bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addiction or social need: towards a model to predict smoking cessation intentions
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Abid , Shafiq Amar , Afzal Hanan , Khalid Aisha , Nguyen Ninh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify which social and psychological factors better determine intentions to quit smoking to inform public health policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this cross-sectional study were collected via face-to-face interaction following the pen-and-paper method. A total of 371 usable responses were received from randomly selected respondents of eight public sector universities located in the South Punjab province of Pakistan. Partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis was performed using SmartPLS program. A supplementary qualitative study, based on 21 in-depth interviews with the smokers, was conducted to augment findings of the quantitative study.

Findings

Results showed that protection motivation theory and theory of planned behaviour are supported to predict intentions to quit smoking. Subjective norms have a greater influence on intentions to quit smoking than attitudes towards smoking cessation, while perceived behavioural control fails to predict intentions to quit smoking. Perceived rewards and perceived cost are significant in predicting attitudes towards smoking cessation, while extrinsic rewards predict intentions to quit smoking.

Originality/value

The existing models reported in the literature have sparsely investigated the cognitive (such as motivation and emotions) and social factors (such as social influence and behavioural controls) together as determinants of intentions to quit smoking, leaving room for more studies on an integrated model of these factors. This study takes the opportunity and proposes an integrated model encompassing psycho-social factors to predict tobacco consumption quitting behaviour in an emerging economy context.
Impact of R&D expenditure on economic growth: evidence from emerging economies
Authors: Tung Le Thanh , Hoang Le Nguyen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Emerging economies have been highlighted as an important growth source of the global economy. However, this group of countries has not received enough academic attention yet. Therefore, this study aims to identify the impact of research and development (R&D) expenditure on economic growth in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework of the production function is applied to quantitatively analyse the impact of R&D expenditure on economic growth with a sample of 29 emerging economies in the period between 1996 and 2019.

Findings

The panel cointegration test confirms the existence of long-run cointegration relationships between economic growth and independent variables in these emerging economies. Besides, the estimated results show that the national R&D expenditure has positive effects on economic growth from both direct and interaction dimensions. This evidence has filled the empirical research gap in the R&D-growth nexus in the case of emerging economies. Finally, while gross capital and education have positive impacts on growth, corruption has a harmful effect on economic growth in these countries.

Practical implications

The results highlight that policymakers should enhance R&D expenditure and R&D activities as the key national development strategy. The investment in R&D not only helps emerging economies avoid the middle-income trap but also pushes these countries to successfully join the group of developed countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to examine the impact of R&D expenditure on economic growth with a homogeneous sample of emerging economies. The results are obviously helpful for policymakers to use R&D as the key development strategy for supporting economic growth in emerging economies in the future.
The relationship between industrial policy and exploratory innovation – evidence from high-tech enterprise identification policy in China
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Kim SangKyum
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The relationship between industrial policy and exploratory innovation is imperfect.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use Chinese high-tech enterprise identification policy (HTEP) as a natural experimental group to test policy impacts, spillover effects and mechanisms of action.

Findings

First, HTEP promotes exploratory innovation. In addition, HTEP has a greater impact on non-exploratory innovation. Second, HTEP has spillover effects in two phases: HTEP (2008) and the 2016 policy reform. HTEP affects exploratory innovation in nearby non-high-tech firms, and the policy effect decreases monotonically with increasing distance from the treatment group. Third, HTEP affects innovation capacity through financing constraints, technical personnel flow and knowledge flow, which explains not only policy effects but also spillover effects. Fourth, the analysis of policy heterogeneity shows that the 2016 policy reforms reinforce the positive effect of HTEP (2008). By deducting the effects of other policies, the HTEP effect is found to be less volatile. In terms of the continuity of policy identification, continuous uninterrupted identification has a crucial impact on the improvement of firms’ innovation capacity compared to repeated certification and certification expiration. Finally, HTEP has a crowding-out effect in state-owned enterprises and large firms’ innovation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature in several ways. First, the authors enrich the literature on industrial policy through exploratory innovation research. While previous studies have focused on R&D investment and patents (Dai and Wang, 2019), exploratory innovation helps firms break away from the inherent knowledge mindset and achieve sustainable innovation. Second, few studies have explored the characteristics of industrial policies. In this paper, the authors subdivide the sample into repeated certification, continuous certification and certification expiration according to high-tech enterprise identification. In addition, the authors compare the differences in policy implementation effects between the 2016 policy reform and the 2008 policy to provide new directions for business managers and policy makers. Third, innovation factors guided by industrial policies may cluster in specific regions, which in turn manifest externalities. This is when the policy spillover effect is worth considering. This paper fills a gap in the industrial policy literature by examining the spillover effects. Finally, this paper also explores the mechanisms of policy effects from three perspectives: financing constraints, technician mobility and knowledge mobility, which can affect not only the innovation of beneficiary firms directly but also indirectly the innovation of neighboring non-beneficiary firms.
Data sharing and reuse practices: disciplinary differences and improvements needed
Authors: Khan Nushrat , Thelwall Mike , Kousha Kayvan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study investigates differences and commonalities in data production, sharing and reuse across the widest range of disciplines yet and identifies types of improvements needed to promote data sharing and reuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The first authors of randomly selected publications from 2018 to 2019 in 20 Scopus disciplines were surveyed for their beliefs and experiences about data sharing and reuse.

Findings

From the 3,257 survey responses, data sharing and reuse are still increasing but not ubiquitous in any subject area and are more common among experienced researchers. Researchers with previous data reuse experience were more likely to share data than others. Types of data produced and systematic online data sharing varied substantially between subject areas. Although the use of institutional and journal-supported repositories for sharing data is increasing, personal websites are still frequently used. Combining multiple existing datasets to answer new research questions was the most common use. Proper documentation, openness and information on the usability of data continue to be important when searching for existing datasets. However, researchers in most disciplines struggled to find datasets to reuse. Researchers' feedback suggested 23 recommendations to promote data sharing and reuse, including improved data access and usability, formal data citations, new search features and cultural and policy-related disciplinary changes to increase awareness and acceptance.

Originality/value

This study is the first to explore data sharing and reuse practices across the full range of academic discipline types. It expands and updates previous data sharing surveys and suggests new areas of improvement in terms of policy, guidance and training programs.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-08-2021-0423.
‘Seeing is experiencing’: impact of showcasing fashion merchandise on digital platforms
Authors: Rajagopal Rajagopal , Rajagopal Ananya
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The principal purpose of this study is to analyze the consumer emotions on virtual merchandising in the context of social consumption ecosystem driven by value and lifestyle across the big middle consumer segment.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative information has been collected from 114 respondents selected through snowballing technique within the metropolitan area of Mexico City. A semi-structured research instrument was used to conduct the in-depth interviews online.

Findings

The results of the study indicate that technology-led virtual merchandising stimulates arousal and merriment among consumers, which converges the self-image congruence and appearance similarity. The subjects of the study have endorsed that visual stimulus leading to self-image and body image congruence develop consistent arousal and merriment, which lead to positive purchase intentions and buying decisions and inculcate the perception as seeing is experiencing.

Research limitations/implications

The samples drawn for this study may also limit the possibilities of generalization of the study results and map the consumer behavior in a predetermined pattern.

Practical implications

This study is founded on the theoretical maxims of theory of visual perceptions, cognitive theory of reasoning, theory of appearance and reality and Heider’s balance theory and contributes to these theories by explaining the relationship between the social self-concept and self-image congruence.

Social implications

Firms retailing online fashion apparel should also be engaged in developing user-generated contents through communications on social media encouraging experiential videos, slogans and reviews.

Originality/value

This paper significantly contributes to theoretical and practical implications on virtual shopping, emotions and beliefs and consumption culture.
Gaining traction: how SMEs succeed in making management control systems stick
Authors: Reinking Jeff , Resch Peter
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore why certain firms can transition successfully to more sophisticated accounting and management control systems than others.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 20 semi-structured interviews with senior executives of former and present SMEs in the construction industry and business advisory firms to explore the factors behind making sophisticated control systems a permanent organizational feature.

Findings

Sophisticated control systems function based on the compliance of lower-level employees, whose lack of buy-in is a major hurdle for smaller firms. Foundational controls of basic human resources and systematic communication routines facilitate their buy-in through accountability, participation and information-sharing, without which firms fail to transition successfully to sophisticated control systems.

Research limitations/implications

The results are based on firms in a single industry and subject to the limitations of cross-sectional research. The transition strategy to more sophisticated control systems is important. This study suggests that foundational controls are necessary to successfully transition to more sophisticated controls.

Originality/value

This study focuses on smaller firms seeking to transition to more sophisticated control systems. This study identifies the key roadblock of noncompliance by lower-level employees, elaborates the role of foundational controls and describes the underlying mechanism behind gaining employee buy-in.
Application of tawarruq in Islamic banking institutions in Somalia
Authors: Haron Razali , Mohamed Barre Galad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the acceptability of tawarruq in the banking industry in Somalia, focusing on awareness, need, compatibility, relative advantage, behavioral attitude and the role of Shariah scholars. This study is governed by the Theory of Islamic Consumer Behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted involving 150 customers of Islamic banks in Mogadishu, Somalia. This research adopts a quantitative methodology, using descriptive and survey analyses by employing SPSS 23. Smart-PLS-4 SEM was used to test the six hypotheses established in the study.

Findings

This study provides evidence that the customers of Islamic banks in Somalia are looking forward to Islamic banks offering tawarruq in the country. Respondents viewed tawarruq as a very attractive product compared to other existing products of Islamic banks in the country. The need for tawarruq, its compatibility and relative advantage have a positive and significant influence on the intention to use tawarruq products for cash financing purposes, whereas customer awareness, behavioral attitudes and the role of Shariah scholars have insignificant influence.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can be beneficial to all Islamic financial institutions in Somalia by applying tawarruq contract to facilitate cash financing.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by enhancing the awareness of tawarruq in Somalia. The study also shed light on the need of Islamic banks’ customers on tawarruq for cash financing purposes in Somalia.
Do investment fund managers behave rationally in the light of central bank communication? Survey evidence from Poland
Authors: Wolski Rafał , Bolek Monika , Gajdka Jerzy , Brzeszczyński Janusz , Kutan Ali M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to answer the question whether investment funds managers exhibit behavioural biases in their investment decisions. Furthermore, it investigates if fund managers, as a group of institutional investors, make decisions in response to central bank’s communication as well as other information in relation to various behavioural inclinations.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive study was conducted based on a questionnaire, which is composed of three main parts exploring: (1) general information about the funds under the management of the surveyed group of fund managers, (2) factors that influence the investment process with an emphasis on the National Bank of Poland communication and (3) behavioural inclinations of the surveyed group. Cronbach’s alpha statistic was applied for measuring the reliability of the survey questionnaire and then chi-squared test was used to investigate the relationships between the answers provided in the survey.

Findings

The central bank’s communication matters for investors, but its impact on their decisions appears to be only moderate. Interest rates were found to be the most important announcements for investment fund managers. The stock market was the most popular market segment where the investments were made. The ultra-short time horizon played no, or only small, role in the surveyed fund managers’ decisions as most of them invested in a longer horizon covering 1 to 5 years. Moreover, most respondents declared that they considered in their decisions the information about market expectations published in the media. Finally, majority of the fund managers manifested limited rationality and were subject to behavioural biases, but the decisions and behavioural inclinations were independent and, in most cases, they did not influence each other.

Practical implications

The results reported in this study can be used in practice to better understand and to improve the fund managers’ decision-making processes.

Originality/value

Apart from the commonly tested behavioural biases in the group of institutional investors in the existing literature, such as loss aversion, disposition effect or overconfidence, this paper also focuses on the less intensively analysed behavioural inclinations, i.e. framing, illusion of the control, representativeness, sunk cost effect and fast thinking. The originality of this study further lies in the way the research was conducted through interviews with fund managers, who were found to be subject to behavioural biases, although those behavioural inclinations did not influence their investment decisions. This finding indicates that professionalism and collectivism in the group of institutional investors protect them from irrationality.
Consumer motivations for engaging with corporate social responsibility on social media
Authors: Aguirre Claudia , Ruiz de Maya Salvador , Palazón Vidal Mariola , Rodríguez Augusto
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze consumer motivations to share information about corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities through electronic word of mouth. It examines the roles of self-enhancement, identity signaling and social bonding as antecedents of consumers’ CSR engagement on social media.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach is used with a single-factor between-subjects experimental design in which the presence vs absence of CSR information on a company website is manipulated. The hypotheses are tested through structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results show that after viewing the company’s CSR message on its website, consumers who generated more CSR associations were more motivated to engage with the CSR information to satisfy fundamental personality traits (need for self-enhancement) and social relationship motivations (social bonding), which increased their intention to share the information.

Research limitations/implications

This study is restricted to CSR information on websites. Further research should consider what happens if such information is shared on social media, as consumers are more likely to spread CSR messages when they are shared by other public social network sites.

Practical implications

The study highlights the relevance of including CSR information on websites and offers insights into the importance of considering consumers in disseminating CSR information. Consumers share information when they have personal motivation for doing so.

Social implications

This study put the focus on the role of consumers in the diffusion of corporate information.

Originality/value

The results show the importance of personal motivations such as self-enhancement and social bonding in sharing CSR information on social media.
How does corporate social responsibility affect financial distress? The moderating role of corporate governance
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Noor Amna , Maqbool Nabeeha
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the financial distress (FD) of firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Furthermore, the moderating effect of corporate governance (CG) on the CSR–distress relationship is investigated in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

The final sample of the study includes 117 companies from 2008 to 2021. The sample firms' CSR engagement is assessed using a multidimensional financial approach, and the likelihood of FD is determined using Altman's Z-score. The governance level is measured using the governance index, which includes 29 governance provisions. To achieve the research objectives, the system generalized method of moments estimator is used. Furthermore, several tests are performed to assess the robustness of the study's findings. The analysis was carried out using STATA software version 15.

Findings

The authors find that CSR is significantly inversely related to FD. The governance mechanism was discovered to be inversely related to FD. Furthermore, corporate governance strengthens the negative relationship between CSR and FD. In addition, the authors find that CSR is significantly inversely related to FD in firms with strong CG mechanisms but has no effect on FD in firms with weak CG mechanisms.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide policymakers, business managers, regulators and investors with a better understanding of the relationship between the quality of CSR investments and the likelihood of FD in Pakistani firms, as well as the role of CG in this context.

Originality/value

This study contributes to our understanding of the role of CG in the CSR-distress relationship in an emerging market. This suggests that policymakers should prioritize CG quality while anticipating the impact of CSR on corporate FD.
Challenges of implementing extended producer responsibility for plastic-waste management: lessons from India
Authors: Gupta Dipti , Dash Satya
Published: February 2023

Purpose

In the transition towards circular economy and sustainable development, effective implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation is crucial to prevent plastic-waste generation and promote recycling activities. The purpose of this study is to undertake a qualitative analysis to examine recent EPR policy changes, implementation, barriers and enabling conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews and group discussions with key stakeholders were undertaken to derive the barriers and facilitators of EPR implementation. Based on opinions and insights from a wide range of participants, this study identified a number of key issues faced by various parties in implementing EPR in India.

Findings

Stakeholders agree on a lack of clarity on various policy aspects, such as mandatory approval of urban local bodies, registration of recyclers/waste processors and consistency in the definition of technical terms. This paper provides useful policy inputs to address these challenges and to develop comprehensive EPR policy systems. More consultation and deliberation across various stakeholders is required to ensure the policies are effective.

Practical implications

India’s plastic-waste generation has increased at a rapid pace over the past five years and is expected to grow at a higher rate in the future. This research provides implications for policymakers to formulate coherent policies that align with the interests of brand owners and recyclers. Clear policy suggestions and improvements for effective plastic-waste management in India are also outlined.

Originality/value

This paper, based on a qualitative approach, contributes to research on plastic-waste management by integrating the perspectives of all EPR-policy stakeholders in India.
Diagnosing social ills: Theorising social determinants of health as a diagnostic category
Authors: Gutin Iliya
Published: February 2023

Medicine, as an institution and discipline, has embraced social determinants of health as a key influence on clinical practice and care. Beyond simply acknowledging their importance, most recent versions of the International Classification of Diseases explicitly codify social determinants as a viable diagnostic category. This diagnostic shift is noteworthy in the United States, where ‘Z‐codes’ were introduced to facilitate the documentation of illiteracy, unemployment, poverty and other social factors impacting health. Z‐codes hold promise in addressing patients’ social needs, but there are likely consequences to medicalising social determinants. In turn, this article provides a critical appraisal of Z‐codes, focussing on the role of diagnoses as both constructive and counterproductive sources of legitimacy, knowledge and responsibility in our collective understanding of health. Diagnosis codes for social determinants are powerful bureaucratic tools for framing and responding to psychosocial risks commensurate with biophysiological symptoms; however, they potentially reinforce beliefs about the centrality of individuals for addressing poor health at the population level. I contend that Z‐codes demonstrate the limited capacity of diagnoses to capture the complex individual and social aetiology of health, and that sociology benefits from looking further ‘upstream’ to identify the structural forces constraining the scope and utility of diagnoses.
The Noble Method in the dairy sector as a sustainable production system to improve the nutritional composition of dairy products: A review
Authors: Balivo Andrea , Sacchi Raffaele , Genovese Alessandro
Published: February 2023

Sustainable production systems in line with consumer expectations are attractive for the dairy sector. The objective of this review is to examine the benefits of an Italian method, named the Noble Method (‘Metodo Nobile®’), in order to improve the nutritional properties of milk and environmental sustainability. The prohibition of silage and the use of polyphite pastures are some of the rules established by the Noble Method. The greater amount of unsaturated fatty acids and other beneficial compounds found in milk and dairy products produced by using milk from animals fed on well‐managed pasture could have positive implications on consumers' health.
Validation of reference genes for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay of honeybee under various pesticide treatment conditions
Authors: Kim YeongHo , Cha JooHeon , Kim Hyemin , Lee Si Hyeock , Kim Young Ho
Published: February 2023

In quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), target gene expression levels are normalized to internal reference gene(s) that are stably expressed across different conditions to determine whether they are up‐ or down‐regulated. Therefore, it is essential to select appropriate reference gene(s) for the accurate comparison of target gene expression across different experimental conditions. Honeybee colonies can be damaged due to pesticide exposure, resulting in a decline of their population. Determination of gene expression levels is important for understanding the physiological response of honeybees to pesticide exposure. Therefore, in this study, we used qRT‐PCR to analyze the expression stability of five candidate reference genes (RPS5, RPS18, GAPDH, ARF1, and RAB1a) in honeybees subjected to treatment with different dosages and exposure durations of seven pesticides (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, flupyradifurone, fenitrothion, carbaryl, amitraz, and bifenthrin) using four programs (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). Subsequently, the expression levels of the target genes (PER, FOR, and EGR1) were calculated using different normalization methods and compared. Based on our collective results, we propose RPS5 as the most appropriate reference gene for the normalization of target gene expression levels in qRT‐PCR assays for honeybees under various conditions of pesticide exposure, including pesticide type, exposure duration, and concentration.
The conserved microRNA‐229 family controls low‐insulin signaling and dietary restriction induced longevity through interactions with SKN‐1/NRF2
Authors: Matai Latika , Stathis Thalyana , Lee Jonathan D. , Parsons Christine , Saxena Tanvi , Shlomchik Kovi , Slack Frank J.
Published: February 2023

Several microRNAs have emerged as regulators of pathways that control aging. For example, miR‐228 is required for normal lifespan and dietary restriction (DR) mediated longevity through interaction with PHA‐4 and SKN‐1 transcription factors in Caenorhabditis elegans. miR‐229,64,65, and 66, a cluster of microRNAs located adjacent to each other on chromosome III, are in the same family as miR‐228, albeit with slight differences in the miR‐228 seed sequence. We demonstrate that, in contrast to the anti‐longevity role of miR‐228, the miR‐229‐66 cluster is required for normal C. elegans lifespan and for the longevity observed in mir‐228 mutants. miR‐229‐66 is also critical for lifespan extension observed under DR and reduced insulin signaling (IIS) and by constitutive nuclear SKN‐1. Both DR and low‐IIS upregulate the expression of the miRNA cluster, which is dependent on transcription factors PHA‐4, SKN‐1, and DAF‐16. In turn, the expression of SKN‐1 and DAF‐16 requires mir‐229,64,65,66. miR‐229‐66 targets the odd‐skipped‐related transcription factor, odd‐2 to regulate lifespan. Knockdown of odd‐2 increases lifespan, suppresses the short lifespan of mir‐229,64,65,66(nDf63) III mutants, and alters levels of SKN‐1 in the ASI neurons. Together with SKN‐1, the miRNA cluster also indirectly regulates several genes in the xenobiotic detoxification pathway which increases wild‐type lifespan and significantly rescues the short lifespan of mir‐229,64,65,66(nDf63) III mutants. Thus, by interacting with SKN‐1, miR‐229‐66 transduces the effects of DR and low‐IIS in lifespan extension in C. elegans. Given that this pathway is conserved, it is possible that a similar mechanism regulates aging in more complex organisms.
Continuous forest at higher elevation plays a key role in maintaining bird and mammal diversity across an Andean coffee‐growing landscape
Authors: Bedoya‐Durán M. J. , Jones H. H. , Malone K. M. , Branch L. C.
Published: February 2023

Shade coffee is among the most widespread and economically important crops in montane tropical regions and is considered more hospitable to wildlife than non‐shaded crops. Questions remain regarding the value of shade coffee as habitat for wildlife, however, given the historical research focus on small‐bodied and canopy species. Simultaneously, climate‐driven upslope migration of coffee crops represents an emerging threat to well‐conserved tropical montane forest at higher elevations. This study examined ground‐dwelling birds and medium‐large mammals in a shade coffee landscape of the Western Andes of Colombia. We asked the following questions: (1) How do bird and mammal occupancy, richness, and community composition change from continuous forest at higher elevations to middle‐elevation forest fragments and shade coffee? (2) Do birds and mammals differ in their response to shade coffee? (3) Do high‐elevation forests contribute to maintaining biodiversity in mid‐elevation shade coffee? We sampled birds and mammals with camera traps in middle‐elevation shade coffee plantations and forest fragments and in continuous forest further upslope. We then used a multi‐species occupancy model to correct for imperfect detection and to estimate occupancy, richness, and community composition. Shade coffee lacked ~50% of the bird and mammal species found in continuous forest, primarily large‐bodied and insectivorous birds and forest‐specialist and large‐bodied mammals. Forest fragment richness was closer to shade coffee than to continuous forest, but species composition significantly differed between coffee and both forest types. Birds in coffee plantations were generally a unique subset of disturbance‐adapted specialists, whereas mammals in coffee were mostly generalists. Distance from continuous forest was the most important landscape‐level predictor of occupancy for both taxa, suggesting that this forest plays a key role in maintaining biodiversity across the coffee landscape. Biodiversity conservation in shade coffee landscapes, therefore, will be ineffective unless linked to landscape‐level initiatives that conserve higher elevation tropical montane forest.
Horizontal differentiation in water chemistry, phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthic communities in Lake Kwania
Authors: Nankabirwa Angela , Egessa Robert , Naluwairo Janet , Magezi Godfrey , Kiggundu Vincent , Pabire Gandhi Willy , Ocaya Henry , Okello William
Published: February 2023

Phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthic invertebrates are important elements in the structure and functioning of aquatic systems. There is, however, limited information to aid in understanding the interactions between these organisms and their environment. The three groups were examined along a horizontal water chemistry gradient in Lake Kwania. The lake was subdivided into three zones: west, central and east, similar to what was earlier described for Lake Kyoga. Conductivity, silica and Secchi depth showed significant horizontal differentiation between zones. Conductivity (126.3, 209.2 and 289.1 μS/cm) and silica concentration (1419.9, 3708.0, 9146.3 μg/L) increased from the west to the east zone. The composition, abundance and taxonomic diversity of phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthic invertebrates did not show a significant pattern along this gradient. Cyanobacteria dominated by Planktolyngbya limnetica; Copepoda dominated by Tropocyclops tenellus; and Diptera dominated by Chaoborussp, were respectively the most abundant phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthos across zones. These results suggest that other factors control these organisms in addition to the lake's water chemistry. It is critical to investigate these factors further to fill knowledge gaps that will aid in the future conservation and management of Lake Kwania, the Kyoga Lakes in general and other Great Lakes.
Highways to invasion: Powerline servitudes as corridors for alien plant invasions
Authors: Dalu Tatenda , Stam Eduard M. , Ligege Mukondi O. , Cuthbert Ross N.
Published: February 2023

Human use of powerline servitude corridors for the secure transmission and distribution of electricity disturbs natural landscapes and changes vegetation patterns. We examined vegetation communities under two powerlines in the Limpopo province, South Africa (Khakhu line 22KV and Fundudzi 132KV powerlines). Twelve invasive alien species were identified in Khakhu and Fundudzi, dominated by Khaki bush Tagetes minuta, common guava Psidium guajava, black‐jack Bidens pilosa, fierce thorn apple Datura ferox and common lantana Lantana camara. Sites closest to human settlements showed high alien species richness, whilst sites located further away were dominated by alien L. camara, but had a low overall species richness. Conversely, areas away from human settlements showed lower levels of alien invasion. Weak overlaps in the principal coordinates analysis polygons for the two powerline servitudes suggest that alien plant compositions are dissimilar, with five identified species groups being identifiable among sites, and thus a high potential for invasion success from multiple taxa. The research findings showed that powerline corridors could potentially trigger invasion success via disturbance as they act as pathways for arrival and should be a focus for management efforts to prevent further spread.
Modelling the current and future distribution of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb: Its implication for future conservation of the species in the Southern Benin
Authors: Lokonon Bruno Enagnon , Gbemavo Charlemagne D. S. J. , Agounde Gafarou , Simbo David , Samson Roeland , Glèlè Kakaï Romain
Published: February 2023

Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb, the most commercialised medicinal species in Southern Benin, is reported to be extinct in the wild due to anthropogenic pressures on its natural habitats. Remaining individuals can only be found in traditional agroforestry systems and home gardens. It is therefore important to understand how spatio‐temporal distribution of the species could be impacted by changing environmental conditions and propose strategies to be used for its conservation. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modelling technique was used for modelling the current and future distribution of the species using present‐day combined with two future forecast scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways‐RCP): low‐RCP4.5 and high‐RCP8.5 emission scenarios. Environmental and demographic factors have impacted the distribution of the species. Rainfall driest quarter (44.5%), population density (30.4%), rainfall driest month (14.7%), potential evapotranspiration (6.5%) and number of dry months (4%) mostly contributed to the model. High suitable areas of the species will increase about (2.28%) and (0.06%) with the RCP8.5 and RCP4.5, respectively, at horizon 2055. In contrast, less suitable areas will decrease about 3.11% (RCP4.5) and 1.71% (RCP8.5). In‐situ conservation strategy is suggested to restore the species in the wild taking into account suitable areas for its growth, development and reproduction. Circa‐situ conservation should be promoted in agroforestry systems and home gardens for sustainable use of the species.
Who is motivated to accept a booster and annual dose? A dimensional and person‐centered approach
Authors: Waterschoot Joachim , Van Oost Pascaline , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Brisbois Marie , Schmitz Mathias , Morbée Sofie , Klein Olivier , Luminet Olivier , Van den Bergh Omer , Raemdonck Eveline , Yzerbyt Vincent
Published: February 2023

The transmissibility of new COVID‐19 variants and decreasing efficacy of vaccines led authorities to recommend a booster and even an annual dose. However, people's willingness to accept new doses varied considerably. Using two independent longitudinal samples of 4596 (Mean age = 53.6) and 514 (Mean age = 55.9) vaccinated participants, we examined how people's (lack of) vaccination motivation for their first dose was associated with their intention to get a booster (Sample 1) and an annual dose (Sample 2) several months later (Aim 1). We also aimed to capture the impact of the motivational heterogeneity on these intentions by capitalizing on participants' different motivational profiles collected at baseline (Aim 2). Across both samples, autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, and distrust‐based amotivation were uniquely related to, respectively, higher, lower, and even lower booster and annual dose intentions. Further, a two‐step clustering procedure revealed five profiles, with the profiles characterized by higher autonomous motivation (i.e. Good Quality and High Quantity profiles) reporting the highest vaccination intentions and the profile characterized by the highest number of obstacles (i.e. Global Amotivated profile) yielding the lowest vaccination intentions. These results stress the critical need to support citizens' volitional endorsement of vaccination to harvest long‐term benefits with respect to COVID‐19.
Mortars in context: An integrated study of mortars and plasters from the so‐called Ginnasio in Solunto (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Boese Beatrice , Amicone Silvia , Cantisani Emma , Schön Frerich , Berthold Christoph
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a multipronged scientific study of mortars and plasters of the so‐called Ginnasio in the Hellenistic–Roman city of Solunto (Sicily, Italy). A selection of 16 well‐contextualized samples was collected to represent different functions and building phases of this private house. The results show that a variety of locally available raw materials was used as aggregates and to produce binders. The diversity of raw materials’ sources and production techniques identified in this study reveals the advanced technological knowledge of the builders of Solunto, indicating a complex relationship between the settlement's cityscape and its surrounding landscape.
A three‐gene leukaemic stem cell signature score is robustly prognostic in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia
Authors: Wang Yu‐Hung , Yao Chi‐Yuan , Lin Chien‐Chin , Gurashi Kristian , Amaral Fabio M. R. , Bossenbroek Hasse , Jerez Andres , Somervaille Tim C. P. , Binder Moritz , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Hou Hsin‐An , Chou Wen‐Chien , Batta Kiran , Wiseman Daniel H. , Tien Hwei‐Fang
Published: February 2023

Leukaemic stem cell (LSC) gene expression has recently been linked to prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (17‐gene LSC score, LSC‐17) and myelodysplastic syndromes. Although chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) is regarded as a stem cell disorder, the clinical and biological impact of LSCs on CMML patients remains elusive. Making use of multiple independent validation cohorts, we here describe a concise three‐gene expression signature (LSC‐3, derived from the LSC‐17 score) as an independent and robust prognostic factor for leukaemia‐free and overall survival in CMML. We propose that LSC‐3 could be used to supplement existing risk stratification systems, to improve prognostic performance and guide management decisions.
Prognostic impact of variant histologies in urothelial bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy
Authors: Claps Francesco , van de Kamp Maaike W. , Mayr Roman , Bostrom Peter J. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Hippe Katrin , Bertz Simone , Neuzillet Yann , Sanders Joyce , Otto Wolfgang , van der Heijden Michiel S. , Jewett Michael A.S. , Stöhr Robert , Zlotta Alexandre R. , Trombetta Carlo , Eckstein Markus , Mertens Laura S. , Burger Maximilian , Soorojebally Yanish , Wullich Bernd , Bartoletti Riccardo , Radvanyi François , Pavan Nicola , Sirab Nanour , Mir M. Carmen , Pouessel Damien , van der Kwast Theo H. , Hartmann Arndt , Lotan Yair , Bussani Rossana , Allory Yves , van Rhijn Bas W.G.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To evaluate variant histologies (VHs) for disease‐specific survival (DSS) in patients with invasive urothelial bladder cancer (BCa) undergoing radical cystectomy (RC).

Materials and Methods

We analysed a multi‐institutional cohort of 1082 patients treated with upfront RC for cT1‐4aN0M0 urothelial BCa at eight centres. Univariable and multivariable Cox’ regression analyses were used to assess the effect of different VHs on DSS in overall cohort and three stage‐based analyses. The stages were defined as ‘organ‐confined’ (≤pT2N0), ‘locally advanced’ (pT3‐4N0) and ‘node‐positive’ (pTanyN1‐3).

Results

Overall, 784 patients (72.5%) had pure urothelial carcinoma (UC), while the remaining 298 (27.5%) harboured a VH. Squamous differentiation was the most common VH, observed in 166 patients (15.3%), followed by micropapillary (40 patients [3.7%]), sarcomatoid (29 patients [2.7%]), glandular (18 patients [1.7%]), lymphoepithelioma‐like (14 patients [1.3%]), small‐cell (13 patients [1.2%]), clear‐cell (eight patients [0.7%]), nested (seven patients [0.6%]) and plasmacytoid VH (three patients [0.3%]). The median follow‐up was 2.3 years. Overall, 534 (49.4%) disease‐related deaths occurred. In uni‐ and multivariable analyses, plasmacytoid and small‐cell VHs were associated with worse DSS in the overall cohort (both P = 0.04). In univariable analyses, sarcomatoid VH was significantly associated with worse DSS, while lymphoepithelioma‐like VH had favourable DSS compared to pure UC. Clear‐cell (P = 0.015) and small‐cell (P = 0.011) VH were associated with worse DSS in the organ‐confined and node‐positive cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions

More than 25% of patients harboured a VH at time of RC. Compared to pure UC, clear‐cell, plasmacytoid, small‐cell and sarcomatoid VHs were associated with worse DSS, while lymphoepithelioma‐like VH was characterized by a DSS benefit. Accurate pathological diagnosis of VHs may ensure tailored counselling to identify patients who require more intensive management.
EFHD1, a novel mitochondrial regulator of tumor metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Meng Kun , Hu Yuyu , Wang Dingkang , Li Yuying , Shi Fujin , Lu Jiangli , Wang Yang , Cao Yun , Zhang Chris Zhiyi , He Qing‐Yu
Published: February 2023

The biological function of many mitochondrial proteins in mechanistic detail has not been well investigated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). A seven‐mitochondrial‐gene signature was generated by Lasso regression analysis to improve the prediction of prognosis of patients with ccRCC, using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium cohort. Among those seven genes, EFHD1 is less studied and its role in the progression of ccRCC remains unknown. The decreased expression of EFHD1 was validated in clinical samples and was correlated with unfavorable outcome. Overexpression of EFHD1 in ccRCC cells resulted in the reduction of mitochondrial Ca2+, and the inhibition of cell migration and invasion in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, EFHD1 physically bound to the core mitochondrial calcium transporter (mitochondrial calcium uniporter, MCU) through its N‐terminal domain. The interaction between EFHD1 and MCU suppressed the uptake of Ca2+ into mitochondria, and deactivated the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. Further data revealed that the ectopic expression of EFHD1 upregulated STARD13 to enhance the phosphorylation of YAP protein at Ser‐127. The knockdown of STARD13 or the overexpression of MCU partly abrogated the EFHD1‐mediated induction of phosphorylation of YAP at Ser‐127 and suppression of cell migration. Taken together, the newly identified EFHD1–MCU–STARD13 axis participates in the modulation of the Hippo/YAP pathway and serves as a novel regulator in the progression of ccRCC.
Challenges in operationalizing conceptual models in aetiological research
Authors: Celeste Roger Keller , Colvara Beatriz Carriconde , Rech Rafaela Soares , Reichenheim Michael Eduardo , Bastos João Luiz
Published: February 2023

Conceptual or theoretical models are crucial in developing causal hypotheses and interpreting study findings, but they have been underused and misused in aetiological research, particularly in dentistry and oral epidemiology. Good models should incorporate updated evidence and clarify knowledge gaps to derive logical hypotheses. Developing models and deriving testable hypotheses in operational models can be challenging, as seen in the four examples referred to in this commentary. One challenge concerns the theoretical validity of the model, while another relates to difficulties in operationalizing abstract concepts. A third challenge refers to the lack of sufficient information in the dataset to test partially or even the whole model. Finally, a common challenge is the application of a conceptual model to different contexts. Among the existing methodological approaches to operationalize conceptual models, causal graphs may be helpful, especially when combined with approaches from diverse disciplinary fields via triangulation.
The Necessity of qualitative research for advancing oral health
Authors: Macdonald Mary Ellen
Published: February 2023

Researchers are engaged with producing knowledge. Through this knowledge production, they make claims about the world. For applied health researchers, our knowledge production is both a scientific as well as a moral activity. Increasingly, oral health researchers are turning to qualitative research, a research approach that takes science and morality seriously. Qualitative research pushes researchers to think about the different worlds in which people live and work, and endeavours to generate data that reflect those worlds. This paper argues that humans are complex, and that qualitative approaches are necessary for understanding how we are all deeply embedded in historical, social, cultural and political contexts, and why this matters when thinking about oral health. This paper also dispels myths about the limitations of qualitative research and proposes future directions to improve the sophistication of qualitative oral health sciences.