bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demystifying the eighth lean waste: a knowledge waste scale
Authors: Klein Leander Luiz , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Alves Anabela Carvalho , Pissutti Matheus
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Since few studies have explored and advanced on the development of measures of knowledge waste, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a scale for measuring the waste of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

A research was carried out in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) divided into five distinct stages, three qualitative and two quantitative. For the quantitative steps, a sample of 223 responses was obtained for the exploratory part and another sample of 614 responses for the confirmatory part of the study. Data analysis procedures involved Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis to test and validate the proposed scale.

Findings

A fifteen-item scale divided into four constructs was obtained after refinement of the proposed scale and validation procedures (convergent and discriminant validity). The scale also has satisfactory levels of reliability.

Research limitations/implications

The resulting scale was validated in a single institutional culture environment (HEIs in Southern Brazil). So it still should be tested in different organizational contexts and cross-culturally in different countries. The scale may be useful for decision-making improvement about knowledge management and waste reduction.

Practical implications

A scale with a practical and quick application is provided. Additionally, a classification of the waste of knowledge level was developed and it could be easily applied in different sectors or organizations.

Originality/value

The literature on waste of knowledge is limited and often confused with knowledge loss. This study provides a clear distinction between these topics, and it advances on the explanation and definition of knowledge waste. Also, it is the first study to offer a scale to measure the elements of knowledge waste.
The role of institutional and self in the formation of trust in artificial intelligence technologies
Authors: Wong Lai-Wan , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Ooi Keng-Boon , Dwivedi Yogesh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in travel and tourism has received much attention in the wake of the pandemic. While societal adoption of AI has accelerated, it also raises some trust challenges. Literature on trust in AI is scant, especially regarding the vulnerabilities faced by different stakeholders to inform policy and practice. This work proposes a framework to understand the use of AI technologies from the perspectives of institutional and the self to understand the formation of trust in the mandated use of AI-based technologies in travelers.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical investigation using partial least squares-structural equation modeling was employed on responses from 209 users. This paper considered factors related to the self (perceptions of self-threat, privacy empowerment, trust propensity) and institution (regulatory protection, corporate privacy responsibility) to understand the formation of trust in AI use for travelers.

Findings

Results showed that self-threat, trust propensity and regulatory protection influence trust in users on AI use. Privacy empowerment and corporate responsibility do not.

Originality/value

Insights from the past studies on AI in travel and tourism are limited. This study advances current literature on affordance and reactance theories to provide a better understanding of what makes travelers trust the mandated use of AI technologies. This work also demonstrates the paradoxical effects of self and institution on technologies and their relationship to trust. For practice, this study offers insights for enhancing adoption via developing trust.
Cognition or interaction? Mediating factors influencing online group open collaboration
Authors: Zuo Min , Qiu Jiangnan , Wang Jingxian
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Online collaboration in today's world is a topic of genuine interest to Internet researchers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of group knowledge heterogeneity (GKH) in open collaboration performance using the mediating mechanisms of group cognition (GC) and interaction to understand the determinants of the success of online open collaboration platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Study findings are based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), the formal mediation test and moderating effect analysis from Wikipedia's 160 online open collaborative groups.

Findings

For online knowledge heterogeneous groups, open collaboration performance is mediated by both GC and collaborative interaction (COL). The mediating role of GC is weak, while the mediating role of COL is strengthened when knowledge complexity (KC) is higher. By dividing group interaction into COL and communicative interaction (COM), the authors also observed that COL is effective for online open collaboration, whereas COM is limited.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that for more heterogeneous large groups, group interaction would explain more variance in performance than GC, offering an in-depth understanding of the relationship between group heterogeneity and open collaboration performance, answering what determines the success of online open collaboration platforms as well as explaining the inconsistency in prior findings. In addition, this study expands the application of Interactive Team Cognition (ITC) theory to the online open collaboration context.
Handmade clothing consumption as a means of self-expression
Authors: van der Westhuizen Liezl-Marié , Kuhn Stefanie Wilhelmina
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study examines handmade clothing consumption as a means of self-expression by exploring the interrelationships between consumers' self-expression, brand love and word of mouth.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 295 respondents in South Africa who posted about fashion on social media and who had bought handmade clothing in the 6 months prior to data collection. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the interrelationships between consumers' self-expression, brand love and word of mouth.

Findings

Brand love intervenes between consumers' self-brand connections and word of mouth about handmade clothing. More specifically, brand love strengthens positive word of mouth online and mitigates negative word-of-mouth intentions following a handmade clothing product failure scenario.

Research limitations/implications

The study enlightens scholarly understanding of consumers' self-expression motivations for using ready-made handmade clothing that results in brand love and positive word of mouth.

Practical implications

Handmade clothing marketers who tap into consumers' self-expression and who can establish brand love among consumers can similarly create beneficial consumer–brand relationships.

Originality/value

Consumers often use handmade clothing for the purpose of self-expression, which provides subsequent spin-offs for brands in the form of brand love and positive word of mouth. Objective self-awareness theory provides a parsimonious lens to reveal the important role that brand love plays as a mechanism to explain the linkage of consumers' self-brand connections to word of mouth about handmade clothing.
Restaurants under COVID-19 knife
Authors: Safavi Homayoun Pasha , Bouzari Mona , Foroutan Taraneh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Drawing upon conservation of resources (COR) theory and social exchange theory (SET), this study aims to empirically test a conceptual model in which social loafing (SLof) acts as a mediator in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 (FoC-19) and organizational deviant behaviors (OD). Additionally, the model proposed the moderating effect of servant leadership (SL) in the relation between FoC-19 and SLof.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships were examined using structural equation modeling with LISREL (linear structural relations) 8.30 using data from front-line restaurant employees and their supervisors in India using a time-lag design.

Findings

Results suggest that SLof mediates the effects of FoC-19 on OD. Additionally, the results confirm that SL moderates the relation between FoC-19 and SLof.

Research limitations/implications

It would be beneficial to increase the knowledge concerning the other potential outcomes of SLof. Moreover, it would be helpful to examine other probable moderators like trust in supervisor and supervisor support to understand whether they can have an interfering role in mitigating and minimizing SLof among restaurant employees.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, restaurant managers should pay sufficient attention to and carefully choose the leadership approach they apply in their workplaces. Restaurant managers would try to establish a bond with their employees by showing them empathy and paying attention to their emotional needs. The authors also suggest leaders who are leading people through crises make their employees understand why their job is important, rejuvenate their sense of attachment to their groups and organizations, and set clear directions for their employees.

Originality/value

The current study adds to the existing literature by investigating the effects of FoC-19 on front-line employees using data collected in the Indian restaurant industry. This empirical study will enrich the authors’ knowledge and understanding of the effect of SL to reduce the positive impact of FoC-19 on SLof.
Impacts of tourists’ trust, perception and acceptance of health quick response technology on responsible pandemic travel behaviours
Authors: Liu Shasha , Zheng Danni
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to establish and empirically test a theoretical framework to explain the impacts of health quick response (QR) technology trust and acceptance on responsible pandemic travel.

Design/methodology/approach

The study integrates trust, confidence and cooperation theory and the technology acceptance model (TAM) to address the research aim. Adopting a quota sampling approach, a national online survey of 1,089 respondents was conducted across mainland China. Structural equation modelling is applied to evaluate the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate that health QR code technology trust can improve travel confidence and mitigate travel fear, which influences travel intention and social distancing practices among tourists. However, tourists’ acceptance of health QR codes encourages social distancing behaviours rather than travel intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The study illustrates the role of health information technology in improving tourist confidence and responsible travel behaviours in a pandemic context. Furthermore, the research supports and adds to the TAM by investigating the relationships between acceptance of health-related technology and pandemic travel behaviour.

Practical implications

This research helps the local government and tourism managers to evaluate the effectiveness of health QR codes in pandemic travel in China. Strategies for improving tourists’ trust, technology adoption and responsible behaviours are provided.

Originality/value

This study differs from existing literature by investigating the innovative technology (i.e., health QR codes) in pandemic travel. Given the prevalence of health QR codes after the COVID-19 outbreak, it fills a knowledge gap and provides advice to improve pandemic travel safety.
Research on the impact of boundary-spanning search on the sustainable development ability of service-oriented manufacturing enterprises: evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Wang Lijing , Wang Weiwei , Li Qingxue
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the mechanism underlying the impact of boundary-spanning search (BS) on the sustainable development ability (SDA) of service-oriented manufacturing enterprises and to emphasize the intermediary role of knowledge integration (KI). The moderating role of knowledge inertia on the link between BS and KI is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructs direct, mediating and moderating effects, selects 110 service-oriented manufacturing enterprises as research samples and obtains empirical data from questionnaires and annual reports. Among them, triangulation is skilfully used to obtain questionnaire data, and the regression method is used to test model relationships.

Findings

The results show that BS not only directly enhances SDA but also indirectly affects it through KI, which plays a mediating role in the impact of BS on SDA. In addition, knowledge inertia negatively moderates the relationship between BS and KI.

Originality/value

This paper makes three contributions. First, it enriches the research on the antecedent variables related to the SDA of service-oriented manufacturing enterprises. Second, by examining the mediating role of KI and the moderating role of knowledge inertia, the relationship between BS and SDA is revealed. Third, the research on knowledge management related to the SDA of service-oriented manufacturing enterprises is expanded.
Experimental evidence root‐associated microbes mediate seagrass response to environmental stress
Authors: Fuggle Rose E. , Gribben Paul E. , Marzinelli Ezequiel M.
Published: February 2023

Below‐ground microbiota play an important role in mediating environmental conditions with important consequences for plant performance. Micro‐organisms involved in plant–soil interactions may be associated with roots or bulk soil; however, the relative influence of these below‐ground microbial assemblages on plant performance is poorly known, particularly for marine plants.

We separately manipulated the root and sediment microbial assemblages of the seagrass Zostera muelleri in a fully factorial experiment to determine how these assemblages determined plant response (e.g. growth) to nutrient enrichment, a major stressor in marine systems.

Under ambient nutrient conditions, seagrass growth was maintained regardless of root microbial assemblage disruption. Under high nutrient stress, however, seagrasses with disrupted root microbiota had reduced growth, whereas growth was maintained in seagrasses with an intact root microbiota. Disruption of bulk‐sediment microbiota did not affect seagrass growth. Nutrient elevation was correlated with enhanced abundances of several putatively beneficial microbial taxa (e.g. sulphide‐oxidising Beggiatoaceae and denitrifying Geofilum rubicundum) associated with roots.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that under ambient nutrient conditions micro‐organisms play a reduced role in influencing plant performance, but under more stressful conditions positive plant–root micro‐organism interactions strengthened. These results are among the first to experimentally determine that interactions between marine plants and the root‐associated microbiota are key drivers of seagrass performance under human‐induced environmental changes. This suggests that as in terrestrial systems, marine plant resilience depends on the stress‐mitigating functions of their root‐associated microbiota and disturbance to those plant–microbiota interactions can be deleterious for plant performance. Improving our understanding of these plant–micro‐organism interactions may be critical for understanding the functioning and resilience of threatened marine plants and developing more effective restoration strategies for them.
The Symbolic Management of Women on Company Boards: Evidence Using the UK Davies Review
Authors: Gregory‐Smith Ian , Main Brian G. M.
Published: February 2023

This paper tests for the presence of the symbolic management of women board directors. The data are based on companies in the UK FTSE All‐Share Index between 1996 and 2017. Our sample experiences a sharp increase in the number of women board directors after a major reform in 2011, known as the Davies Review. While the Davies Review has triggered a rise in the number of women in non‐executive director positions, these women continue to experience a disproportionate exit rate around 9 years of tenure. This is a symbolically significant moment because at 9 years directors are no longer considered ‘independent’ under the UK Governance Code. Notwithstanding the progress made following the Davies Review, the evidence presented here supports the view that women often serve on company boards for symbolic rather than substantive motives.
Social class and approaches to shaping educational expectations
Authors: Thomsen Jens‐Peter
Published: February 2023

Scholars have recognized young people's educational expectations as a key factor in predicting educational outcomes, but few studies have attempted a comprehensive classification of how young people's educational expectations are shaped. In this article, I outline a typology of how young people from different social class origins shape their educational expectations. Drawing on 100 interviews with 15‐year‐olds, I find two underlying dimensions in young people's accounts of their educational expectations: how risk aware they are and how goal oriented they are. These dimensions translate into a heuristic model for understanding the structure of young people's educational expectations. I identify four major approaches to shaping educational expectations ‐ the confident, the determined, the explorative, and the anxious ‐ and show how these approaches connect to the young people's class origin. The typology of approaches offers a conceptual framework for understanding the mechanisms that lead young people to shape their expectations in qualitatively different ways.
Three‐dimensional chromatin re‐organization during muscle stem cell aging
Authors: Yang Benjamin A. , Larouche Jacqueline A. , Sabin Kaitlyn M. , Fraczek Paula M. , Parker Stephen C. J. , Aguilar Carlos A.
Published: February 2023

Age‐related skeletal muscle atrophy or sarcopenia is a significant societal problem that is becoming amplified as the world's population continues to increase. The regeneration of damaged skeletal muscle is mediated by muscle stem cells, but in old age muscle stem cells become functionally attenuated. The molecular mechanisms that govern muscle stem cell aging encompass changes across multiple regulatory layers and are integrated by the three‐dimensional organization of the genome. To quantitatively understand how hierarchical chromatin architecture changes during muscle stem cell aging, we generated 3D chromatin conformation maps (Hi‐C) and integrated these datasets with multi‐omic (chromatin accessibility and transcriptome) profiles from bulk populations and single cells. We observed that muscle stem cells display static behavior at global scales of chromatin organization during aging and extensive rewiring of local contacts at finer scales that were associated with variations in transcription factor binding and aberrant gene expression. These data provide insights into genome topology as a regulator of molecular function in stem cell aging.
Decoding the genetic and epigenetic basis of asthma
Authors: Stikker Bernard S. , Hendriks Rudi W. , Stadhouders Ralph
Published: February 2023

Asthma is a complex and heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Alongside environmental factors, asthma susceptibility is strongly influenced by genetics. Given its high prevalence and our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms underlying disease susceptibility, asthma is frequently studied in genome‐wide association studies (GWAS), which have identified thousands of genetic variants associated with asthma development. Virtually all these genetic variants reside in non‐coding genomic regions, which has obscured the functional impact of asthma‐associated variants and their translation into disease‐relevant mechanisms. Recent advances in genomics technology and epigenetics now offer methods to link genetic variants to gene regulatory elements embedded within non‐coding regions, which have started to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex (epi)genetics of asthma. Here, we provide an integrated overview of (epi)genetic variants associated with asthma, focusing on efforts to link these disease associations to biological insight into asthma pathophysiology using state‐of‐the‐art genomics methodology. Finally, we provide a perspective as to how decoding the genetic and epigenetic basis of asthma has the potential to transform clinical management of asthma and to predict the risk of asthma development.
Soil seed bank development of smoke‐responsive plant species in a 23‐year restoration chronosequence and implications for resilience to fire
Authors: Cowan Ebony L. , Miller Ben P. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Enright Neal J. , Standish Rachel J.
Published: February 2023

Aims

Responses of ecological restoration projects to disturbances are rarely explored, yet their capacity to withstand and recover from disturbance (resilience) is a critical measure of restoration success. In many plant communities, the soil seed bank (SSB) provides an important source of propagules for species persistence and community resilience to disturbance. Understanding how SSBs develop with time can inform restoration of resilient ecosystems. Here, in fire‐prone Banksia woodland restoration following sand mining, we ask: (a) how does the smoke‐responsive (dormancy broken by smoke) SSB develop over time; (b) what plant‐trait and climate factors influence its development; and (c) what do the data suggest for the resilience of these restored woodlands to fire?

Location

Ellenbrook, Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia (latitude −31.76, longitude 115.95).

Methods

We used smoke, a key germination cue associated with fire disturbance, to trigger germination of the SSB in Banksia woodland restoration. Using a chronosequence of nine ages between 3 and 26 years since initiation of restoration, we tested how the SSB develops using counts and richness of germinating native and invasive annuals, and native perennial obligate seeding and resprouting species. To understand the contribution of above‐ground restored vegetation to SSB development, we compared Sørensen's similarity of the smoke germinable SSB (smoked SSB) and untreated germinable SSB (control SSB) with above‐ground vegetation.

Results

Smoked SSB germinant density decreased with restoration age for both native and invasive annuals, but was stable for native perennials. Similarity between smoked SSB and above‐ground vegetation was higher for perennial obligate seeders than for resprouters and peaked for perennials at 23 years.

Conclusions

Post‐fire regeneration potential of the SSB was evident across the chronosequence, with restoration age influencing the density of native annuals and overall composition of the SSB. The findings for perennial species suggest an increase in resilience to fire with restoration age.
The mediating effects of needs satisfaction on the relationships between prior knowledge and self‐regulated learning through artificial intelligence chatbot
Authors: Xia Qi , Chiu Thomas K. F. , Chai Ching Sing , Xie Kui
Published: February 2023

The anthropomorphic characteristics of artificial intelligence (AI) can provide a positive environment for self‐regulated learning (SRL). The factors affecting adolescents' SRL through AI technologies remain unclear. Limited AI and disciplinary knowledge may affect the students' motivations, as explained by self‐determination theory (SDT). In this study, we examine the mediating effects of needs satisfaction in SDT on the relationship between students' previous technical (AI) and disciplinary (English) knowledge and SRL, using an AI conversational chatbot. Data were collected from 323 9th Grade students through a questionnaire and a test. The students completed an AI basic unit and then learned English with a conversational chatbot for 5 days. Confidence intervals were calculated to investigate the mediating effects. We found that students' previous knowledge of English but not their AI knowledge directly affected their SRL with the chatbot, and that satisfying the need for autonomy and competence mediated the relationships between both knowledge (AI and English) and SRL, but relatedness did not. The self‐directed nature of SRL requires heavy cognitive learning and satisfying the need for autonomy and competence may more effectively engage young children in this type of learning. The findings also revealed that current chatbot technologies may not benefit students with relatively lower levels of English proficiency. We suggest that teachers can use conversational chatbots for knowledge consolidation purposes, but not in SRL explorations.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can potentially support students' self‐regulated learning (SRL) of disciplinary knowledge through chatbots.

Needs satisfaction in Self‐determination theory (SDT) can explain the directive process required for SRL.

Technical and disciplinary knowledge would affect SRL with technologies.

What this paper adds

This study examines the mediating effects of needs satisfaction in SDT on the relationship between students' previous AI (technical) and English (disciplinary) knowledge and SRL, using an AI conversational chatbot.

Students' previous knowledge of English but not their AI knowledge directly affected their SRL with the chatbot.

Autonomy and competence were mediators, but relatedness was not.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Teachers should use chatbots for knowledge consolidation rather than exploration.

Teachers should support students' competence and autonomy, as these were found to be the factors that directly predicted SRL.

School leaders and teacher educators should include the mediating effects of needs satisfaction in professional development programmes for digital education.
A peptide rich in glycine–serine–alanine repeats ameliorates Alzheimer‐type neurodegeneration
Authors: Yao Si‐Yuan , Wang Jia‐Fan , Xu Zheng , Meng Yue , Xue Yue , Yang Fan , Yao Wen‐Bing , Gao Xiang‐Dong , Chen Song
Published: February 2023

Background and Purpose

Repeated amino acid sequences in proteins are widely found, and the glycine–serine–alanine repeat is an element with a general propensity to form β‐sheet aggregates as found in key pathological factors, in several neurodegenerative diseases. Such properties of this repeat may guide development of disease‐modifying therapies for neurodegenerative disease. However, details of its role and underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown.

Experimental Approach

Actions of specific glycine–serine–alanine repeat peptides (SNPs), especially SNP‐9, on Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐like abnormalities were evaluated in transgenic mice and Caenorhabditis elegans, and in rat and cell models. Entry of SNPs into the brain, SNP activity in neuronal cells and peptide entry into cells were analysed in vivo and in vitro. Cell‐free systems and the yeast two‐hybrid system were also used to explore possible targets of SNP‐9, and interactions of potential targets with SNP‐9 were confirmed in cell‐based systems.

Key Results

We first identified SNP‐9 as a potent neuroprotective peptide with the activity to decrease oligomeric amyloid β (Aβ) via co‐assembling with the toxic Aβ oligomer to form hetero‐oligomers. Also, calcyclin‐binding protein was found to act as a SNP‐9‐binding protein, by screening of a human brain cDNA library. Such binding showed that SNP‐9 could regulate the abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau via calcyclin‐binding protein.

Conclusion and Implications

Our study provides a foundation for development of SNPs, especially SNP‐9, as potential therapeutic interventions for AD. We propose SNP‐9 as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of AD.
How do municipal mayors and councillors communicate with other levels of government? Evidence from a multi‐level survey of Canadian elected officials
Authors: Eidelman Gabriel , Lucas Jack
Published: February 2023

While past research suggests that informal processes of dialogue play an important role in municipal intergovernmental relations in Canada, we currently know very little about their character and frequency. Who do local elected officials communicate with, and through which channels? And which municipal voices carry the most weight in these conversations? This article answers these questions from the perspective of elected politicians themselves, using a pan‐Canadian survey of municipal, provincial, and federal elected representatives. Our findings confirm that municipal intergovernmental relations depend heavily on informal institutions and personal relationships and highlight the key role of municipal mayors as spokespersons and advocates for municipalities in Canadian federalism.
Epigenetic regulation of embryonic ectoderm development in stem cell differentiation and transformation during ontogenesis
Authors: Huang Liuyan , Li Feifei , Ye Ling , Yu Fanyuan , Wang Chenglin
Published: February 2023

Dynamic chromatin accessibility regulates stem cell fate determination and tissue homeostasis via controlling gene expression. As a histone‐modifying enzyme that predominantly mediates methylation of lysine 27 in histone H3 (H3K27me1/2/3), Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) plays the canonical role in targeting developmental regulators during stem cell differentiation and transformation. Embryonic ectoderm development (EED), the core scaffold subunit of PRC2 and as an H3K27me3‐recognizing protein, has been broadly implicated with PRC2 stabilization and allosterically stimulated PRC2. Accumulating evidences from experimental data indicate that EED‐associating epigenetic modifications are indispensable for stem cell maintenance and differentiation into specific cell lineages. In this review, we discuss the most updated advances to summarize the structural architecture of EED and its contributions and underlying mechanisms to mediating lineage differentiation of different stem cells during epigenetic modification to expand our understanding of PRC2.
Redoxtrons – An experimental system to study redox processes within the capillary fringe
Authors: Dorau Kristof , Uteau Daniel , Maisch Markus , Kappler Andreas , Peth Stephan , Mansfeldt Tim
Published: February 2023

Spatiotemporal characterisation of the soil redox status within the capillary fringe (CF) is a challenging task. Air‐filled porosities (ε), oxygen concentration (O2) and soil redox potential (EH) are interrelated soil variables within active biogeochemical domains such as the CF. We investigated the impact of water table (WT) rise and drainage in an undisturbed topsoil and subsoil sample taken from a Calcaric Gleysol for a period of 46 days. We merged 1D (EH and matric potential) and 2D (O2) systems to monitor at high spatiotemporal resolution redox dynamics within self‐constructed redoxtron housings and complemented the data set by a 3D pore network characterization using X‐ray microtomography (X‐ray μCT). Depletion of O2 was faster in the organic matter‐ and clay‐rich aggregated topsoil and the CF extended >10 cm above the artificial WT. The homogeneous and less‐aggregated subsoil extended only 4 cm above the WT as indicated by ε–O2–EH data during saturation. After drainage, 2D O2 imaging revealed a fast aeration towards the lower depths of the topsoil, which agrees with the connected ε derived by X‐ray μCT (εCT_conn) of 14.9% of the total porosity. However, small‐scaled anoxic domains with O2 saturation <5% were apparent even after lowering the WT (down to 0.25 cm2 in size) for 23 days. These domains remained a nucleus for reducing soil conditions (EH < −100 mV), which made it challenging to characterise the soil redox status in the CF. In contrast, the subsoil aeration reached O2 saturation after 8 days for the complete soil volume. Values of εCT_conn around zero in the subsoil highlighted that soil aeration was independent of this parameter suggesting that other variables such as microbial activity must be considered when predicting the soil redox status from ε alone. The use of redoxtrons in combination with localised redox‐measurements and image based pore space analysis resulted in a better 2D/3D characterisation of the pore system and related O2 transport properties. This allowed us to analyse the distribution and activity of microbiological niches highly associated with the spatiotemporal variable redox dynamics in soil environments.

Highlights

The time needed to turn from reducing to oxidising (period where all platinum electrodes feature EH > 300 mV) condition differ for two samples with contrasting soil structure.

The subsoil with presumably low O2 consumption rates aerated considerably faster than the topsoil and exclusively by O2 diffusion through medium‐ and fine‐sized pores.

To derive the soil redox status based upon the triplet ε–O2–EH is challenging at present in heterogeneous soil domains and larger soil volumes than 250 cm3.

Undisturbed soil sampling along with 2D/3D redox measurement systems (e.g., redoxtrons) improve our understanding of redox dynamics within the capillary fringe.
Neurostimulation in generalized epilepsy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haneef Zulfi , Skrehot Henry C.
Published: February 2023

Objective

There are three neurostimulation devices available to treat generalized epilepsy: vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS). However, the choice between them is unclear due to lack of head‐to‐head comparisons. A systematic comparison of neurostimulation outcomes in generalized epilepsy has not been performed previously. The goal of this meta‐analysis was to determine whether one of these devices is better than the others to treat generalized epilepsy.

Methods

Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed for studies reporting seizure outcomes following VNS, RNS, and DBS implantation in generalized drug‐resistant epilepsy between the first pivotal trial study for each modality through August 2022. Specific search criteria were used for VNS (“vagus”, “vagal”, or “VNS” in the title and “epilepsy” or “seizure”), DBS (“deep brain stimulation”, “DBS”, “anterior thalamic nucleus”, “centromedian nucleus”, or “thalamic stimulation” in the title and “epilepsy” or “seizure”), and RNS (“responsive neurostimulation” or “RNS” in the title and “epilepsy” or “seizure”). From 4409 articles identified, 319 underwent full‐text reviews, and 20 studies were included. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model using the meta package in R.

Results

Sufficient data for meta‐analysis were available from seven studies for VNS (n = 510) and nine studies for DBS (n = 87). Data from RNS (five studies, n = 18) were insufficient for meta‐analysis. The mean (SD) follow‐up durations were as follows: VNS, 39.1 (23.4) months; DBS, 23.1 (19.6) months; and RNS, 22.3 (10.6) months. Meta‐analysis showed seizure reductions of 48.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 38.7%–57.9%) for VNS and 64.8% (95% CI = 54.4%–75.2%) for DBS (p = .02).

Significance

Our meta‐analysis indicates that the use of DBS may lead to greater seizure reduction than VNS in generalized epilepsy. Results from RNS use are promising, but further research is required.
A library of quantitative markers of seizure severity
Authors: Gascoigne Sarah J. , Waldmann Leonard , Schroeder Gabrielle M. , Panagiotopoulou Mariella , Blickwedel Jess , Chowdhury Fahmida , Cronie Alison , Diehl Beate , Duncan John S. , Falconer Jennifer , Faulder Ryan , Guan Yu , Leach Veronica , Livingstone Shona , Papasavvas Christoforos , Thomas Rhys H. , Wilson Kevin , Taylor Peter N. , Wang Yujiang
Published: February 2023

Objective

Understanding fluctuations in seizure severity within individuals is important for determining treatment outcomes and responses to therapy, as well as assessing novel treatments for epilepsy. Current methods for grading seizure severity rely on qualitative interpretations from patients and clinicians. Quantitative measures of seizure severity would complement existing approaches to electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring, outcome monitoring, and seizure prediction. Therefore, we developed a library of quantitative EEG markers that assess the spread and intensity of abnormal electrical activity during and after seizures.

Methods

We analyzed intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings of 1009 seizures from 63 patients. For each seizure, we computed 16 markers of seizure severity that capture the signal magnitude, spread, duration, and postictal suppression of seizures.

Results

Quantitative EEG markers of seizure severity distinguished focal versus subclinical seizures across patients. In individual patients, 53% had a moderate to large difference (rank sum , ) between focal and subclinical seizures in three or more markers. Circadian and longer term changes in severity were found for the majority of patients.

Significance

We demonstrate the feasibility of using quantitative iEEG markers to measure seizure severity. Our quantitative markers distinguish between seizure types and are therefore sensitive to established qualitative differences in seizure severity. Our results also suggest that seizure severity is modulated over different timescales. We envisage that our proposed seizure severity library will be expanded and updated in collaboration with the epilepsy research community to include more measures and modalities.
Quantifying trial‐by‐trial variability during cortico‐cortical evoked potential mapping of epileptogenic tissue
Authors: Cornblath Eli J. , Lucas Alfredo , Armstrong Caren , Greenblatt Adam S. , Stein Joel M. , Hadar Peter N. , Raghupathi Ramya , Marsh Eric , Litt Brian , Davis Kathryn A. , Conrad Erin C.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Measuring cortico‐cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) is a promising tool for mapping epileptic networks, but it is not known how variability in brain state and stimulation technique might impact the use of CCEPs for epilepsy localization. We test the hypotheses that (1) CCEPs demonstrate systematic variability across trials and (2) CCEP amplitudes depend on the timing of stimulation with respect to endogenous, low‐frequency oscillations.

Methods

We studied 11 patients who underwent CCEP mapping after stereo‐electroencephalography electrode implantation for surgical evaluation of drug‐resistant epilepsy. Evoked potentials were measured from all electrodes after each pulse of a 30 s, 1 Hz bipolar stimulation train. We quantified monotonic trends, phase dependence, and standard deviation (SD) of N1 (15–50 ms post‐stimulation) and N2 (50–300 ms post‐stimulation) amplitudes across the 30 stimulation trials for each patient. We used linear regression to quantify the relationship between measures of CCEP variability and the clinical seizure‐onset zone (SOZ) or interictal spike rates.

Results

We found that N1 and N2 waveforms exhibited both positive and negative monotonic trends in amplitude across trials. SOZ electrodes and electrodes with high interictal spike rates had lower N1 and N2 amplitudes with higher SD across trials. Monotonic trends of N1 and N2 amplitude were more positive when stimulating from an area with higher interictal spike rate. We also found intermittent synchronization of trial‐level N1 amplitude with low‐frequency phase in the hippocampus, which did not localize the SOZ.

Significance

These findings suggest that standard approaches for CCEP mapping, which involve computing a trial‐averaged response over a .2–1 Hz stimulation train, may be masking inter‐trial variability that localizes to epileptogenic tissue. We also found that CCEP N1 amplitudes synchronize with ongoing low‐frequency oscillations in the hippocampus. Further targeted experiments are needed to determine whether phase‐locked stimulation could have a role in localizing epileptogenic tissue.
Perirectal abscess as suspected cause of bladder rupture in a foal
Authors: Abanades Kenyon Connor , Jocelyn Natasha , Kane‐Smyth Justine
Published: February 2023

A 4‐month‐old colt foal was admitted to the hospital with a history of acute stranguria and colic signs. On presentation, he was tachycardic, tachypnoeic and pyrexic. Blood work showed marked leucocytosis and severe azotaemia. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed a reduced bladder lumen and a large volume of free peritoneal fluid. Abdominocentesis confirmed uroperitoneum. The foal underwent a general anaesthetic to repair the bladder. Unfortunately, the following day, the uroperitoneum recurred, so a revision surgery was performed. The bladder wall was repaired and a large impaction of the terminal small colon and rectum was diagnosed at this point. Rectal examination post‐operatively revealed a spherical mass compressing the dorsal aspect of the rectum, which reduced its diameter by approximately 75%. Ultrasound examination, cytology and culture of a fine‐needle aspirate of the mass revealed it to be a perirectal abscess, and this was drained per rectum and lavaged several times. The foal recovered well, regained the ability to micturate and remained healthy at subsequent post‐operative checks. It is suspected that the perirectal abscess led to overdistention and subsequent rupture of the bladder.
Sex‐specific differences in oxidative stress markers and collagen expression in perioral skin wrinkling
Authors: Brown Isabelle D. , Dillen Carly , Ly Bao Chau , Shyam Nikhil , Kang Sewon , Chien Anna L.
Published: February 2023

Wrinkling is the hallmark of skin ageing. We previously reported that perioral wrinkling is more severe in females; however, the molecular basis is unknown. This study assessed sex differences in the molecular expression of key ageing regulators in perioral skin. Twelve subjects (n = 6 male/female) were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study and biopsies were taken from the perioral and periocular regions. RNA expression of collagen I, collagen III, cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) was assessed by qPCR. There was no difference between females' and males' Griffith's grades (6 and 5.67, respectively, p = 0.092) or periocular wrinkling grades (3.2 and 2.6, p = 0.421), but females had more severe perioral wrinkling grades than males (6.2 and 2.8, p = 0.020). Females not only expressed significantly more CYR61 (p = 0.018) in the perioral region than malesm but also expressed more collagen III (p = 0.016). There was no difference in collagen I (p = 0.115) or IGF‐1 (p = 0.124) expression in the perioral region between sexes. In the periocular region, there were no significant differences between sexes in the expression of all four markers. The significant molecular differences in the perioral region between the sexes may contribute to the greater perioral skin wrinkling seen clinically in females.
Fifth‐generation fractal antenna design based on the Koch Snowflake geometry. A fractal theory application
Authors: Paun Maria‐Alexandra , Nichita Mihai‐Virgil , Paun Vladimir‐Alexandru , Paun Viorel‐Puiu
Published: February 2023

The projection of fifth‐generation (5G) fractal antennas and their advantageous geometry are examined. The fact that fractal‐shaped antennas based on Koch Snowflake geometry are suitable for higher frequencies was shown above all. By the instrumentality of this technology, which aims to serve a large number of subscribers by implementing revolutionary devices (e.g. Massive MIMO, beam‐forming, high‐performance processors, etc.), it is possible to obtain multiple facilities. Fractal geometrics forms have been made using fractalKoch function from MATLAB R2018b, having as initial characteristic the series of successful repetitions. 2D and 3D characteristics of directivity at the values of 455, 465, 755.5 and 789.5 MHz (designed antennas), for two, three respectively four iterations of Koch's Snowflake fractals have been highlighted. We mention that all the software and programs developed for the fractal antennas design obtained in this paper are new and genuine.
The effect of graph complexity and planning on graph writing performance and descriptive strategies
Authors: Golparvar Seyyed Ehsan , Azizsahra Mahsa
Published: February 2023

The impact of task complexity on integrated writing performance is under‐researched. This study purports to investigate the effect of graph complexity and planning time on graph writing performance as well as graph description strategies. Ninety‐six EFL learners of English were assigned into three groups to examine the effect of three planning conditions, that is, pretask planning, within‐task planning, and no planning. Moreover, graph complexity, operationalized as the number of visual chunks in a graph, was the within‐subject variable. In general, there were some benefits of graph complexity for syntactic complexity and some planning benefits for fluency, accuracy, and lexical diversity. However, graph complexity had a negative impact on accuracy, and measures of lexical sophistication were not affected in any condition. On the graph description side, pretask planning and graph complexity had a positive impact on graph description strategies. The theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
The resurrection of vocational interests in human resources research and practice: Evidence, challenges, and a working model
Authors: Wille Bart , De Fruyt Filip
Published: February 2023

A large number of studies conducted over the past two decades reconsidered and supported the validity of vocational interests for predicting a range of important work outcomes. Yet to date, interests remain relatively underused in professional settings, in part because discussions of why, how, and where to use interest assessment tools in an evidence‐based manner are lacking and often incomplete. In this article, we briefly review and summarize the available evidence to then further discuss ways in which interest assessment can support various stages of the human resources (HR) cycle, including recruiting, selecting, retaining, and developing employees. From this overview, a number of challenges and apparent paradoxes are derived when working with interests, which may hinder the effective application of these assessments. Therefore, we propose a new working model that treats interest assessments both as “select‐out” and “select‐in” tools, to identify personal attributes that can either be “must‐haves” for an organization in the short term, but at the same time can represent “unique potential” for that organization in the long term. Throughout the text, we also discuss where additional research is needed to further substantiate the use of interests in the HR cycle.