bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of CSR and corporate ethical behavior on implicit cost of equity: the mediating role of integrated reporting quality
Authors: Chouaibi Yamina , Khlifi Sawssen , Chouaibi Jamel , Zouari-Hadiji Rim
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and corporate ethical behavior on implicit cost of equity (COE) using integrated reporting quality (IRQ) as a mediating variable in European companies belonging to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) index.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a panel data set of 540 European firms from the ESG index from 2013 to 2022. The data were collected from I/B/E/S and Thomson Reuters ASSET4 database and analyzed using the structural equation model to test hypotheses.

Findings

In the instance of ESG European firms, the findings indicate that CSR practices and corporate ethical behavior are negatively related to the COE. From the result of the Sobel test, this study indicated that IRQ has only indirect mediation on the relationship between CSR, ethical behavior of the company and implicit COE.

Practical implications

The findings have some policy and practical implications that may help regulators and managers in improving the COE and helping companies envision their future growth opportunities in a context where responsibility, ethics and disclosure are central to corporate valuation. Using the implicit COE is a better estimate of shareholder requirements in the context of ESG companies.

Originality/value

This research concentrates on ESG companies since they are more likely to contribute to environmental protection, which attracts responsible investors. Furthermore, the findings may be useful to worldwide managers and investors who use responsible practices as a criterion in their decision-making.
Modelling enablers of business continuity for casual dining restaurants in post-COVID-19 era: an ISM and MICMAC perspective
Authors: Mandal Santanu , Dubey Ritesh Kumar , Basu Bhaskar , Raman Raghu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

While the COVID-19 pandemic has given many firms the importance of business continuity, restaurants have yet to realize the essential enablers. In this regard, the study explored the potential enablers that can help firms attain business continuity in the post-COVID-19 era for casual dining restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an extensive literature review and further supported 28 restaurant managers with an average experience of 8.5 years to identify the potential enablers for ensuring business continuity for casual dining restaurants. Subsequently, this study used the interpretive structural modelling coupled with Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis to understand the context-specific inter-relationships as a hierarchical structural model.

Findings

Findings suggest that financial capability forms the key driver for other enablers in the hierarchy of business continuity for casual dining restaurants. Furthermore, manpower (local and outstation) are the second-level drivers of restaurant process control, digital presence, online reviews and feedback management, scalability, food quality, food delivery management, employee safety and hygiene. The third-level factors further help restaurants to achieve the dynamic capability required to provide customer value and ensure business continuity.

Originality/value

The study is the foremost to explore a business continuity framework in the new normal for casual dining restaurants in the country. Furthermore, several contextual inter-relationships exhibiting the hierarchy are also established for the business continuity of restaurants in the new normal.
Effect of multiple laser peening on the wear resistance of 304 stainless steel
Authors: Li Min , Liu Hangxuan , Zhang Xingquan , Yang Hengji , Zuo Lisheng , Wang Ziyu , Duan Shiwei , Shu Song
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of laser peening (LP) on mechanical and wear properties of 304 stainless steel sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-dimensional morphology, micro-hardness and micro-structure of shocked samples were tested. The wear amount, wear track morphology and wear mechanism were also characterized under dry sliding wear using Al2O3 ceramics ball.

Findings

The LP treatment generates deformation twins that contribute to the grain refinement and hardness increase. The wear test displays that the wear mechanism of samples is mainly abrasive wear and oxidation wear at 10 N load. While at 30 N, the delamination and adhesion areas of treated sample are reduced visibly compared to untreated ones.

Originality/value

This study specifically investigates the mechanical and wear properties of 304 stainless steel after the direct action of LP on its surface, which shows an effective improvement on the wear resistance. For example, the wear loss of processed sample is reduced by 19% at 30 N, the friction coefficient decreases from 0.4714 to 0.4308 and the groove depth is reduced from 78.1 to 74.4 µm under same condition.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2024-0007/
Exploring the internationalization pathways of luxury SMEs: is there an asset of foreignness?
Authors: Milanesi Matilde , Runfola Andrea , Guercini Simone
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The paper delves into the international expansion of luxury SMEs to investigate their internationalization pathways, namely how the internationalization process unfolds in terms of timing of entry into foreign markets, the geographic scope of operations and the scale. The paper examines also the determinants of the internationalization pathways as a set of factors that contribute to developing an asset of foreignness.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a multiple case study approach and reports findings from four cases of Italian SMEs operating in the luxury fashion industry.

Findings

SMEs’ specific characteristics at the firm and entrepreneurial levels (i.e. craftsmanship, quality, product creativity, entrepreneurial mindset), country of origin attributes (e.g. Italy’s positive image) and the inherently global nature of the luxury industry, can turn foreignness into an asset of foreignness that allows luxury fashion SMEs to pursue internationalization pathways of born globals.

Originality/value

The paper highlights that the global luxury market is not the exclusive domain of MNEs and sheds light on luxury SMEs, overlooked by extant literature. The paper also contributes to understanding early internationalization by highlighting a potential link between internationalization pathways and foreignness and discussed the asset of foreignness by extending it to SMEs.
Exploring the key risk factors impeding the performance of highway construction projects: an evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Akoh Sani Reuben , Sun Ming , Ogunlana Stephen , Mahmud Abba Tahir
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Construction projects, and particularly highway infrastructures, are known to be major contributors to the socio-economic growth of developing countries. However, these types of projects are infamous for being highly risky due to the interplay of numerous risk factors. This study aims to explore the key risk factors impacting on the performance of highway infrastructure projects in Nigeria from the contextual viewpoint of key industry stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Specifically, 17 in-depth expert interviews were conducted with experienced stakeholders in the highway sector of the Nigerian construction industry. The collected data was transcribed and analysed using an established coding framework (grounded on case study approach, principles of thematic analysis and saliency analysis).

Findings

Overall, 17 key risks were identified from the data analysis process, and 6 risks were recognised as the most significant, based on the combination of prevalence of occurrence and significance of the coded information. The six top risks were: change in government, corruption, cost of construction materials, inflation, project funding issues and construction project delay. However, the first two of these risks (change in government and corruption) are politically related, which is specific and unique to the setting of Nigeria and thus might be seen as discouraging indicators that could have an impact on attracting foreign investors/contractors to Nigeria.

Originality/value

The study addressed the gap related with identifying context-specific risk factors impeding the performance of highway projects in Nigeria from the viewpoints of industry experts. It is expected that the findings will provide a better insight into the various risk factors and thus aid relevant policymakers to provide context-specific mitigating strategies.
The workplace of the future: the COVID-19 pandemic and working from home in Swiss small businesses
Authors: Peter Marc K. , Wuersch Lucia , Neher Alain , Lindeque Johan Paul , Mändli Lerch Karin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Micro and small enterprises (MSE) play a critical role in the Swiss economy but had no meaningfully adopted working from home (WFH) policy before the COVID-19 crisis. The timing of the study’s data collection allowed a unique assessment of Swiss MSEs’ adoption of WFH enabled by the adoption of digital technologies due to the first government-mandated COVID-19 lockdown. The study also set out to assess the permanence of any changes in the adoption of WFH by MSEs after initial government COVID-19 restrictions ended.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a threefold theoretical framework combining social, technical and spatial dimensions. Data were collected via telephone interviews. The utilised sampling frame included 153,000 small businesses with 4–49 employees, and the realised sample for the study was 503 interviews with MSE owners and managing directors (MDs).

Findings

The Swiss government’s COVID-19 crisis lockdown policies accelerated the digital transformation of work by employees in Swiss MSEs by increasing the number of employees WFH. However, the number of MSEs with WFH employees decreased after the first lockdown ended. Small business leadership is an important influence on the persistence of any increases in WFH.

Originality/value

The data collection uniquely captures the effects of externally driven digital transformation of work in small businesses by the adoption of WFH. The findings show that small businesses can rapidly learn new ways of working and support the claim that Swiss MSE MDs play a critical role in the adoption of WFH. They also confirm the importance of digital leadership and culture for realising the potential of WFH in small businesses.
Dual network configurations and invention renewals within the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Hou Tianyu , Wang Wei , Zhang Liang , Li Julie Juan , Chong Bin
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Although research on how the downstream calculations of a patent’s profit potential influence invention renewal decisions is extensive, the impact of the upstream knowledge creation stages is overlooked. The purpose of this study is to address this theoretical vacuum by examining the intra-organizational configuration of knowledge networks and collaboration networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The data consist of 491 global pharmaceutical firms that patent in the USA. Drawing on patent records, the authors simultaneously construct intra-organizational knowledge networks and collaboration networks and identify network cohesion features (i.e. local and global). The authors employ panel fixed-effects models to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that local knowledge cohesion and local social cohesion decrease invention renewals, while global knowledge cohesion and global social cohesion increase renewals. Moreover, the marginal effects of local and global social cohesion are stronger than those of local and global knowledge cohesion, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The hypotheses are tested using the pharmaceutical industry as a research setting, which limits the generalizability of our findings. In addition, potential formal and informal contingencies are not considered.

Practical implications

Despite its limitations, this study provides valuable implications. First, managers are cautioned against the adverse effects of local cohesion structures on invention renewal. Second, firms can dynamically adjust their local and global network configuration strategies to harmonize the generation of valuable inventions and the retention of good ideas.

Originality/value

Complementary to previous research that focused on inventions’ performance feedback, this study delves into upstream knowledge creation stages to understand invention renewals.
A typology of AI-based tasks for the HR function
Authors: Registre Jean Frantz Ricardeau , Saba Tania
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate the keys transformations of human resources (HR) tasks amid the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes recent theoretical and empirical research on the topic of AI and human resource management to establish a typology of AI-based HR tasks.

Findings

HR jobs will revolve around three types of tasks in the age of AI: mechanical, thinking and feeling.

Originality/value

AI radically changes HR function and it becomes essential for organizations to clearly define the purpose of using AI, its role and the context of its use in tasks. Strategic value of the HR function will lie in its future reorientation toward feeling tasks. HR managers need to possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to adapt to these tasks and ensure the responsible use of AI.
High‐density offshore seismic exploration with an optical fibre towed streamer based on distributed acoustic sensing: Concept and application
Authors: Liu Bin , Jiang Wenbin , He Xiangge , Wen Pengfei , Zhang Min
Published: May 2024

Seismic technique is widely used to image the subsurface geology for oil and gas exploration. The image quality depends on the spatial sampling density. However, it is challenging and expensive to acquire high‐density seismic data, particularly in the marine environment. Distributed acoustic sensing data are increasingly used in data acquisition because of their low cost and dense spatial sampling. Here, we present a novel type of high‐density towed streamer based on distributed acoustic sensing technology and report the results of a sea trial. This sea trial was conducted in a gas hydrate province as the major driver to develop this technique is to better characterize gas hydrate deposits. Throughout the experiment, several high‐quality datasets were obtained, and parameters like source energies and filler materials were examined. The trace interval of distributed acoustic sensing streamer data reaches 1 m, which is a significant improvement over the usual 3.125 or 6.25 m in the conventional towed streamer. A detailed analysis was carried out from three different perspectives: amplitude, noise and frequency. One of the datasets was further processed following a routine workflow to obtain the final image. Though direct comparison with the image obtained by a conventional towed streamer along a coincident line is not available, the comparison with the previous image from a nearby line shows the improvement in resolution. The final image is of good quality and the presence of gas hydrate could be inferred. The sea trial results demonstrate the feasibility of the use of a distributed acoustic sensing optical fibre streamer in acquiring high‐density seismic data in the marine environment.
A shortest‐path‐aided fast‐sweeping method to improve the accuracy of traveltime calculation in vertically transverse isotropic media
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Dong Liangguo , Huang Chao
Published: May 2024

The high accuracy and efficiency of traveltime calculation are critical in seismic tomography, migration, static corrections, source locations and anisotropic parameter estimation. The fast‐sweeping method is an efficient upwind finite‐difference approach for solving the eikonal equation. However, the fast‐sweeping method is accurate only along the axis directions. In two‐dimensional or higher dimensional cases, the accuracy is severely decreased in the diagonal directions due to the numerical errors in these directions. These similar numerical errors also arose in higher order fast‐sweeping method and anisotropic fast‐sweeping method. To improve the accuracy of traveltime calculation in two‐dimensional or higher dimensional space, a shortest‐path‐aided fast‐sweeping method is proposed. The shortest‐path‐aided solution is embedded into the sweeping process of the standard fast‐sweeping method to improve the traveltime accuracy in the diagonal directions. Shortest‐path‐aided fast‐sweeping method is very easy to implement nearly without additional computational cost and memory consumption. Furthermore, this method is easy to extend from two‐dimensional to higher dimensional, from low‐order to higher‐order and from isotropic to anisotropic cases.
Paper‐based material with hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties: Advanced packaging materials for food applications
Authors: Jieying Shi , Tingting Li , Caie Wu , Dandan Zhou , Gongjian Fan , Xiaojing Li
Published: May 2024

The environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution have prompted the exploration of eco‐friendly alternatives to disposable plastic packaging and utensils. Paper‐based materials, derived from renewable resources such as wood pulp, non‐wood pulp (bamboo pulp, straw pulp, reed pulp, etc.), and recycled paper fibers, are distinguished by their recyclability and biodegradability, making them promising substitutes in the field of plastic food packaging. Despite their merits, challenges like porosity, hydrophilicity, limited barrier properties, and a lack of functionality have restricted their packaging potential. To address these constraints, researchers have introduced antimicrobial agents, hydrophobic substances, and other functional components to improve both physical and functional properties. This enhancement has resulted in notable improvements in food preservation outcomes in real‐world scenarios. This paper offers a comprehensive review of recent progress in hydrophobic antimicrobial paper‐based materials. In addition to outlining the characteristics and functions of commonly used antimicrobial substances in food packaging, it consolidates the current research landscape and preparation techniques for hydrophobic paper. Furthermore, the paper explores the practical applications of hydrophobic antimicrobial paper‐based materials in agricultural produce, meat, and seafood, as well as ready‐to‐eat food packaging. Finally, challenges in production, application, and recycling processes are outlined to ensure safety and efficacy, and prospects for the future development of antimicrobial hydrophobic paper‐based materials are discussed. Overall, the emergence of hydrophobic antimicrobial paper‐based materials stands out as a robust alternative to plastic food packaging, offering a compelling solution with superior food preservation capabilities. In the future, paper‐based materials with antimicrobial and hydrophobic functionalities are expected to further enhance food safety as promising packaging materials.
Research on pear residue dietary fiber and Monascus pigments extracted through liquid fermentation
Authors: Chu Zhaolin , Liu Lanhua , Mu Dongdong , Chen Xiaoju , Zhang Min , Li Xingjiang , Wu Xuefeng
Published: May 2024

Pear residue, a byproduct of pear juice extraction, is rich in soluble sugar, vitamins, minerals, and cellulose. This study utilized Monascus anka in liquid fermentation to extract dietary fiber (DF) from pear residue, and the structural and functional characteristics of the DF were analyzed. Soluble DF (SDF) content was increased from 7.9/100 g to 12.6 g/100 g, with a reduction of average particle size from 532.4 to 383.0 nm by fermenting with M. anka. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed more porous and looser structures in Monascus pear residue DF (MPDF). Water‐, oil‐holding, and swelling capacities of MPDF were also enhanced. UV–visible spectral analysis showed that the yield of yellow pigment in Monascus pear residue fermentation broth (MPFB) was slightly higher than that in the Monascus blank control fermentation broth. The citrinin content in MPFB and M. anka seed broth was 0.90 and 0.98 ug/mL, respectively. Therefore, liquid fermentation with M. anka improved the structural and functional properties of MPDF, suggesting its potential as a functional ingredient in food.
Effect of hydrolyzed soybean on the volatile flavors and microbial community in the traditional brewing process of chi‐flavor Baijiu
Authors: Zhao Wenhong , Liang Minhua , Fan Puxi , Pan Lijuan , Liang Jinglong , Fei Yongtao , Bai Weidong
Published: May 2024

Addition of soybean in raw materials could improve the flavor of chi‐flavor Baijiu (CFB) in production. For investigating the mechanism of flavor improvement during fermentation, the changes of volatile flavors and their relationship with microbial community were analyzed. The results showed that the average contents of lactic and acetic acid in EG (added with hydrolyzed soybean) samples were higher those of CK (without hydrolyzed soybean) samples. The contents of main volatile esters, including ethyl acetate, ethyl palmitate, and ethyl benzoate, in EG samples were higher than those in CK samples at the end of fermentation. The content of alcohols in EG sample was 140.55 mg/L, higher than that in CK sample at the end of fermentation. Especially, the average content of characteristic flavor β‐phenylethanol in EG samples increased 17.6% in comparison with that in CK samples during fermentation. Lactobacillus and Pediococcus were the dominant bacterial genera, whereas Saccharomyces, Mortierella, and Trichosporon were dominant fungal genera in both CK and EG samples. Lactobacillus and Weissella confusa showed strong positive correlation with β‐phenylethanol, ethyl acetate, and ethyl benzoate. This study provides an in‐depth analysis of the effects of hydrolyzed soybeans on the volatile flavor compounds and microbial communities of CFB and theoretical guidance for improving the quality of CFB.
Powers of persuasion? China's struggle for human rights discourse power at the UN
Authors: Oud Malin
Published: May 2024

Since Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, the People's Republic of China has been on a mission to break what it describes as ‘Western hegemony’ around global norms. Beijing is engaged in a struggle to strengthen its influence in global governance and has identified increasing China's ‘discourse power’ at the United Nations (UN) as key to achieving this goal. Focused on human rights, this paper examines China's project to enhance its discourse power at the UN. It assesses how successful Beijing has been in shaping language, concepts and norms at the UN and to what extent there has been a power shift in line with China's aspirations. It concludes that in China's efforts to enhance its power over meaning at the UN, it relies less on its powers of persuasion to effect what Barnett and Duvall term productive power and more on compulsory power. China's vision for global governance and its growing clout at the UN has great implications for international order. In essence, China seeks to reshape international norms so that human rights become each member state's ‘internal affairs’ rather than a legitimate concern of the international community.
Between co‐optation and emancipation: Chinese women'sNGOsand power shifts at the United Nations
Authors: Cai Yiping
Published: May 2024

Recent scholarship on China at the United Nations (UN) considers whether there has been a discernible shift in power in China's favour. However, existing analyses predominantly focus on state actors and UN entities, whereas non‐state actors, such as non‐governmental organisations (NGOs), are largely neglected. This article examines the participation of Chinese NGOs in the UN, contributing to the analysis of China's evolving position in global politics. Through the contextualised examination of Chinese women's NGOs' engagement with the UN over the past three decades, the argument contends that there are different types of Chinese NGOs operating in hierarchical and shifting political settings. Despite the Chinese state's attempts to co‐opt NGOs to strengthen its multilateral power base, it is oversimplified to perceive the engagement of Chinese NGOs at the UN as merely serving the interests of the state. Instead, Chinese NGOs play multifaceted roles that are shaped by their relationship with the state, as they deploy different strategies to navigate political space both at the UN and domestically. Although the Chinese government continues to dominate state‐NGO relations, at the UN and elsewhere, there are a few instances where UN fora have provided Chinese NGOs with precarious but increased room for manoeuvre vis‐à‐vis the state.
Effect of a peer‐led prevention program (P2P) on smoking in vocational high school students: Results from a two‐school‐year cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Lareyre Olivier , Cousson‐Gélie Florence , Pereira Bruno , Stoebner‐Delbarre Anne , Lambert Céline , Gourlan Mathieu
Published: May 2024

Aims

The aim of this work was to measure the impact of P2P (i.e. peer‐to‐peer), a peer‐led smoking prevention intervention, on daily smoking prevalence of adolescents over 2 school years.

Design

A cluster‐randomized controlled trial was performed over a 16‐month follow‐up (trial status: closed to follow‐up). P2P was implemented 1–3 and 13–15 months after baseline. Assessments took place at baseline and 4, 10 and 16 months after baseline. The research team, assessors and adolescents were blinded to the study‐arm assignment only at baseline.

Setting

Fifteen vocational high schools in France were randomized into two clusters, using a 1:1 allocation ratio per French department (n intervention = 7, n control = 8).

Participants

Participants comprised a sample of 2010 students in year 11 (i.e. 15–16 years) in vocational high schools. A total of 437 students could not be assessed at baseline (absent or left school), yielding a total sample of 1573 students (n intervention = 749, n control = 824).

Intervention and comparator

The P2P programme trained voluntary students to become peer educators and design smoking prevention actions for their schoolmates in the intervention group (n = 945 students), compared with a passive control group (n = 1065 students).

Measurements

The primary outcome was change from baseline in the prevalence of self‐reported daily smoking (i.e. at least one cigarette per day) at 16 months.

Findings

The ‘time × group’ interaction indicated that, compared with the control group, the intervention group had statistically significantly fewer daily smokers after 16 months [odds ratio (OR) = 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.20, 0.53]. Similarly, compared with the control group, the intervention group had statistically significantly fewer daily smokers after 4 months (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.30, 0.82) and 10 months (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37, 0.98). No adverse events of P2P2 were reported.

Conclusions

A cluster‐randomized trial found evidence that the peer‐led P2P (peer‐to‐peer) smoking prevention intervention reduced the uptake of daily smoking among high school students in France over 16 months.
Two Racial Capitalisms: Marxism, Domination, and Resistance in Cedric Robinson and Stuart Hall
Authors: Paret Marcel , Levenson Zachary
Published: May 2024

The popularity of the concept of “racial capitalism” has exploded over the past decade, penetrating both academic and activist circles. Two thinkers have been foundational to this revival: Cedric Robinson and Stuart Hall. Whereas previous scholarship has tended to merge these two thinkers into a single framework, we argue that they develop divergent, and potentially irreconcilable, theories of racial capitalism. Robinson and Hall both challenge an orthodox Marxism that crudely reads politics from class position, and both point to the constitutive roles of culture and racism in mass mobilisation. Yet they diverge in two key ways. First, they root their theories in incongruous systemic logics: Robinson emphasises racial differentiation and domination, whereas Hall emphasises the maintenance of capitalist hegemony. And second, Robinson's theories of domination and resistance are rooted in spatial connections, most importantly via Western racialism and what he calls the Black radical tradition, both of which envelop the globe. By contrast, Hall insists on the spatial fragmentation of domination and resistance, which emerge as conjunctural articulations in specific contexts. Challenging the idea that there is a singular racial capitalism lens or frame, we urge scholars and activists alike to rigorously interrogate the specific mechanisms linking racism and capitalism.
Editorial: Revisit the causes and long‐term outcomes in cirrhosis patients—Authors' reply
Authors: Henry Linda , Tran Sally , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: May 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Tran et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18024 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18046.
Classification of the high‐rank syntaxa of the Central and Eastern Balkan dry grasslands with a new hierarchical expert system approach
Authors: Vassilev Kiril , Bergmeier Erwin , Boch Steffen , Pedashenko Hristo , Sopotlieva Desislava , Tsiripidis Ioannis , Apostolova Iva , Fotiadis Georgios , Ganeva Anna , Genova Beloslava , Natcheva Rayna , Pirini Chrisoula , Shivarov Veselin , Tichý Lubomír , Vrahnakis Michael , Dengler Jürgen
Published: May 2024

Aims

Developing a hierarchical classification system for classes, orders and alliances of the diverse dry grasslands of the Central and Eastern Balkan Peninsula and translating this into an electronic expert system (ES) for the automatic assignment of plots.

Location

Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and northern Greece.

Methods

We extracted 5734 plots from the Balkan Dry Grassland Database corresponding to eight classes of dry grasslands reported from the region, using the EuroVegChecklist ES. This data set and later the plots within each derived subunit were subjected to a new numerical approach: starting with an initial partitioning (expert‐interpreted TWINSPAN classification), diagnostic species were determined based on their phi‐values for the target vegetation type and the differences in phi‐values to the next similar types. These diagnostic species were fed into an ES to create a new partitioning, a procedure which was iterated until diagnostic species and species of the ES converged. Then the same approach was applied within each of the derived units to define the units of the next‐lower level.

Results

The iterative cluster optimisation (ICO) converged in all cases. The resulting hierarchical expert system (HES) classified 95% of all plots to alliances. We distinguished four classes with eight orders and 12 alliances: (1) Tuberarietea guttatae (Romuleion); (2) Stipo‐Brachypodietea distachyi (Clinopodio alpini‐Thymion striati); (3) Festuco‐Brometea with Brachypodietalia pinnati (Chrysopogono‐Danthonion calycinae and Cirsio‐Brachypodion pinnati), Festucetalia valesiacae (Festucion valesiacae), an unnamed order of rocky steppes (with Pimpinello‐Thymion zygioidis) and Koelerietalia splendentis (Centaureo‐Bromion fibrosi, Saturejion montanae and Diantho haematocalycis‐Festucion hirtovaginatae); (four) Koelerio‐Corynephoretea with Sedo acris‐Festucetalia (Festucion vaginatae) and Trifolio arvensis‐Festucetalia ovinae (Armerio rumelicae‐Potentillion and Minuartio montanae‐Poion molinerii all. nov.).

Conclusions

We created a unified hierarchical classification with an electronic ES using diagnostic species defined by phi‐values. Our new approach (ICO‐HES: iterative cluster optimisation for hierarchical expert systems) allows dividing large data sets into meaningful units at several hierarchical levels, and thus has high potential for complex classifications. Importantly, it overcomes the divide between ES species and diagnostic species and re‐unites them into one concept.
Clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of venetoclax, a selective B‐cell lymphoma‐2 inhibitor
Authors: Salem Ahmed Hamed , Menon Rajeev M.
Published: May 2024

Venetoclax, a highly potent BCL‐2 inhibitor, is indicated for treatment of some hematologic malignancies as monotherapy, and/or in combination with other agents. Venetoclax pharmacokinetics has been extensively characterized in patients and healthy participants. After oral dosing, the median time to reach maximum plasma concentration ranged from 5 to 8 h and harmonic mean half‐life ranged from 14 to 18 h. Food increases venetoclax bioavailability by 3–5‐fold and venetoclax should be administered with food to ensure adequate and consistent bioavailability. Venetoclax is eliminated via cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A metabolism, and a negligible amount of unchanged drug is excreted in urine. Strong CYP3A/P‐glycoprotein inhibitors increased venetoclax exposures (AUC) by 1.44‐ to 6.90‐fold while a significant decrease (71%) has been observed when dosed with strong CYP3 inducers. Venetoclax does not inhibit or induce CYP enzymes or transporters. Venetoclax pharmacokinetics is not appreciably altered by age, weight, sex, but the exposure is up to twofold higher in participants from Asian countries. Mild‐to‐severe renal impairment or end‐stage renal disease do not alter venetoclax exposures, and venetoclax is not cleared by dialysis. Although mild‐to‐moderate hepatic impairment does not affect venetoclax exposures, twofold higher exposure was observed in subjects with severe hepatic impairment. Venetoclax exposure is comparable across patients with different hematologic malignancies and healthy participants. Overall, venetoclax exposure is only affected by food and CYP3A modulators and is only higher in Asian subjects and subjects with severe hepatic impairment. Venetoclax exposure–response relationships are malignancy‐dependent and can be different between monotherapy and combination therapy.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among psoriasis patients in Germany: Data from the German registries PsoBest and CoronaBest
Authors: López María José Valencia , Meineke Anna , Stephan Brigitte , Rustenbach Stephan Jeff , Kis Anne , Thaçi Diamant , Mrowietz Ulrich , Reich Kristian , Staubach‐Renz Petra , von Kiedrowski Ralph , Bogena Henriette , Augustin Matthias
Published: May 2024

Background

Limited data exist on the characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in German patients with psoriasis or psoriasis arthritis (PsA). This study analyses COVID‐19 prevalence and severity of symptoms in these patients.

Patients and Methods

Participants of the German registries PsoBest and CoronaBest were surveyed in February 2022. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

Results

4,818 patients were included in the analysis, mean age of 56.4 years. Positive SARS‐CoV‐2 tests were reported by 737 (15.3%) patients. The most frequently reported acute symptoms were fatigue (67.3%), cough (58.8%), and headache (58.3%). Longer‐lasting symptoms after COVID‐19 were reported by 231 of 737 patients after the acute phase. For most patients (92.9%), systemic treatment for their psoriasis or PsA was not modified during the pandemic. Patients positively tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 were younger on average and had more often changes in the therapy of psoriasis than negatively tested patients (8.5% vs. 5.4%).

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients with psoriasis or PsA undergoing systemic treatment, SARS‐CoV‐2 infections were common but less frequent than in the general German population. No risk signals for more severe COVID‐19 or increased infection rates were observed in the patients. In addition, systemic treatments remained largely unchanged, so that no risks can be attributed to these therapies.
Dieback of small‐leaved lime trees (Tilia cordata Mill.) caused by Gibsiella quercinecans in urban areas in Poland
Authors: Tkaczyk Miłosz , Sikora Katarzyna , Plewa Radosław
Published: May 2024

In the summer of 2023, small‐leaved lime trees (Tilia cordata) in the capital city of Warsaw were found to be dying along transport routes. The stem fragments collected for analysis showed the presence of necrosis near larval galleries caused by Agrilus viridis (L.). After a detailed microbiological analysis of both the tissues taken directly from the necroses and from the larval galleries, the presence of five different bacteria was confirmed, including Gibsiella quercinecans, which is responsible for the phenomenon of oak stand dieback known as Acute Oak Dieback. The pathogenicity tests carried out confirmed that this bacterium is also capable of causing necrosis on lime trees. The fact that this bacterium was found in the larval galleries of the polyphagous A. viridis could also indicate that it was vectored into the lime tree from other species, for example, oaks. The results obtained are the first report on the occurrence of G. quercinecans on lime trees in Poland.
Multimodal imaging investigation of structural rich club alterations in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: Amyloid deposition, structural atrophy, and functional activation differences
Authors: Markett Sebastian , Boeken Ole J. , Wudarczyk Olga A. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by significant cerebral dysfunction, including increased amyloid deposition, gray matter atrophy, and changes in brain function. The involvement of highly connected network hubs, known as the “rich club,” in the pathology of the disease remains inconclusive despite previous research efforts. In this study, we aimed to systematically assess the link between the rich club and AD using a multimodal neuroimaging approach.

We employed network analyses of diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), longitudinal assessments of gray matter atrophy, amyloid deposition measurements using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and meta‐analytic data on functional activation differences. Our study focused on evaluating the role of both the structural brain network's core and extended rich club regions in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those diagnosed with AD.

Our findings revealed that structural rich club regions exhibited accelerated gray matter atrophy and increased amyloid deposition in both MCI and AD. Importantly, these regions remained unaffected by altered functional activation patterns observed outside the core rich club regions. These results shed light on the connection between two major AD biomarkers and the rich club, providing valuable insights into AD as a potential disconnection syndrome.
Quantifying aboveground biomass, soil organic carbon and erosion with a detailed crop map and PESERA model in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Zhou Jichen , Baartman Jantienne , Ning Yinan , Nunes João Pedro , van Delden Hedwig , Vanhout Roel , Chen Xinping , Ritsema Coen , Ma Lihua , Liu Xuejun
Published: May 2024

Soil erosion represents a primary threat to soil systems with adverse implications for ecosystem services, crop production, potable water and carbon storage. While numerous studies have quantified the spatial distribution of aboveground Biomass (AGB), soil erosion and soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB), limited attention has been given to assessing the contributions of different land use types and especially crop types to AGB, soil erosion and SOC. In most studies, cropland is taken as a land use class, while detailed crop types and rotation patterns, and their effect on soil erosion and SOC, vary significantly. In this study, we used the Metronamica model to generate a detailed crop rotation and distribution map across the YRB and subsequently employed the Pan‐European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment (PESERA) model to simulate the spatial distribution of AGB, soil erosion and SOC on a monthly basis. PESERA model simulations indicate an average soil erosion rate across the entire YRB of 7.7 ton/ha/yr, with erosion hotspots concentrated in the Sichuan Basin and the central‐southern regions. The southwestern region and western Sichuan show elevated levels of AGB and SOC, while the eastern plains display lower levels. Erosion rates are lowest in areas designated as artificial land, pasture and grassland, whereas croplands and fruit tree plantations experience the highest erosion rates. In terms of crop types, the highest erosion rates and lowest AGB are observed under fallow and potato cultivation, while the lowest erosion rates and highest AGB are found in rice‐wheat rotation fields. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study taking detailed crop types and patterns into account while evaluating their effect at a relatively large scale (i.e., YRB). These findings can help to develop sustainable soil management and (cropping) conservation strategies.
Cultural values and voice as determinants of customers' marketing research cooperation: A fuzzy set perspective
Authors: Osakwe Christian Nedu , Ogunmokun Oluwatobi A. , Adeola Ogechi , Jibril Abdul Bashiru
Published: May 2024

Firms and their managers have long been concerned with encouraging customers to take on an active role in their marketing research activities. The critical question for these firms is how to foster collaboration with customers in marketing research to enhance the firm's marketing effectiveness and simultaneously benefit the customers. This study focuses on the role that individuals' cultural values and customer voice potentially play in shaping how customers perceive marketing research cooperation with the firm. We analyzed data from a sample of 270 customers of apparel store brands in an African country. Utilizing fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis, our research reveals that the combinations of antecedent conditions that enhance marketing research cooperation significantly differ from those that impede it. Theoretically and managerially, our study expands the understanding of how marketing research cooperation is contingent upon the combination of customers' cultural values and their voice.
Low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic application of SmTaO4 and YTaO4 with ZnO‐B2O3‐SiO2 additive
Authors: Yang Hongcheng , Huang Xier , Zhang Jin , Li Enzhu
Published: May 2024

In this study, ZnO‐B2O3‐SiO2 (ZBS) glass was employed as a sintering facilitator, enabling low‐temperature sintering of SmTaO4 and YTaO4 ceramics. The influence of varying quantities of ZBS glass on sintering behavior and phase composition was investigated to reveal the low‐temperature sintering mechanism. ZBS glass exhibits favorable wetting behavior on the SmTaO4 and YTaO4 ceramic matrices and dramatically decreases the initial shrinkage temperature of ceramics throughout the sintering process. Composited with 20 wt. % ZBS and sintered at their optimal sintering temperature, the composite ceramics of SmTaO4 and YTaO4 possess favorable microwave dielectric properties: εr = 8.46, Q×f = 15,723 GHz, and τf = –6.68 ppm/°C (at 14.339 GHz), and εr = 4.21, Q×f = 18,939 GHz, and τf = –18.92 ppm/°C (at 15.512 GHz), respectively.
Unveiling the role of the KLF4/Lnc18q22.2/ULBP3 axis in the tumorigenesis and immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma under hypoxic condition
Authors: Wei Lifang , He Ping , Tan Zhongqiu , Zhao Lifeng , Lin Cheng , Wei Zhongheng
Published: May 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant global health burden, necessitating an in‐depth exploration of its molecular underpinnings to facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This investigation delves into the complex role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the modulation of hypoxia‐induced HCC progression, with a specific emphasis on delineating and functionally characterizing the novel KLF4/Lnc18q22.2/ULBP3 axis. To elucidate the effects of hypoxic conditions on HCC cells, we established in vitro models under both normoxic and hypoxic environments, followed by lncRNA microarray analyses. Among the lncRNAs identified, Lnc18q22.2 was found to be significantly upregulated in HCC cells subjected to hypoxia. Subsequent investigations affirmed the oncogenic role of Lnc18q22.2, highlighting its critical function in augmenting HCC cell proliferation and migration. Further examination disclosed that Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) transcriptionally governs Lnc18q22.2 expression in HCC cells, particularly under hypoxic stress. KLF4 subsequently enhances the tumorigenic capabilities of HCC cells through the modulation of Lnc18q22.2 expression. Advancing downstream in the molecular cascade, our study elucidates a novel interaction between Lnc18q22.2 and UL16‐binding protein 3 (ULBP3), culminating in the stabilization of ULBP3 protein expression. Notably, ULBP3 was identified as a pivotal element, exerting dual functions by facilitating HCC tumorigenesis and mitigating immune evasion in hypoxia‐exposed HCC cells. The comprehensive insights gained from our research delineate a hitherto unidentified KLF4/Lnc18q22.2/ULBP3 axis integral to the understanding of HCC tumorigenesis and immune escape under hypoxic conditions. This newly unveiled molecular pathway not only enriches our understanding of hypoxia‐induced HCC progression but also presents novel avenues for therapeutic intervention.
An overview of the different digital facebow methods for transferring the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator
Authors: Revilla‐León Marta , Zeitler Jonathan M. , Kois John C.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to classify the described digital facebow techniques for transferring the maxillary cast into the semi‐adjustable virtual articulator based on the digital data acquisition technology used and to review the reported accuracy values of the different digital facebow methods described.

Overview

Digital data acquisition technologies, including digital photographs, facial scanners, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, and jaw tracking systems, can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator. The reported techniques are reviewed, as well as the reported accuracy values of the different digital facebow methods.

Conclusions

Digital photographs can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator using the true horizontal reference plane, but limited studies have assessed the accuracy of this method. Facial scanning and CBCT techniques can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator, in which the most frequently selected references planes are the Frankfort horizontal, axis orbital, and true horizontal planes. Studies analyzing the accuracy of the maxillary cast transfer by using facial scanning and CBCT techniques are restricted. Lastly, optical jaw trackers can be selected for transferring the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator by using the axis orbital or true horizontal planes, yet the accuracy of these systems is unknown.

Clinical Implications

Digital data acquisition technologies, including digital photographs, facial scanning methods, CBCTs, and optical jaw tracking systems, can be used to transfer the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator. Studies are needed to assess the accuracy of these digital data acquisition technologies for transferring the maxillary cast into the virtual articulator.