bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratal movement and microseismic events induced by multi-well hydrofracturing under varying well spacings and initiation sequences
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Li Liangchun , Ju Yang
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Multi-well hydrofracturing is a key technology in engineering, and the evaluation, control and optimization of the fracturing network determine the recovery rate of unconventional oil and gas production. In engineering terms, altering well spacing and perforation initiation sequences changes fracture propagation behavior. Fracture propagation can result in fracture-to-fracture and well-to-well interactions. This may be attributed to the interference between fractures caused by squeezing of the reservoir strata. Meanwhile, the stratal movement caused by the propagation of the fractures may lead to either the secondary fracturing of wells with primary fractures or perforation to begin fracturing. Besides, the stratal compression and squeeze of multi-well hydrofracturing will cause earthquakes; the fracture size is different owing to the different fracturing scenarios, and the occurrence of induced microseismic events is still unknown; microseismic events also affect fracture orientation and deflection. If the mechanism of the above mechanical behavior cannot be clarified, optimizing the fracture network and reduce the induced microseismic disaster becomes difficult.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, combined finite element-discrete element models were used to simulate the multi-well hydrofracturing. Numerical cases compared the fracture network, dynamic stratal movement and microseismic events at 50, 75 and 100 m well spacings, respectively, and varying initiation sequence of multiple horizontal wells.

Findings

From the results, fracture propagation in multi-well hydrofracturing may simulate the propagation and deflection of adjacent fractures and induce fracture-to-fracture and well-to-well interactions. As the well spacing increases, the effect of fracturing-induced stratal movement and squeezing deformation decrease. In alternate fracturing, starting from a well located in the middle can effectively reduce the influence of stratal movement on fracturing, and the fracturing scenario with cross-perforation can minimize the influence of stratal movement. The stratal movement between multiple wells is positively correlated to microseismic events, which behaviors can be effectively weakened by reducing the strata movement.

Originality/value

The fracture network, thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling, fracturing-induced stratal movement and microseismic events were analyzed. This study analyzed the intersection and propagation behavior of fractures in multi-well hydrofracturing, which can be used to evaluate and study the mechanism of hydrofracturing fracture network propagation in multiple horizontal wells and conduct fracture optimization research to form an optimized hydrofracturing scheme by reasonably arranging the spacing between wells and initiation sequences of perforation clusters.
Towards a complex push-to-pull dynamics in circular construction supply chains: a systematic literature review
Authors: Abadi Mohamed , Huang Jieling , Yeow Jillian , Mohandes Saeed Reza , Zhang Lihong
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The development of circular construction supply chains (CCSCs) is impeded by various barriers, but the current literature overlooks the interrelationships among these barriers and the varying nature of associated countermeasures with the growth of circular economy (CE). This paper aims to develop new perspectives about the transition to CCSCs through the lens of supply-push (SP)/demand-pull (DP) strategies and related underpinning theories.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review including 136 journal articles was undertaken to identify barriers to CCSCs and associated countermeasures that are analysed for their relevance to SP/DP. The interplay between SP/DP approaches was discussed using the “technology acceptance” and “innovation chain” models.

Findings

(1) Thirty-five barriers were identified and organised into nine main barrier factors; (2) the predominant factors are knowledge and awareness, policy and regulations, technological capabilities, and incentives; (3) CCSCs transition is SP-configured primarily driven by actors above the project network; (4) “push” measures are devised to gradually create a “pull” environment and can be revoked when demand for circularity is created, suggesting a new “push-to-pull” perspective of CCSCs; and (5) a complex adaptative system is witnessed in relationships between barriers and countermeasures, and interactions among actors at all levels.

Practical implications

The findings offer practitioners countermeasures to barriers encountered in CE initiatives. It also informs policymakers of adjusting policies to accommodate the SP-DP movement in steering the circular transition.

Originality/value

This study uses theoretical models to interpret the dynamics in CCSCs transition and proposes a new definition of CCSCs highlighting their complex and dual transitional/transformational nature.
How do well-performed food businesses manage suppliers in emerging economies?
Authors: Nguyen Tram T.B.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the supplier selection criteria, relationship quality and level of collaboration in Asian food businesses, while also examining the link between these practices and business performance. The research focusses on food manufacturing and exporting companies in two emerging economies, China and Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Food manufacturing and exporting companies in two emerging economies – China and Vietnam were surveyed and analysed to extract factors that reflect supplier management and business performance along with their relationship by factor analysis and hierarchical regression. Then, a two-step cluster analysis was applied to identify clusters based on supplier management and explore how different business performance groups manage their suppliers.

Findings

Four clusters that are distinct sets of food firms with detailed references about their typical characteristics revealing their business performance and supplier management practices. Also, the study confirms that certificates, reliability and inspection results constitute the factor of quality-related criteria for food firms. It is an interesting insight into what firms prioritise in selecting and maintaining collaboration and relationships with suppliers that reflect actual demanding specifications for supplier conformity.

Research limitations/implications

The study reveals the business status of the studied companies and each group's specific references, such as the criteria they prefer to select suppliers, the relationship quality and the level of collaboration.

Originality/value

The study is a useful reference for both researchers and practitioners to have a comprehensive view of supplier management in the food industry based on the viewpoint of Asian food manufacturers.
Quality of medicines and public health in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): a review
Authors: Husaini Danladi Chiroma , Bolon Florita , Smith Natasha , Reynolds Rhondine , Humes Shenille , Cayetano Verlene
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Increased outsourcing and importation of drugs from different parts of the world to the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region result in the proliferation of substandard and fake medicines, posing a threat to public health. The presence of substandard and fake medications in LAC regions is a source of public health concern and causes an economic burden to the governments in these regions. Whereas testing and detecting medication quality can easily be achieved in developed countries, the situation is different in developing countries such as LAC. This paper aims to examine the public health challenges faced by LAC regarding substandard, fake and counterfeit medicines and how the region can tackle these challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Databases such as Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, HINARI, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, unpublished data, conference abstracts and papers from World Health Organization, Pan-American Health Organization and electronic newspapers were searched concerning medicine quality and in LAC.

Findings

Drug treatment improves the quality of life while decreasing morbidity and mortality among diseased populations. Absence of or inadequate testing laboratories, old and ineffective legislature, lack of enforcement or willpower and lack of effective surveillance are challenges in LAC for the proliferation of substandard and falsified medicines (SFMs).

Research limitations/implications

The most significant limitation of this study was the need for the reviewers to have used articles written in other languages besides English. The LAC region has a large population in non-English-speaking countries, and many articles are written using local languages. Hence, excluding those articles is a limitation worthy of note in this review. The articles accessed needed to provide adequate information on SFM markets and illegal pharmacies or hospitals but did not. Future reviews may focus on providing illegal substandard and falsified medicines markets in the region and how they can be minimized or eliminated.

Originality/value

This review highlights the challenges faced by LAC countries regarding substandard, fake and counterfeit medicines. The sources, prevalence and consequences of substandard and falsified drugs were identified to suggest the measures needed to curb the infiltration of low-quality medicines in LAC.
Stakeholders' “voice” through social media: the case of corporate social responsibility in sport
Authors: Mamo Yoseph Z. , Anagnostopoulos Christos
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Previous corporate social responsibility (CSR) research has mainly revolved around the “usual target” (that is, fans and consumers) that invest money, time and energy in supporting their teams in isolation while largely ignoring individual members of the public. Building on social exchange theory and social media analytics, the authors examine the social outcomes of CSR aggregated from individual members of society's perceived benefits (intangible and psychological).

Design/methodology/approach

Raw data were drawn from the CSR-focused Twitter accounts of six professional leagues (i.e. @nbacares, @nflplay60, @InspireChange, @thewnbpa, @Pr_nhl, @Mlsworks and @Mlbsocial). The authors collected historical data from each CSR-focused Twitter account (N = 136,076) from March 2010 to September 2022.

Findings

After conducting sentiment analysis of public perceptions, the majority of tweets (53%) were neutral, 39% were positive and 8% were negative. All CSR-related accounts received more positive tweets about their initiatives than negative ones did. The most prevalent positive topics are supporting the community, education, youth wellness and health and inspiring the young generation. The most prevalent negative topics were related to fake, hypocrite, hate and social justice.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the CSR-sport literature by incorporating members of the general public into the stakeholder ecosystem and empirically examining their perceptions of sport organizations' CSR activities. Also, by drawing on the social exchange theory and the unique nature of social media, the authors highlight when and how the public expresses positive, neutral and negative perceptions over time. Finally, it joins a small but growing body of research that adopts the application of big data to sport management, and it measures the sentiment, frequency, distribution and topics of tweets, thereby determining positive and negative public perceptions.
Impact of economic policy uncertainty on financial flexibility before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dalwai Tamanna
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study examines the influence of economic policy uncertainty on financial flexibility before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Few prior studies have examined this association specifically for debt and cash flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quarterly data from 2016 to 2022, 1014 observations were collected from the S&P Capital IQ database for listed tourism companies in India. The pre-pandemic period is defined as 2016 Q1 to 2020 Q1, whereas the pandemic period is from 2020 Q2 to 2022 Q3. The data are analysed using ordinary least squares, probit, logit and difference-in-difference (DID) estimation.

Findings

The evidence of this study suggests a negative association of economic policy uncertainty with debt flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings also suggest that COVID-19 induced economic policy uncertainty results in high cash flexibility. This meets the expectations for the crisis period, as firms are likely to hold more cash and less debt capacity to manage their operations. The results are robust for various estimation techniques.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to one emerging country and is specific to one non-financial sector. Future research could extend to more emerging countries and include other non-financial sector companies.

Practical implications

The findings of this research are useful for tourism sector managers as they can effectively manage their cash and debt flexibility during crisis periods. They will need to prioritise cash flexibility over debt flexibility to manage operations effectively. Policymakers need to provide clear and stable economic policies to help firms manage their debt levels during a crisis.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, no existing studies have investigated the influence of economic policy uncertainty on the financial flexibility of tourism companies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study establishes a novel set of critical determinants, such as economic policy uncertainty.
The impact of market competitiveness on investment efficiency: the role of ownership and regulatory structures
Authors: Arianpoor Arash
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of market competitiveness on investment efficiency, and the moderating role of ownership and regulatory structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), Lerner Index (LI) and industry-adjusted Lerner Index (LIIA) were used to measure market competitiveness. The research population consisted of companies listed on Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). Using a systematic elimination, 199 companies were selected within eight years during 2014–2021.

Findings

The results showed that market competitiveness (based on the LI, LIIA and HHI) positively affected investment efficiency. Moreover, institutional ownership and managerial ownership affected the relationship between market competitiveness (based on all proxies of market competitiveness) and investment efficiency. Blockholders’ ownership also moderated the relationship between market competitiveness (based on LIIA and HHI) and investment efficiency. The hypothesis testing had robustness based on additional analyses.

Originality/value

In recent years, competitive environment and the ownership structure of companies have changed to a certain degree, paving the way for the private sector to enter many areas of activity especially in emerging Asian markets. Moreover, investment drivers and investment efficiency in developed markets may not be generalized to emerging Asian markets. Therefore, the present findings can show the significance of this research to fill the existing gap in the literature and provide insights into ownership and regulatory structures as a governance mechanism in market competitiveness and investment efficiency.
An extended review on Sharia governance studies from 1985 to 2022
Authors: Tumewang Yunice Karina , Supriani Indri , Dewi Herlina Rahmawati , Alam Md. Kausar
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify the significant scientific actors, reveal the intellectual structure and explore essential features for future research direction in Sharia governance studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies a hybrid review combining bibliometric analysis and content analysis. It uses Rstudio (biblioshiny), VOSviewer and Microsoft Excel to analyze 457 articles published in 206 journals indexed by Scopus and/or Web of Science during the period of 1985 until the end of 2022.

Findings

The paper discovered four distinct streams of Sharia governance studies: structure of Sharia governance, Sharia governance and risk management, Sharia governance and sustainability and the effect of Sharia governance toward firm’s financial performance. Furthermore, it derives and summarizes 26 main research questions for future studies.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of theoretical implications, the finding contributes to the general literature on Sharia governance by conducting bibliometric analysis and content analysis. In terms of practical implications, this study suggests that Sharia governance should be strengthened by the management of Islamic banks and other Islamic-based businesses.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the early studies using a hybrid review on the topic of Sharia governance, allowing future researchers in this field to capture the trends and progress of current literature as well as the research gaps to be filled in by future researchers.
What drives innovativeness in higher education? Evidence from two emerging markets
Authors: Zlatanović Dejana , Nikolić Jelena , Potočan Vojko , Erić Nielsen Jelena
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Prosperity and growth of emerging economies rely heavily on the innovativeness of higher education institutions (HEIs) and their ability to provide employable graduates with entrepreneurial competencies and flexibility in the assessment of their progress in gaining knowledge. The innovativeness of the higher education system is not always reflected through optimal educational content, innovative study programs, skills improvement, assessment methods, etc. The study aims to analyze and evaluate how selected internal factors, reflected in organizational support for innovativeness of HEIs, and external factors reflected in government support for innovativeness of HEIs determine the innovativeness of HEIs, as one of the key determinants of economic prosperity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed three facets of higher education innovativeness, i.e. graduates' employability, entrepreneurial competencies and new ways of assessment. The sample included 664 students from the University of Kragujevac, Serbia, and the University of Maribor, Slovenia. The authors applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine relations.

Findings

The results clearly show that in order to become the driver of development in emerging economies, universities must act in different directions, focusing on different organizational drivers of innovativeness, such as academic autonomy of teachers, student participation in curricula design, enhancing new ideas and compensation system, provide resources etc. Organizational support and government for innovativeness of HEIs affect students' entrepreneurial and social skills, creative thinking, leadership, interactive competencies and knowledge-skill-attitude. Assessment tasks and associated learning should be redesigned to enable students to be involved in the evaluation of their work.

Originality/value

The study strives to reduce the research gap identified in the field of researching the drivers of innovativeness in higher education and offers implications for emerging markets regarding various factors that determine the innovativeness of HEIs and consequently contribute to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Originality derives from the fact that even though the authors have explored HEIs in Serbia and Slovenia, the results are fully transferrable to other former socialist states, considering their similar socio-economic and educational background. Results of this research complement the understanding and provide new knowledge for further development of innovativeness in HE.
Quality management practices and inventory management process: the contingency and institutional approach
Authors: Pekovic Sanja
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Whereas the majority of research explores the direct relationship between quality management practices and firm operational performance using data on developed economies, this paper asserts that the effect of quality management practices on firm operational performance needs to be evaluated with reference to the contingency approach, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the authors empirically test whether competitive intensity moderates the relationship between quality management practices and inventory management process.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a fixed-effect model on data from more than 7,000 observations operating in 27 Eastern and Central European countries.

Findings

The findings reveal that the adoption of quality management practices decreases inventory days only in a highly competitive market. Additionally, the results indicate that this effect is changing when distinguishing between countries and sectors.

Originality/value

This study advances research on quality management practices by emphasizing the importance of contingency and institutional approach.
How is the development of library and information science in China?
Authors: Zhu Weijie
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The research in this paper aims to investigate the development of Library and Information Science in Chinese universities. Specifically, it focuses on understanding the spatial and temporal aspects of subject knowledge output and providing a more comprehensive explanation of the imbalance in subject research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the bibliometric method to analyze 131,112 papers published by 51 universities in mainland China from 1977 to 2021, as recorded in the Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI). The study classifies the evolution trends of the discipline and quantifies the published article data of the universities using the index of published articles. Additionally, it examines the development status, structural situation, influencing factors and prospects of universities in different categories and regions.

Findings

The field of Library and Information Science is gaining momentum in Chinese universities, but there are significant differences in its development. While the relative gap among universities in a regional context is diminishing, the absolute gap in the category perspective is increasing. The development of Library and Information Science is influenced by various factors, including the academic environment, geographical position, scientific research projects and academic traditions. The uneven development of the discipline is maintained in the short term.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a new quantitative index of discipline development, the university publication index. This index allows for an examination of the temporal and spatial trends of discipline development using domestic universities as the subject of research. The paper presents an overview of discipline development through four aspects: academic participation practice, discipline governance mechanisms, education and teaching systems and discourse construction within the discipline. The theoretical support provided by this study can help facilitate innovative development in the discipline.
Avatar taxonomy: a new technological tool to enhance the consumer-brand relationships
Authors: Elsharnouby Mohamed H. , Jayawardhena Chanaka , Saxena Gunjan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Avatars, which are used as a technology and marketing tactic, can embody consumer-facing employees and mimic their real-life roles on companies' websites, thereby playing a key role in enhancing the relationships between consumers and brands in the online environment. Academics and practitioners have increasingly acknowledged the significance of the consumer-brand relationship in both traditional and online contexts. However, the impersonal nature of the online environment is considered to be a hindrance to the development of these relationships. Despite the importance of this technology, little attention has been paid to the investigation of the avatar concept from a marketing perspective. This paper explores the nature of the avatar concept, including its main characteristics, dimensions, and conditions as well as the attitudinal and behavioural consequences of avatar users.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting the qualitative design, a taxonomy was developed from interviews. In total, 42 interviews were conducted with current university students. 30 participants participated in the exploratory interviews. A total of 12 interviews were conducted during the in-depth stage based on findings in the preceding research.

Findings

Based on the qualitative data analysis, a taxonomy was developed. The idea of the taxonomy is summarized in that different dimensions of the avatar are considered the main base (first phase) of the taxonomy. There are consequential three parts: the attitudinal consequences related to the website; the attitudinal consequences related to the brand; the behaviours towards the brand. These behaviours represent the final phase of the taxonomy.

Originality/value

By developing a taxonomy of using avatars on brands' websites, the authors advance the understanding consumer-brands relationships. Using avatars' verbal interactions helps in shaping consumers' cognitive, affective, attitudinal and behavioural responses and add vital empirical evidence to the increasing body of research and practices involving avatar usage in the interactive marketing area.
History teachers thinking about race and whiteness: possibilities and challenges
Authors: Brooks Charley , Martin Daisy
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Guided by an interest in how K-12 history teachers think about teaching race and related concepts in their courses, this paper explores the impact of a workshop put on by a history and civics professional learning organization that explicitly focused on historicizing race, racism and whiteness as a method for furthering teachers' understandings and commitments to antiracist teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on Critical Race Theory and Critical Whiteness Studies to make sense of the idea of history teaching as a racial project. Using surveys and a focus group discussion as data.

Findings

The authors found that, after the workshop, teachers reported increased comfort and interest in teaching more about race and racism, while fewer stated explicit commitments and plans to teach about whiteness. The authors also found that teachers' definitions of whiteness were largely framed as habits of mind and individual practices and situated within an educational sphere. Additionally teachers initially grappled with systemic interpretations of whiteness, yet ended up landing on identity as the starting point for critical history instruction.

Originality/value

These findings prompt the authors to discuss the continued challenges of linking whiteness with antiracist history teaching and also grapple with the affordances and pitfalls of identity as a starting point for race work.
Depth‐based correlation analysis between the density of lineaments in the crystalline basement's weathered zones and groundwater occurrences within the Voltaian basin, Ghana
Authors: Yaw Amponsah Theophilus , Wemegah David Dotse , Danuor Sylvester Kojo , Forson Eric Dominic
Published: August 2023

Geological structures have been shown by studies to have influence on the occurrence, storage and transportation of groundwater. Understanding the structural network of an area unearths a deep insight into the groundwater dynamics of the area. A geological structural analysis was carried out to reveal the geological structural network of Ghana's Voltaian basin. Using aeromagnetic data, structural density models were generated using the Center for Exploration Targeting grid analysis technique for two depth ranges (that is up to 100 m and 300 m) over the Voltaian basin. The total length of geological structures (lineaments) delineated at depths up to 100 m and 300 m were more than 5000 km and more than 8000 km, respectively. Given this, the study area was observed to be structurally dense at each of the aforementioned depths. The structural density models were discretized into five classes (very low, low, moderate, moderately high and very high regions), each of which was evaluated to determine their spatial association with known locations of groundwater occurrences within the study area using the frequency ratio technique. Frequency ratio results for both structural density models derived at 100 m and 300 m depths show the existence of a strong correlation between high structural density model classes and the known groundwater occurrences. The structural density models were further evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics curve. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve scores indicates that, although both structural density models showed very good performance (with receiver operating characteristics scores greater than 0.7), the 300‐m depth structural density model performed better than the structural density model generated at a depth of 100 m (with their receiver operating characteristics scores being 0.721 and 0.715, respectively). The obtained results corroborate with literature assertion that groundwater occurrence within the Voltaian basin is mainly associated with structural features. It is expected that the outputs of this study would guide future groundwater exploration programmes within the study area.
Reanalysis indicates little evidence of reduction in eagle mortality rate by automated curtailment of wind turbines
Authors: Huso Manuela , Dalthorp Daniel
Published: August 2023

Unintended consequences of renewable energy development include collision‐caused deaths of birds and bats. Energy companies may risk prosecution if protected species are among the casualties. Shutting down turbines during high collision‐risk conditions could reduce mortality rates, and several companies are developing systems to identify such conditions.

A recent peer‐reviewed article published in the Journal of Applied Ecology reported a remarkable ‘82% (75%–89%) reduction in the fatality rate’ of eagles at a wind energy facility due to a device marketed as Identiflight®—remarkable because of the impressive effect size and the extremely high level of precision. We show that reported results stem from four major errors, which, when corrected, give an unremarkable estimate of 50% (−159%, 89%) reduction (or possible increase) in the fatality rate.

The errors include the following: (i) Ignoring annual variation. They compare the average number of eagle fatalities over 4 years before activation of Identiflight® to the number in a single year after, ignoring annual variation in fatalities. (ii) Unfounded causal inference. Lack of replication (one treatment year at one site) is ignored, leading to unwarranted causal inference. (iii) Inflated effect size. Effect size is inflated by assuming (without providing evidence) that the difference in fatality relative to the mean at a neighbouring site would be exactly repeated at the treatment site. Furthermore, the observed difference in fatalities at the control site depends strongly on the arbitrarily chosen date distinguishing the ‘Before’ and ‘After’ periods, yielding unreliable results. (iv) Inconsistency of data. It is unclear why 7 of 42 reported eagle fatalities were not included in the data analyzed, potentially further inflating the estimated effect size.

Synthesis and applications. The recent claim, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, that ‘Eagle fatalities are reduced by automated curtailment of wind turbines’ is not supported by the data but stems from errors that led to strongly overstated effect size and precision, and unfounded inference. In theory, automated curtailment has obvious potential for reducing eagle fatalities, but several more years of data at several locations and appropriate statistical analyses will be required to evaluate its effectiveness and to inform management prescriptions involving this technology.
Wildlife as sentinels of compliance with law: An example with GPS‐tagged scavengers and sanitary regulations
Authors: Mateo‐Tomás Patricia , Rodríguez‐Pérez Jorge , Fernández‐García María , García Emilio J. , Valente e Santos João Pedro , Gutiérrez Iván , Olea Pedro P. , Rodríguez‐Moreno Beatriz , López‐Bao José Vicente
Published: August 2023

Monitoring compliance with environmental laws is essential to overcoming possible implementation shortfalls jeopardizing their effectiveness. Besides improving our ecological understanding of wildlife, remote tracking technologies also allow us to take advantage of such ecological knowledge to use wildlife as sentinels of compliance with law.

We illustrate this sentinel potential of wildlife using GPS tracking of large scavengers with complementary functional traits (i.e. 21 griffon vultures and 13 wolves) to assess compliance with EU sanitary regulations allowing livestock carcass disposal in the field.

Wildlife sentinels allowed the systematic evaluation of 489 livestock carcasses left in the field, which revealed an important mismatch between on‐paper and in‐reality implementation of these regulations. While <45% of the carcasses were placed in authorized areas, compliance with all the criteria required by the regulations on livestock carcass disposal (e.g. from carcass characteristics such as species, age or production system to its location far away from water, buildings or roads) ranged from 0% to 4.2%, with no major differences between regions with uneven implementation.

Major gaps in compliance pointed towards insufficient and over‐bureaucratized designation of scavenger feeding zones, where livestock carcass disposal is authorized. The indiscriminate nature of distance criteria from carcasses to watercourses, buildings and infrastructure further affected compliance.

Synthesis and applications. GPS‐tagged scavengers allow the on‐ground monitoring of carcasses, the addressing of potential risks for wildlife, livestock and human health, the quantitative assessment of compliance with the law and would improve estimates of carcass availability, substantially contributing to more effective legislation enforcement. Our results show the huge potential of GPS‐tagged wildlife as sentinels for monitoring compliance to enhance the environmental rule of law.
Reanalysis ignores pertinent data, includes inappropriate observations, and disregards realities of applied ecology: Response to Huso and Dalthorp (2023)
Authors: McClure Christopher J. W. , Rolek Brian W. , Dunn Leah , McCabe Jennifer D. , Martinson Luke , Katzner Todd E.
Published: August 2023

We recently demonstrated efficacy of automated curtailment of wind turbines in reducing fatalities of eagles at a study site in Wyoming, USA. Huso and Dalthorp criticize our work, asserting that there are several ‘major errors’ that render our previous work as providing ‘no meaningful support’ for automated curtailment. As we show here, our data do indeed provide support for the efficacy of automated curtailment.

The purported major errors they identify include: having only 1 year of post‐treatment data, having only one control and one treatment site, using the control site for inference, choosing an arbitrary demarcation date between the ‘before’ and ‘after’ periods, analysing the number, rather than the rate, of fatalities, and not including data they consider pertinent. These claims are unsupported because all result from misreading our study, ignoring realities of causal inference in field ecology, or are matters of preference.

Most importantly, we did not fail to include pertinent data and we provided sufficient criteria in the manuscript to explain inclusion of carcasses in our study. As stated in our previous study, the eagle carcasses we did not include were found either outside of search areas or incidentally, and thus did not meet criteria for inclusion. Further, Huso and Dalthorp present a standard for spatial and temporal replication that is inconsistent with their own recent work and many other studies in this field. Finally, their reanalysis of our data ignores the control site while including inappropriate data and thus is not suitable for inference.

We appreciate the unusually thorough critique of our work provided by Huso and Dalthorp. Despite the major errors in their argument, this discussion provides a platform for further evaluation of our original work.

Synthesis and applications. We show that incorporating control site data and using our a priori demarcation of before and after periods into Huso and Dalthorp's reanalysis returns meaningful support for automated curtailment. We also direct the reader to an updated analysis that uses components of the approach Huso and Dalthorp suggest, along with additional data and a number of other analytical improvements, to validate and strengthen our original conclusions.
Employment, income, and skill alignment of humanitarian migrants in the Australian labour market: Metropolitan and regional contexts, 2000–2016
Authors: Tan Yan , Rudd Dianne , Lester Laurence
Published: August 2023

Humanitarian migration to Australia has reached new levels, accompanied by unprecedented complexity and diversity. Little is known about labour market integration for these newcomers, nor about how well their skills match those required for or relevant to their employment. Here we analyse how labour force engagement and skill alignment are influenced by migration status, including migration scheme, region of birthplace, applicant status, year of arrival, citizenship, and internal migration after settlement, and metropolitan versus regional geographic location of settlement. In particular, we focus on employed humanitarian visa holders who arrived between 2000 and 2016. Using the 2016 Australian Census and Migrants Integrated Dataset (ACMID) for quantitative analysis, our modelling established that they were not as likely to be in the labour force as skilled visa holders. Similarly, humanitarian visa holders who were employed were less likely to be in jobs that matched their skills and more likely to have lower income levels. Moreover, there were significant differences in skill alignment between those settling in metropolitan and in regional areas. The relative probability of being over‐skilled was correlated with migration scheme, origin, duration since arrival, internal movement in the year preceding the census, proficiency in spoken English, family status, and gender. Labour market outcomes varied by visa subtype and by metropolitan versus regional settlement. We conclude that the design of migration policy requires further important consideration, both to improve the outlook for this vulnerable population and to address chronic skill shortages in Australia.
Tofacitinib and pirfenidone as rescue therapies for severe COVID‐19 in a patient with previously stable interstitial lung disease associated with Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Tsao Yu‐Chuan , Chuang Shih‐Han , Tseng Chih‐Wei
Published: August 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) can lead to pulmonary fibrosis due to the inflammatory process in the lung, resulting in a series of respiratory consequences. Patients with underlying systemic diseases or pre‐existing pulmonary diseases are particularly at risk of severe respiratory distress and persistent pulmonary abnormalities. Pirfenidone, a well‐known anti‐fibrotic agent recognized for its therapeutic effect on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, could be a feasible option in severe COVID‐19 cases given the similar pathophysiological features shared with interstitial lung diseases. In this paper, we share our experience of early administration of pirfenidone in combination with tofacitinib in a 61‐year‐old female patient with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. Pirfenidone was initiated because of persistent dependence on high‐flow oxygen support and even the requirement for mechanical ventilation due to disease progression after initial standard COVID‐19 treatment. The patient was successfully extubated 15 days after the initiation of pirfenidone, and 13 days after extubation, she was completely weaned off supplemental oxygen. A series of chest radiographs and computed tomography scans demonstrated notable improvements in her lung condition. We propose a strategy of using pirfenidone plus tofacitinib as a rescue therapy in the management of patients with severe COVID‐19.
Alcohol use and grey matter structure: Disentangling predispositional and causal contributions in human studies
Authors: Baranger David A. A. , Paul Sarah E. , Hatoum Alexander S. , Bogdan Ryan
Published: August 2023

Alcohol use is a growing global health concern and economic burden. Alcohol involvement (i.e., initiation, use, problematic use, alcohol use disorder) has been reliably associated with broad spectrum grey matter differences in cross‐sectional studies. These findings have been largely interpreted as reflecting alcohol‐induced atrophy. However, emerging data suggest that brain structure differences also represent pre‐existing vulnerability factors for alcohol involvement. Here, we review evidence from human studies with designs (i.e., family‐based, genomic, longitudinal) that allow them to assess the plausibility that these correlates reflect predispositional risk factors and/or causal consequences of alcohol involvement. These studies provide convergent evidence that grey matter correlates of alcohol involvement largely reflect predisposing risk factors, with some evidence for potential alcohol‐induced atrophy. These conclusions highlight the importance of study designs that can provide causal clues to cross‐sectional observations. An integrative model may best account for these data, in which predisposition to alcohol use affects brain development, effects which may then be compounded by the neurotoxic consequences of heavy alcohol use.
Extreme weather and agricultural management decisions among smallholder farmers in rural Thailand and Vietnam
Authors: Liebenehm Sabine , Jaretzky Huong , Waibel Hermann
Published: August 2023

In this article, we explore whether and to what extent smallholder farmers in Northeastern Thailand and Central Vietnam adjust their farm‐level management strategies in response to droughts. We hereby consider adjustments in flexible adaptive strategies including water management, fertilizer and pesticide application, labor, and machine use in response to a contemporaneous drought, and adjustments in crop diversification and investments in response to a previous year drought. To that end, we combine longitudinal household data from the two regions from 2007 to 2017 with monthly high‐resolution rainfall and temperature data to characterize droughts at the subdistrict level. We find that Thai farmers scale down input costs in terms of fertilizer and hired labor and outsource tasks to service providers with equipment such as a combine, especially when exposed to extreme droughts. Their diversification and investment response seems, however, muted. While Vietnamese farmers are also reducing fertilizer use, they are expanding both the number of hired laborers and rented machinery services. They are also diversifying their cropping portfolio and investing in agricultural equipment.
Integrated HBV DNA and cccDNA maintain transcriptional activity in intrahepatic HBsAg‐positive patients with functional cure following PEG‐IFN‐based therapy
Authors: Gao Na , Guan Guiwen , Xu Ganlin , Wu Haishi , Xie Chan , Mo Zhishuo , Deng Hong , Xiao Shuying , Deng Zhicong , Peng Liang , Lu Fengmin , Zhao Qiyi , Gao Zhiliang
Published: August 2023

Background

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance marks regression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, more than one‐fifth of patients with functional cure following pegylated interferon‐based therapy may experience HBsAg seroreversion. The mechanisms causing the HBV relapse remain unclear.

Aim

To investigate the level and origin of HBV transcripts in patients with functional cure and their role in predicting relapse.

Methods

Liver tissue obtained from patients with functional cure, as well as uncured and treatment‐naïve HBeAg‐negative patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were analysed for intrahepatic HBV markers. HBV capture and RNA sequencing were used to detect HBV integration and chimeric transcripts.

Results

Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels and the proportion of HBsAg‐positive hepatocytes in functionally cured patients were significantly lower than those in uncured and treatment‐naïve HBeAg‐negative patients. Integrated HBV DNA and chimeric transcripts declined in functionally cured patients compared to uncured patients. HBsAg‐positive hepatocytes present in 25.5% of functionally cured patients, while intrahepatic HBV RNA remained in 72.2%. The levels of intrahepatic HBV RNA, integrated HBV DNA, and chimeric transcripts were higher in functionally cured patients with intrahepatic HBsAg than in those without. The residual intrahepatic HBsAg in functionally cured patients was mainly derived from transcriptionally active integrated HBV DNA; meanwhile, trace transcriptional activity of cccDNA could also remain. Two out of four functionally cured patients with intrahepatic HBsAg and trace active cccDNA experienced HBV relapse.

Conclusion

Integrated HBV DNA and cccDNA maintain transcriptional activity and maybe involved in HBsAg seroreversion in intrahepatic HBsAg‐positive patients with functional cure and linked to virological relapse.
Risk and predictors of hepatic decompensation in grey zone patients by the Baveno VII criteria: A competing risk analysis
Authors: Lin Huapeng , Lai Jimmy Che‐To , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Delamarre Adèle , Ahn Sang Hoon , Li Guanlin , Kim Beom Kyung , Liang Lilian Yan , Lee Hye Won , Song Sherlot Juan , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , de Lédinghen Victor , Kim Seung Up , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung
Published: August 2023

Background

Baveno VII was proposed for non‐invasive identification of clinically significant portal hypertension. However, a substantial proportion of patients is classified in the grey zone (i.e., liver stiffness 15–24.9 kPa and/or platelet count <150 × 109/L).

Aims

To evaluate the risk and predictors of hepatic decompensation in patients in the grey zone, and to determine the prognostic role of spleen stiffness measurement.

Methods

We included prospective cohorts (from Hong Kong, Korea and France) of patients who had undergone transient elastography examination for chronic liver disease. We estimated risk of hepatic decompensation using competing risk regression with hepatocellular carcinoma and non‐liver‐related death as competing events.

Results

We identified 2763 patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD). There were 1243 (44.9%) and 536 (19.4%) patients in the Baveno VII grey zone and high‐risk groups, respectively. The cumulative incidence of decompensation at 5 years was significantly different among low‐risk (0.6% [95% CI: 0.2%–1.3%]), grey zone 4.2% (95% CI: 3.1%–5.4%) and high‐risk groups (11.4% [95% CI: 8.7%–14.6%]). By competing risk analysis, aetiology of liver disease (alcohol‐related liver disease), albumin–bilirubin score and alkaline phosphatase level were independently associated with decompensation among patients in the grey zone. The combination of Baveno VII and spleen stiffness significantly reduced patients classified into grey zone (12.8% in cACLD patients), while maintaining high discrimination of decompensation in low‐ and high‐risk groups.

Conclusions

Patients in grey zone of Baveno VII criteria remain at high risk of hepatic decompensation. Clinical risk factors and spleen stiffness can further stratify the risk in such patients.