bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of continuous usage of library resources on handheld devices: findings from PLS-SEM and fuzzy sets (fsQCA)
Authors: Tyagi Sanjay Kumar , Sharma Sujeet Kumar , Gaur Avinash
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the key factors that motivate learners to use handheld devices to access library resources. To do so, this study integrates the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the DeLone and McLean information systems success (D and M-ISS) model.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between the causes and the outcomes may not be symmetrical. To test this proposition, data were collected from 210 respondents in a Gulf country and analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and complemented by fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The SEM results revealed that three constructs – perceived ease of use (PEOU), service quality (SQ) and system quality (SEQ) are strong drivers of students’ continuous intention to use handheld devices to access library resources. However, perceived usefulness (PU) and information quality (IQ) do not significantly influence students’ intentions. Besides, SQ and PEOU are positively related to PU. Furthermore, fsQCA results show that two different conjunctions, PU*PEOU*IQ*SEQ and PEOU*SQ*IQ*SEQ, cause the students to show a continuous intention to use handheld devices to access library resources.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies on mobile library resource utilization, this analysis extends TAM to investigate the linear additive influence of two basic TAM constructs: PEOU and PU, and three constructs, namely, SEQ, SQ and IQ of the ISS model, on students’ library resource utilization. Furthermore, the findings of SEM were complemented by a set theory-based configuration method, fsQCA, to investigate the asymmetrical, equifinal and configurational causation leading to the desired outcome. The findings of this study have theoretical and practical implications.
How can the work environment be redesigned to enhance the well-being of individuals with autism?
Authors: Tomczak Michał T.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This article examines the opportunities to create optimal conditions for individuals with autism, to work successfully within the contemporary workplace and improve their well-being. These opportunities arise from digital technology (DT) development, enabling the work environment to be remodeled by providing new possibilities and ways of working. The author discusses both technology-based as well as non-technological accommodations supporting overcoming the workplace challenges faced by employees with autism.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research was conducted with the use of in-depth interviews with 21 individuals with expertise in the field.

Findings

Possible technology-based work environment modifications and non-technological managerial practices facilitating work integration and the long-term well-being of individuals with autism were proposed. These solutions address four main problems: (1) effective communication; (2) time management, task prioritizing, and organization of work; (3) stress management and emotion control; and (4) sensory sensitivity.

Practical implications

Proposed solutions include primarily the wide usage of electronic mediated forms of communicating based on non-direct and non-verbal contact; a flexible approach towards work organization; accurate stress monitoring systems; and an individualized approach toward office space arrangements limiting external stimuli.

Originality/value

All this could lead not only to an increase in employment in individuals on the autism spectrum but also influence the improvement of the job performance of already employed. Modifications introduced could improve the long-term well-being of all employees, both with autism and neurotypical ones.
How business strategy drives human resource practices in small and medium enterprises? Evidence from Pakistani autoparts industry
Authors: Ahmad Yasir , Khan Memoona Rauf
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In large enterprises, the notion is that an organization’s business strategy is a significant determinant of its human resource (HR) practices. However, there is limited evidence in the literature of such linkages for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature and extent of the relationship between the types of business strategies used and HR practices, namely, staffing, training and employee relations among SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have collected data from 168 SMEs manufacturing autoparts and purposively chosen three SME case studies to derive in-depth observations of business strategies and HR practices. Quantitative results from the survey indicate that these SMEs exhibit a logical relationship between the strategic posture of the SMEs and their adopted HR practices.

Findings

This study illustrates that SMEs operating in the risky and lesser developed labor markets of a lower-income country such as Pakistan adopt certain practices that differ considerably from firms operating in more competitive automotive markets using highly skilled labor. The findings suggest that there is a significant potential to be realized through strategically managing HR practices to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Practical implications

Education of supervisors and management and suitable skill level of labor in tandem with continuous cutting edge industrial training appear to be the most successful business strategy followed by Prospector and Analyzer SMEs. For greater efficiency they need to have dedicated HR management, and financial and auditing services. Meanwhile, public sector entities as well as representative business bodies need to provide targeted practical technical and financial training and assistance to strengthen Defender and Reactor SMEs and improve their range of outputs.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the SMEs’ management literature in the context of Pakistan because there are very few studies that have examined the impact of business strategy on the HR practices in SMEs manufacturing autoparts in the automotive industry of Pakistan. The case study approach captures detailed insights and identifies the areas where the SMEs in developing countries perform differently than the SMEs in developed countries.
Antecedents and consequences of organisational citizenship behaviour: a mediated-moderation examination in an emerging economy
Authors: Tayal Ritu , Tripathi Mamta , Singh Nishant , Bamel Umesh
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to employ a model to expand the literature's comprehension of the organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) phenomenon in the Indian banking sector. The authors examine OCB as a mediator of the relationship between job embeddedness (JE), self-efficacy (SE) and organisation effectiveness (OE). The authors also verify the moderating role of affective commitment (AC) on the JE, SE and OE relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the purpose of this paper are collected from 568 employees in 89 branches of banks located in North and Central India using a survey questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The findings confirm the positive association between JE, SE and OE. The results also suggest that OCB mediates the association between the independent and dependent variables. Furthermore, the authors observed that AC moderates the OCB and OE relationship.

Practical implications

The results of this examination will assist the employees to realise the substance of OCB in directing their performance towards OE. This investigation will inspire bank managers to notice that employee readiness to put in extra effort in a bank is primarily the effect of apt individual characteristics, namely JE and SE, that can be shaped and developed. Furthermore, this study draws the attention of bank managers towards the significance of AC, as an essential phenomenon to emotionally attach the employees to their organisation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on OCB by examining how OCB leads to desired outcomes and the conditions that promote the effect of OCB. The authors address these questions by building on a more contemporary perspective, i.e., PsyCap.
Entrepreneurial ecosystem big picture: a bibliometric analysis and co-citation clustering
Authors: Mohammadi Navid , Karimi Asef
Published: June 2022

Purpose

As the main factor for sustainable development of countries, entrepreneurship is a difficult path only chosen by those who have a high level of risk-taking. On this path, entrepreneurship requires an ecosystem that welcomes this type of thinking and eliminates the barriers on the path as much as possible. This ecosystem comprises various components that attempt to pave the way in a private and public manner. The entrepreneurial ecosystem still has many latent aspects after several years. This study aims to provide a big picture of all studies published in the Web of Science database to help future researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, 765 scientific papers published in the database were analyzed using 3 main approaches of network analysis, co-occurrence analysis of keywords and co-citation clustering.

Findings

In the end, four major clusters were identified for articles in this field in the clustering section, including the entrepreneurial ecosystem, academic entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystem and institutional entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This paper used a new approach for reviewing the entrepreneurial ecosystem and made a big picture of all previous research studies. In the end, an unsupervised machine learning approach was used to clustering the research studies and four major clusters were identified.
How and when perceived job search incivility leads to reduced job search behavior
Authors: Islam Zia Ul , Weng Qingxiong (Derek) , Ali Ahmed , Ghani Usman , Naeem Rana Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of job seekers' perceived incivility during job search on their job search intensity via job search-specific self-esteem, and to explore how the job seekers' level of dispositional mindfulness buffers these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Using self-report measures, time-lagged data were obtained from 242 graduating students of a Chinese university.

Findings

Results showed that perceived incivility during job search was negatively related to job search-specific self-esteem, and that job search-specific self-esteem was positively related to job search intensity. Further, dispositional mindfulness mitigated the direct link between perceived incivility and job search-specific self-esteem and the indirect link between job seekers' perception of incivility and job search intensity through job search-specific self-esteem.

Originality/value

By integrating the recruitment and job search literature, we investigated how negative experiences (perceived incivility during recruitment) stemming from the context of job search influence the motivation of job seekers to continue their job search via the mediating role of job search-specific self-esteem. Further, for the first time, we explored the moderating role of dispositional mindfulness in the job search literature by utilizing the framework of positive psychology.
Potential role of cellular senescence in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Liu Lumei , Wei Yaqin , Giunta Sergio , He Qinghu , Xia Shijin
Published: June 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and chronic lung vasculature disease characterised by pulmonary vasculature remodelling, including abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and dysfunctional endothelial cells (ECs). Remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature occurs from maturity to senescence, and it has become apparent that cellular senescence plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various degenerative vascular diseases and pulmonary pathologies. Cellular senescence represents a state of stable proliferative arrest accompanied by the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which entails the copious secretion of proinflammatory signals in the tissue microenvironment. Evidence shows that in PAH patients, higher levels of cytokines, chemokines and inflammatory mediators can be detected and correlate with clinical outcome. Moreover, senescent cells accrue with age in epithelial, endothelial, fibroblastic and immunological compartments within human lungs, and evidence has shown that ECs and PASMCs in lungs from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were characterised by a higher number of senescent cells. However, there is little evidence uncovering the molecular pulmonary vasculature senescence in PAH. Herein, we review the cellular senescence in pulmonary vascular remodelling, and emphasise its importance in PAH. We further introduce some signalling pathways which might be involved in vasculature senescence and PAH, with the intent to discuss the possibility of the PAH therapy via targeting cellular senescence and reduce PAH progression and mortality.
Wishful performativity: translation and the linguistic structures of a stalled rights imaginary in Mae Sot, Thailand
Authors: Reddy Malavika
Published: June 2022

From the perspective of a legal aid clinic that works with foreign workers in Mae Sot, Thailand, this article explores how the project of extending legal rights to migrants is structured by tensions between the ideals of translation – what translation should be, who ought to conduct it, and how its efficacy might be imagined – and the various ways in which translation actually occurs. Analysis of these tensions reveals three aspects of the linguistic mediation of rights discourse: first, it speaks to the foundational limits of rights advocacy, underscoring the fact that these limits are located in the materiality of human communicative practice; second, it brings to light the specific linguistic structures of rights discourse in Mae Sot; and, third, it considers how, despite the best efforts of legal activists, those structures circumscribe liberal rights imaginaries in the town.
Should ‘Impartial’ Advice be a Priority of European Agricultural and Rural Policies?
Authors: Sutherland Lee‐Ann , Labarthe Pierre
Published: June 2022

Recent EU legislation will require Member States to ensure that farm advice which is supported by EU funding is impartial. In this article we present the findings of an online workshop which asked whether this should be a priority for European advisory supports within the Common Agricultural Policy. The answer was ‘no’. At the workshop, results of AgriLink were presented for discussion with international experts. These results highlighted major pitfalls for setting the boundaries of independent advice. Participants from Europe and North America agreed that ‘impartial’ advisors providing or selling only advice are rare in many contexts. Key organisations offering farm advice in many European countries, such as farmers’ cooperatives, often have established relationships with commercial suppliers. Being apparently independent from industry is also not sufficient for ensuring that advice addresses societal issues. Farmers’ choice for advice is more likely to reflect established trusted relationships than the ‘impartiality’ of the advisor. Workshop participants instead argued that policies should focus on increasing transparency (revealing vested interests); investing in ‘back office’ activities to ensure that advisors have access to reliable and relevant evidence; and ensuring that the full range of EU farmers have access to professional advice.
Innovation in Labour Organisation and Social Conditionality: Implications for Farm Advisory Services
Authors: Laurent Catherine , Nguyen Geneviève
Published: June 2022

There is growing concern about the evolution of working conditions for employees on European farms. In the new Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), financial support to farmers will soon be subject to a social conditionality clause. As a result of this change in CAP regulations, in this paper we ask if the need for specific advice can already be foreseen? Examining recent investigations that focused on new forms of labour organisations on farms can help to answer this question. Investigations were conducted across France, combining qualitative field studies with a comprehensive analysis of statistical and administrative data. The results show a growing complexity of farm labour organisation that generates needs for new types of advice. In particular, an increasing proportion of the people working on farms are employed by another organisation (foreign and domestic service providers, employers’ alliances, etc.). The administrative data provides strong evidence of the scale of this trend which has little visibility in the agricultural census data. We should therefore be cautious about oversimplified representations of labour patterns at farm level. They can distort policy design, implementation and assessment by overlooking a part of the worker population and needs for new types of advice, including those that will be required to meet social conditionality requirements.
Genetic basis investigation of wattle phenotype in goat using genome‐wide sequence data
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Yi , Yuan Ying , Zhang Hao‐Yuan , He Yong‐Meng , Liu Cheng‐Li , Xu Lu , Yang Bai‐Gao , Ren Hang‐Xing , Wang Gao‐Fu , E Guang‐Xin
Published: June 2022

In domestic goats, wattles often appear in even numbers, mostly on the neck and a few under the ear. Goat wattle is composed of ectopic cartilage tissue covered by skin and was reported as a dominant inheritance. Thirty‐eight goats from two Southwest Chinese breeds were studied to elucidate the genetic basis of wattle phenotype in goat. Their genomes were sequenced for wide‐genome selective sweep analysis (WGSA) and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS). The WGSA results revealed 500 candidate genes identified by fixation index and π ratio and 261 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enriched with 195 genes and 38 significantly enriched KEGG items. In particular, three chondrogenesis‐related pathways (Wnt, Hippo and MAPK signaling pathways) were found. Among the 500 genes, 474 were enriched to 2855 Gene Ontology items, and four (BMP2, BMP4, RARA and MSX1) were annotated in the regulation and development of chondrogenesis. Four chondrogenesis‐related genes (GREM1, NEDD4, ATG7 and ITGA1) were identified from 519 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a GWAS above the threshold. Six and 11 SNPs on chromosome 10 are located on GREM1 and NEDD4 respectively, and the highest numbers of SNPs on chromosomes 20 and 22 are located on ITGA1 and ATG7 respectively. All of these genes are related to cartilage development. This study identified a series of genes related to chondroplasia by GWAS and WGSA and presented the possibility that wattle inheritance may be influenced by multiple genes. This work provides a new theoretical understanding of the hereditary basis of wattle phenotype.
Exiting the Anthropocene: Achieving personal and planetary health in the 21st century
Authors: Prescott Susan L. , Logan Alan C. , Bristow Jamie , Rozzi Ricardo , Moodie Rob , Redvers Nicole , Haahtela Tari , Warber Sara , Poland Blake , Hancock Trevor , Berman Brian
Published: June 2022

Planetary health provides a perspective of ecological interdependence that connects the health and vitality of individuals, communities, and Earth's natural systems. It includes the social, political, and economic ecosystems that influence both individuals and whole societies. In an era of interconnected grand challenges threatening health of all systems at all scales, planetary health provides a framework for cross‐sectoral collaboration and unified systems approaches to solutions. The field of allergy is at the forefront of these efforts. Allergic conditions are a sentinel measure of environmental impact on human health in early life—illuminating how ecological changes affect immune development and predispose to a wider range of inflammatory noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This shows how adverse macroscale ecology in the Anthropocene penetrates to the molecular level of personal and microscale ecology, including the microbial systems at the foundations of all ecosystems. It provides the basis for more integrated efforts to address widespread environmental degradation and adverse effects of maladaptive urbanization, food systems, lifestyle behaviors, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Nature‐based solutions and efforts to improve nature‐relatedness are crucial for restoring symbiosis, balance, and mutualism in every sense, recognizing that both personal lifestyle choices and collective structural actions are needed in tandem. Ultimately, meaningful ecological approaches will depend on placing greater emphasis on psychological and cultural dimensions such as mindfulness, values, and moral wisdom to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
Validation and reliability testing of a rating scale for objective assessment of performance in laparoscopic appendicectomy surgery
Authors: Sirimanna Pramudith , Ravindran Praveen , Smigielski Michelle , Gladman Marc A , Naganathan Vasi
Published: June 2022

Backgrounds

To achieve a competency‐based training paradigm, the ability to obtain reliable and valid quantitative assessments of intraoperative performance is required. Through this, weaknesses can be identified and practiced, and competency assessed. This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability an objective evaluation tool for assessment of performance in laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA).

Methods

A prospective single‐blinded observational study design was used. Videos of inexperienced (performed <10 LAs) and experienced (performed >100 LAs) surgeons performing LA surgery were collected. Surgical performance during each recording was rated by two independent, blinded expert surgeons using the LA Rating Scale (LARS) and the modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) scale.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for LARS was 0.95 (95%CI 0.83–0.98). The ICC for each step ranged from 0.48 to 0.90, and the test–retest ICC for LARS was 0.91 (95%CI 0.69–0.98). Significant differences (P < 0.001) between median performance scores as rated by LARS were observed between the inexperienced and experienced surgeons. A Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.87 (P < 0.001) was observed between LARS performance scores and modified OSATS scores.

Conclusion

LARS demonstrated excellent inter‐rater and test–retest reliability, and construct and concurrent validity and can be used to quantitatively evaluate performance during LA. This can potentially allow specific weaknesses to be identified and improved upon through deliberate practice. Progress can be tracked through re‐evaluation and scores of expert surgeons can be used as performance goals for credentialing in LA.
Mild coronary artery dilatation developed in some children with mild COVID‐19 but completely regressed within 3 months
Authors: Rouva Glykeria , Vergadi Eleni , Hatzidaki Eleftheria , Germanakis Ioannis
Published: June 2022

Aim

We studied the incidence and time course of any coronary artery changes in children up to 2 years of age who were hospitalised with mild COVID‐19.

Methods

This was a single‐centre prospective study of 29 children (19 males) with a median age of 3 months and interquartile range (IQR) of 1.6–4.3 months. They were admitted to a Greek University hospital for mild COVID‐19 from 1 March to 30 December 2021. Three echocardiographic evaluations were performed at a median (IQR) of 19 (16–24) days, 82 (75–89) days and 172 (163–197) after the first symptoms. The prevalence of coronary artery dilation, regression, and changes was documented.

Results

Coronary artery dilation was present in 3 (10.3%) cases at the first evaluation, with complete regression at the second. Regression was observed in 18/24 (75%) cases with follow‐up data and 9 (31%) demonstrated significant z‐score changes of >2. Coronary artery changes in any segment at any time were documented in 18/29 (62%) of the patients.

Conclusion

Cases of transient and very mild coronary artery dilatation following mild COVID‐19 completely regressed within 3 months. Large‐scale studies are needed to document the extent and time course of coronary artery dilation following paediatric COVID‐19.
Editorial: measuring fertility in men with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Friedman Sonia
Published: June 2022

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Druvefors et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.16984
Apelin is expressed throughout the human kidney, is elevated in chronic kidney disease & associates independently with decline in kidney function
Authors: Nyimanu Duuamene , Chapman Fiona A. , Gallacher Peter J. , Kuc Rhoda E. , Williams Thomas L. , Newby David E. , Maguire Janet J. , Davenport Anthony P. , Dhaun Neeraj
Published: June 2022

Aims

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is its commonest complication. The apelin system is a potential therapeutic target for CVD but data relating to apelin in CKD are limited. We examined expression of the apelin system in human kidney, and investigated apelin and Elabela/Toddler (ELA), the endogenous ligands for the apelin receptor, in patients with CKD.

Methods

Using autoradiography, immunohistochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, we assessed expression of apelin, ELA and the apelin receptor in healthy human kidney, and measured plasma apelin and ELA in 155 subjects (128 patients with CKD, 27 matched controls) followed up for 5 years. Cardiovascular assessments included blood pressure, arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation. Surrogate markers of endothelial function (plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine and endothelin‐1) and inflammation (C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6) were measured.

Results

The apelin system was expressed in healthy human kidney, throughout the nephron. Plasma apelin concentrations were 60% higher in women than men (6.48 [3.62–9.89] vs. 3.95 [2.02–5.85] pg/mL; P < .0001), and increased as glomerular filtration rate declined (R = −0.41, P < .0001), and albuminuria rose (R = 0.52, P < .0001). Plasma apelin and ELA were associated with vascular dysfunction. Plasma apelin associated independently with a 50% decline in glomerular filtration rate at 5 years.

Conclusion

We show for the first time that the apelin system is expressed in healthy human kidney. Plasma apelin is elevated in CKD and may be a potential biomarker of risk of decline in kidney function. Clinical studies exploring the therapeutic potential of apelin agonism in CKD are warranted.
Affective states and regulation of learning during socio‐emotional interactions in secondary school collaborative groups
Authors: Törmänen Tiina , Järvenoja Hanna , Saqr Mohammed , Malmberg Jonna , Järvelä Sanna
Published: June 2022

Background

Group affective states for learning are constantly formed through socio‐emotional interactions. However, it remains unclear how the affective states vary during collaboration and how they occur with regulation of learning. Appropriate methods are needed to track both group affective states and these interaction processes.

Aims

The present study identifies different socio‐emotional interaction episodes during groups' collaborative learning and examines how group affective states fluctuate with regulation of learning during these episodes.

Sample

The participants were 54 secondary school students working in groups across four science learning sessions.

Methods

Multichannel process data (video, electrodermal activity [EDA]) were collected in an authentic classroom. Groups' affective states were measured with emotional valence captured from video data, and activation captured as sympathetic arousal from EDA data. Regulation of learning was observed from the videotaped interactions.

Results

The study disclosed four clusters of socio‐emotional interaction episodes (positive, negative, occasional regulation, frequent regulation), which differed in terms of fluctuation of affective states and activated regulation of learning. These clustered episodes confirm how affective states are constantly reset by socio‐emotional interactions and regulation of learning. The results also show that states requiring regulation do not automatically lead to its activation.

Conclusions

By advancing existing understanding of how group level socio‐emotional processes contribute to regulation of learning, the study has implications for educational design and psychological practice. Methodologically, it contributes to collaborative learning research by employing multiple data channels (including biophysiological measures) to explore the various dimensions of socio‐emotional processes in groups.
Using the area of habitat to assess the extent of protection of India's birds
Authors: Warudkar Ashwin , Goyal Naman , Kher Varun , Vinay K. L. , Chanda Ritobroto , Bandi Raja Sekhar , Jenkins Clinton N. , Robin V. V. , Pimm Stuart L.
Published: June 2022

India hosts multiple global biodiversity hotspots while being one of the most populous countries in the world. Here, we examine how well India has protected its avifauna, based on the fraction of their ranges falling within “protected areas.” India has protected 5% of its land this way. The issue is whether India has done better than expected in protecting its threatened species. To this end, we assessed 99 Near Threatened, Threatened, and small‐ranged species by estimating their Area of Habitat (AOH). We refined published species ranges using secondary information on elevation limits and habitat preferences. More than half (52) of the species assessed have their AOH <30% of their published ranges, while 31 have <10%. India has protected 87 threatened species' AOH more than expected (>5%), and for 33 species, the proportion protected exceeds the Aichi target (>17%). When we consider the top 10% richest regions as hotspots, only 9.2% of their total area falls under India's protected area network, inadequately covering areas with most threatened birds. We also discuss the conservation concerns for grassland and open habitat species across India, since we find that substantial proportions of their AOHs fall outside protected areas. This result highlights the significance of alternative conservation models, including other effective area‐based conservation measures. We show that species' AOH provides a more realistic well‐informed range that can aid in assessing their protection status.
The modulatory effect of high salt on immune cells and related diseases
Authors: Li Xian , Alu Aqu , Wei Yuquan , Wei Xiawei , Luo Min
Published: June 2022

Background

The adverse effect of excessive salt intake has been recognized in decades. Researchers have mainly focused on the association between salt intake and hypertension. However, studies in recent years have proposed the existence of extra‐renal sodium storage and provided insight into the immunomodulatory function of sodium.

Objectives

In this review, we discuss the modulatory effects of high salt on various innate and adaptive immune cells and immune‐regulated diseases.

Methods

We identified papers through electronic searches of PubMed database from inception to March 2022.

Results

An increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that high salt can modulate the differentiation, activation and function of multiple immune cells. Furthermore, a high‐salt diet can increase tissue sodium concentrations and influence the immune responses in microenvironments, thereby affecting the development of immune‐regulated diseases, including hypertension, multiple sclerosis, cancer and infections. These findings provide a novel mechanism for the pathology of certain diseases and indicate that salt might serve as a target or potential therapeutic agent in different disease contexts.

Conclusion

High salt has a profound impact on the differentiation, activation and function of multiple immune cells. Additionally, an HSD can modulate the development of various immune‐regulated diseases.
DNASE1L3 inhibits proliferation, invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with β‐catenin to promote its ubiquitin degradation pathway
Authors: Li Bo , Ge Yu‐Zhen , Yan Wei‐Wei , Gong Bin , Cao Kun , Zhao Rui , Li Chao , Zhang Ye‐Wei , Jiang Yi‐Heng , Zuo Shi
Published: June 2022

As a member of the deoxyribonuclease 1 family, DNASE1L3 plays a significant role both inside and outside the cell. However, the role of DNASE1L3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its molecular basis remains to be further investigated. In this study, we report that DNASE1L3 is downregulated in clinical HCC samples and evaluate the relationship between its expression and HCC clinical features. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that DNASE1L3 negatively regulates the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of HCC cells. Mechanistic studies showed that DNASE1L3 recruits components of the cytoplasmic β‐catenin destruction complex (GSK‐3β and Axin), promotes the ubiquitination degradation of β‐catenin, and inhibits its nuclear transfer, thus, decreasing c‐Myc, P21 and P27 level. Ultimately, cell cycle and EMT signals are restrained. In general, this study provides new insight into the mechanism for HCC and suggests that DNASE1L3 can become a considerable target for HCC.
Early intervention in psychosis: An analysis of the characteristics and service needs of patients over the age of 35
Authors: Thakrar Vedas , Bardhan Mainak , Chakraborty Nandini
Published: June 2022

Aim

In 2016 NICE updated its guidance, extending the age to which early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services treat patients following their first episode of psychosis, to 65 years, from the previous cut‐off of 35 years. The aim of this service evaluation was to identify differences in the demographic details, diagnoses, and treatments between patients below and above 35 years to identify any unmet needs in the latter age category.

Methods

A total of 100 patients from the caseload were randomly selected, with 50 from each age group, to analyse in further detail. Descriptive statistics was predominantly used due to the relatively small sample size.

Results

The over 35 s were predominantly female (62%), whilst the under 35 s were predominantly male (66%). There was a statistically significantly higher rate of substance misuse in the under 35 s. Whilst schizophrenia was the most common diagnosis in both groups, higher rates of delusional disorders and psychosis NOS were observed in the over 35 s. In both age groups, a median of two different medications was used per patient. However, amongst the over 35 s there is less use of psychological therapy and of support, time and recovery workers (STR workers).

Conclusion

There are distinct differences between the two age groups including demographic and diagnostic features. Being historically youth based, EIP services needs to ensure that treatments offered are tailored to meet the need of the older age demographic who have different needs.
Secret Recipe of IPO survival: ESG disclosure and performance
Authors: Fu Mengchuan , Yu Dantong , Zhou Dan
Published: June 2022

While ESG initiation and disclosure may help newly listed companies maintain a social license to operate, mitigate information asymmetry, and attract investor attention, it may impose significant costs on initial public offering (IPO) firms and magnify agency problems. Using a sample of 1102 IPOs issued in the U.S and the ESG data from MSCI between 1999 and 2016, the paper empirically tests the competing hypotheses and examines the influence of ESG disclosure and performance on the survivability of IPOs. We document that (1) voluntary ESG disclosure reduces IPO failure risks and improves long‐run performance of IPO; (2) the sooner ESG information is disclosed after the IPO, the greater the likelihood of survival and better long‐run performance; and (3) IPOs with better ESG score are less likely to fail, with the impact largely attributable to the company's social and governance performance. Our findings identify new failure risks for IPOs, supply evidence of value‐relevance of ESG, and provide practical guidance for managers.
Upconversion luminescence color modulation and temperature sensing of Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2−xTaxO9:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors
Authors: Li Lei , Cao Yongze , Cui Hongqiang , Zhang Yuhang , Li Guojian , Wang Yichao , Li Xiangping , Xu Sai , Chen Baojiu
Published: June 2022

A series of Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2−xTaxO9 (NBN2−xTx):Er3+/Yb3+ upconversion luminescence (UL) phosphors were prepared by a solid‐state sintering method, and the lattice structure of the prepared samples was studied by X‐ray diffraction. Under 980‐nm laser excitation, the UL properties were investigated by a spectrophotometer from room temperature to 723 K, and the optimal concentration of co‐doping Er3+/Yb3+ is 0.14 and 0.26 by replacing Bi3+ sites in NBN2−xTx host, respectively. With the increase of Ta5+ concentration, the color of UL gradually changes from green to yellow corresponding color coordinates from (0.301, 0.682) to (0.441, 0.549) under 980‐nm laser excitation. This color change is attributed to the decrease of lattice unit volume leading to the increase of cross relaxation of Er3+ to Er3+ and energy back transfer from Er3+ to Yb3+. Using the luminescence intensity ratio technique, the maximum absolute sensitivities (SA) are obtained as 0.00674 K−1 at 538 K and 0.00603 K−1 at 573 K, and relative sensitivities (SR) are obtained as 0.01174 K−1 at 303 K and 0.01244 K−1 at 303 K based on 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 energy level transitions of Er3+ in NBN2:0.14Er3+/0.26Yb3+ phosphors under 980‐ and 1550‐nm laser excitations, respectively. The results suggest that the NBN2−xTx:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors are promising candidates for temperature sensing with different UL colors.
Breeding status shapes territoriality and vocalization patterns in spotted owls
Authors: Reid Dana S. , Wood Connor M. , Whitmore Sheila A. , Berigan William J. , Kramer H. Anu , Kryshak Nicholas F. , Keane John J. , Sawyer Sarah C. , Gutiérrez R. J. , Klinck Holger , Peery M. Zachariah
Published: June 2022

Vocal territory defense can vary within a species due to many factors such as sex and breeding status, influencing territory size and thus population density across a landscape. Therefore, understanding what influences variation in territorial vocalizations can help to illuminate trade‐offs between territoriality and other life history demands, which benefits our general understanding of animal ecology as well as helps to inform emerging passive acoustic monitoring approaches. Here, we investigated how sex and breeding status affected territoriality and vocal behavior in the California spotted owl Strix occidentalis occidentalis in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA, using high‐resolution acoustic/GPS tags. We discovered that territorial vocal behavior was related to breeding status and to a lesser extent sex. Breeding owls with fledged young had a less diverse vocal repertoire, produced fewer and quieter territorial calls, and typically called only when close to their nest. Males were also more likely to engage in territorial calling than females. Breeding spotted owls also maintained significantly smaller territories – but utilized larger home ranges – than non‐breeding individuals. Our results suggest that breeding spotted owls may reduce their investment in territorial behaviors to mitigate the demands and risks associated with rearing young. Further, our results have important implications for the passive acoustic monitoring of spotted owls and, more broadly, highlight the utility of using multiple call types to detect species of interest.
Association between serum uric acid and arterial stiffness in a large‐aged 40–70 years old population
Authors: Vallée Alexandre
Published: June 2022

Arterial stiffness (AS), measured by arterial stiffness index (ASI), is a determinant in cardiovascular (CV) diseases. A high serum uric acid (SUA) level is a known risk factor for CV disease. The authors investigated the relationship between SUA and ASI in the middle‐age UK Biobank population study. AS was defined as ASI > 10 m/s. A cross‐sectional study was conducted from 126 663 participants. Participants were divided into four quartiles according to SUA levels and sex. Sex multivariate analyses were performed with adjustment for confounding factors. The average ASI for overall participants was 9.3 m/s (SD: 2.9); 9.9 m/s (SD: 2.8) for men and 8.7 m/s (SD: 2.9) for women (P < .001). Men presented higher SUA rate (351.3 mmol/L (SD:67.9)) than women (270.7 mmol/L (SD:64.4)),P < .001. In men multivariate analysis, SUA remained a determinant of AS, with an increase in the strength of the association between the quartiles, Q4 versus Q1, OR = 1.10 [1.05–1.16],P < .001, Q3 versus Q1, OR = 1.09 [1.04–1.14],P < .001 but not between Q2 and Q1 (P = .136). In women, SUA remained significant for AS, with an increase in the strength of the association between the quartiles, Q4 versus Q1, OR = 1.22 [1.15–1.30],P < .001, Q3 versus Q1, OR = 1.13 [1.07–1.19],P < .001 and no difference between Q2 and Q1 (P = .101). When applying continuous SUA values in the multivariate analysis, SUA remained significant (P < .001), with a Youden index value for men = 338.3 mmol/L and for women = 267.3 mmol/L. High SUA levels were associated with AS, suggesting that SUA could be used as a predictor of atherosclerosis.
BRAF V600E protect from cell death via inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition in papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancers
Authors: Gao Yanyan , Zhang Deyu , Wang Fei , Zhang Dejiu , Li Peifeng , Wang Kun
Published: June 2022

BRAF T1799A mutation is the most common genetic variation in thyroid cancer, resulting in the production of BRAF V600E mutant protein reported to make cells resistant to apoptosis. However, the mechanism by which BRAF V600E regulates cell death remains unknown. We constructed BRAF V600E overexpression and knockdown 8505C and BCPAP papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer cell to investigate regulatory mechanism of BRAF V600E in cell death induced by staurosporine (STS). Induced BRAF V600E expression attenuated STS‐induced papillary and anaplastic thyroid cancer death, while BRAF V600E knockdown aggravated it. TMRM and calcein‐AM staining showed that opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) during STS‐induced cell death could be significantly inhibited by BRAF V600E. Moreover, our study demonstrated that BRAF V600E constitutively activates mitochondrial ERK (mERK) to inhibit GSK‐3‐dependent CypD phosphorylation, thereby making BRAF V600E mutant tumour cells more resistant to mPTP opening. In the mitochondria of BRAF V600E mutant cells, there was an interaction between ERK1/2 and GSKa/ß, while upon BRAF V600E knockdown, interaction of GSKa/ß to ERK was decreased significantly. These results show that in thyroid cancer, BRAF V600E regulates the mitochondrial permeability transition through the pERK‐pGSK‐CypD pathway to resist death, providing new intervention targets for BRAF V600E mutant tumours.
Essential role of ascO for virulence of Aeromonas veronii and inducing apoptosis
Authors: Zhao Tong , Yang Bintong , Li Hongjin , Qian Aidong , Cong Wei , Sun Wuwen , Kang Yuanhuan
Published: June 2022

Aeromonas veronii is a significant pathogen that is capable of infecting humans, animals, and aquatic animals. The type III secretion system (T3SS) is intimately associated with bacterial pathogenicity. The ascO gene is an important core component of T3SS in A. veronii, but its function is still unclear. The ascO gene of A. veronii TH0426 was deleted by using the pRE112 suicide plasmid to study its function. The study results showed that the ability of ∆ascO to adhere and invade EPC cells was significantly reduced by 1.28 times. The toxicity of the mutant strain ΔascO to EPC cells was consistently significantly lower than wild‐type strain TH0426 at 1, 2, and 4 h. The LD50 values of ∆ascO against zebrafish and Carassius auratus (C. auratus) were 53 and 15 times that of the wild‐type strain. In addition, the bacterial load of the mutant strain ΔascO in blood, heart, liver, and spleen was lower than wild‐type strain TH0426. The Hoechst staining showed that the apoptotic degree of EPC cells induced by the mutant strain ΔascO was lower than that of the wild‐type strain TH0426. Furthermore, real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) analysis revealed lower expression levels of pro‐apoptotic genes (including cytC, cas3, cas9, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β) in C. auratus tissues infected with the mutant strain ΔascO compared to the wild‐type strain TH0426. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that ascO gene mutation can reduce the adhesion and toxicity of A. veronii to EPC and reduce the level of apoptosis induced by A. veronii. As a result, these insights will help further elucidate the function of the ascO gene and thus contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of A. veronii.
Policy experiments and financial regulation: Using laboratory methods to evaluate responses to the 2007–2009 financial crisis
Authors: Davis Douglas D. , Korenok Oleg
Published: June 2022

This paper reviews an emerging experimental literature that uses laboratory methods to both identify causes of the 2007–2009 financial crisis, and to assess the effectiveness of policies implemented in response. Papers reviewed include experiments conducted to evaluate central bank and Treasury responses to the crisis, experiments that study the consequences of interconnectedness between financial firms on financial system stability, and experiments conducted to evaluate policies intended to more effectively regulate specific types of financial institutions. Laboratory methods are ideally suited to investigating the consequences of untested policies in new environmental circumstances – just the situation provoked by the crisis. The continually evolving structure of the financial system suggests an expanded future role for laboratory methods in this area.
Family Well‐Being During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: The Risks of Financial Insecurity and Coping
Authors: Gonzalez Marybel R. , Brown Sandra A. , Pelham William E. , Bodison Stefanie C. , McCabe Connor , Baker Fiona C. , Baskin‐Sommers Arielle , Dick Anthony Steven , Dowling Gayathri J. , Gebreselassie Sabrina , Guillaume Mathieu , Marshall Andrew T. , Sheth Chandni , Sowell Elizabeth R. , Van Rinsveld Amandine , Tapert Susan F.
Published: June 2022

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, families have experienced unprecedented financial and social disruptions. We studied the impact of preexisting psychosocial factors and pandemic‐related financial and social disruptions in relation to family well‐being among N = 4091 adolescents and parents during early summer 2020, participating in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study. Poorer family well‐being was linked to prepandemic psychosocial and financial adversity and was associated with pandemic‐related material hardship and social disruptions to routines. Parental alcohol use increased risk for worsening of family relationships, while a greater endorsement of coping strategies was mainly associated with overall better family well‐being. Financial and mental health support may be critical for family well‐being during and after a widespread crisis, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic.