bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What determines the tax compliance intention of individual taxpayers receiving COVID-19-related benefits? Insights from Indonesia
Authors: Saptono Prianto Budi , Khozen Ismail
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Even as governments worldwide take extraordinary measures and spend unprecedented amounts of their state budgets to combat COVID-19, tax compliance remains challenging. Therefore, this study employs previously identified predictors to investigate the factors that persuade individual taxpayers to comply with the law.

Design/methodology/approach

Individual taxpayers in Indonesia (N = 699) who had experienced COVID-19-related benefits were asked to assess the provided evaluation regarding the tax compliance intention and its determinants. The bootstrapping analysis was employed using smart partial least squares (SmartPLS) to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggest that the perceived fiscal exchange, tax morality, tax fairness, tax complexity and the power of authority are significant determinants of tax compliance intention. This study also supports the indirect effects of numerous factors on tax compliance intention through the perceived fiscal exchange and tax morality. In practice, reminding taxpayers of how tax payments fund public services, improving taxpayer morale, increasing the perceived fairness of the tax system, streamlining the tax code and managing the effectiveness of tax administration could all lead to a greater intention to comply with the law.

Originality/value

In addition to highlighting the dynamics of tax compliance amid the unprecedented pandemic crisis, our findings also provide insight into the importance of perceived fiscal exchange and tax morality for achieving and sustaining planned behavior to comply with tax rules.
Research and practice in harmonising nature and culture in Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Roy Anuranjan , Yadav Madhura , Jain Shikha , Khendry Nitya , Chowdhary Chandni , Talukdar Gautam
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Planning for Jaipur City in Rajasthan, north-western India, which was added to the World Heritage List in 2019, considers the surrounding hills and water systems. Rapid urbanisation is currently placing strain on the area, and natural resources and city green spaces are deteriorating. A multidisciplinary team of academicians, researchers and practitioners was assembled under the Heritage Place Lab (HPL) initiative with the aim of developing a research agenda to complement the city's Special Area Heritage Plan (SAHP) that is currently in development.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the complicated urban structure of Jaipur, an interdisciplinary approach involving experts from various fields and engagement from all levels of the city's stakeholders was necessary. The partnership proceeded following the parameters provided under the HPL to jointly build a research agenda focussing on the management challenges of the World Heritage Site.

Findings

The co-produced research programme narrowed its initial emphasis on documenting of the natural heritage of the city to reflect the functions it served in a social setting. It was also revealed that the conflicting nature of activities within the World Heritage Site is caused by overlapping jurisdictions of several administrative and legislative components.

Originality/value

Jaipur, examined here by an interdisciplinary Research-Practice Team, provides a valuable and unique case study for heritage management, particularly given that most historic cities in India are facing comparable concerns surrounding urbanisation with rising pressures on natural resources.
Planning, implementing and evaluating research data services in academic libraries: a model approach
Authors: Hackett Cody , Kim Jeonghyun
Published: May 2023

Purpose

One of the most critical changes to academic library services in the last decade has been the development and implementation of research data services (RDS). This paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of conceptual models for the RDS space.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive and comprehensive review of the literature on conceptual models for RDS is performed.

Findings

Various conceptual models for RDS provide a compelling tool for guiding and evaluating RDS development and implementation within academic libraries.

Originality/value

An insightful review and synthesis of context and issues in RDS models will help academic libraries to plan, develop and advance their RDS.
What motivates people to counter misinformation on social media? Unpacking the roles of perceived consequences, third-person perception and social media use
Authors: Luo Chen , Zhu Yijia , Chen Anfan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Drawing upon the third-person effect (TPE) theory, this study focuses on two types of misinformation countering intentions (i.e. simple correction and correction with justification). Accordingly, it aims to (1) assess the tenability of the third-person perception (TPP) in the face of misinformation on social media, (2) explore the antecedents of TPP and its relationship with individual-level misinformation countering intentions and (3) examine whether the mediating process is contingent on different social media usage conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with 1,000 representative respondents recruited in Mainland China in January 2022 using quota sampling. Paired t-test, multiple linear regression and moderated mediation analysis were employed to examine the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Results bolster the fundamental proposition of TPP that individuals perceive others as more susceptible to social media misinformation than they are. The self-other perceptual bias served as a mediator between the perceived consequence of misinformation and misinformation countering (i.e. simple correction and correction with justification) intentions. Furthermore, intensive social media users were likely to be motivated to counter social media misinformation derived from the indirect mechanism.

Originality/value

The findings provide further evidence for the role of TPE in explaining misinformation countering intention as prosocial and altruistic behavior rather than self-serving behavior. Practically, promising ways to combat rampant misinformation on social media include promoting the prosocial aspects and beneficial outcomes of misinformation countering efforts to others, as well as reconfiguring the strategies by impelling intensive social media users to participate in enacting countering actions

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-09-2022-0507.
Adolescents' mental health, coping strategies, social support and interventions: a qualitative study in Switzerland
Authors: Chok Lorraine , Suris Joan-Carles , Barrense-Dias Yara
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Adolescence is an important life stage including physical, emotional and social changes that make adolescents vulnerable to mental health issues. To face these emotional and behavioral problems, adolescents may use various coping strategies. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to better understand the coping strategies when adolescents face mental health difficulties, the reasons why some adolescents find it difficult to seek social support and/or professional care and which interventions they would find efficient to improve adolescents' mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

The study included 28 participants aged between 12–19 years old. Four online focus groups (FGs) separated by gender and age were performed between March and April 2021, during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland.

Findings

The results show that several strategies put forward by participants did not include talking about their problems with others. Reducing the stigma and taking the adolescents' mental health seriously would make it easier for adolescents to talk about their problems to other people. Overall, participants considered that doing leisure-time activities and going out with friends were the best way to reduce stressful situations and mental health problems. For all aspects of health, including the mental one, it is important that policies promote the access to sports and arts activities for all the adolescents.

Originality/value

This study explored adolescents' coping strategies and their opinions on intervention for dealing with potential mental health problems, an issue that is still taboo for some adolescents.
An econometric understanding of Fintech and operating performance
Authors: Ben Bouheni Faten , Tewari Manish , Sidaoui Mouwafac , Hasnaoui Amir
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop a unique methodology to construct a bank’s financial technology (Fintech) score, which captures the degree of digitalization of a bank’s operations. Using the Fintech score as the proxy, this study investigates the effect of Fintech on the operating performance of the top largest Islamic bank.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used measures the link between the degree of digitization of a bank and its operational performance. This study applies the three-degree polynomial of regression to the largest Islamic bank in which the explanatory variable is the natural logarithm of Fintech score, and the response variable is common operating performance measure. To check the sensitivity of the estimates to the sample size and assumptions’ violation, this study has applied Bootstrapping and Bayesian processes to the three-degree polynomial regressions.

Findings

The study estimates from 2007 to 2021 show that the relationship between the operating performance of the Islamic banks and the Fintech is nonlinear and strongly significant: operating returns increase with the increasing level of Fintech, whereas the operating returns decrease with the increasing Fintech variance. At an aggregate level, this study attributes a significant rise in internet coverage to the emergence of Fintech in the Middle East region.

Originality/value

This study constructs an implicit measure of Fintech that measures the adoption of Fintech by the bank and, consequently, offers the technology to their customers for higher use satisfaction. This study finds that Fintech is linked to the operating performance in a nonlinear fashion, in which Fintech and Fintech variance have the opposite effect on operating performance: Fintech increases the operating profitability, whereas Fintech variance decreases the operating profitability of a bank.
Enhancement of mechanical and surface properties by ball burnishing process on polymeric components obtained by FFF
Authors: García de la Torre Héctor , Gomez-Gras Giovanni , Chueca de Bruijn Ariadna , Pérez-Martínez Marco A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate and deliver experimental evidence to establish ball burnishing (BB) as an effective procedure for processing fused filament fabricated parts (FFF). This study, which is a novel contribution to applying BB on FFF parts of materials with different properties, demonstrates the validity of this technology on polymers and provides generalizations for its implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

A BB tool has been designed and validated. Statistical models have been used to determine the process parameters that provide the best results. In addition, the process’ impacts on the dimensional accuracy, quality, hardness and mechanical performance of the treated parts under static bending and fatigue testing have been quantified and compared to the untreated samples.

Findings

This study shows the best combination of process parameters for two printing orientations which have been decisive in obtaining successful results. These positive results allow stating procedure guidelines and recommendations for use in the industrial environment.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to enhance FFF parts' surface and mechanical properties, as more experimental evidence of studies demonstrating this technology's validity in additive manufacturing is yet to be found.
Assessment of the fire retardant effect potential of carbonized cow horn ash additive in banana peduncle fibre reinforced polyester composites
Authors: O.D. Onukwuli , Ezeh Ernest Mbamalu
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the fire retardant property potentials of cow horn ash particles (CHAp) bio-additive and aluminium trihydrate (AH), a traditional inorganic fire-retardant additive, respectively, in banana peduncle fibre (BPF) reinforced polyester composites. An attempt was made to comparatively analyse the fire retardant capacity potentials of CHAp, a bio-material waste that is readily available, at no cost, as a potential fire retardant material for composites manufacture with a conventional inorganic fire retardant additive (AH).

Design/methodology/approach

The fibre used in this research was derived from the banana peduncle. The matrix is unsaturated polyester. A scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the particle size of the carbonized CHAp. The composites were compounded using 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% of CHAp and AH, respectively. A cone calorimeter instrument was used in the analysis to obtain combustion information of CHAp and AH formulated polyester-BPF composites. Test samples were cut to the dimensions of 100 × 100 mm. All materials are conditioned at 23 ± 30 °C and the relative humidity of 50 ± 5% for 24 h before testing. The samples were wrapped with aluminium foil around the back and edges before placing the samples on the holder and then into the cone calorimeter. The samples were backed with a non-combustible insulating refractory material (brick). The samples were orientated horizontally and exposed to irradiances of 50 kW/m2 at a temperature of approximately 6000 °C. The samples were pilot ignited and ran in triplicate; the average readings of the three runs were taken.

Findings

The results obtained from the analysis depicted similar fire retardant properties for formulations with CHAp and AH, respectively. Composites formulated with CHAp exhibited delayed ignition time of 25%, increased end of burning time of 14.24% and reduced total heat release rate of 9.07% for the developed composites. The developed BPF/CHAp/polyester composites yield composites with fire retardancy, which would find relevance in the engineering material industry.

Originality/value

CHAp, therefore, would suffice as an alternative to the inorganic, expensive and non-environmental friendly, conventional fire retardant additives used in composites manufacture.
Root traits of grasslands rapidly respond to climate change, while community biomass mainly depends on functional composition
Authors: Rojas‐Botero Sandra , Teixeira Leonardo H. , Prucker Paula , Kloska Veronika , Kollmann Johannes , Le Stradic Soizig
Published: May 2023

Current challenges of functional responses in plant communities to climate change call for multi‐factorial experiments. Moreover, studies on climate change should focus on below‐ground responses since absorptive roots largely control soil C allocation and resource acquisition. Thus, we aimed to understand biomass allocation and traits of absorptive roots in young mesocosm grasslands subjected to simultaneous manipulation of three components of climate change.

We tested grassland biomass and root traits under climate change while manipulating functional composition. Using 64 mesocosms with designed grasslands within four chambers of a controlled‐environment facility (‘ecotron’), we simulated two contrasting IPCC climate change scenarios for elevated [CO2] and temperature (‘eCO2’ and ‘eT’). We applied normal vs. reduced precipitation of early summer in Central Europe. We also tested the effect of functional composition by varying the proportion of grasses and forbs in the communities. Specifically, we quantified above‐ and below‐ground biomass, root diameter (RD), root tissue density (RTD), specific root length (SRL), and root length density (RLD).

Functional composition played a significant role in biomass allocation of the grasslands, with grass‐dominated communities producing more below‐ground biomass than forb‐dominated ones, and the opposite pattern registered above‐ground. Below‐ground biomass did not respond to climate change factors, whereas root trait values responded significantly during early establishment of the grasslands. A higher RD indicated a more conservative strategy under reduced precipitation, while eT and eCO2 led to higher RTD. We detected interactive effects between climate change and functional composition on root traits. Moreover, root biomass primarily occupied the upper soil layer, while a warm and CO2‐rich environment promoted root allocation to the lower soil layer. Grass‐dominated communities quickly colonized all available soil volume, while forb‐dominated ones accumulated more root biomass in the upper soil layer.

In the mesocosm grasslands, root trait variation rather than root biomass reflected below‐ground adjustments to climate change. Furthermore, functional composition and the associated trait diversity modulated biomass allocation. Thus, establishing plant communities that are more resilient to climate change must consider the functional and taxonomic composition of the seed mixtures designed to restore urban grasslands.

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Host filtering, not competitive exclusion, may be the main driver of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community assembly under high phosphorus
Authors: Frew Adam , Heuck Meike Katharina , Aguilar‐Trigueros Carlos A.
Published: May 2023

A major goal in ecology is understanding the factors which determine the diversity and distribution of organisms. The outcome of the symbiotic relationship between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is strongly influenced by soil phosphorus (P) availability. Despite this knowledge, there is still much to uncover about how soil P status can shape the taxonomic and phylogenetic assembly of root‐colonising AM fungi. Additionally, there is a paucity of understanding about the implications of these changes for the outcome of the AM symbiosis in terms of plant growth, nutrient status and defence traits.

We conducted a factorial pot experiment where sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) was grown under three different P treatments (low, medium and high), in the presence or absence of a natural AM fungal community. By analysing the diversity and community structure of the fungal community colonising roots, we aimed to determine if and how soil P influences the relatedness of these communities and whether competitive exclusion or environmental filtering play a more significant role in their assembly. Additionally, we evaluated the concomitant outcomes for plant growth, nutrient acquisition and defensive chemistry (phenolics).

Increasing P availability reduced AM fungal richness and increased community evenness. Root‐colonising AM fungal communities under the high P treatment had significantly reduced phylogenetic diversity and comparatively lower mean pairwise distances among all treatments. This indicated that AM fungal communities became more closely related (phylogenetically clustered) with increasing soil P. The mycorrhizal growth and mycorrhizal P responses of plants were positive under low and medium P, but this was lost under high P, however, plant phenolics were increased.

Our results suggest that under high P conditions, environmental filtering plays an important role in AM fungal community assembly as host plants alter their selectivity of fungal functional groups prioritising those associated with enhancing plant stress resistance and defences, rather than nutrient acquisition. Here we demonstrated how soil P status can shape taxonomic and phylogenetic assembly of AM fungi and the associated functional outcomes for the host.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Discernment or Devotion: Egypt and Sculptural Politics in Eighteenth‐Century France
Authors: Browne Elizabeth Saari
Published: May 2023

Although French fascination with Egyptian material culture is often dated to the nineteenth century, ancient Egyptian gems, architectural fragments, and small statues were already avidly collected in the eighteenth century. For some, the display and close study of small Egyptian works of art in private cabinets served to develop discernment, the formal properties illuminating historical moeurs, techniques, and artistic exchanges otherwise unknowable from then‐untranslated hieroglyphs. Others, however, dismissed these objects as fetishes and idols, produced under the control of priests and despots for ritual devotion. Escalating prejudices in Europe toward the peoples and objects of Africa was fundamental to this latter attitude. Yet, the bigoted language also illuminates the fraught boundaries perceived between connoisseurship and idolatry, both predicated on the focused attention toward material objects. This essay addresses the implication of ancient Egyptian sculpture in these period debates, and demonstrates the impact of these biases on art histories of sculpture.
The impact of intrafirm incentive conflicts on the interplay between tax incidence and economic efficiency
Authors: Fan Qintao , Johnson Nicole Bastian , Pfeiffer Thomas
Published: May 2023

We study how corporate taxation interacts with intrafirm incentive conflicts between shareholders and managers and how this interaction impacts the firm's economic decisions and outcomes. In our model, investment under asymmetric information facilitates entrenchment and rent extraction by the privately informed manager. We show that when the future investment payoff is exogenous, a corporate tax cut increases managerial rents, reduces pre‐tax investment profitability, increases the firm's optimal investment hurdle rate, and reduces investment. When the manager can exert upfront project development effort to increase the expected investment payoff, a tax rate reduction not only encourages more effort but also leads the firm to increase the investment hurdle rate to curtail rents. In equilibrium, a lower tax rate always benefits the manager, but the sensitivity of the project's return to the manager's effort determines whether the firm will increase or decrease investment in response to a tax cut, and whether the firm's resulting pre‐tax profit will increase or decrease. Overall, our study shows that intrafirm incentive conflicts can be an important factor in the interplay between tax incidence and economic efficiency, two central themes in corporate tax policy debates.
Lived experiences of the diagnostic assessment process for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Hayes Nicole , Bagley Kerryn , Hewlett Nicole , Elliott Elizabeth J. , Pestell Carmela F. , Gullo Matthew J. , Munn Zachary , Middleton Philippa , Walker Prue , Till Haydn , Shanley Dianne C. , Young Sophia L. , Boaden Nirosha , Hutchinson Delyse , Kippin Natalie R. , Finlay‐Jones Amy , Friend Rowena , Shelton Doug , Crichton Alison , Reid Natasha
Published: May 2023

Early assessment and diagnosis of FASD are crucial in providing therapeutic interventions that aim to enhance meaningful participation and quality of life for individuals and their families, while reducing psychosocial difficulties that may arise during adolescence and adulthood. Individuals with lived experience of FASD have expertise based on their own lives and family needs. Their insights into the assessment and diagnostic process are valuable for improving service delivery and informing the provision of meaningful, person‐ and family‐centered care. To date, reviews have focused broadly on the experiences of living with FASD. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize qualitative evidence on the lived experiences of the diagnostic assessment process for FASD. Six electronic databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CINAH, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from inception until February 2021, and updated in December 2022. A manual search of reference lists of included studies identified additional studies for inclusion. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Checklist for Qualitative Studies. Data from included studies were synthesized using a thematic analysis approach. GRADE‐CERQual was used to assess confidence in the review findings. Ten studies met the selection criteria for inclusion in the review. Thematic analysis identified 10 first‐level themes relating to four over‐arching topics: (1) pre‐assessment concerns and challenges, (2) the diagnostic assessment process, (3) receipt of the diagnosis, and (4) post‐assessment adaptations and needs. GRADE‐CERQual confidence ratings for each of the review themes were moderate to high. The findings from this review have implications for referral pathways, client‐centered assessment processes, and post‐diagnostic recommendations and support.
All‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in individuals with an alcohol‐related emergency or hospital inpatient presentation: A retrospective data linkage cohort study
Authors: Leung Janni , Chiu Vivian , Man Nicola , Yuen Wing See , Dobbins Timothy , Dunlop Adrian , Gisev Natasa , Hall Wayne , Larney Sarah , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Degenhardt Louisa , Peacock Amy
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Alcohol consumption is a leading risk factor for premature mortality globally, but there are limited studies of broader cohorts of people presenting with alcohol‐related problems outside of alcohol treatment services. We used linked health administrative data to estimate all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality among individuals who had an alcohol‐related hospital inpatient or emergency department presentation.

Design

Observational study using data from the Data linkage Alcohol Cohort Study (DACS), a state‐wide retrospective cohort of individuals with an alcohol‐related hospital inpatient or emergency department presentation.

Setting

Hospital inpatient or emergency department presentation in New South Wales, Australia, between 2005 and 2014.

Participants

Participants comprised 188 770 individuals aged 12 and above, 66% males, median age 39 years at index presentation.

Measurements

All‐cause mortality was estimated up to 2015 and cause‐specific mortality (by those attributable to alcohol and by specific cause of death groups) up to 2013 due to data availability. Age‐specific and age–sex‐specific crude mortality rates (CMRs) were estimated, and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using sex and age‐specific deaths rates from the NSW population.

Findings

There were 188 770 individuals in the cohort (1 079 249 person‐years of observation); 27 855 deaths were recorded (14.8% of the cohort), with a CMR of 25.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.5, 26.1] per 1000 person‐years and SMR of 6.2 (95% CI = 5.4, 7.2). Mortality in the cohort was consistently higher than the general population in all adult age groups and in both sexes. The greatest excess mortality was from mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol use (SMR = 46.7, 95% CI = 41.4, 52.7), liver cirrhosis (SMR = 39.0, 95% CI = 35.5, 42.9), viral hepatitis (SMR = 29.4, 95% CI = 24.6, 35.2), pancreatic diseases (SMR = 23.8, 95% CI = 17.9, 31.5) and liver cancer (SMR = 18.3, 95% CI = 14.8, 22.5). There were distinct differences between the sexes in causes of excess mortality (all causes fully attributable to alcohol female versus male risk ratio = 2.5 (95% CI = 2.0, 3.1).

Conclusions

In New South Wales, Australia, people who came in contact with an emergency department or hospital for an alcohol‐related presentation between 2005 and 2014 were at higher risk of mortality than the general New South Wales population during the same period.
Prevalence of cannabis use among young adults in Sweden comparing randomized response technique with a traditional survey
Authors: Andersson Filip , Sundin Erica , Magnusson Cecilia , Ramstedt Mats , Galanti Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

The prevalence of cannabis use based on self‐reports is likely to be underestimated in population surveys, especially in contexts where its use is a criminal offence. Indirect survey methods ask sensitive questions ensuring that answers cannot be identified with an individual respondent, therefore potentially resulting in more reliable estimates. We aimed to measure whether the indirect survey method ‘randomized response technique’ (RRT) increased response rate and/or increased disclosure of cannabis use among young adults compared with a traditional survey.

Design

We conducted two parallel nation‐wide surveys during the spring and the summer of 2021. The first survey was a traditional questionnaire‐based one (focusing on substance use and gambling). The second survey applied an indirect survey method known as ‘the cross‐wise model’ to questions related to cannabis use. The two surveys employed identical procedures (e.g. invitations, reminders and wording of the questions)

Setting and Participants

The participants were young adults (aged 18–29 years) living in Sweden. The traditional survey had 1200 respondents (56.9% women) and the indirect survey had 2951 respondents (53.6% women).

Measurements

In both surveys, cannabis use was assessed according to three time‐frames: life‐time use; use during the past year; and use during the past 30 days.

Findings

The estimated prevalence of cannabis use was two‐ to threefold higher on all measures when estimated using the indirect survey method compared with the traditional survey: use during life‐time (43.2 versus 27.3%); during the past year (19.2 versus 10.4%); and during the past 30 days (13.2 versus 3.7%). The discrepancy was larger among males and individuals with an education shorter than 10 years, who were unemployed, and who were born in non‐European countries.

Conclusions

Indirect survey methods may provide more accurate estimates than traditional surveys on prevalence of self‐reported cannabis use.
Forest activities drive diversity and structure in the tropical rainforest
Authors: Kenne Tene Lacatuce , Momo Solefack Marie Caroline , Momo Takoudjou Stéphane , Monthe Serge Rodrigue , Tchokomeni Arnaud
Published: May 2023

Logging is widely known to be one of the major drivers of the loss of timber resources in tropical rainforests. In order to assess the contribution of this activity to biodiversity and carbon storage in Cameroon's Forest Management Units, this study was carried out in three Annual Allowable Cuts (AAC), of which two were logged, AAC 1‐1 (logged two years before), AAC 1‐2 (logged one year before) and one unlogged (AAC 1‐4). On each stand, 100 sampling plots of 20 m × 20 m were laid. The plot survey assessed the diversity indices, basal area, Aboveground Biomass, wood density, total height and importance value index of the tree species having ≥10 cm diameter at breast height. A total of 203 species belonging to 158 genera and 58 families were recorded. Piptadeniastrum africanum (7.21), Sterculia rhinopetala (23.35) and Ceiba pentandra (14.5) were the commonly traded species with the highest importance value index, respectively, for AAC 1‐1, 1‐2, and 1‐4. Non‐symmetric correspondence analysis (NSCA) revealed that the plots in AAC 1‐4 are more diverse, containing more biomass than those in AAC 1‐1 and 1‐2. Although selective logging has reduced species richness, it remains important to develop enrichment of species removed for ecosystem restoration.
Leaf sponge tool use by Buraiga chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, in Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Edwards Wren I. , Guma Nelson , Agaba Hillary , Balyesiima Godfrey , Asalu Edward , Rothman Jessica , Stevens Nancy J.
Published: May 2023

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are avid tool users, although tool uses and functions vary among communities. Some chimpanzees use stones or wood in extractive foraging to crack open nuts, whereas others use long stems to consume termites or ants. Leaf sponges are versatile and widespread tools used by chimpanzees, created by crumpling leaves in the mouth and then using the hands to immerse the tool to procure liquids from difficult‐to‐access locations. Here we describe leaf sponge use by two female chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Uganda, documenting for the first time tool use in the Buraiga chimpanzee community.
Semantic data mining‐based decision support for quality assessment in steel industry
Authors: Szelążek Maciej , Bobek Szymon , Nalepa Grzegorz J.
Published: May 2023

This study evaluates quality management practices in Industry 4.0 in a specific case of steel manufacturing. We formulate a novel proposal based on Semantic Data Mining techniques a step towards knowledge‐driven decision support based on the industrial Six Sigma approach. In our research we combine machine learning classifiers, and explanation generation algorithms with the Six Sigma practice to automate the evaluation of quality of steel products and determine origins of their defects. We describe our original method, and provide evaluation of the results with real–life data from our industrial partner.
Fuzzy set‐based methodology for manufacturing parameter determination of 3D‐printed polylactide components with user‐specified strength, geometrical design, and cost requirements
Authors: Tu Ruixuan , Gitman Inna , Susmel Luca
Published: May 2023

A computational data‐driven fuzzy set‐based methodology is proposed and applied to determine, with high accuracy, the manufacturing parameters of 3D‐printed polylactide (PLA) components, ensuring user‐specified failure tensile strength and design requirements (here: the notch root radius). Hence, the novel decision‐making tool to estimate 3D‐printing process parameters is offered, ensuring desired design characteristics and the mechanical performance. The estimated manufacturing angle and infill density have been adjusted to provide meaningful values for real applications, still resulting in accurate predictions through the validation process. Following the success of these design and strength driven estimations, an extension of the proposed methodology to the cost‐saving problem has then been suggested by introducing printing period and material cost as extra inputs to the decision‐making process.
Bacterial quantity and interleukin‐17 expression in necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis from type II diabetic patients
Authors: Aldoss Alaa , Alghofaily Maha , Alsalleeh Fahd
Published: May 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the susceptibility to infection. A plausible association between apical periodontitis (AP) and DM has been reported, but the underlying mechanism is not yet elucidated.

Aim

To investigate the bacterial quantity and the expression of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) in necrotic teeth with AP in type 2 DM (T2DM), pre‐diabetic and non‐diabetic control patients.

Methodology

In all, 65 patients with necrotic pulp and AP [periapical index (PAI) scores ≥3] were included. The age, gender, medical history and medications list, including metformin and statin intake, were recorded. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was analysed, and the patients were divided into three groups: T2DM (n = 20), pre‐diabetics (n = 23) and non‐diabetic (n = 22). Bacterial samples (S1) were collected by file and paper points. Bacterial DNA was isolated and quantified using 16S ribosomal RNA gene‐targeted quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). For IL‐17 expression, (S2) samples were collected from the periapical tissue fluid using paper points passing through the apical foramen. The IL‐17 total RNA was extracted, and reverse transcription (RT‐qPCR) analysis was performed. Comparisons between the three study groups were conducted using one‐way anova and Kruskal–Wallis test to explore the relationship between bacterial cell counts and IL‐17 expression in each group.

Results

The distributions of PAI scores were equivalent among the groups, p = .289. T2DM patients had higher bacterial counts and IL‐17 expression than other groups, but these differences were not statistically significant, p = .613 and p = .281, respectively. T2DM patients taking statin appear to have lower bacterial cell count than those who do not take statin, approaching the significance level, p = .056.

Conclusion

T2DM patients had a non‐significant higher bacterial quantity and IL‐17 expression compared to pre‐diabetic and healthy controls. Although these findings indicate a weak association, it may impact the clinical outcome of endodontic diseases in diabetic patients.
Preparation and characterization of Li2TiO3 ceramic pebbles by modification of the water‐based sol–gel method
Authors: Wan Xiujuan , Tan Guangfan , Cai Liang , Zhang Yingchun
Published: May 2023

Li2TiO3 is considered as one of the best candidates for breeding materials. This article adopted a modification water‐based sol–gel method to synthesize nano‐Li2TiO3 powders, which overcomes the poor phase purity, coarse grain, and inferior crushing strength described in the previous literature. In this paper, the thermal effect of the precursor, the crystal phase, and the morphology of the powders were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The nano‐structured Li2TiO3 powders with good dispersion and an average particle size of 20–50 nm were successfully synthesized at 600°C by controlling PH and hydrolysis rate. Moreover, the phase transition temperature for the monoclinic phase β‐Li2TiO3 was as low as 600°C, which is lower than 750°C using the traditional solid‐state method. Meanwhile, the morphology, porosity, crushing load, and thermal conductivity of ceramic pebbles are characterized systematically by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), mercury injection meter, compression strength equipment, and laser scattering method, respectively. Experimental results showed that the Li2TiO3 ceramic pebbles with a sphericity of .98, crush load of 48.4 N, and relative density of 90.03 % were successfully prepared at 1050°C for 2 h. This method will provide new guidance for the preparation of tritium breeders.
Basic principle, progress, and prospects of coal gangue ceramic proppants
Authors: Zhao Xu , Zhang Zhixiao , Li Weixing , Shi Yingjie , Guo Xu , Zhang Xiaorong , Xu Dongfang , Li Weipeng , Qin Shenjun
Published: May 2023

Ceramic proppants are preferred in hydraulic fracturing because of their high strength, good sphericity, and excellent acid corrosion resistance. Bauxite is the main raw material of ceramic proppants, but with the increasing depletion of bauxite resources, substitutes for bauxite need to be sought. Coal gangue is a solid waste that is rich in SiO2 and Al2O3, making it a potential substitute for the preparation of ceramic proppants. The use of coal gangue to prepare ceramic proppants can reduce the cost of ceramic proppants and benefit environmental protection. Studies on using coal gangue to prepare ceramic proppants have been conducted and achieved progress, but further improvement can still be obtained. Here, the basic principle, progress, and prospects of coal gangue ceramic proppants are reviewed. First, coal gangue ceramic proppants are divided into two categories, namely, proppants prepared using coal gangue as an auxiliary material and proppants prepared using coal gangue as the main material. Second, the progress of research of coal gangue ceramic proppants is summarized from the perspective of additives, and the influence of different kinds of additives on the sintering temperature and performance of proppants is discussed. Lastly, the future prospects of coal gangue ceramic proppants are presented.
Enhanced mechanical properties of porcelain ceramic tile/Kevlar fabric composite with bio‐inspired shell‐like structure
Authors: Zhong Xinzi , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng , Liu Yijun , Shen Xuetao , Wang Qinggang , Li Xiaoyi , Wang Dongping , Yan Hang , Ji Tian
Published: May 2023

Ceramic materials with high strength, toughness, and excellent impact resistance are urgently required for many structural applications, but these mechanical properties are difficult to achieve in traditional ceramic tiles due to their inherent brittleness. Inspired by the specific structure of shells, the multilayered ceramic tile/Kevlar fabric composite with a bio‐inspired shell structure was successfully fabricated via a surface hydroxylation followed by simple hot press process. It is found that the composites have representative step‐like fracture behaviors rather than brittle fracture, which has been proven to possess a better ability of mechanical performance and noncatastrophic failure behavior compared to same‐thickness ceramic tile. Specifically, the bending strength, fracture toughness, and fracture work of the composite with a 15‐tier structure come to 836.5 ± 12.5 MPa, 14.6 ± .2 MPa·m1/2, and 7228.8 ± 108.4 J·m1/2, which are even better than those of reported advanced materials. Such fracture‐resistant behaviors are correspondent to the strengthening effects of the crack deflection, interfacial debonding, and fiber pull out, accompanied by bio‐inspired structure and appropriate bonding state between brittle or ductile layers. This resin or fabric content can be used as well as the slip systems to transfer the internal stress in time to consume more fracture energy per unit length and prevent risky brittle fracture, while carrying loads. We expect these findings to provide vital guidance for promoting the applications of traditional ceramics in bio‐inspired high‐performance composites for actual ceramic manufacturers.
Precise and efficient HPLC‐UV identification of rice glutelin in infant formulas for special medical purposes
Authors: Ma Mengjia , Wang Cunfang , Sun Hongyan , Wang Linlin , Wang Xipeng , Li Zhenghao , Zhang Xiaoning , Jiang Hua
Published: May 2023

Glutelin is a potential allergen that can cause allergies, celiac disease, and diabetes in infants and may even lead to autoimmune diseases in infants under 4 months of age. Given the critical role of glutelin, there exists a need for clear and standardised methods for their detection in infant formulas for special medical purposes (IFSMPs). The aim of this study was to develop an accurate and effective HPLC method for the identification of glutelin in IFSMPs. The heat‐stable subunit was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis after subjecting glutelin to various heat‐treatment processes. To validate the HPLC method, the different food matrices present in IFSMPs were simulated by mixing rice glutelin with milk protein concentrate (MPC), soy protein isolate (SPI), and both MPC and SPI in various ratios. The results revealed that the limit of detection (LOD) for glutelin solution was 9.7 μg·mL−1 and the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.9909. Meanwhile, the LOD of glutelin in the food matrices ranged from 10 to 50 mg·g−1, and R2 varied from 0.9802 to 0.9983. The HPLC method developed in this study displays superior detection results compared with existing methods, shortens the total detection time, and allows for more rapid and accurate identification of glutelin in IFSMPs. The developed method is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the quality control and evaluation of IFSMPs.
Assessment of Himalayan plain mango genotypes for phytochemicals, biochemical‐nutraceutical characterisation and quality change during storage life
Authors: Saroj Neetu , Prasad Killi
Published: May 2023

Twenty promising mango genotypes were estimated for physical, physiological, phytochemical, quality attributes, mineral content, sensory evaluation and fruit softening enzymes activites during ambient storage (25 ± 4 °C and 65 ± 5% Relative Humidity) at 3 days interval till end of the storage period (12th day). Significant variations for the studied attribute were observed. Among physical attributes, the maximum fruit weight was observed in ‘Fazli’ (404.67 g), dry seed weight in ‘Fazli’ (27.23 g) and ‘Chausa’ (25.70 g) and fruit firmness in ‘Mahmood Bahar’ (8.88 N). The higher level of total soluble solids was registered in ‘Amrapali’ (21.76 °Brix) and ‘Mallika’ (21.48 °Brix), while antioxidant activity in ‘Malda’ (4.12 μmol TE g−1) and ‘Mallika’ (4.02 μmol TE g−1) and total phenolic content in ‘Malda’ (512.48 μg GAE g−1 FW), ‘Ratna’ (509.74 μg GAE g−1 FW) and ‘Safed Malda’ (510.42 μg GAE g−1 FW). ‘Amrapali’ (7.38 mg/100 g) exhibited the highest total carotenoid concentration. Genotypes such as ‘Malda’, ‘Amrapali’, ‘Langra’, ‘Krishna Bhog’, ‘Alphonso’ and ‘Prabha Shankar’ exhibited 3–4 days higher shelf life compared to other genotypes. Furthermore, the correlation and principal component analysis provided insights into the relationships between various postharvest attributes during ripening. Mango genotypes which displayed high phytochemical‐nutraceutical value can be utilised in quality improvement programs and bear practical utility with respect to processing industries and consumer health.
Internet use and Chinese migrant older adults' life satisfaction: A panel data study
Authors: Ma Jun‐Qi , Zhang Shuo , Yang Hua‐Lei , Tang Xiao‐Qing
Published: May 2023

This article explores the association between internet use and Chinese migrant older adults' life satisfaction based on the displacement hypothesis. Using 2016 and 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data, we find that internet use is significantly associated with lower life satisfaction. The association is stronger in the female, age 71 and above and low‐income groups. Mediation analysis suggests that social capital has a significant mediating effect in linking internet use and life satisfaction, accounting for about 25% of the total effect of internet use. Based on the findings, we recommend appropriate interventions for internet use and promote social inclusion of migrant older adults, so as to further improve their quality of life.
Development and validation of novel nomogram to identify the candidates for extended pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer patients in the robotic era
Authors: Goto Yusuke , Utsumi Takanobu , Maruo Masafumi , Kurozumi Akira , Noro Takahide , Tanaka Satoki , Sugawara Sho , Chiba Kazuto , Miyazaki Kanetaka , Inoue Atsushi , Komaru Atsushi , Fukasawa Satoshi , Imamura Yusuke , Sakamoto Shinichi , Nakatsu Hiroomi , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Nagata Maki
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To determine candidates for extended pelvic lymph node dissection using a novel nomogram to assess the risk of lymph node invasion in Japanese prostate cancer patients in the robotic era.

Methods

A total of 538 patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection in three hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Medical records were reviewed uniformly and the following data collected: prostate‐specific antigen, age, clinical T stage, primary and secondary Gleason score at prostate biopsy, and percentage of positive core numbers. Finally, data from 434 patients were used for developing the nomogram and data from 104 patients were used for external validation.

Results

Lymph node invasion was detected in 47 (11%) and 16 (15%) patients in the development and validation set, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis, prostate‐specific antigen, clinical T stage ≥3, primary Gleason score, grade group 5, and percentage of positive cores were selected as variables to incorporate into the nomogram. The area under the curve values were 0.781 for the internal and 0.908 for the external validation, respectively.

Conclusions

The present nomogram can help urologists identify candidates for extended pelvic lymph node dissection concomitant with robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy among patients with prostate cancer.