bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception of non-conventional food consumption: the case of insects
Authors: Molina-Castillo Stefany , Espinoza-Ortega Angélica , Sánchez-Vega Laura
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To analyse the reasons for acceptance and rejection of insect consumption among urban Mexican consumers based on their perceptions and levels of food neophobia and neophilia.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed online to 415 people. The Food Neophobia Scale was used, measured on a four-point Likert scale, and consumers were grouped according to their level of neophobia. The Free Word Association technique was used to determine participants’ perceptions of “edible insects”, and the words obtained were categorised according to synonyms. The Chi-square test per cell made it possible to determine the statistical significance of each group in relation to the categories and was confirmed by a correspondence analysis. The economic aspects of the groups were analysed using the Chi-square and the Z-test with the Bonferroni method.

Findings

Three groups of consumers have been identified: neophilic, intermediate and neophobic. Participants mentioned 1,235 words, which were grouped into 16 categories. For neophilics, edible insects are a familiar product; intermediates are curious and neophobics are afraid of consumption.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the analysis of the aspects that influence the acceptance and rejection of insect consumption among urban consumers by considering the degree of food neophobia and the participants’ perceptions.
Supply chain transparency and governance in supplier codes of conduct
Authors: Vörösmarty Gyöngyi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The study’s purpose was to analyse the use of supplier codes of conduct as a supply chain governance tool and show that such codes can contribute to transparency in supply chain networks by helping define objectives and promote environmental, social and governance (ESG) developments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved examining 67 publicly available and randomly selected supplier codes of conduct of manufacturing companies from the electronics, vehicle manufacturing, healthcare and food sectors.

Findings

Supplier codes of conduct reflect the increasing complexity of social and environmental requirements while maintaining the ethical standards. Reactions to new challenges can be identified in the content of the codes. Many codes expect active development by suppliers and the communication of expectations to lower-tier suppliers. For setting environmental objectives, standards are important; the most influential reference point for the social elements of codes is recommendations from international organisations, while for ethical instruments, it is national legislation. Codes and related information can thus be an instrument for promoting ESG objectives and governance-related transparency in well-defined supply chains and a part of legitimacy-building efforts associated with a wider group of stakeholders. Industry-level differences are identified.

Originality/value

Recent literature does little to explore the role of codes of conduct in increasing transparency in supply chain governance and legitimacy efforts. This study contributes by constructing a research framework that helps investigate whether corporate codes of conduct make the activities of supply chain stakeholders more transparent and by providing evidence that companies are actively communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.
Undernutrition and associated factors among prisoners in Bahir Dar Zone Prison Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Adamu Gebyaw Lulie , Anagaw Tadele Fentabil , Bishaw Genet Endalik , Adem Omer Seid , Derseh Hunegnaw Almaw
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess undernutrition and associated factors among prisoners in Bahir Dar Zone Prison Center, Ethiopia, in 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 582 prisoners from October 1 to October 30, 2021. An interviewer-administered, semistructured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The body mass index (BMI) was assessed to determine the nutritional status of prisoners. Data were entered into Epi-Info statistical software version 7 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with undernutrition. In multivariable binary logistic regression analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significant. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the strength of the association.

Findings

The prevalence of undernutrition was 17.5% (95% CI: 14.3, 21). Imprisonment history (AOR: 4.98, 95% CI: 2.80, 8.86), history of cigarette smoking (AOR: 5.38, 95% CI: 2.86, 10.13), imprisonment duration (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.19), diarrheal diseases (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.41), depression (AOR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.88, 5.57) and poor social support (AOR: 7.09, 95% CI: 3.57, 14.05) were factors significantly increasing the odds of undernutrition.

Originality/value

This manuscript is an original research article that was conducted by using primary data. The finding of the study implies that the magnitude of undernutrition among prisoners in the Bahir Dar Prison Center was found to be lower than the general population in Ethiopia. Therefore, this paper recommended behavioral change intervention, promotion of mental support and health education, cessation of cigarette smoking and management of diarrheal disease.
A qualitative systematic reinterpretation study into the role of future time perspective in organizational dispute resolution processes
Authors: Silverman Gahl
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This article specifies the theoretical influence of future time perspective (FTP) on the behavior of the parties involved in organizational dispute resolution processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a novel qualitative systematic reinterpretation methodology. A software-assisted qualitative content analysis for the systematic reinterpretation of 141 academic publications on organizational conflicts, dispute resolution, and dispute system design processes was performed to elicit crucial points at which FTP that was not originally specified is theoretically emerged in those processes.

Findings

The sorted findings detail 829 critical points (themes) in those processes where FTP has theoretically emerged. The results confirm that FTP has a comprehensive theoretical presence (81.3%) in the discourse on organizational conflicts, dispute resolution and dispute system design processes. Furthermore, when the relevant parties’ FTP is operative, their conflict prevention approach is widespread, and the parties perceive workplace relationships and dispute resolution processes as dominant.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is related to its effort to identify and diagnose theoretical situations within the discourse on organizational dispute resolution processes in which the effect of FTP (either positive or negative) on the present-time behavior of parties within those processes is demonstrated. This work addresses this issue through unique qualitative systematic reinterpretation, which differs from other types of research syntheses of secondary data.
Millennials’ perceived value and intention to purchase athleisure products: the mediating role of desire for conspicuous consumption
Authors: Noh Yeayoung , Ahn Na Young
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As Millennials consist of most of the world’s population, there is a growing body of research understanding their consumption patterns in sport. We examined the relationship among Millennials’ various perceived values, their desire for conspicuous consumption, and their intention to purchase athleisure products.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a web-based survey through Amazon Mechanical Turk (n = 348) to test our research hypotheses and model.

Findings

Our findings revealed that perceived price, quality, and emotional value were positively associated with both the desire for conspicuous consumption and purchase intention towards athleisure products among Millennials. Perceived emotional and social value of athleisure-related products was positively associated with their purchasing intention via the desire for conspicuous consumption.

Originality/value

This is the first study examining the association among perceived value, conspicuous consumption tendencies, and purchase intention among Millennials. Our study suggests that Millennials have unique desires and preferences in what they wear in both sporting and casual settings, which in turn, contributes to their self-presentation strategies. These findings have implications for both sport scholars and professionals.
Helping hand from spouse and leaders to enhance employee performance: mediating role of constructive deviance and organizational support as moderator
Authors: Abas Basit , Farrukh Muhammad , Khan Mohsin , Bukhari Shazia
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Drawing on the activation theory, the purpose of this paper is to study the positive influence of moral leadership, workaholism and spousal support at home on employees’ performance at the workplace. It also captures the moderating role of organizational support in the relationship between constructive deviance and employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using a survey approach, employing a questionnaire as the primary tool (n = 416) to gather responses from employees in the hotel industry. The hypotheses were tested through hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Results indicated that moral leadership and spousal support at home are positively related to employee performance and constructive deviance. Additionally, the association between positive deviance and worker performance was strengthened by organizational support.

Practical implications

This study contributes in two significant ways. First, it enhances the understanding of activation theory by applying it to employees in the hotel industry, offering a context-specific perspective that can guide future research. Second, it investigates constructive deviations among hotel workers, with a distinct focus on the Indian setting, adding depth to the existing literature.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in expanding the understanding of constructive deviance by introducing moral leadership and spousal support as its key antecedents.
Does intellectual capital matter in small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) decisions? Roles of resource integration capability and top management team involvement
Authors: Wang Chunhsien , Wu Chi-Cheng , Ou Chin-Chia
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Drawing upon an integrative perspective from intellectual capital theory with upper echelon theory, we examined how intellectual capital affects resource integration capability and subsequent strategic decision-making under weak versus strong top management team (TMT) involvement behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between intellectual capital and strategic decision-making and the mediated moderating effect between intellectual capital and decision-making on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

Using statistical empirical analysis, we tested our research hypotheses via large-scale survey data from 323 SMEs. A regression analysis was applied to intellectual capital, resource integration capability and TMT involvement behavior to estimate their influence on strategic decision-making.

Findings

Our findings suggest that the positive effect of intellectual capital on strategic decision-making via resource integration capability is conditional on TMT involvement behavior, underscoring the role of resource integration capability and TMT involvement behavior in intellectual capital. The results also indicate that intellectual capital and resource integration capability strengthen positive decision-making relationships. Furthermore, TMT involvement behavior strengthens the positive interaction effect of intellectual capital with resource integration capability.

Practical implications

Intellectual capital is a critical and preeminent strategic resource for strengthening strategic decision-making, especially for SMEs. Notably, trends related to intellectual capital can be used to explore the management of SMEs and the corresponding contributions to and improvements in strategic decision-making. Specifically, intellectual capital can be used by SME management teams to formulate and implement relevant strategic decisions and enhance the effectiveness of decision-making, which are critical steps for success in decision-making processes.

Originality/value

This research explored the relationships among intellectual capital, resource integration capability, TMT involvement behavior and strategic decision-making in a comprehensive mediated moderation model; it is the first known study to highlight that intellectual capital can enhance strategic decision-making and provide managerial implications regarding how to align resource integration capability and TMT involvement behavior while performing strategic decision-making.
Information needs for managing fixed public sector assets: an exploratory analysis in South-Eastern Europe
Authors: Roje Gorana , Anessi-Pessina Eugenio , Botica Redmayne Nives
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This article presents an exploratory analysis of perceived information needs for managing fixed public sector assets in South-Eastern Europe (SEE).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was carried out from a user needs perspective. A questionnaire was administered to government officials in SEE. Respondents were queried about what categories of information they need to make or to recommend five typical decisions concerning fixed public sector assets. Respondents also provided assessments on current availability and quality of information on fixed public sector assets, cost-benefit considerations regarding data collection and suitability of information for routine collection and updating.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the information collected for financial reporting purposes is recognized as insufficient to support decision-making on fixed public sector assets. However, perceived information needs by respondents are still rather basic. The need for more “sophisticated” and “strategic” information is found to be rather low, more so when the cost of collecting and processing such information is considered.

Practical implications

The findings of this study raise concerns about the persistently insufficient attention paid to the potential benefits that well-compiled and appropriately used asset registries could produce. The findings of this study might be useful to governments initiating the identification and measurement of their fixed assets, establishing fixed asset registries and instituting relevant regulation.

Originality/value

This study adds to the scant literature on the management of fixed public sector assets. It provides evidence on the perceived information needs of public sector officials, and it contributes to the ongoing debate on what good public sector asset management is and how it should be pursued.
Influence of conversational agent on students’ attitude toward mathematics
Authors: Tan Choo Kim , Ramasamy Tharsiniy , Tan Choo Peng , Koo Ah Choo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

There exists a phenomenon called students’ negative attitude toward mathematics, leading to a decline in students’ performance in mathematics and influencing their decisions to refrain from pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors and careers. Studies show that using technology in education can reduce anxiety toward mathematics by increasing students’ motivation to explore and appreciate mathematics. Conversational agents (CAs), automated software that interacts with users via natural language, can be used in education to support teaching and learning. Unfortunately, despite its nearly 60-year history, the application of this technology in the education domain is still scarce. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of integrating CA on students’ attitude toward mathematics.

Design/methodology/approach

To compare the impact of different teaching methods, students were randomly divided into two groups: a control group receiving only traditional classroom instruction and an experimental group receiving traditional instruction combined with interaction with a CA. After that, they participated in a five-point Likert scale questionnaire on attitude toward mathematics.

Findings

The findings revealed that integrating CA in mathematics teaching and learning significantly reduced experimental students’ anxiety toward mathematics while there was no improvement shown in the importance of mathematics.

Originality/value

The integration of features such as experiential learning, social dialogue, affective learning and scaffolding makes this CA a comprehensive tool for promoting personalized and engaging learning experiences among students thus reducing students’ anxiety and increasing their overall confidence toward mathematics.
How regulatory penalties mitigate financial fraud contagion within director networks: the mediating effect of auditors and independent directors
Authors: Kang Yixuan , Ma Yanyan , Wang Fusheng
Published: January 2025

Purpose

With growing evidence of financial misconduct spreading through director networks, research on financial fraud contagion has garnered significant attention. This study incorporates the regulatory enforcement perspective into existing literature to examine how regulatory penalties mitigate financial fraud contagion within director networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a panel dataset of A-share listed Chinese firms covering 2007–2022. Based on the nature of the dataset, we construct ordinary least squares regression models with firm- and year-fixed effects. Data are collected from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research, Wind Information Co., Ltd and China Research Data Services. We use Python to scrape the coordinates of regulators and firms and retrieve travel distances from the Baidu Maps API.

Findings

This study verifies the existence of financial fraud contagion in director networks. Our findings indicate that regulatory penalties can mitigate the contagion between director-interlocked firms, improving accounting quality. Moreover, the mitigation effects are mediated by independent directors’ dissent and auditors’ efforts at director-interlocked firms and are more pronounced when these firms have superior network centrality and internal control quality.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature on financial fraud contagion by examining director networks and regulatory penalties. We propose mediating effects of auditor effort and director dissents on the relationship between regulatory penalties and financial fraud contagion. Our findings provide insights for regulators to alleviate pressures and highlight the importance for directors to consider financial risks within their networks.
Observational drift: a methodological research proposal for community prospecting in socio-educational services
Authors: Fabra-Fres Núria , Núñez Héctor , Janer-Hidalgo Àngela , Carrera-Fossas Eduard
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This article aims to describe the process of application of the technique of Observational Drift for prospection in three territories of Catalonia and to present recommendations for its application in research and socio-educational action with young people.

Design/methodology/approach

Observational Drift is a qualitative research technique that has proven effective as a practice for community prospection. The process of design and application in the pilot implementation of this technique is presented together with a reflection on the outcome.

Findings

The pilot implementation of the technique has made it possible, within the framework of the research project, to identify methodological recommendations such as the edition of an observation manual; the training of the research team; the identification of supporting computer applications and registration questionnaires. Records of youth dynamics have been obtained in the 3 communities studied: the town of Celrà, the western district of the city of Girona and the “Ciutat Vella” district of Barcelona, 3 environments of different sizes located in Catalonia, Spain.

Practical implications

Observational drift is a qualitative technique that shows, with methodological rigour, the observation of relational dynamics together with the relevant facilities and places, presenting a situational reality. The information obtained must be contrasted with other qualitative methodologies to be transferable. It is a methodological technique that requires a large team and a significant amount of work.

Social implications

This technique provides the opportunity to carry out prospections, and introduce researchers and professionals to specific realities with a critical perspective. We recommend its use in qualitative research and socio-educational care to improve the design of socio-educational youth care programs and policies.

Originality/value

The use of this technique (Observational Drift) has been provided initial qualitative data to understand youth dynamics in three communities in Catalonia, Spain. This is interesting because helping research to improve community services addressing youth.
Single-step PA12/BN thermal conductive composite preparation using a corotating twin-screw 3D printing head based on material extrusion
Authors: Wang Peng Bo , Li Jia Qi , Yang Tao , Hu Jie Wei , Edeleva Mariya , Cardon Ludwig , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an innovative 3D printer based on material extrusion to expand applied material field and shorten the production cycle. The developed 3D printer can fabricate products directly using various powders, including polymers and fillers. In addition, the influence of extrusion on the orientation of thermal conductive filler is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

To ensure the plasticizing effect and the mixing ability, the printing head is a conical twin-screw extruder, which have a smaller volume. PA12 and h-BN powders were selected for printing as matrix and filler, respectively. The properties of printing products were characterized.

Findings

The results show that the new printer can fabricate products directly using polymer powders because of the mixing ability of the twin-screw. The h-BN filler orient in the PA12 matrix and form thermal conduction paths due to the extrusion process, which make the printed samples have an anisotropic thermal conductivity.

Originality/value

The innovative 3D printer provides a method of printing products directly using powders, which can expand material field and shorten the production cycle. For composites, the extrusion process can make fillers orient in the matrix to fabricate products with anisotropic characteristics.
A 3D printed pressure sensor based on a bossed diaphragm with straight-annular grooves
Authors: Ping Mingda , Ji Xiangrui , Liu Yan , Wang Weidong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To supply temporary pressure testing devices with favorable performance for emergency environments, this paper aims to present a pressure sensor with a central boss and straight-annular grooves. The structural feature is modeled and optimized by neural network-based method, and the device prototype is fabricated by 3D printing techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The study initially compares mechanical properties of the proposed structure with two conventional designs using finite element analysis. The impacts from structural dimensions on sensor performance are modeled using a Backpropagation neural network and optimized through genetic algorithms. The sensing diaphragm is fabricated using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, while the piezoresistors and necessary interconnects are realized with screen printing techniques.

Findings

The experimental results demonstrate that the fabricated sensor exhibits a sensitivity of 2.8866 mV/kPa and a nonlinearity of 6.81% within the pressure range of 0–100 kPa. This performance is an improvement of 118% in sensitivity and a decrease of 54% in nonlinearity compared to flat diaphragm structure, highlighting the effectiveness of proposed diaphragm configuration.

Originality/value

This research offers a holistic methodology that encompasses the structural design, optimization and fabrication of pressure sensors. The proposed diaphragm and corresponding modelling method can provide a practical approach to enhance the measurement capabilities of pressure sensors. By leveraging SLA printing for diaphragm and screen printing for circuit, the prototype can be produced in a timely manner.
Metaverse in tourism: from virtual worlds to sustainable worlds
Authors: Hao Fei , Liu Shuxu , Zhang Chen , Chon Kaye Kye Sung
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the metaverse’s capability to foster sustainable tourism through word-of-mouth (WoM), by integrating embodied social presence theory with social identity theory. It aims to unveil how the interplay between metaverse technology and user attributes enhances tourists’ experiences and satisfaction, thereby promoting WoM for sustainable tourism practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based survey research design was used, comprising a survey of 528 respondents. This study used structural equation modelling to analyse the data, focusing on the relationships between technological features, user attributes, social presence and their combined effect on promoting sustainable tourism through WoM.

Findings

Results indicate that the metaverse significantly enhances social presence and tourist satisfaction, which in turn, fosters WoM for sustainable tourism. Key factors include technological attributes (individuality, empathy, naturalness and immersion) and user attributes (prior experience and interest in sustainable practices), which collectively influence the propensity for sustainable WoM, also impacted by prosocial identity and subcultural identification.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the metaverse’s potential in enhancing sustainable tourism promotion through innovative technological engagement. It offers practical insights for destination marketers and service providers on leveraging metaverse technology to engage a wider audience in sustainable tourism practices, marking a significant step towards integrating digital innovations with ecological sustainability efforts.
Responses to cold temperature determine clinal patterns of photosynthetic acclimation of a cosmopolitan grass genus and challenge the concept of quantifying phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Ren Linjing , Guo Xiao , Sorrell Brian K. , Eller Franziska , Brix Hans
Published: January 2025

Climate warming and associated extreme temperature fluctuations result in rapid and pronounced changes in the biogeographical ranges of species. However, existing models that predict these climate‐driven range dynamics often fail to adequately account for the intricacies of local adaptation and individual specialization, treating species as having uniform responses without accounting for individual variability. This oversight highlights the need to enhance our understanding of the evolutionary implications of intraspecific and intrageneric variability, particularly with respect to photosynthetic acclimation of plants.

To explore how widespread plant species adapt to temperature variability, we used the cosmopolitan genus Phragmites as a model. We assessed the variance–covariance matrix of gene‐based traits to quantify genetic variability and examine correlations among traits associated with intraspecific photosynthetic acclimatization in a thermal gradient that includes low‐, moderate‐, and high‐temperature regimes.

Our findings revealed that gene‐based clinal variations, exemplified by increased robustness in plants from lower latitudes, were closely related to the latitudinal origins of genotypes and manifested more prominently in cooler environments. Furthermore, coordination of integrated physiological traits, aimed at preserving whole plant fitness, exhibits a heightened response under cold stress. We observed that plasticity in physiological traits did not increase with latitude in regions of high climatic seasonality, indicating a deviation from expected clinal plasticity patterns. This finding prompted a re‐evaluation of our understanding of phenotypic plasticity.

Our findings improved our understanding of the intrageneric variation in physiological acclimation strategies among widespread species, refining predictions of species responses, survival, and distribution amidst global climate change.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Habitat Quality and Water Availability Affect Genetic Connectivity of Platypus Across an Urban Landscape
Authors: Brunt Tamielle , Smith Annabel L.
Published: January 2025

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened globally. Understanding how environmental variables influence the gene flow of freshwater species can help identify landscape features requiring conservation management. We used landscape genetic resistance modelling to assess the influence of climate, topography and vegetation cover on genetic structure and gene flow in platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in an urban region of south‐east Queensland, Australia. Thirty DNA samples were genotyped using the DArTseq platform, and data were filtered to produce a panel of 5478 neutral single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. We used fastSTRUCTURE, partial redundancy analysis and maximum likelihood analyses to understand platypus genetic structure and landscape influences on gene flow. Between one and three genetic clusters were detected using fastSTRUCTURE. Partial redundancy analysis identified Topographic Wetness Index and antecedent rainfall as driving genetic differentiation between samples. A maximum likelihood population effects model suggested gene flow was spatially structured by Normalised Difference Vegetation Index at a fine scale (100 m) and antecedent rainfall at a landscape scale (1 km). Thus, less vegetated areas appear to restrict the gene flow of platypus in urban systems. Rainfall, vegetation cover and topographic wetness are also important for maintaining platypus gene flow across landscapes. Our research recommends conservation management through restoration of water flow and riverine vegetation to help maintain platypus connectivity and increase gene flow among populations.
Using Patterns of Post‐Fire Plant Reproduction to Inform Minimum Fire Intervals for Conservation Management in a Fire‐Prone Woodland
Authors: Miller Russell G. , Enright Neal J. , Merritt David J. , Miller Ben P. , Fontaine Joseph B.
Published: January 2025

The time interval between fires is a critical component of the fire regime that affects plant species persistence in fire‐prone ecosystems. Fire intervals that are too short or too long may not support regeneration from seed banks or resprouting. Fire intervals that support adequate regeneration may also vary with other factors such as climate, herbivory, and population structure. Using field data on flowering and canopy seed banks, we modelled post‐fire reproduction for woody fire‐killed (obligate seeding) and resprouting species under varying rainfall and herbivory along a 35‐year fire age chronosequence in Banksia woodlands in southwestern Australia. We found that fire‐killed species attained reproductive maturity rapidly after fire with predicted juvenile periods (time to 50% flowering) of 1.5–2.3 years for shrubs and 4 years for trees. Resprouting species had similar juvenile periods to fire‐killed species (1–3.5 years for resprouting shrubs, 4.4 years for resprouting trees). Reproduction varied with rainfall and herbivory with juvenile periods at least doubling under low rainfall or high herbivory for some species. Serotinous species produced cones (woody fruits containing seeds) shortly after flowering commenced, with some evidence of seed bank decline in the oldest sites. While reproduction was clearly correlated with time since fire, plant size was a much stronger predictor. Some species form multi‐cohort populations which can introduce large variation into post‐fire reproductive trajectories, and this should be considered when making decisions about fire intervals that may impact species persistence. This study provides critical information to assess fire interval‐related threats for Banksia woodlands and suggests that woody species of these woodlands are generally tolerant of a wide range of fire intervals. Only the slowest‐maturing, fire‐killed species (Banksia prionotes, Proteaceae) may require fire intervals > 10 years to reduce immaturity risk under the least favourable growing conditions, and this species often occurs in discrete patches in the landscape such that fire management can be tailored accordingly.
COLOFIT: Development and Internal‐External Validation of Models Using Age, Sex, Faecal Immunochemical and Blood Tests to Optimise Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer in Symptomatic Patients
Authors: Crooks C. J. , West J. , Jones J. , Hamilton W. , Bailey S. E. R. , Abel G. , Banerjea A. , Rees C. J. , Tamm A. , Nicholson B. D. , Benton S. C. , Hunt N. ,   COLOFIT Research Group, Humes D. J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United Kingdom and the second largest cause of cancer death.

Aim

To develop and validate a model using available information at the time of faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) in primary care to improve selection of symptomatic patients for CRC investigations.

Methods

We included all adults (≥ 18 years) referred to Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust between 2018 and 2022 with symptoms of suspected CRC who had a FIT. Predicted 1‐year CRC diagnosis were calculated, and externally validated, using Cox proportional hazards modelling with selected multiple fractional polynomial transformations for age, faecal haemoglobin concentration (f‐Hb) value, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet count and sex.

Results

At a CRC risk threshold of 0.6% (equivalent to f‐Hb = 10 μg Hb/g (μg/g)) overall performance of the validated model across age strata using Harrell's C index was ≥ 0.91% (overall C‐statistic 93%, 95% CI 92%–95%) with acceptable calibration. Using this model yields similar numbers of detected and missed cancers, but requires ~20% fewer investigations than a f‐Hb ≥ 10 μg/g strategy. For approximately 100,000 people per year with symptoms of suspected CRC, we predict it might save > 4500 colonoscopies with no evidence that more cancers would be missed if we used our model compared to using FIT f‐Hb ≥ 10 μg/g.

Conclusions

Including age, sex, MCV, platelets and f‐Hb in a survival analysis model to predict the risk of CRC yields greater diagnostic utility than a simple binary cut off f‐Hb ≥ 10 μg/g.
Lethal Phenotype and Expansion of the Clinical Spectrum of Biallelic Loss of Function Variant in SENP7 Gene Unveiled by Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Saad Ahmed K. , Hassan Nagwa H. , Soliman Hala N. , Zaki Maha S. , Senousy Sameh M. , El‐dessouky Sara H.
Published: January 2025

SUMOylation involves covalent attachment of small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) proteins to specific lysine residues on target proteins and regulates various aspects of their function. Sentrin‐specific proteases (SENPs) are key players in both the conjugation reaction of SUMO proteins to their targets and the subsequent deconjugation of SUMO‐conjugated substrates. Here, we provide the first comprehensive prenatal description of a lethal syndrome linked to a novel homozygous stop‐gain variant in SENP7 c.745C>T; p.(Arg249*) in a consanguineous Egyptian family with a history of three fetal deaths, all presenting with multiple congenital anomalies. Similar anomalies were observed through ultrasound assessment of the current fetus, including arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, CNS malformations, congenital heart disease, and renal anomalies. Singleton exome sequencing (ES) of fetal DNA revealed a SENP7 variant allele, which results in a premature termination codon, and the mutant mRNA is predicted to be degraded by nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD). This leads to impaired gene function, particularly disrupting SENP7's isopeptidase activity in deconjugating polySUMO chains. Our findings broaden the molecular spectrum of SENP7 variants and emphasize their essential role in the development of the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. This study offers new insights into the genotype–phenotype correlations observed in lethal congenital contracture syndromes and severe embryological abnormalities.
Evaluation of the Usability of ChatGPT‐4 and Google Gemini in Patient Education About Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Becerik Çağrı , Yıldız Selçuk , Tepe Karaca Çiğdem , Toros Sema Zer
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) based chat robots are increasingly used by users for patient education about common diseases in the health field, as in every field. This study aims to evaluate and compare patient education materials on rhinosinusitis created by two frequently used chat robots, ChatGPT‐4 and Google Gemini.

Method

One hundred nine questions taken from patient information websites were divided into 4 different categories: general knowledge, diagnosis, treatment, surgery and complications, then asked to chat robots. The answers given were evaluated by two different expert otolaryngologists, and on questions where the scores were different, a third, more experienced otolaryngologist finalised the evaluation. Questions were scored from 1 to 4: (1) comprehensive/correct, (2) incomplete/partially correct, (3) accurate and inaccurate data, potentially misleading and (4) completely inaccurate/irrelevant.

Results

In evaluating the answers given by ChatGPT‐4, all answers in the Diagnosis category were evaluated as comprehensive/correct. In the evaluation of the answers given by Google Gemini, the answers evaluated as completely inaccurate/irrelevant in the treatment category were found to be statistically significantly higher, and the answers evaluated as incomplete/partially correct in the surgery and complications category were found to be statistically significantly higher. In the comparison between the two chat robots, in the treatment category, ChatGPT‐4 had a higher correct evaluation rate than Google Gemini and was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

The answers given by ChatGPT‐4 and Google Gemini chat robots regarding rhinosinusitis were evaluated as sufficient and informative.
Getting students to stick around: The effects of completing an introductory course on persistence for community college students
Authors: Gicheva Dora , Edmunds Julie , Hull Marie , Thrift Beth
Published: January 2025

This paper studies the impacts of withdrawing from and failing an online course, relative to successful completion, on persistence for community college students. We leverage random assignment of students to instructors for identification. Withdrawing reduces the probability of persistence by about 20 percentage points, while the impact of failing is smaller and statistically indistinguishable from zero. Course withdrawals are highly correlated with institutional withdrawal, which is then linked to lower likelihood of returning the following semester. Our findings reinforce the importance of academic momentum: remaining in a course keeps students attached to college even if they earn a failing grade.
Exposure, sensitivity, or adaptive capacity? Reviewing assessments that use only two of three elements of climate change vulnerability
Authors: Hyman Amanda A. , Crone Erin R. , Benson Abigail , Dunham Jason , Lynch Abigail J. , Thompson Laura , Mims Meryl C.
Published: January 2025

As climate change accelerates, understanding which species are most vulnerable and why they are vulnerable will be vital to inform conservation action. Climate change vulnerability assessments (CCVAs) are tools to assess species' responses to climate change, detect drivers of vulnerability, and inform conservation planning. CCVAs are commonly composed of three elements: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Incorporating all three elements can be challenging, and including only two of the three elements may be a more feasible approach in many systems. Although two‐element CCVA approaches have become more common, their utility and procedures remain poorly documented. We conducted a literature review to explore the scope, methods, and rationale of CCVAs that use a two‐element approach to assess vertebrate vulnerability. Despite the potential to expand CCVAs into understudied systems, two‐element assessments had similar geographic and taxonomic biases as those previously detected in CCVAs in general. Methods varied, yet we found that variables used in two‐element studies could be condensed into standardized categories to enhance comparability. Finally, limitations in data availability and computational resources were common rationales for using a two‐element approach. By clarifying the purposes, opportunities, and limitations of two‐element assessment, this review can aid in selecting appropriate methods for CCVAs.
The pet trade of native species outside of their natural distributions within Australia is a biosecurity risk
Authors: Toomes Adam , Stringham Oliver C. , Moncayo Stephanie , Hill Katherine G. W. , Maher Jacob , Watters Freyja , Chekunov Sebastian , García‐Díaz Pablo , Mitchell Lewis , Ross Joshua V. , Cassey Phillip
Published: January 2025

The trade of alien species as pets is increasingly recognized as a biosecurity risk due to their intentional and accidental release into the wild. However, pets are often categorized as native or non‐native at a national level, meaning that their presence outside of their native range, yet within their native country, may be an overlooked biosecurity threat. So‐called “domestic non‐natives” have established new populations across several countries and, in some cases, become invasive. Here, we investigated the extent of the domestic trade of native Australian pet species outside of their natural distributions and determined whether such locations were climatically suitable for potential alien establishments. Australia provides a unique system to explore this issue because it deters the trade of most alien species yet permits the keeping of a large diversity of native pets. We monitored trade from a popular Australian e‐commerce site used to trade native pet birds, reptiles, and amphibians (29 k advertisements over 1 year; from July 2019 to July 2020). Of the 177 native vertebrate species we observed in the pet trade, 129 species (73%) had at least some instances of their trade occurring outside of their natural distribution. We found that climatically suitable environments were present outside the native range of 90 species and that these regions were proximal to suburbs where we observed trade. Our results indicate that the “domestic non‐native” trade is widespread in Australia and that, if captive pets escape or are released into the wild in sufficient numbers, there is a risk of establishment for most of these species. We suggest that regulations pertaining to the trade of native pets ensure that careful biosecurity consideration is given in circumstances when trade occurs beyond a species' native range, both in the context of Australia and for other large countries with widespread pet industries.
Greater improvement in insulin sensitivity per unit weight loss associated with tirzepatide versus semaglutide: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Mather Kieren J. , Mari Andrea , Weerakkody Govinda , Heise Tim , DeVries J. Hans , Urva Shweta , Coskun Tamer , Milicevic Zvonko , Haupt Axel , Thomas Melissa K.
Published: January 2025

Aims

To explore the relationship between weight loss and insulin sensitivity in response to tirzepatide or semaglutide.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a post hoc exploratory analysis of a 28‐week, double‐blind, randomized trial in people with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin, randomized to tirzepatide 15 mg, semaglutide 1 mg or placebo. We evaluated the relationship between change in body weight and change in insulin sensitivity determined from hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (M value), or from mixed‐meal tolerance testing (Matsuda index).

Results

Tirzepatide was associated with a greater improvement than semaglutide in insulin sensitivity assessed using hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps (p < 0.001). With tirzepatide, improvements in insulin sensitivity were associated with percent change in weight (R = −0.656, p < 0.0001). With semaglutide, change in insulin sensitivity was less strongly correlated with percent change in weight (R = −0.268, p = 0.0820; p = 0.0242 vs. tirzepatide). In regression analyses, the slope of the relationship between change in M value and change in weight was statistically different between semaglutide and tirzepatide (p = 0.0461). These relationships were also assessed using the Matsuda index as the metric of insulin sensitivity, and using change in fat mass as the determinant of change in insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

Improvement in insulin sensitivity was proportional to weight and fat loss, with greater strength of association with tirzepatide. In regression analysis, tirzepatide was associated with greater improvement in insulin sensitivity per unit weight loss than semaglutide. The greater improvement in insulin sensitivity following treatment with tirzepatide was not simply attributable to greater weight or fat loss.
Prognostic Value of Advanced Echocardiographic Analysis for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Angotti Danilo , Di Pietro Gianluca , Cimino Sara , Monosilio Sara , Netti Lucrezia , Ciuffreda Antonella , Improta Riccardo , Tocci Marco , Severino Paolo , Bruno Emanuele , Colantonio Riccardo , Vizza Carmine Dario , Agati Luciano , Maestrini Viviana
Published: January 2025

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the main treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and older age. Improved imaging techniques have enabled better patient selection, and the main role is played by echocardiography. Methods more sensitive than LVEF in assessing cardiac function, such as global longitudinal strain (GLS) and myocardial work (MW), have become widespread, and other methods, like hemodynamic forces (HDFs), might be promising.

The aim of this paper is to systematically review the parameters of GLS, MW, and HDF as predictors of reverse remodeling and their association with outcomes in patients with AS undergoing TAVI. In particular, the focus will be on the examination of the influence of TAVI on left atrial and ventricular function and right ventricular function.