bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probing light dark matter through cosmic-ray cooling in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Herrera Gonzalo , Murase Kohta
Published: July 2024

Recent observations of high-energy neutrinos from active galactic nuclei (AGN), NGC 1068 and TXS 0506+056, suggest that cosmic rays (CRs) are accelerated in the vicinity of the central supermassive black hole and high-energy protons and electrons can cool efficiently via interactions with ambient photons and gas. The dark matter density may be significantly enhanced near the black hole, and CRs could lose energies predominantly due to scatterings with the ambient dark matter particles. We propose CR cooling in AGN as a new probe of dark matter-proton and dark matter-electron scatterings. Under plausible astrophysical assumptions, our constraints on sub-GeV dark matter can be the strongest derived to date. Some of the parameter space favored by thermal light dark matter models might already be probed with current multimessenger observations of AGN.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How do emotions influence healthy food choice? Investigating an extended framework of the social-cognitive theory
Authors: Brückner Katrin , Emberger-Klein Agnes , Menrad Klaus
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate how and through which social-cognitive constructs, emotions influence healthy food shopping behaviors. Direct effects of those constructs, as well as indirect effects of consumer emotions are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

An altered version of the Social Cognitive Theory, including intention, socio-structural factors, outcome expectancies and self-efficacy with the addition of consumer emotions was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Data of 1,181 volunteers were collected in Germany in 2021 through an online survey.

Findings

Intention was the most important positive predictor of food choice, while socio-structural factors had the biggest impact on intentions. Those were mostly influenced by self-efficacy, which was strongly predicted by consumer emotions. Outcome expectancies did not influence the current model in any way. Consumer emotions did not directly influence intention, nor actual choice, however showed to be influencing those variables through indirect effects.

Practical implications

Marketers could benefit from these results by incorporating the current findings into existing marketing strategies through targeting a combination of social cognitive constructs, as well as consumer emotions to facilitate healthier food shopping behavior.

Originality/value

Affect has received increasing attention in regards to its impact on healthy eating behaviors in recent years. Less attention has been paid to the mechanisms through which emotions influence healthy nutrition behavior, specifically how consumer emotions influence healthy food shopping behavior.
Risk coupling analysis of causal factors in construction fall-from-height accidents
Authors: Niu Hongying , Yang Xiaodong , Zhang Jiayu , Guo Shengyu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Construction fall-from-height accidents are not only caused by a single factor but also by the risk coupling between two or more factors. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively analyze the risk coupling relationships between multiple factors and identify critical factors in construction fall-from-height accidents.

Design/methodology/approach

A cause analysis framework was established from the perspective of human, machine, material, management and environmental factors. The definition, the classification and the process of risk coupling were proposed. The data from 824 historical accident reports from 2011 to 2021 were collected on government websites. A risk coupling analysis model was constructed to quantitatively analyze the risk coupling relationships of multiple factors based on the N-K model. The results were classified using K-means clustering analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that the greater the number of causal factors involved in risk coupling, the higher the risk coupling value and the higher the risk of accidents. However, specific risk coupling combinations occurred when the number of their coupling factors was not large. Human, machine and material factors were determined to be the critical factors when risk coupling between them tended to pose a greater risk of accidents.

Originality/value

This study established a cause analysis framework from five aspects and constructed a theoretical model to quantitatively analyze multi-factor coupling. Several suggestions were proposed for construction units to manage accident risks more effectively by controlling the number of factors and paying more attention to critical factors coupling and management and environmental factors.
Validation of knowledge hiding measurement in South Korea
Authors: Joo Jaehong , Lee Yunsoo , Song Ji Hoon
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Given that knowledge hiding hampers the management of employee knowledge, it is important to measure the phenomena before applying the intervention to alleviate it. This paper aims to validate knowledge hiding measurements in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

The research collected 420 and 415 different Korean employee samples for each study, and they responded to their quality of knowledge hiding. The research conducted factor analysis using Mplus software and the Rasch model using JMetrik software based on the item response theory.

Findings

The research validated Korean versions of knowledge hiding measurements consisting of three factors and ten items. The study also found that knowledge hiding has a negative relationship with knowledge sharing and an unexpectedly positive relationship with team creativity. The study confirmed that the modified measurement yields acceptable discriminant and convergent validity.

Research limitations/implications

The research relied on self-reported data and may have an issue measuring their knowledge hiding generously. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to measure it from others, including supervisors and colleagues. This research has theoretical implications for psychometrically and systematically validating the measurement.

Practical implications

The research includes practical implications for contributing to Human resource development practitioners could assess employee traits accurately and manage their negative knowledge behavior.

Social implications

The research suggests the implications for detecting a positive relationship between knowledge hiding and team creativity. The study discussed that the specific climate could contribute to team creativity in Eastern contexts.

Originality/value

The research identified the importance of a psychometric validating process in the development of measurements.
Empowering women: navigating work environment challenges with mental toughness
Authors: Subramanian Prabha , Gallant Monica , Pani Pranab K.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This literature review examines women’s significant workplace challenges and explores mental toughness, a distinct non-cognitive ability associated with peak athletic performance. This study aims to understand this concept and its potential for women professionals facing similar challenges in an organisational context.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a systematic literature review, this exploratory paper is an integrative literature review synthesising pre-existing knowledge using secondary scientific databases. This literature analysis will pave the way for comprehension of the existing body of research, identification of research gaps, and opportunities for further studies. Different typologies of mental toughness (MT) have been identified, and a new typology will emerge from this research study.

Findings

The study analyses over 100 articles based on MT typology and complex gender dynamics at work, especially the “broken rung” concept of trapping women in lower or mid-level roles in an organisation. This content analyses the recent emergence of the MT typology in academic research, with articles published after 2019 and a few earlier key works that shaped the concept of MT. In addition to contributing a comprehensive typology of MT and its impact on women professionals, this paper also provides recommendations for future research and individual-level development of MT to help women overcome workplace barriers globally.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding MT’s impact on women’s ability to overcome workplace barriers has HR implications, including hiring, retention, career advancement, training and closing gender gaps. This research may help individual women professionals adopt MT as a psychological resource to navigate work environment challenges. Further research is needed for practical insights, given this discussion is based on a literature review.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study have a profound impact on human resource management practices within organisations, highlighting the multifaceted approach required to tackle gender disparity. A more inclusive and supportive work environment can be created by ensuring MT training is accessible to all employees. A comprehensive career development plan for women professionals, including but not limited to mentoring, executive sponsorship, skill-building training or stretched assignments, leadership coaching, networking opportunities, and increased visibility in the organisation are critical for career advancement and retention.

Originality/value

This study is a novel attempt to examine whether MT, which has proven effective in helping athletes achieve their goals, can be applied in a workplace environment. It is also a new endeavour to investigate whether women could use MT as a psychological tool to help them overcome obstacles in a diverse professional setting.
The relationship between emotional biases and investment decisions: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Chaurasia Akash
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The study attempts to investigate the relationship between emotional biases (loss aversion bias, overconfidence bias, and regret aversion bias) and investment decisions through a meta-analysis approach.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-correlation analysis was done using sample size and correlation (r) data from several relevant studies that look at how emotional biases (loss aversion bias, regret aversion bias, and overconfidence bias) affect investment decisions. Additionally, beta coefficients (ß) were also converted to correlation coefficients (r) from six studies.

Findings

This study analysed 31 empirical studies and found a significant positive correlation between emotional biases and investment decisions [loss aversion bias (r = 0.492), regret aversion bias (r = 0.401), and overconfidence bias (r = 0.346)]. We set the statistical significance threshold at 0.05.

Research limitations/implications

The review covered 31 online research publications that showed significant heterogeneity, possibly influenced by various methodological, population, or other factors. Furthermore, the use of correlational data restricts the ability to establish causation.

Originality/value

This is a novel attempt to integrate the results of various studies through meta-analysis on the relation between these emotional biases (loss aversion, overconfidence, and regret aversion) and investment decisions.
Digital leadership in the digital era of education: enhancing knowledge sharing and emotional intelligence
Authors: Anwar Sadia , Saraih Ummi Naiemah
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Establishing an effective educational system is directly tied to academic leadership, a multifaceted concept that differs from one environment to another. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of digital leadership (DL) aspects in the enhancement of technical knowledge sharing (KS) and dealing with emotional intelligence (EI) among the teaching faculty of higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

Following a quantitative and cross-sectional research design, convenient sampling is employed for data collection via a self-administered questionnaire from 320 faculty members of private HEIs in Pakistan.

Findings

Structural equation model (SEM) is used for path analysis. The results reveal a positive and significant effect of DL, aspects like visionary leadership (VL), digital citizenship (DC), systematic improvement (SI), on knowledge sharing (KS), and emotional intelligence (EI).

Practical implications

This study has highlighted the significance of DL in private HEIs. The findings of the study imply that institutional heads of higher education institutions (HEIs) can successfully manage the knowledge assets that they have and those of their staff members, ensure the successful adoption of technology and foster product and process innovation that improves organizational performance and integrates successful strategies into the educational system by demonstrating DL aspects. The research also analyzes institutional heads' present leadership strategies to enhance response to technological change and innovations, which are considered fundamental pillars of organizational success. Ultimately, this will extend the literature on adopting DL techniques towards digital transformation in the education system.

Originality/value

This study empirically confirms the role of DL aspects such as VL, DC, and SI towards KS and EI. Most of the research demonstrates the direct impact of DL on EI, whereas the aspects of DL are not directly related to KS and EI. Studies have also shown how DL enhances its role in incorporating leadership in organizations, industries, and education, mainly in Western countries. This research addresses the gap in understanding the direct effects of DL aspects on KS and EI in non-Western countries, particularly within the education sector.
Communication anxiety as barrier: extending theory of planned behavior on student intention to participate in synchronous online learning
Authors: Nurlaela Nurlaela , Amiruddin Amiruddin , Irfan Andi Muhammad , Setialaksana Wirawan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Student in-class participation is a crucial aspect in the learning process, including in synchronous learning process. Several variables may hinder students from actively participating in synchronous learning including communication anxiety. As behavior, student in-class participation can be modeled using theory of planned behavior (TPB) with communication anxiety as barrier variable. The current study aims to investigate student decision-making process to actively participate in synchronous online learning using TPB frameworks and examine the effect of communication anxiety as part of extended TPB.

Design/methodology/approach

This was quantitative nonexperimental research conducted by gathering cross-sectional data through electronic survey. A total of 1,009 Indonesian college students voluntarily participate in the survey. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and test the hypothesis.

Findings

The results indicate that there was significant and positive effect between TPB-related variables: (1) attitude, (2) subjective norms, (3) behavioral control, (4) intention and (5) behavior. Communication anxiety, as an additional variable in the extended model, shows significant and negative effects on behavioral control and active participation behavior. However, the communication anxiety indicates insignificant effect on students’ intention to participate in online synchronous learning. The findings support the evidence that students’ intention to actively participate in synchronous learning can be described using TPB and communication anxiety hinders student to actively participate in synchronous learning.

Originality/value

The paper extends TPB on student active participation. Prior research limited to original theory of planned behavior (TPB) on student in-class and massive open online course (MOOC) participations, whereas the current research includes communication anxiety as additional variable on extended TPB to understand students’ intention to actively participate in synchronous online learning.
Sand or grease effect? The impact of Islamic banking on the social mission of microfinance institutions
Authors: Hossain Md Imran , Jibir Adamu , Mia Md Aslam , Abdu Musa , Chauhan Swati
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Islamic banking and microfinance institutions (MFIs) share the core objective of serving the underprivileged. This study aims to investigate whether Islamic banking development facilitates (greases) or hinders (sands) the social mission of MFIs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for 19 countries covering the period 2010–2018 were collected from the World Bank, Bank Focus and International Monetary Funds and analyzed using conventional econometric methods. Endogeneity-corrected techniques and alternative proxies were employed to ensure robust results.

Findings

The study revealed that Islamic banking development (proxied by the size of the Islamic banking assets) weakens the depth of outreach of MFIs (measured by average loan size). In countries with growing Islamic banking, MFIs appear to shift their focus toward wealthier clients, potentially due to market saturation among the poor. This is evidenced by MFIs offering larger loans, suggesting a mission drift toward profit maximization. Therefore, it can be inferred that competition from Islamic banks, to some extent, erodes the social mission of MFIs.

Originality/value

This study is among the few to examine the recent and comprehensive relationship between Islamic banking development and the social mission of MFIs.
Management control practices for the sustainability transformation in the European construction industry
Authors: Cortés Daniela , Traxler Albert Anton , Greiling Dorothea
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While research on sustainability reporting in the construction industry has already provided comprehensive findings, the purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how construction companies anchor the topic of sustainability in their strategic and operative management control practices. The implementation of sustainable business models and sustainability strategies requires proper management control instruments or mechanisms that support the transformation process or make it possible in the first place.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis based on deductive and inductive procedures was conducted. 39 sustainability reports published by the largest construction companies in the EU were examined.

Findings

Valuable insights are provided by showing which control instruments and mechanisms are used to improve corporate sustainability performance as well as how these are linked systematically. The results show that the focus is on strategic planning, cultural and administrative controls, while short-term targets, which could set out the path to achieving the long-term sustainability goals set, are often not reported. Strategic stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory provide explanations for the use of management control practices identified.

Originality/value

Previous studies often focus on selected single control practices and miss holistic approaches for investigating corporate sustainability in construction companies. Furthermore, theoretical perspectives with instrumental and socio/political views on corporate sustainability help us explain the control practices applied. Moreover, practitioners, standard setters and legislators can use the findings for sustainability management or for developing standards and legislation.
Trust and management control archetypes in public-private partnerships
Authors: Bracci Enrico , Tallaki Mouhcine , Riso Vincenzo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the management control systems (MCS) changes in public-private partnerships (PPSs) by developing a conceptual archetype explaining the relationship between trust and MCSs in PPPs, and highlighting how this relationship may evolve over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a longitudinal case study methodology focusing on a hospital built and operated under a project finance deal. The methods adopted include semistructured interviews, direct observation and internal documentation analysis. We conducted 15 semistructured interviews from 2019 to 2021. In analyzing different documents and interviews, we triangulated data to ensure solid interpretation.

Findings

The case shows how trust can take different configurations depending on the type of MCS used. The results highlight how different patterns of MCSs, about trust, can be combined to govern PPPs. The case also shows the temporal dynamics of how MCS and trust evolve at different organizational levels and how bureaucratic control matched with contractual trust and trust-based control matched with competence trust can coexist at different times and organizational levels.

Practical implications

Managers involved in PPPs will be aware of the role of different types of trust in shaping and managing the relationship between partners at different organizational levels. Furthermore, the findings could help policymakers to adopt more informed decisions and to promote practice-based trust at various organizational levels of PPPs.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a management control archetype based on bureaucracy- and trust-based patterns concerning the level of programmability of tasks, as well as defined risks.
Application of fused filament fabrication 3D printing and molding to produce flexible, scaled neuron morphology models
Authors: Habbal Osama , Farhat Ahmad , Khalil Reem , Pannier Christopher
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess a novel method for creating tangible three-dimensional (3D) morphologies (scaled models) of neuronal reconstructions and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness, accessibility and applicability through a classroom survey. The study addresses the challenge of accurately representing intricate and diverse dendritic structures of neurons in scaled models for educational purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves converting neuronal reconstructions from the NeuromorphoVis repository into 3D-printable mold files. An operator prints these molds using a consumer-grade desktop 3D printer with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol filament. The molds are then filled with casting materials like polyurethane or silicone rubber, before the mold is dissolved. We tested our method on various neuron morphologies, assessing the method’s effectiveness, labor, processing times and costs. Additionally, university biology students compared our 3D-printed neuron models with commercially produced counterparts through a survey, evaluating them based on their direct experience with both models.

Findings

An operator can produce a neuron morphology’s initial 3D replica in about an hour of labor, excluding a one- to three-day curing period, while subsequent copies require around 30 min each. Our method provides an affordable approach to crafting tangible 3D neuron representations, presenting a viable alternative to direct 3D printing with varied material options ensuring both flexibility and durability. The created models accurately replicate the fidelity and intricacy of original computer aided design (CAD) files, making them ideal for tactile use in neuroscience education.

Originality/value

The development of data processing and cost-effective casting method for this application is novel. Compared to a previous study, this method leverages lower-cost fused filament fabrication 3D printing to create accurate physical 3D representations of neurons. By using readily available materials and a consumer-grade 3D printer, the research addresses the high cost associated with alternative direct 3D printing techniques to produce such intricate and robust models. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates the practicality of these 3D neuron models for educational purposes, making a valuable contribution to the field of neuroscience education.
Functional traits and ecological niches as correlates of the interspecific growth–mortality trade‐off among seedlings of 14 tropical tree species
Authors: Zhang Caicai , Gu Rong , Lin Luxiang , Russo Sabrina E.
Published: July 2024

The interspecific trade‐off between growth versus mortality rates of tree species is thought to be driven by functional biology and to contribute to species ecological niche differentiation. Yet, functional trait variation is often not strongly correlated with growth and mortality, and few studies have investigated the relationships of both traits and niches, specifically encompassing above and belowground resources, to the trade‐off itself. These relationships are particularly relevant for seedlings, which must often survive resource limitation to reach larger size classes.

We investigated the functional basis of the interspecific growth–mortality trade‐off and its relationship with ecological niches for seedlings of 14 tree species in a tropical forest in southwest China.

We found evidence for an interspecific growth–mortality trade‐off at the seedling stage using 15 functional traits and 15 ecological niche variables. None of the organ‐level traits correlated with growth, mortality, nor the trade‐off, whereas specific stem length (SSL), a biomass allocation trait, was the only trait to have a significant correlation (positive). Moreover, light‐defined niches were not correlated with growth, mortality or the trade‐off, but soil‐defined niches did. Species at the faster growth/higher mortality end of the trade‐off were associated with higher fertility defined by lower soil bulk density and slope, and higher soil organic matter concentration and soil total nitrogen.

Our findings indicate the importance of stem elongation and soil fertility for growth, mortality and their trade‐off at the seedling stage in this Asian tropical forest. Our findings contrast with analogous studies in neotropical forests showing the importance of photosynthesis‐related leaf traits related to insolation. Therefore, the functional drivers of demographic rates and trade‐offs, as well as their consequences for ecological niches, can vary among forests, likely owing to differences in biogeography, canopy disturbance rates, topography and soil properties. Moreover, the effects of functional trait variation on demographic rates and trade‐offs may be better revealed when biomass allocation is accounted for in a whole‐plant context.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
From private to public and back? Kyoto's cityscape councils and the urban commons
Authors: Brumann Christoph
Published: July 2024

Scholarly and public debate on the urban commons is burgeoning, but building exteriors and the cityscape these constitute are surprisingly absent from it, despite their considerable significance for and impact on residents and visitors. After reflecting on the cityscape as a commons, the article turns to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and acclaimed stronghold of history and tradition. Decades of conflict about the built environment led to a new building code in 2007 that continues to enjoy broad support. Details of building design, however, are now left to ‘local cityscape councils’, volunteer bodies that discuss construction plans with developers. Officially, local amateurs meet non‐local professionals here, but ethnographic fieldwork in 2019/20 revealed that both technical expertise and Kyoto ties are present on both sides. State representatives are also less absent than officially proclaimed. This case demonstrates that mixed management of the urban commons by the state and civil society can lead to amicable solutions that rise above vested interests, so that state involvement and ‘commoning’ should not be posited as mutually exclusive.
Higher risk of incident diabetes among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang Yingchai , Wu Hongjiang , Yang Aimin , Y.H. Ng Noel , Zhang Xinge , Lau Eric S. H. , Chow Edith W. K. , Kong Alice P. S. , Chow Elaine Y. K. , Chan Juliana C. N. , Luk Andrea O. Y. , Ma Ronald C. W.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

There is relatively scarce data regarding the association between primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and incident diabetes in large population‐based longitudinal studies. We aimed to evaluate the risk of incident diabetes in individuals with and without PHPT and investigate the association between serum calcium concentrations and the risk of incident diabetes in patients with PHPT.

Methods

We included 2749 PHPT patients and 13,745 age, sex and index year matched non‐PHPT individuals during 2000–2019. We used Cox regression models to compare the risk of incident diabetes in individuals with and without PHPT, and the risk of incident diabetes in PHPT patients with serum calcium concentration above and below the median value. The association between serum calcium concentrations and the risk of incident diabetes was examined by restricted cubic spline analyses in patients with PHPT.

Results

During a median follow‐up time of 5.17 years (IQR 2.17, 9.58), 433 patients (15.75%) with PHPT and 2110 individuals (15.35%) without PHPT developed diabetes, respectively. Patients with PHPT had a higher incidence rate of diabetes compared to non‐PHPT individuals (27.60 [95% CI 25.00, 30.30] vs. 23.90 [95% CI 22.80, 24.90] per 1000 person‐years, log‐rank test p = .007]. Crude Cox regression model showed PHPT was associated with a 15% higher risk of incident diabetes (HR 1.15, 95%CI 1.04, 1.28). In patients with PHPT, a 44% higher risk of incident diabetes was found in patients with serum calcium concentrations above the median value (2.63 mmol/L), compared to those below the median value (HR 1.44, 95%CI 1.08, 1.90). Restricted cubic spline analyses confirmed a positive linear association between serum calcium concentrations and the risk of incident diabetes in those with PHPT (p‐value for nonlinear = .751)

Conclusions

Patients with PHPT had a higher risk of incident diabetes compared to non‐PHPT individuals. A positive linear association was found between serum calcium concentrations and the risk of incident diabetes in patients with PHPT.
Harsh Versus Supportive (Grand)parenting Practices and Child Behaviour Problems in Urban Chinese Families: Does Multigenerational Coresidence Make a Difference?
Authors: Chen Jia , Chen Mengtong , Fu Yao
Published: July 2024

Parent–grandparent coparenting is increasingly prevalent worldwide, but whether and how parenting behaviours differ across generations and the influence of such potential discrepancies on child behaviour problems are still unclear. This study compares differences in parenting practices between parents and grandparents—specifically, harsh versus supportive parenting—and examines both the associations of these practices with child behaviour problems and the role of multigenerational coresidence in these associations. We recruited 404 parent–grandparent coparenting dyads from two highly industrialized urban cities in China. The results showed that coresiding grandparents tended to display less supportive parenting behaviours than parents. Parental harsh discipline and grandparental harsh discipline were both positively associated with child externalizing behaviour problems. Larger directional differences in harsh discipline between parents and grandparents were associated with more internalizing behaviour problems in their children. A larger absolute difference in self‐perceived supportiveness between parents and grandparents was negatively associated with children's internalizing behaviour problems only when parents and grandparents lived separately. This study suggests (grand)parenting style matters to children's externalizing behaviour problems, while the discrepancies between parenting and grandparenting practices have stronger influences on children's internalizing behaviour problems. These findings underscore the significance of promoting effective collaborative parenting in intergenerational families.
PV and SST neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex regulate social disorders in adulthood induced by sensory abnormalities in childhood
Authors: Wan Xiang‐Dong , Cai Guo‐Hong , Yan Zi‐Qian , Liu Xue‐Qing , Yang Ding‐Ding , Lu Yi‐Fan , An Lei‐Ting , Wu Sheng‐Xi , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2024

Objective

Childhood sensory abnormalities experience has a crucial influence on the structure and function of the adult brain. The underlying mechanism of neurological function induced by childhood sensory abnormalities experience is still unclear. Our study was to investigate whether the GABAergic neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) regulate social disorders caused by childhood sensory abnormalities experience.

Methods

We used two mouse models, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection mice and bilateral whisker trimming (BWT) mice in childhood. We applied immunofluorescence, chemogenetic and optogenetic to study the mechanism of parvalbumin (PV) neurons and somatostatin (SST) neurons in ACC in regulating social disorders induced by sensory abnormalities in childhood.

Results

Inflammatory pain in childhood leads to social preference disorders, while BWT in childhood leads to social novelty disorders in adult mice. Inflammatory pain and BWT in childhood caused an increase in the number of PV and SST neurons, respectively, in adult mice ACC. Inhibiting PV neurons in ACC improved social preference disorders in adult mice that experienced inflammatory pain during childhood. Inhibiting SST neurons in ACC improved social novelty disorders in adult mice that experienced BWT in childhood.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that PV and SST neurons of the ACC may play a critical role in regulating social disorders induced by sensory abnormalities in childhood.
Long‐term changes in taxonomic and functional composition of European marine fish communities
Authors: Receveur Aurore , Leprieur Fabien , Ellingsen Kari E. , Keith David , Kleisner Kristin M. , McLean Matthew , Mérigot Bastien , Mills Katherine E. , Mouillot David , Rufino Marta , Trindade‐Santos Isaac , Van Hoey Gert , Albouy Camille , Auber Arnaud
Published: July 2024

Evidence of large‐scale biodiversity degradation in marine ecosystems has been reported worldwide, yet most research has focused on few species of interest or on limited spatiotemporal scales. Here we assessed the spatial and temporal changes in the taxonomic and functional composition of fish communities in European seas over the last 25 years (1994–2019). We then explored how these community changes were linked to environmental gradients and fishing pressure. We show that the spatial variation in fish species composition is more than two times higher than the temporal variation, with a marked spatial continuum in taxonomic composition and a more homogenous pattern in functional composition. The regions warming the fastest are experiencing an increasing dominance and total abundance of r‐strategy fish species (lower age of maturity). Conversely, regions warming more slowly show an increasing dominance and total abundance of K‐strategy species (high trophic level and late reproduction). Among the considered environmental variables, sea surface temperature, surface salinity and chlorophyll‐a most consistently influenced communities' spatial patterns, while bottom temperature and oxygen had the most consistent influence on temporal patterns. Changes in communities' functional composition were more closely related to environmental conditions than taxonomic changes. Our study demonstrates the importance of integrating community‐level species traits across multi‐decadal scales and across a large region to better capture and understand ecosystem‐wide responses and provides a different lens on community dynamics that could be used to support sustainable fisheries management.
Coastal connectivity of marine predators over the Patagonian Shelf during the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak
Authors: Riaz Javed , Orben Rachael A. , Gamble Amandine , Catry Paulo , Granadeiro José P. , Campioni Letizia , Tierney Megan , Baylis Alastair M. M.
Published: July 2024

Animal movement and population connectivity are key areas of uncertainty in efforts to understand and predict the spread of infectious disease. The emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South America poses a significant threat to globally significant populations of colonial breeding marine predators in the South Atlantic. Yet, there is a poor understanding of which species or migratory pathways may facilitate disease spread. Compiling one of the largest available animal tracking datasets in the South Atlantic, we examine connectivity and inter‐population mixing for colonial breeding marine predators tagged at the Falkland Islands. We reveal extensive connectivity for three regionally dominant and gregarious species over the Patagonian Shelf. Black‐browed albatrosses (BBA), South American fur seals (SAFS) and Magellanic penguins (MAG) used coastal waters along the Atlantic coast of South America (Argentina and Uruguay). These behaviours were recorded at or in close proximity to breeding colonies and haul‐out areas with dense aggregations of marine predators. Transit times to and from the Falkland Islands to the continental coast ranged from 0.2–70 days, with 84% of animals making this transit within 4 days ‐ a conservative estimate for HPAI infectious period. Our findings demonstrate BBA, SAFS and MAG connectivity between the Falkland Islands and mainland South America over an expansive spatial network and numerous pathways, which has implications for infectious disease persistence, transmission and spread. This information is vital in supporting HPAI disease surveillance, risk assessment and marine management efforts across the region.
Feedbacks: a new synthesis of causal loops across ecology
Authors: DeAngelis Donald , Xu Linhao
Published: July 2024

Feedbacks are the basic linkages of living systems. In organisms, they regulate the processes of growth and homeostasis, as well as their interactions with their world. Feedback, which Judson (1980) called ‘one of the chief themes of scientific understanding,' is equally important in ecological systems. The ecological literature is rich in papers dealing with the role of feedback in various phenomena. However, we know of no comprehensive synthesis of feedbacks in ecology. Pichon et al. (2024) accomplish this, and for the first time show that ecological feedbacks can be categorized in terms of a small number of fundamental attributes. The paper brings the array of different types of feedbacks into a manageable order, providing not only the relevant theoretical framework but also guidance on methods for applying understanding to practical issues.
Effectiveness of R‐CHOP versus R‐CHOEP for treatment of young patients with high‐risk diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: A Danish observational population‐based study
Authors: Rask Kragh Jørgensen Rasmus , Jakobsen Lasse Hjort , Eloranta Sandra , Smedby Karin E. , Pedersen Robert Schou , Jørgensen Judit M. , Clausen Michael Roost , Brown Peter , Gang Anne Ortved , Gade Inger‐Lise , Larsen Thomas Stauffer , Jerkeman Mats , El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Etoposide to standard R‐CHOP is used for high‐risk diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in some countries. Due to the lack of randomized trials, a real‐world data study using matching methods was used to test the potential effectiveness of R‐CHOEP over R‐CHOP.

Patients and Methods

This study included patients from the Danish Lymphoma Register diagnosed between 2006 and 2020 at the age of 18–60 years with de novo DLBCL and age‐adjusted IPI ≥2. R‐CHOEP treated patients were matched 1:1 without replacement to R‐CHOP treated patients using a hybrid exact and genetic matching technique. Primary endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

In total, 396 patients were included; 213 received R‐CHOEP and 183 received R‐CHOP. Unadjusted 5‐year PFS and OS for R‐CHOEP were 69% (95% Confidence intervals [CI]; 63%–76%) and 79% (CI;73%–85%) versus 62% (CI;55%–70%) and 76% (CI;69%–82%) for R‐CHOP (log‐rank test, PFS p = .25 and OS p = .31). A total of 127 patients treated with R‐CHOEP were matched to 127 patients treated with R‐CHOP. Matching‐adjusted 5‐year PFS and OS were 65% (CI; 57%–74%) and 79% (CI; 72%–84%) for R‐CHOEP versus 63% (CI; 55%–73%) and 79% (CI;72%–87%) for R‐CHOP (log‐rank test, PFS p = .90 and OS p = .63).

Conclusion

The present study did not confirm superiority of R‐CHOEP over R‐CHOP for young patients with high‐risk DLBCL.
Personality development goals at work: Would a new assessment tool help?
Authors: Li Wen‐Dong , Hu Jing , Wang Jiexin
Published: July 2024

We commend the focal article by Dupré and Wille (2024) that introduces personality development goals at work. Yet, to many organizational researchers, this may strike as a bold proposal given its novelty and provocative nature. Seeing the potential of this proposal, we offer discussions on potential theoretical and methodological challenges that researchers, who are eager to advance this line of research, may encounter. We encourage future research to tackle these issues in order to further advance theoretical developments and practical applications of personality development at work.
Randomized clinical trial of astaxanthin supplement on serum inflammatory markers and ER stress‐apoptosis gene expression in PBMCs of women with PCOS
Authors: Jabarpour Masoome , Amidi Fardin , Aleyasin Ashraf , Nashtaei Maryam Shabani , Marghmaleki Mojtaba Saedi
Published: July 2024

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is related to pro‐apoptotic and pro‐inflammatory conditions generated by Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study aimed to determine the effect of Astaxanthin (ASX), as carotenoid with potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, on serum inflammatory markers, apoptotic factors and ER stress‐apoptotic genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of women with PCOS. This randomized, double‐blind clinical trial included 56 PCOS patients aged 18–40. For 8 weeks, subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: either 12 mg ASX (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28). Real‐time PCR was used to quantify gene expression associated with ER stress‐apoptosis in PCOS women's PBMCs. The levels of TNF‐α, IL18, IL6 and CRP were determined by obtaining blood samples from all patients before and after the intervention using Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Also, the levels of active caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 were detected in the PBMC by ELISA kit. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of ASX on disease symptoms. Following the 8‐week intervention, ASX supplementation was able to reduce the expression of GRP78 (p = 0.051), CHOP (p = 0.008), XBP1 (p = 0.002), ATF4 (0.038), ATF6 (0.157) and DR5 (0.016) when compared to the placebo. However, this decrease was not statistically significant for ATF6 (p = 0.067) and marginally significant for GRP78 (p = 0.051). The levels of TNF‐α (p = 0.009), IL‐18 (p = 0.003), IL‐6 (p = 0.013) and active caspase‐3 (p = 0.012) were also statistically significant lower in the therapy group. However, there was no significant difference in CRP (p = 0.177) and caspase‐8 (p = 0.491) levels between the treatment and control groups. In our study, ASX had no significant positive effect on BMI, hirsutism, hair loss and regularity of the menstrual cycle. It appears that ASX may benefit PCOS by changing the ER stress‐apoptotic pathway and reducing serum inflammatory markers; however, additional research is required to determine this compound's potential relevance.
Hair follicle sulfotransferase activity and effectiveness of oral minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Jimenez‐Cauhe Juan , Vaño‐Galvan Sergio , Mehta Nina , Hermosa‐Gelbard Angela , Ortega‐Quijano Daniel , Buendia‐Castaño Diego , Fernández‐Nieto Diego , Porriño‐Bustamante Maria , Saceda‐Corralo David , Pindado‐Ortega Cristina , Moreno‐Arrones Oscar M. , Wambier Carlos , Dhura Rachita , Lotti Torello , Goren Andy
Published: July 2024

Background

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is common. While topical minoxidil remains the only FDA‐approved therapeutic for AGA, its efficacy is limited in stimulating clinically significant hair regrowth over the longer term. Oral minoxidil, which is used off‐label, is a promising alternative; however, its effectiveness and underlying mechanisms warrant further investigation.

Aims

To elucidate the site of action and infer the physiological mechanisms underlying therapeutic responses to oral minoxidil in patients with AGA.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with AGA underwent 6 months of low‐dose oral minoxidil treatment. Minoxidil sulfotransferase (SULT) activity was assayed in plucked scalp hair follicles. The primary outcome was hair growth after low‐dose oral minoxidil treatment for a minimum of 6 months, and the secondary outcome was SULT activity in hair follicles.

Results

After 6 months of treatment, 26 (63.4%) patients experienced a clinical improvement in alopecia symptoms. The response rate was higher in men (19/26 [73.1%]) than in women (6/15 [40.0%]). Patients with low hair follicle SULT activity demonstrated a higher minoxidil response rate than those with high enzyme activity (85% vs. 43%, p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that low SULT activity within the hair follicles is associated with a favorable response to oral minoxidil therapy in patients with AGA. Further elucidation of the underlying mechanisms could significantly improve personalized therapeutic approaches through improved patient selection and the rational design of adjuvant treatments.
What's in a norm? Deviation from the Ideal Worker Norm as an explanation for backlash against leave‐takers
Authors: Montanye Michael R. , Livingston Beth A.
Published: July 2024

Prior research has suggested that employees who take leave from work experience backlash – with some authors describing backlash to deviations from gendered norms and others to deviations from an ‘Ideal Worker Norm’ (IWN). In this study, we investigate the degree to which backlash against leave‐takers is explained by these two separate, but related, paths, and whether individual (gender of leave‐taker) or organizational (family‐friendly vs. competitive culture) moderators mitigate such effects. Using a pre‐registered experimental design, and our newly validated Ideal Worker Evaluation measure and evaluations of agency and communion to capture perceived deviation from the norms, we find significant indirect effects of leave‐taking on backlash via the IWN path and the agency portion of the gendered path, but not via the communion portion of the gendered path. We also find that family‐friendly organizational cultures partially mitigate the effect of leave‐taking on backlash, but predominately via the IWN path and not the gendered norms path. Whereas gender of the leave‐taker was found to affect backlash via the gendered norms path (and not the IWN path), but only for the agency using the proscribed operationalization of ‘dominance’. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are then discussed.
Institutional opportunism: How electoral fortunes shape preferences for power‐sharing institutions in Latin America
Authors: Alles Santiago
Published: July 2024

Drawing on approximately 4000 face‐to‐face interviews with lower house members from seventeen Latin American countries, this article demonstrates how partisan considerations shape legislators' preferences for power‐sharing institutions. Distributive models argue that reforming parties derive preferences based on potential advantages in power allocation, yet the role of individual legislators remains underexplored. The evidence reveals that legislators favor institutional arrangements that maximize their party's influence. Representatives from larger parties prefer electoral rules that reduce the number of parties in the House, while incumbent lawmakers support a stronger executive. Notably, party positions often shift following changes in electoral fortunes: Parties become more favorable of proportional representation after losing seats and advocate for reinforced congressional authority upon leaving office.