bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtracting the background: Reducing cell-free DNA’s confounding effects onMycobacterium tuberculosisquantitation and the sputum microbiome
Authors: Naidoo Charissa C. , Venter Rouxjeane , Codony Francesc , Agustí Gemma , Kitchin Natasha , Naidoo Selisha , Monaco Hilary , Mishra Hridesh , Li Yonghua , Clemente Jose C. , Warren Robin M. , Segal Leopoldo N. , Theron Grant
Published: March 2024

Characterising DNA in specimens from people with tuberculosis (TB), a major cause of death, is critical for evaluating diagnostics and the microbiome, yet extracellular DNA, more frequent in people on chemotherapy, confounds results. We evaluated whether nucleic acid dyes [propidium monoazide (PMA), PEMAX] and DNaseI could reduce this. PCR [16SMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (Mtb) qPCR, Xpert MTB/RIF] was done on dilution series of untreated and treated (PMA, PEMAX, DNaseI)Mtb. Separately, 16S rRNA gene qPCR and sequencing were done on untreated and treated patients’ sputa before (Cohort A: 11 TB-negatives, 9 TB-positives; Cohort B: 19 TB-positives, PEMAX only) and after 24 weeks of chemotherapy (only Cohort B). PMA and PEMAX reduced PCR-detectedMtbDNA for both the dilution series and Cohort A sputum versus untreated controls, suggesting non-intactMtbis present before treatment start. PEMAX enabled sequencingMycobacterium-detection in 5/9 (59%; Cohort A) and 2/3 (67%; Cohort B week 0) TB-positive sputa where no reads otherwise occurred. In Cohort A, PMA- and PEMAX-treated versus untreated sputa had decreased α- and increased β-diversities. In Cohort B, α-diversity differences between untreated and PEMAX-treated sputa occurred only at 24-weeks and β-diversity differences between timepoints were only detected after PEMAX. DNaseI had negligible effects. PMA and PEMAX (but not DNaseI) reduced extracellular DNA, improving the proportion ofMycobacteriumreads and PCR detection. PEMAX detected chemotherapy-associated changes in the microbiome otherwise missed. Our findings suggest these dyes improve characterization of the microbiome, especially chemotherapy-associated changes, and should be included in respiratory microbiome research in TB.
Longitudinal change in mitochondrial heteroplasmy exhibits positive selection for deleterious variants
Authors: Kuiper Lieke M. , Shi Wen , Verlouw Joost , Hong Yun Soo , Arp Pascal , Puiu Daniela , Broer Linda , Xie Jiaqi , Newcomb Charles , Rich Stephen S. , Taylor Kent D. , Rotter Jerome I. , Bader Joel S. , Guallar Eliseo , van Meurs Joyce B.J. , Arking Dan E.
Published: March 2024

A common feature of human aging is the acquisition of somatic mutations, and mitochondria are particularly prone to mutation due to their inefficient DNA repair and close proximity to reactive oxygen species, leading to a state of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy1,2. Cross-sectional studies have demonstrated that detection of heteroplasmy increases with participant age3, a phenomenon that has been attributed to genetic drift4–7. In this first large-scale longitudinal study, we measured heteroplasmy in two prospective cohorts (combined n=1405) at two timepoints (mean time between visits, 8.6 years), demonstrating that deleterious heteroplasmies were more likely to increase in variant allele fraction (VAF). We further demonstrated that increase in VAF was associated with increased risk of overall mortality. These results challenge the claim that somatic mtDNA mutations arise mainly due to genetic drift, instead demonstrating positive selection for predicted deleterious mutations at the cellular level, despite an negative impact on overall mortality.
Educational interventions to combat burnout: Are General Practitioners interested? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Williams Darius
Published: March 2024

Background

Rising burnout in General Practitioners has been noted as a major issue worldwide that is contributing to many leaving the profession earlier than anticipated or reducing their hours of clinical work. Educational interventions as part of continuing professional development (CPD) have been shown to be effective in reducing burnout and improving overall wellbeing amongst GPs. There is no published evidence available describing attitudes of GPs toward such CPD-based burnout interventions. The objective of this study is to assess GPs’ perspectives and opinions towards educational CPD-based interventions aimed at improving burnout in the GP population.

Methods

A qualitative research approach using grounded theory methods was used. Participants were interviewed 1 to 1 via video call. Video files of the interviews were recorded and auto-transcription software used to generate a text file which was checked for accuracy of transcription. Transcripts underwent grounded thematic analysis with emergent themes synthesised and combined to develop a targeted analysis concordant with the objectives of the study. The study received ethical approval from the Swansea University Medicine, Health and Life Science Ethics Approval Board.

Results

5 participants were interviewed – all were GPs listed on the GMC GP register and currently engaged in the Wales GP appraisal process. Two participants had prior experience of CPD resources focused on burnout. Participants universally noted positive sentiment towards an educational-based CPD intervention focused at reducing burnout and noted their preferences in how such an intervention might be designed. Several important perceived barriers were highlighted that would need to be considered in the design of any future interventions.

Discussion

Attitudes of participants suggest an educational-based CPD intervention would be well received, and further research is needed to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of such an intervention in this population.
Strengthening implementation of integrated care for small and nutritionally at-risk infants under six months: pre-trial feasibility study
Authors: McGrath Marie , Girma Shimelis , Berhane Melkamu , Abera Mubarek , Hailu Endashaw , Bathorp Hatty , Grijalva-Eternod Carlos , Woldie Mirkuzie , Abdissa Alemseged , Girma Tsinuel , Kerac Marko , Smythe Tracey
Published: March 2024

An integrated care pathway to manage small and nutritionally at-risk infants under 6 months (u6m) and their mothers (MAMI Care Pathway) is consistent with 2023 WHO malnutrition guidelines and is being tested in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in Ethiopia. To optimize trial implementation, we investigated contextual fit with key local stakeholders. We used scenario-based interviews with 17 health workers and four district managers to explore perceived feasibility. Eighteen policymakers were also surveyed to explore policy coherence, demand, acceptability, evidence needs, opportunities and risks. The Bowen feasibility framework and an access to healthcare framework were adapted and applied. Health workers perceived the MAMI Care Pathway as feasible to implement with support to access services and provide care. The approach is acceptable, given consistency with national policies, local protocols and potential to improve routine care quality. Demand for more comprehensive, preventive and person-centred outpatient care was driven by concerns about unmet, hidden and costly care burden for health services and families. Inpatient care for all severe wasting treatment is inaccessible and unacceptable. Support for routine and expanded components, especially maternal mental health, is needed for successful implementation. Wider contextual factors may affect implementation fidelity and strength. Policymakers cautiously welcomed the approach, which resonates with national commitments, policies and plans but need evidence on how it can work within varied, complex contexts without further system overstretch. A responsive, pragmatic RCT will generate the most useful evidence for policymakers. Findings have informed trial preparation and implementation, including a realist evaluation to contextualise outcomes.
Strengthening access to and confidence in COVID-19 vaccines among equity-deserving populations across Canada: An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Bashir Kainat , Ouedraogo Mariame O. , Dharma Christoffer , Sobers Mercedes , Atukorale Vajini , Mauer-Vakil Dane , Ataullahjan Anushka , Fadel Shaza A. , Allin Sara
Published: March 2024

Introduction

There is a need to reflect on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution across Canada and the extent to which they considered equity-deserving populations. This paper examined and compared strategies implemented by six Canadian provinces to increase access and promote the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among selected priority populations. We also explored the factors that impacted the implementation of these strategies.

Methods

In six provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec), we conducted an environmental scan of provincial rollout documents and media sources reporting vaccine distribution among selected priority populations: First Nations, Inuit, and Metis; Black communities; essential workers; people experiencing homelessness; and people with disabilities. We subsequently interviewed 39 key informants to validate the environmental scan results, identify additional strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and uncover perceptions of the facilitators and challenges that influenced the strategies’ implementation.

Results

Through the environmental scans and key informant interviews, we identified that provincial health authorities employed a panoply of strategies to overcome geographic, financial, and attitudinal barriers to COVID-19 vaccines experienced by the priority populations. Most provinces implemented walk-in, mobile, and pop-up vaccination clinics, mobilized public and private health workforce, and designed multilingual communication materials. Facilitators in implementing COVID-19 vaccination strategies included fostering inter-governmental cooperation, harmonizing communication efforts, leveraging existing relationships and networks, and ensuring representation and leadership of community partners. Challenges to implementing COVID-19 vaccination strategies included uncoordinated communication efforts, inadequate distribution of vaccines to areas with the greatest need, mistrust in the government and healthcare system, vaccine hesitancy, and lack of cultural competence by vaccine providers.

Conclusions

This study highlights the divide between well-intentioned strategies and interventions and the reality of on-the-ground implementation. The findings offer valuable insights and can inform the implementation of strategies to distribute vaccines equitably in future large-scale vaccination efforts in Canada and globally.
Supporting Respiratory Epithelia and Lowering Inflammation to Effectively Treat Common Cold Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pugach Pavel , Sadeghi-Latefi Nazlie
Published: March 2024

Common cold viruses are leading triggers of asthma attacks, causing nearly two million hospitalizations per year and productivity losses approaching $40B. They also increase susceptibility to bacterial infections driving antibiotic use. Post-market clinical studies have questioned the efficacy of most over the counter (OTC) cough and cold ingredients against placebo in treating various symptoms. To our knowledge, only aspirin significantly improved overall illness severity compared to placebo and that was by about 25-30%. In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 157 participants, we sought to determine whether a throat spray containing a mucosal immune complex (MIC) (comprised of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and aloe) can increase the hereto reported efficacy of aspirin at reducing common cold symptoms. Previously published reports showed that the MIC can protect respiratory epithelia and lower inflammatory cytokines. Participants self-administered treatments (throat sprays every hour and tablets every four hours) and completed surveys at home over two days. Treatments included MIC spray mixed with 6mg aspirin + placebo tablet (Treatment 1), MIC spray + placebo tablet (Treatment 2), MIC spray + 325 mg aspirin tablet (Treatment 3). Participants included adult volunteers ages 21-66 (average 44), 54% female, 46% male, 46% African American, 8% Asian, 39% Caucasian, and 7% Hispanic, having common cold symptoms lasting less than two days. The main outcome measures included Sore Throat Pain Intensity (STPIS) 0-100 at 36 hours (primary endpoint) and Modified Jackson Score (MJS), a combination of eight cold symptoms (secondary endpoint).

Both primary and secondary endpoints were met. Sore throat pain as measured by STPIS decreased 68-75% by 36 hours depending on treatment. Other symptoms such as nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and malaise as measured by MJS decreased 38-68% depending on treatment. In repeated measure within group analysis observing the same participants over multiple time points; STPIS mean change from baseline to 36 hours was as follows: Placebo (-7.84 (-14%) [95% CI -14.20 to -1.47]; p<0.0001), Treatment 1 (-42.41 (-75%)[95% CI -48.30 to -36.52]; p<0.0001), Treatment 2 (-38.60 (-68%)[95% CI -46.64 to -31.56]; p<0.0001), and Treatment 3 (-44.19 (-79%) [95% CI -52.11to -36.27]; p<0.0001). In repeated measure within group analysis all treatments significantly reduced cold symptom severity (MJS) from Days 1-2. Results were as follows: Treatment 1 (-2.26 (-38%) [95% CI -3.04 --1.47] p<0.0001), Treatment 2 (-3.81 (-53%) [95% CI -4.82 - -2.80] p<0.0001), Treatment 3 (-4.49 (-69%) [95% CI -5.62- -3.57]; p<0.0001).

As a result of this study, we conclude that supporting upper respiratory epithelia and reducing COX-mediated inflammation may be used to effectively treat common cold symptoms.

Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govIdentifier:NCT06106880Posted 30/10/2023
Human adenovirus outbreak at a university campus monitored by wastewater and clinical surveillance
Authors: Holland Steven C. , Smith Matthew F. , Holland LaRinda A. , Maqsood Rabia , Hu James C. , Murugan Vel , Driver Erin M. , Halden Rolf U. , Lim Efrem S.
Published: March 2024

Areas of dense population congregation are prone to experience respiratory virus outbreaks. We monitored wastewater and clinic patients for the presence of respiratory viruses on a large, public university campus. Campus sewer systems were monitored in 16 locations for the presence of viruses using next generation sequencing over 22 weeks in 2023. During this period, we detected a surge in human adenovirus (HAdV) levels in wastewater. Hence, we initiated clinical surveillance at an on-campus clinic from patients presenting with acute respiratory infection. From whole genome sequencing of 123 throat and/or nasal swabs collected, we identified an outbreak of HAdV, specifically of HAdV-E4 and HAdV-B7 genotypes overlapping in time. The temporal dynamics and proportions of HAdV genotypes found in wastewater were corroborated in clinical infections. We tracked specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found in clinical virus sequences and showed that they arose in wastewater signals concordant with the time of clinical presentation, linking community transmission of HAdV to the outbreak. This study demonstrates how wastewater-based epidemiology can be integrated with surveillance at ambulatory healthcare settings to monitor areas prone to respiratory virus outbreaks and provide public health guidance.
In-silico functional analyses identifyTMPRSS15-mediated intestinal absorption of lithium as a modulator of lithium response in bipolar disorder
Authors: Stacey David , Suppiah Vijayaprakash , Benyamin Beben , Lee S Hong , Hyppönen Elina
Published: March 2024

Background

The therapeutic response to lithium in patients with bipolar disorder is highly variable and has a polygenic basis. Genome-wide association studies investigating lithium response have identified several relevant loci, though the precise mechanisms driving these associations are poorly understood. We aimed to prioritise the most likely effector gene and determine the mechanisms underlying an intergenic lithium response locus on chromosome 21 identified by the International Consortium of Lithium Genetics (ConLi+Gen).

Methods

We conducted in-silico functional analyses by integrating and synthesising information from several publicly available functional genetic datasets and databases including the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project and HaploReg.

Results

The findings from this study highlightedTMPRSS15as the most likely effector gene at the ConLi+Gen lithium response locus.TMPRSS15encodes enterokinase, a gastrointestinal enzyme responsible for converting trypsinogen into trypsin and thus aiding digestion. Convergent findings from gene-based lookups in human and mouse databases as well as co-expression network analyses of small intestinal RNA-seq data (GTEx) implicatedTMPRSS15in the regulation of intestinal nutrient absorption, including ions like sodium and potassium, which may extend to lithium.

Limitations

Although the findings from this study indicated thatTMPRSS15was the most likely effector gene at the ConLi+Gen lithium response locus, the evidence was circumstantial. Thus, the conclusions from this study need to be validated in appropriately designed wet-lab studies.

Conclusions

The findings from this study are consistent with a model wherebyTMPRSS15impacts the efficacy of lithium treatment in patients with bipolar disorder by modulating intestinal lithium absorption.
Carbohydrate-active enzymes fromAkkermansia muciniphilabreakdown mucin O-glycans to completion
Authors: Bakshani Cassie R. , Ojuri Taiwo O. , Pilgaard Bo , Holck Jesper , McInnes Ross , Kozak Radoslaw P , Zakhour Maria , Çakaj Sara , Kerouedan Manon , Newton Emily , Bolam David N. , Crouch Lucy I.
Published: March 2024

Akkermansia muciniphilais a human microbial symbiont residing in the mucosal layer of the large intestine. Its main carbon source is the highly heterogeneous mucin glycoprotein andA. muciniphilauses an array of Carbohydrate-active enzymes and sulfatases to access this complex energy source. Here we describe the biochemical characterisation of fifty-four glycoside hydrolases, eleven sulfatases, and one polysaccharide lyase fromA. muciniphilato provide a holistic understanding of the carbohydrate-degrading activities. The results provide an extensive insight into the sequence of O-glycan degradation and howA. muciniphilacan access this structurally variable substrate. One of the most outstanding elements of this work was the demonstration that these enzymes can act synergistically to degrade the O-glycans on the mucin polypeptide to completion, down to the core GalNAc. Additionally, human breast milk oligosaccharide, ganglioside, and globoside glycan structures were included in the study to understand the full degradative capability ofA. muciniphila.
Dual-view jointly learning improves personalized drug synergy prediction
Authors: Li Xueliang , shen Bihan , Feng Fangyoumin , Li Kunshi , Li Hong
Published: March 2024

Background

Accurate and robust estimation of the synergistic drug combination is important for precision medicine. Although some computational methods have been developed, some predictions are still unreliable especially for the cross-dataset predictions, due to the complex mechanism of drug combinations and heterogeneity of cancer samples.

Methods

We have proposed JointSyn that utilizes dual-view jointly learning to predict sample-specific effects of drug combination from drug and cell features. JointSyn capture the drug synergy related features from two views. One view is the embedding of drug combination on cancer cell lines, and the other view is the combination of two drugs’ embeddings on cancer cell lines. Finally, the prediction net uses the features learned from the two views to predict the drug synergy of the drug combination on the cell line. In addition, we used the fine-tuning method to improve the JointSyn’s performance on the unseen subset within a dataset or cross dataset.

Results

JointSyn outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods in predictive accuracy and robustness across various benchmarks. Each view of JointSyn captures drug synergy-related characteristics and make complementary contributes to the final accurate prediction of drug combination. Moreover, JointSyn with fine-tuning improves its generalization ability to predict a novel drug combination or cancer sample only using a small number of experimental measurements. We also used JointSyn to generate an estimated atlas of drug synergy for pan-cancer and explored the differential pattern among cancers.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the potential of JointSyn to predict drug synergy, supporting the development of personalized combinatorial therapies. The source code is available on GitHub athttps://github.com/LiHongCSBLab/JointSyn.
Nematocida displodereMechanosensitive Ion Channel of Small Conductance 2 assembles into a unique 6-channel super-structurein vitro
Authors: Berg Alexandra , Berntsson Ronnie P-A , Barandun Jonas
Published: March 2024

Mechanosensitive ion channels play an essential role in reacting to environmental signals and sustaining cell integrity by facilitating ion flux across membranes. For obligate intracellular pathogens like microsporidia, adapting to changes in host environment is crucial for survival and propagation. Despite representing a eukaryote of extreme genome reduction, microsporidia have expanded the gene family of mechanosensitive ion channels of small conductance (mscS) through repeated gene duplication and horizontal gene transfer. All microsporidian genomes that are characterized to-date containmscSgenes of both eukaryotic and bacterial origin, and have at least 5 differentmscScopies. Here, we investigated the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the bacterially derived mechanosensitive ion channel of small conductance 2 (MscS2) fromNematocida displodere, an intracellular pathogen ofCaenorhabditis elegans. MscS2 is the most compact MscS known, and assembles into a unique superstructurein vitrowith six heptameric MscS2 channels oligomerizing through their transmembrane domains. Individual MscS2 channels are oriented in a heterogeneous manner to one another, resembling an asymmetric, flexible six-way cross joint. Finally, we show that, despite the extreme compaction, microsporidian MscS2 still forms a heptameric membrane channel, conserving the most important structural features of bacterial MscS.
Machine Learning Prediction of Stroke Occurrence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lolak Sermkiat , Suppasilp Chaiyawat , Poprom Napaphat , Sapankaew Tunlanut , Yin Myat Su , Thammasudjarit Ratchainant , McKay Gareth J. , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: March 2024

Background: Machine learning is nowadays commonly used for disease prediction, including cardiovascular disease. There is growing evidence of the effectiveness of machine learning algorithms for stroke risk prediction models. Aims: A systematic review was conducted to identify and comprehensively evaluate the available evidence. Summary of review: Relevant studies were identified from the three electronic databases (i) MEDLINE via Pubmed, (ii) Scopus, and (iii) IEEE Xplore from inception to 1st December 2020. Out of 12,626 studies identified, 40 used machine learning for ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke risk prediction models. Synthesis without meta-analysis identified that a boosting algorithm (median C-statistics = 0.9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.88-0.92)), and neural network (median C-statistic = 0.80 (IQR: 0.77-0.92)) performed best among ML models in the low risk of bias studies. Moreover, a boosting algorithm also performed best in overall (both low and high risk of bias) studies (median C-statistic = 0.92 (IQR: 0.90-0.95)). Conclusions: The systematic review found promising results of the ML algorithm model performances compare with the gold standard conventional models, such as FSRP (C-statistic 0.653) and revised FSRP (C-statistic 0.716). In term of the algorithm, boosting and neural networks are robust, but are considered as black-box models, since they are composed of non-linearity and complex algorithms. It remains questionable whether a physician would adapt these algorithms to use in a real clinical setting. Moreover, less than half of the studies (16 out of 40) were at low risk of bias in our systematic review. More researches with good methodology and study design, alongside explainable and good performance models, may become available in the future.
Entanglement entropy in scalar quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Fedida Samuel , Mazumdar Anupam , Bose Sougato , Serafini Alessio
Published: March 2024

We find the entanglement entropy of a subregion of the vacuum state in scalar quantum electrodynamics, working perturbatively to the two-loop level. Doing so leads us to derive the Maxwell-Proca propagator in conical Euclidean space. The area law of entanglement entropy is recovered in both the massive and massless limits of the theory, as is expected. These results yield the renormalization group flow of entanglement entropy, and we find that loop contributions suppress entanglement entropy. We highlight these results in the light of the renormalization group flow of couplings and correlators, which are increased in scalar quantum electrodynamics, so that the potential tension between the increase in correlations between two points of spacetime and the decrease in entanglement entropy between two regions of spacetime with energy is discussed. We indeed show that the vacuum of a subregion of spacetime purifies with energy in scalar quantum electrodynamics, which is related to the concept of screening.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gravitational Raman Scattering in Effective Field Theory: A Scalar Tidal Matching at
O(G3)
Authors: Ivanov Mikhail M. , Li Yue-Zhou , Parra-Martinez Julio , Zhou Zihan
Published: March 2024

We present a framework to compute amplitudes for the gravitational analog of the Raman process, a quasielastic scattering of waves off compact objects, in worldline effective field theory. As an example, we calculate third post-Minkowskian order [O(G3)], or two-loop, phase shifts for the scattering of a massless scalar field including all tidal effects and dissipation. Our calculation unveils two sources of the classical renormalization-group flow of dynamical Love numbers: a universal running independent of the nature of the compact object, and a running self-induced by tides. Restricting to the black hole case, we find that our effective field theory phase shifts agree exactly with those from general relativity, provided that the relevant static Love numbers are set to zero. In addition, we carry out a complete matching of the leading scalar dynamical Love number required to renormalize a universal short scale divergence in the S wave. Our results pave the way for systematic calculations of gravitational Raman scattering at higher post-Minkowskian orders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Time interfaces in bianisotropic media
Authors: Mirmoosa M. S. , Mostafa M. H. , Norrman A. , Tretyakov S. A.
Published: March 2024

Wave phenomena in bianisotropic media have been broadly scrutinized in classical electrodynamics because these media offer additional degrees of freedom to engineer electromagnetic waves. However, the majority of investigations concerning such systems have so far been limited to stationary (time-invariant) media. Temporally varying the magnetoelectric coupling manifesting bianisotropy engenders a unique prospect to manipulate wave-matter interactions in new ways. In this paper, we theoretically contemplate electromagnetic effects in weakly dispersive bianisotropic media of all classes when the corresponding magnetoelectric coupling parameter suddenly jumps in time, creating a time interface in spatially uniform bianisotropic media. We investigate scattering effects at such time interfaces, revealing novel polarization- and direction-dependent phenomena. Some of these phenomena are validated through the use of simulation software. We anticipate that our work paves the road for further exploration of time-varying bianisotropic metamaterials (metasurfaces) and bianisotropic photonic time crystals, thus opening up interesting possibilities to control wave polarization and amplitude in reciprocal and nonreciprocal manners.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Is tourist accommodation homogeneous? An analysis of the adults-only category through a three-step approach
Authors: Mellinas Juan Pedro , Bulchand-Gidumal Jacques , Alarcón-del-Amo María-del-Carmen
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to classify tourist accommodation using data from Booking.com and TripAdvisor and analyse the extent to which the different segments identified differ in terms of being adults-only.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1,535 properties located in nine Spanish sun and beach destinations were examined using a latent class cluster analysis (LCCA). The bias-adjusted three-step approach was used to investigate the differences between belonging to adults-only accommodation or not among the identified clusters.

Findings

Results show that adults-only accommodation tends to belong to the cluster with higher online ratings. In small Spanish islands, adults-only hotels account for a large share (more than 25%) of hotels.

Research limitations/implications

It was not possible to analyse whether the higher rating was due to the accommodation being better or due to the tourists being more satisfied with their stay.

Practical implications

In urban destinations, the model is not widely used. However, in coastal destinations, it is becoming more than a novelty or a new trend.

Social implications

In small Spanish islands, people traveling with children are becoming a minority. Families may feel discriminated against and express dissatisfaction with this situation in the future.

Originality/value

This study covers the gap in the academic literature on this growing hotel segment.
Supply chain sustainability, risk and transformational tension: a systems perspective
Authors: Göçer Aysu , Brockhaus Sebastian , Fawcett Stanley E. , Vural Ceren Altuntas , Knemeyer A. Michael
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Sustainability continues to be put forth as a strategic priority. However, sustainability efforts are often deemphasized for short-term profitability. This study explores the nuances in managerial decision-making related to adopting sustainability initiatives within food supply chains in an emerging economy. We identify a complex interaction between sustainability efforts and risk mitigation. We derive a model to explain conflicting company goals, managerial decisions and system design.

Design/methodology/approach

We followed an exploratory research design with an inductive approach. We analyzed data from semi-structured interviews with 29 companies representing different tiers in Turkish food supply chains. We refined and validated the interview findings through a focus group with nine senior managers. We conducted open, focused and theoretical coding in an iterative and reflective manner to analyze the data and derive our results.

Findings

From the data, three themes emerged, indicating that managers are pursuing different, often conflicting, goals concerning value creation, risk management and sustainability performance. Managers identified and commented on new risks brought on by sustainability initiatives. These sustainability-induced risks were seen as a threat to operational performance, a driver of increased costs and a negative impact on product quality and delivery performance. Trade-offs across operating, sustainability and risk management systems create transformational tension that confounds the sustainability adoption decision-making process.

Originality/value

The data from the study was contrasted with a theoretical framework derived from systems theory, goal-setting theory of motivation and the theory of planned behavior. We identified four distinct decision paths that managers pursue. Increased awareness of transformational tension and how it influences managerial decision-making can enhance strategic sustainability system design and initiative success.
Association between corporate diversification strategies and inventory performance: a firm-level investigation
Authors: Qian Zhuang , Wang Charles X. , Yang Haiying
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This research aims to empirically investigate the impacts of product and international diversification strategies on firm-level inventory performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically examines the associations between product and international diversification strategies and inventory performance based on a sample of 64,124 observations across 7,367 US publicly traded firms between 1989 and 2019 from the COMPUSTAT Segment, Fundamental Annual and Fundamental Quarterly data files. We employ both linear and nonlinear regression models to perform our empirical analysis.

Findings

This research provides strong evidence that there exists a U-shaped relationship between unrelated product diversification and inventory level and a partially inverted U-shaped relationship between international diversification and inventory level. We also find a positive impact of related product diversification on inventory level, but there is no significant curvilinear relationship between related product diversification and inventory level.

Practical implications

Our research findings offer important insights into top management’s strategic planning for diversification strategies and operations manager’s inventory control policies to achieve the strategic fit between corporate diversification and inventory management.

Originality/value

Product and international diversification strategies not only play an essential role in the firm’s competitive advantage, but also have a significant influence on operations manager’s inventory decision. This research is among the first to systematically investigate how top management’s related product, unrelated product and international diversification strategies may have complex nonlinear impacts on inventory performance.
Determinants and impact of strategy-driven manufacturing accounting techniques on organisational competitiveness: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Oyewo Babajide , Tawiah Vincent , Alta’any Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate contextual factors affecting the deployment of strategy-driven manufacturing accounting techniques (SMAT), as well as the impact of SMAT usage on organisational competitiveness. Seven major SMAT were investigated, namely, benchmarking, integrated performance measurement, environmental management accounting, strategic costing, strategic pricing, strategic investment and life cycle costing.

Design/methodology/approach

By using multi-informant strategy, structured questionnaire was used to gather survey data from 129 senior accounting, finance and production personnel of publicly quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Data was analysed using structural equation modelling and propensity score matching.

Findings

Result shows that the usage rate of the SMAT is generally moderate. Market orientation and deliberate strategy formulation are notable determinants of SMAT usage. The inability of competition intensity and perceived environmental uncertainty to notably affect SMAT usage suggests that external environmental pressure to use SMAT is weak.

Practical implications

Although the impact of SMAT usage on organisational competitiveness is positive and statistically significant, it is conceivable that the impact of SMAT could have been more assuming SMAT recorded extensive usage. Thus, the lack of competitiveness of manufacturing companies in Nigeria may not be unconnected to the superficial usage of SMAT.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge in three ways. First, it extends studies on the contingency theory that contextual factors influence the adoption of management accounting innovations. Second, it exposes the contextual factors affecting the adoption of SMAT in a developing country. Third, it provides evidence on the value relevance of management accounting innovation in enhancing organisational competitiveness.
Challengers, not followers? The effect of leaders' perceptions of team overqualification on leaders' empowering behavior
Authors: Jiang Jing , Dong Huijuan , Dong Yanan , Yuan Yuan , Tu Xingyong
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Although employee overqualification is a common occurrence in the workplace, most research has focused on overqualification at the individual level rather than at the team level. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study aimed to uncover how leaders' perception of team overqualification influenced their cognition and follow-up behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

We performed two studies to test our model. In Study 1, we conducted an experiment to examine the causal relationship between leaders' perception of team overqualification and leadership self-efficacy. In Study 2, a two-wave field study was conducted to test the overall model based on a sample obtained from a steel company in China.

Findings

We found that leaders' perception of team overqualification reduced leadership self-efficacy, which in turn hindered leaders' empowering behavior. In addition, leaders' social face consciousness strengthened the negative relationship between leaders' perception of team overqualification and leadership self-efficacy, such that the relationship was more negative when leaders' social face consciousness was high rather than low.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the literature on employee overqualification and its effects on leaders through investigation at the team level to show how leaders respond to overqualified teams.
Including self-care curricula to respond to PSTs' exposure to secondary trauma
Authors: Schock Heather Bailie , Franco Yvonne , McCall Madelon
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Most teacher preparation programs (TPP) provide little instruction on mitigating the stress-related consequences of teaching (Miller and Flint-Stipp, 2019). This study aims to provide empirical support for including a self-care unit in teacher preparation curricula to address the secondary trauma and stressors inherent to the teaching profession (Essential 2; NAPDS, 2021; Sutcher et al., 2019).

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation occurred in an elementary TPP at a private southeastern US university and spanned two years, utilizing a mixed methods approach.

Findings

Findings suggest that after experiencing a 5-week self-care unit, preservice teachers exhibited a statistically significant increase in well-being and a newfound recognition of the need to prioritize self-care for effective teaching, suggesting its potential effectiveness in reducing burnout and attrition.

Research limitations/implications

While this study provided valuable insights into the implementation and impact of a self-care unit within the context of elementary education majors at a mid-sized private university in the USA, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations. One notable limitation is the relatively homogenous sample, primarily consisting of White female participants.

Practical implications

The implications of this study are critical for teacher education policy and practice, advocating for including self-care curricula to enhance teacher well-being and, by extension, prepare teachers with a skillset to support their career trajectory (Essential 3; NAPDS, 2021).

Originality/value

This recommendation underscores the collaborative efforts between TPPs and partnership schools to implement such initiatives effectively, representing a pivotal step toward better-preparing teachers to manage the demands of their profession while prioritizing their mental health (Essentials 4 & 5; NAPDS, 2021).
Navigating the Scottish Political Landscape: An Analysis of BBC Scotland in the Independence Era
Authors: Liddle Andrew
Published: March 2024

This essay examines the complex relationship between the BBC and Scotland's evolving political landscape, shedding light on the challenges faced by the broadcaster since the inception of devolution in 1999 and particularly the 2014 independence referendum. The study contends that the BBC, in its attempts to address accusations of inherent bias and to adapt to Scotland's unique political identity, may have overreacted. Examining the shift from regional opt‐outs to the establishment of the dedicated BBC Scotland channel in 2019, the essay argues that this strategic pivot may now be increasingly redundant amid the diminishing likelihood of a second independence referendum. This change challenges the channel's relevancy and poses commercial concerns for Scotland's production industry. Highlighting the risk of restricted appeal, this essay suggests that the declining relevance of the independence debate necessitates a re‐evaluation of the BBC's approach in Scotland. The analysis underscores the need for adapting to the still evolving Scottish political landscape and argues for strategic measures to ensure the continued relevance of the BBC in Scotland.
Constitutionalising the BBC
Authors: Tambini Damian
Published: March 2024

This article argues that BBC policy needs a change of emphasis. In the last two BBC Charter periods the emphasis has been on marketisation and market failure. The aim has been to harness market discipline to hold the BBC to account and ensure it does not chill investment. In an era of almost limitless choice, faltering democratic institutions, and new business models based on monetising data and attention, this approach is no longer appropriate. Whilst media users will always be able to choose not to consume BBC services, policy makers should accept that the BBC should be a permanent, privileged part of the communications landscape and enact reforms that reflect this. Policy should focus on overhauling and improving the ‘constitutional’ checks and balances of the BBC rather than accountability through the market. This requires new policies that actively facilitate new forms of accountability to citizens.
A Battle for the Nation's Rights’? Past, Present and Future Public Service Media in Wales
Authors: Medhurst Jamie , Nicholas Siân
Published: March 2024

As in other UK nations, public service broadcasting (PSB) is facing an uncertain future in Wales as a result of threats to funding from government and competition from streaming services and other content providers. Partly because of this, calls for the devolution of broadcasting powers have intensified over the past couple of years to the point where it is now an aim of the Welsh government to see such powers being transferred to Cardiff from Westminster. In a nation of two languages and two cultures, PSB has played, and continues to play, a crucial role in Welsh life—but for how long?
The association between hemoglobin levels and renal function parameters during normothermic machine perfusion: A retrospective cohort study using porcine kidneys
Authors: van Furth L. Annick , Huijink Tobias M. , van Leeuwen L. Leonie , Maassen Hanno , Lantinga Veerle A. , Ogurlu Baran , Hamelink Tim L. , Pool Merel B. F. , Schutter Rianne , Veldhuis Susanne Z. J. , Ottens Petra J. , Moers Cyril , Berger Stefan. P. , Leuvenink Henri G. D. , Posma Rene A. , Venema Leonie H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Ex vivo normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a promising tool for assessing an isolated kidney prior to transplantation. However, there is no consensus on the perfusate's optimal oxygen‐carrying capacity to support renal function. To investigate the association of hemoglobin levels with renal function parameters, a retrospective analysis of isolated, normothermically, perfused porcine kidneys was performed.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2021, a total of 228 kidneys underwent 4 h of NMP with perfusates that varied in hemoglobin levels. A generalized linear model was used to determine the association of hemoglobin levels with time‐weighted means of renal function markers, such as fractional sodium excretion (FENa) and creatinine clearance (CrCl). Stratified by baseline hemoglobin level (<4.5, 4.5–6, or >6 mmol/L), these markers were modeled over time using a generalized linear mixed‐effects model. All models were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Until a hemoglobin level of around 5 mmol/L was reached, increasing hemoglobin levels were associated with superior FENa and CrCl. Thereafter, this association plateaued. When hemoglobin levels were categorized, hemoglobin <4.5 mmol/L was associated with worse renal function. Hemoglobin levels were neither significantly associated with proteinuria during NMP nor with ATP levels at the end of NMP. Hemoglobin levels >6 mmol/L showed no additional benefits in renal function.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we found an association between baseline hemoglobin levels and superior renal function parameters, but not injury, during NMP of porcine kidneys. Furthermore, we show that performing a retrospective cohort study of preclinical data is feasible and able to answer additional questions, reducing the potential use of laboratory animals.
MOTIV: Visual Exploration of Moral Framing in Social Media
Authors: Wentzel A. , Levine L. , Dhariwal V. , Fatemi Z. , Bhattacharya A. , Eugenio B. Di , Rojecki A. , Zheleva E. , Marai G.E.
Published: March 2024

We present a visual computing framework for analysing moral rhetoric on social media around controversial topics. Using Moral Foundation Theory, we propose a methodology for deconstructing and visualizing the when, where and who behind each of these moral dimensions as expressed in microblog data. We characterize the design of this framework, developed in collaboration with experts from language processing, communications and causal inference. Our approach integrates microblog data with multiple sources of geospatial and temporal data, and leverages unsupervised machine learning (generalized additive models) to support collaborative hypothesis discovery and testing. We implement this approach in a system named MOTIV. We illustrate this approach on two problems, one related to Stay‐at‐home policies during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the other related to the Black Lives Matter movement. Through detailed case studies and discussions with collaborators, we identify several insights discovered regarding the different drivers of moral sentiment in social media. Our results indicate that this visual approach supports rapid, collaborative hypothesis testing, and can help give insights into the underlying moral values behind controversial political issues.

Supplemental Material: https://osf.io/ygkzn/?view_only=6310c0886938415391d977b8aae8b749