens, in promoting and exacerbating the onset of human IBD.
Observations of Elemental Composition of Enceladus Consistent with Generalized Models of Theoretical Ecosystems
Authors: Muratore Daniel , Walker Sara I. , Graham Heather , House Christopher H. , Kempes Christopher P.
Published: October 2023

Recent analysis of data from the Cassini Cosmic Dust Analyzer confirm geochemical modeling work that shows that the ocean of Enceladus contains considerable quantities of inorganic phosphorus as well as ammonium [55]. Technological advancement in flight instrumentation will continue to yield increasingly detailed data about the relative elemental and molecular composition of life detection candidates. Apart from speculating about threshold concentrations of bioactive compounds to support ecosystems, metabolic and ecological theory can provide a powerful interpretative lens to assess whether extraterrestrial environments are compatible with living ecosystems. Using multiple levels of ecological analysis, spanning from assuming strictly Earth-like organismal physiology to more agnostic understandings of putative biochemistries, we compare the proposed N:P stoichiometries of the Enceledus ocean to possible ecologies. We use chemostat models to predict potentially supportable biomass concentrations under different energy and matter flux regimes, macromolecular allometric theory to compare hypothetical biomass N:P ratios to possible environmental N:P supply ratios, and finally take a data-driven biogeochemical approach to predict possible biomass N:P ratios from the observed dissolved ratios. All three of our modeling approaches suggest marginal compatibility of an ecosystem with the ranges of dissolved N and P concentrations in the Enceledean ocean. Based on our analysis, we suggest two main priorities for further research into terrestrial analogs to improve our ability to interpret geochemical ratios as a life detection instrument.
TheDrosophilaCircadian Clock GeneCycleControls the Development of Clock Neurons
Authors: Biondi Grace , McCormick Gina , Fernandez Maria P.
Published: October 2023

Daily behavioral and physiological rhythms are controlled by the brain’s circadian timekeeping system, a synchronized network of neurons that maintains endogenous molecular oscillations. These oscillations are based on transcriptional feedback loops of clock genes, which inDrosophilainclude the transcriptional activatorsClock (Clk)andcycle (cyc). While the mechanisms underlying this molecular clock are very well characterized, the roles that the core clock genes play in neuronal physiology and development are much less understood. TheDrosophilatimekeeping center is composed of ∼150 clock neurons, among which the four small ventral lateral neurons (sLNvs) are the most dominant pacemakers under constant conditions. Here, we show that downregulating the clock genecycspecifically in thePdf-expressing neurons prevents leads to decreased fasciculation both in larval and adult brains. This effect is due to a developmental role ofcyc, as both knocking downcycor expressing a dominant negative form ofcycexclusively during development lead to defasciculation phenotypes in adult clock neurons.Clkdownregulation also leads to developmental effects on sLNv morphology, althoughcycandClkmanipulations produce distinct phenotypes. Our results reveal a non-circadian role forcyc, shedding light on the additional functions of circadian clock genes in the development of the nervous system.
Serological markers and Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) – A rapid review of the evidence
Authors: Collins Erin , Philippe Elizabeth , Gravel Chris , Hawken Steven , Langlois Marc-André , Little Julian
Published: October 2023

Background

Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is highly heterogeneous, often debilitating, and may last for years after infection. The etiology of PCC remains uncertain. Examination of potential serological markers of PCC, accounting for clinical covariates, may yield emergent pathophysiological insights.

Methods

In adherence to PRISMA guidelines, we carried out a rapid review of the literature. We searched Medline and Embase for primary observational studies that compared IgG response in individuals who experienced COVID-19 symptoms persisting ≥12 weeks post-infection with those who did not. We examined relationships between serological markers and PCC status and investigated sources of inter-study variability, such as severity of acute illness, PCC symptoms assessed, and target antigen(s).

Results

Of 8,018 unique records, we identified 29 as being eligible for inclusion in synthesis. Definitions of PCC varied. In studies that reported anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgG (n=10 studies; n=989 participants in aggregate), full or partial anti-Spike IgG (i.e., the whole trimer, S1 or S2 subgroups, or receptor binding domain, n=19 studies; n=2606 participants), or neutralizing response (n=7 studies; n=1123 participants), we did not find strong evidence to support any difference in serological markers between groups with and without persisting symptoms. However, most studies did not account for severity or level of care required during acute illness, and other potential confounders.

Conclusions

Pooling of studies would enable more robust exploration of clinical and serological predictors among diverse populations. However, substantial inter-study variations hamper comparability. Standardized reporting practices would improve the quality, consistency, and comprehension of study findings.
Mendelian Randomization Study of Whole Blood Viscosity and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Bhak Youngjune , Tenesa Albert
Published: October 2023

Aims

Association between whole blood viscosity (WBV) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported. However, the causal relationship between WBV and CVD remains not thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the causal relation between WBV and CVD.

Methods

Mendelian randomization was employed to investigate the casual relationship between WBV and CVD. Calculated WBV, derived polygenic risk score (PRS) for WBV, and medical records from 378,210 individuals participating in the UK biobank study were analyzed.

Results

The means of calculated WBVs were 16.9 (standard deviation: 0.8) and 55.1 (standard deviation: 17.2) for high shear rate (HSR) and low shear rate (LSR), respectively. 37,859 (10.0%) major cardiovascular event (MACE) consisted of 23,894 (6.3%) cases of myocardial infarction (MI), 9,245 (2.4%) cases of ischemic stroke, 10,377 (2.7%) cases of revascularization, and 5,703 (1.5%) cases of Coronary heart disease-related death. WBVs of individuals with PRS above median were significantly higher than the group that were below median for both low shear rate (P<0.001) and high shear rate (P<0.001). The odd ratios (95% confidence intervals) for MACE in the higher WBV group were 1.22 (1.19 - 1.25) and 1.14 (1.12 - 1.16), for HSR and LSR, respectively. The higher PRS group was insignificant with all outcomes, for both HSR and LSR.

Conclusions

The Mendelian randomization analysis conducted in this study does not support a causal relationship between calculated WBV and CVD.
INSIGHT: A Tool for Fit-for-Purpose Evaluation and Quality Assessment of Observational Data Sources for Real World Evidence on Medicine and Vaccine Safety
Authors: Hoxhaj Vjola , Andaur Navarro Constanza L. , Riera-Arnau Judit , Elbers Roel JHJ , Alsina Ema , Dodd Caitlin , Sturkenboom Miriam CJM
Published: October 2023

Objective

To describe the development of INSIGHT, a real-world data quality tool to assess completeness, consistency, and fitness-for-purpose of observational health data sources.

Material and Methods

We designed a three-level pipeline with data quality assessments (DQAs) to be performed in ConcePTION Common Data Model (CDM) instances. The pipeline has been coded using R.

Results

INSIGHT is an open-source tool that identifies potential data quality issues in CDM-standardized instances through the systematic execution and summary of over 588 configurable DQAs. Level 1 focuses on compliance with the ConcePTION CDM specifications. Level 2 evaluates the temporal plausibility of events and uniqueness of records. Level 3 provides an overview of distributions, outliers, and trends over time. The DQAs are run locally and assessed centrally by a data quality revisor together with the data access provider’s representatives.

Discussion

NSIGHT aligns with recent conceptual frameworks that identify five dimensions of data quality: reliability, extensiveness, coherence, timeliness, and relevance. Data quality is the sum of several internal and external features of the data and while DQAs provide reassurance about fitness-for-purpose for secondary-use data sources, improvements in data collection and generation stages are essential to reduce bias, misclassification, and measurement errors, thereby enhance overall data quality for Real World Evidence.

Conclusion

INSIGHT aims to support clinical and regulatory decision-making for medicines and vaccines by evaluating the quality of observational health data sources to support fit for purpose assessment. Assessing and improving data quality will enhance the reliability and quality of the generated evidence.
Trade unions and mental health during an employment crisis. Evidence from the UK before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kromydas Theocharis , Demou Evangelia , Leyland Alastair H , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Wels Jacques
Published: October 2023

Background

Trade union presence within a workplace could potentially affect employees’ working conditions and in turn health. We assessed the relationship between union (presence and membership) at the individual level and mental health in the context of COVID-19 employment disruptions.

Methods

We analysed panel data from Understanding Society collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (49,915 observations across 5,988 respondents) to assess the relationship between union presence and membership and a validated epidemiological measure of common mental disorders (CMD), the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire with a score of >/4 indicating probable anxiety/depression, referred to as caseness. A mixed-effect log-linear model assessed effect heterogeneity across time and industries, with average marginal effects (AME) indicating effect differences between groups.

Findings

In our sample, 49.1% worked in a unionised workplace, among which 53.8% were union members. Caseness prevalence was higher during the pandemic (25.4%) compared to pre-pandemic (18.4%). Working in a workplace with a trade union was associated with modest protection against CMD risk; (AMEpre-pandemic:0.010, 95%CI:-0.007; 0.027), (AME-pandemic:-0.002, 95%CI:-0.019; 0.016)]. Similarly, for union membership [(AMEpre-pandemic:0.016, 95%CI:-0.007; 0.039), (AMEpandemic:-0.010, 95%CI:-0.023; 0.020)]. Industry level heterogeneity exists in the relationship between union presence and membership and mental health.

Interpretation

Trade union presence may have a protective effect on workers mental health in periods of crisis, such as during a pandemic. Within unionised workplaces, trade union membership further mitigated the negative effects of the pandemic on mental health. Collective negotiation within workplaces may be protective in periods of uncertainty, benefiting all workers and not only those unionised.

Funding

Medical Research Council, Chief Scientist Office, European Research Council, Belgian National Scientific Fund (FNRS).
Latent feature extraction with a prior-based self-attention framework for spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Li Zhen , Chen Xiaoyang , Zhang Xuegong , Jiang Rui , Chen Shengquan
Published: October 2023

Rapid advances in spatial transcriptomics (ST) have revolutionized the interrogation of spatial heterogeneity and increase the demand for comprehensive methods to effectively characterize spatial domains. As a prerequisite for ST data analysis, spatial domain characterization is a crucial step for downstream analyses and biological implications. Here we propose a prior-based self-attention framework for spatial transcriptomics (PAST), a variational graph convolutional autoencoder for ST, which effectively integrates prior information via a Bayesian neural network, captures spatial patterns via a self-attention mechanism, and enables scalable application via a ripple walk sampler strategy. Through comprehensive experiments on data sets generated by different technologies, we show that PAST can effectively characterize spatial domains and facilitate various downstream analyses, including ST visualization, spatial trajectory inference and pseudotime analysis. Also, we highlight the advantages of PAST for multislice joint embedding and automatic annotation of spatial domains in newly sequenced ST data. Compared with existing methods, PAST is the first ST method that integrates reference data to analyze ST data. We anticipate that PAST will open up new avenues for researchers to decipher ST data with customized reference data, which expands the applicability of ST technology.
Studies of κ2- and κ3-tripyridylamine complexes of ruthenium and π-stacking by pyridyls
Authors: Faller Jack , Chase Kevin J. , Parr Jonathan , Mercado Brandon
Published: October 2023

The reaction of tris(pyridin-2-yl)amine with [CyRuCl2]2 (Cy = p-isopropyltoluene or cymene) in refluxing diglyme led to the formation of cis-[RuCl2{κ2-(2-py)3N}2]·CHCl3 (1a) after recrystallization from chloroform/pentane, or cis-dichloridobis[tris(pyridin-2-yl)amine-κ2
N,N′]ruthenium(II) dichloromethane disolvate, [RuCl2(C15H12N4)2]·2CH2Cl2 or cis-[RuCl2{κ2-(2-py)3N}2]·2CH2Cl2 (1b). Treatment of 1a with one equivalent of silver(I) hexafluoridoantimonate in dichloromethane gave [RuCl{κ2-(2-py)3N}{κ3-(2-py)3N}][SbF6]·CH2Cl2 (2a). Crystallization of 2a from chloroform provided chlorido[tris(pyridin-2-yl)amine-κ2
N,N′][tris(pyridin-2-yl)amine-κ3
N,N′,N′′]ruthenium(II) hexafluoridoantimonate chloroform monosolvate, [RuCl(C15H12N4)2][SbF6]·CHCl3 or [RuCl{κ2-(2-py)3N}{κ3-(2-py)3N}][SbF6]·CHCl3 (2b). Complex 2a reacted with a further equivalent of silver(I) hexafluoridoantimonate to give [Ru{κ3-(2-py)3N}2][SbF6]2 (3). The reaction of (2-py)3N with [CyRuCl2]2 in dichloromethane followed by treatment with excess sodium hexafluoridoantimonate gave the known complex [CyRuCl{κ2-(2-py)3N}][SbF6] (4). Complex 2 is a rare example of a complex containing both κ2- and κ3-(2-py)3N. Intramolecular π-stacking interactions determine the orientation of the free pyridyl in the κ2 complexes. An interesting encapsulation of methylene chloride hydrogen-bonded tetramers was noted in one case.
Online travel reviews and tourist trust: a SOR perspective
Authors: Anubha Anubha , Narang Daviender , Jain Mukesh Kumar
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of online travel reviews (OTR) on tourists’ intention to travel based on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model. Further, it explored the mediating effects of tourist trust in OTR.

Design/methodology/approach

In this direction, this study proposes and empirically validates a conceptual model after collecting data from 299 Indian consumers. Proposed hypotheses were tested by applying the structural equation modelling technique. Bootstrapping method was used for mediation testing.

Findings

The findings revealed that various attributes of OTR exert differential impacts on travel intention. The study also confirmed the mediating role of tourist trust in OTR.

Practical implications

This study offers significant practical implications for travel marketers. To capitalize on OTR, travel marketers are recommended to develop an effective and efficient online reviews management system. This will improve the quality, valence, quantity and consistency of OTR, which in turn will enhance tourist trust in OTR, leading to improved travel intention.

Originality/value

No empirical evidence has been traced on how OTR enhances tourist trust in OTR and their travel intention. In support of this, the present study proposes and empirically validates an extensive model to comprehend the role of various drivers of OTR in improving tourist trust in OTR, leading to enhanced travel intention based on the SOR model.
The impacts of leadership behaviours on the mental well-being of public safety communicators
Authors: Leduc Nadine Anik , Czarnuch Stephen , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Public safety (communicators; e.g. 9-1-1, police, fire and ambulance call-takers and dispatchers), like many other public safety personnel (e.g. police, paramedics), (re)suffer operational stress injuries (OSIs) that are too often hidden and at a prevalence higher than the general population. Unfortunately, there are very little data for OSI rates in Canadian communicators. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the only pan-Canadian study focusing on organizational culture, and its potential influence on OSIs, within the communicator context.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a 179-item online survey of Canadian communicators comprising 17 validated screenings for occupational stress injuries and symptoms and four open-ended questions relating to their agency's organizational culture. The authors thematically analysed participants' open-ended responses and their screening scores.

Findings

A semi-grounded thematic approach revealed that managers and supervisors were significant contributors to negative perceptions (n = 165) of organizational culture, potentially resulting in or worsening existing OSIs. Specifically, leadership was viewed as ineffective, inconsistent, unsupportive, abusive and toxic, with limited understanding of communicator roles. Communicators described feeling devalued, particularly when leaders fail to recognize communicator OSIs, which can perpetuate stigma. Conversely, positive leaders (n = 24) were described as supportive, communicative and encouraging.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that while leadership behaviours are a key factor in employee well-being, it varies considerably across agencies, impacting treatment-seeking behaviours. The authors’ new understandings of leaders' roles in OSIs may help reduce the frequency and severity of communicator OSIs, helping ensure that emergency services are delivered to Canadians.
Understanding retail supply chain during COVID-19: a systematic review
Authors: Jum'a Luay , Abushaikha Ismail , Towers Neil , Al-Masa'fah Wasan
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the themes that emerged from retail supply chain (RSC) literature during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that inform future mitigation and recovery strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses contributions in the RSC literature using four databases: Emerald, Elsevier (Science Direct), Wiley and Taylor & Francis. The systematic review approach resulted in identifying 74 articles covering 2020 to 2022.

Findings

Four themes emerged from the RSC literature on COVID-19. The first theme highlighted the factors that exacerbated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the RSC. The second theme focussed on the types of disruptions that occurred in the RSC during the pandemic. The third theme demonstrated the recovery strategies used to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the RSC. The fourth theme identified proposed mitigation strategies for the RSC post-COVID-19 outbreak.

Practical implications

The study provides a deeper understanding of how RSC managers could successfully reduce the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by dealing with interruptions. Based on the reviewed studies and the four themes that evolved from RSC literature on COVID-19 throughout 2020–2022, 11 key RSC strategies and lessons have been recommended to decision-makers in the retail industry.

Originality/value

This is the first study to identify the themes that emerged from RSC literature during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future mitigation and recovery strategies. The resulting themes add to the existing body of knowledge and establish the need for further research into other sectors that might be affected by future pandemics.
Good for business: towards a management control research agenda relating to the employment of workers with intellectual disability
Authors: Tucker Basil P. , Nash Elaine
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The paper presents the initial groundwork for the development of a research agenda around the management control implications of employing workers with intellectual disability.

Design/methodology/approach

The point of departure of this foundational enquiry is primarily prior analyses and critiques of empirical research into the employment of workers with intellectual disabilities.

Findings

The authors extend the management control framework advanced by Tessier and Otley (2012) by offering insights relating to the benefits and costs of both compliance as well as performance roles of management control systems (MCS). As such, the authors advocate potential avenues for further empirical investigation and also offer four broad ways in which the use of MCS is implicated in the employment of individuals with an intellectual disability by recognising that achieving compliance outcomes or achieving performance outcomes both carry associated benefits and costs.

Research limitations/implications

The extent to which management control research has engaged with the context of workers with intellectual disability is limited. However, this paper identifies some of the salient considerations underlying an agenda for further research in this area.

Social implications

The employment of workers with intellectual disabilities is by no means unprecedented. In many Western economies, there have in recent times been significant disability policy shifts, recognising the key role of employment in the financial security and social participation of people with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities. A key performance indicator stated in these policy positions is an increase in workforce participation for this group of people. However, an increase in the employment of such individuals is likely to represent significant implications in terms of prevailing conditions as well as new management control configurations that may be required.

Originality/value

The paper overviews existing knowledge about the employment of workers living with an intellectual disability and identifies areas relating to the management control implications of such arrangements within which more research is required.
Big data analytics and market performance: the roles of customization and personalization strategies and competitive intensity
Authors: Kamel Mahmoud Abdelrahman
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Big data analytics (BDA) plays a crucial role in understanding customer behavior through Customer Relationship Management (CRM), especially in a rapidly changing business environment. This paper investigates the direct effect of BDA use on market performance, besides the mediating effect through Big Data-enabled CRM strategies adoption (e.g. customization and personalization). The paper also examines the moderating role of competitive intensity in these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from a knowledge-based view (KBV) and Organizational Information Processing Theory (OIPT), the authors formulated the research model. Subsequently, the measurement model and hypotheses were tested through PLS-SEM on online survey data of 229 managers from 167 companies out of Egypt's top 500.

Findings

The results indicated that BDA use does not directly affect the market performance, but this effect was significant through customization and personalization strategies adoption. The results also revealed a positive association between BDA use and the adoption of these strategies. Furthermore, competitive intensity only moderates the relationship between BDA use and personalization strategy adoption.

Research limitations/implications

Companies can use BDA to improve customer knowledge and experience through customization and personalization, leading to better market performance and moving towards becoming a Big Data-driven organization. This study is limited to companies in the Egyptian context, which restricts the generalizability of the results.

Originality/value

This study conceptually and empirically explores how BDA usage, customization and personalization strategies impact market performance under competitive intensity situations, especially in the context of emerging markets.
Exploring consumer segments defined by affective responses to naturalness in logo design
Authors: Torres Anna , de Carvalho Leonor Vacas , Machado Joana Cesar , van de Velden Michel , Costa Patrício
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Focusing on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are characterized by resource restrictions, this paper aims to explore consumer segment profiles by considering demographic, personality and creativity traits to determine whether consumers with different profiles exhibit distinct affective reactions to different logo design types (organic, cultural and abstract).

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study incorporates recent methodological developments, such as the novel response style correction method, to account for response style effects in evaluations of affect toward logo design. In separate analyses, respondents are segmented according to response style–corrected logo affect and personality and creativity items. The segmentation analysis relies on reduced k-means, a joint dimension and cluster analysis method, which accounts for dependencies between items while maximizing between-cluster variability. A total of 866 respondents from the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal: n = 543; Spain: n = 323) participated.

Findings

Based on a study using unknown logos (proxy for lower levels of budget communication, characteristics of SMEs), results reveal that there are three segments of consumers based on their affective response toward logo design: logo design insensitives, cultural logo dislikers and organic logo lovers. These segments are associated with different personality traits, creativity and biological sex (although biological sex is not a discriminant variable).

Research limitations/implications

The decision not to control logos by color, to increase external validity, could limit the study’s internal validity if this aspect interacts with relevant study variables. Nevertheless, the empirical evidence can be used to further test associations between consumer profiles and responses to logo design.

Practical implications

Findings highlight the relevance of considering complex profile segments, combining demographics, psychographics and creativity to predict affective consumer responses to brand logo design. This research provides guidelines for SMEs when choosing or modifying their logo design to appeal to different consumer segments.

Originality/value

This study provides managers of SMEs (less present nowadays in empirical studies) with evidence suggesting that complex customer profiles help to understand differences in affective responses to natural logo designs. Furthermore, it relies on the use of a novel methodological development that improves the accuracy of the exploratory study developed.
Mediation of knowledge management processes in enabling strategic HR practices to achieve differentiation and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Trivedi Karishma , Srivastava Kailash B.L.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study explores how strategic human resource practices enhance the competitive capability of differentiation and cost-effectiveness by leveraging knowledge resources in Indian IT/software organizations. It examines the mediating effect of knowledge management (KM) processes in the relationship between strategic HR practices, competitive differentiation and cost-effectiveness capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire survey collected data from 380 knowledge workers in 25 IT/software and consultancy firms. The authors checked data reliability and validity by conducting exploratory factor analysis in SPSS and confirmatory factor analysis in AMOS. The authors evaluated hypotheses using path analysis in structural equational modeling in AMOS.

Findings

Strategic HR practices significantly and positively affect KM processes and competitive capabilities-differentiation and cost-efficiency. Both strategic HR practices and KM processes have a closer association with differentiation than cost-effectiveness. Knowledge management processes significantly and positively mediate between strategic HR practices and competitive capabilities. The mediation is more substantial in predicting differentiation than cost-effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

It is a cross-sectional study with a constrained capacity to predict accurate causal inferences; The authors call for future studies with longitudinal design and objective measures. Further studies are required to explore the impact of various strategic HR configurations on KMP to understand how different routes stimulate a particular competitive strategy. This conceptual framework can be validated across different industry types and sizes.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights to HR and knowledge managers regarding devising HR and KM processes to accomplish the goals of differentiation and cost-effective, competitive strategies. This study highlights that leveraging human capital for effective KM is crucial for gaining a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the strategic HR and KM literature by exploring the mediating role of KM processes in enabling strategic HR processes to enhance differentiation and cost-effective, competitive strategies. It provides original empirical evidence from knowledge-intensive IT/software consultancies, particularly in India's emerging economy. It indicates the current state of HR practices adopted for optimum utilization of knowledge resources and the importance of differentiation strategy for Indian knowledge-intensive IT/software firms.
Changing culture: An intervention to improve blood culture quality in the emergency department
Authors: Williams Julian , Hills Angela , Ray Mercedes , Greenslade Jaimi
Published: October 2023

Objective

Blood cultures (BCs) remain a key investigation in ED patients at risk of bacteraemia. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a multi‐modal, nursing‐led intervention to improve the quality of BCs in the ED, in terms of single culture, underfilling and contamination rates.

Method

The present study was conducted in the ED of a large urban tertiary referral hospital. The study included four phases: pre‐intervention, intervention, post‐intervention and sustainability periods. A multi‐modal intervention to improve BC quality consisting small group education, posters, brief educational videos, social media presence, quality feedback, small group/individual mentoring and availability of BC collection kits was designed and delivered by two senior ED nurses over 7 weeks. Study data comprised rates of single, underfilled and contaminated cultures in each of three 18‐week periods: pre‐intervention (baseline), post‐intervention and sustainability.

Results

Over the study period 4908 BC sets were collected during 2347 episodes of care in the ED. Single culture sets reduced from 56.2% in the pre‐intervention period to 22.8% post‐intervention (P < 0.01) and 18.8% in the sustainability period (P < 0.01). Underfilled bottle rates were also significantly reduced (aerobic 52.8% pre‐intervention to 19.2% post‐intervention, 18.8% sustainability, anaerobic 46.8% pre‐intervention to 23.3% post‐intervention, 23.8% sustainability). Skin contaminants were grown from 3.7% of BC sets in the pre‐intervention period, improving to 1.5% in the post‐intervention period (P < 0.001) and 2.1% in the sustainability period (P = 0.03). Total volume of blood cultured was significantly associated with diagnosis of bacteraemia.

Conclusion

Significant improvements in BC quality are possible with nursing‐based interventions in the ED.
Prevalence and anatomic associations of middle mesial canals and isthmi in mandibular first molars: A CBCT‐based study in a Northern Chinese population
Authors: Liu Jiaojiao , Zhao Xiangyu , Liu Ying , Dong Nannan , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the prevalence of the middle mesial canal (MMC) and isthmus in a northern Chinese subpopulation using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 1060 mandibular first molars (MFMs) were analysed. Data analysis was performed using the chi‐square test, t‐test, and multiple logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05). The prevalence of MMC and isthmus was 15.2% and 40.6%, respectively. The average dentinal thickness in the danger zone was 1.61 ± 0.14 mm. Patients younger than 40 years were two times more likely to have MMC (odds ratio [OR] = 2.204). Additionally, for every 1 mm reduction in the MB‐ML orifice distance, the likelihood of detection of MMC in MFM nearly doubled (OR = 1.738). Furthermore, MFMs with MB‐ML isthmus were five times more likely to exhibit MMC than those without it (OR = 4.756). The findings revealed that the prevalence of MMC and isthmus in MFMs is high and suggested that anatomical and demographic variables can serve as valuable indicators for clinicians in anticipating their presence.