bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laplace residual power series method for the numerical solution of time-fractional Newell–Whitehead–Segel model
Authors: Luo Xiankang , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the approximate solution of the time fractional time-fractional Newell–Whitehead–Segel (TFNWS) model that reflects the appearance of the stripe patterns in two-dimensional systems. The significant results of plot distribution show that the proposed approach is highly authentic and reliable for the fractional-order models.

Design/methodology/approach

The Laplace transform residual power series method (ℒT-RPSM) is the combination of Laplace transform (ℒT) and residual power series method (RPSM). The ℒT is examined to minimize the order of fractional order, whereas the RPSM handles the series solution in the form of convergence. The graphical results of the fractional models are represented through the fractional order α.

Findings

The derived results are obtained in a successive series and yield the results toward the exact solution. These successive series confirm the consistency and accuracy of ℒT-RPSM. This study also compares the exact solutions with the graphical solutions to show the performance and authenticity of the visual solutions. The proposed scheme does not require the restriction of variables and produces the numerical results in terms of a series. This strategy is capable to handle the nonlinear terms very easily for the TFNWS model.

Originality/value

This paper presents the original work. This study reveals that ℒT can perform the solution of fractional-order models without any restriction of variables.
Inspection and structural assessment of traditional timber floors: a practical systematization
Authors: Henriques Dulce Franco , Clara Miguel Pereira , Flores-Colen Inês
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper addresses the evaluation of traditional wooden floors, based on (1) visual strength grading (VSG) techniques adopted for ancient wooden structures; (2) a new approach to biological damage and (3) structural safety analysis. This assessment includes complex concepts. Therefore, the study presents a highly needed practical tool to help technicians make a preliminary assessment whereby many of the timber elements in our heritage can be saved from removal.

Design/methodology/approach

A simple and effective procedure was developed for each step. An inspection and diagnosis datasheet was drawn up, and the structural analysis presented by the Eurocodes was summarized. This methodology was then applied in a case study to demonstrate the complete procedure. During the assessment of this sort of structures, the drilling technique was a relevant method utilized as it provided essential and clear information about the beams' conservation.

Findings

The case study results indicate that 70% of the beams of the analysed structure exceed strict minimum performance criteria. This shows that other similar buildings can have their wooden elements saved from demolition, which is not the current regular refurbishment approach.

Originality/value

The current reality shows that the technicians' lack of capacity for a pragmatic assessment of the timber members’ structural capacity promotes their disinterest in them. To avoid that, this text presents a process for evaluating wooden floors using a simple and clear approach. This will prevent the demolition of wooden elements and instead encourage their preservation.
Sustainable entrepreneurship development in Oman: a multi-stakeholder qualitative study
Authors: Arslan Ahmad , Al Kharusi Sami , Hussain Syed Mujahid , Alo Obinna
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Even though sustainable entrepreneurship has increasingly received researchers’ attention in recent years, the topic remains rather under-researched in natural resources’ rich Gulf countries such as Oman. Hence, this paper aims to fill this gap in the literature and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is one of the first attempts to assess the state of sustainable entrepreneurship development in Oman from a multi-stakeholder perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a qualitative research approach where in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 12 respondents representing relevant stakeholders of sustainable entrepreneurship development in Oman. The interviewees included four sustainable entrepreneurs, four policymakers and four educationists representing entrepreneurial skills development institutes in Oman.

Findings

This papers’ findings highlight that despite some positive improvements, several critical challenges remain, which hinder sustainable entrepreneurship development. The authors further found the role of FinTech to be critical in this concern by all stakeholders, though its usage and acceptance remain low. Also, the costs associated with the post-carbon (sustainable) economy and different profitability evolution have resulted in a slow change in the policy development in this concern. From an educational (skills development) perspective, a lack of context-specific training programmes and culture-based hesitations appeared to be hindering achieving sustainable entrepreneurship possibilities in Oman. The nascent entrepreneurial ecosystem, bureaucracy and lack of human capital (attraction as well as retention) appeared to be significant challenges for entrepreneurs. Finally, the findings highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration with clear benchmarks for effective policy development concerning sustainable entrepreneurship in Oman.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first academic study explicitly highlighting the state of sustainable entrepreneurship in Oman by incorporating the development initiatives as well as the major challenges in the analysis. Secondly, this study is also a pioneering work specifying the interlinkage between financing (FinTech), policy initiatives and skills development and the development of a sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem in an under-researched context of Oman. Finally, the transition to a sustainable economy is challenging in natural resources’ dependent economies like Oman, as it needs to be supported by the mindset change in the larger society (legitimacy). In this concern, this paper, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, is one of the first academic endeavours to also specify the role of legitimacy from the perspective of different stakeholders (and larger society) for sustainable entrepreneurship development in such contexts.
Understanding the relationship between acceptance of multifunctional health and fitness features of wrist-worn wearables and actual usage
Authors: Hahm Jeongbeom , Choi Heedong , Matsuoka Hirotaka , Kim Jiyoung , Byon Kevin K.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify existing users' acceptance of the multidimensional health and fitness features of wrist-worn wearable devices (WWDs) required for each stage of physical activity (i.e. before, during and after) and examine the relationship between its acceptance (i.e. knowledge acquisition, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) and the actual use of its health and fitness attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were taken to analyze the relationships. A focus group interview was conducted (N = 9) to design the research model, including the operationalized definition of the study constructs. A questionnaire survey was conducted with respondents in South Korea (N = 480). Partial least squares structural equation modeling via Smart PLS 3.0 was employed to test the hypotheses.

Findings

When users learned to use fitness functions and perceived them as useful for physical activity without causing any difficulty, they tended to use those functions more, which provided enhanced health benefits in the digitalized interactive environment of WWDs.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first to examine the relationship between the perceived user value of WWDs and their actual usage within a digitalized and interactive environment. The results are expected to offer theoretical insights into how well users accept the health and fitness components of WWDs. Practically, it will build awareness of what makes users adopt and use WWDs, helping practitioners design better health promotions and campaigns associated with WWDs.
Excessive technology use in the post-pandemic context: how work connectivity behavior increases procrastination at work
Authors: Yao Siqin , Lu Jintao , Wang Hanying , Montgomery Joel John Wark , Gorny Tomasz , Ogbonnaya Chidiebere
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Using role stress theory, this study examines how work connectivity behavior (WCB) blurs the lines between employees' work and personal lives, thereby encouraging procrastination at work (PAW). The study also investigates the importance of role stress and remote work self-efficacy (RWSE) as mediating and moderating factors, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines the direct and indirect relationships between WCB and PAW using hierarchical regression and data from 415 Chinese teleworkers. RWSE is also estimated as a second-stage moderator.

Findings

The findings indicate that WCB has a direct and indirect (via role stress) positive influence on PAW; however, these effects are weaker among employees with higher (vs lower) RWSE.

Practical implications

This study assists managers and organizations in developing more efficient ways of maximizing employee and organizational performance while minimizing the counterproductive behaviors associated with excessive technology use.

Originality/value

By investigating the links between WCB and PAW in the post-pandemic context, this study adds a new perspective on how excessive technology use for work and non-work purposes can be counterproductive.
Investigating the relationship between government support and SMEs’ sustainability through financial and green lenses
Authors: Aslam Rabia , Rehman Saqib , Nasir Adeel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To be successful on a global scale, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need government support (GS) for innovation, sustainability and creativity. GS has always been a constructive influence on enterprises. This paper aims to examine the role of GS in assessing financial literacy (FL), access to finance (AF) and green value co-creation (GVC) for the sustainability of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s sample comprises SMEs in Lahore, Pakistan. Data collection started in December 2021 and ended in February 2022. Using convenient sampling, 320 responses were collected from SMEs and included in data analysis. Hypotheses were tested, and model fit was checked through the software AMOS 22.

Findings

It has been examined that GS plays a pivotal role in acquiring FL, AF and GVC for the sustainability of SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

Increasing the sample size will give a more demonstrative picture as the population size is quite large. Future researchers should design causal relationships, linking these variables through longitudinal research.

Originality/value

No study has been conducted on SMEs of developing economies using these variables. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive model and identifying GSs importance in achieving SMEs’ sustainability through financial and green lenses. This research significantly impacts government policymakers and SMEs by giving them insight into the importance of green practices, financial capabilities and SMEs’ sustainability.
The adequacy of the legal framework for combating money laundering and terrorist financing in Nigeria
Authors: Chitimira Howard , Animashaun Oyesola
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Banditry and terrorism constitute serious security risks in Nigeria. This follows the fact that Nigeria is rated as one of the leading states in the world that is plagued by terrorism. Terrorists and bandits usually embark on predicate crimes such as kidnapping, smuggling, narcotics trade, and similar trades to finance their terrorist enterprises in Nigeria. The funds realized by criminals from nefarious sources such as sales of narcotics and ransom from kidnapping are usually laundered to make their criminal enterprises self-sustaining. Thus, all “dirty” money is laundered so as not to attract the attention of law enforcement agents. The funds realized through receipt of ransom from kidnapping, smuggling or funds from sponsors are laundered through channels such as bureau de change, which are difficult to monitor by the Nigerian authorities due, in part, to flaws and loopholes in the current anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist laws. This paper aims to adopt a doctrinal and qualitative desktop research methodology. In this regard, the current anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist laws are discussed to explore possible measures that could be adopted to remedy the flaws and loopholes in such laws and combat money laundering and financing of terrorism in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The article analyses the regulation and combating of money laundering and terrorist financing activities in Nigeria. In this regard, a doctrinal and qualitative research method is used to explore the flaws in the Nigerian anti-money laundering laws so as to recommend possible remedies in respect thereof.

Findings

It is hoped that policymakers and other relevant persons will use the recommendations provided in this article to enhance the curbing of money laundering and terrorist financing activities in Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications

The article is not based on empirical research.

Practical implications

This study is important and vital to all policymakers, lawyers, law students and regulatory bodies in Nigeria and other countries globally.

Social implications

The study seeks to curb money laundering and terrorist financing activities in Nigeria.

Originality/value

The study is based on original research which is focused on the regulation and combating of money laundering and terrorist financing activities in Nigeria.
Systematic literature review of human–machine collaboration in organizations using bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Jia-Min , Wu Tung-Ju , Wu Yenchun Jim , Goh Mark
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to systematically map the state of work on human–machine collaboration in organizations using bibliometric analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a systematic literature review to survey 111 articles on human–machine collaboration published in leading journals to categorize the theories used and to construct a framework of human–machine collaboration in organizations. A bibliometric analysis is applied to statistically evaluate the published materials and measure the influence of the publications using co-citation, coupling and keyword analyses.

Findings

The results inform that the research on human–machine collaboration in the organizational field is targeted at four aspects: performance, innovation, human resource management and information technology (IT).

Originality/value

This work is the first exploratory piece to assess the extent and depth of research on human–machine collaboration.
Permission marketing: a systematic review of 22 Years of research
Authors: Swain Swapnarag , Jebarajakirthy Charles , Maseeh Haroon Iqbal , Saha Raiswa , Gupta Nimit , Grover Rajni
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to systematically review the permission marketing (PM) literature by synthesising research papers in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a hybrid review method comprising structured literature review and lexicometric analysis.

Findings

This study examines the development of PM research over time in terms of contexts, methods and theories. Further, this review proposes a conceptual framework showing the relationships between the antecedents, mediators, moderator and consequences reported in the PM literature.

Practical implications

This review gives critical insights for implementing permission-based marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

This systematic review synthesised literature on PM domain. Further, this study provides directions with respect to alternative theories, context, characteristics and methods to extend research on this domain.
Synthesis on the effectiveness of soil translocation for plant community restoration
Authors: Gerrits Gijs M. , Waenink Rik , Aradottir Asa L. , Buisson Elise , Dutoit Thierry , Ferreira Maxmiller C. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Jaunatre Renaud , Kardol Paul , Loeb Roos , Magro Ruiz Sandra , Maltz Mia , Pärtel Meelis , Peco Begona , Piqueray Julien , Pilon Natashi A. L. , Santa‐Regina Ignacio , Schmidt Katharina T. , Sengl Philip , van Diggelen Rudy , Vieira Daniel L. M. , von Brackel Wolfgang , Waryszak Pawel , Wills Tim J. , Marrs Rob H. , Wubs E. R. Jasper
Published: February 2023

Many degraded ecosystems need active restoration to conserve biodiversity and re‐establish ecosystem function, both highlighted targets of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the proposed EU Nature restoration law. Soil translocation, where both plant propagules and their associated soil biota are co‐introduced, has increasingly been proposed as a powerful restoration technique for terrestrial ecosystems. However, a synthesis of the effectiveness of this method across ecosystems is lacking.

To address how soil translocation affects restoration success, we performed a meta‐analysis synthesizing data from 46 field experiments and their respective reference ecosystems in 17 countries across four continents. In each experiment, vegetation composition was recorded in response to soil translocation treatments and the resultant vegetational changes (diversity and composition) were quantified.

We found that soil translocation leads to plant community development further away from the control and more towards the reference plant communities compared with treatments where only plant propagules were introduced. However, the variability of effect sizes among experiments was large, suggesting strong dependence of restoration success on restoration context. We found that restoration success was more likely on loamy soils and when translocation treatments were implemented over larger spatial areas (>180 m2).

Furthermore, we found that restoration success either consistently increased or decreased over time depending on the experiment. Not only is this congruent with positive feedbacks between plant and soil communities driving plant community development, but it also suggests that the composition of the translocated plant and soil communities, and initial starting conditions, are critical for long‐term restoration success.

Synthesis and applications. Our analysis highlights soil translocation can be a successful restoration method across a broad range of ecosystems. However, its implementation needs to depend on a thorough evaluation of local conditions and the potential added value. Further refinement of soil translocation techniques is needed to increase success rates.
Heterogeneity in property tax capitalization: Evidence from municipalities in Wisconsin
Authors: Gárate Sergio , Pennington‐Cross Anthony
Published: February 2023

This article provides evidence that higher property taxes usually decrease property value. On average, a 10% increase in property taxes decreases property value by more than 0.34%. To control for school quality and related sorting, we estimate within‐school‐district property tax impacts. The effective cost of services (driven by appraisal errors or tax code changes), preferences for local services, and the elasticity of supply of housing all play an important role in determining whether property taxes increase or decrease house prices. Locally produced and consumed municipal services such as trash collection are positively capitalized.
Stability studies of ALD‐52 and its homologue 1P‐LSD
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Hua , Tang Angeline S. Y. , Chin Reenie S. L. , Goh Jia Ying , Ong Mei Ching , Lim Wendy J. L. , Yap Angeline T. W. , So Cheuk‐Wai
Published: February 2023

With the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPSs) over the years, the substances detected on stamps (also known as blotter papers) have also evolved from the traditional drug—lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to the multiple variants of lysergamides such as ALD‐52 and 1P‐LSD. The analysis of such blotter papers is usually done by solvent extraction followed by identification using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). This study has shown that hydrolysis to form LSD was observed in GC‐MS analysis when ALD‐52 was extracted with methanol. The extraction of ALD‐52 using other solvents such as acetonitrile, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, and acetone, followed by GC‐MS analysis, was investigated. It is shown that alcoholic solvents such as methanol and ethanol will result in the conversion of ALD‐52 to LSD during GC‐MS analysis, whereas the sterically hindered isopropyl alcohol will prevent this conversion. Investigation also shows that the hydrolysis of ALD‐52 to LSD occurs at the GC injector port. It was also observed that the degree of hydrolysis was more pronounced at a lower concentration (0.1 mg/mL). The study was extended to a close analog—1P‐LSD, and the results showed that 1P‐LSD similarly hydrolyzes to LSD. However, 1P‐LSD was observed to be more stable than ALD‐52 due to steric hindrance because of the propanoyl group.
Diversity and putative interactions of parasitic alveolates belonging to Syndiniales at a coastal Pacific site
Authors: Nagarkar Maitreyi , Palenik Brian
Published: February 2023

The dinoflagellate lineage Syndiniales currently consists entirely of parasitic species that fall into five well‐supported clades. Environmental sequencing studies worldwide have found an abundance of Syndiniales in a variety of marine ecosystems, but very little is known about the majority of Syndiniales species including two entire clades which have only been observed in sequence data. Syndiniales are known to have a wide range of hosts, but only a few dozen interactions have been confirmed through observation of actual infections. Here, we describe the diversity of Syndiniales found at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography pier over the course of a year based on 18S sequencing. We find Syndiniales to be the most species (amplicon sequence variant)‐rich taxonomic group and for its members to be present and abundant throughout the year. We used several analytical techniques to identify potential parasite–host interactions which we were then able to visualize over time. Using mock communities and size fractionation of seawater, we suggest that the majority of Syndiniales sequences that are found in environmental studies belong to the free‐living dinospore stage rather than representing active infections.
Paying more to make less: value degrading in the coffee value chain in eastern Uganda
Authors: Arslan Cansın , Gregg Daniel , Wollni Meike
Published: February 2023

Value upgrading through processing has been a core tenet of value chain interventions focusing on improving smallholder farmer welfare improvements. However, assessing the quality of processed agricultural products may be more difficult than unprocessed products. The resulting information asymmetry between producer and the buyer may lead to perverse outcomes for agrarian households. Using primary panel data collected from over 1500 coffee growing households in eastern Uganda and employing fixed effects approaches, we show that grower‐level post‐harvest processing has characteristics of a market for lemons and is associated with lower coffee income compared with unprocessed coffee production. Activities aiming at moving growers up the value chain should thus be integrated with relevant characteristics of the value chain, such as quality assurance. We add to the literature by presenting a clear description of the pathway from supply chains with asymmetric information over produce quality to diminished farmer welfare with a novel focus on post‐harvest processing.
A systematic review of measures of adult disorganized attachment
Authors: Pollard Catherine , Bucci Sandra , Berry Katherine
Published: February 2023

Background: Disorganized attachment has been identified as an important factor in the development and maintenance of mental health problems. Further research is required to understand the mechanism by which this attachment pattern predisposes individuals to develop, and maintain, personal and social difficulties and mental health problems utilizing valid and reliable measurement tools. The assessment of adult disorganized attachment is therefore important for both applied psychologists and researchers.

Method: We conducted a systematic review using the COSMIN guidelines to identify and critically appraise instruments which measure adult disorganized attachment. A systematic database search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsychInfo and CINHAL in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Database searching provided 5757 results, with 18 measures identified across 27 eligible papers which were critically evaluated. Measurement properties were promising for the Childhood Disorganization and Role Reversal Scale, Psychological Treatment Inventory‐Attachment Styles Scale, Attachment Style Questionnaire ‐ Short Form and the Adult Attachment Interview. However, overall, due to inconsistent quality of methodology and reporting of results, it is challenging to reach sufficient conclusions and suggestions regarding the best instrument to use to measure adult disorganized attachment.

Conclusion: The Childhood Disorganization and Role Reversal Scale, Psychological Treatment Inventory‐Attachment Styles Scale. Attachment Style Questionnaire‐Short‐Form and Adult Attachment Interview are the best available measures of disorganized attachment in adulthood. This review highlights the need for further psychometric testing of existing measures, or development of new instruments, grounded in sound methodology.
The microtubule lattice: a brief historical perspective
Authors: Chrétien Denis , Guyomar Charlotte
Published: February 2023

At first glance, the structure of a microtubule is simple. Globular α‐ and β‐tubulin subunits form constitutive heterodimers that align head‐to‐tail in protofilaments. In the most common configuration, 13 protofilaments associate laterally with a slight longitudinal stagger that results in a left‐handed 3‐start helix featuring lateral associations between tubulin subunits. This seemingly straightforward description is actually based on almost half a century of research aimed at understanding how tubulin dimers interact within the microtubule lattice. But while we start to have a good overview of their architecture in vitro, our knowledge of microtubule‐lattice organization in vivo is nowhere near to being complete.
Cartilage 3D bioprinting for rhinoplasty using adipose‐derived stem cells as seed cells: Review and recent advances
Authors: Zhang Chong , Wang Guanhuier , Lin Hongying , Shang Yujia , Liu Na , Zhen Yonghuan , An Yang
Published: February 2023

Nasal deformities due to various causes affect the aesthetics and use of the nose, in which case rhinoplasty is necessary. However, the lack of cartilage for grafting has been a major problem and tissue engineering seems to be a promising solution. 3D bioprinting has become one of the most advanced tissue engineering methods. To construct ideal cartilage, bio‐ink, seed cells, growth factors and other methods to promote chondrogenesis should be considered and weighed carefully. With continuous progress in the field, bio‐ink choices are becoming increasingly abundant, from a single hydrogel to a combination of hydrogels with various characteristics, and more 3D bioprinting methods are also emerging. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have become one of the most popular seed cells in cartilage 3D bioprinting, owing to their abundance, excellent proliferative potential, minimal morbidity during harvest and lack of ethical considerations limitations. In addition, the co‐culture of ADSCs and chondrocytes is commonly used to achieve better chondrogenesis. To promote chondrogenic differentiation of ADSCs and construct ideal highly bionic tissue‐engineered cartilage, researchers have used a variety of methods, including adding appropriate growth factors, applying biomechanical stimuli and reducing oxygen tension. According to the process and sequence of cartilage 3D bioprinting, this review summarizes and discusses the selection of hydrogel and seed cells (centered on ADSCs), the design of printing, and methods for inducing the chondrogenesis of ADSCs.
Association between stress hyperglycaemia and in‐hospital cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients without diabetes: A retrospective observational study of 5450 patients
Authors: Li Xiaojue , Hou Xiaopei , Zhang Heng , Qian Xin , Feng Xinxing , Shi Na , Guo Rong , Sun Hansong , Feng Wei , Zhao Wei , Li Guangwei , Zheng Zhe , Chen Yanyan
Published: February 2023

Aims

To investigate the impact of stress hyperglycaemia (SH) on in‐hospital adverse cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients without diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In total, 5450 patients without diabetes who underwent CABG were analysed. SH was defined as any two instances in which the random blood glucose level was >7.8 mmol/L after CABG in the intensive care unit (ICU). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including in‐hospital mortality, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and acute renal failure. Secondary outcomes included surgical site infection (SSI) and length of ICU stay.

Results

Patients with SH had higher rates of MACEs (5.7% vs. 2.3%, p < .0001) and higher SSI (3.3% vs. 1.4%, p = .0003) and longer ICU stays (2.6 ± 2.0 vs. 1.3 ± 1.3 days, p < .0001) than those without SH. Furthermore, SH was associated with a higher risk of MACEs [odds ratio (OR): 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38‐3.90], SSI (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.20‐3.95) and longer ICU stay (OR: 12.27, 95% CI: 9.41‐16.92) after adjusting for confounders. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with SH >10 mmol/L or SH that occurred in the ICU and lasted more than 48 h had increased risks of postoperative complications (p < .05).

Conclusions

SH was significantly associated with an increased risk of MACEs, SSI and longer ICU stay after CABG in patients without diabetes. In addition, SH >10 mmol/L or that occurred in the ICU and lasted more than 48 h increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
Involving people with a lived experience when developing a proposal for Health Technology Assessment research of nonsurgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse: Process and reflections
Authors: Johnson Eugenie Evelynne , Lally Joanne , Farnworth Allison , Pearson Fiona
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is an expectation when conducting research, including Health Technology Assessment (HTA), but practical guidance for those wishing to embed PPI into the grant application process is not always easily accessible. We wanted to ensure that PPI was central when preparing a proposal for an investigator‐led evidence synthesis HTA investigating nonsurgical interventions for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women. Here, we describe our methods.

Methods

We recruited two patient co‐applicants separately through an open process to help ensure that patient voice was present within our proposal's management and direction. We invited co‐applicants to attend research team meetings and comment on the full proposal. We designed, recruited to and facilitated a scoping workshop, as well as undertook its subsequent evaluation. The insight shared within the workshop for patients with a lived experience of POP, including our patient co‐applicants, helped us develop the scope and rationale behind our HTA proposal. We particularly considered the interventions to include within the evidence synthesis. We also considered the outcome measures for both the evidence synthesis and economic evaluation. We elicited ideas about where and how results could be disseminated. Feedback suggested the workshop was as valuable for the attendees as it was for the researchers, making them feel valued and listened to. The time spent by researchers working on the activity was substantial and not directly funded but a necessary and valuable activity in developing our potential HTA. Our work was informed using the UK Standards for Public Involvement and the Authors and Consumers Together Impacting on eVidencE (ACTIVE) framework.

Conclusions

PPI can be enormously valuable in both developing and strengthening research proposals. However, further guidance is needed to help researchers recognise the level and type of involvement to use at this early stage, particularly given the large time investment needed to embed meaningful PPI.

Patient and Public Contribution

Women with a lived experience of POP were involved at every stage of the grant application process; their involvement is documented in full throughout this work.
HISTORY MAKING AND ETHICS—AN INTEGRAL RELATIONSHIP?
Authors: Berger Stefan
Published: February 2023

In this review essay, I examine the arguments made by Marnie Hughes‐Warrington, with Anne Martin, in Big and Little Histories: Sizing Up Ethics in Historiography. While I find much to praise in this history, I also ask critical questions about the impact of non‐Western ethics on historical writing, the role of ethics in historical writing generally, the need to further investigate the everyday lifeworlds of history makers in order to fully understand their ethical dispositions, and the relationship between the ethics of history making and engaged forms of historical writing. I conclude this review essay by offering some reflections on the interrelationship between history and memory and the ethics involved in both.
Illicit activity and scarce natural resources in the supply chain: A literature review, framework, and research agenda
Authors: Hilend Rowan , Bell John E. , Griffis Stanley E. , Macdonald John R.
Published: February 2023

This article reviews extant multidisciplinary literature to uncover existing themes and directions in the knowledge of the overlap between natural resource scarcity and illicit supply chain activity. In doing so, the authors present a novel review of this nascent, complex, and multidisciplinary research area. This review has uncovered 127 articles that have not been synthesized or organized in a meaningful way with the supply chain literature. It extracts insights and develops a comprehensive process framework encompassing the following: (a) antecedents associated with natural resource extraction, which foments the opportunity for illicit activity to thrive; (b) resulting economic, social, and environmental outcomes from illicit activity as it relates to natural resource extraction; and (c) potential moderating processes, which either enable or inhibit illicit activity to occur, including firm‐level tactics that businesses can employ to counteract illicit activity throughout the supply chain and to promote sustainable long‐term operations. An extensive agenda is presented suggesting future research paths, methodologies, theories, and potential contributions.
Thermophysical properties of parchment coffee: New Colombian varieties
Authors: Duque‐Dussán Eduardo , Sanz‐Uribe Juan R. , Dussán‐Lubert Carmen , Banout Jan
Published: February 2023

The thermophysical properties of coffee have a special partaking during the drying process since a material‐depending heat and mass transfer occurs between the bean and the drying air. Conditional to the thermophysical properties of the parchment coffee, the drying can be more or less efficient, affecting the final quality and seed safety. Several coffee varieties have been studied; however, the National Coffee Research Center of Colombia has developed new highly productive coffee varieties resistant to different diseases: Cenicafé 1 and Castillo®. Nevertheless, the thermophysical properties of these specific varieties were not yet investigated; moreover, the availability of information related to these properties of different coffee varieties in the literature is relatively scarce. Thus, this study targeted to determine the parchment coffee thermophysical properties of these new varieties at five different moisture contents % (wb): 53%, 42%, 32%, 22% and 11%, using optimized techniques and methods to ensure high accuracy and exactness. It was found that the new varieties have larger, heavier, and denser beans; it was also seen that the bulk thermal conductivity and the bulk‐specific heat are higher in these varieties than in the older ones. It was also revealed that the length, width, thickness, and surface area did not change as the moisture was removed, whereas the bulk density, kernel density, mass, bulk‐specific heat, and bulk thermal conductivity decreased as the moisture was reduced. Displaying better thermophysical properties will improve the drying and roasting processes; hence, a better final product can be expected from these varieties.

Practical applications

Knowing the thermal and physical properties of these new varieties will allow the growers and coffee processing facilities to predict, simulate and control different post‐harvesting processes such as pulping, fermentation, drying, storing, and roasting. Also, the already developed mathematical models to estimate coffee drying times can be updated, improving the accuracy of the predictions, bed porosities, mass, and heat transfer in order to safeguard the innocuousness of the product.
The challenges and opportunities of open‐access microscopy facilities
Authors: Cartwright Heather N. , Hobson Chad M. , Chew Teng‐Leong , Reiche Michael A. , Aaron Jesse S.
Published: February 2023

Microscopy core facilities are increasingly utilised research resources, but they are generally only available to users within the host institution. Such localised access misses an opportunity to facilitate research across a broader user base. Here, we present the model of an open‐access microscopy facility, using the Advanced Imaging Center (AIC) at Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus as an example. The AIC has pioneered a model whereby advanced microscopy technologies and expertise are made accessible to researchers on a global scale. We detail our experiences in addressing the considerable challenges associated with this model for those who may be interested in launching an open‐access imaging facility. Importantly, we focus on how this model can empower researchers, particularly those from resource‐constrained settings.
The relationship between serum neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein with the REM sleep behavior disorder subtype of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Teng Xing , Mao Shuai , Wu Han , Shao Qiuyue , Zu Jie , Zhang Wei , Zhou Su , Zhang Tao , Zhu Jienan , Cui Guiyun , Xu Chuanying
Published: February 2023

Studies have shown that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a subtype of Parkinson's disease (PD) characterized by severe cognitive impairment and rapid disease progression. However, reliable biological markers are lacking presently. Neurofilament light chain (NFL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) have been widely studied as biomarkers of cognition impairment. This study aimed to find biomarkers for the RBD subtype of PD by investigating the possible relationship between serum NFL, GFAP levels, and the RBD subtype. A total of 109 PD patients and 37 healthy controls (HCs) were included, and their clinical characteristics were evaluated. PD patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had probable RBD or not. Serum NFL and GFAP levels were measured using the ultrasensitive single molecule array (Simoa) platform. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). NFL and GFAP in the PD‐RBD group were elevated compared with the PD‐nRBD and control groups. Moreover, serum NFL and GFAP levels positively correlated with RBD. The combination of NFL and GFAP showed good performance in identifying PD‐RBD patients from PD‐nRBD. After considering potential confounding factors such as age, and disease duration, serum NFL and GFAP emerged as independent risk factors for RBD. Serum NFL and GFAP were related to RBD in PD patients. Concludingly, serum NFL and GFAP might serve as promising biomarkers for the RBD subtype of PD.

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Controlled ovarian stimulation for endometriosis patients with ultra‐long GnRH‐agonist or GnRH‐antagonist protocols: A retrospective study by propensity score matching
Authors: Chen Qingfen , Du Shengrong , Lin Yunhong , Zheng Beihong
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Although in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer is the most effective treatment for infertile patients with endometriosis, ovarian stimulation protocols are controversial.

Study Design

We recruited 639 patients with endometriosis from January 2016 to June 2020; 111 and 528 patients were treated with the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and ultra‐long GnRH agonist protocols, respectively. Potential baseline differences between the regimens were adjusted by propensity score matching. Clinical and laboratory data, including the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), were compared.

Results

Ovulation induction required significantly longer use of gonadotropins in the GnRH agonist group. However, the GnRH agonist group had a lower starting dose of gonadotropin (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly lower clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth rates were observed in the GnRH antagonist group receiving fresh assisted reproductive technology cycles (all p < 0.05); however, pregnancy outcomes using the subsequent freeze–thaw cycles for the same oocyte retrieval were not significantly different. CCPR and CLBR for the oocyte retrieval cycles of the antagonist and ultra‐long agonist protocols were similar. The ultra‐long agonist protocol resulted in more favorable implantation of fresh embryos and improved clinical outcomes of the fresh cycle.

Conclusions

This novel strategy could be appropriate for endometriosis patients who are temporarily unsuitable for fresh embryo transfer. The GnRH antagonist protocol can be combined with the whole embryo freezing strategy to achieve CCPR and CLBR similar to the ultra‐long agonist regimen, thus simultaneously avoiding the long pre‐treatment duration of GnRH agonists during the ultra‐long agonist protocol.
The lay of the land: Associations between environmental features and personality
Authors: Militaru Ioana E. , Serapio‐García Gregory , Ebert Tobias , Kong Wenyuan , Gosling Samuel D. , Potter Jeff , Rentfrow Peter J. , Götz Friedrich M.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Personality traits cluster across countries, regions, cities, and neighborhoods. What drives the formation of these clusters? Ecological theory suggests that physical locations shape humans' patterns of behaviors and psychological characteristics. Based on this theory, we examined whether and how differential land‐cover relates to individual personality.

Method

We followed a preregistered three‐pronged analysis approach to investigate the associations between personality (N = 2,690,878) and land‐cover across the United States. We used eleven land‐cover categories to classify landscapes and tested their association with personality against broad physical and socioeconomic factors.

Results

Urban areas were positively associated with openness to experience and negatively associated with conscientiousness. Coastal areas were positively associated with openness to experience and neuroticism but negatively associated with agreeableness and conscientiousness. Cultivated areas were negatively associated with openness. Landscapes at the periphery of human activity, such as shrubs, bare lands, or permanent snows, were not reliably associated with personality traits.

Conclusions

Bivariate correlations, multilevel, and random forest models uncovered robust associations between landscapes and personality traits. These findings align with ecological theory suggesting that an individual's environment contributes to their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.
Quarantined judicial expansion: The environmental legal entrepreneurship of Chinese courts, procuratorates, and NGOs
Authors: Wang Yueduan , Xia Ying
Published: February 2023

Although judicial empowerment has become increasingly common worldwide, the expansion of judicial powers in authoritarian countries faces persistent obstacles, such as institutional dependence, lack of political clout, and the repression of civil society. Through empirically examining three cases of environmental legal entrepreneurship under China's new public interest litigation (PIL) system, this study aims to reevaluate the patterns and limits of judicial expansion under authoritarianism. It finds that Chinese judges, prosecutors, and NGOs have been able to leverage the PIL system and their respective institutional advantages to substantially expand judicial oversight on eco‐environmental protection. However, the state has established boundaries for such legal entrepreneurship in terms of subject matter, institutional autonomy, and geographic reach, effectively confining them within political spheres considered unthreatening to the regime. Such quarantined judicial expansion shields relevant actors from authoritarian governments' tendency to suppress legal mobilization and thus may be a more viable form of judicial expansion in nondemocratic settings.
Induction of aphid resistance in tobacco by the cucumber mosaic virus CMV∆2b mutant is jasmonate‐dependent
Authors: Arinaitwe Warren , Tungadi Trisna D. , Pate Adrienne E. , Joyce Joshua , Baek Eseul , Murphy Alex M. , Carr John P.
Published: February 2023

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is vectored by aphids, including Myzus persicae. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum ‘Xanthi’) plants infected with a mutant of the Fny strain of CMV (Fny‐CMVΔ2b, which cannot express the CMV 2b protein) exhibit strong resistance against M. persicae, which is manifested by decreased survival and reproduction of aphids confined on the plants. Previously, we found that the Fny‐CMV 1a replication protein elicits aphid resistance in plants infected with Fny‐CMVΔ2b, whereas in plants infected with wild‐type Fny‐CMV this is counteracted by the CMV 2b protein, a counterdefence protein that, among other things, inhibits jasmonic acid (JA)‐dependent immune signalling. We noted that in nontransformed cv. Petit Havana SR1 tobacco plants aphid resistance was not induced by Fny‐CMVΔ2b, suggesting that not all tobacco varieties possess the factor(s) with which the 1a protein interacts. To determine if 1a protein‐induced aphid resistance is JA‐dependent in Xanthi tobacco, transgenic plants were made that expressed an RNA silencing construct to diminish expression of the JA co‐receptor CORONATINE‐INSENSITIVE 1. Fny‐CMVΔ2b did not induce resistance to M. persicae in these transgenic plants. Thus, aphid resistance induction by the 1a protein requires JA‐dependent defensive signalling, which is countered by the CMV 2b protein.