bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work-life balance of academic parents: expectations and experiences of mothers and fathers
Authors: Kelling Angela S. , Bartsch Robert A. , Walther Christine A.P. , Lucas Amy , Santiago-Vázquez Lory. Z.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study was conducted to fill gaps in the literature based on institution type, career level, and gender identity.

Design/methodology/approach

Faculty often struggle with achieving work-life balance. This struggle is exacerbated for faculty parents. Most academic parent research has been conducted on early-career women and at research-intensive universities. Although these groups are important, it is also important to understand experiences of academic parents at different career levels and types of institutions. The authors conducted a qualitative thematic analysis from focus groups with faculty from a mid-sized master's level university about work-life balance expectations and experiences in their roles as academics and parents. These four groups included early-career mothers (n = 5), early-career fathers (n = 4), mid-career mothers (n = 4), and mid-career fathers (n = 7).

Findings

Faculty expressed having a high workload based on an intersection of high work expectations, unclear work expectations, and lack of equity. Consequences of the high workload included lower work-life balance, dissatisfaction at not doing more, the loss of flexibility as an advantage, and lower organizational commitment.

Originality/value

Although results are limited in generalizability, it is useful to examine one institution, with all participants sharing the same culture and policies, in-depth. The authors discuss recommendations for educational administrators for assisting academic parents and suggest institutions work to examine informal expectations and formal policies at their institutions. Working together, faculty and staff can help enhance alignment of expectations and perceptions of work-life balance, hopefully leading to happier, more satisfied employees.
Design at the intersection between culture and innovation
Authors: Dahlin Eric , Sumsion Rachel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Narratives underscoring the necessity of innovation for success are pervasive. Yet, many new products fail or fail to produce their intended impacts. Conventional views typically promote the functional view of innovation, which focuses on identifying and meeting customer needs. The authors argue, however, that culture is an overlooked explanation of innovation success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a conceptual approach, grounded in cultural sociology, to illustrate the ways in which innovation success is influenced by cultural beliefs. Accordingly, this study develops a cultural view of innovation and compare it with the functional view.

Findings

This study shows that novel products are successful to the extent their meanings and value resonate with relevant stakeholders. Not only does culture matter, but customers’ needs are often shaped by cultural values in the first place.

Research limitations/implications

More systematic qualitative and quantitative research is needed to better understand the best processes for incorporating cultural beliefs into product features.

Practical implications

In addition to customer needs, innovators should include cultural beliefs as design requirements to ensure the product resonates with the values and everyday practices of users. One way to do this is by implementing the productive method, which provides the resources for the relevant potential users to design the product themselves.

Originality/value

It is not always enough to learn and solicit feedback from potential users. To fully understand the obstacles that may inhibit innovation, this study advocates for providing potential users, local engineers and other relevant stakeholders the autonomy to design, manufacture, market and distribute the product.
Academic work – something else?
Authors: Indergård Kaja , Hansen Geir Karsten
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to map and describe the activities taking place in the academic workplace. It considers whether academic work is something completely different from traditional knowledge work and identifies differences and similarities between the two.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected through in-depth interviews with thirteen academics from different disciplines at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology within a case study approach. A document analysis of the university’s disciplines was carried out in advance of the interviews.

Findings

Four important similarities between knowledge work and academic work and three distinctive features of academic work were identified. Balancing the need for interaction and concentration is most important for both knowledge work and academic work, and the most prominent differences are the academics’ constant alternation between supervision, teaching, concentration work and administrative tasks, as well as some academics’ close links to practice. Academic work is not completely different from knowledge work, and learning from experiences from other sectors can be valuable when designing workplaces for academic staff. It is necessary to understand the activities taking place in the academic workplace and at the same time plan for future flexibility.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research on workplace design for academic staff to better understand the characteristics and variations of academic work and differences in academic cultures and traditions. This will contribute to a better understanding of how workplace design, work processes, technology and how the institution is organised can support the university’s visions and goals.
Does the overall justice climate enhance self-initiated expatriates' creativity during uncertain times ? The mediating role of cross-cultural psychological capital
Authors: Amari Amina , Berraies Sarra , Alshahrani Saeed T. , Hofaidhllaoui Mahrane , Choukir Jamel
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Building on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aims to explore how overall justice climate (OJC) and cross-cultural psychological capital (CCPsyCap) help highly skilled expatriates develop creative behaviours despite disruptive global macro-events. This topic has not been extensively researched in the context of expatriation, especially amongst self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through a web-based questionnaire from 307 SIEs coming from the MENA region and working in different sectors of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The responses were analysed via partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Empirical evidence shows that no significant direct correlation exists between the OJC and the creativity of SIEs. However, the results demonstrate that this relationship was completely mediated by CCPsyCap.

Practical implications

The context of high uncertainty may limit individuals' cognitive abilities amongst individuals, in turn, reducing their level of creativity. In this regard, this study identifies the need for host organisations to develop fair human resource policies to enhance creative behaviours amongst SIEs in such a context. It also underlines the role of psychological resources as a coping mechanism that helps those expatriates cope with the diverse challenges of their international assignments.

Originality/value

This study offers new theoretical support for understanding how the combination of OJC and psychological resources constitutes a springboard for enhancing SIEs' creativity in a context of hardship. This study also advances the COR theory by adopting a “cross-level resources caravans” approach.
Left behind but not left alone: testimonies of Black preservice experiences with white cooperating teachers
Authors: Robinson Robert P. , Jones Stephanie Patrice
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the preservice educational narratives of Black English teachers in an effort to determine their experiences within teacher education programs with assigned white cooperating teachers.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon Black storytelling, testimony and breath in narrative analysis, this study showcases how Black preservice teachers navigated regularized surveillance and abandonment as part of student teaching practicum.

Findings

The authors argue that, in response to their treatment, these Black preservice teachers created resistance strategies as a way to fill the mentorship void and sustain their own future teaching careers.

Originality/value

The literature on Black preservice teachers does the critical work of examining how they experience their racial, linguistic and gendered identities in the classroom; however, this study focuses on their experiences with white cooperating teachers – an underresearched area in the past 10 years.
Technological innovation, prosperity and corruption outlook in Africa: a mediation analysis
Authors: Akhigbe Eunice O. , Bowale Ebenezer I. , Urhie Ese , Amonu Ogechi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Ranking as the lowest-scoring region for many years on the corruption perceptions index (CPI) with an average score of 32 (2019–2021), Sub-Saharan Africa’s performance gives a bleak impression of inaction against corruption. The objective of this study aims to examine the effect of technological innovation in curbing corruption in Africa through prosperity.

Design/methodology/approach

CPI, prosperity index and individuals’ access to internet in the presence of some covariates were employed using the Andrew Hayes’ mediation analysis and cross sectional data in estimating the relationship among the variables as it affects all 54 African countries in the years 2012, 2015 and 2018.

Findings

The coefficients of the direct, indirect and total effects showed that internet access is only significant in reducing corruption if it is engaged in activities that create national prosperity (jobs, profits, infrastructural development and good governance).

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this study is predicated on the fact that a realistic analysis of the effect of technological innovation on corruption should include the channels it goes through. Thus, this study evaluates the direct, indirect and total effects of innovation on corruption through prosperity enhancement. Another unique aspect of this study is the use of market-creating innovation.
35 years of grey system theory in economics and education
Authors: Delcea Camelia , Javed Saad Ahmed , Florescu Margareta-Stela , Ioanas Corina , Cotfas Liviu-Adrian
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The Grey System Theory (GST) is an emerging area of research within artificial intelligence. Since its founding in 1982, it has seen a lot of multidisciplinary applications. In just a short period, it has garnered some considerable strengths. Based on the 1987–2021 data collected from the Web of Science (WoS), the current study reports the advancement of the GST.

Design/methodology/approach

Research papers utilizing the GST in the fields of economics and education were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) platform using a set of predetermined keywords. In the final stage of the process, the papers that underwent analysis were manually chosen, with selection criteria based on the information presented in the titles and abstracts.

Findings

The study identifies prominent authors, institutions, publications and journals closely associated with the subject. In terms of authors, two major clusters are identified around Liu SF and Wang ZX, while the institution with the highest number of publications is Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Moreover, significant keywords, trends and research directions have been extracted and analyzed. Additionally, the study highlights the regions where the theory holds substantial influence.

Research limitations/implications

The study is subject to certain limitations stemming from factors such as the language employed in the chosen literature, the papers included within the Web of Science (WoS) database, the designation of works categorized as “articles” in the database, the specific selection of keywords and keyword combinations, and the meticulous manual process employed for paper selection. While the manual selection process itself is not inherently limiting, it demands a greater investment of time and meticulous attention, contributing to the overall limitations of the study.

Practical implications

The significance of the study extends not only to scholars and practitioners but also to readers who observe the development of emerging scientific disciplines.

Originality/value

The analysis of trends revealed a growing emphasis on the application of GST in diverse domains, including supply chain management, manufacturing and economic development. Notably, the emergence of COVID-19 as a new research focal point among GST scholars is evident. The heightened interest in COVID-19 can be attributed to its global impact across various academic disciplines. However, it is improbable that this interest will persist in the long term, as the pandemic is gradually brought under control.
Ethical artificial intelligence (AI): confronting bias and discrimination in the library and information industry
Authors: Saeidnia Hamid Reza
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to raise awareness about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the library and information industry, specifically focusing on bias and discrimination. It aims to highlight the need for proactive measures to mitigate these issues and ensure that AI technology is developed and implemented in an ethical and unbiased manner.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint paper presents a critical analysis of the ethical implications of bias and discrimination in the library and information industry with respect to AI. It explores current practices and challenges in AI implementation and proposes strategies to address bias and discrimination in AI systems.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that bias and discrimination are significant concerns in AI systems used in the library and information industry. These biases can perpetuate existing inequalities, hinder access to information and reinforce discriminatory practices. This study identifies key strategies such as data collection and representation, algorithmic transparency and inclusive design to address these issues.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the specific challenges of bias and discrimination in AI implementation within the library and information industry. It provides valuable insights into the ethical implications of AI technology and offers practical recommendations for professionals to confront and mitigate bias and discrimination in AI systems, ensuring equitable access to information for all users.
Crime on the mass transit system in Hong Kong: a hotspots and harmspots trajectory approach
Authors: Ng Yiu Ming , Ariel Barak , Harinam Vincent
Published: October 2023

Purpose

A growing body of literature focuses on crime hotspots; however, less is known about the spatial distribution of crime at mass transit systems, and even less is known about trajectory patterns of hotspots in non-English-speaking countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The spatiotemporal behaviour of 1,494 crimes reported to the Hong Kong’s Railway Police District across a two-year period was examined in this study. Crime harm weights were then applied to offences to estimate the distribution of crime severity across the transit system. Descriptive statistics are used to understand the temporal and spatial trends, and k-means longitudinal clustering are used to examine the developmental trajectories of crime in train stations over time.

Findings

Analyses suggest that 15.2% and 8.8% of stations accounted for 50% of all counted crime and crime harm scores, respectively, indicating the predictability of crime and harm to occur at certain stations but not others. Offending persists consistently, with low, moderate and high counts and harm stations remaining the same over time.

Research limitations/implications

These findings suggest that more localised crime control initiatives are required to target crime effectively.

Originality/value

This is one of the only studies focusing on hotspots and harmspots in the mass transit system.
The impact of personal remittance and RMG export income on income inequality in Bangladesh: evidence from an ARDL approach
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Azad Abul Kalam
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Personal remittance and ready-made garments (RMG) export incomes have emerged as the largest source of foreign income for Bangladesh's economy. The study investigates their impact on income inequality and gross domestic product (GDP) as a control variable, using time-series yearly data from 1983 to 2018.

Design/methodology/approach

It employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation and the Toda-Yamamoto (T-Y) causality approach. The ARDL estimation outcomes confirm a long-run association among the above variables and validate the autoregressive characteristic of the model.

Findings

Personal remittances positively contribute to reducing the income gap among the people of the society and declining income inequality. In contrast, RMG export income and economic growth contribute to further income inequality. The T-Y causality analysis follows the ARDL estimation outcomes and authenticates their robustness. It reveals a feedback relationship between remittance inflow and the Gini coefficient, unidirectional causalities from RMG export income to income inequality and economic growth to income inequality.

Research limitations/implications

The finding has important policy implications to limit the income gaps between low and high-income groups by channeling incremental income to the lower-income group people. The policymakers may facilitate further international migration to attract further remittances and may upgrade the minimum wage of the RMG workers.

Originality/value

The study is original. As far as the authors' knowledge goes, this is a maiden attempt to investigate the impact of personal remittances and RMG export income on income disparity in the case of Bangladesh.
Building a competent workforce in implementing Quality 4.0: a systematic literature review and proposed agenda for future research
Authors: Tewary Abhijeet , Jadon Vaishali
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This research aims to analyze the literature on Quality 4.0 and pinpoint the essential factors contributing to its success. Additionally, the research aims to develop a framework that can be used to create a capable workforce necessary for the successful implementation of Quality 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

By following a systematic approach, the authors could ensure that their literature review was comprehensive and unbiased. Using a set of pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the authors screened 90 research articles to obtain the most relevant and reliable information for their study.

Findings

The authors' review identified essential findings, including the evolution of literature in the field of Quality 4.0 and the systematization of previous literature reviews focusing on training and development. The authors also identified several training barriers to implementing Quality 4.0 and proposed a model for building a competent workforce using Kolb's experiential learning model.

Practical implications

The authors' research offers insights into the training barriers that must be considered when building a competent workforce. Using the framework proposed in the authors' research, consultants and managers can better integrate Quality 4.0 into their organizations.

Social implications

The adoption of Quality 4.0 has significant social implications and is essential for advancing sustainability. It can improve efficiency, reduce waste, minimize environmental impacts and better meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders.

Originality/value

The authors' study stands out as one of the earliest reviews of the literature on Quality 4.0 to incorporate the theory-context-method (TCM) framework, allowing to provide unique insights into future research directions that had not been previously explored.
Sustainable supply chain management and the UN sustainable development goals: exploring synergies towards sustainable development
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Viera Trevisan Laís , Paulino Pires Eustachio João Henrique , Dibbern Thais , Castillo Apraiz Julen , Rampasso Izabela , Anholon Rosley , Gornati Beatrice , Morello Manfredi , Lambrechts Wim
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Despite the growing interest in the field, the literature overlooks how supply chains influence or interact with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To fill this gap, this study aims to assess the influences of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) on the implementation of the UN SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 97 publications was carried out by using the Web of Science database and the support of ATLAS.ti software. In addition, this research also explored how the top 20 Forbes companies are aligned with the SDGs by analysing their sustainability reports.

Findings

The findings suggest that the literature and the analysed companies primarily concentrate on certain SDGs while neglecting others, revealing potential areas of interest for future research. Based on the findings, the study provides valuable insights into the connections between SSCM and the UN SDGs, highlighting the potential benefits of SSCM in reducing environmental, social and economic pressures and contributing to sustainable development. It also identifies areas where further research and policy development are needed to maximise the potential benefits of SSCM.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no other studies have conducted a comprehensive exploration of the literature linking SSCM and the SDGs framework. Moreover, the study differs from others since it combines research data with practical information from company reports, to identify specific issues related to supply chain management.
Moderating role of intrinsic motivation in managing the consequences of workplace ostracism
Authors: Singh Lata Bajpai
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the indirect effects of workplace ostracism on service performance and on employees’ procrastination behaviour via job insecurity and the intention to sabotage. It further examines the moderating effect of intrinsic motivation between ostracism and job insecurity and ostracism and intention to sabotage.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were collected from 256 employees of the hotel industry in metropolitan cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, and for hypothesis testing, SmartPLS was used.

Findings

Based on the conservation of resources theory, the findings disclose that job insecurity mediates the link concerning ostracism and service performance to some extent, whereas job insecurity and sabotage intent both partially mediate the affirmative linkages between workplace ostracism and procrastinating behaviour. Furthermore, the study also confirms that intrinsic motivation dampens the positive relationship between ostracism and job insecurity and the intention to sabotage.

Practical implications

To deal with negative work behaviour at the workplace due to ostracism, hospitality establishments may incorporate interpersonal score-based assessment, acknowledge and appreciate intrinsically motivated employees for developing a positive work environment. Apart from this, the learning and development department of the tourism and hospitality industries may introduce “buddy learning” and the “smart buddy” concept to develop a culture of appreciating and accepting colleagues rather than bullying them.

Originality/value

This study investigated the mediating effect of job insecurity and sabotage intention on the association between ostracism and service performance and ostracism and workplace procrastination behaviour for the first time in the tourism and hospitality literature. Furthermore, it is a unique study that investigated the buffering effect of intrinsic motivation on the linkage concerning ostracism, job insecurity and employees’ sabotage intentions.
Emerging old folk home trend in developing Asia: case of Pakistan
Authors: Noor Shaista , Qureshi Bushra
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study to highlight the changing living patterns in the Pakistani community from joint family to nuclear family setup which is becoming the main reason for the loss of days when family members used to be responsible for elderly care. The ageing population in Pakistan are suffering from severe health and care issues. The Pakistani society, which once used to consider the senior citizen as a blessing now started considering them as a forced liability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the qualitative research strategy and interviews conducted in the local language with five women and men elderly each residing in old folk homes.

Findings

The study revealed that the main reasons behind increasing old folk trends in Pakistan are lack of family support, migration of children, less community awareness, economic issues, loneliness, dementia and invasion of western culture.

Originality/value

This study adopts the qualitative research strategy and interviews conducted in the local language with five women and men elderly each residing in old folk homes. The study revealed that the main reasons behind increasing old folk trends in Pakistan are lack of family support, migration of children, less community awareness, economic issues, loneliness, dementia and invasion of western culture.
The epidemiology of pediatric psoriasis: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Teng‐Li , Fan Yi‐Hsuan , Chang Yi‐Ling , Ho Hsiu J. , Wu Chun‐Ying , Chen Yi‐Ju
Published: October 2023

Psoriasis can affect individuals of all age groups. While the epidemiology of psoriasis in adults has been extensively studied, there is limited research specifically investigating pediatric cases. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and incidence of skin psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) among pediatric patients in Taiwan. A nationwide cohort of 17 535 patients with psoriatic diseases under the age of 18 was enrolled from the National Health Insurance Research Database for the period 2000–2013, including 16 129 PsO patients and 2022 PsA patients. The age‐ and sex‐standardized prevalence and incidence of pediatric PsO and PsA were calculated. The 2007 yearly reports of age‐ and sex‐specific distribution of the general population was adopted as a standard. The results showed that between 2000 and 2013, the prevalence for pediatric PsO increased from 0.03% to 0.07%, and from 0.003% to 0.014% for pediatric PsA. During the same period, the incidence slightly decreased from 19.81 to 17.55 per 100 000 for pediatric PsO but increased from 1.02 to 5.06 per 100 000 for pediatric PsA. Adolescents (12 to <18 years) had higher prevalence and incidence rates of PsO and PsA than children (aged ≤ 12 years), with no sex difference observed in either age group. PsA preceding PsO was more common among children than adolescents (27.07% vs. 13.46%). This study provides important insights into the prevalence and incidence of psoriatic diseases in the pediatric population. Further research is needed to identify risk factors for pediatric psoriasis and to investigate its long‐term health outcomes.
The Making of a State‐Sponsored Heroine: Angela Davis, African Americans, and the Promise of the Soviet Union
Authors: Jacobs Andrew
Published: October 2023

This article uses Angela Davis' 1972 visit to the Soviet Union to explore the continued connections between the Soviet Union and African Americans. Davis was made famous in the Soviet Union because of her victimhood and her pro‐Soviet outlook. Soviet support for her cause combined with her eyewitness testimony that the Soviet Union had abolished racism provided Soviet propaganda with ample opportunities to undercut American criticism of the Soviet Union, while inspiring domestic Soviet youth to be more faithful and proud of their home country. Yet, while Davis was used by the Soviet Union and its propaganda machine, she also made use of her Soviet connections and experience. The USSR, as it had for the Scottsboro Boys in the past, advocated for Davis and rallied leftists around the world to her cause. The Soviet Union, by turning her into a state‐sponsored heroine, provided her with a major platform that eventually extended far beyond the Soviet Union. Moreover, in the Soviet Union, she found inspiration. There, as she witnessed personally during her 1972 visit, she believed she encountered a society free of racism, prejudice and strife that she knew so well at home.
Transphobic discourse and moral panic convergence: A content analysis of my hate mail
Authors: Walker Allyn
Published: October 2023

Recently, new social anxieties about transgender people have begun to emerge, framed as an issue of “grooming”—a term typically used in the context of child sexual abuse. In this way, moral panic about transgender people seems to be merging with oft‐repeated social fears about pedophilia, resulting not only in policies criminalizing trans people and their allies but also in escalating hatred and threats toward trans‐affirming educators. This pattern requires further inquiry. As a trans academic who has been at the center of moral panic, my own hate mail can provide material for this exploration. I conducted a content analysis of 231 letters and e‐mails sent to me containing messages of hate, to answer the following research questions:

What beliefs and understandings did my correspondents indicate having about me and my research?

To what extent did my correspondents’ beliefs and understandings about me reflect intersecting contemporary moral panics around trans and queer people, pedophilia, and educators?

What stated or implied goals did my correspondents aim to achieve by writing to me?

The findings of this study can add to understanding of how moral panics can converge, and the consequences of their convergence for marginalized groups in academia and beyond.
Restrictive versus standard IV fluid therapy in adult ICU patients with septic shock—Bayesian analyses of the CLASSIC trial
Authors: Sivapalan Praleene , Meyhoff Tine Sylvest , Hjortrup Peter Buhl , Lange Theis , Kaas‐Hansen Benjamin Skov , Kjær Maj‐Brit N. , Laake Jon Henrik , Cronhjort Maria , Jakob Stephan M. , Cecconi Maurizio , Nalos Marek , Ostermann Marlies , Malbrain Manu L. N. G. , Møller Morten Hylander , Perner Anders , Granholm Anders
Published: October 2023

Background

The CLASSIC trial assessed the effects of restrictive versus standard intravenous (IV) fluid therapy in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with septic shock. This pre‐planned study provides a probabilistic interpretation and evaluates heterogeneity in treatment effects (HTE).

Methods

We analysed mortality, serious adverse events (SAEs), serious adverse reactions (SARs) and days alive without life‐support within 90 days using Bayesian models with weakly informative priors. HTE on mortality was assessed according to five baseline variables: disease severity, vasopressor dose, lactate levels, creatinine values and IV fluid volumes given before randomisation.

Results

The absolute difference in mortality was 0.2%‐points (95% credible interval: −5.0 to 5.4; 47% posterior probability of benefit [risk difference <0.0%‐points]) with restrictive IV fluid. The posterior probabilities of benefits with restrictive IV fluid were 72% for SAEs, 52% for SARs and 61% for days alive without life‐support. The posterior probabilities of no clinically important differences (absolute risk difference ≤2%‐points) between the groups were 56% for mortality, 49% for SAEs, 90% for SARs and 38% for days alive without life‐support. There was 97% probability of HTE for previous IV fluid volumes analysed continuously, that is, potentially relatively lower mortality of restrictive IV fluids with higher previous IV fluids. No substantial evidence of HTE was found in the other analyses.

Conclusion

We could not rule out clinically important effects of restrictive IV fluid therapy on mortality, SAEs or days alive without life‐support, but substantial effects on SARs were unlikely. IV fluids given before randomisation might interact with IV fluid strategy.
Identification of women at high risk of postpartum psychiatric episodes: A population‐based study quantifying relative and absolute risks following exposure to selected risk factors and genetic liability
Authors: Johannsen Benedicte M. W. , Larsen Janne Tidselbak , Liu Xiaoqin , Madsen Kathrine Bang , Mægbæk Merete Lund , Albiñana Clara , Bergink Veerle , Laursen Thomas M. , Bech Bodil H. , Mortensen Preben Bo , Nordentoft Merete , Børglum Anders D. , Werge Thomas , Hougaard David M. , Agerbo Esben , Petersen Liselotte Vogdrup , Munk‐Olsen Trine
Published: October 2023

Background

We quantified relative and absolute risks of postpartum psychiatric episodes (PPE) following risk factors: Young age, past personal or family history of psychiatric disorders, and genetic liability.

Methods

We conducted a register‐based study using the iPSYCH2012 case‐cohort sample. Exposures were personal history of psychiatric episodes prior to childbirth, being a young mother (giving birth before the age of 21.5 years), having a family history of psychiatric disorders, and a high (highest quartile) polygenic score (PGS) for major depression. PPE was defined within 12 months postpartum by prescription of psychotropic medication or in‐ and outpatient contact to a psychiatric facility. We included primiparous women born 1981–1999, giving birth before January 1st, 2016. We conducted Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of PPE, absolute risks were calculated using cumulative incidence functions.

Results

We included 8174 primiparous women, and the estimated baseline PPE risk was 6.9% (95% CI 6.0%–7.8%, number of PPE cases: 2169). For young mothers with a personal and family history of psychiatric disorders, the absolute risk of PPE was 21.6% (95% CI 15.9%–27.8%). Adding information on high genetic liability to depression, the risk increased to 29.2% (95% CI 21.3%–38.4%) for PPE.

Conclusions

Information on prior personal and family psychiatric episodes as well as age may assist in estimating a personalized risk of PPE. Furthermore, additional information on genetic liability could add even further to this risk assessment.
Integrin α3 is required for high‐frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation‐induced glutamatergic synaptic transmission in mice with ischemia
Authors: Liu Li , Hu Han , Wu Junfa , Koleske Anthony J. , Chen Hongting , Wang Nianhong , Yu Kewei , Wu Yi , Xiao Xiao , Zhang Qun
Published: October 2023

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an effective therapy in post‐stroke motor recovery. However, the underlying mechanisms of rTMS regulates long‐lasting changes with synaptic transmission and glutamate receptors function (including AMPARs or NMDARs) remains unclear.

Methods

Mice were received 10‐Hz rTMS treatment once daily on the third day after photothrombotic (PT) stroke for 18 days. Motor behaviors and the Western blot were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of 10‐Hz rTMS in the mice with PT model. Moreover, we used wild‐type (WT) and NEX‐α3−/− mice to further explore the 10‐Hz rTMS effect.

Results

We found that 10‐Hz rTMS improved the post‐stroke motor performance in the PT mice. Moreover, the levels of AMPAR, vGlut1, and integrin α3 in the peri‐infarct were significantly increased in the rTMS group. In contrast, 10‐Hz rTMS did not induce these aforementioned effects in NEX‐α3−/− mice. The amplitude of AMPAR‐mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and evoked EPSCs was increased in the WT + rTMS group, but did not change in NEX‐α3−/− mice with rTMS.

Conclusions

In this study, 10‐Hz rTMS improved the glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the peri‐infract cortex through effects on integrin α3 and AMPARs, which resulted in motor function recovery after stroke.
Circular RNA PTP4A2 regulates microglial polarization through STAT3 to promote neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Xingzhi , Zhang Shenyang , Lv Bingchen , Chen Hao , Zhang Wei , Dong Liguo , Bao Lei , Wang Miao , Wang Yan , Mao Wenqi , Cui Likun , Pang Ye , Wang Fei , Yan Fuling , Zhang Zuohui , Cui Guiyun
Published: October 2023

Objective

Microglial polarization plays a critical role in neuroinflammation and may be a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. This study was to explore the role and underlying molecular mechanism of Circular RNA PTP4A2 (circPTP4A2) in microglial polarization after ischemic stroke.

Methods

C57BL/6J mice underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), while primary mouse microglia and BV2 microglial cells experienced oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) to mimic ischemic conditions. CircPTP4A2 shRNA lentivirus and Colivelin were used to knock down circPTP4A2 and upregulate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, respectively. Microglial polarization was assessed using immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. RNA pull‐down and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) were applied to detect the binding between circPTP4A2 and STAT3.

Results

The levels of circPTP4A2 were significantly increased in plasma and peri‐infarct cortex in tMCAO mice. CircPTP4A2 knockdown reduced infarct volume, increased cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF), and attenuated neurological deficits. It also decreased pro‐inflammatory factors levels in peri‐infarct cortex and plasma, and increased anti‐inflammatory factors concentrations 24 h post‐stroke. In addition, circPTP4A2 knockdown suppressed M1 microglial polarization and promoted M2 microglial polarization in both tMCAO mice and OGD/R‐induced BV2 microglial cells. Moreover, circPTP4A2 knockdown inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation. In contrast, increased phosphorylation of STAT3 partly counteracted the effects of circPTP4A2 knockdown. RNA pull‐down and RIP assays further certified the binding between circPTP4A2 and STAT3.

Conclusion

These results revealed regulatory mechanisms of circPTP4A2 that stimulated neuroinflammation by driving STAT3‐dependent microglial polarization in ischemic brain injury. CircPTP4A2 knockdown reduced cerebral ischemic injury and promoted microglial M2 polarization, which could be a novel therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Exploration on energy‐saved dyeing method for polyimide fabrics with alkali treatment
Authors: Shao Xiru , Chen Xin , Xi Chen , Zhan Chenchen , Lv Xiaojing , Jiang Shan , Zhang Tao , Cao Genyang
Published: October 2023

The difficulty of dyeing is a disturbing problem for the various application of polyimide fabrics. Alkali treatment has been widely used as a preliminary step before dyeing, denoted as a two‐bath method. With more attention being paid to energy resources, this work aims to explore more economical and environmentally friendly dyeing technology, combining the alkali treatment and the dyeing process together, named a one‐bath method. Surprisingly, the K/S value of the one‐bath dyed fabric is much higher than that of the two‐bath sample, in which the red colour value is enhanced by 59.9% for the one‐bath sample. As for the effect of dyeing on the physical properties, the two‐step method has been demonstrated to exert more severe damage on the fibre, with lower crystallinity and tensile strength. To explain such results, it is deduced that when alkali is added together with dyes, it can play a bridge role between the dyes and the fibre, anchoring the dyes wherever the alkali can permeate. Furthermore, 17.25 J of the energy is calculated to be saved for the dyeing of 60 g of fabric, which is very inspiring for large‐scale application.
The Health Costs of Being Born Unwanted
Authors: Nguyen My
Published: October 2023

This study quantifies the cost of unwanted pregnancy in relation to early childhood health in 62 developing countries. The endogeneity problem is dealt with through the household fixed‐effects model that utilizes the variation in the degree of birth wantedness among children within a household. The study uncovers the serious health consequences of children born unwanted. Specifically, children from unwanted births tend to have lower height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐age, and weight‐for‐height by 0.054, 0.065, and 0.04 standard deviations, respectively. We further present suggestive evidence that these health consequences might be ascribed to inadequate prenatal care and unfavorable postpartum behaviors among unintentionally pregnant women. Because poor health in early childhood can lead to long‐term negative ramifications, it is urgent to make contraceptives accessible to reduce unwanted births as well as to implement effective measures to assist women facing unwanted pregnancies.
The crucial role that hippocampus Cyclooxygenase‐2 plays in memory
Authors: Ni Hong , Guo Zhongzhao , Wu Yue , Wang Jie , Yang Yang , Zhu Zilu , Wang Deheng
Published: October 2023

It is generally accepted that Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is activated to cause inflammation. However, COX‐2 is also constitutively expressed at the postsynaptic dendrites and excitatory terminals of the cortical and spinal cord neurons. Although some evidence suggests that COX‐2 release during neuronal signalling may be pivotal for regulating the function of memory, the significance of constitutively expressed COX‐2 in neuron is still unclear. This research aims to discover the role of COX‐2 in memory beyond neuroinflammation and to determine whether the inhibition of COX‐2 can cause cognitive dysfunction by influencing dendritic plasticity and its underlying mechanism. We found COX‐2 gene knockout (KO) could significantly impact the learning and memory ability, cause neuronal structure disorder and influence gamma oscillations. These might be mediated by the inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) E2/cAMP pathway and phosphorylated protein kinase A (p‐PKA)‐phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (p‐CREB)‐brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) axis. It suggested COX‐2 might play a critical role in learning, regulating neuronal structure and gamma oscillations in the hippocampus CA1 by regulating COX‐2/BDNF signalling pathway.
Investigating cognitive biases: does halo effect from nutrition or health claims drive negative calorie illusion in food combinations?
Authors: Wang Ziang , Begho Toritseju
Published: October 2023

People in developed countries have access to healthier food options. However, there is also an increasing availability of energy‐dense foods. While energy‐dense foods play a major role in food accessibility, their prevalence also escalates the obesogenic environment. This paper aims to understand the role of cognitive biases on food consumption from the view of calorie underestimation. Specifically, the study examines how consumers perceive food calorie content and how consumers interpret the claims on food packaging. 525 UK respondents were asked to evaluate five different food combinations. The average calorie estimations for each meal were compared with their actual calorie contents to identify underestimation/overestimation. T‐test was conducted, and logistic regression and linear regression were estimated. The results show that heuristic is often adopted in food selection. Foods are categorised into vice and virtue according to the different goals they support. The existence of virtue food options (e.g., fruit and vegetable) reduces the perceived calorie content of the meal. Likewise, nutrition and health claims such as low‐fat and zero‐sugar also decrease the calorie estimation, especially when the labelled food is unhealthy. Considering overeating is a consequence of calorie underestimation, consumers' knowledge of nutritional quality needs to be improved.
Effect of cellulase‐treated wheat bran on physicochemical and sensorial properties of fibre‐rich pasta
Authors: Mohammadi Mehrdad , Zoghi Alaleh , Azizi Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2023

The addition of wheat bran dietary fibre to the pasta improves its nutritional value, while affects negatively the quality of the product. This study aimed to improve the physicochemical and sensorial properties of wheat bran pasta by evaluating the effect of cellulase‐treated wheat bran (CTWB) on the rheological properties of the dough and the quality of produced pasta. Untreated wheat bran was used to produce control samples. Then, wheat bran at levels of 5, 10, 15, and 20% was treated with 0.1 and 0.3% cellulase. Rheological characteristics of the produced dough were measured by farinograph and extensograph. Finally, the cooking and sensory properties of pasta were evaluated. Based on the obtained results, applying CTWB has led to an increase in farinograph quality number, an increase in dough energy and extensibility, and a decrease in the resistance to extension of the dough. Also, the cooking quality (cooking loss and adhesiveness) of pasta samples improved using CTWB. Pasta samples containing 5 and 10% wheat bran treated with 0.3% cellulase were selected as optimum treatments for both dough and pasta properties. The findings in this study indicated that CTWB added to pasta improved the cooking characteristics and sensorial properties of pasta, significantly.
Is there any role of membrane bilayer‐skeleton interaction in maintaining the transmembrane phospholipid asymmetry in erythrocytes?
Authors: Gupta CM
Published: October 2023

Erythrocyte membrane phospholipids are asymmetrically distributed in two surfaces of the membrane bilayer. This asymmetry in these cells, on one hand, has been considered to arise from the membrane skeleton‐bilayer interactions, while on the other, it has been thought to originate from an ATP‐dependent aminophospholipid pump. A critical analysis of these two proposals, in the light of the existing literature, reveals that neither the membrane skeleton nor the aminophospholipid pump is adequate per se to maintain the phospholipid asymmetry. Instead, evidence is presented to show that the phospholipid pump together with the membrane skeleton is required for generation and maintenance of the transmembrane phospholipid asymmetry in native erythrocytes.
Erythrocyte membrane abnormalities in sickle cell disease
Authors: Williamson P. , Puchulu E. , Westerman M. , Schlegel RA
Published: October 2023

A large fraction of circulating sickle red cells contain one or more large vesicles which are not found in normal erythrocytes. These vesicles contain very high levels of Ca2+, and probably account for the long‐known elevation of cellular Ca2+ in sickle cells. These vesicles contain the plasma membrane CaATPase and leak Ca2+ by a nitrendipine‐sensitive pathway. The question of whether an abnormal endocytic process occurs in sickle cells which could give rise to these vesicles was examined using the nonspecific endocytic marker Lucifer yellow (LY). The kinetics of formation of LY‐labeled endocytic vesicles in sickle cells includes a slow component which is not found in normal (or sickle) reticulocytes. In addition, the number of sickle cells in which endocytosis can be demonstrated with this nonspecific marker consistently exceeds the number which can be labeled with markers of the receptor‐mediated endocytic process. The results suggest that a slow, abnormal endocytosis takes place in sickle cells which may be the source of the Ca2(+)‐containing vesicles, and therefore of the elevated Ca2+ levels characteristic of the circulating cells in this disease.