bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEI in dual-listed mining MNEs: examining rhetoric and reality from a fields perspective
Authors: Sasikala Visalakshy , Sankaranarayanan Venkataraman , Dhayanithy Deepak , Mohan Geetha
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine how dual-listed multinational enterprises (MNEs) that are embedded across multiple national contexts interact with other actors to shape the diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) narrative, outcomes and the associated dynamics of social change in the mining industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from the publicly available sustainability reports of two global mining conglomerates with dual-listing structure, Rio Tinto and Anglo American, alongside prevalent DEI regulations in the UK, Australia and South Africa to understand how DEI discourse and practice and the corresponding role of key actors have evolved since 2015. The authors combine a case study approach with topic modelling and qualitative content analysis to critically analyse the linkage between actors’ stated posture and actions in their DEI field and their impact upon various exchange relationships within the mining industry exchange field over the period 2015–2021.

Findings

The analysis revealed three broad phases of evolution in the DEI involvement of the MNEs emphasizing on diversity, equality and inclusion, respectively. Both firms progressed at a different pace across the three phases highlighting the need for a systemic perspective when addressing DEI concerns.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the earliest to adopt an issue and exchange field perspective towards examining the complexity of DEI. Taking a critical performative stance, the authors argue that for improving convergence between MNEs’ DEI rhetoric and reality and to advance DEI in new ways organizations and policymakers must devise structural interventions in the DEI field that substantively impact MNEs’ industry exchange field relationships.
Cybersecurity in digital supply chains in the procurement process: introducing the digital supply chain management framework
Authors: Aarland Mari
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the cybersecurity challenges the electric power industry faces due to its increased reliance on digital supply chains (DSCs), focusing on the procurement phase.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses qualitative methods, with 17 semi-structured interviews conducted among industry participants to delve deep into the challenges and potential solutions. The Gioia methodology was applied to analyse the interview data. The ecosystem and procurement theory is used to understand the interconnectedness and vulnerabilities within the electric power industry’s DSC.

Findings

Three aggregated dimensions were identified: cybersecurity, risk management and supplier tensions. Key findings suggest the importance of precise cybersecurity requirements, continuous monitoring, engagement with all supply chain actors and adaptability to emerging threats.

Practical implications

This paper presents a framework to systematically address and mitigate cybersecurity risks in the DSC. Combining theoretical foundations with reasonable measures can significantly enhance cybersecurity resilience. By implementing these guidelines, organisations can foster collaboration across the supply chain, maintain regulatory compliance and continually adapt to the evolving threat landscape.

Originality/value

The paper is based on unique interview data from actors in the electric power industry. It presents a new framework for managing cybersecurity in DSCs, underpinned by the theoretical lenses of ecosystems and procurement.
Risk-adjusted lifetime value: adjusting for customer riskiness using a single metric
Authors: Singh Shweta , Murthi B.P.S. , Rao Ram C. , Steffes Erin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The current approach to valuing customers is based on the notion of discounted profit generated by the customers over the lifetime of the relationship, also known as customer lifetime value (CLV). However, in the financial services industry, the customers who contribute the most to the profitability of a firm are also the riskiest customers. If the riskiness of a customer is not considered, firms will overestimate the true value of that customer. This paper proposes a methodology to adjust CLV for different types of risk factors and creates a comprehensive measure of risk-adjusted lifetime value (RALTV).

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from a major credit card company, we develop a measure of risk adjusted lifetime value (RALTV) that accounts for diverse types of customer risks. The model is estimated using Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA).

Findings

Major findings indicate that rewards cardholders and affinity cardholders tend to score higher within the RALTV framework than non-rewards cardholders and non-affinity cardholders, respectively. Among the four different modes of acquisition, the Internet generates the highest RALTV, followed by direct mail.

Originality/value

This paper not only controls for different types of consumer risks in the financial industry and creates a comprehensive risk-adjusted lifetime value (RALTV) model but also shows empirically the value of using RALTV over CLV for predicting future performance of a set of customers. Further, we investigate the impact of a firm’s acquisition and retention strategies on RALTV. The measure of risk-adjusted lifetime value is invaluable for managers in financial services.
Breaking down barriers: addressing managerial hesitancy towards hiring transgender employees
Authors: Sharma Naman
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the extent of transgender (TG) inclusivity in workplaces, particularly comparing developed and developing economies. It seeks to address the social stigma faced by TG individuals in Asian economies, notably focusing on India. Through qualitative studies, the research identifies barriers hindering TG employment and proposes a theoretical framework to guide organizations in creating TG-inclusive work environments. The research intends to provide insights that enhance the experiences of TG employees while promoting diversity and inclusion in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprises two qualitative studies aimed at first identifying barriers to TG employment through the lens of human resources (HR) professionals and then suggesting a theoretical framework to organizations for overcoming these barriers to achieve a TG-inclusive workplace. Thematic analysis, using Atlas.Ti software, and the interpretive structural modelling technique were used to synthesize a conceptual framework.

Findings

This study's outcomes highlight a substantial gap in achieving truly TG-inclusive workplaces, particularly in economies with prevalent social stigma like India. The findings show that traditional means may not be enough for building a TG-inclusive workplace, and organizations need to go the extra mile by promoting positive deviance and TG-centric corporate social responsibility initiatives to achieve results.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide insights for organizations seeking to improve the experiences of their TG employees and promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The incorporation of HR professionals' insights offers a practical perspective, and the conceptual framework proposed for organizations to overcome TG employment barriers is a novel contribution.
Validation of the Indonesian version of the psychological capital questionnaire (PCQ) in higher education: a Rasch analysis
Authors: Ratnaningsih Ika Zenita , Prihatsanti Unika , Prasetyo Anggun Resdasari , Sumintono Bambang
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The present study aimed to validate the Indonesian-language version of the psychological capital questionnaire (PCQ), specifically within the context of higher education, by utilising Rasch analysis to evaluate the reliability and validity aspect such as item-fit statistics, rating scale function, and differential item functioning of the instrument. These questionnaires are designed to assess students' initial psychological status, aiming to ease their transition from school to university and monitor undergraduate students' mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,012 undergraduate students (female = 61.2%; male = 38.8%) from a university in Central Java, Indonesia completed the 24-item Indonesian version of the PCQ. The sampling technique used is quota sampling. Data were analysed using The Rasch model analysis, it was performed using the Winsteps 3.73 software.

Findings

The results of the Rasch analysis indicated that the reliability of the instrument was good (a = 0.80), item quality was excellent (1.00), and person reliability was consistent (0.77). In the validity aspect, all four domains of the PCQ exhibited unidimensionality, and a rating scale with four answer choices was deemed appropriate. The study also identifies item difficulty level in each dimension.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are beneficial for higher education institutions. They can use the validated Indonesian version of the PCQ to monitor the mental well-being of undergraduate students. Mapping the PsyCap can serve as a basis for developing and determining learning policies, potentially leading to improvements in student academic performance. The theoretical implications of this study are related to the advancement of measurement theory. By employing Rasch analysis, the study contributes to enhancing the validity and reliability of measurement, particularly in the context of educational and psychological assessment in Indonesia.

Originality/value

This current study confirmed that the Indonesian version of PCQ adequately measures psychological capital in higher education, particularly in the Indonesian context.
Role of ESG and private equity on environmental degradation: a nexus of opportunity and responsibility for developing and developed countries
Authors: Malik Kunjana , Sharma Sakshi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

As concerns about global warming and environmental degradation have intensified, researchers are trying to create a deeper understanding of country-specific factors that affect environment so that economic growth can be simultaneously achieved. Recently, private equity (PE) has emerged as a significant form of corporate investment worldwide, compelled to reconcile their financial objectives along with the burgeoning demand for sustainable investment practices. However, the nexus between environmental degradation and PE investment at the country level is yet to be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses annual data for 78 developed countries from 2002 to 2020 and 107 developing countries, which have been divided into 54 lower-middle-income and 53 upper-middle-income countries, to explore the relationship between carbon emission, economic growth and PE investment within an energy growth and Environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) framework.

Findings

The study finds the existence of the EKC hypothesis for developed, upper-middle-income developing and lower-middle-income developing countries. PE investment reduces environmental degradation by providing investments in cleaner technologies, energy-efficient sources and renewable investments. Better human development index (HDI) reduces carbon emissions, as more education and knowledge involve an understanding of environmental protection. Increased climate risk index increases carbon emissions, and therefore, the study provides insights for policymakers and government to enhance PE investments within a country, which will eventually lead to development of sustainable business practices.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to look into the impact of PE as a source of investment on environmental degradation, incorporating economic growth and environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.
Speak up! Factors that influence involvement of nurses in oncological multidisciplinary team meetings
Authors: Boesten Nadine , De Regge Melissa , Eeckloo Kristof , Leys Mark , Gemmel Paul , Meijboom Bert R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Nurses are capable of acting as advocates for patients since they hold valuable knowledge on patient preferences and their psychosocial needs. Yet, in practice they tend to contribute little to multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs). This study analyses the factors that influence whether or not nurses will speak up and increase patient-centred decision-making in MDTMs.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study with cross-case comparison of twelve tumour groups across two Belgian hospitals was conducted. Data collection involved fifty structured non-participant observations and 41 semi-structured interviews with participants from the twelve tumour groups.

Originality/value

This study yields factors that increase the opportunities for nurses to speak up in MDTMs to enhance patient-centred decision-making. The findings help in the design of future interventions concerning multidisciplinary teamwork, that address nurses’ contributions to augment patient-centred care.
Performative place branding and Brazilian smart cities: the strategic character of smart city positioning
Authors: Couto de Azevedo de Oliveira Renata , Patterson Maurice
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to address what it means to brand a city as “smart”. In other words, what ideas, understandings and actions are mobilized by the discourse of smart cities in a particular context.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a brand interpretive approach, this paper uses deconstructive criticism to understand the performativity of smart cities within the Brazilian Charter for Smart Cities and to expose hegemonic power structures and the various colonizations that disenfranchise consumers and citizens of the Global South.

Findings

This paper finds that the branding of smart cities within the Brazilian Charter for Smart Cities is largely performative and rhetorical in nature. The authors identify those dimensions of the smart city that are materialized by this branding performance. For example, the authors identify how the Charter calls forth issues around technological solutionism, sustainability and social inclusion. At the same time, the analysis draws attention to the dimensions of smart cities that are disguised by such performances.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the work suggest that the authors need to understand the designation “smart city” as a branding performance. More research is required in context to determine in exactly what ways smart city projects are being implemented.

Practical implications

Rather than adhering only to the rhetoric of smartness, cities have to work hard to make smartness a reality – a smartness constructed not just on technical solutions but also on human solutions. That is, the complexity of urban issues that are apparently addressed in the move to smartness demand more than a technological fix.

Originality/value

The research offers a novel lens through which to view smart cities.
The opportunity of struggle: a case study on developing a Māori-centric nursing course
Authors: Davis Josephine , Wiapo Coral , Sami Lisa , Komene Ebony , Adams Sue
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper delves into the enduring influence of Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s groundbreaking work, “Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples,” while examining how the concept of “struggle” has facilitated Māori-centric nursing education.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a case study approach, a collaboration between Māori and non-Māori nursing academics describes the development of two Māori-centric postgraduate courses. This approach allows for an exploration of the contextual factors surrounding sites of “struggle” in course development and efforts towards decolonization and indigenization.

Findings

The evaluation of a Māori-centric postgraduate course is guided by Smith’s five key conditions for “struggle”. By illustrating the dynamic and intersecting nature of these conditions, the study reveals how various interests, tensions and relationships intersect within academia. We further show how the team actively sought viable solutions to strengthen the Maori nursing workforce and those nurses serving Maori communities through the development of tailored courses.

Originality/value

This case study offers a unique perspective on the tensions inherent in the struggles faced by Māori women and their allies, who utilize cultural frameworks as sites of resistance within Western institutions. We highlight how education can carve out new spaces for Māori within their cultural context and the broader academic sphere. Inspired by Smith’s work, this dialogue transcends academic boundaries, echoing the values, knowledge and experiences of Indigenous peoples marginalized by colonialism.
Neighbour‐detection causes shifts in allocation across multiple organs to prepare plants for light competition
Authors: Uyehara Isaac K. , Bechinger Trixie , Jordan Alex , van Kleunen Mark
Published: June 2024

To maximize their fitness, plants have to adjust their allocation strategy according to their abiotic and biotic environments. Plants can use the ratio of red to far‐red light (R:FR) to sense neighbours, allowing them to modify their growth in response to aboveground competition.

In this study, we used supplemental FR light to artificially lower the R:FR of the lower leaves of common sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) to examine how plants change their growth in response to the threat of neighbours. We combined this treatment with a nitrogen fertilization treatment to investigate how responses to neighbour‐detection interact with nitrogen limitation.

Plants grown in low R:FR increased in height at the expense of root growth, resulting in nitrogen limitation that restricted leaf growth. However, we found that plants reduced their nitrogen investment into leaves in low R:FR. By weakening the nitrogen sink strength of these lower leaves before they experienced low photosynthetically active radiation, plants were able to preemptively allocate nitrogen to leaves higher in the canopy.

Plants responded to the perception of neighbours by simultaneously diverting resources from root growth to stem elongation and from leaves threatened by neighbours to leaves that would pose a threat to neighbours. This whole‐plant response to neighbour‐detection enables plants to change their allocation in a way that simultaneously manages their limited nitrogen and prepares them for future light competition.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Hunting for pigments in bacterial settlers of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Authors: Scales Brittan S. , Hassenrück Christiane , Moldaenke Lynn , Hassa Julia , Rückert‐Reed Christian , Rummel Christoph , Völkner Corinna , Rynek Robby , Busche Tobias , Kalinowski Jörn , Jahnke Annika , Schmitt‐Jansen Mechthild , Wendt‐Potthoff Katrin , Oberbeckmann Sonja
Published: June 2024

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a significant collection of plastic introduced by human activities, provides an ideal environment to study bacterial lifestyles on plastic substrates. We proposed that bacteria colonizing the floating plastic debris would develop strategies to deal with the ultraviolet‐exposed substrate, such as the production of antioxidant pigments. We observed a variety of pigmentation in 67 strains that were directly cultivated from plastic pieces sampled from the Garbage Patch. The genomic analysis of four representative strains, each distinct in taxonomy, revealed multiple pathways for carotenoid production. These pathways include those that produce less common carotenoids and a cluster of photosynthetic genes. This cluster appears to originate from a potentially new species of the Rhodobacteraceae family. This represents the first report of an aerobic anoxygenic photoheterotrophic bacterium from plastic biofilms. Spectral analysis showed that the bacteria actively produce carotenoids, such as beta‐carotene and beta‐cryptoxanthin, and bacteriochlorophyll a. Furthermore, we discovered that the genetic ability to synthesize carotenoids is more common in plastic biofilms than in the surrounding water communities. Our findings suggest that plastic biofilms could be an overlooked source of bacteria‐produced carotenoids, including rare forms. It also suggests that photoreactive molecules might play a crucial role in bacterial biofilm communities in surface water.
Pinpointing the microbiota of tardigrades: What is really there?
Authors: Surmacz Bartłomiej , Stec Daniel , Prus‐Frankowska Monika , Buczek Mateusz , Michalczyk Łukasz , Łukasik Piotr
Published: June 2024

Microbiota are considered significant in the biology of tardigrades, yet their diversity and distribution remain largely unexplored. This is partly due to the methodological challenges associated with studying the microbiota of small organisms that inhabit microbe‐rich environments. In our study, we characterized the microbiota of 31 species of cultured tardigrades using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. We employed various sample preparation strategies and multiple types of controls and estimated the number of microbes in samples using synthetic DNA spike‐ins. We also reanalysed data from previous tardigrade microbiome studies. Our findings suggest that the microbial communities of cultured tardigrades are predominantly composed of bacterial genotypes originating from food, medium, or reagents. Despite numerous experiments, we found it challenging to identify strains that were enriched in certain tardigrades, which would have indicated likely symbiotic associations. Putative tardigrade‐associated microbes rarely constituted more than 20% of the datasets, although some matched symbionts identified in other studies. We also uncovered serious contamination issues in previous tardigrade microbiome studies, casting doubt on some of their conclusions. We concluded that tardigrades are not universally dependent on specialized microbes. Our work underscores the need for rigorous safeguards in studies of the microbiota of microscopic organisms and serves as a cautionary tale for studies involving samples with low microbiome abundance.
Parallel support as an institution for tackling social and educational inequalities: Functioning and barriers in the Greek education system
Authors: Giavrimis Panagiotis
Published: June 2024

The present research aims to investigate teachers' views as critical factors in the success of inclusive education on the Parallel Support (PS) institution in Greece and the educational policies implemented. PS is an educational support provided by a special education teacher, alongside the mainstream teacher, in the classroom, exclusively for a child with a SEND. The research questions focus on teachers' attitudes and conceptualisations of implementing parallel support in N. Aegean and the policies adopted. A semi‐structured interview was used as a methodological tool. The semi‐structured interview supports an in‐depth study of the topic and captures the participants' views through their derived discourse. Twelve primary school teachers from the region of N. Aegean with at least 2 years of teaching experience in PS were selected. Three of them were women. Most teachers working in PS in the Greek education system are men. Findings revealed that the teachers in our research stated that they were positive about PS operation, but this should depend on the nature of special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Some participants said that PS would help all pupils. In addition, teachers were concerned about working together to support students with SEND and education policy issues. Problems such as inadequate logistical infrastructure, shortages of qualified staff, insufficient training of teachers in inclusive education and curricula designed for the mainstream student population highlight insurmountable challenges for the effective implementation of PS.
Empowering hearing‐impaired students: A mobile learning intervention in Israeli Arab elementary education
Authors: Vasel Haneen , Ragonis Noa
Published: June 2024

This study evaluates an intervention program that uses mobile learning, designed for Israeli Arab hearing‐impaired elementary school students, focused on language and mathematics. Participants included 23 hearing‐impaired students, 39 teachers, and 46 parents. The evaluation combined quantitative and qualitative methods, using questionnaires, knowledge mapping, observations, individual semi‐structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings revealed: (1) integrating mobile learning promoted learning enjoyment of learning, and satisfaction with program implementation; (2) content knowledge development contributed to mathematical knowledge and all language components except grammar; (3) inequality among students persisted since only hearing‐impaired students benefited from the program, leading to another kind of inequality; (4) teachers coped with various challenges: lack of technological skills, need for differential teaching for different populations in the classroom, and general lack of attention in the classroom when using apps with audible instructions and (5) parents have vital role in implementing new learning approaches for special needs students.
Crop diversification and the effect of weather shocks on Italian farmers' income and income risk
Authors: Fabri Charlotte , Vermeulen Sam , Van Passel Steven , Schaub Sergei
Published: June 2024

Agriculture is vulnerable to extreme weather shocks. Climate change increases both the frequency and the intensity of such shocks. To safeguard farmers' income and food production, climate adaptation measures are required. This article aims to examine the effectiveness of crop diversification as an adaptation measure, using Italy as a case study. We apply a control function approach to a panel dataset of 20,790 Italian farms, which considers (i) the crop diversification decision and (ii) the influence of crop diversification on farmers' levels of crop income and income risk. We find that, while specialisation can increase income, crop diversification reduces income risk most effectively when growing four different crops. At this level of diversification, income risk is approximately 29% lower as opposed to monoculture farming. Although the Common Agricultural Policy's greening payments for crop diversification make sense from an ecological and risk‐reducing point of view, we find that they are potentially insufficient to cover the loss of expected crop income from diversification. While crop diversification reduces income risk in general, we find no specific benefit in terms of weather shock‐induced risks. This may be because a price increase following a weather shock buffers its adverse effect. However, identifying the reasons requires further research.
Half‐volume validation of the NGM Detect™ PCR Amplification Kit and its application on degraded casework samples
Authors: Magonyi Nóra M. , Megadja Bálint , Rádóczy Katalin A. , Cseppentő Tamás , Lőrincz Eszter É. , Valis Norbert G. , Mátrai Norbert , Heinrich Attila
Published: June 2024

The NGM Detect™ PCR Amplification Kit was designed particularly for genotyping degraded casework samples. This study aimed to validate the half‐volume amplification of the kit and to present its successful long‐term application. The validation was performed in accordance to the corresponding guidelines of the Scientific Working Group on DNA analysis methods and the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes. For validation parameters, such as sensitivity, reproducibility, and repeatability, polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were set up both manually and robotically, applying 29 cycles. For PCRs with sub‐optimal DNA input (≤0.5 ng) the cycle numbers were increased to 31. Regardless of the PCR preparation method, the optimal 0.5 ng DNA input produced optimal allelic peak heights with no allelic dropout. The first alleles that failed to amplify started to appear at the level of 0.0375 ng input DNA, although the manually prepared PCRs produced fewer missing alleles. In this case, the raised cycle number produced 1.9% and 4.4% of dropout for manually and for robotically set up PCRs, respectively. In the case of 84 degraded casework samples, PCRs were prepared only by hand. The kit was able to provide informative profiles for 78.57%, 70.37%, and 69.77% for lowly, moderately, and highly degraded samples, respectively. Allelic dropouts were 26.05%, 44.88%, and 51.23% for the same groups. According to our results, we strongly recommend using the NGM Detect™ Kit in half‐volume PCR system and encourage the usage of the kit in the particular cases when other kits fail to produce a complete DNA profile.
A tale of two PG systems: A comparison of the two most widely used continuous probabilistic genotyping systems in the United States
Authors: Greenspoon Susan A. , Schiermeier‐Wood Lisa , Jenkins Bradford C.
Published: June 2024

The development of probabilistic genotyping (PG) systems to quantitatively analyze DNA mixture samples has been transformative in forensic science. TrueAllele® Casework (TA) and STRmix™ (STRmix) are the two most widely used PG systems in the United States. The two systems were challenged with 48 two‐, three‐, and four‐person mock casework samples, for a total of 152 likelihood ratio (LR) comparisons. TA and STRmix converged on the same result (supportive, non‐supportive, or inconclusive) for ~91% of contributor‐specific comparisons. Where moderate or substantial differences in log(LR) values were observed, 9% affected the conclusion of the reference association to the mixture. The PG systems exhibited high correlations for estimated contributor‐specific template quantities (~92%) and log(LR)s produced (>88%). When the log(LR)s for only low‐template contributors (<100 pg) were compared, the R2 value dropped to ~68% and the difference became statistically significant. Of the 14 contributor comparisons where the conclusion differed, two were contradictory (supportive vs. non‐supportive) and 12 were either inconclusive versus non‐supportive or inconclusive versus supportive. The differing results were likely due to dissimilarities in the mixture input file as STRmix uses a lab‐defined analytical threshold (AT) and TA models to 10 RFUs for each electropherogram. When 7 of the 14 mixtures were reanalyzed by STRmix using a 10 RFU AT, the log(LR)s for the low‐template contributors became more similar to TAs. This study shows that while both systems may produce accurate and calibrated LRs, their results can deviate, especially for low‐template, degraded contributors, and the deviation is generally predictable.
Changes in prenatal cannabis‐related diagnosed disorders after the Cannabis Act and the COVID‐19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Nazif‐Munoz José Ignacio , Martínez Pablo , Huỳnh Christophe , Massamba Victoria , Zefania Isaora , Rochette Louis , Vasiliadis Helen‐Maria
Published: June 2024

Background and aims

Public health concerns regarding pregnant women’s health after the enactment of the Cannabis Act in Canada (CAC) (a law that allowed non‐medical cannabis use), and the potential impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, call for a contemporary assessment of these two events. Our study measured associations between the CAC, the COVID‐19 pandemic and the monthly prevalence rates of cannabis‐, all drug‐ and alcohol‐related diagnosed disorders among pregnant women in the province of Quebec.

Design, setting and participants

This was a quasi‐experimental design applying an interrupted time‐series methodology in the province of Quebec, Canada. The participants were pregnant women aged 15–49 years, between January 2010 and July 2022.

Measurements

Administrative health data from the Québec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System were used to classify pregnant women according to cannabis‐, all drug (excluding cannabis)‐ and alcohol‐related disorders. The CAC (October 2018) and the COVID‐19 pandemic (April 2020) were evaluated as (1) slope changes and (2) level changes. Cannabis‐, all drug (excluding cannabis)‐ and alcohol‐related disorders were measured by total monthly age‐standardized monthly prevalence rate of each disorder for pregnant women aged 15–49 years.

Findings

Before the CAC, the prevalence rate of cannabis‐related diagnosed disorders significantly increased each month by 0.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.3–0.6] in the pregnant population. After the CAC, there were significant increases of 24% (95% CI = 1–53) of cannabis‐related diagnosed disorders. No significant changes were observed for all drug (excluding cannabis)‐ and alcohol‐related diagnosed disorders associated with the CAC. A non‐significant decrease of 20% (95% CI = −38 to 3) was observed during the COVID‐19 pandemic in alcohol‐related disorders.

Conclusions

The monthly incidence rates of diagnosed cannabis‐related disorders in pregnant women in Quebec increased significantly following the enactment of the Cannabis Act in Canada. Diagnoses of all drug (excluding cannabis)‐ and alcohol‐related disorders remained relatively stable.
Network analysis reveals age‐ and virus‐specific circuits in nasal epithelial cells of extremely premature infants
Authors: Wisgrill Lukas , Martens Anke , Kasbauer Rajmund , Eigenschink Michael , Pummer Linda , Redlberger‐Fritz Monika , Végvári Ákos , Warth Benedikt , Berger Angelika , Fyhrquist Nanna , Alenius Harri
Published: June 2024

Background and objectives

Viral respiratory infections significantly affect young children, particularly extremely premature infants, resulting in high hospitalization rates and increased health‐care burdens. Nasal epithelial cells, the primary defense against respiratory infections, are vital for understanding nasal immune responses and serve as a promising target for uncovering underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.

Methods

Using a trans‐well pseudostratified nasal epithelial cell system, we examined age‐dependent developmental differences and antiviral responses to influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus through systems biology approaches.

Results

Our studies revealed differences in innate‐receptor repertoires, distinct developmental pathways, and differentially connected antiviral network circuits between neonatal and adult nasal epithelial cells. Consensus network analysis identified unique and shared cellular‐viral networks, emphasizing highly relevant virus‐specific pathways, independent of viral replication kinetics.

Conclusion

This research highlights the importance of nasal epithelial cells in innate antiviral immune responses and offers crucial insights that allow for a deeper understanding of age‐related differences in nasal epithelial cell immunity following respiratory virus infections.
Hands in memory and in imagination
Authors: Hollan Douglas
Published: June 2024

We use our hands for many tasks and sensory orientations, including eating, communicating, and bathing. We hold, and manipulate a variety of objects, artifacts, and people, feeling for warmth, coldness, texture, hardness, and softness. We approach people or objects with greetings, embraces, and caresses, and to shove, hit, or defend ourselves against other people and potentially dangerous things. Yet just because our hands play such a central role in so many aspects our lives, they may also play an inordinate role in our memories and imagination. This paper highlights the place of hands in memory and imagination and how these memories and imaginings, in turn, affect not only how we use our hands and for what purposes, but with whom we use them and under what circumstances.
The gut–immune axis during hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Dinakis Evany , O'Donnell Joanne A. , Marques Francine Z.
Published: June 2024

The gut‐immune axis is a relatively novel phenomenon that provides mechanistic links between the gut microbiome and the immune system. A growing body of evidence supports it is key in how the gut microbiome contributes to several diseases, including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Evidence over the past decade supports a causal link of the gut microbiome in hypertension and its complications, including myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, heart failure, and stroke. Perturbations in gut homeostasis such as dysbiosis (i.e., alterations in gut microbial composition) may trigger immune responses that lead to chronic low‐grade inflammation and, ultimately, the development and progression of these conditions. This is unsurprising, as the gut harbors one of the largest numbers of immune cells in the body, yet is a phenomenon not entirely understood in the context of cardiometabolic disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of the gut microbiome, the immune system, and inflammation in the context of hypertension and CVD, and consolidate current evidence of this complex interplay, whilst highlighting gaps in the literature. We focus on diet as one of the major modulators of the gut microbiota, and explain key microbial‐derived metabolites (e.g., short‐chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N‐oxide) as potential mediators of the communication between the gut and peripheral organs such as the heart, arteries, kidneys, and the brain via the immune system. Finally, we explore the dual role of both the gut microbiome and the immune system, and how they work together to not only contribute, but also mitigate hypertension and CVD.
N‐acetylcysteine as a potentially safe adjuvant in the treatment of neurotoxicity due to pirimiphos‐methyl poisoning
Authors: Piotr Adamczuk , Konrad Jamka , Hubert Bojar , Krzysztof Łukawski , Grzegorz Raszewski
Published: June 2024

Exogenous, well‐established antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine can reduce or prevent the deleterious effects of pesticides. In this study, utilizing a mouse model of daily single dose of N‐acetylcysteine administration, we investigated the impact of this adjuvant on the treatment with atropine and/or obidoxime as well as oxidative stress response in pyrimiphos‐methyl‐induced toxicity. We found that N‐acetylcysteine significantly reduces the oxidative stress generated by pyrimiphos‐methyl. The therapy consisting of atropine and/or obidoxime routinely used in organophosphorous insecticide poisonings, including pyrimiphos‐methyl, had no effect on the antioxidant properties of N‐acetylcysteine. Adjunctive treatment offered by N‐acetylcysteine fills therapeutic gap and may provide the full potential against pyrimiphos‐methyl‐induced toxicity.
Parent–teacher relationship and students' learning engagement in China: A longitudinal study considering urban–suburban differences
Authors: Zhou Xinran , He Qinni , Zhang Xinyu , Bian Yufang
Published: June 2024

Background

The importance of parent‐teacher relationships has been well‐discussed in Western contexts. It’s still unclear whether and how parent‐teacher relationships affect students’ academic development, especially in the context of China's uneven development between urban and suburban areas.

Aims

This study examined the urban–suburban differences in the influence of the parent–teacher relationships on students' learning engagement during the last 3 years of primary school to contribute to related policy and practice.

Sample and Methods

Data were collected annually during the summer period in three waves from Grades 4 to 6. The sample included 1408 students (Mage = 10.35, SD = .48; 49.1% boys) paired with their mothers (Mage = 38.82, SD = 3.54), with 643 pairs from urban areas and 765 pairs from suburban areas in China. In each wave, the parents reported the frequency of contact with their child's teacher during the previous school year as well as the quality of their relationship, and the students reported their learning engagement. Latent growth models were used to examine the hypotheses.

Results

A statistically significant decline in learning engagement was seen only in suburban students, while the parent–teacher relationships seemed to increase for both suburban and urban participants. Latent growth modelling showed that the increasing levels of relationship quality reduced the decline in the suburban students' learning engagement, although the contact between parents and teachers did not play such a positive role for both urban and suburban students.

Conclusions

The findings reveal a compensatory effect of the quality of the parent–teacher relationship on suburban students' learning engagement. Considering the difference in students' learning engagement between urban and suburban students, increased effort on high‐quality parent–teacher relationships for suburban students is required to better support their academic development.
A jumping terrestrial leech from Madagascar
Authors: Fahmy Mai , Tessler Michael
Published: June 2024

We provide the first conclusive evidence that at least one leech species (Chtonobdella sp. from Madagascar) can jump. For each jump, the leech coils back before taking off. Visually, this appears somewhat like a backbending cobra or a spring being pulled back to maximize potential energy.

Abstract in Malagasy is available with online material.
Effect of surgeon's seniority and subspeciality interest on mortality after emergency laparotomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Al‐Sarireh Hashim , Al‐Sarireh Ahmad , Mann Karan , Hajibandeh Shahin , Hajibandeh Shahab
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate effect of surgeon's seniority (trainee surgeon vs. consultant surgeon) and surgeon's subspeciality interest on postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL).

Method

A systematic review was conducted and reported according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the PRISMA statement standards, respectively. We evaluated all studies comparing the risk of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing EL between (a) trainee surgeon and consultant surgeon, and (b) surgeon without and with subspeciality interest related to pathology. Random effects modelling was applied for the analyses. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.

Results

Analysis of 256 844 patients from 13 studies showed no difference in the risk of postoperative mortality between trainee‐led and consultant‐led EL (OR: 0.76, p = 0.12). However, EL performed by a surgeon without subspeciality interest related to the pathology was associated with a higher risk of postoperative mortality compared with a surgeon with subspeciality interest (OR: 1.38, p < 0.00001). In lower gastrointestinal (GI) pathologies, EL done by upper GI surgeons resulted in higher risk of mortality compared with lower GI surgeons (OR: 1.43, p < 0.00001). In upper GI pathologies, EL done by lower GI surgeons resulted in higher risk of mortality compared with upper GI surgeons (OR: 1.29, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

While confounding by indication cannot be excluded, level 2 evidence with moderate certainty suggests that trainee‐led EL may not increase the risk of postoperative mortality but EL by a surgeon with subspeciality interest related to the pathology may reduce the risk of mortality.
Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids‐based delivery of microRNA‐155 alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration through targeting Bcl‐2/Bax apoptosis pathway
Authors: Li Zhuhai , Tang Yuanlin , Wang Lihang , Wang Kai , Huang Shishu , Chen Yu
Published: June 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the most common causes of chronic low back pain, which does great harm to patients' life quality. At present, the existing treatment options are mostly aimed at relieving symptoms, but the long‐term efficacy is not ideal. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) are regarded as a type of nanomaterial with excellent biosafety and prominent performance in anti‐apoptosis and anti‐inflammation. MicroRNA155 is a non‐coding RNA involved in various biological processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, a complex named TR155 was designed and synthesised with microRNA155 attached to the vertex of tFNAs, and its effects on the nucleus pulposus cells of intervertebral discs were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The experimental results showed that TR155 was able to alleviate the degeneration of intervertebral disc tissue and inhibit nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis via Bcl‐2/Bax pathway, indicating its potential to be a promising option for the treatment of IDD.
Exploring the determinants of oral health care uptake among women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study to develop a logic model and framework for an oral health intervention
Authors: Kristensen Camilla Böhme , Forbes Angus , Asimakopoulou Koula , Ide Mark
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition of glucose intolerance in pregnancy. Oral health has been shown to mediate blood glucose management and pregnancy outcomes. There is also a greater prevalence of poor oral health in GDM pregnancies when compared to normoglycemic pregnancies. While current guidelines recommend an oral health review as part of diabetes and pregnancy management, it is under‐considered in GDM care. Hence, it is important to understand how to improve oral health care in this context.

Aim

To explore the determinants of oral health care uptake among women with GDM to develop a logic model for an intervention to improve awareness and activation of oral health behaviours in this population.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were used to collect the data and the Theoretical Domains Framework inspired the interview guide. The study population consisted of UK‐based women with GDM over 18 years of age. The data were analysed with Framework Analysis and the COM‐B Model was used to orientate the data.

Results

Seventeen women participated in the study. Five themes including knowledge about oral health; the health of the baby; the impact of the GDM diagnosis; social support and barriers and facilitators were found to influence the uptake of oral health care.

Conclusions

This study developed an evidence‐based logic model of the determinants of oral health care uptake among women with GDM. This will serve as a framework for developing an oral health intervention. This study may be the starting point for initiating conversations about implementing oral health care in GDM management.
Interactions between age, sex and visceral adipose tissue on brain ageing
Authors: Moran Chris , Herson Jarin , Than Stephanie , Collyer Taya , Beare Richard , Syed Sarah , Srikanth Velandai
Published: June 2024

Aim

To examine the associations between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and brain structural measures at midlife and explore how these associations may be affected by age, sex and cardiometabolic factors.

Methods

We used abdominal and brain magnetic resonance imaging data from a population‐based cohort of people at midlife in the UK Biobank. Regression modelling was applied to study associations of VAT volume with total brain volume (TBV), grey matter volume (GMV), white matter volume, white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) and total hippocampal volume (THV), and whether these associations were altered by age, sex or cardiometabolic factors.

Results

Complete data were available for 17 377 participants (mean age 63 years, standard deviation = 12, 53% female). Greater VAT was associated with lower TBV, GMV and THV (P < .001). We found an interaction between VAT and sex on TBV (P < .001), such that the negative association of VAT with TBV was greater in men (β = −2.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.32 to −10.15) than in women (β = −1.32, 95% CI −0.49 to −3.14), with similar findings for GMV. We also found an interaction between VAT and age (but not sex) on WMHV (P < .001). The addition of other cardiometabolic factors or measures of physical activity resulted in little change to the models.

Conclusions

VAT volume is associated with poorer brain health in midlife and this relationship is greatest in men and those at younger ages.