bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The forms and antecedents of customer misbehaviour: a bibliometric analysis and qualitative research from Asian emerging country perspective
Authors: A. Apoorva , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Chatterjee Sheshadri , Vrontis Demetris
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify and elucidate on the different forms and antecedents of customer misbehaviour in the service industry of the emerging country particularly India.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a bibliometric analysis approach using bibliophagy software and thematic analysis to reveal four themes: “forms of customer misbehaviour”; “antecedents of such misbehaviour”; “changes in the personal and work behaviour of employees and management”; and “measures to reduce customer misbehaviour”. These are combined and interrelated to extant theories and empirical data to ultimately produce a comprehensive model on the subject.

Findings

This study finds the antecedents and analyses different forms of customer misbehaviour from Asian customer perspectives. A thematic output is provided which policymakers and other researchers can use to develop various policies and which other related research could use as inputs in the area or consumer behaviour and emerging countries.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the field of behavioural studies, especially in the Asian context. Policymakers and future researchers can use these findings to understand different customer-related issues from Asian customer perspective. However, the focus on the Indian consumer market as an emerging country in Asia limits the applicability and generalizability of the study for all emerging countries.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study is related to its pioneering use of bibliometric and thematic analysis from the Asian service context. The value of such research work is associated with both scholarly and executive implications. Regarding the latter, this study examines the myopic nature of uncivil behaviour and helps service firms to understand and manage its different forms, conclusively also providing practicable executive directions on the problem.
Turning aligned interests into higher chain performance in franchising
Authors: Kim Stephen K. , Gill Pushpinder
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to study research on franchise chain performance that has focused on franchisors’ efforts to align their interests with those of franchisees to address partner uncertainty. In contrast, the question of what a franchisor should do to address another type of uncertainty and task uncertainty remains understudied. The authors suggest a franchisor’s coordination as a key means of alleviating task uncertainty and ongoing support and plural form as two mechanisms of coordination. The authors also posit that aligned interests between the franchisor and the franchisee improve, whereas one-sided interest impedes, chain performance. Furthermore, providing greater ongoing support or deploying plural form amplifies the positive effect of aligned interests on chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors relied on secondary data to test the hypotheses. The authors collected data for analysis from Bond’s franchisee guide and Nation’s Restaurant News restaurant database. They also tested the framework by analyzing 17-year, panel data of 71 restaurant chains operating in the USA and Canada using system generalized method of moments.

Findings

Results show that aligning interests does improve chain performance, but that the positive effect is amplified when aligned interests are matched with a chain’s provision of ongoing support or use of plural form.

Originality/value

The authors explicate why it is not enough to address the misaligned interests or lack of coordination alone; a chain manager needs to address both of these problems together. In addition, the authors explicate how two franchisee coordination mechanisms – ongoing support and plural form – help a chain augment the beneficial effect of aligning interests on chain performance. Without solving the twin problems of misaligned interests and coordination simultaneously, a chain is unlikely to achieve its full performance potential.
Barriers to entry, entrepreneurship and income inequality within the USA
Authors: O'Reilly Colin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Cross-country studies have shown that higher costs to starting a business tend to reduce entrepreneurship (Chambers and Munemo, 2019) and that an unfavorable environment for business can increase poverty and income inequality (Chambers et al., 2019a; Djankov et al., 2018). Building on the current literature, the authors test whether barriers to starting a business at the state and city level in the USA are associated with changes in entrepreneurship and income inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Measures of entrepreneurship (establishment entry rate and exit rate) are regressed on measures of barriers to entry in a cross-section of 50 states as well as a cross-section of 73 cities in the USA. Further, the authors regress measures of income inequality on measures of barriers to entry using the same two cross-sections. State level data on barriers to entry are from Teague (2016), published in the Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy. City level data on barriers to starting a business are from the Doing Business in North America (DBNA) dataset.

Findings

Results show that there is a negative and significant association between barriers to starting a business and the rate of firm exit. A standard deviation increase in barriers to entry is associated with a five percent decrease in the firm exit rate at the state level. The authors find only limited evidence that barriers to entry are associated with income inequality.

Originality/value

Despite a large volume of scholarship on how regulation and barriers to entry influence entrepreneurship, no study (to the authors’ knowledge) has investigated how general entry regulation affects the entry or exit rate of establishments at the state or municipal level in the USA.
The effect of natural resources extraction and public debt on environmental sustainability
Authors: Alhassan Hamdiyah , Kwakwa Paul Adjei
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The rise in public debt and the increased extraction of natural resources in Ghana at a time that environmental degradation is escalating, especially with carbon dioxide emission, is worrying. This seems to cast doubt on the country's ability to meet the goals of the Paris agreement for climate change and ensuring sustainable development. Consequently, in this study, the effect of natural resources extraction and government debt on carbon dioxide emission is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis was adopted for this study. The Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square Model was used for assessing the data. An annual data from 1971 to 2018 was used for the analysis.

Findings

The long-run results based on the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square analysis reveal that natural resources extraction increases carbon dioxide emissions. Moreover, the joint effect of post-oil production in commercial quantities and natural resources rent increases carbon dioxide emission. Further, the findings document that the initial stage of government debt improves environmental quality up to a point, beyond which an increase in debt hurts the environment. On the environmental degrading effect of economic growth, the findings validate the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis. It is also observed that urbanization degrades environmental quality.

Practical implications

The study offers appropriate recommendations policymakers need to embrace towards the attainment of lower carbon emissions from the loans and natural resources rent to achieve environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

The effect of debt on carbon dioxide emission is assessed for the Ghanaian economy. It also contributes to studies on the natural resources-carbon emission nexus.
A model for evaluating the impediments to secure and trustworthy IoT environment: a software industry study
Authors: Tripathi Akansha , Kushwaha Madan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In the existing era, the Internet of Things (IoT) can be considered entirely as a system of embedding intelligence. The transverse character of IoT systems and various components associated with the arrangement of IoT systems have confronted impediments in the form of security and trust. There is a requirement to efficiently secure the IoT environment. The present study recommends a framework for impediments to secure and trustworthy IoT environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study identifies thirteen potential impediments to secure and trustworthy IoT environment. Further, a framework is developed employing Total Interpretive Structural Model (TISM) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) approach. The integrated approach is employed as TISM organizes inter-relations among the identified impediments, while MICMAC analysis organizes interpretations related to the driving and dependence power of the impediments.

Findings

The results from the study represents that security of IoT from arbitrary attacks is the impediment that has attained the highest driving power. The impediments such as “security of IoT from arbitrary attacks”, “profiling” and “trust and prominence structure” are identified at the top level in the analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The previous studies highlight the facilitating contribution of IoT on various devices but neglect the impediments that can contribute towards a safe and trustworthy IoT environment. Also, the present study has its limitations as it depends upon the experts’ recommendations and suggestions.

Originality/value

The existing framework could be beneficial in constructing policies and suggestions to efficiently cater the impediments to a secure and trustworthy IoT environment.
From competition to cooperation: Kin selection against selfish shade avoidance behaviour promotes plant invasions
Authors: Chen Liru , Pan Yuanfei , Pan Xiaoyun , Yu Liangrui , Sosa Alejandro , Yang Ji , Li Bo
Published: November 2022

There is conflicting evidence from studies on the fitness consequences of plant kin interactions, suggesting that kinship is not the only important factor in determining the outcome of kin interaction.

Here, we tested whether density‐dependent kin interactions have evolved from competition to cooperation by kin selection of reduced shade avoidance responses following the introduction of an invasive plant. We measured how plants respond to kin neighbours (the same accession) and simulated vegetation shade (lower PPFD and R:FR ratio treatments using transparent green plastic filters) and determine whether shade avoidance responses affect the outcome of kin interactions using five native (Argentina) and five invasive (USA) accessions of Alternanthera philoxeroides.

Our results showed that invasive accessions exhibited constant stem elongation but increased total biomass as canopy density increased, while native accessions exhibited the opposite. Furthermore, invasive accessions reduced stem elongation, but increased biomass and defence allocation in response to an experimental treatment causing a low R:FR ratio, while native accessions exhibited the opposite.

Synthesis . Our results support the hypothesis that kin selection against shade avoidance may effectively promote the evolution of density‐dependent kin cooperation. This suggests that kin selection pressures may play a more important role in fine‐tuning plant shade avoidance responses than generally thought. Kin selection against selfish shade avoidance behaviour and release from negative density‐dependent regulation provides a new mechanism to explain plant invasion success for future studies.
Philosophy of Gurukula education: Personal education and practical democracy
Authors: Jayalakshmi Jayaraman , Smrithi Rekha Venkatasubramanian
Published: November 2022

Education, which is as old as humanity, has existed in various personal forms in non-western societies, where an osmotic exchange of wisdom, values and life skills within families, tribes and communities was instrumental in the formation and continuation of diverse wisdom traditions all over the world. A personal system of education, called Gurukula (Sanskrit guru, teacher; kula, family) education, thrived in pre-colonial South Asia for centuries before it was replaced by colonial education. This article discusses the philosophy and science behind Gurukula education, where education was a personal process involving an osmotic exchange of essences between teacher and taught, giving wide scope for the celebration of the natural diversity and variability of human behaviour and personality leading to an education that provides equal opportunity in the real sense—as an equal fit between individuals and their environment(s), giving rise to a practical democracy.
Prisoner Voting in the United Kingdom: An Empirical Study of a Contested Prisoner Right
Authors: Jones Robert , Davies Gregory
Published: November 2022

Do prisoners’ rights matter? This paper examines this question through a social‐legal study of one of the most controversial prisoners’ rights issues of recent decades: prisoner voting. Thousands of prisoners are legally eligible to vote in the United Kingdom. Drawing on a survey of 134 electoral administrators, we explore whether they are exercising that right and the potential barriers to electoral participation which they face. We find that participation among eligible prisoners is extremely low. Further, we identify problems in the administration of prisoner voting rights which may prevent eligible prisoners from voting. In light of these findings, we argue that the scale of prisoner disenfranchisement is likely to be graver than previously thought and open to future legal challenge. The prisoner voting example provides a cautionary tale of the limitations of prisoner rights, both as a measure of existing prison conditions and as tools for transforming them.
RIG‐I‐mediated innate immune signaling in tumors reduces the therapeutic effect of oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Han Xinyu , Tan Weiqi , Chen Dahua , Sun Qinmiao
Published: November 2022

Background

Oncolytic viral therapy is a promising method for tumor treatment. Currently, several oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been used as tumor therapy at different phases of research and clinical trials. OVs not only directly lyse tumor cells due to viral replication but also initiate host antitumor immune responses. Previous studies have primarily focused on how OVs activate adaptive immune responses in immune cells. However, the role of innate immune responses in tumors induced by OVs remains unclear.

Methods

To determine the innate immune responses induced by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), the mutant VSVΔM51 strain was used for the infection and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to measure the transcriptional levels of antiviral genes. The knockdown efficiency of RIG‐I was examined by qPCR. Viral titers were measured by plaque assays. Tumor models were established by intradermally implanting RIG‐I‐knockdown and control LLC cells into the flank of wild type C57BL/6J mice. When the tumors reached approximately 50mm3, they were infected with VSVΔM51 via intratumoral injections to examine its therapeutic effect.

Results

Infection with VSVΔM51 triggered remarkable innate immune responses in several tumor cell lines through the cytoplasmic RIG‐I sensing pathway. Moreover, we found that intratumoral injection of VSVΔM51 effectively reduced tumor growth in murine LCC lung cancer model. Importantly, VSVΔM51‐induced antitumor therapy was more effective in murine LLC tumor model established using Rig‐I‐knockdown cells compared with the tumor model established using control cells.

Conclusion

RIG‐I‐mediated innate immune signaling in tumor cells plays a negative role in regulating antitumor therapy with VSVΔM51 virus.
CD151 and prostate cancer progression: A review of current literature
Authors: Kang Zhen , Luo Yanping , Xiao Enhua , Li Qiubai , Wang Liang
Published: November 2022

Prostate cancer morbidity and mortality are increasing globally and in China, and the rate of metastasis is also rising, limiting the therapeutic effect and clinical prognosis of prostate cancer. CD151 is considered to be the first promoter of tumor metastasis in the tetraspanin superfamily. Previous research has linked CD151 to the progression of a number of malignancies, including prostate cancer. However, a recent study found that CD151 can inhibit the progression of prostate cancer. As a result, this paper examines existing research on CD151 and prostate cancer progression in order to clarify the relationship and provide a possible reference for future studies.
Suspension of hostility: Positive interactions between spermatozoa and female reproductive tracts
Authors: Wolfner Mariana F. , Suarez Susan S. , Dorus Steve
Published: November 2022

Interactions between spermatozoa and the female reproductive tract (FRT) are complex, in many cases poorly understood, and likely to contribute to the mechanistic basis of idiopathic infertility. As such, it is not surprising that the FRT was often viewed historically as a “hostile” environment for spermatozoa. The FRT has also been touted as a selective environment to ensure that only the highest quality spermatozoa progress to the oocyte for the opportunity to participate in fertilization. Recent advances, however, are giving rise to a far more nuanced view in which supportive spermatozoa × FRT interactions—in both directions—contribute to beneficial, even essential, effects on fertility. In this perspective article, we discuss several examples of positive spermatozoa × FRT interactions. We believe that these examples, arising in part from studies of taxonomically diverse nonmammalian systems, are useful to efforts to study mammalian spermatozoa × FRT interactions and their relevance to fertility and the advancement of assisted reproductive technologies.
Leigh syndrome is the main clinical characteristic of PTCD3 deficiency
Authors: Muñoz‐Pujol Gerard , Ortigoza‐Escobar Juan D. , Paredes‐Fuentes Abraham J. , Jou Cristina , Ugarteburu Olatz , Gort Laura , Yubero Delia , García‐Cazorla Angels , O'Callaghan Mar , Campistol Jaume , Muchart Jordi , Yépez Vicente A. , Gusic Mirjana , Gagneur Julien , Prokisch Holger , Artuch Rafael , Ribes Antonia , Urreizti Roser , Tort Frederic
Published: November 2022

Mitochondrial translation defects are a continuously growing group of disorders showing a large variety of clinical symptoms including a wide range of neurological abnormalities. To date, mutations in PTCD3, encoding a component of the mitochondrial ribosome, have only been reported in a single individual with clinical evidence of Leigh syndrome. Here, we describe three additional PTCD3 individuals from two unrelated families, broadening the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of this disorder, and provide definitive evidence that PTCD3 deficiency is associated with Leigh syndrome. The patients presented in the first months of life with psychomotor delay, respiratory insufficiency and feeding difficulties. The neurologic phenotype included dystonia, optic atrophy, nystagmus and tonic–clonic seizures. Brain MRI showed optic nerve atrophy and thalamic changes, consistent with Leigh syndrome. WES and RNA‐seq identified compound heterozygous variants in PTCD3 in both families: c.[1453‐1G>C];[1918C>G] and c.[710del];[902C>T]. The functional consequences of the identified variants were determined by a comprehensive characterization of the mitochondrial function. PTCD3 protein levels were significantly reduced in patient fibroblasts and, consistent with a mitochondrial translation defect, a severe reduction in the steady state levels of complexes I and IV subunits was detected. Accordingly, the activity of these complexes was also low, and high‐resolution respirometry showed a significant decrease in the mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Functional complementation studies demonstrated the pathogenic effect of the identified variants since the expression of wild‐type PTCD3 in immortalized fibroblasts restored the steady‐state levels of complexes I and IV subunits as well as the mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Additionally, minigene assays demonstrated that three of the identified variants were pathogenic by altering PTCD3 mRNA processing. The fourth variant was a frameshift leading to a truncated protein. In summary, we provide evidence of PTCD3 involvement in human disease confirming that PTCD3 deficiency is definitively associated with Leigh syndrome.
The effect of hormone replacement therapy on cognition and mood
Authors: Sharma Aditi , Davies Rhianna , Kapoor Aditi , Islam Heraa , Webber Lisa , Jayasena Channa N.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To summarise the available data regarding the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cognition and mood in women.

Background

Complaints of impaired cognition and mood are common in the peri‐menopausal and menopausal period. There is debate as to whether HRT can ameliorate this phenomenon.

Design

A literature search of studies using electronic databases was conducted. Both randomised control trials and observational studies were included.

Patients

Perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Results

Due to the heterogenicity of results it is challenging to draw firm conclusions. The preparations used in many of the studies are older regimes no longer routinely used clinically. The notion of a ‘critical window’ for HRT is compelling, suggesting HRT has a positive impact on cognition when administered in the peri‐menopausal or early postmenopausal period but may have negative effects on cognition in the older, postmenopausal woman. The evidence would seem to suggest importance of hormonal replacement in woman undergoing a surgical menopause, especially when young. It remains unclear for how long they ought to continue HRT though until at least the natural age of the menopause seems reasonable. Evidence for a positive effect of HRT on mood is more convincing, though possibly more efficacious in the younger age group. The effect of HRT on anxiety is less clear.

Conclusions

Further study, particularly focusing on the more contemporaneous HRT preparations, is warranted before evidence‐based conclusions can be drawn.
Connecting and engaging with health and social care: Exploring the core components of a telephone and web‐mediated family navigation prevention service
Authors: Waid Jeffrey , Tomfohrde Olivia , Kutzler Courtney
Published: November 2022

Early engagement with health care, mental health care, and social services can promote the well‐being of children and families. How practitioners can best support family engagement with these services however remains largely unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, data from a voluntary 12‐week telephone and web‐mediated family navigation preventive intervention called Navigate Your Way were subject to mixed‐methods analysis. Twenty‐nine caregivers and five family navigators contributed data to the study. Thematic analysis of weekly navigator check‐ins, participant closing interviews, navigator discharge notes, and lab meeting notes was conducted and followed by quantitative analysis of navigator effort across project activities. Results were then mixed to illuminate the essential conditions for supporting family connection to health care, mental health care, and social services. Qualitative analysis identified themes related to empathic engagement and person‐centred navigation as central to connecting families to needed services. Quantitative analysis of navigator effort identified participant outreach, weekly check‐ins, service identification, and ongoing supervision as essential navigation activities. Together, providing an environment that is supportive, consistent, flexible, person‐centred and tailored to families' specific needs are important for connecting to health and social care.
Structural Deleveraging: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Caoyuan , Guo Pin , Zhang Zhao
Published: November 2022

Using province‐level data in China for the period of 1999–2015, we examine the mechanisms through which sectoral differences in leverage ratio and productivity affect macro leverage ratios. The state‐owned sector undertakes a large number of public services and plays an irreplaceable role in solving market failures and providing public goods. However, in the case of information asymmetry and incentive incompatibility, these policy burdens affect the leverage optimization and productivity improvement of the state‐owned sector. From the perspective of sectoral differences, we therefore decompose the change in macro leverage ratio into leverage ratio structure effect and productivity structure effect, and then substantiate the impact mechanisms of these two effects on macro leverage ratios. Overall, our conclusions provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for structural deleveraging in China.
A one‐day focused cardiac ultrasound training has a limited impact on residents’ abilities to visually assess right ventricular dimensions and function
Authors: Tilly Roman , Mehrlaender Martin , Reichle Christian , Rosenberger Peter , Magunia Harry , Keller Marius
Published: November 2022

Background

Focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) is a helpful tool to rapidly identify right ventricular (RV) causes of hemodynamic instability and facilitate the initiation of therapy. The clinical value of existing course models often remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of a one‐day FCU training on the visual estimation skills of RV characteristics.

Methods

Four residents were included as the study group after completing a standardized one‐day FCU training. Four gender‐matched controls did not take part in the training. All residents graded image quality, RV systolic function, and RV dimensions in a test comprising 35 ultrasound clips.

Results

The study and control group did not differ in ICU or ultrasound experience. Overall, training participants were able to distinguish between good and insufficient image quality significantly better than the control group (agreement 80.0% vs 61.4%, p = 0.04). The agreement for the estimation of RV function and RV dimensions was not different between the groups (63.2% vs 60.5%, p = 0.66 and 64.3% vs 67.1%, p = 0.18, respectively). Descriptively, only small differences were found between the groups for the estimation of RV function and RV dimensions in subgroups of patients with normal versus reduced systolic RV function or normal versus enlarged RV dimensions, respectively. Both groups struggled in identifying RV enlargement (34.6% vs 46.2%).

Discussion

In this study, a single one‐day FCU training had no impact on residents’ skills to visually assess systolic RV function or RV dimensions. Improvements of current training modalities or continuous teaching models are needed to optimize residency programs and patient care.
Exertional desaturations after COVID‐19: A case for PFO closure
Authors: Yogeswaran Vidhushei , Chung Christine J. , Kirkpatrick James N.
Published: November 2022

We present a case of a woman with past medical history notable for mild COVID‐19 infection who presented with dyspnea on exertion, then developed progressively worsening exertional desaturations and was found to have a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Extensive cardiopulmonary testing revealed no clear alternate etiology for her symptoms. After much discussion, she underwent successful closure of the PFO with complete resolution of her symptoms and significantly improved exertional desaturation.
Microclimate in hollow trees and how it affects an inhabiting beetle species,Osmoderma eremita
Authors: Lindman Ly , Öckinger Erik , Ranius Thomas
Published: November 2022

Studies of species' responses to microclimatic conditions have increased our understanding of their habitat requirements and possible responses to climate warming. However, little is known about the role of microclimate for insects inhabiting hollow trees.

We explored the relationship between tree characteristics and microclimate, and analysed how the microclimate in tree‐hollows affects the occurrence and body size of an endangered beetle species,Osmoderma eremita.

We placed temperature data‐loggers in wood mould (= loose material in tree‐hollows) and surveyedO. eremitain 47 hollows in oak pastures in south‐eastern Sweden. We found that tree characteristics previously known to be associated with occurrence of beetle species confined to tree‐hollows (larger diameters, more wood mould, entrances higher up, and not directed upwards) tend to decrease moisture and moisture variation, while their effects on temperature and temperature fluctuations differ during different seasons. This indicates that microclimatic conditions are important for beetles in hollow trees, and many specialised species seem to avoid conditions that are too moist.

O. eremitaoccurred more frequently in trees with a warmer and more stable microclimate, while adult body size decreased with a warmer microclimate. A positive effect of a warmer microclimate was expected, since the study was done near the northern margin of the species' range.

O. eremitais confined to living in hollow trees, which may be due to the microclimate there being more stable in comparison to both the ambient climate and the microclimate in standing and downed dead wood.
Very high cycle fatigue under tension/torsion loading of mold low alloy steel
Authors: da Costa Pedro R. , Reis Luís , Freitas Manuel
Published: November 2022

Ultrasonic fatigue testing (UFT) is a recent fatigue methodology that applies resonance to achieve very high cyclic load frequencies. Its primary purpose is to study fatigue in the very high cycle fatigue regime. In this study, an UFT machine was used to conduct multiaxial tension/torsion fatigue tests at a 20‐kHz frequency. The objective was to reach a reliable multiaxial fatigue test and methodology by modifying the geometry of the specimen, enabling also different shear to axial stress ratios. The study conducted numerical and experimental modal behavior analysis of the ultrasonic setup and specimens focused on achieving a consistent modal deformed shape and associating the measured displacement to the induced stresses thermographic imaging, laser and rosette strain gauges measurements were carried out to validate the results. A good numerical to experimental agreement was achieved. Tension/torsion fatigue test series were conducted to three combining dimension specimens with different shear/axial stress ratios. The crack initiation angles and fracture surfaces were analyzed and compared among each other and with tension–compression and pure torsion ultrasonic tested specimens. The results prove a clear trend in crack propagation details with the increase of the induced stress ratio.
Distinct patterns of soil bacterial and fungal community assemblages in subtropical forest ecosystems under warming
Authors: Zhou Shu‐Yi‐Dan , Lie Zhiyang , Liu Xujun , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Peñuelas Josep , Neilson Roy , Su Xiaoxuan , Liu Zhanfeng , Chu Guowei , Meng Ze , Yan Junhua , Liu Juxiu
Published: November 2022

Climate change globally affects soil microbial community assembly across ecosystems. However, little is known about the impact of warming on the structure of soil microbial communities or underlying mechanisms that shape microbial community composition in subtropical forest ecosystems. To address this gap, we utilized natural variation in temperature via an altitudinal gradient to simulate ecosystem warming. After 6 years, microbial co‐occurrence network complexity increased with warming, and changes in their taxonomic composition were asynchronous, likely due to contrasting community assembly processes. We found that while stochastic processes were drivers of bacterial community composition, warming led to a shift from stochastic to deterministic drivers in dry season. Structural equation modelling highlighted that soil temperature and water content positively influenced soil microbial communities during dry season and negatively during wet season. These results facilitate our understanding of the response of soil microbial communities to climate warming and may improve predictions of ecosystem function of soil microbes in subtropical forests.
Athena SWAN: “Institutional peacocking” in the neoliberal university
Authors: Yarrow Emily , Johnston Karen
Published: November 2022

This paper contributes to understandings of how Athena SWAN (AS) is shaping contemporary equality work in the context of the neoliberal university, and whether it is contributing to performative ways of doing equality work. We center our research on the exploration of the question of how the gender‐agenda is being captured by the neoliberal agenda, drawing on 35 in‐depth qualitative interviews with AS champions across the UK and Republic of Ireland. The core aim of the study is to explore how AS has been co‐opted and mobilized as a vehicle for contemporary (neoliberal) equality work. We argue that rather than contributing to transformational change, AS serves as an effective tool for institutional reputation gains and (extended) virtue signaling, conceptualized and coined here as “institutional peacocking.” This in turn, functions and is implemented in diverse institutional settings, with primarily institutional benefit, at the cost of AS champions who carry out gender equality work. We contribute empirically and conceptually to theorizations and current understandings of gender equality work in higher education, especially through AS champions' experience and the institutional benefits that present opportunity costs for some individuals, potentially serving to further entrench stereotyped perceptions of who should be doing equality work in universities, and critically, how institutions benefit.
Facile preparation of electrodes based on WO3 nanostructures modified with C and S used as anode materials for Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Roselló‐Márquez Gemma , García‐García Dionisio Miguel , Cifre‐Herrando Mireia , Blasco‐Tamarit Encarna , García‐Antón José
Published: November 2022

An appropriate morphological and structure matrix configuration where lithium ions could insert and de‐insert is essential for lithium‐ion batteries (LiB). Tungsten oxides (WO3) are especially attractive materials for this aim. In this research, the effects of the morphology and composition of WO3 nanostructures on the charge/discharge behavior for Li‐ion batteries are methodically examined. On the one hand, nanostructured WO3 thin film was effectively synthesized by an electrochemical procedure. Then, an annealing treatment at 600°C in air environment for 4 h was carried out. In the second electrode synthesized, a carbon layer was uniformly deposited on WO3 nanostructures to obtain a WO3/C electrode. Finally, WO3/WS2 electrodes were prepared by means of in situ sulfurization of WO3 one‐step solid‐state synthesis using tungsten trioxide (WO3) and thiourea as precursor material. By using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectra, and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, the three electrodes have been morphologically characterized. Electrochemical properties were analyzed by cyclic voltammogram, galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Among all the synthesized samples, WO3/C nanostructures reveal the best performance as they exhibit the greatest discharge capacity and cycle performance (820 mA h g−1).
Genomic rotational crossbreeding with advanced optimum contribution selection methods applied to simulated German Angler and German Holstein dairy cattle populations
Authors: Stock Joana , Esfandyari Hadi , Wellmann Robin , Hinrichs Dirk , Bennewitz Jörn
Published: November 2022

Many local dairy cattle breeds are facing genetic extinction due to a large proportion of foreign genes, which have been introgressed in the past. In addition, the performance gap to popular high‐yielding breeds is increasing, resulting in a risk of numeric extinction. In the present simulation study, a genomic rotational crossbreeding scheme with the high‐yielding German Holstein breed and the numerically small German Angler breed was analysed with the aim to utilize heterosis effects in the crossbred animals. Simultaneously inbreeding was controlled, and the amount of Holstein introgression observed in the Angler breed was reduced. Different scenarios of implementing OCS methods for Angler individuals were evaluated, which differed in their restrictions regarding kinship, native kinship, as well as the amount of genetic contributions from German Holstein. The results showed that rotational crossbreeding can result in superior crossbred offspring compared to the purebred parental lines, whereby OCS methods can simultaneously restrict the increase in inbreeding and keep the Holstein contributions at their current level. However, reducing the amount of migrant contributions while restricting the increase in the native kinship in Angler turned out to be a costly restriction. The reason was that Angler with low genetic contributions from Holsteins tended to have similar Angler ancestors. Consequently, reducing Holstein contributions would considerably increase the native kinship in Angler if it were not constrained. The constraint on the native kinship made a constraint on the conventional kinship superfluous and caused it to increase at a much lower rate than envisaged. This led to both, a high genetic diversity and a low genetic gain. The high genetic diversity in Angler also resulted in lower and oscillating heterosis effects in the crossbred animals. Thus, the reduction of migrant contribution did not increase heterosis effects in the crossbred offspring, and did not result in superior crossbred offspring in general.
Clarifying the effect of rheological parameters of starch fluid on tensile properties of final extrudate in twin‐screw extrusion by numerical simulation
Authors: Liu Qiannan , Liu Wei , Bi Chao , Hu Xiaojia , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Liang , Hu Honghai
Published: November 2022

The distribution of the flow field, the input energy of the twin‐screw, and the dissipated energy on the fluid during the twin‐screw extrusion process were calculated by the POLYFLOW software to establish the relationship between the rheological parameters of starch fluid and tensile properties of the final extrudate. The results demonstrated that the pressure difference, the input energy of the twin‐screw, and the dissipated energy on the fluid were directly proportional to the zero‐shear viscosity (η0), reduced with the raise of the relaxation time constant (λ) and raised with the raise of the power‐law index (n). When the moisture content of starch fluid raised, the η0 value reduced, whereas the λ value and n value increased. The pressure difference, the input energy of the twin‐screw, and the dissipated energy on the fluid decreased, reducing the maximum tensile force of the final extrudate. Through numerical simulation and experimental verification, it was found that the changes of η0 value, λ value, and n value restricted each other on the tensile properties of final extrudate. Based on the numerical simulation, the tensile properties of the final extrudate could be predicted through rheological parameters of starch fluid.

Practical Applications

A method was established to predict the final extrudate properties based on rheological parameters and numerical simulation in this study. Based on the numerical simulation, the tensile properties of the final extrudate could be predicted through rheological parameters of starch fluid. This research will provide insight into the mechanism of twin‐screw extrusion of starch‐based materials.
Assessment of nutritional quality of non‐conventional millet malt enriched bar
Authors: Selokar Nupur , Vidyalakshmi Rajagopal , Thiviya Perumal , Sinija Vadakkepulppara Ramachandran Nair , Hema Vincent
Published: November 2022

Millet malt is a nutrient‐dense diet for children and elders. There is a lack of research studies dealing with malt‐based protein substitutes in snack bars. This research presents a novel concept for using millet malt for the production of the snack bar. Given health credentials, millet malt can be a healthier alternative to conventional snack bars. The study found the effect of millet malt addition ranges from 10, 12, 14, and 16% on the quality of snack bars. The most acceptable snack bar was millet malt level at 12% (M12), which contributes to 21.82% of protein and 450 kcal of energy. Millet malt–enriched bars (MMEB) have good antioxidant activity (95.89%), in vitro protein digestibility (79.08%), and total phenolic content (105.7%), which provide several health benefits and increase the oxidative stability of food. This research depicted effectively the use of millet malt for snack bars as a nutritional supplement in a low‐protein bar. The developed MMEB can recommend for nutritionally risk groups like malnutrition and protein deficiency.

Novelty impact statement

The novelty of the present invention millet malt bar comprises the following:

The underused millet malt was used as a plant protein source and plant protein was made from millet malt by liquefaction and deproteinization process, which contributes to greater protein digestibility.

Natural color and flavor obtained from millet malt syrup by saccharification process were used as the substitute for artificial additives.

It has a good balance of protein and energy, besides regular enhanced nutrition, and possesses greater antioxidant activity with the contribution of phenolic compounds. Nutribar provides all the essential nutrients, packed with fiber and phytochemicals.
Current status and future prospects for oral care education in Bachelor of Nursing curriculums: A Japanese cross‐sectional study
Authors: Haresaku Satoru , Miyoshi Maki , Kubota Keiko , Obuse Mika , Aoki Hisae , Nakashima Fuyuko , Muramatsu Masumi , Maeda Hitomi , Uchida Souhei , Miyazono Mami , Iino Hidechika , Naito Toru
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study sought to investigate the current status and faculty members' perceptions of oral care education in Bachelor of Nursing curriculums in Japan.

Method

Data were gathered through a questionnaire survey of 196 participants, who were faculty members in charge of oral care education in the basic, adult, gerontological, and home nursing fields, from 295 nursing schools that offered Bachelor degrees in nursing across Japan.

Results

The quantitative data showed that 38.5% of the participants worked for less than 5 years as oral care educators, only 15.5% taught oral care in perioperative wards, only 62.2% used an oral care training simulator, and less than 30% believed that training in the prevention of oral diseases should be enhanced. From the descriptive responses, this study identified such problems as the inability of students to perform student‐on‐student and patient‐based oral care training owing to the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission, and the lack of teaching materials, time, and human resources, and cooperation with other nursing fields and health professionals.

Conclusions

This study revealed several problems in oral care education in the Bachelor of Nursing curriculums in Japan. To tackle these challenges, this study suggests the development of an interdisciplinary course that unifies oral care education in nursing fields, in order to promote collaborative oral care education and to improve nursing students' knowledge and skills of oral care.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induces antagonistic action to Nogo signaling by the upregulation of lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) expression
Authors: Matsubayashi Junpei , Kawaguchi Yuki , Kawakami Yutaka , Takei Kohtaro
Published: November 2022

Neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) have limited capacity for axonal regeneration after trauma and neurological disorders due to an endogenous nonpermissive environment for axon regrowth in the CNS. Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS) contributes to axonal tract formation in the developing brain and axonal regeneration in the adult brain as an endogenous Nogo receptor‐1 (NgR1) antagonist. However, how LOTUS expression is regulated remains unclarified. This study examined molecular mechanism of regulation in LOTUS expression and found that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) increased LOTUS expression in cultured hippocampal neurons. Exogenous application of BDNF increased LOTUS expression at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose‐dependent manner. We also found that pharmacological inhibition with K252a and gene knockdown by siRNA of tropomyosin‐related kinase B (TrkB), BDNF receptor suppressed BDNF‐induced increase in LOTUS expression. Further pharmacological analysis of the TrkB signaling pathway revealed that BDNF increased LOTUS expression through mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) cascades, but not phospholipase C‐γ (PLCγ) cascade. Additionally, treatment with c‐AMP response element binding protein (CREB) inhibitor partially suppressed BDNF‐induced LOTUS expression. Finally, neurite outgrowth assay in cultured hippocampal neurons revealed that BDNF treatment‐induced antagonism for NgR1 by up‐regulating LOTUS expression. These findings suggest that BDNF may acts as a positive regulator of LOTUS expression through the TrkB signaling, thereby inducing an antagonistic action for NgR1 function by up‐regulating LOTUS expression. Also, BDNF may synergistically affect axon regrowth through the upregulation of LOTUS expression.

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Efficacy of Jessener solution versus intralesional steroid in treatment of alopecia areata
Authors: Elshahid Ahmed Rashad , Kadah Ahmed Said , Hassan Eman Abdellatif , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: November 2022

Background

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes non‐scarring hair loss. To date, there is no single cure and treatment remains challenging.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of Jessener solution versus intralesional steroid in treatment of Alopecia Areata.

Methods

This study included 40 patients who presented with multifocal patchy alopecia areata (AA). For each patient, three patches were randomly selected to be treated one with intralesional steroid, another with topical Jessner solution and the third with normal saline. Three sessions were done 3 weeks apart and were followed up for 3 months. Response was assessed clinically and by trichoscope.

Results

Fifteen percent of patches coated with Jessner or injected with steroids showed an excellent response while 20% of patches coated with Jessner and 32.5% patches injected with steroids showed a good response. A significant difference was observed between the three modalities of treatment regarding the prognostic score for response (p < 0.001) as patches coated with Jessner and those steroid injected showed a significant higher response rate than patches injected with saline (p < 0.001) while no significant difference was reported between patches either treated with Jessner or steroids (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Jessners solution can be a novel and feasible and well tolerated modality of treatment for patients suffering from alopecia areata.