bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee engagement and organizational commitment: a bibliometric review
Authors: Saini Savita
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Two key concepts in organizational behaviour research, employee engagement and organizational commitment are examined in this bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses framework is used for the compilation of the papers, and the VOSviewer application with the SCOPUS database is used for bibliometric analysis. 387 authors wrote a total of 138 articles.

Findings

Through the examination of an extensive collection of scholarly articles, this research pinpoints significant patterns, noteworthy writers and recurring themes in the literature. The study helps to create better organizational practices by providing a roadmap for future research as well as a mapping of the current condition of the field.

Originality/value

The study is an original piece of work by the author with no conflict of interest with any party, person or organization.
Predictive maintenance management of gear systems in the era of computer vision
Authors: de Almeida Jane Kelly Barbosa , Lopes Rodrigo Sampaio , Fontana Marcele Elisa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper proposes a framework to assist in managing predictive maintenance by detecting progressive surface wear on spur gears through the analysis of digital images of gear teeth using computer vision (CV) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental setup was constructed to capture images of gear teeth using endoscopic cameras. The images were selected, pre-processed, stored in a database and used in the experimental study of the proposed framework. Three CV techniques were explored within the framework for detecting wear in spur gears: (1) edge detection; (2) gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms and (3) deep learning with convolutional neural networks (CNN).

Findings

The results showed 85% accuracy using the edge detection algorithm. Among the ML algorithms, accuracy was above 60% for the support vector machine (SVM) and above 70% for K-nearest neighbors (KNN). Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that as the distance between the principal components increased, it characterized the formation and progression of surface wear on the gear teeth. With the CNN, an accuracy of 99.999981% was achieved in the training loss rate, with a classification accuracy rate (CAR) of 91.6666%, an F1 score of 90.9090% and a recall of 83.3334% during the testing phase.

Practical implications

This framework is applicable to a variety of gear systems and industrial contexts requiring predictive maintenance, making it a highly scalable solution for industry professionals.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel framework that considers various CV techniques to detect and assess the level of wear on spur gear surfaces. Moreover, the results provide guidelines for selecting the most appropriate method for detecting wear in gear systems.
Green reporting and firm performance of listed manufacturing firms in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Does chief executive officer (CEO) cultural origin matter?
Authors: Adams Justina , Tackie George , Idun Anthony Adu-Asare
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between green reporting and firm performance and how this relationship varies across various chief executive officers' (CEOs) cultural origins.

Design/methodology/approach

The period of the study spans from 2015 to 2021, and the study includes a total of 158 listed manufacturing firms, selected from 14 Anglophone countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study employs the instrumental variable-generalized method of moments (IV-GMM) technique to address potential endogeneity issues.

Findings

The results indicate that green reporting positively influences firm performance (ROA and ROE), in line with legitimacy, stakeholder and signaling theories. Nonetheless, green reporting has a more positive influence on ROA and ROE when CEOs come from cultures characterized by high power distance, high uncertainty avoidance and high masculinity. However, firms with CEOs from cultures with low individualism, low long-term orientation and low indulgence experience a more pronounced positive impact of green reporting on ROA and ROE.

Practical implications

The findings from the study suggest that governments and policymakers in Sub-Saharan Africa should promote sustainability, cultural diversity and the use of green reporting to enhance both environmental and financial performance for economic and environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies to investigate the relationship between green reporting and firm performance and how this relationship varies across various CEOs' cultural origins.
Factors influencing the purchase intention of ethanol blended fuel in India: a sustainable cities perspective
Authors: Gupta Shantanu , Yadav Sher Singh , Kar Sanjay Kumar , Harichandan Sidhartha
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Understanding consumer behaviour towards ethanol-blended fuel is crucial for assessing the adoption of alternate fuel vehicles (AFVs). By examining factors influencing purchase decisions, such as cost considerations, environmental concerns and perceptions of vehicle performance, researchers can elucidate patterns of consumer acceptance and identify barriers to widespread adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and stimulus organism response (S-O-R). The current research aims to bridge the gap by focusing on consumers' intention to buy ethanol-blended fuel. Data were collected from 303 survey respondents and analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The study finds that adopting motivation, policy incentives, risk perception and sustainable practices significantly influence the intention to purchase ethanol-blended fuel. Surprisingly, cost perception and infrastructure readiness do not have a significant impact on purchase intention.

Social implications

The study proposes four innovative policy implications to amplify the adoption of ethanol-blended fuel. These policies are (a) flexible fuel vehicle incentive schemes, (b) renewable fuel mandate and certification, (c) ethanol pricing and infrastructure development policy and (d) ethanol urban mobility and public transportation initiatives.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the factors influencing ethanol-blended fuel adoption in India, contributing to the literature on sustainable transportation solutions.
Unlocking circular economy: overcoming roadblocks to circular healthcare supply chain in Indian healthcare
Authors: Agrawal Deepak , Gupta Sumit , Dusad Chandni , Vishwakarma Amit , Meena M.L. , Dangayach G.S. , Jagtap Sandeep
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The circular economy concept in the healthcare supply chain can demote using single-use devices by reprocessing, reusing or recycling. India is the most populous country in the world and has numerous challenges to implementing a circular economy in the healthcare supply chain. The objective of this study is to identify and analyse the roadblocks to circular healthcare supply chains in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The contribution of the manuscript is to the healthcare supply chain in adopting a circular economy and prioritizing the roadblocks using Fuzzy FUCOM and Fuzzy Bonferroni Mean Operator. A sensitivity analysis is performed to check the robustness of the results obtained.

Findings

The finding of this study suggests that regulatory roadblock is a more important roadblock in adopting the circular economy in the healthcare supply chain. It is expected that the government should formulate precise and consistent guidelines for the implementation of a circular economy in the healthcare supply chain. In addition, for faster implementation, tax rebate policy should be framed for the industries that are taking the initiative to implement a circular economy in their system.

Practical implications

This study explores and prioritizes twenty secondary roadblocks categorized into five primary roadblocks that will enhance the motivation of healthcare industries to become green and circular and contribute to the sustainability in healthcare sector. The government agencies should also take initiatives to create awareness about the circular economy among all the stakeholders.

Originality/value

This research is beneficial for policymakers, researchers, and industrial practitioners and is recommended based on current findings to facilitate the implementation of a circular economy in the healthcare sector.
What did firms do during COVID-19? An examination of corporate sustainability performance in Fintech firms
Authors: Okasha Salma , Ali Heba , Tarek Amira
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the nexus between corporate sustainability performance, Fintech and COVID-19 by examining how COVID-19 has impacted Fintech firms’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. The study further examines the long-term effects on ESG performance post-pandemic, to shed more light on the persistence of firms’ commitment towards sustainability in a post-pandemic world.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes all Fintech firms listed in the STOXX Global FinTech Index over the period 2014–2023. Fixed-effects regression analyses are conducted to examine this relationship, controlling for other firm characteristics. To further ensure results validity, the two-stage least squares estimation method is also used.

Findings

This paper find that Fintech firms exhibit better ESG/pillar performance during COVID-19, supporting the view that firms tend to maintain or enhance their sustainability practices. Interestingly, the findings also reveal that Fintech firms could maintain and even improve their ESG/pillar performance after the pandemic, indicating that these changes are lasting, not merely short-term adaptations during the hard times of the crisis.

Practical implications

For practitioners and firms, the results allow for a better understanding of Fintech firms’ tendency towards sustainability practices, especially in a post-pandemic world. For investors, the findings help get insights into the drivers of the sustainability behavior of Fintech firms in response to the pandemic.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first attempts to investigate how COVID-19 affects Fintech firms’ engagement in sustainability/ESG activities to extend both the increasingly growing literature on sustainability and the literature that focuses on Fintech and its role in a today’s world.
Does green human resource management foster green advocacy? A perspective of conservation of resources theory
Authors: Liu Zonghua , Li Yanping , Guo Yulang , Zhang Ming , Ramsey Thomas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

With increasing pressure to achieve environmental sustainability, hotel organizations implement green human resource management (GHRM) to inspire employees’ green behavior to improve environmental performance. Following the conservation of resources theory, this research aims to examine how GHRM fosters employee green advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 315 employees from 24 hotels in China. This study used the SPSS PROCESS to test the mediation and moderated mediation model.

Findings

The results showed that GHRM has a positive impact on green advocacy, and harmonious environmental passion (HEP) fully mediates the positive relationship between GHRM and green advocacy. Furthermore, the relationship between GHRM, HEP and green advocacy is moderated by environmentally specific transformational leadership (ESTL). Subsequently, the findings imply that the indirect effect of GHRM on green advocacy via HEP is stronger while ESTL is higher.

Originality/value

This study extends the research on GHRM and green advocacy by exploring how and when GHRM stimulates employee green advocacy via HEP in the Chinese context.
An economic and environmental perspective of the economic growth, emissions, foreign investment and renewables integration in the Black Sea region
Authors: Oprea Simona Vasilica , Bâra Adela , Georgescu Irina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The Black Sea countries hold geopolitical, economic and environmental relevance. This paper aims to analyze the relationship between CO2 emissions, economic growth, urbanization (URB), access to electricity (ACEL), foreign direct investment (FDI) and the integration of renewables (RES) in the region, offering insights from both economic and environmental perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducts an econometric analysis using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to examine the long-term and short-term relationships between GDP, CO2 emissions, FDI and RES integration in the Black Sea region.

Findings

The results indicate a positive long-term relationship between GDP and CO2 emissions, with a negative coefficient for GDP squared, supporting the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. FDI is found to reduce CO2 emissions in the long term, rejecting the pollution haven hypothesis. In the short term, the EKC shows a less distinct and more volatile inverted U-shape relationship between GDP and CO2 emissions. The error correction term (ECT) is negative and statistically significant, suggesting a 75% correction rate when CO2 emissions deviate from the long-run equilibrium.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights by linking economic growth, RES integration, FDI and environmental impact in the Black Sea region. It challenges the pollution haven hypothesis and offers nuanced perspectives on the short-term and long-term environmental impacts of economic activities.
Digital supply chain management: competitive advantage and sustainable production
Authors: Alphonse Kadiane Angaman , Zhang Guitao , Aslam Bilal , Guo Shujun , Ji Maowang , Maqsood Shoaib
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to examine how the adaption of digital supply chain management (DSCM) practices affects the efficiency of factories and sustainable production. The research consists of eight constructs which, respectively, inspired eight hypotheses.

Design/methodology/approach

The emergence of DSCM practices has significant importance for sustainable production and enhances overall firm performance.

Findings

The smart PLS-SEM approach allowed us to examine the data from 450 factories in Côte d'Ivoire. The results indicated that research hypotheses are highly significant and exhibit a strong correlation with DSCM for firm performance and competitiveness. The outcomes underscore the significance of DSCM strategies in achieving competitive advantage, enhancing firm performance and promoting sustainable production within the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This study is useful for policymakers, industrialists and the government of Côte d’Ivoire.
Eco-efficient green building design: integrating ecosystem-technology for energy efficiency and low-carbon in a cold and dry climate
Authors: Amani Nima
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to design a residential green building using a sustainable approach from an ecosystem-technology perspective in the Darakeh area in the north of Tehran.

Design/methodology/approach

First step: based on climatic and geographical data, the study area is defined and a preliminary building design is developed. Second step: sustainable architecture principles and comfort zone requirements are analyzed to inform the design process. Third step: Building modeling and energy simulation are conducted using DesignBuilder software, incorporating green technologies. Final step: the building’s energy performance and environmental impact are assessed.

Findings

The results show that the amount of annual production of electricity due to the installation of solar collectors on the roof of the building is 12,236 kWh. Considering the building’s total area of 463 m2 and its annual energy consumption of 17,676 kWh, the energy consumption per square meter of building surface per year is 38 kWh.

Originality/value

The obtained findings showed that the designed building complies with the criteria of sustainable development and green building. A Giovanni-based EchoTech (ecosystem-technology) approach was used in this research, which greatly increases the reliability of the results.
How age and social norms shape tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior in forest parks: examination of value types and their variability
Authors: Lotfavi Manijeh , Salehi Laleh , Monavvarifard Feyzallah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Human values variability, despite its vital role in explaining tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior (ERB), is mostly overlooked in previous studies, especially regarding age differences and the social norm (SN) moderating effect. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to address how values differ among generations in predicting tourists’ ERB and whether SN acts as a moderator variable in the relationships between all types of values and ERB, depending on age differences.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-group analysis (MGA) alongside PROCESS analysis was used to test hypotheses and the proposed model.

Findings

The findings revealed that not only do value types affecting ERB differ across age groups but also how they influence behavior varies. Moreover, the findings indicated that SN does not moderate the relationship between value types and behavior in older adult tourists; they positively and significantly moderate the impact of conservation values on behavior in younger individuals.

Originality/value

We have shown how certain value types may have a greater influence on ERB at different stages of life and how identifying these value types for each age period can contribute to better planning for sustainable tourism destinations, including forest parks.
Examining the effect of leader self-deprecating humor on subordinate learning from failure
Authors: Liu Songbo , Wang Xi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore the effect of leader self-deprecating humor on subordinate learning from failure by considering task reflexivity as an explanatory mechanism and leader–subordinate value congruence as a boundary condition.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a multi-wave survey of 342 members from 61 teams in a large research institute in China. Given the nested data, we used multilevel path analysis to test our moderated mediation model.

Findings

The results show that leader self-deprecating humor has positive indirect effects on subordinate learning from failure via task reflexivity, and this mediation effect is stronger when leader–subordinate value congruence is higher.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on learning from failure by illustrating how leader self-deprecating humor can influence subordinates’ learning from failure in the innovation context.
Identifying story types of PhD candidates lecturing in higher professional education: “ups and downs”, “turnaround”, “continuous growth”, and “scholarly recognition”
Authors: van Winkel Monica A. , van der Rijst Roeland M. , Kuijer-Siebelink Wietske , Basten Floor , Sools Anneke M. , Poell Rob F. , van Driel Jan H.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Guided by the quest concept, this study aims to explore how profession-focused PhD candidates, who are concurrently lecturing at a Dutch University of Applied Sciences (UAS), make sense of change while pursuing doctoral objectives. The research question was: How do these PhD candidates navigate, experience and evaluate their enduring profession-focused doctoral quests across the nexus of research, education and professional fields, considering their aspirations?

Design/methodology/approach

Eight PhD candidates shared one-year quest experiences, illustrating how interactions with ‘actors’, ‘settings’ and ‘events’ shape doctoral transitions. These narratological concepts guided within-case and cross-case analyses, while grounded theory methodologies served to explore candidates’ sense-making of change over time.

Findings

Four story types of doctoral transitions emerged: “ups and downs”, “turnaround”, “continuous growth” and “scholarly recognition”. Candidates valued the Dutch UASs’ formal policy of supporting academic research with professional relevance. Across the story types, differences in aligning doctoral expectations among research and workplace supervisors and candidates affected knowledge exchange throughout the doctorate. When available, engagement in varied and comprehensive doctoral learning resources advanced candidates’ research competencies, including bridging diverse knowledge types. Autonomous candidate navigation was crucial for building partnerships, accessing dispersed learning resources and responding to uncertainties. Collaborative learning involving BSc-MSc students, colleagues and practitioners varied in strength across the story types, but enhanced the doctorate’s relevance, visible outcomes, feasibility and sustainability. The story types represent transition patterns that shaped how candidates developed new knowledge and contributed to their fields. While passion was a key motivator for candidates, it also heightened their vulnerability.

Practical implications

Analysing patterns in doctoral transitions provided actionable insights for optimising conditions and candidate navigation within the science–profession nexus.

Originality/value

The findings highlight that diverse actors can contribute to and benefit from profession-focused doctorates, driving momentum in integrating this research into education and innovation.
Evaluating HRM practices for embracing the digital circular economy in Indian manufacturing firms: an analytical study
Authors: Singh Rubee , Joshi Amit , Raghuveer Katragadda , Kumar Vikas
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Human Resources Management (HRM) plays a crucial role in fostering sustainability and operational efficiency in Indian manufacturing firms. This study examines the impact of recruitment, training, and performance appraisal on the adoption of digital circular economy models, identifying gaps in current HRM practices and their impact on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

HRM practices significantly impact the adoption of a digital circular economy in Indian manufacturing firms, according to a study involving 256 employees across 17 firms, using structural equation modeling to test hypotheses and provide insights.

Findings

HRM practices in Indian manufacturing firms significantly contribute to the adoption of the digital circular economy, but the influence of compensation, rewards, and employee engagement on circular economy adoption needs to be better aligned with sustainability goals.

Research limitations/implications

The research has limitations in terms of limited sample size and focus on specific HRM practices, which may not fully represent the diverse landscape of Indian manufacturing firms and omit factors such as organizational culture and external environment.

Originality/value

HRM practices are significantly impacting the Indian economy, with a focus on enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency in manufacturing firms.
A study on factors influencing dynamic response of thin-walled box-girder railway bridge subjected to high-speed train load through regression modeling
Authors: Verma Virajan , Wani Khair Ul Faisal , Dhiman Sahil
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The issue of evaluating the dynamic characteristics of a bridge due to the presence of rapidly moving vehicles has considerable importance. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive study on the variables that influence the dynamic behavior of a thin-walled box-girder bridge exposed to high-speed train loads using regression analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The high-speed train is mathematically represented by a system with 38 degrees of freedom (DOF), while the sub-track system uses China’s Railway Track System slab track. The numerical modeling of the bridge is accomplished using computationally efficient finite elements that represent thin-walled box-beams. The rail’s imperfections are also accounted for, and they are represented using a power spectral density function. The dynamic response of the bridge is calculated using the Newmark-beta technique, considering several DOFs and stress resultants.

Findings

A thorough parametric analysis of the factors affecting the dynamic response of the bridge is conducted and a regression model has been proposed. The regression equation yields an excellent fit for shear force, distortional moment and distortional bimoment, with an R2 value near 1. It has also been observed that the range of the coefficient R2 in case of bending moment, torsion, torsional bimoment and vertical deflection typically falls between 0.82 and 0.9. R2 value near to 1 indicates that it is quite accurate in forecasting the dynamic influence of high-speed trains on the bridge’s response.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in pioneering the regression modeling of dynamic responses in thin-walled box-girder bridges and uniquely modeling high-speed trains with 38 DOF, which has not been previously explored in existing studies.
Predictive Effect of FT3 Within the Euthyroid Range on LDL‐C in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of Inpatients in China
Authors: Wang Yujue , Zhang Chi , Zhao Shangshuang , Xu Jinmei , Han Jun
Published: January 2025

Evidence regarding the relationship between free triiodothyronine (FT3) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between FT3 and LDL‐C levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who exhibit normal thyroid function. Between June 2022 and October 2023, a total of 3011 inpatients with T2DM and euthyroid status were continuously and non‐selectively recruited from a Chinese hospital. The average age of the included individuals was 56.92 ± 12.56 years, with 1430 (47.49%) males. The mean FT3 concentration was 4.35 ± 0.56 pmol/L. A logistic regression model was applied to analyse the relationship between the FT3 and LDL‐C levels, while smooth curve fitting was employed to investigate potential nonlinear associations between these variables. This study demonstrated a positive correlation (0.05 [95% CI: 0.02–0.07; p = 0.0018]) and nonlinear relationship (p = 0.0014) between FT3 and LDL‐C levels in Chinese patients with diabetes. Specifically, when FT3 was below 4.28 pmol/L, LDL‐C levels increased alongside rising FT3 concentration. However, when FT3 reached or exceeded 4.28 pmol/L, LDL‐C levels plateaued and tended to stabilise. These findings suggest that maintaining FT3 within the range of 2.76 to 4.28 pmol/L may be most beneficial for mitigating the progression of cardiovascular disease in patients with T2DM. Our research is important for identifying the optimal FT3 range to delay the progression of cardiovascular disease in patients with T2DM. These findings provide valuable insights to guide clinicians in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease in this population.
Mosquitoes Reared in Nearby Insectaries at the Same Institution Have Significantly Divergent Microbiomes
Authors: Brettell Laura E. , Hoque Ananya F. , Joseph Tara S. , Dhokiya Vishaal , Hornett Emily A. , Hughes Grant L. , Heinz Eva
Published: January 2025

The microbiome influences critical aspects of mosquito biology and variations in microbial composition can impact the outcomes of laboratory studies. To investigate how biotic and abiotic conditions in an insectary affect the composition of the mosquito microbiome, a single cohort of Aedes aegypti eggs was divided into three batches and transferred to three different climate‐controlled insectaries within the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The bacterial microbiome composition was compared as mosquitoes developed, the microbiome of the mosquitoes' food sources was characterised, environmental conditions over time in each insectary were measured, and mosquito development and survival were recorded. While developmental success was similar across all three insectaries, differences in microbiome composition were observed between mosquitoes from each insectary. Environmental conditions and bacterial input via food sources varied between insectaries, potentially contributing to the observed differences in microbiome composition. At both adult and larval stages, specific members of the mosquito microbiome were associated with particular insectaries; the insectary with less stable and cooler conditions resulted in a slower pupation rate and higher diversity of the larval microbiome. These findings underscore that even minor inconsistencies in rearing conditions can affect the composition of the mosquito microbiome, which may influence experimental outcomes.
Fintech and large banks for SME financing: Evidence from China
Authors: Ming Lei , Wu Yifan , Yang Shenggang , Yang Xiaolin
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we adopt a mixed‐methods approach that combines case studies and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyse the collaborative efforts of financial technology (fintech) and large banks in mitigating small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) financing problems. The findings demonstrate that fintech has challenged the traditional lending structure of “large bank–large firms, small bank–small firms” by reducing information asymmetry between banks and enterprises and enhancing technological capabilities. The inherent advantages of large banks, including economies of scale, risk diversification, and talent attraction, can accelerate fintech's role in promoting inclusive finance for SMEs. Overall, our results underscore the importance of fintech applications and the active involvement of large banks in addressing SME financing challenges.
Community social capital and financial reporting quality in nonprofits
Authors: Subedi Meena , Li‐Kuehne Michelle , Mwaungulu Emmanuel
Published: January 2025

Based on the social norms and structural theories of social capital, our study provides evidence that the social capital of a nonprofit organisation's headquarters area has a positive and statistically significant impact on its financial reporting quality. This evidence is consistent with the social capital theory view of community social capital, which argues that social capital encourages morally acceptable behaviour, provides reputational capital, and has implications for organisations. Additionally, our study finds that community social capital is positively associated with the strength of nonprofits' governance and negatively associated with managerial opportunistic behaviour, which in turn mediates the main relationship.
Targeting VMPFC‐amygdala circuit with TMS in substance use disorder: A mechanistic framework
Authors: Soleimani Ghazaleh , Conelea Christine A. , Kuplicki Rayus , Opitz Alexander , Lim Kelvin O. , Paulus Martin P. , Ekhtiari Hamed
Published: January 2025

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC), located along the medial aspect of the frontal area, plays a critical role in regulating arousal/emotions. Its intricate connections with subcortical structures, including the striatum and amygdala, highlight the VMPFC's importance in the neurocircuitry of addiction. Due to these features, the VMPFC is considered a promising target for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in substance use disorders (SUD). By the end of 2023, all 21 studies targeting VMPFC for SUD used anatomical landmarks (e.g., Fp1/Fp2 in the EEG system) to define coil location with a fixed orientation. Nevertheless, one‐size‐fits‐all TMS over VMPFC has yielded variable outcomes. Here, we suggested a pipeline based on a tailored TMS targeting framework aimed at optimally modulating the VMPFC‐amygdala circuit on an individual basis. We collected MRI data from 60 participants with methamphetamine use disorders (MUDs). We examined the variability in TMS target location based on task‐based functional connectivity between VMPFC and amygdala using psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis. Electric fields (EF) were calculated for fixed vs. optimized location (Fp1/Fp2 vs. individualized maximal PPI), orientation (AF7/AF8 vs. optimized algorithm) and intensity (constant vs. adjusted) to maximize target engagement. In our pipeline, the left medial amygdala, identified as the brain region with the highest (0.31 ± 0.29) fMRI drug cue reactivity, was selected as the subcortical seed region. The voxel with the most positive amygdala‐VMPFC PPI connectivity in each participant was considered the individualized TMS target (MNI‐coordinates: [12.6, 64.23, −0.8] ± [13.64, 3.50, 11.01]). This individualized VMPFC‐amygdala connectivity significantly correlated with VAS craving after cue exposure (R = 0.27, p = 0.03). Coil orientation was optimized to increase EF strength over the targeted circuit (0.99 ± 0.21 V/m vs. the fixed approach: Fp1: 0.56 ± 0.22 and Fp2: 0.78 ± 0.25 V/m) and TMS intensity was harmonized across the population. This study highlights the potential of an individualized VMPFC targeting framework to enhance treatment outcomes for addiction, specifically modulating the personalized VMPFC‐amygdala circuit.
Means and ends sustainability nudges, information effects, and consumer restaurant patronage
Authors: Xu Alan , Hu Wuyang , Jiang Qi
Published: January 2025

Restaurants can nudge their customers toward more sustainable actions. However, implementing nudges may affect consumer patronage. Using a discrete choice experiment, we propose a means‐ends framework to shed light on the conditional (on patronage) impact of sustainability nudges on consumer preference for restaurants. The findings reveal that while preserving the subtleness of a specific sustainability nudge, disclosing the means or the mechanism of the nudges leads to a negative impact on consumer restaurant patronage, while revealing the ends or the goodwill behind the sustainability nudges may suggest positive effects on patronage which may in turn lead to an unconditional gain in sustainability. Furthermore, some nudges may only improve patronage if both the means and the ends of nudges are revealed. By examining two types of restaurants, we show that the type of restaurant also significantly influences the effects of sustainability nudges on patronage. This research quantifies the nuanced dynamics of how revealing the means and the ends of nudges may affect the restaurant business and provides insights for designing effective sustainability strategies in the restaurant industry.
Student‐Led Falls Prevention Program for Community‐Dwelling Older Adults in a Rural Community: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mudholkar Asmita , Burke Stephanie , Obamiro Kehinde
Published: January 2025

Introduction

A third of community‐dwelling adults over the age of 65 years fall each year, making falls a significant concern for the elderly. Older people living in community‐dwellings account for 73% of fall‐related hospitalisations in older populations. Little is known about identifying, reaching at‐risk people, and delivering these interventions in rural communities.

Objective

Our aim was two‐fold.

To test the utility of a student‐led program in identifying community‐dwelling elderly people at high risk for falls in a rural and remote setting.

To determine client satisfaction with the falls prevention program.

Setting

Rural and remote community settings in Queensland, Australia.

Participants

Forty community‐dwelling older adults from the MMM 4 and 6 regions.

Design

This pilot study utilised a cross‐sectional design and convenience sampling approach. A validated falls risk self‐reported checklist and a screening checklist for general practitioners were used to identify older adults at risk of falling. During the home visit, participants were assessed for their cognition, balance and home safety. A client satisfaction survey was completed via telephone 3 months following the home visits.

Results

Several risk factors for falls were identified, including unsafe use of equipment, absence of Medi alerts, insufficient supervision, lack of support, inappropriate footwear, behavioural concerns and environmental hazards. Most participants reported that the home assessment was valuable and made their homes safer.

Conclusion

An innovative student‐led placement model has the potential to provide much‐needed access to falls prevention services and minimise falls among community‐dwelling older adults in rural and remote locations.
Emergency and postoperative access to critical and enhanced care: a multicentre prospective observational study*
Authors: Georgiou Andy , Cain David , Bruce Martin Schuster , Axelsen Denise , Woodward Tom , Baumer Tom , Preston Katie , Ward James , Ingham Jack , Roberts Alun ,   the PEACH‐SW collaborators
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The ability to admit patients to enhanced or critical care may be limited by bed availability. In a network with low provision of critical and enhanced care beds, we aimed to assess the proportion of patients having surgery with moderate (1%–< 5%) or high (≥ 5%) predicted risk of 30‐day postoperative mortality and their postoperative care location. We also aimed to study referral and admission outcomes to critical care.

Methods

This prospective, 7‐day observational study was conducted across 19 acute hospital sites within the South West Critical Care Network. All adult inpatients having a procedure under the care of an anaesthetist (excluding cardiac and obstetric procedures) had a surgical outcome risk tool score calculated retrospectively, and their postoperative destination captured. Synchronously, all critical care referrals, admissions and refusal decisions were captured, along with critical care bed capacity.

Results

Of 2222 eligible patients, 1728 (78%) were captured. Retrospective surgical outcome risk tool score calculation revealed 1060 (61%) patients had a low, 418 (24%) a moderate and 250 (15%) a high risk of postoperative mortality. In patients with a moderate predicted risk of postoperative morbidity, 72/418 (17%) received enhanced or critical care and 64/249 (26%) patients with a high predicted risk received critical care. All critical care referral and admission activity was captured; in total, 263/680 (39%) of patients referred were admitted to critical care. Referrals to critical care exceeded the available level 3‐equivalent beds on 79% of occasions.

Discussion

These data describe constraints in access to postoperative and emergency enhanced/critical care in the south‐west of England. There is poor compliance with national guidance regarding the postoperative care location of patients with a moderate or high risk of postoperative mortality.
Mortality prediction after major surgery in a mixed population through machine learning: a multi‐objective symbolic regression approach
Authors: Arina Pietro , Ferrari Davide , Tetlow Nicholas , Dewar Amy , Stephens Robert , Martin Daniel , Moonesinghe Ramani , Curcin Vasa , Singer Mervyn , Whittle John , Mazomenos Evangelos B.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Understanding 1‐year mortality following major surgery offers valuable insights into patient outcomes and the quality of peri‐operative care. Few models exist that predict 1‐year mortality accurately. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for 1‐year mortality in patients undergoing complex non‐cardiac surgery using a novel machine‐learning technique called multi‐objective symbolic regression.

Methods

A single‐institution database of patients undergoing major elective surgery with previous cardiopulmonary exercise testing was divided into three datasets: pre‐operative clinical data; cardiorespiratory and physiological data; and combined. A multi‐objective symbolic regression model was developed and compared against existing models. Model performance was evaluated using the F1 score. Shapley additive explanations analysis was used to identify the major contributors to model performance.

Results

From 2145 patients in the database, 1190 were included, with 952 in the training dataset and 238 in the test dataset. Median (IQR [range]) age was 71 (61–79 [45–89]) years and 825 (69%) were male. The multi‐objective symbolic regression model demonstrated robust consistency with an F1 score of 0.712. Shapley additive explanations analysis indicated that ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide, oxygen at peak exercise and BMI influenced model performance most significantly, surpassing surgery type and named comorbidities.

Discussion

This study confirms the feasibility of developing a multi‐objective symbolic regression‐based model for predicting 1‐year postoperative mortality in a mixed non‐cardiac surgical population. The model's strong performance underscores the critical role of physiological data, particularly cardiorespiratory fitness, in surgical risk assessment and emphasises the importance of pre‐operative optimisation to identify and manage high‐risk patients. The multi‐objective symbolic regression model demonstrated high sensitivity and a good F1 score, highlighting its potential as an effective tool for peri‐operative risk prediction.
Introduction to androgenetics: terminology, approaches, and impactful studies across 60 years
Authors: Akbari Arvand , Kasak Laura , Laan Maris
Published: January 2025

Across six decades, androgenetics has consistently concentrated on discovering genetic causes and enhancing the molecular diagnostics of male infertility, disorders of sex development, and their broader implications on health, such as cancer and other comorbidities. Despite vast clinical knowledge, the training of andrologists often lacks fundamental basics in medical genetics. This work, as part of the Special Issue of Andrology “Genetics in Andrology”, provides the core terminology in medical genetics and technological advancements in genomics, required to understand the ever‐progressing research in the field. It also gives an overview of study designs and approaches that have frequently led to discoveries in androgenetics. The rapid progress in the methodological toolbox in human genetics is illustrated by numerous examples of impactful androgenetic studies over 60 years, and their clinical implications.
Fetal growth restriction adversely impacts trajectory of hippocampal neurodevelopment and function
Authors: Dudink Ingrid , Sutherland Amy E. , Castillo‐Melendez Margie , Ahmadzadeh Elham , White Tegan A. , Malhotra Atul , Coleman Harold A. , Parkington Helena C. , Dean Justin M. , Pham Yen , Yawno Tamara , Sepehrizadeh Tara , Jenkin Graham , Camm Emily J. , Allison Beth J. , Miller Suzanne L.
Published: January 2025

The last pregnancy trimester is critical for fetal brain development but is a vulnerable period if the pregnancy is compromised by fetal growth restriction (FGR). The impact of FGR on the maturational development of neuronal morphology is not known, however, studies in fetal sheep allow longitudinal analysis in a long gestation species. Here we compared hippocampal neuron dendritogenesis in FGR and control fetal sheep at three timepoints equivalent to the third trimester of pregnancy, complemented by magnetic resonance image for brain volume, and electrophysiology for synaptic function. We hypothesized that the trajectory of hippocampal neuronal dendrite outgrowth would be decreased in the growth‐restricted fetus, with implications for hippocampal volume, connectivity, and function. In control animals, total dendrite length increased with advancing gestation, but not in FGR, resulting in a significantly reduced trajectory of dendrite outgrowth in FGR fetuses for total length, branching, and complexity. Ex vivo electrophysiology analysis shows that paired‐pulse facilitation was reduced in FGR compared to controls for cornu ammonis 1 hippocampal outputs, reflecting synaptic dysfunction. Hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor density decreased over late gestation in FGR fetuses but not in controls. This study reveals that FGR is associated with a significant deviation in the trajectory of dendrite outgrowth of hippocampal neurons. Where dendrite length significantly increased over the third trimester of pregnancy in control brains, there was no corresponding increase over time in FGR brains, and the trajectory of dendrite outgrowth in FGR offspring was significantly reduced compared to controls. Reduced hippocampal dendritogenesis in FGR offspring has severe implications for the development of hippocampal connectivity and long‐term function.
Buried Pockmarks Associated With Listric Faults of Salt Minibasins (Espírito Santo, SE Brazil): Evidence for Local Hydrocarbon Escape Since the Miocene
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Alves Tiago M. , Martins‐Ferreira Marco Antonio Caçador
Published: January 2025

Buried pockmarks are features associated with fluid seepage through ancient seafloors. In this work, high‐quality 3D seismic reflection and well data are used to investigate the geometry, distribution and significance of listric faults and associated pockmarks in a salt minibasin from offshore Espírito Santo, SE Brazil. The results show that six out of ten pockmarks interpreted in the study area have crescent, elliptical, or elongated shapes. They occur along the trace of listric faults and on their immediate hanging‐wall blocks, with pockmarks' long axes being nearly parallel to the strike of the faults. The pockmarks are approximately 1300–6200 m long, 600–4000 m wide, 30–139 m deep, and buried 50 to 500 m below the modern seafloor. They can be divided into fault‐strike (type I) and fault hanging‐wall (type II) pockmarks based on their spatial relationships. Type I represents pockmarks developed along the trace of listric faults, which acted as fluid conduits. Type II pockmarks were developed away from fault traces on their hanging‐wall blocks. Their occurrence near listric faults was controlled by multiple factors, including the relative depth, length, area, and maximum displacement of listric faults. In addition, listric faults below horizon H4—an Upper Paleogene unconformity—do not show pockmarks around them. Listric faults with greater length, area, and maximum displacements were more likely to form pockmarks. In conclusion, the studied pockmarks are evidence for local hydrocarbon escape occurring in the Espírito Santo Basin since the Miocene. The results presented here can be applied to other regions around the world prone to geohazards and where carbon and hydrogen storage solutions are being proposed.
Siblings of Individuals With Neurodevelopmental Conditions: Perspectives on Risk, Resiliency and Future Research Directions
Authors: Wolff Brittany , Pestell Carmela F. , Glasson Emma J.
Published: January 2025

Siblings of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) are at increased genetic and environmental risk for poorer psychosocial and neurocognitive outcomes compared to control groups of siblings of individuals without NDCs. This narrative review presents findings to date on NDC sibling wellbeing, focusing on the psychosocial and objective cognitive functioning of siblings of persons with a range of NDCs. The transdiagnostic individual‐level risk and resilience factors impacting siblings, and their associations with mental health, can be modelled and interpreted holistically within a novel neurobiopsychosocial framework of sibling wellbeing. Enriched by community consultation, the Sibling Project was the first exploration of a range of self‐reported factors influencing mental health cross‐sectionally and over time, adopting a dynamic bioecological approach to identify salient targets for intervention and identify pathways for future research.