bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A potential cost of evolving epibatidine resistance in poison frogs
Authors: York Julia M. , Borghese Cecilia M. , George Andrew A. , Cannatella David C. , Zakon Harold H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Some poison arrow frogs sequester the toxin epibatidine as a defense against predators. We previously identified a single amino acid substitution (S108C) at a highly conserved site in a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ß2 subunit that prevents epibatidine from binding to this receptor. When placed in a homologous mammalian nAChR this substitution minimized epibatidine binding but also perturbed acetylcholine binding, a clear cost. However, in the nAChRs of poison arrow frogs, this substitution appeared to have no detrimental effect on acetylcholine binding and, thus, appeared cost-free.

Results

The introduction of S108C into the α4β2 nAChRs of non-dendrobatid frogs also does not affect ACh sensitivity, when these receptors are expressed inXenopus laevisoocytes. However, α4β2 nAChRs with C108 had a decreased magnitude of neurotransmitter-induced currents in all species tested (Epipedobates anthonyi, non-dendrobatid frogs, as well as human), compared with α4β2 nAChRs with the conserved S108. Immunolabeling of frog or human α4β2 nAChRs in the plasma membrane using radiolabeled antibody against the β2 nAChR subunit shows that C108 significantly decreased the number of cell-surface α4β2 nAChRs, compared with S108.

Conclusions

While S108C protects these species against sequestered epibatidine, it incurs a potential physiological cost of disrupted α4β2 nAChR function. These results may explain the high conservation of a serine at this site in vertebrates, as well as provide an example of a tradeoff between beneficial and deleterious effects of an evolutionary change. They also provide important clues for future work on assembly and trafficking of this important neurotransmitter receptor.
Comparison of characteristics between adolescent and adult pregnant women who used methamphetamine: a retrospective study in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Ratta-apha Woraphat , Jinanarong Vinn , Sirikunchoat Jingswat , Tasneeyapant Piangmas , Prachgosin Punyisa , Sa-guanpanich Naratip
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the characteristics of pregnant women who used methamphetamine to determine the differences in characteristics between teenagers (aged under 20 or 20–25 years) and adult women who used methamphetamine during this period.

Design/methodology/approach

This retrospective study extracted data from the medical records of obstetric patients who gave birth between 2011 and 2015 in a tertiary hospital in Thailand. All included patients were diagnosed with amphetamine use disorder. Demographic data, history of antenatal care, history of substance use and psychiatric evaluations were recorded.

Findings

Four hundred and twelve patients were recruited for analysis. Of these, 194 (53.4%) did not attend regular antenatal care, 326 (92.1%) had unplanned pregnancies and 42 (12.5%) had a history of abortions. Socially, 47 patients (21.7%) reported drug use in their families and 160 (49.5%) reported a history of parental separation. Compared with the adult and 20–25 years groups, the < 20 years group tended to have a lower educational level, have experienced parental separation and had more regular antenatal care.

Research limitations/implications

Pregnant teenagers with methamphetamine use had psychosocial difficulties. Physicians should be aware of these psychosocial issues, including education and family planning.

Originality/value

These findings showed that pregnant women who used methamphetamine faced psychosocial difficulties, unplanned pregnancies and inadequate antenatal care. Adult and teenage pregnant women who used methamphetamine differed in some ways. For example, teenage pregnant women tended to be of a lower education level, experienced parental separation and had a history of more frequent antenatal care. Further longitudinal research exploring the outcomes of mothers who used methamphetamine and their children is needed to build on the existing evidence.
Goa Institute of Management: campus water sustainability projects
Authors: Mahtani Umesh , Amarnani Arpita Neeraj , Sukhathankar Vithal
Published: January 2023

Learning outcomes

▪ Students learn how an educational institute impacts water resources on the campus and its surrounding community.

▪ Students acquire knowledge on how decision-making, related to natural resources, is influenced by the institute’s obligations towards surrounding communities and the long-term sustainability of the resources.

▪ Students become acquainted with the decision-making process adopted by an educational institute for achieving resource-efficient development on the campus.

▪ Students learn how to design evaluation methods for investments related to water conservation at an educational institute.

▪ Students become proficient with the payback method specifically when evaluating water-enhancing projects at an educational campus.

Case overview/synopsis

Dr Ajit Parulekar, Director at Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa, India, was evaluating options to improve the sources of water at GIM at the beginning of 2021. He was reviewing the projects proposed to meet the water requirement at the campus for the next five years (2021–2025). The projects were recommended by consultants (ENV Consultants Pvt Ltd) who proposed a total expenditure of US$68,667 which involved storage enhancement and water table upgradation (See Case Exhibit 11). The maintenance department had studied the plans but their projections showed that the execution of these projects and initiatives would still lead to a deficit of water in the future. Dr Parulekar reviewed the reports and weighed the expected tangible and intangible benefits from the proposed projects. The projects had to be carefully selected, keeping in mind the multiple objectives to be met: an increase in water supply within a short time, a financially optimum investment and a minimum impact on the surrounding community. The selected projects had to meet the long-term sustainability objective of resource efficiency at the campus.

Complexity academic level

Students studying finance, project appraisal, campus sustainability at graduate or postgraduate management programs.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 4: Environmental Management.
LinkedIn as a pedagogical tool for careers and employability learning: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Healy Michael , Cochrane Sandra , Grant Paula , Basson Marita
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Professional networks are conduits for career insight, vehicles for career exploration and incubators of professional identity. Accordingly, LinkedIn is a rich environment for university students' careers and employability learning. In this article, the authors review how the pedagogical use of LinkedIn has been conceived, implemented and evaluated in higher education research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a scoping literature review on research articles and chapters investigating the use of LinkedIn for careers and employability learning. The authors conducted a systematic database search and screened the results, resulting in 30 eligible studies. Each study was analysed for research characteristics, theoretical foundations, reported affordances or outcomes and critical concerns.

Findings

The authors find little evidence of cohesion or consistency in the existing research. Studies draw on different theoretical and methodological approaches and use different measures of networking behaviours and competencies. Studies tend not to consider ethical concerns about using LinkedIn as a pedagogical tool.

Practical implications

The authors argue this is not yet a body of research that supports the synthesis necessary for a reliable evidence base. The authors recommend that educators employing LinkedIn in the curriculum ground their work in more coherent, cohesive and integrated theories of careers and employability learning.

Originality/value

This review summarises a body of literature on the use of LinkedIn as a pedagogical tool for careers and employability learning in higher education. This review describes and critiques the beginnings of an evidence-base from which educators can further investigate how students can be supported to develop their online professional networking skills.
The impact of tourism on the women employment in South American and Caribbean countries
Authors: Voumik Liton Chandra , Nafi Shohel Md. , Majumder Shapan Chandra , Islam Md. Azharul
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between tourism and women’s employment in 32 South American and Caribbean countries from 1996 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, both static (fixed effects and random effects) and dynamic panel data models (system and differenced generalized method of moments) are used. In addition to gross domestic product, trade, education and urban population are also considered in this study.

Findings

According to the findings, a boost in tourism led to an increase in women’s engagement in the economy and service sectors. This paper also explores the efficiency of alternate methods to deal with various models of women labor force (WLF) involvement in various sectors. Women’s employment opportunities in the service sector expand as a result of tourism, but in the agricultural and industrial sectors, that employment opportunity is reduced.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated the impact of tourism on WLF participation and found that it had a significant impact. This study, on the other hand, specifically contributed to the tourism sector in some specific study areas, such as tourism and agriculture, service and industry sectors. This study also displays that female participation in South America and the Caribbean countries is increasing and women are shifting away from traditional economic sectors.

Originality/value

This is the pioneering study to discover tourism and female participation in employment in South American and Caribbean countries. The findings of this study have important implications for future studies and policy debates examining the consequence of the tourism industry on WLF.
Family incivility, emotional exhaustion, and hotel employees’ outcomes: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Yan Zhen , Mansor Zuraina Dato , Choo Wei Chong
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the impact of family incivility (FI) on in-role performance (IRP) and proactive customer service performance (PCSP) via the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion (EE) and the moderating roles of emotional intelligence (EI) and mindfulness.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were verified using multisource and multiwave data collected from 337 valid hotel employee–supervisor dyads in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0, AMOS 24.0 and PROCESS (version 3.4).

Findings

FI intensified frontline employees’ (FLEs) EE, which subsequently impeded their IRP and PCSP. EI and mindfulness moderated the direct influence of FI on EE, IRP and PCSP and moderated the indirect influence of FI on the two aforementioned outcomes through EE.

Practical implications

Managers should observe FLEs’ indicators of FI and deter its emergence by implementing care programs for FLEs suffering from FI. In addition, human resource managers should preferentially recruit employees with high EI through related tests. Hotels can invite reputable psychologists to provide psychotherapy interventions for FLEs, such as mindfulness-based psychological lectures and therapy.

Originality/value

The hospitality literature lacks an understanding of the underlying process through which FI affects FLEs’ job outcomes. This study incorporates EE as a mediator of the FI’s impact on IRP and PCSP, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess whether EI and mindfulness moderate the direct impact of FI on IRP and PCSP and the indirect impact of FI on two aforementioned outcomes via EE.
Is supply chain finance an antidote to SMEs in the economic crisis? - A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Kumar Satish , Joshi Rohit
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This exploratory study aims to explore the operational and financial constraints faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper highlights the role of supply chain finance (SCF) in the uncertain business environment caused by the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an inductive approach and conducts convergent interviews with 32 SME owners and bank officials who are associated with SME-related financial transactions. The analysis of the interview data has been done through a grounded theory approach.

Findings

The findings portray four key themes representing the operational and financial constraints faced by SMEs during the pandemic. Further, the study identifies four drivers of SCF adoption among SMEs, including capital constraints, high inventory turnover cycle time, high order fulfilment cycle time and long debtors’ collection period.

Practical implications

The study provides various insights to the managers and owners of SMEs to deal with the economic crisis and eliminate the financial pressure created by the pandemic. The study enlightens the policymakers about the struggles of the SMEs during the economic turmoil created by the pandemic and guides them to introduce the relevant policies to resolve their problems.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify the factors driving the SMEs to adopt SCF due to the economic chaos created by the pandemic. Also, the study theoretically contributes to the literature by developing a theoretical framework for SCF adoption based on grounded theory.
Susceptibility to interference between Pavlovian and instrumental control predisposes risky alcohol use developmental trajectory from ages 18 to 24
Authors: Chen Hao , Belanger Matthew J. , Garbusow Maria , Kuitunen‐Paul Sören , Huys Quentin J. M. , Heinz Andreas , Rapp Michael A. , Smolka Michael N.
Published: January 2023

Pavlovian cues can influence ongoing instrumental behaviour via Pavlovian‐to‐instrumental transfer (PIT) processes. While appetitive Pavlovian cues tend to promote instrumental approach, they are detrimental when avoidance behaviour is required, and vice versa for aversive cues. We recently reported that susceptibility to interference between Pavlovian and instrumental control assessed via a PIT task was associated with risky alcohol use at age 18. We now investigated whether such susceptibility also predicts drinking trajectories until age 24, based on AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) consumption and binge drinking (gramme alcohol/drinking occasion) scores. The interference PIT effect, assessed at ages 18 and 21 during fMRI, was characterized by increased error rates (ER) and enhanced neural responses in the ventral striatum (VS), the lateral and dorsomedial prefrontal cortices (dmPFC) during conflict, that is, when an instrumental approach was required in the presence of an aversive Pavlovian cue or vice versa. We found that a stronger VS response during conflict at age 18 was associated with a higher starting point of both drinking trajectories but predicted a decrease in binge drinking. At age 21, high ER and enhanced neural responses in the dmPFC were associated with increasing AUDIT‐C scores over the next 3 years until age 24. Overall, susceptibility to interference between Pavlovian and instrumental control might be viewed as a predisposing mechanism towards hazardous alcohol use during young adulthood, and the identified high‐risk group may profit from targeted interventions.
DriveSafe DriveAware: A systematic review
Authors: Vito Erin , Barkla Anna , Coventry Linda
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Driving is an activity of daily living that significantly affects independence, and driving cessation is associated with poor health, lower quality of life, cognitive decline and early entry into care facilities. There is no consensus regarding the best off‐road tool to assess driving safety. Therefore, this review explored the diagnostic accuracy, reliability and clinical utility of DriveSafe DriveAware (DSDA) compared with an on‐road driving assessment.

Methods

This review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases for all English language articles published prior to December 2021 were searched. Studies were assessed for methodological quality and results were synthesised using a narrative descriptive approach.

Results

Six studies were reviewed, consisting of 1332 participants. Four studies assessed diagnostic accuracy, two studies assessed reliability and three were relevant to clinical utility since they used DSDA as a standalone tool. Some studies demonstrated high levels of diagnostic accuracy, with specificity and sensitivity above 90% for those who fall into the safe and unsafe categories (50% of those assessed). Inter‐rater reliability showed substantial agreement, and test–retest reliability was demonstrated for all age groups. DSDA was assessed as having high clinical utility (as a standalone tool) based on time taken to conduct, cost effectiveness and equipment required to complete the assessment.

Conclusions

DriveSafe DriveAware appears to be an ideal tool for the subacute setting; however, at present, inadequate evidence exists to support its use as a standalone tool for directing driving decisions. Further research is required.
A Richards growth model to predict fruit weight
Authors: Gerhard Daniel , Moltchanova Elena
Published: January 2023

The Richards model comprises several popular sigmoidal and monomolecular growth curves. We illustrate fitting of a Bayesian Richards model by splitting the full growth model into several submodels, followed by a model selection procedure. The performance of the methodology is evaluated by Monte Carlo simulations. A double‐sigmoidal version of the Richards model is applied to model grape bunch weight based on data from a New Zealand vineyard over a single growing period.

A Bayesian Richards growth model applied to grape size data. Representations of phenological processes are selected through multi‐model inference.
The role of the circadian clock in the development, progression, and treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: de Assis Leonardo Vinicius Monteiro , Demir Münevver , Oster Henrik
Published: January 2023

The circadian clock comprises a cellular endogenous timing system coordinating the alignment of physiological processes with geophysical time. Disruption of circadian rhythms has been associated with several metabolic diseases. In this review, we focus on liver as a major metabolic tissue and one of the most well‐studied organs with regard to circadian regulation. We summarize current knowledge about the role of local and systemic clocks and rhythms in regulating biological functions of the liver. We discuss how the disruption of circadian rhythms influences the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We also critically evaluate whether NAFLD/NASH may in turn result in chronodisruption. The last chapter focuses on potential roles of the clock system in prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH and the interaction of current NASH drug candidates with liver circadian rhythms and clocks. It becomes increasingly clear that paying attention to circadian timing may open new avenues for the optimization of NAFLD/NASH therapies and provide interesting targets for prevention and treatment of these increasingly prevalent disorders.
Calcium‐dependent modulation of BKCa channel activity induced by plasmonic gold nanoparticles in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and hippocampal neurons
Authors: Soloviev Anatoly , Ivanova Irina , Sydorenko Vadym , Sukhanova Khrystyna , Melnyk Mariia , Dryn Dariia , Zholos Alexander
Published: January 2023

Aim

Gold nanoparticles are widely used for biomedical applications, but the precise molecular mechanism of their interaction with cellular structures is still unclear. Assuming that intracellular calcium fluctuations associated with surface plasmon‐induced calcium entry could modulate the activity of potassium channels, we studied the effect of 5 nm gold nanoparticles on calcium‐dependent potassium channels and associated calcium signaling in freshly isolated rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and cultured hippocampal neurons.

Methods

Outward potassium currents were recorded using patch‐clamp techniques. Changes in intracellular calcium concentration were measured using the high affinity Ca2+ fluorescent indicator fluo‐3 and laser confocal microscope.

Results

In pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, plasmonic gold nanoparticles increased the amplitude of currents via large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channels, which was potentiated by green laser irradiation near plasmon resonance wavelength (532 nm). Buffering of intracellular free calcium with ethylene glycol‐bis‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EGTA) abolished these effects. Furthermore, using confocal laser microscopy it was found that application of gold nanoparticles caused oscillations of intracellular calcium concentration that were decreasing in amplitude with time. In cultured hippocampal neurons gold nanoparticles inhibited the effect of EGTA slowing down the decline of the BKCa current while partially restoring the amplitude of the slow after hyperpolarizing currents.

Conclusion

We conclude that fluctuations in intracellular calcium can modulate plasmonic gold nanoparticles‐induced gating of BKCa channels in smooth muscle cells and neurons through an indirect mechanism, probably involving the interaction of plasmon resonance with calcium‐permeable ion channels, which leads to a change in intracellular calcium level.
The gut microbiota‐astrocyte axis: Implications for type 2 diabetic cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Li Zi‐Han , Jiang Ya‐Yi , Long Cai‐Yi , Peng Qian , Yue Ren‐Song
Published: January 2023

Background

Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is one of the most insidious complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can seriously affect the ability to self‐monitoring of blood glucose and the quality of life in the elderly. Previous pathological studies of cognitive dysfunction have focused on neuronal dysfunction, characterized by extracellular beta‐amyloid deposition and intracellular tau hyperphosphorylation. In recent years, astrocytes have been recognized as a potential therapeutic target for cognitive dysfunction and important participants in the central control of metabolism. The disorder of gut microbiota and their metabolites have been linked to a series of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The imbalance of intestinal flora has the effect of promoting the occurrence and deterioration of several diabetes‐related complications. Gut microbes and their metabolites can drive astrocyte activation.

Aims

We reviewed the pathological progress of DCD related to the “gut microbiota‐astrocyte” axis in terms of peripheral and central inflammation, intestinal and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, systemic and brain energy metabolism disorders to deepen the pathological research progress of DCD and explore the potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusion

“Gut microbiota‐astrocyte” axis, unique bidirectional crosstalk in the brain‐gut axis, mediates the intermediate pathological process of neurocognitive dysfunction secondary to metabolic disorders in diabetes mellitus.
Reperfusion measurements, treatment time, and outcomes in patients receiving endovascular treatment within 24 hours of last known well
Authors: Hong Lan , Ling Yifeng , Zhang Yiran , Yang Lumeng , Li Siyuan , Liu Xinyu , Dong Qiang , Cheng Xin
Published: January 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the interaction between reperfusion and treatment time on the outcomes of patients undergoing endovascular treatment presenting within 24 h of last known well, and to compare the predictive ability of different reperfusion measurements on outcomes.

Methods

Eligible patients from a single‐center cohort were enrolled in this study. Reperfusion was assessed using reperfusion index (decreased volume of hypoperfusion lesion compared with baseline) measured by repeated perfusion imaging, and modified treatment in cerebral ischemia score measured by digital subtraction angiography, respectively. The interactions between reperfusion measurements and treatment time on outcomes were explored using multivariate‐adjusted logistic and linear regression models. The predictive abilities of reperfusion measurements on outcomes were compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC‐AUC) and values of R‐square.

Results

Reperfusion index and treatment time had significant interactions on 3‐month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2 and infarct growth (p for interaction <0.05). Although the AUCs were statistically similar (AUCs of mRS 0–2 prediction, mTICI≥2b:0.63, mTICI≥2c:0.59, reperfusion index≥0.5:0.66, reperfusion index ≥0.9:0.73, P value of any of the two AUCs >0.05), reperfusion index≥0.9 showed the highest R‐square values in outcome prediction (R‐square values of 3‐month mRS 0–2 and infarct growth = 0.21) among all the reperfusion measurements.

Conclusion

Treatment time mitigated the effect of reperfusion on outcomes of patients receiving endovascular treatment within 24 h of last known well. Reperfusion index≥0.9 might serve as a better proxy of good outcomes compared with other reperfusion measurements.
Effect of sucrose levels on dynamic rheology properties of dough during fermentation process
Authors: Dongdong Xie , Yanan Lei , Xing Li
Published: January 2023

The effect of sucrose levels on the rheo‐fermentation properties of dough were studied. Compared with control group, dough forming time and dough strength were enhanced in the sucrose dough, and the water absorption and development time were significantly reduced. Dough with 10% sucrose had the highest resistance, and 4% and 10% sucrose increased the toughness of the dough. 2% sucrose dough had the better leavening ability. There was lower strong bound water dough and higher weakly bound water in 2% sucrose dough compared with the other sucrose dough. With increasing sucrose levels, the content of free water in dough increased significantly. There was no growth of yeast in the sugar‐free medium (0%), 2% sucrose was much more suitable for yeast growth, while 6% and 10% sucrose levels inhibited yeast growth. Compared with 2% sucrose group, yeast produced more glycerol content and ethanol content in 6% and 10% sucrose medium. In conclusion, 2% sucrose dough had a better and smoother development fermentability, and a better yeast growth, sucrose levels affected the rheological properties of dough by affecting the migration and distribution of water, growth and metabolites of yeast.
Defining ferritin clinical decision limits to improve diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Naveed Kanza , Goldberg Nicola , Shore Eliane , Dhoot Arti , Gabrielson Denise , Goodarzi Zahra , Lin Yulia , Pai Menaka , Pardy Natasha A. , Robinson Sue , Andreou Roseann , Sood Manish , Price Vicky , Storm Sherri , Verduyn Ashley , Parker Michelle L. , Fralick Michael , Beriault Daniel , Sholzberg Michelle
Published: January 2023

Background

Iron deficiency is highly prevalent worldwide and is an issue of health inequity. Despite its high prevalence, uncertainty on the clinical applicability and evidence‐base of iron‐related lab test cut‐offs remains. In particular, current ferritin decision limits for the diagnosis of iron deficiency may not be clinically appropriate nor scientifically grounded.

Methods

A modified Delphi study was conducted with various clinical experts who manage iron deficiency across Canada. Statements about ferritin decision limits were generated by a steering committee, then distributed to the expert panel to vote on agreement with the aim of achieving consensus and acquiring feedback on the presented statements. Consensus was reached after two rounds, which was defined as 70% of experts rating their agreement for a statement as 5 or higher on a Likert scale from 1 to 7.

Results

Twenty‐six clinical experts across 10 different specialties took part in the study. Consensus was achieved on 28 ferritin decision limit statements in various populations (including patients with multiple comorbid conditions, pediatric patients, and pregnant patients). For example, there was consensus that a ferritin <30 μg/L rules in iron deficiency in all adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) and warrants iron replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Consensus statements generated through this study corresponded with current evidence‐based literature and guidelines. These statements provide clarity to facilitate clinical decisions around the appropriate detection and management of iron deficiency.
How Does the Design Guidelines for Traditional Cultural Artefacts Inspire Design in a Culturally Inspired Design Process? A Comparative Study with Novice Design Students
Authors: Dong Yenan , Zhu Shangshang , Li Wenjie , Lin Minxi
Published: January 2023

Design guidelines for traditional cultural artefacts play an important role in Culturally Inspired Design (CID) activities and design education. In this paper, a comparative study was performed to assess the impact of present‐day design guidelines for traditional Chinese cultural artefacts on novice designers in a CID process. In all, 42 novice designers enrolled in a cultural product design course participated in this study, under two different design conditions: an unaided condition and a guideline‐aided condition. Each condition includes three stages: identification stage, translation stage and implementation stage. In the unaided condition, each participant was asked to finish an investigative report on traditional cultural artefacts without any guidance and then carry out a detailed cultural product design. These results were then compared with those of the participants in the guideline‐aided condition, who received a design guideline for traditional cultural artefacts. The results were assessed by expert raters against six design metrics: breadth, depth, quantity, variety, novelty and quality. They revealed that the design guideline for traditional cultural artefacts in a CID process promoted the analysis of cultural features and increased the novelty and quality of design outcomes but resulted in decreased variety. We propose that the design guideline for traditional cultural artefacts may be useful as part of the design process and as a pedagogical tool in cultural creative design, but the best moment at which to introduce the design guideline should be further examined.
Possible range extension in the endangered and understudied winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii)
Authors: Lubitz Nicolas , Barnett Adam
Published: January 2023

Here the authors report on a possible range extension in the rare and understudied winghead shark (Eusphyra blochii). A specimen was captured by recreational fishermen in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia, c. 800 km south of its current distribution. As winghead sharks show a clumped distribution in Australia associated with river outflow, Moreton Bay, with its large catchment area, may represent a suitable habitat for the species and previous occurrence may have gone undetected. Alternatively, climate change may have caused a recent southward shift in winghead sharks, as observed in other elasmobranch species along Australia's East Coast.
Evidence of potential establishment of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha in Scotland
Authors: Skóra Michał E. , Jones John Iwan , Youngson Alan F. , Robertson Sean , Wells Alan , Lauridsen Rasmus B. , Copp Gordon H.
Published: January 2023

In spring 2022, pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha smolts were recorded in the UK. Fish were caught in the Rivers Thurso and Oykel in Scotland between 13 and 17 March. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first observation of O. gorbuscha smolts in Europe outside the Scandinavian and Kola peninsulas, including other tributaries of the White and Barents Seas. It also provides evidence of successful spawning in 2021 and completion of the freshwater phase of the life cycle, and indicates the possibility for potential establishment of an O. gorbuscha population in Great Britain.
Occurrence and seasonality of Gyrodactylus salaris and G. salmonis (Monogenea) on Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) in the Fustvatnet lake, Northern Norway
Authors: Mo Tor Atle , Hansen Haakon , Hytterød Sigurd
Published: January 2023

Gyrodactylus spp. (Monogenea) were found on 16.9% (233 out of 1376) Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), sampled from September 2010 to October 2011 in the Fustvatnet lake, Northern Norway. Two species were identified: G. salaris Malmberg, 1957, and G. salmonis Yin & Sproston, 1948. Gyrodactylus salaris was only found on Arctic char larger than 28 cm and only in samples obtained in the autumn (September and October). Gyrodactylus salmonis was found on Arctic char of all sizes (11–47 cm) and throughout the year, with a small peak in abundance in the late autumn (November). Gyrodactylus salaris was found to prefer the tail and dorsal fin. Based on the results, we recommend that surveys of Arctic char for the presence of G. salaris are based on the examination of the fins of large fish sampled during the spawning season (autumn).
Preparation and characterization of forward osmosis cellulose acetate butyrate/OH‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube membrane for the concentration of bitter orange juice
Authors: Bidaki Ali , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Kiani Shirin , Hosseini Fatemeh
Published: January 2023

As an essential process in food industry, fruit dewatering should have the least impact on the nutritional values of the product. In this research, bitter orange juice was concentrated via the forward osmosis (FO) process for the first time. For this purpose, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB)/OH‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) membranes were prepared using various nanofiller concentrations. The obtained membranes were characterized in terms of their morphology, porosity, water contact angle, chemical structure, tensile properties, and pure water flux. During the FO process, NaCl solution was applied as the draw solution (DS), and the concentration of NaCl was varied (1.2, 2.2, and 4.2 M) to assess its effect on the process performance. Increasing FMWCNTs loading in the casting solution up to 0.3 wt% boosted the membrane porosity, hydrophilicity, elastic modulus, and pure water flux. The CAB membrane incorporated with 0.3 wt% nanofiller and the DS with 4.2 M NaCl concentration represented the highest water flux (29.93 L/m2h) in the FO experiment and provided the maximum turbidity (1545 NTU) and viscosity (4.64 cP) of the treated feed. According to the obtained results, the developed CAB/FMWCNTs membrane proved promising in the FO concentration of fruit juice.

Practical Applications

Bitter orange juice was concentrated via the FO process using the developed CAB/OH‐FMWCNTs membranes. According to the results, water flux, and thus the dewatering efficiency increased and reached its highest value using the CAB membrane incorporated with 0.3% FMWCNTs. Since membrane processes operate at low temperatures and do not deteriorate the concentrate quality, FO concentration of bitter orange juice using the membrane modified in this study can be a superior alternative to the conventional thermal methods.
The longitudinal development of students' well‐being in adolescence: The role of perceived teacher autonomy support
Authors: Kleinkorres Ruben , Stang‐Rabrig Justine , McElvany Nele
Published: January 2023

Although a decline in adolescents' well‐being has repeatedly been reported, longitudinal evidence for this development is rare and time‐varying factors like teacher autonomy support that could be associated with this trend have sparsely been investigated. Therefore, the present study examined how the temporal development of perceived autonomy support from their German language arts teachers is related to changes in four different facets of students' well‐being. Longitudinal data from 3446 adolescents from Germany (NSchools = 178) on five measurement points (Grades 5–9) were analyzed using latent growth curve models. Satisfaction with school, enjoyment of school, and self‐rated health decreased over time, while social integration remained stable. Perceived teacher autonomy support also declined between Grades 5 and 9. Furthermore, baseline levels of perceived teacher autonomy support and facets of well‐being were positively related. Finally and most importantly, our results indicated that changes in perceived teacher autonomy support were positively associated with the development of satisfaction with school, enjoyment of school, and self‐rated health, but not social integration. The findings suggest that perceived teacher autonomy support plays an important role in the development of students' well‐being in adolescence.
Effects of parental age on salt stress tolerance in an aquatic plant
Authors: Chmilar Suzanne L. , Laird Robert A.
Published: January 2023

Parental age influences components of offspring fitness in many species. The ability to tolerate stress also affects fitness, but less is known regarding changes in offspring stress tolerance with increasing parental age, especially in plants. We examined first and fifth‐born clonal offspring (using birth order as a proxy for parental age), and compared their fitness in several sub‐lethal concentrations of salt (NaCl), to investigate the interactive effects of birth order and salt stress on the offspring of the aquatic plant Lemna minor L. We found that increasing salt concentration reduced reproduction particularly at early ages, which detrimentally affected fitness, as measured by the intrinsic rate of natural increase. Fifth offspring had greater fitness than first offspring, potentially due to the hump‐shaped relationship between offspring fitness and birth order observed in other studies on Lemna, with fifth offspring near the peak of the hump. We found no interactive effect of birth order and salt concentration on offspring fitness; however, there were interactive effects on the time to first reproduction and the size of fronds. Specifically, first offspring exposed to increasing salt concentrations exhibited longer delays to first reproduction and grew to a greater size, while fifth offspring showed little change in either variable with increasing salt concentration. Thus, variation in birth order affected offspring response to salt stress, although not in terms of fitness. These results help illuminate factors impacting the age‐specific strength of natural selection and stress responses, and may be environmentally relevant in the context of environmental salinization.
Intraspecific trait variability mediates the effect of nitrogen addition and warming on aboveground productivity
Authors: Zhang Li , Cappelli Seraina Lisa , Huang Mengjiao , Liu Xiang , Xiao Yao , Cardou Françoise , Rong Yizhong , Zhou Shurong
Published: January 2023

Recent studies have shown that intraspecific trait variability is an important source of total trait variation. However, the contribution of intraspecific variability to ecosystem functions in the face of global change remains unknown. We quantified the relative contribution of intra‐ and inter‐specific functional changes on productivity in 48 plots subjected to eight years of nitrogen addition and warming in a Tibetan alpine meadow. The change of the mean (community weighted mean) and the variation (Rao's quadratic entropy) in trait values in response to nitrogen addition and warming were separated into the changes driven by interspecific and intraspecific trait variations using a variance partitioning method. We found that productivity showed a hump‐shaped response to nitrogen addition, with the highest productivity at intermediate levels of nitrogen addition. This hump‐shaped response was mediated by the changes in plant functional structure. A community having higher interspecific variation in plant height and individuals producing bigger leaf area can increase productivity via niche complementary and dominance effects, respectively. Warming reduced productivity directly and marginally decreased individuals' leaf area which suppressed productivity indirectly. Our research suggests a non‐negligible role of plant intraspecific trait variability in maintaining ecosystem functions, especially in the face of global change.
The Effect of Gut Microbiota on the Progression of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Yao Bo , Cai Youquan , Wang Weiguo , Deng Jia , Zhao Lei , Han Ziwei , Wan Li
Published: January 2023

Objective

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of back pain, and its treatment is a serious socio‐economic burden. The safety and treatment of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been established. However, the relationship between FMT and IDD still unclear. We aimed to explore whether FMT plays a role in IDD to provide a reference for the treatment of IDD.

Methods

An experimental model of IDD was established using 2‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats. FMT was performed by intragastric gavage of IDD rats with a fecal bacterial solution. Rat serum, feces, and vertebral disc tissue were collected after surgery for 2 months. The levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3, MMP‐13, Collagen II, and aggrecan in the serum or vertebral disc tissue were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, or western blotting. We also examined the pathology of the vertebral disc tissue using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and safranin O‐fast green staining. Finally, we examined the gut microbiota in rat feces using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

We found that the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, MMP‐3, MMP‐13, NLRP3 and Caspase‐1 increased in the IDD group rats. In contrast, Collagen II and aggrecan levels were downregulated. Additionally, vertebral disc tissue was severely damaged in the IDD group, with disordered cell arrangement and uneven safranin coloration. FMT reversed the effects of IDD modeling on these factors and alleviated cartilage tissue damage. In addition, FMT increased the gut microbiota diversity and microbial abundance in rats treated with IDD.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that FMT has a positive effect in maintaining cellular stability in the vertebral disc and alleviating histopathological damage. It affects the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota in rats with IDD. Therefore, FMT may serve as a promising target for amelioration of IDD.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Postoperative Ileus after Posterior Surgery in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Zhuang , Hu Bo‐wen , Li Jing‐chi , Yang Hui‐liang , Liu Li‐min , Song Yue‐ming , Yang Xi
Published: January 2023

Objective

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a relatively common complication after spinal fusion surgery, which can lead to delayed recovery, prolonged length of stay and increased medical costs. However, little is known about the incidence and risk factors of POI after corrective surgery for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This study was performed to report the incidence of POI and identify the independent risk factors for POI after postoperative corrective surgery.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, A total of 318 patients with AIS who underwent corrective surgery from April 2015 to February 2021 were enrolled and divided into two groups: those with POI and those without POI. The Student's t test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Pearson's chi‐square test were used to compare the two groups regarding patient demographics and preoperative characteristics (age, sex and the major curve type), intraoperative and postoperative parameters (lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV], number of screws, and length of stay), radiographic parameters (T5–12 thoracic kyphosis [TK], T10–L2 thoracolumbar kyphosis and height [TLK and T10–L2 height], L1–S1 lumbar lordosis [LL], and L1–5 height). Then, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for POI, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to assess the predictive values of these risk factors.

Results

Forty‐two (13.2%) of 318 patients who developed POI following corrective surgery were identified. The group with POI had a significantly longer length of stay, more lumbar screws, higher proportions of a major lumbar curve and lumbar anterior screw breech, and a lower LIV. Among radiographic parameters, the mean lumbar Cobb angle at baseline, the changes in the lumbar Cobb angle, and T10–L2 and L1–5 height from before to after surgery were significantly larger in the group with POI than in the group without POI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that large changes in T10–L2 (odds ratio [OR] =2.846, P = 0.007) and L1–5 height (OR = 31.294, p = 0.000) and lumbar anterior screw breech (OR = 5.561, P = 0.006) were independent risk factors for POI. The cutoff values for the changes in T10–L2 and L1–5 height were 1.885 cm and 1.195 cm, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified that large changes in T10–L2 and L1–5 height and lumbar anterior screw breech were independent risk factors for POI after corrective surgery. Improving the accuracy of pedicle screw placement might reduce the incidence of POI, and greater attention should be given to patients who are likely to have large changes in T10–L2 and L1–5 height after corrective surgery.
Do these jeans make me feel fat? Exploring subjective fatness, its workplace outcomes, and rethinking the role of subjectivity in the stigmatization process
Authors: Johnson Michael A. , Schminke Marshall , De Cremer David
Published: January 2023

Personal, work, and societal concerns about obesity and body fatness have triggered research on it across multiple domains. However, the organizational literature has been hampered by a significant shortcoming in considering it solely as an objective construct, despite research in other disciplines demonstrating a critical subjective component to how body fatness is experienced. To address this conceptual and theoretical challenge, we draw on stigma theory to explore the workplace implications of subjective fatness, or how big one feels in their own mind. We utilize and extend stigma theory by integrating it with medical research. In doing so, we shed new light on the subjective nature of the self‐devaluation process that occurs in stigmatized individuals. We argue that this self‐devaluation process is the mechanism by which subjective body fatness influences work performance. We test these hypotheses across three studies that constructively replicate results across multiple design types (multi‐rater, time‐lagged, & bivariate latent‐change model) and diverse geographic samples. Results consistently show that subjective fatness exerts a stronger impact on performance than objective fatness, and this influence is mediated by self‐devaluation. In all, our work indicates it is not how big one is but how big one feels that most affects work performance.