bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing yourself to strangers: does conversational self-presentation matter in peer-to-peer accommodation
Authors: Liu Fuzhen , He Chaocheng , Lai Kee-Hung
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Self-presentation has emerged as a pivotal marketing strategy for service providers seeking to craft virtual images in the peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation sector. However, the literature lacks an understanding of conversational self-presentation, which offers more informal and personal communication.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon social interaction theory and uncertainty reduction theory, this study explores the impact of conversational self-presentation and its interplay with space sharing and review ratings on customer purchases.

Findings

Utilizing the fixed effects model on a panel dataset comprising 498,817 observations from Airbnb, we discover a positive association between conversational self-presentation and customer purchases. Furthermore, our analysis reveals that space sharing reinforces this positive effect, while review ratings tend to diminish it. A deeper mechanism analysis indicates that perceived authenticity plays a mediating role in the relationship between conversational self-presentation and customer purchases.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of conversational communication in enhancing host–guest relationships under information asymmetry. However, the proposed model can be extended to other accommodation-sharing platforms in various regions, identifying whether cultural differences exist in explaining the importance of conversational self-presentation.

Practical implications

Marketers are suggested to build a harmonious customer–brand relationship and achieve superior performance through effective online communication.

Originality/value

This study adds valuable insights to the literature about self-presentation, social interaction and customer behavior by revealing the significance of conversational self-presentation in driving the growth of P2P accommodation businesses.
Managing supply chain disruptions in the construction industry: an institutional approach
Authors: Bolomope Muhammed Temitayo , Nwadike Amarachukwu Nnadozie , Aigwi Itohan Esther
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the institutional theory as a lens for investigating how construction firms adapt to supply chain disruptions. Specifically, the paper evaluates the interactions and interdependencies amongst various organizations, participants and institutions in the construction industry as a basis for a holistic, adaptive response strategy for managing supply chain disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the tenets of relativist philosophy and qualitative research methodology, this study explores the lived experiences of senior-level managers across major construction firms in New Zealand through in-depth semi-structured interviews, as a basis for understanding how their respective organizations adapt to supply chain disruptions.

Findings

The research findings suggest that aside from the formal rules that guide the conduct of construction firms as they adapt to supply chain disruptions, informal interactions that exist amongst various organizations and players in the construction industry could also enhance the development of innovative and practical response strategies to supply chain disruptions.

Originality/value

This study makes original empirical contributions to the supply chain management literature by providing insights into how construction firms demonstrate normative, coercive and mimetic isomorphic tendencies amidst the complexity of supply chain disruptions. Insights from this study could enhance the adaptive response of construction firms to supply chain disruptions while also improving the overall resilience of the built environment.
UNESCO, mining heritage and the scalar sustainability of tourism geographies at industrial World Heritage Sites
Authors: Rhodes II Mark Alan , Hannum Kathryn Laura
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Industrial heritage works within a world of contradictions, contentions and scalar liminality. Archaeologists and historians focus upon oral histories and discourses of tangible and intangible memory and heritage while planners and economists see industrial World Heritage, in particular, as a marketing ploy to redevelop deindustrialized spaces. Within this liminality, we explore the potential for geographical perspectives to solder such contradictions into transdisciplinary heritage assessments and tourism contexts. How might the spatial tools of landscape and scalar analyses expose alternative and sustainable futures within broader patterns of industrial heritage management and consumption?

Design/methodology/approach

Using three comparative cases, interview and landscape methods and conducting discourse analysis within a spatial and scalar framework, we explore the increasing presence of industrial World Heritage.

Findings

We present both an institutional reflection upon the complexities of heritage discourse across complex spatial configurations and the intersectional historical, cultural, political, environmental and economic geographies that guide and emerge out of World Heritage Designations. Framed scalarly and spatially, we highlight common interpretation, tourism and heritage management styles and concerns found across industrial World Heritage. We point out trans-scalar considerations for future municipalities and regions looking to utilize their industrial landscapes and narratives.

Originality/value

We believe that more theoretical groundings in space and scale may lead to both the flexibility and the applicability needed to assess and, in turn, manage trans-scalar and trans-spatial complex heritage sites. These perspectives may be uniquely poised to assess the complex geographies of industrial, particularly mining, World Heritage Sites.
Incidental learning in EFL learners’ vocabulary accumulation: the lens of dual process theory
Authors: Shang Shanshan , Geng Sen
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Drawing on dual process theory as the overarching framework, this study investigates how different types of incidental vocabulary learning yield different performance, repetition, and continuance intention outcomes and uncovers the underlying mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

We identify four popular types of incidental learning: traditional, a murder mystery game, noneducational live streaming, and VTuber. We propose that the underlying mechanism is the mediating role of perceived novelty as heuristic processing, and effort and performance expectancy as systematic processing. We conduct a between-subject experiment with four groups for the four types of incidental learning. From a total of 220 subjects, 55 valid responses were collected from each group. Analysis of variance and a partial least squares structural equation model are employed to examine the differences and mechanism.

Findings

The results show that noneducational live streaming performs significantly best for all three outcomes. The mechanism test demonstrates that perceived novelty and performance expectancy play significantly positive mediating roles, whereas effort expectancy has a null mediating effect.

Originality/value

The research provides both theoretical and practical implications.
Performance evaluation of Alccofine on mechanical behaviour of recycled refractory brick blended sustainable concrete
Authors: Yadav Kapildeo P. , Ghosh Sudipta , Rajak Sujata , Samanta Amiya K.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

One of the often-employed building constituents in the construction sector is concrete, which involves hydration of cement, leading to the generation of carbon footprints during its production. Also, massive amount of natural aggregate is illegally mined, which poses serious environmental issues along with ecological misbalance. Researchers are in continuous search of appropriate substitutes to mitigate those challenges and develop innovative concrete mix. Consequently, depletion of natural resources, the disturbances to the environmental and ecological imbalance will reduce. The purpose of this study is to develop a Portland Slag Cement based novel sustainable concrete incorporating Alccofine and Recycled Refractory Brick as fractional replacement of cement and fine aggregate, respectively and evaluate its destructive, non-destructive and microstructural properties.

Design/methodology/approach

M25 grade of concrete adopting 0.45 water-binder proportion, with diverse percentage of Alccofine as fractional substitution of cement and 20% of recycled refractory brick (RRB) as fine aggregate, has been cast and evaluated for diverse mechanical strength following a curing of 7, 14 and 28 days. Scanning electron microscopic analysis has been carried out to study the microstructural changes in the specimens.

Findings

Supplementary use of Alccofine enhanced normal compressive strength of sustainable concrete mix blended with Portland Slag Cement by a large amount at all levels of 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. Test results indicated development of a favourable high-strength sustainable concrete mix by substituting cement with Alccofine.

Originality/value

This manuscript has demonstrated the possibility of developing sustainable concrete blends by incorporating Alccofine 1203 and RRB as partial replacement of Portland Slag Cement and natural fine aggregate, respectively. The strength and potential of concrete incorporating RRB for wider and special application in adverse environmental conditions having higher thermal gradient, as RRB is a valuable waste from high temperature kiln and furnaces. Alccofine 1203 has been included in the concrete mix as an alternative to Portland Slag Cement to improve the mechanical strength properties and durability of concrete intended for adverse environmental application.
Light quality and spatial variability influences on seedling regeneration in Hawaiian lowland wet forests
Authors: Rosam Jodie R. , Warman Laura , Ostertag Rebecca , Perroy Ryan , Cordell Susan
Published: September 2024

Tropical forest understories tend to be light‐limited. The red‐to‐far‐red ratio (R:FR) is a useful and reliable index of light quality and its spatial variability can influence competition between native and non‐native seedlings. While per cent light transmittance has been quantified in some Hawaiian lowland wet forests (HLWF), no information exists on how the spatial distribution of understorey light varies in relation to species invasion, or if patterns of seedling regeneration and light are linked.

We measured the R:FR of light in the understorey to assess light quality in three HLWF forest types: native‐dominated, partially invaded and Psidium cattleyanum‐ (strawberry guava) dominated to quantify light quality in the understorey (0–50 cm height). We also identified relationships between light quality and native and non‐native seedling presence, diversity and abundance. Together, these data can help to determine the restoration potential of HLWF.

Linear mixed‐effect modelling showed that native‐dominated forests had significantly greater R:FR than P. cattleyanum‐dominated forests, demonstrating a transformation in the light environment with increased invasion. Heterogeneity in R:FR varied more across sites than among forest types. In both native‐dominated and partially invaded forests, there were more native seedlings in the low‐quality R:FR (0.0–0.40) category and fewer in the medium‐ (0.41–0.70), and high‐quality (≥0.71) light categories than would be expected by chance, and there were no native seedlings in the P. cattleyanum‐dominated forests.

Native‐dominated forests had greater species richness and abundance of native seedlings than the partially invaded forests, likely due to propagule availability. However, the spatial clustering of seedlings, the mismatch of native seedlings in light environments less suitable, and a considerable proportion of open high‐quality microsites, highlights that conditions are not optimal for native species in HLWF in the long term.

Synthesis and applications. The native‐dominated and partially invaded forests still hold conservation value, despite variation among sites. Seedling additions could be targeted to different R:FR environments and at different spatial scales, but the lack of a strong relationship between R:FR and seedling number suggests that other factors besides light quality should be considered in seedling enrichment or other management activities.
Sample selection disparity: Sampling only cobble overestimates the biomass of stream benthic algae
Authors: Inoue Mitsuya , Nozaki Kentaro , Genkai‐Kato Motomi
Published: September 2024

Despite the fact that scientists are aware that the streambed consists of various substrata in size, the estimation of benthic algal biomass has been conducted based almost exclusively on cobble sampling. This disparity in samples selected for the biomass estimation occurs because frame sampling collects all substrata, encompassed by the frame, including sand and stones, and is a time‐consuming method compared to single‐stone sampling. We conducted frame versus cobble sampling to test for sample selection disparity (SSD) in the estimation of benthic algal biomass. Estimates of algal biomass based on the frame sampling (area: 0.25 m2) were compared with those based on the cobble sampling taken at the same sampling points in a diatom‐dominated stream. Benthic algal biomass estimated based on cobble sampling was larger than the biomass estimated with frame sampling. The contribution of cobbles to the algal biomass encompassed by the frame was considerably higher than smaller substrata. These results suggest that cobble sampling tends to result in an overestimate of the benthic algal biomass in natural streams. Because the frame sampling requires intensive labor and time, we here proposed a general model based on quick visual assessments for percentage cover of cobbles on the streambed to calibrate estimates obtained by cobble sampling.
Defunding the Police is Good for our Mental Health
Authors: Bird Holly , Bryant Lucy , Kadiri Habib
Published: September 2024

In May 2023, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley announced the withdrawal of his officers from attending mental health emergencies, under the new policy Right Care, Right Person (RCRP). In some sense, the move highlights that the police role and remit is not a settled, immovable social fact, and as such, this development, in some limited sense, lends support to the ‘defund the police’ argument. However, defunding done properly requires more than simply withdrawing personnel from a procedural response to an emergency. The article argues that this potentially transformative moment must be capitalised on through an holistic approach to harm prevention—one which seriously demotes police involvement in favour of investment in non‐punitive visions of care in order to make for a truly safer society.
Performative Environmental Law
Authors: Lees Emma , Pedersen Ole W.
Published: September 2024

Performative law is law ‘just for show’. Where the law expresses a commitment to targets, objectives and aspirations which are, in a strict sense, legally binding, but which are ultimately hard to formally enforce, it can take on a highly symbolic or gestural appearance. Environmental law is particularly vulnerable to performativity. This is because of the nature of the environment as an object of law and because of the features found in much modern environmental legislation. This article shows this by considering examples from the Environment Act 2021, one of the foundational legislative environmental instruments adopted in recent years. Despite its potential, this article argues that key parts of the Act display a highly performative nature. The article shows that whilst this performativity is a feature of design rather than accident in the Act itself, it is a characteristic which is often found in environmental law more generally even though performativity need not necessarily be a bad thing.
Pleiotropic effects of double filtration plasmapheresis
Authors: Hirano Ryuichiro , Namazuda Kenichiro
Published: September 2024

Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is a semi‐selective blood purification modality derived from the plasma exchange modality. DFPP can be applied to a variety of refractory disorders including metabolic disorders, organ transplants, rheumatic disorders, neurological disorders, and dermatologic disorders. Familial hypercholesterolemia and lipoprotein (a) hyperlipoproteinemia are major chronic metabolic disorders. Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is applied for those patients to remove low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). DFPP is used as one of the modalities in LA. In addition to removing LDL‐C and Lp(a), DFPP has pleiotropic effects such as removal of lipid metabolism‐related substances, C‐reactive protein lowering effect, removal of adhesion molecules, removal of inflammatory cytokines, and anti‐oxidative effect. This article summarizes the pleiotropic effects of DFPP based on recent clinical articles.
Preoperative breast MR imaging influences surgical management in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma
Authors: Aroney Stephanie , Lloyd Thomas , Birch Simone , Godwin Belinda , Walters Kylie , Khoo Jeremy , Geere Simone , Shen Linda , Vujovic Petar , Bennett Ian , Santamaría Gorane
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The purpose of the study is to assess the role of preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging on the surgical management of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and to evaluate whether breast density and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) influence surgical treatment.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on 56 patients who were diagnosed with ILC between 2014 and 2020. All patients had mammogram and ultrasound. Preoperative MRI was available in 34 patients. Age, menopausal status, breast density, BPE, multifocality/multicentricity and surgical treatment were collected.

Results

Mean pathological tumour size was 36.4 mm (range 5–140 mm). Dense breasts had larger tumours compared to non‐dense breasts (P = 0.072). Of the 34 patients with MRI, 6 opted for mastectomy. Of the remaining 28 cases, MRI findings upgraded surgery to mastectomy in 54% (15/28) because mammogram/ultrasound underestimated tumour extent in 25% (7/28), or multifocal/multicentric disease was identified in 29% (8/28). Tumour size was underestimated by MRI in 7% (2/28). In the non‐MRI subgroup, 64% (14/22) of patients underwent breast‐conserving surgery, but 29% of them (4/14) required a second‐stage mastectomy due to extensive margin involvement. There was no difference in mastectomy rate between patients with MRI (62%) and without MRI (55%) (P = 0.061). Tumour size correlation between MRI and histopathology demonstrated an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient (P < 0.001). Surgical treatment recommendation was not significantly impacted by breast density or BPE.

Conclusion

Breast MRI improves surgical management of patients with ILC in providing additional diagnostic information often missed with standard imaging modalities, and without increasing mastectomy rate. Surgical treatment is not impacted by breast density or BPE.
The representation of Australians living with dementia in voluntary assisted dying research: A scoping review
Authors: Matthys Adrienne , Cash Belinda , Moorhead Bernadette
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To critically examine which stakeholders are participating in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) research, to identify the representation of Australians living with dementia.

Methods

A scoping review of peer‐reviewed literature to examine which stakeholders are represented in Australian VAD research was conducted. This review was informed by the Arksey and O'Malley Framework for Scoping Reviews, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR). Searches were conducted systematically across key academic databases to gather Australian research articles written in English that were published between 2017 and August 2023.

Results

After screening, 21 publications formed the dataset. Of the 21 publications, none of them represented Australians living with dementia. The voice of one person living with a terminal illness was included in a study of care partners, and four studies explored the views of community members. The most dominant voices in the dataset were health‐care practitioners, who were represented in 16 studies.

Conclusions

Australian VAD research is a contested space where all stakeholders with a relevant contribution to policy and practice must be represented in contemporary Australian research. As living experience experts with a wealth of experiential knowledge to contribute, the voices of people living with dementia need to be represented in future Australian VAD research through inclusive research design, to ensure a greater balance in stakeholder representation across the VAD literature.
The Significance of Right‐Sided Precordial ECG Leads (V3R and V4R) in Assessing Right Ventricular Dysfunction: A Single Center Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Khosravi Reza , Shemirani Hasan , Najafi Marziyeh , Ghaffarinejad Zahra , Arbabi Mahta , Tajmirriahi Marzieh
Published: September 2024

Background

Right ventricular systolic dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality rates. Our objective was to investigate ECG changes in patients with this condition, focusing on the right‐sided precordial leads.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 60 patients with right ventricular dysfunction were included from April 2020 to April 2021. Cardiac structure and function were assessed using 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Standard 12‐lead electrocardiograms and right‐sided precordial ECGs (V3R‐V4R) were obtained and analyzed for QRS complex configuration, ST‐segment elevation, and T‐wave morphology.

Results

In our study, the majority were male (70.0%) with a mean age of 58.76 years. The most common initial diagnoses were pulmonary thromboembolism (43.3%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (26.7%), and pulmonary hypertension (25.0%). The predominant ECG finding in the right‐sided precordial leads (V3R, V4R) was a deep negative T wave (90.0%). Patients with severe right ventricular systolic dysfunction often exhibited a qR pattern (41.2%), whereas those with nonsevere dysfunction showed rS and QS patterns (55.8%). Approximately 41.0% of severe RV dysfunction cases had ST segment depression in the right‐sided precordial leads, and 28.0% of patients displayed signs of right atrial abnormality.

Conclusion

The study found that qR, rS, and QS patterns were more prevalent in V3R and V4R leads among patients with severe and nonsevere right ventricular systolic dysfunction. The most common ECG feature observed was deep T‐wave inversion in these leads. The study recommends using right‐sided precordial leads in all patients with RV systolic dysfunction for early detection and risk stratification.
Editorial: Emulsifiers and thickeners in our food—Do they alter gut permeability?
Authors: Reid Joshua , Spiller Robin
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Fitzpatrick et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18172 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18266
Letter: Effect of dietary additives on intestinal barrier and acute stress in healthy adults
Authors: Li Liqi
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Fitzpatrick et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18172 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18267.
Letter: Dietary emulsifiers and intestinal health—The beginning of an evolving story: Authors’ reply
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jessica A. , Gibson Peter R. , Halmos Emma P.
Published: September 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Fitzpatrick et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18172 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18226
Chromosome aberrations cause tumorigenesis through chromosomal rearrangements in a hepatocarcinogenesis rat model
Authors: Nakamura Kenji , Ishii Yuji , Takasu Shinji , Namiki Moeka , Soma Meili , Takimoto Norifumi , Matsushita Kohei , Shibutani Makoto , Ogawa Kumiko
Published: September 2024

Chromosome aberrations (CAs), a genotoxic potential of carcinogens, are believed to contribute to tumorigenesis by chromosomal rearrangements through micronucleus formation. However, there is no direct evidence that proves the involvement of CAs in tumorigenesis in vivo. In the current study, we sought to clarify the involvement of CAs in chemical carcinogenesis using a rat model with a pure CA‐inducer hepatocarcinogen, acetamide. Whole‐genome analysis indicated that hepatic tumors induced by acetamide treatment for 26–30 weeks showed a broad range of copy number alterations in various chromosomes. In contrast, hepatic tumors induced by a typical mutagen (diethylnitrosamine) followed by a nonmutagen (phenobarbital) did not show such mutational patterns. Additionally, structural alterations such as translocations were observed more frequently in the acetamide‐induced tumors. Moreover, most of the acetamide‐induced tumors expressed c‐Myc and/or MDM2 protein due to the copy number gain of each oncogene. These results suggest the occurrence of chromosomal rearrangements and subsequent oncogene amplification in the acetamide‐induced tumors. Taken together, the results indicate that CAs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through chromosomal rearrangements in an acetamide‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis rat model.
Proportion, Correlates and the Associations of Meeting 24‐h Movement Guidelines With Mental Well‐Being and Psychological Distress: A Cross‐Sectional Study of 10 589 Chinese Students
Authors: Zhang Hao , Sheng Jing , Yue Xinpei , Lou Hao , Ban Xiaolei , Wu Wencan , Li Ran , Gao Genli , Wang Chongjian , Lou Xiaomin , Wang Xian
Published: September 2024

Background

The increased trends in psychological distress and mental illness have been of great significance in public health concerns. The study aimed to investigate the proportion and correlates of meeting 24‐h movement guidelines (including moderate to vigorous physical activity, screen time and sleep duration) and the associations between 24‐h movement guidelines met and mental well‐being and psychological distress in a large sample of Chinese students.

Methods

All participants received a physical examination and filled out questionnaires in this study. Chi‐square tests were used to analyse the proportion of reaching 24‐h guidelines by gender and logistic regression was used to analyse correlates of meeting 24‐h guidelines. Two binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between meeting 24‐h guidelines and mental well‐being and psychological distress. The back‐propagation artificial neural network was used to describe the importance of the independent variables.

Results

The findings revealed a generally low rate of meeting the 24‐h movement guidelines, particularly concerning moderate to vigorous physical activity (16.5%). Meeting all three guidelines was related to better mental health in both boys and girls. Particularly, meeting screen time guideline and meeting sleep duration guideline appeared to be more important on mental outcomes, compared to meeting moderate to vigorous physical activity guideline. Compared with boys, girls were more susceptible to the influences of 24‐h movement guidelines on mental health.

Conclusions

Meeting all three components of the 24‐h movement guidelines was associated with the most favourable mental health outcomes for both boys and girls. Thus, maintaining a daily balance of sufficient physical activity, limited screen time, and adequate sleep is crucial for enhancing the mental health status of students.
Exposing illegal hunting and wildlife depletion in the world's largest tropical country through social media data
Authors: El Bizri Hani R. , Oliveira Marcela A. , Rampini Aline Pessutti , Knoop Simon , Fa Julia E. , Coad Lauren , Morcatty Thais Queiroz , Massocato Gabriel Favero , Desbiez Arnaud L. J. , Campos‐Silva João Vitor , La Laina Daniel Zani , Duarte José Maurício Barbanti , Barboza Rafael Sá Leitão , Campos Zilca , da Silva Marcélia Basto , Mângia Sarah , Ingram Daniel J. , Bogoni Juliano A.
Published: September 2024

Globally, illegal sport hunting can threaten prey populations when unregulated. Due to its covert nature, illegal sport hunting poses challenges for data collection, hindering efforts to understand the full extent of its impacts. We gathered social media data to analyze patterns of illegal sport hunting and wildlife depletion across Brazil. We collected data for 2 years (2018–2020) across 5 Facebook groups containing posts depicting pictures of illegal sport hunting events of native fauna. We described and mapped these hunting events by detailing the number of hunters involved, the number of species, the mean body mass of individuals, and the number and biomass of individuals hunted per unit area, stratified by Brazilian biome. We also examined the effects of defaunation on hunting yield and composition via regression models, rank–abundance curves, and spatial interpolation. We detected 2046 illegal sport hunting posts portraying the hunting of 4658 animals (∼29 t of undressed meat) across all 27 states and 6 natural biomes of Brazil. Of 157 native species targeted by hunters, 19 are currently threatened with extinction. We estimated that 1414 hunters extracted 3251 kg/million km2. Some areas exhibited more pronounced wildlife depletion, in particular the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes. In these areas, there was a shift from large mammals and reptiles to small birds as the main targeted taxa, and biomass extracted per hunting event and mean body mass across all taxonomic groups were lower than in other areas. Our results highlight that illegal sport hunting adds to the pressures of subsistence hunting and the wild meat trade on Brazil's wildlife populations. Enhanced surveillance efforts are needed to reduce illegal sport hunting levels and to develop well‐managed sustainable sport hunting programs. These can support wildlife conservation and offer incentives for local communities to oversee designated sport hunting areas.
Assessing the legal, illegal, and gray ornamental trade of the critically endangered helmeted hornbill
Authors: Hatten Chloe E. R. , Hadiprakarsa Yok Yok , Lam Jack Y. K. , Mak Janice , Toropov Pavel , Dingle Caroline
Published: September 2024

Monitoring wildlife trade dynamics is an important initial step for conservation action and demand reduction campaigns to reduce illegal wildlife trade. Studies often rely on one data source to assess a species’ trade, such as seizures or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) trade data. Each database provides useful information but is often incomplete. Combining information from multiple sources helps provide a more complete understanding of trade. A recent rapid increase in demand for helmeted hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) casques (a brightly colored, solid keratinous rostrum) led to its uplisting to critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List in 2015. However, there is little current information on what factors influence trade trends and what current levels of demand are. We combined data from CITES, seizure records, and previously underused, yet abundant, art and antique auction data to examine the global trade in helmeted hornbill casque products (HHPs). Three decades of auction data revealed that 1027 individual HHPs had been auctioned since 1992; total auction sales were over US$3 million from 1992 to 2021. The number of HHPs auctioned was greatest from 2011 to 2014, just after the global art boom (2009–2011), followed by a decline in volume and price. The auction data also revealed 2 possible markets for HHPs: true antique and speculative, defined by era, price, and trade patterns. Trends in illegal trade matched those of the auction market, but legal trade remained consistently low. Combining data sources from legal, illegal, and gray markets provided an overview of the dynamics of illegal trade in an endangered species. This approach can be applied to other wildlife markets to provide a more complete understanding of trade and demand at the market level to inform future demand reduction campaigns.
Assessing the risk of overexploitation to a tarantula species in the pet trade
Authors: Rivera Shannon Noelle , Joanny Laure , Vique Isabel , Middleton Rebekah , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: September 2024

The global pet trade in invertebrates remains poorly understood and underrepresented in policy and research. Tarantulas are a highly traded invertebrate group. Many individuals in trade are wild caught, and trade regulation is often lacking, raising concerns about the effect of trade on local ecosystems and populations. We addressed local concerns surrounding the international trade of Tapinauchenius rasti (Caribbean diamond tarantula), which is endemic to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. We assessed the extinction risks associated with this widely traded species by analyzing supply of and demand for the species with the COM‐B (capability, opportunity, motivation, behavior) model. This model breaks down decision‐making into capability, opportunity, and motivation. We interviewed stakeholders throughout the supply chain and analyzed content of an online hobbyist forum and a time series of prices for this species and other tarantulas. In terms of motivation, there was limited preference for the Caribbean diamond tarantula due to its morphology and behavior. In terms of opportunity, the species was readily available, primarily through captive breeding. Collecting wild specimens is challenging due to enforcement measures and logistical difficulties, making it an unprofitable endeavor. In terms of capability, the species was relatively low in price, likely because it is easy to breed in captivity. As a result, the current wildlife trade does not pose a significant threat to the Caribbean diamond tarantula. Our methodology can serve as a valuable tool for assessing potential threats posed by trade to other spider species and possibly other invertebrates. Understanding these threats is crucial for promoting responsible and sustainable trade practices that minimize risks to wild populations while ensuring equitable benefits for communities coexisting with wildlife.
The chromatin accessibility landscape of mouse oocytes during configuration transition
Authors: Zhu Shuai , Li Jiashuo , Wang Xiuwan , Jin Yifei , Wang Hengjie , An Huiqing , Sun Hongzheng , Han Longsen , Shen Bin , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2024

The transition of chromatin configuration in mammalian oocytes from a non‐surrounded nucleolus (NSN) to a surrounded nucleolus (SN) is critical for acquiring the developmental competence. However, the genomic and epigenomic features underlying this process remain poorly understood. In the present study, we first establish the chromatin accessibility landscape of mouse oocytes from NSN to SN stage. Through the integrative analysis of multi‐omics, we find that the establishment of DNA methylation in oocytes is independent of the dynamics of chromatin accessibility. In contrast, histone H3K4me3 status is closely associated with the dynamics of accessible regions during configuration transition. Furthermore, by focusing on the actively transcribed genes in NSN and SN oocytes, we discover that chromatin accessibility coupled with histone methylation (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) participates in the transcriptional control during phase transition. In sum, our data provide a comprehensive resource for probing configuration transition in oocytes, and offer insights into the mechanisms determining chromatin dynamics and oocyte quality.
Striated duct adenoma: The cytological description of a rare entity
Authors: De La Torre Serrano Montserrat , Alarcón García Lorenzo , Colino Gallardo Ana María , Vega‐Gonzalez Jesus , Bergillos Giménez María Reyes , Hernandez Martinez Desiré , Garcia Egido Alejandro , Iglesias Moreno María Cruz , Pérez‐Alonso Pablo , Plaza Hernandez José Carlos , Fernández‐Aceñero M. Jesús
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Striated duct adenoma is a benign salivary gland tumour recently recognized by the World Health Organization. To date, no report has described the cytological features of this entity.

Materials and Methods

We report the case of a 60‐year‐old woman with a tumour in the right parotid gland with a diameter greater than 2.4 cm confirmed by imaging tests.

Results

Two fine‐needle aspiration cytologies (FNAC) were performed with inconclusive results, reporting epithelioid and spindle‐shaped cellularity, with little stroma, and nuclei with abundant pseudoinclusions. Myoepithelioma and Schwannoma were proposed as differential diagnoses. An immunocytochemical panel was performed, showing positivity for S‐100, SOX10, CK7 and vimentin, and negativity for both myoepithelial (p63 and calponin) and thyroid markers. In the absence of a conclusive diagnosis, the patient accepted surgery. The biopsy results confirmed diagnosis of striated duct adenoma, with immunohistochemical features superimposable to cytology.

Conclusion

Little information is available in the literature, both on biopsy and, more strikingly, on cytology of this neoplasm. The aim of this work is to provide cytological characteristics that allow diagnosis of this entity with FNAC and thus avoid unnecessary surgeries.
Medico‐legal evaluation of occupational skin diseases and occupational skin cancer
Authors: Skudlik Christoph
Published: September 2024

The medico‐legal evaluation of occupational skin diseases is one of the core competencies of dermatology. As a neutral medical expert, the dermatologist has a different role to that of a treating physician. In Germany, the so‐called Bamberg Recommendation (Bamberger Empfehlung) provides a scientifically based assessment basis to ensure equal treatment of all persons undergoing medico‐legal evaluation. In addition to dermatological expertise, knowledge of insurance law and legal terminology is essential for the medical expert. Dermatologists provide legal and administrative decisions of social courts and social insurance institutions with their qualified expert opinions. In this way, dermatology makes an important contribution to social security.
Performance of the MiniMed 780G system on mitigating menstrual cycle‐dependent glycaemic variability
Authors: Elhenawy Yasmine Ibrahim , Abdel Kader Mohamed S. , Thabet Rasha A.
Published: September 2024

Aim

To map the glycaemic variabilities and insulin requirements across different phases of the menstrual cycle and assess the efficacy and performance of the MiniMed 780G system on mitigating glycaemic variabilities during phases of the menstrual cycle.

Materials and Methods

A pilot study recruiting 15 adolescent and young adult females with type 1 diabetes was conducted. Only females with regular spontaneous menstruation were enrolled in the current study. Phases of each menstrual cycle were determined as either follicular phase or luteal phase. The study analysed continuous glucose monitoring metrics during two study periods: the open loop period (OLP) and the advanced hybrid closed‐loop (AHCL) period; each period lasted 3 consecutive months.

Results

During the OLP, the mean time in range (TIR) significantly decreased during the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase (65.13% ± 3.07% vs. 70.73% ± 2.05%) (P < .01). The mean time above range significantly increased from 21.07% ± 2.58% during the follicular phase to 24.87% ± 2.97% during the luteal phase (P < .01). After initiating the AHCL period, TIR was comparable during both phases of the menstrual cycle (P = .72), without increasing the time spent below 70 mg/dL (P > .05). Regarding insulin delivery during the AHCL period, the percentage of Auto basal and Auto correction delivered by the algorithm increased by 13.55% and 30.6%, respectively (P < .01), during the luteal phase.

Conclusions

The fully automated adaptive algorithm of the MiniMed 780G system mitigated menstrual cycle‐dependent glycaemic variability, successfully attaining the recommended glycaemic outcomes with a TIR greater than 70% throughout the entire menstrual cycle.
Acceptable finger pointing: How evaluators judge the ethicality of blame shifting
Authors: Antonetti Paolo , Baghi Ilaria
Published: September 2024

Research shows how blame shifting deemed unethical by evaluators leads to a damaging reputational backlash. Yet, scholars have not determined how evaluators judge if blame‐shifting messages are ethical. To fill this gap, we develop a conceptual model of evaluators' judgments of blame‐shifting ethicality, integrating insights from ethical decision‐making and the ethics of blame. The ethical evaluation of blame shifting is based on perceptions of target blameworthiness, the motives of the blamer, and message fairness. These three perceptions explain the evaluators' judgment of whether blame shifting is ethical. Furthermore, the model explains why at times evaluators fail to develop a detailed ethical evaluation of the message. Organizational blame shifting in these circumstances can be effective and yet unethical because evaluators do not cognitively process the relevant ethical factors. This article contributes to research on blame shifting by explaining how evaluators judge ethicality and examining the conditions for ethical blame shifting.
Synergies between price and life history enhance extinction risk in open‐access fisheries
Authors: Feitosa Leonardo Manir , Burgess Matthew G. , Free Christopher M. , Gaines Steven D.
Published: September 2024

There have been few documented extinctions of fished species, but many bioeconomic models predict that open‐access incentives make extinction possible. Open‐access multi‐species fisheries can cause species' extinction if other, faster‐growing species maintain profits at fatal effort levels. Even target species can be profitably harvested to extinction if their prices rise sufficiently as they are depleted. Here, we explore interactions between these potential extinction mechanisms by modelling an open‐access multi‐species fishery with one or multiple fleets exploiting two species, each with different growth rates, ex‐vessel prices, and price dynamics. Increases in the strong stock's (the stock with higher productivity relative to fishing susceptibility) price as it is depleted increase the range of conditions under which the weak stock can be driven extinct and shrinks the range of bioeconomic parameters in which both species can coexist under open‐access. Catch hyperstability – whereby species become easier to catch as they are depleted – makes the weak stock weaker as it is depleted and further narrows the scope for coexistence. Fleet diversity in targeting ability can prevent weak stock extinction, as competition or switching balances species abundances. With few documented global fished‐species extinctions, our results raise important questions, which we discuss. Is the apparent lack of extinctions largely due to management? Are more species in lightly‐managed fisheries threatened with extinction than previously acknowledged? Have more extinctions than we realize already happened in data‐ and management‐poor fisheries? Or have fishes' high fecundity and the oceans' vastness provided protection against extinction that is uncaptured by existing theoretical models?
Evaluating the importance of vertical environmental variables for albacore fishing grounds in tropical Atlantic Ocean using machine learning and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) approach
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Guo Hu , Song Liming , Yuan Hongchun , Sui Hengshou , Li Bin
Published: September 2024

This study aims to find reliable vertical environmental variables for modeling the fishing grounds of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Logbook data of 13 Chinese longliners operating in the high seas of the Atlantic Ocean from 2016 to 2019 were collected and matched with vertical environmental variables including dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity from 0 to 500 m at 50‐m depth intervals. Then four machine learning (ML) models: decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), light gradient boosting (LGB) and categorical boosting (CGB) were constructed and compared with generalized additive models (GAMs) within spatial resolutions of .5° × .5°, 1° × 1°, and 2° × 2° grids to find the significant features. The importance of each variable was ranked and compared based on Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) approach across five ML models at three resolutions. Results showed that (1) the vertical environmental variables—temperature at the depth of 100 m and dissolved oxygen concentration at the depth of 100 and 150 m—were the significant features that contributed most to all the ML models at three spatial resolutions; (2) the models with a spatial resolution of 2° × 2° grid exhibited higher accuracy compared to the models with .5° × .5° and 1° × 1° grids; (3) the RF model had the best prediction performance among all the models tested. Our results suggested that significant vertical environmental variables showed similar importance across different ML models at different resolutions, and these specific variables can be relied upon for accurately predicting the fishing grounds of albacore in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sustainable Biofuel Production Utilizing Nanotechnology: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Authors: Mehejabin Fatema , Musharrat Afla , Ahmed Shams Forruque , Kabir Zobaidul , Khan T. M. Yunus , Saleel C. Ahamed
Published: September 2024

The transition to biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels is increasingly critical, given the rising demand for sustainable energy. However, biofuel production is hindered by challenges such as feedstock scarcity, elevated production costs, and environmental impacts. Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and durability of biofuel production processes, thereby overcoming these challenges. Although there has been significant research on using nanomaterials in biofuel production, there needs to be more emphasis on understanding and addressing the difficulties of integrating these materials and developing strategies to overcome them. This review systematically examines the role of nanotechnology in various biofuel production pathways, including biodiesel, biogas, bioethanol, biohydrogen, hydrotreated vegetable oils, and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. We discuss how nanomaterials improve key aspects of biofuel production, such as catalysis, microbial conversion, biomass pretreatment, and separation. Despite these advancements, nanotechnology has challenges, including nanoparticle toxicity, increased operational costs, and technical limitations. We propose potential solutions to these issues, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches. By effectively integrating nanotechnology into biofuel production, the energy sector can move toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.