bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding generational differences for financial inclusion in Kenya
Authors: Korir Lilian , Hack-Polay Dieu
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the effect the five different generations and the key financial inclusion indicators of gender, education and location (rural–urban) in exacerbating disparities in financial inclusion in Kenya. This paper considers whether the five generational cohort groups in Kenya differ on the financial inclusion determinants and behaviour as predicted by common generational stereotypes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied a multinomial logistic regression approach to nationally representative household survey data from Kenya to estimate the effect that key financial inclusion indicators have on belonging to one of the five generations: Z, Y, X, baby boomers and traditionalists.

Findings

The authors found significant links between all tested variables and financial inclusion. The authors found an access gap between Generations X and Y, with the latter being more prone to access and use financial services and products. These differences are compounded by gender and rurality. People in rural locations and women generally were found to have less access to financial services and products, thus causing significant exclusion of a large proportion of the population.

Practical implications

The research has important implications for governments, financial institutions and educational providers, notably on targeted policies and programmes that strategically aim to eliminate disparities and promote greater financial inclusion, denoting the value of such variables as generational differences and gender inclusivity.

Originality/value

This paper deepens the understanding of differences that can divide generations on financial inclusion.
Critical perspective on consumer animosity amid Russia-Ukraine war
Authors: Akhtar Naeem , Khan Huda , Siddiqi Umar Iqbal , Islam Tahir , Atanassova Iva
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Consumer animosity in the wake of Russia–Ukraine war has gained significance in consumer behavior research. In this line, this study aims to examine the critical influence of consumer animosity in developing brand attitude and its ensuing outcomes – brand boycott behavior and brand-country image – the moderating role of perceived intrusiveness on the relationship between consumer animosity and brand attitude and the moderating role of altruism between brand attitude and behavioral outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data obtained from 411 European consumers, data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling to examine the proposed relationships.

Findings

The findings revealed a strong negative influence of consumer animosity on brand attitude, which eventually leads to brand boycott behavior and a negative brand-country image. This work also confirmed the boundary condition of perceived intrusiveness on the effect of consumers’ animosity on brand attitude. Furthermore, the authors validated the moderating effects of altruistic behavior on the relationships between brand attitude and boycott behavior and brand-country image.

Research limitations/implications

This study offers theoretical, practical and policy implications in international marketing domain. The authors acknowledged a few shortcomings and made some recommendations for future research.

Originality/value

In the context of the Russian–Ukraine war, this study creates a novel conceptual framework based on consumer animosity. In the current scenario, provide critical perspective on how European customers’ animosity to Russian brands develops their adverse attitudes. This study also highlighted the alternatives to Russian brands when they were boycotted during the Russia–Ukraine war.
How phygital customers’ experience transforms the retail banking sector? Examining customer engagement and patronage intentions
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rana Sudhir , Rani Garima , Rani Vinki
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Phygital emerges as a promising phenomenon, as it uses innovative technologies to connect digital spaces and physical places that provide customers with an interactive and unique experience. Drawing the stimuli–organism–response (S-O-R) framework, the study aims to examine the phygital customer experience by using key drivers and their effect on customer engagement (CE), trust (TRU) and patronage intentions (PI).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained by using convenience sampling from 389 respondents from northern parts of India between December 2022 and February 2023. After checking reliability and validity, “variance-based structural equation modeling” has been applied to obtain results.

Findings

The outcomes reported that stimuli constructs such as customer brand experience (CBE), service quality (SQ) and emotions during the service (EDS) significantly influence organism (CE). However, pain points (PP) have a statistically insignificant impact on CE. Further, the outcomes also reveal a positive relation between organism and response variables (i.e. CE, TRU and PI).

Practical implications

This study’s results offer strategic insights to enhance CE and PI, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the retail banking industry. The financial service provider must prudently interrelate digital and physical platforms to make the customer journey fruitful.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to look at the effect of key drivers on the PI of active retail banking customers in national capital region, India by using the S-O-R framework.
Double diffusive MHD squeezing copper water nanofluid flow between parallel plates filled with porous medium and chemical reaction
Authors: T. Chandrapushpam , Bhuvaneswari M. , Sivanandam Sivasankaran
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the double diffusive magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) squeezed flow of (Cu–water) nanofluid between two analogous plates filled with Darcy porous material in existence of chemical reaction and external magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing nonlinear equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by means of similarity transforms, and the coupled mass and heat transference equations are resolved analytically with the application of differential transform method (DTM). The effects of different relevant parameters on velocity, temperature and concentration, including the squeeze number, magnetic parameter, Biot number, Darcy number and chemical reaction parameter, are illustrated with figures. In addition, for various parameters, the local skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are computed and are graphically displayed.

Findings

It is observed that the squeeze number has a direct relationship with Sherwood number and an inverse relationship with skin friction as Biot number increases. With enhanced Biot numbers, the temperature value increases during both squeeze and non-squeeze moments, but the temperature values are higher for squeeze moments compared to the other case.

Practical implications

This research has potential applications in various large-scale enterprises that might benefit from increased productivity.

Social implications

The results are useful to thermal science community.

Originality/value

Unique and valuable insights are provided by studying the impact of chemical reaction on double diffusive MHD squeezing copper–water nanofluid flow between parallel plates filled with porous medium. In addition, this research has potential applications in various large-scale enterprises that might benefit from increased productivity.
Nexus between mandatory ESG disclosure regulation and abnormal stock returns: a study of an emerging economy
Authors: Desai Rajesh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to study the response of the stock market to the announcement of compulsory environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure regulation in the context of the Indian economy – one of the largest emerging economies. The study also examines the role of carbon sensitivity and pre-ESG disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Daily stock price data of 940 listed companies has been collected for 276 trading days to compute abnormal returns. The current study is based on event study methodology to analyze the announcement effect of disclosure regulations. Furthermore, to check the robustness of results, cross-sectional regression has been applied to correct for potential heterogeneity.

Findings

Results of the event study signify that the equity share market has reacted positively and significantly to the mandatory ESG disclosure regulation. Furthermore, the study also confirms the mitigating role of carbon sensitivity and pre-ESG disclosure as carbon nonsensitive (non predisclosure) firms have witnessed a more intense effect of regulation as compared to sensitive (predisclosed) corporations.

Practical implications

Current findings assist managers in understanding investor perception toward nonfinancial disclosures. Corporate managers can use disclosure as a tool to enhance the firm value and reduce information asymmetry by providing relevant information. Furthermore, policymakers can use the findings of present research to disseminate the advantages of adopting ESG disclosure practices thereby improving the transparency and governance among business firms.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to provide empirical evidence on the market response to compulsory ESG disclosure framework in the emerging context of India. Furthermore, considering the infancy stage of ESG research, the present research contributes to the body of knowledge by empirically testing the disclosure theories.
Pneumococcus downregulates the molecular weight of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor of alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Isono Toshihito , Hirayama Satoru , Domon Hisanori , Terao Yutaka
Published: November 2023

Pneumococcus is themajor cause of bacterial and invasive pneumococcal infections. Disrupting the alveolarepithelial barrier is an important step in the pathogenesis of invasivepneumococcal infections. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) maintainsthe integrity of the alveolar epithelial barrier. In this study, we showed that secretory pneumococcal molecules decrease the molecular weight of EGFR without peptide degradation and inhibit alveolar epithelial cell proliferation via EGFR.
Constraints on avian seed dispersal reduce potential for resilience in degraded tropical forests
Authors: Hatfield Jack H. , Banks‐Leite Cristina , Barlow Jos , Lees Alexander C. , Tobias Joseph A.
Published: November 2023

Seed dispersal is fundamental to tropical forest resilience. Forest loss or degradation typically leads to defaunation, altering seed transfer dynamics and impairing the ability of forested habitats to regenerate or recover from perturbation. However, the extent of defaunation, and its likely impacts on the seed dispersers needed to restore highly degraded or clear‐felled areas, remains poorly understood in tropical forest landscapes.

To quantify defaunation of seed‐dispersing birds, we used field survey data from 499 transects in three forested regions of Brazil, first comparing the observed assemblages with those predicted by geographic range maps, and then assessing habitat associations of frugivores across land cover gradients.

We found that current bird assemblages have lower functional diversity (FD) than predicted by species range maps in Amazonia (4%–6%), with a greater reduction in FD (28%) for the Atlantic Forest, which has been more heavily deforested for a longer period.

Direct measures of seed dispersal are difficult to obtain, so we focused on potential seed transfer inferred from shared species occurrence. Of 83 predominantly frugivorous bird species recorded in relatively intact forests, we show that 10% were absent from degraded forest, and 57% absent from the surrounding matrix of agricultural land covers, including many large‐gaped species. Of 112 frugivorous species using degraded forest, 47% were absent from matrix habitats. Overall, frugivores occurring in both intact forest and matrix habitats were outnumbered by (mostly small‐gaped) frugivores occurring in both degraded forest and matrix habitats (23 additional species; 64% higher diversity).

These findings suggest that birds have the potential to disperse seeds from intact and degraded forest to adjacent cleared lands, but that direct seed transfer from intact forests is limited, particularly for large‐seeded trees. Degraded forests may play a vital role in supporting natural regeneration of small‐seeded tree species as well as providing a ‘stepping‐stone’ in the regeneration pathway for large‐seeded trees. We propose that both intact and degraded forests will support the restoration potential of tropical forest landscapes, and that bird‐assisted seed dispersal can be enhanced by maintaining buffer zones of degraded or secondary forests around remaining intact forest patches.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Does financial development really spur industrialization in sub‐Saharan African countries?
Authors: Kinda Somlanare Romuald , Sawadogo Relwendé
Published: November 2023

Industrialization constitutes one of the strategies of structural transformation in many sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries. In this paper, we re‐examine the effect of financial development on the industrialization of 35 SSA countries over the period 1996–2018. Contrary to previous work, we formulate the hypothesis that there exists a threshold of financial development beyond which financial development positively influences industrialization. Using the dynamic panel threshold regression model, and system generalized methods of moment models, we find two main results. First, financial development has a negative and significant impact on the development of industrialization. Secondly, the findings show the existence of a nonlinear relationship between financial development and industrialization development. Thus, we find that financial development has a negative effect on industrialization below the threshold while the effect is significantly positive on industrialization in countries whose financial development is above the threshold. The results are stable to the different robustness tests used. These findings highlight the need for SSA countries to develop better financial institutions if they hope to boost the manufacturing sector.
The elusiveness of strategic HR partnering: Using paradox theory to understand tensions surrounding the HR business partnering role
Authors: Bennett Hadyn , McCracken Martin , O’Kane Paula , Brown Travor
Published: November 2023

Human resource business partnering is an established mechanism for the advancement of strategic HR. While much research has reported on relationships between partners (HRBPs) and line managers, relationships between partners and other aspects of the HR function are less well understood, as is the interplay between HRBP‐LMP and HRBP‐HR relationships. Through the use of paradox theory and case study methodology centred on a large public sector health care authority, we found these two sets of relationships to be operating paradoxically within an operational frame of reference, thereby constraining the establishment of strategic partnering.
MAPHIS—Measuring arthropod phenotypes using hierarchical image segmentations
Authors: Mráz Radoslav , Štěpka Karel , Pekár Matěj , Matula Petr , Pekár Stano
Published: November 2023

Animal phenotypic traits are utilised in a variety of studies. Often the traits are measured from images. The processing of a large number of images can be challenging; nevertheless, image analytical applications, based on neural networks, can be an effective tool in automatic trait collection.

Our aim was to develop a stand‐alone application to effectively segment an arthropod from an image and to recognise individual body parts: namely, head, thorax (or prosoma), abdomen and four pairs of appendages. It is based on convolutional neural network with U‐Net architecture trained on more than a thousand images showing dorsal views of arthropods (mainly of wingless insects and spiders). The segmentation model gave very good results, with the automatically generated segmentation masks usually requiring only slight manual adjustments.

The application, named MAPHIS, can further (1) organise and preprocess the images; (2) adjust segmentation masks using a simple graphical editor; and (3) calculate various size, shape, colouration and pattern measures for each body part organised in a hierarchical manner. In addition, a special plug‐in function can align body profiles of selected individuals to match a median profile and enable comparison among groups. The usability of the application is shown in three practical examples.

The application can be used in a variety of fields where measures of phenotypic diversity are required, such as taxonomy, ecology and evolution (e.g. mimetic similarity). Currently, the application is limited to arthropods, but it can be easily extended to other animal taxa.
Multivariate analysis of physical–chemical and biological parameters along wheat growth (Triticum aestivum L.) and the effects of a phosphorus‐solubilizing bioinoculant
Authors: de Souza Nikolas Mateus Pereira , Dill Ricardo Eugenio , Fagundes David Gabriel dos Santos , Cagliari Alexandro , Rieger Alexandre
Published: November 2023

Two plots (10 ha each) of Triticum aestivum L. wheat crop were analysed, one with a phosphorus‐solubilizing bioinoculant (bioinput) and another without the bioinput (control). Traditional physical–chemical variables and four enzymes were analysed: arylsulfatase (AS), β‐glucosidase (β‐G), acid phosphatase (AP), and N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (NAG). These variables were considered by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). The HCA separated 100% correctly the control and bioinput samples along the wheat phenological stages (Feekes‐Large scale). The PLS‐DA model was constructed with seven latent variables and obtained 100% accuracy, explaining a variance of 97.05% in calibration and 93.13% in cross‐validation. The control soil had a productivity of 57.8 bags per hectare, while the soil with bioinput had a productivity of 60.8 bags per hectare. Furthermore, soil with the bioinput presented higher concentrations of the enzymes AS, β‐G, and AP in the final phenological stages.
Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (ECHO FASD): Tele‐mentoring program to increase healthcare capacity for FASD diagnosis
Authors: Cole Lynn L. , Petrenko Christie L. M. , Kautz‐Turnbull Carson , Rockhold Madeline N. , Ciurzynski Susan M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) often experience delayed, missed, or incorrect diagnosis due to low FASD awareness and diagnostic capacity. Current strategies to expand awareness and diagnostic capacity are insufficient or impractical.

Methods

This project examined the feasibility of Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) tele‐mentoring to train community clinicians about FASD. Participants attended ten 1‐h weekly ECHO sessions that included presentations, vignettes, and discussions. Measurement utilized Bowen's feasibility domains.

Results

Robust webpage traffic yielded 19 participants (demand). Fidelity scores, hub team field notes, and participant ratings indicated feasibility based on acceptability, implementation, practicality, and adaptation. Clinicians' knowledge and confidence improved and case‐based diagnostic accuracy was high (limited efficacy).

Conclusions

ECHO FASD is a feasible training method that shows promise in increasing diagnostic capacity across many geographic regions.
Climate change affects the early‐life history of a freshwater turtle in a severely drying region
Authors: Santoro Anthony , Chambers Jane M. , Ebner Brendan , Beatty Stephen J.
Published: November 2023

Freshwater turtles are one of the most threatened vertebrate groups. Climate change is a major threat to these species, with impacts affecting all life‐history stages. There is currently a limited understanding of how changes in climate may alter the environmental triggers for hatching and emergence from the nests of freshwater turtle hatchlings. This precludes making predictions about how climate change may impact freshwater turtle recruitment success. The southwestern snake‐necked turtle (Chelodina oblonga) is endemic to south‐western Australia, a global biodiversity hotspot that has undergone severe climatic drying. Recruitment failure is thought to be occurring in many populations of the species. However, there is little understanding as to how environmental change may be influencing recruitment. This study aimed to: (1) determine the incubation duration and hatching and hatchling emergence success of C. oblonga, (2) determine if the species exhibits hatching or emergence synchrony and/or delayed emergence and (3) quantify the effects of temperature and rainfall on hatchling emergence. Using this information, the study assesses how climatic drying and warming may be impacting C. oblonga's early life‐history. Between 2018 and 2020 nest sites were monitored around a large urban wetland with weekly assessments of egg and hatchling status. Incubation duration and hatching and hatchling emergence success were calculated, and generalized linear models were built to determine how temperature and/or rainfall predicted emergence. Hatchlings either emerged shortly after hatching or overwintered in the nest, and both hatching and emergence were asynchronous. Both emergence periods were positively associated with temperature and rainfall. This study reveals that incubation duration, hatching success, hatchling emergence and survival are all likely to be impacted by recent and projected climate change, and especially drying. Warming and drying are predicted for many temperate regions globally, and it is therefore important that their impacts on the early life history of freshwater turtles be better understood.
From the organ bath to the whole person: a review of human colonic motility
Authors: Wattchow David A. , Brookes Simon J. , Spencer Nick J. , Heitmann Paul T. , De Giorgio Roberto , Costa Marcello , Dinning Phil. G.
Published: November 2023

Motor function of the colon is essential for health. Our current understanding of the mechanisms that underlie colonic motility are based upon a range of experimental techniques, including molecular biology, single cell studies, recordings from muscle strips, analysis of part or whole organ ex vivo through to in vivo human recordings. For the surgeon involved in the clinical management of colonic conditions this amounts to a formidable volume of material. Here, we synthesize the key findings from these various experimental approaches so that surgeons can be better armed to deal with the complexities of the colon.
Symptoms of depression and anxiety among Ukrainian children displaced to Poland following the outbreak of the Russo‐Ukrainian war: Associations with coping strategies and resilience
Authors: Urbański Piotr Kazimierz , Schroeder Kingsley , Nadolska Anna , Wilski Maciej
Published: November 2023

This study sought to discern the association of resilience, coping, and contextual factors on depression and anxiety among Ukrainian children displaced to Poland following the Russo‐Ukrainian war. A cross‐sectional analysis was undertaken with 284 Ukrainian children, aged 11–15 years, relocated to Poland in 2022 due to the ongoing conflict. Participants were assessed using validated tools for anxiety, depression, resilience, and coping, alongside a study‐specific questionnaire. Notable associations emerged between depression and variables including age (Mage = 12.04, 49% females), emotional coping, relational resilience, and significant loss, accounting for 39% of the variance (p < .001). Anxiety was intricately linked with heightened emotional coping and diminished problem‐solving capabilities, accounting for notable variances (state: 32%, trait: 45%, p < .001). Resilience, particularly in relational contexts, and the experience of bereavement stood out as paramount determinants of mental health outcomes. Children's mental health in conflict zones is shaped by a convoluted interplay of individual and environmental factors. This study accentuates the pivotal role of relational resilience, bereavement, and coping mechanisms in modulating depression and anxiety amidst war‐related adversities. It underscores the imperative for targeted interventions, fostering positive relationship frameworks, and enhancing adaptive coping mechanisms.
Testing a conservation compromise: No evidence that public wolf hunting in Slovakia reduced livestock losses
Authors: Kutal Miroslav , Duľa Martin , Selivanova Alisa Royer , López‐Bao José Vicente
Published: November 2023

Variation in the legal status and management of wolves (Canis lupus) across EU Member States provides a good opportunity to test the effectiveness of different practices to reduce livestock losses. This opportunity for testing is particularly useful for lethal interventions, as they are among the most controversial actions within the large carnivore management toolbox. We aimed to test a conservation compromise adopted in Slovakia, based on a public wolf‐hunting scheme and annual hunting quotas between 2014 and 2019, and partially justified to reduce livestock losses. We assessed whether this hunting scheme influenced livestock depredation levels (at the district level). Wolves in the area fed mainly on wild ungulates (98.9% of consumed biomass). While domestic sheep comprised only 0.5% of the diet, they were dominant among the reported livestock killed by wolves (91.1%). Using two different approaches, we did not observe a relationship between the number of killed wolves and livestock losses. Alternatively, a negative relationship between wild prey biomass and livestock losses was found. Since 2021, public wolf hunting has not been conducted in Slovakia, and there is no merit in the previous justification for this conservation compromise to reduce livestock losses.
Unsupervised fabric defect detection based on multiscale image reconstruction and structural similarity assessment
Authors: Yu Zhiqi , Xu Yang , Wang Yuanfei , Wang Yuekun , Sheng Xiaowei
Published: November 2023

Fabric defect detection is a crucial aspect of the textile industry. Currently, deep learning methods have demonstrated exceptional performance in fabric defect detection tasks. However, their performance is greatly affected by the number of defect samples, which is a challenge to obtain during actual production. To address this issue, this article proposes an unsupervised anomaly detection method for fabric defects using image reconstruction networks. This method only requires defect‐free samples for training. During the training phase, the model compresses defect‐free samples to obtain a low‐dimensional manifold and reconstruct them. During the inference phase, the method assesses whether a sample is defective by calculating the reconstruction error between the input and output images, and locates the defect region by computing the difference in various patches. Furthermore, since fabric contains rich texture features, with high correlation between neighbouring pixels, a structure similarity index measure combined with mean absolute error is introduced to evaluate the reconstruction error, which enhances the model's representation ability for defect‐free samples. Additionally, considering the diverse texture backgrounds in fabric, a multiscale reconstruction module is designed to optimise the reconstruction effect. Experimental results demonstrate that compared with other related approaches, the proposed method achieves high accuracy (image‐based area under the curve (AUC) up to 98.2% and pixel‐based AUC up to 97.3%) on multiple datasets and has good generalisation ability for different fabric textures.
Risk factors and outcomes of persistent post‐transplant hypotension among simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Aziz Fahad , Mandelbrot Didier , Jorgenson Margaret , Muth Brenda , Baltaji Ali , Pantha Monika , Kaufman Dixon , Odorico Jon , Parajuli Sandesh
Published: November 2023

Background

The risk factors and outcomes associated with post‐ transplant hypotension after simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) Transplantation are poorly defined.

Methods

SPK recipients at our center between 2010 and 2021 with functioning pancreas and kidney grafts for >6 months were included. Recipients were then divided into three groups based on active medications for the treatment of hypo‐or hypertension at 6‐months post‐transplant: those with normal blood pressure (NBP) not requiring medication (NBP group), those on antihypertensive medications (HTN group), and those on medications for hypotension (fludrocortisone and/or midodrine) (Hypotensive group).

Results

A total of 306 recipients were included in the study: 54 (18%) in the NBP group, 215 (70%) in the HTN group, and 37 (12%) in the Hypotensive group. On multivariate analysis, the use of T‐depleting induction (aHR = 9.64,p = .0001, 95% Cl = 3.12–29.75), pre‐transplant use of hypotensive medications (aHR = 4.53,p = .0003, 95% Cl = 1.98–10.38), and longer duration of dialysis (aHR = 1.02,p = .01, 95% Cl = 1.00–1.04) were associated with an increased risk of post‐transplant hypotension. Post‐transplant hypotension was not associated with an increased risk of death‐censored kidney or pancreatic allograft failure, or patient death.

Conclusion

Hypotension was common even 6 months post‐SPK transplantation. With appropriate management, hypotension was not associated with detrimental graft or patient outcomes.
Panmixia in the American eel extends to its tropical range of distribution: Biological implications and policymaking challenges
Authors: Ulmo‐Diaz Gabriela , Engman Augustin , McLarney William O. , Lasso Alcalá Carlos A. , Hendrickson Dean , Bezault Etienne , Feunteun Eric , Prats‐Léon Fernando L. , Wiener Jean , Maxwell Robert , Mohammed Ryan S. , Kwak Thomas J. , Benchetrit José , Bougas Bérénice , Babin Charles , Normandeau Eric , Djambazian Haig H. V. , Chen Shu‐Huang , Reiling Sarah J. , Ragoussis Jiannis , Bernatchez Louis
Published: November 2023

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) has long been regarded as a panmictic fish and has been confirmed as such in the northern part of its range. In this paper, we tested for the first time whether panmixia extends to the tropical range of the species. To do so, we first assembled a reference genome (975 Mbp, 19 chromosomes) combining long (PacBio and Nanopore and short (Illumina paired‐end) reads technologies to support both this study and future research. To test for population structure, we estimated genotype likelihoods from low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing of 460 American eels, collected at 21 sampling sites (in seven geographic regions) ranging from Canada to Trinidad and Tobago. We estimated genetic distance between regions, performed ADMIXTURE‐like clustering analysis and multivariate analysis, and found no evidence of population structure, thus confirming that panmixia extends to the tropical range of the species. In addition, two genomic regions with putative inversions were observed, both geographically widespread and present at similar frequencies in all regions. We discuss the implications of lack of genetic population structure for the species. Our results are key for the future genomic research in the American eel and the implementation of conservation measures throughout its geographic range. Additionally, our results can be applied to fisheries management and aquaculture of the species.
Equine dental sinusitis—A statistical analysis of the effect of antibiotics on dental sinusitis following dental extraction
Authors: Lydiksen Camilla Vestergaard , Christensen Jonathan Ingerslev , Rosenmeier Jesper Grud , Jensen Dan Børge , Lindegaard Casper
Published: November 2023

Background

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global threat to human and veterinary practices. The relevance and efficacy of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of various diseases has been poorly documented in the literature. One such disease is equine sinusitis secondary to dental disease where dental extraction is most often combined with broad‐spectrum antibiotic treatment. It, however, remains undocumented if antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of complication in horses where the diseased tooth is removed by extraction.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of perioperative antibiotics in horses with dental sinusitis treated by dental extraction with or without concurrent antibiotic treatment.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Clinical records from horses presenting with nasal discharge between September 2016 and May 2022 were reviewed. Horses with sinusitis secondary to dental disease were identified, and data from clinical records were collected supplemented by online questionnaires. The final statistical model was built using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 59 horses with dental sinusitis were included in the study. Following dental extraction, 62.5% (15/24) of horses that did receive perioperative antibiotics and 60% (21/35) of horses that did not receive perioperative antibiotics were successfully treated without the need for further treatment. The final model showed no significant difference on the probability of success (p = 0.85) between treatment with and without antibiotics.

Main limitations

The retrospective nature of this study may increase the risk of biases in relation to data collection and follow‐up information and the limited number of individuals available for the analysis.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the use of perioperative antibiotics does not influence the likelihood of complications or the probability of a successful outcome in horses with dental sinusitis undergoing dental extraction.
Trees for fishes: The neglected role for phylogenetic comparative methods in fisheries science
Authors: Thorson James T.
Published: November 2023

Fisheries scientists compare processes among species to estimate species productivity, management reference points, and climate sensitivities. Ecologists have developed “phylogenetic comparative methods” (PCMs) to address these questions, but there is surprisingly little application of PCM within fisheries science. Here, I bridge this gap by introducing PCM (including Brownian motion, Ornstein–Uhlenbeck, and Pagel's kappa and lambda models for species covariance), thereby showing that PCM generalizes the nested taxonomic random effects that are commonly used in fisheries science. I next summarize phylogenetic structural equation models (PSEMs), which extend the linear models that are commonly used in fisheries. Finally, I re‐analyse a high‐quality database used to predict mortality rates from longevity and/or growth parameters. I specifically propose a PSEM that reverts to a longevity‐based prediction when longevity information is available but uses phylogenetic corrected growth parameters otherwise. Using this single PSEM replaces the common practice of fitting and predicting using separate linear models depending upon what data are available for a given species. Cross‐validation suggests that the relationship between log‐mortality rate and longevity does not vary based on phylogeny, and therefore, linear models and PSEM both explain 82% of variance when longevity is available. When longevity is unavailable, by contrast, the linear model explains only 37% of variance while the PSEM explains 52% of variance, where this gain occurs from conditioning predictions on phylogenetic similarities. I therefore conclude that PCM and PSEM provide a general and user‐friendly replacement for linear models and can improve performance for fisheries meta‐analyses that are used for fisheries management applications.
Short‐latency reaction time and accuracy are impaired in patients with cirrhosis: An international multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Miwa Takao , Richardson James K. , Murphy Susan L. , Ellmers Toby J. , Miwa Yoshiyuki , Maeda Teruo , Hanai Tatsunori , Shimizu Masahito
Published: November 2023

Aim

The inability to quickly react to an external event can lead to an increased risk for accidents (e.g., falls, car crashes) in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether a novel clinically feasible measure of simple reaction time (SRT) and reaction accuracy (RA)—a go/no‐go task occurring within 400 ms—could differentiate patients with cirrhosis from controls.

Methods

This retrospective study included 160 patients with cirrhosis and 160 controls assessed between January 2010 and October 2022. SRT and RA were evaluated using a ruler drop paradigm and compared using propensity score matching. Factors distinguishing patients with cirrhosis from controls were assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analyses.

Results

Propensity score matching identified 112 participants in each group with comparable baseline characteristics. As compared with controls, patients with cirrhosis exhibited significantly prolonged SRT (200 vs. 174 ms; P < 0.001) and diminished total RA (63% vs. 73%; P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, SRT and RA independently identified patients with cirrhosis. ROC analyses showed that SRT more effectively identified patients with cirrhosis than did the number‐connection test/trail‐making test‐B (area under the curve, 0.87 vs. 0.60; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with cirrhosis demonstrated impairments in short‐latency cognitive function. Given that SRT and RA are associated with balance, falls, and response to perturbation, these parameters may present a task‐specific method to identify patients with cirrhosis at high risk of falls and motor vehicle crashes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 25–31.
Impact of steatotic liver disease and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis on cognitive impairment in people living with HIV: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Han Win Min , Hiransuthikul Akarin , Holroyd Kathryn B. , Apornpong Tanakorn , Lwin Hay Mar , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Ubolyam Sasiwimol , Kerr Stephen , Avihingsanon Anchalee ,   HIV‐NAT 006 study team and 207 study team
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The link between fatty liver diseases and cognitive impairment among people living with HIV (PLWH) remains unclear. We investigated the association of steatotic liver disease (SLD), advanced liver fibrosis and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with significant activity and liver fibrosis with cognitive impairment in PLWH.

Methods

Cognitive performance was assessed for PLWH aged ≥50 years on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) with the Thai‐validated version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and a cut‐off of <25/30 was used to define cognitive impairment. SLD and NASH with significant activity and liver fibrosis were defined as having a controlled attenuation parameter value ≥248 dB/m and a FibroScan‐AST (FAST) score ≥0.67, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to investigate the association of cognitive impairment with SLD or NASH.

Results

Of the 319 PLWH (63.3% male and 98% had HIV‐1 RNA ≤50 copies/mL) included, 74 (38%) had SLD. NASH with significant activity and liver fibrosis was present in 66 (20.1%) participants. Some 192 (60.2%) participants had cognitive impairment. In a multivariable analysis, NASH with significant activity and liver fibrosis was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.01, 95% CI 1.02–3.98, p = 0.04), after adjusting for HIV‐related parameters, age, sex, body mass index, employment status, education, income level, smoking, alcohol use, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and HIV‐related parameters. The association of a lone diagnosis of SLD and cognitive impairment was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

NASH with significant activity and liver fibrosis was associated with lower cognitive performance, even after controlling for demographics and HIV disease parameters. Additional research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
Behavioral finance: Evolution from the classical theory and remarks
Authors: Agudelo Aguirre Roberto Arturo , Agudelo Aguirre Alberto Antonio
Published: November 2023

Behavioral finance has emerged from the divergences observed to explain and address the traditional theories of finance and serves as supplement to classical finance by introducing behavioral aspects to decision‐making. This study provides academics with a comprehensible and complete synopsis of the evolution of behavioral finance, as well as critical insight is provided. The synopsis was based on the search for publications in Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus and the use of R, Gephi and Tree of Science ‐ToS‐ software, using citation analysis, graphos and classification analysis. The results showed psychological aspects, investment in stocks and cognitive biases with the highest visibility. A tree‐like structure of hierarchization was developed by ToS. The clusters of publications with the greatest literary contribution were analyzed and the publications with the greatest visibility in each cluster identified. This study provides insights into the current trend in finance towards better understanding of the essential factors in the investor´s decision making.
Impact of light on task‐evoked pupil responses during cognitive tasks
Authors: Campbell Islay , Beckers Elise , Sharifpour Roya , Berger Alexandre , Paparella Ilenia , Aizpurua Jose Fermin Balda , Koshmanova Ekaterina , Mortazavi Nasrin , Sherif Siya , Vandewalle Gilles
Published: November 2023

Light has many non‐image‐forming functions including modulation of pupil size and stimulation of alertness and cognition. Part of these non‐image‐forming effects may be mediated by the brainstem locus coeruleus. The processing of sensory inputs can be associated with a transient pupil dilation that is likely driven in part by the phasic activity of the locus coeruleus. In the present study, we aimed to characterise the task‐evoked pupil response associated with auditory inputs under different light levels and across two cognitive tasks. We continuously monitored the pupil of 20 young healthy participants (mean [SD] 24.05 [4.0] years; 14 women) whilst they completed an attentional and an emotional auditory task whilst exposed to repeated 30–40‐s blocks of light interleaved with darkness periods. Blocks could either consist of monochromatic orange light (0.16 melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (EDI) lux) or blue‐enriched white light of three different levels [37, 92, 190 melanopic EDI lux; 6500 K]. For the analysis, 15 and then 14 participants were included in the attentional and emotional tasks, respectively. Generalised linear mixed models showed a significant main effect of light level on the task‐evoked pupil responses triggered by the attentional and emotional tasks (p ≤ 0.0001). The impact of light was different for the target versus non‐target stimulus of the attentional task but was not different for the emotional and neutral stimulus of the emotional task. There is a smaller sustained pupil size during brighter light blocks but, a higher light level triggers a stronger task‐evoked pupil response to auditory stimulation, presumably through the recruitment of the locus coeruleus.
A Femoral Neck Osteotomy for the Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Thoracolumbar Kyphosis Combined with Hip Flexion Contracture
Authors: Yang Xin , Wang Qiwei , Meng Zhicao , Liu Heng , Wu Hao , Juma Talante , Pan Liping , Wang Yu , Cao Yongping
Published: November 2023

Objective

The surgical treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and severe thoracolumbar kyphosis combined with hip flexion contracture is very difficult for all the surgeons. The femoral neck osteotomy (FNO) is the first step to break the ice. The evaluation of a new modified FNO method is very important to improve the curative effect.

Methods

Five male patients with nine bone‐fused hips who underwent the new femoral neck osteotomy were included from October 2021 to March 2022. The FNO was designed that the saw blade was manipulated from the lateral femoral neck base to the inferior part of the femoral head, keeping Pauwels' angle less than 30° on the coronal plane. On the transverse plane, the angle between the saw blade and the coronal plane was more than 15°. On the sagittal plane, the saw blade cut through the femoral neck. They accepted pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) after FNO according to the patient’ recovery. Then, 2 weeks later, the patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). The visual analogue scale (VAS), Harris hip score (HHS) and passive hip flexion‐extension range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate hip function. The data were analyzed by paired t‐test.

Results

The average operation time and blood loss of FNO, the average interval between FNO and THA were collected. The average angle of the trunk and lower limb (ATL) was 36.33° ± 16.36° pre‐FNO, 82.89° ± 13.51° post‐FNO and 175.22° ± 3.42° post‐THA. The average VAS scores were 0 pre‐FNO, 5 ± 1.58 post‐FNO and 2.6 ± 0.55 post‐THA. The average HHS was 43.56 ± 1.59 preoperatively and 83.89 ± 2.21 postoperatively. The average hip extension ROM was 23.89° ± 12.69° pre‐FNO, −22.67° ± 14.18° post‐FNO and − 3.33° ± 2.50 post‐THA°. The average hip flexion ROM was 23.89° ± 12.69° pre‐FNO, 35.56° ± 12.11° post‐FNO and 104.44° ± 5.27° post‐THA. The differences among them were significant (p < 0.05). Only one hip (11.11%) displaced completely after FNO.

Conclusion

A new modified FNO was developed, which can provide osteotomy with a certain degree of stability and greater ease for performing PSO and THA.