bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic teachings and environmental corporate social responsibility in Bangladesh: a mixed-methods research approach
Authors: Sumi Ayesha Akter , Ahmed Saif , Alam Syed Shah
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of Islamic teachings on environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Bangladesh, a country where Islamic principles are profoundly influential.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-methods research approach (quantitative study with close-ended questionnaire and qualitative study with semistructure interview), this study aims to explore the role of individual characteristics and organizational contexts in environmental CSR practices. The study uses a robust analytical framework encompassing variance inflation factor, orthogonal loading, Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability and average variance extracted to assess the reliability and validity of these metrics.

Findings

Thematic analysis reveals the motivations, attitudes and challenges experienced by organizational leaders in aligning Islamic ethics with environmental stewardship, whereas the quantitative results provide empirical support for the relationship between various organizational practices (denoted as M#1 to M#8) and environmental CSR.

Originality/value

The findings of this study illuminate the potential benefits of tailoring CSR policies to fit within specific religious and cultural frameworks, offering both theoretical contributions and practical insights.
Language and home-culture integrated online learning curriculum for developing intercultural communicative competence
Authors: Trinh Anh-Hang , Dinh Hanh
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to theorize that computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can be integrated in English language learning with a focus on cultural learning of both home and target language.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study used a systematic methodology to conceive the language and home-culture integrated online learning (LHIOL) curriculum design based on relevant conceptual frameworks and gather qualitative data from focused group interviews of 30 teachers and 3,000 students’ open-ended questionnaires, along with learning artifacts to identify major themes.

Findings

CALL, used as cultural and linguistic material, helps students embrace their cultural identities, especially ethnic minorities, capitalize on their distinctive values, and appreciate and empathize with other languages and cultures. The instructors advocate for localizing intercultural communicative competence (ICC) educational content into Vietnamese culture, using real multimedia resources. However, the LHIOL curriculum faced systemic constraints regarding competitions between linguistic and cultural instruction, teachers’ refusal to recognize ICC’s importance and recognition of an explicit link between virtual cultural learning and their lives.

Originality/value

LHIOL is a preliminary practical effort to suggest how a cultural education from one’s native tongue can be integrated into a culture-focused English/Western language environment. By incorporating fundamental concepts that underpin the integration of language and culture as well as CALL, improving ICC offers a framework that can be applied to elucidate cultural learning.
Towards emerging Industry 5.0 – a review-based framework
Authors: Nair Ashalakshmy , Pillai Sini V. , Senthil Kumar S.A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the integration of human and machine intelligence in Industry 4.0 (I4.0), particularly in the convergence of industrial revolutions 4.0 (IR4.0) and 5.0. It seeks to identify employee competencies aligned with industry 5.0 (I5.0) and propose a framework for deep multi-level cooperation to improve human integration within the intelligence system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses bibliometric analysis to review 296 research papers retrieved from the Scopus database between 2002 and 2022. The prominence of the research is evaluated by analyzing the publication trend, sample statistics, theoretical foundation, commonly used keywords, thematic evolution, country-based contributions and top-cited documents.

Findings

The study observed that research in I5.0 has been limited in the past but has gained momentum since 2015. An analysis of research papers from 2002 to 2022 reveals a gradual shift toward human-centric practices. The literature on I4.0, the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud manufacturing, blockchain and big data analysis has been increasingly highlighting the growing importance of digitalization in the future. An increase in the number of countries contributing to the field of study has also been observed.

Originality/value

This analysis offers valuable insights for managers, policymakers, information technology (IT) developers and stakeholders in understanding and implementing human-centric practices in I5.0. It emphasizes staying current with trends, embracing workforce empowerment through reskilling and upskilling, and prioritizing data privacy and security in adaptable systems. These strategies contribute to developing effective, inclusive and ethically sound approaches aligned with the principles of I5.0.
Key success factors for implementing strategy in the Icelandic fisheries industry
Authors: Vigfússon Kristján , Jóhannsdóttir Lára , Ólafsson Snjólfur , Köseoğlu Mehmet Ali
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study focuses on the key success factors (KSFs) for strategy implementation in the fisheries industry in Iceland identified by chief executive officers within the industry. The purpose is to provide a comprehensive categorization of KSFs that influence how strategy is mobilized. The secondary aim is to uncover the level of priority that companies place on the dimensions of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology involves qualitative case studies based on in-depth elite interviews with nine chief executive officers of Icelandic fishing companies.

Findings

The research indicates strategy implementation can be improved in four main areas. First, by engaging and involving all employees in the implementation process. Second, by enhancing bottom-up innovation and communication. Third, through alignment of the corporate strategy and the UN SDGs, and fourth, by following rigorous action plans with clear, measurable and prioritized objectives and timeframes for the managers to follow. These improvements have both theoretical and practical implications for the fishing industry. Consequently, a conceptual framework for integrated strategy implementation in the fisheries industry is proposed.

Research limitations/implications

A limited number of in-depth elite interviews were conducted since access to the chief executive officers of the country’s largest fishing companies proved challenging. However, the nine companies collectively hold nearly 50% of the country’s total quota, thereby proving a deep understanding of the topic relevant to the industry. The research uncovered a substantial cross-section of viewpoints, and as such, the results are relevant for both academia and practitioners alike.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the debate on KSFs relevant to strategy implementation within a specific industry but also aligns with the UN SDGs by proposing a dedicated framework for implementing strategies in the fisheries industry. Overall, this study can help managers achieve strategy implementation.
First-line managers struggling to lead home care based on the individual’s needs and goals – conflict between ethical principles
Authors: James Inger , Kihlgren Annica , Norell Pejner Margaretha , Tavemark Sofia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how first-line managers (FLMs) in home care (HC) reason about the opportunities and obstacles to lead the work according to the individual’s needs and goals.

Design/methodology/approach

In this participatory appreciative action reflection project, eight managers within one Swedish municipality were interviewed. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis.

Findings

The results showed a polarization between two different systems that FLMs struggle to balance when attempting to lead HC that adapts to the needs and goals of individuals. One system was represented by the possibilities of a humane system, with human capital in the form of the individual, older persons and the co-workers in HC. The second system was represented by obstacles in the form of the economic needs of the organization in which the individual receiving HC often felt forgotten. In this system, the organization’s needs and goals governed, with FLMs needing to adapt to the cost-effectiveness principle and keep a balanced budget. The managers had to balance an ethical conflict of values between the human value and needs-solidarity principles, with that of the cost-effectiveness principle.

Originality/value

The FLMs lack the opportunity to lead HC according to the needs and goals of the individuals receiving HC. There is a need for consensus and a value-based leadership model based on ethical principles such as the principles of human value and needs-solidarity to lead the HC according to the individual’s needs and goals.
Exploring the enablers of organizational excellence by human capital-driven innovation ecosystems
Authors: Yan Min-Ren , Lee Ting-Cheng
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to discuss how organizations can drive organizational performance through human capital (HC) investment through systematic thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes three companies from various industries, adopts systems thinking and uses three leading indicators from the balanced scorecard framework to explore the effects of strategic orientations for HC on innovation ecosystems and organizational performance.

Findings

In terms of academic contributions, this study broadly verifies the innovation ecosystem model for organizations and reveals that customer-oriented, internal process-oriented and innovation learning-oriented HC strategies reinforce the pathways in organizational innovation ecosystems, thereby enriching the literature on innovation ecosystems.

Practical implications

In terms of practical contributions, this study provides a novel HC-based perspective on developmental dynamics and details the relationships among each aspect of the innovation ecosystem and HC strategies.

Originality/value

The proposed architecture and strategic frameworks provide a reference for corporations to implement strategic orientations of HC, drive operations in organizational innovation ecosystems and improve organizational performance.
Passive social network usage and life satisfaction among Vietnamese university students: a moderated mediation model of self-esteem and gender
Authors: Nguyen Nhan , Dang An , Ngo Tai , Tran Hieu , Tran Dung
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of self-esteem in mediating the relationship between passive social networking usage (PSNU) and life satisfaction, as well as whether the relationships between PSNU and self-esteem/life satisfaction as well as self-esteem and life satisfaction vary by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is conducted in compliance with the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association’s study on a subject of 304 students. Study participants are invited to participate in the survey by completing the anonymous questionnaire regarding passive social network usage, self-esteem and life satisfaction.

Findings

The findings indicate that self-esteem mediated the relationship between PSNU and life satisfaction. Furthermore, gender moderated the self-esteem and life satisfaction relationship, and such an effect was stronger for females than males.

Research limitations/implications

This study, adopting a cross-sectional design and self-report scale, examined the relationship between PSNU and life satisfaction. However, the short study duration hindered establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. Credibility concerns arose from participant-induced noise variables in the self-report scale. Future research should use diverse methods to validate underlying mechanisms. Despite limitations, the study revealed self-esteem as a mediating factor, alleviating the negative impact of PSNU on life satisfaction. Both male and female users are encouraged to engage in self-education, valuing their self-esteem for heightened life satisfaction.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the understanding of how passive social network usage predicts life satisfaction (mediating effect of self-esteem) based on social comparison theory and when self-esteem increases life satisfaction (moderating effect of gender) based on social role theory of gender differences.
Development of a long-term solar PV power forecasting model for power system planning
Authors: P.R. Jain Vinith , K. Navin Sam , T. Vidya , A. Joseph Godfrey , Arunachalam Venkadesan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to Solar photovoltaic (PV) power can significantly impact the power system because of its intermittent nature. Hence, an accurate solar PV power forecasting model is required for appropriate power system planning.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a long short-term memory (LSTM)-based double deep Q-learning (DDQL) neural network (NN) is proposed for forecasting solar PV power indirectly over the long-term horizon. The past solar irradiance, temperature and wind speed are used for forecasting the solar PV power for a place using the proposed forecasting model.

Findings

The LSTM-based DDQL NN reduces over- and underestimation and avoids gradient vanishing. Thus, the proposed model improves the forecasting accuracy of solar PV power using deep learning techniques (DLTs). In addition, the proposed model requires less training time and forecasts solar PV power with improved stability.

Originality/value

The proposed model is trained and validated for several places with different climatic patterns and seasons. The proposed model is also tested for a place with a temperate climatic pattern by constructing an experimental solar PV system. The training, validation and testing results have confirmed the practicality of the proposed solar PV power forecasting model using LSTM-based DDQL NN.
Navigating uncertainty: Managing herbivore communities enhances Savanna ecosystem resilience under climate change
Authors: Irob Katja , Blaum Niels , Tietjen Britta
Published: January 2024

Savannas are characterized by water scarcity and degradation, making them highly vulnerable to increased uncertainties in water availability resulting from climate change. This poses a significant threat to ecosystem services and rural livelihoods that depend on them. In addition, the lack of consensus among climate models on precipitation change makes it difficult for land managers to plan for the future. Therefore, Savanna rangeland management needs to develop strategies that can sustain Savanna resilience and avoid tipping points under an uncertain future climate.

Our study aims to analyse the impacts of climate change and rangeland management on degradation in Savanna ecosystems of southern Africa, providing insights for the management of semi‐arid Savannas under uncertain conditions worldwide. To achieve this, we simulated the effects of projected changes in temperature and precipitation, as predicted by 10 global climate models, on water resources and vegetation (cover, functional diversity, tipping points (transition from grass‐dominated to shrub‐dominated vegetation)). We simulated three different rangeland management options (herbivore communities dominated by grazers, by browser and by mixed feeders), each with low and high animal densities, using the ecohydrological model EcoHyD.

Our results identified intensive grazing as the primary contributor to the increased risk of degradation in response to changing climatic conditions across all climate change scenarios. This degradation encompassed a reduction in available water for plant growth within the context of predicted climate change. It also entails a decline in the overall vegetation cover, the loss of functionally important plant species and the inefficient utilization of available water resources, leading to earlier tipping points.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings underscore that, in the face of climate uncertainty, farmers' most effective strategy for securing their livelihoods and ecosystem stability is to integrate browsers and apply management of mixed herbivore communities. This management approach not only significantly delays or averts tipping points but also maintained greater plant functional diversity, fostering a more robust and resilient ecosystem that acts as a vital buffer against adverse climatic conditions.
Occupational therapy with patients in forensic solitary confinement: A qualitative study
Authors: Mynard Lorrae , Joosten Annette , D'Souza Ayesha , Ashley Danielle , Darzins Susan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Occupational therapists work with forensic mental health patients in solitary confinement to counter impacts of mental illness and occupational deprivation, to promote well‐being and support transition to less restricted environments. There is little literature describing occupational therapy in this context. This study aimed to explore and describe the work, context and professional reasoning of occupational therapists working in solitary confinement settings within a large forensic mental health service in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

A qualitative design used semi‐structured interviews with 11 occupational therapists and reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

Three central organising themes, it's all about risk, the work we do and why we do what we do, provided rich description of the context and work of occupational therapists in solitary confinement settings, including approaches used to engage patients in occupation and how the Model of Human Occupation and recovery principles informed their professional reasoning. Despite the setting restrictions, participants engaged in core elements of the occupational therapy practice process and described creative work that offered patients choice and meaningful occupation. They described occupational enrichment to address occupational deprivation and create opportunities for change within the highly restrictive and risk‐focussed environment of solitary confinement. Assessment was mainly unstructured, and the need for better evaluation of therapy outcomes acknowledged. Goal setting often focussed on immediate needs. Working in a risk‐focussed environment influenced participants' professional reasoning and work with patients, and while they advocated for occupational opportunities for patients, frustration was experienced in response to limits to occupational therapy involvement in risk assessment.

Conclusion

The findings address a gap in the literature about the work of occupational therapists in forensic solitary confinement. Though participants' reasoning was informed by occupational and recovery principles, and they described working in occupation‐based ways, they did not always articulate explicit connections between theory and practice.
Pulsed inputs of high molecular weight organic matter shift the mechanisms of substrate utilisation in marine bacterial communities
Authors: Brown Sarah , Lloyd C. Chad , Giljan Greta , Ghobrial Sherif , Amann Rudolf , Arnosti Carol
Published: January 2024

Heterotrophic bacteria hydrolyze high molecular weight (HMW) organic matter extracellularly prior to uptake, resulting in diffusive loss of hydrolysis products. An alternative ‘selfish’ uptake mechanism that minimises this loss has recently been found to be common in the ocean. We investigated how HMW organic matter addition affects these two processing mechanisms in surface and bottom waters at three stations in the North Atlantic Ocean. A pulse of HMW organic matter increased cell numbers, as well as the rate and spectrum of extracellular enzymatic activities at both depths. The effects on selfish uptake were more differentiated: in Gulf Stream surface waters and productive surface waters south of Newfoundland, selfish uptake of structurally simple polysaccharides increased upon HMW organic matter addition. The number of selfish bacteria taking up structurally complex polysaccharides, however, was largely unchanged. In contrast, in the oligotrophic North Atlantic gyre, despite high external hydrolysis rates, the number of selfish bacteria was unchanged, irrespective of polysaccharide structure. In deep bottom waters (> 4000 m), structurally complex substrates were processed only by selfish bacteria. Mechanisms of substrate processing—and the extent to which hydrolysis products are released to the external environment—depend on substrate structural complexity and the resident bacterial community.
Racial and ethnic differences in the financial returns to home purchases
Authors: Kahn Matthew E.
Published: January 2024

The racial and ethnic composition of home buyers varies across geographic locations. Since home prices grow at different rates across counties and within counties, these place‐based bets yield different average rates of return for different demographic groups. I estimate these differential returns by combining micro data from Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) with zip‐code‐level data from Zillow. Based on this index of housing returns from 2010 to 2022, I find that at the national level that Asian buyers earn higher returns than other groups. For California buyers and for Los Angeles buyers, Black people earn roughly the same average rate of return but face a higher standard deviation in returns than other groups.
Review article: Pre‐hospital trauma guidelines and access to lifesaving interventions in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Andrews Tim , Meadley Ben , Gabbe Belinda , Beck Ben , Dicker Bridget , Cameron Peter
Published: January 2024

The centralisation of trauma services in western countries has led to an improvement in patient outcomes. Effective trauma systems include a pre‐hospital trauma system. Delivery of high‐level pre‐hospital trauma care must include identification of potential major trauma patients, access and correct application of lifesaving interventions (LSIs) and timely transport to definitive care. Globally, many nations endorse nationwide pre‐hospital major trauma triage guidelines, to ensure a universal approach to patient care. This paper examined clinical guidelines from all 10 EMS in Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand. All relevant trauma guidelines were included, and key information was extracted. Authors compared major trauma triage criteria, all LSI included in guidelines, and guidelines for transport to definitive care. The identification of major trauma patients varied between all 10 EMS, with no universal criteria. The most common approach to trauma triage included a three‐step assessment process: physiological criteria, identified injuries and mechanism of injury. Disparity between physiological criteria, injuries and mechanism was found when comparing guidelines. All 10 EMS had fundamental LSI included in their trauma guidelines. Fundamental LSI included haemorrhage control (arterial tourniquets, pelvic binders), non‐invasive airway management (face mask ventilation, supraglottic airway devices) and pleural wall needle decompression. Variation in more advanced LSI was evident between EMS. Optimising trauma triage guidelines is an important aspect of a robust and evidence driven trauma system. The lack of consensus in trauma triage identified in the present study makes benchmarking and comparison of trauma systems difficult.
Bmo‐miR‐3351 modulates glutathione content and inhibits BmNPV proliferation by targeting BmGSTe6 in Bombyx mori
Authors: Cao Hui‐Hua , Kong Wei‐Wei , Ling Bing , Wang Zhi‐Yi , Zhang Ying , Guo Zhe‐Xiao , Liu Shi‐Huo , Xu Jia‐Ping
Published: January 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that play pivotal roles in the host response to invading pathogens. Among these pathogens, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is one of the main causes of substantial economic losses in sericulture, and there are relatively few studies on the specific functions of miRNAs in the B. mori–BmNPV interaction. Therefore, we conducted transcriptome sequencing to identify differentially expressed (DE) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and miRNAs in the midgut of 2 B. mori strains (BmNPV‐susceptible strain P50 and BmNPV‐resistant strain A35) after BmNPV infection. Through correlation analysis of the miRNA and mRNA data, we identified a comprehensive set of 21 miRNAs and 37 predicted target mRNAs. Notably, miR‐3351, which has high expression in A35, exhibited remarkable efficacy in suppressing BmNPV proliferation. Additionally, we confirmed that miR‐3351 binds to the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of B. mori glutathione S‐transferase epsilon 6 (BmGSTe6), resulting in its downregulation. Conversely, BmGSTe6 displayed an opposite expression pattern to miR‐3351, effectively promoting BmNPV proliferation. Notably, BmGSTe6 levels were positively correlated with glutathione S‐transferase activity, consequently influencing intracellular glutathione content in the infected samples. Furthermore, our investigation revealed the protective role of glutathione against BmNPV infection in BmN cells. In summary, miR‐3351 modulates glutathione content by downregulating BmGSTe6 to inhibit BmNPV proliferation in B. mori. Our findings enriched the research on the role of B. mori miRNAs in the defense against BmNPV infection, and suggests that the antiviral molecule, glutathione, offers a novel perspective on preventing viral infection in sericulture.
Stability and bioactivities evaluation of analytical grade C‐phycocyanin during the storage of Spirulina platensis powder
Authors: Zhou Yue , Huang Zhenghua , Liu Yuhuan , Li Bin , Wen Zixuan , Cao Leipeng
Published: January 2024

C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) is a natural high‐value blue phycobiliprotein from Spirulina platensis, which has wide biological applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. However, the freshness of S. platensis powder (SPP) materials and C‐PC purification play critical roles in evaluating the stability and bioactivities of C‐PC, which severely affect its commercial application. This study investigated the effect of spray‐dried SPP freshness on the biofunctional activities of analytical grade C‐PC (AGC‐PC). The yield of AGC‐PC extracted from spray‐dried SPP could reach 101.88 mg/g (75% recovery ratio) after purification by reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) system. The half‐life period (t1/2) of AGC‐PC stability at 60°C and 8000 lux light could remain 171.70 min and 176.11 h within 6 months storage of spray‐dried SPP. The emulsifying activity index (EAI) and foaming capacity (FC) of AGC‐PC from fresh‐dried SPP showed maximum values of 68.64 m2/g and 252.9%, respectively. The EC50 of AGC‐PC from fresh spray‐dried SPP on 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline ‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS+·) scavenging activity could reach 63.76 and 92.93 mg/L, respectively. The EC50 of AGC‐PC from fresh spray‐dried SPP on proteinase inhibition and anti‐lipoxygenase activity were 302.96 and 178.8 mg/L, respectively. The stability and biofunctional activities of AGC‐PC remained stable within 6 months storage of SPP, and then rapidly decreased after 9 months storage due to the disintegration of the trimeric (αβ)3 and hexameric (αβ)6 forms of C‐PC. It is concluded that the optimal storage period of SPP for preparation of AGC‐PC in commercial use should be less than 6 months.

Practical Application

The C‐phycocyanin (C‐PC) from dried Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) has been widely applied in food nutritional, florescent markers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc, due to its blue color, fluorescence, and antioxidant properties. However, the effect of dried SPP freshness on the stability and functional activity of C‐PC has been rarely reported. This study found that the thermostability, photostability, emulsifying, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory activities of analytical grade C‐PC (AGC‐PC) significantly decreased after 6 months storage of SPP. Based on investigations, we have proposed that the suitable storage time of dried SPP for preparation of AGC‐PC in commercial application should be within 6 months.
Effect of hawthorn polyphenol extracts on the physicochemical properties and digestibility of corn starch
Authors: Yuan Ying , Chai Ziqi , Zheng Yuxue , Ren Yanming , Ye Xingqian , Kong Xiangli , Tian Jinhu
Published: January 2024

To investigate the effect of hawthorn polyphenols on the physicochemical properties and digestibility of corn starch, different proportions (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% [w/w]) of hawthorn polyphenol extracts (HPEs) were mixed with corn starch, and their physicochemical properties and digestive properties were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Rapid Visco Analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and in vitro/in vivo analysis. Results indicated that small V‐type crystal starch tended to be formed in the samples, and the addition of HPEs reduced the viscosity, prolonged the gelatinization temperature of corn starch, and increased the proportion of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch of the corn starch, which accounted for 36.32% ± 1.05% and 33.32% ± 4.07%, respectively. Compared with the raw corn starch, the postprandial blood glucose of mice that were administered the hawthorn polyphenols decreased significantly: the blood glucose peak (30 min) decreased from 14.30 ± 1.52 to 11.77 ± 1.21 mmol/L. Our study might provide some basic theoretical support for the application of hawthorn polyphenols in healthy starchy food processing.
Diversity in storage age enables discrepancy in quality attributes and metabolic profile of Citrus grandis “Tomentosa” in China
Authors: Wei Liyang , Hu Qian , He Lei , Li Guoping , Zhang Jiukai , Chen Ying
Published: January 2024

The folk proverb “the older, the better” is usually used to describe the quality of Citrus grandis “Tomentosa” (CGT) in China. In this study, CGT aged for 6‐, 12‐, 16‐, and 19‐years were collected for the investigation of infusion color, main bioactive components, antioxidant activity, metabolic composition, and pathway. The results found that infusion color, the total phenolic and flavonoid, and antioxidant activity of CGT were obviously changed by aging process. Through untargeted metabolomics, 55 critical metabolites were identified to in discrimination of CGT with different storage ages, mainly including phenylpropanoids, lipids, and organic oxygen compounds. Twenty compounds that showed good linear relationships with storage ages could be used for year prediction of CGT. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment pathway analysis uncovered important metabolic pathways related to the accumulation of naringin, kaempferol, and choline as well as the degradation of benzenoids, thus supporting that aged CGT might be more beneficial to health. Correlation analysis provided that some key metabolites with bitter taste and biological activity were involved in the darkening and reddening of CGT infusion during aging, and total phenolic and flavonoid were more strongly associated with the antioxidant activity of CGT. This study systematically revealed the quality changes and key metabolic pathways during CGT aging at first time.

Practical Application

This study reveals the differences in quality attributes and metabolic profile between CGT with different storage ages, providing guidance for consumers' consumption, and also providing more scientific basis for the quality evaluation and improvement of CGT.
Efficient enzymatic synthesis of theaflavin and its production mechanism
Authors: Jian Jinjin , Gao Zhijiang , Ding Yangping
Published: January 2024

In this study, a novel preparation method of theaflavin (TF) has been established. Our findings indicated that the formation of TF was significantly enhanced by using an ice bath (2–3°C). Additionally, increasing the ratio of (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) under the ice bath could further improve its yield. This approach prevented the appearance of a dark solution within 3 h, effectively protecting TF from oxidation. Our study on the generation mechanism of TF suggested that EGC‐quinone I (EGC‐Q‐I) with two carbanions could potentially serve as one of synthons based on the retrosynthetic analysis of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane‐type intermediate. Subsequently, quantum mechanical calculations further supported this hypothesis.

Practical Application: In this study, we have developed a novel method for the synthesis of theaflavin (TF), demonstrating that the use of ice bath significantly enhanced its yield. Increasing the ratio of (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) under the ice bath further improved TF yields and prevented darkening of the solution for at least 3 h, thereby protecting TF from oxidation. Our study suggested that EGC‐quinone I is a potential synthon based on the retrosynthetic analysis of the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane‐type intermediate (BOI). This hypothesis is supported by QM calculations.
Numerical simulation of heat transfer during meat ball cooking and microbial food safety enhancement
Authors: Sheen Shiowshuh , Huang Lihan , Hwang Cheng‐An
Published: January 2024

This study was conducted to apply the finite volume method (FVM) to solve the partial differential equation (PDE) governing the heat transfer process during meat cooking with convective surface conditions. For a one‐dimensional, round‐shaped food, such as meat balls, the domain may be divided into shells of equal thickness, with energy balance established for each adjacent shell using in the finite difference scheme (FDS) to construct a set of finite difference equations, which were then solved simultaneously using the FORTRAN language and the IVPAG subroutine of the International Mathematics and Statistics Library. The FDS is flexible for temperature‐dependent physical properties of foods, such as thermal conductivity (k), specific heat (Cp), thermal diffusivity (α), and boundary conditions, for example, surface heat transfer coefficient (h), to predict the dynamic temperature profiles in beef and chicken meat balls cooked in an oven. Once the FVM model was established and validated, it was used to simulate the dynamic temperature profiles during cooking, which were then used in combination with the general method to evaluate the thermal lethality of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. using D and z values in ground meats during cooking. The method can be applied to design cooking processes that effectively inactivate foodborne pathogens while maintaining the quality of cooked meats and evaluate the adequacy of a cooking process.

Practical Application

The temperature dependences of thermal conductivity (k) and thermal diffusivity (α) of raw ground beef and ground chicken meats were measured. These thermal properties were then used in numerical simulation to predict the dynamic heating temperature profile and thermal lethality of ground beef and chicken meat balls. The numerical simulation method may be used to optimize and evaluate thermal processes and ensure the inactivation of pathogens in meat products during cooking.
Outcomes of patients with pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas: a study of factors associated with survival and surgical intervention
Authors: Wong Ngar Lok Joshua , Paredes Steven Ronald , Seyfi Doruk , Ng Kheng‐Seong
Published: January 2024

Backgrounds

This study investigated the incidence of, and mortality and management outcomes following, pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas on computed tomography.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients identified with pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas on computed tomography at a quaternary centre (2013–2021) was performed. Data relating to clinical presentation (including quick sequential organ failure assessment score), co‐morbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index), biochemical data (including peak lactate level), and radiological findings, were obtained. Factors associated with these were assessed by logistic regression.

Results

From 16 428 scans, 107 (0.65%) demonstrated pneumatosis intestinalis and/or portal venous gas (mean 65.2 years [SD 15.2]; 60 [56%] male). Overall, 37 patients (35%) had both findings present. Thirty‐three deaths (31%) were recorded. Fifty‐four patients (51%) underwent surgery. Death was associated with quick sequential organ failure assessment score (score 1: OR 5.71, 95% CI 1.31–24.87; score 2: OR 10.00, 95% CI 1.94–51.54), Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥5 (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.19–6.84), peak lactate ≥2.6 mmol/L (OR 14.53, 95% CI 4.39–48.14), and concomitant pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas (OR 8.25, 95% CI 3.04–22.38). The presence of free peritoneal fluid (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.44–7.28) or perforated viscus (OR 5.10, 95% CI 1.05–24.85) were the only predictors for surgery.

Conclusion

Pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas are rare findings. Despite traditionally portending a poor prognosis, mortality occurred in only one‐third of patients. There were clear indicators of mortality viz. sepsis severity, comorbidities, and concomitant pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas. Factors predicting surgery warrant further investigation.
Occurrence of postpartum manic or mixed episodes in women with bipolar I disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sharma Verinder , Wood Katelyn N. , Weaver Bruce , Mazmanian Dwight , Thomson Michael
Published: January 2024

Objective

Accurate information on the frequency and prevalence of manic or mixed episodes is important for therapeutic, prognostic, and safety concerns. We aimed to estimate the risk of relapse of manic and mixed episodes after delivery in women with bipolar I disorder or schizoaffective disorder—bipolar type.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane databases was carried out on November 17, 2022, using the terms ((bipolar disorder) OR (manic depressive illness)) AND (mania)) AND (postpartum)) AND (recurrence)) AND (relapse). The search was updated on March 29, 2023. Case studies and qualitative analyses were excluded. Twelve studies reporting on 3595 deliveries in 2183 women were included in the quantitative analysis.

Results

The overall pooled estimate of postpartum relapse risk was 39% (95% CI = 29, 49; Q(11) = 211.08, p < 0.001; I2 = 96.31%). Among those who had a relapse, the pooled estimate of risk for manic and mixed episodes was 38% (95% CI = 28, 50; Q(11) = 101.17, p < 0.001; I2 = 91.06%). Using data from the nine studies that reported the percentage of medication use during pregnancy, we estimated a meta‐regression model with the percent medication use as a continuous explanatory variable. The estimated prevalence of relapse was 58.1% (95% CI, 9.6 to 39.3 to 76.8) for studies with no medication use and 25.9% (95% CI, 10.5–41.3) for studies with 100% medication use. The difference between the two prevalence estimates was statistically significant, z = −2.099, p = 0.0359.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest an overall pooled estimate of postpartum relapse risk of 39%, while the pooled estimate of risk for manic and mixed episodes was 38%. These findings highlight the need to educate patients with bipolar I disorder, and their healthcare professionals about the high risk of relapse of manic or mixed episodes after delivery.
The relation between BTK expression and iron accumulation of myeloid cells in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Steinmaurer Anja , Riedl Christian , König Theresa , Testa Giulia , Köck Ulrike , Bauer Jan , Lassmann Hans , Höftberger Romana , Berger Thomas , Wimmer Isabella , Hametner Simon
Published: January 2024

Activation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) has been shown to play a crucial role in the proinflammatory response of B cells and myeloid cells upon engagement with B cell, Fc, Toll‐like receptor, and distinct chemokine receptors. Previous reports suggest BTK actively contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The BTK inhibitor Evobrutinib has been shown to reduce the numbers of gadolinium‐enhancing lesions and relapses in relapsing–remitting MS patients. In vitro, BTK inhibition resulted in reduced phagocytic activity and modulated BTK‐dependent inflammatory signaling of microglia and macrophages. Here, we investigated the protein expression of BTK and CD68 as well as iron accumulation in postmortem control (n = 10) and MS (n = 23) brain tissue, focusing on microglia and macrophages. MS cases encompassed active, chronic active, and inactive lesions. BTK+ and iron+ cells positively correlated across all regions of interests and, along with CD68, revealed highest numbers in the center of active and at the rim of chronic active lesions. We then studied the effect of BTK inhibition in the human immortalized microglia‐like HMC3 cell line in vitro. In particular, we loaded HMC3 cells with iron‐dextran and subsequently administered the BTK inhibitor Evobrutinib. Iron treatment alone induced a proinflammatory phenotype and increased the expression of iron importers as well as the intracellular iron storage protein ferritin light chain (FTL). BTK inhibition of iron‐laden cells dampened the expression of microglia‐related inflammatory genes as well as iron‐importers, whereas the iron‐exporter ferroportin was upregulated. Our data suggest that BTK inhibition not only dampens the proinflammatory response but also reduces iron import and storage in activated microglia and macrophages with possible implications on microglial iron accumulation in chronic active lesions in MS.
Interleukin‐4 induced 1‐mediated resistance to an immune checkpoint inhibitor through suppression of CD8+ T cell infiltration in melanoma
Authors: Hirose Shiho , Mashima Tetsuo , Yuan Xunmei , Yamashita Makiko , Kitano Shigehisa , Torii Shinichi , Migita Toshiro , Seimiya Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

Cancer cells adopt multiple strategies to escape tumor surveillance by the host immune system and aberrant amino acid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment suppresses the immune system. Among the amino acid‐metabolizing enzymes is an L‐amino‐acid oxidase called interleukin‐4 induced 1 (IL4I1), which depletes essential amino acids in immune cells and is associated with a poor prognosis in various cancer types. Although IL4I1 is involved in immune metabolism abnormalities, its effect on the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is unknown. In this study, we established murine melanoma cells overexpressing IL4I1 and investigated their effects on the intratumor immune microenvironment and the antitumor efficacy of anti‐programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) antibodies (Abs) in a syngeneic mouse model. As a result, we found that IL4I1‐overexpressing B16‐F10‐derived tumors showed resistance to anti‐PD‐L1 Ab therapy. Transcriptome analysis revealed that immunosuppressive genes were globally upregulated in the IL4I1‐overexpressing tumors. Consistently, we showed that IL4I1‐overexpressing tumors exhibited an altered subset of lymphoid cells and particularly significant suppression of cytotoxic T cell infiltration compared to mock‐infected B16‐F10‐derived tumors. After treatment with anti‐PD‐L1 Abs, we also found a more prominent elevation of tumor‐associated macrophage (TAM) marker, CD68, in the IL4I1‐overexpressing tumors than in the mock tumors. Consistently, we confirmed an enhanced TAM infiltration in the IL4I1‐overexpressing tumors and a functional involvement of TAMs in the tumor growth. These observations indicate that IL4I1 reprograms the tumor microenvironment into an immunosuppressive state and thereby confers resistance to anti‐PD‐L1 Abs.
‘This is what happens to people who don't spank their kids’: An analysis of YouTube comments to news reports of child to parent violence
Authors: Cortina Helena , Holt Amanda
Published: January 2024

Child to parent violence (CPV) is a form of family violence that has seen a growth in research attention over the past decade. However, little research has examined how this problem is understood by those outside of academia. This is despite recognition that public understandings of a particular social problem shape the landscape in which that problem plays out. To address this research gap, we analysed data from 463 public comments posted on YouTube in response to four UK news broadcasts that reported on the problem. Using a discourse analytic approach, we examined how posted comments framed the cause of, and solutions to, CPV. While a range of causes were identified, the posts predominantly blamed the parents, mobilizing child development discourses to attribute the cause of CPV to either parental use of violence, or to a lack of parental violence, towards children. The solutions offered reflect a penal populism that supports extremely punitive sanctions against children who engage in CPV. This study suggests that public campaign and education initiatives need to do more than raise public awareness about CPV—they must also inform the public about how broader social policy operates in relation to children, families and the state.
Harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking among sexual and gender minority young adults
Authors: Lipperman‐Kreda Sharon , Sanders Emile , Annechino Rachelle , Peterkin Elaina , Antin Tamar M. J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

To address gaps in existing research, the current study used a mixed‐methods approach to describe, contextualise and understand harm perceptions of vaping nicotine relative to cigarette smoking and associations with nicotine and tobacco (NT) use among young adults who identify their genders and sexualities in ways that classify them as sexual and gender minorities (SGM).

Methods

Results are based on cross‐sectional surveys and online qualitative interviews with 98 SGM young adults (18–25 years old) in California's San Francisco Bay Area who currently or formerly used combustible tobacco. We generated a measure assessing participants' relative harm perceptions of e‐cigarette use versus cigarette smoking and identified those who perceived cigarette smoking as more harmful than e‐cigarette use compared to those who perceived it to be equally or less harmful.

Results

We found that relative harm perceptions of cigarette smoking versus e‐cigarette use are likely related to much uncertainty and confusion about the harms of e‐cigarette use. Moreover, findings illustrate that public health messages regarding the risks of e‐cigarette use may have unintended consequences of increasing cigarette use to replace e‐cigarette use for some SGM young adults, a practice that is incongruent with scientific evidence demonstrating that cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products are riskier than e‐cigarettes and other forms of NT use.

Discussion and Conclusions

Results suggest the need for evidence‐based, clear, and direct messaging about the relative harms of cigarettes versus e‐cigarettes to reduce NT‐related inequities in SGM populations.