bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing ethics and sustainability standards in corporate practices
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Viera Trevisan Laís , Paulino Pires Eustachio João Henrique , Simon Rampasso Izabela , Anholon Rosley , Platje Johannes , Will Markus , Doni Federica , Mazhar Muhammad , Borsatto Jaluza Maria Lima Silva , Bonato Marcolin Carla
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how sustainability and ethics are being addressed both by the literature and companies. Furthermore, it seeks to identify the specific strategies that these companies use to foster ethical behaviour and promote sustainability in their business operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study entails a bibliometric analysis and a set of case studies from a sample of companies working in different industry sectors. Based on these tools, it analyses whether – and how – enterprises are placing an emphasis on sustainability and ethics as part of their businesses. In addition, the selected companies' unethical practices or socially irresponsible corporate activities were investigated and presented.

Findings

The findings suggest that using an ethics perspective can be a valuable tool in improving the accuracy and correctness of business decision-making. In addition, the paper has identified the fact that sustainability standards can be used to improve customer satisfaction as many important issues are addressed. Finally, the paper highlights the importance of ethical considerations when designing and implementing sustainability standards at enterprises and the need for regulatory guidance in this regard.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the need for studies on how sustainability and ethics are being discussed by both the literature and companies. The paper presents some elements that can be used as possible corporate indicators for a wider implementation of sustainability and ethics objectives in enterprises.
Attitudes towards artificial intelligence in emergency medicine
Authors: Stewart Jonathon , Freeman Samuel , Eroglu Ege , Dumitrascu Nicole , Lu Juan , Goudie Adrian , Sprivulis Peter , Akhlaghi Hamed , Tran Viet , Sanfilippo Frank , Celenza Antonio , Than Martin , Fatovich Daniel , Walker Katie , Dwivedi Girish
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess Australian and New Zealand emergency clinicians' attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency medicine.

Methods

We undertook a qualitative interview‐based study based on grounded theory. Participants were recruited through ED internal mailing lists, the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Bulletin, and the research teams' personal networks. Interviews were transcribed, coded and themes presented.

Results

Twenty‐five interviews were conducted between July 2021 and May 2022. Thematic saturation was achieved after 22 interviews. Most participants were from either Western Australia (52%) or Victoria (16%) and were consultants (96%). More participants reported feeling optimistic (10/25) than neutral (6/25), pessimistic (2/25) or mixed (7/25) towards the use of AI in the ED. A minority expressed scepticism regarding the feasibility or value of implementing AI into the ED. Multiple potential risks and ethical issues were discussed by participants including skill loss from overreliance on AI, algorithmic bias, patient privacy and concerns over liability. Participants also discussed perceived inadequacies in existing information technology systems. Participants felt that AI technologies would be used as decision support tools and not replace the roles of emergency clinicians. Participants were not concerned about the impact of AI on their job security. Most (17/25) participants thought that AI would impact emergency medicine within the next 10 years.

Conclusions

Emergency clinicians interviewed were generally optimistic about the use of AI in emergency medicine, so long as it is used as a decision support tool and they maintain the ability to override its recommendations.
Evaluating international AI skills policy: A systematic review of AI skills policy in seven countries
Authors: Rigley Eryn , Bentley Caitlin , Krook Joshua , Ramchurn Sarvapali D.
Published: December 2023

As artificial intelligence (AI) is having an increasingly disruptive impact across industries, companies continue to report having difficulty when recruiting for AI roles, while new graduates find it difficult to find employment, indicating a skills gap or skills misalignment. International approaches to AI skills programmes can offer a guide to future policy development of a skilled workforce, best placed to harness the economic opportunities that AI may support. The authors performed a systematic literature review on AI skills in government policies and documents from seven countries: Australia, Canada, China, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingom and the United States. We found a divide between countries which emphasised a broader, nationwide approach to upskill and educate all citizens at different levels, namely the United States and Singapore and those countries which emphasised a narrower focus on educating a smaller group of experts with advanced AI knowledge and skills, namely China, Sweden and Canada. We found that the former, broader approaches tended to correlate with higher AI readiness and index scores than the narrower, expert‐driven approach. Our findings indicate that, to match world‐leading AI readiness, future AI skills policy should follow these broad, nationwide approaches to upskill and educate all citizens at different levels of AI expertise.
Sustainable future bonds: Boosting multilateral development banks lending and improving the global reserve system
Authors: Zucker‐Marques Marina , Gallagher Kevin P.
Published: December 2023

Multilateral development banks (MDBs) are crucial players to finance a greener, more socially inclusive and sustainable future, given their unique financial model that provides low‐cost and long‐term investments in areas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate commitments. To fulfill their potential, MDBs need a stepwise increase in financing, which has been a challenge given the reluctance of their shareholders to provide additional paid‐in capital. We present a novel proposal for MDB hybrid capital that is designed to boost MDB funding while supplying the international reserve system with a new safe asset, the Sustainable Future Bonds (SFB). Under the SFB proposal, a tiny fraction of the global foreign reserves would be rechanneled to MDBs, and given liquidity enhanced mechanisms, SFB would serve as an additional safe reserve asset for central banks' portfolios. As our conservative estimation shows, by deploying just 0.5 percent of global foreign reserves for the Sustainable Future Bonds, at least $45 billion per year in fresh capital to MDBs would be mobilized. At that pace, by 2030, MDBs will have $360 billion in capital injections, which, depending on their leverage capacity, could result in new lending from $1.6 trillion to $1.9 trillion.
Alterations in sperm RNAs persist after alcohol cessation and correlate with epididymal mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Roach Alexis N. , Bhadsavle Sanat S. , Higgins Samantha L. , Derrico Destani D. , Basel Alison , Thomas Kara N. , Golding Michael C.
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic preconception paternal alcohol use adversely modifies the sperm epigenome, inducing fetoplacental and craniofacial growth defects in the offspring of exposed males. A crucial outstanding question in the field of paternal epigenetic inheritance concerns the resilience of the male germline and its capacity to recover and correct sperm‐inherited epigenetic errors after stressor withdrawal.

Objectives

We set out to determine if measures of the sperm‐inherited epigenetic program revert to match the control treatment 1 month after withdrawing the daily alcohol treatments.

Materials and methods

Using a voluntary access model, we exposed C57BL/6J males to 6% or 10% alcohol for 10 weeks, withdrew the alcohol treatments for 4 weeks, and used RNA sequencing to examine gene expression patterns in the caput section of the epididymis. We then compared the abundance of sperm small RNA species between treatments.

Results

In the caput section of the epididymis, chronic alcohol exposure induced changes in the transcriptional control of genetic pathways related to the mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and the generalized stress response (EIF2 signaling). Subsequent analysis identified region‐specific, alcohol‐induced changes in mitochondrial DNA copy number across the epididymis, which correlated with increases in the mitochondrial DNA content of alcohol‐exposed sperm. Notably, in the corpus section of the epididymis, increases in mitochondrial DNA copy number persisted 1 month after alcohol cessation. Analysis of sperm noncoding RNAs between control and alcohol‐exposed males 1 month after alcohol withdrawal revealed a ∼100‐fold increase in mir‐196a, a microRNA induced as part of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐driven cellular antioxidant response.

Discussion and conclusion

Our data reveal that alcohol‐induced epididymal mitochondrial dysfunction and differences in sperm noncoding RNA content persist after alcohol withdrawal. Further, differences in mir‐196a and sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number may serve as viable biomarkers of adverse alterations in the sperm‐inherited epigenetic program.
Diasporic Chinese voluntary associations engage China's rise
Authors: Chen Ningning , Show Ying Ruo , Hertzman Emily
Published: December 2023

Since the late 1970s, China has gradually risen as a global power, which culminates in the present moment when large‐scale geopolitical and economic ventures such as the Belt and Road Initiative have generated diversified cross‐border connections. This is most forcefully felt in the Chinese diaspora, and particularly those in Southeast Asia since the region is home to the largest and most diverse diasporic Chinese population. Chinese voluntary associations (CVAs), as crucial social institutions in the Chinese diaspora, are actively engaging with China's rise and responding to the (trans) regional political‐economic and socio‐cultural changes. In this introduction of the special section, we open up a collection of five research articles and one commentary that discuss the ambivalences and tensions in CVAs’ engagement with China's rise. We conceptualize CVAs as ever‐evolving ancestral communities which actively (re)position themselves in relation to complex configurations of power dynamics taking place between actors in China and the Chinese diaspora. Ancestral communities evolve through a constant mediation of the two mutually‐constitutive processes of transnationalization and localization, which take on dual‐facing and double‐embedded orientations. This special section also highlights the continuing significance and renewed engagement of CVAs and potential tensions and conflicts generated in changing geopolitical and domestic environment.
Classification Shifting and Future Stock Price Crash Risk
Authors: Hwang Juhee , Lee Cheol , Nam Giman
Published: December 2023

We examine whether classification shifting is associated with stock price crash risk. Unlike prior studies, our study is focused on bad news hoarding through classification shifting. Prior studies document evidence of the greater weight market participants place on core earnings and stock price crash resulting from delayed bad news releases. Building upon these findings, we predict that crash risk is positively associated with shifters’ reversal of core earnings. Consistent with our conjecture, we find that classification shifting is positively associated with future stock price crash risk even if the bottom‐line net income is unchanged. This finding is robust after controlling for endogeneity and other determinants of classification shifting. We also find that the observed positive association between classification shifting and future stock price crash risk is pronounced for likely opportunistic classification shifters. Our research contributes to forming an enhanced understanding of crash risk by documenting differential negative market reactions to the change in core earnings driven by classification shifting.
The role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors in the regulation of bile acid metabolism
Authors: Sun Yuqing , Zhang Luyong , Jiang Zhenzhou
Published: December 2023

Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. Dysregulation of bile acid homeostasis, characterized by excessive accumulation in the liver, gallbladder and blood, can lead to hepatocellular damage and the development of cholestatic liver disease. Nuclear receptors play a crucial role in the control of bile acid metabolism by efficiently regulating bile acid synthesis and transport in the liver. Among these receptors, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR), a ligand‐activated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, controls the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, inflammation and glucose homeostasis and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome in the past two decades. Emerging evidence suggests that PPAR activation holds promise as a therapeutic target for cholestatic liver disease, as it affects both bile acid production and transport. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in elucidating the role of PPAR in the regulation of bile acid metabolism, highlighting the current position of PPAR agonists in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. By summarizing the specific regulatory effects of PPAR on bile acids, this review contributes to the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for cholestatic liver diseases.
The impact of conspiracy beliefs on a targeted group: Perceived popularity of Jewish‐targeted conspiracy beliefs elicits outgroup avoidant behaviours
Authors: Jolley Daniel , Paterson Jenny L. , McNeill Andrew
Published: December 2023

In three studies with Jewish participants, we explored the consequences of intergroup conspiracy theories on those targeted. In Study 1 (N = 250), perceived Jewish conspiracy theory popularity was positively associated with intergroup threat and negatively associated with the closeness of contact with non‐Jewish people. Study 2 (n = 194) employed an experimental design where Jewish participants were exposed to the idea that many (vs. few) non‐Jewish people believe in Jewish conspiracy theories. A path model demonstrated that exposure to the many (vs. few) manipulation increased intergroup threat, which was then positively associated with emotional reactions. Intergroup anxiety and ingroup anger were then positively associated with avoidance, whilst ingroup anxiety was positively associated with approach tendencies. Study 3 (n = 201) used the same experimental design, and a path model revealed that conspiracy popularity increased intergroup threat, which, in turn, was positively associated with ingroup anger and anxiety. Ingroup anxiety was then associated with intentions to help ingroup members. Notably, conspiracy popularity rendered participants less likely to interact with a non‐Jewish partner in a behavioural task. Our work provides evidence that conspiracy beliefs, especially when perceived to be widely held, are likely to significantly impact targeted ingroup members.
Piezo1‐mediated regulation of smooth muscle cell volume in response to enhanced extracellular matrix rigidity
Authors: Johnson Robert T. , Solanki Reesha , Wostear Finn , Ahmed Sultan , Taylor James C. K. , Rees Jasmine , Abel Geraad , McColl James , Jørgensen Helle F. , Morris Chris J. , Bidula Stefan , Warren Derek T.
Published: December 2023

Background and Purpose

Decreased aortic compliance is a precursor to numerous cardiovascular diseases. Compliance is regulated by the rigidity of the aortic wall and the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Extracellular matrix stiffening, observed during ageing, reduces compliance. In response to increased rigidity, VSMCs generate enhanced contractile forces that result in VSMC stiffening and a further reduction in compliance. Mechanisms driving VSMC response to matrix rigidity remain poorly defined.

Experimental Approach

Human aortic‐VSMCs were seeded onto polyacrylamide hydrogels whose rigidity mimicked either healthy (12 kPa) or aged/diseased (72 kPa) aortae. VSMCs were treated with pharmacological agents prior to agonist stimulation to identify regulators of VSMC volume regulation.

Key Results

On pliable matrices, VSMCs contracted and decreased in cell area. Meanwhile, on rigid matrices VSMCs displayed a hypertrophic‐like response, increasing in area and volume. Piezo1 activation stimulated increased VSMC volume by promoting calcium ion influx and subsequent activation of PKC and aquaporin‐1. Pharmacological blockade of this pathway prevented the enhanced VSMC volume response on rigid matrices whilst maintaining contractility on pliable matrices. Importantly, both piezo1 and aquaporin‐1 gene expression were up‐regulated during VSMC phenotypic modulation in atherosclerosis and after carotid ligation.

Conclusions and Implications

In response to extracellular matrix rigidity, VSMC volume is increased by a piezo1/PKC/aquaporin‐1 mediated pathway. Pharmacological targeting of this pathway specifically blocks the matrix rigidity enhanced VSMC volume response, leaving VSMC contractility on healthy mimicking matrices intact. Importantly, upregulation of both piezo1 and aquaporin‐1 gene expression is observed in disease relevant VSMC phenotypes.
CAMTA1‐related disorder: Phenotypic and molecular characterization of 26 new individuals and literature review
Authors: Al‐Kateb Hussam , Au P. Y. Billie , Berland Siren , Cogne Benjamin , Demurger Florence , Fluss Joel , Isidor Bertrand , Frank L. Matthew , Varvagiannis Konstantinos , Koolen David A. , McDonald Marie , Montgomery Sarah , Moortgat Stéphanie , Deprez Marie , Karadurmus Deniz , Paulsen Julie , Reis André , Rieger Melissa , Vasileiou Georgia , Willing Marcia , Shinawi Marwan
Published: December 2023

Calmodulin‐binding transcriptional activator 1 (CAMTA1) is highly expressed in the brain and plays a role in cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation, regulation of long‐term memory, and initial development, maturation, and survival of cerebellar neurons. The existence of human neurological phenotypes, including cerebellar dysfunction with variable cognitive and behavioral abnormalities (CECBA), associated with CAMTA1 variants, has further supported its role in brain functions. In this study, we phenotypically and molecularly characterize the largest cohort of individuals (n = 26) with 23 novel CAMTA1 variants (frameshift‐7, nonsense‐6, splicing‐1, initiation codon‐1, missense‐5, and intragenic deletions‐3) and compare the findings with all previously reported cases (total = 53). We show that the most notable phenotypic findings are developmental delay/intellectual disability, unsteady or uncoordinated gait, hypotonia, behavioral problems, and eye abnormalities. In addition, there is a high incidence of dysarthria, dysgraphia, microcephaly, gastrointestinal abnormalities, sleep difficulties, and nonspecific brain MRI findings; a few of which have been under‐reported. More than one third of the variants in this cohort were inherited from an asymptomatic or mildly affected parent suggesting reduced penetrance and variable expressivity. Our cohort provides a comprehensive characterization of the spectrum of phenotypes and genotypes among individuals with CECBA and the large data will facilitate counseling and formulating management plans and surveillance recommendations for these individuals.
Rent seeking and precautionary bidding in conservation auctions
Authors: Wichmann Bruno
Published: December 2023

The paper presents a model to study reverse auctions for conservation contracts. A buyer elicits bids from multiple rent seeking and risk averse farmers. Conservation activities have ex post cost risk such that farmers only learn the true value of conservation contracts after the auction. The paper derives the optimal bidding function and shows that farmers have conflicting incentives when facing multiple sources of risk. Specifically, we show that farmers exhibit a form of precautionary bidding, that is, they increase their bids in response to an increase in valuation risk. We propose an approach to take the model to the data and recover structural risk parameters. The suitability of the approach to real‐world data is demonstrated through a Monte Carlo experiment.
US‐based and international environmental nongovernmental organizations use social media, but few have large audiences online
Authors: Kim Hanna , Armsworth Paul R. , Masuda Yuta J. , Chang Charlotte H.
Published: December 2023

Social media plays an outsized role in information dissemination, issue mobilization, and public influence. For environmental nongovernmental organizations (“eNGOs”), social media plays a critical role in fundraising and inspiring engaged audiences using rich media and punchy taglines. Yet, there is little to no accounting of whether and how eNGOs have adopted social media, limiting analyses of how eNGOs are leveraging social media to develop effective communication strategies and campaigns. We analyzed the social media presence of over 100 eNGOs. We evaluated which platforms are used by eNGOs and differences between them in terms of their visibility on social media. 88%–97% of the eNGOs in our sample use four out of the five leading social media platforms. There were marked differences across eNGOs and platforms in terms of public visibility, represented by the number of followers. eNGOs focusing on advocacy, aquatic environments, and species conservation had significantly larger numbers of followers. Our findings indicate that conservation can make more headway on newer, more visually‐oriented platforms that also have stronger youth traction. We use our analyses to identify which eNGOs have much larger followings on social media than expected. These leaders can provide lessons on how eNGOs can enhance their social media impact.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology of presacral myelolipoma: Cytomorphological features of a rare entity and review of the literature
Authors: Shaker Nada , Shaker Nuha , Alhalaseh Yazan , Sangueza Omar P. , Abid Abdul
Published: December 2023

Presacral myelolipoma is an uncommon benign tumor, and its diagnosis can be challenging oncytology specimens. This case emphasizes the importance of fine needle aspiration cytology as an initial and valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating presacral masses. The identification of a combination of mature adipose tissue and hematopoietic elements in varying proportions is a crucial feature in FNA cytology. This underscores the role of FNA cytology in providing an accurate diagnosis and guiding subsequent management decisions.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided transmural pancreatic cyst drainage using an electrocautery lumen‐apposing metal stent without fluoroscopy for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit setting
Authors: Shionoya Kento , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Itoi Takao
Published: December 2023

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Changes in decision‐making function in patients with subacute mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Wang Yuyang , Chen Qing , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Kai , Cheng Hongwei , Chen Xingui
Published: December 2023

Although awareness regarding patients with mild traumatic brain injury has increased, they have not received sufficient attention in clinics; hence, many patients still experience only partial recovery. Deficits in decision‐making function are frequently experienced by these patients. Accurate identification of impairment in the early stages after brain injury is particularly crucial for timely intervention and the prevention of long‐term cognitive consequences. Therefore, we investigated the changes in decision‐making ability under tasks of ambiguity and risk in patients with mild traumatic brain injury with a rule‐based neuropsychological paradigm. In this study, patients (n = 39) and matched healthy controls (n = 38) completed general neuropsychological background tests and decision‐making tasks (Iowa Gambling Task and Game of Dice Task). We found that patients had extensive cognitive impairment in general attention, memory and information processing speed in the subacute phase, and confirmed that patients had different degrees of impairment in decision‐making abilities under ambiguity and risk. Furthermore, the decline of memory and executive function may be related to decision‐making dysfunction.
Optimizing job shop scheduling with speed‐adjustable machines and peak power constraints: A mathematical model and heuristic solutions
Authors: Homayouni S. Mahdi , Fontes Dalila B.M.M.
Published: December 2023

This paper addresses a job shop scheduling problem with peak power constraints, in which jobs can be processed once or multiple times on either all or a subset of the machines. The latter characteristic provides additional flexibility, nowadays present in many manufacturing systems. The problem is complicated by the need to determine both the operation sequence and starting time as well as the speed at which machines process each operation. Due to the adherence to renewable energy production and its intermittent nature, manufacturing companies need to adopt power‐flexible production schedules. The proposed power control strategies, that is, adjusting processing speed and timing to reduce peak power requirements may impact production time (makespan) and energy consumption. Therefore, we propose a bi‐objective approach that minimizes both objectives. A linear programming model is developed to provide a formal statement of the problem, which is solved to optimality for small‐sized instances. We also proposed a multi‐objective biased random key genetic algorithm framework that evolves several populations in parallel. Computational experiments provide decision and policymakers with insights into the implications of imposing or negotiating power consumption limits. Finally, the several trade‐off solutions obtained show that as the power limit is lowered, the makespan increases at an increasing rate and a similar trend is observed in energy consumption but only for very small makespan values. Furthermore, peak power demand reductions of about 25% have a limited impact on the minimum makespan value (4–6% increase), while at the same time allowing for a small reduction in energy consumption.
Under the shadow of the future: Gender‐specific reactions to (un)certain future interactions
Authors: Kleinknecht Janina , Ulmer Clara
Published: December 2023

Expectations are a key element of strategic environments. As it has already been shown that men's performance in current competitions is affected by the expected future opponents' strength, we investigate whether women are overshadowed by future competitors as well. We use data from professional tennis, replicate the results for men and compare it with women's behavior. Extending previous research, we focus on the role of uncertainty in this context, particularly, whether behavior differs when individuals have to form expectations instead of having accurate information. Our results suggest that individuals perform worse in competitions if the expected future opponent is stronger. We find gender‐specific behavior when analyzing uncertainty as a potential source: Women's current performance does not depend on the future competitor's strength when they know her for sure, whereas they are overshadowed when having to form expectations. In contrast, men are negatively affected by the future competitor's strength when they know him and when they need to form expectations. Moreover, women (men) rather  seem to be sensitive to direct (more distant) incentives. These findings might be transferred to information revelation in promotion contests to help highly qualified individuals, especially women, climb the career ladder.
Exploring food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing and medical students: Insights from a cross‐sectional study in Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Nitai , Mollick Kakali , Siddiky Aysha , Aktarujjaman Md. , Hossain Ekhtear , Islam Farhadul , Kumar Manasi
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on nursing and medical students, assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding food safety. This non‐random cross‐sectional study was conducted between October and December 2022, with 1100 students (721 nursing and 379 medical) completing self‐administered questionnaires. 949 (86.3%) of the respondents were female and 151 (13.7%) were male (mean age 20.90 ± 1.74). Nursing students outperformed medical students in food safety KAP scores (19.45 ± 3.19 vs. 19.13 ± 3.36), (10.61 ± 1.52 vs. 10.27 ± 1.80), and (46.96 ± 6.48 vs. 42.87 ± 6.49), with significant differences in food safety attitudes and practices (p < 0.05), as well as knowledge regarding personal hygiene, food preparation, cooking, foodborne pathogens, and cross‐contamination (p < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis revealed predictors of food safety knowledge, including age, residence, academic year, personal food poisoning experience, and familiarity with food safety authority (p < 0.05). Similarly, institutional context, gender, income, residential status, academic year, personal cooking habit, father's education level, and mother's education level had a substantial impact on the attitudes of students. Predictors of safe food handling practices encompassed institutional context, age, gender, family monthly income, residential status, academic year, father's education level, personal food poisoning experience, and familiarity with food safety authority (p < 0.05). These findings highlighted the need for targeted educational interventions to improve food safety KAP among nursing and medical students considering their forthcoming responsibilities as carers.
Let My People In: Jewish Ethiopian Histories and the Israeli Zionist Canon, 1984–2004
Authors: Tal Nimrod
Published: December 2023

This article explores the significance of Jewish‐Ethiopian historical narratives for the understanding of Ethiopian Jews' social reality in Israel. It emphasizes how these narratives have been crucial for the ongoing integration efforts of the Jewish Ethiopian community, especially during a period of significant challenges to the established Zionist historical canon. By analysing extensive archival sources, the study uncovers the grassroots emergence of these narratives, shaped by debates surrounding the position of Ethiopian immigrants in Israeli society. It demonstrates that the inclusion of historical perspectives not only strengthened the canonical Zionist historical narrative but also enabled it to withstand unprecedented challenges. This challenges the notion that immigration and social diversification undermine dominant historical canons and national identities. The research underscores the relevance of these historical narratives in revealing the experiences and struggles of Ethiopian Jews and their unique place within Israel's social fabric.
A quest for an integrated management system of children following a drowning incident: A review of the literature
Authors: Rossouw Seugnette , Maree Carin , Latour Jos M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Management of children following a drowning incident is based on specific interventions which are used in the prehospital environment, the emergency department (ED) and the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This paper presents a review of the literature to map and describe the management and interventions used by healthcare professionals when managing a child following a drowning incident. Of specific interest was to map, synthesise and describe the management and interventions according to the different clinical domains or practice areas of healthcare professionals.

Design and Methods

A traditional review of the literature was performed to appraise, map and describe information from 32 relevant articles. Four electronic databases were searched using search strings and the Boolean operators AND as well as OR. The included articles were all published in English between 2010 and 2022, as it comprised a timeline including current guidelines and practices necessary to describe management and interventions.

Results

Concepts and phrases from the literature were used as headings to form a picture or overview of the interventions used for managing a child following a drowning incident. Information extracted from the literature was mapped under management and interventions for prehospital, the ED and the PICU and a figure was constructed to display the findings. It was evident from the literature that management and interventions are well researched, evidence‐informed and discussed, but no clear arguments or examples could be found to link the interventions for integrated management from the scene of drowning through to the PICU. Cooling and/or rewarming techniques and approaches and termination of resuscitation were found to be discussed as interventions, but no evidence of integration from prehospital to the ED and beyond was found. The review also highlighted the absence of parental involvement in the management of children following a drowning incident.

Practice Implications

Mapping the literature enables visualisation of management and interventions used for children following a drowning incident. Integration of these interventions can collaboratively be done by involving the healthcare practitioners to form a link or chain for integrated management from the scene of drowning through to the PICU.
High‐Frequency‐Based Volatility Model with Network Structure
Authors: Yuan Huiling , Lu Kexin , Li Guodong , Wang Junhui
Published: December 2023

This paper introduces a novel multi‐variate volatility model that can accommodate appropriately defined network structures based on low‐frequency and high‐frequency data. The model offers substantial reductions in the number of unknown parameters and computational complexity. The model formulation, along with iterative multi‐step‐ahead forecasting and targeting parameterization are discussed. Quasi‐likelihood functions for parameter estimation are proposed and their asymptotic properties are established. A series of simulation studies are carried out to assess the performance of parameter estimation in finite samples. Furthermore, a real data analysis demonstrates that the proposed model outperforms the existing volatility models in prediction of future variances of daily return and realized measures.
Household food security and dietary diversity in south‐eastern Nigeria
Authors: Ukonu Ijeoma C. , Wallace Carol A. , Lowe Nicola M.
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate household food security (access) level and the dietary diversity of households in the Nsukka Local Government Area in South‐eastern Nigeria. From 20 local communities of Nsukka, 390 women were randomly sampled from the women's group and asked to complete a survey that determined the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale scores and the Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS). The descriptive results indicated a high level of food insecurity with 82.6% households reporting various degrees of food insecurity. Over half of the sampled population experienced insufficient food quality. They either ate unwanted food (65.9%), limited variety (63.1%), or unpreferred food (64.6%). Some households experienced insufficient food intake by going a whole day without food (38.2%), go to sleep hungry (45.1%), or have no food of any kind (49%). The analysis of variance showed no significant difference (p = 0.428) in the food security level of households headed by males as compared with those headed by females. Approximately 53.6% of households fell at or below the average HDDS; males headed 48% of these households, while females headed 64%. The chi‐square test indicated factors associated with household food security including age, education, work status and income, whereas the gender of the household head, household size and marital status were not significantly associated. Public–private partnerships, nutrition orientation and food intervention programs could improve food security in this area.
The tuber‐specific StbHLH93 gene regulates proplastid‐to‐amyloplast development during stolon swelling in potato
Authors: Yang Rui , Sun Yuan , Zhu Xiaoling , Jiao Baozhen , Sun Sifan , Chen Yun , Li Lizhu , Wang Xue , Zeng Qian , Liang Qiqi , Huang Binquan
Published: December 2023

In potato, stolon swelling is a complex and highly regulated process, and much more work is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms.

We identified a novel tuber‐specific basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor, StbHLH93, based on the high‐resolution transcriptome of potato tuber development.

StbHLH93 is predominantly expressed in the subapical and perimedullary region of the stolon and developing tubers. Knockdown of StbHLH93 significantly decreased tuber number and size, resulting from suppression of stolon swelling. Furthermore, we found that StbHLH93 directly binds to the plastid protein import system gene TIC56 promoter, activates its expression, and is involved in proplastid‐to‐amyloplast development during the stolon‐to‐tuber transition. Knockdown of the target TIC56 gene resulted in similarly problematic amyloplast biogenesis and tuberization.

Taken together, StbHLH93 functions in the differentiation of proplastids to regulate stolon swelling. This study highlights the critical role of proplastid‐to‐amyloplast interconversion during potato tuberization.
Dicer‐dependent heterochromatic small RNAs in the model diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Grypioti Emilia , Richard Hugues , Kryovrysanaki Nikoleta , Jaubert Marianne , Falciatore Angela , Verret Frédéric , Kalantidis Kriton
Published: December 2023

Diatoms are eukaryotic microalgae responsible for nearly half of the marine productivity. RNA interference (RNAi) is a mechanism of regulation of gene expression mediated by small RNAs (sRNAs) processed by the endoribonuclease Dicer (DCR). To date, the mechanism and physiological role of RNAi in diatoms are unknown.

We mined diatom genomes and transcriptomes for key RNAi effectors and retraced their phylogenetic history. We generated DCR knockout lines in the model diatom species Phaeodactylum tricornutum and analyzed their mRNA and sRNA populations, repression‐associated histone marks, and acclimatory response to nitrogen starvation.

Diatoms presented a diversification of key RNAi effectors whose distribution across species suggests the presence of distinct RNAi pathways. P. tricornutum DCR was found to process 26–31‐nt‐long double‐stranded sRNAs originating mostly from transposons covered by repression‐associated epigenetic marks. In parallel, P. tricornutum DCR was necessary for the maintenance of the repression‐associated histone marks H3K9me2/3 and H3K27me3. Finally, PtDCR‐KO lines presented a compromised recovery post nitrogen starvation suggesting a role for P. tricornutum DCR in the acclimation to nutrient stress.

Our study characterized the molecular function of the single DCR homolog of P. tricornutum suggesting an association between RNAi and heterochromatin maintenance in this model diatom species.
The MsDHN1‐MsPIP2;1‐MsmMYB module orchestrates the trade‐off between growth and survival of alfalfa in response to drought stress
Authors: Lv Aimin , Su Liantai , Fan Nana , Wen Wuwu , Gao Li , Mo Xin , You Xiangkai , Zhou Peng , An Yuan
Published: December 2023

Dehydrins and aquaporins play crucial roles in plant growth and stress responses by acting as protector and controlling water transport across membranes, respectively. MsDHN1 (dehydrin) and MsPIP2;1 (aquaporin) were demonstrated to interact with a membrane‐anchored MYB protein, MsmMYB (as mMYB) in plasma membrane under normal condition. MsDHN1, MsPIP2;1 and MsDHN1‐MsPIP2;1 positively regulated alfalfa tolerance to water deficiency. Water deficiency caused phosphorylation of MsPIP2;1 at Ser 272, which led to release C terminus of mMYB (mMYBΔ83) from plasma membrane and translocate to nucleus, where C terminus of MsDHN1 interacted with mMYBΔ83, and promoted mMYBΔ83 transcriptional activity in response to water deficiency. Overexpression of mMYB and mMYBΔ83 down‐regulated the expression of MsCESA3, but up‐regulated MsCESA7 expression by directly binding to their promoters, and resulted in high drought tolerance in transgenic hairy roots. These results indicate that the MsDHN1‐MsPIP2;1‐MsMYB module serves as a key regulator in alfalfa against drought stress.
Phenotype and genotype characterization of Botrytis cinerea isolates from cut roses in Yunnan, China
Authors: Yuan Wenbin , Han Yanglin , Li Sisi , Ullah Ikram , He Shuilian , Zhang Zhao , Ma Nan , Gao Junping , Wu Hongzhi
Published: December 2023

Botrytis cinerea is considered to be the second most destructive fungal pathogen worldwide, causing severe pre‐ and postharvest losses in cut roses. However, to date, no systematic research on its characteristics in cut roses has been reported. In our study, a total of 100 isolates from cut roses from Yunnan, China, were analysed. A combination of morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of RPB2 revealed that 100 isolates were of the species B. cinerea. These isolates were pathogenic on unwounded detached rose petals. Pathogenicity was evaluated according to the size of petal spots and categorized into grades 0–5, from weak to strong. The inhibition rate varied greatly following the addition of procymidone (21.9%–100%) and cyprodinil (25.0%–92.3%). Analysis of Bc‐hch sequences revealed all isolates belong to phylogenetic Group II. According to the presence or absence of transposable elements, 87, 5, 4 and 4 isolates were identified as transposa, vacuma, Boty‐only and Flipper‐only types, respectively. Detection of mating type indicated that all isolates were heterothallic with 45% belonging to MAT1‐1 and 55% to MAT1‐2. Isolates were divided into four subpopulations when analysing single‐nucleotide polymorphisms at the genomic level, with a significant difference in pathogenicity between subpopulations 1 and 4. The evolutionary tree indicated that isolates AN‐02, AN‐22 and SM‐C18 were clustered in the root, suggesting an earlier evolutionary time than other isolates; moreover, they all exhibited low pathogenicity (grade 1). This systematic study of the characteristics of B. cinerea will provide significant support for grey mould control and further research.
Effect of experimental modulation of mood on exertional dyspnoea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Sharma Pramod , Scheffer Karlijn , Louis Menaka , Aitken Craig R. , Adams Lewis , Morris Norman R.
Published: December 2023

Background and Objective

Dyspnoea is a debilitating symptom in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a range of other chronic cardiopulmonary diseases and is often associated with anxiety and depression. The present study examined the effect of visually‐induced mood shifts on exertional dyspnoea in individuals with COPD.

Methods

Following familiarization, 20 participants with mild to severe COPD (age 57–79 years) attended three experimental sessions on separate days, performing two 5‐min treadmill exercise tests separated by a 30‐min interval on each day. During each exercise test, participants viewed either a positive, negative or neutral set of images sourced from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) and rated dyspnoea or leg fatigue (0–10). Heart rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured at 1‐min intervals during each test. Mood valence ratings were obtained using Self‐Assessment Manikin (SAM) scale (1–9).

Results

Mood valence ratings were significantly higher when viewing positive (end‐exercise mean ± SEM = 7.6 ± 0.3) compared to negative IAPS images (2.4 ± 0.3, p < 0.001). Dyspnoea intensity (mean ± SEM = 5.8 ± 0.4) and dyspnoea unpleasantness (5.6 ± 0.3) when viewing negative images were significantly higher compared to positive images (4.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.004 and 3.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.003). Eighty‐five percent of participants (n = 17) met the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) criteria for both dyspnoea intensity and unpleasantness. HR, SpO2 and leg fatigue did not differ significantly between conditions.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the negative affective state worsens dyspnoea in COPD, thereby suggesting strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of negative mood or improving the mood may be effective in managing morbidity associated with dyspnoea in COPD.
Chinese infrastructure as spatial fix? A political ecology of development finance and irrigation in Cambodia
Authors: Green W. Nathan , Yi Rosa
Published: December 2023

China has recently become an agent of intensified agricultural production in Southeast Asia by constructing large‐scale irrigation systems. Funded with Chinese development finance, such infrastructure projects have been interpreted as a ‘spatial fix’ for capital accumulation in China, which helps explain the shifting balance of power within the region's political economy. However, we argue that explaining the local outcomes of these projects requires mapping out Chinese development finance in relation to the multi‐scalar network of actors, circuits of capital, and struggles over water that produce irrigated landscapes. We draw on our joint research about the Chinese‐funded and built Kanghot Irrigation Development Project in Cambodia. We explain how the construction of Kanghot was shaped by the historical and political relations between China and Cambodia. Since completion in 2016, Kanghot irrigation has transformed agricultural production by enrolling farmers into a network of volatile commodity markets and harmful pest ecologies. There have also been ongoing community struggles over Kanghot's water due to the project's design and institutional management. By broadening the idea of infrastructure as spatial fix to include these material and social processes of agrarian landscape production, this paper advances a political ecology of Chinese development finance in Southeast Asia.
Who Cashed the Rent Gap? An Alternative Narration of a Shantytown Renovation Project in Nanjing, China
Authors: Liu Chunhui , Yuan Yaqi , Qi Xiaoming
Published: December 2023

Despite research on shantytown redevelopment highlighting socio‐spatial exclusion, the viewpoint frequently disseminated through social media depicts it as a massive wealth‐creation movement in China. This paper intends to provide evidence that evicted residents of a shantytown in Nanjing, China, share a common identity with the encroaching gentrifiers – the housing class. By shaping the housing class, an increasing number of urban residents become micro‐agents of housing financialization, allowing the rent gap to be frequently opened even without producing a ‘higher and better’ space. This enables capital to circulate and accumulate within a broader temporal and spatial scope. However, both the class imagination of the housing class and the financial speculation in the housing market are based on the expectation of continuous price growth. This is unsustainable and leaves the real housing needs out of the housing market, which is detrimental to housing equity.