bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on aerodynamic characteristics of the pantograph on double-stack high container transportation lines
Authors: Li Yuhan , Luo Qun , Zhao Shiyu , Qi Wenyan , Huang Zhong , Mei Guiming
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the aerodynamic characteristics and uplift force tendencies of pantographs within the operational height span of 1,600–2,980 mm, aiming to offer valuable insights for research concerning the adaptability of pantograph-catenary systems on double-stack high container transportation lines.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight pantograph models were formulated based on lines with the contact wire of 6,680 mm in height. The aerodynamic calculations were carried out using the SST k-ω separated vortex model. A more improved aerodynamic uplift force method was also presented. The change rule of the aerodynamic uplift force under different working heights of the pantograph was analyzed according to the transfer coefficients of the aerodynamic forces and moments.

Findings

The results show that the absolute values of the aerodynamic forces and moments of the upper and lower frame increase with the working height, whereas those of the collector head do not change. The absolute values of the transfer coefficients of the lower frame and link arm were significantly larger than those of the upper frame. Therefore, the absolute value of the aerodynamic uplift force increased and then decreased with the working height. The maximum value occurred at a working height of 2,400 mm.

Originality/value

A new method for calculating the aerodynamic uplift force of pantographs is proposed. The specifical change rule of the aerodynamic uplift force of the pantograph on double-stack high container transportation lines was determined from the perspective of the transfer coefficients of the aerodynamic forces and moments.
Industrial and innovation policies in times of crisis: a widening technological divide?
Authors: Vergara Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the ongoing revival of industrial and innovation policies across developed and developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compare the scale and scope of recent industrial and innovation policy initiatives across developed and developing economies. Also, it analyzes recent data regarding R&D investments and other innovation indicators.

Findings

There are enormous disparities across economies in their capacity to implement industrial policies, particularly those to support science, technology and innovation. Most developed economies, and a few developing economies, are implementing bold, ambitious and medium-term innovation policies towards bolstering R&D investments, supporting advanced manufacturing and green energies and strengthening technological capabilities. Amid lack of fiscal policy space and vulnerable debt sustainability positions, institutional deficiencies and weak innovation ecosystems, developing economies – particularly in Africa and Latin America – face enormous challenges to implement strategic industrial and innovation policies.

Research limitations/implications

Under the current economic, financing and institutional conditions, together with subdued global trade and ongoing geopolitical fragmentation, the technological divide and innovation asymmetries across economies will likely widen even further, paving the ground for a “development divergence” in the coming decade.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the implications of the current industrial and innovation policy trends across developed and developing countries. Under the current economic, financing and institutional conditions, together with subdued global trade and ongoing geopolitical fragmentation, the technological divide and innovation asymmetries across economies will likely widen even further, paving the ground for a “development divergence” in the coming decade.
Bridge employment approach for return to work: a systematic review for model development
Authors: Bajelan Majid , Danaei Abolfazl , Mehdiabadi Amir
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Retirement is a preparation for transitioning from one role to another and transitioning to a new stage of life. The deepening aging of the population encourages the policymakers to start the Bridge Employment plan when the society faces the unprecedented challenges of decreasing labor supply, heavier burdens of retirement and slow economic growth. The purpose of this study, the decision model for Bridge Employment has been developed by systematically reviewing the research literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was conducted to cover publications on Bridge Employment for Return to Work published from 1994 to 2023, including a total of 1,936 publications collected from the Web of Science and Scopus. The patterns and trends in terms of sources of publications, intellectual structure and major topics were analyzed.

Findings

After carefully examining the results of the selected studies, three categories of individual (micro level), organizational (medium level) and contextual (macro level) factors were identified as effective factors on bridge employment and model development. Each of the mentioned factors, along with the legal, financial, managerial, educational-administrative and consulting requirements, form the basis for the development of the model and decision framework for Paul’s employment.

Originality/value

This model can be a basis as a framework for bridge recruitment planning so that organizations can once again use their skills–knowledge–expertise in different jobs and even training younger people.
Developing collaborative ecosystem platforms to trigger sustainable “place-based” value creation: a dynamic performance governance approach
Authors: Bianchi Carmine , Grippi Noemi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to illustrate how service ecosystem governance may provide a suitable ground to pursue holistic resilience to “wicked” socio-economic and ecological problems, for enhancing “place-based” sustainable performance outcomes through an organizational, interorganizational and context setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This work suggests the use of “place-based” collaborative ecosystem platforms driven by a dynamic performance governance approach as a setting where facilitated performance dialogue is carried out among networked stakeholders. This fosters a holistic view of performance sustainability where intangibles, inertial, cultural and behavioral factors play a key role in policy analysis.

Findings

The paper illustrates how different research streams framing stakeholder relationships under a business, hybrid organization and public sector perspective converge toward the “service ecosystem” construct, as a common field for sustainable “place-based” value creation. This performance governance perspective frames accountability for achieving sustainable outcomes through interconnected viewpoints, i.e. (1) time (short vs long-term), (2) subject (single organization, “theme-focused” service ecosystem and “place-based” service ecosystem) and (3) field (socio-economic, cultural and ecological).

Originality/value

This work has an interdisciplinary track. It recommends feedback and “stock-and-flow” modeling to enhance framing counterintuitive patterns of behavior of dynamic complex socio-economic, cultural and ecological subsystems within “place-based” collaborative ecosystem platforms. Combining an inside-out with an outside-in view triggers sustainable outcome-based dynamic performance governance through an organizational, interorganizational and context setting.
A review of Industry 5.0: from key facets to a conceptual implementation framework
Authors: Kaswan Mahender Singh , Chaudhary Rekha , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Singh Arshdeep
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the different facets associated with Industry 5.0 (I5.0) and propose a conceptual framework to boost the applicability of this novel technological cum social aspects within industrial organizations for improved organizational sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research work adopted a bibliometric analysis that encapsulates a quantitative set of tools for bibliometric and bibliographic information. This study uses the database of Scopus to acquire data related to different facets of I5.0. The study implies a different spectrum of terms to reach the final corpus of 91 articles related to I5.0. Furthermore, a conceptual define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC)-based framework based on different literature findings is proposed and validated based on the input of experts from different parts of the world.

Findings

The results indicate that I5.0 is still in its infancy. The wider applicability of I5.0 demands comprehensive theoretical knowledge of different facets of this new paradigm and the development of a framework to adopt it on a larger scale. Organizations that are in the race to adopt I5.0 face major challenges related to the digitization of processes along with well-defined cyber-physical systems and the lack of a dedicated framework to execute I5.0. Furthermore, the result also suggests that manufacturing industries are more ready to adopt I5.0 practices as compared to service industries, which can be attributed to well-defined technological measures available in manufacturing settings.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies that explore different know-how and challenges and provides a holistic view of I5.0 by providing a systematic adoption framework.
Enhancing customer engagement behaviors via customer-to-customer interactions and identification
Authors: Jeseo Vincent , Lastner Matthew M. , Black Hulda G.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The e-services market is expected to reach nearly $500bn globally by 2028. As this marketplace grows, customer-to-customer interactions (CCIs) occurring through virtual channels will likely increase. Consequently, the purpose of this research is to examine how the context in which CCI’s occur (i.e. virtual vs in-person) and the frequency of their occurrence affects customer identification, leading to increased customer engagement and more favorable purchase behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted to test the proposed models and hypotheses. The sample for Study 1 is comprised of college students taking in-person or online classes (n = 290). In Study 2, members of an online brand community (n = 125) were surveyed. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

Overall, results support a mediation effect such that CCI context (virtual vs in-person) affects customer engagement and purchase behaviors via customer identification. Specifically, Study 1 finds that customer engagement behaviors (CEBs) are greater for in-person CCIs due to the frequency of interactions and heightened identification between customers. Study 2 further examines the CCI frequency-identification link and finds that customer-firm identification is the only form of identification that affects CEBs and purchase behaviors.

Originality/value

Limited customer engagement research has examined the effects of CCIs on CEBs, and research has rarely compared in-person to virtual CCI contexts. This paper addresses these shortcomings by testing the effects of in-person and virtual CCIs on CCI frequency, identification and CEBs. This research fills another important gap in the literature by considering the unique effects of specific dimensions of customer identification on CEBs and purchase behaviors.
Staying connected beyond the clock: a talent management perspective of after-hours work connectivity and proactive behaviours in the digital age
Authors: Chu Fulei , Zhang Junya , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo , Wang Cizhi , Liu Yunshuo
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Working arrangements’ hybridity has become paramount, particularly after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. A remote working environment has indubitable advantages (e.g. the ability to work from anywhere and at any time). However, such flexibility comes at the cost of being virtually always connected. This duality poses challenges for talent management (TM) in determining who can thrive under these specific conditions and how. This study explores how employees respond to this extended connectivity – namely, work connectivity behaviour after-hours (WCBA) – and its influence on proactive talent behaviour by constructing and testing a theoretical model that differentiates employees’ reactions to this condition.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 400 mainland Chinese employees using online and offline methods. Owing to the potentially varied effects of working in digital environments on employees, a dual mediation regression model was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Remote and hybrid work and, specifically, the increased connectivity experienced by employees can be a “double-edged sword” in influencing their proactive behaviour (PB). While employees experience increased organisation-based self-esteem, which positively correlates with more intense PB, this prolonged exposure may also cause emotional exhaustion (EE), which has a negative correlation with PB. Jointly considering both mediation effects revealed that WCBA’s total effect on PB remained negative.

Originality/value

This study enriches the debate regarding the development of TM practices specifically designed for remote work. It recommends paying greater attention to how employees react to increased connectivity experienced in remote and hybrid working environments. Increased self-esteem or passive EE are possible elements for identifying employees’ talent potential. The separation between work and after-work is becoming blurred in the digital age, which reduces employees’ motivation and ability to exploit their inner talents. Therefore, organisations must find alternatives to preserve their talent pools. This study enriches theoretical research on WCBA, promoting an in-depth application of the theory of job-demand resources in the digital age.
The role of auditing in corporate governance practice in emerging economies: insights from South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs)
Authors: Adebayo Adeyemi , Ackers Barry
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Within the context of public sector accountability, the purpose of this paper is to examine South African state-owned enterprises (SOEs) auditing practices and how they have contributed to mitigating prevalent corporate governance issues in South African SOEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilised a thematic content analysis of archival documents relating to South African SOEs. Firstly, to assess the extent to which the auditing dimension of the corporate governance codes, applicable to South African SOEs, conforms with best practices. Secondly, to determine the extent to which the audit practices of all the 21 South African SOEs listed in Schedule 2 of the Public Finance Management Act, have implemented the identified best audit practices.

Findings

The findings suggest that South African SOEs appear to have adopted and implemented best audit practices to enhance the quality of their accountability in relation to their corporate governance practices, as contained in their applicable corporate governance frameworks. However, despite the high levels of conformance, the observation that most South African SOEs continue to fail and require government bailouts, appears to suggest that auditing has no bearing on poor SOE performance, and that other corporate governance factors may be at play.

Practical implications

The discussion and findings in this paper suggest that the auditing practices of South African SOEs are adequate. However, that SOEs in South Africa continue to be loss-making may imply that this has contributed little to mitigating their corporate governance problems. Thus, policymakers and standard setters, including the Institute of Directors South Africa and relevant oversight bodies should pay attention to better developing means by which to curtail fruitless and wasteful expenditures by South African SOEs through improved corporate governance practices.

Social implications

Most SOEs’ mission statements encourage SOEs to be socially responsible and utilise taxpayers’ monies efficiently and effectively without engaging in fruitless and wasteful expenditure. This study is conceived in this light.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, while acknowledging previous studies, this paper is the first to explore this topic in the context of SOEs and in the context of Africa.
AI-enhanced education: exploring the impact of AI literacy on generation Z’s academic performance in Northern India
Authors: Singh Ekamdeep , Vasishta Prihana , Singla Anju
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to address significant challenges in education, innovate learning and teaching practices and achieve SDG 4. However, existing literature often overlooks the behavioural aspects of students regarding AI in education, focusing predominantly on technical and pedagogical dimensions. Hence, this study aims to explore the significant relationships among AI literacy, AI usage, learning outcomes and academic performance of generation Z students in the Indian educational context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used structural equation modelling (SEM) on Gen Z students born in the years 1997–2012 as a sample population for the research in the north Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and regions like Chandigarh and N.C.R. Delhi.

Findings

The results established significant positive relationships between AI literacy, AI usage, AI learning outcomes and academic performance. Specifically, higher levels of AI literacy were associated with increased engagement with AI technologies and tools for learning purposes, leading to better learning outcomes and academic performance. The findings demonstrated that AI literacy plays a crucial role in providing effective learning experiences and fostering skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking among Gen Z students.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the study include the significance of integrating AI education initiatives into curricula, prioritising professional development programmes for educators and making sure that every student has equitable access to AI technologies.

Originality/value

The study introduces a novel perspective by examining variables such as AI literacy, AI usage, AI learning outcomes and academic performance and developing a model that has not been previously studied. It provides a new discourse and proposes a framework uniquely combining AI-infused curriculum design, educator empowerment, robust assessment mechanisms and sustainable practices.
Corporate social responsibility impact on customer-based brand equity in the Moroccan luxury hotel context: mediating role of customer value co-creation
Authors: Abbass Zakaria , Benjelloun Andaloussi Omar , Rais Fatimazahra
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on customer-based brand equity (CBBE), with a focus on the mediating role of customer value cocreation (CVCC). The objective is to understand the direct and indirect links between CSR and the dimensions of CBBE (image, quality, awareness, loyalty) in the context of the luxury hotel industry, thus filling existing gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study of luxury hotel guests in Morocco used a questionnaire. After a pilot study with 10 professionals, the final version was administered, generating 204 valid responses. Purposive convenience sampling was chosen. PLS analysis was favored.

Findings

The results highlight the significant influence of CSR on the four dimensions of CBBE. Likewise, CVCC exerts a significant effect on CBBE aspects, except for brand loyalty. CVCC partially mediates the relationship between CSR and brand image, perceived quality and brand awareness. However, it does not have a significant mediating role in the CSR−brand loyalty relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study, despite its contributions, is limited to the luxury hotel industry in Morocco, raising concerns of external validity. Future research should diversify service contexts and explore the multidimensionality of CSR.

Practical implications

Luxury hotel managers should prioritize authentic communication to optimize their CBBE through CVCC. An inclusive and strategic approach to cocreation is essential to strengthen the impact of CSR on CBBE. Integrating CSR into customer touchpoints and human resources policies is crucial.

Originality/value

This study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, enriches understanding of the complex interactions between CSR, CVCC and CBBE in Morocco and North Africa. Its originality lies in its exclusive contribution to the region’s marketing literature, broadening the field of knowledge. By exploring these relationships in the specific context of the region, it offers new perspectives to researchers and practitioners interested in CSR, CVCC and CBBE.
Why do investors prefer sustainability? A bibliometric review and research agenda
Authors: Paulsy Leya , M Madhu Lal
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The study aims to identify the trends in the scholarly works on investors preference toward sustainable investments by synthesizing their knowledge structures.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search approach using PRISMA protocol on the Scopus database was used to generate a sample of 403 publications for the purpose of bibliometric analysis. The study performed a range of analyses, including three-field plot analysis, thematic mapping and cluster analysis using the VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software.

Findings

The key findings comprise the identification of four clusters within the subject, namely, corporate social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, ethical investing, green finance and socially responsible investments. This study offers a clear picture of the publishing advancement and research diversification of four selected clusters' research themes, and cluster subthemes.

Practical implications

The research reveals the social and intellectual structure of the field, which provides the future researchers an insights into emerging themes and provides them opportunities for collaboration as well. The outcomes of the research hold significance for policymakers, governing bodies, aspiring scholars, advocates for the environment and investors. It offers an insightful framework for implementing sustainable practices, balancing profits, and environmental risks and creating value from environmentally conscious research and practice.

Originality/value

The future direction and extensiveness of research work have been explored using the themes generated. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study, which combines the VOSviewer and Biblioshiny tools, is likely the first attempt to provide a thorough bibliometric analysis in the research sphere of investors preferences toward sustainable investments.
Germination phenology alters species coexistence outcomes
Authors: Diez Jeff , Schlauch Jen , DuCharme Elysa , Collings Jeremy , Erskine Sarah
Published: August 2024

Species‐specific phenological responses to changing climate are reshuffling the timing of species interactions, however we do not fully understand the consequences of these changes for species' population dynamics and community composition.

In this study, we experimentally manipulated the timing of germination for five annual plant species from southern California and used pairwise competition experiments and coexistence theory to quantify how phenological shifts may impact species interactions and coexistence.

We found that phenological shifts may help promote coexistence when they confer an advantage for competitively inferior species, but in other cases promote dominance by competitively superior species. Earlier germination generally increased species' performance relative to competitors, but the relative changes in intra‐and inter‐specific interactions caused more complex effects on niche and fitness differences. Phenological differences tended to reduce stabilising niche differences for many species pairs and reduced overall coexistence probabilities.

Synthesis. While phenological differences among species have typically been considered a form of niche partitioning, it seems increasingly likely that phenological offsets could destabilise species coexistence. The net effects of changing phenology on species coexistence will depend on the complex combinations of effects on intra‐ and inter‐specific interactions, which remain challenging to predict.
Patterns and drivers of pollen co‐transport network structure vary across pollinator functional groups
Authors: Carneiro Liedson Tavares , Williams Jessica Nicole , Barker Daniel A. , Anderson Joseph W. , Martel Carlos , Arceo‐Gomez Gerardo
Published: August 2024

The patterns and drivers of pollen transport on insect bodies can have important consequences for plant reproductive success and floral evolution; however, they remain little studied. Recently, pollinator bodies have been further described as pollen competitive arenas, where pollen grains can compete for space, with implications for the evolution of pollen dispersal strategies and plant community assembly. However, the identity, strength, and diversity of pollen competitive interactions and how they vary across pollinator functional groups is not known. Evaluating patterns and drivers of the pollen co‐transport landscape and how these vary across different pollinator groups is central to further our understanding of floral evolution and co‐flowering community assembly.

Here, we integrate information on the number and identity of pollen grains on individual insect pollen loads with network analyses to uncover novel pollen co‐transport networks and how these vary across pollinator functional groups (bees and bee flies). We further evaluate differences in pollen load size, species composition, diversity and phylogenetic diversity among insect groups and how these relate to body size and gender.

Pollen co‐transport networks were diverse and highly modular in bees, with groups of pollen species interacting more often with each other on insect bodies. However, the number, identity and frequency of competitors that pollen grains encounter on insect bodies vary between some pollinator functional groups. Other aspects of pollen loads such as their size, richness and phylogenetical diversity were shaped by bee size or gender, with females carrying larger but less phylogenetically diverse pollen loads than males.

Synthesis. Our results show that the number, identity and phylogenetic relatedness of pollen competitors changes as pollen grains travel on the body of different pollinators. As a result, pollinator groups impose vastly different interaction landscapes during pollen transport, with so far unknown consequences for plant reproductive success, floral evolution and community assembly.
Contrasting responses of plant, soil fungal and above‐ground arthropod communities to plant invasion across latitudes
Authors: Gao Lunlun , Fan Fengyan , He Yifan , Wei Chunqiang , Xu Hao , Liu Xiaoyan , Lu Xinmin , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: August 2024

The proliferation of alien species that can suppress resident species via biotic interactions represents a growing concern worldwide. Yet, how above‐ and below‐ground communities simultaneously respond to plant invasion, particularly across large spatial scales, remains poorly explored. We hypothesized plant invasion has a greater impact on recipient above‐ and below‐ground communities at lower than higher latitudes given that biotic interactions play a more significant role in shaping communities in more favourable, lower latitude environments.

To test this hypothesis, we conducted a comprehensive field survey of 124 sites spanning a 1700‐km latitudinal gradient in China, to explore the effects of invasion of Alternanthera philoxeroides, a globally widespread invasive plant, on plant, soil fungal and above‐ground arthropod communities.

Invasion of A. philoxeroides had divergent effects on beta diversity (i.e. variation in taxa composition among sites) of plants, above‐ground arthropods and soil saprotrophic fungi, with negative, neutral and positive responses, respectively. Notably, the compositional dissimilarity of plant and arthropod communities between adjacent invaded and non‐invaded sites remained constant across latitudes. In contrast, the compositional dissimilarity of the entire and pathogenic fungal communities between adjacent invaded and non‐invaded sites increased with latitude. This resulted in a decreasing difference in invasion effects on the composition of plant and fungal communities with increasing latitude.

Synthesis. Our study provides novel insights into the complexities of invasion effects by revealing contrasting responses of above‐ and below‐ground communities to plant invasion across latitudes. The contrasting responses could weaken or reshape above‐ and below‐ground interactions, and, in turn, affect future species invasions and the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.
Nitrogen‐fixing plants increase soil nitrogen and neighbouring‐plant biomass, but decrease community diversity: A meta‐analysis reveals the mediating role of soil texture
Authors: Ortiz Sarah K. , Wolf Amelia A.
Published: August 2024

Several recent regional studies have cast doubt on the widespread assumption that nitrogen‐fixing plants (N‐fixers) act as facilitators of neighbouring plant communities.

We conducted a meta‐analysis to synthesize the effects of N‐fixers on plant communities and to understand how ecological context moderates these effects. We analysed studies that assessed paired effects of N‐fixers and non‐fixers on soil N, neighbouring‐plant (non‐fixer) biomass and plant community diversity; ecological moderators included climate, soil texture and N‐fixer growth form and invasive status.

N‐fixers led to higher soil N and neighbouring‐plant biomass, but lower community diversity compared to non‐fixers. The effect of N‐fixers on neighbouring‐plant biomass was strongly mediated by soil texture; N‐fixer invasive status and growth form were also significant mediators of the facilitative effects of N‐fixers.

Synthesis: N‐fixer effects lie on a continuum between facilitation and suppression that is moderated by intrinsic and extrinsic processes, and this analysis provides insight into how these factors moderate the effects of N‐fixers. Overall, N‐fixers facilitate neighbour biomass but suppress diversity, though high variation in these effects can be explained in part by ecological context.
High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry for screening of common new psychoactive substances and other drugs in biological samples
Authors: Nie Manqing , Zhang Tianai , Wang Xuan , Zhao Xuan , Luo Chunying , Wang Lian , Zou Xiaoli
Published: August 2024

The complexity of the drug market and the constant updating of drugs have been challenging issues for drug regulatory authorities. With the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, forensic and toxicology laboratories have had to adopt new drug screening methods and advanced instrumentation. Using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap mass spectrometry, we developed a screening method for common NPS and other drugs. Two milliliters of mixed solvent of n‐hexane and ethyl acetate (1:1, v:v) were added to 500 μL of blood or urine sample for liquid–liquid extraction, and methanol extraction was used for hair samples. The developed method was applied to 3897 samples (including 332 blood samples, 885 urine samples, and 2680 hair samples) taken from drug addicts in a province of China during 2019–2021. For urine and blood samples, the limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 1.68 pg/mL to 10.7 ng/mL. For hair samples, the LODs ranged from 3.30 × 10−5 to 4.21 × 10−3 ng/mg. The matrix effects of urine, blood, and hair samples were in the range of 47.6%–121%, 39.8%–139%, and 6.35%–118%, respectively. And the intra‐day precision was 3.5%–6.0% and the inter‐day precision was 4.18%–9.90%. Analysis of the actual samples showed an overall positive detection rate of 58.9%, with 5.32% of the samples indicating the use of multiple drugs.
Effects of climatic and time‐related variables on dung beetle communities: A case study in Central Spain
Authors: Grzechnik Sandra , Cabrero‐Sañudo Francisco José
Published: August 2024

Dung beetles are considered a key element in ecosystems as they are involved in many ecological processes, being one of the main decomposers of organic matter in the landscape. They can be classified into 3 subfamilies: Aphodiinae, Geotrupinae and Scarabaeinae, with each subfamily exhibiting specific adaptations and evolutionary strategies that have developed over time. The global patterns of dung beetle diversity are influenced by ecological factors, such as climatic (temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure) and time‐related variables. Thus, the aim of the study is to see how these variables affect a dung beetle community and whether there are different responses among the subfamilies. The study was carried out in Mataelpino, a town located in Central Spain (Madrid, Spain). Monthly sampling was conducted from May 2018 to February 2020. According to the results the variables considered exert an effect on dung beetles, with differences observed among the subfamilies. To our knowledge, atmospheric pressure has been considered for the first time in a study of this type, with a greater effect being observed in the Aphodiinae subfamily than in the rest of the dung beetle groups. Regarding the other subfamilies, it has been observed that temperature is a determining factor for Scarabaeinae species, whereas humidity seems to have a greater effect on Geotrupinae species.
New bacterial strains for ibuprofen biodegradation: Drug removal, transformation, and potential catabolic genes
Authors: Lara‐Moreno Alba , Costa Maria Clara , Vargas‐Villagomez Ayleen , Carlier Jorge Dias
Published: August 2024

Ibuprofen (IBU) is a significant contaminant frequently found in wastewater treatment plants due to its widespread use and limited removal during treatment processes. This leads to its discharge into the environment, causing considerable environmental concerns. The use of microorganisms has recently been recognized as a sustainable method for mitigating IBU contamination in wastewater. In this study, new bacteria capable of growing in a solid medium with IBU as the only carbon source and removing IBU from a liquid medium were isolated from environmental samples, including soil, marine, mine, and olive mill wastewater. Four bacterial strains, namely Klebsiella pneumoniae TIBU2.1, Klebsiella variicola LOIBU1.1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa LOIBU1.2, and Mycolicibacterium aubagnense HPB1.1, were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These strains demonstrated significant IBU removal efficiencies, ranging from 60 to 100% within 14 days, starting from an initial IBU concentration of 5 mg per litre. These bacteria have not been previously reported in the literature as IBU degraders, making this work a valuable contribution to further studies in the field of bioremediation in environments contaminated by IBU. Based on the IBU removal results, the most promising bacteria, K. pneumoniae TIBU2.1 and M. aubagnense HPB1.1, were selected for an in silico analysis to identify genes potentially involved in IBU biodegradation. Interestingly, in the tests with TIBU2.1, a peak of IBU transformation product(s) was detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography, while in the tests with HPB1.1, it was not detected. The emerging peak was analysed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, indicating the presence of possible conjugates between intermediates of IBU biodegradation. The proteins encoded on their whole‐genome sequences were aligned with proteins involved in an IBU‐degrading pathway reported in bacteria with respective catabolic genes. The analysis indicated that strain HPB1.1 possesses genes encoding proteins similar to most enzymes reported associated with the IBU metabolic pathways used as reference bacteria, while strain TIBU2.1 has genes encoding proteins similar to enzymes involved in both the upper and the lower part of that pathway. Notably, in the tests with the strain having more candidate genes encoding IBU‐catabolic enzymes, no IBU transformation products were detected, while in the tests with the strain having fewer of these genes, detection occurred.
The Women of the Air Transport Auxiliary in Second World War Newsreels
Authors: Hackett Lisa J
Published: August 2024

A small, but revealing, set of Second World War newsreels exist that feature the pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). Newsreels are an important source of knowledge about the ideology of authorities in wartime Britain. The immense popularity of the cinema meant that newsreels became an important way for the government to communicate with the general public about the progress of the war and also to recruit them into war service. The war was labour intensive, and the government followed a number of initiatives to maximise combat personnel, most notably the widespread employment of women in supporting military roles. The ATA was established to provide a pool of pilots to undertake essential, but not combat, flying during the war. It was made up of pilots who were deemed unfit to serve in the Royal Air Force, a determination that allowed women, by dint of not being male, to join its ranks. The British government were keen to utilise women yet at the same time retain social norms that position employment outside the home as “man's work”. An examination of extant Second World War newsreels reveals that women pilots were initially positioned as a novelty, undertaking lighter, less serious duties than their male counterparts whilst dressed in feminine attire. As the war progressed this shifted rapidly to a recognition that the women were undertaking serious work on par with their male colleagues.
On the role of antibody affinity and avidity in the IgE‐mediated allergic response
Authors: Bachmann Martin F. , Krenger Pascal S. , Mohsen Mona O. , Kramer Matthias F. , Starchenka Sviatlana , Whitehead Piers , Vogel Monique , Heath Matthew D.
Published: August 2024

Type I hypersensitivity, also known as classical allergy, is mediated via allergen‐specific IgE antibodies bound to type I FcR (FcεRI) on the surface of mast cells and basophils upon cross‐linking by allergens. This IgE‐mediated cellular activation may be blocked by allergen‐specific IgG through multiple mechanisms, including direct neutralization of the allergen or engagement of the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIb which blocks IgE signal transduction. In addition, co‐engagement of FcεRI and FcγRIIb by IgE‐IgG‐allergen immune complexes causes down regulation of receptor‐bound IgE, resulting in desensitization of the cells. Both, activation of FcεRI by allergen‐specific IgE and engagement of FcγRIIb by allergen‐specific IgG are driven by allergen‐binding. Here we delineate the distinct roles of antibody affinity versus avidity in driving these processes and discuss the role of IgG subclasses in inhibiting basophil and mast cell activation.
Forssman and the staphylococcal hemolysins
Authors: Ingmer Hanne , Leisner Jørgen J. , Fulaz Stephanie
Published: August 2024

Forssman was a Swedish pathologist and microbiologist who, in the 1920s and 1930s conducted a long series of experiments that led to unique insights into surface antigens of blood cells, as well as added to the discrimination of toxins produced by staphylococci that lyse red blood cells. This review takes offset in the studies published by Forssman in APMIS addressing the hemolytic properties of staphylococcal toxins displayed against erythrocytes of animal and human origin. In light of current knowledge, we will discuss the insights we now have and how they may pave the way for curing infections with pathogenic staphylococci, including Staphylococcus aureus.
Impact of visceral fat obesity (obesity disease) on short‐ and long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy in gastric cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Kei , Oka Yoshio , Takada Naoya , Murao Shuhei , Higashiguchi Masaya , Takeda Takashi , Fukata Tadafumi , Noguchi Kozo , Danno Katsuki , Toyoda Yasuhiro , Nakane Shigeru , Yamamoto Hitoshi , Saeki Mika , Mito Takeshi , Fujino Shiki , Hirao Takafumi
Published: August 2024

Background

As the incidence of obesity increases worldwide, laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) in obese patients with gastric cancer is more common. It is unclear how visceral fat obesity (obesity disease [OD]) may influence short‐ and long‐term outcomes after LG.

Methods

This study included 170 gastric cancer patients who underwent curative LG at Minoh City Hospital from 2008 to 2020. Patients were classified based on preoperative body mass index (BMI) and visceral fat area (VFA): normal (N; n = 95), visceral fat accumulation alone (VF; n = 35), obesity with visceral fat accumulation (OD; n = 35), and obesity alone (n = 5).

Results

Compared with normal VFA, high preoperative VFA (≥100 cm2) was significantly associated with longer operation time, greater blood loss, more frequent postoperative complications, and longer hospital stay. Multivariate analysis revealed the following independent risk factors for postoperative intra‐abdominal infectious complications: Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥4 (odds ratio [OR]: 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–8.5), dissected lymph node area (D2) (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.2–7.1), and preoperative VFA (≥100 cm2) (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6–8.8). Intraoperative and postoperative courses were comparable between groups VF and OD. The 3‐year overall survival rate was significantly worse in group VF (73.2%) compared with groups OD (96.7%) and N (96.7%) (p < .0001). Recurrence‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival were comparable between groups VF, OD, and N.

Conclusion

Visceral fat accumulation strongly predicted postoperative morbidity. Despite increased perioperative risk, OD did not negatively impact successful lymphadenectomy or survival following LG.
Robotic‐assisted sacrocolpopexy with hinotori, a brand‐new surgical robot system produced in Japan; report of initial clinical case series
Authors: Ichino Manabu , Sasaki Hitomi , Takenaka Masashi , Zennami Kenji , Takahara Kiyoshi , Shiroki Ryoichi
Published: August 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

Robot‐assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) is increasingly common due to the increased uptake of surgical robot systems. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the perioperative outcomes of the first patient cohort to undergo RASC using a brand‐new surgical robot system, the hinotori surgical system (robot‐assisted sacrocolpopexy with hinotori surgical system [h‐RASC]). This study also aimed to compare the outcomes of this group with those of the group of patients who had undergone RASC with the da Vinci surgical system (d‐RASC).

Methods

This study included 15 patients per group. Operative times, blood loss, complications, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS; subjective measure), and urodynamic outcomes (objective measure) were compared between the groups.

Results

All cases were completed without serious problems during RASC procedure. Perioperative outcomes were similar between the groups except for longer operation time (min) (h‐RASC 266 vs. d‐RASC 229; p < .01) and console time (min) (178 vs. 159; p = .02) in the h‐RASC group than in the d‐RASC. De novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence were comparable. LUTS improved in the postoperative OABSS total score (preoperative 6 vs. postoperative 3; p < .01) in the h‐RASC group. However, OABSS assessment (h‐RASC −3 vs. d‐RASC −4; p = .38) was similar between the two groups. Urodynamic studies showed similar outcomes in the median Qmax (maximum flow rate) values in both groups.

Conclusion

This is the first report focusing on RASC using the hinotori surgical system. RASC using the hinotori surgical system could provide favorable perioperative outcomes as comparable with those of the existing da Vinci system.
Thrombopoietin improves the functions of bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells via METTL16/Akt signalling of haematological patients with chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chen Hui , Jiao Yingying , Lin Chao , Fan Wenxuan , Li Lindi , Li Bo , Li Liang , Zeng Xiaoyuan , Li Zongpeng , Wei Hongfa , Zhang Yuming , Zhou Benjie , Chen Chun , Ye Jieyu , Yang Mo
Published: August 2024

Bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells (BM EPCs) are crucial in supporting haematopoietic regeneration, while the BM EPCs of haematological patients with chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) are unavoidably damaged. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of thrombopoietin (TPO) on the recovery of BM EPCs of CIT patients and to identify the underlying mechanisms. The cell functions were determined by 1,1‘‐dioctadecyl‐3,3,3’,3‘‐tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (Dil)–acetylated low‐density lipoprotein (Dil‐Ac‐LDL) uptake and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐labeled Ulex europaeus agglutinin‐I (FITC‐UEA‐I) binding assay, as well as proliferation, migration and tube formation experiments. Endothelial cells were transfected with METTL16 lentivirus, followed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. Zebrafish with vascular defect was used as the in vivo model. TPO significantly improved the quantity and functions of BM EPCs from CIT patients in vitro and restored the subintestinal vein area of zebrafish with vascular defect in vivo. Mechanically, TPO enhanced the BM EPC functions through Akt signal mediated by METTL16, which was downregulated in BM EPCs of CIT patients and involved in the regulation of endothelial functions. The present study demonstrates that TPO improves the recovery of BM EPCs from CIT patients with haematological malignancies via METTL16/Akt signalling, which provides new insights into the role of TPO in treating CIT in addition to direct megakaryopoiesis.