bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education for sustainable development from the lenses of Malaysian school leaders: a preliminary study
Authors: Zainal Abidin Mohd Syahidan , Mokhtar Mahani , Arsat Mahyuddin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The issue of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been on the rise in recent years, with concerns being raised by various stakeholders about its potential effects on education and the environment. However, little research has been done into school leaders' fundamental challenges in addressing ESD.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, single-case study was embarked on to examine the experiences of Malaysian school leaders who actively engaged ESD in their schools. The data were collected by using semi-structured interviews among four school leaders in schools involved in Johor Sustainable Education Action Plan (JSEAP). A thematic analysis was used to understand the challenges and later drive the strategy used to overcome those challenges.

Findings

This preliminary study revealed that the principals perceived the ESD's four main challenges: encouraging positive thinking and passion, acquiring ESD knowledge, developing system thinking, and curriculum adaptation. Based on this study's findings, school leaders need to make concerted efforts to overcome these challenges, such as finding best practices, encompassing support systems, and exploring innovative partnerships to address ESD effectively in their schools.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to a case analysis of the selected schools and cannot be generalized to a larger population.

Practical implications

The results of the study may be of interest to other school leaders and educators who are concerned about ESD and its role in their schools, as well as to other academics who are interested in the topic of ESD and the challenges faced by school leaders in implementing sustainable practices.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study investigating ESD challenges in the Malaysian context. The novel finding helps the readers understand the recent phenomena of ESD implementation better and, at the same time, compare it to other settings.
Quarterly business review for digital transformation: insights from the automotive industry
Authors: Hoeft Fabian
Published: July 2023

Purpose

As quarterly business reviews (QBRs) remained unexplored in the scholarly community, this paper sheds light on what QBRs are, how they are being used across organisations and provides deep insights into the implementation of the QBR at an incumbent car manufacturer’s digital transformation business unit. Particular attention has been paid to decision processes, portfolio management, challenges and success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the explorative nature of the research, a case study is well suited to explore the phenomenon in its real-world context, especially given the dynamic and volatile business environment. This article is based on insights from an incumbent car manufacturer undergoing a business-wide transformation.

Findings

The car manufacturer introduced the QBR process and themes to improve business effectiveness and efficiency through (1) focusing on the biggest issues, (2) concentrating efforts, (3) providing autonomy and stability, (4) building and maintaining strong relationships, and (5) building domain expertise. Through the QBR process, themes were (de)prioritised, resources allocated, financial value (estimates) agreed upon, and key performance indicators (e.g. £m/FTE; FTE, full-time equivalent employees) introduced. Digital product managers’ were assigned to the prioritised themes, and portfolio management structures were presented.

Originality/value

Managing short- and long-term objectives is challenging for most businesses but essential to perform well in uncertain environments. The QBR process can help organisations continuously (de)prioritise work and reallocate resources based on changing environments and aligned with strategic priorities.
Real earnings management in related party transactions: does sustainable development triangle (SDT) matters for business innovation in Nigeria?
Authors: Salihi Awaisu Adamu , Ibrahim Haslindar , Baharudin Dayana Mastura
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The study aims to examine the association between the sustainable development triangle and real earnings management (REM) and the moderating role of business innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on the quadruple bottom line approach to measuring corporate sustainable development. For the REM, Roychowdhury model is used to identify the practices. The study used panel data using 740 firm-year observations from non-financial listed companies in the Nigerian market from 2011 to 2020, collected from the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

Findings

The study finds a negative influence on the association of economic, environmental, social and governance (EESG) on REM in related party transactions. Thus, by regressing the three different components of REM separately, then EESG will have strongest impact as well. The study suggests a bidirectional association between EESG and REM. Furthermore, the study finds that business innovation strengthens the negative association between EESG and REM. The study concludes that sustainable companies in the Nigerian public market are less liable to practice REM.

Research limitations/implications

The study examines only non-financial listed companies quoted on the Nigeria Stock Exchange, which restricts the generalization of the findings.

Practical implications

The findings of the study should be of immense value to the investors who need comprehensive appraisal of earnings quality to enhance sustainable development strategies for sustainable business innovation among Nigeria firms. Thus, sustainability and innovation can serve as the principles for supporting developing countries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting a sustainable development.

Social implications

The study will be of immense value to policymakers, regulators and standard setters who demand for facts insightful of business practices and reporting behaviors for sustainable development.

Originality/value

Existing studies have mainly focused on triple bottom line. This study adds to the existing body of literature on the Quadruple bottom line in an African market. More so, the study investigates the impact of business innovation on the relationship between economic, environmental, social and governance and real earnings management, which was rarely investigated in the prior literature.
Corporate social responsibility and performance among rural banks in Ghana: the moderating role of governance structures
Authors: Agyapong Elvis Kwame , Annor Louis David Junior , Ohemeng Williams
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper evaluates the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the performance of rural banks, as well as the moderating influence of effective governance on the surmised nexus.

Design/methodology/approach

Annual data for 122 Ghanaian rural banks from ARB Apex Bank, World Development Indicator (WDI) and World Governance Indicator (WGI) for the period 2014–2020 were compiled for analysis. A two-stage system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator was used in examining the relationships under study.

Findings

The findings suggest that CSR has a significant negative effect on return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and stability (Z-score). On the other hand, further results showed that CSR positively influences net interest margin (NIM). Again, the results suggest that government effectiveness exerts a positive moderating influence on the effect of CSR on performance from all four measurement criteria (ROA, ROE, NIM and Z-score) in the Ghanaian rural banking sector.

Originality/value

The study focuses on the rural banking sector in the Ghanaian economy, compared to related studies that examine the subject matter for commercial banks. The moderating influence of governance structures is also assessed on the relationships to guide policy on rural banking.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0116.
An aspirational hope of a Sharīʿah-based microfinance model to alleviate extreme poverty
Authors: Khalequzzaman Mohammad , Ab Rahman Asmak , Kamsin Amirrudin
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose a Sharīʿah-based and information and communication technology-driven microfinance model (SIMM) to reduce extreme poverty in rural areas. Existing microfinance models run by microfinance institutions exclude severely poor individuals from their activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an exploratory sequential mixed-method design structured as Studies 1 and 2. Study 1 uses the grounded theory methodology to develop the emergent SIMM through interviews and focus group discussions with the participants (12 rich, 6 rural elites and 18 poor) of the target village. Study 2 uses a survey of 421 household members in the target village to evaluate their attitudes (ATT), subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) related to SIMM. Partial least squares-based structural equation modelling is used to evaluate relationships between constructs.

Findings

Study 1 identifies seven themes, in which aspirational hope is recognised as a core theme. Study 2 indicates significant relationships between ATT and PBC and between SN and PBC. Thus, the SIMM can alleviate poverty in rural communities.

Practical implications

The application of the SIMM in the pilot study provides aspirational hope for eradicating extreme poverty.

Social implications

Other rural communities should be encouraged to apply the SIMM to alleviate extreme poverty in their villages.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the development of an innovative microfinance model (SIMM) to eradicate extreme poverty in rural areas.
Community-led heritage conservation in processes of rural regeneration
Authors: Perkins Harvey C. , Mackay Michael , Wilson Jude
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The authors report a study of heritage conservation linked to rural small-town regeneration in Aotearoa New Zealand. The purpose of this study is to answer the question: how, with limited local resources, do the residents and administrators of small settlements conserve historic heritage in the processes of rural regeneration?

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on an analysis of physical heritage objects (buildings, artefacts and landscapes), associated regulatory arrangements, archival material, news media reporting, community group newsletters and photography. The authors use the river-side town of Rakaia and its environs in Te Waipounamu/the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand to answer the research question.

Findings

This research found that in a context of limited resources, volunteers, supported by small businesses and local and central government, can contribute positively to the conservation and interpretation of heritage as part of wider rural regeneration activities.

Originality/value

There is only limited writing on the links between heritage conservation, rural regeneration and the development of small towns. To advance the debate, the authors combine ideas about community-led heritage conservation and management with concepts drawn from rural studies, particularly the multifunctional rural space paradigm. This allows us to explore heritage conservation in a context of rapid rural change.
Attachment, trauma and homelessness
Authors: Barreto Elias , Cockersell Peter
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe research into attachment styles of rough sleepers and considersthe implications for practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was structured interviews with a cohort of rough sleepers analysed through evidence-based techniques, and the implications were drawn out with reference to current best practice.

Findings

The rough sleepers in the cohort had a very different pattern of attachment styles to the housed population, with 100% insecure vs c35%, and 50% insecure disorganised vs >15%.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation is that the cohort was relatively small, n = 22 and was a sample of convenience. The implications are that homelessness services working with rough sleepers need to be attachment-informed as much as trauma-informed.

Practical implications

Practical implications are that homelessness services need to have a more rounded psychological perspective such as psychologically informed environments rather than just a trauma-informed approach.

Social implications

Rough sleepers suffer from deeply pervasive and severe attachment disorders, and this may be causal to their becoming rough sleepers and is certainly a factor in whether or not they are successfully rehoused.

Originality/value

There is almost no other original research published into the attachment styles of rough sleepers or homeless people. The current trend is for trauma-informed services: the call for attachment-informed ones is original.
Multi‐locus homozygosity promotes actuarial senescence in a wild mammal
Authors: Hudson Dave W. , McKinley Trevelyan J. , Benton Clare H. , Delahay Richard , McDonald Robbie A. , Hodgson Dave J.
Published: July 2023

Genome‐wide homozygosity, caused for example by inbreeding, is expected to have deleterious effects on survival and/or reproduction. Evolutionary theory predicts that any fitness costs are likely to be detected in late life because natural selection will filter out negative impacts on younger individuals with greater reproductive value.

Here we infer associations between multi‐locus homozygosity (MLH), sex, disease and age‐dependent mortality risks using Bayesian analysis of the life histories of wild European badgers Meles meles in a population naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis (the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis [bTB]).

We find important effects of MLH on all parameters of the Gompertz–Makeham mortality hazard function, but particularly in later life.

Our findings confirm the predicted association between genomic homozygosity and actuarial senescence. Increased homozygosity is particularly associated with an earlier onset, and greater rates of actuarial senescence, regardless of sex. The association between homozygosity and actuarial senescence is further amplified among badgers putatively infected with bTB.

These results recommend further investigation into the ecological and behavioural processes that result in genome‐wide homozygosity, and focused work on whether homozygosity is harmful or beneficial during early life‐stages.
Making plant–pollinator data collection cheaper for restoration and monitoring
Authors: Bruninga‐Socolar Bethanne , Lonsdorf Eric V. , Lane Ian G. , Portman Zachary M. , Cariveau Daniel P.
Published: July 2023

Wildflower plantings are a key tool for wild bee conservation, and plant–bee interaction data are frequently used in seed mix design to ensure that plantings provide sufficient resources for a diversity of bees. Plant–bee interaction data are also used in monitoring programmes to measure the success of bee‐supporting habitat. However, collecting plant–bee interaction data can be expensive and these data are not used by many seed mix design practitioners and monitoring programmes. Therefore, a crucial question is how does the conservation value of seed mixes vary as a function of the intensity of the data collection effort underpinning their design?

We leverage a plant–bee interaction data set to ask how bee richness is expected to change when informed by different scenarios of reduced data collection effort and cost. From the original, large data set, we created subsets of data by randomly reducing (1) the number of specimens sampled, (2) the number of sites sampled, (3) the number of sampling days per site and (4) using data from a single, representative taxon (bumble bees). We ask whether seed mixes designed from these reduced data sets support comparable bee richness to the full data set, and for any reduction in cost.

Reductions in the number of specimens sampled and the number of sampling days per site yield seed mixes that support comparable bee richness to the full data set. Reductions in the number of sites yielded seed mixes that support lower bee richness than the full data set. Using bumble bee interaction data only yields seed mixes that support lower bee richness than the full data set, especially when few plants are included in the mixes.

Synthesis and applications. We recommend prioritizing broad spatial, temporal and taxonomic coverage of plant–bee interaction data to guide cost‐effective seed mix design. Our results also provide guidance for practitioners designing programmes to monitor bee richness in restored habitat because plant–bee interaction data may be made cheaper by collecting fewer specimens per sampling event or collecting on fewer dates per site (as long as coverage of the full bee flight season is maintained).
Ease of doing business and investment among West African countries
Authors: Ijirshar Victor Ushahemba , Nomkuha Joshua Kpelai , Bura Benjamin Bem , Sokpo Joseph Tarza , Ijirshar Mlumun Queen
Published: July 2023

This study assessed the link between ease of doing business (EBD) and investment among 11 selected countries in West Africa covering 2006–2020. The study used the fixed‐effects estimator, the random‐effects estimator, the augmented mean‐group method, and the Half‐Panel Jackknife Wald‐type test. The study found a bidirectional relationship between the EBD and foreign direct investment (FDI) and a unidirectional relationship running from EBD to domestic investment. The findings further revealed that the EBD and national income have a strong influence in determining the level of domestic investment and FDI inflows, and that some indicators of EBD, such as the procedure for starting a business, access to credit facilities, tax, and security threats, discourage domestic investment and FDI inflows, in contrast to the influence of obtaining electricity and national income on investment. The study suggests that West African governments reduce taxes, ease the procedures and costs of starting a business and dealing with construction permits, and increase the availability of credit facilities at lower interest rates to promote investment in the region.
Modern Slavery and the Commercial Activity Exception to Diplomatic Immunity From Civil Jurisdiction: The UK Supreme Court's Decision in Basfar v Wong
Authors: Ryan Sophie
Published: July 2023

In Basfar v Wong a majority of the UK Supreme Court decided that the exploitation of labour in circumstances of modern slavery constitutes ‘exercising’ a ‘commercial activity’ for the purposes of the exception to diplomatic immunity contained in Article 31(1)(c) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The case is the first time a senior court anywhere in the world has adopted such an interpretation of this provision and potentially opens up a new avenue for holding foreign diplomats accountable for exploiting domestic workers. Yet, the Court's reasoning also leaves unanswered some important questions. This note reviews the Supreme Court decision and its implications for the content and scope of the ‘commercial activity’ exception to diplomatic immunity. It also considers what the case might reveal about the Supreme Court's current attitude(s) to adjudicating complex questions of international law that potentially warrant breaking new ground.
Effects of sodium thiosulfate on serum calcification factors in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Pan , Xu Xiang , Wang YuFu , Long XiaoNa , Li XunJia , Peng HongYing
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of sodium thiosulfate (STS) on serum calcification factors in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods

Forty‐four Patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 22) and observation group (n = 22) by envelope method (block 4 randomization). The control group received routine treatment while observation group was treated with STS on the basis of routine treatment. The biochemical indicators, including BUN, UA, SCr, Ca2+, P3−, calcium‐phosphorus product, PTH, hs‐CRP, TG, TC, HDL, LDL, and serum calcification factor MGP, FA, FGF‐23, and OPG levels were compared before and after treatment.

Results

Control group had no statistically significant difference in the levels of vascular calcification factors MGP, FA, FGF‐23, and OPG before and after treatment (p > 0.05). Whereas observation group had higher levels of MGP and FA, and lower levels of FGF‐23 and OPG after treatment than before treatment (p < 0.05). The levels of MGP and FA in observation group were higher than those in control group, and FGF‐23 and OPG were lower than those in control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It is speculated that sodium thiosulfate can alleviate the progression of vascular calcification by changing the levels of calcification factors.
Chinese Registry of Psoriatic Arthritis (CREPAR): I. Clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Lu Chaofan , Yang Fan , Liu Huilan , Dou Lei , Wang Yanhong , Li Hongbin , Duan Xinwang , Wu Lijun , Wang Yongfu , Zhang Xiuying , Xu Jian , Su Jinmei , Xu Dong , Zhao Jiuliang , Wu Qingjun , Li Mengtao , Leng Xiaomei , Zeng Xiaofeng ,   CREPAR co‐authors
Published: July 2023

Aim

To describe the clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) using the data recorded in the Chinese Registry of Psoriatic Arthritis (CREPAR).

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study based on the CREPAR registry, which is a prospective registry founded in December 2018. Data regarding clinical characteristics and treatment of patients were collected during every visit. Data recorded at enrollment were extracted, analyzed, and compared with data in other registries or cohorts.

Results

A total of 1074 patients were registered from December 2018 to June 2021. Of these, 929 (86.5%) patients had a history of peripheral arthritis, and 844 patients (78.6%) had peripheral arthritis at enrollment, of which polyarthritis is the most common subtype. Axial involvement was present in 39.9% of patients, and 50 (4.7%) patients had axial involvement only. More than half of the patients (55.4%) had at least two musculoskeletal presentations at enrollment. The prevalence of low disease activity and remission according to DAPSA were 26.4% and 6.8%, respectively. Conventional synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and biological DMARDs were used in 64.9% and 29.1% of patients, respectively. Among patients with different musculoskeletal presentations, patients with dactylitis had the highest proportion of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory and csDMARD use. The proportion of patients receiving bDMARDs was highest in axial PsA.

Conclusion

The CREPAR registry has provided information on Chinese patients with PsA. Compared with data in other registries or cohorts, the disease activity of patients in CREPAR was higher, and the proportion of bDMARD use was lower.
Chromatin‐transcription interface: The secret of eternal youth?
Authors: Izquierdo José M.
Published: July 2023

In their recent study in Nature, Debès et al. report an increase in RNA polymerase II (Pol II)‐mediated transcriptional elongation speed associated with chromatin remodeling during aging in four metazoan animals, two human cell lines, and human blood. Their findings might help us understand why we age through evolutionarily conserved essential processes, and open a window to the molecular and physiological mechanisms influencing healthspan, lifespan and/or longevity.
Risk and ambiguity aversion: Incentives or disincentives for adoption of improved agricultural land management practices?
Authors: Hadera Amanuel , Tadesse Tewodros
Published: July 2023

Farmers grapple with uncertainties related to the adoption of improved agricultural practices. Adoption decisions on these practices may vary in response to risk in which farmers may be able to predict the chances of occurrence on outcomes of their decisions, and/or ambiguity where adoption‐decision outcome probabilities are unknown. Also, these uncertainties may emanate from imperfect information on production returns from adoption and adoption‐related fixed costs. In this paper, we study whether risk and ambiguity aversion create incentives or disincentives for intensity and duration of adoption of improved agricultural practices. For this, we combine experimental with survey data. We find that ambiguity aversion reduces incentives for high‐intensity adoption while risk aversion attenuates this disincentive. As expected, risk aversion increases incentives for longer adoption of improved agricultural practices. Experience was expected to allow farmers to learn enough about payoff probabilities from adoption and render ambiguity aversion less important. Yet, we find it reduces the duration of adoption of soil and water conservation structures, which could be explained by adoption‐related high fixed costs. On the other hand, ambiguity aversion appears to matter little with adoption of agroforestry despite the associated high fixed and management costs attributed to integrated agri‐silviculture and agro‐silvopastoral systems. Given the complementary nature of the practices, agricultural policy should be directed at interventions that attenuate the deterrent effect of ambiguity aversion through providing information related to production returns from the adoption of improved practices that involve high fixed (management) costs.
The appendix in endometriosis
Authors: Guo Cici , Chen Michelle Zhiyun , Chiu Tricia , Condous George , Barto Walid
Published: July 2023

Background

In the most severe stage of endometriosis, Stage IV, intestinal involvement is common. The true prevalence of endometriotic disease of the appendix in this population is not well described. A macroscopically normal looking appendix may harbour endometriosis.

Aims

Our study aims to assess the role of routinely performing appendicectomy in Stage IV endometriosis surgery, and the histopathological prevalence of true appendiceal endometriosis in this population.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of women undergoing surgery for Stage IV endometriosis between 2018 to 2022 in a tertiary public hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Patient demographics, age and post‐operative complications were retrospectively retrieved from hospital medical records.

Inclusion criteria were women with Stage IV endometriosis who underwent routine appendicectomy as part of their endometriosis surgery. Exclusion criteria were women who did not have Stage IV endometriosis, those who had cancer surgery or emergency surgery for endometriosis. The primary outcome of this study was to determine the incidence of appendiceal endometriosis. Secondary outcomes included post‐operative complications and length of stay.

Results

Sixty‐seven patients were included. The mean age was 36 years. All patients also underwent bowel resection for colorectal endometriosis. There were 35.8% who had confirmed appendiceal endometriosis on histopathology. Post‐operative complications included port site infections, colitis, urinary tract infection and ureteric injury. There were no complications related to appendicectomy. Mean length of stay was 4.4 days.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic appendicectomy can be safely performed at time of laparoscopic surgical excision of Stage IV endometriosis and should be routinely considered in a subset of Stage IV endometriosis patients with colorectal involvement undergoing surgery.
Experiences of nurses working at day‐service centres for people with intellectual disabilities/intellectual and physical disabilities and their interactions with service‐users
Authors: Ito Yoshimi , Asakura Kyoko , Sugiyama Shoko , Takada Nozomu
Published: July 2023

Background

People with intellectual/intellectual and physical disabilities frequently use day‐service centres, an array of services that involve the provision of care and social activities during the daytime and offer homebound people with disabilities opportunities to live in their communities. While nurses working at day‐service centres for people with disabilities are expected to promote service‐users' health, little research has focused on this area. Nurses' relationships with service‐users of day‐service centres have not been sufficiently investigated regarding how their interactions determine service‐users' specific activities and daily lives within such facilities. This study sought to address this research gap.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with six nurses working at day‐service centres located in Tohoku region, Japan. Six participants were interviewed 16 times. The psychological‐phenomenological method developed by Amedeo Giorgi was used as the model for data analysis.

Findings

The analysis generated five themes. First, nurses show interest in service‐users by ‘continuing to show interest’ and by ‘trying to understand the service‐users from the perspective of what they can do’. Additionally, the nurses ensure that service‐users enjoy their time in the facility by ‘supporting enjoyment through nursing and medical care’, ‘stabilising feelings’ and ‘creating an environment conducive to everyone's comfort’.

Conclusions

Nurses working at day‐service centres for people with intellectual/intellectual and physical disabilities provide support for social participation while maintaining the service‐users' mental and physical health. Thus, these nurses support enjoyment among service‐users from the nursing and medical care aspect; they also devise ways for service‐users to interact and adjust to the environment to improve service‐users' comfort at day‐service centres. Furthermore, participation in daytime activities at day‐service centres indicated that nurses are interested in service‐users' activities, and they perceive service‐users as positive individuals.
The role of the thalamus in modular functional networks in temporal lobe epilepsy with cognitive impairment
Authors: Pang Xiaomin , Liang Xiulin , Chang Weiwei , Lv Zongxia , Zhao Jingyuan , Wu Peirong , Li Xinrong , Wei Wutong , Zheng Jinou
Published: July 2023

Objective

Cognitive deficit is common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Here, we aimed to investigate the modular architecture of functional networks associated with distinct cognitive states in TLE patients together with the role of the thalamus in modular networks.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were acquired from 53 TLE patients and 37 matched healthy controls. All patients received the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and accordingly were divided into TLE patients with normal cognition (TLE‐CN, n = 35) and TLE patients with cognitive impairment (TLE‐CI, n = 18) groups. The modular properties of functional networks were calculated and compared including global modularity Q, modular segregation index, intramodular connections, and intermodular connections. Thalamic subdivisions corresponding to the modular networks were generated by applying a ‘winner‐take‐all’ strategy before analyzing the modular properties (participation coefficient and within‐module degree z‐score) of each thalamic subdivision to assess the contribution of the thalamus to modular functional networks. Relationships between network properties and cognitive performance were then further explored.

Results

Both TLE‐CN and TLE‐CI patients showed lower global modularity, as well as lower modular segregation index values for the ventral attention network and the default mode network. However, different patterns of intramodular and intermodular connections existed for different cognitive states. In addition, both TLE‐CN and TLE‐CI patients exhibited anomalous modular properties of functional thalamic subdivisions, with TLE‐CI patients presenting a broader range of abnormalities. Cognitive performance in TLE‐CI patients was not related to the modular properties of functional network but rather to the modular properties of functional thalamic subdivisions.

Conclusions

The thalamus plays a prominent role in modular networks and potentially represents a key neural mechanism underlying cognitive impairment in TLE.
Conserving the evolutionary history of birds
Authors: McClure Christopher J. W. , Berkunsky Igor , Buechley Evan R. , Dunn Leah , Johnson Jeff , McCabe Jennifer , Oppel Steffen , Rolek Brian W. , Sutton Luke J. , Gumbs Rikki
Published: July 2023

In the midst of the sixth mass extinction, limited resources are forcing conservationists to prioritize which species and places will receive conservation action. Evolutionary distinctiveness measures the isolation of a species on its phylogenetic tree. Combining a species’ evolutionary distinctiveness with its globally endangered status creates an EDGE score. We use EDGE scores to prioritize the places and species that should be managed to conserve bird evolutionary history. We analyzed all birds in all countries and important bird areas. We examined parrots, raptors, and seabirds in depth because these groups are especially threatened and relatively speciose. The three focal groups had greater median threatened evolutionary history than other taxa, making them important for conserving bird evolutionary history. Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, New Zealand, and the Philippines were especially critical countries for bird conservation because they had the most threatened evolutionary history for endemic birds and are important for parrots, raptors, and seabirds. Increased enforcement of international agreements for the conservation of parrots, raptors, and seabirds is needed because these agreements protect hundreds of millions of years of threatened bird evolutionary history. Decisive action is required to conserve the evolutionary history of birds into the Anthropocene.
Flexibility trade‐offs in conservation offsets
Authors: Drechsler Martin
Published: July 2023

Conservation offsets promise cost‐effective conservation of biodiversity, especially under economic and environmental change, because they represent a more flexible approach to biodiversity conservation, allowing for the economic development of ecologically valuable land provided that this development is offset by restoration of previously developed areas. The level of flexibility is determined by the trading rules. Lax rules allow for more flexibility, which promises cost savings, but will likely lead to unintended loss of biodiversity. I analyzed the trade‐off between economic costs and ecological benefits (biodiversity conservation) in biodiversity offsetting with an ecological‐economic model that considered the three main types of offset flexibility: spatial, temporal, and ecosystem type. I sought to examine the influence of ecological and economic conditions on offset flexibility trade‐offs. Large variation in the conservation costs and small costs of habitat restoration strongly increased trading activity and reduced the ecological benefit. The ecological benefit was most sensitive to spatial flexibility when a short range of ecological interaction was considered. At a large interaction range, spatial flexibility delivered large cost savings without overly reducing the ecological benefit. Risks and time lags associated with habitat restoration favored an offsetting scheme in which credits are awarded with the initiation of restoration projects rather than their successful completion—given appropriate offsetting multipliers were chosen. Altogether, under scarce resources, the level of flexibility in an offsetting scheme should be chosen by carefully balancing ecological benefits and economic costs.
Contribution of cultural heritage values to steppe conservation on ancient burial mounds of Eurasia
Authors: Deák Balázs , Bede Ádám , Rádai Zoltán , Dembicz Iwona , Apostolova Iva , Batáry Péter , Gallé Róbert , Tóth Csaba Albert , Dózsai József , Moysiyenko Ivan I. , Sudnik‐Wójcikowska Barbara , Zachwatowicz Maria , Nekhrizov Georgi , Lisetskii Fedor N. , Buryak Zhanna A. , Kis Szabolcs , Borza Sándor , Godó Laura , Bragina Tatyana M. , Smelansky Ilya , Molnár Ábel , Bán Miklós , Báthori Ferenc , Árgay Zoltán , Dani János , Kiss Réka , Valkó Orsolya
Published: July 2023

Civilizations, including ancient ones, have shaped global ecosystems in many ways through coevolution of landscapes and humans. However, the cultural legacies of ancient and lost civilizations are rarely considered in the conservation of the Eurasian steppe biome. We used a data set containing more than 1000 records on localities, land cover, protection status, and cultural values related to ancient steppic burial mounds (kurgans); we evaluated how these iconic and widespread landmarks can contribute to grassland conservation in the Eurasian steppes, which is one of the most endangered biomes on Earth. Using Bayesian logistic generalized regressions and proportional odds logistic regressions, we examined the potential of mounds to preserve grasslands in landscapes with different levels of land‐use transformation. We also compared the conservation potential of mounds inside and outside protected areas and assessed whether local cultural values support the maintenance of grasslands on them. Kurgans were of great importance in preserving grasslands in transformed landscapes outside protected areas, where they sometimes acted as habitat islands that contributed to habitat conservation and improved habitat connectivity. In addition to steep slopes hindering ploughing, when mounds had cultural value for local communities, the probability of grassland occurrence on kurgans almost doubled. Because the estimated number of steppic mounds is about 600,000 and similar historical features exist on all continents, our results may be applicable at a global level. Our results also suggested that an integrative socioecological approach in conservation might support the positive synergistic effects of conservation, landscape, and cultural values.
Systematic review of technology‐mediated peer support interventions in paediatric type 1 diabetes care
Authors: Titoria Reena , Fung Andrea , Tang Tricia S. , Amed Shazhan
Published: July 2023

Aims

There is increasing interest in the role of peer support in diabetes care. However, technology‐mediated peer support in paediatric type 1 diabetes remains understudied.We aimed todescribe technology‐mediated peer support interventions for children living with type 1 diabetes, their caregivers and healthcare providers.

Methods

CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE (Ovid) were searched from Jan 2007 to June 2022. We included randomised and non‐randomised trials with peer support interventions for children living with diabetes, their caregivers and/or healthcare providers. Studies examining clinical, behavioural or psychosocial outcomes were included. Quality was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool.

Results

Twelve of 308 retrieved studies were included, with a study duration range of 3 weeks to 24 months and most were randomised trials (n = 8, 66.67%). Four technology‐based interventions were identified: phone‐based text messages, video, web portal and social media, or a hybrid peer support model. Most (58.6%, n = 7) studies exclusively targeted children with diabetes. No significant improvement was observed in psychosocial outcomes (quality of life, n = 4; stress and coping, n = 4; social support, n = 2). Mixed findings were observed in HbA1c (n = 7) and 28.5% studies (n = 2/7) reported reduced incidence of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

Technology‐mediated peer support interventions may have the potential to improve diabetes care and outcomes. However, further well‐designed studies are necessary that address the needs of diverse populations and settings, and the sustainability of intervention effects.
Changes in the glycaemia risk index and its association with other continuous glucose monitoring metrics after initiation of an automated insulin delivery system in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Karakus Kagan E. , Shah Viral N. , Klonoff David , Akturk Halis K.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To evaluate the glycaemia risk index (GRI) and its association with other continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics after initiation of an automated insulin delivery (AID) system in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and Methods

Up to 90 days of CGM data before and after initiation of an AID system from 185 CGM users with T1D were collected. GRI and other CGM metrics were calculated using cgmanalysis R software and were analysed for 24 hours, for both night‐time and daytime. GRI values were assigned to five GRI zones: zone A (0‐20), B (21‐40), C (41‐60), D (61‐80) and E (81‐100).

Results

Compared with baseline, GRI and its components decreased significantly after AID initiation (GRI: 48.7 ± 21.8 vs. 29 ± 13; hypoglycaemia component: 2.7 ± 2.8 vs. 1.6 ± 1.7; hyperglycaemia component: 25.3 ± 14.5 vs. 15 ± 8.5; P < .001 for all). The GRI was inversely correlated with time in range before (r = −0.962) and after (r = −0.961) AID initiation (P < .001 for both). GRI was correlated with time above range (before: r = 0.906; after = 0.910; P < .001 for both), but not with time below range (P > .05). All CGM metrics improved after AID initiation during 24 hours, for both daytime and night‐time (P < .001 for all). Metrics improved significantly more during night‐time than daytime (P < .01).

Conclusions

GRI was highly correlated with various CGM metrics above, but not below target range, both before and after AID initiation.
Temperature sensitivity of tree recruitment at alpine treelines increases along latitudinal gradients
Authors: Shi Hang , Zhou Quan , He Rui , Zhang Quanfa , Dang Haishan
Published: July 2023

The alpine treeline is highly sensitive to temperature change, and treelines worldwide have been rapidly responding to temperature warming by increasing in tree density. However, often inconsistent or even conflicting results, regarding the response of tree recruitment to temperature change across regions, still challenge our profound comprehension of warming‐induced treeline dynamics. Here, we quantified the temperature sensitivity of tree recruitment within alpine treeline ecotones (i.e. the strength of relationship between tree recruitment and temperature change), and tested whether and how the temperature sensitivity changed along latitudinal gradients by examining 124 alpine treelines across North America and Asia. Our analyses demonstrated that temperature changes could significantly influence tree recruitment at treeline ecotones and the sensitivity of tree recruitment to temperature change was significantly and positively associated with latitude, showing that tree recruitment was more sensitive to temperature change at high latitudes than at low latitudes. Our findings highlighted the heterogeneous responses of tree recruitment at alpine treelines to temperature changes across latitudinal gradients, which should be incorporated into assessment models to improve future projections of global warming impacts across alpine ecosystems.
Direct evidence for intercontinental dispersal of a snail via a bird
Authors: Saito Takumi , Tatani Masanori , Odaya Yoshiya , Chiba Satoshi
Published: July 2023

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) is a critical process in the distribution of less‐migratory organisms. Migratory birds are considered the principal vector of LDD, especially over extremely long distances such as between continents. However, there has been no evidence of LDD spanning thousands of kilometers, even via birds. In this study, we collected a freshwater snail attached to a Latham's snipe. This snail was identified as the genus Glyptophysa through morphological and molecular identification based on four genetic regions. Considering the migration route of the bird and the distribution of the molluscan genus, we conclude that the snail was attached to a bird which migrated over 4000 km across the ocean. This finding demonstrates the LDD on an intercontinental scale of an organism via a migratory bird, which many biologists have long presumed to occur.
Contrasting patterns of host selection and performance of insect seed predators on three sympatric host plant species
Authors: Fagundes Marcilio , Fernandes Zaura Couto , Neves Frederico Siqueira , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson , Cuevas‐Reyes Pablo , Cornelissen Tatiana
Published: July 2023

Characterising host selection mechanisms and the performance of seed‐predating insects on different hosts has broad implications for ecology and applied entomology.

We assessed host selection and performance of endophagous seed‐predating insects on three species of Copaifera, testing two hypotheses: (i) large‐sized trees produce larger seeds and have higher levels of seed predation than their smaller congeneric relatives, and (ii) endophagous seed‐predating insects that develop in larger‐seeded trees exhibit higher body mass, lipid content, and muscle mass as they obtain higher amount of food resources.

Unpredated seeds of the large‐sized Copaifera langsdorffii showed greater mass than their smaller congeneric relatives C. arenicola and C. oblongifolia.

Two species of endophagous seed‐predating beetles (Rhinochenus brevicollis and Apion sp.) were found attacking seeds of the three Copaifera species. Rhinochenus brevicollis preyed on a higher percentage of seeds than Apion sp. The shrub C. oblongifolia had the highest percentage of seed predation, contradicting our original hypothesis that larger species have a higher percentage of seed predation.

Rhinochenus brevicollis preyed on a higher percentage of seeds of larger‐sized species than Apion sp. The higher dispersal ability of R. brevicollis associated with different patterns of plant species distribution may be the mechanism driving differential seed predation among Copaifera species.

Adult insects that emerged from C. langsdorffii seeds showed higher body mass and lipidic content. It is likely that insects developing in larger seeds obtain a higher amount of food resources during their development. Finally, we observed a positive relationship between body weight and lipidic content in adults of R. brevicollis. We suggest that studies shedding light onto insect performance in different host‐sized seeds are necessary to understand host selection by beetles.
Build, buy or partner? The relative performance of an acquisitive strategy
Authors: Faleye Olubunmi
Published: July 2023

We conceptualize mergers as one of several strategies for creating value and study merger performance by evaluating the performance of firms employing an acquisitive strategy. Relative to other firms, acquisitive firms are valued lower, exhibit lower employee and total factor productivity, and innovate less. These effects are concentrated among firms whose workforce is vulnerable to acquisition‐related personnel disruptions and/or those that are more dependent on employee relationship‐specific investments. We therefore propose that an acquisitive strategy diminishes firm value and performance by fostering disruptive conditions that undermine employee effectiveness and weaken their incentives.