bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and in-depth structure determination of a novel metastable high-pressure CrTe3 phase
Authors: Voss Lennart , Gaida Nico Alexander , Hansen Anna-Lena , Etter Martin , Wolff Niklas , Duppel Viola , Lotnyk Andriy , Bensch Wolfgang , Ebert Hubert , Mankovsky Sergey , Polesya Svitlana , Bhat Shrikant , Farla Robert , Hasegawa Masashi , Sasaki Takuya , Niwa Ken , Kienle Lorenz
Published: May 2024

This study reports the synthesis and crystal structure determination of a novel CrTe3 phase using various experimental and theoretical methods. The average stoichiometry and local phase separation of this quenched high-pressure phase were characterized by ex situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and total scattering. Several structural models were obtained using simulated annealing, but all suffered from an imperfect Rietveld refinement, especially at higher diffraction angles. Finally, a novel stoichiometrically correct crystal structure model was proposed on the basis of electron diffraction data and refined against powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method. Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) measurements verified the targeted 1:3 (Cr:Te) average stoichiometry for the starting compound and for the quenched high-pressure phase within experimental errors. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)–EDX was used to examine minute variations of the Cr-to-Te ratio at the nanoscale. Precession electron diffraction (PED) experiments were applied for the nanoscale structure analysis of the quenched high-pressure phase. The proposed monoclinic model from PED experiments provided an improved fit to the X-ray patterns, especially after introducing atomic anisotropic displacement parameters and partial occupancy of Cr atoms. Atomic resolution STEM and simulations were conducted to identify variations in the Cr-atom site-occupancy factor. No significant variations were observed experimentally for several zone axes. The magnetic properties of the novel CrTe3 phase were investigated through temperature- and field-dependent magnetization measurements. In order to understand these properties, auxiliary theoretical investigations have been performed by first-principles electronic structure calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. The obtained results allow the observed magnetization behavior to be interpreted as the consequence of competition between the applied magnetic field and the Cr–Cr exchange interactions, leading to a decrease of the magnetization towards T = 0 K typical for antiferromagnetic systems, as well as a field-induced enhanced magnetization around the critical temperature due to the high magnetic susceptibility in this region.
What science says about entrepreneurs' well-being: a conceptual structure review
Authors: Sierra-Casanova Cristina , Lechuga Sancho María Paula , Ramos-Rodríguez Antonio Rafael
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to explore the evolution of research on entrepreneurs' well-being (EWB) over the past three decades. We examined 525 scientific articles published in academic journals.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used included bibliometric indicators of activity based on terms and relationships for conceptual evolution through scientific maps, strategic diagrams and thematic trends.

Findings

The results revealed the most frequently used terms by researchers and how they have changed over time, as well as the trending topics and the most popular keywords. Co-word analysis provided a dynamic view of research evolution in this field, allowing the identification of the most relevant thematic areas and their evolution.

Practical implications

Entrepreneurial well-being extends beyond economic performance, influencing individuals, organizations and society, impacting sustainability, innovation, health and economic growth. This highlights the broader implications of well-being in entrepreneurial contexts. Additionally, proposed future research directions aim to enhance the scientific discipline, advancing understanding of entrepreneurial well-being.

Originality/value

This paper stands out for its original approach in addressing and synthesizing existing literature on entrepreneurs' well-being. It offers practical and applicable insights, contributing concrete recommendations to enhance entrepreneurs' well-being, bridging theory and action meaningfully.
The role of innovation and social media in explaining corporate social responsibility–business sustainability nexus in entrepreneurial SMEs
Authors: Çera Gentjan , Ndou Valentina
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the sustainability of Central European SMEs by emphasizing the role of innovation as a mediator and social media as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire is developed, and primary data is collected from four Central European countries. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling is used to analyse data from over 1,500 SMEs operating in Visegrad countries.

Findings

Our findings reveal a significant and positive association between CSR and business sustainability. Furthermore, it is identified that innovation serves as a mediator in the CSR–business sustainability link in two of the examined countries. Additionally, the moderating effect of social media is observed in Hungary, indicating that the impact of CSR and innovation on business sustainability varies by country context.

Research limitations/implications

While offering valuable insights, the study's generalizability to other regions necessitates further exploration. Additionally, the research focuses on specific mediating and moderating factors, leaving room for the investigation of other potential influences.

Practical implications

This study emphasises the need to integrate CSR practices and promoting innovation to improve business sustainability for SMEs in Central Europe. Recognising social media's moderating influence may help firms adjust their CSR strategies to reflect the preferences and behaviours of their target consumers.

Social implications

Promoting CSR in SMEs can encourage social well-being, including community development and environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

This research contributes fresh insights into the interplay of CSR, innovation and social media within Central European SMEs. It underscores the importance of considering regional nuances when analysing these dynamics.
The effect of lean manufacturing practices on employees’ well-being mediated by job characteristics
Authors: Bento Graziela dos Santos , Tontini Gérson
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Based on the principles of positive psychology, this study aims to investigate the mediating role of job characteristics (task, knowledge, social and work context) in the connection between lean manufacturing (LM) practices and employee well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Employee well-being, encompassing job satisfaction, organizational affective commitment and work involvement, is conceptualized as a second-order construct. Using a proposed model, an online survey was administered to 520 participants across 23 operational sectors categories of the Brazilian manufacturing industry. The data is processed using structural equation analysis.

Findings

The research shows that the relationship between LM practices and employee well-being is partially mediated through three out of the four work characteristics (task, knowledge and social). In addition, LM exerts a direct and significant influence on employee well-being.

Practical implications

This study contributes to practical insights by encouraging industrial managers to refine their managerial work design. It highlights the importance of appropriately dimensioning tasks, nurturing social skills to enhance interactions and task execution and optimizing physical facilities to counteract potential initial-stage work intensification during LM implementation.

Originality/value

Previous research about organizational behavior extensively examines happiness at work, focusing on constructs such as well-being, satisfaction, commitment, engagement and motivation, but there is a lack of studies assessing employee well-being in the lean context, particularly from a positive perspective.
The influence of collective emotions in the response to supply chain disruptions: a buyer–supplier empirical approach
Authors: Matas Jose , Llorens-Montes Francisco Javier , Perez Nieves
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to examine how emotions play a role in the firm’s reaction to disruptions in the supply chain. Drawing on the upper echelons theory, we evaluate whether managers’ perception of collective emotions (CEs) in the supply environment affects the execution of specific organisational responses (bridging and buffering) to disruptive events. Furthermore, we investigate to what extent companies' own capabilities, such as supply chain resilience, influence this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based survey was distributed among managers involved in supply chain relationship management (e.g. supply chain or purchasing managers). LinkedIn was used to identify and contact adequate respondents, and 221 valid responses were collected. The proposed theoretical model was empirically tested using structural equation modelling based on partial least squares (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Results suggest that emotions can shape a firm's response to supply chain disruptions. In fact, managers are more likely to pursue both bridging and buffering strategies as their perception of CEs increases. However, the intensity and underlying motivations for pursuing each strategy differ.

Originality/value

When CEs are perceived by buyer managers, stronger supply chain resilience incentivises the choice of cooperative practices within existing suppliers, thereby reinforcing pre-existing links. We conclude that combining companies' inherent variables or capabilities with managerial cognition and perceptions can improve our understanding of decision-making processes and buyer–supplier relationships.
When and how does e-HRM optimize communication pace and processing time?
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Shakeel , Akram Ayesha
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims investigate the effects of electronic human resource management (e-HRM) on communication pace and processing time reduction through the mediation of organizational agility. The study also investigates the moderating role of technological attitude (TA) on the relationship between e-HRM and organizational agility.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from 331 information and communication technology (ICT) companies – one respondent from each company working in the Human Resource Management (HRM) department. The data was analyzed through the partial least square structural equational model (PLS-SEM) using WarpPLS7.0 software to test the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

We found that e-HRM has positive significant effects on communication pace and processing time reduction through the mediation of organizational agility. Furthermore, TA is found to be positively moderating the relationship between e-HRM and organizational agility.

Research limitations/implications

The study adds significant value to the existing knowledge base on e-HRM by providing empirical insights about the role of e-HRM in optimizing the communication pace and processing time of today’s businesses.

Practical implications

The study also provides invaluable insights to practitioners to replace conventional HR systems with e-HRM to better perform HR functions by optimizing communication pace and processing time in the current fast-paced era.

Originality/value

E-HRM has become an issue of great significance in the contemporary corporate landscape to improve operational efficiency. Despite its widespread adoption in the corporate world, empirical evidence on e-HRM, particularly on its consequences, is still inconclusive.
Examining a distinctive loan contract “Pagang Gadai” practiced in a Muslim society: an Islamic finance perspective
Authors: Putriana Vima Tista
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine a distinctive loan contract widely practiced in a Muslim society.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a qualitative research approach. The study was divided into two main stages. Stage I research relied on documentary analysis of pagang gadai contracts. Hence, Stage II research was an in-depth study in a selected nagari, adopting an ethnography approach. The study was conducted in the district of Tanah Datar, West Sumatera, from 2020 to 2023.

Findings

The findings of this study show that the distinctive mode of contact breaks some basic rules of Islamic finance (the practice contains riba and gharar). The practice however is prevalent in the society studied due to the influence of the customary law namely the communal ownership of lands. The practice brings impacts on the society both positives and negatives.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the traditional mode of pagang gadai contract, which involves the transfer of right to cultivate productive agricultural lands for an exchange of loan measured in gold measurement system and excludes other modes of pagang gadai.

Practical implications

Revision(s) of the contract mode is an urgent matter if the society to be rescued from practicing this type of contract that contains element of exploitation and oppression.

Social implications

The revision(s) is needed if the society wants to follow the teaching of Islam comprehensively, as claimed in the philosophy adopted.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study on pagang gadai that focuses on impacts of the practice on the society studied.
An SME approach to data analytics by management accountants in the transition economy of Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Hiep Thien
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Data analytics (DA) is an emerging topic in management science at large organizations; however, accountants in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are believed to be lagging far behind in the usage of DA. This study aims to provide a deep understanding of the actual DA activities undertaken by management accountants (MA) and to draw on SMEs’ characteristics to take advantage of DA applications.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative approach by conducting in-depth interviews with 31 accounting and finance practitioners at senior levels of SMEs, following the use of the MAXQDA 2022 application for data analysis.

Findings

Findings in this study suggest variance and trend analysis as the two most popular tasks of DA, and advanced tasks such as contingency analysis, financial modeling, sentiment analysis and regression analysis are unfully performed in SMEs. The outcomes revealed that DA is not anticipated to affect the responsibilities but to expand the role and scope of management accounting.

Practical implications

This study simultaneously builds a theoretical framework about the antecedents, in terms of the external and internal drives and the characteristics of SMEs’ owner-managers, that are most common in all types of SMEs that encourage MA to use a specific technology, data analysis in a more advanced way instead of searching for determinants that affect the adoption of technology in general, as previous studies have conducted.

Originality/value

Although there are studies on DA usage, little has approached the mutual interconnections between how DA is applied by MA in SMEs and what changes in management accounting responsibilities by DA affect. Therefore, the point of this study was to look into how SMEs use DA and what activities MA actually do with DA to discover what traits SMEs need to use DA applications effectively as DA applications become more advanced.
Business analytics, corporate entrepreneurship, and open innovation
Authors: Valmohammadi Changiz , Sadeghi Mona , Taraz Roghayeh , Mehdikhani Rasoul
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of business analytics (BA) on corporate entrepreneurship (CE) and open innovation (OI), considering the moderated mediation analysis in the context of Iran as a developing country. The study was conducted in various industries, including food, chemicals, agriculture, automobile, and service industries, with 207 observations.

Design/methodology/approach

Through an in-depth review of the extant literature a conceptual model was developed and the proposed hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modeling technique (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results indicate that business analytics has significant effects on corporate entrepreneurship and open innovation. Open innovation has a significant effect on corporate entrepreneurship, with open innovation serving as a suitable mediator. Furthermore, the moderated mediation analysis shows the positive impact of Business Analytics on Open Innovation-Corporate Entrepreneurship relationship.

Research limitations/implications

As this study was conducted in Iran, one of the main limitations can be attributed to the specific characteristics of the country which may affect how and how much the variables influence each other.

Practical implications

The study highlights the importance of promoting Open Innovation in organizations and utilizing Business Analytics to make strategic decisions and foster innovation in entrepreneurial activities.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the literature by exploring how BA contributes to corporate entrepreneurship of the Iranian organizations in various industries, given open innovation as a mediator under dynamic market conditions.
“That does not apply”: graduate students’ (mis)perceptions of the racial climate in STEMM
Authors: Kunze Andrea , Hopson Rodney
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore how science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) graduate students’ experiences with and conceptualizations of racism can more clearly expose the current racial climate across multiple academic institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach using a single online questionnaire consisting of open-ended and Likert scale questions about their perceptions of the racial climate in their department was completed by 34 graduate students of different races and STEMM disciplines.

Findings

Results from this study suggested that graduate students, regardless of race, consistently perceive STEMM as colorblind. The results also suggest that experiencing or witnessing racial discrimination is potentially predictive of perceptions of negative social support. Furthermore, multiracial and international graduate students often face different experiences of discrimination than do other graduate students.

Originality/value

By better understanding STEMM academic climates, higher education institutions can begin to reflect on the social barriers that may limit minoritized students from matriculating in academic STEMM spaces and affect retention.
Traffic intensity and vegetation management affect flower‐visiting insects and their response to resources in road verges
Authors: Horstmann Svenja , Auffret Alistair G. , Herbertsson Lina , Klatt Björn K. , Müller Sophie , Öckinger Erik
Published: May 2024

Road verges can support high densities of flowers and could therefore provide new opportunities for the conservation of flower‐visiting insects. One way of optimizing road verges for vascular plant diversity is to adjust mowing regimes, but to date it is unclear how this affects flower‐visiting insects. Furthermore, for mobile organisms like wild bees and butterflies, there is a risk that the benefit of increased habitat quality in road verges is limited by the proximity to traffic, but this is poorly studied.

In a crossed study design, we separated mowing time and frequency (early summer and autumn, or only late summer) from road verge habitat classification (valuable for biodiversity according to transport authority, or regular). We did so along a gradient of traffic intensity, to investigate if a mowing regime designed to enhance plant diversity can also benefit wild bees and butterflies, and if traffic limits the conservation potential of road verges.

Road verges that were mown only in late summer had higher flower densities, and there was a positive relationship between flower density and wild bee abundance and species richness. Butterfly abundance and species richness only benefitted from a late summer mowing in valuable but not in regular road verges.

Traffic intensity had a substantial negative impact on abundance and species richness of wild bees and butterflies. Higher traffic intensities limited the positive relationship between plant and butterfly species richness that we observed at lower traffic intensities. Increasing width of the road verges buffered negative effects of the traffic on wild bee as well as butterfly abundances, and on wild bee species richness.

Synthesis and applications. Road verges can play a valuable role for the conservation of wild bees and butterflies, but there is a need to consider both traffic intensity and resource availability when implementing management strategies. To support wild bee and butterfly diversity, we recommend actions to enhance plant species richness and flower resource availability, and to focus these conservation efforts on roads with low traffic intensity, or on wide road verges.
Demand forecast of emergency management talents in China: An empirical study
Authors: Guo Rongrong , Chen Zhuo , Liu Haiyang , Dang Zhen , Li Jian , Liu Tuo
Published: May 2024

Emergency management bears the important responsibility of preventing and resolving security risks and responding to disasters and accidents in time. At the same time, it shoulders the important mission of protecting people's lives and property and maintaining social stability. However, there is little research on the forecast of the huge gap and demand for talent. To strengthen the emergency management ability and modernization, improve the ability of emergency management personnel training and solve the shortage of emergency management personnel at this stage, this paper studied the positioning of emergency management personnel in China and the demand for various emergency management personnel. By means of field interviews, questionnaire surveys, participatory research and expert meetings, this research analyzed the characteristics of emergency management talents in China, defined its classification and forecasted its demand. The results showed that emergency management talents in China could be divided into four categories: administrative management talents, practical talents, expert talents and support talents. According to the data calculation results of five representative provinces, Guangdong Province (area with relatively developed economy), Beijing (administrative centre and economically developed area), Sichuan Province (natural disaster‐prone area), Shanxi Province (developed area of energy industry such as coal) and Jiangsu Province (industrially developed areas), it is concluded that the total demand for emergency management talents in China at this stage is about 794,900, and the gap is about 411,200. At present, China's emergency management talents are in short supply. The research results of this paper can provide sufficient data support for the training of emergency management talents.
Long non‐coding RNAs as promising targets for controlling disease vector mosquitoes
Authors: Han Yujiao , Pu Qian , Fan Ting , Wei Tianqi , Xu Yankun , Zhao Lu , Liu Shiping
Published: May 2024

Hematophagous female mosquitoes are important vectors of numerous devastating human diseases, posing a major public health threat. Effective prevention and control of mosquito‐borne diseases rely considerably on progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of various life activities, and accordingly, the molecules that regulate the various life activities of mosquitoes are potential targets for implementing future vector control strategies. Many long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in mosquitoes and significant progress has been made in determining their functions. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the research advances on mosquito lncRNAs, including their molecular identification, function, and interaction with other non‐coding RNAs, as well as their synergistic regulatory roles in mosquito life activities. We also highlight the potential roles of competitive endogenous RNAs in mosquito growth and development, as well as in insecticide resistance and virus–host interactions. Insights into the biological functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs in mosquito life activities, viral replication, pathogenesis, and transmission will contribute to the development of novel drugs and safe vaccines.
Impact of compliance with salt management guidelines before dialysis introduction on peritoneal dialysis technique survival: The importance of pre‐dialysis care and education
Authors: Kobayashi Ryu , Kinugasa Satoshi , Kamano Daisuke , Sumura Rena , Kakiwaki Hirotoshi , Haze Tatsuya , Ono Keisuke , Yanagi Mai , Tamura Kouichi , Ishibashi Yoshitaka
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a mode of therapy in which the patients themselves actively participate in the care of their own disease. We examined a possible association of salt reduction before starting dialysis with PD technique survival.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 42 patients who started PD between April 2014 and March 2018. Participants were allocated to two groups based on their estimated daily salt intake before the initiation of dialysis: patients with an estimated daily salt intake <6 g/day were allocated to the appropriate salt intake group (AS group), while the rest were assigned to the high salt intake group (HS group).

Results

During a median follow‐up of 47 months, PD technique survival, defined by death or transition to hemodialysis, was significantly lower in the HS group compared to the AS group.

Conclusion

Successful salt reduction before dialysis introduction is associated with better PD technique survival.
Development and evaluation of public‐supply community water service area boundaries for the conterminous United States
Authors: Buchwald Cheryl A. , Houston Natalie A. , Stewart Jana S. , Alzraiee Ayman H. , Niswonger Richard G. , Larsen Joshua D.
Published: May 2024

The water service area dataset, derived from the National Boundary Dataset for public‐supply water systems in the United States, offers a detailed resolution surpassing county‐level assessments, emphasizing water‐centric land use. Crucial for linking populations and infrastructure to system withdrawals, it supports the creation of a national public‐supply water‐use model, enhancing accuracy in estimating water use and distinguishing between publicly supplied and self‐supplied domestic water use. Integrating tabular water system data strengthens the national water‐use model by enabling tracking of withdrawal locations, source water, and water quality. Evaluated against U.S. Census‐derived population datasets, 16 state‐provided water service area datasets, and two national land use datasets, the study covers 22,849 community water systems, excluding most small systems serving fewer than 1000 people. Robust correlations between water service areas (WSAs) and satellite‐sourced urban and exurban land use types facilitate tracking changes over time. A comparison of state and national datasets for population and WSAs reveals discrepancies ranging from 5% to 73% in state‐level populations and 0% to 167% in state‐level WSAs. Significant differences can be attributed to the exclusion of sizable incorporated and unincorporated areas in the state‐based datasets. Additional comparisons of major metropolitan areas exhibit differences ranging from 2% to 56%.
An observational human laboratory assessment of nicotine delivery, vaping topography and subjective effects of usual brand electronic cigarette use among young adults
Authors: Keller‐Hamilton Brittney , Sloan Ruth , Mehta Toral , Hinton Alice , Tackett Alayna P. , Roberts Megan E. , Brinkman Marielle C. , Wagener Theodore L.
Published: May 2024

Aims

To measure nicotine delivery, vaping topography and subjective effects of current generations of disposable, cartridge‐based and other types of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) among young adults.

Design, setting, participants

Observational, human laboratory assessment of e‐cigarette use in Columbus, Ohio, USA (July 2020 to June 2021). Participants (n = 96, 60.4% female, age mean = 21.7 [standard deviation = 1.7] years, 82.4% white race) were identified via their participation in a cohort study or other convenience sampling and were 18 to 25 years old, vaped ≥4 days/week for ≥4 weeks and used other tobacco products for ≤5 days of past 30 days. Participants completed a pre‐vaping questionnaire, vaped their usual brand of e‐cigarette ad libitum for 30 min and completed a post‐vaping questionnaire.

Measurements

Outcome variables included pre‐ and post‐vaping measures of plasma nicotine (t = 0 and t = 30, respectively) and craving and withdrawal symptoms, as well as vaping topography (e.g. flow rate and inter‐puff interval), pre‐vaping expectancies and post‐vaping product appeal. Variables used to characterize the sample included demographics, e‐cigarette and other tobacco use history, e‐cigarette dependence and e‐cigarette device characteristics (e.g. device type, flavor and nicotine form).

Findings

Participants reported moderate nicotine dependence on average via the E‐Cigarette Dependence Scale (mean = 6.9 [standard deviation = 4.0]). Following 30 min of ad libitum vaping, participants achieved substantial plasma nicotine boost (mean = 18.8 [standard deviation = 14.5] ng/mL), corresponding with statistically significant decreases in withdrawal symptoms measured via the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (pre‐vaping mean = 9.0 [standard deviation = 5.1], post‐vaping mean = 4.3 [standard deviation = 3.9]; P‐value <0.0001). Pre‐vaping, participants reported moderate vaping expectancies (e.g. mean = 2.5 [standard deviation = 1.0] on a scale from 0 to 4 for smell and taste expectancies); post‐vaping, participants reported high satisfaction (mean = 4.6 [standard deviation = 1.2] on a scale from 1 to 7) and moderate reward (mean = 2.9 [standard deviation = 1.2]) and respiratory sensations (mean = 3.7 [standard deviation = 1.6]). Nearly half of participants (47.9%) used disposable e‐cigarettes, and most used a mint/menthol or fruit flavored (99.0%) and nicotine salt (98.9%) e‐liquid.

Conclusions

Among young adults in the United States, the latest generations of e‐cigarettes appear to deliver large quantities of nicotine (similar to cigarettes) and significantly relieve withdrawal symptoms, and they are appealing.
The various forms of tooth resorption
Authors: Blum Jordan Samuel
Published: May 2024

Tooth resorption refers to the loss of the organic and inorganic components of tooth structure by clastic cells. The complex and multifaceted nature of its aetiology, along with the several classification schemes published in the area, are likely to create confusion amongst researchers and clinicians, and may lead to compromised treatment decisions. Therefore, this paper will categorise and address tooth resorption based on aetiology in order to help clinicians diagnose and filter treatment options based on the pathophysiology of the resorption at hand. With recent advancements in the literature, the purpose of this paper is to provide clinicians with a current, clinically relevant summary of the various forms of tooth resorption, with a focus on aetiologically driven treatment strategies and suggestions that facilitate their recognition, diagnosis and management.
Concentration, market imperfections, and interbranch organization in the Italian processed tomato supply chain
Authors: Čechura Lukáš , Samoggia Antonella , Jamali Jaghdani Tinoush
Published: May 2024

The increase in market concentration and market power in the food supply chain is an issue of concern globally. This study focuses on an analysis of market imperfections in the Italian processed tomato food supply chain by considering changes in its supply chain governance from 2006–2018. The identification of the degree of non‐competitive behavior is based on the derived mark‐down and mark‐up models using the latest developments in stochastic frontier methodology. The estimated models reveal some degree of non‐competitive behavior in the input as well as in the output processing market. However, in consideration of the results on the supply chain governance during the study period, we argue that the establishment of an Interbranch Organization (IBO) could create fairly stable long‐term food supply chain relationships benefitting all IBO members and in particular farmers despite the significant change in concentration levels in the Italian tomato processing sector after 2015.
Frailty evidence‐practice gaps in acute care hospitals
Authors: Block Heather , Tran Rosanna , Lockwood Keri , Manuel Kisani , Laver Kate , Crotty Maria , Cameron Ian D. , Kurrle Susan E.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Frailty is common in hospitalised older people. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of frailty provide recommendations for identification and management; however, adoption into practice in hospitals is limited. This study identified and quantified the evidence‐practice gap between frailty guidelines and clinical practice in two hospitals using an audit tool.

Methods

A cross‐sectional audit of medical records of frail older patients admitted to two hospitals was conducted. Data were collected using an audit tool based on the Asia Pacific Clinical Practice Guidelines for frailty management. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inter‐rater reliability of the tool was assessed.

Results

Auditing of n = 70 electronic medical records showed that assessment of frailty in the acute setting did not regularly occur (17%). Few participants received guideline‐recommended interventions. Physiotherapy treatment was limited, with 23% of participants receiving progressive resistance strength training. Gaps exist in provision of nutritional supplementation (26%) with limited recordings of weight during the admission for 10% of participants. Pharmacy review of medications was consistently documented on admission (84%) and discharge (93%). Vitamin D was prescribed for 57% of participants. Inter‐rater reliability showed a high level of agreement using the audit tool.

Conclusions

An audit tool was feasible to assess frailty evidence‐practice gaps in the hospital setting. Further understanding of the contextual barriers is needed to inform implementation strategies (dedicated staffing, education and training and ongoing audit of practice cycles) for the uptake of frailty guidelines in hospital settings.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of connective tissue disease complicated with bronchiectasis and pulmonary infection
Authors: Qi Xuan , Yang Jiaying , Jin Hongtao , Xiao Yuran , Wang Ying , Zhang Yiqing
Published: May 2024

The clinical data from 118 CTD patients with bronchiectasis were collected and categorized into two groups: pulmonary infection present (n = 67) and absent (n = 51), for comparative analysis of characteristics and risk factors. Then, we analyzed and compared their demographics, disease characteristics, and risk factors for infection. Among the whole cohort (n = 118), the incidence of pulmonary infections was 56.78%. The occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vasculitis was found to be associated with an increased risk of pulmonary infection. Sputum culture identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae as the predominant pathogens in the infected group. Notably, symptoms such as joint pains (p = 0.018) and morning stiffness (p = 0.017) were significantly more common in the infected group compared to the noninfected group. Moreover, our findings revealed that elevated levels of C‐reactive protein and complement C3, along with bronchial expansion observed on high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT), were significant independent factors in the infection group. Conversely, pulmonary interstitial changes identified through HRCT (OR: 0.135, 95% CI: 0.030–0.612, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with the non‐infection group. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into managing CTD patients with bronchiectasis, emphasizing early detection and tailored approaches to prevent and treat pulmonary infections for better outcomes.
Analysis of substantiated welfare investigations in extensive farming systems in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Williams N , Hemsworth L , Chaplin S , Shephard R , Fisher A
Published: May 2024

Substantiated incidents of poor welfare affecting cattle, sheep and goats (livestock) in non‐dairy extensive farming systems continue to occur. This study sought to describe the common causes of poor welfare of livestock and the associated circumstances, by analysing 39 years of de‐identified, livestock welfare investigation records. There were a total of 2179 alleged offenders (AOff), defined as individual/s that had an incident of poor welfare affecting livestock on at least one occasion. Approximately 27% of AOff were found to have poor welfare on more than one occasion. The majority of livestock welfare incidents were associated with neglect, more specifically, inadequate nutrition (56%), treatment (65%) and management/husbandry (83%). Records of malicious acts were rare (1%). In the analysis, cases were allocated to 10 animal welfare severity categories (AWSC) based on the number of incidents and visits, whether the AOff reoffended, or if the incident was ongoing and whether the welfare issue was likely to affect the whole herd. A significantly higher proportion of cases in the most severe AWSC had a failure to shear, mark, dip/drench, draft and wean/cull, were overstocked or were not providing proper and sufficient feed, compared to the least severe AWSC (P ≤ 0.05). Reoffending was significantly more likely when animals were found to be injured/unwell, recumbent, stuck in mud/yard/pen or in poor body condition, or when there was a failure to wean/cull, mark, dip/drench and draft. Some of the issues identified here may be risk factors more commonly identified on farms with poor livestock welfare.
Need satisfaction in daily well‐being: Both social and solitude contexts contribute to well‐being
Authors: Adams Mark , Weinstein Netta
Published: May 2024

Daily need satisfaction for relatedness (social connection), autonomy (volitional self‐congruent action), and competence (self‐efficacy) fosters well‐being, but those findings primarily reflect experiences during social interactions. A three‐week daily diary study (N = 178) explored psychological need satisfaction in two key everyday contexts: solitude and social. Holding constant the benefits of need‐satisfying social contexts, autonomy satisfaction during solitude was key to peaceful affect, whereas competence satisfaction during solitude contributed to lower loneliness; both psychological needs in solitude contributed to evaluating the day as more satisfying. Relatedness‐deficiency in solitude did not contribute to loneliness; instead, those who were relatedness‐deficient in social interactions felt lonely. Further, need satisfaction in solitude compensated for deficient needs in social contexts, reducing loneliness (autonomy and relatedness) and increasing day satisfaction (all needs) when social contexts failed to satisfy needs. Findings suggest daily solitude can shape daily well‐being and further attention is needed to understand and ultimately improve everyday solitude.
Creating environments for risky play: Understanding the interplay between parents, play professionals and policymakers
Authors: Visser Kirsten , Van Aalst Irina , Meijer Marlies
Published: May 2024

Playing outside is essential to growing up actively, socially and in good health. It is theorized that children particularly benefit from risky play situations. Opportunities for risky play, however, have declined in the last decades. Based on interviews with parents, play professionals and municipal policymakers in the Netherlands, we illustrate how environments for children's (risky) play are produced through the interplay between these three groups of stakeholders. Beliefs, attitudes and decisions of these stakeholders influence choices on risk and safety, which, in turn, become manifest in the social and physical context for play.
Synaptic vesicle protein 2A mitigates parthanatos via apoptosis‐inducing factor in a rat model of pharmacoresistant epilepsy
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Ziqi , Ren Mianmian , Ren Siying , Wu Guofeng , Wang Likun
Published: May 2024

Aims

Synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) is a unique therapeutic target for pharmacoresistant epilepsy (PRE). As seizure‐induced neuronal programmed death, parthanatos was rarely reported in PRE. Apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF), which has been implicated in parthanatos, shares a common cytoprotective function with SV2A. We aimed to investigate whether parthanatos participates in PRE and is mitigated by SV2A via AIF.

Methods

An intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride‐pilocarpine was used to establish an epileptic rat model, and phenytoin and phenobarbital sodium were utilized to select PRE and pharmacosensitive rats. The expression of SV2A was manipulated via lentivirus delivery into the hippocampus. Video surveillance was used to assess epileptic ethology. Biochemical tests were employed to test hippocampal tissues following a successful SV2A infection. Molecular dynamic calculations were used to simulate the interaction between SV2A and AIF.

Results

Parthanatos core index, PARP1, PAR, nuclear AIF and MIF, γ‐H2AX, and TUNEL staining were all increased in PRE. SV2A is bound to AIF to form a stable complex, successfully inhibiting AIF and MIF nuclear translocation and parthanatos and consequently mitigating spontaneous recurrent seizures in PRE. Moreover, parthanatos deteriorated after the SV2A reduction.

Significance

SV2A protected hippocampal neurons and mitigated epileptic seizures by inhibiting parthanatos via binding to AIF in PRE.
Fading choice: transport costs and variety in consumer goods
Authors: Willem Gunning Jan , Krishnan Pramila , Mengistu Andualem T.
Published: May 2024

We examine the spatial variation in variety of manufactured consumer goods to study how choice fades across space. We use data on 132 consumer goods and over 800 brands available from a purpose‐designed survey of fixed shops and periodic market stalls in towns and villages in Ethiopia. We find that local consumer choice fades, with fewer varieties in remoter villages. On average, these villages have approximately half the number of available items compared to their nearest market town. A fall in travel time of a half‐hour is associated with 4 extra goods and 9 brands. Variety also increases with inequality and market size. Furthermore, we estimate a model of heterogeneous consumers with a preference for variety and monopolistically competitive traders to disentangle the role of transport costs from the taste for variety, and to assess the consequences for prices. Our model estimates suggest that local consumer prices contain a markup of 8% above source town prices and transport costs. We demonstrate the significant costs to consumers from both low variety and high trade costs. Ignoring such costs means that poverty is underestimated in remote places. In turn, when infrastructure investments raise variety, the likely fall in poverty will be underestimated too.
Normative Case Studies and Thought Experiments: How They Differ and Why We Need Both
Authors: Brighouse Harry
Published: May 2024

Thought experiments and normative case studies can play different and complementary roles in moral and political philosophizing. Thought experiments help us to sculpt and refine normative concepts and alert us to contradictions between intuitive judgments and basic principles, or among intuitive judgments, thus informing our reflective equilibrium about what fundamentally matters. Normative case studies assist us in judging how to trade off conflicting values in specified circumstances. Engaging with a sufficient number of well‐wrought normative case studies can thus inform our ultimate judgments about the relative weights of different values.
House cricket males reared at different perceived acoustic population densities differ in adult behaviour but not physiology
Authors: Pessman Brandi J. , Rae Rosaria J. , Wagner Veronica , Mitra Chandreyee
Published: May 2024

If environments stay relatively constant over an individual's lifetime, a juvenile that accurately perceives environmental conditions, like population density, may adjust adult traits to better match their environment, thereby increasing success. While previous studies have explored how adult exposure to population density affects physiological and behavioural plasticity, the influence of juvenile density experience on adult traits is less studied.

Using the common house cricket, Acheta domesticus, we explored whether perceived acoustic population density during development affected adult physiology and behaviour. We simulated high‐ and low‐densities using live ambient male song. Upon maturation, we measured metabolic (resting respiration) rate, reproductive investment (testes and accessory gland masses), calling song characteristics and aggressive behaviours from pairwise contests between males from different densities.

Male rearing density did not affect resting metabolic rates or reproductive organ masses. However, high‐density males had significantly faster, longer chirps, with more pulses—known to be preferred by females—and higher dominant frequency. Low‐density males won more aggressive contests and sang the aggressive song more. Initiation of aggressive behaviours or song and singing more aggressive song were the only other significant predictors of contest outcome.

These results suggest that males may plastically adjust calling song characteristics and aggressive behaviour, but not physiology, based on perceived density during development. We hypothesize that alternative mating tactics—that is, territory guarding versus attractive song production—may underlie these observed patterns.

Overall, our study highlights the significant influence of early‐life biotic environments on adult behavioural decisions to enhance success in diverse environments.