bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grandiose narcissism and entrepreneurship: a conceptual framework and future research agenda
Authors: Bailey Careen Angella , Hussain Javed Ghulam , Psychogios Alexandros
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how narcissistic traits and personality influence entrepreneurial behaviour. In entrepreneurship and psychology, research has shown that narcissism and personality have “productive” and “unproductive” influences on entrepreneurial activities. Therefore, this paper explores the entrepreneur from a social constructionist perspective by using the narrative from the emerging literature. The narrative focus is on narcissism, entrepreneurial personality and the intention to start a new venture, focusing on activities in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws upon the narcissism theory and the big five personality models. Using the conceptual model, the authors identify commonalities with entrepreneurial activities such as product and service development, market competitive strategies, marketing, networking, performance management, learning from failure and fund-raising activities. The conceptual framework demonstrates a connection between narcissism, the big five personality and entrepreneurial activities.

Findings

This study proposes an innovative conceptual framework for productive entrepreneurial behaviour. Productive traits of the grandiose narcissist are extraversion and openness to experience, which may have positive influences on the entrepreneurship process. Traits such as assertiveness, overconfidence and intellect have been found to be instrumental in resource acquisition activities. Findings also suggest that the grandiose narcissist will be high in openness to experience (intellect) and extraversion (excitement and social networking). The narcissist is most likely to choose an internal source of funding to protect their fragile ego and maintain control over their entities. Those with high extraversion and openness to experience may be more open to pursuing external sources of funding, as they are more inclined to have social networks and enjoy the external process. Though the study focuses on the “dark trait productivity” of narcissism, it is important not to overlook the damaging side of the narcissistic entrepreneur – “dark trait unproductivity”. The study also discusses the unproductive traits of narcissistic entrepreneurs, such as constantly chasing goals, deflecting and blaming the environment and others for failure, embarking on risky financial decisions, a lack of empathy in team dynamics and poor stakeholder management.

Originality/value

The influence of narcissism on entrepreneurial activities and its impact have gained traction among academia and practitioners. Yet, this is an insufficiently understood area of study and has not been explored in depth. Previous research has focused chiefly on entrepreneurial intentions in the context of entrepreneurship, and what influences the choice to start a business. There is limited research that bridges the gap between entrepreneurial finance and psychology–narcissism personality.
Digital transformation in accounting of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises
Authors: Nguyen Tam , Le-Anh Tuan , Nguyen Thi Hong Nga , Huong Nguyen Lien Thi , Nguyen Xuan Thanh
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper studies the factors affecting digital transformation in accounting of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and then influencing accounting information quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model includes seven independent variables, namely organizational culture, competitive pressure, employee's awareness, readiness of the information technology systems, organization's mindfulness, alignment of the organization’s strategy and top management support, which affect digital transformation in accounting. Besides, the research model proposed to examine the relationship between digital transformation in accounting and accounting information quality. The paper uses a survey (with 253 respondents) and applies exploratory factor and regression analysis to examine Vietnamese SMEs.

Findings

This paper aims to examine the antecedents of the digital transformation in accounting and its positive impact on the accounting information quality. The research results highlight three factors: the organization's mindfulness, alignment of the organization’s strategy and top management support. In the SMEs, top management may be the one, so the top management in SMEs has a strong influence on the digital transformation in accounting.

Research limitations/implications

There are small sample sizes and not yet guaranteed to cover all business areas of Vietnamese SMEs. Control variables will be added to the research model to evaluate, such as firm size, operation time, sex of top management and age of top management.

Practical implications

The results of this paper provide practical insights into the digital transformation in accounting for business managers, researchers and other stakeholders. Vietnamese SMEs should communicate and educate employees and spend resources to improve the information technology system. It helps to improve the financial accounting quality for SMEs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine factors affecting digital transformation in accounting and the relationship between digital transformation in accounting and the financial accounting quality of SMEs in Vietnam.
Assembly and comparative analyses of the Geosiphon pyriformis metagenome
Authors: Sorwar Essam , Oliveira Jordana Inacio Nascimento , Malar C. Mathu , Krüger Manuela , Corradi Nicolas
Published: July 2024

Geosiphon pyriformis, a representative of the fungal sub‐phylum Glomeromycotina, is unique in its endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria within a fungal cell. This symbiotic relationship occurs in bladders containing nuclei of G. pyriformis, Mollicutes‐like bacterial endosymbionts (MRE), and photosynthetically active and dividing cells of Nostoc punctiforme. Recent genome analyses have shed light on the biology of G. pyriformis, but the genome content and biology of its endosymbionts remain unexplored. To fill this gap, we gathered and examined metagenomic data from the bladders of G. pyriformis, where N. punctiforme and MRE are located. This ensures that our analyses are focused on the organs directly involved in the symbiosis. By comparing this data with the genetic information of related cyanobacteria and MREs from other species of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, we aimed to reveal the genetic content of these organisms and understand how they interact at a genetic level to establish a symbiotic relationship. Our analyses uncovered significant gene expansions in the Nostoc endosymbiont, particularly in mobile elements and genes potentially involved in xenobiotic degradation. We also confirmed that the MRE of Glomeromycotina are monophyletic and possess a highly streamlined genome. These genomes show dramatic differences in both structure and content, including the presence of enzymes involved in environmental sensing and stress response.
Frozen storage procedures for salmon and plaice samples: Nutrient composition and implications for preservation
Authors: Oveland Eystein , Bøkevoll Annbjørg , Araujo Pedro , Hemre Gro‐Ingunn
Published: July 2024

We hypothesized that removing water from fish muscle homogenate by freeze‐drying might be a cost‐effective way to stabilize nutrients and allow higher temperatures for long‐term frozen storage prior to analytical measurements. To test our hypothesis, fish muscle fillets from lipid‐rich farmed Atlantic salmon (n = 5) and lean wild‐caught European plaice (n = 5) were homogenized and fresh‐frozen at −20 and −80°C. A subset of these samples was freeze‐dried prior to further frozen storage at the respective temperatures. Using validated methods, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids were measured after a short time of storage (starting point) and up to 1 year (endpoint), with intermediate analytical checkpoints of 1, 3, and 6 months. Trends in the degradation of certain nutrients during the different frozen storage conditions are discussed. In general, by freeze‐drying fish homogenate samples prior to frozen storage at −20°C for up to 1 year, amino acids, vitamins, and fatty acids were stabilized in both salmon and plaice when compared to wet‐frozen storage of the same samples, and storage at −80°C did not improve preservation of the freeze‐dried samples. For wet‐frozen samples, −80°C would be recommended for 1‐year storage of fillet homogenate samples, even though several nutrients preserved well at −20°C.

Practical Application

We present individual nutrient stability profiles in muscle homogenates from fatty fish (salmon) and lean fish (plaice) during different frozen storage conditions over time. Based on these data, freeze‐drying followed by frozen storage at −20°C for at least 1 year could be applied prior to analyses of amino acids, fat‐soluble vitamins, water‐soluble vitamins, and fatty acids. Of note is that freeze‐drying followed by frozen storage before analysis led to slightly increased measurements of several fatty acids in plaice samples, possibly attributable to an increase in dry weight or an enhancement in extraction efficiency through freeze‐drying.
Clinical reasoning and clinical judgment in nursing research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Doyon Odette , Raymond Louis
Published: July 2024

Aims

To characterize the thematic foci, structure, and evolution of nursing research on clinical reasoning and judgment.

Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Methods

We used a bibliometric method to analyze 1528 articles.

Data source

We searched the Scopus bibliographic database on January 7, 2024.

Results

Through a keyword co‐occurrence analysis, we found the most frequent keywords to be clinical judgment, clinical reasoning, nursing education, simulation, nursing, clinical decision‐making, nursing students, nursing assessment, critical thinking, nursing diagnosis, patient safety, nurses, nursing process, clinical competence, and risk assessment. The focal themes, structure, and evolution of nursing research on clinical reasoning and judgment were revealed by keyword mapping, clustering, and time‐tracking.

Conclusion

By assessing key nursing research areas, we extend the current discourse on clinical reasoning and clinical judgment for researchers, educators, and practitioners. Critical challenges must still be met by nursing professionals with regard to their use of clinical reasoning and judgment within their clinical practice. Further knowledge and comprehension of the clinical reasoning process and the development of clinical judgment must be successfully translated from research to nursing education and practice.

Implications for the profession

This study highlights the nursing knowledge gaps with regard to nurses’ use of clinical reasoning and judgment and encourages nursing educators and professionals to focus on developing nurses’ clinical reasoning and judgment with regard to their patients’ safety.

Impact

In addressing nurses’ use of clinical reasoning and judgment, and with regard to patient safety in particular, this study found that, in certain clinical settings, the use of clinical reasoning and judgment remains a challenge for nursing professionals. This study should thus have an effect on nursing academics’ research choices, on nursing educators’ teaching practices, and on nurses’ clinical practices.

Reporting method

Relevant EQUATOR guidelines have been adhered to by employing recognized bibliometric reporting methods.
Incidence, clinical classification and risk factors of cyclosporin A‐induced liver injury in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Lv Binbin , Wang Yuqi , Xu Xueyin , Zheng Yifan , Huang Min , Chen Xiao , Tang Kejing , Li Jingjie , Chen Pan
Published: July 2024

Aims

There is limited real‐world data on cyclosporin A (CsA)‐induced liver injury (CILI). This study aims to investigate the incidence, clinical classification and risk factors of CILI, thereby providing evidence to inform the treatment of CILI.

Methods

Inpatients receiving haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and treated with CsA were included. Patient information was collected to assess suspicious CILI by the Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method (RUCAM) scale. We evaluated the pattern and severity of CILI. The independent risk factors of CILI were identified by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 216 allogeneic HSCT (allo‐HSCT) recipients were included in this study. The incidence of CILI was 15.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.4%–20.1%). Among these cases, 84.8% displayed a hepatocellular pattern, and 90.9% of CILI was of mild severity. Baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (OR = 1.030, 95% CI: 1.008–1.053, P = .008) and trough concentration level of CsA (OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.002–1.012, P = .009) were identified as independent risk factors for CILI.

Conclusions

The incidence of CILI in allo‐HSCT recipients is notably high. Recipients with elevated baseline ALT levels and higher exposure to CsA are more susceptible to developing CILI.
The molecular mechanism underlying KRAS regulation on STK31 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yuting , Tang Shing Chun , Li Chi Han , To Ka Fai , Li Bo , Chan Stephen Lam , Wong Chi Hin , Chen Yangchao
Published: July 2024

KRAS gene mutations are common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but targeting mutant KRAS is still challenging. Here, an endoribonuclease‐prepared small interfering RNA (esiRNA) library was used to screen new kinases that play critical roles in PDAC driven by KRAS gene mutations, and serine/threonine kinase 31 (STK31) was identified and characterized as a potential therapeutic target for KRAS‐mutant PDAC. Our results showed that STK31 was upregulated in KRAS‐mutant PDAC patients with poor survival and highly expressed in PDAC cell lines with KRASG12D mutation. Inhibition of STK31 in KRAS‐mutant cell lines significantly reduced PDAC cell growth in vitro and hindered tumor growth in vivo. Gain and loss of function experiments revealed that STK31 is a downstream target of KRAS in PDAC. A pharmacological inhibition assay showed MAPK/ERK signaling involved in STK31 regulation. The further mechanistic study validated that c‐Jun, regulated by KRAS/MAPK signaling, directly modulates the transcription level of STK31 by binding to its promoter region. Through RNA sequencing, we found that the cell cycle regulators CCNB1 and CDC25C are downstream targets of STK31. Taken together, our results indicate that STK31, which is the downstream target of the KRAS/MAPK/ERK/c‐Jun signaling pathway in KRAS‐mutant PDAC, promotes PDAC cell growth by modulating the expression of the cell cycle regulators CCNB1 and CDC25C.
Poor Industry Conditions as an External Disciplining Mechanism in Takeovers
Authors: Fidrmuc Jana P. , Tykvová Tereza
Published: July 2024

Research Question/Issue

Many mergers destroy shareholder value because managers waste corporate resources to pursue private benefits. This paper considers poor conditions in the acquirer industry as a novel external disciplining mechanism that mitigates agency problems in takeovers.

Research Findings/Insights

Using textual analysis, we build a new measure of industry conditions based on acquirer peers' 10‐K statements. We link this measure to acquirer announcement abnormal returns and find that more negative industry conditions are associated with higher abnormal returns.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our results suggest that poor industry conditions impose discipline on managers who then tend to focus on deals that create value for acquirer shareholders.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Shareholders can rely on better alignment of interests with their managers during poorer industry conditions.
The W‐ICAD model: Redefining museum access through the Workshop for Inclusive Co‐created Audio Description
Authors: Eardley Alison F. , Jones Vanessa E. , Bywood Lindsay , Thompson Hannah , Husbands Deborah
Published: July 2024

This research describes the development of the Workshop for Inclusive Co‐created Audio Description (W‐ICAD) model. Research from psychology and neuroscience explains why the assumption that vision is necessarily sufficient to be able to engage with collections is problematic, and why inclusive museum audio description (AD) (referred to as visual or verbal description in the United States) might begin to provide a solution to this problem. At the same time, the growing recognition of the need to diversify voices and narratives within the international museum sector demands a re‐imagining of how museum AD is created, and who creates it. Underpinned by the axioms of Blindness Gain and created through an iterative action research process by a joint UK‐US team of researchers and museum professionals, in collaboration with a broader team of co‐creators, the W‐ICAD model provides museums and the cultural sector with a tool for producing co‐created AD, created by blind, partially blind and sighted individuals for use in museums by blind, partially blind or sighted audiences. The applications for this model are discussed.
Electroacupuncture alleviates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla
Authors: Shu Qi , Zhou Jie , Zhang Bin , Zhang Fan , Zhou Xiang , Wu Yan , Chang Huimin , Hu Ling , Cai Ronglin , Yu Qing
Published: July 2024

Accumulating evidence suggests that electroacupuncture (EA) has obvious therapeutic effects and unique advantages in alleviating myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI), while the underlying neuromolecular mechanisms of EA intervention for MIRI have not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of the neural pathway of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in the alleviation of MIRI rats by EA preconditioning. MIRI models were established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 2 h. Electrocardiogram recording, chemogenetics, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, multichannel physiology recording and haematoxylin–eosin and immunofluorescence staining methods were conducted to demonstrate that the firing frequencies of neurons in the PVN and the expression of c‐Fos decreased by EA pretreatment. Meanwhile, EA preconditioning significantly reduced the levels of creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK‐MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH). Virus tracing showed a projection connection between PVN and RVLM. The inhibition of the PVN‐RVLM neural pathway could replicate the protective effect of EA pretreatment on MIRI rats. However, the activation of the pathway weakened the effect of EA preconditioning. EA pretreatment alleviated MIRI by regulating PVN neurons projecting to RVLM. This work provides novel evidence of EA pretreatment for alleviating MIRI.
Anticipating the winds of change: A baseline assessment of Northeastern US continental shelf surficial substrates
Authors: Stokesbury Kevin D. E. , Bethoney N. David , Restrepo Felipe , Harris Bradley P.
Published: July 2024

The introduction of thousands of wind turbines along the North American Atlantic continental shelf over the next decade will constitute the largest regional change in marine substrates since the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet over 14,000 years ago. Here, two large data sets, SMAST drop camera survey (242,949 samples, 2003 to 2019) and the US Geological Survey databases (27,784 samples, 1966 to 2011), are combined to derive sea floor surficial substrate probability maps for the Northeastern US continental shelf from Virginia Beach to the Gulf of Maine to 300 m depth (218,571 km2). Geostatistical models were used to estimate the probability of five geologic and one biogenic substrate types being present at a 250 m resolution, and the proportional contribution of each substrate type to the seabed composition at a 500 m resolution. By providing the first synoptic maps depicting the probability of a particular substrate or combination of substrates occurring at any location on the Northeastern US continental shelf, including planned wind energy sites, we aim to (1) provide insights regarding how substrates in the areas selected for wind energy development compare with other locations, (2) motivate the development of a priori expectations for ecosystem changes to inform monitoring and research efforts going forward, and (3) to provide a baseline characterization of the Northeastern US continental shelf surficial substrates to support robust examination of the future changes observed in areas impacted by wind energy installations.
Relational dynamics under close supervision: Examining transnational cooperation in regulatory oversight
Authors: Bravo‐Laguna Carlos , Levi‐Faur David
Published: July 2024

The increasing institutionalization of regulatory oversight worldwide has not resulted in the creation of numerous formal channels of transnational regulatory oversight cooperation. Despite its puzzling nature, this circumstance has barely attracted scholarly attention. Additionally, the study of cooperation across transgovernmental regulatory networks with actors having low autonomy from central governments remains under‐researched. We fill these literature gaps by applying insights from the policy networks literature to identify drivers of transnational regulatory oversight cooperation. Combining Exponential Random Graph Models with semi‐structured interviews, we show that commonalities in administrative traditions drive cooperation. Innovative bodies become sources of best practices. Conversely, exchanges between countries with similar regulatory oversight settings or preferences are rare, perhaps due to their low independence from their political principals. These results suggest that regulatory oversight actors use relational opportunities and general country features as cues for transnational cooperation, instead of adopting strategic partnerships with better matches.
Improved survival outcome of curative liver resection for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Asahi Yoh , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Kamiyama Toshiya , Orimo Tatsuya , Shimada Shingo , Nagatsu Akihisa , Aiyama Takeshi , Sakamoto Yuzuru , Wakizaka Kazuki , Shichi Shunsuke , Kamachi Hirofumi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of curative liver resection, (LR) of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (BCLC‐C HCC) after tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) became approved as a treatment option for recurrent lesions.

Methods

Sixty‐seven patients with BCLC‐C HCC who underwent curative LR were enrolled in this study. The patients were classified into two groups according to whether LR was performed before (n = 24) or after (n = 43) TKI approval (“beforeTKI” and “afterTKI” group, respectively).

Results

There was no difference in the median disease‐free survival time after LR between the beforeTKI and afterTKI groups (5.6 and 7.1 months, respectively; p = 0.435). However, the median survival time after LR was longer in the afterTKI than beforeTKI group (42.7 and 14.9 months, respectively; p = 0.022). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the date of LR was the only independent factor affecting postresection survival. When the patients were limited to those with recurrence, there were no differences in the recurrence pattern or progression of HCC at the time of recurrence between the two groups. The only difference in the treatment distribution was the administration of TKIs (14 of 34 patients in afterTKI group and only 1 of 19 patients in beforeTKI group, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These data suggest that TKI therapy for recurrent BCLC‐C HCC is associated with improved overall survival. Thus, LR could be a promising option for BCLC‐C HCC in the current era of TKI therapy.
Effect of butylated hydroxyanisole and α‐tocopherol on the oxidative stability of palm olein during microwave heating
Authors: How Yu Hsuan , Nyam Kar Lin , Soo Wei Xin
Published: July 2024

The consumption of oxidised oil had been linked with health issues such as heart diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants on palm olein during microwave heating. The microwave heating of palm olein with or without antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and α‐tocopherol) was conducted at 300, 600, and 1000 W for 1, 3, and 5 min and analysed. Palm olein with α‐tocopherol displayed the lowest conjugated diene (<0.98) and conjugated triene (<0.65) than palm olein. The presence of α‐tocopherol showed higher or comparable oxidative stability (4.88 para‐anisidine value, 13.76 total oxidation value) against BHA in palm olein during microwave heating. The high oxidation stability of microwave‐heated palm olein with α‐tocopherol demonstrated its potential as a natural antioxidant substitution from synthetic antioxidant. The palm olein with α‐tocopherol could be further evaluated through repeated microwave heating.
Coffee fermentation as a tool for quality improvement: an integrative review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Silva Marcelo Edvan dos Santos , de Oliveira Rodrigo Lira , de Lucena Rodrigo Mendonça , da Silva Suzana Pedroza , Porto Tatiana Souza
Published: July 2024

Fermentation has been studied to improve the chemical composition and sensory profile of coffee, of interest to the food industry and farmers seeking competitiveness in the international market. This study addresses the influence of biotransformation on the synthesis of flavour precursor compounds and correlates subsequent processes, such as roasting, and chemical mechanisms responsible for the formation of coffee's sensory profiles. The results indicate that coffee fermentation contributes to the formation of precursor metabolites of volatile compounds and the different fermentation techniques favour the production of high‐quality coffee. Bibliometrics analysis from 2012 to 2022 highlighted Brazil and China with a high number of research, scientific collaborations, and international cooperation, indicating a current trend in research focused on sensory modulation. Fermentation technologies point to a promising scenario with the possibility of producing coffee with previously defined sensory characteristics. This market is in full development and corroborates the growing pace of coffee consumption.
Effects of boiling, centrifuging and drying methods on bioactive compounds in Antarctic krill meal
Authors: Yang Liu , Zheng Yao , Zhang Shuaishuai , Wang Xin , Guo Quanyou
Published: July 2024

Boiling, centrifuging and various drying techniques (vacuum freeze‐drying (VFD), vacuum drying (VD), hot‐air drying (HAD) and microwave drying (MWD)) were assessed for their impact on bioactive compounds in Antarctic krill meal. A comparison between the raw and boiling groups revealed a significant degradation and isomerisation of astaxanthin, accompanied by a 1.25‐fold and 1.32‐fold increase in saturated (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), respectively. Drying was the primary factor responsible for the reduction in phospholipids, α‐tocopherol and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs), in combination with the increase in thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances. For different drying methods, it was found that HAD induced severe lipid oxidation. In contrast, the VFD, VD and MWD improved lipid quality, reducing thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) by 13–22% and increasing phospholipids by 1.08–1.11 times compared to HAD. VD preserved higher levels of bioactive compounds. PLS‐DA analysis identified 13‐cis‐astaxanthin, α‐tocopherol and eleven fatty acids as key indicators for Antarctic krill meal.
Birth Patterns in the Aftermath of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in India: The Case of Madras City
Authors: Chandra Siddharth , Sarkar Rajiv , Rynjah Banseilang
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the timing of one‐time fluctuations in births subsequent to the 1918 influenza pandemic in Madras (now Chennai), India. After seasonally decomposing key demographic aggregates, we identified abrupt one‐time fluctuations in excess births, deaths, and infant deaths. We found a contemporaneous spike in excess deaths and infant deaths and a 40‐week lag between the spike in deaths and a subsequent deficit in births. The results suggest that India experienced the same kind of short‐term postpandemic “baby bust” that was observed in the United States and other countries. Identifying the mechanisms underlying this widespread phenomenon remains an open question and an important topic for future research.
Two‐stage pricing of products and services considering different competitive environments
Authors: Qi Wei , Li Ziwei , Liu Xuwang
Published: July 2024

Designing a product line that considers value‐added services (VASs) is a strategic move for enterprises with diversified customer needs. Additionally, a dynamic pricing strategy that can respond to changes in the external environment is crucial for enterprises. This study investigates product and VAS price adjustments for enterprises in monopolistic and oligopolistic competitive environments, respectively, based on the multinomial logit model. A two‐stage pricing model is developed for products and services to obtain the optimal pricing strategy. The findings reveal that customers’ strategic behaviors significantly impact on enterprises’ pricing decisions. When adjusting prices, enterprises need to consider the strategic behaviors of customers to ensure the rationality of pricing. Furthermore, irrespective of the competitive environment faced by enterprises, there is a need to emphasize the importance of dynamic pricing. Making appropriate adjustments to prices in the second stage can, overall, enhance the profitability of the enterprise.
KPI information acquisition by analysts: Evidence from conference calls
Authors: Tang Qi Rachel , Huang Alan Guoming
Published: July 2024

Investors are increasingly placing reliance on alternative performance measures (APMs). Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a subset of these APMs that illustrate industry‐specific firm financial and operational performance. In this study, we investigate analysts’ demand for KPI‐related information in earnings conference calls and whether managers adjust their decisions about voluntary KPI disclosure in subsequent earnings calls. Using 51 KPIs for six industries, we find that after analysts request KPI‐related information, managers increase both the likelihood and intensity of their KPI disclosure in subsequent earnings conference calls. This effect is more pronounced when the firm has less relevant earnings and lower proprietary costs, and when analysts are connected to management. Analyst KPI demand leads to a higher coverage of KPIs in subsequent news and generates benefits in analyst forecast dispersion, cost of capital and stock liquidity. Our study highlights the role that analysts play in voluntary KPI disclosure when there is an absence of mandatory integrated reporting.
The bottom‐up approach in multigenerational family therapy: The child as the family guide
Authors: Andolfi Maurizio
Published: July 2024

In therapy, the child is mainly seen as a problem to be labeled or as a victim of various forms of abuse. The idea of the child as a therapeutic resource is the central point of my article where children's symptoms are quickly reframed and get a relational meaning in the family. Once the relational competence of the child is appreciated and his voice is heard, the child becomes a special guide to explore the emotional world of his family, and the genogram can provide a wonderful platform to start this therapeutic journey. Using a multigenerational lens, I describe how to explore family development with a “bottom‐up approach.” Intergenerational questions can be asked to the child and with his help relevant family events can emerge and broken bonds repaired. The therapeutic results I expect are the resolution of children's problems and family transformation.
Initial findings using high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging for visualisation of the sural nerve and surrounding anatomy in healthy volunteers at 7 Tesla
Authors: McDowell Amy R. , Zambreanu Laura , Salhab Hamza A. , Doherty Carolynne M. , Bridgen Philippa , Lally Pete , Shah Sachit , Huo Zimu , Wastling Stephen J. , Yousry Tarek , Morrow Jasper , Thornton John S. , Lunn Michael P.
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Histopathological diagnosis is the gold standard in many acquired inflammatory, infiltrative and amyloid based peripheral nerve diseases and a sensory nerve biopsy of sural or superficial peroneal nerve is favoured where a biopsy is deemed necessary. The ability to determine nerve pathology by high‐resolution imaging techniques resolving anatomy and imaging characteristics might improve diagnosis and obviate the need for biopsy in some. The sural nerve is anatomically variable and occasionally adjacent vessels can be sent for analysis in error. Knowing the exact position and relationships of the nerve prior to surgery could be clinically useful and thus reliably resolving nerve position has some utility.

Methods

7T images of eight healthy volunteers' (HV) right ankle were acquired in a pilot study using a double‐echo in steady‐state sequence for high‐resolution anatomy images. Magnetic Transfer Ratio images were acquired of the same area. Systematic scoring of the sural, tibial and deep peroneal nerve around the surgical landmark 7 cm from the lateral malleolus was performed (number of fascicles, area in voxels and mm2, diameter and location relative to nearby vessels and muscles).

Results

The sural and tibial nerves were visualised in the high‐resolution double‐echo in steady‐state (DESS) image in all HV. The deep peroneal nerve was not always visualised at level of interest. The MTR values were tightly grouped except in the sural nerve where the nerve was not visualised in two HV. The sural nerve location was found to be variable (e.g., lateral or medial to, or crossing behind, or found positioned directly posterior to the saphenous vein).

Interpretation

High‐resolution high‐field images have excellent visualisation of the sural nerve and would give surgeons prior knowledge of the position before surgery. Basic imaging characteristics of the sural nerve can be acquired, but more detailed imaging characteristics are not easily evaluable in the very small sural and further developments and specific studies are required for any diagnostic utility at 7T.
Mental Health Promotion in Hong Kong: A Service Evaluation of the Coolminds Pilot Study
Authors: Thiang Odile , Ho Grace W.K. , Chiu Jonie , Lee Nicole , Hsu Sarah G.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

It is vital to improve the mental health (MH) of young people in Hong Kong, where the suicide rate has nearly doubled among those aged 15‐29 years since 2014. This multi‐method evaluation aimed to assess Coolminds, which promoted MH literacy by engaging students, parents, and educators in secondary schools in Hong Kong.

METHODS

Students, parents, and teachers completed self‐report measures before and after attending workshops aimed at raising MH literacy. Pre‐ and post‐survey data were collected between November 2021 and August 2022. Qualitative data from participant feedback and a focus group interview with Coolminds staff were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

RESULTS

The final dataset included 2903 students, 395 parents, and 325 educators from 52 schools. Only 3 schools had engagement with all 3 key groups. Significant improvements in MH knowledge were observed after the Coolminds workshops for all 3 groups. Qualitative analysis identified a reactive approach to MH issues, and bureaucratic and logistical challenges as barriers to implementation.

CONCLUSION

Findings support the effectiveness of the Coolminds curriculum in improving MH literacy for each group and the demand for MH promotions in school settings. The implementation challenges indicate the need for future initiatives to better align with local needs and practices.
Dysregulation of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus Disturbs the Circadian Rhythm and Aggravates Epileptic Seizures by Inducing Hippocampal GABAergic Dysfunction in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Liang Xiaoshan , Liang Xiaotao , Zhao Yunyan , Ding Yuewen , Zhu Xiaoyu , Zhou Jieli , Qiu Jing , Shen Xiaoqin , Xie Wei
Published: July 2024

The interplay between circadian rhythms and epilepsy has gained increasing attention. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which acts as the master circadian pacemaker, regulates physiological and behavioral rhythms through its complex neural networks. However, the exact role of the SCN and its Bmal1 gene in the development of epilepsy remains unclear. In this study, we utilized a lithium–pilocarpine model to induce epilepsy in mice and simulated circadian disturbances by creating lesions in the SCN and specifically knocking out the Bmal1 gene in the SCN neurons. We observed that the pilocarpine‐induced epileptic mice experienced increased daytime seizure frequency, irregular oscillations in core body temperature, and circadian gene alterations in both the SCN and the hippocampus. Additionally, there was enhanced activation of GABAergic projections from the SCN to the hippocampus. Notably, SCN lesions intensified seizure activity, concomitant with hippocampal neuronal damage and GABAergic signaling impairment. Further analyses using the Gene Expression Omnibus database and gene set enrichment analysis indicated reduced Bmal1 expression in patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy, potentially affecting GABA receptor pathways. Targeted deletion of Bmal1 in SCN neurons exacerbated seizures and pathology in epilepsy, as well as diminished hippocampal GABAergic efficacy. These results underscore the crucial role of the SCN in modulating circadian rhythms and GABAergic function in the hippocampus, aggravating the severity of seizures. This study provides significant insights into how circadian rhythm disturbances can influence neuronal dysfunction and epilepsy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting SCN and the Bmal1 gene within it in epilepsy management.
Who works with whom? Collaboration ties in legislative policy‐making networks
Authors: Häge Frank M. , Ringe Nils
Published: July 2024

Social relations have the potential to shape who assumes policy leadership positions in legislative politics. Applying a relational event modeling framework, this paper investigates if homophily and reciprocity predict patterns of collaboration between lawmakers as they negotiate proposed legislation. Specifically, it examines if members of the European Parliament (EP) who serve as rapporteurs or shadow rapporteurs are more likely to select into working with colleagues who share their personal attributes or with whom they have previously collaborated. It conceives of EP policy‐making as an evolving two‐mode network comprised of legislators and jointly produced policy documents as nodes, and (shadow‐) rapporteurships as ties. Conditional logistic regression analyses confirm that previous collaboration, shared native language and gender, as well as policy expertise, increase the likelihood of MEPs becoming (shadow‐)rapporteurs. In contrast, party loyalty shows no clear, unambiguous effect.
Fixation Disparity: A Possible Index of Visuospatial Cognition during Authentic Learning Tasks
Authors: Koh Do Hyong , Xu Zhen , Wang Jiahui , Burgess Andrea N. , Seccia Amanda , Schneps Matthew , Pomplun Marc , Lamb Richard , Keil Andreas , Dawson Kara , Antonenko Pavlo
Published: July 2024

This article describes a novel method for quantifying fixation disparity and evaluates its role in visuospatial cognition during an authentic learning task, specifically, the determination of molecule chirality in organic chemistry involving mental rotation and pattern comparison. The first study examined the influence of molecular model dimensionality (2D vs. 3D) on chirality determination performance and visual attention of 55 participants. The second study explored how the sustained playing of the tile‐matching game Mahjong, a pattern comparison game, can affect visual attention and visuospatial performance during the chirality determination task of 59 participants. Fixation disparity was one of the eye tracking variables explored. Both studies revealed that (1) individuals with higher fixation disparity underperformed on the chirality task, which involves mental rotation and pattern comparison, and (2) fixation disparity improved over time in participants who played Mahjong. This work provides important implications for using fixation disparity as a possible biomarker of visuospatial performance.
Bufonia darvishii (Caryophyllaceae), a novel endemic species from Zagros Mountains, Iran
Authors: Zeraatkar Amin
Published: July 2024

A new subalpine species of Bufonia sect. Longipedicellata from the Zagros Mountains in west Iran is described and illustrated here. It colonizes mountain slopes with gravelly, stony, and scree substrates in one locality of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, preferably with a western and north‐west orientation, at elevations between 2700 and 3100 m a.s.l. The new species, B. darvishii, is diagnosed against the morphologically similar B. macrocarpa. The two species share similarities such as filiform and long pedicels, a lax panicle‐cyme inflorescence, distribution pattern of trichomes, and long peduncles. However, the new species stands out with semi‐shrub life form, its greater height, retention of the previous year's stems, cymes bearing more flowers, orbicular petals, larger petals, a broadly ovate ovary, larger sepals with more pronounced nervation, shorter pedicels, larger flowers, etc. Bufonia darvishii is proposed to be Critically Endangered (CR) following the guidelines of the IUCN.
Contrasting and conserved roles of NPR pathways in diverged land plant lineages
Authors: Jeon Hyung‐Woo , Iwakawa Hidekazu , Naramoto Satoshi , Herrfurth Cornelia , Gutsche Nora , Schlüter Titus , Kyozuka Junko , Miyauchi Shingo , Feussner Ivo , Zachgo Sabine , Nakagami Hirofumi
Published: July 2024

The NPR proteins function as salicylic acid (SA) receptors in Arabidopsis thaliana. AtNPR1 plays a central role in SA‐induced transcriptional reprogramming whereby positively regulates SA‐mediated defense. NPRs are found in the genomes of nearly all land plants. However, we know little about the molecular functions and physiological roles of NPRs in most plant species.

We conducted phylogenetic and alignment analyses of NPRs from 68 species covering the significant lineages of land plants. To investigate NPR functions in bryophyte lineages, we generated and characterized NPR loss‐of‐function mutants in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha.

Brassicaceae NPR1‐like proteins have characteristically gained or lost functional residues identified in AtNPRs, pointing to the possibility of a unique evolutionary trajectory for the Brassicaceae NPR1‐like proteins. We find that the only NPR in M. polymorpha, MpNPR, is not the master regulator of SA‐induced transcriptional reprogramming and negatively regulates bacterial resistance in this species. The Mpnpr transcriptome suggested roles of MpNPR in heat and far‐red light responses. We identify both Mpnpr and Atnpr1‐1 display enhanced thermomorphogenesis. Interspecies complementation analysis indicated that the molecular properties of AtNPR1 and MpNPR are partially conserved. We further show that MpNPR has SA‐binding activity.

NPRs and NPR‐associated pathways have evolved distinctively in diverged land plant lineages to cope with different terrestrial environments.
Dynamic m6A mRNA methylation reveals the involvement of AcALKBH10 in ripening‐related quality regulation in kiwifruit
Authors: Su Dan , Shu Peng , Hu Nan , Chen Yuan , Wu Yi , Deng Heng , Du Xiaofei , Zhang Xumeng , Wang Ruochen , Li Huajia , Zeng Yunliu , Li Dawei , Xie Yue , Li Mingzhang , Hong Yiguo , Liu Kaidong , Liu Mingchun
Published: July 2024

Kiwifruit ripening is a complex and highly coordinated process that occurs in conjunction with the formation of fruit edible quality. The significance of epigenetic changes, particularly the impact of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification on fruit ripening and quality formation, has been largely overlooked.

We monitored m6A levels and gene expression changes in kiwifruit at four different stages using LC‐MS/MS, MeRIP, RNA‐seq, and validated the function of AcALKBH10 through heterologous transgenic expression in tomato.

Notable m6A modifications occurred predominantly at the stop codons and the 3′ UTRs and exhibited a gradual reduction in m6A levels during the fruit ripening process. Moreover, these m6A modifications in the aforementioned sites demonstrated a discernible inverse relationship with the levels of mRNA abundance throughout the ripening process, suggesting a repression effect of m6A modification in the modulation of kiwifruit ripening.

We further demonstrated that AcALKBH10 rather than AcECT9 predominantly regulates m6A levels in ripening‐related genes, thereby exerting the regulatory control over the ripening process and the accumulation of soluble sugars and organic acids, ultimately influencing fruit ripening and quality formation. In conclusion, our findings illuminate the epi‐regulatory mechanism involving m6A in kiwifruit ripening, offering a fresh perspective for cultivating high‐quality kiwifruit with enhanced nutritional attributes.
GhSBI1, a CUP‐SHAPED COTYLEDON 2 homologue, modulates branch internode elongation in cotton
Authors: Zhong Weiping , Wu Lanxin , Li Yan , Li Xiaxuan , Wang Junyi , Pan Jingwen , Zhu Shouhong , Fang Shentao , Yao Jinbo , Zhang Yongshan , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

Branch length is an important plant architecture trait in cotton (Gossypium) breeding. Development of cultivars with short branch has been proposed as a main object to enhance cotton yield potential, because they are suitable for high planting density. Here, we report the molecular cloning and characterization of a semi‐dominant quantitative trait locus, Short Branch Internode 1(GhSBI1), which encodes a NAC transcription factor homologous to CUP‐SHAPED COTYLEDON 2 (CUC2) and is regulated by microRNA ghr‐miR164. We demonstrate that a point mutation found in sbi1 mutants perturbs ghr‐miR164‐directed regulation of GhSBI1, resulting in an increased expression level of GhSBI1. The sbi1 mutant was sensitive to exogenous gibberellic acid (GA) treatments. Overexpression of GhSBI1 inhibited branch internode elongation and led to the decreased levels of bioactive GAs. In addition, gene knockout analysis showed that GhSBI1 is required for the maintenance of the boundaries of multiple tissues in cotton. Transcriptome analysis revealed that overexpression of GhSBI1 affects the expression of plant hormone signalling‐, axillary meristems initiation‐, and abiotic stress response‐related genes. GhSBI1 interacted with GAIs, the DELLA repressors of GA signalling. GhSBI1 represses expression of GA signalling‐ and cell elongation‐related genes by directly targeting their promoters. Our work thus provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms for branch length and paves the way for the development of elite cultivars with suitable plant architecture in cotton.