bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing key messages about extending cervical screening intervals
Authors: Marlow Laura , Nemec Martin , Barnes Jessica , Waller Jo
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We tested the impact of different messages about the rationale for extended screening intervals on acceptability of an extension.

Methods

Women in England aged 25-49 years (n=2931) were randomised to read different messages about extending intervals from 3 to 5 years. Outcome measures were general acceptability and six components from the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).

Results

The control group were less likely to find the change acceptable (43%) than the groups who saw additional messages (47-63%). Women who saw messages about interval safety, test accuracy or the speed of cell changes had more positive affective attitudes, higher ethicality beliefs, a better understanding of the reasons for the interval change and were more likely to believe that 5-year intervals would be safe. Being up-to-date with screening and previous abnormal results were associated with finding 5-yearly screening unacceptable.

Conclusions

Emphasising the slow development of cell changes following an HPV negative result and the safety of longer intervals, alongside messages about the accuracy of HPV primary screening is important.

Practical implications

Campaigns explaining the rationale for increased screening intervals are likely to improve acceptability. Though some women who feel at increased risk, may remain worried even when the rationale is explained.
3D-imaging reveals conserved cerebrospinal fluid drainage via meningeal lymphatic vasculature in mice and humans
Authors: Jacob Laurent , de Brito Neto Jose , Lenck Stephanie , Corcy Celine , Benbelkacem Farhat , Geraldo Luiz Henrique , Xu Yunling , Thomas Jean-Mickael , El Kamouh Marie-Renee , Potier Marie-Claude , Haik Stephane , Lehericy Stephane , Eichmann Anne , Thomas Jean-Leon
Published: January 2022

Meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) contribute to waste product elimination and immune surveillance in brain tissues. MLVs were identified in the dorsal and caudo-basal regions of the dura mater, where they ensure the clearance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Whether MLVs exist in the complex anterior part of the murine and human skull, and how they connect with the glymphatic system and extracranial lymphatic vasculature remained unclear. Here, we generated three-dimensional (3D) maps of MLV drainage by light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) imaging of mouse whole-head preparations following fluorescent OVA-A555 tracer injections into the CSF. In humans, we performed real-time magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (MR-VWI) after systemic gadobutrol injections. We observed a conserved 3D-anatomy of MLVs in mice and humans, and we discovered an extended anterior network around the dural cavernous sinus including multiple capillary beds and exit routes through the foramina of emissary veins. MR-VWI may provide a diagnostic tool for patients with CSF drainage defects and neurological diseases.

Short abstract

We established the 3D-anatomy of meningeal lymphatic vasculature and associated CSF drainage by postmortem light-sheet imaging in mice and by real-time magnetic resonance imaging in humans, demonstrating conserved lymphatic circuitries in contact with dural venous sinuses.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Task-based fMRI Studies in Youths with Irritability
Authors: Lee Ka Shu , Hagan Cheyanne , Hughes Mina , Cotter Grace , Freud Eva McAdam , Kircanski Katharina , Leibenluft Ellen , Brotman Melissa , Tseng Wan-Ling
Published: January 2022

Objective

Childhood irritability, operationalized as disproportionate and frequent temper tantrums and low frustration tolerance relative to peers, is a transdiagnostic symptom across many pediatric disorders. Studies using task-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to probe neural dysfunction in irritability have increased. However, an integrated review summarizing the published methods and synthesized fMRI results remains lacking.

Method

We conducted a systematic search using irritability terms and task functional neuroimaging in key databases in March 2021, and identified 30 studies for our systematic review. Sample characteristics and fMRI methods were summarized. A subset of 28 studies met the criteria for extracting coordinate-based data for quantitative meta-analysis. Ten activation-likelihood estimations were performed to examine neural convergence across irritability measures and fMRI task domains.

Results

Systematic review revealed small sample sizes (median = 58, mean age range = 8–16 years) with heterogeneous sample characteristics, irritability measures, tasks, and analytical procedures. Meta-analyses found no evidence for neural activation convergence of irritability across neurocognitive functions related to emotional reactivity, cognitive control, and reward processing, nor within each domain. Sensitivity analyses partialing out variances driven by heterogeneous tasks, irritability measures, stimulus types, and developmental ages all yielded null findings.

Conclusion

The lack of neural convergence suggests a need for common, standardized irritability assessments and more homogeneous fMRI tasks. Thoughtfully designed fMRI studies probing commonly defined neurocognitive functions may be more fruitful to elucidate the neural mechanisms of irritability. Open science practices, data mining in large neuroscience databases, and standardized analytical methods promote meaningful collaboration in irritability research.
Single-cell multi-omics of human clonal hematopoiesis reveals that DNMT3A R882 mutations perturb early progenitor states through selective hypomethylation
Authors: Nam Anna S. , Dusaj Neville , Izzo Franco , Murali Rekha , Myers Robert M. , Mouhieddine Tarek , Sotelo Jesus , Benbarche Salima , Waarts Michael , Gaiti Federico , Tahri Sabrin , Levine Ross , Abdel-Wahab Omar , Godley Lucy A. , Chaligne Ronan , Ghobrial Irene , Landau Dan A.
Published: January 2022

Somatic mutations in cancer genes have been ubiquitously detected in clonal expansions across healthy human tissue, including in clonal hematopoiesis. However, mutated and wildtype cells are morphologically and phenotypically similar, limiting the ability to link genotypes with cellular phenotypes. To overcome this limitation, we leveraged multi-modality single-cell sequencing, capturing the mutation with transcriptomes and methylomes in stem and progenitors from individuals with DNMT3A R882 mutated clonal hematopoiesis. DNMT3A mutations resulted in myeloid over lymphoid bias, and in expansion of immature myeloid progenitors primed toward megakaryocytic-erythroid fate. We observed dysregulated expression of lineage and leukemia stem cell markers. DNMT3A R882 led to preferential hypomethylation of polycomb repressive complex 2 targets and a specific sequence motif. Notably, the hypomethylation motif is enriched in binding motifs of key hematopoietic transcription factors, serving as a potential mechanistic link between DNMT3A R882 mutations and aberrant transcriptional phenotypes. Thus, single-cell multi-omics pave the road to defining the downstream consequences of mutations that drive human clonal mosaicism.
M-TUBE: a fabrication-free microfluidic device for large-volume bacterial electroporation requiring minimal assembly
Authors: Huang Po-Hsun , Chen Sijie , Shiver Anthony L. , Culver Rebecca Neal , Huang Kerwyn Casey , Buie Cullen R.
Published: January 2022

Conventional cuvette-based and microfluidics-based bacterial electroporation approaches have distinct advantages, but they are typically limited to relatively small sample volumes, reducing their utility for applications requiring high throughput such as the generation of mutant libraries. Here, we present a disposable, user-friendly microfluidic electroporation device capable of processing large volume bacterial samples yet requiring minimal device fabrication and straightforward operation. We demonstrate that the proposed device can outperform conventional cuvettes in a range of situations, including across Escherichia coli strains with a range of electroporation efficiencies, and we use its large-volume bacterial electroporation capability to generate a library of transposon mutants in the anaerobic gut commensal Bifidobacterium longum.
Rapid transgenerational adaptation in response to intercropping increases facilitation and reduces competition
Authors: Stefan Laura , Engbersen Nadine , Schöb Christian
Published: January 2022

By capitalising on positive biodiversity-productivity relationships, intercropping provides opportunities to improve agricultural sustainability1. However, intercropping is generally implemented using commercial seeds that were bred for maximal productivity in monocultures, which might limit the benefits of crop diversity on yield2,3. Plants can adapt over generations to the level of surrounding plant diversity, notably through increases in niche differentiation4. However, this adaptation potential and the corresponding yield benefit potential have not been explored in annual crop systems. Here we show that plant–plant interactions among annual crops evolved towards increased facilitation and reduced competition when the plants’ coexistence history matched their current diversity setting, which led to an increase in overyielding of up to 58%. These higher yield benefits were linked to character convergence between species sharing the same coexistence history for two generations. Notably, the six crop species tested converged towards taller phenotypes with lower leaf dry matter content when grown in mixtures. This study provides the first empirical evidence for the importance of parental diversity affecting plant–plant interactions and ecosystem functioning of the following generations in annual cropping systems. These results have important implications for diversified agriculture as they demonstrate the yield potential of targeted cultivars for intercropping, which can be achieved through specific breeding for mixtures.
SELINA: Single-cell Assignment using Multiple-Adversarial Domain Adaptation Network with Large-scale References
Authors: Ren Pengfei , Shi Xiaoying , Dong Xin , Yu Zhiguang , Ding Xuanxin , Wang Jin , Sun Liangdong , Yan Yilv , Hu Junjie , Zhang Peng , Chen Qianming , Li Taiwen , Wang Chenfei
Published: January 2022

The rapid accumulation of single-cell RNA-seq data has provided rich resources to characterize various human cell types. Cell type annotation is the critical step in analyzing single-cell RNA-seq data. However, accurate cell type annotation based on public references is challenging due to the inconsistent annotations, batch effects, and poor characterization of rare cell types. Here, we introduce SELINA (single cELl identity NAvigator), an integrative annotation transferring framework for automatic cell type annotation. SELINA optimizes the annotation for minority cell types by synthetic minority over-sampling, removes batch effects among reference datasets using a multiple-adversarial domain adaptation network (MADA), and fits the query data with reference data using an autoencoder. Finally, SELINA affords a comprehensive and uniform reference atlas with 1.7 million cells covering 230 major human cell types. We demonstrated the robustness and superiority of SELINA in most human tissues compared to existing methods. SELINA provided a one-stop solution for human single-cell RNA-seq data annotation with the potential to extend for other species.
Combining LSD1 and JAK-STAT inhibition targets Down syndrome-associated myeloid leukemia at its core
Authors: Grimm Juliane , Bahyadia Raj , Gack Lucie , Heckl Dirk , Klusmann Jan-Henning
Published: January 2022

Children with Down syndrome (DS) are predisposed to developing megakaryoblastic leukemia (ML-DS) and often experience severe toxicities from chemotherapy, highlighting the need for targeted therapies with beneficial risk profiles. The genomic landscape of ML-DS is characterized by a combination of mutations in signaling pathway genes and epigenetic modifiers, while aberrant lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and JAK-STAT activation have both been implicated in leukemogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that combined LSD1 and JAK1/2 inhibition exerts synergistic anti-leukemic effects specifically in ML-DS, both in vitro and in patient derived xenografts in vivo. The JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib enhanced the LSD1 inhibitor-induced differentiation, proliferation arrest and apoptosis in patient-derived leukemic blasts. At the transcriptional level, the combination synergistically repressed gene expression signatures essential for cell division. We further observed an immunogenic gene expression pattern in the form of increased cytokine signaling, which – by sensitizing ML-DS blasts to the JAK-STAT signaling blockade induced by ruxolitinib – could explain the increased susceptibility of ML-DS blasts to combination therapy. Taken together, we establish combined LSD1 and JAK-STAT inhibition as an efficacious therapeutic regimen specifically designed to target important steps in ML-DS leukemogenesis, paving the way for targeted therapies in this entity.
Kynurenine metabolism is altered in mdx mice: a potential muscle to brain connection
Authors: Copeland Emily N. , Whitley Kennedy C. , Watson Colton J.F. , Baranowski Bradley J. , Kurgan Nigel , MacNeil Adam J. , MacPherson Rebecca E.K. , Fajardo Val A. , Allison David J.
Published: January 2022

Regular exercise can direct muscle kynurenine (KYN) metabolism toward the neuroprotective branch of the kynurenine pathway thereby limiting the accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites in the brain and contributing to mental resilience. While the effect of regular exercise has been studied, the effect of muscle disease on KYN metabolism has not yet been investigated. Previous work has highlighted anxiety-like behaviors in approximately 25% of patients with DMD, possibly due to altered KYN metabolism. Here, we characterized KYN metabolism in mdx mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Young (8-10 week old) DBA/2J (D2) mdx mice, but not age-matched C57BL/10 (C57) mdx mice, had lower levels of circulating KYNA and KYNA:KYN ratio compared with their respective wild-type (WT) controls. Moreover, only D2 mdx mice displayed signs of anxiety-like behaviour, spending more time in the corners of their cages during a novel object recognition test when compared with WT. Along with this, we found that muscles from D2 mdx mice had less peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha and kynurenine amino transferase-1 enzyme content as well as elevated expression of inflammatory cytokines compared with WT muscles. Thus, our pilot work shows that KYN metabolism is altered in D2 mdx mice, with a potential contribution from altered muscle health.
Use of object detection in camera trap image identification: assessing a method to rapidly and accurately classify human and animal detections for research and application in recreation ecology
Authors: Fennell Mitchell , Beirne Christopher , Burton A. Cole
Published: January 2022

Camera traps are increasingly used to answer complex ecological questions. However, the rapidly growing number of images collected presents technical challenges. Each image must be classified to extract data, requiring significant labour, and potentially creating an information bottleneck. We applied an object-detection model (MegaDetector) to camera trap data from a study of recreation ecology in British Columbia, Canada. We tested its performance in detecting humans and animals relative to manual image classifications, and assessed efficiency by comparing the time required for manual classification versus a modified workflow integrating object-detection with manual classification. We also evaluated the reliability of using MegaDetector to create an index of human activity for application to the study of recreation impacts to wildlife. In our application, MegaDetector detected human and animal images with 99% and 82% precision, and 95% and 92% recall respectively, at a confidence threshold of 90%. The overall time required to process the dataset was reduced by over 500%, and the manual processing component was reduced by 840%. The index of human detection events from MegaDetector matched the output from manual classification, with a mean 0.45% difference in estimated human detections across site-weeks. Our test of an open-source object-detection model showed it performed well in partially classifying a camera trap dataset, significantly increasing processing efficiency. We suggest that this tool could be integrated into existing camera trap workflows to accelerate research and application by alleviating data bottlenecks, particularly for surveys processing large volumes of human images. We also show how the model and workflow can be used to anonymize human images prior to classification, protecting individual privacy.

Impact Statement

We developed and tested a workflow for classifying camera trap images that integrated an existing object-detection model with manual image classification. Our workflow demonstrates an increase in efficiency of 500% over manual labelling, and additionally includes a method to anonymize human images prior to archiving and classification. We provide an example of the application of these tools to ease data processing, particularly for studies focused on recreation ecology which record high volumes of human images. Data lags due to processing delays have the potential to result in sub-optimal conservation decisions, which may be alleviated by accelerated processing. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth assessment of the practical application of such technology to real world workflows focused on human detections.
Clinical Utility of Combined Optical Genome Mapping and 523-gene Next Generation Sequencing Panel For Comprehensive Evaluation of Myeloid Cancers
Authors: Sahajpal Nikhil Shri , Mondal Ashis K , Ananth Sudha , Saul Daniel , Shams Soheil , Hastie Alex R , Savage Natasha M. , Kota Vamsi , Chaubey Alka , Kolhe Ravindra
Published: January 2022

The standard-of-care (SOC) for genomic testing of myeloid cancers primarily relies on karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hydridization (FISH) (cytogenetic analysis) and targeted gene panels (≤54 genes) that harbor hotspot pathogenic variants (molecular genetic analysis). Both cytogenetic and molecular testing workup is necessary for the identification and detection of large structural variants (SVs) and small variants like single nucleotide variants (SNV) and indels, respectively. Despite this combinatorial approach, ∼50% of myeloid cancer genomes remain cytogenetically normal, and the limited sequencing variant profiles obtained from targeted panels are unable to resolve the genetic etiology of these myeloid tumors. In this study, we evaluated the performance and clinical utility of optical genome mapping (OGM) and a 523-gene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel for comprehensive genomic profiling of 15 myeloid tumors and compared it to SOC cytogenetic methods (karyotyping and FISH) and a 54-gene NGS panel. OGM and the 523-gene NGS panel were found to have an analytical concordance of 100% with karyotyping, FISH, and the 54-gene panel, respectively. Additionally, OGM better characterized and resolved the structural variants previously reported by karyotyping in five cases, such as identifying the genomic content of marker and ring chromosomes. OGM also identified several additional translocations and eleven copy number variations (CNVs), of which the CNVs were validated/confirmed by the 523-gene panel. The 523-gene panel identified seven additional clinically relevant SNVs (two tier 1A variants and five tier 2C variants, as per the ACMG/AMP guidelines) in four cases. The simultaneous visualization of SVs and small NGS detected sequence variants (SNVs and small indels) from OGM and 523-gene NGS panel, respectively in the NxClinical software v6.1 identified two clinically relevant compound heterozygous events in two samples. This study demonstrates the higher sensitivity, resolution, accuracy, and ability to reveal cryptic and clinically relevant novel variants in myeloid cancers as compared to SOC methodologies. Our cost-effective approach of using OGM and a 523-gene NGS panel for comprehensive genomic profiling of myeloid cancers will not only increase the yield of actionable targets leading to improved clinical outcomes but also help resolve our ongoing conundrum of apparently genomically normal myeloid cancers by providing more answers.
Glycation renders ɑ-synuclein oligomeric strain and modulates microglia activation
Authors: Kumari Manisha , Kumar Bhoj , Bisht Krishna Singh , Maiti Tushar Kanti
Published: January 2022

α-Synuclein is known to involve in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s diseases (PD) and related disorders. However, it is unclear how its aggregation causes neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation. Due to intrinsic disorder nature, α-synuclein produces a large number of structural ensembles and diverse aggregation intermediates. The post-translational modifications add a new layer of complexity to the aggregation mechanism. Recently, it has been demonstrated that glycation of α-synuclein restricts into oligomeric intermediates and causes neuronal toxicity. However, the understanding of aggregation mechanism, dopaminergic neuronal death, and neuroinflammation by the glycated α-synuclein is yet to be elucidated. The present study aims to address how glycated synuclein differs in oligomerization and neuroinflammation. The glycation of α-synuclein perturbs the aggregation kinetics and prevents the fibrilization through the alteration of surface charges of N-terminal domain residues which prevents membrane binding and seed amplification mechanism. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis of BV2 cells treated with glycated oligomers provides evidence of alteration of endocytic mechanism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory cascade. Here, we show that α-synuclein oligomers strongly bind to TLR2 and activate the TLR2 mediated signaling. However, glycated α-synuclein oligomers impair the TLR2 binding and compromise TLR2 signaling. Interestingly, we also find that the glycated α-synuclein oligomers favor NLRP3 inflammasome mediated neuroinflammation compared to non- glycated α-synuclein oligomers. In conclusion, our findings suggest that microglia response towards α-synuclein is conformation-specific and glycated oligomers can contribute to neurodegeneration differently.
Development and validation of the Symptom Burden Questionnaire™ for Long Covid: A Rasch analysis
Authors: Hughes Sarah E , Haroon Shamil , Subramanian Anuradhaa , McMullan Christel , Aiyegbusi Olalekan L , Turner Grace M , Jackson Louise , Davies Elin Haf , Frost Chris , McNamara Gary , Price Gary , Matthews Karen , Camaradou Jennifer , Ormerod Jane , Walker Anita , Calvert Melanie J
Published: January 2022

Objective

To describe the development and initial validation of a novel patient-reported outcome measure of Long COVID symptom burden, the Symptom-Burden Questionnaire for Long COVID (SBQ™-LC).

Method and Findings

This multi-phase, prospective mixed-methods study took place between April and August 2021 in the United Kingdom (UK). A conceptual framework and initial item pool were developed from published systematic reviews. Further concept elicitation and content validation was undertaken with adults with lived experience (n = 13) and clinicians (n = 10), and face validity was confirmed by the Therapies for Long COVID Study Patient and Public Involvement group (n = 25). The draft SBQ™-LC was field tested by adults with self-reported Long COVID recruited via social media and international Long COVID support groups (n = 274). Thematic analysis of interview and survey transcripts established content validity and informed construction of the draft questionnaire. Rasch analysis of field test data guided item and scale refinement and provided evidence of the final SBQ™-LC’s measurement properties. The Rasch-derived SBQ™-LC is composed of 17 independent scales with promising psychometric properties. Respondents rate symptom burden during the past 7-days using a dichotomous response or 4-point rating scale. Each scale provides coverage of a different symptom domain and returns a summed raw score that may be converted to a linear (0 – 100) score. Higher scores represent higher symptom burden.

Conclusions

The SBQ™-LC is a comprehensive patient-reported assessment of Long COVID symptom burden developed using modern psychometric methods. It measures symptoms of Long COVID important to individuals with lived experience and may be used to evaluate the impact of interventions and inform best practice in clinical management.
Human Mucosal Associated Invariant T cell proliferation is dependent on a MYC-SLC7A5-Glycolysis metabolic axis
Authors: Kedia-Mehta Nidhi , Pisarska Marta M. , Rollings Christina , O’Neill Chloe , Barra Conor De , Foley Cathriona , Wood Nicole AW. , Wrigley-Kelly Neil , Veerapen Natacha , Besra Gurdyal , Bergin Ronan , Jones Nicholas , O’Shea Donal , Sinclair Linda V. , Hogan Andrew E.
Published: January 2022

Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are an abundant population of innate T cells which recognise bacterial ligands presented by the MHC class-I like molecule MR1. MAIT cells play a key role in host protection against bacterial and viral pathogens. Upon activation MAIT cells undergo proliferative expansion and increased production of effector molecules such as cytokines. The molecular and metabolic mechanisms controlling MAIT cell effector functions are still emerging. In this study, we found that expression of the key metabolism regulator and transcription factor MYC is upregulated in MAIT cells upon immune stimulation. Using quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified the activation of two MYC controlled metabolic pathways; amino acid transport and glycolysis, both of which are critical for MAIT cell proliferation. Finally, we show that MYC expression in response to immune activation is diminished in MAIT cells isolated from people with obesity, resulting in defective MAIT cell proliferation and functional responses. Collectively our data details for the first time the importance of MYC regulated metabolism for MAIT cell proliferation, and provides additional insight into the molecular defects underpinning functional failings of MAIT cells in obesity.

Graphical Abstract
Business models for the digital transformation of audiovisual archives
Authors: Coelho Rodrigues José
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study contributes to the understanding of how cultural organizations are using digital technologies to redesign their business models and enable sustainable and impactful audiovisual digital archives.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive multiple case research design was used. Five cases of audiovisual digital archives of independent films were selected. Data collected was based on desk research, onsite visits, interviews with top managers responsible for the digitalization of some of the archives and experimentation with the services provided. Data was collected and analyzed based on a theoretical framework defined from the literature for business models of cultural organizations.

Findings

The archives analyzed faced the challenge of aligning the commercial viability with a mission of making content available to increase cultural knowledge. A sustainable business model may be achieved by using different revenue models, while guaranteeing to offer a value proposition carefully aligned with stakeholders' expectations. Moreover, an impactful business model, i.e. a business model that enhances the creation of cultural value for customers and reaches wider audiences, requires careful audience management and the use of data analysis about audience behavior to adjust the offering. Finally, the business model must consider the resources, activities and infrastructure that ensure critical capabilities for the business and must be designed to ensure financial resilience of the organization.

Originality/value

This study contributes with a holistic analysis of business models for the digital transformation of cultural organizations, detailing alternative configurations for the most relevant components of a digital business model for audiovisual archives.
An ethnographic analysis of consumer information processing and decision-making at farmers’ markets
Authors: Garner Benjamin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Farmers’ markets have grown rapidly in recent years and at the same time consumers increasingly desire to eat healthfully and sustainably. This research aims to analyze the way consumers process information regarding local food claims such as sustainability and organics when shopping for local foods at farmers’ markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses ethnographic methods that included interviews with 36 participants, more than 100 hours of participant observation and prolonged engagement over a two and half-year period.

Findings

The findings indicate that there are two dominant types of consumers at the farmers’ market, hedonistic and utilitarian consumers. Hedonistic consumers rely on heuristic cues such as aesthetics, their relationship with the farmer and other peripheral sources of information when making purchase decisions. Utilitarian consumers, by contrast, carefully analyze marketing messages using central route cues and tend to be more conscious of their purchase choices.

Practical implications

This study will help farmers more effectively position their marketing messages and help consumers be aware how they process information in this space.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies of consumer behavior at farmers’ markets that primarily use survey methods, this study uses observational and ethnographic methods to capture in situ interactions in this complex buying context. Further, while much work has been done on broad concepts of local food and organic preferences, this study provides a more in-depth look at consumer information processing in the farmers’ market space that reflects a mixture of organic and non-organic food.
Governance quality and economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: the dynamic panel model
Authors: Beyene Amsalu Bedemo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The main objective of this article is to analyze the role of governance quality in influencing the economic growth of 22 selected Sub-Saharan African Countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied the panel dynamic Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to analyze the data obtained from the World Bank database over the period from 2002 to 2020.

Findings

The overall finding indicated that the composite governance index has a positive significant effect on the economic growth of the countries; where a unit improvement in the aggregate governance index leads to a 3.05% increase in GDP. The disaggregated result has shown that corruption control and government effectiveness have a negative significant effect on growth performance, whereas, the rule of law and regulatory quality showed a positive significant effect. Political stability and voice and accountability have an insignificant effect on economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

Due to data limitations, this study could not address the whole members of Sub Sahara African Countries and could not see the causal relationship.

Practical implications

The study suggested a strong commitment to the implementation of policy and reform measures on all governance factors. This may add to the need to devise participatory corruption control mechanisms; to closely look at the proper implementation of policies and reforms that constitute the government effectiveness factors, and properly implement the rule of law at all levels of the government with a strong commitment to realizing it so that citizens at all levels can have full confidence in and abide by the rules of society.

Originality/value

Even though there are some studies conducted using conventional methods of panel data analysis such as random effect or fixed effects, this empirical study used more advanced panel dynamic generalized moment of methods to examine the role of improvement in governance quality on economic growth.
Personal characteristics and risk tolerance in a natural experiment
Authors: Brous Peter , Han Bo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper examines students' decisions when playing an in-class version of the TV game, Deal or No Deal (DOND), to study the relation between personal characteristics and individual decision-making under risk.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes DOND game play data collected from 374 students in 13 university finance classes, and their personal characteristics collected in a post-game survey. It uses ordered probit, OLS and probit regression analysis to examine the impact of personal characteristics on an individual's risk tolerance.

Findings

The key finding is that international students are significantly more risk averse than US domestic students. Additionally, given the natural control for age and education, the study finds that gender, race and religion have a limited impact on an individual's risk tolerance. Finally, the study provides evidence that the structure of the DOND game, in general, rewards risk-taking as long as it is not excessive. Once participant behavior becomes risk-seeking, the correlation between risk-taking and game payoff becomes negative.

Research limitations/implications

The homogeneous set of contestants (business students) analyzed in this study presents some limitations yet provides opportunities to examine risk tolerance differences between the US and international students, and whether gender, race or religious affiliation has an impact on the level of risk tolerance given a natural control for age and education level.

Practical implications

The evidence suggests that culture and environmental unfamiliarity may impact an individual's risk tolerance. This finding is useful when providing financial advice to diverse clients or when conducting international business. Additionally, understanding that education and financial literacy reduces differences in risk tolerance across gender, race and religion can impact the way we interact with others. A broader practical implication for all investors is that, while under normal circumstances, risk-taking is rewarded with a higher expected return, excessive risk-taking may harm their investment performance.

Originality/value

This paper utilizes a unique data set, collected through a class activity and post-class survey. While there have been empirical studies using DOND data, this is the first study that examines the impact of personal characteristics on game participants' behavior, thereby generating unique findings not reported in previous studies employing DOND data.
Adaptive practices in SMEs: leveraging dynamic capabilities for strategic adaptation
Authors: Quansah Emmanuel , Hartz Dale E. , Salipante Paul
Published: January 2022

Purpose

A global pandemic, broken supply chains, workforce constraints, technological advancements in artificial intelligence, etc. illustrate the continual threats that SMEs face. Extending the dynamic capability concepts of sensing, seizing and transforming, this research investigates practices by which SMEs successfully adapt over time.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative case study method was employed using a purposive sample of SMEs, consisting of three American firms and one Canadian firm.

Findings

Three sets of organizational practices, termed adaptive practices, that underlie dynamic capabilities for successful adaptation were identified: (1) continuous learning and process improvement, (2) leveraging reciprocal relationships and (3) communicating effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The selected cases are from two countries in North America. Using a qualitative, inductive process, the authors are able to identify patterns of actions within various organizations; however, they are not able to establish causality.

Practical implications

This study provides practical guidance for leaders to take action to improve their SME's dynamic capabilities for adaptation through creating coherent bundles of specified adaptive practices.

Social implications

Better understanding of how SMEs successfully adapt to high uncertainty and business viability threats can result in multidimensional (e.g. financial, emotional) and multi-level (individual, family, community), positive outcomes for societal stakeholders.

Originality/value

The findings of this study build on the literature of dynamic capabilities and organizational practices and provide a practical foundation for effective adaptation, labeled as adaptive practices.
Green purchasing behaviour of international tourists in Malaysia using green marketing tools: theory of planned behaviour perspective
Authors: Patwary Ataul Karim , Mohamed Muharis , Rabiul Md Karim , Mehmood Waqas , Ashraf Muhammad Umair , Adamu Adamu Abbas
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of green marketing tools on tourists’ behavioural intention to buy green products by measuring individuals’ subjective norms, attitudes and perceived behavioural control.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 421 international tourists from several tourist attractions in Malaysia, selected through convenience sampling, participated in a survey.

Findings

The analysis results using partial least squares structural equation modelling suggest that behavioural intention of international tourists is firmly influenced by attitude, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms and green marketing tools. However, the subjective norm does not work as a mediator.

Practical implications

The relationships established in this study provide insight into hoteliers’ knowledge for further implementation of green marketing strategies (eco-label, eco-brand, environmental advertising), which can enhance green attitudes and behavioural intention of purchasing green products in the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

This study expands the theory of planned behaviour by including green marketing tools to measure international tourists’ green buying tendency in Malaysia.
Linear and non‐linear effects of infrastructures on inclusive human development in Africa
Authors: Nchofoung Tii N. , Asongu Simplice A. , Njamen Kengdo Arsène A. , Achuo Elvis D.
Published: January 2022

The objectives of this paper are to verify the linear and the non‐linear effects of infrastructural development on inclusive human development in Africa. The results of the system generalized method of moments (system GMM) estimations show a positive effect of infrastructural development on inclusive development across all the infrastructural development indexes employed, except the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructural composite index, which presents an insignificant negative effect. Besides, a non‐linear effect of infrastructures on inclusive development is established across all the infrastructure indicators except for the ICT indicator. Negative thresholds for complementary policies are established for the African Infrastructure Development Index (AIDI) and the transport index whereas positive thresholds are apparent for the electricity index and the water and sanitation infrastructure index (WSS). Accordingly, in order to sustain the positive incidence of the AIDI and transport index on human development, complementary policies should be engaged to avoid an overall negative effect on human development when the indexes are, respectively, 31.12 and 25.56. In the same vein, the electricity index and WSSI should exceed critical levels of, respectively, 49.79 and 41.92, to engender an overall positive effect on inclusive human development.
Predictive role of fluctuating biochemical parameters for mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Mülling Nils , ter Huurne Jan , Kahl Anna Lena , Tokmak Faruk , Spitthöver Ralf , Kribben Andreas , Reinhardt Walter
Published: January 2022

Introduction

High inflammation parameters like C‐reactive protein and low albumin levels are considered as risk factors in CKD stage 5 patients. Due to dynamic changes in these parameters, there is evidence of an association between their variation and mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 153 patients on chronic hemodialysis. Dialysis‐specific biochemical parameters were measured at three‐month intervals over a 42‐month period. Fluctuations were calculated as the percentage change in two subsequent measurements.

Results

Median age was 70 years. 41.10% of the patients died over the study period. Higher fluctuation rates in albumin and CRP were significantly associated with a higher mortality rate. Regression analysis revealed that only the fluctuations in albumin proved to be a predictive variable for the end point “death.” If the fluctuation in albumin increases by 1%, the mortality risk rises by 22%.

Conclusion

Fluctuations in albumin are of predictive importance in patients on chronic hemodialysis.
Economic benefits of implementing trading zones for Australian livestock disease outbreaks of limited duration
Authors: Hafi A , Addai D , Breed AC , Bradhurst R , Capon T , Garner MG , Miller C , Pinol J , Seitzinger AH , Tapsuwan S
Published: January 2022

Objective

The objective is to estimate the economic benefits of trading zones as part of foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) control measures for limited duration outbreaks.

Design

The proposed trading zones for FMD at the state level are determined using multiple tools. Eleven individual incursion scenarios in six Australian states are simulated within the Australian Animal Disease Spread epidemiological model to identify the potential geographic extent of outbreaks, as well as the number of animals infected and the duration of outbreaks. The disease spread information is used to identify the boundaries of trading zones. The outbreak duration data are combined with historical export data to estimate the share of Australian exports that could be embargoed. The market impacts of the potential export embargoes including changes in equilibrium quantities, prices and revenue are simulated within the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences' AgEmissions partial equilibrium model of Australian agriculture.

Results

Results emphasize the importance of jurisdictional and outbreak characteristics in determining trading zones. Should Australia effectively implement trading zones at the state level in response to small FMD outbreaks, the potential reductions of embargoed exports lead to a reduction in estimated producer revenue losses compared with losses under a national embargo. Producer revenue losses are reduced between $3 billion and $9 billion estimated in present value terms over 10 years at a 7% discount rate.

Conclusion

Economic analysis of the implications of trading zones identifies additional investments that would be of value to livestock industries.
Witnessed inclusion improves identification of Duchenne and non‐Duchenne smiles
Authors: Fischer Paige , Jakobsen Krisztina V.
Published: January 2022

Social exclusion threatens a person's need to belong and prompts them to behave in ways that often facilitate reaffiliation. For adults, direct exclusion increases attention to social information and facial cues, including an enhanced identification of Duchenne and non‐Duchenne smiles. Furthermore, inclusion can buffer or mitigate the effects of exclusion. This study investigated children's (N = 44) and adults’ (N = 52) sensitivity to perceptual changes in smiles following witnessed inclusion and exclusion and inclusion's mitigating and buffering effects on perceptual abilities. Contrary to our predictions, participants in our study demonstrated improved accuracy after witnessing inclusion, rather than exclusion, and showed no buffering or mitigating effects of inclusion. This contradiction with previous findings points to a further need to explore the effects of witnessed versus direct inclusion and exclusion, especially if witnessed inclusion and exclusion have the ability to impact perception and shape our behavior.
The first fossil record of a bone assemblage accumulated by New World vultures (Gruta do Presépio, Holocene, southern Brazil)
Authors: Ballejo Fernando , Hadler Patrícia , Cherem Jorge J. , Bueno Lucas , Machado Juliana S. , Matarrese Alejandra B. , Fernández Fernando J.
Published: January 2022

Here we present the first fossil record of a bone assemblage that could have been accumulated by New World vultures (Cathartidae). The bone remains were found in an archaeological rockshelter called Gruta do Presépio (GPR), located in the tropical rainforest environment of Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil, where groups of hunters and gatherers lived from the Early to Middle Holocene (9.3–4.6 cal. ka BP) until the Late Holocene (1.3 cal. ka BP). The results of taphonomic analysis of the archaeological sample are compared with actualistic taphonomic modifications produced by New World vultures. The findings of autopodials (mainly phalanges) of medium and large mammals, with a high degree of digestive corrosion but without tooth marks, could be related to the pellet deposit pattern of New World vultures. Seven mammal taxa associated with a forest environment were identified, four of which were obtained from pellets deposited by Cathartidae; these included some native taxa (Cervidae, Dasypodidae, Felidae and Tayassuidae) that are frequently consumed today by these scavenger birds. The bone and tooth remains contained in the pellets regurgitated by Cathartidae were found together with faunal remains discarded by humans that lived in GPR from the Early to the Late Holocene. This palimpsest highlights the relevance of archaeological and actualistic taphonomic studies.
Primary glaucomas in adults: Epidemiology and public health‐A review
Authors: Reis Tulio F. , Paula Jayter S. , Furtado João M.
Published: January 2022

Glaucoma is a mixed group of optic neuropathies that lead to irreversible visual field loss and blindness if left untreated. It is estimated that 3.5% of the global population aged 40 to 80 years have any glaucoma, being the primary open‐angle and the primary angle‐closure glaucoma the most prevalent forms. Although the age‐standardised prevalence of blindness caused by glaucoma has decreased substantially over the last decades, population growth and ageing impose many challenges in preventing glaucoma‐related morbidities on a global level. In addition, difficulties in diagnoses and treatment, along with its chronic and irreversible nature, urge the development and implementation of innovative approaches in confronting the disease. This manuscript reviews recent literature related to the epidemiology of primary glaucomas in adults, the risk factors attributed to the development of the disease, and discuss challenges and potential solutions from a public health perspective.