bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the distribution of R&D incentive among production factors matter? A dynamic general equilibrium model for Türkiye
Authors: Akad İpek , Değer Çağaçan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explain the effect of research and development (R&D) incentives on economic growth, focusing on the case of Türkiye. A one-sector endogenous growth model has been constructed. The model includes three actors: firm, consumer and government. The consumer derives utility from consumption, supplies human capital and engages in saving. The representative firm invests in R&D to maximize the current value of profit flows by choosing how much input it will use and how much R&D it will undertake. The public sector provides incentives for labor and capital used in R&D production. R&D has been defined as a function that endogenously increases total factor productivity (TFP).

Design/methodology/approach

In line with the stated purpose, this study presents a dynamic general equilibrium model. Then, this study calibrates the model parameters with Türkiye's data.

Findings

The results imply that incentives for R&D personnel instead of physical capital have a stronger impact on economic growth.

Practical implications

The findings of this study point to an important conclusion on how to distribute R&D incentives across the two main factors in R&D production, labor and capital. Incentives given to R&D personnel are more effective in Türkiye.

Originality/value

This study shows that the R&D incentives provided by the public sector can be important in emerging countries where many firms have just started their R&D activities. In this study, the authors worked on Türkiye as an emerging country. This study discusses policies on how the R&D incentives will be more effective on economic growth in Türkiye. This study considers that these policies may apply to all emerging countries, due to similar R&D activities in countries that cannot export technology and mostly import technology.
Composing college identities: Latina girls writing their way to the Universidad
Authors: Flores Tracey T.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore Somos Escritoras, a creative space and writing workshop, for Latina adolescent girls (grades 6–8), as a program that supports not only writing and literacy development of girls, but also their college going identities.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a case study focused on the experiences of five Latina girls who participated in Somos Escritoras and what they define as the important aspects of the program that supported their personal and academic development.

Findings

Through girls writing, interview transcripts, and ethnographic conversations, their words illustrate how Somos Escritoras provided a safe space to examine their lives and find comunidad. Girls described the value they found in examining their lives through art and writing in ways that school did not invite them to do. Also, girls discussed the power they found in writing alongside Latinas their age and Latina mentors.

Originality/value

This study offers pedagogical implications for English language arts classrooms and schools to support Latina girls’ college-going identities.
Research in environmentally induced human mobility: an analysis of methodological and theoretical dimensions
Authors: Ferreira Fernandes Carla Sofia , Loureiro João , Alves Fátima
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to define a proposal of a theoretical–methodological framework aimed at supporting researchers in conducting studies on the topic of environmental mobility.

Design/methodology/approach

The complexity of environmental change and the frequent subsequent human mobility raises challenges in the research process. The variety of theoretical and methodological approaches that can be applied to each of the phenomena contributes to different layers of analysis when focusing on the decision-making process of migration due to environmental factors. Drawing from the theoretical and methodological frameworks used by scholars, this paper includes an analysis of how they are applied in empirical studies that focus on environmental change and mobility in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Findings

Empirical studies in this field for the MENA region are focused on collecting and analyzing data but are not linking it with wider human mobility theoretical and methodological frameworks. The proposal included in this study privileges the use of a qualitative methodology, aimed at obtaining an overview of the individuals’ experience.

Originality/value

This study adds to existing overviews of empirical studies of environmentally induced mobility by analyzing in detail the dimensions used to frame the methodological and theoretical research approaches in the empirical studies used in different disciplines that study the environment and/or human mobility. The studies analyzed focus on the different countries in the MENA region, which has the highest level of forced migratory movements in the world while facing challenges in terms of environmental degradation.
Forecasting hotel room prices when entering turbulent times: a game-theoretic artificial neural network model
Authors: Binesh Fatemeh , Belarmino Amanda Mapel , van der Rest Jean-Pierre , Singh Ashok K. , Raab Carola
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a risk-induced game theoretic forecasting model to predict average daily rate (ADR) under COVID-19, using an advanced recurrent neural network.

Design/methodology/approach

Using three data sets from upper-midscale hotels in three locations (i.e. urban, interstate and suburb), from January 1, 2018, to August 31, 2020, three long-term, short-term memory (LSTM) models were evaluated against five traditional forecasting models.

Findings

The models proposed in this study outperform traditional methods, such that the simplest LSTM model is more accurate than most of the benchmark models in two of the three tested hotels. In particular, the results show that traditional methods are inefficient in hotels with rapid fluctuations of demand and ADR, as observed during the pandemic. In contrast, LSTM models perform more accurately for these hotels.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited by its use of American data and data from midscale hotels as well as only predicting ADR.

Practical implications

This study produced a reliable, accurate forecasting model considering risk and competitor behavior.

Theoretical implications

This paper extends the application of game theory principles to ADR forecasting and combines it with the concept of risk for forecasting during uncertain times.

Originality/value

This study is the first study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to use actual hotel data from the COVID-19 pandemic to determine an appropriate neural network forecasting method for times of uncertainty. The application of Shapley value and operational risk obtained a game-theoretic property-level model, which fits best.
Cheese value chain in the highlands of Southern Peru: critical success factors
Authors: Flores Tita , Andía Flores Verónica Greis , Chura Zea Efrain , Mamani Paredes Javier
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This article examines the dairy value chain in Southern Peru and identifies four critical success factors that can enhance the local situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed descriptive research using semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs from 17 cheese factories across eight districts, namely Azángaro, Ayaviri, Pucara, Lampa, Cabana, Acora, Pomata and Puno. Quantitative market data were also gathered and analyzed alongside qualitative views.

Findings

The study identified four critical issues: quality concerns in milk production, suboptimal managerial practices of cheese-processing plants, lack of compliance to regulations, particularly hygiene and environmental ones, and inadequate access to finance. The findings reveal a gap between the practices of the Puno region's dairy industry and world-class standards for cheese production. Urgent actions are required to improve product quality, increase access to finance, enhance managerial education and ensure compliance with regulations.

Research limitations/implications

Results suggest critical issues to be prioritized, but the article does not propose how to solve the problems identified. External factors, such as economic changes, were also not considered. Interviews were conducted exclusively with cheese processing entrepreneurs, not milk producers.

Originality/value

This case study provides an insight into the interior of Peru, an under-researched region facing several development challenges. The findings have significant implications for dairy value chain stakeholders in Peru and other similar contexts.
Understanding the complexities of non-familial child abductions: a systematic literature review on the behavioural characteristics of acquaintance and stranger abductors
Authors: Jones Matthew , Mojtahedi Dara , Wager Nadia , West Adrian
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Reports from 2016 to 2017 suggest that approximately 870 cases of non-familial child abduction (NFA) are recorded in England and Wales per year. Yet, empirical knowledge of the victims, offenders and offence characteristics is limited in comparison to other forms of child victimisation. Furthermore, much of the available knowledge is constrained by a lack of clarity around the differences between acquaintance and stranger abductors. This systematic literature review aims to develop a comprehensive overview of acquaintance and stranger child abductions, focussing on the similarities and differences in offending behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Research databases (PsycArticles, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Abstracts, MEDLINE and ERIC) and the Grey Literature (ETHOS and EBSCO) were screened for peer-reviewed research published between 1995 and 2021. Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised using a modified version of the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Case Reports.

Findings

Six key areas within NFA offences and their characteristics were identified as offering potential for differentiating acquaintance and stranger abductors: victim–offender relationship, number of victims and offenders, motives,modus operandi, victim injury, sexual assault and mechanism of death (in fatal cases). The results of this review are discussed with consideration given to investigative implications, limitations and directions for future study.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to systematically review the current NFA literature, from which pragmatic recommendations for practice and future academic enquiry are drawn.
Ethnic minority group college students’ liberal and conservative attitudes to online start-ups: regional difference perspective
Authors: Li Lifu , Kang Kyeong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyse what factors influence ethnic minority group (EMG) college students’ attitudes towards promoting online start-ups and how their different attitudes impact their final online start-up behaviours on the live streaming platform. Based on the COM-B behaviour changing model and the theory of liberal and conservative attitudes, the research model has been established in this study, and it divides influencing factors into the environmental opportunity unit and personal capability unit.

Design/methodology/approach

To test relationships among the environmental opportunity, personal capability and personal attitude units, the partial least squares path modelling and variance-based structural equation modelling have been applied on the SmartPLS. Meanwhile, this study considers the regional difference between China’s developed and less-developed regions and promotes multi-group analysis based on it.

Findings

Research results show that the online start-up opportunity and capability positively affect EMG college students’ liberal attitudes but reduce EMGs’ conservative attitudes. Meanwhile, this study finds four significant differences, such as the path between conservative attitude and EMG students’ online start-up behaviour and the path between online start-up capability and conservative attitude.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the relationship between influencing factors and EMG students’ online start-up attitudes based on the COM-B behaviour changing model, contributing to the theoretical implications. Meanwhile, considering the impact of regional differences, this paper promotes the multi-group analysis and compares EMG college students from developed regions and others from less-developed areas.
FTX fiasco and global equity markets: evidence from event study approach
Authors: Goyal Priyanka , Soni Pooja
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of FTX bankruptcy on the global stock markets, including both the developed and emerging markets, as per the Morgan Stanley Capital Investment (MSCI) country classification.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the daily closing prices for leading stock market indices of all 47 countries in the MSCI market classification, comprising 23 developed markets and 24 emerging markets, the event study methodology is used to examine the impact of the event on developed markets, emerging markets and overall global equity markets.

Findings

The study finds heterogeneous effects of the event on different countries. Results indicate that overall global equity markets experienced a statistically significant positive cumulative average abnormal returns of 15.8533% in the complete event window of 28 days from t − 7 to t + 20. The authors conclude that traditional global equity markets can be used as a hedge against potential financial risk posed by unfavorable events in the cryptocurrency markets and have safe haven properties.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes the global financial system’s interconnectedness and the potential of traditional equity markets to hedge risks in the cryptocurrency market. The findings are relevant for investors seeking portfolio diversification and mitigating their exposure to potential risks in the cryptocurrency market.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the earliest attempt to comprehensively examine the impact of the bankruptcy of the world’s fourth largest cryptocurrency exchange, FTX, on the global equity markets.
Is Islamic financial management getting enough attention? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kazak Hasan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide quantitative information about the development of Islamic financial management literature. For this purpose, it is aimed to draw attention to the development of this field by revealing the literature gap in the field of Islamic financial management.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the document analysis method is used and the Web of Science (WOS) site is used to obtain the desired data. The time range of the study covers the years 1980–2023/January. The results obtained from the scans were analyzed by the bibliometric analysis method. The data obtained within the scope of the study are classified and analyzed using the VOSviewer program, which is one of the many software developed for scientific mapping analysis. The obtained data are presented in a certain order with the visual mapping method.

Findings

In the analyses made, bibliometric analysis based on document review and including the subject of “Islamic financial management” in the WOS database between the relevant years has not been used in any study, which points to an important gap in the literature. However, 3,022 studies on “Financial management” and 1,830 studies on “Islamic finance” have been identified. Although there is no data on “Financial Management”, the subjects of “Islamic finance” and “Financial management” related to the subject have been evaluated in terms of countries, the most publishing organizations, authors, publications and word–word groups, using the bibliometric analysis method, as well as making numerical and visual evaluations. These studies show that an infrastructure to include the subject of “Islamic financial management” has not been formed in the literature.

Practical implications

This study points to an important gap in the literature. The subjects of “Islamic finance” and “Financial management” have been sufficiently covered in the literature separately. By combining this knowledge with new studies there appears an environment where original studies on the subject of “Islamic financial management” can be made and this study is aimed to shed light on this virgin area.

Originality/value

In the literature bibliometric analysis based on document review including the subject of “Islamic financial management” has not been used in any study. To the best of the author’s knowledge this study is the first in the literature to address the related issue and with it an important gap in the literature has been identified and an important case that will be a source for future studies has been revealed.
How open innovation drives intellectual capital to superior organizational resilience: evidence from China's ICT sector
Authors: Ju Jia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Open innovation is regarded as the driven factor for organizational resilience, but open innovation's role and effect mechanism in leveraging organizational resilience has been limited explored. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between two types of open innovation and organizational resilience and the mediating effect of intellectual capital on open innovation and organizational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

After a literature review, a research model including open innovation, intellectual capital and organizational resilience is proposed. Survey data are collected from information and communication technologies (ICT) sector in China and analyzed by using partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and Bootstrapping procedure to present results of each hypothesis test.

Findings

Results indicate that inbound open innovation has a significant and direct impact on organizational resilience, while outbound open innovation has not. In addition, all three dimensions of intellectual capital were significantly correlated with organizational resilience and had mediating roles in the indirect effect of inbound open innovation and organizational resilience. Nevertheless, only social capital played a mediating role in the relationship between outbound open innovation and organizational resilience.

Originality/value

The study explores the relationships among open innovation, intellectual capital and organizational resilience in a comprehensive model, which is the first known study to highlight that open innovation can enhance organizational resilience through intellectual capital, and provides valuable suggestions for improving organizational resilience.
Case study of an integrated health and social care initiative for geriatric patients in rural Alberta
Authors: Cheng Siu Mee , Catallo Cristina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Rural regions in Canada are aging faster than urban centers, but access to health and social care is limited. Integrated health and social care (IHSC) through collaboration across different health and social care organizations can support enhanced care for older adults living in rural regions. However, IHSC is not well understood within a rural Canadian context.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of a Canadian IHSC initiative, Geriatric Assessment Program Collaboratory (GAPC), in northern Alberta was undertaken to understand how successful IHSC can occur in an urban/rural region. The study used key informant interviews and a focus group of representatives from the GAPC organizations.

Findings

Nine factors were identified that support GAPC: communications, information sharing, shared vision and goals, inter-organizational culture, diffused leadership, team-based approaches, dedicated resources, role clarity, champions and pre-existing relationships. Eight external influence factors were identified as influencing partnership including geography, strong sense of community, inter-sectoral work, public policy, governance authorities and structures, funding models, aging communities and operating within a not-for-profit (NFP) setting.

Originality/value

The study reveals insights into how IHSC can occur within a rural Canadian context. This study demonstrates that IHSC occurs at the local level and that primary care providers can drive IHSC successfully.
The contextual embeddedness of female entrepreneurship: investigating the influence of macro and motherhood factors in Bahrain
Authors: Hatoum Hala , Haddoud Mohamed Yacine , Mordi Chima
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to shed light on the factors that affect female entrepreneurship at the macro-environment level and motherhood in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the 5M model and an institutional approach, this paper uses a qualitative semi-structured in-depth interview approach with 44 female entrepreneurs.

Findings

The results uncover several findings highlighting the important influence of the macro-environment on female entrepreneurs in Bahrain, grouped under formal (complex regulations, double employment constraints and financial obligations) and informal (societal perceptions) institutions, as well as the nuanced role of motherhood factors.

Originality/value

The study addresses the motherhood aspect of female entrepreneurs comprising household, family, child/elderly care and societally perceived female duties. Therefore, it constitutes the primary building block in a more gender-aware approach to female entrepreneurship. Addressing societal perceived gender roles leads to a comprehensive perspective on the study of female entrepreneurs.
Incorporating mobile learning and the CAP(E) framework in improving the receptive skills of students
Authors: Istek Esra , Ironsi Chinaza Solomon
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Given the persistent receptive skills challenges faced by language learners and the numerous merits of using technologically-enhanced learning in the form of mobile-assisted language learning in language teaching, this study decides to incorporate a context-analysis-practice-exploration lesson-planning framework with mobile learning to improve the receptive skills of learners. This step is necessary on the recommendation by scholarly research that while implementing technology, teacher training, digital literacy and expertise, incorporating good teaching practices and lesson planning frameworks may assist in yielding positive results.

Design/methodology/approach

This study decides to utilize a mixed-method research design through an experimental approach to elicit information from 90 EFL students concerning the effectiveness of incorporating the context-analysis-practice-exploration framework in a mobile-leaning mode instructional delivery to improve their reading and listening skills.

Findings

After collecting and analyzing data, the study found that while the participants perceived enhanced-mobile learning to make lessons enjoyable, integrating this framework and m-learning improved their reading skills. This study used notable findings to make pedagogical conclusions on the objective of this study.

Originality/value

This study contributes through empirical evidence on the effectiveness of incorporating mobile learning and a responsive lesson planning framework towards improving English as a foreign language learners' learning outcome. Besides, this study is the first to probe and unpack the effectiveness of a responsive lesson-planning framework in language education.
Contextualized computations: a multi-objective optimization approach for designing contextually responsive building envelopes
Authors: Alani Mostafa , Kahera Akel
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study explores the potential of computational design processes in creating contextually responsive envelopes for high-rise residential buildings in the Middle East. This includes considering both physical constraints and social preferences, with a focus on balancing sunlight exposure, privacy and views.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phase simulation study analyzed various exterior envelope systems in Baghdad high-rise buildings. The first phase examined two commonly used exterior envelopes – fully glazed and window-based – to assess sunlight exposure, privacy and views. In the second phase, a multi-objective optimization process was applied to derive contextually optimized design solutions addressing the challenges identified in the first phase.

Findings

The study reveals that contextually optimized design solutions significantly improved direct sunlight exposure and privacy while maintaining satisfactory views. Although fully glazed exterior envelopes provided better-uninterrupted views, the optimized solutions offered more balanced performance across all factors, demonstrating the potential of computational design processes in creating contextually responsive building envelopes.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the importance of considering both physical and social contexts in the development of algorithms for architecture in the Middle East. This paper supports a progressive interpretation of traditional building references and demonstrates how computational design processes can create contextually responsive building envelopes that satisfy social needs and provide better-performing buildings for inhabitants.
Asian American police officers in the 21st century: the “other” minority cop
Authors: Yu Helen H.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study examines a variety of personal and workplace topics to uncover why Asians are still underrepresented in US policing, despite a 114% growth in the Asian American population during the past 30 years.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses are collected from Asian police officers (N = 70) to capture their characteristics and lived experiences.

Findings

This study found 11 themes that may account for the underrepresentation of Asian Americans in US policing.

Research limitations/implications

The small sample size represents those respondents from only four US states, limiting the sampling frame and generalizability.

Practical implications

This study offers targeted recruitment strategies for improving Asian representation in US policing.

Originality/value

Although Asians account for 6% of the US population, very little is still known about the experiences of Asian American police officers, despite working in one of the most visible public institutions in local government.
Hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithms for cost-oriented robotic assembly line balancing problems
Authors: Zhang Canran , Dou Jianping , Wang Shuai , Wang Pingyuan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The cost-oriented robotic assembly line balancing problem (cRALBP) has practical importance in real-life manufacturing scenarios. However, only a few studies tackle the cRALBP using exact methods or metaheuristics. This paper aims to propose a hybrid particle swarm optimization (PSO) combined with dynamic programming (DPPSO) to solve cRALBP type-I.

Design/methodology/approach

Two different encoding schemes are presented for comparison. In the frequently used Scheme 1, a full encoding of task permutations and robot allocations is adopted, and a relatively large search space is generated. DPSO1 and DPSO2 with the full encoding scheme are developed. To reduce the search space and concern promising solution regions, in Scheme 2, only task permutations are encoded, and DP is used to obtain the optimal robot sequence for a given task permutation in a polynomial time. DPPSO is proposed.

Findings

A set of instances is generated, and the numerical experiments indicate that DPPSO achieves a tradeoff between solution quality and computation time and outperforms existing algorithms in solution quality.

Originality/value

The contributions of this paper are three aspects. First, two different schemes of encoding are presented, and three PSO algorithms are developed for the purpose of comparison. Second, a novel updating mechanism of discrete PSO is adjusted to generate feasible task permutations for cRALBP. Finally, a set of instances is generated based on two cost parameters, then the performances of algorithms are systematically compared.
A hybrid approach for machining optimization of the WEDM using grey-fuzzy with Metaphor-Less algorithms for Ti-3Al-2.5V
Authors: Kumar Anshuman , Upadhyay Chandramani , Subbiah Ram , Nagaraju Dusanapudi Siva
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of “BroncoCut-X” (copper core-ZnCu50 coating) electrode on the machining of Ti-3Al-2.5V in view of its extensive use in aerospace and medical applications. The machining parameters are selected as Spark-off Time (SToff), Spark-on Time (STon), Wire-speed (Sw), Wire-Tension (WT) and Servo-Voltage (Sv) to explore the machining outcomes. The response characteristics are measured in terms of material removal rate (MRR), average kerf width (KW) and average-surface roughness (SA).

Design/methodology/approach

Taguchi’s approach is used to design the experiment. The “AC Progress V2 high precision CNC-WEDM” is used to conduct the experiments with ϕ 0.25 mm diameter wire electrode. The machining performance characteristics are examined using main effect plots and analysis of variance. The grey-relation analysis and fuzzy interference system techniques have been developed to combine (called grey-fuzzy reasoning grade) the experimental response while Rao-Algorithm is used to calculate the optimal performance.

Findings

The hybrid optimization result is obtained as SToff = 50µs, STon = 105µs, Sw = 7 m/min, WT = 12N and Sv=20V. Additionally, the result is compared with the firefly algorithm and improved gray-wolf optimizer to check the efficacy of the intended approach. The confirmatory test has been further conducted to verify optimization results and recorded 8.14% overall machinability enhancement. Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy analysis further demonstrated effectiveness in the WEDMed surface with a maximum 4.32 µm recast layer.

Originality/value

The adopted methodology helped to attain the highest machinability level. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is the first investigation within the considered parametric range and adopted optimization technique for Ti-3Al-2.5V using the wire-electro discharge machining.
Postmarketing surveillance of nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy in Japanese patients with unresectable malignant melanoma
Authors: Yamazaki Naoya , Kiyohara Yoshio , Uhara Hisashi , Tsuchida Tetsuya , Yoshida Ai , Yamada Takako , Komoto Akira
Published: June 2023

Although malignant melanoma is relatively rare in Japan, it is often diagnosed at a later stage than in Western countries. Nivolumab and ipilimumab are immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death 1 and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated protein 4, respectively. Owing to their complementary anticancer effects, nivolumab and ipilimumab combination therapy (N + I) has been studied and approved for treating malignant melanoma in various countries including Japan. Real‐world postmarketing surveillance was implemented to record treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) in patients treated with N + I following its approval in Japan. Patients were eligible for registration if they had unresectable malignant melanoma and started N + I between September 2018 and August 2019. The observation period was 13 weeks from starting N + I. Only safety information was collected and evaluated. The final case report form lock was March 2021. Overall, 173 patients (median age, 66.0 years; performance status 0–1, 88.4%; skin: 53.2%; mucosal: 32.4%) were eligible for the analyses. Overall, 34.1% of patients completed 4 doses of N + I. N + I was discontinued by 63.0% (due to adverse events in 67.9% and disease progression/death in 22.9%). Any grade and grade ≥3 TRAEs were reported in 73.41% and 52.02%, respectively. TRAEs in ≥10 patients were hepatic function abnormal (any grade/grade ≥3: 23.12%/13.29%), pyrexia (10.40%/0.58%), diarrhea (9.25%/2.89%), rash (8.67%/0.58%), hypophysitis (5.78%/5.20%), interstitial lung disease (5.78%/2.89%), and liver disorder (5.78%/4.62%). TRAEs were classified as recovered (36.99% of patients), recovering (44.51%), unrecovered (13.29%), recovered with sequelae (2.31%), and death (1.73%). Overall, 24 of 34 patients (70.59%) with gastrointestinal‐related and 53 of 65 (81.54%) liver‐related TRAEs received treatment, such as a steroid with/without an immunosuppressant; most patients recovered within 1 to 2 months. In conclusion, this postmarketing surveillance of N + I in patients with unresectable malignant melanoma revealed no new safety concerns compared with results of prior studies. Immune‐related TRAEs were generally manageable by appropriate treatment including a steroid.
Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor: A chondromyxoid fibroma‐like type
Authors: Koga Kaori , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Nabeshima Kazuki
Published: June 2023

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) is a rare neoplasm that causes tumor‐induced osteomalasia (TIO) in most affected patients, usually through the production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). This tumor is often misdiagnosed due to its relative rarity and its widely varied histomorphologic spectrum. Here we describe a case of a 78‐year‐old woman who presented with a left middle tumor without symptoms of TIO. The histological features resembled chondromyxoid fibroma with smudgy calcification in the tumor matrix. In addition, we evaluated FGF23 expression through immunohistochemical study and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. PMT with chondromyxoid fibroma features are extremely rare. Examining the expression of FGF23 is useful in the diagnosis of PMT.
Pressure and frequency dependence of elastic moduli of fluid‐saturated dual‐porosity rocks
Authors: Chen Fubin , Zong Zhaoyun , Yin Xingyao , Yang Zhifang , Yan Xinfei
Published: June 2023

The elastic moduli of subsurface rocks saturated with geofluid often depend on the wave frequency and confining pressure due to the wave‐induced fluid flow and their significant intrinsic compressibility. Therefore, the knowledge of the pressure‐dependent dispersion of elastic moduli is usually used in broad practical scenarios such as geofluid discrimination and in situ abnormal pressure detection. We propose a simple dual‐porosity model to describe the pressure and frequency dependence of elastic moduli of fluid‐saturated rocks. First, we follow the idea of the Shapiro dual‐porosity model to yield more accurate formulas for pressure‐dependent stiff porosity and crack porosity. Then the new formulas for stiff and crack porosities are utilized to express the bulk and shear moduli of dry rocks as a function of pressure. Further, the bulk and shear moduli of a modified frame (i.e. a rock skeleton with the dry stiff pores and fluid‐saturated cracks) are formulated with the pressure‐dependent elastic moduli of dry rock. In order to consider the wave energy attenuation induced by fluid in cracks, the frequency‐independent fluid modulus imbedded in the formulas for bulk and shear moduli of a modified frame is replaced with a frequency‐dependent one incorporating the effect of viscoelastic relaxation. The effective bulk and shear moduli of entire fluid‐saturated body can be computed by inserting the pressure‐dependent stiff porosity and elastic moduli of a modified frame into the Gassmann equation. Moreover, appropriate simplification is performed on the central equations in the case of low porosity and weak deformation of stiff pores to yield an approximate model. Modelling results show that the proposed model can reasonably account for the nonlinear variation of bulk and shear moduli with the elevating effective pressure and cautiously predict the wave dispersion and attenuation. We validate our model by comparing the predicted elastic moduli with the corresponding results given by Shapiro model–based equations and with the laboratory measurements of five different fluid‐saturated rock samples.
Arsenic pollution from human activities drives changes in soil microbial community characteristics
Authors: Liu Yang , Dai Wei , Yao Dandan , Wang Ning , Liu Mingqing , Wang Lei , Tian Wei , Yan Peirui , Huang Zhonglin , Wang Hui
Published: June 2023

Soil arsenic (As) pollution not only decreases plant productivity but also soil quality, in turn hampering sustainable agricultural development. Despite the negative effects of As contamination on rice yield and quality being reported widely, the responses of microbial communities and co‐occurrence networks in paddy soil to As pollution have not been explored. Here, based on high‐throughput sequencing technologies, we investigated bacterial abundance and diversity in paddy soils with different levels of As contamination, and constructed associated microbial co‐occurrence networks. As pollution reduced soil bacterial diversity significantly (p < 0.001). In addition, bioavailable As concentrations were negatively correlated with Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria relative abundance (p < 0.05). Conversely, As pollution had a positive relationship with Chloroflexi, Betaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes relative abundance (p < 0.05). Firmicutes relative abundance decreased with an increase in total As concentration. The ecological clusters and key groups in bacterial co‐occurrence networks exhibited distinct trends with an increase in As pollution. Notably, Acidobacteria play an important role in maintaining microbial networks in As contaminated soils. Overall, we provide empirical evidence that As contamination influences soil microbial community structure, posing a threat to soil ecosystem health and sustainable agriculture.
Forecasting China's water use peak path under coordinating perspective from economic development and technological progress
Authors: Zhou Qin , Zhang Hengquan , Zhang Chenjun , Fang Zhou , Cheng Changgao
Published: June 2023

China holds the distinction of being the foremost global consumer of water resources and contends with a significant level of water scarcity. In light of this quandary, China has been assiduously endeavoring to foster water conservation practices with the ultimate objective of reaching a peak point in water use. In this paper, we construct a framework for forecasting China's total water use (TWU) peak path. In this framework, we select influencing factors in terms of both economy and technology to forecast the peak path of China's TWU under six different scenarios, and analyze the economic and technological circumstances at the peak. Our findings indicate that China's TWU will persist in its upward trend based on both the high growth and business as usual scenarios. The projected peak period is estimated to transpire in 2037, 2032, 2030, and 2028, respectively, with the corresponding peak levels amounting to 644.03, 633.93, 625.79, and 620.92 billion m3. However, in the low growth scenarios, China's TWU reached its peak in 2013. The extent of economic development plays a pivotal role in determining the timing and manner of water usage peaking. Early peaking of water usage could potentially result in a loss of gross domestic product (GDP). Furthermore, technological advancements hold the potential to facilitate a reduction in water use without requiring a significant trade‐off between resource conservation and economic development. The results of sensitivity analysis show that the average acreage of water used for irrigation on cropland, GDP, water use efficiency, and population contribute the most to TWU, while the increase in the proportion of industrial, service, and water‐saving irrigation area can reduce water use. Our analytical framework provides a commonly applicable solution for the water use forecast in areas seeking to reach the water use peak or to achieve sustainable development.
Advanced dendritic glucan‐derived biomaterials: From molecular structure to versatile applications
Authors: Chen Long , Zhao Ningjing , McClements David J. , Hamaker Bruce R. , Miao Ming
Published: June 2023

There is considerable interest in the development of advanced biomaterials with improved or novel functionality for diversified applications. Dendritic glucans, such as phytoglycogen and glycogen, are abundant biomaterials with highly branched three‐dimensional globular architectures, which endow them with unique structural and functional attributes, including small size, large specific surface area, high water solubility, low viscosity, high water retention, and the availability of numerous modifiable surface groups. Dendritic glucans can be synthesized by in vivo biocatalysis reactions using glucosyl‐1‐phosphate as a substrate, which can be obtained from plant, animal, or microbial sources. They can also be synthesized by in vitro methods using sucrose or starch as a substrate, which may be more suitable for large‐scale industrial production. The large numbers of hydroxyl groups on the surfaces of dendritic glucan provide a platform for diverse derivatizations, including nonreducing end, hydroxyl functionalization, molecular degradation, and conjugation modifications. Due to their unique physicochemical and functional attributes, dendritic glucans have been widely applied in the food, pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. For instance, they have been used as delivery systems, adsorbents, tissue engineering scaffolds, biosensors, and bioelectronic components. This article reviews progress in the design, synthesis, and application of dendritic glucans over the past several decades.
MicroR‐9c‐5p and novel‐mir50 co‐target Akt to regulate Lasioderma serricorne reproduction
Authors: Yan Yi , Qin Dong‐Dong , Yang Hong , Xu Kang‐Kang , Li Can , Yang Wen‐Jia
Published: June 2023

High fecundity is a common characteristic of insect pests which increases the difficulty of population control. Serine/threonine kinase Akt is an indispensable component of the insulin signaling pathway. Silencing of LsAkt severely hinders reproduction in Lasioderma serricorne, a stored product insect pest. However, the post‐transcriptional pathway of LsAkt in L. serricorne remains unknown. This study identified 2 binding sites of miR‐9c‐5p and novel‐mir50 in the coding sequences of LsAkt. The expression profiles of 2 microRNAs (miRNAs) and LsAkt displayed an opposite pattern during the adult stages. Luciferase reporter assay showed that novel‐mir50 and miR‐9c‐5p could downregulate the expression of LsAkt. Overexpression of miR‐9c‐5p and novel‐mir50 by injection of mimics inhibited the expression of LsAkt and reduced oviposition, decreased egg hatchability, and blocked ovarian development. It also decreased the expression of genes involved in ovarian development (LsVg and LsVgR) and the nutritional signaling pathway (LsTOR, LsS6K, and Ls4EBP), and reduced the phosphorylation of Akt. Conversely, injection of miR‐9c‐5p and novel‐mir50 inhibitors induced the expressions of LsAkt, LsVg, LsVgR, LsTOR, LsS6K, and Ls4EBP, enhanced Akt phosphorylation level, and accelerated ovarian development. Injection of bovine insulin downregulated the expression of miR‐9c‐5p and novel‐mir50 and upregulated the LsAkt expression. It also rescued the reproductive development defects associated with miR‐9c‐5p/novel‐mir50 overexpression, forming a positive regulatory loop of insulin signaling. These results indicate that miR‐9c‐5p/novel‐mir50 regulates the female reproduction of L. serricorne by targeting Akt in response to insulin signaling. The data also demonstrate the effects of the insulin/miRNA/Akt regulatory axis in insect reproduction.
Decolorization of porcine hemoglobin hydrolysates: The role of peptide characteristics and pH values
Authors: Li Qian , Zhang Longteng , Li Yan , Lametsch René
Published: June 2023

The unpleasant color caused by heme limits the utilization of hemoglobin as a food ingredient. Enzymatic hydrolysis has been used to decolorize hemoglobin, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the decolorization efficiency of porcine hemoglobin using different enzymes and final pH values, and to elucidate their influence on decolorization. Based on higher yields and better decolorization, hemoglobin hydrolysates produced by papain, bromelain, savinase, and protease A were further studied. Compared to hydrolysates by savinase and protease A, a higher proportion of histidine‐containing peptides was responsible for better decolorization by papain and bromelain. For all hydrolysates, a moderate reduction in pH to 4.0–5.0 facilitated decolorization of the hydrolysates. Similar peptide profiles of hydrolysates from the same enzyme treatment reflected that pH mainly affected the precipitation of the heme‐containing fraction through heme–heme interaction rather than heme–peptide interaction. Overall, this study sheds light on the use of enzymatic hydrolysis to remove the heme group from hemoglobin.

Practical Application

Slaughterhouses produce tons of protein‐rich blood each year. Due to the presence of the heme group in hemoglobin, blood has a dark red color and metallic taste, making it generally unacceptable for consumers. This study provided information on the decolorization of porcine hemoglobin by removing the heme fraction, which should facilitate the utilization of decolored hemoglobin hydrolysates as nutritional food ingredients.
Circ‐PDZD8 promotes cell growth and glutamine metabolism in non‐small cell lung cancer by enriching LARP1 via sequestering miR‐330‐5p
Authors: Zhu Xiaopeng , Du Tianxing , Chen Xi , Hu Peng
Published: June 2023

Background

The deregulation of circular RNA (circRNA) is widely reported in carcinogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of circRNA‐PDZ domain containing 8 (circ‐PDZD8) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression.

Methods

The histological structure of tissues was identified by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining analysis. The expression levels of circ‐PDZD8, miR‐330‐5p and la ribonucleoprotein 1 (LARP1) mRNA were ascertained by qPCR. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were employed for functional analysis. Glutamine metabolism was monitored by glutamine consumption, alpha ketoglutarate (α‐KG) level and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level. A xenograft model was established to ascertain the role of circ‐PDZD8 in vivo. The putative binding relationships were verified by dual‐luciferase and RIP studies.

Results

Circ‐PDZD8 expression was highly increased in NSCLC. Circ‐PDZD8 knockdown inhibited cell growth, migratory capacity, invasiveness and glutamine metabolism but enhanced cell apoptosis in NSCLC cells. Circ‐PDZD8 blocked miR‐330‐5p expression, and miR‐330‐5p inhibition overturned the effects of circ‐PDZD8 absence. LARP1 targeted by miR‐330‐5p, and miR‐330‐5p upregulation‐impaired cell growth, motility and glutamine metabolism were recovered by LARP1 overexpression. Circ‐PDZD8 knockdown was also shown to impede solid tumor growth.

Conclusion

Circ‐PDZD8 promotes NSCLC cell growth and glutamine metabolism by increasing LARP1 via competitively targeting miR‐330‐5p.