bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What really matters: an exploratory sequential mixed-method study of women’s hospitality professional identities
Authors: Ponting Sandra Sun-Ah , Yu Heyao Chandler , Lee Lindsey , Gonzales Nikki
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Through the lens of professional identity (PID), this paper aims to examine what matters to women when reflecting on their professions in hospitality. The purpose of this examination is to understand to what extent these PIDs are shared among women in hospitality and to include women’s voices into the workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was used. The qualitative step included 24 in-depth interviews with female middle and senior managers in hotel management in the USA. The results of the interviews informed the design of a quantitative survey completed by 330 women hospitality professionals in managerial and non-managerial positions in the USA.

Findings

The qualitative analysis derived three super-ordinate and ten sub-themes. These themes were then quantitatively measured for validity and generalization. The mixing of qualitative and quantitative data indicated the relevance of work environment, social evaluation and perception of work and demonstrating professional competence as a woman in hospitality as significant drivers in establishing women’s hospitality PIDs.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to address women hospitality professionals through the lens of PID. By providing a different gender perspective on hospitality PID, this paper contributes to the expansion of diversity, equity and inclusion research and practices.
Does going intellectually green matter? Accentuating the role of eco-innovation speed and quality in a competitive post-Covid 19 emerging market
Authors: Adusei Enoch , Demah Emmanuel , Mensah Henry Kofi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The post-pandemic emerging market is competitive and green, which has contributed to the growing pressure on firms to adopt into their business models green strategies with competitive outcomes. Therefore, this paper aims to draw from the natural resource-based view (NRBV) theory to examine how green intellectual capital (IC) can influence green competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in Ghana, by elucidating the mediating role of eco-innovation speed and quality in the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional survey data were obtained from 212 manufacturing firms in Ghana, using purposive sampling techniques. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to determine the factor structure of the measurement models. Structural equation modelling technique was used to analyse the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The study found that green IC has a positively significant effect on green competitive advantage of manufacturing firms. However, while eco-innovation speed positively mediates the relationship, eco-innovation quality plays a negative mediating role in the effect of green IC on green competitive advantage of manufacturing firms in Ghana.

Practical implications

The framework of this study provides to managers of manufacturing firms, a superior green strategy that is unique, valuable and non-substitutable with the capable to provide green competitive edge to firms in a turbulent sustainability-driven market.

Originality/value

Through the lens of the NRBV theory, this study provided a firstly knowledge on the crucial role of eco-innovation speed and quality in driving firms’ green competitive advantage within a post-covid emerging market.
Outward foreign direct investment from post-socialist to advanced economies: motives and determinants of Slovene investment in Germany
Authors: Hilger Andreas M. , Nedelko Zlatko , Steger Thomas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Long regarded as a far-fetched notion, companies from post-socialist economies (PSEs) increasingly compete with companies from advanced economies in their domestic markets and abroad. This study identifies PSE companies' motives and determinants of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) in advanced economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyses Slovenian business activities in Germany by juxtaposing eight Slovenian investors and three exporters using a multiple case study approach. The authors use content analysis to examine rich data from semi-structured interviews, databases and internal and external documents to provide comprehensive and in-depth insights into PSE investments in advanced economies.

Findings

The authors identify market-seeking motives and competitive advantages which differ from those of other emerging economy companies and offer theoretical suggestions. In contrast to findings from other emerging economies, the authors identify firm- and country-specific advantages, such as high technology, high service quality, a highly educated labour force, and European Union membership, which Slovene companies have employed to enter the advanced German market.

Originality/value

This study represents the first application of springboard theory to explain PSE company investment in advanced economies. The authors offer contextualised explanations of PSE investments in advanced host economies, which have been lacking thus far. The authors also contribute to the scarcity of studies on the effects of supranational institutions on OFDI from emerging economies.
Single earners and carers during lockdown: everyday challenges faced by Finnish single mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Salin Milla , Hakovirta Mia , Kaittila Anniina , Raivio Johanna
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This article analyzes the challenges Finnish single mothers experienced in their everyday lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. In studies on challenges to family life during COVID-19 lockdowns, single-parent families remain a largely understudied group.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply triple bind theory and ask how did Finnish single mothers manage the interplay between inadequate resources, inadequate employment, and inadequate policies during lockdown in spring 2020? These data come from an online survey including both qualitative and quantitative questions which was conducted between April and May 2020 to gather Finnish families' experiences during lockdown. This analysis is based on the qualitative part of the survey.

Findings

This study's results show that lockdown created new inadequacies while also enhancing some old inadequacies in the lives of Finnish single mothers. During lockdown, single mothers faced policy- and resource-disappearances; accordingly, they lost their ability to do paid work normally. Furthermore, these disappearances endangered the well-being of some single mothers and their families.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the wider understanding of everyday lives of single mothers and the challenges COVID-19 pandemic created. Moreover, this study provides knowledge on the applicability of the triple bind theory when studying the everyday lives of single mothers.
Impact of big data technological and personal capabilities on sustainable performance on Jordanian manufacturing companies: the mediating role of innovation
Authors: Jum'a Luay , Zimon Dominik , Madzik Peter
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model that explains the impact of big data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on company's supply chain innovation capabilities and sustainable supply chain performance. BDAC is represented through two dimensions of big data technological capabilities (BDTC) and big data personal capabilities (BDPC). Moreover, the relationships between BDTC and BDPC with sustainable supply chain performance through the mediation effect of supply chain innovation capabilities are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative research approach. A survey of 400 Jordanian manufacturing companies was carried out to conduct this research. However, the responses of 207 managers were valid to be used in the analysis. In this study, the SmartPLS software was used to perform structural equation modeling using a partial least squares approach (PLS-SEM) and to examine the measurement and structural model's validity and reliability.

Findings

According to the results of this study, BDPC has a significant positive impact on supply chain innovation capabilities. Furthermore, the findings indicate that supply chain innovation capabilities are the most influential predictor of sustainable supply chain performance and act as a positive significant mediator in the relationship between BDPC and firm sustainable performance. Surprisingly, the study found that BDTC had no significant effect on supply chain innovation capabilities. Besides that, no significant relationship exists between BDTC and firm sustainable performance via the mediation effect of supply chain innovation capabilities.

Originality/value

This study provides an integrated research model that incorporates BDAC, supply chain innovation capabilities, and sustainable supply chain performance in order to analyze supply chain innovation and sustainable supply chain performance. This suggests that the scope of the study is broader in terms of predicting sustainable supply chain performance. As a result, the study intends to fill a gap in the literature by explaining how BDAC affects supply chain innovation capabilities and firms sustainable performance. In addition, the role of supply chain innovation capabilities as a mediator between BDAC and sustainable supply chain performance is investigated.
The effects of live comments and advertisements on social media engagement: application to short-form online video
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Zhao Zhanbo , Wang Kui
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the moment-to-moment (MTM) effects of in-consumption dynamic comments on consumers' responses to digital engagement and the underlying mechanisms involved, as well as the interactive role of advertisements embedded in short-form online video.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data extracted from 2,081 videos posted on the prominent Chinese online live platform, Bilibili. The hypotheses are tested using regression models and natural language processing.

Findings

The results indicate that the intensity of live comments at the beginning negatively affects users' digital engagement, while a corresponding increase in live comments at the end elicits a positive effect. A linear trend and peak difference in live comments intensity positively affect digital engagement, while the variability of live comment intensity exerts a negative effect. These MTM effects were driven by sentiments of live comments. Furthermore, in-video advertisements are likely to amplify the negative beginning effect on users' digital engagement and mitigate the negative variability of live comments.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the direct effects of MTM comments from the online temporal sequence perspective, differentiating the process- and performance-based engagement. The mechanism and interactive role of in-video advertisements were identified. These findings contribute to literature on interactive marketing and provide valuable guidance for influencer marketing.
The utilitarian and hedonic value of immersive experiences on WeChat: examining a dual mediation path leading to users' stickiness and the role of social norms
Authors: Rodríguez-Ardura Inma , Meseguer-Artola Antoni , Fu Qian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

An integrative model that predicts users' stickiness to WeChat is built. In the proposed model, perceived value plays a dual mediating role in the causal pathway from users' immersive experiences of presence and flow to their engagement and stickiness. Furthermore, presence is treated as a bi-dimensional construct made up of spatial feelings and the sense of being in company, and users' engagement is conceived as cognitive, affective and behavioural contributions to WeChat's marketing functions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a measurement instrument and analyse data from a survey of 917 WeChat users. They use a hybrid partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and neural network approach to confirm the reliability and validity of the measurement items and all the relationships between the constructs.

Findings

The paper provides robust evidence about the mediating influences of both utilitarian and hedonic value on users' engagement with the immersive experiences of presence and flow. An additional finding highlights the role of social norms in engagement and stickiness.

Originality/value

Rather than studying the effects of the immersive experiences of presence and flow from either a hedonic or a utilitarian perspective, the authors consider how immersive experiences shape both utilitarian and hedonic value, as well as their joint impact (along with that of social norms) on users' engagement and stickiness.
Parliamentary Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation: Lessons from Comparative Experience
Authors: Fleming Thomas G. , Ghazi Tasneem
Published: July 2023

Recent years have seen an increase in the use of delegated legislation to implement major policy decisions in the UK. This has exacerbated the longstanding criticism that Westminster lacks sufficiently robust procedures for parliamentary scrutiny of delegated legislation. However, the UK is not the only country to use delegated legislation, or to face the challenge of ensuring it receives adequate parliamentary scrutiny. This article therefore places the UK system in wider context by comparing it to six other national parliaments. We highlight one comparative strength of the UK system, two weaknesses it shares with the other six cases, and one way in which the UK might learn lessons from elsewhere. Overall, our evidence suggests that no one country offers a clear template for more rigorous parliamentary scrutiny of delegated legislation. Successful reform of the UK's system is likely to require creative procedural innovation.
Work, Gender and Witchcraft in Early Modern England
Authors: Carter Philippa
Published: July 2023

This article revisits a question with which historians of early modern European witchcraft have long grappled: why was the average percentage of male suspects so small (approximately 10–30 per cent), and the percentage of female suspects so large? Drawing on recent studies by economic historians, it argues that this skewed gender ratio can be explained, in part, by the gendered patterns of work which obtained in early modern Europe. Focusing on England, it shows how four key variables – gender divisions of labour, occupational hazard, contact frequency and workplace sociability – combined to increase or decrease workers’ vulnerability to witchcraft accusation.
Advanced parental age affects cardiometabolic risk in offspring
Authors: Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne , Briana Despina D.
Published: July 2023

Advanced age at conception usually refers to human mothers aged 35 years plus and fathers aged 40 years plus. Advanced parental age may be responsible for genetic and/or epigenetic alterations and may affect the health of offspring. Limited epidemiological and experimental studies have addressed the effect of advanced parental age on cardio‐metabolic functions in human and rodent offspring. This mini review aimed to present the knowledge by focusing on adverse and favourable outcomes related to sex‐specific risks and intergenerational inheritance. The outcomes identified by this review were mainly negative, but there were also some positive results.
Undergraduate students' motivational profiles before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The role of educational climate and trait self‐control
Authors: Gilbert William , Bureau Julien S. , Diallo Abdoul , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Guay Frédéric
Published: July 2023

Background

Universities faced important and sudden changes following the lockdown measures imposed during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Traditional educational practices were disrupted as campuses were closed while distance learning was hastily adopted.

Aims

This study documents the evolution of university students' autonomous and controlled motivation for their studies following campus closures by relying on a person‐centred perspective. More specifically, it examines motivation profiles and their temporal stability across two time points taken before and during the pandemic, while also considering the role of educational climate, trait self‐control and control variables (sex and age) as predictors of profile membership.

Sample

A total of 1940 university students participated in this study by responding to online questionnaires at two time points, before (Time 1) and after (Time 2) the pandemic.

Methods

We relied on latent profile and latent transition analyses to estimate motivation profiles, their temporal stability and their predictors.

Results

A four‐profile solution (Self‐Determined, Moderately Motivated, Extrinsically Motivated, Amotivated) was selected and replicated at both time points. We observed a low degree of variability in profile membership over time, especially for the Amotivated profile. A need‐supportive educational climate and trait self‐control consistently predicted a greater likelihood of membership into more adaptative profiles (Self‐Determined, Moderately Motivated).

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic did not drastically change the motivational profiles of university students. Nevertheless, educational climate and self‐control appeared to ‘protect’ students against the endorsement of more problematic motivation profiles both before and during the pandemic, making them important targets for intervention.
Bladder cancer grading using the four‐tier combination of the World Health Organization (WHO) 1973 and WHO 2004 classifications
Authors: Jahnson Staffan , Jancke Georg , Olsson Hans , Aljabery Firas
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the impact of grading in urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) stages Ta and T1, comparing the World Health Organization (WHO) grading classifications of 1973 (WHO73) and 2004 (WHO04) and a combination of these (WHO73/04).

Patients and Methods

All patients with primary Ta and T1 UBC in the Östergötland region, Sweden, between 1992 and 2007 were included. From 1992, we introduced a new programme for management and follow‐up of UBC, including prospectively performed registration of all patients, a systematic description of the location and size of all tumours, primary resection and intravesical treatment in the case of recurrence. All tumour specimens were retrospectively reviewed in 2008 and graded according to the WHO73 and WHO04. A combination of WHO73/04, Grade 1 (G1), Grade 2 low grade (G2LG), Grade 2 high grade (G2HG) and Grade 3 (G3) was analysed in relation to clinical variables and outcomes.

Results

There were 769 patients with a median age of 72 years and a median follow‐up duration of 74 months. Recurrence was noted in 484 patients (63%) and progression in 80 patients (10%). Recurrence was more common in multiple tumours, larger tumours and in tumours of higher grade (G2LG, G2HG and G3). Progression was more common in tumours classified as larger, T1 and G2HG and G3. Notably, in tumours classified as G2HG, recurrence and progression were more common than in the G2LG group. Harrell's concordance index for the WHO73/04 was higher for recurrence and progression than in the WHO73 or WHO04.

Conclusion

In the four‐tier combined WHO73/04 for urothelial cancer, we observed two G2 sub‐groups, G2HG and G2LG. There was a better outcome in the latter group, and the importance of G1 and G3 tumours could be fully evaluated. The WHO73/04 had greater accuracy for recurrence and progression than either the WHO73 or WHO04.
Effective magnetic hyperthermia induced by mitochondria‐targeted nanoparticles modified with triphenylphosphonium‐containing phospholipid polymers
Authors: Kaneko Masahiro , Yamazaki Hiroto , Ono Takahiro , Horie Masanobu , Ito Akira
Published: July 2023

Magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) is a promising cancer treatment because tumor tissue can be specifically damaged by utilizing the heat generated by nano‐heaters such as magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) under an alternating magnetic field. MNPs are taken up by cancer cells, enabling intracellular MHT. Subcellular localization of MNPs can affect the efficiency of intracellular MHT. In this study, we attempted to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MHT by using mitochondria‐targeting MNPs. Mitochondria‐targeting MNPs were prepared by the modification of carboxyl phospholipid polymers containing triphenylphosphonium (TPP) moieties that accumulate in mitochondria. The mitochondrial localization of polymer‐modified MNPs was supported by transmission electron microscopy observations of murine colon cancer CT26 cells treated with polymer‐modified MNPs. In vitro and in vivo MHT using polymer‐modified MNPs revealed that the therapeutic effects were enhanced by introducing TPP. Our results indicate the validity of mitochondria targeting in enhancing the therapeutic outcome of MHT. These findings will pave the way for developing a new strategy for the surface design of MNPs and therapeutic strategies for MHT.
Unveiling the diagnostic enigma of D‐dimer testing in cancer patients: Current evidence and areas of application
Authors: Gotta Jennifer , Gruenewald Leon D. , Eichler Katrin , Martin Simon S. , Mahmoudi Scherwin , Booz Christian , Biciusca Teodora , Reschke Philipp , Bernatz Simon , Pinto Dos Santos Daniel , Scholtz Jan‐Erik , Alizadeh Leona S. , Nour‐Eldin Nour‐Eldin A. , Hammerstingl Renate M. , Gruber‐Rouh Tatjana , Mader Christoph , Hardt Stefan E. , Sommer Christof M. , Bucolo Giuseppe , D'Angelo Tommaso , Onay Melis , Finkelmeier Fabian , Leistner David M. , Vogl Thomas J. , Giannitsis Evangelos , Koch Vitali
Published: July 2023

Background

Cancer is a well‐known risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). A combined strategy of D‐dimer testing and clinical pre‐test probability is usually used to exclude VTE. However, its effectiveness is diminished in cancer patients due to reduced specificity, ultimately leading to a decreased clinical utility. This review article seeks to provide a comprehensive summary of how to interpret D‐dimer testing in cancer patients.

Methods

In accordance with PRISMA standards, literature pertaining to the diagnostic and prognostic significance of D‐dimer testing in cancer patients was carefully chosen from reputable sources such as PubMed and the Cochrane databases.

Results

D‐dimers have not only a diagnostic value in ruling out VTE but can also serve as an aid for rule‐in if their values exceed 10‐times the upper limit of normal. This threshold allows a diagnosis of VTE in cancer patients with a positive predictive value of more than 80%. Moreover, elevated D‐dimers carry important prognostic information and are associated with VTE reoccurrence. A gradual increase in risk for all‐cause death suggests that VTE is also an indicator of biologically more aggressive cancer types and advanced cancer stages. Considering the lack of standardization for D‐dimer assays, it is essential for clinicians to carefully consider the variations in assay performance and the specific test characteristics of their institution.

Conclusions

Standardizing D‐dimer assays and developing modified pretest probability models specifically for cancer patients, along with adjusted cut‐off values for D‐dimer testing, could significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of VTE diagnosis in this population.
Predictors of functional outcome after symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage complicating intravenous thrombolysis: results from the SITS‐ISTR
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Palaiodimou Lina , Stefanou Maria‐Ioanna , Theodorou Aikaterini , Kõrv Janika , Nunes Ana Paiva , Candelaresi Paolo , Dall'Ora Elisa , Sariaslani Payam , Provinciali Leandro , Conforto Adriana B. , Cidrao Alan Alves de Lima , Karapanayiotides Theodore , Ahmed Niaz
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Several risk factors of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) following intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke have been established. However, potential predictors of good functional outcome post‐SICH have been less studied.

Methods

Patient data registered in the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke—International Stroke Thrombolysis Register (SITS‐ISTR) from 2005 to 2021 were used. Acute ischaemic stroke patients who developed post intravenous thrombolysis SICH according to the SITS Monitoring Study definition were analyzed to identify predictors of functional outcomes.

Results

A total of 1679 patients with reported SICH were included, out of which only 2.8% achieved good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2), whilst 80.9% died at 3 months. Higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and 24‐h ΔNIHSS score were independently associated with a lower likelihood of achieving both good and excellent functional outcomes at 3 months. Baseline NIHSS and hematoma location (presence of both SICHs, defined as remote and local SICH concurrently; n = 478) were predictors of early mortality within 24 h. Independent predictors of 3‐month mortality were age, baseline NIHSS, 24‐h ΔNIHSS, admission serum glucose values and hematoma location (both SICHs). Age, baseline NIHSS score, 24‐h ΔNIHSS, hyperlipidemia, prior stroke/transient ischaemic attack, antiplatelet treatment, diastolic blood pressure at admission, glucose values on admission and SICH location (both SICHs) were associated with reduced disability at 3 months (≥1‐point reduction across all modified Rankin Scale scores). Patients with remote SICH (n = 219) and local SICH (n = 964) had comparable clinical outcomes, both before and after propensity score matching.

Conclusions

Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage presents an alarmingly high prevalence of adverse clinical outcomes, with no difference in clinical outcomes between remote and local SICH.
Resolving relationship dissolution—What predicts emotional adjustment after breakup?
Authors: Tran Kien , Castiglioni Laura , Walper Sabine , Lux Ulrike
Published: July 2023

Relationship dissolution is a critical life event individuals have to cope with. Factors like relationship duration and relationship quality or having a new partner are likely to affect how people recover emotionally from a separation, which is linked to long‐term adjustment. However, prospective evidence on the role of these factors is scarce. Hence, this study aims to investigate predictors of emotional recovery following relationship dissolution. Pooled data of the German Family Panel pairfam on 3734 separation events of 2709 individuals aged 18 to 48 were used, applying a statistical model called seemingly unrelated regressions to predict emotional outcomes (relief, anger, guilt, and sadness) and the general emotional state regarding separation. Sociodemographic and relationship characteristics, indicators of relationship quality, conditions of the separation, and features of the current situation were considered as potential predictors. Regression analyses evidence strong links of initiator status, having a new partner, time since separation, and satisfaction with the social network to less negative emotional outcomes following separation. Relationship quality or serious problems before the separation only affected some of the investigated emotional outcomes. Interestingly, the predictors investigated were less powerful in explaining respondents' feelings of guilt compared to the other emotions. Overall, these findings provide deeper insight into short‐term adjustment to separation. Understanding these processes may help to assess risk factors for negative coping mechanisms and improve tailored counseling strategies.
Cytosolic malic enzyme and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase modulate redox balance in NSCLC with acquired drug resistance
Authors: Ran Maoxin , Zhou Yan , Guo Yizhen , Huang Ding , Zhang Shao‐Lin , Tam Kin Yip
Published: July 2023

Lung cancer cells often show elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH). However, the connections between deregulated redox homeostasis in different subtypes of lung cancer and acquired drug resistance in lung cancer have not yet been fully established. Herein, we analyzed different subtypes of lung cancer data reported in the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database, the Cancer Genome Atlas program (TCGA), and the sequencing data obtained from a gefitinib‐resistant non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line (H1975GR). Using flux balance analysis (FBA) model integrated with multiomics data and gene expression profiles, we identified cytosolic malic enzyme 1 (ME1) and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase as the major contributors to the significantly upregulated NADPH flux in NSCLC tissues as compared with normal lung tissues, and gefitinib‐resistant NSCLC cell line as compared with the parental cell line. Silencing the gene expression of either of these two enzymes in two osimertinib‐resistant NSCLC cell lines (H1975OR and HCC827OR) exhibited strong antiproliferative effects. Our findings not only underscored the pivotal roles of cytosolic ME1 and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase in regulating redox states in NSCLC cells but also provided novel insights into their potential roles in drug‐resistant NSCLC cells with disturbed redox states.
Methane in West Siberia terrestrial seeps: Origin, transport, and metabolic pathways of production
Authors: Sabrekov Aleksandr F. , Terentieva Irina E. , McDermid Gregory J. , Litti Yuriy V. , Prokushkin Anatoly S. , Glagolev Mikhail V. , Petrozhitskiy Alexey V. , Kalinkin Peter N. , Kuleshov Dmitry V. , Parkhomchuk Ekaterina V.
Published: July 2023

The expansive plains of West Siberia contain globally significant carbon stocks, with Earth's most extensive peatland complex overlying the world's largest‐known hydrocarbon basin. Numerous terrestrial methane seeps have recently been discovered on this landscape, located along the floodplains of the Ob and Irtysh Rivers in hotspots covering more than 2500 km2. We articulated three hypotheses to explain the origin and migration pathways of methane within these seeps: (H1) uplift of Cretaceous‐aged methane from deep petroleum reservoirs along faults and fractures, (H2) release of Oligocene‐aged methane capped or trapped by degrading permafrost, and (H3) horizontal migration of Holocene‐aged methane from surrounding peatlands. We tested these hypotheses using a range of geochemical tools on gas and water samples extracted from seeps, peatlands, and aquifers across the 120,000 km2 study area. Seep‐gas composition, radiocarbon age, and stable isotope fingerprints favor the peatland hypothesis of seep‐methane origin (H3). Organic matter in raised bogs is the primary source of seep methane, but observed variability in stable isotope composition and concentration suggest production in two divergent biogeochemical settings that support distinct metabolic pathways of methanogenesis. Comparison of these parameters in raised bogs and seeps indicates that the first is bogs, via CO2 reduction methanogenesis. The second setting is likely groundwater, where dissolved organic carbon from bogs is degraded via chemolithotrophic acetogenesis followed by acetate fermentation methanogenesis. Our findings highlight the importance of methane lateral migration in West Siberia's bog‐dominated landscapes via intimate groundwater connections. The same phenomenon could occur in similar landscapes across the boreal‐taiga biome, thereby making groundwater‐fed rivers and springs potent methane sources.
Whether polycentric spatial structure is conducive to regional coordinated development: A study on urban agglomerations in China
Authors: Ji Peng , Yuan Lilin
Published: July 2023

With the aggravation of congestion, pollution, and other negative externalities generated by continued urbanization, polycentric strategies have gradually become one of the main urban and regional spatial strategies. It remains unclear, however, whether the polycentric structure is conducive to regional coordinated development. This study examines these issues using China's urban agglomerations (UAs) as a sample. The Prolonged Artificial Nighttime‐light Dataset of China (PANDA) was used to measure the polycentric structure. The results of the nonparametric identification of sub‐centers show that almost all of China's UAs exhibit multiple (sub)centers, and the number of (sub)centers in most UAs has increased from 1992 to 2020. Empirical analysis shows that a polycentric structure is beneficial for narrowing regional disparities within the UA, and the narrowing effect of the polycentric structure on regional disparities increases as the distance between centers increases. Furthermore, a polycentric spatial structure is more conducive to the economic growth of small cities in UA, thereby promoting the coordinated development of regions within UA.
Whole F8 gene sequencing combined with splicing functional analyses led to a substantial increase of the molecular diagnosis yield for non‐severe haemophilia A
Authors: Dericquebourg Amy , Fretigny Mathilde , Leuci Alexandre , Zawadzki Christophe , Huguenin Yoann , Castet Sabine‐Marie , Dargaud Yesim , Vinciguerra Christine , Jourdy Yohann
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Conventional genetic investigation fails to identify the F8 causal variant in 2.5%‐10% of haemophilia A (HA) patients with non‐severe phenotypes. In these cases, F8 deep intronic variants could be causal.

Aim

To identify pathogenic F8 deep intronic variants in genetically unresolved families with non‐severe HA analysed in the haematology laboratory of the Hospices Civils de Lyon.

Methods

The whole F8 was analysed by next generation sequencing. The pathogenic impact of candidate variants identified was assessed using both in silico analysis (MaxEntScan and spliceAI) and functional analysis (RNA or minigene assay).

Results

Sequencing was performed in 49/55 families included for which a DNA sample from a male propositus was available. In total, 33 candidate variants from 43 propositi were identified. These variants corresponded to 31 single nucleotide substitutions, one 173‐bp deletion, and an 869‐bp tandem triplication. No candidate variant was found in six propositi. The most frequent variants found were the association of [c.2113+1154G>C and c.5374‐304C>T], identified in five propositi, and the c.2114‐6529C>G identified in nine propositi. Four variants had been previously described as HA‐causing. Splicing functional assay found a deleterious impact for 11 substitutions (c.671‐94G>A, c.788‐312A>G, c.2113+1154G>C, c.2114‐6529C>G, c.5999‐820A>T, c.5999‐786C>A, c.5999‐669G>T, c.5999‐669G>A, c.5999‐669G>C, c.6900+4104A>C, and c.6901‐2992A>G). The HA‐causing variant was identified in 33/49 (67%) cases. In total, F8 deep intronic variants caused 8.8% of the non‐severe HA among the 1643 families analysed in our laboratory.

Conclusion

The results emphasise the value of whole F8 gene sequencing combined with splicing functional analyses to improve the diagnosis yield for non‐severe HA.
Failure behavior of SiC/SiC composites with Si/Yb2SiO5 and Si/mullite/Yb2SiO5 EBCs in wet oxygen at 1350°C
Authors: Wang Yulei , Wang Wenli , Cao Xinxin , Zhang Ziqi , Li Jianzhang , Han Guifang , Cheng Laifei
Published: July 2023

Two structured ytterbium monosilicate environmental barrier coatings (Si/Yb2SiO5 and Si/mullite/Yb2SiO5) were prepared on SiC/SiC composites and their performance in wet oxygen at 1350°C was investigated. After 300 h of corrosion, coating peeling occurred for Si/Yb2SiO5–SiC/SiC, while it was intact for Si/mullite/Yb2SiO5–SiC/SiC system due to the mullite intermediate coating well alleviating the thermal expansion mismatched stress. During the assessment, Yb2SiO5 and mullite gradually densified, and a thin layer of ytterbium disilicates (Yb2Si2O7) was formed at their junction as a new protective layer, which pinned into the mullite layer and significantly improved their interface bonding strength and resistance against wet oxygen. The strength retention of SiC/SiC, Si/Yb2SiO5–SiC/SiC, and Si/mullite/Yb2SiO5–SiC/SiC was 64%, 72%, and 97%, respectively, after corrosion in wet oxygen at 1350°C/300 h. Their corrosion mechanism was proposed.
Medication adherence trajectory of patients with chronic diseases and its influencing factors: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Yu , Gao Jing , Lu Minmin
Published: July 2023

Aims

To synthesize the published studies on medication adherence trajectories among patients with chronic diseases and identify the influencing factors.

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and Web of Science core collection were searched from database inception to 1 July 2022.

Review Methods

Potentially eligible articles were independently screened by three reviewers using set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for cohort studies was used to appraise the quality of the included articles. Three reviewers independently evaluated the quality, extracted data and resolved differences by consensus. Results were presented using descriptive synthesis, and the prevalence of recategorised medication adherence trajectories was calculated from the published data.

Results

Fifty studies were included. Medication adherence trajectories among patients with chronic diseases were synthesized into six categories: adherence, non‐adherence, decreasing adherence, increasing adherence, fluctuating adherence and moderate adherence. Low and moderate evidence showed that (1) patient‐related factors, including age, sex, race, marital status and mental status; (2) healthcare team and system‐related factors, including healthcare utilization, insurance and primary prescriber specialty; (3) socioeconomic factors including education, income and employment status; (4) condition‐related factors including complications and comorbidities and (5) therapy‐related factors including the number of medications, use of other medications, and prior medication adherence behaviours were factors influencing the medication adherence trajectory. Marital status and prior medication adherence behaviour were the only influencing factors with moderate evidence of an effect.

Conclusion

The medication adherence trajectory among patients with chronic diseases varied widely. Further studies are warranted to determine contributory factors.

Implications for the Profession

Healthcare providers should be aware that patients' medication adherence has different trajectories and should take appropriate measures to improve patients' medication adherence patterns.

Patient or Public Contribution

None. As a systematic review, patients and the public were not involved.
Editorial: Developmental considerations in addressing the earlier age of severe eating disorder onset
Authors: Kamody Rebecca C. , Bloch Michael H.
Published: July 2023

The deleterious impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on youth mental health has garnered much attention (Newlove‐Delgado et al., 2023). It has been a topic of interest in both research and academic writing, as well as in the public press (e.g., Tanner, 2023). Disorders and mental health concerns of focus have been wide‐ranging, with some of the most severe presentations, such as suicidality, highlighted (Asarnow and Chung, 2021). Eating disorders are among the most life‐threatening and prominent mental health concerns that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, and our current models of youth mental health care cannot keep up. Given this context, our team read and reviewed the manuscript, ‘Shifting age of child eating disorder hospitalizations during the Covid‐19 pandemic’ (Auger et al., 2023), eagerly. While the increasing severity of eating disorder presentations and increase in pediatric hospitalization has been an area of research (Asch et al., 2021), including at our own institution (Shum et al., 2022), the impact of age of onset, and the consequential impact on current systems of care, requires much greater attention.
Validity of the short‐form five‐item Problem Area in Diabetes questionnaire as a depression screening tool in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Tay Donovan , Chua Marvin , Khoo Joan
Published: July 2023

Aims/Introduction

Depression is prevalent in diabetes patients and associated with poor outcomes, but is currently underdiagnosed, with no firm consensus on screening methods. We evaluated the validity of the short‐form five‐item Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID‐5) questionnaire as a screening tool for depression, comparing it with the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) and nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9).

Materials and Methods

A total of 208 English‐speaking adults with type 2 diabetes, recruited from outpatient clinics, completed the BDI‐II, PHQ‐9 and PAID‐5 questionnaires in English. Cronbach's α was used for internal reliability. Convergent validity was examined with BDI‐II and PHQ‐9. Receiver operating characteristics analyses were used to identify optimal PAID‐5 cut‐offs for the diagnosis of depression.

Results

All three screening tools were highly reliable, with BDI‐II, PHQ‐9 and PAID‐5 having a Cronbach's α of 0.910, 0.870 and 0.940, respectively. There was a good correlation between BDI‐II and PHQ‐9, with a correlation co‐efficient (r) of 0.73; and a moderate correlation between PAID‐5 and PHQ‐9, and PAID‐5 and BDI‐II, with r of 0.55 and 0.55 respectively (P values <0.01). An optimal PAID‐5 cut‐off ≥9 corresponded to both a BDI‐II cut‐off >14 (sensitivity 72%, specificity 784%, area under the curve 0.809) and a PHQ‐9 cut‐off >10 (sensitivity 84%, specificity 74%, area under the curve 0.806). Using a PAID‐5 cut‐off ≥9, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 36.1%.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms are prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes, with the degree of distress significantly related to the severity of depressive symptoms. PAID‐5 is a valid and reliable screening tool, and a score ≥9 could prompt further confirmation for depression.
Biological and behavioural responses of the sugarcane borer parasitoid Tetrastichus howardi to insecticides
Authors: Bermúdez Natalia Carolina , do Nascimento Deividy Vicente , Morato Renilson Pessoa , da Silva‐Torres Christian Sherley Araújo , Torres Jorge Braz
Published: July 2023

The pupal parasitoid Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitizes pupae of sugarcane stalk borers inside the stalk. Parasitoids currently used for applied biological control of sugarcane stalk borers target eggs and larvae, and T. howardi will add mortality to the pest stage with high survival. Nevertheless, insecticide applications required to control sugarcane borers and other sugarcane pests can affect T. howardi parasitism. Survival, walking, evasion and parasitism of T. howardi females were evaluated in response to the dry residue of insecticides from different chemical groups: chlorantraniliprole, bifenthrin, spinetoram, ethiprole, fipronil and thiamethoxam. Females of the parasitoid were confined on sugarcane leaves containing residues of the insecticides at 2, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h intervals after application, and survival monitored during the 96‐h period with subsequent determination of parasitism in the laboratory. Furthermore, female walking behaviour was observed individually using half‐treated arenas with insecticides. Chlorantraniliprole was compatible with T. howardi irrespective of residual intervals and studied variables. Other tested insecticides did not allow parasitoid survival up to 96 h of confinement on dry residues and, consequently, parasitism. Locomotory activity indicated that parasitoid females might avoid residues of spinetoram and ethiprole. Females were released in cages containing spinetoram and ethiprole‐treated sugarcane plants with the chance to move to untreated plants, parasitized pupae placed on either treated or untreated plants within a 24 h exposure period, which resulted in offspring production. Females observed for 10 min for walking behaviour in a half‐treated arena with chlorantraniliprole, ethiprole, fipronil, spinetoram, bifenthrin or thiamethoxam exhibited 100%, 73.3%, 70%, 66.7%, 10% and 0% survival after 24 h, respectively. Chlorantraniliprole was compatible with T. howardi through the bioassays conducted, and parasitoids showed the ability to parasitize their hosts on spinetoram‐ and ethiprole‐treated plants moving away from the treated environment.
Penalty Zones in International Sustainability Standards: Where Improved Sustainability Doesn't Pay
Authors: Darnall Nicole , Iatridis Konstantinos , Kesidou Effie , Snelson‐Powell Annie
Published: July 2023

Adopting an international sustainability standard (ISS) helps firms improve their sustainability performance. It also acts as a credible market ‘signal’ that legitimizes firms' latent sustainability practices while improving their market value. But how do these signals function when firms adopt multiple ISSs? We show that the relationships between firms' ISSs adoption and their market value and their sustainability performance appear positive. However, beyond a tipping point of 2 ISSs, firms' market gains decline, even though their sustainability performance continues to improve until a tipping point of 3 ISSs. Differing tipping points create a gap that we refer to as the ‘penalty zone’ – the place where market value declines, even though firms' actual sustainability performance continues to improve. The penalty zone arises because of imprecisions in market signals and serves as a significant barrier to firms wishing to further their sustainability agenda through additional ISS adoption.