bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel fractional multivariate GM(1,N) model with interaction effects and its application in forecasting carbon emissions from China's civil aviation
Authors: Hu Mingli , Zhu Lingtong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose is to forecasting carbon emissions from China's civil aviation more accurately, a novel fractional multivariate GM(1,N) model with interaction effects is developed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the interaction term, the trend terms are introduced in the grey action term to reflect the influence of the interaction between the system-related variables on the change of the system characteristic variables and the time trend of the system development. Then fractional cumulative generating sequence is used as the modeling sequence to reduce the perturbation of the original data. Finally, in order to effectively find the optimal fraction accumulation generation coefficient, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to determine the emerging coefficient.

Findings

Experimental results show that FIEGM(1, N) outperforms other grey prediction models in predicting the carbon emissions of CAAC, which can better solve the problem of multivariate system prediction of small samples with trend interaction effect.

Originality/value

By considering the influence of interactions in the system and the trend of system development in combination with fractional accumulation theory, a new method to improve the prediction performance of the GM(1, N) model is proposed. The model is first applied to the prediction of carbon emission of civil aviation in China.
Implications of macroeconomic risks on NHFC'S incremental housing finance in South Africa
Authors: Oladeji Jonathan Damilola , Zulch (Kotze) Benita , Yacim Joseph Awoamim
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The challenge of accessibility to adequate housing in several countries by a large percentage of citizens has given rise to different housing programs designed to facilitate access to affordable housing. In South Africa, the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) was created to provides housing loans to low- and middle-income earners. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the implication of the macroeconomic risk elements on the performance of the NHFC incremental housing finance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-method approach to examine the time-series data of the NHFC over 17 years (2003–2020), relative to selected macroeconomic indicators. Additionally, this study analysed primary data from a 2022 survey of NHFC Executives.

Findings

This study found that incremental housing finance addresses a housing affordability gap, caters to disadvantaged groups, adapts to changing macroeconomic conditions and can mitigate default risk. It also finds that the performance of the NHFC’s incremental housing finance is premised on the behaviour of the macroeconomic elements that drive its strategy in South Africa.

Originality/value

Unlike previous works on housing finance, this case study of the NHFC considers the implication of macroeconomic trends when disbursing incremental housing finance to low- and middle-level income earners as a risk mitigation measure for the South African market. Its mixed method use of quantitative and qualitative data also allows a robust insight into trends that drive investment in incremental housing finance in South Africa.
Sexual abuse and its impact on the well-being of women: evidence from India
Authors: Patel Avanish Bhai
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Women are being victimized sexually everywhere today, whether it is at home or office. Women are targeted for molestation, eve-teasing, and rape and sometimes they are murdered after rape. The objective of the present study is to understand the trend of sexual abuse in the socio-cultural context of India. The study aims to examine the relationship between the victim woman and the perpetrator and the impact of sexual abuse on the well-being of women.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies the content analysis method for collecting data and conducting research. The data for this study were collected from June 2020 to November 2020. The sample cases for the current study were gathered manually by reading each and every news section that was published on sexual abuse in the various newspapers and magazines that were referenced in the introduction.

Findings

The study has found that women are mostly targeted for sexual abuse by known persons. The study has also found that girls between 6 and 15 years of age have suffered most from sexual abuse. Moreover, the study has pointed out that sexual abuse has a negative impact on women such as sometimes women commit suicide after sexual abuse, face psychological problems and sometimes they are, and their family members are threatened. Incidents of sexual abuse are affecting the mental happiness of women and an environment of fear is being created for women in society.

Originality/value

This is an original work of the author. The research work is based on content analysis that examines the nature and impact of sexual abuse among women in society by using socio-cultural perspective.
It is best to say nothing at all – suspicious activity reporting in the financial services sector
Authors: Menz Mario
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to show how financial services firms determine whether customer transactions or behaviours meet the threshold for suspicious activity reporting mandated by the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and how suspicious activity reporting is executed in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews have been carried out among compliance professionals in UK financial services.

Findings

Two issues related to suspicious activity reporting have been identified. Firstly, a widespread misunderstanding about the tipping-off offence under s. 333 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 has been identified, which appears to be a root cause for poor quality as well as over-reporting of suspicious activity. Secondly, issues related to the notice and moratorium periods used by the UK’s National Crime Agency appear to deter reporting of suspicious activity related to live transactions.

Practical implications

The paper makes suggestions for changes financial services firms and the UK’s National Crime Agency can make to improve the effectiveness of suspicious activity reporting.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insights which can be used to limit the flow of criminal funds, improve the quality of suspicious activity reporting and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
Capital buffers, business models and the probability of bank distress: a dynamic panel investigation
Authors: Saadaoui Zied , Mokdadi Salma
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the debate linking the business models of banks to their riskiness by checking if diversification exerts different impacts on the probability of bank distress depending on the level of capital buffers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on a sample of listed bank holding companies observed between 2007:Q3 and 2022:Q4. The authors use three subindexes of bank diversification. The authors estimate a dynamic model specification using a system generalized method of moments with robust standard errors and consistent estimators under heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation within a panel. Sensitivity and robustness checks are performed.

Findings

Asset and income diversification increase the probability of distress in low-capitalized banks during normal periods (excluding periods of crises and high uncertainty). Concerning crisis periods, a marginal increase in asset diversification during the global financial crisis (GFC) and the COVID-19 pandemic crisis induces a more important increase in the probability of failure of well-capitalized banks relative to low-capitalized ones. Contrary to the results obtained for the GFC period, well-capitalized banks were found to pursue more careful funding diversification in reaction to the sudden increase of uncertainty during the Russia–Ukraine war.

Research limitations/implications

Prudential supervision should concentrate on well-capitalized banks to encompass unexpected excessive risk-taking during crisis periods. Regulatory requirements should constrain fragile banks to avoid pursuing assets and income diversification strategies that increase earnings volatility.

Originality/value

The main originality of this paper is to consider the interaction between three different dimensions of bank diversification and capital regulation during stable and unstable periods using the marginal effect analysis. Moreover, this paper uses, initially, the GFC as the reference crisis period to study the impact of capital buffers and diversification interactions on the probability of bank distress. Then, the authors extend the observation period until 2022:Q4 to include two additional major events, namely, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
A critical analysis of Somalia’s current antimoney laundering and counter financing of terrorism regime: a comparative study with Malaysia
Authors: Hersi Abdirahman Hassan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Concerns on money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing increased, as ML accounted 2%–5% of the global GDP, with Switzerland, the USA, Canada, India and Russia having high laundering rates. Banks were fined over US$320bn in 2008, but money laundering still accounted for 3.6% of global GDP in 2009, thereby indicating the need for effective regimes. Therefore, this study aims to critically analyze the antimoney laundering (AML)/CFT regime of Somalia, identify loopholes in the regime, raise awareness and propose recommendations for regime improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research approach is used to compare Somalia’s AML/CFT regime with the corresponding regime of Malaysia through the black letter method combined with document analysis. Malaysia is selected as a benchmark for two reasons: firstly, it is an Islamic country like Somalia, and secondly, Malaysia has complied with integrity-related standards.

Findings

This study revealed that an impactful AML/CTF regime is reached by closing loopholes in the law, reevaluating and improving regulatory agencies and measures, facilitating formal financial services and collaborating with regional and international standard setters. According to the results, Somalia AML/CFT regime is counterproductive in criminalizing offenses; regulating digital currencies and mobile money, disclosures and nonfinancial business and provisions; and governing training requirements for regulatory agencies and financial institutions.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind in the study of Somalia’s regime building. Also, this study incorporates rich scholarly discourse on effective regime building.
Is this work? Revisiting the definition of work in the 21st century
Authors: van der Laan Luke , Ormsby Gail , Fergusson Lee , McIlveen Peter
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to specify the perceived outdated nature and lack of definitional clarity associated with the concept of work and further to outline that the nature of work has dramatically changed in the 21st century, while definitions of work referenced in research remain those that were dominant in the previous century. Lastly, the study aimed to propose an updated conceptualisation and definition of work to aid future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping literature review was adopted as the methodology guiding the study. A scoping review is particularly suited to identifying the conceptual boundaries on a given multi-disciplinary topic and is used to map the key concepts underpinning a research area as well as to clarify working definitions.

Findings

Nine main themes underpinning the concept of work were extracted from the extant literature. These were assimilated with contemporary literature across multiple disciplines. Contexts of work as they relate to dimensions of work and workspace are developed and visualised. A proposed contemporary definition of work is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The aim of the study was to address the problem with current and future research continuing to refer to traditional conceptualisations of work, while the nature of work has dramatically changed. The findings are preliminary and intended to stimulate further discourse towards a greater consensus of a definition. The implications of proposing an updated definition of work is that it is intended to better inform future research reflective of its multi-disciplinary and significantly changed nature.

Practical implications

The implications to practice are the main impetus of this study. The authors found that research associated with work was being confounded by traditional and outdated interpretations, excluding alternative forms of work or not recognising its multi-dimensionality. It is proposed by the paper that an updated conceptualisation of the nature of work in this era, as it is reflected across disciplines and practice, would positively contribute to the understanding, management and conceptualisation of work in practice.

Originality/value

A systematic literature review across disciplines of the definition of work will reveal the outdated nature and disparate interpretation of the concept of work. An inclusive, multi-disciplinary and contemporary definition of work has not been suggested. This scoping review was conducted to address this problem and gap in the literature. Further, this paper presents a multi-dimensional and spatial conceptualisation of work that is proposed to better inform future research and practice associated with work.
Cluster analysis and network visualization of journals, authors, keywords, and themes of monkeypox research (1989–2022): an updated bibliometric review
Authors: Khan Daud , Verma Manoj Kumar , Yuvaraj Mayank
Published: June 2023

Purpose

There have been numerous publications on human monkeypox since it was reported. With the help of bibliometric analysis, this study examined research hotspots and future trends related to human monkeypox. Science mapping was used in this study to identify influential monkeypox researchers, institutions, articles, keywords, thematic structures, and clusters of articles.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a validated search query, bibliometric analysis of data collected from Web of Science from 1989 to September 2022 was conducted. Using the “Title-Keyword-Abstract” search option, the search query consisted of keywords “Monkeypox” OR “Monkeypox virus” OR “monkeypox” OR “monkey pox” OR “MPXV.” With the state-of-the-art tools Bibliometrix package of R Studio and VOSviewer, performance analysis and science mapping, as a part of standard bibliometric research of monkeypox research were conducted.

Findings

Researchers published 708 monkeypox papers from 1989 to September 2022, with American researchers publishing 460 papers. Further, USA had the highest international cooperation in terms of collaborative research output. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a global leader in monkeypox research since it is the most prolific and collaborative organization. There have been the most published papers on monkeypox in the Journal of Virology. Damon Inger K is also the most prolific and influential researcher in monkeypox research, with the highest number of publications and citations. In total, 1,679 keywords were identified in the study. From the cluster analysis four themes were identified in monkeypox research. They are (1) clinical features, (2) monkeypox virus epidemiology, (3) monkeypox virus vaccine defense, and (4) monkeypox virus-related treatment measures.

Originality/value

Analysis of collaboration, findings, networks of research, and visualization separates this study from traditional metrics analysis. Currently, there are no similar studies with similar objectives based on the authors' knowledge.
Accounting for a mining company’s transformation in Ukraine
Authors: Iermolenko Olga , Hersinger Anders
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how and why a new management accounting control (MAC) regime emerged in a previously government-owned energy company with a Soviet past in the context of changing politico-economic dynamics in Ukraine.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon data from a case study of a large Ukrainian energy company with a Soviet past that has undergone major transformations in recent years, the authors analyze MAC regime changes in the company from an institutional logics perspective. All primary and secondary data used in this study were collected from 2012 to 2016. Retrospective interviews and extensive use of written materials, including corporate documents and other publicly available data, helped them reconstruct those events, which the authors could not observe personally.

Findings

The authors observed that MAC regime changes in the company mirror; overall changes in the political and economic environment and Ukraine’s willingness to become closer to the West. The company seems to follow liberal Western market logics and eliminate those of Soviet heritage. The MAC regime changes seemed to contribute to the company’s survival during challenges caused by the political and economic crises that began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and other Ukrainian territories in the East of the country, demonstrating the usefulness of the new MAC regime and overall business logic.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the literature on management accounting and control change in emerging economies and extractive industries by highlighting the role of changing institutional logics in shaping a MAC regime. The authors explain why, in some contexts (i.e. Ukraine), organizational actors accept and favor liberal Western market logic.

Originality/value

A particularly significant facet of this study concerns its extension of the role of MAC and the way it is perceived in a new international context in times of significant transformation. The results suggest that MAC regime change may be favorably received if it is based on local values and aspirations.
The fluid affective space of organizational practices
Authors: Gherardi Silvia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The article contributes to affective ethnography focussing on the fluidity of organizational spacing. Through the concept of affective space, it highlights those elements that are ephemeral and elusive – like affect, aesthetics, atmosphere, intensity, moods – and proposes to explore affect as spatialized and space as affective.

Design/methodology/approach

Fluidity is proposed as a conceptual lens that sits at the conjunction of space and affect, highlighting both the movement in time and space, and the mutable relationships that the capacity of affecting and being affected weaves. It experiments with “writing differently” in affective ethnography, thus performing the space of representation of affective space.

Findings

The article enriches the alternative to a conceptualization of organizations as stable entities, considering organizing in its spatial fluidity and in being a fragmented, affective and dispersed phenomenon.

Originality/value

The article's writing is an example of intertextuality constructed through five praxiographic stories that illustrate the multiple fluidity of affective spacing in terms of temporal fluidity, fluidity of boundaries, of participation, of the object of practice, and atmospheric fluidity.
Long‐term series of measurements of eggs and chicks of Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia) breeding in Lake Chany, Western Siberia, Russia, during 1985 and 2011
Authors: Yurlov Alexander K. , Yurlova Natalia I. , Garyushkina Maria Yu. , Selivanova Marina A. , Doi Hideyuki
Published: June 2023

Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia Pallas, 1770) present a sub‐cosmopolitan but scattered distribution, and many of its colonies are in a vulnerable state. The species has been listed in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation and is covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African‐Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds. We observed the colonies of Caspian terns repeatedly in the breeding season from May to June on the islands of Lake Chany from 1985 to 2011. We recorded clutch size, eggshell coloration and measured egg length and width to the nearest 0.1 mm with a caliper. Furthermore, we recorded the fate and hatching date of individual eggs and determined the clutch initiation date. Head, bill, tarsus length, and body weight of newly hatched chicks were measured. Caspian tern colony size changed between years from 50 nests in 1985 to 513 in 1999; therefore, the sample size of measured eggs varied from 90 to 1045. A total of 4137 eggs and 570 chicks were measured. We provide new information for this species nesting in west Siberia, which is important to compare with other local results. The presented data set is a novel long‐term data set on an isolated population of this species in center of Eurasian continent. The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Article section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2023-02.1/jalter-en.
Women of the Empire at Ajmer's Dargah: Negotiating Sacred and Civic at a Prominent Sufi Pilgrimage Site, 1900–1920
Authors: Gupta Aishani
Published: June 2023

This article examines the experiences of four colonial and imperial women at the Sufi tomb complex of Muin al‐Din Chishti (d.1236 CE) in Ajmer during the latter years of British Raj in India. It specifically looks at the ways in which pre‐modern sacred sites and their male custodians were implicated in various municipal and legal apparatuses of the early twentieth century through petitions, complaints and patronage of women as pilgrims, visitors or family members. We first look at the complaints of a courtesan from Lucknow, who petitioned the British Government to claim maintenance from the Sajjada‐Nashin (the biological descent of the Sufi saint buried there). Then we move on to Muslim lady who complained to the colonial officials about being tortured and ill treated by her Sufi in‐laws. The third incident pertains to the wife of the British Chief Commissioner of Ajmer, whose molestation by Khadims (keepers of the shrine) was deftly brushed under the carpet by the local administration. The fourth is Queen‐Empress Mary herself, who granted royal patronage to the shrine by donating money which was then used to build an ablution tank and called the Victoria Tank. Tracing these fragmentary stories of their visits, this article argues that colonial and imperial women negotiated parallel forms of spiritual and political authorities at sacred spaces in order to fulfil their personal and public obligations. Their encounters with the bustling burial complex, its keepers and administrators also urge us to ponder on broader issues of gender, sexuality and race as they played out in such significant nodes across colonial South Asia.
Do Governments Hide Resources from Unions? The Influence of Public Sector Unions on Reported Discretionary Fund Balance Ratios
Authors: GORE ANGELA K. , JI YUAN , KULP SUSAN L.
Published: June 2023

We explore whether municipalities with public sector unions exploit aspects of governmental (or “fund”) accounting to obscure the availability of discretionary resources in fund balance accounts, relative to municipalities without public sector unions. We first investigate whether governments with unions report higher proportions of discretionary resources outside of the general fund, a primary measure of financial health, and instead within less prominent fund types. Second, we explore whether governments with unions report lower ratios within accessible general fund balance account categories – that is, report lower proportions of unreserved fund balance. Primary findings are consistent with both hypotheses. Although somewhat mixed, cross‐sectional analyses reveal that effects are magnified when unions have more bargaining power, as proxied by the ability to strike or the absence of state right‐to‐work laws. Further analysis corroborates cross‐sectional findings by examining difference‐in‐differences specifications surrounding the quasi‐exogenous shock of Wisconsin's 2011 weakening of state public sector union laws and Ohio's time‐varying union contract negotiations. Overall, the evidence suggests that governments with unions shelter resources to avoid the appearance of large discretionary amounts available.
Different immune contextures underlie tumor site‐specific responses to immune checkpoint blockade in esophageal cancer
Authors: Guo Jhe‐Cyuan , Hsu Chia‐Lang , Hsieh Min‐Shu , Lin Chia‐Chi , Huang Ta‐Chen , Kuo Hung‐Yang , Shao Yu‐Yun , Hsu Chih‐Hung
Published: June 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated efficacy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Heterogeneous responses to ICIs have been reported previously. Here, we describe a patient with advanced ESCC exhibiting a response to durvalumab plus tremelimumab for more than 6 months except primary resistant esophageal tumor. The esophageal tumor had higher regulatory T cells, neutrophils, and mast cells scores estimated by NanoString platform than hepatic tumor. The immunohistochemistry study confirmed higher expression levels of Foxp3, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the esophageal tumor. The different immune contextures may underlie the heterogeneous responses to ICI combination in this ESCC patient.
Assessment of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided bronchoscopy (EBUS) intranodal forceps biopsy added to EBUS 19‐gauge transbronchial needle aspiration: A blinded pathology panel analysis
Authors: Lachkar Samy , Faur Quentin , Marguet Florent , Veresezan Liana , Bubenheim Michael , Salaün Mathieu , Thiberville Luc , Sabourin Jean‐Christophe , Guisier Florian , Piton Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided (EBUS) transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) has significantly improved the diagnostic workup for intrathoracic lymphadenopathies. More recently, EBUS intranodal forceps biopsy (IFB) has been developed in an attempt to maximize diagnostic yield by providing additional tissue.

In this study, we aimed to assess the improvement of diagnostic yield with EBUS‐TBNA combined with EBUS‐IFB, compared to EBUS‐TBNA alone.

Methods

Consecutive patients who had 19‐G EBUS‐TBNA and EBUS‐IFB from August 30, 2018, to September 28, 2021, were included. Four senior pathologists retrospectively analyzed, independently and blindly, first, only the EBUS‐TBNA samples (cell block), then, at least 1 month later, both samples from EBUS‐TBNA and from EBUS‐IFB together.

Results

Fifty patients were included in the study and 52 lymph nodes were analyzed. Diagnostic yield was 77% (40/52) for EBUS‐TBNA alone and 94% (49/52) when combined with EBUS‐IFB (p = 0.023). Malignancy was diagnosed with EBUS‐TBNA combined with EBUS‐IFB in 25/26 cases (96%), versus 22/26 (85%) with EBUS‐TBNA alone (p = 0.35); and 4/5 (80%) versus 2/5 (40%) for lymphoma specifically. Kappa interobserver agreement was 0.92 for EBUS‐IFB and 0.87 for EBUS‐TBNA alone. Nonmalignant condition was diagnosed with EBUS‐TBNA combined with EBUS‐IFB in 24/26 cases (92%), versus 18/26 (69%) for EBUS‐TBNA alone (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

The use of EBUS‐IFB combined with 19‐G EBUS‐TBNA improves the mediastinal lymph node diagnostic yield However the benefit appears to be mainly restricted to nonmalignant histology.
Reconstruction of small subunit ribosomal RNA from high‐throughput sequencing data: A comparative study of metagenomics and total RNA sequencing
Authors: Hempel Christopher A. , Carson Shea E. E. , Elliott Tyler A. , Adamowicz Sarah J. , Steinke Dirk
Published: June 2023

The small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the most commonly used marker for the identification of microbial taxa, but its full‐length reconstruction from high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) data remains challenging. Metagenomics and total RNA sequencing (total RNA‐Seq) are target‐PCR‐free HTS methods that are used to characterize microbial communities and simultaneously reconstruct SSU rRNA sequences. However, more testing is required to determine and improve their effectiveness.

We processed metagenomics and total RNA‐Seq data retrieved from a commercially available mock microbial community and an aquarium sample using 112 combinations of data processing tools. We determined the SSU rRNA reconstruction completeness of both sequencing methods for both samples and analysed the impact of data processing tools on SSU rRNA completeness.

In contrast to metagenomics, total RNA‐Seq allowed for the complete or near‐complete reconstruction of all mock community SSU rRNA sequences and generated up to 438 SSU rRNA sequences with ≥80% completeness from the aquarium sample using only 1/5 of an Illumina MiSeq run. SSU rRNA completeness of metagenomics significantly correlated with the genome size of mock community species. Data processing tools impacted SSU rRNA completeness, in particular the utilized assemblers.

These results are promising for the high‐throughput reconstruction of novel full‐length SSU rRNA sequences and could advance the simultaneous application of multiple ‐omics approaches in routine environmental assessments to allow for more holistic assessments of ecosystems.
Reading the room
Authors: Engle Karen
Published: June 2023

In this “hundreds” honoring Kathleen Stewart, I recount a memory rooted in an experience of misrecognition. The memory functions as a prompt for exploring the affective impact of being in the wrong place.
Creating social value by empowering people: a social innovation perspective
Authors: von Jacobi Nadia , Chiappero‐Martinetti Enrica , Maestripieri Lara , Giroletti Toa
Published: June 2023

Initiatives across the private, public, and third sectors have increasingly pursued social value beyond mere profit. However, how social value can be created still requires a more detailed investigation. This paper provides conceptual and empirical arguments on how initiatives of social innovation, which intentionally seek to empower people, contribute to generate social value. We investigate three European social innovation cases—which are collective entrepreneurial initiatives. Using mixed methods applied to primary nested data, we first find evidence for empowering effects and then identify a typical process through which empowerment occurs. Our results suggest that social innovations catalyze empowerment through a horizontal and co‐creational organizational design, providing space for individuals to propose their goals and establishing mechanisms of mutual influence that transform individual autonomy into coactive power. This process kicks off social value creation, yet its reach within society depends on how much empowerment diffuses beyond the participants in the initiative.
Impact of collective action on household welfare: Empirical evidence from baobab collectors in Malawi
Authors: Olumeh Dennis Etemesi , Mithöfer Dagmar
Published: June 2023

Empirical studies show that smallholder farmers can benefit from collective action by improving their crop production and access to better markets. Although there are numerous studies on the effects of collective action on production and marketing of staple crops, such studies, particularly on the analysis of gender and collective action, are scarce for underutilized crops such as baobab. To address this gap, we estimate the impacts of cooperative membership on baobab income and food security, using data collected from a survey of 864 baobab collectors in Malawi. We employ the Inverse Probability Weight Regression Adjustment estimator to account for selection bias. We also analyse heterogeneity in the impact of cooperatives attributable to gender. We find that cooperative membership increases baobab income, household dietary diversity score, and food consumption score by 3.57%, 11%, and 5.6%, respectively. However, the welfare outcome of cooperative members differs based on gender. In particular, households with male baobab managers that are cooperative members have higher income and are more food secure. Households with unmarried female managers have better welfare outcomes. The results, therefore, highlight the need to promote collective action through cooperatives in the underutilized crop sector to enhance household welfare.
Should relational effects be considered in health care priority setting?
Authors: Gustavsson Erik , Juth Niklas , Lärfars Gerd , Raaschou Pauline , Sandman Lars
Published: June 2023

It is uncontroversial to claim that the extent to which health care interventions benefit patients is a relevant consideration for health care priority setting. However, when effects accrue to the individual patient, effects of a more indirect kind may accrue to other individuals as well, such as the patient's children, friends, or partner. If, and if so how, such relational effects should be considered relevant in priority setting is contentious. In this paper, we illustrate this question by using disease‐modifying drugs for Alzheimer's disease as a case in point. The ethical analysis begins by sketching the so‐called prima facie case for ascribing moral weight to relational effects and then moves on to consider a number of objections to it. We argue that, whereas one set of objections may be dismissed, there is another set of arguments that poses more serious challenges for including relational effects in priority setting.
‘It feels like I'm back to being a teacher’: A longitudinal trajectory analysis of teachers' experiences during the first 8 months of COVID‐19 in England
Authors: Kim Lisa E. , Fields Diana , Asbury Kathryn
Published: June 2023

Background

Understanding teachers' experiences throughout the school closures and reopenings that have characterized large periods of the COVID‐19 pandemic provides us with unique insights into what it means to be a teacher during a global public health crisis.

Aim and Method

To investigate teachers' narratives of their experiences, we conducted 95 semi‐structured interviews with 24 teachers in England across four time points between April and November 2020. We used a longitudinal qualitative trajectory analysis of participants' stories of their high‐, low‐ and turning‐points.

Results

We derived four themes that were evident at each time point and developed over time. The themes were: (1) growing frustration at uncertainties caused by poor government leadership, (2) expanding concern for pupil learning and well‐being, (3) an increasingly labour‐intensive and exhausting job and (4) declining pleasure and pride in being a teacher.

Conclusions

The findings shed light on the impact of COVID‐19 on the professional identity of these teachers and we propose ways in which teachers can be supported now and in the future.
Hsa‐miR‐503‐5p regulates CTDSPL to accelerate cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Han Jianwei , Wang Yan
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to assess the role of hsa‐miR‐503‐5p in cisplatin resistance and angiogenesis in LUAD and its underlying mechanisms. Hsa‐miR‐503‐5p expression in LUAD and the target gene downstream of hsa‐miR‐503‐5p was predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Binding relationship between the two genes was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. qRT‐PCR was conducted for detecting gene expression in cells, CCK‐8 for IC50 value, angiogenesis assay for human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenic ability, flow cytometry for apoptosis ability, transwell assay for migration ability, and western blot for detecting the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1), VEGFR2, and CTD small phosphatase like (CTDSPL). The results showed that hsa‐miR‐503‐5p showed high expression, while its target gene CTDSPL presented decreased expression in LUAD. Hsa‐miR‐503‐5p also had high expression in cisplatin‐resistant LUAD cells. Knockdown of hsa‐miR‐503‐5p resensitized LUAD cells to cisplatin, inhibited angiogenesis of drug‐resistant cells, and reduced the protein expression of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and EMT‐related targets in cisplatin‐resistant LUAD cells, but promoted the apoptosis ability. Hsa‐miR‐503‐5p bound to CTDSPL gene and promoted cisplatin resistance and malignant progression of LUAD cells by negatively regulating CTDSPL. Our results revealed that hsa‐miR‐503‐5p and CTDSPL may be novel targets for overcoming cisplatin resistance in LUAD.
13‐year follow‐up of a randomized controlled study on zirconia and titanium abutments
Authors: Humm Viviane Laura , Sailer Irena , Thoma Daniel Stefan , Hämmerle Christoph Hans Franz , Jung Ronald Ernst , Zembic Anja
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To assess survival rates and compare technical, biological, and esthetic outcomes of customized zirconia and titanium abutments at 13 years post loading.

Materials and Methods

Initially, 22 patients with 40 implants in posterior regions were included. The sites were randomly assigned to 20 customized zirconia abutments with cemented all ceramic crowns (ACC) and 20 customized titanium abutments with cemented metal ceramic crowns (MCC). At a mean follow‐up of 13.4 years, patients were examined and implants/restorations assessed for survival and technical complications, as well as biological and esthetic outcomes (pocket probing depth [PPD], bleeding on probing [BOP], plaque control record [PCR], bone level [BL], papilla index [PAP], mucosal thickness, and recession (distance of the margo mucosae [MM]/margo gingivae MG)). Descriptive analyses were performed for all outcome measures.

Results

Fifteen patients with 21 abutments (13 zirconia, 8 titanium) were examined at 13 years. The drop‐out rate was 25% (patient level). The technical survival rate of the abutments was 100%. The survival rate on the restorative level (crowns) was 100%. The assessed biological outcomes (PPD, PCR, BOP, BL) and esthetic outcomes (MG, PAP) were similar.

Conclusions

Zirconia and titanium abutments supporting single implant‐borne restorations rendered a high survival rate and minimal differences in terms of technical, biological, and esthetic outcomes at 13 years of follow‐up.
Global principles for restorative aquaculture to foster aquaculture practices that benefit the environment
Authors: Alleway Heidi K. , Waters Tiffany J. , Brummett Randall , Cai Junning , Cao Ling , Cayten Megan Reilly , Costa‐Pierce Barry Antonio , Dong Yun‐Wei , Brandstrup Hansen Steffen Cole , Liu Shurong , Liu Qing , Shelley Colin , Theuerkauf Seth J. , Tucker Lisa , Wang Yue , Jones Robert C.
Published: June 2023

The magnitude of negative environmental impacts generated by food production means it is now imperative we develop food systems in a way that can actively support the recovery of degraded ecosystems, while also meeting increasing demands for food and livelihoods. Aquaculture, when it utilizes the right practices and species and occurs in the right places, can strike this balance, enabling food production that supports the health of aquatic ecosystems. To ensure the efficacy of this approach, however, a clear, common understanding of the ways in which this industry can achieve this outcome is needed. This paper highlights a definition of “restorative aquaculture”, identifies global principles for the use and development of restorative practices, and identifies needs for information, data, and tools that, if addressed, would greatly expand our understanding of the ways in which aquaculture and restorative activities can have positive environmental outcomes. This guidance was developed by a working group of representatives from global aquaculture, environment, economic and academic organizations. It can assist industry and government in making decisions about sustainability as well as restoration and rehabilitation strategies that intersect with aquaculture.
Trends and disparities in telehealth use among Louisiana Medicaid beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shao Yixue , Shi Lizheng , Nauman Elizabeth , Price‐Haywood Eboni , Stoecker Charles
Published: June 2023

Aim

To examine trends in telehealth use among Medicaid beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes (T2D) before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and identify factors related to telehealth use.

Methods

We compared monthly proportions of outpatient visits delivered by telehealth by race/ethnicity, geography and age among Louisiana Medicaid beneficiaries with T2D using claims data from January 2018 to August 2021. We also examined the changes in provider types delivering telehealth. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify individual level and zip code‐level factors associated with telehealth use during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

The monthly proportion of outpatient visits delivered by telehealth was low (< 1%) before the pandemic, spiked in April 2020 (> 15%), then remained at approximately 5%. Telehealth use varied across different racial/ethnic groups, geography and age groups over years. Older beneficiaries were less probable to use telehealth during the pandemic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.874, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.831‐0.919). Females used more telehealth than males (AOR = 1.359, 95% CI: 1.298‐1.423). Black beneficiaries used more telehealth than White beneficiaries (AOR = 1.067, 95% CI: 1.000‐1.139). More telehealth services were used by Medicaid beneficiaries who were living in urban areas, with more primary care utilization, and with more chronic conditions at baseline.

Conclusions

We found disparities in the uptake of telehealth during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but they might have been narrowed for some groups (Hispanic and rural) among Louisiana Medicaid beneficiaries with T2D. Future studies should explore strategies to improve access to telehealth services and reduce related disparities for the low‐income population.
Fluorescence‐aided identification technique using a low‐cost violet flashlight and rotatory instruments for dental trauma splint removal
Authors: Vilela Andomar Bruno Fernandes , Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira , Gonçalves Fernanda Silva , Beaini Thiago Leite , Peres Thiago Silva , Soares Carlos José
Published: June 2023

Background/Aim

Removing resin composites used for bonding dental trauma splints may result in irreversible damage to the enamel. This in vitro study evaluated the influence of additional violet illumination and different bur types on damage caused to tooth enamel.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen maxillary models with four bovine incisor teeth were prepared. All models were scanned using a laboratory scanning system (s600 ARTI; Zirkonzahn). Six experimental groups (n = 10) were generated by two study factors: lighting type (three levels), (1) low‐cost (5–7 US$) violet LED flashlight (LUATEK, LT 408); (2) VALO Cordless light curing unit (Ultradent) with black lens; or (3) without additional illumination; and rotatory instrument (two levels), (1) diamond bur or (2) multifluted tungsten‐carbide bur. New scanning was performed after splint removal, and the generated files were superimposed on the initial scans using Cumulus software. The light emitted by both violet light sources was characterized by using integrating sphere and beam profile. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of enamel damage and two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc was used at an α = 0.05.

Results

The use of low‐cost violet flashlight that emitted the violet peak light at 385 nm and VALO Cordless with black lens at 396 nm resulted in significantly lower damage to the enamel surface than those in the groups without additional violet light (p < .001). An interaction between rotatory instruments and lighting was found. When no additional violet lighting was used, the diamond bur presented higher mean and maximum depth values.

Conclusions

Fluorescence lighting facilitated the removal of remnant resin composite dental trauma splints, leading to less invasive treatment. The diamond bur resulted in higher enamel damage than that affected by the multifluted bur when no violet lighting was used. A low‐cost violet flashlight is a useful fluorescence‐aided identification technique for removing resin composite dental trauma splints.
Patients who died with steatohepatitis or liver cirrhosis show neuroinflammation and neuronal loss in hippocampus
Authors: Leone Paola , Arenas Yaiza M. , Balzano Tiziano , Mincheva Gergana , Martinez‐Garcia Mar , Montoliu Carmina , Llansola Marta , Felipo Vicente
Published: June 2023

Background

Neuroinflammation in the cerebral cortex of patients who died with liver cirrhosis and neuroinflammation, and neuronal death in the cerebellum of patients who died with steatohepatitis or cirrhosis, were reported. Hippocampal neuroinflammation could contribute to cognitive decline in patients with liver disease, but this has yet to be studied. The study aims were to assess if hippocampus from patients who died with steatohepatitis or cirrhosis showed: (i) glial activation, (ii) altered cytokine content, (iii) immune cell infiltration, (iv) neuronal apoptosis and (v) neuronal loss.

Methods

Post‐mortem hippocampus was obtained from 6 controls, 19 patients with steatohepatitis (SH) and 4 patients with liver cirrhosis. SH patients were divided into SH1 (n = 9), SH2 (n = 6) and SH3 (n = 4) groups depending on disease severity. Glial activation, IL‐1β and TNFα content, CD4 lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration, neuronal apoptosis and neuronal loss were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Patients who died in SH1 showed astrocyte activation, whereas those who died in SH2 also showed microglial activation, CD4 lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration, neuronal apoptosis and neuronal loss. These changes remained in patients in SH3, who also showed increased IL‐1β and TNFα. Patients who died of liver cirrhosis did not show CD4 lymphocyte infiltration, neuronal apoptosis or increase in TNFα, but still showed glial activation, increased IL‐1β and neuronal loss.

Conclusions

Patients with steatohepatitis showed glial activation, immune cell infiltration, apoptosis and neuronal loss. Glial activation and neuronal loss remained in cirrhotic patients. This may explain the irreversibility of some cognitive alterations in hepatic encephalopathy. Cognitive reserve may contribute to different grades of cognitive impairment despite similar neuronal loss.
Family experiences of ambiguous loss during COVID‐19
Authors: Horton Abagail L. , Russell Beth S. , Tambling Rachel R. , Elias Hannah , Mas Madison
Published: June 2023

Objective

The present study provides descriptive results on parents' mental health, ambiguous loss, stress, and parent–child relationship as well as child stress and children's emotion regulation abilities. Additionally, we present initial psychometric results and preliminary regression findings from a quantitative ambiguous loss measure.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to more than one million deaths in the United States and subsequent mental health difficulties for parents and children.

Method

Data were collected from 134 participants (MParentAge = 39.1 years; 54.5% women; MChildAge = 9.4 years) in early May 2021. Analyses examined group differences of longitudinal findings over a year‐long period, parents' gender, and financial needs.

Results

Moderate levels of COVID‐19–specific stress as well as general stress in both parents and children were found. Women reported higher levels of closeness among the parent–child dyad, and parents whose financial needs were not met reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. A liner regression indicated that 44.3% of the variance in ambiguous loss can be explained by COVID‐19 specific stress and depression.

Conclusion

Individuals and families are still experiencing difficulties after the COVID‐19 pandemic, as seen through the descriptives presented. Additionally, ambiguous loss can be predicted by these experiences.

Implications

Long‐term information about individual and family experiences after a year of the COVID‐19 pandemic highlights important experiences of generalized stress in both parents and children.