bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SLO-MSNet: Discrimination of Multiple Sclerosis using Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Images with Autoencoder-Based Feature Extraction
Authors: Arian Roya , Aghababaei Ali , Soltanipour Asieh , Iyer Shwasa B , Ashtari Fereshteh , Rabbani Hossein , Kafieh Raheleh 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundOptical coherence tomography (OCT) studies have revealed that compared to healthy control (HC) individuals, retinal nerve fiber, ganglionic cell, and inner plexiform layers become thinner in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. To date, a number of machine learning (ML) studies have utilized Optical coherence tomography (OCT) data for classifying MS, leading to encouraging results. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) uses laser light to capture high-resolution fundus images, often performed in conjunction with OCT to lock B-scans at a fixed position, removing the effects of eye motion on image quality and allowing for evaluating the disease progression at follow-up examinations. To our knowledge, no ML work has taken advantage of SLO images for automated diagnosis of MS.MethodsIn this study, SLO images were utilized for the first time with the purpose of fully automated classification of MS and healthy control (HC) cases. First, a subject-wise k-fold cross-validation data splitting approach was followed to minimize the risk of model overestimation due to data leakage between train and validation datasets. Subsequently, we used several state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including VGG-16, VGG-19, ResNet-50, and InceptionV3, as well as a custom CNN architecture trained from scratch. In the next step, we designed a convolutional autoencoder (CAE) to extract semantic features from the images which are then given as the input to four conventional ML classifiers, including support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbor (K-NN), random forest (RF), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP).ResultsThe custom CNN model outperformed state-of-the-art models with an accuracy (ACC) of 85%, sensitivity (SE) of 85%, specificity (SP) of 87%, and AUROC of 93%; however, utilizing a combination of the CAE and MPL yields even superior results achieving an ACC of 88%, SE of 86%, SP of 91%, and AUROC of 94%, while maintaining high per-class accuracies. The best performing model was also found to be generalizable to an external dataset from an independent source, achieving an ACC of 83%, SE of 87%, and SP of 79%.ConclusionFor the first time, we utilized SLO images to differentiate between MS and HC eyes, with promising results achieved using combination of designed CAE and MLP which we named SLO-MSNet. Should the results of the SLO-MSNet be validated in future works with larger and more diverse datasets, SLO-based diagnosis of MS can be reliably integrated into routine clinical practice.
“An explosion of alternative medicines in France!”: media-biased polyphonic epidemiology vs. evidence-based data
Authors: Berna Fabrice , Florens Nans , Verneuil Laurence , Paille François , Berna Chantal , Nizard Julien 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe media and several French official organizations report an “explosion” in the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in France, possibly “boosted” by the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the French Miviludes (Mission of Vigilance and Fight Against Sectarian Aberrations) routinely asserts in its yearly reports “a dramatic uptick” in sectarian aberrations in the health sector. However, data supporting those assertions are either scant or rarely compared with data from previous years to properly apprehend an evolution.This paper aims to analyze existing data in this field and to examine in which domain (population-based survey, official reports, media) “increases” or “explosion” might be observed. We compared the data from France and Switzerland. In fact, no clear regulatory policy on CAM exists in France, whereas the Swiss population voted to include CAM into the Swiss Constitution in 2009.MethodSurveys documenting the reported usage of CAM in both France and Switzerland were analyzed. Health-related sectarian aberrations were analyzed based on yearly reports of the French Miviludes and its Swiss counterpart (Inter-Cantonal Information Center on Beliefs). Then, the communication in the media on CAM was analyzed in the French media and in the scientific literature published in both countries. Three time periods were considered to apprehend the claimed boost of the Covid-19 pandemic.ResultsOur comprehensive analysis of available information sources does not suggest an “explosion” in CAM use or related sectarian misconduct. Reported CAM use in France was 39% in 2007 and later surveys did not find higher percentage. Reported CAM use increased from 24% to 28.9% between 2007 and 2017 in Switzerland. Referrals about health-related sectarian aberrations regularly increased until 2017 and then remained stable in France; they regularly decreased in Switzerland. Evidence for a pandemic boost was weak. In contrast, a steady increase was observed in the number of mentions in media of CAM.ConclusionOur analyses indicate a media-skewed, polyphonic epidemiology, which is not supported by available data. Health care specialists, Official organizations, journalists and politicians should become aware of biases concerning CAM and foster a more informed and balanced discourse regarding these practices.
Neonatal enteroids absorb extracellular vesicles from human milk-fed infant digestive fluid
Authors: Yung Claire , Zhang Yang , Kuhn Madeline , Armstrong Randall J. , Olyaei Amy , Aloia Molly , Scottoline Brian , Andres Sarah F. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTHuman milk contains extracellular vesicles (HMEVs). Pre-clinical models suggest that HMEVs may enhance intestinal function and limit inflammation; however, it is unknown if HMEVs or their cargo survive neonatal human digestion. This limits the ability to leverage HMEV cargo as additives to infant nutrition or as therapeutics. This study aimed to develop an EV isolation pipeline from small volumes of human milk and neonatal intestinal contents after milk feeding (digesta) to address the hypothesis that HMEVs survive in vivo neonatal digestion to be taken up intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Digesta was collected from nasoduodenal sampling tubes or ostomies. EVs were isolated from raw and pasteurized human milk and digesta by density-gradient ultracentrifugation following two-step skimming, acid precipitation of caseins, and multi-step filtration. EVs were validated by electron microscopy, western blotting, nanoparticle tracking analysis, resistive pulse sensing, and super-resolution microscopy. EV uptake was tested in human neonatal enteroids. HMEVs and digesta EVs (dEVs) show typical EV morphology and are enriched in CD81 and CD9, but depleted of β-casein and lactalbumin. HMEV and some dEV fractions contain mammary gland-derived protein BTN1A1. Neonatal human enteroids rapidly take up dEVs in part via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our data suggest that EVs can be isolated from digestive fluid and that these dEVs can be absorbed by IECs.
Survival in macrophages induces an enhanced virulence inCryptococcus
Authors: Nielson Jacquelyn , Jezewski Andrew , Wellington Melanie , Davis J. Muse 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTCryptococcusis a ubiquitous environmental fungus and frequent colonizer of human lungs. Colonization can lead to diverse outcomes, from clearance to long-term colonization, and to life-threatening meningoencephalitis. Regardless of the outcome, the process starts with an encounter with phagocytes. Using the zebrafish model of this infection, we have noted that cryptococcal cells first spend time inside macrophages before they become capable of pathogenic replication and dissemination. What ‘licensing’ process takes place during this initial encounter, and how are licensed cryptococcal cells different? To address this, we isolated cryptococcal cells after phagocytosis by cultured macrophages and found these macrophage-experienced cells to be markedly more virulent in both zebrafish and mouse models. Despite producing a thick polysaccharide capsule, they were still subject to phagocytosis by macrophages in the zebrafish. Analysis of antigenic cell wall components in these licensed cells demonstrated that components of mannose and chitin are more available to staining than they are in culture-grown cells or cells with capsule production induced in vitro.Cryptococcusis capable of exiting or transferring between macrophages in vitro, raising the likelihood that this fungus alternates between intracellular and extracellular life during growth in the lungs. Our results raise the possibility that intracellular life has its advantages over time, and phagocytosis-induced alteration in mannose and chitin exposure is one way that makes subsequent rounds of phagocytosis more beneficial to the fungus.IMPORTANCECryptococcosis begins in the lungs and can ultimately travel through the bloodstream to cause devastating infection in the central nervous system. In the zebrafish model, small amounts of cryptococcus inoculated into the bloodstream are initially phagocytosed, and become far more capable of dissemination after they exit macrophages. Similarly, survival in the mouse lung produces cryptococcal cell types with enhanced dissemination. In this study we have evaluated how phagocytosis changes the properties ofCryptococcusduring pathogenesis. Macrophage experienced cells (MECs) become ‘licensed’ for enhanced virulence. They out-disseminate culture grown cells in the fish and out-compete non-MECs in the mouse lung. Analysis of their cell surface demonstrates that MECs have increased availability of cell wall components mannose and chitin—substances involved in provoking phagocytosis. These findings suggest howCryptococcusmight tune its cell surface to induce but survive repeated phagocytosis during early pathogenesis in the lung.
Diagnosis of Pathological Speech with Efficient and Effective Features for Long Short-Term Memory Learning
Authors: Pham Tuan D. , Holmes Simon B. , Zou Lifong , Patel Mangala , Coulthard Paul 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe majority of voice disorders stem from improper vocal usage. Alterations in voice quality can also serve as indicators for a broad spectrum of diseases. Particularly, the significant correlation between voice disorders and dental health underscores the need for precise diagnosis through acoustic data. This paper introduces effective and efficient features for deep learning with speech signals to distinguish between two groups: individuals with healthy voices and those with pathological voice conditions. Using a public voice database, the ten-fold test results obtained from long short-term memory networks trained on the combination of time-frequency and time-space features with a data balance strategy achieved the following metrics: accuracy = 90%, sensitivity = 93%, specificity = 87%, precision = 88%,F1score = 0.90, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.96.
Look how sustainable I am! Effects of communication focus, individuals' differences on intention to use food waste fighting mobile applications
Authors: Sestino Andrea , Rizzo Cristian , Alam Gazi Mahabubul 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the role of digital transformation processes for food and beverage companies by investigating how the sustainability-related communication focus (low vs. high) in food waste fighting mobile applications' advertising campaigns influence consumers' intention to use such mobile app, via their environmentalism.Design/methodology/approachAn experimental study has been conducted by using a fictitious mobile app named “Boxy Food!” among a sample of 408 randomly recruited international participants.FindingsFindings reveal that the sustainability-related communication focus in such food waste-fighting mobile apps advertising campaigns (low vs. high) positively affects consumers' intentions to use such mobile apps through the effect of environmentalism. More interestingly, this effect increases in magnitude, becoming higher among those consumers who exhibit a high level of status consumption orientation explaining their behavior as an attempt to “be green, to be recognized from the others.”Practical implicationsThis study suggests marketers and managers operating in the food and beverage sector how to design effective strategies to incentivize sustainable behavior through the use of new technologies, by leveraging consumers' individual differences, and specifically on their desire to be recognized as sustainable consumers.Originality/valueThis is the first study demonstrating how the combined effects of the sustainability-related communication focus (low vs. high) may incentivize the use of mobile applications for food waste fighting, by leveraging on consumers' looking to be recognized as green.
Big data and human resource management: paving the way toward sustainability
Authors: Gravili Ginevra , Hassan Rohail , Avram Alexandru , Schiavone Francesco 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the influence of big data (BD) on human resource management (HRM). It defines how these data can be a useful tool in the decision-making process of companies’ human resources to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachThis paper emphasizes the need to develop a holistic approach to emphasize these relations. Starting from these observations, the document proposes empirical research employing Eurostat data to test the benefits of BD in HRM decisions that optimize the relationship between training, productivity, and well-being.FindingsThe findings estimate HRM decisions and their impact in a broader macroeconomic and microeconomic perspective.Originality/valueBD research is emerging as a crucial discipline in human resources. To overcome this problem, the paper develops an analysis of the literature on cleaner production and sustainability context; it creates a conceptual framework to clarify whether the existing studies consider the growing intensity of BD on human resources.
Performance analysis of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with the stair arrangement of obstacles in the cathode channel
Authors: Baharlou-Houreh Nasser , Masaeli Navid , Afshari Ebrahim , Mohammadzadeh Kazem 
Published: September 2023

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of partially blocking the cathode channel with the stair arrangement of obstacles on the performance of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

Design/methodology/approach
A numerical study is conducted by developing a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model.

Findings
As the angle of the stair arrangement increases, the performance of the fuel cell is reduced and the pressure drop is decreased. The use of four stair obstacles with an angle of 0.17° leads to higher power density and a lower pressure drop compared to the case with three rectangular obstacles of the same size and maximum height. The use of four stair obstacles with an angle of 0.34° results in higher power density and lower pressure drop compared to the case with two rectangular obstacles of the same size and maximum height.

Originality/value
Using the stair arrangement of obstacles as an innovation of the present work, in addition to improving the fuel cell’s performance, creates a lower pressure drop than the simple arrangement of obstacles.
Factors affecting the purchase intention of over the counter products in the self care actions of consumers
Authors: Salman Unver Sevgi , Sezgin Selime , Uray Nimet 
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Within the framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study aims to investigate which factors affect consumers’ purchase intention with regard to over-the-counters (OTCs), focusing on personal factors, including health consciousness and risk aversion, as well as rational factors, consisting of the level of knowledge, price consciousness and involvement in the purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach
Due to the necessity of finding the most crucial industry-specific indicators, it was decided to carry out two-stage research based on qualitative preliminary research and the main study. The findings obtained from the qualitative studies were integrated with insights gleaned from the literature to finalize the study’s conceptual model. The main study was based on a descriptive research design, and data were collected through an online survey. Structural equation modeling was the main technique used to test the model.

Findings
Health consciousness, level of knowledge and involvement in consumer purchase intentions affect either attitude or perceived behavioral control. Moreover, attitudes toward OTCs and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors of purchase intentions for OTC drugs. At the same time, subjective norms did not have a significant effect.

Practical implications
Knowing what influences consumer purchase intentions contributes to developing more effective marketing strategies and actions.

Originality/value
This study took an integrative approach to understanding the effect of personal and rational factors within the TPB framework for a changing tendency in consumer behavior of specific product categories.
Systematic review of international marketing capabilities in dynamic capabilities view – calibrating research on international dynamic marketing capabilities
Authors: Pfajfar Gregor , Mitręga Maciej , Shoham Aviv 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis study aims to conduct a thorough literature review to map current studies on international marketing capabilities (IMCs) applying dynamic capabilities view (DCV). The aim of this study is to increase the chances for more conceptual and terminological rigor in future research in this particular research area.Design/methodology/approachThis is a systematic literature review following the established review process of reviews in leading (international) marketing journals. A multilevel analytical approach was adopted, combining inductive coding with deductive coding and following the logic of antecedents-phenomena-consequences.FindingsSynthesis of 20 rigorously selected previous empirical studies on IMCs applying DCV reveals that academic interest in these capabilities is well justified and growing and there are some well researched antecedents to focal capabilities (e.g. inter-organizational capabilities, outside-in market orientation) as well as their prevalent consequences (e.g. export and innovation performance). There is little knowledge of moderators to these links, especially with regard to consequences. This review illustrates that the current research lacks consistency in how key constructs are defined and measured, provides the guide to future conceptualization and measurement of so-called International Dynamic Marketing Capabilities (IDMCs) and proposes some concrete research directions.Originality/valueThe authors extend prior research in the investigated topic by critically evaluating prior works, providing improved conceptualization of IDMCs as well as concrete research agenda for IDMCs structured along recommendations for Theory, Context and Methods (TCM framework).
Understanding the implications of value co-creation in eco-hotels: the antecedents and consequences
Authors: Esawe Ahmed Taher , Esawe Karim Taher , Esawe Narges Taher 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis study aims to investigate value co-creation, its antecedents (i.e. customer delight and place identity) and the consequences (i.e. satisfaction and revisit intention) at eco-hotels concerning sustainable practices.Design/methodology/approachPartial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the data collected from 562 guests surveyed online who had stayed and contributed to sustainable practices through interaction and collaboration with eco-hotels.FindingsThe results revealed that customer delight and place identity are critical antecedents of value co-creation, significantly influencing guests' intention to revisit. Further, value co-creation significantly influences satisfaction and revisits intention. Satisfaction significantly influenced revisit intentions. Moreover, customer delight was the most critical factor affecting value co-creation, followed by the path between value co-creation and satisfaction. Finally, the results confirmed the mediating role of value co-creation and satisfaction.Practical implicationsThis research can support hotel managers in comprehending the motivating factors and outcomes of value co-creation among guests, allowing efficient hotel strategies to be planned and implemented. Managers should prioritize customer delight and place identity to maintain guests' involvement in value co-creation, resulting in satisfaction and a willingness to return.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by tackling the scarcity of research on the significance of value co-creation, its drivers and outcomes at eco-hotels concerning sustainable practices within an emerging market context.
Corruption at country and corporate levels: impacts on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of Chinese listed firms
Authors: Wei Haitian , Mohd-Rashid Rasidah , Ooi Chai-Aun 
Published: September 2023

Purpose
As a consequence of the proposal of the Carbon Neutral and Carbon Peak policy in 2020, the Chinese Government is paying more attention to developing sustainability performance. This study aims to assess the direct influence of country-level and corporate anti-corruption measures on environmental, social and governance (ESG) and its three dimensions, besides ascertaining the moderating role of firm size.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used the system generalized method of moments on a sample of 820 Chinese listed firms from 2012 to 2021.

Findings
The findings show that country-level and corporate corruption negatively affect ESG performance. Corporate anti-corruption measures have a more pronounced positive influence on the sustainability performance of small firms than large firms due to the limited resources, lower political position and weaker refusal power of small firms.

Research limitations/implications
The study has great implications for governments, corporate boards and ESG rating agencies. Government and corporate boards should mitigate the risks of country-level and corporate corruption to attain sustainable development goals. Rating agencies should add country-level and corporate corruption into the ESG evaluation system.

Originality/value
Some empirical results have proven that anti-corruption measures help reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, but few evidence shows how country-level and corporate corruption affect ESG and its three dimensions.