bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PrgE: an OB-fold protein from plasmid pCF10 with striking differences to prototypical bacterial SSBs
Authors: Breidenstein Annika , Lamy Anaïs , Bader Cyrielle P. J. , Sun Wei-Sheng , Wanrooij Paulina H. , Berntsson Ronnie P-A
Published: March 2024

A major pathway for horizontal gene transfer is the transmission of DNA from donor to recipient cells via plasmid-encoded Type 4 Secretion Systems (T4SS). Many conjugative plasmids encode for a single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) together with their T4SS. Some of these SSBs have been suggested to aid in establishing the plasmid in the recipient cell, but for many their function remains unclear. Here, we characterize PrgE, a proposed SSB fromEnterococcus faecalisplasmid pCF10. We show that PrgE is not essential for conjugation. Structurally, it has the characteristic OB-fold of SSBs, but it has very uncharacteristic DNA-binding properties. Our DNA-bound structure shows that PrgE binds ssDNA like beads on a string, and this plasticity of PrgEs oligomerization is further confirmed byin vitrostudies. Unlike other SSBs, PrgE binds both double- and single-stranded DNA equally well. This shows that PrgE has a quaternary assembly and DNA-binding properties that are very different from the prototypical bacterial SSB, but also different from the eukaryotic SSBs.
A review based knowledge organization supported research framework for digital storytelling from travel records
Authors: Ghosh Shiv Shakti , Chatterjee Sunil Kumar
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study presents a review based research framework that aims to influence memory institutions in their projects on digital storytelling from digitized ancient travel records. This study aims to influence research and policymaking related to design and delivery of services based on memory institutions’ collections of historical records.

Design/methodology/approach

The demonstrated research framework has been synthesized using inputs from a review of existing studies on the domain accompanied by a short survey created for collecting the opinion of selected experts. Studies demonstrating utilization of semantic web technologies and those that can influence policymaking related to digital storytelling were primarily reviewed.

Findings

The core tasks behind digital storytelling vary depending on the project goals. So, a two-part framework had to be proposed that covers the generic fundamental tasks with diverse applicability and digital storytelling related specific tasks separately. Also during the review, it was found that studies demonstrating the use of travel records for digital storytelling were less in number compared to studies using digital storytelling for tourism in general.

Originality/value

The demonstrated research framework can guide memory institutions in exposing their travel-related holdings to a wider audience using innovative semantic web technologies and open up avenues for future empirical research thereby adding to the novelty of the presented research. Also, reviews of articles on digital storytelling or digital humanities in general exist, but, review of digital storytelling initiatives focusing specifically on tourism and travel literature is scarce.
Cruise market investigation and price optimization: what do consumers want?
Authors: Pan Tianyu , Fu Rachel J.C. , Petrick James F.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine consumer perception during COVID-19 and identifies cruise industry marketing strategies to fill a gap in crisis management and product pricing literature.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed and validated two-factor measurement scales (vaccine perception and protective behavior), which predicted cruise intents well. This study revealed how geo-regional factors affect consumer psychology through spatial analysis.

Findings

This study recommended pricing 7-day cruises at $1,464 (the most preferred length). The results also showed that future price hikes would not affect demand and that coastal marketing would help retain customers.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the business, hospitality and tourism literature by identifying two new and unique factors (vaccine perception and protective behaviors), which were found to affect consumers’ intention to travel by cruise significantly. The result provided a better understanding of cruise tourists’ pricing preferences and the methods utilized could easily be applied to other cruise markets or tourism entities.
Green building adaptation in hot-humid climates: assessment of coconut and corn husk fiber composite bricks as energy-efficient building envelopes
Authors: Yemoh Obed Ofori , Opoku Richard , Takyi Gabriel , Adomako Ernest Kwadwo , Uba Felix , Obeng George
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study has assessed the thermal performance of locally fabricated bio-based building envelopes made of coconut and corn husk composite bricks to reduce building wall heat transmission load and energy consumption towards green building adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of coconut fiber (coir) and corn husk fiber bricks were fabricated and tested for their thermophysical properties using the Transient Plane Source (TPS) 2500s instrument. A simulation was conducted using Dynamic Energy Response of Building - Lunds Tekniska Hogskola (DEROB-LTH) to determine indoor temperature variation over 24 h. The time lag and decrement factor, two important parameters in evaluating building envelopes, were also determined.

Findings

The time lag of the bio-based composite building envelope was found to be in the range of 4.2–4.6 h for 100 mm thickness block and 10.64–11.5 h for 200 mm thickness block. The decrement factor was also determined to be in the range of 0.87–0.88. The bio-based composite building envelopes were able to maintain the indoor temperature of the model from 25.4 to 27.4 °C, providing a closely stable indoor thermal comfort despite varying outdoor temperatures. The temperature variation in 24 h, was very stable for about 8 h before a degree increment, providing a comfortable indoor temperature for occupants and the need not to rely on air conditions and other mechanical forms of cooling. Potential energy savings also peaked at 529.14 kWh per year.

Practical implications

The findings of this study present opportunities to building developers and engineers in terms of selecting vernacular materials for building envelopes towards green building adaptation, energy savings, reduced construction costs and job creation.

Originality/value

This study presents for the first time, time lag and decrement factor for bio-based composite building envelopes for green building adaptation in hot climates, as found in Ghana.
Impact of corporate social responsibility on bank performance in emerging markets
Authors: Shabir Mohsin , Ping Jiang , Işik Özcan , Razzaq Kamran
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance of the banking sector from the prospective of emerging countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study obtained balance sheet and income statement data for 173 banks in 20 emerging countries from the Bankscope database from 2005–2018. The CSR-related data were taken from the Thomson Reuters ASSET4 database. Moreover, macroeconomic controls such as GDP per capita, inflation, and financial development are attained from the GFDD. The series of institutional quality indices (Political Stability, Rule of Law, Control of Corruption, Government Effectiveness, and Regulatory Quality) is obtained from the WGI. At the same time, national culture and bank regulation are attained from Hofstede Insights and Barth et al. (2013). We used the panel fixed-effects model in our baseline estimations, while 2SLS and GMM were applied to control for endogeneity.

Findings

The finding shows that CSR activities significantly improve bank performance, but the effect varies across the bank. Only environmentally friendly activities have shown a significant positive relationship with banking performance for CSR dimensions. However, the social and government dimensions did not significantly affect bank performance. Moreover, a sound institutional and regulatory environment and national norms play an important role in the nexus of CSR activities and bank performance.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence that sheds light on CSR and bank performance in an emerging market context.
Research on operation mechanisms of shareholding supply chains considering retailers’ marketing efforts
Authors: Li Wenqiang , He Juan , Shi Yangyan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Marketing is a hot topic, and the purpose of this study is to investigate how shareholding strategies can be applied to achieve strategic synergy between firms in vertical supply chains to improve retailers’ marketing efforts from a long-term perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study constructs Stackelberg models to analyze the operating mechanisms of shareholding supply chains under forward, backward and cross-shareholding strategies. The authors analyze the effects of shareholding on prices, marketing efforts and profits, and explore the strategic preferences and outcomes of different supply chain members.

Findings

Forward/backward shareholding plays the same role as cross/nonshareholding in supply chains because the effect of the retailer’s shareholding is offset by the power status of the manufacturer, and the retailer can still profit when wholesale prices are higher than selling prices in certain cases. A manufacturer’s shareholding in a retailer can benefit consumers and improve marketing efforts by reducing retailers’ marketing costs, while a retailer’s shareholding in a manufacturer has no such effect. None of all shareholding strategies can coordinate the interests of all members; however, an effective rebate policy can resolve this problem.

Originality/value

The results reveal the operational mechanism of shareholding supply chains and provide reference values for managers who want to improve marketing efforts and economic performance using a shareholding strategy.
Organic food purchasing behaviour in Qatar and United Arab Emirates: a comparative case study
Authors: Basha Mohamed Bilal , Al Ali Fatma Sultan Khalfan Helis , Balaraman Pravin Kumar , Liu Jonathan , AlHafidh Gail , Gupta Ramesh
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar consumers’ perceptions of organic food.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a survey approach and focusing on six known determinants identified from empirical studies, data were analysed using a mean difference analysis and a multi-regression model.

Findings

Citizens in both countries had similar access to organic food products, yet consumer perceptions differed significantly. Given the geographical, cultural and topographical proximity and similarities of these countries, differences in the mean values indicate that targeted or bespoke marketing is required to attract customers.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study its sample size that may limit the generalizability of its results. However, the highly statistically significant results offset this to some extent as the differences the authors have demonstrated are likely to be real. These do require confirmation by further similar studies. The study relied on a random sample of respondents who might have exhibited bias in answering questions.

Practical implications

The two countries central to this research study, the UAE and Qatar, have vested interests in supporting the organic food product market that mainly concern supporting and promoting the health of their citizens and the environment. As shown in this paper, the key obstacles preventing consumers’ accessing organic products are availability and price. With appropriate governmental subsidies and logistics support, however, these barriers can be overcome.

Social implications

If governments are sincere in their declarations that the health and welfare of their citizens is of prime importance, they will support attempts to promote the sale and consumption of organically grown food. The results of this study can help to inform such policies.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the most important factors that influence consumers’ attitudes towards organic foods. This study fills a gap in the existing research on consumer buying behaviour for organic food in two Middle Eastern countries.
Fit for one or fit for all? The normative theory of fit and the normative and distinctive decomposition of fit
Authors: Lowman Graham H. , Harms Peter D. , Wood Dustin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Central to the fit concept is that congruence between individual and environmental attributes leads to improved outcomes. However, when discussing fit, researchers often describe congruence as alignment between distinctive or unique individual and environmental attributes. We suggest that current approaches to examining fit do not adequately account for this assumption of distinctiveness because they fail to consider normative expectations and preferences. As such, we propose an alternative theoretical and methodological approach to conceptualizing and measuring fit.

Design/methodology/approach

We introduce the normative theory of fit, outline how researchers can decompose fit into distinctive and normative components and identify areas for future research.

Findings

Management researchers have largely ignored the importance of decomposing fit into distinctive and normative components. This shortcoming necessitates additional research to ensure a more accurate understanding of fit and its relationship with outcomes.

Originality/value

We provide a clarification and critical examination of a pervasive construct in the field of management by introducing the normative theory of fit, identifying areas where researchers can employ this theoretical lens and suggesting a reevaluation of the importance placed on differentiation that is traditionally employed in practice.
Globalization, technology and global health
Authors: Shobande Olatunji , Ogbeifun Lawrence , Asongu Simplice
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether globalization and technology are harmful to health using a global panel data set of 52 countries over the period 1990–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focused on four continents: Africa, the Americas, Asia/Oceania and Europe. The authors used four advanced econometric methodologies, which include the standard panel fixed effect (FE), Arellano–Bover/Blundell–Bond dynamic panel, Hausman–Taylor specification and two-stage least squares (FE-2SLS)/Lewbel-2SLS approaches.

Findings

The empirical evidence highlights the significance of globalization and technology in promoting global health. The findings suggest that globalization has various impacts on global health indicators and that technology is useful in tracking, monitoring and promoting global health. In addition, the empirical evidence indicates that a truly health-centred process of globalization and technological innovation can only be realized by ensuring that the interests of countries and vulnerable populations to health risks are adequately considered in international decision-making regarding global economic integration.

Originality/value

The authors suggest that achieving the aspiration of global health will entail the use of globalization and information technology to extend human activities and provide equal access to global health.
A two-stage decision model for sustainable-resilient supplier selection and order allocation under uncertain environment
Authors: Sun Lin , Yu Chunxia , Li Jing , Yuan Qi , Zhao Shaoqiong
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to propose an innovative two-stage decision model to address the sustainable-resilient supplier selection and order allocation (SSOA) problem in the single-valued neutrosophic (SVN) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the sustainable and resilient performances of suppliers are evaluated by the proposed integrated SVN-base-criterion method (BCM)-an acronym in Portuguese of interactive and multi-criteria decision-making (TODIM) method, with consideration of the uncertainty in the decision-making process. Then, a novel multi-objective optimization model is formulated, and the best sustainable-resilient order allocation solution is found using the U-NSGA-III algorithm and TOPSIS method. Finally, based on a real-life case in the automotive manufacturing industry, experiments are conducted to demonstrate the application of the proposed two-stage decision model.

Findings

The paper provides an effective decision tool for the SSOA process in an uncertain environment. The proposed SVN-BCM-TODIM approach can effectively handle the uncertainties from the decision-maker’s confidence degree and incomplete decision information and evaluate suppliers’ performance in different dimensions while avoiding the compensatory effect between criteria. Moreover, the proposed order allocation model proposes an original way to improve sustainable-resilient procurement values.

Originality/value

The paper provides a supplier selection process that can effectively integrate sustainability and resilience evaluation in an uncertain environment and develops a sustainable-resilient procurement optimization model.
How and why strengths-based leadership relates to nurses’ turnover intention: the roles of job crafting and work fatigue
Authors: Wang Fuxiang , Wu Maowei , Ding He , Wang Lin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the relationship of strengths-based leadership with nurses’ turnover intention and the mediating roles of job crafting and work fatigue in the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data comprising 318 valid participants from three hospitals in Beijing were gathered at two points in time, spaced by a two-month interval. Structural equation modeling with a bootstrapping analysis was applied to test hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that strengths-based leadership negatively relates to nurses’ turnover intention, and job crafting and work fatigue mediate the relationship of strengths-based leadership with turnover intention, respectively.

Originality/value

The findings of this study highlight the importance of strengths-based leadership in decreasing nurses’ turnover intention and reveal two potential mechanisms through which strengths-based leadership is related to nurses’ turnover intention. In order to retain nursing staff better, nurse leaders should execute more strengths-based leadership behaviors and make more efforts to promote nurses’ job crafting and to reduce nurses’ experience of work fatigue.
A temperature control method of hot-bar soldering based on extended Kalman filter
Authors: Zeng Min , Xie Jianxing , Li Zhitao , Wei Qincheng , Yang Hui
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce a novel technique for nonlinear sensor time constant estimation and sensor dynamic compensation in hot-bar soldering using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to estimate the temperature of the thermocouple.

Design/methodology/approach

Temperature optimal control is combined with a closed-loop proportional integral differential (PID) control method based on an EKF. Different control methods for measuring the temperature of the thermode in terms of temperature control, error and antidisturbance are studied. A soldering process in a semi-industrial environment is performed. The proposed control method was applied to the soldering of flexible printed circuits and circuit boards. An infrared camera was used to measure the top-surface temperature.

Findings

The proposed method can not only estimate the soldering temperature but also eliminate the noise of the system. The performance of this methodology was exemplary, characterized by rapid convergence and negligible error margins. Compared with the conventional control, the temperature variability of the proposed control is significantly attenuated.

Originality/value

An EKF was designed to estimate the temperature of the thermocouple during hot-bar soldering. Using the EKF and PID controller, the nonlinear properties of the system could be effectively overcome and the effects of disturbances and system noise could be decreased. The proposed method significantly enhanced the temperature control performance of hot-bar soldering, effectively suppressing overshoot and shortening the adjustment time, thereby achieving precise temperature control of the controlled object.
Space tourism: an industry with a future?
Authors: Congden Steven W. , Bertels Heidi M.J. , Desplaces David , Drew Todd
Published: March 2024

Research methodology

The case is derived from secondary sources, including publicly available reports and information about all companies directly or indirectly engaged in the industry. No primary sources were available.

Case overview/synopsis

This teaching case is designed for students to demonstrate their mastery of industry-level analysis in the emerging space tourism industry. It allows students to understand what constitutes the industry within the broader space sector and to apply analytical tools such as PESTEL and Porter’s Five Forces, with the option to discuss strategic groups. Students gain insights into how the industry is evolving within its broader environment and how companies could respond or differentiate themselves. Information is also provided for students to consider the broader social impact of a relatively new industry from the perspective of sustainable development.

Complexity academic level

The case is written for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in strategic management courses. The case placement is ideally in conjunction with industry-level analytical frameworks such as Porter’s Five Forces, PESTEL analysis, strategic groups (optional) and industry life cycle. Most strategic management textbooks cover these concepts in the first few chapters. For example, “Strategic Management, 14th edition” by Hill, Schilling and Jones (2023) covers these topics in chapter 2. Given that space tourism is an embryonic industry dependent on technological innovation, instructors might also use this case in innovation or entrepreneurship-related courses. This case could also be used to address critical issues, such as sustainability, in tourism management courses.
Conserving diversity, distinctiveness and connectivity in the Sunshine Coast heathlands, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Pearl Hilary , Ryan Tim , Howard Marion , Shimizu Yoko , Shapcott Alison
Published: March 2024

Australia is committed to global area‐based conservation targets whilst ensuring its National Reserve system is representative of ecosystem types. However, concern remains for the increasing habitat loss and fragmentation, and the possible impacts of loss of connectivity between remnant vegetation. This study uses a range of diversity metrics to examine the biodiversity conservation status of the Sunshine Coast heathlands, in the South Eastern Queensland bioregion. The pre‐clearing and remnant extent, and the protection status of the nine heath Regional Ecosystems were calculated. Fragmentation and connectivity were examined by comparing heath patch sizes, and by calculating the distance between patches, from pre‐clearing estimates, until 2019. Diversity metrics for the Regional Ecosystems, including phylogenetic metrics, were tested for correlation with habitat extent, patch size, patch number and distance between patches. Of the pre‐clearing extent, 62% of Sunshine Coast heathlands remain and 46% is protected in National Parks. Levels of protection in National Parks vary across the Local Government Areas, and between Regional Ecosystems, and the priority Regional Ecosystems for further protection were identified. There has been habitat loss resulting in reduced patch sizes, and fragmentation due to urbanization, but the number of patches of heath remains intact, and connectivity in terms of distance between patches remains stable. Phylogenetic dispersion, but not diversity, was correlated with the extent of heath and the number of patches. This highlights the opportunity to maintain biodiversity in these heathlands, with the value of small patches of heath identified as key to maintaining connectivity in the coastal lowlands, distinctiveness in the montane heaths and dunes, and overall phylogenetic dispersion. This study has shown how a variety of diversity metrics and landscape analyses can inform on priority areas for biodiversity conservation in the heathlands of an increasingly urbanized region.
Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome undergoing laser surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mustafa Hiba J. , Jawwad Muhammad , Iqbal Mansoor Ayesha , Pagani Giorgio , D'Antonio Francesco , Khalil Asma
Published: March 2024

Introduction

We aimed to investigate the incidence, prenatal factors and outcomes of twin‐to‐twin transfusion (TTTS) with right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO).

Material and methods

A systematic search was conducted to identify relevant studies published until February 2023 in English using the databases PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies reporting on pregnancies with TTTS and RVOTO were included. The random‐effect model pooled the mean differences or odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value.

Results

A total of 17 studies encompassing 4332 TTTS pregnancies, of which 225 cases had RVOTO, were included. Incidence of RVOTO at time of TTTS diagnosis was 6%. In all, 134/197 (68%) had functional pulmonary stenosis and 62/197 (32%) had functional pulmonary atresia. Of these, 27% resolved following laser and 55% persisted after birth. Of those persisting, 27% required cardiac valve procedures. Prenatal associations were TTTS stage III (53% vs 39% in no‐RVOTO), stage IV TTTS (28% in RVOTO vs 12% in no‐RVOTO) and ductus venosus reversed a‐wave (60% in RVOTO vs 19% in no‐RVOTO). Gestational age at laser and gestational age at delivery were comparable between groups. Survival outcomes were also comparable between groups, including fetal demise of 26%, neonatal death of 12% and 6‐month survival of 82% in RVOTO group. Findings were similar when subgroup analysis was done for studies including head‐to‐head analysis.

Conclusions

RVOT occurs in about 6% of the recipient twins with TTTS, especially in stages III and IV and those with reversed ductus venosus a‐wave. The findings from this systematic review support the need for a thorough cardiac assessment of pregnancies complicated by TTTS, both before and after laser, to maximize perinatal outcome, and the importance of early diagnosis of TTTS and timely management.
Impact of new allocation policy on waitlist and transplant outcomes of adult congenital heart patients supported with ECMO
Authors: Deshpande Shriprasad R. , Das Bibhuti , Kumar Akshay , Sinha Pranava , Alsoufi Bahaaldin , Trivedi Jaimin
Published: March 2024

Background

The use of ECMO as a bridge to heart transplantation has been growing rapidly in all heart transplant recipients since the implementation of the new UNOS allocation policy; however, the impact on adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients is not known.

Methods

We analyzed the UNOS data (2015–2021) for ACHD patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during the waitlist, before and after October 2018, to assess the impact on the waitlist and posttransplant outcomes. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of ACHD patients with or without ECMO use during the waitlist and pre‐ and postpolicy changes.

Results

A total of 23 821 patients underwent heart transplantation, and only 918 (4%) had ACHD. Out of all ACHD patients undergoing heart transplants, 6% of patients in the prepolicy era and 7.6% in the postpolicy era were on ECMO at the time of listing. Those on ECMO were younger and sicker compared to the rest of the ACHD cohort. Those on ECMO had similar profiles pre‐ and postpolicy change; however, there was a very significant decrease in the waitlist time [136 days (IQR 29–384) vs. 38 days (IQR 11–108), p = 0.01]. There was no difference in waitlist mortality; however, competing risk analyses showed a higher likelihood of transplantation (51% vs. 29%) and a lower likelihood of death or deterioration (31% vs. 42%) postpolicy change. Long‐term outcomes posttransplant for those supported with ECMO compared to the non‐ECMO cohort are similar for ACHD patients, although there was higher attrition in the first year for the ECMO cohort.

Conclusion

The new allocation policy has resulted in shorter waitlist times and a higher likelihood of transplantation for ACHD patients supported by ECMO. However, the appropriate use of ECMO and the underuse of durable circulatory support devices in this population need further exploration.
Transportation‐induced nausea‐like behavior in goats and the effects of anti‐motion sickness medication
Authors: Aoyama Masato , Motegi Takumi , Kaneta Hiroki , Sugita Shoei
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the nausea‐like behavior induced by road transportation in goats, and the effects of an anti‐motion sickness (MS) medication on this behavior. In the first experiment, 11 adult Shiba goats were road transported twice with either a saline (control) or a commercial anti‐MS medication (Travelmin) injection at the first or second transportation. Almost all goats showed nausea‐like behavior, which was defined as pointing their heads downward, closing their eyes, and staying relatively still. These goats did not respond when they were touched during blood collection. The anti‐MS medication significantly reduced the total time spent in nausea‐like behavior (P < 0.05) and tended to increase the frequency of escape attempts during blood collection (P < 0.1). In a second experiment, the effects of the anti‐MS medication were examined in goats held under normal housing. The anti‐MS medication increased the time spent feeding (P < 0.01) and reduced the time spent in rumination (P < 0.05) but did not change the frequency of lying down nor plasma cortisol concentrations. Our results indicate that the nausea‐like behavior in transported goats might be induced, at least in part, by regulatory mechanisms similar to the MS.
Familism attitudes, behaviors, and adjustment during adolescence
Authors: Smola Xochitl Arlene , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: March 2024

In the past two decades in the United States, research has surged on familism, a multidimensional construct encompassing attitudes and behaviors related to strong attachment, identification, and obligation to the family. In this article, we define familism and argue that it is a crucial way for adolescents to contribute to their social world and achieve a sense of role fulfillment. We also present examples from key studies highlighting the advantages and potential challenges of familism for adolescent adjustment. Lastly, we discuss conceptual and methodological issues to advance the study of familism.
Uncertain Facts or Uncertain Values? Testing the Distinction Between Empirical and Normative Uncertainty in Moral Judgments
Authors: Theisen Maximilian , Germar Markus
Published: March 2024

People can be uncertain in their moral judgments. Philosophers have argued that such uncertainty can either refer to the underlying empirical facts (empirical uncertainty) or to the normative evaluation of these facts itself (normative uncertainty). Psychological investigations of this distinction, however, are rare. In this paper, we combined factor‐analytical and experimental approaches to show that empirical and normative uncertainty describe two related but different psychological states. In Study 1, we asked N = 265 participants to describe a case of moral uncertainty and to rate different aspects of their uncertainty about this case. Across this wide range of moral scenarios, our items loaded onto three reliable factors: lack of information, unclear consequences, and normative uncertainty. In Study 2, we confirmed this factor structure using predefined stimulus material. N = 402 participants each rated eight scenarios that systematically varied in their degree of uncertainty regarding the consequences of the described actions and in the value conflict that was inherent to them. The empirical uncertainty factors were mainly affected by the introduction of uncertainty regarding consequences, and the normative uncertainty factor was mainly affected by the introduction of value conflict. Our studies provide evidence that the distinction between empirical and normative uncertainty accurately describes a psychological reality. We discuss the relevance of our findings for research on moral judgments and decision‐making, and folk metaethics.
Application of hyperspectral imaging and colorimetric sensor array coupled with multivariate analysis for quality detection during salted duck eggs processing
Authors: Xu Foyan , Huang Xingyi , Tian Xiaoyu , Yu Shanshan , Zhang Xiaorui , Zareef Muhammad
Published: March 2024

In order to realize the evaluation of salted duck eggs quality, this study constructed salts‐sensitive colorimetric sensor array (CSA) based on silver nanoprisms (AgNPRs) etching principle and utilized hyperspectral imaging (HSI) system to capture the reflectance spectral of CSA and section of salted duck eggs. To minimize the noise in spectral signals, three preprocessing methods including Savitzky–Golay Smoothing (SG), standard normal variate (SNV) transformation, and multiplicative scatter correction were used. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling and uninformative variables elimination were used to select the optimal wavelengths, and then partial least squares regression was used to predict moisture, lipid, and salt content (SC). Results demonstrated coefficients of determination of 0.8200, 0.8969, 0.8709, and 0.9239 for protein moisture, yolk moisture, yolk lipid, and protein SC. Visualization distribution maps successfully display the distribution of moisture and lipid content during salting periods. The results indicated that the CSA based on AgNPRs etching principle can be an effective tool in quantitative measurement of salt and HSI combining CSA can be applied to evaluate the quality of salted duck eggs comprehensively. The study offers a rapid detection method for the production and processing of salted duck eggs in the industry.

Practical application

A novel salts‐sensitive CSA was constructed to evaluate quality of salted duck eggs based on AgNPRs etching. This study designed and developed a portable sample collection device using 3D printing technology to acquire the information of samples and CSA at the same time. This study combined with HSI system and colorimetric sensor technology to evaluate the quality of salted duck eggs during the salting process.
Effects of a 12‐week telehealth exercise intervention on gait speed and gait deviations in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Hilgenkamp T. , Lum R. , Roys C. , Souza T. , Stopka D. , Mann S. , Ho K.‐Y.
Published: March 2024

Background

Altered gait patterns and reduced walking speed are commonly reported in adults with Down syndrome (DS). Research on the effects of DS‐specific exercise programmes on adults with DS is lacking. The purpose of this quasi‐experimental study was to evaluate the changes in gait deviations and walking speed in adults with DS after a DS‐specific exercise programme.

Methods

Twenty participants underwent a 12‐week, DS‐specific exercise programme in a telehealth format. Before and after the intervention, gait deviations were assessed with the Ranchos Los Amigos Observational Gait Analysis form, and comfortable walking speed was evaluated with the 4‐m walk test.

Results

We observed increased comfortable walking speed and reduced gait deviations in the whole gait cycle in adults with DS after the intervention. There were fewer gait deviations during single‐leg stance and swing‐limb advancement and at the hip, knee and ankle joints after the 12‐week exercise programme.

Conclusions

Gait speed and observable gait impairments in adults with DS significantly improved following a 12‐week telehealth exercise programme.
Dehydration‐driven deformation of eclogite: Interplay between fluid discharge and rheology
Authors: Bukała Michał , Hidas Károly , Klonowska Iwona , Barnes Christopher J. , Fassmer Kathrin , Majka Jarosław
Published: March 2024

Aqueous fluids released during dehydration of a subducting slab have a large effect on the rheology of the subduction interface. While high‐pressure experiments and natural‐case studies link deformation with critical dehydration reactions during eclogitization, the exact interplay between these processes remains ambiguous. To investigate fluid–rock interaction and associated deformation at high‐pressure, we studied a suite of eclogites from the Tsäkkok Lens of the Scandinavian Caledonides that record prograde metamorphism within an Early Palaeozoic cold subduction zone. Our results show that in‐situ dehydration during the blueschist to eclogite facies transition produces fluid fluxes leading to rheological weakening and densification, consequently promoting ductile‐brittle deformation. Petrographic evidence, supported by thermodynamic modelling and thermobarometry, attest to a prograde passage from lawsonite‐blueschist to peak eclogite facies of ~2.5 GPa and ~620°C. Phengite‐bearing eclogites imply interaction with an externally‐derived fluid, whereas rare phengite‐free, kyanite‐eclogites only record internally‐derived fluid production. Models predict that prograde breakdown of chlorite, lawsonite and amphibole between 500 and 610°C lead to progressive dehydration and release of up to 4.6 wt.% of aqueous fluid. Microstructural data reveal elongated shapes of highly strained omphacite porphyroblasts, displaying minor yet gradual changes in misorientation towards the grain boundaries. Occasionally, these intragranular structures form subgrain cells that have similar sizes to those of neoblasts in the rock matrix. These observations point to the potential onset of dynamic recrystallization processes via dislocation creep. Moreover, the omphacite neoblasts and rutile show non‐random crystallographic preferred orientations (CPOs), which are characterized by the subparallel alignment of point‐like maxima in rutile [001] and [100] axes to those of [001] and (010) of omphacite neoblasts, respectively. Additionally, the [001] axes of these minerals are also subparallel to the weak stretching mineral lineation, and the (100) of rutile and the (010) of omphacite neoblasts are distributed in the plane of the foliation. This suggests that the development of their CPOs was coeval and structurally controlled. Garnet microfractures normal to the foliation are dilated and sealed predominantly by omphacite. The lack of obliquity between CPO and foliation plane, as well as the systematic orientation of garnet microfracture orientations, are consistent with coaxial deformation at peak‐pressure conditions. Unlike other studies, we show that neither an external fluid source nor channelized fluid flow is needed to facilitate a ductile‐brittle deformation of eclogite in a subduction setting.
An optimized short‐term steroid therapy for chronic drug‐induced liver injury: A prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Huang Ang , Zhu Yun , Liu Shuhong , Sun Ying , Liu Zherui , Liang Qing‐sheng , Zhao Jun , Chang Bin‐xia , Bi Jing‐feng , Liu Jiang‐tao , Zhai Xing‐ran , Xie Huan , Li Ning , Tian Hui , Han Lin , Zhuang Yingjie , Ma Hongbin , Teng Guang‐ju , Zhang Wei , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Ji Dong , Zhao Jingmin , Zou Zhengsheng
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims

The use of corticosteroids in chronic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is an important issue. Our previous randomized controlled trial showed that patients with chronic DILI benefited from a 48‐week steroid stepwise reduction (SSR) regimen. However, it remains unclear whether a shorter course of therapy can achieve similar efficacy. In this study, we aimed to assess whether a 36‐week SSR can achieve efficacy similar to that of 48‐week SSR.

Methods

A randomized open‐label trial was performed. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the 36‐ or 48‐week (1:1) SSR group. Liver biopsies were performed at baseline and at the end of treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with relapse rate (RR). The secondary outcomes were improvement in liver histology and safety.

Results

Of the 90 participants enrolled, 84 (87.5%) completed the trial, and 62 patients (68.9%) were women. Hepatocellular damage was observed in 53.4% of the cohort. The RR was 7.1% in the 36‐week SSR group but 4.8% in the 48‐week SSR group, as determined by per‐protocol set analysis (p = 1.000). Significant histological improvements in histological activity (93.1% vs. 92.9%, p = 1.000) and fibrosis (41.4% vs. 46.4%, p = .701) were observed in both the groups. Biochemical normalization time did not differ between the two groups. No severe adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Both the 36‐ and 48‐week SSR regimens demonstrated similar biochemical response and histological improvements with good safety, supporting 36‐week SSR as a preferable therapeutic choice (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03266146).
Revisiting the Phillips Curve: The Empirical Relationship Yet to be Validated*
Authors: Do Hoang‐Phuong , Spanos Aris
Published: March 2024

The Phillips curve began life in 1958 as a simple curve‐fitted relationship between the rates of wage inflation and unemployment and went on to play a crucial role in the broader development of macroeconomics, giving rise to several controversies about its interpretation and role in policy‐making. Recently, the traditional narrative about its theoretical underpinnings has been called into question as a sequence of ‘stories’ to provide support for particular theoretical perspectives on macroeconomics. The primary aim of this paper is to challenge the conventional wisdom relating to the Phillips curve being an attested empirical relationship, by showing that the empirical evidence of the most influential papers that helped to frame the traditional narrative is untrustworthy, in the sense that the probabilistic assumptions invoked by their inferences are invalid. That is, not only the traditional theory‐driven narrative is misleading, but the empirical evidence used to corroborate it is untrustworthy.
Mental Files
Authors: Goodman Rachel
Published: March 2024

The so‐called ‘mental files theory’ in the philosophy of mind stems from an analogy comparing object‐concepts to ‘files’, and the mind to a ‘filing system’. Though this analogy appears in philosophy of mind and language from the 1970s onward, it remains unclear to many how it should be interpreted. The central commitments of the mental files theory therefore also remain unclear. Based on influential uses of the file analogy within philosophy, I elaborate three central explanatory roles for mental files. Next, I outline several common criticisms of the file picture, which have been a source of resistance to the view. Finally, I outline several interpretations of the theory, thus highlighting that the best interpretation of the file‐theory's central analogy remains a live issue.
Political vigilantism in Ghana: Motives, membership, and financing
Authors: Antwi‐Boateng Osman , Braimah Mohammed Kamarideen
Published: March 2024

This comprehensive study of political vigilantism in Ghana examines the motives, membership, and financing of the phenomenon and proffers solutions to combat it. We use a qualitative methodology of personal interviews with a broad section of Ghanaian political stakeholders totaling 50 participants. This included 30 political vigilante members equally affiliated with the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress and selected from the vigilante hotbeds of the Northern, Upper East, and Ashanti regions of Ghana. The other political stakeholders total 20 and are made up of: five public political party executives, five civil society members, five police officers, and five local district assembly members. The motives include institutional weakness, winning political power, and economic and group solidarity. Membership involves family and friends, former security personnel, party members, and unemployed youth. Financing emanates from political parties, politicians, and the business class. We argue that patron–clientelism is the driving force behind political vigilantism and recommend more legal accountability for patrons, particularly through constitutional amendments guaranteeing a fixed term for the head of the police and separating the roles of Attorney General and Minister of Justice. This is to ensure that the former can impartially prosecute vigilante patrons. Punitive financial measures are also recommended to deter patrons, backed by sustained public education and more employment opportunities for the masses of unemployed youth—the bedrock of political vigilantism.

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Evaluation of Emergency Contraceptive Pill Use with Health Management Information Systems Data in Pakistan
Authors: Farid Shiza , Mohammed Khan , Bietsch Kristin , Emmart Priya
Published: March 2024

According to the WHO, all clients should have access to a range of contraceptive methods, including at least one short‐term, one long‐term, one permanent, and one emergency method of contraception. While there are data on the contraceptive method mix available for many low‐ and middle‐income countries, there are limited data on emergency contraception (EC). This is likely due to some surveys not routinely collecting this information, how survey questions are asked, dual method use, and/or low levels of reported use of EC pill (ECP). Even with low reported use in surveys, contraceptive social marketing statistics from DKT International. show a trend in recent years of increasing product sales of ECPs. To understand a more complete scope of ECP use, we use Pakistan as a case study and analyze Pakistan's Demographic Health Survey (DHS) surveys and Pakistan's Contraceptives Logistics Management Systems. Based on commodities dispensed data for ECPs in 2021, about 0.4 percent of all married women in Pakistan use ECPs. While there is currently a small proportion of women, it is growing and the use of ECPs is not zero as indicated by the DHS. Therefore, where available, countries should review their health management information systems data alongside survey data for ECP use.