bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of physical, digital and social work environment changes with the development of organizational performance in the activity-based work environment
Authors: Lindeberg Peter , Saunila Minna , Lappalainen Pia , Ukko Juhani , Rantanen Hannu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Work environments are undergoing a transformation where organizations have various spatial solutions at their disposal. However, organizations may have challenges in making the right decisions in a work environment change, when the spatial solution is only one dimension of the work environment. The purpose of this paper is to approach this problem in a holistic way and explain the relationship between work environment changes and the development of organizational performance in the activity-based work (ABW) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are based on an extensive quantitative survey involving 471 participants. The survey was theory driven and built on former literature. The participants were randomly collected from the largest cities in Finland, and the data were analyzed with a regression analysis.

Findings

The results showed that ABW environments require no more attention to the different work environment dimensions when compared to other office types, with the exception of the social work environment; the changes of which have a relatively strong relationship with the development of organizational well-being. In the ABW environment, a change in the physical work environment has a stronger relationship with the development of organizational productivity and a change in the social work environment has a stronger relationship with the development of organizational well-being than a change in the other work environment dimensions.

Originality/value

This study yields empirical evidence of the relationship of physical, digital and social work environment changes with the development of organizational performance in the ABW environment. The value of this paper is that it offers a simple but holistic research model to distinguish the outcomes between the different work environment dimensions so that relevant expertise is applied to take concrete and targeted action.
Comparative study of different moving mesh strategies for investigating oil flow inside a gearbox
Authors: Li Jing , Qian Xu , Liu Chunbao
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to numerically investigate the multi-phase flow and thermal physics inside gearboxes, which is critical to the theoretical analysis of energy transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the churning power losses, a three-dimensional numerical model of the gearbox is built using the RNG k–e turbulence model and three alternative moving mesh strategies (i.e. the dynamic mesh [DM], sliding mesh and immersion solid methods). The influence of the rotational speed on the transient flow field, including the oil distribution, velocity and pressure distribution and the churning losses, is obtained. Finally, the time-dependent thermo-fluid state of the gearbox is predicted.

Findings

The findings show that the global DM method is preferable for determining the flow structures and power losses. The rotational speed exerts a significant effect on the oil flow and the wheel accounts for most of the churning losses. Based on the instantaneous temperature distribution, the asymmetric configuration leads to the initial bias of the high-temperature region towards the pinion. Additionally, the heat convection efficiency of the tooth tip is slightly higher than that of the tooth root.

Originality/value

An in-depth understanding of the flow dynamics inside the gearbox is essential for its optimisation to decrease the power and enhance heat dissipation during operation.
Capturing the flame structure and the transition process of the fire whirl using two combustion kinetic considerations
Authors: Fang Xiang , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Lee Eric Wai Ming , Tu Jiyuan , Cheung Sherman
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development process of the fire whirl in the fixed-frame facility and focus on the impacts of the fire whirl’s vortex core on the formation and flame structure of the fire whirl.

Design/methodology/approach

The complex turbulent reacting flame surface is captured by the large eddy simulation turbulence closure coupled with two sub-grid scale (SGS) kinetic schemes (i.e. the chemistry equilibrium and steady diffusion flamelet). Numerical predictions are validated thoroughly against the measurements by Lei et al. (2015) with excellent agreements. A double maximum tangential velocity refinement approach is proposed to quantify the vortex cores’ instantaneous location and region, addressing the missing definition in other studies.

Findings

The numerical results show that the transition process of the fire whirl is dominated by the vortex core movement, which is related to the centripetal force. The unsteadiness of the fully developed fire whirl was found depending on the instantaneous fluctuation of heat release rate. The steady diffusion flamelet scheme is essential to capture the instantaneous fluctuation. Furthermore, the axial velocity inside the vortex core is the key to determining the state of fire whirl.

Practical implications

Due to intensive interactions between buoyant fires and ambient rotating flow, the on-set and formation of fire whirl still remain largely elusive. This paper focused on the transition process of fire whirl between different development stages. This paper provides insights into the transition process from the inclined flame to the fire whirls based on the centripetal force.

Originality/value

This paper presented and compared two SGS kinetic schemes to resolve the fire whirl development process and the unsteadiness of its vortical structures. The modelling framework addresses the shortcoming of previous numerical studies where RANS turbulence closure and simplified combustion kinetics was adopted. Numerical results also revealed the fire whirl transition process and its relationship to centripetal force.
Problematising philosophical assumptions in EE's Invisible College
Authors: Brentnall Catherine , Higgins David
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper seeks to energise discussion around philosophical assumptions in entrepreneurship education (EE). Far from being abstract considerations, this paper underscores that philosophical assumptions – which are embodied in research products and inherited from others – have practical implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s approach is to purposefully unsettle taken-for-granted assumptions implicit within 44 influential articles which have been said to reveal EE's Invisible College. The authors utilise three heuristic tools offered by problematisation – identifying paradigmatic assumptions, (re)conceptualising subject matter and making a reversal – to explore the implications of the meta-theoretical underpinnings of this body of work. The goal of this paper is not to find a definitive answer to the question “what is EE's underlying philosophy?” but rather ask, “what can we learn about philosophical assumptions by reconsidering this particular set of influential articles at a deep level?”

Findings

With some notable expectations, EE's Invisible College is a place where ideas about an external social reality accessible to the dispassionate researcher are implicitly accepted, where assumptions about the possibility of objective knowledge and the superiority of scientific methodology dominate and where functionalist research products reproduce the social status quo. Thus, whilst the EE research studied might appear diverse at a surface level (topics, research design, inter-disciplinary perspective), diversity is less apparent when considering the deeper, philosophical assumptions which underpin this body of work.

Originality/value

Revealing assumptions which are embodied within research products may prompt critical thinking about the practical implications of research philosophies in the field of EE. In considering the implications of philosophical assumptions, a connection is made between problems that are observed at surface level – from lack of legitimacy, criticality and taken for grantedness of the field – to the deeper hidden system of ideas which lies beneath. Having highlighted potential problems of these deeper assumptions, the paper concludes by posing questions in relation to the type of research that is pursued and legitimised in the field of EE, the socialisation of researchers and the implications for criticality in the field. Such issues illustrate that, far from philosophical assumptions being an abstract or unimportant concern, they are highly practical and have the power to constrain or empower action and the social impact of research.
Hybrid adaptive control for series elastic actuator of humanoid robot
Authors: Lanh Luu Anh Khoa , Duong Van Tu , Nguyen Huy Hung , Kim Sang Bong , Nguyen Tan Tien
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Generally, humanoid robots usually suffer significant impact force when walking or running in a non-predefined environment that could easily damage the actuators due to high stiffness. In recent years, the utilization of passive compliant series elastic actuators (SEA) for driving humanoid's joints has proved the capability in many aspects so far. However, despite being widely applied in the biped robot research field, the stable control problem for a humanoid powered by the SEAs, especially in the walking process, is still a challenge. This paper proposes a model reference adaptive control (MRAC) combined with the back-stepping algorithm to deal with the parameter uncertainties in a humanoid's lower limb driven by the SEA system. This is an extension of our previous research (Lanh et al., 2021).

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a dynamic model of SEA is obtained. Secondly, since there are unknown and uncertain parameters in the SEA model, a Model Reference Adaptive Controller (MRAC) is employed to guarantee the robust performance of the humanoid's lower limb. Finally, an experiment is carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed controller and the SEA mechanism.

Findings

This paper proposes an effective control algorithm that can be widely applied for the humanoid-SEA system. Besides, the effect of the coefficients in the control law is analyzed to further improve the response's quality.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the simulation shows good results with stable system response, the practical experiment has not been implemented to fully evaluate the quality of the controller.

Originality/value

The MRAC is applied to control the humanoid's lower limb and the back-stepping process is utilized to combine with an external SEA system but still maintain stabilization. The simplified model of the lower-limb system proposed in the paper is proven to be appropriate and can be taken for further research in the future.
Managing employees’ health, safety and anxiety in a pandemic
Authors: Obuobisa-Darko Theresa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper identifies and discusses the strategies adopted by a manufacturing company to manage its national and international employees' anxiety, health and safety with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, to fill a current research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the qualitative method to identify the strategies employed by a manufacturing company to manage its employees' anxiety, health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis of data from fourteen semi-structured interviews is presented.

Findings

Results from the data analysed show that five strategies that help manage employees' health, safety and anxiety are - enhanced communication, formulation and enforcement of policies, rules and regulation, education and training, and management commitment. The findings indicate that the implementation of these strategies does not lead to a negative effect and therefore can conclude that there was no cobra effect.

Research limitations/implications

Although exploratory and based on one organisation; the findings lay the foundation for future theoretically grounded research on management of employees' health, safety and anxiety.

Practical implications

Findings could be the basis for training for managers and also be used to modify the strategies applied in managing employees' anxiety, health and safety.

Originality/value

This paper investigates and offers insight into the best strategies to adopt to manage employees' anxiety, safety and health during the COVID-19 pandemic in the manufacturing sector.
Understanding the differential effectiveness of marketer versus user-generated advertisements in closed social networking sites: an empirical study of WeChat
Authors: Teng Teng , Li Huifang , Fang Yulin , Shen Lingzhi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

In recent years, closed social networking sites (SNSs) have become popular advertising media. Marketer-generated advertisements (MGAs) and user-generated advertisements (UGAs) are the two pillars of advertising businesses. The objective of this research is to investigate and compare how these ad types (i.e. MGA versus UGA) affect advertising effectiveness in closed SNSs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a scenario-based experiment of 403 WeChat users in China and used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the research model.

Findings

The study results indicate that UGAs perform better than MGAs in enhancing consumers' perceived informativeness, credibility and entertainment, while MGAs are more likely to make consumers feel irritated than UGAs in closed SNSs. Moreover, consumers' perceived informativeness, credibility and entertainment positively influence advertising effectiveness, whereas perceived irritation negatively affects it.

Originality/value

This study reveals consumers' psychological response mechanisms to MGA and UGA and sheds light on their differential effectiveness by extending the stimuli-organism-response model to the context of closed SNSs.
Earnings management by family firms to meet the debt covenants: evidence from India
Authors: Avabruth Suhas M. , Padhi Subha Kant
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Given the unique nature of Indian family firms and the recent failure of many business houses (Bhushan Steel Ltd., Hotel Leela Ventures Ltd. etc.) it is important to understand the relationship between the earnings management practices of the family firms and the debt. In this paper an attempt towards this has been made.

Design/methodology/approach

This study makes use of an empirical approach to understand the relationship between earnings management and debt in the Indian context. This study was conducted by considering a large sample data of 16,629 family firm years spread across nine years. This study makes use of fixed effects and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regressions to test our hypothesis.

Findings

First and foremost, this research supports the socioemotional wealth theory. It indicates that maintaining the control of the business is one of the socioemotional factors for the Indian family business and Indian family businesses ladened with debt engage in earnings management to protect their socio emotional wealth (control of the business). Evidence for higher earnings management practices for firms with above average debt has also been documented. Further, the fact that real activity earnings management is the preferred earnings management choice over the accrual-based earnings management as majority of debt is from the banks and financial institutions has also been demonstrated. Finally, the analysis indicates that accrual-based earnings management and real activity earnings management are complementary to each other. However, real activity earnings management can also act as a substitute for the accrual-based earnings management but the reverse is not true. Even among the real activity earnings management, cost-based real activity earnings management was preferred over the revenue-based real activity earnings management as the former is more elusory.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the listed family firms of India. Since the family firms around the world are heterogeneous the findings from this research might not be extended to other economies.

Practical implications

The study has meaningful insights for policy making and monitoring of the family firms. It also aides the investors in taking investment decisions with respect to family firms in India.

Originality/value

The study is unique as it integrates the family firms, debt and various types earnings management. Previous studies have focused mainly on accrual-based earnings management. The study also provides insights on the relationship between earnings management practices and debt covenants at various levels of family holdings.
Determinants of financial stress among university students and its impact on their performance
Authors: Hossain Md. Kamrul , Mahfuz Tajmary , Latif Subhenur , Hossain Mohamed Emran
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To identify the financial stress and associate factors of tertiary level student.

Design/methodology/approach

To identify the financial stress and associate factors, a structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from 571 students of different universities of Bangladesh through Google form. Chi square and Cramer's V were applied to find the associated factors with financial stress of students, whereas ordinal regression was performed to evaluate the influence of the associated factors on financial stress.

Findings

Gender, living status, borrowing loan factors have positive association with financial stress. Tuition fee dues have significant positive association with financial stress. A student who has tuition fee dues feels 1.48 times more stress compared to student who does not have dues. Females were found less likely to be financially stressed (AOR = 1.536) than male students. Students who borrowed loans were more likely to have financial stress than non-borrowed loan groups of students.

Practical implications

Results indicate that financial stress has a strong impact on participation in different academic and personal activities of a student. Therefore, parents, university administration and student counselor should consider the factor to assess stress of a student.

Originality/value

This study identified factors responsible for financial stress of Bangladeshi students of tertiary level.
Traditional Mossi housing–case studies in Baasneere (Burkina Faso)
Authors: Lidón de Miguel María , García-Soriano Lidia , Mileto Camilla , Vegas López-Manzanares Fernando
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The common language behind vernacular architecture only seems to be maintained in societies that preserve a traditional way of life. Changes in these societies can threaten their cultural heritage, while research may be a tool for its conservation and enhancement. In this paper, the habitat of a Mossi community is therefore studied as a first stage in analysing the possibilities of its maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

After a previous study, data collection from a stay in Baasneere (Burkina Faso) and the analysis of 32 traditional residential units were completed. The research showed some common features which, when compared against the bibliography reviewed, could be defined as characteristic of the traditional architecture of this culture.

Findings

The home for a family unit consisted in an enclosure formed by the grouping of adobe constructions around a courtyard. As the family grew so did the compound, in a relationship directly linking the scales of architecture and the levels of kinship. The main daily activities took place in the courtyards while the individual interior spaces were understood as private shelters. Other typologies such as granaries, kitchens, warehouses and sheds were also analysed.

Originality/value

Some features of Mossi architecture already described in the existing bibliography were verified in the Baasneere case studies, showing that this tradition is still preserved. With a multidisciplinary approach, the house was examined not so much from the perspective of construction, but of its cultural configuration.
Care leaver’s outcomes in Ireland: the role of social capital
Authors: Mullan Philip
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the outcomes experienced by young people leaving care in Ireland today through the theoretical lens of social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents selected qualitative data and its analysis that was gathered through a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews with three key informants (care leavers). In gathering interview data, the Biographic-Narrative Interpretive Method (BNIM) was selected, as it allowed the research participants a great deal of autonomy in recounting significant events from their own lives.

Findings

In drawing upon the lived experience of these care leavers, this work will discuss how their in-care and post-care experiences shaped their exposure to and development of sources of social capital, which in turn proved to be a significant factor in shaping their in-care and post-care outcomes.

Social implications

Care leavers remain systemically disadvantaged in comparison to young people who have not been in care. Research has shown that children in care and care leavers are often disadvantaged educationally and experience higher rates of homelessness, unemployment and social isolation. This paper discusses the role of “social capital”, i.e. relationships that provide access to social and material resources and opportunities, in shaping care leavers exposure to and experience of these disadvantages.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this work is the first in the Irish context to draw on the concept of social capital to explore its role in shaping the in-care and post-care experiences of care leavers in Ireland.
The main factors of family harmony in Moroccan family businesses: an exploratory study
Authors: Birgach Hiba , Habba Badr
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the main factors of family harmony in Moroccan family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory approach based on face-to-face interviews was employed to examine how Moroccan family firm owners perceive the main factors of preserving family harmony in the long term.

Findings

In the present exploratory study, the importance of having an open communication among family members is emphasized. The findings that were reached suggest that the relationship between family members must be built on trust and commitment, without neglecting the importance of autonomy at work including division of tasks. Furthermore, the respect of the family and the business emerged as one of the most paramount components of our exploratory study.

Originality/value

Based on our exploratory study, the authors developed a model of the main factors of family harmony in the Moroccan family business considering the culture and habits of the country.
The shortcomings of anti-corruption measures: Kuwait’s financial disclosure system
Authors: Alqattan Eiman Khaled
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to critically evaluate the legal provisions related to Kuwait’s financial disclosure system and whether its anti-corruption measures are sufficient. The hypothesis supposes that there is a possible correlation between Kuwait’s laws and regulations and the disclosure system’s failure to detect illicit enrichment crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

This doctrinal and reform-oriented study examined Kuwait’s procedures for assessing public officials’ financial statements and the laws regulating illicit enrichment crimes. The content analysis explored criminal courts’ judgements of these illicit enrichment cases.

Findings

Although the disclosure system’s primary role is to detect illicit wealth, the findings suggest that it fails to achieve its primary objective. The findings also highlight the system’s major challenges to suggest possible reforms.

Research limitations/implications

A comprehensive evaluation of the legal provisions within Kuwait’s disclosure system is beyond the scope. To improve the system’s effectiveness, adopting an accessible online platform on which filers can submit their disclosure statements and follow up with a verification process is recommended. Also, requiring interested individuals to physically visit a location where the disclosure information is held can balance protecting officials’ privacy/security and offering individuals the ability to verify the declared information.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first to research the possible correlation between the issues in the Kuwaiti disclosure system’s legal provisions and its failure to detect illicit enrichment during major criminal scandals. It is also the first to analyse these legal provisions and present a critical evaluation of their shortcomings.
Barriers and solutions to cross-border asset recovery
Authors: Wibowo Ari
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to first analyze the inhibiting factors for cross-border asset recovery and, second, analyze the solutions to any barriers to cross-border asset recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was normative legal research with legal materials collected by document studies and literature studies. This study used a statute approach and a conceptual approach

Findings

First, the inhibiting factors for cross-border asset recovery are regulation-related issues, lack of mutual legal assistance and extradition treaties, differences in legal systems and the interests of the country, where the assets are placed. Second, the solutions to the barriers to cross-border asset recovery are regulatory reforms and diplomacy strengthening.

Research limitations/implications

This study found some barriers and solutions to cross-border asset recovery. These can provide inspirations for subsequent studies to be reviewed in more depth.

Practical implications

This study will be very useful for the Indonesian Government to formulate effective and efficient policies related to cross-border asset recovery.

Social implications

With effective and efficient policies related to cross-border asset recovery, it can prevent criminals from hiding their criminal assets abroad.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, until now, there has been no study that comprehensively discloses the barriers and solutions related to the failure of the Indonesian Government to conduct cross-border asset recovery. Therefore, it is expected that this study will be very useful for the Indonesian Government and other researchers to conduct further studies on this issue.
System dynamics modelling coupled with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) for sustainability-related policy analysis and decision-making in the built environment
Authors: Francis Ann , Thomas Albert
Published: March 2022

Purpose

System dynamics has several applications in the built environment, and few studies indicate that it has potential in evaluating sustainability. Sustainability in the built environment involves numerous entities and multiple trade-offs. Hence, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method is ideal for promoting sustainability-based decision-making in the built environment. Therefore, this study integrates system dynamics with an MCDM method to enable the sustainability assessment by capturing the time-induced dynamic changes affecting long time sustainability performance of buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Conventional sustainability assessment tools in the built environment lack a comprehensive evaluation that balances the needs of the society, economy and environment. This study develops a system dynamics-based framework to enable sustainability-conscious decision-making and policy analysis in the built environment.

Findings

Various material, technology and water-related policies specific to the buildings are investigated for a case study building. It is found that the effect of penetration of renewable energy technology to the tune of 80% and above in the energy mix is a much superior policy in sustainability improvement in comparison to material and water-related policies. The study also demonstrates the effect of weights assigned for the different indicators on sustainability-based decisions.

Originality/value

The study provides a methodological framework for a sustainability-based decision support system for the built environment that enables dynamic performance evaluation by coupling system dynamics with the MCDM. This coupling further strengthens system dynamics as a decision-making and policy analysis for sustainability evaluation in the built environment.
Facing COVID-19 challenges: What is so special in family businesses?
Authors: Dettori Angela , Floris Michela
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the main drivers that family businesses possess to strengthen their resilience during the COVID-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed a quantitative method analysis through a multiple regression analysis based on a sample of 570 Italian family firms.

Findings

The results showed that job quality and innovation significantly stimulate family firms' resilience during the COVID-19 crisis.

Practical implications

The study has several academic implications. Firstly, the study contributes to family firm research by extending the studies on factors that significantly influence the concept of resilience; secondly, the work contributes to crisis management, offering suggestions to help other firms exceed the COVID-19 crisis.

Originality/value

The present study clarifies the role of family firms' resilience, and it reveals how job quality and innovation play a meaningful role during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mitigating anthropogenic barriers to facilitate distributional shifts helps reduce vulnerability of a large herbivore to climate change
Authors: Denryter K. , Fischer J. K.
Published: March 2022

Climate change is among the greatest threats to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Understanding which species are vulnerable to climate change and in what ways is essential for adaptation planning and mitigation. We used the NatureServe Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI) to conduct a range‐wide assessment of tule elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes) – a California‐endemic ungulate with low genetic diversity, occupying highly fragmented landscapes – to climate change. Using results from the CCVI, we tested the hypothesis that increasing connectivity among populations, by mitigating anthropogenic barriers to movement and dispersal, decreases vulnerability of tule elk to climate change. We compared CCVI scores given predicted conditions within current ranges with CCVI scores as if anthropogenic barriers were mitigated, with and without allowing elk to shift distributions up to 50 km to areas predicted to experience less warming, drying, or overall exposure to climate change (indicated by an interaction between warming and drying). Vulnerability of tule elk to climate change varied among populations; from most to least vulnerable rankings in the CCVI, 1 population was ranked extremely vulnerable, 1 was highly vulnerable, 12 were moderately vulnerable, and 4 were less vulnerable. Mitigating anthropogenic barriers alone did not have a significant effect on vulnerability to climate change compared to original CCVI estimates, nor did mitigation of anthropogenic barriers and shifts in distribution to areas expected to experience the least amount of warming. Mitigation of anthropogenic barriers coupled with elk shifting distributions to areas predicted to experience less drying than current ranges or less overall exposure to climate change significantly reduced climate change vulnerability. Our findings illustrate the need to prioritize increasing landscape connectivity for tule elk across California as part of climate change mitigation measures, but also may apply to non‐migratory ungulates more generally, particularly where drying and warming are predicted to increase under climate change.
Using ecological momentary assessment and a portable device to quantify standard tetrahydrocannabinol units for cannabis flower smoking
Authors: Trull Timothy J. , Freeman Lindsey K. , Fleming Megan N. , Vebares Tayler J. , Wycoff Andrea M.
Published: March 2022

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility and validity of a new method of quantifying cannabis flower use, integrating the amount of cannabis flower smoked, and the potency of the cannabis flower.

Design

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) for 14 days.

Setting

Participants' daily lives in Columbia, Missouri, USA.

Participants

A total of 50 community participants, who were regular cannabis flower smokers (48% female).

Measurements

Momentary subjective intoxication ratings following cannabis flower smoking; momentary quantity of cannabis flower smoked; potency of cannabis flower smoked in terms of percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration assessed with a portable device, the Purpl Pro; and time since finished smoking.

Findings

Participants completed our field testing of their cannabis flower (96.2%) and were compliant with our 2‐week EMA protocol (73% for random prompts and 91% for morning reports). Momentary subjective intoxication ratings trended down as a function of time since smoking (r = −0.10, P = 0.004, 95% CI, [−0.17, −0.03]). Multi‐level model (MLM) results indicated the momentary standard THC units (mg THC) were positively associated with momentary subjective intoxication ratings (b = 0.01, P = 0.03, 95% CI, [0.01, 0.012]).

Conclusions

There is evidence to support the feasibility and initial validity of a new method of quantifying cannabis flower use into standard tetrahydrocannabinol units. Researchers investigating the effects of cannabis flower use on a range of outcomes (e.g. neurobehavioral effects, emotional sequelae, and driving impairment) as well as in clinical treatment trials might adopt this method to provide estimates of cannabis flower use.
A novel missense variant in CEACAM16 gene causes autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Zhang Dejun , Wu Jie , Yuan Yongyi , Li Xiaohong , Gao Xue , Han Mingyu , Gao Song , Huang Shasha , Dai Pu
Published: March 2022

Aim

Autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss is a common sensorineural disorder with extremely high genetic heterogeneity. CEA antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 16(CEACAM16)is a secreted glycoprotein encoded by the CEACAM16 gene. Mutations in CEACAM16 lead to autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss in humans, due defects in the tectorial membrane of the inner ear. Here we reported a novel missense variant in CEACAM16 gene causes autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss.

Material and methods

A four‐generation Chinese family affected by late‐onset and progressive hearing loss was enrolled in this study. The proband was analyzed by targeted next‐generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. And in vitro experiments were performed in overexpressed transfected HEK293T cells to investigate the pathogenesis of the mutant protein.

Results

We identified a novel missense variant in the CEACAM16 gene c.763A>G; (p.Arg255Gly) as causing autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss in the Chinese family. Using Western blot analysis, ELISA, and immunofluorescence we found increased expression level of the secreted mutant CEACAM16 protein, both intracellularly and extracellularly, compared with wild type CEACAM16 protein.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the p.Arg255Gly variant leads to increased secretion of mutant CEACAM16 protein, with potential deleterious effect to the function of the protein. Our findings expand the mutation spectrum of CEACAM16, and further the understanding CEACAM16 function and implications in disease.
Diversity and distribution of Fruit‐feeding butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Uwizelimana Jean de Dieu , Nsabimana Donat , Wagner Thomas
Published: March 2022

Tropical rainforests including high mountains are the most diverse terrestrial ecosystems. The ecology of tropical insects has been documented, but there is still a knowledge gap on insect diversity within certain underexplored regions such as the Afrotropical Mountains. A study was conducted in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, an Afromontane tropical rainforest and a biodiversity hotspot. The aims of the study were to assess (1) the fruit‐feeding butterfly species and their distribution across an elevation gradient in Nyungwe; (2) the elevation distribution range of each fruit‐feeding butterfly species; and (3) the effect of seasonal variation on fruit‐feeding butterflies' distribution across an elevation gradient in Nyungwe National Park. Stratified seasonal sampling was conducted using fruit‐baited traps along an elevation gradient spanning from 1700 to 2950 m of altitude. Fifty‐six species including 10 Albertine Rift endemics were recorded, and 77% of the recorded species range between 1700 and 2100 m of altitude. Higher species richness and abundance were recorded during the dry season and decreased with increasing elevation. This study contributed to the knowledge of Nyungwe butterflies' diversity and provided baseline data for use in future monitoring of climate change effects in high mountain tropical rainforests within the Albertine Rift region.
External management effects on the stand structure of protected forest patches
Authors: Runnel Kadri , Palo Anneli , Reila Artur , Rosenvald Raul , Lõhmus Asko
Published: March 2022

Questions

In production forest landscapes, threatened species are increasingly confined to fragments of natural forest. Protecting such fragments is a priority to halt further biological degradation, but its effectiveness depends on external impacts on the fragments. In this study, we ask: how does woody vegetation in protected old‐forest fragments vary depending on management of their adjacent areas, also in combination with natural site conditions? What are the management impacts on habitat quality of the fragments in the long term?

Location

Pinus‐dominated and Picea mixed‐wood forests in Estonia (hemiboreal Europe).

Methods

Forest structure and microclimate were measured at the edge and interior of protected old‐forest fragments. Woody vegetation layers, shrub species composition, coarse woody debris, and presence of cut stumps were measured in 107 fragments (adjacent to clearcuts, partial cuts, and unthinned production forests) and in 20 control stands embedded within natural forest. Air temperature and humidity were measured at the edges vs the interior of mixed‐woods. Edge age effects were explored along 80 years of post‐harvest chronosequences.

Results

All edge types studied had multiple, partly forest‐type‐specific, external effects on stand structure. Some clear‐cutting effects on woody layers reversed in later decades, but there was also persistent impoverishment of deadwood pools of the fragments probably related to unreported tree removal. There was a likely indirect pathway of edge effects through overstorey loss, and shrub cover was reduced in the long term. Exotic species were rare. Edges at clear‐cut stands influenced humidity regimes rather than temperature regimes.

Conclusions

The moderate external effects on stand structure were tightly linked to low overstorey mortality and a lack of exotic species across the forest landscapes studied. Changes in these key factors constitute risks for the future. Protecting set‐asides from occasional tree cutting, and establishing forest buffers around small fragments and as a precautionary strategy are current priorities in these forest landscapes.
A case of cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy associated with multiple myeloma and with a pathogenic variant of the glucocerebrosidase gene
Authors: Dura Miroslav , Pock Lumir , Cetkovska Petra , Jungova Alexandra , Nemejcova Kristyna , Stork Jiri
Published: March 2022

Cutaneous collagenous vasculopathy (CCV) is an extremely rare acquired microangiopathy of unknown etiology. The authors describe a case of a 68‐year‐old man, a carrier of a heterozygous pathogenic variant of the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene, who was diagnosed with CCV, revealing uncommon fibrinogen positivity in direct immunofluorescence. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Treatment of the myeloma with combined chemotherapy including bortezomib, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, led to significant reduction of cutaneous lesions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first published case of CCV in a carrier of a pathogenic variant of the GBA gene, associated with multiple myeloma and with significant regression of CCV after myeloma treatment. Direct immunofluorescence examination revealed an unusual fibrinogen deposition. Hypothetical causative role of bortezomib treatment was proposed regarding significant regression of CCV.
Temporal experience as metaphysically lightweight
Authors: Morgan Daniel
Published: March 2022

Experience is the most primitive kind of intentional contact with reality. Metaphysical inquiry is one of the heights of human thought. It would not be surprising if experience was often silent on metaphysics, failing to offer support to one metaphysical disputant over the other, forcing them to fall back on nonexperiential considerations. I argue that the dispute between A‐ and B‐theorists about time is a dispute about which experience is silent. B‐theorists have typically conceded that the manifest image of time conflicts with how time turns out to be, on their own view of time. They have offered an array of accounts of why that conflict should not worry us. I argue here that these accounts are unconvincing. I also argue that they are unnecessary. Nothing about how time is experienced conflicts with B‐theory. An independently plausible method for discovering what properties experience represents—the method of phenomenal contrast—implies that experience does not favor A‐theory over B‐theory.
Linear ubiquitin as a common regulator of cellular stress
Authors: Peltzer Nieves
Published: March 2022

Linear or M1‐ubiquitination (Ub) is required for optimal NF‐kB activation and for cell death inhibition. Using Drosophila as a model organism, Aalto et al. found that hypoxia, oxidative and mechanical stress induced M1‐Ub by the HOIP homolog, LUBEL. Increased M1‐Ub had a protective function driven by activation of the NF‐κB transcription factor Relish via the Immune deficiency pathway (Imd). This protective M1‐Ub was also induced upon cellular stress in colorectal cancer cells. Collectively, they propose that M1‐Ub is a conserved, common response to different forms of stresses. These findings may have important implications for the use of HOIP inhibitors for cancer treatment.

Comment on: https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16425
The city of start‐ups: Location determinants of start‐ups in emergent industries in Barcelona
Authors: Coll‐Martínez Eva , Jové‐Llopis Elisenda , Teruel Mercedes
Published: March 2022

In recent years, scholars have highlighted the role of cities as incubators for start‐ups. Several studies identify the city of Barcelona as one of the major hubs in Europe for start‐up creation, especially in emergent industries. The present paper examines how local attributes, proximity to the elements of an entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE), and to nearby economic activity, influence the location of ambitious start‐ups in Barcelona between 2012 and 2015. To do this, we use micro‐geographic data of Barcelona start‐ups provided by the Catalan Government (ACCIÓ) and open data on the socioeconomic composition of Barcelona neighbourhoods from the Statistics Department of the Council of Barcelona. By dealing with neighbouring effects and endogeneity, our results suggest that localisation economies and proximity to the elements of the EE are the key factors attracting start‐ups to Barcelona's neighbourhoods. These results are crucial in helping policymakers understand the locational factors of start‐ups within the city.
Effectiveness of manual therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review
Authors: Núñez‐Cabaleiro Patricia , Leirós‐Rodríguez Raquel
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the manual therapy (MT) methods and techniques that have been evaluated for the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CH) and their effectiveness.

Background

MT seems to be one of the options with the greatest potential for the treatment of CH, but the techniques to be applied are varied and there is no consensus on which are the most indicated.

Methods

A systematic search in Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, PEDro, and Web of Science with the terms: secondary headache disorders, physical therapy modalities, musculoskeletal manipulations, cervicogenic headache, manual therapy, and physical therapy. We included articles published from 2015 to the present that studied interventions with MT techniques in patients with CH. Two reviewers independently screened 365 articles for demographic information, characteristics of study design, study‐specific intervention, and results. The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence and the Jadad scale were used.

Results

Of a total of 14 articles selected, 11 were randomized control trials and three were quasi‐experimental studies. The techniques studied were: spinal manipulative therapy, Mulligan’s Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, muscle techniques, and translatory vertebral mobilization. In the short‐term, the Jones technique on the trapezius and ischemic compression on the sternocleidomastoid achieved immediate improvements, whereas adding spinal manipulative therapy to the treatment can maintain long‐term results.

Conclusions

The manual therapy techniques could be effective in the treatment of patients with CH. The combined use of MT techniques improved the results compared with using them separately. This review has methodological limitations, such as the inclusion of quasi‐experimental studies and studies with small sample sizes that reduced the generalizability of the results obtained.