bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles-based versus rules-based: accounting standards precision and financial restatements in China
Authors: Luo Shungen , Song Fei
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study tests the effect of accounting standards precision on financial restatements and the influence of accounting standards precision on different types of restatements (including errors and irregularities). What is more, the heterogeneity between accounting standards precision and financial restatements is verified in this paper. In the further analyses, the authors also examine the mediating roles and moderating roles on the correlation between accounting standards precision and financial restatements.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus is placed on an unbalanced panel of 18,766 samples over the period of 2007–2017.

Findings

The authors find that firms' restatements decrease when standards are more principles-based (low accounting standards precision). Especially, irregularities significantly decrease when firms' standards are more principles-based. What's more, the negative relationship between principles-based standards and restatements is more significant in “big four” accounting firms. Moreover, from the mediating effect results, the authors find that low accounting standards precision decreases a firm's financial reporting complexity and increases equity restriction, which in turn can help decreasing its financial misreporting. From the moderating effect results, the authors find that the higher the TOP1 and the more analysts following the firm, the higher the benefit of accounting standards precision to misstatements.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide a theoretical reference for accounting standard setters and are helpful to inform investors and regulators about the influence of Chinese accounting standards on restatements.
Dispute root causes and prevention in Iranian public-private partnership projects: a causal-predictive model
Authors: Mirzaee Ali Mohammad , Pourrostam Towhid , Majrouhi Sardroud Javad , Hosseini M. Reza , Rahnamayiezekavat Payam , Edwards David
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) are notoriously prone to disputes among stakeholders, some of which may unduly jeopardize contract performance. Contract disputes arising in Iran are often due to inefficiency of PPP concession agreements and practice. This study presents a causal-predictive model of the root causes and preventive measures for inter-organization disputes to enhance the likelihood of achieving desirable performance in PPP projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical “causal-predictive” model was developed with fourteen hypotheses based on extant literature and contractual agency theory, which resulted in the creation of a pool of 110 published items. Data were obtained from a questionnaire survey with 75 valid responses, completed by 4 stratified groups of Iranian PPP experts. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for validating the proposed model via a case study.

Findings

Results reveal that the main three factors of PPP desirable performance are as follows: on-time project completion, high quality of activities/products and services for public satisfaction. Further, the most influential factors of the lifecycle problems, construction stage, and preferred risk allocation included risk misallocation, improper payment mechanism and failure to facilitate a timely approval process.

Originality/value

For researchers, the findings contribute to the theory of contractual agency; specifically, how different influences among the model's elements lead to better PPP performance. In practical terms, proposed outcome-based strategies will inform PPP stakeholders to avoid dispute occurrence and thus improve the time, quality and services of projects.
The PSICHE framework for sustainable consumption and future research directions
Authors: Nascimento Jorge , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Considering the relevance of understanding what influences environmentally sustainable consumer choices, the present study aims to examine and synthesize the key determinants factors from literature and outline a new conceptual framework for explaining green purchasing behaviors (GPBs).

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 161 articles extracted from Web of Science and Scopus databases, which were systematically evaluated and reviewed, and represent the current GPB knowledge base. Content analysis, science mapping and bibliometric analysis techniques were applied to uncover the major theories and constructs from the state-of-the-art.

Findings

The evolving debate between altruistic and self-interest consumer motivations reveals challenges for rational-based theories, as most empirical applications are not focused on buying behaviors, but instead either on pro-environmental (non-buying) activities or on buying intentions. From the subset of leading contributions and emerging topics, nine thematic clusters are unveiled in this investigation, which were combined to create the new PSICHE framework with the purpose of predicting GPB: (P)roduct-related factors, (S)ocial influences, (I)ndividual factors, (C)oncerns about the environment, (H)abits and (E)motions.

Practical implications

By uncovering the multiple intervening factors in GPB decision processes, this study will assist practitioners and academics to move forward on how to foster more sustainable consumer behaviors.

Originality/value

The present study provides readers a summary of an unprecedentedly broad collection of papers, from which the key themes are categorized, the domain's intellectual structure is captured and an actionable framework for enhancing the understanding GPB is proposed. Four new thrust areas and a set of future research questions are included.
Higher education peacebuilding in conflict-affected societies: beyond the good/bad binary
Authors: Kester Kevin , Abura Mary , Sohn Chaewon , Rho Ella
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This comparative case study looks towards the diverse approaches of higher education to support peacebuilding, from policy and philosophy to pedagogical practices, in conflict-affected and post-conflict settings. The achievement of global development goals is dependent on addressing access to quality education in conflict-affected contexts, including higher education. However, in settings affected by conflict, higher education is often perceived to be a luxury, not a necessity. This study, then, explores whether and how higher education might support peace and development through the unique perspective of the “three faces” of higher education in conflict contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is designed as a qualitative comparative case study. The research examines the work of university educators in two institutions in Afghanistan and Somaliland, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they face working in conflict-affected societies and their pedagogical responses to conflict. Data for the research were collected through in-depth interviews, documents, and digital artifacts with 12 university educators across the two institutions. The faculty teach a wide variety of subjects in the social sciences and humanities, subjects including and in addition to those specific to peace and development studies. To strengthen the interpretation of data, multiple coders were involved and intercoder reliability was conducted.

Findings

Findings indicate a number of challenges and opportunities that university lecturers and their institutions face in teaching for peace in conflict-affected contexts, particularly as it relates to the “three faces” of higher education to support, impede, or reveal the complicated nuances of peacebuilding in conflict settings. Member-checking was employed with participants to enhance the reliability of the analysis.

Originality/value

In the end, the paper contributes new empirical insights into higher education in conflict-affected contexts, particularly from the standpoint of faculty. Critical perspectives and implications for curriculum, pedagogy and research are offered.
Demographics, dwelling type and residents’ satisfaction at Zabdah affordable housing project, Jordan
Authors: Khassawneh Ebtesam M. , Khasawneh Fahed A.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the Zabdah housing project residents’ satisfaction on both dwelling and neighborhood levels. In addition, the determinants of residents’ satisfaction are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodology approach was used, merging quantitative and qualitative methods. The questionnaire was developed and filled out through structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to understand the residents’ satisfaction levels. In addition, the chi-square test of independence was used to determine whether demographics and dwelling type were related to residents’ satisfaction.

Findings

It was found that the residents’ satisfaction level with Zabdah housing was moderate on both dwelling and neighborhood levels. On the dwelling level, the tiny dwelling areas were a fundamental problem. On the neighborhood level, good neighborhood services were crucial to the success of this project, while the lack of green spaces negatively affected the quality of life of its residents. In addition, the number of family members and dwelling types were critical determinants of residents’ satisfaction.

Practical implications

The findings can be developed into guidelines to govern the creation of better affordable residential environments. Furthermore, the successful dwelling typologies in this project can be modified to be adopted in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind to explore the relationship of demographics and dwelling type with residents’ satisfaction in affordable housing in Jordan.
Work-related use of information and communication technologies after-hours (W_ICTs) and employee innovation behavior: a dual-path model
Authors: Huo Weiwei , Xu Xinyi , Li Xianmiao , Xie Julan , Sun Le
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The current study aims to identify work-related use of information and communication technologies after-hours (W_ICTs) from passive and active perspectives and examine mechanisms and different effects of information and communication technologies on employee innovation behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Experience sampling method (ESM) was employed to capture dynamic within-person variance in daily-behaviors and daily-mood. In total, 92 employees completed an identical online survey each day for ten workdays.

Findings

The findings showed that the influence patterns and mechanisms of passive and active W_ICTs were utterly different. Passive W_ICTs was negatively associated with employee innovation behavior via emotional exhaustion, while active W_ICTs was positively associated with employee innovation behavior through perceived insider status. Furthermore, differential leadership significantly narrowed the positive relationship between passive W_ICTs and emotional exhaustion. However, differential leadership did not significantly moderate the relationship between active W_ICTs and perceived insider status.

Originality/value

This study is an important step forward in dividing W_ICTs into passive and active W_ICTs and discovers a dual path of two types of W_ICTs on employee innovation behavior. Findings of this study have heuristic value for future research.
Financial inclusion and sustainable development: an empirical association
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the association between financial inclusion and sustainable development in a global context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used two datasets, and employed the Pearson correlation analysis and granger causality test to examine the correlation and pairwise causality between financial inclusion and sustainable development.

Findings

High levels of financial inclusion (in terms of higher commercial bank branches per 100,000 adults) is significantly associated with higher electricity production from renewable sources, higher industry productivity, higher adult literacy rate and higher renewable electricity output. Also, higher financial inclusion is significantly associated with low combustible renewables and waste. There is a uni-directional granger causality between global interest in internet information about sustainable development and global interest in internet information about financial inclusion, particularly in the period after the global financial crisis but before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

The correlation between financial inclusion and sustainable development depends on the indicators employed to measure financial inclusion and sustainable development. The results support global calls for greater financial inclusion and the speedy attainment of the sustainable development goals for the good of all people, the environment and for the planet.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study in the literature to analyze the link between financial inclusion and sustainable development using global data. This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the association between financial inclusion and sustainable development in a global context.
The unemployment business: profit, precarity, and the moral economy of social democracy in Norway
Authors: McKowen Kelly
Published: September 2022

Norway's welfare system is widely admired for its success in mitigating the worst effects of post‐industrial capitalism. In the past decade, however, that system has undergone remarkable – and controversial – change, as commercial firms have been permitted to play a growing role in administering services for the unemployed. This article, based on fieldwork in Oslo during the 2015‐16 oil crisis, examines Norway's ‘unemployment business’ and the high‐stakes symbolic struggle between its advocates and opponents. It shows that making unemployment services a business not only destabilizes the unique moral economy of social democracy, predicated on the conceptual entwinement of the state and society, but also requires the maintenance of a new class of precarious workers who administer the welfare system without having its guarantees. Beyond its Norwegian concerns, this article also refines our understanding of moral economy and privatization through highlighting the strategies actors deploy to endow new economic activities with moral legitimacy.
THE STATE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: Waste Valorization in Hong Kong and Rotterdam
Authors: Wildeboer Viktor , Savini Federico
Published: September 2022

The concept of the circular economy has gained significant political momentum because it offers policymakers a viable approach to tackling resource depletion, reducing waste and promoting economic development all at the same time. Current research, however, only focuses on the technological feasibility of this model, overlooking circularity's inherent contradiction: namely, that it valorizes waste rather than reducing it. This article tackles this limit by questioning the role of the state in what we describe as ‘waste valorization’. It interrogates the urban political ecology of construction and demolition waste, the largest stream of inert materials in the world. It analyses CDW's geographies and economic position in urban development and the shifting rationales by which it is governed. To do this, it compares historical shifts in how CDW has been regulated in Hong Kong and Rotterdam. The article shows that waste is no longer an abject residual of urbanization, but a driver of urban development and a burgeoning sphere of accumulation in ecological capitalism.
An Assessment of Potential Severe Droughts in the Colorado River Basin
Authors: Salehabadi Homa , Tarboton David G. , Udall Bradley , Wheeler Kevin G. , Schmidt John C.
Published: September 2022

Much has been learned about Colorado River hydrology since the severe sustained drought study in 1995. We summarize our updated understanding of plausible future drought conditions by considering historical flows, tree‐ring reconstructions, and climate change. We focus on natural streamflow at Lees Ferry, the primary metric used to quantify the runoff in the Colorado River Basin. We identify drought periods using historical records and tree‐ring reconstructed streamflow at Lees Ferry, which we then use to characterize potential future droughts. Resampling from past drought periods generates plausible future conditions to consider during planning. We produced three drought scenarios, each comprising 100 streamflow sequences to be used as input to systems operation and management models. We used analysis of the duration‐severity and cumulative deficit relative to the mean natural flow to evaluate droughts and drought simulations and show that the current millennium drought that started in 2000 has an average flow far less than the historical record. However, the flows reconstructed from tree rings or future flows projected from climate models indicate that even more severe droughts are possible. When used as input to the Colorado River Simulation System the drought scenarios developed indicate considerable periods when Lake Powell falls below its hydropower penstocks, indicating a need to rethink management and operation of these reservoirs during these critical conditions.
Litigating crashes? Insights from security class actions
Authors: Zhang Huilin , Ni Xiaoran , Jin Qi
Published: September 2022

Investors tend to litigate large stock price declines, i.e., file ‘stock‐drop lawsuits’. However, it is less clear whether the ex‐ante threat of security class actions can deter stock price crashes in the first place. To answer this question, we exploit the 1999 ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that discourages security class actions as a quasi‐exogenous shock, and find that reducing the threat of security class actions leads to a significant increase in stock price crash risk measured by negative skewness of stock returns. We reveal that the main effect is partially driven by a reduction in the timeliness of bad news disclosure and worsened earnings quality, which is consistent with the view that bad news hoarding serves as the key factor in the formation of a stock price crash. Our overall findings highlight the importance of security class actions in deterring the occurrence of firm‐level negative tail events on the financial market.
From Indenture to “Good Governance”: eMigrate and the Politics of Reforming Global Labour Supply Chains
Authors: Buckley Michelle , Chakravartty Paula , Gill Sahiba
Published: September 2022

Contract substitution—in which workers sign one contract but end up working under another—is a common form of fraud faced by Indian low‐wage migrant workers working in the Gulf Cooperation Council states. This paper presents a study of workers’ experiences of contract substitution alongside the eMigrate system, which is a digital registration system introduced by the Indian government in 2015. While a stated aim of eMigrate is to protect workers from contract fraud, these practices persist. We explore the colonial genealogies of eMigrate to show that not only has it adapted repertoires of worker protection inherited from the British Empire’s indenture system, but that eMigrate risks facilitating conditions of unfreedom under the mantle of worker protection, much as the British imperial state did during indenture. We contend that recognising how legacies of indentured labour regulation persist through eMigrate has implications for contemporary campaigns for migrant justice.
Postoperative tolvaptan use in left ventricular assist device patients: The TOLVAD randomized pilot study
Authors: Belkin Mark N. , Imamura Teruhiko , Rodgers Daniel , Kanelidis Anthony J. , Henry Michael P. , Fujino Takeo , Kagan Viktoriya , Meehan Karen , Okray Justin , Creighton Shana , LaBuhn Colleen , Song Tae , Ota Takeyoshi , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Nguyen Ann B. , Chung Ben B. , Smith Bryan A. , Kalantari Sara , Grinstein Jonathan , Sarswat Nitasha , Pinney Sean P. , Sayer Gabriel , Kim Gene , Uriel Nir
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin type‐2 antagonist, has been shown to increase serum sodium (Na) and urine output in hyponatremic left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients in retrospective studies. In this prospective randomized pilot study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of tolvaptan in this population.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized, non‐blinded pilot study of LVAD recipients with post‐operative hyponatremia (Na < 135 mEq/L) (NCT05408104). Eligible participants were randomized to receive tolvaptan 15 mg daily in addition to usual care versus usual care alone. The primary outcome was a change in Na level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), from the first post‐operative day of hyponatremia (the day of randomization) to discharge.

Results

A total of 33 participants were enrolled, and 28 underwent randomization (median age 55 [IQR 50–62]), 21% women, 54% Black, 32% ischemic cardiomyopathy, median baseline Na 135 (IQR 134–138). Fifteen participants were randomized to tolvaptan (TLV) and 13 were randomized to usual care alone (No‐TLV). Mean change in Na from randomization to discharge in the TLV group was 2.7 mEq/L (95%CI 0.7–4.7, p = 0.013) and 1.8 (95%CI 0.5–4.0, p = 0.11) in the No‐TLV group, though baseline and final Na levels were similar between groups. The mean change in eGFR was 2.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95%CI 10.1–15.3, p = 0.59) in TLV versus 7.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95%CI 5.2–20.2, p = 0.15) in No‐TLV. TLV participants had significantly more urine output than No‐TLV patients during their first 24 h after randomization (3294 vs 2155 ml, p = 0.043).

Conclusion

TLV significantly increases urine output, with nominal improvement in Na level, in hyponatremic post‐operative LVAD patients without adversely impacting renal function.
Will auditors charge more for corporate philanthropy? Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Chenghao , Tang Jing
Published: September 2022

This study examines the relationship between corporate philanthropy (CP) and audit fees. Using corporate donation data from China, our investigation finds that CP is significantly positively associated with audit fees. Resource‐seeking purpose and the enhanced publicity effect may be plausible channels behind this relationship. We further find that the frequency and intensity of donations reinforce this positive association. Additional analysis reveals that the resource‐seeking effect exists in any type of enterprise, while the enhanced publicity effect only exists in non‐SOEs. Our main results remain robust to a battery of additional tests. Overall, our findings suggest that by increasing audit workload and prospective audit risk, CP could make auditors more conservative such that they charge a higher audit fee. This article emphasizes the dialectic institutional stakeholder perspective in understanding the economic consequences of CP. Both the theoretical contributions and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Reciprocal relationships between personality traits and psychological well‐being
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen
Published: September 2022

This study used an American sample collected over a period of approximately 2 decades (at 3 time points) to examine the temporal relationships between psychological well‐being and personality traits (i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience). The random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model was used to separate between‐person and within‐person sources of variation. Between‐person correlations were comparable to those of previous studies. New insights were gained at the within‐person level. There were reciprocal relationships between psychological well‐being and openness and extraversion, suggesting the joint development of plasticity‐related traits and well‐being over time. The relationships between psychological well‐being and conscientiousness and agreeableness were unidirectional, with psychological well‐being preceding these traits. Despite a strong between‐person association between neuroticism and psychological well‐being, the two were not related at the within‐person level.
Oncological validation and discriminative ability of pentafecta criteria after open radical cystectomy
Authors: von Deimling Markus , Rink Michael , Klemm Jakob , Koelker Mara , König Frederik , Gild Philipp , Khonsari Maryam , Ludwig Tim A. , Marks Phillip , Dahlem Roland , Fisch Margit , Vetterlein Malte W.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To validate the pentafecta criteria (PC) proposed by the PROMETRICS group for outcome reporting after radical cystectomy in an open radical cystectomy (ORC) cohort with long‐term follow‐up and to assess the discriminative ability of PC attainment for oncological endpoints.

Patients and Methods

Between January 2009 and December 2017, 420 patients underwent ORC with pelvic lymph node dissection and urinary diversion for non‐metastatic bladder cancer. The PC were defined as reported by the PROMETRICS group. The primary endpoint was PC attainment, and oncological outcomes comprised further endpoints. We used uni‐ and multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess predictors of PC attainment. The discriminative ability of PC for overall mortality (OM), cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) and other‐cause mortality (OCM) was compared using Kaplan–Meier curves and cumulative incidence functions. After stratification by the number of PC attained, the association between PC attainment and the survival endpoints was tested on multivariable Cox regression and competing‐risks models.

Results

A total of 108 patients (26%) fulfilled all PC, while 195 (46%), 77 (18%), 35 (8.3%) and five (1.2%) attained 4/5, 3/5, 2/5 and ≤1/5 PC, respectively. Increasing age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (odds ratio [OR] 0.80, P = 0.015) and incontinent diversion (OR 0.38, P = 0.005) were independent predictors of PC non‐attainment. The median follow‐up was 73 months. PC attainment (≥4/5 vs 3/5 vs ≤2/5 PC attained) was used to stratify patients into groups at significantly different risk of death (P < 0.001). A decreasing number of PC attained (<4/5) was associated with unfavourable survival estimates for both OM and CSM (all P ≤ 0.005) but not for OCM (all P ≥ 0.2).

Conclusions

The PC proposed by the PROMETRICS group represent accurate quality indicators for oncological outcome reporting after ORC for non‐metastatic bladder cancer and have a distinct discriminative ability to predict long‐term OM and CSM.
Oncogenic lesions and molecular subtypes in adults with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Yasuda Takahiko , Sanada Masashi , Tsuzuki Shinobu , Hayakawa Fumihiko
Published: September 2022

B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL), a genetically heterogeneous disease, is classified into different molecular subtypes that are defined by recurrent gene rearrangements, gross chromosomal abnormalities, or specific gene mutations. Cells with these genetic alterations acquire a leukemia‐initiating ability and show unique expression profiles. The distribution of B‐ALL molecular subtypes is greatly dependent on age, which also affects treatment responsiveness and long‐term survival, partly accounting for the inferior outcome in adolescents and young adults (AYA) and (older) adults with B‐ALL. Recent advances in sequencing technology, especially RNA sequencing and the application of these technologies in large B‐ALL cohorts have uncovered B‐ALL molecular subtypes prevalent in AYA and adults. These new insights supply more precise estimations of prognoses and targeted therapies informed by sequencing results, as well as a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of AYA/adult B‐ALL. This article provides an account of these technological advances and an overview of the recent major findings of B‐ALL molecular subtypes in adults.
Effects of social distancing policy on labor market outcomes
Authors: Gupta Sumedha , Montenovo Laura , Nguyen Thuy , Lozano‐Rojas Felipe , Schmutte Ian , Simon Kosali , Weinberg Bruce A. , Wing Coady
Published: September 2022

US workers receive unemployment benefits if they lose their job, but not for reduced working hours. In alignment with the benefits incentives, we find that the labor market responded to COVID‐19 and related closure‐policies mostly on the extensive (12 pp outright job loss) margin. Exploiting timing variation in state closure‐policies, difference‐in‐differences (DiD) estimates show, between March 12 and April 12, 2020, employment rate fell by 1.7 pp for every 10 extra days of state stay‐at‐home orders (SAH), with little effect on hours worked/earnings among those employed. Forty percentage of the unemployment was due to a nationwide shock, rest due to social‐distancing policies, particularly among “non‐essential” workers.
The capillary lobule variant of radiation‐associated angiosarcoma in the setting of breast cancer: A diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Agrawal Shruti , Fritchie Karen J. , Fernandez Anthony P. , Ko Jennifer S. , Bergfeld Wilma , Rubin Brian P. , Billings Steven D.
Published: September 2022

Aim

Post‐radiation angiosarcoma is an iatrogenic event seen in the setting of breast cancer treatment. Histopathologically, there are morphologic variants of angiosarcoma that mimic benign entities, including the capillary lobule variant of post‐radiation angiosarcoma. We present the largest case series to date of this histopathologic variant of post‐radiation angiosarcoma.

Methods and Results

Cases of the capillary lobule variant of post‐radiation angiosarcoma from institutional/consultation archives from 2008 to June 2022 were reviewed. For inclusion, tumors had to occur in irradiated skin and exhibit a multi‐lobular proliferation of tightly packed capillary‐like vessels, as previously described in this variant. Prior ancillary studies were also reviewed. Eight cases met the criteria. All occurred in women treated with radiation for breast cancer (median age 75 years). All cases had similar findings, including a multi‐lobular proliferation of tightly packed vessels, infiltrative cords, and atypical single endothelial cells. A conventional angiosarcoma pattern was also seen in five cases. All cases tested were positive for vascular markers (CD31, CD34, and/or ERG) and MYC. MYC amplification was shown by FISH in all cases tested. Smooth muscle actin (SMA) was positive in pericytes in the capillary lobules in all five cases tested and areas of conventional angiosarcoma in two of three cases.

Conclusions

The capillary lobule variant of angiosarcoma is a rare and therefore potentially under‐recognized variant of post‐radiation angiosarcoma. The lobular architecture and SMA positivity may mimic benign vascular proliferations. Careful attention to histopathologic features and ancillary tests may facilitate accurate diagnosis.
How great tits respond to urgency‐based information in allopatric Southern house wren mobbing calls
Authors: Dutour Mylène , Fernández Gustavo J. , Randler Christoph
Published: September 2022

Many species of birds use alarm calls to signal information about predators, including the level of threat. Previous playback experiments suggest that the urgency response towards heterospecific calls is phylogenetically conserved, notably in the Paridae family. Using playback experiments conducted on European great tits (Parus major), we tested whether this species perceives information about urgency in mobbing calls produced by an allopatric non‐Paridae species, the Southern house wren (Troglodytes aedon bonariae), by broadcasting calls with high‐calling rate (high threat) and calls with low‐calling rate (low threat). We found that great tits tend to approach the loudspeaker during playbacks of calls with high‐calling rate more often than during playbacks of calls with low‐calling rate. Female great tits gave more calls during playbacks of calls with high‐calling rate than during playbacks of calls with low‐calling rate, whereas there was no significant difference in the number of calls given by males between playbacks of calls with high‐ and low‐calling rates. Thus, our results suggested that great tits perceived the urgency message encoded in calls given by an allopatric non‐Paridae species.
Effectiveness of root canal treatment for vital pulps compared with necrotic pulps in the presence or absence of signs of periradicular pathosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero , Ng Yuan‐Ling
Published: September 2022

Background

Preoperative pulpal status may influence the outcomes of root canal treatment (RCTx) according to various measures used.

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of RCTx of teeth with a vital pulp versus a necrotic pulp, using a range of clinical and patient‐related outcomes proposed for the development of S3‐level clinical practice guidelines.

Methods

A search was conducted in the PubMed‐MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google scholar databases and available repositories, followed by hand searches, until 29 March 2022. Clinical studies published in the English language comparing the stipulated outcomes of RCTx of teeth with vital versus necrotic pulp were included. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was adapted to assess study quality. Effects of pulpal status were estimated and expressed as risk ratio (RR) using fixed‐ and random‐effect meta‐analyses. The quality of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool.

Results

Twenty‐eight studies published between 1961 and 2021 were included. Five studies have investigated the “tooth survival” outcome, four reported pulpal status was not a significant predictor, consistent with meta‐analysis findings (RR: 1.00; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.00; n = 3). Seven studies reported pulpal status had no significant influence on postoperative pain, regardless of duration after treatment. Sixteen studies have analysed “periapical health,” and 11 revealed pulpal status had no significant influence. Meta‐analyses revealed the influence was not significant if preoperative periapical radiolucency was absent (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.00; n = 9) but significant if it was present (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.19; n = 11). Most studies were classified as “some concerns” (n = 17) to “low” (n = 9) risk of bias RoB.

Discussion

Evidence is limited and only available for three outcomes when comparing the effectiveness of RCTx in permanent teeth with vital pulp versus pulp necrosis. Nevertheless, the quality of available evidence was moderate to high. The “periapical health” data heterogeneity could be explained by preoperative radiolucency, thus RCTx was found more effective for prevention than the resolution of apical periodontitis.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in the “tooth survival,” “postoperative pain” and “evidence of apical radiolucency” outcomes of RCTx in teeth with vital or necrotic pulps.

Registration

PROSPERO database (CRD42021260280).
Exploring masstige brands' antecedents and outcomes
Authors: Rodrigues Paula , Sousa Ana , Fetscherin Marc , Borges Ana Pinto
Published: September 2022

This study focused on developing a new conceptual model of consumers' perceptions of—and behaviours towards—masstige brands based on consumer‐brand relationship and brand equity theory, which was then applied using quantitative data analysis. The research model facilitated an exploration of how important brand love, co‐creation and need for uniqueness are as masstige brand antecedents and of whether brand happiness, brand loyalty and electronic word of mouth are outcomes. The proposed model's generalisability was assessed based on consumer data on a total sample of 1041 consumers from three countries: the United States, Portugal and China. The hypotheses were tested using partial least squares‐structural equation modelling. The results show that the model is well specified, and all the hypothesised relationships between the selected constructs related to masstige brands are supported by the data. The five brands included in the questionnaire have Masstige Mean Score Scale Index values indicating that these brands fit in this classification. The findings have a wide range of theoretical and managerial implications.
Surface modification of peanut meal with atmospheric cold plasma: Identifying the critical factors that affect functionality
Authors: Ji Hui , Tang Xiaojuan , Li Ling , Peng Shanli , Yu Jiao‐jiao
Published: September 2022

Peanut meal (PM), a by‐product of processing, is hard to recycle due to its poor functional properties affected by the processing environment. To increase its utilisation value, atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) technology was used to enhance the functional properties of PM. Results showed that the soluble protein concentration, water holding capacity, surface hydrophobicity, foaming and emulsifying properties of PM were significantly improved after ACP treatment. The changes in amino acid composition, surface element content, apparent conformation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and secondary structure of the protein in PM indicated that ACP treatment promoted the interaction between components of PM by introducing oxygen‐containing groups and producing etching. The protein molecule tended to be flexible, so as to improve the overall function of PM. ACP could be an effective and promising method to improve the functional properties of agricultural by‐products for further utilisation.
Metabolic plasticity and regulation of T cell exhaustion
Authors: Li Fei , Liu Huiling , Zhang Dan , Ma Yanlin , Zhu Bingdong
Published: September 2022

The metabolic reprogramming during T cell activation and differentiation affects T cell fate and immune responses. Cell metabolism may serve as the driving force that induces epigenetic modifications, contributing to regulating T cell differentiation. Persistent pathogen infection leads to T cell exhaustion, which is composed of two main subsets and with distinct metabolic characteristics. The progenitor exhausted T cells utilize mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for energy, while terminally exhausted T cells mainly rely on glycolytic metabolism with impaired glycolysis and OXPHOS. Here, we compiled the latest research on how T cell metabolism defines differentiation, focusing on T cell exhaustion during chronic infections. In addition, metabolic‐related factors including antigen stimulation signals strength, cytokines and epigenetics affecting T cell exhaustion were also reviewed. Furthermore, the intervention strategies on metabolism and epigenetics to reverse T cell exhaustion were discussed in detail, which may contribute to achieving the goal of prevention and treatment of T cell exhaustion.
Transcriptomic profiling of cardiac tissues from SARS‐CoV‐2 patients identifies DNA damage
Authors: Kulasinghe Arutha , Liu Ning , Tan Chin Wee , Monkman James , Sinclair Jane E. , Bhuva Dharmesh D. , Godbolt David , Pan Liuliu , Nam Andy , Sadeghirad Habib , Sato Kei , Bassi Gianluigi Li , O'Byrne Ken , Hartmann Camila , dos Santos Miggiolaro Anna Flavia Ribeiro , Marques Gustavo Lenci , Moura Lidia Zytynski , Richard Derek , Adams Mark , de Noronha Lucia , Baena Cristina Pellegrino , Suen Jacky Y. , Arora Rakesh , Belz Gabrielle T. , Short Kirsty R. , Davis Melissa J. , Guimaraes Fernando Souza‐Fonseca , Fraser John F.
Published: September 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is known to present with pulmonary and extra‐pulmonary organ complications. In comparison with the 2009 pandemic (pH1N1), SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is likely to lead to more severe disease, with multi‐organ effects, including cardiovascular disease. SARS‐CoV‐2 has been associated with acute and long‐term cardiovascular disease, but the molecular changes that govern this remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the host transcriptome landscape of cardiac tissues collected at rapid autopsy from seven SARS‐CoV‐2, two pH1N1, and six control patients using targeted spatial transcriptomics approaches. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 was not detected in cardiac tissue, host transcriptomics showed upregulation of genes associated with DNA damage and repair, heat shock, and M1‐like macrophage infiltration in the cardiac tissues of COVID‐19 patients. The DNA damage present in the SARS‐CoV‐2 patient samples, were further confirmed by γ‐H2Ax immunohistochemistry. In comparison, pH1N1 showed upregulation of interferon‐stimulated genes, in particular interferon and complement pathways, when compared with COVID‐19 patients. These data demonstrate the emergence of distinct transcriptomic profiles in cardiac tissues of SARS‐CoV‐2 and pH1N1 influenza infection supporting the need for a greater understanding of the effects on extra‐pulmonary organs, including the cardiovascular system of COVID‐19 patients, to delineate the immunopathobiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and long term impact on health.
Assessing some Cladosporium species in the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon for treating oil contamination
Authors: Bakri Marwah
Published: September 2022

Aim

Biodegradation is a cost-effective and eco-friendly treatment for oil-contaminated materials using microorganisms. Bacteria and fungi can degrade petroleum by using it as an energy source and this may provide an enormous scope to remediate soils contaminated with petroleum and oil. This study aimed to assess the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by certain Cladosporium species.

Methods and results

By using traditional and spectroscopic assessment analysis, qualitative screening was carried out using Cladosporium spores isolated from air and cultured on mineral salt medium supplemented with petroleum hydrocarbon as the sole carbon source, followed by quantitative assessment using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Nineteen Cladosporium strains from a total of 212 isolates exhibited remarkable capability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbon, representing four species (C. herbarum, C. macrocarpum, C. sphaerospermum, and C. cladosporioides). The results were expressed in terms of biodegradation percentage and optical density of hydrocarbon using a standard calibration curve. The highest reduction of petroleum hydrocarbon was observed with five Cladosporium strains belonging to two species (C. sphaerospermum and C. cladosporioides).

Conclusion

This study succeeded in isolating several Cladosporium strains (from the air) with a high ability to degrade crude oil that can be used as biological agents to control petroleum pollution in soils and seas. The addition of a surfactant (Tween 80) enhanced the degradation of crude oil reaching a final concentration of 0.4%. Based on these results, the present study could indicate some unique prospects in the field of bioremediation and biodegradation of petroleum-contaminated soil.

Significance and impact of study

This study gives unique prospects in the field of bioremediation and biodegradation of petroleum-contaminated soil.
Exogenous polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) influence permeability, antimicrobial peptide resistance, biofilm formation and membrane phospholipid structure in an A‐layer and non‐A‐layer strain of Aeromonas salmonicida
Authors: Hofer Rachel N. , Lin Allen , House Benjamin C. , Purvis Christopher N. , Harris Bradley J. , Symes Steven J. K. , Giles David K.
Published: September 2022

Aeromonas salmonicida is a Gram‐negative bacterium that can infect a wide host range of fish populations, including salmonids and non‐salmonids as well as freshwater and marine life. Some strains of A. salmonicida cause the disease furunculosis, which can cause lethargy, intestinal inflammation, ulcers, haemorrhaging and death. The infection is spread through fish‐to‐fish contact, and the presence of infection can have devastating effects on cultivated fish populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the ability of non‐A‐layer and A‐layer A. salmonicida strains to incorporate polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into their lipid profile and test the phenotypic effects thereof. Lipids were extracted from PUFA‐exposed cultures and analysed for lipid modification by thin‐layer chromatography and ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, showing A. salmonicida, regardless of A‐layer, capable of incorporating all seven of the PUFAs studied. Phenotypic effects were determined through the use of assays that tested for biofilm formation, membrane permeability and cyclic peptide susceptibility. Temperature‐dependent effects on biofilm formation were observed, and PUFA exposure showed significant (p < .001) increases in membrane permeability as tested by the uptake of the hydrophobic compounds crystal violet and ethidium bromide. Additionally, some PUFAs elicited modest protection and vulnerability against the membrane‐targeting cyclic peptides polymyxin B (PMB) and colistin. The diverse, strain‐specific responses to exogenous PUFAs may allude to evolved adaptive strategies that enhance survival, persistence and virulence of non‐pathogenic and pathogenic members of bacteria that oscillate between environmental and fish host niches.
Antenatal diet quality and perinatal depression: the Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study (MUMS) cohort
Authors: Gow Megan L. , Lam Yei W. I. , Jebeile Hiba , Craig Maria E. , Susic Daniella , Henry Amanda
Published: September 2022

Background

Previous findings from research investigating the role of antenatal nutrition in preventing postpartum depression (PPD) are inconsistent. Our primary aim was to investigate the association between pregnancy diet quality and PPD. Our secondary aim was to investigate associations between (a) diet quality and depression during pregnancy and (b) depression during pregnancy and PPD.

Methods

This analysis represents data from 73 women participating in the Microbiome Understanding in Maternity Study (MUMS) cohort in Sydney, Australia, which followed women from Trimester 1 of pregnancy to 1‐year postpartum (PP). Participants' diet quality was assessed using the Australian Eating Survey at Trimester 1 and 3 to calculate diet quality, known as the Australian Recommended Food Score (lower diet quality defined as score <39; higher diet quality ≥39). Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Depression Scale at Trimesters 1, 2, 3 and 6 weeks PP (defined as score ≥11).

Results

Depression scores during pregnancy were significantly associated with depression score 6 weeks PP (Trimester 1: r = 0.66, Trimester 2: r = 0.69, Trimester 3: r = 0.67; all p < 0.001). Diet quality during pregnancy was not significantly correlated with 6‐week PPD score. In unadjusted analysis, diet quality during pregnancy was not associated with pregnancy depression scores. When adjusted for age, parity and Trimester 1 body mass index, Trimester 1 physical activity levels and gestational weight gain, higher Trimester 3 diet quality was associated with reduced Trimester 3 depression only.

Conclusions

Depression scores during pregnancy were positively associated with PPD, highlighting the importance of screening for depression during pregnancy and postnatally. Larger longitudinal prospective studies may elucidate the association between diet quality and PPD.
Consumption, Credit, and the Missing Young
Authors: COOPER DANIEL , GORBACHEV OLGA , LUENGO‐PRADO MARÍA JOSÉ
Published: September 2022

There are more young adults today with either no credit history or insufficient credit history to be scored by one of the major credit bureaus than there were before the Great Recession—a reality that is likely an outcome of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009–10. In regressions that include a rich set of controls, we show that measures of young adults missing a credit score in credit bureau data act as a drag on state‐level consumption growth. We demonstrate that this effect is driven by young people's loss of access to credit since the legislation went into effect.