bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The failure of the United Kingdom’s accounting and fiscal governance
Authors: Heald David , Hodges Ron
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to unravel the puzzle that the United Kingdom’s high-quality government accounting and fiscal architecture is associated with low-quality outcomes, including poor productivity growth, high public debt, public services which do not meet citizen expectations and historically high levels of taxation. It contributes to public sector accounting research in the fields of fiscal transparency and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Miller and Power’s (2013) economization framework and Dunsire’s (1990) concept of collibration to explain why being a global leader in public sector accounting reform and in fiscal and monetary architecture has not protected the UK from weak governance. The intersection of economization’s roles of accounting with modes of government accounting clarifies the puzzle.

Findings

Whereas accruals government accounting contributes to fiscal transparency, this is not a sufficient condition for well-judged policy and its effective application. Collibration is the dominant mechanism for mediation in the fiscally centralized UK, but it has failed to deliver stable outcomes, in part because Parliament is limited in its ability to hold back inappropriate behaviour by the Executive. Subjectivization has disrupted adjudication because governments at all levels resist constraints on their behaviour, with unpredictable and often damaging consequences.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights through the combined lens of economization and modes of government accounting, demonstrating the practical value of this conceptualization. Although some causes for unsatisfactory outcomes are specific to the UK, there are cautions for accounting and fiscal reformers in other countries, such as Member States of the European Union.
Misleading and correcting: characteristics of online misinformation and refutations in China during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Song Ningyuan , Chen Kejun , Peng Jiaer , Zhao Yuehua , Wang Jiaqing
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to uncover the characteristics of both misinformation and refutations as well as the associations between different aspects of misinformation and corresponding ways of rebutting it.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging Hovland's persuasion theory as a research lens and taking data from two Chinese refutation platforms, we characterized the topics of COVID-19-related misinformation and refutations, misinformation communicator, persuasion strategies of misinformation, refutation communicators and refutation strategies based on content analysis. Then, logistic regressions were undertaken to examine how the characteristics of misinformation and refutation strategies interacted.

Findings

The investigation into the association between misinformation and refutations found that distinct refutation strategies are favored when debunking particular types of misinformation and by various kinds of refutation communicators. In addition, several patterns of persuasion strategies were identified.

Research limitations/implications

This study had theoretical and practical implications. It emphasized how misinformation and refutations interacted from the perspective of Hovland's persuasion theory, extending the scope of the existing literature and expanding the classical theory to a new research scenario. In addition, several patterns of persuasion strategies used in misinformation and refutation were detected, which may contribute to the refutation practice and help people become immune to misinformation.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to analyze the relationships between misinformation and refutation strategies. Second, we investigated the persuasion strategies of misinformation and refutations, contributing to the concerning literature. Third, elaborating on Hovland’s persuasion theory, this study proposed a comprehensive framework for analyzing the misinformation and refutations in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A bibliometric review analysing intellectual landscape and mapping emerging themes on green purchase in the past three decades
Authors: Luthra Chhavi , Deshwal Pankaj , Kushwah Shiksha , Gokarn Samir
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the intellectual landscape of green purchase (GP) literature, visualize and analyse the temporal evolution, thematic mapping of emerging and future research themes using a systematic and quantitative literature review approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a bibliometric analysis and examines the bibliometric metadata consisting of 440 studies extracted from the Scopus database for the years 1990–2022 within the GP field.

Findings

The findings based on performance analysis and visualization networks reveal the productivity trend of GP by years, authors, academic relationships, international collaborations, top cited publications, most occurring keywords, existing and emerging themes and temporal theme evolution.

Research limitations/implications

It provides a broader/macro view of the topic and lacks specificity and deeper analysis, which can be addressed in future bibliometric studies.

Practical implications

The integration of topics contributes to the development of the intellectual landscape of the GP research field and suggests thrust areas for future research. The study offers important implications for the academic community to gain a comprehensive and global understanding of green purchasing.

Originality/value

This research is unique as previous studies have not quantitatively compiled and extensively analysed work of these characteristics on the area under study using bibliometrics.
Do employees with high human capital hide knowledge? Exploring mediation and moderation mechanisms
Authors: Kmieciak Roman
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Knowledge hiding in organizations is perceived as counterproductive knowledge behavior that is negatively related to employees creativity and job performance, but positively affect workplace deviance and turnover intention. The extent to which knowledge hiding develops is largely determined by personal characteristics and the work environment. However, there is a lack of research on the relationship between individual intellectual capital and knowledge hiding. This study aims to investigate the underlying mediation and moderation mechanisms of the relationship between individual human capital and knowledge hiding. The study explores the mediating role of pressure of helping others and negative emotions, and the moderating role of perceived organizational politics.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected in two waves, in January and February 2024, from 424 Polish employees with high intellectual capital. Partial least squares path modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Individual human capital is positively related to the pressure of helping others and negatively related to negative emotions. Pressure of helping others mediates the relationship between individual human capital and knowledge hiding. Contrary to expectations, negative emotions do not mediate the relationship between the pressure of helping others and knowledge hiding. The interaction of individual human capital and perceived organizational politics is positively related to knowledge hiding.

Practical implications

To decrease knowledge hiding, managers should promote meritocracy in the organization and reduce employees’ behaviors that are selfish and based on political games. Employees with high human capital should be provided with support to relieve the pressure of helping others and the negative emotions which are associated with the pressure of helping others.

Originality/value

Based on psychological ownership and reactance theories, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to explore the relationships between individual human capital and knowledge hiding.
Facets of drug trafficking in Manipur, a border state of India: volumes, ethnicity and value
Authors: Sharma Hanjabam Isworchandra , Hanjabam Shukhdeba Sharma
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Drug trafficking in the tiny state of Manipur, located in the northeastern part of India bordering Myanmar, has drawn attention from all over the globe looking at the scale and varieties of drugs trafficked, ranging from plant-based opiates to synthetic-based amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). Moreover, drug trafficking in the region also comes with many socio-political dynamics such as high per-capita drug consumption, local drug manufacturing units, terror funding from drug money, politician–drug lord nexus, police–peddler nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on data from the years 2007 to 2023 accessed from the Narcotics and Affairs of Borders, a specialized branch of Manipur Police, Government of Manipur. The study also tries to estimate the state’s drug economy using the Financial Action Task Force and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methodology.

Findings

The study finds seizure of a massive cache of heroin/brown sugar, and ATS in the past 4–5 years. The study also finds large-scale destruction of poppy plants in the state. The study also finds a high percentage of ethnic minority communities involved in drug trafficking. The study found the value amounting to US$62m in 2022. The study also comes across low conviction rates of drug traffickers in the state.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes the need for expediting the War on Drugs campaign in the state curtailing poppy cultivation and conviction of drug lords so that the nerve center of terror funding in India’s eastern front is kept under control.
Stochastic modeling and availability optimization of reverse osmosis water purification system using metaheuristic algorithms
Authors: Saini Monika , Kumar Naveen , Sinwar Deepak , Kumar Ashish
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The main objective of the present investigation is to develop a novel efficient stochastic model for availability optimization of reverse osmosis machine system (ROMS) for water purification under the concepts of exponentially distributed decision variables and various redundancy strategies at the component level.

Design/methodology/approach

ROMS is a complex framework configured in a series structure using six subsystems. Initially, a state transition diagram is developed and Chapman–Kolmogorov differential-difference equations are derived using Markov birth death process. The steady-state availability of the ROMS is derived for a particular case. The impact of variation in failure and repair rates measured on availability. Furthermore, an effort is made to predict the optimal availability of the ROMS system using the metaheuristic algorithms, namely, dragonfly algorithm (DA), grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) and whale optimization algorithm (WOA).

Findings

It is observed that the ROMS system predicts optimal availability of 0.999926 after five iterations with a population size of 300 by the WOA. The findings of this study are significant for reliability engineers as well as for maintenance engineers to ensure the availability of ROMS for water purification.

Originality/value

In the present investigation, a novel stochastic model is developed for ROMS, and metaheuristics algorithms are applied to predict the optimal availability.
An integrated decision-making model for green supplier selection based on AIOWA-CRITIC and CPT-TOPSIS: a case study of China
Authors: Zhao Hui , Lu Chen , Wang Simeng
Published: September 2024

Purpose

As environmental protection and sustainable development become more widely recognized, greater emphasis has been placed on the significance of green supplier selection (GSS), which can support businesses both upstream and downstream in enhancing their environmental performance while preserving their strategic competitiveness. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a new framework to study GSS.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, this paper establishes a GSS evaluation criteria system including product competitiveness, green performance, quality of service and enterprise social responsibility. Secondly, based on the spherical fuzzy sets (SFSs), the Average Induction Ordered Weighted Averaging Operator-Criteria Importance Through Inter Criteria Correlation (AIOWA-CRITIC) method is used to determine the subjective and objective weights and the combination of weights are determined by game theory. In addition, the GSS framework is constructed by the Cumulative Prospect Theory-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (CPT-TOPSIS) method. Finally, the validity and robustness of the framework is verified through sensitivity comparative and ablation analysis.

Findings

The results show that Y3 is the most promising green supplier in China. This study provides a feasible guidance for GSS, which is important for the greening process of the whole supply chain.

Originality/value

Under spherical fuzzy sets, AIOWA and CRITIC are used to determine weights of indicators. CPT and TOPSIS are combined to construct a decision model, considering the ambiguity and uncertainty of information and the risk attitudes of decision-makers.
Foreign direct investment and export expansion: political connection and innovative performance
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhao Jing , Yang Young Soo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigates two internationalization strategies, foreign direct investment (FDI) expansion and export expansion, and their effects on the innovation performance of Chinese multinational enterprises (MNEs). Additionally, it explores the moderating roles of both formal and informal political connections in the relationship between these internationalization strategies and innovation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses were tested using the Poisson panel model and data on 2,106 observations from 645 Chinese-listed firms between 2010 and 2017.

Findings

FDI expansion significantly enhances the innovation performance of Chinese MNEs compared to export expansion. Moreover, formal and informal political connections are found to have distinct moderating effects: formal political connections amplify the positive effect of FDI expansion on firm innovation, whereas informal political connections tend to weaken it.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the discourse on innovation and political connections, especially in the context of EMNEs. It enriches the theoretical understanding of internationalization strategies and innovation performance in EMEs, contrasting with the technology-utilization motives observed in MNEs from developed economies.
Understanding the impact of government social media on citizens’ unverified information avoidance behavior during health crises: the health belief model
Authors: Dong Xueyan , Tang Zhenya , Wang Houcai
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Unverified information avoidance behavior refers to the conscious effort made by individuals to avoid consuming information that has not been verified by credible sources. This behavior is essential in preventing the spread of misinformation that can hinder effective public health responses. While previous studies have examined information avoidance behavior in general, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on the avoidance of unverified information during health crises. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring factors that lead to social media users’ unverified information avoidance behavior during health crises, providing novel insights into the determinants of this protective behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

We based our research model on the health belief model and validated it using data collected from 424 individuals who use social media. The proposed model was tested by using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Findings

Our results indicate that individuals’ government social media participation (following accounts and joining groups) affects their health beliefs (perceived severity and benefits of information avoidance), which in turn trigger their unverified information avoidance behavior.

Originality/value

Our study contributes to the current literature of social media crisis management and information avoidance behavior. The implications of these findings for policymakers, social media platforms and theory are further discussed.
Influence of mobile application service quality and convenience on young customer retention
Authors: Huma Sehrish , Ahmed Waqar , Ikram Minhaj , Najmi Arsalan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Given the rising popularity of mobile commerce among young consumers, this study aims to examine the effect of mobile applications service quality (MASQ), service convenience (SERCON) and satisfaction contributing to the retention of young consumers towards mobile applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were collected from 213 active online young smartphone users who have used mobile apps for shopping through a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that both MASQ and SERCON strongly support satisfaction, which leads to the retention of young customers.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few relevant pieces of research that would benefit mretailers encompassing mobile commerce applications to improve their MASQ and SERCON with cutthroat competition in gaining and retaining young customers for shopping through smartphone applications.
Association of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with waist circumference: A bidirectional two‐sample Mendelian randomization study of HS with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Wang Huaiyu , Wu Baofeng , Luo Min , Han Yue , Chen Jinhua , Liu Jingjing , Lin Lihang , Xiao Xuemin
Published: September 2024

Observational studies have suggested an associations between hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. However, it remains unclear whether the relationship is causal or not. Our study aimed to investigate the causal association of HS with MetS and its components. We performed a bidirectional, two‐sample Mendelian randomization study using summary‐level data from the most comprehensive genome‐wide association studies of HS (n = 362 071), MetS (n = 291 107), waist circumference (n = 462 166), hypertension (n = 463 010) fasting blood glucose (FBG, n = 200 622), triglycerides (n = 441 016), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C, n = 403 943). Genetic instrumental variables were constructed by identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the corresponding factors. The random‐effects inverse‐variance weighted method was applied as the primary method. The results showed that genetically predicted HS was positively associated with waist circumference risk in both directions. High waist circumference increased the risk of HS (odds ratio [OR] 4.147; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.610–6.590; p = 1.746 × 10−9). In addition, HS was also affected by waist circumference (OR 1.009; 95% CI 1.006–1.012; p = 3.08 × 10−7). No causal relationships were found between HS and MetS or its components other than waist circumference. The findings highlight the importance of early intervention for obesity in HS patients. Further studies are needed to determine the pathophysiology of HS associated with MetS and its components.
Stories behind numbers: Symbols in underground lottery gambling in Vietnam
Authors: Thu Le Hoang Anh
Published: September 2024

This article explores the symbolic significance of numbers in Vietnam's underground lottery game, đề, based on ethnographic fieldwork in Ho Chi Minh City. It investigates how players interpret everyday events and dreams through numbers, creating a unique blend of personal and cultural symbolism. These number symbols function both publicly within the game's subculture and personally, resonating with broader anthropological discussions on the role of symbols in life narratives and cultural performances. By attaching numerical significance to mundane occurrences, players gain a sense of agency and foster shared cultural understanding. The article situates the lottery game within the broader context of Vietnamese culture, emphasizing the crucial role of numbers in daily life and calling for further exploration of numerical practices in Vietnamese society.
Increased nest temperature during winter does not affect residual yolk metabolism of hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta)
Authors: WARNER Daniel A. , MITCHELL Timothy S. , JANZEN Fredric J.
Published: September 2024

Rising global temperatures have a wide range of effects at organismal, population, and ecosystem levels. Increased winter temperatures are expected to alter the energetics of species that are dormant during this time. Hatchling painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) spend their first ∼8 months in shallow nests on land, where they putatively rely on residual yolk reserves to fuel energetic demands during this period of inactivity before they emerge in the spring. We performed a laboratory experiment to characterize changes in residual yolk quantity in hatchling C. picta and experimentally tested the effect of temperature on residual yolk, hatchling size, and survival over the winter brumation period. We manipulated winter nest temperature by simulating two natural thermal regimes (“low” vs “high” treatments) and one regime that approximates warmer temperatures expected by 2100 (“future” treatment). Because high temperature increases metabolism, we predicted that the future temperature treatment would decrease the amount of residual yolk remaining by the end of winter and reduce hatchling mass and survival. Residual yolk over winter did not differ from that before winter, and the temperature had no effect on the quantity of residual yolk or hatchling survival by the following spring. However, hatchlings that experienced future temperatures lost more mass over winter than those from the other treatments. These results correspond with previous work indicating that residual yolk does not fuel the energetic needs of hatchlings during winter. The effect of future warming temperatures on body mass may have negative consequences during energetically demanding activities during spring emergence and dispersal.
Analysis of the senescence‐associated cell surfaceome reveals potential senotherapeutic targets
Authors: Deng Yushuang , Liu Ting , Scifo Enzo , Li Tao , Xie Kan , Taschler Bernd , Morsy Sarah , Schaaf Kristina , Ehninger Armin , Bano Daniele , Ehninger Dan
Published: September 2024

The accumulation of senescent cells is thought to play a crucial role in aging‐associated physiological decline and the pathogenesis of various age‐related pathologies. Targeting senescence‐associated cell surface molecules through immunotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for the selective removal of these cells. Despite its potential, a thorough characterization of senescence‐specific surface proteins remains to be achieved. Our study addresses this gap by conducting an extensive analysis of the cell surface proteome, or “surfaceome”, in senescent cells, spanning various senescence induction regimes and encompassing both murine and human cell types. Utilizing quantitative mass spectrometry, we investigated enriched cell surface proteins across eight distinct models of senescence. Our results uncover significant changes in surfaceome expression profiles during senescence, highlighting extensive modifications in cell mechanics and extracellular matrix remodeling. Our research also reveals substantive heterogeneity of senescence, predominantly influenced by cell type and senescence inducer. A key discovery of our study is the identification of four unique cell surface proteins with extracellular epitopes. These proteins are expressed in senescent cells, absent or present at low levels in their proliferating counterparts, and notably upregulated in tissues from aged mice and an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. These proteins stand out as promising candidates for senotherapeutic targeting, offering potential pathways for the detection and strategic targeting of senescent cell populations in aging and age‐related diseases.
ZFAT (isoform‐specific) and its antisense RNA 1 (ZFAT‐AS1) are two allele‐specific monoallelically expressed genes in cattle
Authors: Zhang Yinjiao , Zheng Yunchang , Yu Wenli , Yang Lidan , Zhang Cui , Li Shujing , Li Shijie
Published: September 2024

In mammals, imprinted genes are characterised by a monoallelic expression, which is based on parental origin and is essential for both foetal and placental development. The ZFAT gene encodes a transcriptional factor, and its non‐coding antisense RNA, ZFAT‐AS1, overlaps with the ZFAT locus. Both ZFAT and ZFAT‐AS1 are maternally imprinted in human placentas. In bovines, the imprinting status of the ZFAT and ZFAT‐AS1 genes has yet to be reported. In this study, we analysed the allelic expression of three transcript variants (X1–X3) of the bovine ZFAT and ZFAT‐AS1 genes in somatic tissues and placentas using a single nucleotide polymorphism‐based method. The results showed that bovine ZFAT exhibited isoform‐specific paternal expression. The ZFAT X2 variant exhibited monoallelic expression in the bovine placentas and biallelic expression in the six bovine somatic tissues (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and brain). However, the ZFAT X1 and X3 variants were biallelically expressed in both bovine tissues and placentas. A 311 bp bovine ZFAT‐AS1 complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence was obtained by aligning the human ZFAT‐AS1 cDNA sequence with the bovine genome and conducting reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification. Bovine ZFAT‐AS1 have monoallelic expression in bovine placentas and somatic tissues. In addition, the DNA methylation of two regions was characterised, including the partial promoter, and exon 1 and intron 1 regions of ZFAT, and there were no differentially methylated regions.
People have different expectations for their own versus others' use of AI‐mediated communication tools
Authors: Purcell Zoe A. , Dong Mengchen , Nussberger Anne‐Marie , Köbis Nils , Jakesch Maurice
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human communication, for example, by improving the quality of our writing, voice or appearance. However, AI mediated communication also has risks—it may increase deception, compromise authenticity or yield widespread mistrust. As a result, both policymakers and technology firms are developing approaches to prevent and reduce potentially unacceptable uses of AI communication technologies. However, we do not yet know what people believe is acceptable or what their expectations are regarding usage. Drawing on normative psychology theories, we examine people's judgements of the acceptability of open and secret AI use, as well as people's expectations of their own and others' use. In two studies with representative samples (Study 1: N = 477; Study 2: N = 765), we find that people are less accepting of secret than open AI use in communication, but only when directly compared. Our results also suggest that people believe others will use AI communication tools more than they would themselves and that people do not expect others' use to align with their expectations of what is acceptable. While much attention has been focused on transparency measures, our results suggest that self‐other differences are a central factor for understanding people's attitudes and expectations for AI‐mediated communication.
Congenital cytomegalovirus and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Alkoby‐Meshulam Layah , Amir Jacob , Lubin Daniel , Klinger Gil , Guttesman Giora , Zangen Samuel , Bilavsky Efraim
Published: September 2024

Lung involvement in children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection has been scarcely described. We describe three new cases of persistent pulmonary hypertension in children with congenital cytomegalovirus and review the other seven cases reported in the literature since 1988. All children had a symptomatic infection, including severe central nervous system or visceral findings. Morbidity and mortality were high. Persistent pulmonary hypertension may be a rare complication in severely symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infants. It is important to screen for congenital cytomegalovirus in cases of idiopathic refractory persistent pulmonary hypertension. Intensive treatment should be undertaken to treat this potentially rare lung involvement in combination with antiviral treatment.
Therapeutic inertia in obesity management among people living with obesity from the perspective of general/family practitioners in Canada: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Lau David C. W. , Patton Ian , Lavji Reena , Belloum Adel , Ng Ginnie , Modi Renuca
Published: September 2024

This mixed‐methods study aimed to explore factors contributing to therapeutic inertia among people living with obesity in Canada from the perspective of general/family practitioners (GP/FPs). One‐on‐one interviews and online surveys guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework were conducted. A total of 20 general/family practitioners were interviewed and 200 general/family practitioners were surveyed. Key findings from interviews were used to guide the development of the survey. Spearman's correlation analysis evaluated the association between general/family practitioners theme domain scores and their familiarity with the 2020 Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines. The 200 general/family practitioners surveyed provided representation across Canada, with diversity in age, background, and gender. The most prominent domains related to therapeutic inertia that were positively influenced by familiarity with Clinical Practice Guidelines were Beliefs about Capabilities (rs = .27; p < .01), Skills (rs = .23; p < .01), Behavioural Regulation (rs = .24; p < .01) and Emotions (rs = .23; p < .01). Irrespective of their familiarity with Clinical Practice Guidelines, most general/family practitioners reported that environmental and contextual barriers impact obesity management. Particularly, while financial barriers were reported by participants regardless of Clinical Practice Guidelines familiarity, general/family practitioners familiar with Clinical Practice Guidelines more often reported having time to discuss obesity management with patients. This study identified perceptions, resource and training considerations that contribute to healthcare decision‐making and therapeutic inertia in obesity management among general/family practitioners and highlighted key areas to target with interventions in primary care to facilitate obesity management, which should be multi‐faceted, with a focus on incorporating obesity education into healthcare providers training programs and improving systemic and financial support.
A primer for the practice of reflexivity in conservation science
Authors: Kaechele Nicole , Beveridge Rachelle , Adams Megan , Boyce Paul , Artelle Kyle
Published: September 2024

Rigorous scientific practice relies on the tenet of transparency. However, despite regular transparency in areas such as data availability and methodological practice, the influence of personal and professional values in research design and dissemination is often not disclosed or discussed in conservation science. Conservation scientists are increasingly driven to work in collaboration with communities where their work takes place, which raises important questions about the research process, especially as the field remains largely represented by a Western scientific worldview. The process of reflexivity, and the creation of positionality statements as one form of a reflexive practice, is an important component of transparency, rigor, and best practice in contemporary conservation science. In our own professional practices, however, we have found that guidance on how to produce positionality statements and maintain reflexivity throughout the lifecycle of research is too often lacking. In response, we build on existing literature and our own experience to offer a primer as a starting point to the practice of reflexivity. Rather than being prescriptive, we seek to demonstrate flexible approaches that researchers may consider when communicating reflexive practice to enhance research transparency. We explore the challenges and potential pitfalls in a reflexive practice and offer considerations and advice based on our collective professional experience.
Mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers in the causal effect of body composition on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fu Liwan , Cheng Hong , Xiong Jingfan , Xiao Pei , Shan Xinying , Li Yanyan , Li Yan , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Mi Jie
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim was to investigate the mediating role of inflammatory biomarkers in the causal effect of body composition on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A retrospective observational study and a Mendelian randomization (MR) study were used. Observational analyses were performed using data from 4717 Chinese children and adolescents aged 6–18 years who underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for body composition. MR analyses were based on summary statistics from UK Biobank, deCODE2021, Meta‐Analysis of Glucose and Insulin‐Related Traits Consortium (MAGIC) and other large consortiums. Inflammatory biomarkers included leptin, adiponectin, osteocalcin, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Results

In a retrospective observational study, increased fat mass had a positive effect on homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and homeostasis model assessment of pancreatic beta cell function (HOMA‐β) through FGF23, whereas fat‐free mass produced the opposite effects. PTH and osteocalcin played significant roles in the association of fat mass and fat‐free mass with fasting glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR (all p < 0.05). Mediation MR results indicated that childhood body mass index affected glycaemic traits through leptin and adiponectin. There existed a causal effect of fat‐free mass on type 2 diabetes via FGF23 (indirect effect: OR [odds ratio]: 1.14 [95% CI, confidence interval: 1.01–1.28]) and adiponectin (OR: 0.85 [95% CI: 0.77–0.93]). Leptin mediated the causal association of fat mass (indirect effect: β: −0.05 [95% CI: −0.07, −0.02]) and fat‐free mass (β: 0.03 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.04]) with fasting glucose.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that different body compositions have differential influences on glycaemic traits and type 2 diabetes through distinct inflammatory biomarkers. The findings may be helpful in tailoring management of body composition based on inflammatory biomarkers with different glycaemic statuses.
Lethal and sublethal effects of calcium carbonate formulation against fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Hidayat Yusup , Octaviani Widya Salsabila , Meliansyah Rika , Sudarjat  , Maharani Yani , Dono Danar , Ang Gurion
Published: September 2024

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an important insect pest of maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae). The use of synthetic insecticides to control this pest remains the most popular option amongst growers. Natural insecticides offer a safer alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling FAW. This study aimed to investigate the lethal and sublethal effects of a calcium carbonate formulation against this invasive insect pest. The tested formulation was a mixture of calcium carbonate (five concentrations), wetting agent and dispersant agent. Four experiments were conducted including a direct contact test, a no‐choice feeding test, a choice feeding test and an oviposition test. The application of the calcium carbonate formulation on maize leaves had a strong anti‐oviposition effect for adult female FAW, but a low‐to‐moderate antifeedant effect on FAW larvae. The growth and development of FAW larvae were only slightly affected by the calcium carbonate formulation in the feeding and the direct contact tests. The lethal effects of the calcium carbonate formulation against FAW larvae were low in direct contact and feeding tests. These results indicate that a calcium carbonate formulation has the potential to be used as the push component in a push–pull strategy for FAW control. Considering its low toxicity, both through direct contact and feeding, calcium carbonate can be an environmentally friendly alternative for the management of FAW.
Low moisture texturised protein from sunflower press cake
Authors: Morejón Caraballo Sophie , Fischer Simon Vincent , Masztalerz Klaudia , Lech Krzysztof , Rohm Harald , Struck Susanne
Published: September 2024

The aim of the present study was to texturise protein from sunflower press cake (SPC) for being consumed as dry snack or, in its hydrated state, as a meat analogue. In preliminary experiments, feed moisture (15–25 g 100 g−1) and extrusion temperature (180 °C–200 °C) were varied when processing commercial sunflower protein flour with a protein content of 51.8 g per 100 g dry matter using low moisture single‐screw extrusion. The extrudates were analysed with regard to specific mechanical energy needs, texture properties in dry and hydrated state, colour, expansion ratio and water binding capacity. Extrusion parameters for achieving maximum expansion, textural force and minimal product moisture were found to be 180 °C and 15 g 100 g−1. Consequently, texturised protein was derived from deoiled SPC using these extrusion parameters. Initial deoiling of the press cake was necessary as it improved texturisation; a higher SME input reached led to increased cross‐linking of the protein matrix. The light coloured and significantly expanded extrudates with high water binding capacity and could serve as basis for further development of snack products or meat analogues.
Dismissal protection and long‐term sickness absence: Evidence from a policy change
Authors: Gürtzgen Nicole , Hiesinger Karolin
Published: September 2024

This paper studies whether a decline in employment protection reduces workers' long‐term sickness absences (of >6 weeks). We exploit exogenous variation from a German policy change that shifted the threshold exempting small establishments from dismissal protection from 5 to 10 workers. Using German register data, we find that the reform significantly reduced employees' transitions into long‐term sickness during their second year after being hired. This response is due to a behavioral rather than a compositional effect and is particularly pronounced among the medium‐skilled and younger males. Further results indicate that the reform did not alter the probability of involuntary unemployment after sickness.
Enhancing experiential science learning with virtual labs: A narrative account of merits, challenges, and implementation strategies
Authors: Reyes Ronald L. , Isleta Kristina P. , Regala Jennifer D. , Bialba Daisy Mae R.
Published: September 2024

Background

The adoption of virtual laboratories (VLs) has experienced a significant surge, catalysed by the global changes in the educational landscape, notably influenced by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Originally supplementary to traditional in‐person laboratory experiments, VLs swiftly transitioned into a primary source of hands‐on laboratory activities for educational institutions worldwide during the pandemic. As restrictions have eased, virtual, computer‐assisted learning platforms continue to be used, though now as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, hands‐on experimentation opportunities. However, their adoption presents both opportunities and challenges that require thorough investigation to maximize their effectiveness and equity.

Objectives

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of VL resources utilized across various scientific disciplines. It evaluates their potential to enhance traditional hands‐on laboratory activities and examines the efficacy of computer‐assisted learning platforms from a constructivist learning perspective. By doing so, the study seeks to identify best practices, challenges, and strategies for the effective integration of VLs in science education.

Methods

A content analysis was conducted on literature published from 2013 to 2023, focusing on VLs in educational settings. Thematic analysis was employed to categorize the findings into three primary pillars: Merits, Challenges, and Implementation Strategies. Multiple researchers participated in the analysis to ensure reliability and consistency. To further enhance reliability, regular cross‐checks and consensus meetings were held to resolve any discrepancies and maintain the integrity of the thematic categorization. A constructivist learning perspective was used to analyse the instructional implications, focusing on active learning to evaluate alignment with educational goals, adapted teaching methods, and assessments.

Results and Conclusions

The analysis revealed that VLs offer significant benefits, including enhanced accessibility, flexibility, and opportunities for active learning. Virtual labs provide scalable, safe opportunities for inquiry‐based science learning by replicating experiments in an accessible digital environment, enhancing understanding of scientific concepts based on research demonstrations of improved learning outcomes. However, challenges such as high initial setup costs, technological barriers, and the need for effective integration with traditional curricula were also identified. Despite these challenges, VLs have the potential to complement and enhance hands‐on laboratory experiences, provided they are implemented thoughtfully and equitably. Future research should focus on improving the efficacy, accessibility, collaboration among stakeholders, and economic feasibility of VLs to maximize their educational impact.
Advances in image‐based diagnosis of nail disorders
Authors: Sechi Andrea , Wortsman Ximena , Tosti Antonella , Iorizzo Matilde
Published: September 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of image‐based techniques, particularly focusing on their applications and advancements in the context of nail disorders. Nowadays, high‐resolution digital cameras and dermoscopes enable dermatologists to capture detailed images of nail abnormalities, facilitating early diagnosis and meticulous tracking of disease progression. Onychoscopy is now a routine technique with well‐known criteria for the diagnosis, but recent developments allow us to visualize certain diseases better. Imaging modalities like high‐frequency ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy are being increasingly adopted for their superior diagnostic capabilities. These techniques are described in their technology, scanning protocols, normal findings, advantages and limitations. Moreover, the integration of technology in patient education has fostered a more informed patient population, capable of actively participating in their disease monitoring and treatment regimens. Proper training, validation, regulation and ethical considerations are, however, essential when integrating technology into healthcare practices. Imaging technologies that present the potential to add critical anatomical information to clinical diagnoses within reasonable costs and are available worldwide are the ones that will probably be used the most.
Eyeing DNA barcoding for species identification of fish larvae
Authors: Chan Wan Wen Rochelle , Chang Jia Jin Marc , Tan Charles Zhiming , Ng Jie Xin , Ng Matthew Hui‐Chieh , Jaafar Zeehan , Huang Danwei
Published: September 2024

Identification of fish larvae based on morphology is typically limited to higher taxonomic ranks (e.g., family or order), as larvae possess few morphological diagnostic characters for precise discrimination to species. When many samples are presented at any one time, the use of morphology to identify such specimens can be laborious and time‐consuming. Using a reverse workflow for specimen sorting and identification leveraging high‐throughput DNA sequencing, thousands of fish larvae can be DNA barcoded and sorted into molecular operational taxonomic units (mOTUs) in a single sequencing run with the nanopore sequencing technology (e.g., MinION). This process reduces the time and financial costs of morphology‐based sorting and instead deploys experienced taxonomists for species taxonomic work where they are needed most. In this study, a total of 3022 fish larval specimens from plankton tows across four sites in Singapore were collected and sorted based on this workflow. Eye tissue from individual samples was used for DNA extraction and sequencing of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I. We generated a total of 2746 barcodes after quality filtering (90.9% barcoding success), identified 2067 DNA barcodes (75.3% identification success), and delimited 256 mOTUs (146 genera, 52 families). Our analyses identified specific challenges to species assignment, such as the potential misidentification of publicly available sequences used as reference barcodes. We highlighted how the conservative application and comparison of a local sequence database can help resolve identification conflicts. Overall, this proposed approach enables and expedites taxonomic identification of fish larvae, contributing to the enhancement of reference barcode databases and potentially better understanding of fish connectivity.
Clinical guidance for cannabidiol‐associated hepatotoxicity: A narrative review
Authors: Eadie Lauren , Lo Lindsay A. , Boivin Michael , Deol Jagpaul K. , MacCallum Caroline A.
Published: September 2024

There is increasing evidence that cannabidiol (CBD) use is associated with clinically significant liver enzyme (LE) elevations and drug‐induced liver injury (DILI). The proportion of LE elevations and DILI events reported in the literature meet the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences' (CIOMS) classification of a common adverse drug reaction. However, these potential adverse events are unknown to many clinicians and may be overlooked. The increasing use of CBD for both medical and non‐medical use necessitates clear direction in the diagnosis and management of CBD‐associated hepatotoxicity. To our knowledge, no such clinical guidance currently exists. For people presenting with elevated LEs, CBD use should be screened for and be considered in the differential diagnosis. This narrative review will provide clinicians with guidance in the prevention, detection, and management of CBD‐related hepatotoxicity.