bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contract administration practices on building information modelling (BIM)-based construction project – an exploratory study
Authors: Alwee Sharifah Nur Aina Syed , Zolkafli Umi Kalsum , Salleh Hafez
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The era of digital construction, including building information modelling (BIM), has placed a high demand for a seamless collaboration of people, technology and processes in meeting a project delivery. The project actors involved in a BIM process must ensure compliance with all regulations and contractual requirements from inception. While many studies have disclosed the various contractual implications arising from BIM implementation, little has been examined on the current state of BIM in contract administration practice, particularly in the Malaysian construction industry. This study aims to explore the current state of BIM implementation with specific reference to a design-and-build construction project.

Design/methodology/approach

The exploratory case study involved the construction of a public complex. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with the project actors, and document analysis was performed on the project’s contractual guidelines to derive the findings.

Findings

Findings from the thematic analysis revealed the following five sequences of activities that guided the contract administration practices, particularly during the pre-contract and post-contract stages of a BIM-based construction project: project inception, tendering phase, detailed design, construction and preparation for the handing over phase. Most of the activities were conducted to deliver the final BIM outputs successfully. Nevertheless, some shortcomings were noted in the project monitoring, the validation process of the BIM deliverables and the BIM players’ competency level in fulfilling the specified BIM contractual requirements.

Practical implications

The study contributes to a practical understanding of how BIM can affect project administration and how a public client can improve contractual risk allocation in future BIM implementation.

Originality/value

This paper discloses the current practices of contract administration to better understand the impacts of BIM management during the pre-contract and post-contract stages of a BIM-based construction project.
Role of agricultural marketing channels in price realization: an empirical analysis of selected crops in India
Authors: Naik Chuleshwar , Mohan Bijuna C.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The provision of fair and remunerative prices to farmers through government intervention is one of the key debates to address the farmers' distress in India. This article identifies how different marketing channels are responsible for higher price realization over the officially announced minimum support price (MSP).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the NSSO-SAS, 2012–13 and NSSO-SAS, 2018–19 for Aggregate level data and Unit Level Data on the Situation Assessment Survey of Farmers' households. It uses logit regression to determine the factors responsible for better price realization.

Findings

Our major findings indicate that two factors importantly determine better price realization than MSP. Firstly, government agencies provide better prices for crops covered by MSP, such as paddy, wheat and cotton. However, the probability of receiving higher prices increases for some crops if the farmers belong to the upper land size classes and upper social category. Secondly, jowar, bajra, maize and ragi, other important crops that don't benefit from government agencies, may require higher levels of procurement at the state level.

Research limitations/implications

The present study only analyzes selected major crops. Distance is an important factor in choosing a marketing channel that is not incorporated due to unavailability in NSS Data.

Originality/value

The study is based on the latest original empirical evidence and sheds light on the variation in price realization in different agricultural marketing channels in India.
The motivating factors for switching intention to use halal cosmetics in Indonesia
Authors: Wisudanto Wisudanto , Widiastuti Tika , Mardhiyah Dien , Mawardi Imron , Robani Anidah , Al Mustofa Muhammad Ubaidillah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The halal cosmetics industry continues to grow significantly. Furthermore, using halal cosmetics is a must for Muslims. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the switching intention to halal cosmetics in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative study uses a Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) on 214 respondents. The variables include halal certification, halal awareness, product image, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, attitude, advertisement and switching intention.

Findings

The product image plays the most influential role in deriving the attitude toward switching intention to halal cosmetics, following perceived behavioral control, halal awareness and subjective norm, but not halal certification and advertisement. The result indicates that the image of halal cosmetics influences customers’ attitudes toward switching to using halal cosmetics. Indonesian customers know the obligation to use halal products because they are Muslim. However, the existence of halal certification does not derive the switching intention to halal cosmetics.

Research limitations/implications

This study conducts research only in Indonesia. As a recommendation, further studies might conduct a comparative test using multicultural respondents in several countries. Other studies also suggested examining factors of switching intention through different generational, especially in countries with high individualism traits.

Practical implications

This study will encourage the halal industry, especially the halal cosmetics industry, to pay more attention to the product image. Meanwhile, the government can provide incentives or rewards to promote industry participation in halal cosmetics. The findings provide a more detailed understanding of how product image can influence someone to switch to halal cosmetics.

Originality/value

Research on switching intention to halal cosmetics is still limited. This study uses halal variables, while previous studies only used religiosity. This study also introduced the product images motivating customers’ switching intention to use halal cosmetics.
The future is relational: management development for today and tomorrow
Authors: Hoobler Jenny M. , Dowdeswell Kim
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The authors of this study aim to test a possible turn toward relational, as opposed to agentic, management development program (MDP) content.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed a content analysis of the literature and qualitative interviews of management coaches/consultants from South Africa and the USA.

Findings

In both studies, the authors found more relational than agentic content comprising MDP content. Interviews revealed a predominance of relational strategies and that agentic and relational skills are often interwoven in development efforts.

Practical implications

This work may guide management coaches and consultants to offer clients management development (MD) with a greater focus on relational skills.

Originality/value

Future studies should build on our findings to explore whether leadership may now require more relational as opposed to agentic skills.
A legal perspective of corporate compliance governance to collusive bidding in China
Authors: Li Tingting , Mohd Zahir Mohd Zamre , Mohd Ali Hasani
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to make some contribution to the process of corporate compliance governance in China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts qualitative method, literature research, case analysis and comparative methods to explore the Chinese compliance governance model in the field of collusive bidding crimes.

Findings

In the process of criminal prosecution of enterprises suspected of committing crimes, the judicial authorities should promote the restoration of normal production and operation of corporate enterprises by promoting the construction of corporate compliance, which is conducive to solving the difficult problem of attribution of collusive bidding crimes. In addition, corporate compliance under prosecutorial supervision is also conducive to optimizing the regulatory path of collusive bidding and achieving more effective prevention and control of unit crimes in the mode of co-regulation between the state and corporate.

Originality/value

Compliance governance corporate crime is at a nascent stage in China, and this study seeks to provide some reference for future compliance review governance in China through the analysis of specific business crime cases.
Predictive value of supply chain sustainability initiatives for ESG performance: a study of large multinationals
Authors: Das Arindam
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Although the integration of sustainability into business strategies and operations has received considerable scholarly attention, little is known about how sustainability initiatives across the extended value chain affect this integration. This study aims to analyze the impact of multinational corporations’ supply chain sustainability initiatives on their environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) performance and the moderating role of the key country-level factors of the multinational’s headquarters.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes data published by the top 201 multinationals among Fortune Global 500 companies over the period 2011–2021 on their attempts to integrate sustainability measures in extended supply chains and the resultant impact on their ESG scores. A fixed-effect model is used in the primary empirical study.

Findings

Results indicate that managerial interventions through a more robust supply chain policy framework, monitoring mechanisms, corrective actions and training initiatives lead to better ESG-environment pillar performance for multinationals. Additionally, the ESG-environment pillar performance is influenced by the socioeconomic model and country-level ESG risks of the nation where the multinational is headquartered.

Originality/value

The implications of this study are vital for understanding the criticality of sustainability initiatives in the supply chain for a firm’s overall ESG performance. To attain better levels of sustainable performance, multinationals must assume a stewardship position and deploy sustainability initiatives in their extended supply chain.
Analysis and profiles of solution for a highly nonlinear model of pressure driven flame propagation in nonhomogeneous medium
Authors: Rahman Saeed Ur , Díaz Palencia José Luis
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This article aims to study a model of flame propagation in a nonhomogeneous medium with a p-Laplacian operator. The intention with such operator is to model the effects of slow and fast diffusion, that can appear in a nonhomogeneous media, depending on the pressure driven conditions. In addition, the authors introduce a general form in the reaction term, that introduces the flame chemical kinetics.

Design/methodology/approach

To introduce the governing equations, the authors depart from previously reported models in flame propagation, but the authors consider a new modeling approach based on a p-Laplacian operator.

Findings

The authors provide evidences of regularity and uniqueness of solutions. Afterward, the authors introduce profiles of stationary solutions based on the definition of a Hamiltonian for the newly discussed model. Eventually, the authors obtain exponential profiles solutions with the help of a scaling, that transforms the model into a nonlinear Hamilton–Jacobi equation.

Originality/value

The new model has not been previously reported in the literature. The authors consider that the mathematical properties of a p-laplacian (in particular the property known as finite propagation) is of inherent interest to model pressure drive flames with slow or fast diffusion. Indeed, the authors’ approach has the value of providing an operator that can fit better to model flame propagation. In addition, the authors introduce a general form of chemical kinetics, to make the authors’ model further general.
Human capital and legal perspectives on remote work: recommendations for organizations
Authors: Baumann Heidi M. , Marcum Tanya M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

As a result of COVID-19 and associated stay-at-home orders, the number of employees working remotely reached unprecedented levels during early periods of the pandemic. Since that time, some employees have returned to the office; yet, there is a lasting impact on employees’ desires for remote work. In response, decision-makers in organizations should be equipped with knowledge regarding what makes remote work beneficial for both employees and the organization and also fair and compliant with the law. This paper aims to take a dual perspective spanning human capital and legal aspects of remote work to offer six practical recommendations to organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the human resources (HR) scholarly literature on remote work, using principles from evidence-based management to select valid and reliable findings in which to base practical recommendations for organizations. Associated legal risks are identified through a review of the legal literature on remote work and integrated into the recommendations.

Findings

Building on a multilevel model of HR practices, the authors offer the following six practical recommendations to organizations: offer hybrid work and both location and schedule flexibility; ensure fair and compliant work schedules; acknowledge manager perceptions; ensure fair approval and evaluation of remote workers; acknowledge individual workers; and align remote work practices with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Originality/value

The multilevel model of remote work practices discussed in this paper offers an organizing framework for identifying advantages and disadvantages of remote work that future research may build upon. The six recommendations help bridge the research–practice gap by providing organizations with knowledge on how to maximize the benefits of remote work while mitigating potential legal risks.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between attitudes toward socially responsible corporations and purchasing intentions
Authors: Park Meungguk , Chitiyo Morgan , Kim Kihwan , Yoh Taeho
Published: May 2023

Purpose

A majority of consumers are supportive of socially responsible companies making positive contributions to their communities. However, results of empirical studies on consumers’ attitudes toward corporate social responsibility (ACSR) and their purchasing intentions (PI) have been inconsistent. The purpose of this paper is to measure the strength of association between ACSR and PI. This study also aims to examine the moderating effects of firm characteristics (product type and commitment to green/sustainability initiatives), consumer demographics (gender and age) and external factors (geographic region).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic search, which yielded 28 studies that met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis (total participants = 12,242). This study used meta-analysis to examine the association between ACSR and PI using random effects analyses. Subgroup analyses and meta regression were used to detect moderators in the meta-analysis.

Findings

The main result showed that the average weighted correlation (r+) was 0.478, indicating that ACSR had a strong positive relationship with PI. Subgroup analyses indicated geographic region and product type had no significant moderating effect on the relationship between ACSR and PI. However, the difference for commitment to green initiatives was marginally significant. The high levels of heterogeneity (Q = 535.199, I² = 94.955) and a possible absence of publication bias were evident in the meta-analysis.

Originality/value

This meta-analysis can make meaningful contributions to the existing body of knowledge on corporate social responsibility by testing the influence of the important moderators that include geographic region, product type and commitment to green initiatives.
Exploring tourists’ social identities in a similar-others destination: the case of Chinese tourists in North Korea
Authors: Chen Ganghua , Bie Siqi , Zhang Carol , Li Zhenghuan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to social identity theory in tourism by exploring the reflections of Chinese tourists visiting North Korea and how they negotiate their intergroup identity in this similar-others destination.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via online platforms and in-depth interviews. A qualitative approach, i.e. thematic analysis, was used to analyse the two sets of data.

Findings

Results showed that when encountering North Koreans perceived as similar others amid the social, economic and political environments in which they were embedded, Chinese tourists often categorised themselves as ordinary tourists, preferentially treated tourists and vicarious tourists based on intergroup similarities to North Koreans. They also performed intergroup comparison to boost their self-esteem at group and collective levels and developed corresponding strategies to generate distinct emotional group commitments.

Practical implications

It is recommended that destinations reinforce the friendly and unique relationship with their similar-others source markets to improve their attractiveness. Destinations should also strive to enhance the experience of tourists from their similar-others markets by arousing their positive collective-level affection, emotional resonance and nostalgic memories and avoiding negative emotions.

Originality/value

This study offers a theoretical framework analysing the features of tourists’ social identities while visiting a similar-others destination, contributing to our understanding of the interactive and contingency nature of social identity in tourism, and responding to the call for addressing the broader social contexts in which tourists’ group identity is embedded.
Organising work in neonatal transfer: Optimising place of care for babies born moderately preterm
Authors: Paton Alexis , Cupit Caroline , Armstrong Natalie
Published: May 2023

The organisation of neonatal units into geographically‐based networks that offer different levels of care is intended to ensure babies receive the care they need via transfers between different units. In this article, we explore the significant organisational work required in practice to accomplish such transfers. Conducted within a wider study of optimal place of care for babies born between 27 and 31 weeks’ gestation, we draw on ethnographic work exploring the accomplishment of transfers in this complex care context. We undertook fieldwork in six neonatal units across two networks in England, representing 280 hours of observation and formal interviews with 15 health‐care professionals. Drawing on Strauss et al.’s concept of the social organisation of medicine and Allen’s concept of ‘organising work’, we identify three distinct forms of such work central to the successful accomplishment of a neonatal transfer: (1) ‘matchmaking’, to identify a suitable transfer location; (2) ‘transfer articulation’, to successfully effect the planned transfer; and (3) ‘parent engagement’, to support parents through the transfer process. Our findings build on and extend Strauss et al. and Allen’s work by both highlighting the different forms of ‘organising work’ undertaken in this clinical context and the distribution of such work across different professional groups.
The attitudes of parents of typically developing students towards including students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Dukmak Samir Jabra , Gharaibeh Mahmoud , Alkhatib Razan Numan , Ijha Mervat Amin
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the attitudes of parents of typically developing students towards teaching students with disabilities in the mainstream classrooms, in relation to various family characteristics. This quantitative research employed a descriptive questionnaire survey to investigate the attitudes of parents of typically developing students towards teaching learners with disabilities in regular classrooms. A total of 419 parents of students from Cycle 1 and 2 classrooms in the United Arab Emirates completed the questionnaire. Parents showed positive attitudes towards teaching students with disabilities in the mainstream classrooms. Respondents who had no schooling were found to express more positive attitudes than those who had a college or university education, as were those with a ‘schooling’ level of education. The results revealed no significant relationship between respondents' attitudes towards inclusion and their gender, age, place of residence or the number of children in the family. The UAE Ministry of Education should recognize the importance of this study's findings when implementing the ministerial resolution regarding the philosophy of educational inclusion in all mainstream schools in the UAE. This can be seen as a measure to improve the quality of life and education of all marginalized students, especially those with disabilities.
Effects of cold storage time on the quality and active probiotics of yogurt fermented by Bifidobacterium lactis and commercial bacteria Danisco
Authors: Xu Xinyue , Cui Huaitian , Xu Jiaxin , Yuan Zhiheng , Li Jun , Yang Lina , Wang Shengnan , Liu He , Zhu Danshi
Published: May 2023

In this study, the commercial bacteria Danisco and Bifidobacterium lactis were used to ferment soy yogurt, and then the quality of yogurt and the number of active probiotics in yogurt during storage were investigated. The results showed that the total number of viable bacteria in soy yogurt increased first and then decreased, but all of them met the standard for the number of viable bacteria in probiotic foods. The content of protein, lipid, and total sugar in soy yogurt decreased gradually with the extension of storage time. The texture, water holding capacity, and rheological properties of soy yogurt were improved within 0–10 days, and there was no significant change after 15 days. However, brightness and whiteness of yogurt were significantly reduced. Based on realizing the reuse of soy whey, this study provided a theoretical basis for the research of the shelf life of soy yogurt.

Practical Application

This study developed a soy yogurt with good quality and provided a theoretical basis for the study of the shelf life of soy yogurt. In addition, some technical support was provided for the reuse of soy whey.
Blau syndrome with NOD2 mutation in a 54‐year‐old man: A case report
Authors: Wang Zhiyan , Yang Mingdong , Zhang Qunqun , Zhang Suhua , Sui Haifang , Liu Jiane , Yang Qingrui
Published: May 2023

Blau syndrome (BS) is a rare genetic immune disease which commonly presents in childhood. Currently, the miss‐rate of BS diagnosis is very high, and an effective clinical management of BS has not been well established. This case report depicts a 54‐year‐old male Chinese patient presenting with hand malformation, fever, skin rash and joint pain. His diagnosis was ultimately confirmed according to typical medical history and genetic analysis. This case report will further help clinicians to be aware of this rare clinical entity for correct diagnosis and proper treatment.
IgG4‐related disease presenting as severely symptomatic hypercalcemia: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Han Pingyang , Sun Chen , Yan Juzhen
Published: May 2023

Immunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD)‐associated hypercalcemia has rarely been reported. We report a case of IgG4‐RD that presented as severe symptomatic hypercalcemia. A 50‐year‐old woman with a history of sustained bilateral periorbital swelling and proptosis for more than 5 years presented to our hospital complaining of a 3‐day history of significant and progressive nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, and pruritus. She denied a long history of medication. On admission, laboratory tests showed severe hypercalcemia with serum adjusted calcium elevated to 4.34 mmol/L and renal dysfunction with serum creatinine elevated to 206 μmol/L. Urinary calcium excretion was increased. The serum IgG4 subclass was markedly elevated to 22.4 g/L with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Tests of autoantibodies were all negative. Bone metabolism markers that reflect the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts were all significantly elevated. However, the levels of intact parathyroid hormone and 25(OH) vitamin D3 were decreased. B‐ultrasonography showed chronic inflammation of bilateral submandibular glands. Neither bone marrow biopsy nor positron emission tomography – computed tomography examination showed evidence of neoplastic diseases. The patient was treated with intravenous saline infusion, loop diuretics, salmon calcitonin, glucocorticoids, and hemodialysis with a good response.
Hazardous human–wildlife encounters, risk attitudes, and the value of shark nets for coastal recreation
Authors: Börger Tobias , Mmonwa Kolobe , Campbell Danny
Published: May 2023

Shark incidents are rare and graphic events, and their consequences can influence the behavior of beach users, including bathers, to a great extent. These incidents can be thought of as a fearsome risk that may lead decision makers to overreact or respond with inaction. This paper examines the reaction of recreational beach users, including bathers, to changes in the risk of shark incidents. In addition to valuing recreational visits to Durban Beach, South Africa, we study the reaction of beach visitors to a hypothetical scenario in which protective shark nets, deployed in coastal waters to protect bathers, are to be removed. To examine potential heterogeneity of the treatment effect in a travel cost‐contingent behavior model, we develop a semiparametric multivariate Poisson lognormal (MPLN) model to jointly analyze observed and stated visit counts. Results show that removing protective shark nets at Durban beach would decrease recreational visits by more than 20%. Applying the semiparametric MPLN model we further find that both the value of a recreational visit and the predicted change in visitation rates vary as a function of whether recreationists usually enter the water, whether they have heard of previous shark incidents, and their general risk attitude.
A profile of students in a university‐based distance dementia education program: Implications for policy and practice
Authors: Goldberg Lynette R. , Jang Sun Hee (Sunny) , Nguyen Hoang , Bindoff Aidan , Canty Alison J.
Published: May 2023

Objective

The online program began in 2012 to support aged care workers without a tertiary education or vocational qualification. This paper documents changes in the student profile since initiation of the program, and how the program may support recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and engage other educators, providers and policymakers.

Methods

Four hundred and seventy‐one commencing undergraduate students completed a 16‐item online survey in 2017 to document demographics and reasons for study. Categorical associations were assessed with univariate logistic regression in R v3.6.

Results

Most students (71%; 336) were aged between 41 and 60 years but the program now included younger (<41 years) and older (>80 years) people. Unlike the 2012 students, about 41% had tertiary‐level qualifications, and 56% were employed in professional positions, including registered nurse, general practitioner and allied health professional. Professional and practice development was the primary reason for study; significantly so for younger (<41 years) participants in aged and dementia care (χ2 (5) = 18.15, p = 0.003) and for those with previous university experience (χ2 (4) = 22.17, p = 0.001). Older (≥61 years) participants enrolled to gain greater knowledge about dementia (χ2 (4) = 17.60, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Understanding the changed student profile guided program refinement to ensure the provision of effective, evidence‐based education in dementia understanding and care. Work now focusses on increasing partnerships with aged care organisations, community and postsecondary training institutions to support a continuum of workforce development options, guided by the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
The transcriptional foundations of interferon‐λ‐mediated endometrial cell to uterine receptivity
Authors: Yao Kezhen , Fang Li , Sun Yu
Published: May 2023

Problem

Interferon‐λ (IFN‐λ) is a novel non‐redundant regulator that participates in the fetal–maternal immune interaction, including immune regulation, uterine receptivity, cell migration and adhesion, and endometrium apoptosis. However, the exact transcriptional foundation for endometrial signaling of IFN‐λ is not completely understood, and studies regarding IFN‐λ to implantation failure in vivo are limited.

Method of study

The gene expression profile of human endometrial Ishikawa cell line treated with IFN‐λ or IFN‐α (100 ng/mL) for 6 h was analyzed using RNA‐sequencing. Real‐time qPCR, western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were used to validate these sequencing data. An in vivo IFN‐λ knock‐down mouse pregnancy model was performed, and the phenotype analysis and the intrauterine biomarkers detection were applied with the uterus samples.

Results

High levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) were detected for genes previously associated with endometrial receptivity, including LIF, AXL, CRYAB, EPHB2, CCL5, and DDX58, following IFN‐λ treatment. Moreover, the data indicated IFN‐λ reduced pro‐inflammatory gene activity compared with IFN‐α, including members of the ISG, TNF, SP100 and interleukin genes. The in vivo mouse pregnancy model showed that inhibition of intrauterine IFN‐λ results in aberrant epithelial phenotype and significantly decreases the embryo implantation rates and derails normal uterine receptivity.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the antagonistic and agonistic roles of IFNs in the endometrial cell, suggesting a selective role of IFN‐λ in endometrial receptivity and immunological tolerance regulation. Moreover, the findings provide valuable insight into potential biomarkers related to endometrial receptivity and facilitate an understanding of the molecular changes observed during infertility treatment and contraception usage.
Sweet treats before sleep disrupt the clock system and increase metabolic risk markers in healthy rats
Authors: Soliz‐Rueda Jorge R. , López‐Fernández‐Sobrino Raúl , Schellekens Harriët , Torres‐Fuentes Cristina , Arola Lluis , Bravo Francisca Isabel , Muguerza Begoña
Published: May 2023

Aim

Biological rhythms are endogenously generated natural cycles that act as pacemakers of different physiological mechanisms and homeostasis in the organism, and whose disruption increases metabolic risk. The circadian rhythm is not only reset by light but it is also regulated by behavioral cues such as timing of food intake. This study investigates whether the chronic consumption of a sweet treat before sleeping can disrupt diurnal rhythmicity and metabolism in healthy rats.

Methods

For this, 32 Fischer rats were administered daily a low dose of sugar (160 mg/kg, equivalent to 2.5 g in humans) as a sweet treat at 8:00 a.m. or 8:00 p.m. (ZT0 and ZT12, respectively) for 4 weeks. To elucidate diurnal rhythmicity of clock gene expression and metabolic parameters, animals were sacrificed at different times, including 1, 7, 13, and 19 h after the last sugar dose (ZT1, ZT7, ZT13, and ZT19).

Results

Increased body weight gain and higher cardiometabolic risk were observed when sweet treat was administered at the beginning of the resting period. Moreover, central clock and food intake signaling genes varied depending on snack time. Specifically, the hypothalamic expression ofNampt,Bmal1,Rev‐erbα, andCartshowed prominent changes in their diurnal expression pattern, highlighting that sweet treat before bedtime disrupts hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis.

Conclusions

These results show that central clock genes and metabolic effects following a low dose of sugar are strongly time‐dependent, causing higher circadian metabolic disruption when it is consumed at the beginning of the resting period, that is, with the late‐night snack.
Editorial: type 1 diabetes, microscopic colitis and the need to explore the complex mechanisms of this association
Authors: Lucendo Alfredo J.
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kang et al. papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17473 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17518
Letter: delays to diagnosis of IBD—Challenges requiring a systematic approach
Authors: Lucas Sarah , Chauhan Ayushi , Garg Mayur
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jayasooriya et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17370 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17548
Retracted: Isolation and purifications of an ambuic acid derivative compound from marine algal endophytic fungi Talaromyces flavus that induces apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells
Authors: Parthasarathy Ramalingam , Sruthi Damodaran , Jayabaskaran Chelliah
Published: May 2023

Retraction Statement: Ramalingam Parthasarathy, Damodaran Sruthi and Chelliah Jayabaskaran, “Isolation and purifications of an ambuic acid derivative compound from marine algal endophytic fungi Talaromyces flavus that induces apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells”, Chemical Biology and Drug Design 2023, (https://doi.org/10.1111/cbdd.14271). The above article, published online on 29 May, 2023 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief Roberta Melander, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to a lack of reproducible results for the purification and characterization of the compound and its anticancer activity demonstrated in Figures 9‐17 and Table 1 when experiments were repeated. As a result, the data and the conclusions of the article are considered unreliable. In addition, the following authorship contributions statement has been included by request of all authors: Author Contributions: R. Parthasarathy: investigation and methodology, writing review and editing original draft, conceptualization; D. Sruthi: review and editing draft; C. Jayabaskaran: Supervision
A survey of patient informational preferences when choosing between medical and surgical therapy for ulcerative colitis: a sub‐study from the DISCUSS project
Authors: Lee M. J. , Folan A. M. , Baker D. M. , Blackwell S. , Wootton R. , Robinson K. , Sebastian S. , Brown S. R. , Jones G. L. , Lobo A. J.
Published: May 2023

Aim

People living with ulcerative colitis (UC) have two broad treatment avenues, namely medical or surgical therapy. The choice between these can depend on patient preference as well as the receipt of relevant information. The aim of this study was to define the informational needs of patients with UC.

Method

A postal survey was designed to capture respondent demographics, treatment experienced within the previous 12 months and informational preferences by rating a long list of items. It was delivered through two hospitals that provide tertiary inflammatory bowel disease services. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe demographics and experiences. Principal component analysis was carried out using a varimax rotation to investigate informational needs.

Results

A total of 101 responses were returned (20.1% response rate). The median age of respondents was 45 years and the median time since diagnosis was 10 years. Control preferences skewed towards shared (42.6%) or patient‐led but clinician‐informed (35.6%). Decision regret was low for the population (median 12.5/100, range 0–100). Key informational needs related to medical therapy were benefits and risks of long‐term therapy, burden of hospital attendance, reproductive health, need for steroid treatment and impact on personal life. For surgery, these were stoma information, effect on daily life, effect on sexual and reproductive health, risks and benefits and disruption of life due to surgery.

Conclusion

This study has identified key areas for discussion when counselling patients about treatment decisions around medical therapy and surgery for UC.
Fate tracking reveals differences between Reelin+ hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Desmin+HSCs in activation, migration and proliferation
Authors: Chen Ning , Liu Shenghui , Qin Dan , Guan Dian , Chen Yaqing , Hou Chenjiao , Zheng Songyun , Wang Liqiang , Chen Xiangmei , Chen Wei , Zhang Lisheng
Published: May 2023

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the main cause of liver fibrogenesis in response to different etiologies of chronic liver injuries. HSCs are heterogeneous, but the lack of specific markers to distinguish different HSC subset hinders the development of targeted therapy for liver fibrosis. In this study, we aim to reveal new HSC subsets by cell fate tracking. We constructed a novel ReelinCreERT2 transgenic mouse model to track the fate of cells expressing Reelin and their progeny (Reelin+ cells). And we investigated the property of Reelin+ cells, such as differentiation and proliferation, in hepatotoxic (carbon tetrachloride; CCl4) or cholestatic (bile duct ligation; BDL) liver injury models by immunohistochemistry. Our study revealed that Reelin+ cells were a new HSC subset. In terms of activation, migration, and proliferation, Reelin+ HSCs displayed different properties from Desmin+ HSCs (total HSCs) in cholestatic liver injury model but shared similar properties to total HSCs in hepatotoxic liver injury model. Besides, we did not find evidence that Reelin+ HSCs transdifferentiated into hepatocytes or cholangiocytes through mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET). In this study, our genetic cell fate tracking data reveal that ReelinCreERT2‐labelled cells are a new HSC subset, which provides new insights into targeted therapy for liver fibrosis.
Resilience in the time of COVID‐19: Lessons learned from Middle East and North Africa small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: El‐Sahli Zouheir , Alsamara Mouyad
Published: May 2023

We investigated the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. Using firm‐level panel data from an enterprise survey, we highlight several new findings. The surveyed firms resorted to wage and work hour reductions more readily than layoffs in the wake of the pandemic. Within these firms, larger firms are more resilient, recover faster, and adapt more often. On the sector level, the accommodation and food services sector is the worst affected by most outcomes. Furthermore, we find that switching to remote work is associated with better outcomes, while participating in government assistance programs is not. On the other hand, firms that participate in international trade are more resilient and adaptable during the pandemic. The results of the study carry policy implications relevant to the resilience of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises in developing countries in times of extreme crisis.
Autism spectrum disorder and GABA levels in children with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Tokatly Latzer Itay , Hanson Ellen , Bertoldi Mariarita , García‐Cazorla Àngeles , Tsuboyama Melissa , MacMullin Paul , Rotenberg Alexander , Roullet Jean‐Baptiste , Pearl Phillip L. ,   SSADH Deficiency Investigators Consortium
Published: May 2023

Aim

To elucidate the etiological aspects of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD), related to dysregulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission.

Method

In this prospective, international study, individuals with SSADHD underwent neuropsychological assessments, as well as biochemical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging evaluations.

Results

Of the 29 individuals (17 females) enrolled (median age [IQR] 10 years 5 months [5 years 11 months–18 years 1 month]), 16 were diagnosed with ASD. ASD severity significantly increased with age (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) but was inversely correlated with plasma GABA (r = −0.67, p < 0.001) and γ‐hydroxybutyrate levels (r = −0.538, p = 0.004), and resting motor threshold as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation (r = −0.44, p = 0.03). A discriminative analysis indicated that an age older than 7 years 2 months (p = 0.004) and plasma GABA levels less than 2.47 μM (p = 0.01) are the threshold values beyond which the likelihood of ASD presenting in individuals with SSADHD is increased.

Interpretation

ASD is prevalent but not universal in SSADHD, and it can be predicted by lower levels of plasma GABA and GABA‐related metabolites. ASD severity in SSADHD increases with age and the loss of cortical inhibition. These findings add insight into the pathophysiology of ASD and may facilitate its early diagnosis and intervention in individuals with SSADHD.
Fatigue‐related gait adaptations in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Oudenhoven Laura M. , Van Der Krogt Marjolein M. , Ettema Sanne , Roeleveld Karin , Brehm Merel A. , Buizer Annemieke I.
Published: May 2023

Aim

To obtain insights into the effects of fatigue on the kinematics, kinetics, and energy cost of walking (ECoW) in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

In this prospective observational study, 12 children with CP (mean age 12 years 9 months, SD 2 years 7 months; four females, eight males) and 15 typically developing children (mean age 10 years 8 months, SD 2 years 4 months; seven females, eight males) followed a prolonged intensity‐based walking protocol on an instrumented treadmill, combined with gas analysis measurements. The protocol consisted of consecutive stages, including a 6‐minute walking exercise (6MW) at comfortable speed, 2 minutes of moderate‐intensity walking (MIW) (with a heart rate > 70% of its predicted maximal), and 4 minutes walking after MIW. If necessary, the speed and slope were incremented to reach MIW. Outcomes were evaluated at the beginning and end of the 6MW and after MIW.

Results

With prolonged walking, Gait Profile Scores deteriorated slightly for both groups (p < 0.01). Knee flexion increased during early stance (p = 0.004) and ankle dorsiflexion increased during late stance (p = 0.034) in children with CP only. Negligible effects were found for kinetics. No demonstrable change in ECoW was found in either group (p = 0.195).

Interpretation

Kinematic deviations in children with CP are progressive with prolonged walking. The large variation in adaptations indicates that an individual approach is recommended to investigate the effects of physical fatigue on gait in clinical practice.
Larval cisco and lake whitefish exhibit high distributional overlap within nursery areas
Authors: Brown Taylor A. , Rudstam Lars G. , Holden Jeremy P. , Weidel Brian C. , Ackiss Amanda S. , Ropp Ann J. , Chalupnicki Marc A. , McKenna James E. , Sethi Suresh A.
Published: May 2023

Coregonine fishes, including lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and cisco (C. artedi), are socioecologically important in the Laurentian Great Lakes and of conservation concern, but the processes driving recruitment variability are unclear. In Lake Ontario, cisco and lake whitefish exhibit similar spawning behaviours and early life histories, but population trajectories are diverging. One hypothesis is that sympatric cisco and lake whitefish larvae occupy distinct habitats and experience dissimilar local environmental conditions, despite co‐occurrence within nursery areas. We described the spatiotemporal distributions of larval cisco and lake whitefish among multiple Lake Ontario embayment nursery areas, characterised physical habitat features associated with their distributions, determined the degree of spatial habitat partitioning between species and evaluated how habitat niche divergence occurred along an ontogenetic progression. Both species were widely distributed across larval nursery areas, though lake whitefish were less abundant and more narrowly distributed than cisco. Within the yolk sac stage, lake whitefish occupied more nearshore, shallower and colder waters than cisco, indicating potential habitat niche partitioning between congeners. However, distributional differences were subtle and likely driven by differential hatch timing and staggered ontogenetic habitat shifts. Combined, our results illustrate similar habitat use between cisco and lake whitefish through the larval stage and demonstrate that ontogeny and species‐specific phenology influence habitat use for these species. This study provides additional evidence that the early life histories of cisco and lake whitefish are highly similar and does not support the hypothesis that larval habitat use differences are a major driver of differential recruitment success for these species.
Unfavorable cerebral venous outflow is associated with futile recanalization in acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Heitkamp Christian , Winkelmeier Laurens , Heit Jeremy J. , Albers Gregory W. , Lansberg Maarten G. , Wintermark Max , Broocks Gabriel , van Horn Noel , Kniep Helge C. , Sporns Peter B. , Zeleňák Kamil , Fiehler Jens , Faizy Tobias D.
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has proven to be the standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS‐LVO). However, high revascularization rates do not necessarily result in favorable functional outcomes. We aimed to investigate imaging biomarkers associated with futile recanalization, defined as unfavorable functional outcome despite successful recanalization in AIS‐LVO patients.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter cohort study was made of AIS‐LVO patients treated by MT. Successful recanalization was defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b–3. A modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6 at 90 days was defined as unfavorable functional outcome. Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES) was used to assess venous outflow (VO), and the Tan scale was utilized to determine pial arterial collaterals on admission computed tomography angiography (CTA). Unfavorable VO was defined as COVES ≤ 2. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to investigate vascular imaging factors associated with futile recanalization.

Results

Among 539 patients in whom successful recanalization was achieved, unfavorable functional outcome was observed in 59% of patients. Fifty‐eight percent of patients had unfavorable VO, and 31% exhibited poor pial arterial collaterals. In multivariable regression, unfavorable VO was a strong predictor (adjusted odds ratio = 4.79, 95% confidence interval = 2.48–9.23) of unfavorable functional outcome despite successful recanalization.

Conclusions

We observe that unfavorable VO on admission CTA is a strong predictor of unfavorable functional outcomes despite successful vessel recanalization in AIS‐LVO patients. Assessment of VO profiles could help as a pretreatment imaging biomarker to determine patients at risk for futile recanalization.