bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling cantilevered adaptive X-ray mirrors
Authors: Goldberg Kenneth A. , La Fleche Kyle T.
Published: August 2024

Modeling the behavior of a prototype cantilevered X-ray adaptive mirror (held from one end) demonstrates its potential for use on high-performance X-ray beamlines. Similar adaptive mirrors are used on X-ray beamlines to compensate optical aberrations, control wavefronts and tune mirror focal distances at will. Controlled by 1D arrays of piezoceramic actuators, these glancing-incidence mirrors can provide nanometre-scale surface shape adjustment capabilities. However, significant engineering challenges remain for mounting them with low distortion and low environmental sensitivity. Finite-element analysis is used to predict the micron-scale full actuation surface shape from each channel and then linear modeling is applied to investigate the mirrors' ability to reach target profiles. Using either uniform or arbitrary spatial weighting, actuator voltages are optimized using a Moore–Penrose matrix inverse, or pseudoinverse, revealing a spatial dependence on the shape fitting with increasing fidelity farther from the mount.
Incarnation and decay: reconciling the organizational decision-making and organizational institutional theory perspectives on budgetary research
Authors: Hoque Zahirul , Kaufman Matt
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The organizational decision-making perspective (ODM) has a legacy regarding its concern for budgeting as an essential organizational routine in decision-making. Budgeting has also become a direct concern to organizational institutional theory (OIT) because of its prominent role in institution building, where budgeting can build trust in inter-organizational relationships. This paper builds on these two perspectives to explore organizational budget processes' formation, disruption, and re-creation over time.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a comprehensive review and critical analysis of the ODM and OIT perspectives, focusing on a fundamental paradox between ODM's emphasis on stability through organizational routines and OIT's focus on organizational legitimacy through the decoupled expression of organizational values. We then expanded on these paradoxical concerns in the context of budgeting, formalizing them into specific research propositions for future studies.

Findings

Tensions around the stability, decay, and re-creation of budgets as organizational routines emerge as a pressing issue requiring further empirical investigation from the ODM perspective. A critical issue in the OIT perspective is the potential for organizational budgets to provide an opportunity to decouple from practice through routinized expressions of rationality and to facilitate loose coupling in practice. These findings offer a fresh perspective and open up new avenues for future research in this area.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the accounting and organizational research literature by shedding light on how organizations respond to the potential decay of budget routines and the manifestation of organizational values in decoupling processes by further re-creating and elaborating budget processes.
Empowering entrepreneurs: bridging the attitude-intention-behaviour gap through dynamic entrepreneurship education
Authors: Ngo Thi Viet Nga , Le Thi Loan , Pham Thi Thanh Hong , Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy , Duong Cong Doanh
Published: August 2024

Purpose

By adopting the theory of planned behaviour, this study aims to provide insights into how entrepreneurial education (EE) contributes to the entrepreneurial process, especially entrepreneurial behaviour (EB).

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a sample of 2,566 students from 16 universities in Vietnam. The conceptual framework’s coefficient paths underwent testing using structural equation modeling, and the mediation effects were determined using the PROCESS bootstrapping method.

Findings

The study revealed that EE directly influences EB in Vietnam, despite having no direct effect on entrepreneurial intention (EI). In addition, EE indirectly influences EI and EB through enhancing attitude towards entrepreneurship and perceived behavioural control.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that policymakers should consider the value of investing in EE programmes as a means of promoting EB. Offering students opportunities to engage in real-life entrepreneurial activities, such as business plan competitions, internships with local start-ups and access to mentorship from established entrepreneurs, can play a pivotal role in their translating knowledge into action. This practical approach can significantly contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Vietnam.

Originality/value

While many studies have investigated the influence of EE on EIs, there is a lack of research on the behavioural outcomes of such education. Furthermore, the findings regarding the EE–EI relationship are inconsistent. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into how EE can foster the intention and behaviour to engage in entrepreneurship.
Cheers to local! Exploring consumer ethnocentrism in the context of regional wines
Authors: Hanchukova Oleksandra , Velikova Natalia , Koo Bonhak
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Extending the Attitudes-Behavior-Context (ABC) theoretical framework by incorporating consumer expertise as an antecedent, the study investigates the intricate relationship between consumer attitudes toward locally produced goods (wine) and purchasing behavior, examined within the context of consumer ethnocentrism.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed an online survey of Texas wine consumers (N = 895). To investigate consumer attitudes towards local wine, the data were first subjected to descriptive analyses, namely means comparison and chi-square tests. Subsequently, path analysis was employed to explore the hypothesized relationships within the proposed model.

Findings

While consumers with higher wine knowledge are less likely to choose local wines for various consumption occasions, consumers who are highly involved with wine tend to exhibit more favorable perceptions. Taste emerged as the strongest driver of purchase intent. Consumer ethnocentrism plays a critical role, boosting purchase intent for those with positive general attitudes and considering local wines for various occasions. However, this effect disappears when perceptions of the taste of regional wines are unfavorable, highlighting once again the critical role of taste in purchase decisions, even for ethnocentric consumers.

Originality/value

This study expands the ABC framework by incorporating consumer expertise with a product as a new antecedent, thereby broadening its applicability to consumer behavior research within an ethnocentric context.
Mapping the risks in technology integration for sustainable outcomes
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar , Modgil Sachin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Technology uptake in supply chains frequently encounters challenges when immediate, tangible benefits are not evident. Therefore, this article's central objective is to pinpoint the risks affecting the integration of supply chain technologies for enduring outcomes. Subsequently, these risks will be organized into a hierarchical structure, facilitating a clearer comprehension of their direct and indirect interconnections.

Design/methodology/approach

A combined TISM and quantitative approach has been used to build the hierarchal structure and to validate the direct, and indirect relationship among risks adopting supply chain technologies. A total of 41 respondents participated in the TISM survey, which resulted in creating a level hierarchical structure. Further, 233 responses are used for the quantitative study using SEM to validate the model obtained from TISM.

Findings

The study's findings indicated the social risks come out with the highest driving power. This includes the fear of job displacement, community disparity and change in the work culture of an organization. At the same time, technological risks can cause system integration, scalability issues, obsolesce compatibility issues, system failures and supply chain sustainability issues.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study can be found in the developed framework and its subsequent confirmation via quantitative evaluation. TISM provides the theoretical foundation, while a quantitative investigation is carried out to verify this theory.
How position level, hotel classification and brand category affect attitudes toward disabled colleagues
Authors: Chan Janelle , McGinley Sean
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Due to the global labor shortage, the labor-heavy and high turnover hospitality industry is now recruiting from nontraditional sources. This study aims to investigate the views of people in the hotel industry to better understand how people with disabilities can obtain jobs in the hotel industry and how they are treated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a constructivist approach to grounded theory. Interviews were conducted with senior managers, middle managers and line-level employees at both internationally branded and locally branded hotels and who worked at upscale and midscale hotels to tell their perspectives about recruiting and working with people with disabilities.

Findings

Senior managers showed positive attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities but lacked pragmatic considerations about their integration into teams. Middle managers were the most hesitant, primarily due to practical concerns about accommodating their workplace needs. Line-level staff at midscale hotels were more open to working with colleagues with disabilities compared to those at high-end properties.

Originality/value

Limited research has been conducted on the broad perspectives regarding workers with disabilities in the hospitality industry. The study reveals not only the impact of managerial level on managers’ perspectives, but also how hotel class influenced the views of the coworkers and potential coworkers of people with disabilities. These distinctions not only help to advance our theoretical understanding of careers and hospitality labor markets but also inform operators on how to best integrate and recruit people with disabilities.
The importance of performance measurement and management in sustainable supply chain governance among SMEs
Authors: Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani , Jääskeläinen Aki
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study presents evidence of the role of performance measurement and management (PMM) in sustainable supply chain governance. This study tests a model hypothesizing whether it is the PMM itself or the mediating effect of supply chain governance that is essential for both business and sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on a survey of 274 SMEs in Finland.

Findings

The findings indicate that PMM does not directly contribute to SMEs’ business or sustainability performance. Supply chain governance mediates the relationship between PMM and business performance. Business performance also enhances sustainability.

Practical implications

These findings can guide managers in managing company relationships with customers and suppliers. The mediating role of supply chain governance highlights the potential of PMM to enhance performance. Without supply chain governance, the PMM, while efficient in traditional business practices, may lose its effectiveness because of the pressure to advance sustainability values within firm operations.

Originality/value

The role of PMM in enhancing supply chain sustainability is frequently overlooked in the existing research, necessitating an empirical evaluation of PMM’s impact on supply chain sustainability. This study addresses this gap by focusing on the SME context, where the pressure to adopt sustainable practices is increasing, yet SMEs employ PMM less frequently than larger firms.
Does the size of the firm matter in determining the adoption of green economy practices in India?
Authors: Ali Jabir , Singh Sarbjit
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This article aims at analysing the factors influencing the adoption of green economy practices across different sizes of firms in India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2022, covering 9,376 firms in India. The Poisson Count Regression Model has been used to analyse the factors affecting the adoption of green economy practices.

Findings

About 83 % of firms reported adopting at least one green practice in their business related to energy conservation, water management, pollution control and waste management and recycling. Research results reveal a significant association between the size of the firm and adoption of green economy practices. The impact of enterprise characteristics varies by firm size. For instance, female ownership positively affects adoption in large firms but negatively in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, lean operations, research and development (R&D) spending and international quality certification positively influence green practices adoption for both SMEs and large firms. Perceived business obstacles show similar implications on green practices adoption by size of firms except access to finance, business licencing, tax rate and law and order affect SMEs while labour regulations, tax administration and political instability affect large firms.

Practical implications

This paper suggests implications for strengthening the adoption of green economy practices across firm sizes and provides opportunities for future research.

Originality/value

This study is based on a unique dataset derived from the World Bank Enterprise Survey 2022, which has included green economy indicators for the first time.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-11-2023-0918.
Asymmetric effects of GVC on poverty in ASEAN and OECD
Authors: Choi Young Jun , Leelasribunjong Yuwapak
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between global value chain (GVC) participation and poverty levels. Additionally, it investigates the impact of education levels, specifically analyzing literacy rates and tertiary education rates, on the correlation between GVC participation and poverty in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Fixed effect and random effect models will be employed to quantify the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. The Hausman test is applied to determine the appropriate estimator between fixed and random effects. Also, in the model, time-fixed effect or two-way fixed effect has been used to control for unobserved heterogeneity both across entities and over time in panel data analysis.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that engagement in GVCs presents a promising avenue for stimulating development, advancing income per capita growth and facilitating job creation. Notably, the results illuminate that the poverty-alleviating impacts of GVC participation are most conspicuous in nations boasting elevated levels of educational attainment among their populace.

Originality/value

This research aims to promote a better understanding of the connection between GVC participation and the level of poverty, with GVC participation decomposed into forward participation and backward participation.
Determinant factors for online cash waqf intention among Muslim millennial generation
Authors: Widiastuti Tika , Mawardi Imron , Samer Ali Al-Shami , Atiya Nikmatul , Rani Lina Nugraha , Robani Anidah Binti , Al Mustofa Muhammad Ubaidillah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors influencing the intention of Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia to donate cash waqf digitally.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was employed, surveying 284 Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia. The study integrated the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to investigate the key factors driving the intention to contribute to cash waqf digitally. The researcher analyzed data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that all hypotheses related to the variables are supported, including both direct and indirect correlations, except for perceived religiosity. This study confirms that the decision of millennials to donate cash waqf online is influenced by various factors, including their attitudes, the environment they are in, their ability to control their behavior, their perception of the ease and usefulness of technology and the availability of suitable facilities. Knowledge of technology is also a decisive component. Nevertheless, this study yielded intriguing findings that the perceived level of religious devotion does not impact the millennials’ willingness to make online cash waqf donations.

Practical implications

This study’s findings offer valuable insights for waqf institutions, providing a better understanding of Muslim millennials’ characteristics and preferences regarding spending, donations and waqf activities. This understanding can be instrumental in enhancing innovative digital platforms for cash waqf in the digital economy era.

Originality/value

This study uniquely explores the determinants of digital cash waqf donations among Muslim Millennial Generation in Indonesia. Contributions include integrating the DTPB and the TAM for a comprehensive analysis. Cross-disciplinary perspectives from behavioral economics and digital marketing enrich the research. Comparative studies and potential longitudinal analysis enhance depth, providing nuanced insights into the dynamic factors shaping digital donation behavior among Muslim millennials.
The hustle behind knowledge: role of workplace ostracism and knowledge hiding towards quiet quitting in knowledge-intensive organisations
Authors: Dutta Dr Sumedha , Thomas Asha , Shiva Atul , Papa Armando , Cuomo Maria Teresa
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Given the workplace’s reinvention to accommodate the global pandemic’s novel conditions, knowledge hiding (KH) behaviour in knowledge-intensive organisations must be examined from a fresh perspective. In this context, the relationship between workplace ostracism (WO) as KH’s antecedent and quiet quitting (QQ) as its consequence is undertaken via the mediating role of KH behaviour among knowledge workers (KWs).

Design/methodology/approach

Through stratified sampling, data from 649 KWs is obtained to test the model. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) using SMART-PLS 4.0. software establishes a significant influence of WO on KH and QQ. KH significantly mediates the relationship between WO and QQ, highlighting its critical intermediary role PLSPredict evaluates the model’s predictiveness. WO and KH’s effects on QQ are examined using necessity logic by collectively applying PLS-SEM and necessary condition analysis (NCA).

Findings

The model wherein WO plays a significant role in increasing KH and QQ, with KH as a partial mediator in the relationship, has high predictive relevance. Moreover, NCA confirms WO as the key predictor variable that provides variance in QQ, followed by KH. The Importance-performance map analysis technique supports the study’s managerial implications.

Originality/value

This study enriches QQ’s emerging literature by empirically identifying its antecedents-WO and KH. Methodologically, this paper gives a model for using PLS-SEM and NCA together in relation to QQ by identifying WO as its necessary condition. Evidence of selected constructs’ interrelationships may help organisations draft leadership programmes to curtail KH and QQ behaviour.
Multi-level emotion propagation in natural disaster events: diverse leadership of super-spreaders in different levels of hierarchy
Authors: Zhang Yaming , Wang Na , Yaya Hamadou Koura , Su Yanyuan , Guo Xiaoyu , Song Wenjie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In social media, crisis information susceptible of generating different emotions could be spread at exponential pace via multilevel super-spreaders. This study aims to interpret the multi-level emotion propagation in natural disaster events by analyzing information diffusion capacity and emotional guiding ability of super-spreaders in different levels of hierarchy.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected 47,042 original microblogs and 120,697 forwarding data on Weibo about the “7.20 Henan Rainstorm” event for empirical analysis. Emotion analysis and emotion network analysis were used to screen emotional information and identify super-spreaders. The number of followers is considered as the basis for classifying super-spreaders into five levels.

Findings

Official media and ordinary users can become the super-spreaders with different advantages, creating a new emotion propagation environment. The number of followers becomes a valid basis for classifying the hierarchy levels of super-spreaders. The higher the level of users, the easier they are to become super-spreaders. And there is a strong correlation between the hierarchy level of super-spreaders and their role in emotion propagation.

Originality/value

This study has important significance for understanding the mode of social emotion propagation and making decisions in maintaining social harmony.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-03-2024-0192.
How do cultural values affect economic growth? An empirical evidence from world values survey (1994–2021)
Authors: El Husseiny Israa A. , Al Samman Ahmed , Mansour Sarah , Ibrahim Fatma
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study utilizes cultural values from the World Values Survey (WVS) to investigate the cultural hypothesis regarding economic growth. Following Granato et al.'s (1996) theory, this paper describes a systematic method for developing analytical models that clarify the effect of cultural values on economic growth by using seemingly unrelated regression (SUR).

Design/methodology/approach

The results are sustained through regression analysis using ordinary least squares (OLS) and SUR. The sample size covers all WVS countries from the third wave in 1994 to the seventh wave in 2021, due to the limited sample size in the first and second surveys, which is insufficient for estimation.

Findings

Results highlight culture as a crucial factor for economic growth. Although the study found a positive effect of autonomy, life satisfaction, and post-materialism on economic growth, trust has been found to have a negative impact.

Originality/value

Although the literature has theoretically proven the impact of cultural values on economic growth, there is a significant disparity in the empirical studies, owing to a lack of applied studies. This study deepens the cultural analysis compared to earlier empirical investigations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to assess the combined effect of the selected four cultural values on economic growth during 1994 and 2021. Furthermore, SUR analysis allows for the estimation of the variables' effects throughout the five waves.
Evaluating the performance of Bi58Sn42 mold produced by material extrusion additive manufacturing system for agile manufacturing
Authors: Delibaş Hulusi , Geren Necdet
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to produce a low-cost sheet metal forming mold made from the low melting point Bi58Sn42 (bismuth) alloy by using an open-source desktop-type material extrusion additive manufacturing system and to evaluate the performance of the additively manufactured mold for low volume sheet metal forming. Thus, it was aimed to develop a fast and inexpensive die tooling methodology for low-volume batch production.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the three-dimensional printing experiments were performed to produce the sheet metal forming mold. The encountered problems during the performed three-dimensional printing experiments were analyzed. Accordingly, both tunings in process parameters (extrusion temperature, extrusion multiplier, printing speed, infill percentage, etc.) and customizations on the extruder head of the available material extrusion additive manufacturing system were made to print the Bi58Sn42 alloy properly. Subsequently, the performance of the additively manufactured mold was evaluated according to the dimensional change that occurred on it during the performed pressing operations.

Findings

Results showed that the additively manufactured mold was rigid enough and proved to have sufficient strength in sheet metal forming operations for low-volume production.

Originality/value

Alternative mold production was carried out using open-source material extrusion system for low volume sheet metal part production. Thus, cost effective solution was presented for agile manufacturing.
How does climate change impact social bees and bee sociality?
Authors: Ostwald Madeleine M. , da Silva Carmen R. B. , Seltmann Katja C.
Published: August 2024

Climatic factors are known to shape the expression of social behaviours. Likewise, variation in social behaviour can dictate climate responses. Understanding interactions between climate and sociality is crucial for forecasting vulnerability and resilience to climate change across animal taxa.

These interactions are particularly relevant for taxa like bees that exhibit a broad diversity of social states. An emerging body of literature aims to quantify bee responses to environmental change with respect to variation in key functional traits, including sociality. Additionally, decades of research on environmental drivers of social evolution may prove fruitful for predicting shifts in the costs and benefits of social strategies under climate change.

In this review, we explore these findings to ask two interconnected questions: (a) how does sociality mediate vulnerability to climate change, and (b) how might climate change impact social organisation in bees? We highlight traits that intersect with bee sociality that may confer resilience to climate change (e.g. extended activity periods, diet breadth, behavioural thermoregulation) and we generate predictions about the impacts of climate change on the expression and distribution of social phenotypes in bees.

The social evolutionary consequences of climate change will be complex and heterogeneous, depending on such factors as local climate and plasticity of social traits. Many contexts will see an increase in the frequency of eusocial nesting as warming temperatures accelerate development and expand the temporal window for rearing a worker brood. More broadly, climate‐mediated shifts in the abiotic and biotic selective environments will alter the costs and benefits of social living in different contexts, with cascading impacts at the population, community and ecosystem levels.
Plant height bridges hierarchical community responses to nitrogen enrichment
Authors: Liao Jiaqiang , Quan Quan , Ma Fangfang , Peng Jinlong , Niu Shuli
Published: August 2024

Nitrogen enrichment impacts ecosystems productivity by altering different hierarchical community processes, ranging from responses of individual species traits to species reordering and ultimately species turnover. Most previous studies have focussed on examining the responses of these processes separately, but little has been done to examine how hierarchical community responses are linked and contribute to the changes in productivity.

To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a 4‐year nitrogen addition field experiment to investigate the hierarchical community responses of above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) in an alpine meadow ecosystem.

We found that the individual species response contributed more to ANPP changes under nitrogen addition, while species reordering and species turnover contributed little over the 4‐year experiment. In particular, plant height was a key trait to ultimately explain and bridge nitrogen addition effects on ANPP across different community levels. Nitrogen addition promoted plant height and growth of individual species, and reordered functional groups by increasing taller grasses and sedges and decreasing shorter forbs and legumes. Species turnover had a weak effect on ANPP changes due to low biomass of both lost and gained species. Finally, taller persistent plants promoted ANPP more with nitrogen addition.

Synthesis. This study provides a new perspective on how ecosystem productivity responds to nitrogen enrichment in a hierarchical manner linked to plant height, which is helpful for elucidating complex community processes and establishing direct links between plant traits and ecosystem function.
Plant and microbial feedbacks maintain soil nitrogen legacies in burned and unburned grasslands
Authors: Nieland Matthew A. , Zeglin Lydia H.
Published: August 2024

Nitrogen (N) availability is a well‐known driver of ecosystem structure and function, but as air quality regulations continue to reduce atmospheric N deposition, there is a need to understand how managed and unmanaged ecosystems respond to widespread decreases in terrestrial N availability. Historical N eutrophication, from pollution or fertilisation, may continue to constrain contemporary responses to decreases in available N because of altered plant and microbial feedbacks. Thus, while certain management practices like prescribed fire remove N from grassland ecosystems, the role of fire supporting ecosystems recovering from chronic N input is unknown.

To address this knowledge gap, we ceased a 30‐year N‐fertilisation treatment at a field experiment in a tallgrass prairie ecosystem crossed with burned and fire‐suppressed (unburned) treatments. We established subplots within each previously fertilised, recovering plot, fertilised at the same historical rate (10 g N m−2 year−1 as NH4NO3), to compare plant and soil properties in recovering plots with control (never‐fertilised) and still‐fertilised treatments within different fire regimes.

We document different N‐fertilisation legacies among ecosystem properties in burned and unburned prairies recovering from N‐fertilisation. Soil N availability, nitrification and denitrification potentials in recovering plots remained higher than controls for 3–5 years—indicative of positive legacies—in both burned and unburned prairies, but burning did not reduce this legacy. In burned prairies, however, a positive legacy in above‐ground plant production persisted because a more productive grass species (switchgrass) replaced the previously dominant species (big bluestem) even though root C:N, but not soil C:N, increased to return back to control levels. Consequently, the main N loss pathways in burned and unburned prairies (pyrovolatilisation and microbially mediated processes, respectively) led to similar losses of soil total N (20–28 g N m−2) over 5 years.

Synthesis: Our results indicate that N eutrophication induces positive legacies of ecosystem functions that can persist for at least half a decade. N‐induced legacies arise because of shifts in soil microbial N‐cycling and plant functional traits. As a result, different management practices may elicit similar trajectories of ecosystem recovery in terms of total and available soil N because of different plant and microbial feedbacks.
Drought effects in Mediterranean forests are not alleviated by diversity‐driven water source partitioning
Authors: Mas Eugénie , Vilagrosa Alberto , Morcillo Luna , Saurer Matthias , Valladares Fernando , Grossiord Charlotte
Published: August 2024

Tree species diversity in forest ecosystems could reduce their vulnerability to extreme droughts through improved microclimate and below‐ground water source partitioning driven by contrasting species‐specific water use patterns. However, little is known about the seasonal dynamics of belowground water uptake that determine whether diversity positively or negatively impacts tree carbon assimilation and water exchange.

Using a network of 30 permanent plots in Mediterranean forests with increasing tree species diversity (from monospecific to four‐species mixtures), we examined the seasonal patterns of in‐situ aboveground carbon and water relations and belowground water sources on 265 trees from four pine and oak species over 2 years using hydraulic and stable isotope approaches.

We found that increasing species diversity in broadleaf and conifer mixtures induced strong soil water source partitioning between oak and pine species. As conditions became drier during the summer in mixed stands, oak species took up water from deeper soil sources, while pines were systematically limited to shallow ones. Despite significant belowground moisture partitioning, stronger drought‐induced reductions in photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and leaf water potential were still observed in diverse compared with monospecific stands for pines but with some benefits for oaks.

Synthesis: Our findings reveal that tree species diversity promoted belowground water source partitioning in mixed oak and pine stands, potentially reducing competition for water in more diverse ecosystems. Yet, our results show that it is insufficient to buffer the adverse impacts of severe droughts on aboveground tree carbon and water use, leading to higher water stress, especially for pines.
The global burden, trends and cross‐country inequalities of female breast and gynaecologic cancers: A population based study
Authors: Cheng Liangxing , Wang Zhihong , Li Rufeng , Qiang Min , Yang Chen , Yang Guoer , Xie Yingying , Yuan Ruixia , Xu Yungang
Published: August 2024

Objective

To analyse the global burden, trends and cross‐country inequalities of female breast and gynaecologic cancers (FeBGCs).

Design

Population‐Based Study.

Setting

Data sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Population

Individuals diagnosed with FeBGCs.

Methods

Age‐standardised mortality rates (ASMRs), age‐standardised Disability‐Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) rates (ASDRs) and their 95% uncertainty interval (UI) described the burden. Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) and their confidence interval (CI) of age‐standardised rates (ASRs) illustrated trends. Social inequalities were quantified using the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Concentration Index.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were the burden of FeBGCs and the trends in its inequalities over time.

Results

In 2019, the ASDRs per 100 000 females were as follows: breast cancer: 473.83 (95% UI: 437.30–510.51), cervical cancer: 210.64 (95% UI: 177.67–234.85), ovarian cancer: 124.68 (95% UI: 109.13–138.67) and uterine cancer: 210.64 (95% UI: 177.67–234.85). The trends per year from 1990 to 2019 were expressed as EAPCs of ASDRs and these: for Breast cancer: −0.51 (95% CI: −0.57 to −0.45); Cervical cancer: −0.95 (95% CI: −0.99 to −0.89); Ovarian cancer: −0.08 (95% CI: −0.12 to −0.04); and Uterine cancer: −0.84 (95% CI: −0.93 to −0.75). In the Social Inequalities Analysis (1990–2019) the SII changed from 689.26 to 607.08 for Breast, from −226.66 to −239.92 for cervical, from 222.45 to 228.83 for ovarian and from 74.61 to 103.58 for uterine cancer. The concentration index values ranged from 0.2 to 0.4.

Conclusions

The burden of FeBGCs worldwide showed a downward trend from 1990 to 2019. Countries or regions with higher Socio‐demographic Index (SDI) bear a higher DALYs burden of breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, while those with lower SDI bear a heavier burden of cervical cancer. These inequalities increased over time.
Forensic application of sandpaper spray ionization mass spectrometry (SPS‐MS): Direct analysis of solid pharmaceutical formulations and edible cannabis products
Authors: Rodrillo Karl Angelo M. , Costa Diego M. , Viana Sarah F. C. , Shahbazi Hasti , Augusti Rodinei , Ifa Demian R.
Published: August 2024

In this work, we employed a new ambient ionization mass spectrometry technique, sandpaper spray mass spectrometry (SPS‐MS), as an efficient tool to analyze pills and tablets of pharmaceutical formulations. The following samples were analyzed: regulators of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Additionally, a hard candy of Cannabis sativa containing Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) and its related isomer cannabidiol (CBD) was also evaluated. The surfaces of the samples, without any prior treatment, were sanded onto triangular‐cut sandpaper, and full MS scans (and MS/MS) were acquired in both positive and negative ionization modes. SPS‐MS (and MS/MS) allowed for prompt detection of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in each formulation. Other components of the formulations, added as excipients, were also tentatively identified. The results described herein indicate that the SPS‐MS technique can be applied to fast screening of pills and tablets being potentially used as an efficient tool to detect counterfeit pharmaceutical and illicit products, a current issue of increasing concern.
Degradation of citrinin by different types of light and hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Wang Penghui , Li Jing , Shu Qi , Lu Qian , Wang Fenghe , Zhao Yixin , Niu Huanhuan , Chen Ting
Published: August 2024

Citrinin (CIT), a mycotoxin produced by Monascus, Penicillium, and other fungies, can contaminate red yeast rice and other foods, thus constraining their application and development. Exploring efficient degradation methods of citrinin is becoming as one of the hot research topics. In this study, the degradation of citrinin, irradiated by visible (Vis) light, ultraviolet (UV) light, and simulated sunlight alone, as well as in combination with hydrogen peroxide (light/H2O2), was investigated. The research demonstrates UV, Vis, and simulated sunlight all have a degree of degradation on citrinin, and the degradation efficiency correlates with light source and light intensity. Interestingly, when combined with 100 W Vis and 0.01 M H2O2, the citrinin degradation rate increases to 32%, compared to 1% and 5% achieved by Vis and H2O2 alone. Hydroxyl radicals, arising from the uniform cracking of H2O2 under Vis, were experimentally validated by electron spin resonance measurement and could accelerate the dissociation of citrinin by nucleophilic attacking. Employing the density functional theory, we deduced nucleophilic •OH mainly attack onto C8 and C5 site by comparing the electrophilic Parr functions (Pk+) value of main C atom of citrinin. This research presents a rapid and efficient degradation of citrinin by combining visible light with H2O2.

Practical Application

This research presents a rapid and efficient method for the degradation of citrnin in red yeast rice and other citrnin containing products by combining visible light with H2O2.
Computed tomography‐based radiomics and clinical‐genetic features for brain metastasis prediction in patients with stage III/IV epidermal growth factor receptor‐mutant non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Zheng Mei , Sun Xiaorong , Qi Haoran , Zhang Mingzhu , Xing Ligang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the value of computed tomography (CT)‐based radiomics combined with clinical‐genetic features in predicting brain metastasis in patients with stage III/IV epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The study included 147 eligible patients treated at our institution between January 2018 and May 2021. Patients were randomly divided into two cohorts for model training (n = 102) and validation (n = 45). Radiomics features were extracted from the chest CT images before treatment, and a radiomics signature was constructed using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to describe the differences in brain metastasis‐free survival (BM‐FS) risk. A clinical‐genetic model was developed using Cox regression analysis. Radiomics, genetic, and combined prediction models were constructed, and their predictive performances were evaluated by the concordance index (C‐index).

Results

Patients with a low radiomics score had significantly longer BM‐FS than those with a high radiomics score in both the training (p < 0.0001) and the validation (p = 0.0016) cohorts. The C‐indices of the nomogram, which combined the radiomics signature and N stage, overall stage, third‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, and EGFR mutation status, were 0.886 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.823–0.949) and 0.811 (95% CI 0.719–0.903) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The combined model achieved a higher discrimination and clinical utility than the single prediction models.

Conclusions

The combined radiomics‐genetic model could be used to predict BM‐FS in stage III/IV NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations.
Construction of a nomogram model based on biomarkers for liver metastasis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Tian , Zhang Yajuan , Ni Yunfeng , Jia Xiaohui , Li Yanlin , Mao Ziyang , Jiang Panpan , Fu Xiaolan , Jiao Min , Jiang Lili , Wang Wenjuan , Guo Hui , Zan Ying , Liu Mengjie
Published: August 2024

Background

Patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with liver metastasis have a poor prognosis, and there are no reliable biomarkers for predicting disease progression. Currently, no recognized and reliable prediction model exists to anticipate liver metastasis in NSCLC, nor have the risk factors influencing its onset time been thoroughly explored.

Methods

This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 434 NSCLC patients from two hospitals to assess the association between the risk and timing of liver metastasis, as well as several variables.

Results

The patients were divided into two groups: those without liver metastasis and those with liver metastasis. We constructed a nomogram model for predicting liver metastasis in NSCLC, incorporating elements such as T stage, N stage, M stage, lack of past radical lung cancer surgery, and programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) levels. Furthermore, NSCLC patients with wild‐type EGFR, no prior therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and no prior radical lung cancer surgery showed an elevated risk of early liver metastasis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the nomogram model developed in this study has the potential to become a simple, intuitive, and customizable clinical tool for assessing the risk of liver metastasis in NSCLC patients following validation. Furthermore, it provides a framework for investigating the timing of metachronous liver metastasis.
Senescence detection using reflected light
Authors: Dedic Benjamin , Westerberg Leo , Mosqueda Solís Andrea , Dumont Kyle D. , Ruas Jorge L. , Thorell Anders , Näslund Erik , Spalding Kirsty L.
Published: August 2024

Senescence is an important cellular program occurring in development, tissue repair, cancer, and aging. Increased senescence is also associated with disease states, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Characterizing and quantifying senescent cells at a single cell level has been challenging and particularly difficult in large primary cells, such as human adipocytes. In this study, we present a novel approach that utilizes reflected light for accurate senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase (SABG) staining measurements, which can be integrated with immunofluorescence and is compatible with primary mature adipocytes from both human and mouse, as well as with differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells. This technique provides a more comprehensive classification of a cell's senescent state by incorporating multiple criteria, including robust sample‐specific pH controls. By leveraging the precision of confocal microscopy to detect X‐gal crystals using reflected light, we achieved superior sensitivity over traditional brightfield techniques. This strategy allows for the capture of all X‐gal precipitates in SABG‐stained samples, revealing diverse X‐gal staining patterns and improved detection sensitivity. Additionally, we demonstrate that reflected light outperforms western blot analysis for the detection and quantification of senescence in mature human adipocytes, as it offers a more accurate representation of SABG activity. This detection strategy enables a more thorough investigation of senescent cell characteristics and specifically a deeper look at the relationship between adipocyte senescence and obesity associated disorders, such as T2D.
Innovation's influence on working capital management and profitability: A Chinese high‐tech manufacturing perspective
Authors: Zhou Siyu , Amin Noordin Bany Ariffin , Tunde Matemilola Bolaji
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the role of corporate innovation in moderating the impact of working capital management on profitability for a Chinese high‐tech manufacturing industry. Using a two‐way fixed effect model and subgroup analysis, we found that net working capital (NWC) negatively impacted corporate profitability, while corporate innovation magnified the inverse association between the NWC and profitability. This moderating effect was stronger in non‐state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) than in SOEs, and different company sizes exhibited varying effects. This study enhances our understanding of the role of corporate innovation financial management and provides valuable insights for innovation research in emerging economies.
Nerve entry points in the mimic musculature of the horse head
Authors: Wolschrijn C. F. , Smit I. H. , Schouten J. , Moller te N. C. R.
Published: August 2024

Facial expressions are important in pain recognition in horses, but current observation‐based pain scales remain subjective. A promising technique to quantitatively measure subtle changes in expression patterns, including changes invisible to the human eye, is surface electromyography (sEMG). To achieve high‐quality and reliable sEMG signals, unilateral placement of bipolar electrodes is required in relation to the motor endplates (MEP). We aimed to localize the nerve entry points (NEPs; where the nerve branch first pierced the muscle belly) and the direction of the terminal nerve endings to estimate MEP locations of the innervating nerves in five equine facial muscles involved in pain expression. Three cadaveric Dutch Warmblood horse heads were dissected to identify the NEPs in the musculi caninus, levator anguli oculi medialis, nasolabialis, masseter and zygomaticus. These points were marked with pins and measured in relation to a reference line between two anatomical landmarks near the origin and insertion of the respective muscle. Relative distances were calculated from the most caudally situated landmark. NEPs were located at 33%–38% (caninus), 69%–86% (levator anguli oculi medialis) and 0%–18% (zygomaticus) from the caudal landmark. The nasolabialis showed two innervations zones. Its NEPs were located at 47%–72% (dorsal muscle branch) and 52%–91% (ventral branch). All terminal nerve endings were found to run in rostral direction. The masseter showed numerous NEPs diffusely spread within the muscle belly. Therefore, calculation of relative positions was not performed. These results could form the basis for feasibility studies and standardization of bipolar electrode positioning in vivo to measure facial muscle activity patterns in horses.