bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control ofC. elegansgrowth arrest by stochastic, yet synchronized DAF-16/FOXO nuclear translocation pulses
Authors: Demirbas Burak , Filina Olga , Louisse Timo , Goos Yvonne , Sánchez-Romero María Antonia , Olmedo María , van Zon Jeroen
Published: July 2023

FOXO transcription factors are highly conserved effectors of insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling, that are crucial for mounting responses to a broad range of stresses. Key signaling step is the stress-induced translocation of FOXO proteins to the nucleus, where they induce expression of stress response genes. Insulin signaling and FOXO proteins often control responses that impact the entire organism, such as growth or starvation-induced developmental arrest, but how body-wide coordination is achieved is poorly understood. Here, we leverage the small size of the nematodeC. elegans, to quantify translocation dynamics of DAF-16, the soleC. elegansFOXO transcription factor, with single-cell resolution, yet in a body-wide manner. Surprisingly, when we exposed individual animals to constant levels of stress that cause larval developmental arrest, DAF-16/FOXO translocated between the nucleus and cytoplasm in stochastic pulses. Even though the occurrence of translocation pulses was random, they nevertheless exhibited striking synchronization between cells throughout the body. DAF-16/FOXO pulse dynamics were strongly linked to body-wide growth, with isolated translocation pulses causing transient reduction of growth and full growth arrest observed only when pulses were of sufficiently high frequency or duration. Finally, we observed translocation pulses of FOXO3A in mammalian cells under nutrient stress. The link between DAF-16/FOXO pulses and growth provides a rationale for their synchrony, as uniform proportions are only maintained when growth and, hence, pulse dynamics are tightly coordinated between all cells. Long-range synchronization of FOXO translocation dynamics might therefore be integral also to growth control in more complex animals.
Probing Acoustic Communication during Fly Reproductive Behaviors
Authors: von Philipsborn Anne C. , Shohat-Ophir Galit , Rezaval Carolina
Published: July 2023

During reproduction, male and female flies use wing vibration to generate different acoustic signals. Males produce a courtship song before copulation that is easily recognized by unilateral wing vibration. In copula, females produce a distinct sound pattern (copulation song) with both wings. Sexual rejection of immature virgins and aggressive encounters between males are also accompanied by sound pulses generated by wing flicks. Fly song has frequency ranges audible to the human ear and can be directly listened to after appropriate amplification. When displayed in an oscillogram, audio recordings can be mapped on wing-movement patterns and thus provide a fast and precise method to sample and quantify motor behaviors with high temporal resolution. After recording different fly sounds, their effect on behavior can be tested in playback experiments.
Measurement ofDrosophilaReproductive Behaviors
Authors: von Philipsborn Anne C. , Shohat-Ophir Galit , Rezaval Carolina
Published: July 2023

Courtship behaviors inDrosophila melanogasterare innate and contain highly stereotyped but also experience- and state-dependent elements. They have been the subject of intense study for more than 100 years. The power ofDrosophilaas a genetic experimental system has allowed the dissection of reproductive behaviors at a molecular, cellular, and physiological level. As a result, we know a great deal about how flies perceive sensory cues from potential mates, how this information is integrated in higher brain centers to execute reproductive decisions, and how state and social contexts modulate these responses. The simplicity of the assay has allowed for its broad application. Here, we introduce methods for studying male and female innate reproductive behaviors as well as their plastic responses.
Effects of climate CSA and CSR messaging: the moderating role of green consumer identity
Authors: Troy Cassandra L.C. , Norman Megan L.P. , Eng Nicholas , Freeman Jason , Bortree Denise S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this experimental study is to examine the effects of climate change corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social advocacy (CSA) messages on public perceptions of companies and collective action intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a 2 (message type: CSA vs CSR) × 2 (environmental issue: single-use plastics vs renewable energy) × 2 (company: Target vs Walmart) plus control online experimental design.

Findings

There were no main effects of message type on outcomes; however, green consumer identity moderated the relationship between message type and green purchase intention as well as negative word-of-mouth.

Originality/value

This study responds to calls by scholars to empirically compare the effects of CSR and CSA messages. Additionally, we consider group-level processes, like ingroup identity, in influencing strategic communication outcomes.
IndiGo Airlines in India: managing “moments of truth”
Authors: Jayakumar Tulsi , Dwivedi Vineeta
Published: July 2023

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this study are as follows:▪ to analyze service attributes that influence customers’ decisions to purchase services;▪ to identify the factors that influence customers’ perceptions of service quality;▪ to identify the “moments of truth” that the service provider (IndiGo) would need to monitor and manage through the service encounter; and▪ to use the Servuction model to analyze the various elements of the service process.

Case overview/synopsis

In May 2022, the chief executive officer of IndiGo Airlines - India’s largest passenger airline by market share, Ronojoy Dutta, faced flak over the airline staff's handling of a specially abled child travelling with his parents on IndiGo Airlines. The staff member, reacting to the tantrums of the disturbed child, had refused to allow the boy and his parents to board the flight. He had cited the “risk to other passengers” from the boy as the reason for such a refusal (Biswas, 2022). In spite of the boy’s parents being supported by their fellow passengers, the IndiGo staff member refused to relent, and the flight took off without the trio (Firstpost, 2022). The incident goes viral when a fellow flyer shares a Facebook post describing it first-hand and provokes widespread condemnation of the nation's “preferred airline” (IndiGo, 2023) by citizens and politicians on various social media platforms besides Facebook (Gupta, 2022). Dutta initially supports his employee even as he issues a statement expressing his regret at the “unfortunate incident” (Business Standard, 2022a). The regulatory body for aviation in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, imposes a fine of INR 5 lakh on IndiGo for denying boarding to a specially abled child (Indian Express, 2022). How could an incident like this impact the perception of IndiGo’s service quality? How could Dutta better ensure that IndiGo managed the various touch points with the customer over the entire service encounter – the “moments of truth”? How could he prevent such a fiasco in the future, ensuring that IndiGo remains India’s “preferred airline”?

Complexity academic level

This case is intended to be taught in an undergraduate or MBA marketing course in a module on service marketing. The case can also form a 90-min module in a service marketing course within an advanced management or executive education program.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CCS 8: Marketing.
Can social capital and planned behaviour favour an increased willingness to share scientific data? Evidence from data originators
Authors: Zhi Fengwen , Zhang Meng , Zhang Shuaijie , Cheng Congyuan , Shen Tao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the factors that drive researchers to share data and to provide reference for promoting open scientific data.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theory of social capital and the theory of planned behaviour, hypotheses were proposed and the model was developed. The authors acquired 479 valid samples of Chinese researchers through questionnaires and conducted an empirical analysis via AMOS 23.0.

Findings

Attitudes towards data sharing are significantly and positively correlated with trust, reciprocity and social interaction, but not with a shared vision; willingness to share data is significantly and positively correlated with attitudes and perceived behavioural control, but not with subjective norms; furthermore, data quality, which performed the function of a moderating variable, was found to play a facilitating role in the above correlations. Based on the findings, suggestions for relevant entities were specified.

Originality/value

The study developed and validated an integrated theoretical framework, clarified the mechanism by which social capital and planned behaviour affect willingness to share data, hoping to provide reference and empirical support for subsequent studies as well as new ideas for data management and sharing.
Artificial neural network simulation and sensitivity analysis for optimal thermal transport of magnetic viscous fluid over shrinking wedge via RSM
Authors: Zeeshan A. , Khan Muhammad Imran , Ellahi R. , Asghar Zaheer
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to model the important flow response quantities over a shrinking wedge with the help of response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN). An ANN simulation for optimal thermal transport of incompressible viscous fluid under the impact of the magnetic effect (MHD) over a shrinking wedge with sensitivity analysis and optimization with RSM has yet not been investigated. This effort is devoted to filling the gap in existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical experimental design is a setup with RSM using a central composite design (CCD). This setup involves the combination of values of input parameters such as porosity, shrinking and magnetic effect. The responses of skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number are required against each parameter combination of the experimental design, which is computed by solving the simplified form of the governing equations using bvp4c (a built-in technique in MATLAB). An empirical model for Cfxand Nuxusing RSM and ANN adopting the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm based on trained neural networks (LMA-TNN) is attained. The empirical model for skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number using RSM has 99.96% and 99.99% coefficients of determination, respectively.

Findings

The values of these matrices show the goodness of fit for these quantities. The authors compared the results obtained from bvp4c, RSM and ANN and found them all to be in good agreement. A sensitivity analysis is performed, which shows that Cfxas well as Nuxare most affected by porosity. However, they are least affected by magnetic parameters.

Originality/value

This study aims to simulate ANN and sensitivity analysis for optimal thermal transport of magnetic viscous fluid over shrinking wedge.
Examining toxic leadership, pay satisfaction and LMX among nurses: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Dartey-Baah Kwasi , Quartey Samuel Howard , Asante Kwame Gyeabour
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a relationship between pay satisfaction and leader–member relationship and examine pay satisfaction as a moderator of the relationship between toxic leadership and LMX among public sector nurses in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional survey approach, the authors used questionnaires to collect data from 225 nurses working in public hospitals in Ghana. The hypotheses were tested using covariance-based structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results of this study revealed that pay satisfaction levels of nurses had an influence on leader–member exchange (LMX). The results further showed that pay satisfaction as a moderator of the relationship between toxic leadership and LMX was not statistically significant.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional surveys are often criticised for causality issue. The causality issue here is that the link between toxic leadership, pay satisfaction and LMX was explored at a given point in time and ignores changes through time.

Practical implications

Hospitals must encourage their leaders to demonstrate more supportive and positive behaviours to foster positive leader–member relationships. Maladjusted, malcontent and malevolent leadership behaviours are dangerous for nurses and hospitals and can be addressed through leadership training and development.

Social implications

Toxic leadership has considerable organisational costs of low productivity and negative work relationship at the workplace. The indirect effects of toxic leadership at the workplace on employees’ families and friends are often silent in organisations.

Originality/value

Nurses have been ignored in toxic leadership research in emerging economies. LMX is extended to examine toxic leadership and pay satisfaction in public hospitals in an emerging economy.
Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 – a bibliometric analysis and conceptual framework development for future research agenda
Authors: Citybabu G. , Yamini S.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the research landscape of LSS 4.0 papers published in two well-known repositories, Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), in terms of publication trends, article distribution by author, journal, affiliations and country, and article clustering based on keywords, authors and countries. In addition, a literature review was carried out to build a conceptual framework of integrated Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 (LSS 4.0) that encompasses operational, sustainability and human factors or ergonomics aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review of integrated Lean Six Sigma and I4.0 publications published in Scopus and WoS databases in the current decade was conducted for the present study. This study categorizes LSS, I4.0 and related research articles based on publication patterns, journals, authors and affiliations, country and continental-wise distribution and clustering the articles based on keywords and authors from the Scopus and WoS databases from 2011 to 2022 using the search strings “Lean”, “Six Sigma”, “Lean Six Sigma” and “Industry 4.0” in the Title, Abstract and Keywords using Biblioshiny, VOS viewer and Microsoft Excel.

Findings

In the recent three years, from 2020 to 2022, LSS 4.0 has been substantially increasing and is seen as an emerging and trending area. This research identifies the most influential authors, most relevant affiliations, most prolific countries and most productive journals and clusters based on keywords, authors and countries. Further, a conceptual framework was developed that includes the impact of operational, sustainability and ergonomic or human factors in LSS 4.0.

Research limitations/implications

This article assists in comprehending the trends and patterns of LSS 4.0. Further, the conceptual framework helps professionals and researchers understand the significance and impact of integrating LSS and Industry 4.0 in the aspects of human factors/ergonomic, sustainability and operations. Also, the research induce professionals to incorporate all these factors while designing and implementing LSS 4.0 in their organization.

Originality/value

This conceptual framework and bibliometric analysis would aid in identifying potential areas of research and providing future directions in the domain of LSS 4.0. It will be beneficial for academicians, professionals and researchers who are planning to apply and integrate techniques of LSS and technologies of I4.0 in their organizations and research.
Benchmarking non-pharmacological policies from an efficient administration perspective: a panel DEA approach with strategic insights for the post-pandemic
Authors: Nepomuceno Thyago Celso Cavalcante , da Silva Miguel Gomes , Mori Maria Eugênia Vergilio , Silva Wilka Maria do N. , Pergher Isaac
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The recent increase in the number of infections and mortality rates in many regions has emphasized the cyclical nature of this pandemic, with new variants emerging constantly. Understanding what has been done by efficient administrations to contain the outbreak is essential while new immunization developments for the new variants are not available.

Design/methodology/approach

This work adapts the traditional Banker, Charnes and Cooper (BCC) Variable Returns to Scale model for including panel data on the Brazilian Federal Government spending over the first pandemic months in Pernambuco to identify efficient municipalities and conduct a benchmark on the best practices, reactions and implications that can serve as a guide for the post-Covid recurrence era.

Findings

The results provide an interesting panorama of municipal response to the pandemic and some quantitative and qualitative prospects on potentials for improvements from the perspective of efficient and inefficient cities. Only one administration (São Bento do Una) was identified as efficient for the entire period. The authors’ benchmark and discussion are focused on this municipality.

Originality/value

The authors believe this work has two innovative components. The first is a robust and systematic methodology integrating the advances in testing convexity and returns to scale in the construction of a production frontier based on panel data. The second is a discussion on what drives efficiency (benchmarking of best practices) in addition to how to quantitatively attain such efficiency prospects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, both methodological and empirical implications are original to the present manuscript.
It pays to be forthcoming: timing of data breach announcement, trust violation, and trust restoration
Authors: Muzatko Steven , Bansal Gaurav
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This research examines the relationship between the timeliness in announcing the discovery of a data breach and consumer trust in an e-commerce company, as well as later trust-rebuilding efforts taken by the company to compensate users impacted by the breach.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey experiment was used to examine the effect of both trust-reducing events (announced data breaches) and trust-enhancing events (provision of identity theft protection and credit monitoring) on consumer trust. The timeliness of the breach announcement by an e-commerce company was manipulated between two randomly assigned groups of subjects; one group viewed an announcement of the breach immediately upon its discovery, and the other viewed an announcement made two months after the breach was discovered. Consumer trust was measured before the breach, after the breach was announced, and finally, after the announcement of data protection.

Findings

The results suggest that companies that delay a data breach announcement are likely to suffer a larger drop in consumer trust than those that immediately disclose the data breach. The results also suggest that trust can be repaired by providing data protection. However, even after providing identity theft protection and credit monitoring, companies that fail to promptly disclose a breach have lower repaired trust than companies that promptly disclose.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on e-commerce trust by examining how a company's forthrightness in reporting a data breach impacts user trust at the time of the disclosure of the data breach and after subsequent efforts to repair trust.
Understanding proactive knowledge sharing and knowledge withholding in physician-driven online health communities – a professional role identity perspective
Authors: Li Jiaoyang , Li Xixi , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2023

Purpose

While spontaneous and voluntary knowledge contribution in online communities promotes value co-creation, dysfunctional knowledge behaviors hamper the effectiveness and development of such communities. The study conceptualizes physicians' proactive knowledge sharing and knowledge withholding behaviors in physician-driven online health communities (OHCs) and integrates the theories of role identity as well as communal and exchange relationships to understand the root causes and motivations behind these two types of knowledge behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected survey data from 166 users from one of the largest physician-driven OHCs in China and applied the covariance-based structural equation modeling approach to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings suggest that (1) physicians' professional role identity had a positive indirect effect on proactive knowledge sharing behaviors through communal motivation, and work pressure weakened this indirect effect; and (2) professional role identity had a negative indirect impact on knowledge withholding behaviors through exchange motivation.

Originality/value

This study extends proactive knowledge sharing and knowledge withholding behaviors from the organizational management domain to the online environment, exploring the underlying causes and motivations behind both behaviors in the unique context of physician-driven OHCs. The findings offer practical suggestions for the effective management of OHC platforms, as well as policy implications that respond to the workforce shortage of healthcare providers, a crisis that is unfolding globally.
Unpacking the mechanism linking digital servitization and manufacturing firm performance: the role of the service networks and slack resources
Authors: Zhou Dan , Wu Qihong , Lee Seoki , Li Xin , Sun Kai , Peng Xuerong
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to disentangle the mechanism linking digital servitization and manufacturing firm performance. The contributions of the service networks and slack resources are analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a survey of manufacturing firms that have implemented or are implementing digital service projects in China, this paper examines the mediation effect of service networks and the moderated mediation effect of slack resources to capture the role of service networks and slack resources in the relationship between digital servitization and manufacturing firm performance.

Findings

Both basic and advanced digital services can equally contribute to manufacturing firm performance. Service networks mediate the relationship between basic digital servitization and manufacturing firm performance. No moderated mediation effect of slack resources is found, but slack resources negatively moderate the effects of basic digital services on service networks and positively impact service networks.

Originality/value

The mediating mechanism of service networks in the relationship between digital servitization and manufacturing firm performance is theorized, and it is clarified that service networks mediate the association between basic digital services and manufacturing firm performance but not advanced digital services. Additionally, there is no significant difference in performance implications when manufacturing firms provide basic versus advanced digital services, answering the call for research on the various types of digital servitization. This paper also identifies firms’ slack resources as the boundary conditions under which basic digital services influence service networks and the positive impacts of slack resources on service networks, bridging the network literature, organizational slack literature and digitalization literature under the framework of service ecosystem research.
Bibliometric analysis of cybercrime and cybersecurity risks literature
Authors: Nobanee Haitham , Alodat Ahmad , Bajodah Reem , Al-Ali Maryam , Al Darmaki Alyazia
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the research developments and works pertaining to cybersecurity risks.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis of 749 studies on cybersecurity risks published between 1999 and 2021 was conducted using Scopus and the VOSviewer software.

Findings

This study reveals various findings, including the most influential authors and the top countries, journals, papers, funding institutions and affiliations publishing research on cybersecurity risks. The bibliometric analysis shows that the existing studies have affected the knowledge of the consequences of cybersecurity risks. However, some research gaps still exist in this field.

Originality/value

This study’s contribution is that it presents a comprehensive evaluation of the research on cybercrime and cybersecurity risks. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, bibliometric analysis has not been conducted on cybersecurity risks. This study’s findings are likely to prove useful to practitioners and academics in mitigating the consequences of cybercrime and cybersecurity risks.
Office property price index forecasting using neural networks
Authors: Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Yun
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Chinese housing market has witnessed rapid growth during the past decade and the significance of housing price forecasting has undoubtedly elevated, becoming an important issue to investors and policymakers. This study aims to examine neural networks (NNs) for office property price index forecasting from 10 major Chinese cities for July 2005–April 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors aim at building simple and accurate NNs to contribute to pure technical forecasts of the Chinese office property market. To facilitate the analysis, the authors explore different model settings over algorithms, delays, hidden neurons and data-spitting ratios.

Findings

The authors reach a simple NN with three delays and three hidden neurons, which leads to stable performance of about 1.45% average relative root mean square error across the 10 cities for the training, validation and testing phases.

Originality/value

The results could be used on a standalone basis or combined with fundamental forecasts to form perspectives of office property price trends and conduct policy analysis.
Revisiting the paradigm of Sharīʿah governance of Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Ayub Muhammad , Hassan M. Kabir , Saba Irum
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out the possible gaps in the Sharīʿah governance, and suggest how to fill the same, in line with the principles of Islamic finance and the global developments regarding social and value-based financial intermediation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses secondary data gathered through analysis of documents and regulations to portray the current Sharīʿah governance framework and to suggest a unique paradigm to be adopted by the regulators of Islamic financial institutions.

Findings

The paradigm encompassing value-oriented financial ecosystem would need a comprehensive set of discipline, accountability and governance for making the pursuit of sustainable development goals and corporate social responsibilities effective in a well-defined schedule prepared and implemented by the regulators.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of this research is limited to theory building in the light of emerging trends in responsible and social finance. It is not to empirically test the impact of the governance framework in terms of social justice, corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Practical implications

It would help the policy makers, regulators, researchers and the practitioners in finance to align banking and finance with social and environmental responsibility, and equity through governance and accountability for realizing the sustainable development goals.

Social implications

It links the regulatory approaches to the emerging paradigm and ecosystem comprising sustainability and value-based governance, awareness and corporate social responsibility.

Originality/value

The paper adds value to the current regulatory frameworks enabling the Islamic financial institutions to realize the economic, social and sustainability objectives, in addition to Shariah legitimacy and enhanced credibility.
Essential 6: articulated agreements – foundation and guidance for PDS work
Authors: Goree Krystal , Badiali Bernard , Burns Rebecca West , Coler Cynthia , Cosenza Michael , Polly Drew , Stoicovy Donnan , Zenkov Kristien
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe key aspects of and provide examples of Essential 6 of the Second Edition of the National Association for Professional Development Schools (NAPDS) Nine Essentials.
Age‐specific impacts of vegetation functional traits on gastrointestinal nematode parasite burdens in a large herbivore
Authors: Wiersma Ellis , Pakeman Robin J. , Bal Xavier , Pilkington Jill G. , Pemberton Josephine M. , Nussey Daniel H. , Sweeny Amy R.
Published: July 2023

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites play an important role in the ecological dynamics of many animal populations. Recent studies suggest that fine‐scale spatial variation in GIN infection dynamics is important in wildlife systems, but the environmental drivers underlying this variation remain poorly understood.

We used data from over two decades of GIN parasite egg counts, host space use, and spatial vegetation data from a long‐term study of Soay sheep on St Kilda to test how spatial autocorrelation and vegetation in an individual's home range predict parasite burden across three age groups. We developed a novel approach to quantify the plant functional traits present in a home range to describe the quality of vegetation present.

Effects of vegetation and space varied between age classes. In immature lambs, strongyle parasite faecal egg counts (FEC) were spatially structured, being highest in the north and south of our study area. Independent of host body weight and spatial autocorrelation, plant functional traits predicted parasite egg counts. Higher egg counts were associated with more digestible and preferred plant functional traits, suggesting the association could be driven by host density and habitat preference.

In contrast, we found no evidence that parasite FEC were related to plant functional traits in the host home range in yearlings or adult sheep. Adult FEC were spatially structured, with highest burdens in the north‐east of our study area, while yearling FEC showed no evidence of spatial structuring.

Parasite burdens in immature individuals appear more readily influenced by fine‐scale spatial variation in the environment, highlighting the importance of such heterogeneity for our understanding of wildlife epidemiology and health. Our findings support the importance of fine‐scale environmental variation for wildlife disease ecology and provides new evidence that such effects may vary across demographic groups within a population.
Closing the miscommunication gap: A user guide to developing picture‐based communication tools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in emergency departments
Authors: Jameel Aishah , Penny Lauren , Arabena Kerry
Published: July 2023

Objective

To document an illustration‐based methodology for culturally safe communication between Indigenous patients and clinicians in an urban ED.

Methods

We co‐designed a pre‐ED visual tool to minimise miscommunication when triaging First Nations patients. Our steps included establishing project governance, conducting a literature review, obtaining ethics approval and designing illustrations. We then consulted relevant stakeholders, finalised the resource and contributed to the evidence base and to knowledge exchange.

Results

Co‐design is an important principle in reducing miscommunication and ensuring cultural safety in EDs.

Conclusions

Co‐design methodologies can guide improvements in culturally safe clinical communication with First Nations patients in EDs.
Protective effects of nattokinase against microvasculopathy and neuroinflammation in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Huang Zijing , Chu Wai Kit , Ng Tsz Kin , Chen Shaolang , Liang Jiajian , Chen Chong‐Bo , Xu Yanxuan , Xie Biyao , Ke Shuping , Liu Qingping , Chen Weiqi , Huang Dingguo
Published: July 2023

Aims

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant global public health concern. Alternative, safe, and cost‐effective pharmacologic approaches are warranted. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of nattokinase (NK) for early DR and the underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods

A mouse model of diabetes induced by streptozotocin was utilized and NK was administered via intravitreal injection. Microvascular abnormities were evaluated by examining the leakage from blood–retinal barrier dysfunction and loss of pericytes. Retinal neuroinflammation was examined through the assessment of glial activation and leukostasis. The level of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and its downstream signaling molecules was evaluated following NK treatment.

Results

NK administration significantly improved the blood–retinal barrier function and rescued pericyte loss in the diabetic retinas. Additionally, NK treatment inhibited diabetes‐induced gliosis and inflammatory response and protected retinal neurons from diabetes‐induced injury. NK also improved high glucose‐induced dysfunction in cultured human retinal micrangium endothelial cells. Mechanistically, NK regulated diabetes‐induced inflammation partially by modulating HMGB1 signaling in the activated microglia.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the protective effects of NK against microvascular damages and neuroinflammation in the streptozotocin‐induced DR model, suggesting that NK could be a potential pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of DR.
Differentially expressed protein‐coding genes in ankylosing spondylitis: Emerging insights into pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Xiao Chuyu , Zhou Jingyang , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2023

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting the spine, axial skeleton, and sacroiliac joints. Pathogenesis of AS encompasses enthesitis, synovitis, and osteoproliferation, leading to the formation of syndesmophytes, ankylosis, and spinal rigidity. Bioinformatics, an interdisciplinary field combining computer science, mathematics, and biology, enables the analysis of complex biological data for investigating AS pathogenesis. This review summarizes differentially expressed protein‐coding genes in peripheral blood or local tissues of AS patients compared with healthy controls and comprehensively reviews currently available therapeutic agents. The objective is to enhance the understanding of AS pathogenesis, inform diagnosis, identify novel therapeutic targets, and facilitate personalized medicine. This review contributes to a deeper understanding of AS pathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing innovative therapeutic approaches.
Silicon dioxide in the defence induction of soybean against Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Otolakoski Michele Gevinski , Bagio Bianca Zampieron , Viegas Brenda Gallina , Milan Crislaine Sartori Suzana , Huzar‐Novakowiski Jaqueline
Published: July 2023

Silicon can increase the natural defence of plants against stresses including herbivorous insects. Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is one of the forms of silicon, and despite its wide use in the industrial sector, its use in agriculture is still poorly adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of foliar application of SiO2 in inducing defence against Spodoptera frugiperda in soybean. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomised design with four treatments (0%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5% of SiO2). The effect on cannibalism, biological parameters (mortality, duration of the larval stage, duration of the pupal stage and pupal weight) and wear on the mandible of S. frugiperda were evaluated. The foliar silicon content was also determined. The supply of SiO2 prolonged the duration of the larval and pupal stages of the S. frugiperda by 0.56 and 0.17 days for each 1% of SiO2 applied, respectively. The use of SiO2 at 5% increased the mortality rate of caterpillars in the larval stage by approximately 25%. There was no effect of SiO2 application on cannibalism and weight of S. frugiperda pupae. There was wear on the caterpillars' jaws in the third and fourth instar at the highest SiO2 concentration. The application of SiO2 promoted greater accumulation of silicon in soybean leaves. It is concluded that the foliar application of SiO2 affects the biological performance of S. frugiperda through the induction of defence in the soybean crop and presents itself as a promising strategy in integrated pest management programmes.
A feasibility study of modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and capecitabine for advanced gastric cancer followed by gastrectomy
Authors: Liang Yao , Maeda Osamu , Miyata Kazushi , Tanaka Chie , Kanda Mitsuro , Shimizu Dai , Fukaya Masahide , Koike Masahiko , Kodera Yasuhiro , Ando Yuichi
Published: July 2023

Aims

To explore the feasibility of modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and capecitabine (mDCX) chemotherapy with a lower dose of docetaxel than previously reported for stage III resectable gastric cancer patients with a high risk of recurrence or for stage IV gastric cancer patients aiming for conversion surgery.

Methods

Patients with stage III resectable HER2‐negative gastric cancer with large type 3 or type 4 tumors or extensive lymph node metastasis (bulky N or cN3) and those who had stage IV HER2‐negative gastric cancer with distant metastasis were enrolled to receive 30 mg/m2 docetaxel and 60 mg/m2 cisplatin on day 1, followed by 2000 mg/m2 capecitabine per day for 2 weeks every 3 weeks.

Results

Five patients with stage III gastric cancer with a high risk of recurrence received three courses of mDCX, and four patients with stage IV gastric cancer received three or four courses of mDCX. In terms of grade 3 or worse adverse events, leukopenia was observed in one (11%) patient, neutropenia in two (22%) patients, anemia in one (11%) patient, anorexia in two (22%) patients and nausea in two (22%) patients. All six patients with measurable lesions achieved a partial response. All nine patients underwent subsequent surgeries. The histological responses of the nine patients revealed grade 3 in one (11%) patient, grade 2 in five (56%) patients, and grade 1a in three (33%) patients. Three of the nine patients survived without recurrence, and two of them survived for more than four years.

Conclusions

mDCX seems to be feasible and may be helpful as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients at high risk of recurrence or as chemotherapy for patients who are likely to undergo conversion surgery.
Making (and enduring) feminist relations
Authors: Kenny Bridget
Published: July 2023

This essay reviews Srila Roy's (2022) Changing the Subject. It notes the multiple dimensions along which she articulates feminist and queer politics in two organizations in West Bengal, India, including scale, space, and generation. Feminism and queer politics are co‐constituted from the Global South, across rural and urban relations, and through older and younger generations of activism. By examining two sites of the constitution of feminist and queer politics, she shows how “queer feminist governmentalities” and processes of subjectification emerge and entangle in different ways. The review goes on to ask several questions about understandings of the political. Finally, I engage her conclusions around critique as care. Roy's book offers a rich ethnographic contribution to debates over politics in neoliberal times.
Snow (intermittent)
Authors: McLean Stuart
Published: July 2023

This piece was written as part of a series of “hundreds” in honor of Katie Stewart. It offers a condensed reflection on what Katie's work taught me about the importance of the fleeting and ephemeral in the constitution of social worlds.
Atrangik narivad: New directions for queer feminist studies in India
Authors: Batra Kanika
Published: July 2023

This essay places Srila Roy's recently published Changing the Subject in dialogue with my book Worlding Postcolonial Sexualities, studying Southern feminist and queer activism to reveal solidarities and dissensions contributing to new world‐making forms. My focus is on the first section of Changing the Subject, where Roy describes her research with Sappho for Equality (SFE) to map a queer feminism—one I describe as atrangik narivad in Hindi—characterized by three specific shifts: from physical (community center, organization offices, homes) to virtual spaces; from lesbian to trans concerns; and from activism to consumption. The essay concludes with some observations and queries about feminist, queer pedagogy in connection with Roy's students in South Africa and mine in North America and India.
miRNAs as key modulators between normal cells and tumor microenvironment interactions
Authors: Nour Shabnam Mohammadi , Abbasi Nadia , Sadi Sima , Ravan Navid , Alipourian Ali , Yarizadeh Mahsa , Soofi Asma , Ataei Ali , Tehrany Pooya M.
Published: July 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is well‐defined target for understanding tumor progression and various cell types. Major elements of the tumor microenvironment are the followings: endothelial cells, fibroblasts, signaling molecules, extracellular matrix, and infiltrating immune cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs with major functions in the gene expression regulation at post‐transcriptional level that have also appeared to exerts key functions in the cancer initiation/progression in diverse biological processes and the tumor microenvironment. This study summarized various roles of miRNAs in the complex interactions between the tumor and normal cells in their microenvironment.
Efficacy of a collagen matrix for soft tissue augmentation after implant placement compared to connective tissue grafts: A multicenter, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jepsen Karin , Sailer Irena , Strasding Malin , Zeltner Marco , Cordaro Luca , Mirisola di Torresanto Vincenzo , Schwarz Frank , Zuhr Otto , Akakpo Dodji , Bonnet Franck , Sanz‐Martín Ignacio , Thoma Daniel S. , Strauss Franz J. , Sanz Mariano
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To test whether soft tissue volume augmentation using a collagen matrix (VCMX) leads to noninferior results in terms of gain of mucosal thickness at single implant sites, compared to connective tissue grafts (SCTG).

Methods

The study was designed as a multi‐center randomized controlled clinical trial. Subjects in need of soft tissue volume augmentation at single tooth implant sites were consecutively recruited at nine centers. The deficient mucosal thickness at the implant sites (one per patient) was augmented by applying either a VCMX or a SCTG. Patients were examined at 120 days (abutment connection = primary endpoint), 180 days (final restoration), and 360 days (1‐year after insertion of the final restoration). Outcome measures included: transmucosal probing of the mucosal thickness (crestal = primary outcome), profilometric measurements of the tissue volume, and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Results

Out of the 88 patients, 79 attended the one‐year follow‐up. The median increase of the crestal mucosal thickness between pre‐augmentation and 120 days was 0.3 ± 2.1 mm in the VCMX group and 0.8 ± 1.6 mm in the SCTG group (p = .455). Non‐inferiority of the VCMX compared to the SCTG was not observed. The respective numbers at the buccal aspect amounted to 0.9 ± 2.0 mm (VCMX) and 1.1 ± 1.4 mm (SCTG; p = .431). PROMs including pain perception favored the VCMX group.

Conclusion

It remains inconclusive whether soft tissue augmentation using a VCMX is noninferior to SCTG in terms of crestal mucosal thickening at single implant sites. However, the use of collagen matrices favors PROMs especially pain perception, while achieving similar buccal volume gains along with comparable clinical and aesthetic parameters to SCTG.
Motivations for, and barriers to, landowner participation in Argentina's payments for ecosystem services program
Authors: Nuñez Godoy Cristina Cecilia , Pienaar Elizabeth Frances
Published: July 2023

Payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs are a common policy tool to conserve forests. Effective PES programs attain conservation and social equity outcomes by actively engaging diverse landowners in long‐term land stewardship and meeting landowners’ needs. In 2017–2018, we conducted 32 in‐depth interviews with landowners, technicians, and government officials to attain insights into how the PES program in Salta province, Argentina, has performed in terms of (1) motivating landowners to enroll in PES, and (2) ensuring their satisfaction with the design and performance of the program, a necessary precondition to ensure long‐term forest stewardship. Interviewees suggested that landowners enroll in PES because they are restricted from engaging in more profitable land uses, they are not reliant on income from their land, they need PES payments to cover their land management costs, they are unable or unwilling to sell their land because their property values have been adversely impacted by land‐use restrictions, they want to sustainably manage forested land, and/or they want to protect their property rights. Interviewees stated that land title requirements, conflicts over user rights, and high transaction costs hinder PES enrollment and exacerbate social conflicts between landowners and indigenous communities. Finally, interviewees questioned the conservation effectiveness of the PES program, owing to the program design and inadequate funding. Our findings suggest that engaging technicians, landowners, and indigenous communities in discussions on how the structure of the PES program could be improved might allow for shared learning, improved institutional trust, and the design of more flexible contracts that would facilitate sustained conservation and improved social equity.
Geographies of alcohol and generation: Examining the decline in youth drinking in England through a spatial lens
Authors: Fenton Laura , Fairbrother Hannah , Whitaker Victoria , Henney Madeleine , Stevely Abigail Kate , Holmes John
Published: July 2023

Introduction

While international literature addresses the links between youth culture and the decline in youth drinking, little research has engaged with scholarship on youth geographies to more fully disentangle these links. This article explores how the decline is connected to shifts in where young people access and drink alcohol.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with young people aged 12–19 (N = 96) and 29–35 (N = 17) years in England. The interviews explored the place of alcohol in everyday life, with younger participants discussing the present and older participants discussing their youth in the late 1990s to early 2000s. Data were analysed thematically.

Findings

Buying alcohol in shops and licensed premises was a common experience for older participants when they were teenagers but few younger participants discussed buying alcohol from commercial settings. Older participants also reflected positively on drinking in outdoor public spaces whereas younger participants, particularly those from working‐class backgrounds, regarded this as morally suspect. Young participants instead accessed alcohol from parents and siblings, and often consumed it in their or others' homes in supervised or moderated ways, seeing this as positive and normative.

Discussion and Conclusion

Spatial shifts in young people's drinking away from public spaces and toward the home appear an important part of a wider trend that renders youth drinking as increasingly moderate, risk‐averse, incidental and mediated by parents, rather than excessive, transgressive and integral to youth culture.