Diverse Contexts Research Articles

The Logic of Generalization From Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Impact Evaluations.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are viewed as potent tools for generalized causal inference. These reviews are routinely used to inform decision makers about expected effects of interventions. However, the logic of generalization from research reviews to diverse policy and practice contexts is not well developed. Building on sampling theory, concerns about epistemic uncertainty, and principles of generalized causal inference, this article presents a pragmatic approach to generalizability assessment for use with systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This approach is applied to two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of effects of "evidence-based" psychosocial interventions for youth and families. Evaluations included in systematic reviews are not necessarily representative of populations and treatments of interest. Generalizability of results is limited by high risks of bias, uncertain estimates, and insufficient descriptive data from impact evaluations. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses can be used to test generalizability claims, explore heterogeneity, and identify potential moderators of effects. These reviews can also produce pooled estimates that are not representative of any larger sets of studies, programs, or people. Further work is needed to improve the conduct and reporting of impact evaluations and systematic reviews, and to develop practical approaches to generalizability assessment and guide applications of interventions in diverse policy and practice contexts.

Targeted genomic sequencing of avian influenza viruses in wetland sediment from wild bird habitats.

Diverse influenza A viruses (IAVs) circulate in wild birds, including highly pathogenic strains that infect poultry and humans. Consequently, surveillance of IAVs in wild birds is a cornerstone of agricultural biosecurity and pandemic preparedness. Surveillance is traditionally done by testing wild birds directly, but obtaining these specimens is labor intensive, detection rates can be low, and sampling is often biased toward certain avian species. As a result, local incursions of dangerous IAVs are rarely detected before outbreaks begin. Testing environmental specimens from wild bird habitats has been proposed as an alternative surveillance strategy. These specimens are thought to contain diverse IAVs deposited by a broad range of avian hosts, including species that are not typically sampled by surveillance programs. To enable this surveillance strategy, we developed a targeted genomic sequencing method for characterizing IAVs in these challenging environmental specimens. It combines custom hybridization probes, unique molecular index-based library construction, and purpose-built bioinformatic tools, allowing IAV genomic material to be enriched and analyzed with single-fragment resolution. We demonstrated our method on 90 sediment specimens from wetlands around Vancouver, Canada. We recovered 2,312 IAV genome fragments originating from all eight IAV genome segments. Eleven hemagglutinin subtypes and nine neuraminidase subtypes were detected, including H5, the current global surveillance priority. Our results demonstrate that targeted genomic sequencing of environmental specimens from wild bird habitats could become a valuable complement to avian influenza surveillance programs.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we developed genome sequencing tools for characterizing avian influenza viruses in sediment from wild bird habitats. These tools enable an environment-based approach to avian influenza surveillance. This could improve early detection of dangerous strains in local wild birds, allowing poultry producers to better protect their flocks and prevent human exposures to potential pandemic threats. Furthermore, we purposefully developed these methods to contend with viral genomic material that is diluted, fragmented, incomplete, and derived from multiple strains and hosts. These challenges are common to many environmental specimens, making these methods broadly applicable for genomic pathogen surveillance in diverse contexts.

Unveiling studies on self-healing practices for suicide loss survivors: A scoping review

This scoping review aimed to examine how self-healing practices had been addressed in the empirical literature on suicide bereavement. Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched five databases for peer-reviewed studies that reported using self-healing practices, either as a primary or secondary finding and 32 studies were included. The results highlight a substantial research gap in understanding self-healing practices’ definition, implementation, and effectiveness in suicide bereavement. Further studies are necessary to clarify the definition, identify facilitators and barriers to implementation, and explore the applicability of these strategies in diverse contexts, particularly in non-Western and Low-and Middle-income countries.

Territorial subjectivities. The missing link between political subjectivity and territorialization

Political subjectivity and territorialization often appear disconnected in recent debates. We propose a fresh approach based on Latin American scholarship to understand subjects and territories as relational: Subjects are (de)stabilized in processes of territorialization, while territories are (de)stabilized in processes of subject formation. We introduce the concept of territorial subjectivities and use examples from the literature to show how these emerge in Berlin, Buenos Aires, and Dresden. Placing an analytical focus on becoming rather than being, the contingency of territorial subjectivities is key to this novel conceptual link that supports a differentiated reading of socio-territorial struggles in diverse geographical contexts.

Evaluating the Ranking of Performance Variables in Flexible Manufacturing System through the Best-Worst Method

Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMSs) provide a competitive edge in the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape, offering the agility to swiftly adapt to changing customer demands and product lifecycles. Nevertheless, the complex and interconnected nature of FMSs presents a distinct challenge: the evaluation and prioritization of performance variables. This study clarifies a conspicuous research gap by introducing a pioneering approach to evaluating and ranking FMS performance variables. The Best-Worst Method (BWM), a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) approach, is employed to tackle this challenge. Notably, the BWM excels at resolving intricate issues with limited pairwise comparisons, making it an innovative tool in this context. To implement the BWM, a comprehensive survey of FMS experts from the German manufacturing industry was conducted. The survey, which contained 34 key performance variables identified through an exhaustive literature review and bibliometric analysis, invited experts to assess the variables by comparing the best and worst in terms of their significance to overall FMS performance. The outcomes of the BWM analysis not only offer insights into the factors affecting FMS performance but, more importantly, convey a nuanced ranking of these factors. The findings reveal a distinct hierarchy: the “Quality (Q)” factor emerges as the most critical, followed by “Productivity (P)” and “Flexibility (F)”. In terms of contributions, this study pioneers a novel and comprehensive approach to evaluating and ranking FMS performance variables. It bridges an evident research gap and contributes to the existing literature by offering practical insights that can guide manufacturing companies in identifying and prioritizing the most crucial performance variables for enhancing their FMS competitiveness. Our research acknowledges the potential introduction of biases through expert opinion, delineating the need for further exploration and comparative analyses in diverse industrial contexts. The outcomes of this study bear the potential for cross-industry applicability, laying the groundwork for future investigations in the domain of performance evaluation in manufacturing systems.

Using vignettes to understand the social-emotional experiences of three-year-olds in diverse language contexts

In this article, we report on the educational experiences of young Afrikaans mother tongue South African children who are exposed to multilingual learning environments during their preschool years. We carried out phenomenological research using a vignette research design that provided observational, co-experiential data of the lived experiences of three-year-old boys as they engaged with formal and informal learning. We controlled vignette data that had been collected through observations, written teacher validation, and face-to-face interviews against existing literature to provide in-depth insights into the participants' different experiences of and within their learning environments. Findings indicate specific areas in which young children may need additional support in multilingual learning environments, in terms of 1) social-emotional security experienced in the learning environment, 2) intentional development of empathy for peers, 3) independence and initiative taking in informal settings, and 4) interactive communication. Although we focused on a South African context, these findings may inform future interventions to support children in multilingual language environments in their early years.

Plasma Exchange in Pediatric Neurology Patients: A Single-Center Experience.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a procedure involving the filtration of a patient's plasma to eliminate pathogenic components or address deficiencies. This technique finds varied indications in the pediatric age group, particularly in neuroinflammatory diseases. The objective of this study is to delve into our local experience with TPE, focusing on indications, outcomes, and complications among children with neurological diseases at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Conducted at the pediatric department of KAUH in Jeddah from November 2008 to July 2023, this retrospective cohort study examined 15 patients, revealing a notable male predominance with 12 male patients (80%) and three female patients (20%). About two-thirds of patients exhibited an average illness severity, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 10.7 and anExpanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 4.8. The median length of hospital stay was 23 days, and in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), it was 8.5 days. Presenting symptoms included limb weakness (n = 6), loss of consciousness (n = 3), dysphagia (n = 3), photophobia (n = 1), and ascending paralysis (n = 1). The TPE was performed for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (n = 7), myasthenia gravis (MG) (n = 3), transverse myelitis (TM) (n = 2), neuromyelitis optica (NMO) (n = 2), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cerebritis (n = 1). Twelve patients were admitted to the PICU, and mechanical ventilation was required for 10 patients. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, abnormalities were observed in 10 cases, while the remaining five either had normal results or did not undergo MRI. Most patients required five sessions of TPE (n = 7). The median age at the initiation of TPE was 13 years. Twelve patients improved with TPE treatment, while three did not. Complications observed during and following TPE included fever (n = 5), electrolyte disturbance (n = 5), hypotension (n = 3), hypocalcemia (n = 2), bradycardia (n = 2), vomiting (n = 1), tachycardia (n = 1), eye rash (n = 1), infection (n = 1), and bleeding originating from the TPE procedure site (n = 1). In conclusion, our study underscores the significance of TPE as a therapeutic modality, emphasizing the imperative for ongoing research to fully exploit its potential across diverse medical contexts for enhancing patient care. Our findings, consistent with prior research, reveal plasma exchange's (PLEX's) wide-ranging applications and complications in neurological disorders.

Concept‐Driven Sociology

Excerpted from my book Generally Speaking, this paper introduces “concept‐driven sociology,” a special way of theorizing designed to reveal abstract social patterns. As such, it examines the methodological process by which we can “distill” generic patterns from the culturally, historically, and situationally specific contexts in which we encounter them. It thus champions a “generic sociology” that is pronouncedly transcontextual (transcultural, transhistorical, transsituational, and translevel) in its scope. In order to uncover generic, transcontextual social patterns, we need to collect our data in a wide range of social contexts. Such contextual diversity is manifested multi‐culturally, multihistorically, multisituationally, as well as at multiple levels of social aggregation. True to its message, the book illustrates generic social patterns by drawing on numerous examples from diverse cultural contexts and historical periods and a wide range of diverse social domains, as well as by disregarding scale. Emphasizing cross‐contextual commonality, concept‐driven sociology tries to reveal formal “parallels” across seemingly disparate contexts. The paper features the four main types of cross‐contextual analogies concept‐driven sociologists tend to use—cross‐cultural, cross‐historical, cross‐domain, as well as cross‐level—disregarding conventionally noted substantive differences in order to note conventionally disregarded formal equivalences.

Building an inclusive botany: The “radicle” dream

Societal Impact StatementIt is important to recognize how our current understanding of plants has been shaped by diverse cultural contexts, as this underscores the importance of valuing and incorporating contributions from all knowledge systems in scientific pursuits. This approach emphasizes the ongoing bias, including within scientific practices, and the necessity of discussing problematic histories within spaces of learning. It is crucial to acknowledge and address biases, even within scientific endeavors. Doing so fosters a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. This article, while not comprehensive, serves as a starting point for conversation and an introduction to current work on these topics.SummaryIn response to a global dialog about systemic racism, ongoing inequalities, appeals to decolonize science, and the many recent calls for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, we draw on the narratives of plants to revisit the history of botany. Our goal is to uncover how exclusionary practices have functioned in the past and persist today. We also explore the numerous opportunities and challenges that arise in the era of information as we strive to establish a more inclusive field of botany. This approach recognizes and honors the contributions of historically marginalized groups, such as Black and Indigenous communities. We hope that this article can serve as a catalyst for raising awareness, fostering contemplation, and driving action toward a more equitable and just scientific community.

Assessing the impact of hybrid teaching on students’ academic performance via multilevel propensity score-based techniques

This study employs multilevel propensity score techniques in an innovative analysis pipeline to assess the impact of hybrid teaching – a blend of face-to-face and online learning – on student performance within engineering programs at Politecnico di Milano implemented in response to Covid-19 pandemic. Analyzing students’ credits earned and grade point average, the investigation compares outcomes of students engaged in hybrid teaching against those solely in face-to-face instruction preceding the Covid-19 waves. Tailored multilevel models for earned credits and grade point averages are fitted onto meticulously constructed dataframes, minimizing potential biases stemming from variables such as gender, age, previous instruction, admission scores, and student origins across the two groups. Accounting for program variations in the methodology, our findings suggest marginal overall disparities in student performance, indicating, on average, a subtle rise in earned credits and a slight decrease in grade point averages for those exposed to hybrid teaching. Multilevel models reveal significant program-specific variations, offering valuable insights into the effectiveness of hybrid teaching in diverse educational contexts.

Dynamic optimization of blood collection strategies from different potential donors using rolling horizon planning approach under uncertainty

Dynamic blood collection planning is crucial for adjusting strategies in response to varied donors' behavior within the dynamic urban environment, which can be utilized to mitigate wastage and scarcity due to the uncertain supply chain parameters. In this study, we address the challenge of adapting collection planning to dynamic fluctuations in potential blood donors’ behavior by introducing an innovative updatable approach based on the rolling horizon planning approach, which considers uncertain conditions in daily urban life. Taking into account one-day planning and diverse urban areas contexts, we propose an approach that operationally updates relocation and collection strategies throughout the daily fluctuation in urban conditions. We present a robust optimization approach to mitigate uncertainty across various parameters such as donors' behavior, demand, transportation time, and operational cost. Given the impact of dynamic and diverse conditions, we implement our updatable approach within the Tehran blood supply chain, which possesses the largest blood network in northern Iran, providing support to 108 hospitals and numerous laboratories. Deriving insights from our results, we prove a noteworthy 9.65% enhancement in blood collection across the entire network resulting from the implementation of the rolling horizon planning approach. Moreover, adjusting the dynamic conditions, in contrast to non-dynamic conditions, has led to an additional 24.14% increase in blood collection through temporary collection facilities as a main focus in this investigation.

Design and Development of a Screw Jack: An Input Repair Tool for Light Vehicles

This study introduces an innovative investigation into the development and utilization of a specially designed jack screw tailored for lifting lightweight objects. While screw jacks are well-established for their efficacy in mechanical lifting applications, this research aims to broaden their adaptability by specifically addressing the unique demands of lifting lighter loads. The exploration encompasses a thorough examination of the design principles, materials, and operational facets associated with the proposed screw jack innovation. The primary impetus behind this research is to fill an existing void in lifting solutions that are customized to the requirements of tasks involving light objects. By delving into the intricacies of screw jack design, the study seeks to improve the efficiency and safety of lifting operations in diverse contexts, such as small-scale workshops, where precision and controlled lifting of lighter loads are crucial. Anticipated outcomes of this study include the development of a specialized screw jack prototype that provides a dependable, cost-effective, and ergonomic solution for lifting light objects. The research findings aim to contribute valuable insights to the fields of mechanical engineering and lifting technology, laying the groundwork for further advancements in the design and application of lifting devices tailored to specific load requirements. Based on the study's findings, the following conclusions were drawn: the device effectively raises objects with a 2-ton capacity, its safety has been successfully verified, and the materials used are locally available. However, it is essential to note that this design is limited to light loads. Therefore, in applications requiring a screw-type mechanical jack for heavy loads, a different design is necessary. Recommendations include adherence to the device's capacity, implementation of safety measures to prevent accidents during operation, and potential modifications for further enhancement in future research endeavors.

Data phronesis and the duality of care in the air quality data politics

ABSTRACT This article delves into the intricate dynamics of air datafication as matters of care within the distinctive context of air quality data politics in Poland. It focuses on the implementation of data-mediated care for air quality, scrutinizing two interconnected dimensions: data practices and data phronesis. The former involves the meticulous handling of air quality data, while the latter explores the phronetic valuation of more-than-human realms, including data standards, air sensing technologies, and a diverse array of actors integral to the datafication process. Data phronesis is conceptualized as the situated and context-dependent practical wisdom demonstrated by various actors, shaping the definition of ‘good’ data-mediated care for air quality. The article emphasizes the duality of care, highlighting the interplay between data phronesis and data practices. It underscores the ongoing negotiation surrounding air quality concerns, intricately mediated through data, within relational and contextual dimensions. Through an in-depth qualitative examination and Reflexive Thematic Analysis, four key themes, related to data-mediated air quality care, are identified: ‘caring about data,’ involving the valuation of situated data practices; ‘caring for data,’ translating polluted air into reliable data, while considering dominant standards; ‘caring by data,’ defining data usage methods within dynamic contexts; and ‘data for caring,’ exploring practical applications, particularly activist practices integrating diverse local contexts with European air quality standards. The article enriches our understanding of datafication as matters for care, shedding light on the interconnections between hands-on data practices and the contextual wisdom steering strategic action.

Diverse genetic contexts of HicA toxin domains propose a role in anti-phage defense.

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are prevalent in prokaryotic genomes, often in substantial numbers. For instance, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome alone harbors close to 100 TA modules, half of which belong to a singular type. Traditionally ascribed multiple biological roles, recent insights challenge these notions and instead indicate a predominant function in phage defense. TAs are often located within Defense Islands, genomic regions that encode various defense systems. The analysis of genes within Defense Islands has unveiled a wide array of systems, including TAs that serve in anti-phage defense. Prokaryotic cells are equipped with anti-phage Viperins that, analogous to their mammalian counterparts, inhibit viral RNA transcription. Additionally, bacterial Structural Maintenance of Chromosome (SMC) proteins combat plasmid intrusion by recognizing foreign DNA signatures. This study undertakes a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of genetic elements encoding the HicA double-stranded RNA-binding domain, complemented by protein structure modeling. The HicA toxin domains are found in at least 14 distinct contexts and thus exhibit a remarkable genetic diversity. Traditional bicistronic TA operons represent eight of these contexts, while four are characterized by monocistronic operons encoding fused HicA domains. Two contexts involve hicA adjacent to genes that encode bacterial Viperins. Notably, genes encoding RelE toxins are also adjacent to Viperin genes in some instances. This configuration hints at a synergistic enhancement of Viperin-mediated anti-phage action by HicA and RelE toxins. The discovery of a HicA domain merged with an SMC domain is compelling, prompting further investigation into its potential roles.IMPORTANCEProkaryotic organisms harbor a multitude of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, which have long puzzled scientists as "genes in search for a function." Recent scientific advancements have shed light on the primary role of TAs as anti-phage defense mechanisms. To gain an overview of TAs it is important to analyze their genetic contexts that can give hints on function and guide future experimental inquiries. This article describes a thorough bioinformatics examination of genes encoding the HicA toxin domain, revealing its presence in no fewer than 14 unique genetic arrangements. Some configurations notably align with anti-phage activities, underscoring potential roles in microbial immunity. These insights robustly reinforce the hypothesis that HicA toxins are integral components of the prokaryotic anti-phage defense repertoire. The elucidation of these genetic contexts not only advances our understanding of TAs but also contributes to a paradigm shift in how we perceive their functionality within the microbial world.

Employee feedback: how to provide feedback and recognition regularly

Purpose This paper explores the transformative impact of regular employee feedback and recognition in the workplace. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of feedback in fostering a culture of accountability and appreciation, thereby improving organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on extensive professional experience and contemporary Human Relations practices. It synthesizes insights from various employee engagement strategies, feedback mechanisms and recognition programs implemented in diverse organizational settings. The methodology includes an analysis of best practices in feedback delivery, the role of technology in Human Relations and the challenges of implementing effective feedback systems. The approach is grounded in practical Human Relations expertise, offering a real-world perspective on managing employee engagement. Findings This paper finds that clear communication of expectations, setting achievable goals, providing resources and acknowledging success are key to effective feedback. The study also reveals the importance of personalized, empathetic feedback approaches and the strategic use of technology in HR processes. Research limitations/implications The insights presented are based on the author’s extensive experience and existing literature, which may not encompass all possible scenarios in diverse organizational contexts. Future research could benefit from empirical studies to validate these findings across different industries and company sizes. Practical implications This paper offers actionable strategies for HR professionals and managers to enhance employee engagement through effective feedback and recognition. The paper also discusses the integration of technology in feedback processes and the importance of ongoing training for effective feedback delivery. These insights are valuable for organizations aiming to foster a positive work environment and high employee morale. Social implications The study highlights the social dimension of workplace feedback, emphasizing its role in building a supportive and inclusive work culture. It underscores the importance of recognizing diverse feedback preferences and the impact of empathetic, personalized communication on employee well-being and job satisfaction. The paper advocates for feedback practices that contribute to a more engaged, motivated and socially connected workforce. Originality/value This paper offers a unique blend of practical HR expertise and strategic insights into employee feedback and recognition. It fills a gap in the literature by providing a comprehensive view of the impact of feedback on employee engagement and organizational performance. The paper’s value lies in its practical applicability and its contribution to the understanding of effective feedback strategies in modern workplaces.

Precision epidemiology at the nexus of mathematics and nanotechnology: Unraveling the dance of viral dynamics

The intersection of mathematical modeling, nanotechnology, and epidemiology marks a paradigm shift in our battle against infectious diseases, aligning with the focus of the journal on the regulation, expression, function, and evolution of genes in diverse biological contexts. This exploration navigates the intricate dance of viral transmission dynamics, highlighting mathematical models as dual tools of insight and precision instruments, a theme relevant to the diverse sections of Gene. In the context of virology, ethical considerations loom large, necessitating robust frameworks to protect individual rights, an aspect essential in infectious disease research. Global collaboration emerges as a critical pillar in our response to emerging infectious diseases, fortified by the predictive prowess of mathematical models enriched by nanotechnology. The synergy of interdisciplinary collaboration, training the next generation to bridge mathematical rigor, biology, and epidemiology, promises accelerated discoveries and robust models that account for real-world complexities, fostering innovation and exploration in the field. In this intricate review, mathematical modeling in viral transmission dynamics and epidemiology serves as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path toward precision interventions, global preparedness, and the collective endeavor to safeguard human health, resonating with the aim of advancing knowledge in gene regulation and expression.

Neuroendocrine gene expression coupling of interoceptive bacterial food cues to foraging behavior of C. elegans

Animal internal state is modulated by nutrient intake, resulting in behavioral responses to changing food conditions. The neural mechanisms by which internal states are generated and maintained are not well understood. Here, we show that in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, distinct cues from bacterial food – interoceptive signals from the ingestion of bacteria and gustatory molecules sensed from nearby bacteria – act antagonistically on the expression of the neuroendocrine TGF-beta ligand DAF-7 from the ASJ pair of sensory neurons to modulate foraging behavior. A positive-feedback loop dependent on the expression of daf-7 from the ASJ neurons acts to promote transitions between roaming and dwelling foraging states and influence the persistence of roaming states. SCD-2, the C. elegans ortholog of mammalian anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which has been implicated in the central control of metabolism of mammals, functions in the AIA interneurons to regulate foraging behavior and cell-non-autonomously control the expression of DAF-7 from the ASJ neurons. Our data establish how a dynamic neuroendocrine daf-7 expression feedback loop regulated by SCD-2 functions to couple sensing and ingestion of bacterial food to foraging behavior. We further suggest that this neuroendocrine feedback loop underlies previously characterized exploratory behaviors in C. elegans. Our data suggest that the expression of daf-7 from the ASJ neurons contributes to and is correlated with an internal state of ‘unmet need’ that regulates exploratory foraging behavior in response to bacterial cues in diverse physiological contexts.

Neuroendocrine gene expression coupling of interoceptive bacterial food cues to foraging behavior of C. elegans.

Animal internal state is modulated by nutrient intake, resulting in behavioral responses to changing food conditions. The neural mechanisms by which internal states are generated and maintained are not well understood. Here, we show that in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, distinct cues from bacterial food - interoceptive signals from the ingestion of bacteria and gustatory molecules sensed from nearby bacteria - act antagonistically on the expression of the neuroendocrine TGF-beta ligand DAF-7 from the ASJ pair of sensory neurons to modulate foraging behavior. A positive-feedback loop dependent on the expression of daf-7 from the ASJ neurons acts to promote transitions between roaming and dwelling foraging states and influence the persistence of roaming states. SCD-2, the C. elegans ortholog of mammalian anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which has been implicated in the central control of metabolism of mammals, functions in the AIA interneurons to regulate foraging behavior and cell-non-autonomously control the expression of DAF-7 from the ASJ neurons. Our data establish how a dynamic neuroendocrine daf-7 expression feedback loop regulated by SCD-2 functions to couple sensing and ingestion of bacterial food to foraging behavior. We further suggest that this neuroendocrine feedback loop underlies previously characterized exploratory behaviors in C. elegans. Our data suggest that the expression of daf-7 from the ASJ neurons contributes to and is correlated with an internal state of 'unmet need' that regulates exploratory foraging behavior in response to bacterial cues in diverse physiological contexts.

Output – Inflation nexus in selected African countries: A GARCH-MIDAS approach

This study delves into the complex interplay between output growth and inflation volatility in 17 selected African countries to compare outcomes across different regions and socioeconomic settings on the African continent. The empirical analysis is carried out using the GARCH-MIDAS approach as this framework enables the use of combined data with mixed frequencies and allows the circumvention of the problem of information loss due to averaging of series. Our findings indicate that output growth plays a moderating role in taming inflation volatility in specific countries, while it does not hold the same significance in other sub-regions. These results emphasize the importance of region-specific policy strategies for effectively managing and addressing inflation fluctuations in diverse economic contexts. Also, the research observes the persistence of inflation volatility, albeit with a mean reverting tendency. Our robustness checks reveal output gap to predict inflation volatility with regional differences.

THE INFLUENCE OF CELEBRITY ENDORSERS TO PROMOTE JALAN TUNJUNGAN AS LOCAL DESTINATION IN SURABAYA

Celebrity endorsers are part of today's marketing strategy. Many brands or tourist objects employ them to influence and increase sales. However, there is a limitation of study on the impact of celebrity endorsers. This study examines the profound influence of celebrity endorsements on consumer behavior, encompassing emotions, preferences, and perceived utility. Drawing upon a case study of Jalan Tunjungan, empirically, the research demonstrates the significant impact of celebrity endorsements in this specific context. The research highlights that celebrity endorsements evoke emotional responses, enhance product preferences, and amplify perceived utility, ultimately driving consumer engagement. While the Tunjungan case provides compelling evidence, further investigation is warranted to comprehend celebrity endorsements' enduring effects, particularly in consumer decision to visit Tunjungan. This study underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how celebrity endorsements shape long-term consumer behavior, offering valuable insights for marketing strategies and brand management in diverse contexts.