bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-News dataset for online news categorization
Authors: Yousafzai Samia Nawaz , Shahbaz Hooria , Ali Armughan , Qamar Amreen , Nasir Inzamam Mashood , Tehsin Sara , Damaševičius Robertas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The objective is to develop a more effective model that simplifies and accelerates the news classification process using advanced text mining and deep learning (DL) techniques. A distributed framework utilizing Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) was developed to classify news headlines. This approach leverages various text mining and DL techniques on a distributed infrastructure, aiming to offer an alternative to traditional news classification methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on the classification of distinct types of news by analyzing tweets from various news channels. It addresses the limitations of using benchmark datasets for news classification, which often result in models that are impractical for real-world applications.

Findings

The framework’s effectiveness was evaluated on a newly proposed dataset and two additional benchmark datasets from the Kaggle repository, assessing the performance of each text mining and classification method across these datasets. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed strategy significantly outperforms other approaches in terms of accuracy and execution time. This indicates that the distributed framework, coupled with the use of BERT for text analysis, provides a robust solution for analyzing large volumes of data efficiently. The findings also highlight the value of the newly released corpus for further research in news classification and emotion classification, suggesting its potential to facilitate advancements in these areas.

Originality/value

This research introduces an innovative distributed framework for news classification that addresses the shortcomings of models trained on benchmark datasets. By utilizing cutting-edge techniques and a novel dataset, the study offers significant improvements in accuracy and processing speed. The release of the corpus represents a valuable contribution to the field, enabling further exploration into news and emotion classification. This work sets a new standard for the analysis of news data, offering practical implications for the development of more effective and efficient news classification systems.
The influence of organizational commitment on employee green behavior: mediating role of work-related social media use
Authors: Bodhi Rahul , Chaturvedi Shakti , Purohit Sonal
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Employee green behavior (EGB) is a type of pro-environment behavior at the workplace strategized by organizations to attain sustainable development goals. While organizations have prioritized eco-friendly practices to attain sustainability objectives, EGB has emerged as an essential area of research. Considering the need for sustained employee green behavior, it is important to understand what stimulates such behaviors in an organization. Therefore, we propose a theoretical model grounded in social exchange theory to assess the effect of organizational commitment on employee green behavior, work-related use of social media, social well-being and psychological well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based survey approach was used to collect data from 203 employees of Indian manufacturing and service industries. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis was applied to examine the proposed hypothesis.

Findings

The results revealed positive and significant effects of organizational commitment on psychological well-being, social well-being, work-related social media use and employee green behavior. Further, psychological well-being mediates the association between work-related social media use and employee green behavior.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to examine the effect of organizational commitment on employee green behavior to the best of our knowledge. Additionally, the findings empirically establish organizational commitment, work-related social media use and psychological well-being as antecedents to employee green behavior, thus offering novel insights and theoretically contributing to the employee green behavior, well-being and organizational literature.
Investigation on the lubrication performance of different carbon nanoparticles for titanium alloy
Authors: Yang Ye , Luan Hao , Tian Yaru , Si Lina , Yan Hongjuan , Liu Fengbin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to develop a high-performance nanofluid that can be used in titanium alloys machining. Titanium alloys are difficult-to-cut materials and difficult to be lubricated. This study explored the lubrication performance of various carbon nanoparticles in water-based lubricants for titanium alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

The lubricating and antiwear properties of the developed cutting fluid were tested by a tribo-tester. The lubricant performance was evaluated through friction coefficient, wear volume and surface quality. The lubrication mechanism was analyzed through surface morphology, wettability and bonding analysis.

Findings

The lubricating performance of four kinds of carbon nanoparticles on titanium alloys was tested and the results showed that single-layer graphene had the smallest COF and wear volume. The interaction between nanoparticles and debris was an important factor that influenced the lubrication performance of nanoparticles for titanium alloy. Moreover, the hybrid nanofluid with graphene and spherical graphite in a ratio of 1:2 achieved a balance between lubricating performance and price, making it the optimal choice.

Practical implications

The developed lubricant containing carbon nanoparticles that can lubricate titanium alloys effectively has great potential in machining titanium alloy as a high-performance cutting fluid in the future.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need for water-based lubricant for titanium alloys considering the bad tribological properties.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2024-0124/
Diversity of digital media exposure, information verification and vaccination intention: an empirical study in China
Authors: Chen Hongliang , Chen Yueying , Xu Xiaowen , Atkin David
Published: August 2024

Purpose

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the public relied heavily on digital media to stay tuned for the latest update. Media preference could increase risk perceptions, although the influence of diverse media exposure remains unknown. Based on protection motivation theory, this study aims to investigate how digital media exposure diversity and information verification influence vaccination intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing survey data from 837 respondents in China, this study examined the effects of digital media exposure on information verification, including their influences on the threat appraisal, coping appraisal, vaccine misinformation beliefs, subjective norms and trust in vaccines.

Findings

Results indicate that diversity of digital media exposure increased threat appraisal (perceived severity) and coping appraisal (response efficacy and self-efficacy), while information verification increased only coping appraisal (response efficacy and self-efficacy). In addition, diversity of digital media exposure decreased vaccine misinformation beliefs. Furthermore, digital media exposure and information verification were linked to vaccination intention via the mediations of response efficacy, subjective norms and trust in vaccines.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to investigate media exposure diversity in the context of vaccination and health crises. Our findings extended the PMT framework by exploring proactive information-related behaviors as antecedents of mediation processes. In addition, we examined misinformation beliefs, social norms and trust as societal influences. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Unleashing knowledge arbitrage potential: empowering startups through knowledge management
Authors: Nawaz Rabiya , Hina Maryam , Sharma Veenu , Srivastava Shalini , Farina Briamonte Massimiliano
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Organizations increasingly use knowledge arbitrage to stimulate innovation and achieve competitive advantage. However, in knowledge management its use in startups is yet unexplored. This study aims to examine the utilization of knowledge arbitrage by startups, specifically during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed an open-ended essay methodology to explore the drivers and barriers that startups face in utilizing knowledge arbitrage. We collected data from 40 participants to understand the role of knowledge arbitrage in startups’ knowledge management practices.

Findings

This study’s findings highlight the significance of knowledge arbitrage for startups. The benefits identified include organizational benefits such as building networks, innovating new products and achieving competitive advantage and financial benefits such as cost reduction and sales growth. The study also identifies several technological and organizational drivers and barriers that startups confront during knowledge arbitrage.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on knowledge management by extending our understanding of knowledge arbitrage’s role in startups. Additionally, it sheds light on the importance of knowledge arbitrage for startups and the challenges they face, particularly in a disrupted environment reared by COVID-19. The study provides insights for the scholars and practitioners interested in effective knowledge management in startups.
How can companies handle paradoxes to enhance trust in artificial intelligence solutions? A qualitative research
Authors: Bakonyi Zoltán
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Exploring trust's impact on AI project success. Companies can't leverage AI without employee trust. While analytics features like speed and precision can build trust, they may also lower it during implementation, leading to paradoxes. This study identifies these paradoxes and proposes strategies to manage them.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a grounded theory approach based on 35 interviews with senior managers, users, and implementers of analytics solutions of large European companies.

Findings

It identifies seven paradoxes, namely, knowledge substitution, task substitution, domain expert, time, error, reference, and experience paradoxes and provides some real-life examples of managing them.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this paper include its focus on machine learning projects from the last two years, potentially overlooking longer-term trends. The study's micro-level perspective on implementation projects may limit broader insights, and the research primarily examines European contexts, potentially missing out on global perspectives. Additionally, the qualitative methodology used may limit the generalizability of findings. Finally, while the paper identifies trust paradoxes, it does not offer an exhaustive exploration of their dynamics or quantitative measurements of their strength.

Practical implications

Several tactics to tackle trust paradoxes in AI projects have been identified, including a change roadmap, data “load tests”, early expert involvement, model descriptions, piloting, plans for machine-human cooperation, learning time, and a backup system. Applying these can boost trust in AI, giving organizations an analytical edge.

Social implications

The AI-driven digital transformation is inevitable; the only question is whether we will lead, participate, or fall behind. This paper explores how organizations can adapt to technological changes and how employees can leverage AI to enhance efficiency with minimal disruption.

Originality/value

This paper offers a theoretical overview of trust in analytics and analyses over 30 interviews from real-life analytics projects, contributing to a field typically dominated by statistical or anecdotal evidence. It provides practical insights with scientific rigour derived from the interviews and the author's nearly decade-long consulting career.
Promoting inclusivity: exploring Turkish language teacher identity and cognition in special education for students with visual impairments
Authors: Cinarbas Halil Ibrahim , Daloglu Aysegul
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This case study aims to enrich research on language teacher identity and cognition by detailing the experiences of English language teachers instructing students with visual impairments in Türkiye, exploring the (re)formation of their identity and cognition within this context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach, combining interviews, observations, field notes and legal document analysis. Hiver and Al-Hoorie's (2016) Complexity Theory guides data collection and analysis, supported by MAXQDA software.

Findings

The findings highlight the influences of personal, social, cultural and educational factors on language teacher identity and cognition, with a focus on interactions in preservice education, institutional requirements and instructional methods at the School for the Blind.

Originality/value

This case study provides practical and theoretical insights into language teacher identity and cognition within special education schools, contributing to the broader discourse on diversity in this field.
An efficient steel defect detection model based on multi-scale information extraction
Authors: Xu Wenshen , Zhang Yifan , Jiang Xinhang , Lian Jun , Lin Ye
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the field of steel defect detection, the existing detection algorithms struggle to achieve a satisfactory balance between detection accuracy, computational cost and inference speed due to the interference from complex background information, the variety of defect types and significant variations in defect morphology. To solve this problem, this paper aims to propose an efficient detector based on multi-scale information extraction (MSI-YOLO), which uses YOLOv8s as the baseline model.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors introduce an efficient multi-scale convolution with different-sized convolution kernels, which enables the feature extraction network to accommodate significant variations in defect morphology. Furthermore, the authors introduce the channel prior convolutional attention mechanism, which allows the network to focus on defect areas and ignore complex background interference. Considering the lightweight design and accuracy improvement, the authors introduce a more lightweight feature fusion network (Slim-neck) to improve the fusion effect of feature maps.

Findings

MSI-YOLO achieves 79.9% mean average precision on the public data set Northeastern University (NEU)-DET, with a model size of only 19.0 MB and an frames per second of 62.5. Compared with other state-of-the-art detectors, MSI-YOLO greatly improves the recognition accuracy and has significant advantages in computational cost and inference speed. Additionally, the strong generalization ability of MSI-YOLO is verified on the collected industrial site steel data set.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an efficient steel defect detector with high accuracy, low computational cost, excellent detection speed and strong generalization ability, which is more valuable for practical applications in resource-limited industrial production.
Can niche plasticity mediate species persistence under ocean acidification?
Authors: Cipriani Vittoria , Goldenberg Silvan U. , Connell Sean D. , Ravasi Timothy , Nagelkerken Ivan
Published: August 2024

Global change stressors can modify ecological niches of species, thereby altering ecological interactions within communities and food webs. Yet, some species might take advantage of a fast‐changing environment, allowing species with high niche plasticity to thrive under climate change.

We used natural CO2 vents to test the effects of ocean acidification on niche modifications of a temperate rocky reef fish assemblage. We quantified three ecological niche traits (overlap, shift and breadth) across three key niche dimensions (trophic, habitat and behavioural).

Only one species increased its niche width along multiple niche dimensions (trophic and behavioural), shifted its niche in the remaining (habitat) was the only species to experience a highly increased density (i.e. doubling) at vents. The other three species that showed slightly increased or declining densities at vents only displayed a niche width increase in one (habitat niche) out of seven niche metrics considered. This niche modification was likely in response to habitat simplification (transition to a system dominated by turf algae) under ocean acidification.

We further showed that, at the vents, the less abundant fishes had a negligible competitive impact on the most abundant and common species. This species appeared to expand its niche space, overlapping with other species, which likely led to lower abundances of the latter under elevated CO2.

We conclude that niche plasticity across multiple dimensions could be a potential adaptation in fishes to benefit from a changing environment in a high‐CO2 world.
Relational street‐level bureaucracy: Proximity policing and the construction of trust between citizens and municipal police officers in Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico
Authors: González‐Martínez Nashellit , Peeters Rik
Published: August 2024

Various studies have provided evidence that, especially in the Global South, relational street‐level bureaucracy can play a constructive role in bridging the gap between vulnerable population groups and a distant, formal bureaucracy that often fails to guarantee citizens’ rights and factual access to public services and benefits. However, studies have also highlighted street‐level bureaucracies’ vulnerability to practices of corruption, patrimonialism, and clientelism as they engage with citizens through more informal mechanisms. In this article, we contribute to understanding which institutional conditions can promote constructive citizen‐bureaucrat interactions by presenting findings from a qualitative study on proximity policing in a densely populated suburb of Mexico City with some of the highest crime levels in the entire metropolitan area. Sustained and managerially supported implementation of proximity policing has improved citizen‐police relations and facilitated learning processes by both officers and residents, while minimizing risks of clientelism. Although this model of municipal policing is no panacea for complex security issues, it does confirm existing evidence regarding the importance of relational street‐level bureaucracy for improving citizen trust and, moreover, highlights the importance of consistent managerial and citizen involvement as enabling factors.

Points for practitioners

The traditional focus on bureaucratic control and capacities has often involuntarily ended up worsening public service provision in contexts with weak state institutions.

Relational street‐level bureaucracy can play a constructive role in bridging the gap between vulnerable population groups and a distant, formal bureaucracy.

Consistent managerial support, citizen involvement, and professional deliberation are crucial elements in mitigating the downsides of informality in street‐level interactions.
Variations in quality attributes of pulsed light‐treated table grape juice during refrigerated storage (4°C) and ambient conditions (25°C)
Authors: Basak Somnath , Parab Pooja , Chakraborty Snehasis
Published: August 2024

Pulsed light (PL) pasteurization is being explored as a substitute for the conventional thermal pasteurization of juices in recent times due to better retention of nutrients and overall quality. However, the long‐term stability of the PL‐pasteurized juice must be investigated to promote its application by the industry. The effect of PL treatment (effective fluence of 1.15 J·cm−2) and thermal treatment (90°C for 60 s) on microbial quality, enzyme activity, bioactive compounds, sensory acceptance, and color profile of table grape juice during storage at 4 and 25°C was investigated in this study. The PL pasteurization enhanced the microbial shelf‐life of the juice (<6 log10cfu·mL−1) from 5 to 35 days at 4°C. The PL and thermally‐pasteurized juice demonstrated a shelf‐life of only 10 days when stored at 25°C. The total soluble solids and titratable acidity did not alter significantly throughout the storage period. The peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and pectin methylesterase activities were below 10% for the PL and thermally‐treated beverage when stored at 4°C. The sensory acceptability of the PL‐pasteurized juice after 35 days of refrigerated storage (6.9 ± 0.3) was close to the untreated juice (7.2 ± 0.3) and greater than thermally‐treated juice (6.2 ± 0.2). After the 35th day of storage at 4°C, PL‐treated grape juice retained 55%, 12%, and 15.3% more phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, respectively, than the thermally‐pasteurized juice. Hence, PL pasteurization can effectively prolong the shelf‐life of table grape juice while achieving microbial and enzymatic stability, along with high sensory and nutritional appeal.

Practical Application

Exploring non‐thermal methods like pulsed light (PL) pasteurization as a substitute for conventional thermal methods is gaining recognition for its ability to retain nutrients and improve overall juice quality. However, the industry's adoption depends on understanding the shelf‐stability of PL‐pasteurized juice. This study specifically investigates the practical applications of PL treatment in comparison with conventional thermal treatment in enhancing microbial safety and enzymatic stability in table grape juice. The findings contribute insights into optimizing the shelf life of table grape juice and preserving its quality, supported by microbial, enzymatic, and sensory evaluations.
Prophylactic effects of supplementation of a combination of Lactobacillus lactis WHH2078 and saffron on depressive‐like behaviors in mice exposed to chronic stress
Authors: Chen Cailing , Zheng Zhiyao , Gao Kan , Fan Qiuling , Li Yanjun , Chen Su
Published: August 2024

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions worldwide, with an annual escalation in prevalence. The serotonin (5‐Hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) metabolism through the gut–brain axis has been revealed to be related to the development of depression. Our previous study demonstrated that Lactococcus lactis WHH2078 alleviated depression in mice by shaping the gut microbiome composition and 5‐HT metabolism. However, little research has explored the synergistic effects of probiotics and natural mental health‐improving products. In this study, three natural products (saffron, l‐theanine, and phosphatidylserine), either individually or in combination, were orally administrated for 4 weeks in chronic restraint stress (CRS)‐induced mice, and their depressive behaviors, hippocampal 5‐HT, and serum corticosterone were assessed. Saffron demonstrated improvement of the depressive‐like behaviors via multiple behavioral tests and reversed the declined concentration of 5‐HT and increased concentration of corticosterone. Following an initial screening, saffron was chosen to be combined with WHH2078, referred to as WHHMOOD™. Furthermore, the effects of WHHMOOD were evaluated in mice with depressive‐like behaviors. WHHMOOD reduced immobility time in the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, increased the time spent in the central area in open field test, and reduced the serum corticosterone level. Besides, WHHMOOD improved the CRS‐induced gut microbial dysbiosis by reversing gut microbial diversity and the abundances of Ligilactobacillus, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Erysipelatoclostridium. Compared to WHH2078, WHHMOOD treatment significantly increased the travel distance and hippocampal 5‐HT level in mice. In conclusion, WHHMOOD exhibited prophylactic effects on depressive‐like in CRS mice, which may act as a promising agent for improving the symptoms of depression.
Into the metabolic wild: Unveiling hidden pathways of microbial metabolism
Authors: Ata Özge , Mattanovich Diethard
Published: August 2024

Microbial metabolism has been deeply studied over decades and it is considered to be understood to a great extent. Annotated genome sequences of many microbial species have contributed a lot to generating biochemical knowledge on metabolism. However, researchers still discover novel pathways, unforeseen reactions or unexpected metabolites which contradict to the expected canon of biochemical reactions in living organisms. Here, we highlight a few examples of such non‐canonical pathways, how they were found, and what their importance in microbial biotechnology may be. The predictive power of metabolic modelling, well‐founded on biochemical knowledge and genomic information is discussed in the light of both discovery of yet unknown existing metabolic routes and the prediction of others, new to Nature.
β‐Hydroxybutyrate enhances chondrocyte mitophagy and reduces cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis via the HCAR2/AMPK/PINK1/Parkin pathway
Authors: Zhuang Huangming , Ren Xunshan , Zhang Yuelong , Li Huajie , Zhou Panghu
Published: August 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is widely recognized as the prevailing joint disease associated with aging. The ketogenic diet (KD) has been postulated to impede the advancement of various inflammatory ailments. β‐Hydroxybutyrate (βOHB), a prominent constituent of ketone bodies, has recently been proposed to possess crucial signaling capabilities. In this study, we propose to explore the role and mechanism of βOHB in OA. Tissue staining and inflammatory factor assay were employed to evaluate the impacts of KD and βOHB on OA rats. The oxidative stress conditions in chondrocytes were induced using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). The mechanisms were determined using the siRNA of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2), the antagonist of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the inhibitor of mitophagy. The administration of KD demonstrated a reduction in pathological damage to cartilage, as well as a decrease in plasma levels of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, it resulted in an increase in the concentration of βOHB in the blood and synovial fluid. In vitro experiments showed that βOHB facilitated mitophagy and adenosine triphosphate production. Besides, βOHB mitigated chondrocyte senescence, inflammatory factors secretion, extracellular matrix degradation, and apoptosis induced by TBHP. Subsequent investigations indicated that the protective effects of βOHB were no longer observed following the knockdown of HCAR2, the antagonist of AMPK, or the inhibitor of mitophagy. Moreover, in vivo studies suggested that βOHB played a protective role by targeting the HCAR2‐AMPK‐PINK1 axis. In conclusion, βOHB enhanced chondrocyte mitophagy through the HCAR2/AMPK/PINK1/Parkin pathway, offering a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of OA.
B cell senescence promotes age‐related changes in oral microbiota
Authors: Mizuno Hiroya , Kawamoto Shimpei , Uemura Ken , Park Jeong Hoon , Hori Nozomi , Okumura Yumiko , Konishi Yusuke , Hara Eiji
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been increasing attention towards understanding the relationship between age‐related alterations in the oral microbiota and age‐associated diseases, with reports emphasizing the significance of maintaining a balanced oral microbiota for host health. However, the precise mechanisms underlying age‐related changes in the oral microbiota remain elusive. We recently reported that cellular senescence of ileal germinal center (GC) B cells, triggered by the persistent presence of commensal bacteria, results in diminished IgA production with aging and subsequent alterations in the gut microbiota. Consequently, we hypothesize that a similar phenomenon may occur in the oral cavity, potentially contributing to age‐related changes in the oral microbiota. Examination of p16‐luc mice, wherein the expression of the senescent cell marker p16INK4a can be visualized, raised under specific pathogen‐free (SPF) or germ‐free (GF) conditions, indicated that, unlike ileal GC B cells, the accumulation of senescent cells in GC B cells of cervical lymph nodes increases with age regardless of the presence of commensal bacteria. Furthermore, longitudinal studies utilizing the same individual mice throughout their lifespan revealed concurrent age‐related alterations in the composition of the oral microbiota and a decline in salivary IgA secretion. Further investigation involving Rag1−/− mice transplanted with B cells from wild‐type or p16INK4a and p21Waf1/Cip1 ‐double knockout mice unveiled that B cell senescence leads to reduced IgA secretion and alteration of the oral microbiota. These findings advance our understanding of the mechanism of age‐associated changes in the oral microbiota and open up possibilities of their control.
The relationship between blinding integrity and medication efficacy in randomised‐controlled trials in patients with anxiety disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haq Ruqayyah , Molteni Laura , Huneke Nathan T. M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Blinding is thought to minimise expectancy effects and biases in double‐blind randomised‐controlled trials (RCTs). However, whether blinding integrity should be assessed and reported remains debated. Furthermore, it is unknown whether blinding failure influences the outcome of RCTs in anxiety disorders. We carried out a systematic review to understand whether blinding integrity is assessed and reported in anxiolytic RCTs. A secondary aim was to explore whether blinding integrity is associated with treatment efficacy.

Method

Our protocol was pre‐registered (PROSPERO CRD42022328750). We searched electronic databases for placebo‐controlled, randomised trials of medication in adults with generalised and social anxiety disorders, and in panic disorder, from 1980. We extracted data regarding blinding integrity and treatment efficacy. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Where possible, we subsequently calculated Bang's Blinding Index, and assessed the association between blinding integrity and treatment effect size.

Results

Of the 247 RCTs that met inclusion criteria, we were able to obtain assessments of blinding integrity from nine (3.64%). Overall, blinding failed in five of these trials (55.56%), but blinding was intact in 80% of placebo arms. We found a significant association between reduced blinding integrity among assessors and increased treatment effect size (betas < −1.30, p's < 0.001), but this analysis involved only four studies of which two were outlying studies. In patients, we saw a non‐significant trend where reduced blinding integrity in the placebo groups was associated with increased treatment efficacy, which was not present in active medication arms. [Correction added on 19 August 2024, after first online publication: Results of the RCTs and its assessment of blinding integrity have been updated.]

Conclusion

Consistent with work in other psychiatric disorders, blinding integrity is rarely reported in anxiolytic RCTs. Where it is reported, blinding appears to often fail. We found signals that suggest unblinding of clinician assessors (driven by two studies with complete unblinding), and of patients in placebo arms, might be associated with larger treatment effect sizes. We recommend that data regarding blinding integrity, along with the reasons patients and assessors offer for their beliefs regarding group allocation, are systematically collected in RCTs of anxiolytic treatment.
Naming the abyss: The symbolic politics of the oceanic toponymic frontier
Authors: Basik Sergei
Published: August 2024

With the recent, constantly growing interest in the critical geography of the oceans and critical toponymy, there is still plenty of space for theoretical, methodological and practical interconnections between these emerging subfields. Despite some sporadic examples of critical analysis of the names of the islands and seas, the ocean floor and the open ocean remain unexplored spaces in critical toponymic investigations. This paper aims to fill this gap by introducing the concept of the toponymic frontier, focusing on the spatial‐political dimension of the names of the natural submarine features (bathyonyms). Drawing on critical toponymy and critical geography of the oceans' theoretical literature and using the empirical database of more than 5000 bathyonyms and the secondary resources represented by the international media, official reports and governmental websites, this paper develops a base for a conceptual framework for analysing the marine place names as (geo)politically and political‐economically motivated symbolic elements of the oceanic voluminous realm. Finally, the paper paves the way for future debates related to the politics of place naming in the contested spaces of the hydrosphere and the generation of reinvigorated productive insights in critical toponymic studies.
Benchmarking pharmacogenomics genotyping tools: Performance analysis on short‐read sequencing samples and depth‐dependent evaluation
Authors: Halman Andreas , Lunke Sebastian , Sadedin Simon , Moore Claire , Conyers Rachel
Published: August 2024

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) investigates the influence of genetics on drug responses, enabling tailored treatments for personalized healthcare. This study assessed the accuracy of genotyping six genes using whole genome sequencing with four different computational tools and various sequencing depths. The effects of using different reference genomes (GRCh38 and GRCh37) and sequence aligners (BWA‐MEM and Bowtie2) were also explored. The results showed generally minor variations in tool performance across most genes; however, more notable discrepancies were observed in the analysis of the complex CYP2D6 gene. Cyrius, a CYP2D6‐specific tool, demonstrated the most robust performance, achieving the highest concordance rates for CYP2D6 in all instances, comparable to the consensus approach in most cases. There were rather small differences between the samples with 20× coverage depth and those with higher depth, but the decreased performance was more evident at lower depths, particularly at 5×. Additionally, variations in CYP2D6 results were observed when samples were aligned to different reference genomes using the same method, or to the same genome using different aligners, which led to reporting incorrect rare star alleles in several cases. These findings inform the selection of optimal PGx tools and methodologies as well as suggest that employing a consensus approach with two or more tools might be preferable for certain genes and tool combinations, especially at lower sequencing depths, to ensure accurate results. Additionally, we show how the upstream alignment can affect the performance of tools, an important factor to take into account.
Widespread purplish‐red plaques with plasma cell infiltrate: A rare type of lichen planus
Authors: Cheung Szeman , Zheng Jie , Zhao Xiaoqing
Published: August 2024

Diseases in which cutaneous plasma cell infiltrates predominate are rare and usually of unknown etiology, including those that transition from benign to malignant, such as cutaneous plasmacytosis, multicentric Castleman disease, and extramedullary plasmacytoma. These diseases may present as purplish, reddish‐brown cutaneous plaques or nodules. Here, we report an exceptional case of lichen planus (LP) in which the patient had classic histopathological features, but the infiltrating inflammatory cells were plasma cells with restricted light chain expression. The patient presented with severe rashes, including purplish‐red plaques and nodules, erythema, and erosions in the palmoplantar area, verrucous hyperplasia of the oral mucosa, and anonychia of the toes. These findings suggest a possible role of plasma cells with restricted light chain expression in the LP. Clinicians should closely follow patients for changes in their rash, perform repeat biopsies if necessary, and regularly conduct multisystemic evaluations.
Socioeconomic development and the evolution of workplace values in contemporary Poland
Authors: Woldu Habte G. , Skuza Agnieszka , Budhwar Pawan
Published: August 2024

This study, using a standardized cultural perspective survey, examines the link between economic transformation and workplace value changes in contemporary Poland. The study surveyed a sample of 870 employees from diverse organizations in major Polish cities. The data were collected during three significant transformational phases: 1995–1999, 2005–2009, and 2015–2019. The findings reveal that post‐transition Polish employees, compared with their early‐transition and late‐transition counterparts, demonstrate higher traits of egalitarianism, less bias towards fellow human beings, and higher self‐reliant behavior in the workplace. This finding is much more robust when controlling for age, in which younger employees, compared with older ones, demonstrate significantly higher traits in the above‐mentioned patterns. The study contributes to management science by enhancing our understanding of the relationship between socioeconomic transformation and value evolution.
Efficiency and safety of high‐dose undiluted intravenous push levetiracetam loading doses compared to intravenous infusion in seizing patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Koons Madison , Koehl Jennifer , Johnson Riley , Rosenthal Eric S. , Webb Andrew J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Intravenous (IV) push (IVP) is an alternative administration method for levetiracetam, but evidence evaluating it compared to IV piggyback (IVPB) for loading doses in acutely seizing patients is limited, particularly in patients with status epilepticus (SE). This study aimed to compare the efficiency and safety of IVP versus IVPB levetiracetam loading doses.

Methods

This was a single‐center sequential retrospective study conducted in adult (≥18 years) patients who received an IV levetiracetam loading dose (>2000 mg or ≥20 mg/kg) for acute or suspected seizure. The primary outcome was time to administration, compared between doses given as IVP versus IVPB. Secondary outcomes included rates of adverse events (AEs), rescue benzodiazepine or antiseizure medication administration, intubation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission between groups.

Results

A total of 246 patients were included; 116 received IVP and 130 received IVPB loading doses. Median age was 56 years; most patients were male (62%) and White (60%) and had witnessed seizures (67%). Doses were administered for SE in 32 (27.5%) and 46 (35.4%) patients in the IVP and IVPB arms, respectively. Median time to administration was shorter in the IVP group (12 vs. 38 min, p < .001). Bradycardia (1.7% vs. 2.3%, p = .99), hypotension (7.8% vs. 12%, p = .30), sedation (6% vs. 12.3%, p = .09), intubation (10% vs. 8%, p = .37), ICU admission (32% vs. 39%, p = .31), and rescue medication administration (8.6% vs. 14.6% p = .10) were similar between groups. In SE patients, IVP was associated with shorter time to administration (12 vs. 44 min, p = .003) and lower odds of ICU admission after adjustment for age, dose, Status Epilepticus Severity Score, and seizure history (adjusted odds ratio = .23, 95% confidence interval = .06–.81).

Significance

IVP reduced time to levetiracetam administration versus IVPB and was not associated with more AEs. Rescue agent use, intubation, and ICU admission were similar between arms, but IVP may reduce ICU admissions in SE patients. Prospective studies should assess the effectiveness of IVP versus IVPB.
First data on the occurrence and population dynamics of the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Greece
Authors: Lytra Ioanna , Evangelou Vasiliki , Antonatos Spyridon , Georgopoulou Iro , Tselou Evangellia , Dimopoulou Danai , Arampatzis Christos , Milonas Panagiotis , Papachristos Dimitrios P.
Published: August 2024

Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly known as the fall armyworm, is one of the most serious pests of a wide range of plants including maize, soybean, cotton and rice. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the American continent and is considered as a quarantine pest for the European Union. Official surveys for the early detection of quarantine pests are performed annually in Greece. In the framework of that survey program, a network of pheromone traps for S. frugiperda has been established since 2019. From 2019 until 2022 no individuals of the pest were found in the traps. However, in autumn of 2023 the pest was first recorded in Greece. Male adults of the species were captured in those traps in seven regional units of south and central parts of Greece from September to December 2023. All the traps in which the pest was caught were placed in fields with Solanaceae plants, mainly tomatoes and eggplants. Moreover, larvae of the pest were also recorded in maize and tomato fields in Crete. From the collected data available it seems that the first adults caught in September most likely migrated to Greece from countries elsewhere in the region.
Role of grain size and anisotropy of neighboring grains in hydrogen‐assisted intergranular fatigue crack initiation in austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Arora Aman , Singh Mohit , Nair Varun , Singh Harpreet , Mahajan Dhiraj K.
Published: August 2024

This study explores the impact of microstructural features on fatigue crack initiation in poly‐crystalline materials, emphasizing hydrogen‐induced complexities. Grain anisotropy, misorientations, grain size variations, and elastic–plastic inhomogeneities concentrate stress at grain boundaries, making them susceptible to crack initiation during fatigue loading. The presence of hydrogen compounds this process, due to complications of characterization of local hydrogen content and activating embrittling mechanisms. Building upon a model for nickel, this research investigates 316L austenitic stainless steel specimens with varying grain sizes, both uncharged and hydrogen‐charged. In situ low‐cycle fatigue loading experiments establish correlations between fatigue crack initiation and microstructural features. The study reveals specific combinations of features crucial in the initiation process, undergoing alterations in the presence of hydrogen. A proposed qualitative model links microstructural features with accumulated plastic shear strain during fatigue and prevalent hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms like hydrogen‐enhanced local plasticity and hydrogen‐enhanced decohesion.
“You are filthy, cursed, and impious”: A story of stigmatization by the loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Sultana Rani Musawwer , Manzoor Humera
Published: August 2024

Through writing differently, this article aims to give in‐depth insights into the intimate and painful experiences of stigmatization during the coronavirus pandemic. It reveals the extent to which the social stigma attached to coronavirus has proliferated “otherness” even among the family members. The coronavirus was linked to filthiness, impiety, and a curse, which led to heart wrenching gossips, social rejections, and exclusions both within the family and beyond. This study contributes to our cultural understanding of social stigma associated with the coronavirus, the “otherness” it has created among the family, and the way it has affected one's psychological health and wellbeing through alternative writing.
Assessment practices in full‐degree EMI programmes in Japan
Authors: Ruegg Rachael , Yphantides Jennifer
Published: August 2024

Although an increasing amount of research has focussed on the relationship between student language proficiency and English‐medium instruction (EMI) programme outcomes, there has been little focus on the broader assessment of progress and learning within EMI programmes, especially in Asia. The purpose of this study was to determine the kinds of programme assessments used throughout all stages of full‐degree EMI programmes in Japan. Our inquiry examined the benchmarks currently in place to measure content knowledge, language proficiency and academic skills competence in undergraduate EMI programmes. Data were collected from 13 universities in Japan with well‐established EMI degree programmes. In this paper, our findings are explored primarily in a qualitative and holistic manner, weaving the results of our survey together with the extant literature on the topic and our lived experiences as teachers in EMI programmes in Japan. Embedded in this conversation are evidence‐based suggestions for improved practice in EMI programmes in Japan.
Hatching asynchrony as a reproductive strategy in birds may explain the hatching failure of the last eggs of the clutch
Authors: Fuertes‐Recuero Manuel , Baldan Davide , Cantarero Alejandro
Published: August 2024

Hatching failure, due to infertility or embryo mortality, is an important factor contributing to reduced reproductive success in birds. Although hatching failure and its possible causes have been widely investigated, the stage of development at which embryo death occurs and its association with laying order have rarely been studied. The relative size of eggs laid in different positions within the laying order is a key factor that can lead to different parental reproductive strategies, such as hatching asynchrony. Here we investigate hatching failure in relation to laying order by establishing the developmental stage of dead embryos found in unhatched European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca eggs and considering possible causes of failure. We found that variation in egg dimensions showed a quadratic relationship with laying order, with relatively large volumes and sizes in the first and last positions of the clutch. Egg position in the laying sequence was also related to hatching failure, with the first and last positions being more susceptible to failure. The death of embryos late in development was more likely for eggs laid later in the sequence. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that females may be adaptively allocating more resources to last‐laid eggs to avoid competitive disadvantages between siblings, a strategy that seems to fail becasue these eggs suffer greater embryo mortality.