bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the new normal for sustainability: transformative operations and supply chain management for negative emissions
Authors: Matos Stelvia V. , Schleper Martin C. , Hall Jeremy K. , Baum Chad M. , Low Sean , Sovacool Benjamin K.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore three operations and supply chain management (OSCM) approaches for meeting the 2 °C targets to counteract climate change: adaptation (adjusting to climatic impacts); mitigation (innovating towards low-carbon practices); and carbon-removing negative emissions technologies (NETs). We suggest that adaptation nor mitigation may be enough to meet the current climate targets, thus calling for NETs, resulting in the following question: How can operations and supply chains be reconceptualized for NETs?

Design/methodology/approach

We draw on the sustainable supply chain and transitions discourses along with interview data involving 125 experts gathered from a broad research project focused on geoengineering and NETs. We analyze three case studies of emerging NETs (biochar, direct air carbon capture and storage and ocean alkalinity enhancement), leading to propositions on the link between OSCM and NETs.

Findings

Although some NETs are promising, there remains considerable variance and uncertainty over supply chain configurations, efficacy, social acceptability and potential risks of unintended detrimental consequences. We introduce the concept of transformative OSCM, which encompasses policy interventions to foster the emergence of new technologies in industry sectors driven by social mandates but lack clear commercial incentives.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first that studies NETs from an OSCM perspective. It suggests a pathway toward new industry structures and policy support to effectively tackle climate change through carbon removal.
How and when does digitalization influence export performance? A meta-analysis of its consequences and contingencies
Authors: Dong Yuge , He Xinming , Blut Markus
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the direct impact of digitalization on export performance (EP) by synthesizing previous research and testing this relationship empirically. Furthermore, the study investigates digitalization types, contextual moderators and method moderators affecting the impact of digitalization on EP.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses meta-analysis to test the digitalization–EP relationship (k = 81) using data from 106 independent samples involving 62,082 respondents across nearly 30 countries.

Findings

The study finds digitalization’s positive and significant effect on EP (r = 0.36). The impact of digitalization on EP is also subject to different moderators, including digitalization type (i.e. digital capabilities), contextual factors (i.e. institutions, export experience, development of the region and industry) and method factors (i.e. back translation and strategy measurement).

Originality/value

Scholars have initiated studies on the impacts of diverse digitalization types on EP, while empirical findings on these effects remain inconclusive. Based on resource-based theory, the study develops and validates a comprehensive meta-analytic framework, revealing the important influence of digitalization on EP. The moderator findings further highlight the impact of internal and external contingencies on the outcomes of exporting firms’ digitalization.
Cultural dynamics and tenure trajectories: how auditor tenure and culture influence key audit matters in the GCC
Authors: Al-Asmakh Sara , Elamer Ahmed A. , Uadiale Olayinka
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study examines the impact of audit partner tenure on Key Audit Matters (KAM) disclosures within Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. It explores how Hofstede’s cultural dimensions influence this relationship, elucidating the effect of cultural context on auditing practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a sample of 456 non-financial firms in the GCC from 2016 to 2021, the study employs regression analyses to explore audit partner tenure's influence on KAM disclosures and the moderating effects of Hofstede's dimensions of power distance, individualism, masculinity and uncertainty avoidance. This affords a detailed examination of individual and cultural impacts on audit quality.

Findings

Results reveal a positive relationship between audit partner tenure and KAM disclosures, suggesting that firm-specific knowledge and industry expertise acquired over a long tenure may enhance auditors' ability to identify and report significant matters. Power distance and uncertainty avoidance amplify this effect, whereas individualism diminishes it. Masculinity does not yield significant results.

Research limitations/implications

This study underscores the need for auditing standards to reflect the complex interplay of auditor tenure and cultural dynamics in the profession's global landscape.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature on audit quality by highlighting the formative role of individual auditors and cultural characteristics in KAM disclosure practices. It is among the first to quantitatively analyse the intersection of audit partner tenure and culture in the GCC. It provides valuable insights for regulators, practitioners and policymakers seeking to enhance audit practices across diverse cultural environments.
A machine learning analysis of the value-added intellectual coefficient’s effect on firm performance
Authors: Bilgin Rumeysa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Recently, machine learning (ML) methods gained popularity in finance and accounting research as alternatives to econometric analysis. Their success in high-dimensional settings is promising as a cure for the shortcomings of econometric analysis. The purpose of this study is to prove further the relationship between intellectual capital (IC) efficiency and firm performance using ML methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the double selection, partialing-out and cross-fit partialing-out LASSO estimators to analyze the IC efficiency’s linear and nonlinear effects on firm performance using a sample of 2,581 North American firms from 1999 to 2021. The value-added intellectual capital (VAIC) and its components are used as indicators of IC efficiency. Firm performance is measured by return on equity, return on assets and market-to-book ratio.

Findings

The findings revealed significant connections between IC measures and firm performance. First, the VAIC, as an aggregate measure, significantly impacts both firm profitability and value. When the VAIC is decomposed into its breakdowns, it is revealed that structural capital efficiency substantially affects firm value, and capital employed efficiency has the same function for firm profitability. In contrast to the prevalent belief in the area, human capital efficiency’s impact is found to be less important than the others. Nonlinearities are also detected in the relationships.

Originality/value

As ML tools are most recently introduced to the IC literature, only a few studies have used them to expand the current knowledge. However, none of these studies investigated the role of IC as a determinant of firm performance. The present study fills this gap in the literature by investigating the effect of IC efficiency on firm performance using supervised ML methods. It also provides a novel approach by comparing the estimation results of three LASSO estimators. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that has used LASSO in IC research.
Entrepreneurship mentoring in higher education: how does the mentor benefit?
Authors: Walmsley Andreas , Nabi Ghulam
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify entrepreneur mentor benefits and challenges as a result of entrepreneurship mentoring in higher education (HE).

Design/methodology/approach

An entrepreneurship mentoring scheme was developed at a UK university to support prospective student entrepreneurs, with mentors being entrepreneurs drawn from the local business community. A mentor-outcomes framework was developed and applied to guide semi-structured interviews.

Findings

Results supported the broader applicability of our framework, with a revised framework developed to better represent the entrepreneur mentor context. Alongside psychosocial and personal developmental outcomes, mentors benefitted from entrepreneurial learning, renewed commitment to their own ventures and the development of additional skills sets. Enhanced business performance also manifested itself for some mentors. A range of challenges are presented, some generic to the entrepreneur setting and others more specific to the higher education (HE) setting.

Research limitations/implications

The framework offered serves as a starting point for further researchers to explore and refine the outcomes of entrepreneur mentoring.

Practical implications

The findings serve to support those considering developing a mentor programme or including mentoring as part of a formal entrepreneurship education offer, specifically in a university setting but also beyond.

Originality/value

The vast majority of entrepreneurship mentoring studies focus on the benefits to the mentee. By focusing on benefits and challenges for the entrepreneur mentor, this study extends our knowledge of the benefit of entrepreneurship mentoring. It offers an empirically derived entrepreneur mentor outcomes framework, as well as offering insights into challenges for the entrepreneur mentor within an HE setting.
Model of partnership in sustainable palm oil: efforts to increase partnerships in the palm oil business in Indonesia
Authors: Afrino Rino , Syahza Almasdi , Suwondo Suwondo , Heriyanto Meyzi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

A partnership model is necessary for palm oil plantations’ sustainability. The developed model does not identify the optimal technique for smallholder palm oil because it faces complex challenges. This study aims to determine a partnership model for sustainable palm oil plantation business in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research methods were used, and data analysis was performed using NVivo 12 Plus software, which helps improve the accuracy of qualitative studies and provides implications for evidence-based studies. All respondents, whether through surveys, interviews or focus group discussions, understood their contributions to this research and provided consent.

Findings

The results indicate that the core–plasma partnership pattern implemented by companies needs to be considered a relevant model for partnerships in the Indonesian palm oil industry. Social networks play a role in implementing this partnership pattern, which is influenced by the diversity of the actors involved. However, complexity arises from the dynamics of power and position among these actors, which demands increased interaction and mutual trust. Therefore, various dimensions must be considered, including plantation management, product marketing, cultivation techniques and sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

The research results have limitations, particularly regarding access to information for company policymakers, because there remains complexity related to the position and dominance of power between actors, which influences the achievement of common goals. A more complex analysis is needed to produce complete research. Further studies are required to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the humanist approach in the context of palm plantations.

Originality/value

This study provides an important theoretical implementation: a more humane approach through a partnership model that adds value and is based on aspects of morality in implementing partnerships in the palm oil plantation sector. It also provides new and substantial insights regarding practical implementation for policymakers and practitioners who want to improve partnership practices in sustainable palm oil businesses by implementing value-added and morality-based partnership models in Indonesia as well as other developing countries.
Food-derived antioxidants intake association with serum oxidative stress markers and lung infection symptoms in COVID-19 infectious angina patients
Authors: Mohajeri Mahsa , Aghapoor Baharak
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Research indicated that dietary antioxidants could improve immune system performance. This study aims to investigate the association of COVID-19 symptoms, total antioxidant capacity and serum inflammatory markers, with dietary antioxidants intake among angina patients.

Design/methodology/approach

A food frequency questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study among 135 angina patients with COVID-19, to assess dietary antioxidants consumption. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1ß, malondialdehyde, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and total antioxidant capacity were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods.

Findings

Among study angina patients, 76.67% followed unhealthy food patterns and 23.33% followed anti-inflammatory dietary patterns before hospitalization. The angina patients with anti-inflammatory food pattern had less fever (p = 0.021), cough (p = 0.018), dyspnea (p = 0.024), diarrhea (p = 0.014) and pneumonia severity index (p = 0.014) compared to patients with unhealthy food pattern. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1ß, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, had a significantly negative association with dietary antioxidants intake (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

There are significant association between antioxidant intake with serum inflammation markers in COVID-19 patients. There is a need for more clinical trial studies for approval of these results.
Relationships between physical training and marksmanship performance in tactical law enforcement officers
Authors: Rodriguez Jackeline , Fredella Kaylee , Labhart Jake , Bunn Jennifer A. , Wagner Matthew
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess relationships between dynamic shooting accuracy and physical training behaviors in tactical police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

Seventy tactical police officers from various agencies completed a survey including information on general experience, firearms training and physical training. Participants completed dynamic shooting drills with pistol and a rifle.

Findings

Officer’s overall shooting performance was associated with years of experience in special operations as more accurate shooters had 6–10 years of experience. Operators in the highest shooting quartile were likely to participate in shooting competitions. Operators at the 50% ranking or above were more likely to train at the department or agency gym.

Research limitations/implications

All subjects were males, no cause/effect relationship established, no data on caffeine and alcohol consumption or sleep behaviors. Years of experience, competition shooting, and training were all related to higher level shooting performance.

Practical implications

The data support deliberate practice, accountability, and camaraderie contribute to high-level performance and safety for tactical law enforcement officers.

Originality/value

This research highlighted marksmanship performance and the connection between training habits and lifestyle. These findings highlight the need for training specific variables so that operators perform at a higher level and enhance their skills for dynamic shooting performance in a tactical unit.
A step length estimation method based on frequency domain feature analysis and gait recognition for pedestrian dead reckoning
Authors: Deng Guosheng , Zhang Wei , Wu Zhitao , Guan Minglei , Zhang Dejin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Step length is a key factor for pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR), which affects positioning accuracy and reliability. Traditional methods are difficult to handle step length estimation of dynamic gait, which have larger error and are not adapted to real walking. This paper aims to propose a step length estimation method based on frequency domain feature analysis and gait recognition for PDR, which considers the effects of real-time gait.

Design/methodology/approach

The new step length estimation method transformed the acceleration of pedestrians from time domain to frequency domain, and gait characteristics of pedestrians were obtained and matched with different walking speeds.

Findings

Many experiments are conducted and compared with Weinberg and Kim models, and the results show that the average errors of the new method were improved by about 2 meters to 5 meters. It also shows that the proposed method has strong stability and device robustness and meets the accuracy requirements of positioning.

Originality/value

A sliding window strategy used in fast Fourier transform is proposed to implement frequency domain analysis of the acceleration, and a fast adaptive gait recognition mechanism is proposed to identify gait of pedestrians.
Investigating the mediating role of green performance measurement systems in the nexus between green intellectual capital and environmental performance
Authors: Hoang Thanh Nhon , Truong Cong Bac
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose and examine a conceptual model that shows how green performance measurement systems (GPMS) mediate the relationship between green intellectual capital components and environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research surveyed 407 Vietnamese publicly listed companies to gather empirical data. Then, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) are used to examine the degree of emphasis firms place on using GPMS to transform green intellectual capital into firm value.

Findings

The results indicate that both green human capital and green organizational capital have a direct positive impact on environmental performance. On the contrary, the influence of green social capital on environmental performance was found to be indirect through the mediation of GPMS.

Practical implications

GPMS can be considered a tool that helps managers renew, develop and synchronize their systems to take advantage of green resources in environmental performance improvement.

Social implications

The effective assimilation of GPMS within industrial entities holds the potential to mitigate air pollution and hazardous waste, thereby ameliorating social conditions for both employees and the neighboring community. Besides that, proficient implementation of GPMS enhances collaborative efforts within the industrial sphere, yielding collective societal benefits.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the importance of aligning green intellectual capital with appropriate control mechanisms, such as performance measurement systems, to maximize the benefits derived from these capital resources. The findings provide insights for organizations seeking to enhance their environmental performance and sustainability practices by effectively using their intellectual and social capital while implementing robust measurement systems.
Formation and growth mechanism of thin Cu6Sn5 films in Sn/Cu and Sn-0.1AlN/Cu structures using laser heating
Authors: Liang Zhang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the formation and growth of nanoscale intermetallic compounds (IMCs) when laser is used as a heat source to form solder joints.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the Sn/Cu and Sn-0.1AlN/Cu structure using laser soldering under different laser power: (200, 225 and 250 W) and heating time: (2, 3 and 4 s).

Findings

The results show clearly that the formation of nano-Cu6Sn5 films is feasible in the laser heating (200 W and 2 s) with Sn/Cu and Sn-0.1AlN/Cu system. The nano-Cu6Sn5 films with thickness of 500 nm and grains with 700 nm are generally parallel to the Cu surface with Sn-0.1AlN. Both IMC films thickness of Sn/Cu and Sn-0.1AlN/Cu solder joints gradually increased from 524.2 to 2025.8 nm as the laser heating time and the laser power extended. Nevertheless, doping AlN nanoparticles can slow down the growth rate of Cu6Sn5 films in Sn solder joints due to its adsorption.

Originality/value

The formation of nano-Cu6Sn5 films using laser heating can provide a new method for nanofilm development to realize the metallurgical interconnection in electronic packaging.
Ellagic acid improves osteoarthritis by inhibiting PGE2 production in M1 macrophages via targeting PTGS2
Authors: Zhang Chen , Li Xiaoke , Wen Pengyuan , Li Yuan
Published: August 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by inflammation and cartilage degeneration. Ellagic acid (EA) might have therapeutic potential in OA, but its molecular mechanisms of action remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the docking protein of EA in M1 macrophage‐related pro‐inflammation in OA. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify ellagic acid's potential targets among OA‐related dysregulated genes. THP‐1 cells were induced into M0 and polarised into M1 macrophages for in vitro studies. Mice knee models of OA were generated for in vivo studies. Results showed that PTGS2 (also known as COX‐2) is a potential target of ellagic acid among OA‐related dysregulated genes. EA has multiple low‐energy binding sites on PTGS2, including sites containing amino acid residues critical for the enzyme's catalytic activity. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays confirmed the physical interaction between ellagic acid and recombinant PTGS2 protein, with a dissociation constant (KD) of 5.03 ± 0.84 μM. EA treatment suppressed PTGS2 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in M1 macrophages. Besides, ellagic acid can directly inhibit PTGS2 enzyme activity, with an IC50 around 50 μM. Importantly, in a mouse model of OA, ellagic acid administration alleviated disease severity, reduced collagen II degradation and MMP13 generation, and decreased serum PGE2 levels. Collectively, these results suggest that PTGS2 is a key target of ellagic acid's anti‐inflammatory and chondroprotective effects in OA.
Leaving the gang is good for your health: A stress process perspective on disengagement from gangs
Authors: Leverso John , Schleifer Cyrus , Pyrooz David C.
Published: August 2024

During the last decade, health criminology—the study of health outcomes for justice‐involved individuals and their families—has gained traction in the field. We extend health criminology to the study of street gangs by drawing on the stress process perspective. Gang membership is conceptualized as a primary stressor that leads to secondary stressors with direct and indirect adverse effects on mental health. Leaving a gang, we hypothesize, offers relief by shrinking the stress universe to improve mental health. We test the gang disengagement–mental health link using panel data from a sample of 510 active gang members in the Northwestern Juvenile Project, longitudinal entropy balancing models, and mental health outcomes related to both clinical diagnosis and functional impairment. The results indicate that gang disengagement leads to improvements in mental health and functioning. Compared with those who stayed in gangs, those who left experienced improvements in global functioning, overall mental health diagnosis, behavior toward others functioning, substance abuse functioning, and alcohol‐related diagnoses. Secondary stressors partially, but not fully, mediated this association. Our findings extend the inventory of research on the benefits of disengagement from gangs to health outcomes and support interventions designed to promote gang disengagement.
Improved annual temperature cycle function for stream seasonal thermal regimes
Authors: Philippus Daniel , Corona Claudia R. , Hogue Terri S.
Published: August 2024

Seasonal regimes of stream temperatures are important for ecological health as well as for societal water use. Seasonal regimes can be captured in the annual temperature cycle (the mean temperature for each day of the year) or in summary statistics such as seasonal mean temperatures, the former of which is the focus of this work. The annual temperature cycle is often characterized as a sine function, which performs satisfactorily for most streams. However, the sine function is unable to capture major seasonal variations, particularly for colder, drier, and high‐elevation regions. Seasonal summary statistics are effective for classification but do not capture the full time series, preventing the use of lost time‐series information, and lack context for the comparison of trends, hindering distinction between different causes of similar seasonal trends. We propose an improved function called the “three‐sine model” to describe the stream annual temperature cycle with higher accuracy and demonstrate its use in two case studies. The three‐sine model uses a cosine function over the entire year coupled with two seasonal anomaly sine functions. The three‐sine model captures the stream annual temperature cycle with eight parameters, reveals distinct spatial trends, and outperforms the sinusoidal model for all elevations and 99% of streams. We conclude that this approach can support improved stream temperature analysis by capturing detailed seasonal trends in context.
Mitochondrial heterogeneity and crosstalk in aging: Time for a paradigm shift?
Authors: Hinton Antentor O. , Vue Zer , Scudese Estevão , Neikirk Kit , Kirabo Annet , Montano Monty
Published: August 2024

The hallmarks of aging have been influential in guiding the biology of aging research, with more recent and growing recognition of the interdependence of these hallmarks on age‐related health outcomes. However, a current challenge is personalizing aging trajectories to promote healthy aging, given the diversity of genotypes and lived experience. We suggest that incorporating heterogeneity—including intrinsic (e.g., genetic and structural) and extrinsic (e.g., environmental and exposome) factors and their interdependence of hallmarks—may move the dial. This editorial perspective will focus on one hallmark, namely mitochondrial dysfunction, to exemplify how consideration of heterogeneity and interdependence or crosstalk may reveal new perspectives and opportunities for personalizing aging research. To this end, we highlight heterogeneity within mitochondria as a model.
Motivated reasoning and scientific racism in compulsion theory of human addiction: Methodological framework to promote social justice
Authors: Hogarth Lee
Published: August 2024

Heinz et al. (2024) recently criticised habit/compulsion theory of human addiction but nevertheless concluded that ‘habit formation plays a significant role in drug addiction’. To challenge this causal claim, the current article develops four further methodological criticisms, that publications supporting the habit/compulsion account of human addiction: (1) under‐report contradictory observations; (2) exaggerate the process purity of positive observations; (3) under‐emphasise the low quality of epidemiological support for a causal hypothesis; (4) recapitulate the social injustice of the racial intelligence era by prematurely attributing lower task performance to drug user group membership (endophenotype) without having adequately tested social, psychological, economic and environmental inequalities. Methodological guidelines are recommended to address each concern, which should raise evidence standards, incorporate social justice and improve accuracy of estimating any specific effect of addiction history on task performance. Given that construing drug users as intellectually impaired could promote stigma and reduce their recovery potential, it is recommended that scientific discourse about habit/compulsive endophenotypes underpinning addiction is avoided until these higher evidence standards are met.
Harm to children from others' drinking: A survey of caregivers in Australia
Authors: Hopkins Cassandra , Kuntsche Sandra , Dwyer Robyn , Anderson‐Luxford Dan , Laslett Anne‐Marie
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and types of harm to children from others' drinking in Australia, as indicated by caregivers, and examine socio‐demographic characteristics of caregivers who indicated a child was affected by others' drinking.

Design, setting, participants and measurements

A subsample of 854 adult respondents, who were caregivers of children under 18 years from the 2021 Australian Alcohol's Harm to Others study, were asked questions about whether children in their care had been negatively affected by others' drinking in the past year. Weighted prevalence estimates of overall and specific harms to children are presented. Logistic regressions were conducted to determine characteristics associated with indicating harms to children from others' drinking.

Findings

Over 17% of caregivers (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.0–19.0) indicated that one or more children in their care had been affected by others' drinking in the past 12 months. Verbal abuse (6.2%; 95% CI = 4.3–8.3) was the most common harm indicated, followed by financial harm (4.3%; 95% CI = 2.7–6.2). One percent of caregivers (95% CI = 0.4–2.3) indicated a child was physically hurt and less than 1% (95% CI = 0.2–1.4) indicated a child was the subject of a child protection call due to someone's drinking. Women and caregivers over 65 years were more likely to indicate a child had been affected compared with men and caregivers under 65 years. Caregivers who drank five or more drinks at least three times per week were four times more likely to indicate a child was affected compared with abstainers. Living in a household with someone who drinks heavily and who had negatively affected the child's caregiver was associated with an increased likelihood of child harm.

Conclusions

In 2021, a weighted survey estimate for caregivers in Australia indicated that almost one in six children had been affected by others' drinking. Heavier drinking of caregivers and other household members was the most substantial predictor for indicating a child had been negatively affected by others' drinking.
Class differences in gratitude and entitlement drive response to COVID‐19 measures
Authors: Wang Yang , Ding Yi , Xie Xiaona , Guo Yongyu
Published: August 2024

Owing to the COVID‐19 pandemic, strict government interventions in China have been implemented for more than 3 years as of 2023. How do people of high or low social class respond to the prolonged COVID‐19 measures? Recent evidence has yielded inconsistent conclusions. In this study, we move beyond such debate and focus on the underlying motives that are closely related to both social class and COVID‐19 measure responses. Using a large Chinese sample (N = 1193, 48.50% women, Mage = 30.92 years, SD = 6.08), we found that participants with higher (vs. lower) social class, whether subjective or objective, reported greater gratitude, which in turn increased their willingness to support COVID‐19 measures (i.e. greater public health support and self‐prevention behaviour, and less pandemic burnout). However, those with higher (vs. lower) subjective social class also reported more psychological entitlement, which decreased their willingness to support COVID‐19 measures (i.e. less public health support and greater pandemic burnout). These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of how social class may influence people's response to COVID‐19 measures.
Does knowledge matter? How a target's knowledge of their COVID‐19 infection during a violation of preventive policies affects perceived immorality and dehumanization
Authors: Tian Qirui , Pan Yuchen , Trémolière Bastien , Becker Maja
Published: August 2024

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, behaviours that violated various precautionary policies were recurring. The present research examined how Chinese participants' perception of targets in terms of immorality and dehumanization depends on the target's knowledge of their COVID‐19 infection. In Study 1 (N = 223), we manipulated the presentation of the target's knowledge of their COVID‐19 infection before violating policies and observed that a target who knew they were infected was perceived as more immoral and less human than a target who knew they were not infected. In Study 2 (N = 267), we replicated this effect and further observed that a target was perceived as less moral and human even when they did not acquire knowledge of their COVID‐19 infection until after having violated the policies. Moreover, perceived immorality played a mediating role between the target's knowledge of their COVID‐19 infection and dehumanization, which was moderated by risk perception of COVID‐19 in Study 2, but not by fear of COVID‐19 in Study 1. These findings increase our understanding of the phenomenon of moralization in the context of a pandemic.
Oncological treatments have limited effects on the fertility prognosis in testicular cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pape Janna , Fernando Jancy , Megaritis Dimitrios , Weidlinger Susanna , Vidal Angela , Birkhäuser Frédéric D. , Karrer Tanya , von Wolff Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Testicular cancer is the most common solid tumour among young men in the reproductive phase. After completing cancer treatment, up to 77% of cancer survivors report an interest in paternity after completing cancer treatment. To preserve fertility, most guidelines recommend that physicians should counsel their patients about sperm cryopreservation before initiating gonadotoxic therapy. However, few studies have assessed fertility parameters after testicular cancer therapies over the last 20 years.

Objectives

To close the gap of data regarding gonadotoxicity of testicular cancer therapies to enable more accurate counselling regarding fertility preservation.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase and Cochrane until December 2022. The systematic review included studies of men who had undergone all types of unilateral testicular cancer treatment, whereas the meta‐analysis excluded studies with unspecified treatments, less than 10 patients for outcome evaluation or rare tumours. Infertility (i.e. azoospermia, failure to achieve paternity or the usage of cryosperm) was defined as outcome.

Results

The qualitative analysis included 30 studies with a total of 13,718 men after unilateral testicular cancer. Treatment comprised active surveillance after unilateral orchidectomy (32.7%), radiotherapy (23.1%), standard‐ or low‐dose chemotherapy (33.7%) and high‐dose chemotherapy (1.4%). Post‐treatment spermiograms were analysed in 17 studies. The quantitative synthesis included 23 studies, revealing an overall pooled prevalence of infertility (95% CI) of 14% (9%–21%). Azoospermia occurred in 8% (6%–12%). For good‐prognosis patients who received standard therapy, the overall prevalence of infertility was only 4% (2%–10%).

Conclusion

So far, this very first meta‐analysis of overall infertility prevalence provides the best approximation of fertility prognosis for men who have undergone testicular cancer therapy. Despite the low prevalence of infertility, it is still recommended to undergo sperm cryopreservation because of the uncertainty of the subsequent therapy and the lack of large longitudinal data on individual treatment effects.
Novel and recurrent hemizygous variants in BCORL1 cause oligoasthenoteratozoospermia by interfering transcription
Authors: Wang Yu , Xiang Mingfei , Zhou Yiru , Zheng Na , Zhang Jingjing , Zha Xiaomin , Duan Zongliu , Wang Fengsong , Zhang Ying , Wang Zhongxin , Cao Yunxia , Zhu Fuxi
Published: August 2024

Background

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a common cause of male infertility, of which the causes remain largely unknown. Recently, BCORL1 was identified as a contributor to male infertility from non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) to OAT.

Objectives

To identify novel and hotspot variants in BCORL1 from infertile men with OAT and reveal their outcomes of assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs).

Materials and methods

Forty‐six infertile men characterized by OAT were recruited from 2017 to 2022. Variants in OAT patients were identified by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and verified by Sanger sequencing. Papanicolaou staining was used for sperm morphology analysis. Pathogenicity of BCORL1 variants were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, and further confirmed in vitro by using recombinant plasmids and cells. Meanwhile, ARTs were performed on these patients to investigate the appropriate clinical treatment strategy.

Results

We identified a novel hemizygous missense variant (NM_021946: c.G4171A; p.G1391R) and a recurrent variant (NM_021946: c.T2615G; p.V872G) in BCORL1 from four OAT patients. Notably, routine semen assessment and Papanicolaou staining revealed a special OAT phenotype of patients with BCORL1 variants, whose rare mature sperm characterized by acephalic and abnormal acrosome. Pathogenicity analysis showed the interaction between BCORL1 with histone deacetylases (HDACs) were disrupted after variance, accompanied with epigenetic alterations and finally the orderly transcriptions of spermatogenetic genes were interfering. Besides, clinical record presented the poor outcomes of ARTs in these patients with BCORL1 variants.

Discussion and conclusions

Our findings further expand the variant spectrum of BCORL1 related to OAT, and provide new evidences that BCORL1 acts as an important transcriptional regulator, participating in epigenetic regulation and directing the expression of key genes throughout spermatogenesis. The outcomes of ARTs will facilitate the genetic counseling and clinical treatment of infertile men with BCORL1 variants in the future.
Embraced: On hands and nerves
Authors: Manderson Lenore
Published: August 2024

In 2001, I experienced severe radial neuropathy, leading to permanent dysfunctions in the fingers of my left hand. In this personal account of nerve damage, medical and surgical treatment, and adaptation, I first describe the sequence of neuropathies, then turn to how through serendipity, the brace enabled other connections—nervelines—with individuals and places. The brace is a metonym of a severed nerve with its associated loss of movement and capacity; it is also both a functional orthotic and an affordance. It carries me forward, activating other nervelines and networks to make things happen. I write of literal and metaphoric nerves, evolving connectivities, and fiber lines, thought lines and collaborations. I then extend the idea of nervelines and networks to global connnections; I emphasize how the organization of labor, the distribution of goods and services, and the expectations of workers shape body histories and life outcomes.
Active components and mechanisms of action of psychological interventions in bipolar disorder: A systematic literature review
Authors: Serbetci Duygu , Koh Zhao Hui , Murray Greg , Tremain Hailey
Published: August 2024

Objective

The efficacy of psychological interventions for bipolar disorder (BD) is well established, but much remains unknown about how change occurs. The primary objective of this exploratory study was to audit what is known about active components and mechanisms of action of psychological interventions for BD.

Method

We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42022323276). Two independent reviewers screened references from four databases and extracted data from eligible studies.

Results

We included four component studies, six studies with mediation analyses and 26 studies presenting subjective experiences of how psychological interventions bring change. Ten mediators were examined across six studies, with only one putative mediator, medication adherence, tested in more than one study. Some initial support for mediation of varied outcomes by control over thoughts, positive non‐verbal behaviour, self‐esteem, post‐trauma growth and medication adherence. Some preliminary support was found in two components, human support and IPT. Studies exploring participant experiences of therapeutic change enumerated a range of potential active components, mechanisms of action and contextual factors potentially warranting investigation in future research. However, the evidence base for active components and mechanisms of action in psychological interventions for BD is unsatisfactory. Findings were inconsistent, studies homogenous with significant methodological limitations and statistical approaches failed to meet quality criteria.

Conclusions

Preliminary identification of potential components and mechanisms via qualitative analyses and the insights emerging from this review will inform future research aimed at investigating how psychological interventions work in BD.
In vitro assessment of cementation of CAD/CAM fabricated prostheses over titanium bases. A systematic review
Authors: Ntovas Panagiotis , Ladia Ourania , Pachiou Aspasia , Fehmer Vincent , Sailer Irena
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study is to investigate the outcomes of clinically relevant laboratory studies regarding the cementation of implant‐supported restorations over ti‐bases.

Materials and Methods

The present study has been conducted according to PRISMA statement. An electronic search was performed, including publications up to March 2024, to identify studies investigating the parameters affecting the cementation between ti‐bases and CAD/CAM prostheses. An assessment of the internal validity was performed, using a custom‐made risk of bias tool (QUIN).

Results

From the included studies, 40.1% were reported on luting systems, 25% on ti‐base surface treatment, 25% on restoration surface, 21.8% on restoration material, and 18.7% on ti‐base height. The majority of the included studies were associated with a medium risk of bias. In the absence of micro‐retentive features, air‐abrasion of ti‐bases with a minimum height of 3.5 mm can be beneficial for restoration's retention. The bonding performance can vary not only between different bonding systems but also for different applications within the same system, based on a restoration's material and surface treatment as well as on ti‐base height and surface treatment.

Conclusions

The height of the ti‐base seems to be the prevailing factor as it constitutes the prerequisite for other modifications of the bonding surfaces to have an advantageous effect. Since the parameters that can affect bonding performance between ti‐base and restoration can interact with each other, it is important for the clinician to focus on verified bonding protocols.
Resting‐state functional connectivity of the occipital cortex in different subtypes of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lan Yina , Yuan Hongjun , Ma Xiaoxaio , Yin ChunYu , Liu Xinyun , Zeng XiYu , Lyu Jinhao , Xiong Yongqin , Zhang Xiaobo , Lu Haoxuan , Zhong Yujue , Li Xuemei , Cui Zhiqiang , Lou Xin
Published: August 2024

Aims

To examine whether functional connectivity (FC) of the occipital gyrus differs between patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) motor subtypes and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

We enrolled 30 PD patients exhibiting tremor dominance (TD), 43 PD patients with postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD), and 42 HCs. The occipital gyrus was partitioned into six areas of interest, as seed points, via the Anatomical Automatic Labeling template to compare the FC of the three groups and analyze the relationship of FC with clinical scales.

Results

Compared with the PIGD group, the TD group showed increased FC between the left superior occipital gyrus (SOG.L) and right median cingulate and paracingulate gyri (DCG.R)/right paracentral lobule/bilateral inferior parietal, but supramarginal and angular gyri; the left middle occipital gyrus (MOG.L) and left posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG.L); the MOG.R and SOG.L/right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex/DCG.R/PCG.L/right cuneus; the left inferior occipital gyrus (IOG.L) and right caudate nucleus; and the IOG.R and PCG.L.

Conclusion

Differentiated FC between the occipital gyrus and other brain areas within the PD motor subtypes, which may serve as neural markers to distinguish between patients with TD and PIGD PD.
Hand eczema in Italian patients referred for patch testing: A retrospective SIDAPA study (2016–2023)
Authors: Stingeni Luca , Napolitano Maddalena , Hansel Katharina , Foti Caterina , Corazza Monica , Borghi Alessandro , Gallo Rosella , Patruno Cataldo , Schena Donatella , Lauriola Maria Michela , Casciola Gabriele , Giuffrida Roberta , Guarneri Fabrizio ,   SIDAPA Study Group
Published: August 2024

Background

Hand eczema (HE) is a common skin disease with a negative impact on patients' quality of life in occupational and non‐occupational settings. Up‐to‐date, data on HE in Italian patients referred for patch testing are lacking.

Objectives

To characterise the profile in terms of demographics, aetiology and patch test results of Italian patients affected by HE referred for patch testing.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study on consecutive patients affected by HE who underwent patch testing from 2016 to 2023 in eight dermatology clinics was performed. HE patients were divided into two groups according to the exclusive (HE‐only group) and not‐exclusive (HE+ group) hand involvement, and compared to patients with eczema localised in body areas other than hands (NHE group).

Results

One thousand five hundred and ninety‐seven patients were affected by HE (35.3% males; mean age 42.7 years), 60.2% belonging to the HE‐only group and 39.8% to the HE+ group. Occupational dermatitis was diagnosed in 33.2% of HE‐only patients, 25.0% of HE+ patients and 5.2% of NHE patients (p < 0.001). HE‐only patients presented: Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD), atopic HE in 48.1%, 47.5% and 7.1%, respectively; hyperkeratotic palmar, acute recurrent vesicular and nummular clinical subtypes in 52.2%, 43.9% and 11.9%, respectively; relevant positive patch test reactions in 48.1% (nickel sulphate 18.9%, methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone 10.6%, methylisothiazolinone 8.6%, p‐phenylenediamine 6.0% and potassium dichromate 4.7%).

Conclusions

HE patients, and particularly those with exclusive hand involvement, show a particular profile in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics, etiologies and relevant positive patch test reactions.
The intellectual base and research fronts of IL‐18: A bibliometric review of the literature from WoSCC (2012–2022)
Authors: Wang Zhongzhi
Published: August 2024

Interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) is a vital pro‐inflammatory cytokine crucial for immune regulation. Despite its significance, bibliometric analysis in this field is lacking. This study aims to quantitatively and qualitatively assess IL‐18 research to construct its intellectual base and predict future hotspots. We conducted a thorough search on the Web of Science Core Collection for relevant publications between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2022. English‐language articles and reviews were included. Visual analysis was performed using various tools including VOSviewer, Citespace, and Microsoft Excel. Our analysis covers interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) literature from 2012 to 2022, exploring research trends comprehensively. Key institutions like Yale University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University emerged as significant contributors. Prolific authors such as Kanneganti and Dinarello made notable contributions. Main focus areas included biology, medicine, and immunology. Co‐citation analysis highlighted influential works like Jianjin Shi. Hotspot keyword frequency cluster analysis revealed emerging themes like pyroptosis and psoriasis. Gene co‐occurrence clustering identified genes associated with immune regulation and inflammation. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis provided insights into IL‐18‐related biological processes and pathways. Protein–protein interaction networks identified core proteins such as IL10 and TNF. Association disease analysis linked IL‐18 to various inflammatory, autoimmune, and metabolic disorders. This bibliometric review offers insights into IL‐18 research trends over the past decade, guiding future investigations and serving as a reference for researchers in this field.