bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term impact of COVID-19-related health restrictions on occupational competence and values
Authors: Biard Nicolas , Doussin Aline , Pouplin Samuel
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the long-term effect (at 15 months) of lockdown on occupational competence and values.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 391 participants who participated in the first phase of the study (i.e. a previous study conducted during lockdown) were included. They completed an online version of the Occupational Self-Assessment. The results were compared with Phase 1 scores.

Findings

Occupational competence scores reduced during lockdown and increased 15 months later, but they did not return to pre-lockdown levels. The value score was lower 15 months after lockdown than pre-lockdown. The personal value system, which began to change during lockdown, was further changed at 15 months.

Originality/value

This study confirms that the spring 2020 lockdown had a long-term impact on occupational competence and values.
One size does not fit all: deciphering the interdependence between barriers hindering SMEs’ involvement in public sector procurement
Authors: Akenroye Temidayo O. , Oyedijo Adegboyega , Abubakre Alim , Zsidisin George , El Baz Jamal , Vishnu C. R.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Despite their significant economic impact, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain underrepresented in public procurement. While previous research has identified the barriers facing SMEs in public procurement markets, a knowledge gap still exists on how these barriers influence one another in a specific context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a hierarchical structural model that reveals the contextual interrelationships between 14 notable barriers to SME involvement in public procurement, based on evidence from the publicly funded healthcare sector in the UK. The data were analyzed using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) and matrix impact of cross-multiplication applied to categorization (MICMAC).

Findings

The results systematically classify barriers based on their hierarchical relationships, offering a robust theoretical foundation for understanding their nature and interconnections.

Practical implications

The findings can help scholars, government administrators and politicians in government-funded healthcare systems determine the most influential barriers to SME involvement and their causes, enabling them to build viable remedies.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study to examine the relationship between the barriers to SMEs' public health procurement, using evidence from the public health procurement context.
The present and future of child sexual abuse on the metaverse: recommendations for an innovative approach to law enforcement responses
Authors: Choi Kyung-Shick , Sanders Whitney , Lee Claire Seungeun
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to diagnose and analyze the current state of child sexual violence in the Metaverse through thematic analysis, identifying patterns and empirically diagnosing issues and (2) to enhance cybercrime investigation capabilities and public safety training in Metaverse investigations in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

By using thematic analysis, the study examines online child sexual violence victimization cases in the Metaverse, collecting data through keyword searches in newspapers and court records.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides detailed policy recommendations for building trust between the government and citizens involved in the digital age.

Originality/value

The research endeavors harbor a dual focus: first, to meticulously dissect and comprehend the prevalent landscape of child sexual violence within the intricate realms of the Metaverse. Through rigorous thematic analysis, the authors endeavor to unearth underlying patterns, diagnose empirical realities and illuminate the pressing issues at hand. Second, the authors aspire to fortify the arsenal of cybercrime investigation techniques, bolstering the capacity for future Metaverse inquiries. Using thematic analysis, the study meticulously scrutinizes a dozen cases of online child sexual violence, meticulously gathering data from diverse sources such as newspapers and court records. The implications of the research extend far beyond academia, offering concrete policy recommendations to safeguard vulnerable denizens of the Metaverse.
Registered sex offenders’ experiences of home visits in England & Wales: are the police expected to integrate “risk” with “desistance”
Authors: Mydlowski Leona , Turner-Moore Rhys , Kewley Stephanie
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In England and Wales, adult male registered sex offenders (RSOs) are risk assessed and managed using a tool known as the Active Risk Management System; a risk assessment designed specifically for police management of RSOs and carried out by a specialist group of police officers known as Management of Violent or Sexual Offenders (MOSOVO) at the RSO’s home, known as “the home visit”. The purpose of this paper is to explore RSOs views of the home visit and risk assessment and to make recommendations to MOSOVO to improve future home visit & risk assessment practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aimed to examine a sample of adult male RSOs’ views of the risk assessment and home visit process. Three police forces in England and Wales agreed to facilitate the sampling of 10 RSOs who varied in their level of risk, namely, low, medium, high and very high.

Findings

Three themes were developed from the analysis: anxiety and shame; perceptions of the first home visit; and the property search and observations. This paper discusses these experiences in light of the growing call for MOSOVOs to both manage risk and assist desistance and present recommendations for improving both the home visit and risk assessment practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to understand and explore RSOs views of the home visit and risk assessment process.
Green voices in digital spaces: exploring the impact of knowledge sharing on sustainable engagement and eWOM in tourism
Authors: Nguyen Tho Huu-Hoang , Ha Tri Minh , Dinh Cuong H. Nguyen , Hoang Sinh Duc
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study explores the dynamics of companies’ green knowledge sharing (GKS) within the tourism sector, focusing on its influence on green electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention via the mediation of tourists’ green engagement behaviour. Additionally, the study considers the moderating effects of green destination psychological ownership and perceived injunctive norms of green self-expression online on the pathway from green knowledge sharing to tourists’ green engagement behaviour to green eWOM.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary dataset, consisting of 902 valid responses obtained through time-lagged surveys administered to environmentally conscious tourists, was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) by PROCESS package for R.

Findings

Findings indicate that green destination psychological ownership enhances the mediation effect of tourists’ green engagement behaviour on green eWOM intention, reinforcing the sense of personal investment and belonging among tourists. Conversely, perceived injunctive norms of green self-expression online moderate this pathway by shaping the social norms and acceptability of green behaviours online.

Practical implications

To effectively spread green knowledge, tourism businesses should focus on enhancing tourists' psychological ownership of green destinations and align their communications with the perceived norms of green expression online. This strategy not only deepens tourists' environmental commitment but also stimulates active participation in spreading sustainable practices.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the green marketing literature by revealing how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors interact to influence green engagement and eWOM intention in the tourism industry, aiding marketers in strategically fostering green value co-creation and enhancing sustainable practices through targeted green knowledge sharing.
Corporate innovation and fraud in response to political sanctions: intellectual capital as a resilience factor
Authors: Bazrafshan Ameneh
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of US political sanctions on innovation and fraudulent activities within Iranian businesses affected by sanctions. Additionally, it explores the moderating role of intellectual capital in the relationship between sanctions and innovation/fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a difference-in-differences methodology to compare Iranian companies before and after sanctions. It analyzes 23 sanctioned companies from 2013 to 2023, matched with non-sanctioned counterparts.

Findings

The empirical findings reveal a modest negative association between sanctions and innovation, with no discernible connection between sanctions and fraudulent practices. Notably, the study uncovers a significant divergence in companies’ reactions to sanctions, contingent upon their intellectual capital. Companies with substantial intellectual capital witness notable improvements in innovation endeavors, while those lacking robust intellectual capital exhibit an uptick in fraudulent activities in response to sanctions. These findings are robust across various sensitivity analyses, underlining their reliability and validity.

Practical implications

The study underscores the pivotal role of intellectual capital in mitigating the adverse effects of sanctions on innovation. Consequently, policymakers and practitioners should prioritize investments in intellectual capital development, acknowledging its significance as a fundamental driver of organizational resilience and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature by revealing the nuanced effects of sanctions on innovation and fraudulent practices while highlighting the crucial role of intellectual capital. This enriches understanding of regulatory compliance, corporate behavior and the importance of intellectual capital in organizational resilience and ethical conduct.
Tapping the power of cooperation: unveiling the impact of intangible capital on competitive advantage
Authors: Dal Vesco Delci Grapégia , Damke Fernando
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study analyzes the effects of cooperation on the relationship between intangible capital and competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes the case of an information technology company in a cooperative network environment through distribution channels and uses a quantitative approach to obtain and analyze data. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The creation of competitive advantage for the company was facilitated by psychological capital and cooperation networks.

Originality/value

Our research reveals that cooperation networks mediate the relationship between intangible capital and competitive advantage, leading to moderate competitive leverage. This finding suggests that combining these dimensions can enhance future discussions on incorporating social capital as a third-order dimension in intellectual capital. Despite the rejection of psychological capital dimensions like optimism and persistence in the model, they still indicate critical success factors, which may be used in further research.
Mediating effect of purchasing efficiency on the relationship between purchasing analytical skills and restaurant performance: a PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Changalima Ismail Abdi , Elias Ruth
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study analyzes the mediating effect of purchasing efficiency on the relationship between purchasing analytical skills and restaurant performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 169 restaurant managers in Dodoma, Tanzania. The collected data were analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results established the direct and indirect effects of purchasing analytical skills on restaurant performance. Specifically, purchasing analytical skills have positive and significant effects on restaurant performance and purchasing efficiency. Also, purchasing efficiency significantly mediates the effect of purchasing analytical skills on restaurant performance. Since purchasing analytical skills significantly influence restaurant performance, and the mediating effect of purchasing efficiency is significant, the study establishes and confirms the partial mediation effect of purchasing efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The current study solely focused on purchasing analytical skills. Future studies may examine other types of purchasing skills (technical and managerial skills) to expand the study's findings. Furthermore, different mediating variables can be used to study the indirect effect of purchasing analytical skills on restaurant performance.

Originality/value

This study presents empirical evidence from Tanzania, an emerging economy, on the link between purchasing analytical skills and restaurant performance. It also contributes to the body of knowledge by studying the mediating effect of purchasing efficiency in the hypothesized relationship.
Value relevance of accounting information in Morocco: impact of profitability and earnings management strategies
Authors: Ibrahimi Mohammed , El Baghdadi Fayçal
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study examines the value relevance of accounting information for publicly listed Moroccan companies and analyzes how profitability affects stock market valuation. Additionally, the study explores earnings management strategies used to avoid losses and earnings decreases.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical tests use the Ohlson (1995) Price model to assess the extent to which accounting information explains variation in stock prices for the period 2012–2021. Moreover, the study applies the Burgstahler and Dichev (1997) approach to analyze earnings management strategies used by listed Moroccan companies.

Findings

The findings suggest a positive and significant relationship between the book value, net earnings and the market value of stocks. Additionally, profitability is identified as a crucial factor significantly influencing the relevance of accounting figures. Moreover, the analysis of the distribution of earnings reveals that listed Moroccan companies engage in earnings management to avoid losses and decreases in earnings.

Practical implications

The findings hold practical significance for investors, corporate leaders, accountants and stakeholders relying on accounting information for decisions. They also offer insights for Moroccan stock market regulators to improve accounting quality and market efficiency.

Originality/value

The study shows the extent to which stock prices reflect the accounting information from an emerging country perspective, contributing to a predominantly unexplored area of literature regarding economies in transition. Moreover, the study offers crucial insights into the influence of profitability on the market value of listed Moroccan companies and sheds light on the utilized earnings management strategies.
Stigma and fear of schizophrenia and severe mental illness: the positive effect of peer support
Authors: Gray Benjamin Thomas , Sisto Matthew
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this service user narrative is to highlight the stigma and prejudice that is often targeted at people with schizophrenia and severe mental illness, which causes fear and isolation. The therapeutic effect of peer support is further explored as offering hope, connection, aspirations, advocacy, autonomy and openness for service users as well as the possibility of recovery and a reduction in feelings of stigma, prejudice and exclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

Ben was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2003, so this paper draws on over 20 years of experience of the harmful label of schizophrenia. In the last 15 months, he has been working as a peer worker on a men’s mental health ward in the East of England. He has kept a reflective journal and conducted participant observation on the ward, which informs this paper and its findings.

Findings

There are observations based on peer support on the ward in the last 15 months and over 20 years as a schizophrenic. People with schizophrenia and severe mental illness are stigmatised and experience discrimination and prejudice. This paper introduces the new idea and neologisms of schizophobia and insanophobia that people with severe mental illness will experience in their daily lives, in health and social care settings (such as the men’s ward), in education and in employment. People with mental illness are also often discriminated against as being a danger or a risk to themselves and others. They are often considered as aggressive or violent. Their diagnosis can stop them from getting a job, a mortgage or even from travelling to some places in the world. But this paper details the violent assault by a nurse on a patient while Ben was working on a long stay ward in a large psychiatric asylum in 1990. It is pertinent to note that things have progressed since the 1990's but there continues to be the stigmatisation of people with a severe mental illness, which requires societal and systemic change. In Ben’s experience, people with mental illness seem far more likely to experience violence upon their person rather than being violent towards other people, such as staff, members of the public, family or carers.

Originality/value

This service user narrative is a first person account, so it is original. It is of further value because it outlines the ways in which peer support can help with feelings of stigma and exclusion as well openness about hearing voices/ seeing things (hallucinations) and strange thought or beliefs (delusions).
GRI guidelines in developing countries: uncovering the antecedents and consequences
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , Ramalho Ana Lidia de Oliveira Silva
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Framed under the upper echelons theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of board characteristics on the adoption of the global reporting initiative (GRI) guidelines for corporate disclosure and, consequently, their effect on the company’s market value.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the research objective, the authors investigated the impact of certain important board characteristics, such as board independence, size, gender diversity and director skills. The authors examined the adoption of GRI guidelines by 371 companies based in Latin America. Using logistic regression and panel data analysis, the authors tested five hypotheses.

Findings

The findings can confirm the upper echelons theory, showing that directors have an important role in determining environmental policies and strategies in their companies. The authors confirm that three characteristics affect GRI adoption in Latin America: independence, gender diversity and skills of board directors. The authors also found that companies that adhere to the GRI tend to perform better in terms of market capitalization.

Practical implications

Managers who want their organization to perform better in terms of GRI disclosure must understand that characteristics such as board independence, gender diversity and directors’ skills play a significant role in the company adopting the GRI for corporate disclosure. Furthermore, managers must be aware that by adopting the GRI, the company increases its market value through market capitalization.

Originality/value

The literature is still unaware of how the adoption of GRI can bring financial returns to organizations that adopt this type of standard to disclose their corporate reports. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical paper to investigate the antecedents and consequences of GRI adoption in Latin America.
Health shocks and households’ welfare in Ghana: does social assistance mitigate the effects?
Authors: Mpuure Desmond Mbe-Nyire , Frimpong Prince Boakye , Ofori-Mensah Kwame Ansere , Dramani John Bosco
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Health shocks are among the factors that have impeded households from experiencing better welfare. To mitigate the consequences of these shocks, individuals have sought to enrol in a formal insurance scheme or borrow from banks. This study estimates the effects of health shocks on households' welfare while examining the mitigating role of social assistance in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized the three-stage least squares and feasible generalized least squares to estimate the impact of health shocks on households' welfare.

Findings

The authors find that health shocks put households at risk, particularly disability and severe illness, which significantly limits individuals’ ability to smooth consumption to increase welfare. We further find that hospitalization due to illness significantly allows households to increase welfare through consumption. Finally, we find that social assistance has the potential to reduce these adverse effects of shocks conditioned on the type of shock and the outcome variable in question.

Research limitations/implications

First, we only used cross-sectional data for the two waves and therefore lacked panel data across time for analyses. Second, the data do not provide information on the exact amount of cash received by beneficiaries, so it was quite impossible to measure the exact effect of social assistance on welfare. We could only track whether or not having such assistance could mitigate the effect of a health shock.

Practical implications

The practical implication of the findings is that Ghana needs to build a resilient health system in order to withstand the health shocks of individuals.

Originality/value

No study has attempted to investigate the differential effect of health shocks – hospitalization, disability and labour days lost due to illness in Ghana. Our choice is dependent on the fact that these shocks have been an issue for many households in Ghana, thus the need to examine their impact on individual well-being. Second, social assistance has been Ghana’s flagship social protection programme, but what is missing in the literature is whether this programme is capable of reducing the effect of health shocks faced by beneficiaries’ households in Ghana.
Reconciling plant and microbial ecological strategies to elucidate cover crop effects on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling
Authors: Cheng Saisai , Xue Wenfeng , Gong Xin , Hu Feng , Yang Yunfeng , Liu Manqiang
Published: October 2024

Plant economics, the way plants allocate and utilize resources, affect multiple soil processes through interactions with root and associated microbial communities. However, the interplay between plant economics and microbial ecological strategies remains poorly understood, which is crucial for integrated manipulation of plant‐ and microbe‐mediated functions in mitigating climate change and sustaining soil health.

We used a field experiment with 11 cover crop species grown monocultures in the same base soil to test whether microbial ecological strategies are associated with plant economic strategies and if their interactions are linked to soil functions. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on root and leaf traits to identify the loadings of cover crop species on the plant trait space. Metagenomic analysis of rhizosphere microbial communities was conducted to infer their ecological strategies based on genetically encoded community‐aggregated traits.

We found a synchronous relationship between the conservation gradient of plant economic strategies and the trade‐offs in microbial ecological strategies. Conservative plant strategists, such as Lolium multiflorum, Triticum turgidum and Brassica juncea, fostered microbial communities characterized by high growth yield potentials (Y‐strategies). This included increased microbial carbon fixation pathways, citrate cycle, ribosome and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis. As a result, microbial metabolic efficiency improved, shown by higher microbial biomass carbon content and a lower metabolic quotient (qCO2), led to enhanced soil organic carbon accumulation. In comparison, acquisitive plants like Astragalus sinicus, Vicia villosa, Trifolium incarnatum and Medicago sativa stimulated microbial resource‐acquisition strategies (A‐strategies). This included enhanced bacterial chemotaxis, secretion systems, biotin metabolism and cell motility pathways, which in turn increased soil exoenzyme activity and accelerated soil nitrogen mineralization. Consequently, these species enhanced soil nitrogen availability and had substantial feedbacks on subsequent main crop productivity.

Synthesis. This study demonstrates how plant economic strategies influence the balance between different microbial ecological strategies, specifically the trade‐offs in Y‐ and A‐strategies. These interactions exert control over carbon and nitrogen dynamics in the soil ecosystem. The findings provide insights for implementing nature‐based solutions to improve agroecosystem management practices.
How the political elite make decisions
Authors: Wynn Conor , Smith Liam , Killen Catherine
Published: October 2024

The political elite make policy decisions in noisy environments and under time pressure, and so are prone to using heuristics. There are conflicting schools of thought as to whether it is appropriate for them to do so. Experienced decision‐makers are thought to be more effective at using heuristics, so it is possible that for the political elite with experience in a particular context, heuristic decision‐making is appropriate. Yet, many politicians are asked to make decisions on matters about which they are not experts. To add to the debate, we facilitated a discussion with a highly experienced cohort of 21 current and former senior politicians, former advisers, and current and former senior bureaucrats. When presented with a carefully considered and innovative new transport network pricing policy, we sought to identify whether and, if so, how they used heuristics to make a decision. We found that they used heuristics (1) to decide whether to engage with the issue at all and (2) how to act, having made the decision to engage. We describe how these heuristics were used and discuss the implications for theory and public administration practice.

Points for practitioners

There is a growing body of evidence that the political elite use heuristics for decision‐making and that the use of heuristics is influenced by seven factors.

We gained rare access to the political elite deciding on a politically risky issue and observed not only which heuristics they used, but how they used them.

We observed a three‐step decision tree, incorporating the ‘wait‐and‐see’ heuristic being used to decide whether to act, and political empathy, or intuiting voter heuristics to help decide how to act.

We outline five options for public administrators who think that the political elite are using heuristics inappropriately for decision‐making.
Group relative deprivation and different forms of political actions: The role of the target outgroup
Authors: PAVLOVIĆ TOMISLAV , STORM INGRID , FRANC RENATA
Published: October 2024

Many contemporary researchers agree that group relative deprivation is a driver of political actions against outgroups. However, both relative deprivation and political actions are complex phenomena, making it important to further study this relationship in the context of other relevant variables. One such variable could be the specific outgroup. The purpose of our study was to evaluate differences in the contribution of group relative deprivation to the prediction of activist and radicalised intentions against two outgroups – Muslims and senior citizens. The multi‐group structural equation modelling was applied separately on nationally representative samples of youth from Germany (N = 1,056), Norway (N = 376) and the United Kingdom (UK) (N = 1053). Group relative deprivation exhibited a robust relationship with activist intentions after controlling for general aggression, social desirability bias, age and gender, except in the UK, where the relationship between activist intentions and relative deprivation was stronger with Muslims as the target outgroup. The relationship between relative deprivation and radicalised intentions depended on the target outgroup across countries – it was related to radicalised intentions only against Muslims. The meaning and implications of these results are briefly discussed.
Sublethal concentration of λ‐cyhalothrin inhibits insulin‐like peptides and leads to reproductive toxicity in Chrysoperla sinica
Authors: Wang Nianmeng , Wang Zijian , Gong Siyuan , Zhang Yashu , Xue Chaobin
Published: October 2024

Insulin‐like peptides (ILPs) act as crucial reproductive neuropeptides in insects, regulating insect reproduction through the insulin signaling pathway (ISP). Our previous studies have found that the sublethal concentrations (LC1 and LC10) of lambda‐cyhalothrin (λCy) could induce severe reproductive toxicity in the lacewing, Chrysoperla sinica (Tjeder), but the toxicological mechanism remains unclear. This study discovered that λCy could inhibit CsILP transcription, leading to a decrease in insulin content and downregulation of C. sinica insulin receptor (CsInR) and C. sinica forkhead box O (CsFOXO) expression in ISP. Interference with CsILP expression resulted in downregulation of C. sinica vitellogenin (CsVg) and decreasing fecundity, while exogenous injection of bovine insulin promoted upregulation of CsVg expression and facilitated reproduction in female adults of C. sinica. Meanwhile, interference with FOXO of ILP downstream transcription factor could lead to downregulation of CsVg, hindering ovarian development and resulting in a decrease in egg production. However, exogenous injection of bovine insulin could remedy the effects caused by FOXO interference. In addition, ILP mediates juvenile hormone and 20‐hydroxyecdysone biosynthesis by acting on their synthetic regulatory enzymes and influences the signal transduction of the 2 reproductive endocrine hormones, thereby regulating the reproductive endocrine environment in C. sinica. In conclusion, λCy inhibits CsILP expression, leading to disorder of ISP, leading to the reduced fecundity of C. sinica.
Bounded professionalism nexus: HR professionalism within and across organizational boundaries
Authors: Nadiv Ronit , Kuna Shani
Published: October 2024

Even though the field of human resources is rife with tensions and contradictions, little is known about how HR practitioners experience and navigate these challenges. The impact of these tensions and ambiguities on HR professionalism remains understudied. Using the framework of “bounded professionalism”, this study explores how HR practitioners in business organizations (RBOs) and staffing agencies (RSAs) navigate professional and organizational tensions. Through a qualitative methodology, we conducted 60 semi‐structured interviews with HR practitioners from a variety of organizational settings. By examining the complicated experiences of HR practitioners, we highlight the nuanced ways in which they manage and mitigate professional and organizational tensions. This paper introduces and further develops the concept of “bounded professionalism nexus,” which implies that collaboration between professionals across organizational boundaries may exacerbate the experience of bounded professionalism. Specifically, we identify the triggers and implications of “bounded professionalism nexus”, demonstrating how cross‐border organizational relations contribute to suboptimal performance in both RSAs and RBOs. According to our findings, these tensions are not only prevalent, but also have significant implications for HR professionalism. This study concludes by examining the broader implications of the “bounded professionalism nexus” for HR professionals and offering suggestions for mitigating these tensions.
Acidophilic sulphate‐reducing bacteria: Diversity, ecophysiology, and applications
Authors: Valdez‐Nuñez Luis Felipe , Kappler Andreas , Ayala‐Muñoz Diana , Chávez Idelso Jamín , Mansor Muammar
Published: October 2024

Acidophilic sulphate‐reducing bacteria (aSRB) are widespread anaerobic microorganisms that perform dissimilatory sulphate reduction and have key adaptations to tolerate acidic environments (pH <5.0), such as proton impermeability and Donnan potential. This diverse prokaryotic group is of interest from physiological, ecological, and applicational viewpoints. In this review, we summarize the interactions between aSRB and other microbial guilds, such as syntrophy, and their roles in the biogeochemical cycling of sulphur, iron, carbon, and other elements. We discuss the biotechnological applications of aSRB in treating acid mine drainage (AMD, pH <3), focusing on their ability to produce biogenic sulphide and precipitate metals, particularly in the context of utilizing microbial consortia instead of pure isolates. Metal sulphide nanoparticles recovered after AMD treatment have multiple potential technological uses, including in electronics and biomedicine, contributing to a cost‐effective circular economy. The products of aSRB metabolisms, such as biominerals and isotopes, could also serve as biosignatures to understand ancient and extant microbial life in the universe. Overall, aSRB are active components of the sulphur and carbon cycles under acidic conditions, with potential natural and technological implications for the world around us.
Insulin requirement trajectories during COVID‐19 versus non‐COVID‐19 critical illness—A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Soltani Navid , Häbel Henrike , Balintescu Anca , Lind Marcus , Grip Jonathan , Thobaben Ragnar , Nelson David , Mårtensson Johan
Published: October 2024

Background

The glycemic response to critical COVID‐19 remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the association between COVID‐19, insulin requirements, glycemic control, and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study of 350 COVID‐19 patients and 1067 non‐COVID‐19 patients admitted to the ICU. Insulin requirement was defined as the total units of exogenous insulin required to cover one gram of administered carbohydrates (insulin‐to‐carbohydrate ratio, ICR). We used multivariable generalized linear mixed‐model (GLMM) analysis to assess the association of the interaction between COVID‐19 and ICU‐day with daily ICR, adjusted for fixed and time‐dependent covariates. Glycemic control was assessed after stratification on diabetes and COVID‐19. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the association between ICR and 90‐day mortality.

Results

The mean (95% CI) of the mean daily ICR among patients without diabetes was 0.09 (0.08–0.11) U/g and 0.15 (0.11–0.18) U/g in the non‐COVID‐19 group and COVID‐19 group (p = .01), respectively. In diabetes patients, the corresponding ICRs were 0.52 (0.43–0.62) U/g and 0.59 (0.50–0.68) U/g (p = .32). In multivariable GLMM analysis, the interaction between COVID‐19 and ICU‐day was independently associated with ICR (risk estimate 1.22, 95% CI 1.15–1.31, p < .001). COVID‐19 was associated with higher hypoglycemia prevalence irrespective of diabetes status, higher average glucose levels, more pronounced glucose variability, and a lower proportion of glucose values within target range among patients without diabetes. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for 90‐day mortality was 1.77 (95% CI 0.94–3.34, p = .076) per one unit increase in mean ICR.

Conclusion

In our cohort of ICU patients, COVID‐19 was associated with higher daily insulin requirements per gram of administered carbohydrates, and worse glycemic control. We found no robust association between ICR and increased odds of death at 90 days.
Senolytic therapy combining Dasatinib and Quercetin restores the chondrogenic phenotype of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes by the release of pro‐anabolic mediators
Authors: Maurer Svenja , Kirsch Valeria , Ruths Leonie , Brenner Rolf E. , Riegger Jana
Published: October 2024

Cellular senescence is associated with various age‐related disorders and is assumed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Based on this, we tested a senolytic combination therapy using Dasatinib (D) and Quercetin (Q) on aged isolated human articular chondrocytes (hACs), as well as in OA‐affected cartilage tissue (OARSI grade 1–2). Stimulation with D + Q selectively eliminated senescent cells in both, cartilage explants and isolated hAC. Furthermore, the therapy significantly promoted chondroanabolism, as demonstrated by increased gene expression levels of COL2A1, ACAN, and SOX9, as well as elevated collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Additionally, D + Q treatment significantly reduced the release of SASP factors (IL6, CXCL1). RNA sequencing analysis revealed an upregulation of the anabolic factors, inter alia, FGF18, IGF1, and TGFB2, as well as inhibitory effects on cytokines and the YAP‐1 signaling pathway, explaining the underlying mechanism of the chondroanabolic promotion upon senolytic treatment. Accordingly, stimulation of untreated hAC with conditioned medium of D + Q‐treated cells similarly induced the expression of chondrogenic markers. Detailed analyses demonstrated that chondroanabolic effects could be mainly attributed to Dasatinib, while monotherapeutical application of Quercetin or Navitoclax did not promote the chondroanabolism. Overall, D + Q therapy restored the chondrogenic phenotype in OA hAC most likely by creating a pro‐chondroanabolic environment through the reduction of SASP factors and upregulation of growth factors. This senolytic approach could therefore be a promising candidate for further testing as a disease‐modifying osteoarthritis drug.
Rare but relevant: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome
Authors: Stjepanović Daniel , Kirkman Julia , Hall Wayne
Published: October 2024

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a (probably) rare syndrome that occurs in frequent and chronic cannabis users. It is characterised by cyclical vomiting and gastrointestinal symptoms. CHS is frequently misdiagnosed resulting in extensive investigations and delayed diagnosis and treatment. Standard anti‐emetic treatments are typically not effective, and no standardised treatment protocol exists for CHS. Bathing or showering in hot water is often reported to relieve symptoms. Little is known of the aetiology of CHS as the literature is predominantly informed by case reports and chart reviews. Similarly, little is known of the demographics and cannabis use patterns of those who develop CHS. The number of CHS cases globally appears to have risen following liberalisation of cannabis regulation and access in some countries, underscoring the need for wider recognition of CHS in emergency care and by the wider public.
The impact and mechanisms of parent–child relationship quality and its changes on adolescent depression: A four‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Li Jinwen , Qian Kun , Liu Xia
Published: October 2024

Parent–child relationships play a crucial role in shaping adolescent depression. However, existing research has predominantly focused on isolated time points when examining the impact of parent–child relationship quality, overlooking the effect of parent–child relationship changes on depression. Using a four‐wave longitudinal study of 951 adolescents, the current study investigated the impact of parent–child relationship quality and its changes on adolescent depression, while also examining the moderating role of interpersonal sensitivity and potential gender differences in these moderation patterns. Herein, we report that higher parent–child relationship quality is associated with lower levels of adolescent depression, while parent–child relationship changes are linked to higher depression. Interpersonal sensitivity moderates the association between parent–child relationship quality, relationship changes, and depression, with the moderation varying by gender. Specifically, in males with high interpersonal sensitivity, parent–child relationships negatively predict depression, while relationship fluctuations positively predict depression. In females with high interpersonal sensitivity, a rapid decline in the quality of the parent–child relationship seems to be associated with an increase in depression. The present study highlights the impact and mechanisms of parent–child relationship quality and its effects on depression, and provides a reference for the intervention of depression based on parent–child relationship changes.
Effect of healthy dietary intention‐behavior (in)consistency on depression and anxiety in the process of behavior change
Authors: Lin Jiaci , Yang Fuhua , Pu Kunhua , Lan Miaosen , Chen Yichun , Yin Keli
Published: October 2024

Although an increasing number of people are now committed to pursuing a healthy diet, it remains unclear how mental health changes during this process. The present study aimed to examine the combined effect of healthy dietary intention and behavior on depression and anxiety across two sub‐studies. This study consisted of two parts: a cross‐sectional survey (Study 1) involving 1,433 college students and an 11‐day daily diary study (Study 2) with 117 college students. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis indicated that in cases of congruence, individuals' intention and behavior align at a high level and were associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety in the motivational phase but were not found similar association in the volitional phase. In cases of incongruence, individuals with high intention‐low behavior tend to experience lower levels of depression and anxiety in the motivational phase. However, individuals with high intention‐low behavior tend to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety in the volitional phase. These findings not only enrich the current understanding of diet and health but also contribute to the development of holistic strategies for promoting a healthy diet.
Housing instability amongst takatāpui and LGBTIQ+ people in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Fraser Brodie
Published: October 2024

Although awareness and understanding of LGBTIQ+ people's experiences of homelessness are rising, their broader housing experiences remain under‐researched. This paper uses qualitative interview data to explore takatāpui and LGBTIQ+ people's experiences of housing instability in Aotearoa New Zealand. In expanding the focus to housing instability, this paper explores how LGBTIQ+ people experience and navigate the housing system, which sheds light on the upstream factors that contribute to the disproportionately high rates of homelessness amongst LGBTIQ+ communities worldwide. A reflexive thematic analysis of the data generated four themes to takatāpui and LGBTIQ+ people's experiences of housing instability; personal experiences are political, survival within inequitable systems is nuanced, instability is relational, and selfhood is mediated through instability. These results highlight the impact of policy and structural failures on LGBTIQ+ communities.
The chromosomal translocation t(1;6)(p35.3;p25.2), recurrent in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, leads to RCC1::IRF4 fusion
Authors: Jayne Sandrine , López Cristina , Put Natalie , Nagel Inga , Lierman Els , Penas Eva Maria Murga , Michaux Lucienne , Ahearne Matthew J. , Walter Harriet S. , Bens Susanne , Drewes Cosima , Szczepanowski Monika , Schlesner Matthias , Rosenstiel Philip , Wlodarska Iwona , Siebert Reiner , Dyer Martin J. S.
Published: October 2024

The chromosomal translocation t(1;6)(p35.3;p25.2) is a rare but recurrent aberration in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We report molecular characterization of 10 cases and show that this translocation juxtaposes interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) on 6p25 with regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1) on 1p35. The breakpoints fell within the 5′ untranslated regions of both genes, resulting in RCC1::IRF4 fusion transcripts without alterations of the protein‐coding sequences. Levels of expression of both RCC1 and IRF4 proteins were not obviously deregulated. The cases showed other mutations typical of CLL and we confirm previously reported skewing towards the IGHV‐unmutated subtype. RCC1::IRF4 fusion characterizes a rare subset of CLL.
On a general theoretical framework of reliability
Authors: Liu Yang , Pek Jolynn , Maydeu‐Olivares Alberto
Published: October 2024

Reliability is an essential measure of how closely observed scores represent latent scores (reflecting constructs), assuming some latent variable measurement model. We present a general theoretical framework of reliability, placing emphasis on measuring the association between latent and observed scores. This framework was inspired by McDonald's (Psychometrika, 76, 511) regression framework, which highlighted the coefficient of determination as a measure of reliability. We extend McDonald's (Psychometrika, 76, 511) framework beyond coefficients of determination and introduce four desiderata for reliability measures (estimability, normalization, symmetry, and invariance). We also present theoretical examples to illustrate distinct measures of reliability and report on a numerical study that demonstrates the behaviour of different reliability measures. We conclude with a discussion on the use of reliability coefficients and outline future avenues of research.
Identification of sequence polymorphism in the D‐loop region of mitochondrial DNA as a risk factor for breast cancer
Authors: Nie Qian , Zhang Wenzhe , Lin Songping , Huang Meng , Li Yan , Qiu Yibin , Li Jing , Chen Xiaobin , Wang Yali , Tong Xin , Wu Jinqiao , He Peng , Cai Qindong , Chen Lili , Chen Minyan , Guo Wenhui , Lin Yuxiang , Yu Liuwen , Hou Jialin , Cai Weifeng , Chen Hanxi , Wang Chuan , Fu Fangmeng
Published: October 2024

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations affect the efficiency of the electron transport chain and production of reactive oxygen species, contributing to carcinogenesis. The D‐loop region of mtDNA has emerged as a variation hotspot region in human neoplasia; however, the potential contribution of these variations in breast cancer risk prediction remains unknown. We investigated the relationship between germline single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the entire D‐loop region and breast cancer risk in Chinese women. Peripheral blood‐isolated mtDNA from 2329 patients with breast cancer and 2328 cancer‐free controls was examined for SNPs. In the combined cohort, we used traditional risk factors, susceptibility germline polymorphisms, and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the predictive value of susceptibility variants for breast cancer risk. We calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) as a measure. We also measured the content of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). Individual polymorphisms SNP573 were significantly associated with breast cancer risk in both the discovery and validation cohorts. In the combined cohort, the AUC of the traditional risk factors was 64.3%; after adding susceptibility variants, the AUC was 64.9% (DeLong test, p = 0.007). 8‐OHdG levels were significantly higher in patients with breast cancer than in controls and higher in individuals with SNP573 than in those negative for this variation. Overall, oxidative stress might be associated with the risk of breast cancer, and SNP573 might be associated with oxidative stress. Our results indicate the risk potential of polymorphisms in the D‐loop region in breast cancer in Southern China.