bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A positive psychology intervention to enhance mental well-being of Syrian refugees in the Netherlands
Authors: Muller-Dugic José , Beckers Pascal , Braakman Mario
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Syrian refugees in the Netherlands frequently suffer from mental health problems. It is argued that mental health not only consists of the absence of psychiatric disorders but also of the presence of mental well-being. However, there is little attention to the mental well-being of refugees, and no intervention exists that focuses on fostering the mental well-being of refugees. Therefore, the new culturally sensitive positive psychology intervention “Mosaic” was developed and implemented in collaboration with the target audience and local partners. Mosaic is offered in the Arabic language, and the content is focused on (re)finding purpose in life and (re)discovering life values and subsequently acting upon these values. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of Mosaic on the mental well-being of Syrians in the Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of Mosaic on the mental well-being of Syrians in the Netherlands is assessed by conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a waitlist control group.

Findings

Postintervention within sample t-tests showed that the intervention group (n = 66) experienced significantly more overall mental well-being, emotional well-being and purpose in life right after participating in the intervention when compared to the preintervention measurement. The effect on purpose in life persisted six months later. These improvements were not found among the control group (n = 60).

Originality/value

Mosaic is the first positive psychology intervention in the Netherlands that was developed for and in collaboration with Syrian refugees. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is also the first study in the Netherlands and one of the first ones in Europe that assesses the effect of positive psychology for refugees specifically.
Unlocking auditors’ perceived external employability: exploring antecedents and behavioral consequences
Authors: Pruijssers Jorien Louise
Published: February 2024

Purpose

In a rapidly changing career landscape where lifelong job security is no longer guaranteed, this study investigates how audit firms play an important role in shaping their employees’ career perceptions and the subsequent effects on auditor behavior. Specifically, it explores the link between audit firms’ career development initiatives and auditors’ perceptions of external employability – an important determinant of auditor behavior. Using the framework of social exchange theory, the study investigates how perceived external employability affects both relational and operational behaviors of auditors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs structural equation modeling on survey data from 359 auditors.

Findings

The results indicate that when audit firms actively support career development, it positively contributes to auditors’ perceived external employability. A higher perceived external employability, in turn, leads to positive behavioral outcomes among auditors, including stronger relational behaviors (such as professional commitment) and operational behaviors (including heightened professional skepticism and reduced behaviors that could compromise audit quality).

Originality/value

This study uncovers a paradox where perceived external employability, typically viewed as a risk, emerges as a potent driver of desirable auditor behavior. In today’s dynamic career landscape, emphasizing individual-centered and flexible careers, these results highlight the benefits of perceived external employability. Rather than undermining audit services, increased perceived external employability driven by firm investments in auditors’ careers acts as a catalyst for desirable auditor behavior. Organizational support in terms of career development practices creates an environment where auditors are more committed, professionally skeptical and uphold the quality of audit services.
Application of fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in hospitality and tourism research: a bibliometric study
Authors: Eluwole Kayode Kolawole , Lasisi Taiwo Temitope , Parvez M. Omar , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is explored as a transformative tool rooted in complexity theory, shedding light on uncertainties shaping real-world decisions in tourism, with a focus on its application in the hospitality domain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically evaluates fsQCA’s application in hospitality and tourism research, employing bibliometric analysis to scrutinize the published literature since its induction in 2011. The research seeks to understand the evolving usage by qualitatively reviewing impactful studies based on total citations.

Findings

The study reveals the ascendancy of fsQCA as a predominant approach in hospitality and tourism studies, particularly in illuminating decision-making paradigms in key sectors like destination and hotel selections and entrepreneurial orientations. However, an absence of fsQCA applications in gastronomy and wine tourism is identified, signaling uncharted territories for future inquiry.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretical implications include paradigm shifts to complexity theory, configural analysis and asymmetric algorithms. Practical implications involve improved decision-making and tailored marketing, benefiting industry practitioners. Limitations include potential academic bias, while future research suggests exploring sub-sectors, sustainability and emerging technologies.

Originality/value

This study identifies gaps in the fsQCA application and pioneers its examination within the hospitality domain, offering a unique perspective on understanding intricate relationships and configurations among variables. The study emphasizes the efficacy of asymmetric methodologies in elucidating behavioral nuances in hospitality and tourism, providing a foundation for future inquiries to expand horizons and unravel the nuanced applications of fsQCA in this research domain.
Understanding the influence of environmental triggers on tourists' pro-environmental behaviors in the Pakistan’s tourism industry
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Khan Komal Akram , Qamar Bushra
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The research analyzes the influence of three environmental triggers, i.e. awareness, concern and knowledge on environmental attachment and green motivation that affect tourists' pro-environmental behavior in the Pakistan’s tourism industry. Furthermore, this study has analyzed the moderating role of moral obligation concerning environmental attachment and green motivation on tourists' pro-environmental behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered via a structured questionnaire by 237 local (domestic) tourists of Pakistan. Furthermore, the data were examined by employing SmartPLS.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that all three environmental triggers have a positive and significant relationship with environmental attachment and green motivation. Accordingly, environmental attachment and green motivation promote tourists' pro-environmental behavior. Furthermore, the moderating role of moral obligations has also been incorporated in the study. The finding reveals a strong and positive relationship among environmental attachment and tourists' pro-environmental behaviors during high moral obligations. In contrast, moral obligations do not moderate association between green motivation and tourists' pro-environmental behavior. Therefore, competent authorities should facilitate tourists to adopt environmentally friendly practices; which will ultimately promote pro-environmental behavior.

Originality/value

This study provides useful insights regarding the role of tourism in fostering environmental attachment and green motivation that sequentially influence tourist pro-environmental behavior. Secondly, this research has employed moral obligations as a moderator to identify the changes in tourists’ pro-environmental behavior based on individuals' ethical considerations. Hence, the study provides an in-depth insight into tourists' behavior. Lastly, the present research offers effective strategies for the tourism sector and other competent authorities to increase green activities that can embed the importance of the environment among individuals.
Meaningfulness at work: role of distributive justice, managerial respect and work self-efficacy
Authors: Peng Jiamin , Chen Liwen , Yang Xiaoyun , Xie Lishan
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Drawing on signaling theory and the “signal transmission–interpretation–feedback” framework, this study explores the effects of perceived distributive justice and respect from managers on nurses' work meaningfulness and work effort in public hospitals in China and examines the moderating role of work self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected 341 paired questionnaires for nurses and managers from four public hospitals in China. The data were analyzed by structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

Distributive justice and managers' respect for employees are positively related to work meaningfulness. Additionally, work self-efficacy negatively moderates this relationship. Work meaningfulness is positively related to work effort and fully mediates the relationships between perceived distributive justice and respect from the manager and work effort.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for healthcare organizations to improve nurses' work meaningfulness from the perspectives of their material and emotional needs, according to their work self-efficacy characteristics, thus promoting their work effort. The findings offer important guidance for improving the effectiveness of grass-roots human resources to cope with unpredictable situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the organization's environmental factors that affect the primary staff's work meaningfulness. Further, it analyzes the differences in signal interpretation among nurses with different work self-efficacy characteristics, thus providing new insights into work meaningfulness. Through manager–nurse pairing data, it reveals the important role of work meaningfulness in motivating work effort.
Home‐field advantage, N‐priming and precipitation independently govern litter decomposition in a plant diversity manipulation
Authors: Podzikowski Laura Y. , Duell Eric B. , Burrill Haley M. , Bever James D.
Published: February 2024

Litter decomposition facilitates the recycling of often limiting resources, which may promote plant productivity responses to diversity, that is, overyielding. However, the direct relationship between decomposition, k, and overyielding remains underexplored in grassland diversity manipulations.

We test whether local adaptation of microbes, that is, home‐field advantage (HFA), N‐priming from plant inputs or precipitation drive decomposition and whether decomposition generates overyielding. Within a grassland diversity‐manipulation, altering plant richness (1, 2, 3 and 6 species), composition (communities composed of plants from a single‐family or multiple‐families) and precipitation (50% and 150% ambient growing season precipitation), we conducted a litter decomposition experiment. In spring 2020, we deployed four replicate switchgrass, Panicum virgatum, litter bags (1.59 mm mesh opening), collecting them over 7 months to estimate litter k.

Precipitation was a strong, independent driver of decomposition. Switchgrass decomposition accelerated with grass richness and decelerated as phylogenetic dissimilarity from switchgrass increased, suggesting decomposition is fastest at ‘home’. However, decomposition slowed with switchgrass density. In plots that contained switchgrass, we observed no relationship between decomposition and fungal saprotroph dissimilarity from switchgrass. However, in plots without switchgrass, decomposition slowed with increasing saprotroph dissimilarity from switchgrass. Combined these findings suggest that HFA is strongest when closely related neighbours, that is, heterospecific neighbours, are present in the community, rather than other individuals of the same species, that is, conspecifics. Legumes accelerated decomposition with more litter N remaining in those plots, suggesting that N‐inputs from planted legumes are priming decomposition of litter C. However, decomposition and overyielding were unrelated in legume communities. While in grass communities, overyielding and decomposition were positively related and the relationship was strongest in plots with low densities of switchgrass, that is, with heterospecific neighbours.

Combined these findings suggest that plant species richness and community composition stimulate litter decomposition through multiple mechanisms, including N‐priming, but only HFA from local adaptation of microbes on closely related species correlates with overyielding, likely through resource recycling. Our results link diversity with ecosystem processes facilitating above‐ground productivity. Whether diversity loss will affect litter decomposition, productivity or both is contingent on resident plant traits and whether a locally adapted soil microbiome is maintained.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Post‐mortem formation of ethanol: Is 1‐propanol a reliable marker? A proof‐of‐concept study using an in vitro putrefactive environment setup
Authors: Pigaiani Nicola , Musile Giacomo , Scott Karen S. , Dye Daniel W. , Ausania Francesco , Davis Gregory G. , Bortolotti Federica
Published: February 2024

Ethanol is the psychoactive substance identified most frequently in post‐mortem specimens. Unfortunately, interpreting post‐mortem ethanol concentrations can be difficult because of post‐mortem alcohol redistribution and the possibility of post‐mortem alcohol neogenesis. Indeed, in the time interval between death and sample collection, the decedent may be exposed to non‐controlled environments for an extended period, promoting microbial colonization. Many authors report that in the presence of carbohydrates and other biomolecules, various species of bacteria, yeast, and fungi can synthesize ethanol and other volatile substances in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to study the impact of several variables on microbial ethanol production as well as develop a mathematical model that could estimate the microbial‐produced ethanol in correlation with the most significant consensual produced higher alcohol, 1‐propanol. An experimental setup was developed using human blood samples and cadaveric fragments incubated under strictly anaerobic conditions to produce a novel substrate, “cadaveric putrefactive blood” mimicking post‐mortem corpse conditions. The samples were analyzed daily for ethanol and 1‐propanol using an HS‐GC‐FID validated method. The formation of ethanol was evaluated considering different parameters such as putrefactive stage, blood glucose concentration, storage temperature, and storage time. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann–Whitney non‐parametric test and simple linear regression. The results indicate that the early putrefactive stage, high blood glucose concentration, high temperature, and time of incubation increase microbial ethanol production. In addition, the developed mathematical equation confirms the feasibility of using 1‐propanol as a marker of post‐mortem ethanol production.
Ester‐related volatile compounds reveal the diversity and commonalities of different types of late‐ripening peaches
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Liu Chunsheng , Wu Junkai , Xiao Xiao , Zhang Libin , Chen Caixia , Wilson Annette S. , Song Fuhang
Published: February 2024

To recognize the key ester‐related volatile compounds, 5 types of peaches including 54 late‐ripening peach materials were examined by headspace solid‐phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and E‐nose. Here, a large number of esters were identified to be released by ripe peach fruits and were mainly characterized by fruity, green, and fatty notes. The variety and content of esters had greatly changed within or between cultivars, indicating that the fruit volatiles were highly differentiated depending on the specific genotypes and cultivation conditions. The ester types showed that fatty acid‐derived C6 alcohols and methyl‐/ethyl‐ short‐chain alcohol were the main ester precursors, which were more likely to be utilized and well selected by alcohol acyltransferases, whereas the preference of acyl donors was not observed. The common peach type, which exhibited a unique volatile profile, displayed broader diversity and more abundant characteristics in ester‐related volatiles than the other four types. A total of 19 key esters were identified as the main components and the content of most esters showed no significant difference among different peach types. Some key esters had even been enriched in nectarines. Moreover, the multiple discriminant analysis revealed a possible relationship between peach types and the domestication of the peach evolution. This study investigated ester‐related volatiles released by different types of peach fruits and can be further used to evaluate the peach qualities, providing an important reference for peach breeding and processing.
Evaluation of structure, quality, physicochemical properties, and phenolics content of pea proteins: A novel strategy through the incorporation of fermentation
Authors: Al‐Qaisi Ali , Alrosan Mohammad , Almajwal Ali Madi , Gammoh Sana , Alu'datt Muhammad H. , Kubow Stan , Tan Thuan‐Chew , Mahmood Ammar A. Razzak , Qudsi Farah R. Al
Published: February 2024

The utilization of pea proteins (PPs) is limited due to their relatively low protein digestibility (∼81%) compared to animal‐based proteins, such as whey. The present investigation involved the fermentation of PPs at a concentration of 1% (w/v) using 5% (w/v) water kefir for 60 h at 25°C to improve the functional properties of PPs. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lactic acid and acetic acid production during fermentation. These findings suggest that PPs can be effectively fermented using water kefir as a starter culture for the increased protein digestibility of PPs. The PP conformation underwent modifications, including secondary and tertiary protein structure alterations. The total phenolic compounds increased throughout the fermentation, reaching around 695.32 ± 15 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g after 24 h of fermentation. Furthermore, the fermentation process has culminated in significant (p < 0.05) changes in the surface charge and hydrophobic properties of the fermented PPs, from −38.1 to −45.73 and 362.7 to 550.2, respectively. Fermentation using water kefir is a promising technique for improving the digestibility, protein structure, and nutritional values of PPs.
The impact of fullerenol nanoparticles on the growth of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxins production in vitro and in corn flour
Authors: Živančev Jelena , Bulut Sandra , Kocić‐Tanackov Sunčica , Jović Danica , Fišteš Aleksandar , Antić Igor , Djordjevic Aleksandar
Published: February 2024

Antifungal and antimycotoxigenic activity of fullerenol nanoparticles (FNPs) were investigated on Aspergillus flavus growth isolated from a real food sample and aflatoxins (AFs) (AFB1 and AFB2) production. The final FNPs concentrations in in vitro and in commercial corn flour after the stationary incubation period of 7 and 14 days were in the range 0.16–80 µg/mL and 0.16–80 µg/g, respectively. Nanocharacterization of FNPs revealed an average size of 5–20 nm and a zeta potential of −35 mV. The highest degree of A. flavus mycelium growth inhibition (28%) after 7 days was observed for applied FNP concentration of 8.0 µg/mL, while after 14 days FNP concentration of 0.32 µg/mL led to the maximal inhibition of A. flavus mycelium growth (36%). Spearman's correlations analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between AFB1 and AFB2 concentrations in YES broth after 7 (R = 0.994, p < 0.05) and 14 days (R = 0.976), as well as between AFs concentrations and A. flavus mycelium mass after 7 (R = 0.786 for AFB1 and R = 0.766 for AFB2) and 14 days (R = 0.810 for AFB1 and R = 0.833 for AFB2). Paired samples t‐test showed the existence of a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the produced AFs concentrations after the incubation of 7 and 14 days. Regarding the artificially inoculated corn flour the lower applied FNP concentrations (0.16–0.8 µg/g) achieved a reduction of AFB1 up to 42% and 60% after 7 and 14 days, respectively.
Flavor formation of tilapia byproduct hydrolysates in Maillard reaction
Authors: Qiu Dan , Gan Ruiqing , Feng Qiaohui , Shang Wenting , He Yanfu , Li Chuan , Shen Xuanri , Li Yongcheng
Published: February 2024

The Maillard reaction (MR) of tilapia byproduct protein hydrolysates was investigated for the use of byproduct protein as a food ingredient and to mask its fishy odor and bitter flavor. The flavor differences in tilapia byproduct hydrolysates before and after the MR were analyzed to explore the key flavor precursor peptides and amino acids involved in MR. The results suggested that eight key volatile substances, including 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2‐pentylfuran, hexanal, octanal, nonanal, (E)‐2‐decenal, decanal, and 1‐octen‐3‐ol contributed most to the MR products group (ROAV > 1). Ten volatile compounds, including 1‐octen‐3‐ol, hexanal, 2‐pentylfuran, 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, methyl decanoate, and 2‐octylfuran, were the flavor markers that distinguished the different samples (VIP > 1). The four most consumed peptides were VAPEEHPTL, GPIGPRGPAG, KSADDIKKAF, and VWEGQNIVK. Umami peptides and bitter free amino acids (FAAs) were the key flavor precursor peptide and FAAs, respectively. Overall, the hydrolysates of tilapia byproducts with flavor improved by MR are a promising strategy for the production of flavorings.
Benefits of isochoric freezing for carrot juice preservation
Authors: Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina , Olsen Carl , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Rubinsky Boris , Wu Vivian C. H. , McHugh Tara
Published: February 2024

Isochoric freezing (IF) at −5°C/77 and −10°C/100 MPa was used to preserve carrot juice for 12 weeks. The juice qualities were compared to those using heat treatment (HT) at 95°C for 15 s followed by cold storage at 4°C. The native population of total aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds in isochoric frozen juice remained below the detection limit for 12 weeks. In comparison, microbes started to grow in heat‐treated juices after 3 weeks of refrigeration. The color of isochoric frozen juice appeared more deep orange than the fresh juice due to an increase in carotenoid extractability. IF was not effective in reducing the activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and pectin methyl esterase compared with HT. However, the isochoric samples showed higher carotenoid content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant capacity compared to the fresh and heat‐treated juices.

Practical Application

Isochoric freezing was used to produce carrot juice with extended shelf life. Isochoric freezing could be a beneficial alternative to conventional heat treatment for carrot juice processing as the applied pressures reached total inactivation levels of spoilage microorganisms. Moreover, the low processing temperatures better retained desirable compounds and quality attributes of fresh juice throughout its shelf life.
Elevated temperature extraction of β‐carotene from freeze‐dried carrot powder into sunflower oil: Extraction kinetics and thermal stability
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Oruna‐Concha Maria Jose , Balagiannis Dimitris P. , Niranjan Keshavan
Published: February 2024

β‐Carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, can alleviate the deficiency of this vitamin prevalent worldwide. Earlier research studies have addressed the extraction of β‐carotene at relatively low temperatures (up to 70°C) due to its perceived instability at higher temperatures, as a result of which extraction rates recorded are relatively low. This study models the net rate of β‐carotene extraction by considering both extraction and degradation kinetics. The model developed, which accounts for degradation occurring in solid and extract phases, has been experimentally validated for the extraction of β‐carotene from freeze‐dried carrot powder into sunflower oil over a range of temperatures 90–150°C. This study also gives insights into the application of sunflower oil as a carrier for β‐carotene during cooking and food processing, by monitoring and modeling the thermal degradation and isomerization of β‐carotene at temperatures up to 220°C. The modeling of extraction kinetics shows that it is possible to achieve viable extraction rates by employing temperatures in the range (90–150°C) for relatively short times (<5 min). The degradation kinetics shows that almost 75% of the β‐carotene can survive heating at 180°C for 10 min—indicating the possibility of using β‐carotene enriched edible oils for frying. This study also reports on the formation of three isomers of β‐carotene identified using HPLC: trans‐, 9‐cis, and 13‐cis. The reaction network model developed in this study was able to account for the transient variation of the concentration of all three isomers.

Practical Application

β‐Carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and its consumption can potentially alleviate the deficiency of this vitamin prevalent worldwide. This study validates a model for the extraction of β‐carotene in sunflower oil, which takes into account extraction as well as degradation occurring during extraction, so that a rational method is available for the design of efficient extractors for this purpose. This paper also establishes the thermal stability of β‐carotene under frying conditions by quantifying its thermal degradation as well as isomerization.
Predicting downstream transport distance of fish eDNA in lotic environments
Authors: Pont Didier
Published: February 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective tool for describing fish biodiversity in lotic environments, but the downstream transport of eDNA released by organisms makes it difficult to interpret species detection at the local scale. In addition to biophysical degradation and exchanges at the water–sediment interface, hydrological conditions control the transport distance. A new eDNA transport model described in this paper considers downstream retention and degradation processes in combination with hydraulic conditions and assumes that the sedimentation rate of very fine particles is a correct estimate of the eDNA deposition rate. Based on meta‐analyses of available studies, the particle size distribution of fish eDNA (PSD), the relationship between the sedimentation rate and the size of very fine particles in suspension, and the influence of temperature on the degradation rate of fish eDNA were successively modelled. After combining the results in a mechanistic‐based model, the eDNA uptake distances (distance required to retain 63.21% of the eDNA particles in the riverbed) observed in a compilation of previous experimental studies were correctly simulated. eDNA degradation is negligible at low flow and temperature but has a comparable influence to background transfer when hydraulic conditions allow a long uptake distance. The wide prediction intervals associated with the simulations reflect the complexity of the processes acting on eDNA after shedding. This model can be useful for estimating eDNA detection distance downstream from a source point and discussing the possibility of false positive detection in eDNA samples, as shown in an example.
Towards a replacement therapy for stimulant betel quid dependence: A proof of concept study
Authors: Osborne Peter G. , Pasupuleti Ragavendra Rao , Lee Chien‐Hung , Ponnusamy Vinoth Kumar
Published: February 2024

Stimulant betel quid (SBQ) containing Piper betle leaf (L), green unripe Areca catechu nut (AN) and the alkalizing agent, slaked lime, is an addictive, carcinogenic stimulant, with no pharmacotherapy, chewed by millions of people in the Asia/Pacific region. We compared the in vivo physiological profile of chewing (1) non‐stimulant P. betle leaf+AN (LAN), (2) SBQ utilizing slaked lime and (3) a novel SBQ utilizing Mg(OH)2, as an alkalizing agent, by measuring physiological parameters of intoxication and these were correlated with in vitro levels of alkaloids measured by UHPLC–MS/MS. Chewing LAN, which contains high levels of arecoline, had no stimulatory physiological effect. Chewing SBQ containing slaked lime or novel SBQ containing Mg(OH)2, induced equivalent stimulatory physiological responses. In vitro, slaked lime hydrolyzed muscarinic esters in LAN while Mg(OH)2 did not. The physiological stimulation induced by chewing both SBQ and the lack of physiology to chewing LAN can be explained by changes in lipid solubility of phytochemicals induced by mouth pH during chewing of basic SBQ or acidic LAN. Since antiquity people have added slaked lime to SBQ to enhance absorption of phyto‐chemicals across oral membranes to stimulate physiology. The same physiological changes can be induced by substituting slaked lime for less physically and chemically destructive bases. If attitudes regarding SBQ dependence can advance towards the more progressive attitudes already used to help smokers quit tobacco, modern chemistry has the potential to make chewing SBQ safer and quitting programs may become more accessible and efficacious.
Speculating about genocide: The Queensland frontier 1859–1897
Authors: Finnane Mark , Richards Jonathan
Published: February 2024

In the colonisation of Queensland, Australia it is commonly accepted that large numbers of Indigenous people were killed in the second half of the nineteenth century. Calculations of violent mortality have recently been revised radically upwards. We suggest that the methodology deployed in these new studies is unreliable, reflecting errors in counting and calculation, as well as underestimating the selection bias of the samples. We caution against projecting aggregate violent mortality where the underlying data are so imperfect and emphasise the value of more detailed local and regional studies to inform better understanding of colonisation's impact on First Peoples.
Politics, economics and Native American conflicts
Authors: Anderson R. Warren
Published: February 2024

US military sources document more than 1800 conflicts of varying intensity between the United States and tribes from 1830 to 1897. Negative binomial and Tobit regressions both show that hostilities follow political and economic cycles. Politically, conflicts increased in recessionary election years, however, conflicts in non‐election recessionary years lack significant changes. The second major trend is the influence of three economic factors. After western states began to mine gold conflicts drastically increased. Conflicts likewise increased with the expansion of the railroad and with buffalo extinctions at the state level. While nineteenth century Americans had perpetual anti‐Indigenous sentiment, tribal persecution followed political and economic rationales.
CT‐based 3D reconstruction and basic anatomical analysis of the 3D anatomy of the air sac system in domestic birds
Authors: Petnehazy O. , Csoka A. , Fajtai D. , Echols S. , Donko T.
Published: February 2024

The complex anatomy of the avian respiratory system makes it necessary to broaden our knowledge using modern imaging and reconstructional possibilities. The visualization of these structures can be used for clinical situations, in research or as teaching aids in veterinary education. For this we generated 3D models from diagnostic imaging data (computed tomography [CT] scans) of birds. We describe in detail a repeatable method of animal preparation for scanning, data handling and image analysis. CT scans with varying slice thickness and resolution were obtained in prone and supine body positions to analyse air sac morphology and volume changes relative to posture or sexual dimorphism in birds. The resulting data were prepared and analysed using a reconstructional software (3D Slicer) based on manual and semi‐automatic labelling and subsequent 3D models of the air sac system were created. The terminology employed has been referenced from the Nomina Anatomica Avium, Second Ed.
Controlling Australian Immigration: Holocaust Survivors in the Post‐War Years
Authors: Markus Andrew , Rutland Suzanne D.
Published: February 2024

Recent studies of immigration have questioned assumptions about the effectiveness of government controls. In her work on illegal Jewish immigration to the United States, Libby Garland argues that official immigration quotas may not reflect actual numbers of immigrants and critiques historians for being too ready to take immigration laws at face value. Mae Ngai's work on the racialisation of “illegal aliens” in the United States also documents the failure of legislation to curb illegal immigration. Situating her study within this historiography, Sheila Fitzpatrick has re‐examined Australian measures that aimed to limit the entry of Holocaust survivors and concluded that the number of arrivals was substantially higher than previously recognised, in part because migrants and their sponsors found ways around restrictions. In substantiation, Fitzpatrick drew on the archives of the International Refugee Organization and the Australian Government, and the papers of the country's first Minister for Immigration, Arthur Calwell. This article revisits Fitzpatrick's sources, as well as the records of Jewish organisations she did not consult. It establishes that the Australian government effectively limited Jewish immigration and the estimates of earlier scholars were substantially correct.
Losing the notebook: An evolving study of the life of a Berlin Square
Authors: Dzun Julia
Published: February 2024

Drawing on PhD fieldwork on the practice and experience of ‘welcome’ in Berlin in the wake of the so‐called ‘refugee crisis’ of 2015–2016, this article engages with the ethics and practicalities of note‐taking. It does so by focusing on the production of particular spaces of welcome and hostility in and around one neighbourhood in particular, Neukölln, an important place of arrival for newcomers both historically and in the present day. This article is about losing the notebook and finding new ways of approaching people and places in ways that centre reciprocity and an ethics of care.
Social sustainability in Egypt hospitality and tourism supply chains
Authors: ElBelehy Chéhab , Crispim José
Published: February 2024

Social sustainability is in its early stages in hospitality and tourism supply chains, especially in developing countries. This research draws on institutional and stakeholder theories to identify the adopted social sustainability practices in Egypt and to determine the factors affecting their implementation. A mixed‐method research approach is followed involving interviews of hotel managers and a literature‐based questionnaire answered by a total of 187 practitioners from hospitality and tourism supply chains in Egypt. The interviews revealed that social sustainability practices in the two hotels' supply chains are adopted but limited to legal requirements and brand policies. Statistical analysis indicated that local suppliers boost the adoption of social practices. All the studied barriers show very weak correlation with the adoption of social sustainability practices; according to the interviews, this does not imply barriers inexistence, but rather reflects lack of awareness regarding social rights in a culture that tend to preserve social conservatism. The enablers explained significant variations in many social sustainability practices (53 out of 62). This study is unique since it offers a novel approach by linking institutional and stakeholder theories to recognize weaknesses in tourism supply chain social sustainability, thereby providing directions for the future design of sustainable tourism policies.
Horizontal ridge augmentation in the maxillary aesthetic region using the autogenous circular cortical‐lamina anchoring technique: A case series study
Authors: Yang Liqing , Wang Qing , Wang Xinyi , Yang Zijing , Ning Yingyuan , Guo Zehong
Published: February 2024

Aim

This case series aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the autologous circular cortical lamina‐anchoring (CCA) technique for horizontal bone augmentation in the maxillary aesthetic region.

Materials and methods

A total of 25 patients with 28 implants underwent horizontal bone augmentation using CCA followed by implant placement and crown delivery. The primary outcome measures were alveolar ridge width (ARW) and buccal bone thickness (BBT), whereas the secondary outcome measures included marginal bone loss (MBL), mid‐facial mucosal margin loss (MML), clinical assessment of peri‐implant and aesthetic parameters, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), and implant survival rates.

Results

All 25 patients with 28 implants completed the treatment, no dropouts occurred. After CCA, the mean ARW at 1, 2, and 4 mm below the alveolar crest significantly increased from 2.38 ± 0.48, 2.85 ± 0.51, and 3.21 ± 0.53 mm to 6.80 ± 0.48, 6.99 ± 0.50, and 8.08 ± 0.52 mm, respectively. At the 3‐year follow‐up, the mean BBT0, BBT2, and BBT4 slightly decreased from 2.51 ± 0.26, 2.63 ± 0.31, and 2.75 ± 0.29 mm to 2.43 ± 0.27, 2.51 ± 0.30, and 2.64 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. Although the overall MBL was <0.15 mm, the results were statistically significant. The mean MML at the 3‐year follow‐up was 0.02 mm. All implant sites showed acceptable peri‐implant and aesthetic outcomes. Incisions healed without complications, and no significant differences in PROMs observed at any time point. The 3‐year follow‐up showed a 100% implant survival rate.

Conclusion

The autologous CCA technique is a useful method for increasing ARW and maintaining BBT in the maxillary aesthetic region.
Enhanced osteogenic and antibacterial properties of titanium implant surface modified with Zn‐incorporated nanowires: Preclinical in vitro and in vivo investigations
Authors: Shen Zhe , Xu Yan , Qian Xin‐na , Zhou Yi‐heng , Zhou You , Zhou Jie‐yi , Liu Yao , Zhang Song‐mei , Qiu Jing
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to synthesize zinc‐incorporated nanowires structure modified titanium implant surface (Zn‐NW‐Ti) and explore its superior osteogenic and antibacterial properties in vitro and in vivo.

Materials and methods

Zn‐NW‐Ti was synthesized via displacement reactions between zinc sulfate solutions and the titanium (Ti) surface, which was pretreated by hydrofluoric acid etching and hyperthermal alkalinization. The physicochemical properties of the Zn‐NW‐Ti surface were examined. Moreover, the biological effects of Zn‐NW‐Ti on MC3T3‐E1 cells and its antibacterial property against oral pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) compared with sandblasted and acid‐etched Ti (SLA‐Ti) and nanowires modified Ti (NW‐Ti) surface were assessed. Zn‐NW‐Ti and SLA‐Ti modified implants were inserted into the anterior extraction socket of the rabbit mandible with or without exposure to the mixed bacterial solution (S. aureus, P. gingivalis, and A. actinomycetemcomitans) to investigate the osteointegration and antibacterial performance via radiographic and histomorphometric analysis.

Results

The Zn‐NW‐Ti surface was successfully prepared. The resultant titanium surface appeared as a nanowires structure with hydrophilicity, from which zinc ions were released in an effective concentration range. The Zn‐NW‐Ti surface performed better in facilitating the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells while inhibiting the colonization of bacteria compared with SLA‐Ti and NW‐Ti surface. The Zn‐NW‐Ti implant exhibited enhanced osseointegration in vivo, which was attributed to increased osteogenic activity and reduced bacterial‐induced inflammation compared with the SLA‐Ti implant.

Conclusions

The Zn‐incorporated nanowires structure modified titanium implant surface exhibited improvements in osteogenic and antibacterial properties, which optimized osteointegration in comparison with SLA titanium implant surface.
Featured Cover
Authors: Xu Zihui , Guo Yanan , Xiang Kangjian , Xiao Dongchang , Xiang Mengqing
Published: February 2024

The cover image is based on the Original Article Rapid and efficient generation of a transplantable population of functional retinal ganglion cells from fibroblasts by Zihui Xu et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/cpr.13550.

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Relationship of plasma 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid concentration with OATP1B activity in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Ono Hiroyuki , Tanaka Ryota , Suzuki Yosuke , Oda Ayako , Sato Haruki , Tatsuta Ryosuke , Ando Tadasuke , Shin Toshitaka , Ohno Keiko , Itoh Hiroki
Published: February 2024

Organic anion‐transporting polypeptides (OATP)1B are drug transporters mainly expressed in the sinusoidal membrane. Many studies have suggested that OATP1B activity is affected by genetic factor, the uremic toxin 3‐carboxy‐4‐methyl‐5‐propyl‐2‐furanpropanoic acid (CMPF), and inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Coproporphyrin‐I (CP‐I) is spotlighted as a highly accurate endogenous substrate of OATP1B. We previously reported a positive correlation between plasma CMPF and CP‐I concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study evaluated the impact of genetic polymorphisms, CMPF, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on individual differences in OATP1B activity in patients with CKD. Seventy‐three patients with CKD who received kidney transplant at least 3 months earlier were analyzed. Plasma CP‐I concentration was higher in OATP1B1*15 carriers than in non‐carriers. In all patients, CP‐I did not correlate significantly with CMPF, IL‐6, TNF‐α, or eGFR. However, when the dataset was cut off at CMPF concentration of 8 and 7 μg/mL, 4 μg/mL, 3 μg/mL or 2 μg/mL, CMPF correlated positively with CP‐I, and correlation coefficient tended to be higher as plasma CMPF concentration was lower. In conclusion, OATP1B1*15 impacted OATP1B activity in patients with CKD, but IL‐6 and TNF‐α did not. However, the impact of CMPF on OATP1B activity was limited to low CMPF concentrations, and the effect could be saturated at high concentrations. When prescribing an OATP1B substrate drug for patients with CKD, the OATP1B1*15 carrier status and plasma CMPF concentration may need to be considered to decide the dose regimen.
“An African View”: The photography of Denise Scott Brown
Authors: Murray Noëleen , Josephy Svea
Published: February 2024

This article develops on the plenary paper we presented for the second Modern Heritage in the Anthropocene Symposium (MoHoA), held at the Bartlett School of Architecture(UCL) October 26–28, 2022. At the first MOHoA Symposium in Cape Town in 2021 titled Learning from Steinkopf, we invoked Learning from Las Vegas (by Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown and Steven Izneour, published in 1972) to consider South African architect Roelof Uytenbogaardt's award‐winning 1975 Steinkopf Community Centre building in the desert in South Africa. In the process of this research we pay attention to Scott Brown's multiple contributions beyond architecture and urban design. In this article we explore the extraordinary complexity and complicity of the life and work of Denise Scott Brown through her photography. She was born, brought up and educated in Africa, after which the major part of her career was in the United States, where she is known and celebrated as a great American architect. Our article follows her life and career through a consideration not of her architectural interventions nor buildings, but of her photographs, which have become the subject of more recent attention. As a woman who photographed at a time when the global field was almost completely dominated by men, her practice as a photographer spans many decades across the African and North American continents. Documenting her projects and sites, her photographs were intended as teaching materials for use in her lectures on architecture, planning, landscape and art history. We suggest that, viewed differently, her photographs speak to questions of societal modernity and inequalities that are also informed by her southern African experiences. In the 1990s Scott Brown claimed, “I have an African's view of Las Vegas.” From our location as an architect and a photographer working in Africa now, in this research we learn from Scott Brown's Las Vegas, her images of the city and desert and her photographic archive.
Altered dynamic amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation in individuals at high risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhu Qin‐qin , Tian Shui , Zhang Ling , Ding Hong‐yuan , Gao Ya‐xin , Tang Yin , Yang Xi , Zhu Yi , Qi Ming
Published: February 2024

The brain's dynamic spontaneous neural activity is significant in supporting cognition; however, how brain dynamics go awry in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains unclear. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the dynamic amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (dALFF) alterations in patients at high risk for Alzheimer's disease and to explore its correlation with clinical cognitive assessment scales, to identify an early imaging sign for these special populations. A total of 152 participants, including 72 SCD patients, 44 MCI patients and 36 healthy controls (HCs), underwent a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging and were assessed with various neuropsychological tests. The dALFF was measured using sliding‐window analysis. We employed canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to examine the bi‐multivariate correlations between neuropsychological scales and altered dALFF among multiple regions in SCD and MCI patients. Compared to those in the HC group, both the MCI and SCD groups showed higher dALFF values in the right opercular inferior frontal gyrus (voxel P < .001, cluster P < .05, correction). Moreover, the CCA models revealed that behavioural tests relevant to inattention correlated with the dALFF of the right middle frontal gyrus and right opercular inferior frontal gyrus, which are involved in frontoparietal networks (R = .43, P = .024). In conclusion, the brain dynamics of neural activity in frontal areas provide insights into the shared neural basis underlying SCD and MCI.