bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using dialogues to increase positive attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines in a vaccine-hesitant UK population
Authors: Brand Charlotte O. , Stafford Tom
Published: October 2022

Recently, Altay
et al.
(Altay
et al
. 2021.
J. Exp.Psychol.: Appl.
(
doi:10.1037/xap0000400
)) showed that 5 min of interaction with a chatbot led to increases in positive COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and intentions in a French population. Here we replicate this effect in a vaccine-hesitant, UK-based population. We attempt to isolate what made the chatbot condition effective by controlling the amount of information provided, the trustworthiness of the information and the level of interactivity. Like Altay
et al.
, our experiment allowed participants to navigate a branching dialogue by choosing questions of interest about COVID-19 vaccines. Our control condition used the same questions and answers but removed participant choice by presenting the dialogues at random. Importantly, we also targeted those who were either against or neutral towards COVID-19 vaccinations to begin with, screening-out those with already positive attitudes. Replicating Altay
et al.
, we found a similar size increase in positive attitudes towards vaccination, and in intention to get vaccinated. Unlike Altay
et al.
, we found no difference between our two conditions: choosing the questions did not increase vaccine attitudes or intentions any more than our control condition. These results suggest that the attitudes of the vaccine hesitant are modifiable with exposure to in-depth, trustworthy and engaging dialogues.
Beyond the exponential horn: a bush-cricket with ear canals which function as coupled resonators
Authors: Celiker Emine , Woodrow Charlie , Rocha-Sánchez Aurora Y. , Chivers Benedict D. , Barrientos-Lozano Ludivina , Montealegre-Z Fernando
Published: October 2022

Bush-crickets have dual-input, tympanal ears located in the tibia of their forelegs. The sound will first of all reach the external sides of the tympana, before arriving at the internal sides through the bush-cricket's ear canal, the acoustic trachea (AT), with a phase lapse and pressure gain. It has been shown that for many bush-crickets, the AT has an exponential horn-shaped morphology and function, producing a significant pressure gain above a certain cut-off frequency. However, the underlying mechanism of different AT designs remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that the AT of the duetting Phaneropterinae bush-cricket
Pterodichopetala cieloi
function as coupled resonators, producing sound pressure gains at the sex-specific conspecific calling song frequency, and attenuating the remainder—a functioning mechanism significantly different from an exponential horn. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that despite the sexual dimorphism between the
P. cieloi
AT, both male and female AT have a similar biophysical mechanism. The analysis was carried out using an interdisciplinary approach, where micro-computed tomography was used for the morphological properties of the
P. cieloi
AT, and a finite-element analysis was applied on the precise tracheal geometry to further justify the experimental results and to go beyond experimental limitations.
Sutcliffiella rhizosphaerae sp. nov. isolated from roots
Authors: Kämpfer Peter , Glaeser Stefanie P. , Lipski André , McInroy John A. , Clermont Dominique , Criscuolo Alexis
Published: October 2022

An aerobic, Gram-staining-positive, endospore-forming bacterium, isolated from the rhizosphere of roots of maize (Zea mays), was taxonomically studied. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity comparisons, strain JJ-125T clustered together with species of the genus

Sutcliffiella

and showed the highest similarities with

Sutcliffiella zhanjiangensis

(98.7 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the sequences of the type strains of other species of the genus

Sutcliffiella

were <98.4 %. The genome sequence of JJ-125T was 4 516 360 bp long and had a DNA G+C content of 37.3 %. A DNA–DNA hybridization with the type strain of

S. zhanjiangensis

DSM 23010T resulted in values of 42.3 and 43.9 % (reciprocal). The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between the JJ-125T genome assembly and those of the other type strains of species of the genus

Sutcliffiella

were <75%, <80 % and <21 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic features supported the grouping of the strain with the genus Sutcliffiella, e.g. the major fatty acids included iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1 ω10c and iso-C17 : 0, the polar lipid profile contained the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine, the only quinone was menaquinone MK-7 and the characteristic diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Physiological and biochemical test results were also different from those of the most closely related species. As a consequence, JJ-125T represents a novel species of the genus

Sutcliffiella

, for which we propose the name Sutcliffiella rhizosphaerae sp. nov., with JJ-125T (= CIP 111883T = LMG 32156T = CCM 9046T) as the type strain.
Natural rubber reduces herbivory and alters the microbiome below ground
Authors: Böttner Laura , Malacrinò Antonino , Gronover Christian Schulze , van Deenen Nicole , Müller Boje , Xu Shuqing , Gershenzon Jonathan , Prüfer Dirk , Huber Meret
Published: October 2022

Laticifers are hypothesized to mediate both plant-herbivore and plant-microbe interactions. However, there is little evidence for the dual function of these secretory structures.

We investigated whether the major constituent of natural rubber,cis-1,4-polyisoprene, a phylogenetically widespread and economically important latex polymer, alters plant resistance and the root microbiome of the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz)under attack of a root herbivore, the larva of the May cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha).

Rubber-depleted transgenic plants lost more shoot and root biomass upon herbivory than normal rubber content near-isogenic lines.M. melolonthapreferred to feed on artificial diet supplemented with rubber-depleted rather than normal rubber content latex. Likewise, adding purifiedcis-1,4-polyisoprene in ecologically relevant concentrations to diet deterred larval feeding and reduced larval weight gain. Metagenomics and metabarcoding revealed that abolishing biosynthesis of natural rubber alters the structure but not the diversity of the rhizosphere and root microbiota in a herbivore-dependent manner. Roots from rubber-depleted plants, however, did not exhibit a higher pathogen load compared to normal rubber content roots.

Taken together, our data demonstrate that natural rubber biosynthesis reduces herbivory and alters the plant microbiota in a herbivore-dependent manner, which highlights the role of plant specialized metabolites and secretory structures in shaping multitrophic interactions.
A machine learning based approach towards high-dimensional mediation analysis
Authors: Nath Tanmay , Caffo Brian , Wager Tor , Lindquist Martin A.
Published: October 2022

Mediation analysis is used to investigate the role of intermediate variables (mediators) that lie in the path between an exposure and an outcome variable. While significant research has focused on developing methods for assessing the influence of mediators on the exposure-outcome relationship, current approaches do not easily extend to settings where the mediator is high-dimensional. These situations are becoming increasingly common with the rapid increase of new applications measuring massive numbers of variables, including brain imaging, genomics, and metabolomics. In this work, we introduce a novel machine learning based method for identifying high dimensional mediators. The proposed algorithm iterates between using a machine learning model to map the high-dimensional mediators onto a lower-dimensional space, and using the predicted values as input in a standard three-variable mediation model. Hence, the machine learning model is trained to maximize the likelihood of the mediation model. Importantly, the proposed algorithm is agnostic to the machine learning model that is used, providing significant flexibility in the types of situations where it can be used. We illustrate the proposed methodology using data from two functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies. First, using data from a task-based fMRI study of thermal pain, we combine the proposed algorithm with a deep learning model to detect distributed, network-level brain patterns mediating the relationship between stimulus intensity (temperature) and reported pain at the single trial level. Second, using resting-state fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project, we combine the proposed algorithm with a connectome-based predictive modeling approach to determine brain functional connectivity measures that mediate the relationship between fluid intelligence and working memory accuracy. In both cases, our multivariate mediation model links exposure variables (thermal pain or fluid intelligence), high dimensional brain measures (single-trial brain activation maps or resting-state brain connectivity) and behavioral outcomes (pain report or working memory accuracy) into a single unified model. Using the proposed approach, we are able to identify brain-based measures that simultaneously encode the exposure variable and correlate with the behavioral outcome.

I.

HIGHLIGHTS

Current methods for assessing mediation do not easily extend to high dimensions

We introduce a new approach for performing high-dimensional mediation analysis

Links high-dimensional mediator to path analysis model via machine learning algorithm

Method illustrated using data from two fMRI studies
A hyperthermic seizure unleashes a surge of spreading depolarizations inScn1adeficient mice
Authors: Aiba Isamu , Ning Yao , Noebels Jeffrey L.
Published: October 2022

Spreading depolarization (SD) is a massive wave of cellular depolarization that slowly migrates across the brain gray matter. Cortical SD is frequently generated following brain injury, while less is understood about its potential contribution to genetic disorders of hyperexcitability, such asSCN1Adeficient epilepsy in which febrile seizure often contributes to disease initiation. Here we report that spontaneous SD waves are a predominant EEG abnormality in theScn1adeficient mouse (Scn1a+/R1407X) and undergo sustained intensification following a single hyperthermic seizure. Chronic DC-band EEG recording detected spontaneous SDs, seizures, and seizure-SD complexes in Scn1a+/R1407Xmice but not wild-type littermates. The SD events were infrequent, while a single hyperthermia-induced seizure robustly increased SD frequency over four-fold during the initial postictal week. This prolonged neurological aftermath could be suppressed by memantine administration. Video, electromyogram (EMG), and EEG spectral analysis revealed distinct neurobehavioral patterns; individual seizures were associated with increased motor activities, while SDs were generally associated with immobility. We also identified a stereotypic SD prodrome, detectable over a minute before the onset of the DC potential shift, characterized by increased motor activity and bilateral EEG frequency changes. Our study suggests that cortical SD is a pathological manifestation inSCN1Adeficient epileptic encephalopathy.
Improving glycine utilization inEscherichia coli
Authors: Yuen Vincent Fung Kin , Tan Daniel Zhi Jun , Zhou Kang
Published: October 2022

Escherichia coliis a bacterium that has been widely used as host in industrial fermentation processes. Sugars and glycerol are currently used as feedstocks in most of such applications. To reduce the associated carbon footprint, there are many ongoing efforts in engineering the bacterium to utilize formate, a molecule that can be obtained from CO2easily. Glycine is a key intermediate in a formate utilization pathway that has been reconstituted inE. coli. This study focuses on engineeringE. colito assimilate glycine into the central metabolism. We systematically compared three glycine utilization pathways and found that the glycine dehydrogenase pathway yielded the most stable strain. Through rational promoter engineering and evolution in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with a mutator plasmid, we isolated a strain that was able to use glycine as the sole carbon and nitrogen source. It consumed 8 g/L glycine within 48 h. Whole genome sequencing revealed 40 changes in its genome, including a few in critical genes such as those encoding glutamate synthase and ATP synthase. The expression of the genes around the glyoxylate node was also found by RNA sequencing to be fine-tuned, presumably for reducing accumulation of the toxic aldehyde intermediate (glyoxylate). The strain obtained in this study could be useful in improving formate utilization inE. coli. The methods and equipment developed in this study (e.g., the customized, low-cost CSTR) could also facilitate trainingE. colito utilize other non-conventional substrates.
A description of the genusDenitromonasnom. rev.:Denitromonas iodatirespiranssp. nov. a novel iodate-reducing bacterium and two novel perchlorate-reducing bacteriaDenitromonas halophilaandDenitromonas ohlonensisisolated from San Francisco Bay intertidal mudflats
Authors: Reyes-Umana Victor M. , Coates John D.
Published: October 2022

The genusDenitromonasis currently a non-validated taxon that has been identified in several recent publications as members of microbial communities arising from marine environments. Very little is known about the biology ofDenitromonasspp., and no pure cultures are presently found in any culture collections. The current epitaph ofDenitromonaswas given to the organism under the assumption that all members of this genus are denitrifying bacteria. This study performs phenotypic and genomic analyses on three newDenitromonasspp. isolated from tidal mudflats in the San Francisco Bay. We demonstrate thatDenitromonasspp. are indeed all facultative denitrifying bacteria that utilize a variety of carbon sources such as acetate, lactate, and succinate. In addition, individual strains also use the esoteric electron acceptors perchlorate, chlorate, and iodate. Both 16S and Rps/Rpl phylogenetic analyses placeDenitromonasspp. as a deep branching clade in the familyZoogloeaceae, separate from eitherThaueraspp.,Azoarcusspp., orAromatoleumspp. Genome sequencing reveals a G+C content ranging from 63.72% to 66.54%, and genome sizes range between 4.39-5.18 Mb. Genes for salt tolerance and denitrification are distinguishing features that separateDenitromonasspp. from the closely relatedAzoarcusandAromatoleumgenera.
Uterine histotroph and conceptus development. III. Adrenomedullin stimulates proliferation, migration and adhesion of porcine trophectoderm cells via AKT-TSC2-MTOR cell signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Bangmin , Paudel Sudikshya , Flowers William L , Piedrahita Jorge A , Wang Xiaoqiu
Published: October 2022

Adrenomedullin (ADM) as a highly conserved peptide hormone has been reported to increase significantly in the uterine lumen during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy in pigs, but its functional roles in growth and development of porcine conceptus (embryonic/fetus and its extra-embryonic membranes) as well as underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Therefore, we conductedin vitroexperiments using our established porcine trophectoderm cell line (pTr1) isolated from Day-12 porcine conceptuses to test the hypothesis that porcine ADM stimulates cell proliferation, migration and adhesion via AKT-TSC2-MTOR cell signaling pathway in pTr1 cells. Porcine ADM at 10-7M stimulated (P<0.05) pTr1 cell proliferation, migration and adhesion by 1.4-, 1.5- and 1.2-folds, respectively. These ADM-induced effects were abrogated (P<0.05) by siRNA-mediated knockdown of ADM (siADM) and its shared receptor component calcitonin-receptor-like receptor (CALCRL; siCALCRL), as well as by rapamycin, the inhibitor of mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR). Using siRNA mediated knockdown of CALCRL coupled with Western blot analyses, ADM signaling transduction was determined in which ADM binds to CALCRL to increase phosphorylation of MTOR, its downstream effectors (4EBP1, P70S6K, and S6), and upstream regulators (AKT and TSC2). Collectively, these results suggest that porcine ADM in histotroph act on its receptor component CALCRL to activate AKT-TSC2-MTOR, particularly MTORC1 signaling cascade, leading to elongation,migration and attachment of conceptuses.
“Divergent TLR2 and TLR4 activation by fungal spores and species diversity in dust from waste-sorting plants”
Authors: Afanou Anani K , Mundra Sunil , Fjeld Estensmo Eva Lena , Pedersen Ine , Liland Jens Rasmus , Eriksen Elke , Graff Pål , Hildre Tonje Trulssen , Nordby Karl-Christian , Straumfors Anne
Published: October 2022

1.

This manuscript presents the results of an exploratory study on the relationships between NFkB (Nuclear Factor Kappa Chain Enhancer of B-cells) response through TLRs activation by dust characterized by fungal spore concentrations and species diversity. Personal total dust samples were collected from Norwegian waste sorting plants and then characterized for fungal spores and fungal species diversity, as well as for other bioaerosol components, including endotoxins and actinobacteria. The ability of the dust to induce an NFkB response by activating Toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) in vitro was evaluated as well as the relationship between such responses and quantifiable bioaerosol components. The average concentrations of bioaerosols were 7.23 mg total dust m−3, 4.49×105fungal spores m−3, 814 endotoxin units m−3, and 0.6×105actinobacteria m−3. The mean diversity measurements were 326; 0.59 and 3.39 for fungal richness, evenness, and Shannon Index, respectively. Overall, fungal OTUs belonging to the Ascomycotina phylum were most abundant (55%), followed by Basidiomycota (33%) and Mucormycota (3%). All samples induced significant NFkB responses through TLR2 and TLR4 activation. While fungal spore levels were positively associated with TLR2 and TLR4 activation, there was a trend that fungal species richness was negatively associated with the activation of these receptors. This observation supports the existence of divergent immunological responses relationship between fungal spore levels and fungal species diversity. Such relationships seem to be described for the first time for dust from waste facilities.
Characterizing biofilm interactions betweenRalstonia insidiosaandChryseobacterium gleum
Authors: Foote Andrea , Schutz Kristin , Zhao Zirui , DiGianivittorio Pauline , Korwin-Mihavics Bethany R. , LiPuma John J. , Wargo Matthew J.
Published: October 2022

Ralstonia insidiosaandChryseobacterium gleumare bacterial species commonly found in potable water systems and these two species contribute to the robustness of biofilm formation in a model six-species community from the International Space Station (ISS) potable water system. Here, we set about characterizing the interaction between these two ISS-derived strains and examining the extent to which this interaction extends to other strains and species in these two genera. The enhanced biofilm formation between the ISS strains ofR. insidiosaandC. gleumis robust to starting inoculum and temperature, occurs in some but not all tested growth media, and evidence does not support a soluble mediator or co-aggregation mechanism. These findings shed light on the ISSR. insidiosaandC. gleuminteraction, though such enhancement is not common between these species based on our examination of otherR. insidiosaandC. gleumstrains, as well as other species of Ralstonia and Chryseobacterium. Thus, while the findings presented here increase our understanding of the ISS potable water model system, not all our findings are broadly extrapolatable to strains found outside of the ISS.

Importance

Biofilms present in drinking water systems and terminal fixtures are important for human health, pipe corrosion, and water taste. Here we examine the enhanced biofilm of cu-cultures for two very common bacteria from potable water systems,Ralstonia insidiosaandChryseobacterium gleum. While strains originally isolated on the International Space Station show enhanced dual-species biofilm formation, terrestrial strains do not show the same interaction properties. This study contributes to our understanding of these two species in both dual and mono-culture biofilm formation.
Structure of the Inmazeb cocktail and resistance to escape against Ebola virus
Authors: Rayaprolu Vamseedhar , Fulton Ben , Rafique Ashique , Arturo Emilia , Williams Dewight , Hariharan Chitra , Callaway Heather , Parvate Amar , Schendel Sharon L. , Parekh Diptiben , Hui Sean , Shaffer Kelly , Pascal Kristen , Wloga Elzbieta , Giordano Stephanie , Copin Richard , Franklin Matthew , Boytz RuthMabel , Donahue Callie , Davey Robert , Baum Alina , Kyratsous Christos A. , Saphire Erica Ollmann
Published: October 2022

Monoclonal antibodies can provide important pre- or post-exposure protection against disease for those not yet vaccinated or in individuals that fail to mount a protective immune response after vaccination. A key concern in use of monotherapy monoclonal antibody products lies in the high risk of mutagenic escape. Inmazeb (REGN-EB3), a three-antibody cocktail against Ebola virus, demonstrated efficacy in lessening disease course and improving survival in a randomized, controlled trial. Here we present the cryoEM structure at 3.1 Å of the Ebola virus glycoprotein, determined without symmetry averaging, in a simultaneous complex with eight Fab fragments of antibodies in the Inmazeb cocktail. This structure allows modeling of previously disordered portions of the glycan cap, maps the non-overlapping epitopes of Inmazeb, and illuminates the basis for complementary activities, as well as residues that are critical for resistance to escape by each component of this cocktail and other clinically relevant antibodies. We also provide direct evidence that, unlike monotherapy treatments, including those targeting conserved epitopes, the Inmazeb protects against the rapid emergence of EBOV escape mutants and supports the benefit of the combination approach.
Redefining the construction managerial landscape to facilitate Industry 4.0 implementation: scientometric mapping of research frontiers
Authors: Ghosh Arka , Abawajy Jemal , Chowdhury Morshed
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study aims to provide an excellent overview of current research trends in the construction sector in digital advancements. It provides a roadmap to policymakers for the effective utilisation of emergent digital technologies and a need for a managerial shift for its smooth adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 3,046 peer-reviewed journal review articles covering Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, building information modelling (BIM) and digital technologies within the construction sector were reviewed using scientometric mapping and weighted mind-map analysis techniques.

Findings

Prominent research clusters identified were: practice-factor-strategy, system, sustainability, BIM and construction worker safety. Leading countries, authors, institutions and their collaborative networks were identified with the UK, the USA, China and Australia leading this field of research. A conceptual framework for an IoT-based concrete lifecycle quality control system is provided.

Originality/value

The study traces the origins of the initial application of Industry 4.0 concepts in the construction field and reviews available literature from 1983 to 2021. It raises awareness of the latest developments and potential landscape realignment of the construction industry through digital technologies conceptual framework for an IoT-based concrete lifecycle quality control system is provided.
The lived experience of freedom among entrepreneurs with disabilities
Authors: Hidegh Anna Laura , Svastics Carmen , Győri Zsuzsanna , Csillag Sara
Published: October 2022

Purpose

While it is argued that entrepreneurship provides considerable freedom, it is also underlined that it might have the potential for exclusion and oppression. The study contributes to this debate and aims to investigate how entrepreneurs with disabilities (EWD) ascribe meaning to freedom in a contested terrain informed by entrepreneurial autonomy as well as constraints due to impairments and an ableist social environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative approach and builds upon the critical concepts of negative, positive and social freedom as a theoretical lens for the in-depth analysis of the twenty-nine semi-structured interviews with EWD in Hungary.

Findings

Findings indicate that EWD experiences freedom in ambivalent ways. Engaging in the discourse of entrepreneurship offers a subversive discursive toolkit to debunk the constraints established by ableism, enabling both negative and positive freedom. However, individualism being at the heart of entrepreneurship results in othering and undermines social freedom. Thus, while entrepreneurship offers greater individual freedom in both a negative and a positive sense for people with disabilities (PWD), it nevertheless fails to promote collective social change.

Originality/value

Contributing to the critical disability literature, findings contrast the view that having an impairment only reduces a person's abilities and highlight that it also affects the very nature of liberty. Contributing to critical studies on entrepreneurship, the case of EWD provides empirical evidence for understanding the simultaneous emancipatory and oppressive character of entrepreneurship through the interplay of the subjective experience of freedom related to disability and entrepreneurship.
Assessment of attitudes toward patient rights of people live from a Turkey town and migrating to Belgium
Authors: Korkmaz Vahide , Demirsoy Nilüfer
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the attitudes of individuals living in Belgium and in Emirdag in regard to patient rights and the effect of cultural differences in developing the attitude. This study measures the attitudes of two groups of people living in different geographies, “individuals living in Emirdag and Individuals emigrated from Emirdag to Belgium,” and yet having the same ethnic origin, common social and cultural capital.

Design methodology/approach

Implementing quantitative research, the data for the current study was obtained from a total of 1,043 participants, who were administered the Likert type “Patient Rights Attitude Scale” along with demographic questionnaire.

Findings

The total score mean of the scale is 126.09 ± 15.21 in the Emirdag group, whereas in the Belgian group, it is 129.78 ± 13.356. While the attitude with the highest mean score about patient rights in both groups observed under “the right to seek medical attention” and “the right to consent in medical and drug researches” items and thusthese items are considered as a common denominator, the two groups differed in the scale items that received the lowest average.

Social implications

It is important to determine the effects of attitudes toward patient rights and cultural differences on the development of attitudes, to determine the problems in the delivery of health services and health service procurement.

Originality/value

The structures that direct the choices and decisions of individuals in critical subjects such as organ transplantation and euthanasia, and thus having different practices in the doctrine, can be affected by individuals and even society’s rules, beliefs and values. It was concluded that immigrant participants’ dominating culture and related beliefs, rules and values play a role in the making of decision and choice.
Stochastic analysis of a non-identical three units repairable system with operational priority to simultaneously working of identical units
Authors: Malik Suresh Chander , Kadyan Sweety
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of present study is to carry out stochastic analysis of some important reliability measures of a three-unit system where there are two types of units called type-I and type-II. In type-II, two identical units work simultaneously to meet the system requirements while in type-I, a single unit is kept in spare and can be used to work whenever required at the failure of either of the units of type-II. The system starts its operation with type-II units and thus priority is given to the operation of type-II units. The type II units are different to type-I unit but can perform the same task. There is a single server who handles repair activities of both type of units and the units are assumed to be in pristine condition after every repair. Failures of both types of units are independent and constant. The system can fail at the failure of either of the type-II units and type-I unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-Markov process and regenerative point technique are used to study the behaviour of different reliability measures of the system.

Findings

In this paper, a three-unit non-identical repairable system is analysed stochastically and its reliability characteristics such as transition probabilities (TP), mean sojourn time (MST), MTSF, steady state availability, expected number of repairs of units, expected number of visits of the repairman and expected busy period of repairman are derived to carry out profit analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The direct application of the present study can be seen is case of a power distribution system where solar panels may be considered as type-II units and transformer as the type-I unit. Here, the case study is carried out by using approximate data from some old studies; however, a study with accurate data would be more preferable.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few reliability studies conducted on a system with simultaneous working units. Also, the comparative study of the profit of the present system model has been done with that of the model Kadyan et al. (2020a).
Social media influencers’ community and content strategy and follower engagement behavior in the presence of competition: an Instagram-based investigation
Authors: Tafesse Wondwesen , Wood Bronwyn P.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Drawing on insights from social influence theory, the MAIN model of digital media affordances and the literature on the attention economy, this study aims to investigate how social media influencers’ community and content strategy contribute to follower engagement behavior in the presence of competition.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a web-scraped data set of Instagram influencers. It measured community strategy using influencers’ number of followers, number of following and breadth of interest; content strategy using modality type and number of posts; competition using number of influencers operating in the same primary domain of interest; and follower engagement behavior using number of likes and comments. A negative binomial regression model was estimated to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that elements of influencers’ community and content strategies, such as number of followers, modality type and number of posts, influence follower engagement behavior. Similarly, competition significantly influences follower engagement behavior both independently and by interacting with influencers’ community and content strategy.

Practical implications

The findings offer insight for brands to identify suitable influencers for partnerships. For instance, brands can judge influencers’ suitability for partnership based on how many followers they have, how many posts they share and how many competitors they have. Further, the findings offer insight for influencers on how they can drive follower engagement behavior by managing their social media community and content.

Originality/value

This study develops an integrated model of factors that determine follower engagement behavior for social media influencers. The findings emphasize influencers’ strategy as the primary driver of follower engagement behavior. Extant studies focus on followers’ motivation and perception to explain follower engagement behavior while the role of influencers’ strategy is underplayed.
Fintech and Islamic banking growth: new evidence
Authors: Sidaoui Mouwafac , Ben Bouheni Faten , Arslankhuyag Zandanbal , Mian Samuele
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the global developments in the area of fintech solutions by analyzing Islamic and Conventional banks core accounting and market analysis IFIs and their impact on financial inclusion within its core markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect and analyze annual accounting and market Data of the top ten largest Islamic banks and the top ten US Conventional banks, in terms of Total Asset and Market Capitalization, from Bloomberg Data.

Findings

The analysis of Bloomberg data shows higher risk-return for Islamic banks–except ROE Market measure that we suggest-than US conventional banks. Nonetheless, Islamic banking grew faster than conventional banking over the period 2006–2021. As a business model, we find that Islamic banks take more credit with more than seventy percent of their profit from loans, while US conventional banks struggle to reach seventy percent interest rate ratio. The authors’ research documents that Fintech and digitalization are driving Islamic finance growth during financial and economic downturns.

Research limitations/implications

FinTech data is not available for banks, further insights of analysis on FinTech and Innovations in the banking sectors.

Practical implications

Islamic banks continuously innovate to satisfy the users of their services and Fintech is opportune to innovation. This study could be interesting for both practitioners and academics wishing to understand and compare Islamic and conventional banking futures.

Social implications

The authors compared two banking systems, the US and Islamic Banks, which could be useful for users to differentiate between those banking operations.

Originality/value

The authors collected accounting and market data from Bloomberg of top 10 Islamic and top 10 US Conventional banks from 2006 to 2021 to examine Risk-Return, Growth and Business Model of those banks. The authors propose a new Risk-Return measure ROE-Market and its volatility.
How managers approach data analytics: a typology through a Resource Orchestration perspective
Authors: Peterson Jonathan , Tahssain-Gay Loubna , Salvetat David , Perez Fabienne , Hennekam Sophie
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This article aims to examine the factors that influence how managers approach data analytics.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on content analysis of 34 in-depth interviews with managers in various sectors in France.

Findings

Using Resource Orchestration Theory as the theoretical lens, the findings show that an understanding of the importance of data analytics, having the skills to effectively use data analytics and the capability to integrate data analytics throughout organizations impact the approach adopted by managers. Based on these interrelated factors, a typology of four different approaches is identified: buyer-users, segmenters, promoters and implementers.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' study reflects results from multiple industries instead of one particular sector. Delving deeper into the practices of distinct sectors with respect to the authors' typology would be of interest.

Practical implications

The study points to the role of managers and more specifically managers' perception of the opportunities and challenges related to data analytics. These perceptions emerge in managers' skills and capacity to understand and integrate dimensions of data analytics that go beyond one's areas of expertise in order to create capabilities towards an organization's advantage.

Originality/value

The authors contribute by revealing three interrelated factors influencing how managers approach data analytics in managers' organizations. The authors address the need expressed by practitioners to better identify factors responsible for adoption and effective use of data analytics.
How “age‐friendly” are deprescribing interventions? A scoping review of deprescribing trials
Authors: Wang Jinjiao , Shen Jenny Y. , Conwell Yeates , Podsiadly Eric J. , Caprio Thomas V. , Nathan Kobi , Yu Fang , Ramsdale Erika E. , Fick Donna M. , Mixon Amanda S. , Simmons Sandra F.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To assess how age‐friendly deprescribing trials are regarding intervention design and outcome assessment. Reduced use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) can be addressed by deprescribing—a systematic process of discontinuing and/or reducing the use of PIMs. The 4Ms—“Medication”, “Mentation”, “Mobility”, and “What Matters Most” to the person—can be used to guide assessment of age‐friendliness of deprescribing trials.

Data Source

Published literature.

Study Design

Scoping review.

Data Extraction Methods

The literature was identified using keywords related to deprescribing and polypharmacy in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, ProQuest, CINAHL, and Cochrane and snowballing. Study characteristics were extracted and evaluated for consideration of 4Ms.

Principal Findings

Thirty‐seven of the 564 trials identified met the review eligibility criteria. Intervention design: “Medication” was considered in the intervention design of all trials; “Mentation” was considered in eight trials; “Mobility” (n = 2) and “What Matters Most” (n = 6) were less often considered in the design of intervention. Most trials targeted providers without specifying how matters important to older adults and their families were aligned with deprescribing decisions. Outcome assessment: “Medication” was the most commonly assessed outcome (n = 33), followed by “Mobility” (n = 13) and “Mentation” (n = 10) outcomes, with no study examining “What Matters Most” outcomes.

Conclusions

“Mentation” and “Mobility”, and “What Matters Most” have been considered to varying degrees in deprescribing trials, limiting the potential of deprescribing evidence to contribute to improved clinical practice in building an age‐friendly health care system.
Gut health, the microbiome and dietary choices: An exploration of consumer perspectives
Authors: Williams Georgina M. , Tapsell Linda C. , Beck Eleanor J.
Published: October 2022

Aims

To explore consumer perceptions regarding dietary behaviours related to the gut microbiome, to assist in effective translation of research to practice.

Methods

Online focus groups were conducted (adults with no formal medical or nutrition training). Semi‐structured open‐ended questioning explored perspectives related to gut health and dietary behaviours. A qualitative descriptive analysis approach was undertaken in duplicate.

Results

Fourteen focus groups were conducted (n = 38, 15 males, 23 females). Four overarching themes regarding consumer perceptions were identified. These were (a) gut health equates with wellbeing, (b) there are divergent perceptions of how diet influences gut health, (c) interest in scientific evidence does not necessarily influence dietary behaviour and (d) gastrointestinal symptoms influence dietary behaviour.

Conclusions

Consumers are interested in gut health and understand that diet may be important. Given that current literature regarding diet and gut health does not differ from dietary guidelines, consumer interest may provide a timely slant to promote longstanding guidelines. Consumer education to limit scepticism around government messaging, including utilisation of social media by nutrition professionals, may be key to improving adherence to guidelines.
Embryonic ethanol exposure induces ectopic Hcrt and MCH neurons outside hypothalamus in rats and zebrafish: Role in ethanol‐induced behavioural disturbances
Authors: Collier Adam D. , Yasmin Nushrat , Chang Guo‐Qing , Karatayev Olga , Khalizova Nailya , Fam Milisia , Abdulai Abdul R. , Yu Boyi , Leibowitz Sarah F.
Published: October 2022

Embryonic exposure to ethanol increases the risk for alcohol use disorder in humans and stimulates alcohol‐related behaviours in different animal models. Evidence in rats and zebrafish suggests that this phenomenon induced by ethanol at low‐moderate concentrations involves a stimulatory effect on neurogenesis and density of hypothalamic neurons expressing the peptides, hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt) and melanin‐concentrating hormone (MCH), known to promote alcohol consumption. Building on our report in zebrafish showing that ethanol induces ectopic expression of Hcrt neurons outside the hypothalamus, we investigated here whether embryonic ethanol exposure also induces ectopic peptide neurons in rats similar to zebrafish and affects their morphological characteristics and if these ectopic neurons are functional and have a role in the ethanol‐induced disturbances in behaviour. We demonstrate in rats that ethanol at a low‐moderate dose, in addition to increasing Hcrt and MCH neurons in the lateral hypothalamus where they are normally concentrated, induces ectopic expression of these peptide neurons further anterior in the nucleus accumbens core and ventromedial caudate putamen where they have not been previously observed and causes morphological changes relative to normally located hypothalamic neurons. Similar to rats, embryonic ethanol exposure at a low‐moderate dose in zebrafish induces ectopic Hcrt neurons anterior to the hypothalamus and alters their morphology. Notably, laser ablation of these ectopic Hcrt neurons blocks the behavioural effects induced by ethanol exposure, including increased anxiety and locomotor activity. These findings suggest that the ectopic peptide neurons are functional and contribute to the ethanol‐induced behavioural disturbances related to the overconsumption of alcohol.
Vimentin and tumor–stroma ratio for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response prediction in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Tian Wenjing , Yang Yuqin , Qin Qi , Zhang Liguo , Wang Zheyan , Su Liqian , Zeng Lirong , Chen Hui , Hu Lingzhi , Hong Jiawei , Huang Ying , Zhang Qingling , Zhao Hong
Published: October 2022

Vimentin expression in tumor tissues and the tumor–stroma ratio (TSR) have been demonstrated as strong prognostic factors for cancer patients, but whether they are predictive markers of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) outcome in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the predictive significance of vimentin and TSR combined for nCRT response in LARC patients. Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) was performed to determine the association of vimentin and TSR with nCRT response in six LARC patients [three achieved pathological complete response (pCR), three did not]. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for vimentin and TSR on biopsy tissues before nCRT and logistic regression analysis were performed to further evaluate their predictive value for treatment responses in a larger patient cohort. A trend of decreased vimentin expression and increased TSR in the pCR group was revealed by IMC. In the validation group, vimentin [odds ratio (OR) 0.260, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.102–0.602, p = 0.002] and TSR (OR 4.971, 95% CI 1.933–15.431, p = 0.002) were associated with pCR by univariate analysis. Patients in the vimentin‐low/TSR‐low or vimentin‐high/TSR‐high (OR 5.211, 95% CI 1.248–35.582, p = 0.042) and vimentin‐low/TSR‐high groups (OR 11.846, 95% CI 3.197–77.079, p = 0.001) had significantly higher odds of pCR. By multivariate analysis, only the combination of vimentin and TSR was an independent predictor for nCRT response (OR 9.324, 95% CI 2.290–63.623, p = 0.006). Our study suggested that the combined assessment of vimentin and TSR can provide additive significance and may be a promising indicator of nCRT response in LARC patients.
Blood eosinophil count in the diagnosis of allergic‐like rhinitis with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Luo Qiqi , Zhou Siyi , Yuan Bo , Feng Zeli , Tan Guolin , Liu Honghui
Published: October 2022

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) often are comorbid with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Finding a convenient test that distinguishes these complex conditions is helpful for effective treatment. We aimed to analyse blood parameter differences between AR and NAR patients with/without CRS.

Methods

Eight hundred thirteen patients, including AR and NAR with different conditions [CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP)] were analysed in this retrospective study. Patients with a nasal deviation alone were included as healthy controls (HC). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the value of blood parameters for diagnosing AR or NAR with/without CRS.

Results

Compared to nonallergic‐like rhinitis (HC, CRSwNP and CRSsNP), the blood eosinophil count was significantly increased in the allergic‐like rhinitis groups, except for NAR‐CRSsNP (AR, AR‐CRSwNP, AR‐CRSsNP, NAR and NAR‐CRSwNP). The NAR‐CRSsNP group had a higher level of eosinophils than the HC and CRSsNP groups. Among allergic‐like rhinitis patients, eosinophils were higher in allergic‐like rhinitis patients with CRSwNP (AR‐CRSwNP and NAR‐CRSwNP) than in allergic‐like rhinitis patients without CRSwNP (AR, AR‐CRSsNP, NAR and NAR‐CRSsNP). However, no difference in blood eosinophils was observed between AR and NAR. There was also no difference among nonallergic‐like rhinitis patients. Similar findings were found for the blood eosinophil proportion. Furthermore, the blood eosinophil count was a good predictor of allergic‐like rhinitis, especially allergic‐like rhinitis with CRSwNP.

Conclusion

The blood eosinophil count and proportion may be good diagnostic predictors of allergic‐like rhinitis but cannot differentiate between AR and NAR. This indicator may be much better in predicting allergic‐like rhinitis with CRSwNP.
Which factors influence the decision to perform Hartmann's reversal in various causative disease situations? A retrospective cohort study between 2006 and 2021
Authors: Katsura Morihiro , Fukuma Shingo , Chida Kohei , Saegusa Yoshitaka , Kanda Shuhei , Kawasaki Kyohei , Tsuzuki Yukihiro , Ie Masafumi
Published: October 2022

Aim

Our aim was to investigate the predictive factors for Hartmann's reversal and to describe the differences in the rates and timings of Hartmann's reversal for various causative diseases.

Method

In this multicentre retrospective cohort study patients who underwent Hartmann's procedure (HP) between 2006 and 2018 were enrolled. To describe the demographic patterns of Hartmann's reversal through to 2021, we analysed the cumulative incidence rate of Hartmann's reversal over time based on the Kaplan–Meier failure estimate. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed with cluster‐adjusted robust standard errors to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for the assessment of variables associated with colostomy reversal.

Results

Of 250 patients who underwent the index HP and survived to discharge, 112 (45%) underwent subsequent Hartmann's reversal (36% for malignant and 51% for benign disease). The causative diseases with the highest probability of colostomy reversal were trauma (85%) and diverticular disease (73%). Conversely, colostomy reversal was performed in only 16% for colonic volvulus and 17% for bowel ischaemia. Home discharge after index HP (HR 5.22, 95% CI 3.31–8.23) and a higher body mass index (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.04) were associated with a higher probability of Hartmann's reversal, whereas older age, malignant disease and a history of cardiovascular and psychoneurological diseases were independently associated with a lower probability of colostomy reversal.

Conclusion

The probability and timing of Hartmann's reversal varied considerably with the surgical indications for colostomy creation. Our results could help surgeons counsel patients and their families regarding stoma closure surgery to set realistic expectations.