bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating stormy waters: a middle power perspective
Authors: Fried Jonathan T
Published: June 2024

Structural shifts in patterns of international production, trade, and investment have been spurred by the globalization of supply chains. Today, however, a range of factors, including wars and sanctions, the increasing divide between Western and Chinese approaches to the economy, the increasing links between economic security and national security, and between trade and environmental regulation, are contributing to the fragmentation of international economic frameworks and growing populist and protectionist sentiment. Competition for advantage through industrial subsidies and the setting of digital and environmental standards risks enshrining a less-than-global economic order. In many fields, however, multilateral cooperation, rulemaking, and enforcement in serving shared objectives, in various international organizations, multi-stakeholder forums, and by the private sector, continues to function well. In this ever-more complex international context, where clubs, coalitions, and informal networks among nations are increasingly prevalent, middle powers are wise to remain both agile and resolute in ensuring that national interests are advanced through smart diplomacy, encompassing working with like-minded in caucuses and informal settings that serve to build broader consensus, engaging business and other stakeholders at home and abroad in support. Canada’s experience and current efforts provide a constructive example for middle powers.
Post-neoliberal globalization: international trade rules for global prosperity
Authors: Guzman Martin , Stiglitz Joseph E
Published: June 2024

This paper analyses frameworks for the design of the rules for international trading, assuming that it is possible to have some rule of law. In the Arrow–Debreu benchmark, where there is no economic power and political power is seemingly irrelevant, there is no need for trade agreements—free trade is the optimal policy for each country. But under even minimal deviations from that benchmark, trade agreements matter. We focus on environments in which there are market failures, technology is endogenous, and there is political power. Power dynamics play, for instance, a critical role in the design, implementation, and enforcement of agreements, with the latter being a critical difference between international agreements and domestic contracts and a key determinant of the feasibility and consequences of agreements. With endogenous technology, trade rules proscribing industrial policies may lead to lower growth and greater cross-country inequalities. Finally, we develop a normative framework which may be useful in the design and implementation of trade rules.
A review of crime trends in Hong Kong during COVID-19: Empirical analysis based on ARIMA model
Authors: Gao Yifan
Published: June 2024

This study uses the crime dynamics in Hong Kong as the research object and builds an autoregressive integrated moving average model to compare the expected crime rates of common criminal activities with the observed crime rates in order to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on criminal activities in detail. Findings reveal distinct patterns in crime rates, with significant decreases observed in serious assault, burglary, and theft from vehicles, alongside increases in fraud-related crimes and incidents of child abuse. These trends underscore the relationship between changes in routine activities, availability of potential targets, and negative emotions experienced by individuals during the pandemic. The study highlights the importance of considering both Routine Activities Theory and General Strain Theory when analysing the multifaceted impacts of societal changes on crime dynamics. The findings offer valuable implications for researchers, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies in understanding changes of criminal behaviours and developing proactive strategies for crime prevention, and promoting societal well-being in the post-pandemic era.
Potentialist set theory and the nominalist’s dilemma
Authors: Berry Sharon
Published: June 2024

Mathematicalnominalists have argued that we can reformulate scientific theories without quantifying over mathematical objects.However, worries about the nature and meaningfulness of these nominalistic reformulations have been raised, like Burgess and Rosen’s dilemma. In this paper, I’ll review (what I take to be) a kind of emerging consensus response to this dilemma: appeal to the idea of different levels of analysis and explanation, with philosophy providing an extra layer of analysis “below” physics, much as physics does below chemistry. I’ll argue that one can address certain lingering worries for this approach by appeal to the apparent usefulness of a distinction between foundational and non-foundational contexts within mathematics and certain (admittedly controversial) arguments for Potentialism about set theory.
Various investigations of ameliorative role of Ashwagandha seeds (Withania somnifera) against amoxicillin toxicity
Authors: Elnasharty Mohamed M M , Elwan Azhar M , Elhadidy Mohamed E , Mohamed Mona A , Abd El-Rahim Abeer H , Hafiz Naglaa A , Abd-El-Moneim Omaima M , Abd El-Aziz Kamilia B , Abdalla Aboelfetoh M , Farag Ibrahim M
Published: June 2024

Several studies showed the adverse effects of amoxicillin on various body organs. So, this research has been designed to evaluate the modulatory role of Ashwagandha seed extract (ASE) against amoxicillin (AM) toxicity. Rats treated with AM (90 mg/kg), protected by ASE doses (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg), and treated by ASE at the same three doses. At the end of the experimental period, DNA comet assay, cytogenetic examinations, sperm-shape analysis, evaluation of the malondialdehyde (MDA) percentages, histopathological examinations, and biophysical tests (modulus, relaxation time, permittivity, entropy, and internal energy change of brain) were documented. The results confirmed that AM treatment induced significant elevation of DNA damage, cytogenetic aberrations, and MDA content in brain, liver, and testis tissues and sperm-shape anomalies. ASE treatment significantly minimized the genetic changes, sperm-shape anomalies, and MDA generation. These enhancements were more pronounced by protective ASE and increased by increasing the dose level. In histopathological examinations, AM treatment caused neurotoxicity in brain tissue. ASE treatment, partially, minimized these damages and the positive effects of therapeutic ASE were more noticeable. Biophysical parameters showed that therapeutic ASE was better for relaxation time, permittivity, and free energy change. Protective and therapeutic ASE were able to recover entropy and internal energy changes in variant degrees.
Critical Realism in Symptom Science – A Scoping Review
Authors: Mathew Asha , Akpotu Ivy C. , Lockwood Mark B. , Tirkey Amit Jiwan , Patil Crystal L. , Doorenbos Ardith Z.
Published: June 2024

There has been an increasing interest in research positioned within critical realism (CR). This analysis aimed to determine how CR has been applied in symptom science through a scoping review of the literature. Fifty-two articles were identified through searches in seven databases and search engines, and grey literature. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed using Excel and ATLAS.ti 8.0. Review findings indicate that CR has been used to examine two key aspects of symptoms – symptom experiences and symptom interventions. The details of how CR was operationalized are presented. This first scoping review highlights how a critical realist lens would help examine individual and contextual factors that influence symptom experiences, response to interventions, and outcomes.
The efficacy and safety of ureteroscopic lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopy with continuous anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: A multicenter retrospective real-world study
Authors: Xu Zijie , He Chujiang , Cao Jianwei , Wu Jianhong , Wang Dawei , Da Jun , Xu Dongliang , Tan Mingyue , Gao Xiaofeng , Peng Yonghan , Chen Jie , Chen Rong , Wu Pengfei , Jiang Juntao , Chen Lei , Xia Shujie , Shao Yi
Published: June 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of ureteroscopic lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for treating patients on anticoagulant (AC) or antiplatelet (AP) medications.

Patients and Methods

The study included 213 patients with urinary stones who underwent ureteroscopic lithotripsy or fURS between January 2019 and October 2022 at the Shanghai Municipal Hospital Urology Specialist Alliance. Among these patients, 15 received AC therapy, 193 received AP therapy, and 5 received both AC and AP therapy. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the real-world management of antithrombotic drugs: the continuation group (n = 62), the discontinuation group (n = 91), and the discontinuation and bridge heparin group (n = 60). Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared among the 3 groups.

Results

Age, sex, body mass index, stone location, stone size, stone side, and residual fragments were not different among the groups. None of the patients received blood transfusions or had thromboembolic events, emergencies for gross hematuria, significant bleeding-related complications, or unplanned secondary ureteroscopic surgery. The mean duration of hospital stay of the continuation group (3.97 days) was significantly lower than that of the discontinuation group (5.99 days) and the discontinuation and bridge heparin group (5.75 days) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Ureteroscopic lithotripsy and fURS can be performed safely and effectively in patients on AC or AP drugs, resulting in reduced duration of hospital stay.
Quantification of Efavirenz Hydroxymetabolites in Human Plasma Using LC-HRMS/MS
Authors: Pettersson Bergstrand Madeleine , Soeria-Atmadja Sandra , Barclay Victoria , Tolic Jelena , Navér Lars , Gustafsson Lars L. , Pohanka Anton
Published: June 2024

Background:

Efavirenz (EFV) is a drug used to treat HIV. Low plasma concentrations of EFV result in suboptimal viral suppression, whereas high concentrations can cause adverse neuropsychiatric side reactions. Some studies have identified a correlation between the plasma concentrations of EFV metabolites and neurotoxicity. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the metabolism of EFV in young children and its effect on treatment outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for quantifying EFV and its metabolites in human plasma derived from children.

Methods:

Sample preparation was performed using protein precipitation of 100 µL plasma. Thereafter, an aliquot of the supernatant was used to quantify EFV, 7-hydroxyefavirenz (7-OH-EFV), 8-hydroxyefavirenz (8-OH-EFV), and a newly discovered metabolite (“EFAdeg”) associated with 8-OH-EFV. A second aliquot of the supernatant was hydrolyzed using β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase and used with the first aliquot to quantify phase II metabolites. The analyses were performed using a Dionex Ultimate 3000RS LC-system coupled with a Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Results:

The method has a measuring range of 100–50,000 ng/mL (EFV, 8-OH-EFV), 125–25,000 ng/mL (7-OH-EFV), and 200–10,000 ng/mL (“EFAdeg”). All criteria of the European Medicines Agency guidelines regarding precision, accuracy, and selectivity were met. Of note, carryover must be considered for 8-OH-EFV. Overall, the validated method was successfully applied to plasma samples obtained from children and confirmed the presence of the newly discovered metabolite, “EFAdeg.”

Conclusions:

An LC-HRMS/MS method for the quantification of EFV and its phase I and II metabolites was developed and validated. This method is suitable for analyzing plasma samples from children. Furthermore, studies using this method identified an additional metabolite that may influence the concentration of 8-OH-EFV in patient samples.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Vestibulectomy for the Treatment of Vulvodynia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Coryn Nele , Vergauwe Bart , Weyers Steven , Verstraelen Hans
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and complication rate of vestibulectomy for vulvodynia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study in a teaching and university hospital analyzing patients with vulvodynia with insufficient response to conservative treatment who underwent a vestibulectomy. Data from 114 consecutive vestibulectomy procedures done between September 2009 and October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon.

The primary outcome was difference in pain scale (6-point Q-tip test, Nociceptive Rating Scale) between preoperative consultation, postoperative visit, and last follow-up consultation. The secondary outcome was surgical complications, such as wound dehiscence and hematoma.

Results

Complete data were available for 80 patients. There was a significant reduction in median pain scores of between 65% and 80% on all 6 evaluated vestibular points during Q-tip tests. The median follow-up was 21 months, ranging from 1 to 92 months (interquartile range [IQR]). Overall, 75% of patients needed no further treatment at the end of the follow-up period. In 22.6% (18/80), a limited wound dehiscence was noted. No other complications were reported nor were there any cases of worsening of the complaints.

Conclusion/Discussion

In this retrospective cohort study, a significant pain reduction occurred after vestibulectomy in patients who were not responding to conservative treatment. The complication rate of this surgical procedure is low. Vestibulectomy seems to be an effective technique for management of vulvodynia.
Prevalence of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus by Race and Ethnicity in Illinois, 2018 to 2020
Authors: Reed Tiffany , Patil Crystal , Kershaw Kiarri N. , Crooks Natasha , Jeremiah Rohan , Park Chang
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

Use administrative discharge data from 2018 to 2020 to determine if there are differences in the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by race and ethnicity in Illinois.

Study Design and Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study used administrative discharge records from all patients who had live births in Illinois over a 3-year period; 2018, 2019, 2020. Multivariate analyses were performed to control for covariates and determine if associations vary by race and ethnicity for HDP and GDM.

Results:

A total of 287,250 discharge records were included. Multivariate analyses showed that after adjusting for covariates, non-Hispanic Black women had 1.60 increased odds of HDP compared to non-Hispanic White women (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.55-1.65). Hispanic women (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.40-1.50), Asian/Pacific Islander women (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.97-2.17), and American Indian/Alaska Native women (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.17-1.74) had an increased odds of GDM compared to non-Hispanic White women.

Clinical Implications:

Women of color were at increased odds for HDP and GDM in Illinois. To eliminate poor maternal outcomes in women of color at risk for HDP and GDM, more culturally congruent health equity practices, policies, and comprehensive care interventions must be adopted.
Expanding Integrated Physiatric Care
Authors: Fortin Christian D. , Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: June 2024

Siloed and episodic care delivery is often not equitable, high quality, or sustainable. Transitioning from separate care settings, with potentially divergent care models, to an integrated care model is not always straightforward. Some experiences in expanding collaborative care between physiatrists and other healthcare providers for a variety of patient populations and care settings within a university physical medicine and rehabilitation division are shared as a means to inspire the uptake of care integration initiatives more broadly within the specialty. After an initial survey of care integration across multiple clinical sites, the university division highlighted successful integrated care models, discussed integrated care models at every divisional retreat, reached out to clinicians in other specialties to collaboratively explore expansion, developed a “one-pager” on what physiatrists do, and invited collaborative specialists from integrated clinics to physical medicine and rehabilitation national and/or international meetings. Since 2019, divisional activity in integrated care has grown and evolved substantially. Future work will focus on further expansion of integrated clinical care, scholarly evaluation of integrated care models, expansion of academic activity resulting from integration, and advocacy to healthcare providers, hospital administrators, and health system funders about the potential value of care integration in improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Nut-cracking success and efficiency in two wild capuchin monkey populations
Authors: Falótico Tiago , Macedo Amanda C. , de Jesus Matheus A. , Espinola Tatiana , Valença Tatiane
Published: June 2024

Capuchins can employ several strategies to deal with environmental challenges, such as using stone tools to access encapsulated resources. Nut-cracking is customary in several capuchin populations and can be affected by ecological and cultural factors; however, data on success and efficiency are only known for two wild populations. In this work, using camera traps, we assessed palm nut-cracking success and efficiency in two newly studied wild bearded capuchin populations (
Sapajus libidinosus
) and compared them with other sites. We tested the hypothesis that the overall success and efficiency of nut-cracking would be similar between sites when processing similar resources, finding partial support for it. Although using hammerstones of different sizes, capuchins had a similar success frequency. However, efficiency (number of strikes to crack a nut) was different, with one population being more efficient. We also tested whether success and efficiency varied between sexes in adults. We predict adult males would be more successful and efficient when cracking hard nuts. We found no differences between the sexes in one site but found sex differences in the other, although also for the low-resistant nut, which was unexpected. Our data add to the knowledge of capuchin nut-cracking behaviour flexibility, variance and potential cultural traits.
INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Wu AW , Trigg K , Zhang A , Alexander GC , Haut ER , Rock C , McDonald KM , Padula WV , Fisseha S , Duncan R , Black J , Newman-Toker DE , Papieva I , Dhingra N , Wilson R
Published: June 2024

Objective

To summarize the literature on health care interventions to reduce harm to patients caused by the COVID-19 pandemic across six domains: medication errors, diagnostic errors, surgical errors, health care-associated infections, pressure injuries, and falls.

Methods

We performed a mixed methods systematic review, with the intention to present results narratively. We combined parallel searches and experiential evidence across each domain of interest. We included studies published between 11 March 2020 and 28 August 2023 that reported an intervention in response to an identified patient safety issue. We identified 13,019 unique articles across the six domains. Of these, 590 full texts were assessed for eligibility. Seven were included for the medication safety domain; seven for diagnostic safety; 32 for surgical safety; 11 for health care-associated infections; six for the pressure injuries; and two for falls (Annex C). Overall, a total of 61 unique articles were included – four articles were represented across more than one domain.

Findings

There were few rigorous evaluations of specific interventions to reduce patient harm caused by the pandemic. Adjustments in treatments, triage, and procedures, and use of risk stratification tools reduced delays and permitted more elective surgery and diagnostic testing to proceed, improvements in medication safety practices, and prevention of health care-associated infections. Publications emphasized the importance of implementing existing practices and following the latest guidelines to prevent health care-associated infections, medication errors, pressure injuries and falls.

Conclusion

There is little research on interventions to reduce patient harm caused in health care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions focused on preventing nosocomial transmission of COVID-19, and on permitting access to urgent surgical and diagnostic needs. A few studies tested strategies to reduce new risks imposed by the pandemic for medication errors, health care-associated infections, pressure injuries, and falls. They also urged extra efforts to implement existing practices and following the latest guidelines already known to be effective. Development of high-reliability health systems and health care organizations to protect patients and health workers from harm, will be essential to mitigating the impact of future pandemics within the objectives of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030.
Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in major depressive disorder: enhanced network synchronization with active relative to sham and deep learning-based predictors of remission
Authors: Xiao Wenyi , Moncy Jijomon C. , Woodham Rachel D. , Selvaraj Sudhakar , Lajmi Nahed , Hobday Harriet , Sheehan Gabrielle , Ghazi-Noori Ali-Reza , Lagerberg Peter J. , Machado-Vieira Rodrigo , Soares Jair C. , Young Allan H. , Fu Cynthia H.Y.
Published: June 2024

Aim

To investigate neural oscillatory networks in major depressive disorder (MDD), effects of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment, and potential predictors of treatment remission.

Methods

In a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of home-based tDCS treatment, EEG data were acquired a subset: 21 MDD participants (16 women) (mean age 36.63 ± 9.71 years) in current depressive episode of moderate to severe severity (mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score 18.42 ± 1.80). Participants were randomised to either active (n=11) or sham tDCS (n=8). Treatment was home-based tDCS treatment for 10 weeks in a bifrontal montage (anode over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) consisting of 5 sessions per week for 3 weeks and 3 sessions per week for 7 weeks. Active tDCS was 2mA and sham tDCS 0mA with brief ramp up and ramp down period to mimic active stimulation. Each session was 30 minutes. Clinical remission was defined as HAMD score ≤ 7. Resting-state EEG data were acquired at baseline, prior to the start of treatment, and at 10-week end of treatment. EEG data were acquired using portable 4-channel EEG device (electrode positions: AF7, AF8, TP9, TP10). EEG band power was extracted for each electrode and functional connectivity phase synchronization by phase locking value (PLV). Deep learning was applied to baseline PLV features to identify predictors of treatment remission.

Results

Main effect of group was observed in gamma PLV in frontal and temporal regions, in which active tDCS treatment group showed higher connectivity as compared to sham group. In active treatment group, significant positive correlations between changes in delta, theta, alpha, and beta PLV and improvement in depression severity were observed. The highest treatment remission prediction was achieved by combining PLV features from theta, alpha, and beta: accuracy 71.94% (sensitivity 52.88%, specificity 83.06%).

Conclusions

Synchronized brain activity across large-scale networks as reflected in gamma PLV is a potential mechanism of active tDCS as compared to placebo-sham tDCS. Baseline resting-state EEG is a potential predictor of treatment remission. Home-based EEG measures are feasible and potentially useful predictors of clinical outcome.
Four-color single-molecule imaging system for tracking GPCR dynamics with fluorescent HiBiT peptide
Authors: Yoda Toshiki , Sako Yasushi , Inoue Asuka , Yanagawa Masataka
Published: June 2024

Single-molecule imaging provides information on diffusion dynamics, oligomerization, and protein-protein interactions in living cells. To simultaneously monitor different types of proteins at the single-molecule level, orthogonal fluorescent labeling methods with different photostable dyes are required. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), a major class of drug targets, are prototypical membrane receptors that have been studied using single-molecule imaging techniques. Here we developed a method for labeling cell-surface GPCRs inspired by the HiBiT system, which utilizes the high affinity complementation between LgBiT and HiBiT fragments of the NanoLuc luciferase. We synthesized four fluorescence-labeled HiBiT peptides (F-FiBiTs) with a different color dye (Setau-488, TMR, SaraFluor 650 and SaraFluor 720). We constructed a multicolor total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy system that allows us to track four color dyes simultaneously. As a proof-of-concept experiment, we labeled an N-terminally LgBiT-fused GPCR (Lg-GPCR) with a mixture of the four F-FiBiTs and successfully tracked each dye within a cell at the single molecule level. The F-FiBiT-labeled Lg-GPCRs showed agonist-dependent changes in the diffusion dynamics and accumulation into the clathrin-coated pits as observed with a conventional method using a C-terminally HaloTag-fused GPCR. Taking advantage of luciferase complementation by the F-FiBiT and Lg-GPCRs, the F-FiBiT was also applicable to bioluminescence plate-reader-based assays. By combining existing labeling methods such as HaloTag, SNAP-tag, and fluorescent proteins, the F-FiBiT method will be useful for multicolor single-molecule imaging and will enhance our understanding of GPCR signaling at the single-molecule level.
M2e-Derived Peptidyl and Peptide Amphiphile Micelles as Novel Influenza Vaccines
Authors: Schulte Megan C. , Barcellona Agustin T. , Wang Xiaofei , Ulery Bret D.
Published: June 2024

A significant problem with current influenza vaccines is their reliance on predictions of what will be the most prevalent strains for the upcoming season. Mismatches between predictions and reality in any given year can greatly reduce the overall efficacy of an immunization campaign. A universal influenza vaccine, which leverages epitopes conserved across many, if not all, strains of influenza, can reduce the need for such accurate forecasting. The ectodomain of the M2 ion channel protein is highly conserved and includes a B cell epitope in the M22-16region, making it a potentially viable candidate as a universal influenza vaccine. Unfortunately, the use of free peptide antigens as vaccines comes with several disadvantages including poor stability and weak immunogenicityin vivo. However, integrating peptide antigens into nanoparticles can avoid some of those drawbacks. Previous studies have shown that micellar nanoparticles can be generated from peptides by conjugating them with a lipid or lipids. Specifically, hydrophobically-driven, self-assembled peptide amphiphile micelles comprised of Palm2K-peptide-(KE)4have been found to be immunostimulatory. Unlike other peptides previously used for this purpose, the M22-16peptide interestingly formed micelles without any peptidyl or lipid modifications. Because this unmodified peptide self-assembled on its own, it enabled the decoupling of the effect of micellization on immunogenicity from the incorporation of non-vaccine components such as the addition of a lipid moiety (Palm2K) and a zwitterion-like peptide block ((KE)4). The enclosed work shows that M22-16peptidyl micelles had some characteristic differences in shape, critical micelle concentration, and secondary structure when compared to M22-16peptide amphiphile micelles, which produced a few differences in murine antibody responses. These results suggest that peptide amphiphile micelles could be leveraged as a one-dose vaccine, while either micelle formulation induced strong immunological responses with a prime-booster immunization regimen.
Labeling of Cell Surface Proteins at theDrosophilaLarval Neuromuscular Junction Using Binding Partner Peptides
Authors: Ashley James , Carrillo Robert A.
Published: June 2024

Determining the precise localization of interacting proteins provides fundamental insight into their putative function. Classically, immunolabeling of endogenous proteins or generating tagged versions of proteins has been used to localize interacting proteins. However, in many cases, the interacting partner of a protein of interest is unknown. For cell surface proteins, it is possible to determine the localization of interacting proteins if one of the binding partners is known. This approach is based on generating purified, recombinant, tagged extracellular domains (ECDs) of a protein of interest, and incubating tissue to allow the recombinant protein to bind to its interacting partner(s). In this protocol, we detail the cloning of secreted, tagged ECDs from cell surface proteins, transfection of cloned plasmids into S2 cells, collection of secreted domains, concentration of the cell culture medium to enrich for the ECDs, and labeling of tissue with these ECDs.
Cell Ablation Techniques for the LarvalDrosophilaNeuromuscular System
Authors: Ashley James , Carrillo Robert A.
Published: June 2024

Tissue development requires local and long-distance communication between cells. Cell ablation experiments have provided critical insights into the functions of specific cell types and the tissue surrounding the dead cells. In theDrosophilaneuromuscular system, ablation of motor neurons and muscles has revealed the roles of the ablated cells in axon pathfinding and circuit wiring. For example, when muscles are denervated due to laser ablation of their motor neuron inputs, they receive ectopic innervation from neighboring motor neurons. Here, we describe two methods of specific cell ablation. The first is a genetic ablation approach that usesGAL4(ideally expressed in a small subset of cells) to drive expression of cell death genesreaperandhead involution defective. The second method relies on reactive oxygen species produced by light activation of theArabidopsis-derived Singlet Oxygen Generator, miniSOG2, expressed in a subset of cells. For the latter, the precision stems from both theGAL4and the restricting of the blue-light stimulation area.
Interplay of space charge, intrabeam scattering, and synchrotron radiation in the Compact Linear Collider damping rings
Authors: Zampetakis M. , Antoniou F. , Asvesta F. , Bartosik H. , Papaphilippou Y.
Published: June 2024

Future ultralow emittance rings for e−/e+ colliders require extremely high beam brightness and can thus be limited by collective effects. In this paper, the interplay of effects such as synchrotron radiation, intrabeam scattering (IBS), and space charge in the vicinity of excited betatron resonances is assessed. In this respect, two algorithms were developed to simulate IBS and synchrotron radiation effects and integrated in the y tracking code, to be combined with its widely used space charge module. The impact of these effects on the achievable beam parameters of the Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) damping rings was studied, showing that synchrotron radiation damping mitigates the adverse effects of IBS and space charge induced resonance crossing. The studies include also a full dynamic simulation of the CLIC damping ring cycle starting from the injection beam parameters. It is demonstrated that a careful working point choice is necessary, in order to accommodate the transition from detuning induced by lattice nonlinearities to space-charge dominated detuning and thereby avoid excessive losses and emittance growth generated in the vicinity of strong resonances.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The evolution of raw data archiving and the growth of its importance in crystallography
Authors: Helliwell John R. , Hester James R. , Kroon-Batenburg Loes M. J. , McMahon Brian , Storm Selina L. S.
Published: June 2024

The hardware for data archiving has expanded capacities for digital storage enormously in the past decade or more. The IUCr evaluated the costs and benefits of this within an official working group which advised that raw data archiving would allow ground truth reproducibility in published studies. Consultations of the IUCr's Commissions ensued via a newly constituted standing advisory committee, the Committee on Data. At all stages, the IUCr financed workshops to facilitate community discussions and possible methods of raw data archiving implementation. The recent launch of the IUCrData journal's Raw Data Letters is a milestone in the implementation of raw data archiving beyond the currently published studies: it includes diffraction patterns that have not been fully interpreted, if at all. The IUCr 75th Congress in Melbourne included a workshop on raw data reuse, discussing the successes and ongoing challenges of raw data reuse. This article charts the efforts of the IUCr to facilitate discussions and plans relating to raw data archiving and reuse within the various communities of crystallography, diffraction and scattering.
Influence of movie-related online consumer reviews on movie choice: are there generational differences in processing information cues?
Authors: Alić Adi , Činjarević Merima
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To understand how three features of online consumer reviews - the strength of persuasiveness in online consumer reviews (argument quality), the number of online consumer reviews (volume of reviews), and source credibility – are related to the behavioural intentions in the movie consumption context. Besides, the present study aims to explore intergenerational differences (X, Y, and Z) in the patterns of association between three characteristics of online consumer reviews (argument quality, volume of reviews, and source credibility) and an individual’s choice of a movie intended to be watched.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample (n = 518) was recruited from a population of users of IMDb living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis were used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that argument quality, the volume of reviews, and source credibility of movie-related online consumer reviews are positively related to the intention to watch a movie for all three generational cohorts (X, Y, and Z). Regarding biases in processing information cues, our findings indicate that movie viewers from all three generations (X, Y, and Z) make inferences between source credibility and argument quality. However, biases in the relation between the volume of reviews and the argument quality were found only among X-ers and Y-ers but not among Z-ers.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to the eWOM research stream by examining the role of different characteristics of online consumer reviews (argument quality, the volume of reviews, and the source credibility) in movie consumption. Moreover, it sheds light on how argument quality, the volume reviews and the source credibility interact with the behavioural intentions of different generations and whether these interactions exhibit similarities or differences across three distinct generation cohorts: X-ers, Y-ers, and Z-ers.
A comparative study of minority entrepreneurship: entrepreneurial intention between LGBT versus traditional markets
Authors: Cavalcanti André L. , Ferreira João J. M. , Mota Veiga Pedro , Dabic Marina , Meyer Natanya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the entrepreneurial intention (EI) manifested by potential entrepreneurs for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) and traditional markets, thereby tracing a comparative EI for both markets. The intention is to understand the vision of potential future entrepreneurs related to markets focused on the LGBT public (i.e. if entrepreneurs perceive this market as an option for future business).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from a sample of 157 students in Brazil and analyzed by applying structural equation modeling.

Findings

This study primarily identified a difference between EI when comparing the focus on LGBT and traditional markets. Results show that the impact of personal attitude is significantly higher on EI for general markets (all markets) than for markets focused on LGBT audiences. Furthermore, the impact on entrepreneurship for traditional markets is generally significantly lower than for the LGBT market.

Originality/value

The study explored the EI for LGBT markets, which has not been studied extensively. It aims to gain a better understanding of various aspects that may influence the decision-making and perceptions of potential future entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the study compares traditional and LGBT audiences, providing valuable insights for potential future entrepreneurs in both scenarios. This comparison is a unique contribution to the literature and contributes to important analyses and debates.
How does enterprise social media use affect employees’ psychological well-being and innovative work performance? Findings from hybrid approaches
Authors: Bodhi Rahul
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Recent studies have suggested that the workplace fear of missing out (Workplace FoMO) harms employees' health and performance. Thus, the present study examines the impact of workplace FoMO and organisational support (OSP) on innovative work performance (IP) using dual theoretical lenses based on the conservation of resource theory (COR) and self-determination theory (SDT). Furthermore, this study investigates the mediating role of enterprise social media (ESM) use and psychological well-being (PW).

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses a rigorous methodology using structural equation modelling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). The author has conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data on working professionals in India’s service industries (i.e. IT & ITeS; information technology enables services). Moreover, SEM was employed to analyse the data based on (n = 240) responses. Furthermore, fsQCA was used to reveal configurational models.

Findings

The SEM results revealed that workplace FoMO harms PW and stimulates ESM use. OSP has a positive impact on ESM use and PW. Furthermore, ESM use is positively associated with PW and enriches IP. The ESM use partially and significantly mediates (a) workplace FoMO and PW, and (b) OSP and PW. The fsQCA results revealed that two configurational models, (a) “ESM” and (b) “OSP*PW”, are vital in enhancing IP.

Originality/value

The present study utilises symmetric and asymmetric modelling approaches considering a separate prediction-oriented pioneer method. This study provides a novel perspective and adds new insights to the literature on ESM use, workplace FoMO and employee-related outcomes.
Peer observation in ELT at higher education: the implementation in synchronous online teaching
Authors: Sari Senorica Yulia , Fatimah Sitti
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Our paper examines how ELT lecturers perceive the feasibility of implementing Peer Observation (PO) in synchronous online settings, drawing on their prior experiences with offline PO. We also aim to identify potential areas for synchronous online PO.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed semi-structured interviews with eight lecturers as participants. Data analysis included identifying keywords, transcribing and labeling responses, and sorting and categorizing the themes.

Findings

Firstly, our findings indicate that lecturers reported several benefits from conducting offline PO, such as identifying teaching weaknesses, learning new techniques of teaching, gaining motivation, and receiving peer feedback. Participants also agreed that synchronous online PO is feasible and may offer greater benefits, especially with the shift to online teaching. Finally, the interview data highlighted potential areas for observation in synchronous online settings, including both pedagogical and technological aspects.

Research limitations/implications

Firstly, our study did not explore the potential and focus areas of synchronous online PO based on lecturers' actual experiences. Instead, we derived these potential and focuses from their experiences with offline PO. Secondly, the potential observation areas have not been validated.

Practical implications

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring the potential of synchronous online PO and identifying key aspects for observation. Furthermore, in terms of practical implications, our findings may serve as a basis for developing validated guidelines for synchronous online PO, involving more practitioners. Additionally, lecturers and higher education institutions can consider implementing synchronous online PO to enhance teaching quality.

Originality/value

Previous literature has discussed ELT teachers' perceptions of offline PO, but limited research exists on its implementation in synchronous online contexts. Additionally, identifying potential areas for observation in synchronous online PO remains a concern.
The mediation effect of trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and employee job satisfaction: an empirical findings from private universities in Kuwait
Authors: ElBayaa Nourhan , Alzoubi Yehia Ibrahim , Abboud Elsa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Higher education institutions now place a greater emphasis on servant leadership, organizational trust, and justice. This study evaluates the function of organizational and leader trust and justice in mediating the relationship between employee job satisfaction and servant leadership in Kuwait's private universities.

Design/methodology/approach

Employees from two private higher education sectors in Kuwait provided 205 valid responses to the study's closed-ended survey, which was given to 240 workers. The job satisfaction and servant leadership, leader's trust and justice and servant leadership, leader's trust and justice and job satisfaction, and the mediating effect of trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and job satisfaction among employees in Kuwait's private universities—all four variables—were examined using the simple random procedure method. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.

Findings

The findings provide evidence supporting the positive effects of servant leadership on employee job satisfaction. Moreover, it provided evidence supporting the positive relationship between servant leadership and organizational trust and justice. The findings also showed a positive correlation between organizational trust and justice and job satisfaction among staff members working in Kuwait's private higher education sector. Additionally, the results provided a partial mediation effect of organizational trust and justice on the relationship between servant leadership and employee job satisfaction.

Originality/value

Employee job satisfaction, performance, engagement, and outcomes within Kuwait's private higher education sector are significantly improved by the adoption of a servant leadership style, together with organizational and leader’s trust and justice. The findings demonstrate the significance of the servant leadership style in this industry's leadership habits for raising worker job satisfaction.
Insights into financial reporting practices in the metaverse: evidence from Islamic financial institutions in Bahrain
Authors: Sanad Zakeya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess how prepared and flexible accounting professionals are to produce financial accounts that adhere to Shariah regulations in the metaverse. The study also highlights the potential positive and negative effects of metaverse utilization on the financial reporting quality of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 102 accounting professionals employed in IFIs in Bahrain.

Findings

The capacity to provide real-time reporting within the metaverse would enhance the quality and reliability of Islamic financial reporting. Furthermore, the fluctuating values of digital assets in the metaverse pose a significant challenge to ensuring accurate financial reporting. IFIs fail to create an environment suitable for transitioning to the metaverse. Moreover, the participants expressed concerns about how the rapid expansion of the metaverse may challenge the adherence to Shariah governance principles in virtual financial transactions. They further recommended that the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) establish explicit directives on Shariah governance in the metaverse.

Practical implications

Various IFIs’ stakeholders, including practitioners, shareholders and employees interested in adopting the metaverse technology, can benefit from the findings of the studies. In addition, the study could help Islamic banks in Bahrain better grasp the readiness and adaptability of accounting professionals. This understanding would aid in establishing robust financial reporting standards that align with Shariah principles in the metaverse.

Originality/value

This research examines the metaverse through the lens of Islamic financial reporting, offering recent evidence on technological developments and financial reporting practices within an Islamic context. The research findings would contribute to advancing the knowledge among academics, professionals and all interested parties concerning the effects of metaverse implementation on Shariah governance principles and the quality of financial reporting. The study findings would offer policymakers and regulators in the Islamic finance sector essential insights.
Does Islamic financial literacy and motives influence the holdings of Islamic financial products? A study on bank customers in Klang Valley, Malaysia
Authors: Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Zainudin Rozaimah , Wan Ahmad Wan Marhaini , Hanifa Mohamed Hisham
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In a dual financial system where both conventional and Islamic financial institutions co-exist, the motives behind customers’ choices of financial products remain a crucial factor to comprehend. Thus, this paper aims to examine the influence of Islamic financial literacy (IFL) and motives (religious, ethical and economic) on the holdings of Islamic financial products (IFPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 234 bank customers in Klang Valley, Malaysia, with data obtained through a convenience sampling method. The instrument used was a digital survey that was electronically sent to respondents.

Findings

Findings reveal that IFL and religious motives positively influence IFPs, whereas economic motives negatively influence IFPs. Ethical motives have no significant impact on IFPs.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that IFPs attract customers due to their adherence to Islamic teachings, indicating strong religious motives. However, the negative leanings of the economic motive suggest that customers may perceive IFPs as less favourable due to higher costs and risks relative to conventional products. Islamic financial institutions must widen their efforts in educating the public regarding IFPs on the benefits of adherence to Shariah principles and at the same time improve their products’ cost-benefits.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by comprehensively examining IFPs in terms of both assets and financing products. In addition, IFL is measured in an all-inclusive way, covering different dimensions of knowledge related to Islamic savings, investments, protection and financing.