bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational prediction of therapeutic response and cancer outcomes
Authors: Griffiths Matthew , Kubeyev Amanzhol , Laurie Jordan , Giorni Andrea , Zillmann da Silva Luiz A. , Sivasubramaniam Prabu , Foster Matthew , Biankin Andrew V. , Asghar Uzma
Published: January 2024

Oncology therapeutic development continues to be plagued by high failure rates leading to substantial costs with only incremental improvements in overall benefit and survival. Advances in technology including the molecular characterisation of cancer and computational power provide the opportunity to better model therapeutic response and resistance. Here we use a novel approach which utilises Bayesian statistical principles used by astrophysicists to measure the mass of dark matter to predict therapeutic response. We construct “Digital Twins” of individual cancer patients and predict response for cancer treatments. We validate the approach by predicting the results of clinical trials. Better prediction of therapeutic response would improve current clinical decision-making and oncology therapeutic development.
Intra-aortic balloon pump is associated with the lowest whereas Impella with the highest inpatient mortality and complications regardless of severity or hospital types (rural or university) or after adjustment for 47 high risk variables and baseline characteristics by studying over 800,000 inpatients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Movahed Mohammad Reza , Talle Armin , Hashemzadeh Mehrtash
Published: January 2024

Background

Impella and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) are commonly utilized in patients with cardiogenic shock. However, the effect on mortality remains controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of Impella and IABP on mortality and complications in patients with cardiogenic shock.

Method

The large Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was utilized to study any association between the use of IABP or Impella on mortality and complications in adults with a diagnosis of cardiogenic shocks.

Results

ICD-10 codes for Impella, IABP, and cardiogenic shock for available years 2016-2020 were utilized. A total of 844,020 patients had a diagnosis of cardiogenic shock. 101,870 were treated with IABP and 39,645 with an Impella. Total inpatient mortality without any device was 34.2% vs only 25.1% with IABP use (OR=0.65, CI 0.62-0.67) but was highest at 40.7% with Impella utilization (OR=1.32, CI 1.26-1.39). Using multivariate analysis adjusting for 47 variables such as age, gender, race, lactose acidosis, three-vessel intervention, left main myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, systolic heart failure, acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, chronic renal disease, etc., Impella utilization remained associated with the highest mortality (OR: 1.33, CI 1.25-1.41, p<0.001) whereas IABP remained associated with the lowest mortality (OR: 0.69, CI 0.66-0.72, p<0.001). Separating rural vs teaching hospitals revealed similar findings.

Conclusion

In patients with cardiogenic shock, the use of Impella was associated with the highest whereas the utilization of IABP was associated with the lowest in hospital mortality regardless of comorbid condition, high-risk futures, or type of hospital.
Unique combination of Recombinase Polymerase Amplification with label-free citrate-stabilised silver nanoparticle assay offers a highly sensitive, fast, accurate and visual molecular detection ofKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Patnaik Naresh , Orekonday Nidhi , Dey Ruchi Jain
Published: January 2024

Our study addresses the growing concern posed byKlebsiella pneumoniae, a significant pathogen acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO). This bacterium is particularly alarming due to its association with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), impacting immunologically vulnerable populations, especially in hospital settings, and playing a crucial role in wound management. Moreover, this pathogen raises significant concerns in maternal and child health, being correlated with adverse outcomes like pre-term birth, low birth weight, and increased susceptibility to infections in new-borns, often resulting in morbidity and mortality.

A major obstacle to the effective and timely management ofK. pneumoniaeinfections is the absence of rapid and cost-effective detection tools in resource-poor point-of-care (POC) settings. This study introduces an innovative combination of three POC-compatible methods: Insta DNA™ card-based sample collection and DNA extraction, Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-based isothermal amplification, and a silver nanoparticle (AgNP) aggregation assay for visual detection. Together, these methods offer simple yet highly sensitive, specific, and rapid visual detection of as few as ∼1 bacterium ofK. pneumoniaewithin ∼45 minutes. The synergy of these methods eliminates the need for sophisticated equipment, making it highly suitable for field and resource-poor POC applications.
The interplay between insomnia and Alzheimer’s Disease across three main brain networks
Authors: Elberse Jorik D. , Saberi Amin , Ahmadi Reihaneh , Changizi Monir , Bi Hanwen , Hoffstaedter Felix , Mander Bryce A. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Tahmasian Masoud ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2024

Background

Insomnia is prevalent along the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the neurobiological underpinning of their interaction is poorly understood. Here, we assessed structural and functional brain measures within and between the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and central executive network (CEN).

Methods

We selected 320 subjects from the ADNI database and divided by their diagnosis: cognitively normal (CN), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and AD, with and without self-reported insomnia symptoms. We measured the gray matter volume (GMV), structural covariance (SC), degrees centrality (DC), and functional connectivity (FC). We tested the effect and interaction of insomnia symptoms and diagnosis on each index across groups. Subsequently, we performed a within-group linear regression for each network. Finally, we correlated brain abnormalities with cognitive scores.

Results

Insomnia symptoms were associated with FC alterations across all groups. The AD group also demonstrated an interaction between insomnia and diagnosis. In the CN and MCI groups, insomnia symptoms were characterized by patterns of within-network hyperconnectivity, while in the AD group, within- and between-network hypoconnectivity was observed. FC alterations within and between DMN and CEN hubs were associated with reduced MMSE scores in each of the groups. SC and GMV alterations were non-significant in the presence of insomnia symptoms, and DC indices only showed network-level alterations in the CEN for AD individuals.

Conclusions

Insomnia symptoms affect the intrinsic functional organization of the three networks along the AD trajectory. Patients with AD present with a unique pattern of insomnia-related functional alterations, highlighting the profound interaction between both conditions.
Survey on emergency care utilization in tertiary care hospitals in Indonesia
Authors: Fujisawa Mineto , Fukaguchi Kiyomitsu , Tokita Akio , Iwamoto Yuta , Takeda Takanori , Condro Lukito , Tobing Monalisa , Prabowo Bobi , Qodri Rarasanti Rania , Battra S.Tr. , Goto Tadahiro
Published: January 2024

Objective

Indonesia’s emergency care system remains suboptimal despite rising demand due to socio-economic changes and increased life expectancy. This study aims to examine patient and family perceptions of the current emergency care system, identify potential needs, and provide a foundation for its development and improvement.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used an online survey at two Indonesian hospitals in 2022 to target adult emergency department patients or their families. Each participant’s demographic data, patient journey details, and potential additional medical services were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The study included 446 participants, primarily family members of patients (93.7%), with a median age of 37 (IQR: 28 to 43□years). The majority of patients visited the hospital using private cars (36.9%) and taxis (17.2%), with marked variation between the two hospitals. Only 9.4% of participants were aware of Public Safety Center (PSC) services, and the majority (58.9%) did not use them because they did not know how to contact PSC. The most common waiting time was up to 20 minutes at two tertiary care hospitals. Additional services desired by participants included doctor reservation systems, medical interview applications, and home visitation services. Reported problems included long waiting times and crowded emergency rooms.

Conclusions

The study highlights transportation disparities and the demand for supplemental services to better emergency department experiences. For optimizing PSC utilization and future resource distribution, it is vital to further investigate patient behaviors and needs during emergency department visits.
Region-based analysis with functional annotation identifies genes associated with cognitive function in South Asians from India
Authors: Abu-Amara Hasan , Zhao Wei , Li Zheng , Leung Yuk Yee , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Wang Li-San , Moorjani Priya , Dey A.B. , Dey Sharmitha , Zhou Xiang , Gross Alden L. , Lee Jinkook , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Smith Jennifer A.
Published: January 2024

The prevalence of dementia among South Asians across India is approximately 7.4% in those 60 years and older, yet little is known about genetic risk factors for dementia in this population. Most known risk loci for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been identified from studies conducted in European Ancestry (EA) but are unknown in South Asians. Using whole-genome sequence data from 2680 participants from the Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for the Longitudinal Aging Study of India (LASI-DAD), we performed a gene-based analysis of 84 genes previously associated with AD in EA. We investigated associations with the Hindi Mental State Examination (HMSE) score and factor scores for general cognitive function and five cognitive domains. For each gene, we examined missense/loss-of-function (LoF) variants and brain-specific promoter/enhancer variants, separately, both with and without incorporating additional annotation weights (e.g., deleteriousness, conservation scores) using the variant-Set Test for Association using Annotation infoRmation (STAAR). In the missense/LoF analysis without annotation weights and controlling for age, sex, state/territory, and genetic ancestry, three genes had an association with at least one measure of cognitive function (FDR q<0.1).APOEwas associated with four measures of cognitive function,PICALMwas associated with HMSE score, andTSPOAP1was associated with executive function. The most strongly associated variants in each gene were rs429358 (APOEε4), rs779406084 (PICALM), and rs9913145 (TSPOAP1). rs779406084 is a rare missense mutation that is more prevalent in LASI-DAD than in EA (minor allele frequency=0.075% vs. 0.0015%); the other two are common variants. No genes in the brain-specific promoter/enhancer analysis met criteria for significance. Results with and without annotation weights were similar. Missense/LoF variants in some genes previously associated with AD in EA are associated with measures of cognitive function in South Asians from India. Analyzing genome sequence data allows identification of potential novel causal variants enriched in South Asians.
Genetic Associations Between Celiac Disease and Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Omar Mahmud , Omar Mohammad , Nassar Saleh , Lahat Adi , Sharif Kassem
Published: January 2024

Background

Celiac disease, a gluten-triggered autoimmune disorder, is known for its systemic inflammatory effects. Epidemiological data suggest an association with type 2 inflammatory diseases like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, however, genetic associations remain unclear, prompting this study to explore their potential genetic interplay.

Methods

Utilizing Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR), we examined genetic associations using 15 genetic instruments from GWAS datasets. Our analysis focused on celiac disease and its relation to asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. Power analysis was conducted to determine the study’s detection capabilities, and Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using various MR methods.

Results

A significant positive association was observed between celiac disease and atopic dermatitis (OR = 1.037, 95% CI: 1.015 - 1.059), and a slight association with allergic rhinitis (OR = 1.002, 95% CI: 1.0004 - 1.0032). Conversely, a minor protective effect was noted for asthma (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96 - 0.98). These results, supported by a high F-statistic, suggest a strong genetic linkage, despite some heterogeneity and complexity in the associations.

Conclusion

Our study identifies significant genetic links between celiac disease and type 2 inflammatory diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, with a minor protective effect against asthma. These findings, underscored by a strong F-statistic, suggest complex genetic interactions and emphasize the need for further research to explore their clinical relevance.
Understanding exogenous factors and biological mechanisms for cognitive frailty: a multidisciplinary scoping review
Authors: Holland Carol , Dravecz Nikolett , Owens Lauren , Benedetto Alexandre , Dias Irundika , Gow Alan , Broughton Susan
Published: January 2024

Cognitive frailty (CF) is the conjunction of cognitive impairment without dementia and physical frailty. While predictors of each element are well-researched, mechanisms of their co-occurrence have not been integrated, particularly in terms of relationships between social, psychological, and biological factors. This interdisciplinary scoping review set out to categorise a heterogenous multidisciplinary literature to identify potential pathways and mechanisms of CF, and research gaps. Studies were included if they used the definition of CF OR focused on conjunction of cognitive impairment and frailty, AND excluded studies on specific disease populations, interventions, epidemiology or prediction of mortality. Searches used Web of Science, PubMed and Science Direct. Search terms included “cognitive frailty” OR ((“cognitive decline” OR “cognitive impairment”) AND (frail*)), with terms to elicit mechanisms, predictors, causes, pathways and risk factors. To ensure inclusion of animal and cell models, keywords such as “behavioural” or “cognitive decline” or “senescence”, were added. 206 papers were included. Descriptive analysis provided high-level categorisation of determinants from social and environmental through psychological to biological. Patterns distinguishing CF from Alzheimer’s disease were identified and social and psychological moderators and mediators of underlying biological and physiological changes and of trajectories of CF development were suggested as foci for further research.

Highlights

Specific impairments in cognition distinguish cognitive frailty from early dementias.

Depression mediates links between frailty and cognitive impairment in aging.

Psychosocial and environmental factors impact underlying biological processes.

Health behaviour and population interventions could prevent or reverse cognitive frailty.

Development of model organism models of cognitive frailty is needed.
Determination of fission barrier height of
Fr210
and
Ra210
via neutron measurement
Authors: Veselský M. , Rubovič P. , Petousis V. , Natal da Luz H. , Burian P. , Mánek P. , Meduna L. , Smolyanskiy P. , Raabe R. , Camaiani A. , Klimo J. , Poleshchuk O. , Youssef A. , Ceulemans A. , Latif M. , Jandel M. , Bírová M. , Herzán A. , Špaček A. , Venhart M. , Pellegriti M. G. , Andreyev A. N. , Page C. , Souliotis G. A. , Lica R.
Published: January 2024

Fission barrier heights of short-lived nuclei away from line of β stability are not known reliably. Low-energy fission of Fr210 and Ra210, produced by (d,p) and (d,n) transfer reaction on the re-accelerated unstable beam Fr209 was investigated at HIE-ISOLDE. Four Timepix3 pixel detectors were installed on the body of the ACTAR TPC demonstrator chamber. Polyethylene converters were used for the detection of fast neutrons. Since no significant background was observed, it was possible to measure the spatial distribution of emitted neutrons reflecting the fission excitation function. Subsequent simulations employing the results of the code and available data on fission fragment distributions allowed to estimate directly the value of the fission barrier height for the neutron-deficient nucleus Fr210. This first direct measurement confirmed the reduction of the fission barrier compared to available theoretical calculations by 15–30%.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Mass and spectral function of scalar and pseudoscalar mesons in a hot and chirally imbalanced medium using the two-flavor NJL model
Authors: Ghosh Snigdha , Chaudhuri Nilanjan , Sarkar Sourav , Roy Pradip
Published: January 2024

We explore the properties of neutral mesons within the context of a chirally imbalanced medium, employing the two-flavor Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. The temperature dependence of the constituent quark mass at finite values of the chiral chemical potential (CCP) demonstrates the well-established phenomena of chiral catalysis at lower temperatures and inverse chiral catalysis at higher temperatures. The polarization functions in both the scalar (σ) and pseudoscalar (π0) channels have been evaluated using the real-time formalism of thermal field theory. These have been used to determine the masses and spectral functions of σ and π mesons. Detailed investigation of the analytic structure of the imaginary part of the polarization function for σ and π mesons results in the emergence of nontrivial Landau-cut contributions due to the presence of chiral imbalance. The multiple solutions for the mass of the π meson for specific values of CCP have been analyzed on the basis of their residue at the pole. Furthermore, we have observed abrupt changes in the masses of both scalar and pseudoscalar mesons at finite CCP values, particularly at higher temperatures. A decreasing trend in the Mott transition temperature is seen with the increase in CCP.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
From Dirac to Majorana: The cosmic neutrino background capture rate in the minimally extended Standard Model
Authors: Perez-Gonzalez Yuber F. , Sen Manibrata
Published: January 2024

We investigate the capture rate of the cosmic neutrino background on tritium within the Standard Model, extended to incorporate three right-handed singlet neutrinos with explicit lepton-number violation. We consider a scenario where the 6×6 neutrino mixing matrix factorizes into three independent 2×2 pairs and analyze the states produced from weak interactions just before neutrino decoupling. Taking into account the unrestricted Majorana mass scale associated with lepton number violation, spanning from the grand unification scale to Planck-suppressed values, we observe a gradual transition in the capture rate from a purely Majorana neutrino to a purely (pseudo) Dirac neutrino. We demonstrate that the capture rate is modified if the lightest active neutrino is relativistic, and this can be used to constrain the tiniest value of mass-squared difference ∼10−35  eV2, between the active-sterile pair, probed so far. Consequently, the cosmic neutrino capture rate could become a promising probe for discerning the underlying mechanism responsible for generating neutrino masses.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Primordial black hole versus inflaton
Authors: Haque Md Riajul , Kpatcha Essodjolo , Maity Debaprasad , Mambrini Yann
Published: January 2024

We compare the dark matter (DM) production processes and its parameters space in the background of reheating obtained from two chief systems in the early Universe: the inflaton ϕ and the primordial black holes (PBHs). We concentrated on the mechanism where DMs are universally produced only from the PBH decay and the generation of the standard model plasma from both inflaton and PBHs. Whereas the distribution of primordial black holes behaves like dust, the inflaton phenomenology depends strongly on its equation of state after the inflationary phase, which in turn is conditioned by the nature of the potential V(ϕ). Depending upon the initial mass and population of PBHs, a large range of DM mass is shown to be viable if reheating is controlled by PBHs itself. Inflaton-dominated reheating is observed to further widen such possibilities depending on the initial population of black holes and its mass as well as the coupling of the inflaton to the standard model sector.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Emergent M-theory limit
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Cribiori Niccolò , Gligovic Aleksandar , Paraskevopoulou Antonia
Published: January 2024

It has been recently proposed that at each infinite distance limit in the moduli space of quantum gravity a perturbative description emerges with fundamental degrees of freedom given by those infinite towers of states whose typical mass scale is parametrically not larger than the ultraviolet cutoff, identified with the species scale. This proposal is applied to the familiar ten-dimensional type IIA and IIB superstring theories, when considering the limit of infinite string coupling. For type IIB, the light towers of states are given by excitations of the D1-brane, as expected from self-duality. Instead, for type IIA at strong coupling, which is dual to M-theory on S1, we make the observation that the emergent degrees of freedom are bound states of transversal M2- and M5-branes with Kaluza-Klein momentum along the circle. We speculate on the interpretation of the necessity of including all these states for a putative quantum formulation of M-theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonthermal entanglement dynamics in a dipole-facilitated glassy model with disconnected subspaces
Authors: Chen Guanhua , Yao Yao
Published: January 2024

We construct a dipole-facilitated kinetic constraint to partition the Hilbert space into three disconnected subspaces, two of which are nonthermal and the other acts as an intrinsic thermal bath. The resulting glassy system freely oscillates in nonthermal subspaces, making the quantum entanglement perform like a substantial qubit. The spatially spreading entanglement, quantified by concurrence, fidelity, and 2-Rényi entropy, is found to be spontaneously recovered, which is absent in other reference models. Under low-frequency random flip noise, this reversible hydrodynamics of entanglement holds high fidelity and volume law, while at high frequency thermalization unusually occurs leading to a strange phase transition. Our work offers an elaborate space structure for realizing ergodicity breaking and controllable entanglement dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Formation of collisionless shocks driven by strongly magnetized relativistic electrons in the laboratory
Authors: Campbell P. T. , Russell B. K. , Dong C. , Fiksel G. , Nilson P. M. , Thomas A. G. R. , Walsh C. A. , Krushelnick K. M. , Willingale L.
Published: January 2024

In experiments performed with the OMEGA EP laser system, proton deflectometry captured magnetic field dynamics consistent with collisionless shock formation driven by strongly magnetized relativistic electrons. During laser-foil interactions, shocks can form as relativistic electrons and strong surface magnetic fields generated by a short-pulse laser impinge on a cooler plasma produced by a longer-pulse laser. Three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations reproduce the magnetic draping and fast formation speeds measured in the experiment and reveal that this relativistic-electron-driven shock forms at an interface that is unstable to shear and streaming instabilities. The simulation results provide insight into the microphysics that may influence high-energy shocks observed in extreme astrophysical environments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Measuring Vibrational Modes in Living Human Cells
Authors: Puerto-Belda Verónica , Ruz Jose J. , Millá Carmen , Cano Álvaro , Yubero Marina L. , García Sergio , Kosaka Priscila M. , Calleja Montserrat , Tamayo Javier
Published: January 2024

The question of whether human living cells in physiological conditions exhibit mechanical resonances has remained unresolved for more than 70 years. We here construct a theoretical model to predict how these hypothetical vibration modes of a living cell can modify the stochastic response of a supporting micromechanical resonator. The key signatures that demonstrate the existence of these vibration modes are then searched for experimentally. To this aim, single human breast epithelial cells were attached to the surface of compliant small microcantilevers. Close examination of the frequency spectra of the thermal fluctuations of the microcantilever over a high-frequency range of 1 kHz–1 MHz revealed anomalies that are consistent with our theoretical predictions. We identify the stochastic coupling of the first and third vibration modes of the cell with the torsional and flexural vibration modes of the cantilever, respectively. These mechanical resonances are very broad and are located at 10–30 kHz and 150–180 kHz, respectively. The analysis of the experiments allows us to obtain information on the temporal evolution of several physical properties of the cell, in addition to the resonance frequencies, during the adhesion process—such as the mass, viscoelasticity, and contact area. These results open multiple avenues in our understanding of single cell mechanobiology, vibrational spectrometry of living cells and mechanical destruction of cancerous cells by targeting specific cell frequencies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fuel savings on missed approach through aircraft reinjection
Authors: Carmona María , Casado González Rafael , Bermúdez Aurelio , Pérez-Francisco Miguel , Boronat Pablo , Calafate Carlos
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In the aerial transportation area, fuel costs are critical to the economic viability of companies, and so urgent measures should be adopted to avoid any unnecessary increase in operational costs. In particular, this paper addresses the case of missed approach manouevres, showing that it is still possible to optimize the usual procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

The costs involved in a standard procedure following a missed approach are analysed through a simulation model, and they are compared with the improvements achieved with a fast reinjection scheme proposed in a prior work.

Findings

Experimental results show that, for a standard A320 aircraft, fuel savings ranging from 55% to 90% can be achieved through the reinjection method.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first study in the literature addressing the fuel savings benefits obtained by applying a reinjection technique for missed approach manoeuvres.
Visual assessment of fashion merchandising based on scene saliency
Authors: He Huazhou , Xu Pinghua , Jia Jing , Sun Xiaowan , Cao Jingwen
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Fashion merchandising hold a paramount position within the realm of retail marketing. Currently, the purpose of this article is that the assessment of display effectiveness predominantly relies on the subjective judgment of merchandisers due to the absence of an effective evaluation method. Although eye-tracking devices have found extensive used in tracking the gaze trajectory of subject, they exhibit limitations in terms of stability when applied to the evaluation of various scenes. This underscores the need for a dependable, user-friendly and objective assessment method.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop a cost-effective and convenient evaluation method, the authors introduced an image processing framework for the assessment of variations in the impact of store furnishings. An optimized visual saliency methodology that leverages a multiscale pyramid model, incorporating color, brightness and orientation features, to construct a visual saliency heatmap. Additionally, the authors have established two pivotal evaluation indices aimed at quantifying attention coverage and dispersion. Specifically, bottom features are extract from 9 distinct scale images which are down sampled from merchandising photographs. Subsequently, these extracted features are amalgamated to form a heatmap, serving as the focal point of the evaluation process. The authors have proposed evaluation indices dedicated to measuring visual focus and dispersion, facilitating a precise quantification of attention distribution within the observed scenes.

Findings

In comparison to conventional saliency algorithm, the optimization method yields more intuitive feedback regarding scene contrast. Moreover, the optimized approach results in a more concentrated focus within the central region of the visual field, a pattern in alignment with physiological research findings. The results affirm that the two defined indicators prove highly effective in discerning variations in visual attention across diverse brand store displays.

Originality/value

The study introduces an intelligent and cost-effective objective evaluate method founded upon visual saliency. This pioneering approach not only effectively discerns the efficacy of merchandising efforts but also holds the potential for extension to the assessment of fashion advertisements, home design and website aesthetics.
ESD action competencies of future teachers: self-perception and competence profile analysis
Authors: García-Fortes María Ángeles , Banos-González Isabel , Esteve-Guirao Patricia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the self-perception of future secondary school teachers (FTs) of biology about their education for sustainable development (ESD) competencies and evaluate the competence profile they develop in their educational proposals.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodological approach was used to analyse 162 FTs’ ESD action competencies as proposed by UNECE. Firstly, a six-point Likert-type scale questionnaire is used to explore their self-perception of the level of acquisition of these competencies. Then, a rubric is applied to analyse the competence profile when designing educational proposals to address socio-environmental issues related to consumption and waste generation. Besides descriptive analysis, inferential statistics were used to assess the significance of the differences detected between the competencies.

Findings

FTs self-perceive a partial acquisition of ESD action competencies, in line with their competence profile. Where they recognise and show significant difficulties is in assessing learning outcomes in terms of changes and achievements. Similarly, their best perception and competence profile is achieved in the approach to contextualised situations in the students’ lives. There are also some discrepancies between their perception and their profile. In particular, FTs regard themselves as very competent in considering different dimensions and perspectives of the issues, but this is precisely where they reveal a lower competence profile.

Originality/value

This study applies a fully replicable rubric for the assessment of teachers’ ESD competencies when designing proposals to address socio-environmental issues. This assessment allows one to approach the sustainability competencies that they will promote in their classrooms.
Paternalistic leadership, efficacy beliefs and followers' performance: testing a multilevel model
Authors: Chan Simon C.H.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Using a multilevel model, this study examined how paternalistic leadership behaviors, including authoritarianism, morality and benevolence, influence followers' performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 556 leader–follower dyads from 66 groups in a manufacturing firm in China was collected for analysis. Descriptive statistics and multi-level regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The results indicated that group efficacy mediates the relationship between authoritarian leadership and followers' performance and that self-efficacy mediates the relationship between benevolent leadership and followers' performance. In addition, the positive relationship between self-efficacy and followers' performance is weaker when followers exhibit higher levels of group efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected in a manufacturing firm in China, it is difficult to generalize the results to other settings.

Practical implications

Managers should use their abilities and skills to interpret which paternalistic leadership styles their followers prefer, so as to improve their performance.

Originality/value

This study developed a multilevel model to examine the mediating processes of group efficacy and self-efficacy in the effect of PL behaviors, including authoritarianism, benevolence and morality, on followers' performance.
Analysis of the effect of growth strategies and hotel attributes on performance
Authors: Martorell Cunill Onofre , Otero Luis , Durán Santomil Pablo , Gil Lafuente Jaime
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In this vein, this paper aims to provide empirical evidence on the following questions: Which expansion strategies offer better operational and economic performance? What effects does performance-related diversification have? How do other factors such as size, quality, service offered, location or seasonality interact with performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the analysis of the effects of growth strategies and hotel attributes on performance is carried out with a sample of 255 hotels that operate internationally. Using panel data and quantile regression, this study evaluates the effect of expansion and diversification on the hotels’ performance.

Findings

From these findings, it appears that the equity strategy (own hotels) outperforms non-equity strategies (hotels under rental, franchise and management contract) at the operational level. However, the economic return of the property, both adjusted and unadjusted to risk, is lower under the property ownership strategy than under the franchise and management strategies because, in general, it requires a higher investment. Regarding diversification, the growth strategy based on related diversification in food and beverage services has a negative impact on performance, calling into question the synergies between the two businesses. However, an exception to this effect is seen among those hotels, mainly those in the Caribbean, that opt to provide all-inclusive services, since these hotels achieve better occupancy rates and more stable results.

Research limitations/implications

This study has not taken into account the effect of hotel property revaluation on the performance of the ownership strategy, as there is no information on the historical average revaluation at the level of each individual hotel. This study has also been unable to include information regarding the level of competition and seasonality of sales.

Originality/value

This paper considers a wide number of factors that can influence the performance of hotels. Second, this is the only paper that studies the impact of growth strategies from the point of view of the hotel chain. Also, the sample considered uses data at the individual level on hotels and this research analyses not only operational performance but also economic performance.
Decrypting the specifics of professional football club investments: Why? What? How? An integrative review
Authors: Kirsch Benedikt , Sauer Tim , Zülch Henning
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Since the beginning of the 2000s, investors have more frequently invested into professional football clubs, thereby radically changing the industry landscape. This review's purpose is to analyze and synthesize the state of research to understand motives, roles and implications of football club investors, and to provide recommendations for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents an integrative literature review by identifying relevant English articles based on the search terms investor, owner, investment, ownership, shareholder and stakeholder in combination with soccer or football. Around 2,431 articles were reviewed. A total of 129 relevant articles was analyzed and synthesized within eight subject areas.

Findings

Investors in professional club football is a young research stream with a clear European focus. Investor motives and roles are diverse and implications are multidimensional. Investors mostly aim for indirect returns rather than pure profit- or win-maximization.

Research limitations/implications

Football clubs comprise an own investment class for which the identified, unique specifics must be considered to develop a financially successful investment model. Thorough academic research of investors' inherent characteristics, investor-club pairings and the pillars of long-term strategies for successful investor-club liaisons are avenues of future research. Furthermore, the results illustrate the need for research outside of Europe.

Originality/value

The paper is the first systematic, integrative review of existing literature in the domain of equity investments into professional club football. The findings genuinely show that, depending on the investor type and ownership structure, investors have a wide impact in professional club football.
‘Staying in the lane’ of public health? Boundary‐work in the roles of state health officials and experts in COVID‐19 policymaking
Authors: Esmonde Katelyn , Jones Jeff , Johns Michaela , Hutler Brian , Faden Ruth , Barnhill Anne
Published: January 2024

The state‐level COVID‐19 response in the United States necessitated collaboration between governor' offices, health departments and numerous other departments and outside experts. To gain insight into how health officials and experts contributed to advising on COVID‐19 policies, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with 25 individuals with a health specialisation who were involved in COVID‐19 policymaking, taking place between February and December 2022. We found two diverging understandings of the role of health officials and experts in COVID‐19 policymaking: the role of ‘staying in the lane’ of public health in terms of the information that they collected, their advocacy for policies and their area of expertise and the role of engaging in the balancing of multiple considerations, such as public health, feasibility and competing objectives (such as the economy) in the crafting of pandemic policy. We draw on the concept of boundary‐work to examine how these roles were constructed. We conclude by considering the appropriateness as well as the ethical implications of these two approaches to public health policymaking.
Opinion incongruence and public support for direct decision‐making
Authors: VAN DIJK LISA , VANBROEKHOVEN WOUTER , MARIEN SOFIE
Published: January 2024

Political representation does not function well for citizens whose positions on political issues differ from those of elected representatives. In this paper, we argue that opinion incongruence leads citizens to want to bypass elected representatives and place more decision‐making power in the hands of the public. We theorise that this is because incongruent citizens are highly dissatisfied with the existing political system and/or think they will benefit from direct decision‐making in terms of improved policy responsiveness. Using data from the 2019 Belgian Election Survey (n = 3413) and Party Leadership Survey, we find that greater incongruence between citizens’ positions and those of their elected representatives is related to higher support for direct decision‐making. This holds for opinion incongruence with the party voted for and incongruence with Parliament as a whole. This paper contributes novel insights into the consequences of the quality of political representation as well as the drivers of citizens’ support for direct decision‐making processes.
The symbiotic effects of energy consumption, globalization, and combustible renewables and waste on ecological footprint in the United Kingdom
Authors: Eweade Babatunde Sunday , Akadiri Ada Chigozie , Olusoga Kehinde O. , Bamidele Ruth Oluyemi
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate the effects of energy consumption, globalization, and combustible renewable waste consumption on the ecological footprint in the United Kingdom. The study utilizes data from 1970 to 2015 using econometrics techniques, including the Fourier autoregressive Distributive Lag (Fourier ADL) co‐integration test, autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL), and co‐integrating regression. The results of the Fourier ADL and ARDL bounds tests indicate a long‐term relationship among the variables examined. The outcomes of the ARDL model and co‐integrating regression tests demonstrate that globalization, energy consumption, and economic growth contribute positively to the ecological footprint. However, there is a negative impact of combustible renewable waste on the ecological footprint. Furthermore, the gradual shift causality test identifies a one‐way causal relationship between the ecological footprint and the investigated variables. The study acclaims that the British government should prioritize implementing policies to transition to sustainable and renewable energy sources.
Isolated injury of the caudate lobe of the liver due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Lee Nadia , Chan Shijia
Published: January 2024

Chest compressions are the mainstay of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Secondary injuries are frequently reported, most frequently to the thorax and less frequently to the abdomen. Review of existing literature highlights liver lacerations as the most common abdominal injury following cardiopulmonary resuscitation; however, an isolated hepatic caudate lobe injury due to CPR has not yet been reported. We discuss existing literature regarding resuscitation‐related injuries, report a case of an isolated hepatic caudate lobe injury due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and discuss possible mechanisms of injury.
Varying precipitation conditions allow directing the composition and physical properties of soy protein concentrates
Authors: Li Jiashu , Janssen Frederik , Verfaillie Diete , Brijs Kristof , Delcour Jan A. , Van Royen Geert , Wouters Arno G. B.
Published: January 2024

Soy protein concentrates (SPCs) are common food ingredients. They typically contain 65% (w/w) protein and ∼30% (w/w) carbohydrate. SPCs can be obtained with various protein precipitation conditions. A systematic study of the impact of these different protein precipitation protocols on the SPC protein composition and physical properties is still lacking. Here, SPCs were prepared via three different protocols, that is, isoelectric (pH 3.5–5.5), aqueous ethanol (50%–70% [v/v]), and Ca2+ ion (5–50 mM) based precipitations, and analyzed for (protein) composition, protein thermal properties, dispersibility, and water‐holding capacity. SPCs precipitated at pH 5.5 or by adding 15 mM Ca2+ ions had a lower 7S/11S globulin ratio (∼0.40) than that (∼0.50) of all other SPC samples. Protein in SPCs obtained by isoelectric precipitation denatured at a significantly higher temperature than those in ethanol‐ or Ca2+‐precipitated SPCs. Precipitation with 50%–60% (v/v) ethanol resulted in pronounced denaturation of 2S albumin and 7S globulin fractions in SPCs. Additionally, increasing the precipitation pH from 3.5 to 5.5 and increasing the Ca2+ ion concentration from 15 to 50 mM caused a strong decrease of both the dispersibility of the protein in SPC and its water‐holding capacity at pH 7.0. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the SPC production process can be directed to obtain ingredients with versatile protein physicochemical properties toward potential food applications.

Practical Application

This study demonstrates that applying different protein precipitation protocols allows obtaining SPCs that vary widely in (protein) composition and physical properties (such as protein dispersibility and water‐holding capacity). These varying traits can greatly influence the suitability of SPCs as functional ingredients for specific applications, such as the production of food foams, emulsions, gels, and plant‐based meat alternatives. The generated knowledge may allow targeted production of SPCs for specific applications.
Effects of oral and intranasal resveratrol nanoparticle administration on neurodegeneration and neuronal dysfunction in a model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Shamsher Ehtesham , Khan Reas , Davis Benjamin , Dine Kimberly , Luong Vy , Somavarapu Satyanarayana , Cordeiro Maria Francesca , Shindler Kenneth
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Immunomodulatory treatments seek to reduce inflammation in MS but have limited effect on neurodegeneration. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties which could be neuroprotective in MS. The purpose of this study is to compare the oral and intranasal administration of resveratrol nanoparticles (RN) in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS with ocular and neurological endpoints.

Methods: RN were formulated using a thin rehydration technique. In the 1st experiment, 16.9 mg/kg RN (n = 6) or equivalent vehicle (n = 5) were given orally to EAE mice daily for 30 days. In the 2nd experiment, 8.44 mg/kg RN (n = 6) or vehicle (n = 6) were given intranasally to EAE mice daily for 30 days. EAE mice were assessed daily for clinical signs of ascending paralysis and weekly for visual function. After sacrifice at day 30, retinas were immunostained for brn3a to count retinal ganglion cells (RGC), and spinal cords and optic nerves were stained by H&E and luxol fast blue to assess inflammation and demyelination.

Results: 16.9 mg/kg oral RN treatment reduced RGC loss compared to vehicle (4164 ± 406 vs 2422 ± 401 RGC/1.56 mm2, p < 0.05). Similarly, 8.44 mg/kg RN given intranasally reduced RGC loss compared to vehicle (3569 ± 241 vs 2280 ± 329 RGC/1.56 mm2, p < 0.05). Oral and intranasal RN showed similar neuroprotective effects (4164 ± 406 vs 3569 ± 241 RGC/1.56 mm2, p > 0.05). Although neither route of administration showed a reduction of ascending paralysis, 16.9 mg/kg oral RN reduced the severity of paralysis compared to vehicle and 8.44 mg/kg intranasal RN (survival analysis with median survival 29.5 vs 19.0 and 19.0 days, p < 0.05). Likewise, the severity of visual function loss was reduced by the administration of 16.9 mg/kg oral RN compared to vehicle and 8.44 mg/kg intranasal RN (median survival > 28.0 vs 28.0 and 21.0 days, p < 0.05). Neither oral nor intranasal administration showed a significant reduction of spinal cord or optic nerve inflammation or demyelination.

Conclusions: RN were able to reduce RGC loss independent of their administration route, but oral administration demonstrated additional neuroprotective effects by reducing paralysis severity.