bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI concierge in the customer journey: what is it and how can it add value to the customer?
Authors: Liu Stephanie Q. , Vakeel Khadija Ali , Smith Nicholas A. , Alavipour Roya Sadat , Wei Chunhao(Victor) , Wirtz Jochen
Published: May 2024

Purpose

An AI concierge is a technologically advanced, intelligent and personalized assistant that is designated to an individual customer, proactively taking care of that customer’s needs throughout the service journey. This article envisions the idea of AI concierges and discusses how to leverage AI concierges in the customer journey.

Design/methodology/approach

This article takes a conceptual approach and draws insights from literature in service management, marketing, psychology, human-computer interaction and ethics.

Findings

This article delineates the fundamental forms of AI concierges: dialog interface (no embodiment), virtual avatar (embodiment in the virtual world), holographic projection (projection in the physical world) and tangible service robot (embodiment in the physical world). Key attributes of AI concierges are the ability to exhibit semantic understanding of auditory and visual inputs, maintain an emotional connection with the customer, demonstrate proactivity in refining the customer’s experience and ensure omnipresence through continuous availability in various forms to attend to service throughout the customer journey. Furthermore, the article explores the multifaceted roles that AI concierges can play across the pre-encounter, encounter and post-encounter stages of the customer journey and explores the opportunities and challenges associated with AI concierges.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights for professionals in hospitality, retail, travel, and healthcare on leveraging AI concierges to enhance the customer experience. By broadening AI concierge services, organizations can deliver personalized assistance and refined services across the entire customer journey.

Originality/value

This article is the first to introduce the concept of the AI concierge. It offers a novel perspective by defining AI concierges’ fundamental forms, key attributes and exploring their diverse roles in the customer journey. Additionally, it lays out a research agenda aimed at further advancing this domain.
STEMing together: a comparison of co-ed and all-female informal learning environments
Authors: Sanders Miriam Marie , Calabrese Julia E. , Gooden Micayla , Capraro Mary Margaret
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Research has shown that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) self-beliefs and enjoyment are critical factors for predicting female students’ persistence in STEM degrees and careers. Studies have shown the positive effects of informal STEM learning experiences on female students’ self-beliefs. However, with the rise of all-female STEM learning experiences, such as summer camps, considering the potential advantages and disadvantages of co-ed options is important. Further, prior STEM education research has focused on sex differences in students’ self-efficacy and STEM career interests. Our study aims to examine within sex differences in secondary, female students (n = 104) who attend either a co-ed STEM camp or a same-sex STEM camp.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine potential differences, we conducted independent sample t-tests.

Findings

Results of the study include statistically significant differences in mathematics and science self-efficacy as well as STEM career interest after participating in their respective camps.

Originality/value

Further, prior research in STEM education has focused on between sex differences in students’ self-efficacy and STEM career interest.
Enhancing public accountability in a city authority
Authors: Makanga Christopher Neil , Orobia Laura A. , Kaawaase Twaha Kigongo , Nabeta Isaac Nkote , Katoroogo Rachel Mindra , Munene John
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide a multi-theoretical explanation of the living practice of a public entity found in Uganda, an African developing country, which successfully enhanced public accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative narrative enquiry through storytelling was used to portray the practices of public accountability. The perceptions of various individuals were obtained using in-depth interviews, from which a coherent story structured under the themes of context, actions, results and lessons was obtained.

Findings

Findings show that public entities that put in place oversight mechanisms and management structures, involve stakeholders and create an ethical work climate enhance public accountability. The results further show that the integration of theories (agency, stewardship, stakeholder and ethical work climate) promotes public accountability.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of limitations and areas for future research, the study has been conducted on a single city authority to explain public accountability. Perhaps there is a need to conduct similar studies with other city authorities or a combination of organizations. The study has used a qualitative methodology through narrative enquiry to explain public accountability. Future studies can use a quantitative methodology, more so to test the proposed conceptual model of public accountability. Despite the study limitations, the results of this study remain relevant.

Practical implications

This study uses the positive story of a public entity from a developing country that successfully practiced public accountability. Consequently, from a practical perspective, the findings of this study can be used as a benchmark for promoting effective public accountability practices, especially in developing countries across the globe, where public accountability has proven to be a challenge. Furthermore, governments in developing countries can also use the study findings to strengthen public accountability policies in their respective countries.

Social implications

The study suggests that enhancement in public accountability practice requires an approach that brings together a multiplicity of factors. The study affords public accountability practitioners an opportunity to replicate the successful accountability practices from the story. When public accountability is enhanced, service delivery in terms of social services by the public organizations is likely to improve, leading to better quality of life in the communities served.

Originality/value

The study is novel in its use of a positive story that depicts an entity from a developing country that successfully enhanced public accountability. To explain this phenomenon, the study uses a multi-theoretical approach, unlike prior studies.
Risk attitudes of tax practitioners and firm influence
Authors: Lynch Ruth , McCullagh Orla
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to garner a deeper understanding of the site of influence of aspects of risk management for tax practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is twofold. Phase one consisted of a wide-scale international survey with 1,061 tax experts across 59 jurisdictions. In phase two, the authors followed up with 68 semi-structured interviews with tax practitioners working in 11 different countries.

Findings

The findings recognise the importance of the firm as a significant “site of influence” for tax practitioners in shaping their risk appetite in their tax work. The firm eclipses other influences of risk such as professional body oversight, public interest and demographic markers such as gender and career stage. The authors show that firm is significant, irrespective of size of firm.

Practical implications

This work has practical implications as the findings highlight the importance of oversight of professional service firms by both the professional accountancy bodies and revenue authorities. The findings may have impact on the ethical training and guidance for trainee accountants in terms of an increased awareness on the employing firm as a site of influence for tax practitioners.

Originality/value

This research is important as it adds to the significant body of work on firm socialisation and highlights the important role that the firm holds in moderating (or exacerbating) the risk appetite of tax practitioners, which has significant implications in terms of pushing the boundaries of tax aggressive behaviours. The work aims to recognise the important role that tax practitioners can have in moderating aggressive tax practice, and, thus, reducing tax inequalities and shaping a better world of “Reduced Inequalities” (SDG10).
Regularization of vertical derivatives of potential field data using Morozov's discrepancy principle
Authors: Oliveira Saulo Pomponet , Pham Luan Thanh , Pašteka Roman
Published: May 2024

The calculation of the vertical derivatives of potential field methods can be carried out in a stable manner by Tikhonov regularization, but this procedure requires the appropriate selection of a regularization parameter. For this purpose, we introduce a criterion based on Morozov's discrepancy principle that uses a preliminary approximation given by the vertical derivative of the smoothed data. The smoothing may be performed by a physical or a mathematically based low‐pass filter. The filtered data are computed only for estimating the regularization parameter; once it is found, we evaluate the regularized vertical derivative from the original data (not from the smoothed one) in the frequency domain. We verified from experiments with noise‐corrupted synthetic data, as well as gravity and magnetic field data, that the regularized vertical derivative has about the same smoothness as the one obtained from filtered data, but true anomalies are more easily distinguished from noise and the shapes of the anomalies are better preserved.
Assessing the value of a pelvic drain for urinary leak after robotic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Bologna Eugenio , Perlman Hilly , Zeeman Idan , Bashi Tomer , Lifshitz Karin , Beri Avi , Mano Roy , Yossepowitch Ofer , Dekalo Snir , Bar‐Yosef Yuval , Savin Ziv
Published: May 2024

Aim

The value of post‐operative pelvic drain placement after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for the purpose of diagnosing post‐operative complications is undetermined. The aim of this study was to assess the yield of pelvic drain outputs in predicting post‐operative early‐onset urinary leaks from a vesicourethral anastomosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 204 consecutive patients who underwent RARP in our institution between 2018 and 2022. The daily outputs of the drain and the urinary catheter were measured, and patients with early‐onset anastomotic urinary leak were compared with those who were free of any leak. The association between post‐operative drain output and the presence of urinary leak was investigated by regression analyses.

Results

Post‐operative early‐onset leak was present in six patients (3.4%) whose baseline characteristics were not different from those of patients with no leak. The median pelvic drain output on post‐operative day 1 (D‐POD1) was 80 mL (interquartile range [IQR] 51–150 mL) and 122 mL (IQR 62–200 mL) on D‐POD2. The median D‐POD1 of patients with a leak was significantly higher than those without one (250 mL vs 80 mL, respectively; P < .001). The threshold to predict an anastomotic urinary leak was 227 mL on D‐POD1 (area under the curve 0.88; P < .001), and an association between D‐POD1 >227 mL and the presence of urinary leak (odds ratio 35; P < .001) was found.

Conclusions

Pelvic drain output on POD1 can predict early‐onset urinary leak. Given the relatively low rate of this complication via a robotic approach, however, we consider that, unless otherwise indicated, the routine placement of a pelvic drain may be safely avoided.
Effect of Chinese quince proanthocyanidins on the inhibition of heterocyclic amines and quality of fried chicken meatballs and tofu
Authors: Gao Hui‐Hui , Gao Xin , Kong Wan‐Qing , Yuan Jing‐Yang , Zhang Yi‐Wei , Wang Xue‐De , Liu Hua‐Min , Qin Zhao
Published: May 2024

Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) have potential carcinogenic and mutagenic activity and are generated in cooked protein‐rich foods. Adding proanthocyanidins (PAs) to these foods before frying is an effective way to reduce HCAs. In this study, polymeric PAs (PPA) and ultrasound‐assisted acid‐catalyzed/catechin nucleophilic depolymerized PAs (UAPA, a type of oligomeric PA) were prepared from Chinese quince fruits (CQF). Different levels of PPA and UAPA (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.15%) were added to chicken meatballs and tofu; then these foods were fried, and the content of HCAs in them after frying was investigated. The results showed that PPA and, particularly, UAPA significantly inhibited the formation of HCAs in fried meatballs and tofu, and this inhibition was dose‐dependent. The inhibition of HCAs by both PPA and UAPA was stronger in the chicken meatballs than in fried tofu. The level of total HCAs was significantly reduced by 57.84% (from 11.93 to 5.03 ng/g) after treatment of meatballs with 0.15% UAPA, with inhibition rates of 78.94%, 50.37%, and 17.81% for norharman, harman, and 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), respectively. Of note, there was a negative correlation between water, lipid, protein, creatine, and glucose content and HCA content in the crust, interior, and whole (crust‐plus‐interior) measurements of all fried samples. Interestingly, PPA and UAPA were found more effective in inhibiting HCAs in the exterior crust than in the interior of the fried chicken meatballs. These results provide evidence that further studies on the reduction of the formation of harmful HCAs in fried foods by adding CQF PAs could be valuable to the fried food industry.

Practical Application

Chinese quince proanthocyanidins treatments significantly inhibited the generation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) in chicken meatballs and tofu when deep‐fried. These results suggest that Chinese quince proanthocyanidins can be used as natural food additive for reducing HCAs in fried foods, laying the foundation for using Chinese quince fruit proanthocyanidins for HCA inhibition in the food industry.
Parameter calibration of discrete element model for gluten densification molding
Authors: Ben Zongyou , Sun Xiao , Bai Yu , Yang Duoxing , Chen Kunjie , Dong Yan
Published: May 2024

The densified powder material is convenient for storage and transportation, with broad market application prospects. In this study, the discrete element model parameters required for simulating gluten densification were calibrated using the Hertz–Mindlin with JKR contact model. Initially, physical testing techniques were utilized to assess the size distribution, density, and angle of repose (AoR) of gluten particles. Following this, the Plackett–Burman test, the steepest ascent test, and the Box–Behnken test were conducted, and the significant factors were obtained: The coefficient of rolling friction (P–P) was 1.038, the coefficient of static friction (P–P) was 0.071, and the surface energy (P–P) was 0.047. Finally, the AoR and densification simulations were performed under the optimal parameter combination, along with validation tests. The results showed that the relative error between the simulated and tested AoR was 0.52%. The compression ratio and compression force curves of simulated and actual were similar.
Clustering of health behaviors and their associations with cardiometabolic risk factors among adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes in India: A latent class analysis
Authors: de Mello Gabrielli T. , Thirunavukkarasu Sathish , Jeemon Panniyammakal , Thankappan Kavumpurathu R. , Oldenburg Brian , Cao Yingting
Published: May 2024

Background

We aimed to identify clusters of health behaviors and study their associations with cardiometabolic risk factors in adults at high risk for type 2 diabetes in India.

Methods

Baseline data from the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program (n = 1000; age 30–60 years) were used for this study. Information on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, fruit and vegetable intake, sleep, and alcohol and tobacco use was collected using questionnaires. Blood pressure, waist circumference, 2‐h plasma glucose, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured using standardized protocols. Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters of health behaviors, and multilevel mixed‐effects linear regression was employed to examine their associations with cardiometabolic risk factors.

Results

Two classes were identified, with 87.4% of participants in class 1 and 12.6% in class 2. Participants in both classes had a high probability of not engaging in leisure‐time PA (0.80 for class 1; 0.73 for class 2) and consuming <5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day (0.70 for class 1; 0.63 for class 2). However, participants in class 1 had a lower probability of sitting for >=3 h per day (0.26 vs 0.42), tobacco use (0.10 vs 0.75), and alcohol use (0.08 vs 1.00) compared to those in class 2. Class 1 had a significantly lower mean systolic blood pressure (β = −3.70 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval [CI] −7.05, −0.36), diastolic blood pressure (β = −2.45 mm Hg, 95% CI −4.74, −0.16), and triglycerides (β = −0.81 mg/dL, 95% CI −0.75, −0.89).

Conclusion

Implementing intervention strategies, tailored to cluster‐specific health behaviors, is required for the effective prevention of cardiometabolic disorders among high‐risk adults for type 2 diabetes.

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Sulfur cycling likely obscures dynamic biologically‐driven iron redox cycling in contemporary methane seep environments
Authors: Baker Isabel R. , Girguis Peter R.
Published: May 2024

Deep‐sea methane seeps are amongst the most biologically productive environments on Earth and are often characterised by stable, low oxygen concentrations and microbial communities that couple the anaerobic oxidation of methane to sulfate reduction or iron reduction in the underlying sediment. At these sites, ferrous iron (Fe2+) can be produced by organoclastic iron reduction, methanotrophic‐coupled iron reduction, or through the abiotic reduction by sulfide produced by the abundant sulfate‐reducing bacteria at these sites. The prevalence of Fe2+in the anoxic sediments, as well as the availability of oxygen in the overlying water, suggests that seeps could also harbour communities of iron‐oxidising microbes. However, it is unclear to what extent Fe2+ remains bioavailable and in solution given that the abiotic reaction between sulfide and ferrous iron is often assumed to scavenge all ferrous iron as insoluble iron sulfides and pyrite. Accordingly, we searched the sea floor at methane seeps along the Cascadia Margin for microaerobic, neutrophilic iron‐oxidising bacteria, operating under the reasoning that if iron‐oxidising bacteria could be isolated from these environments, it could indicate that porewater Fe2+ can persist is long enough for biology to outcompete pyritisation. We found that the presence of sulfate in our enrichment media muted any obvious microbially‐driven iron oxidation with most iron being precipitated as iron sulfides. Transfer of enrichment cultures to sulfate‐depleted media led to dynamic iron redox cycling relative to abiotic controls and sulfate‐containing cultures, and demonstrated the capacity for biogenic iron (oxyhydr)oxides from a methane seep‐derived community. 16S rRNA analyses revealed that removing sulfate drastically reduced the diversity of enrichment cultures and caused a general shift from a Gammaproteobacteria‐domainated ecosystem to one dominated by Rhodobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria). Our data suggest that, in most cases, sulfur cycling may restrict the biological “ferrous wheel” in contemporary environments through a combination of the sulfur‐adapted sediment‐dwelling ecosystems and the abiotic reactions they influence.
Clinical validation of C12FDG as a marker associated with senescence and osteoarthritic phenotypes
Authors: Hambright William S. , Duke Victoria R. , Goff Adam D. , Goff Alex W. , Minas Lucas T. , Kloser Heidi , Gao Xueqin , Huard Charles , Guo Ping , Lu Aiping , Mitchell John , Mullen Michael , Su Charles , Tchkonia Tamara , Espindola Netto Jair M. , Robbins Paul D. , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Kirkland James L. , Bahney Chelsea S. , Philippon Marc , Huard Johnny
Published: May 2024

Chronic conditions associated with aging have proven difficult to prevent or treat. Senescence is a cell fate defined by loss of proliferative capacity and the development of a pro‐inflammatory senescence‐associated secretory phenotype comprised of cytokines/chemokines, proteases, and other factors that promotes age‐related diseases. Specifically, an increase in senescent peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including T cells, is associated with conditions like frailty, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone loss. However, it is unknown if the percentage of senescent PBMCs associated with age‐associated orthopedic decline could be used for potential diagnostic or prognostic use in orthopedics. Here, we report senescent cell detection using the fluorescent compound C12FDG to quantify PBMCs senescence across a large cohort of healthy and osteoarthritic patients. There is an increase in the percent of circulating C12FDG+ PBMCs that is commensurate with increases in age and senescence‐related serum biomarkers. Interestingly, C12FDG+ PBMCs and T cells also were found to be elevated in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, a progressive joint disease that is strongly associated with inflammation. The percent of C12FDG+ PBMCs and age‐related serum biomarkers were decreased in a small subgroup of study participants taking the senolytic drug fisetin. These results demonstrate quantifiable measurements in a large group of participants that could create a composite score of healthy aging sensitive enough to detect changes following senolytic therapy and may predict age‐related orthopedic decline. Detection of peripheral senescence in PBMCs and subsets using C12FDG may be clinically useful for quantifying cellular senescence and determining how and if it plays a pathological role in osteoarthritic progression.
The risk of cannabis use disorder is mediated by altered brain connectivity: A chronnectome study
Authors: Fazio Giovanni , Olivo Daniele , Wolf Nadine D. , Hirjak Dusan , Schmitgen Mike M. , Werler Florian , Witteman Miriam , Kubera Katharina M. , Calhoun Vince D. , Reith Wolfgang , Wolf Robert Christian , Sambataro Fabio
Published: May 2024

The brain mechanisms underlying the risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD) are poorly understood. Several studies have reported changes in functional connectivity (FC) in CUD, although none have focused on the study of time‐varying patterns of FC. To fill this important gap of knowledge, 39 individuals at risk for CUD and 55 controls, stratified by their score on a self‐screening questionnaire for cannabis‐related problems (CUDIT‐R), underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Dynamic functional connectivity (dFNC) was estimated using independent component analysis, sliding‐time window correlations, cluster states and meta‐state indices of global dynamics and were compared among groups. At‐risk individuals stayed longer in a cluster state with higher within and reduced between network dFNC for the subcortical, sensory‐motor, visual, cognitive‐control and default‐mode networks, relative to controls. More globally, at‐risk individuals had a greater number of meta‐states and transitions between them and a longer state span and total distance between meta‐states in the state space. Our findings suggest that the risk of CUD is associated with an increased dynamic fluidity and dynamic range of FC. This may result in altered stability and engagement of the brain networks, which can ultimately translate into altered cortical and subcortical function conveying CUD risk. Identifying these changes in brain function can pave the way for early pharmacological and neurostimulation treatment of CUD, as much as they could facilitate the stratification of high‐risk individuals.
Geometric morphometric evaluation of mandibles of four sheep breeds: Bardoka, İvesi, Polish Mountain sheep and Turcana
Authors: Özkan Ermiş , Boz Doğan İlayda , Duro Sokol , Szara Tomasz , Jashari Tefik , Parkan Yaramiş Çağla , Spataru Mihaela‐Claudia , Witkowski Maciej
Published: May 2024

The enduring relationship between humans and domestic sheep has evolved over millennia, showcasing diverse uses such as meat, milk, wool, leather and fur, shaped by geographical, historical, cultural and social factors. The sheep breeds discussed include the Ivesi from Southeastern Anatolia, known for its varied animal products; the resilient Turcana breed of Romania; Kosovo's Bardoka, valued for its triple‐purpose characteristics; and Poland's Polish Mountain Sheep, uniquely utilized for milk production in cheese making. Sheep, with their enduring relationship with humans and significant economic importance, have attracted scientific interest in morphometric studies of their mandibles, yielding valuable data applicable across various fields including basic anatomy, veterinary clinical anatomy, zooarchaeology and veterinary forensic medicine. Traditional morphometric studies rely on statistical methods to compare length, depth and angular ratios between anatomical formations, often highlighting differences between specific points but not fully revealing shape variations between distinct groups. Geometric morphometric analysis has emerged as a preferred method in recent years, enabling shape analyses using coordinate data from various imaging techniques, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular morphometrics among sheep breeds across different countries. This study involved four sheep breeds from different countries, namely İvesi from Turkey, Bardoka from Kosovo, Polish Mountain Sheep from Poland and Turcana from Romania, with a total of 70 mandibles sourced from various veterinary faculties. Mandibular photographs were meticulously captured, focusing on the right side of mandible pairs and placing landmarks and semi‐landmarks along the entire edge, enabling geometric morphometric analysis using tpsUtil, tpsDig2 and MorphoJ software. The analysis included principal component analysis, canonical variate analysis and discriminant function analysis for pairwise comparisons, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular shape variations among the different sheep breeds. Using geometric morphometric methods, this study analysed mandibles from four distinct sheep breeds sourced from different countries, revealing notable variations in regions such as the ramus mandibula, angulus mandibula and incisive areas, attributed to genetic, geographical and dietary influences, highlighting the importance of continued research to better comprehend these shape differences.
Research priorities of endometriosis patients and supporters in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Ellis Katherine , Wood Rachael
Published: May 2024

Background

In New Zealand, an estimated 10% of women and people presumed female at birth have endometriosis, a disease characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, outside of the uterus.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to characterise the research priorities of New Zealand endometriosis patients and their support networks in alignment with an Australian study. This will allow researchers to be able to ensure their research aligns with closing research gaps prioritised by those who directly experience the impacts of the disease.

Methods and Materials

There were 1262 responses to an online Qualtrics survey advertised through Endometriosis New Zealand's social media accounts and mailing list to reach endometriosis patients and their support networks.

Results

Overall, the highest research priorities for surgically or radiologically confirmed endometriosis patients, clinically suspected endometriosis patients, chronic pelvic pain patients, and their parents, partners, family members and friends were the management and treatment of endometriosis, followed by understanding endometriosis' cause, and improved capacity to diagnose endometriosis earlier. The key differences between the priorities of symptomatic participants and supporters were that symptomatic participants placed a significantly higher priority on understanding the cause of endometriosis, and supporters placed a significantly higher priority on improving the diagnosis of endometriosis.

Conclusions

There is alignment between the ranking of general research priority areas for endometriosis in Australasia, allowing for clear priorities for future research teams to structure their work around patient‐centredness.
Gaslighting Australia: The Instrumental Power of Australia's Mining and Energy Industries
Authors: Mikler John , Ryan Imogen
Published: May 2024

Australia has been harshly criticised for inaction on climate change. Previous Australian governments adopted an adversarial stance to counter criticism, notably at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021. How had Australia come to be in this position? We demonstrate it was not through inaction, but proactive government support for the interests of the mining and energy industries. Applying a three faces of power framework, we identify the relations these industries have with government as the reason why support was provided. Crucially, we show that it is not their structural power due to controlling underlying economic relations that explains their power. It is their ability to instrumentally command public subsidies and policy support. The discourse around economic benefits, propounded by both government and the industries themselves, served as a “smokescreen” to hide this reality. Far from being too big to fail or indispensable, we conclude that it is more accurate to say that instrumental power was successfully deployed to produce policy protections and “rivers of gold” in public funding.
Clinical and genetic characteristics and natural history of Finnish families with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy due to pathogenic FZD4 variants
Authors: Lähteenoja Laura , Palosaari Tapani , Tiirikka Timo , Haanpää Maria , Moilanen Jukka , Falck Aura , Rahikkala Elisa
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To report clinical and genetic characteristics of familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) in the Finnish population.

Methods

Detailed clinical and genetic data of 35 individuals with heterozygous pathogenic variants in FZD4 were gathered and analysed.

Results

Thirty‐two individuals with FZD4 c.313A>G variant and three individuals with FZD4 c.40_49del were included in the study. The clinical phenotype was variable even among family members with the same FZD4 variant. Only 34% (N = 12/35) of variant‐positive individuals had been clinically diagnosed with FEVR. The median age of the onset of symptoms was 2.3 years, ranging between 0 to 25 years. Median visual acuity was 0.1 logMAR (0.8 Snellen decimal), ranging between light perception and −0.1 logMAR (1.25 Snellen decimal). Most (N = 33/35, 94%) were classified as not visually impaired. Despite unilateral visual loss present in some, they did not meet the criteria of visual impairment according to the WHO classification. Two study patients (N = 2/35, 6%) had severe visual impairment. The most common FEVR stage in study patient's eyes (N = 28/70 eyes, 40%) was FEVR stage 1, that is, avascular periphery or abnormal vascularisation. Most of FZD4‐variant‐positive study patient's eyes (N = 31/50 eyes, 62%) were myopic. Two individuals presented with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous expanding the phenotypic spectrum of FEVR. Shared haplotypes extending approximately 0.9 Mb around the recurrent FZD4 c.313A>G variant were identified.

Conclusion

Most study patients were unaffected or had mild clinical manifestations by FEVR. Myopia seemed to be overly common in FZD4‐variant‐positive individuals.
Adaptive support for self‐regulated learning in digital learning environments
Authors: Khalil Mohammad , Wong Jacqueline , Wasson Barbara , Paas Fred
Published: May 2024

A core focus of self‐regulated learning (SRL) research lies in uncovering methods to empower learners within digital learning environments. As digital technologies continue to evolve during the current hype of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the theoretical, empirical and methodological nuances to support SRL are emerging and offering new ways for adaptive support and guidance for learners. Such affordances offer a unique opportunity for personalised learning experiences, including adaptive interventions. Exploring the application of adaptivity to enhance SRL is an important and emerging area of research that requires further attention. This editorial introduces the contributions of seven papers for the special section on adaptive support for SRL within digital learning environments. These papers explore various themes related to enhancing SRL strategies through technological interventions, offering valuable insights and paving the way for future advancements in this dynamic area.
Managerial framing in light of discontinuous change: Revolutionists, evolutionists, and mediators
Authors: Fox Daniel‐Leonhard , Kullik Oliver , Hölzle Katharina
Published: May 2024

This study examines the critical role of middle and frontline managers in an incumbent organization navigating discontinuous change, emphasizing the balance between exploring new opportunities and exploiting existing ones. While top managers set the strategic ambidextrous direction, the on‐the‐ground manifestation and tension management fall predominantly to the middle and frontline managers. We introduce a novel typology, classifying these managers as Evolutionists, Revolutionists, or Mediators, each with distinct cognitive framings. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding and moderating these cognitive framings to facilitate successful ambidextrous implementation. Key managerial implications include the need for heightened awareness of tension points, strategic resource allocation, mitigation of extreme cognitive framings, and the significant value of Mediator managers in steering ambidextrous strategies. This research paves the way for a deeper understanding of individual‐level ambidexterity and provides crucial insights for organizations to innovate in times of discontinuous change.
CD271 mRNA/hnRNPA2B1 complex promotes proliferation and stemness in oral and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mochizuki Mai , Shibuya‐Takahashi Rie , Kanno Shin‐Ichiro , Adachi Shungo , Fujimori Haruna , Nakazato Akira , Fujii Keitaro , Morita Shinkichi , Saijoh Satoshi , Yamazaki Tomoko , Imai Takayuki , Asada Yukinori , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Yasuda Jun , Shindo Norihisa , Sugamura Kazuo , Tamai Keiichi
Published: May 2024

RNAs, such as noncoding RNA, microRNA, and recently mRNA, have been recognized as signal transduction molecules. CD271, also known as nerve growth factor receptor, has a critical role in cancer, although the precise mechanism is still unclear. Here, we show that CD271 mRNA, but not CD271 protein, facilitates spheroid cell proliferation. We established CD271−/− cells lacking both mRNA and protein of CD271, as well as CD271 protein knockout cells lacking only CD271 protein, from hypopharyngeal and oral squamous cell carcinoma lines. Sphere formation was reduced in CD271−/− cells but not in CD271 protein knockout cells. Mutated CD271 mRNA, which is not translated to a protein, promoted sphere formation. CD271 mRNA bound to hnRNPA2B1 protein at the 3′‐UTR region, and the inhibition of this interaction reduced sphere formation. In surgical specimens, the CD271 mRNA/protein expression ratio was higher in the cancerous area than in the noncancerous area. These data suggest CD271 mRNA has dual functions, encompassing protein‐coding and noncoding roles, with its noncoding RNA function being predominant in oral and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Adult and pediatric relapsing multiple sclerosis phase II and phase III trial design and their primary end points: A systematic review
Authors: Hiramatsu Katsutoshi , Maeda Hideki
Published: May 2024

No systematic review of trial designs in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) was reported. This systematic review was conducted on the trial designs and primary end points (PEs) of phase II and III trials intended to modify the natural course of the disease in patients with RMS. The purpose of the study is to explore trends/topics and discussion points in clinical trial design and PE, comparing them to regulatory guidelines and expert recommendations. Three trial registration systems, ClinicalTrials.gov, the EU Clinical Trials Register, and the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, were used and 60 trials were evaluated. The dominant clinical trial design was a randomized controlled parallel‐arms trial and other details were as follows: in adult phase III confirmatory trials (n = 32), active‐controlled double‐blind trial (DBT) (53%) and active‐controlled open‐label assessor‐masking trial (16%); in adult phase II dose‐finding trials (n = 9), placebo‐ and active‐controlled DBT (44%), placebo‐controlled DBT (22%), and placebo‐controlled add‐on DBT (22%); and in pediatric phase III confirmatory trials (n = 8), active‐controlled DBT (38%) and active‐controlled open‐label non‐masking trial (25%). The most common PEs were as follows: in adult confirmatory trials, annual relapse rate (ARR) (56%) and no evidence of disease activity‐3 (NEDA‐3) (13%); in adult dose‐finding trials, the cumulative number of T1 gadolinium‐enhancing lesions (56%), combined unique active lesions (22%), and overall disability response score (22%); and in pediatric confirmatory trials, ARR (38%) and time to first relapse (25%). It was suggested that some parts of the regulatory guidelines and expert recommendations need to be revised.
New public financial management in liberal peacebuilding discourse: The Palestine–Israel conflict and the World Bank
Authors: Alazzeh Dalia , Uddin Shahzad
Published: May 2024

This paper delves into the discursive recontextualization of new public financial management (NPFM) in the context of peacebuilding, reshaping the dynamics among the donor community, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. Utilizing Fairclough's dialectical relational version of Critical Discourse Analysis (2003, 2013) as a methodological framework, we extend the NPFM literature by broadening our understanding of how diverse discourses—particularly NPFM rooted in neoliberalism and peacebuilding—are brought together in a specific relationship for the purpose of transmission. In addition, this study advances our comprehension of the dialogic nature of NPFM, exploring the extent to which other voices are represented, excluded, or suppressed in the examined texts. The paper sheds light on the role of international agencies, exemplified by the World Bank, in transposing development discourses—a theme explored in previous research. Furthermore, we contribute to the literature by highlighting that the peacebuilding context serves as a space for influential actors, such as donor agencies, to exert their influence.
The accounting for defined benefit pension plans in family firms
Authors: Ismail Ahmad , Khalil Samer , Safieddine Assem
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the accounting for defined benefit pension plans in U.S. family firms. Relying on agency theory and the literature on defined benefit pension plans, we test whether the allocation of pension plan assets, the expected rate of return on pension plan assets and the contributions to defined benefit pension plans in family firms are significantly different from those in non‐family firms. Relying on a sample of U.S. firms over the period 2004–2018, we first document that family firms take more risk when allocating their pension plan assets relative to non‐family firms where they allocate a larger (smaller) percentage of pension plan assets in equity (debt) securities. We also show that family firms are more aggressive in setting the expected rate of return on pension plan assets than non‐family firms. However, family firms’ contributions to defined benefit pension plans are comparable to those of non‐family firms. Our findings hold after controlling for the endogeneity in family firms. These findings are important since they provide first hand empirical evidence on the accounting for defined benefit pension plans in family firms. They further shed light over pension plans that serve as a key tool to attract and retain executive talents and make up a significant portion of firms balance’ sheets.
Widespread breakdown in masting in European beech due to rising summer temperatures
Authors: Foest Jessie J. , Bogdziewicz Michał , Pesendorfer Mario B. , Ascoli Davide , Cutini Andrea , Nussbaumer Anita , Verstraeten Arne , Beudert Burkhard , Chianucci Francesco , Mezzavilla Francesco , Gratzer Georg , Kunstler Georges , Meesenburg Henning , Wagner Markus , Mund Martina , Cools Nathalie , Vacek Stanislav , Schmidt Wolfgang , Vacek Zdeněk , Hacket‐Pain Andrew
Published: May 2024

Climate change effects on tree reproduction are poorly understood, even though the resilience of populations relies on sufficient regeneration to balance increasing rates of mortality. Forest‐forming tree species often mast, i.e. reproduce through synchronised year‐to‐year variation in seed production, which improves pollination and reduces seed predation. Recent observations in European beech show, however, that current climate change can dampen interannual variation and synchrony of seed production and that this masting breakdown drastically reduces the viability of seed crops. Importantly, it is unclear under which conditions masting breakdown occurs and how widespread breakdown is in this pan‐European species. Here, we analysed 50 long‐term datasets of population‐level seed production, sampled across the distribution of European beech, and identified increasing summer temperatures as the general driver of masting breakdown. Specifically, increases in site‐specific mean maximum temperatures during June and July were observed across most of the species range, while the interannual variability of population‐level seed production (CVp) decreased. The declines in CVp were greatest, where temperatures increased most rapidly. Additionally, the occurrence of crop failures and low seed years has decreased during the last four decades, signalling altered starvation effects of masting on seed predators. Notably, CVp did not vary among sites according to site mean summer temperature. Instead, masting breakdown occurs in response to warming local temperatures (i.e. increasing relative temperatures), such that the risk is not restricted to populations growing in warm average conditions. As lowered CVp can reduce viable seed production despite the overall increase in seed count, our results warn that a covert mechanism is underway that may hinder the regeneration potential of European beech under climate change, with great potential to alter forest functioning and community dynamics.
Characterizing gaps in the preventive pharmacologic treatment of migraine: Multi‐country results from the CaMEO‐I study
Authors: Buse Dawn C. , Sakai Fumihiko , Matharu Manjit , Reed Michael L. , Fanning Kristina , Dabruzzo Brett , Lipton Richard B.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To analyze data from the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes‐International (CaMEO‐I) Study in order to characterize preventive medication use and identify preventive usage gaps among people with migraine across multiple countries.

Background

Guidelines for the preventive treatment of migraine are available from scientific organizations in various countries. Although these guidelines differ among countries, eligibility for preventive treatment is generally based on monthly headache day (MHD) frequency and associated disability. The overwhelming majority of people with migraine who are eligible for preventive treatment do not receive it.

Methods

The CaMEO‐I Study was a cross‐sectional, observational, web‐based panel survey study performed in six countries: Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. People were invited to complete an online survey in their national language(s) to identify those with migraine according to modified International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, criteria. People classified with migraine answered questions about current and ever use of both acute and preventive treatments for migraine. Available preventive medications for migraine differed by country. MHD frequency and associated disability data were collected. The American Headache Society (AHS) 2021 Consensus Statement algorithm was used to determine candidacy for preventive treatment (i.e., ≥3 monthly MHDs with severe disability, ≥4 MHDs with some disability, or ≥6 MHDs regardless of level of disability).

Results

Among 90,613 valid completers of the screening survey, 14,492 met criteria for migraine and completed the full survey, with approximately 2400 respondents from each country. Based on the AHS consensus statement preventive treatment candidacy algorithm, averaging across countries, 36.2% (5246/14,492) of respondents with migraine qualified for preventive treatment. Most respondents (84.5% [4431/5246]) who met criteria for preventive treatment according to the AHS consensus statement were not using a preventive medication at the time of the survey. Moreover, 19.3% (2799/14,492) of respondents had ever used preventive medication (ever users); 58.1% (1625/2799) of respondents who reported ever using a preventive medication for migraine were still taking it. Of the respondents who were currently using a preventive medication, 50.2% (815/1625) still met the criteria for needing preventive treatment based on the AHS consensus statement.

Conclusions

Most people with migraine who qualify for preventive treatment are not currently taking it. Additionally, many people currently taking preventive pharmacologic treatment still meet the algorithm criteria for needing preventive treatment, suggesting inadequate benefit from their current regimen.
Similar or different? An analysis of the organisational values expressed by public and private Turkish universities
Authors: Khalifa Bayan , Desmidt Sebastian , Huisman Jeroen , Meyfroodt Kenn , Karataş Acer Ebru
Published: May 2024

Despite the fact that organisational values play a pivotal role within organisations and allow for a broad differentiation between universities, little is known about the organisational values universities select to pursue, and the factors impacting the selection of specific values. Therefore, we aim in this study to explore what type of organisational values universities express in their identity claims, and whether the institutional control (public vs private) affects value selection. We analysed the mission statements (i.e., identity narratives) of 169 Turkish universities using an a priori coding approach. The results indicate that public and private universities express similar value profiles and address different pressures from stakeholders by communicating a hybrid set of values.