bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultivating self-efficacy to empower professionals’ re-up skilling in cybersecurity
Authors: Stavrou Eliana , Piki Andriani
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The accelerated digital transformation and the growing emphasis on privacy, safety and security present ongoing challenges for cybersecurity experts. Alongside these challenges, the multidisciplinary, everchanging and complex nature of the cybersecurity domain has further challenged the acquisition and retention of cybersecurity talent. Empowering reskilling and upskilling in cybersecurity necessitates efficacious educational endeavours which promote self-confidence and foster a growth mindset. The purpose of this paper is to highlight that cultivating self-efficacy in cybersecurity education can help promote competency development and effectively address the prominent skills gaps. This notion applies equally to both aspiring individuals pursuing a career in cybersecurity and professionals in the field who may wish to better articulate the skills they already possess, the skills they lack and newly surfacing skills that need to be developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study discusses the imminent need for adopting a “skills-first” approach in cybersecurity and explores innovative pedagogies and professional frameworks that can inform and frame such an approach. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the importance of self-efficacy towards motivating and supporting upskilling in cybersecurity is performed. A case study is presented, expanding the authors’ previous work on cybersecurity professional development, to demonstrate the mediating role that self-efficacy can play in developing core cybersecurity competencies. The case study presents the design of a new cybersecurity curriculum in the context of postgraduate, synchronous distance cybersecurity education, and it is utilised as a basis to discuss how the proposed curriculum cultivates self-efficacy attitudes.

Findings

A skills-first approach is becoming the new norm in contemporary workplaces. This work highlights the importance of actively nurturing self-efficacy attitudes through innovative cybersecurity curricula that can be tailored to the learners’ needs, instigating a drive for learning and, ultimately, helping learners effectively upskilling by portraying a self-directed learning path and a professional growth mindset in cybersecurity.

Originality/value

The authors present the importance of cultivating self-efficacy in higher and lifelong education to foster reskilling and upskilling in cybersecurity. An innovative cybersecurity curriculum was constructed and delivered with a group of learners demonstrating how self-efficacy can be leveraged through interactive, reflective and self-assessment educational activities that enhanced motivation and self-awareness, curiosity, attention to detail and resilience – key skills for a successful career in cybersecurity.
Unraveling the post-adoptive hybrid learning experience: perspectives from information systems
Authors: Shah Jinal , Bhat Ishfaq Hussain , Gundugola Suma
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Hybrid learning has become a reality due to the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students world over had to switch to this new learning format. This study aims to analyze the impact of innovation attributes of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and User Technology (UTAUT2) model and community of inquiry (COI) framework on the hybrid learning experience and the continued intention for it.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional research design, the study has adapted a scale from past studies and collected data using purposive sampling from the student community. The research has used the structural equation modeling technique using SMART-PLS to study the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The study’s findings are that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, teaching presence, cognitive presence and social presence influence hybrid learning experience and continued intention. Further hybrid learning experience mediates the continued intention.

Practical implications

This study has several academic and practical implications for improving the hybrid learning experience. Various stakeholders can get insights on improving the user’s desire to pursue learning in a hybrid environment.

Originality/value

Hybrid learner experience is an upcoming area of research and yet unexplored in India as well as in other countries. A new hybrid experience model was developed by extending the UTAUT2 to include the COI framework and learner experience frameworks.
CFO co-option and dividend payments: the moderating role of CFO talent
Authors: Campa Domenico , Ginesti Gianluca
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between the co-option of the chief financial officer (CFO) and dividend payments, assessing whether the talent of the CFO affects this association.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analyses were based on hand-collected data for 922 firm-year observations from 157 European listed firms, during the period 2013–2019. Empirical models, based on a two-step estimation procedure, involved the use of instrumental variables and the generalised moment method.

Findings

The results show that CFO co-option is negatively associated with the level of dividend payments. It was also found that the degree of CFO talent moderates the negative association between CFO co-option and dividend payments.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation responds to the call for literature which examines how chief executive officer (CEO) – CFO relationships influence firms’ policies and outcomes. The study offers novel evidence for the individual-level characteristics of CFOs which are likely to reduce the effectiveness of CEO power and increase monitoring on corporate decisions on dividends.

Practical implications

The study sheds light on the effect of the interactions between CEOs and CFOs, which are important for investors’ expectations. In this regard, investors may be interested in the CFO profiles which may reduce CEO power over dividend policies.

Originality/value

Unlike previous research, which focused on CEOs, the authors are the first to shed light on the role of CFOs as key decision makers in influencing the dividend policies in modern corporations.
Understanding weight gain in female prisoners
Authors: Leech Kate , Rodham Karen , Burton Amy , Hughes Traceyanne
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate female prisoners’ perspectives on why they gain weight while in prison.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative design was used with semi-structured interviews with six females currently residing in a prison in the south of England.

Findings

Analysis of the data generated three themes relating to the reasons why women gain weight in prison. These were labelled as “The only thing you haven’t got to ask permission for is your food, it’s just handed to you”, “If you’ve been stripped of the things that make you happy, or that you are addicted to, eating can soothe you” and “prison can make you take better care of your health”.

Originality/value

The results identify perceived reasons why women gain weight in prison uniquely from the female prisoner perspective. The implications of the research identify the need for systemic change throughout different prison departments to enable women to maintain a healthy weight during their custodial sentence.
Banking concentration, information sharing and women's political empowerment in developing countries
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Kayo Emeride F. , Tchamyou Vanessa , Zogo Therese E.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This article analyses the effect of bank concentration on women's political empowerment in 80 developing countries over the period 2004–2020.

Design/methodology/approach

Banking concentration (BC) is measured by the assets held by the three largest commercial banks as a percentage of total commercial bank assets in a country. We use several indices to measure political empowerment, namely: the political empowerment index, composed of three indices (i.e. the women's civil liberties index, the women's participation in civil society index and the women's political participation index). The empirical evidence is based on the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Fixed Effects (FE) techniques.

Findings

The following findings are established. Banking concentration reduces women's political empowerment. Furthermore, information sharing offices (i.e. public credit registries and private credit bureaus) mitigate the negative effect of bank concentration on women’s political empowerment. Information sharing thresholds that are needed to completely dampen the negative effect of bank concentration on women’s political empowerment are provided. Policy implications are discussed, notably: (1) that governments in developing countries increase competition by easing barriers to entry for potential banks, to facilitate the transition from confiscatory concentration to distributive concentration favorable to all stakeholders; and (2) information sharing offices should be consolidated beyond the established thresholds in order to completely crowd-out the unfavorable effect of bank concentration of women’s political empowerment.

Originality/value

The paper provides new empirical evidence that helps to advance the debate on the effects of banking concentration and information sharing in the banking sector on women's political empowerment in developing countries.
Refreshing the affinity space concept: evolving understandings of learning via social media platforms in an algorithmic age
Authors: Oliveri Anna R. , Carpenter Jeffrey Paul
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to describe how the affinity space concept has been used to frame learning via social media, and call for and discuss a refresh of the affinity space concept to accommodate changes in social media platforms and algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by a sociocultural perspective, this paper reviews and discusses some ways the affinity space concept has been used to frame studies across various contexts, its benefits and disadvantages and how it has already evolved. It then calls for and describes a refresh of the affinity space concept.

Findings

Although conceptualized 20 years ago, the affinity space concept remains relevant to understanding social media use for learning. However, a refresh is needed to accommodate how platforms have changed, algorithms’ evolving role in social media participation and how these technologies influence users’ interactions and experiences. This paper offers three perspectives to expand the affinity space concept’s usefulness in an increasingly platformized and algorithmically mediated world.

Practical implications

This paper underscores the importance of algorithmic literacy for learners and educators, as well as regulations and guidance for social media platforms.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper revisits and updates a widely utilized conceptual framing with consideration for how social media platform design and algorithms impact interactions and shape user experiences.
CHEER and markets’ integration: evidence from selected East Asian economies
Authors: Koukouritakis Minoas
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate markets’ integration using the capital enhanced equilibrium exchange rate (CHEER) model for seven, highly competitive, East Asian countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of monthly observations, whereas unit root and cointegration techniques with structural shifts have been used.

Findings

The evidence shows that the weak form of the CHEER approach holds for Malaysia and Thailand. For China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taipei, only the uncovered interest parity condition is validated, implying capital markets integration. In contrast, for these five countries, the results indicate absence of goods’ markets integration. This outcome can be attributed to the impact of quite high non-tariff barriers and the Balassa–Samuelson effect.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that investigate markets’ integration in several East Asian economies, using the CHEER approach and more accurate price indices.
Heritage conservation and energy efficiency in adaptive reuse projects the case of Gaziantep, Türkiye
Authors: Karabeyeser Bakan Merve , Fouseki Kalliopi , Altamirano Hector
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This article explores the challenges and opportunities in adaptive reuse projects for historic buildings, focusing on the interrelationship between energy efficiency and heritage conservation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises a mixed-method approach, including semi-structured interviews and energy retrofit surveys, conducted in seven adaptively reused historical buildings in the Bey neighbourhood, Gaziantep, Türkiye. Thematic analysis is used for interviews, and survey results were discussed together within the framework of CSN EN16883.

Findings

The adaptive reuse of historic buildings can result in economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits for local communities. However, for this to occur, careful consideration must be given when selecting the new function, ensuring that it aligns with the buildings' environmental performance potential and the community’s needs. Considering the CSN EN16883 Guidelines for improving the energy performance of historic buildings, when the retrofits made by the users are assessed, the general approach is to preserve the heritage value of the building rather than making it energy efficient.

Originality/value

This study will add to a cross-cultural understanding of the complex relationship between adaptive reuse, energy efficiency and heritage conservation by looking at the local context of Gaziantep. No similar qualitative study addresses this issue in this region.
“The changing same” of whiteness in the US LIS academy: a cathartic testimonial from BIPOC faculty scholars
Authors: Irvin Vanessa , Kumasi Kafi D. , Akinola Kehinde
Published: July 2024

Purpose

There is little to no empirical research on the phenomenon of ways in which the racism of whiteness transpires within the faculties and classrooms of US-based ALA-accredited library and information science (LIS) education programs. We do have scholars publishing meaningful work exploring diversity-equity-inclusion topics and initiatives to evolve the LIS discourse on these issues (Honma, 2005; Chancellor, 2019; De LaRosa et al., 2021; Gibson, 2019; Mehra et al., 2023; Colón-Aguirre et al., 2022; Hands, 2022). This research substantiates the conceptual research that exists by empirically exposing the ways in which the racism of whiteness functions at the interpersonal level of work culture in LIS programs (i.e. the academy) in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

Adapting Baima and Sude’s (2020) modified Delphi Method, a focus group of 13 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) library and information science faculty members in the United States were recruited to participate in a one-time 60-min virtual Zoom session. Participants were engaged in three iterative rounds of reflective inquiry to reach a consensus of experience. The study design was embedded with critical race theory-based (CRT) ethnographic methods such as testimony (counterstorytelling), collective affirmation (shared narratives), and silence.

Findings

BIPOC LIS faculty (tenure-track and tenured) have similar ideas about whiteness and how it is operationalized as micro- and macro-aggressions in the LIS academic workplace, most significantly inside the classroom. The experience of whiteness was prevalent among all study participants in two areas: workplace meetings with faculty colleagues and classroom sessions (face-to-face and online) with students.

Originality/value

The findings offer empirical evidence to support the prolific conceptual literature in LIS discourse concerning ways in which critical race theory (CRT) interrogates LIS’s socio-professional injustices and inequities (e.g. Gibson et al., 2018; Stauffer, 2020; Leung and Lopez-McKnight, 2021; Jennings and Kinzer, 2022; Snow and Dunbar, 2022). There remains a dearth of empirical research that reports how whiteness is reproduced in the practices, knowledge, and resources that make up the ethos of the LIS faculty meeting and classroom. Documenting the testimonies of BIPOC LIS faculty solidifies the existence of whiteness as a toxic reality in the LIS academy.
The school principals' role in developing the professional capital of teachers: evidence from principals and teachers
Authors: Berhanu Kelemu Zelalem
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Although building professional capital improves student learning and the effectiveness of schools in educating students, it needs to be explored in the area of primary schools in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the practices of primary school principals to develop the professional capital of teachers and the associated challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was used to collect data from nine teachers and five principals of Ethiopian primary schools using a maximum variation sampling. Data obtained from interviews and two focus groups were subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings

Principals and teachers reported that to develop the human capital of teachers, principals provided teachers with opportunities to attend training, encouraged informal collaboration for professional improvement and encouraged the practice of continuous professional development programs. For the development of social capital among teachers, the principals also formed various social groups, encouraged frequent interactions between school stakeholders and created a caring school culture to strengthen the interactions between school stakeholders. For building the decision-making capital of teachers, principals promoted an environment in which teachers' professional judgment and wisdom are respected and so forth. The challenges to develop professional capital were related to teachers and principals, schools and education bureaus.

Originality/value

Building teachers' professional capital increases school effectiveness, although primary schools still need to investigate this further. Therefore, by improving knowledge and information on approaches to building professional capital in teachers, this study is important to administrators and other relevant school stakeholders. This also helps principals transform their leadership behavior to be more pedagogical in leading teaching and learning and enhance teachers' ability to build and exercise effective social and professional behaviors towards their students in their daily practices.
Tourism digital detox and digital-free tourism: What do we know? What do we not know? Where should we be heading?
Authors: Hassan Thowayeb , Saleh Mahmoud Ibraheam
Published: July 2024

Purpose

While past research has begun exploring digital-free tourism, tourism digital detox and their benefits, no study to date has comprehensively mapped trends, findings and limitations across this growing body of literature. This study aims to conduct the first bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a mixed methodology of bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review. Structured search strings were applied to databases to identify relevant papers, which were screened according to inclusion criteria. Bibliometric analysis of included papers was performed using Bibliometrix, an R package enabling network visualization, statistical tests and science mapping. This allowed the identification of significant topics, theories, methods, citations and publication trends over time.

Findings

The results clearly show that factors previously lacking attention in past tourism research, such as the interplay between online and offline experiences during travel, are emerging as important determinants of travelers' well-being. This study outlines the current state of scholarship on managing technology's impacts on travelers' psychological and social needs. Specifically, we found limited research integrating how digital detox tools shape pre-trip planning, on-site activities and post-trip sharing of travel experiences.

Originality/value

This is the first study to comprehensively map trends and findings in digital-free tourism and tourism digital detox research using a blended bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review methodology. It offers vital direction toward strengthening theoretical understanding and supporting balanced connectivity and fulfillment for all tourists going forward. By addressing limitations, this research approach helps develop this area of scholarship in a unified manner.
Development of conductive carbon-based interdigitated electrode array integrated with microfluidic channel for blood glucose sensing
Authors: Bose Anindya , Sengupta Sarthak , Biswas Sayori
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide a microfluidic blood glucose sensing platform based on integrated interdigitated electrode arrays (IDEAs) on a flexible quartz glass substrate, adhering closely to pertinent electrochemical characterizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Sensors are the key elements of the modern electronics era through which all the possible physical quantities can be detected and converted into their equivalent electrical form and processed further. But to make the sensing environment better, various types of innovative architectures are being developed nowadays and among them interdigitated electrodes are quite remarkable in terms of their sensing capability. They are a well-qualified candidate in the field of gas sensing and biosensing, but even their sensitivities are getting saturated due to their physical dimensions. Most of the thin film IDEAs fabricated by conventional optical lithographic techniques do not possess a high surface-to-volume ratio to detect the target specified and that reduces their sensitivity factor. In this context, a classic conductive carbon-based highly sensitive three dimensional (3D) IDEA-enabled biosensing system has been conceived on a transparent and flexible substrate to measure the amount of glucose concentration present in human blood. 3D IDEA possesses a way better capacitive sensing behavior compared to conventional thin film microcapacitive electrodes. To transmit the target biological analyte sample property for the detection purpose to the interdigitated array-based sensing platform, the design of a microfluidic channel is initiated on the same substrate. The complex 3D Inter Digital array structure improves the overall capacitance of the entire sensing platform and the reactive surface area as well. The manufactured integrated device displays a decent value of sensitivity in the order of 5.6 µA mM−1 cm−2.

Findings

Development of a low-cost array-based integrated and highly flexible microfluidic biochip to extract the quantity of glucose present in human blood.

Originality/value

Potential future research opportunities in the realm of integrated miniaturized, low-cost smart biosensing systems may arise from this study.
LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace: examining the roles of climate, leadership, and psychological empowerment to determine satisfaction
Authors: Lathabhavan Remya , Mishra Nidhi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Organizations are moving beyond the gender binary in the workplace and are implementing diversity management practices, making Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) inclusion increasingly important as they continue to remain a disadvantaged group. This paper aims to look into the factors that affect job and life satisfaction among LGBTQ employees in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 348 LGBTQ employees and analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results showed that psychological safety has a positive impact on psychological empowerment, job satisfaction and life satisfaction. Additionally, inclusive climate and inclusive leadership were found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationships. The study also revealed that psychological empowerment plays a mediating role between psychological safety and life satisfaction.

Originality/value

The study stands pioneers among the works that discuss workplace inclusion among LGBTQ employees in Indian context since LGBTQ acceptance in normal social system is still in nascent stage in Indian scenario. The findings can be used to improve LGBTQ inclusion and promote social development and well-being in organizations and society, as the inputs from the study can be taken up for inclusive leadership development and wellbeing of the employees.
The role of robotization in reducing the perception of unskilled labor in food and beverage businesses
Authors: İflazoglu Nurhayat , Can Ipek Itır
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the use of robot technologies in the food and beverage sector, an important component of the tourism industry, to reduce unskilled labor in the sector. The discussion is based on a review of the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a qualitative study that explores the impact of robotization on the perception of unskilled labor in the food and beverage business in general.

Findings

Robotic technologies, which have become prominent in the industry 4.0 era, can potentially eliminate the perception of “unskilled labor” in the tourism sector and make it a more desirable field to work in. This shift could encourage people to pursue skilled jobs with a stronger cognitive aspect, leading to an improvement in quality of life due to time savings and greater employment stability.

Originality/value

This research emphasizes the significance of implementing robotics in the food and beverage business, which is an important component of the tourism sector, to reduce the number of unskilled workers in the sector.
Gravity forward modelling software with user‐friendly interface
Authors: Chen Wenjin , Tan Xiaolong , Tenzer Robert
Published: July 2024

The gravimetric forward method is crucial in geophysical applications for a gravimetric interpretation of the Earth's inner structure. In this study, we present the gravimetric forward modelling open‐source software that incorporates a graphical user interface. This software allows data preparation, manipulation and result interpretation both spatially and spectrally. For spatial domain modelling, it uses prism and tesseroid elements, whereas in the spectral domain, it extends Parker's formulas within specified boundaries. The software's utility is demonstrated through synthetic models and real‐world applications, including calculating corrections for topography, sediments and consolidated crust using ETOPO1 and CRUST1.0 models. Performance comparisons show that Parker's method delivers computation speed superior to that of the prism, tesseroid and Terrain gravity forward (TGF) software, with variances ranging within ±12 mGal for and ±0.3 E for across different geological scenarios.
Social referencing processes in inclusive classrooms—Relationships between teachers' attitudes, students' attitudes, social integration and classroom climate
Authors: Lenkeit Jenny , Bosse Stefanie , Knigge Michel , Hartmann Anne , Ehlert Antje , Spörer Nadine
Published: July 2024

Attitudes have gained much attention for supporting the successful implementation of inclusive education. There is evidence that students' attitudes towards joint lessons with students with special educational needs (SEN) affect peer relations in classrooms. But much less is currently known about the relationships between teachers' and students' attitudes and their effects on inclusive processes. This paper draws on social referencing theory to frame how teachers may affect students' attitudes. It postulates that students' attitudes towards peers with SEN and inclusive practices are affected by their teachers' attitudes towards students with SEN and inclusive practices. It also examines how teachers' and students' attitudes relate to classroom climate and social integration. Using a sample of 1.365 German 6th and 7th graders from 64 classes, we run a series of multilevel path models to investigate relationships between teachers' and students' attitudes with social integration and classroom climate. Attitudes are differentiated by a cognitive and affective facet and by whether they relate to students with emotional–social difficulties (SEN‐ESD) or learning difficulties. Results show social referencing for cognitive attitudes towards inclusive practices for students with SEN‐ESD. Results also indicate that teachers' cognitive attitudes and students' affective attitudes directly affect social integration and classroom climate.
Towards a greener tomorrow: What role does fiscal policy play in fostering environmental sustainability in Pakistan?
Authors: Maira Shahneel , Batool Zakia , Rehman Abdul
Published: July 2024

The concept of environmental sustainability has become a significant concern in the last several decades. The degradation of the environment has significant implications for human well‐being, subsequently affecting productivity and economic growth. Consequently, achieving the goal of environmental sustainability emerges as a primary objective. The goal of this study is to develop an Environmental Sustainability Index that specifically targets factors related to air, land, and water. The second goal is to assess the short‐ and long‐term impacts of fiscal policies on the environmental sustainability. The asymmetric influence of fiscal measures on sustainability is assumed in the present investigation. A time series data for the period 1974–2020 are used for the analysis. For the estimation of asymmetric effects, the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) technique is applied. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that subsidy and developmental expenditures have a detrimental effect on environmental sustainability in the presence of positive shocks. Conversely, a negative shock in subsidies does not yield a significant impact, whereas a negative shock in development expenditures has a noteworthy and adverse influence on environmental sustainability. In the short run, the positive shock to both subsidy and developmental expenditures significantly affects environmental sustainability while the negative shock to developmental expenditure has an insignificant impact while subsidy has a significant effect on environmental sustainability. The study suggests that while making fiscal policies, the government should consider the environmental aspects of these measures.
Examination of drug removal profiles in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange: A retrospective study
Authors: Balaban Ugur , Kara Emre , Mahmoud Sherif Hanafy , Ozcebe Osman Ilhami , Demirkan Kutay
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) eliminates disease‐contributing substances but may also affect drug concentrations. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of prescription drugs removable via TPE by reviewing patient medication histories.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐center study was conducted from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The study included 244 patients undergoing 1087 TPE sessions. Drugs prescribed to patients on TPE days were categorized as “yes” (probably removable), “maybe” (possibly removable), and “no” (unlikely removable) regarding their removability via TPE.

Results

Among 3966 prescriptions, 556 (14.0%) were analyzed, with 21.8%, 36.5%, and 41.7% falling into the “yes,” “maybe,” and “no” categories for removability. Although only 14.0% were categorized, 83.6% of patients received at least one analyzable drug. Among them, 83.8% had at least one potentially removable drug.

Conclusion

Real‐world data highlights the need for caution in drug treatments during TPE to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes, particularly for specific drugs.
Geographical origin determination of the PDO hazelnut (cv. Giresun Tombul) by chemometric analysis of FT‐NIR and Raman spectra acquired from shell and kernel
Authors: Özdemir İbrahim Sani , Firat Emel Önder , Özturk Tarık , Zomp Güray , Arici Muhammet
Published: July 2024

Turkey is the leading producer of hazelnuts, contributing to 62% of the total global production. Among 18 distinct local hazelnut cultivars, Giresun Tombul is the only cultivar that has received Protected Designation of Origin denomination from the European Comission (EC). However, there is currently no practical objective method to ensure its geographic origin. Therefore, in this study NIR and Raman spectroscopy, along with chemometric methods, such as principal component analysis, PLS‐DA (partial least squares‐discriminant analysis), and SVM‐C (support vector machine‐classification), were used to determine the geographical origin of the Giresun Tombul hazelnut cultivar. For this purpose, samples from unique 118 orchards were collected from eight different regions in Turkey during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. NIR and Raman spectra were obtained from both the shell and kernel of each sample. The results indicated that hazelnut samples exhibited distinct grouping tendencies based on growing season regardless of the spectroscopic technique and sample type (shell or kernel). Spectral information obtained from hazelnut shells demonstrated higher discriminative power concerning geographical origin compared to that obtained from hazelnut kernels. The PLS‐DA models utilizing FT‐NIR (Fourier transform near‐infrared) and Raman spectra for hazelnut shells achieved validation accuracies of 81.7% and 88.3%, respectively, while SVM‐C models yielded accuracies of 90.9% and 86.3%. It was concluded that the lignocellulosic composition of hazelnut shells, indicative of their geographic origin, can be accurately assessed using FT‐NIR and Raman spectroscopy, providing a nondestructive, rapid, and user‐friendly method for identifying the geographical origin of Giresun Tombul hazelnuts.

Practical Application

The proposed spectroscopic methods offer a rapid and nondestructive means for hazelnut value chain actors to verify the geographic origin of Giresun Tombul hazelnuts. This could definitely enhance consumer trust by ensuring product authenticity and potentially help in preventing fraud within the hazelnut market. In addition, these methods can also be used as a reference for future studies targeting the authentication of other shelled nuts.
Litsea cubeba essential oil: Extraction, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and applications in the food industry
Authors: Liu Yao , Ren Huanhuan , Li Kehu
Published: July 2024

Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Lauraceae) is a valuable industrial crop that produces essential oil. The essential oil extracted from L. cubeba (LCEO) has broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity and high antioxidant properties, with great potential for increased usage in the food industry. This literature review summarizes the extraction techniques, content and chemical composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of LCEO, with a focus on its usage in the food industry, which is an area of substantial recent research. The chemical composition of LCEO, which is affected by various factors, plays a key role in determining its bioactivity and usage in food. The potent antimicrobial activity of LCEO against various foodborne pathogens gives it potential for use in food packaging and preservation to extend shelf life. Future research challenges include the elucidation of the role and mechanism of individual chemical components of LCEO in inhibiting specific foodborne microorganisms; cultivar development to produce germplasm that yields essential oils of the desired chemical composition; and the development of commercial products that can be used in the food industry.
The effect of free and encapsulated probiotic bacteria on some physicochemical, microbiological, and textural properties of apricot leather (pestil) during storage
Authors: Bagdat Elif Seyma , Kutlu Gozde , Tornuk Fatih
Published: July 2024

Pestil, also known as fruit leather, has emerged as a promising non‐dairy carrier for probiotics, utilizing apricots and incorporating probiotics into its formulation. This study aimed to develop a healthy snack bar by incorporating three distinct strains of probiotic bacteria, both in free and encapsulated forms, into the recipe of apricot leather. The physicochemical, bioactive, microbiological, and textural attributes of the resulting apricot pestils were evaluated over a 120‐day storage period. Fluctuations in pH (4.74–4.97) were observed during storage, whereas water activity (0.31–0.45) and moisture content (8.05%–13.40%) exhibited a decreasing trend over time. Incorporating free or encapsulated bacteria resulted in a darker surface, attributed to the intermolecular interactions between probiotics and the pestil matrix. The initial total phenolic content was highest and declined significantly during storage (52.13–291.73 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) (p < 0.05). Viability was found to be higher in the encapsulated forms of bacteria at the conclusion of the storage period. Overall, apricot pestil emerged as a promising matrix for viable probiotics, facilitating their delivery and hosting in both free and encapsulated forms during storage.
Effect of testosterone formulations on hematocrit in transgender individuals: A systematic review
Authors: Okano Sérgio Henrique Pires , Braga Giordana Campos , Cantelli Débora Aiesha Leite , Filho Luis Antônio S. Pires , Brito Luiz Gustavo Oliveira , Lara Lucia Alves da Silva
Published: July 2024

Background

Approximately, 11% of trans men experience erythrocytosis diagnosis due to testosterone administration during the first year of the gender‐affirming hormone treatment (GAHT).

Objectives

To identify and compare the effect of different testosterone formulations on hematocrit (Hct) and diagnose erythrocytosis in trans men.

Materials and methods

This systematic review was based on PRISMA guidelines. We performed an electronic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science in January 2024. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the quality of evidence in the observational studies.

Results

Of the 152 records retrieved, 18 met the eligibility criteria. Studies observed an increase of up to 5% in Hct in trans men using injectable testosterone undecanoate (TU), and up to 6.9% in trans men using intermediate injectable testosterone esters (TE). Trans men using TE experience a larger increase in serum Hct levels compared to those receiving TU. Erythrocytosis prevalence varies according to the cutoff used (50%, 52%, and 54%). Erythrocytosis was also associated with tobacco use, age at initiation of hormone therapy, body mass index (BMI), and pulmonary conditions. Studies that evaluated the effect of testosterone formulation on erythrocytosis diagnosis present conflicting result. Trans men have a hazard ratio of 7.4 (95% CI: 4.1, 13.4) of developing erythrocytosis compared to cisgender men, using a 52% hematocrit cutoff.

Conclusion

All testosterone formulations result in an increase in Hct, irrespective of dose, formulation, and administration method. Smoking, higher age at initiation of the testosterone therapy, higher BMI, and a predisposing medical history are associated with this increase in Hct. The difference in effect of TE and TU on Hct is conflicting, although it is important to point out that these data come from observational studies, retrospective, and with a small‐sample size.
The “Temporal Rift” and the Temporalities of the Capitalist Social Metabolism
Authors: Rey‐Araújo Pedro M.
Published: July 2024

This paper advances a reading of the social metabolism as a dynamic orchestration of heterogeneous rhythms, encompassing those intrinsic to human bodies and other natural processes, and those of relations mediating both. Contrary to pre‐capitalist societies, as the collective mediation of the social metabolism adopts a capitalist form, it becomes autonomised from its conditions of existence, and a “temporal rift” emerges, with two distinct dimensions: the rhythmic conditions of regeneration of human bodies and natural processes, as well as the terms of occurrence of non‐subsumed practices, become subordinated to capital's reproductive needs, thus compromising the reproduction of all Earthly life.
Letter: Reflections on the role of over‐the‐scope clips in high‐risk upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Wang Yajie , Pan Yisheng
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to He et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18093 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18173
Outcomes of patients with alcohol‐associated hepatitis and acute kidney injury – Results from the HRS Harmony Consortium
Authors: Ma Ann T. , Allegretti Andrew S. , Cullaro Giuseppe , Ouyang Tianqui , Asrani Sumeet K. , Chung Raymond T. , Przybyszewski Eric M. , Wilechansky Robert M. , Robinson Jevon E. , Sharma Pratima , Simonetto Douglas A. , Jalal Prasun , Orman Eric S. , Wadei Hani M. , St. Hillien Shelsea A. , Saly Danielle , Ufere Nneka N. , Dageforde Leigh Anne , Regner Kevin R. , Belcher Justin M. , Patidar Kavish R. ,   from the HRS Harmony Consortium
Published: July 2024

Background & Aims

The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the setting of alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) portends a poor prognosis. Whether the presence of AH itself drives worse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis and AKI is unknown.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 11 hospital networks of consecutive adult patients admitted in 2019 with cirrhosis and AKI. AKI phenotypes, clinical course, and outcomes were compared between AH and non‐AH groups.

Results

A total of 2062 patients were included, of which 303 (15%) had AH, as defined by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) criteria. Patients with AH, compared to those without, were younger and had higher Model for End‐stage Liver Disease‐Sodium (MELD‐Na) scores on admission. AKI phenotypes significantly differed between groups (p < 0.001) with acute tubular necrosis occurring more frequently in patients with AH. Patients with AH reached more severe peak AKI stage, required more renal replacement therapy, and had higher 90‐day cumulative incidence of death (45% [95% CI: 39%–51%] vs. 38% [95% CI: 35%–40%], p = 0.026). Using no AH as reference, the unadjusted sHR for 90‐day mortality was higher for AH (sHR: 1.24 [95% CI: 1.03–1.50], p = 0.024), but was not significant when adjusting for MELD‐Na, age and sex. However, in patients with hepatorenal syndrome, AH was an independent predictor of 90‐day mortality (sHR: 1.82 [95% CI: 1.16–2.86], p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Hospitalised patients with cirrhosis and AKI presenting with AH had higher 90‐day mortality than those without AH, but this may have been driven by higher MELD‐Na rather than AH itself. However, in patients with hepatorenal syndrome, AH was an independent predictor of mortality.
Successful treatment of feline pancreatolithiasis associated with an ascending Providencia rettgeri infection using a novel surgical technique
Authors: Loh JR , Cleland N , Korman R
Published: July 2024

A 12‐year‐old female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat presented with a 4‐day history of lethargy, inappetence and vomiting. Physical findings included a grade 2/6 heart murmur and cranial abdominal pain on palpation. Serum biochemistry revealed elevated total bilirubin and liver enzymes activities. Abdominal ultrasound revealed multiple pancreatoliths, cholelithiasis and dilation of the pancreatic duct. During exploratory laparotomy, catheterisation of the pancreatic duct with retrograde and orthograde flushing to remove the pancreatoliths was performed via a distal enterotomy and proximal left apical partial pancreatectomy respectively. Catheterisation and flushing of the common bile duct were performed to confirm patency prior to cholecystectomy. Bacterial culture of pancreatoliths, pancreatic tissue and bile grew a heavy, pure growth of Providencia rettgeri. Fluorescent immunostaining histopathology revealed clusters of rod‐shaped bacteria within the pancreatic parenchyma and gall bladder mucosa. The cat received pradofloxacin for two weeks. She made a complete recovery and remained well at a six‐month follow‐up.
How and when employees' attributions of their employers' CSR activities affect their extra‐role work behavior
Authors: Castro‐Casal Carmen , Vila‐Vázquez Guadalupe , García‐Chas Romina
Published: July 2024

The objective of this research is to examine how and when employees' attributions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect their extra‐role service behaviors. The research analyses the mediating role of work meaningfulness in the employees' CSR attributions–extra‐role behaviors relationships. The moderating role of employees' attitudes toward CSR in both the relationships between CSR attributions and work meaningfulness and in the mediated relationship is also studied. The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 204 frontline employees of four‐ and five‐star hotels in Spain using structural equations and the PROCESS macro. The results indicate that only substantive CSR attributions positively influenced employees' extra‐role service behaviors and that the relationship occurs through the work meaningfulness experienced by employees. While substantive CSR attributions boosted work meaningfulness and subsequent extra‐role service behavior regardless of personal attitudes toward CSR, the link between symbolic CSR attributions and work meaningfulness as well as the mediated relationship with extra‐role service behaviors were found to be moderated by employees' personal attitudes toward CSR. When employees had lower personal attitudes toward CSR, symbolic CSR attributions positively affected work meaningfulness and extra‐role service behavior; when attitudes toward CSR were higher, the relationships were not significant. Interesting theoretical contributions and practical insights follow from these findings.
Access to best‐evidenced mental health support for care‐experienced young people: Learnings from the implementation of cognitive therapy for PTSD
Authors: McGuire Rosie , Meiser‐Stedman Richard , Smith Patrick , Schmidt Davin , Bjornstad Gretchen , Bosworth Robyn , Clarke Timothy , Coombes Joe , Geijer Simpson Emma , Hudson Kristian , Oliveira Paula , Macleod John , McGovern Ruth , Stallard Paul , Wood Katie , Hiller Rachel M.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Rates of PTSD are up to 12 times higher in care‐experienced young people (CEYP) compared to their peers. Trauma‐focused CBTs (tf‐CBT) are the best‐evidenced treatment for youth with PTSD, yet, in practice, CEYP often struggle to access this treatment. We worked alongside services to understand barriers and facilitators of the implementation of cognitive therapy for PTSD (a type of tf‐CBT) to CEYP.

Design

This was an active, open implementation trial.

Methods

We recruited 28 mental health teams across England, including general CAMHS, targeted CAMHS for CEYP and social care‐based teams. From these teams, participants were 243 mental health professionals, from a wide variety of professional backgrounds. Following recruitment/intervention training, teams participated in rolling three monthly focus groups and individual interviews, to understand what helped and hindered implementation. Data were analysed using a framework analysis conducted using CFIR 2.0.

Results

Almost half of the teams were able to implement, but only approximately one quarter with CEYP, specifically. Universal barriers that were discussed by almost all teams particularly highlighted service structures and poor resourcing as major barriers to delivery to CEYP, as well as the complexities of the young person and their network. Unique factors that differentiated teams who did and did not implement included commissioning practices, the culture of the team, leadership engagement and style, and the development of supervision structures.

Conclusions

Findings offer key considerations for mental health teams, service leads, commissioners and policy‐makers to enhance delivery of best‐evidenced mental health treatments like CT‐PTSD, for CEYP.