bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivators and barriers of ulam consumption among residents from low-cost housing areas in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Yahya Hanis Mastura , Mohd Zuhaimi Nurul Aini Fadzleena , Mohd Jamil Sameeha , Shahar Suzana , You Yee Xing
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Ulam is a traditional salad that contains high levels of antioxidants and is commonly consumed in raw form. However, the average ulam consumption among the low-income Malaysian population was only ½ serving daily. Thus, this study aimed to explore the motivators and barriers to ulam consumption among residents of low-cost housing areas (household income RM4849 or $1015.50) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

Six focus group discussions were conducted with 27 Malay residents aged 18–59 years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The researchers asked the participants a series of semi-structured questions. All the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers coded the transcripts independently, and several themes were identified. The data were analysed using Nvivo version 12 software.

Findings

Three main factors for ulam consumption were identified in this study: personal, environmental and behavioural. The motivators and barriers were identified based on nine main themes and 16 sub-themes.

Practical implications

The results of this study identified potential areas for an effective intervention to increase ulam intake among residents in low-cost housing areas.

Originality/value

This work has the potential to identify the factors that have an impact on consumers' ulam preferences to help fulfil daily vegetable recommendations.
What do we know about cryptocurrency investment? An empirical study of its adoption among Indian retail investors
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Vinki
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the cryptocurrency adoption (CA) level among Indian retail investors who use cryptocurrency as an investment and mode of transaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Through self-administered survey questionnaires, data is collected from 397 retail investors of Haryana (India). This study adopted a quantitative method using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

This paper offered a robust model with a high explanatory value for CA in which four of the five proposed factors of diffusion of innovation theory (trialability, compatibility, complexity and observability) and one of the two proposed factors of consumer behavioral theory (perceived value) significantly influences CA. More specifically, the absence of regulatory support is a barrier to the broad adoption of cryptocurrencies, as its regulations are necessary to mitigate or minimize uncertain outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This research primarily focuses on CA in India. Thus, it can be extended to cover diverse other countries for more precise results.

Practical implications

The results provide insights to the government to design the policies, better regulate and make investment strategies that can ultimately enhance CA. In addition, the study’s results also inform financial educators, policymakers, employers and academicians about the significance of several variables affecting CA in India.

Social implications

From a social standpoint, this study is an advance that directs central banks and governments to develop, regulate and manage digital currencies and implement a digital currency ecosystem. Moreover, the results assist in understanding investors’ perceptions and decision-making perspectives toward cryptocurrencies through the country’s digitalization.

Originality/value

This paper fills the study gap to assist policymakers and cryptocurrency experts in broadening their knowledge base and recognizing prioritized intentions. Additionally, this study provides a theoretical model with the latent variable for a present and pertinent matter.
The curatorial turn in tourism and hospitality
Authors: Richards Greg
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study, a conceptual paper, analyses the growth of curation in tourism and hospitality and the curator role in selecting and framing products and experiences. It considers the growth of expert, algorithmic, social and co-creative curation modes and their effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Narrative and integrative reviews of literature on curation and tourism and hospitality are used to develop a typology of curation and identify different curation modes.

Findings

Curational techniques are increasingly used to organise experience supply and distribution in mainstream fields, including media, retailing and fashion. In tourism and hospitality, curated tourism, curated hospitality brands and food offerings and place curation by destination marketing organisations are growing. Curation is undertaken by experts, algorithms and social groups and involves many of destination-related actors, producing a trend towards “hybrid curation” of places.

Research limitations/implications

Research is needed on different forms of curation, their differential effects and the power roles of different curational modes.

Practical implications

Curation is a widespread intermediary function in tourism and hospitality, supporting better consumer choice. New curators influence experience supply and the distribution of consumer attention, shaping markets and co-creative activities. Increased curatorial activity should stimulate aesthetic and stylistic innovation and provide the basis for storytelling and narrative in tourism and hospitality.

Originality/value

This is the first study of curational strategies in tourism and hospitality, providing a definition and typology of curation, and linking micro and macro levels of analysis. It suggests the growth of choice-based logic alongside service-dominant logic in tourism and hospitality.
Family business innovation: an updated bibliometric study to propose future research agenda
Authors: Hooi Lai Wan , Chan Ai Joo
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the updated areas in family business innovation (FBI) and propose a future research agenda for scholars in the domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix-R, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis on 699 Scopus-indexed journal articles/reviews to analyse FBI’s performance and intellectual structure.

Findings

This study provides up-to-date assessment through performance analysis. Through the co-citation, co-word and thematic evolution analysis, this study unpacks FBI themes/topics to propose possible future avenues.

Practical implications

The findings provide insights into resilient innovation-driven family businesses to enlighten the next generation of family business leaders with essential innovation knowledge for sustainable growth.

Originality/value

This study complements past FBI reviews by offering renewed perspectives that future research can focus on, in turn, enhancing literature on contemporary, relevant topical issues in the FBI post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Dynamic capabilities view on value creation in public procurement
Authors: Karttunen Elina , Jääskeläinen Aki , Malacina Iryna , Lintukangas Katrina , Kähkönen Anni-Kaisa , Vos Frederik G.S.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to build on the dynamic capability view by examining dynamic capabilities associated with public value in public procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study approach is used in this study. The interview and secondary data consist of eight cases of value-creating procurement from four public organizations.

Findings

The findings connect dynamic capabilities and public value in terms of innovation generation and promotion, well-functioning supplier markets, public procurement process effectiveness, environmental and social sustainability and quality and availability of products or services.

Social implications

Dynamic capabilities in public procurement are necessary to improve public procurement.

Originality/value

This study extends understanding of how sensing, seizing and transforming capabilities contribute to public value creation in both innovative and less innovative (i.e. ordinary) procurement scenarios.
What are tenants demanding the most? A machine learning approach for the prediction of time on market
Authors: Cajias Marcelo , Freudenreich Anna
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This is the first article to apply a machine learning approach to the analysis of time on market on real estate markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The random survival forest approach is introduced to the real estate market. The most important predictors of time on market are revealed and it is analyzed how the survival probability of residential rental apartments responds to these major characteristics.

Findings

Results show that price, living area, construction year, year of listing and the distances to the next hairdresser, bakery and city center have the greatest impact on the marketing time of residential apartments. The time on market for an apartment in Munich is lowest at a price of 750 € per month, an area of 60 m2, built in 1985 and is in a range of 200–400 meters from the important amenities.

Practical implications

The findings might be interesting for private and institutional investors to derive real estate investment decisions and implications for portfolio management strategies and ultimately to minimize cash-flow failure.

Originality/value

Although machine learning algorithms have been applied frequently on the real estate market for the analysis of prices, its application for examining time on market is completely novel. This is the first paper to apply a machine learning approach to survival analysis on the real estate market.
Portraying passenger travel patterns for Beijing public transit system with user profiling method
Authors: Zhang Ke , Huang Ailing
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a guiding framework for studying the travel patterns of PT users. The combination of public transit (PT) users’ travel data and user profiling (UP) technology to draw a portrait of PT users can effectively understand users’ travel patterns, which is important to help optimize the scheduling of PT operations and planning of the network.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the purpose, the paper presents a three-level classification method to construct the labeling framework. A station area attribute mining method based on the term frequency-inverse document frequency weighting algorithm is proposed to determine the point of interest attributes of user travel stations, and the spatial correlation patterns of user travel stations are calculated by Moran’s Index. User travel feature labels are extracted from travel data containing Beijing PT data for one consecutive week.

Findings

In this paper, a universal PT user labeling system is obtained and some related methods are conducted including four categories of user-preferred travel area patterns mining and a station area attribute mining method. In the application of the Beijing case, a precise exploration of the spatiotemporal characteristics of PT users is conducted, resulting in the final Beijing PTUP system.

Originality/value

This paper combines UP technology with big data analysis techniques to study the travel patterns of PT users. A user profile label framework is constructed, and data visualization, statistical analysis and K-means clustering are applied to extract specific labels instructed by this system framework. Through these analytical processes, the user labeling system is improved, and its applicability is validated through the analysis of a Beijing PT case.
Environmental change legacies attenuate disturbance response of desert soil microbiome and multifunctionality
Authors: Peng Ziheng , Gao Hang , Pan Haibo , Qi Jiejun , Chen Shi , Liu Yu , Wang Yang , Jin Chujie , Wei Gehong , Jiao Shuo
Published: February 2024

Deserts are predicted to be one of the ecosystems most vulnerable to global climate change, with dramatic fluctuations of temperature and water, even over the span of a single day. These previous disturbances could influence the response of the soil microbiome and its functions to subsequent disturbances, which is known as legacy effect. However, how legacy effects shape the response of soil microbiome and its functions to environmental fluctuations (e.g. temperature and water availability) in desert ecosystems remains to be investigated.

Here, we firstly exposed desert soils to drought, freezing or their combination, and then followed by a second disturbance, resulting in a temporally full factorial treatment.

We found that environmental change legacies affected the response of soil multifunctionality, microbial abundance and richness to second drought and freezing, except for eukaryotic richness. Initial disturbances caused legacy effects on microbial composition and weakened their responses to later disturbances, and these effects were stronger for prokaryotes than eukaryotes. The attenuated response to later disturbances is largely due to that almost half of the taxa affected by the earlier disturbances were also affected by the second disturbances. The phylogenetic depth of these responses varied minimally among the types of disturbances but were more conserved for negative responses, indicating a result of historical adaptation. Moreover, the altered community composition was associated with functional changes in the disturbed soils.

These findings will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the legacy impacts of multiple environmental disturbances on desert microbial communities and strengthen our ability to develop management strategies for protection prior to disturbance events.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Phenological growth stages of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) according to the extended BBCH scale
Authors: Pati Kalidas , Kaliyappan Raja , Giri Alok Kumar , Chauhan Vijay Bahadur Singh , Gowda Hanume , Arutselvan Rameshkumar , Nedunchezhiyan Maniyam , Laxminarayana Kuttumu
Published: February 2024

Sweet potato is grown for its starchy roots in many countries and is widely cultivated in India. This crop is widely acknowledged for its substantial economic and health benefits. However, a comprehensive description of its phenology has not been reported. The phenological growth stages of sweet potato are described here for the first time using the extended Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt, and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale. Nine primary growth stages have been specifically defined, including germination (0), leaf development (1), main shoot development (2), side shoot development (3), tuber development (4), inflorescence emergence (5), flowering (6), fruit development (7), fruit maturation (8), and senescence (9). The sequential progression of key growth stages has been described according to the phenological development structure and environmental requirements of different phenophases. Because it covers all phenophases related to the vegetative and reproductive stages, the extended BBCH scale is extensively useful for sweet potato cultivation. The extended BBCH scale may also be a useful tool for assessing the potential effects of climate change on crop productivity and fruit quality.
Experiences and impact of a rural Australian high‐risk foot service: A multiple‐methods study
Authors: Tehan Peta Ellen , Donnelly Hailey , Martin Emma , Peterson Benjamin , Hawke Fiona
Published: February 2024

Objective

Most podiatry‐led high‐risk foot services (HRFS) in Australia are located in metropolitan areas or large regional centres. In rural areas, where there are limited specialist services, individuals with diabetes‐related foot ulceration are more likely to undergo amputation. This study aimed to explore clinicians' perceptions of a recently implemented HRFS in rural New South Wales, Australia, and compare trends of amputation and hospitalisation prior to and post‐implementation of the service.

Setting

Rural HRFS in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Health professionals working within the HRFS were recruited to participate.

Design

This was a multiple‐methods study. For the qualitative arm, semi‐structured interviews were conducted, which were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. The quantitative arm of the study utilised a retrospective analytic design which applied an interrupted time series to compare amputation and hospitalisation trends pre‐ and post‐implementation of the HRFS utilising diagnostic and procedural ICD codes.

Results

The qualitative arm of the study derived three themes: (1) navigating the divide, (2) rural community and rural challenges and (3) professional identity. Results of the interrupted time series indicate that there was a downward trend in major amputations following implementation of the HRFS; however, this was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Clinicians were aware of the inequity in DFD outcomes between rural and metropolitan areas and were committed to improving outcomes, particularly with respect to First Nations peoples. Future research will explore service use and amputation rates in the longer term to further evaluate this specialised multidisciplinary care in a rural community.
Cardiac arrhythmia in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Yu Lei , Liu Ying , Feng Yanjing
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) was first introduced in December 2019, which is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) that is a serious and life‐threatening disease. Although pneumonia is the most common manifestation of COVID‐19 and was initially introduced as a respiratory infection, in fact, the infection of COVID‐19 is a subset of complications and damage to various organs. There are several reports of cardiac involvement with COVID‐19. A wide range of cardiac complications may occur following COVID‐19 infection, including systolic heart failure, myocarditis, pericarditis, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and thromboembolic events. There are various hypotheses about the pathophysiology of cardiovascular involvement by this virus. At the top of these hypotheses is the release of cytokines to the heart. Although there are other assumptions, considering that one of the causes of death in patients with COVID‐19 is arrhythmia. It is necessary to know correctly about its pathophysiology and etiology. Therefore, in this study, we have reviewed the articles of recent years in the field of pathophysiology and etiology of arrhythmia in patients with COVID‐19 infection. The purpose of this study was to provide a basis for a correct and more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of arrhythmia in patients with COVID‐19 infection.
Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modelling of long‐acting injectable cabotegravir and rilpivirine in pregnancy
Authors: Atoyebi Shakir , Bunglawala Fazila , Cottura Nicolas , Grañana‐Castillo Sandra , Montanha Maiara Camotti , Olagunju Adeniyi , Siccardi Marco , Waitt Catriona
Published: February 2024

Aims

Long‐acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine have been approved to manage HIV in adults, but data regarding safe use in pregnancy are limited. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling was used to simulate the approved dosing regimens in pregnancy and explore if Ctrough was maintained above cabotegravir and rilpivirine target concentrations (664 and 50 ng/mL, respectively).

Methods

An adult PBPK model was validated using clinical data of cabotegravir and rilpivirine in nonpregnant adults. This was modified by incorporating pregnancy‐induced metabolic and physiological changes. The pregnancy PBPK model was validated with data on oral rilpivirine and raltegravir (UGT1A1 probe substrate) in pregnancy. Twelve weeks' disposition of monthly and bimonthly dosing of long‐acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine was simulated at different trimesters and foetal exposure was also estimated.

Results

Predicted Ctrough at week 12 for monthly long‐acting cabotegravir was above 664 ng/mL throughout pregnancy, but below the target in 0.5% of the pregnant population in the third trimester with bimonthly long‐acting cabotegravir. Predicted Ctrough at week 12 for monthly and bimonthly long‐acting rilpivirine was below 50 ng/mL in at least 40% and over 90% of the pregnant population, respectively, throughout pregnancy. Predicted medians (range) of cord‐to‐maternal blood ratios were 1.71 (range, 1.55‐1.79) for cabotegravir and 0.88 (0.78‐0.93) for rilpivirine between weeks 38 and 40.

Conclusions

Model predictions suggest that monthly long‐acting cabotegravir could maintain antiviral efficacy throughout pregnancy, but that bimonthly administration may require careful clinical evaluation. Both monthly and bimonthly long‐acting rilpivirine may not adequately maintain antiviral efficacy in pregnancy.
Association of non‐essential metals with Chinese schizophrenia: A case‐control study
Authors: Li Jiale , Chen Jiewen , Shen Bing , Lu Rumei , He Wanting , Huang Xiaolan , Li Dongmei , Su Li , Long Jianxiong
Published: February 2024

Background

The potential link between environmental pollutants, including metals, and schizophrenia development remains debated. This study aimed to explore the association between plasma levels of three non‐essential metals—barium (Ba), tungsten (W), and uranium (U)—and schizophrenia risk among Chinese individuals.

Method

We recruited a total of 221 patients and 219 healthy controls. Plasma levels of three non‐essential metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We employed unconditional logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to explore the relationship between exposure to multiple metals and the risk of schizophrenia.

Results

Logistic regression analysis revealed that the highest quartile (Q4) of W had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.87 (95% CI: 1.08–3.21) compared to the lowest quartile (Q1), with a significant P‐trend of 0.017. For U, the ORs (95% CI) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 2.06 (1.19–3.56), 1.99 (1.15–3.44), and 1.74 (1.00–3.00), respectively. BKMR analyses revealed a progressive increase in the risk of schizophrenia with increasing cumulative levels of the three metals at concentrations below 35%, with U playing a major role in this association. U showed a non‐linear positive correlation with schizophrenia, particularly at the 75th percentile level. Moreover, potential interactions were observed between W and Ba, as well as between W and U.

Conclusion

Higher plasma W and U concentrations were positively associated with the risk of schizophrenia, which was potentially related to the severity of symptoms in schizophrenic patients.
Intergenerational transmission of moral decision‐making inclinations
Authors: Chen Daili , Liu Chuanjun , Nolasco Edgar Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study investigated the intergenerational transmission of utilitarian and deontological inclinations, examining whether these pass from parents to adult children and exploring the potential moderating effects of parenting style and intergenerational involvement in this process.

Background

Family factors, including religious norms and work values, influence moral development, but the intergenerational transmission of two moral inclinations—utilitarianism (emphasizing consequences, e.g., sacrificing one person to save five) and deontology (emphasizing intrinsic norms, e.g., refraining from intentionally harming the innocent)—remains underexplored.

Method

We measured these inclinations in 171 parent–adult child pairs using a moral decision thought experiment and questionnaires on parenting style and intergenerational involvement.

Results

Positive correlations emerged between parents and adult children for both inclinations. “Emotional warmth” in parenting style and intergenerational involvement showed significant negative moderating effects on the transmission of utilitarianism between generations.

Conclusion

This study provides empirical evidence of intergenerational transmission of moral inclinations. Higher emotional warmth and increased intergenerational involvement inhibit the transmission of utilitarian inclinations, leading to reduced prioritization of better consequences.

Implications

Enhanced emotional warmth and greater intergenerational involvement by parents can deter the transmission of utilitarian inclinations among adult children, prioritizing adherence to intrinsic norms over intentional harm for greater benefits.
Estimating fatigue life of carbon/epoxy composites: A rapid method coupling thermo‐mechanical analysis and residual strength
Authors: Demilly Kilian , Cavoit Jeanne , Marco Yann , Moreau Gurvan , Dolo Guillaume , Carrere Nicolas
Published: February 2024

The investigation of fatigue behavior typically involves time‐consuming tests, leading some researchers to explore methodologies based on self‐heating tests to reduce the process. For composite materials, the conventional approach involves piecewise linear approximations of the self‐heating curve and the stress transition between the first and second regimes is arbitrarily associated with a fatigue lifetime equal to 106 cycles. This paper proposes a novel methodology to address these simplifications. First, a non‐linear viscoelastic model is used to describe the self‐heating curve. Based on the mechanisms established in the literature, a link is proposed between the dissipation and the fatigue limit. The load leading to a significant contribution of non‐linear mechanisms is associated with an infinite life time. It allows the identification of an
–
curve and prediction of fatigue behavior through a minimal number of tests. The comparison with fatigue results is satisfactory.
A nomogram for predicting risk factors of testicular salvage after testicular torsion in children
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Huang Weipeng , He Yingying , Sun Mengkui , Sun Xuerui , Huang Yiyan , Li Shoulin
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to establish a nomogram for predicting the probability of testicular salvage after testicular torsion in children.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data of children with testicular torsion who were treated at Shenzhen Children's Hospital between September 2005 and August 2022. Of the training cohort, 113 patients who underwent orchiectomy and five with testicular atrophy after orchiopexy were included in the failed testicular salvage group. Additionally, 37 patients who underwent orchiopexy without postoperative testicular atrophy were included in the successful testicular salvage group. The predictive factors affecting testicular salvage were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses; a nomogram was constructed. The nomogram was verified using data from the validation group.

Results

Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent risk factors of testicular salvage after testicular torsion were symptom duration (p = 0.034), intratesticular blood flow (p = 0.003), spermatic cord torsion degree (p = 0.037), and monocyte count (odds ratio: 0.012, p = 0.036). A nomogram was established based on these four risk factors. In the training cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.969. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the verification cohort was 0.965, indicating good discrimination ability of the nomogram. Increased symptom duration without intratesticular blood flow increased the monocyte count and spermatic cord torsion degree and decreased the success rate of testicular salvage.

Conclusion

This prediction model could obtain the corresponding probability of testicular salvage according to the clinical characteristics of different patients with testicular torsion, providing reference for clinicians and parents.
Ultrasound for acute pyelonephritis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Jessica , Sri‐Ganeshan Muhuntha , Smit De Villiers , Mitra Biswadev
Published: February 2024

Background

There is little consensus regarding the indications and utility of urinary tract imaging and type of imaging to perform in patients presenting with acute pyelonephritis (APN).

Aims

The aims of this systematic review were to, among patients with APN, (i) identify the proportion of patients investigated with ultrasound (US), (ii) identify the proportion of abnormal US and (iii) identify the proportion of patients with a change in management resulting from abnormal US.

Methods

A comprehensive search covered two electronic databases (Medline and EMBASE), with selection of studies performed independently by two investigators. Inclusion criteria were English language APN diagnosis and quantification of patients assessed with US or abnormal US results. Quality appraisal used the Newcastle–Ottawa instrument.

Results

There were 35 studies included. The proportion of patients assessed with US was reported in 16 manuscripts and ranged from 20% to 94%, with significant heterogeneity and publication bias. The proportion of abnormal US was reported in 31 manuscripts and ranged from 7% to 79%. The proportion of abnormal US leading to change in management was reported in five studies and ranged from 7% to 59%. There was marked heterogeneity among studies included in all three subgroups.

Conclusions

Patients with APN are commonly investigated with US, but only a small proportion have abnormalities and appear to be associated with changes in clinical management. The use of routine US for APN is therefore questioned. The identification of clinical variables for appropriate selection of patients to investigate with US requires further research.
Biofilm therapy for chronic wounds
Authors: Liu Yang , Long Shengyong , Wang Hanfeng , Wang Yan
Published: February 2024

Chronic wounds have been a major factor of serious harm to global public health. At present, it is known that almost all chronic wounds contain biofilms, which seriously hinder the healing process. Removal of biofilms can effectively promote the healing of chronic wounds. As the study of wound biofilms deepens, many new treatment methods have emerged, thus bringing revolutionary means for the treatment of chronic wound biofilm. This review summarizes various methods for the treatment of chronic wound biofilm worldwide to provide a theoretical summary and practical basis for the selection of suitable wound biofilm treatment methods in clinical practice.
The sphingosine 1‐phosphate analogue, FTY720, modulates the lipidomic signature of the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Magalhães Daniela M. , Stewart Nicolas A. , Mampay Myrthe , Rolle Sara O. , Hall Chloe M. , Moeendarbary Emad , Flint Melanie S. , Sebastião Ana M. , Valente Cláudia A. , Dymond Marcus K. , Sheridan Graham K.
Published: February 2024

The small‐molecule drug, FTY720 (fingolimod), is a synthetic sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P) analogue currently used to treat relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis in both adults and children. FTY720 can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and, over time, accumulate in lipid‐rich areas of the central nervous system (CNS) by incorporating into phospholipid membranes. FTY720 has been shown to enhance cell membrane fluidity, which can modulate the functions of glial cells and neuronal populations involved in regulating behaviour. Moreover, direct modulation of S1P receptor‐mediated lipid signalling by FTY720 can impact homeostatic CNS physiology, including neurotransmitter release probability, the biophysical properties of synaptic membranes, ion channel and transmembrane receptor kinetics, and synaptic plasticity mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate how chronic FTY720 treatment alters the lipid composition of CNS tissue in adolescent mice at a key stage of brain maturation. We focused on the hippocampus, a brain region known to be important for learning, memory, and the processing of sensory and emotional stimuli. Using mass spectrometry‐based lipidomics, we discovered that FTY720 increases the fatty acid chain length of hydroxy‐phosphatidylcholine (PCOH) lipids in the mouse hippocampus. It also decreases PCOH monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and increases PCOH polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). A total of 99 lipid species were up‐regulated in the mouse hippocampus following 3 weeks of oral FTY720 exposure, whereas only 3 lipid species were down‐regulated. FTY720 also modulated anxiety‐like behaviours in young mice but did not affect spatial learning or memory formation. Our study presents a comprehensive overview of the lipid classes and lipid species that are altered in the hippocampus following chronic FTY720 exposure and provides novel insight into cellular and molecular mechanisms that may underlie the therapeutic or adverse effects of FTY720 in the central nervous system.

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The Rise of Communal Politics: Representing “Peasants” in Non‐electoral and Electoral Politics, Bengal 1920–1930s
Authors: Thivet Delphine
Published: February 2024

This article explores the representation of peasants in colonial India, during the 1920s‐1930s undivided Bengal. It examines how the historically marginalized and underrepresented rural population came to be constructed as objects of representation. It traces the development of representative claims made by various political parties and groups, both within and outside formal institutions of power, on behalf of rural society. The article discusses the challenges of categorizing the diverse rural population using the term "peasant" as an analytical category in the context of colonial Bengal. It highlights the dominance of the urban intelligentsia in provincial politics until the 1920s‐1930s, which neglected rural issues. It then explores the emergence of different claims to represent peasants in electoral politics, with a particular focus on the political debates surrounding the Tenancy Reform in Bengal. Drawing on secondary sources and colonial archives, it raises questions about how substantive representation of peasants occurred, who championed their representation, and how they formulated their demands. Overall, the article sheds light on the complex dynamics of peasant representation. By examining the rise communal peasant politics in 1920‐1930s Bengal, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities of rural mobilization and the interplay between class and communal identities.
Microaggression and discrimination experiences among diverse youth with LGBTQ+ parents in the United States
Authors: Farr Rachel H. , Cashen Krystal K. , Siebenthaler Kelsey A. , Simon Kay A.
Published: February 2024

Family‐based microaggressions and discrimination experienced by youth with LGBTQ+ parents are important to understand from their perspectives. Using mixed methods, we examined such experiences among 12‐ to 25‐year‐old youth (N = 51) with at least one LGBTQ+ parent in the United States. Youth were diverse in race/ethnicity, family structure, gender and sexual identities, socioeconomic status, and geographic region. Using interviews, we explored LGBTQ+ family‐based microaggressions (reported through scale items with feedback) and discrimination (assessed via thematic analysis). Microaggressions and discrimination based on having LGBTQ+ parents were common, yet there were distinctions in direct and indirect stigma across the quantitative items and qualitative themes. These results underscore the value of mixed methods research with youth and implications for future research, practice, and policy.
Exploring the impacts of perceived locus of control on post‐traumatic stress disorder among disaster survivors: A systematic review
Authors: Güzel Aysun , Samancı Tekin Çiğdem , Uçan Yamaç Sabriye
Published: February 2024

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

It was previously reported that perceived external locus of control may exacerbate depressive symptoms, is associated with anxiety, boosts stress and general mental distress and weakens resilience against traumatic situations or difficulties.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Those with a higher external locus of control are more prone to develop PTSD symptoms since the perceived external locus of control is among the predictors of PTSD. An internal locus of control is considered important in preventing PTSD, although an external locus of control appears to be a variable that causes/increases the prevalence of PTSD.

What are the implications for practice?

It is known that nurses are deployed in clinical and fieldwork during disaster and assume key roles both interventional practices and psychosocial education. Thus, it is of particular importance for mental health nurses to be aware of the locus of control in themselves, their colleagues, and the community before, during and after disasters to be able to combat the risk/presence of PTSD.

Aim

The present systematic review explored the impacts of perceived locus of control on PTSD among individuals experiencing disasters.

Method

This is a systematic review study carried out through a search of the relevant research published in English over the period December 2021 to April 2022. Accordingly, we sought the studies to review on the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases using the keywords “Child, Children, Adolescent, Adolescence, Adult, Aged, Elderly, Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Internal‐External Control, Locus of Control, Disasters, Natural Disasters.”

Results

A total of 1.011 studies were found in the five databases using the keywords above. Following the exclusions, the remaining six studies were recruited for this systematic review. The six studies in question addressed earthquakes (2), hurricanes (1), wildfires (1), SARS (1) and fireworks explosions (1). In the study with wildfire survivors, there was a weak significant association between external locus of control and PTSD among those directly exposed to the disaster (r = .15, p < .01). The study with survivors of the SARS epidemic demonstrated that those with a high perceived chance (external) locus of control suffered PTSD (p = .001). An internal locus of control is considered important in preventing PTSD, although an external locus of control appears to be a variable that causes/increases the prevalence of PTSD.

Conclusion

It was concluded that perceived locus of control is related to PTSD in individuals experiencing a disaster. The additional evidence was that post‐disaster PTSD among those with a high perceived external locus of control is stronger than those with a high perceived internal locus of control.
Effects of dietary supplementation with Haematococcus pluvialis on the growth, antioxidantase activities, and gut microbiota of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
Authors: Dou Yong , Bi Xiangdong
Published: February 2024

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is bred extensively in Eastern and Northern China and faces a series of problems such as frequent diseases, germplasm degradation, and declining benefits, which have appeared to seriously affect the sustainable development of the cultivation industry. Haematococcus pluvialis, a type of unicellular green algae, have been proven to be the suitable dietary supplementation in crustacean feeds. After 14 days of feeding with 5% dietary supplementation with Haematococcus pluvialis powder, the growth, antioxidantase activities, and gut microbiota of E. sinensis were analyzed. The results indicated that H. pluvialis powder could significantly improve growth indicators including weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of E. sinensis (p < 0.05). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) declined, while that of phenoloxidase (PO) kept rising under the treatment of H. pluvialis powder. Moreover, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity dropped initially and then increased. No significant differences in the Simpson index and Chao1 index in the control and H. pluvialis powder treatment were observed (p > 0.05). Although the dominant microbiota in the crab gut were not affected significantly by H. pluvialis powder, significant differences in the relative abundance of the dominant phyla between the control and H. pluvialis powder treatment groups were observed (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Candidatus_Bacilloplasma, which play an important role in the life activities of E. sinensis, were significantly higher in the group treated by H. pluvialis powder than in the control (p < 0.05). Therefore, the H. pluvialis powder could be potentially used not only as a rapid fattening regulator, but also to improve the immunity and metabolic capacity of E. sinensis.
Plasmodium falciparum transmission in the highlands of Ethiopia is driven by closely related and clonal parasites
Authors: Holzschuh Aurel , Ewnetu Yalemwork , Carlier Lise , Lerch Anita , Gerlovina Inna , Baker Sarah Cate , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Haileselassie Werissaw , Berhane Nega , Lemma Wossenseged , Koepfli Cristian
Published: February 2024

Malaria cases are frequently recorded in the Ethiopian highlands even at altitudes above 2000 m. The epidemiology of malaria in the Ethiopian highlands, and, in particular, the role of importation by human migration from the highly endemic lowlands is not well understood. We sequenced 187 Plasmodium falciparum samples from two sites in the Ethiopian highlands, Gondar (n = 159) and Ziway (n = 28), using a multiplexed droplet digital PCR (ddPCR)‐based amplicon sequencing method targeting 35 microhaplotypes and drug resistance loci. Here, we characterize the parasite population structure and genetic relatedness. We identify moderate parasite diversity (mean HE: 0.54) and low infection complexity (74.9% monoclonal). A significant percentage of infections share microhaplotypes, even across transmission seasons and sites, indicating persistent local transmission. We identify multiple clusters of clonal or near‐clonal infections, highlighting high genetic relatedness. Only 6.3% of individuals diagnosed with P. falciparum reported recent travel. Yet, in clonal or near‐clonal clusters, infections of travellers were frequently observed first in time, suggesting that parasites may have been imported and then transmitted locally. 31.1% of infections are pfhrp2‐deleted and 84.4% pfhrp3‐deleted, and 28.7% have pfhrp2/3 double deletions. Parasites with pfhrp2/3 deletions and wild‐type parasites are genetically distinct. Mutations associated with resistance to sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine or suggested to reduce sensitivity to lumefantrine are observed at near‐fixation. In conclusion, genomic data corroborate local transmission and the importance of intensified control in the Ethiopian highlands.
Artificial Intelligence: Arguments for Catastrophic Risk
Authors: Bales Adam , D'Alessandro William , Kirk‐Giannini Cameron Domenico
Published: February 2024

Recent progress in artificial intelligence (AI) has drawn attention to the technology's transformative potential, including what some see as its prospects for causing large‐scale harm. We review two influential arguments purporting to show how AI could pose catastrophic risks. The first argument — theProblem of Power‐Seeking— claims that, under certain assumptions, advanced AI systems are likely to engage in dangerous power‐seeking behavior in pursuit of their goals. We review reasons for thinking that AI systems might seek power, that they might obtain it, that this could lead to catastrophe, and that we might build and deploy such systems anyway. The second argument claims that the development of human‐level AI will unlock rapid further progress, culminating in AI systems far more capable than any human — this is theSingularity Hypothesis. Power‐seeking behavior on the part of such systems might be particularly dangerous. We discuss a variety of objections to both arguments and conclude by assessing the state of the debate.
fMRI BOLD responses to film stimuli and their association with exhaled nitric oxide in asthma and health
Authors: Ritz Thomas , Kroll Juliet L. , Khan David A. , Yezhuvath Uma S. , Aslan Sina , Pinkham Amy , Rosenfield David , Brown E. Sherwood
Published: February 2024

Little is known about central nervous system (CNS) responses to emotional stimuli in asthma. Nitric oxide in exhaled breath (FENO) is elevated in asthma due to allergic immune processes, but endogenous nitric oxide is also known to modulate CNS activity. We measured fMRI blood oxygen‐dependent (BOLD) brain activation to negative (blood–injection–injury themes) and neutral films in 31 participants (15 with asthma). Regions‐of‐interest analysis was performed on key areas relevant to central adaptive control, threat processing, or salience networks, with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), amygdala, ventral striatum, ventral tegmentum, and periaqueductal gray, as well as top‐down modulation of emotion, with ventrolateral and ventromedial PFC. Both groups showed less BOLD deactivation from fixation cross‐baseline in the left anterior insula and bilateral ventromedial PFC for negative than neutral films, and for an additional number of areas, including the fusiform gyrus, for film versus recovery phases. Less deactivation during films followed by less recovery from deactivation was found in asthma compared to healthy controls. Changes in PCO2 did not explain these findings. FENO was positively related to BOLD activation in general, but more pronounced in healthy controls and more likely in neutral film processing. Thus, asthma is associated with altered processing of film stimuli across brain regions not limited to central adaptive control, threat processing, or salience networks. Higher levels of NO appear to facilitate CNS activity, but only in healthy controls, possibly due to allergy's masking effects on FENO.