bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploratory Validation of a Survey Instrument Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior to Assess Vaping Attitude and Perceptions
Authors: Barakat Muna , Abuarab Roa’a , Alkharabsheh Baraah , Budair Nada , Fareed Mais , Kharabsheh Rahma , Laban Dana Oshroq , Sallam Malik
Published: September 2024

The prevalence of vaping (e-cigarette use) surged among young individuals, especially university students, highlighting the necessity to explore the factors influencing this behavior. This study aimed to develop and validate the Vaping Attitude and Perceptions Scale (VAPeS), based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A cross-sectional design was employed using a self-administered electronic questionnaire to collect data from university students in Jordan. The questionnaire assessed demographic variables and key constructs of the VAPeS: Social Influence, Perceived Harms, Pleasure Derived from Vaping, Behavioral Influences, and Economic Factors and Self-Efficacy. The survey engaged 671 university students, with 201 (30.0%) reporting the use of tobacco products. Among these tobacco users, a majority (n=126, 62.7%) reported the current use of e-cigarettes. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a five-factor solution explaining 64.5% of the variance. These factors—Social Influence, Perceived Harms, Vaping Pleasure, Behavioral Influences, and Economic and Self-Efficacy—demonstrated high internal consistency. Regression analysis showed that Social Influence, Behavioral Influences, and sex were significant predictors of vaping behavior, with standardized coefficients of 0.494, 0.206, and −0.154, respectively (P<.001,P=.008, andP=.018). The VAPeS displayed satisfactory psychometric properties, making it a valuable tool for investigating vaping behaviors among the youth. Factors such as Social Influence and Behavioral Influences were significant factors in shaping vaping behaviors among the participants. These insights emphasize the need to consider these dimensions in public health initiatives aimed at managing the rising vaping prevalence among university students. The VAPeS instrument can be utilized for better delineation of vaping behaviors among the younger demographic. Subsequently, the insights gained through VAPeS-based research can help devise targeted educational campaigns aimed at addressing the perceived social acceptability and the supposed safety of vaping.
Assisting focused attention meditation through EEG-based alpha-theta cross-frequency neurofeedback
Authors: Vuyst Hendrik-Jan De , Karaiskou Angeliki-Ilektra , Soriano Javier R. , Pergens Jelle , Op de Beeck Ruth , Van der Gucht Katleen , Raes Filip , Vos Maarten De , Varon Carolina , Alaerts Kaat
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Neurofeedback training involves real-time monitoring and self-regulation of neural activity. Neurofeedback training paradigms have been widely employed in the context of meditation. Interestingly, prior research revealed focused attention meditation to be associated with desynchronized, non-harmonic, cross-frequency relationships between alpha and theta rhythms, suggesting cross-frequency decoupling. However, the potential of training these brainwave patterns to assist meditative practices remains unexplored.

Methods

We assessed the trainability of non-harmonic alpha-theta cross-frequency relationships during focused attention meditation through EEG-neurofeedback training. Thirty individuals underwent 25 minutes of both experimental and sham training. During experimental training, participants received auditory feedback upon detection of non-harmonic alpha-theta brainwaves, whereas during sham training, feedback was unrelated to the measured brainwaves. Neural changes were assessed locally at training site Pz and globally across all scalp electrodes.

Results

Mixed model analyses showed a global, but not local, interaction effect between trainings over time, indicating that the incidence of non-harmonic alpha-theta relationships across the scalp increased during experimental training compared to sham training (p< 0.001). This effect persisted in the post-training resting-state recording (p= 0.004). Notably, these training-induced increases were associated with improvements in depressive mood state (p< 0.001). Furthermore, participants with a higher depressive mood state at baseline showed stronger training effects (p< 0.001).

Conclusions

Neurofeedback training can be used to upregulate non-harmonic alpha-theta cross-frequency relationships during focused attention meditation with durable post-training effects, particularly for those experiencing depressive mood symptoms. These findings lay the groundwork for investigating the effectiveness of multiple-session neurofeedback-assisted mindfulness training.
Steroidal Therapy plus Conventional Therapy versus Conventional Therapy alone for Tuberculous Meningitis: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Naseem Ansa , Javed Muhammad Moiz , Rehmani Malaika , Tariq Muhammad Haider , Sikandar Mahnoor , Ejaz Usama , Bajwa Muhammad Shahzaib , Raza Tehseen , Khan Muhammad Usman , Shehram Ali , Khan Muhammad Hammad , Ayyan Muhammad , Luqman Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Background

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Treatments for TBM include conventional therapy alone as well as adjunctive use of steroidal therapy.

Methods

A comprehensive search of electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus was conducted from inception to April 2024 to retrieve all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared steroidal therapy plus conventional antituberculosis therapy with antituberculosis therapy alone for patients of TBM. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. Dichotomous outcomes were compared using risk ratio (RR).

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in risk of mortality in the Steroid group compared to the control group (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75, 0.94; p-value < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of neurological deficit between the two groups. There was a statistically significant reduction in the risk of adverse events in the steroidal therapy group compared to the control group (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.83, 0.98; p-value = 0.03). Similarly, there was a significant improvement in the clinical efficacy in the steroidal therapy group compared to the control (RR 1.16; 95% CI 1.02, 1.31; p-value = 0.02).

Conclusion

Steroids in addition to antituberculosis therapy significantly reduce mortality and adverse events, while improving clinical outcomes in patients of TBM. There is a need for controlled studies with longer follow-up durations to improve the robustness of the results.
Academic institution extensive, building-by-building wastewater-based surveillance platform for SARS-CoV-2 monitoring, clinical data correlation, and potential national proxy
Authors: Armenta-Castro Arnoldo , Oyervides-Muñoz Mariel Araceli , Aguayo-Acosta Alberto , Lucero-Saucedo Sofia Liliana , Robles-Zamora Alejandro , Rodriguez-Aguillón Kassandra O. , Ovalle-Carcaño Antonio , Parra-Saldívar Roberto , Sosa-Hernández Juan Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Wastewater-based surveillance has been proposed as a cost-effective toolset to generate data about public health status by detecting specific biomarkers in wastewater samples, as shown during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this work, we report on the performance of an extensive, building-by-building wastewater surveillance platform deployed across 38 locations of the largest private university system in Mexico, spanning 19 of the 32 states. Sampling took place weekly from January 2021 and June 2022. Data from 343 sampling sites was clustered by campus and by state and evaluated through its correlation with the seven-day average of daily new COVID-19 cases in each cluster. Statistically significant linear correlations (p-values below 0.05) were found in 25 of the 38 campuses and 13 of the 19 states. Moreover, to evaluate the effectiveness of epidemiologic containment measures taken by the institution across 2021 and the potential of university campuses as representative sampling points for surveillance in future public health emergencies in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, correlation between new COVID-19 cases and viral loads in weekly wastewater samples was found to be stronger in Dulces Nombres, the largest wastewater treatment plant in the city (Pearson coefficient: 0.6456, p-value: 6.36710−8), than in the largest university campus in the study (Pearson coefficient: 0.4860, p-value: 8.288×10−5). However, when comparing the data after urban mobility returned to pre-pandemic levels, correlation levels in both locations became comparable (0.894 for the university campus and 0.865 for Dulces Nombres).
Visual processing oscillates differently through time for adults with ADHD
Authors: Pelland-Goulet Pénélope , Arguin Martin , Brisebois Hélène , Gosselin Nathalie
Published: September 2024

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 3-4% of Canadian adults and 2.6% of adults worldwide. Its symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Though ADHD is known to affect several brain functions and cognitive processes, little is known regarding its impact on perceptual oscillations. This study compared the temporal features of visual processing between ADHD and neurotypical individuals in a word recognition task. These features were sufficiently different across groups while at the same time sufficiently congruent across participants of the same group that a machine learning algorithm classified participants in their respective groups with a 91.8% accuracy using only a small portion of the available features. Secondary findings showed that individuals with ADHD could be classified with high accuracy (91.3%) regarding their use of psychostimulant medication. These findings suggest the existence of strong behavioral markers of ADHD as well as of regular medication usage on visual performance which can be uncovered by random temporal sampling.
Modelling the impact of behavioural interventions during pandemics: A systematic review.
Authors: Gebretekle Tsega Kahsay , Albers Casper
Published: September 2024

Background. Many studies examined the impact of behavioural interventions on COVID-19 outcomes. We conducted a systematic review to gain insight into transmission models, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We included peer-reviewed studies published in English until December 31, 2022, focusing on human subjects, modelling, and examining behavioural interventions during COVID-19 using real data across diverse geographical regions. Methods. We searched seven databases. We used descriptive analysis, network analysis for textual synthesis, and regression analysis to identify the relationship between basic reproduction number (R_0) and various characteristics. From 30,114 articles gathered, 15,781 met the inclusion criteria. After deduplication, 7,616 articles remained. The titles and abstracts screening reduced these to 1,764 articles. Full-text screening reduced this to 270, and risk-of-bias assessment narrowed it to 245 articles. We employed combined criteria for risk of bias assessment, incorporating domains from ROBINS-I and principles for modeling. Results. Primary outcomes focused on the R_0, COVID-19 cases, and transmission rates. The average R_0 was approximately 3.184, indicating an infected individual could spread the disease to about 3.184 of others. The average effective reproduction number (R_c) was about 0.936, reflecting the impact of interventions. Most studies (90.3%) used compartmental models, particularly SEIR. Social distancing, mask-wearing, and lockdowns were frequently analyzed interventions. Early and strict implementation of these interventions significantly reduced transmission rates. Risk of bias assessment revealed 61.9% of studies with low risk, 24.8% moderate, and 9.3% high risks. Common issues included transparency, attrition bias, and confounding factors. Conclusions. This comprehensive review highlights the importance of behavioural interventions in reducing COVID-19 transmission and areas for improving future research transparency and robustness. Our risk of bias criteria offers an important framework for future systematic reviews in modeling studies of interventions. We recommend that future studies enhance transparency in reporting and address common biases such as attrition and confounding.
Flexible Copper Foil Sheet Receive Coil Array for MRI
Authors: Thompson Emily R. , Chen Li Wei , Miller Albert John Victor
Published: September 2024

This study presents the development and evaluation of a 16-channel general-purpose MRI coil array constructed using 50-micron copper foil sheets. The coils were rapidly manufactured using a die cut process and assembled into a square-shaped array designed for flexible, high-performance imaging. The copper foil coil demonstrated superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lower noise correlation, and better parallel imaging performance compared to a commercially available 16-channel flexible coil. Phantom testing showed a 17-20% improvement in SNR with the copper foil coil, while noise correlation matrices indicated reduced interference between coil elements. In vivo testing further validated the coil’s performance, with higher SNR and enhanced image quality observed in axial and sagittal scans. The use of copper foil sheets, which are widely available and cost-effective, enabled rapid production of the coils without compromising quality. This approach offers significant advantages over existing flexible coil technologies that rely on more complex and expensive materials, such as copper threads and liquid metal. The ability to quickly tailor these coils for specific patient needs makes them particularly suitable for clinical applications where flexibility and speed are essential. The results of this study suggest that copper foil-based coils represent a promising solution for improving the accessibility, adaptability, and performance of MRI technology in a cost-effective manner.
Association of occupational exposure to chemical substances with bladder cancer in Ethiopia: A multi-center matched case-control Study
Authors: Kebede Eleni A. , Leulseged Tigist W.
Published: September 2024

Background: Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer worldwide and ranks 13th in incidence in Ethiopia. Occupational exposure is the second leading cause of BC after smoking, accounting for 21%-27% of BC cases in men and 11% in women. This study aims to investigate the association between occupational exposure to chemical substances and bladder cancer among patients in selected hospitals in Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-center matched case control study was conducted among patients admitted to four teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from May 01 to August 31 2023. Underlying characteristics between cases and controls were compared using Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was run where adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values were used for significance testing and result interpretation. Results: Among the 303 patients studied, 90 (29.7%) were cases and 213 (70.3%) were controls. Age (±5 years), sex, and smoking status were matched in 68% of participants. The majority of the participants were age 60 years and above (62.2% of cases, 59.1% of controls), male (72% of cases, 73% of controls) and non-smokers (61.1% of cases, 64.8% of controls). Occupational exposure was not found to be significantly associated with BC (AOR:1.09; 95%CI= 0.44, 2.74; P=0.85). On the other hand, having a primary level education or higher (AOR:0.12 95%CI= 0.05, 0.30; P<0.001), consuming coffee for more than 20 years (AOR:2.36; 95% CI=1.22, 4.56; P=0.01) and regular analgesics use (AOR: 6.60; 95% CI=3.34, 13.02; p<0.001) were found to be significantly associated with BC. Conclusions: Occupational exposure to chemical substances was not found to be significantly associated with BC. However, having primary education or higher was protective, while long-term coffee consumption and regular analgesic use were significantly associated with BC. Health care professionals are advised to educate patients about safe analgesic use. Furthermore, future multi center case control studies should be conducted to further explore the potential associations of these factors with bladder cancer. Keywords: Bladder cancer, occupational exposure, case control design, binary logistic regression, Ethiopia
The Main protease (Mpro) from SARS-CoV-2 triggers plasma clotting in vitro by activating coagulation factors VII and FXII
Authors: Pagotto Anna , Uliana Federico , Nordio Giulia , Pietrangelini Andrea , Acquasaliente Laura , Macchia Maria Ludovica , Bellanda Massimo , Gatto Barbara , De Silvestro Giustina , Marson Piero , Simioni Paolo , Picotti Paola , De Filippis Vincenzo
Published: September 2024

Although the connection between COVID-19 and coagulopathy has been clear since the early days of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Available data support that the burst of cytokines and bradykinin, observed in some COVID-19 patients, sustains systemic inflammation and the hypercoagulant state, thus increasing thrombotic risk. Here we show that the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) can play a direct role in the activation of the coagulation cascade. Adding Mpro to human plasma from healthy donors increased clotting probability by 2.5-fold. The results of enzymatic assays and degradomics analysis indicate that Mpro triggers plasma clotting by proteolytically activating coagulation factors zymogens VII and XII at their physiological activation sites, i.e. Arg152-Ile153 bond for FVII and Arg353-Val354 bond for FXII, where FVII and FXII are strategically positioned at the very beginning of the extrinsic or intrinsic pathways of blood coagulation. These findings are not compatible with the substrate specificity of the protease known so far, displaying a prevalence for a Gln-residue in P1 and a hydrophobic amino acid in P2 position. This apparent discrepancy was resolved by High Throughput Protease Screen assay, unveiling an extended, time-dependent, secondary specificity of Mpro for Arg-X bonds, which was further confirmed by Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass spectrometry analysis of Arg-containing inhibitors binding to Mpro and by enzymatic assays showing that the protease can cleave peptide substrates containing Arg in P1. Overall, integrating biochemical, proteomics and structural biology experiments, we unveil a novel mechanism linking SARS-CoV-2 infection to thrombotic complications in COVID-19.
AI-Based Discovery and CryoEM Structural Elucidation of a KATPChannel Pharmacochaperone
Authors: ElSheikh Assmaa , Driggers Camden M. , Truong Ha H. , Yang Zhongying , Allen John , Henriksen Niel , Walczewska-Szewc Katarzyna , Shyng Show-Ling
Published: September 2024

Pancreatic KATPchannel trafficking defects underlie congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) cases unresponsive to the KATPchannel opener diazoxide, the mainstay medical therapy for CHI. Current clinically used KATPchannel inhibitors have been shown to act as pharmacochaperones and restore surface expression of trafficking mutants; however, their therapeutic utility for KATPtrafficking impaired CHI is hindered by high-affinity binding, which limits functional recovery of rescued channels. Recent structural studies of KATPchannels employing cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) have revealed a promiscuous pocket where several known KATPpharmacochaperones bind. The structural knowledge provides a framework for discovering KATPchannel pharmacochaperones with desired reversible inhibitory effects to permit functional recovery of rescued channels. Using an AI-based virtual screening technology AtomNet® followed by functional validation, we identified a novel compound, termed Aekatperone, which exhibits chaperoning effects on KATPchannel trafficking mutations. Aekatperone reversibly inhibits KATPchannel activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ∼ 9 μM. Mutant channels rescued to the cell surface by Aekatperone showed functional recovery upon washout of the compound. CryoEM structure of KATPbound to Aekatperone revealed distinct binding features compared to known high affinity inhibitor pharmacochaperones. Our findings unveil a KATPpharmacochaperone enabling functional recovery of rescued channels as a promising therapeutic for CHI caused by KATPtrafficking defects.
Accounting for racial inequality in South Africa with the black economic empowerment policy
Authors: Munkuli Bongani , Nikidehaghani Mona , Ma Liangbo , Chang Millicent
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how the South African government has used accounting technologies to manage the pervasive issue of racial inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Premised on Foucault’s notion of governmentality, we conducted a qualitative case study. Publicly available archival data are used to determine the extent to which accounting techniques have helped to shape policy responses to racial inequality.

Findings

We show that accounting techniques and calculations give visibility to the problems of government and help design a programme to solve racial inequality. The lived experiences and impacts of racism in the workplace have been problematised, turned into statistics, and used to rationalise the need for ongoing government intervention in solving the problem. These processes underpin the development of the scorecard system, which measures the contributions firms have made towards minimising racial inequalities.

Originality/value

This study augments the existing body of Foucauldian literature by illustrating how power dynamics can be counteracted. We show that in governmental processes, accounting can exhibit a dual role, and these roles are not always subordinate to the analysis of political realities. The case of B-BBEE reveals the unintended consequences of utilising accounting to control the conduct of individuals or groups.
A highly efficient method for characterizing the kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Xiong Xilin , Yang Jingjing , Chen Tongqian , Niu Tong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a highly efficient method to obtain the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on metal electrodes in an alkaline solution and to analyze the effect of thiourea addition on HER under the same cathodic overpotential.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel method based on hydrogen permeation tests, potentiodynamic polarization tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was put forward to characterize the HER kinetics on metal electrode.

Findings

The study found that adding thiourea accelerated the Volmer, Heyrovsky and Tafel reactions associated with HER. In addition, it reduced the hydrogen surface coverage and increased the hydrogen permeation steady-state current density. As a result, thiourea facilitated HER, promoted the diffusion of hydrogen atoms into iron and reduced the number of hydrogen atoms in the adsorbed state.

Originality/value

This work provides novel insights into the influence of thiourea on HER kinetics, demonstrating that thiourea addition can significantly enhance HER efficiency by altering reaction dynamics and promoting hydrogen atom diffusion into iron. This has implications for hydrogen energy applications, cathodic protection and understanding hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms.
Typologies of South African small-scale farmers and their risk perceptions: an unsupervised machine learning approach
Authors: Yazdan Bakhsh Sara , Ayisi Kingsley , Rötter Reimund P. , Twine Wayne , Feil Jan-Henning
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Small-scale farmers are highly heterogeneous with regard to their types of farming, levels of technology adoption, degree of commercialization and many other factors. Such heterogeneous types, respectively groups of small-scale farming systems require different forms of government interventions. This paper applies a machine learning approach to analyze the typologies of small-scale farmers in South Africa based on a wide range of objective variables regarding their personal, farm and context characteristics, which support an effective, target-group-specific design and communication of policies.

Design/methodology/approach

A cluster analysis is performed based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative survey among 212 small-scale farmers, which was conducted in 2019 in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. An unsupervised machine learning approach, namely Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM), is applied to the survey data. Subsequently, the farmers' risk perceptions between the different clusters are analyzed and compared.

Findings

According to the results of the cluster analysis, the small-scale farmers of the investigated sample can be grouped into four types: subsistence-oriented farmers, semi-subsistence livestock-oriented farmers, semi-subsistence crop-oriented farmers and market-oriented farmers. The subsequently analyzed risk perceptions and attitudes differ considerably between these types.

Originality/value

This is the first typologisation of small-scale farmers based on a comprehensive collection of quantitative and qualitative variables, which can all be considered in the analysis through the application of an unsupervised machine learning approach, namely PAM. Such typologisation is a pre-requisite for the design of more target-group-specific and suitable policy interventions.
Leadership, empowerment and innovation behavior linkages among knowledge workers: application of hierarchal component modeling approach
Authors: Peerzadah Sabzar Ahmad , Mufti Sabiya , Majeed Shayista , Nazir Nazir Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Based on the Social Exchange Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, this study aims to investigate the impact of transformational and transactional leadership on scientists’ innovative work behavior (IWB). It also examines the mediating effect of scientists’ psychological empowerment in the relationship between transformational leadership and IWB as well as between transactional leadership and IWB.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative design and uses data from a sample size of 357 scientists from all five different subject domains of India’s largest civilian Research and Development (R&D) organization, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Hierarchal component modeling (HCM) was performed for transformational leadership transactional leadership and psychological empowerment, whereas IWB was modeled as a first-order reflective construct. PLS-SEM was used to assess the study’s model and hypotheses.

Findings

It was found that transformational leadership is positively related to IWB and psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and IWB. Moreover, transactional leadership was found to be positively related to IWB while psychological empowerment did not mediate the relationship between transactional leadership and IWB.

Originality/value

This study adds to IWB literature by empirically testing the mediating role of psychological empowerment between transformational leadership-IWB and transactional leadership-IWB link in the R&D context of an emerging economy using HCM.
Organizational slack and firm performance: do supply chain resilience and organizational ambidexterity matter?
Authors: Shi Haiqing , Feng Taiwen
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to distinguish how unabsorbed and absorbed slack affects market and financial performance via proactive and reactive supply chain resilience (SCRES), particularly under varying conditions of organizational ambidexterity.

Design/methodology/approach

By collecting survey data from 277 Chinese manufacturers, we verify the conceptual model applying structural equation modeling.

Findings

Proactive SCRES mediates the positive impacts of both unabsorbed and absorbed slack on market and financial performance, whereas reactive SCRES mediates only their positive effects on financial performance. High levels of organizational ambidexterity strengthen the indirect effects of both types of slack on market and financial performance via proactive SCRES, but not when mediated by reactive SCRES.

Originality/value

We introduce a new theoretical perspective to view fits (as mediation) between the use of unabsorbed/absorbed slack in different ways when switching attentions to proactive or reactive SCRES, both of which can be improved through organizational ambidexterity. This study offers novel insights into how managers can switch attentions between proactive and reactive SCRES knowing when to appropriately use unabsorbed/absorbed slack for which purposes, and the use of different learning modes (explorative vs exploitative).
The influence of electronic word of mouth on cosmetics purchasing: the role of the social component and engagement
Authors: Mendoza-Moreira Madelyn , Moliner-Velázquez Beatriz , Berenguer-Contri Gloria , Gil-Saura Irene
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Social networking has provided the appropriate context to investigate Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM) behaviour. Despite this, there are fewer studies from the recipient’s perspective. Under this premise, this paper aims to address the behaviour of adoption of online reviews to analyse the chain of relationships between the constructs of social influence, engagement with eWOM and adoption of eWOM in a poorly researched segment such as that of female consumers of cosmetics in Ecuador.

Design/methodology/approach

Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used on a sample of 236 cosmetics consumers in Ecuador.

Findings

The results not only confirm the relationship between the variables and contribute to the understanding of behavioural patterns in a scarcely explored market, but also highlight implications crucial for brand and product marketing strategies on social media.

Research limitations/implications

The focus on a specific demographic segment may limit the generalisability of the findings to broader populations. This suggests avenues for further investigation to enhance the robustness and applicability of the study’s findings.

Practical implications

The paper provides valuable insights for marketing and communication management.

Originality/value

This paper integrates the Information Acceptance Model and the Dual Process Theory, providing empirical insights into consumer behaviour with eWOM.
An empirical analysis of climate transition: a global outlook of agriculture productivity
Authors: Tanveer Zubair , Kalim Rukhsana
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study has empirically investigated the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity worldwide, considering the ranking of agriculture productivity. Additionally, the study has estimated the extent to which climate change favoured agriculture productivity from a global perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study prepared a suitable econometric model and employed the quantile panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag technique with a two-step Error Correction Mechanism to assess the influence of global warming on worldwide agrarian productivity.

Findings

The estimated results provide evidence for the nonlinear impacts of climate change on agriculture productivity across all quantiles. Moreover, threshold levels of average annual temperature rise with the improvement of agricultural productivity, depicting that low-productive areas are highly vulnerable to global warming. Additionally, agricultural inputs like labour, capital and irrigated land are positively related to agricultural productivity, with relatively substantial marginal productivity in highly productive regions. Nevertheless, technological innovations are found to be more productive in low-productive areas.

Practical implications

Policymakers should prioritize region-specific climate-smart agriculture by targeting policies to increase agricultural productivity and minimize the effects of climate change on food security and nutrition.

Originality/value

Despite significant research in this area, there remains a knowledge gap on the nature of this relationship, especially regarding productivity thresholds under warming. The study aims to fill this gap, offering valuable insights to guide policy actions and adaptation strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture productivity.
Financing creativity: how state-owned and foreign ownership shape innovation engagement in China
Authors: Yue Shanshan , Norkhairul Bajuri Hafiz , Khatib Saleh F.A. , Lee Yini
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study delves into the nuanced relationship between financial constraints, ownership structures (state-owned and foreign) and innovation engagement within China’s A-share market, aiming to uncover how these dynamics vary across different industries and regional contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

By retrieving data from various datasets in China (2010–2022), this study analyzed the effectiveness of each variable, employing various dimensions to reflect innovation engagement among Chinese listed companies. Meanwhile, for the measurement of financial constraints, this study tested all four typical ones and opted for the KZ Index, as it is the most suitable for China’s A-share market. Then, by fixing the industry and year effects, the study examined the main and moderating effects. At last, in order to address endogeneity issues and capture the dynamic nature of innovation activities, this study follow the suggestion of Khatib (2024) and employed the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation.

Findings

The results demonstrate that while the government has introduced many policies to promote innovation, state-owned ownership does not consistently enhance innovation engagement as expected, especially when firms are in financial dilemma. Particularly, in Hi-tech industries, foreign ownership demonstrates greater interest and confidence in the innovation capabilities of China’s A-share market. Findings also reveal significant regional heterogeneity in the moderating role of ownership structures. While state-owned and foreign ownerships have a buffering effect against financial constraints in the eastern and western regions, but this effect is notably different in the middle part, even though it is China’s political heartland.

Originality/value

The findings offer a different insight for policymakers and corporate strategists, suggesting that targeted financial and regulatory policies that leverage specific ownership structures can foster innovation in different ways, particularly in financially constrained environments. However, how to stimulate innovation vitality in the middle part of China still requires further research.
Predictive modelling in the shipping industry: analysis from supply and demand sides
Authors: Zhu Siying , Hsieh Cheng-Hsien
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Maritime transportation plays an important role in facilitating both the global and regional merchandise trade, where accurate trend prediction is crucial in assisting decision-making in the industry. This paper aims to conduct a macro-level study to predict world vessel supply and demand.

Design/methodology/approach

The automatic autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) is used for the univariate vessel supply and demand time-series forecasting based on the data records from 1980 to 2021.

Findings

For the future projection of the demand side, the predicted outcomes for total vessel demand and world dry cargo vessel demand until 2030 indicate upward trends. For the supply side, the predominant upward trends for world total vessel supply, oil tanker vessel supply, container vessel supply and other types of vessel supply are captured. The world bulk carrier vessel supply prediction results indicate an initial upward trend, followed by a slight decline, while the forecasted world general cargo vessel supply values remain relatively stable. By comparing the predicted percentage change rates, there is a gradual convergence between demand and supply change rates in the near future. We also find that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time-series prediction results is not statistically significant.

Originality/value

The results can provide policy implications in strategic planning and operation to various stakeholders in the shipping industry for vessel building, scrapping and deployment.
Development of an improved limit pressure solution for shape-distorted 90o pipe bends with through-wall circumferential cracks
Authors: Raghuraman T. , Veerappan AR. , Silambarasan R.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper presents the approximate limit pressure solution for shape-imperfect and through-wall circumferential cracked (TWCC) 90° pipe bends at the intrados region. Finite element (FE) limit analysis was used to estimate the limit pressure by considering the small geometrical change effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-dimensional (3D) geometric linear FE methodology was implemented to investigate the limit pressure of structurally deformed TWCC 90° pipe bends. The material considered in the analysis is elastic perfectly plastic (EPP). The limit pressure of TWCC shape-distorted pipe bends was predicted from the corresponding internal pressure when von-Mises stress was equal to or just exceeded the material’s yield strength for all the models. The theoretical solution which was published in the literature was used to evaluate the current FE approach.

Findings

Ovality Co and TWCC at the intrados region caused a considerable impact on pipe bends, while the thinning? Ct produced a negligible effect and hence was not included in the analysis. With the combined effect, the bend portion of pipe bend experiences substantial influence, and the TWCC effect consequently increases with 45o, 60o and 90o crack angles and decreases the limit pressure of pipe bends. An improved closed-form empirical limit pressure solution was proposed for TWCC shape-distorted pipe bends at the intrados region.

Originality/value

In the limit pressure analysis of 90° pipe bends, the implications of structural irregularities (ovality and thinning) and TWCC have not been examined and reported.
Using destination to support domestic tourism: the moderated mediation effect of residency length
Authors: Naguib Hend M. , Elsharnouby Mohamed H.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of destination accessibility on pro-tourism behaviour directly and indirectly through environmental impacts and/or affective destination image from residents’ point of view. It also investigates the moderated mediation effect of residency length in the indirect relationships between destination accessibility and pro-tourism behaviour through the negative environmental impacts or affective destination image.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method was applied. More specifically, the survey approach was found to be the most effective method of data collection for this research. In total, 351 questionnaires were collected through an online survey from people who currently live in Alexandria. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic while adhering to back-translation guidelines. SPSS and AMOS software were used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

The results showed that residents’ destination accessibility affects both destination image and destination environment but does not affect the pro-tourism behaviour. It indirectly affects the pro-tourism behaviour through only affective destination image. Residency length plays a moderation role in this indirect relationship.

Practical implications

The current study can help policymakers, governments and tourism institutions to make decisions. Policymakers can use these results to adopt a comprehensive policy that encompasses different interested parties in tourism, in order to ensure that tourism development efforts will succeed. The government can also join hands with tourism institutions to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism in order to balance the negative and positive impacts of tourism.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of destination accessibility to support tourism behaviours in domestic tourism.
Generative AI: hopes, controversies and the future of faculty roles in education
Authors: Aad Samar , Hardey Mariann
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) has seen exponential growth in recent years due to its capability to generate original content through natural language processing and comprehensive language models. This paper aims to investigate the transformative impact of GAI on higher education, focusing on the evolving roles of faculty in the classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a phenomenological perspective and a process approach, the study involved 25 semi-structured interviews with academicians in higher education.

Findings

The findings reveal that GAI currently creates biased and commercially driven learning environments, challenging traditional pedagogical models. Despite its potential for enhancing education, the autonomous nature of GAI often prioritizes commercial interests over pedagogical goals.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to faculty perspectives, suggesting future research should include student viewpoints and diverse educational contexts.

Practical implications

The study highlights the need for higher education institutions to develop comprehensive policies, provide training for faculty and students and design new courses that leverage GAI for personalized learning experiences and enhanced faculty research.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the emerging literature on GAI’s impact on education, highlighting its dual nature as both a transformative tool and a potential threat to traditional educational roles and outcomes.
Single‐center experience of extended brain‐death donor heart preservation with the organ care system
Authors: Gregory Vasiliki , Isath Ameesh , Lanier Gregg M. , Levine Avi , Pan Stephen , Aggarwal‐Gupta Chhaya , Elgar Guy , Shimamura Junichi , Wolfe Kevin , Gass Alan , Spielvogel David , Kai Masashi , Ohira Suguru
Published: September 2024

Background

The Organ Care System (OCS) (Transmedics, Andover, MA) reduces cold ischemic time of donor hearts by producing a normothermic beating state during ex vivo perfusion, enabling extended ex situ intervals, which potentially increases donor pool. We aimed to compare outcomes in utilization of OCS and conventional cold storage technique.

Methods

Consecutive heart transplants following brain death at our institution between May 2022 and July 2023 were analyzed. Recipients were divided into those receiving hearts preserved with OCS [N = 15] and those with conventional cold storage (Control, N = 27), with OCS utilization when anticipated ischemic time was more than 4 h. Pre‐transplant characteristics and transplant outcomes were compared.

Results

OCS utilization allowed a significant increase in distance traveled for heart retrieval (OCS, 624 ± 269 vs. Control, 153 ± 128 miles, p < 0.001), with longer mean total preservation times (6.2 ± 1.1 vs 2.6 ± 0.6 h, p < 0.001). All but one patient displayed a general decrease or plateau in lactate throughout perfusion time by OCS. Both groups experienced similar rates of severe primary graft dysfunction (OCS, 6.7% [N = 1] vs. Control, 11.1% [N = 3], p = 0.63), with 100% in‐hospital survival in the OCS group compared to 96.3% in the Control group (p = 0.34). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that estimated one‐year survival were comparable (OCS, 93.3 ± 6.4% vs. Control, 88.9 ± 6.0%, p = 0.61).

Conclusion

With a mean preservation time of around 6 h and distance covered of over 600 miles, our results using OCS indicate a potential to safely increase the quantity and viability of accessible organs, thus broadening the donor pool without negatively affecting outcomes.
Development and validation of a questionnaire on bodily experience in VAD patients (BE‐S)
Authors: Richter Fabian , Kugler Christiane , Tigges‐Limmer Katharina , Albert Wolfgang
Published: September 2024

Background

Little is known about the disturbance in bodily experience (BE) following ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. The level of disturbance in BE serves as an indicator of the status of the patients' adaptation process to the device. This process encompasses coping with both the more affective, psychological conflicts and the more cognitive, practical challenges of living with the VAD. To provide an economical screening tool for everyday clinical practice, we refined and validated a questionnaire on BE in VAD patients.

Methods

Seven specific items were derived from clinical experience and presented to 365 VAD patients (85% male; time since implantation: 3–36 months). The item structure was examined using factor analyses and probabilistic test theory. Discriminant validity and change sensitivity were determined in relation to associated psychometric instruments.

Results

Four items were found to constitute the unidimensional bodily experience scale (BE‐S). Besides a high internal consistency of the scale (ω = 0.86), the RMSEA of >0.01 indicates a very good model fit. The BE‐S has high convergent validity with related constructs (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire). Change sensitivity analyses proved the BE‐S alone to be significantly sensitive to the temporal dynamics of psychological adaptation processes following VAD implantation.

Conclusion

The BE‐S constitutes a valid and economical tool for clinical practice to assess patients' disturbance in BE after VAD implantation. It is a valuable tool for identifying patients with difficulties in adapting to the VAD. Subsequently, it enables early and focused therapeutic support for these patients at risk.
Letter: Association between terlipressin and multi‐drug‐resistant organism rectal colonisation
Authors: Tan Katrina , Jahanabadi Hossein , Pandey Dinesh , Sinclair Marie , Majumdar Avik , Trubiano Jason A. , Kwong Jason C. , Testro Adam , Smibert Olivia
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Mücke et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17899 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18256