bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aligning sustainability goals of industrial operations and marketing in Industry 4.0 environment for MSMEs in an emerging economy
Authors: Pandya Darshan , Kumar Gopal , Singh Shalabh
Published: September 2023

Purpose

It is crucial for the Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to implement a few of the most important Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies and reap maximum benefits of sustainability. This paper aims to prioritize I4.0 technologies that can help achieve the sustainable operations and sustainable industrial marketing performance of Indian manufacturing MSMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

I4.0-based sustainability model was developed. The model was analyzed using data collected from MSMEs by deploying analytic hierarchy process and utility-function-based goal programming. To have a better understanding, interviews were conducted.

Findings

Predictive analytics, machine learning and real-time computing were found to be the most important I4.0 technologies for sustainable performance. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness of the results. Business-to-business sustainable marketing is prioritized as per the sustainability need of operations of industrial MSME buyers.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates literature and practitioners’ insights to explore I4.0’s role in MSMEs sustainability in emerging economies. It fills a research gap by aligning sustainability goals of industrial buyers with suppliers’ marketing strategies. Additionally, it offers practical recommendations for implementing technologies in MSMEs, contributing to both academia and industry practices.
The impact of servitization on perceived quality, purchase intentions and recommendation intentions in the ready-to-wear sector
Authors: Tosun Petek , Tosun Gökhan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of servitization in the form of repair and maintenance services on consumers' quality perceptions, purchase intentions and recommendation intentions while considering consumer frugality as a moderator in the retail ready-to-wear sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach based on consumer research was pursued. Study 1 tested the research model using a fictitious ready-to-wear brand within an experimental design. To increase the generalizability of results, Study 2 retested the model with a well-known ready-to-wear brand. For both studies, regression, mediation and moderation analyses were conducted in SPSS.

Findings

Both studies showed that servitization positively influences perceived quality. Servitization positively affects purchase intentions and recommendation intentions indirectly via the mediating role of perceived quality. Frugality moderates the relationship between servitization and perceived quality for the fictitious brand (Study 1), whereas it is not significant for a well-known ready-to-wear brand (Study 2). Servitization positively influences perceived quality regardless of consumers' frugality levels for a stronger brand.

Originality/value

This study suggests and tests an original conceptual model that relies on signaling theory. It is among the first studies to examine the impact of servitization on retail fashion consumers' quality perceptions and consequent purchase and recommendation intentions. This study also contributes to the literature by presenting empirical findings based on consumer research on servitization while considering frugality as a moderator.

Practical implications

Bundling products with additional services can contribute to quality perceptions and consequently to purchase and recommendation intentions for ready-to-wear brands.
Accounting practices and regulations for extractive industries: a framework for harmonisation
Authors: Abdo Hafez , Owusu Freeman Brobbey , Mangena Musa
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a harmonisation framework for the diverse accounting practices by extractive industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a three-stage approach. The first involves a comprehensive literature review of the historical evolution of accounting regulations by extractive industries. The second involves constructing an accounting practice index for extractive industries. The third involves constructing a harmonisation framework.

Findings

The accounting practice index provides empirical evidence of the wide diversity of accounting practices by extractive industries. Analysis of the literature review addresses the several attempts by accounting and regulatory bodies to standardise the diverse practices of accounting by extractive industries and reasons for the lack of successful standardisations. The authors extract lessons from these previous attempts and propose a harmonisation framework.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed harmonisation framework can be used to align together the diverse accounting practices by extractive industries and enhance comparability and consistency of accounting figures and statements produced by these industries. Harmonising the diverse accounting practices is crucial for investment decision-making.

Originality/value

The harmonisation framework is the first of its kind that could enhance the comparability of accounts of extractive industries’ firms and be used to harmonise diverse accounting practices by other industries.
When I see your pain: effects of observing workplace ostracism on turnover intention and task performance
Authors: Wang Yanxia , Lai Ping
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The perseverative cognition framework suggests that observing ostracism has negative implications for observers due to affective rumination and that a proactive personality might make observers more vulnerable to this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 49 team leaders and 218 team members were obtained through a three-wave survey in China. Path analysis was used to examine the theoretical model.

Findings

The results indicate that observing ostracism increased turnover intention and reduced task performance and that these relationships were mediated by affective rumination. Furthermore, these effects were stronger for observers with high proactive personality.

Research limitations/implications

Workplace ostracism harms employees; however, its effects on observers remain underexplored. This paper extends research on the effects of ostracism by revealing that ostracism is not only harmful to the well-being of its victims but also adversely affects the work-related attitudes and behaviors of observers, especially those with proactive personality.

Practical implications

Organizations should be aware of the harmful effects of workplace ostracism on observers, and take actions to inhibit workplace ostracism as well as reduce the negatives impacts.

Originality/value

The results reveal the cognitive mechanism of affective rumination, in which observing workplace ostracism affects observers' behaviors and attitudes, highlighting the importance of observing effect of workplace ostracism.
The role of investor protection in stock price crash risk: a comparison of developing and developed Asian economies
Authors: Haider Muhammad Jawad , Ahmad Maqsood , Wu Qiang
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study examines the influence of investor protection on stock price crash risk (SPCR) in Asian economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used yearly data from 432 nonfinancial companies publicly listed firms in six countries (i.e., China, India, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore) from 2007 to 2020 to investigate the relationship between investor protection and the risk of stock price crashes. The hypothesis was tested using a generalized least square panel regression.

Findings

The results suggest that investor protection significantly affects SPCR in Asian economies. Furthermore, the findings show that the stocks of firms whose investors received the best protection were less prone to crash in developed Asian economies. However, in developing Asian economies, the stocks of firms whose investors received the best protection were more prone to crashes.

Practical implications

It provides awareness and understanding of how the level of investor protection affects SPCR, which could be useful for decision-makers and professionals across a spectrum of financial and non-financial institutions, such as portfolio managers and traders in commercial banks, investment banks and mutual funds. This knowledge enables informed decision-making and the formulation of effective policies to manage stock market volatility.

Originality/value

This study appears to be the first of its kind to focus on the link between investor protection and SPCR within the specific context of developed and developing Asian economies.
The dark side of travel: the effect of tourist harassment on destination image and destination revisit intent: a moderated mediation approach
Authors: Hamdy Ahmed , Zhang Jian , Eid Riyad
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The authors’ examination aims to offer a quantitative perspective on the interrelationships between tourist harassment, the destination image, emotions and destination revisit intent. Furthermore, it explores the moderating role of travelers' experiences and tolerance in the link between tourist harassment, the destination image and revisit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ examination seeks to fill this research gap by utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to test eight hypotheses using AMOS 23 and PROCESS MARCO.

Findings

The findings showed that tourist harassment negatively impacts the destination image and revisit intentions. Moreover, it indicated that tourists' experiences and tolerance moderate the link between harassment, the destination image and revisit intentions for travelers with high levels of experience and tolerance compared to those with low levels.

Originality/value

This article contributes to travel research and service failure recovery research on tourist harassment and its consequences. To this end, it developed and validated a new tourist harassment scale. Moreover, it is the first study that examines the moderating role of visitors' experiences and tolerance on the link between tourist harassment, the destination image and revisit intentions. Finally, this article is the first to empirically offer destination harassment reduction techniques.
Importance performance analysis for sustainability of reused historical building: Mardin Sabanci City Museum and art gallery
Authors: Bekar İrem , Kutlu Izzettin , Ergün Ruşen
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to design a user-participatory methodology to investigate the post-occupancy sustainability of reused historical buildings and to apply it to a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was designed in four stages. In the first stage, the sustainability parameters and sub-parameters were determined in the reused historical buildings based on the literature. The second stage included a field study in which the current situation of the study area was analysed, and the users were reached using the survey technique. In the third stage, the data obtained from the user participation were analysed with importance performance analysis (IPA) and an IPA matrix was created. The fourth stage included an evaluation of the results of the analysis and the development of recommendations.

Findings

IPA is a supportive method for ensuring the sustainable use of historic buildings. According to the data obtained from the IPA, it was seen that the functional sustainability of the building was achieved to a great extent. At the same time, there were deficiencies in technical and environmental sustainability. In terms of aesthetic sustainability, it was observed that the importance and performance values given by the users were generally consistent with each other.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is that the performance of the reused historical buildings in the process of use was monitored with appropriate parameters, and a user-participated method was proposed that allows improvement suggestions to be developed in line with the results obtained.
Digital servitization bridging relational asymmetry
Authors: Asi Aiza De Torres , Floris Michela , Argiolas Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how firms such as Xerox, which have transitioned to a digital servitization business model, bridge relational asymmetry. It continues the theme of sustainability from the traditional three pillars—environmental, economic and social sustainability—to relational in terms of the quality of the relationship between the service provider and the customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an exploratory method, qualitative data from the case of Xerox, a pioneering company that embraces servitization business models, has been gathered. The combination of exploratory archival and literature searches allows for a more in-depth understanding of servitization and how it bridges (or does not bridge) the relational asymmetry.

Findings

The results reveal that a relational dimension is inherent in the servitization business model, whereas in order to achieve sustainability, it must leverage transparency, which may be either an enabler or an impairing factor. A borderline for a transparent relationship that distinguishes these two parameters is established.

Research limitations/implications

The study's single-case firm was limited to Xerox as an industry forerunner and could only represent mature and multinational enterprises.

Practical implications

With the purpose of providing high-quality service, this exploratory paper gives managers rational insight into whether and when it is sustainable to fill the relational asymmetry between them as service providers and their customers.

Social implications

From the relational asymmetry perspective, the authors shed light on the aspect of transparency, which is a pivotal cause of any asymmetric relationship. Through the case of Xerox, the study further sheds light on the dual effect of transparency, which could either be an “enabling” or an “impairing” factor. Putting it together, the use of interaction as a basis for co-creation is at the crux of the emerging reality.

Originality/value

This paper examines servitization from a new perspective, proposing that the relational asymmetry bridged by servitization will determine the future of organizations that differentiate themselves through quality relationships.
2D fast Fourier transform analytical solutions in all space for all gravity and magnetic components
Authors: Boulanger Olivier
Published: September 2023

Forward modelling of potential field data is an important part of optimization algorithms used to invert large datasets such as those involving rugged terrain or borehole data. Two‐dimensional fast Fourier transform modelling with a prism or a dipole is one of the most efficient methods compared to the forward modelling in the space domain. However, the exact solution of a prismatic source is limited to the case of a half‐space with the computation of data on a horizontal datum above the topography. Starting from the three‐dimensional Fourier forward modelling analytical formulation for a prism, an integration according to the wavenumber w is accomplished which allowed to find a two‐dimensional Fourier exact analytical formulation outside, at the interfaces of, and inside a prism for all potential field components. This new formulation requires the calculation of only four integrals. The gravity and magnetic fields are computed with this two‐dimensional fast Fourier transform formulation in the entire domain and compared with the analytical space domain and the three‐dimensional fast Fourier transform formulations. From the three‐dimensional calculated field, each component can be interpolated with the tri‐linear interpolation method along a borehole or on a drape surface simulating an airborne survey. Based on experiments demonstrated in this work, the two‐dimensional formulation in the Fourier domain gave accurate results with greater speed of execution in comparison to modelling in the space domain. The forward modelling method is tested on real gravity data from the north of Alberta (Canada).
A comparison of mechanical characteristics among Setaria viridis var. minor, Setaria italica, and Setaria × pycnocoma species of the family Poaceae
Authors: Shiba Masayuki , Sato Ryosuke , Fukuda Tatsuya
Published: September 2023

Setaria viridis var. minor and Setaria × pycnocoma occur sympatrically in various places in Japan, despite their different morphological and mechanical traits. Morphological and mechanical analyses were performed to determine whether the putative hybrid S. × pycnocoma possessed the morphological and mechanical characteristics of its ancestral species, S. viridis var. minor and Setaria italica. Our results indicated that S. italica had the highest panicle weight and longest culm with the lowest culm mechanical strength and S. viridis var. minor had the lightest panicle weight and shortest culm with the highest culm mechanical strength. S. × pycnocoma had a wide range of culm strengths, including mechanical properties of both ancestral species, which suggested that the intermediate mechanical characteristics of this species had been gained by repeated introgression within themselves.
Association between serum sodium and 28‐day mortality in sepsis patients: A secondary data analysis from three large critical illness cohorts
Authors: Li Wei , Li Shuwen , Yuan Jia , Chen Xianjun , Chen Qimin , Xiao Chuan , Li Qing , Li Lu , Liu Ying , He Juan , Chen Lu , Shen Feng
Published: September 2023

Objective

The present study was designed to explore the association between serum sodium and mortality in patients with sepsis by using a large sample, multicenter MIMIC‐IV database.

Methods

We extracted the data of 34 925 sepsis patients from the retrospective cohort mimicIV database. After adjusting the confounders, we explored the independent effects of serum sodium on 28‐day mortality.

Results

A nonlinear relationship existed between serum sodium and 28‐day mortality, of which a negative association was found between serum sodium and 28‐day mortality (odds ratio: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.96, p = 0.0001) when serum sodium was in 102 mmol/L to 138 mmol/L, but a positive correlation appeared when sodium climbed to the range of 140–179 mmol/L (odds ratio: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03–1.06, p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Both lower and higher serum sodium levels are associated with an increased risk of death in sepsis patients.
Evaluating restriction enzyme selection for reduced representation sequencing in conservation genomics
Authors: López Ainhoa , Carreras Carlos , Pascual Marta , Pegueroles Cinta
Published: September 2023

Conservation genomic studies in non‐model organisms generally rely on reduced representation sequencing techniques based on restriction enzymes to identify population structure as well as candidate loci for local adaptation. While the expectation is that the reduced representation of the genome is randomly distributed, the proportion of the genome sampled might depend on the GC content of the recognition site of the restriction enzyme used. Here, we evaluated the distribution and functional composition of loci obtained after a reduced representation approach using Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing (GBS). To do so, we compared experimental data from two endemic fish species (Symphodus ocellatus and Symphodus tinca, EcoT22I enzyme) and two ecosystem engineer sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula, ApeKI enzyme). In brief, we mapped the sequenced loci to the phylogenetically closest reference genome available (Labrus bergylta in the fish and Strongylocentrotus purpuratus in the sea urchin datasets), classified them as exonic, intronic and intergenic, and studied their function by using Gene Ontology (GO) terms. We also simulated the effect of using both enzymes in the two reference genomes. In both simulated and experimental data, we detected an enrichment towards exonic or intergenic regions depending on the restriction enzyme used and failed to detect differences between total loci and candidate loci for adaptation in the empirical dataset. Most of the functions assigned to the mapped loci were shared between the four species and involved a myriad of general functions. Our results highlight the importance of restriction enzyme selection and the need for high‐quality annotated genomes in conservation genomic studies.
Paleoenvironmental Characteristics of Paleogene Lacustrine Source Rocks in the Western Bozhong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China: Evidence from Biomarkers, Major and Trace Elements
Authors: WANG Xiang , LIU Guangdi , SONG Zezhang , SUN Mingliang , WANG Xiaolin , WANG Feilong , CHEN Rongtao , GENG Mingyang , LI Yishu
Published: September 2023

The organic matter (OM) enrichment mechanisms and depositional environment characteristics of lacustrine source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin in Northeast China remain controversial. To address these issues, based on Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, kerogen macerals, H/C and O/C ratios, GC‐MS, major and trace elements, the Dongying Formation Member (Mbr) 3 (E3d3), the Shahejie Formation mbrs 1 and 2 (E2s1+2), and the Shahejie Mbr 3 (E2s3) source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag were studied. The above methods were used to reveal their geochemical properties, OM origins and depositional environments, all of which indicate that E2s1+2 and E2s3 are excellent source rocks, and that E3d3 is of the second good quality. E3d3 source rocks were formed under a warm and humid climate, mainly belong to fluvial/delta facies, the E3d3 sediments formed under weakly oxidizing and freshwater conditions. Comparatively, the depositional environments of E2s1+2 source rocks were arid and cold climate, representing saline or freshwater lacustrine facies, and the sediments of E2s1+2 belong to anoxic or suboxic settings with large evaporation and salinity. During the period of E2s3, the climate became warm and humid, indicating the freshwater lacustrine facies, and E2s3 was characterized by freshwater and abundant algae. Moreover, compared with other intervals, the OM origin of E3d3 source rocks has noticeable terrestrial input. The OM origin of the E2s1+2 and E2s3 are mainly plankton and bacteria. Tectonic subsidence and climate change have affected the changes of the depositional environment in the western Bozhong Sag, thus controlling the distribution of the source rocks, the geochemical characteristics in the three intervals of lacustrine source rocks have distinct differences. Overall, these factors are effective to evaluate the paleoenvironmental characteristics of source rocks by biomarkers, major and trace elements. The established models may have positive implications for research of lacustrine source rocks in offshore areas with few drillings.
Transcriptional changes of the aging lung
Authors: Jia Minxue , Agudelo Garcia Paula A. , Ovando‐Ricardez Jose A. , Tabib Tracy , Bittar Humberto T. , Lafyatis Robert A. , Mora Ana L. , Benos Panayiotis V. , Rojas Mauricio
Published: September 2023

Aging is a natural process associated with declined organ function and higher susceptibility to developing chronic diseases. A systemic single‐cell type‐based study provides a unique opportunity to understand the mechanisms behind age‐related pathologies. Here, we use single‐cell gene expression analysis comparing healthy young and aged human lungs from nonsmoker donors to investigate age‐related transcriptional changes. Our data suggest that aging has a heterogenous effect on lung cells, as some populations are more transcriptionally dynamic while others remain stable in aged individuals. We found that monocytes and alveolar macrophages were the most transcriptionally affected populations. These changes were related to inflammation and regulation of the immune response. Additionally, we calculated the LungAge score, which reveals the diversity of lung cell types during aging. Changes in DNA damage repair, fatty acid metabolism, and inflammation are essential for age prediction. Finally, we quantified the senescence score in aged lungs and found that the more biased cells toward senescence are immune and progenitor cells. Our study provides a comprehensive and systemic analysis of the molecular signatures of lung aging. Our LungAge signature can be used to predict molecular signatures of physiological aging and to detect common signatures of age‐related lung diseases.
The chronic alcohol consumption influences the gonadal axis in men: Results from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Santi Daniele , Cignarelli Angelo , Baldi Matteo , Sansone Andrea , Spaggiari Giorgia , Simoni Manuela , Corona Giovanni
Published: September 2023

Background

Low testosterone concentrations affect 2–13% of adult males, with a direct association between reduction in testosterone (T) concentrations and cardiovascular events. Lifestyle habits have been linked to visceral fat accumulation and endocrine disorders like secondary hypogonadism. Alcohol intake has also been a topic of debate, with studies showing a detrimental effect on sperm production and underlying mechanisms. This meta‐analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on T serum concentrations in adult men.

Methods

The literature search included only controlled clinical trials comparing men who drink alcohol to men who do not, or who assumed placebo or nonalcoholic beverages. The primary outcome was the comparison of total testosterone serum concentrations between the study and control groups. The publications were examined for publication bias using Egger's test.

Results

Twenty‐one studies were included in the analysis for a total of 30 trials that examined the effects of alcohol consumption on testosterone level in 10,199 subjects. The meta‐analysis showed that alcohol consumption overall is related to significant reduction in circulating concentrations of total testosterone (mean difference [MD] = −4.02; 95% CI −6.30, −1.73), free T (MD = −0.17; 95% CI −0.23, –0.12), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (MD = −1.94; 95% CI −3.37, −0.48), an increase in estradiol (E2) (MD = 7.65; 95% CI 1.06, 14.23) and neutral effect on luteinizing hormone (LH) (MD = −0.15; 95% CI −0.36, 0.06), independently by age, body mass index (BMI), E2, and LH serum concentrations and alcohol intake. However, these results are evident only in healthy men exposed to chronic alcohol consumption and not in those with a recognized diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or after acute alcohol intake.

Conclusion

This study suggests how chronic alcohol consumption may inhibit the gonadal axis in healthy men, although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms connecting alcohol exposure and steroidogenesis are still not completely clarified.
Fearless dominance and leader effectiveness: A chance for excellency in leadership
Authors: Genau‐Hagebölling Hanna A. , Meurs James A. , Kückelhaus Bastian P. , Blickle Gerhard
Published: September 2023

We tested whether the fearless dominance trait, which originated in the psychopathy literature and is typically presumed to relate to non‐adaptive behaviors, also can lead to successful leader behaviors. According to Lykken's argument on fearlessness in psychopathy, the direction of the career path of individuals high on fearless dominance is mainly influenced by their level of pre‐vocational socialization, and prior research has found encouraging results for this view. Our goal was to test this hypothesis specifically in the leadership context. By connecting Lykken's fearlessness argument to a recent process model of leadership by Zaccaro and colleagues, we suggest that fearless dominance and successful pre‐vocational socialization (i.e., greater education) influence leadership outcomes via political skill. Our sample comprises 239 leaders, their superiors (N = 239), and a total of 457 subordinates. Using moderated mediation analyses, we show that leaders high on both fearless dominance and educational level possessed greater political skill at work, mediating improved job performance, transformational leader behavior, and team performance. However, for low educational level, this mediated relation is negative. We review our findings regarding Lykken's argument of successful fearlessness and provide an outlook for future research.
Nexus between government surveillance on executive compensation and green innovation: Evidence from the type of state‐owned enterprises
Authors: Li Qian , Maqsood Umer Sahil , Zahid R. M. Ammar
Published: September 2023

The Chinese government capped executive compensation in state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) to address income inequality and promote a more equitable distribution of wealth. This study investigates whether regulating top executives' pay alters their motivation for corporate green innovation (GI) initiatives. Using data from 2006 to 2018 for Chinese‐listed SOEs, the regression analysis and difference‐in‐difference methods revealed that government restrictions on executive compensation negatively affect GI. Furthermore, the types of SOE results show that the negative effect of pay restrictions on GI exists only in local SOEs, as opposed to central SOEs. Moreover, high managerial shareholding positively moderates this negative effect, demonstrating that the adverse effects of compensation restrictions are mitigated by the convergence of interests between managers and stakeholders. These findings are robust to instrumental variables and other robustness tests. This study provides policy recommendations for the government to boost its assistance in GI and establish new environment‐related incentives that motivate managers to promote GI and inspire enterprises to deploy sustainable environmental initiatives.
Can smartphone‐based response inhibition training elicit sustained changes in appetite, preference, and cravings for energy‐dense foods? A free‐living randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moore Halim , White Melanie J. , Finlayson Graham , King Neil
Published: September 2023

Background

Food‐specific response inhibition training has been implemented as a strategy to modify food choices and reward‐related eating behaviours, but short‐term studies have produced equivocal findings.

Objective

To longitudinally assess the effect of a smartphone‐based response inhibition intervention on food reward, hedonic eating drive, and cravings in a free‐living setting.

Methods

84 adults (Mage = 30.49, SDage = 13.01, 52 female) with high responsivity to food cues or overweight/obesity were randomly assigned to a response inhibition training intervention (n = 45) or a control game (n = 39) at home during a training week, followed by a week with no training. Primary analyses compared groups on measures of explicit liking and implicit wanting for food of different energy densities, food cravings, and reward‐related eating throughout this two‐week period.

Results

A reduction was observed in explicit liking and implicit wanting for energy‐dense foods from baseline to post‐training independent of condition (ps < .001). These changes from baseline were sustained after a 1‐week latency period, also independent of condition (ps < .001). These effects coincided with similar observations of hedonic eating drive, tonic cravings, and control over cravings during the observation period (ps < .01).

Conclusions

Although significant reductions in reward‐related appetite were observed, free‐living response inhibition training did not offer additional benefit over a control activity. Future intervention studies with observable food intake are needed to investigate which appetitive mechanisms most reliably predict eating behaviour over time.

Trial Registration

Retrospectively registered with ANZCTR [ACTRN12622001502729].
LINC01305 recruits basonuclin 1 to act on G‐protein pathway suppressor 1 to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xiong Li , Tan Jinsong , Zhang Ruolan , Long Qiongxian , Xiong Rong , Liu Yanqun , Liu Yun , Tang Jiancai , Li Yan , Feng Gang , Song Guiqin , Liu Kang
Published: September 2023

EsophageaL squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common and lethal tumors, however, its underlying molecular mechanisms are not completely understood and new therapeutic targets are needed. Here, we found that the transcription factor basonuclin 1 (BNC1) was significantly upregulated and closely related to the differentiation and metastasis of ESCC. Furthermore, BNC1, LINC01305, and G‐protein pathway suppressor 1 (GPS1) had significant oncogenic roles in ESCC. In addition, in vivo experiments showed that knockdown of BNC1 indeed significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. We also revealed the molecular mechanism by which LINC01305 recruits BNC1 to the promoter of GPS1, and then GPS1 could mediate the JNK signaling pathway to promote the proliferation and metastases of ESCC. Taken together, we discovered the novel molecular mechanism by which LINC01305/BNC1 upregulates GPS1 expression to promote the development of ESCC, providing a new therapeutic target for ESCC.
Nutraceutical combination ameliorates imiquimod‐induced psoriasis in mice
Authors: Vijayapoopathi Singaravel , Ramamoorthy Rajalakshmi , Meganathan Jayaprakash , Kalaiyazhagan Ananthi , Bhuvarahamurthy Sridharan , Venugopal Bhuvarahamurthy
Published: September 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects both localized and systemic regions of the body. This condition is characterized by the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, resulting in skin thickening, scaling, and erythema. The severity of psoriasis depends on the extent of skin involvement, the location of the infection, and the symptoms that the person exhibits. While no cure exists, conventional therapies such as topical and systemic drugs are generally used to manage the exacerbation of symptoms. However, chronic use and overdose can lead to other severe adverse effects. Therefore, scientists and researchers are exploring potential nutraceuticals that can be considered as an alternative source of management for psoriasis. Current research aims to use different combinations of natural compounds like cannabidiol, myo‐inositol, eicosapentaenoic acid, and krill oil to study the effect of these compounds in the prevention and treatment of psoriasis in the imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriatic mice model. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scoring system is used to analyze skin thickness, scales, and erythema. The results indicate that the krill oil combined with the cannabidiol and myo‐inositol shows better results than other nutraceutical combinations. In the future, the natural products of krill oil can be combined with cannabidiol and myo‐inositol to create an improved alternative to existing steroidal and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs for psoriasis treatment.
What is the impact of hospital and surgeon volumes on outcomes in rectal cancer surgery?
Authors: Boyle Jemma M. , van der Meulen Jan , Kuryba Angela , Cowling Thomas E. , Braun Michael S. , Aggarwal Ajay , Walker Kate , Fearnhead Nicola S.
Published: September 2023

Aim

Evidence for a positive volume–outcome relationship for rectal cancer surgery is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the volume–outcome relationship for rectal cancer surgery at hospital and surgeon level in the English National Health Service (NHS).

Method

All patients undergoing a rectal cancer resection in the English NHS between 2015 and 2019 were included. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression was used to model relationships between outcomes and mean annual hospital and surgeon volumes (using a linear plus a quadratic term for volume) with adjustment for patient characteristics.

Results

A total of 13 858 patients treated in 166 hospitals were included. Six hospitals (3.6%) performed fewer than 10 rectal cancer resections per year, and 381 surgeons (45.0%) performed fewer than five such resections per year. Patients treated by high‐volume surgeons had a reduced length of stay (p = 0.016). No statistically significant volume–outcome relationships were demonstrated for 90‐day mortality, 30‐day unplanned readmission, unplanned return to theatre, stoma at 18 months following anterior resection, positive circumferential resection margin and 2‐year all‐cause mortality at either hospital or surgeon level (p values > 0.05).

Conclusion

Almost half of colorectal surgeons in England do not meet national guidelines for rectal cancer surgeons to perform a minimum of five major resections annually. However, our results suggest that centralizing rectal cancer surgery with the main focus of increasing operative volume may have limited impact on NHS surgical outcomes. Therefore, quality improvement initiatives should address a wider range of evidence‐based process measures, across the multidisciplinary care pathway, to enhance outcomes for patients with rectal cancer.
Indeterminate etiology of acute liver failure in North America: Less common, still grave prognosis
Authors: Patel Parita V. , Livingston Sherry , Rakela Jorge L. , Stravitz R. Todd , Reuben Adrian , Bass Nathan M. , Tujios Shannan R. , Larson Anne M. , Sussman Norman L. , Rule Jody A. , Durkalski‐Mauldin Valerie L. , Lee William M. , Ganger Daniel R. ,   the Acute Liver Failure Study Group (ALFSG)
Published: September 2023

Background

The etiology of acute liver failure (ALF) remains one of the most important factors in determining prognosis and predicting outcomes. In a significant proportion of ALF cases, however, the etiology remains unknown and is categorized as indeterminate ALF (IND‐ALF). In this study, we summarize findings from patients with IND‐ALF from 32 transplant centers across the United States, and we compare laboratory, prognostic, and outcome data for patients with IND‐ALF.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2019, 3364 adult patients with ALF or acute liver injury (ALI) from 32 liver transplant centers were enrolled in the ALFSG registry. The primary clinical outcome of interest was 21‐day transplant‐free survival (TFS).

Results

Of the 3364 patients enrolled in the ALFSG registry, 3.4 % (n = 114) were adjudicated as true indeterminate. On multivariate analysis, patients with a lower bilirubin, lower INR, lack of use of mechanical ventilation and no clinical features of coma at baseline had a higher odds ratio of transplant free survival. The number of deaths were similar between patients with true‐IND ALF versus patients with indeterminable ALF (29.8% vs. 27.2%), with almost half of the patients requiring liver transplant (42.1% vs. 45.7%).

Conclusion

We illustrate the poor prognoses that true‐IND‐ALF and indeterminable ALF carry and the need for emergency liver transplantation in most cases.
BK polyomavirus DNAemia in pancreas transplant recipients compared to pancreas–kidney recipients
Authors: Yetmar Zachary A. , Kudva Yogish C. , Seville Maria Teresa , Bosch Wendelyn , Dean Patrick G. , Huskey Janna L. , Budhiraja Pooja , Jarmi Tambi , Kukla Aleksandra , Beam Elena
Published: September 2023

Background

BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection is a common complication of kidney transplantation. While BKV has been described in non‐kidney transplant recipients, data are limited regarding its epidemiology and outcomes in pancreas transplant recipients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults who underwent pancreas transplantation from 2010–2020. The primary outcome was BKV DNAemia. Secondary outcomes were estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction by 30%, eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, endstage kidney disease, and pancreas allograft failure. Cox regression with time‐dependent variables was utilized.

Results

Four hundred and sixty‐six patients were analyzed, including 74, 46, and 346 with pancreas transplant alone (PTA), pancreas‐after‐kidney, or simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplants, respectively. PTA recipients experienced a lower incidence of BKV DNAemia (8.8% vs. 32.9%; p < .001) and shorter duration of DNAemia (median 28.0 vs. 84.5 days). No PTA recipients with BKV DNAemia underwent kidney biopsy or developed endstage kidney disease. Lymphopenia, non‐PTA transplantation, and older age were associated with BKV DNAemia, which itself was associated with pancreas allograft failure (adjusted hazard ratio 2.14, 95% confidence interval 1.27–3.60; p = .004). Among PTA recipients, BKV DNAemia was not associated with eGFR reduction or eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

Conclusions

BKV DNAemia was common among PTA recipients, though lower than a comparable group of pancreas–kidney recipients. However, BKV DNAemia was not associated with adverse native kidney outcomes and no PTA recipients developed endstage kidney disease. Conversely, BKV DNAemia was associated with pancreas allograft failure. Further studies are needed to estimate the rate of BKV nephropathy in this population, and further evaluate long‐term kidney outcomes.
Tourette syndrome and Tourettic persons: Internationalizing neurodiversity across diagnostic borders
Authors: Ne'eman Ari
Published: September 2023

This commentary is on the invited review by Bervoets et al. on pages 1422–1428 of this issue.
Identifying obesity subtypes: A review of studies utilising clinical biomarkers and genetic data
Authors: Abraham Angela , Yaghootkar Hanieh
Published: September 2023

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial condition that poses significant health risks. Recent advancements in our understanding of obesity have highlighted the heterogeneity within this disorder. Identifying distinct subtypes of obesity is crucial for personalised treatment and intervention strategies. This review paper aims to examine studies that have utilised clinical biomarkers and genetic data to identify clusters or subtypes of obesity. The findings of these studies may provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and potential targeted approaches for managing obesity‐related health issues such as type 2 diabetes.
Ecumenism of the Heart as a Path to Unity
Authors: Bedford‐Strohm Heinrich
Published: September 2023

As the World Council of Churches (WCC) celebrates its 75th anniversary, the world faces many challenges, including ecological crises, violence, pandemics, systemic poverty, racism, gender‐based violence, human rights violations, and the war in Ukraine that began in 2022. Taking as its basis the Unity Statement agreed at the WCC's 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 2022, which met around the theme “Christ's love moves the world to reconciliation and unity,” the article argues for an “ecumenism of the heart,” of which the statement spoke, as a path to unity. It underlines that this is a “public theology” based not on political abstinence but on a passion for and renewed commitment to the world. The article concludes by exploring the challenges of such a public theology for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
Gendered executive headhunting with Chinese characteristics
Authors: Yan Li , Plimmer Geoff , Zhou Ao
Published: September 2023

Women executives face many barriers to career advancement, which then limits the advancement of women lower down the hierarchy. This study looks at the secretive and elite world of executive search (headhunting) as a gatekeeping system that hinders women's career advancement in China. Interviews were carried out with headhunters in China, including two in Taiwan to test transferability. Findings of this study show that executive women in China face more stark barriers than their western peers. Headhunters report little influence over clients, but they help profile jobs that emphasize technical and masculine views of leadership, ‘fit’ and ‘chemistry’ in hiring decisions, reinforce stereotypes, and do not support candidates. Our findings reflect the convergence of Confucianism, a highly competitive economic model, and a closed political system with limited space to promote women's interests. Headhunting, an imported practice, illuminates western individualist models of feminism rather than China's traditional collectivism and local models of feminism.
Ki67 proliferation index in medullary thyroid carcinoma: a comparative study of multiple counting methods and validation of image analysis and deep learning platforms
Authors: Nadeem Saad , Hanna Matthew G , Viswanathan Kartik , Marino Joseph , Ahadi Mahsa , Alzumaili Bayan , Bani Mohamed‐Amine , Chiarucci Federico , Chou Angela , De Leo Antonio , Fuchs Talia L , Lubin Daniel J , Luxford Catherine , Magliocca Kelly , Martinez Germán , Shi Qiuying , Sidhu Stan , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Gill Anthony J , Tallini Giovanni , Ghossein Ronald , Xu Bin
Published: September 2023

Aims

The International Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Grading System, introduced in 2022, mandates evaluation of the Ki67 proliferation index to assign a histological grade for medullary thyroid carcinoma. However, manual counting remains a tedious and time‐consuming task.

Methods and results

We aimed to evaluate the performance of three other counting techniques for the Ki67 index, eyeballing by a trained experienced investigator, a machine learning‐based deep learning algorithm (DeepLIIF) and an image analysis software with internal thresholding compared to the gold standard manual counting in a large cohort of 260 primarily resected medullary thyroid carcinoma. The Ki67 proliferation index generated by all three methods correlate near‐perfectly with the manual Ki67 index, with kappa values ranging from 0.884 to 0.979 and interclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.969 to 0.983. Discrepant Ki67 results were only observed in cases with borderline manual Ki67 readings, ranging from 3 to 7%. Medullary thyroid carcinomas with a high Ki67 index (≥ 5%) determined using any of the four methods were associated with significantly decreased disease‐specific survival and distant metastasis‐free survival.

Conclusions

We herein validate a machine learning‐based deep‐learning platform and an image analysis software with internal thresholding to generate accurate automatic Ki67 proliferation indices in medullary thyroid carcinoma. Manual Ki67 count remains useful when facing a tumour with a borderline Ki67 proliferation index of 3–7%. In daily practice, validation of alternative evaluation methods for the Ki67 index in MTC is required prior to implementation.
Innovative sound absorption technique: Step‐shaped ceramic fiberboards with veneer attachment for walls
Authors: Kang Chun‐Won , Choi Byung‐Sook , Zhu Shaohua , Hashitsume Kazuharu , Kolya Haradhan
Published: September 2023

The subject of the present paper is improving sound absorption properties and protecting the dust generation of ceramic fiber boards. The two‐microphone impedance tube method measured the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of ceramic fiberboards (CFB) with different shapes and sizes. The wood veneer was used to cover the ceramic fiberboard (VCFB) surface to improve the wall's appearance and prevent dust generation. The step‐shaped ceramic fiberboards with veneer attached (VCFBS) revealed improved SAC (.98, 2000 Hz) compared with CFB and VCFB. The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) and sound absorption average showed a 100% improvement compared to CFB. The surface morphology and air permeability were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and a capillary flow porometer to correlate with the findings. Furthermore, the porosity and pore diameter of the CFB were also studied to gain a comprehensive understanding of its acoustic properties and sound absorption capabilities. Statistical T‐tests revealed significant variations in the SAC (p ≤ .005). Besides, the obtained SAC was compared with other reported sound‐absorbing materials. These findings suggest that using step‐shaped ceramic fiberboard covered with a wood veneer can significantly absorb sound and improve the living environment. This novel approach offers potential advancements in sound‐absorbing materials for building construction.