bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Undercarboxylated Osteocalcin Is Associated With Cognition in Women With and Without HIV
Authors: Ross Ryan D. , Olali Arnold Z. , Shi Qiuhu , Hoover Donald R. , Sharma Anjali , Weber Kathleen M. , French Audrey L. , McKay Heather , Tien Phyllis C. , Yin Michael T. , Rubin Leah H.
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Bone loss and cognitive impairment are common in women living with HIV (WLWH) and are exacerbated by menopause. Bone-derived undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOCN) and sclerostin appear to influence cognition. The current study investigated whether the circulating levels of these 2 proteins are associated with cognition in midlife WLWH and demographically similar HIV seronegative women.

Methods:

Plasma samples from women enrolled in a musculoskeletal substudy within the Women's Interagency HIV Study were used to measure ucOCN and sclerostin. A neuropsychological (NP) test battery assessing executive function, processing speed, attention/working memory, learning, memory, verbal fluency, and motor function was administered within 6 months of musculoskeletal enrollment and every 2 years after (1–4 follow-up visits per participant). A series of generalized estimating equations were conducted to examine the association between biomarkers and NP performance at the initial assessment and over time in the total sample and in WLWH only. Primary predictors included biomarkers, time, and biomarker by time interactions. If the interaction terms were not significant, models were re-run without interactions.

Results:

Neither biomarker predicted changes in NP performance over time in the total sample or in WLWH. ucOCN was positively associated with executive function in the total sample and in WLWH and with motor skills in WLWH. ucOCN was negatively associated with attention/working memory in the total sample. There were no significant associations between sclerostin and NP performance.

Conclusion:

The current study suggests an association between bone-derived ucOCN and cognition in women with and without HIV infection.
Activation of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ameliorates Acute Rejection of Rat Liver Transplantation by Regulating Treg Proliferation and PD-1 Expression
Authors: Cao Wanyue , Lu Jing , Li Lei , Qiu Chen , Qin Xuebin , Wang Tao , Li Shanbao , Zhang Jinyan , Xu Junming
Published: June 2022

Background.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays important roles in modulating immune responses. However, the role of AhR in rat liver transplantation (LT) has not been explored.

Methods.

Safety and side effects of N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamonyl) anthranilic acid (3,4-DAA) and 2-methyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid amide (CH223191) were evaluated. We used optimal doses of 2 drugs, 3,4-DAA, a drug used for mediating AhR activation, and CH223191, antagonist of AhR (3,4-DAA, CH223191, and 3,4-DAA + CH223191), intraperitoneally administered to recipients daily to investigate the role of AhR in the rat LT model. The recipient livers were used to observe the pathological changes, the cells infiltrating the graft, and changes of AhR and programmed death-1 (PD-1) by Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assays. The contents of Foxp3+ and PD-1+ T cells in the recipient spleen and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. In vitro, after isolating CD4+ T cells, they were treated with different AhR ligands to observe the differentiation direction and PD-1 expression level.

Results.

The activation of AhR by 3,4-DAA prolonged survival time and ameliorated graft rejection, which were associated with increased expression of AhR and PD-1 in the livers and increased Foxp3+ T cells and PD-1+ T cells in recipient spleens, livers, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In vitro, primary T cells incubated with 3,4-DAA mediated increased proportion of Treg and PD-1+ T cells. However, the suppression of AhR with CH223191 reverses these effects, both in the LT model and in vitro.

Conclusions.

Our results indicated that AhR activation might reduce the occurrence of rat acute rejection by increasing the proportion of Treg and the expression of PD-1.
Aminoglycoside resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: the contribution of the MexXY-OprM efflux pump varies between isolates
Authors: Thacharodi Aswin , Lamont Iain L.
Published: June 2022

Introduction. Aminoglycoside antibiotics are widely used to treat infections of

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

. The MexXY-OprM efflux pump is an important contributor to aminoglycoside tolerance in

P. aeruginosa

reference strains and expression of the mexXY genes is repressed by the MexZ repressor protein. Direct investigation of the role of this efflux pump in clinical isolates is relatively limited.

Hypothesis. The contribution of MexXY-OprM to

P. aeruginosa

aminoglycoside resistance is isolate-specific.

Aim. To quantify the role of MexXY-OprM and its repressor, MexZ, in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.

Methodology. The mexXY genes were deleted from ten clinical isolates of

P. aeruginosa

, and the mexZ gene from nine isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out for commonly used antipseudomonal drugs on the engineered mutants and the isogenic wild-type isolates. RT-qPCR was used to measure expression of the mexX gene.

Results. All but one of the mexXY mutants were more susceptible to the clinically used aminoglycosides tobramycin, gentamicin and amikacin but the degree to which susceptibility increased varied greatly between isolates. The mexXY mutants were also more susceptible to a fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin. In three isolates with functional MexZ, deletion of mexZ increased expression of mexXY and aminoglycoside tolerance. Conversely, deleting mexZ from six clinical isolates with mexZ sequence variants had little or no effect on expression of mexXY or on aminoglycoside susceptibility, consistent with the variants abolishing MexZ function. Genome analysis showed that over 50 % of 619 clinical isolates had sequence variants predicted to reduce the affinity of MexZ for DNA, likely increasing mexXY expression and hence efflux of aminoglycosides.

Conclusion. Our findings show that the interplay between MexXY, MexZ and the level of mexXY expression plays an important role in aminoglycoside resistance in clinical isolates of

P. aeruginosa

but the magnitude of the contribution of this efflux pump to resistance is isolate-specific.
Business risk, financial risk and savings: does perceived higher business risk induce savings among small agricultural operations in the USA?
Authors: Adhikari Sudip , Khanal Aditya R.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present theoretical synopsis of risk balancing hypothesis (RBH) and estimate empirical models examining debt, savings and debt-to-equity use decisions of small US farms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use primary survey data from Tennessee and generalized linear models (GLMs).

Findings

The study’s findings suggest that the perceived higher business risk (BR) significantly increases the extent of debt use, savings use and debt-to-equity of small farmers. Moreover, results indicate that factors such as age and education of the operator, family involvement, incomes, land acreage, adoption of alternative on-farm enterprises and farmers' continuation plan significantly influence the financing decisions of small farm operations.

Originality/value

The authors investigated an essential empirical question examining the risk balancing behavior of small US farm operations. While risk balancing has been a theme of several studies, none of the previous studies have specifically looked at the behavior in the context of small US farms. The theoretical synopsis and empirical findings contribute to the literature of risk balancing, debt use and savings use decisions and the policy discussions on farm financial and support strategies.
Canadian government discourses on the overdose death crisis: limitations of a bio-evidenced approach
Authors: Ning Ana M. , Csiernik Rick
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Critical analyses of health policies and practices may appear to lack practicality during unprecedented times that demand immediate solutions. This paper aims to use critical social science theories to help improve essential service delivery during a public health crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on qualitative content analysis of government and scholarly sources between 2008 and 2021 to identify strengths and gaps underlying the Canadian Federal Government’s evidence-based solutions to the opioid death crisis. Key questions examined are: What constitutes best-evidence practices underlying the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy?, Is biomedical evidence the only legitimate framework to substantiate feasible interventions? and Because the opioid death crisis affects disproportionately vulnerable populations, what is the potential merit of considering diverse knowledges and practices as valid forms of intervention despite lacking biomedical evidence bases?

Findings

While overdose reversing drugs, drug replacement approaches, biologically focused harm reduction options and pharmacological regulatory and surveillance initiatives help reduce premature opioid-related morbidity and mortality across provinces, this study’s findings demonstrate that these individualizing, biomedical magic bullets are temporary solutions, not comprehensive plans to solve a societal problem. This study’s theoretically informed analysis shows that the Canadian Federal Government responses detract attention from issues of social justice, social inequities and the biomedical dominance of health care as broader forces of the opioid death crisis. To address these analytical omissions, broader evidence-based solutions must build upon meaningful intraventions, the insiders’ perspectives or voices of the afflicted communities alongside meaningful interventions – going beyond distal, clinical-based and proximal, home-based interventions.

Originality/value

By highlighting the biomedical and social embeddings of the opioid death crisis, this study underscores structural conditions rather than individuals’ physical bodies as the catalysts for change. A deeper theoretical understanding of why certain issues exists, as they do and how they occur, can provide the basis for prediction of their (re)occurrence and for informing meaningful intervention efforts.
Promoting uptake and integration of climate smart agriculture technologies, innovations and management practices into policy and practice in Nigeria
Authors: Ifeanyi-Obi Chinwoke Clara , Issa Fadlullah Olayiwola , Aderinoye-Abdulwahab Sidiqat , O. Ayinde Adefunke Fadilat , Umeh Ogechi Jubilant , Tologbonse Emmanuel Bamidele
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore possible ways to promote uptake and integration of climate-smart agriculture (CSA)-Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPS) into policy and practice in Nigeria through the development of actionable roadmaps to facilitate the process.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hundred and fifty-two stakeholders for the policy discourse and survey were purposively drawn from both government and private agencies, NGOs and community-based associations from the six geo-political zones of the country. Data collection was done using a mixed method comprising questionnaire administration, in-depth interviews and panel discussion. Data collected was summarised using descriptive statistics.

Findings

The major findings were lack of existing policies on CSA, lack of farmers’ awareness of CSA-TIMPs, neglect of extension programmes that can help to enlighten farmers on the importance of CSA and insufficient extension personnel to cater for farmers’ needs. Challenges to CSA-TIMPs uptake in Nigeria were: insufficient funding and support by government in programme planning and implementation, policy inconsistencies and poor farmers’ attitude and resistance to change.

Practical implications

This research will facilitate CSA uptake and integration through the provision of data for informed decision and action by the responsible agencies.

Originality/value

Suggested actionable roadmaps across the zones were robust awareness campaign and advocacy on uptake of CSA-TIMPs through e-extension, community TV/radio in local dialects; revitalisation of policy programmes such as monthly meetings should be reintroduced and creation of CSA Departments/Stations in each state; increased budget allocation to a minimum of 10% for agriculture, revitalisation of Researchers-Extension Agents-Farmers Linkage, employment of qualified extension agents and retraining of extension agents.
A prediction framework on the helpfulness of reviews for processing Chinese and English hotel reviews
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Zhang Yao
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In the field of hospitality, most studies use English reviews and neglect non-English sources. The purpose of this paper is to exploit a predictive framework for review helpfulness that can process both Chinese and English textual comments.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops some methods for feature extraction from Chinese online reviews, extracts more comprehensive predictors and proposes a novel prediction framework of classification before regression. Hofstede’s cultural theory is used to explain differences in the determinants of the helpfulness of reviews in Chinese and English.

Findings

The findings reveal that travelers from various countries do have discrepant perspectives on reviews helpfulness. Chinese tourists pay more attention to the reviewer profiles, whereas American tourists pay more attention to the review-related features.

Practical implications

This research offers hoteliers with actionable implications for meeting the needs of travelers from dissimilar cultural societies. The authors’ prediction framework can be used by website developers to create a review helpfulness rating system that allows visitors to acquire beneficial information.

Originality/value

On the one hand, the methods developed for extracting features of Chinese review, the hybrid set of features with several novel predictors and the prediction framework proposed in this study contribute to the methodology. On the other hand, this study is one of the few articles based on Hofstede’s cultural theory to guide a cross-cultural study on reviews helpfulness in hotel sector, which in turn contributes to the theory.
Leveraging the circular economy with a closed-loop supply chain and a reverse omnichannel using blockchain technology and incentives
Authors: De Giovanni Pietro
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the benefits of the blockchain to the circular economy (CE), which is composed of both closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) systems and reverse omnichannel solutions. By ensuring transparency, traceability, visibility and security, the blockchain allows firms to acquire operational capabilities through a CLSC and service capabilities through a reverse omnichannel, which can boost business performance considerably. The related network of relationships can be reinforced by establishing incentives, which entail both smart contracts in the blockchain and active return approaches in CE.

Design/methodology/approach

After identifying the boundaries of the theoretical framework, several research hypotheses are developed according to the literature review and emerging gaps. These gaps link to the impact of the blockchain on CE systems (CLSC and reverse omnichannel), as well as the influence on business performance. The hypotheses are then tested using structural equation modeling and adopting a partial least squares-path modeling technique on a dataset composed of 157 firms. Finally, multigroup analysis is used to test the impact of incentives on the research hypotheses.

Findings

The blockchain facilitates a more efficient CE system, although reverse omnichannel solutions seldom bring any benefits to performance. The shift from a passive to an active return approach must be carefully evaluated. The CLSC network can benefit from an active return approach by developing appealing incentives for collectors and enhancing the positive effects of the blockchain. In contrast, consumer incentives can have detrimental effects on the blockchain. Various combinations of incentives can only bring a few business performance increases, while collector incentives are vital to reinforce the CE system's operational and service capabilities.

Originality/value

This paper takes a new approach toward the study of CE, which considers a dual circular system composed of a CLSC and a reverse omnichannel. The research explores whether the adoption of blockchain technology enables better return processes by improving the operations in CLSC and services in reverse omnichannel. Finally, this is the first empirical work to evaluate the benefits emerging from incentives, which can activate smart contracts in the blockchain and enable active return approaches in CE.
Hybrid cumulative approach for localization of nodes with adaptive threshold gradient feature on energy minimization using federated learning
Authors: I. Adumbabu , Selvakumar K.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Localization of the nodes is crucial for gaining access of different nodes which would provision in extreme areas where networks are unreachable. The feature of localization of nodes has become a significant study where multiple features on distance model are implicated on predictive and heuristic model for each set of localization parameters that govern the design on energy minimization with proposed adaptive threshold gradient feature (ATGF) model. A received signal strength indicator (RSSI) model with node estimated features is implicated with localization problem and enhanced with hybrid cumulative approach (HCA) algorithm for node optimizations with distance predicting.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a theoretical or empirical signal propagation model, the RSSI (known transmitting power) is converted to distance, the received power (measured at the receiving node) is converted to distance and the distance is converted to RSSI (known receiving power). As a result, the approximate distance between the transceiver node and the receiver may be determined by measuring the intensity of the received signal. After acquiring information on the distance between the anchor node and the unknown node, the location of the unknown node may be determined using either the trilateral technique or the maximum probability estimate approach, depending on the circumstances using federated learning.

Findings

Improvisation of localization for wireless sensor network has become one of the prime design features for estimating the different conditional changes externally and internally. One such feature of improvement is observed in this paper, via HCA where each feature of localization is depicted with machine learning algorithms imparting the energy reduction problem for each newer localized nodes in Section 5. All affected parametric features on energy levels and localization problem for newer and extinct nodes are implicated with hybrid cumulative approach as in Section 4. The proposed algorithm (HCA with AGTF) has implicated with significant change in energy levels of nodes which are generated newly and which are non-active for a stipulated time which are mentioned and tabulated in figures and tables in Section 6.

Originality/value

Localization of the nodes is crucial for gaining access of different nodes which would provision in extreme areas where networks are unreachable. The feature of localization of nodes has become a significant study where multiple features on distance model are implicated on predictive and heuristic model for each set of localization parameters that govern the design on energy minimization with proposed ATGF model. An RSSI model with node estimated features is implicated with localization problem and enhanced with HCA algorithm for node optimizations with distance predicting.
Franchising: a signaling perspective
Authors: Panda Swati , Thapa Sajani , Paswan Audhesh K. , Mishra Sailendra Prasanna
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to outline different signals that franchisors can use to communicate their value proposition to prospective franchisees. It also tests whether these signals can enable franchisors to charge a premium from their franchisees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a mixed-methods approach to arrive at the findings. It uses a combination of open-ended survey and archival data to arrive at the findings.

Findings

Franchisees consider franchisor’s characteristics such as its “capability,” “support offered” and “franchisee membership criteria” significant while buying into their franchises. The results suggest that franchisors can leverage some of their capability signals to obtain a higher franchise fee if they use the right signals as desired by franchisees.

Research limitations/implications

Signals identified in this study are specific to this study. The relationship between the signals and franchise fee is applicable for high-performing franchises operating in the American context only. Future research can address this limitation by collecting more data, testing additional signals and using alternative methods to verify the findings.

Practical implications

Franchisors can take cues from the evaluative criteria used by franchisees to design their signaling strategies. Franchisors can leverage some of their capabilities to extract higher fees from their franchisees. Prospective franchisees should engage in due diligence before purchasing a franchise unit and avoid franchises with higher support fees and loose franchisee recruitment criteria.

Originality/value

This study contributes to research on the evaluative criteria used by franchisees. It contributes to the signaling theory by offering insights into the performance outcomes of signals in the franchising context. It also contributes to our understanding of franchising by adopting a mixed-methods approach that includes information about franchisors and franchisees.
Preserving the historical heritage by burying new constructions underground: the Segovia Bridge and the M-30 motorway tunnel in Madrid
Authors: Rosado García María Jesús , Crespo Delgado Daniel
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fully preserving the historical heritage at the same time reordering the cities and their traffic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the sustainable solution designed for the landscape change required and to maintain the bridge integrity by excavating under the pier with the maintenance of traffic during its execution.

Findings

It is concluded that the elimination of urban motorways on the surface often leads to the excavation of tunnels under the existing buildings, with little coverage in most of them. This complicates the implementation of burials in cities with an important historical heritage, which must be given conservation priority in the choice of technical solutions.

Originality/value

The Segovia Bridge over the Manzanares River, the oldest bridge in Madrid, was built in the 16th century. With the burial of the M-30 motorway, it has been necessary to build a tunnel immediately under one of the bridge piers, practically without lining between the foundations and the upper slab of the tunnel.
Intention to adopt mobile-based online payment platforms in three Asian countries: an application of the extended Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Jawad Abdullah Ibrahim , Parvin Tania , Hosain Md Sajjad
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of selected factors in adopting mobile-based online payment platforms (MOPP) in three Asian countries: China, India and Bangladesh through the application of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The factors considered were: perceived trust (PT), perceived risk (PR), social influence (SI), perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors purposively selected 1,289 individuals from those three countries who regularly use MOPP as the medium of monetary transactions. The authors utilized SPSS 24 for descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling (SEM) technique through AMOS 24 for testing the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The authors found that four factors: PT, SI, PEU and PU have significant positive impact on the intention to adopt MOPP whereas PR has insignificant negative impact on the intention to adopt MOPP.

Originality/value

As per the authors' knowledge, this is the first study ever conducted to identify the factors impacting the adoption of MOPP in more than one country. Such an exploratory study can inspire the scholars to initiate further investigations as well as the service providers to extend their service effectiveness according to the users' opinion.
The influence of foreign direct investment on the Egyptian audit market: what do Big 4 partners’ perceptions tell us?
Authors: Eldaly Mohamed Khaled , Elamer Ahmed A. , Abdel-Kader Magdy
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of the entry of foreign direct investments (FDIs) on the audit markets in developing countries (i.e. Egypt). There is a long-standing debate on the impact of FDIs on developing markets, but little is still known about the effect of FDI on national suppliers, such as audit firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports the results of a study that used qualitative research methods. It involves interviews with senior management teams of the Big 4 audit firms, to find out how these firms deal simultaneously with conflicting global and local influences. The interviews were complemented by the publicly available data on the firms’ websites as well as published reports related to the Egyptian economy and current investment regulations.

Findings

Drawing on the institutional theory, the findings suggest that an increased litigious environment, compliance with developed markets’ regulations, auditor regulatory sanctions and improved local accounting and auditing standards are highly significant consequences of foreign investment inflows. The findings indicate that more emphasis has been given to the quality of audit and auditors’ independence when auditing FDIs. Both audit regulators and audit firms in the domestic market pay higher attention to improving the quality of financial reports when FDIs have entered the market. More inspections and reviews for audit firms have been conducted, and local auditing and accounting standards have been revised to be in compliance with international standards.

Research limitations/implications

Our results have important implications for investors, regulatory authorities and governments in relation to the development, implementation and enforcement of international financial reporting and auditing standards.

Originality/value

Policymakers and regulators in Egypt have responded to international pressure by revitalizing their local accounting and auditing standards and adopting international financial reporting and auditing standards. The authors identify strategies that have been adopted by audit firms to face the FDIs’ challenges.
Will goal clarity lower team innovation? A moderated mediation model of inter-team trust
Authors: Lui Steven , Lai John , Luo Ben Nanfeng , Moran Peter
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Based on two dominant perspectives, team climate and knowledge integration, on team innovation, this study aims to propose a moderated mediation model to examine the interactive effect of inter-team trust and goal clarity on team innovation through knowledge inflows into a team. Considering the two perspectives at the same time will provide a more complete picture on our understanding on team innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is tested on 150 retail teams of a large apparel firm. Data are collected from two separate surveys, one to store managers and one to store staff members. Moderation mediation regression analysis is conducted on the survey data.

Findings

The regression analysis identified both a positive direct effect of goal clarity on innovation, and a negative moderating effect of goal clarity on the mediation of knowledge inflows between inter-team trust and innovation. In other words, inter-team trust is positively related to team innovation through knowledge inflows when goal clarity is low.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors identify an indirect and negative role of goal clarity on team innovation, and examine the mechanism and boundary of inter-team trust on team innovation. Managers are advised to foster a trusting environment and be aware of cognitive bias in their teams so that their teams can be more innovative.
Development model of gender socialization: school textbooks gender analysis in Georgia
Authors: Tabatadze Shalva , Gorgadze Natia
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore gender equality in school textbooks in Georgia.

Design/methodology/approach

The research had the following questions: To what extent are women and men visible and represented equally in school textbooks? How do school textbooks promote gender socialization of boys and girls to be treated equally in terms of power and privileges, superiority and inferiority? Do school textbooks promote critical thinking and analysis of gender issues and problems? The content analysis of the qualitative research method was used to answer the research questions.

Findings

The research revealed that males remain more visible in school textbooks; however, the authors mainly attempt to balance the gender representation in textbooks quantitatively. The textbooks do not socialize girls and boys as equals in power, privileges, superiority and inferiority. The textbooks do not provide room for discussing gender and social justice issues.

Originality/value

The study is an original work. The study contributes to the development of the field of multicultural education, as it develops the three levels model of gender socialization based on the empirical research data. The first, detection level, implies the visibility of both boys and girls equally in school textbooks. The second, the recognition level of gender socialization, acknowledges gender equality in occupations, activities and power and privileges. The third, the affirmation level, develops a critical understanding of gender issues and gender equality in society.
Recognition of prior learning: implications for quality assurance in higher education
Authors: Stephens Simon
Published: June 2022

Purpose

A diverse range of initiatives in relation to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) have been introduced in higher education systems over the past 20 years. This paper aims to explore the implementation of RPL initiatives, in an Irish context, and the implications for quality assurance in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is adopted, to provide an enhanced understanding of the impact of RPL initiatives. Data is presented from interviews with key stakeholders: six academics, six coordinators and six learners who availed of RPL.

Findings

The introduction of RPL requires higher education institutions to adopt new approaches to the design and delivery of their programmes and also to review and revise quality assurance frameworks. This paper presents key insights across five over-arching themes (ambitions and outcomes; caution and suspicion; in the classroom; assessment and examinations; and life after university).

Originality/value

The introduction of RPL evokes a mixed reaction from stakeholders, and there is a range of differing experiences, leading to differences in attitudes and unintended impacts. This study provides insights both at an individual and institutional levels using experiential learning theory.
Sex‐specific strategies of nutrient resorption associated with leaf economics in Populus euphratica
Authors: Yu Lei , Huang Zongdi , Li Zhijun , Korpelainen Helena , Li Chunyang
Published: June 2022

There are differences between sexes in physiological and functional traits and possibly in nutrient resorption, particularly in nutrient‐poor environments. However, little is known about the extent of nutrient resorption from fine stems and fine roots, and about how nutrient resorption is related to leaf economics in the males and females of dioecious trees.

We investigated nutrient resorption of different organs and explored whether nutrient resorption is associated with nutrient conservation traits of leaves (e.g. leaf thickness, leaf mass per area, LMA) in Populus euphratica females and males in four natural forests along the Tarim River, China.

Both female and male leaves had the highest N resorption efficiency (NRE), than stems and roots. We found sexual dimorphism in leaf nutrient resorption at Shaya, Luntai and Yuli forest sites, where P. euphratica males had higher leaf NRE than females, whereas females had a higher leaf P resorption efficiency (PRE). Moreover, the different nutrient resorption strategies were related to leaf economics. P. euphratica males possess a conservation strategy with a higher leaf thickness, LMA and leaf vein density, which positively correlated with leaf NRE, while females with higher leaf PRE resorbed disproportionately more P for the reproductive investment.

Synthesis. Populus euphratica males possess a conservation strategy with higher leaf NRE, while females have higher leaf PRE for the reproductive investment. Due to spatial sexual segregation across environmental gradients, dioecious plants are especially vulnerable under future climate change. The differences in nutrient uptake and utilization strategies between females and males may result in a situation where one sex is more prone to future climate change than the other one. Such sex‐specific nutrient resorption strategies are associated with leaf economics. The present study deepens our understanding of the nutrient balance and adaptation strategies of plants under climate change.
Pathotypes of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae express discrete repertoires of accessory genes and induce distinct host transcriptional responses during root infection
Authors: Jenner Bradley N. , Henry Peter M.
Published: June 2022

Convergent evolution of phytopathogenicity is poorly described, especially among multiple strains of a single microbial species. We investigated this phenomenon with genetically diverse isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae (Fof) that cause one of two syndromes: chlorosis and wilting (the ‘yellows‐fragariae’ pathotype), or only wilting (the ‘wilt‐fragariae’ pathotype). We challenged strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) plants to root infection by five fungal isolates: three yellows‐fragariae, one wilt‐fragariae and one that is not pathogenic to strawberry. All Fof isolates had chromosome‐level assemblies; three were newly generated. The two pathotypes triggered distinct host responses, especially among phytohormone‐associated genes; yellows‐fragariae isolates strongly induced jasmonic acid‐associated genes, whereas the wilt‐fragariae isolate primarily induced ethylene biosynthesis and signalling. The differentially expressed genes on fungal accessory chromosomes were almost entirely distinct between pathotypes. We identified an ~150 kbp ‘pathogenicity island’ that was horizontally transferred between wilt‐fragariae strains. This predicted pathogenicity island was enriched with differentially expressed genes whose predicted functions were related to plant infection, and only one of these genes was also upregulated in planta by yellows‐fragariae isolates. These results support the conclusion that wilt‐ and yellows‐fragariae cause physiologically distinct syndromes by the expression of discrete repertoires of genes on accessory chromosomes.
Role conflict, job crafting, stress and resilience among nurses during COVID‐19
Authors: Sahay Surabhi , Gigliotti Ralph A. , Dwyer Maria
Published: June 2022

Crises have the potential to heighten stress levels among frontline employees. In general, to cope with crisis‐related stress, employees often improvise or job craft to meet the demands of the crisis. In addition to this, they need resources and directions to support their innovation by lowering role conflict. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, nurses too were compelled to improvise as they struggled with multiple challenges related to the uncertainty associated with the virus and the assignment of atypical job functions. These concerns affected nurses' wellbeing and impacted their jobs. This two‐phase sequential study began with interviews (n = 14), followed by a survey (n = 152) exploring nurses' perspectives regarding this noncausality crisis and the impact of organizational variables on their stress levels. While improvisation and job crafting were found to be important for adaptive resilience, the process involved in achieving resilience ended up increasing stress for nurses. Additionally, nurses faced role conflict, which contributed to greater levels of stress. To support nurses and enhance resilience, organizations should provide resources, role direction and training for effective job crafting and orientation.
Effects of ginger extract and its major component 6‐gingerol on anti‐tumor property through mitochondrial biogenesis in CD8+ T cells
Authors: Deng Xiaohong , Chen Dandan , Sun Xianjun , Dong Jingcheng , Huang Jianhua
Published: June 2022

Ginger extract (GE) and its major component 6‐gingerol (6G) have been reported to exert anti‐tumor effects in various cancers. The underlying mechanism, however, has not been well demonstrated. Here, we have focused on the relationship between promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells induced by GE and 6G and their cytotoxic effect. The results showed that GE induced 56% inhibition of tumor growth in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft mouse model and 6G induced 33% (25 mg/kg) and 37% (50 mg/kg) inhibition. GE increased mitochondrial mass of CD8+ T cells in tumor and draining lymph nodes (DLNs) significantly, while 6G had no significant effect. GE and 6G both had no significant influence on histopathological changes of liver and kidney in mice. In the co‐culture system of CTLL‐2 cells and LLC cells, GE enhanced the cytotoxicity of CTLL‐2 cells against LLC cells by 14% and 19% at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml, respectively. 6G did not promote cytotoxicity of CTLL‐2 cells. GE increased mitochondrial mass at 5 and 10 mg/ml and mtDNA copy number and ATP production at 2.5, 5, 10 mg/ml in CTLL‐2 cells. 6G promoted mtDNA copy number at 50, 100, 150 µM and mitochondrial mass and ATP production at 25, 50, 100, 150 µM in CTLL‐2 cells. These results suggest that promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and function in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells may play an essential role in GE‐induced inhibition of tumor growth. The current results perfect the mechanism of anti‐tumor effect of ginger, which is beneficial for further application in cancer management.

Practical Application

Ginger, as a worldwide food seasoning and herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to possess anti‐tumor efficacy. To our knowledge, it is the first time to focus on ginger's ability of promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells to explore the mechanism of its anti‐tumor effect. Our observations demonstrate that ginger inhibits tumor growth via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function of T cells. The present study links food to anti‐tumor immunity and provides impetus to investigate and design dietary supplements for cancer management.
Effect of type 2 diabetes on A disintegrin and metalloprotease 10
Authors: Lam Sum , Shiu Sammy Wing‐Ming , Wong Ying , Tan Kathryn Choon‐Beng
Published: June 2022

Background

As a type 1 transmembrane protein, a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) is responsible for the cleavage of a variety of cell surface molecules and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, atherosclerosis, and inflammatory and neoplastic disorders. It has been suggested that systemic ADAM10 concentration may potentially be used as a prognostic biomarker. Since high glucose can upregulate ADAM10 expression in vitro, we investigated whether serum levels of ADAM10 and its substrate, the lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX‐1), can be influenced by type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 1091 individuals with type 2 diabetes and 358 age‐matched healthy control subjects were recruited. Serum concentrations of ADAM10 and the soluble form of LOX‐1 (sLOX‐1) released by cleavage of LOX‐1 by ADAM were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits (ELISA).

Results

Serum ADAM10 was increased in subjects with diabetes compared with control (40.5 ng/mL [22.3‐65.7] vs 10.3 ng/mL [7.0‐17.9], respectively; P < .01); the highest levels were seen in insulin‐treated subjects. On multiple linear regression analysis, glycosylated hemoglobin, age, body mass index, and insulin use were independent determinants of ADAM10 level. The increase in serum ADAM10 levels in diabetes was accompanied by changes in serum sLOX‐1. Subjects with diabetes had higher serum sLOX‐1 than the control (110 pg/mL [89‐153] vs 104 pg/mL [85‐138], respectively; P < .01), and there was a significant correlation between serum ADAM10 and sLOX‐1 (r = 0.26, P < .01).

Conclusions

Serum concentration of ADAM10 is increased in type 2 diabetes and is associated with glycemia and insulin therapy, which may potentially affect the specificity of systemic ADAM10 level as a biomarker.
Is it more convenient to waste? Trade‐offs between grocery shopping and waste behaviors
Authors: Ellison Brenna , Fan Linlin , Wilson Norbert L.W.
Published: June 2022

Efforts to reduce food loss and waste are being made across the supply chain, with households targeted as one of the most wasteful nodes in the chain. In this article, we consider the impact of changing one household food management behavior: grocery shopping. Households that shop more frequently typically incur less food waste. This has resulted in a call for households to adopt a just‐in‐time (JIT) grocery shopping approach, taking smaller trips to the store more frequently. While households may be able to reduce food waste by adopting a JIT shopping approach, their willingness to shop more frequently is less clear. The purpose of this research is to examine the trade‐offs between grocery shopping frequency and food waste behaviors among U.S. households. We employ a choice experiment to determine whether consumers are willing to reduce waste by adopting a JIT shopping approach. We explore heterogeneity across households and consider the potential welfare impacts associated with moving to a JIT model of shopping. Our results indicate that, on average, consumers were averse to adding extra shopping trips to their weekly grocery shopping routines and would need to be compensated to do so (mean: $24/week for one extra trip). Consumers would need to see approximately a 12 percentage point reduction in waste to be indifferent to adding one shopping trip to their weekly routine. Spending more to waste less resulted in more welfare gains, on average, yet there is significant heterogeneity in grocery shopping preferences.
COVID‐19 restrictions and psychological well‐being of fathers with infants admitted to NICU—An exploratory cross‐sectional study
Authors: Adama Esther Abena , Koliouli Flora , Provenzi Livio , Feeley Nancy , van Teijlingen Edwin , Ireland Jillian , Thomson‐Salo Frances , Khashu Minesh ,   FINESSE Group
Published: June 2022

Aim

To describe the impact of the COVID‐19 restrictions on the caregiving activities and psychological well‐being of fathers with infants admitted to neonatal units.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using adapted COPE‐IS and COPE‐IU tools. Participants' recruitment occurred online via social media and parents' associations. Online survey in English, French and Italian were distributed and promoted via websites and social media platforms of parent's associations. The study was undertaken across 12 countries in Asia, Australia, Africa and Europe.

Results

A total of 108 fathers of NICU infants completed the survey. COVID‐19 related restrictions were categorised into 3 types: no restrictions, partial and severe restrictions. Fathers who experienced partial restrictions reported more involvement in caregiving activities but high levels of emotional difficulties and sleeping problems compared to those who experienced full or no restrictions.

Conclusion

Given the impact on the psychological well‐being of fathers, restrictions should be avoided as much as possible in the neonatal unit and fathers given free access to their infants if they follow appropriate infection control precautions.
Predicting COVID‐19 and seasonal influenza vaccine uptake: The impact of fear and vasovagal symptoms
Authors: Kowalsky Jennifer M.
Published: June 2022

Vaccines are vital to protecting health. However, fear and experiencing vasovagal symptoms (e.g., dizziness) are deterrents to medical procedures. Thus, study aims were to test (1) if vaccine relevant fears predict vasovagal symptoms during or following seasonal influenza vaccination and (2) if vaccine relevant fears and vasovagal symptoms predict seasonal influenza and COVID‐19 vaccine uptake. Using a prospective design, 1077 participants recruited online completed surveys during Oct 2019 assessing vaccine relevant fears, and May–June 2020 assessing 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine uptake, ratings of vasovagal symptoms, and seasonal influenza and COVID‐19 vaccination intention. A behavioral follow up assessing 2020–2021 seasonal influenza and COVID‐19 vaccine uptake took place June–July 2021. Heightened vaccine relevant fears predicted reduced 2019–2020 seasonal influenza vaccine uptake and greater vasovagal symptoms among those who did receive a seasonal influenza vaccine. Serial mediation analyses identified significant indirect effects with greater vaccine relevant fears reducing 2020–2021 seasonal influenza vaccine uptake through intention and reducing COVID‐19 vaccine uptake through vasovagal symptoms and intention. Intervention research to reduce fear and prevent vasovagal symptoms to support vaccine uptake is warranted.
The dynamic relationship between subjective social status and health: Evidence from a Chinese cohort study
Authors: Wang Yanshang , Hu Mingzheng , Ding Ruoxi , He Ping
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Using nationally representative longitudinal data from 2010 to 2018 in China, this study systematically investigates the relationship between Subjective Social Status (SSS) and health (physical health and mental health) in the Chinese adult population.

Methods

By applying between–within model, we disentangle the relationship between health outcomes and: (1) between‐individual differences in SSS and (2) within‐individual variations of SSS across time. In addition, to explore SSS mobility and trajectory, we further decomposed SSS into lagged SSS and the change between the current and lagged SSS (mobility).

Results

We find that there is significantly positive and unique relationship (independent of Objective Social Status (OSS)) between SSS and physical and mental health. However, for physical health, we observed an Inverse‐U effect of average SSS, after some point (SSS = 3.93), higher average SSS is associated with a score decrease. Through heterogeneity analysis, we find that for physical health, within‐ and between‐effects decreases with age and for mental health, the within effect is only significant among the urban population. Individuals with high expected mobility are also found to have significantly better health.

Conclusions

These findings show that the personal relative deprivation has negative, particularly salient and unique effects on the health of the Chinese population, and it is important to consider the dynamic nature of SSS.