bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and experimental research of the hybrid-driven soft robot
Authors: Zhang Ke , Wei Hongtao , Bi Yongqi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a soft robot for performing detection, by using a hybrid drive to reach the target point faster and enable the robot to perform the detection task at a relatively fast speed.

Design/methodology/approach

The soft robot is driven by a mixture of motors and pneumatic pressure, in which the pneumatic pressure is used to drive the soft actuator to bend and the motors to drive the soft robot forward. The careful design of the actuator is based on a finite element simulation using ABAQUS, which combines a constant curvature differential model and the D-H method to analyze the motion space of the soft actuator.

Findings

The soft robot’s ability to adapt to the environment and cross obstacles has been demonstrated by building prototypes and complex environments such as grass, gravel, sand and pipes.

Originality/value

This design can improve the speed and smoothness of the motion of the soft robot, while retaining the good environmental flexibility of the soft robot. And the soft robot has good environmental adaptability and the ability to cross obstacles. The soft robot proposed in this paper has broad prospects in fields such as pipeline inspection and field exploration.
Effective communication management in a public health crisis: lessons learned about COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of health communication executives
Authors: Voges Taylor S. , Jin Yan , Eaddy LaShonda L. , Spector Shelley
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to provide insights on the COVID-19 pandemic communication from the lessons learned by health communication executives—how they perceived the COVID-19 pandemic and recommend preparing for communication management of future public health crises.

Design/methodology/approach

A number of top health communication executives in the United States, who worked in the healthcare industry for at least 25 years and held titles like director, president and chief strategist, were interviewed for their unique perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used the contingency theory of strategic conflict management for qualitative deductive analysis of the following segmentations of key factors that drove organizational communication management decision making during the pandemic: organization characteristics, relationship characteristics, general external climate, external publics and the issue under question.

Findings

Health communication executives heavily relied on their past health communication experiences, which led to nuanced understandings of the COVID-19 pandemic. Practically, the health communication executives urged future practitioners to constantly assess risks, hire and use diverse and representative decision-makers; set a communication protocol; and keep the communication in perspective. Theoretically, the contingency theory is furthered—there appears to be a theoretical linkage between the construct of general external climate and the construct of the external public.

Originality/value

The unique perspectives of top health communication executives, based in the United States, provided in-depth insights on the COVID-19 pandemic—its nuances, challenges and main influences (e.g. political, racial, etc.). These takeaways and recommendations can be adapted by other organizations and future health communicators in other parts of the world.
Connectedness among various financial markets classes under Covid-19 pandemic and 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war: evidence from TVP-VAR approach
Authors: Mroua Mourad , Bouattour Hejer
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper examines the time-varying return connectedness between renewable energy, oil, precious metals, the Gulf Council Cooperation region and the United States stock markets during two successive crises: the pandemic Covid-19 and the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war. The main objective is to investigate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russo-Ukrainian war on the connectedness between the considered stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the time-varying parameter vector autoregression approach, which represents an extension of the Spillover approach (Diebold and Yilmaz, 2009, 2012, 2014), to examine the time-varying connectedness among stock markets.

Findings

This paper reflects the effect of the two crises on the stock markets in terms of shock transmission degree. We find that the United States and renewable energy stock markets are the main net emitters of shocks during the global period and not just during the two considered crises sub-periods. Oil stock market is both an emitter and a receiver of shocks against Gulf Council Cooperation region and United States markets during the full sample period, which may be due to price fluctuation especially during the two crises sub-periods, which suggests that the future is for renewable energy.

Originality/value

This paper examines the effect of the two recent and successive crises, the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war, on the connectedness among traditional stock markets (the United States and Gulf Council Cooperation region) and commodities stock markets (renewable energy, oil and precious metals).
Asymmetric impact of investor sentiment and media coverage news on bitcoin returns
Authors: Naifar Nader , Altamimi Sohale
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the impact of global sentiment and various coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related media coverage news (Media-Hype index; Panic Index; Media Coverage Index, infodemic index and coronavirus statistics) on the dynamics of bitcoin returns during the COVID-19 pandemic using an asymmetric framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an asymmetric framework based on quantile regression (QR) and quantile-on-quantile regression.

Findings

QR results show that COVID-19 panic news negatively affects bitcoin market returns at times of extreme bearish. However, COVID-19 bullish sentiment negatively impacts bitcoin market returns during bullish market conditions. Quantile-on-quantile approach's (QQA) empirical results show that the effects of COVID-19-related news on bitcoin returns were heterogeneous, mainly negative and varied across quantiles.

Research limitations/implications

The authors find some significant differences regarding the impact of news on bitcoin return dynamics compared to stock markets, suggesting the safe-haven role of bitcoin against stock during the ongoing epidemic.

Practical implications

The authors find some significant differences regarding the impact of news on bitcoin return dynamics compared to stock markets, suggesting the safe-haven role of bitcoin against stock during the ongoing epidemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding the dynamics of bitcoin returns using various COVID-19 media news.
The portrayal of SME leaders in Kuwait on SDG 12
Authors: Al-Muzaini Nada Saleh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The authors have recently been seeing a rising trend towards sustainability and innovation among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kuwait, especially through the use of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were introduced by United Nations in 2015. In Kuwait, corporations such as Zain and NBK have already implemented the SDGs as part of their main objective to create a better future for their companies. This research attempts to explore the reasons why entrepreneurs in SMEs are implementing the SDGs and specifically goal number 12 (SDG 12).

Design/methodology/approach

With this research drawing on a qualitative approach, a sample of 20 participants who operated at the executive level of the SMEs were chosen randomly using the “snowball” sampling from different industries, including the food and beverage and beauty and service sectors, and were interviewed.

Findings

The results revealed that most SMEs in Kuwait are considering their approach to sustainability. Although these SMEs are following a global trend, the Kuwait government does not support them in adopting sustainability rules and regulations.

Practical implications

This research contributes to the existing literature by presenting new knowledge about SMEs in Kuwait implementing the SDGs. It also makes an empirical contribution to the SME and entrepreneurship literature by exploring the reasons for adopting these goals. This study is one of very few that have explored the SDGs in Kuwait, and it can provide grounds for future research on SMEs' adoption in Kuwait of future SGDs. Recommendations and future directions are presented.

Originality/value

The findings add to the empirical literature by revealing the reasons why entrepreneurs in SMEs are implementing SDG 12. Furthermore, the findings will open doors for future research in this field.
Implementing enterprise digital transformation: a contribution to conceptual framework design
Authors: Mahboub Houda , Sadok Hicham
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to articulate a view of digital transformation (DT) implementation and proposes a framework linking digital transformation strategy (DTS) and business model innovation (BMI), often treated separately.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the analysis of the DTS model and the literature of the BMI model, this work proposes, in an inductive methodological approach, a conceptual framework articulating these two items to be put in place for a better implementation of the DT of companies.

Findings

To successfully implement the DT, managers need to master the art of contextualization. It is not always a matter of radical changes and reinventing the whole strategy and business model, but knowing how to update the existing one with the new changes and information. Moreover, an optimal design for implementing DT requires alignment between the strategic and operational aspects to achieve the proposition, the creation and the value capture. In addition, the link between the DTS and the BMI should be iterative and continuous, respecting a Deming wheel-like approach.

Practical implications

The outcome of this paper can serve as a reference and checklist guiding enterprises to succeed in their DT implementation project. In this regard, this work presents a DTS model to implement the DT, and a BMI instruction but also clarifies how to ensure consistency between all the models to guarantee the DT project alignment and therefore organizational survival.

Originality/value

This work proposes an original conceptual framework linking the DTS and BMI through their building blocks to assure a successful DT implementation.
Can cryptocurrency solve the problem of financial constraint in corporates? A literature review and theoretical perspective
Authors: Neetu  , Symss Jacqueline
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to attempt to examine some of the unique features of cryptocurrency and the reasons for its growing market acceptability. Given the expanding size of cryptocurrency markets, the present study strives to identify whether it can be used as an alternative financial asset in place of traditional financial assets to meet firms' financial constraints. It also provides issues for future research in the area of cryptocurrency markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analysed 94 research papers from databases such as ScienceDirect, Proquest, EBSCO, Emerald Insight and Web of Science. Articles connected to cryptocurrency, financial assets and corporate financial constraints research were explored. VOSviewer software has been used to visualise the specified body of literature and identify eight clusters in previous literature using keyword and abstract analysis.

Findings

Studies reveal that cryptocurrency markets are independent of traditional financial markets and cryptocurrency returns have less correlation with traditional financial asset classes. This can be an advantage to firms, especially during times of crisis when traditional financial assets are impacted by significantly lower returns, while cryptocurrencies can serve as an alternative. Realtime data reveals that during the pandemic, cryptocurrencies had the maximum growth in returns which also happened to be a time when firms faced severe cash constraints. While accepting cryptocurrency as a means of exchange is still under review by regulatory authorities, it can be considered an alternative asset for investment purposes. Firms can take advantage of it to overcome financial constraints and thus reap the gains from holding crypto assets for precautionary reasons.

Originality/value

The present study investigates using cryptocurrency as an alternative financial asset to solve the financial constraint problem in corporates. The issues regarding volatility, cyber securities, gold returns, long-term and short-term returns have been some of the most prominent studies in the area of cryptocurrency. The present study uses eight theme-based clusters to identify the role of cryptocurrency as an alternative investment class and examines evidence-based research regarding the financial returns from holding cryptocurrency over certain traditional asset classes such as gold, currency or stocks. In recent years, it has been found that investors' growing interest in holding cryptocurrency as part of their financial portfolio has led to the substantial appreciation of cryptocurrency prices. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study will be a novel attempt to identify the role of cryptocurrency as an antidote to the companies’ financial constraints and liquidity issues.
Hybrid acoustic materials through assembly of tubes and microchannels: design and experimental investigation
Authors: Costa-Baptista Josué , Fotsing Edith Roland , Mardjono Jacky , Therriault Daniel , Ross Annie
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the design and experimental investigation of compact hybrid sound-absorbing materials presenting low-frequency and broadband sound absorption.

Design/methodology/approach

The hybrid materials combine microchannels and helical tubes. Microchannels provide broadband sound absorption in the middle frequency range. Helical tubes provide low-frequency absorption. Optimal configurations of microchannels are used and analytical equations are developed to guide the design of the helical tubes. Nine hybrid materials with 30 mm thickness are produced via additive manufacturing. They are combinations of one-, two- and four-layer microchannels and helical tubes with 110, 151 and 250 mm length. The sound absorption coefficient of the hybrid materials is measured using an impedance tube.

Findings

The type of microchannels (i.e. one, two or four layers), the number of rotations and the number of tubes are key parameters affecting the acoustic performance. For instance, in the 500 Hz octave band (α500), sound absorption of a 30 mm thick hybrid material can reach 0.52 which is 5.7 times higher than the α500 of a typical periodic porous material with the same thickness. Moreover, the broadband sound absorption for mid-frequencies is reasonably high with and α1000 > 0.7. The ratio of first absorption peak wavelength to structure thickness λ/T can reach 17, which is characteristic of deep-subwavelength behaviour.

Originality/value

The concept and experimental validation of a compact hybrid material combining a periodic porous structure such as microchannels and long helical tubes are original. The ability to increase low-frequency sound absorption at constant depth is an asset for applications where volume and weight are constraints.
Sustainability reporting as a social construct: the systematic literature review within socio-political view
Authors: Aluchna Maria , Roszkowska-Menkes Maria , Jastrzębska Ewa , Bohdanowicz Leszek
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of socio-political interactions in determining the topos of sustainability reporting (SR) practice. For this purpose, this study harnesses pragmatic constructivism perspective to identify facts, possibilities, values and communication of SR practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a systematic literature review approach using a sample of 167 articles from 54 academic journals.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that companies in their SR are driven by self-interest, treating disclosure as a mean in itself and neglecting its role in sustainability transition. In the light of the results, this study proposes three main avenues for further research: the interplay of institutional, organizational and individual factors as drivers for transparency; approaches to improve the quality of SR; and (3) sustainability impact of SR.

Originality/value

The past decade has seen a proliferation of literature on the practice of SR. One of the most influential streams in studies on SR has been grounded in socio-political theories with legitimacy, stakeholder and institutional theories on the front. Nevertheless, there is still no systematic and comprehensive overview of this rich literature. This study offers a comprehensive framework which conceptualizes SR as a social construct defined by the interplay between various, often conflicting institutional demands.
Knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover: a review of empirical literature, synthesis and future research directions (Part I)
Authors: Galan Nataliya
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this two-part study is to systematically review, analyze and critically synthesize the current state of empirical research on knowledge loss induced by organizational member turnover (KLT).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted based on 91 empirical studies on KLT.

Findings

Part I of the study contributes to the advancement of KLT scholarship by mapping key developments in empirical research on KLT (publication trends, methodological and theoretical foci, heterogeneity of geographical, industrial and organizational contexts); encapsulating KLT antecedents associated with both voluntary and involuntary turnover; and revealing a broad scope of KLT effects at organizational and unit level.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations related to inclusion/exclusion criteria used for creating the review sample and the “Antecedents–Phenomenon–Outcomes” logic used to synthesize the findings.

Originality/value

Part I of the study offers a systematic synthesis of KLT empirical research with respect to KLT antecedents, outcomes and factors affecting them.
A study of the prevalence of impulsive and compulsive buying among consumers in the apparel and accessories market
Authors: Kshatriya Kavita , Shah Priyanka Sharad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the presence of impulsive and compulsive buying among consumers. It studies the various factors that affect and moderate the impulsiveness and compulsiveness of buying.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review resulted in four constructs – social media influence, social media preferences, hedonic motivation and shop in COVID-19. On conducting factor analysis in statistical package for the social sciences, the variables were divided under the influence of social media, social commerce, electronic word of mouth (EWOM) of social commerce, hedonic happiness, hedonic fun and shopping in times of COVID-19. Structural equation modeling is conducted in AMOS (statistical software) for a diagrammatic representation of the relationship between the variables. Regression analysis is used to re-affirm the above relationship. Testing of hypotheses is done with the help of the chi-square test.

Findings

All six latent variables are significantly related to impulsive and compulsive buying. However, the regression analysis shows social media influence as the strongest predictor for impulse buying and hedonic happiness for compulsive buying. Also, the presence of the pandemic COVID-19 leads to impulsive buying as well as compulsive buying in the apparel and accessory segment.

Practical implications

Marketers should capitalize on spontaneous buying in both forms – impulsive buying and compulsive buying. Social media influencers, as well as more consumer engagement on social media, can promote impulsive buying. However, compulsive buyers will be more attracted towards great in-store experiences or hedonically driven advertisements, as they do not just shop for buying the product; they shop for the experience of shopping.

Originality/value

This study uncovers the difference in factors that affect impulsive and compulsive buying. Though both behaviours seem points of the same scale, they are inherently different and can be predicted with social media influence and hedonic happiness.
UK Equity Crowdfunding Success: The Impact of Competition, Brexit and Covid‐19
Authors: Vu Anh Nguyet , Christian Jose
Published: February 2023

This paper studies the impact of competition, Brexit and the Covid‐19 pandemic on UK equity crowdfunding success. Using data from Crowdcube, we account for competition from different angles, varying from within the platform and between Crowdcube and its competitors, while controlling for various campaign and firm characteristics. Our sample period, 2011–2020, covers two unprecedented events, Brexit and the Coronavirus outbreak. We find that competition and the pandemic are positively related to crowdfunding success, while Brexit appears to impose a detrimental impact on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs’) equity financing via online crowdfunding. Our results highlight the bright‐side effect of competition, in which crowdfunding investors could back different campaigns and do not appear to be drawn away by contemporary campaigns in other competitive marketplaces. Investors were also reportedly more active during the pandemic. As SMEs are likely to be most negatively impacted by Brexit, future policy interventions to stimulate capital investment and replace European funding remain crucial to moderate uncertainties.
‘That Gleaming Sword of Satire’1: Power, Passion and Parliament in the Mid‐Victorian City
Authors: Kilfoyle Lucy
Published: February 2023

Political print satire, construed as an articulation of sedition and dissent, is most commonly associated in Britain with its 18th‐century ‘Golden Age’. Beyond Victorian fiction, the go‐to 19th‐century source tends to be the hegemonic, London‐centric Punch. It is not widely known that, as Punch mellowed and popularised in the 1860s and 1870s, England's booming urban centres gave rise to a distinct form of citizen journalism which used boisterous satire as an effective vehicle for sociopolitical comment, evidence‐based analysis and civic activism. Not only did the provincial satirical periodical filter parliamentary affairs through a critical provincial lens but at a time when politics were largely local, it engaged with the extra‐parliamentary power vested in civic and municipal governance. It aspired to much more than diversion through witty posturing. Morally and ideologically inspired, fuelled by righteous indignation, it successfully used the protest of the pen to agitate in the cause of social and political reform, demonstrating the ‘everyday’ resistance and common sense essential to liberal governmentality. Referencing some of the most enduring and respected examples of the genre – the Porcupine in Liverpool, the Town Crier in Birmingham and the Free Lance in Manchester – this article casts light upon this poorly understood journalism of conviction. A cause and effect of both emotional and intellectual release, it serves as an excellent example of citizenship as performed political passion, in an age of public conformity and restraint.
A 5 item version of the Workplace Activity Limitation Scale successfully identifies impaired work productivity in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A split‐sample factor analysis approach
Authors: Gorial Faiq I. , Awadh Nabaa Ihsan , Humadi Yasameen Abbas , Mutar Mohammed Tareq , Hameed Mustafa Majid , Ali Shahlaa B. , Hasan Hala Fadhil , Aljafr Alyaa N.
Published: February 2023

Background

There is a growing interest in studying the effects of arthritis on a person's work productivity using a growing variety of outcome indicators.

Objectives

To develop a valid and reliable shortened version of the Workplace Activity Limitation Scale 12 (WALS‐12) for assessing work productivity limitations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study involving 277 RA patients was conducted. An exploratory factor analysis on WALS‐12 was used for item reduction on the first sample. Then confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was run to establish the best fit indices of the reduced version. On the second sample, CFA and linear discriminant analysis were performed to assess the diagnostic performance and discriminant ability of the reduced form. A Bland–Altman method was used to find the agreement between the WALS‐12 and the reduced one.

Results

The WALS‐12 was reduced to 5 items. The Cronbach α was 0.817, with a composite reliability of 0.715. The Spearman rho correlation coefficient ranged between 0.675 and 0.795 for WALS‐5, which was higher for the scale items with their domains than the correlation of WALS‐5 with the domains of Work Limitations Questionnaire‐25. Also, the root square of the average variant extracted from WALS‐5 was 0.802. WALS‐5 showed excellent discriminant ability with an area under the curve of 0.98 (P < .001), sensitivity of 97%, specificity of 82%, and accuracy of 94%. The reduced version WALS‐5 was in agreement with the original version WALS‐12.

Conclusions

WALS‐5 is a valid and reliable tool to assess the work productivity limitations in RA patients.
Tuberculosis mimicking the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus flare: Case based review
Authors: Liu Yang , Che Guozhu , Liu Ying , Xu Ke
Published: February 2023

Aim

To analyze the clinical features of lupus‐like tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

Three cases of TB imitating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flare were collected in our hospital. Based on literature review, there are only 3 reports of TB resembling lupus flare rather than SLE per se.

Results

The 3 cases of lupus mimickers, with a mean age of 30.3 years, ranging from 27 to 32 years, had atypical features of SLE, namely no typical butterfly erythema, lupus hair, alopecia or proteinuria, similar to the patients reported in the 3 previously mentioned studies. Emergence of different autoantibodies like anti‐nuclear antibodies, anti‐double‐stranded DNA, anti‐nucleosome antibodies, and anti‐histone antibodies could occur in TB, mostly as an epiphenomenon. In patients with specific serological anti‐Sm and hypocomplementemia, active TB cannot be easily ruled out. The presence of autoantibodies neither altered the clinical manifestations and radiographic findings of active TB, nor were detectable after infections are resolved. The resistance of the SLE manifestations to the steroid and immunosuppressive treatment suggests the contribution of an infectious disease.

Conclusion

TB stimulated the production of autoantibodies, with shared affinity for mycobacteria and human antigens, which may have led to lupus mimickers.
New is old? TheEU's Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy
Authors: Eliasson L. Johan , Garcia‐Duran Patricia
Published: February 2023

The European Commission presented its Open, Sustainable and Assertive (OSA) trade strategy in early 2021, heralding the document as representing a new and strategic approach to countering dependency and strengthening resiliency. We analyse the OSA through policy paradigms, making two contributions to the trade policy literature. First, we show that embedded liberalism and fair trade—often presented as two trade paradigms —are rather elements of one, namely managed globalisation (MG). Using qualitative and quantitative content analyses, we argue that MG has been more influential in shaping 21st‐century trade policy than heretofore recognised in the literature. Second, we show that the OSA represents a paradigmatic rebalancing and complementarity, between the MG and a realist trade‐as‐foreign‐policy paradigm. The OSA represents an EU seeking to increase its capabilities in order to defend its values and interests, while simultaneously promoting the return to a rules‐based liberal international trading order; the co‐dominance of MG and trade‐as‐foreign‐policy represent an evolution from managing interdependence to managing dependency.
Liberating trails and travel routes in Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en Territories from the tyrannies of heritage resource management regimes
Authors: Armstrong Chelsey Geralda , Spice Anne , Ridsdale Mike , Welch John R.
Published: February 2023

Despite their unmistakable significance in regional histories and unique roles in cultural transmission and traditions, Indigenous trail systems are frequently ignored in non‐Indigenous heritage resource management regimes. These regulatory regimes often require that heritage have discrete spatial and temporal boundaries and predefined material attributes and functions. However, as landscape‐scale connectors of peoples, places, and times that blend spiritual, economic, and educational functions, trails challenge these proscriptions. Trails eschew cost‐effective identification, documentation, and conservation. Accordingly, and because trails cannot be adequately documented without the expertise of people whose lands and communities they serve, archaeologists tasked with identifying heritage in advance of resource extraction and land alteration projects often omit trails from assessments. Shortcomings in heritage conservation regimes in British Columbia and elsewhere are resulting in the obliteration of Indigenous trails at precisely the time they are needed to support the revitalization of Territory‐Community relationships at the core of Indigeneity. We address this tragedy by integrating archaeology, ethnography, remote sensing, and collaborative fieldwork to document trails in Wet'suwet'en and Gitxsan Territories. This enables protection in heritage management contexts and renewed and expanded trail use in intergenerational and intercultural contexts in support of Indigenous community futurity, survivance, and shared senses of community, geography, and stewardship.
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging reflects different levels of histologically determined myelin densities in multiple sclerosis, including remyelination in inactive multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Wiggermann Vanessa , Endmayr Verena , Hernández‐Torres Enedino , Höftberger Romana , Kasprian Gregor , Hametner Simon , Rauscher Alexander
Published: February 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of focal or diffuse myelin damage or remyelination may provide important insights into disease progression and potential treatment efficacy in multiple sclerosis (MS). We performed post‐mortem MRI and histopathological myelin measurements in seven progressive MS cases to evaluate the ability of three myelin‐sensitive MRI scans to distinguish different stages of MS pathology, particularly chronic demyelinated and remyelinated lesions. At 3 Tesla, we acquired two different myelin water imaging (MWI) scans and magnetisation transfer ratio (MTR) data. Histopathology included histochemical stainings for myelin phospholipids (LFB) and iron as well as immunohistochemistry for myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), CD68 (phagocytosing microglia/macrophages) and BCAS1 (remyelinating oligodendrocytes). Mixed‐effects modelling determined which histopathological metric best predicted MWF and MTR in normal‐appearing and diffusely abnormal white matter, active/inactive, inactive, remyelinated and ischemic lesions. Both MWI measures correlated well with each other and histology across regions, reflecting the different stages of MS pathology. MTR data showed a considerable influence of components other than myelin and a strong dependency on tissue storage duration. Both MRI and histology revealed increased myelin densities in inactive compared with active/inactive lesions. Chronic inactive lesions harboured single scattered myelin fibres indicative of low‐level remyelination. Mixed‐effects modelling showed that smaller differences between white matter areas were linked to PLP densities and only to a small extent confounded by iron. MWI reflects differences in myelin lipids and proteins across various levels of myelin densities encountered in MS, including low‐level remyelination in chronic inactive lesions.
Isoxazole 9 (ISX9), a small molecule targeting Axin, activates Wnt/β‐catenin signalling and promotes hair regrowth
Authors: Sayed Sapna , Song Jiaxing , Wang Ling , Muluh Tobias Achu , Liu Boxin , Lin Zhixian , Tang Yun , Su Zijie , Li Huan , Xue Vivian Weiwen , Liu Shanshan , Chen Xianxiong , Zhou Guangqian , Sun Qi , Lu Desheng
Published: February 2023

Background and Purpose

Isoxazole 9 (ISX9) is a neurogenesis‐promoting small molecule compound that can up‐regulate the expression of NeuroD1 and induce differentiation of neuronal, cardiac and islet endocrine progenitors. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of ISX9 still remain elusive.

Experimental Approach

To identify a novel agonist of the Wnt/β‐catenin, a cell‐based SuperTOPFlash reporter system was used to screen known‐compound libraries. An activation effect of ISX9 on the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was analysed with the SuperTOPFlash or SuperFOPFlash reporter system. Effects of ISX9 on Axin1/LRP6 interaction were examined using a mammalian two‐hybrid system, co‐immunoprecipitation, microscale thermophoresis, emission spectra and mass spectrometry assays. The expression of Wnt target and stemmness marker genes were evaluated with real‐time PCR and immunoblotting. In vivo hair regeneration abilities of ISX9 were analysed by immunohistochemical staining, real‐time PCR and immunoblotting in hair regrowth model using C57BL/6J mice.

Key Results

In this study, ISX9 was identified as a novel agonist of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. ISX9 targeted Axin1 by covalently binding to its N‐terminal region and potentiated the LRP6‐Axin1 interaction, thereby resulting in the stabilization of β‐catenin and up‐regulation of Wnt target genes and stemmness marker genes. Moreover, the topical application of ISX9 markedly promoted hair regrowth in C57BL/6J mice and induced hair follicle transition from telogen to anagen via enhancing Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.

Conclusions and Implications

Taken together, our study unravelled that ISX9 could activate Wnt/β‐catenin signalling by potentiating the association between LRP6 and Axin1, and may be a promising therapeutic agent for alopecia treatment.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas in children
Authors: Meng Lingdu , Zhan Yong , Wei Meng , Yang Ran , Wang Junfeng , Weng Shuting , Chen Lian , Zheng Shan , Dong Kuiran , Dong Rui
Published: February 2023

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare pancreatic tumor in children. Its origin remains elusive, along with its pathogenesis. Heterogeneity within SPN has not been previously described. In addition, low malignant but recurrent cases have occasionally been reported. To comprehensively unravel these profiles, single‐cell RNA sequencing was performed using surgical specimens. We identified the cell types and suggested the origin of pancreatic endocrine progenitors. The Wnt/β‐catenin pathway may be involved in tumorigenesis, while the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition may be responsible for SPN recurrence. Furthermore, NOV, DCN were nominated as primary and S100A10, MGP as recurrent SPN marker genes, respectively. Our results provide insight into the pathogenesis of SPN.
S3 Guideline Urticaria. Part 1: Classification and diagnosis of urticaria – German‐language adaptation of the international S3 Guideline
Authors: Zuberbier Torsten , Altrichter Sabine , Bauer Sabine , Brehler Randolf , Brockow Knut , Dressler Corinna , Fluhr Joachim , Gaskins Matthew , Hamelmann Eckard , Kühne Kathrin , Merk Hans , Mülleneisen Norbert K. , Nast Alexander , Olze Heidi , Ott Hagen , Pleimes Marc , Ruëff Franziska , Staubach‐Renz Petra , Wedi Bettina , Maurer Marcus
Published: February 2023

The lifetime prevalence of urticaria, a severe allergic disease, is almost 20%. It not only limits the quality of life of those affected, but also their general performance at work and in their daily activities. This publication is the first section of the Urticaria Guideline. It covers the classification and diagnosis of urticaria, taking into account the major advances in research into its causes, triggering factors and pathomechanisms. It also addresses strategies for the efficient diagnosis of the different subtypes of urticaria. This is crucial for individual, patient‐oriented treatment, which is covered in the second part of the guideline, published separately. This German‐language guideline was developed according to the criteria of the AWMF on the basis of the international English‐language S3 guideline with special consideration of health system characteristics in the German‐speaking countries.

This first part of the guideline describes the classification of urticaria, distinguishing spontaneously occurring wheals (hives) and angioedema from forms of urticaria with inducible symptoms. Urticaria is defined as sudden onset of wheals, angioedema, or both, but is to be distinguished from conditions in which wheals occur as a short‐term symptom, such as anaphylaxis. The diagnosis is based on (a limited number of) laboratory tests, but especially on medical history. In addition, validated instruments are available to measure the severity, activity and course of the disease.
The influence of diabetes on temporal trends in lower extremity revascularisation and amputation for peripheral artery disease: A population‐based repeated cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Jacob‐Brassard Jean , Al‐Omran Mohammed , Stukel Thérèse A. , Mamdani Muhammad , Lee Douglas S. , Papia Giuseppe , de Mestral Charles
Published: February 2023

Aim/Hypothesis

To describe the influence of diabetes on temporal changes in rates of lower extremity revascularisation and amputation for peripheral artery disease (PAD) in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

In this population‐based repeated cross‐sectional study, we calculated annual rates of lower extremity revascularisation (open or endovascular) and amputation (toe, foot or leg) related to PAD among Ontario residents aged ≥40 years between 2002 and 2019. Annual rate ratios (relative to 2002) adjusted for changes in diabetes prevalence alone, as well as fully adjusted for changes in demographics, diabetes and other comorbidities, were estimated using generalized estimating equation models to model population‐level effects while accounting for correlation within units of observation.

Results

Compared with 2002, the Ontario population in 2019 exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes (18% vs. 10%). Between 2002 and 2019, the crude rate of revascularisation increased from 75.1 to 90.7/100,000 person‐years (unadjusted RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07–1.13). However, after adjustment, there was no longer an increase in the rate of revascularisation (diabetes‐adjusted RR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96–1.01, fully‐adjusted RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91–0.96). The crude rate of amputation decreased from 2002 to 2019 from 49.5 to 45.4/100,000 person‐years (unadjusted RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.75–0.81), but was more pronounced after adjustment (diabetes‐adjusted RR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.60–0.64; fully‐adjusted RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.56–0.60).

Conclusions/Interpretation

Diabetes prevalence rates strongly influenced rates of revascularisation and amputation related to PAD. A decrease in amputations related to PAD over time was attenuated by rising diabetes prevalence rates.
Effects of finerenone in people with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes are independent of HbA1c at baseline, HbA1c variability, diabetes duration and insulin use at baseline
Authors: McGill Janet B. , Agarwal Rajiv , Anker Stefan D. , Bakris George L. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Pitt Bertram , Ruilope Luis M. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Caramori Maria L. , Brinker Meike , Joseph Amer , Lage Andrea , Lawatscheck Robert , Scott Charlie , Rossing Peter ,   the FIDELIO‐DKD and FIGARO‐DKD investigators
Published: February 2023

Aim

To evaluate the effect of finerenone by baseline HbA1c, HbA1c variability, diabetes duration and baseline insulin use on cardiorenal outcomes and diabetes progression.

Materials and Methods

Composite efficacy outcomes included cardiovascular (cardiovascular death, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, non‐fatal stroke or hospitalization for heart failure), kidney (kidney failure, sustained ≥ 57% estimated glomerular filtration rate decline or renal death) and diabetes progression (new insulin initiation, increase in antidiabetic medication, 1.0% increase in HbA1c from baseline, new diabetic ketoacidosis diagnosis or uncontrolled diabetes).

Results

In 13 026 participants, risk reductions in the cardiovascular and kidney composite outcomes with finerenone versus placebo were consistent across HbA1c quartiles (P interaction .52 and .09, respectively), HbA1c variability (P interaction .48 and .10), diabetes duration (P interaction .12 and .75) and insulin use (P interaction .16 and .52). HbA1c variability in the first year of treatment was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and kidney events (hazard ratio [HR] 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07‐1.35; P = .0016 and HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.21‐1.52; P < .0001, respectively). There was no effect on diabetes progression with finerenone or placebo (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.95‐1.04). Finerenone was well‐tolerated across subgroups; discontinuation and hospitalization because of hyperkalaemia were low.

Conclusions

Finerenone efficacy was not modified by baseline HbA1c, HbA1c variability, diabetes duration or baseline insulin use. Greater HbA1c variability appeared to be associated with an increased risk of cardiorenal outcomes.
Economic Notes: 1999–2011
Authors: Roma Antonio
Published: February 2023

The paper documents that, over the period 1999–2011, Economic Notes made a further step forward in becoming a professional outlet for high‐quality academic research by moving under the production and distribution by an international publisher (Blackwell, later on, Wiley). The Journal cultivated research on the challenges posed by an environment of financial innovation and security‐market expansion, which posed new economic policy and bank management issues. Accordingly, it refocused on compelling financial, banking and monetary topics, as epitomized by adopting its current subtitle ‘Review of Banking, Finance and Monetary Economics’. On balance, the Journal's long‐standing editorial policy of being open to a variety of contributions in the field of economics was retained, but a noticeable shift toward financial themes took shape over the 1999–2011 period. This focus, inspired by the events of the period, helped the Journal to remain relevant to the research interests of many scholars at the time. Notably, the Journal included topics in applied research that had a potential impact on the management of financial institutions, such as risk management and asset pricing, as well as the analysis of financial regulations. Those years proved fertile for both editorial policy and the dissemination of the Journal.
Is the future female for turtles? Climate change and wetland configuration predict sex ratios of a freshwater species
Authors: Roberts H. Patrick , Willey Lisabeth L. , Jones Michael T. , Akre Thomas S. B. , King David I. , Kleopfer John , Brown Donald J. , Buchanan Scott W. , Chandler Houston C. , deMaynadier Phillip , Winters Melissa , Erb Lori , Gipe Katharine D. , Johnson Glenn , Lauer Kathryn , Liebgold Eric B. , Mays Jonathan D. , Meck Jessica R. , Megyesy Joshua , Mota Joel L. , Nazdrowicz Nathan H. , Oxenrider Kevin J. , Parren Molly , Ransom Tami S. , Rohrbaugh Lindsay , Smith Scott , Yorks Derek , Zarate Brian
Published: February 2023

Climate change and land‐use change are leading drivers of biodiversity decline, affecting demographic parameters that are important for population persistence. For example, scientists have speculated for decades that climate change may skew adult sex ratios in taxa that express temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD), but limited evidence exists that this phenomenon is occurring in natural settings. For species that are vulnerable to anthropogenic land‐use practices, differential mortality among sexes may also skew sex ratios. We sampled the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), a freshwater species with TSD, across a large portion of its geographic range (Florida to Maine), to assess the environmental factors influencing adult sex ratios. We present evidence that suggests recent climate change has potentially skewed the adult sex ratio of spotted turtles, with samples following a pattern of increased proportions of females concomitant with warming trends, but only within the warmer areas sampled. At intermediate temperatures, there was no relationship with climate, while in the cooler areas we found the opposite pattern, with samples becoming more male biased with increasing temperatures. These patterns might be explained in part by variation in relative adaptive capacity via phenotypic plasticity in nest site selection. Our findings also suggest that spotted turtles have a context‐dependent and multi‐scale relationship with land use. We observed a negative relationship between male proportion and the amount of crop cover (within 300 m) when wetlands were less spatially aggregated. However, when wetlands were aggregated, sex ratios remained consistent. This pattern may reflect sex‐specific patterns in movement that render males more vulnerable to mortality from agricultural machinery and other threats. Our findings highlight the complexity of species' responses to both climate change and land use, and emphasize the role that landscape structure can play in shaping wildlife population demographics.
Distinct regulations driving YAP1 expression loss in poroma, porocarcinoma and RB1‐deficient skin carcinoma
Authors: Kervarrec Thibault , Frouin Eric , Collin Christine , Tallet Anne , Tallegas Matthias , Pissaloux Daniel , Tirode Franck , Guyétant Serge , Samimi Mahtab , Gaboriaud Pauline , Touzé Antoine , Schrama David , Houben Roland , Tabareau‐Delalande Flore , Neuhart Anne , de la Fouchardière Arnaud , Osio Amélie , Cavelier–Balloy Bénédicte , Laurent‐Roussel Sara , Sohier Pierre , Cyprien Tilmant , Balme Brigitte , Belzung Fanny , Jullie Marie‐Laure , Cribier Bernard , Battistella Maxime , Macagno Nicolas
Published: February 2023

Aims

Recently, YAP1 fusion genes have been demonstrated in eccrine poroma and porocarcinoma, and the diagnostic use of YAP1 immunohistochemistry has been highlighted in this setting. In other organs, loss of YAP1 expression can reflect YAP1 rearrangement or transcriptional repression, notably through RB1 inactivation. In this context, our objective was to re‐evaluate the performance of YAP1 immunohistochemistry for the diagnosis of poroma and porocarcinoma.

Methods and results

The expression of the C‐terminal part of the YAP1 protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 543 cutaneous epithelial tumours, including 27 poromas, 14 porocarcinomas and 502 other cutaneous tumours. Tumours that showed a lack of expression of YAP1 were further investigated for Rb by immunohistochemistry and for fusion transcripts by real‐time PCR (YAP1::MAML2 and YAP1::NUTM1). The absence of YAP1 expression was observed in 24 cases of poroma (89%), 10 porocarcinoma (72%), 162 Merkel cell carcinoma (98%), 14 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (15%), one trichoblastoma and one sebaceoma. Fusions of YAP1 were detected in only 16 cases of poroma (n = 66%), 10 porocarcinoma (71%) all lacking YAP1 expression, and in one sebaceoma. The loss of Rb expression was detected in all cases except one of YAP1‐deficient SCC (n = 14), such tumours showing significant morphological overlap with porocarcinoma. In‐vitro experiments in HaCat cells showed that RB1 knockdown resulted in repression of YAP1 protein expression.

Conclusion

In addition to gene fusion, we report that transcriptional repression of YAP1 can be observed in skin tumours with RB1 inactivation, including MCC and a subset of SCC.