bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bedaquiline and Delamanid Pharmacokinetics on Sputum Culture Conversion and Adverse Events in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Bhatnagar Anuj K. , Hemanthkumar Agibothu Kupparam , Muthu Vijayalakshmi Mariappan , Vohra Vikram , Padmapriyadarsini Chandrasekaran , Ramesh Paranchi Murugesan , Taneja Gaurav , Chavan Vijay Nathu , Jeyadeepa Bharathi , Bhui Namrata Kaur , Solanki Rajesh
Published: January 2024

Background:

Pharmacokinetic studies of bedaquiline and delamanid in patients with pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR TB) will help in the optimization of these drugs for both culture conversion and adverse events.

Methods:

A prospective cohort of 165 adult patients (56% male with mean [SD] age 29 [9.7] years) with pre-XDR TB was treated with bedaquiline, delamanid, clofazimine, and linezolid for 24 weeks at 5 sites in India. Bedaquiline was administered at 400 mg daily for 2 weeks followed by 200 mg thrice weekly for 22 weeks, whereas delamanid was administered at 100 mg twice daily. In 23 consenting participants at 8 and 16 weeks of treatment, blood was collected at 0, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours postdosing for an intense pharmacokinetic study. Pharmacokinetic parameters were correlated with sputum culture conversion and adverse events.

Results:

The mean (SD) age and weight of patients were 30 (10) years and 54 kg, respectively. The median minimum concentration (Cmin) and time–concentration curve (AUC) for bedaquiline, respectively, were 0.6 mcg/mL and 27 mcg/mL·h at week 8 and 0.8 mcg/mL and 36 mcg/mL·h at week 16, suggesting drug accumulation over time. The median Cmin and AUC of delamanid, respectively, were 0.17 mcg/mL and 5.1 mcg/mL·h at week 8 and 0.20 mcg/mL and 7.5 mcg/mL·h at week 16. Delay in sputum conversion was observed in patients with drug concentrations lower than the targeted concentration. At weeks 8 and 16, 13 adverse events were observed. Adverse events were resolved through symptomatic treatment. Body mass index was found to be significantly associated with drug-exposure parameters.

Conclusions:

Bedaquiline and delamanid when co-administered exhibit plasma drug levels within the targeted concentrations, showing an exposure–response relationship.
The brainstem’s red nucleus was evolutionarily upgraded to support goal-directed action
Authors: Krimmel Samuel R. , Laumann Timothy O. , Chauvin Roselyne J. , Hershey Tamara , Roland Jarod L. , Shimony Joshua S. , Willie Jon T. , Norris Scott A. , Marek Scott , Van Andrew N. , Monk Julia , Scheidter Kristen M. , Whiting Forrest , Ramirez-Perez Nadeshka , Metoki Athanasia , Wang Anxu , Kay Benjamin P. , Nahman-Averbuch Hadas , Fair Damien A. , Lynch Charles J. , Raichle Marcus E. , Gordon Evan M. , Dosenbach Nico U.F.
Published: January 2024

The red nucleus is a large brainstem structure that coordinates limb movement for locomotion in quadrupedal animals (Basile et al., 2021). The humans red nucleus has a different pattern of anatomical connectivity compared to quadrupeds, suggesting a unique purpose (Hatschek, 1907). Previously the function of the human red nucleus remained unclear at least partly due to methodological limitations with brainstem functional neuroimaging (Sclocco et al., 2018). Here, we used our most advanced resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) based precision functional mapping (PFM) in highly sampled individuals (n = 5) and large group-averaged datasets (combinedN∼ 45,000), to precisely examine red nucleus functional connectivity.

Notably, red nucleus functional connectivity to motor-effector networks (somatomotor hand, foot, and mouth) was minimal. Instead, red nucleus functional connectivity along the central sulcus was specific to regions of the recently discovered somato-cognitive action network (SCAN; (Gordon et al., 2023)). Outside of primary motor cortex, red nucleus connectivity was strongest to the cingulo-opercular (CON) and salience networks, involved in action/cognitive control (Dosenbach et al., 2007; Newbold et al., 2021) and reward/motivated behavior (Seeley, 2019), respectively. Functional connectivity to these two networks was organized into discrete dorsal-medial and ventral-lateral zones. Red nucleus functional connectivity to the thalamus recapitulated known structural connectivity of the dento-rubral thalamic tract (DRTT) and could prove clinically useful in functionally targeting the ventral intermediate (VIM) nucleus. In total, our results indicate that far from being a ‘motor’ structure, the red nucleus is better understood as a brainstem nucleus for implementing goal-directed behavior, integrating behavioral valence and action plans.
Shopping experience and consumer loyalty towards organic food stores: evaluating the moderating role of gender
Authors: Bhat Ishfaq Hussain , Gupta Shilpi , Parray Shakir Hussain , Sharma Dhiraj , Ali Faizan , Itoo Rais Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study delves into the complex realm of consumer behavior by exploring the impact of distinct shopping motives, encompassing status, value and gratification, on store satisfaction within the domain of organic food retail. Moreover, it seeks to decipher the influence of perceptual disparities between male and female patrons on the intricate nexus between shopping experience and consumer loyalty within organic food stores.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive dataset comprising responses from 400 participants was gathered and subjected to confirmatory analysis and structural equation modeling. These analytical tools were employed to dissect the data, validate the underlying research framework and unveil critical insights.

Findings

The empirical analysis, facilitated by structural equation modeling, substantiates that organic food stores prioritize the organic attribute, primarily centered on healthiness, often to the detriment of broader conceptual and social aspects. This validates the interplay between shopping experience dimensions, customer contentment, loyalty and the intent to revisit. Gender, as a moderator, exerts a discernible influence on these relationships, highlighting distinct shopping behaviors among male and female consumers when gauging the influence of shopping experience dimensions within organic food retail establishments.

Practical implications

The implications of this research resonate deeply within the organic food retail landscape. The insights garnered provide valuable guidance to organic food retailers aiming to enhance their store ambiance and allure, thereby fostering sustained customer satisfaction. This, in turn, augments the propensity for customer loyalty and repeat patronage, a particularly pressing concern in today's fiercely competitive retail milieu. Furthermore, the study carries significant ramifications for organic food producers and governmental entities, outlining a framework for augmenting the value proposition of organic foods in alignment with customer experiential paradigms.

Originality/value

In a milieu characterized by the emergence of novel product categories and industry entrants, the study fills a critical void by investigating customer satisfaction within the broader retail food sector, with specific focus on organic food stores. Moreover, the research embarks on a pioneering exploration of the prospective trajectory of organic food stores in the Indian context, employing a marketing lens and grounded in the theory of needs satisfaction.
How do purchase preferences moderate the impact of time and price sensitivity on the purchase intention of customers on online-to-offline (O2O) delivery platforms?
Authors: Cao Yijie , Wang Jun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test the impact of time and price sensitivity on consumer satisfaction and purchase intention on online-to-offline (O2O) takeout platforms and explore the moderating effect of purchase preference on time sensitivity and satisfaction, as well as price sensitivity and satisfaction, in order to guide market pricing.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model (SEM) of customer purchase intention was constructed, and the relationships between the variables (time sensitivity, price sensitivity, satisfaction and purchase intention) were examined. The completed questionnaires of 349 respondents were collected from the Questionnaire Star platform in China. The research model and hypotheses were then tested. Analytic hierarchy procedure was used to determine the moderating effect of purchase preference. Finally, the study proposes a pricing strategy for customer-active selective services.

Findings

Satisfaction positively influences purchase intention, and price sensitivity significantly increases satisfaction and further increases purchase intention; however, time sensitivity negatively affects satisfaction. Specifically, purchase preference has strongly moderated the relationship between time, price sensitivity and satisfaction. In addition, the findings show that when purchase preference is high, the effect of price sensitivity on satisfaction is stronger, suggesting the importance of purchase preference in strengthening purchase intentions. The research work recommends a pricing strategy involving value-added pricing primarily for time-sensitive customers, which can help build a high-end brand image and reduce price competition. Reduced pricing is mainly for price-sensitive customers, which is conducive to stimulating consumption within a specific time. This pricing strategy is important for adjusting market sensitivity and flexibility.

Originality/value

This research provides new ideas for related disciplines and guidance for the differentiated pricing and promotion of takeout platforms, as well as a theoretical basis for the diversified development of takeout platforms, improvement of personalized service quality and enhancement of customer stickiness. This study fills gaps in the existing literature on the moderating effect of purchase preference on time sensitivity and satisfaction and price sensitivity and satisfaction.
Gender diversity on corporate boards: importance of female traits/characteristics as perceived by university students
Authors: Lefley Frank , Trnková Gabriela , Vychová Helena
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the literature on board gender diversity by soliciting university students' views on several perceptions raised by academics concerning the suitability of women to serve on corporate boards. In particular, if the opinions of male students differ from those of female students, this showing any gender bias.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is part of a much more comprehensive investigation into board gender diversity. It adopts a questionnaire approach, with this paper focussing on twelve research statements. Two hundred and ninety-six university students completed the questionnaires at a public university in the Czech Republic during March–April 2023. A pilot questionnaire was conducted in February 2023, resulting in minor changes being made. The data is analysed using SPSS and MedCalc® statistical software.

Findings

Whilst, in some respects, it supports the literature in relation to the observations highlighted in the research statements concerning female traits/characteristics, there is unmistakable evidence of gender bias in the respondents' opinions regarding the qualities women can bring to corporate boards. Overall, this research shows a negative bias by male respondents towards the positive attributes females can bring to the boardroom. This bias may influence the selection of female directors in the future. This research suggests that the apparent discrimination against women is not just because they are female but from a perceived mismatch between inferred female characteristics and male stereotype leadership requirements. There is, however, no gender bias with respect to students' leadership aspirations.

Practical implications

The findings of this research should help with policy-making decisions concerning the selection of future corporate board directors and help break down any negative gender selection bias. The paper adds to the discussion and debate about ethical issues related to business and broader society concerning gender diversity in senior management roles. It also adds to the political debate on the issue of legislative gender initiatives.

Originality/value

The research respondents' perceptions may well influence the decision-making process for the selection of future corporate directors. Whilst these current perceptions may, and invariably will, change over time, it is important to identify them at an early stage in the respondents' careers. This research gives a better understanding of the perceived qualities that women bring to corporate boards from an inexperienced perspective.
DRR Interview with Terry Cannon: disaster studies: why is class being ignored?
Authors: Cannon Terry
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The transcript is of one from a number of interviews with disaster risk reduction (DRR) “pioneers” carried out in 2022 as a part of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) project to record the history of the field. It aims to enable one of the “pioneers” to explain his role in the emergence of disaster studies and provide critical commentary on what he considers is wrong with current DRR approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Terry Cannon was interviewed to explain the beginnings of his involvement in disasters research and to comment on his views on progress in the field of disaster risk reduction since his early work in the 1980s. The transcript and video were developed in the context of the UNDRR project on the history of DRR.

Findings

The interview provides an account of the origins of the book “At Risk” and why it was considered necessary. This is put into the context of how the field of DRR has emerged since the 1980s. It elicits opinions on what he considers the gaps in both his early work (especially in the book “At Risk” of which he was a co-author) and in the field of DRR recently.

Originality/value

It provides historical context on how early disaster research developed the alternative framework of “social construction” of disasters, in opposition to the idea that they are “natural”. It challenges some of the approaches that have emerged as DRR and has been institutionalised, including its increasing difficulty in supporting the ideas of social construction.
The buffering role of collective mindfulness in customer incivility and service sabotage: a multilevel study of Indian banks
Authors: Gaan Niharika , Shin Yuhyung
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study explores the moderated mediation effect, wherein collective mindfulness attenuates the hypothesised relationship between customer incivility, service sabotage and psychological well-being and is supported by the conservation of resources (COR) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiwave and multisource data were collected from 315 frontline employees (FLEs) working in 32 Indian bank branches. Using HLM 7.00, the authors tested a multilevel model in which branch-level collective mindfulness moderated the association amongst individual-level customer incivility, psychological well-being and service sabotage.

Findings

A higher level of collective mindfulness had a profound cross-level effect on the association between customer incivility and service sabotage through psychological well-being.

Originality/value

Distinct from prior research that focussed on individuals' personal resources as a buffer against customer incivility, the authors' study identified branch-level collective mindfulness as a boundary condition that helps employees experiencing customer incivility decrease service sabotage. By uncovering a branch-level variable that reduces the negative impact of customer incivility on service sabotage, the authors' study offers valuable insights for banks to enhance customer service at their branches.
Can logistics and supply chain resilience strategies minimize the impacts of disruptions: evidence from Japan
Authors: Maharjan Rajali , Kato Hironori
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigates whether logistics and supply chain resilience strategies (SCREST) can help mitigate the negative impacts of disruptions on firm performance and logistics and supply chain (SC) activities of companies, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected primary data on the implementation of different types of SCRESTs and measured the impact of COVID-19 in terms of firm performance and logistics and SC metrics through a survey of Japanese manufacturing companies in four sectors. The authors used these data to illustrate whether the companies benefitted from SCRESTs in mitigating the negative impacts of COVID-19. A questionnaire comprising structured and open-ended questions was sent to 8,000 companies all over Japan that met the selection criteria, using a combination of mail and web-based media. The respondents were logistics and SC professionals. A combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed for data analysis and interpretation.

Findings

Research conducted within the case of the Japanese context revealed that findings varied depending on the methodology applied. The use of a direct analysis approach and qualitative analysis suggested that the implementation of SCRESTs is beneficial in addressing the negative impacts of COVID-19 on firm performance and logistics and SC activities, whereas the application of indirect analysis approach yielded mixed results. The analysis also indicated a shift in the preferred SCRESTs during COVID-19.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the benefits of implementing SCRESTs using primary data from the manufacturing sector of Japan. Furthermore, empirical research on this topic is generally lacking.
Does employee resilience work? The effects of job insecurity on psychological withdrawal behavior and work engagement
Authors: Yasami Mehri , Phetvaroon Kullada , Dewan Mayukh , Stosic Kristina
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The onset of a health crisis has substantially crippled the hotel industry, causing employees' fears of an imminent job loss. This study investigates how hotel employees' perceived job insecurity affects work engagement and psychological withdrawal behavior. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of work engagement between job insecurity and psychological withdrawal behavior, along with examining the moderating effects of employee resilience on the links between job insecurity, work engagement and psychological withdrawal behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting simple random sampling, a total of 357 completed questionnaires by Thai frontline hotel employees in 36 four- and five-star international hotel chains in Phuket, Thailand, were analyzed. Data analyses were undertaken by SPSS version 25.0 and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) version 4.0.9.1.

Findings

Results indicate that perceived job insecurity diminishes work engagement and leads to psychological withdrawal behavior. Work engagement is found to partially mediate the connection between job insecurity and psychological withdrawal behavior. Furthermore, employee resilience lessens the impact of job insecurity on work engagement while reinforcing the link between work engagement and psychological withdrawal behavior.

Practical implications

The study findings offer valuable practical implications, illustrating how Thai hospitality firms can cultivate effective talent management practices to develop and enhance employees' skills, engagement and enthusiasm in their work. These practices can assist employees in coping with and managing their perceptions of job insecurity during turbulent times and uncontrollable crises.

Originality/value

This study creates a compelling framework to elucidate the connections among COVID-19-intensified job insecurity, work-related outcomes and personal factors. It introduces a previously underexamined perspective that enriches the authors' theoretical comprehension of how personal resources, like employee resilience, serve as protective factors, shaping employee behavior and performance amidst job insecurity. Moreover, the study advocates for a synthesizing approach, emphasizing the integration of various theoretical perspectives and past literature, particularly when research gaps cannot be sufficiently addressed by a single theory.
Bridging perceived psychological and social risks with shared beliefs: unveiling tourists' behavioral intentions through nostalgia
Authors: Razzaq Sadaf , Akhtar Naeem
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study examines tourists' psychological and social risk and shared beliefs – devotion, concerns and entertainment – at a religious and cultural heritage destination. It also examines how shared beliefs impact tourists’ nostalgia. Further, it examines whether nostalgia affects choice deferral and revisit intentions. Finally, it investigates how moderation of place attachment strengthens the link between shared beliefs – devotion, concerns, entertainment and nostalgia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 439 inbound tourists, with 272 completing online questionnaires and 167 participating in face-to-face survey. Data analysis was performed using Amos 24.0 and SPSS 25.0, employing structural equation modeling (SEM) and the PROCESS macro.

Findings

The findings suggest that perceived psychological and social risk negatively impacts tourists' shared beliefs – devotion, concerns and entertainment – which positively impacts nostalgia. Positive nostalgic association boosts revisit intention and hampers choice deferral. The data also show how strong place attachment strengthens the relationship between shared beliefs – devotion, concerns and entertainment – and tourists’ perceived nostalgia.

Research limitations/implications

This work contributes to information behavior using S-O-R theory. It analyzes the psychological and social risks of destination visits and how nostalgia affects shared beliefs and revisit intentions. Management and policymakers at destination enterprises can use the findings to design measures to enhance revisit intentions despite risk considerations.

Originality/value

Pakistan's destination tourism is underutilized amid its religious and cultural heritage significance. The literature has ignored how perceived psychological and social risk affects travelers' shared beliefs and nostalgic feelings. Thus, this study suggests and validates these linkages utilizing stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory in Pakistan's unique environment with inbound tourists.
How does leaders’ narcissistic rivalry impact employees’ service outcomes in the hospitality industry? A conservation of resources perspective
Authors: Li Kunlin , Sun Xin , Cheng Jin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study examines how leaders’ narcissistic rivalry (LNR) affects the in-role performance (IRP) and proactive customer service performance (PCSP) of employees in the hospitality industry. Specifically, this study investigates the mediating role of psychological distress and the moderating role of locus of control (LOC) in the aforementioned relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

This study administered a multi-wave, multi-source questionnaire survey with 323 employees working in 11 full-service hotels in China. Statistical analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro in SPSS 26 software and structural equation modeling using Mplus 8.3 software.

Findings

The authors' results suggest that LNR can negatively affect hospitality employees’ IRP and PCSP and that these relationships are mediated by psychological distress. Additionally, the impact of LNR on psychological distress can be lessened by internal LOC.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on leader narcissism by investigating how LNR affects IRP and PCSP among hospitality employees. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, this study also identifies a novel mediating mechanism (psychological distress) connecting LNR to hospitality employees’ service outcomes. Furthermore, this study reveals the moderating role of LOC in the relationship between LNR and psychological distress.
ChatGPT between opportunities and challenges: an empirical study in Italy
Authors: Pasca Maria Giovina , Arcese Gabriella
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the user’s perspective regarding opportunities, challenges and implications related to artificial intelligence technologies such as ChatGPT in several contexts, such as education and healthcare. In detail, the aim was to understand user’ perceptions of the relationship between ChatGPT and sustainability and their views about how companies can contribute to achieving well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

To reach the research aim, the study adopts an explorative inductive design, carried out through a qualitative approach and grounded in 34 in-depth consumer interviews.

Findings

The interviewees perceive ChatGPT as a helpful tool that simplifies activities and reduces time and human errors. However, risks associated with using this tool have been identified, such as the reliability of the information provided, the need for more privacy for the requested personal data and the lack of empathy and human interaction. AI tools can support businesses and governments in creating and promoting sustainable strategies and reducing waste. Furthermore, the study shows how these tools can improve the community's well-being by disseminating knowledge and information, supporting workers and generating less stress.

Originality/value

The paper describes the users' perspective on the opportunities of ChatGPT in promoting sustainable development and well-being, providing suggestions for future research.
Surface disinfection of wheat kernels using gas phase hydroxyl‐radical processes: Effect on germination characteristics, microbial load, and functional properties
Authors: Abdi Reihaneh , Cao Wei , Zogheib Ali , Pukazhendhi Karthikai Monisha Kandasamy , Espinal‐Ruiz Mauricio , Gammage Sarah , Warriner Keith , Joye Iris J.
Published: January 2024

Wheat kernels harbor a diverse microflora that can negatively affect the suitability of the grains for further processing. To reduce surface microflora, a kernel disinfection method is required that does not affect grain functionality. Three different versions of gas phase hydroxyl‐radical processes were compared with the common method for grain disinfection, that is, a bleach treatment. The gas phase hydroxyl‐radicals are generated by the UV‐C mediated degradation of hydrogen peroxide and/or ozone in a near water‐free process. It was found that treating kernels with a bleach solution could reduce total aerobic count (TAC) and fungal count to below the level of enumeration. In comparison, the gas phase hydroxyl‐radical treatment, that is, H2O2–UV–ozone treatment, could support a 1.3 log count reduction (LCR) in TAC and a 1.1 LCR in fungal count. The microbial load reduction for the wholemeal samples was less pronounced as endophytic microorganisms were less affected by all treatments, hinting at a limited penetration depth of the treatments. Despite reducing the microbial load on the kernel surface through the bleach and H2O2–UV–ozone treatments, none of these treatments resulted in a reduced microbial count on grains that underwent sprouting after the treatments. No negative effect on germination power or development of the seedling was observed for any of the treatments. The gluten aggregation behavior and xylanase activity of the wholemeal also remained unchanged after the gas phase hydroxyl‐radical treatments. Our findings suggest that UV–H2O2–ozone treatment shows promise for dry‐kernel disinfection, but further optimization of the processing parameters is required.
Eco‐safe composite edible coating of hydrocolloids with papaya leaf extract improves postharvest quality and shelf life of papaya fruit under ambient storage
Authors: Prasad K. , Akshatha H. , Pradhan J. , Singh S. K. , Udit K. , Saroj N. , Mukhim C. , Lal M. K. , Tiwari R. K. , Ravinder K.
Published: January 2024

Papaya postharvest management using low‐temperature storage is discouraged as it is a tropical fruit. Extensive research is going on to preserve papaya quality at ambient storage using edible coatings and its composites. The present investigation examined the effects of an eco‐safe composite edible coating consisting of hydrocolloid carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (1%), guar gum (1.5%), xanthan gum (0.3%), and Gum Arabic (10%) combined with papaya leaf extract (PLE) (1:1 ratio by volume) applied as dip treatment on “Red Lady” papaya fruit at ambient storage condition. Among all the attempted treatments, “PLE incorporated with CMC (1%)” was found to be the best, as the treated fruit exhibited the highest levels of biochemicals, whereas the lowest levels of physiological and enzymatic activity, which positively affected the shelf life. The “CMC + PLE” treatment enhanced the fruit gloss score by 70.1%, phenolics by 6.1%, ascorbic acid by 22.3%, total carotenoid content by 7.4%, and fruit predilection score by 22.0% over the control fruit. However, it lowered (controlling) the physiological loss in weight by 51.0%, decay incidence by 66.6%, and polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase activity by 24.92% and 35.29%, respectively, over control. Moreover, this treatment exhibited the highest fruit purchase predilection score and prolonged the storage life for >3 days on the physiological loss standard basis (≤10%). This study indicates that “CMC (1%) with PLE (1:1)” composite coating application on papaya under ambient conditions might be an effective, environmentally friendly, and health‐friendly way to retain the quality and extend the storage life.
Growth and development impact of sustainable nutrition education: An experimental study
Authors: Ulker Mutlu Tuce , Simsek Aysegul , Hacioglu Gizem Elvan , Kurt Aysu , Erken Serra , Yildiz Beyza
Published: January 2024

Healthy societies are formed by learning and maintaining sustainable healthy eating behaviors from childhood. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of short‐term sustainable nutrition education on growth and development parameters of preschool children. This study is an experimental design with pretest–posttest control group. This study was carried out in two kindergartens between February 2022 and June 2023 in Turkey. The education group received 4 months of dietary behavior training. The dietary scale and anthropometric measurements were administered at the first and last meetings. Data were analyzed with 95% confidence interval. The study was completed with 174 children. A statistically significant difference was found, especially in body weight (p < 0.05) and body weight percentile values (p < 0.05) in the posttest of the education group. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between the groups in the eating behavior scale posttest score. Nutrition education in schools is important in promoting healthy eating habits. Nutrition education improves eating behavior positively. To maintain healthy eating behaviors, however, the continuity of education is necessary. In addition, as growth and development are physical processes, it is recognized that growth and development cannot be assessed by nutrition alone.
Profile change of the volatile and non‐volatile compounds in dried or baked laver by photooxidation
Authors: Hwang Sun Hye , Lee JaeHwan , Park Kee‐Jai
Published: January 2024

Effects of light or dark storage condition on the profile changes of volatile and non‐volatile compounds were evaluated in dried and baked laver for 60 days. Volatile and non‐volatile compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass selective detection and high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole‐time of flight–mass spectrometry, respectively. Baked laver stored in light conditions for 60 days produced the most volatile compounds, whereas dried laver stored in the dark produced the least volatile compounds. Total 11 classes of volatile compounds were detected, including alkanes, alkenes, and ketones, with aldehydes being most abundant in dried laver stored under light. Metabolite analysis of non‐volatile compounds led to the selection of 12 compounds with a higher variable importance projection (VIP) value of >1.0: 6 fatty acids (VIP 1.2–2.0), 2 flavanols (VIP 1.3–1.8), hydroxybenzoic acid (VIP 1.5), hydroxycinnamic acid (VIP 2.3), a phenolic acid ester (VIP 1.9), and phloroglucinol (VIP 1.2). Generally, levels of these compounds decreased more following storage in the light than under dark, irrespective of laver preparation. The content of linolenic acid was particularly affected by storage conditions, with light conditions causing a fourfold reduction in linolenic acid level compared with dark conditions, which could result in an increased formation of aldehydes. Gallic acid and sinapinic acid were detected in dried but not baked laver, as they are destroyed by heat treatment. Therefore, laver should be baked and stored in dark conditions to prevent the development of rancidity.

Practical Application

Laver is one of the representative seaweeds, and the popularity among consumers increases. Although commercially available laver is prepared in dried or baked condition, scientific studies on the changes of metabolites, including volatile and non‐volatile compounds during storage, are scarce. The results of this study can be applied to improve proper storage methods to maintain the quality of laver, which can be beneficial for consumers and food industry.
Using the Bayesian variational spike and slab model in a genome‐wide association study for finding associated loci with bipolar disorder
Authors: Kazemi Naeini Maryam , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Kazemi Iraj , Speed Doug , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen
Published: January 2024

Objective

The genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) analysis, the most successful technique for discovering disease‐related genetic variation, has some statistical concerns, including multiple testing, the correlation among variants (single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) based on linkage disequilibrium and omitting the important variants when fitting the model with just one variant. To eliminate these problems in a small sample‐size study, we used a sparse Bayesian learning model for finding bipolar disorder (BD) genetic variants.

Methods

This study used the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium data set, including 1998 BD cases and 1500 control samples, and after quality control, 380,628 variants were analysed. In this GWAS, a Bayesian logistic model with hierarchical shrinkage spike and slab priors was used, with all variants considered simultaneously in one model. In order to decrease the computational burden, an alternative inferential method, Bayesian variational inference, has been used.

Results

Thirteen variants were selected as associated with BD. The three of them (rs7572953, rs1378850 and rs4148944) were reported in previous GWAS. Eight of which were related to hemogram parameters, such as lymphocyte percentage, plateletcrit and haemoglobin concentration. Among selected related genes, GABPA, ELF3 and JAM2 were enriched in the platelet‐derived growth factor pathway. These three genes, along with APP, ARL8A, CDH23 and GPR37L1, could be differential diagnostic variants for BD.

Conclusions

By reducing the statistical restrictions of GWAS analysis, the application of the Bayesian variational spike and slab models can offer insight into the genetic link with BD even with a small sample size. To uncover related variations with other traits, this model needs to be further examined.
A comprehensive review of HVS‐I mitochondrial DNA variation of 19 Iranian populations
Authors: Amjadi Motahareh , Hayatmehr Zahra , Egyed Balázs , Tavallaei Mahmood , Szécsényi‐Nagy Anna
Published: January 2024

Iran is located along the Central Asian corridor, a natural artery that has served as a cross‐continental route since the first anatomically modern human populations migrated out of Africa. We compiled and reanalyzed the HVS‐I (hypervariable segment‐I) of 3840 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from 19 Iranian populations and from 26 groups from adjacent countries to give a comprehensive review of the maternal genetic variation and investigate the impact of historical events and cultural factors on the maternal genetic structure of modern Iranians. We conclude that Iranians have a high level of genetic diversity. Thirty‐six haplogroups were observed in Iran's populations, and most of them belong to widespread West‐Eurasian haplogroups, such as H, HV, J, N, T, and U. In contrast, the predominant haplogroups observed in most of the adjacent countries studied here are H, M, D, R, U, and C haplogroups. Using principal component analysis, clustering, and genetic distance‐based calculations, we estimated moderate genetic relationships between Iranian and other Eurasian groups. Further, analyses of molecular variance and comparing geographic and genetic structures indicate that mtDNA HVS‐I sequence diversity does not exhibit any sharp geographic structure in the country. Barring a few from some culturally distinct and naturally separated minorities, most Iranian populations have a homogenous maternal genetic structure.
Equity‐efficiency tradeoffs in international bargaining
Authors: Bagh Adib , Ederington Josh
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes the welfare impact of expanding the negotiation agenda of an international agreement between asymmetric countries (e.g., including specific negotiations over environmental regulations or labor standards in a conventional trade agreement) and demonstrates why such proposed expansions are contentious. A main result is that agenda expansions that provide more bargaining flexibility will increase the efficiency of the agreement but can result in a less equitable agreement that hurts the country that is at a bargaining disadvantage. Similarly, we demonstrate that decreases in bargaining game asymmetry can also make the disadvantaged country worse‐off even as it increases global welfare.
Patterns of attention‐sensitive communication contribute to 7–20‐month‐olds' emerging pragmatic skills
Authors: Dafreville Mawa , Guidetti Michèle , Bourjade Marie
Published: January 2024

The present study aimed at investigating the ability of 7‐ to 20‐month‐old infants to display attention‐sensitive communication using either canonical markers of language acquisition (e.g., pointing gestures, canonical babblings) or other signals based on the physical features actually perceived by the mother in everyday interaction (e.g., body movements, mouth sounds). We studied 30 French mother‐infant dyads in naturalistic settings. We assessed the infants' attention‐sensitive communication through unimodal and cross‐modal adjustment, defined as the capacity of infants to address visually inattentive mothers by avoiding visual communication mismatches and/or favoring communication matches through audible‐or‐contact signals. Unimodal and cross‐modal adjustments were tested for specific signals across spontaneous “conditions” of maternal visual attention (attentive/inattentive) from video footage filmed in the home. Both canonical markers of language development and signals belonging to an extended repertoire of communication were used by infants to adjust to their mother's visual attention. Gaze‐coordinated signals were overall not significantly better adjusted to maternal attention than non‐gaze‐coordinated signals, except for specific silent‐visual signals at certain ages. Overall, these results indicate that attention‐sensitive communication is relevant to the development of early pragmatic skills and that the intentional use of signals may be more reliably approximated by this capacity than by gaze‐coordination with signals.
Genetic variation in ZmKW1 contributes to kernel weight and size in dent corn and popcorn
Authors: Zhang Long , Fu Miaomiao , Li Wenyu , Dong Yongbin , Zhou Qiang , Wang Qilei , Li Xinyu , Gao Jie , Wang Yan , Wang Han , Li Yayong , Wang Jiechen , Wu Yongrui , Li Yuling
Published: January 2024

Kernel weight is a critical factor that essentially affects maize (Zea mays) yield. In natural inbred lines, popcorn kernels exhibit overtly smaller sizes compared to dent corn kernels, and kernel weight, which is controlled by multiple genetic loci, varies widely. Here, we characterized a major quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1, responsible for controlling kernel weight (qKW1) and size. The qKW1 locus encodes a protein containing a seven in absentia domain with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, expressed prominently from the top to the middle region of the endosperm. The presence and function of qKW1 were confirmed through ZmKW1 gene editing, where the mutations in ZmKW1 within dent corn significantly increased kernel weight, consistent with alterations in kernel size, while overexpression of ZmKW1 had the opposite effect. ZmKW1 acts as a negative regulator of kernel weight and size by reducing both the number and size of the endosperm cells and impacting endosperm filling. Notably, the popcorn allele qKW1N and the dent corn allele qKW1D encode identical proteins; however, the differences in promoter activity arise due to the insertion of an Indel‐1346 sequence in the qKW1N promoter, resulting in higher expression levels compared to qKW1D, thus contributing to the variation in kernel weight and size between popcorn and dent corn kernels. Linkage disequilibrium analysis of the 2.8 kb promoter region of ZmKW1 in a dataset comprising 111 maize association panels identified two distinct haplotypes. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms underlying kernel development and yield regulation in dent corn and popcorn, with a specific focus on the role of the ubiquitination system.
Modulation of phosphorylation status of MAP3 kinases under abiotic stress responses
Authors: Jeong Soongon , Lim Chae Woo , Kim Mirim , Lee Sung Chul
Published: January 2024

Plants must face various environmental stresses that they cannot avoid, and they have developed numerous mechanisms to survive these challenges. Phosphate‐mediated signal transduction is a common method for regulating gene expression and protein activity in response to stresses. Phosphate groups can be transferred to other proteins by proteins called kinases. MAP3Ks are the largest kinase family in plants, and they comprise various group and individual pathways collectively known as MAPK cascades. When plants encounter environmental stresses, several MAP3Ks act as positive or negative regulators by phosphorylating downstream proteins within the MAPK cascade, as well as transcription factors, cytoskeletal proteins, enzymes, and kinases, through their kinase activity. In addition, other upstream kinases and phosphatases regulate MAP3Ks by adding or removing phosphate groups. Various MAP3Ks have been isolated in many plant species, and evidence suggests that they function as post‐translational modulators under various abiotic stresses, including ABA responses as well as salinity, osmotic, drought, oxidative, cold, and heat stress. This review focuses on how plant MAP3Ks affect various abiotic stresses as regulators and substrates through post‐translational phosphorylation.
Buddhist environmental ethics and climate change
Authors: Capper Daniel
Published: January 2024

Philosophically, Buddhist ethics would appear to be well‐prepared for the climate change age. Buddhists receive encouragement to extend compassion and nonharm throughout a universe that is utterly interconnected across time and space. Such positive extensions result in a strength of the tradition involving some welcome positive treatment of nonhuman animals. However, looking closely in terms of practical outcomes reveals some serious limitations regarding Buddhist environmental ethics. Not all animals receive ethical value and care, for instance, and the tradition provides a historically unstable platform for vegetarianism despite some popular beliefs to the contrary. Even worse, perceived sentience is required to receive substantial Buddhist moral value, in most cases leaving plants, stones, and bodies of water without ecological respect. Since managing climate change precisely includes the moral management of plants, stones, and bodies of water, our ethics regarding these entities must be clear. Buddhist environmental ethics, though, today provide us with few tools for developing such ethics for entities considered by Buddhism to be insentient, although perhaps views are changing.
Synergistic interplay of redox homeostasis and polysaccharide synthesis promotes cotton fiber elongation
Authors: Tian Xuehan , Ji Mengyuan , You Jiaqi , Zhang Yuqi , Lindsey Keith , Zhang Xianlong , Tu Lili , Wang Maojun
Published: January 2024

Cell polarity is the foundation of cell development and tissue morphogenesis. The investigation of polarized growth provides opportunities to gain profound insights into morphogenesis and tissue functionality in organisms. Currently, there are still many mysteries surrounding the mechanisms that regulate polarized cell growth. Cotton fiber cells serve as an excellent model for studying polarized growth, and provide important clues for unraveling the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and regulatory networks of polarized growth. In this study, we characterized two functional genes, GhMDHAR1AT/DT and GhDHAR2AT/DT with predominant expression during fiber elongation. Loss of function of both genes contributed to a significant increase in fiber length. Transcriptomic data revealed up‐regulated expression of antioxidant genes in CRISPR mutant lines, along with delayed expression of secondary wall‐related genes and temporally prolonged expression of primary wall‐related genes. Experimental evidence demonstrated that the increase in GSH content and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activity led to enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), resulting in reduced H2O2 levels, which contributed to the extension of fiber elongation stage in CRISPR mutant lines. Moreover, the increased polysaccharide synthesis in CRISPR mutant lines was found to provide an abundant supply of raw materials for fiber cell wall elongation, suggesting that synergistic interplay between redox homeostasis and polysaccharide synthesis in fiber cells may facilitate cell wall remodeling and fiber elongation. This study provides valuable insights for deciphering the mechanisms of cell polarized growth and improving cotton fiber quality.
Using KRF Structures As An Adaptive Facade And Evaluation of Daylight Performance Based on Geometry: A Case Study in Ankara
Authors: Şenel Haci Ahmet , İlerisoy Zeynep Yeşim , Soyluk Asena
Published: January 2024

Adaptive facades are widely used today because they are energy efficient and sustainable. It is expected that kinetic facades will become more common in the future and new geometries are constantly sought. Kinetic Reciprocal Frame (KRF) structures are also one of the innovative and sustainable approaches. In this study, KRF structures are used as adaptive facades and are analyzed in two stages. As a test model, a standard high-rise office building in Ankara, Turkey is created and simulations are made on the south facade. In the first stage, the modules’ applicability in different geometries is examined and the differences within the geometries are revealed. KRF modules are examined for cost-effectiveness and mobility. In the second stage, analyzes are made on the daylight performance of the geometries. Modules are evaluated based on spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), annual sunlight exposure (ASE), and average lux. As a result, in terms of daylight performance, the hexagonal KRF module gives the best result by drawing the most homogeneous values due to its high mobility. However, it is noticed that the daylight performance of the triangle KRF module is weak compared to other modules, the ASE values cannot be controlled and it is more difficult to implement because it is not effective in terms of cost per module. The fact that hexagonal modules give good results in terms of cost is found to be good in support of it. This study is also valuable study in terms of the application performance of KRF structures on the facade.