bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentially Altered Metabolic Pathways in the Amygdala of Subjects with Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Valeri Jake , Eladawi Mahmoud A. , Gisabella Barbara , Garrett Michael R. , Vallender Eric J , McCullumsmith Robert , Pantazopoulos Harry , O’Donovan Sinead M.
Published: April 2024

Background and hypothesis

A growing number of studies implicate a key role for metabolic processes in psychiatric disorders. Recent studies suggest that ketogenic diet may be therapeutically effective for subgroups of people with schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BPD) and possibly major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite this promise, there is currently limited information regarding brain energy metabolism pathways across these disorders, limiting our understanding of how brain metabolic pathways are altered and who may benefit from ketogenic diets. We conducted gene expression profiling on the amygdala, a key region involved in in the regulation of mood and appetitive behaviors, to test the hypothesis that amygdala metabolic pathways are differentially altered between these disorders.

Study Design

We used a cohort of subjects diagnosed with SCZ, BPD or MDD, and non-psychiatrically ill control subjects (n=15/group), together with our bioinformatic 3-pod analysis consisting of full transcriptome pathway analysis, targeted pathway analysis, leading-edge gene analysis and iLINCS perturbagen analysis.

Study Results

We identified differential expression of metabolic pathways in each disorder. Subjects with SCZ displayed downregulation of mitochondrial respiration and nucleotide metabolism pathways. In comparison, we observed upregulation of mitochondrial respiration pathways in subjects with MDD, while subjects with BPD displayed enrichment of pathways involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Several pathways associated with brain metabolism including immune system processes and calcium ion transport were also differentially altered between diagnosis groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest metabolic pathways are differentially altered in the amygdala in these disorders, which may impact approaches for therapeutic strategies.
The novel pathway phenotype “major neurocognitive psychosis” is validated as a distinct class through the analysis of immune-linked neurotoxicity biomarkers and neurocognitive deficits
Authors: Popov Petar , Chen Chen , Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Al-Musawi Ali Fattah , Al-Dujaili Arafat Hussein , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Maes Michael
Published: April 2024

Background

Using machine learning methods based on neurocognitive deficits and neuroimmune biomarkers, two distinct classes were discovered within schizophrenia patient samples. The first, major neurocognitive psychosis (MNP) was characterized by cognitive deficits in executive functions and memory, higher prevalence of psychomotor retardation, formal thought disorders, mannerisms, psychosis, hostility, excitation, and negative symptoms, and diverse neuroimmune aberrations. Simple neurocognitive psychosis (SNP) was the less severe phenotype.

Aims

The study comprised a sample of 40 healthy controls and 90 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, divided into MNP and SNP based on previously determined criteria. Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) was performed using neurocognitive test results and measurements of serum M1 macrophage cytokines, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23 as discriminatory/modelling variables. The model-to-model distances between controls and MNP+SNP and between MNP and SNP were computed, and the top discriminatory variables were established.

Results

A notable SIMCA distance of 146.1682 was observed between MNP+SNP and the control group; the top-3 discriminatory variables were lowered motor speed, an activated T helper-17 axis, and lowered working memory. This study successfully differentiated MNP from SNP yielding a SIMCA distance of 19.3. M1 macrophage activation, lowered verbal fluency, and executive functions were the prominent features of MNP versus SNP.

Discussion

Based on neurocognitive assessments and the immune-linked neurotoxic IL-6/IL-23/Th-17 axis, we found that MNP and SNP are qualitatively distinct classes. Future biomarker research should always examine biomarkers in the MNP versus SNP phenotypes, rather than in the combined MNP + SNP or schizophrenia group.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of two-way texting (2wT) intervention to improve ART retention among newly-initiated antiretroviral therapy clients in Malawi
Authors: Kiruthu-Kamamia Christine , Weldemariam Hiwot , Chipanda Mirriam , Huwa Jacqueline , Seyani Johnnie , Chirwa Harrison , Kudzala Aubrey , Thawani Agnes , Chintedza Joseph , Sande Odala , Chiwaya Geldert , Tweya Hannock , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim , Feldacker Caryl
Published: April 2024

Background

Retention in HIV care is crucial for improved health outcomes. Malawi has a high HIV prevalence and struggles with retention despite significant progress in controlling the epidemic. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions, such as two-way texting (2wT), have shown promise in improving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) retention. We explore the cost-effectiveness of a 2wT intervention in Lighthouse Trust’s Martin Preuss Center (MPC) in Lilongwe, Malawi, that sends automated SMS visit reminders, weekly motivational messages, and supports direct communication between clients and healthcare workers.

Methods

Costs and retention rates were compared between 2wT and standard of care (SOC) for 468 clients enrolled in each. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated. Scenario analyses were conducted to estimate costs if 2wT expanded.

Results

The 2wT group had higher retention (80%) than SOC (67%) at 12 months post-ART initiation. For 468 clients, the total annual costs for 2wT were $36,670.38 as compared to SOC costs at $33,458.72, resulting in an ICER of $24,705. Among scenarios, the ICER was -$105,315 if 2wT expanded to all new clients (2678 at MPC and -$723,739 as 2wT expanded to other four high-burden facilities (2901 clients), suggesting high cost savings if 2wT was effectively scaled.

Conclusion

The 2wT intervention appears cost-effective to improve ART retention among new ART initiates in a high-burden ART clinic. While mHealth interventions have potential limitations, their benefits in improving patient outcomes and cost savings support their integration into HIV care programs.
Transcriptome-wide identification of 5-methylcytosine by deaminase and reader protein-assisted sequencing
Authors: Zhou Jiale , Zhao Ding , Li Jinze , Kong Deqiang , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Renquan , Liang Yuru , Gao Xun , Qian Yuqiang , Wang Di , Chen Jiahui , Lai Liangxue , Han Yang , Li Zhanjun
Published: April 2024

5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is one of the post-transcriptional modifications in mRNA and is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. However, the capacity of existing assays for accurately and comprehensively transcriptome-wide m5C mapping still needs improvement. Here, we develop a detection method named DRAM (deaminase and reader protein assisted RNA methylation analysis), in which deaminases (APOBEC1 and TadA-8e) are fused with m5C reader proteins (ALYREF and YBX1) to identify the m5C sites through deamination events neighboring the methylation sites. This antibody-free and bisulfite-free approach provides transcriptome-wide editing regions which are highly overlapped with the publicly available BS-seq datasets and allows for a more stable and comprehensive identification of the m5C loci. In addition, DRAM system even supports ultra-low input RNA (10ng). We anticipate that the DRAM system could pave the way for uncovering further biological functions of m5C modifications.
FGF2 binds to the allosteric site (site 2) and activates integrin αIIbβ3 and FGF1 binds to site 2 but suppresses integrin activation by FGF2: A potential mechanism of anti-thrombotic action of FGF1
Authors: Takada Yoko K , Wu Xueson , Wei David , Hwang Samuel , Takada Yoshikazu
Published: April 2024

It has been believed that platelet integrin αIIbβ3 recognizes fibrinogen and several ECM proteins, and we recently showed that αIIbβ3 binds to several inflammatory cytokines (e.g., CCL5, and CXCL12), which are stored in platelet granules. These ligands bind to the classical ligand (RGD)-binding site (site 1) of integrin αIIbβ3. Also, they bind to the allosteric site (site 2) of αIIbβ3, which is distinct from site 1, and allosterically activate αIIbβ3. Site 2 is known to be involved in allosteric integrin activation and inflammatory signaling. FGF2 is also stored in platelet granules and known to be pro-thrombotic, but it is unclear if FGF2 binds to αIIbβ3. We studied if FGF2 and its homologue FGF1 bind to αIIbβ3 and induce allosteric activation. FGF1 (not stored in platelet granules) is known to be anti-thrombotic. Mechanism of FGF1’s anti-thrombotic action is unknown. Here we describe that FGF1 and FGF2 bound to site 1 of αIIbβ3, indicating that αIIbβ3 is a new receptor for FGF1/2. Notably, FGF2 bound to site 2 and allosterically activated αIIbβ3.

Point mutations in the site 2-binding interface of FGF2 suppressed this activation, indicating that FGF2 binding to site 2 is required for activation (FGF2 is an agonist to site 2). In contrast, FGF1 bound to site 2 but did not activate αIIbβ3, and instead suppressed integrin activation induced by FGF2, indicating that FGF1 acts as an antagonist of site 2. A non-mitogenic FGF1 mutant (R50E), which is defective in binding to site 1 of αvβ3, suppressed αIIbβ3 activation by FGF2 as effectively as WT FGF1. We propose that FGF1 R50E has therapeutic potential for anti-thrombosis.
Traumatic life events as predictors for depression in middle-aged men and women: A Finnish twin study
Authors: Maarit Piirtola , Henna Haravuori , Olli Kiviruusu , Satu Viertiö , Jaana Suvisaari , Mauri Marttunen , Jaakko Kaprio , Tellervo Korhonen
Published: April 2024

Background

We examined the exposure to adulthood traumatic life events (TLEs) and analysed their associations with depression in women and men. Then we examined whether the associations of TLEs are independent of exposure loading and vulnerability including familial confounding.

Methods

Total of 8410 individuals (45% men, mean age 60 years) participated in the fourth survey of the population-based Finnish Twin Cohort conducted in 2011. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale (cut-off value ≥20). Participants reported exposure to TLEs during adulthood. Logistic regression adjusted for multiple covariates was used as the individual-based analyses. The effect of shared familial factors was tested using conditional logistic regression in 399 twin pairs discordant for depression.

Results

Depression was more common in women (15%) than in men (11%). Men reported more traffic accidents (men: 11.8%, women: 7.4%), other serious accidents (11.8%, 5.8%), and violent crime (3.1%, 2.0%) whereas women reported more sexual assault (0.7%, 10.6%). Violent crime (Odds Ratio 3.86; 95% Confidence Intervals 2.59, 5.73), sexual assault (3.49; 2.67, 4.55), physical assault (3.10; 2.45, 3.93), and other serious accidents (1.36; 1.01, 1.85) were associated with depression. These associations, except other serious accidents, remained statistically significant after adjusting for multiple covariates including TLEs load and shared familial factors. The associations did not differ by sex.

Conclusions

Women and men differ in exposure to TLEs but, if exposed, they are equally vulnerable for depression. Because traumatic life events are robustly associated with depression, they should be considered in prevention and treatment.
Changes in life expectancy and life span equality during the COVID-19 epidemic in Japan up to 2022
Authors: Okada Yuta , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

Demographic analyses enable the evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy. We evaluated the relationship between the life expectancy change from 2020–21 and 2021–22 and COVID-19 epidemic size at prefectural level in Japan. We also conducted age- and cause-specific decomposition of life expectancy change. Trends in life span equality from 2000–22 were evaluated at the national level. Prefectural analysis of 2021–22 life expectancy change and annual per-population COVID-19 cases, person-days in intensive care, and reported COVID-19 deaths showed no significant correlations, unlike our analysis from 2020–21. However, decomposition analysis revealed substantial life expectancy shortening attributable to the population over 35 years old. It also showed large increases in causes of death such as cardiovascular or respiratory disorders as well as COVID-19. Whole-population life span equality declined in 2020 but increased in 2021 and 2022 despite the shorter life expectancy. The discrepancy between life expectancy change and COVID-19 statistics in 2022 suggests the growing ascertainment bias of COVID-19. The increased contribution of cardiovascular disorders to life expectancy shortening is an alarming sign for the future. Life span equality changes in 2021 and 2022 can probably be attributed to increased mortality among older people.
Mechanistic Insights into ASO-RNA Complexation: Advancing Antisense Oligonucleotide Design Strategies
Authors: Hörberg Johanna , Carlesso Antonio , Reymer Anna
Published: April 2024

Oligonucleotide drugs, an emerging modulator class, hold promise for targeting previously undruggable biomacromolecules. To date, only 18 oligonucleotide drugs, including sought-after antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSO), have FDA approval. These agents effectively bind mRNA, inducing degradation or modulating splicing. Current oligonucleotide drug design strategies prioritize full Watson-Crick base pair complementarity, overlooking mRNA target 3D shapes. Given that mRNA conformational diversity can impact hybridization, incorporating mRNA key-structural properties into the design may expedite ASO lead discovery. Using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations inspired by experimental data, we demonstrate the advantages of incorporating common triple base pairs into the design of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting RNA hairpin motifs, which are highly accessible regions for interactions. By employing an RNA pseudoknot modified into an ASO-hairpin complex, we investigate the effects of ASO length and hairpin loop mutations. Our findings suggest that ASO-mRNA complex stability is influenced by ASO length, number of common triple base pairs, and the dynamic accessibility of bases in the hairpin loop. Our study offers new mechanistic insights into ASO-mRNA complexation and underscores the value of pseudoknots in constructing training datasets for machine learning models aimed at designing novel ASO leads.
Dopamine transients encode reward prediction errors independent of learning rates
Authors: Mah Andrew , Golden Carla E.M. , Constantinople Christine M.
Published: April 2024

Biological accounts of reinforcement learning posit that dopamine encodes reward prediction errors (RPEs), which are multiplied by a learning rate to update state or action values. These values are thought to be represented in synaptic weights in the striatum, and updated by dopamine-dependent plasticity, suggesting that dopamine release might reflect the product of the learning rate and RPE. Here, we leveraged the fact that animals learn faster in volatile environments to characterize dopamine encoding of learning rates in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc). We trained rats on a task with semi-observable states offering different rewards, and rats adjusted how quickly they initiated trials across states using RPEs. Computational modeling and behavioral analyses showed that learning rates were higher following state transitions, and scaled with trial-by-trial changes in beliefs about hidden states, approximating normative Bayesian strategies. Notably, dopamine release in the NAcc encoded RPEs independent of learning rates, suggesting that dopamine-independent mechanisms instantiate dynamic learning rates.
Candidate Denisovan fossils identified through gene regulatory phenotyping
Authors: Mishol Nadav , Herzlinger Gadi , Rak Yoel , Smilanksy Uzy , Carmel Liran , Gokhman David
Published: April 2024

Denisovans are an extinct group of humans whose morphology is mostly unknown. The scarcity of verified Denisovan fossils makes it challenging to study their anatomy, and how well they were adapted to their environment. We previously developed a genetic phenotyping approach to gain insight into Denisovan anatomy by detecting gene regulatory changes that likely altered Denisovan skeletal morphology. Here, we scan Middle Pleistocene crania for unclassified or disputed specimens that match predicted Denisovan morphology and thus might be related to Denisovans. We found thatHarbin,Dali, andKabwe 1show a particularly good alignment with the Denisovan profile, with most of their phenotypes matching predicted Denisovan anatomy. We conclude that our genetic phenotyping approach could help classify unidentified specimens, and thatHarbin,Dali, andKabwe 1exhibit a Denisovan-like morphology and could be closely linked to the Denisovan lineage.
Evaluating the effectiveness of the HPV vaccination programme in England, using regression discontinuity design
Authors: Ward Isobel L. , Bermingham Charlotte R. , Soldan Kate , Nafilyan Vahé
Published: April 2024

In England, the National human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programme was introduced in 2008 to prevent cervical cancer. Girls aged 12 to 13 were offered routine vaccination, and those aged 14 to 18 years in 2008 were offered ‘catch-up’ vaccination. Using Census 2011, Hospital Episode Statistics and mortality data for the population of England, we exploit the cut-off in eligibility and apply a regression discontinuity design (RDD) to assess the impact of HPV vaccination on cervical disease. Vaccination reduced the incidence of cervical dysplasia and cancer diagnoses by 31% and 75% respectively at ages 23 to 30 years in girls offered catch-up vaccination at ages 17 to 18 years compared to those who were just above the eligibility age for the catch-up vaccination, with a clear discontinuity. Reductions continued amongst girls offered routine vaccination. These estimates obtained with a quasi-experimental approach are similar to vaccine effectiveness estimates based on more traditional approaches. This novel approach provides further evidence of the HPV vaccination programme reducing adverse cervical outcomes in young women and could be used for future studies to evaluate major changes in HPV vaccination policy and for studies of longer-term outcomes including other cancers and deaths.
Statistical mechanics of phenotypic eco-evolution: From adaptive dynamics to complex diversification
Authors: Sireci Matteo , Muñoz Miguel A.
Published: April 2024

The ecological and evolutionary dynamics of large populations can be addressed theoretically using concepts and methodologies from statistical mechanics. This approach has been extensively discussed in the literature, both within the realm of population genetics, which focuses on genes or “genotypes,” and in adaptive dynamics, which emphasizes traits or “phenotypes.” Following this tradition, here we construct a theoretical framework allowing us to derive “macroscopic” evolutionary equations from a general “microscopic” stochastic dynamics representing the fundamental processes of reproduction, mutation, and selection in a large community of individuals, each one characterized by its phenotypic features. Importantly, in our setup, ecological and evolutionary timescales are intertwined, which makes it particularly suitable to describe microbial communities, a timely topic of utmost relevance. The framework leads to a probabilistic description—even in the case of arbitrarily large populations—of the distribution of individuals in phenotypic space as encoded in what we call the “generalized Crow-Kimura equation” or “generalized replicator-mutator equation.” We discuss the limits in which such an equation reduces to the (deterministic) theory of “adaptive dynamics,” i.e., the standard approach to evolutionary dynamics in phenotypic space. Moreover, we emphasize the aspects of the theory that are beyond the reach of standard adaptive dynamics. In particular, by developing a simple model of a growing and competing population as an illustrative example, we demonstrate that the resulting probability distribution can undergo “dynamical phase transitions.” These transitions may involve shifts from a unimodal distribution to a bimodal distribution, generated by an evolutionary branching event, or to a multimodal distribution through a cascade of evolutionary branching events. Furthermore, our formalism allows us to rationalize these cascades using the parsimonious approach of Landau's theory of phase transitions. Finally, we extend the theory to account for finite populations and illustrate the possible consequences of the resulting stochastic or “demographic” effects. Altogether, the present framework extends and/or complements existing approaches to evolutionary and adaptive dynamics and paves the way to more systematic studies of microbial communities as well as to future developments including theoretical analyses of the evolutionary process from the general perspective of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonreciprocal Pattern Formation of Conserved Fields
Authors: Brauns Fridtjof , Marchetti M. Cristina
Published: April 2024

In recent years, nonreciprocally coupled systems have received growing attention. Previous work has shown that the interplay of nonreciprocal coupling and Goldstone modes can drive the emergence of temporal order such as traveling waves. We show that these phenomena are generically found in a broad class of pattern-forming systems, including mass-conserving reaction-diffusion systems and viscoelastic active gels. All these systems share a characteristic dispersion relation that acquires a nonzero imaginary part at the edge of the band of unstable modes and exhibit a regime of propagating structures (traveling wave bands or droplets). We show that models for these systems can be mapped to a common “normal form” that can be seen as a spatially extended generalization of the FitzHugh-Nagumo model, providing a unifying dynamical-systems perspective. We show that the minimal nonreciprocal Cahn-Hilliard equations exhibit a surprisingly rich set of behaviors, including interrupted coarsening of traveling waves without selection of a preferred wavelength and transversal undulations of wave fronts in two dimensions. We show that the emergence of traveling waves and their speed are precisely predicted from the dispersion relation at interfaces far away from the homogeneous steady state. Our work, thus, generalizes previously studied nonreciprocal phase transitions and shows that interfaces are the relevant collective excitations governing the rich dynamical patterns of conserved fields.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Time-series analysis of rhenium(I) organometallic covalent binding to a model protein for drug development
Authors: Jacobs Francois J.F. , Helliwell John R. , Brink Alice
Published: April 2024

Metal-based complexes with their unique chemical properties, including multiple oxidation states, radio-nuclear capabilities and various coordination geometries yield value as potential pharmaceuticals. Understanding the interactions between metals and biological systems will prove key for site-specific coordination of new metal-based lead compounds. This study merges the concepts of target coordination with fragment-based drug methodologies, supported by varying the anomalous scattering of rhenium along with infrared spectroscopy, and has identified rhenium metal sites bound covalently with two amino acid types within the model protein. A time-based series of lysozyme-rhenium-imidazole (HEWL-Re-Imi) crystals was analysed systematically over a span of 38 weeks. The main rhenium covalent coordination is observed at His15, Asp101 and Asp119. Weak (i.e. noncovalent) interactions are observed at other aspartic, asparagine, proline, tyrosine and tryptophan side chains. Detailed bond distance comparisons, including precision estimates, are reported, utilizing the diffraction precision index supplemented with small-molecule data from the Cambridge Structural Database. Key findings include changes in the protein structure induced at the rhenium metal binding site, not observed in similar metal-free structures. The binding sites are typically found along the solvent-channel-accessible protein surface. The three primary covalent metal binding sites are consistent throughout the time series, whereas binding to neighbouring amino acid residues changes through the time series. Co-crystallization was used, consistently yielding crystals four days after setup. After crystal formation, soaking of the compound into the crystal over 38 weeks is continued and explains these structural adjustments. It is the covalent bond stability at the three sites, their proximity to the solvent channel and the movement of residues to accommodate the metal that are important, and may prove useful for future radiopharmaceutical development including target modification.
Trust building in the sharing economy: proposition and test of an integrated model
Authors: Fernandes Bruno , Nogueira Roberto , Chimenti Paula
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and test an integrated model to explain how trust is built in sharing economy (SE) transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, prior literature was systematically selected and synthesized to develop a comprehensive framework applicable to multiple trust-building perspectives and categories of SE platforms. Then, a survey was conducted to validate the constructs and test the model with Airbnb guests. A sample of 351 responses was collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that the cues an individual assesses to infer their counterpart’s trustworthiness and the reasons the individual has for engaging in the SE transaction can explain a large variance in their trust in the counterpart. In addition, the individual’s propensity to trust moderates this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model can help identify the most effective trust-building mechanisms. It can be taken as a common knowledge base for scholars to compare the four trust-building perspectives and different categories of SE platforms, as well as to investigate the subject over time and across cultures.

Practical implications

This research can also help practitioners understand the complexity of building trust and design platform features to do so.

Social implications

A unified model clarifies trust in the SE, aiding platform growth and community bonding. This insight guides platforms in feature enhancement and policymakers in drafting balanced regulations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, there is a comprehensive and parsimonious model applicable to the four trust-building perspectives and different categories of SE platforms.
The multiple mediation role of message-sending skills and the ability to deal with interference in listening and feedback
Authors: Longweni Mpumelelo , Mdaka Lerato Education
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Listening is often considered the cornerstone of the communication process, with feedback being a crucial skill for effective management. The primary objective of this article was to investigate the relationship between managers’ listening skills and feedback skills from their subordinates’ perspectives. Moreover, it explores the mediating effect of message-sending skills and the ability to deal with interference in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This article deployed a quantitative, descriptive research design. The authors developed and distributed a self-administered questionnaire via non-probability convenience sampling, resulting in 304 useable responses.

Findings

The results of the main direct effect test (model 1) indicate that listening is positively associated with feedback. Model 2 established that message-sending skills did not directly mediate that relationship. On the other hand, the ability to deal with interference was found to mediate the relationship. Finally, model 4 showed the multi-mediating effect of message-sending skills and the ability to deal with interference in the relationship between listening and feedback.

Originality/value

As far as the researchers are aware, this paper is the first of its kind to show the ability to deal with interference as a mediating factor in a statistical model. Moreover, this study is the first to present a continuous intermediary role played by message-sending skills and the ability to deal with interference in the relationship between listening and feedback.
Mining Reddit users’ perspectives on cybersecurity competitions: a mixed method approach
Authors: Zhong Chen , Liu Hong , Kam Hwee-Joo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Cybersecurity competitions can effectively develop skills, but engaging a wide learner spectrum is challenging. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of cybersecurity competitions among Reddit users. These users constitute a substantial demographic of young individuals, often participating in communities oriented towards college students or cybersecurity enthusiasts. The authors specifically focus on novice learners who showed an interest in cybersecurity but have not participated in competitions. By understanding their views and concerns, the authors aim to devise strategies to encourage their continuous involvement in cybersecurity learning. The Reddit platform provides unique access to this significant demographic, contributing to enhancing and diversifying the cybersecurity workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose to mine Reddit posts for information about learners’ attitudes, interests and experiences with cybersecurity competitions. To mine Reddit posts, the authors developed a text mining approach that integrates computational text mining and qualitative content analysis techniques, and the authors discussed the advantages of the integrated approach.

Findings

The authors' text mining approach was successful in extracting the major themes from the collected posts. The authors found that motivated learners would want to form a strategic way to facilitate their learning. In addition, hope and fear collide, which exposes the learners’ interests and challenges.

Originality/value

The authors discussed the findings to provide education and training experts with a thorough understanding of novice learners, allowing them to engage them in the cybersecurity industry.
The interplay of culture, religion and luxury consumption: a cross-national investigation
Authors: Al-Issa Nermain , Dens Nathalie , Kwiatek Piotr
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine differences in the perceived value of luxury as drivers of luxury purchase intentions between individualist and collectivist cultures (at a country level) and consumers of Muslim versus Christian religious backgrounds. Moreover, this study investigates how consumers’ acculturation to the global consumer culture (AGCC) impacts their perceived luxury values.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two online survey studies. The first study compares Muslim consumers in Kuwait versus Muslims consumers in the UK. The second study compares the UK Muslim sample to a UK Christian sample. The authors collected data from 600 and 601 respondents, respectively. Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to test this study’s research hypotheses.

Findings

The perceived personal values of luxury primarily drive consumers’ luxury purchase intentions. The hedonic value of luxury impacts luxury purchase intentions significantly more for Muslims in the UK than in Kuwait. No significant differences were observed between religions. Consumers’ AGCC exerts a positive impact on all included perceived luxury values and more strongly impacts perceived uniqueness for Muslims than for Christians.

Originality/value

The paper builds on an integrative luxury values framework to examine the impact of luxury values on consumers’ purchasing intentions by studying the moderating effect of culture and religion on these relationships. The study is partly set in Kuwait, an understudied country, and investigates a Muslim minority in the UK.
The role of organizational culture in the relationship between affective organizational commitment and unethical pro-organizational behavior
Authors: Fulmore Julia A. , Nimon Kim , Reio Thomas
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study responded to the call to empirically reconcile conflicting findings in unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) literature. It did so by examining the influence of organizational culture on the relationship between affective organizational commitment and UPB.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 710 U.S. service sector employees based on a three-wave data collection design, structural invariance assessment was utilized to evaluate the relationship between affective organizational commitment and UPB across organizational cultures with opposing effectiveness criteria (i.e. focused on stability vs flexibility).

Findings

The result indicated a statistically significant positive direct effect between affective organizational commitment and UPB for the stability-focused cultures, while finding a statistically insignificant effect for the flexibility-focused cultures. These results support organizational culture research, which shows that organizational cultures with opposing effectiveness criteria (i.e. stability vs flexibility) can either encourage or discourage ethical behavior.

Practical implications

While leaders and managers encourage employee commitment to the organization, it is important to understand that increased organizational commitment is not limited to positive outcomes. Cultivating elements of flexibility-oriented cultures, like promoting teamwork (as in clan cultures) or fostering innovation and adaptability (as in adhocracy cultures), can be a strategic approach to minimize the chances of UPB among committed employees.

Originality/value

By integrating insights from social exchange theory, Trevino’s interactionist model and the competing values framework, we have contributed to a nuanced understanding of how different organizational cultures can suppress or stimulate UPB.
Are brands that perform gendered product differentiation perceived as sexist? An experimental investigation
Authors: Caruelle Delphine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the consumer response to brands offering gendered product differentiation (i.e. products “for her” or “for him”).

Design/methodology/approach

Across three experiments, the effect of gendered (vs gender-unrelated) product differentiation on perceived brand sexism and word-of-mouth intention was tested. The moderating effects of feminist identity (Studies 1 and 2), endorsement of sexist beliefs (Study 2) and basis (stereotypical vs biological) for product differentiation (Study 3) were also tested.

Findings

Consumers perceive brands that offer gendered product differentiation as sexist, which in turn leads to negative word-of-mouth intention. Moreover, consumers with a strong feminist identity are more likely to perceive brands that offer gendered product differentiation as sexist, whereas consumers who endorse sexist beliefs are less likely to do so. Finally, consumers respond negatively when the gendered product differentiation is based on a gender stereotype, but much less so when it seems based on a biological difference between sexes.

Originality/value

Although multiple brands offering gendered products have been denounced by consumers as sexist, no research has examined this phenomenon. This paper pioneers in examining the consumer response to brands offering gendered product differentiation and in demonstrating that consumers perceive such brands as sexist.
Comparing service user perspectives of an early intervention in psychosis service before and during COVID-19 lockdowns: a service evaluation
Authors: Sakaria Nikita , Sanderson Christopher , Watkins Simon , Boynton Victoria
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This service evaluation aims to understand the experiences of service users (SUs) who accessed an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service during the Coronavirus pandemic using qualitative and quantitative methodologies and compare these to a previous pre-pandemic study conducted within the same service (Watkins et al., 2018).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper collated experiences of individuals accessing an EIP service to inform service development. Questionnaires and individual interviews were conducted to provide quantitative and qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and T-test confidence intervals were created from the results and compared to findings of Watkins et al. (2018). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis.

Findings

Data showed participants were largely satisfied with all areas of the service with “work or education”, “living skills”, and “addictions” scoring highest. Though participants reported no overall dissatisfaction, satisfaction levels dropped in “social activities” compared to the findings of Watkins et al. (2018), perhaps due to the national restrictions put in place to manage the spread of Coronavirus during this time. Interview analysis identified three themes of importance consistent with prior literature, highlighting the importance of relationships and validation during recovery.

Research limitations/implications

This evaluation did not consider whether participants had accessed the service prior to the pandemic or only during, meaning that some participants could have a point of comparison with the service pre-pandemic, whereas others might not. Similarly, the participants were not the same as those of the Watkins et al.’s (2018) evaluation, meaning that direct comparisons of pre- and post-pandemic experiences were not possible. In addition, this evaluation collected data at only one time point early in the pandemic; therefore, it is unknown if client experiences of services differed as the pandemic and restrictions continued over time.

Originality/value

The Covid-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented challenge for health services, and the effects of this are becoming widely reported. This evaluation of clinical services offers a valuable perspective of service user experience of receiving mental health services during a global health crisis further offering a comparison to pre-pandemic services and the experiences of those who used them.
Prevalence of postpartum depression and its predictors among nursing mothers in selected hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Anosike Chibueze , Osefo Rita Chinenye , Isiogugu Nnanyelugo Ogechukwu , Nwachukwu Emmanuel Chijiekwu , Agu Ugonna Kyrian , Nwaji Jonathan Chimaobi , Ogbu Mario-Ephraim Afam
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of postpartum depression (PPD) among nursing mothers in Nsukka, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey among nursing mothers in three hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria. Data was collected using a self-administered Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and sociodemographic form. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and binary logistic regression.

Findings

A total of 270 nursing mothers participated in this survey, giving a response rate of 94.4%. The prevalence of PPD among the study group was 20.0%. However, women who did not have complications during childbirth were about two times (AOR = 0.417, 95% CI = 0.204, 0.852, P = 0.016) less likely to develop symptoms of PPD than women who experienced birth complications. In addition, women who had poor relationships with their partners have approximately seven times (AOR = 6.994, 95% CI = 1.110, 44.059, P = 0.038) higher odds of developing PPD compared with those women who had excellent relationships with their partners.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was small, hence, might limit the generalizability of its findings beyond the study group. Health-care practitioners should provide appropriate interventions to women at a higher risk of developing PPD on the need to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship with their partners.

Originality/value

This study provides unique insight into PPD among nursing mothers and its determinants from a different regional, socioeconomic, societal expectations, social support system, access to health care and cultural context.
Automatic fault interpretation based on point cloud fitting and segmentation
Authors: Zou Qing , Zhang Jiangshe , Zhang Chunxia , Sun Kai , Tao Chunfeng , Guo Rui
Published: April 2024

Faults generated by seismic motion and stratigraphic lithology changes are essential research objects for seismic motion and hydrocarbon prospecting. This paper emphatically concentrates on the fault reconstruction from the existing fault probability volume. The core idea is to transform the separation of different fault sticks into a fitting and segmentation problem of point cloud data. First, we utilize the point cloud filtering algorithm to preprocess the probability volume and then complete the coarse segmentation of the fault sticks by the region growth algorithm. For the intersecting faults, we employ an enhanced random sample consensus methodology with the constraints of fault orientation and effective inliers to accomplish the detailed segmentation of different fault sticks. Finally, we take the faults identified by the region growth and the random sample consensus method as a priori to construct a random forest model to predict the fault sticks of additional data. By examining and comparing the proposed method with some other approaches with both synthetic and field data, the experimental results manifest that the novel method achieves better segmentation results than others. Moreover, the proposed method is efficient based on the fact that it can handle billions of voxels within a few minutes.
Evaluating the potential of interpopulation outbreeding to rescue plant populations facing reproductive failures
Authors: Sakaguchi Shota , Fukumoto Shigeru , Masuda Kazutoshi , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Hirota Shun K. , Suyama Yoshihisa , Fujiki Daisuke , Miura Reiichi , Yamamoto Kazuki , Ota Misyo , Ishihara Masae I.
Published: April 2024

The overabundance of sika deer has become a significant threat to plant communities across Japan. As a result of the deer overgrazing, rare plants are undergoing a demographic bottleneck, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. Genetic diversity is crucial for the reproductive success of self‐incompatible plants, and it also provides evolutionary potential, which increases their long‐term population viability. Therefore, it is essential to appropriately manage the remaining genotypes to conserve local genetic resources. In this study, we exemplify this, via a conservation genetic analysis of Parasenecio peltifolius populations impacted by deer. Genetic data revealed that the small populations confined to isolated refugial sites consisted of effectively single genets. Recent reproductive failures in these populations may be attributed to the loss of genotypic diversity. Despite the bottlenecks, the remaining genets exhibited high individual heterozygosity, which is a good indicator that they have not been affected by severe inbreeding. Hybrid simulations suggested that interpopulation outbreeding between the unique genotypes can be a viable option to promote sexual reproduction and re‐establish genetic diversity within the local populations. Establishing artificial progenies in botanical gardens can serve as a vital genetic resource for the long‐term viability of threatened P. peltifolius populations.
Describing the food choices of Aboriginal children attending an afterschool cultural program from two different knowledge systems: The importance of Country, community, and kinship
Authors: Probst Yasmine , McKnight Anthony , O'Flynn Gabrielle , Tillott Sarah , Stanley Rebecca M.
Published: April 2024

Aims

This study describes a program co‐created with Aboriginal communities to strengthen cultural ties with the children. Food data are reported from two knowledge systems (lenses): Western and Aboriginal relational, focused on Country, community, and kinship.

Methods

A cultural program was undertaken with primary school children of Aboriginal heritage, on Yuin nation, over 10 weeks including culturally appropriate practices (painting, bushtucker, and dance). We report mixed method food outcomes framed by Western (quantitative) 24‐h recall and Aboriginal relational methods (qualitative) captured by cultural images, yarning and continuous consultation methods to expose lessons from community and Country, to extend kinship.

Results

In total, 111 children (79 providing food data) across three regional communities commenced the program. A storying approach to food data collection and interpretation was preferred. The number of serves of seafood products, such as fish increased, vegetable consumption improved, intakes of dairy improved in quality and energy intakes from discretionary foods decreased across the programs. Qualitative data exposed six themes: Eating with family, competing agendas, food as medicine, applying cultural practices, food choices driven by ‘post‐invasion tradition’ and community events, which deepened our understanding of the food data. Teaching the importance of the ocean and water saw participants engage with family in practices such as fishing to improve overall awareness of culture through food.

Conclusion

The kinship system in a cultural context supported positive shifts towards accessible food choices driven by messages from Country. While the changes cannot be isolated to the program, cultural immersion drove change and strength‐based reporting.