bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigation of three-dimensional natural convection heat transfer on corrugated plates of variable height
Authors: Verdério Júnior Sílvio Aparecido , Coelho Pedro J. , Scalon Vicente Luiz
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to numerically investigate the geometric influence of different corrugation profiles (rectangular, trapezoidal and triangular) of varying heights on the flow and the natural convection heat transfer process over isothermal plates.

Design/methodology/approach

This work is an extension and finalization of previous studies of the leading author. The numerical methodology was proposed and experimentally validated in previous studies. Using OpenFOAM® and other free and open-source numerical-computational tools, three-dimensional numerical models were built to simulate the flow and the natural convection heat transfer process over isothermal corrugation plates with variable and constant heights.

Findings

The influence of different geometric arrangements of corrugated plates on the flow and natural convection heat transfer over isothermal plates is investigated. The influence of the height ratio parameter, as well as the resulting concave and convex profiles, on the parameters average Nusselt number, corrected average Nusselt number and convective thermal efficiency gain, is analyzed. It is shown that the total convective heat transfer and the convective thermal efficiency gain increase with the increase of the height ratio. The numerical results confirm previous findings about the predominant effects on the predominant impact of increasing the heat transfer area on the thermal efficiency gain in corrugated surfaces, in contrast to the adverse effects caused on the flow. In corrugations with heights resulting in concave profiles, the geometry with triangular corrugations presented the highest total convection heat transfer, followed by trapezoidal and rectangular. For arrangements with the same area, it was demonstrated that corrugations of constant and variable height are approximately equivalent in terms of natural convection heat transfer.

Practical implications

The results allowed a better understanding of the flow characteristics and the natural convection heat transfer process over isothermal plates with corrugations of variable height. The advantages of the surfaces studied in terms of increasing convective thermal efficiency were demonstrated, with the potential to be used in cooling systems exclusively by natural convection (or with reduced dependence on forced convection cooling systems), including in technological applications of microelectronics, robotics, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence, information technology, industry 4.0, etc.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the results presented are new in the scientific literature. Unlike previous studies conducted by the leading author, this analysis specifically analyzed the natural convection phenomenon over plates with variable-height corrugations. The obtained results will contribute to projects to improve and optimize natural convection cooling systems.
Adopting the metaverse in the luxury hotel business: a cost–benefit perspective
Authors: Zaman Mustafeed , Hasan Prof Rajibul , Vo-Thanh Tan , Shams Riad , Rahman Mizan , Jasim K. Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the perceived values of the metaverse when adopting it in the luxury hospitality business. Based on the cost–benefit perspective, this research provides solid theoretical contributions and actionable managerial recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory sequential mixed-method design was used. For the qualitative phase, 21 hotel managers and 24 hotel guests (who often stay in four-star and five-star hotels and resorts) were interviewed after showing them a series of videos about using the metaverse in the hotel business. Based on the results of the qualitative phase, the analytic hierarchy process method was used, and 476 valid questionnaires were analyzed.

Findings

The results highlight the perceived benefits (personalized services, immersive experience and positive brand image) and costs (lack of human touch, time and effort and security and privacy) of metaverse adoption for hotel managers and their guests. In addition, the study determines the weight of each value attribute of metaverse adoption for each travel stage (pre-travel, during travel and post-travel).

Practical implications

Regarding metaverse adoption, the research offers practical suggestions for luxury hotels. For instance, the cost of equipment and the time and effort required are perceived costs of metaverse adoption. To address these challenges, hotels may offer free equipment (e.g. VR headsets) and training to their guests to stimulate the use of the metaverse.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the literature by presenting a conceptual framework for examining metaverse adoption in the luxury hotel scenario. Unlike using conventional models like the technology acceptance model or the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology to investigate a technology’s adoption, this study stands out by unraveling the topic through the lens of value proposition. The latter often comes from an efficient value co-creation process, which is indeed shaped by an adequate appreciation of the congruence of perceived values (i.e. perceived benefits and costs) of metaverse from hotel manager and guest perspectives.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on firm financial performance: does corporate governance matter?
Authors: Gharbi Manel , Jarboui Anis
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study investigated how corporate social responsibility (CSR) impacts financial performance (FP) and examined the moderated role of corporate governance (CG). In particular, this paper aims to empirically examine the impact of CG on the relationship between CSR and FP.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was based on a sample of 200 firms over 2010/2021. The direct and moderating effects were tested by using multiple regression techniques.

Findings

The empirical findings indicated that companies with higher levels of CSR reporting invested more effectively than companies with lower CSR reporting levels. The empirical analysis suggested two main findings: CSR has a significant effect on FP, and this relationship depends on CG practices. This research presents new evidence that improves the discussion around CSR involvement and FP in French firms. Then, this research shows that CG positively moderates the impact of CSR on corporate FP.

Originality/value

These findings may be of interest to academic researchers, practitioners and regulators interested in discovering dividend policies, FP and CSR. The findings may interest different stakeholders, policymakers and regulatory bodies interested in enhancing CG initiatives to strengthen CSR because it suggests implementing a broadly accepted framework of good CG practices to meet the demand for greater transparency and accountability.
Green human resource management and green performance in the wine industry: the mediating role of employee well-being
Authors: Martínez Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Millán-Tudela Luis A
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on analysing the impact of green human resource management (GHRM) on the green performance (GP) of Spanish wineries, as well as the mediating effect of employee well-being (EW) on this linkage. In addition, age, size and membership in a protected designation of origin are introduced as control variables to increase the precision of the cause-effect relationships examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a conceptual model based on previous studies, which is tested using structural equations partial least squares structural equation modelling with data collected from 196 Spanish wineries between September 2022 and January 2023.

Findings

The findings of the research reveal the existence of a positive and significant relationship between the GHRM development and the GP of Spanish wineries, as well as the partial mediation of EW in this association.

Originality/value

The uniqueness and significance of this study can be attributed to several crucial factors. First, it enhances the understanding and knowledge regarding the advantages associated with GHRM development. Second, no prior research has conducted a comprehensive study on GHRM as a catalyst for GP within the context of Spanish wineries. Third, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has analyzed the mediating role of EW as a mediator in the relationship between GHRM and GP of wineries.
A method for modifying octagonal Goodman–Smith fatigue limit diagram
Authors: Tang Yuhan , Wang Yuedong , Liu Jiayu , Tian Boya , Dong Qi , He Ziwei , Wen Jiayi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In order to extend the application of the original octagonal Goodman–Smith fatigue limit diagram, which is commonly used for the evaluation of structure fatigue stress in engineering, a modification of it is proposed for the structure made of S355 steel (commonly used in high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) bogie frame).

Design/methodology/approach

The modification is made based on Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren e. V. (DVS) 1612 standard and the γ-P-S-N curve, with consideration of the fatigue evaluation requirements of different survival rates and confidence levels. The verification of the modification is performed for three welded joints and for the comparison with the experimental data.

Findings

The results indicate that the design survival rate, the design safety margin and the fatigue stress evaluation of welded joint types are all improved by using the modified diagram.

Originality/value

There are relatively few studies on modifying octagonal Goodman–Smith fatigue limit diagram. In this paper, a modified diagram is proposed and applied in order to ensure the safety and durability of key welded structures of rail vehicles.
Antecedents and consequences of physical environment design in international retail stores
Authors: Khaneja Suyash , Hussain Shahzeb
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of physical environment design (PED) and its antecedents on consumers’ emotional well-being (EWB). Drawing on place identity and emotional theories, the study aims to provide a new perspective to retail store experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 800 respondents was conducted in London, out of which 764 responses were constructively used. The data was collected from international retail outlets, and structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The empirical results show that PED has a positive effect on consumers’ EWB. Among the antecedents, visual identity does not have any significant effect on PED and EWB. In contrast, communication had a significant effect on PED but did not have any effect on EWB, and further, cultural heritage had a positive effect on both PED and EWB. Further, moderator analysis identifies the boundary conditions under which specific theories hold.

Practical implications

The value of this paper lies in its potential to be used for creating the perfect design planning in retail stores. Significant implications for managers and researchers are highlighted.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative approach to develop the principles of retail store’s PED to support the EWB of consumers.
The relationship between dividend policy and earnings management: a causality analysis
Authors: Ben Salah Olfa , Jarboui Anis
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to investigate the direction of the causal relationship between dividend policy (DP) and earnings management (EM).

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes the panel data analysis to investigate the causal relationship between EM and DP. It provides empirical insights based on a sample of 280 French nonfinancial companies listed on the CAC All-Tradable index during the period of 2008–2015. The study initiates with a Granger causality examination on the unbalanced panel data and employs a dynamic panel approach with the generalized method of moments (GMM). It further estimates the empirical models simultaneously using the three-stage least squares (3SLS) method and the iterative triple least squares (iterative 3SLS) method.

Findings

The estimation of our various empirical models confirms the presence of a bidirectional causal relationship between DP and EM.

Practical implications

Our study highlights the prevalence of EM in the French context, particularly within DP. It underscores the need for regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Finance, external auditors and stock exchange organizers to prioritize governance mechanisms for improving the quality of financial information disclosed by companies.

Originality/value

This research is, to the best of our knowledge, the first is to extensively investigate the reciprocal causal relationship between DP and EM in France. Previous studies have not placed a significant emphasis on exploring this bidirectional link between these two variables.
Does the inflow of remittances diminish unemployment? The role of political stability in MENA countries
Authors: Elorabi Khaled , Ishak Suryati , Maher Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Previous literature has investigated the connection amongst remittances, political stability and unemployment in remittance-receiving economies separately. Besides, they did not cover the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, this research uses the pooled mean group (PMG) method.

Findings

The findings suggest that the influence of remittances on lowering unemployment accelerates in recipient economies with high levels of political stability.

Practical implications

Policymakers in MENA countries should vigorously pursue political stability, which plays a crucial role in boosting the influence of inward remittances on unemployment alleviation. This is accomplished by establishing solid institutions that contribute to ensuring fair politics, increasing citizens' trust in the government, enhancing the rule of law and protecting investors and prioritizing policies and programs that promote political stability.

Originality/value

This paper, therefore, aspires to empirically examine the impacts of inward remittances on unemployment via the moderating role of political stability in thirteen MENA-receiving countries from 1996 to 2020.
Public procurement policies of Nigeria and Ghana: an analysis of the administrative challenges in achieving value for money
Authors: Kipo-Sunyehzi Daniel Dramani , Abubakari Abdul-Fatawu , Banchani John-Paul Safunu
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on public policy concerning the implementation of public procurement policies in Nigeria and Ghana toward achieving value for money in the procurement of goods, services and works. It specifically analyzes some major administrative challenges Nigeria and Ghana are faced with in the administration/implementation of public procurement policies toward achieving value for money. It looks at the relationship between the state (regulatory authorities) and substate (procurement entities) in the public sectors of Nigeria and Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative case study approach is adopted, where the two countries are compared in terms of achieving value for money. Data was collected from multiple sources, including in-depth interviews. The use of official documents and direct observations at the procurement regulatory authorities and entities’ premises.

Findings

This study found Nigeria often used the four Es – economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity while Ghana mainly used the traditional five rights (right quantity, right quality, right price, right place and right time) as their criteria for ensuring value for money. The major administrative challenges found include corruption, low capacity of procurement personnel and poor knowledge of the procurement laws.

Social implications

It recommends effective collaboration between government and civil society groups in the fight against corruption in procurement-related activities, with the implication that there is a need for periodic training for public procurement officials.

Originality/value

It adds to the field of public procurement in terms of value for money in the procurement of goods, services and works in developing countries context.
Mediating roles of frontline employees in transformative service processes
Authors: Bast Ane , Engen Marit , Røhnebæk Maria
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of frontline employees (FLEs) as mediators in transformative service processes within services targeting vulnerable users.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a case study of the development and implementation of a dementia village, and the data consist of documents, in-depth interviews and field observations.

Findings

The analysis identifies FLEs as mediators in six different roles. These roles highlight how FLEs perform as mediators, acting in between and for vulnerable users and thus supporting their well-being. Specifically, the roles explicate the mediating role of FLEs in the design and planning of transformative changes and in daily work practices.

Practical implications

The different mediating roles of FLEs presented here should inform care providers and managers of how employees can become assets for supporting vulnerable users’ well-being during the design and planning stages of transformative change and through daily service work.

Originality/value

This paper offers novel insights into the multifaceted roles of FLEs in transformative services. The findings add to the current debate on mediation in transformative services and contribute to the literature by extending and refining the established conceptual and empirical understandings of the role of transformative service mediators in consumers’ well-being.
Abuse in the time of COVID-19: the effects of Brexit, gender and partisanship
Authors: Bakir Mehmet Emin , Farrell Tracie , Bontcheva Kalina
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The authors investigate how COVID-19 has influenced the amount, type or topics of abuse that UK politicians receive when engaging with the public.

Design/methodology/approach

This work covers the first year of COVID-19 in the UK, from March 2020 to March 2021 and analyses Twitter abuse in replies to UK MPs. The authors collected and analysed 17.9 million reply tweets to the MPs. The authors present overall abuse levels during different key moments of the pandemic, analysing reactions to MPs by gender and the relationship between online abuse and topics such as Brexit, the government’s COVID-19 response and policies, and social issues.

Findings

The authors have found that abuse levels towards UK MPs were at an all-time high in December 2020. Women (particularly those from non-White backgrounds) receive unusual amounts of abuse, targeting their credibility and capacity to do their jobs. Similar to other large events like general elections and Brexit, COVID-19 has elevated abuse levels, at least temporarily.

Originality/value

Previous studies analysed abuse levels towards MPs in the run-up to the 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections and during the first four months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. The authors compare previous findings with those of the first year of COVID-19, as the pandemic persisted, and Brexit was forthcoming. This research not only contributes to the longitudinal comparison of abuse trends against UK politicians but also presents new findings, corroborates, further clarifies and raises questions about the previous findings.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-07-2022-0392
Assessing the influence of financial management practices on organizational performance of small- and medium-scale enterprises
Authors: Otoo Frank Nana Kweku
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Optimal application and commitment toward financial management practices enhance organization performance. This study aims to assess the influence of financial management practices on the organizational performance of small- and medium-scale enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 45 small-sized and 72 medium-sized firms. Data supported the hypothesized relationships. Construct reliability and validity were established through confirmatory factor analysis. The conceptual model and hypotheses were evaluated by using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that working capital significantly influenced organizational performance. Capital budget management significantly influenced organizational performance. A non-significant influence of asset management on organizational performance was observed.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the findings will be constrained due to the research’s SMEs focus and cross-sectional data.

Practical implications

The study’s findings will serve as valuable pointers for stakeholders and decision-makers of SMEs in developing well-articulated and proactive financial management systems to ensure competitiveness, sustainability, viability, and financial competencies.

Originality/value

The study adds to the corpus of literature by evidencing empirically that financial management practices significantly influenced SMEs’ performance.
Forest disturbance increases functional diversity but decreases phylogenetic diversity of an arboreal tropical ant community
Authors: Hoenle Philipp O. , Plowman Nichola S. , Matos‐Maraví Pável , de Bello Francesco , Bishop Tom R. , Libra Martin , Idigel Cliffson , Rimandai Maling , Klimes Petr
Published: February 2024

Tropical rainforest trees host a diverse arthropod fauna that can be characterised by their functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD). Human disturbance degrades tropical forests, often coinciding with species invasion and altered assembly that leads to a decrease in FD and PD. Tree canopies are thought to be particularly vulnerable, but rarely investigated.

Here, we studied the effects of forest disturbance on an ecologically important invertebrate group, the ants, in a lowland rainforest in New Guinea. We compared an early successional disturbed plot (secondary forest) to an old‐growth plot (primary forest) by exhaustively sampling their ant communities in a total of 852 trees.

We expected that for each tree community (1) disturbance would decrease FD and PD in tree‐dwelling ants, mediated through species invasion. (2) Disturbance would decrease ant trait variation due to a more homogeneous environment. (3) The main drivers behind these changes would be different contributions of true tree‐nesting species and visiting species. We calculated FD and PD based on a species‐level phylogeny and 10 ecomorphological traits. Furthermore, we assessed by data exclusion the influence of species, which were not nesting in individual trees (visitors) or only nesting species (nesters), and of non‐native species on FD and PD.

Primary forests had higher ant species richness and PD than secondary forest. However, we consistently found increased FD in secondary forest. This pattern was robust even if we decoupled functional and phylogenetic signals, or if non‐native ant species were excluded from the data. Visitors did not contribute strongly to FD, but they increased PD and their community weighted trait means often varied from nesters. Moreover, all community‐weighted trait means changed after forest disturbance.

Our finding of contradictory FD and PD patterns highlights the importance of integrative measures of diversity. Our results indicate that the tree community trait diversity is not negatively affected, but possibly even enhanced by disturbance. Therefore, the functional diversity of arboreal ants is relatively robust when compared between old‐growth and young trees. However, further study with higher plot‐replication is necessary to solidify and generalise our findings.
Phosphatidylserine accelerates wound healing and reduces necrosis in the rats: Growth factor activation
Authors: Saffari Partow Mirzaee , Asili Pooria , Eshraghi Sadaf , Muhammadnejad Ahad , Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Goudarzi Ramin , Partoazar Alireza
Published: February 2024

To examine the effect of topical phosphatidylserine (PS) on wound healing factors and tissue necrosis in in vivo models. Topical PS was applied to evaluate aspects of the wound healing process and growth factors production of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) as well a necrosis reduction in the skin flap of rat models. Moreover, phenytoin (PHT) and cyclosporine A (CsA) were used topically as positive control treatments in wound and necrosis models, respectively. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) VEGF, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and histopathology were analysed on the wounds of rats. In the necrosis assessment, necrotic areas were determined on photography taken from the back skin of rats. Results indicated that PS topically enhanced significantly (P < 0.05) numbers of fibroblasts and endothelium while inhibiting the neutrophils and macrophages during the 14 days of wound treatment. Moreover, higher values of collagen deposition and epithelialization scores as well as wound recovery percentage (near 80%) were determined significantly (P < 0.05) in the PS group compared with the control. IHC analysis determined that FGF and VEGF cytokine factors were elevated in the wound site by topical PS. Moreover, the necrotic area was significantly (P < 0.05) improved in the PS group. Our experiment indicated that wound improvement and flap survival values in PS treatments were superior to PHT and CsA control groups, respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggest the potential of PS application in the healing of wounds and control of necrosis development after surgery or skin injuries.
Sex and stature estimation on the tibia: a virtual pilot study on a contemporary Hispanic population
Authors: Mittino Giorgia , Langstaff Helen , García‐Donas Julieta G.
Published: February 2024

Sex and stature estimation represent two pillars in the creation of the biological profile, providing crucial demographic information that forensic anthropologists use for the identification of unknown skeletonized remains. This pilot study evaluates population data proposing a virtual sex and stature estimation method for a Hispanic population using the tibia. Ninety‐two CT scans from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database were used to generate 3D models of the left tibia (forty‐seven males, forty‐five females). Tibial length, proximal and distal breadth were the parameters taken. Intra‐observer error was assessed using an intra‐class correlation coefficient. Sex differences were explored, and discriminant function and regression analysis used to develop sex and stature estimation formulae, respectively. High repeatability was demonstrated. Sex estimation accuracies ranged between 83.7 per cent and 93.5 per cent, with proximal and distal breadth showing the highest correct classification rates. Stature estimation produced errors between 5.51 cm and 7 cm, with the validation test providing errors falling within the predicted standard error of the estimate reported by the original equations. This study suggests the potential for accurate sex and stature estimation in the Hispanic sample. Although a larger sample is needed to corroborate the preliminary results, the proposed methods might assist in the identification of future forensic cases.
Dietetics student contribution to addressing malnutrition in residential aged care facilities
Authors: O'Shea Marie‐Claire , Barrett Clare , Corones‐Watkins Katina , Foo Jonathan , Maloney Stephen , Bauer Judy , Palermo Claire , Kellett Ursula , Williams Lauren T.
Published: February 2024

Aims

To test a model of malnutrition screening and assessment conducted by dietetics students on placement in residential aged care facilities. The secondary aim was to identify possible facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the model.

Method

The type 1 hybrid effectiveness‐implementation trial study design and reporting outcomes were developed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. An innovative placement model was developed, where students on voluntary placement visited three residential aged care facilities to identify residents at risk of malnutrition using currently available screening tools for older people. Students completed malnutrition assessments for all residents using the subjective global assessment tool.

Results

Thirty‐two students participated; 31 completed all three sessions, with malnutrition screening completed for 207 residents and malnutrition assessment for 187 residents (July and September 2022). Based on the subjective global assessment, 31% (n = 57) of residents were mildly/moderately malnourished, and 3% (n = 5) were severely malnourished. The Innovation Domain of the Framework was the most important consideration before implementation.

Conclusion

Whilst previous research documented student learning opportunities in residential aged care facilities, this study provides the first available evidence of the direct contribution students can make to the health of aged care residents through malnutrition screening and assessment. The model enables students to conduct malnutrition screening and assessment feasibly and efficiently in facilities that do not routinely collate and act on these data. With a limited nursing aged care workforce to undertake this vital task, the potential role of student dietitians to fulfil this role must be considered.
Differences in the perceptions of patients with primary biliary cholangitis and physicians from various hospital departments: An online survey
Authors: Liu Yan Sheng , Jia Gui , Ding Da Wei , Zheng Lin Hua , Sun Rui Qing , Wang Xiu Fang , Deng Juan , Yang Chun Mei , Cui Li Na , Guo Chang Cun , Shang Yu Long , Han Ying
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease that affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in perceptions of PBC among physicians from different hospital departments and patients with PBC.

Methods

An online survey regarding the general knowledge, diagnosis, and management of PBC was completed by physicians and patients.

Results

A total of 239 patients with PBC and 239 physicians from eight hospital departments (gastroenterology, infectious diseases, rheumatology, hepatobiliary surgery, pathology, clinical laboratory, ultrasound, and radiology) completed the survey. The results showed that physicians from departments other than gastroenterologists and rheumatologists lacked knowledge of PBC, and that junior gastroenterologists were uncertain about the diagnostic and treatment pathways of PBC. Importantly, the lack of knowledge significantly impacted the QoL of patients, especially the emotional scores of PBC‐40 (odds ratio −2.556, 95% confidence interval −3.852 to −1.260, P < 0.001). In addition, there was a perceived knowledge gap between patients and gastroenterologists.

Conclusions

Physicians must improve their awareness of PBC. Patient education and patient–physician communication are important for improving the patient's QoL.
A case study on the application of spore sampling for the monitoring of macrofungi
Authors: Schlegel Markus , Treindl Artemis D. , Panziera Jenny , Zengerer Veronika , Zani Deborah , Brännhage Jonas , Gross Andrin
Published: February 2024

Fungi play a vital role in ecosystem functioning, yet significant knowledge gaps persist in understanding their diversity and distribution leading to uncertainties about their threat status and extinction risk. This is partly owed to the difficulty of monitoring fungi using traditional fruiting body surveys. The present study evaluates airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling as a monitoring tool with a focus on grassland macrofungi. We applied active and passive air sampling methods, complemented by extensive field surveys of waxcap and clavarioid fungi–species groups of high relevance for conservation. Twenty‐nine species were recorded during the field surveys, 19 of which were also detectable by ITS2 metabarcoding of the collected samples. An additional 12 species from the studied genera were identified exclusively in air eDNA. We found that the patterns of species detection and read abundance in air samples reflected the abundance and occurrence of fruiting bodies on the field. Dispersal kernels fitted for the three dominant species predicted rapidly decreasing spore concentrations with increasing distance from fruitbodies. Airborne assemblages were dominated by a high diversity of common species, while rare and threatened red‐listed species were under‐represented, which underscores the difficulty in detecting rare species, not only in conventional surveys. Considering the benefits and drawbacks of air sampling and fruitbody surveys, we conclude that air sampling serves as a cost‐ and time‐efficient tool to characterize local macrofungal communities, providing the potential to facilitate and improve future fungal monitoring efforts.
HSC3D: A Python package to quantify three‐dimensional habitat structural complexity
Authors: Gu Yi‐Fei , Hu Jiamian , Han Kai , Lau Jackson W. T. , Williams Gray A.
Published: February 2024

Habitat structural complexity (HSC) is a key variable to help interpret ecological patterns and processes among different ecosystems. Existing metrics used to quantify HSC often, however, result in insufficient or biased representation of structural complexity. As such, our understanding of how HSC affects biodiversity and related ecological patterns is often limited by these measures.

Recent advances in photogrammetry and computer vision have enabled the ability to reconstruct 3D habitats with high efficiency and accuracy. Point clouds, for example, better represent the structural properties of target objects with reduced sampling bias as compared to traditional formats like 2.5D raster (i.e. DEM, DSM, DTM). The analysis of point clouds is, however, limited by the lack of readily available packages with mathematically well‐defined metrics for ecologists to help interpret relevant HSC properties.

To address this gap, novel metrics are provided in the present Python package HSC3D version 0.2.0, which allows quantification of structural complexity of targeted habitats based on photogrammetry point clouds. This package is designed to help ecologists better describe the structural characteristics of a specific habitat and is bundled with visualisation functions to help interpret the computational processes used.

To demonstrate functions implemented in HSC3D we use a case study that compares the structural complexity differences formed by two intertidal ecosystem engineers, mussels and oysters. Results indicate that HSC3D is a versatile and easily adapted package, which can provide both ecological and analytical insights on photogrammetry point clouds which should prove a useful tool for ecologists wanting to quantify HSC.
Aspects of the biocontrol activity of Aureobasidium spp. strain against Penicillium expansum of apple
Authors: Cignola Rudy , Zucchinali Stefano , Firrao Guiseppe , Di Francesco Alessandra
Published: February 2024

Penicillium expansum is a fungal pathogen of pome fruit, causing the economically important disease of apple blue mould. The fungus is also important due to its ability to produce the mycotoxin patulin. A strain of Aureobasidium spp. (UC14) was assessed for controlling P. expansum and patulin production in a series of in vitro antibiosis experiments. Volatile and non‐volatile metabolites reduced growth of P. expansum on average by 50%. To assess UC14 efficacy on apples in vivo, different concentrations of cellular suspension were assayed. The concentration 1 × 108 cells/mL was the most effective, completely suppressing apple fruits blue mould symptoms. The antagonism of UC14 was further demonstrated by the very low amount of pathogen DNA in treated fruits detected by qPCR. During cold storage, Aureobasidium strain UC14 persisted on fruits and reduced disease severity by 82.5% and 89.8%, for ‘Golden delicious’ and ‘Fuji’ apples, respectively. Aureobasidium strain UC14 reduced patulin on ‘Golden delicious’ and ‘Fuji’ apples by 98.1% and 96.2% with respect to the control, demonstrating good efficacy as a potential biological control agent (BCA), so becoming an interesting candidate for use as BCA in the postharvest phase.
Understanding effects of the group process on drinking outcomes for emerging adults experiencing homelessness
Authors: D'Amico Elizabeth J. , Houck Jon M. , Pedersen Eric R. , Klein David J. , Rodriguez Anthony , Tucker Joan S.
Published: February 2024

Background

There is little research on group process for motivational interviewing‐based group interventions with young people. We examine how change talk, group climate and cohesion, and facilitator empathy among emerging adults experiencing homelessness affect their drinking outcomes.

Methods

Data come from a clinical trial at three drop‐in centers serving emerging adults experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County and focus on those who received the intervention (n = 132). Participants completed baseline, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up surveys. They were predominantly male and non‐white. Group sessions were digitally recorded and coded for percentage change talk (PCT), group climate and cohesion, and facilitator empathy.

Results

Because baseline alcohol use was significantly higher at site 1 than sites 2 and 3, we examined associations separately by site. At 6 months, higher PCT was associated with fewer drinks per drinking day for sites 2 and 3, whereas higher PCT was associated with more drinks per drinking day for site 1. There were no effects of PCT at 12 months. Higher group cohesion scores were associated with fewer drinking days at 6 months; higher facilitator empathy was associated with fewer maximum drinks in a day at both 6 and 12 months. Group climate was not associated with drinking outcomes.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of measuring multiple factors in the group process to understand outcomes. What is “uttered” during group and what is observed provide different methods to evaluate the group process and allow us to better bridge the gap between research and practice.
Quantifying alcohol‐attributable disability‐adjusted life years to others than the drinker in Aotearoa/New Zealand: A modelling study based on administrative data
Authors: Casswell Sally , Huckle Taisia , Romeo Jose S. , Moewaka Barnes Helen , Connor Jennie , Rehm Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Background and aims

Quantifying the health burden of alcohol has largely focused upon harm to drinkers, which is an underestimate. There is a growing literature on alcohol‘s harm to others (HTO), but it lacks the systematic transfer of HTO into a comparative risk assessment framework. This study calculated disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), interpersonal violence and traffic injury due to another‘s drinking.

Design

This study is a disease burden analysis, using modelling of DALYs for New Zealand in 2018.

Setting and participants

The study took place among the Aotearoa/New Zealand population in 2018.

Measurements

The involvement of others’ drinking was obtained from prevalence, alcohol‐attributable fraction studies and administrative data. Disability weights (DW) for FASD were adapted from fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) weights using a Beta–Pert probability distribution; for interpersonal injury, DWs used hospital events linked with injury compensation; for traffic injury, DWs used hospital events. Populations were stratified by ethnicity, age group and gender. A descriptive comparison was made with a previous estimate of DALYs for drinkers.

Findings

In 2018, 78 277 healthy life years were lost in Aotearoa/New Zealand due to alcohol's HTO. The main contributor (90.3%) was FASD, then traffic crashes (6.3%) and interpersonal violence (3.4%). The indigenous population, Māori, was impacted at a higher rate (DALYs among Māori were 25 per 1000 population; among non‐Māori 15 per 1000 population). The burden of HTO was greater than that to drinkers (DALYs HTO = 78 277; DALYs drinkers = 60 174).

Conclusions

Disability from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) appears to be a major contributor to alcohol's harm to others in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Taking FASD into account, the health burden of harm to others is larger than harm to the drinker in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and ethnicity differences show inequity in harm to others. Quantification of the burden of harm informs the value of implementing effective alcohol policies and should include the full range of harms.
Modelling the sustainable harvest of wild populations for the conservation of a threatened amphibian
Authors: Mathwin Rupert , Wassens Skye , Turner Anna , Heard Geoffrey W. , Hall Andrew , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: February 2024

Harvesting wild populations is increasingly used to support conservation initiatives, including translocations, captive assurance colonies, and breeding programs. Best‐practice guidelines recommend that population viability analyses should be developed to assess the potential impact of harvest on source populations, allowing quantification of the risk incurred by the conservation programme. We developed a stochastic population model to assess the relative impact of harvesting southern bell frogs (Litoria raniformis) from three well‐studied populations. We compared the probability of local extinction when harvesting from three life stages (spawn, tadpoles, and adults) and at 21 harvest proportions (from 0 to 1, in 0.05 increments). Source populations with an estimated average of 100 adult frogs and with three or fewer breeding opportunities every 5 years showed increased risk of local extinction and lower minimum adult populations from all harvest strategies. Sources with an estimated average population >600 adult frogs and breeding opportunities in at least eight out of every 10 years were more resilient to harvest. For these populations, harvesting up to 25% of spawning masses or late‐stage tadpoles had a negligible impact on the probability of local extinction and caused a slight decrease in the minimum adult population. Harvesting adults impacted source populations more strongly than harvesting spawn or tadpoles. Our model highlights the importance of frequent breeding opportunities to offset the effects of harvesting L. raniformis. Populations sustained by environmental water delivery should be prioritized for the two consecutive breeding seasons following harvest in the absence of natural wetland inundation. We demonstrate a tractable approach to assess and compare the relative risk of wild harvest for threatened amphibians, with implications for the conservation of our focal species, L. raniformis. We encourage conservation practitioners to implement population viability analyses prior to wild harvest, whenever sufficient demographic information is available to build the requisite models.
The influence of climate and the presence of predators on the daily activity pattern of collared peccaries (Dicotyles tajacu, Cetartiodactyla)
Authors: dos Santos Debora Bohrer , Viana Junior Arleu Barbosa , Duarte Gabriela Teixeira , Pires Maria Rita Silvério , de Azevedo Cristiano Schetini
Published: February 2024

Collared peccaries (Dicotyles tajacu, Cetartiodactyla) adjust their daily activity patterns in response to different factors, such as the presence of predators or climatic factors (temperature and rainfall), as a way of ensuring survival. The knowledge of these patterns allows us to understand the interspecific interactions of the community. This study measured daily activity of the collared peccary, and evaluated how different climatic conditions, and the presence of predators influenced their activity patterns. Data were obtained from eight camera traps over 13 months in the Municipality of Ouro Preto, Brazil. The daily activity periods of collared peccaries and their predators were evaluated and the animals classified as diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular, or cathemeral. Camera‐trap records were used to assess whether temperature and rainfall affected daily activity patterns in peccaries. We found that neither rainfall nor temperature influence the activity pattern. Peccary activity overlapped with the activity of local predators. A low level of overlap was recorded with the activity of Puma concolor and high level of overlap with the activity of Leopardus pardalis, Canis lupus familiaris, and human activity. The low activity overlap of collared peccaries with P. concolor may be related to an attempt to decrease predation risk, while the high activity overlaps with domestic dogs and humans may be related to the low hunting pressure exerted in the region and also to the foraging opportunities for peccaries in areas closer to human settlements, where orchards are present. The high activity overlap with L. pardalis can be related to the smaller size of this predator and the aggressive group anti‐predator behaviour of the collared peccary. Our results show that collared peccaries can adjust their daily activity when an apex predator is present, but this adjustment is not generalized to all predators.
Fiscal Sustainability in Indonesia: Policies and Progress
Authors: Adrison Vid
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates fiscal sustainability in Indonesia and draws comparisons with Malaysia and Thailand. The analysis encompasses an evaluation of fiscal rules, fiscal performance, and an assessment of fiscal sustainability across these three countries. Given that the Coronavirus Disease (COVID‐19) pandemic affected budget deficits in each country starting in 2020, the empirical assessment utilizes data from 2010 to 2019. Despite persistent fiscal deficits in each country, the results suggest that all three countries maintain fiscal sustainability. A more detailed analysis of the Indonesian case focuses on government revenue and expenditure. The discussion addresses challenges in these areas, aiming to identify feasible policy options for enhancing fiscal sustainability in Indonesia.