bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water stabilizes an alternate turn conformation in horse heart myoglobin
Authors: Bronstein Alex , Marx Ailie
Published: January 2023

Comparison of myoglobin structures reveals that protein isolated from horse heart consistently adopts an alternate turn conformation in comparison to its homologues. Analysis of hundreds of high-resolution structures discounts crystallization conditions or the surrounding amino acid protein environment as explaining this difference, that is also not captured by the AlphaFold prediction. Rather, a water molecule is identified as stabilizing the conformation in the horse heart structure, which immediately reverts to the whale conformation in molecular dynamics simulations excluding that structural water.
Microfluidic rotating-target device capable of three-degrees-of-freedom motion for efficient in situ serial synchrotron crystallography
Authors: Zhao Feng-Zhu , Wang Zhi-Jun , Xiao Qing-Jie , Yu Li , Sun Bo , Hou Qian , Chen Liang-Liang , Liang Huan , Wu Hai , Guo Wei-Hong , He Jian-Hua , Wang Qi-Sheng , Yin Da-Chuan
Published: January 2023

There is an increasing demand for simple and efficient sample delivery technology to match the rapid development of serial crystallography and its wide application in analyzing the structural dynamics of biological macromolecules. Here, a microfluidic rotating-target device is presented, capable of three-degrees-of-freedom motion, including two rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom, for sample delivery. Lysozyme crystals were used as a test model with this device to collect serial synchrotron crystallography data and the device was found to be convenient and useful. This device enables in situ diffraction from crystals in a microfluidic channel without the need for crystal harvesting. The circular motion ensures that the delivery speed can be adjusted over a wide range, showing its good compatibility with different light sources. Moreover, the three-degrees-of-freedom motion guarantees the full utilization of crystals. Hence, sample consumption is greatly reduced, and only 0.1 mg of protein is consumed in collecting a complete dataset.
Stable and accurate tracking control of tail-sitter aircraft in all flight modes
Authors: Zou Xu , Liu Zhenbao , Dang Qingqing , Wang Lina
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to design a global controller that is operational throughout all flight modes and less dependent on an accurate model.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting the interconnection and damping assignment passivity-based control (IDA-PBC) technology and compensating extra inputs for handling the unknown dynamics and time-varying disturbances, a model-free control (MFC)-based global controller is proposed.

Findings

Test results indicate that the designed controllers are more suitable for actual flight as they have smaller position tracking errors and energy consumption in all flight phases than the excellent model-free controller intelligent-PID.

Practical implications

The designed global controller, which works in all flight modes without adjusting its structure and parameters, can realize a stable and accurate tracking control of a tail-sitter and improve the resistance to unknown disturbances and model uncertainties.

Originality/value

The newly-designed controller is considered as an enhanced version of the traditional MFC. It further improves the control effect by using the poorly known dynamics of the system and choosing the IDA-PBC as the control auxiliary input. This method eliminates the unnecessary dynamics to continuously stabilize the vehicle with suitable energy consumption covering its entire flight envelope.
Credit risk management in small-scale farming by formal financial institutions during the COVID-19 era: Nigerian perspective
Authors: Okpukpara Victoria , Okpukpara Benjamin Chiedozie , Omeje Emmanuel Ejiofor , Ukwuaba Ikenna Charles , Ogbuakanne Maryann
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Providing loans, particularly to small-scale farmers, is one of the roles of formal financial institutions. Lending to small farmers is risky. An institution's health is closely related to the institution's ability to manage credit and portfolio risk. Expanding smallholder farmers' access to finance while maintaining a sustainable financial system is essential; however, pandemics present additional challenges. Accordingly, as reported in the literature, the pandemic's high loan default rates and decreases in return on assets (ROAs) call for further credit risk management research. There have been limited studies on credit risk management during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), so this article aims to provide useful information on its influences.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers used data from formal financial institutions in 2018 (before COVID-19) and in 2021 (during COVID-19) to accomplish the study's broad objective. Descriptive and inferential statistics were the main analytical tools. The credit risk management indicators were categorized into collateral management, loan management, loan recovery management, governance and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Weights were assigned to each category based on the importance to credit risk management. A binary logit model was employed in assessing the factors influencing credit risk management as proxied to loan repayment, while Ordinary Least Square (OLS) was used to examine factors that influence ROAs.

Findings

One of the most noteworthy findings is that credit risk management is affected by different factors and magnitudes before and during the COVID-19 era. Loan recovery and ICT management indicators were most influential during the pandemic. In addition, the study noted that low agricultural productivity during the pandemic contributed to an additional challenge in loan default rates because of various COVID-19-containing measures. Additionally, there was a lack of governance and ICT management capacity to drive credit and portfolio risk management during the epidemic.

Originality/value

The paper presents new empirical findings on credit risk management during the COVID-19 era. The study used a methodology which has not been used previously in credit risk management in Nigerian financial institutions. Therefore, this research could become the cornerstone of further academic research in other developing countries using this methodology.
A bundle of human resource practices and employee resilience: the role of employee well-being
Authors: Rurkkhum Suthinee
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of employee well-being on the relationship between a bundle of human resource practices (HR practices) and employee resilience among Thai employees in an insurance company.

Design/methodology/approach

Self-report questionnaires were received from 317 employees. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, followed by structural equation model (SEM) to test all hypotheses.

Findings

A partial mediator role of employee well-being on the relationship was detected, highlighting the significant consequences of a bundle of HR practices during the recent pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

The study's limitations were its self-report questionnaires and cross-sectional design.

Practical implications

This study highlights the importance of a bundle of HR practices under the unusual situation, i.e. during the data collection process, telecommuting was implemented in the organization to comply with the government regulations. A bundle of HR practices can be perceived as resources that can help individual employees overcome this challenging situation, which supports organizational performance.

Originality/value

High environmental uncertainty requires today's organizations to be aware of the importance of employee resilience since this can contribute to organizational resilience. Additionally, employees rank their well-being as one of the top factors they seek from an organization. Thus, this study empirically extended the benefits of a bundle of HR practices in the context of COVID-19, supporting the mutual gains model.
Do entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial motivation, and family support enhance entrepreneurial intention? The mediating role of entrepreneurial education
Authors: Saoula Oussama , Shamim Amjad , Ahmad Munawar Javed , Abid Muhammad Farrukh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Entrepreneurship is an important paradigm for enhancing the economic well-being of nations. However, despite heated debate about the significant role of entrepreneurial education (EE) in developing favourable entrepreneurial intention (EI), little is known about the role of individuals’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ES), entrepreneurial motivation (EM) and family support (FS), which the authors investigated in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used a quantitative research design to collect data from 334 young people from various Malaysian higher education institutes using a purposive sampling technique and a deductive approach based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Findings

The findings revealed interesting insights into the criticality of young people’s ES, EM and FS in learning methods, techniques and skills to start new enterprises. Moreover, EE was a significant mediator of the relationship between individual self-efficacy, FS, EM and EI.

Originality/value

This study is among the few to contribute to strategic management scholarship by designing a framework based on the idea that EE relies on diverse factors, particularly ES, EM and FS. These factors encourage Malaysian young people to seek the necessary education to develop favourable EI and launch successful businesses.
The effect of intellectual capital on audit fees stickiness
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Asadian Ahmadreza , Khansalar Ehsan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the effects of intellectual capital (IC) efficiency and its components on audit fee stickiness (AFS), such as human capital (HC), organisational capital (OC), structural capital (SC) and relational capital (RC). Moreover, the moderating roles of audit industry specialisation (AIS), tenure and auditors’ market concentration are also estimated.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s method is descriptive-correlational based on the information disclosed by listed firms on the Tehran Stock Exchange from 2012 to 2018 using 1,316 year-firm. The method used for hypothesis testing is linear regression using panel data.

Findings

The results show that all the intellectual capital components (ICCs), including HC, SC, OC and RC, negatively impact audit fees (AFS). Further analyses also show that the AIS moderates the relationship between ICCs and AFS.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the pioneer studies assessing the auditors’ response to the riskless environments driven by existing IC.
New-venture gestation processes amid Covid-19 pandemic: antecedents of Saudi female nascent entrepreneurs
Authors: Alshibani Safiya Mukhtar , Aloulou Wassim J. , Ramadani Veland
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This research seeks to investigate the impact of individual entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) and entrepreneurial exposure on new-venture gestation activities during COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopted negative binomial regression (NBR) modeling with a sample of Saudi female nascent student entrepreneurs (N = 1,032).

Findings

The research found that females' IEO is significantly and positively associated with how much progress they make in term of the number of activities they carried out in the new-venture gestation stage. Similarly, females who had high entrepreneurial exposure are more likely to commit to many activities and progress in the new venture. Therefore, those who have entrepreneurial experience perform better different new-venture gestation activities during the COVID-19 pandemic than those who have little or no experience.

Originality/value

Over a transformation of demographic variables and using NBR, this paper is the first paper in Saudi Arabia that develops and tests a theoretically based model linking the perceptual entrepreneurial orientation of nascent student entrepreneurs with objectives variables to the progress of new-venture gestation activities.
Estimating labor resource requirements in construction projects using machine learning
Authors: Golabchi Hamidreza , Hammad Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Existing labor estimation models typically consider only certain construction project types or specific influencing factors. These models are focused on quantifying the total labor hours required, while the utilization rate of the labor during the project is not usually accounted for. This study aims to develop a novel machine learning model to predict the time series of labor resource utilization rate at the work package level.

Design/methodology/approach

More than 250 construction work packages collected over a two-year period are used to identify the main contributing factors affecting labor resource requirements. Also, a novel machine learning algorithm – Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) – is adopted to develop a forecasting model that can predict the utilization of labor resources over time.

Findings

This paper presents a robust machine learning approach for predicting labor resources’ utilization rates in construction projects based on the identified contributing factors. The machine learning approach is found to result in a reliable time series forecasting model that uses the RNN algorithm. The proposed model indicates the capability of machine learning algorithms in facilitating the traditional challenges in construction industry.

Originality/value

The findings point to the suitability of state-of-the-art machine learning techniques for developing predictive models to forecast the utilization rate of labor resources in construction projects, as well as for supporting project managers by providing forecasting tool for labor estimations at the work package level before detailed activity schedules have been generated. Accordingly, the proposed approach facilitates resource allocation and enables prioritization of available resources to enhance the overall performance of projects.
Developing a scale for export competitiveness: a mixed method approach in the minerals industry in Iran
Authors: Mohammad Shafiee Majid , Pourghanbary Zadeh Fatemeh
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the main factors affecting export competitiveness and its barriers, focusing on the minerals industry so that a scale is achieved for measuring export competitiveness in this industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted with a mixed method approach in the minerals industry. Among the active companies involved in this industry, 34 export companies and export management companies were selected and evaluated. In the qualitative phase, 18 experts and managers of the industry were interviewed to identify the factors affecting the export competitiveness of these companies and the barriers ahead of them. In the quantitative phase, a questionnaire was distributed among 412 managers and experts in this industry to categorize the identified factors and to measure the relationships among them. For data analysis in the qualitative phase, theme analysis was used. For the quantitative phase, factor analysis and structural equation modeling were adopted.

Findings

In addition to identifying the main components affecting the competitiveness of companies in exporting minerals as well as the main barriers ahead of them, the findings of the current research categorized these components using factor analysis. These components were categorized into factors, such as manufacturing factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, structural factors, competitive strategy and governmental supports. Afterward, their impacts on export competitiveness were measured and supported.

Originality/value

Although some studies have been conducted to examine the competitiveness in different industries, no research has been found that has examined and identified the main factors affecting export competitiveness and their impacts in the minerals industry with a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. The findings of this research may help managers and policymakers, at the industrial and national levels, to reach a scale for assessing the export companies involved in this industry by identifying the most essential factors of export competitiveness of minerals. Furthermore, the findings of this research can act as a model for future researchers to develop a scale for export competitiveness in other industries.
Revisiting and updating the state of library open source software research
Authors: Choi Namjoo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit and update Palmer and Choi (2014), which conducted a descriptive literature review on open source software (OSS) studies published by the end of February 2013 in the library context.

Design/methodology/approach

The same article search and filtering procedures used in Palmer and Choi (2014) were used, resulting in a total sample size of 105 articles. These articles were then examined based on the same six variables (i.e. publication year, publication outlet, software type, article type, library type and article topic) from Palmer and Choi (2014) along with two new variables (i.e., study country and prolific authors).

Findings

The volume of research articles was found to be in a downwards trend since 2010. As suggested by Palmer and Choi (2014), survey research increased and was found to be the second most popular article type. Regarding library types, the proportion of articles in the context of academic and research libraries was found to have expanded even further. As to article topics, perceptions, which investigates users’ (or non-users’) various perceptions towards OSS, was newly added and was ranked fourth. Given the maturity of the research stream, two new variables (i.e., study country and prolific authors) were examined, and the findings from analyzing them are also presented.

Originality/value

By examining library OSS articles published between March 2013 and February 2022, this study uncovers changes and developments in the research since Palmer and Choi (2014), which provides a picture of where the research stands now with several updated and new implications.
Collaboration between researchers and practitioners on developing facilities management standards and guidelines
Authors: Jensen Per Anker , Nielsen Susanne Balslev , Rasmussen Helle Lohmann
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the collaboration between researchers and practitioners on developing standards and guidelines for Facilities Management (FM).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a longitudinal case study on research on FM value adding and its impact on FM standardization and development of a FM Value Guide. The sources used are literature and documents on FM value adding and standardization, published and planned FM standards, the FM Value Guide, internal documents and participant observations and experiences. All authors of this paper have both research and practical background. Two of them have been – and one still is – actively involved in developing European and international FM standards, and all three have been involved in developing the FM Value Guide. The research methodology can be characterized as retrospective action research.

Findings

The literature review shows that even though there are many references to standards in research papers, particularly in relation to definitions of concepts, there are only few studies on how research influences standardization and how researchers collaborate with practitioners on developing standards and guidelines. This paper presents a case study showing how research can contribute to standardization and development of guidelines in collaboration with practitioners and makes suggestions on how such collaboration can be improved.

Practical implications

The results of this paper provide understanding and inspiration for how researchers and practitioners can collaborate in the development of standards and guidelines.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first study on collaboration between researchers and practitioners on developing FM standards and guidelines.
Market dynamism and sustainability in heritage tourism destinations: The enhancing role of bridging capital
Authors: Parra-Requena Gloria , Ruiz-Ortega Maria Jose , Rodrigo-Alarcón Job , García-Villaverde Pedro M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In recent years, interest in analysing the conceptualisation, measurement, determinants and consequences of sustainability orientation (SO) has intensified. The authors respond to a growing demand for research that delves into external and relational factors of SO in the context of hospitality and tourism industry. This paper aims to analyse how market dynamism (MD) influences the SO of firms in heritage tourism destinations (HTDs) and how bridging capital affects this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors empirically analysed a sample of 238 companies in the UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Peru. The proposed hypotheses have been tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results show a curvilinear relationship between MD and SO. Furthermore, bridging capital enhances the effects of MD, reducing the focal width of the U-shaped curve. Specifically, when hospitality and tourism firms (HTFs) in tourist destinations operate in environments with low-medium levels of dynamism, the diverse links generated slow down the development of an SO. However, the more dynamic the environment, the greater is the SO of firms with large amounts of bridging capital.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the importance of conducting an analysis based on a contingent approach that considers the coherence between external elements of the environment and internal factors. Such an approach helps to understand how HTFs in developing countries establish their SO. Managers should be aware of changes in demand and seek coherence between the level of MD and their inter-organisational relationships, and so be able to assess potential opportunities through developing an SO.

Originality/value

This study contributes to a better understanding of the sustainability commitment of HTFs in the sustainability of HTDs. This study connects the population ecology and social capital approaches, explaining this relationship from a disaggregated perspective – social and environmental – in the context of a developing country.
Travel medicine in hospitality: an interdisciplinary perspective
Authors: Hu Fangli , Wen Jun , Zheng Danni , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce an under-researched concept, travel medicine, to the hospitality field and proposes future research directions. This paper also highlights the need to acknowledge the missing link between hospitality and medical science and encourages research on the health of hotel guests, especially those with mental disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

By synthesizing relevant literature, this study proposes a conceptual framework focused on identifying and filling knowledge gaps between hospitality and medical science. Pathways for empirical research on hotel guests’ travel health are suggested accordingly.

Findings

This paper reveals that the topic of travel medicine has been neglected in hospitality, especially in relation to vulnerable hotel guests. Additionally, this study suggests that researchers should move beyond the confines of social science and conduct interdisciplinary hospitality studies. In-depth analyses of hotel guests’ health and safety are also recommended.

Research limitations/implications

This conceptual piece serves as a “provocation” that is exploratory, thus laying a foundation for future interdisciplinary studies bridging hospitality and medical science. This paper offers practical significance for hospitality stakeholders (i.e. academics, practitioners, hotel guests and society) and also provides guidelines on how to create vulnerability-friendly hospitality environments.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study takes an important step toward interdisciplinary research between hospitality and medical science through the lens of travel medicine. This paper offers insight to bridge these disciplines and extend hospitality research into medical science. This paper further identifies an under-investigated topic and feasible research avenues that can offer timely solutions for hospitality academics and practitioners.
Aggression in schizophrenia, bipolar and major depression disorder
Authors: Najafzadeh Mohammad Javad , Ghazanfari Pour Sadra , Divsalar Parisa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The risk of aggression is higher among people with psychiatric disorders. This study aims to determine the association of aggression with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients referred to Shahid Beheshti Teaching Hospital in Kerman.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a cross-sectional study of 518 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, BD and MDD who met the inclusion criteria and were compared with a comparison group. All participants completed the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to investigate the relationship between the score of BPAQ and other variables. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) were completed by MDD, BD and schizophrenia patients, respectively.

Findings

The mean score of total aggression and its components in the comparison group was significantly (P-value = 0.001) lower than that of the other groups. However, no significant difference was observed between the three schizophrenia, MDD and BD groups. The total aggression score of BPAQ had a significant positive correlation with BDI-13 and YMRS and a significant negative correlation with the PANSS score. Single patients with schizophrenia and people in the comparison group with lower education levels had a higher total aggression score.

Originality/value

Suffering from BD, MDD and schizophrenia, especially in single patients with a lower education level, is associated with physical and verbal aggression, anger and hostility, which emphasizes the need for periodic examination and screening of aggressive behaviors in these patients.
Investigating customers’ responses to artificial intelligence chatbots in online travel agencies: the moderating role of product familiarity
Authors: Zhu Yao , Zhang Rongteng (Renata) , Zou Yongguang , Jin Dan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how consumers’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots influence individuals’ cognitive and emotional states and their subsequent behavioural intentions vis-à-vis online travel agencies (OTAs).

Design/methodology/approach

The survey sample comprised 566 customers who had experienced the use of travel AI chatbots in China using a combination of online and offline questionnaires. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed that interaction and information quality, as AI chatbot stimuli, significantly increase potential tourists’ trust and purchase intention. Perceived usefulness plays a mediating role in the relationship among interactivity, information quality, customer trust and purchase intention. Furthermore, the findings indicated that customers with high product familiarity exhibited greater trust in products demonstrating a high level of perceived usefulness.

Originality/value

By integrating cognitive consistency theory, this study theoretically validates the applicability of the stimulus–organism–response framework on AI chatbots and provides academics with useful insights regarding the influence mechanisms of human–computer interaction and information quality on customer response within OTA settings.
How long should a patron ban be: an examination of police-imposed barring notice records in Western Australia
Authors: Farmer Clare , Miller Peter , Taylor Nicholas , Baldwin Ryan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Patron banning is widely used in response to disorderly behaviours in/around licensed venues, but there has been limited analysis of specific policies. This paper explores key findings in relation to police-imposed barring notices in Western Australia (WA).

Design/methodology/approach

WA Police provided de-identified data for 4,023 barring notices imposed between 2011 and 2020 and offender records for each recipient, to 30 June 2020. The data were analysed to identify patterns and trends in relation to ban length, recipient type and associated offending.

Findings

Mean ban lengths increased across the period (from 4.46 months in 2015 to 6.82 months in 2019). Longer initial bans (of 6–12 months) were associated with a lower likelihood of a subsequent ban – with each additional month associated with an 11.4% increase in the likelihood of not receiving a second ban. Across the dataset, some notable anomalies were identified for individuals categorised as prolific offenders.

Originality/value

Research examining the effects of patron banning is limited but, to date, has generally not supported presumptions of improved patron behaviour. WA adopts an individualised approach to barring notice lengths, following review of the incident and offender. The findings suggest that, while barring policy is appropriate, a number of operational refinements can help WA Police to optimise their behavioural effect/s.
Influences of modified fiber inclusion with varying particle size on corn starch‐based extrudate expansion
Authors: Dey Debomitra , Gu Bon‐Jae , Ek Pichmony , Ross Carolyn F. , Saunders Steven R. , Ganjyal Girish M.
Published: January 2023

The inclusion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) during extrusion processing of corn starch (CS) is presented in this study. Blends were prepared by incorporating CNC and MCC at different concentrations, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% w/w in CS. The crystallinity index (CrI) of CNC and MCC was determined using X‐ray diffraction, and the chemical functionality of CNC, MCC, and CS was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The pasting properties of the blends were studied using Micro Visco‐Amylo‐Graph before extrusion. The blends were preconditioned to 18 ± 0.5% (w.b.) moisture and extruded using a twin‐screw extruder at 200 and 250 rpm at 140°C. CS‐CNC's expansion ratio (ER) values were 2.95 to 3.35 and 2.72 to 3.22 for MCC. CNC's CrI and particle size were significantly lower than MCC, allowing CNC‐based extrudates to have ER values similar to the control even at high CNC concentration (≤10% w/w). This study demonstrated that fiber with particle size <100 µm can be added in direct‐expanded product formulations at high concentrations without negatively influencing the extrudate texture while offering increased nutritional value.

Practical Application

This study gives insight into the potential application of cellulose nanocrystals and microcrystalline cellulose in manufacturing direct‐expanded extruded products, providing high fiber content without compromising the product quality. This knowledge could also be translated into manufacturing other food products such as breakfast cereals, pasta, and bread.
CT‐guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB): A thoracic surgeon's learning curve and experience summary
Authors: Hong Tao , Ji Guijuan , Sun Teng , Gui Xin , Ma Tianyue , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2023

Background

Few studies have investigated the learning process of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB). Here, we aimed to evaluate the number of cases required to achieve proficiency by plotting the learning curve of PTNB.

Methods

Data were collected from 94 consecutive patients who underwent computed tomography–guided PTNB by a thoracic surgeon at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between May 2021 and February 2022. The data collected included patient information, relevant examination results, intraoperative parameters, postoperative complications, and diagnostic results.

Results

The inflection points of the cumulative sum curve were around cases 13 and 24, according to which three phases were identified, including phase I, phase II, and phase III. A significant downtrend was observed regarding operative time (phase I, 26.53 ± 9.13 min vs. phase III, 18.42 ± 4.29 min, p < 0.05), rate of false‐negative (phase I, 15.4% vs. phase III, 5.7%; p < 0.05), rate of pneumothorax (phase I, 30.8% vs. phase III, 12.9%; p < 0.05), and rate of hemoptysis (phase I, 15.4% vs. phase III, 2.9%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Thirteen cases were accumulated to lay the technical foundation, and 24 cases were required to achieve proficiency. In this study we summarize our own experience and provide specific guidance for young doctors with no experience in biopsy.
Directional associations between cannabis use and depression from late adolescence to young adulthood: the role of adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Davis Jordan P. , Pedersen Eric R. , Tucker Joan S. , Prindle John , Dunbar Michael S. , Rodriguez Anthony , Seelam Rachana , D’Amico Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2023

Background and aims

Although the co‐occurrence of cannabis and depression is well established, less is known about the temporal sequence of cannabis use and depression. The present study had three main aims: to test a symptom‐driven pathway in which depression may drive increases in cannabis use, to test a substance‐induced pathway in which cannabis use may drive increases in depression and to assess a shared vulnerability model assessing associations between individuals who have (and have not) experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Design

Data are from an ongoing, longitudinal, cohort study (n = 2234). Data were set up in an accelerated longitudinal design from age 17 to 24 years.

Setting

Initial sample was recruited from Southern California, USA. The majority of participants still live in Southern California.

Participants

On average, participants were aged 18 years at wave 8, with more than half identifying as female (54.3%; n = 1350). Most participants identified as Hispanic (1127; 45.4%), followed by non‐Hispanic white (510; 20.5%), Asian (503; 20.2%), multi‐racial/other (284; 11.4%) and non‐Hispanic black (60; 2.2%).

Measurements

Primary outcomes were past‐month days of cannabis use and depression symptoms [patient health questionnaire (PHQ)‐8]. The Adverse Childhood Experiences scale was used as our main grouping measure.

Findings

In the full sample, we showed that prior levels of depression symptoms were associated with a decrease in cannabis use [opposite to the proposed symptom driven model; B = −0.33 (−0.58, −0.09)]. Dynamic coupling parameters noted individuals who evidenced greater increases in cannabis use between two prior ages reported greater increases in depressive symptoms between subsequent ages [support for a substance‐induced pathway; B = 0.53 (0.18, 0.89)]. Similar to the overall sample, for those who had not experienced ACEs, as cannabis use increased we saw a steady increase in depression [support for a substance induced pathway; B = 0.14 (0.04, 0.29)]. However, for those who experienced ACEs, as cannabis use increased we saw a consistent decrease in depression [opposite to the proposed substance‐induced pathway; B = −0.18 (−0.28, −0.08)].

Conclusion

There is mixed support for both symptom‐driven and substance‐induced pathways between cannabis use and depression.
Coping with side‐selling in cooperatives: A members’ perspective
Authors: Benos Theo , Sergaki Panagiota , Kalogeras Nikos , Tzinalas Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

A central collective action issue in agricultural cooperatives is the free‐rider problem, a prevalent form of which arises when members systematically side‐sell to competing chain actors. Despite the plethora of studies on side‐selling's antecedents, little is known about side‐selling's actual consequences, particularly from the standpoint of cooperative members. In two studies, we aim to deliver a member‐based assessment of side‐selling's influence on critical cooperative benefits and explore possible solutions. In the first study, with survey data from 128 members of four fruit cooperatives in Greece, we show that side‐selling has a negative effect on perceived cooperative benefits, even in the presence of other collective action issues (e.g., the influence costs problem). In the same study, we posit and demonstrate that side‐selling's aversive impact on cooperative benefits can be appeased when members think that their cooperative's transparency regarding cooperative activities is high. In the second study, with interview data from 20 members, we find that different punitive (e.g., expelling members) and collaborative (e.g., fostering trust) solutions are considered effective. Accordingly, our article advances extant knowledge of an issue that strikes at the heart of cooperative activity and offers valuable insights to cooperative decision‐makers seeking to confront it.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike mRNA vaccine sequences circulate in blood up to 28 days after COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Castruita Jose Alfredo Samaniego , Schneider Uffe Vest , Mollerup Sarah , Leineweber Thomas Daell , Weis Nina , Bukh Jens , Pedersen Martin Schou , Westh Henrik
Published: January 2023

In Denmark, vaccination against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been with the Pfizer‐BioNTech (BTN162b2) or the Moderna (mRNA‐1273) mRNA vaccines. Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection followed in our clinic received mRNA vaccinations according to the Danish roll‐out vaccination plan. To monitor HCV infection, RNA was extracted from patient plasma and RNA sequencing was performed on the Illumina platform. In 10 of 108 HCV patient samples, full‐length or traces of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike mRNA vaccine sequences were found in blood up to 28 days after COVID‐19 vaccination. Detection of mRNA vaccine sequences in blood after vaccination adds important knowledge regarding this technology and should lead to further research into the design of lipid‐nanoparticles and the half‐life of these and mRNA vaccines in humans.
Seoul in India's (new) middle order convergence
Authors: Panda Jagannath
Published: January 2023

As both India and South Korea build their ties on the basis of democratic partnership and ASEAN centrality, the need for Seoul to emerge as a strong partner in India's Indo‐Pacific initiatives is vital. India's quest for a more serious multilateral network is continuously growing in the security sphere, and Korea's induction in the same via the “Plus” framework of the quadrilateral hints at potential for successful connects with other multilateral frameworks or bodies like the AIIB to balance economic assistance and development. Ultimately, the natural upgradation of India‐South Korea relations relies intensely upon the degree to which Seoul will embrace the Indo‐Pacific account that India's AEP is pitching. The merging of soft and hard power by the middle and rising power is critical to India to ensure a rules‐based international order; finding a formal place for Seoul in its Indo‐Pacific prism must emerge as a necessary focus of New Delhi.
The role of working memory updating and capacity in children's mathematical abilities: A developmental cascade model
Authors: Hu Qiong , Liang Zhanhong , Zhou Yanlin , Feng Shanshan , Zhang Qiong
Published: January 2023

Background

Previous studies indicated that working memory (WM) updating and WM capacity play essential roles in mathematical ability. However, it is unclear whether WM capacity mediates the effect of WM updating on mathematics, and whether the cascading effects vary with different mathematical domains.

Aims

The current study aims to explore the longitudinal mediating role of WM capacity between WM updating and mathematical performance, and how the relations change with the age and domains.

Sample

A total of 131 Chinese first‐graders participated the study.

Methods

Participants were required to complete tasks on WM updating and WM capacity in Grade 1 and Grade 2, as well as paper‐and‐pencil tests on mathematics achievement in Grade 3. The role of WM updating and capacity in the development of pupil's mathematical achievement was examined.

Results

Results revealed that verbal WM updating in Grade 1 predicted basic arithmetic and logical‐visuospatial ability in Grade 3 via its cascading effect on verbal WM capacity in Grade 2. Moreover, visuospatial WM updating in Grade 1 predicted visuospatial WM capacity in Grade 2. Visuospatial WM capacity in Grade 1 predicted logical‐visuospatial ability in Grade 3 instead of basic arithmetic ability in Grade 3.

Conclusions

The findings suggested that WM updating exerts effect on pupil's mathematical performance via WM capacity, meanwhile, this effect depends on children's mathematics domain.
Real‐world assessment of treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with relapsed‐refractory multiple myeloma in an Italian haematological tertiary care centre
Authors: Morè Sonia , Corvatta Laura , Manieri Maria Valentina , Olivieri Attilio , Offidani Massimo
Published: January 2023

Despite significant improvements in therapeutic options, multiple myeloma (MM) patients experience a series of remissions and relapses requiring further lines of therapy (LOTs). We analysed treatment pathways, attrition rates (ARs) and refractoriness patterns across LOTs in 413 MM patients treated from 2011 and 2021. Across LOT‐2 to LOT‐5 ARs were 26%, 27%, 34% and 37.5%, being 50% for subsequent LOTs. In univariate analysis age over 65 years, international staging system (ISS) II/III, more than two comorbidities, no transplant and no maintenance therapy were significantly associated with AR but regression analysis selected only age over 65 years and more than 2 comorbidities. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 40.5, 19.5, 10.3, 6 and 4.7 months from LOT‐1 to LOT‐5. Lenalidomide‐refractory patients, among those relapsed after LOT‐1, were 26% and 64.5% respectively, in patients starting therapy before 2019 versus in or after 2021. In the two cohorts, 57.5% and 85.5% of patients relapsed after LOT‐2 were lenalidomide‐refractory. Among patients not relapsed from LOT‐1, 80% are receiving continuous lenalidomide and could become lenalidomide‐refractory, whereas 91% and 51.5% of patients in LOT‐2 could become potential lenalidomide‐ and daratumumab‐refractory respectively. In our analysis the rate of patients reaching subsequent LOTs was higher than previously reported and the increase in early refractoriness would require faster and more efficient treatment licensing processes.
Environmental and anthropogenic variables influence the distribution of a habitat specialist (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in a large urban forest
Authors: Stevens Thomas K. , Hale Amanda M. , Williams Dean A.
Published: January 2023

Conservation of habitat fragments, including those embedded in an urban matrix which typically support fewer species than those in other landscape contexts, is important for combatting the global extinction crisis. Because urban avoiding species are often absent from habitat fragments within an urban matrix, studies of their distributions in these habitats are rare, and therefore the mechanisms by which species are excluded from habitat fragments within an urban matrix are poorly understood. We investigated the impacts of urbanization in the matrix (e.g., noise pollution, light pollution, invasive species) on the distribution of an urban avoiding species, the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in the largest urban forest fragment in the United States. We used the location of swamp rabbit latrines and presence‐background species distribution modeling to reveal the impacts of urbanization in the matrix on swamp rabbit distribution while accounting for spatial heterogeneity in naturally occurring environmental variables. Swamp rabbits used mature forest, heterogeneously structured forest, and moderately inundated forest, and they avoided areas of high (Sus scrofa) hog activity at our study site. Our findings provide novel information to conservation practitioners and urban planners attempting to conserve high priority species in habitat fragments as urbanization continues to spread.
Global Value Chain Participation and the Labour Share: Industry‐level Evidence from Emerging Economies
Authors: Guschanski Alexander , Onaran Özlem
Published: January 2023

Participation in global value chains (GVCs) has been proposed as a central means for emerging economies to develop and technologically upgrade. However, the effects of GVCs on income distribution in the global South remain underexplored. This article presents an econometric analysis of the determinants of the labour share in seven emerging economies for the period 1995–2014. Drawing on industry‐level data from global input‐output tables, the authors focus on how GVC participation — in particular offshoring of production from advanced to emerging economies — affects the labour share of different skill groups within manufacturing and service industries. They also estimate the effects of GVCs on productivity, real wages and the capital–value added ratio, to shed further light on the channels through which GVCs affect the labour share. In both industry groups, findings show that integration into GVCs with advanced economies has a negative effect on the labour share in emerging economies, particularly for medium‐skilled workers. In contrast, higher union density and government consumption spending have positive effects on the labour share. Thus, labour in emerging economies loses out relative to capital as production becomes more integrated across borders.
Population, abortion, contraception, and the relation between biopolitics, bioethics, and biolaw in Iran
Authors: Aramesh Kiarash
Published: January 2023

The Islamic government of Iran recently passed and announced a new law titled “Rejuvenation of the Population and Protection of the Family.” This legislation is a noteworthy example of biopolitics‐influenced biolaw. In terms of abortion, contraception, prenatal screening, and population control, this law clearly contrasts with women's fundamental rights and freedoms and has significant health‐related consequences for different sectors of the population. A historical review of the population policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran shows the occurrence of multiple abrupt and radical changes in such policies over the past four decades. This new law, promoted by religious biopolitics, is the most recent example, and places stringent limits on abortion. According to it, all decisions concerning abortion must be made in courts rather than in health clinics. Such courts are typically presided over by male religious scholars. This law also limits prenatal screening to the degree that will increase the rate of genetic defects, especially in the population's lower socioeconomic strata. By strictly limiting access to contraception, this law will increase the rate of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. This paper argues that such an influence of biopolitics on biolaw contrasts with the principles of bioethics. Still, Iran's current institution of bioethics cannot address it effectively. Therefore, a new model of interaction between bioethics, biopolitics, and biolaw is needed to prevent the detrimental consequences of such pieces of legislation. Such a paradigm shift is demanded by the current “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement of the Iranian people.