bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raynals, an online tool for the analysis of dynamic light scattering
Authors: Burastero Osvaldo , Draper-Barr George , Raynal Bertrand , Chevreuil Maelenn , England Patrick , Garcia Alai Maria
Published: June 2023

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is routinely employed to assess the homogeneity and size-distribution profile of samples containing microscopic particles in suspension or solubilized polymers. In this work, Raynals, user-friendly software for the analysis of single-angle DLS data that uses the Tikhonov–Phillips regularization, is introduced. Its performance is evaluated on simulated and experimental data generated by different DLS instruments for several proteins and gold nanoparticles. DLS data can easily be misinterpreted and the simulation tools available in Raynals allow the limitations of the measurement and its resolution to be understood. It was designed as a tool to address the quality control of biological samples during sample preparation and optimization and it helps in the detection of aggregates, showing the influence of large particles. Lastly, Raynals provides flexibility in the way that the data are presented, allows the export of publication-quality figures, is free for academic use and can be accessed online on the eSPC data-analysis platform at https://spc.embl-hamburg.de/.
Revealing future trajectories in sustainable food production: convergence and openness in the innovation ecosystem
Authors: Panetti Eva , Leone Daniele , Caporuscio Andrea , Pietronudo Maria Cristina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the evolutionary dynamics of innovation ecosystems in the food industry by adopting both open innovation and convergence approaches to derive practical policy implications to develop impactful innovation ecosystems to promote food production sustainably.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the cutting-edge case of Foodvalley in the Netherlands, the study adopts a backcasting approach to reach a future vision of food ecosystems from a sustainable food production perspective. The authors set the backcasting analysis in four steps: (1) description of the present and trends analysis, (2) selection of trustworthy criteria and goals, (3) development of future images and (4) analysis of how to reach the images.

Findings

The trends analysis has identified three existing innovation fields – protein shift, circular agrifood and food and health – and two strategic directions – convergence and localness decrease. The study reports how a long-term commitment may lead the valley toward a best future scenario.

Practical implications

The study suggests that policymakers and stakeholders can promote innovation strategies in sustainable food production ecosystems by encouraging collaboration between different sectors, reducing regulatory barriers, attracting innovative actors, and investing in education and training programs. To achieve measurable environmental and social impact outcomes, policies should promote entrepreneurship and create an enabling environment that encourages innovation and risk-taking.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper concerns the backcasting perspective applied to the analysis of the food ecosystem. This approach facilitates the identification of a path direction for successfully managing open innovation and industry convergence toward a desirable future of sustainable food production.
Awareness and adoption of wearable technologies for health and safety management in the Nigerian construction industry
Authors: Ibrahim Kabir , Simpeh Fredrick , Adebowale Oluseyi Julius
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Technologies have had a positive impact on the construction industry. Technologies such as BIM, automation, augmented and virtual reality, Internet of Things and robotics have been adopted by construction firms to enhance productivity. However, not much research has been done on the awareness and adoption of wearable technologies for health and safety (H&S) management. This paper investigates the level of awareness and adoption of wearable technologies for H&S management in the Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research method was adopted for the study. An electronic questionnaire format was used as an instrument to collect the data. Both descriptive (mean score) and inferential statistics (Kruskal–Wallis test) were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results indicate that organisations rarely use H&S wearable devices for H&S management although professionals within the construction industry are somewhat aware of the common H&S wearable devices. The findings further indicate that all 11 variables were perceived as “rarely adopted”, whereas 2 variables were perceived as “aware”, 3 variables as “slightly aware” and the remaining 6 variables as “somewhat aware”.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from only construction professionals working in government agencies, consultancy firms and grade D contracting firms in Lagos and Abuja. For a broader perspective, a study that expands the number of states and categories of construction firms is recommended.

Practical implications

The construction industry in Nigeria can use the recommendations to improve H&S management on site. Moreover, the recommendations can contribute to the development of policies to promote the adoption of wearable technologies in construction sites.

Originality/value

Research on wearable technologies, particularly in the Nigerian construction industry, is at the developing stage. With this article, the authors contribute to the body of knowledge in this area of research.
A student’s satisfaction model for an executive education blended learning approach, considering aspects for marketing applications
Authors: Negm Eiman Medhat
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the main factors that lead to students’ satisfaction toward executive education blended learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Merging five theories (consumer satisfaction theory, self-determination theory, investment model, happy-productive student theory and service quality model), the author used quantitative research to develop a model, explaining executive education satisfaction taught in a blended learning approach. Administrated questionnaires were physically distributed in various business universities that offer education to mid-career executives in Egypt. Two hundred and seventy questionnaires were examined through structural equation modeling path coefficient analysis.

Findings

Results show that satisfaction with executive education in traditional classroom boundaries are due to three internal factors (personal/psychological): self-regulated learning, perceived future financial rewards and perceived ease of course; and two external factors: quality of instructor and course design. When courses are given online, satisfaction is developed due to two internal factors (personal/psychological): self-regulated learning and perceived future financial reward; and one external factor, course design.

Practical implications

Marketization signifies students as consumers of universities; student’s satisfaction is increasingly important for educational entities to attract and retain students. Thus, this study develops a coherent student’s satisfaction model to better manage and market executive education, leading to students’ contentment in theory and practice.

Originality/value

Student’s satisfaction has multiple facets that are stochastic as education evolves and develops. The contribution stems from the incorporation of various theories to explain student’s satisfaction of executive education taught in a blended approach: traditional classroom boundaries and digital platforms that offer access to online education. The research extracts significant set of reasons, showing executive education satisfaction is not entirely similar to other education programs; and satisfaction toward blended learning in executive education is not entirely similar to education offered solely online or physically.
Digital labour: a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Goel Vishal , Unny Balakrishnan R. , Shome Samik , Gupta Yuvika
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis on the topic of digital labour. The study also identifies the future research directions for the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 118 research papers were identified and reviewed from 11 established research databases and A*, A and B category journals from the ABDC journal list. The papers covered a timespan between 2006 and 2023. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify key research hotspots.

Findings

The emergent themes and associated sub-themes related to digital labour were identified from the literature. The paper found three significant themes that include digital labour platform, gig economy and productivity. This study also acts as a platform to initiate further research in this field for academicians, scholars, industry practitioners and policymakers. The future research scope in the topic is also presented.

Originality/value

The present study is unique in its nature as it approaches the topic of digital labour from all relevant perspectives.
Gauging investors' investment decisions in the crypto market through the PRISM of behavioral biases: a fuzzy AHP approach
Authors: Sood Kirti , Pathak Prachi , Jain Jinesh , Gupta Sanjay
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Research in the domain of behavioral finance has proven that investors demonstrate irrational behavior while making investment decisions. In a similar domain, the primary objective of this research is to prioritize the behavioral biases that influence cryptocurrency investors' investment decisions in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (F-AHP) was used to prioritize the behavioral factors impacting cryptocurrency investors' investment decisions. Overconfidence and optimism, anchoring, representativeness, information availability, herding, regret aversion, and loss aversion are among the primary biases evaluated in the present study.

Findings

The findings suggested that the two most important influential criteria were herding and regret aversion, with loss aversion and information availability being the least influential criteria. Opinions of family, friends, and colleagues about investment in cryptocurrency, the sale of cryptocurrencies that have increased in value, the avoidance of selling currencies that have decreased in value, the agony of holding losing cryptocurrencies for too long rather than selling winning cryptocurrencies too soon, and the purchase of cryptocurrencies that have fallen significantly from their all-time high are the most important sub-criteria.

Research limitations/implications

This survey only covered active cryptocurrency participants. Additionally, the study was limited to individual crypto investors in one country, India, with a sample size of 467 participants. Although the sample size is appropriate, a larger sample size might reflect the more realistic scenario of the Indian crypto market.

Practical implications

The study is relevant to individual and institutional cryptocurrency investors, crypto portfolio managers, policymakers, researchers, market regulators, and society at large.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no prior research has attempted to explain how the overall importance of various criteria and sub-criteria related to behavioral factors that influence the decision-making process of crypto retail investors can be assessed and how the priority of focus can be established, particularly in the Indian context.
Critical perspective on public deficits: contrasting conventional and Islamic views
Authors: Faiz Ihda Arifin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the public deficit issue by contrasting conventional and Islamic views encompassing the paradigm, technical base, orientation and consequence detailed in nine discussions, which are rarely investigated in the research. There is a predisposition that contemporary Muslim scholars discuss the public deficit as well as the private sector perspective, which is used in the conventional conception, without riba as a primary feature.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a comparative approach that derives two perspectives from the available literature using the qualitative method under the critical thinking method. It was drawn up in detail on how the paradigm and its related budgeting process contribute to public deficits, mainly in government institutions.

Findings

The paper reveals a prominent difference in public deficit in the Islamic view from a conventional perspective. From 9 points of comparison, the analysis covers 18 discussion that differentiates between private and public area criticism seems to overlap. The foundation giving a unique perspective in Islam toward public deficit is the concept of ownership that differs from capitalism, mainly the function of public spending is to distribute the wealth among people not for economic growth. The Islamic Government spent for public purposes based on cash-basis budgeting. The budgeting system in Islamic public spending is founded on treasure availability.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses a qualitative method that cannot empirically snapshot the actual or factual condition, in which subjectivity plays a plausible role. Furthermore, there is no actual sample (best practices) of the concept to be examined.

Practical implications

The research encompasses overlap between Islamic and conventional perspectives, including public and private issues regarding public deficits. The main beneficiary of the paper is a policymaker, including academicians or practitioners who are appropriate to use the concept in their circumstances.

Originality/value

The study is a pioneering study in public deficit comprehensively comparing conventional and Islamic perspectives and drawing up conceptual and technical aspects.
“I am the captain of my soul!” choosing where to work: impact on general well-being and organizational commitment
Authors: Dutta Debolina , Vedak Chaitali , Kannan Poyil Anasha
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic found deliberate and idiosyncratic adoption of telecommuting and other flexibility practices across industries. With the pandemic waning, many organizations adopted various models for employee work locations. Based on Self-Determination Theory and Social Comparison Theory, the authors examine the impact of the dissonance between employee preference for their work location and enforced work location norms and its impact on general well-being and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ empirical study is based on a sample of 881 respondents across multiple industries in India over six months of the COVID pandemic. The authors use PLS-SEM for data analysis to examine the model and the moderating influence of individual resilience on control at work.

Findings

The authors find that increased dissonance between work locations reduces general well-being, control and work. Further, higher individual resilience reduces the impact of this dissonance on control at work.

Practical implications

The study informs policy and practices that choice of work location is important for employees to feel a higher sense of control, impacting their affective commitment and general well-being. While implementation of policies across an organization for varying job roles and complexities presents a challenge, practitioners may ignore this need of employees at their peril, as employees are likely to demonstrate lower well-being, engagement and organizational commitment and eventually leave.

Originality/value

This study is significant as it provides relevant scholarship based on the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding practice on future ways of working. This study further supports the impact of an individual's sense of control on where work is done. The authors build a strong theoretical foundation to justify the impact of the lack of autonomy in the emerging working norms on employees' general well-being and organizational commitment.
Some agents are more similar than others: customer orientation of frontline robots and employees
Authors: Leiño Calleja David , Schepers Jeroen , Nijssen Edwin J.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The impact of frontline robots (FLRs) on customer orientation perceptions remains unclear. This is remarkable because customers may associate FLRs with standardization and cost-cutting, such that they may not fit firms that aim to be customer oriented.

Design/methodology/approach

In four experiments, data are collected from customers interacting with frontline employees (FLEs) and FLRs in different settings.

Findings

FLEs are perceived as more customer-oriented than FLRs due to higher competence and warmth evaluations. A relational interaction style attenuates the difference in perceived competence between FLRs and FLEs. These agents are also perceived as more similar in competence and warmth when FLRs participate in the customer journey's information and negotiation stages. Switching from FLE to FLR in the journey harms FLR evaluations.

Practical implications

The authors recommend firms to place FLRs only in the negotiation stage or in both the information and negotiation stages of the customer journey. Still then customers should not transition from employees to robots (vice versa does no harm). Firms should ensure that FLRs utilize a relational style when interacting with customers for optimal effects.

Originality/value

The authors bridge the FLR and sales/marketing literature by drawing on social cognition theory. The authors also identify the product categories for which customers are willing to negotiate with an FLR. Broadly speaking, this study’s findings underline that customers perceive robots as having agency (i.e. the mental capacity for acting with intentionality) and, just as humans, can be customer-oriented.
The role of digital technology and digital innovation towards firm performance in a digital economy
Authors: Shah Naimatullah , Zehri Abdul Wahid , Saraih Ummi Naiemah , Abdelwahed Nadia A. Abdelmegeed , Soomro Bahadur Ali
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In this study, the researchers explored the roles played by digital technologies and digital innovation (DI) in Pakistan's Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) companies' firm performance (FP).

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers used a quantitative study to gather cross-sectional data from employees working in Pakistan's ICT companies. The authors based this study's findings on 396 valid samples.

Findings

The structural equation modeling (SEM) findings underline that digital capability (DC), digital orientation (DO) and digital transformation (DT) have positive and significant effects on DI and FP. Moreover, there is a positive and significant relationship between DI and FP. Finally, DI mediates DC's, DO's and DT's associations with FP.

Practical implications

By committing to embracing new digital technologies and updating existing DCs to become innovation leaders and to improve FP, the findings will help sectors to take advantage of developing digital technologies and the trend toward digitalization. The results are also valuable for policymakers when considering if SMEs should be provided with more money for the digital up-skilling of their employees. Finally, this study's findings enrich the depth of literature about companies' use of digital technologies.

Originality/value

This study's empirical findings confirm the roles played by DC, DO and DT in improving DI and FP in a developing country such as Pakistan.
A multi-method bibliometric review of value co-creation research
Authors: Saxena Sumit , Amritesh Amritesh , Mishra Subhas C. , Mukerji Bhasker
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the origins of value co-creation (VCC) knowledge streams, vis-a-vis their progression over the past 18 years. The study explores how knowledge of this discipline emerged across the tripartite strategic paradigms of business transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

Co-citation analysis (CCA) and co-word analysis (CWA) are used as bibliometric techniques, for which, a group of articles is retrieved using Scopus’s usual keyword-based search. The initial collection consists of 3,431 research articles published in business and management publications. By explaining the article clusters generated through CCA and keyword connections generated through CWA, the findings outline the origins and development of VCC research. A CWA-based chronological study adds further insights to the development of VCC research themes.

Findings

The results depict that VCC research has grown multifold in the past 18 years, whereby it has shifted its attention from a dyadic interaction approach to a multistakeholder ecosystem-based approach detailing the phenomenological instances of resource integration and institutional processes. Notably, extant research in this field has grown at a much faster rate since 2008. In fact, a stronger concentration of research emerged in the experience domain, particularly in terms of hedonic services. Development of engagement platforms has been driven by research into technologies such as IoT and artificial intelligence.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical framework of the VCC paradigm is used to describe the aggregation of co-creation research around the three strategic pillars. This framework is useful for business strategy and to track VCC research over time.

Practical implications

This work identifies the practices and strategies of VCC at three different levels: capacity, platform and experience. The study offers insights into a variety of co-creation practices at their respective levels, incorporating micro-level dyadic interactions and macro-level processes in a service ecosystem.

Originality/value

This study uses different bibliometric methodologies to investigate the development of this scientific field over time. “Document co-citation” analysis, a more preferred bibliometric technique under CCA, is used to construct the cluster of theoretical cores of this area. The results are classified under the strategic framework of the co-creation paradigm (Ramaswamy and Ozcan, 2014).
Influence of personality on skepticism toward online services information, consumer stress, and health: an experimental investigation
Authors: Jamil Raja Ahmed , ul Hassan Syed Rameez , Khan Tariq Iqbal , Shah Rahman , Nazir Sanaullah
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of personality characteristics (risk-aversion and self-consciousness) on skepticism toward online services information (STOSI), consumer stress and health.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subjects experiment (n = 228) was designed to compare effects based on third-party organization endorsement (TPO endorsed vs nonendorsed).

Findings

Results revealed that personality characteristics positively influenced STOSI, which in turn escalated consumer stress. Furthermore, consumer stress predicted detrimental effects on consumer health (increased blood pressure and heartbeat). Regarding TPO endorsements, both the risk-aversive and self-conscious consumers showed lesser STOSI when exposed to TPO-endorsed ads compared with nonendorsed ads.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the effects of consumer personality on consumer health through STOSI and consumer stress. In addition, the remedial roles of TPO in coping with STOSI and consumer stress also accumulate to the novelty of this study.
Assessing the effectiveness of traditional wool scouring for small-scale farmers in South Africa: a study on detergents and scouring time
Authors: Matlhoko Ketshepileone Shiela , Vermaas Jana Franie , Cronjé Natasha , van der Merwe Sean
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The South African wool industry is integral to the country's agricultural sector, particularly sheep farming and wool production. Small-scale farmers play a vital role in this industry and contribute to employment and food security in rural communities. However, these farmers face numerous challenges, including a lack of funding, poor farming practices and difficulty selling their wool at fair prices. This study aims to address these challenges, the University of Free State launched a wool value chain project for small-scale farmers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this project, one of the studies conducted assessed the effectiveness of different detergents suitable for traditional wool scouring methods for small-scale farmers who lack access to sophisticated machinery. The investigation was conducted by scouring 160 wool samples using three different detergents and filtered water as a control. The wool samples were then evaluated for their cleanliness, brightness and fibre properties through a combination of scanning electron microscopy, spectrophotometry and statistical analysis at different scouring times (3, 10, 15 and 20 min, respectively).

Findings

The results showed that the combination of scouring time and the type of scouring solution used could significantly impact wool quality. It was found that using a combination of standard detergent or Woolwash as a scouring solution with a scouring time of 10–15 min resulted in the best outcome in terms of fibre property, wool colour and scouring loss.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated that traditional wool scouring methods could be an option for small-scale farmers and anyone who want to learn how to scour wool without expensive machinery to make wool products.
Career choices and job preferences of social entrepreneurship graduates: implication for redefining “success” of social entrepreneurship education
Authors: Singh Archana , Chakraborty Stuti , Patoju Sri Krishna Sudheer
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the reason of attraction for the young professionals (who left their paid employment) to pursue social entrepreneurship (SE) education, to understand role played by SE education program on developing entrepreneurship knowledge and skills to create social impact and to explore the influence of SE education on their career choices and job-preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study uses qualitative methodology to collect data from 16 alumni of Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship (MASE) Program, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India.

Findings

The findings indicate that the knowledge and skills learned through the MASE program played a significant role to create an entrepreneurial mindset and put such skills into action to create impact (as job creator/entrepreneur or job seeker/intrapreneur) as well any change in their career choice, job-preference and job-mobility. The findings force us to re-define “success of SE education”, as in both the cases, they are creating social impact using their entrepreneurship knowledge and skills. Career advancement and personal growth opportunities, and their willingness to create impact as decision makers act as strongest motivators to choose the program. Furthermore, the study also highlights the additional factors, which influence their decision of choosing/not choosing SE as career option.

Research limitations/implications

The findings cannot be generalized. The qualitative data is analyzed inductively to arrive at the findings.

Practical implications

The findings are relevant for SE educators and also the policy makers. Promotion of SE education will not only create employment for others, but will also address several other social problems, and contribute to inclusive development of the country.

Originality/value

The uniqueness lies in understanding the motivations behind the decision of pursuing MASE program then followed by exploring the influence of SE education on their career choices and job-preferences.
Environmental corporate social responsibility initiatives and the attitude-intention-behavior gap in green consumption
Authors: Duong Cong Doanh
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use the theory of planned behavior and a moderated mediation model to bridge the gap between attitude, intention and behavior in the context of green consumption. The study will focus on how environmental corporate social responsibility initiatives play a positive moderating role in the mediation effect of green purchase intention on the relationship between attitude toward green products and environmentally friendly purchasing behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative sample of 583 consumers was gathered from five major cities in Vietnam using a mall-intercept survey method. The moderated mediation model and the formulated hypotheses were tested using the PROCESS macro.

Findings

The results of our study reveal that green purchase intention is not only positively and directly associated with environmentally friendly purchase behavior but also significantly mediated the green purchase attitude–behavior link. Environmental corporate social responsibility initiatives were found to positively moderate the direct effect of attitude toward green products on green purchase intention. More importantly, our study also yielded that the mediation effect of green purchase intention on the relationship between attitude toward green products and environmentally friendly purchase behavior is positively moderated by environmental corporate social responsibility initiatives. As such, the indirect impact of environmentally friendly purchase attitude on green purchase behavior through green purchase intention was stronger when the level of environmental corporate social responsibility initiatives was higher.

Practical implications

The results of this study have practical implications and offer valuable recommendations for marketing practitioners, administrators and policymakers. These recommendations can help promote corporate social responsibility practices among firms, encourage environmentally friendly consumption among consumers and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the country.

Originality/value

This study has made significant contributions to the existing literature on pro-environmental behavior by addressing the gap between attitude, intention and behavior in sustainable consumption. Furthermore, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to use a moderated mediation model to shed light on the moderating effect of environmental corporate social responsibility initiatives on the direct and mediated relationships among attitude, intention and behavior in the context of green consumption.
Integrating ecological niche and hydrological connectivity models to assess the impacts of hydropower plants on an endemic and imperilled freshwater turtle
Authors: Regolin André Luis , Bressan Raíssa , Kunz Tobias S. , Martello Felipe , Ghizoni‐Jr Ivo R. , Cherem Jorge José , Capela Danilo José Vieira , Oliveira‐Santos Luiz Gustavo R. , Collevatti Rosane Garcia , Sobral‐Souza Thadeu
Published: June 2023

Hydropower is the main renewable energy source around the globe; however, cumulative impacts of hydropower plants (HPPs) come with vast environmental concerns. As freshwater species are susceptible to hydrodam‐induced environmental modifications, an understanding of how HPPs change species distribution is required to predict and mitigate the impacts of the expansion of hydroelectric matrices generation, securing energy provision and biodiversity conservation.

We assessed the impacts of HPPs on the distribution of an endemic and imperilled freshwater turtle with very unique ecological requirements, the Williams' side‐necked turtlePhrynops williamsi. To prevent and mitigate impacts, we prioritized sites for species conservation by classifying planned HPP locations according to their predicted adverse effects on species distribution.

We built ecological niche models to estimate the distribution of the species. Then, we contrasted the species distribution with current and planned HPPs in Brazil to (i) verify whether HPPs locations coincide with high suitability areas; (ii) assess the difference in the magnitude of impacts on species caused by HPPs regarding their licensing stage and type; and (iii) identify priority areas for species conservation over the sites where new HPPs are planned based on an integrative analysis of ecological niche and hydrological connectivity models. Finally, we assessed the risk of species extinction at multiple levels according to IUCN criteria.

HPPs overlap areas of high suitability for the species, independently of type or licensing stage. Differences in adverse impacts among HPP types were determined by the affected area and the degree of disruption in connectivity. In the future, the area impacted by small HPPs will nearly equal those of large HPPs, which currently have the highest impacts on species. The conservation status of the species partially corroborated previous assessments and suggested that its extinction risk was underestimated at some levels.

Synthesis and applications. Our modelling approach highlights potential conflicts between hydropower generation and species conservation. This analysis can be a complementary tool to drive decisions on the ecological sustainability of HPPs; it can reveal the patterns of cumulative impacts of HPPs on riverine species and freshwater ecosystems, informing the planning of sustainable energy provision.
Mercury Rising: US–Mexican Conflict in Alexander Edouart's Blessing of the Enrequita Mine
Authors: Bravo Monica
Published: June 2023

Alexander Edouart's Blessing of the Enrequita Mine of 1860 commemorates the discovery of a mercury vein in New Almaden, California. It pictures the mine's Anglo‐American administrators, its primarily Mexican miners, and industry's impact upon the landscape. Despite the seemingly idyllic nature of the genre scene, the Enrequita Mine and its painted portrayal mark a contentious turning point in the economic and political relationship between the United States and Mexico in the mid‐nineteenth century, one whose effects still reverberate today. Two moments of tension between the two nations frame this artwork: the US–Mexican War of 1846–48; and the United States v. Castillero court case and appeals (1857–63). Using an ecocritical approach situating the painting in the geopolitics of extraction, this essay contends that the artwork participated in these territorial disputes by constructing ethnic hierarchy, bolstering legal battles, and not only representing but engendering further capitalist exploitation of the land.
Insect‐specific RNA virus affects the stylet penetration activity of brown citrus aphid (Aphis citricidus) to facilitate its transmission
Authors: An Xin , Gu Qiaoying , Wang Jing , Chang Tengyu , Zhang Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun , Niu Jinzhi
Published: June 2023

Sap‐sucking insects often transmit plant viruses but also carry insect viruses, which infect insects but not plants. The impact of such insect viruses on insect host biology and ecology is largely unknown. Here, we identified a novel insect‐specific virus carried by brown citrus aphid (Aphis citricidus), which we tentatively named Aphis citricidus picornavirus (AcPV). Phylogenetic analysis discovered a monophyletic cluster with AcPV and other unassigned viruses, suggesting that these viruses represent a new family in order Picornavirales. Systemic infection with AcPV triggered aphid antiviral immunity mediated by RNA interference, resulting in asymptomatic tolerance. Importantly, we found that AcPV was transmitted horizontally by secretion of the salivary gland into the feeding sites of plants. AcPV influenced aphid stylet behavior during feeding and increased the time required for intercellular penetration, thus promoting its transmission among aphids with plants as an intermediate site. The gene expression results suggested that this mechanism was linked with transcription of salivary protein genes and plant defense hormone signaling. Together, our results show that the horizontal transmission of AcPV in brown citrus aphids evolved in a manner similar to that of the circulative transmission of plant viruses by insect vectors, thus providing a new ecological perspective on the activity of insect‐specific viruses found in aphids and improving the understanding of insect virus ecology.
Comparative effect of various powder diets on growth of big‐eyed bug Geocoris ochropterus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae)
Authors: Chau Nguyen Ngoc Bao , Nhu Le Thuy To , Quoc Nguyen Bao
Published: June 2023

Application of powder diets may promote development of the predator Geocoris ochropterus (Fieber) when densities are low in greenhouses or fields. Development and nymphal survival ratio of G. ochropterus fed on different powder diets including silkworm pupae (A), crickets (B), silkworm pupae and sunflower seed (C) and crickets and sunflower seed (D) were examined. Total average development period was 30.14 days for instars fed on silkworm pupae, 34.43 days for instars fed on crickets, 26.28 days for instars fed on silkworm pupae and sunflower seed and 29.67 days for instars fed on crickets and sunflower seed, and they were significantly different. Head width, body length, forewing length, dry body weight of adults and sex ratio were not affected by the different diets. There were significantly different found in survival rates among the diets when the nymph reached 5th instar. Results indicate that the combination powder of silkworm pupae and sunflower seed will promise as an alternative diet in the greenhouses to maintain the population of G. ochropterus.
Mind the gap: The global governance of just transitions
Authors: Newell Peter , Daley Freddie , Mikheeva Olga , Peša Iva
Published: June 2023

Transitions away from fossil fuels need to be governed, financed, regulated and coordinated, patterns of production and innovation need to be steered and shaped by rulemaking bodies at all levels of authority. For this to happen across a highly uneven international system, global institutions have a vital role to play in supporting and implementing just transitions (JTs) that align with principles addressing the procedural, distributional, intergenerational and recognition‐based aspects of justice and which help to address the temporal and spatial aspects of transitions. In this paper, we review the ways in which global institutions are involved in the governance of JTs. We illustrate the roles these institutions are playing through three key areas vital to JTs: the (i) governance of finance (ii) labour protection and (iii) mobilising alternatives. To make sense of the diverse and uneven nature of these engagements and their implications, we explore in turn four key gaps in the way global institutions are approaching the issue of JTs.
Association of sickle cell trait with adverse pregnancy outcomes in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Hulsizer Joseph , Rifkin Andrew S. , Shi Zhuqing , Wei Jun , Zheng S. Lilly , Helfand Brian T. , Morgan Jessica , Ouyang David W. , Caplan Michael S. , Xu Jianfeng
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is common in African descendants. Its association with several adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) has been reported but remains inconsistent. The objectives of this study are to test associations of SCT with APOs in non‐Hispanic Black women, including (1) validate the associations of SCT with previously reported APOs, (2) test novel associations of SCT with broad spectrum of APOs, and (3) estimate the attributable risk of SCT for implicated APOs.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively designed population‐based cohort. Women/participants were self‐reported non‐Hispanic Black women from the UK Biobank (UKB). SCT status was determined based on heterozygous Glu6Val in the HBB gene. Several APOs were studied, including four previously reported SCT‐associated APOs (preeclampsia, bacteriuria, pregnancy loss, and preterm delivery), and broad conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium. APOs were curated by experts’ peer review and consensus processes. Associations of SCT with APOs were tested by estimating its relative risk and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), adjusting for number of live births and age at first birth. Attributable risk proportion (ARP) and population attributable risk proportion (PARP) of SCT to APOs were estimated.

Results

Among the 4057 self‐reported non‐Hispanic Black women with pregnancy records in the UKB, 581 (14.32%) were SCT carriers. For four previously reported SCT‐associated APOs, two were confirmed at a nominal P < 0.05; relative risk (RR) was 2.39 (95% CI 1.09–5.23) for preeclampsia, and 4.85 (95% CI 1.77–13.27) for bacteriuria. SCT contributed substantially to these two APOs among SCT carriers, with attributable risk proportion estimated at 61.00% and 68.96% for preeclampsia and bacteriuria, respectively. SCT also contributed substantially to these two APOs in the population (self‐reported Black UK women), with population attributable risk proportion estimated at 18.30% and 24.14% for preeclampsia and bacteriuria, respectively. In addition, novel associations were found for seven other APOs (nominal P < 0.05).

Conclusions

SCT is significantly associated with APOs in this study and contributes substantially to APOs among self‐reported Black women in the UK. Confirmation of these findings in independent study populations is required.
Attachment‐focused iMAgery therapy for PSychosis (A‐iMAPS): A case series targeting psychosis‐related trauma
Authors: Airey Nicola D. , Berry Katherine , Taylor Christopher D. J.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The experience of psychosis and its sequelae (including treatment experiences) can be traumatic and affect feelings of safety and security. Until relatively recently, trauma therapy has been avoided with psychosis populations due to concerns about additional harm. Intervention‐based research is growing, but focus on psychosis‐related trauma is limited. Engendering psychological safety may support engagement with trauma‐focused therapy, for which attachment theory provides a strong foundation. Imagery can enhance felt security and is an effective modality for working with trauma. Therefore, this study aimed to examine feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a novel attachment‐focused imagery therapy (A‐iMAPS) addressing psychosis‐related trauma.

Methods

A multiple baseline case series: Participants received between two and five baseline assessments then engaged in the six‐session A‐iMAPS intervention. Participants completed weekly measures of trauma symptoms and felt security. Further measures were completed pre‐ and post‐intervention.

Results

Twelve clinical participants were recruited from NHS services in Northwest England and eight retained through baseline and intervention to the end‐of‐therapy assessment (attending all sessions). A significant improvement was seen for felt security between baseline and intervention phases. Other measures of trauma symptoms, core schemas, paranoia and attachment varied in change from baseline to end of therapy, but some promising preliminary results were seen.

Conclusions

This study shows that a brief attachment‐focused imagery therapy is a promising intervention for targeting psychosis‐related trauma, for which there are currently no other specific intervention studies. Utilizing an attachment‐informed framework when working with trauma in psychosis should be considered in future intervention studies.
‘ACOPP’ chemotherapy for older and less fit patients with Hodgkin lymphoma—A multicentre, retrospective study
Authors: Wilson Matthew R. , Haynes Euan , Parsons Katrina , Hopkins David , Robertson Elizabeth , Ferguson Graeme , Quinn Daire , Murray Jim , Osborne Wendy , Leach Mike , McKay Pam
Published: June 2023

Management of classical Hodgkin lymphoma in older patients is challenging due to poor tolerance of the chemotherapy regimens used in younger patients. We modified the BEACOPP regimen (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisolone), whereby bleomycin and etoposide were removed and cyclophosphamide dose was reduced, for older patients with co‐morbidities. Here we present data from the first 41 patients treated with ‘ACOPP’ across 3 centres, demonstrating that it can be delivered, with a favourable toxicity profile (TRM 2%) and promising efficacy (2‐year PFS and OS, 73% (95% CI: 52–94) and 93% (95% CI: 80–100) respectively).
Next‐generation diagnostic instruments in haematology
Authors: Nagler Michael , Nilius Henning
Published: June 2023

Gallo et al. assessed the impact of implementing a clinical decision support tool in a multi‐hospital setting. This is one of three important points to unlock the capabilities of the next‐generation of diagnostic instruments: (a) integrating diagnostic information from various sources, (b) ensuring accurate development and validation in well‐designed clinical studies and (c) seamlessly integrating them into clinical practice.

Commentary on: Gallo et al. Clinical decision support to reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing for heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia. Br J Haematol 2023;202:1011–1017.
Low‐ versus standard‐ pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: a randomised, triple‐blinded study
Authors: Alhusseinawi Hayder , Sander Lotte , Rosenvinge Pernille M. , Jensen Sarah L. , Bruun Niels Henrik , Kingo Pernille S. , Jensen Jørgen B. , Rasmussen Sten
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness and impact of low‐pressure pneumoperitoneum (Pnp) on postoperative quality of recovery (QoR) and surgical workspace (SWS) in patients with prostate cancer undergoing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Patients and Methods

A randomised, triple‐blinded trial was conducted in a single centre in Denmark from March 2021 to January 2022. A total of 98 patients with prostate cancer undergoing RARP were randomly assigned to either low‐pressure Pnp (7 mmHg) or standard‐pressure Pnp (12 mmHg). Co‐primary outcomes were postoperative QoR measured via the QoR‐15 questionnaire on postoperative Day 1 (POD1), POD3, POD14, and POD30, and SWS assessed intraoperatively by a blinded assessor (surgeon) via a validated SWS scale. Data analysis was performed according to the intention‐to‐treat principle.

Results

Patients who underwent RARP at low Pnp pressure demonstrated better postoperative QoR on POD1 (mean difference = 10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4–15.5), but no significant differences were observed in the SWS (mean difference = 0.25, 95% CI −0.02 to 0.54). Patients allocated to low‐pressure Pnp experienced statistically higher blood loss than those in the standard‐pressure Pnp group (mean difference = 67 mL, P = 0.01). Domain analysis revealed significant improvements in pain (P = 0.001), physical comfort (P = 0.007), and emotional state (P = 0.006) for patients with low‐pressure Pnp. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04755452, on 16/02/2021.

Conclusion

Performing RARP at low Pnp pressure is feasible without compromising the SWS and improves postoperative QoR, including pain, physical comfort, and emotional state, compared to the standard pressure.