bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing Satisfaction with mobile phone use for Accessing Agricultural Marketing Information by grape smallholder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania
Authors: Nyagango Alex Iddy , Sife Alfred Said , Kazungu Isaac Eliakimu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Despite the vast potential of mobile phone use, grape smallholder farmers’ satisfaction with mobile phone use has attracted insufficient attention among scholars in Tanzania. The study examined factors influencing satisfaction with mobile phone use for accessing agricultural marketing information.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional research design and a mixed research method. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data from 400 sampled grape smallholder farmers. Data were analysed inferentially involving two-way analysis of variance, ordinal logistic regression and thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate a statistically significant disparity in grape smallholder farmers’ satisfaction across different types of agricultural marketing information. Grape smallholder farmers exhibited higher satisfaction levels concerning information on selling time compared to all other types of agricultural marketing information (price, buyers, quality and quantity). Factors influencing grape smallholder farmers’ satisfaction with mobile phone use were related to perceived usefulness, ease of use, experience and cost.

Originality/value

This study contributes to scientific knowledge by providing actionable insights for formulating unique strategies for smallholder farmers’ satisfaction with agricultural marketing information.
Following the herd? An empirical investigation into the adoption of mobile payment systems
Authors: Hung Shiu-Wan , Cheng Min-Jhih , Tung Yu-Jou
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The adoption of mobile payment remains low in certain regions, highlighting the need to identify the factors that enable and inhibit its adoption. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the role of information security, loss aversion and the moderating influence of the herd effect on Inertia and behavioral intentions in the adoption of mobile payment systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model was developed and tested with 332 valid questionnaires to examine the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that information security plays a significant role as an enabler, while loss aversion acts as an inhibitor of mobile payment adoption. Furthermore, the study uncovers the moderating influence of the herd effect on the relationship between Inertia and behavioral intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted in a specific region and may not be generalizable to other regions. Future studies could expand the sample size and scope to enhance the external validity of the findings.

Practical implications

This study offers practical implications for mobile payment service providers. Understanding the key enabling and inhibiting factors identified in this study can guide providers in designing and improving their services. Strengthening information security measures can help build trust among potential adopters, while offering incentives can mitigate the impact of loss aversion and encourage early adoption.

Social implications

The findings of this study have social implications as they contribute to promoting the adoption of mobile payment systems. Increased adoption can enhance financial inclusion and stimulate economic development.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into the enabling and inhibiting factors of mobile payment adoption and highlights the moderating role of the herd effect. By shedding light on the influence of social norms on individual behavior in the context of mobile payment adoption, this study contributes to the existing literature and advances our understanding of this phenomenon.
Strategic turnaround: unraveling the impact of CEO power on firm performance during retrenchment
Authors: Ijaz Misal , Sadiq Naila , Abbas Syeda Fizza
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of retrenchment strategy on firm performance in the context of Pakistani firms while considering the moderating role of chief executive officer (CEO) power. By examining the influence of CEO duality and CEO share ownership on the relationship, this study contributes to strategic management and corporate governance knowledge within the Pakistani business environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to analyze the relationship using data from annual financial statements. The sample consisted of 76 companies from the KSE-100 index from the year 2015 to 2020. Random effects regression models were used, along with hierarchical regression to explore the moderating effect of CEO power.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the implementation of a retrenchment strategy positively impacts firm performance in Pakistani firms. The study also reveals that CEO power plays a crucial role in strengthening the relationship between retrenchment strategy and firm performance. Moreover, the study highlights the importance of considering the temporal sequence, size and age of firms when examining the impact of CEO power and retrenchment strategy on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study enhances the understanding of the contingent nature of retrenchment strategies and the influence of CEO power in the Pakistani business context. Practically, the research contributes to strategic management and corporate governance dynamics, facilitating the development of strategies that enhance firm performance and sustainability in Pakistan.

Originality/value

This research provides original insights by specifically focusing on the Pakistani context and analyzing the interplay between retrenchment strategy, CEO power and firm performance. The study adds to the limited literature on the relationship between retrenchment and performance in the Pakistani business environment. Additionally, it highlights the significance of CEO power as a critical factor in determining the success of retrenchment.
Investors response to different dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Agnihotri Arpita , Bhattacharya Saurabh
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Leveraging signalling theory and institutional environment theory, this study aims to examine how the entrepreneurial orientation of emerging market firms impacts initial public offering (IPO) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct regression analysis based on archival data from 312 firms’ IPOs in India.

Findings

The results in the Indian context suggest it differs from IPO performance in developed markets. In an emerging market context, the findings suggest that only competitive aggressiveness is valued by investors in IPOs. The findings further show that proactiveness and autonomy negatively influence IPO underpricing.

Research limitations/implications

The research propositions imply that, owing to institutional voids in emerging markets, investors’ risk propensity and, hence, rewarding a firm’s entrepreneurial orientation differ from those in developed markets.

Originality/value

Extant literature has given limited attention to the dynamics of entrepreneurial orientation and the effect of each dimension of entrepreneurial orientation on IPO performance in emerging markets.
When employees understate their stress: defensive biasing in work stress surveys
Authors: Greulich Berit , König Cornelius J. , Mohr Ramona
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the phenomenon of defensive biasing in work stress surveys, which occurs when employees trivialize potential stressors and strains due to fear of negative consequences from their supervisors or management. This study aims to better understand the factors that influence this behavior and to develop a scale to measure it.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an online survey of 200 employees to investigate the factors influencing defensive biasing behavior. The researchers developed a scale for defensive biasing with the help of subject matter experts and derived possible factors from the literature. Participants were presented with a hypothetical scenario in which they imagined a work stress survey in their organization and were asked to answer related items. The data were analyzed using regression analysis.

Findings

The study found that defensive biasing behavior was significantly predicted by perceived anonymity and neuroticism. Participants who felt less anonymous and had higher levels of neuroticism were more likely to engage in defensive biasing. Job insecurity and trust in supervisors were not found to be significant predictors of defensive biasing.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on work stress surveys by developing a scale for defensive biasing and investigating the factors that influence this behavior. The study highlights the importance of making the survey process more transparent to reduce defensive biasing and obtain trustworthy results.
New institutional theory and AI: toward rethinking of artificial intelligence in organizations
Authors: Rudko Ihor , Bashirpour Bonab Aysan , Fedele Maria , Formisano Anna Vittoria
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study, a theoretical article, aims to introduce new institutionalism as a framework through which business and management researchers can explore the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizations. Although the new institutional theory is a fully established research program, the neo-institutional literature on AI is almost non-existent. There is, therefore, a need to develop a deeper understanding of AI as both the product of institutional forces and as an institutional force in its own right.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors follow the top-down approach. Accordingly, the authors first briefly describe the new institutionalism, trace its historical development and introduce its fundamental concepts: institutional legitimacy, environment and isomorphism. Then, the authors use those as the basis for the queries to perform a scoping review on the institutional role of AI in organizations.

Findings

The findings reveal that a comprehensive theory on AI is largely absent from business and management literature. The new institutionalism is only one of many possible theoretical perspectives (both contextually novel and insightful) from which researchers can study AI in organizational settings.

Originality/value

The authors use the insights from new institutionalism to illustrate how a particular social theory can fit into the larger theoretical framework for AI in organizations. The authors also formulate four broad research questions to guide researchers interested in studying the institutional significance of AI. Finally, the authors include a section providing concrete examples of how to study AI-related institutional dynamics in business and management.
Investigating a manufacturing ecosystem in transition toward electric vehicles – a business model perspective
Authors: Rachinger Michael , Müller Julian M.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Business Model Innovation is increasingly created by an ecosystem of related companies. This paper aims to investigate the transition of a manufacturing ecosystem toward electric vehicles from a business model perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate an automotive manufacturing ecosystem that is in transition toward electric and electrified vehicles, conducting semi-structured interviews with 46 informants from 27 ecosystem members.

Findings

The results reveal that the actions of several ecosystem members are driven by regulations relating to emissions. Novel requirements regarding components and complementary offers necessitate the entry of actors from other industries and the formation of new ecosystem members. While the newly emerged ecosystem has roots in an established ecosystem, it relies on new value offers. Further, the findings highlight the importance of ecosystem governance, while the necessary degree of change in the members' business models depends on their roles and positions in the ecosystem. Therefore, upstream suppliers of components must perform business model adaptation, whereas downstream providers must perform more complex business model innovation.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to investigate an entire manufacturing ecosystem and analyze its transition toward electric vehicles and the implications for business model innovation.
Uncovering common elements among undergraduate leadership degree programs
Authors: Wiggen Todd , Evert Amanda
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This research sought to determine if there existed a common set of courses amongst undergraduate leadership degree programs, provide guidance for new program development and program revision, promote discussion about future leadership curriculum development and provide a starting point for developing common leadership curriculum expectations nationally.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis was performed.

Findings

Program course similarities appear to represent the organic development of unofficial common core requirements within undergraduate leadership programs. Further, there appeared to be no significant trend as to which academic department leadership programs were placed.

Originality/value

This study identifies commonly occurring classes in traditional leadership degrees, offering insights for the development of new programs and assessment of current leadership degrees.
Empowering leadership and organizational exploration: the role of preoccupation with failure and leader gender
Authors: Nizamidou Christina , Chatziioannou Anastasia , Gkorezis Panagiotis
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Organizational exploration has recently emerged in the literature as an essential aspect of contemporary organizations. However, little is known about its antecedents and, specifically, the role of contemporary leadership styles. The present study investigates the relationship between empowering leadership and organizational exploration. In addressing this relationship, we examine preoccupation with failure and leader gender as a mediator and a moderator, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected data from a sample of 326 US employees in March 2022. To test the present hypotheses, we used the PROCESS SPSS macro.

Findings

Our results supported our moderated mediation model, demonstrating that the indirect relationship of empowering leadership with organizational exploration via preoccupation with failure is stronger for male leaders than for female counterparts.

Practical implications

Concerning the practical implications of this study, organizations should be cognizant of empowering leaders’ impact on desirable outcomes. Additionally, organizations should promote preoccupation with failure to ameliorate organizational exploration. Preoccupation with failure can be achieved when error reporting is encouraged by organizations and supervisors and when a culture that promotes constructive feedback is established.

Originality/value

The present study offers novel insights into the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions through which empowering leadership relates to organizational exploration. Additionally, it fills a gap in the literature concerning the relationship between empowering leadership and preoccupation with failure. Moreover, it adds to prior research regarding the outcomes of preoccupation with failure, filling the gap regarding the relationship between preoccupation with failure and organizational exploration. Lastly, it expands limited research focused on leader gender as a condition under which the effect of contemporary leadership styles could be enhanced or mitigated.
The relationship between sidewalk access and weight-related outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Irankhah Kiyavash , Asadimehr Soheil , Ranjbar Golnaz , Kiani Behzad , Sobhani Seyyed Reza
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To effectively combat the increasing rates of obesity, it is crucial to explore how environmental factors like sidewalk access impact weight-related outcomes. This study aimed to systematically examine the association between sidewalk accessibility and weight-related outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Databases were searched by keywords for relevant articles, which were published before March 3, 2024, to report the role of neighborhood sidewalk access on weight-related outcomes. The main findings of the selected articles were extracted from eligible studies by two independent reviewers.

Findings

A total of 20 out of 33 studies indicated a significant negative relationship between access to sidewalks and weight-related outcomes. Three studies demonstrated an indirect relationship between access to sidewalks and weight-related outcomes by greater access to physical environments. In addition, five studies reported no clear relationship, and three studies reported a significantly positive relationship between access to sidewalks and weight-related outcomes.

Practical implications

In general, people who live in urban areas with better sidewalk access benefit from better weight-related outcomes. Adults showed this correlation more prominently than adolescents and children. Therefore, sidewalks that have a positive effect on physical activity levels could be considered as a preventive measure against obesity.

Originality/value

One of the weight-related outcomes is obesity. Every community faces numerous challenges due to obesity, which adversely affects the quality of life and health. Environmental factors such as access to sidewalks could be associated with body weight due to lifestyle influences.
National culture, religiosity, and audited financial statements of small-scale MNCs
Authors: Kontesa Maria , Brahmana Rayenda Khresna , You Hui Wei
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The research objective starts from the argument that small-scale multinational corporations’ (SMNCs’) managerial behavior toward auditing decisions is influenced by their personal value, especially when the auditing process is not mandatory. This study aims to examine how national culture-religiosity affects that decision. The authors further examine how foreign-owned MNCs might behave differently from local MNCs, although the host country’s cultural-religiosity value might influence that decision.

Design/methodology/approach

This study obtains the data from three sources: Hofstede Framework, Pew Research Center and World Bank Enterprise Survey in cross-sectional mode. The final sample consists of 8,590 SMNCs from 45 countries as the observations. This study uses robust regression analysis to test the effects of culture, religiosity and controlling shareholders on the audited financial statements decision.

Findings

The regression results support the hypothesis, whereas cultural-religiosity values are associated with the audited financial report. The findings confirm stakeholder theory and institutional theory.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature by providing empirical evidence on the cultural and religiosity effects on the accounting decision of SMNCs. The results can be used as the foundation for future research related to MNCs’ managerial behavior toward accounting policies, especially with the psychosocial factors.
Unleashing the power of social media: examining farmers’ adoption for agriculture knowledge exchange
Authors: Doanh Nguyen Khanh , Linh Truong Tuan , Pham Thi Tuan Linh
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study uses a comprehensive theoretical framework that combines social cognitive theory and neighborhood effect to investigate the influence of neighborhood effects on farmers’ outcome expectations, observational learning and self-efficacy. This study aims is to analyze the mechanisms that underlie the adoption of social media by farmers for knowledge exchange in the agricultural context. Specifically, this research explores the role of neighborhood effects, outcome expectations, observational learning and self-efficacy in shaping farmers’ decision-making process regarding the use of social media platforms for exchanging agricultural knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The study data was collected through a sample survey conducted among 570 agricultural households residing in the provinces of Thai Nguyen, Cao Bang, Bac Kan and Phu Tho, located in the northern region of Vietnam. To analyze the data, structural equation modeling was used as the statistical technique of choice.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate a significant influence of neighborhood effects on outcome expectations, observational learning and self-efficacy. These factors, derived from social cognitive theory, also exhibit a positive association with farmers’ adoption of social media for knowledge exchange. Additionally, the study highlights that neighborhood contribute to a favorable adoption of social media among farmers via outcome expectations, observational learning, and self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited in examining farmers’ social media adoption for agriculture knowledge exchange in Northern mountainous area of Vietnam. This study could be replicated across various regions or nations, providing comparative insights into the adoption of social media among farmers for knowledge exchange.

Practical implications

The study findings suggest practical and innovative means to promote farmers’ social media adoption for agriculture knowledge exchange.

Originality/value

This study presents a pioneering approach by integrating social cognitive theory and neighborhood effect to elucidate the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of social media for the purpose of agriculture knowledge exchange.
Hospital corridors as lived spaces: The reconfiguration of social boundaries during the early stages of the Covid pandemic
Authors: Faux‐Nightingale Alice , Kelemen Mihaela , Lilley Simon , Robinson Kerry , Stewart Caroline
Published: April 2024

This article explores the meanings and uses of a hospital corridor through 98 diary entries produced by the staff of an English specialist hospital during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Drawing on Lefebvre's (1991, The production of space. Blackwell) threefold theorisation of space, corridors are seen as conceived, perceived and lived spaces, produced through and enabling the reconfiguration and reinterpretation of social interactions. The diaries depict two distinct versions of the central hospital corridor: its ‘normal’ operation prior to the pandemic when it was perceived as a social and symbolic space for collective sensemaking and the ‘COVID‐19 empty corridor’ described as a haunting place that divided hospital staff along ostensibly new social and moral boundaries that impacted negatively on lived work experiences and staff relationships. The mobilisation of the central hospital corridor in the daily social construction of meaning and experience during a period of organisational and societal crisis suggests that corridors should not be only seen as a material backdrop for work relationships but as social entities that come into being and are maintained and reproduced through the (lack of) performance of social relations.
BmATAD3A mediates mitochondrial ribosomal protein expression to maintain the mitochondrial energy metabolism of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Dong Zhanqi , Liao Nachuan , Luo Yan , Zhang Ya , Huang Liang , Chen Peng , Lu Cheng , Pan Minhui
Published: April 2024

ATAD3A is a mitochondrial membrane protein belonging to the ATPase family that contains the AAA+ domain. It is widely involved in mitochondrial metabolism, protein transport, cell growth, development and other important life processes. It has previously been reported that the deletion of ATAD3A causes growth and development defects in humans, mice and Caenorhabditis elegans. To delve into the mechanism underlying ATAD3A defects and their impact on development, we constructed a Bombyx mori ATAD3A (BmATAD3A) defect model in silkworm larvae. We aim to offer a reference for understanding ATAD3A genetic defects and elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms. The results showed that knockout of the BmATAD3A gene significantly affected the weight, survival rate, ATPase production and mitochondrial metabolism of individuals after 24 h of incubation. Combined metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis further demonstrated that BmATAD3A knockout inhibits amino acid biosynthesis through the regulation of mitochondrial ribosomal protein expression. Simultaneously, our findings indicate that BmATAD3A knockout impeded mitochondrial activity and ATPase synthesis and suppressed the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway through B. mori mitochondrial ribosomal protein L11 (BmmRpL11). These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the inhibition of development caused by ATAD3A deficiency, offering a potential direction for targeted therapy in diseases associated with abnormal ATAD3A expression.
Impact of outside referral and dental extractions on package time with post‐operative radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Nguyen Joseph , McLaughlin Christopher
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) often receive post‐operative radiotherapy (RT). A package time between surgery and completion of RT of ≤100 days is associated with lower recurrence and longer survival. In this study, we investigate the impact of outside referral and dental extractions on package time, with secondary detriment to relapse‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review on patients with HNSCC who received primary surgical resection at an academic medical centre.

Results

Ninety‐four patients met eligibility criteria, 35% experienced recurrence, and 21% died. Median package time was 89.5 days, with 76% of patients achieving a package time ≤100 days. Receiving RT in‐house was associated with a shorter package time (P = 0.0004) and higher completion rate within 100 days (P = 0.01). Dental extractions did not affect package time. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed to study survival, and a package time ≤100 days was not associated with a change in RFS or OS. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate other factors hypothesized to impact patient survival; none had an effect on RFS, but cancer stage had an effect on OS (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

We identified that outside referrals, but not dental extractions, prolong treatment package times. We also saw no effect of package time on RFS or OS. These results suggest that patients requesting outside facility referrals for RT may benefit from a streamlined program that expedites the referral process.
Expanding urological services into regional Australia and reducing interhospital transfers: how the nurse practitioner can help
Authors: Willder S. , Kelsey E. , O'Connor E. , Grills R.
Published: April 2024

Background

A visiting urology service has been in existence at Hamilton Base Hospital, Western Victoria, over the past 25 years, serving an unmet need. A Urology Nurse Practitioner (UNP) provides the care and management of urology patients working in close association with visiting urologists. We aim to assess the impact of the UNP's role in the delivery of regional urological care.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of medical records identified all clinical interventions by the UNP between January 2016 and December 2019. Each encounter was graded according to a clinical severity scale from grade 1 to 5 and assessed for UNP management of patients and the prevention of interhospital transfers.

Results

One hundred eighty‐four patients with 654 individual assessments were identified for inclusion and classified according to the adapted clinical severity scale. Most interventions for category 3 and 4 patients related to major bleeding, catheter difficulties, and haemodynamic instability. A total of 19 patients whose urological issues would typically require interhospital transfer were able to be managed locally.

Conclusions

Transferring an acute patient from a regional to a tertiary hospital for specialist care is often necessary but not ideal for the patient and their family. The presence of a dedicated UNP in a regional centre is important for patient care and has an important role in preventing unnecessary transfers. This is a vital component of a visiting urological service to a rural community.
Sailing in deceptive calm: Navigating the undercurrents of essential thrombocythaemia
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshinori , Lucchesi Alessandro
Published: April 2024

The discovery of driver mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms has significantly contributed to the management of patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET). High‐quality evidence has started to pave the way for targeted therapy. The review by Ferrer‐Marín et al. further advances this discussion, highlighting how molecular profiling, including non‐driver gene mutations, is set to revolutionize personalized treatment approaches for ET patients.

Commentary on: Ferrer‐Marín et al. Essential thrombocythemia: a contemporary approach with new drugs on the horizon. Br J Haematol 2024;204:1605‐1616.
Pharmacology of PACAP and VIP receptors in the spinal cord highlights the importance of the PAC1 receptor
Authors: Tasma Zoe , Rees Tayla A. , Guo Song , Tan Sheryl , O'Carroll Simon J. , Faull Richard L. M. , Curtis Maurice A. , Christensen Sarah L. , Hay Debbie L. , Walker Christopher S.
Published: April 2024

Background and Purpose

The spinal cord is a key structure involved in the transmission and modulation of pain. Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), are expressed in the spinal cord. These peptides activate G protein‐coupled receptors (PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2) that could provide targets for the development of novel pain treatments. However, it is not clear which of these receptors are expressed within the spinal cord and how these receptors signal.

Experimental Approach

Dissociated rat spinal cord cultures were used to examine agonist and antagonist receptor pharmacology. Signalling profiles were determined for five signalling pathways. The expression of different PACAP and VIP receptors was then investigated in mouse, rat and human spinal cords using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.

Key Results

PACAP, but not VIP, potently stimulated cAMP, IP1 accumulation and ERK and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) but not Akt phosphorylation in spinal cord cultures. Signalling was antagonised by M65 and PACAP6–38. PACAP‐27 was more effectively antagonised than either PACAP‐38 or VIP. The patterns of PAC1 and VPAC2 receptor‐like immunoreactivity appeared to be distinct in the spinal cord.

Conclusions and Implications

The pharmacological profile in the spinal cord suggested that a PAC1 receptor is the major functional receptor subtype present and thus likely mediates the nociceptive effects of the PACAP family of peptides in the spinal cord. However, the potential expression of both PAC1 and VPAC2 receptors in the spinal cord highlights that these receptors may play differential roles and are both possible therapeutic targets.
Diet effects on ectotherm thermal performance
Authors: Hardison Emily A. , Eliason Erika J.
Published: April 2024

The environment is changing rapidly, and considerable research is aimed at understanding the capacity of organisms to respond. Changes in environmental temperature are particularly concerning as most animals are ectothermic, with temperature considered a key factor governing their ecology, biogeography, behaviour and physiology. The ability of ectotherms to persist in an increasingly warm, variable, and unpredictable future will depend on their nutritional status. Nutritional resources (e.g. food availability, quality, options) vary across space and time and in response to environmental change, but animals also have the capacity to alter how much they eat and what they eat, which may help them improve their performance under climate change. In this review, we discuss the state of knowledge in the intersection between animal nutrition and temperature. We take a mechanistic approach to describe nutrients (i.e. broad macronutrients, specific lipids, and micronutrients) that may impact thermal performance and discuss what is currently known about their role in ectotherm thermal plasticity, thermoregulatory behaviour, diet preference, and thermal tolerance. We finish by describing how this topic can inform ectotherm biogeography, behaviour, and aquaculture research.
A Palearctic view of a bat fungal disease
Authors: Whiting‐Fawcett F. , Blomberg A. S. , Troitsky T. , Meierhofer M. B. , Field K. A. , Puechmaille S. J. , Lilley T. M.
Published: April 2024

The fungal infection causing white‐nose disease in hibernating bats in North America has resulted in dramatic population declines of affected species, since the introduction of the causative agent Pseudogymnoascus destructans. The fungus is native to the Palearctic, where it also infects several bat species, yet rarely causes severe pathology or the death of the host. Pseudogymnoascus destructans infects bats during hibernation by invading and digesting the skin tissue, resulting in the disruption of torpor patterns and consequent emaciation. Relations among pathogen, host, and environment are complex, and individuals, populations, and species respond to the fungal pathogen in different ways. For example, the Nearctic Myotis lucifugus responds to infection by mounting a robust immune response, leading to immunopathology often contributing to mortality. In contrast, the Palearctic M. myotis shows no significant immunological response to infection. This lack of a strong response, resulting from the long coevolution between the hosts and the pathogen in the pathogen's native range, likely contributes to survival in tolerant species. After more than 15 years since the initial introduction of the fungus to North America, some of the affected populations are showing signs of recovery, suggesting that the fungus, hosts, or both are undergoing processes that may eventually lead to coexistence. The suggested or implemented management methods of the disease in North America have encompassed, for example, the use of probiotics and fungicides, vaccinations, and modifying the environmental conditions of the hibernation sites to limit the growth of the pathogen, intensity of infection, or the hosts’ responses to it. Based on current knowledge from Eurasia, policy makers and conservation managers should refrain from disrupting the ongoing evolutionary processes and adopt a holistic approach to managing the epizootic.
Sources of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability and clinical pharmacology studies of antiseizure medications in the pediatric population
Authors: Maglalang Patricia D. , Wen Jiali , Hornik Christoph P. , Gonzalez Daniel
Published: April 2024

Multiple treatment options exist for children with epilepsy, including surgery, dietary therapies, neurostimulation, and antiseizure medications (ASMs). ASMs are the first line of therapy, and more than 30 ASMs have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of various epilepsy and seizure types in children. Given the extensive FDA approval of ASMs in children, it is crucial to consider how the physiological and developmental changes throughout childhood may impact drug disposition. Various sources of pharmacokinetic (PK) variability from different extrinsic and intrinsic factors such as patients' size, age, drug–drug interactions, and drug formulation could result in suboptimal dosing of ASMs. Barriers exist to conducting clinical pharmacological studies in neonates, infants, and children due to ethical and practical reasons, limiting available data to fully characterize these drugs' disposition and better elucidate sources of PK variability. Modeling and simulation offer ways to circumvent traditional and intensive clinical pharmacology methods to address gaps in epilepsy and seizure management in children. This review discusses various physiological and developmental changes that influence the PK and pharmacodynamic (PD) variability of ASMs in children, and several key ASMs will be discussed in detail. We will also review novel trial designs in younger pediatric populations, highlight the role of extrapolation of efficacy in epilepsy, and the use of physiologically based PK modeling as a tool to investigate sources of PK/PD variability in children. Finally, we will conclude with current challenges and future directions for optimizing the efficacy and safety of these drugs across the pediatric age spectrum.
Infant‐directed communication: Examining the many dimensions of everyday caregiver‐infant interactions
Authors: Kosie Jessica E. , Lew‐Williams Casey
Published: April 2024

Everyday caregiver‐infant interactions are dynamic and multidimensional. However, existing research underestimates the dimensionality of infants’ experiences, often focusing on one or two communicative signals (e.g., speech alone, or speech and gesture together). Here, we introduce “infant‐directed communication” (IDC): the suite of communicative signals from caregivers to infants including speech, action, gesture, emotion, and touch. We recorded 10 min of at‐home play between 44 caregivers and their 18‐ to 24‐month‐old infants from predominantly white, middle‐class, English‐speaking families in the United States. Interactions were coded for five dimensions of IDC as well as infants’ gestures and vocalizations. Most caregivers used all five dimensions of IDC throughout the interaction, and these dimensions frequently overlapped. For example, over 60% of the speech that infants heard was accompanied by one or more non‐verbal communicative cues. However, we saw marked variation across caregivers in their use of IDC, likely reflecting tailored communication to the behaviors and abilities of their infant. Moreover, caregivers systematically increased the dimensionality of IDC, using more overlapping cues in response to infant gestures and vocalizations, and more IDC with infants who had smaller vocabularies. Understanding how and when caregivers use all five signals—together and separately—in interactions with infants has the potential to redefine how developmental scientists conceive of infants’ communicative environments, and enhance our understanding of the relations between caregiver input and early learning.

Research Highlights

Infants’ everyday interactions with caregivers are dynamic and multimodal, but existing research has underestimated the multidimensionality (i.e., the diversity of simultaneously occurring communicative cues) inherent in infant‐directed communication.

Over 60% of the speech that infants encounter during at‐home, free play interactions overlap with one or more of a variety of non‐speech communicative cues.

The multidimensionality of caregivers’ communicative cues increases in response to infants’ gestures and vocalizations, providing new information about how infants’ own behaviors shape their input.

These findings emphasize the importance of understanding how caregivers use a diverse set of communicative behaviors—both separately and together—during everyday interactions with infants.
The effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of enavogliflozin, a potent and selective sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor, in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jeong Sae Im , Ban Mu Seong , Hwang Jun‐Gi , Park Min‐Kyu , Lim Soo , Kim Sejoong , Kwon Soon Kil , Kim Yoonjin , Cho Jae Min , Na Jae Jin , Huh Wan , Chung Jae‐Yong
Published: April 2024

Aims

To explore the effect of renal function on the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profile and safety of enavogliflozin, a selective sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

An open‐label, two‐part clinical trial was conducted in T2DM patients, stratified by renal function: Group 1, normal renal function; Group 2, mild renal impairment (RI); Group 3, moderate RI; and Group 4, severe RI. In Part A, Groups 2 and 4 received enavogliflozin 0.5 mg once. In Part B, Groups 1 and 3 received enavogliflozin 0.5 mg once daily for 7 days. Serial blood and timed urine samples were collected to analyse the PK and PD characteristics of enavogliflozin. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the correlations between PK or PD parameters and creatinine clearance (CrCL).

Results

A total of 21 patients completed the study as planned. The area under the curve (AUC) for enavogliflozin was not significantly correlated with CrCL, although the maximum concentration slightly decreased as renal function decreased. By contrast, daily urinary glucose excretion (UGE) was positively correlated with CrCL after both single‐ (r = 0.7866, p < 0.0001) and multiple‐dose administration (r = 0.6606, p = 0.0438).

Conclusions

Systemic exposure to oral enavogliflozin 0.5 mg was similar among the patients with T2DM regardless of their renal function levels. However, the glucosuric effect of enavogliflozin decreased with RI. Considering the UGE observed and approved therapeutic use of other SGLT2 inhibitors, the efficacy of enavogliflozin with regard to glycaemic control could be explored in patients with mild and moderate RI (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 or ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2) in a subsequent larger study.
Quantification of crack tip constraint effect based on the critical distance
Authors: Wu Yuanjun , Huang Maobo , He Guangwei , Cai Lixun , Bao Chen
Published: April 2024

The effect of crack tip constraint on the fracture properties of flawed components is a critical consideration in the safety assessment of engineering structures. In this work, an approximate expression of three‐dimensional von Mises stress fields ahead of the crack tip has been derived by referring to the classic Hutchinson‐Rice‐Rosengren (HRR) solution. The critical distance rc is chosen as the constraint parameter to quantify the level of the crack tip constraint. A theoretical relationship between the parameter rc and fracture toughness JQ has been proposed. The critical constraint parameter rc can be experimentally determined by using the critical fracture toughness JQ. The experimental results of compact tension (CT) and single edge‐notched bending (SENB) specimens with different crack tip constraint levels for SA‐508 and Q345B steels successfully validate the relationship between the critical fracture toughness JQ and the constraint parameter rc. According to the test results, the critical distance rc is feasible to quantify the crack tip constraint of CT and SENB specimens with different crack tip constraint levels.
Microbial phosphorus‐cycling genes in soil under global change
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Guo Hui , Wang Jianing , He Peng , Kuzyakov Yakov , Ma Miaojun , Ling Ning
Published: April 2024

The ongoing climate change on the Tibetan Plateau, leading to warming and precipitation anomalies, modifies phosphorus (P) cycling in alpine meadow soils. However, the interactions and cascading effects of warming and precipitation changes on the key “extracellular” and “intracellular” P cycling genes (PCGs) of bacteria are largely unknown for these P‐limited ecosystems. We used metagenomics to analyze the individual and combined effects of warming and altered precipitation on soil PCGs and P transformation in a manipulation experiment. Warming and increased precipitation raised Olsen‐P (bioavailable P, AP) by 13% and 20%, respectively, mainly caused by augmented hydrolysis of organic P compounds (NaOH‐Po). The decreased precipitation reduced soil AP by 5.3%. The richness and abundance of the PCGs' community in soils on the cold Tibetan plateau were more sensitive to warming than altered precipitation. The abundance of PCGs and P cycling processes decreased under the influence of individual climate change factors (i.e., warming and altered precipitation alone), except for the warming combined with increased precipitation. Pyruvate metabolism, phosphotransferase system, oxidative phosphorylation, and purine metabolism (all “intracellular” PCG) were closely correlated with P pools under climate change conditions. Specifically, warming recruited bacteria with the phoD and phoX genes, which encode enzymes responsible for phosphoester hydrolysis (extracellular P cycling), strongly accelerated organic P mineralization and so, directly impacted P bioavailability in alpine soil. The interactions between warming and altered precipitation profoundly influenced the PCGs' community and facilitated microbial adaptation to these environmental changes. Warming combined with increased precipitation compensated for the detrimental impacts of the individual climate change factors on PCGs. In conclusion, warming combined with rising precipitation has boosting effect on most P‐related functions, leading to the acceleration of P cycling within microbial cells and extracellularly, including mineralization and more available P release for microorganisms and plants in alpine soils.
The TRIF‐RIPK1‐Caspase‐8 signalling in the regulation of TLR4‐driven gene expression
Authors: Zhang Chengyang , Zhou Yang , Xi Shuangtong , Han Danlin , Wang Ziyu , Zhu Jingwen , Cai Yizhe , Zhang Haifeng , Jin Ge , Mi Yang
Published: April 2024

The inflammatory response is tightly regulated to eliminate invading pathogens and avoid excessive production of inflammatory mediators and tissue damage. Caspase‐8 is a cysteine protease that is involved in programmed cell death. Here we show the TRIF‐RIPK1‐Caspase‐8 is required for LPS‐induced CYLD degradation in macrophages. TRIF functions in the upstream of RIPK1. The homotypic interaction motif of TRIF and the death domain of RIPK1 are essential for Caspase‐8 activation. Caspase‐8 cleaves CYLD and the D235A mutant is resistant to the protease activity of Caspase‐8. TRIF and RIPK1 serve as substrates of Capase‐8 in vitro. cFLIP interacts with Caspase‐8 to modulate its protease activity on CYLD and cell death. Deficiency in TRIF, Caspase‐8 or CYLD can lead to a decrease or increase in the expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines. Together, the TRIF‐Caspase‐8 and CYLD play opposite roles in the regulation of TLR4 signalling.