bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financing mode and scheme decision support for large urban rail transit projects: a revised case-based reasoning approach
Authors: Zheng Xian , Huang Yiling , Liu Yan , Zhang Zhong , Li Yongkui , Yan Hang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

As the complex influencing factors for financing decisions and limited information at the early project stage often render inappropriate financing mode and scheme (FMS) selection in the large-scale urban rail transit (URT) field, this study aims to identify the multiple influencing factors and establish a revised case-based reasoning (CBR) model by drawing on experience in historical URT projects to provide support for effective FMS decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research proposes a two-phase, five-step CBR model for FMS decisions. We first establish a case database containing 116 large-scale URT projects and a multi-attribute FMS indicator system. Meanwhile, grey relational analysis (GRA), the entropy-revised G1 method and the time decay function have been employed to precisely revise the simple CBR model for selecting high-similarity cases. Then, the revised CBR model is verified by nine large-scale URT projects and a demonstration project to prove its decision accuracy and effectiveness.

Findings

We construct a similarity case indicator system of large-scale URT projects with 11 indicators across three attributes, in which local government fiscal pressure is considered the most influential indicator for FMS decision-making. Through the verification with typical URT projects, the accuracy of our revised CBR model can reach 89%. The identified high-similarity cases have been confirmed to be effective for recommending appropriate financing schemes matched with a specific financing mode.

Originality/value

This is the first study employing the CBR model, an artificial intelligence approach that simulates human cognition by learning from similar past experiences and cases to enhance the accuracy and reliability of FMS decisions. Based on the characteristics of the URT projects, we revise the CBR model in the case retrieval process to achieve a higher accuracy. The revised CBR model utilizes expert experience and historical information to provide a valuable auxiliary tool for guiding the relevant government departments in making systematic decisions at the early project stage with limited and ambiguous project information.
Research on contractor claim strategy based on the principle of maximizing profits by using evolutionary game model
Authors: Huang Ying , Chen Ruixiong , Guo Pan , Duan Zhaocheng
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This research uses the evolutionary game model theory to explore how to make decisions to maximize their own interests in the process of project claims from the perspective of small and medium-sized contractors in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study defines the discount factor in the claim process based on the characteristics of construction claims and provides a specific calculation method. The paper analyzes the matching degree between the evolutionary game model and the process of construction claims. Further, the discount factor is introduced to construct an evolutionary game model of engineering claims with the goal of maximizing the contractor’s benefits.

Findings

The results of this study show that in the situation (C*d1-nC1*d1>0, v2-v1-g>0) and (C*d1-nC1*d1>0, v2-v1-g<0), the contractor claim decision-making strategy is a truthful claim, while in the situation (C*d1-nC1*d1<0, v2-v1-g>0) and (C*d1-nC1*d1<0, v2-v1-g<0), the contractor claim decision-making strategy is a high-price claim. The discount factor will affect the decision-making rate. It is noted that the fines and the explicit costs received during the contractor’s high-priced claim process exhibit a positive correlation with the rate of truthful claim decision-making by contractors. Meanwhile, the final revenue of high-priced claims by contractors shows a positive correlation with the rate of high-priced claim decision-making by the sensitivity analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The author simulates the process of solving the actual claim problem through the evolutionary game model in engineering claims. It is hoped that researchers will collect empirical cases and compare the actual case solutions with the model solutions to further revise the model in future studies, an evolutionary game model of engineering claim decision-making with interference factors can be constructed to analyze the evolutionary stability. Secondly, the single factor sensitivity analysis of individual parameters is carried out in this paper, and the influence of multiple factors on claim decisions can be further analyzed in the later research.

Practical implications

The analysis of the claim process based on the evolutionary game model is conducive to the contractor’s rapid claim decision-making. The introduction of the discount factor to analyze the claim process is more conducive to the accuracy of the contractor’s claim decision.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides a supplement to the existing studies on dynamic construction claim decision-making. The claim decision is conducive to controling cost for the contractor, improving the contractor’s management level and developing a healthy construction market.
Anticipating emerging issues for resilient energy systems: wider, deeper and further perspectives
Authors: Önnered Simon , Sannö Anna , Stefan Ioana , Johansson Peter E.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the long-term, deeper transformations occurring in the wider energy transition to anticipate emerging issues through collective anticipatory intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a co-productive research design, the authors collectively scanned and discussed contemporary developments in the Swedish energy transition. The acquired insight was used in a causal layered analysis over three horizons to separate between views and developments in time and space.

Findings

Findings of this study present current, transitionary and emerging issues and how they emerge from deeper levels such as values and worldviews. These issues are discussed around how underlying changes may change to mitigate them, suggesting three strategies.

Practical implications

The framed and anticipated issues enable monitoring and proactive response, and the discussion contributes insight to ongoing political debates, as well as implications for managing similar initiatives.

Social implications

Insights are provided into the changing cultures and values required in a future energy system, showing, e.g. how demand-side response may either come through relinquishing control over consumption or through increased flexibility and change.

Originality/value

Studying issues of growing concern and novel approaches, this paper should be of interest to practitioners in the energy sector and foresight professionals. It provides a critique and framing of issues to be monitored, adding to the growing library of energy futures studies.
Intercultural adaptability development for students in internationalisation at home programmes in higher education in China and Korea
Authors: Luong Phuong Minh , Tran Ly Thi , Nguyen Huyen Thanh , Tran Yen Thi Hai , Dang Giang Hoang , Vu Toan Van
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article reviews the intercultural adaptability (IA) development models for students in South Korea and China in response to the growing internationalisation of higher education. The article provides significant implications for Confucian heritage culture (CHC) countries and others that wish to enhance in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This scoping review systematically investigates the literature on different IA development strategies for students in higher education across these two Asian countries.

Findings

South Korea has promoted the self-growth model reflected in internationalised programmes such as English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), an international learning environment with an increasing number of international students and student exchange programmes. Through these initiatives, domestic students’ identity and intercultural learning dynamics are enriched in an intercultural learning environment. Meanwhile, China has adopted the “Outward-oriented” higher education internationalisation model to attract international students to study in Chinese universities and entice Chinese returnees through its International Talent Training Programmes. In this strategy, international students are exposed to Chinese language and cultural knowledge development programmes, and Chinese students are motivated to learn the English language and cultures through interactions with their international peers.

Originality/value

Student IA development models in CHC countries remain underexplored. This article responds to the need of higher education institutions in Asian countries that wish to access and learn from effective IA models from other CHC countries. The study makes a valuable contribution by putting forward significant recommendations for developing students’ IA in CHC countries.
Socially responsible investments inside out: a new conceptual framework for investigating retail investor preferences
Authors: Pasquino Matteo , Lucarelli Caterina
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The literature on the drivers affecting retail investor preferences towards socially responsible investments (SRIs) has increased significantly over recent years, revealing several influencing factors. Given the wide variety and ambiguity of the available evidence, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the existing literature on this topic and develop a new unified approach to study this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a systematic literature review, followed by a research profile analysis and a thematic analysis, which uncovered four major emerging foci: the research outcome type, the external environment, sociodemographic characteristics and the internal dimension of retail investors.

Findings

Our analysis revealed that studies investigating investor preferences often neglected to consider the concurring influence of multiple perspectives. In fact, we observed how the literature has not yet adequately addressed the mediating and moderating effects of the various factors that determine retail investor decisions regarding SRI.

Research limitations/implications

In response to these shortfalls, we propose a new integrated conceptual framework that may inspire scholars to conduct further studies to refine our understanding of investor preferences towards SRI.

Practical implications

This framework offers some suggestions on how to expand future research and underline some managerial and policy interventions aimed at developing the retail demand for these products.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, this is the first study to perform a systematic review on the drivers of SRIs, elaborating a new conceptual framework to understand the dynamics of retail investor sustainable preferences.
A literature review concerning the non-carbon-related environmental goals of the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the firm- and country-related determinants and consequences on the firm value of the non-carbon-related environmental goals of the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards. In contrast to prior research on either total environmental or explicit carbon proxies, this work focuses on emissions, biodiversity, resource use/circular economy and water-related measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on legitimacy theory, a structured literature review drawing from 80 peer-reviewed empirical-quantitative studies was presented. As the primary contributors to environmental subitems, the results related to corporate and country governance and financial and sustainability determinants were highlighted. In alignment with the business case argument, the influence of environmental outputs on accounting- and market-based financial performance and other relevant firm proxies was focused.

Findings

Most included variables show rather inclusive significant results. However, the results clearly suggest that board gender diversity has a positive impact on environmental outputs, particularly in relation to emissions reductions and resource use efficiency/circular economy performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study mainly contributes to the growing literature on corporate environmental reporting and performance. Future research should analyze related subpillars in more detail and the impact of sustainable corporate governance on these dimensions.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study on environmental performance and reporting based on the environmental topics of the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
Revisiting happiness at work within the hospitality sector: revealing the power of ethical leadership and group diversity
Authors: Al-Edenat Malek , Al Hawamdeh Nayel
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Individual happiness at the workplace allows hospitality organizations to foster an optimistic work environment and endorse the well-being of their employees, which is essential for achieving long-term success. While ethical leadership has been verified as an interpreter of happiness, however, enhancing employee happiness at work remains a gap. The current study seeks to fill this gap by utilizing a multilevel model of the direct and indirect relationship between ethical leadership and happiness at work and also the mediation of group diversity in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved a cross-sectional study with a quantitative methodology. The authors collected data from 36 Jordanian hospitality teams. A total number of 960 participants were selected using the convenience sampling method. The model of the study was validated by multilevel structural equation modeling, and the hypothesized relationships were tested using SPSS 26.

Findings

Results showed that ethical leadership directly promoted happiness and indirectly through group diversity. Moreover, group diversity was found to mediate this relationship.

Practical implications

Findings propose that leaders within hospitality organizations can attain happiness at work by showing more ethical leadership. Practitioners within the hospitality industry likewise ought to recognize that promoting altruistic attitudes among followers is capable of guiding ethical leadership into happiness at work. Moreover, building a developmental culture is crucial for hospitality teams to reinforce the impact of ethical leadership on happiness at work.

Originality/value

The current study magnifies the leadership-happiness research by unlocking both the direct as well as indirect links, the mediation effect, between ethical leadership and happiness at work.
Exploring the impact of egalitarianism on employee proactivity: unpacking the mediating role of relational social capital
Authors: Edgar Fiona , Zhang Jing , Podgorodnichenko Nataliya , Akmal Adeel
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examines how the resource of egalitarianism, at both individual and organizational levels, affects employee proactivity. Specifically, we propose relational social capital is an effective mechanism through which an individual's egalitarian mindset and the organization's egalitarian HR practice facilitate employee proactivity.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveys a sample of 511 knowledge workers employed in small to medium-sized enterprises in Australia and New Zealand.

Findings

Results of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) demonstrate that relational social capital partially mediates the relationship between an egalitarian mindset and employee proactivity and fully mediates the effects of egalitarian HR practice on employee proactivity.

Practical implications

Globally, a social transformation, particularly around the notions of social responsibility and sustainability, is occurring, and this means increasing numbers of employees support egalitarian ideals. HR practitioners therefore need to be aware of how their human resource management (HRM) system supports this value orientation.

Originality/value

This study illuminates a new performance pathway by highlighting egalitarianism's contribution, as a valuable resource, to organizational and employee innovation. This focus on egalitarianism is both timely and important. This is because the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, through their support of diversity, inclusiveness and equality, reflect an egalitarian ethos, and managers are becoming increasingly cognizant of the need to embed these values into organizational structures and operational processes.
The historical development and implementation effect of Chinese village-level archival legislation
Authors: Xu Xinxin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Village-level archives are the most basic construction unit of rural archives in China, yet the village-level archival work is the most poorly delivered. However, the evolution of the laws and rules on village-level archival work in recent years signal that Chinese village-level archival work has stepped into a new era. In this context, this article aims to review the detailed history of village-level archival legislation, examine the legislation’ implementation effect and discuss the existing problems with a view to providing improvement measures.

Design/methodology/approach

A historical research method is used to review the legislation’ history, and the analysis involving the implementation effect is mainly based on literature of two kinds, which are investigation reports on sample villages’ archival work carried out by scholars, and summary reports and work schemes on national or local village-level archival work given by the archival management or administrative management departments at various level.

Findings

At first, China only issued non-legal administrative orders toward village-level archival work. Later, some regions issued local rules, and finally the national rules and even Archives Law with relevant provisions were promulgated. However, their implementation faced two fundamental problems; firstly the insufficient endogenous demand for archival work in some villages, and secondly the mechanism problem involving village level archives management. The countermeasures are also discussed building on these two points.

Originality/value

This is the first article to systematically combine a review of the history of Chinese village-level archival legislation and in addition to examine their implementation effect including analyzing the existing problems from the macro level.
Exploring the influence of board structure and composition on respect for human rights
Authors: Rubino Michele , Mastrorocco Ilaria
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Due to the current context of human rights violations, especially by large companies, this study aims to analyse whether and how certain aspects of corporate governance, in particular the composition of the board of directors, influence respect for human rights.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have adopted a quantitative approach based on an ordinary least squares cross-sectional regression analysis for the companies of the S&P 1200 in 2022.

Findings

The results suggest that the board of directors plays an important role in human rights respect, particularly with regard to board gender diversity, attendance, the non-executive directors and chief executive officer (CEO) duality. In contrast, board size and board structure do not have a significant impact on human rights compliance.

Research limitations/implications

The results obtained offer useful implications for the existing literature and provide valuable insights for managers, regulators and policymakers. However, there are some limitations, particularly in relation to the time period analysed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present analysis is one of the first attempts to investigate the potential impact of corporate governance and various characteristics of the board of directors on respect for human rights.
Production and utilization of pseudocobalamin in marine Synechococcus cultures and communities
Authors: Bannon Catherine C. , Soto Maria A. , Rowland Elden , Chen Nan , Gleason Anna , Devred Emmanuel , LaRoche Julie , Bertrand Erin M.
Published: October 2024

Cobalamin influences marine microbial communities because an exogenous source is required by most eukaryotic phytoplankton, and demand can exceed supply. Pseudocobalamin is a cobalamin analogue produced and used by most cyanobacteria but is not directly available to eukaryotic phytoplankton. Some microbes can remodel pseudocobalamin into cobalamin, but a scarcity of pseudocobalamin measurements impedes our ability to evaluate its importance for marine cobalamin production. Here, we perform simultaneous measurements of pseudocobalamin and methionine synthase (MetH), the key protein that uses it as a co‐factor, in Synechococcus cultures and communities. In Synechococcus sp. WH8102, pseudocobalamin quota decreases in low temperature (17°C) and low nitrogen to phosphorus ratio, while MetH did not. Pseudocobalamin and MetH quotas were influenced by culture methods and growth phase. Despite the variability present in cultures, we found a comparably consistent quota of 300 ± 100 pseudocobalamin molecules per cyanobacterial cell in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean, suggesting that cyanobacterial cell counts may be sufficient to estimate pseudocobalamin inventories in this region. This work offers insights into cellular pseudocobalamin metabolism, environmental and physiological conditions that may influence it, and provides environmental measurements to further our understanding of when and how pseudocobalamin can influence marine microbial communities.
Characterizing teacher‐perceived and student‐perceived teacher–student relationship types and associations with student functioning in students with special educational needs: A cross‐sectional study using latent profile analyses
Authors: Alsem Sophie C. , van den Brink Femke , Hoogendijk Christina , Tick Nouchka T.
Published: October 2024

High‐quality teacher–student relationships are related to a wide range of positive student outcomes, especially in students with special educational needs. To enable tailored support to help teachers engage in positive relationships with these students, it is important to identify and understand the different types of teacher–student relationships that can emerge in this context. Aims of this study were to identify distinct teacher–student relationship types in special education and characterize these in terms of students' gender, problem behaviour, underachievement and teacher‐perceived supporting ability. We explored consensus regarding perceived relationship‐quality across teachers and students. In a cross‐sectional design, 27 upper elementary special education teachers participated with 340 students (66.8% boys; Mage = 10.83). A latent profile analysis based on teacher reports revealed five relationship types: a close (52.9%), moderate (25.3%), ambivalent (8.8%), distanced (7.4%) and conflicted (5.6%) relationship. Student reports revealed three relationship types: close (65.9%), moderate (25.0%) and conflicted (9.1%). A high‐quality, close relationship type was associated with less student problem behaviour and lower teacher‐perceived supporting ability than lower‐quality relationship types. Teachers and students had different perspectives on their shared relationship. These findings advance our understanding of the complexity of the dyadic teacher–student relationship and may inform interventions to enhance relationship quality.
Inequalities in place‐based representation: Looking inside electoral districts
Authors: PRATAS MAFALDA , FERNANDES JORGE M. , WON MIGUEL
Published: October 2024

Do representatives provide fair and proportional representation to each place in their district or, rather, do they favour some places, creating winners and losers of representation? While the impact of geography on representation has been extensively examined in majoritarian systems, we know little about the geographical losers of representation in proportional representation systems. We investigate the extent to which different places receive unequal levels of attention in parliament, relative to what we would expect based on their population size as a normative proportional ideal. Crucially, we conceptualize place‐based representation at the micro‐level by looking inside electoral districts, using Google Places and Named Entity Recognition. Findings indicate that there are significant deviations from the proportional ideal. We find that small localities and large cities are overrepresented in parliament, while the medium‐sized cities and suburban peripheries of major metropolises are underrepresented. Places with a higher percentage of the population with university degrees are also overrepresented in parliament. These results carry important normative implications for forms of territorial‐based representation.
Analysis of self‐monitoring of blood glucose metrics in gestational diabetes mellitus and their association with infants born large for gestational age: A historical observational cohort study of 879 pregnancies
Authors: Shaat Nael , Akel Omar , Kristensen Karl , Nilsson Anton , Berntorp Kerstin , Katsarou Anastasia
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is the standard of care for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to review SMBG profiles in women with GDM and to examine how glucose metrics derived from SMBG relate to fetal overgrowth and infants born large for gestational age (LGA, >90th percentile).

Material and Methods

This was a single‐center, historical, observational cohort study of 879 GDM pregnancies in Sweden. The diagnosis of GDM was based on a universal 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at gestational week 28 or 12 in high‐risk women. The glucose metrics derived from the SMBG profiles were calculated. Treatment targets for glucose were <5.3 mmol/L fasting, and ≤7.8 mmol/L 1‐h postprandial. The median (interquartile range) number of glucose measurements in the analysis for each woman was 318 (216–471), including 53 (38–79) fasting glucose measurements. Associations between glucose metrics and LGA were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, smoking, nulliparity, and European/non‐European origin. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate glucose levels for LGA prediction. Differences in means were tested using analysis of variance.

Results

The proportion of LGA infants was 14.6%. Higher mean glucose levels and smaller proportion of readings in target (glucose 3.5–7.8 mmol/L) were significantly associated with LGA (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.06 [2.05–4.57] and 0.94 [0.92–0.96], respectively). The strongest association was found with mean fasting glucose (3.84 [2.55–5.77]). The ability of mean fasting glucose and overall mean glucose to predict LGA infants in the ROC curves was fair, with areas under the curve of 0.738 and 0.697, respectively (p < 0.001). The corresponding discriminating thresholds were 5.3 and 6.1 mmol/L, respectively. Mean glucose levels increased and readings in target decreased with increasing body mass index category and at each step of adding pharmacological treatment, from diet alone to metformin and insulin (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Higher mean glucose levels and a smaller proportion of readings within the target range were associated with an increased risk of LGA. Suboptimal glucose control is associated with obesity and the need for pharmacological treatment.
Interactive effects of employed parents' affect spin with job demands and resources on adolescent well‐being
Authors: Yang Tao , Dahm Patricia C.
Published: October 2024

Integrating affect spin research with work–family literature, we build and test a model demonstrating the relationship between parents' affect spin and adolescent well‐being (depression, delinquency, and popularity) as explained by adolescent affect spin; parents' job demands and resources are boundary conditions. Using multisource data of mother–father‐adolescent triads of 127 families (total N = 417) in the 500 Family Study—including over 13,700 experience‐sampling measures of affective states and objective job data from Occupational Information Network (O*NET), we find mothers', but not fathers', affect spin has a direct positive relationship with adolescent affect spin that, in turn, relates to adolescents' poorer well‐being. Further, mothers' affect spin has a stronger indirect effect on adolescent well‐being when mothers' jobs involve more irregular work schedules, whereas fathers' affect spin has a stronger effect when their jobs involve higher conflictual contact. In contrast, both mothers' and fathers' affect spin have weaker effects on adolescents when their jobs involve higher decision latitude. Our findings converge to suggest job demands exacerbate and job resources attenuate the deleterious role of parents' affect spin on adolescent well‐being. Supplemental analyses demonstrate how the social learning process provides a theoretical explanation for the relationship between parents' and adolescents' affect spin.
Predicting optimal treatment allocation for cognitive analytic‐guided self‐help versus cognitive behavioural‐guided self‐help
Authors: Wojnarowski Caroline , Simmonds‐Buckley Melanie , Kellett Stephen
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Given the ubiquity in routine services of low‐intensity guided self‐help (GSH) psychological interventions, better patient selection for these brief interventions would be organizationally efficient. This study therefore sought to define who would respond best to two different types of GSH for anxiety to enable better future treatment matching.

Methods

The study used outcome data from a patient preference trial (N = 209) comparing cognitive analytic therapy‐guided self‐help (CAT‐GSH) with cognitive behavioural therapy‐guided self‐help (CBT‐GSH). Elastic Net regularization and Boruta random forest variable selection methods were applied. Regression models calculated the patient advantage index (PAI) to designate which GSH was likely the most effective for each patient. Outcomes were compared for those receiving their PAI‐indicated optimal and non‐optimal GSH.

Results

Lower baseline depression and anxiety severity predicted better outcomes for both types of GSH. Patient preference status was not associated with outcome during either GSH. Sixty‐three % received their model indicating optimal GSH and these had significantly higher rates of reliable and clinically significant reductions in anxiety at both post‐treatment (35.9% vs. 16.6%) and follow‐up (36.6% vs. 19.2%). No single patient with a large PAI had a reliable and clinically significant reduction in anxiety at post‐treatment or follow‐up when they did not receive their optimal GSH.

Conclusions

Treatment matching algorithms have the potential to support evidenced‐based treatment selection for GSH. Treatment selection and supporting patient choice needs to be integrated. Future research needs to investigate the use of the PAI for GSH treatment matching, but with larger and more balanced samples.
Insight into structural properties of viral G protein‐coupled receptors and their role in the viral infection: IUPHAR Review 41
Authors: Tsutsumi Naotaka , Kildedal Dagmar Fæster , Hansen Olivia Kramer , Kong Qianqian , Schols Dominique , Van Loy Tom , Rosenkilde Mette Marie
Published: October 2024

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are pivotal in cellular signalling and drug targeting. Herpesviruses encode GPCRs (vGPCRs) to manipulate cellular signalling, thereby regulating various aspects of the virus life cycle, such as viral spreading and immune evasion. vGPCRs mimic host chemokine receptors, often with broader signalling and high constitutive activity. This review focuses on the recent advancements in structural knowledge about vGPCRs, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms of action and ligand binding. The structures of US27 and US28 from human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are compared to their closest human homologue, CX3CR1. Contrasting US27 and US28, the homotrimeric UL78 structure (HCMV) reveals more distance to chemokine receptors. Open reading frame 74 (ORF74; Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus) is compared to CXCRs, whereas BILF1 (Epstein–Barr virus) is discussed as a putative lipid receptor. Furthermore, the roles of vGPCRs in latency and lytic replication, reactivation, dissemination and immune evasion are reviewed, together with their potential as drug targets for virus infections and virus‐related diseases.
Innis Lecture: The time of your life: The mortality and longevity of Canadians
Authors: Milligan Kevin
Published: October 2024

I develop and implement a methodology for cohort life expectancy using a panel of administrative tax data on a large sample born between 1930 and 1964. Over these 35 years, cohort life expectancy after age 54 grew by five years for women and seven years for men. The income–longevity gradient for the top 5% vs. bottom 5% of incomes is nine years of post‐54 life for men and seven years for women. The life expectancy improvements arise across the income distribution in Canada, unlike the United States. Large differences across neighbourhoods emerge that cannot be explained by income differences alone.
Genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in visual attention and oculomotor control in early infancy
Authors: Siqueiros‐Sanchez Monica , Bussu Giorgia , Portugal Ana Maria , Ronald Angelica , Falck‐Ytter Terje
Published: October 2024

Infants differ in their level of eye movement control, which at the extreme could be linked to autism. We assessed eye movements in 450 twins (225 pairs, 57% monozygotic, 46% female, aged 5–6 months) using the gap‐overlap eye‐tracking task. Shorter latency in the gap condition was associated with having more parent‐rated autistic traits at 2 years. Latency across the task's three conditions was primarily explained by one highly heritable latent factor likely representing individual differences in basic oculomotor efficiency and/or in visual information processing. Additionally, disengagement of attention was linked to unique genetic factors, suggesting that genetic factors involved in visual attention are different from those involved in basic visual information processing and oculomotor efficiency.
Playful activities mitigate relations between parental mental health difficulties and child verbal outcomes
Authors: Nelson Paige M. , Scheiber Francesca , Laughlin Haley M. , Demir‐Lira Ö. Ece
Published: October 2024

This study examined the role of parental involvement in the home learning environment in the association between parental mental health and child cognitive performance. In a sample of 174 three‐ to five‐year‐old children (52% female, 97% White, 7% Hispanic, 2019–2022), playful activities moderated the relation between parental general depression and child verbal reasoning and acquired verbal knowledge. However, there was no evidence that parental involvement moderated the association between parental mental health and child spatial reasoning. These results improve our understanding of the pathways by which parental mental health, even in a non‐clinical community sample, relate to child outcomes and raise the possibility of leveraging playful activities as one mechanism to alleviate the potential role of parental mental health difficulties.
Microglial Melatonin Receptor 1 Degrades Pathological Alpha‐Synuclein Through Activating LC3‐Associated Phagocytosis In Vitro
Authors: Yao Xiao‐Yu , Cao Bing‐Er , Liu Jun‐Yi , Lv Qian‐Kun , Zhang Jia‐Rui , Cheng Xiao‐Yu , Mao Cheng‐Jie , Ma Quan‐Hong , Wang Fen , Liu Chun‐Feng
Published: October 2024

Aims

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the formation of Lewy bodies (LBs), primarily constituted of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn). Microglial cells exhibit specific reactivity toward misfolded proteins such as α‐Syn. However, the exact clearance mechanism and related molecular targets remain elusive.

Methods

BV2 cells, primary microglia from wild‐type and MT1 knockout mice, and primary cortical neurons were utilized as experimental models. The study investigated relevant mechanisms by modulating microglial MT1 expression through small RNA interference (RNAi) and lentiviral overexpression techniques. Furthermore, pathological aggregation of α‐Syn was induced using pre‐formed fibrils (PFF) α‐Syn. Co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, Western blot (WB), and quantitative real‐time PCR were used to elucidate the mechanisms of molecular regulation.

Results

In this study, we elucidated the regulatory role of the melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) in the microglial phagocytic process. Following MT1 knockout, the ability of microglial cells to engulf latex beads and zymosan particles decreased, subsequently affecting the phagocytic degradation of fibrillar α‐Syn by microglial cells. Furthermore, the loss of MT1 receptors in microglial cells exacerbates the aggregation of α‐Syn in neurons induced by pre‐formed fibrils (PFF) α‐Syn. Mechanistically, MT1 influences the phagocytic function of microglial cells by regulating the Rubicon‐dependent LC3‐associated phagocytosis (LAP) pathway.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results suggest the neuroprotective function of microglial cells in clearing α‐Syn through MT1‐mediated LAP, highlighting the potential key role of MT1 in pathogenic mechanisms associated with α‐Syn.
Mevalonate in blood and muscle: Response to atorvastatin treatment and the relationship to statin intolerance in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Lauritzen Trine , Munkhaugen John , Bergan Stein , Sverre Elise , Peersen Kari , Lindahl Sofia , Husebye Einar , Vethe Nils Tore
Published: October 2024

Statin‐associated muscle symptoms are frequently reported and often lead to discontinuation of statin therapy with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. In vitro studies suggest that statin‐mediated inhibition of the mevalonate pathway leads to muscle cell toxicity. We aimed to determine the relationship between mevalonate, LDL‐cholesterol, and atorvastatin metabolites in patients with coronary heart disease and self‐perceived muscle side effects. Furthermore, we assessed the correlation between mevalonate in blood and muscle and the relationship to statin intolerance due to muscle symptoms. We used blood plasma from a randomized crossover trial (n = 70) and muscle biopsies and plasma from a subgroup in a subsequent open intervention study (n = 26). Both studies tested atorvastatin 40 mg/day. Seven patients did not tolerate ≥3 statins throughout the follow‐up and were classified as statin‐intolerant. Mevalonate in blood plasma decreased during atorvastatin treatment (median difference −38%, range −77% to 43%, p < 0.001), whereas mevalonate in muscle tissue was not lowered (0.05%, range −47% to 145%). Mevalonate correlated poorly with LDL‐cholesterol and atorvastatin metabolites (Spearman's rho −0.28 to 0.10). The statin‐intolerant patients had a smaller reduction in circulating mevalonate compared with the tolerant patients; median difference −8.1 (−22 to 3.5) nmol/L versus −25 (−93 to 12) nmol/L, p = 0.028. A similar observation was made for LDL‐cholesterol. Cutoffs based on these biomarkers classified >50% correctly as tolerant. Inhibition of the mevalonate pathway does not appear to be the mechanism underlying statin intolerance in the present study. Further studies of mevalonate as a biomarker for statin tolerance are needed to clarify the potential.
Strive, Thrive & Survive: embracing challenges in pursuit of passion
Authors: Olagunju Abolaji Samson
Published: October 2024

Challenges don’t last; embracing them is crucial to growth and success. Knowing and absorbing this is very important for students in any program and at any level in the academic world. I have my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and University of Ibadan, Nigeria, respectively. Currently, I am a doctorate student at the Department of Immunology, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. This article discusses my adaptation to a new environment, overcoming challenges, and the importance of support systems.
Declining invasive and rising in situ melanoma incidence trends in Iceland: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Thomas Sierra , Hoyt David , Stoddard Gregory , Snyder Ashley M. , Andradottir Eir , Grant‐Kels Jane M. , Ungar Jonathan , Lewin Jesse M. , Gulati Nicholas , Jonasson Jon Gunnlaugur , Sigurdsson Helgi , Helgadottir Hildur , Adalsteinsson Jonas A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Melanoma is increasing worldwide, with incidence rates of invasive melanoma and melanoma in situ (MIS) varying by country.

Objective

To provide updated invasive melanoma and MIS incidence and mortality trends in Iceland and explore differences among sex and rurality.

Methods

In this whole‐population study using the Icelandic Cancer Registry, patients diagnosed with invasive melanoma or MIS between 1957 and 2021 were included. Sex‐specific world standardized incidence (WSR) and mortality rates were assessed by rurality. Joinpoint analysis was used to calculate trends using annual per cent change (APC).

Results

Invasive melanoma incidence rates increased from 0.66 to 7.0 (men) and 1.6 to 11.0 (women) per 100,000 person‐years, and from 0.2 to 4.0 and 0.9 to 9.5 per 100,000 person‐years for MIS in men and women, respectively, with a statistically significant linear trend (p = 0.001). WSR peaked in both men and women (10.7, 17.9 per 100,000 person‐years) between 2002 and 2006 and has since been trending down. Between 1991 and 2005, the rise in invasive melanoma occurred more frequently in urban regions. Between 2003 and 2005, joinpoint analysis demonstrated a downtrend in invasive melanoma in men and women (−0.29, −0.73; p < 0.05). For MIS, the WSR peaked at 12.4 per 100,000 person‐years in women between 1997 and 2001 before down‐trending to 4.2. In recent years (2017–2021), the WSR has been steadily increasing in women with an APC of 1.43. Melanoma‐specific mortality has decreased since 2012 (−0.07; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Declining invasive melanoma incidence and mortality rates in conjunction with the recent rise in MIS may reflect the impact of Iceland's sun safety and anti‐sunbed educational campaigns, federal regulation of sunbeds and earlier melanoma detection in urban areas.
Validation of serum non‐invasive tests of liver fibrosis as prognostic markers of clinical outcomes in people with fatty liver disease in Australia
Authors: Vaz Karl , Kemp William , Majeed Ammar , Lubel John , Magliano Dianna J , Glenister Kristen M , Bourke Lisa , Simmons David , Roberts Stuart K
Published: October 2024

Background and Aim

The validity of non‐invasive tests (NITs) of liver fibrosis for the prediction of liver and mortality outcomes in an Australian cohort is unknown. We aimed to verify the utility of available NITs to predict overall and cause‐specific mortality and major adverse liver outcome (MALO).

Methods

This was an analysis from the Crossroads 1 clinic sub‐study of a randomly sampled adult cohort from regional Australia between 2001 and 2003. Baseline variables included demographic details, anthropometry, health and lifestyle data, and laboratory tests. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic‐(dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) were defined by fatty liver index ≥ 60 and other accepted criteria. Outcomes were defined by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision codes for linked hospitalization and death registry data. Available serum‐based NITs were analyzed as predictors of overall, cardiovascular disease‐related, and cancer‐related mortality and MALO in those with fatty liver disease (FLD).

Results

In total, 1324 and 1444 participants were included for NAFLD and MAFLD analysis (prevalence 35.4% and 40.7%, respectively). There were 298 deaths (89 cardiovascular disease‐related and 98 cancer‐related) and 24 MALO over a median 19.7 years of follow‐up time. In both forms of FLD, fibrosis‐4 index, Steatosis‐Associated Fibrosis Estimator score, and Forns fibrosis score consistently had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for overall and cause‐specific mortality, with AUROC > 0.70 for each outcome. However, all had poor discriminatory ability for determining MALO in each FLD.

Conclusions

Several liver fibrosis NITs perform similarly reasonably well in predicting the risk of mortality outcomes in those with FLD but are poorly discriminatory for MALO prediction.
Assessing causality in deprescribing studies: A focus on adverse drug events and adverse drug withdrawal events
Authors: Li Xiaojuan , Bayliss Elizabeth A. , Brookhart M. Alan , Maciejewski Matthew L.
Published: October 2024

Generating real‐world evidence about the effect of medication discontinuation or dose reduction on outcomes, such as reduction of adverse drug effects (ADE; intended benefit) and occurrence of adverse drug withdrawal events (ADWE; unintended harm), is crucial to informing deprescribing decisions. Determining the causal effects of deprescribing is difficult for many reasons, including lack of randomization in real‐world study designs and other design and measurement issues that pose threats to internal validity. The inherent challenge is how to identify the effects, both intended benefits and unintended harms, of a new medication stoppage or reduction when implemented in patients with many potential clinical and social risks that may influence the likelihood of deprescribing as well as outcomes. We discuss methodological issues of estimating the effect of medication discontinuation or reduction on risk of ADEs and ADWEs considering: (1) sampling study populations of sufficient size with the potential to demonstrate clinically meaningful and quantifiable outcomes, (2) accurate and appropriately timed measurement of covariates, outcomes, and discontinuation, and (3) statistical approaches to managing confounding and other biases inherent in long‐term medication use by individuals with multiple morbidities. Designing rigorous deprescribing studies that address internal validity threats will support evidence generation by improving the ability to assess benefits and harms when the exposure of interest is the absence of a medication. Iterative learnings about data quality, variable definition, variable measurement, and exposure‐outcome associations will inform strategies to improve the causal inferences possible in real‐world deprescribing studies.
Unilateral Action on Climate Change and the Moral Obligation to Take Leadership
Authors: Steel Daniel , Cripps Rachel , DesRoches C. Tyler , Bartha Paul , Mintz‐Woo Kian
Published: October 2024

We claim that a moral obligation to take climate leadership by means of unilateral mitigation depends on the existence of a plausible follow‐the‐leader mechanism whereby unilateral mitigation by some increases the probability of sufficient mitigation by others to avert catastrophic climate impacts. By understanding these mechanisms, we can better articulate the obligation for climate leadership across various sectors, from government to individual actors, in the fight against climate change.