bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Awareness of the Importance of Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions of Antiretroviral Drugs Among Adults Living with HIV in Moshi, Tanzania: A Pilot Study on Using SMS Reminders for Reporting
Authors: Masika Lyidia , Emmanuel Naomi , Mirai Tumaini , Nyanungu Gloria , Shirima Mary , Boer Marion Sumari–de , Maro Rehema , Mtesha Benson , Ngowi Kennedy
Published: April 2023

Introduction

In Sub-Saharan Africa, there are knowledge gaps on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of antiretroviral treatment (ART). Studies have shown that limited training capacity among healthcare workers has affected reporting of ADRs and weakened the pharmacovigilance system in Tanzania. Studies have shown that the use of digital tools, including SMS communication, might be a viable way to increase knowledge and understanding of reporting ADRs. This study aimed to examine the acceptability and feasibility of SMS texts to increase awareness about the importance of reporting ADRs of ART among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tanzania. We also explored different ADR profiles that were reported by the participants.

Methodology

This was a prospective implementation pilot study. PLHIV who consented to the study received a biweekly message to ask them how they were doing. We programmed keywords in the system that could be used for responding to the presence of ADR. The response to messages generated a flow of SMS that determined the presence of ADRs and informed participants to report. The technical feasibility was calculated based on the percentages of SMS which were sent and delivered about ADR and acceptability was measured based on the percentage of SMS that was replied to by the participants. We also collected data on different types of ADR reported by the participants. We conducted focus group discussions with participants and in-depth interviews with health workers to understand their experiences with and acceptability of the system.

Results

Over a 12-month study period, a total of 92 participants were recruited. Sixty-two (67.4%) were women. The mean age of our participants was 42 years (SD± 12). Forty (43.5%) participants were on ART for less than 3 months and the other 52 (56.5%) participants were on first-line ART. The system successfully sent and delivered 105 follow-up messages to all participants who consented to receive SMS. Among all the sent SMS 100 (95.2%) were replied to by the participants. Commonly reported ADRs were “itching”, gastrointestinal discomfort”, “joint pain”, “malaise” and “headache”. The themes identified through FGD and IDI were: high motivation to report ADR, well-understood SMS content, the system to remain the same, no concerns about unwanted disclosure, and difficulties in replying to SMS due to network. The latter was mentioned by a few participants.

Conclusion

SMS for creating awareness on ADRs reporting is a user-friendly intervention and highly accepted based on qualitative data among PLHIV in Tanzania. Also use of SMS is a low-cost intervention and a simple way to improve public health issues with society.
Association of vitamin D level and maternal gut microbiome during pregnancy: Findings from a randomized controlled trial of antenatal vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Aparicio Andrea , Gold Diane R. , Weiss Scott T. , Litonjua Augusto A. , Lee-Sarwar Kathleen , Liu Yang-Yu
Published: April 2023

Shifts in the maternal gut microbiome and vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy have been associated, separately, with health problems for both the mother and the child. Yet, they have rarely been studied simultaneously. Here, we analyzed gut microbiome (from stool samples obtained in late pregnancy) and vitamin D level (from blood samples obtained both in early and late pregnancy) data of pregnant women in the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), a randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, to investigate the association of vitamin D status on the pregnant women’s microbiome. To find associations we ran linear regressions on alpha diversity measures, PERMANOVA tests on beta diversity distances, and used the ANCOM-BS and Maaslin2 algorithms to find differentially abundant taxa. Analyses were deemed significant using a cut-off p-value of 0.05. We found that gut microbiome composition is associated with the vitamin D level in early pregnancy (baseline), the maternal gut microbiome does not show a shift in response to vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, and that the genusDesulfovibriois enriched in women without a substantial increase in vitamin D level between the first and the third trimesters of pregnancy. We conclude that increasing the vitamin D level during pregnancy could be protective against the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria such asDesulfovibrio, which has been associated with chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders. More in-depth investigations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
A machine learning approach to predict drug-induced autoimmunity using transcriptional data
Authors: Smith Gemma L. , Walker Ieuan G. , Aubareda Anna , Chapman Michael A.
Published: April 2023

Drug-induced autoimmunity (DIA) is an idiosyncratic adverse drug reaction. Although first reported in the mid-1940’s, the mechanisms underlying DIA remain unclear, and there is little understanding of why it is only associated with some drugs. Because it only occurs in a small number of patients, DIA is not normally detected until a drug has reached the market. We describe an ensemble machine learning approach using transcriptional data to predict DIA. The genes comprising the signature implicate dysregulation of cell cycling or proliferation as part of the mechanism of DIA. This approach could be adapted by pharmaceutical companies as an additional preclinical safety screen, reducing the risk of drugs with the potential to cause autoimmunity reaching the market.
SAM68-regulated ALE selection of Pcdh15 maintains proper synapse development and function
Authors: Darwish Mohamed , Ito Masatoshi , Takase Akinori , Ayukawa Noriko , Suzuki Satoko , Tanaka Masami , Iijima Yoko , Iijima Takatoshi
Published: April 2023

Thousands of mammalian genes encode alternatively spliced isoforms in their 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR). Alternative 3’UTR diversity may contribute to several neurological processes in developing and adult brains. SAM68 is the key splicing regulator for the diversity of neuronal 3’UTR isoforms through alternative last exon (ALE) selection. However, the mechanisms underlying the control of splicing at the 3’ end and its function in the nervous system remain unclear. Here, we show that neuronal SAM68-dependent ALE splicing is regulated depending on its target transcripts. For example, the selection of the ALE ofprotocadherin-15(Pcdh15), a gene implicated in Usher syndrome and several neuropsychiatric disorders, is largely dependent on the expression of SAM68, partially regulated via the CaMK pathway, but independent of the U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein. We found that the aberrant ALEs ofPcdh15caused membrane-to-soluble isoform conversion of the produced protein and disrupted its localization into excitatory and inhibitory synapses. In addition, the neuronal expression of the soluble form of PCDH15 (sPCDH15) preferentially affected the number of inhibitory synapses. sPCDH15 further reduced neuroligin-2-induced inhibitory, but not excitatory, synapses in artificial synapse formation assays. Our findings provide insights into the role of alternative 3’UTR isoform selections in synapse development.
Computational design of N-linked glycans for high throughput epitope profiling
Authors: Greisen Per , Yi Li , Zhou Rong , Zhou Jian , Johansson Eva , Dong Tiantang , Liu Haimo , Johnsen Laust B , Lund Søren , Svensson L. Anders , Zhu Haisun , Thomas Nidhin , Yang Zhiru , Østergaard Henrik
Published: April 2023

Efficient identification of epitopes is crucial for drug discovery and design as it enables the selection of optimal epitopes, expansion of lead antibody diversity, and verification of binding interface. Although high resolution low throughput methods like X-ray crystallography can determine epitopes or protein-protein interactions accurately, they are time-consuming and can only be applied to a limited number of complexes. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a rapid computational method that incorporates N-linked glycans to mask epitopes or protein interaction surfaces, thereby providing an atomistic mapping of these regions. Using human coagulation factor IXa (fIXa) as a model system, we could rapidly and reliably delineate epitopes through the insertion of N-linked glycans that efficiently disrupt binding in a site-selective manner. To validate the efficacy of our method, we conducted ELISA experiments and high-throughput yeast surface display assays. Furthermore, X-ray crystallography was employed to verify the results, thereby recapitulating through the method of N-linked glycans an atomistic resolution mapping of the epitope.
Implications of the three-dimensional chromatin organization for genome evolution in a fungal plant pathogen
Authors: Torres David E. , Martin Kramer H. , Tracanna Vittorio , Fiorin Gabriel L. , Cook David E. , Seidl Michael F. , Thomma Bart P.H.J.
Published: April 2023

The spatial organization of eukaryotic genomes is linked to their biological functions, although it is not clear how this impacts the overall evolution of a genome. Here, we uncover the three-dimensional (3D) genome organization of the phytopathogenVerticillium dahliae, known to possess distinct genomic regions, designated adaptive genomic regions (AGRs), enriched in transposable elements and genes that mediate host infection. Short-range DNA interactions form clear topologically associating domains (TADs) with gene-rich boundaries that show reduced levels of gene expression and reduced genomic variation. Intriguingly, TADs are less clearly structured in AGRs than in the core genome. At a global scale, the genome contains bipartite long-range interactions, particularly enriched for AGRs and more generally containing segmental duplications. Notably, the patterns observed forV. dahliaeare also present in otherVerticilliumspecies. Thus, our analysis links 3D genome organization to evolutionary features conserved throughout theVerticilliumgenus.
Superior antibody and membrane protein-specific T cell responses to CoronaVac by intradermal versus intramuscular routes in adolescents
Authors: Rosa Duque Jaime S. , Cheng Samuel M.S. , Cohen Carolyn A. , Leung Daniel , Wang Xiwei , Mu Xiaofeng , Chung Yuet , Lau Tsun Ming , Wang Manni , Zhang Wenyue , Zhang Yanmei , Wong Howard H.W. , Tsang Leo C.H. , Chaothai Sara , Kwan Tsz Chun , Li John K.C. , Chan Karl C.K. , Luk Leo L.H. , Ho Jenson C.H. , Li Wing Yan , Lee Amos M.T. , Lam Jennifer H.Y. , Chan Sau Man , Wong Wilfred H.S. , Tam Issan Y.S. , Mori Masashi , Valkenburg Sophie A. , Peiris Malik , Tu Wenwei , Lau Yu Lung
Published: April 2023

Strategies to improve the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines are necessary to optimise their protection against disease. Fractional dosing by intradermal administration (ID) has been shown to be equally immunogenic as intramuscular (IM) for several vaccines, but the immunogenicity of ID inactivated whole-virus SARS-CoV-2 at the full dose is unknown. This study (NCT04800133) investigated the superiority of antibody and T cell responses of full-dose CoronaVac by ID over IM in adolescents. Participants aged 11-17 years received 2 doses IM or ID, followed by the 3rddose 13-42 days later. Humoral and cellular immunogenicity outcomes were measured post-dose 2 (IM-CC versus ID-CC) and post-dose 3 (IM-CCC versus ID-CCC). Doses 2 and 3 were administered to 173 and 104 adolescents, respectively. S IgG, S-RBD IgG, S IgG FcγRIIIa-binding, SNM-specific IL-2+CD4+, SNM-specific IL-2+CD8+, S-specific IL-2+CD8+, N-specific IL-2+CD4+, N-specific IL-2+CD8+and M-specific IL-2+CD4+responses fulfilled the superior and non-inferior criteria for ID-CC compared to IM-CC, whereas IgG avidity was inferior. For ID-CCC, S-RBD IgG, surrogate virus neutralisation test (sVNT), 90% plaque reduction neutralisation titre (PRNT90), PRNT50, S IgG avidity, S IgG FcγRIIIa-binding, M-specific IL-2+CD4+, interferon-γ+CD8+and IL-2+CD8+responses were superior and non-inferior to IM-CCC. The estimated vaccine efficacies were 49%, 52%, 66% and 79% for IM-CC, ID-CC, IM-CCC and ID-CCC, respectively. More in the ID groups reported local, mild adverse reactions. This is the first study to demonstrate superior antibody and M-specific T cell responses by ID inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and serves as the basis for future research to improve immunogenicity of inactivated vaccines.
Lower prevalence of Post-Covid-19 Condition following Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: de Bruijn Siméon , van Hoek Albert Jan , Mutubuki Elizabeth N. , Knoop Hans , Slootweg Jaap , Tulen Anna D. , Franz Eelco , van den Wijngaard Cees C. , van der Maaden Tessa
Published: April 2023

Background

Different SARS-CoV-2 variants can differentially affect the prevalence of Post Covid-19 Condition (PCC). This prospective study assesses prevalence and severity of symptoms three months after an Omicron infection, compared to Delta, test-negative and population controls. This study also assesses symptomology after reinfection and breakthrough infections.

Methods

After a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, cases were classified as Omicron or Delta based on ≥ 85% surveillance prevalence. Population controls were representatively invited and symptomatic test-negative controls enrolled after a negative SARS-CoV-2 test. Three months after enrolment, participants indicated point prevalence for 41 symptoms and severity of four symptoms. Permutation tests identified significantly elevated symptoms in cases compared to controls. PCC prevalence was estimated as the difference in prevalence of at least one elevated symptom in cases compared to population controls.

Findings

At three months follow-up, five symptoms and severe dyspnea were significantly elevated in Omicron cases (n = 4138) compared to test-negative (n= 1672) and population controls (n= 2762). PCC prevalence was 10·4% for Omicron cases and 17·7% for Delta cases (n = 6855). Prevalence of severe fatigue and dyspnea were higher in reinfected compared to primary infected Omicron cases, while severity of symptoms did not significantly differ between Omicron cases with a booster or primary vaccination course.

Interpretation

Three months after Omicron, prevalence of PCC is 41% lower than after Delta. Reinfection seems associated with more prevalent severe long-term symptoms compared to a first infection. A booster prior to infection does not seem to improve the outcome of long-term symptoms.

Funding

The study is executed by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment by order of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport.
Corrosion of X80 steel in the co-existence of sulfate reducing bacteria and permeating hydrogen
Authors: Li Yongxiong , Hu Junying , Zhong Xiankang
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to shed light on the corrosion behavior of X80 steel when sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and permeating hydrogen interact.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, electrochemical tests were conducted between 25 and 55 °C, and the surface morphology of the specimen was observed using scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional photos. The composition of the oxide film was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Findings

Under the condition of 6 MPa simulated natural gas (15% H2), the content of S-containing compounds (FeS and FeSO4) in the corrosion products on the surface of the specimen decreases from 60.8% to 54.4%. This finding indicates that hydrogen permeation inhibits the metabolic processes of SRB in this environment. By comparing the hydrogen-uncharged specimen, it was found that under the condition of 6 MPa simulated natural gas (15% H2) hydrogen charging, the uniform corrosion on the X80 surface was weakened, and the protection of the oxide film on the specimen surface in this environment was better than that without hydrogen charging.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, most of these existing studies have focused on the effect of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of materials and very little is known about corrosion behavior in the hydrogen environment. In this study, a self-designed small gas phase hydrogen charging device was used to study the X80 surface corrosion behavior in the environment of the H2-doped natural gas pipeline.
Predicting stock market using natural language processing
Authors: Puh Karlo , Bagić Babac Marina
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Predicting the stock market's prices has always been an interesting topic since its closely related to making money. Recently, the advances in natural language processing (NLP) have opened new perspectives for solving this task. The purpose of this paper is to show a state-of-the-art natural language approach to using language in predicting the stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the conventional statistical models for time-series prediction are implemented as a benchmark. Then, for methodological comparison, various state-of-the-art natural language models ranging from the baseline convolutional and recurrent neural network models to the most advanced transformer-based models are developed, implemented and tested.

Findings

Experimental results show that there is a correlation between the textual information in the news headlines and stock price prediction. The model based on the GRU (gated recurrent unit) cell with one linear layer, which takes pairs of the historical prices and the sentiment score calculated using transformer-based models, achieved the best result.

Originality/value

This study provides an insight into how to use NLP to improve stock price prediction and shows that there is a correlation between news headlines and stock price prediction.
Impact of training and development interventions for diversity & inclusion: proposing an organizational schema
Authors: Kuknor Sunaina , Kumar V.V. Ravi
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Transformation and involvement from every organizational function are essential in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The paper explores the role of training and development (T&D) interventions in building a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the review of existing research studies, the authors report and discuss how T&D function supports fostering a diversity and inclusion (D&I) mindset in the workplace and propose an organizational schema that facilitates the systematic design and implementation of T&D interventions for D&I.

Findings

Based on the literature an organizational schema was developed which indicated that to foster a D&I mindset in the workplace, it is important that diversity training is designed after considering established diversity theories. Further diversity training can be conducted in two phases, where phase 1 would focus on awareness training and phase 2 on skill training. This would lead to an increase in employee competency development including knowledge, skills, behavior, and a positive attitude toward a D&I mindset.

Practical implications

HR and training managers can benefit from the paper indicating that for achieving effective results from diversity training, it must draw insights from established diversity theories. Through the organizational schema discussed in the paper, organizations can minimize the negative attitude and behavior that emerge from social categorization with the help of systematic T&D where employees are made self-aware of their prejudice and discrimination and further equipped with relevant skills to manage diversity.

Social implications

A positive mindset incorporated by employees at a workplace with reference to Diversity & Inclusion through structured D& I training can percolate beneficially to the society as a whole.

Originality/value

The study is a rare one that explores the impact of T&D on D&I. The novelty of the research lies in the organizational schema presented in the study exploring how HR practitioners must systematically design T&D for D&I combining both theory and practice to achieve long-term organizational diversity management objectives.
Boosting employee performance through gamification: a study of the awareness and usage of game elements among construction professionals
Authors: Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Aliu John , Farouk Kineber Ahmed , Abayomi Timilehin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examines the level of awareness and usage of game elements among construction professionals with a view to promoting the usage of gamification tools for the effective and efficient delivery of construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from construction professionals including architects, builders, engineers and quantity surveyors. Retrieved data were analyzed using several statistical tools such as percentages, frequencies, mean item scores and exploratory factor analyses.

Findings

The analysis revealed that progress bars, certificates and bonuses are the significant game elements adopted by professionals, but there is a low awareness of elements such as avatars and badges.

Practical implications

There is a salient need for construction stakeholders' awareness of the importance of gamification and game elements as a key digital tool for the delivery of construction projects. The findings of this study make a case for stakeholders, professional bodies and government agencies to embrace and implement gamification practices in the construction sector.

Originality/value

This study is the first conducted in Nigeria to examine the level of awareness and usage of game elements among construction professionals. The findings of this study will provide a reference point for researchers who will undertake studies relating to the concept of gamification in the construction industry context.
Restrictive human rights measures against the spread of COVID-19: an interdisciplinary approach between law and health-care management
Authors: Pervou Ioanna , Mpogiatzidis Panagiotis
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the close relationship between the disciplines of law and health-care studies. This interrelation has become particularly evident during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictive human rights provisions have been initiated by many states for the sake of public health. Research focuses on the notional proximity of the principle of proportionality and its health-care correlative: effectiveness. It also goes through the influence of acceptance rates for the application of restrictive measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Research focuses on interdisciplinary literature review, taking into consideration judicial decisions and data on acceptance rates of restrictive human rights measures in particular. Analysis goes in depth when two categories of restrictive human rights measures against the spread of the pandemic are examined in depth: restrictive measures to achieve social distancing and mandatory vaccination of professional groups.

Findings

Restrictive human rights measures for reasons of public health are strongly affected by the need for effective health-care systems. This argument is verified by judicial decision-making which relies to the necessity of health-care effectiveness to a great extent. The COVID-19 pandemic offers a laminate example of the two disciplines’ interrelation and how they infiltrate each other.

Research limitations/implications

Further implications for research point at the need to institutionalize a cooperative scheme between legal and health-care decision-making, given that this interrelation is strong.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies on the interdisciplinary approach between law and health-care studies. It explains how state policies during the pandemic were shaped based on the concepts of effectiveness and proportionality.
“Sexual misconduct at workplace and Indian corporate and securities law: exploring corporate disclosures of sexual harassment cases by Indian companies in #MeToo era”
Authors: Jumde Akanksha , Kumar Nishant
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on compliance of workplace sexual harassment-related provisions under Indian companies and securities law, based on an empirical analysis of companies’ sexual harassment-related disclosures contained within their directors’ annual reports (ARs). Specifically, sections devoted to sexual harassment-related disclosures, inbuilt within directors’ ARs for the financial year 2019–2020 for a selected sample of companies listed under the National Stock Exchange, have been analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the nature of companies’ disclosures to demonstrate their compliance with statutory requirements under the POSH law, aligned with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 and Securities and Exchange Board of India’s regulations, an empirical-based, descriptive content analysis of ARs of 200 listed companies were used.

Findings

This study primarily finds that the majority of companies from the sample have disclosed to have prepared a corporate-level policy, as required under the POSH law. As also required under the POSH law, companies, reportedly, have constituted an Internal Complaints Committee to adjudicate and dispose of incidents related to sexual misconduct reported at their workplaces. However, companies lack in disclosing qualitative information, with sufficient detail, on many important aspects related to prevention and resolution of reported cases of workplace sexual harassment.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the broader narrative of the lacunae within the disclosure and reporting requirements on enhancing the liabilities of the companies to prevent and address sexual harassment under India’s corporate and securities regulations.
A research on the relationship between tourism and migration
Authors: Sarı Ömer , Meydan Uygur Selma
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although it is assumed that migration and tourism directly affect each other, neither has received enough attention in the literature. Moreover, the relationship between them remains unclear. The UNWTO interprets said relationship in two ways: tourism-led migration (TLM) and migration-led tourism (MLT). The latter is crucial for the marketing of tourism. This study aims to clarify the migration-tourism relationship in ways the relevant literature has inadequately addressed and to evaluate the significance of MLT for Turkey's tourism marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out with a qualitative research design. Document scanning was used to collect data. A time series analysis was performed based on secondary data. Vector autoregressive models (VARs), which test the relationship between two or more variables, were preferred in the analysis selection. The empirical evidence depends on annual data of German tourists visiting Turkey and persons admitted to Germany from 2006 to 2019.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed a significant short-term relationship between those immigrating to Germany and tourists visiting Turkey.

Practical implications

The research shows that migration is a factor in the purchasing behavior of touristic products. In this respect, the practical conclusion of the study reveals that it may be beneficial for national tourism marketers in these countries to promote touristic products through citizens who have migrated abroad.

Originality/value

In the relevant literature, the relationship between tourism and migration (RTM) has been limitedly examined from an MLT perspective. In this respect, the subject has not been examined in detail in many respects (distribution by years, various sampling and data collection technique, etc.). The present research helps fill this literature gap by addressing the subject directly.
Relationship between FinTech index and bank’s performance: a comparative study between Islamic and conventional banks in the MENA region
Authors: Kharrat Hana , Trichilli Yousra , Abbes Boujelbène
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a new method for constructing the FintTech Index that measures the development of FinTech in the conventional and Islamic banking sectors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It also tests the effect of this new proxy on the performance of conventional and Islamic banks in MENA countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from Islamic and conventional banks in the MENA region between 2010 and 2020, the authors rely on Text Mining Technology with the help of AntConc, principal component and factor analysis. The study also uses the simultaneous equation model to test the interdependent relationship between FinTech and bank performance.

Findings

The study argues that the proposed measure effectively represents the FinTech industry in the MENA financial markets. The results provide micro evidence on the application of FinTech innovation in Islamic and conventional banks to improve their performance, profitability, stability and efficiency. Furthermore, the findings can provide insights for practitioners and researchers interested in implementing FinTech collaboration to enhance the performance of Islamic and conventional banks in the MENA region.

Practical implications

Investors can leverage this FinTech Index in portfolio investments, trading strategy and hedging in MENA countries. In addition, policymakers can benefit from the challenges outlined in this work to support the development and incubation of FinTech in conventional and Islamic banks. Thus, they can better recognize the new generation of banking services with which they need to deal and collaborate.

Originality/value

This paper makes a methodological contribution to the literature on FinTech search patterns by combining factor analysis with corpus processing software. This is the most comprehensive global FinTech index. In addition, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the simultaneous relationship between the FinTech index and the performance of Islamic and conventional banks.
Managing organizational transformation (OT) using complex adaptive system (CAS) framework: future lines of inquiry
Authors: Riaz Shoaib , Morgan Damian , Kimberley Nell
Published: April 2023

Purpose

A slew of conventional change models and theories appear in the extant change literature. Despite being theoretically sound, thesea prioristructured approaches to organizational change management have questionable application given the rapidly changing business environments. Novel approaches, offering greater flexibility to fast changing external conditions, may offer superior models to organizational change and organizational transformation (OT) in particular. In this paper, the application of a complex adaptive system (CAS) framework, from complexity theory (CT), for managing OT is assessed theoretically.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual paper.

Findings

A review of the extant change literature suggests that current approaches and models for organizational change are limited in their ability to reflect OT responses to today's highly dynamic external environments. New models are required to inform and guide organizations. A new model, i.e. CAS framework, is deemed suitable to guide the OT implementation.

Originality/value

This paper critically analyses different approaches to change management, consolidates CAS framework, reviews its applications in the field of management and presents a case for CAS's application for the management of OT.
Entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs performance in an emerging economy: the mediating role of absorptive capacity
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammed Awad , Salam Mohammad Asif
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and firm performance (FP) through the mediating role of absorptive capacity (AC) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a quantitative research design. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire. The study was based on 366 samples from Saudi Arabian workers at SMEs. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS/AMOS 26.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights. It suggests the positively mediating role of AC in the relationship between EO and FP. The authors found a full positive mediating role of AC in the relationship between EO and FP in SMEs in the KSA.

Research limitations/implications

The study empirically confirms the role of EO through AC in enhancing a firm’s performance. Additionally, the research findings support SME owners and managers in increasing their firms’ performance by implementing AC dimensions (assimilation and acquisition) with existing entrepreneurial characteristics to boost and increase business and performance. Regardless of the implications, this paper has some limitations. For instance, this study was conducted only on SMEs in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, future researchers are encouraged to extend the study to other organization sizes or to extend the study to other industries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the importance of AC’s mediating role in EO’s impact on FP, extending the previous studies in the area. Moreover, this research investigates the study themes in a relatively new context, specifically SMEs in the KSA.
Hospitality internships and green leaders: analysing the engagement of interns with hotel sustainable development practices
Authors: Kapoor Rashmeet , Singh Anjana , Manchanda Geetika
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim is to provide insights on the inclusion of sustainability training during internship and the engagement of interns in the sustainability practices of the hotel. The paper investigates how aspects of knowledge and participation in sustainable practices can bring about a positive change in the industry's future and also aid in the creation of smart green leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes qualitative research methodology and draws on in-depth interviews with students and learning and development managers using multiple sources of evidence to derive a holistic picture.

Findings

The paper aims to highlight the importance of incorporating sustainability training as an indispensable part of hotel internships. It also reveals the positive impact and long-term behavioural changes of students along with presenting strategies to create student stewards for sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study arise from its small sample size, which nonetheless generated some rich insights.

Originality/value

There has been much research in the area of hospitality internships, however, it has not been considered from the perspective of sustainability development or green internships. In this sense, the paper is novel as it challenges the traditional expectations of hospitality internships.
Hospitality education in Asia: is it sufficiently equipped to prepare future hospitality leaders?
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Munjal Sandeep
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving; aspects like technology, digitisation, artificial intelligence, eco-friendly, best practices, green hotels and sustainability are significantly impacting change. It is evident that the hospitality industry is trying its best to embrace change but do hospitality graduates have sufficient exposure to the importance of embracing these changes? Further, are academics updating their curriculum in line with industry requirements? This also prompts the question: How often do industry and academia come together to discuss the future? Is it the sole responsibility of academic institutions to consider the changes needed or should industry take a lead and guide academia? This theme issue explores these questions and concerns and considers the way forward.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint article explains why the theme issue question is important and outlines the approach taken with reference to the hospitality industry and hospitality education. The authors explore our theme issue question with particular reference to developments in Asia.

Findings

The hospitality industry impacts the environment in numerous ways and it is important for the industry to learn and train employees for a sustainable future and it is equally important to understand the challenges faced by the industry in adopting sustainable practices. The deployment of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation is increasingly impacting global standards and operating procedures and clearly technology has a key role to play in sustainable development. The authors also consider ways in which hospitality education could be better synced with industry and how it could evolve in response to future requirements.

Originality/value

This theme issue on hospitality education and sustainability was conceived with the aim of addressing concerns like the challenges faced by academics in upgrading the curriculum/programme structure so that it is better aligned with industry norms. It further examines sustainable practices adopted by hotels in Asia as compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world and it explores the gaps between hospitality industry operations and the programme delivery of hospitality institutions.
Econometric Forecasting of Tourist Arrivals Using Bayesian Structural Time‐Series*
Authors: Andrews Antony , Kimpton Sean
Published: April 2023

This article introduces the Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) as a potential tool for forecasting in the tourism literature. Using data on Australian tourist arrivals in New Zealand, the forecasting accuracy of the estimated model is evaluated using a fixed partitioning approach. The MAPE of the fitted model is 3.11 per cent for the validation stage and 2.75 per cent for the test stage. The BSTS outperforms two other competing models both in the validation and test stage. In addition to forecasting, BSTS also estimates the trend, trend slope, and seasonality that change over time.
Tailoring your bee sampling protocol: Comparing three methods reveals the best approaches to capturing bees
Authors: Bell Christine , Tronstad Lusha , Hotaling Scott
Published: April 2023

Bees are prolific, vital pollinators in agricultural and natural settings, but some taxa are declining. Surveying bees is crucial to understand the needs of these taxa; however, we lack a fine‐grained understanding of assemblages associated with different sampling methods that would enable us to analyse data range‐wide.

Here we examine the difference in abundance and richness of bees (bee bowls and vane traps only) and bumble bees (genus Bombus; bee bowls, blue vane traps and target netting) sampled with these methods from mixed‐grass prairie to alpine habitats in Wyoming, USA.

We collected four times more bees and twice as many genera of bees in vane traps than bee bowls. Vane traps captured more individuals of abundant genera than bee bowls.

Bombus species abundance did not vary between vane traps and target netting; however, richness was higher in vane traps. Bee bowls captured few Bombus species.

Overall, we recommend using vane traps to sample most bees, and a combination of vane traps and target netting to collect bumble bees. We evaluated how three sampling techniques perform when surveying for wild bees, which will aid in identifying declining species as well as monitoring species of conservation concern.
Reduced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity after prolonged exercise in endurance athletes
Authors: Flockhart Mikael , Tischer Dominik , Nilsson Lina C. , Blackwood Sarah J. , Ekblom Björn , Katz Abram , Apró William , Larsen Filip J.
Published: April 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to 1. investigate if glucose tolerance is affected after one acute bout of different types of exercise; 2. assess if potential differences between two exercise paradigms are related to changes in mitochondrial function; and 3. determine if endurance athletes differ from nonendurance‐trained controls in their metabolic responses to the exercise paradigms.

Methods

Nine endurance athletes (END) and eight healthy nonendurance‐trained controls (CON) were studied. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and mitochondrial function were assessed on three occasions: in the morning, 14 h after an overnight fast without prior exercise (RE), as well as after 3 h of prolonged continuous exercise at 65% of VO2max (PE) or 5 × 4 min at ~95% of VO2max (HIIT) on a cycle ergometer.

Results

Glucose tolerance was markedly reduced in END after PE compared with RE. END also exhibited elevated fasting serum FFA and ketones levels, reduced insulin sensitivity and glucose oxidation, and increased fat oxidation during the OGTT. CON showed insignificant changes in glucose tolerance and the aforementioned measurements compared with RE. HIIT did not alter glucose tolerance in either group. Neither PE nor HIIT affected mitochondrial function in either group. END also exhibited increased activity of 3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase activity in muscle extracts vs. CON.

Conclusion

Prolonged exercise reduces glucose tolerance and increases insulin resistance in endurance athletes the following day. These findings are associated with an increased lipid load, a high capacity to oxidize lipids, and increased fat oxidation.
Paracetamol use prior to and in early pregnancy: Prevalence and patterns among women with and without chronic medical diseases
Authors: Taagaard Mille , Rode Line , de Wolff Mie Gaarskjær , Damm Peter , Hagen Casper P. , Fisher Margit Bistrup , Hegaard Hanne Kristine , Rom Ane Lilleøre
Published: April 2023

Aims

Paracetamol is commonly consumed by pregnant women, even though recent data have questioned its safety. Having chronic medical diseases (CMDs) may influence the prevalence of use during pregnancy. We aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of use 3 months prior to pregnancy and in the first trimester among women with and without CMDs and the potential influence of CMDs on frequent use in the first trimester.

Methods

We used patient‐reported data from the Copenhagen Pregnancy Cohort from 1 October 2013 to 23 May 2019 with information on CMDs and paracetamol use. Prevalence and patterns of use were assessed descriptively and by multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

We included 24 019 pregnancies. Use of paracetamol prior to and in early pregnancy was significantly higher among women with CMDs compared to women without (40.7% vs. 35.8% and 9.1% vs. 5.1%, respectively). Women with CMDs were 2.7 times more likely to have a frequent intake compared to women without [aOR 2.69 (95% CI 2.05–3.32)]. Migraine, rheumatoid arthritis and mental disease were associated with a higher use of paracetamol [aOR 4.39 (3.20–6.02), aOR 4.32 (2.41–7.72) and aOR 2.74 (1.67–4.49), respectively].

Conclusions

Women with CMDs had a higher paracetamol use before and during pregnancy than women without CMDs. Women with migraine, rheumatoid arthritis and mental disease showed the highest risk of frequent use. This study highlights the importance of discussing pain relief in pregnancy and evaluating the influence of maternal CMDs when assessing adverse effects of paracetamol use during pregnancy.
Functional recovery after partial nephrectomy: next generation analysis
Authors: Munoz‐Lopez Carlos , Lewis Kieran , Attawettayanon Worapat , Yasuda Yosuke , Emrich Accioly João Pedro , Rathi Nityam , Lone Zaeem , Boumitri Melissa , Campbell Rebecca A. , Wood Andrew , Kaouk Jihad H. , Haber Georges‐Pascal , Eltemamy Mohamad , Krishnamurthi Venkatesh , Abouassaly Robert , Haywood Samuel C. , Weight Christopher J. , Campbell Steven C.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To provide a more rigorous assessment of factors affecting functional recovery after partial nephrectomy (PN) using novel tools that allow for analysis of more patients and improved accuracy for assessment of parenchymal volume loss, thereby revealing the potential impact of secondary factors such as ischaemia.

Patients and Methods

Of 1140 patients managed with PN (2012–2014), 670 (59%) had imaging and serum creatinine levels measured before and after PN necessary for inclusion. Recovery from ischaemia was defined as the ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate (GFR) saved normalised by parenchymal volume saved. Acute kidney injury was assessed through Spectrum Score, which quantifies the degree of acute ipsilateral renal dysfunction due to exposure to ischaemia that would otherwise be masked by the contralateral kidney. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of Spectrum Score and Recovery from Ischaemia.

Results

In all, 409/189/72 patients had warm/cold/zero ischaemia, respectively, with median (interquartile range [IQR]) ischaemia times for cold and warm ischaemia of 30 (25–42) and 22 (18–28) min, respectively. The median (IQR) global preoperative GFR and new baseline GFR (NBGFR) were 78 (63–92) and 69 (54–81) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The median (IQR) ipsilateral preoperative GFR and NBGFR were 40 (33–47) and 31 (24–38) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Functional recovery correlated strongly with parenchymal volume preserved (r = 0.83, P < 0.01). The median (IQR) decline in ipsilateral GFR associated with PN was 7.8 (4.5–12) mL/min/1.73 m2 with loss of parenchyma accounting for 81% of this loss. The median (IQR) recovery from ischaemia was similar across the cold/warm/zero ischaemia groups at 96% (90%–102%), 95% (89%–101%), and 97% (91%–102%), respectively. Independent predictors of Spectrum Score were ischaemia time, tumour complexity, and preoperative global GFR. Independent predictors of recovery from ischaemia were insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, refractory hypertension, warm ischaemia, and Spectrum Score.

Conclusions

The main determinant of functional recovery after PN is parenchymal volume preservation. A more robust and rigorous evaluation allowed us to identify secondary factors including comorbidities, increased tumour complexity, and ischaemia‐related factors that are also independently associated with impaired recovery, although altogether these were much less impactful.