bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining the genetic determinants of CD8+T cell receptor repertoire in the context of immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Ng Esther S. , Tong Orion , Taylor Chelsea , Watson Robert , Sun Bo , Milotay Gusztav , MacKay Sophie , Gilchrist James J , Little Martin , Fairfax Benjamin P , Luo Yang
Published: November 2024

CD8+T cells play a central role in the cancer response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment, with activity predicated upon antigen recognition by the associated T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. The contribution of genetic variation to this in cancer treatment is under-explored. We have conducted a genome-wide and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-focused analysis of CD8+T cell TCR repertoire to identify genetic determinants of variable gene (V-gene) and CDR3 K-mer usage from samples taken prior to and after ICB treatment (n=250). We find 11 genome-wide significantcisassociations and 10transassociations, primarily to the HLA, with V-gene usage meeting permuted P-value thresholds. Notably, TCR clones containing V-genes associated with HLA were less likely to be persistent across treatment. In a single-cell experiment, we find cells with HLA-matched TCR clones have increased tumor reactivity expression profiles and patients with HLA-matched TCR clones have improved overall survival. Our work indicates a complex relationship between genotype and TCR repertoire in the context of treatment with ICB, which has novel implications for understanding determinants of treatment response and patient outcomes.

One Sentence Summary

TCR repertoire is strongly associated with specific HLA alleles in cancer patients, but immune checkpoint blockade influences this association.
Addressing the mean-variance relationship in spatially resolved transcriptomics data with spoon
Authors: Shah Kinnary H , Guo Boyi , Hicks Stephanie C
Published: November 2024

An important task in the analysis of spatially resolved transcriptomics data is to identify spatially variable genes (SVGs), or genes that vary in a 2D space. Current approaches rank SVGs based on either p-values or an effect size, such as the proportion of spatial variance. However, previous work in the analysis of RNA-sequencing identified a technical bias, referred to as the "mean-variance relationship", where highly expressed genes are more likely to have a higher variance. Here, we demonstrate the mean-variance relationship in spatial transcriptomics data. Furthermore, we propose spoon, a statistical framework using Empirical Bayes techniques to remove this bias, leading to more accurate prioritization of SVGs. We demonstrate the performance of spoon in both simulated and real spatial transcriptomics data. A software implementation of our method is available on R/Bioconductor.
Impaired humidity sensing reduces tick survival by preventing water homeostasis
Authors: Uhran Melissa R. , Onyeagba Kosisochukwu , Sanderson Shania M. , Hoque Syeda Farjana , Kelley Melissa , Smith Evan S. , Oyen Kennan , Benton-Anderson Ayesha , Arya Thomas , Ledezma Arturo , Almatar Haidar , Kennedy Jasmine , Frigard Ronja , Holmes Christopher J. , Chen Shyh-Chi , Olafson Pia U. , Gaff Holly D. , Benoit Joshua B.
Published: November 2024

Off-host periods are critical for ticks, representing a period when environmental stress, particularly dehydration, can impact tick survival. To prevent dehydration, ticks must be able to detect and move into high humidity areas to allow for water vapor uptake. Ionotropic receptor 93a (Ir93a), which is highly expressed in the front forelegs (location of Haller,s organ), increases expression following dehydration, suggesting a role in humidity detection. Although the Haller,s organ is suggested as the site of humidity detection in ticks, humidity detection has not been extensively examined. Here, we assessed the ability of American dog ticks,Dermacentor variabilis, to sense humidity and how altered humidity detection impacts tick survival by manipulating the Haller,s organ. Permanent (cutting or heat ablation) or temporary blocking (silicone covering) of the Haller,s organ impairs the ability of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, to rest in areas necessary to maintain hydration. Impaired detection of humidity did not impact tick survival when individuals were held under stable optimal conditions. Still, variable conditions (low and high humidity gradient) reduced survival through dehydration stress and decreased energy reserves, as chronic water vapor uptake is energetically expensive. Field validation of these studies inD. variabilisconfirmed that humidity detection is critical to tick survival. Lastly, modeling indicates impaired humidity detection will reduce questing tick populations, specifically in the adult stages. These studies confirm that the Haller,s organ is critical for humidity sensing in ticks. Without this ability, tick survival will be impaired by potential dehydration or more rapid depletion of energy reserves.
BRCA1 and BRCA2: from cancer susceptibility to synthetic lethality
Authors: Khalizieva Anna , Moser Sarah C. , Bouwman Peter , Jonkers Jos
Published: November 2024

The discovery ofBRCA1andBRCA2as tumor susceptibility genes and their role in genome maintenance has transformed our understanding of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. This review traces the evolution of BRCA1/2 research over the past 30 years, highlighting key discoveries in the field and their contributions to tumor development. Additionally, we discuss current preventive measures forBRCA1/2mutation carriers and targeted treatment options based on the concept of synthetic lethality. Finally, we explore the challenges of acquired therapy resistance and discuss potential alternative avenues for targetingBRCA1/2mutant tumors.
Heavy flavor-asymmetric pseudoscalar mesons on the light front
Authors: Shi Chao , Liu Pengfei , Du Yi-Lun , Jia Wenbao
Published: November 2024

We extract the leading Fock-state light front wave functions of heavy flavor-asymmetric pseudoscalar mesons D, B, and Bc from their Bethe-Salpeter wave functions, based on the Dyson-Schwinger equations approach. We then study their leading-twist parton distribution amplitudes, generalized parton distribution functions, and transverse momentum-dependent parton distributions. The spatial distributions of the quark and antiquark on the transverse plane are presented, along with their charge and energy distributions on the light front. We find that in the considered mesons, the heavier quarks carry most of the longitudinal momentum fraction, resulting in narrow x distributions, while the lighter quarks play an active role in shaping the transverse distributions in both spatial and momentum space, exhibiting a duality that embodies characteristics of both light mesons and heavy quarkonium.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Momentum shift and on-shell recursion relation for electroweak theory
Authors: Ema Yohei , Gao Ting , Ke Wenqi , Liu Zhen , Lyu Kun-Feng , Mahbub Ishmam
Published: November 2024

We study the all-line transverse (ALT) shift which we developed for on-shell recursion of amplitudes for particles of any mass. We discuss the validity of the shift for general theories of spin ≤1, and illustrate the connection between Ward identity and constructibility for massive spin-1 amplitude under the ALT shift. We apply the shift to the electroweak theory, and various four-point scattering amplitudes among electroweak gauge bosons and fermions are constructed. We show explicitly that the four-point gauge boson contact terms in massive electroweak theory automatically arise after recursive construction, independent of UV completion, and they automatically cancel the terms growing as (energy)4 at high energy. We explore UV completion of the electroweak theory that cancels the remaining (energy)2 terms and impose unitarity requirements to constrain additional couplings. The ALT shift framework allows consistent treatment in dealing with contact term ambiguities for renormalizable massive and massless theories, which we show can be useful in studying real-world amplitudes with massive spinors.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Momentum shift and on-shell constructible massive amplitudes
Authors: Ema Yohei , Gao Ting , Ke Wenqi , Liu Zhen , Lyu Kun-Feng , Mahbub Ishmam
Published: November 2024

We construct tree-level amplitude for massive particles using on-shell recursion relations based on two classes of momentum shifts: an all-line transverse shift that deforms momentum by its transverse polarization vector, and a massive Britto-Cachazo-Feng-Witten-type shift. We illustrate that these shifts allow us to correctly calculate four-point and five-point amplitudes in massive QED, without an ambiguity associated with the contact terms that may arise from a simple “gluing” of lower-point on-shell amplitudes. We discuss various aspects and applicability of the two shifts, including the large-z behavior and complexity scaling. We show that there exists a “good” all-line transverse shift for all possible little group configurations of the external particles, which can be extended to a broader class of theories with massive particles such as massive QCD and theories with massive spin-1 particles. The massive Britto-Cachazo-Feng-Witten-type shift enjoys more simplicity, but a “good” shift does not exist for all the spin states due to the specific choice of spin axis.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Molten sulphate vanadateinduced hot corrosion behaviour of YSZ-reinforced thermal spray coatings at elevated temperature
Authors: Singh Sukhjiinder , Goyal Khushdeep , Bhatia Rakesh
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The main cause of boiler tube failure in high-temperature thermal power plants is molten sulphate-vanadate-induced hot corrosion. Applying thermal spray coatings on alloy steels can reduce hot corrosion. This study aims to examine the impact of nano yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) reinforcement on Ni-20Cr composite coatings on hot corrosion behaviour of T22 steel in a corrosive environment of Na2SO4-60%V2O5 at 650 °C over 50 cycles.

Design/methodology/approach

The coatings were deposited using a high velocity oxyfuel technique. The samples were subjected to hot corrosion in a Silicon tube furnace at 650 °C for 50 cycles. Weight gain data after each cycle were used to analyse the kinetics of corrosion behaviour. Corrosion products were examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive and cross-sectional analytical methods.

Findings

During investigation, nano YSZ-reinforced Ni-20Cr composite coatings on T22 steel were discovered to give superior corrosion resistance in a molten salt environment at 650 °C. Throughout the experiment, the coatings gained less weight and formed protective oxide scales. Increased YSZ concentration in the coating matrix resulted in better protection against hot corrosion.

Research limitations/implications

The inclusion of nano YSZ reduced porosity in Ni-20Cr coatings by filling voids and interlocking particles, as well as blocking the penetration of corroding species, hence improving the corrosion resistance of composite coatings. The corrosion rate decreased with increasing YSZ content in the coating matrix.

Originality/value

It should be noted that the high temperature corrosion behaviour of thermally sprayed nano YSZ-Ni-20Cr composite coatings has never been investigated and is not documented in the literature. As a result, the current study can provide useful information for the application of nano YSZ-reinforced coatings in high-temperature fuel combustion conditions.
Trends and patterns in behavioral accounting research: 53 years of bibliometric analysis
Authors: Chauhan Abhay Singh , Sikarwar Tarika Singh , Raj Manisha
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the quality of research work done in behavioral accounting through bibliometric analysis so that biases can be spotted and implications can be drawn.

Design/methodology/approach

The most recent papers on a given topic – behavioral accounting in this study – are gathered, assessed and analyzed using a systematic literature review approach, which is a rigorous process. Books, scientific publications and conference papers were used to discover, compile and synthesize pertinent information (Garca, 2013; Snyder, 2019). In this study, the authors used an iterative cycle methodology, which entails selecting pertinent keywords, conducting a literature search in the database of choice and then conducting the analysis.

Findings

Using bibliometric analysis, this study offers a fresh viewpoint on fundamental behavioral accounting concepts. The results suggest that important areas in the relevant behavioral accounting disciplines are changing, with important ramifications for academics and practitioners to better understand prospect theory and social identity theory.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers should parameterize their outputs to make it easier to synthesize the state of the art in behavioral accounting, which would advance the subject.

Practical implications

The study has important policy implications because it shows that decision-makers are increasingly focused on creating ethical and open accounting practices, which are essential for building improved accounting practices in the Big Data era.

Social implications

It is elementary in and of itself to recognize that accounting data are an outcome and a consequence of human behavior. The study itself makes a case for the social ramifications of this kind of study.

Originality/value

The study offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of behavioral accounting research sourced from the Scopus database. It presents a curated collection of leading works in the domain, categorized by articles, authors, publications, institutions and nations. This examination provides a current snapshot of advancements in behavioral accounting and can be perceived as an evolution of previous literature reviews that relied on traditional approaches. Notably, this is the inaugural study using solely bibliometric techniques.
Assessing the market performance of US corporate spin-offs: effects of directors’ age and external board appointments along with their interaction
Authors: Ozbek O. Volkan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Spin-offs, as “popular” corporate restructuring mechanisms in the USA, aim to boost the shareholder value after the separation of a subsidiary/division from its divesting (parent) company. The role of the board, as a “vital” governing mechanism, in the success of these spun-off subsidiaries (child firms) is very critical because directors must ensure that they can provide these recently independent entities with their in-depth expertise, knowledge, industry experience, corporate connections and other resources so that adapting to their “new” market conditions will not be problematic. The purpose of this study is to examine whether two board demographic characteristics (namely, board members’ age and external directorships) along with their interaction affect the child firm’s market valuation, which extends previous work on the board of directors and corporate spin-offs. The theoretical arguments are grounded in resource dependence and upper echelons theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 136 completed spin-offs between 2000 and 2014. The data on board characteristics were collected by using companies’ proxy statements available on the securities and exchange commission website whereas firm and industry characteristics were collected by using the Compustat database.

Findings

The author has found that considered independently, board members’ average age and external directorships show positive and significant relationships with the change in market valuation of the child firm; however, the interaction effect of both variables appears to lessen this effect but remains significant.

Originality/value

The authors have shown that while the main effects of both board-level variables have positive and significant effects on the market performance of spun-off subsidiaries (as hypothesized), their interaction will make this effect go in the opposite direction.
Towards crafting a cure for employee turnover: a social exchange theory perspective
Authors: Priyanka  , Khera Shikha N. , Suri Pradeep Kumar
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to attempt to put forward a nuanced conceptual framework to develop a better understanding of the relationship between job crafting and employees’ turnover intention, by bringing in “social exchange theory” perspective and proposing the mediating role of perceived organizational support (POS).

Design/methodology/approach

An extant review of literature was undertaken to identify and summarize the relevant findings on the topics of job crafting, POS and turnover intention, which further led to the development of hypotheses and the conceptual framework.

Findings

Results indicate that job crafting has a significant relationship with turnover intention with POS as an underpinning variable.

Practical implications

This study generates actionable insights and suggestions for the business leaders and practitioners, which can help them in handling the problem of rising employee turnover in today’s era marked by evolving attitudes and mindsets of the employees, along with the catalytic effects of pandemic and “Great Resignation”. Insights generated in this study for reducing dysfunctional employee turnover would have a stabilizing effect and lead society and business towards sustainable growth.

Social implications

Insights generated in this study for reducing dysfunctional employee turnover would have a stabilizing effect and lead society and business towards sustainable growth.

Originality/value

This study is original in three ways. Firstly, the study introduces a unique perspective by putting forward a conceptual framework nestled in the social exchange theory. Secondly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study to examine the role of POS as a mediator in the association between job crafting and turnover intention. Thirdly, by proposing POS as an outcome of job crafting, this study suggests a reciprocal relationship between job crafting and POS.
Interdisciplinary participation in climate-adapted urban land-use planning – findings of two gaming simulations in the city of Bottrop, Germany
Authors: Fuchs Marisa , Kirstein Madeleine Loren
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Sustainable and climate-adapted urban development requires integrative governance approaches and forms of collaboration between different disciplinary actors in urban society. Integrative approaches are a particular challenge for those planning cultures in which they are not yet sufficiently established. This also applies to formal urban land-use planning in Germany, which forms the governance setting of this study. This study aims to examine how interdisciplinary participation in formal urban land-use planning contributes to the consideration of climate adaptation in the planning process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper traces the process of two differently designed interdisciplinary participation formats based on the methodological framework of a gaming simulation, each in the context of a formal urban land-use planning procedure in Bottrop, Germany. The gaming simulations are designed as performance simulations in which we involved several representatives from different public authorities.

Findings

The gaming simulations show that interdisciplinary participation can lead to an increased awareness of climate adaptation requirements in particular and a mutual understanding of different logics of action in the context of comprehensive and sustainable urban planning in general. In addition, this paper provides recommendations as to how and under what conditions the benefits of the simulations can be transferred to municipal practice.

Originality/value

While integrative and interdisciplinary formats are increasingly being used in the context of informal urban planning, this does not apply to formal urban land-use planning. Participation in formal urban land-use planning procedures is classically linear and multidisciplinary in Germany. Using two simulated interdisciplinary participation formats, this paper tested to what extent the consideration of climate adaptation requirements as a cross-sectoral task can benefit from interdisciplinarity in the context of two formal urban land-use planning procedures.
Leadership style and job performance: a longitudinal approach
Authors: Aburumman Omar Jaber , Wasfi Alrweis Lujain
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between leadership style and job performance by multiple mediating roles of career satisfaction and job satisfaction using the longitudinal approach for frontline employees in the Jordanian hotel sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey questionnaire based on a five-year longitudinal approach. Data were collected in two-period among frontline employees in five-star hotels in Jordan. Leadership style (transformational leadership and transactional leadership) was measured in the first period, whereas job performance, career satisfaction and job satisfaction were measured in the second period. The final sample for the first and second periods comprised 314 questionnaires valid for more analysis. The statistical software of SPSS (version 25) and SmartPLS (version 3.3.5) have been used for data analysis.

Findings

The results demonstrated that leadership style (transformational leadership and transactional leadership) has a positive significant effect on job performance. The results demonstrated also that leadership style (transformational leadership and transactional leadership) has a positive significant effect on career satisfaction and job satisfaction. As well the results demonstrated that career satisfaction and job satisfaction have a positive significant effect on job performance. Regarding multiple mediating roles, the results demonstrated that career satisfaction and job satisfaction mediated the relationship between leadership style and job performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to examine the relationship between leadership style and job performance by multiple mediating roles of career satisfaction and job satisfaction using the longitudinal approach among frontline employees in the hotel sector.
The inadequacy of using a few criteria to define self-initiated expatriates: a systematic literature review and proposed definition
Authors: Alshahrani Saeed Turki
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) literature is characterized by a narrow definition of SIEs and a lack of distinction between SIEs and other groups of international workers. This situation leads to a lack of a clear definition of SIEs. To improve understanding of SIEs, a systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out to identify criteria that are used in SIE literature to define SIEs.

Design/methodology/approach

SIEs literature is characterized by a narrow definition of SIEs and a lack of distinction between SIEs and other travelers. This situation leads to a lack of a clear definition of SIEs. To improve understanding of SIEs, a SLR was carried out to identify criteria that are used in SIE literature to define SIEs.

Findings

This SLR identified 13 criteria that can be used to define SIEs, but further analysis showed initiative, push factors, possession of skills, motivation, employment terms, period of stay, mobility and legal employment status are the important criteria that can be used to define SIEs and differentiate them from other groups of international workers.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this SLR need to be interpreted in consideration of limitations. Some studies did not report home or host, while other studies grouped countries into regions. In other studies that used mixed samples of SIEs and other types of expatriates, the home or host countries of SIEs could not be distinguished. Although this SLR and previous works have attempted to clarify the concept of SIEs, there is a need for SLRs to clarify other groups of internationally mobile workers. There have been efforts aimed at bridging this gap, but there is a need for the use of SLR methodology and updating previous efforts.

Originality/value

This SLR has exhaustively reviewed existing literature on SIEs to identify essential criteria that can be used to differentiate and define SIEs. The review has demonstrated that existing criteria used to differentiate international mobile workers either exclude important criteria or include criteria that are not important. These limitations are overcome by developing criteria that differentiate various groups. These criteria are then used to develop a definition of SIEs, which the author believes adequately differentiates them from other groups of international workers.
The competition among supply chains regarding environmental, social, and resilience aspects in a supply chain network design problem
Authors: Mollashahi Hossein , Fakhrzad Mohammad Bagher , Hosseini Nasab Hasan , Khademi Zare Hassan
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Nowadays, the topic of supply chain network design has gained significant attention as a critical area within the field of supply chain management. Researchers have dedicated their studies to exploring market competitiveness and pursuing greater benefits. This paper presents a multi-objective mathematical model aimed at designing a competitive and sustainable closed-loop supply chain network specifically for perishable products. The proposed model takes into account the competition between two supply chains, considering various factors such as environmental impacts, social performance and resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

To address the competitive nature of this model, this study introduces a two-stage approach. In the initial stage, this study uses a game theory approach to determine equilibrium values for competitive decisions. This allows establishing a fair and balanced playing field between the two supply chains. Subsequently, due to the complexity of the proposed model, this study uses a multi-objective metaheuristic algorithm based on the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm. This algorithm serves as a robust computational tool to effectively solve the network design problem and optimize the desired objectives.

Findings

To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed model and solution approach, this study provides a numerical example. Through graphical and statistical analysis, this study assesses the performance of the model and its ability to achieve the desired objectives. The results and charts obtained demonstrate the strong performance and efficacy of the proposed model in effectively addressing the challenges associated with designing a competitive and sustainable closed-loop supply chain network for perishable products.

Research limitations/implications

By considering the various factors at play and incorporating them into the model, this study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in supply chain management. The findings provide valuable insights into designing supply chain networks that not only enhance competitiveness but also promote sustainability.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the initial investigations into the evaluation of competitive supply chains, taking into account crucial factors such as environmental, social and resilience. A supply chain that considers these factors can attain greater durability and competitiveness compared to other supply chains.
Exploring influences on child labour disclosure: the role of sustainability policies and stakeholder engagement
Authors: Rubino Michele , Mastrorocco Ilaria , Gerbasi Elisa
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Child labour abolition is one of the four essential human rights identified by the International Labour Organisation and sustainable development goals. Although public organisations and governments have implemented a variety of actions to control business activity and protect children’s rights, cases of child labour adoption continue to be documented. This paper aims to establish multinational companies’ disclosure procedures regarding child labour and to identify some potential determining factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis approach is used on sustainability reports from multinational companies throughout the world to assess the overall amount of disclosure concerning child labour adoption and to generate a child labour disclosure (CLD) score. In addition, to better understand this issue, an empirical investigation was conducted on a sample of 85 multinational companies to identify the factors that influence CLD.

Findings

The findings show that there is a low degree of disclosure on this issue throughout the world and that stakeholder engagement has a positive impact on disclosure levels. In contrast, the existence of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee and a CSR-based compensation policy has a negative influence on CLD.

Originality/value

The statistical results provide a unique viewpoint as they illustrate the amount of CLD using impression management theory, confirming the notion of negative event omission and text manipulation in developing the business image. These findings have important implications for literature development, as well as for managers, policymakers and stakeholder groups.
Impact of green banking awareness on green FinTech adoption: a way towards profitable and sustainable practices
Authors: Sharma Ritvik , Vasishta Prihana , Singla Anju
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The emergence of green banking (GB) as a pivotal force in fostering environmentally and socially responsible economic practices has gained significant traction in recent years. This paradigm shift within the banking sector advocates for the rise of Green financial technology (Fintech), serving as a catalyst for innovative digital tools promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments and sustainable banking practices. This study aims to investigate the impact of green banking awareness (GBA) on green FinTech adoption (GFA) further affecting ESG investments, perceived profitability (PP) and sustainable banking (SB).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected through an online administered questionnaire. The sample comprised registered users of various FinTech products and services in the North Indian regions, with 196 respondents.

Findings

The study identified a significant positive relationship between GBA and GFA, suggesting that heightened awareness of green banking positively influences the adoption of sustainable FinTech solutions. Additionally, GFA was found to be positively associated with increased ESG investments, perceived profitability and sustainability of personal investment portfolios. These findings underscore the potential of GFA to drive financial empowerment and environmental responsibility.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the concept and application of ESG-driven investments at the individual level. It provides a new discourse and proposes an Eco–Ed nexus framework focusing on strategic insights for stakeholders, guiding the implementation of transformative measures to advance sustainable finance and green economic growth.
The effects of social influence on low-cost and high-cost household energy-efficient product adoption: a case study in Wuhan
Authors: Du Hua , Han Qi , de Vries Bauke
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Housing energy consumption is a significant contributor to climate change. Encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient products can be an effective way to reduce energy consumption. The impacts of social influences, such as peer effects and social norms, on energy efficiency adoptions were identified; however, these social influences are not quantified and compared with each other or with other influences. This study aims to investigate the choice of energy-efficient product adoption with different costs and how different social influences affect the choice through different processes and paths.

Design/methodology/approach

Two stated choice experiments were employed in Wuhan, China, to examine the impact of social influences on energy-efficient product adoption in low-cost and high-cost scenarios. Appliance packages (including fridges and washing machines) and heating and cooling systems were used for the two cost scenarios, respectively. The social influences are evaluated in three aspects: positive versus negative information, physical versus online social networks and peer effects versus social norms.

Findings

The study revealed how various factors, including social influences, impact energy-efficient product choices. Research results show that: (1) social influences have greater and wider impacts in the low-cost scenario than in the high-cost scenario; (2) negative information decreases the adoption of low-cost energy-efficient products, while positive information boosts high-cost energy-efficient product adoption and (3) people value the information provided by those they know personally and are more influenced by physical social networks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of social influence in energy-efficient product adoption with different costs. This study provides a comprehensive framework to investigate social influences comparing the impact of different processes, paths and types of information. The findings can also provide practical implications for policymakers to accelerate the energy transition in the built environment.
Technological change, climate change and food production in Benin
Authors: Akpa Armand Fréjuis , Chabossou Augustin Foster
Published: November 2024

This study analyses the climate change and technological change impact on food production in Benin using data from the agriculture ministry and Climate Analytics over the period 1995–2015 and a bio‐economic model. The results suggest that land‐use changes may depend on crop types and prevailing future conditions. With respect to crop production, the results show that the climate change effect on different crops varies from one municipality to another. Moreover, crops such as rice and soybean will benefit more from climate change in several Benin's municipalities, while maize will suffer from climate change. Moreover, results showed technological change globally mitigates the negative impact of moderate climate change. The results suggest that Beninese's government must invest in agriculture technology through agriculture and engineering high schools' installation, which could improve farmers' productivity and efficiency.
Beyond binary: Analyzing closed‐source data to compare specific roles and behaviors within violent and nonviolent terrorist involvement
Authors: Seaward Amber , Marchment Zoe , Clemmow Caitlin , Farnham Frank , Taylor Richard , Taperell Luc , Henley Sara , Boulter Sara , Townend Karen , Gill Paul
Published: November 2024

Increasingly, studies compare risk and protective factors for involvement in violent and nonviolent terrorist behaviors. This exploratory study investigates whether this distinction is sufficient, or whether it should be disaggregated further into more granular terrorist roles and behaviors. Using data on 404 referrals to a UK countering violent extremism Prevent hub specializing in mental health and associated needs, we compare violent and nonviolent referrals, and then more specific behaviors (vulnerability, proactive extremism, foreign fighting, and violence planning). Bivariate and multivariate analyses show there is value in disaggregating beyond the binary violence versus nonviolence distinction, as more (and more detailed) relationships emerged when using the disaggregated set of behaviors. While gender did not differentiate violent and nonviolent referrals, women were more likely to be referred for radicalization vulnerability or potential foreign fighting. Extreme right‐wing and extreme Islamist referrals were no more or less violent overall, but Islamist referrals were disproportionately referred for both the most and least violent behaviors. Personality and developmental disorders were associated with violence, and disaggregated behaviors provided detailed insight into the drivers of these associations. These exploratory findings, while interesting, likely do not generalize beyond our specific sample. Instead, this study's value lies in demonstrating the utility for both research and, eventually, practice of disaggregating beyond violence and nonviolence. The results demonstrate clear operational implications for threat assessment in the need to include a more refined set of risk factors to aid in assessing risk of more relevant outcomes than terrorist involvement overall.
GAMEPLANS: A template for robust digital evidence strategy development
Authors: Horsman Graeme
Published: November 2024

Law enforcement officers should now expect to encounter forms of digital evidence at most of their inquiries, and as a result ensure they are prepared to effectively deal with it. This should involve the production of a digital evidence strategy (DES) which describes those actions required of any investigative team to effectively identify, collect, examine, and evaluate any digital devices/data, while also defining the circumstances for when it is appropriate to conduct such tasks. To help officers to produce robust DESs this work provides a DES template which utilizes the “GAMEPLANS” acrostic to identify nine fundamental components that are required of all DESs—“G”–Grounds for investigation; “A”–Authorization; “M”–Method of investigation; “E”–Evaluation of the meaning of any findings; “P”–Proportionality; “L”–Logic; “A”–Agreement; “N”–Necessity; “S”–Scrutiny. Each of these components are described including the sub‐tasks that are contained within each, which any officer constructing a robust and effective DES must address (and provide evidence of having addressed). To support this, a DES template file is also provided, which can be utilized by officers.
Perspectives on addiction‐related problems in India
Authors: Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Sarkar Siddharth , Ghosh Abhishek , Mahadevan Jayant
Published: November 2024

Aims

To offer insights into various salient substance use and addictive behaviours related aspects as applicable to India.

Methods

We synthesised the published literature on addictive disorders from India. While not a systematic review of all available literature, the synthesis captures relevant themes including salient epidemiological findings, issues related to the prevention and management services targeted at addictive disorders, key observations in the context of the state of addiction science in the country, the policy status and its implications for the country.

Results

In general, the prevalence of substance use in India seems to be lower compared with global averages. For opioids, the prevalence rate is higher than the global average. Addiction prevention and treatment options for persons with addictive disorders in India can be best described as ‘diverse’: there is a wide range of services available, which vary across settings. Some models, services and products aimed at prevention and treatment of addictive disorders have been developed in the country. The policy, regulatory framework and programs targeted at addictions are not entirely in sync with the science. India has a substantial body of addiction science research.

Conclusions

The addiction landscape in India is complex and evolving. There is a heterogeneity not only across the different themes related to addiction, but also within the themes across different parts of the country.
The pattern of antibiotics prescription for endodontic infections in Malaysia: Cross sectional survey study
Authors: Al‐Haddad Afaf , Azmi Nuruljannah Nor , Penukonda Raghavendra , Chia Mark A. , Lee Xin W. , K. Anuar Aida F.
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to assess the antibiotic prescribing pattern for endodontic infections among general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontic specialists in Malaysia. A 22‐questions survey on demographic and general information on antibiotic prescribing patterns for endodontic infection was delivered to the email addresses of general dentists and specialists via the Dental Practitifoner Information Management System database. Collected data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression tests at the significance level of 0.05. A total of 372 responses were collected. 94% of respondents were GDPs, and 6% endodontists. Clinical experience and frequency of endodontic treatment performance were the significant factors in prescribing antibiotics (p < 0.05). The common reasons for antibiotic prescription were to control the spread of infection and fever (88%). Endodontists have better knowledge of antibiotic prescription than GDPs. The majority of GDPs had inappropriately prescribed antibiotics. Improving the knowledge of GDPs in Malaysia regarding antibiotics‐indications in endodontics is mandatory.
Perinatal optimisation and predictive testing of in utero transfers and their outcome: A regional study
Authors: Harrison Catherine M. , Tontus Sumeyya , Anumba Dilly O. C.
Published: November 2024

Aim

To review in utero transfers (IUT), their antenatal optimisation strategies including predictive testing and outcomes in a large region in the UK.

Methods

All IUT requests received by regional transport service in the UK, over a 12‐month period, were reviewed gathering information on gestation at referral, antenatal corticosteroid use, tocolysis, magnesium sulphate, predictive test use (and result if applicable) and delivery outcome at 48 h. The reason for transfer was also collated to determine capacity issues.

Results

Only 22.9% of women transferred delivered within 48 h of transfer, with only 76% of eligible women receiving antenatal steroids. The overall use of predictive testing was low, in 23.5% of all referrals. Approximately 19.8% of women presenting at 30 weeks gestation or more received predictive testing while only 26.5% of women at risk of extreme preterm delivery had a predictive test, and 40.7% of all IUT requests were for capacity reasons.

Conclusion

More predictive testing with accurate approaches to predicting imminent preterm labour and delivery needs to be incorporated into clinical care to reduce the number of inappropriate IUTs. Appropriate antenatal optimisation to improve outcomes should be offered to women undergoing an IUT. Capacity remains problematic leading to a significant number of transfers.
Avidity maturation of anti‐spike IgG after vaccination in COVID‐19 convalescent vs COVID‐19 naïve patients
Authors: Löfström Emma , Eringfält Anna , Kötz Arne , Tham Johan , Undén Johan
Published: November 2024

Antibodies and avidity maturation contribute to long‐lasting immunity, and previous COVID‐19 seems to enhance the immune response after vaccination. The aim of this study was to compare the immune response after vaccination between COVID‐19 convalescents and naïve patients. Blood samples from COVID‐19 convalescents and naïve patients, taken 1, 3 and 6 months after the second dose of vaccine (mRNA‐vaccine BNT162b2), were analysed for anti‐spike IgG and avidity. Questionnaires concerning side effects were used. Thirty‐one patients in the COVID‐19 cohort and 30 patients in the naïve cohort were included. High levels of anti‐spike IgG and avidity index were seen. Anti‐spike IgG were significantly higher in the COVID‐19 cohort and declining (median 1250, 566, 282 RU/ml vs 565, 187, 65 RU/ml). Avidity did not change over time (median at 6 months 78% vs 65%). The most common side effects were pain at the injection site, malaise and headache. In conclusion, high levels of anti‐spike IgG after vaccination were seen and most patients developed high‐avidity antibodies, although antibody levels and avidity were higher in the COVID‐19 cohort. Over time, the levels of anti‐spike IgG declined, yet avidity remained high. Side effects did not differ between groups and were of short duration.
Does Momentary Outcome‐Based Reflection Shape Bioethical Views? A Pre‐Post Intervention Design
Authors: Isern‐Mas Carme , Bystranowski Piotr , Rueda Jon , Hannikainen Ivar R.
Published: November 2024

Many bioliberals endorse broadly consequentialist frameworks in normative ethics, implying that a progressive stance on matters of bioethical controversy could stem from outcome‐based reasoning. This raises an intriguing empirical prediction: encouraging outcome‐based reflection could yield a shift toward bioliberal views among nonexperts as well. To evaluate this hypothesis, we identified empirical premises that underlie moral disagreements on seven divisive issues (e.g., vaccines, abortion, or genetically modified organisms). In exploratory and confirmatory experiments, we assessed whether people spontaneously engage in outcome‐based reasoning by asking how their moral views change after momentarily reflecting on the underlying empirical questions. Our findings indicate that momentary reflection had no overall treatment effect on the central tendency or the dispersion in moral attitudes when compared to prereflection measures collected 1 week prior. Autoregressive models provided evidence that participants engaged in consequentialist moral reasoning, but this self‐guided reflection produced neither moral “progress” (shifts in the distributions’ central tendency) nor moral “consensus” (reductions in their dispersion). These results imply that flexibility in people's search for empirical answers may limit the potential for outcome‐based reflection to foster moral consensus.
Fractal fracture characteristics and acoustic emission analysis of soft rock‐coal combinations under low‐frequency disturbance
Authors: Wang Jianlong , Wang Dong , Jiang Yujing , Luan Hengjie , Liu Jiankang , Liang Bin
Published: November 2024

To explore the fracture mode and failure characteristics of soft rock‐coal combinations under different disturbance amplitudes, this paper conducted dynamic uniaxial compression tests under different disturbance amplitudes. The results indicate that low‐frequency disturbances can weaken the load‐bearing capacity of the specimen. The failure modes of specimens vary under different disturbance amplitudes, and low amplitude disturbances are not sufficient to cause overall cracking and failure of the specimens. In addition, as the disturbance amplitude increases, the fractal dimension of the composite after fracture shows a fluctuating trend, reaching its maximum value at 3 MPa and its minimum value at 4 MPa, with an overall range of 1–3. Finally, the absolute energy and waveform characteristics of acoustic emission can display the fracture damage of the specimen during the disturbance process. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding and preventing coal rock dynamic disasters.