bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of business ethics on stress, anxiety and depression and the success of auditors
Authors: Al-Ameedee Saif Mahdi Muslim , Moradi Mahdi , Salehi Mahdi
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Ethical concerns in the field of trade and business and research efforts in the area of management and implementation of ethical standards in the organizational chain in the current situation, mainly due to the impact on the performance and procedures of organizations, and, finally, the effect on the views and attitudes of stakeholders and users of corporate information have become critical. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of business ethics on stress, anxiety and depression and the success of auditors in Iran and Iraq.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s statistical population includes all partners, managers and auditors working in auditing firms. Three hundred sixty-five questionnaires were completed by Iranian respondents and 250 questionnaires by Iraqi respondents in 2021. Also, the analysis of variance and regression of ordinary least squares have been used for data analysis and testing of hypotheses.

Findings

The research results show a negative and significant relationship between the results of business ethics and stress, anxiety and depression of auditors in Iran and Iraq and a positive relationship between business ethics and auditors’ success in Iran and Iraq.

Originality/value

As the current research was conducted in emerging financial markets such as Iran and Iraq, which are highly competitive, along with special economic conditions, and as the occupation of the ISIS terrorist group, the civil wars in Iraq, the world’s severe economic sanctions against Iran and following the global crisis of COVID-19, both countries have had special conditions. Therefore, the current research can bring helpful information to the readers and help everyone develop science and knowledge in this field.
Effects of work interruption on employees' work performance: moderating role of social media usage
Authors: Ma Liang , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Work interruptions (WIs) due to social media are becoming more and more common in the daily lives of organizations. However, the relationship between WI and work performance of employees is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects of WIs due to social media on employees' work performance in terms of different mechanisms; it also considers the moderating role of social media usage.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the jobs demands-resource (JD-R) model, this paper proposes a research model to investigate the effects of WIs on employee work performance from the perspective of the enabling mechanism and burden mechanism. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data of 444 employees.

Findings

The results show that (1) with regard to the enabling mechanism path, WI has a positive effect on employees' sense of belonging, which further has a positive effect on employees' work performance; (2) with regard to the burden mechanism path, WI has a positive effect on employees' interruption overload; however, the effect of employee interruption overload on employees' work performance is not significant, and (3) social media used for either work or social purposes can strengthen the relationship between WI and interruption overload, while social media used for work-related purposes can reduce the relationship between WI and a sense of belonging.

Originality/value

First, this paper contributes to the WI literature by clarifying how WI affects employees' work performance through different mechanisms, namely the enabling mechanism and the burden mechanism. Second, this paper contributes to the WI literature by revealing a boundary condition, namely social media use, between WI and a sense of belonging and between WI and employees' interruption overload.
Trust but verify: the effect of religiosity and social conformity on verification of content shared via social media
Authors: Khalil Ashraf , Abdallah Salam , Hijazi Rafiq , Sheikh Kundan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to understand the patterns of content-sharing behaviour on major social media platforms by young adult users with reference to how these sharing patterns are influenced by two main sociocultural factors in their lives, religiosity and social conformity.

Design/methodology/approach

Online surveys including both the ATSCI test for social conformity as well as the Hoge test for religiosity were filled out by 590 participants. In-depth interviews with six participants representative of the same population were conducted to deepen analysis of key variables explored in the surveys. The design of the interviews was semi-structured, whereby the focus was to achieve a general overview of participants' intentions and habits regarding sharing information via social media.

Findings

The findings show a significant positive impact of religiosity and social conformity on users' sharing intention which, in turn, affects their inclination towards verifying the content they share.

Social implications

The authors' findings emphasise how users bear the onus of correcting the online information space. It paves the way for future research by recognising the value of independent corroboration amongst users.

Originality/value

This study lends key support to the growing body of research on social media use in societies in which shared religious and cultural values tend to clearly impact everyday social interaction.
User-generated content on Gen Z tourist visit intention: a stimulus-organism-response approach
Authors: Yamagishi Kafferine , Canayong Danzel , Domingo Mariella , Maneja Kim Nieva , Montolo Angel , Siton Arabelle
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the causal relationship of user-generated content (UGC) on trust in UGC (TUGC), destination image (DI) and tourist visit intention (VI) guided by the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory. This work further examined the mediating effect of TUGC and DI between UGC and VI.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through online and personal-administered surveys and randomized sampling. This work employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the proposed model empirically.

Findings

In line with the SOR Theory, this work found UGCs that induce positive emotions and connection to the users motivate VI rather than UGCs that are predominantly factual. Furthermore, UGCs are considered reliable, authentic and less biased than brand-generated content. The findings of this work contribute to the theoretical understanding of UGC to VI in a destination.

Practical implications

This work proposes that destination marketers prioritize UGC that evokes positive emotions and connections with users, as it is more effective in encouraging VI. Strategies such as incentivizing content creators, improving online presence and engaging influencers can maximize UGC. Enhancing online traffic quality, visibility and interaction and implementing content policies are crucial for UGC's effectiveness. Marketers should align destination products with tourists' interests and collaborate with influencers for affiliate marketing to increase tourist-generated UGC. Furthermore, improved connectivity encourages UGCs about the destination.

Originality/value

In tourism marketing, UGC has become a valuable information source for tourists in making informed travel decisions. UGC is a tourist-generated content that offers factual information and authentic experiences through images, videos or text posted through social media platforms. UGC is considered more reputable than travel firms and the mainstream media as an information source. Due to the limited works on UGC in the literature, the influence of UGC on tourists' VIs has remained unexplored at the time of writing. This work bridges this gap by empirically examining the impact of UGC on Gen Z tourists' VI guided by the SOR theory.
Innocence versus Coolness: the influence of brand personality on consumers’ preferences
Authors: Feng Wenting , Xu Yuanping , Wang Lijia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Building on the theory of brand psychological ownership, this paper aims to explore the mediating role of brand psychological ownership in the relationship between brand personality (innocence/coolness) and consumers’ preferences, as well as identify the boundary conditions of this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, a series of four experiments were conducted in Wuhan, a city in southern China, using questionnaires administered at two universities and two supermarkets. Hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM in SmartPLS 4.

Findings

The results indicate that brand personality, specifically the dimensions of innocence and coolness, has a significant impact on consumers’ brand preferences. Brands with a cool personality are preferred over those with an innocent personality. Moreover, the relationship between brand personality and consumers’ brand preferences is moderated by power motivation and identity centrality.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by differentiating between brand personality of innocence and coolness as two separate constructs and proposing brand psychological ownership as a mechanism through which brand personality affects brand preferences. The study’s samples were drawn from universities and supermarkets in southern China, providing evidence for the significant moderating effects of power motivation and identity centrality on consumers’ brand preferences.
Reflections on phygital experiences: conceptual boundaries, wellbeing benefits and methodological suggestions
Authors: Lee Dong-Jin , Yu Grace B. , Sirgy M. Joseph
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the construct of phygital experiences and provide ideas that may spur future research on phygital consumer experiences in relation to consumer well-being using qualitative research methods.

Design/methodology/approach

With the increase in consumers’ online and offline interactions, there is a greater need for marketers to prompt integrated consumer experiences (i.e. integrated customer experiences through online and offline interactions). The authors developed this essay based on a literature review of phygital experiences and consumer well-being.

Findings

This commentary provides suggestions on how to expand the conceptual boundaries of phygital experiences by examining the effects of consumer phygital experiences in relation to consumer need satisfaction, consumer happiness and benefits to the firm. The commentary also includes several methodological suggestions that can guide future qualitative research.

Originality/value

The value of this commentary involves insights about research methods stimulated by the current research on consumer well-being.
Relative contribution of season, site, scion and rootstock genotype, and susceptibility to European canker to the variability in bacterial and fungal communities in apple leaf scar tissues
Authors: Papp‐Rupar Matevz , Deakin Greg , Olivieri Leone , Robinson‐Boyer Louisa , Xu Xiangming
Published: September 2023

Neonectria ditissima infects apple trees through wounds, causing European canker. In the UK, the most important entry site for N. ditissima is leaf scar. Specific apple endophytes may contribute to cultivar resistance/tolerance to the pathogen. We assessed the relative effect of location, sampling time (season), and rootstock/scion genotype on bacterial and fungal endophyte communities in the apple leaf scar tissues of current‐season extension shoots and identified Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) with differential abundance between canker resistant and susceptible scions, and between rootstocks. Leaf scar tissues were sampled from two orchards at three times (10/2018, 06/2019 and 10/2019) for eight scion cultivars, each grafted onto two rootstocks, for profiling 16S and ITS rRNA regions. Endophyte composition was primarily affected by season (autumn vs. spring) and location (sites and blocks within site). There was a significant reduction in the community size in the spring, particularly for fungi, and species turnover between autumn and spring. This seasonal dynamics suggest that to protect leaf scars from N. ditissima infection in the autumn specific endophytes suppressing canker may have to be augmented annually around the leaf‐fall time. Scion and rootstock genotypes had limited effects on the endophyte community. A group of resistant cultivars differed from a group of susceptible ones in the relative abundance of many bacterial and fungal OTUs, most of which had low reads numbers. Nevertheless, several OTUs with high reads numbers differed in their relative abundance between resistant and susceptible scions, including OTUs from Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium, Vishniacozyma and Rhodotorula babjevae, and warrant further investigation for their potential role in host resistance/tolerance against N. ditissima.
Beyond overlap: considering habitat preference and fitness outcomes in the umbrella species concept
Authors: Carlisle J. D. , Smith K. T. , Beck J. L. , Murphy M. A. , Chalfoun A. D.
Published: September 2023

Umbrella species and other surrogate species approaches to conservation provide an appealing framework to extend the reach of conservation efforts beyond single species. For the umbrella species concept to be effective, populations of multiple species of concern must persist in areas protected on behalf of the umbrella species. Most assessments of the concept, however, focus exclusively on geographic overlap among umbrella and background species, and not measures that affect population persistence (e.g. habitat quality or fitness). We quantified the congruence between the habitat preferences and nesting success of a high‐profile umbrella species (greater sage‐grouse,Centrocercus urophasianus, hereafter ‘sage‐grouse’), and three sympatric species of declining songbirds (Brewer's sparrowSpizella breweri, sage thrasherOreoscoptes montanusand vesper sparrowPooecetes gramineus) in central Wyoming, USA during 2012–2013. We used machine‐learning methods to create data‐driven predictions of sage‐grouse nest‐site selection and nest survival probabilities by modeling field‐collected sage‐grouse data relative to habitat attributes. We then used field‐collected songbird data to assess whether high‐quality sites for songbirds aligned with those of sage‐grouse. Nest sites selected by songbirds did not coincide with sage‐grouse nesting preferences, with the exception that Brewer's sparrows preferred similar nest sites to sage‐grouse in 2012. Moreover, the areas that produced higher rates of songbird nest survival were unrelated to those for sage‐grouse. Our findings suggest that management actions at local scales that prioritize sage‐grouse nesting habitat will not necessarily enhance the reproductive success of sagebrush‐associated songbirds. Measures implemented to conserve sage‐grouse and other purported umbrella species at broad spatial scales likely overlap the distribution of many species, however, broad‐scale overlap may not translate to fine‐scale conservation benefit beyond the umbrella species itself. The maintenance of microhabitat heterogeneity important for a diversity of species of concern will be critical for a more holistic application of the umbrella species concept.
Prevention of fetal brain injury in category II tracings
Authors: Nakao Masahiro , Ross Michael G. , Magawa Shoichi , Toyokawa Satoshi , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Kanayama Naohiro , Satoh Shoji , Tamiya Nanako , Nakai Akihito , Fujimori Keiya , Maeda Tsugio , Oka Akira , Suzuki Hideaki , Iwashita Mitsutoshi , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: September 2023

Introduction

With category II fetal heart rate tracings, the preferred timing of interventions to prevent fetal hypoxic brain damage while limiting operative interventions remains unclear. We aimed to estimate fetal extracellular base deficit (BDecf) during labor with category II tracings to quantify the timing of potential interventions to prevent severe fetal metabolic acidemia.

Material and methods

A longitudinal study was conducted using the database of the Recurrence Prevention Committee, Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy, including infants with severe cerebral palsy born at ≥34 weeks' gestation between 2009 and 2014. Cases included those presumed to have an intrapartum onset of hypoxic–ischemic insult based on the fetal heart rate pattern evolution from reassuring to an abnormal pattern during delivery, in association with category II tracings marked by recurrent decelerations and an umbilical arterial BDecf ≥ 12 mEq/L. BDecf changes during labor were estimated based on stages of labor and the frequency/severity of fetal heart rate decelerations using the algorithm of Ross and Gala. The times from the onset of recurrent decelerations to BDecf 8 and 12 mEq/L (Decels‐to‐BD8, Decels‐to‐BD12) and to delivery were determined. Cases were divided into two groups (rapid and slow progression) based upon the rate of progression of acidosis from onset of decelerations to BDecf 12 mEq/L, determined by a finite‐mixture model.

Results

The median Decels‐to‐BD8 (28 vs. 144 min, p < 0.01) and Decels‐to‐BD12 (46 vs. 177 min, p < 0.01) times were significantly shorter in the rapid vs slow progression. In rapid progression cases, physicians' decisions to deliver the fetus occurred at ~BDecf 8 mEq/L, whereas the “decisions” did not occur until BDecf reached 12 mEq/L in slow progression cases.

Conclusions

Fetal BDecf reached 12 mEq/L within 1 h of recurrent fetal heart rate decelerations in the rapid progression group and within 3 h in the slow progression group. These findings suggest that cases with category II tracings marked by recurrent decelerations (i.e., slow progression) may benefit from operative intervention if persisting for longer than 2 h. In contrast, cases with sudden bradycardia (i.e., rapid progression) represent a challenge to prevent severe acidosis and hypoxic brain injury due to the limited time opportunity for emergent delivery.
Treatment patterns and visual acuity change of AMD patients, before, during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdowns: A large cohort
Authors: Barequet Dana , Shor Reut , Segal Ori , Greenbaum Eran , Trivizki Omer , Loewenstein Anat , Rabina Gilad
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of the changes in treatment patterns before, during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic on best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in previously treated neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients.

Methods

A multi‐centre, retrospective, observational study of consecutive nAMD patients during 2019–2021. Data collected included demographics, BCVA, dates of intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) injections and clinic visits.

Results

A total of 1652 eyes of 1652 nAMD patients were included, out of which 850 eyes were assessed in 2019 (pre‐COVID‐19), 630 eyes were assessed in 2020 (COVID‐19) and 974 eyes were assessed in 2021 (post‐COVID‐19). During the COVID‐19 period, the mean number of anti‐VEGF injections was significantly lower than the corresponding pre‐COVID‐19 and post‐COVID‐19 periods (5.55 compared to 6.13 and 6.60, respectively p < 0.01). A constant lower ratio of injections per patient/month was observed during COVID‐19 compared to previous and following years, with a notable decline during March–April, reaching a ratio of 0.4 in 2020 versus 0.65 in 2019 and 0.62 in 2021 (p < 0.01). Baseline BCVA (0.825, p < 0.001), number of injections (−0.007, p < 0.001), gender (−0.027, p = 0.037) and age (0.004, p < 0.001) were shown to be significant predictors of final BCVA.

Conclusion

During the COVID‐19 period, patients were treated with significantly less intravitreal anti‐VEGF injection compared to the previous year with compensation in the following year. These changes in treatment patterns did not have a significant impact on BCVA outcomes. Age, gender, baseline BCVA and number of injections are predictors of final visual outcomes.
Preparation of a new calcite layer from calcium glycolate for the conservation of sulfated limestone artifacts
Authors: Dong Taoling , Wang Lu , Li Ting , Yang Fuwei , Liu Yan , Zhang Kun
Published: September 2023

A novel preparation method of calcite layer was explored for the conservation purpose of the surface sulfation limestone artifacts. In this method, the alcoholic solution of calcium glycolate was used as a precursor of calcite layer. After application on the surface of gypsum crust on limestone by spraying, calcium glycolate can combine with the carbon dioxide spontaneously and form a compact calcite layer. The obtained calcite layer can act as a shelter and can prevent the gypsum crust from the dissolution damage of the natural precipitation. The protective properties of the calcite layer were investigated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water erosion resistance, water absorption, colour difference, surface strength, and hardness test. The results revealed that the water erosion resistance, surface strength, and hardness of the treated sample were increased remarkably. Meanwhile, the intrinsic physical properties such as porosity, capillary absorption, and appearance were not affected obviously, indicating a good compatibility of the proposed protection method.
The structurally diverse phytocannabinoids cannabichromene, cannabigerol and cannabinol significantly inhibit amyloid β‐evoked neurotoxicity and changes in cell morphology in PC12 cells
Authors: Marsh Dylan T. , Sugiyama Ayato , Imai Yuta , Kato Ryuji , Smid Scott D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Phytocannabinoids (pCBs) have been shown to inhibit the aggregation and neurotoxicity of the neurotoxic Alzheimer's disease protein beta amyloid (Aβ). We characterized the capacity of six pCBs—cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC)—to disrupt Aβ aggregation and protect against Aβ‐evoked neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.

Methods

Neuroprotection against lipid peroxidation and Aβ‐induced cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. Transmission electron microscopy was used to visualize pCB effects on Aβ aggregation and fluorescence microscopy, with morphometrics and principal component analysis to assess PC12 cell morphology.

Results

CBD inhibited lipid peroxidation with no significant effect on Aβ toxicity, whilst CBN, CBDV and CBG provided neuroprotection. CBC, CBG and CBN inhibited Aβ1–42‐induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, as did Δ9‐THC, CBD and CBDV. CBC, CBN and CBDV inhibited Aβ aggregation, whilst Δ9‐THC reduced aggregate density. Aβ1–42 induced morphological changes in PC12 cells, including a reduction in neuritic projections and rounded cell morphology. CBC and CBG inhibited this effect, whilst Δ9‐THC, CBD and CBDV did not alter Aβ1–42 effects on cell morphology.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the neuroprotective activity of CBC, CBG and CBN as novel pCBs associated with variable effects on Aβ‐evoked neurite damage and inhibition of amyloid β aggregation.
CD8+ T cell infiltration and proliferation in the brainstem during experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhu Qinghao , Shen Yan , Liang Jiao , Wang Yi , Huang Yuxiao , Tong Guodong , Wang Xu , Zhang Ningning , Yu Kangjie , Li Yinghui , Zhao Ya
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a lethal neuroinflammatory disease caused by Plasmodium infection. Immune cells and brain parenchyma cells contribute to the pathogenesis of CM. However, a systematic examination of the changes that occur in the brain parenchyma region during CM at the single‐cell resolution is still poorly studied.

Aims

To explore cell composition and CD8+ T cell infiltration, single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) was performed on the brainstems of healthy and experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) mice. Then CD8+ T cell infiltration was confirmed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence assays. Subsequently, the characteristics of the brain‐infiltrated CD8+ T cells were analyzed. Finally, the interactions between parenchyma cells and brain‐infiltrated CD8+ T cells were studied with an astrocytes‐CD8+ T cell cocultured model.

Results

The brainstem is the most severely damaged site during ECM. ScRNA‐seq revealed a large number of CD8+ T cells infiltrating into the brainstem in ECM mice. Brain‐infiltrated CD8+ T cells were highly activated according to scRNA‐seq, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays. Further analysis found a subset of ki‐67+ CD8+ T cells that have a higher transcriptional level of genes related to T cell function, activation, and proliferation, suggesting that they were exposed to specific antigens presented by brain parenchyma cells. Brain‐infiltrated CD8+ T cells were the only prominent source of IFN‐γ in this single‐cell analysis. Astrocytes, which have a high interferon response, act as cross‐presenting cells to recruit and re‐activate brain‐infiltrated CD8+ T cells. We also found that brain‐infiltrated CD8+ T cells were highly expressed immune checkpoint molecule PD‐1, while parenchyma cells showed up‐regulation of PD‐L1 after infection.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a novel interaction between brain‐infiltrated CD8+ T cells and parenchyma cells in the ECM brainstem, suggesting that the PD‐1/PD‐L1 signal pathway is a promising adjunctive therapeutic strategy for ECM targeting over‐activated CD8+ T cells.
The yield of cytology and histology obtained by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration and biopsy needles in the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sbeit Wisam , Abu Hanna Nidaa , Alejandro Livoff , Khoury Tawfik
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration and biopsy (EUS‐FNA, ‐FNB) are the mainstay for tissue diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. Traditionally, FNA was performed for obtaining cytology and also histology if available from the puncture. Since their advent, however, FNB needles have been intended mainly to obtain core biopsies for histological specimens.

Aims

We aimed to assess the yield of cytology obtained via both FNA and FNB needles.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed including all patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma obtained via EUS‐FNA/FNB needles.

Results

Overall, 227 patients were included. Of them, 85 patients underwent FNB, versus 142 patients who had FNA. The average age in the FNB group was 70.46 ± 11.29 years, versus 71.44 ± 11.80 in the FNA group, P = 0.57. Notably, cytological analysis diagnosed malignancy equally in both groups (69.4% in the FNB group, vs. 65.5% in the FNA group). The compatibility rate of cytology with histology was 76.5% in the FNB group, versus 76.1% in the FNA group (P = 0.69). The agreement level between cytology obtained by FNA and FNB, versus histology obtained by both needles, was moderate (kappa = 0.48, 95% CI 0.39‐0.57). Similarly, the agreement level between cytology and histology in the FNB group was moderate as well (kappa = 0.5, 95% CI 0.36‐0.64).

Conclusion

Cytological assessment yielded an equal performance as compared to histological assessment with both needles. We recommend obtaining cytology specimens in pancreatic solid lesion puncture by FNB needle.
“The compound mass we term SELF”: Mary Shepherd on selfhood and the difference between mind and self
Authors: Fasko Manuel
Published: September 2023

In this paper, I argue for a novel interpretation of Shepherd's notion of selfhood. In distinction to Deborah Boyle's interpretation, I contend that Shepherd differentiates between the mind and the self. The latter, for Shepherd, is an effect arising from causal interactions between mind and body—specifically those interactions that give rise to our present stream of consciousness, our memories, and that can unite these two. Thus, the body plays a constitutive role in the formation of the self. The upshot of this interpretation is that it can dissolve the problem of individuating mind that Boyle identifies. Briefly, the problem consists in Shepherd seemingly individuating minds in terms of their associated bodies and bodies in terms of the minds they are united with. My interpretation, however, allows to see that Shepherd neither wants nor needs to individuate the mind in isolation of the body and to read the passages, in which the problem seems to arise, as being about what makes living beings individual—with mind and body both playing a crucial role in this context.
Asymmetric response of Amazon forest water and energy fluxes to wet and dry hydrological extremes reveals onset of a local drought‐induced tipping point
Authors: Restrepo‐Coupe Natalia , O’Donnell Christoffersen Bradley , Longo Marcos , Alves Luciana F. , Campos Kleber Silva , da Araujo Alessandro C. , de Oliveira Raimundo C. , Prohaska Neill , da Silva Rodrigo , Tapajos Raphael , Wiedemann Kenia T. , Wofsy Steven C. , Saleska Scott R.
Published: September 2023

Understanding the effects of intensification of Amazon basin hydrological cycling—manifest as increasingly frequent floods and droughts—on water and energy cycles of tropical forests is essential to meeting the challenge of predicting ecosystem responses to climate change, including forest “tipping points”. Here, we investigated the impacts of hydrological extremes on forest function using 12+ years of observations (between 2001–2020) of water and energy fluxes from eddy covariance, along with associated ecological dynamics from biometry, at the Tapajós National Forest. Measurements encompass the strong 2015–2016 El Niño drought and La Niña 2008–2009 wet events. We found that the forest responded strongly to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO): Drought reduced water availability for evapotranspiration (ET) leading to large increases in sensible heat fluxes (H). Partitioning ET by an approach that assumes transpiration (T) is proportional to photosynthesis, we found that water stress‐induced reductions in canopy conductance (Gs) drove T declines partly compensated by higher evaporation (E). By contrast, the abnormally wet La Niña period gave higher T and lower E, with little change in seasonal ET. Both El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events resulted in changes in forest structure, manifested as lower wet‐season leaf area index. However, only during El Niño 2015–2016, we observed a breakdown in the strong meteorological control of transpiration fluxes (via energy availability and atmospheric demand) because of slowing vegetation functions (via shutdown of Gs and significant leaf shedding). Drought‐reduced T and Gs, higher H and E, amplified by feedbacks with higher temperatures and vapor pressure deficits, signaled that forest function had crossed a threshold, from which it recovered slowly, with delay, post‐drought. Identifying such tipping point onsets (beyond which future irreversible processes may occur) at local scale is crucial for predicting basin‐scale threshold‐crossing changes in forest energy and water cycling, leading to slow‐down in forest function, potentially resulting in Amazon forests shifting into alternate degraded states.
Fiscal monitoring and corporate investment
Authors: Knust Lucas , Oesch David
Published: September 2023

Does state fiscal monitoring of local governments impact firms? Exploiting the staggered adoption of state fiscal monitoring policies, our results show that state fiscal monitoring of local governments increases corporate investment. Affected firms increase their investment by increasing capital expenditures as well as research and development expenditures. Additional analyses reveal that firms fund this increase in investment by decreasing share repurchases and issuing debt. We also provide evidence that the increase in corporate investment is driven by a reduction in local corruption.
Juvenile sparids (Rhabdosargus holubi) consistently select structurally dense vegetated habitat in nursery seascapes
Authors: Welch Rebecca J. , Childs Amber‐Robyn , Hempel Christian , James Nicola C.
Published: September 2023

Seagrass habitats provide structural complexity in coastal estuarine and marine environments, which offer fish optimal foraging grounds and refuge from predation. However, seagrasses are some of the most threatened ecosystems globally, with anthropogenic activities such as population growth and environmental degradation leading to the fragmentation, thinning, and loss of these habitats. Rhabdosargus holubi is one of only a few vegetation‐associated marine fish species in South African estuaries. Although field studies have shown a strong association with seagrass over other aquatic vegetation for the juveniles of this species, habitat choice has never been empirically tested. Here, we used artificial vegetation units to test habitat choice (different structural complexities) for this species. We also tested whether habitat choice is influenced by a predatory threat, with fish preferentially selecting dense habitat in the presence of a predator and whether this effect may be more apparent in smaller individuals. We found that R. holubi significantly prefer greater structural complexity over less complex habitats, in both the absence and presence of a predator and for both small and large juveniles, showing that R. holubi actively choose more complex structures and are attracted to the structure per se irrespective of the threat of predation. This study highlights the importance of dense seagrass as nursery areas for this species and demonstrates how the loss of these habitats could impact the nursery function of estuaries.
Age at migration matters: Offending among the first generation
Authors: Melchor Ayala Omar
Published: September 2023

Recent political events have brought renewed attention to the adaptation of immigrants in the United States, and their involvement in crime. Immigrants vary significantly in terms of when they migrate into the country. According to the Current Population Survey (CPS) (2017), of the population of approximately 13 million foreign‐born immigrant children living in the United States, approximately 40% arrived during early childhood, 30% during middle childhood, and 30% during adolescence. A better understanding of the relationship between age at migration and offending can inform not only immigration policies, and policies related to the control of crime, but also policies related to immigrant‐receiving institutions such as schools and social services. Using data from The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97), this study explores the influence of age at migration on criminal offending among foreign‐born immigrants who migrated prior to adulthood.
Measuring the unmet needs of American military Veterans and their caregivers: Survey protocol of the HERO CARE survey
Authors: Dang Stuti , Garcia‐Davis Sandra , Noël Polly H. , Hansen Jared , Brintz Benjamin J. , Munoz Richard , Valencia Rodrigo Willy Marcos , Rupper Rand , Bouldin Erin D. , Trivedi Ranak , Penney Lauren S. , Pugh Mary Jo , Kinosian Bruce , Intrator Orna , Leykum Luci K. ,   the Elizabeth Dole Center of Excellence for Veteran and Caregiver Research Team
Published: September 2023

Background

Empowering Veterans to age in place is a Department of Veterans Affairs priority. Family or unpaid caregivers play an important role in supporting Veterans to achieve this goal. Effectively meeting the needs of Veterans and caregivers requires identifying unmet needs and relevant gaps in resources to address those needs.

Methods

Using a modified Socio‐Ecological Model, we developed a prospective longitudinal panel design survey. We randomly selected 20,000 community‐dwelling Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), across five VHA sites. We oversampled Veterans with a higher predicted 2‐year long‐term institutional care (LTIC) risk. Veterans were mailed a packet containing a Veteran survey and a caregiver survey, to be answered by their caregiver if they had one. The Veteran survey assessed the following health‐related domains: physical, mental, social determinants of health, and caregiver assistance. Caregivers completed questions regarding their demographic factors, caregiving activities, impact of caregiving, use of VA and non‐VA services, and caregiver support resources. Follow‐up surveys will be repeated twice at 12‐month intervals for the same respondents. This article describes the HERO CARE survey protocol, content, and response rates.

Results

We received responses from 8,056 Veterans and 3,579 caregivers between July 2021 and January 2022, with 95.6% being received via mail. Veteran respondents were mostly males (96.5%), over 65 years of age (94.9%), married (55.0%), Non‐Hispanic White (75.2%), and residing in urban areas (80.7%).

Conclusions

This longitudinal survey is unique in its comprehensive assessment of domains relevant to older Veterans stratified by LTIC risk and their caregivers, focusing on social determinants, caregiver support, and the use of caregiver support resources. Survey data will be linked to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and VA data. The results of this study will inform better planning of non‐institutional care services and policy for Veterans and their caregivers.
Potential role of the cell‐penetrating peptide‐conjugated soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor motif of vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2‐patterned peptide in novel cosmeceutical skin product development
Authors: Lee Hyo Jin , Kim Daehoon , Choi Hyo Jeong , Kim Suhyeok , Shin Minhee , Kwak Seongsung , Lee Dong‐Kyu , Kang Won‐ho
Published: September 2023

Aim

This study aimed to investigate and verify the effect of cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP)‐conjugated soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) motif of vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2)‐patterned peptide (INCI name: Acetyl sh‐Oligopeptide‐26 sh‐Oligopeptide‐27 SP, trade name: M.Biome‐BT) on improving skin function in vitro.

Methods

The cytotoxicity of CPP‐conjugated SNARE motif of VAMP2‐patterned peptide (CVP) was investigated using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against B16‐F10 cells and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and a reconstructed skin irritation test. The anti‐wrinkle activity of M.Biome‐BT was determined by assessing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in PC‐12 cells via ELISA. The skin‐whitening effects of CVP were assessed in B16‐F10 cells by measuring the intra‐ and extracellular melanin contents and expression levels of melanin production‐related genes, such as microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP‐1), and TRP‐2.

Results

CVP is not cytotoxic to B16‐F10 cells and HDFs, and no skin irritation was observed. CVP treatment considerably diminished K+‐induced norepinephrine and dopamine secretion compared with the non‐treated control group (62% and 40%, respectively). Additionally, the inhibition ability of CVP on norepinephrine and dopamine release was comparable to that of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A). CVP also increased intracellular melanin content in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas extracellular melanin content decreased (76%–85%). However, CVP treatment did not affect the mRNA expression of MITF, TYR, TRP‐1, and TRP‐2. These results suggest that CVP does not inhibit melanin production; however, it may induce a whitening effect by inhibiting melanin transport.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings indicate that CVP could be used as an active and safe cosmeceutical ingredient for antiaging applications.
Emotional, mental health and physical symptom experience of patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 up to 3 months post‐hospitalization: A longitudinal study
Authors: Tracy Mary Fran , Hagstrom Sandy , Mathiason Michelle , Wente Sarah , Lindquist Ruth
Published: September 2023

Aims and objectives

To explore emotional, mental health and physical symptoms up to 3 months after discharge for adults hospitalized with COVID‐19.

Background

10%–30% of adults with COVID‐19 experience physical and psychological symptoms 3 months or more following infection. Knowing symptoms can help direct early intervention.

Design

A longitudinal descriptive design to study COVID‐related symptoms 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months after hospitalization.

Methods

Sixty‐six patients were recruited from a hospital system in Midwestern US (October 2020–May 2021). Participants self‐reported demographics, hospital and post discharge symptoms, PROMIS measures (depression, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive function, satisfaction social roles, sleep disturbance) and Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R). Hospital length of stay, comorbidities, lowest oxygen saturation, respiratory support and resources used were collected. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics described the sample and identified correlations between variables. The STROBE checklist was used.

Results

Data from 1 (T1) and 3 months (T2) post discharge were analysed (N = 52). A majority were female, white and married; 96% experienced ≥1 COVID‐related symptoms at T1; 85% at T2. Fatigue was most prevalent, followed by shortness of breath, muscle weakness and foggy thinking. More physical symptoms during hospitalization correlated positively with number of symptoms at T1 and T2; a majority stated these impacted their normal routine ‘somewhat’ or ‘a lot’. T1 depression highly correlated with all T2 PROMIS and IES‐R scores and number of physical symptoms. More symptoms at T1 were associated with worse fatigue, lower cognitive function and lower satisfaction with social roles at T2.

Conclusion

This study adds to the growing knowledge of mental, physical and emotional symptoms and relationships between these early after hospitalization with COVID‐19.

Relevance to clinical practice

Findings can help identify holistic nursing interventions to improve health and mitigate symptoms for people with long COVID.

Patient or public contribution

Patients contributed via study participation.
Nursing care left undone in psychiatric hospitals and its association with nurse staffing: A cross‐sectional multi‐centre study in Switzerland
Authors: Gehri Beatrice , Ausserhofer Dietmar , Zúñiga Franziska , Bachnick Stefanie , Schwendimann René , Simon Michael
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Nursing care left undone occurs when nurses omit activities because of resource shortfalls. Higher levels of nursing care left undone are associated with worse nurse staffing and organizational factors. Plentiful evidence from acute, long‐term and community care supports such associations; however, mental healthcare settings are under‐studied.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe nursing care left undone's frequency in mental health inpatient settings and explore its association with nurse staffing levels.

Method

As part of the multi‐centre cross‐sectional MatchRN Psychiatry study, data were collected by questionnaire from 114 units in 13 Swiss psychiatric hospitals. Nursing care left undone was analysed describing frequencies descriptively and used linear mixed models to assess its association with staffing.

Results

Data from 994 nurses were analysed. The most commonly omitted activities were evaluating nursing processes (30.5%), formulating nursing diagnoses (27.4%) and defining care objectives (22.7%). Nursing care left undone was higher in units with low staffing levels.

Discussion

As in somatic care settings, in psychiatric hospitals, ‘indirect’ care activities are most commonly omitted.

Implications for Practice: This study highlights factors affecting the frequency of nursing care left undone, including staffing levels and perceived leadership. The findings emphasize the importance of nurse managers taking action to improve work environment factors.
Dysregulated metabolites and lipids in serum of patients with acute hepatitis E: A longitudinal study
Authors: Khan Shaheen , Kumar Yashwant , Sharma Charu , Gupta Sonu Kumar , Goel Amit , Aggarwal Rakesh , Veerapu Naga Suresh
Published: September 2023

Hepatitis E is a disease associated with acute inflammation of the liver. It is related to several dysregulated metabolic pathways and alterations in the concentration of several metabolites. However, longitudinal analysis of the alterations in metabolites and lipids is generally lacking. This study investigated the changes in levels of metabolites and lipids over time in sera from men with acute hepatitis E compared to healthy controls similar in age and gender. Untargeted measurement of levels of various metabolites and lipids was done using mass spectrometry on 65 sera sequentially sampled from 14 patients with acute hepatitis E and 25 serum samples from five controls. Temporal changes in intensities of metabolites and lipids were determined over different times at 3‐day periods for the hepatitis E virus (HEV) group. In carbohydrate metabolism, glucose levels, fructose 1‐6‐bisphosphate and ribulose‐5‐phosphate were increased in the HEV‐infected persons compared to the healthy controls. HEV infection is significantly associated with decreased levels of inosine, guanosine, adenosine and urate in purine metabolism and thymine, uracil and β‐aminoisobutyrate in pyrimidine metabolism. Glutamate, alanine and valine levels were significantly lower in the HEV group than in healthy individuals. Homogentisate of tyrosine metabolism and cystathionine of serine metabolism were increased, whereas kynurenate of tryptophan metabolism decreased in the HEV group. Metabolites of the bile acid biosynthesis, urea cycle (arginine and citrulline) and ammonia recycling (urocanate) were significantly altered. Co‐enzymes, pantothenate and pyridoxal, and co‐factors, lipoamide and FAD, were elevated in the HEV group. The acylcarnitines, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), lysoPC and lysoPE tended to be lower in the HEV group. In conclusion, acute hepatitis E is associated with altered metabolite and lipid profiles, significantly increased catabolism of carbohydrates, purines/pyrimidines and amino acids, and decreased levels of several glycerophospholipids.
A hand on the knee, and other parliamentary problems…
Authors: Childs Sarah
Published: September 2023

Parliament's working practices continue to reflect the traditions and preferences of those who historically populated it. Sarah Childs, author of The Good Parliament report following a research secondment with the House of Commons, reflects on how this sustains and permits exploitative and inappropriate behaviours.
New insights into the effects of UV light on individual Nosema bombycis spores, as determined using single‐cell optical approaches
Authors: Miao Zhenbin , Liao Yanlian , Huang Xuhua , Wang Xiaochun , Liao Wei , Wang Guiwen
Published: September 2023

Nosema bombycis (Nb) is a pathogen causing pebrine in sericulture. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure is a common physical disinfection method, but the mechanisms underlying UV‐based disinfection have only been studied at the population level. In this study, changes in and germination of UV‐irradiated spores were observed using Raman tweezers and phase‐contrast imaging to evaluate the effects of UV radiation on Nb spores at the single‐cell level. We found that irradiation caused the complete leakage of trehalose from individual spores. We also found that more spores leaked as the UV dose increased. There was no significant loss of intracellular biomacromolecules and no marked changes in the peaks associated with protein secondary structures. Low‐dose radiation promoted spore germination and high‐dose radiation decreased the germination rate, while the germination time did not undergo significant alterations. These results suggest that UV radiation disrupts the permeability of the inner membrane and alters the spore wall, thereby affecting the ability of the spore to sense and respond to extracellular stimuli, which further triggers germination and reduces or stops spore germination. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying conventional disinfection measures on microsporidian spores.