bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of digital technology training on developing academics’ digital competence in higher education context
Authors: Ng Peggy M.L. , Chow Po Kin , Wong Phoebe , Luk Wai Ming Bernard
Published: October 2024

Purpose

A new normal regarding teaching and learning has been established after COVID-19. The present study aims to examine the effectiveness of digital technology training on developing academics’ digital competence in higher education context. A conceptual model was developed using stimulus–organism–response (SOR) theory. Additionally, this study investigates the mediating effect of transfer of learning and the moderating effect of innovative climate in the relation between trainer capability and academics’ digital competence.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 24 digital technology training sessions were organized. Data were collected from the 24 digital technology training sessions with 384 participants and analyzed using SPSS PROCESS macro.

Findings

The results indicated that digital technology training content and trainer capability were positively associated with academics’ digital competence. Mediation analysis indicated that transfer of learning mediated the relation between trainer capability and digital competence. Moderated mediated analysis revealed that the relationship between trainer capability and transfer of learning is stronger under a higher innovative climate.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by applying the SOR theory in the context of digital technology training, providing a novel theoretical perspective on how digital training influences academics’ digital competencies. The study offers empirical evidence on the underlying process regarding the effect of digital technology training on academics’ digital competence. The findings revealed that transfer of learning as well as innovative climate play important intervening roles in enhancing academics’ digital competence. Higher education institutions can implement policies to promote the transfer of learning and innovative climate, allowing academics to learn innovative digital technology.
The role of public health expenditure in reducing infant mortality rate in India: insights from cointegration analysis
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate (1) whether the public health expenditure rises as the gross state domestic product (GSDP) increases and (2) whether the infant mortality rate (IMR) reduces as public health expenditure increases.

Design/methodology/approach

For this investigation, the author collected a time series of data on public health spending and IMRs for an Indian state and applied regression, stationarity, cointegration and causality tests. The author also compared the relative performance of selected Indian states.

Findings

The author found that none of the Indian states did equally well in reducing the infant mortality rate (IMR). As GSDP rises, the public expenditure on health rises, however, this increase in public health expenditures does not cause a reduction in the IMR. The cointegration and causality test results validated it.

Practical implications

The author recommends that policymakers must shift their focus from merely increasing government health expenditure to efficiently utilising allocated funds and removing the administrative bottlenecks. Also, an equitable health financing system that addresses existing disparities in the healthcare delivery system should be ensured.

Originality/value

Researchers and policymakers have debated the role of public health spending in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 targets. The paper proves that there exists no long-term relationship between public health spending and IMR.
Compliance with anti-money laundering laws and their impact on banking operations in Pakistan: banking expert’s opinion
Authors: Hassan Syed Saqlain Ul , Sajid Saima
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Despite sound anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and membership in the financial action task force, money laundering remains a severe concern faced by Pakistan because of its weak AML regime. This led to an investigation of the perceptions of banking expert’s regarding the AML law’s costs and complexity, mapping of compliance cost and measures taken by Pakistani banks in compliance with AML laws.

Design/methodology/approach

A socio-legal study approach was adopted based on library-based, and interviews using social media platforms to treasure the experts’ opinions regarding the impact of AML laws on baking operations in Pakistan. A semistructured interview-based questionnaire was handed out to Pakistani banking officers.

Findings

The findings revealed that, for banks to meet the AML obligation, they must overcome challenges including cost and complexity. Nevertheless, these costs are less expensive than the penalties assessed for noncompliance.

Practical implications

Following AML regulations can help the banking industry grow, which, in turn, attracts more foreign investment by boosting consumer confidence. However, it is difficult and expensive to comply with these requirements. The current research hopes that the financial regulatory authorities of Pakistan will adopt more effective measures for efficient compliance with AML laws.

Originality/value

The impact of compliance with AML laws on banking operations in Pakistan was examined in this study for the first time using banking officers’ opinions from various banks best of author’s knowledge.
Generative artificial intelligence: a proactive and creative tool to achieve hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization in the tourism industry
Authors: Florido-Benítez Lázaro
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how GenAI can help companies achieve a higher level of hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization in the tourism industry, as well as show the importance of this disruptive tool for tourism marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases to provide updated studies and expert authors to explore GenAI in the tourism industry. Analysing hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization modalities through GenAI and their new challenges for tourists, tourism cities and companies.

Findings

Findings reveal that GenAI technology exponentially improves consumers’ segmentation and personalization of products and services, allowing tourism cities and organizations to create tailored content in real-time. That is why the concept of hyper-segmentation is substantially focused on the customer (understood as a segment of one) and his or her preferences, needs, personal motivations and purchase antecedents, and it encourages companies to design tailored products and services with a high level of individual scalability and performance called hyper-personalization, never before seen in the tourism industry. Indeed, contextualizing the experience through GenAI is an important way to enhance personalization.

Originality/value

This paper also contributes to enhancing and bootstrapping the literature on GenAI in the tourism industry because it is a new field of study, and its functional operability is in an incubation stage. Moreover, this viewpoint can facilitate researchers and companies to successfully integrate GenAI into different tourism and travel activities without expecting utopian results. Recently, there have been no studies that tackle hyper-segmentation and hyper-personalization methodologies through GenAI in the tourism industry.
Fighting for Ben, a family’s story
Authors: Austin-Garrod Emma
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study themes of abuse and mistreatment of people with a learning disability. Personal stories of lived experience such as this are important pieces of learning and information for practitioners. This case study is intended to add to the limited available knowledge base of lived experience, offering insight into safeguarding in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a single case study highlighting lived experiences written by and from the perspective of a sibling of a person with a learning disability who has experienced abuse in the social-care system.

Findings

Structural ongoing abuse occurs and has occurred in the social care system. How we respond to this as a system and societally is a multi-layered challenge that underpins the ability to ensure the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable peers.

Originality/value

Case studies such as this are limited, with underpinning themes that are all too common. The case study adds to literature that gives insight and perspective into experiences of systems, and of systemic failures to act.
Students’ perceptions of teachers and teaching as determinants of primary school completion in Ethiopia
Authors: Weldesilassie Alebel Bayrau , Sabates Ricardo , Woldehanna Tassew , Oketch Moses
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study analysed students’ perceptions of teachers’ behaviours, teachers’ management practices and the use of inputs by teachers and whether these are associated with primary school progression and completion.

Design/methodology/approach

School-level fixed effect analysis is conducted using cross-sectional data collected from 4,000 randomly selected primary school-aged students and their schools.

Findings

Our findings reveal that students’ perceptions of teachers’ behaviours are associated with the probability of grade progression during primary school, and whether students complete primary school. Particularly important are positive behaviours, like students perceiving their teachers to be engaged and being praised by their teachers while in primary schools. It increased the likelihood of school progression by at least 15%. The use of inputs such as worksheets/written handouts and reading stories/books in the language of instruction were also found to have a statistically significant positive effect on students’ primary school performance. These are important results which hold after accounting for school management, household and child-level factors and regional differences.

Originality/value

Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the teaching practices which pupils perceive as beneficial to retention. While we are unable to conclude that learning is taking place, our contention is that greater time in school could increase the opportunity to learn. In this respect, beyond its policy relevance in improving educational outcomes, the paper contributes to the limited literature on the student–teacher classroom relationships particularly when looking from the perspective of students’ perception of their teachers’ teaching behaviours in developing countries.
Exploring the role of packaging in the formation of brand images: a mixed methods investigation of consumer perspectives
Authors: Ghorbani Mijka , Westermann Arne
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore consumers’ perspectives on how packaging plays a role in their consumption experience and how it contributes to the formation of brand images. By adopting a consumer’s perspective, the authors identify the criteria that consumers apply to evaluate packaging and reveal how packaging relates to consumers’ overall brand associations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a sequential exploratory mixed methods design, the authors explore brand packaging of chocolate bars as emotionally laden, well-known fast-moving consumer goods. First, the authors conduct a qualitative focus group study to explore how consumers perceive package design, and how it relates to their brand impressions. Second, the authors test the constructs and attributes with an independent sample through a quantitative survey.

Findings

The qualitative findings reveal the different roles of packaging and highlight how packaging provides value for consumer experiences not only at the point-of-sale but also during later consumption. More specifically, the authors identify 12 main criteria that consumers use to evaluate packaging. The authors unwrap how packaging is embedded in consumers’ brand image networks by mapping out its connections to other brand associations pertaining to product attributes, the brand itself and personality impressions. The quantitative findings confirm the importance of practical and symbolic packaging criteria and the brand image comparisons.

Originality/value

Taking a consumer’s perspective, this study contributes to a more holistic understanding of how packaging supports brand building as we reveal the various ways in which packaging relates to consumers’ overall brand image associations. This study further directs attention to the roles that consumers themselves assign to packaging and how they evaluate packaging based on its practical, symbolic and social value.
The future of tourism: interview with Ian Yeoman about the Journal of Tourism Futures
Authors: Postma Albert , Yeoman Ian Seymour
Published: October 2024

Purpose

As the Journal of Tourism Futures celebrates its 10th anniversary, Dr. Albert Postma (NHL Stenden University) interviews Professor Ian Yeoman (NHL Stenden University) as co-editor of the Journal of Tourism Futures and expert on scenario planning in tourism and hospitality.

Design/methodology/approach

A personal interview.

Findings

Yeoman shares his expertise on the establishment and evolution of the Journal of Tourism Futures, in the context of the growth of futures thinking in tourism within a science and industry context.

Originality/value

The interview provides insights in the evolution of futures thinking in tourism, reflected in the growth and growing reputation of the Journal of Tourism Futures.
Pricing in spatial classification system in non-symmetric market demand based on the calculations of double interval grey numbers
Authors: Amini Maryam , Mahmoodi Armin , Hashemi Leila , Kiani Aslani Reza , Taheri Arash , Kiani Mohammad
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The contemporary landscape of supply chains necessitates a comprehensive integration of multiple components encompassing production, distribution and customer engagement. The pursuit of supply chain harmony underscores the significance of pricing strategies within the framework of dual-channel distribution, particularly when confronted with the dynamics of asymmetric demand performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper delves into a nuanced decision-making challenge anchored in a dual-channel distribution context featuring a retailer and two distinct products. Notably, the retailer’s decision-making process employs the computational framework of dual grey numbers, a robust tool for handling uncertainty.

Findings

This study revolves around applying game theory to manufacturers. Each manufacturer presents its aggregated price proposition to the retailer. Subsequently, the retailer identifies the optimal pricing configuration among the manufacturers' aggregate prices while adhering to constraints such as spatial classification and inventory costs. This article’s contribution extends to delineating the retailer’s capacity to discern the influence of product market potential and the aggregate product cost on the overall demand.

Originality/value

The model’s innovation lies in its harmonious fusion of spatial classification, pricing strategies and inventory control. Notably, this novel integration provides a platform for unraveling the intricate interplay between non-symmetric market potential, production costs and cross-sensitivity. The investigation is underscored by the utilization of the double interval grey numbers, a powerful computational approach that accommodates the inherent uncertainty pervasive in the domain. This study fills a gap in the existing literature by offering an integrated framework unifying spatial allocation, pricing decisions and inventory optimization.
Strategic plans on the context of business excellence models and its financial impact: the case of the Cavendish banana grower cooperatives
Authors: Dipon Roentgen Galaroza , Cabudol Emerson G.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study was conducted to assess the alignment of the strategic plans of the Cavendish banana grower cooperatives to business excellence models (BEMs) and to determine its financial impact to elucidate the performance of the respective cooperatives. This is anchored on the primary objectives of cooperative business sustainability, expansion and sustained competitiveness, all of which are significantly impacted by the strategic plans. The BEMS establish the parameters that are useful in determining how well the strategic plans correspond.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this study. Strategic plans and audited financial statements (FS) for calendar year (CY) 2021 and 2022 of two Cavendish banana grower cooperatives in Region XI on the context of BEMs were evaluated and examined using the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and Philippine Quality Award. Of the seven criteria, only five were considered as follows: organizational profile, leadership, strategy, workforce, process and result. The first four were taken from strategic plans, while result was from audited FS.

Findings

The strategic plans of the two cooperatives selectively satisfy some of the sub-criteria of each of the four criteria. Furthermore, the cooperatives followed the usual basic contents of and briefly presented in the strategic plans the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis, strategic objectives, plans, targets and timelines. This suggests that the cooperatives are not familiar with the BEMs which could be attributed to the educational qualifications of the directors and officers, or possibly not introduced by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). On the financial performance, one cooperative has impressive records but generally had lower performance in 2022 compared to 2021.

Research limitations/implications

This study covers only Cavendish banana grower cooperatives particularly located in the Southeastern part of Mindanao (CDA, 2021) in the Philippines where people are mostly of similar culture. This does not represent much diverse culture; thus, this may work only in organizations with similar culture. In other industries or organizations where cultural diversity occurs, there may be a need to conduct study to determine the level of adoption of BEMs by the cooperatives. On the other note, the samples are very limited that generalizability cannot be made. Conducting a similar study involving many cooperatives is suggested.

Originality/value

This study explores the alignment of the Strategic Plans of the Cavendish banana grower cooperatives to BEMs which has long been neglected.
Measuring palatability of pet food products: Sensory components, evaluations, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Calderón Natalia , White Brittany L. , Seo Han‐Seok
Published: October 2024

The pet food industry is a growing business launching a variety of new products in the market. The acceptability or preference of pet food samples has traditionally been measured using either one‐bowl or two‐bowl tests. Academic researchers and professionals in the pet food industry have explored other methods, including the cognitive palatability assessment protocols and the ranking test, to evaluate more than two samples. A variety of approaches and perspectives were also utilized to predict palatability and key sensory attributes of pet foods, including descriptive sensory analysis by human‐trained panelists and pet food caregivers’ perceptions of pet food. This review article examined a range of testing methods for evaluating the palatability of pet foods, specifically targeting products for dogs and/or cats. It outlined the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Additionally, the review provided in‐depth insights into the key sensory attributes of pet foods and the methodologies for assessing palatability. It also explored pets’ behavioral responses and facial expressions in relation to different pet foods. Furthermore, this review discussed current challenges and future opportunities in pet food development, including the use of instrumental analyses and artificial intelligence–based approaches.
Exosome‐transported circ_0001955 as a potent driver of breast cancer by regulating the miR‐708‐5p/PGK1 axis
Authors: Li Wenxin , Jin Gaowa , Zhou He , Gao Yongqiang , Ge Yongli , Zhang Huayi
Published: October 2024

Background

Increasing evidence shows that exosome‐mediated delivery of circular RNA (circRNA) is implicated in breast cancer progression. This study aimed to elucidate the role of exosome‐transported circ_0001955 in breast cancer.

Methods

The expression of circ_0001955, miR‐708‐5p, and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) messenger RNA (mRNA) was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR); the protein levels of PGK1 and hexokinase 2 (HK2) were detected by western blot (WB). 5′‐Ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) and colony formation assay were used to determine cell proliferation. Glycolytic metabolism was analyzed by corresponding kits to detect the associated indicators. The role of circ_0001955 in vivo was studied by establishing animal models. The potential binding relationship between miR‐708‐5p and circ_0001955 or PGK1 was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.

Results

Circ_0001955 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, as well as in exosomes from breast cancer cell lines. The deficiency of circ_0001955 blocked proliferation, decreased the IC50 value of paclitaxel (PTX), and blocked glycolysis in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Circ_0001955 knockdown also inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0001955 directly combined with miR‐708‐5p, and the miR‐708‐5p inhibitor reversed the effects of sh‐circ_0001955. PGK1 was a target of miR‐708‐5p, and circ_0001955 indirectly promoted PGK1 expression by binding to miR‐708‐5p. PGK1 overexpression abolished the function of miR‐708‐5p in breast cancer.

Conclusion

Exosomal circ_0001955 excreted from breast cancer cells facilitated proliferation and glycolysis and enhanced the IC50 value of PTX in breast cancer cells by sponging miR‐708‐5p to upregulate PGK1.
A chucao tapaculo, Scelorchilus rubecula (Kittlitz, 1830), plucking hair from a southern pudu, Pudu puda (Molina, 1782), in the Chilean temperate forest
Authors: Guzmán‐Aguayo Liliana , González Benito A. , Estades Cristián F. , Espinoza‐León Ingrid M. , Valenzuela‐Lobos Lorena A. , Elbroch L. Mark , Wong Wai‐Ming , Ohrens Omar , Saucedo Cristián
Published: October 2024

Although the incorporation of mammalian hair in nest construction for thermal insulation has been extensively documented among birds, the kleptotrichy—where birds pluck hair directly from living mammals—remains a relatively underreported behaviour in the scientific literature. Our camera trap monitoring effort in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, Chile, captured a chucao tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula) plucking hair from a southern pudu (Pudu puda). The observed behaviour suggests an adaptation for obtaining nest material, particularly in high‐latitude regions like our study area. The pudu's minimal reaction suggests that the hair removal was not perceived as uncomfortable, potentially because the hair was already being shed. This could also be interpreted as a case of ectoparasite removal or other mutualistic interactions. Further research is needed to determine the use of pudu hair as nest construction material and to explain the ecological implications of this behaviour. Our findings highlight the value of camera trap monitoring in expanding the knowledge of species interactions and providing insights about wildlife behaviours.
First Photographic Evidence of the Central African Oyan in Uganda
Authors: Akampurira Emmanuel , Uzabaho Eustrate , Bitariho Robert , Moore Jennifer F.
Published: October 2024

Arboreal camera trap photographs were captured of the Central African Oyan Poiana richardsonii in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. In total, 10 photographs were obtained from three sites in the park in 2019. This is likely the furthest east record of this species.
Fecal microbiota transplantation against moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double‐blind controlled explorer trial
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Luo Yang , Chen Xingyu , Wu Mingyang , Xu Xiaoqiang , Tian Jingru , Gao Yingxia , Zhu Jun , Wang Zhifeng , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Yu , Wang Xiaokai , Li Wei , Lu Qianjin , Yao Xu
Published: October 2024

Background

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel treatment for inflammatory diseases. Herein, we assess its safety, efficacy, and immunological impact in patients with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, we performed the efficacy and safety assessment of FMT for moderate‐to‐severe adult patients with AD. All patients received FMT or placebo once a week for 3 weeks, in addition to their standard background treatments. Patients underwent disease severity assessments at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16, and blood and fecal samples were collected for immunologic analysis and metagenomic shotgun sequencing, respectively. Safety was monitored throughout the trial.

Results

Improvements in eczema area and severity index (EASI) scores and percentage of patients achieving EASI 50 (50% reduction in EASI score) were greater in patients treated with FMT than in placebo‐treated patients. No serious adverse reactions occurred during the trial. FMT treatment decreased the Th2 and Th17 cell proportions among the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and the levels of TNF‐α, and total IgE in serum. By contrast, the expression levels of IL‐12p70 and perforin on NK cells were increased. Moreover, FMT altered the abundance of species and functional pathways of the gut microbiota in the patients, especially the abundance of Megamonas funiformis and the pathway for 1,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐naphthoate biosynthesis II.

Conclusion

FMT was a safe and effective therapy in moderate‐to‐severe adult patients with AD; the treatment changed the gut microbiota compositions and functions.
Cross‐retaliation and international dispute settlement
Authors: Chisik Richard , Fang Chuyi
Published: October 2024

Although politicians and the popular press often express the desire to link retaliation in trade agreements to non‐trade issues, the WTO discourages and usually disallows cross‐retaliation even among its own agreements. In this paper, we analyze the welfare implications of cross‐retaliation. We compare two different mechanisms in a two‐country two‐sector tariff‐setting political‐economy model with incomplete information. A country may temporarily raise trade barriers in response to political pressure and the extent of this pressure is private information. In a same‐sector retaliation mechanism a safeguard action, or other limited violation of the international trade agreement, is punished by an equivalent suspension of concessions in the sector where the initial deviation takes place. In a linked, or cross‐sector, retaliation mechanism retaliatory actions may be taken in another sector or agreement. We next consider less‐than‐equivalent suspensions of concessions whereby the probability of retaliation is less than unity. We then endogenize this probability and derive its optimal level separately for same‐ and cross‐sector retaliation. We also consider the long‐run viability of these self‐enforcing trade agreements. We show that whether retaliation is certain or probabilistic a cross‐sector retaliation mechanism can generate greater welfare and self‐enforcement capability than a same‐sector mechanism unless export‐oriented political pressure in the cross‐sector targeted for retaliation is high. Although cross‐sector retaliation is usually welfare improving, there may be little additional benefit to extending retaliation to a different agreement.
Comprehensive Analysis of NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Subunit B3 in Gynecological Tumors and Identification of Its Natural Inhibitor Wedelolactone
Authors: Li Huiping , Jin Yangli , Zhang Yanyan , Xie Xiaohua , Li Nan
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to explore the role of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit B3 (NDUFB3) in human gynecological malignancies and to screen potential natural compounds targeting it. GEPIA and HPA databases were used to study the expression characteristics of NDUFB3. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using the R software clusterProfiler package. GSEA for NDUFB3 was performed using the LinkedOmics database. Natural compounds targeting NDUFB3 were screened by virtual screening and molecular docking. After NDUFB3 was depleted or wedelolactone treatment, cell proliferation was detected by CCK‐8 assay. The production of reactive oxide species (ROS) in tumor cells was detected by dihydroethidium fluorescent probe. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. It was revealed that NDUFB3 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer (OV), uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC). NDUFB3 expression was associated with multiple immunomodulators in CESC, OV, and UCEC. NDUFB3 was predicted to modulate MAPK signaling pathways in CESC, OV, and UCEC. Knocking down NDUFB3 inhibited the proliferation of CESC, OV, and UCEC cells, increased intracellular ROS production, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Wedelolactone was a potential small molecule with a strong ability to bind with the active pocket of NDUFB3, and wedelolactone could kill CESC, OV, and UCEC cells partly via NDUFB3. In conclusion, NDUFB3 may be a potential biomarker and a new target for gynecological tumors, and wedelolactone may exert antitumor activity via targeting NDUFB3.
Functional outcomes in children and adolescents with neurodisability accessing music therapy: A scoping review
Authors: Twyford Karen , Taylor Susan , Valentine Jane , Pool Jonathan , Baron Annette , Thornton Ashleigh
Published: October 2024

Aim

To determine the evidence for functional outcomes experienced by a population with paediatric neurodisability (such as acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders), who access music therapy through neurorehabilitation services across the rehabilitation spectrum.

Method

Using scoping review methodology of the JBI and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR), a systematic search was conducted across eight databases and expert knowledge users were consulted. Articles were screened by title and abstract, and data from eligible studies were categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth version (ICF‐CY).

Results

From 1726 records identified, 53 eligible primary sources were included in the synthesis. Most literature (n = 30) related to children and adolescents with an acquired or traumatic brain injury. Physical function was the most frequently reported outcome across sources (n = 27), followed by communication (n = 25), social (n = 22), cognitive (n = 17), emotional (n = 13), psychological (n = 13), behavioural (n = 8), and sensory (n = 5).

Interpretation

Evidence for functional outcomes experienced by children and adolescents accessing music therapy as part of their neurorehabilitation is limited. More than half of the included sources were clinical descriptions with small samples. High‐quality studies involving children, adolescents, families, and interprofessional teams are needed to identify the most effective music therapy methods and techniques for functional outcomes in paediatric neurodisability.
Echocardiographic Screening Model for Improved Assessment of Atrial Septal Defect Closure: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Hezhi , Huang Zehan , Zhang Gangcheng , Shen Qunshan , Fei Hongwen , Luo Dongling , Yang Ziyang , Zhang Bin , Zhang Caojin
Published: October 2024

Background

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a prevalent congenital heart condition in adults, which finally leads to pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure if left untreated. Right heart catheterization (RHC), the current gold standard for determining ASD closure feasibility, is invasive. Thus, a noninvasive prescreening tool is urgently needed.

Methods and Results

In a multicenter, retrospective study, we assessed 924 ASD patients (2012–2022) to determine their suitability for ASD closure. Using LASSO regression, we identified predictors for a correctable shunt, enabling us to create the ASD model. The ASD model, comprising of estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP), peak velocity through the pulmonary valve (PV), peak E‐wave velocity through the tricuspid valve (TVE), and right atrial longitudinal dimension (RA) by echocardiography, was constructed and exhibited favorable discriminative capability with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.941 (95% CI: 0.920–0.961) in the derivation group. The model also demonstrated good calibration and discriminative abilities in the validation cohort. When juxtaposed with the earlier congenital heart disease (CHD) model, the newly developed ASD model demonstrated superior predictive capabilities for correctable shunt, supported by the net reclassification index (NRI) [0.063 (95% CI: 0.001–0.127, p = 0.047)] and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) [0.023 (95% CI: 0.011–0.036, p < 0.001)].

Conclusion

In summary, our research advocates the ASD model as a superior tool for screening suitable ASD defect closure candidates.
Mycorrhizal Types Regulate Tree Spatial Associations in Temperate Forests: Ectomycorrhizal Trees Might Favour Species Coexistence
Authors: Mao Zikun , Wiegand Thorsten , Corrales Adriana , Fang Shuai , Hao Zhanqing , Lin Fei , Ye Ji , Yuan Zuoqiang , Wang Xugao
Published: October 2024

In temperate mixed forests, dominant ectomycorrhizal (EM) tree species usually coexist with diverse arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) understorey tree species. Here, we investigated the spatial associations between AM and EM trees in two > 20 ha temperate forest mega‐plots to better understand the observed ‘EM‐dominant versus AM‐diverse’ coexistence. Overall, we found that positive spatial associations (e.g., facilitation) were mostly related to EM trees, while negative spatial associations (e.g., inhibition) were mainly related to AM trees. Because adult EM trees tended to facilitate surrounding AM and EM saplings and other EM adults in these two forests, facilitation hotspots that stabilize AM‐EM tree coexistence should be centred around EM tree species rather than around AM tree species. Together, we propose a novel EM‐stabilization mechanism, which emphasises how, despite some species‐specific variation, EM tree species foster ‘EM‐dominant versus AM‐diverse’ coexistence in temperate mixed forests by facilitating other trees.
The RARCrec: A rapid riparian vegetation assessment method for use in river systems undergoing vegetative and geomorphic recovery
Authors: Duxbury Elisha , Fryirs Kirstie , Leishman Michelle
Published: October 2024

Monitoring the condition of returning vegetation over time is essential for effectively managing riparian vegetation. Rapid riparian assessment methods are standard tools for capturing a suite of variables relevant to river health and are accessible to a range of users with different levels of experience. Monitoring efforts are particularly important for rivers undergoing degrading impacts and subsequent management interventions. In coastal catchments of New South Wales, Australia, vegetation is returning to rivers that were historically cleared for agriculture and are now experiencing geomorphic recovery. We present a rapid riparian assessment method for rivers undergoing vegetative and geomorphic recovery in this region. It addresses a gap in available rapid assessments by providing a methodology that can be used at sites with no historical analogue. Our assessment method adapts and extends a widely used method called the Rapid Assessment of Riparian Condition (RARC) to capture the quality of returning riparian vegetation along recovering rivers (rec), including native species diversity and vegetation structure (hence the name RARCrec). The RARCrec incorporates four sub‐indices – vegetation cover, native species richness, proportion of native to exotic species, and features of vegetation health – to produce an overall vegetation condition score that classifies sites as poor, moderate, or good condition. Scores for each sub‐index are assessed for the vegetation strata (groundcover, graminoids, midstorey, vines, and canopy) on the landform units of river bars, benches, and floodplains. The RARCrec has been designed to be sufficiently general for use in the main Vegetation Formations in coastal New South Wales and has been trialled at 36 sites across this region. Assessments can be conducted within half a day by two technically competent users and can be used to monitor vegetation condition over time to inform where to prioritise implementation of management activities. Field methodology and data sheets, including a scoring system, are provided to support the implementation of the RARCrec.
Strategic foresight as a beacon for the new EU industrial policy
Authors: Lorenzani Dimitri
Published: October 2024

This article assesses the impact of strategic foresight in shaping the European Commission’s new industrial policy. It argues that, since it was introduced by President von der Leyen as a political portfolio, foresight has contributed to mainstreaming the concepts of ‘resilience’ and ‘open strategic autonomy’ into the EU's industrial strategy, via the Strategic Foresight Reports and new participatory structures inside and outside the Commission. This responded to the need for building up preparedness in the face of ‘radical uncertainty’ on future supply chain disruptions. We conclude that strategic foresight—if supported by an effective governance—will play an increasingly large role in shaping the EU's future policymaking. In particular, the concepts of ‘competitive sustainability’ and people's wellbeing, advanced by the 2023 Strategic Foresight Report as pillars of open strategic autonomy, may help futureproof the EU's green industrial policy going forward.
Dare scholars look to the future? Academia and strategic foresight for the European Union's foreign policy
Authors: Sus Monika
Published: October 2024

Drawing on examples of foresight projects situated at the interface between academia and foreign policy practice, this article reflects on the role of academics in informing the practice of foreign policy‐making in the EU. The study explores why academics have rarely engaged in foresight over the past two decades and why this has changed in recent years. It argues that this shift is triggered, on the one hand, by the strategic blunders of the last decade and, on the other hand, by the conceptual developments within the disciplines of political science or international relations. After demonstrating the growing trend of scholarly engagement in foresight with a series of illustrative examples, the article discusses the added value and limitations of academic‐generated foresight for EU foreign policy. Taking these into account, the analysis indicates best practice solutions, such as foresight exercises, with the joint involvement of researchers and policymakers.
Harnessing nucleotide metabolism and immunity in cancer: a tumour microenvironment perspective
Authors: Suleiman Hadil , Emerson Alexandra , Wilson Peter M. , Mulligan Karl A. , Ladner Robert D. , LaBonte Melissa J.
Published: October 2024

The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic nexus where cancer cell metabolism and the immune system intricately converge, with nucleotide metabolism (NM) playing a pivotal role. This review explores the critical function of NM in cancer cell proliferation and its profound influence on the TME and immune landscape. NM is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis and is markedly upregulated in cancer cells to meet the demands of rapid growth. This metabolic rewiring fuels cancer progression, but also shapes the TME, impacting the function and viability of immune cells. The altered nucleotide milieu in the TME can suppress immune response, aiding cancer cell evasion from immune surveillance. Drug discoveries in the field of NM have revealed different therapeutic strategies, including inhibitors of nucleotide synthesis and drugs targeting salvage pathways, which are discussed thoroughly in this review. Furthermore, the emerging strategy of combining NM‐targeted therapies with immunotherapies is emphasised, particularly their effect on sensitising tumours to immune checkpoint inhibitors and enhancing overall treatment efficacy. The Human Genome Project paved the way for personalised medicine, countering the established ‘one size fits all’ approach to cancer treatment. Advances in understanding the TME and NM have spurred interest in personalised therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the potential of leveraging individual tumour metabolic profiles to guide treatment selection, aiming to optimise efficacy and minimise adverse effects. The strategic importance of targeting NM in cancer therapy and its synergistic potential with immunotherapies offers a path towards more effective and personalised cancer treatments.
Buddhism as ‘Chinese Philosophy’: Buddhism in Hegel's History of Philosophy1
Authors: Martin Jay
Published: October 2024

The question of Hegel's views on Buddhism and its place within his system must be asked again as the history of effects, transmission, and reception continues to unfold. This unfolding highlights not only Hegel's effect on the Western European reception and understanding of Buddhism (and its sharp orientalist critique), but also the canny use of Hegel's philosophy by certain members of the so‐called Kyoto School of Japanese neo‐Buddhist philosophy, who, though primarily concerning themselves with Heidegger, were notable in their creative use of Hegel's philosophy of spirit (especially Nishida, Nishitani, Tanabe, and Abe). Our present task is likewise to look back to Hegel's own writing on Buddhism through the lens of the history of its effects—that is, to read Hegel again with his legacy in mind—so that we might, as strange as it may perhaps seem, see things more clearly. Our goal is relatively modest, as it aims only to seek out and coordinate Buddhism within Hegel's history of philosophy. Thus, as we have a proximate goal in mind, we also have an order of importance with respect to Hegel's texts, which, of course, brings the Lectures on the History of Philosophy to the fore.
The Neuroaesthetics of Art and Design Education
Authors: Wild Carol
Published: October 2024

Teaching is increasingly defined through the syntax of cognitive science, by retrieval practice, spaced learning, and interleaving, generating a computational rhythm for learning as a system of inputs and outputs that builds up an individual's memory over time. This, I argue, is at odds with the choreography of art and design education as an aesthetic, social, and material practice. An alternative mapping is required to fully understand the chronology of learning that takes place in and through the subject of art and design with human and nonhuman others. Drawing from a review of research in the field of Neuroaesthetics, I will seek to defend the unique temporality of art and design education and imagine different visualisations of learning in the subject beyond the computational.
Enhancing osteogenic differentiation of diabetic tendon stem/progenitor cells through hyperoxia: Unveiling ROS/HIF‐1α signalling axis
Authors: Zhang Ming , Dai Guan‐Chun , Zhang Yuan‐Wei , Lu Pan‐Pan , Wang Hao , Li Ying‐Juan , Rui Yun‐Feng
Published: October 2024

Diabetic calcific tendinopathy is the leading cause of chronic pain, mobility restriction, and tendon rupture in patients with diabetes. Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) have been implicated in the development of diabetic calcified tendinopathy, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study found that diabetic tendons have a hyperoxic environment, characterized by increased oxygen delivery channels and carriers. In hyperoxic environment, TSPCs showed enhanced osteogenic differentiation and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1a (HIF‐1a), a protein involved in regulating cellular responses to hyperoxia, was decreased in TSPCs by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. By intervening with antioxidant N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) and overexpressing HIF‐1a, we discovered that blocking the ROS/HIF‐1a signalling axis significantly inhibited the osteogenic differentiation ability of TSPCs. Animal experiments further confirmed that hyperoxic environment could cause calcification in the Achilles tendon tissue of rats, while NAC intervention prevented calcification. These findings demonstrate that hyperoxia in diabetic tendons promotes osteogenic differentiation of TSPCs through the ROS/HIF‐1a signalling axis. This study provides a new theoretical basis and research target for preventing and treating diabetic calcified tendinopathy.
Pairwise analysis of gene expression for oral squamous cell carcinoma via a large‐scale transcriptome integration
Authors: Li Nan , Hu Zunkai , Zhang Ning , Liang Yining , Feng Yating , Ding Wanfu , Cheng Lixin , Zheng Yuyan
Published: October 2024

Among all cancers occurring in the head and neck region, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral malignant tumours characterized by its aggressiveness and metastasis. The development of transcriptomics technology has greatly facilitated the diagnosis of various cancers. However, identifying genetic biomarkers is limited by data from a single batch of OSCC samples, and integrating analysis across different platforms remains a great challenge. In this study, we integrated five OSCC transcriptome datasets using an innovative strategy capable of mitigating batch effect, and extracting information from different datasets based on changes in the relative expression of gene pairs. By leveraging a machine learning method, we developed a prediction model including 27 differential gene pairs (DGPs) to discriminate OSCC from control samples, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.8987 for the training set. Moreover, the model demonstrated commendable performance in four external validation sets, with AUCs of 0.9926, 0.9688, 0.8052 and 0.8565, respectively. Subsequently, a prognostic model was constructed based on six key gene pairs through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The AUCs of the model at 1‐year and 3‐year overall survival time prediction were 0.717 and 0.779 in an independent dataset. Our result demonstrates the effectiveness of this new method of integrating data and identifying DGPs. Using DGPs can significantly improve the performance of both diagnostic and prognostic models.
Exploring the prognostic value and potential therapeutic strategies of MS4A6A in glioblastoma: A comprehensive analysis of single‐cell and multi‐omics data
Authors: Wan Fangchao , Li Yanling , Zhu Jianming , Yu Dandan , Liu Hongjuan , Hu Bohong
Published: October 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and treatment‐resistant malignancy that poses a significant challenge in modern medicine. Despite advances in surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, complete eradication of GBM remains elusive due to its diffuse invasion into the brain parenchyma and propensity for recurrence. The tumour microenvironment (TME), particularly macrophages, has emerged as a critical player in GBM progression, invasion and metastasis. In the immune microenvironment of glioma, MS4A6A exhibits unique expression characteristics in macrophages. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of MS4A6A, a gene associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases, in GBM and its potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.