bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
This ad’s for you: how personalized SNS advertisements affect the consumer–brand relationship
Authors: Tran Trang , Sen Sandipan , Van Steenburg Eric
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Firms can now access users’ digital histories due to advances in technology and deliver personalized recommendations through social network sites (SNS) such as Facebook that offers advanced targeting options and reliable conversion tracking. This paper aims to examine the effects of personalized advertisements on SNS on the relationship between consumers and brands, tests the impact of brand attachment and experience on brand equity through personalized SNS ads and investigates the influence of such ads on branded products and services.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted. Study 1 (n = 275) was a survey-based design that leveraged structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses, while Study 2 (n = 350) used experimental design to compare two groups who saw service brand ads versus those who saw product brand ads.

Findings

Results showed that SNS ads supporting the brand had a significant positive impact on respondents’ brand attachment and brand experience. In both studies, brand experience positively impacted all the elements of brand equity, while brand attachment was found to impact brand loyalty.

Originality/value

The findings illustrate how personalized ads for brands appearing on SNS can change consumer perceptions, thus affecting the consumer–brand relationship. The results bode well for brands considering leveraging SNS in their marketing mix, particularly when the strategy behind the advertising is brand building.
Does happiness raise test scores – does fear lower them – experimental evidence
Authors: Noussair Charles N. , Seaback Kierstin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The authors consider whether the emotional states of happiness and fear causally affect test performance using a new experiment. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Happiness and fear are induced with 360-degree videos shown in virtual reality before participants take a test consisting of mathematics scholastic aptitude tests (SAT) questions.

Findings

The results show that scores improve by 0.48 standard deviations under the happiness condition, and the effect is particularly large for women (0.75 s.d.). Inducing fear has no effect on test scores.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to employ virtual reality for emotion induction. It establishes that test scores can be improved by inducing an emotional state of happiness shortly before the test.
Anti-corrosive agents based benzil-thiocarbohydrazone macrocyclic ligand-derived Cu (II) and Zn (II) chelates: template synthesis and physically admixing with epoxy coating
Authors: Elgammal Walid E. , Eliwa Essam M. , Goomaa Hosni A. , Owda Medhat E. , Abd El-Wahab H.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the synthesis of the macrocyclic complexes (Cu and Zn) and their applications as anticorrosive materials in epoxy paint formulation for surface coating application.

Design/methodology/approach

A selected macrocyclic Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were prepared via template synthesis and characterized using Fourier transform infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, flexibility, hardness and adhesion of coating films prepared using epoxy paint.

Findings

The corrosion resistance of the epoxy-painted films was improved due to the incorporation of the Zn and Cu complexes into the formulation.

Originality/value

It was found that the metal complex-based formulation with Cu(II) and Zn(II) had outperformed the sample blank.
Parents’ mental state communication and children’s consumer behavior in the USA
Authors: Choi Eunjoo , Lapierre Matthew A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Previous research has shown that children’s ability to understand mental states is related to their consumer development, yet it is unknown how parents can aid in this process. One possible way that parents may help is using mental state communication (i.e. communication that focuses on beliefs/intention to explain behavior by others). This study aims to examine whether this kind of communication is linked to children’s purchase requests through two potential mediators – active mediation and child socio-cognitive skills (i.e. Theory of Mind).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey of 420 American mothers with children between the ages of 3 and 7. Respondents were given 12 scenarios describing typical parent–child interactions focused on discussing mental states and were asked how they would respond. Then, respondents were asked about demographic information, parenting style, mediation style, child socio-cognitive skills and child purchase requests.

Findings

Results showed both a direct and indirect negative association between parents’ mental state communication and children’s purchase requests via active advertising mediation. Contrary to expectations, active mediation was negatively associated with mental state communication and positively linked to child purchase requests. Children’s socio-cognitive skills were not associated with either parents’ mental state communication or children’s purchase requests.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known study that has examined mental state communication of parents as a potential predictor in shaping children’s purchase requests and found that it was negatively associated with it.
Teaching early reading skills to non‐vocal students with severe learning disabilities using Headsprout Early Reading©
Authors: Thomas Sian E. , Grindle Corinna F. , Totsika Vaso
Published: March 2023

Many students with learning disabilities find it difficult to acquire basic reading skills. This is even more of a challenge for students who are non‐vocal. The purpose of the present study was to pilot the use of Headsprout Early Reading© (HER©), an online reading programme, with four non‐vocal students with a severe learning disability (SLD), over the course of a nine‐week period. Additional table‐top activities were designed and implemented to augment the online instruction. None of the students completed the programme. Three students improved their early reading skills over the course of the intervention. Staff members indicated positive experiences of using HER©, especially mentioning how motivated the students were to engage with the programme. HER© for students with SLD requires one‐to‐one support and a longer implementation period to achieve completion; these have implications for resourcing in special schools. However, HER© shows promise with non‐vocal students with learning disabilities and evidence supports the need for larger‐scale evaluation research.
Sensory descriptive analysis of hard ciders from the Northeast and Mid‐Atlantic United States
Authors: Calvert Martha D , Neill Clinton L , Stewart Amanda C. , Lahne Jacob
Published: March 2023

Although alcoholic or “hard” cider is a beverage of growing popularity throughout the Northeastern and Mid‐Atlantic United States (US), the industry lacks a consistent language for describing the sensory quality of its products. The main objective of this research was to explore the sensory attributes that can be used to describe a large representative sample (N = 42 samples) of ciders from Virginia, Vermont, and New York, using classical descriptive analysis (DA). The secondary objective of the research was to determine if cider samples’ sensory attributes differ based on extrinsic factors, such as style, packaging, and apple varieties. The study was conducted using a standard DA: 8 panelists were trained for 13 h to develop a lexicon of aroma, taste, and mouthfeel descriptors for 42 cider samples (15 single varietal ciders, 27 blended ciders). Then, subjects evaluated each cider in duplicate for all descriptive attributes in standard sensory‐evaluation conditions. Results were analyzed to determine overall differences among the individual cider samples, geographic origins, cider styles, and packaging formats, as well as significant differences across individual attributes. Herein, we report on 29 attributes that can be used to discriminate cider samples, as well as a subset of attributes which differentiate ciders based on extrinsic product variables. These results provide a framework for describing ciders from the Northeast and Mid‐Atlantic regions of the US, which may be further generalizable to other North American ciders. As well, these results highlight the potential for more descriptive, sensory‐based style guidelines may inspire future research related to cider production practices and terroir.
Ion release from oral piercings from in vitro acidic challenges
Authors: Masood M , Walsh LJ , Zafar S
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This laboratory‐based study measured ion release from metallic piercings when exposed to organic acids (lactic, citric) and inorganic acids (phosphoric, hydrochloric) that could be encountered in the oral cavity.

Methods

Barbell and ring oral piercings composed of stainless steel, titanium or gold‐plated titanium were submerged in 2 mL volumes of 0.1% lactic acid, 10% citric acid, 0.2% phosphoric acid, and 0.1% hydrochloric acid for 7 and 34 days. Ion release into the liquid was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) and expressed in relationship to surface area. Surface changes from baseline were assessed using light and backscatter scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results

ICPOES results showed that hydrochloric and phosphoric acid caused the greatest release of material per surface area. Released elements included (ranked highest to lowest): Fe, P, Ti, Na, Cr, S, Ni, Ca, Mg, K, Si, Al, V, Mn, Ba, and Co. SEM imaging identified qualitative surface changes consistent with corrosion, for most piercing types examined.

Conclusions

Under the exposure conditions used, inorganic acids cause greater metal dissolution than organic acids. Inorganic acids could therefore pose a risk of corrosion and leaching of ions from metallic oral piercings.
Bureaucratising Social Justice: The reproduction of social inequality through scholarship programs in Nepal
Authors: Pradhan Uma , Wallenius Todd John , Valentin Karen
Published: March 2023

This article draws on ethnographic data on the distribution of scholarship programs at two Nepali state‐run schools. Anchored in the cross‐field of educational anthropology and the anthropology of bureaucracy, this article examines schools not just as sites of learning but as institutions that control and regulate access through bureaucratized mechanisms. We draw attention to scholarship processes as inherently selective and requiring social and cultural capital, thus leading to what we term “the bureaucratization of social justice.”
A novel nonsense variant in the ATL3 gene is associated with disturbed pain sensitivity, numbness of distal limbs and muscle weakness
Authors: Mohammadi Sanaz , Jafari Khamirani Hossein , Baneshi Maryam , Kamal Neda , Manoocheri Jamal , Saffar Mahsa , Dianatpour Mehdi , Tabei Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Dastgheib Seyed Alireza
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Hereditary sensory neuropathy (HSN) describes as a heterogeneous group of peripheral neuropathies. HSN type 1 (HSN1) is one subtype characterized by distal sensory impairment that occurs in the form of numbness, tingling, or pain. To date, only two variants in the atlastin GTPase 3 (ATL3) gene have been identified that result in hereditary sensory neuropathy type 1F (HSN1F) with autosomal dominantinheritance.

Methods

We sudied and examined who present with sensory disturbances and muscle weakness in their lower limb. Patients underwent Whole Exome Sequencing and Sanger sequencing was performed in families for validation of detected variant.

Results

Here, we identified two Iranian families carrying the novel heterozygous stop variant NM_015459.5: c.16C>T, p.Arg6Ter in ATL3 that led to disturbed pain and touch sensitivity. This variant in the ATL3 gene was detected in both families (NM_015459.5: c.16C>T, p.Arg6Ter) by whole‐exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Conclusion

In this study, the subjects manifested weakness of distal limb muscles and numbness of the lower extremities. In addition, some unusual features, including hearing problems and inability to sit and walk presented in one of the patients. Eventually, we provide a case‐based review of the clinical features associated with HSN1F. Hitherto, only 11 patients with HSN1F have been reported. We compared our findings to previously reported cases, suggesting that the clinical features are generally variable in the HSN1F patients.
Use of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator in children supported with ventricular assist device: An analysis of data from the EUROMACS registry
Authors: Schweiger Martin , Amodeo Antonio , Vierecke Juliane , Hussein Hina , Berger Florian , de By Theo M. M. H. , Zimpfer Daniel , Sliwka Joanna , Davies Ben , Miera Oliver , Meyns Bart
Published: March 2023

Background

Data on the use and outcome of children on ventricular assist device (VAD) support provided with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) remains poor.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the EUROMACS database on children supported with VAD < 19 years of age from January 1, 2009 to April 1, 2020. Patients with missing data on status of ICD, missing baseline and/or follow up information were excluded. The primary independent variable of interest was the concomitant presence or absence of an ICD at the time of VAD placement. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate survival differences between children on VAD with and without an ICD.

Results

Out of 303 patients provided with a VAD, 7% (7♀, 15♂) had an ICD implanted and formed the study group. Median age was 14 years, median weight was 43.5 kg, and median BSA was 1.39. Median Intermacs stage was 2 (range: 1–7). Seventeen patients (77%) were transplanted, 4 (18%) died while on support, and 1 (5%) was weaned from device after myocardial recovery. Median time on support was 68 days compared to 361 days in the control group (p: 0.01). Three patients underwent device exchange due to thrombus formation in the pump. There was no difference in survival between groups (p = 0.342).

Conclusion

The presence of ICD in pediatric patients supported with a VAD is low (7%). Children on VAD support provided with an ICD do not have a survival benefit compared to children without an ICD.
False Discovery Rate-Controlled Multiple Testing for Union Null Hypotheses: A Knockoff-Based Approach
Authors: Dai Ran , Zheng Cheng
Published: March 2023

False discovery rate (FDR) controlling procedures provide important statistical guarantees for replicability in signal identification based on multiple hypotheses testing. In many fields of study, FDR controling procedures are used in high-dimensional (HD) analyses to discover features that are truly associated with the outcome. In some recent applications, data on the same set of candidate features are independently collected in multiple different studies. For example, gene expression data are collected at different facilities and with different cohorts, to identify the genetic biomarkers of multiple types of cancers. These studies provide us with opportunities to identify signals by considering information from different sources (with potential heterogeneity) jointly. This paper is about how to provide FDR control guarantees for the tests of union null hypotheses of conditional independence. We present a knockoff-based variable selection method (Simultaneous knockoffs) to identify mutual signals from multiple independent datasets, providing exact FDR control guarantees under finite sample settings. This method can work with very general model settings and test statistics. We demonstrate the performance of this method with extensive numerical studies and two real-data examples.
Cancer cell‐derived CD69 induced under lipid and oxygen starvation promotes ovarian cancer progression through fibronectin
Authors: Koizume Shiro , Kanayama Tomohiko , Kimura Yayoi , Hirano Hisashi , Takahashi Tomoko , Ota Yukihide , Miyazaki Kaoru , Yoshihara Mitsuyo , Nakamura Yoshiyasu , Yokose Tomoyuki , Kato Hisamori , Takenaka Katsuya , Sato Shinya , Tadokoro Hiroko , Miyagi Etsuko , Miyagi Yohei
Published: March 2023

Cancer tissues generally have molecular oxygen and serum component deficiencies because of poor vascularization. Recently, we revealed that ICAM1 is strongly activated through lipophagy in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) cells in response to starvation of long‐chain fatty acids and oxygen and confers resistance to apoptosis caused by these harsh conditions. CD69 is a glycoprotein that is synthesized in immune cells and is associated with their activation through cellular signaling pathways. However, the expression and function of CD69 in nonhematological cells is unclear. Here, we report that CD69 is induced in CCC cells as in ICAM1. Mass spectrometry analysis of phosphorylated peptides followed by pathway analysis revealed that CD69 augments CCC cell binding to fibronectin (FN) in association with the phosphorylation of multiple cellular signaling molecules including the focal adhesion pathway. Furthermore, CD69 synthesized in CCC cells could facilitate cell survival because the CD69–FN axis can induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Experiments with surgically removed tumor samples revealed that CD69 is predominantly expressed in CCC tumor cells compared with other histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer. Overall, our data suggest that cancer cell‐derived CD69 can contribute to CCC progression through FN.
Atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumour (ASPLT): A report of three FNA cases and comparison with spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma cytopathology
Authors: Wakely Paul E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Atypical spindle cell/pleomorphic lipomatous tumour (ASPLT) is an infrequently appreciated benign lipomatous neoplasm newly accepted into the most recent WHO classification of soft tissue tumours.

Materials and Methods

Our cytopathology files were searched for examples of ASPLT and spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma (SCPL) having histopathological verification. Conventional fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy smears were performed using standard techniques.

Results

Eleven patients including three cases of ASPLT and eight of SCPL (M:F = 4.5:1; age range: 39‐97 years, mean age = 60 years) met the inclusion criteria. FNA biopsy sites included extremity (5, 45%), trunk (3, 27%), and head/neck (3, 27%). All aspirates were from primary neoplasms. FNA diagnoses of ASPLT cases were spindle cell lipomatous neoplasm, fibrotic low‐grade SC neoplasm, and myxoid lipomatous neoplasm. Eight SCPL cases were diagnosed as spindle cell neoplasm (3), spindle cell lipoma (SCL) (1), pleomorphic lipoma (1), suspicious for SCL (1), benign adipose tissue (1), and benign spindle cells and connective tissue (1). Ancillary testing in two ASPLT cases showed positive CD34 and negative MDM2 immunostain in one, and negative FISH results for MDM2 and DDIT3 in another.

Conclusion

ASPLT is a novel lipomatous neoplasm simulating primarily SCPL and atypical lipoma/well‐differentiated liposarcoma. Diligent cytomorphological observation, clinical information, and ancillary testing may allow for its specific recognition using FNA biopsy.
Revisiting the Natural Resource Curse: Backward Linkages for Export Diversification and Structural Economic Transformation
Authors: Savona Maria , Bontadini Filippo
Published: March 2023

This article revisits and empirically tests the conjecture that specialization in natural resource industries (NRI) might not necessarily be a ‘curse’ for developing countries if it generates opportunities for export diversification in backward‐linked sectors à la Hirschman. The article systematizes the evolution of the debate around the NRI ‘curse’. Then it empirically tests whether NRI might represent a sufficient ‘domestic representative demand’ à la Linder to favour diversification into backward‐linked sectors such as knowledge‐intensive business services and high‐tech manufacturing. It focuses on the former and discusses the new opportunities for export diversification led by virtuous pathways of domestic structural change. It finds novel, quantitative empirical support for this conjecture, which complements extant qualitative literature and discusses implications that revisit the NRI curse debate.
Failure to use new breakthrough treatments for epilepsy
Authors: Klein Pavel , Krauss Gregory L. , Steinhoff Bernhard J. , Devinsky Orrin , Sperling Michael R.
Published: March 2023

Despite the approval of ~20 additional antiseizure medications (ASMs) since the 1980s, one‐third of epilepsy patients experience seizures despite therapy. Drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) is associated with cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities, socioeconomic impairment, injuries, and a 9.3–13.4 times higher mortality rate than in seizure‐free patients. Improved seizure control can reduce morbidity and mortality. Two new ASMs were launched in the United States in 2020: cenobamate for focal epilepsy in adults and fenfluramine for Dravet syndrome (DS). They offer markedly improved efficacy. Cenobamate achieved 21% seizure freedom with the highest dose and decreased tonic–clonic seizures by 93% during maintenance treatment in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). In long‐term, open‐label studies, 10%–36% of patients were seizure‐free for a median duration of ~30–45 months. Fenfluramine treatment in DS reduced convulsive seizure frequency by 56% over placebo at the highest dose, with 8% of patients free of convulsive seizures, and 25% with only one convulsive seizure over 14 weeks. These results were sustained for up to 3 years in open‐label extension studies. Mortality was reduced 5‐fold. These results are superior to all other approved ASMs, placing these two drugs among the most effective antiseizure therapies. The adverse event profiles resemble those of other ASMs. Despite greater efficacy and similar toxicity, these medications are infrequently used. Two years after US market entry, < 5% of either adults with focal DRE or patients with DS were treated with either cenobamate or fenfluramine. We believe this is a failure of our medical system, resulting from limited knowledge about these drugs stemming partly from the separation of academia from industry; restrictions to access created by health care payors, hospitals, and regulatory agencies; and insufficient post‐launch information about the efficacy and safety of these ASMs.
Modeling of senescent cell dynamics predicts a late‐life decrease in cancer incidence
Authors: Bieuville Margaux , Tissot Tazzio , Robert Alexandre , Henry Pierre‐Yves , Pavard Samuel
Published: March 2023

Current oncogenic theories state that tumors arise from cell lineages that sequentially accumulate (epi)mutations, progressively turning healthy cells into carcinogenic ones. While those models found some empirical support, they are little predictive of intraspecies age‐specific cancer incidence and of interspecies cancer prevalence. Notably, in humans and lab rodents, a deceleration (and sometimes decline) of cancer incidence rate has been found at old ages. Additionally, dominant theoretical models of oncogenesis predict that cancer risk should increase in large and/or long‐lived species, which is not supported by empirical data. Here, we explore the hypothesis that cellular senescence could explain those incongruent empirical patterns. More precisely, we hypothesize that there is a trade‐off between dying of cancer and of (other) ageing‐related causes. This trade‐off between organismal mortality components would be mediated, at the cellular scale, by the accumulation of senescent cells. In this framework, damaged cells can either undergo apoptosis or enter senescence. Apoptotic cells lead to compensatory proliferation, associated with an excess risk of cancer, whereas senescent cell accumulation leads to ageing‐related mortality. To test our framework, we build a deterministic model that first describes how cells get damaged, undergo apoptosis, or enter senescence. We then translate those cellular dynamics into a compound organismal survival metric also integrating life‐history traits. We address four different questions linked to our framework: can cellular senescence be adaptive, do the predictions of our model reflect epidemiological patterns observed among mammal species, what is the effect of species sizes on those answers, and what happens when senescent cells are removed? Importantly, we find that cellular senescence can optimize lifetime reproductive success. Moreover, we find that life‐history traits play an important role in shaping the cellular trade‐offs. Overall, we demonstrate that integrating cellular biology knowledge with eco‐evolutionary principles is crucial to solve parts of the cancer puzzle.
RETRACTED: The energy storage and optimal dispatch supply chain for new energy grids using edge computing and the internet of things
Authors: Liu Jun
Published: March 2023

The intermittent and uncertainty of new energy in the grid connection process affects the overall quality of the grid. To resolve the scattered geographical locations, small individual capacities and poor controllability of distributed energy storage (DES) devices, edge computing is applied in conjunction with aggregate service providers to build an edge computing‐based aggregate model of DES. Regarding its characteristics, the schedulable potential of the energy storage device is analysed through modelling. A multi‐objective scheduling model with multiple parties participating in the subject's behaviour is established using the Internet of Things (IoT) optimization strategy. The simulation example of concrete data further verifies the validity of the model. Results demonstrate that the edge computing‐based aggregate model of DES effectively reduces the calculation load's peak‐valley load and reduces the wind power abandonment. In the meantime, the multiple starts and stops of the thermal power unit reduce the operation cost of the unit. The multi‐objective dispatch model can reduce the opportunity cost and payment of DES effectively. This model achieves load peak reduction and valley filling and reduces the peak dispatch cost of the power grid. The research results can provide some ideas for storing and utilizing the new energy.
Albany K‐Feldspar: A New Pb Isotope Reference Material
Authors: Liebmann Janne , Ware Bryant , Hartnady Michael I.H. , Kirkland Christopher L. , Timms Nicholas E. , Evans Noreen J.
Published: March 2023

Lead isotopes are a powerful and versatile tool to elucidate fundamental geological problems related to the formation and evolution of continental crust. K‐feldspar is a popular target for Pb isotope measurement as it is prevalent in many rock types and tends to capture the initial Pb isotope composition of its parental magma. We present data for a new Pb isotope reference material: Albany K‐feldspar; as well as updated data for Shap K‐feldspar. Results of Pb double‐spike TIMS for Albany K‐feldspar are 206Pb/204Pb = 16.7872 ± 0.0062, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.5640 ± 0.0056, and 208Pb/204Pb = 36.6600 ± 0.0168 (2s). TIMS measurement results for Shap K‐feldspar indicate two isotopically distinct Pb populations. LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS, with a spatial resolution as high as 15 μm, indicates a homogeneous Pb isotopic composition in Albany K‐feldspar. In accord with previous studies, our results show that scatter in the measured Pb isotope ratios, related to the low natural isotopic abundance of 204Pb, along with the effect of isobaric 204Hg‐204Pb interference, increases at lower count rates. However, the mean Pb isotope ratios measured via LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS using a range of spot sizes are in excellent agreement with TIMS results thus highlighting the feasibility of Pb isotope determination via LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS to access geological information preserved in small crystals, including mineral inclusions.
Using sensemaking as a lens to assess student learning on corporate social responsibility and sustainability
Authors: Preuss Lutz , Fischer Isabel , Luiz John M.
Published: March 2023

Prior literature suggests that teaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability has led to little development of students' reflexive engagement with the challenges of sustainable development. To shed light on this criticism, we apply sensemaking—as entailing the three stages of scanning for information, interpreting it and identifying alternatives of action—to CSR/sustainability education. Analysing cognitive maps of CSR, drawn by undergraduate finalists from a UK business school, we find that students are able to produce complex cognitive maps in terms of scanning for information; however, cognitive bottlenecks occur at the second and third stages of sensemaking. A key pedagogical challenge is, therefore, to support students in moving beyond scanning towards developing meaning and acting on that basis. By introducing a sensemaking lens, we add to a deeper understanding of the complexities associated with CSR education as it aids (or impedes) critical engagement and action.
Medical librarians and little free libraries: Connecting rural communities to health information
Authors: Grabeel Kelsey Leonard , Wilson Alexandria Quesenberry
Published: March 2023

Background

Consumer health libraries connect communities to reliable and accurate health information while Little Free Libraries (LFL) provide communities globally with access to free books with a ‘take one leave one’ type policy.

Objectives

To discuss how medical librarians used already established LFLs as outreach opportunities to provide consumer health books to rural locations in East Tennessee's Appalachia region in the United States.

Methods

Researchers reviewed the population's literacy levels, the Index of Medical Underservice scores, and the availability of established LFLs. Twenty‐two established LFL locations were selected and one new LFL was built for an eye clinic. Eleven health books were purchased for each established LFL, and 33 books were purchased for the new LFL.

Results

Researchers went back to each location 5 months after delivery. 90% of the books were taken from the already established LFLs. Ten books were taken from the new LFL.

Discussion

Using already established LFLs is a great opportunity to provide relevant health information to rural communities. The new LFL allowed for a partnership between the library and a rural eye clinic.

Conclusion

By distributing health books to already established LFLs, researchers brought relevant health information books to rural and medically underserved communities.
Masstige as a mediator of the relationship between a typical user's image and brand preference
Authors: Kolańska‐Stronka Magdalena , Krasa Paweł
Published: March 2023

The primary research objective was to test the masstige model, which is a mechanism to explain the relationship between symbolic value associated with a brand and brand preference (purchase intention). Using an online individual interview method, respondents rated the masstige, preference, and symbolic characteristics perceived in the image of a typical brand user (TBU), identifying three generalized positive and four negative characteristics. The research was conducted on 20 different brands. The generalized results were analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method. The present study, based on 393 interviews, found that the main TBU characteristics positively associated with brand masstige were two positive dimensions of Sophistication (e.g., elegant), Responsibility (e.g., solid), and one negative dimension of Boorishness (e.g., simpleton), which significantly reduced masstige. In addition, TBU brings the masstige independent part of the brand preference. The results confirm the theoretical relationship between symbolic brand value and masstige, and show that masstige is not the only determinant of brand purchase intention. The results allow for the development/strengthening of the masstige brand statute by targeting TBU characteristics associated with style or responsibility, and reducing associations with neglect, which may translate into increased sales.
Effects of thermosonication on ascorbic acid, polyphenols and antioxidant activity in blackberry juice
Authors: Putsakum Gontorn , Tzima Katerina , Tiwari Brijesh K. , O'Donnell Colm P. , Rai Dilip K.
Published: March 2023

Limited research studies exist that assess the impact of thermosonication (TS) processing on antioxidant compounds in blackberry juice. Different combinations of TS parameters (temperature, amplitude power and time) were applied to blackberry juice using a pilot‐scale ultrasonic transducer (UIP500hdT). In low‐temperature treatment, the juice was treated at 10°C and 50% amplitude power for 5 min (10‐50‐5) showed the best retention of ascorbic acid (0.95 mg), total phenolic content (TPC) (459.55 mg GAE), 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (261.34 mg TE) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (604.09 mg TE). Similarly, in high‐temperature treatment, the juices were treated at 70°C and 100% amplitude power for 5 min (70‐100‐5) showed ascorbic acid (1.05 mg), TPC (166.17 mg GAE), DPPH (304.95 mg TE) and FRAP (686.93 mg TE). Both low‐ and high‐temperature treatments showed higher retentions in these attributes than untreated and pasteurised juices. The results were further supported by high retention of predominant polyphenols, namely cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (400.58 and 336.94 mg/100 mL, for 10‐50‐5 and 70‐100‐5, respectively). A similar trend was observed in the contents of cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside, procyanidin dimer B2, 5‐chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and rutin. TS treatment in overall could be a considerable alternative option to be used for antioxidant‐rich blackberry juice production as it has effects on phytochemicals similar to that of pasteurisation.
Plant‐based bioactive peptides: a review of their relevant production strategies, in vivo bioactivities, action mechanisms and bioaccessibility
Authors: Ashaolu Tolulope Joshua , Suttikhana Itthanan
Published: March 2023

The current global trend towards green and environmentally sustainable food sources has favoured plant‐based foods over animal‐based food products. Plants supply most of the required energy for the sustenance of all life forms on earth, and their health‐promoting qualities are mostly derived from their extracts and protein components, which make plant‐based bioactive peptides (BPs) great human health contributors. So many biological activities of these BPs have been reported in vitro but their demonstrated effects may not be the same as those found in in vivo studies. Therefore, this review is aimed at exploring recent literature on the demonstrated in vivo bioactivities of plant‐based BPs. The production of the peptides together with in vivo shreds of evidence are presented and their biological activities like antihypertensive, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects are exemplified. Furthermore, some of the BP's mechanism of action along with their bioaccessibility inferences are described. Further considerations and concluding remarks on the therapeutic and commercialization potentials of plant‐based BPs are discussed.
Evaluation of honey authenticity in Thailand by analysis of carbon stable isotope ratio using elemental analyser coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry and cavity ring‐down spectrometry
Authors: Kamdee Kiattipong , Naksuriyawong Sasiwimon , Uapoonphol Nichtima , Fungklin Ratchai , Esor Jeerawat , Permnamtip Vorapot , Meepho Sang‐arun , Judprasong Kunchit
Published: March 2023

In Thailand, honey is used in a variety of commercial products that are distributed in domestic markets and abroad. As honey in Thailand comes from many locations, it is challenging to control the production quality of commercial products. The main problem commonly found in the honey industry is adulteration with undeclared added sugars. Identification of adulterated honey is crucial for authentication, which can increase consumer confidence on honey purity. In this study, 49 honey samples from beekeepers (natural) and 15 commercial honey producers were collected from different cities across Thailand. They were analysed for stable carbon isotope ratios (expressed as 13C/12C or δ13C and reported in relation to the international reference standard unit Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite, ‰ VPDB) using Elemental Analysis Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (EA‐IRMS) for developing a δ13C database of natural honey and for checking the adulteration of honey. The δ13C values detected in 49 natural honey samples varied from −23.1‰ to −29.1‰ VPDB with an average of −26.8 ± 1.2‰ VPDB. According to the AOAC standard (No. 998.12, 2019), natural honey should have δ13C values lower than −23.5‰ VPDB, with an acceptable difference in δ13C values between honey and the protein extracted from honey up to 1‰. Compared to the standard guideline, 60% of commercial honey samples collected for this study (9 out of 15 samples) were found to contain undeclared added sugars.
Microencapsulation of astaxanthin by ionic gelation: effect of different gelling polymers on the carotenoid load, stability and bioaccessibility
Authors: Vakarelova Martina , Zanoni Francesca , Donà Giulia , Fierri Ilaria , Chignola Roberto , Gorrieri Sara , Zoccatelli Gianni
Published: March 2023

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a carotenoid characterised by numerous health‐promoting properties but biased by scarce chemical stability. Our aim was to microencapsulate ASX through ionic gelation to improve its stability and bioaccessibility, evaluating the performance of low‐methoxyl pectin (LMP) and chitosan, besides the most common alginate. Three formulations were tested: 3% pectin (Pec), 3% pectin + chitosan shell (PecChi) and 1.5% alginate—1.5% LMP + chitosan shell. The results showed that chitosan deposited onto PecAlChi and PecChi beads improved particle sphericity and limited oil oxidation during processing. PecAlChi provided the highest encapsulation efficiency (87%) and bioaccessibility (58%). The stability test at 65°C × 24 days showed different polymer‐dependent degradation kinetics, with PecChi providing the highest stability (48%). In conclusion, encapsulation performance strongly depended on the chitosan shell and the gelling polymers. This suggests that tuning the alginate/pectin ratio may lead to the best compromise between stability and bioaccessibility.
Effectiveness of mānuka and rosemary oils as natural and green antioxidants in wagyu and normal beef
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Kaur Lovedeep , Gupta Tanushree B. , Bronlund John
Published: March 2023

Essential oils possessing antioxidant characteristics have acquired broad interest as an alternative to synthetic food antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In this study, mānuka (with 5, 25 and 40% triketone content) (MO), rosemary (RO) and kānuka (KO) oils were characterised and screened through DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric radical absorbing power) assays for their antioxidant efficacies. Different triketone levels were selected to examine their effect on the antioxidant activity of MO. All MOs showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities than KO and RO. Based on the obtained results, the MO with 25% triketone content and RO were chosen to study their antioxidant effects in pastes prepared from New Zealand normal (3% fat) and wagyu (12% fat) beef during refrigerated storage (7 days). No significant effect of the oils was observed on lipid oxidation in normal pastes during storage. However, MO and BHT significantly reduced lipid oxidation in wagyu pastes, showing the potential of mānuka oil as a natural antioxidant in high‐fat meat products.
In Search of Digital Sovereignty and Strategic Autonomy: Normative Power Europe to the Test of Its Geopolitical Ambitions
Authors: Broeders Dennis , Cristiano Fabio , Kaminska Monica
Published: March 2023

This article analyses the recent use of European Union (EU) terminology of digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy, aiming to identify tensions between policy considerations of fundamental rights, free market principles and geopolitical concerns. These tensions are rooted in the disparity between the EU's considerable economic and regulatory power in digital matters and its limited mandate and capabilities in foreign policy. The article also explores the translation of the notions of digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy into EU policy. It identifies three important trends in the geopoliticisation of the EU agenda on digital technologies: (1) the instrumental use of ‘classic’ internal market policies to exert geopolitical influence; (2) the imposition of foreign policy imperatives on national markets; and (3) new ‘hybrid’ digital policies that combine internal market concerns, fundamental rights and geopolitical concerns. Ultimately, digital sovereignty has inherent tensions with the EU's normative power in digital issues and may also result in a strategic cacophony.
Right‐Wing Eurosceptic Parties and the Strategic Use of Law
Authors: Castillo‐Ortiz Pablo
Published: March 2023

Eurosceptic actors often mobilize legal concepts and institutions against European integration. This article makes three contributions to the understanding of this phenomenon. First, it proposes a conceptual definition of the Eurosceptic use of law as part of political strategies, with the aim to make a theoretical contribution to literature in the field. Second, to anchor this idea in the empirical reality, the article exhaustively analyses instances of use of law in the manifestos of medium to large size Eurosceptic parties in national elections, focusing on right wing Eurosceptic parties in the period 2010 to 2021. Third, the article presents some core features of how law is used by the Eurosceptic parties covered by this research at the strategic, conceptual, empirical and political levels, evidencing its widespread utilization and discussing its risks for the process of European integration.
Self‐esteem and its relationship with depression and anxiety in adults with intellectual disabilities: a systematic literature review
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Patel M. , Scior K.
Published: March 2023

Background

In the general population, low self‐esteem has been linked with poorer mental and physical health. This systematic literature review aimed to summarise and evaluate the findings of studies that examined self‐esteem in adults with intellectual disabilities and links with mental health outcomes.

Method

A systematic search of PsycINFO, Web of Science and CINAHL was conducted to identify studies published between 1990 and 2021. The studies were appraised using the QualSyst tool.

Results

Twenty‐six articles were identified of which two studies were removed from the review due to low quality. Studies reported mixed evidence regarding levels of self‐esteem compared with the general population. Engagement in activities appeared to be linked with positive self‐esteem, and perception of negative interpersonal life events as having a negative impact was associated with lower self‐esteem. There was evidence of co‐occurrence of low self‐esteem and depression, but no studies examined the relationship between self‐esteem and anxiety.

Conclusion

Reviewed studies provided mixed evidence on levels of self‐esteem in this population, suggesting that factors such as engagement in life were related to higher self‐esteem and demonstrating the co‐occurrence of low self‐esteem and depression. However, clear causal links have yet to be identified, and more research is needed using longitudinal designs to answer questions about trajectory.
Theorizing racialized disaster patriarchal capitalism in the age of COVID‐19: A framework for feminist policy change
Authors: Foster Johanna E. , Foster‐Palmer Sophie
Published: March 2023

In this concluding article, the authors use a global, intersectional feminist political economy lens to reconceptualize disaster response policy and practices that center women's lives. They extend this issue's discussion of the COVID‐19 pandemic's impact on women's health and safety in ways that have exposed and expanded gender inequalities, and differently for different groups of women, to the discourse of how disaster responses have not only failed women, but have also been used opportunistically by elites to enhance racial and gendered capitalism. In the first half of the article, the authors discuss how the previous feminist literature on the gendering of disasters, with important exceptions, largely misses a critique of the ways the crisis of neoliberalism and the role of racial and gendered global capitalism sets the stage for women to be targets for disaster opportunism. At the same time, critical scholars who have taken on the analysis of disaster capitalism often ignore the well‐established feminist social science on disasters. In the second half of the article, the authors bridge these two literatures and provide an intersectional gendered analysis of what they call the political economy of “racialized patriarchal disaster capitalism” as applied to select cases from the COVID crisis as illustrations. Finally, the authors discuss the theoretical implications of their analysis for feminist conceptualizations of disaster opportunism, as well as practical implications for global public health advocates, policy makers, NGOs, and feminist health activists.
Cultivating critical global citizens through secondary EFL education: a case study of mainland China
Authors: Sun Lina
Published: March 2023

This paper examines the enactment of critical literacy pedagogy in secondary English language teaching in the face of globalisation. This qualitative case study signals that global citizenship education (GCE) and English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching can converge through offering equitable and globally contextualised learning opportunities. The overarching themes presented here challenge the dominance of instrumentalist orientations of EFL education in mainland China today while mobilising pedagogical choices that affirm students' local and lived experiences in relation to international socio‐political issues. Findings provide EFL educators nuanced insights into how critical global literacies are extended through critical understandings of literacies, interconnections from a personal to a global level, and opportunities for social actions on multicultural issues, thus fostering globally competent and bilingual learners who critically engage with the contested terrain of an increasingly globalised world.