bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital tourism experience for tourist site revisit: an empirical view from Ghana
Authors: Preko Alexander , Amoako George Kofi , Dzogbenuku Robert Kwame , Kosiba John
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Digital tourism has drawn the attention of researchers around the globe. This study aims to assess the digital tourism experience for tourist site revisit from an emerging market perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Anchored on the social cognitive theory, the study employed a quantitative method, using the convenience sampling to select 328 participants who responded to tourism and technology sharing items through an online questionnaire. The study's hypotheses were tested utilizing structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results suggest a significant influence of technology-based service innovativeness on service value, tourist site revisits and experience sharing through technology. Further, the findings also revealed the significant influence of service value on tourist site revisit and experience-sharing through technology.

Research limitations/implications

This study was conducted with only clients or tourists, and this limits generalization of the study's findings.

Practical implications

The study offers the understanding of how tourist site operators and all stakeholders have to deploy new ways of technology-based service innovation to get maximum return on their investment in the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

The outcome of this research advanced the linkage between technology and tourism in context, which is important to policymakers and practitioners in the sector.
Assessing the effects of user-generated photos on hotel guests’ price, service quality, overall image perceptions and booking intention
Authors: An Qingxiang , Ozturk Ahmet Bulent
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of user-generated photos (UGPs) and review valence (RV) on hotel guests’ perceived service quality, perceived price, perceived overall image and booking intention.

Design/methodology/approach

An online experiment where respondents were randomly assigned to one of the six conditions in a 2 (UGPs: provided vs not provided) × 3 (RV: positive vs neutral vs negative) between-subjects factorial design was used. The data of the study was collected from the travelers who used an online hotel review site to book a hotel at least once in the past 12 months. An independent samplet-test and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data of this study.

Findings

The results indicated that UGPs and RV significantly influenced hotel guests’ service quality, price, overall image perceptions and booking intention. The interaction effects of UGPs and RV indicated that positive online hotel reviews with UGPs had higher impact on hotel guests’ service quality, price, overall image perceptions and booking intention than neutral and negative online hotel reviews with UGPs.

Practical implications

The understanding of the effects of UGPs and RV on guests’ price, service quality, overall image perception and booking intention can help hotel managers and social media website designers to better promote the hotel and provide efficient online hotel booking environment.

Originality/value

This study builds the relationships between UGPs and RV and hotel guests’ perceived price, perceived service quality, perceived overall image and booking intention, which are crucial factors regarding online hotel marketing.
Theorising brand aura
Authors: Alexander Nicholas , Doherty Anne Marie
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Building on Walter Benjamin's philosophical reflections on aura and authenticity, this article aims to conceptualise and theorise brand aura.

Design/methodology/approach

This article extends understanding of brand aura within the management, marketing and tourism literature with reference to Benjamin's framing of aura and authenticity in time and space.

Findings

Within a Benjaminian framework this article theorises brand aura and offers a conceptualisation of the antecedents of brand aura. It explores the duality of what is termed here as artefactual authenticity and existential authenticity. It illustrates the central role of consumers' mémoire involontaire in the realisation of brand aura. Within this Benjaminian framework, the article explores how artefactual authenticity is preceded by brand essence, while existential authenticity precedes brand essence. Implications for the management of the service encounter are discussed with reference to territorial legitimacy and historical testimony in the context of the firm's role in supporting consumer experiential engagement.

Originality/value

This article advances theoretical understanding of how consumers engage experientially with brand aura and how firms curate brand aura.
Impact on community members of a culturally appropriate adaptation of a social and emotional well-being intervention in an aboriginal community
Authors: Anwar-McHenry Julia , Murray Lesley , Drane Catherine F. , Owen Julie , Nicholas Amberlee , Donovan Robert J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Indigenous Australians report mental health problems at a much higher rate than non-Indigenous Australians. However, rather than more services, it has been proposed that there should be a positive, socially based approach to improving mental health in Indigenous communities. The population-wide Western Australian Act-Belong-Commit mental health promotion campaign appeared to be consistent with such an approach. Hence, after consultation with Indigenous community members, a culturally adapted version of the campaign was developed and launched in a largely Indigenous remote Australian community. A survey of Indigenous community members was conducted two years later to assess campaign impact. The aim of this paper is to report on the impact on community members of this cultural adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

Intercept interviews were conducted with Indigenous community members (n = 31) to assess respondents’ awareness of the campaign elements and activities, understanding of campaign messages and whether respondents had undertaken activities to improve their own or their family’s social and emotional well-being as a result of the campaign.

Findings

There was universal awareness of the adapted campaign in this sample, with 81% reporting doing something for their own social and emotional well-being, 74% reporting doing something for the social and emotional well-being of their family or friends and 48% reporting doing something for community well-being, as a result of campaign exposure.

Originality/value

The cultural adaptation of the Act-Belong-Commit campaign in the Australian Roebourne community is the first reported Indigenous adaptation of a population-wide mental health promotion campaign.
Creating harmony through a plethora of interests, resources and actors: the challenging task of orchestrating the service ecosystem
Authors: Carida' Angela , Colurcio Maria , Edvardsson Bo , Pastore Alberto
Published: April 2022

Purpose

There is a need to understand value co-creation in service ecosystems that engage multiple actors with different goals. This study aims to extend the understanding of value co-creation by considering the orchestration of service ecosystems with reference to resource-integration processes.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study approach is used to analyze actors' roles in resource orchestration within a service ecosystem, gathering data from the macro, meso and micro levels of an Italian hospitality and tourism services ecosystem.

Findings

A framework is devised that highlights the intersection between orchestration and resource integration for value co-creation processes across the macro, meso and micro levels in service ecosystems. This extends the understanding of service ecosystem dynamics, especially how new value co-creation structures emerge, by emphasizing the circular causality between system levels. Findings show how orchestrating resource integration activities initiate and institutionalize non-linear value co-creation processes.

Practical implications

Resource integration orchestration within and between ecosystem levels is a possible response to societal challenges and for creating economic, cultural and social value across the community. The study offers policymakers insights into developing new competencies for developing actions according to a logic of socially and sustainable value.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of service orchestration by expanding the concept and the feasibility of service ecosystem orchestration. It offers insights into the importance of orchestrating resource integration to the emergence and vitality of service ecosystems themselves. The study responds to the need for empirical studies on value co-creation.
Research on policy diffusion mechanism of Government Procurement of Public Services based on an MFCM
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Xu Lan , Lu Zhengnan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that research on policy diffusion mechanism of Government Procurement of Public Services (GPPS) is beneficial to improve the efficiency of policy formulation and implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

In view of the four dimensions which are internal demand, external pressure, policy innovation environment and service characteristic, a system of factors affecting policy diffusion is established. On this basis, a Multilayer Fuzzy Cognitive Map (MFCM) model for policy diffusion of GPPS is constructed. Nonlinear Hebbian Learning algorithm and genetic algorithm are applied to optimize the two components of the MFCM model, which are relationship between nodes at the same layer and influence weights between nodes at different layers, respectively. Taking Nanjing municipal government purchasing elderly-care services in China as the empirical object, simulation of policy diffusion based on the MFCM model is carried out, aiming to obtain the key factors influencing policy diffusion and the dynamic diffusion mechanism of GPPS policy.

Findings

Research results show that, compared with monolayer Fuzzy Cognitive Map, the MFCM model converges faster. In addition, simulation results of policy diffusion indicate that economic development level of jurisdiction, superior pressure, administrative level and operability of services are key influencing factors which are under four dimensions correspondingly. And the dynamic influencing mechanism of key factors has also been learned.

Originality/value

This paper constructs the MFCM model, which is a new approach based on several monolayer FCMs, to study the policy diffusion mechanism.
An extended MABAC method for multiple-attribute group decision making under probabilistic T-spherical hesitant fuzzy environment
Authors: Gurmani Shahid Hussain , Chen Huayou , Bai Yuhang
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present the idea of a T-spherical hesitant fuzzy set associated with probability and to develop an extended multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) method under probabilistic T-spherical hesitant fuzzy (Pt-SHF) settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors define some basic operational laws for Pt-SHF sets (Pt-SHFSs) and a comparison method of two probabilistic T-spherical hesitant fuzzy numbers (Pt-SHFNs) is proposed. Moreover, some Pt-SHF aggregation operators and the multi-attributive border approximation area comparison (MABAC) method are established under Pt-SHF scenario to solve group decision making problems.

Findings

The developed Pt-SHF MABAC method for multi-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) can overcome the drawbacks of conventional MABAC method and limitations for decision makers, which they face while providing their assessment concerning any object.

Research limitations/implications

Clearly, this paper is devoted to MABAC method, MAGDM and probabilistic T-spherical hesitant fuzzy set theory.

Practical implications

The approach established can be used in a variety of scenarios, including decision making, engineering, and economics. An explanatory example is illustrated which shows the superiority and effectiveness of our proposed technique.

Originality/value

If a T-spherical fuzzy MAGDM problem under the probabilistic scenario needs to be evaluated, the involvement of probabilities in fuzzy system will be lost because of no information. This work fills a gap in literature by establishing the notion of probabilistic t-spherical hesitant fuzzy set to deal with the ambiguity, uncertainty in decision making problems.
Determinants of psychological empowerment and work engagement during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fawehinmi Olawole , Ojo Adedapo Oluwaseyi , Mohd Yusoff Yusliza
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Existing studies have demonstrated the significances of job, personal and social resources in stimulating work engagement (WKE). However, the role of psychological empowerment (PYE) in linking these resources to WKE has received limited attention. Hence, drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this paper investigates the effects of friends and family support (FFS), supervisor support (SST), and employee resilience (ERS) in stimulating PYE for WKE amid the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

With a survey instrument, the authors collected data from 259 knowledge workers in Malaysia and analyzed the hypothesized model with the partial least square (PLS) structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The data support the significant effects of FFS, SST, and ERS on PYE. Also, PYE was a significant mediator of FFS, SST, and ERS effects on WKE.

Originality/value

This study offers empirical support for the relevance of COR theory in explaining how employees adjust to the burden of uncertainty and psychological stress associated with the COVID-19 mandated “work from home” (WFH) practices through their engagement in work.
Financially material sustainability reporting and firm performance in New Zealand
Authors: Carvajal Mariela , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between sustainability reporting and firm performance in New Zealand, encompassing the materiality concept of sustainability reporting based on the newly available sustainability reporting standards of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). This set of disclosure items published in 2018 is likely to impact on investors’ decision-making and firm performance, as stipulated by the SASB.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 84 New Zealand companies during the period 2017–2019 and an ordinary least squares statistical approach, this research examines whether firms disclosing sustainability reporting and financially material sustainability information have better performance than the ones non-disclosing.

Findings

Consistent with the legitimacy and stakeholder theories, a positive relationship between sustainability reporting and performance is observed. This positive association is stronger when the sustainability disclosure is financially material information as defined by the SASB.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study provides evidence of the financial incentives for firms to initiate sustainability reporting, especially including financially material sustainability information as guided by the SASB. It also supports the rationale of the SASB for developing new standards that can be globally applicable, influencing investors’ decisions and firm’s financial performance. The results also have implications for the management of New Zealand firms in considering the disclosure of material sustainability information which is linked to firm performance.
The role of tourism development in India's environmental degradation: evidence from ARDL and wavelet coherence approaches
Authors: Villanthenkodath Muhammed Ashiq , Mahalik Mantu Kumar , Arafath K. Mohamed Ismail Yasar
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This empirical study explores the role of tourism development (TD) in India's environmental degradation. Since sustainable eco-tourism is essential for India, whose long-term economic prosperity also depends on robust tourism growth. Hence, this study offers specific policy proposals for sustainable tourism based on the simulated outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the quarterly data from 1995Q1–2018Q4 for empirical validation. Moreover, the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach, Toda and Yamamoto (TY) causality model and wavelet coherence are also used to analyse the role of TD in India's environmental degradation.

Findings

The ARDL bounds test confirms the long-run relationship between the series. The long-run results from the ARDL model also indicate the driving role of TD in India's environmental degradation. In addition, the usage of the wavelet coherence method confirms the changes in TD that leads to changes in India's pollution level at different frequencies and periods, especially in the long run.

Research limitations/implications

Since this analysis is India-specific, these findings may lack generalizability to other developing economies. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to examine the impact of tourism growth on the natural environment in other countries either in a panel or time-series framework.

Practical implications

This study suggests crucial implications for checking the pollution sands from TD without sacrificing tourism-led economic growth. This would be possible if the usage of green energy in India's transport sector is promoted.

Originality/value

This is the first study that analyzes the impact of TD on environmental degradation in the ARDL, wavelet coherence, TY frameworks for enabling the Indian economy for a sustainable tourism practice.
Mapping corporate social responsibility practices at the international level: systematic review and content analysis approach
Authors: El-Said Osman , Aziz Heba , Mirzaei Maryam , Smith Michael
Published: April 2022

Purpose

It has been more than 20 years since the idea of binding multinational corporations directly to international law was abandoned. Since then, concerned actors have sought to manage corporate conduct through voluntary regulation. However, little is known about the instruments produced in this regard. This study aims to understand the properties of the instruments that govern or regulate corporate social responsibility at the international level.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review and content analysis methods were combined to compile a list of 229 international corporate social responsibility instruments (ICSRIs) produced by intergovernmental (IGOs) and international nongovernmental (INGOs) organizations. These instruments were categorized according to an adapted classification framework.

Findings

The majority of instruments from our sample are produced by INGOs, focus on management activities and are applicable to specific industries. The most common issues addressed by the instruments are related to worker protection, human rights, governance and the environment. A limited number of instruments specify stakeholders’ involvement or feature an external orientation. Instruments rarely address issues related to product quality and safety, economic contribution or social performance.

Practical implications

Without a comprehensive overview, it has been difficult to develop broad-based understandings about voluntary regulation as a mechanism for controlling corporate conduct internationally. This study’s findings offer valuable insights, allowing policymakers and industry practitioners to understand the effectiveness of, and make appropriate enhancements to, ICSRIs.

Social implications

By enhancing ICSRIs to address the limitations highlighted in the current study, multinational corporations can be induced into contributing more productively to the sustainable development of the societies they impact and play a greater role in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Originality/value

Previous research has largely concentrated on analyzing small numbers of carefully selected instruments in a conceptual or descriptive approach. In contrast, this study represents a novel approach of systematic compilation and quantitative classification for a comprehensive list of ICSRIs.
Simulation and experimental study of remote field current testing for hidden defects of aluminum alloy plate with damping coating
Authors: Jiang Shichao , Lu Xinliang , Wang Hongliang , Song Kai , Jiang Yuanyuan
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Detection of hidden defects of aluminum alloy plate with damping coating is a challenging problem. At present, only a few non-destructive testing methods exist to address this engineering problem. Without the restriction of skin effect, remote field eddy current (RFEC) overcomes the interference caused by the damping coating. The RFEC, which has potential advantages for detecting the hidden defects of aluminum plate with damping coating, can penetrate the metal plate to detect buried depth defects. This study aims to test how thick the RFEC sensor can penetrate the metal plate to detect the buried defects.

Design/methodology/approach

The magnetic field distribution characteristics are analyzed, the magnetic field intensity distribution is calculated, and the structure and parameters of the coil, magnetic circuit and shielding damping are determined through the two- and three-dimensional finite element simulation methods. Optimal excitation frequency is obtained, and the distance between the excitation coil and detection coil is determined by analyzing the relationship between excitation frequency and remote field points.

Findings

Simulation and experimental results verify the feasibility of applying the RFEC detection technology in detecting the hidden defects of aluminum alloy plate with damping coating.

Originality/value

In this paper, the RFEC testing model of hidden defects in aluminum plate sample with damping coating is established by using the finite element method.
Corporate social responsibility or corporate social innovation? Two approaches towards the labour integration of disabled employees in Colombia
Authors: Tabares Sabrina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social innovation (CSI) are implemented in the integration of employees with disabilities (EWD) and how they differ in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study implemented a qualitative approach through a comparative study of two representative cases in Colombia, using a cross-case analysis technique.

Findings

Four characteristics differentiate CSR and CSI in the labour integration of EWDs: altruistic vs goal-oriented, inclusive vs egalitarian, humanistic vs transformative and sympathetic vs synergetic, relating motivations, practices, impact and collaborations correspondingly.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to explore the conceptual (theoretical) and instrumental (practical) base of CSR and CSI, undertaking business strategies to integrate EWDs in the labour market in the context of a developing country, Colombia. Examining EWDs’ labour integration represents an original approach to understanding how CSI can be considered an evolution of CSR.
Environmental regulations versus sustainable tourism indicators: a pathway to sustainable development
Authors: Özgit Hale , Akanyeti İme
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to profile the current state of sustainable tourism indicators (STIs) in order to assess risks and draw attention to potential solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative methodology and documentary analysis were used, and primary data were gathered about STIs from four publicly available regulatory documents.

Findings

The study findings indicate that one of the primary impediments to sustainable tourism development is a lack of supervision and control over the enforcement of existing laws and regulations. Existing systems with relevant laws and regulations contribute to the fact that the environment is unsustainably developed because of the absence of specific explanations relating to STIs. The study identifies some of the actions that could be taken to mitigate the negative impacts of conventional forms of tourism development.

Research limitations/implications

This article argues that policymakers should act quickly to audit and manage the environment and that they should involve non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the tourism industry in this process. In addition, regulations should be revisited to include the necessity of being certified by international bodies for tourism enterprises and adopting European Union (EU) environmental standards.

Practical implications

The tourism industry must adopt a more responsible and participatory approach to economic growth in order to ensure sustainable tourism, learning from the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Further, the industry must collaborate with policymakers to develop mechanisms to protect and control the resources they consume for the sake of future generations.

Originality/value

Sustainable tourism development in which all aspects contribute to economic development, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS), is of the utmost importance. No prior work seems to have been published that evaluates publicly available regulatory documents with reference to the current state of STIs in SIDS, especially in North Cyprus.
How to Teach Manet's Olympia after Transgender Studies
Authors: Getsy David J.
Published: April 2022

Addressed to art historians as both teachers and researchers, this essay reconsiders the well‐trodden case of Édouard Manet's Olympia (1863) to challenge the conventional assumptions about the nude as a sign for gender. Aligning itself with the interdisciplinary field of transgender studies, the essay models one version of how art historians might teach a sceptical history of the nude in which we leave open the multiple and transformable genders that can be proposed by it. This essay argues that even a canonical episode about a non‐trans artist such as Manet (and his scandalous display of Olympia in 1865) contains ample opportunities (in both the contemporary criticism and art‐historical literature) to address transgender, non‐binary, and intersex themes. To question the equation of seeing and knowing when confronted with a naked body is both an ethical and a methodological imperative for art history – a field that traffics in nudes as central to its defining narratives.
Too much of a good thing: Bicarbonate toxicity following treatment of sodium channel blocker overdose
Authors: Isoardi Katherine Z , Chiew Angela L
Published: April 2022

Although sodium bicarbonate can be a life‐saving antidote for patients with overdoses resulting in sodium channel blockade, there has been a concerning rise in cases referred to the Poisons Information Centre where inappropriately large doses of bicarbonate have been used resulting in iatrogenic harm. We present a series of three clinical cases where excessive bicarbonate was used to treat poisonings and discuss our approach to managing cardiotoxicity secondary to sodium channel blockade. Serial blood gas analysis should be performed when using bicarbonate to ensure pH targets are met and severe alkalaemia, hypernatraemia and hypokalaemia are avoided. We encourage clinicians to contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26) or their local clinical toxicologist when managing patients with life‐threatening sodium channel blockade.
Activation of circ_0072088/miR‐1261/PIK3CA pathway accelerates lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Cao Feng , Liu Sihua , Li Ziyi , Meng Lingjiao , Sang Meixiang , Shan Baoen
Published: April 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study aimed to determine the role of circ_0072088 in LUAD.

Methods

The existence and expression of circ_0072088 in human LUAD tissues and cell lines were determined through Sanger sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Subsequently, the biological role of circ_0072088 was examined using loss‐of‐function assays in H1299 cells. Moreover, circ_0072088/miR‐1261/PIK3CA pathway‐mediated biological effects in H1299 were verified using bioinformatic prediction and experiments, including interaction analysis (FISH, luciferase reporter, and RNA‐pulldown assays), and tumor biological function test (CCK8 and colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays). Finally, miR‐1261 and PIK3CA expression and LUAD patient survival were further analyzed using FISH, immunohistochemical staining, and the Kaplan–Meier plotter database, respectively.

Results

First, an increase in circ_0072088 was confirmed in human LUAD tissues. Thereafter, it was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and was found to enhance cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells. Mechanistically, circ_0072088 directly downregulated miR‐1261 expression, whereas increased PIK3CA gene expression was associated with poor overall survival of LUAD patients. The activation of the circ_0072088/miR‐1261/PIK3CA regulatory pathway may play a significant role in the tumorigenesis and progression of LUAD.

Conclusions

Circ_0072088‐dependent regulation of miR‐1261/PIK3CA is important for cell proliferation, migration, and invasion during the tumorigenesis and progression of LUAD, warranting the need to consider the circ_0072088/miR‐1261/PIK3CA regulatory pathway as a potential therapeutic target in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Amyloid‐β activates NLRP3 inflammasomes by affecting microglial immunometabolism through the Syk‐AMPK pathway
Authors: Jung Eun Sun , Suh Kyujin , Han Jihui , Kim Heyyoung , Kang Hyung‐Sik , Choi Won‐Seok , Mook‐Jung Inhee
Published: April 2022

Neuroinflammation is considered one of major factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In particular, inflammasome activation, including NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia, is regarded as fundamental for the pro‐inflammatory response of immune cells. However, the precise molecular mechanism through which the NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with AD pathologies remains unclear. Here, we show that amyloid‐β activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia by activating Syk and inhibiting AMPK. Deactivated AMPK induces metabolic dysregulation, mitochondrial fragmentation, and reactive oxygen species formation, leading to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, flufenamic acid (FA), a member of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, was found to effectively inhibit activation of the microglial NLRP3 inflammasome by regulating Syk and AMPK. Importantly, FA has marked therapeutic effects on major AD pathologies and memory function in vivo in microglia‐dependent way. All together, these findings demonstrate the molecular mechanism of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation by amyloid‐β, which acts as an important mediator of neuroinflammation. Also, we suggest that repurposing of FA for inhibiting microglial activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential treatment for AD.
More than just hedging? The reactions of Cambodia and Vietnam to the power struggle between the United States and China in times of Obama's “pivot to Asia”
Authors: Železný Jan
Published: April 2022

Southeast Asia is a major theater in the superpower rivalry between China and the United States. The states in this region face the challenge how to react to this intensified strategic competition. Some authors suggest a concept of hedging as the main behavioral response of the region. Nevertheless, critics argue that just one concept cannot incorporate all the variation in their behavior. They often name Cambodia and Vietnam as problematic examples – Cambodia rather bandwagoning with China and Vietnam being more a balancer than a hedger. The goal of this article is to create original operational definition of hedging that would address existing limitations through a comparison of the foreign policy of Cambodia and Vietnam during the US pivot to Asia during the Barrack Obama administration. This article finds that hedging can be useful to analyze the responses of Southeast Asian states despite the perceived contradictory stances of Cambodia and Vietnam.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe autoimmune diseases in children: A review of current literature, registry activity and future directions on behalf of the autoimmune diseases and paediatric diseases working parties of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Achini‐Gutzwiller Federica R. , Snowden John A. , Corbacioglu Selim , Greco Raffaella ,   The EBMT Autoimmune Diseases (ADWP) and Paediatric Diseases (PDWP) Working Parties
Published: April 2022

Although modern clinical management strategies have improved the outcome of paediatric patients with severe autoimmune and inflammatory diseases over recent decades, a proportion will experience ongoing or recurrent/relapsing disease activity despite multiple therapies often leading to irreversible organ damage, and compromised quality of life, growth/development and long‐term survival. Autologous and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been used successfully to induce disease control and often apparent cure of severe treatment‐refractory autoimmune diseases (ADs) in children. However, transplant‐related outcomes are disease‐dependent and long‐term outcome data are limited in respect to efficacy and safety. Moreover, balancing risks of HSCT against AD prognosis with continually evolving non‐transplant options is challenging. This review appraises published literature on HSCT strategies and outcomes in individual paediatric ADs. We also provide a summary of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Registry, where 343 HSCT procedures (176 autologous and 167 allogeneic) have been reported in 326 children (<18 years) for a range of AD indications. HSCT is a promising treatment modality, with potential long‐term disease control or cure, but therapy‐related morbidity and mortality need to be reduced. Further research is warranted to establish the position of HSCT in paediatric ADs via registries and prospective clinical studies to support evidence‐based interspeciality guidelines and recommendations.
Low‐intensity cattle grazing is better than cattle exclusion to drive secondary savannas toward the features of native Cerrado vegetation
Authors: Durigan Giselda , Pilon Natashi A.L. , Souza Flaviana M. , Melo Antônio C.G. , Ré Danilo Scorzoni , Souza Silvana C.P.M.
Published: April 2022

Although livestock have been historically associated with land conversion and biodiversity loss, well‐managed cattle grazing has been reported to contribute to conservation of open ecosystems. Knowing the balance between positive and negative effects of livestock (presence or exclusion) on different ecosystems is, therefore, crucial to support management decisions. We conducted an experiment in a secondary savanna with exotic grasses, used as pasture, to assess the effect of cattle presence in low density and cattle exclusion (in paired plots) on the trajectory of these ecosystems. Richness, composition and structure of the woody community, and exotic grass cover and biomass were compared between treatments in the beginning of the experiment and after 7 years. At the end of the experiment, we also compared composition, richness, and density of the native ground layer. We verified that (a) cattle exclusion accelerates the undesirable woody encroachment, changes the species composition and leads to huge grass fuel accumulation, while (b) cattle grazing/browsing hinders changes in savanna structure and composition and reduces the exotic grass cover and biomass, thus favoring native herbaceous plants. By decreasing the grass biomass, cattle grazing also reduces the system flammability and, therefore, the risk and intensity of wildfires. Together, the positive effects of cattle presence and the negative effects of cattle exclusion lead to the conclusion that cattle should be maintained in these systems. Low‐intensity cattle grazing limits woody and exotic grass invasion, improves native forb biodiversity, and help to maintain composition and structural features of secondary savannas of the Cerrado.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material
Nickel penetration into stratum corneum in FLG null carriers—A human experimental study
Authors: Julander Anneli , Liljedahl Emelie Rietz , Korres de Paula Helena , Assarsson Eva , Engfeldt Malin , Littorin Margareta , Shobana Anto Christine , Lidén Carola , Broberg Karin
Published: April 2022

Background

The filaggrin gene (FLG) plays a role in skin diseases, with the skin barrier function being impaired in FLG null carriers. The role of FLG status in relation to nickel penetration into the skin remains unclear.

Objectives

To elucidate the association between FLG status and nickel penetration into stratum corneum (SC) in individuals without self‐reported history of nickel allergy.

Methods

Forty participants (23 FLG wt and 17 FLG null) were exposed to a nickel solution (80 μg/cm2) which was applied onto 2 × 2 cm on their left forearm. After 4 h, the area was tape‐stripped with 10 consecutive tapes. Nickel in each tape was quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

The average recovered nickel dose was 35%–48%. A tendency towards lower recovery was seen in FLG null carriers compared to FLG wt carriers, and lower recovery in those with history of skin and/or respiratory symptoms compared to those without such history. This was however not statistically significant.

Conclusion

FLG null carriers had less nickel recovered by tape strips compared with FLG wt carriers and, compared with individuals without a history of skin and/or respiratory symptoms, indicating higher nickel penetration into SC for FLG null carriers, but further studies are needed.
Predictors of malignancy in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules undergoing pulmonary resection
Authors: Erdogdu Eren , Ozkan Berker , Duman Salih , Agkoc Melek , Erturk Sukru Mehmet , Kara Murat , Toker Alper
Published: April 2022

Background

The management of a solitary pulmonary nodule is a challenging issue in pulmonary disease. Although many factors have been defined as predictors for malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules, the accurate diagnosis can only be established with the permanent histological diagnosis.

Objective

We tried to clarify the possible predictors of malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules in patients who had definitive histological diagnosis.

Methods

We made a retrospective study to collect the data of patients with solitary pulmonary nodules who had histological diagnosis either before or after surgery. We made a statistical analysis of both the clinic and radiological features of these nodules with respect to malignancy both in contingency tables and with logistic regression analysis.

Results

We had a total of 223 patients with a radiological diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodule. Age, smoking status and pack years of smoking, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and radiological features such as solid component, spiculation, pleural tag, lobulation, calcification, and higher density were significant predictors of malignancy in contingency tables. Age, smoking status and smoking (pack/year), SUVmax, and radiological features including spiculation, pleural tag, lobulation, calcification, and higher density were the significant predictors in univariate analysis. However, multivariate analysis revealed only SUVmax greater than 2.5 (p < 0.0001), spiculation (p = 0.009), and age older than 61 years (p = 0.015) as the significant predictors for malignancy.

Conclusion

Age, SUVmax, and spiculation are the independent predictors of malignancy in patients with solitary pulmonary nodules.
Global variations in diagnostic guidelines for Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Kusano Chika , Singh Rajvinder , Lee Yeong Yeh , Soh Yu Sen Alex , Sharma Prateek , Ho Khek‐Yu , Gotoda Takuji
Published: April 2022

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastroesophageal junction and Barrett's esophagus is essential for surveillance and early detection of esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophagogastric junction cancer. Despite its small size, the gastroesophageal junction has many inherent problems, including marked differences in diagnostic methods for Barrett's esophagus in international guidelines. To define Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal junction location should be clarified. Although gastric folds and palisade vessels are landmarks for identifying this junction, they are sometimes difficult to observe due to air entry or reflux esophagitis. The possibility of diagnosing a malignancy associated with Barrett's esophagus <1 cm, identified using palisade vessels, should be re‐examined. Nontargeted biopsies of Barrett's esophagus are commonly used to detect intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and cancer as described in the Seattle protocol. Barrett's esophagus with intestinal metaplasia has a high risk of becoming cancerous. Furthermore, the frequency of cancer in patients with Barrett's esophagus without intestinal metaplasia is high, and the guidelines differ on whether to include the presence of intestinal metaplasia in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. Use of advanced imaging technologies, including narrow‐band imaging with magnifying endoscopy and linked color imaging, is reportedly valid for diagnosing Barrett's esophagus. Furthermore, artificial intelligence has facilitated the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus through its deep learning and image recognition capabilities. However, it is necessary to first use the endoscopic definition of the gastroesophageal junction, which is common in all countries, and then elucidate the characteristics of Barrett's esophagus in each region, for example, length differences in the risk of carcinogenesis with and without intestinal metaplasia.
The role of decaying logs in nursing soil fungal diversity varies with decay classes in the forest ecosystem
Authors: Wang Qin , Peñuelas Josep , Tan Bo , Wang Zhuang , Li Han , Cao Rui , Chang Chenhui , Jiang Yurui , Yang Wanqin
Published: April 2022

Soil fungi are crucial drivers of log decomposition in forest ecosystems, but how soil fungal community composition varies during the process of log decomposition remains poorly understood. We conducted an experiment incubating decaying logs in a subalpine coniferous forest on the eastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, China. Five classes of decaying Minjiang fir (Abies faxoniana) logs were incubated on the forest floor, and the composition and diversity of fungal communities in soils underneath decaying logs were measured using high‐throughput sequencing. A total of 4321 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were detected by Illumina NovaSeq sequencing analysis. Soil fungal diversity differed significantly during the process of log decomposition and was highest in decay classes III or IV. Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were dominant phyla regardless of log decay classes. Moreover, the proportion of arbuscular mycorrhiza, wood saprotroph and saprotrophs increased during the process of log decomposition, but that of ectomycorrhiza decreased. The structure of soil fungal community underneath decaying logs varied greatly with decay classes. Different decay classes of logs favour special fungal groups, implying that the ecological effects of logs at differing decay classes on soil fungal communities were different.

Highlights

Effects of logs at differing decay classes on soil fungal community were different.

Soil fungal diversity was highest in decay classes III or IV.

Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were dominant phyla regardless of decay classes.

Soil fungi groups on guilds and relative abundance of genera differed by decay classes.
Life history of Copelatus zimmermanni Gschwendtner, 1934 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) and the ecological significance of the larval period of three Copelatus species
Authors: Watanabe Kohei , Ohba Shin‐ya
Published: April 2022

Diving beetles (Dytiscidae) play an important ecological role in most aquatic water habitats. However, approximately 40% of dytiscids in Japan have been classified as threatened, and further knowledge on their life history is necessary to support conservation efforts. In this study, we collected adult Copelatus zimmermanni (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) from an ephemeral rain pool and raised a generation under laboratory conditions. We then compared the larval period with two Copelatus species, C. parallelus and C. masculinus. Complete development (egg to adult) occurred in 39–61 days (n = 10) and comprised the following stages: egg (3–6 days, n = 20), first instar (3–8 days, n = 20), second instar (3–12 days, n = 15), third instar larvae (4–13 days, n = 14), and landing to escape (11–36 days, n = 10). The third instar and total larval periods of C. zimmermanni were significantly shorter than those of C. parallelus and C. masculinus. The differences in the duration of larval periods may be related to the permanence of water sources used as reproductive sites for each species. We suggest that the shorter developmental period of C. zimmermanni allows it to complete entire lifecycles even in highly ephemeral aquatic habitats. This is the first report on the immature stages of a species within the C. nigrolineatus species group.
CSR activity in response to the Paris Agreement exit
Authors: Klaus J. Philipp , Nishi Hirofumi , Peabody S. Drew , Reichert Carolyn
Published: April 2022

In 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. Although there were concerns that the exit would impede the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the environmental performance of U.S. firms in carbon‐intensive sectors improved after the announcement at a significantly higher pace than firms in other sectors. Moreover, our findings are concentrated among firms exposed to higher public attention. One implication is that firms under greater public scrutiny used the United States' departure from the agreement as an opportunity to credibly signal their commitment to combating global climate change.
Incarceration of the caecum through a rent in the gastrosplenic ligament
Authors: Jargielo Martyna M. , Robinson Claire S. , Alexander Guy R.
Published: April 2022

A 3‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding presented with acute signs of colic and tachycardia. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed a viscus visible on the left and right sides of the cranioventral abdomen with a mural thickness of up to 1.6 cm. Exploratory laparotomy was performed under general anaesthesia. This revealed that the caecum was incarcerated through a rent in the gastrosplenic ligament, and the caecal apex was in the left caudal abdomen. The ventral aspect of the gastrosplenic ligament was ligated and transected. The caecum was freed, and normal orientation confirmed. The horse recovered uneventfully from surgery. Caecal mural thickness was monitored using daily ultrasonography, until normal. The horse was discharged from the hospital 11 days post‐operatively. Five months later, the horse returned to race training.