bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEO activism is not equal to CEO activism: a typology of executives' political statements
Authors: Rumstadt Franz , Kanbach Dominik K. , Arweck Josef , Maran Thomas K. , Stubner Stephan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

When CEOs are publicly weighing in on sociopolitical debates, this is known as CEO activism. The steadily growing number of such statements made in recent years has been subject to a flourishing academic debate. This field offers first profound findings from observational studies. However, the discussion of CEO activism lacks a thorough theoretical grounding, such as a shared concept accounting for the heterogeneity of sociopolitical incidents. Thus, the aim of this paper is to provide an archetypal framework for CEO activism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a multiple case study approach on 145 activism cases stated by CEOs and found seven distinct statement archetypes.

Findings

The study identifies four main structural design elements accounting for the heterogeneity of activism, i.e. the addressed meta-category of the statement, the targeted outcome, the used tonality and the orientation of the CEOs’ positions. Further, the authors found seven distinguishable archetypes of CEO activism statements: “Climate Alerts”, “Economy Visions”, “Political Comments”, “Self-reflections and Social Concerns”, “Tech Designs”, “Unclouded Evaluations” and “Descriptive Explanations”.

Research limitations/implications

This typology classifies the heterogeneity of CEO activism. It will enable the analysis of interrelationships, mechanisms and motivations on a differentiated level and raise the comprehensibility of research-results.

Practical implications

The framework supports executives in understanding the heterogeneity of CEO activism and to analyse personality-fits.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this marks the first conceptualisation of activism developed cross-thematically. The work supports further theory-building on CEO activism.
Towards the circular economy from the perspective of new institutional theory: a systematic analysis of the literature with InOrdinatio protocol
Authors: de Oliveira Vieira Bárbara , Guarnieri Patricia
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the publication stage on the transition to a circular economy (CE) from the perspective of the isomorphic mechanisms of the new institutional theory (NIT).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic literature review using the Methodi Ordinatio protocol across four databases, resulting in the analysis of 17 articles.

Findings

The authors identified a network of CE studies among universities in different countries. As a main result, this study contributed to demonstrating the diversity of approaches available to investigate CE, the importance of stakeholders in the process of transition from linear economy to CE and the means for the transition to CE, as well as the need for future studies covering the detailed analysis of the transition process and the comparison of the evolution of the states/regions of the same country in this process.

Originality/value

The study analyses and summarises the existing literature on CE through the lens of the NIT, analysing the stage of publication based on the phases of implementation of CE (micro, meso and macro). With a research agenda, it presents the current gaps, providing a possible direction for future studies.
Close to the edge: Spatial variation in plant diversity, biomass and floral resources in conventional and agri‐environment cereal fields
Authors: Sutcliffe Laura M. E. , Schellenberg Jenny , Meyer Stefan , Leuschner Christoph
Published: July 2024

Non‐crop (segetal) plants in arable systems are commonly perceived simply as ‘weeds’, that is, harmful at worst and undesirable at best. The increase in management intensity in European arable systems has vastly reduced the populations of all but the most disturbance‐tolerant plant species, negatively impacting the whole agricultural food web. In recent years, efforts have been made to promote agricultural biodiversity through measures such as flower strips and unsprayed field margins. However, studies of their impacts on the arable flora have rarely considered their spatial variation within the crop field.

We investigated the spatial distribution of vascular plant species richness and their contribution to the food web via biomass and flower units in conventional and agri‐environment cereal fields in six regions of Germany. We studied two types of in‐crop measures (extensive cereals without pesticides or fertiliser, and with or without intercropping with flowering species) and one adjacent measure (neighbouring flower strip), recording at 1‐m intervals from the field edge to the interior. These results were then extrapolated to illustrate the effects of these measures on resource provision at the field scale.

Species richness and plant biomass dropped off sharply after the first metre in the conventional treatments, regardless of the adjacent habitat. The ‘extensive’ treatments maintained a much higher level of diversity and resource provision in the field interior. At the field level, this can mean more than a 60‐fold difference in the provision of flowering resources between conventional management (1900 flower units/ha) and agri‐environment measures (AEMs) (127,000 units/ha for extensive cereals).

Synthesis and applications. The strong edge effects we found in conventional cultivation support the premise that reducing field sizes could play a role in promoting in‐crop biodiversity. However, incorporating extensive field margins as an AEM would be more efficient at maximising the diversity of generalists whilst maintaining high yields.
Epistemic uncertainty challenges aging clock reliability in predicting rejuvenation effects
Authors: Kriukov Dmitrii , Kuzmina Ekaterina , Efimov Evgeniy , Dylov Dmitry V. , Khrameeva Ekaterina E.
Published: July 2024

Epigenetic aging clocks have been widely used to validate rejuvenation effects during cellular reprogramming. However, these predictions are unverifiable because the true biological age of reprogrammed cells remains unknown. We present an analytical framework to consider rejuvenation predictions from the uncertainty perspective. Our analysis reveals that the DNA methylation profiles across reprogramming are poorly represented in the aging data used to train clock models, thus introducing high epistemic uncertainty in age estimations. Moreover, predictions of different published clocks are inconsistent, with some even suggesting zero or negative rejuvenation. While not questioning the possibility of age reversal, we show that the high clock uncertainty challenges the reliability of rejuvenation effects observed during in vitro reprogramming before pluripotency and throughout embryogenesis. Conversely, our method reveals a significant age increase after in vivo reprogramming. We recommend including uncertainty estimation in future aging clock models to avoid the risk of misinterpreting the results of biological age prediction.
Effects of habitat quality on body condition and chronic stress in Brazilian non‐volant small mammals
Authors: de Oliveira M. M. , Rodrigues D. R. , Araújo L. M. G. , Leiner N. O.
Published: July 2024

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation of habitats are among the most pervasive impacts on species persistence. Mammals may vary in their response to these impacts, both in abundance and in physiological parameters. Herein, we verified how habitat quality influenced the small mammal nutritional status and stress levels among five semi‐deciduous forest remnants in the Brazilian Cerrado. To assess species' physiological responses, we used body condition as an indicator of nutritional status and neutrophil/lymphocyte (N/L) ratio as an indicator of chronic stress in Gracilinanus agilis and Rhipidomys macrurus. We sampled 264 animals belonging to the following species: G. agilis, Didelphis albiventris, Akodon montensis, Oligoryzomys spp., Rattus rattus, R. macrurus, Oecomys cleberi, Hylaeamys megacephalus, and three unidentified rodent species. We found no negative effect of reduced habitat quality on the body condition of G. agilis and R. macrurus, however, the N/L ratios of these species were lower only in high‐quality habitats, demonstrating that this parameter is an accurate indicator of chronic stress. Based on preliminary analysis, we also reported an impoverished fauna, mainly dominated by generalist species, in low‐quality habitats. Thus, we conclude that short‐term reduction in habitat quality leads to increased stress levels, which can in turn lead to future population declines and culminate in biotic homogenization.
Combining biological control approaches for managing insect crop pests in the field can generate interactive effects
Authors: Crowther Lucy I. , Wilby Andrew , Wilson Kenneth
Published: July 2024

With the loss of effective chemical controls of crop pests, a move towards biological controls is a way to future‐proof our agricultural system. Floral field margins have shown successes in reducing crop pests, though the effect may not be precise enough to control infestations in commercial crops. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) may provide a more species‐ and time‐specific control and combining these methods may have synergy.

Three in‐field vegetation margins, divided into four plots each (two floral and two grass), were established in March 2022. Three strips of sprouting broccoli were planted parallel in April, May and June. Each strip had a split‐plot design, with eight replicates of four nematode treatments placed alongside each floral/grass plot: Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and a nematode‐free control.

Pest pressure was assessed using adult counts. Assessments of crop yield and crop damage associated specifically with the swede smidge (Contarinia nasturtii) were also made.

It was found that utilising a combination of control measures was successful in controlling a wider range of pests, though the success of each control method was highly dependent on the time of crop plantings. Field margins had a significant influence on crop damage associated with the swede midge. The EPN H. bacteriophora was an effective control method for the cabbage stem flea beetle and the swede midge, as well as reducing crop damage and yield loss.

Field margins and EPNs combined have an interactive effect on crop yield, highlighting the need for control methods to be tested in combination in future integrated pest management research to accurately understand their effects within an integrated system.
Letter: Critical appraisal of biologic therapy in early ulcerative colitis management—Addressing study limitations and the role of psychological resilience
Authors: Lan Qing , Guo Long , Xiong Zhifan
Published: July 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Strande et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18097 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18187.
Normalisation of evacuation under slow emergencies: The imposed story of ‘Beautiful New Hong Kong’
Authors: Huang Shu‐Mei , Chen Ying‐Fen , Cheung Wing Yin , Leung King‐Hung
Published: July 2024

Hong Kong, in contrast to its previous image as a glamourous global city, has recently been associated with negative keywords such as oppression, fear, violence and even human rights emergency, following the 2019 Anti‐Extradition Law Movement and later the implementation of National Security Law (NSL) in 2020. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Special Area Administration presented a post‐NSL policy direction as promising a ‘Beautiful New Hong Kong’. This paper is aimed at understanding how Hongkongers have continuously lived with/against the imposed (re)writing of Hong Kong. We examined how Hongkongers have been taking initiatives to raise awareness about the ‘slow emergencies’ in Hong Kong and to counter it in various forms of ‘evacuation’, whether they are on the move or staying put in place, in order to pursue future‐making. We carried out a multi‐sited study on the two kinds of Hongkongers between January 2020 and August 2023. We talked to those who already left Hong Kong for Taiwan, the UK, Canada, and so forth, and with those who were debating about relocation and at the same time preparing for departure if necessary. We strategically read ‘evacuation’ in two senses: First, evacuation responds to emergencies and therefore by adopting ‘evacuation’ is itself a disagreement with the Beautiful New Hong Kong policy as curated by the state. Second, evacuation responds to geography of future and politics of simultaneity. We conceptualised ‘normalisation of evacuation’ to understand the future‐making behind the move in Hong Kong. The particular kind of evacuation discussed took shape in two forms, relocation elsewhere and reorganisation in situ, both of which, in our analysis, are demonstrating Hongkongers' agency in pursuing geographies of future beyond the state‐led agenda.
Land‐use changes impact responses of termite functional and taxonomic diversity in the Colombian Amazon
Authors: Duran‐Bautista Ervin Humprey , Yalanda‐Sepulveda Katherin , Martínez‐Triviño Kenna , Gamboa Jean
Published: July 2024

Habitat degradation, a common consequence of land‐use changes, reduces termite species richness. However, the impact of these changes on functional diversity remains poorly understood. This research aimed to assess the response of the taxonomic and functional diversity of termites in different land uses within the Colombian Amazon. Termites were surveyed in three habitat types (secondary forest, silvopastoral system, and agroforestry system) using a structured sampling design with 36 sampling points. Seven functional traits were measured from 30 individuals (worker caste) per species. We collected 23,140 individuals distributed in 2 families, 7 subfamilies, 50 genera, and 95 species. Results showed higher taxonomic diversity in the secondary forest compared to silvopastoral and agroforestry systems, which were similar. Likewise, the secondary forest presented higher functional species differentiation than the agricultural systems. Furthermore, land‐use intensification led to changes in functional traits, with body size increasing in degraded habitats. This research provides significant evidence of the consequences of land use changes on the taxonomic diversity and functional traits of termites, emphasizing the importance of considering functional diversity responses in future research.
The legal, policy, institutional and programmatic context for protecting children against online sexual exploitation in Tunisia
Authors: Midani Dorra Loudhaief , Deliege Antoine , Burton Patrick , Amo‐Adjei Joshua
Published: July 2024

Evidence is absent in the legal, policy and programmatic landscape of online child sexual exploitation in countries in the Global South. Our work begins to contribute to filling this literature gap, drawing evidence from Tunisia, one of the least studied countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We reviewed legal and policy documents directly or indirectly connected to online child sexual exploitation, complemented with interviews from diverse actors in the child protection space at the national and sub‐national levels. We note that Tunisia is a signatory to several international and regional treaties and conventions that can be leveraged to tackle online sexual exploitation of children. Still, these have yet to be fully exploited for the benefit of children. Furthermore, we observed several disparate laws at the country level. These laws are scattered in many legal documents, and some aspects could be more specific, but currently not, which poses significant legal challenges to protecting children. Finally, many institutions implementing programmes in this space create less coordination and sometimes confusion. At best, interventions seem ad hoc without any clear mandate of specificity in institutional leadership. The implications of the findings for policies and programmes are highlighted.
TGFβ‐mediated inhibition of hypodermal adipocyte progenitor differentiation promotes wound‐induced skin fibrosis
Authors: Yin Meimei , Sun Lixiang , Wu Shuai , Ma Jinhang , Zhang Wenlu , Ji Xiaoxuan , Tang Zhichong , Zhang Xiaowei , Yang Yichun , Zhang Xinyuan , Huang Jin‐wen , Zheng Shaoluan , Liu Wen‐jie , Ji Chao , Zhang Ling‐juan
Published: July 2024

Aberrant activation of dermal fibroblasts during wound healing often leads to debilitating fibrotic changes in the skin, such as scleroderma and keloids. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we established a wound‐induced skin fibrosis (WISF) mouse model in mature adult mice, characterised by excessive deposition of collagen bundles, loss of dermal adipocytes, and enrichment of DPP4+Ly6A+THY1+ hypodermal interstitial adipocyte progenitors (HI‐APs) and pericytes, resembling human fibrotic skin diseases. This WISF model exhibited an age‐dependent gain of fibrotic characteristics, contrasting with the wound‐induced hair neogenesis observed in younger mice. Through comprehensive analyses of the WISF, we delineated a trajectory of fibroblast differentiation that originates from HI‐APs. These progenitors highly expressed several extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and exhibited a TGFβ pathway signature. TGFβ was identified as the key signal to inhibit the adipogenic potential and maintain the fibrogenic potential of dermal APs. Additionally, administering a TGFβ receptor inhibitor to wound scar reduced the abundance of ECM‐producing APs. Finally, analysis of human scleroderma skin tissues revealed a negative correlation between the expression of AP‐, ECM‐, and TGFβ pathway‐related genes and PPARG. Overall, this study establishes a wound‐induced skin fibrosis mouse model and demonstrates that TGFβ‐mediated blockage of HI‐AP differentiation is crucial for driving fibrotic pathology. Targeting HI‐APs and adipogenesis may provide novel avenues for developing disease‐modifying therapies for fibrotic skin diseases.
Which Is More Suitable for First‐Line Treatment of Extensive‐Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer, PD‐L1 Inhibitors Versus PD‐1 Inhibitors? A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Yu Lulin , Feng Yuqian , Huang Siyu , Hua Yuxin , Peng Mingying , Ruan Shanming , Zhang Kai
Published: July 2024

Background

In this network meta‐analysis (NMA), the efficiency and safety of PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy were compared in the first‐line therapy of patients with extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC).

Methods

We searched research databases, conference abstracts, and trial registries and subsequently chose relevant studies and extracted dates. The NMA was conducted to estimate the efficiency and safety of the PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy on overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), overall remission rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs). Studies were assessed for quality. Subgroup analyses were used to evaluate study heterogeneity.

Results

We included six randomized trials with a total of 3163 patients. Direct comparisons showed that patients who received either PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy (HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57–0.87) or PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy (HR: 0.74, 0.61–0.89) demonstrated significantly longer OS than those who received placebo + chemotherapy. The results of the NMA showed that no significant differences in OS (HR 0.96 95% CI: 0.72–1.3), PFS (HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.51–1.4), and ORR (OR 1.3 95% CI: 0.66–2.5) were observed for PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy compared with PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy, but the Bayesian ranking revealed that patients receiving PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy tended to have longer OS, PFS benefit, and better treatment response than patients receiving PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy. In terms of safety, no significant difference was observed in their safety profiles.

Conclusion

In comparison to placebo + chemotherapy, PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy significantly improved survival for ES‐SCLC. According to the available data, PD‐L1 inhibitors + chemotherapy and PD‐1 inhibitors + chemotherapy had equivalent efficacy and safety; however, the level of evidence of this type of comparison is limited.
Obesity‐induced upregulation of miR‐483‐5p impairs the function and identity of pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Yuan Honglei , He Mei , Yang Qinnan , Niu Fandi , Zou Yuchen , Liu Chen , Yang Yang  , Liu Aiming , Chang Xiaoai , Chen Fang , Wu Tijun , Han Xiao , Zhang Yaqin
Published: July 2024

Aim

To assess the expression and function of miR‐483‐5p in diabetic β cells.

Methods

The expression of miR‐483‐5p was evaluated in the pancreatic islets of obesity mouse models by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Dual‐luciferase activity, and western blotting assays, were utilized for miR‐483‐5p target gene verification. Mice with β cell‐specific miR‐483‐5p downregulation were studied under metabolic stress (i.e. a high‐fat diet) condition. Lineage tracing was used to determine β‐cell fate.

Results

miR‐483‐5p increased in the islets of obese mouse models. Expression levels of miR‐483‐5p were significantly upregulated with the treatment of high glucose and palmitate, in both MIN6 cells and mouse islets. Overexpression of miR‐483‐5p in β cells results in impaired insulin secretion and β‐cell identity. Cell lineage‐specific analyses revealed that miR‐483‐5p overexpression deactivated β‐cell identity genes (insulin, Pdx1 and MafA) and derepressed β‐cell dedifferentiation (Ngn3) genes. miR‐483‐5p downregulation in β cells of high‐fat diet‐fed mice alleviated diabetes and improved glucose intolerance by enhancing insulin secretory capacity. These detrimental effects of miR‐483‐5p relied on its seed sequence recognition and repressed expression of its target genes Pdx1 and MafA, two crucial markers of β‐cell maturation.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the miR‐483‐5p–mediated reduction of mRNAs specifies β‐cell identity as a contributor to β‐cell dysfunction via the loss of cellular differentiation.
First report of Cryphonectria carpinicola on Carpinus betulus in Serbia
Authors: Milenković Ivan , Trifković Miloš , Karadžić Dragan , Jovanović Dušan , Radulović Zlatan , Jung Marilia Horta , Jung Thomas
Published: July 2024

When monitoring the health status of various woody host plants in urban areas in Serbia, symptoms indicative of Cryphonectria‐like infection were recorded on European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) trees in the natural monument ‘Arboretum of the Faculty of Forestry in Belgrade’. One tree was affected by crown dieback while another one showed dieback of branches. Bark lesions were found on stems which contained numerous stromata with fruiting bodies and orange tendrils. Conidiomata were recorded solely in the infected tissue, producing hyaline, aseptate and bacilloid‐shaped conidia with dimensions of 3.4 ± 0.46 × 1.2 ± 0.12 μm. In the isolation tests, all plated bark pieces were positive, and 25 isolates were obtained. Colonies on different agar media were white in the beginning, turning into orange‐red colour during ageing. Optimum temperature for growth was 25°C and no growth was recorded at 30°C. A GenBank blast search and a phylogenetic analysis of ITS rDNA sequences of five representative isolates revealed their identity as Cryphonectria carpinicola. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. carpinicola on hornbeam trees in Serbia, and implications of this finding are discussed.
A many‐facet Rasch measurement model approach to investigating objective structured clinical examination item parameter drift
Authors: Coetzee Karen , Monteiro Sandra , Amirthalingam Luxshi
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are widely used for assessing clinical competence, especially in high‐stakes environments such as medical licensure. However, the reuse of OSCE cases across multiple administrations raises concerns about parameter stability, known as item parameter drift (IPD).

Aims & Objectives

This study aims to investigate IPD in reused OSCE cases while accounting for examiner scoring effects using a Many‐facet Rasch Measurement (MFRM) model.

Method

Data from 12 OSCE cases, reused over seven administrations of the Internationally Educated Nurse Competency Assessment Program (IENCAP), were analyzed using the MFRM model. Each case was treated as an item, and examiner scoring effects were accounted for in the analysis.

Results

The results indicated that despite accounting for examiner effects, all cases exhibited some level of IPD, with an average absolute IPD of 0.21 logits. Three cases showed positive directional trends. IPD significantly affected score decisions in 1.19% of estimates, at an invariance violation of 0.58 logits.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that while OSCE cases demonstrate sufficient stability for reuse, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the accuracy of score interpretations and decisions. The study provides an objective threshold for detecting concerning levels of IPD and underscores the importance of addressing examiner scoring effects in OSCE assessments. The MFRM model offers a robust framework for tracking and mitigating IPD, contributing to the validity and reliability of OSCEs in evaluating clinical competence.
Effect of home‐based tongue‐strengthening exercise using a portable tool on oropharyngeal muscles in older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Yoon Tae‐Hyung , Morishita Motoyoshi , Han Na‐Mi , Park Ji‐Su
Published: July 2024

Background

Tongue‐strengthening exercises may be used at home to strengthen swallowing‐related oropharyngeal muscles in community‐dwelling older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia; however, evidence of their effectiveness remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a home‐based tongue‐strengthening exercise (hTSE) using portable tool on swallowing‐related oropharyngeal muscles in community‐dwelling older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia.

Methods

Forth community‐dwelling older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. 1‐Repetition Maximum (1‐RM) of tongue muscle was measured in the experimental group using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, and hTSE was performed using a portable tool with an intensity corresponding to approximately 70%–80% of the range based on the 1‐RM value (90 times/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks). The control group did not perform any tongue exercises. The primary outcome measures were tongue strength and thickness. The secondary outcome measure was suprahyoid muscle strength (digastric and mylohyoid muscles).

Results

The experimental group showed significantly greater increases in suprahyoid muscle (mylohyoid and digastric) thickness (p = .01 and .011, d = 1.0 and .55), as well as tongue strength and thickness (p < .001 and .029, d = 2.2 and .6) than the control group.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that hTSE using a portable tool is effective in increasing swallowing‐related oropharyngeal muscle activity in older adults with sarcopenic dysphagia. Therefore, hTSE is recommended as an inexpensive, safe, and easy‐to‐use therapy for sarcopenic dysphagia in older adults.
A new measure of regulatory focus: Preventing measurement error by promoting best validation practices
Authors: Fuglestad Paul T. , Volz Sarah , Joyal‐Desmarais Keven , Nydick Steven W. , DeYoung Colin G. , Rothman Alexander J.
Published: July 2024

Objective and Background

The goals of this project were to improve our understanding of chronic regulatory focus constructs and to provide researchers with a measure that adequately assesses the constructs, can distinguish individual differences effectively across the range of the constructs, and is appropriate for use in diverse populations.

Method

Employing best practices in construct validation, we developed the International Personality Item Pool Regulatory Focus Scale (IPIP‐RFS). Utilizing 14 samples (N = 4867), we established substantive (via expert ratings and regulatory focus literature), structural (via factor analysis, item response theory, and measurement invariance), and external (via convergent, discriminant, and predictive associations) validity.

Results

The IPIP‐RFS adequately assesses the constructs of chronic promotion focus and prevention focus, can accurately assess individuals along the continua of the constructs, and is suitable for use among populations that vary in gender, race, and age. Individual differences in promotion focus reflect self‐regulation and goal pursuit related to cognitive and behavioral exploration and flexibility (i.e., plasticity), whereas individual differences in prevention focus reflect self‐regulation and goal pursuit related to motivational and interpersonal steadiness (i.e., stability).

Conclusions

Promotion and prevention focus are important elements of personality with broad implications for functioning and outcomes in health and other important domains.
An interdisciplinary framework of youth participatory action research informed by curricula, youth, adults, and researchers
Authors: Leman Amy M. , Dariotis Jacinda K. , Markazi Daniela M. , Kennedy Zachary , Tracy Mynda , Park Ye Rang , Griffith Aisha N.
Published: July 2024

Rarely are youth voices incorporated into program and policy development. Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is an opportunity for adolescents to develop research skills by completing projects relevant to their lives and allows participation and decision‐making at systems and organizational levels. Attention to YPAR implementation detail, especially a curricular focus, is lacking in the literature. Specifically absent is an all‐encompassing YPAR framework, a gap the current study addresses. The current study includes a review of existing YPAR curricula to develop the Youth Researcher Empowerment Framework, including research components, social emotional competencies, and assumptions necessary for completing a YPAR project that centers youth voice and shared power. The study includes a quantitative assessment of the YPAR curricula and qualitative reviews by adult practitioners. In addition, focus group data from youth and teacher audiences across multiple settings confirmed and clarified terms and concepts related to the framework. The study provides empirical evidence to support a revised framework for YPAR curricular implementation. Implications are discussed in terms of aspects of the research process needed for YPAR projects, attention to specific youth developmental skills as outcomes, and underlying principles needed to create a welcoming, contextual space allowing for empowerment, youth voice, and choice.
Assessment of panel performance in CATA and RATA experiment
Authors: Llobell Fabien , Bonnet Laure , Giacalone Davide
Published: July 2024

CATATIS is a recently developed method for the analysis of multiple binary datasets such as Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) data. CATATIS yields a homogeneity index reflecting the overall agreement among the panelists and weights associated with the panelists that highlight the extent to which they agree with the general point of view. These weights are used to compute an average group configuration, which is submitted to Correspondence Analysis to derive a perceptual product map. Here, CATATIS is extended to situations where the data are not binary. In particular, we focus on the case of data from a CATA experiment with repetitions and data from a Rate‐All‐That‐Apply (RATA) experiment. Furthermore, a hypothesis‐testing framework based on permutations is set up to assess the significance of the weights associated with the panelists. Finally, the general strategy of analysis is illustrated using data from real case studies pertaining to CATA and RATA experiments.

Practical Applications

Evaluating panel performance is often important in sensory studies, especially in industrial contexts. While many professionals are familiar with evaluating the outputs of conventional descriptive analysis, the increasing adoption of rapid sensory methods calls for methods and tools tailored to different sensory tasks. Our paper introduces an approach (CATATIS) to enhance the interpretation of the outputs of CATA and RATA tasks, focusing on attribute consistency, overall panel agreement, and individual weights associated with panelists. The approach is demonstrated through concrete case studies. CATATIS, together with its extensions, are available in XLSTAT software and in the R package ClustBlock.
The promising role of Transcendental Meditation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Khanal Mahesh Kumar , Karimi Leila , Saunders Peter , Schneider Robert H. , Salerno John , Livesay Karen , Hallam Karen T. , de Courten Barbora
Published: July 2024

Psychological distress has a demonstrable impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and risk factors. Transcendental Meditation (TM) has been shown to reduce stress and improve health and well‐being. The current review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effects of TM on cardiometabolic outcomes and identify gaps for future research. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases for relevant literature. Forty‐five papers that reported studies of TM on cardiometabolic risk factors and diseases were included. Evidence shows that TM is effective in reducing blood pressure (BP). We found some evidence that TM can improve insulin resistance and may play a role in improving dyslipidemia, exercise tolerance, and myocardial blood flow, and in reducing carotid intima‐media thickness and left ventricular mass. Studies show that long‐term TM practice can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and CVD mortality. This review identified that certain studies have high participant drop‐out rates, and fewer studies targeted comprehensive cardiometabolic outcomes beyond BP with longer follow‐up periods. We found that most studies were conducted in specific populations, which may limit generalizability. In conclusion, TM has the potential to improve cardiometabolic health; however, research gaps highlight the need for larger phase III multicenter clinical trials with long‐term follow‐ups.
Chitosan‐fulvic acid nanoparticles enhance drought tolerance in maize via antioxidant defense and transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Brown Alexander , Al‐Azawi Tiba Nazar Ibrahim , Methela Nusrat Jahan , Rolly Nkulu Kabange , Khan Murtaza , Faluku Mwondha , Huy Vu Ngoc , Lee Da‐Sol , Mun Bong‐Gyu , Hussian Adil , Yun Byung‐Wook
Published: July 2024

Nanoparticles are promising alternatives to synthetic fertilizers in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture. Maize plants were grown under gradient concentrations (50 μM, 100 μM, 200 μM, 500 μM, and 1 mM) of chitosan (Ch), fulvic acid (FA) or chitosan‐fulvic acid nanoparticles (Ch‐FANPs). Based on the overall phenotypic assessment, 100 μM was selected for downstream experiments. Maize plants grown under this optimized concentration were thereafter subjected to drought stress by water withholding for 14 days. Compared to the individual performances, the combined treatment of Ch‐FANPs supported the best plant growth over chitosan, fulvic acid, or sole watered plants and alleviated the adverse effects of drought by enhancing root and shoot growth, and biomass by an average 20%. In addition, Ch‐FANPs‐treated plants exhibited a significant reduction in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content (~10%), with a concomitant increase in ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity (>100%) while showing a reduced lipid peroxidation level observed by the decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content (~100%) and low electrolyte leakage level. Furthermore, chlorophyll content increased significantly (>100%) in maize plants treated with Ch‐FANPs compared to Ch or FA and control in response to drought. The expression of drought‐induced transcription factors, ZmDREB1A, ZmbZIP1, and ZmNAC28, and the ABA‐dependent ZmCIPK3 was upregulated by Ch‐FANPs. Owing to the above, Ch‐FANPs are proposed as a growth‐promoting agent and elicitor of drought tolerance in maize via activation of antioxidant machinery and transcriptional reprogramming of drought‐related genes.
Test–retest reliability, practice effects and estimates of change: A study on the Mindmore digital cognitive assessment tool
Authors: Bergman Ingvar , Franke Föyen Ludwig , Gustavsson Anders , Van den Hurk Wobbie
Published: July 2024

The present study aimed to establish test–retest reliability and investigate practice effects of the Mindmore cognitive assessment tool, a digital adaptation of traditional pencil and paper tests designed for self‐administration. Additionally, normative change scores for the most frequently used tests were derived. A total of 149 healthy Swedish adults (aged 20–79) completed the test battery twice, 1 month apart. The battery assessed attention and processing speed, memory, language, visuospatial functions, and executive functions. Test–retest reliability, measured by ICC and Spearman coefficients, and practice effects were estimated for 22 main‐scores and 33 sub‐scores. Regression models were used to assess change in performance while controlling for demographics, computer equipment, testing location (online or in‐laboratory) and baseline performance for 12 main‐scores and nine sub‐scores. Test–retest reliability was good for 11 main‐scores (≥0.70), satisfactory for five (0.60–0.69), and minimal for six (<0.60) albeit three having satisfactory sub‐scores. Practice effects were observed for tests with a major speed component, but not for reaction time, sustained attention, verbal memory and naming (alternate forms), nor visuospatial functions. Trackpad negatively influenced change for one test. Demographics and testing location did not significantly affect the change scores. Our study provides support for test–retest reliability and practice effects of the Mindmore cognitive assessment tool which were comparable to those of traditional tests. These findings, together with the normative change scores, can aid researchers and clinicians in interpreting test results and distinguishing between normal variations in performance and changes indicative of clinical impairment.
RETRACTED: Screening of key modules and key genes in the prevention of skin cancer development based on gene volcano plot and WGCNA
Authors: Yuan Rui , Bai Yaqiong , Du Hanghang
Published: July 2024

Background

Skin cancer, a prevalent form of cancer that is on the rise worldwide, requires proactive prevention strategies to reduce the burden of screening, treatment, and mortality. The KEGG research highlighted the significant involvement of red module genes in protein digestion and absorption. These findings provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with skin cancer susceptibility, offering potential targets for further research and development of preventive strategies.

Materials and methods

Hub genes numbered 130. “limma” in R found 600 DEGs from GSE66359 dataset. DEGs are enriched in BP: chromosome segregation, CC: chromosomal region, and MF: DNA replication origin binding, according to GO analysis. Cell cycle was enriched in DEGs by KEGG and GSEA. Finally, significant genes were COL5A1, CTHRC1, ECM1, FSTL1, KDELR3, and WIPI1.

Results

ECM1 and WIPI1 greatly prevented skin cancer. This study created a coexpression network using WGCNA to investigate skin cancer susceptibility modules and cardiovascular disease genes.

Conclusion

Our study finds a module and many important genes that are essential building blocks in the etiology of skin cancer, which may help us understand the molecular mechanisms of disease prevention.
Islamic Financing's Impact on Alleviating Small and Medium Enterprises Financial Challenges in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Assessment
Authors: WILLIAMS MUSTAPHA BABATUNDE , Yusoff Mohd Effandi Bin , Kuma Francis Kwaku
Published: July 2024

This study explores the impact of Islamic financing on addressing financial challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, Nigeria. In response to the empirical evidence of underwhelming SME performance in developing countries due to insufficient funding, the research focuses on the role of Islamic banks in overcoming these challenges. Utilising structured interviews and NVIVO for qualitative data analysis, 18 SME owners who accessed Islamic bank financing and representatives from four Islamic banks participated in the study. Findings indicate that the primary hurdle for Nigerian SMEs is inadequate capital for initiation or expansion, and Islamic banks can effectively address this gap during the early and expansion stages. Respondents express high satisfaction with the promptness and availability of credit facilities from Islamic banks, highlighting the streamlined process compared to conventional banks. The study identifies the pivotal roles of Islamic banks in promoting SME growth, acting as financial intermediaries, offering alternative finance sources, providing advisory services, and ensuring proper fund utilisation. However, dissatisfaction with fund adequacy from Islamic banks is noted. Recommendations include governmental collaboration with Islamic banks to enhance SME support and the suggestion for Islamic banks to augment their capital, credit portfolio, and loan facilities for SMEs.
Optimizing Online Learning for Generation Alpha: Insight from Elementary Students in Malaysia
Authors: Yong Keow Lee , Mohd Zaid Norasykin , Tasir Zaidatun
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to explore Generation Alpha's post pandemic online learning experience to serve as a gateway to identify emerging opportunity and trends that have arisen in online learning at elementary levels. This study was conducted through case studies with 18 elementary online learners aged 9-12 in Malaysia. The participants were recruited through a purposive sampling method. The samples had experiences in emergency remote learning and still engaged with some online lessons during the study. As the participants were considered a vulnerable population, research ethics was approved by the Research Ethics Committee UTM to protect the participants' dignity, rights, and welfare. The interview data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged from the findings, namely (1) teacher, (2) community, (3) course, (4) technology, (5) effectiveness, and (6) challenges. Through the lens of children, we found that elementary learners have higher demands and expectations for the online teachers. Fun, interesting and productive were the common characteristics of their favourite online teacher. To be successful in elementary online learning, the stakeholders have to put effort into engaging parents to pass the first screen, and double the effort to engage elementary learners to sustain the students’ retention in online learning. This study provided details of children’s online learning after the pandemic, which served as an opportunity for the sector to reimagine and re-innovate to create a more sustainable virtual learning environment.
On-Body Reduced Size AMC Design for Lowering Specific Absorption Rate in Wearable Antenna Application
Authors: Babu Biragathis , Paramasivam DiviyaDevi , Dewan Raimi , Noor Asmawati Samsuri  , Nazirah Othman
Published: July 2024

This manuscript investigates the design parameters of an Artificial Magnetic Conductor (AMC) and their impact on the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) when integrated with a Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) antenna. The AMC was designed with periodic square patches of 10 mm x 10 mm on a grounded dielectric substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm and a dielectric constant of 4.4. The AMC design was optimized using CST Microwave Studio to achieve a 0-degree reflection phase at the operational frequency of 2.4 GHz. The optimization process involved varying the dimensions of the patches and the spacing between them to minimize return loss and maximize radiation efficiency. The CPW antenna, with and without the AMC, was simulated in the presence of a realistic human chest model to evaluate SAR levels. The results indicate that the introduction of the AMC improved the impedance matching of the antenna, reducing the reflection coefficient (S11) from -10 dB to -20 dB at 2.4 GHz. Furthermore, the integration of the AMC increased the antenna gain from 2 dBi to 5 dBi. Most importantly, the peak SAR value in the human chest model was reduced from 1.8 W/kg to 0.8 W/kg over 1g of tissue, demonstrating the AMC's effectiveness in lowering RF exposure to human tissues. These findings highlight the potential of AMCs in enhancing the performance and safety of wearable wireless devices by effectively reducing SAR levels while improving antenna efficiency.
Validation of Mi Band Smart Watch for Fitness Tracking
Authors: Atan Siti Azilah , Jakiwa Jorrye , Azli Mohd Syrinaz , Rustam Shahrul Fadly , Zaki Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of Mi Band (Mi Band 4) smart watch for fitness tracking. Fifteen (n=15; Height: 1.71 ± 4.0 m; Weight: 66.5 ± 9.5 kg) recreational athletes (Age 23.0 ± 0.53) volunteered to participate in this study. The participants attended three sessions; one to familiarise them with the procedures and two trials to determine the reliability and validity of Mi Band smart watch in middle distance running. The participants wore the same Mi Band smart watch and were asked to run 5 km on the running track in two occasions separated by seven days. No differences recorded in the environment between trials (Temperature: 27.6 ± 1.1 Cº; Humidity: 73 ± 5.3 %: P < 0.05). The results showed there were no significant differences between running distance (4.3 ± 0.49, 4.3 ± 0.46 km; P < 0.05), pace of running (7.27 ± 0.37, 7.2 ± 0.36, P < 0.05) and heart rate (163 ± 10.2, 160 ± 13.3 bpm; P < 0.05) between trials. However, calories burned showed significant differences where in Trial 1 participants burned more calories compared to Trial 2 (396 ± 77.3, 376 ± 60.4 kcal; P > 0.05). The reliability testing showed strong to moderate reliability in time of completion of running (r=0.964, P < 0.05) distance of running (r=0.983, P < 0.05) and pace of running (r=0.527, P < 0.05). No significant correlation in heart rate between trials and calorie burned (P > 0.05). The validity of the Mi Band smart watch showed significant positive correlation between middle distance running and distance recorded in the Mi Band (r=0.483, P < 0.05). We conclude that the Mi Band underestimated distance running, however the Mi Band is sufficiently reliable and valid for fitness tracking especially in pace of running and exercise intensity.