bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political institutional imprinting and Chinese private enterprises’ initial ownership strategies in OFDI
Authors: Ma Meiting , Wu Xiaojie , Wang Xiuqiong
Published: March 2024

Purpose

There is consensus among scholars on how political institutional imprinting interprets the unique management and practice phenomenon of Chinese enterprises. However, little scholarly attention has been given to the different political institutional imprints that shape firms’ internationalization. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how communist and market logic political institutional imprintings influence firms’ initial ownership strategies in outward foreign direct investment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the propensity score matching difference in difference method and a sample of 464 foreign investments from 2009 to 2020 for 310 Chinese private firms.

Findings

The results show that private firms with market logic political institutional imprintings tend to adopt higher ownership and vice versa. As institutional differences increase, private firms with market logic imprintings are more risk-taking and adopt higher ownership, whereas private firms with communist imprintings are more conservative and choose lower ownership. When diplomatic relations are friendlier, private firms with market logic imprintings prefer higher ownership to grasp business opportunities and vice versa.

Originality/value

This study not only identifies the net effect of political institutional imprinting on private firms’ initial ownership strategy but also investigates the different moderating effects of current institutional forces to respond to the call for research on bringing history back into international business research and the fit between imprinting and the environment.
Topology optimization of three-dimensional structures subject to self-weight loading
Authors: Marotte Luz Filho Jorge Morvan , Novotny Antonio Andre
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Topology optimization of structures under self-weight loading is a challenging problem which has received increasing attention in the past years. The use of standard formulations based on compliance minimization under volume constraint suffers from numerous difficulties for self-weight dominant scenarios, such as non-monotonic behaviour of the compliance, possible unconstrained character of the optimum and parasitic effects for low densities in density-based approaches. This paper aims to propose an alternative approach for dealing with topology design optimization of structures into three spatial dimensions subject to self-weight loading.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to overcome the above first two issues, a regularized formulation of the classical compliance minimization problem under volume constraint is adopted, which enjoys two important features: (a) it allows for imposing any feasible volume constraint and (b) the standard (original) formulation is recovered once the regularizing parameter vanishes. The resulting topology optimization problem is solved with the help of the topological derivative method, which naturally overcomes the above last issue since no intermediate densities (grey-scale) approach is necessary.

Findings

A novel and simple approach for dealing with topology design optimization of structures into three spatial dimensions subject to self-weight loading is proposed. A set of benchmark examples is presented, showing not only the effectiveness of the proposed approach but also highlighting the role of the self-weight loading in the final design, which are: (1) a bridge structure is subject to pure self-weight loading; (2) a truss-like structure is submitted to an external horizontal force (free of self-weight loading) and also to the combination of self-weight and the external horizontal loading; and (3) a tower structure is under dominant self-weight loading.

Originality/value

An alternative regularized formulation of the compliance minimization problem that naturally overcomes the difficulties of dealing with self-weight dominant scenarios; a rigorous derivation of the associated topological derivative; computational aspects of a simple FreeFEM implementation; and three-dimensional numerical benchmarks of bridge, truss-like and tower structures.
People, space use and objects: an UWB-based quantifying approach for post-occupancy evaluation of new architectural spaces
Authors: Ege Daniel Nygaard , Aalto Pasi , Steinert Martin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study was conducted to address the methodical shortcomings and high associated cost of understanding the use of new, poorly understood architectural spaces, such as makerspaces. The proposed quantified method of enhancing current post-occupancy evaluation (POE) practices aims to provide architects, engineers and building professionals with accessible and intuitive data that can be used to conduct comparative studies of spatial changes, understand changes over time (such as those resulting from COVID-19) and verify design intentions after construction through a quantified post-occupancy evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we demonstrate the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology to gather, analyze and visualize quantified data showing interactions between people, spaces and objects. The experiment was conducted in a makerspace over a four-day hackathon event with a team of four actively tracked participants.

Findings

The study shows that by moving beyond simply counting people in a space, a more nuanced pattern of interactions can be discovered, documented and analyzed. The ability to automatically visualize findings intuitively in 3D aids architects and visual thinkers to easily grasp the essence of interactions with minimal effort.

Originality/value

By providing a method for better understanding the spatial and temporal interactions between people, objects and spaces, our approach provides valuable feedback in POE. Specifically, our approach aids practitioners in comparing spaces, verifying design intent and speeding up knowledge building when developing new architectural spaces, such as makerspaces.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem of startups in Bangladesh: mechanism of balanced coexistence
Authors: Shareef Mahmud Akhter , Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Hosain Md. Shazzad , Giannakis Mihalis , Ahmed Jashim Uddin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study has conducted exploratory research to understand who should comprise the members of a resilient supply chain for promoting an entrepreneurial ecosystem of a startup project and to determine the mechanisms for the balanced coexistence of all stakeholders. This is necessary to ensure mutual benefits for all stakeholders, each of whom has multidimensional interests. Additionally, this supply chain must be able to withstand any potential disruption risks.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has employed a mixed-design approach. In this context, the study conducted an extensive qualitative and quantitative investigation, including 30 interviews and a survey involving 180 potential stakeholders in this supply network, respectively in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka. The analysis of the interviews utilized principles of matrix thinking, while structural equation modeling (SEM) through LISREL was employed to understand cause-and-effect relationships.

Findings

Network, platform and governance—these three independent constructs have the potential to contribute to the dependent construct, a resilient supply chain, aimed at promoting an entrepreneurial ecosystem for startup projects. It has been revealed that the management of such projects depends on the rules and regulations within the ecosystem. An excellent governance mechanism is essential for this purpose. To facilitate coexistence, the establishment of a platform is crucial, where cooperation among all members is mandatory.

Practical implications

For practitioners, three distinctive but closely interdependent issues are explored and resolved in this philanthropic study. It has unfolded the elements of any startup project with essential settings.

Originality/value

The identification of the structural dynamics of potential stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem of startups is largely absent in existing literature. Therefore, there is a need to comprehensively investigate the entire network, including their roles, responsibilities and associations. This study makes a significant and novel contribution to the existing literature. Academics and practitioners alike have ample opportunities to learn from this new aspect of relationships across three distinct areas: the entrepreneurial ecosystem, startup projects and the development of a resilient supply chain.
Energy poverty and shadow economy: evidence from Africa
Authors: Ajide Folorunsho M. , Dada James Temitope
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Energy poverty is a global phenomenon, but its prevalence is enormous in most African countries, with a potential impact on quality of life. This study aims to investigate the impact of energy poverty on the shadow economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel data from 45 countries in Africa over a period of 1996–2018. Using panel cointegrating regression and panel vector auto-regression model in the generalized method of moments technique.

Findings

This study provides that energy poverty deepens the size of the shadow economy in Africa. It also documents that there is a bidirectional causality between shadow economy and energy poverty. Therefore, the two variables can predict each other.

Practical implications

The study suggests that lack of access to clean and modern energy services contributes to the depth of the shadow economy in Africa. African authorities are advised to strengthen rural and urban electrification initiatives by providing adequate energy infrastructure so as to reduce the level of energy poverty in the region. To ensure energy sustainability delivery, the study proposes that the creation of national and local capacities would be the most effective manner to guarantee energy accessibility and affordability. Also, priorities should be given to the local capital mobilization and energy subsidies for the energy poor. Energy literacy may also contribute to the sustainability and the usage of modern energy sources in Africa.

Originality/value

Previous studies reveal that income inequality contributes to the large size of shadow economy in developing economies. However, none of these studies analyzed the role of energy poverty and its implications for underground economic operations. Inadequate access to modern energy sources is likely to deepen the prevalence of informality in developing nations. Based on this, this study provides fresh evidence on the implications of energy deprivation on the shadow economy in Africa using a heterogeneous panel econometric framework. The study contributes to the literature by advocating that the provision of affordable modern energy sources for rural and urban settlements, and the creation of good energy infrastructure for the firms in the formal economy would not only improve the quality of life but also important to discourage underground economic operations in developing economies.
The effects of staffing on company performance results: the mediating role of HRM outcomes in the specific contexts
Authors: Stor Marzena
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The main goal of the article is to determine the mediating role of HRM outcomes in the relationships between staffing the organization and company performance results and to establish whether there are any identifiable regularity in this scope in the pre-pandemic and pandemic period in the HQs and foreign subsidiaries of MNCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research included 200 MNCs headquartered in Central Europe. To capture the actual relations between the variables under study the raw data in the variables were adjusted with the efficiency index (EI). The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to verify the research hypotheses and assess the mediating effects.

Findings

The research findings show that, with the exception of the HQs in the pandemic period, when staffing had a negative effect on the company performance results in quality, in other cases it had a positive effect on results in HRM, finance, innovativeness and quality, both in the pre-pandemic and pandemic period, although this effect was not always statistically significant. Furthermore, the company's performance results in HRM mediate positively the relationships between staffing and the other three categories of company performance results, regardless of the organizational level (HQs' or subsidiaries') and time period under consideration. Additionally, during the pandemic, the company's performance results in HRM mediate the relationships between staffing and the other company's performance results stronger than in the pre-pandemic time.

Originality/value

In addition to confirming the results of some other studies, the article also provides new knowledge. It determines the mediating role of HRM outcomes in the relationship between staffing and company performance results in finance, innovativeness and quality. Moreover, it identifies certain regularities in the four studied contexts, which is a novelty in this type of research. It also uses an innovative approach to including employee KPIs as the efficiency index in analyzing the relationships between the variables under study.
Examining payday loan utilization among households with mainstream credit access
Authors: Lamb Laura
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to gain insight into the motivations behind the decision to use high-cost payday loans by households who possess mainstream credit and to determine whether this behavior has changed over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from Statistics Canada’s Surveys of Financial Security, probit models are used to examine the sociodemographic and financial indicators associated with payday loan use.

Findings

The analysis uncovers the sociodemographic and financial characteristics of payday loan-user households with access to lower-cost short-term loans. The findings indicate that the likelihood of payday loan use has risen over time. Additional analysis reveals that indicators of financial instability are positively associated with payday loan use among this group.

Research limitations/implications

This research highlights the dichotomy of payday loan users and recommends policymakers tailor solutions to the specific needs of different types of payday loan users.

Practical implications

This research highlights the distinguishing sociodemographic and financial characteristics of payday loan user households and recommends policymakers tailor solutions to the specific needs of different types of payday loan users.

Originality/value

This is the first study, to our knowledge, to focus analysis on payday loan use of those with access to lower-cost short-term credit alternatives in Canada and to include measures of financial instability in the analysis. This research is timely given the current economic environment of high interest rates and high levels of household debt.
Efficiency, liquidity risk and asset quality: a comparative analysis of Islamic and conventional banks in Pakistan
Authors: Safdar Raheel , Fatima Afira , Sajid Memoona
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate differences between Islamic and conventional banks in Pakistan with respect to their operational efficiency, liquidity risk and asset quality. Importantly, in addition to full-fledged Islamic and conventional banks, this study also investigates a more recently emerged breed of hybrid banks, i.e. Islamic divisions of conventional banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the period 2011–2020 was collected from financial reports of all full-fledged Islamic banks (5), Islamic banking divisions of conventional banks (8) and conventional banks (20) in Pakistan. Logistic regressions were designed to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that full-fledged Islamic banks are operationally less efficient and experience higher liquidity risk than conventional banks. However, the asset quality of Islamic banks is better than that of conventional banks. Next, in the robustness analysis, the authors extended the sample size by adding the Islamic divisions (window) of the conventional banks; they found almost the same result except for efficiency which turned out to be non-significantly related to bank type.

Practical implications

The findings are beneficial for investors, depositors, consumers and bank management in understanding the financial features of such as efficiency, liquidity and liquidity risk that separate Islamic banks from conventional banks.

Originality/value

The findings of this study present a clear picture to bankers and practitioners about some financial features of banking systems and depict that Islamic banks are in need to improve their liquidity risk management practices to compete with conventional banks.
Adaptation to climate change: state of art technologies
Authors: Usta Ahmet Tarık , Gök Mehmet Şahin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The world is increasingly threatened by climate change. As the dimensions of this danger grow, it becomes essential to develop the most effective policies to mitigate its impacts and adapt to these new conditions. Technology is one of the most crucial components of this process, and this study focuses on examining climate change adaptation technologies. The aim of the study is to investigate the entire spectrum of technology actors and to concentrate on the technology citation network established from the past to the present, aiming to identify the core actors within this structure and provide a more comprehensive outlook.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explores patent citation relationships using social network analysis. It utilizes patent data published between 2000 and 2023 and registered by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Findings

Study findings reveal that technologies related to greenhouse technologies in agriculture, technologies for combatting vector-borne diseases in the health sector, rainwater harvesting technologies for water management, and urban green infrastructure technologies for infrastructure systems emerge as the most suitable technologies for adaptation. For instance, greenhouse technologies hold significant potential for sustainable agricultural production and coping with the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, ICTs establish intensive connections with nearly all other technologies, thus supporting our efforts in climate change adaptation. These technologies facilitate data collection, analysis, and management, contributing to a better understanding of the impacts of climate change.

Originality/value

Existing patent analysis methods often fall short in detailing the unique contributions of each technology within a technological network. This study addresses this deficiency by comprehensively examining and evaluating each technology within the network, thereby enabling us to better understand how these technologies interact with each other and contribute to the overall technological landscape.
Advancement in extraction and characterization techniques of natural dyes from dye yielding plants sources: a review
Authors: Aggarwal Shilpi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Everyone is extremely concerned about environmental protection and health safety due to the rise in living standards. Plant-derived natural dyes have garnered much industrial attention in food, pharmaceutical, textile, cosmetics, etc. owing to their health and environmental benefits. The present study aims to focus on the elimination of the use of synthetic dyes and provides brief information about natural dyes, their sources, extraction procedures with characterization and various advantages and disadvantages.

Design/methodology/approach

In producing natural colors, extraction and purification are essential steps. Various conventional methods used till date have a low yield, as these consume a lot of solvent volume, time, labor and energy or may destroy the coloring behavior of the actual molecules. The establishment of proper characterization and certification protocols for natural dyes would improve the yielding of natural dyes and benefit both producers and users.

Findings

However, scientists have found modern extraction methods to obtain maximum color yield. They are also modifying the fabric surface to appraise its uptake behavior of color. Various extraction techniques such as solvent, aqueous, enzymatic and fermentation and extraction with microwave or ultrasonic energy, supercritical fluid extraction and alkaline or acid extraction are currently available for these natural dyes and are summarized in the present review article.

Originality/value

If natural dye availability can be increased by the different extraction measures and the cost of purified dyes can be brought down with a proper certification mechanism, there is a wide scope for the adoption of these dyes by small-scale dyeing units.
Optimizing thermal insulation in subtropical monsoon climate religious buildings: material selection and thickness assessment
Authors: Akter Jhumana , Islam Mobasshira , Datta Shuvo Dip
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Determining the suitable material and accurate thickness of the thermal insulation layer used in exterior walls during the design phase of a building can be challenging. This study aims to determine suitable material and optimum thickness for the insulation layer considering both operational and embodied factors by a comprehensive assessment of the energy, economic and environmental (3E) parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the energy model of an existing building was created by using Autodesk Revit software according to the as-built floor layout to evaluate the impact of five alternative insulating materials in varying thickness values. Second, using the results derived from the model, a thorough evaluation was conducted to ascertain the optimal insulation material and thickness through individual analysis of 3E factors, followed by a comprehensive analysis considering the three aforementioned factors simultaneously.

Findings

The findings indicated that polyurethane with 13 cm thickness, rockwool with 10 cm thickness and EPS with 20 cm thickness were the best states based on energy consumption, cost and environmental footprint, respectively. After completing the 3E investigation, the 15-cm-thick mineral wool insulation was presented as the ideal state.

Practical implications

This study explores how suitable material and thickness of insulating material can be determined in advance during the design phase of a building, which is a lot more accurate and cost-effective than applying insulating materials by assumed thickness in the construction phase.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is unique in investigating the advantages of using thermally insulating materials in the context of a mosque structure, taking into account its distinctive attributes that deviate from those of typical buildings. Furthermore, there has been no prior analysis of the cost and sustainability implications of these materials concerning the characteristics of subtropical monsoon climate.
How food matrices modulate folate bioaccessibility: A comprehensive overview of recent advances and challenges
Authors: Liu Fengyuan , Edelmann Minnamari , Piironen Vieno , Li Yuting , Liu Xiaozhen , Yan Jing‐Kun , Li Lin , Kariluoto Susanna
Published: March 2024

The incomplete absorption of dietary folate makes it crucial to understand how food matrices affect folate bioaccessibility. Bioavailability encompasses bioaccessibility, which depicts the proportion that is liberated from the food matrix during digestion and becomes available for absorption. Bioavailability studies are expensive and difficult to control, whereas bioaccessibility studies utilize in vitro digestion models to parameterize the complex digestion, allowing the evaluation of the effect of food matrices on bioaccessibility. This review covers the folate contents in various food matrices, the methods used to determine and the factors affecting folate bioaccessibility, and the advances and challenges in understanding how food matrices affect folate bioaccessibility. The methods for determining bioaccessibility have been improved in the last decade. Current research shows that food matrices modulate folate bioaccessibility by affecting the liberation and stability of folate during digestion but do not provide enough information about folate and food component interactions at the molecular level. In addition, information on folate interconversion and degradation during digestion is scant, hindering our understanding of the impact of food matrices on folate stability. Moreover, the role of conjugase inhibitors should not be neglected when evaluating the nutritional value of food folates. Due to the complexity of food digestion, holistic methods should be applied to investigate bioaccessibility. By synthesizing the current state of knowledge on this topic, this review highlights the lack of in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms of how food matrices modulate folate bioaccessibility and provides insights into potential strategies for accurate evaluation of the nutritional value of dietary folate.
Novel animal product substitutes: A new category of plant‐based alternatives to meat, seafood, egg, and dairy products
Authors: McClements David Julian
Published: March 2024

Many consumers are adopting plant‐centric diets to address the adverse effects of livestock production on the environment, health, and animal welfare. Processed plant‐based foods, including animal product analogs (such as meat, seafood, egg, or dairy analogs) and traditional animal product substitutes (such as tofu, seitan, or tempeh), may not be desirable to a broad spectrum of consumers. This article introduces a new category of plant‐based foods specifically designed to overcome the limitations of current animal product analogs and substitutes: novel animal product substitutes (NAPS). NAPS are designed to contain high levels of nutrients to be encouraged (such as proteins, omega‐3 fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals) and low levels of nutrients to be discouraged (such as salt, sugar, and saturated fat). Moreover, they may be designed to have a wide range of appearances, textures, mouthfeels, and flavors. For instance, they could be red, orange, green, yellow, blue, or beige; they could be spheres, ovals, cubes, or pyramids; they could be hard/soft or brittle/pliable; and they could be lemon, thyme, curry, or chili flavored. Consequently, there is great flexibility in creating NAPS that could be eaten in situations where animal products are normally consumed, for example, with pasta, rice, potatoes, bread, soups, or salads. This article reviews the science behind the formulation of NAPS, highlights factors impacting their appearance, texture, flavor, and nutritional profile, and discusses methods that can be used to formulate, produce, and characterize them. Finally, it stresses the need for further studies on this new category of foods, especially on their sensory and consumer aspects.
‘Leading’ by example? Gendered language in Human Resource job adverts
Authors: Ridgway Maranda , Oldridge Louise , Mavin Sharon
Published: March 2024

While there has been an increase of women in the workplace, why do they remain underrepresented at the senior level, even in women‐dominated occupations such as Human Resources (HRs)? This article examines gendered wording in UK HR job adverts and the extent to which job adverts are a gendered practice contributing to women's underrepresentation in senior roles—even within a women‐dominated profession. We analysed 158 HR job adverts to identify the use of gendered language, traits and behaviours, equality, diversity, and inclusivity (EDI), and flexible working practices. Findings show that as the salary or title seniority increases, the proportion of masculine words in the job adverts increases, the prevalence of EDI statements, and flexible working practices decreases. We theorise how job adverts are a hidden gendered barrier to women's progress in HR, contributing to the (re)production of patriarchy, the masculine discourse of leadership and a negative cycle sustaining hierarchical segregation where men dominate in senior roles. HR is not leading by example in reducing systemic inequality practices and is complicit in reinforcing gender stereotypes.
pH‐dependent stability of major betalains in the encapsulated beetroot extracts (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Lukitasari Diah M. , Indrawati Renny , Chandra Rosita D. , Heriyanto  , Shioi Yuzo , Botosudarmo Tatas H. P.
Published: March 2024

Betalain is a water‐soluble pigment contained in Caryophyllales plants. It not only holds potential as a natural food colorant but also offers various health benefits, acting as an antioxidant. This study focused on analyzing the pH‐dependent stability of encapsulated betalain pigments extracted from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) using methods such as absorption spectroscopy, HPLC, and LC–MS. The major pigments identified were vulgaxanthin I, betanin, isobetanin, and neobetanin, alongside minor components, including three betaxanthin species and a degradation product known as betalamic acid. Spectrophotometric analyses revealed that above pH 8, the betalain peak at 435 nm decreased and red‐shifted to a peak at 549 nm, a shift that could be reversed through neutral pH treatment. At pH 11, a new broad peak appeared at 410 nm and was identified as betalamic acid. To assess the pH‐dependency of each betalain, the targeted betalains were separated and quantified through HPLC after incubation across a wide pH range of 2–11 and during storage. After 3 days of storage in highly alkaline conditions (pH 10–11), major betalains, with the exception of neobetanin, underwent significant degradation. Conversely, these pigments displayed relative stability in acidic conditions. In contrast, neobetanin showed vulnerability to acidic conditions but exhibited tolerance to alkaline pH levels of 10–11. The degradation product, betalamic acid, demonstrated a similar susceptibility to alkaline pH as betanins. In conclusion, the significant stability decrease under highly alkaline conditions results not only from the hydrolytic reaction of betalains but also from the degradation of betalamic acid itself.

Practical Application

Encapsulation methods are used to enhance the stability of betalains against temperature variations; however, the effects of pH, especially when considering individual betalain species, are not well understood. Despite betalains exhibiting similar features and being suitable for a wide pH range from acid to alkaline conditions, they are significantly affected by alkaline pH levels exceeding 10, as well as by storage duration. This study demonstrated the application of encapsulation to pH‐dependent stability, and the findings offer valuable insights and a fresh perspective on betalains as red biocolorants, extending their potential application to a wide range of pH‐controlled food products.
Depth of anesthesia monitoring in Norway—A web‐based survey
Authors: Aasheim Anders , Rosseland Leiv Arne , Leonardsen Ann‐Chatrin Linqvist , Romundstad Luis
Published: March 2024

Background

The bispectral index (BIS) monitor is the most frequently used electroencephalogram (EEG)‐based depth of anesthesia (DoA) technology in Norwegian hospitals. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the extent and clinical impact of its use and how anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists use the information provided by the DoA monitors in their clinical practice.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey on the use of DoA monitors in Norway used a web‐based questionnaire distributed to anesthesia personnel in all hospitals in Norway. Participation was voluntary and anonymized, and the web form could not track IP sources or respondents' locations.

Results

Three hundred and ninety‐one nurse anesthetists (n = 324) and anesthesiologists (n = 67) responded. Among the EEG‐based DoA monitoring tools, BIS was most often used to observe and assess patients' DoA (98%). Raw EEG waveform analysis (10%), EEG‐spectrogram (9%), and suppression rate (10%) were seldom used. Twenty‐seven percent of the anesthesia personnel were able to recognize a burst suppression pattern on EEG and its significance. Fifty‐eight percent of the respondents considered clinical observations more reliable than BIS. Almost all respondents reported adjusting anesthetic dosage based on the BIS index values (80%). However, the anesthetic dose was more often increased (90%) because of high BIS index values than lowered (55%) because of low BIS index values.

Conclusion

Despite our respondents' extensive use of DoA monitoring, the anesthesia personnel in our survey did not use all the information and the potential to guide the titration of anesthetics the DoA monitors provide. Thus, anesthesia personnel could generally benefit from increased knowledge of how EEG‐based DoA monitoring can be used to assess and determine individual patients' need for anesthetic medication.
Context matters: Exploring the adaptive nature of self‐regulation skills in predicting abstinence among veterans with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Dwyer Candice L. , Padula Claudia B.
Published: March 2024

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent among veterans in the United States. Self‐regulation skills (e.g., coping and emotion regulation) are important biopsychosocial factors for preventing relapse. However, how variation in self‐regulation skills supports abstinence based on contextual demands is understudied in veterans with AUD.

Methods

In a prospective longitudinal design, treatment‐seeking veterans (n = 120; 29 females) aged 23–91 with AUD completed the Alcohol Abstinence Self‐Efficacy Scale to assess temptation to drink across several high‐risk situations (i.e., negative affect, social/positive emotions, physical concerns, and craving/urges) as well as the Brief‐COPE and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire to assess self‐regulation skills. Abstinence status was assessed at 6 months. T‐tests were used to identify self‐regulation skills that differed between abstinent and non‐abstinent individuals. Multivariate regression with model selection was performed using all possible interactions between each high‐risk situation and the self‐regulation skills that significantly differed between groups.

Results

Overall, 33.3% of participants (n = 40; nine females) were abstinent at 6 months. Abstinent individuals reported significantly higher use of suppression (p = 0.015), acceptance (p = 0.005), and planning (p = 0.045). Multivariate regression identified significant interactions between (1) planning and physical concerns (p = 0.010) and (2) acceptance, suppression, and craving/urges (p = 0.007). Greater planning predicted abstinence in participants with higher temptation to drink due to physical concerns (e.g., pain). For individuals with lower temptation to drink due to cravings/urges, simultaneous higher suppression and acceptance increased the likelihood of abstinence. Conversely, for participants with higher cravings, greater acceptance with lower suppression was linked to a higher probability of abstinence.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the adaptiveness of self‐regulation skills in predicting AUD recovery is dependent on contextual demands and highlight the need for culturally sensitive treatments. Collectively, these findings indicate that further research on coping and regulatory flexibility may be an important avenue for tailoring AUD treatment for veterans.
A multi‐year, multi‐site study of the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in South Africa
Authors: Louw Jacobus Gidion , Broodryk Mandi , White Liska , Acker Debbie , Viljoen Denis Lowe , Olivier Leana
Published: March 2024

Background

South Africa has the highest reported prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) globally. The most recent study reported a weighted, estimated FASD prevalence of 310 per 1000 in a community in the Western Cape Province. Because there is as yet no reliable estimate of the national burden of FASD in South Africa, further epidemiological studies are needed in diverse settings. This paper reports on a multiyear, multisite FASD epidemiological study that took place from 2015 to 2022 at eight study sites in four provinces.

Methods

The cross‐sectional epidemiological study used an active case‐ascertainment method, specifically in primary schools. All children were recruited when they were enrolled in Grade 1 at a participating school. All consented participants progressed through a tiered‐screening recruitment and diagnostic process.

Results

Overall, 3033 children were included in the study. A total of 3001 children were screened for FASD in the first tier, with 1086 progressing to the second and 495 to the third tier. Of the 495 children referred, 475 were discussed during the final case conference. A total of 309 participants were diagnosed with FAS across the eight study sites. The highest reported prevalence was in the Northern Cape Province, with a rate of 199.3/1000 (95% CI, 147.6–251) using all eligible participants as the denominator. The lowest prevalence was in the Eastern Cape Province, with a rate of 57.4/1000 (95% CI, 36.5–78.3). The pooled FAS prevalence for the eight study sites was 80.2/1000 (95% CI, 70.4–89.9).

Conclusions

As with previous studies, we found a concerningly high prevalence of FASD in South Africa. Given the scope of the problem it should be a high priority for health and welfare services to address.
‘My goal was to become normal’—A qualitative investigation of coping with stigma, body image and self‐esteem long‐term after bariatric surgery
Authors: Jiretorn Linda , Engström My , Laursen Cecilia , Ramos Salas Ximena , Järvholm Kajsa
Published: March 2024

Improved self‐esteem and body image, as well as reduced experiences of weight stigma are important patient‐reported obesity treatment outcomes. However, more knowledge is needed about how individuals who have undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) perceive themselves and their bodies and use different coping strategies in relation to body image and self‐esteem long‐term after MBS. In this qualitative study body image, self‐esteem, weight stigma and coping strategies were explored among 18 individuals who underwent MBS more than 10 years ago when interviewed. Using reflexive thematic analysis, two primary themes were identified: ‘Experiences of living with a stigmatised body’ and ‘Coping with weight stigma, body image and self‐esteem’, and eight sub‐themes. Findings capture frequent experiences of weight stigma before bariatric surgery, the need for coping with stigma and body dissatisfaction before and after MBS, and how different coping strategies are related to participants' perceptions of their bodies and self‐concepts. More adaptive coping strategies, such as confrontation and cognitive restructuring may facilitate more positive body image outcomes, than more ruminative and avoidant strategies. Understanding adaptive coping strategies can be useful to develop interventions to reduce negative consequences of weight stigma on body image and self‐esteem.
ISTH bleeding assessment tool and platelet function analyzer in children with mild inherited platelet function disorders
Authors: Alhaj Dana , Hagedorn Nikola , Cuntz Franziska , Reschke Madlen , Schuldes Joerg , Ruthenberg Juliane , Bakchoul Tamam , Greinacher Andreas , Holzhauer Susanne
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of platelet function analyzer (PFA) and The International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis bleeding‐assessment‐tool (ISTH‐BAT) in detecting mild inherited platelet function disorders (IPFDs) in children with suspected bleeding disorders.

Methods

Prospective single‐center diagnostic study including consecutive patients <18 years with suspected bleeding disorder and performing a standardized workup for platelet function defects including ISTH‐BAT, PFA, platelet aggregation testing, blood smear‐based immunofluorescence, and next‐generation sequencing‐based genetic screening for IPFDs.

Results

We studied 97 patients, of which 34 von Willebrand disease (VWD, 22 type‐1, 11 type‐2), 29 IPFDs (including delta−/alpha‐storage pool disease, Glanzmann thrombasthenia, Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome) and 34 with no diagnosis. In a model combining PFA‐adenosine diphosphate (ADP), PFA‐epinephrine (EPI), and ISTH‐BAT overall performance to diagnose IPFDs was low with area under the curves of 0.56 (95% CI 0.44, 0.69) compared with 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.92) for VWD. Correlation of PFA‐EPI/‐ADP and ISTH‐BAT was low with 0.25/0.39 Spearman's correlation coefficients. PFA were significantly prolonged in patients with VWD and Glanzmann thrombasthenia. ISTH‐BAT‐scores were only positive in severe bleeding disorders, but not in children with mild IPFDs or VWD.

Conclusion

Neither ISTH‐BAT nor PFA or the combination of both help diagnosing mild IPFDs in children. PFA is suited to exclude severe IPFDs or VWD and is in this regard superior to ISTH‐BAT in children.
Beyond a single temperature threshold: Applying a cumulative thermal stress framework to plant heat tolerance
Authors: Cook Alicia M. , Rezende Enrico L. , Petrou Katherina , Leigh Andy
Published: March 2024

Most plant thermal tolerance studies focus on single critical thresholds, which limit the capacity to generalise across studies and predict heat stress under natural conditions. In animals and microbes, thermal tolerance landscapes describe the more realistic, cumulative effects of temperature. We tested this in plants by measuring the decline in leaf photosynthetic efficiency (FV/FM) following a combination of temperatures and exposure times and then modelled these physiological indices alongside recorded environmental temperatures. We demonstrate that a general relationship between stressful temperatures and exposure durations can be effectively employed to quantify and compare heat tolerance within and across plant species and over time. Importantly, we show how FV/FM curves translate to plants under natural conditions, suggesting that environmental temperatures often impair photosynthetic function. Our findings provide more robust descriptors of heat tolerance in plants and suggest that heat tolerance in disparate groups of organisms can be studied with a single predictive framework.
Nonlinear life table response experiment analysis: Decomposing nonlinear and nonadditive population growth responses to changes in environmental drivers
Authors: O'Connell Ryan D. , Doak Daniel F. , Horvitz Carol C. , Pascarella John B. , Morris William F.
Published: March 2024

Life table response experiments (LTREs) decompose differences in population growth rate between environments into separate contributions from each underlying demographic rate. However, most LTRE analyses make the unrealistic assumption that the relationships between demographic rates and environmental drivers are linear and independent, which may result in diminished accuracy when these assumptions are violated. We extend regression LTREs to incorporate nonlinear (second‐order) terms and compare the accuracy of both approaches for three previously published demographic datasets. We show that the second‐order approach equals or outperforms the linear approach for all three case studies, even when all of the underlying vital rate functions are linear. Nonlinear vital rate responses to driver changes contributed most to population growth rate responses, but life history changes also made substantial contributions. Our results suggest that moving from linear to second‐order LTRE analyses could improve our understanding of population responses to changing environments.
Predictors of change in relationship satisfaction among Black postpartum mothers
Authors: Weber Danielle M. , Bryant Chalandra M. , Williamson Hannah C. , Mussa Kadija , Lavner Justin A.
Published: March 2024

The transition to parenthood can be a challenging time for the relationships of new parents and result in declines in relationship satisfaction. Although a robust literature has identified characteristics that predict changes in relationship satisfaction during this period, the relationships of Black mothers postpartum remain understudied. To address this gap, we examined a set of relational, individual, and external characteristics as predictors of relationship satisfaction trajectories over the first four months postpartum. First‐time Black mothers (N = 93, 22.6% married, 52.7% cohabiting, 24.7% not cohabiting) reported on relational, individual, and external characteristics at 1 week postpartum and their relationship satisfaction at 1, 8, and 16 weeks postpartum. Mothers who reported more commitment and partner support were higher in initial satisfaction, as were mothers who were married or cohabiting with a partner (relative to mothers who were not cohabiting with their partner). Mothers with clinically significant depressive symptoms at 1 week postpartum had lower initial relationship satisfaction than mothers without clinically significant depressive symptoms. Mothers' sleep difficulties and experiences of racial discrimination were associated with changes in relationship satisfaction over time; mothers experiencing more sleep difficulties and racial discrimination experienced larger declines in satisfaction. These findings offer new insights into risk and protective factors associated with relationship satisfaction among Black mothers during the early postpartum period and can inform multicomponent interventions to enhance their relationship functioning.
Microwave treatment affects the storage stability of rice: the influence on the structure and properties of starch
Authors: Liu Shiwei , Hassan Nora Ali , He Jie , Chen Xinli , Liu Guangxin , Wang Wei , Hu Aijun , Zheng Jie
Published: March 2024

Microwave (MW) is a non‐heating, environmental‐friendly method used to change starches. Rice was treated at various powers (2, 4, 6 and 8 W g−1). In vitro glycaemic index, lipase activity (LA), fatty acid value (FAV) and reducing sugars (RS) were determined in rice and linked to changes in rice starch structure and thermal properties caused by microwave, which were altered by an increase in power, which reduce values. The findings of pasting viscosity among microwave rice starch (MS) at four powers revealed decreased values when powers were increased. MS treated at power 2 W g−1 produced the lowest pasting temperature, which was required to gelatinise starch. A loss of granular crystallinity in treated samples was confirmed by XRD and FTIR, particularly 33.07%, 32.51%, 20.94% and 20.13% respectively. And the XRD patterns of MS were not changed. Microwave rice starch allowed the formation of the structural and thermal properties of rice starch. In vitro glycaemic index revealed that samples treated in 6 and 8 W g−1 showed significantly higher rapid hydrolyses than MS treated in 2 and 4 W g−1. The utilisation of microwaves had an additional advantage in improving the storage stability of rice and the structure and properties of rice starch.