bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supramolecular hydrogen-bonded networks formed from copper(II) carboxylate dimers
Authors: Abrahams Brendan F. , Commons Christopher J. , Hudson Timothy A. , Sanchez-Arlt Robin
Published: May 2024

The well-known copper carboxylate dimer, with four carboxylate ligands extending outwards towards the corners of a square, has been employed to generate a series of crystalline compounds. In particular, this work centres on the use of the 4-hydroxybenzoate anion (Hhba−) and its deprotonated phenolate form 4-oxidobenzoate (hba2−) to obtain complexes with the general formula [Cu2(Hhba)4–x
(hba)
xL
2–y
]
x−, where L is an axial coligand (including solvent molecules), x = 0, 1 or 2, and y = 0 or 1. In some cases, short hydrogen bonds result in complexes which may be represented as [Cu2(Hhba)2(H0.5hba)2
L
2]−. The main focus of the investigation is on the formation of a variety of extended networks through hydrogen bonding and, in some crystals, coordinate bonds when bridging coligands (L) are employed. Crystals of [Cu2(Hhba)4(dioxane)2]·4(dioxane) consist of the expected Cu dimer with the Hhba− anions forming hydrogen bonds to 1,4-dioxane molecules which block network formation. In the case of crystals of composition [Et4N][Cu2(Hhba)2(H0.5hba)2(CH3OH)(H2O)]·2(dioxane), Li[Cu2(Hhba)2(H0.5hba)2(H2O)2]·3(dioxane)·4H2O and [Cu2(Hhba)2(H0.5hba)2(H0.5DABCO)2]·3CH3OH (DABCO is 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), square-grid hydrogen-bonded networks are generated in which the complex serves as one type of 4-connecting node, whilst a second 4-connecting node is a hydrogen-bonding motif assembled from four phenol/phenolate groups. Another two-dimensional (2D) network based upon a related square-grid structure is formed in the case of [Et4N]2[Cu2(Hhba)2(hba)2(dioxane)2][Cu2(Hhba)4(dioxane)(H2O)]·CH3OH. In [Cu2(Hhba)4(H2O)2]·2(Et4NNO3), a square-grid structure is again apparent, but, in this case, a pair of nitrate anions, along with four phenolic groups and a pair of water molecules, combine to form a second type of 4-connecting node. When 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene (bdn, `proton sponge') is used as a base, another square-grid network is generated, i.e. [Hbdn]2[Cu2(Hhba)2(hba)2(H2O)2]·3(dioxane)·H2O, but with only the copper dimer complex serving as a 4-connecting node. Complex three-dimensional networks are formed in [Cu2(Hhba)4(O-bipy)]·H2O and [Cu2(Hhba)4(O-bipy)2]·2(dioxane), where the potentially bridging 4,4′-bipyridine N,N′-dioxide (O-bipy) ligand is employed. Rare cases of mixed carboxylate copper dimer complexes were obtained in the cases of [Cu2(Hhba)3(OAc)(dioxane)]·3.5(dioxane) and [Cu2(Hhba)2(OAc)2(DABCO)2]·10(dioxane), with each structure possessing a 2D network structure. The final compound reported is a simple hydrogen-bonded chain of composition (H0.5DABCO)(H1.5hba), formed from the reaction of H2hba and DABCO.
Ethyl 2-[(2-oxo-2H-chromen-6-yl)oxy]acetate
Authors: Goyal Navneet , Donahue James P. , Thompson Anthony , Zhang Xiaodong , Mague Joel T. , Foroozesh Maryam
Published: May 2024

Ethyl 2-[(2-oxo-2H-chromen-6-yl)oxy]acetate, C13H12O5, a member of the pharmacologically important class of coumarins, crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group in the form of sheets, within which molecules are related by inversion centers and 21 axes. Multiple C—H...O weak hydrogen-bonding interactions reinforce this pattern. The planes of these sheets are oriented in the approximate direction of the ac face diagonal. Intersheet interactions are a combination of coumarin system π–π stacking and additional C—H...O weak hydrogen bonds between ethyl acetoxy groups.
Green supply chain management as a pathway to sustainable operations in the post-COVID-19 era: investigating challenges in the Chinese scenario
Authors: Iqbal Muzaffar , Waqas Muhammad , Ahmad Naveed , Hussain Kramat , Hussain Jafar
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The disruptive pandemic has badly affected supply chain operations across the globe and implementing green supply chain strategies is challenging for manufacturing firms, especially in emerging countries. Therefore, this study aims to identify the significant challenges hindering the green supply chain as a pathway towards sustainability in the post-COVID-19 era.

Design/methodology/approach

Fuzzy Delphi Methodology (FDM), Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and MICMAC were applied. FDM was applied to select the most relevant challenges and later ISM and Matrices d'Impacts cross-multiplication appliqúe a classmate MICMAC were used for modeling and classifying critical challenges.

Findings

Lack of trust between firms and supply chain partners, and difficulty in transforming positive environmental attitudes into action are the significant challenges to implementing green supply chain management. Lack of communication between government and Chinese firms is the least important factor which shows that the government is trying to support firms and reduce the negative effects after the drastic impacts of COVID-19. However, COVID-19 left a draconian effect on organization’s green supply chain and it’s not easy to overcome.

Originality/value

None of the previous studies applied mixed methodologies of FDM, ISM and MICMAC to evaluate Green supply chain as a pathway to sustainable operations in the post-COVID-19 era. Challenging factors of green supply chain operations in COVID-19 are different from earlier studies and contribute to the literature of emerging countries.
A novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model for forecasting hydroelectricity consumption
Authors: Li Ye , Ren Hongtao , Liu Junjuan
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to enhance the prediction accuracy of hydroelectricity consumption in China, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by complex and nonlinear characteristics of the data. A novel grey multivariate prediction model with structural optimization is proposed to overcome the limitations of existing grey forecasting methods.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper innovatively introduces fractional order and nonlinear parameter terms to develop a novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model based on the NSGM(1, N) model. The Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is then utilized to compute the model’s hyperparameters. Subsequently, the proposed model is applied to forecast China’s hydroelectricity consumption and is compared with other models for analysis.

Findings

Theoretical derivation results demonstrate that the new model has good compatibility. Empirical results indicate that the FMGM(1, N, a) model outperforms other models in predicting the hydroelectricity consumption of China. This demonstrates the model’s effectiveness in handling complex and nonlinear data, emphasizing its practical applicability.

Practical implications

This paper introduces a scientific and efficient method for forecasting hydroelectricity consumption in China, particularly when confronted with complexity and nonlinearity. The predicted results can provide a solid support for China’s hydroelectricity resource development scheduling and planning.

Originality/value

The primary contribution of this paper is to propose a novel fractional multivariate grey prediction model that can handle nonlinear and complex series more effectively.
Optimism bias in susceptibility to phishing attacks: an empirical study
Authors: Owen Morné , Flowerday Stephen V. , van der Schyff Karl
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Researchers looking for ways to change the insecure behaviour that results in phishing have considered multiple possible reasons for such behaviour. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to understand the role of optimism bias (OB – defined as a cognitive bias), which characterises overly optimistic or unrealistic individuals, to ensure secure behaviour. Research that focused on issues such as personality traits, trust, attitude and Security, Education, Training and Awareness (SETA) was considered.

Design/methodology/approach

This study built on a recontextualized version of the theory of planned behaviour to evaluate the influence that optimism bias has on phishing susceptibility. To model the data, an analysis was performed on 226 survey responses from a South African financial services organisation using partial least squares (PLS) path modelling.

Findings

This study found that overly optimistic employees were inclined to behave insecurely, while factors such as attitude and trust significantly influenced the intention to behave securely.

Practical implications

Our contribution to practice seeks to enhance the effectiveness of SETA by identifying and addressing the optimism bias weakness to deliver a more successful training outcome.

Originality/value

Our study enriches the Information Systems literature by evaluating the effect of a cognitive bias on phishing susceptibility and offers a contextual explanation of the resultant behaviour.
From leadership to allegiance: the interplay of middle leadership, teacher job satisfaction and commitment in schools
Authors: Sothinathan Jayanti S. , Adams Donnie , Mohd Radzi Norfariza
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Middle leadership is difficult to define and fathom as these roles are fluid, adapting to the context of individual schools. However, little is known about the relationships among middle leadership, teacher commitment and job satisfaction in the field of education. The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework on the mediating role of teacher job satisfaction in the relationship between middle leadership and teacher commitment in schools based on past research, particularly in the context of schools.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of literature was undertaken to develop the conceptual framework.

Findings

Findings suggested that middle leadership can positively influence teacher commitment via the mediating effect of teacher job satisfaction.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in understanding middle leadership as a salient factor in influencing teacher commitment via teacher job satisfaction. This paper’s framework lays a strong foundation for the expansion of the middle leadership knowledge base on middle leadership as well as for future theory development and debate.
Realising the promise of value-based purchasing: experimental evidence of medical device selection
Authors: Matinheikki Juri , Kenny Katie , Kauppi Katri , van Raaij Erik , Brandon-Jones Alistair
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Despite the unparalleled importance of value within healthcare, value-based models remain underutilised in the procurement of medical devices. Research is needed to understand what factors incentivise standard, low-priced device purchasing as opposed to value-adding devices with potentially higher overall health outcomes. Framed in agency theory, we examine the conditions under which different actors involved in purchasing decisions select premium-priced, value-adding medical devices over low-priced, standard medical devices.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects scenario-based vignette experiments on three UK-based online samples of managers (n = 599), medical professionals (n = 279) and purchasing managers (n = 449) with subjects randomly assigned to three treatments: (1) cost-saving incentives, (2) risk-sharing contracts and (3) stronger (versus weaker) clinical evidence.

Findings

Our analysis demonstrates the harmful effects of intra-organisational cost-saving incentives on value-based purchasing (VBP) adoption; the positive impact of inter-organisational risk-sharing contracts, especially when medical professionals are involved in decision-making; and the challenge of leveraging clinical evidence to support value claims.

Research limitations/implications

Our results demonstrate the need to align incentives in a context with multiple intra- and inter-organisational agency relationships at play, as well as the difficulty of reducing information asymmetry when information is not easily interpretable to all decision-makers. Overall, the intra-organisational agency factors strongly influenced the choices for the inter-organisational agency relationship.

Originality/value

We contribute to VBP in healthcare by examining the role of intra- and inter-organisational agency relationships and incentives concerning VBP (non-) adoption. We also examine how the impact of such mechanisms differs between medical and purchasing (management) professionals.
Algorithmic counterspaces: exploring Afro-Latino youth information practices using TikTok
Authors: Vacca Ralph
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper investigates the digital information practices of Afro-Latino youth, focusing on their engagement with mental health content on TikTok. It aims to understand how racial and ethnic identity dimensions shape their information behaviors in digital spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing qualitative methods, the study involved interviews with thirteen Afro-Latino teens. This exploratory approach, draws connections between Afro-Latino identity and information practices using three constructs: (i) typology of information practices, (ii) intersectionality, and (iii) assemblages.

Findings

The study reveals that Afro-Latino youth actively construct “information assemblages” and “algorithmic counterspaces” on TikTok, enabling them to engage with content that resonates with their identities. However, it also highlights the challenges posed by these spaces' temporary and algorithm-dependent nature in maintaining consistent engagement with mental health information.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by its small sample size and focus on a single platform, which may affect generalizability. Future research should explore other platforms, and draw a deeper distinction between content creators and other users.

Practical implications

This paper underscores the need for designers and educators to prioritize the importance of algorithmic literacy and design affordances that empower users to transparently understand algorithmic functionality, so as to support on-going engagement with algorithmic counterspaces.

Originality/value

This research offers novel insights into the digital information practices of Afro-Latino youth, a typically underrepresented group in academic research. It introduces new concepts in information science and digital media studies, highlighting the importance of intersectional identities in digital information practices.
Thermal error modeling method of truss robot based on GA-LSTM
Authors: Li Long , Chen Binyang , Yu Jiangli
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The selection of sensitive temperature measurement points is the premise of thermal error modeling and compensation. However, most of the sensitive temperature measurement point selection methods do not consider the influence of the variability of thermal sensitive points on thermal error modeling and compensation. This paper considers the variability of thermal sensitive points, and aims to propose a sensitive temperature measurement point selection method and thermal error modeling method that can reduce the influence of thermal sensitive point variability.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking the truss robot as the experimental object, the finite element method is used to construct the simulation model of the truss robot, and the temperature measurement point layout scheme is designed based on the simulation model to collect the temperature and thermal error data. After the clustering of the temperature measurement point data is completed, the improved attention mechanism is used to extract the temperature data of the key time steps of the temperature measurement points in each category for thermal error modeling.

Findings

By comparing with the thermal error modeling method of the conventional fixed sensitive temperature measurement points, it is proved that the method proposed in this paper is more flexible in the processing of sensitive temperature measurement points and more stable in prediction accuracy.

Originality/value

The Grey Attention-Long Short Term Memory (GA-LSTM) thermal error prediction model proposed in this paper can reduce the influence of the variability of thermal sensitive points on the accuracy of thermal error modeling in long-term processing, and improve the accuracy of thermal error prediction model, which has certain application value. It has guiding significance for thermal error compensation prediction.
Applying the consumption values theory to explain farmers’ choice of interest–free agriculture financing products
Authors: Shaikh Imran Mehboob
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Using the consumption values theory (CVT) as a baseline model, this study aims to evaluate the factors that influence farmers' decision-making behavior regarding interest-free agricultural financing products.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 321 banking customers using questionnaires who are engaged with the agriculture sector and wish to obtain finance related to Islamic agriculture products.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the decision behavior for Islamic agriculture financing products is highly influenced by epistemic, emotional and functional values. On the contrary, conditional and social values do not influence farmers’ choice behavior for Islamic agriculture financing products.

Research limitations/implications

There are a few limitations in this study. Initially, the study's geographic scope is limited to bank customers within the agriculture sector who live, in particular, in Southern Sindh province, Pakistan. Next, researchers extended the CVT to a specific focus on agricultural financing products by Islamic banks. Future researchers should take these concerns into consideration for better applicability, and it is anticipated that the research approach will be refined to best expand the results. Lastly, future researchers are expected to broaden the theory's relevance by considering the socio-cultural environmental conditions (culture, religious values and approaches) and social conditions in a wider range of Islamic agricultural financial instruments.

Practical implications

The findings are beneficial for practitioners intending to advance innovative Islamic agriculture financing products to cater to Pakistani farmers’ needs.

Originality/value

This research extends the CVT that offers valuable information for the development of consumers’ behavior in the setting of interest-free agricultural financing.
Central bank digital currency, economic growth and inflation
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of CBDC issuance on economic growth rate and inflation rate in Nigeria. We are interested in determining whether the rate of economic growth and inflation changed significantly after the issuance of a non-interest bearing CBDC in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-stage least squares regression and granger causality test were used to analyze the data.

Findings

Inflation significantly increased in the CBDC period, implying that CBDC issuance did not decrease the rate of inflation in Nigeria. Economic growth rate significantly increased in the CBDC period, implying that CBDC issuance improved economic growth in Nigeria. The financial sector, agricultural sector and manufacturing sector witnessed a much stronger contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) after CBDC issuance. There is one-way granger causality between CBDC issuance and monthly inflation, implying that CBDC issuance causes a significant change in monthly inflation in Nigeria. The implication of the result is that the non-interest bearing eNaira CBDC is not able to solve the twin economic problem of “controlling inflation which stifles economic growth” and “stimulating economic growth which leads to more inflation.” Policy makers should therefore use the eNaira CBDC alongside other monetary policy tools at their disposal to control inflation while stimulating growth in the economy.

Originality/value

There are no empirical studies on the effect of CBDC issuance on economic growth or inflation using real-world data. We add to the monetary economics literature by analyzing the effect of CBDC issuance on economic growth and inflation.
Network effectiveness in healthcare and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: connecting the dots
Authors: Oppi Chiara , Cattaneo Cristiana , Galizzi Giovanna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Further investigation is needed of network effectiveness in healthcare and how it is influenced by unpredictable events like COVID-19. Based on Provan and Milward’s (2001) framework, this study investigates the effectiveness criteria of healthcare networks and their potential contribution to network effectiveness during the pandemic’s challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs an explanatory case study in a local area of Italy’s Lombardy Region and analyzes network effectiveness at the network level based on network member perceptions.

Findings

Network effectiveness refers to the network’s ability to address patient needs, guaranteeing services through network members' coordinated efforts and a central coordinator that facilitates their interaction. Members’ capacity to strengthen their roles played a crucial part in sustaining network effectiveness when COVID-19 revised other members’ priorities and threatened achievement of network goals.

Practical implications

This study’s findings equip healthcare managers and policymakers with knowledge about network effectiveness criteria at the network level, offering suggestions for managerial practices and network design to address exogenous shocks.

Originality/value

This study identifies factors that influence network effectiveness criteria and provides insight into how network members can contribute to sustaining effectiveness during crises.
Navigating ambitions: unveiling entrepreneurial intentions in family business through social cognitive theory
Authors: Zaman Sarfraz , Ahmed Hina , Shakil Muhammad Haseeb , Rafiq Muhammad , Ali Faiza
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study is an attempt to explore the determinants of entrepreneurial intentions in the context of family business background. There is a dearth of studies on the relationship between family business and entrepreneurial intentions. Three constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT) have been applied as mediators: self-efficacy, subjective norms and outcome expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure entrepreneurial intentions, the data have been collected from the postgraduate students of three universities in Pakistan. The questionnaire was distributed among the respondents, and 416 complete responses were taken from the students. Simple random sampling has been applied, and measurement and hypothesized models are tested by using the structural equation modeling technique in WarpPLS.

Findings

The results of this research reveal that family business background significantly affects the three elements of SCT (self-efficacy, subjective norms and outcome expectations), which further develop the individuals’ entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). The results showed that social cognitive elements are the underpinning mechanism that explains the relationship between family business background and EIs.

Originality/value

The similarity of the study is less than 18%.
Preparing for the future: metaverse readiness among library professionals in Pakistan
Authors: Subaveerapandiyan A. , Sardar Hina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the readiness of library professionals in Pakistan for metaverse technology adoption. It assesses their familiarity with the metaverse, identifies potential applications within libraries, pinpoints skill gaps, and unravels challenges hindering integration.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a quantitative survey design, a survey was conducted from November 15, 2023, to December 15, 2023, targeting library professionals in Pakistan. The survey gathered data on familiarity with the metaverse, perceived applications in libraries, self-assessed proficiency in metaverse-related skills, and perceived challenges to metaverse adoption.

Findings

Library professionals in Pakistan exhibit moderate familiarity with the metaverse, demonstrating higher proficiency in certain aspects such as virtual reality and digital assets but a lesser understanding of legal/regulatory challenges and societal impacts. Perceived highly impactful applications in libraries include virtual meetups, immersive learning programs, collaborative research spaces, and virtual librarian-led tutorials. Challenges hindering metaverse adoption include budget constraints, limited technical expertise, concerns about privacy/security, and resistance to change.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s limitations include the sample size and the specific data collection timeframe, which might limit generalizability. The findings offer implications for training programs, resource allocation, and policy formulation to facilitate metaverse integration in Pakistani libraries.

Originality/value

This study contributes original insights into the metaverse readiness of library professionals in Pakistan, offering a comprehensive analysis of their familiarity, perceived applications, skill gaps, and challenges, enabling tailored strategies for metaverse integration in library services.
Pricing the second-hand dry bulk vessel through stacking ensemble with add-on plain feedforward neural networks
Authors: Zhao Jingzhou
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The accurate valuation of second-hand vessels has become a prominent subject of interest among investors, necessitating regular impairment tests. Previous literature has predominantly concentrated on inferring a vessel's price through parameter estimation but has overlooked the prediction accuracy. With the increasing adoption of machine learning for pricing physical assets, this paper aims to quantify potential factors in a non-parametric manner. Furthermore, it seeks to evaluate whether the devised method can serve as an efficient means of valuation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a stacking ensemble approach with add-on feedforward neural networks, taking four tree-driven models as base learners. The proposed method is applied to a training dataset collected from public sources. Then, the performance is assessed on the test dataset and compared with a benchmark model, commonly used in previous studies.

Findings

The results on the test dataset indicate that the designed method not only outperforms base learners under statistical metrics but also surpasses the benchmark GAM in terms of accuracy. Notably, 73% of the testing points fall within the less-than-10% error range. The designed method can leverage the predictive power of base learners by incrementally adding a small amount of target value through residuals and harnessing feature engineering capability from neural networks.

Originality/value

This paper marks the pioneering use of the stacking ensemble in vessel pricing within the literature. The impressive performance positions it as an efficient desktop valuation tool for market users.
Is there a time-varying nexus between stock market liquidity and informational efficiency? – A cross-regional evidence
Authors: Patra Subhamitra , Hiremath Gourishankar S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to measure the degree of volatility comovement between stock market liquidity and informational efficiency across Asia, Europe, North-South America, Africa, and the Pacific Ocean over three decades. In particular, the authors analyze the extent of the time-varying nexus between different aspects of stock market liquidity and multifractal scaling properties of the stock return series across various regions and diversified market conditions. This study further investigates several factors altering the degree of dynamic conditional correlations (DCCs) between the efficiency and liquidity of the domestic stock markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study measures five aspects of stock market liquidity – tightness, depth, breadth, immediacy, and adjusted immediacy. The authors evaluate the multifractal scaling properties of the stock return series to measure the level of stock market efficiency across the regions and diversified market conditions. The study uses the dynamic conditional correlation-multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity framework to quantify the degree of volatility comovement between liquidity and efficiency over the period.

Findings

The study finds the presence of stronger volatility comovement between inefficiency and illiquidity due to the price impact characteristics of the stock markets irrespective of different regions and diversified market conditions. The extent of time-variation increased following the shock periods, indicating the significant role of the financial crisis in increasing the volatility comovement between inefficiency and illiquidity. The highest degree of time-varying correlation is observed in the developed stock markets of Northwestern and Northern Europe compared to the regional and emerging counterparts. On the other hand, weak DCCs are observed in the emerging stock markets of Europe.

Originality/value

The output of the present study assists investors in identifying diversification opportunities across the regions. Additionally, the study has significant implications for market regulators, aiding in predicting future troughs and peaks. The prediction, in turn, helps formulate capital market development plans during dynamic economic situations.
Plant strategy of root system architecture and exudates for acquiring soil nutrients
Authors: Fujii Kazumichi
Published: May 2024

Vascular plants develop diverse root system architectures and exudates to facilitate acquisition of soil nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). Plant species have inherently specific properties of root system architectures and exudates, but some plants exhibit high plasticity to respond to spatiotemporal variations in soil nutrient forms and availability. This paper synthesizes evidence on how plant species diversity and root plasticity contribute to soil nutrient mobilization and uptake in plants from the tropics to the Arctic with varying plant species diversity. The development of finer roots in the surface soil is a well‐known strategy for the acquisition of limited nutrients (especially phosphorus), but the allocation of roots foraging “nutrient hotspots” in deeper soil (podzolic soil or permafrost‐affected soils) is an alternative strategy for coniferous trees tested in the Arctic and boreal forests. This contrasts with findings in tropical forests, where diverse plant species with different capacities of organic acid exudation coexist and species composition shifts in response to phosphorus deficiency. In particular, high malate exudation from roots and rhizosphere microbes stimulates phosphorus solubilization, aluminum detoxification, and lignin degradation in acidic soils. The diversity and plasticity of the root system architecture, root exudation, and the flexibility of nutrient sources mitigate nutrient limitation in soil. Root plasticity facilitating soil nutrient acquisition has a large impact on biogeochemistry and soil formation, such as podzolization, in the long term.
Fifty Years after Peter Singer's Animal Liberation: What has the Animal Rights Movement Achieved so Far?
Authors: Weisskircher Manès
Published: May 2024

This article analyses the impact of the animal rights movement fifty years after the publication of Peter Singer's landmark book Animal Liberation in 1975. Examining the gains and losses of this vibrant social movement, the article takes a broad international perspective and makes the following key arguments: First, despite comprehensive animal welfare policies, state regulation has so far remained rather ineffective in reducing animal suffering, especially in those areas where most animals are being harmed. Second, consumer choices, lifestyles and markets have changed substantially, most importantly reflected in the recent rise of veganism—but only relatively small numbers of people have made the choice to abstain from most or even all animal products. Third, long‐term economic and demographic trends in human society constitute crucial challenges for reducing animal suffering globally. Fourth and lastly, cultured meat may offer significant potential for animal advocates to make future gains if some important obstacles can be overcome.
Wheat bran arabinoxylans: Chemical structure, extraction, properties, health benefits, and uses in foods
Authors: Chen Zhongwei , Mense Andrew L. , Brewer Lauren R. , Shi Yong‐Cheng
Published: May 2024

Wheat bran (WB) is a well‐known and valuable source of dietary fiber. Arabinoxylan (AX) is the primary hemicellulose in WB and can be isolated and used as a functional component in various food products. Typically, AX is extracted from the whole WB using different processes after mechanical treatments. However, WB is composed of different layers, namely, the aleurone layer, pericarp, testa, and hyaline layer. The distribution, structure, and extractability of AX vary within these layers. Modern fractionation technologies, such as debranning and electrostatic separation, can separate the different layers of WB, making it possible to extract AX from each layer separately. Therefore, AX in WB shows potential for broader applications if it can be extracted from the different layers separately. In this review, the distribution and chemical structures of AX in WB layers are first discussed followed by extraction, physicochemical properties, and health benefits of isolated AX from WB. Additionally, the utilization of AX isolated from WB in foods, including cereal foods, packaging film, and the delivery of food ingredients, is reviewed. Future perspectives on challenges and opportunities in the research field of AX isolated from WB are highlighted.
Assessing the limits of local ancestry inference from small reference panels
Authors: Oliveira Sandra , Marchi Nina , Excoffier Laurent
Published: May 2024

Admixture is a common biological phenomenon among populations of the same or different species. Identifying admixed tracts within individual genomes can provide valuable information to date admixture events, reconstruct ancestry‐specific demographic histories, or detect adaptive introgression, genetic incompatibilities, as well as regions of the genomes affected by (associative‐) overdominance. Although many local ancestry inference (LAI) methods have been developed in the last decade, their performance was accessed using large reference panels, which are rarely available for non‐model organisms or ancient samples. Moreover, the demographic conditions for which LAI becomes unreliable have not been explicitly outlined. Here, we identify the demographic conditions for which local ancestries can be best estimated using very small reference panels. Furthermore, we compare the performance of two LAI methods (RFMix and MOSAIC) with the performance of a newly developed approach (simpLAI) that can be used even when reference populations consist of single individuals. Based on simulations of various demographic models, we also determine the limits of these LAI tools and propose post‐painting filtering steps to reduce false‐positive rates and improve the precision and accuracy of the inferred admixed tracts. Besides providing a guide for using LAI, our work shows that reasonable inferences can be obtained from a single diploid genome per reference under demographic conditions that are not uncommon among past human groups and non‐model organisms.
Modelling aphid movement in Australian canola fields
Authors: Slavenko Alex , Babineau Marielle , van Rooyen Anthony R. , Congdon Benjamin , Umina Paul A. , Ward Samantha
Published: May 2024

A growing challenge in canola (Brassica napus L.) production globally is the management of aphid pests, particularly species that are resistant to insecticides. Aphid pests of canola damage plants through direct feeding and virus transmission, with turnip yellows virus being particularly economically damaging. Integrated Pest Management, a strategy now employed by many growers to reduce the risk of insecticide resistance, requires forward planning and monitoring. Improved risk predictions can be used to help growers limit insecticide spraying by targeting high‐risk regions and/or periods. Within Australia, autumnal aphid flights coincide with the critical risk period for virus infestations in canola. In this study, we used an extensive database accumulated from 6 years of surveys collected from more than 200 canola fields across southern Australia with supervised machine learning models to predict aphid movements in autumn‐early winter as a function of environmental factors. We found: (i) our models achieve very high predictive accuracy when validated on untrained data; (ii) aphid movements are influenced by a combination of daily temperature and wind regimes as well as ‘green bridge’ effects mediated by summer rainfall patterns; and (iii) higher aphid capture rates in sticky traps are correlated with a higher probability of the aphids being carriers of turnip yellows virus. Taken together these results suggest that growers can use the outputs from predictive models to forecast aphid outbreaks in the early growing season and derive useful rules of thumb around the environmental conditions during which canola crops are at a greater risk of turnip yellows virus transmission.
Increased cancer incidence and mortality among people with opioid use‐related disorders: A nation‐wide cohort study
Authors: Kostovski Emil , Hamina Aleksi , Hjellvik Vidar , Clausen Thomas , Skurtveit Svetlana
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Studies on cancer incidence and mortality among people with opioid use‐related disorders are lacking. We aimed to measure cancer‐specific incidence, mortality and survival among people diagnosed with opioid use‐related disorders in Norway during 2010–18.

Design and setting

This was a cohort study conducted in Norway during 2010–18.

Participants

Individuals (n = 20 710) diagnosed with opioid use‐related disorders.

Measurements

We conducted a cohort study utilizing a data‐linkage of national health and population registers. Information on opioid use‐related disorders was extracted from specialized healthcare, malignancies from the Cancer Registry of Norway and deaths from Cause of Death Registry. Cancer incidence and mortality were compared with the general population by calculating sex‐specific age‐standardized incidence (SIR) and mortality (SMR) ratios. One‐year survival rates were computed.

Findings

Compared with the general population, people with opioid use‐related disorders were at an increased risk of developing cancer overall [SIR = 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–1.3] with a higher than twofold cancer mortality rate (SMR = 2.3, 95% CI = 2.0–2.7). Excess risk was observed for liver (12.6, 95% CI = 9.1–17.0), larynx (4.7, 95% CI = 1.7–10.2), lung (3.5, 95% CI = 2.8–4.3) and pancreas cancer (2.6, 95% CI = 1.6–4.0), whereas reduced risk was found for melanoma (0.5, 95% CI = 0.3–0.9), breast (0.6, 95% CI = 0.4–0.9) and prostate cancers (0.3, 95% CI = 0.1–0.4). Site‐specific SMRs were significantly elevated for liver (12.3, 95% CI = 8.5–17.2), lung (3.9, 95% CI = 3.0–5.0), pancreas (3.0, 95% CI = 1.7–4.8) and colon cancers (1.9, 95% CI = 1.1–3.1). The average 1‐year survival rate after a cancer diagnosis was low in liver, pancreas and colon cancer, ranging from 10 to 15% less than that of the general population.

Conclusions

In Norway, cancer incidence and cancer‐related mortality appear to be elevated among individuals with opioid use‐related disorders.
Response of endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free tall fescue plants to partial submergence at two developmental stages
Authors: Petigrosso Lucas R. , Vignolio Osvaldo R. , Gundel Pedro E. , Monterubbianesi María G. , Assuero Silvia G.
Published: May 2024

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is a perennial C3 grass species usually associated with the endophyte fungus Epichloë coenophiala that enhances tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Given that the proportion of infected tall fescue plants in the grasslands of the Flooding Pampa (Argentina) has been progressively increasing, it is proposed that endophytes confer tolerance to the stresses characteristic of that environment, especially flooding. Plants from a naturalized population and a commercial cultivar were grown, both with and without endophyte (wild type and AR584 respectively). The plants were subjected to two submergence treatments (i.e., control and partial submergence) in two development stages (5‐leaf stage and beginning of the elongation of internodes). Plant performance (aerial and root biomass, root aerenchyma formation, total root length and root diameter, proportion of reproductive tillers, number of panicles and seeds produced) and endophyte transmission to progeny were evaluated. Endophytes did not alter the ecological fitness of plants under partial submergence. Independently of the water condition, the symbiosis was linked to low biomass in plants from the naturalized population, while the opposite occurred in plants from the cultivar. Partial submergence did not affect the germination of the seeds produced, nor the transmission of the endophyte to the seedlings that originated from them. Our work suggests that the invasion ability of tall fescue in the Flooding Pampa grasslands is not related to an endophyte‐mediated improvement of plants to tolerate water excess.
In vitro study of structural and chemical changes in two reciprocating files after multiple reuses and sterilisation
Authors: Marim Amanda Zambaldi , Bueno Carlos Eduardo da Silveira , Stringheta Carolina Pessoa , Pelegrine Rina Andrea , De Martin Alexandre Sigrist , Rocha Daniel Guimarães Pedro , Nascimento Wayne Martins , Limoeiro Ana Grasiela , Fontana Carlos Eduardo
Published: May 2024

To use scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy to evaluate the metallurgical‐chemical changes of WaveOne Gold (WOG) and R‐Motion (RM), after multiple uses. The instruments were divided into groups (n = 8): WOG and RM—control groups, new instruments; WOG1 and RM1; WOG2 and RM2; WOG3 and RM3 after instrumentation of 1, 2 or 3 molars, respectively. Burrs occurred mainly in the control group and after the first use. The RM files were found to have a higher nickel content, which increased during reuse, and a decrease in oxygen content with increasing reuse, in addition to calcium impregnation, which occurred in greater amounts in the corrosion areas in the WOG files. The presence of topographic and chemical changes was demonstrated, indicating that caution should be taken when reusing endodontic instruments to avoid fractures.
Cross‐sectional burden‐of‐illness study in atopic dermatitis (MEASURE‐AD) in Australia and New Zealand reveals impacts on well‐being
Authors: Rademaker Marius , Jarrett Paul , Murrell Dedee F. , Sinclair Rodney D. , Pasfield Lauren , Poppelwell David , Shumack Stephen
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To describe disease burden in individuals with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) and compare it with other geographic regions.

Methods

This multicentre, cross‐sectional, observational study (MEASURE‐AD) recruited consecutive adolescent and adult patients attending dermatology clinics in 28 countries. Data collected included scores of pruritus, disease severity, sleep, pain, disease control, work and quality of life.

Results

This study included 112 ANZ participants (Australia n = 72; New Zealand n = 40) from December 2019 to December 2020. Treatments included topicals (85.7% of patients), non‐biologic systemic therapy (28.6%), phototherapy (9.8%) and dupilumab (4.5%). Mean Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score was 22.3 (95% CI 19.6–25.0) and Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measurement (POEM) score was 18.4 (95% CI 16.8–20.0). Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was 6.0 (95% CI 5.5–6.6) (50% had severe pruritus) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) 14.3 (95% CI 12.8–15.8). ADerm‐Impact sleep domain score was 15.1 (95% CI 13.2–16.9). ADerm‐Symptom Scale worst skin pain domain score was 5.0 (95% CI 4.3–5.6). Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) percentages indicated work and productivity impairment. Inadequately controlled AD was self‐reported by 41%, with 9.7 flares in the past 6 months. Scores of pruritus, disease severity, sleep, pain, disease control and quality of life in ANZ were often the highest of all the geographic regions studied.

Conclusion

ANZ patients with AD have a high disease burden, which extends across multiple facets of daily life. Many are inadequately controlled with existing therapies.
Empowering change: The crucial role of civil society in climate change mitigation
Authors: Angel P. A. Shilpa
Published: May 2024

Climate change mitigation is a global imperative, necessitating multifaceted efforts from various sectors. This paper digs into civil society's critical role in mitigating climate change, focusing on the ways that civil society organizations empower communities, advocate for policy reforms, and implement grassroots projects. The goal of this study is to thoroughly examine civil society's various contributions to climate change mitigation and provide conclusions that can guide more effective collaboration strategies. The study's fundamental research topic is the need to understand the exact mechanisms by which civil society plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation. This includes their involvement in community empowerment, public awareness campaigns, legislative advocacy, and the of sustained programs. The study intends to offer light on the particular characteristics of civil society in stimulating climate action by exploring these aspects. This study adopts a mixed‐methods approach in its methodology in Ernakulam district, Kerala. It entails doing a qualitative analysis of case studies to examine the numerous ways in which civil society organizations work to mitigate climate change. Quantitative data are also collected to analyze the impact of their activities on policy reforms, community participation, and climate resilience. Civil society encourages communities to take ownership of climate action through education, capacity‐building, and resource allocation, supporting sustainable practices at the grassroots level. The study further demonstrates that civil society plays a significant part in holding the government to account regarding their climate guarantees. Their activities, such as renewable energy projects and sustainable agriculture practices, generate community‐led solutions that help to accomplish global climate targets while additionally enhancing local resilience. Furthermore, civil society promotes collaboration among the commercial sector, governments, and communities, leading to a more inclusive approach to climate change mitigation. These insights may assist policymakers, stakeholders, and civil society organizations develop more effective climate change mitigation strategies, thereby ensuring a sustainable and resilient future.
A decade to wait: Update on the average delay to diagnosis for endometriosis in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Ellis Katherine , Wood Rachael
Published: May 2024

Endometriosis is a common condition with varying delays from symptom onset to diagnosis reported internationally. In New Zealand, the previously accepted average delay to diagnosis was 8.6–8.7 years. An online survey completed by the largest cohort of self‐reported New Zealand‐confirmed endometriosis patients (n = 1024) for the collection of delay to diagnosis was conducted in September and October of 2023. The results revealed an average delay of 9.7 ± 7.1 years overall, with a significantly longer delay in the North Island than in the South. This study identifies potential factors for future research that may influence diagnostic delays in New Zealand.