bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of ERP systems in management accounting in SMEs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsughayer Sulaiman
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of successfully implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems by investigating changes in management accounting (MA) and the influence of the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on the adoption and implementation process in an emerging market economy, namely, Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

A case-study approach was used to review and compare the ERP adoption and implementation process in two Saudi SMEs from different industries for the descriptive analysis and assessment of changes in MA following the adoption of the system and influence of context. Secondary data were analyzed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data.

Findings

The results indicate that successful ERP implementations support and unify the core business processes and functions and improve analysis, decision-making, reporting and the overall quality of data. Furthermore, the results show that a management accountant's role is widened and shifted from a mere information provider to a business advisor and analyst, enhancing management accounting techniques. The results confirm that ERP implementation is related to the SMEs' technological, organizational and environmental contexts, which must be fully understood to achieve the desired improvements in the management accounting system.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding how ERP systems impact MA and management accountants, particularly in SMEs from developing countries, namely, Saudi Arabia. Specifically, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the first to use the technology–organization–environment framework and contingency theory to investigate post-ERP implementation changes in SMEs MA in an emerging market economy.
A framework of justice-centered leadership practice: a qualitative, multidistrict study
Authors: Richard Meagan S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify key school leadership practices that center social justice and are evidenced across multiple school and district contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, multidistrict research design is used within this study. Sampled across seven US school districts, 24 school leaders were interviewed about their justice-centered school leadership practices within and outside of their school buildings.

Findings

Participants engaged in five key domains of justice-centered practice, which included 13 practice areas and 28 sub-practices. These domains include (1) creating an inclusive and caring environment, (2) promoting equitable opportunity to learn, (3) strengthening staff capacity for justice, (4) positioning families as partners in education and (5) building and extending community capacity and resources.

Originality/value

This study incorporates empirical data across diverse contexts and investigates actions relevant to diverse students and multiple justice-centered leadership approaches. By doing so, this study unearths a spectrum of justice-centered school leadership practices, presenting these in one of the few empirically grounded frameworks available in the literature. This framework provides an accessible, comprehensive and actionable starting place for practitioners hoping to lead in socially just ways and for preparation programs who will support these leaders.
Experiences of pre-registration student nurses during mental health clinical placements that enhance practice learning: an integrative literature review
Authors: Partington Jessica , Brook Judy , McKeown Eamonn
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore empirical literature on the experiences of pre-registration student nurses during mental health clinical placements and identify factors that enhance practice learning.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative mixed-methods approach and constant comparative synthesis were chosen. Eligible studies were from 2009 onwards sampling student experiences of mental health placements within undergraduate and postgraduate degree entry to practice nursing programmes, excluding academic-only experiences. The search was last conducted on 14th August 2021 and included MEDLINE, CINAHL and APA PsycINFO databases.

Findings

The search strategy identified 579 studies, of which 10 met the eligibility criteria. Seven of the articles reported qualitative research; two were based on quantitative studies, and one had a mixed-methods design. There was international representation across six countries. All studies examined the experiences of pre-registration student nurses during mental health clinical placements. The total number of participants was 447, comprised of students, nongovernmental organisations and community members.

Originality/value

The review identified four influential themes that enhance practice learning: immersion in the nursing role; relationships that empower autonomous learning; opportunity for defined and subtle skill development; and student experiences of people with mental health needs. Further research is required on culture, subtle skill development and the socialisation process of students with the mental health nurse professional identity.
Supply chain resilience and international manufacturing strategy: a case study from the semiconductor industry
Authors: Fleisch Lukas , von Dzengelevski Oliver
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper studies the interrelations between the concepts of supply chain resilience and international manufacturing strategy. On the basis of an in-depth case study of a company in the semiconductor industry, the paper seeks to integrate the concept of resilience into international manufacturing strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

In an explorative qualitative single case study of a semiconductor manufacturer, a systems thinking model is developed from expert interviews and literature research that displays the interrelations of constituent constructs of supply chain resilience and international manufacturing strategy.

Findings

Forecast accuracy and organizational inertia are identified as barriers to resilience, whereas information technology (IT) capabilities and vertical integration are identified as major levers. Causal relations between constructs are identified, and a concrete suggestion for theory refinement of the manufacturing strategy framework of Miltenburg (2009) is provided.

Originality/value

Prior literature on international manufacturing networks (IMNs) has not sufficiently taken into account the importance of resilience in the formulation of international manufacturing strategies. This paper aids in the integration of this increasingly important concept, in a critical industry that has recently been subject to major disruptions.
Moral underpinnings of accounting for nature in the global North
Authors: Morrison Leanne J. , Wilmshurst Trevor , Hay Peter
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Environmental philosophies have guided cultures throughout history and continue to do so. This paper uses a framework of environmental philosophies drawn from history and the present, to analyse contemporary corporate environmental reporting. The purpose of this paper is to interrogate the philosophical underpinnings of corporate reporting allows for a nuanced understanding of the relationship between corporate activities and nature, and in so doing demonstrates the moral practices of accounting for nature.

Design/methodology/approach

Three themes are extracted from a historical review of western environmental philosophy: dualism, transcendence and interconnectivity. These themes are applied to a sample of corporate environmental reports through discourse analysis, enabling the illustration of otherwise obscured moral characteristics of the corporate relationship with the natural environment.

Findings

This paper uses environmental philosophies to better understand some of the implicit messaging of corporate environmental reporting. Evidence of each of the three themes is found in a sample of environmental reports, predominantly dualism and interconnectivity.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding that accounting is not just a technical, but also a social and moral practice expands the way the authors can interpret the outcomes of accounting. By presenting an exemplar of how accounting practice such as the corporate sustainability report can be analysed through a moral lens, this paper offers new insights intentioned to inform a more meaningful approach to environmental reporting.

Originality/value

A novel framework to explore the corporate sector’s relationship with the natural environment is presented. In light of current and predicted environmental changes, much of which has been attributed to the impact of corporate activities, the importance of a detailed explication of this relationship – such as the one proposed here – becomes imperative.
Dynamic characteristics optimization of elastomer for resistance strain force sensor
Authors: Chen Si , Lv Haoran , Zhao Yinming , Wang Minning
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a new method to study and improve the dynamic characteristics of the four-column resistance strain force sensor through the elastomer structure design and optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the mechanism analysis method, the authors first present a dynamic characteristic model of the four-column resistance strain force sensors’ elastomer. Then, the authors verified and modified the model according to the Solidworks finite element simulation results. Finally, the authors designed and optimized two types of four-column elastomers based on the dynamic characteristic model and verified the improvement of sensor dynamic performance through a hammer knock dynamic experiment.

Findings

The Solidworks finite element simulation and hammer knock dynamic experiment results show that the relative error of the model is less than 10%, which confirms the accuracy of the model. The dynamic performance of the sensors based on the model can be improved by more than 30%, which is a great improvement in sensor dynamic performance.

Originality/value

The authors first present a dynamic characteristic model of the four-column elastomer and optimize the four-column sensors successfully based on the mechanism analysis method. And a new method to study and improve the dynamic characteristics of the resistance is provided.
Inclusive assessment of road traffic accident associated with design-construction disparities and contemplating its relative impact for sustainable road safety
Authors: Dasho Defaru Katise , Churaida Gesese Ganka
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Road accident is a major threat to sustainable road safety, causing immense suffering and posing an increasingly serious global challenge, especially in developing countries. It is the leading cause of death, injuries and property damage. While vehicle driver-related factors play a significant role in accidents, poorly designed and constructed roads are also a growing factor. As result, this study aims to assess traffic accident problems associated with design-construction complications on Arba Minch-Jinka Road, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

From 2013 to 2021, a large amount of traffic accident data was gathered, and through actual roadway surveys at potential locations along the road, the data was associated with design-construction parameters. The analysis was done by adopting descriptive statistics incorporating comparative hypotheses, in which the individual and combined effects of design-construction issues were identified. Results revealed, on average, 76% of total coincided accidents along the study road were associated with design-construction issues. Exclusively, causing factors, i.e. roadway, driver, vehicle, pedestrian problems and environmental, contributed 7.65%, 77.78%, 6.17%, 6.05% and 2.35% traffic accidents, respectively.

Findings

Detailed and time-consuming data collection, investigations, analysis and assessments were used in the research to discover a strong association between road design-construction problems and traffic accidents. As a result, 42 black spot sections were identified, and 7.65% is exclusively caused from design-construction problems. Curved road sections led the surge by 42% from selected design-construction variable, whereas the remaining 58% was shared among four parameters. According to relative analysis, design-construction issues caused a 58.17%, 12.14%, 32.36% and 29.93% increase in accidents in combination with driver, vehicle, pedestrian and environmental factors, respectively. This is in an average of 33.15% escalated problem in a combination that raises questions about the sustainability of road safety.

Originality/value

It is essential to use scientific methodologies to evaluate traffic accidents and associated design-build discrepancies in developing nations like Ethiopia if we are to achieve sustainable road safety. The fundamental importance and value of this study is that it promotes accountability to the road design and construction, which are not frequently thought of as influencing factors in traffic accidents. This paper is original, and all references have been correctly mentioned, to the best of the author’s knowledge.
Young adults’ experiences of biographical retrogression whilst living with long COVID
Authors: Hunt Kate , Maclean Alice , Locock Louise , O’Dwyer Callum , Nettleton Sarah , Ziebland Sue , Wild Cervantee
Published: June 2024

During the early years (2020–2021) of the COVID‐19 pandemic, relatively little attention focused on experiences of people with long‐lasting symptoms, particularly young adults who were commonly understood to be invulnerable to serious effects of the virus. Drawing on narrative interviews with 15 adults in their twenties and living in the UK when they became ill with long COVID, we explore contextual factors which made their long COVID illness experience, and the wholescale disruption to their lives, challenging. We propose that existing adaptations of the concept of biographical disruption are problematic for this group, and instead suggest that ‘biographical retrogression’ may more accurately reflect these young adults’ experiences. For many of these young adults, their illness occurred at a crucial stage in forming or solidifying (presumed) adult trajectories. Secondly, the recency of long COVID did not allow for comparison with an existing ‘grand narrative’ of recovery, so the future course of their illness was not just unknown for them as individuals; there was no prognostic map against which to assess their symptoms. Thirdly, the lives of people with long COVID have been disrupted in the context of global societal disruption by the same virus, rendering their experiences both topical yet invisible.
Effect of casein genetic variants and glycosylation on bovine milk foaming properties
Authors: Hewa Nadugala Barana , Hepworth Graham , Vithanage Nuwan R , Pagel Charles N , Raynes Jared K , Ranadheera C Senaka , Logan Amy
Published: June 2024

The effects of κ‐casein (κ‐CN) and β‐casein (β‐CN) genetic variant and κ‐CN glycosylation degree (GD, low or high) on interfacial and foaming properties of bovine skim milk were investigated. No significant effect was measured for milks with different ĸ‐CN and β‐CN genetic variants. However, milks of higher GD exhibited lower surface tension, enhanced foamability and differences in secondary protein structure compared to lower GD skim milks. Glycan attachment is believed to affect surface activity and the spread and packing of protein at the foam bubble liquid–air interface, leading to differences in foaming performance.
10‐hydroxy decanoic acid, trans‐10‐hydroxy‐2‐decanoic acid, and sebacic acid: Source, metabolism, and potential health functionalities and nutraceutical applications
Authors: Liao Zhengrui , Alrosan Mohammad , Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Tan Thuan‐Chew
Published: June 2024

The popularity of royal jelly (RJ) as a functional food has attracted attention from various industries, especially nutraceuticals, due to the increasing demand from health enthusiasts. Sebacic acid, 10‐hydroxy decanoic acid, and trans‐10‐hydroxy‐2‐decanoic acid are the primary medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) within RJ responsible for their health benefits. This review aims to consolidate information on these MCFAs’ metabolic relationship and health functionalities in nutraceutical applications. We also investigated the natural characteristics mediated by these MCFAs and their metabolism in organisms. Finally, the production of these MCFAs using conventional (from castor oil) and alternative (from RJ) pathways was also discussed. This review can be a reference for using them as functional ingredients in nutraceutical industries.
A prediction model for prehospital clinical deterioration: The use of early warning scores
Authors: Bourke‐Matas Emma , Doan Tan , Bowles Kelly‐Ann , Bosley Emma
Published: June 2024

Background

Various prognosticative approaches to assist in recognizing clinical deterioration have been proposed. To date, early warning scores (EWSs) have been evaluated in hospital with limited research investigating their suitability in the prehospital setting. This study evaluated the predictive ability of established EWSs and other clinical factors for prehospital clinical deterioration.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study investigating adult patients of all etiologies attended by Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, was conducted. With logistic regression, several models were developed to predict adverse event outcomes. The National Early Warning Score (NEWS), Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Queensland Adult Deterioration Detection System (Q‐ADDS), and shock index were calculated from vital signs taken by paramedics.

Results

A total of 1,422,046 incidents met the inclusion criteria. NEWS, MEWS, and Q‐ADDS were found to have comparably high predictive ability with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC‐ROC) between 70% and 90%, whereas shock index had relatively low AUC‐ROC. Sensitivity was lower than specificity for all models. Although established EWSs performed well when predicting adverse events, these scores require complex calculations requiring multiple vital signs that may not be suitable for the prehospital setting.

Conclusions

This study found NEWS, MEWS, and Q‐ADDS all performed well in the prehospital setting. Although a simple shock index is easier for paramedics to use in the prehospital environment, it did not perform comparably to established EWSs. Further research is required to develop suitably performing parsimonious solutions until established EWSs are integrated into technological solutions to be used by prehospital clinicians in real time.
How does green entrepreneurial orientation improve enterprises' sustainable performance? Evidence from agricultural sector in China
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐e , Li Yijing , Teng Xinyu
Published: June 2024

Sustainable development of enterprises has attracted the attention of scholars and practitioners. Green entrepreneurship, as an important way to provide eco‐friendly products and solve environmental problems, is a key way for the sustainable development of enterprises. However, due to the disadvantage faced by enterprises in pursuing costly sustainable actions, existing research on whether green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) can bring about sustainable performance improvement has not yet reached a consensus, and the path and mechanism of transforming GEO into sustainable performance also need further exploration. Based on the Natural‐Resource‐Based View (NRBV), Entrepreneurial Orientation Theory and Dynamic Capability View (DCV), this study examines the impact of GEO on sustainable performance, the mediating role and chain mediating role of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition (EOR), and business model innovation (BMI). The results based on 207 agricultural enterprises reveal that: (a) GEO positively influences economic performance, environmental performance, and social performance; (b) EOR and BMI play mediating roles in the above relationships; (c) GEO can also indirectly affects sustainable performance through the chain mediating effect of EOR and BMI. The research results provide a new theoretical perspective for understanding the key antecedents of sustainable performance of enterprises, further open the “black box” of the mechanism between GEO and sustainable performance, expand the NRBV, Entrepreneurial Orientation Theory and DCV, and provide practical implications for green transformation in the agricultural sector and promoting its sustainable development.
Examining the competing demands of business and sustainability: What do corporate sustainability discourses reveal?
Authors: Tapaninaho Riikka
Published: June 2024

Company decision makers constantly face the competing demands of business and sustainability. Although chief executive officers (CEOs) are the main actors responsible for ensuring overall company performance and addressing multiple competing demands, few studies have explored their understanding of business and sustainability and how these understandings relate to tensions and tension handling. The present study uses a discursive approach to analyse CEO interview data and identifies three distinct discourses—instrumental, normative and transformative discourses—through which the CEOs construct corporate sustainability. These discourses occur simultaneously and result in different tensions and tension management strategies. By offering an approach for examining individual CEOs' corporate sustainability constructions alongside tension construction and management in their contexts, this study contributes to the literature on tensions in corporate sustainability. The simultaneous presence of contradictory yet intertwined discourses illustrates how CEOs respond to complexity related to corporate sustainability, including multiple strategic objectives, diverse stakeholder demands and associated tensions. The discourses also reveal how CEOs' language use fosters or hinders corporate sustainability actions and determines who and what is taken into consideration. The findings related to the CEOs' transformative discourse introduced in this paper demonstrate such constructions that have potential to address and transcend competing business and sustainability demands.
The role of organizational culture and structure in implementing sustainability initiatives
Authors: Jaganjac Berina , Hansen Kathrine Wallevik , Lunde Henriette , Hunnes John A.
Published: June 2024

To address the multiple grand challenges facing humanity, there is an urgent need for businesses to become more sustainable. This study explores the implementation of sustainability initiatives through an interview‐based single case study of an organization in the food and beverage industry. Specifically, this study adopts a Natural‐Resource‐Based View of the firm to examine the role of organizational culture and structure in the implementation process. It argues that to successfully implement sustainability initiatives, a flexible structure and a green organizational culture grounded in a shared sustainability vision are essential. The findings reveal that, despite the in‐practice flat organizational structure of the case organization, there was limited knowledge of the organization's sustainability vision among organizational members across all organizational levels. This could be attributed to a lack of internal communication within the organization, which constitutes a barrier to the successful dissemination of green values throughout the organization's family‐like, inclusive, and diverse work environment. This study proposes a three‐part approach for practitioners attempting to implement sustainability initiatives: (1) enhance organizational awareness and communication of the sustainability vision; (2) cultivate a green organizational culture; and (3) advocate for a collaborative, inclusive and decentralized approach to fostering sustainability. This approach is vital not only for sustaining the organization's competitive advantage but also for achieving improved environmental and social outcomes.
Procyanidin B2 improves developmental capacity of bovine oocytes via promoting PPARγ/UCP1‐mediated uncoupling lipid catabolism during in vitro maturation
Authors: Luo Yuwen , Li Jun , Zheng Lv , Reyimjan Yizaitiguli , Ma Yan , Huang Shuaixiang , Liu Hongyu , Zhou Guizhen , Bai Jiachen , Zhu Yixiao , Sun Yidan , Zou Xinhua , Hou Yunpeng , Fu Xiangwei
Published: June 2024

Metabolic balance is essential for oocyte maturation and acquisition of developmental capacity. Suboptimal conditions of in vitro cultures would lead to lipid accumulation and finally result in disrupted oocyte metabolism. However, the effect and mechanism underlying lipid catabolism in oocyte development remain elusive currently. In the present study, we observed enhanced developmental capacity in Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) treated oocytes during in vitro maturation. Meanwhile, reduced oxidative stress and declined apoptosis were found in oocytes after PCB2 treatment. Further studies confirmed that oocytes treated with PCB2 preferred to lipids catabolism, leading to a notable decrease in lipid accumulation. Subsequent analyses revealed that mitochondrial uncoupling was involved in lipid catabolism, and suppression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) would abrogate the elevated lipid consumption mediated by PCB2. Notably, we identified peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as a potential target of PCB2 by docking analysis. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that PCB2 improved oocyte development capacity and attenuated oxidative stress by activating PPARγ mediated mitochondrial uncoupling. Our findings identify that PCB2 intricately improves oocyte development capacity through targeted activation of the PPARγ/UCP1 pathway, fostering uncoupling lipid catabolism while concurrently mitigating oxidative stress.
Disseminated protothecosis: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Shakoei Safoura , Mohamadi Farid , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Khosravi Ali Reza , Kamyab Kambiz , Salahshour Faeze
Published: June 2024

Background

Human protothecosis is an uncommon infection caused by Prototheca spp that rarely infects humans.

Aim

Description of a rare disease and a review of its articles.

Materials and Methods

We reported a 24‐year‐old man who presented with red‐brown papules and plaques on the trunk's lateral side. We reviewed the literature about disseminated protothecosis and reported our experience with a patient with protothecosis between 2021 and 2023.

Results

Overall, 54 cases of disseminated protothecosis were evaluated, 39 were due to P. wickerhamii, 12 were due to P. zopfii (22.2%), and three were due to Prototheca spp. We found that males were more affected (37 cases, 68.5%) than females (16 cases, 29.6%). The mean age of patients was 39.53 ± 22.48 years. However, disseminated protothecosis can affect people of any age (1–80 years). In contrast to P. wickerhamii, which causes blood, skin, brain, and gastrointestinal tract infections, P. zopfii was mainly found in the blood (7/22) and did not have a significant difference in the mortality rate (P = 0.11).

Discussion

Disseminated protothecosis is a rare disease in immunocompromised patients but is generally rarer in immunocompetent hosts. Several underlying disorders include immunocompromised patients, prolonged application of steroids, diabetes mellitus, malignancies, organ transplantation, AIDS, and surgeries. Amphotericin B has been the most effective agent for protothecosis and is reserved for visceral and disseminated infections. Regarding localized cutaneous types, excision or surgical debridement is used.

Conclusion

Mulberry's appearance and appropriate cultural environments are helpful in diagnosing it.
Methodological artefacts cause counter‐intuitive evolutionary conclusions in a simulation study
Authors: von Schmalensee Loke , Ittonen Mats , Brødsgaard Shoshan Anna , Roberts Kevin T. , Siemers Isabelle , Süess Philip , Wiklund Christer , Gotthard Karl
Published: June 2024

In their simulation study, Garcia‐Costoya et al. (2023) conclude that evolutionary constraints might aid populations facing climate change. However, we are concerned that this conclusion is largely a consequence of the simulated temperature variation being too small, and, most importantly, that uneven limitations to standing variation disadvantage unconstrained populations.
A comparative study of hypothalamic involvement in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Luo Wenjing , Zhong Xiaonan , Shen Shishi , Fang Ling , Huang Yiying , Wang Yuge , Qiu Wei
Published: June 2024

Background and purpose

We aimed to characterize hypothalamic involvement in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) and compare it with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed to identify hypothalamic lesions in patients diagnosed with MOGAD, NMOSD, or MS from January 2013 to May 2020. The demographic, clinical, and radiological features were recorded. Hypothalamic dysfunction and prognosis were assessed through physical examination, biochemical testing, sleep monitoring, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Hypothalamic lesions were observed in seven of 96 patients (7.3%) with MOGAD, 34 of 536 (6.3%) with NMOSD, and 16 of 356 (4.5%) with MS (p = 0.407). The time from disease onset to development of hypothalamic lesions was shortest in MOGAD (12 months). The frequency of bilateral hypothalamic lesions was the lowest in MOGAD (p = 0.008). The rate of hypothalamic dysfunction in MOGAD was 28.6%, which was lower than that in NMOSD (70.6%) but greater than that in MS patients (18.8%; p = 0.095 and p = 0.349, respectively). Hypothalamic dysfunction in MOGAD manifests as hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction and hypersomnia. The proportion of complete regression of hypothalamic lesions in MOGAD (100%) was much greater than that in NMOSD (41.7%) and MS patients (18.2%; p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, respectively). An improvement in hypothalamic dysfunction was observed in all MOGAD patients after immunotherapy.

Conclusions

MOGAD patients have a relatively high incidence of asymptomatic hypothalamic lesions. The overall prognosis of patients with hypothalamic involvement is good in MOGAD, as the lesions completely resolve, and dysfunction improves after immunotherapy.
Pixel walking along the boreal forest–Arctic tundra ecotone: Large scale ground‐truthing of satellite‐derived greenness (NDVI)
Authors: Wong Russell E. , Berner Logan T. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Potter Christopher S. , Dial Roman J.
Published: June 2024

In this Technical Advance, we describe a novel method to improve ecological interpretation of remotely sensed vegetation greenness measurements that involved sampling 24,395 Landsat pixels (30 m) across 639 km of Alaska's central Brooks Range. The method goes well beyond the spatial scale of traditional plot‐based sampling and thereby more thoroughly relates ground‐based observations to satellite measurements. Our example dataset illustrates that, along the boreal‐Arctic boundary, vegetation with the greatest Landsat Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is taller than 1 m, woody, and deciduous; whereas vegetation with lower NDVI tends to be shorter, evergreen, or non‐woody. The field methods and associated analyses advance efforts to inform satellite data with ground‐based vegetation observations using field samples collected at spatial scales that closely match the resolution of remotely sensed imagery.
Antibiotic effects on gut microbiota modulate diet‐induced metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis development in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Takano Shun , Kani Koudai , Kasai Kaichi , Igarashi Naoya , Kato Miyuna , Goto Kana , Matsuura Yudai , Ichimura‐Shimizu Mayuko , Watanabe Shiro , Tsuneyama Koichi , Furusawa Yukihiro , Nagai Yoshinori
Published: June 2024

The potential involvement of the gut microbiota in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) pathogenesis has garnered increasing attention. In this study, we elucidated the link between high‐fat/cholesterol/cholate‐based (iHFC)#2 diet‐induced MASH progression and gut microbiota in C57BL/6 mice using antibiotic treatments. Treatment with vancomycin (VCM), which targets gram‐positive bacteria, exacerbated the progression of liver damage, steatosis, and fibrosis in iHFC#2‐fed C57BL/6 mice. The expression levels of inflammation‐ and fibrosis‐related genes in the liver significantly increased after VCM treatment for 8 weeks. F4/80+ macrophage abundance increased in the livers of VCM‐treated mice. These changes were rarely observed in the iHFC#2‐fed C57BL/6 mice treated with metronidazole, which targets anaerobic bacteria. A16S rRNA sequence analysis revealed a significant decrease in α‐diversity in VCM‐treated mice compared with that in placebo‐treated mice, with Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes significantly decreased, while Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia increased markedly. Finally, VCM treatment dramatically altered the level and balance of bile acid (BA) composition in iHFC#2‐fed C57BL/6 mice. Thus, the VCM‐mediated exacerbation of MASH progression depends on the interaction between the gut microbiota, BA metabolism, and inflammatory responses in the livers of iHFC#2‐fed C57BL/6 mice.
IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND: ON THE HISTORY OF MIND AND OTHER MATTERS
Authors: Lorenz Chris
Published: June 2024

In The Primacy of Method in Historical Research: Philosophy of History and the Perspective of Meaning, Jonas Ahlskog presents a critical and lucid engagement with contemporary philosophies of history and makes a sustained case for a return to the ideas of history and social science as developed by R. G. Collingwood and Peter Winch. What philosophy needs again is, first, a recognition of the “primacy of method”—that is, the insight that what one knows about reality depends on how one knows it. Second, philosophers need to take “the duality of method” seriously again and to recognize that the modes of explanation in the human sciences and the natural sciences are categorically different from each other—especially now that this difference has been blurred in recent debates about the Anthropocene. Ahlskog's book is thus also a contribution to the classical debate about causal explanation versus meaningful understanding. On closer analysis, however, Ahlskog's “untimely meditations” on “historical method” suffer from an insufficient engagement with counterarguments. A first line of critique challenges the idea that human action cannot be explained causally. A second line of critique challenges the idea that all aspects of human action can be “understood,” because the unintended aspects and consequences of individual actions cannot. These require causal explanation. A third line of critique concerns Ahlskog's denial of the fundamental plurality of ideas of history and the social sciences. Squeezing this plurality into one philosophical mold comes at a price. Unintentionally, Ahlskog's “untimely meditations” also show that much.
A Chinese version of the Stroke Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised: Reliability and validity assessment in stroke patients
Authors: Lei Xiaoyu , Liu Yanjin , Guo Yuanli , Guo Lina , Dong Xiaofang , Wei Miao , He Yu
Published: June 2024

Background

Illness perceptions are an important factor affecting the prognosis of stroke patients. Evaluating the illness perceptions of stroke patients is of great importance for predicting their health behaviour and rehabilitation outcomes. However, there is no specific tool for assessing illness perceptions in stroke patients in China.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to translate the Stroke Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised (SIPQ‐R) into Chinese and to psychometrically test the Chinese version of the scale in the population of Chinese stroke patients.

Methods

This was a methodological study. We investigated 593 stroke patients in the neurology department of a hospital in China from March to September 2021. We translated the SIPQ‐R and adapted it to the cultural context, after which we evaluated the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of SIPQ‐R.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis identified eight common factors that accounted for 71.74% of the total variance, and the factor loadings ranged from 0.530 to 0.933. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the eight‐factor structure (χ2/df = 1.765, root mean square error of approximation = 0.053, incremental fit index = 0.906, comparative fit index = 0.905 and Tucker–Lewis index = 0.900). Internal consistency was confirmed by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.982. The test–retest reliability was 0.762. The results showed good content validity (the scale level content validity index was 0.940, and the item level content validity index values ranged from 0.860 to 0.960). There were no missing responses and floor or ceiling effects. The standard error of measurement and the smallest detectable change for the SIPQ‐R were 45.49 and 126.10, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide empirical evidence for the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the SIPQ‐R for stroke patients.
Role of novel protein acylation modifications in immunity and its related diseases
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Yu Tao , Li Xiaolu , He Xiangqin , Zhang Bei , Yang Yanyan
Published: June 2024

The cross‐regulation of immunity and metabolism is currently a research hotspot in life sciences and immunology. Metabolic immunology plays an important role in cutting‐edge fields such as metabolic regulatory mechanisms in immune cell development and function, and metabolic targets and immune‐related disease pathways. Protein post‐translational modification (PTM) is a key epigenetic mechanism that regulates various biological processes and highlights metabolite functions. Currently, more than 400 PTM types have been identified to affect the functions of several proteins. Among these, metabolic PTMs, particularly various newly identified histone or non‐histone acylation modifications, can effectively regulate various functions, processes and diseases of the immune system, as well as immune‐related diseases. Thus, drugs aimed at targeted acylation modification can have substantial therapeutic potential in regulating immunity, indicating a new direction for further clinical translational research. This review summarises the characteristics and functions of seven novel lysine acylation modifications, including succinylation, S‐palmitoylation, lactylation, crotonylation, 2‐hydroxyisobutyrylation, β‐hydroxybutyrylation and malonylation, and their association with immunity, thereby providing valuable references for the diagnosis and treatment of immune disorders associated with new acylation modifications.
Temporomandibular joint rehabilitative approaches for children and adolescents affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Ferrillo Martina , Gallizzi Romina , Marotta Nicola , Longo Umile Giuseppe , Spagnolo Alessandra , Ammendolia Antonio , Giudice Amerigo , de Sire Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease of childhood, and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are involved in 39%–78% of patients.

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of conservative approaches in improving TMJ arthritis in children and adolescents affected by JIA.

Design

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the inception until February 25, 2024, to identify observational studies presenting participants with a diagnosis of JIA affecting the TMJ, rehabilitative approaches for TMJ arthritis as interventions, and clinical or radiological assessment of TMJ arthritis as outcome.

Results

Of 478 papers suitable for title/abstract screening, 13 studies were included. The studies evaluated the effectiveness of intra‐articular (IA) corticosteroid (CS) injections, IA infliximab injections, arthrocentesis alone or in combination with IACS injections, occlusal splint, functional appliance, and physiotherapy. The effectiveness of IACS injections was shown in eight studies. IA infliximab injections did not appear to significantly improve TMJ arthritis.

Conclusion

Results of this systematic review suggested that conservative treatments, especially IACS injections, might be effective in improving TMJ arthritis in patients affected by JIA. Further studies with a higher level of evidence and more representative samples should be conducted.
Copper doping effects on the superconducting properties of Sm‐based oxypnictides
Authors: Azam Mohammad , Manasa Manasa , Zajarniuk Tatiana , Palasyuk Taras , Diduszko Ryszard , Cetner Tomasz , Morawski Andrzej , Jastrzebski Cezariusz , Wierzbicki Michał , Wiśniewski Andrzej , Singh Shiv J.
Published: June 2024

A systematic investigation has been performed by synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a series of SmFe1−xCuxAsO0.8F0.2 bulks (x = 0–0.2). These samples are well characterized by structural, Raman spectroscopy, microstructural, transport, magnetic measurements, and supplementary calculations within density functional theory (DFT). The parent compound, SmFeAsO0.8F0.2 (Sm1111), exhibits a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of approximately 54 K. The lattice volume (V) is increased with Cu substitution (x) without observing any impurity phase related to copper, which confirms the successful incorporation of Cu at Fe sites in the superconducting FeAs layers. These analyses are also well in agreement with Raman spectroscopy measurements and relevant DFT results. The superconducting transition is decreased systematically with copper doping and completely suppressed for 7% Cu‐doped Sm1111 (x = 0.07). A large amount of Cu substitution (x ≥ 0.07) has demonstrated the metal to insulate transition in the low‐temperature range, and no impurity phase was observed even at high Cu doping levels (x = 0.2). The calculated critical current density of the parent sample is suppressed with copper substitution, suggesting the reduced pinning centers, sample density, and grain connections, as confirmed by the microstructural analysis. Our studies suggest that the substitution of Cu in the superconducting FeAs layer, resulting the enlargement of the lattice volume, is a source of strong disorder scattering, leading to the suppression of Tc and the emergence of metal‐to‐insulator, unlike the more successful carrier doping by nickel (Ni) or cobalt (Co), as previously reported.
Dual drug‐loaded polymeric mixed micelles for ovarian cancer: Approach to enhanced therapeutic efficacy of albendazole and paclitaxel
Authors: Gaikwad Nikita Maruti , Chaudhari Pravin Digambar , Shaikh Karimunnisa Sameer , Chaudhari Somdatta Y. , Pathare Sandeep S. , Shaikh Amir Afzal , Aljarba Nada H. , Kumer Ajoy , Dhara Bikram
Published: June 2024

Chemotherapy resistance remains a significant challenge in treating ovarian cancer effectively. This study addresses this issue by utilizing a dual drug‐loaded nanomicelle system comprising albendazole (ABZ) and paclitaxel (PTX), encapsulated in a novel carrier matrix of D‐tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate vitamin E (TPGS), soluplus and folic acid. Our objective was to develop and optimize this nanoparticulate delivery system using solvent evaporation techniques to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against ovarian cancer. The formulation process involved pre‐formulation, formulation, optimization, and comprehensive characterization of the micelles. Optimization was conducted through a 32 factorial design, focusing on the effects of polymer ratios on particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI) and entrapment efficiency (%EE). The optimal formulation demonstrated improved dilution stability, as indicated by a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 0.0015 mg/mL for the TPGS‐folic acid conjugate (TPGS‐FOL). Extensive characterization included differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The release profile exhibited an initial burst followed by sustained release over 90 h. The cytotoxic potential of the formulated micelles was superior to that of the drugs alone, as assessed by MTT assays on SKOV3 ovarian cell lines. Additionally, in vivo studies confirmed the presence of both drugs in plasma and tumour tissues, suggesting effective targeting and penetration. In conclusion, the developed TPGS‐Fol‐based nanomicelles for co‐delivering ABZ and PTX show promising results in overcoming drug resistance, enhancing solubility, sustaining drug release, and improving therapeutic outcomes in ovarian cancer treatment.
Drying acerola residue in a spouted bed: Fluid dynamic study and functional quality analysis
Authors: Braga Deyvid Henrique , de Lima Santos Amanda Aparecida , Bicalho Isabele Cristina , Rodriguez Iara Hernandez
Published: June 2024

In the fruit processing industry, a large volume of residue is generated, which is usually discarded. However, fruit residues may have appeal as functional ingredients due to the presence of bioactive compound. In this study, the drying of acerola residue in a medium‐sized conventional spouted bed was investigated. The residue was characterized; vitamin C and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were determined to evaluate the effect of drying on bioactive compounds. To overcome the difficulty of material fluidization, a mixture composed of in natura acerola residue and acerola residue previously dried in an oven as an inert material was used. The effect of air temperature (40 and 60°C) and velocity (28 and 36 m/s) and amount of in natura residue in the mixture (20% and 30%) was evaluated during drying. As expected, higher temperatures and air velocities and lower percentages of in natura residue favored the reduction of moisture. For a mixture containing 20% in natura residue, air velocity of 36 m/s, and temperature of 60°C, it was possible to achieve a final moisture content suitable for storage (14.23% w.b.) and the highest percentage of DPPH free radical capture activity (85.31%). Moreover, a mixture containing 30% in natura residue, velocity of 28 m/s, and temperature of 40°C conserved more vitamin C (48.30 mg of ascorbic acid/100 g). Finally, spouted bed can be considered a good technique for drying acerola residue as it was able to reduce a high amount of moisture content preserving bioactive compounds during short drying periods at low temperatures.

Practical Applications

The acerola processing generates a residue that consists basically of the seeds, bagasse, and peels, which is rich in ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and organic acids. This residue can be used to generate new food products, which reduces the environmental problem of its disposal and the loss of raw material in fruit processing. To extend the residue shelf life, it must be subjected to a drying process. In this paper, the drying of acerola residue was investigated in a medium‐sized spouted bed. The spouted bed proved effectiveness in drying the acerola residue and in conserving bioactive compounds when operating for short periods and with low temperature. Thus, it can be considered as a promising technique for drying food products. Also, the data provided in this study can contribute to the solution of the scale‐up problem in spouted beds.