bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of virtual reality experience quality on destination visit intention and virtual reality travel intention
Authors: Yersüren Sezer , Özel Çağıl Hale
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of virtual reality experience quality on destination visit intention and virtual reality travel intention through the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative data gathered from questionnaires applied to 198 people after undertaking an imaginary three-dimensional (3D) destination experience were analyzed with PLS-SEM.

Findings

Virtual reality experience quality influences perceptions and intentions. The perceived ease of use affects perceived usefulness, perceived usefulness effects attitude and destination visit intention, while perceived risk affects only virtual reality travel intention. Attitude affects both intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study relates to the quality of the experience offered, which is limited to the technical capacity of the virtual reality glasses used. Virtual reality can be used as a new economic offering and create a realistic destination experience. Virtual reality experience quality is an important determinant of intention in physical and imaginary travels, in shaping perceptions and minimizing travel risks. The explanatory power of the model can be increased by adding the perceived risk variable to TAM. The study has brought new perspectives, new insights and suggestions for developing tourism.

Originality/value

In the study, a 3D imaginary destination with its mise-en-scène and story, which includes more than one destination type, was designed. This study contributes to the literature by analyzing real and virtual visit intentions, combining the fields of the experience economy, risk perception and TAM.
Exploring the impact of employer brand attributes on financial performance: an intellectual capital perspective
Authors: Dženopoljac Vladimir , Ognjanović Jasmina , Dženopoljac Aleksandra , Kraus Sascha
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The employer brand is a crucial intangible asset for companies as it enhances the employer–employee relationship, leading to improved employee performance and overall company outcomes. This paper aims to investigate the contribution of the employer brand to the financial results of companies in southern Europe.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 266 companies operating in southern European countries during the year 2020. Secondary data on employer brand attributes, assessed from the perspective of current employees, were collected from the Glassdoor platform. Financial indicators were obtained from the companies' annual financial reports. The research hypotheses were tested using regression analysis.

Findings

The results of the regression analysis support the notion that the employer brand contributes to profitability indicators and management effectiveness indicators of southern European companies. However, the study did not find evidence supporting the contribution of the employer brand to market indicators and financial structure indicators of the observed companies.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first empirical investigations to assess the role of the employer brand as a human capital tool for enhancing the financial performance of companies in southern Europe. The study examines employer brand attributes from the perspective of current employees, who actively participate in shaping the employer brand and the company's image. In contrast to prior research, this study incorporates a more extensive set of financial indicators, categorized into four groups: profitability indicators, management effectiveness indicators, market indicators and financial structure indicators.
The influence of emotions on online information sharing behavior
Authors: Dabbous Amal , Aoun Barakat Karine
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The spread of fake news represents a serious threat to consumers, companies and society. Previous studies have linked emotional arousal to an increased propensity to spread information and a decrease in people’s ability to recognize fake news. However, the effect of an individual’s emotional state on fake news sharing remains unclear, particularly during periods of severe disruptions such as pandemics. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature by elucidating how heightened emotions affect fake news sharing behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the conceptual model, this study uses a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 212 online questionnaires and then analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

Results of this study show that positive emotions have indirect effects on fake news sharing behavior by allowing users to view the quality of information circulating on social media in a more positive light, and increasing their socialization behavior leading them to share fake news. Negative emotions indirectly impact fake news sharing by affecting users’ information overload and reinforcing prior beliefs, which in turn increases fake news sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies several novel associations between emotions and fake news sharing behavior and offers a theoretical lens that can be used in future studies. It also provides several practical implications on the prevention mechanism that can counteract the dissemination of fake news.

Originality/value

This study investigates the impact of individuals’ emotional states on fake news sharing behavior, and establishes four user-centric antecedents to this sharing behavior. By focusing on individuals’ emotional state, cognitive reaction and behavioral response, it is among the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to offer a multidimensional understanding of individuals’ interaction with news that circulates on social media.
ChatGPT and the AI revolution: a comprehensive investigation of its multidimensional impact and potential
Authors: Afjal Mohd
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study is to understand the transformative impact of ChatGPT on artificial intelligence (AI) research, its applications, implications, challenges and potential to shape future AI trends. The study also seeks to assess the relevance and quality of research output through citation and bibliographic coupling analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to investigate the research trends, influential entities and leading contributors in the domain of AI, focusing on the ChatGPT model.

Findings

The analysis revealed a high prevalence of AI-related terms, indicating a significant interest in and engagement with ChatGPT in AI studies and applications. “Nature” and “Thorp H.H.” emerged as the most cited source and author, respectively, while the USA surfaced as the leading contributor in the field.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings provide a comprehensive overview of the ChatGPT research landscape, it is important to note that the conclusions drawn are only as current as the data used.

Practical implications

The study highlights potential collaboration opportunities and signals areas of research that might benefit from increased focus or diversification. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners and policymakers for strategic planning and decision-making in AI research, specifically in relation to ChatGPT.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the ChatGPT research domain, its multidimensional impact and potential. It offers valuable insights for a range of stakeholders in understanding the current landscape and future directions of ChatGPT in AI.
Tourism destination social responsibility and the moderating role of self-congruity
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Rezapouraghdam Hamed , Hassannia Raheleh , Kim Taegoo Terry , Enea Constanța
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the interrelationships of destination social responsibility (DSR), emotional attachment, self-congruity, experiential satisfaction and environmentally responsible behavior (ERB).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 294 visitors to the Guangzhou Zoo in China, this study tested the aforementioned relationships via structural equation modeling.

Findings

Emotional attachment mediates the effect of DSR on experiential satisfaction, while emotional attachment and experiential satisfaction mediate the effect of DSR on ERB sequentially. Moreover, self-congruity moderates the relationship between DSR and emotional attachment.

Practical implications

The management of zoos should use DSR communication strategies more proactively to make visitors become well-aware of their economic, philanthropic, environmental and social activities in the host community. This will result in many positive consequences, including visitors’ ERBs.

Originality/value

The study adds to the DSR literature by introducing multiple mediation mechanisms and paths that lead to visitors’ ERBs.
How to design multifunctional landscapes?
Authors: Garibaldi Lucas A. , Zermoglio Paula F. , Jobbágy Esteban G. , Andreoni Lucas , Ortiz de Urbina Alejo , Grass Ingo , Oddi Facundo J.
Published: October 2023

The expansion of homogeneous landscapes has been a major driver of biodiversity loss, climate change and land degradation. There is an urgent need for a transition to multifunctional landscapes that provide abundant and nutritious food while also delivering several other contributions essential for a good quality of life. However, implementing this process, especially in large‐scale agriculture without economic subsidies, remains unclear.

We discuss guidelines for a transition to multifunctional landscapes based on science and our experience as practitioners. In this transition, practitioners manage crop fields, natural habitats and field edges.

We propose an iterative process for designing multifunctional landscapes. Initially, at a fine‐scale resolution, we identify and classify areas with low opportunity costs (e.g. low crop productivity) or a high appreciation for nature (e.g. near housing areas). These areas are categorized into either ‘wide’ patches or ‘narrow’ corridors (i.e. edges <100 m wide). Subsequently, wide patches (including those with remnants of native species regardless of size) are allocated for natural habitat restoration (covering at least 20% of the farmland), while narrow zones are designated as biological corridors (making up at least 10% of the farmland and designed to be 50–100 m wide). Also, field size and configuration are redesigned to enhance the efficiency of agricultural practices and edge density. This entails creating smaller fields with strip cropping that follows environmental heterogeneity, instead of relying on large, squared monocultures. Ultimately, this design is continually refined through engagement with stakeholders, incorporating cost–benefit analyses, as well as a process of ongoing monitoring, evaluation and mutual learning.

Synthesis and applications. We describe an iterative process by which large‐scale agriculture can support biodiversity and leverage nature's contributions to people while providing more nutritious food and stabilizing crop yields and profits. Multifunctional landscapes will be critical in achieving the targets of the Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by 2030 and moving the world towards net‐zero emissions by 2050.
Epilithic biofilms provide large amounts of nitrogen to tropical mountain landscapes
Authors: Abrantes Gustavo Henrique , Gücker Björn , Chaves Ronaldo César , Boëchat Iola Gonçalves , Figueredo Cleber Cunha
Published: October 2023

We show that epilithic biofilms are a relevant nitrogen (N) source in a rocky mountain range in Brazil. During different seasons, we quantified nitrate, ammonium, dissolved organic N (DON) and total dissolved N (TDN) leached by a simulated short rain event. We quantified the epilithic autotrophic biomass by taxonomic groups and its correlation with leached N. We hypothesized that leached N would be correlated to heterocystous cyanobacteria biomass since they are more efficient N2 fixers. We estimated a landscape N supply of 8.5 kg.ha−1.year−1 considering the mean precipitation in the region. TDN in leachate was mainly composed of DON (83.8% ± 22%), followed by nitrate (12.1% ± 3%) and ammonium (5% ± 5%). The autotrophic epilithic community was mainly composed of non‐heterocystous (Gloeocapsopsis) and heterocystous cyanobacteria (Scytonema and Stigonema), except for a site more commonly affected by fire events that showed a dominance of Chlorophyta. Biogeochemical upscaling was facilitated by the fact that N leaching was not different among sites or related to autotrophic epilithic biomass or assemblage composition. In conclusion, the capacity of epilithic biofilms to provide N to surrounding systems is an ecosystem service that underscores the necessity to conserve them and their habitats.
Effect of public stockholding on wheat price dynamics in India: A quantile autoregression approach
Authors: Tripathi Ashutosh K. , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: October 2023

The study investigates the effects of public stockholding on price dynamics and volatility in the Indian wheat market. A quantile autoregression method is used as a flexible representation of price dynamics and is based on a reduced‐form methodology. The findings reveal that public stockholdings have significant price effects, but the results vary significantly in price distribution. Further, we show local dynamic stability in the price distribution for all quantiles. However, dynamic adjustments tend to be qualitatively different across stockholding regimes, suggesting that price stability becomes less pronounced when stocks are low. Given the limitation of public stockholding in smoothing price fluctuations over time and the program's high costs, our analysis highlights the need to explore other alternative mechanisms such as trade, for example, in achieving stability in food prices.
Changing economic experiences and understandings
Authors: Carrier James G.
Published: October 2023

Polanyi, Mauss, and others describe reasons for the growing differentiation of economy from other spheres of life. This article proposes a further reason: the increasing invisibility of economic transactions in everyday life. It traces the declining visibility of economic transactions in England and North America from around 1700 to the present, as public marketplaces were displaced by growing longer‐distance trade and the growing role of intermediaries. It suggests that this declining visibility of the economic networks in which people were enmeshed encouraged the development of economic thought, ultimately including the idea of the economy as a distinct realm, which was intended to explain activities and processes that were no longer visible. That economic thought became increasingly complex and incomprehensible to ordinary people, who had to come to believe things that they did not understand.
‘Je suis corse, un homme de village’: Towards a Study of Contemporary Corsican Nationalism (1959–98)
Authors: PACI DEBORAH
Published: October 2023

This article reconstructs the genesis and developments of contemporary Corsican nationalism between 1959 to 1998, from the emergence of regionalism to the most dramatic phase of the resurgence of violence represented by the murder of Prefect Claude Érignac. The underlying hypothesis for this study is that Corsica embodies the community of destiny through a dialogue between tradition and modernity. With regard to permanency, what remains is a community and clan‐oriented mentality with a lasting impact upon nationalism. The emergence of contemporary Corsican nationalism must be viewed from a dual perspective: on the one hand, as a traditional system reserved for members of certain families according to a clan‐based approach; on the other, there is a protest movement that does not imply the dismantlement of the clan system but its renewal on the basis of criteria of democracy, equality and justice.
Empowering Bangladesh: Illuminating the path to sustainable economic growth: Using a cutting‐edge non‐linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach
Authors: Masud Muhammad Mehedi , Akhtar Rulia , Sultana Sayema , Selvarajan Sonia Kumari , Al‐Mamun Abdullah
Published: October 2023

Bangladesh, a developing country, is experiencing a rapid increase in its energy requirements due to its consistent economic growth in recent years. However, little is known about the economic contributions of access to electricity (AE), energy consumption (EC), and population growth (PG). In this study, the asymmetrical connection among PG, EC and electricity accessibility in Bangladesh is examined over a span of 36 years, from 1985 to 2021. The study used non‐linear ARDL cointegration methods as well as Granger Causality. For robustness, this study used Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR). The results reveal that PG has a notable favourable impact on economic growth, and conversely, a declining population also leads to a substantial positive influence on economic growth. Both favourable and adverse fluctuations in electricity accessibility exhibit detrimental effects on long‐term economic growth. Over the course of time, enhancing power accessibility has contributed to the rise in economic growth. Unfavourable EC shocks exhibit a meaningfully positive influence on economic growth in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the positive EC shock does not have a notable impact on long‐term economic growth. The data also demonstrate bidirectional causality between PG and economic growth and EC and economic growth (EG). There is also a unidirectional causal link between PG and AE and EC and PG. The findings have significant policy ramifications for those in charge of making decisions in Bangladesh that would help the country achieve its economic goals by bolstering its energy industry.
Economic impact of the carbon tax: Evaluation of the reduction in CO2 emissions
Authors: Noubissi Edmond Domguia , Nkengfack Hilaire , Messie Pondie Thierry , Ngounou Borice Augustin
Published: October 2023

The use of environmental protection policies has developed considerably over the last two decades and has generated a prolific literature. This study examines the impact of environmental policies on environmental quality for a panel of 36 OECD countries over the period from 1994 to 2018. To do this, we use matching and double‐difference methods. This enabled us to find a causal link between the environmental tax and CO2 emissions in the manufacturing and transport sectors. Furthermore, by estimating our model using fixed effects techniques, Driscoll and Kraay, Lewbel 2SLS and Quantiles, we obtained the result demonstrating that the environmental tax contributes to reducing CO2 emissions from the transport and manufacturing sectors. On the basis of these results, we suggest that taxes should be strengthened quantitatively and qualitatively in order to better target sectors known to be highly polluting.
Quantifying mitochondrial heteroplasmy diversity: A computational approach
Authors: Liu Kai , Xie Nan , Wang Yuxi
Published: October 2023

Biodiversity plays a pivotal role in sustaining ecosystem processes, encompassing diverse biological species, genetic types and the intricacies of ecosystem composition. However, the precise definition of biodiversity at the individual level remains a challenging endeavour. Hill numbers, derived from Rényi's entropy, have emerged as a popular measure of diversity, with a recent unified framework extending their application across various levels, from genetics to ecosystems. In this study, we employ a computational approach to exploring the diversity of mitochondrial heteroplasmy using real‐world data. By adopting Hill numbers with q = 2, we demonstrate the feasibility of quantifying mitochondrial heteroplasmy diversity within and between individuals and populations. Furthermore, we investigate the alpha diversity of mitochondrial heteroplasmy among different species, revealing heterogeneity at multiple levels, including mitogenome components and protein‐coding genes (PCGs). Our analysis explores large‐scale mitochondrial heteroplasmy data in humans, examining the relationship between alpha diversity at the mitogenome components and PCGs level. Notably, we do not find a significant correlation between these two levels. Additionally, we observe significant correlations in alpha diversity between mothers and children in blood samples, exceeding the reported R2 value for allele frequency correlations. Moreover, our investigation of beta diversity and local overlay similarity demonstrates that heteroplasmy variant distributions in different tissues of children more closely resemble those of their mothers. Through systematic quantification and analysis of mitochondrial heteroplasmy diversity, this study enhances our understanding of heterogeneity at multiple levels, from individuals to populations, providing new insights into this fundamental dimension of biodiversity.
Abnormal neuroanatomical patterns as potential diagnostic biomarkers for cocaine use disorder
Authors: Xu Hui , Xu Cheng , Guo Yunyu , Hu Yike , Bai Guanghui , Du Meimei
Published: October 2023

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a global health problem with serious consequences for both individuals and society. Previous studies on abnormal anatomical patterns in CUD have mainly used voxel‐based morphometry to investigate grey matter volume changes, while surface‐based morphometry (SBM) has been found to provide detail information on cortical thickness (CT), surface area and cortical meancurve, which can contribute to a better understanding of structural brain changes associated with CUD. In this study, SBM was conducted to investigate abnormal neuroanatomical patterns in CUD and whether these abnormal patterns could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CUD. Sixty‐eight CUD individuals and 52 matched healthy controls were enrolled, and all participants performed once MRI scanning and clinical assessments. We found that CUD individuals exhibited altered morphological indicators across widespread brain regions and these abnormal anatomical alterations were significantly predictive of CUD status. Furthermore, the CT reduction of right insula was significantly associated with years of cocaine use in CUD. These findings revealed the association of abnormal anatomical patterns in specific brain regions in CUD, which further improve the understanding of CUD pathophysiology and provide the alternative diagnostic biomarkers for CUD.
Deconstructing Deglobalization: The Future of Trade is in Intermediate Services
Authors: Baldwin Richard , Freeman Rebecca , Theodorakopoulos Angelos
Published: October 2023

This article contests the idea that the world has entered a post‐globalization era. It argues that rapid globalization has evolved rather than ended. Even though the global goods trade‐to‐GDP ratio reached its zenith 15 years ago, the rapid rise of services trade has persisted and now accounts for one‐fifth of international commerce. The paper makes a statistical and logical case that the future of trade lies in services trade—especially trade in intermediate services.
Wrong landing on a non‐host occurs under the canopy of a host: The presumed path of the ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus to approach its host
Authors: Yamasaki Michimasa , Tatsumi Kenshiro , Kobayashi Tetsuya , Ito Yasuto
Published: October 2023

The ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus is a vector of a pathogenic fungus that causes Japanese oak wilt. Its host is Fagaceae trees; however, these beetles also erroneously bore into unsuitable, non‐host tree species, which can be affected by neighbouring host tree species and the size of the non‐host.

We attached sticky sheets to the host and non‐host tree species of P. quercivorus and counted the number of beetles that landed weekly, in a season of beetle dispersal. We quantified the density of the host canopy above, the basal area of surrounding hosts and the diameter at breast height (DBH) of each non‐host tree.

The host canopy density affected the probability of beetles landing on non‐hosts, and the host basal area and non‐host DBH affected the number of beetles landing on non‐hosts. Thus, P. quercivorus is probably initially attracted to a dense host canopy, secondly attracted to the high density of the host and thereafter aggregate onto thick trees, including non‐host species.

The number of beetles landing on the surrounding host also affected beetle landing on the non‐hosts, suggesting that landing on non‐hosts is an error that occurs in high frequency during the seasons when many beetles land on the hosts.
Genome‐wide association study using a single‐step approach for teat number in Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire pigs in Korea
Authors: Park Jun , Do Kyoung‐Tag , Park Kyung‐Do , Lee Hak‐Kyo
Published: October 2023

We investigated the genetic basis of teat number in sows, which is an important factor in their reproductive performance. We collected genotyping data from 20 353 pigs of three breeds (Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire) using the Porcine SNP60K Bead Chip, and analyzed phenotypic data from 240 603 pigs. The heritability values of total teat number were 0.33 ± 0.02, 0.51 ± 0.01 and 0.50 ± 0.01 in Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire pigs, respectively. A genome‐wide association study was used to identify significant chromosomal regions associated with teat number in SSC7 and SSC9 in Duroc pig, SSC3, SSC7 and SSC18 in Landrace pig, and SSC7, SSC8 and SSC10 in Yorkshire pig. Among the markers, MARC0038565, located between the vertnin (VRTN) and synapse differentiation‐inducing 1‐like (SYNDIG1L) genes, showed the strongest association in the Duroc pig and was significant in all breeds. In Landrace and Yorkshire pigs, the most significant markers were located within the apoptosis resistant E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (AREL1) and latent transforming growth factor beta‐binding protein 2 (LTBP2) genes in SSC7, respectively. VRTN is a candidate gene regulating the teat number. Most markers were located in SSC7, indicating their significance in determining teat number and their potential as valuable genomic selection targets for improving this trait. Extensive linkage disequilibrium blocks were identified in SSC7, supporting their use in genomic selection strategies. Our study provides valuable insights into the genetic architecture of teat numbers in pigs, and helps identify candidate genes and genomic regions that may contribute to this economically important trait.
Relationships between mesopic visual sensitivity and macular inner and outer retinal layer thickness in healthy younger, middle‐aged and older adults
Authors: Cedrún‐Sánchez Juan E. , Moreira‐Estebaranz Carolina , Remis‐Gonzalez Melisa , Puell María C.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To examine relationships between mesopic visual sensitivity measurements on microperimetry and macular inner and outer retinal layer (IRL and ORL) thicknesses in healthy younger, middle‐aged and older subjects.

Methods

In total, 154 healthy adults were divided into three age groups each with similar mean sensitivity. Regional retinal sensitivity (determined by mesopic fundus‐controlled microperimetry) and IRL (ganglion cell‐related layer) and ORL thicknesses were measured in the five subfields: central fovea (1 mm diameter) and the quadrants temporal, nasal, superior and inferior of a parafoveal ring of outer diameter 3 mm and inner diameter 1 mm. Relationships between regional sensitivity and corresponding IRL and ORL thicknesses were assessed through a univariate and multivariate linear regression model.

Results

Visual sensitivity means for each subfield differed across age groups (all p < 0.001). In each parafoveal ring quadrant, mean IRL thickness was reduced in the older eyes compared to the other groups (all p < 0.0001). In the inferior region, worse sensitivity was correlated with greater IRL thickness (p = 0.0207) in the middle‐aged group and with a thicker ORL (p < 0.0001) and thinner IRL (p = 0.0003) in the older eyes (R2 = 0.51). The slopes of regression lines relating sensitivity to IRL thickness and age group (p = 0.0027) or to ORL thickness and age group (p = 0.0020) differed significantly.

Conclusions

The relationship observed between mesopic visual sensitivity and retinal layer thickness varied with age. A worse sensitivity was related to a thicker macular IRL layer in middle‐aged eyes and to a thicker ORL and thinner IRL in older eyes.
Vitrectomy for retinal detachment associated with macular hole: Prognostic factor analysis under different axial length conditions
Authors: Wang Zi‐qi , Ni Zhao‐ze , Zhang Xiao‐long , Lin Xiao‐yan , Hu Xu‐ting , Zhang Zhao‐liang , Zhang Zong‐duan , Pan Qin‐tuo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To identify prognostic factors for complete anatomical success (CAS) under different axial length (AL) conditions after vitrectomy plus internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for retinal detachment associated with macular hole (MHRD).

Methods

This retrospective study included 243 patients (251 eyes) with MHRD who underwent primary vitrectomy plus ILM peeling. Multivariate logistic regression explored prognostic factors for CAS in AL <30 mm and ≥ 30 mm groups.

Results

Overall, 113 eyes (45.0% of 251) exhibited complete CAS after initial surgery. Eyes with CAS had greater best‐corrected visual acuity improvement than eyes without CAS (p < 0.001). CAS was more common in eyes with AL < 30 mm (50.3% of 155) than in eyes with AL ≥ 30 mm (36.5%, 35/96; p = 0.032). In the AL < 30 mm group, CAS was associated with ILM insertion (odds ratio [OR], 2.824, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.189–6.710; p = 0.019), silicone oil (SO)/perfluoropropane (C3F8) tamponade (SO: OR, 0.408, 95% CI, 0.191–0.873; C3F8: OR, 2.448, 95% CI, 1.145–5.234; p = 0.021) and staphyloma (OR, 0.318, 95% CI, 0.143–0.707; p = 0.005). In the AL ≥30 mm group, CAS was associated with ILM insertion (OR, 11.621, 95% CI, 2.557–52.813; p = 0.001), SO /C3F8 tamponade (SO: OR, 5.305, 95% CI, 1.206–23.334; C3F8: OR, 0.188, 95% CI, 0.043–0.829; p = 0.027) and age (OR, 0.928, 95% CI, 0.876–0.983; p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Vitrectomy plus ILM peeling can effectively treat MHRD but has limited efficacy in eyes with AL ≥ 30 mm. ILM insertion was associated with more frequent CAS at any AL. C3F8 tamponade yielded better outcomes with AL < 30 mm; SO tamponade yielded better outcomes with AL ≥ 30 mm.
Helping students to face academic failures: Evaluation of a growth mindset intervention among primary school students in China
Authors: Zhao Shan , Yu Cheng , Jin Ling , Lin Danhua
Published: October 2023

Students commonly struggle with academic failure. Innovative interventions aimed at improving the essential components of academic success are therefore needed. The aim of this study was to test whether teaching a growth mindset of intelligence (the belief that intelligence is malleable and can be developed) could improve students' attitudes towards failure and academic outcomes. In particular, we explored whether students' perceived parental beliefs about failure influenced the effect of a growth mindset intervention. We tested the 8‐session growth mindset intervention in a sample of 1766 Chinese primary school students (age M = 10.61; SD = .99). Measures of mindset of intelligence, failure belief, positive strategies, and academic achievement were completed at baseline (T1) and 3‐month follow‐up (T2). In comparison to the control group, students in the intervention group reported a stronger growth mindset of intelligence at 3‐month follow‐up, which in turn indirectly increased their positive failure belief and inclinations of positive strategies when facing failures. Moreover, these beneficial effects of the growth mindset intervention were sustained only when students perceived relatively more supportive parental beliefs about failure. Additionally, the growth mindset intervention to some extent protected students' academic achievement from a downward trajectory at follow‐up. Collectively, the findings highlight the promising effects of a growth mindset intervention on students' academic‐related outcomes.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: Diagnostic performance of faecal calprotectin in distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease from irritable bowel syndrome in adults
Authors: Dajti Elton , Frazzoni Leonardo , Iascone Veronica , Secco Matteo , Vestito Amanda , Fuccio Lorenzo , Eusebi Leonardo Henry , Fusaroli Pietro , Rizzello Fernando , Calabrese Carlo , Gionchetti Paolo , Bazzoli Franco , Zagari Rocco Maurizio
Published: October 2023

Background

Symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often overlap with those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of faecal calprotectin in distinguishing patients with IBD from those with IBS

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases up to 1 January 2023. Studies were included if they assessed the diagnostic performance of faecal calprotectin in distinguishing IBD from IBS (defined according to the Rome criteria) using colonoscopy with histology or radiology as reference standard in adults. We calculated summary sensitivity and specificity and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random‐effect bivariate model. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies II.

Results

We included 17 studies with a total of 1956 patients. The summary sensitivity was 85.8% (95% CI: 78.3–91), and the specificity was 91.7% (95% CI: 84.5–95.7). At a prevalence of IBD of 1%, the negative predictive value was 99.8%, while the positive predictive value was only 9%. Subgroup analyses showed a higher sensitivity in Western than in Eastern countries (88% vs 73%) and at a cut‐off of ≤50 μg/g than at >50 μg/g (87% vs. 79%), with similar estimates of specificity. All studies were at “high” or “unclear” risk of bias.

Conclusions

Faecal calprotectin is a reliable test in distinguishing patients with IBD from those with IBS. Faecal calprotectin seems to have a better sensitivity in Western countries and at a cut‐off of ≤50 μg/g.
Obeticholic acid as a second‐line treatment for low phospholipid‐associated cholelithiasis syndrome
Authors: Soret Pierre‐Antoine , Lemoinne Sara , Mallet Maxime , Belkacem Karima Ben , Chazouillères Olivier , Corpechot Christophe
Published: October 2023

Background

Low phospholipid‐associated cholelithiasis (LPAC) syndrome is a rare genetic cause of hepatolithiasis. A pathogenic variant of the ABCB4 gene is reported in half of all patients. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only drug approved. However, in some patients, UDCA fails to prevent recurrence of symptoms and complications. Experimental evidence suggests that agonists of the farnesoid‐X receptor (FXR), the main transcription factor regulating ABCB4, may be beneficial in this context.

Aim

To study the efficacy of obeticholic acid (OCA) in patients with LPAC syndrome with an inadequate response or intolerance to UDCA.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients with LPAC syndrome treated with OCA, a selective FXR agonist.

Results

We reviewed the records of five OCA‐treated patients (4 women; median age 29; ABCB4 variant in 4; no hepatic fibrosis). All patients received OCA at an initial dose of 5 mg daily and then 10 mg daily for a median period of 36 months in combination with UDCA (4 patients) or as a monotherapy (one patient). There were no adverse effects reported. Four patients had improvement in their symptoms ‐ three completely and one partially. One patient had no clinical benefit. Abnormalities of blood liver tests persisted in one patient despite resolution of symptoms. Radiological signs of hepatolithiasis persisted in three of the four patients who responded clinically to OCA.

Conclusions

These preliminary observations suggest that OCA may have the potential to effectively treat LPAC syndrome in patients with inadequate response or intolerance to UDCA. Larger studies are needed to confirm these data.
Effect of rumen microbiota transfaunation on the growth, rumen fermentation, and microbial community of early separated Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Takizawa Shuhei , Shinkai Takumi , Saito Kunihiko , Fukumoto Natsuko , Arai Yukari , Hirai Tomokazu , Maruyama Masaharu , Takeda Masayuki
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of rumen microbiota transfaunation on the growth, rumen fermentation, and the microbial community of Japanese Black cattle that were separated early from their dams. Here, 24 calves were separated from their dams immediately after calving, 12 of which were transfaunated via inoculation with rumen fluid from adult cattle at the age of 2 months while the remaining 12 were kept unfaunated (not‐inoculated). Feed efficiency monitoring was performed during 7–10 months of age. Body weight and feed intake were not significantly different between the transfaunated and unfaunated cattle. Transfaunation increased the relative levels of acetate and butyrate but decreased those of propionate, which increased the non‐glucogenic/glucogenic short‐chain fatty acid ratio. Microbial 16S, 18S, and ITS ribosomal RNA gene amplicon analysis showed that rumen microbial diversity and composition differed between transfaunated and unfaunated cattle; transfaunation increased the abundance of acetate‐ and butyrate‐producing bacteria, and decreased the abundance of bacterial genera associated with propionate production. Transfaunation also increased the abundance of Methanomassiliicoccaceae_group10 (1.94% vs. 0.05%) and Neocallimastix (27.1% vs. 6.8%) but decreased that of Methanomicrobium (<0.01% vs. 0.06%). Our findings indicate that rumen microbiota transfaunation shifts rumen fermentation toward acetate and butyrate production through a change in the rumen microbial composition in Japanese Black cattle.
Dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum and its ferment substance improves the egg quality and ovarian function in laying hens from 50 to 58 weeks of age
Authors: Wang Yongshuai , Wang Yilu , Wang Leilei , Wei Bin , Lv Xiangyun , Huang Yanqun , Zhang Huaiyong , Chen Wen
Published: October 2023

The current study was conducted to explore the effects of dietary Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) and fermented calcium (Ca) butyrate produced by C. butyricum on the performance and egg quality of post‐peak laying. A total of 384 50‐week‐old hens were fed a basal diet, the basal diet with 300 mg/kg of fermented Ca butyrate or 1 × 109 CFU/kg C. butyricum for 8 weeks. Hens received a C. butyricum exhibited higher yolk properties, albumen height, and Haugh unit. A diet with fermented Ca butyrate or C. butyricum increased the egg mass and the pre‐grade yellow follicle number. RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) data showed that these observations were associated with cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and intestinal immune status. Accordingly, when compared with the basal diet group, Ca butyrate and C. butyricum addition decreased serum pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and increased the concentration of immunoglobulin A, along with improved intestinal barrier. In addition, dietary C. butyricum inclusion induced a higher abundance of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae at the family level. In summary, dietary fermented Ca butyrate or C. butyricum supplementation improved egg quality and ovarian function, which might be related to the enhanced intestinal barrier and immunity in post‐peak laying hens.
Hormonal indexes as predictors of porcine reproductive traits
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V. , Pivko Juraj
Published: October 2023

The aim of the present study was to examine the applicability of several hormonal indexes for early prediction of puberty and reproductive state in pigs. For this purpose, we have compared the level of hormones leptin, estradiol, progesterone, and IGF‐I in the blood of gilts at 150 days of age and their indexes of puberty and ovarian state at the age of 200 days. The association between blood leptin, estradiol, progesterone, and IGF‐I and indexes of future reproductive state has been demonstrated. High blood concentrations of leptin and IGF‐I levels were associated with relatively low reproductive traits, while high levels of estradiol and progesterone were associated with future high reproductive indexes. These observations are the first demonstration of the applicability of these endocrine indexes for prediction of porcine reproductive traits.
Are emotions essential for consumer ethical decision‐making: A Necessary Condition Analysis
Authors: Escadas Marco , Jalali Marjan S. , Septianto Felix , Farhangmehr Minoo
Published: October 2023

This research examines the necessary condition of emotions in predicting consumer ethical decision‐making, using a new multiplicative method for identifying and measuring the necessary condition in data sets—Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). Based on a sample of over four hundred individuals, and combining three different consumption scenarios involving ethical issues, our findings demonstrate that emotions are a necessary condition for consumer ethical decisions and behaviours. In addition, the results show that higher levels of consumer ethical decisions can only be achieved if happiness, gladness and satisfaction increase towards a minimum level of necessity. The findings provide empirical support for the essential role of emotions in predicting consumer ethical decision‐making. Furthermore, this research identifies the emotional thresholds without which ethical choices cannot occur and then explains why individuals sometimes behave ethically but other times do not. In addition, this is a first contribution applying NCA to consumer ethics.
Prolonged platelet hyperactivity after COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Nara Noriko , Shimizu Mie , Yamamoto Masahiro , Nakamizo Tomoki , Hayakawa Azusa , Johkura Ken
Published: October 2023

Platelet hyperactivity often occurs in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, it remains unclear how long platelet hyperactivity lasts after the acute phase, owing to a lack of follow‐up studies. To elucidate the course of platelet hyperactivity, we serially measured platelet activity in patients with COVID‐19 up to 40 days after hospital admission using an easily assessable haematology analyser that semi‐quantitates platelet clumps on a scattergram. Our results showed that platelet hyperactivity persisted for at least 40 days even after acute inflammation subsided in most patients with COVID‐19, regardless of disease severity. Persistent platelet hyperactivity may contribute to thromboembolic complications in post‐COVID‐19 patients.
A solution‐focussed cognitive group intervention for event anxiety in vulnerable children: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Tingting , Lei Junan , Parmak Merle
Published: October 2023

Vulnerable children have experienced severe life events that may have damaged their self‐esteem and destroyed their inherent potential for survival and development. As a result, they may be more likely to experience psychological problems such as withdrawal, depression, and anxiety. This study aims to combine cognitive behavioural therapy and solution‐focussed brief therapy to develop an effective operational intervention to reduce anxiety related to severe life events in vulnerable children. This intervention contained six stages and a 1 month follow‐up test with 39 vulnerable children (mean age = 8.74, standard deviation = 1.76) randomly assigned to the intervention group (19 participants) and control group (20 participants). The event anxiety and self‐esteem in vulnerable children were assessed by using the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale, the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale‐Short, and the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale. There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the baseline levels of self‐esteem, event impact, and anxiety. After three intervention phases, the intervention group had a significant increase in self‐esteem and a significant decrease in event anxiety. The changes were stable over time (except for self‐esteem). The results suggest that solution‐focussed cognitive group intervention is an effective method for reducing anxiety related to negative life events in vulnerable children. Furthermore, we have put forth recommendations for future studies that can be utilized to address the limitations identified in this study.
CLDN1 Arg81His founder variant causes ichthyosis, leukocyte vacuoles, alopecia, and sclerosing cholangitis (ILVASC) syndrome in Moroccan Jews
Authors: Eskin‐Schwartz Marina , Dolgin Vadim , Didkovsky Elena , Aminov Ilana , Pikovsky Anna , Hadar Noam , Kristal Eyal , Ling Galina , Cohen Idan , Zilberman Uri , Birk Ohad S.
Published: October 2023

Neonatal ichthyosis and sclerosing cholangitis syndrome (NISCH), also known as ichthyosis, leukocyte vacuoles, alopecia, and sclerosing cholangitis (ILVASC), is an extremely rare disease of autosomal recessive inheritance, resulting from loss of function of the tight junction protein claudin‐1. Its clinical presentation is highly variable, and is characterized by liver and ectodermal involvement. Although most ILVASC cases described to date were attributed to homozygous truncating variants in CLDN1, a single missense variant CLDN1 p.Arg81His, associated with isolated skin ichthyosis phenotype, has been recently reported in a family of Moroccan Jewish descent. We now describe seven patients with ILVASC, originating from four non consanguineous families of North African Jewish ancestry (including one previously reported family), harboring CLDN1 p.Arg81His variant, and broaden the phenotypic spectrum attributed to this variant to include teeth, hair, and liver/bile duct involvement, characteristic of ILVASC. Furthermore, we provide additional evidence for pathogenicity of the CLDN1 p.Arg81His variant by transmission electron microscopy of the affected skin, revealing distorted tight junction architecture, and show through haplotype analysis in the vicinity of the CLDN1 gene, that this variant represents a founder variant in Jews of Moroccan descent with an estimated carrier frequency of 1:220.