bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological wellbeing and avoidance strategies as moderators between excessive social media use and academic performance among Indian college students
Authors: Siluvai Antin Mary , George Hesil Jerda , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the negative aspect of social media use among college students in India. A conceptual model showing the relationship between excessive social media use (ESMU) and academic performance of college students has been developed and tested. Further, the moderating role of psychological well-being and avoidance strategies were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey instrument was developed, and data was collected from 557 college students from higher educational institutions in southern India. First, the psychometric properties of the measures were tested using the Lisrel software for covariance-based structural equation modeling. Second, the structural model was tested by using PROCESS macros.

Findings

The results reveal that ESMU is a precursor to anxiety and academic performance. The findings also indicate that anxiety mediates the relationship between ESMU and academic performance. Psychological well-being and avoidance strategies were significant moderators in the relationship between ESMU and anxiety.

Originality/value

The multi-layered conceptual model was developed and tested in the context of a developing country (India) and investigated the effect of ESMU by college students on their academic performance and anxiety. The three-way interaction between psychological well-being (first moderator), avoidance strategies (second moderator) and ESMU influencing academic performance mediated through anxiety is studied in this research. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, such a moderated moderated-mediation in connection with social media use is a unique contribution of this study.
Machine learning for sustainable development: leveraging technology for a greener future
Authors: Kagzi Muneza , Khanra Sayantan , Paul Sanjoy Kumar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

From a technological determinist perspective, machine learning (ML) may significantly contribute towards sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to synthesize prior literature on the role of ML in promoting sustainability and to encourage future inquiries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a systematic review of 110 papers that demonstrate the utilization of ML in the context of sustainable development.

Findings

ML techniques may play a vital role in enabling sustainable development by leveraging data to uncover patterns and facilitate the prediction of various variables, thereby aiding in decision-making processes. Through the synthesis of findings from prior research, it is evident that ML may help in achieving many of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the initial investigations that conducted a comprehensive examination of the literature concerning ML’s contribution to sustainability. The analysis revealed that the research domain is still in its early stages, indicating a need for further exploration.
Audit partners’ gender and time variances of key audit matters
Authors: Bepari Md Khokan , Mollik Abu Taher
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether audit partners’ gender affects the year-to-year changes (year-to-year additions and drops) of key audit matters (KAMs) identified in the audit report. This study also examines whether female audit partners’ audit experiences, accounting education and narcissism reduce the difference in time variances of KAMs reporting between female and male audit partners. This study defines the year-to-year additions and drops of KAMs as the time variance of KAMs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of this study includes the audit reports of Australian Securities Exchange 300 companies for the period from 2017 to 2021. This study also applies the theory of female auditors’ preference for anchoring and availability heuristics. This study uses multivariate regression with robust standard errors clustered by the firms. This study also uses several robustness tests.

Findings

The findings suggest that female audit partners disclose fewer time variant KAMs in that they have a lower tendency both to add new KAMs and to drop old KAMs. Further analysis suggests that the differences between female and male audit partners decrease as the female audit partners’ experience increases or if the female audit partner possesses a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Female audit partners’ narcissism also reduces the gender gap in the time variances of KAMs.

Practical implications

The fact that female audit partners report more stable KAMs implies that there are differences between female and male audit partners in the way audit risk assessments are conducted, audits are planned and professional judgement is applied by female and male audit partners.

Social implications

The findings imply that female audit partners’ experience, accounting education and narcissistic personality can play a significant role in explaining the differences in audit outcomes produced by male and female audit partners.

Originality/value

This study is novel in showing that female audit partners report more stable and less time-variant KAMs. The findings of this study may inform audit firms and regulators that female audit partners’ experience, tertiary qualifications in accounting and narcissistic personality traits may be effective means of reducing the gender gap in auditing. The findings also imply that auditors’ observable and unobservable personality traits affect audit outcomes.
Sustainability and women entrepreneurship through new business models: the case of microfranchises in post-peace agreement Colombia
Authors: Pérez-Morón James , Thoene Ulf , García Alonso Roberto
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the establishment of sustainable microfranchises by women victims of the conflict (WVC) entrepreneurs who suffered the consequences and impacts of the longest-running internal conflict in the Americas. Additionally, this research seeks to underscore the transformative role of women entrepreneurs-for-peace (WE4P) in a post-peace agreement society.

Design/methodology/approach

This study seeks to contribute to theory building on sustainable business models (SBMs) at the base of the pyramid (BoP) theory from a single case study of the Colombian microfranchise TechOil. The theoretical sampling process guided the selection of data sources, which include semi-structured interviews, company and microfranchise donors’ reports, websites and external expert interviews to support the findings. The research adopts a framework of intro-entrepreneurship characteristics, ambiance, organization and sustainability.

Findings

TechOil offers a valuable case study for understanding how the phenomenon of microfranchise as an SBM spills over the BoP and promotes gender equality. The authors also developed a new SBM typology by extending the theory inductively.

Practical implications

The paper highlights WE4P and introduces microfranchises as a new SBM typology, offering insights into policy, practice and societal transformation in post-peace agreement zones.

Originality/value

The issue of WVC entrepreneurs in post-peace agreement settings remains under-reviewed and under-theorized. This study’s originality lies in introducing microfranchises as a new SBM typology, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and women’s roles in sustainable development and addressing the overlooked link between entrepreneurship and peace, contributing to global applicability.
Exploring the soft shades of sustainability: evidence from Italian companies
Authors: Barile Sergio , Vona Roberto , Cosimato Silvia , Iandolo Francesca , Calabrese Mario
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of the public debate in Europe and the world. However, despite this increased interest, research seems to have partially ignored the importance of its social dimension and the issues related to social equity, people care, protection and personal development at all stages of society and, consequently, of business. Accordingly, this paper aims at investigating the “soft” dimensions of sustainability, integrating its mainstream “technical storyline” with a “human/social storyline”.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper a taxonomy of the main key drivers of the soft dimension of sustainability is proposed and tested on a sample of Italian companies. Through interviews with their managers, actions and needs in terms of sustainability soft drivers are identified.

Findings

The achieved results demonstrated that the case companies differently integrated the soft dimensions of sustainability within their companies. All the sample companies are aware of the role of social sustainability. According to the proposed taxonomy, the systemic drivers of soft sustainability are the main shared ones.

Originality/value

The paper provides new insights into the essence of the organizational soft dimensions and their centrality in the overall achievement of sustainability for companies. It also offers managerial insights into how to effectively manage these dimensions and policy implications about the need for clearer consideration.
Dynamic positioning method and precision analysis of marine seismic vertical cables
Authors: Jia Wei , Yuan Yang , Huaishan Liu , Jing Feng , Hongwei Liu , Dong Zhang , Huimin Liu
Published: November 2023

Similar to conventional ocean bottom seismometers and ocean bottom cables, the attitude and position of vertical cables deployed on the seafloor should be calibrated. However, due to the effect of ocean currents, the cable attitude is not stationary. Therefore, a new method for the dynamic repositioning of vertical cables is required. The dynamic repositioning of the hydrophones on vertical cables plays an important role in accurately describing the structure of the stratum and establishing an accurate velocity model. To realize the dynamic positioning of marine vertical cables, the shot lines are divided according to time, the first break time objective equation is established and the receiver position in each time period is obtained using the inversion methods outlined in this work. By analysing the trace spacing, first break time, shot point coordinate accuracy, temporal resolution, shot line spacing and other factors after repositioning, it is found that the first break time pickup accuracy and shot line spacing are the main factors that affect the repositioning accuracy. Furthermore, the resolution is limited by the timing of a single shot line. Additionally, the trace spacing after repositioning is consistent with the actual situation, which verifies the correctness and feasibility of this method.
Microbial communities are indicators of parasite infection status
Authors: Swanson Kyle , Blakeslee April M. H. , Fowler Amy E. , Roozbehi Sara , Field Erin K.
Published: November 2023

Growing evidence suggests that microbiomes have been shaping the evolutionary pathways of macroorganisms for millennia and that these tiny symbionts can influence, and possibly even control, species interactions like host–parasite relationships. Yet, while studies have investigated host–parasites and microbiomes separately, little has been done to understand all three groups synergistically. Here, we collected infected and uninfected Eurypanopeus depressus crab hosts from a coastal North Carolina oyster reef three times over 4 months. Infected crabs demonstrated an external stage of the rhizocephalan parasite, Loxothylacus panopaei. Community analyses revealed that microbial richness and diversity were significantly different among tissue types (uninfected crab, infected crab, parasite externae and parasite larvae) and over time (summer and fall). Specifically, the microbial communities from parasite externae and larvae had similar microbiomes that were consistent through time. Infected crabs demonstrated microbial communities spanning those of their host and parasite, while uninfected crabs showed more distinctive communities with greater variability over time. Microbial communities were also found to be indicators of early‐stage infections. Resolving the microbial community composition of a host and its parasite is an important step in understanding the microbiome's role in the host–parasite relationship and determining how this tripartite relationship impacts coevolutionary processes.
Impact of remittance on economic growth and environmental quality in the purview of energy use, regulatory quality, and financial development
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Rahaman Sk Habibur , Akhtar Tahir
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the asymmetric effects of remittance on economic growth (EG) and environmental quality in the purview of energy use, regulatory quality (REQ), and financial development (FD) in the top 20 remittance‐earning countries. It employs panel data from 1996 to 2020 and utilizes the generalized least square (GLS) estimation and the Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality test. The GLS result shows that remittance inflow has an asymmetric effect on EG as well as environmental quality, validated by a long run asymmetric test. Remittance shocks are beneficial for both EG and maintaining environmental quality in the context of the Environmental Kuznets Curve framework. Energy use; FD, and REQ all positively affect EG, whereas FD, REQ, and gross domestic product (GDP) are favorable for the environment except for energy use. According to a supplemented analysis, remittance and regulatory quality's combined influence on EG and CO2 are favorable, but regulatory quality's impact on the former is detrimental for both models. The results of the GLS estimation are endorsed by the causality analysis, which affirms their reliability. Positive remittance shock and financial development have bidirectional causality with EG, and both shocks of remittance and financial expansion have a two‐way association with CO2 emissions. Only REQ is affected by CO2 emissions. The outcomes have important policy implications for enhancing remittance inflow, ensuring smooth energy availability, a prudential financial system, and improving REQ to influence EG and control CO2 emissions effectively.
Consumer perception of collagen from different sources: An investigation using hedonic scale and check all that apply
Authors: Amyoony Jamal , Gorman Mackenzie , Dabas Tanvi , Moss Rachael , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: November 2023

Consumers are adding collagen powder to their diets for its health benefits. However, few studies have investigated consumer perception of collagens produced from different sources. As such, the objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and sensory properties of commercially available collagen powders (bovine, marine, and mixed). Two different sensory trials were conducted. First, six different collagen powders were mixed with water and evaluated for their sensory properties and acceptability (n = 98; referred to as collagen‐in‐water). In the second trial, the collagen powders were mixed into strawberry smoothies and their sensory properties were assessed (n = 92; referred to as collagen‐in‐smoothie). Both studies used the 9‐point hedonic scale and check all that apply to evaluate the collagen powders. The results indicated that the collagens could be grouped based on their source when evaluated in water and in a smoothie. Also, the aroma and taste of the marine collagens impacted their acceptability and were associated with fishy, sour, bitter, and salty attributes. Overall, collagen that was low in flavor was more acceptable to the participants in this study.

Practical Application

Recently, consumers have begun to purchase collagen powder for its health benefits, specifically its positive effects on skin appearance. Understanding the sensory properties of the different collagens can allow for the ingredients to be incorporated into different food products and help promote consumer purchases. Collagen should be mixed into beverages rather than be consumed in water alone to increase acceptability. Also, marine collagen incorporation into foods should be avoided unless off‐aromas and flavors can be masked by other properties.
Initial treatment of uninsured patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction by facility percutaneous coronary intervention capabilities
Authors: Lin Sara , Shermeyer Andrew , Nikpay Sayeh , Hsia Renee Y. , Ward Michael J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Timely reperfusion is necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Initial care by facilities with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) capabilities reduces time to reperfusion. We sought to examine whether insurance status was associated with initial care at emergency departments (EDs) with PCI capabilities among adult patients with STEMI.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional study using Department of Healthcare Access and Information, a nonpublic statewide database reporting ED visits and hospitalizations in California. We included adults initially arriving at EDs with STEMI by diagnostic code (International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision or 10th Revision) from 2011 to 2019. Multivariable logistic regression modeling included initial care by PCI capable facility as the primary outcome and insurance status (none vs. any) as the primary exposure. Covariates included patient, facility, and temporal factors and we conducted multiple robustness checks.

Results

We analyzed 135,358 eligible visits with STEMI included. In our multivariable model, the odds of uninsured patients being initially treated at a PCI‐capable facility were significantly lower than those of insured patients (adjusted odds ratio 0.62, 95% CI 0.54–0.72, p < 0.001) and was unchanged in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Uninsured patients with STEMI had significantly lower odds of first receiving care at facilities with PCI capabilities. Our results suggest potential disparities in accessing high‐quality and time‐sensitive treatment for uninsured patients with STEMI.
Air pollution, weather, and agricultural worker productivity
Authors: Hill Alexandra E. , Burkhardt Jesse , Bayham Jude , O'Dell Katelyn , Ford Bonne , Fischer Emily V. , Pierce Jeffrey R.
Published: November 2023

Outdoor agricultural workers often work in harsh environmental conditions, including high temperatures and poor air quality. This paper studies how these factors impact worker productivity, which can have implications for worker health, well‐being, and income as well as farm payroll, production, and profitability. Our analysis uses 6 years of payroll records of harvesters on two large farms combined with pollution and weather monitor data from multiple sources. We address simultaneity issues by exploring pollution measurements from nearby upwind and downwind monitors and incorporating an alternative PM2.5measure that better captures ambient or regional concentration. Across all specifications, results suggest that heightened concentrations of ground‐level ozone and PM2.5are associated with reduced productivity. In our main specification, we find that one standard deviation increases in ozone and PM2.5are associated with reductions in productivity of 2% and 1.1%, respectively.
The 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) baseline survey of individual anaesthetists: preparedness for and experiences of peri‐operative cardiac arrest
Authors: Kursumovic E. , Cook T. M. , Lucas D. N. , Davies M. T. , Martin S. , Kane A. D. , Armstrong R. A. , Oglesby F. C. , Cortes L. , Taylor C. , Moppett I. K. , Agarwal S. , Beecham E. , Cordingley J. , Dorey J. , Finney S. J. , Kunst G. , Nickols G. , Mouton R. , Nolan J. P. , Patel B. , Pappachan V. J. , Plaat F. , Scholefield B. R. , Smith J. H. , Varney L. , Wain E. C. , Soar J. ,   collaborators
Published: November 2023

The Royal College of Anaesthetists' 7th National Audit Project baseline survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, practices and experiences of peri‐operative cardiac arrests among UK anaesthetists and Anaesthesia Associates. We received 10,746 responses, representing a 71% response rate. In‐date training in adult and paediatric advanced life support was reported by 9646 (90%) and 7125 (66%) anaesthetists, respectively. There were 8994 (84%) respondents who were confident in leading a peri‐operative cardiac arrest, with males more confident than females, but only 5985 (56%) were confident in leading a debrief and 7340 (68%) communicating with next of kin. In the previous two years, 4806 (46%) respondents had managed at least one peri‐operative cardiac arrest, of which 321 (7%) and 189 (4%) of these events involved a child or an obstetric patient, respectively. Respondents estimated the most common causes of peri‐operative cardiac arrest to be hypovolaemia, hypoxaemia and cardiac ischaemia, with haemorrhage coming fifth. However, the most common reported causes for the most recently attended peri‐operative cardiac arrest were haemorrhage; (927, 20%); anaphylaxis (474, 10%); and cardiac ischaemia (397, 9%). Operating lists or shifts were paused or stopped after 1330 (39%) cardiac arrests and 1693 (38%) respondents attended a debrief, with ‘hot’ debriefs most common. Informal wellbeing support was relatively common (2458, 56%) and formal support was uncommon (472, 11%). An impact on future care delivery was reported by 196 (4%) anaesthetists, most commonly a negative psychological impact. Management of a peri‐operative cardiac arrest during their career was reported by 8654 (85%) respondents. The overall impact on professional life was more often judged positive (2630, 30%) than negative (1961, 23%), but impact on personal life was more often negative.
A quantitative evaluation of aerosol generation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Shrimpton A. J. , Brown V. , Vassallo J. , Nolan J. P. , Soar J. , Hamilton F. , Cook T. M. , Bzdek B. R. , Reid J. P. , Makepeace C. H. , Deutsch J. , Ascione R. , Brown J. M. , Benger J. R. , Pickering A. E.
Published: November 2023

It is unclear if cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an aerosol‐generating procedure and whether this poses a risk of airborne disease transmission to healthcare workers and bystanders. Use of airborne transmission precautions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation may confer rescuer protection but risks patient harm due to delays in commencing treatment. To quantify the risk of respiratory aerosol generation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in humans, we conducted an aerosol monitoring study during out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrests. Exhaled aerosol was recorded using an optical particle sizer spectrometer connected to the breathing system. Aerosol produced during resuscitation was compared with that produced by control participants under general anaesthesia ventilated with an equivalent respiratory pattern to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A porcine cardiac arrest model was used to determine the independent contributions of ventilatory breaths, chest compressions and external cardiac defibrillation to aerosol generation. Time‐series analysis of participants with cardiac arrest (n = 18) demonstrated a repeating waveform of respiratory aerosol that mapped to specific components of resuscitation. Very high peak aerosol concentrations were generated during ventilation of participants with cardiac arrest with median (IQR [range]) 17,926 (5546–59,209 [1523–242,648]) particles.l‐1, which were 24‐fold greater than in control participants under general anaesthesia (744 (309–2106 [23–9099]) particles.l‐1, p < 0.001, n = 16). A substantial rise in aerosol also occurred with cardiac defibrillation and chest compressions. In a complimentary porcine model of cardiac arrest, aerosol recordings showed a strikingly similar profile to the human data. Time‐averaged aerosol concentrations during ventilation were approximately 270‐fold higher than before cardiac arrest (19,410 (2307–41,017 [104–136,025]) vs. 72 (41–136 [23–268]) particles.l‐1, p = 0.008). The porcine model also confirmed that both defibrillation and chest compressions generate high concentrations of aerosol independent of, but synergistic with, ventilation. In conclusion, multiple components of cardiopulmonary resuscitation generate high concentrations of respiratory aerosol. We recommend that airborne transmission precautions are warranted in the setting of high‐risk pathogens, until the airway is secured with an airway device and breathing system with a filter.
Reproduction and parenthood among lesbian couples in China: Legal and ethical perspectives
Authors: Fu Huixian , Zhao Yue
Published: November 2023

In China, neither reproduction and parenthood by lesbian couples nor their marital status are regulated or protected by law. In 2020, the first legal dispute in China involving a lesbian couple over custody of their joint baby was heard in court. This study examines the legal and ethical issues that lesbian couples confront when they decide to give birth to a child of their own. These challenges begin with regulatory restrictions on their lawful access to assisted reproductive technology and extend to gaps in the legal establishment of parenthood. We found that the lack of access to legitimate reproductive assistance for lesbian couples in China has caused them to make efforts to circumvent laws and regulations to have a child. However, the legislative gaps later led to ethical dilemmas when resolving disputes over parenthood. This study discusses different accounts of establishing and determining natural parenthood in China and concludes by pointing out the urgent need for change in legislative and sociocultural attitudes toward both assisted reproductive technology and same‐sex relationships, mapping the way forward for lesbian couples to obtain better protection of procreation and parenthood before their marriage is culturally accepted and finally legalized.
Liproxstatin‐1 alleviates cartilage degradation by inhibiting chondrocyte ferroptosis in the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Cheng Bei , Zhang Jun , Shen Qinhao , Sun Zheyi , Luo Yingwei , Hu Yu
Published: November 2023

Bground Information

Ferroptosis contributes to temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) lesion development and is still poorly understood.

Results

In this study, we used different TMJOA animal models to examine whether ferroptosis was related to disease onset in TMJOA induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA), IL‐1β, occlusion disorder (OD), and unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC). Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis were used to detect ferroptosis‐ and cartilage degradation‐related protein expression. Our results revealed reduced levels of the ferroptosis‐related protein GPX4 in the cartilage layer, but the levels of ACSL4 and P53 were increased in the condyle. Injection of the ferroptosis inhibitor liproxstatin‐1 (Lip‐1) effectively decreased ACSL4, P53 and TRF expression. In vitro, IL‐1β reduced cartilage extracellular matrix expression in mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCCs). Lip‐1 maintained the morphology and function of mitochondria and ameliorated the exacerbation of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production induced by IL‐1β.

Conclusion

These results suggest that chondrocyte ferroptosis plays an important role in the development and progression of TMJOA.

Significance

Inhibiting condylar chondrocyte ferroptosis could be a promising therapeutic strategy for TMJOA.
Robotic versus laparoscopic approach for left‐sided colon cancer: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Rein Line Katrine Larsen , Dohrn Niclas , Gögenur Ismail , Falk Klein Mads
Published: November 2023

Aim

The use of robot‐assisted surgery for left‐sided colon cancer is increasing in Denmark; however, it is yet to be established if the robotic approach results in improved clinical outcomes compared with the corresponding laparoscopic approach. The aim of this study was to compare the intraoperative and short‐term postoperative outcomes of robot‐assisted surgery with laparoscopic surgery for left‐sided colon cancer at a national level.

Method

The study is a nationwide database study based on data from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. Patients from all colorectal centres in Denmark treated with surgery with curative intent in an elective setting with either robotic or laparoscopic left colectomy or sigmoidectomy during the period 2014–2019 were included. To adjust for confounding, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed and the groups were compared for age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, performance score, year of diagnosis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, left colectomy or sigmoidectomy, tumour localization, use of stoma or stenting and pathological T (pT) category.

Results

A total of 5532 patients were available for analysis, and after PSM in a ratio of 2:1, 1392 laparoscopic and 696 robotic cases were identified. After matching we found a lower conversion rate and a higher lymph node yield in the robotic group compared with the laparoscopic group (5.8% vs. 11%, p < 0.001 and 27 vs. 24, p < 0.001, respectively). Further, we found a higher proportion of patients with a lymph node yield of 12 or more in the robotic group (97% vs. 94.8%, p = 0.02). Plane of dissection, radicality and pathological disease stages did not differ between the two groups. We found no difference in either overall surgical (13% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.23) or medical (5.6% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.49) postoperative complications and no difference in 30‐day (p = 0.369) or 90‐day mortality (p = 0.08).

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted surgery for left‐sided colon cancer was associated with a significantly lower conversion rate and a significantly higher lymph node yield than the laparoscopic approach. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were similar in the two groups.
Tailoring evidence into action: Using a co‐design approach for biodiversity information in the Tropical Andes
Authors: Valdez Jose W. , Pereira Henrique M. , Morejón Gustavo Francisco , Acosta‐Muñoz Cristina , Bonet Garcia Francisco Javier , Castro Vergara Lucía , Claros Xavier R. , Gill Michael J. , Josse Carmen , Lafuente‐Cartagena Indyra , Langstroth Robert , Sheppard Sidney Novoa , Orihuela Gabriela , Prieto‐Albuja Francisco J. , Quillahuaman Natividad , Terán Marcos F. , Zambrana‐Torrelio Carlos M. , Navarro Laetitia M. , Fernandez Miguel
Published: November 2023

Biodiversity conservation is a complex and transdisciplinary problem that requires engagement and cooperation among scientific, societal, economic, and political institutions. However, historical approaches have often failed to bring together and address the needs of all relevant stakeholders in decision‐making processes. The Tropical Andes, a biodiversity hotspot where conservation efforts often conflict with socioeconomic issues and policies that prioritize economic development, provides an ideal model to develop and implement more effective approaches. In this study, we present a co‐design approach that mainstreams and improves the flow of biodiversity information in the Tropical Andes, while creating tailored outputs that meet the needs of economic and societal stakeholders. We employed a consultative process that brought together biodiversity information users and producers at the local, national, and regional levels through a combination of surveys and workshops. This approach identified priority needs and limitations of the flow of biodiversity information in the region, which led to the co‐design of user‐relevant biodiversity indicators. By leveraging the existing capacities of biodiversity information users and producers, we were able to co‐design multiple biodiversity indicators and prioritize two for full implementation ensuring that the data was findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable based on the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles. This approach helped address limitations that were identified in the stakeholder engagement process, including gaps in data availability and the need for more accessible biodiversity information. Additionally, capacity‐building workshops were incorporated for all producers of biodiversity information involved, which aimed to not only improve the current flow of biodiversity information in the region but also facilitate its future sustainability. Our approach can serve as a valuable blueprint for mainstreaming biodiversity information and making it more inclusive in the future, especially considering the diverse worldviews, values, and knowledge systems between science, policy, and practice.
Urinary tract cytology showing variant morphology and divergent differentiation
Authors: Arshia Asma , Hassan Faisal A. , Hensley Patrick J. , Allison Derek B.
Published: November 2023

Urothelial carcinoma represents a diverse group of tumours with distinct histologic subtypes, each exhibiting unique cytomorphologic features, architectural growth patterns, and/or well‐developed aberrant differentiation. In fact, there are more than 13 subtypes of urothelial carcinoma recognized in the 2022 WHO classification of tumours in the urinary tract. The identification of these subtypes is crucial for an accurate diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma, and many have important clinical implications. Variant/divergent features may coexist with conventional high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) or present with 100% variant morphology. In urinary tract cytology (UTC), urothelial carcinoma can display divergent differentiation, such as squamous, glandular, or small cell carcinoma differentiation. The use of cell block preparations and immunohistochemistry with available residual urine can enhance diagnostic accuracy. On the other hand, identifying urothelial carcinoma variants, including nested, micropapillary, and plasmacytoid subtypes, poses significant challenges in UTC. Many cases of these variants are only detected retrospectively after variant histology has been established from resection specimens. Moreover, some variants exhibit features inconsistent with the diagnostic criteria for HGUC according to the Paris System for Reporting Urinary Tract Cytology. Nevertheless, the rarity of pure variant morphology and the occurrence of some false negatives for these variant cases are essential to maintain the specificity of UTC overall. This review covers the histology, cytomorphology, and important clinical aspects observed in urothelial carcinoma exhibiting divergent differentiation and various urothelial carcinoma variants detected in UTC.
The National Naloxone Reference Group: A collective voice on take‐home naloxone policy and practice in Australia
Authors: Dietze Paul , Stewart Ashleigh , Hill Penny , Draper Bridget , Curtis Michael , Kirwan Amy ,   the National Naloxone Reference Group
Published: November 2023

The National Naloxone Reference Group has played a key role in the development of take‐home naloxone programs, policy and practice in Australia. In this commentary we detail the origins of the group, some of its main achievements since its inception and its future directions in light of the major policy changes around naloxone that have recently occurred in Australia.
Evaluating temporal turnover in avian species richness in a Mediterranean semiarid region: Different responses to elevation and forest cover
Authors: Jiménez‐Franco María V. , Kéry Marc , León‐Ortega Mario , Martínez‐Ródenas Jacinto , Robledano Francisco , Esteve Miguel A. , Calvo José F.
Published: November 2023

Aim

When studying the effects of global change on biodiversity, it is far more common for the effects of climate change and land‐use changes to be assessed separately rather than jointly. However, the effects of land‐use changes in recent decades on species richness in areas affected by climate change have been less studied. We assess the temporal turnover in species richness of an avian community between a historical period and a modern one as a consequence of global change.

Location

Semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem (southeastern Spain).

Method

We fitted a hierarchical multispecies occupancy model for each period (1991–1992, and 2012–2017), obtaining avian species‐specific estimates of occupancy probability in relation to environmental covariates (elevation and forest cover). We analyse the relationships between changes in the bird community and environmental variables, analysing the temporal turnover of the species richness and the richness‐based species‐exchange ratio.

Results

The estimated species richness accounting for detectability was higher than observed species richness, and decreased in the more recent period. Following our hypotheses, we observed a dual pattern of species richness increase associated with different elevations, showing different species turnover rates due to the joint effects of climate change and land‐use change. There is a trend towards greater species richness with higher elevations that is associated with climate change, where the species turnover rate is low. Also, species richness increased towards lower elevations, but with a high turnover rate. The latter can be due to species expansions throughout new habitat configurations in bordering forest systems associated with anthropic land‐use changes.

Conclusions

Our study is of great interest to understand the temporal turnover of avian species richness associated with areas experiencing both climate and land‐use change.
Should people with type 2 diabetes treated by multiple daily insulin injections with home health care support be switched to hybrid closed‐loop? The CLOSE AP+ randomized controlled trial
Authors: Reznik Yves , Carvalho Martin , Fendri Salha , Prevost Gaetan , Chaillous Lucy , Riveline Jean Pierre , Hanaire Hélène , Dubois Séverine , Houéto Patrick , Pasche Hélène , Mianowska Beata , Renard Eric
Published: November 2023

Aim

The study aim was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of automated insulin delivery (AID) assisted by home health care (HHC) services in people with type 2 diabetes unable to manage multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) at home on their own.

Patients and Methods

This was an open label, multicentre, randomized, parallel group trial. In total, 30 adults with type 2 diabetes using MDI and requiring nursing support were randomly allocated to AID or kept their usual therapy over a 12‐week period. Both treatments were managed with the support of HHC services. The primary outcome was the percentage time in the target glucose range of 70‐180 mg/dl (TIR). Secondary outcomes included other continuous glucose monitoring metrics, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, daily insulin doses, body weight, and of quality of life scores, fear of hypoglycaemia and satisfaction questionnaires.

Results

Age (69.7 vs. 69.3 years) and HbA1c (9.25 vs. 9.0) did not differ in MDI and AID at baseline. Compared with MDI, AID resulted in a significant increase in TIR by 27.4% [95% CI (15.0‐39.8); p < .001], a decrease in time above range by 27.7% and an unchanged time below range of <1%. A between‐group difference in HbA1c was 1.3% favouring AID. Neither severe hypoglycaemia nor ketoacidosis occurred in either group. Patient and caregiver satisfaction with AID was high.

Conclusions

AID combined with tailored HHC services significantly improved glycaemic control with no safety issues in people with type 2 diabetes previously under an MDI regimen with HHC. AID should be considered a safe option in these people when lacking acceptable glucose control.
Complete and incomplete bridge type double‐orifice mitral valve: Diagnosis and characterization with three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Sharkey Aidan , Bose Ruma R. , Rehman Taha A. , Khan Adnan Ali , Saeed Shirin , Mahmood Feroze
Published: November 2023

Double orifice mitral valve is a rare congenital anomaly that is often associated with other congenital cardiac abnormalities. Patients may present with valvular dysfunction or may be asymptomatic and have an incidental diagnosis of double outlet mitral valve. Whether symptoms due to this pathology are present or not it is important to accurately characterize this lesion. Three‐dimensional imaging is a powerful diagnostic modality for diagnosing and characterizing lesions such as this as highlighted in this case image series where we describe how three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to characterize both complete and incomplete bridge type double orifice mitral valve.
Funding constraints, financial crisis, and price discovery between the futures and spot markets
Authors: Chen Yi‐Wen , Chiu Junmao , Chou Robin K. , Lin Chu‐Bin
Published: November 2023

We investigate the effect of funding constraints and the financial crisis on the pricing dynamics between the spot and futures markets. Tighter funding constraints and the presence of a financial crisis deter informed investors from utilizing their informational advantage in the futures market, reducing the leading role and information shares of futures prices. Funding constraints negatively affect the probability of informed trading and large trading in the futures markets. Our findings are in line with the recent theoretical perspective that indicates both factors significantly affect informed trading, the cross‐market process of price discovery, and financial stability.
Climate warming could free cold‐adapted trees from C‐conservative allocation strategy of storage over growth
Authors: Zhou Quan , Shi Hang , He Rui , Liu Haikun , Zhu Wenting , Wu Shengjun , Zhang Quanfa , Dang Haishan
Published: November 2023

Carbon allocation has been fundamental for long‐lived trees to survive cold stress at their upper elevation range limit. Although carbon allocation between non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) storage and structural growth is well‐documented, it still remains unclear how ongoing climate warming influences these processes, particularly whether these two processes will shift in parallel or respond divergently to warming. Using a combination of an in situ downward‐transplant warming experiment and an ex situ chamber warming treatment, we investigated how subalpine fir trees at their upper elevation limit coordinated carbon allocation priority among different sinks (e.g., NSC storage and structural growth) at whole‐tree level in response to elevated temperature. We found that transplanted individuals from the upper elevation limit to lower elevations generally induced an increase in specific leaf area, but there was no detected evidence of warming effect on leaf‐level saturated photosynthetic rates. Additionally, our results challenged the expectation that climate warming will accelerate structural carbon accumulation while maintaining NSC constant. Instead, individuals favored allocating available carbon to NSC storage over structural growth after 1 year of warming, despite the amplification in total biomass encouraged by both in situ and ex situ experimental warming. Unexpectedly, continued warming drove a regime shift in carbon allocation priority, which was manifested in the increase of NSC storage in synchrony to structural growth enhancement. These findings imply that climate warming would release trees at their cold edge from C‐conservative allocation strategy of storage over structural growth. Thus, understanding the strategical regulation of the carbon allocation priority and the distinctive function of carbon sink components is of great implication for predicting tree fate in the future climate warming.
Multilingual development: English in a global contextby PeterSiemund. ed. Cambridge/New York: Cambridge University Press. 2023. 289 pages. ISBN: 9781108844024 (hardback), 9781108926089 (paperback), 9781108915540 (epub)
Authors: Liu Ruiyong , Chen Shifa , Peng Yule
Published: November 2023

With the deepening of globalization, multilingualism has emerged as a common phenomenon, and English has gradually developed into a hub language. In this context, Peter Siemund's edited book, Multilingual Development: English in a Global Context delves profoundly into multilingual upbringing and development from an innovative perspective of English as a global lingua franca. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the book combines insights from linguistics, sociology, psychology, and education to investigate how individuals grow up in today's interconnected world and discusses various aspects that influence their language development with a focus on the pivotal role of English. Key issues such as language policy, identity, and the pedagogy of English as a second language are examined in various geographical and social settings. Logical, coherent, and accessible, the book provides valuable perspectives on multilingualism and offers nuanced insights for scholars, policymakers, and educators, which can serve as an essential reference for anyone interested in multilingual development.
Emulsion stabilising capacity of sunflower meal depending on fraction protein content and particle size
Authors: Bojanić Nemanja , Vidosavljević Strahinja , Fišteš Aleksandar , Šereš Zita , Fodor Emilija , Maravić Nikola
Published: November 2023

Sunflower meal, as a high protein source, is usually utilised in animal feed, but other means of valorisation of this byproduct should be investigated in order to increase sunflower meal industrial functionality and therefore economic value. High protein content could suggest potential ability to stabilise food emulsions. Current study investigated the influence of sunflower meal protein content and particle size distribution in stabilisation of oil‐in‐water emulsions. Sunflower meal samples were characterised in terms of chemical and amino acid content and FTIR spectroscopy, while in the obtained emulsion samples creaming index, droplet size, droplet size distribution and zeta potential were determined. A relatively equal distribution of hydrophilic/hydrophobic amino acids (46% and 54%, respectively) was determined indicating a strong amphiphilic character of proteins and potentially effective emulsion‐stabilising properties. Further results suggested a positive influence of higher protein content (increasing from 16.78% to 42.56%) on lower creaming index values (lowering values from 84% to 32%, respectively). Protein content and particle size distribution strongly affected emulsion droplets sizes (ranging from 77.32 to 238.61 μm) and zeta potential values. Therefore, the evaluation of the obtained results suggested that high protein sunflower meal can be applied for the stabilisation of oil‐in‐water emulsions.
REGRESSION ANALYSIS AND THE EVALUATION OF COLOR‐DIFFERENCE METRICS
Authors: MARCUS ROBERT T. , UTTER MERLIN L. , WILKINSON JOHN W.
Published: November 2023

Regression analysis and the use of correlation coefficients have proven to be useful tools in the analysis of experimental data. But unless the proper precautions are taken, erroneous conclusions can easily be reached by their use. Several data patterns are provided to demonstrate this. Examples yielding unrepresentatively high, as well as low, correlations are discussed.
Evaluation of Pictorial Color‐Reproduction Appearance*
Authors: Staes Karel
Published: November 2023

A color‐difference formula adapted from the CIE 1976L*u*v* (CIELUV)equation by incorporating the effects of specific viewing and flare conditions is proposed as providing results in better accord with visual experience for the colorimetric evaluation of the quality of the reproduction of a colored object in a scene.
Color Properties of Liquid Crystals and Their Application to Visual Arts*
Authors: Makow David M.
Published: November 2023

Selective reflection properties of cholesteric liquid crystals are reviewed. It is then shown that the color of superimposed coatings of these substances is perceived as that of an additive mixture of colors of the coatings. This property permits one to synthesize many spectral reflectance distributions. A greater color gamut than is possible with other colorants can be realized. Applications to visual arts that take advantage of the additive color properties, the highly saturated colors, and the dependence of colors on temperature, angle of illumination, and angle of viewing are discussed.