bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Sleep Quality in Spouse Caregivers of Community-Dwelling People With Dementia Using Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: CHU Hyeon Sik , JANG Hye-Young
Published: November 2023

Background

Many family caregivers of people with dementia (PwDs) have sleep problems and poor sleep quality. Sleep may be negatively affected by caring for a family member with dementia, especially a spouse.

Purpose

This study was designed to assess sleep quality in spouse caregivers of PwDs and determine the impact of care provision on their sleep quality.

Methods

A secondary analysis of 58,050 participants in the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey was conducted. To prevent selection bias, a propensity score matching analysis was performed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the predictors of sleep quality.

Results

After obtaining a propensity score matching threshold of 3:1, the percentage of poor sleepers was 24.2% in the control group and 33.3% in the spouse-caregiver group, which indicates a significant difference (χ2 = 11.79, p = .001). After adjusting for depressive symptoms in the multiple logistic analyses, no intergroup difference was found in terms of risk of poor sleep quality (odds ratio = 1.12, 95% CI [0.90, 1.61]).

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

The findings of this study support that spouse caregivers of PwDs have poorer sleep quality than their nonspouse peers and that management of depressive symptoms is important to improving the sleep quality of spouses providing care to PwDs. Nursing interventions such as light therapy and exposure to sunlight during daytime hours to both improve sleep quality and reduce depressive symptoms can improve sleep quality in this vulnerable caregiver group.
Agreement on Lesion Presence and Location at Colposcopy
Authors: Lycke Kathrine Dyhr , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Jeronimo Jose , de Sanjose Silvia , Egemen Didem , del Pino Marta , Marcus Jenna , Schiffman Mark , Hammer Anne
Published: November 2023

Objectives/purpose

The reproducibility and sensitivity of image-based colposcopy is low, but agreement on lesion presence and location remains to be explored. Here, we investigate the interobserver agreement on lesions on colposcopic images by evaluating and comparing marked lesions on digitized colposcopic images between colposcopists.

Methods

Five colposcopists reviewed images from 268 colposcopic examinations. Cases were selected based on histologic diagnosis, i.e., normal/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)1 (n = 50), CIN2 (n = 50), CIN3 (n = 100), adenocarcinoma in situ (n = 53), and cancer (n = 15). We obtained digitized time-series images every 7–10 seconds from before acetic acid application to 2 minutes after application. Colposcopists were instructed to digitally annotate all areas with acetowhitening or suspect of lesions. To estimate the agreement on lesion presence and location, we assessed the proportion of images with annotations and the proportion of images with overlapping annotated area by at least 4 (4+) colposcopists, respectively.

Results

We included images from 241 examinations (1 image from each) with adequate annotations. The proportion with a least 1 lesion annotated by 4+ colposcopists increased by severity of histologic diagnosis. Among the CIN3 cases, 84% had at least 1 lesion annotated by 4+ colposcopists, whereas 54% of normal/CIN1 cases had a lesion annotated. Notably, the proportion was 70% for adenocarcinoma in situ and 71% for cancer. Regarding lesion location, there was no linear association with severity of histologic diagnosis.

Conclusion

Despite that 80% of the CIN2 and CIN3 cases were annotated by 4+ colposcopists, we did not find increasing agreement on lesion location with histology severity. This underlines the subjective nature of colposcopy.
The Use of a Unilateral Curved Spreader Graft in the Management of Crooked Nose Deformity
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed Ibrahim , Elbahrawy Atef , Sorour Samir , Elsadek Aalaa , Fouad Yasser Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Aim of Work

The aim of this study is to present a new technique of using spreader grafts in the correction of crooked nose deformity with C-shaped deviation of the middle third of the nose.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective case series study conducted on 18 patients with crooked nose deformity with C-shaped deviation of the middle third of the nose. All of the patients were managed by open septorhinoplasty. During surgery, a curved spreader graft was harvested from the nasal septum and placed on the convex side of the C-shaped deviation of the dorsal part of the nasal septum. Objective measurements of the angles of external nasal deviation (END) and the internal nasal valve (INV) angles were performed before and 6 months after the surgery. Subjective assessment of aesthetic satisfaction by the visual analog scale and nasal function by the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation scale was also performed before and 6 months after surgery.

Results

Eighteen patients were enrolled in the study and completed the minimum follow-up period of 6 months. The mean follow-up period was 17.3 months. Objectively, there was highly significant (P < 0.00001) improvement of the END angle and INV angle. Subjectively, there was also highly significant (P < 0.00001) improvement of both the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation score and the visual analog scale score for aesthetic satisfaction.

Conclusions

The insertion of a curved unilateral spreader graft over the convexity of the deviated nasal dorsum can correct the END, improve the collapsed INV on both sides, and consequently achieve satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.
An Objective Evaluation of Cleft Lip Repair Deformities Based on Standardized Photographic Views
Authors: El-Shazly Mohamed , Sharaf Ahmed S. , Abdelkarim Ahmed , Makboul Mohamed , Rabie Osama , Saleh Medhat Araby
Published: November 2023

Background

Several assessment systems of the cleft-related facial deformity have been reported in the medical literature. Assessments have been made from direct clinical evaluations, photographs, on-screen digital images, and 3-dimensional imaging. An evaluation method based on standardized photographic views is developed to evaluate the most common postoperative deformities and to detect the responsible factors for occurrence of these deformities and how to avoid them.

Materials and Methods

One hundred forty-five cleft lip cases (105 unilateral and 40 bilateral) were evaluated by using standard sheet and scoring system designed by Operation Smile Inc (Virginia Beach). The scoring system is based on photographic analysis of items including Cupid's bow, nasal symmetry, vermilion contour, white roll continuity, and scar quality.

Results

In the unilateral cleft cases, we found 0.4% excellent, 48.57% good, 38% fair, and 2.85% poor cases. For bilateral clef lip cases, we found 27.5% excellent, 47.5% good, 17.5% fair, and 7.5% poor outcomes. The most common postoperative deformities were nasal asymmetry, scar hypertrophy, deformed Cupid's bow, and vermilion contour asymmetry.

Conclusions

This objective evaluation system can determine the common cleft lip nasal deformities with detection of the responsible factors. Principles that guide optimum surgical repair have been advocated to avoid the common postoperative deformities. Scar formation is an independent factor that must be managed early and separately to maintain surgical outcomes.
Writing Errors of Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Brimo Danielle , Nallamala Kavi , Werfel Krystal L.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare the types of morphological and syntactic errors in written simple and complex sentences produced by children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and children with typical language (TL). We analyzed the writing products of 30 children with DLD and 33 children with TL for morphological (e.g., past tense -ed and BE verbs) and syntactic (e.g., word omission and word order) errors in simple and complex sentences. We found that children with DLD produced more regular and irregular past tense errors and syntactic errors than children with TL. We also found that the number of total errors produced by children with DLD was not different in simple versus complex sentences. The findings reported can be used as a starting point for adding writing assessment to speech–language pathologists' tool kit for serving children with DLD. We recommend that clinicians begin with analysis of past tense and syntactic errors when evaluating narrative writing skills of children with DLD.
Intergenic regions contribute fitness advance by increasing recombination
Authors: Imai Ryosuke
Published: November 2023

Intergenic regions are common in eukaryotic genomes, yet they often appear to confer no direct fitness advantage. This study hypothesized that the primary function of these regions may be to enhance the frequency of meiotic recombination between genes, thereby reducing selective interference and improving the efficacy of selection. To test this hypothesis, computer simulations were conducted using the slim4 software to examine the impact of varying lengths of intergenic regions on total fitness. Populations with extended intergenic regions exhibited increased total fitness. Notably, the average fitness effects of both advantageous and deleterious mutations diminished, implying an enhanced selection efficiency, particularly for mutations with marginal fitness impacts. Total fitness effect of deleterious mutations increased despite the average fitness effect decreasing. Linkage between deleterious mutations could contribute to purging of slightly deleterious mutations.These results underscore the need for a more comprehensive examination of the relationship between recombination and intergenic regions to fully elucidate their evolutionary significance and contribution to genomic architecture.

Article Summary

Evolutionary significance of intergenic regions are still unclear. This study hypothesized that the primary function of these regions may be to enhance the frequency of meiotic recombination between genes, thereby reducing selective interference and improving the efficacy of selection. The simulation showed that populations with extended intergenic regions exhibited increased total fitness. The results poin t the way for future research about evolution of intergenic regions and the effect of genomic position of genes.
MITF regulates IDH1 and NNT and drives a transcriptional program protecting cutaneous melanoma from reactive oxygen species
Authors: Roider Elisabeth , Lakatos Alexandra I.T. , McConnell Alicia M. , Wang Poguang , Mueller Alina , Kawakami Akinori , Tsoi Jennifer , Szabolcs Botond L. , Ascsillán Anna A. , Suita Yusuke , Igras Vivien , Lo Jennifer A. , Hsiao Jennifer J. , Lapides Rebecca , Pál Dorottya M.P. , Lengyel Anna S. , Navarini Alexander , Okazaki Arimichi , Iliopoulos Othon , Németh István , Graeber Thomas G. , Zon Leonard , Giese Roger W. , Kemeny Lajos V. , Fisher David E.
Published: November 2023

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) plays pivotal roles in melanocyte development, function, and melanoma pathogenesis. MITF amplification occurs in melanoma and has been associated with resistance to targeted therapies. Here, we show that MITF regulates a global antioxidant program that increases survival of melanoma cell lines by protecting the cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage. In addition, this redox program is correlated with MITF expression in human melanoma cell lines and patient-derived melanoma samples. Using a zebrafish melanoma model, we show that MITF decreases ROS-mediated DNA damagein vivo. Some of the MITF target genes involved, such asIDH1andNNT, are regulated through direct MITF binding to canonical enhancer box (E-BOX) sequences proximal to their promoters. Utilizing functional experiments, we demonstrate the role of MITF and its target genes in reducing cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS. Collectively, our data identify MITF as a significant driver of the cellular antioxidant state.

One Sentence Summary

MITF promote melanoma survival via increasing ROS tolerance.
COQ4 is required for the oxidative decarboxylation of the C1 carbon of Coenzyme Q in eukaryotic cells
Authors: Pelosi Ludovic , Morbiato Laura , Burgardt Arthur , Tonello Fiorella , Bartlett Abigail K. , Guerra Rachel M. , Ferizhendi Katayoun Kazemzadeh , Desbats Maria Andrea , Rascalou Bérengère , Marchi Marco , Vázquez-Fonseca Luis , Agosto Caterina , Zanotti Giuseppe , Roger-Margueritat Morgane , Alcázar-Fabra María , García-Corzo Laura , Sánchez-Cuesta Ana , Navas Plácido , Brea-Calvo Gloria , Trevisson Eva , Wendisch Volker F. , Pagliarini David J. , Salviati Leonardo , Pierrel Fabien
Published: November 2023

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a redox lipid that fulfills critical functions in cellular bioenergetics and homeostasis. CoQ is synthesized by a multi-step pathway that involves several COQ proteins. Two steps of the eukaryotic pathway, the decarboxylation and hydroxylation of position C1, have remained uncharacterized. Here, we provide evidence that these two reactions occur in a single oxidative decarboxylation step catalyzed by COQ4. We demonstrate that COQ4 complements anEscherichia colistrain deficient for C1 decarboxylation and hydroxylation and that COQ4 displays oxidative decarboxylation activity in the non-CoQ producerCorynebacterium glutamicum. Overall, our results substantiate that COQ4 contributes to CoQ biosynthesis, not only via its previously proposed structural role, but also via oxidative decarboxylation of CoQ precursors. These findings fill a major gap in the knowledge of eukaryotic CoQ biosynthesis, and shed new light on the pathophysiology of human primary CoQ deficiency due toCOQ4mutations.
Guild-Level Gut Microbial Alterations Associate with Non-hepatitis Virus related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yubing , Ye Hongwei , Meng Xiaowei , Zhang Shuyu , Zhang Yiyin , Chen Yi , Chen Yu
Published: November 2023

The gut microbiota of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is different from that of cohort without HCC. However, the relationship between non-hepatitis virus related HCC and gut microbial alterations remains elusive. In this work, we studied the gut microbial data in Sequence Read Archive (SRA) database from 58 healthy controls (HC), 31 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 206 patients with hepatitis B viruses, 35 patients with HBV related HCC (B-HCC), and 22 patients with non-HBV or non-HCV related HCC (NBNC-HCC). Depend on guild-based analysis, 27 gut bacterial co-abundance groups (CAGs) were established. By studying these CAGs, we found the gut microbial overall structure and composition differed among patients with NBNC-HCC, B-HCC, other liver diseases, and healthy cohort, such as members from Lachnospiraceae, Veillonellaceae, andPrevotella. The network calculated by these CAGs in patients with HCC showed less interactions than that in healthy cohort. The specific CAGs showed correlated to the development of HCC. In addition, gut bacterial dysbiosis index, which was calculated by significantly altered CAGs in patients with NBNC-HCC compared with healthy cohort, showed potential diagnostic power of NBNC-HCC. Therefore, this study shows a new way toward understanding the role of the gut microbiome in patients with non-hepatitis virus related HCC.

IMPORTANCE

Gut microbiome may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the relationship between non-hepatitis virus related hepatocellular carcinoma and gut microbiome should be further understood. In the current work, we found the alterations of gut microbial structure, composition, and network robustness in these patients by guild-based data analysis. Specific gut bacteria in these patients were related to clinical parameters, such as blood biochemical indexes. More importantly, gut bacterial bio-markers, which can discriminate these patients and cohort without this disease, were showed in this study. Thus, our study suggests that these guild-level gut bacteria may contribute to the development of non-hepatitis virus related hepatocellular carcinoma. This provides a new direction for future studies, which aims to show the importance of the gut microbiome in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Physical complaints and their relationships to esports activities among Japanese esports players: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Monma Takafumi , Matsui Takashi , Koyama Shoya , Ueno Hiromasa , Kagesawa Junichi , Oba Chisato , Nakamura Kentaro , Takagi Hideki , Takeda Fumi
Published: November 2023

In the evolving landscape of electronic sports (esports), where economic and social expectations are soaring, a critical concern has emerged in physical complaints among esports players. However, empirical insights into these complaints’ prevalence and influencing factors are scarce. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of physical complaints and their association with esports activities among Japanese esports players. A web-based cross-sectional survey encompassing 175 esports players from both professional and amateur teams in Japan was conducted. The analysis focused on 79 male participants (average age: 21.6 ± 5.6 years) with complete responses. The survey items included the esports factors (the device mainly used, the duration of esports titles played primarily, hours of esports activities per day on weekdays and holidays, and the distance between the screen and the face during esports activities) and physical complaints (headache, neck pain, stiff or sore shoulders, wrist pain, finger pain, lower back pain, and eye fatigue). A total of 49.4% reported stiff or sore shoulders, 48.1% faced eye fatigue, and 30.4% had headaches. Professionals exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of neck, wrist, and lower back pain and eye fatigue than amateurs. Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis uncovered that using mainly mobile devices and being closer to the screen and face during esports activities were significantly associated with neck pain, stiff or sore shoulders, lower back pain, and eye fatigue. These results suggest that poor posture caused by using mobile devices and being closer to the screen during esports activities was related to various physical complaints.
The role of alkyl chain length in the melt and solution crystallization of paliperidone aliphatic prodrugs
Authors: Chen An , Cai Peishan , Peng Yayun , Guo Minshan , Su Yuan , Cai Ting
Published: November 2023

Fatty acid-derivative prodrugs have been utilized extensively to improve the physicochemical, biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients. However, to our knowledge, the crystallization behavior of prodrugs modified with different fatty acids has not been explored. In the present work, a series of paliperidone aliphatic prodrugs with alkyl chain lengths ranging from C4 to C16 was investigated with respect to crystal structure, crystal morphology and crystallization kinetics. The paliperidone derivatives exhibited isostructural crystal packing, despite the different alkyl chain lengths, and crystallized with the dominant (100) face in both melt and solution. The rate of crystallization for paliperidone derivatives in the melt increases with alkyl chain length owing to greater molecular mobility. In contrast, the longer chains prolong the nucleation induction time and reduce the crystal growth kinetics in solution. The results show a correlation between difficulty of nucleation in solution and the interfacial energy. This work provides insight into the crystallization behavior of paliperidone aliphatic prodrugs and reveals that the role of alkyl chain length in the crystallization behavior has a strong dependence on the crystallization method.
Best practice for safety management – case of major oil processing country in the Middle East
Authors: Oduoza Chike F. , Alamri Reem , Oloke David
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Deployment of health and safety standards in extremely hazardous work environments such as oil and gas sector, is essential to minimise accidents leaving employees permanently or temporarily incapacitated. The purpose of this research, is to understand why there are frequent accidents in case country's oil and gas sector, with a view to recommend solutions to mitigate problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methodology involved extensive review of the literature to appreciate background, and current research on typical accidents and safety measures taken at oil and gas construction sites to minimise accidents in a middle east country. Interviews, questionnaires and case stidies were deployed to acquire data which highlighted major reasons for accidents occurrence at oil and gas construction sites, and safety tools and techniques that could reduce accident rate if adopted by companies.

Findings

Findings, showed that oil and gas construction projects in case country were prone to health and safety related risks, challenges and accidents due to failure to comply with standards and legislation. Construction site teams and shop floor staff were rarely involved in development of safety policies, and some had no understanding of requirements and procedures underpinning safety during operations. Research recommended rapid application/adoption of international standards underpinned by ISO 45000 series and staff training at all levels. Deployment of robots and use of machine learning technology were suggested to implement risky tasks in the sector.

Originality/value

Research was based on rampant accidents occurring in hazardous oil and gas sector in country studied. Enforcement of health and safety standards, and use of modern tools and techniques were recommended to minimise accident rate.
Lean healthcare project in a pharmaceutical supply center: the context of primary healthcare
Authors: de Bittencourt Lúcia Sortica , Paula Istefani Carísio de , Pontes André Teixeira , Gularte Aline Cafruni
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to enhance storage and distribution operations at a pharmaceutical supply center (PSC) in primary health care (PH) using lean health care (LH) tools. Supply centers for health products, medications and supplies have unique characteristics compared to centers for other goods due to complex processes, specific services, diverse stakeholders and multiple interactions. The authors adapt LH tools to address these complexities and meet industry-specific needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation unit is a PSC in a large southern Brazilian city, and the processes analyzed are the storage and distribution of medications. The authors performed action research from June 2019 to February 2020. Data collection and problem diagnosis involved the development of a value stream mapping.

Findings

The authors adapted the overall equipment effectiveness calculation, efficiency analysis, and loss classification for PSC operations. Eighteen core issues were found: waiting, movement, transport, stock, inadequate processing, defects and human potential losses. The authors proposed waste reduction tools and practices. Inadequate storage conditions may compromise medicine quality, efficacy and safety. This can result from lacking physical structures or noncompliance with procedures. Next, the authors recommend simulating scenarios for validation before implementation.

Practical implications

The study explored ways to enhance layout and medicine distribution at the PSC, focusing on reducing loss and cost impact.

Originality/value

Originality lies in LH application in a PSC of PH, often applied in secondary or tertiary health levels like hospitals. The novelty necessitated adaptations of tools for future PSC applications.
Appraise the role of novelty-seeking on consumers’ satisfaction using online food delivery applications
Authors: Kalantarzadeh Tezerjany Seyedeh Fatemeh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The primary intent of this study was to assess the influence of novelty-seeking on the satisfaction of consumers. The investigation concentrated on Malaysian consumers who have experience using online food delivery (OFD) applications.

Design/methodology/approach

To perform the research, non-probability and convenience sampling methods were enforced to gather the required data. An online questionnaire in the form of a Google Survey was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Upon completion of the survey, the results were analyzed using SPSS software. Both the Service Quality (SERVQUAL) model and expectation disconfirmation theory (EDT) were exploited to shed light on the impact of consumer satisfaction.

Findings

Analysis of responses from the 250 participants unveiled that novelty-seeking positively influences consumer satisfaction. The finding depicted that reliability and responsiveness have the most positive impact on consumer satisfaction whereas tangibility has no effect on the satisfaction of consumers by using OFD applications.

Research limitations/implications

This study had three main limitations: first, the limitations on access to the participants during the pandemic; second, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to obtain more accurate results; third, the study was limited to the context of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Practical implications

The conclusions brought to the fore that OFD marketers should provide appropriate service quality while concentrating on novelty and well-designed apps to surge consumer satisfaction.

Originality/value

OFD apps have facilitated customers' access to various meals and helped food vendors survive in the competitive marketplace. A new aspect, novelty-seeking, is added to the SERVQUAL dimensions (i.e. empathy, tangibility, reliability, assurance and responsiveness) identified in the literature review.
Research on anti-fatigue design method for welded joints of marine engineering equipment
Authors: Niu Chunliang
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To obtain better fatigue resistance for marine engineering equipment welded joints in the design stage, the design method of the marine engineering equipment welded joint design stage needs to be studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the structural stress theory, a design method of the marine engineering equipment welded joints with better fatigue performance is proposed. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated through the simulation analysis and fatigue test of typical marine engineering equipment welded joints.

Findings

Methods based on the theoretical advantages of structural stress and the principle of ensuring that the welded joint has a low degree of stress concentration.

Originality/value

The design method of marine engineering equipment welded joints proposed in this study provides a set of operable design routes for technicians, which can better meet the needs of engineering applications.
Study on contact and vibration characteristics of composite cylindrical roller bearings
Authors: Bian Qiang , Zhang Xiangyun , Jiao Bowen , Zeng Guang , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a dynamic analysis model of composite cylindrical roller bearings, investigate the effects of different working conditions on the kinematic characteristics of composite bearings and compare the differences between them and solid roller bearings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper establishes a dynamic analysis model for composite cylindrical roller bearings and proves the correctness of the established model by establishing dynamic vibration experiments and contact theory for composite roller bearings. Comparative analysis was conducted on the effects of coupling changes in rotational speed, load, number of rollers and filling ratio on parameters such as bearing static stiffness, contact stress and vibration acceleration.

Findings

The composite roller can enhance the bearing’s operational stability and minimize contact stress, but that a higher filling ratio is going to increase the bearing’s stiffness. The acceleration degree of bearing vibration, the load on the outer raceway nodes and the bearing stability all decrease as inner ring speed rises.

Originality/value

A dynamic calculation model of composite cylindrical roller bearings is established, and the influence of multiparameter coupling changes on bearing vibration and contact is studied, which lays a foundation for the structural improvement of the bearings.
Group-based mindfulness interventions in prisons: a selective critical review
Authors: Harding-White Madison Fern , Mojtahedi Dara , Carson Jerome
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The use of mindfulness interventions (MIs) as means to manage unwanted or undesirable affect and behaviour has increased in popularity recently. This has resulted in the trial of MIs as a means to benefit well-being within prisons, with some intention of reducing recidivism. This study aims to examine current research regarding the use of MIs within prisons.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 14 studies were manually selected for review inclusion according to their determined eligibility. All studies were required to have taken place in a prison and to include an explicit mindfulness intervention, including mindfulness theory and practice.

Findings

Most interventions reviewed demonstrated success, particularly when tailored to the unique needs of a prison environment. Positive changes reported included improvements in participant mental health symptoms, as well as reduced stress and increased mindfulness skills. Some preliminary evidence was provided to indicate the potential longevity of some of these benefits. This review further highlighted some significant questions regarding the generalisability of the proposed suitability of MIs within prison environments including practical delivery constraints and the lack of acknowledgment of the unique challenges and circumstances faced by prisoners.

Practical implications

The findings of this review show positive potential for the use of MIs within prison populations, where these are well-linked to mindfulness theory and to the needs of inmates. The review also suggest that MIs should be investigated thoroughly, examining potential negative implications alongside positive changes. There needs to be further review of the role of MIs within prison populations to ensure their suitability in the custodial environment.

Originality/value

MIs are somewhat inflated in terms of predicted outcomes and sometimes applied to potentially unsuitable groups. A significant gap within the literature also persists regarding potentially negative implications associated with MIs, particularly within unique prison populations. Prison treatment programmes should be developed with careful consideration of unique prisoner needs in comparison to a general population.
Resilience and adaptation: examining the impact of the defense law on accounting and auditing professions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan
Authors: Zaidan Hala , Mowafi Omar , Al-Hasan Melina , Al Natour Abdulrahman
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of Jordan’s defense law on the accounting and auditing professions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative methodology with a philosophy of interpretivism, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven audit partners and 14 auditors to explore the consequences of the defense law in Jordan. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and findings.

Findings

The study reveals significant impacts of the defense law on the accounting and auditing professions. Additional disclosures in financial statements were required, increasing the workload for accounting professionals. Auditors faced challenges related to non-compliance risks, fraud risks, management override risks in collecting sufficient evidence. Specific industries, such as restaurants, transportation and tourism, were particularly affected, posing higher audit risks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the international debate on the impact of crisis-related laws on the audit profession. It offers insights into the challenges faced by auditors during crises and underscores the necessity of adapting auditing practices to new regulatory requirements. The study’s originality lies in its examination of the specific consequences of the defense law in Jordan, providing valuable implications for professionals worldwide and emphasizing ongoing discussions on crisis-related regulations in auditing practices. It underscores the need for adaptability, learning and innovation in addressing regulatory changes and managing audit risks in crisis situations. The findings provide valuable insights for professionals worldwide and emphasize ongoing discussions on crisis-related regulations in auditing practices.
Stock market volatility: a systematic review
Authors: Dhingra Barkha , Batra Shallu , Aggarwal Vaibhav , Yadav Mahender , Kumar Pankaj
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The increasing globalization and technological advancements have increased the information spillover on stock markets from various variables. However, there is a dearth of a comprehensive review of how stock market volatility is influenced by macro and firm-level factors. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by systematically reviewing the major factors impacting stock market volatility.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a combination of bibliometric and systematic literature review techniques. A data set of 54 articles published in quality journals from the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) list is gathered from the Scopus database. This data set is used to determine the leading contributors and contributions. The content analysis of these articles sheds light on the factors influencing market volatility and the potential research directions in this subject area.

Findings

The findings show that researchers in this sector are becoming more interested in studying the association of stock markets with “cryptocurrencies” and “bitcoin” during “COVID-19.” The outcomes of this study indicate that most studies found oil prices, policy uncertainty and investor sentiments have a significant impact on market volatility. However, there were mixed results on the impact of institutional flows and algorithmic trading on stock volatility, and a consensus cannot be established. This study also identifies the gaps and paves the way for future research in this subject area.

Originality/value

This paper fills the gap in the existing literature by comprehensively reviewing the articles on major factors impacting stock market volatility highlighting the theoretical relationship and empirical results.
The roles of e-government in combating corruption: evidence from European countries
Authors: Ha Le Thanh , To Thanh Trung , Thi Thanh Huyen Nguyen , Hoa Ha Quynh , Ngoc Tran Anh
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the effects of e-government on corruption prevalence by using a sample of 29 European countries over the period 2012–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the panel corrected standard errors (PCSE) model to mitigate the problems of cross-sectional dependence. The PCSE model is also considered to reexamine the findings when the presence of heteroscedasticity, fixed effects and endogeneity issues are taken into account. The theoretical model incorporates one-year-lagged explanatory variables to deal with endogeneity. The autoregressive distributed lag method using the dynamic fixed effects estimator is chosen to deal with the time and country-fixed effects in the effort to measure the short- and long-run effects of e-government more precisely.

Findings

The results indicate that e-government plays a critical role in improving the population’s perception of corruption. Furthermore, e-government appears to have an effect in the short run. Notably, the estimation results show that there is a nonlinear relationship between e-government, especially user centricity and key enablers and the corruption perception index in the U-shaped curve.

Practical implications

The short-run and nonlinear effects of e-government on corruption prevalence suggest that the fight against corruption requires countries to pursue a consistent and continuous improvement and development of the e-government system.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by providing a consistent and precise answer to this relationship in the case of European countries. Another contribution of the work is to use diverse indicators to reflect e-government in a typical country, which helps us confirm the reliability and robustness of the findings.
Influences of cement asphalt emulsified mortar construction on track slab geometry status
Authors: Wang Tao , Wu Shaoliang , Jia Hengqiong , Wei Zhao , Li Haiyan , Shao Piyan , Peng Shanqing , Shi Yi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The construction of cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar can obviously disturb the slab status after the fine adjustment. To decrease or eliminate the influence of CA mortar grouting on track slab geometry status, the effects of grouting funnel, slab pressing method, mortar expansion ratio, seepage ratio and grouting area on China Railway Track System Type (CRTS I) track slab geometry status were discussed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Combined with engineering practice, this paper studied the expansion law of filling layer mortar, the liquid level height of the filling funnel, the pressure plate device and the amount of exudation water and systematically analyzed the influence of filling layer mortar construction on the state of track slab. Relevant precautions and countermeasures were put forward.

Findings

The results showed that the track slab floating values of four corners were different with the CA mortar grouting and the track slab corner near CA mortar grouting hole had the maximum floating values. The anti-floating effect of “7” shaped slab pressing device was more efficient than fixed-joint angle iron, and the slab floating value could be further decreased by increasing the amount of “7” shaped slab pressing devices. After CA mortar grouting, the track slab floating pattern had a close correlation with the expansion rate and water seepage rate of CA mortar over time and the expansion and water seepage rate of the mortar were faster when the temperature was high. Furthermore, the use of strip CA mortar filling under the rail bearing platform on both sides could effectively reduce the float under the track slab, and it could also save mortar consumption and reduce costs.

Originality/value

This study plays an important role in controlling the floating values, CA mortar dosage and the building cost of projects by grouting CA mortar at two flanks of filling space. The research results have guiding significance for the design and construction of China's CRTS I, CRTS II and CRTS III track slab.
Mechanistic understanding of how temperature and its variability shape body size composition in moth assemblages
Authors: Chia Stephanie , Wu Shipher , Lu Ya‐Jung , Jang Yi‐Shin , Huang Chien‐Chen , Shen Sheng‐Feng , Chen I‐Ching , Tuanmu Mao‐Ning
Published: November 2023

Understanding how climate affects trait composition within a biological assemblage is critical for assessing and eventually mitigating climate change impacts on the assemblage and its ecological functioning. While body size is a fundamental trait of animals as it affects many aspects of species' biology and ecology, it remains unclear through what mechanisms temperature and its variability influence within‐assemblage body size variation.

This study aims to understand how temperature and its variability shape body size variations in animal assemblages and potentially affect assemblages' vulnerability to climate change. Using >5300 individuals of 680 macromoth species collected from 13 assemblages along a ca. 3000 m elevational gradient in Taiwan, we examined (1) the strength of environmental filtering and niche partitioning in determining the intra‐ and inter‐specific size variations within an assemblage, and (2) the effects of mean temperature and the daily and seasonal temperature variabilities on the strength of the two processes.

We found that the body size composition was strongly affected by temperature and its seasonality via both processes. High temperature seasonality enhanced niche partitioning, causing within‐population size convergence. In contrast, low mean temperature and low seasonality both enhanced environmental filtering, causing within‐assemblage size convergence. However, while low temperature restricted the lower size limit within an assemblage, low seasonality restricted both lower and upper size limits.

This study indicates an overlooked but important role of temperature seasonality in shaping intra‐ and inter‐specific size variations in moth assemblages through both environmental filtering and niche partitioning. With rising temperatures and amplifying seasonality around the globe, potentially weakened filtering forces may increase the size variation within assemblages, reinforcing the assemblage‐level resilience. Nevertheless, enhanced niche partitioning may limit size variation within populations, which may increase the population‐level vulnerability to environmental changes. This study improves the mechanistic understanding of the climatic effects on trait composition in animal assemblages and provides essential information for biodiversity conservation under climate change.

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A mixture of artificial and biological sounds improves the effective range of an acoustic repellent for an invasive lizard species
Authors: Sakai Osamu , Iwai Noriko
Published: November 2023

Further range expansion of invasive animal species can be prevented by controlling their behavior. Acoustic repellent is a promising approach to deter problematic animals from ecologically sensitive areas. To develop an acoustic repellent system for a green anole that was introduced to the Ogasawara islands in Japan, this study evaluated the deterrent effect of (1) a pattern sound of machine noise and (2) a mixture of artificial and biologically relevant sounds. We created a sound level gradient inside a small experimental cage in a laboratory setting and measured whether green anoles avoided the vicinity of a speaker. In approximately 80% of cases, both the pattern machine sound and the mixture sounds prevented green anoles from stepping into the vicinity of a speaker (<24 cm). The mixture sounds maintained the deterrent effect at a middle distance from a speaker (<72 cm), whereas the pattern machine sound did not work as a strong acoustic repellent at this distance. These results imply that the mixing of biotic and abiotic sounds can improve the effective range of acoustic repellent for green anoles. However, several shortcomings of the acoustic repellent system were also highlighted. Since a green anole is an insectivore predator, our findings will contribute to protecting endangered native insect fauna from the predation of non‐native lizard species.
Gender and natural resources management in Nigeria: The role of corporate social responsibility in the oil host communities
Authors: Uduji Joseph Ikechukwu , Okolo‐Obasi Elda Nduka , Nnabuko Justitia Odinaka , Ugwuonah Geraldine Egondu , Onwumere Josaphat Uchechukwu
Published: November 2023

This paper critically examines the multinational oil companies' (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on addressing inequalities and empowering women for sustainable ecosystem management in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross‐sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 768 women respondents were sampled across the rural areas of the Niger Delta region. Results from the use of logistic regression model indicate that despite women's unique and important responsibilities in the use and management of natural resources, women are typically less involved in the formal governance processes, resulting in their interests, goals, knowledge, and capabilities being both under‐represented and under‐utilized. It also shows that the MOCs' CSR using GMoU model has recorded significant success in addressing gender inequalities and enhancing the capacity of the rural women in natural resources and ecosystem management. The finding suggests that if the MOCs' CSR targeted at addressing gender issue is increased by one unit, the odd ratio is almost 13 times as high. This implies that addressing gender–related barriers and challenges and championing equitable natural resource governance leads to better livelihoods outcomes. It concludes that business has an obligation to help in solving problems of public concern.
Differences in the metabolites of brown and milled rice grains of semiwaxy and conventional japonica varieties
Authors: Li Ao , Zhang Jiao , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Ruizhi , Zhang Yu , Wang Runnan , Zhu Jinyan , Xiong Qiangqiang
Published: November 2023

In this study, we analyzed the differences in metabolites between semiwaxy japonica rice (Yangnongxiang 28 [YNX28]) and conventional japonica rice (Hongyang 5 [HY5]) before and after brown rice milling. The metabolites of brown and milled rice grains from the two rice varieties were analyzed by LC–MS‐based nontargeted metabolomics. A total of 266 differentially abundant metabolites (DMs) were tentatively identified in brown rice grains of YNX28 (YNX28B) compared with milled rice grains of YNX28 (YNX28H), and these included 248 upregulated and 12 downregulated DMs. A total of 273 (234 upregulated and 39 downregulated) DMs were tentatively identified in brown rice grains of HY5 (HY5B) compared with milled rice grains of this variety (HY5H). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway involved and enrichment analyses revealed that 53 and 7 metabolite pathways were enriched and significantly enriched (p < 0.05), respectively, in the DMs identified in YNX28B compared with YNX28H, and the main enriched pathways were related to starch and sucrose metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. Forty‐six metabolite pathways were enriched in DMs identified in HY5B compared with HY5H, and these included 16 pathways that were significantly enriched (p < 0.05); in addition, the main enriched pathways were related to starch and sucrose metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. This study provides a theoretical reference for further on the changes in metabolites during rice processing and provides a basis for improving the nutritional quality in rice.

Practical Application

Original data were obtained regarding the changes of different metabolites in semiwaxy japonica rice and conventional japonica rice before and after processing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference of metabolite loss in two rice varieties before and after processing. This paper reports on the differences of metabolites between the two types of japonica rice before and after processing, as well as the changes of key metabolites before and after processing, it also provides important theoretical basis for developing new rice varieties with good nutritional quality.