bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meaning for reading: The neurocognitive basis of semantic reading impairment after stroke
Authors: Staples Ryan , Vivian Dickens J. , Dyslin Sara M. , DeMarco Andrew T. , Snider Sarah F. , Friedman Rhonda B. , Turkeltaub Peter E.
Published: February 2025

Diagnosis of alexia has historically focused on syndromes, such as surface alexia, which capture discrete patterns of reading deficits observed in some patients, but do not describe the breadth of reading deficits observed in practice. Aphasia research has recently shifted focus to language process impairments rather than syndromic classifications. A similar shift in focus to reading process impairments may improve our diagnostic approach to alexia. Behavioural evidence suggests that semantic processing influences reading aloud, and that semantic deficits in the context of semantic dementia underlie surface alexia. Because stroke rarely causes loss of semantic knowledge and surface alexia as a syndromic diagnosis is unusual after stroke, semantic reading deficits in stroke alexia have not previously been examined systematically. Semantic reading deficits in stroke may not relate to semantic deficits per se, but rather an inability to use semantics to support reading. Imageability, the degree to which a word brings to mind an image, is one index of semantic influences on reading. High imageability words are read more quickly by healthy persons and more accurately following brain damage. Here, we test if deficits of semantic reading after stroke, as indexed by reduced imageability effects, result from semantic or post-semantic processes. Examining nonverbal semantic processing, semantics-phonology mapping, and semantic control in a sample of 56 left-hemisphere stroke survivors, only semantics-phonology mappings predicted the reading advantage for high imageability words over low imageability words. Support vector regression voxel-based lesion symptom mapping revealed that damage along the superior temporal sulcus and underlying white matter, extending into both the middle and superior temporal gyri, reduced the advantage of high imageability over low imageability words during reading, reflecting an inability to use semantics to support reading. A similar cluster related to impairments in semantics-phonology mapping. The imageability and semantics-phonology mapping results overlapped in the left posterior superior temporal sulcus. Support vector regression connectome lesion symptom mapping revealed white matter disconnections within a broad temporoparietal network important for both phonological and semantic processing were associated with a reduction of the imageability advantage during reading. These results demonstrate that, irrespective of syndromic classification, semantic reading deficits occur in left-hemisphere stroke survivors as a result of impaired integration of semantic and phonological representations, and that the left posterior superior temporal sulcus underlies this process. Our results clarify the neurobiology of reading aloud, and support the existence of a post-semantic impairment of semantic reading in left-hemisphere stroke survivors.
Guiding G protein signaling by target enhancement of GPCRs
Authors: Mücher Brix , Garrido-Charles Aida , Cyganek Lukas , Bruegmann Tobias , Dalkara Deniz , Siveke Ida , Herlitze Stefan
Published: February 2025

Activation of G protein coupled receptors coupling to the Gi/opathway leads to the activation of G protein-activated inward rectifier potassium channels (GIRK) in a fast membrane-delimited manner in excitable cells. Activation of GIRK causes the hyperpolarization of the cell membrane, where hyperpolarization is dependent on te availability of Gi/ocoupled GPCRs and GIRK. In particular, in optogenetic and chemogenetic experiments neuronal silencing depends on downstream targets of Gi/o-coupled GPCRs. To selectively enhance Gi/omediated GIRK currents, we created expression cassettes consisting of a homomer forming GIRK subunit and various light-activated Gi/o-coupled GPCRs (Melanopsin, Long-wave-sensitive opsin 1, Parapinopsin or Opsin 7b). We demonstrate that light-activation of the GIRK/GPCR constructs induces robust GIRK currents in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, cardiomyocytes and cerebellar Purkinje cells and changes the net effect of G protein signaling of the promiscuous Opn4L from a Gq/11mediated excitation towards an Gi/omediated inhibition. Thus, our tools enhance target selectivity and improve optogenetic control of the Gi/opathway by light in excitable cells.
Quantum Origin of Limit Cycles, Fixed Points, and Critical Slowing Down
Authors: Dutta Shovan , Zhang Shu , Haque Masudul
Published: February 2025

Among the most iconic features of classical dissipative dynamics are persistent limit-cycle oscillations and critical slowing down at the onset of such oscillations, where the system relaxes purely algebraically in time. On the other hand, quantum systems subject to generic Markovian dissipation decohere exponentially in time, approaching a unique steady state. Here we show how coherent limit-cycle oscillations and algebraic decay can emerge in a quantum system governed by a Markovian master equation as one approaches the classical limit, illustrating general mechanisms using a single-spin model and a two-site lossy Bose-Hubbard model. In particular, we demonstrate that the fingerprint of a limit cycle is a slow-decaying branch with vanishing decoherence rates in the Liouville spectrum, while a power-law decay is realized by a spectral collapse at the bifurcation point. We also show how these are distinct from the case of a classical fixed point, for which the quantum spectrum is gapped and can be generated from the linearized classical dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Shear banding as a cause of nonmonotonic stress relaxation after flow cessation
Authors: Ward Vanessa K. , Fielding Suzanne M.
Published: February 2025

Recent flow cessation experiments on soft materials have shown a counterintuitive nonmonotonic relaxation of the shear stress: following the switch off of a steady imposed shear flow, the stress initially decays before later increasing again. By simulating the soft glassy rheology model in a form extended to allow steady state shear banding, we show that the presence of shear bands prior to flow cessation can give rise to this phenomenon. We give a mechanistic understanding of the basic physics involved, in terms of (i) the decay of the shear bands after flow cessation, and (ii) the evolution of frustrated local stresses, governed by different time scales for plastic relaxation in each band. In particular, an elastic recoil in the unsheared band gives rise to negative local frustrated stresses, the slow release of which can cause an increase in macroscopic stress. Given that shear banding and frustrated local stresses arise widely across disordered soft solids, we argue that nonmonotonic stress relaxation after flow cessation may occur in many different materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
The built environment and social media: a semi-systematic review of architectural and design disciplines
Authors: Huang Tracy , Maalsen Sophia , Fredericks Joel
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper explores the engagement of architecture and design-related disciplines within the built environment with social media. The study aims to identify key themes, assess the methodologies used and compare the approaches across different disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a semi-systematic literature review coupled with thematic analysis. This approach allows for a comprehensive examination of existing studies, identifying key themes, trends and gaps in the current knowledge base. Through this methodology, the paper synthesises diverse perspectives and insights from a wide range of sources.

Findings

Social media data is a valuable tool for understanding architecture and the built environment, but there is a significant divergence in methodologies across disciplines. There is a growing advocacy for mixed-method approaches that would benefit from critical engagement with data that’s underpinned by theoretical frameworks. Such approaches enhance research robustness, support multidisciplinary collaboration and improve the applicability of social media data in design practices.

Originality/value

Despite the proliferation of literature on social media and the built environment, there remains a lack of nuanced understanding regarding thematic variations within individual design disciplines and the specific research methodologies they employ. This paper critically reviews existing research to offer current insights, research gaps and potential future research directions on social media and architecture/design-related disciplines in the built environment.
Impact of supply chain quality management practices on supply chain resilience: a dynamic capability perspective
Authors: Pu Guoli , Gao Xingwei , Qiao Jianqi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Through the theory of dynamic capability, this study aims to make theoretical hypotheses and empirical explorations on the relationship between supply chain quality management (SCQM) practices, dynamic supply chain capability (DSCC), supply chain resilience (SCR) and environmental dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, DSCC is used as a mediating variable in the relationship between SCQM practices and SCR. To enhance the resilience of the supply chain, the moderating effect of environmental dynamics was tested. About 426 completed questionnaires were obtained from a cohort of Chinese manufacturing enterprises, and the proposed hypotheses were tested using the structural equation model method.

Findings

Empirical evidence shows that SCQM practices have a significantly positive impact on SCR at the overall level. Achieving better DSCC plays an important mediating role between SCQM practices and resilience. In addition, environmental dynamics have a moderating effect on the relationship between SCQM practices and DSCC.

Originality/value

This study constructs the influencing mechanism of SCQM practices on SCR through dynamic capability theory and enriches the relevant literature on SCR research. This study also provides management guidance for firms to enhance SCR through SCQM practices in an uncertain environment.
Social sector growth and disaster response management: the case of the Food Bank of Morocco
Authors: Al Arkoubi Khadija , Tahari Fadoua
Published: February 2025

Learning outcomes

After completion of the case study, students will be able to analyze disaster response mechanisms and the strategic decision-making process in high-pressure environments; assess the intricacies of cross-sector partnerships and their impact on effective disaster response; provide recommendations for leaders of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on how to achieve sustainable growth without jeopardizing an agile disaster response; evaluate the role of an NGO in influencing policy, advocating for vulnerable communities and driving systemic change; and craft an innovative strategy for an NGO to enhance its agility and social impact.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study outlines the transformative journey of the Food Bank of Morocco (FBM), an NGO established in 2002, focusing on eradicating hunger, extending aid during natural disasters and improving education quality in impoverished, remote areas. Under the leadership of executive director Sanae Bennesser Alaoui, who joined in 2014, FBM doubled its outreach, addressing both hunger and the broader needs of communities in crisis. The narrative captures the organization’s rapid mobilization and impactful response to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the September 8, 2023, Al Haouz earthquake in Morocco, reflecting its agility and the trust it garnered from the community and diaspora. Highlighting its evolution, the case study details the FBM’s strategic partnerships, innovative aid distribution and commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing gender equality and education quality. It also underlines how FBM gained trust from the community and the global diaspora, setting a foundation for future expansion and enhanced support mechanisms for those in need. FBM’s successes include its designation as a public utility organization in 2022, which opened the door to larger contributions and greater visibility. However, the organization faced ongoing challenges in securing sustainable funding and expanding its volunteer base to maintain its growing impact. As FBM navigated these hurdles, it continued to innovate and build partnerships to support its mission of fostering sustainable growth while responding to an emerging market most pressing humanitarian needs.

Complexity academic level

This case study is suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate levels.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS7: Management Science.
Manufacturer’s modularity and operation performance: the role of digital embeddedness and organization compatibility
Authors: Rong Kuizhen , Liu Ruhong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether organization modularity affects the operation performance of manufacturing firms through the mediator of digital embeddedness and the moderator of organization compatibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression, mediation effect test macro and bootstrap were conducted to empirically analyze two waves of longitudinal survey data from 284 Chinese manufacturing firms.

Findings

Digital embeddedness (digital technology, digital infrastructure and digital culture) mediates the relationship between organization modularity and operation performance. In addition, organization compatibility positively moderates the relationship between the three types of digital embeddedness and operation performance. Under a high organization compatibility degree, digital embeddedness has a positive impact on operational performance, but under a low organization compatibility degree, its impact is negative.

Practical implications

Organizational modularity is an important measure for manufacturers to gain competitive advantages, especially in the industrial transformation driven by the digital economy. Manufacturers need to realize modularity immediately and consider the compatibility of digitalization so that they can embed digital technology more flexibly and adaptively and gain operational advantages.

Originality/value

This study is very relevant for industrial manufacturers, as they urgently need to know how to gain competitive advantages through organizational change in digital transformation. This study provides many reliable theoretical guidelines. Specifically, this study tells manufacturers how to better realize digital embedding and performance through modularity and how to improve the compatibility between digitalization and organization.
A re-examination of socially oriented responsibility and the cost of equity: evidence from an inflationary economy
Authors: Arianpoor Arash
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of socially oriented responsibility (SOR) (i.e. social, environmental, ethical and governance) on the cost of equity in the firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

The industry-adjusted earnings price ratio (IndEP) was used to evaluate the cost of equity. The cost of equity is calculated for those industries that, except firm i (with a positive profitability), have at least five other firms with a positive profitability in the industry. Hence, 79 firms were selected among seven industries from 2012 to 2022 for hypothesis testing. Gordon’s growth model was used to evaluate the cost of equity and assess the robustness of the findings. The information about 183 companies was retrieved for analysis based on Gordon’s growth model.

Findings

The results showed that SOR positively affects firms’ cost of equity. Besides, testing the details also showed that social practices (SO), environmental practices (EN), governance practices (GO) and ethical practices (ET) have a positive impact on the cost of equity. The robustness of results supported the main inferences.

Originality/value

Iran’s economic environment and capital market have been open to discussion within the global community. It is important to note that the relationship between SOR and the cost of equity in developed markets cannot be easily applied to developing Asian markets. Therefore, the present findings, along with the challenges faced in a developing Islamic economy, can contribute to informed decision-making on a global scale.
Key factors influencing the guest loyalty towards green hotels in an island sun and beach destination
Authors: Jacob Marta , Martínez-Gómez Mónica , Florido Carmen , Vives Aldric
Published: February 2025

Purpose

A study was conducted in Gran Canaria to analyse the driving factors that lead to higher loyalty amongst tourists staying in green hotels.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model was designed to assess whether circular preferences and behaviour amongst guests (at home/in the hotel) and a hotel’s environmental policy affect guest loyalty to green hotels. A survey in hotels collected 211 responses. A new conceptualisation of the loyalty to green hotels construct was defined.

Findings

The model detects key success predictors and connects them to different measures to improve performance in terms of circular hotel practices. This paper identifies tourist segments with more pro-circular behaviour and the highest loyalty levels to green hotels and uses a multi-group analysis by partial least squares to assess the moderation of control variables for the proposed theoretical model, identifying segments with more pro-circular behaviour and loyalty levels to green hotels.

Practical implications

This study determines tourism segments with higher loyalty to green hotels by analysing commitment levels across market segments. The findings help eco-friendly hotels design plans to attract and retain guests that are environmentally aware and evaluate their acceptance of circular behaviour. Insights also support revenue strategies to encourage repeat business.

Originality/value

The study enhances research on tourists’ circular behaviour by focusing on island destinations, bridging a gap from continental studies. It highlights 3R-based practices, explores factors like gender, age, booking channel, board and traveller type that influence pro-circular behaviour and offers insights for destination management organizations and hotel marketers to attract long-term sustainable demand.
Fostering social entrepreneurship through social capital approach: an empirical study in China
Authors: Ng Peggy M.L. , Lit Kam Kong , Chan Jason K.Y. , Cheung Cherry Tin Yan , Choy Ellesmere T.K.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the underlying mechanisms influencing the social entrepreneurial intentions of individuals in China, adopting social capital theory, bottom-up and people-based approach. The interrelated effects of intellectual capital (social community trust, social capital bonding and social participation) on social innovation tendency were measured.

Design/methodology/approach

We recruited 502 Chinese individuals by utilising a reliable survey platform in China. This study used structural equation modelling as an analytical approach to examine the influence of social capital on social innovation and social entrepreneurship intention.

Findings

The findings showed that social innovation tendencies mediate the relationship between social community trust, social capital bonding and social participation and the social entrepreneurial intentions of individuals. The findings support the tested hypotheses that social innovation tendencies are the key mechanism to translate into stronger social entrepreneurial intentions. An iterative framework emphasising transparency and open collaboration among stakeholders, which are vital for fostering social entrepreneurial intentions, was proposed.

Originality/value

This is a novel empirical study to apply social capital theory to the field of social enterprises in the Chinese context using structural equation modelling, bottom-up, people-based approach and iterative model. The findings offer valuable practical insights for entrepreneurial and SME practices to foster social entrepreneurship through a people-based approach, emphasising the importance of fostering trust, strengthening social bonds, and encouraging active social participation.
Audit committee tenure, financial reporting quality, and auditor independence
Authors: Kohlbeck Mark , Wang Lin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of audit committee (AC) tenure on corporate governance, a topic that has been long debated. Social capital theory explains how directors’ effectiveness varies through tenure. Consistent with this theory, this paper argues that AC tenure has an inverted U-shaped relationship with AC governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper estimates a quadratic function that regresses constructs for AC governance on the average AC, the AC chair, and nonchair tenure, and their respective square terms. The constructs for AC governance include financial reporting quality measures and perceived auditor independence measures.

Findings

This paper finds that average AC, AC chair, and nonchair tenure have inverted U-shaped relationships with financial reporting quality, consistent with social capital theory. This paper also finds similar associations when examining perceived auditor independence. The results are generally consistent with AC directors accumulating knowledge and social capital, which improves AC governance to an optimal level, following which entrenchment and familiarity occur and AC governance declines.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study in AC governance literature to show a nonlinear relationship between AC tenure and AC governance. This paper extends Huang and Hilary (2018) by demonstrating that a nonlinear effect is also present in the AC, a key board committee responsible for monitoring financial reporting quality and appointing auditors and approving their services. This paper further documents that the AC subsumes the effect of the overall board in some areas of AC oversight, and reconciles the inconclusive findings of prior research by showing a nonlinear relationship between AC tenure and AC governance.
Police executives' responses to social upheaval: an examination of work-related perceptions pre- and post-2020
Authors: Alaniz Kayla , King William R. , Schafer Joseph , Wells William , Jarvis John
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to examine how mid- and upper-level police commanders' occupational perceptions shifted after the COVID-19 pandemic, upsurge in police protests, and perceived crime increases in 2020. We assess the extent to which these events altered police leaders' perceptions of stress, satisfaction, burnout and turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs repeated cross-sectional survey data of over 900 police leaders who attended the FBI’s National Academy (FBINA) program. Respondents are distinguished by whether they attended the FBINA program before or after operations were suspended due to COVID-19. Bivariate tests were conducted to compare pre- and post-respondents' perceptions of stress, satisfaction, burnout and turnover intentions.

Findings

The findings indicate that post-pandemic respondents had higher turnover intentions than pre-pandemic respondents. The groups had no significant differences regarding stress, satisfaction and burnout perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that despite facing a global pandemic, police protests and perceived increases in crime, police leaders demonstrated high stability and resiliency. The data comprised law enforcement leaders who participated in the FBINA program; thus, the findings may not be generalizable to all officers.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to assess changes in police leaders’ work perceptions following the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in police protests and perceived increases in crime in 2020.
Light competition affects how tree growth and survival respond to climate
Authors: Beauchamp Nathéo , Kunstler Georges , Touzot Laura , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Cienciala Emil , Dahlgren Jonas , Hawryło Paweł , Klopčič Matija , Lehtonen Aleksi , Šebeň Vladimír , Socha Jarosław , Zavala Miguel A. , Courbaud Benoit
Published: February 2025

Competition between individuals is a key process that drives tree growth and survival in forests. Ecological theories predict that the effect of competition should be weaker in stressful environments. However, quantitative studies have failed to reach a consensus on the direction of the interaction between climate and competition. In this study, we demonstrate that this interaction appears clearly when we explicitly focus on light competition.

We analysed the effect of light competition on tree growth and survival along both temperature and aridity gradients for the 33 major European tree species. We collected forest inventories from nine European countries, encompassing over 1 million trees from Spain to Scandinavia. We used species‐specific crown allometric equations to connect this extensive database to the SamsaraLight ray tracing model and to calculate a tree‐based light competition index from the light intercepted by the tree crown.

Within a given species' climatic niche, the effect of light competition on tree growth and survival decreased towards both the dry and cold margins, supporting the stress gradient hypothesis. Climate mainly affected tree growth in light, with slower growth in drier or colder conditions. In contrast, for survival, climate mainly affected trees in shade, with better survival in the dry or cold stress margins.

Among species, the mean sensitivity of tree growth and survival to light competition decreased with increasing mean aridity niche and shade tolerance of the species.

Synthesis. Our study emphasises the importance of considering species‐specific interactions between light competition and climate on tree growth and survival. The impact of climate change on an individual tree is likely to depend on its light competition status within the forest stand, as well as its species‐specific climatic niche and shade tolerance.
Who accepts party policy change? The individual‐level drivers of attitudes towards party repositioning
Authors: MEIJERS MAURITS J. , DASSONNEVILLE RUTH
Published: February 2025

Experimental research has shown that political parties often, but not always, suffer reputational costs when they change their policy positions. Yet, it is not clear who accepts and who rejects party policy change. Using newly collected observational data from five European countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom), we examine the individual‐level determinants of party policy change. We examine support for policy change with a new survey item that directly captures party policy change acceptance. We theorise that acceptance of party policy change varies as a function of individuals' political attitudes such as their level of interest in politics and their ideological positions, as well as their views about democratic decision‐making. Although we find that many citizens agree that change is sometimes necessary and understand the conditions and constraints that lead parties to alter their positions, we also show that populist attitudes have a strong negative effect on accepting party policy change. A textual analysis of an open‐ended survey item furthermore indicates that those who perceive party policy change negatively, associate change with opportunism and power‐seeking. Our results imply that even though parties have some leeway to change their positions when external conditions require them to do so, populist beliefs and anti‐elite sentiment make citizens rather sceptical of the motivations that parties have when they alter their positions.
Sampling techniques and genomic analysis of biological material from artworks
Authors: Roby Rhonda K. , Wiscovitch‐Russo Rosana A. , Hart Rebecca , Appel Amanda E. , Kazmi Manija A. , Huber Thomas , Åberg Karina C. , Sakmar Thomas P. , Lorente José A. , Gonzalez‐Juarbe Norberto
Published: February 2025

The genomic analysis of biological material from artworks can be used to guide curation, preservation, and restoration. Additionally, human DNA recovered from artworks may provide other insights. However, the recovery of biological samples from artworks is dependent on the sampling technique used and the media from which the biological materials are recovered. The ideal sampling method should be noninvasive, yet robust. We studied five artworks on paper and compared three sampling methods, each with increasing degrees of invasiveness. Minimally invasive swabbing techniques collect samples from the surface, whereas more aggressive techniques such as wet vacuuming were expected to yield more biological material from within the support media and more likely to produce authentic DNA from the artwork. We report a comparison of collection techniques to generate microbial DNA sequence data, the conserved human gene RNase P, and Y‐STRs from artworks on paper. We observed that wet vacuuming resulted in higher DNA recovery than double swabbing and core punches. Diverse microbial populations existed on the corners and centers of the five artworks studied, but the distribution of the total biomass was relatively even across the surfaces of the works sampled. Studies of peripheral regions, where sampling is less likely to cause alterations to the artwork, could thus yield useful results in microbiome and human DNA studies. These results provide a framework for sampling artworks on paper to obtain biological material. The methods described may provide microbiome identification to facilitate restoration and preservation, and might also contribute to the determination of provenance.
Examination of customized questioned digital documents
Authors: Adedayo Oluwasola Mary , Olivier Martin S.
Published: February 2025

With the increasing trend of digitization of business processes and personal communication across the globe, digital documents of intrinsic value continue to be created. Whereas the questioned document examination (QDE) field of forensic science deals with the examination of “physical” documents potentially disputed in a court of law, there are no developed approaches for handling questioned digital documents (QDDs). Although techniques that address related problems such as identifying document types and image forensics exist, concrete strategies for analyzing questioned “digital” documents still need to be developed. This paper focuses on developing methods to examine QDDs that are customized from a database, due to the versatile use of customized documents in many areas. As a basis for our approach, we make the case for the need to develop analysis techniques for a digital counterpart of QDE which we term Questioned Digital Document Examination (QDDE). We posit that there is a benefit in considering digital aspects of forensic science disciplines where the questions answered by the discipline are clear, from a digital perspective. The paper describes some of the aspects that can be considered in the domain of question digital document examination. In designing methods for QDDE, we discuss the process of document recreation and describe the feasibility of our recreation process in different scenarios. Our experiments show that an alternative approach of considering digital aspects from a well‐defined physical domain is worthwhile. It also supports the practical application of our approach in examining documents customized from a database.
The use of financial incentives for smoking cessation in pregnant women: A parallel‐group randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Hammersley Megan L. , Dekker Gustaaf A. , Gurrin Lyle C. , Hoon Elizabeth A. , Schurer Stefanie , Lynch John W. , Aldred Marnie , Dalton Julia , Fletcher Cherise J. , Smithers Lisa G.
Published: February 2025

Background and aims

Smoking cessation during pregnancy results in short‐ and long‐term health benefits for the mother and infant. Despite public health policies and initiatives to reduce smoking, smoking in pregnancy remains unacceptably high in Australia, particularly among populations of high disadvantage. Internationally, the use of financial incentives has shown some promise in assisting pregnant women to quit smoking, but more research is needed in different contexts. This study aims to determine the efficacy, cost‐effectiveness and acceptability of the use of financial incentives in Australia.

Design

2‐arm parallel‐group randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Australian antenatal care setting.

Participants

Pregnant women who smoke.

Intervention

Women randomised to the intervention group will receive financial incentives of increasing value at three time points throughout their pregnancy (4 and 12 weeks from the first antenatal visit and 37 weeks gestation) upon confirmation of smoking abstinence.

Measurements

The primary comparison outcome is a composite binary measure of abstinence at three time points during pregnancy (4, 12 and 37 weeks). Smoking abstinence will be determined by a carbon monoxide breath analysis reading of ≤3 ppm. The primary statistical analysis is estimation of the absolute difference in the prevalence of abstinence at all three time points based on the intention‐to‐treat groups. A cost‐effectiveness analysis will be undertaken to quantify the social returns of the intervention. A qualitative process evaluation will also be conducted to determine fidelity, contextual factors and the acceptability of the intervention to pregnant women and healthcare workers.

Comments

This study will be the first Australian trial of financial incentives in reducing smoking in pregnancy. The findings will provide evidence on the acceptability, effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of financial incentives to reduce smoking in pregnancy in Australia.
Does Maternal Location of Residence Affect Low Birth Weight Outcomes in Hunter New England Local Health District?
Authors: Britten Polly R. , McNaughton Darcy L. , Moore Samantha L. , Edwards Shelby A. , Brown Leanne J. , Weaver Natasha , Schumacher Tracy L.
Published: February 2025

Background

Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with adverse short‐term and long‐term health outcomes for neonates. The impact of maternal geographical location on rates of LBW in Australia is conflicted in existing literature.

Aims

The aim was to identify if a difference in rates of LBW exist between neonates born to rural versus metropolitan maternal residence. Secondary aim was to identify any associated factors influencing LBW.

Materials and Methods

A secondary data analysis of retrospective health surveillance data from all births from 2018 to 2022 in the Hunter New England Local Health District (New South Wales, Australia) was performed. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio of LBW for rural versus metropolitan residence.

Results

A total of 39,579 neonates were included in this analysis, with 50.9% of the maternal cohort residing rurally. Median maternal was age 29.2 years. Rates of LBW were higher in rural maternal residence (5.7%) compared to metropolitan residence (5.2%). Odds of neonatal LBW did not differ between rural and maternal metropolitan residence after adjusting for confounders (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 0.90, 95% CI 0.79–1.01, p = 0.07). Socioeconomic disadvantage was significantly identified as an issue associated with LBW.

Conclusions

LBW neonates were more likely to be born to rural maternal residence and LBW risk factors disproportionately affected those living in rural locations. To reduce LBW in neonates, it is imperative that access to safe and affordable healthcare is available, and resources addressing LBW risk factors are specific to geographical locations.
Efficacy of transabdominal cerclage by open laparotomy relative to existing risk factors
Authors: Hulshoff Cecile C. , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , Scholten Ralph R. , van Drongelen Joris
Published: February 2025

Introduction

To prevent extreme preterm birth, women with cervical insufficiency are eligible for transabdominal cerclage in case of prior failure or technical impossibility for transvaginal cerclage. This study aimed to identify patient characteristics that affect the success rate of transabdominal cerclage to prevent extreme preterm birth in women with cervical insufficiency.

Material and Methods

Single‐center retrospective cohort study in 87 women who underwent transabdominal cerclage by open laparotomy during first and early second trimester of pregnancy over a 20‐year period. Participants were divided into subgroups according to indication for the intervention. Linear regression and meta‐regression‐analyses were performed to assess the effect of mean cervical length (before and after transabdominal cerclage placement) and gestational age of previous preterm birth, on gestational age at delivery. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to evaluate treatment effects on gestational age at delivery.

Results

Of 87 women, 62 women underwent a history‐indicated and 25 an ultrasound‐indicated transabdominal cerclage. Fetal survival was 92%: 91% in the history‐indicated and 96% in the ultrasound‐indicated group. Median gestational age at delivery was 37.3 weeks, with a median pregnancy prolongation of 163.0 days and with 92% of deliveries ≥34 weeks. Between groups, irrespective of singleton and twin pregnancies, outcomes were comparable. Gestational age at delivery was neither affected by cervical length before transabdominal cerclage, distance between transabdominal cerclage and external os, gestational age of previous preterm birth nor additional progesterone treatment.

Conclusions

The efficacy of transvaginal cerclage placement via open laparotomy during high‐risk pregnancy is favorable and relates to fetal survival of 92%. Regardless of indication, pregnancy outcomes after transabdominal cerclage are similar, and independent of gestational age at previous preterm birth, cervical length before transabdominal cerclage placement, distance between transabdominal cerclage and external os, and additional progesterone administration.
What Happens When the Gig Is Up? The Relationship Between Gig Work Histories and Future Career Prospects
Authors: Song Fei , Lamb Danielle , Soltanzadeh Kamran
Published: February 2025

Despite the increasing popularity of gig work, often performed via online marketplaces and platforms, relatively little is known about how such work experiences may influence jobseekers’ future career trajectories. We explore the potential employment signals associated with gig work histories to gain some preliminary understanding of the mechanisms accounting for these signals. We carry out two survey experiments that simulate the hiring decisions of fictitious jobseekers with gig work histories to examine the labour market signals associated with gig work and the extent to which gig work experiences are (more) less preferred to standard employment histories. The findings of Study 1 reveal that for lower skilled jobs (i.e., the delivery driver), gig work experience is not perceived as inferior, nor does it impede employment prospects in the traditional labour market. However, for jobs requiring higher levels of education and/or skill (i.e., the retail manager and the graphic designer), a candidate with standard employment plus a gig work side‐hustle is perceived qualitatively the same, but those with only gig work experience, even that which makes use of similar skillsets, are perceived as less desirable. Furthermore, we find that perceptions of lower human capital and a negative signal mediate the relationship between gig work history and the decision to hire the fictitious candidate. In Study 2, added as a replication and extension of Study 1, we found that the lower skilled job was perceived more negatively when the candidate had only gig work experience, whereas higher skilled jobs performed in the gig economy were associated with perceptions of lower human capital. We discuss the implications of the differences in perceptions of gig work for research, practice and society in general.
Occupational Dermatoses in Parachute Riggers: A Cross‐Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Sashindran V. K. , Kothari Rohit , Kumar Rahul
Published: February 2025

Background

Parachute riggers are specialised tradesmen involved in packing parachutes. Occupational dermatoses have never been studied in them despite their job entailing hard manual work.

Objectives

To observe, diagnose, record and characterise various hand and nail changes and diseases in parachute riggers.

Methods

Parachute riggers working at Paratrooper Training School (PTS), Agra, India, consenting to participate in the study were enrolled. A brief history and hand and nail changes seen using a hand‐lens were recorded. Data were analysed using R‐Project for Statistical Computing version R 3.6.2 for Windows.

Results

A total of 76 participants were examined. The mean age was 29.6 years and the mean duration of employment was 29.7 months. All were males. Callosities and loss of cuticle were the commonest abnormalities present in 61 (80.2%) and 57 (75%) participants, respectively. Other common changes were pitted scars 24 (31.5%), xeroderma 23 (30.2%), pigmentary changes 21 (27.6%), onychoschizia 10 (13.1%) and splinter haemorrhages 5 (6.5%). The most common diseases observed were dermatitis (21%) and onychomycosis. The odds ratio for occurrence of callosities decreased with age (OR 0.889, 95% CI 0.825–0.957, p = 0.002). Spearman's rank coefficient of correlation showed a statistically significant negative association between the number of hand and nail changes observed and duration of employment (Spearman's ρ = − 0.25, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Most of the changes observed were secondary to repeated friction, pressure and dryness of hands. Emphasising adequate corrective measures involving barrier creams, good quality gloves and health education may significantly reduce the incidence of these changes.
A landscape scale assessment of domestic cat occurrence in boreal forests
Authors: Nyheim Øyvind Skarsgard , Semper‐Pascual Asunción , Odden John , Thorsen Neri Horntvedt , Bischof Richard
Published: February 2025

Domestic cats (Felis catus), both feral animals and pets, are a major threat to biodiversity. While domestic cats are closely associated with human residences and activity, they also range into and impact natural areas. We still know little about how free‐ranging cats use natural and semi‐natural areas. We quantified cat occurrence at 405 forest sites in Norway over 3 years using occupancy modeling, and tested how occurrence patterns were influenced by relevant landscape variables. Cat occupancy decreased with increasing distance from residential houses, being >60% within 50 m of the nearest house, but even at 1000 m distance, occupancy still exceeded 10%. When cats were present in forests, they were more likely to be detected close to forest edges. Detection probability was lowest and declined more steeply with increased distance from the forest edge during winter, when temperature, vegetation cover, and prey availability are at their lowest. We conclude that cats may pose a threat in natural areas like forests even at considerable distances from residences. We encourage further studies that investigate the role of landscape characteristics and environmental conditions on habitat penetration by both feral and pet domestic cats.
Klinische Präsentation und Komplikationen des Lichen sclerosus: Eine systematische Übersicht
Authors: Conte Santina , Mohamed Sarah Daraj , Cohen Yossi , Yacovelli Alexandra , Starkey Samantha , Johnston Leah , Shergill Mahek , Law Angela , Litvinov Ivan V. , Mukovozov Ilya
Published: February 2025

Der Lichen sclerosus (LS) ist eine chronisch verlaufende entzündliche Dermatose, die in erster Linie durch Veränderungen der Hautpigmentierung, der Genitalarchitektur sowie durch Pruritus mit begleitender Dyspareunie gekennzeichnet ist. Es gibt eine Vielzahl von Komplikationen im Zusammenhang mit LS, die die gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität der Patienten darüber hinaus verschlechtern können. Eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit wurde durchgeführt, um die Literatur zu den klinischen Merkmalen von LS und LS‐assoziierten Komplikationen zusammenzufassen. Insgesamt wurden 900 Studien mit 17.011 klinischen Präsentationen und 2.795 Komplikationen von LS bei Frauen und 5.745 klinischen Präsentationen und 769 Komplikationen von LS bei Männern eingeschlossen. Bei beiden Geschlechtern war die Mehrzahl der gemeldeten Fälle (77% bei Frauen, 99% bei Männern) auf die Genitalien beschränkt. Bei Frauen verteilten sich die Symptome auf den Verlust der normalen Architektur (14%), Pigmentveränderungen (21%) und Juckreiz (18%), während bei Männern ein größerer Anteil der Fälle architektonische Veränderungen (34%), Pigmentveränderungen (15%) und urogenitale Symptome (15%) betraf. Des Weiteren wurden Texturveränderungen, Atrophien, Schmerzen, Brennen und unangenehme Empfindungen, Erosionen, Ulzerationen, Exkoriationen, Blutungen, Blutergüsse und Purpura sowie Defäkationsstörungen und Blasenbildungen als weitere Symptome im Zusammenhang mit LS beobachtet. Bei einem kleinen Teil der in der Literatur beschriebenen Fälle handelt es sich um asymptomatische LS. Zu den Komplikationen im Zusammenhang mit LS gehören Hautneoplasmen, urogenitale Probleme und sexuelle Funktionsstörungen, einschließlich einer Dyspareunie.
The role of gut–islet axis in pancreatic islet function and glucose homeostasis
Authors: Chen Qi , Gao Yuanyuan , Li Fangyu , Yuan Li
Published: February 2025

The gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in the occurrence and treatment of metabolic diseases. Recent studies have convincingly demonstrated a bidirectional axis of communication between the gut and islets, enabling the gut to influence glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis in animals strongly. The ‘gut–islet axis’ is an essential endocrine signal axis that regulates islet function through the dialogue between intestinal microecology and endocrine metabolism. The discovery of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1), gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP) and other gut hormones has initially set up a bridge between gut and islet cells. However, the influence of other factors remains largely unknown, such as the homeostasis of the gut microbiota and the integrity of the gut barrier. Although gut microbiota primarily resides and affect intestinal function, they also affect extra‐intestinal organs by absorbing and transferring metabolites derived from microorganisms. As a result of this transfer, islets may be continuously exposed to gut‐derived metabolites and components. Changes in the composition of gut microbiota can damage the intestinal barrier function to varying degrees, resulting in increased intestinal permeability to bacteria and their derivatives. All these changes contribute to the severe disturbance of critical metabolic pathways in peripheral tissues and organs. In this review, we have outlined the different gut–islet axis signalling mechanisms associated with metabolism and summarized the latest progress in the complex signalling molecules of the gut and gut microbiota. In addition, we will discuss the impact of the gut renin–angiotensin system (RAS) on the various components of the gut–islet axis that regulate energy and glucose homeostasis. This work also indicates that therapeutic approaches aiming to restore gut microbial homeostasis, such as probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), have shown great potential in improving treatment outcomes, enhancing patient prognosis and slowing down disease progression. Future research should further uncover the molecular links between the gut–islet axis and the gut microbiota and explore individualized microbial treatment strategies, which will provide an innovative perspective and approach for the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic diseases.