bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the role of intellectual capital in maturing sustainable competitive advantage through enkindling innovations in SMEs: the moderating role of entrepreneurship-orientation
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed Awad , Yaqub Muhammad Zafar , Alabdali Mahmoud Abdulhadi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Based on the intellectual capital (IC) theory and the resource-based view (RBV), the paper seeks to elucidate the direct and indirect relationships between IC and competitive advantage in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Therewithal, besides examining the mediating role of innovation capabilities in the IC-competitiveness link, it scrutinizes the moderating effect of entrepreneurial orientation in causing IC to boost competitiveness in SMEs through flourishing innovation capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 206 participants working in SMEs operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the help of a structured questionnaire distributed through LinkedIn. Partial least square (PLS)-based structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 4.0 has been performed to calibrate the auxiliary and structural models.

Findings

Based on the empirical analysis, IC significantly and directly enhances the competitive advantages of SMEs. Additionally, innovative capability has been found to be a complementary partial mediating condition in enabling IC to foster competitiveness in SMEs. Furthermore, the moderated mediation analysis reveals that innovation capabilities strongly mediate the association between IC and competitiveness in SMEs, characterizing higher entrepreneurial orientation.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides significant insights to academicians and practitioners seeking to comprehend or configure interactions among IC, innovation capabilities, and entrepreneurial orientation in maturing competitiveness among SMEs, especially in emerging economies. Furthermore, the study provides a valuable integrative perspective on SMEs’ competitiveness by involving three voguish constituents of contemporary scholarly discourse grounded into the leading underpinning theoretical perspectives, such as IC theory, RBV, and entrepreneurship theory.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this model lies in its rich theory-laden conceptualization and explanation that could extend theoretical debate and managerial action to the next levels.
Can higher education contribute to trust building in a fragmented reality? A Latin American perspective
Authors: Streck Danilo Romeu , Abba Maria Julieta , Latorre Paulina , Schenatto da Rosa Carolina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The article aims at exploring the challenges and possibilities of cooperation of higher education in a Latin American social, political and cultural context that faces historical difficulties of integration, as well as the potential contribution of academic cooperation for global citizenship.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a general overview of networks and international centers of academic cooperation of higher education in Latin America. The analysis comprises objectives, countries, stakeholders, activities, projects and scope. The study is based on literature on internationalization, regional integration and the development of higher education, as well as on empirical gathered with networks/centers and key actors in the field. This study was carried out as a mixed qualitative method design. Firstly, a systematic review of a literature corpus of studies produced by Latin-American scholars was performed. Semi-structured interviews were then carried out with a group of scholars who are members of networks.

Findings

The findings include a review of the role of higher education in a politically fragmented reality, a panorama of major networks and international centers of academic cooperation with emphasis on internationalization of higher education, as well as their connections. The are highlighted examples of successful initiatives of cooperation and, based on interviews, there is presented a preliminary view on cooperation and trust building from professionals in higher education in Latin America.

Originality/value

In the last decades, with the growing interest and need for internationalizing higher education, many universities have organized or joined networks and international centers. The article will contribute for mutual knowledge of these spaces, their shortcomings and potentials, thus creating conditions for dialogue among them, as well as with universities in other continents.
How much information to consider when choosing action to change? The impact of managers’ promotion versus prevention focus
Authors: Hamstra Melvyn R.W.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This research sought to understand better how readily managers choose action to change the status quo. Specifically, in experimentally manipulated ambiguous situations, I examined the effect of managers’ promotion and prevention focus on how much information they wish to review to help them choose.

Design/methodology/approach

I developed a novel experimental paradigm and applied it in a sample of 157 managers. Managers faced choosing action (change the status quo) versus non-action (keep the status quo), and I test under which circumstances they want to review more information that they believe will help them choose effectively.

Findings

The experiment showed evidence that (1) managers with a prevention focus want to review more information when they are trying to assure that they do not choose action erroneously; (2) managers with a promotion focus want to review more information when they are trying to assure that they do not choose non-action erroneously.

Originality/value

This research provides an original perspective on a managerial decision-making phenomenon. It goes beyond managers’ choice preferences to examine a practically relevant outcome of the process of deliberating about taking action to change the status quo.
A bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of industry 4.0 implementation in supply chain
Authors: Jetty Sravani , Afshan Nikhat
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) research in the supply chain (SC) area and to understand related contemporary research trends. I4.0 has the potential to change the way goods are manufactured, distributed and made available to customers through the digitalisation of SC. Although I4.0 originated in 2011 in Germany, its application in managing the SC has only recently started gaining momentum. Therefore, it is essential to understand the research progress and identify the current trends of I4.0 application in the SC field.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was conducted to empirically analyse the literature related to I4.0 implementation in the SC. This study retrieved papers from the Scopus database, reviewing 1,155 articles from the period 2016 to 2023 (November) for bibliometric analysis. Bibliometrix, using R software, was used for the bibliometric analysis, and VOSviewer was used for network analysis.

Findings

The findings provide an overview of the most relevant journals, most productive scholars, top academic institutions and top countries contributing to I4.0 research in the SC context. The results show that the most recent research contributions are related to the topics of SC performance, sustainability, digitalisation and digital transformation. Furthermore, a detailed review of articles published in the three and above-rated journals in the Chartered Association of Business Schools list is presented.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in identifying the current research trends and themes of I4.0 research in the SC area. This research benefits researchers by identifying potential research areas for I4.0 implementation in the SC and providing directions for future research.
Blockchain technology adoption for collaborative emission reduction considering carbon information asymmetry in supply chains
Authors: Wu Xue-Yan , Pu Xujin
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Collaborative emission reduction among supply chain members has emerged as a new trend to achieve climate neutrality goals and meet consumers’ low-carbon preferences. However, carbon information asymmetry and consumer mistrust represent significant obstacles. This paper investigates the value of blockchain technology (BCT) in solving the above issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A low-carbon supply chain consisting of one supplier and one manufacturer is examined. This study discusses three scenarios: non-adoption BCT, adoption BCT without sharing the supplier’s carbon emission reduction (CER) information and adoption BCT with sharing the supplier’s CER information. We analyze the optimal decisions of the supplier and the manufacturer through the Stackelberg game, identify the conditions in which the supplier and manufacturer adopt BCT and share information from the perspectives of economic and environmental performance.

Findings

The results show that adopting BCT benefits supply chain members, even if they do not share CER information through BCT. Furthermore, when the supplier’s CER efficiency is low, the manufacturer prefers that the supplier share this information. Counterintuitively, the supplier will only share CER information through BCT when the CER efficiencies of both the supplier and manufacturer are comparable. This diverges from the findings of existing studies, as the CER investments of the supplier and the manufacturer in this study are interdependent. In addition, despite the high energy consumption associated with BCT, the supplier and manufacturer embrace its adoption and share CER information for the sake of environmental benefits.

Practical implications

The firms in low-carbon supply chains can adopt BCT to improve consumers’ trust. Furthermore, if the CER efficiencies of the firms are low, they should share CER information through BCT. Nonetheless, a lower unit usage cost of BCT is the precondition.

Originality/value

This paper makes the first move to discuss BCT adoption and BCT-supported information sharing for collaborative emission reduction in supply chains while considering the transparency and high consumption of BCT.
Shiftwork and pregnancy loss among police officers: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Violanti John M. , Andrew Michael E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Policing requires atypical work hours. The present study examined associations between shiftwork and pregnancy loss among female police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 91 female officers with a prior history of at least one pregnancy. Shiftwork information was assessed using daily electronic payroll work records. Any prior pregnancy loss (due to miscarriage) was self-reported. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for main associations.

Findings

On average, the officers were 42 years old, had 14 years of service, and 56% reported a prior pregnancy loss. Officers who worked dominantly on the afternoon or night shift during their career had 96% greater odds of pregnancy loss compared to those on day shift (OR = 1.96, 95% CI:0.71–5.42), but the result was not statistically significant. A 25% increase in percent of hours worked on night shift was associated with 87% increased odds of pregnancy loss (OR = 1.87, 95% CI:1.01–3.47). Associations were adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors. Objective assessment of shiftwork via electronic records strengthened the study. Limitations include small sample size, cross-sectional design and lack of details on pregnancy loss or the timing of pregnancy loss with regard to shiftwork.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is preliminary and cross-sectional.

Practical implications

With considerable further inquiry and findings into this topic, results may have an impact on police policy affecting shift work and pregnant police officers.

Social implications

Implication on the health and welfare of police officers.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, there are no empirical studies which associate shiftwork and pregnancy loss among police officers. This preliminary study suggested an association between shiftwork and increased odds of pregnancy loss and points out the need for further study.
Efficacy of response strategies in brand spillover crises: The roles of perceived attribute similarity, blame attribution and attitude towards response messages
Authors: Zhang Jun , Lim Joon Soo
Published: February 2024

The study examined the role of people's perceptions of attribute similarity between two brands in determining and responding to spillover crises and compared the efficacy of three response strategies in mitigating spillover crises. An experiment was conducted using a 2 (attribute similarity: high, low) × 3 (crisis response strategy: bolstering, differentiation, strategic silence) factorial design. The results demonstrated that to protect their brand from negative spillover effects, rival brands with high similarity to the brand in crisis should choose either the bolstering or differentiation strategy rather than staying silent. For rival brands with low similarity, using the bolstering strategy is better than using the strategic silence or differentiation strategy to prevent a decline in brand attitude.
Barred and Banished: Encampment Evictions, Public Space, and Permanent Displaceability in Toronto
Authors: Rady Farida , Sotomayor Luisa
Published: February 2024

Despite Toronto's motto of diversity and inclusion, the municipality has recently mobilised exclusionary spatio‐legal tools against unhoused populations using claims to law and order. This article examines one such case of legal action, its precedents, and its constitutive effects on urban citizenship and governance. In 2021, amidst a homelessness crisis aggravated by COVID‐19, Toronto police executed violent raids against encampment residents in three public parks. In response to the public relations backlash, the municipality changed course, issuing suspension notices to encampment leaders that barred them from public spaces and services. The suspension notice, while unenforceable, allows municipal administrators to exclude those whose conduct allegedly disturbs the quiet enjoyment of property from public space. Building on critical planning and socio‐legal debates on propertied urban citizenship, we use legal research and semi‐structured interviews to identify how these arbitrary yet legal tools exacerbate permanent displaceability, banishment, and colonial modes of governance.
Comparing the safety and efficacy of Preserflo Microshunt implantation and trabeculectomy for glaucoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Khan Adan , Khan Attam Ullah
Published: February 2024

To compare the safety and efficacy of the Preserflo Microshunt with trabeculectomy in the treatment of patients with glaucoma. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted. The primary outcome measures recorded as a measure of efficacy of the interventions were intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) at final follow‐up and IOP reduction (IOPR). Secondary outcomes recorded to measure efficacy were reduction in the number of glaucoma medications and reinterventions. To assess safety profile, the proportions of patients with post‐operative complications were recorded. Seven articles were included in this study. A total of 1353 eyes were included in this review (Preserflo: 812, trabeculectomy: 541). Post‐operative IOP (mean difference [MD] = 0.78 [0.66, 0.90], p < 0.001) results are significantly lower for trabeculectomy than Preserflo. The IOPR (MD = −1.20 [−2.30, −0.09], p = 0.034) results significantly favour trabeculectomy over Preserflo Microshunt. The reduction in topical glaucoma medications (MD = −0.32 [−0.58, −0.07], p = 0.014) is significantly higher for trabeculectomy. There is no statistically significant difference in levels of hypotony (risk ratio [RR] = −0.05 [−0.47, 0.37], p = 0.806), choroidal effusion/detachment (RR = −0.12 [−0.42, 0.19], p = 0.444), hyphaema (RR = 0.20 [−0.11, 0.51], p = 0.216) and flat anterior chamber (RR = 0.49 [−1.02, 0.03], p = 0.066). There are significantly more bleb‐related complications in the trabeculectomy groups than Preserflo groups (RR = −0.63 [−1.01, −0.24], p = 0.001). There were statistically more reinterventions required in the trabeculectomy groups than Preserflo groups (RR = −0.48 [−0.65, −0.30], p < 0.001). Compared to trabeculectomy, the Preserflo Microshunt is not as effective in lowering intra‐ocular pressure, has a similar safety profile and has a lower reintervention rate. Further research is required given the lack of randomised controlled trials within this study and resulting low strength of evidence.
The prognosis of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in infants and patients under 3 years old with acute leukemia
Authors: Hu Guan‐hua , Zhang Xiao‐hui , Wang Yu , Xu Lan‐ping , Hou Xin‐lin , Cheng Yi‐fei , Huang Xiao‐jun
Published: February 2024

Background

The role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in patients <3 years of age remains controversial. Data on haploidentical donor (HID) transplants in this age group is limited.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of 97 patients with acute leukemia aged <3 years who underwent HID transplantation at our institute.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 45 months, the 3‐year disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and 3‐year cumulative incidence rate of treatment‐related mortality were 69.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 59.9%–78.7%), 74.2% (95% CI: 65.2%–83.2%), and 3.6% (95% CI: 0.9%–9.7%) in all 97 patients, respectively. The 3‐year DFS and OS rate in patients diagnosed <1 year and patients diagnosed ≥1 year were comparable: 77.8% (95% CI: 62.2%–93.4%) versus 66.3% (95% CI: 55.0%–77.6%, p = .253) and 82.5% (95% CI: 66.3–98.7%) versus 72.8% (95% CI: 61.9%–83.7%, p = .153), respectively. At the last follow‐up, 23 patients had died, and 20 had died of relapse. Multivariate analysis revealed that positive pre‐HSCT flow cytometric minimal residual disease (hazard ratio 5.605, p = .000) and AML‐M7 expression (hazard ratio 2.906, p = .014) were independent adverse prognostic variables for relapse.

Conclusions

HID transplantation is potent and safe for infants and young patients with acute leukemia. Relapse is the primary cause of treatment failure.
Advancing OSCM scientific knowledge by replicating empirical findings: Step‐by‐step procedure and illustration for transformative replication endeavors
Authors: Polyviou Mikaella , Rungtusanatham Johnny , Reczek Rebecca W. , Dooley Kevin , Knemeyer A. Michael
Published: February 2024

Replication endeavors contribute to the accumulation of scientific evidence about previously reported findings and are crucial for scientific progress. Replication studies are, however, often discouraged and rarely published in the operations and supply chain management (OSCM) discipline. In this article, we offer a framework for replications consisting of two complementary tables. This framework recognizes two types of replications already defined in the literature (i.e., The Exact (EXT) Replication and the Methods‐Only (MTD) Replication) and adds to these two new types (i.e., the Bounded‐Conceptual‐Extension (BCE) Replication and the Transformative (TRF) Replication). The framework clarifies what constitutes replications, forms of replication endeavors, and their purposes. Importantly, we also differentiate replication endeavors from reproducibility tests, robustness checks, and post hoc analyses. Moreover, we describe a seven‐step procedure to guide the design, execution, and presentation of replication endeavors, illustrating these steps by conducting a TRF Replication that incorporates, at the same time, a BCE Replication and an MTD Replication of Polyviou et al. (2018). The proposed framework and seven‐step procedure hopefully motivate OSCM scholars to embrace replications as valuable scientific endeavors that can yield corroborating evidence to bolster confidence in previously reported findings and, better yet, provide new nuanced findings to advance precise scientific understanding of past and new OSCM phenomena.
Taking the pulse of brain death: A meta‐analysis of the natural history of brain death with somatic support
Authors: Gambardella Ivancarmine , Nappi Francesco , Worku Berhane , Tranbaugh Robert F. , Ibrahim Aminat M. , Balaram Sandhya K. , Bernat James L.
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

The conceptualization of brain death (BD) was pivotal in the shaping of judicial and medical practices. Nonetheless, media reports of alleged recovery from BD reinforced the criticism that this construct is a self‐fulfilling prophecy (by treatment withdrawal or organ donation). We meta‐analyzed the natural history of BD when somatic support (SS) is maintained.

Methods

Publications on BD were eligible if the following were reported: aggregated data on its natural history with SS; and patient‐level data that allowed censoring at the time of treatment withdrawal or organ donation. Endpoints were as follows: rate of somatic expiration after BD with SS; BD misdiagnosis, including “functionally brain‐dead” patients (FBD; i.e. after the pronouncement of brain‐death, ≥1 findings were incongruent with guidelines for its diagnosis, albeit the lethal prognosis was not altered); and length and predictors of somatic survival.

Results

Forty‐seven articles were selected (1610 patients, years: 1969–2021). In BD patients with SS, median age was 32.9 years (range = newborn–85 years). Somatic expiration followed BD in 99.9% (95% confidence interval = 89.8–100). Mean somatic survival was 8.0 days (range = 1.6 h–19.5 years). Only age at BD diagnosis was an independent predictor of somatic survival length (coefficient = −11.8, SE = 4, p < 0.01). Nine BD misdiagnoses were detected; eight were FBD, and one newborn fully recovered. No patient ever recovered from chronic BD (≥1 week somatic survival).

Conclusions

BD diagnosis is reliable. Diagnostic criteria should be fine‐tuned to avoid the small incidence of misdiagnosis, which nonetheless does not alter the prognosis of FBD patients. Age at BD diagnosis is inversely proportional to somatic survival.
Video evidence of mountings by female‐plumaged birds of paradise (Aves: Paradisaeidae) in the wild: Is there evidence of alternative mating tactics?
Authors: MacGillavry Thomas , Janiczek Claudia , Fusani Leonida
Published: February 2024

The bewildering courtship phenotypes of male birds of paradise (Paradisaedae) represent a classic example of sexual selection through mate choice. While the majority of sexual selection studies have focused on either mate choice or intrasexual competition, males across a variety of taxa adopt alternative mating tactics as additional means of obtaining fertilization when they are otherwise unable to. For example, across various polygynous birds, subordinate males engage in sneak copulations, which may offset the fitness costs of prolonged subordinate periods. Despite exhibiting strong mating skews and male delayed plumage maturation, reports of sneak copulation in the birds of paradise are exceedingly rare. After reviewing an extensive video collection of courtship interactions, we found examples of mountings by female‐plumaged birds in three birds of paradise species: the Western parotia Parotia sefilata, Carola's parotia Parotia carolae, and the magnificent bird of paradise Cicinnurus magnificus. While homosexual mountings by females have been documented previously in Lawes' parotia P. lawesii, adult males in the magnificent bird of paradise violently attacked intruding female‐plumaged birds attempting to mount receivers, suggesting that they may be immature males engaging in alternative mating tactics. Overall, the rare video footage described here is suggestive of two fascinating, yet unexplored phenomena in polygynous birds: alternative mating tactics and female homosexual behaviour.
Helping those who help others: The roles of indirect reciprocity and relatedness
Authors: Roberts Gilbert
Published: February 2024

“Helping those who help others” appears to be a widespread phenomenon. It is typically framed as indirect reciprocity in which individuals who are seen to help later receive returns from third parties. Here, I propose that helping can also be explained by the benefits that result from helping related helpers (where relatedness means sharing genes more than average, whether due to genealogy or some other mechanism). I test the functional roles of relatedness (or “kin selection”) and of reciprocity in explaining helping by varying the population structure and the number of interactions in individual‐based simulations. First, with a unitary population in which individuals had a greater tendency to meet others of their own type, there were high levels of a discriminating strategy which helped other helpers. This can be explained by kin selection, in which helpers who help other helpers increase the payoff of their own strategy despite incurring a cost themselves. Introducing an “island population” structure reduced these indirect fitness benefits from helping, and this caused the frequency of the discriminating strategy to decrease markedly. Finally, increasing the number of interactions caused only a small increase in the level of the discriminating strategy (and thereby of helping helpers), consistent with indirect reciprocity (by means of the simplest strategy) being very weak. I argue that relatedness requires greater attention as an alternative to indirect reciprocity in explaining why individuals might help those who help others.
Cumulative fretting fatigue damage model for steel wire ropes
Authors: Ahmad Sajjad , Badshah Saeed , Rahimian Koloor Seyed Saeid , Amjad Muhammad , Jan Sakhi , Tamin Mohd Nasir
Published: February 2024

Fretting fatigue contributes significantly to the fatigue failure process in steel wire ropes at the wire‐to‐wire trellis contact region with partial slip conditions. In this respect, this work demonstrates a new damage‐based fretting fatigue model for the prediction of such a failure process. The model is based on Lemaitre's damage equations for quasi‐brittle material with a damageable micro‐inclusion embedded in an elastic meso‐element. It incorporates the cyclic degradation of the elastic modulus of the drawn steel wire material. The fatigue life model acknowledges the mean stress effect. The constitutive and damage equations are formulated into user material (UMAT) subroutine for integration with Abaqus finite element analysis code. The localized fretting fatigue damage mechanism is simulated with an isolated two‐wire model. The effect of the contact condition with the coefficient of friction of 0.2 and 0.8 on the contact mechanics of the drawn wires is considered. The fretting fatigue mechanism map is established for each simulation case. The simulated results of N0 (no of cycles to initiate damage) and damage variable, D, confirm the fretting fatigue condition as the damage occurs in the slip region of the contact area for both the frictional conditions. The results were found in agreement with the previously establish Ruiz fretting parameter. This study will provide a base for the onward reliability assessment of steel wire ropes.
Impact of diabetes mellitus and poor glycemic control on the prevalence of left atrial low‐voltage areas and rhythm outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Masuda Masaharu , Uematsu Hiroyuki , Sugino Ayako , Ooka Hirotaka , Kudo Satoshi , Fujii Subaru , Asai Mitsutoshi , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Tsujimura Takuya , Hata Yosuke , Higashino Naoko , Nakao Sho , Kusuda Masaya , Mano Toshiaki
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Left atrial low‐voltage areas (LVAs) are known to be correlated with atrial scarring and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation. However, the association between LVAs and glycemic status before ablation has not been fully clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations among the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), glycemic control, and the prevalence of LVAs in patients with AF ablation.

Methods

In total, 912 (age, 68 ± 10 years; female, 299 [33%]; persistent AF, 513 [56%]) consecutive patients who underwent initial AF ablation were included. A preprocedure glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) ≥7% was set as the cutoff for poor glycemic control in patients with DM. LVAs were defined as areas with a bipolar voltage of <0.5 mV covering ≥5 cm2 of left atrium.

Results

LVAs existed in 208 (23%) patients, and 168 (18%) patients had DM. LVAs were found more frequently in patients with DM and poor glycemic control. On multivariate analysis, DM with HbA1c ≥7% was an independent predictor of LVAs (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.6–6.7; p = .001). In patients with LVAs, freedom from AF recurrence during the 24‐month study period was significantly lower in patients who had DM with HbA1c ≥7% than in those without DM (37.9% vs. 54.7%, p = .02).

Conclusion

In patients with AF ablation, LVAs were found more frequently in patients with DM and poor glycemic control. DM with HbA1c ≥7% was an independent predictor of LVAs.
The Persian Gulf's Transition From American Unipolarity
Authors: Ghiselli Andrea , Ehteshami Anoushiravan
Published: February 2024

Although East Asia remains the center of the US‐China rivalry, other regions are emerging to play key roles. After years of somewhat peaceful coexistence and even a degree of cooperation between Washington and Beijing, the Gulf, with its deep ties to both sides, undoubtedly has become one of them. This new situation creates challenges for all the parties involved, from the two great powers to the regional actors looking for new ways to reposition themselves. This article introduces the contours of the debate taking place among the studies in this special issue, dedicated to the exploration of the Persian Gulf subregion and US‐China relations. It first discusses the position of the Gulf as a barometer of the evolving global power dynamics. The focus then shifts to outlining the implications of the end of American unipolarity for Beijing's and Washington's West Asia policies. Finally, it explores the challenges and opportunities of this systemic shift for the Gulf states. The article is part of a special issue examining the responses of Gulf countries to rising Sino‐American competition, edited by Andrea Ghiselli, Anoushiravan Ehteshami, and Enrico Fardella.
Histone‐modifying enzymes: Roles in odontogenesis and beyond
Authors: Li Yiting , He Pengcheng , Zheng Liwei , Zhou Xin
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Odontogenesis, an intricate process initiated by epithelium‐mesenchyme interaction, is meticulously regulated by a cascade of regulatory mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications, especially histone modification, have been found to exhibit spatiotemporal specificity during tooth development. However, the expression patterns and roles of enzymes associated with histone modifications have yet to be systematically explored in odontogenesis. This review aims to summarize the histone‐modifying enzymes in odontogenesis and their regulation mechanism during tooth development and provide the potential theoretical basis for the clinical management and intervention of dental developmental diseases.

Subjects and Methods

This study conducted a systematic search across PubMed and Web of Science databases, utilizing the keywords “odontogenesis,” “histone modification,” and “enzyme” for pertinent articles.

Results

No doubt histone modification contributes extensively to odontogenesis regulation, and the disturbances in histone modifications can derange the odontogenesis process.

Conclusion

Further studies are warranted to elucidate these roles and their potential downstream effects, positioning histone modifications as a pivotal focal point for unraveling the intricacies of tooth development and regeneration.
Food web complexity modulates environmental impacts on food chain length
Authors: Shibasaki Shota , Terui Akira
Published: February 2024

The determinants of food chain length (FCL), a crucial aspect of biodiversity due to its effects on ecosystem functioning, have long been debated. Previous studies proposed resource availability, disturbance, and ecosystem size as environmental drivers. However, studies using stable isotope approaches have shown inconsistent results, indicating missing links between environmental drivers and FCL. Here, we hypothesized that species richness and motifs (i.e. three‐species subgraphs) modulated environmental effects on FCL. Combining empirical food webs with our N‐species food web model, we found that FCL disproportionately changed at low species richness, with saturation at high species richness. This functional response was essential to the interdependent effects of disturbance and ecosystem size in our model. Disturbance more strongly regulated FCL in smaller ecosystems, where species richness was low. Similarly, increasing ecosystem size enhanced FCL under strong, but not weak, disturbance regimes. Our study suggests that internal food web structure should deepen our understanding of how FCL changes over environments.
How is family health related to health‐related quality of life among middle‐aged and older adults in rural China? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chen Jiangyun , Wu Yibo , Li Lehuan , He Feiying , Zou Biqing , Zhuang Yishan , Tuersun Yusupujiang , Yang Jiao , Wu Fangjing , Kan Yifan , Lyu Ke , Lu Yefeng , Ming Wai‐Kit , Sun Xinying , Wang Dong
Published: February 2024

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is unequal between countries and regions, and the emphasis on HRQOL of populations of low‐income countries and regions is unprecedented.

Objectives

To examine the association between family health and HRQOL among middle‐aged and older adults in rural China, and determine whether this association differs by age, gender and chronic disease subgroup.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey carried out from July to September 2021. The participants were 1059 people aged 46 and over living in rural China. We used the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level (EQ‐5D‐5L) and Family Health Scale‐Short Form (FHS‐SF) to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and family health, respectively.

Results

The mean EQ‐VAS was 75.66, the mean EQ index score was 0.92, and the mean FHS was 37.90 in rural middle‐aged and older adults. After Bonferroni correction, generalised linear regression models showed that FHS was significantly associated with the EQ‐VAS (β = 0.829; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.660 to 0.997; p < .001) and the EQ index score (β = 0.003; 95%CI: 0.001 to 0.004; p < .001). Binary logistic regression models showed that FHS was associated with three dimensions of HRQOL (mobility, self‐care and usual activities) (p < .01). Based on subgroup analyses, the effect of FHS on EQ‐VAS and the EQ index score was significant in three subgroups after Bonferroni correction (p < .01), but the association between FHS and the dimensions of HRQOL differed by age, gender and chronic disease group (p > .01).

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore that family health and its dimensions are significant positive predictors of HRQOL among middle‐aged and older adults in rural China. Family‐based measures may have more potential and value because better family health significantly improves HRQOL.

Implications for practice

In the health strategy, the government and primary health care workers should include family health as an indicator and assess it before and after the implementation of the strategy.
Ser194Leu DSG2 mutation, associated with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Blich Miry , Zohar Yaniv , Cohen‐Kaplan Victoria , Minkov Irina , Asleh Rabea , Horowitz‐Cederboim Smadar , Weiss Karin , Paperna Tamar , Lessick Jonathan , Abadi Sobhi , Khoury Asaad , Gepstein Lior , Suleiman Mahmud , Caspi Oren
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by fibro‐fatty replacement of cardiomyocytes, leading to life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia and heart failure. Pathogenic variants of desmoglein2 gene (DSG2) have been reported as genetic etiologies of AC. In contrast, many reported DSG2 variants are benign or variants of uncertain significance. Correct genetic variant classification is crucial for determining the best medical therapy for the patient and family members.

Methods

Pathogenicity of the DSG2 Ser194Leu variant that was identified by whole exome sequencing in a patient, who presented with ventricular tachycardia and was diagnosed with AC, was investigated by electron microscopy and immunohistochemical staining of endomyocardial biopsy sample.

Results

Electron microscopy demonstrated a widened gap in the adhering junction and a less well‐organized intercalated disk region in the mutated cardiomyocytes compared to the control. Immunohistochemical staining in the proband diagnosed with AC showed reduced expression of desmoglein 2 and connexin 43 and intercalated disc distortion. Reduced expression of DSG2 and Connexin 43 were observed in cellular cytoplasm and gap junctions. Additionally, we detected perinuclear accumulation of DSG2 and Connexin 43 in the proband sample.

Conclusion

Ser194Leu is a missense pathogenic mutation of DSG2 gene associated with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy.
The impact of relationship type and closeness on mental health following suicide loss
Authors: Brown Hannah L. , Selbe Sophie M. , Flesaker Michelle , Rosellini Anthony J. , Maple Myfanwy , Gradus Jaimie L. , Cerel Julie
Published: February 2024

Background

Most research investigating the effect of suicide on loss survivors has been limited to first‐degree family members. Few studies examine the impact of suicide on others outside the immediate family and the influence of relationship type and closeness on mental health.

Methods

This study used data from a sample obtained through random digit dialing (n = 805) to assess exposure to suicide loss, relationship types, perceived closeness, and mental health symptoms (prolonged grief, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder).

Results

Familial status, friend status, and higher perceived closeness were associated with prolonged grief, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder, with the strongest adjusted associations observed for posttraumatic stress disorder and prolonged grief. In general, the magnitude of adjusted standardized associations for closeness and mental health symptoms was stronger than those observed for familial status and mental health symptoms and friend status and mental health symptoms.

Conclusion

Closeness, familial status, and friend status are associated with mental health symptoms experienced after suicide loss, but the magnitude of associations was strongest for closeness. Future studies should examine perceived closeness in addition to other factors related to relationship type and dynamics to assess the complexities of suicide bereavement reactions.
Class Consciousness as Cultural Capital among High‐SES Parents of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Gal‐Jacob Pnina , Shoshana Avihu
Published: February 2024

This article proposes to examine the parenting features of high socioeconomic class (SES) parents of children with disabilities. This examination also enables us to clarify to what extent high‐SES parenting of children with disabilities aligns with the prevailing research on high‐SES parenting of children without disabilities. To resolve this question, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with high‐SES parents of children with disabilities in Israel. The findings indicate that, in addition to financial advantages, these parents hold a clear class consciousness (enacted as cultural capital), which translates into advantages for their children. To that end, the study found four manifestations of cultural capital among high‐SES parents in their approach to special education. The discussion offers a critical interpretation concerning how class consciousness serves as cultural capital among high‐SES parents of children with disabilities, thus producing and maintaining inequity in the special education system.
Evolution of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on heart transplant recipients: Decreasing risk, improving perspective
Authors: García Juan Carlos López‐Azor , Marco Irene , Martín Javier González , López‐Medrano Francisco , Eixerés‐Esteve Andrea , Pérez Pedro Caravaca , Bagudá Javier de Juan , López‐Jiménez Elena Ana , Arribas Fernando , Delgado‐Jiménez Juan Francisco , Carmena María Dolores García‐Cosío
Published: February 2024

Background and Methods

Heart transplant recipients (HTr) have a higher probability of suffer from severe coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) in comparison to general population, but their risk has changed over the course of the pandemic in relation to various factors. We conducted a prospective study including all HTr at risk of COVID‐19 in a tertiary center between February 2020 and October 2022. The aim was to analyze how the prognosis (incidence of pneumonia and mortality) of COVID‐19 in HTr has evolved over time, contextualizing variants, vaccination, and other treatments.

Results

Of 308 HTr included, 124 got the infection (39.2%). COVID and non‐COVID HTr had similar baseline characteristics. COVID‐19 patients with pneumonia had a poorer prognosis than those with less severe presentations, with a higher rate of hospitalization (93.3 vs. 14.1%, p < .001) and death (41.0 vs. 1.2%, p < .001). Multivariate analysis identified age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–11.49, p = .027), and chronic kidney disease ≥3a (OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.39–17.54, p = .014) as predictors of pneumonia. Two‐dose vaccination (OR 0.20, CI 95% 0.05–0.72, p = .02) and early remdesivir administration (OR 0.17, CI 0.03–0.90, p = .037) were protective factors. Over the course of the pandemic considering three periods in the follow‐up (prevaccination February–December 2020, postvaccination January–December 2021, and post early remdesivir indication January–October 2022), we observed a reduction in pneumonia incidence from 62% to 19% (p < .001); and mortality (from 23% to 4%, p < .001).

Conclusions

The prognosis of COVID‐19 in HTr has improved over time, likely due to vaccination and early administration of remdesivir.

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An Experiential Learning Opportunity in Norway: Computation for Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering Students
Authors: Clarin Julia , Vargas Ana I. , Jennings Turner , Salinas Samuel D. , Amini Reza , Tjiptowidjojo Yustianto , Yelle Benjamin , Jacobsen Mojgan Y. , Eide Trine , Udberg-Helle Cecilie , Olsen Torjer A. , Crossen Jonathan , Prot Victorien , Skallerud Bjørn , Amini Rouzbeh
Published: February 2024

The global learning initiative at Northeastern University is focused on fostering intercultural communication skills. The Dialogue of Civilization (DOC) program serves as a mechanism to achieve such a goal by offering faculty-led international experiences. In this paper, we have presented a detailed account of a DOC program that took place in Norway. The primary objective of the program was to teach mechanical engineering and bio-engineering students computational skills while stimulating critical thinking about the cultural and social aspects of technology and engineering in Norway. The program focused on two courses: a technical course and a special topics course. The technical course introduced students to finite element analysis, with practical applications and site visits in Norway to enhance experiential learning. In the special topics course, the interplay between modern technologies, like green energy, state policies, and the rights and traditions of the indigenous Sámi people was explored. The course highlighted both the progressive social policies in Norway and the historical discrimination against the Sámi. Student feedback was positive and experiential learning components such as guest lectures and site visits were particularly appreciated. Additional surveys showed that students' self-confidence was higher following the DOC program. In addition, female-identifying students had higher confidence in their future success after completion of this program as compared to their male-identifying counterparts. Our paper is expected to serve as a resource for educators seeking to integrate technical education with intercultural experiences and discussions on social and cultural impacts in engineering.
The BIORES-21 Survey: Insights Into Remote and Online Education in Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
Authors: Mukherjee Debanjan , Lai Victor , Huang Zhongping , Singh Anita
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated mainstream adoption of online and remote learning approaches, which were highly advantageous yet challenging in many ways. The online modality, while teaching biomedical engineering-related topics in the areas of biomechanics, mechanobiology, and biomedical sciences, further added to the complexity faced by the faculty and students. Both the benefits and the challenges have not been explored systematically by juxtaposing experiences and reflections of both the faculty and students. Motivated by this need, we designed and conducted a systematic survey named BIORES-21, targeted toward the broader bio-engineering community. Survey responses and our inferences from survey findings cumulatively offer insight into the role of employed teaching/learning technology and challenges associated with student engagement. Survey data also provided insights on what worked and what did not, potential avenues to address some underlying challenges, and key beneficial aspects such as integration of technology and their role in improving remote teaching/learning experiences. Overall, the data presented summarize the key benefits and challenges of online learning that emerged from the experiences during the pandemic, which is valuable for the continuation of online learning techniques as in-person education operations resumed broadly across institutions, and some form of online learning seems likely to sustain and grow in the near future.
Computational Pulsatile Flow and Efficiency Analysis of Biocompatible Microfluidic Artificial Lungs for Different Fiber Configurations
Authors: Asiltürk Ahmet Yusuf , Atalık Kunt
Published: February 2024

Average-sized microfluidic artificial lungs consisting of rows and columns of fiber bundles with different column to row aspect ratios (AR) are numerically analyzed for flow characteristics, maximum gas transfer performance, minimum pressure drop, and proper wall shear stress (WSS) values in terms of biocompatibility. The flow is fully laminar and assumed to be incompressible and Newtonian. The transport analysis is performed using a combined convection-diffusion model, and the numerical simulations are carried out with the finite element method. The inlet volumetric flow is modeled as a sinusoidal wave function to simulate the cardiac cycle and its effect on the device performance. The model is first validated with experimental studies in steady-state condition and compared with existing correlations for transient conditions. Then, the validated model is used for a parametric study in both steady and pulsatile flow conditions. The results show that increasing the aspect ratio in fiber configuration leads to converging gas transfer, higher pressure drop, and higher WSS. While determining the optimum configuration, the acceptable shear stress levels play a decisive role to ensure biocompatibility. Also, it is observed that the steady analysis underestimates the gas transfer for higher aspect ratios.