bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-based food is unhealthy—that’s not true! How can corrective messages help promote plant-based menus in quick-service restaurants?
Authors: Zhang Xingyi , Jeong EunHa , Shao Xiaolong , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify effective ways to promote plant-based foods in quick-service restaurants by considering customers’ food-related health involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted a 2 (message format: myth/fact or fact-only) × 2 (message focus: benefit- or attribute-focused) × 2 (health involvement: high or low) quasi-experimental design via a scenario-based online survey. A multivariate analysis of covariance and a bootstrapping approach were used to test the hypotheses (N = 365).

Findings

The results indicated that message format and focus jointly influenced customers’ perceived health consequences of plant-based foods and purchase intentions; customers’ health involvement altered the two-way interaction between message format and focus; and perceived health consequences mediated the effects of message format and focus as and customers’ health involvement on purchase intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies the effectiveness of message format and focus in promoting plant-based foods and extends the sustainable product promotion literature by using resource matching theory and the elaboration likelihood model. Future studies should use field studies to examine how can message framing influence customers’ actual behaviors when purchasing plant-based foods.

Practical implications

This study can help quick-service restaurants better promote plant-based foods considering message format and focus and customers’ food-related health involvement.

Originality/value

This is one of only a few studies that have tested how messages containing both negative and positive information about a product could help promote plant-based foods.
Linking competitive priorities, smart manufacturing advancement and organizational microfoundations
Authors: Arcidiacono Francesco , Ancarani Alessandro , Di Mauro Carmela , Schupp Florian
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Smart Manufacturing (SM) lies at the core of Industry 4.0. Operations management research has investigated the determinants of SM advancement but there is still limited understanding of the linkages between SM and organizational factors and about whether both the technological and organizational subsystems for SM are guided by firms’ competitive priorities. To close these gaps, building on operations strategy theory, this paper aims to empirically test a model positing that competitive priorities drive SM advancement. The relation between competitive priorities and SM advancement is assumed to be mediated by organizational microfoundations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from a single respondent survey with 234 firms in the automotive component industry, structural equation modeling is adopted to test the model hypotheses. Relevant constructs are measured with reference to the lead plant for SM.

Findings

Findings highlight that SM advancement is driven by the need to simultaneously compete in terms of cost, quality and delivery, thus suggesting that manufacturers view SM as a mean to develop multiple manufacturing capabilities. Organizational microfoundations fully mediate the relation between competitive priorities and SM advancement.

Originality/value

Results have implications for SM research, as they provide an understanding of the strategic priorities of firms engaging in SM. Findings also bear relevance for manufacturing executives engaged in the SM transformation, as they provide quantitative evidence that shaping an adequate organizational environment is a prerequisite for SM advancement.
The effect of digital financial inclusion on the green economy: the case of Egypt
Authors: Salman Doaa , Ismael Doaa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to assess whether digital financial inclusion (DFI) supports Egypt's CO2 reduction efforts. More specifically, this paper examines the dynamics between digital finance, traditional financial inclusion (TFI) and renewable energy on carbon emission in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) model for Egypt over the period 1990–2020 to estimate an extended STIRPAT model for long-run linkages of DFI, traditional bank-based financial inclusion and renewable energy on carbon emissions, along with other control variables.

Findings

The results showed that using digital financial services limits carbon emissions in the long run but not in the short run, indicating that Egypt is still in its early stage of digitalization (DFI < 0.5). Moreover, renewable energy proved to have a significant negative impact on carbon emissions in the long run, implying that more investments in renewable energy projects will improve environmental quality.

Practical implications

The findings from this study help policymakers incorporate DFI policies into climate change adaptation strategies and execute better green growth policies that integrate DFI with energy-efficient technologies investments for a better environment.

Social implications

Foster economic growth and sustinabaility.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by quantifying the DFI in Egypt using a two-stage principal component analysis and then examines its impact on carbon emission reduction efforts. In addition, this paper extends the research on the environment from the perspective of digital finance, making it possible to excavate more deeply into the relationship between financial inclusion and carbon emission and draw more explicit policy implications for sustainable economic growth.
Average-profit efficiency and optimal scale sizes with integer data and undesirable outputs
Authors: Karimi Omshi Somayye , Kordrostami Sohrab , Amirteimoori Alireza , Ghane Kanafi Armin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a significant method for measuring the relative efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) that use the least inputs, produce the most desirable outputs and emit the least undesirable outputs in order to maximize their profits. In DEA, detecting an optimal scale size (OSS) is also vital and could be more applicable in economic activities when there are integer and undesirable measures. The purpose of this research is to measure average-profit efficiency (APE) and OSSs with integer data and undesirable outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an alternative concept of APE using the concepts of most productive scale size (MPSS), profit efficiency and scales, containing desirable and undesirable outputs along with integer and non-integer measures. In fact, the OSS minimizes APE as the optimal scale, which is the ratio of the profit efficiency to the radial average output. Considering the prices of the inputs and desirable outputs, as well as the lack of any specific weight for the undesirable outputs, a two-step model for the numerical calculation of OSS is presented. In addition, the proposed approach is applied to a real data set of Iranian gas companies while there are integer measures and undesirable outputs.

Findings

The results show the introduced approach is beneficial to estimate OSSs from the aspect of maximizing profits of firms with undesirable outputs and integer values.

Originality/value

Estimating OSSs is the significant issue for managers, but its investigation in the presence of integer measures and undesirable outputs is presently under-considered.
High short interest stocks performance during the Covid-19 crisis: an informational efficacy measure based on permutation-entropy approach
Authors: Siokis Fotios
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The author examine the performance of a number of high short interest stocks along with the prices of the GameStop stock and three major stock exchange indices, particularly for the period after the eruption of the Covid-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

With the employment of the complexity–entropy causality plane approach, the author categorize the stock prices in terms of the level of informational efficiency.

Findings

The author reported that the efficiency level for the index of the high short interest stocks falls considerably, not only at the onset of the Covid-19 crisis but during the health crisis period at hand. This is translated into proof of less uncertainty in predicting the stock prices of these specific stocks. On the other hand, the GameStop prices exhibit the same behavior as those with the high short interest firms, but change considerably in the middle of the crisis. The reversal of the behavior, by obtaining higher informational efficiency levels, is attributed to the short squeeze frenzy that increased the price of the stock many times over. Among the stock market indices, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 decreased their efficiency levels marginally, after the surge of the crisis, while the Russell 2000 index kept the level intact. The high and stable degree of randomness could be attributed to the measures taken concurrently by the Federal Reserve and the government immediately after the outbreak of the crisis.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that examine the impact of short selling behavior on the efficiency level of certain stocks' prices, particularly during the health public crisis. It provides an alternative approach to measuring quantitatively the degree of inefficiency and randomness.
Audit threats and year-end spending by government agencies: experimental evidence from Chile
Authors: Engel Eduardo , Jordán Felipe , Rau Tomás , Repetto Andrea
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to estimate the capacity of supreme audit institutions’ (SAIs) audits to deter potentially wasteful year-end procurement spending. It also studies heterogeneous responses to SAIs’ audits depending on whether agencies’ top managers are appointed through a competitive procedure or not.

Design/methodology/approach

A letter signed by the head of Chile’s SAI was sent to a hundred randomly chosen agencies two weeks before the end of the fiscal year, with instructions on year-end spending accounting and an audit threat. In addition, a hundred agencies that did not receive the letter were used as a control group.

Findings

Agencies that received the letter reduced year-end aggregate procurement spending by 33% relative to controls. Purchases of office supplies, safety equipment, personal care products and paper products experienced the most considerable reductions. The decrease in year-end spending was smaller for agencies with at least one top manager appointed through a competitive procedure.

Research limitations/implications

A SAI’s audit threat significantly reduced year-end procurement spending. Larger reductions in agencies headed by political appointees and across categories of goods that have been flagged as likely to be purchased to exhaust the budget suggest the avoided expenditures would have been wasteful. Further research is needed to determine if the net social value of year-end procurement spending deterred by SAIs audits is negative as suggested.

Social implications

This paper has implications for the institutional support of SAIs audits and civil service.

Originality/value

This paper provides novel experimental evidence of SAIs’ audits’ deterrence power on public agencies’ year-end procurement spending.
Environmental education in public libraries
Authors: Devine Jennie , Appleton Leo
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This research aims to investigate effective public library environmental education interventions in order to inform the development of a framework for public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research method was developed incorporating surveys and follow-up interviews with librarians working in USA public libraries, who were known to have been involved in environmental education initiatives.

Findings

The research determined which environmental education interventions were most likely to lead to action and behaviour change in public library users. The resulting discussion has allowed for the creation of a framework which establishes factors useful for successful implementation of environmental education programmes and activities. These elements include partnership, institutional commitment, inclusion and outreach and practical activities linked to a larger vision.

Research limitations/implications

The research participants were limited to those libraries in the USA which were all affiliated with the American Library Association (ALA) Resilient Communities programmes and had received grants.

Practical implications

The paper concludes with a framework for implementing environmental education programmes in public libraries. Effective interventions are also shared which provide practical ideas and strategies.

Social implications

Providing structure and considerations for establishing an environmental programme enables libraries to build on experiences of other libraries. As climate change action becomes a more pressing issue, providing these interventions supports action.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the concepts of environmental education and the role which public libraries can play in this arena, concluding that sustainable development should be treated as a new tenet of librarianship and environmental education as a new research field of library and information science.
GHRM and employer branding: empirical study in developing and developed economies
Authors: Muisyo Paul Kivinda , Su Qin , Julius Mercy Muthoni , Hossain Syed Far Abid
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of GHRM practices on employer branding among firms in developed and developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied a cross-sectional survey for 234 respondents. The sample was derived from multiple databases consisting of firms in developed and developing countries.

Findings

The analysis indicates that green competence building practices and green performance management practices are positively related to environmental reputation and hence employer brand. Green employee involvement is exceptional because it has a more positive influence on environmental reputation in developed economies.

Originality/value

This study is cross-national in nature and compares GHRM practices in developed and developing economies.
Gendered differences in family reunion motivations, female-breadwinning status and spousal gender relations in young African migrant households in Hong Kong
Authors: Ola Bamidele Emmanuel
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Little is known about gender relations in young African migrant families residing in Hong Kong (HK). This study aims to present a first-hand account of daily lived experiences of African international doctoral student couples residing in HK, with special emphases on their Africa–HK migratory motivations, perceptions of female-breadwinning status, the effects of HK Immigration policy on marital power structures and the influence of spousal relative statuses (“breadwinner” versus “dependent”) on couples gender role performances and decision-making participations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used ethnographic method involving several indoor family visits, non-participant observations and 21 in-depth interviews in six African student families. Fieldnotes were taken and interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and interpreted using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Couples, especially dependent men, had a hard time deciding to migrate to HK for family reunion, unlike dependent women who willingly resigned to join their husbands in HK. Among the male dependents, the main reasons for migrating included anticipated economic returns, while women migrated in response to neolocal cultural expectations. Overall, patriarchy persisted – while men had the final say over key household decision-making domains, women remained primary performers of household chores, but manifested little bargaining power, restraining husband’s ability to spend family income when they are the family’s sole-earners. Women’s relative breadwinning status had very minimal significant impact.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effects of HK’s immigration policy on married African students’ migration motivations and the effects of female-breadwinning status on spousal gender relations in HK’s African student migrant households.
The effect of free‐surface reflections on depth images for acquisition with buried sources and receivers: Investigation through the point spread function#
Authors: Han Bingkai , Xie Xiao‐Bi
Published: January 2023

In reverse time migration, if sources or receivers are buried at certain depths, the interference between the primary wave and the free‐surface reflection causes losing spectral contents in seismic data. If they are not properly compensated, errors will be carried to the target during the reverse time migration and cause a distorted image by so‐called ghost image. By invoking the point spread function, we investigate how distorted seismic data are mapped to the subsurface. Quantitative relations between the free‐surface parameters (i.e. source/receiver depth, free‐surface incident angle and near‐surface velocity) and wavenumber‐domain illumination can be created, which map missing frequency contents in seismic data to missing wavenumber contents in the point spread function. After transformed back to the space domain, we can investigate its effect on the image distortion. Numerical calculations expand the above approach to handle complex overburden structures and more realistic acquisition geometries. The proposed method provides us with a useful tool to investigate deghosting related problems, for example optimizing parameters of acquisition geometry, evaluating capabilities of existing acquisition systems and data processing technologies in suppressing the free‐surface reflection effect in the depth image, or developing new deghosting approaches.
Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: An umbrella systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Musazadeh Vali , Karimi Arash , Malekahmadi Mahsa , Ahrabi Sana Sedgh , Dehghan Parvin
Published: January 2023

There has been conflicting evidence from meta‐analyses on the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, in this umbrella meta‐analysis, we are evaluating whether omega‐3 PUFA supplementation has any benefit in treating NAFLD. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Google Scholar were assessed to October 2022. This meta‐analysis included all meta‐analyses that examined the effect of PUFAs on liver fat and liver function tests [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT)]. Meta‐analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were also performed. In total, eight articles involving 6,561 participants met the eligibility criteria. Advantageous impacts PUFA supplementation were observed on ALT (ESWMD = −6.72 IU/L; 95% CI: −8.61, −4.84; p < 0.001, and ESSMD = −0.52 IU/L; 95% CI: −0.84, −0.20, p < 0.001), AST (ESWMD = −3.73 IU/L, 95% CI: −5.93, −1.53, p < 0.001, and ESSMD = −0.65 IU/L; 95% CI: −1.08, −0.22, p = 0.003), GGT levels (ESWMD = −4.20 IU/L, 95% CI: −6.85, −1.55, p = 0.002), and liver fat (ESWMD = −5.16; 95% CI: −8.49, −1.82, p < 0.001). Intervention with omega‐3 PUFAs improves ALT, AST, GGT, and liver fat in patients with NAFLD. Thus, omega‐3 PUFAs could be considered as a therapeutic option in the treatment of NAFLD.
Climate‐resilient practices and welfare impacts on rice‐cultivating households in Vietnam: Does joint adoption of multiple practices matter?
Authors: Kien Nguyen Duc , Dung Truong Quang , Oanh Dinh Thi Kim , An Le Thanh , Dinh Nguyen Cong , Phan Nguyen Thai , Nga Le Thi Thanh
Published: January 2023

Farmers have a long history of adjusting their production practices in response to changing production conditions. Using a multinomial endogenous treatment effects model that accounts for observable and unobservable heterogeneity, this study investigates the adoption and welfare impacts of climate‐resilient practices on Vietnamese rice‐cultivating households. We found evidence of clear and positive welfare impacts from the adoption of canal irrigation (CI) and the joint adoption of agricultural conservation practices (CP) and CI as the main adaptation strategies to increase water stress. More importantly, although farmers with access to CI systems obtained the highest returns, the joint adoption of multiple practices still had substantially high adoption rates and significantly positive effects on rice yield, rice revenue and household income. Our findings indicate that farms' and farmers' characteristics, market information and climatic conditions are generally the main factors driving rice farmers' decisions to adopt climate‐resilient technologies, both individually and jointly. Follow‐up policy interventions should focus on improving CI systems and promoting the joint adoption of climate‐resilient technologies to improve rice farmers' well‐being and enhance their resilience capacity to cope with incoming climatic uncertainty.
Cephalic anatomy highlights morphological adaptation to underground habitats in a minute lacewing larva of Dilar (Dilaridae) and conflicting phylogenetic signal in Neuroptera
Authors: Li Di , Jandausch Kenny , Pohl Hans , Yavorskaya Margarita I. , Liu Xingyue , Beutel Rolf G.
Published: January 2023

Dilaridae are a distinctive and phylogenetically ambiguous neuropteran family. So far, the anatomy of the immature stages remains largely unknown. We examined the 1st instar larvae of Dilar montanus in detail and present results of live observations for the first time. The minute, cryptic larvae display features correlated with their underground lifestyle: for instance, a strongly flattened head, stout antennae, eyelessness, and burrowing forelegs. In contrast to molecular data, several characters suggest a ‘dilarid clade’ combining Dilaridae with Mantispoidea, for instance a very thin and curved or reduced tentorial bridge, and an elongated postmentum. We found intrinsic antennal muscles and Johnston's organ, the first record of these structures in holometabolous larvae. This proves that the first 2 larval antennomeres are homologous with the scapus and pedicellus. The described characters are discussed and analyzed with an updated matrix of neuropteran larval characters. Alternative scenarios of character evolution are presented. Additionally, we show how the 1st‐instar larvae move and feed in the substrate, and also provide a high‐resolution video recording of the function of the elongate tubular ovipositor and the egg‐laying behavior in an adult female under natural conditions.
The effect of nonpharmacologic interventions for muscle cramps and restless‐leg syndrome in hemodialysis patients: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kesik Gulsah , Altinok Ersoy Nese
Published: January 2023

Introduction

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of the nonpharmacologic interventions on muscle related symptoms including cramping and restless leg syndrome in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Articles published between 2002 and 2022 were searched in six databases. The standardized mean differences were determined by the upper and lower limits of 95% confidence intervals. Publication bias was assessed by conducting the Egger test and examined visually using a funnel plot.

Results

Fourteen studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The types of interventions included exercise (n = 5), aromatherapy (n = 5), reflexology (n = 3), massage (n = 1), and acupressure (n = 1). The methodological quality assessment revealed 13 studies were strong quality, while only one study was moderate quality. The Egger test indicated no significant publication biases.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals can use non‐pharmacological methods to manage muscle‐related symptoms because of not only beneficial effects but also it is practical, well‐tolerated, easy integrated into the treatment and care.
Immunocompromised states caused the prolonged duration of viral shedding in middle‐aged and elderly hemodialysis patients infected with the Omicron variant ofCOVID‐19
Authors: Zhang Xianwen , Zhang Linli , Zhang Kun , Chen Yiping , Wang Lin
Published: January 2023

Introduction

To evaluate the impact of hemodialysis on the duration of viral shedding in middle‐aged and elderly patients with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19.

Methods

The study was a descriptive, paired cohort study. Hemodialysis participants (the HD group) aged 45–99 years infected with the Omicron variant of COVID‐19 were matched (in a 1:2 ratio) with patients not undergoing hemodialysis (the non‐HD group) according to age, gender, vaccination doses, and comorbidity. The duration of viral shedding and clinical data were collected.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The duration of recovery was significantly longer for HD patients than for non‐HD patients (p < 0.05). Lower counts for CD45+ cells and lymphocytes, along with lower levels of albumin and hemoglobin were associated with a longer duration of viral shedding (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hemodialysis patients with immunocompromised state, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia might lead to prolongation of the duration of viral shedding.
Patent landscape analysis—Contributing to the identification of technology trends and informing research and innovation funding policy
Authors: van Rijn Tomas , Timmis James Kenneth
Published: January 2023

Patents and the systematic analysis thereof provide important decision information for a range of stakeholders pursuing diverse goals. However, in particular academia and small‐scale private sector innovators underappreciate the value of patent information for identifying research gaps, ensuring originality of their work and, in turn, maximisation of limited (public) funds. By the same token, pertinent public sector organisations, such as regulators, require overviews of potentially upcoming technologies to adequately adapt regulatory protocols. The latter, in particular if contemporary scientific evidence is not sufficient, can require a substantial amount of time and lead to a delay in the marketing of important innovations. Patent landscape analysis (PLA) is a very useful method to create overviews of technology fields and thereby indicate if, inter alia, a specific line of scientific enquiry and its application have already been pursued or potential regulatory gaps will exist in the near‐ to mid‐term future. The objective of this communication is to increase awareness of the utility of patent information and provide support in retrieval and analysis of pertinent information for those involved in biotech R&D. Based on Espacenet, a patent search engine, we provide basic guidance on search strategy development, piloting and execution, and data preparation and analysis. To highlight the value of PLA, we also summarise selected results of a PLA we performed recently for microbiome targeting interventions, also referred to as live biotherapeutic products.
Development of genetic tools for heterologous protein expression in a pentose‐utilizing environmental isolate of Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Gauttam Rahul , Eng Thomas , Zhao Zhiying , ul ain Rana Qurrat , Simmons Blake A. , Yoshikuni Yasuo , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Singer Steven W.
Published: January 2023

Pseudomonas putida has emerged as a promising host for the conversion of biomass‐derived sugars and aromatic intermediates into commercially relevant biofuels and bioproducts. Most of the strain development studies previously published have focused on P. putida KT2440, which has been engineered to produce a variety of non‐native bioproducts. However, P. putida is not capable of metabolizing pentose sugars, which can constitute up to 25% of biomass hydrolysates. Related P. putida isolates that metabolize a larger fraction of biomass‐derived carbon may be attractive as complementary hosts to P. putida KT2440. Here we describe genetic tool development for P. putida M2, a soil isolate that can metabolize pentose sugars. The functionality of five inducible promoter systems and 12 ribosome binding sites was assessed to regulate gene expression. The utility of these expression systems was confirmed by the production of indigoidine from C6 and C5 sugars. Chromosomal integration and expression of non‐native genes was achieved by using chassis‐independent recombinase‐assisted genome engineering (CRAGE) for single‐step gene integration of biosynthetic pathways directly into the genome of P. putida M2. These genetic tools provide a foundation to develop hosts complementary to P. putida KT2440 and expand the ability of this versatile microbial group to convert biomass to bioproducts.
Anti‐MDA5 antibody dermatomyositis‐associated rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease patient complicated with mixed connective tissue disease: A case report
Authors: Wu Hua‐Man , Liu Xian‐hong , Deng Li‐Ping , Lv Feng‐Yuan , Zhang Mei‐Xia , Luo Jun‐Ping , Tian Mao‐Liang , Deng Zhi‐Ping
Published: January 2023

Anti‐MDA5 antibody dermatomyositis (DM) is a special type of myositis, which can potentially cause rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP‐ILD). Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a complex disease with different characteristics of autoimmune connective tissue disease, associated with ILD. Both are rare diseases, and few patients with both diseases have been reported. A 71‐year‐old woman complained of palpitations, with a 2 months history of rash around her hands, extensor surface of right elbow, and the nape of her neck. Subsequently, the patient had acute exacerbation of dyspnea and tachypnea. Anti‐Ro52, U1 RNP and MDA5 antibodies were positive; the presenting evidence was suggestive of anti‐MDA5+DM‐RP‐ILD complicated with MCTD. Our patient deteriorated rapidly and had a fatal outcome, despite “triple therapy” for RP‐ILD. This case illustrates that patients with coexisting anti‐MDA5+DM and MCTD have the former's typical clinical manifestations, and may develop ILD quickly rather than slowly as in MCTD, especially with the coexistence of anti‐Ro52 antibodies.
Statistical modelling and forecasting annual sugarcane production in India: Using various time series models
Authors: Tyagi Sanjay , Chandra Shalini , Tyagi Gargi
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes a comparison of various time series forecasting models to forecast annual data on sugarcane production over 63 years from 1960 to 2022. In this research, the Mean Forecast Model, the Naive Model, the Simple Exponential Smoothing Model, Holt's model, and the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average time series models have all been used to make effective and accurate predictions for sugarcane. Different scale‐dependent error forecasting techniques and residual analysis have been used to examine the forecasting accuracy of these time series models. SE of Residuals, Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) are used to analyse the forecast's accuracy. The best model has been selected based on the predictions with the lowest value, according to the three‐performance metrics of RMSE, MAE, and AIC. The estimated sugarcane production shows an increasing trend for the next 10 years and is projected to be 37,763.38 million tonnes in the year 2032. Further, empirical results support the plan and execution of viable strategies to advance sugarcane production in India to fulfil the utilisation need of the increasing population and further improve food security.
Awake proning in patients with COVID‐19‐related hypoxemic acute respiratory failure: A rapid practice guideline
Authors: Myatra Sheila Nainan , Alhazzani Waleed , Belley‐Cote Emilie , Møller Morten Hylander , Arabi Yaseen M. , Chawla Rajesh , Chew Michelle S. , Einav Sharon , Ergan Begum , Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , McGloughlin Steve , Nasa Prashant , Parhar Ken Kuljit S. , Patel Anil , Piquilloud Lise , Pisani Lara , Scala Raffaele , Tripathy Swagata , Weatherald Jason , Oczkowski Simon
Published: January 2023

This rapid practice guideline provides evidence‐based recommendations for the use of awake proning in adult patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID‐19. The panel included 20 experts from 12 countries, including one patient representative, and used a strict conflict of interest policy for potential financial and intellectual conflicts of interest. Methodological support was provided by the guidelines in intensive care, development, and evaluation (GUIDE) group. Based on an updated systematic review, and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) method we evaluated the certainty of evidence and developed recommendations using the Evidence‐to‐Decision framework. We conducted an electronic vote, requiring >80% agreement amongst the panel for a recommendation to be adopted. The panel made a strong recommendation for a trial of awake proning in adult patients with COVID‐19 related hypoxemic acute respiratory failure who are not invasively ventilated. Awake proning appears to reduce the risk of tracheal intubation, although it may not reduce mortality. The panel judged that most patients would want a trial of awake proning, although this may not be feasible in some patients and some patients may not tolerate it. However, given the high risk of clinical deterioration amongst these patients, awake proning should be conducted in an area where patients can be monitored by staff experienced in rapidly detecting and managing clinical deterioration. This RPG panel recommends a trial of awake prone positioning in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID‐19.
Interactions between European rabbits and native marsupials in the absence of terrestrial predators
Authors: Randall Georgia M. , Weston Michael A. , Rypalski Annette , Rendall Anthony R.
Published: January 2023

European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are ubiquitous across Australia and have the ability to influence native species directly and indirectly. Despite this, limited research focuses on interspecific interactions between rabbits and native mammals. We aimed to determine how site occupancy, detection probability, and temporal activity periods of native mammals changed in response to the presence or absence of rabbits. We monitored three native mammal species using 85 camera traps in a systematic grid at Mt Rothwell Conservation and Research Reserve (Victoria, Australia), a predator‐barrier fenced reserve with two distinct sections—an area with rabbits and an area without. Bettongs (rufous Aepyprymnus rufescens and eastern Bettongia gaimardi), eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunni), and southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus) had a naïve site occupancy of 71%, 42%, and 24%, respectively. Site occupancy for both bandicoot species decreased in areas with more clumping grass with eastern barred bandicoot occupancy increasing with leaf litter cover, and southern brown bandicoots with vegetation height. Rabbit presence did not influence site occupancy of any species. Species detection probabilities were generally positively associated with open vegetation and rabbit presence, except for southern brown bandicoots which were more detectable without rabbits. Both bandicoot species shifted their peak activity periods in the absence of rabbits having an earlier, and more defined activity peak. Our results demonstrate that the presence of rabbits in the absence of invasive predators may not influence the site occupancy of co‐occurring native mammals, however, could influence the behaviour of smaller co‐occurring mammals, either directly or indirectly.
Corporate Social Responsibility Rating, Corporate Governance, and Financial Distress: Evidence from China
Authors: Guotai Chi , Khalil Hassan , Erraja Chayma
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial distress in China using theO‐score and a Chinese sample of 4202 observations between 2011 and 2017. The relationship is accordingly more pronounced in weak corporate governance firms with low levels of institutional shareholders and free cash flow and among non‐state‐owned enterprises and mandatory CSR disclosure firms. The findings are robust to endogeneity through robustness checks and the 2013 Sichuan Lushan earthquake as an exogenous shock to CSR. Ultimately, the study will help investors, shareholders, and policymakers appreciate the impact of CSR dimensions.
Sperm DNA fragmentation and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss: Results from a multicenter case–control study
Authors: Busnelli Andrea , Garolla Andrea , Di Credico Elena , D'Ippolito Silvia , Merola Anna Maria , Milardi Domenico , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Scambia Giovanni , Di Simone Nicoletta
Published: January 2023

Background

Sperm DNA fragmentation was hypothesized to have a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent pregnancy loss. Unfortunately, the quality of already published evidence is low.

Objectives

To investigate the association between sperm DNA fragmentation and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss by limiting, as much as possible, the interference of confounding factors.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective multicenter case–control study conducted in two Italian University Hospitals (i.e., Policlinico Gemelli, Rome and Humanitas S. Pio X, Milan) from July 2020 to March 2022. Cases were men belonging to couples affected by first trimester idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss, defined as the previous loss of two or more pregnancies. Two control groups were selected: (i) men belonging to couples with proven fertility (i.e., at least two previous full‐term pregnancies) (control group A); (ii) men belonging to couples with proven infertility (i.e., the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse) (control group B). The sperm DNA fragmentation index was measured by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay.

Results

We included 74 cases, 37 men with proven fertility (control group A) and 100 men belonging to infertile couples (control group B). The median sperm DNA fragmentation index was significantly lower in control group A (17%, interquartile range: 14.3%–20.6%) compared to both case group (24.5%, interquartile range: 17%–32%; p < 0.0001) and control group B (24%, interquartile range: 18.9%–30%; p = 0.001). The rate of subjects with sperm DNA fragmentation index greater than 30% was significantly higher in both case groups (28%, 95% confidence interval [18%–40%]) and control group B (26%, 95% confidence interval [18%, 36%]) compared to control group A (0%, 95% confidence interval [0%–10%]) (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression models yielded a significant association between sperm DNA fragmentation index and recurrent pregnancy loss (adjusted odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval [1.04–1.23], p = 0.006), but failed to show an association between sperm DNA fragmentation index and infertility (adjusted odds ratio 1.13, 95% CI [1–1.29], p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Men within couples affected by recurrent pregnancy loss or infertility had a significantly higher rate of sperm DNA fragmentation compared to fertile controls. However, after adjusting for covariates, sperm DNA fragmentation index was associated only with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Social harmony and community wellbeing
Authors: Islam M. Rezaul
Published: January 2023

This special issue explores social harmony and community wellbeing with some examples of Asian countries. These are essential tools to fight against many social problems and meet elucidation. While these concepts are not documented well in social work literature, the articles on this special issue will provide thoughtful and valuable guidelines to the readers, academics, policy makers and researchers for expanding and improving social and community services.
Behavioural ecology at the spatial–social interface
Authors: Webber Quinn M. R. , Albery Gregory F. , Farine Damien R. , Pinter‐Wollman Noa , Sharma Nitika , Spiegel Orr , Vander Wal Eric , Manlove Kezia
Published: January 2023

Spatial and social behaviour are fundamental aspects of an animal's biology, and their social and spatial environments are indelibly linked through mutual causes and shared consequences. We define the ‘spatial–social interface’ as intersection of social and spatial aspects of individuals' phenotypes and environments. Behavioural variation at the spatial–social interface has implications for ecological and evolutionary processes including pathogen transmission, population dynamics, and the evolution of social systems. We link spatial and social processes through a foundation of shared theory, vocabulary, and methods. We provide examples and future directions for the integration of spatial and social behaviour and environments. We introduce key concepts and approaches that either implicitly or explicitly integrate social and spatial processes, for example, graph theory, density‐dependent habitat selection, and niche specialization. Finally, we discuss how movement ecology helps link the spatial–social interface. Our review integrates social and spatial behavioural ecology and identifies testable hypotheses at the spatial–social interface.
The impacts of suppliers and mutual outsourcing on organizational forms
Authors: Arai Yasuhiro , Matsushima Noriaki
Published: January 2023

We consider a downstream duopoly model with a monopolistic common supplier and mutual outsourcing between the two symmetric downstream firms. The market structure captures the recent procurement environment in the smartphone industry. We also incorporate managerial delegation into the duopoly model because deciding on organizational forms within a firm is critical to achieving better performance in almost all industries. There is an equilibrium in which only one of the firms delegates its downstream production to its sales manager. A delegating firm becomes less aggressive. The profits when both firms delegate can be higher than those when no firm delegates. Social welfare when both firms delegate can be smaller than that when no firm delegates.
Child temperament and physical activity in young children
Authors: Yates Julia , Tucker Patricia , Johnson Andrew M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Children's temperament has been noted to influence their physical activity (PA) levels. Therefore, understanding the influence of temperament during the early years may be helpful for developing appropriate PA habits and tailoring interventions to align with different personality traits.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between child temperament and objectively‐measured PA in preschool‐aged children.

Methods

Data were collected as part of the Supporting Physical Activity in the Childcare Environment (SPACE) and SPACE extension studies. Temperament data were collected using the validated Very Short Form of the Children's Behavior Questionnaire, which assessed three dimensions of temperament (i.e., surgency, negative affect and effortful control). Physical activity data were measured during childcare hours over the course of 5 days, using Actical® accelerometers. Total PA was summed, along with light and moderate‐to‐vigorous PA using age‐specific cut‐points. Three regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the prediction of PA by the dimensions of temperament.

Results

A total of 399 participants (Mage = 3.34 years, SD = 0.63) were retained for analyses, wearing an accelerometer an average of 7.21 h/day. Temperament significantly predicted all three PA levels (P < 0.05), with both negative affect and surgency being significantly associated with PA.

Conclusion

Surgency is typified by a predisposition towards high activity levels; therefore, it is not surprising that it was the primary predictor of young children's PA. Future research may investigate methods of targeting PA interventions towards children with temperaments that may not predispose them to seeking out increased activity levels.
Five‐year‐old children value reasons in apologies for belief‐based accidents
Authors: Waddington Owen , Proft Marina , Jensen Keith , Köymen Bahar
Published: January 2023

Accidents can be intent‐based (unintended action‐unintended outcome) or belief‐based (intended action‐unintended outcome). As compared to intent‐based accidents, giving reasons is more crucial for belief‐based accidents because the transgressor appears to have intentionally transgressed. In Study 1, UK‐based preschoolers who were native English speakers (N = 96, 53 girls, collected 2020–2021) witnessed two intent‐based or belief‐based accidents; one transgressor apologized, the other apologized with a reason. Five‐year‐olds, but not 4‐year‐olds, favored the reason‐giving transgressor following a belief‐based accident but not an intent‐based accident (where an apology sufficed). In Study 2, 5‐year‐olds (N = 48, 25 girls, collected 2021) distinguished between “good” and “bad” reasons for the harm caused. Thus, 5‐year‐old children recognize when reasons should accompany apologies and account for the quality of these reasons.
Adapting private family time in child protective services decision‐making processes
Authors: Lalayants Marina , Merkel‐Holguin Lisa
Published: January 2023

The Family Group Conference (FGC) is grounded in a rights‐based framework, whereby children and their families have the right and responsibility to be primary decision‐makers when child protection issues arise, and the statutory agency has the responsibility to convene the entitled members of the family network to lead the decision‐making. A distinct core component of FGC—private family time (PFT)—allows families to discuss the information and formulate their responses and plans privately during conferencing. This paper describes how a large child welfare agency in the United States adapted PFT in two ways: (1) including a parent advocate (PA) and (2) abbreviating the amount of time allowed for this discussion. Given the lack of empirical research on the PFT component, this qualitative exploratory study sought to understand the functions and perceived impacts of PA‐supported PFT during initial child protective services (CPS) conferences at which decisions of child removal or placement were being contemplated. PFT served multiple beneficial functions and impacted families in several positive ways: families gained greater awareness of safety concerns, felt empowered and confident in the preferred safety and service plan, became increasingly engaged and involved in the case decision‐making process and ultimately felt less apprehensive.