bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enticing attributes of consumers' purchase intention to use online food delivery applications (OFDAs) in a developing country
Authors: Zaheer Muhammad Asif , Anwar Tanveer Muhammad , Iantovics Laszlo Barna , Raza Muhammad Ali , Khan Zoia
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Online food delivery applications (OFDAs) provide an expedient platform, and consumers’ access to food has been drastically altered, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to completely explore the attributes that influence consumers' purchase intention and how an app's aesthetics can evoke feelings that predict continuous usage intentions for OFDAs. The food industry, especially restaurants, heavily relies on mobile technology to facilitate critical online food delivery during the pandemic crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study are gathered from 477 food consumers located in the federal capital territory (FCT) of Islamabad, Pakistan, through convenient sampling by developing a self-administrated online survey. SmartPLS is used for structural equation modeling to test the proposed research model and perform bootstrapping and algorithmic analysis.

Findings

Our findings revealed that perceived value positively predicted consumers’ purchase intentions. Moreover, perceived value mediates the association of information quality, familiarity, time-saving, usability and reputation with purchase intentions and fear of COVID-19 moderates the relationship between perceived value and purchase intention.

Practical implications

This research work has significant implications for researchers, web developers, app designers, delivery services, restaurants and other enterprises as it demonstrates the importance of aesthetically pleasing OFDAs in eliciting positive emotions and bolstering consumers’ intentions to continue using the app for efficient food delivery services.

Originality/value

This study expanded the application of the technology acceptance model (TAM) and attention, interest, desire and action (AIDA) by examining consumers’ purchase intentions in the context of OFDAs. Further, the successful utilization of TAM enhanced the understanding of consumer perceptions and behavioral intentions about the usage of OFDAs.
Analysing the effect of multicultural workforce/teams on construction productivity
Authors: Kuoribo Ewald , Amoah Peter , Kissi Ernest , Edwards David John , Gyampo Jacob Anim , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Prodigious teamwork is the basis for augmenting the level of productivity on construction projects. Globalisation of the construction market has meant that many practitioners work outside of their geographical spectrum; however, the multicultural dissimilarities of construction workforces within the project management team (and how these may impact upon project productivity performance) have been given scant academic attention. To bridge this knowledge gap, this paper aims to analyse the effects of a multicultural workforce on construction productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The epistemological positioning of the research adopted mixed philosophies (consisting of both interpretivism and postpositivism) to undertake a deductive and cross-sectional survey to collate primary quantitative data collected via a closed-ended structured questionnaire. Census sampling and convenience sampling techniques were adopted to target Ghana’s construction workforce and their opinions of the phenomenon under investigation. Out of 96 questionnaires administered, 61 were retrieved. The data obtained were analysed by using mean score ranking, relative important index, one sample t-test and multiple regression. The reliability of the scale was checked by using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.

Findings

From the t-test analysis, 11 variables sourced from extant literature, and the null hypothesis for the study was not rejected and all factors (except high cost of training and improper gender diversity management) were affirmed as negative effects of the multicultural workforce on construction productivity. Using multiple regression analysis, six of the independent variables were shown to impact upon productivity. The goodness of fit was verified by collinearity and residual analysis. The model’s validation revealed a relatively high predictive accuracy (R2 = 0. 589), implying that the results could be generalized. In culmination, these findings suggest that the predictors can be used to accurately predict the effects of multicultural workforce on construction productivity performance.

Practical implications

The findings indicate that multicultural workforce/teams have a substantial effect on overall construction productivity in the construction sector; consequently, stakeholders must address this issue to enhance productivity across the sector.

Originality/value

The current study significantly contributes to our understanding of how multicultural workers/teams affect construction productivity in the construction business perspective and how to respond to the negative menace.
Islamic banks' contribution to Indonesia districts' economic growth and poverty alleviation
Authors: Junaidi Junaidi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the Islamic banks’ intermediation role (e.g. branches and deposits) in financing. It also examines how financing contributes to the regions' economic growth and poverty alleviation as a predictor and mediator variable.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 297 observations were extracted from 33 Indonesian districts and 14 Islamic banks during the period 2012–2020. Fixed-effect regression analysis was used to examine variable’s interactions.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that Islamic banks have adopted a channelling role towards redistributing capital from lender to borrower. Besides, there are crucial roles in developing economies and reducing poverty at the district level. This study also reinforces the critical role of financing in mediating the relationship between branches and deposits as predictor variables and GDP and poverty as outcome variables.

Research limitations/implications

The current study was limited to Indonesian Islamic banks and the district’s perspective. Future research needs to cover sub-districts and other poverty measurements (e.g. human education and development perspectives), including conventional and Islamic banks. It can help practitioners, regulators and researchers observe the dynamic behaviour of the banking sector to understand its role in the economic and social fields.

Practical implications

Bank managers and regulators should promote branches, deposits and financing. It also enlightens people about the essential role of Islamic banks and their fundamental operations in business and economics.

Originality/value

This study contributes to economic literature, bank managers and local governments' decision-making processes by developing and testing an economic growth and poverty model.
Generativity's manifestation in young adults: a grounded theory study
Authors: Sellon Addison , Hastings Lindsay
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Applying traditional grounded theory techniques, the present research reanalyzed secondary data from four previously conducted studies to explore how generativity is manifested in young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A new conceptual model of generativity was developed to depict how generativity manifests among this age group.

Findings

This study's findings provide leadership educators with a refined approach to interacting with this construct while simultaneously increasing young adults’ potential ability to experience the benefits available to them through generativity at an earlier stage in their lives.

Originality/value

This study advances the field of leadership education by establishing foundational insight into the uniqueness of generativity’s development in young adulthood.
NewGen Surgical: reimagining health for people and planet
Authors: Lee Sarah , Saboorideilami Vafa , Zhang Xiaotian , Lee Yung-Jae
Published: April 2024

Research methodology

The case study draws on structured interviews with Rob Chase, Founder and CEO of NewGen Surgical, as well as secondary data sources to analyze the effectiveness of these solutions in mitigating the risks and enhancing the company’s competitive advantage.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study examines how NewGen Surgical, a small- to medium-sized medical equipment manufacturer based in the USA, navigates a supply chain crisis caused by post-pandemic (COVID-19) supply and demand distress, trade restrictions, and the US–China trade war in 2022. It outlines the journey of CEO and Founder, Robert Chase, as he started, grew and is maintaining the company and its various challenges. The case study reviews the risks and vulnerabilities of the company, which heavily relies on Chinese suppliers for most of its operations. To address the supply chain challenges, the case study explores alternative solutions such as insourcing, reshoring, diversifying the supplier base, changing safety stock and implementing new technologies. The case can be designed to teach business courses such as global business, supply chain and entrepreneurship.

Complexity academic level

This case study is intended for undergraduate and graduate students in courses such as global business, supply chain and entrepreneurship. In addition, this case study may be incorporated with modules on learning organizations, knowledge management and entrepreneurship to aid students in comprehending the principles of global sourcing, offshoring and supply chain management.
Towards comprehensive urban sustainability: navigating predominant urban challenges and assessing their severity differential in Bangladeshi city corporations
Authors: Hossen Md. Shamim , Haque AKM Mahmudul , Hossain Imran , Haque Md. Nuruzzaman , Hossain Md. Kamal
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite city authorities in Bangladesh being concerned about urban sustainability, they often face difficulties in addressing predominant urban challenges threatening urban sustainability, due to limited relevant literature. To reduce this gap, this study aims to address the predominant urban challenges and assess their severity levels in four city corporations of Bangladesh, e.g. Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barishal, and Gazipur.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-method approach, this study rigorously analyzed field-level data obtained from 1,200 residents across selected cities using diverse statistical techniques. The quantitative analysis included descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and chi-square tests, whereas qualitative insights were derived through thematic analysis.

Findings

The study uncovered nine predominant urban challenges under two crucial factors “Feeble Urban Management” and “Illicit Activities” that collectively explain 62.20% variance. “Feeble Urban Management” explains 44.17% variance, whereas “Illicit Activities” accounts for 18.13%. Within these challenges, uncontrolled urban sprawl, inadequate disaster management, congested roads, and shabby drainage and waste management pose significant threats to urban sustainability. Illicit activities, manifested by encroachment on water sources, grabbing roadside, destruction of natural properties, and activities undermining social security, compound the urban sustainability issue. Severity analysis reveals Sylhet (54.5%), Rajshahi (46.4%), and Barishal (31.2%) as highly impacted, whereas Gazipur exhibits moderate severity (66.7%).

Originality/value

The findings of this study reveal intrinsic insights into urban challenges in Bangladesh that will provide valuable guidance to city authorities, equipping them to implement integrated and effective initiatives and programs that overcome these predominant urban challenges, with a specific focus on Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Barishal city corporations.
Animal‐pollinated crops and cultivars—A quantitative assessment of pollinator dependence values and evaluation of methodological approaches
Authors: Siopa Catarina , Carvalheiro Luísa G. , Castro Helena , Loureiro João , Castro Sílvia
Published: April 2024

Crop pollinator dependence (PD) values are key when assessing a pollinator's contribution to agriculture, guiding management plans and policies for sustainable crop production. However, the available global compilations of crops PD are outdated and neglect variability between related crops and accessions (variety/cultivar), as well as pollen limitation (PL), that is the production lost due to inadequate pollen receipt.

Here, we obtained quantitative PD values for animal‐pollinated crops and their accessions, using data from available pollination experiments worldwide. We also tested pollination methodologies to assess their impact on PD values and to define suitable methodological guidelines for future pollination studies.

We provide a list of continuous PD values for 141 crops, including 317 accessions and 37 crops not listed in previous assessments. We found that, globally, 74% of animal‐pollinated crops are highly dependent on pollinators, and more than 40% of their production is associated with animal pollination. Pollen limitation was detected in 51% of the dataset entries, indicating that estimates calculated with open pollination studies underestimate crop pollinator dependence and, therefore, do not represent the true contribution of pollinators to food production.

Synthesis and applications: Commonly applied methods for assessing PD values can lead to underestimations. Future studies evaluating pollinator dependence levels of crops and their accessions (i.e. potential pollinator contribution) should consider the possibility of pollen limitation in the study site, incorporating hand pollen supplementation (to open flower), open pollination, and pollinator exclusion treatments, preferably using the whole plant or branch as the unit of assessment. The PD values provided here, from studies that allow the incorporation of the concept of pollen limitation, enable more accurate quantifications of pollinator contribution to crop production. These PD values are an invaluable baseline and a requirement for future accurate evaluations of the value of pollinators for food security, supporting pollinator‐friendly practices in agroecosystems.
Topographical gradient of the structure and diversity of a woody plant community in a seasonally dry tropical forest in northwestern Madagascar
Authors: Fujimoto Yutaro , Kaneko Takayuki , Sato Hiroki , Rakotomamonjy Ando Harilalao , Razafiarison Zo Lalaina , Kitajima Kaoru
Published: April 2024

Few studies have evaluated the structure and dynamics of forests in Madagascar with high levels of endemism. Ankarafantsika National Park holds the largest of the remaining primary dry forests in northwestern Madagascar, where most of the forests have been lost or degraded by fire and other human activities. In this primary forest, we established a 15‐ha forest dynamics monitoring plot and mapped and identified all woody stems with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥5 cm. The forest stand was characterized by small‐sized individuals (75% of stems with DBH <10 cm, with 99% of trees with height <15 m), encompassing 35,758 tree and 513 liana individuals belonging to 160 species in 53 families (including 20 species of lianas accounting for 1.4% of the stems). Most species‐rich families were Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Malvaceae, which together encompassed 43 tree species and 23% of all tree individuals. The plot was located on a hill consisting of white sand at elevations from 150 to 200 m, with a gentle slope down from southwest to northeast. Over this elevation gradient, stem density and species diversity increased with elevation, while tree height and diameter decreased. The most abundant two species, Drypetes perrieri (Putranjivaceae) and Noronhia alleizettei (Oleaceae) are evergreen, suggesting the importance of a nutrient conservation strategy. These results provide the foundational knowledge necessary for the conservation and restoration of natural semi‐deciduous dry forests that used to cover large areas in northwestern Madagascar until recently.
Love burnout: young women, mobile phones, and delayed marriage in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Majczak Ewa
Published: April 2024

This article examines how work towards the promise of love marriage comes to be exhausted. It focuses on young urban women living in Yaoundé, Cameroon, trying to ‘catch’ a husband using digital technologies in which photographs figure prominently. Focusing on the visual production of dating profiles, I show how mobile phones place young women at the centre of their own husband‐catching pursuits. Through digital actions, these young women produce the promise of love marriage, but at the same time their actions require increased volumes of emotional work. As phones constantly compel young women to intensify their husband‐catching efforts and amplify the promise of love marriage, they rarely bring the desired results. Thus, young women, burdened by the emotional work necessary to sustain this promise, experience a form of love burnout, suspend their actions, and delay marriage. In highlighting the emotional laboriousness of intimate relations in technologically mediated worlds, this article draws out the limitations of the way in which the promise of love marriage is circulated and points to how neoliberal economies of affect may be temporarily suspended.
Feral ecologies of the human deep past: multispecies archaeology and palaeo‐synanthropy
Authors: Hussain Shumon T.
Published: April 2024

This article articulates recent advances in palaeo‐ecology with the goals and ambitions of multispecies archaeology. It centres the synanthropic nexus as a key context for the study of early human‐animal relationships and argues that its evolution yields important yet currently overlooked dynamics shaping the structure of the archaeological record. I first show how the dominant heuristic of wild versus domesticated nonhuman animals obfuscates the inherent variability and creativity of past animal agency. I then illustrate how such agency is caught up with human behaviour and ecosystem impacts from relatively early on in human history, navigating historically shifting configurations of autonomy and control. Drawing on deep‐historical examples of synanthropic niches co‐assembled by human foragers and nonhuman animals, I argue that such interspecies configurations require careful attention to concepts of liminality and ferality and challenge species‐level approaches. I finally highlight potential human behavioural, material, and cosmological consequences of the synanthropic nexus, including integrative foraging patterns and notions of the giving animal, which play an important role in many Indigenous and ethnographic forager societies and illustrate the value of attending to this nexus as a focus of comparative multispecies research.
How Does Transport‐Related Deprivation Reduce Hours of Work in Australia?1
Authors: Adabor Opoku
Published: April 2024

In this study, we examine the effect of transport‐related deprivation on hours of work using 17 waves of longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia. We measure transport‐related deprivation using indicators that reflect transport accessibility and affordability. The overall finding indicates that transport‐related deprivation reduces hours of work. This outcome is more pronounced for public transport than private transport, and consistent across instrumental variable techniques, an alternative fixed effect model, and heterogeneity analysis. Further analysis reveals that the hours of work‐reducing effect of transport‐related deprivation is transmitted through time spent travelling to work.
A descriptive study of domestic and family violence presentations to an emergency department in the Northern Territory
Authors: Owen Lucy , Hare Breidahl Sibella , Mussared Maud , Brownlea Sandra , Kault David
Published: April 2024

Objective

Examine the nature of domestic and family violence (DFV) presentations to an ED in the Northern Territory and identify potential gaps in service delivery.

Methods

Prospective descriptive study of DFV presentations in November 2021.

Results

A total of 70 presentations were identified, representing 1.2% of all presentations aged 16 years and older. Disproportionately impacted were First Nations people (90%), women (77.1%) and those aged less than 40 years (67.1%). Most (81.4%) arrived outside of business hours and only 37.1% were assessed by the social worker. Case complexity was increased by high rates of homelessness (30%), concurrent alcohol consumption (44.3%) and pregnancy (11.1% of females). More than a third (37.1%) had attended on one to four occasions in the previous 6 months with a DFV‐related injury. Compared to non‐DFV attendances, the median ED length of stay was approximately twice as long (456 vs 210 min), admissions rates to the ED short stay unit five times higher (25.7% vs 5.7%; P < 0.01, odds ratio [OR] = 5.7 and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.3–9.8) and rates of self‐discharge prior to completion of care 9 times higher (12.9% vs 1.5%; P < 0.01, OR = 9.5 and 95% CI = 4.6–19.7).

Conclusion

The data highlights the need for a 24 h trauma‐informed, culturally safe and integrated service to support people experiencing DFV. This could be achieved by a specialist unit designed and staffed by First Nations health practitioners.
Employment rates for working‐age patients receiving hemodialysis increasing: Changing economic environment
Authors: Sugisawa Hidehiro , Shimizu Yumiko , Kumagai Tamaki , Shishido Kanji , Koda Yutaka , Shinoda Toshio
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This study explored employment trends among working‐age patients undergoing hemodialysis using 5‐year surveys from 1996 to 2021. Policy changes affecting individuals with disabilities, the economic environment, and employment status among the general population in Japan were considered. Differences in trends by gender and health status were examined.

Methods

Employment status was categorized into employment and nonemployment; and regular, nonregular, and self. Analytical data with similar characteristics were generated over the six surveys using the propensity score method.

Results

The employment rate, especially among women, increased from 1996 to 2021. However, the employment rate ratio to the general population was approximately 80% for men and 50% for women, even in 2021. The employment rate increased with an expansion in nonregular employment. Women's employment trends could be explained by changes in real gross domestic product and employment quotas for individuals with disabilities.

Conclusion

Employment trends differ by gender and by regular versus nonregular employment.
The Healthy Ageing/Vulnerable Environment (HAVEN) Index: Measuring neighbourhood age‐friendliness
Authors: Taylor Danielle , Theou Olga , Barrie Helen , Lange Jarrod , Edwards Suzanne , Wilson David , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: April 2024

This study describes the development and testing of the Healthy Ageing/Vulnerable Environment (HAVEN) Index, a prototype composite spatial index for South Australia that reflects an area’s age‐friendliness. The index incorporates over 40 indicator variables across six variable themes: income and employment; education; health and housing; social connectedness; geographic access; and physical environment. Based on the deficit accumulation approach, the modelling uses area‐level rather than individual‐level data and is compiled through quantitative geospatial methods. Analysis using the HAVEN Index of state‐wide mortality data and hospital emergency department (ED) presentations for Central Adelaide found that vulnerable areas were associated with a higher risk of mortality and ED presentation. Comparisons between the HAVEN Index and a widely used national area‐level measure of socio‐economic differences found that the HAVEN Index compares favourably and provides additional information about local areas, which can inform needs‐based approaches to support the reduction of spatial inequalities and the development of age‐friendly neighbourhoods.
Navigating the dilemmas of mutual aid: International student organising in Sydney during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Iveson Kurt , Riboldi Mark
Published: April 2024

In 2020, thousands of international students found themselves stranded in Sydney, Australia, with the suspension of international travel and closure of borders. While many lost their livelihoods due to lockdowns, the Australian government excluded international students and other temporary visa holders from all forms of income support and disaster relief—resulting in food and housing insecurity and social isolation. This article describes and analyses the forms of mutual aid and support that international students organised to address their situation. In providing an account of their efforts, we consider them as forms of care infrastructure and draw particular attention to the institutional relationships that were involved: interfaces with faith, community and labour organising; confrontations with state agencies and the higher education sector; and institutionalisation into a formalised and state‐funded community organising initiative—the Oz International Student Hub. We examine the evolution of these relationships as responses to a series of strategic dilemmas, as students sought simultaneously to care for one another and to confront the forces that produced their precarity and isolation. And we draw out a series of lessons we can learn from their efforts about how mutual aid can avoid the pitfalls of charity and state welfare, while institutionalising more durable political spaces that do not have to be invented anew with each fresh crisis.
Insights into the biosynthesis of palladium nanoparticles for oxygen reduction reaction by genetically engineered bacteria of Shewanella oneidensisMR‐1
Authors: Li Shihui , Huang Jingwen , Tong Linjun , Li Qingxin , Zhou Haikun , Deng Xiaoting , Zhou Jin , Xie Zhiyong , Liu Xueduan , Liang Yili
Published: April 2024

Owing to the increasing need for green synthesis and environmental protection, the utilization of biological organism‐derived carbons as supports for noble‐metal electrocatalysts has garnered public interest. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which microorganisms generate nanometals has not been fully understood yet. In the present study, we used genetically engineered bacteria of Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 (∆SO4317, ∆SO4320, ∆SO0618 and ∆SO3745) to explore the effect of surface substances including biofilm‐associated protein (bpfA), protein secreted by type I secretion systems (TISS) and type II secretion systems (T2SS), and lipopolysaccharide in microbial synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Results showed Pd/∆SO4317 (the catalyst prepared with the mutant ∆SO4317) shows better performance than other biocatalysts and commercial Pd/C, where the mass activity (MA) and specific activity (SA) of Pd/∆SO4317 are 3.1 and 2.1 times higher than those of commercial Pd/C, reaching 257.49 A g−1 and 6.85 A m−2 respectively. It has been found that the exceptional performance is attributed to the smallest particle size and the presence of abundant functional groups. Additionally, the absence of biofilms has been identified as a crucial factor in the formation of high‐quality bio‐Pd. Because the absence of biofilm can minimize metal agglomeration, resulting in uniform particle size dispersion. These findings provide valuable mechanical insights into the generation of biogenic metal nanoparticles and show potential industrial and environmental applications, especially in accelerating oxygen reduction reactions.
Concept analysis of self‐neglect in the elderly: a hybrid model
Authors: Alimohammadi‐Gusheh Farzaneh , Mohammadi‐Shahboulaghi Farahnaz , Tabrizi Kian Nourozi , Fallahi‐Khoshknab Masoud , Rassouli Maryam
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Clarifying the concept of elder self‐neglect.

Methods

Researchers investigated the concept of elder self‐neglect using a hybrid approach, including theoretical, fieldwork, and final analysis phases. After an extensive review of related literature to define the concept of self‐neglect and describe its characteristics, the fieldwork phase was carried out to illustrate its empirical features. Accordingly, it led to the extraction of the elder self‐neglect attributes from the first two phases.

Findings

Elder self‐neglect includes “subjective and objective high‐risk behaviors pertinent to physical and spiritual health as well as restricted social interactions, disregarding the living environment, and a lack of compliance to personal hygiene routines that the elderly demonstrate deliberately or unintentionally. Various factors can contribute to such behaviors, including individual features, poor physical performance, elderly‐oriented psychological disorders, financial challenges, detrimental stressors, unsuccessful social interactions, inaccessible supportive resources, inadequate educational resources, and inappropriate cultural norms. Consequently, such behaviors result in impaired physical and psychological health status, higher risk of misbehavior, poor quality of life, extra caregiving‐treatment burden, and affected mental security in society.”

Conclusion

Given that elder self‐neglect is considered a relatively unknown concept in Iran, the study findings can pave the way for future extensive research in the Iranian context by clarifying the concept. It can play a significant role in developing related tools to design more efficient interventions and improve the quality of nursing care services.

Implications for nursing practice

The elder self‐neglect concept can lead to numerous health‐related disorders among the elderly in society. Nurses cannot deal with an unknown phenomenon without exploring and identifying its exact meaning. It is, therefore, imperative to illustrate the different dimensions of this concept to help create a deep understanding among the nurses and perform timely diagnosis and interventional procedures.
Phenotypic clustering of bipolar disorder supports stratification by lithium responsiveness over diagnostic subtypes
Authors: Scott Katie , O'Donovan Claire , Brancati Giulio Emilio , Cervantes Pablo , Ardau Rafaella , Manchia Mirko , Severino Giovanni , Rybakowski Janusz , Tondo Leonardo , Grof Paul , Alda Martin , Nunes Abraham
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine whether the clinical profiles of bipolar disorder (BD) patients could be differentiated more clearly using the existing classification by diagnostic subtype or by lithium treatment responsiveness.

Methods

We included adult patients with BD‐I or II (N = 477 across four sites) who were treated with lithium as their principal mood stabilizer for at least 1 year. Treatment responsiveness was defined using the dichotomized Alda score. We performed hierarchical clustering on phenotypes defined by 40 features, covering demographics, clinical course, family history, suicide behaviour, and comorbid conditions. We then measured the amount of information that inferred clusters carried about (A) BD subtype and (B) lithium responsiveness using adjusted mutual information (AMI) scores. Detailed phenotypic profiles across clusters were then evaluated with univariate comparisons.

Results

Two clusters were identified (n = 56 and n = 421), which captured significantly more information about lithium responsiveness (AMI range: 0.033 to 0.133) than BD subtype (AMI: 0.004 to 0.011). The smaller cluster had disproportionately more lithium responders (n = 47 [83.8%]) when compared to the larger cluster (103 [24.4%]; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Phenotypes derived from detailed clinical data may carry more information about lithium responsiveness than the current classification of diagnostic subtype. These findings support lithium responsiveness as a valid approach to stratification in clinical samples.
Midnight siesta: Bimodal temporal activity observed in an endangered marsupial predator
Authors: Moore Harry A. , Diete Rebecca L. , Indigo Naomi L. , Cowan Mitchell A. , Trewella Gavin J. , Nimmo Dale G.
Published: April 2024

Understanding animal behavioural patterns can provide insight into how populations and communities are adapting to broader environmental shifts. The northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), an endangered marsupial predator, has traditionally been classified as nocturnal. However, evidence is emerging that such simple classifications belie the complexity of animal activity patterns. Using time‐stamped camera trap imagery and fine‐scale accelerometer data, our study explores the diel activity patterns of northern quolls across their range in northern Australia. Contrary to the conventional nocturnal classification, we found that the northern quoll used bimodal activity patterns in four of the five populations examined in this study. Activity and accelerometer data showed two nightly movement peaks, with a distinctive lull around midnight, a pattern similar to one displayed by other marsupial predators. We found no consistent effect of season or lunar phase on temporal activity. Instead, its possible temporal activity patterns are primarily influenced by factors not accounted for here, such as prey availability, climate, predator avoidance, or energy expenditure related to digestion. We suggest further research incorporating these factors will improve our understanding of northern quoll behaviour.
A panel of tetranucleotide STR markers as an alternative approach to forensic DNA identification of wolf and dog
Authors: Hrebianchuk Aliaksandra E. , Parfionava Nastassia S. , Zabauskaya Tatsiana V. , Tsybovsky Iosif S.
Published: April 2024

Commercial panels of microsatellite (STR) loci are focused on the use of DNA of the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and are often inapplicable for genotyping the DNA of the gray wolf (Canis lupus lupus). We propose a CPlex test system, including one hexa‐ and 12 tetranucleotide autosomal STR loci, as well as two sex loci, that is equally efficient in DNA identification of biological samples of the wolf and the dog. Analysis of molecular variance between samples revealed significant differentiation values (FST = 0.0784, p < 0.001), which allows to use the panel to differentiate wolf and dog samples. Population subdivision coefficients (θ‐values) were calculated for each of the 13 STR loci of the developed test system. It was shown that the values of the genotype frequency for dogs and wolves, without and with considering the θ‐value, differ by three orders of magnitude (for dogs 8.9 × 10−16 and 2.1 × 10−14 and for wolves 1.9 × 10−15 and 4.5 × 10−14, respectively). The use of population subdivision coefficients will allow to identify the most reliable results of an expert identification study and the power of exclusion provided by the STR loci of the CPlex test system makes it possible to achieve a reliable level of evidence in forensic DNA analysis of both wolves and dogs. The test system has been validated for use in forensic identification of the dog and wolf based on biological traces found at crime scenes, as well as for individual identification and establishing biological relationship of animals of these species.
Floristic diversity of patches generated by protected Ficus ‘trees outside forests’ in agricultural landscapes in Madagascar
Authors: Rafidison Verohanitra M. , Rakotoarimanana Vonjison , Edmond Roger , Aumeeruddy‐Thomas Yildiz , Carrière Stéphanie M.
Published: April 2024

Ficus trees play an important role as key species in both ecological and sociocultural networks in Madagascar. This study focused on species of isolated Ficus growing in agricultural areas adjoining a forest corridor linking the Ranomafana and Andringitra National Parks in east‐central Madagascar, with the aim of understanding the structural and floristic characteristics of the vegetation regenerating under these Ficus ‘trees outside forests’. Two main aspects were studied: (1) the characteristics of the habitats under the crown of isolated Ficus species (Ficus tiliifolia, Ficus reflexa and Ficus lutea), and (2) the specific structure and composition of the vegetation under these Ficus trees: minimum area, species richness, floristic regularity, diversity and similarity, biological type, vegetation type, proportion of annual and herbaceous species, and seed dispersal methods. The results indicate that each of these three Ficus species has its own community composition. The vegetation under F. reflexa is a shrubby formation dominated by autochorous and zoochorous species located on high slopes with a minimum area of 6–12 m2. The vegetation under F. lutea is a highly anthropized herbaceous formation dominated by autochorous species located on high slopes at an altitude of 1150–1200 m, with a southwest exposure and a minimum area that ranges from 6 to 9 m2. Under F. tiliifolia, different types of plant formations are found in different topographic positions: herbaceous, shrubby or tree‐like, with different modes of seed dispersal.
Little owls (Athene noctua) shift their diet towards nocturnal beetles in an arid North African area
Authors: Saada Intissar , Hammouda Abdessalem , Romanowski Jerzy , Selmi Slaheddine
Published: April 2024

Urban life is associated with dietary shifts in opportunistic predators, such as raptors. This is presumably true in food‐poor environments, such as drylands. We investigated this issue in little owls (Athene noctua) inhabiting an arid southern Tunisian area. Using pellet data, we found that coleopterans accounted for 69% of ingested food items. Controlling for prey availability, this coleopteran‐based diet was more notable in the urban environment compared to rural areas. We suggest that habitat conditions in the urban areas have increased the catchability of nocturnal coleopterans which were then more exposed to predation by little owls than in rural areas.
Rethinking job insecurity research: Challenging the homogeneous, linear, and negative effects of job insecurity
Authors: Jiang Lixin
Published: April 2024

The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work, making a discussion on job insecurity both timely and imperative. In this commentary, I critically examine several assumptions presented in Klug et al.'s lead article and propose alternative avenues to advance the field. First, I argue for a nuanced understanding of job insecurity by distinguishing between cognitive and affective dimensions, as well as between quantitative and qualitative aspects. By avoiding oversimplification, we can better capture the complex experiences of job insecurity. Second, I challenge the prevailing notion of job insecurity as solely a hindrance stressor with uniformly negative consequences. Instead, I emphasize its potentially motivating effects under certain conditions and advocate for exploring its curvilinear effects on outcomes. Third, I advocate for the adoption of competing theoretical frameworks to enrich our understanding of job insecurity's implications across multiple levels, especially focusing on outcomes at the team, unit, and organizational levels. Finally, I call for more intervention studies aimed at mitigating job insecurity at its sources and improving the well‐being outcomes of job‐insecure employees. To sum, I highlight the importance of challenging conventional assumptions and fostering innovative approaches in job insecurity research.
Perceived overqualification and subjective career success: Is harmonious or obsessive passion beneficial?
Authors: Luksyte Aleksandra , Carpini Joseph Alexandre
Published: April 2024

Perceived overqualification may be positively or negatively related to subjective career success. Integrating person‐environment fit theory with the dualistic model of passion, we propose that both harmonious and obsessive passion may help reconcile misfit perceptions arising from feeling overqualified with implications for subjective career success. We argue the lack of work meaningfulness will explain the proposed buffering effects of work passion. We tested our moderated mediation model across two studies. In Study 1 (N = 422), we demonstrated that surgeons who reported being overqualified and who scored lower on harmonious passion experienced diminished work meaningfulness. Following on, surgeons reported heightened intentions to leave their surgical careers. We constructively replicated these results in a time‐lagged Study 2 (N = 201) that included an additional measure of subjective career success—career performance. Across both Studies 1 and 2, obsessive passion did not moderate the proposed effects. The significant moderating result of harmonious, as opposed to obsessive, passion highlighted the importance of autonomous internalization for work in the achievement of subjective career success for workers who feel overqualified. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this research, as well as articulate opportunities for future research.
No observed bidirectional effect between tenofovir diphosphate concentrations and gender‐affirming hormone concentrations among transgender persons switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine to tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine for HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Patel Nimish , Morris Sheldon , Burke Leah , Chow Karen , Pacheco Deedee , Anderson Peter , Stancyzk Frank , Blumenthal Jill
Published: April 2024

Aims

Many transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have expressed concerns about the potential for oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis to affect hormonal concentrations achieved from taking gender‐affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). The purpose of this study was to understand the bidirectional effects between hormone and intraerythrocytic tenofovir diphosphate concentrations when switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) to tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (TAF/FTC) in TGD users/nonusers of GAHT.

Methods

The study evaluated stored blood samples and dried blood spot cards from TGD adults without HIV who took ≥12 weeks of TDF/FTC and then switched to ≥12 weeks of TAF/FTC for pre‐exposure prophylaxis.

Results

Thirty‐nine individuals met the study inclusion criteria. Regardless of sex assigned at birth and the use of GAHT, there were no significant differences in hormone concentrations when individuals taking GAHT were taking TDF/FTC and then switched to TAF/FTC. Further, there was no significant difference in intraerythrocytic tenofovir diphosphate concentrations between users and nonusers of GAHT.

Conclusion

There are no bidirectional effects between hormone and intraerythocytic tenofovir diphosphate concentrations when switching from TDF/FTC to TAF/FTC in TGD users/nonusers of GAHT.
Barriers to dental utilization among Medicaid‐enrolled young children from primary care practices in Northeast Ohio
Authors: Selvaraj David , Agarwal Neel , Albert Jeffrey M. , Nelson Suchitra
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the individual and community factors that contribute to dental utilization among young children on Medicaid utilizing the Anderson Model and the Socio‐Ecological Framework.

Methods

This observational cross‐sectional study was conducted using baseline data (socio‐demographics, clinical dental need) from a cluster‐randomized hybrid effectiveness‐implementation trial among 1021 child–parent dyads recruited from primary care practices across northeast Ohio. The baseline data were then linked to dental Medicaid claims data (categorized as any dental visit, volume, and type in the past 12 months) and ICD‐10 codes from the child's EHR data (individual‐level) together with Dental Health Provider Shortage Area (HPSA) status and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) which were obtained at the neighbourhood‐level using home address of each dyad (community‐level). Multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations (GEE) accounted for clustering by practice, and models included individual‐level alone, and individual + community‐level factors to evaluate their effects on dental utilization.

Results

Medicaid claims data indicated that among the 1021 children (mean age: 4.3 ± 1.1 years; 54.4% males; 43.8% Black, Non‐Hispanic), a majority of children were seeing the dentist at least once a year by the age of 4 (56.1%). The mean ADI of their neighbourhoods was 109.22 (20.2) and 27.5% lived in a HPSA area. The GEE analyses revealed that individual factors such as older children, parents being married, and continuous Medicaid enrollment were associated with significantly higher dental utilization. Among community factors, being in a HPSA had an OR = 1.53 (CI: 1.03, 2.27) associated with higher dental utilization.

Conclusions

Being in a HPSA was associated with higher dental utilization possibly due to dentists or safety net dental clinics in these areas accepting Medicaid‐eligible children.
A Service‐Led Pragmatic Evaluation of Family Foundations Targeting the Reduction of Perinatal Parent Mental Health Difficulties and Family Conflict in Australia
Authors: Giallo Rebecca , McMahon Grace , Schulz Madison , Fogarty Alison , Seymour Monique , Hosking Casey , Findley Helen , Wallace Carolyn , Bladon Samantha , Feinberg Mark
Published: April 2024

A service‐led evaluation of home‐based Family Foundations (FF), a perinatal intervention targeting interparental conflict and mental health difficulties, was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. The aims were to assess (a) pre–post intervention changes, (b) parent satisfaction and (c) intervention fidelity. Participants included 288 families who completed self‐report surveys, and FF clinicians who completed fidelity checklists. Approximately 78% of families who commenced FF completed all 10 sessions. High parent satisfaction and intervention fidelity were reported. For Parent 1s (primarily mothers), there were reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, interparental conflict and parenting hostility and increases in co‐parenting support, parenting warmth and parenting self‐efficacy—all associated with small effect sizes. For Parent 2s (primarily fathers), there were reductions in interparental conflict and parenting hostility and an increase in parenting self‐efficacy—also associated with small effect sizes. These findings provide a platform for comprehensive and robust long‐term evaluations of home‐based FF in the future.
USP19 regulates DNA methylation damage repair and confers temozolomide resistance through MGMT stabilization
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Wang Kaikai , Zhu Qian , Zhang Yixin , Chen Yuping , Lou Zhenkun , Yuan Jian
Published: April 2024

Objective

To elucidate the relationship between USP19 and O(6)‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) after temozolomide treatment in glioblastoma (GBM) patients with chemotherapy resistance.

Methods

Screening the deubiquitinase pannel and identifying the deubiquitinase directly interacts with and deubiquitination MGMT. Deubiquitination assay to confirm USP19 deubiquitinates MGMT. The colony formation and tumor growth study in xenograft assess USP19 affects the GBM sensitive to TMZ was performed by T98G, LN18, U251, and U87 cell lines. Immunohistochemistry staining and survival analysis were performed to explore how USP19 is correlated to MGMT in GBM clinical management.

Results

USP19 removes the ubiquitination of MGMT to facilitate the DNA methylation damage repair. Depletion of USP19 results in the glioblastoma cell sensitivity to temozolomide, which can be rescued by overexpressing MGMT. USP19 is overexpressed in glioblastoma patient samples, which positively correlates with the level of MGMT protein and poor prognosis in these patients.

Conclusion

The regulation of MGMT ubiquitination by USP19 plays a critical role in DNA methylation damage repair and GBM patients’ temozolomide chemotherapy response.