bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer behavior of mobile food ordering app users during COVID-19: dining attitudes, e-satisfaction, perceived risk, and continuance intention
Authors: Timur Beybala , Oğuz Yasin Emre , Yilmaz Veysel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Mobile food ordering apps (MFOAs) became more popular, thanks to social distancing regulations during the COVID-19 outbreak. People started to order food using these apps more than usual. As customers seem happy to use these apps, there is always a risk of spreading infection. These facts inevitably shape customer intentions. Therefore, this study aims to empirically assess the MFOA user dining attitudes (DA), e-satisfaction (ES) and continuance intention (CI) regarding the perceived risk (PR) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Türkiye.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used structural equation modelling (SEM) in the expectation confirmation theory and technology acceptance model. Data collection instruments were derived from existing literature, and 625 questionnaires were collected via online surveys. The data collection instrument consisted of eight parts that aimed to gather information about participants’ demographics, expectation confirmation, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, ES, PR and CI.

Findings

Results showed significant relationships between ES, DA, PR and CI. The most remarkable finding is that while ES influences customers to reuse MFOAs, PR causes a decrease in CI.

Originality/value

This study model broadened the existing MFOA study models by adding risk factors. Also, it made a valuable contribution to emerging MFOA literature both in Türkiye and the world.
Corporate profitability and effective tax rate: the moderating role of board gender diversity
Authors: Alkurdi Amneh , Almarayeh Taha , Bataineh Hanady , Al Amosh Hamzeh , Khatib Saleh F.A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between corporate profitability (CP) and effective tax rate (ETR) and to examine whether this relationship is moderated by board gender diversity (BGD).

Design/methodology/approach

The multivariate regression analysis was conducted to test the relationship between related variables. This study used sample of 70 Jordanian firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchanges for the period 2013 – 2020.

Findings

The results show a negative relationship between CP and ETR. Furthermore, the moderating variable BGD changes the strength and the sign, from a negative to a positive influence, of the relationship between CP and ETR.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is among the first that provides empirical evidence regarding the relationship between CP and ETR in the light of BGD. Further, this study provides new and important insights that are not evident from the previous literature.
The impact of IFRS adoption on Saudi Arabia
Authors: Tlemsani Issam , Mohamed Hashim Mohamed Ashmel , Matthews Robin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Saudi Arabia. It investigates how the adoption of IFRS has affected four critical areas in the financial statements of publicly listed companies: profit and loss statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and retained equity statement in Saudi Arabia. The paper also explores the essential factors/drivers that influence the adoption of IFRS and its implication in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was obtained from Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) listed companies from eleven industries in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study analyses critical financial data across eleven distinctive industries. To identify the impact of adopting IFRS, the researchers use a paired t-test to evaluate seven key elements of financial statements underlying the critical areas: non-current asset, current asset, total assets, shareholders equity, non-current liability, current liability and total liability. The sample captures cross-sectional data from well-developed global industries in Saudi Arabia, pre- and post-implementation of IFRS. Thus, the analysis of the sample data gives a representative picture of the population of the Saudi Arabian industry.

Findings

The results reveal significant differences between GAAP and IFRS reporting standards in the measurement, recognition and classification of non-current assets and liabilities. The differences are expressed in the variance between the GAAP and IFRS. Specifically, the differences between GAAP and IFRS demonstrated by the t-value are significant and reliable (respectively, 5.3 and 4.1). Additionally, the t-value is validated by the p-value, which in both was significant.

Research limitations/implications

The outcomes of this research will benefit accounting information users, practitioners, researchers and regulators. Since Saudi Arabia’s policymakers have mandated the full adoption of IFRS in financial reporting, the study contributes to the adoption of IFRS practices throughout the Saudi industry. Adopting full IFRS standards requires widespread IFRS expertise to cope with the transition.

Originality/value

This study advances research into the perennial issues associated with changes in reporting towards IFRS standards, especially in Saudi Arabia. The contribution to theory and practice enters new and fruitful areas.
Towards an organizational model based on the human being seen as an allopoietic gray box information processor
Authors: Tarride Mario Iván
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute conceptually to the conversation about organizational models and to the future development of an organizational diagnostic method, based on the human being seen as an allopoietic information processing gray box.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologically, the approach is qualitative and interpretative, using the concepts of autopoiesis and allopoiesis of H. Maturana and F. Varela, the ideas of cybernetic machine, black box and functional homomorphism of W.R. Ashby, moving from the human being to the organizations producing goods and/or services.

Findings

Observing the human being as an allopoietic gray box allowed us to confirm the human being as an information-producing entity and the nervous system as its productive component. The functions distinguished were to emote, feel, perceive, think, memorize, decide, communicate, regulate, control, coordinate and move. Similarly, the proposed organizational model is composed of the same functions in which emoting is homologated with distributed leadership for the achievement of the organizational climate and to move with production. Notwithstanding the circularity of affectation between the functional components, the climate is the basis of organizational operation and consequently, the decisional closure distributed between owners and employees.

Research limitations/implications

This is a theoretical proposal that needs to be discussed, and although there are precedents that could help in this regard, it is essential to enrich the model and derive thereof specific tools that can be applied.

Practical implications

A general model is provided from which methods of organizational design, diagnosis and treatment could be derived.

Social implications

The proposed model is expected to be a contribution to organizational research discussion.

Originality/value

It is considered that the work has a certain degree of originality when proposing a functional organizational model of a general nature, based on the emotionality of the people that constitute it.
Enhancing social capital and reciprocity through community news media during COVID-19: a study of video volunteers
Authors: Govindarajan Gyanesh , Geetha K.A. , Patra Santosh K. , Sreekumar T.T.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This article attempts to highlight the defining role that community media engagements play during times of the pandemic. It is argued that the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic forced community news media houses to reinvent their news reporting practices to cover issues pertaining to the marginalized and underprivileged sections of the society. It explores the role of community media in engaging and empowering the citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Central to our study is the analysis of the news model of “Video Volunteers” (henceforth VV), an independent community-based online news platform based in India. To understand the level of citizen participation and engagement in the making and dissemination of news during the pandemic, the authors conducted 13 interviews with different stakeholders of VV, including founders and news audiences.

Findings

It seeks to reveal that when the mainstream media have failed to represent the issues of a local community, it is the independent media platforms like VV which function as a veritable source of information and sharing of knowledge. Most importantly, this paper emphasizes that the communicative model of independent community-based online platforms has been most successful in the coverage of the pandemic and the level of engagement with the citizenry.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the aspects of reciprocity and collaborative journalism in community news media and its potential impacts on news creation and dissemination.
Extraction and identification of anthocyanin from blueberries: effects of ultrasound-/microwave-assisted parameters
Authors: Yang Qi , Feng ZhiQiang , Zhang RuanBing , Wang YunPu , Duan DengLe , Wang Qin , Zou XiaoYu , Liu YuHuan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop a green, economical and efficient ultrasonic-/microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) process for the extraction of anthocyanins.

Design/methodology/approach

After optimizing the extraction conditions by response surface methodology, three assays including DPPH, ABTS·+, FRAP were applied to analyze the antioxidant activity of the extracted anthocyanins. The stability under different temperatures, reductant concentrations and pHs was also discussed. The components of anthocyanins in blueberry were analyzed by HPLC-QTOF-MS2.

Findings

The optimal extraction parameters were ultrasonic power of 300 W, microwave power of 365.28 W and solid–liquid ratio of 30 (g/mL). The possible structures can be speculated as Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, Delphinidin, Petunidin, Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, Petunidin-3-O-glucoside, Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. The results demonstrated that the UMAE can improve the yield of anthocyanins in shorter extraction time with higher activity.

Originality/value

The present study may provide a promising and feasible route for extracting anthocyanins from blueberries and studying their physicochemical properties, ultimately promoting the utilization of blueberry anthocyanins.
Evaluating the current interest-free monetary policy tools and suggesting a new one: case of Turkey via examples of Malaysia, Pakistan, and Bahrain
Authors: Orhan Zeyneb Hafsa , Zaheer Sajjad , Kazancı Fatih
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to achieve two goals: first, to evaluate the existing interest-free monetary policy tools in the major Islamic financial hubs of Malaysia, Pakistan and Bahrain and; second, to suggest how monetary policy tools in Turkey can be used in other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a qualitative research method based on literature review, comparison, evaluation and design.

Findings

The policy rate cannot be used due to Shariah concerns. The reserve requirement depends on qard, and the reserves should be kept separately in the central bank. In terms of ijarah sukuk, Shariah concerns should be taken into account and a new structure, as displayed in Figure 3, should be followed. Government investment certificates can be used as an interest-free monetary policy tool. A genuine mudarabah interbank investments can also be used. Wadiah acceptance with no habitual gift can be used as well, and Tawarruq and central bank notes are not preferable due to Shariah concerns as well. Having said that, a Turkey-based tawarruq platform can be structured for others to use instead of applying to London.

Originality/value

This paper’s unique suggestion is to develop an interbank taqaruz market and a taqaruz method with the central bank. It is also unique for Turkey in the subject.
Combined noise reduction and DOA estimation algorithm for MEMS vector hydrophone based on variational mode decomposition
Authors: Shang Zhenzhen , Yang Libo , Zhang Wendong , Zhang Guojun , Zhang Xiaoyong , Kou Hairong , Shi Junbing , Xue Xin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to solve the problem that strong noise interference seriously affects the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in complex underwater acoustic environment. In this paper, a combined noise reduction algorithm and micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) vector hydrophone DOA estimation algorithm based on singular value decomposition (SVD), variational mode decomposition (VMD) and wavelet threshold denoising (WTD) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the parameters of VMD are determined by SVD, and the VMD method can decompose the signal into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Secondly, the effective IMF component is determined according to the correlation coefficient criterion and the IMF less than the threshold is processed by WTD. Then, reconstruction is carried out to achieve the purpose of denoising and calibration baseline drift. Finally, DOA estimation is achieved by the combined directional algorithm of preprocessed signal.

Findings

Simulation and field experiments results show that the algorithm has good noise reduction and baseline drift correction effects for nonstationary underwater signals, and high-precision azimuth estimation is realized.

Originality/value

This research provides the basis for MEMS hydrophone detection and positioning and has great engineering significance in underwater detection system.
Pandian Pickles: value or volume?
Authors: N. Manjula , Subramanian R. Bala , Mehta Sunita
Published: April 2023

Research methodology

This study adopted interview methods and field visits to collect the data. An audio recording was done for the whole interview and presented as facts in this case. Field visits were done to see the packs and understand the consumers and their purchase habits of pickles.

Case overview/synopsis

Pandian Pickles is a pickle manufacturer located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, a state in the southern part of India. Mr Kandasamy, one of the partner of the Pandian pickle, had been thinking of ways to grow the business. Pandian Pickles dominated the low-price unit (LPU) market with a unique packing of pickles done in “arecanut” leaf. This added a unique flavour to their pickles. Mr Kandasamy envisioned to grow the business by introducing higher stock-keeping units in the form of jars and tap the middle class and the upper-middle-class segments in the market. In this category, there were much more prominent and branded players. Being a small regional player, Govindan wondered how Pandian Pickles would take these more prominent players in the industry head-on.

Complexity academic level

The case is ideally suited for discussing the concept of product line stretching, particularly in the product mix strategies of a small and medium enterprise (SME). The case can best fit into the courses such as Entrepreneurship Development, Product and Brand Management, Marketing Management for the Undergraduate levels and in the courses such as Strategic Marketing, Bottom of the Pyramid Markets and Strategies Management of SMEs in the postgraduate levels.
Cognitive morality and artificial intelligence (AI): a proposed classification of AI systems using Kohlberg's theory of cognitive ethics
Authors: Kumar Shailendra , Choudhury Sanghamitra
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The widespread usage of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting a number of ethical issues, including those involving concerns for fairness, surveillance, transparency, neutrality and human rights. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore possibility of developing cognitive morality in AI systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This is explorative research. The manuscript investigates the likelihood of cognitive moral development in AI systems as well as potential pathways for such development. Concurrently, it proposes a novel idea for the characterization and development of ethically conscious and artificially intelligent robotic machines.

Findings

This manuscript explores the possibility of categorizing AI machines according to the level of cognitive morality they embody, and while doing so, it makes use of Lawrence Kohlberg's study related to cognitive moral development in humans. The manuscript further suggests that by providing appropriate inputs to AI machines in accordance with the proposed concept, humans may assist in the development of an ideal AI creature that would be morally more responsible and act as moral agents, capable of meeting the demands of morality.

Research limitations/implications

This manuscript has some restrictions because it focuses exclusively on Kohlberg's perspective. This theory is not flawless. Carol Gilligan, one of Kohlberg's former doctoral students, said that Kohlberg's proposal was unfair and sexist because it didn't take into account the views and experiences of women. Even if one follows the law, they may still be engaging in immoral behaviour, as Kohlberg argues, because laws and social norms are not perfect. This study makes it easier for future research in the field to look at how the ideas of people like Joao Freire and Carl Rogers can be used in AI systems.

Originality/value

It is an original research that derives inspiration from the cognitive moral development theory of American Professor named Lawrence Kohlberg. The authors present a fresh way of thinking about how to classify AI systems, which should make it easier to give robots cognitive morality.
Introduction: what is the impact of luxury yachting on the well-being of consumers and relevant stakeholders?
Authors: Séraphin Hugues , Gladkikh Tatiana
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This introductory paper aims to provide an overview of the significance of the theme issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The article explains why luxury yachting can be considered as a form of tourism which contributes to the well-being of stakeholders in the sector.

Findings

Luxury yachting (tourism) can be considered as a meta economic sector because luxury yachting is a representative of the evolution of global finance and economics. Luxury yachting is also a transformative sector of activity which positively spills over to other sectors and stakeholders, contributing to the well-being of a large community.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is that the paper presents luxury yachting as a prism which enables the investigation of other topics. For this reason, the article refers to luxury yachting as a meta-sector of the economy and a field of research.
Effect of spraying time on mechanical and tribological performances of HVOF-sprayed WC–Co and WC–Cr3C2Ni coatings on AISI 1095 steel
Authors: Khuengpukheiw Ronnarit , Wisitsoraat Anurat , Saikaew Charnnarong
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the wear behavior, surface roughness, friction coefficient and volume loss of high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed WC–Co and WC–Cr3C2–Ni coatings on AISI 1095 steel with spraying times of 10 and 15 s.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the pin-on-disc testing technique was used to evaluate the wear characteristics at a speed of 0.24 m/s, load of 40 N and test time of 60 min under dry conditions at room temperature. The wear characteristics were examined and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The surface roughness of a coated surface was measured, and microhardness measurements were performed on the cross-sectioned and polished surfaces of the coating.

Findings

Spraying time and powder material affected the hardness of HVOF coatings due to differences in the porosity of the coated layers. The average hardness of the WC–Cr3C2–Ni coating with a spaying time of 15 s was approximately 14% higher than that of the WC–Cr3C2–Ni coating with a spraying time of 10 s. Under an applied load of 40 N, the WC–Co coating with a spraying time of 15 s had the lowest variation in the friction coefficient compared with the other coatings. The WC–Co coating with a spraying time of 10 s had the lowest average and variation in volume loss compared to the other coatings. The WC–Cr3C2–Ni coating with a spraying time of 10 s exhibited the highest average volume loss. The wear features changed slightly with the spraying time owing to variations in the hardness and friction coefficient.

Originality/value

This study investigated tribological performance of WC–Co; WC-Cr3C2-Ni coatings with spraying times of 10 and 15 s using pin-on-disc tribometer by rotating the relatively soft pin (C45 steel) against hard coated substrate (disc).
Wolves' contribution to structural change in grazing systems among swiss alpine summer farms: The evidence from causal random forest
Authors: Mink Steffen , Loginova Daria , Mann Stefan
Published: April 2023

The return of wolves to Swiss mountains and the damage they cause to sheep and goat herds in the region have raised concerns about a consequent wave of farm closures. In this paper, we examine the relationship between wolf attacks and the decline of Alpine summer farms, a specific high‐altitude farm type. We collected farm structure data and monitoring data on wolf attacks between 2004 and 2021 and analysed them using a causal random forest method, enabling a detailed analysis of the relation between wolf attacks and the number of different types of Alpine summer farms at a regional level. The results show that the farming systems are unaffected by incidental and infrequent wolf attacks, but that a high number of wolf attacks in a region is related to faster decrease in number of grazing systems where sheep are most vulnerable to such attacks. In contrast, systems that allow for better herd protection tend to show an increase in areas with frequent wolf attacks.
Securitisation imperatives and the exaggeration of Iranian involvement with the Houthi movement by international actors
Authors: Walsh Tom
Published: April 2023

Through examination of elite‐level discourse between 2014 and 2015, this paper argues that the exaggeration of Iranian involvement with the Houthis served to justify the Saudi‐led intervention in Yemen. Ironically, this had the effect of benefiting Iran, as Riyadh moved their attention away from Iranian priorities in Syria, undermined their own international credibility and spent billions of dollars on this unwinnable conflict. Iran, Saudi Arabia (KSA) and some Western actors pushed the narrative that the Houthis were deeply connected with the Islamic Republic. While Iranian support was negligible during this period, Iran sought to increase Saudi insecurity through rhetorical support for the Houthis. Riyadh, keen to protect their interests in Yemen, over‐exaggerated this connection to justify their airstrikes and blockades, which began with Operation Decisive Storm (ODS) on March 25, 2015. Certain Western actors, sharing similar regional geopolitical priorities, adopted this narrative. This validated their support for the Saudi‐led intervention. This, in turn, has had devastating consequences for the people of Yemen. With these dynamics in mind, the paper asks three research questions: Was the Saudi‐led over‐exaggeration of Iranian involvement successful in securitising ODS to international audiences? Was ‘Iranian involvement’ over‐exaggerated? Who ultimately benefited from this narrative?
Low water supply differentially affects the growth, yield and mineral profile of kabuli and desi chickpeas (Cicer arietinum)
Authors: Medeiros Janaina S. , Nunes da Silva Marta , Carvalho Susana M. P. , Santos Carla S. , Vasconcelos Marta W.
Published: April 2023

The climatic events predicted to increase in intensity and frequency in the near future, including drought, may influence the quality and productivity of several important crops for human nutrition, such as legumes. Herein, two chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum) were analysed for their resilience to low water supply: a commercial white chickpea (kabuli) and a traditional black chickpea (desi) with marginal production in occidental countries. Plants were grown under four levels of water supplies (90%, 75%, 50% and 25% of field capacity) and biometric variables (root, shoot, pods and seeds), proxies of plant fitness (water content and oxidative stress) and the seed nutritional profile (protein and mineral concentrations) were analysed at plant maturity. The results show that the water content in shoots and roots decreased with the decrease in water supplies, with kabuli plants generally having higher water content in shoots and desi in roots. The shoot length was significantly higher in kabuli compared to desi, while the root length increased up to 11% in both species with the decrease in water supplies. The root‐to‐shoot ratio was higher in kabuli and increased with the decrease in the water supply, being negatively correlated with the number of pods and seeds per plant. Lipid peroxidation also increased with the decrease in the water supply, having slight positive correlations with plant growth parameters while being negatively correlated with plant productivity. No significant effects of plant genotype and water supply were observed on seed K, Ca and protein, but desi was able to sustain higher P, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn and B concentrations than kabuli, including at lower water supplies. The results suggest that water stress negatively impacts plant growth and productivity and that the two chickpea genotypes have distinct biomass and water allocation strategies to cope with low water supply. These findings may be useful in strategies for improving the productivity and nutritional profile of chickpea crops under water‐limited conditions.
Brain glucose metabolism and dopamine transporter changes in rats with morphine‐induced conditioned place preference
Authors: Shao Da , Jiang Donglang , Huang Qi , Ren Shuhua , Li Junpeng , Xiao Jianfei , Guan Yihui , Lai Bin , Zhao Jun , Xie Fang , Hua Fengchun
Published: April 2023

Addiction to morphine is a chronic brain disease leading to compulsive abuse. Drug addiction animal models with and without conditioned place preference (CPP) training have been used to investigate cue‐elicited drug craving. We used 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) and 11C‐2‐β‐carbomethoxy‐3‐β‐(4‐fluorophenyl)tropane (11C‐CFT) micro‐PET/CT scans to examine the regional changes in brain glucose metabolism and dopamine transporter (DAT) availability to study their relationship underlying drug memory in morphine‐treated rat models with and without CPP. Standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) of 18F‐FDG significantly decreased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and cingulate with short‐term morphine administration compared with the baseline condition. Voxelwise analysis indicated glucose metabolism alterations in the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus and cingulate in morphine‐treated rats and in the striatum, thalamus, medial prefrontal cortex, primary motor cortex and many regions in the cortex in the CPP group compared with the baseline condition. Alterative glucose metabolism was also observed in the striatum, primary somatosensory cortex and some cortical regions in the CPP group compared with morphine alone group. DAT expression alterations were only observed in the long‐term morphine compared with the short‐term morphine group. This study shows that cerebral glucose metabolism significantly altered during morphine administration and CPP process mainly in the mPFC, striatum and hippocampus, which indicates that the function of these brain regions is involved in cue‐induced craving and memory retrieval.
Brain‐wide mapping of efferent projections of glutamatergic (Onecut3+) neurons in the lateral mouse hypothalamus
Authors: Zupančič Maja , Tretiakov Evgenii , Máté Zoltán , Erdélyi Ferenc , Szabó Gábor , Clotman Frédéric , Hökfelt Tomas , Harkany Tibor , Keimpema Erik
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study mapped the spatiotemporal positions and connectivity of Onecut3+ neuronal populations in the developing and adult mouse brain.

Methods

We generated fluorescent reporter mice to chart Onecut3+ neurons for brain‐wide analysis. Moreover, we crossed Onecut3‐iCre and Mapt‐mGFP (Tau‐mGFP) mice to visualize axonal projections. A dual Cre/Flp‐dependent AAV construct in Onecut3‐iCre cross‐bred with Slc17a6‐FLPo mice was used in an intersectional strategy to map the connectivity of glutamatergic lateral hypothalamic neurons in the adult mouse.

Results

We first found that Onecut3 marks a hitherto undescribed Slc17a6+/Vglut2+ neuronal cohort in the lateral hypothalamus, with the majority expressing thyrotropin‐releasing hormone. In the adult, Onecut3+/Vglut2+ neurons of the lateral hypothalamus had both intra‐ and extrahypothalamic efferents, particularly to the septal complex and habenula, where they targeted other cohorts of Onecut3+ neurons and additionally to the neocortex and hippocampus. This arrangement suggests that intrinsic reinforcement loops could exist for Onecut3+ neurons to coordinate their activity along the brain's midline axis.

Conclusion

We present both a toolbox to manipulate novel subtypes of hypothalamic neurons and an anatomical arrangement by which extrahypothalamic targets can be simultaneously entrained.
Marriage equality & intersectionality
Authors: Robinson Russell K. , Frost David M.
Published: April 2023

The goal of this study is to understand the extent to which a diverse group of sexual and gender minorities understood the landmark Supreme Court ruling in favor of marriage equality as personally impacting them. Prominent lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) figures have argued that marriage is an oppressive institution and that legalizing same‐sex marriage would not benefit the most marginalized members of the community, particularly Black people. Until now, there have been few resources for comparing these claims of scholars and activists with those of members of the communities they claim to represent. Guided by Critical Race Theory and intersectionality, this study centered LGBTQ people of color's lived experiences. A purposive sample of 99 LGBTQ people in Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco were asked whether and how the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) personally impacted them. Most participants described an emotional impact. Relatively few criticized marriages as “heteronormative” or unfit for LGBTQ people. Black participants were less likely than participants of other races to criticize marriage as an institution. Moreover, Black and Latinx participants articulated a more expansive, equality‐focused understanding of the right to marry than the Court itself articulated. They described the marriage decision as carrying the potential to empower and elevate their identities in various contexts. For these people, the marriage equality movement was centrally about equality rather than marriage.
Adoption des Politiques de Protection de l'Environnement et performance des Entreprises Camerounaises
Authors: André Dumas Tsambou , Benjamin Fomba Kamga
Published: April 2023

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the environmental protection policies of by Cameroonian firms on their performance. It uses the endogenous switching regression technique and propensity scores applied to micro‐data from 639 firms in Cameroon. The results show that only 17% of firms adopt these measures, while on average 85% of firms produce solid, gaseous or liquid waste. The results also indicate that the adoption of these environmental protection policies increases operating costs while significantly improving the turnover and the performance of the productive capacity of the company. These increases are 39.11%, 58.6%, and 38.63% for operating costs, turnover and return on productive capacity of the company, respectively. However, firms can also suffer significant losses resulting from the non‐adoption of environmental policies. In fact, firms that do not adopt environmental protection policies have their performance reduced by an average of 1.625 percentage points.
Management of small (T1–T2) anal margin squamous cell carcinoma: clinical outcomes following local excision alone
Authors: Roji A. M. , Namiq K. F. , Radley S. , Ismail T. , Hejmadi R. , Taniere P. , Geh J. I.
Published: April 2023

Aim

Squamous cell carcinomas of the anus are normally treated with synchronous chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Small, localized anal margin tumours may be adequately treated by local excision (LE) alone. This study aims to investigate the outcomes of patients with anal margin tumours treated with LE alone, reserving the use of CRT for salvage on local recurrence (LR).

Methods

Patients with small, localized (stage I/IIA) anal margin tumours treated by LE from October 1999 to September 2018 were identified. The effect of tumour size and resection margin on LR risk was analysed. Outcomes of overall survival and disease‐free survival were measured.

Results

Fifty‐five patients with anal margin tumours were identified. Overall 5‐year LR, overall survival and disease‐free survival rates were 8%, 86% and 82% respectively. Of the seven LRs, five were successfully salvaged with CRT with no further recurrence and two were not fit for CRT. Resection margins in non‐fragmented tumours and tumour size did not significantly influence LR risk.

Conclusions

Most small, localized anal margin tumours can be adequately treated by LE alone with low LR rates. Most patients who developed LR were salvaged using CRT, with no cancer‐related deaths reported.
Laparoscopic ovarian transposition prior to pelvic radiation in young women with anorectal malignancies: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of prevalence
Authors: Tessier Léa , McKechnie Tyler , Lee Yung , Park Lily J. , Gangam Nirupa , Eskicioglu Cagla
Published: April 2023

Aim

Young women undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for pelvic malignancies are at risk of developing premature ovarian insufficiency. Ovarian transposition (OT) aims to preserve ovarian function in these patients. However, its role in anorectal malignancy has yet to be firmly established. The aim of this review was to determine the effectiveness of laparoscopic OT in preserving ovarian function in premenopausal women undergoing neoadjuvant pelvic RT for anorectal malignancies.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL were systematically searched from inception through to May 2022. Articles were included if they evaluated ovarian function after OT in women with anorectal malignancies undergoing pelvic RT. The primary outcome was ovarian function preservation. The secondary outcome was 30‐day postoperative morbidity following OT.

Results

From 207 citations, 10 studies with 133 patients with rectal or anal cancer who underwent OT prior to RT were included. Meta‐analysis of pooled proportions of preserved ovarian function demonstrated an incidence of 66.9% (95% CI 55.0–79.0%, I2 = 43%). The 30‐day postoperative morbidity rate was 1.2% (n = 1). There was heterogeneity in interventions and outcome reporting.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic OT in premenopausal patients undergoing pelvic radiation for anorectal malignancies might be an effective technique at reducing ovarian exposure to RT. The meta‐analyses must be interpreted within the context of clinical heterogeneity of the included studies. Further studies are required to fully investigate the outcomes of OT in patients undergoing pelvic radiation for anorectal malignancies.
How important are minimum wage increases in increasing the wages of minimum wage workers?
Authors: Clemens Jeffrey , Strain Michael R.
Published: April 2023

Popular discussion presumes minimum wage increases primarily drive wage gains for minimum wage workers. We investigate this presumption using the Current Population Survey to assess the fraction of minimum wage workers receiving raises after 12 months. This fraction is moderately higher following state minimum wage increases, and positively correlated with several measures of labor market tightness. Finally, wage gains frequently follow industry and/or occupation switches, highlighting the importance of career progression for earnings growth among entry‐level workers. Career progression and increases in labor demand rather than minimum wage increases appear to drive most wage gains for minimum wage workers.
How Exergaming with Virtual Reality Enhances Specific Cognitive and Visuo‐Motor Abilities: An Explorative Study
Authors: Grosprêtre Sidney , Marcel‐Millet Philémon , Eon Pauline , Wollesen Bettina
Published: April 2023

Virtual reality (VR) is the computer simulation of a three‐dimensional environment that a person can interact with using special electronic equipment, such as a headset with an integrated display. Often coupled with VR, exergames are video games that involve physical exercise. Little is known regarding the chronic effects of exergaming through VR chon cognitive functions. Eleven young participants were enrolled in this crossover exploratory study. They had to follow two trainings of 5 consecutive days, 15 min per day, interspaced by a 1‐month washout period. Trainings were performed in a random order: (1) a video training using shadow boxing fitness videos (SBV) and (2) a VR training using a three‐dimensional game where the aim is to cut moving cubes with a sword in each hand. Before and after each training period, a battery of cognitive tests was performed to assess executive functions, such as attention (change blindness), reaction time, response inhibition (go/no‐go, Stroop task), or flexibility (trail making test). Fine motor skills were also evaluated through a Fitt's task. No effect of the SBV training was observed on any of the cognitive functions tested. On the contrary, a significant increased performance in selective attention and observation tests was found after VR training, as well as in inhibitory processes (Stroop and go/no‐go). Other performances were unaffected by either VR or SBV training. The present study argues that VR exergaming is a promising tool to promote cognitive enhancement but targets specific functions according to the type of interface/game that is used.
A systematic review on the impact of commercially available hybrid closed loop systems on psychological outcomes in youths with type 1 diabetes and their parents
Authors: Franceschi Roberto , Mozzillo Enza , Di Candia Francesca , Maines Evelina , Leonardi Letizia , Girardi Martina , Fedi Ludovica , Rosanio Francesco Maria , Marcovecchio M. Loredana
Published: April 2023

Aim

To systematically assess the impact of commercially available hybrid closed loop (HCL) systems on psychological outcomes in youths with type 1 diabetes and their parents.

Methods

We performed a systematic review including studies published in the last 10 years. PICOS framework was used in the selection process, and evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.

Results

A total of 215 studies were identified after duplicate removal, and 31 studies were included in this systematic review: 20 on first‐generation HCL and 11 on second‐generation HCL systems. According to studies with moderate‐ to high‐level quality of evidence, HCL systems led to better, or in some studies, unchanged psychological outcomes such as distress and burden related to diabetes management, fear of hypoglycemia, quality of life, satisfaction; instead, quality of sleep was perceived as improved, although results were not confirmed in studies using actigraphy. From semi‐structured interviews, answers were more homogeneous, and participants reported a positive experience and attitude towards HCL technology, which was felt to be easy to use and apt to achieve glycemic targets.

Conclusions

Evidence confirms the importance of evaluating the psychosocial needs of youths with diabetes and their families when starting HCL systems and during follow‐up, and to set realistic expectations of what can be achieved along with awareness of the limitations of the systems, and educate and motivate families to overcome barriers.
Prognostic role of CRP‐independent inflammatory patterns in patients undergoing primary percutaneous interventions
Authors: Dossi Filippo , Raccis Mario , Parodi Guido , De Caterina Alberto Ranieri , Paradossi Umberto , Esposito Augusto , D'Agostino Andreina , De Luca Giuseppe , Berti Sergio
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite the key pathophysiological role of inflammation in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), the evaluation of inflammatory status has not been clearly established in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of CRP‐independent inflammatory patterns in patients referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and to determine their one‐year relationship with adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

We carried out a single‐centre, observational study consecutively enrolling all patients presenting at a large‐volume PCI hub with a diagnosis of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and treated with pPCI. Systemic immune‐inflammatory index (SII) was calculated at admission and discharge. According to different SII trajectories patients were divided into four patterns: ‘persistent‐low’, ‘down‐sloping’, ‘up‐sloping’ and ‘persistent‐high’ patterns. The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause of death and myocardial infarction (MI) at a one‐year follow‐up.

Results

Among the total 2353 subjects enrolled, 44% of them belonged to ‘persistent‐low’, 31% to ‘down‐sloping’, 4% to ‘up‐sloping’ and 21% to ‘persistent‐high’ pattern. The primary endpoint was observed in 8% of patients with a ‘persistent‐low’, 12% with a ‘down‐sloping’, 27% with an ‘up‐sloping’ and 25% with a persistent‐high pattern (p = 0.001). After multivariate analysis, ‘up‐sloping’ (OR: 3.2 [1.59–3.93]; p = 0.001) and ‘persistent‐high’ (OR: 4.1 [3.03–4.65]; p = 0.001) patterns emerged as independent predictors of one‐year adverse events.

Conclusions

‘Persistent‐high’ and ‘up‐sloping’ CRP‐independent inflammatory patterns in patients undergoing primary PCI are associated with an increased risk of adverse events at one‐year follow‐up. The prognostic value of these inflammatory patterns might be helpful to individualize potential therapeutic targets.
Association between sleep traits and primary liver cancer: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yang Xin , Wang Jingyi , Wang Huaqing
Published: April 2023

Background

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer, representing one of the top 5 leading causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Recently, researchers have focused more on the impact of living habits on the incidence and development of tumours. This study reports a relationship between sleep traits and PLC.

Methods

In this study, we used published genome‐wide association studies to obtain exposure factors of 6 sleep traits. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to assess the causal relationship between sleep traits and PLC via inverse‐variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger and weighted median. Sensitivity analysis was used to reduce the bias.

Results

Our investigation revealed that there was a negative correlation between sleep duration and the group of liver and bile duct cancer by IVW (p‐value = .042), and this result was similarly observed in the liver cell carcinoma group by Weighted Median (p‐value = .026). In contrast, there was a positive correlation found between napping during the day and primary liver cancer in the cohorts of liver and bile duct cancer (p‐value = .030), liver cell carcinoma (p‐value = .043) and malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of the biliary tract (p‐value = .016) by IVW. Furthermore, our study also revealed a positive correlation between insomnia and malignant neoplasm of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by IVW (p‐value = .022).

Conclusions

Overall, our study indicates that insomnia and nap during the day may be risk factors of PLC and adequate night sleep might keep us away from PLC.
Effects of MBOAT7 polymorphism and steatosis on liver function assessed by methacetin breath test
Authors: Di Ciaula Agostino , Bonfrate Leonilde , Shanmugam Harshitha , Weber Susanne N. , Krawczyk Marcin , Portincasa Piero
Published: April 2023

Background

MBOAT7 rs641738 variant is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis, but the relationship between this polymorphism and early liver dysfunction remains uncertain.

Methods

Eighty outpatients underwent blood analyses, liver imaging by ultrasound and acoustic radiation force impulse shear wave elastography and were genotyped for MBOAT7 (wild‐type [WT], rs641738 heterozygous or homozygous) polymorphism using TaqMan assays.

Results

NAFLD was confirmed in 53 patients. Portal uptake and hepatocyte microsomal metabolization of (13C)‐methacetin were explored by measuring 13CO2 appearance in exhaled air. The distribution of the MBOAT7 genotypes was comparable in subjects with or without NAFLD. The majority of subjects with or without NAFLD had fibrosis ≤ F1 but decreased portal extraction of (13C)‐methacetin, i.e. 78.6% in homozygous, 45.0% in heterozygous and 46.2% in WT for the MBOAT7 variant. Both substrate extraction and microsomal metabolization were mostly defective in the homozygous carriers. The extraction efficiency from portal blood flow was minimal in subjects with both homozygous rs641738 polymorphism and NAFLD, as compared to those with WT/heterozygous polymorphism, with or without NAFLD.

Conclusions

The homozygous MBOAT7 rs641738 polymorphism per se is associated with a reduced extraction efficiency of (13C)‐methacetin from the portal flow pointing to subclinical liver dysfunction independently from liver fibrosis. Liver steatosis worsens (13C)‐methacetin extraction efficiency. We urge to better explore the mechanisms of interaction between external factors and multiple gene polymorphisms (including MBOAT7), paving the road to primary prevention and novel therapeutic strategies.
Aggregate and individual effects of information in a coordination (traffic) game
Authors: Ashraf Sruthi , Brown Alexander L. , Burris Mark W. , Vitaku Valon
Published: April 2023

Using an existing coordination (traffic) experiment, we investigate information's effect on traffic congestion when subjects already have a history of past play. In contrast to previous studies, our interventions neither alter aggregate nor individual payoffs. A second study isolates individual‐subject response to information using a fixed distribution of past subjects. We find information alters subject play: subjects switch roads more often and receive higher payoffs conditional on switching roads. Because switching reduces payoffs unconditionally, information does not generally improve payoffs overall. Only subjects that receive information upon starting the game appear to increase their payoffs due to the information treatment.