bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hold the chair: the link between short-term exposure and the managerial change in an emerging market during the pandemic
Authors: Doruk Ömer Tuğsal
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of short-term firm-level exposure on managerial change during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chinese economy. Such a link is not explored in the existing COVID-19 and resource-based theory (RBT) literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The logit regression model is utilized to examine the effect of short-term exposure on the probability of managerial change in the Chinese economy. Logit models based on coarsened exact matching (CEM) are also used in the robustness checks part of the study. The results are robust to different specifications.

Findings

The obtained findings show that short-term exposure has a significantly positive effect on the probability of managerial change during the pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

Under the RBT approach, this study sheds new light on the relationship between short-term financial exposure and managerial change under uncertainty during the pandemic.

Practical implications

C-Suite executives need to be prepared for short-term sudden shocks. According to the findings of the study, the relationship between short-term sudden shocks and short-term financial exposure is a factor that C-suite executives should pay attention to.

Social implications

Short-term sudden shocks can support managerial change, pushing society into uncertainty and negatively affecting the private sector. In this context, it has a structure that can amplify uncertainty.

Originality/value

In the existing COVID-19 literature, the effect of short-term exposure on the probability of managerial change is under researched, especially in the emerging markets-based RBT and COVID-19 literature. The present study offers an insight into the link between short-term exposure and the probability of managerial change during the pandemic.
Two-step fabrication of clear view SLA millifluidic device for long-term in-vitro cultures
Authors: Saha Debasmita , Pandillapally Rama , Dhyani Vaibhav , Harsha Kurre Sri , Swain Sarpras , Duraiswamy Suhanya , Giri Lopamudra
Published: November 2024

Purpose

In vitro millifluidic cultures with perfusion are essential tools to analyse and understand the interactions between cells, their matrix and multi-cell populations. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the design and development of a 3D-printed template that can be used for fabrication of a clear view poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) device. The major objective is to obtain a transparent device prototype that allows perfusion culture of two cell types for multiple days that can be imaged using laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a two-step approach for achieving the final geometric structure at a faster timeline and lower cost. The first part focuses on comparing the fidelity of the printing templates using fused deposition modelling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) printers for a range of dimensions. They then show that the complex geometry chip with connection chambers can be printed using low resolution low cost FormLab SLA printer. The final optimized design was then printed using high-resolution Projet 6000 SLA printer to obtain smoother structures.

Findings

In this work, the authors have shown that the FormLab SLA printer yields significantly lower error for printing complex design geometries as compared to FDM printer. Result shows that FormLab printer can be used to achieve a minimum dimension of 0.5 mm. They then use the printer to optimize the device dimension for the culture chip which requires several iterations of printing and experimenting. They showed the two-step protocol of printing the optimized template in a high-resolution SLA printer and further fabricating a clear view millifluidic PDMS device that is compatible confocal microscopy imaging. They used this culture chip for perfusion culture of two cell type, and the controlled fluidic exchange between the two chambers led to the formation of neuroglia junction.

Originality/value

One of the major bottlenecks for obtaining complex geometry in mili/microfluidic device by 3D printing is the need of multiple iterations on printing. This makes the tuning of dimension significantly expensive. Another challenge is to obtain a smooth surface of PDMS that leads to a leak proof clear view device compatible for laser based confocal imaging. The combination of two printers plays a crucial role for the rapid prototyping of the imaging device with flow control. The proposed approach lowers the cost for prototyping of in vitro culture chip with complex geometries to improve on biological research demanding multi-chamber fluidic device.
The synthesis of logistics performance and technological innovation on environmental quality
Authors: Abdul Mumin Mubarik , Yakubu Ibrahim Nandom , Adam Ibrahim Osman
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of logistics performance and technological innovation on environmental quality in Africa, focusing on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and renewable energy consumption as indicators of environmental quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a panel data analysis of 43 African countries over the period 1990–2021. Data on logistics performance, technological innovation, CO2 emissions, and renewable energy consumption are sourced from the World Development Indicators database of the World Bank. Grounded in the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, which integrates economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability, the analysis utilises the generalised method of moments (GMM) technique to address the issue of endogeneity.

Findings

The regression results reveal significant relationships between logistics performance, technological innovation and environmental quality indicators. Logistics performance demonstrates a negative impact on CO2 emissions, while technological innovation positively influences renewable energy consumption. The interactive effect of logistics performance and technological innovation mitigates CO2 emissions, aligning with the TBL framework’s environmental dimension by promoting sustainability. Furthermore, trade openness exhibits a significant negative effect on both CO2 emissions and renewable energy consumption. The findings highlight the potential synergies between logistics performance and technological innovation in driving environmental sustainability while offering economic benefits and addressing social well-being.

Practical implications

The findings suggest the importance of prioritising investments in enhancing logistics performance and fostering technological innovation to achieve environmental sustainability goals in Africa.

Originality/value

To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this study presents an initial attempt to examine the nexus between logistics performance and environmental quality in Africa using the logistics performance index. Furthermore, beyond assessing the individual effects of logistics performance and technological innovation on environmental quality, we delve into their interactive dynamics, adding novelty to the study.
Reduced predation and energy flux in soil food webs by introduced tree species: Bottom‐up control of multitrophic biodiversity across size compartments
Authors: Lu Jing‐Zhong , Wenglein Ronja , Bluhm Christian , Stuckenberg Thalea , Potapov Anton M. , Ammer Christian , Scheu Stefan
Published: November 2024

The introduction of non‐native tree species has become a global concern and may disrupt native communities and related ecosystem functions. Soil food webs regulate organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in forests with their feeding activities, but evaluating consequences of the introduction of tree species on soil invertebrates is challenging due to the complex trophic structure and wide range in body size of soil invertebrates.

Here, we employed an energetic food web approach and estimated the energy flux in soil food webs using a four‐node model including soil meso‐ and macrofauna decomposers and predators. We examined pure and mixed stands of native European beech (Fagus sylvatica), introduced Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and native range‐expanding Norway spruce (Picea abies) across site conditions.

Compared to native forests, introduced tree species reduced total fresh mass of macrofauna predators by 92% at sandy sites but not that of decomposers, suggesting trophic downgrading in soil food webs by Douglas fir. The energy flux in mixed forests was intermediate between respective monocultures, suggesting that tree mixtures mitigate potential negative impacts of introduced tree species on food web functioning. Across size classes, soil macrofauna responded more sensitively to changes in environmental conditions than soil mesofauna. Additionally, total energy flux positively correlated with species richness, pointing to the significance of soil biodiversity for trophic functionality.

The energy flux through mesofauna outweighed that through macrofauna when considering energy loss to predators, highlighting the importance of mesofauna for decomposition processes in forest soil food webs. Overall, the study emphasizes the critical role of tree species composition, site conditions and soil biodiversity in driving energy flux through soil food webs and maintaining forest ecosystem functions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Food‐safety trade‐offs drive dynamic behavioural antipredator responses among snowshoe hares
Authors: Shiratsuru Shotaro , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: November 2024

Prey adopt various antipredator responses to minimize the risk of predation, and the fitness costs of antipredator responses can have emergent effects on the population dynamics of prey species. While the trade‐off between food acquisition and predation avoidance has long been recognized in predicting antipredator responses, less attention has been paid to the dynamics of the food‐safety trade‐off driven by temporal variation in multiple risk factors under changing seasonal conditions.

Here, we monitored foraging and vigilance behaviour of a central prey species, snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), at fine temporal scales over the winter with various types of predation risk, while also experimentally manipulating predation risk by attracting predators to foraging patches.

Hares increased foraging and decreased vigilance over the winter, but hares under chronic risk decreased their antipredator efforts to a lesser degree, indicating that those individuals prioritized risk avoidance over food acquisition. Hares also decreased foraging and increased antipredator efforts in response to the temporal activity of predators and environmental cues of predation risk. However, the magnitude of the responses to the environmental cues was mediated by time of winter. While we did not detect a reactive response of hares to acute risk, we did find that hares exhibiting camouflage mismatch proactively increased vigilance.

Overall, our results highlight the importance of species‐specific traits and changing seasonal conditions in addition to temporal variation in multiple risk factors in predicting antipredator responses and the context dependence of risk effects.
Investigating the role of non‐helpers in group living thrips
Authors: Gilbert James D. J.
Published: November 2024

Behavioural variation among individuals is a hallmark of cooperative societies, which commonly contain breeders and non‐breeders, helpers and non‐helpers. In some cases, labour is divided with non‐breeders “helping.” Conversely, in some societies, subordinate non‐breeders may not help. These individuals may be (i) an insurance workforce ensuring continuity of help for breeders when other helpers are lost, (ii) conserving energy while waiting to breed themselves or (iii) simply of too poor physiological quality either to help or breed.

In the Australian Outback, Acacia thrips Dunatothrips aneurae (Thysanoptera) glue Acacia phyllodes into “domiciles” using silk‐like secretions, either alone or cooperatively. Domicile maintenance is important for humidity, so repair can be interpreted as helping. I found that not all females helped to repair damage; some repaired partially or not at all (“non‐helpers”). At the same time, some co‐foundresses are non‐ or partially reproductive (“non‐breeders”), and their role is currently unknown.

I first tested the possibility that helping and breeding are divided, with non‐helping females breeding, and non‐breeders helping. In a lab experiment, I rejected this idea. Experimentally damaged domiciles were typically repaired by reproductive females, and less so by non‐ or partially reproductive individuals.

To test whether non‐helpers are an insurance workforce, I successively removed repairing females and found that non‐helping females from the same domicile did not increase effort as a result, rejecting this hypothesis. Then I tested whether non‐helpers were conserving energy waiting to breed. In a field experiment, I removed all other females, allowing either a helpful female or a non‐helper to “inherit” her domicile. Isolated like this, non‐helpers laid very few eggs compared to helpers or naturally occurring single foundresses, despite similar ovarian development.

My findings show that labour was not divided: reproduction and helping covaried positively, probably depending on individual variation in female quality and intra‐domicile competition. Non‐helping females were neither an insurance workforce nor conserving energy waiting to breed. They are likely simply of poor quality, freeloading by benefiting from domicile maintenance by others. I hypothesize they are tolerated because of selection for indiscriminate communal brood care in the form of domicile repair.
Linking symbioses with intrinsic chemical defences in conifers: Fungal‐mediated resistance against an invasive pathogen
Authors: Bullington Lorinda , Martin Emily , Erbilgin Nadir , Kennedy Peter , Kegley Angelia , Larkin Beau , Lekberg Ylva , Six Diana , Sniezko Richard
Published: November 2024

Invasive pathogens threaten the sustainability of forest ecosystems globally. Trees possess intrinsic pathogen defence mechanisms, including major gene resistance (MGR) and quantitative disease resistance (QDR). Plant‐symbiotic fungi can enhance tree defences, generating far‐reaching ecosystem impacts. However, the specific contributions of various fungal guilds to this symbiont‐mediated resistance remain unclear.

In this study, we inoculated six Pinus monticola seedling families exhibiting resistance (MGR or QDR) or high susceptibility to the introduced invasive pathogen Cronartium ribicola, the causative agent of white pine blister rust (WPBR), with endophytic and ectomycorrhizal fungi, either alone or in combination (symbiont treatments), in an open‐air greenhouse study. Over a period of 25 months, we monitored the growth, foliar terpene defences, and disease progression in trees before and after C. ribicola infection and in trees inoculated with the symbionts but never inoculated with C. ribicola.

We observed enhanced inducible host defences and evidence of defensive priming in response to symbiont treatments. In WPBR‐free control treatments, differences in pine defences coincided with an increased seedling growth rate. For WPBR‐infected seedlings, symbiont treatments reduced disease symptoms in seedlings with QDR and to a lesser extent in susceptible families, but not in those with MGR. Furthermore, disease symptoms correlated with variations in terpene composition.

Synthesis and applications: Interactions with fungal symbionts should be considered when breeding native trees for resistance against invasive pathogens. Our study underscores the capacity of endophytic and ectomycorrhizal fungi to enhance tree growth and defence while also reducing disease symptoms. We also show that fungi can induce long‐lasting changes in conifer foliar terpenes, suggesting potential applications in tree protection from invasive pathogens.
Flower scent, pollinators, and effects of proximity between plants on fruit set of the rare, threatened, and endemic Daphne rodriguezii
Authors: Cardona Carles , Ferriol Pere , Llorens Leonardo
Published: November 2024

This study focuses on Daphne rodriguezii, a threatened plant species that is endemic to Menorca in the Balearic Islands of the Western Mediterranean. The main objective was to investigate the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the floral aroma, as well as the timing and chemical variations in scent production. The primary pollinators were identified, and the relationship between their behavior and the chemical profile of the floral scent was investigated. Furthermore, the impact of plant density on fruit set rates was evaluated to obtain valuable insights for conservation and habitat‐management initiatives. The findings reveal that D. rodriguezii emits a distinct sweet floral aroma that primarily consists of benzenoids and linalool derivatives. Scent emission occurs during the evening and night, coinciding with the activity period of moths (Autographa gamma), which were identified as the primary pollen vectors for this self‐incompatible species. The fruit set values exhibit a positive correlation with the proximity between plants. These results emphasize the importance of moths and plant proximity as crucial factors to consider in the conservation management of this species.
Crisis, temporality and governmental policy agendas: The cases of Finland and Sweden
Authors: Vogt Henri , Värttö Mikko
Published: November 2024

Crises transform the temporal orientation of political decision‐making. They demand immediate and decisive action and thus convert time into a means of political control. In these circumstances, assessing the long‐term consequences of proposed policies with respect to welfare, sustainability or justice also becomes demanding. Yet crisis conditions may also contain of elements that can enable positive postcrisis societal changes. Crises can offer opportunities for new developmental measures and building a better future—something political leaders may capitalise on in their agenda‐setting. By analysing the programmes of the post‐2014 Finnish and Swedish governments, this paper seeks to make sense of how the current crisis mode has shaped these countries' politics in terms of their temporal horizons. The analysis focuses on three main perspectives or forms of articulation—innovative stabilisation, long‐termism and synchronisation—by way of which these governments seek to navigate through crises‐afflicted times and offer a desirable future direction for their respective societies. The analysis offers important insights into the (unused) potential of crises to achieve something substantially novel in the Nordic and European political landscape, ultimately advancing the conditions for a future‐regarding democratic system.
Can GPS Monitoring Be Viewed as a Bodyguard, Rather than a Prison Guard?: The Use of Electronic Monitoring to Reduce the Risk of Cross‐Border Parental Child Abduction
Authors: Yaqub Nazia
Published: November 2024

Globally, the number of cases of international parental child abduction has remained consistent in the past decade, despite the array of legal provisions designed to prevent it. The current legal approach is ineffective. Reflecting on the findings of an empirical study on parental abduction from the UK, the article considers a novel solution which aims to protect children at risk of abduction through electronic monitoring. The electronic monitoring of children has negative connotations, particularly its use in the criminal justice system. The article considers whether electronic monitoring, in the context of family law proceedings, could serve a protective rather than a punitive purpose. Such an approach requires a conceptual shift, to view electronic monitoring as a bodyguard for the privileged few, rather than as a prison guard. The article reflects on the use of electronic monitoring in parental abduction cases by the Family Courts and examines the proposal drawing on the rights found in the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. A rights‐based analysis, as opposed to one constructed solely on the child's best interests in English family law, enables its application in other legal jurisdictions and protective contexts.
Multimodal Sensemaking and Sensegiving Processes of Discursive Threat Appraisal in Environmental Crisis Communication
Authors: Ravazzani Silvia , Maier Carmen Daniela , Jin Yan
Published: November 2024

This study investigates how multimodal sensemaking and sensegiving processes of discursive threat appraisal are employed by global movements in their environmental crisis communication when disclosing how corporate commitments are failing to reduce the global plastic pollution. The theoretical framework includes perspectives on global sticky crises, threat appraisal, framing, crisis sensemaking and sensegiving, and multimodal discourse. Empirically, a series of brand audits reports of #breakfreefromplastic global movement are systematically examined. The analytical focus transcends the usual monomodal approach and is directed towards the multimodal interplay that builds strategic discourses through images and texts. Findings details, on the one hand, the multimodal discursive sensemaking processes of content enrichment and appeal bolstering as well as their outcomes related to the building of common sense, new sense, and non‐sense; on the other hand, they clarify how prognostic, diagnostic, and motivational framing tasks are accomplished in environmental crisis sensegiving by the global movement. This study provides insights useful to corporations when reevaluating their own crisis sensemaking and sensegiving in corporate communications and, ultimately, contribute to changing risky corporate behaviour toward more effective and ethical environmental crisis prevention and communication.
Effect of processing conditions on rheology, texture, and microstructure of paneer
Authors: Hussain Shaik Abdul , Sharma Prateek , Garavand Farhad , Gómez‐Mascaraque Laura G , Hogan Sean A
Published: November 2024

There is an increasing demand for fresh cheese varieties such as paneer because they offer ease of production, and time savings. Studies have been conducted on understanding the impact of milk composition on paneer quality, but there is no study on the effect of processing conditions on textural, rheological, and structural properties. To improve understanding of the impacts of processing on the quality attributes of paneer, six different samples were prepared in triplicate using two milk pre‐heat treatments (90°C/no hold or 90°C/10 min), and three coagulation temperatures (CT‐70, 80 or 90°C). Extensive interactions were observed between β‐lactoglobulin and κ‐casein at higher CT. An increase in G′ and G″ values of paneer was observed at 90°C CT. Formation of dense protein networks with less porous structure was observed at higher CT. These findings show that coagulation temperature is critical for control of the physicochemical properties, and quality of paneer.
Road to net zero: Greenness of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and California Green Building Standards Code in the multifamily sector
Authors: Chung Jamie , Cusumano Michael , Kim Dongshin , Park Abraham
Published: November 2024

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) sustainability programs in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in multifamily buildings. We find that CALGreen effectively reduces GHG emissions by 7.2%–11.6%. However, among properties completed during the CALGreen period (on or after 2015), LEED‐certified properties exhibit 14.1%–20.8% higher GHG emissions compared to non‐LEED‐certified buildings. We attribute this result to the emphasis on theoretical design versus actual energy performance of those programs. Furthermore, our research reveals that LEED‐certified buildings completed before the implementation of CALGreen command a rent premium of 4.7%–5.4%. However, this LEED premium diminishes during the CALGreen period. Non‐LEED properties completed during the CALGreen period show limited evidence of rent premiums.
Acid attacks on pin‐tumbler locks
Authors: Meisel Lars Oliver , Weber Matthias
Published: November 2024

Recently, an unusual method of home burglary has emerged in several European countries. Nitric acid is used to attack the tumbler lock of the front door. The aim of this study is to gain insights into the technical functioning of this method and to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this modus operandi. For this purpose, four pin‐tumbler locks were attached to a custom‐made holder and 65% nitric acid was successively injected into the key channel using a syringe. The locks were checked manually and using a CT scanner to see whether the lock was overcome and how the acid did affect the pins and springs. In three out of four cases the lock was overcome. The shortest time was 22 min until the pin pairs could be removed and it was possible to turn the core with a screwdriver. Overall, the results show that the modus operandi works with standard locks. According to the authors, the long duration and the high health risk are significant disadvantages in relation to other overcoming methods.
We can do better: Recommendations for mental health crisis care from people with lived experience
Authors: Roennfeldt Helena , Glover Helen , Castles Calista , Roper Cath , Hill Nicole , Byrne Louise , Hamilton Bridget E
Published: November 2024

The ED is increasingly the first point of contact for people who have no alternative when they are in a mental health crisis. However, there is mounting evidence of inadequate and negative responses to mental health crises in the ED, which has been identified as a ‘human rights flashpoint’. This paper presents the desired crisis support from people who have accessed the ED in a mental health crisis and offers significant opportunities to use lived experience knowledge to reshape crisis care. These key messages arise from a phenomenological analysis of in‐depth interviews with 31 users of ED services, a PhD study conducted by a lived experience researcher. The paper concludes with six recommendations that combine collective wished‐for responses with tangible examples of how these desired responses can be translated into crisis care practice.
Mass transfer kinetics of ultrasonic‐ and vacuum‐ultrasonic‐assisted static brine of chicken breast (Pectoralis major)
Authors: Shao Jiaqi , Zhang Haozhen , Wang Jingjie , Xu Xinglian , Zhao Xue
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different ultrasound treatment (UT) conditions (Control, UT‐150, UT‐300, UT‐450, Vacuum‐UT‐150, Vacuum‐UT‐300, Vacuum‐UT‐450) on the brining kinetics and meat quality of chicken breast. The results showed that vacuum‐ultrasonic‐assisted treatment greatly accelerated the transfer of moisture and NaCl, and the highest yield was obtained by ultrasonic power of 450 W. The mass transfer kinetics (k1 and k2) were significantly related to vacuum pretreatment and ultrasonic power. The values of k1 for total and moisture weight changes decreased with the increase of ultrasonic power, whereas the values of k2 increased with vacuum pretreatment. The application of ultrasound treatment with vacuum improved the NaCl effective diffusion coefficients (De) from 1.189 × 10−9 to 1.308–1.449 × 10−9 m2/s, and the highest De was found with Vacuum‐UT‐450. The treatment of ultrasound and vacuum can reduce shear force and enhance the water‐holding capacity (WHC). According to the analysis of water distribution, vacuum and ultrasound could decrease the T23 values, indicating that the mobility of water decreased. The result of microscopic observation further supported that the disruption of myofibrils was related to the tenderness and WHC changes, which was caused by vacuum and ultrasound treatment. Thus, Vacuum‐UT brining could be employed as an emerging technology for improving the efficiency of brining and meat quality of other meat.

Practical Application

Vacuum‐ultrasonic‐assisted static brine is an effective and feasible treatment to replace tumbling treatment for maintaining the integrity of the muscle bundles and accelerating the brining rate.
A Translator's Face: Persianate Selfhood and Portraiture, 1760–1800
Authors: Richards Beth
Published: November 2024

Within the framework of Persianate self‐hood, this article explores the intersection between translation, Indian dress, and portraiture in India and Britain, 1760–1800. It examines the translator's lived experience and cultural output as a published scholar and Persian secretary in the East India Company. First, it considers the self‐constructed through clothing; second, it examines how the role of the EIC translator is discretely performed. The third is the role of art and the artist in visualizing a record of professional life and its relationship with material culture, and finally, how it evoked a multifarious kinship on a network of ideas unrelated to ethnicity or place. Engaging with the concept of transculturalism, it considers the global ‘family’ as a flexible and dynamic unit that empowers the movement of visual and material culture within generations. The investigation of dress and grooming reframes the imperial ‘self’, seeing dress as the primary navigator of cultural space.
Mendelian randomization studies in ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review
Authors: Wei Jiangnan , Zhu Xiuyuan , Wang Jiaxian , Yang Kezhou , Chen Jiayin , Li Jingling , Zuo Shunli , Liu Ning
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Previous research has revealed connections between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and comorbid conditions. However, observational studies frequently encounter difficulties in establishing definitive causal links between potential risk factors and AS. In contrast, Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a more robust approach to exploring causality by leveraging the random allocation of alleles at birth, thereby minimizing confounding factors.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for MR studies related to AS with a time frame of database creation to May 2024. Information on authors, exposures, outcomes, data sources, SNPs, MR analysis methods, ORs (95% CIs), and p‐values was extracted. Quality assessment was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist.

Results

We systematically reviewed 42 MR studies in AS. Health behaviors, comorbidities, and serum markers were involved. Overall, physical activity, inflammatory bowel disease, and specific intestinal flora with serum markers as exposures were causally associated with AS, which leads to an increased risk with several comorbidities.

Conclusions

MR is a powerful tool for assessing causal relationships between risk factors and outcomes. Specific intestinal flora and inflammatory bowel disease appear to be uncontroversial risk factors that increase the risk of AS. Reliable and robust MR findings may provide a more comprehensive health management strategy for patients with AS.
A 3D modelling approach to measuring structural characteristics of bird nest interiors
Authors: Guo Jing‐Chia , Shaner Pei‐Jen Lee , Hung Chih‐Ming
Published: November 2024

Nests are considered extended phenotypes of animals with potentially serious fitness consequences for the survival of offspring. Therefore, nest characteristics may contain valuable information about the underlying ecological and evolutionary mechanisms shaping animal reproduction. However, we currently lack efficient tools to archive nests and measure their characteristics, particularly concerning enclosed nests.

Here we developed a step‐by‐step protocol of a 3D modelling approach to measure structural characteristics of nest interiors using the enclosed, dome‐shaped nests of Asian house martins as a test system. We first created the replicas of nest interiors using polyurethane (‘physical replicas’), from which 3D models were constructured using Metashape software (‘digital replicas’). We then estimated the volume and entrance area size of the digital replicas of nest interior using Metashape. To verify that the digital replicas preserve the structural characteristics of the physical replicas, we measured the volume and entrance area size of the physical replicas with Archimedes' drainage method and ImageJ, respectively. We then compared the manual measurements of the physical replicas to the values estimated from digital replicas.

The estimates on the interior volume and entrance area size of 50 Asian house martin nests were nearly identical between physical and digital replicas. These results verified that the digital replicas are as reliable as the physical replicas for measuring structural characteristics of nest interior.

Our 3D modelling approach allows for easy archiving as digital replicas of nest interiors endure preservation over time much better than actual nest specimens. Furthermore, digital replicas can be shared via internet and analysed for different aspects of morphometrics at any time by anyone. Overall, this tool should facilitate research on the ecology and evolution of animals in relation to nest construction.
Impact of the Valsalva manoeuvre on the choroid: A systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Arnold‐Vangsted Andreas , Boberg‐Ans Lars Christian , Cehofski Lasse Jørgensen , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Grauslund Jakob , Hansen Michael Stormly , Kiilgaard Hans Christian , Klefter Oliver Niels , Krogh Nielsen Marie , Sevik Mehmet Orkun , Subhi Yousif
Published: November 2024

A variety of daily activities can intentionally or unintentionally cause the Valsalva manoeuvre, which induces a physiological response of elevated peripheral venous pressure. Studies have speculated that it may ultimately affect the choroidal anatomy. This is particularly important from a clinical point‐of‐view since patients occasionally hold their breath while undergoing macular optical coherence tomography (OCT). In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature to understand the impact of the Valsalva manoeuvre on the choroid and conducted meta‐analyses on the changes induced in the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI). We searched 12 literature databases for studies in healthy participants undergoing Valsalva manoeuvre with choroidal OCT scans before and during the manoeuvre. Seven studies with a total of 444 eyes of 279 individuals were eligible for the review. The Valsalva manoeuvre led to a statistically significant but numerically small increase in the SFCT of 6.5 μm (95% CI: 1.6–11.4 μm; p = 0.01) and a statistically significant increase in the CVI of 1.48 (95% CI: 1.23–1.73; p = 0.0002). Thus, the Valsalva manoeuvre has a measurable impact on the choroid, and we recommend careful observation of how the patient sits and behaves behind the OCT scanner while scanning in order to allow accurate measurements of the choroid for diagnosis and monitoring.
Effects of changes in SHP2 expression on liver fibrosis by influencing the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Hao Li‐Sen , Ji Jing‐Xiu , Jiang Mei‐Yu , Song Jie , Chen Pan‐Pan , Zhan Zong‐Yuan , Miao Xiao‐Jia , Gao Ying‐Ying , Wang Wei , Liu Tian
Published: November 2024

Accumulating research has revealed that src‐homology domain 2‐containing protein tyrosine phosphatase‐2 (SHP2), an oncogenic protein tyrosine phosphatase, is associated with liver fibrosis. Currently, it is still unclear whether SHP2 affects liver fibrosis by influencing the apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). In present study, we investigate effects of SHP2 expression changes on liver fibrosis, with special emphasis on the apoptosis of HSC. Using adenovirus vector, wild‐type SHP2 gene and short hairpin RNA targeting SHP2 were introduced into rats with liver fibrosis and LX‐2 cells in vitro. The expressions of type I and III collagen, pathological and functional changes, collagen deposition in rat liver and apoptosis of LX‐2 cells were detected by immunohistochemical and HE staining, automated biochemical analyzer, Masson trichrome staining, and TUNEL. This study showed that overexpression of SHP2 exacerbated dysfunction, inflammatory damage, collagen deposition and increased expression of type I and III collagen in rat liver reduced apoptosis of LX‐2 cells. On the contrary, low expression of SHP2 alleviated the aforementioned detection indicators of rats and promoted apoptosis of LX‐2 cells. In conclusion, the downregulation of SHP2 expression alleviates liver fibrosis by inducing the apoptosis of HSC, while overexpressed SHP2 exacerbates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the apoptosis of HSC.
Localized large B‐cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL6 rearrangements as an unexpected finding in an appendectomy specimen
Authors: Poltorak Przemyslaw Marcin , Plesner Trine Lindhardt , Petersson Eva Stampe , Schejbel Lone , Breinholt Marie Fredslund , Lode Lise , Hutchings Martin , Nørgaard Peter
Published: November 2024

Large B‐cell lymphomas (LBLs) comprise a genetically heterogeneous group of clinically aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, frequently exhibiting overlapping features with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma. We report a case of a 24‐year‐old, previously healthy male with a classical clinical presentation of acute appendicitis. The pathologic examination discovered a large B‐cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL6 rearrangements in the excised appendix. The patient was assigned Stage IEA, IPI = 0 and received chemotherapy. This case depicts a very uncommon occurrence of fully localized LBL in a patient of an unusually young age and clinical presentation for this type of lymphoma.
(Pragmatist) geographies of rankings
Authors: Rainer Gerhard
Published: November 2024

As a rapidly growing interdisciplinary literature has argued, rankings have become a key means of valuation in contemporary society. However, the majority of the work focuses on rankings in only a few areas, and even if spatial aspects play a role in the interdisciplinary literature, the number of explicitly geographical works on rankings is surprisingly low. Against this backdrop, in this paper I aim firstly to flesh out a pragmatism‐inspired geographical perspective on rankings. Secondly, using the example of wine rankings, I will ask the question as to how the growing importance of rankings has changed valuation schemes. The wine industry is particularly well suited to this, as nominal classifications in the form of designations of origin have historically played a central role here. A pragmatist, geographical perspective on ordinal ordering processes illustrates that rankings evoke both economic and geographical realities; they do this not only through the ranking processes as such, but also through observation of and engagement with rankings by different actors. In the case of wine, local/regional specificity is an inherent part of the world of rankings—be it through the fact that ranking processes build on (embodied) geographically contextualised knowledge of wine judges, through the possibilities of using (or not using) (different) rankings for different markets by wine producers, or through the balance between the marketing of wine through rankings and the suitability of those very wines for the specific markets in which they are to be sold. This is perhaps the biggest difference compared with other fields in which the importance of rankings has increased considerably—in particular, higher education. It helps to explain why the historically significant valuation scheme of geographical origin has not lost any of its significance, despite the increase in the importance of rankings in the world of wine.
Seed rain as a propagule source for restoration of semi‐arid floodplain old fields
Authors: Zivec Peta , Johnston‐Bates Jaiden
Published: November 2024

Aims

Revegetation of the world's abandoned agricultural land (old fields) is vital to promote biodiversity and restore ecosystem services. Natural regeneration, whereby vegetation regrows on its own via the propagules already within the landscape, is a cost‐effective restoration approach for old fields. It is vital that we understand how different seed sources contribute to the regenerative capacity of old fields to make informed management decisions. Little is known about seed rain as a propagule source for restoration within semi‐arid floodplains of eastern Australia.

Location

Within this study, we examined seed rain and extant vegetation in old fields and paired remnant sites across four regions in the northern Murray–Darling Basin, eastern Australia.

Methods

Seed rain was surveyed using seed traps that were then subjected to a seedling emergence experiment.

Results

Minimal differences in seed rain composition, species richness, abundance, and plant functional groups were observed between old‐field and remnant sites, indicating similarities in seed dispersal within both land use histories. Larger distances to remnant patches and mean annual rainfall were found to drive the composition of old field's seed rain. The study found few emerged Eucalyptus seedlings despite seed traps being placed during peak seed release periods, which may be due to poor tree conditions from drought, interference with seed traps and the episodic germination requirements of Eucalyptus coolabah.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that seed rain can contribute to the natural regeneration of understorey vegetation, with low abundances of exotic species, unlike other seed bank types. However, seed rain composition resembled little of the extant vegetation, suggesting a species pool facing barriers to germination and establishment, but likely linked to bet‐hedging strategies. Moving forward to promote natural regeneration via seed rain in old fields, protecting existing patches of vegetation within the landscape is vital to enable biotic connectivity.
Checkpoint inhibition in macroglobulinaemia
Authors: Kapoor Prashant
Published: November 2024

Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a unique, cluster of differentiation (CD) 20+ B‐cell malignancy, with a characteristic immunoglobulin M‐secreting lymphoplasmacytic bone marrow infiltrate that is bolstered by a highly supportive microenvironment, including upregulated programmed death 1 expression. However, the impact of checkpoint inhibition in WM is unclear.

Commentary on: Kothari et al. PembroWM: A phase II trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of rituximab and pembrolizumab in relapsed/refractory Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:2273‐2281.
The relationship between virtual work climate and digital creativity: The role of remote work self‐efficacy and proactive personality
Authors: Xu Nan , Tang Chunyong , Yang Chengchuan , Lai Yanzhao
Published: November 2024

In the era of the digital economy, enhancing the digital creativity of remote workers is paramount for organizations. Our research, informed by insights from individual perceptions of climate and social cognition, introduces and examines a robust theoretical framework for comprehending the ways in which remote workers foster digital creativity within a virtual work environment. Utilizing this framework, we hypothesized about the correlation between a virtual work climate and digital creativity. To test our hypothesis, we embarked on an empirical study that involved a two‐stage survey, resulting in 331 valid responses. The findings reveal a positive correlation between the virtual work climate and digital creativity. Furthermore, we discovered that remote work self‐efficacy plays a role in partially mediating this relationship. The data also indicates that a proactive personality not only strengthens the connection between the virtual work climate and digital creativity but also enhances the link between the virtual work climate and remote work self‐efficacy. Intriguingly, a proactive personality also intensifies the mediating role of remote work self‐efficacy in the relationship between the virtual work climate and digital creativity. These insights shed light on the specific processes and conditions that amplify digital creativity among employees via a virtual work climate. We suggest that organizations can significantly boost the digital creativity of their remote workforce by cultivating a supportive virtual work climate.
The Excess of Carriers in Rare Disorders Suggests a Nonpathogenic Effect for Most Variants of Uncertain Significance
Authors: Medaglia Stefano , Reig‐Palou Jaume , Bellés Ariadna , Moreno‐Ruiz Nerea , Rodríguez Jairo , Armengol Xavier , Aróstegui Juan Ignacio , Armengol Lluís , Guillén Juan José , Laayouni Hafid , Casals Ferran
Published: November 2024

Functional annotation and interpretation of genetic variants are a critical step in genetic diagnosis, as it may lead to personalized therapeutic options and genetic counseling. While the number of confirmed pathogenic genetic variants in an individual is relatively low, the number of variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) can be considerably higher, increasing the number of potential carriers of genetic disorders. Thus, reducing uncertainty and assessing the real effect of VOUS are crucial for clinical and medical genetics. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of genetic screening technologies in accurately predicting pathogenic variants and their corresponding disease prevalence in a cohort of over 6000 healthy individuals involved in assisted reproduction programs. Using data from 305 genes associated with recessive disorders, we determined the frequency of carriers of pathogenic variants and VOUS in our dataset and compared the predicted prevalence based on this information with reported population prevalence data. The higher predicted prevalence in some disorders when considering VOUS suggests a mostly benign effect.
SIRT3 Inhibits Cell Proliferation of Nonsmall Cell Lung Carcinoma by Inducing ROS Production
Authors: Yu Ze , Liao Hongtao , Wu Guanhuai , Liu Ying , Zhang Guoqiang , Xiao Liang , Yang Shuibo , Liu Jia , Yang Guocai
Published: November 2024

Background

Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is located in the mitochondrial matrix, regulating acetylation levels of metabolic enzymes. As an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene, SIRT3 plays an important role in the commencement and progression of certain cancers. In this research, we investigated the role of SIRT3 in the progression of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods

In this study, bioinformatics was used to analyze the differential expression of SIRT3 in NSCLC tissue and normal tissues, prognosis, single‐cell analysis, and related signaling pathways. The Lentiviral overexpressing SIRT3 was constructed, and CCK8 and colony formation assay were used to evaluate the NSCLC cells proliferation, ROS production was detected by flow cytometry, and the sea‐horse test was used to measure cellular oxygen consumption (OCR).

Results

SIRT3 expression was significantly decreased in NSCLC, and low expression of SIRT3 was closely related to the poor prognosis. Besides, on the whole, upregulation of SIRT3 suppressed cell proliferation in A549 and SK‐MES‐1 cells via increasing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and ROS production.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings suggested that SIRT3 functions as a tumor suppressor that can suppress the progression of NSCLC via stimulating ROS production.