bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Clinical Framework for Video Head Impulse Testing and Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Assessments in Primary School-Aged Children
Authors: Van Hecke Ruth , Deconinck Frederik J. A. , Danneels Maya , Dhooge Ingeborg , Uzeel Bo , Maes Leen
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

This study aimed to offer normative data and age trends of an age-appropriate vestibular test protocol in a large group (n = 140) of school-aged children (6 to 13 years old) as well as to provide a practical and clinical framework for accurate performance and interpretation of vestibular test results in this specific age group.

Design:

The typically developing participants (mean age of 9.51 ± 2.04 years) were recruited to provide a representative group of 20 children for each of the seven age groups that were composed of children aged from 6 to 13 years in 1-year intervals. Each age group consisted of 10 boys and 10 girls. The protocol comprises the video head impulse test, and cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential assessments to provide a child-friendly, noninvasive, short, and portable test battery, which is equally applicable in the hospital and office-practice, and which provides information on the integrity of all five parts of the peripheral vestibular system.

Results:

The study demonstrates that all included tests and methods, with an overall test duration of 25 min 12 sec ± 5 min 10 sec, were feasible to perform in primary school-aged children, taking into account some practical adaptations. Concerning the video head impulse test, no clinically relevant sex and age effects were noted. However,ttests revealed significant differences for the mean gain of the horizontal (right > left;t[139] = 14.563;p< 0.001) and posterior semicircular canals (left > right;t[139] = −4.823;p< 0.001) between both sides. For the cVEMP assessment, no laterality differences were observed for any of the parameters, but a significantly shorter N1 latencies in the youngest age categories (<8 years), compared with the oldest groups were observed [F(6,118) = 8.336;p< 0.001; partialƞ² = 0.298]. For all oVEMP parameters, no laterality, sex, or age differences were seen. On the basis of the presented normative data, cutoff criteria were proposed with accompanying clinical recommendations to perform vestibular function testing in this target population.

Conclusions:

This is the first study in a large group of school-aged children offering normative data and age trends of an age-appropriate vestibular test protocol that evaluates the integrity of all parts of the peripheral vestibular organ. The reported normative values and clinical cutoff values will enable appropriate and age-specific interpretation of clinical and scientific results. Moreover, in combination with extensive history taking, and additional vestibular testing (e.g., rotatory chair test, caloric testing) when needed, the results of this study may support clinicians in the diagnosis of side-specific and location-specific vestibular deficits, which is required for accurate counseling and referral for further follow-up and/or intervention.
Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Outpatients With Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Survey of Orthopaedic and Sports Academies
Authors: Manske Robert C. , Heick John D. , Young Brian A.
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE:

Venous thromboembolism can present as either a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in physical therapists' estimation of the probability of a patient having a DVT in patient vignettes as compared with the modified Wells criteria prediction.

METHODS:

Members of the American Academy of Orthopaedics, Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapists (AOPT), and American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT) completed patient vignettes. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and sign tests assessed for differences between responses of the presence of DVT (likely or unlikely) and whether referral was necessary.

RESULTS:

Six hundred and seventy consented, and 521 completed the survey of 24,028 members from the AOPT and AASPT. In total, 7.2% did not feel competent to screen for DVT. Descriptive statistics revealed difficulty in determining whether a DVT was likely or unlikely in 4/5 vignettes as compared with the modified Wells criteria, with only vignette 2 having 95.9% correctly answering as DVT being unlikely. In the other 4 vignettes, approximately 60% to 70% of respondents estimated DVT to be likely, despite 2 of these being unlikely. Across the vignettes, between 2.3% and 19.2% more respondents chose to refer when they determined if a DVT was likely. Across vignettes, statistically significant differences between DVT being likely or unlikely and decision to refer were present. Respondents consistently chose to refer even when a DVT was unlikely (P < .001 for vignettes 1, 3–5. P = .038 for vignette 2).

CONCLUSIONS:

Venous thromboembolisms are potentially life-threatening conditions seen by physical therapists. Members of the AOPT and AASPT have difficulty in determining the presence or absence of DVT in clinical case vignettes, with some demonstrating a conservative management decision to refer despite low probability of DVT. Efforts to educate members should be considered to improve the understanding of DVT assessment.

Clinical Pearls:

Members of the AOPT and AASPT appear to have difficulty in determining the presence of a DVT in clinical patient vignettes. Respondents chose to refer patients perhaps with conservative caution. Efforts to educate therapists should be considered to improve the understanding of DVT assessment.
Importance of Higher-Order Aberrations on Both Anterior and Posterior Surfaces After Pterygium Surgery
Authors: Igarashi Ami , Tsuchiya Ayako , Shimizu Toshiki , Yuda Kentaro , Kato Naoko , Yamagami Satoru , Hayashi Takahiko
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in higher-order aberrations (HOAs), coma, and spherical aberrations (SAs) on the anterior, posterior, and total corneal surfaces after pterygium excision.

Methods:

In this single-center study, we examined 19 eyes of 15 patients who underwent pterygium excision at Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital between January 2017 and December 2017. We also evaluated 25 eyes of 25 age-matched patients with no history of ocular disease as the control group. Corneal topography, total HOAs, coma, and SAs in all regions at 4 and 6 mm diameters were evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (CASIA SS-1000, Tomey, Japan). The pterygium area and extent were also assessed.

Results:

Significant improvements in the HOAs, coma, and SAs at both diameters were observed in the total and anterior corneas from the first postoperative month. Notably, the posterior cornea showed significant improvements in HOAs (4 mm: P < 0.001 [log HOAs]; 6 mm: P = 0.001 [log HOAs]) and coma (4 mm: P = 0.003 [log coma], 6 mm: P = 0.002 [log coma]) within both diameters at 1 month postoperatively. A strong correlation was identified among the pterygium area, posterior HOAs, and coma (Spearman correlation = 0.651). Pterygium induced 2 D of astigmatism when extension exceeded 2.1 mm.

Conclusions:

HOAs in both the anterior and posterior corneas improved after pterygium excision. This finding underscores the importance of considering corneal aberrations on both anterior and posterior surfaces in pterygium management.
Molluscum Contagiosum Masquerading: Diagnosing Giant Lesions in an Unfamiliar Territory
Authors: Yaprak Bayrak Busra , Oncel Selim , Atayev Sazak , Eruyar Ahmet Tugrul , Yumuk Zeki , Etus Volkan
Published: April 2024

Molluscum contagiosum virus commonly affects children, causing localized skin diseases. We present the case of an immunocompetent 8-month-old patient with multiple giant molluscum contagiosum lesions. Lesions had a cup-like shape and were characterized by eosinophilic inclusion bodies on the keratinocytes as well as inverted lobules of hyperplastic squamous epithelium. It is crucial to identify this clinical variation to avoid unnecessary severe treatments.
Barriers and enablers to exercise adherence in people with nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Gilanyi Yannick L. , Shah Brishna , Cashin Aidan G. , Gibbs Mitchell T. , Bellamy Jessica , Day Richard , McAuley James H. , Jones Matthew D.
Published: April 2024

Exercise is a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), reducing pain and disability in the short term. However, exercise benefits decrease over time, with a lack of long-term exercise adherence a potential reason for this. This study aimed to synthesize the perceptions and beliefs of individuals with CLBP and identify their barriers and enablers to exercise adherence. We searched CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases from inception to February 28, 2023, for qualitative studies that explored the factors influencing exercise adherence for people with CLBP. A hybrid approach combining thematic synthesis with the Theoretical Domains Framework was used to analyze data. We assessed methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and the level of confidence of the themes generated using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Studies. Twenty-three papers (n = 21 studies) were included (n = 677 participants). Four main themes affected exercise adherence: (1) exercise, pain, and the body, (2) psychological factors, (3) social factors, and (4) external factors. These themes contained 16 subthemes that were predominantly both barriers and enablers to exercise adherence. The individual's experiences of barriers and enablers were most appropriately represented across a spectrum, where influencing factors could be a barrier or enabler to exercise adherence, and these could be specific to pre-exercise, during-exercise, and post-exercise situations. These findings may be used to improve exercise adherence and ultimately treatment outcomes in people with CLBP.
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Overexpression/Amplification in Primary Ovarian Endometrioid Carcinoma
Authors: Bui Chau M. , Oren Aviv , Balzer Bonnie , Maluf Horacio , Medeiros Fabiola
Published: April 2024

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression has become increasingly helpful in predicting responses to anti-HER2 agents in gynecological cancers. This study retrospectively analyzed HER2 expression in 48 primary ovarian endometrioid carcinomas. HER2 immunohistochemistry was performed using the Ventana platform (Clone 4B5 monoclonal predilute) following the manufacturer’s protocol. HER2 expression was equivocal (score 2+) by image analysis in 2 cases (4.17%) based on the breast cancer criteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was negative for HER2 amplification in one case (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, grade 1) and positive in the other (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, grade 3). Our findings contribute to the growing evidence that HER2 is overexpressed in a small proportion of ovarian endometrioid carcinoma, and thus may serve as a potential therapeutic target in selected cases.
Title of Manuscript: Prevalence of SARS- CoV-2 virus in saliva, stool, and urine samples of COVID-19 patients in Bihar, India
Authors: Meghna Nupur , Archana Archana , Bhushan Divendu , Kumar Abhyuday , Sarfraz Asim , Naik Bijaya Nanda , Pati Binod Kumar
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The coronavirus illness caused by SARS- CoV-2 can cause multiple organ involvement, with varying degrees of severity. Besides, inhalation as a route for transmission, feco-oral has also been proposed. Its transmission to sewage systems is a growing public health issue.

Objective

To detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in non-respiratory samples (saliva, urine, and stool) collected from COVID-19 cases, in Bihar.

Materials and methods

This Cross-Sectional observational study was conducted from January 2021 to March 2022 on human non-respiratory samples. A total of 345 samples including saliva (116), stool (97), and urine (132) were collected from 143 covid-19 cases. Samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 by multiplex RT-PCR targeted against E, ORF 1ab, and RdRp gene.

Results

In this study, out of 143 cases, a total of 107(74.8%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in at least one of the non-respiratory samples.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in non-respiratory samples.
Echoes of self: Understanding acoustic structure and informational content in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) phee sequences
Authors: Meshinska Kristin , Burkart Judith M , Bell Matthew BV , Wierucka Kaja
Published: April 2024

Communication in social animals relies heavily on acoustic cues, yet many species possess limited vocal repertoires. To compensate, animals often produce vocalizations in sequences, potentially enhancing the diversity of transmitted information. However, the significance of repeated elements within these sequences remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the spectro-temporal structure of elements within common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) phees, a long-distance contact call, often produced in sequences. Employing machine learning techniques (random forests) and linear mixed effects models, we explored how elements varied based on their position within sequences and assessed their ability to encode identity and sex information. Additionally, we examined similarities between elements occupying the same position in different sequences. Our results reveal structural differences both within and between sequences, with variations observed in phees at different positions within the same sequence, yet similarities found between first elements of distinct sequences. Notably, all phees encoded caller identity and sex information, with varying accuracy across positions within sequences, indicating a higher encoding of sex information at the beginning of the sequence and a greater emphasis on identity in subsequent elements. These findings suggest that repeated sequences may be functionally diverse structures, enriching the complexity of animal communication systems.
Fine-scale behaviour and population estimates suggest low exposure but do not exclude high sensitivity to bycatch for Endangered sooty albatrosses
Authors: Fromant Aymeric , Collet Julien , Vansteenberghe Cecile , Musseau Raphael , Filippi Dominique , Delord Karine , Barbraud Christophe
Published: April 2024

Recent developments in assessing species-specific seabird bycatch risks demonstrated that fine-scale approaches are essential tools to quantify interactions with fishing vessels and understand attraction and attendance behaviours. Matching boats movements with birds tracking data specifically allows to investigate seabird-fishery interaction for cryptic species for which on-board information is critically lacking. The sooty albatross (Phoebetria fusca) overlaps with fisheries throughout its range and is known to be vulnerable to incidental bycatch. Combining GPS and behaviour data from individuals from Crozet Islands and boat locations during the incubation period, we investigated interactions of sooty albatrosses with fisheries in the southern Indian Ocean. Individuals foraged mostly in sub-tropical international waters, where they only encountered a small number of boats. The low interaction rate during this period may suggests that sooty albatrosses are not strongly attracted towards fishing vessels. However, this result should be interpreted with caution due to the low sample size and fishing effort during the study period, as these observations may conceal a higher bycatch risk during intense fishing effort and/or energetically demanding periods. The species conservation status requires further data to be collected throughout the annual cycle to provide an accurate assessment of the threat.
Nicheformer: a foundation model for single-cell and spatial omics
Authors: Schaar Anna Christina , Tejada-Lapuerta Alejandro , Palla Giovanni , Gutgesell Robert , Halle Lennard , Minaeva Mariia , Vornholz Larsen , Dony Leander , Drummer Francesca , Bahrami Mojtaba , Theis Fabian J
Published: April 2024

Tissue makeup relies fundamentally on the cellular microenvironment. Spatial single-cell genomics allows probing the underlying cellular interactions in an unbiased, scalable fashion. To learn a unified cell representation that accounts for local dependencies in the cellular microenvironment, we propose Nicheformer, a transformer-based foundation model that combines human and mouse dissociated single-cell and targeted spatial transcriptomics data. Pretrained on over 57 million dissociated and 53 million spatially resolved cells across 73 tissues on cellular reconstruction, the model is fine-tuned on spatial tasks for spatial omics data to decode spatially resolved cellular information. Nicheformer excels in linear-probing and fine-tuning scenarios for a novel set of downstream tasks, in particular spatial composition prediction and spatial label prediction. We further show that existing foundation models trained on dissociated single-cell data alone are not capable of recapitulating the spatial complexity of cells in their microenvironments, indicating that multiscale models are required to understand complex local dependencies at scale. Nicheformer enables the prediction of the spatial context of dissociated cells, allowing the transfer of rich spatial information to scRNA-seq datasets. Overall, Nicheformer sets the stage for the next generation of machine-learning models in spatial single-cell analysis.
Interactive Tools for Functional Annotation of Bacterial Genomes
Authors: Price Morgan N. , Arkin Adam P.
Published: April 2024

Automated annotations of protein function are error-prone because of our lack of knowledge of protein functions. For example, it is often impossible to predict the correct substrate for an enzyme or a transporter. Furthermore, much of the knowledge that we do have about the functions of proteins is missing from the underlying databases. We discuss how to use interactive tools to quickly find different kinds of information relevant to a protein’s function. Combining these tools often allows us to infer a protein’s function. Ideally, accurate annotations would allow us to predict a bacterium’s capabilities from its genome sequence, but in practice, this remains challenging. We describe interactive tools that infer potential capabilities from a genome sequence or that search a genome to find proteins that might perform a specific function of interest.
Accurate estimation of SNP genotypes and genetic relatedness from DNA methylation data
Authors: Jiang Yi , Qu Minghan , Jiang Minghui , Jiang Xuan , Fernandez Shane , Porter Tenielle , Laws Simon M. , Masters Colin L. , Guo Huan , Cheng Shanshan , Wang Chaolong
Published: April 2024

Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) are susceptible to widespread confounding caused by population structure and genetic relatedness. Nevertheless, kinship estimation is challenging in EWAS without genotyping data. We propose MethylGenotyper, a method that for the first time enables accurate genotyping at thousands of SNPs directly from commercial DNA methylation microarrays. We model the intensities of methylation probes near SNPs with a mixture of three beta distributions corresponding to different genotypes and estimate parameters with an expectation-maximization algorithm. We conduct extensive simulations to demonstrate the performance of the method. When applying MethylGenotyper to Infinium EPIC array data of 4,662 Chinese, we obtain genotypes at 4,319 SNPs with a concordance rate of 98.26%, enabling the identification of 255 pairs of close relatedness. Furthermore, we show that MethylGenotyper allows for the estimation of both population structure and cryptic relatedness among 702 Australians of diverse ancestry. We have implemented MethylGenotyper in a publicly available R package to facilitate future large-scale EWAS.
Roles of the 5-HT1A receptor in zebrafish responses to potential threat and in sociality
Authors: de Souza Loanne Valéria Xavier Bruce , Oliveira Larissa Nunes , Costa Bruna Patrícia Dutra , Lima-Maximino Monica , Veloso Vivianni , Maximino Caio
Published: April 2024

Anxiety is a normal emotion representing a reaction to potential danger, whereas fear can be defined as a reaction to real, explicit danger. Anxiety-like behavior in animal models has been associated with differences in the serotonergic system. Treatment of zebrafish cohorts with 8-OH-DPAT, a full agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor, decreased anxiety-like behavior in the novel tank test, but increased it in the phototaxis (light-dark preference) assay, both considered assays for anxiety-like behavior for this species. The same treatment decreased social approach in both the social investigation and social novelty phases of the social preference test. Blocking the 5-HT1A receptor with WAY 100,635 shifted the dose-response curve for the novel tank test rightward. These effects suggest a participation of the 5-HT 1A heteroreceptors in zebrafish anxiety and social preference, increasing anxiety and decreasing sociality. Thus, the study of this receptor is important for a better understanding of anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish and its relationship with similar phenomena in vertebrates.

Preprint:https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.588464v1

Data:https://github.com/lanec-unifesspa/5HT/tree/main/5HT1A

Lay summary

This study looked at how a certain type of protein, the 5-HT1A receptor, affected anxiety in zebrafish. It’s important to understand that anxiety is a normal feeling we all get when we’re worried or scared about something, while fear is a reaction to an immediate danger. The researchers wanted to see how a specific drug that activates the 5-HT1A receptor, 8-OH-DPAT, affected the behavior of the fish. They used different tests to see how the fish reacted in different situations.

When the fish were given the drug, their anxiety-like behavior decreased in one test where they were put in a new tank. But in another test where they had to choose between light and dark areas, their anxiety-like behavior actually increased. It also made the fish less interested in being social with other fish. When a drug that blocks the 5-HT1A receptor, WAY 100,635, was give together with 8-OH-DPAT, evidence was found for a receptor reserve.

The researchers found that this drug affected the way the fish behaved in these situations. It seemed to make them more anxious in some cases and less interested in being social. This tells us that the receptor has an impact on how the fish are feeling, which can help us learn more about anxiety in zebrafish and, potentially, in other animals too, including humans.

Significance statement

This research indicates that 5-HT1A heteroreceptors play a key role in increasing anxiety and decreasing sociality across vertebrates, shedding light on neural mechanisms that could inform treatments for anxiety-related disorders.
A conserved germline-specific Dsn1 alternative splice isoform supports oocyte and embryo development
Authors: Ly Jimmy , Blengini Cecilia S. , Cady Sarah L. , Schindler Karen , Cheeseman Iain M.
Published: April 2024

Alternative mRNA splicing can generate distinct protein isoforms to allow for the differential control of cell processes across cell types. However, alternative splice isoforms that differentially modulate distinct cell division programs have remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that mammalian germ cells express an alternate mRNA splice isoform for the kinetochore component, DSN1, a subunit of the MIS12 complex that links the centromeres to spindle microtubules during chromosome segregation. This germline DSN1 isoform bypasses the requirement for Aurora kinase phosphorylation for its centromere localization due to the absence of a key regulatory region allowing DSN1 to display persistent centromere localization. Expression of the germline DSN1 isoform in somatic cells results in constitutive kinetochore localization, chromosome segregation errors, and growth defects, providing an explanation for its tight cell type-specific expression. Reciprocally, precisely eliminating expression of the germline DSN1 splice isoform in mouse models disrupts oocyte maturation and early embryonic divisions coupled with a reduction in fertility. Together, this work identifies a germline-specific splice isoform for a chromosome segregation component and implicates its role in mammalian fertility.
Interneuron FGF13 regulates seizure susceptibility via a sodium channel-independent mechanism
Authors: Lin Susan , Gade Aravind R. , Wang Hong-Gang , Niemeyer James E. , Galante Allison , DiStefano Isabella , Towers Patrick , Nunez Jorge , Matsui Maiko , Schwartz Theodore H. , Rajadhyaksha Anjali M. , Pitt Geoffrey S.
Published: April 2024

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs), a class of devastating neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures and exacerbated by disruptions to excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain, are commonly caused by mutations in ion channels. Disruption of, or variants in,FGF13were implicated as causal for a set of DEEs, but the underlying mechanisms were clouded becauseFGF13is expressed in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons,FGF13undergoes extensive alternative splicing producing multiple isoforms with distinct functions, and the overall roles of FGF13 in neurons are incompletely cataloged. To overcome these challenges, we generated a set of novel cell type-specific conditional knockout mice. Interneuron-targeted deletion ofFgf13led to perinatal mortality associated with extensive seizures and impaired the hippocampal inhibitory/excitatory balance while excitatory neuron-targeted deletion ofFgf13caused no detectable seizures and no survival deficits. While best studied as a voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) regulator, we observed no effect ofFgf13ablation in interneurons on Navs but rather a marked reduction in K+channel currents. Re-expressing differentFgf13splice isoforms could partially rescue deficits in interneuron excitability and restore K+channel current amplitude. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis ofFgf13-related seizures and expand our understanding of FGF13 functions in different neuron subsets.
Updated analysis of
D→PP,VP
, and
VV
decays: Implications for
KS0−KL0
asymmetries and
D0−D¯0
mixing
Authors: Cheng Hai-Yang , Chiang Cheng-Wei
Published: April 2024

An updated analysis of the two-body D→PP,VP, and VV decays within the framework of the topological diagram approach is performed. A global fit to the Cabibbo-favored (CF) modes in the VP sector gives many solutions with similarly small local minima in χ2. The solution degeneracy is lifted once we use them to predict for the singly-Cabibbo-suppressed modes. Topological amplitudes are extracted for the η−η′ mixing angles ϕ=40.4° and 43.5°. The KS0−KL0 asymmetries in

D

→

K

S

,

L

0

M

decays denoted by R(D,M) are studied. While the predicted R(D0,P) for P=π0,η and η′ agree with experiment, the calculated R(D+,π+), R(Ds+,K+), R(D0,ω), and R(D0,ϕ) deviate from the data. We conjecture that the relative phase between the topological amplitudes (C+A) and (T+C) should be slightly smaller than 90° in order to explain the first two discrepancies and that additional singlet contributions due to the SU(3)-singlet nature of ω and ϕ are needed to account for the last two. For doubly-Cabibbo-suppressed (DCS) D→VP decays, their topological amplitudes (double primed) cannot be all the same as the corresponding ones in the CF modes. The assumption of EV,P′′=EV,P for the W-exchange amplitude leads to some inconsistencies with the experiment. Through the measured relative phases between CF and DCS channels, the relations of EV,P′′ with EV,P are determined. Long-distance contributions to the D0−D¯0 mixing parameter y are evaluated in the exclusive approach. In particular, we focus on D→PP and VP decays where y can be reliably estimated. We conclude that yPP∼(0.110±0.011)% and the lower bound on yVP is (0.220±0.071)%. It is thus conceivable that at least half of the mixing parameter y can be accounted for by the two-body PP and VP modes. The main uncertainties arise from the yet-to-be-measured DCS channels and their phases relative to the CF ones.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 4-{(1E)-1-[(carbamothioylamino)imino]ethyl}phenyl propanoate
Authors: Madhan Sundarasamy , NizamMohideen MohamedHanifa , Viswanathan Vijayan , Karthik Ananth Mani , Narasimhan Srinivasan
Published: April 2024

The title compound, C12H15N3O2S, adopts an E configuration with respect to the C=N bond. The propionate group adopts an antiperiplanar (ap) conformation. There are short intramolecular N—H...N and C—H...O contacts, forming S(5) and S(6) ring motifs, respectively. In the crystal, molecules are connected into ribbons extending parallel to [010] by pairs of N—H...S interactions, forming rings with R
2
2(8) graph-set motifs, and by pairs of C—H...S interactions, where rings with the graph-set motif R
2
1(7) are observed. The O atom of the carbonyl group is disordered over two positions, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.27 (2):0.73 (2). The studied crystal consisted of two domains.
Post-COVID-19 technology adoption and noise trading: elucidation of investors' sentiments across cultures
Authors: Tan Qingmei , Rasheed Muhammad Haroon , Rasheed Muhammad Shahid
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite its devastating nature, the COVID-19 pandemic has also catalyzed a substantial surge in the adoption and integration of technological tools within economies, exerting a profound influence on the dissemination of information among participants in stock markets. Consequently, this present study delves into the ramifications of post-pandemic dynamics on stock market behavior. It also examines the relationship between investors' sentiments, underlying behavioral drivers and their collective impact on global stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon data spanning from 2012 to 2023 and encompassing major world indices classified by Morgan Stanley Capital International’s (MSCI) market and regional taxonomy, this study employs a threshold regression model. This model effectively distinguishes the thresholds within these influential factors. To evaluate the statistical significance of variances across these thresholds, a Wald coefficient analysis was applied.

Findings

The empirical results highlighted the substantive role that investors' sentiments and behavioral determinants play in shaping the predictability of returns on a global scale. However, their influence on developed economies and the continents of America appears comparatively lower compared with the Asia–Pacific markets. Similarly, the regions characterized by a more pronounced influence of behavioral factors seem to reduce their reliance on these factors in the post-pandemic landscape and vice versa. Interestingly, the post COVID-19 technological advancements also appear to exert a lesser impact on developed nations.

Originality/value

This study pioneers the investigation of these contextual dissimilarities, thereby charting new avenues for subsequent research studies. These insights shed valuable light on the contextualized nexus between technology, societal dynamics, behavioral biases and their collective impact on stock markets. Furthermore, the study's revelations offer a unique vantage point for addressing market inefficiencies by pinpointing the pivotal factors driving such behavioral patterns.
Sentiment time series clustering of Danmu videos based on BERT fine-tuning and SBD-K-shape
Authors: Zhang Ruoxi , Ren Chenhan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to construct a sentiment series generation method for danmu comments based on deep learning, and explore the features of sentiment series after clustering.

Design/methodology/approach

This study consisted of two main parts: danmu comment sentiment series generation and clustering. In the first part, the authors proposed a sentiment classification model based on BERT fine-tuning to quantify danmu comment sentiment polarity. To smooth the sentiment series, they used methods, such as comprehensive weights. In the second part, the shaped-based distance (SBD)-K-shape method was used to cluster the actual collected data.

Findings

The filtered sentiment series or curves of the microfilms on the Bilibili website could be divided into four major categories. There is an apparently stable time interval for the first three types of sentiment curves, while the fourth type of sentiment curve shows a clear trend of fluctuation in general. In addition, it was found that “disputed points” or “highlights” are likely to appear at the beginning and the climax of films, resulting in significant changes in the sentiment curves. The clustering results show a significant difference in user participation, with the second type prevailing over others.

Originality/value

Their sentiment classification model based on BERT fine-tuning outperformed the traditional sentiment lexicon method, which provides a reference for using deep learning as well as transfer learning for danmu comment sentiment analysis. The BERT fine-tuning–SBD-K-shape algorithm can weaken the effect of non-regular noise and temporal phase shift of danmu text.
Factors impacting online shopping in India: an empirical approach to extending UTAUT2 with the digital payment mode and attitudes toward technology
Authors: Gupta Savita , Kiran Ravi , Sharma Rakesh Kumar
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In keeping with global developments rendering online shopping as an emerging trend among consumers, the present study extends the unified theory of use and acceptance of technology (UTAUT2) comprising the digital payment mode (DPM) as a new driver of online shopping and with the mediation of attitudes toward technology (ATTs) to gauge a better and deeper understanding of behavioral intention (BI).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey instrument with snowball sampling from 600 consumers in northern India. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to find the association between drivers using UTUAT2, along with DPM and ATTs. The data were divided into a test group (20%) and validated through a training group (80%).

Findings

DPM was shown to be directly associated with BI. The mediation of ATTs was also validated through the model. The predictability of the model was 67.5% for the test group (20%) and 69.6% for the training group (80%). The results also indicated that facilitating conditions is a critical driver of BI.

Originality/value

This study enhances the understanding of the roles that DPM and ATTs play in BI during online shopping, suggesting that Indian managers need to adopt DPM as a support service to make online shopping a worthwhile experience.
A typology of challenges in the context of robotic process automation implementation projects
Authors: Kraus Patrick , Fißler Elias , Schlegel Dennis
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In recent years, the robotic process automation (RPA) technology has increasingly been used to automate business processes. While a lot of research has been published on the potential and benefits of the technology, only a few studies have conducted research on challenges related to RPA adoption. Hence, this study aims to identify and discuss challenges related to RPA implementation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an inductive methodology, interviews have been conducted with consultants who were involved in multiple RPA implementation projects. Hence, their extensive experience and views contribute to a detailed and in-depth understanding of the phenomena under research.

Findings

The results suggest that there are various process-related, technical, resource-related, psychological and coordinative challenges that must be considered when conducting an RPA implementation project.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to knowledge by presenting a new typology of challenges, as well as providing an in-depth discussion of the individual challenges that organizations face.
The influence of family firm CEOs’ transformational leadership on employee engagement: the mediating role of psychological safety
Authors: Hoekx Laura , Lambrechts Frank , Vandekerkhof Pieter
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to unravel a potential determinant of employee engagement in family firms. In particular, we focus on the role of the CEO by studying the influence of CEO transformational leadership on employee engagement. Moreover, we look into the potential mediating psychological safety might play in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive literature review, we propose that there will be a significant positive relationship between family firm CEOs’ transformational leadership and the level of employee engagement. We argue that psychological safety will serve as an underlying mechanism explaining this positive relationship. We empirically tested our research model using quantitative data collected through a questionnaire, completed by 508 employees from Belgian family firms.

Findings

The results confirm the positive relationship between CEOs’ transformational leadership and employee engagement. Moreover, these results show that the degree of psychological safety mediates this relationship.

Originality/value

This study forms a significant contribution to family firm literature. Until now, even though existing studies on employee engagement in general are numerous, we had little to no knowledge of the factors influencing employee engagement taking into account the unique context of family firms. With this study, we take an important step in this matter. In addition, this study also contributes to the general literature on employee engagement, since previous studies on the impact of leadership on employee engagement tended to focus on the role of the immediate supervisors and not the CEO.
The relations among the dimensions of 3D-printed food: a case of Z and Y generations’ preferences
Authors: Şenel Pınar , Turhan Hacer , Sezgin Erkan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Three-dimentional (3D) food printers are innovative technologies that contribute to healthy, personalized and stainable nutrition. However, many consumers are still vigilant about 3D printed food in the age of technology. The purpose of this study is to develop a scale and propose a model for consumption preferences associated with 3D-printed food (3DPF).

Design/methodology/approach

The developed questionnaire was handed to 192 Z and Y generation participants (Data1) for the exploratory factor analysis stage initially. Then, the questionnaire was handed to another group of 165 participants (Data 2) for verification by confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, the dimensions “healthy and personalized nutrition,” “sustainable nutrition” and “socio-cultural nutrition” were analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicated that there was a high relationship between “healthy and personalized nutrition” and “sustainable nutrition” as well as between “sustainable nutrition” and “socio-cultural nutrition” when 3DPF was considered.

Originality/value

The study would contribute to the new survey area related to 3DPF by presenting a scale and proposing a model. Also, the study reveals which nutritional factors affect the Z and Y generation’s consumption of 3DPF. In this context, the study aims to make marketing contributions to the food production, restaurant and hotel sectors.
A comparative study of business student attitudes toward the importance of ethics and social responsibility
Authors: Do Hau Thi Kim , Thai Son Thanh
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study addresses the gap in research concerning student attitudes toward ethics and social responsibility (E&SR) within diverse organizational contexts, specifically as they transition into managerial and non-managerial roles.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 425 business students from four universities participated. To determine statistically significant differences between potential managers and non-managers (M&NM), a paired comparison inferential t-test was employed.

Findings

The study revealed positive E&SR attitudes among business students. However, it differed from existing literature by finding a significant difference in perceived E&SR importance between aspirants in managerial and non-managerial positions. Notably, non-managerial students exhibited significantly stronger support for these principles.

Originality/value

This study, conducted in an emerging economy, offers a unique perspective by analyzing E&SR perceptions across both potential management and non-management employees. Given the direct and indirect influence employee perceptions have on business performance, this research sheds light on the crucial role of E&SR in management practices. The findings are further substantiated by robust data and include implications for human resource management, along with suggestions for future research directions.
The use of enterprise social networks for knowledge sharing: the impact of intra-organizational trust and governance
Authors: Rahman Naseem , Subasinghage Maduka , Singh Harminder
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand how organizations in the service industry can encourage the use of enterprise social networks (ESNs) for knowledge sharing, focusing on the concepts of intra-organizational trust and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gathered data through an online survey of 104 participants from the financial services industry. Data were analyzed using structural equation modelling to test the proposed model and evaluate the constructs’ reliability and validity.

Findings

The findings of the survey data indicate that intra-organizational trust and governance are related to the use of ESN for knowledge sharing to enhance service innovation. Further, the findings suggest that, although trust directly affects service innovation, using ESN for knowledge sharing partially mediates the relationship between trust and service innovation. The findings also reveal that governance significantly moderates the relationship between ESN for knowledge sharing and innovation.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the relationship between trust, knowledge sharing and innovation. The novelty of this study demonstrates that governance strengthens the relationship between ESN for knowledge sharing and innovation. Further, the study suggests that firms using or intending to use ESNs could keep track of the evolving nature of ESNs, develop an open culture and create a trusted environment in their organizations.
Circular entrepreneurial ecosystems: a Quintuple Helix Model approach
Authors: Borrero Juan D. , Yousafzai Shumaila
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The shift toward a circular economy (CE) represents a collaborative endeavor necessitating the presence of efficient frameworks, conducive contexts and a common comprehension. This research serves as a pivotal stride towards this goal, presenting an exclusive prospect for the investigation and fusion of these frameworks, with particular emphasis on the Quintuple Helix Model (5HM), into a unified theoretical framework that underscores the core principles of the CE. This study is centered on three pivotal questions aimed at decoding the CE transition in specific regional settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting an abductive approach firmly anchored in a two-stage qualitative process, this study specifically merges the foundational principles from institutional theory, entrepreneurship literature and CE frameworks to provide insights into the dynamics of circular ecosystems, with a specific focus on the Huelva region in Spain.

Findings

The findings demonstrate significant potential in the CE, ranging from the integration of product and service systems to innovations in eco-industrial practices. Yet, a notable deficiency exists: the absence of institutional entrepreneurs, highlighting the essential role that universities can play. As recognized centers of innovation, universities are suggested to be key contributors to the transformation toward a CE, aligning with their societal and economic responsibilities.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of managing relationships with entities like SMEs and policymakers or academia for effective CE adoption. Policymakers can refine strategies based on the research’s insights, while the impact of university-driven circular ecosystems on sustainable societies is another crucial area for research.

Originality/value

The sustainability models cited in CE literature may not be comprehensive enough to prevent problem shifting, and it can be argued that they lack a sound theoretical and conceptual basis. Furthermore, the connections between sustainability objectives and the three levels of the CE operating system remain vague. Additionally, there is insufficient information on how regions foster the involvement of the environment in fivefold helix cooperation and how this impacts the CE.
Circular economy promotion and disclosure among Canadian municipalities
Authors: Radu Camélia , Lux Gulliver
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Municipalities have the potential to become models of the circular economy (CE). This paper aims to examine the impact of the municipal council’s characteristics on municipal CE disclosure and promotion.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the resource dependence and upper echelons theories. For a sample of the 100 largest cities in Canada, a mixed methodology is used to code and analyze data and test the hypotheses.

Findings

Municipal councillors’ education and experience related to the environment or sustainability are both likely to affect CE disclosure, and their sector membership (public or private) moderates the relationship between CE disclosure and councillors’ experience. This experience may be reinforced by membership in the private sector, which has applied CE principles more extensively than the public sector has. Municipal councils with a greater number of councillors from the private sector appear to perform better in matters of transparency and to disclose more CE information on their public websites.

Practical implications

Municipalities could use the findings to foster their transition to CE by implementing a CE-related training plan for their councillors. A CE-dedicated section on their websites could improve transparency and inform and educate residents about CE.

Social implications

The public sector could learn from the private sector’s best practices regarding CE.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the transparency and engagement of municipalities toward CE. The authors extend the resource dependence and upper echelons theories to a new context, that of public organizations.