bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case study: anti-corrosion performances of plasma sprayed AT13 coatings on CrZrCu thin wall cylinder with adjusted parameters for controlling deformation
Authors: Hou Jian , Liu Chenyang , Wang Han , Li Zilin , Huang Guosheng , Ma Li , Ma Bo Jiang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to control the deformation of a thin wall CrZrCu cylinder components (wall thickness 5 mm, diameter 400 mm) during thermal spray alumina-titania (AT13) coating by adjusting the spray parameters without deteriorating its quality evidently.

Design/methodology/approach

The deformation was controlled by lowering the temperature of the component in the way of adjusting the spray parameters. The main parameters adjust included extending the spraying distance, from normally 120 mm to 140 mm, decreasing plasma power from 50to 42 kW. An alumina-titanium (AT13) ceramic coating was chosen for protecting the substrate from corrosion. Microscopic morphology and phase analysis, insulation resistance testing, neutral salt test and electrochemical method were used to analyze the anti-corrosion and insulation performances of the coating.

Findings

The results indicate that, after adjusting the spraying parameters, the coating has a relatively high porosity, with an average value of 8.96 ± 0.77%. The bonding strength of the coating is relatively low, with an average value of 17.69 ± 0.85 MPa. However, after sealing, the polarization resistance of the coating in seawater can be maintained above 6.25 × 106 Ω.cm2 for an extended period. The coating has a high resistance (=1.1 M Ω), and there is no apparent galvanic corrosion when contacted with TC4 alloy. Additionally, analysis of corrosion products on the sample surface reveals that the samples with sprayed alumina-titanium ceramic show no copper corrosion products on the surface, and the coating remains intact, effectively isolating the corrosive medium.

Originality/value

By adjusting the spraying parameters, the deformation of the cylinder thin-walled component can be effectively controlled, making the φ 400 × 392 mm (thickness 5 mm) CrZrCu cylinder com-ponent with a maximum diameter deformation of only 0.14 mm. The satisfactory corrosion performances can be achieved under adjusting spraying parameters, which can guarantee the application of ceramic coating for weapon launching system of naval ships.
Refocusing marketing effort to support net-positive social impact
Authors: Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Mitchell Sarah-Louise , Lee Zoe , Hyde Fran
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Social impact research remains in its infancy. The purpose of the paper is to build on Keeling and Marshall’s (2022) “Call for impact” paper and develop a comprehensive social impact pathway (SIP) framework. The aim is to encourage marketing researchers, non-profits and corporations to pursue impactful work that is valued, planned, monitored and evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual paper explores the complexities of estimating social impact drawing from a range of illustrative cases.

Findings

The paper identifies a lack of clarity in the understanding and application of impact and presents a pathway aimed at increasing focus on social impact across future work to deliver the net-positive changes that are needed to reverse biodiversity decline, climate change and social and health inequalities that continue to be persist and be experienced by so many planet wide.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes a pathway forward to encourage and support increased utilisation of the framework in future marketing research.

Practical implications

Mapping and measuring SIPs are concerted efforts directing understanding towards identifying the activities that are contributing to the delivery of outputs that can achieve intended outcomes. The measurement of impact directs investment towards activities that ensure net-positive gains are achieved.

Social implications

Ever growing social inequities, health disparities, loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation occur when practices are left unchecked. A focus on impact avoids greenwashing practices, ensuring that an understanding of what has changed because of the work is transparently reported.

Originality/value

This paper aims to encourage marketing researchers to engage in social change projects, rather than solely disseminating academic findings. Emphasising the importance of an outside-in approach, this paper highlights the necessity of showcasing accumulated outcomes to demonstrate impact.
Are common directors guilty of corporate fraud contagion from the customer side?
Authors: Zhan Yifan , Xiao Tian , Zhang Tiantian , Leung Wai Kin , Chan Hing Kai
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study examines whether common directors are guilty of contagion of corporate frauds from the customer side and, if so, how contagion occurs. Moreover, it explores a way to mitigate it, which is the increased digital orientation of firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data analysis is applied in this paper. We extract supply chain relations from the China Stock Market and Account Research (CSMAR) database as well as corporate fraud data from the same database and the official website of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Digital orientations are estimated through text analysis. Poisson regression is conducted to examine the moderating effect of common directors and the moderated moderating effect of the firms’ digital orientations.

Findings

By analysing the 2,096 downstream relations from 2000 to 2021 in China, the study reveals that corporate frauds are contagious through supply chains, while only customers’ misconduct can contagion to upstream firms. The presence of common directors strengthens such supply chain contagion. Additionally, the digital orientation can mitigate the positive moderating effect of common directors on supply chain contagion.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of understanding supply chain contagion through corporate fraud by (1) emphasising the existence of the contagion effects of corporate frauds; (2) understanding the potential channel in the process of contagion; (3) considering how digital orientation can mitigate this contagion and (4) recognising that the effect of contagion comes only from the downstream, not from the upstream.
Women leadership effectiveness and underrepresentation – a skills theory perspective in a Ghanaian public higher education institution
Authors: Akoto Eunice Victoria , Boateng Isaac , Akoto Edward Osei , Amanamah Richmell Baaba , Boateng Newman Ohenewaa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

From a skills theory perspective, we explore the disparity between women's perceived leadership effectiveness and their underrepresentation in a public higher education institution (HEI) in Ghana. We identify the factors limiting women leaders' support and offer locally driven solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A triangulated approach was used to analyse qualitative and quantitative data collected at a public HEI leadership workshop assessing perceptions of women leaders' education, communication, personality, emotional intelligence, skills and support dimensions. T-tests were used to test the perception variables, while thematic analysis elucidated factors contributing to women's underrepresentation in top positions.

Findings

The study found positive perceptions of female leadership, which differed among the genders, and the preference for female leaders stems from their perceived skills, abilities and education. However, religious and cultural beliefs perpetuate stereotypes that hinder women's advancement in leadership, which contradicts the skills-based approach to leadership.

Practical implications

Creating local awareness and support is necessary to reduce the fear of criticism and negative labelling from cultural beliefs hindering women from pursuing top leadership positions.

Originality/value

This study fills the literature gap on perceptions of women's leadership from a skills theory perspective. It contributes locally driven solutions to the challenges of underrepresentation of female leadership and women empowerment, providing local insights into female leadership effectiveness discourse.
Effect of nitrogen content on microstructure and mechanical properties of duplex stainless steels via wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Li Gang , Song Shuainan , Cai Qun , Wu Biao , Wen Zhichao
Published: September 2024

Purpose

For the purpose of saving nickel, this study aims to develop new duplex stainless steel cored wires suitable for wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) with the addition of nitrogen.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of nitrogen content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the thin-walled deposits is investigated in detail.

Findings

The microstructure of thin-walled deposits mainly consists of austenite, ferrite and secondary austenite. With increasing nitrogen content, the austenite in the deposited metals increases. The austenite proportion in the bottom region is more than that in the top region of the deposited metals. The χ phase is randomly distributed at the grain boundaries and within ferrite. The σ phase is mainly precipitated at ferrite and austenite grain boundaries. With increasing nitrogen content, the tensile strength of the deposited metals increases, but the impact toughness of the deposited metals deteriorates.

Originality/value

This study proposes new duplex stainless steel cored wires for WAAM, which realizes the objective of saving nickel.
Advancing fiscal transparency in Latin American countries: new findings in reports on tax sustainability in Chile
Authors: Faúndez-Ugalde Antonio , Toledo-Zúñiga Patricia , Toso-Milos Angela , Saffie-Gatica Francisco
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to generate new fiscal transparency indicators based on fiscal sustainability reports voluntarily disclosed by Chilean companies, leaders in Latin America in the issuance of green, social and sustainability corporate bonds (OECD, 2023a; OECD, 2018).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included the analysis of sustainability reports of 30 Chilean companies with the highest market capitalization published in the period 2021. A correlation was carried out for each of the companies in the sample with the intention of detecting differences between several groups of paired dichotomous variables. For this, Cochran's Q test was used; the McNemar test; the Friedman test; the Wilcoxon test; the Levene test and the Kruskal−Wallis test were also used.

Findings

In the case of the companies in the sample, for the 2021 period there was an increase in disclosures of tax strategies compared to the study carried out by Faúndez-Ugalde et al. (2022) for the period 2020. However, there is still a lower degree of compliance in reporting fiscal risks and “country by country” information.

Practical implications

The commitment of companies to assume tax transparency standards improves their behavior in compliance with their tax obligations and provides greater certainty to develop actions to mitigate their tax risks.

Social implications

The results demonstrate practical implications, where fiscal sustainability reports can enhance the work of tax administrations by defining indicators of good fiscal practices.

Originality/value

This study expands the research on the fiscal sustainability standards of Chilean companies, thus providing a deeper understanding of their performance regarding fiscal transparency.
Laboratory measurements of water saturation effects on the acoustic velocity and attenuation of sand packs in the 1–20 kHz frequency range
Authors: Sutiyoso Hanif S. , Sahoo Sourav K. , North Laurence J. , Minshull Timothy A. , Falcon‐Suarez Ismael Himar , Best Angus I.
Published: September 2024

We present novel experimental measurements of acoustic velocity and attenuation in unconsolidated sand with water saturation within the sonic (well‐log analogue) frequency range of 1–20 kHz. The measurements were conducted on jacketed sand packs with 0.5‐m length and 0.069‐m diameter using a bespoke acoustic pulse tube (a water‐filled, stainless steel, thick‐walled tube) under 10 MPa of hydrostatic confining pressure and 0.1 MPa of atmospheric pore pressure. We assess the fluid distribution effect on our measurements through an effective medium rock physics model, using uniform and patchy saturation approaches. Our velocity and attenuation (Q−1) are accurate to ±2.4% and ±5.8%, respectively, based on comparisons with a theoretical transmission coefficient model. Velocity decreases with increasing water saturation up to ∼75% and then increases up to the maximum saturation. The velocity profiles across all four samples show similar values with small differences observed around 70%–90% water saturation, then converging again at maximum saturation. In contrast, the attenuation increases at low saturation, followed by a slight decrease towards maximum saturation. Velocity increases with frequency across all samples, which contrasts with the complex frequency‐dependent pattern of attenuation. These results provide valuable insights into understanding elastic wave measurements over a broad frequency spectrum, particularly in the sonic range.
Glycated albumin levels are associated with adverse stroke outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke in China
Authors: Mao Jiawen , Wang Meng , Wang Chunjuan , Gu Hongqiu , Meng Xia , Jiang Yong , Yang Xin , Zhang Jing , Xiong Yunyun , Zhao Xingquan , Liu Liping , Wang Yilong , Wang Yongjun , Li Zixiao , Zhu Bihong
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim

Glycated albumin (GA) is a biomarker monitoring glycemia 2–4 weeks before stroke onset. This study was designed to explore the association between GA levels with poststroke outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Method

Participants with ischemic stroke or TIA who had a baseline GA measurement were included in the Third China National Stroke Registry study. The effect of GA on stroke recurrence, poor functional outcomes, and combined vascular events was examined during the 1‐year follow‐up period. Multivariate Cox and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the association. Discrimination tests were used to examine the incremental predictive value of GA when incorporating it into the conventional model.

Results

A total of 3861 participants were enrolled. At the 3‐month follow‐up, the elevated GA level was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–2.09). A similar increase was observed for stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.09–2.24), poor functional outcomes (adjusted OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.07–2.45), and combined vascular events (adjusted HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.09–2.20) at the 1‐year follow‐up. In nondiabetic patients, the association between GA and poor functional outcomes was more pronounced (adjusted OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.05–2.50). Adding GA into the conventional model resulted in slight improvements in predicting poor functional outcomes (net reclassification improvement [NRI]: 12.30% at 1 year).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that elevated GA levels in serum were associated with stroke adverse outcomes, including stroke recurrence, poor functional outcomes, and combined vascular events, in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA.

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Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of a social hemipteran provide new insights into insect sociality
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Qian , Lu Jianjun , Wu Liying , Cheng Zhentao , Qiao Gexia , Huang Xiaolei
Published: September 2024

The origin of sociality represents one of the most important evolutionary transitions. Insect sociality evolved in some hemipteran aphids, which can produce soldiers and normal nymphs with distinct morphology and behaviour through parthenogenesis. The lack of genomic data resources has hindered the investigations into molecular mechanisms underlying their social evolution. Herein, we generated the first chromosomal‐level genome of a social hemipteran (Pseudoregma bambucicola) with highly specialized soldiers and performed comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses to elucidate the molecular signatures and regulatory mechanisms of caste differentiation. P. bambucicola has a larger known aphid genome of 582.2 Mb with an N50 length of 11.24 Mb, and about 99.6% of the assembly was anchored to six chromosomes with a scaffold N50 of 98.27 Mb. A total of 14,027 protein‐coding genes were predicted and 37.33% of the assembly were identified as repeat sequences. The social evolution is accompanied by a variety of changes in genome organization, including expansion of gene families related to transcription factors, transposable elements, as well as species‐specific expansions of certain sugar transporters and UGPases involved in carbohydrate metabolism. We also characterized large candidate gene sets linked to caste differentiation and found evidence of expression regulation and positive selection acting on energy metabolism and muscle structure, explaining the soldier‐specific traits including morphological and behavioural specialization, developmental arrest and infertility. Overall, this study offers new insights into the molecular basis of social aphids and the evolution of insect sociality and also provides valuable data resources for further comparative and functional studies.
Discharge instruction comprehension by older adults in the emergency department: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Haimovich Adrian D. , Mulqueen Sydney , Carreras‐Tartak Jossie , Gettel Cameron , Schonberg Mara A. , Hastings Susan N. , Carpenter Christopher , Liu Shan W. , Thomas Stephen H.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Older adults are at high risk of adverse health outcomes in the post–emergency department (ED) discharge period. Prior work has shown that discharged older adults have variable understanding of their discharge instructions which may contribute to these outcomes. To identify discharge comprehension gaps amenable to future interventions, we utilize meta‐analysis to determine patient comprehension across five domains of discharge instructions: diagnosis, medications, self‐care, routine follow‐up, and return precautions.

Methods

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, two reviewers sourced evidence from databases including Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (for gray literature). Publications or preprints appearing before April 2024 were included if they focused on geriatric ED discharge instructions and reported a proportion of patients with comprehension of at least one of five predefined discharge components. Meta‐analysis of eligible studies for each component was executed using random‐effects modeling to describe the proportion of geriatric ED cases understanding the discharge instructions; where appropriate we calculated pooled estimates, reported as percentages with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of initial records returned (N = 2898), exclusions based on title or abstract assessment left 51 studies for full‐text review; of these, seven constituted the study set. Acceptable heterogeneity and absence of indication of publication bias supported pooled estimates for proportions comprehending instructions on medications (41%, 95% CI 31%–50%, I2 = 43%), self‐care (81%, 95% CI 76%–85%, I2 = 43%), and routine follow‐up (76%, 95% CI 72%–79%, I2 = 25%). Key findings included marked heterogeneity with respect to comprehending two discharge parameters: diagnosis (I2 = 73%) and return precautions (I2 = 95%).

Conclusions

Older patients discharged from the ED had greater comprehension of self‐care and follow‐up instructions than about their medications. These findings suggest that medication instructions may be a priority domain for future interventions.
Financial implications of sarcopenia in colorectal cancer surgery: a cost analysis in an Australian public hospital
Authors: Traeger Luke , Bedrikovetski Sergei , David Rowan V. , Jay Alice A. , Moore James W. , Sammour Tarik
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Sarcopenia has a detrimental impact on patient outcomes following colorectal surgery, increasing financial strain on the healthcare system. Given the absence of specific Australian data, this study aimed to measure the cost of sarcopenia in the context of colorectal surgery in an Australian public hospital.

Methods

A retrospective cost analysis, following CHEERS guidelines, was conducted on major elective colorectal cancer surgical cases at the Royal Adelaide Hospital between 2018 and 2022. The cross‐sectional psoas area was measured through computed tomography (CT) imaging at the level of the third lumbar vertebrae, and sarcopenia was determined using gender‐specific thresholds. Hospital billing data was used to gather costings (AU$).

Results

Out of 271 patients, 57 (21.0%) comprised the sarcopenic group (SG). SG patients were older (74 vs. 69 years, P < 0.001), had a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists (>II, 71.9% vs. 53.7%, P = 0.014) and a lower median body mass index (24.8 vs. 28.7 kg/m2, P < 0.001). The SG exhibited a greater likelihood of complications (84.2 vs. 68.7%, P = 0.020) and prolonged hospital stay by 1 day (median 7 vs. 6 days, P = 0.027). Despite an increased mean total cost of hospital admission, no statistically significant difference was found (AU$37 712 vs. $34 845, P = 0.296). Multivariate analysis revealed hypoalbuminemia, prolonged operative time, postoperative ileus, return to theatre, Clavien‐Dindo grade ≥3 complications, and prolonged stay increased overall cost (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Sarcopenia was not associated with a significantly increased cost of colorectal surgery in our institution. Future studies examining the cost‐effectiveness of prehabilitation programmes targeting sarcopenia should be considered.
Gestational age, maternal smoking, neurological lesion and retinopathy predict strabismus at age 5.5 in preterm children
Authors: Chapron Thibaut , Pierrat Véronique , Barjol Amandine , Marchand Laetitia , Caputo Georges , Ancel Pierre‐Yves , Torchin Héloise
Published: September 2024

Aim

Prematurity is a risk factor for strabismus, but the roles of intermediate factors like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and neurological lesions are less understood. We aimed to identify neonatal risk factors for strabismus at age 5.5 in preterm children.

Methods

Data were extracted from the étude épidémiologique sur les petits âges gestationnels 2 cohort, a French prospective population‐based study of preterm children born in 2011 with gestational age of 34 weeks or less. Strabismus was recorded during a medical interview at 5.5 years. Using a directed acyclic graph, intermediate and confounding factors were identified. Total and direct effects of gestational age on strabismus risk were analysed using generalised estimating equation.

Results

Among 2419 children assessed, 274 (52.6% male) presented strabismus at 5.5 years. The direct effect of gestational age remained significant after adjustment (p < 0.001). In the complete imputed model: maternal smoking during pregnancy (odds ratio, OR 1.8; 95% confident interval, 95% CI 1.3–2.6), neonatal severe cerebral lesions (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.8–4.6) and severe ROP (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.0) were independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Special attention is needed regarding strabismus screening at age 5.5 in preterm children, even without severe cerebral lesions and ROP. Smoking cessation during pregnancy should be encouraged.
Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy for haematological malignancies: Insights from fundamental and translational research to bedside practice
Authors: Grégoire Céline , Coutinho de Oliveira Beatriz , Caimi Paolo F. , Caers Jo , Melenhorst Jan Joseph
Published: September 2024

Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, leading to the approval of CD19‐CAR T cells for B‐cell lymphomas and acute leukaemia, and more recently, B‐cell maturation antigen‐CAR T cells for multiple myeloma. The long‐term follow‐up of patients treated in the early clinical trials demonstrates the possibility for long‐term remission, suggesting a cure. This is associated with a low incidence of significant long‐term side effects and a rapid improvement in the quality of life for responders. In contrast, other types of immunotherapies require prolonged treatments or carry the risk of long‐term side effects impairing the quality of life. Despite impressive results, some patients still experience treatment failure or ultimately relapse, underscoring the imperative to improve CAR T‐cell therapies and gain a better understanding of their determinants of efficacy to maximize positive outcomes. While the next‐generation of CAR T cells will undoubtingly be more potent, there are already opportunities for optimization when utilizing the currently available CAR T cells. This review article aims to summarize the current evidence from clinical, translational and fundamental research, providing clinicians with insights to enhance their understanding and use of CAR T cells.
Prediction of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy from primary tumour characteristics
Authors: Roberts Matthew J. , Papa Nathan , Veerman Hans , de Bie Katelijne , Morton Andrew , Franklin Anthony , Raveenthiran Sheliyan , Yaxley William J. , Donswijk Maarten L. , van der Poel Henk G. , Samaratunga Hemamali , Wong David , Brown Nicholas , Parkinson Robert , Gianduzzo Troy , Kua Boon , Coughlin Geoffrey D. , Oprea‐Lager Daniela E. , Emmett Louise , van Leeuwen Pim J. , Yaxley John W. , Vis André N.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To construct and externally calibrate a predictive model for early biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) incorporating clinical and modern imaging characteristics of the primary tumour.

Patients and Methods

Patients who underwent RP following multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, prostate biopsy and prostate‐specific membrane antigen‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA‐PET/CT), from two centres in Australia and the Netherlands. The primary outcome was biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BRFS), where BCR was defined as a rising PSA level of ≥0.2 ng/mL or initiation of postoperative treatment per clinician discretion. Proportional hazards models to predict time to event were developed in the Australian sample using relevant pre‐ and post‐surgical parameters and primary tumour maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) on diagnostic PSMA‐PET/CT. Calibration was assessed in an external dataset from the Netherlands with the same inclusion criteria.

Results

Data from 846 patients were used to develop the models. Tumour SUVmax was associated with worse predicted 3‐year BRFS for both pre‐ and post‐surgical models. SUVmax change from 4 to 16 lessened the predicted 3‐year BRFS from 66% to 42% for a patient aged 65 years with typical pre‐surgical parameters (PSA level 8 ng/mL, Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System score 4/5 and biopsy Gleason score ≥4 + 5). Considering post‐surgical variables, a patient with the same age and PSA level but pathological stage pT3a, RP Gleason score ≥4 + 5 and negative margins, SUVmax change from 4 to 16 lessened the predicted 3‐year BRFS from 76% to 61%. Calibration on an external sample (n = 464) showed reasonable performance; however, a tendency to overestimate survival in patients with good prognostic factors was observed.

Conclusion

Tumour SUVmax on diagnostic PSMA‐PET/CT has utility additional to commonly recognised variables for prediction of BRFS after RP.
Network medicine and systems pharmacology approaches to predicting adverse drug effects
Authors: Funari Alessio , Fiscon Giulia , Paci Paola
Published: September 2024

Identifying and understanding the relationships between drug intake and adverse effects that can occur due to inadvertent molecular interactions between drugs and targets is a difficult task, especially considering the numerous variables that can influence the onset of such events. The ability to predict these side effects in advance would help physicians develop strategies to avoid or counteract them. In this article, we review the main computational methods for predicting side effects caused by drug molecules, highlighting their performance, limitations and application cases. Furthermore, we provide an overall view of resources, such as databases and tools, useful for building side effect prediction analyses.
Unravelling tectonic and lithological effects on transient landscapes in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece
Authors: Zhou Ziqiang , Whittaker Alexander C. , Bell Rebecca E. , Hampson Gary J.
Published: September 2024

Landscapes are the integrated product of external forcings (e.g. tectonics and climate) and intrinsic characteristics (e.g. bedrock erodibility). In principle, hard bedrock with low erodibility can steepen rivers in a similar way to tectonic uplift. A key challenge in geomorphic analysis is thus separating the tectonic and lithological effects on landscapes. To address this, we focus on multiple rivers that are transiently incising through contrasting lithologies in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece, where tectonic history is broadly well constrained. We first exploit topographic metrics and river long profiles to demonstrate that landscapes are responding to both tectonics and lithology. In particular, the long profiles are divided into knickpoint‐bounded segments, and at this scale, channel steepness is shown to be more sensitive to lithology than the entire catchment, possibly due to relatively uniform erosion rate at the segment scale. We then use segment‐scale steepness variations between different lithologies to constrain their relative erodibilities (Klime:Kcong.:Ksand‐silt:Kp‐con sed. = 1:2:3:4), which are further converted into actual lithology‐dependent erodibilities by modelling a well‐constrained, ca. 700 ka knickpoint in the Vouraikos catchment. The effectiveness of lithology‐dependent erodibilities is supported by the observation that if lithology‐dependent erodibilities are used to calibrate studied river long profiles in χ distance, we obtain long profile concavities that fall within the theoretical range. Finally, we use lithology‐calibrated metrics to provide new geomorphic constraints on the timing and magnitude of tectonic perturbations in these catchments. These geomorphic results are interpreted in conjunction with previous onshore and offshore studies to shed new light on fault growth and linkage history in the Gulf of Corinth. Our study therefore provides a topographic analysis‐based approach to quantify lithological effects on transient catchments, with important implications for tectonic interpretations of topographic metrics in lithologically heterogenous landscapes.
Second opinion and self‐efficacy in German skin cancer patients
Authors: Stege Henner , Schneider Sara , Forschner Andrea , Eigentler Thomas , Nashan Dorothée , Huening Svea , Lehr Saskia , Meiss Frank , Kaatz Martin , Kuchen Robert , Kaehler Katharina C. , Haist Maximilian , Grabbe Stephan , Huebner Jutta , Loquai Carmen
Published: September 2024

Background

The global incidence of skin cancer has steadily increased in recent years. Accordingly, patients require information on diagnosis and treatment options while dealing with the perceived impact of the diagnosis. In 2015, the German government enacted legislation under the Social Code (SGB V, § 27b), granting patients the right to obtain a second medical opinion.

Patients and Methods

Utilizing a standardized questionnaire, our study aims to explore whether patients diagnosed with skin cancer actively pursue a second medical opinion and to evaluate any potential disruptions to their daily lives. We collected a total of 714 completed questionnaires.

Results

The majority of those seeking a second opinion were diagnosed with malignant melanoma (96, 58%). Primary motivations for seeking a second opinion included seeking reassurance regarding treatment decisions and obtaining further information. Additionally, seeking a second opinion was correlated with a significantly lower internal locus of control, indicating a belief that their actions are not solely determined by their own abilities. Notably, we observed a greater impairment of daily life among younger participants and those with advanced cancer.

Conclusions

Overall, our study shows that second opinions often strengthened the patient‐physician interaction and provided additional reassurance, especially in patients with a weak perception of control. Moreover, we found that the impairment of quality of life and both internal and external locus of control decrease significantly in advanced tumor stages. Hence, it is imperative to identify additional interventions aimed at bolstering internal resilience and locus of control, thereby enhancing patients' capacity to cope with their cancer diagnosis.
Rethinking food aid for immigrants and refugees: Insights from Syracuse
Authors: Lee Seyeon , Lee Suyeon
Published: September 2024

Motivation

Food security is a multidimensional issue, crucially underpinned by cultural acceptability, which significantly affects emotional well‐being and social integration. This study was motivated by the persistent challenge faced by refugee and immigrant communities in accessing culturally appropriate food, a critical aspect often overlooked by food assistance programmes. This gap both hinders nutritional intake and impedes the emotional and social well‐being of these vulnerable populations.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the alignment between the cultural dietary preferences of refugee and immigrant communities in Syracuse, New York, and the offerings of local food aid programmes, specifically focusing on culturally appropriate fresh produce. It sought to understand the extent to which food assistance meets the cultural needs of these communities, thereby informing potential improvements in food security practices and policy.

Approach and Methods

Using a mixed‐methods approach, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys were conducted with 35 refugee and immigrant women to quantitatively assess the availability and suitability of culturally specific food items within local food bank programmes. In addition, qualitative insights were derived through focus group discussions with eight of these participants. This dual‐method approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of both perceived and actual gaps in service provision.

Findings

The findings highlighted a significant gap between the fresh produce provided by the food assistance programmes and the cultural dietary needs of the participants. Although these programmes provide essential nutrition, they often neglect to accommodate the cultural preferences of diverse communities. This emphasizes the urgent need for food aid initiatives to integrate cultural preferences, enhancing the acceptability of food aid and supporting the psychological adjustment of refugees and immigrants to new environments.

Policy Implications

This study underscored the need for policy‐makers and food assistance programmes to prioritize cultural appropriateness alongside nutritional adequacy. It recommended the adoption of more inclusive food distribution practices that recognize and respect the cultural diversity of beneficiaries. Such practices are crucial, not only for improving the nutritional and psychological outcomes of refugees and immigrants but also for fostering their integration and participation in the community. Establishing policies that encourage the inclusion of culturally diverse food options can significantly enhance the effectiveness of food security efforts.
Governance, institutions and human development: Rethinking government flagship projects and initiatives in Ghana
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed Gadafi , Ayelazuno Jasper Abembia , Ateng Mathias Awonnatey
Published: September 2024

Motivation

This study examines the intricate relationship between governance, institutions, and human development in the context of Ghana's flagship projects and initiatives; One Village, One Dam (1V1D) and Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ). The aim is to provide a better understanding of how government interventions based on development state theory can achieve sustainable economic growth and the well‐being of the people of Ghana.

Purpose

The study seeks to understand the feasibility, challenges, and effectiveness of these projects in promoting food security, job creation, and skills development.

Approach and Methods

A qualitative approach using a multiple case study design was used for the research. In‐depth interviews and focus group discussions with 64 purposively selected participants provided the data, which was subsequently subjected to content analysis.

Findings

The study finds that while certain aspects of the projects, such as well‐defined objectives and scope, worked well, problems relating to risk management and stakeholder engagement proved a hindrance. Additionally, although the projects were facilitated by a network of well‐organized governance structures and institutions, ineffective co‐ordination often led to delays and miscommunication. Nevertheless, the PFJ project was successful in promoting food security, job creation, and skills development for farmers.

Policy Implications

The study underscores the need for Ghana's policy‐makers to improve risk management and stakeholder engagement within such initiatives. The One Village, One Dam initiative needs to be reinvigorated through the adoption by policy‐makers of a culture of open dialogue, inclusivity, and adaptive governance.
Prolonged drought legacies influence the performance of foliar herbivores on legumes through shifts in plant–soil biotic interactions
Authors: Hassan Kamrul , Carrillo Yolima , Islam Tarikul , Nielsen Uffe N.
Published: September 2024

Drought may impact plant–soil biotic interactions in ways that modify aboveground herbivore performance, but the outcomes of such biotic interactions under future climate are not yet clear. We performed a growth chamber experiment to assess how long‐term, drought‐driven changes in belowground communities influence plant growth and herbivore performance using a plant–soil feedback experimental framework. We focussed on two common pasture legumes—lucerne, Medicago sativa L., and white clover, Trifolium repens L. (both Fabaceae)—and foliar herbivores—cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Soil was collected from a field facility where rainfall had been manipulated for 6 years, focussing on treatments representing ambient rainfall and prolonged drought (50% reduction relative to ambient), to consider the effects of biological legacies mediated by the prolonged drought. All soils were sterilized and re‐inoculated to establish the respective home (i.e. where a given plant is cultivated in its own soil) and away (i.e. where a given plant is cultivated in another species' soil) treatments in addition to a sterile control. We found that the relative growth rate (RGR) and relative consumption of larvae were significantly lower on lucerne grown in soil with ambient rainfall legacies conditioned by white clover. Conversely, the RGR of insect larvae was lower on white clover grown in soil with prolonged drought legacies conditioned by lucerne. Two‐spotted spider mite populations and area damage (mm2) were significantly reduced on white clover grown in lucerne‐conditioned soil in drought legacies. The higher number of nodules found on white clover in lucerne‐conditioned soil suggests that root–rhizobia associations may have reduced foliar herbivore performance. Our study provides evidence that foliar herbivores are affected by plant–soil biotic interactions and that prolonged drought may influence aboveground–belowground linkages with potential broader ecosystem impacts.
Chemical composition and toxic effects of an ethanolic extract of Senecio rudbeckiaefolius on Diatraea saccharalis larvae
Authors: Terán Paula M. , Merep Ana P. , García Degano Florencia , Gastaminza Gerardo , Lizarraga Emilio , Ajmat María T.
Published: September 2024

Diatraea saccharalis Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), known as sugarcane borer, is the most damaging pest of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L., Poaceae) in northwestern Argentina and it causes significant losses in sugar and ethanol production. Currently, chemical and biological controls are used, along with host plant resistance, but there is a clear trend toward adoption of integrated pest management strategies. Considering the potential environmental and health risks associated with using agrochemicals, our study focuses on utilizing bioactive natural products, specifically plant secondary metabolites. Senecio rudbeckiaefolius Meyen & Walp (Asteraceae) is a perennial shrub found in southern Peru, Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina, valued for its use in traditional medicine. The main compounds of the genus Senecio are sesquiterpenes, with some species containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), known for their harmful effects on herbivorous insects and vertebrates. Plant extracts exhibit several modes of action, encompassing confusion, feeding deterrence, growth regulation, insecticidal, and repellent effects. Our goal was to analyze the chemical composition of an ethanolic extract (EE) of S. rudbeckiaefolius and evaluate its lethal and sublethal effects on D. saccharalis larvae. We also investigated the potential target sites affected by the ingestion of an alkaloidal fraction from the EE (AFEE) through a midgut histological study. The main secondary metabolites identified were the PAs and phenolic compounds, with the highest concentrations found in the flowers and leaves. The majority of the PAs identified were senecionine and integerrimine. Toxicity bioassays were carried out with larvae fed on a diet supplemented with an EE of S. rudbeckiaefolius. Concentration‐dependent mortality and a marked inhibition of larval growth were recorded. We described the midgut histological structure and compared it with that of AFEE‐fed larvae. Various morphological changes were observed in the intestinal epithelium, especially an increase in the number of goblet cells and pronounced acidophilic secretion in the lumen. These results suggest that the EE of S. rudbeckiaefolius could be promising for D. saccharalis control.
Building Relationships, Forming Collaborations: Lessons Learned From an Unconference Seeking to Cultivate Solutions in Healthcare
Authors: Leung Brenda M. Y. , Kelley Helen , Nikoleychuk Angie , Kirk Gabrielle , Shahrabi Fatemeh Salehi , Hecker Victoria , Schaaf Nolan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Calls for a ‘major rethinking’ of the delivery of healthcare services are echoed across Canada as the healthcare crisis continues. Proposed strategies to address the challenges of this crisis include: a transdisciplinary approach that is patient‐focused and community‐based; a representative team composed of patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, decision makers and policymakers; and authentic collaboration among stakeholder groups throughout the research cycle.

Objective

This study aimed to enable community members to take on a leading role in building capacity and to provide a space for discourse among diverse groups while respecting community wisdom, values and priorities.

Methods

The Collaborative Health Research Institute of Southern Alberta (CHRISA) organized a participant‐oriented Unconference event to address the factors contributing to the healthcare crisis in Alberta, Canada. An Unconference is a participant‐oriented meeting where the attendees nominate the topics, agree on the agenda and lead the sessions. This article describes the Unconference programme and presents the findings from a thematic analysis of the discussion notes from breakout sessions, feedback from participants (i.e., lessons learned) and pragmatic recommendations for future Unconference events.

Results

Findings from sessions included the following: (1) identifying the ‘wicked’ problems, (2) the factors/causes contributing to each problem (i.e., contributors) and (3) potential multifaceted solutions or ideas to remedy the problem. Lessons learned from the postevent evaluation resulted in six recommendations for organizing future Unconferences.

Conclusion

The CHRISA Unconference achieved its goals by providing a venue for attendees to connect, engage and network on topics of interest, explore new ways of addressing challenges in healthcare and serve as a foundation for future initiatives and collaborations in healthcare research and practice.

Patient or Public Contribution

The Unconference was attended by community members who identify as patients, frontline workers, programme administrators and representatives of public organizations and agencies. Participants contributed to breakout session discussions, provided feedback on the Unconference and offered recommendations for future events. The co‐authors are service users, people with lived experience or those work in the healthcare setting; they have been involved in data collection, analysis and interpretation, and contributed to this report.
Introduction: The formalization of paid domestic work – Current trajectories and challenges ahead
Authors: JAEHRLING Karen , PEREYRA Francisca , POBLETE Lorena
Published: September 2024

Since the adoption of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), formalization has become the focus of public policies. However, progress in formalizing domestic work remains slow. Even when legal coverage is increased under new labour and social security laws, enforcement is often inadequate, rendering the coverage ineffective. Our introduction to this Special Issue explores the dynamics and causal factors that shape effective formalization, as well as the intermediate arrangements that exist between informal and formal work, highlighting the agency of different actors (States, intermediaries, collective actors, employers and workers) at the macro, meso and micro levels.
Les causes de la persistance de l'emploi informel dans le travail domestique rémunéré en Argentine
Authors: PEREYRA Francisca , POBLETE Lorena
Published: September 2024

L'informalité est une caractéristique historique du travail domestique rémunéré en Amérique latine. L'Argentine est un cas particulièrement intéressant à étudier, parce que le pays a profondément réformé son cadre réglementaire tout en mettant en place des mécanismes d'application novateurs. Les autrices utilisent une méthodologie quantitative‐qualitative pour analyser certaines des raisons qui pourraient expliquer l'apparente stagnation du taux d'emploi formel (qui a atteint un pic d'environ 25 pour cent ces dernières années) et le fait que les droits que garantit en théorie l'emploi formel soient toujours octroyés de façon discrétionnaire.