bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L-DOS47 enhances response to immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer tumor
Authors: Jardim-Perassi Bruna Victorasso , Irrera Pietro , Abrahams Dominique , Estrella Veronica C. , Ordway Bryce , Byrne Samantha R. , Ojeda Andrew A. , Whelan Christopher J. , Kim Jongphil , Beatty Matthew S. , Damgaci-Erturk Sultan , Longo Dario Livio , Gaspar Kim J. , Siegers Gabrielle M. , Centeno Barbara A. , Lau Justin Y.C. , Ibrahim-Hashim Arig , Pilon-Thomas Shari A. , Gillies Robert J.
Published: August 2023

Acidosis is an important immunosuppressive mechanism that leads to tumor growth. Therefore, we investigated the neutralization of tumor acidity to improve immunotherapy response. L-DOS47, a new targeted urease immunoconjugate designed to neutralize tumor acidity, has been well tolerated in phase I/IIa trials. L-DOS47 binds CEACAM6, a cell surface protein highly expressed in gastrointestinal cancers, allowing urease to cleave endogenous urea into two NH4+ and one CO2, thereby raising local pH. To test the synergetic effect of neutralizing tumor acidity with immunotherapy, we developed a pancreatic orthotopic murine tumor model (KPC961) expressing human CEACAM6. Our results demonstrate that combining L DOS47 with anti-PD1 significantly increases the efficacy of anti-PD1 monotherapy, reducing tumor growth for up to 4 weeks.
Synaptic plasticity via receptor tyrosine kinase/G protein-coupled receptor crosstalk
Authors: Lao-Peregrin Cristina , Xiang Guoqing , Kim Jihye , Srivastava Ipsit , Fall Alexandra B. , Gerhard Danielle M. , Kohtala Piia , Kim Daegeon , Song Minseok , Garcia-Marcos Mikel , Levitz Joshua , Lee Francis S.
Published: August 2023

Cellular signaling involves a large repertoire of membrane receptors operating in overlapping spatiotemporal regimes and targeting many common intracellular effectors. However, both the molecular mechanisms and physiological roles of crosstalk between receptors, especially those from different superfamilies, are poorly understood. We find that the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), TrkB, and the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), together mediate a novel form of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in response to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Activated TrkB enhances constitutive mGluR5 activity to initiate a mode-switch that drives BDNF-dependent sustained, oscillatory Ca2+signaling and enhanced MAP kinase activation. This crosstalk is mediated, in part, by synergy between Gβγ, released by TrkB, and Gαq-GTP, released by mGluR5, to enable a previously unidentified form of physiologically relevant RTK/GPCR crosstalk.
Impact of resistance on therapeutic design: a Moran model of cancer growth
Authors: Lacy Mason S. , Jenner Adrianne L.
Published: August 2023

Resistance of cancers to treatments, such as chemotherapy, largely arise due to cell mutations. These mutations allow cells to resist apoptosis and inevitably lead to recurrence and often progression to more aggressive cancer forms. Sustained-low dose therapies are being considered as an alternative over maximum tolerated dose treatments, whereby a smaller drug dosage is given over a longer period of time. However, understanding the impact that the presence of treatment-resistant clones may have on these new treatment modalities is crucial to validating them as a therapeutic avenue. In this study, a Moran process is used to capture stochastic mutations arising in cancer cells, inferring treatment resistance. The model is used to predict the probability of cancer recurrence given varying treatment modalities. The simulations predict that sustained-low dose therapies would be virtually ineffective for a cancer with a non-negligible probability of developing a sub-clone with resistance tendencies. Furthermore, calibrating the model toin vivomeasurements for breast cancer treatment with Herceptin, the model suggests that standard treatment regimens are ineffective in this mouse model. Using a simple Moran model, it is possible to explore the likelihood of treatment success given a non-negligible probability of treatment resistant mutations and suggest more robust therapeutic schedules.
A RAB7A Phosphoswitch Coordinates Rubicon Homology Protein Regulation of PINK1/Parkin-Dependent Mitophagy
Authors: Tudorica Dan A. , Basak Bishal , Cordova Alexia Puerto , Khuu Grace , Rose Kevin , Lazarou Michael , Holzbaur Erika L. F. , Hurley James H.
Published: August 2023

Activation of PINK1 and Parkin in response to mitochondrial damage initiates a cytoprotective mitophagy response that includes phosphorylation of RAB7A at Ser72. Rubicon is a RAB7A binding protein that acts as a negative regulator of autophagy. The structure of the Rubicon-RAB7A complex suggests that phosphorylation of RAB7A at Ser72 would block Rubicon binding. Indeed,in vitrophosphorylation of RAB7A by TBK1 abrogates Rubicon-RAB7A binding. Pacer, a positive regulator of autophagy, has an RH domain with a basic triad predicted to bind an introduced phosphate. Consistent with this, Pacer-RH binds to phosho-RAB7A but not to unphosphorylated RAB7A. In cells, mitochondrial depolarization reduces Rubicon:RAB7A colocalization whilst recruiting Pacer to phospho-RAB7A-positive puncta. Pacer knockout reduces Parkin mitophagy with little effect on bulk autophagy or Parkin-independent mitophagy. Rescue of Parkin-dependent mitophagy requires the intact pRAB7A phosphate-binding basic triad of Pacer. Together these structural and functional data support a model in which the TBK1-dependent phosphorylation of RAB7A serves as a switch, promoting mitophagy by relieving Rubicon inhibition and favoring Pacer activation.
Huntingtin bundles and changes the local proteome of actin filaments in neurons
Authors: Carpentier Rémi , Capizzi Mariacristina , Kim Hyeongju , Novion-Ducassou Julia , Denarier Eric , Blot Béatrice , Couté Yohann , Arnal Isabelle , Song Ji-Joon , Humbert Sandrine
Published: August 2023

Huntingtin (HTT) is a large protein whose best-known function being the facilitation of intracellular dynamics along the microtubule network by scaffolding molecular motors complexes. Our recent finding that the defective axonal growth in HD was due to altered growth cone architecture led us to ask whether HTT also influences the cytoskeleton itself. In developing neurons, we found that a large proportion of HTT associates with F-actin in growth cones. Using cell free system and purified recombinant proteins, we observed that HTT binds directly filamentous actin (F-actin) and organizes filaments into bundles. Transmission electron microscopy shows that HTT dimers crosslink adjacent filaments 20 nm apart. We also provide evidence that HTT binding on F-actin modulates the association of other proteins to this cytoskeleton. Notably, HTT limits the association of the growth cone protein Drebrin1 with F-actin. HTT depletion leads to abnormal cytoskeletal organization, localization of Drebrin1 in growth cones, and axonal growth. HTT therefore serves a scaffolding function for the cytoskeleton itself, what might be relevant for HD pathophysiology.
Accounting for Indigenous cultural connections to land: insights from two Indigenous groups of Australia
Authors: Finau Glenn , Jarvis Diane , Stoeckl Natalie , Larson Silva , Grainger Daniel , Douglas Michael , Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation  , Barrowei Ryan , Coleman Bessie , Groves David , Hunter Joshua , Lee Maria , Markham Michael
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present the findings of a government-initiated project that sought to explore the possibility of incorporating cultural connections to land within the federal national accounting system using the United Nations Systems of Environmental-Economic Accounting (UN-SEEA) framework as a basis.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a critical dialogic approach and responding to the calls for critical accountants to engage with stakeholders, the authors worked with two Indigenous groups of Australia to develop a system of accounts that incorporates their cultural connections to “Country”. The two groups were clans from the Mungguy Country in the Kakadu region of Northern Territory and the Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation of Northern Queensland. Conducting two-day workshops on separate occasions with both groups, the authors attempted to meld the Indigenous worldviews with the worldviews embodied within national accounting systems and the UN-SEEA framework.

Findings

The models developed highlight significant differences between the ontological foundations of Indigenous and Western-worldviews and the authors reflect on the tensions created between these competing worldviews. The authors also offer pragmatic solutions that could be implemented by the Indigenous Traditional Owners and the government in terms of developing such an accounting system that incorporates connections to Country.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to providing a contemporary case study of engagement with Indigenous peoples in the co-development of a system of accounting for and by Indigenous peoples; it also contributes to the ongoing debate on bridging the divide between critique and praxis; and finally, the paper delves into an area that is largely unexplored within accounting research which is national accounting.
Exploring the effect of supervisor bottom-line mentality on subordinate work well-being: a self-determination theory perspective
Authors: Zhao Nan , He Bin , Sun Xu , Hu Weimin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of supervisor bottom-line mentality (SBLM) on subordinate work well-being using self-determination theory. Furthermore, it examines the mediating role of subordinate harmonious work passion (HWP) and obsessive work passion (OWP), as well as the moderating role of subordinate family motivation on the indirect effect of SBLM on subordinate work well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two studies, an experiment and a field study, to test the hypotheses. In Study 1, the authors conducted an experimental study using a sample of 127 undergraduate students to examine how family motivation moderates the relationship between SBLM and subordinate work passion. Concurrently, in Study 2, the authors conducted a time-lagged field study involving 261 corporate employees in China to validate the findings derived from Study 1, as well as test the entire conceptual model.

Findings

The authors find in Study 1 that family motivation moderates the effects of SBLM on subordinate HWP and OWP. Nevertheless, Study 2 uncovers a negative association between SBLM and subordinate work well-being, with HWP and OWP mediating this relationship. Besides, family motivation moderates the mediating effect of HWP on the relationship between SBLM and subordinate work well-being.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is that the negative effect of SBLM impacts subordinate work well-being, thereby building an accurate and fine-grained knowledge base of the detrimental effects of bottom-line mentality (BLM). Additionally, this study expands the frontiers of knowledge in this area by investigating the mediating mechanisms and boundary conditions of SBLM on subordinate work well-being, effectively addressing a theoretical gap in BLM research.
Academic libraries, ICT use and sustainable higher education development
Authors: Adekoya Clement Ola , Fasae Joseph Kehinde , Alade Adesola Victoria
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Education is a strong pillar to national development. It is vital to ensure sustainable higher education development (SHED) in a bid to facilitate global development. This study aims to investigate academic libraries, information and communication technology (ICT) use and SHED.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study was 607 librarians in the 41 public university libraries in Southern Nigeria. Total enumeration and purposive sampling techniques were used for this study. The instrument of data collection was questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used for the data analysis.

Findings

It was found that qualified teachers and promotion of scholarship constitute SHED. The extent of contribution of academic libraries to SHED is high. Academic libraries face a number of challenges in their effort to provide information services for the actualisation of the SHED. The extent of use of ICT in SHED is high. It was therefore recommended that academic libraries and ICT should be adequately used to accomplish SHED in Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications

This study will contribute to the body of literature on how academic libraries and the use of ICT can contribute to SHED.

Practical implications

While SHED is central to global development, the role of academic libraries and the use of ICT should be unanimously embraced by all the stakeholders in education industry.

Originality/value

SHED is inevitable in the contemporary era. This study reveals that academic libraries and ICT use are vital in achieving SHED.
Sustainable energy orientation in higher educational institutions: the effect of institutional pressures and organizational resources in a developing country context
Authors: Bagire Vincent , Arinaitwe Alice , Kakooza Johnbosco , Aikiriza Fiona
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between institutional pressures and sustainable energy orientation by incorporating organizational resources as a mediating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted cross-sectional and correlational research designs using a questionnaire survey of 64 higher educational institutions registered with the National Council for Higher Education of Uganda. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS.

Findings

This meant that institutional pressures, particularly mimetic, predict the way organizations chose their energy orientation. Furthermore, partial mediation of organizational resources is evident in the relationship between institutional pressures and sustainable energy orientation. Moreover, resources are a strong factor in ensuring that institutions observe the need for sustainable energy consumption.

Research limitations/implications

A study where there is no local empirical support for operationalization, as well as coherent citations on the criterion, is bound by various weaknesses that impose on the findings of this study. The authors nonetheless contend that they have opened gates for further empirical tests of their model findings.

Practical implications

The study findings will enable a catalyzed assessment of the energy needs and planning for them in higher institutions of learning in Uganda. It will trigger policy directions on energy needs and usage control.

Social implications

Energy supply is important in any academic institution. The study has highlighted a simple model of predictors of energy orientation that will enable institutional planning to ensure social stability with internal stakeholders on energy usage. It will also awaken positive behaviors on energy management by individuals and work groups.

Originality/value

This study offers initial evidence on the relationship between institutional pressures and sustainable energy orientation using evidence from a developing context. It is based on original study of higher institutions in Uganda, and no such study has been done before with the same variables. It provides new directions for study in such nascent area of critical national dimension as energy and climate change issues are top global agenda.
Evolution of the law on income taxation of small businesses in Uganda
Authors: Gwokyalya Waliya , Okumu Ibrahim Mike , Rukundo Solomon
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how the law on income taxation of small businesses in Uganda has evolved from the pre-colonial to the present day.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used doctrinal legal research based on existing documentation on empirical research from Ugandan laws, institutional writings, books and journal articles.

Findings

The study established that there has been various promulgations and amendment of the law on income taxation of small businesses geared at simplifying the law, expanding the tax base and improving the tax yield from this sector. However, the law still bears limitations, some of which have existed from way back before the current legal regime on presumptive tax. Thus, the income tax yield from small businesses continues to be low over the years. It posits that it is not clear whether small business owners understand the legislations on presumptive income tax to enable us to determine with certainty that further amendments have the potential of enhancing an increased tax yield, which has not been attained over the years.

Originality/value

Limited work has been undertaken on the historical development of the income taxation of small businesses in a developing country like Uganda. This study provides an initial synthesis of the literature on the evolution of income tax laws for small businesses in an economy that had been earlier neglected by scholars.
Linking leader humility, reverse mentoring and subordinate turnover intentions: empirical evidence from the Indian information technology industry
Authors: Upadhyay Shivam , Singh Pankaj
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Reverse mentoring is gaining attention as a means to engage and retain young employees by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, ideas and perspectives with their senior counterparts (leaders). Despite its widespread recognition, there remains a significant scarcity of empirical evidence regarding its enablers and effectiveness. Building on this research gap, this study aims to investigate the association between leader humility, reverse mentoring and subordinate turnover intentions using the theoretical frameworks of job demand resource theory and social exchange theory. In addition, the study assesses how leader competence moderates the impact of leader humility on promoting reverse mentoring.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used time-lagged multi-wave data with a two-week interval between each wave, collected from 386 information technology professionals working in different organisations in India. The hypotheses developed were tested using partial least square structural equation modelling.

Findings

The finding from the analysis reveals that leader humility had a significant impact in promoting reverse mentoring, which consequently led to reduced subordinate turnover intentions. In addition, leader competence positively moderates the association between leader humility and reverse mentoring.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to empirically examine the impact of reverse mentoring on subordinates’ turnover intentions, as well as the indirect effect of leader humility on turnover intention through reverse mentoring. Furthermore, the study sheds light on the previously under-researched boundary conditions of leader humility.
University social responsibility: the present and future trends based on bibliometric analysis
Authors: Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Abdul Wahab Norwazli , Ahmad Mohd Hanafiah , Abidin Imaduddin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review university social responsibility (USR) using a well-known quantitative approach of bibliometric analysis. Compared to corporate social responsibility (CSR), USR is in its infancy stage, requiring further exploration of its meaning and impact toward higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 306 publications and 9,530 cited references were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Bibliographic coupling analysis was applied to uncover present themes, while co-word analysis was used to predict future trends.

Findings

Findings suggested that themes are centralized toward the impact of USR on HEIs. USR is important for HEIs to attain excellence in today's challenging business environment.

Research limitations/implications

USR could develop HEIs into world-renowned institutions by establishing a good reputation and engaging with the broader community, locally and internationally. USR is regarded as HEIs' new value proposition in marketing its brand within the competitive environment in higher education.

Originality/value

This study is the first that reviews USR by extracting the knowledge structure and providing visualization on the implicit themes of the subject interest.
Illegal wildlife trade: the critical role of the banking sector in combating money laundering
Authors: Lupton Cayle
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is a transnational organized crime that generates billions in criminal proceeds each year. Yet, it is not regarded by many countries as a serious crime. There is also no general consensus on its recognition as a predicate offence for money laundering. In this regard, banks are misused in different ways to facilitate financial flows linked to IWT. This paper aims to illustrate the importance of the banking sector in combating money laundering relating to IWT. It also aims to demonstrate the need for a general recognition of IWT as a predicate offence for money laundering.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the implementation of money laundering controls by banks in the illegal-wildlife-trade context. As background to this investigation, it provides an overview of IWT, which is followed by an exploration of some of the general characteristics of the banking sector, before discussing the relevant Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations.

Findings

This study finds that the banking sector is well-placed to combat money laundering relating to the IWT and is, by virtue of its international nature and strong focus on compliance, able to be effective in preventing the use of the proceeds of IWT as well as in identifying broader trafficking networks. Moreover, the banking sector is well-equipped to develop appropriate platforms to facilitate the swift, easy and effective sharing of financial intelligence between banks at the local, regional and especially international level.

Research limitations/implications

This study draws on publicly available information on financial flows relating to IWT. Little data and research are available on the financial flows and consequently the money laundering techniques used in cases suspected of IWT.

Originality/value

There has been little scholarly research on the relationship between money laundering and the IWT as well as the financial flows of IWT in general. This study highlights some of the money laundering techniques used in relation to IWT by drawing on the works of various international organizations, including the FATF.
A capital asset pricing model based on the value at risk under asymmetric Laplace distribution
Authors: Wu Lili , Xu Shulin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Financial asset return series usually exhibit nonnormal characteristics such as high peaks, heavy tails and asymmetry. Traditional risk measures like standard deviation or variance are inadequate for nonnormal distributions. Value at Risk (VaR) is consistent with people's psychological perception of risk. The asymmetric Laplace distribution (ALD) captures the heavy-tailed and biased features of the distribution. VaR is therefore used as a risk measure to explore the problem of VaR-based asset pricing. Assuming returns obey ALD, the study explores the impact of high peaks, heavy tails and asymmetric features of financial asset return data on asset pricing.

Design/methodology/approach

A VaR-based capital asset pricing model (CAPM) was constructed under the ALD that follows the logic of the classical CAPM and derive the corresponding VaR-β coefficients under ALD.

Findings

ALD-based VaR exhibits a minor tail risk than VaR under normal distribution as the mean increases. The theoretical derivation yields a more complex capital asset pricing formula involving β coefficients compared to the traditional CAPM.The empirical analysis shows that the CAPM under ALD can reflect the β-return relationship, and the results are robust. Finally, comparing the two CAPMs reveals that the β coefficients derived in this paper are smaller than those in the traditional CAPM in 69–80% of cases.

Originality/value

The paper uses VaR as a risk measure for financial time series data following ALD to explore asset pricing problems. The findings complement existing literature on the effects of high peaks, heavy tails and asymmetry on asset pricing, providing valuable insights for investors, policymakers and regulators.
Digital transformation: exploring cornerstones for construction industry
Authors: Yadav Suman , Prakash Anshika , Arora Meenal , Mittal Amit
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Digital transformation (DT) innovation is a monumental contribution that has had a profound effect on several worldwide industries. The aim of this research is to evaluate the current and future trends in DT specifically focusing in construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a qualitative analysis approach grounded on descriptive and bibliometric analyses. In total, 283 papers from Scopus between January 2015 and April 2023 were retrieved in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review methodology. This study examines the publishing trends, most productive nation, university, publications and authors. Keyword co-occurrence analysis and thematic evolution were analyzed through Vosviewer and Biblioshiny.

Findings

The results illustrate a growing desire to use digital technologies in the construction industry, which shows the topic's power and expanding popularity. This research reveals various emerging themes based on technology usage in construction sector. Out of 14 themes, occupational health and safety, mass customization, virtual reality and artificial intelligence were identified as isolated themes. Further, this study elaborates the difficulties encountered by the construction industry while employing digital technologies and examines the interrelationships among various keywords in DT and reveals the paradoxes and hotspots.

Originality/value

This research adds to the body of literature as it identifies the research areas and gaps in the existing DT domain in construction industry. The integration of technology in this sector has an intense positive future vision as various subareas have immense potential for technology application.
Analysis of financial management practices in China's manufacturing sector before and during COVID-19: a comparison with Romania
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Xu Jian
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affects firms' financial management in China's manufacturing sector. In addition, the authors analyze the changes in various financial indicators before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, the authors make a cross-country comparison of the COVID-19's impact on financial management between China and Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the balanced panel data of 2,272 manufacturing listed companies from 2019 to 2020, and applies the t-test method and multiple regression method.

Findings

The results show that firms' financial performance in most manufacturing sub-sectors decreased during the observed period. In addition, the authors find that equity financing, proper liquidity management and an expanded firm scale can improve firms' financial performance. The authors further compare the results with the Romanian results, and find that the negative impact of debt-to-equity ratio on firms' financial performance in Romania is greater than that in China and the positive impact of financial autonomy ratio and working capital ratios is greater in China than that in Romania.

Practical implications

The findings can help corporate managers make the best financial management decision in response to crisis.

Originality/value

This study is one of the pioneers that analyze how manufacturing companies carried out their financial management during the COVID-19 crisis in the Chinese context, and provides a cross-country analysis of corporate financial management practices in China and Romania.
Front porch roll calls: an innovative approach to community-oriented policing in Saginaw, MI
Authors: Carter Travis , Wolfe Scott E. , Nam Yongjae , Lawson Spencer G.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate a promising community-oriented policing strategy called “front porch roll call” (FPRC), which involves conducting roll calls in public forums.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methods approach was used by drawing on survey data, field observations and qualitative interviews to describe how FPRCs were implemented in Saginaw, MI from 2019 to 2022, and how they can be successfully implemented to operate in accordance with the theoretical foundations of community-oriented policing.

Findings

Survey data from FPRC attendees reported improvements in their perceptions of police legitimacy, trust in the police and procedural fairness—each of which are vital pathways to developing collaborative crime prevention initiatives in community-oriented policing. Qualitative interviews and field observations provided unique insights into areas of improvement and ways to enhance sustainability for future use.

Originality/value

Community-oriented policing offers a philosophical approach to addressing crime problems through the formation of localized, collaborative solutions that come from police-community partnerships. A key implementation challenge is that such programs can fail to align their initiatives with the theoretical principles of community policing. FPRCs offer an innovative solution that operates closely with the spirit of community-oriented policing. Data from a mixed-methods evaluation provide further insights into their challenges with implementation and ways to improve upon them.
Bypassing opportunities for quality improvement: insights from Vietnamese administrators’ approaches to student evaluation of teaching
Authors: Nguyen Lan Anh
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Although student evaluation of teaching (SET) is widely used, there has been a significant disparity between its potential benefits with the actual impact on improving educational quality. This study aims to inquire into the factors contributing to this discrepancy and the underlying mechanisms hindering the effective utilisation of SET.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative case study used problem-based methodology to investigate the theories of action of administrators involved in SET. The study uses SET documents and individual interviews with 18 administrators from six Vietnamese higher education institutions.

Findings

While the administrators monitored SET data and addressed SET problems, few used it for quality improvement. The participants’ SET approaches were influenced by various constraints, especially the intricate interaction between neoliberal agendas with professional and cultural values.

Research limitations/implications

Despite a lack of statistical generalisability, this study contributes to analytical generalisation by vividly portraying the complexity of the SET practice in a higher education context.

Practical implications

This study suggests a more inclusive approach to quality improvement that prioritises multi-stakeholder engagement.

Social implications

The constraint analysis offers invaluable insights into the challenges and dynamics of SET practice, which can be used to enhance SET effectiveness and overall educational quality.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the need to examine the theories of action of administrators involved in SET, emphasising the significance of a comprehensive understanding of the stakeholders’ underlying reasoning process for successful evaluation implementation.
Enhancing the rheological, technological, textural and microstructural characteristics of set yoghurt using certain nano‐stabilisers
Authors: Abd Al‐Maqsoud Noura M. , Elshaghabee Fouad M. F. , Metwally Ahmed M. M. , Anis Sherif M. K.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of adding nano‐stabilisers on some properties of yoghurt. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA) and kappa‐carrageenan (K‐C) were used at 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.02% in their original forms and 0.15%, 0.15% and 0.015% in nano‐form, respectively. The effects of these additives on yoghurt pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, syneresis, texture, colour, starter culture bacterial count, mould and yeast count, coagulation time and microstructure were studied. The use of nano‐stabilisers increased viscosity, hardness and coagulation time; reduced syneresis and Streptococcus thermophilus count; and improved colour. Results indicated that nano‐stabilisers improved the rheological and technological characteristics of yoghurt.
Deciphering RNA m6A regulation in aging: Perspectives on current advances and future directions
Authors: Wu Zeming , Ren Jie , Liu Guang‐Hui
Published: August 2023

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is a dynamic and reversible RNA modification that has emerged as a crucial player in the life cycle of RNA, thus playing a pivotal role in various biological processes. In recent years, the potential involvement of RNA m6A modification in aging and age‐related diseases has gained increasing attention, making it a promising target for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying aging and developing new therapeutic strategies. This Perspective article will summarize the current advances in aging‐related m6A regulation, highlighting the most significant findings and their implications for our understanding of cellular senescence and aging, and the potential for targeting RNA m6A regulation as a therapeutic strategy. We will also discuss the limitations and challenges in this field and provide insights into future research directions. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field, this Perspective article aims to facilitate further advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging and to identify new therapeutic targets for aging‐related diseases.
Changes to opioid overdose deaths and community naloxone access among Black, Hispanic and White people from 2016 to 2021 with the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic: An interrupted time‐series analysis in Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Zang Xiao , Walley Alexander Y. , Chatterjee Avik , Kimmel Simeon D. , Morgan Jake R. , Murphy Sean M. , Linas Benjamin P. , Nolen Shayla , Reilly Brittni , Urquhart Catherine , Schackman Bruce R. , Marshall Brandon D. L.
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic was associated with a surge in opioid overdose deaths in Massachusetts, particularly affecting racial and ethnic minority communities. We aimed to compare the impact of the pandemic on opioid overdose fatalities and naloxone distribution from community‐based programs across racial and ethnic groups in Massachusetts.

Design

Interrupted time‐series.

Setting and Cases

Opioid overdose deaths (OODs) among non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic Black, Hispanic and non‐Hispanic other race people in Massachusetts, USA (January 2016 to June 2021).

Measurements

Rate of OODs per 100 000 people, rate of naloxone kits distributed per 100 000 people and ratio of naloxone kits per opioid overdose death as a measure of naloxone availability. We applied five imputation strategies using complete data in different periods to account for missingness of race and ethnicity for naloxone data.

Findings

Before COVID‐19 (January 2016 to February 2020), the rate of OODs declined among non‐Hispanic White people [0.2% monthly reduction (95% confidence interval = 0.0–0.4%)], yet was relatively constant among all other population groups. The rate of naloxone kits increased across all groups (0.8–1.2% monthly increase) and the ratio of naloxone kits per OOD death among non‐Hispanic White was 1.1% (0.8–1.4%) and among Hispanic people was 1.0% (0.2–1.8%). After the onset of the pandemic (March 2020+), non‐Hispanic Black people experienced an immediate increase in the rate of OODs [63.6% (16.4–130%)], whereas rates among other groups remained similar. Trends in naloxone rescue kit distribution did not substantively change among any groups, and the ratio of naloxone kits per OOD death for non‐Hispanic Black people did not compensate for the surge in OODs deaths in this group.

Conclusions

With the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a surge in opioid overdose deaths among non‐Hispanic Black people in Massachusetts, USA with no compensatory increase in naloxone rescue kit distribution. For non‐Hispanic White and Hispanic people, opioid overdose deaths remained stable and naloxone kit distribution continued to increase.
A influência da proximidade com as matas ciliares e a distância das áreas urbanas nos atropelamentos de vertebrados em uma área fragmentada do Cerrado brasileiro
Authors: Martins Thais , Freitas Simone Rodrigues , Semensatto Décio Luis , Hardt Elisa
Published: August 2023

O crescente desenvolvimento das rodovias ameaça gravemente vários vertebrados devido à fragmentação do habitat, ao efeito de borda e aos atropelamentos. A compreensão de como a paisagem influencia a ocorrência de atropelamentos em rodovias pode fornecer informações sobre as rotas preferenciais de dispersão da fauna e definir os trechos prioritários para a implementação de ações de mitigação. Este estudo avaliou a associação entre as características da paisagem e os atropelamentos de fauna na rodovia BR‐158 (Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil), onde a vegetação adjacente compreende fitofisionomias do Cerrado, um bioma gravemente ameaçado. A distribuição espacial dos vertebrados atropelados registrados (dados secundários) foi analisada usando a ferramenta estatística 2D Hotspot Identification, que definiu os trechos com maior mortalidade (hotspots). A paisagem circundante em uma área buffer de 1 km ao redor da rodovia foi caracterizada com base em informações de área e distância, considerando o uso e a cobertura da terra. Foram aplicados modelos lineares generalizados para testar a influência dos locais no atropelamento, considerando as características da paisagem como variáveis independentes e a presença/ausência de atropelamento como variável dependente. Nossos resultados indicaram dois hotspots ao longo da BR‐158 e uma maior probabilidade de atropelamento em trechos associados a matas ciliares e mais distantes de áreas urbanas. A identificação das características da paisagem associadas à ocorrência de atropelamentos de vertebrados pode ajudar a orientar o planejamento e o monitoramento de rodovias. Além disso, em ecossistemas secos como o Cerrado, precisamos fornecer informações para implementar ações prioritárias em trechos de mata ciliar, com o objetivo de mitigar os impactos negativos das rodovias na conservação da biodiversidade local.
Turtles in trouble. Conservation ecology and priorities for Australian freshwater turtles
Authors: Petrov Kristen , Sutcliffe Sarah , Truscott Helen , Kutay Cat , Eisemberg Carla C. , Spencer Ricky J. , Lawler Ivan , Bower Deborah S. , Van Dyke James U. , Georges Arthur
Published: August 2023

The Australian freshwater turtle fauna is dominated by species in the family Chelidae. The extant fauna comprises a series of distinct lineages, each of considerable antiquity, relicts of a more extensive and perhaps diverse fauna that existed when wetter climes prevailed. Several phylogenetically distinctive species are restricted to single, often small, drainage basins, which presents challenges for their conservation. Specific threats include water resource development, which alters the magnitude, frequency, and timing of flows and converts lentic to lotic habitat via dams and weirs, fragmentation of habitat, sedimentation, nutrification, and a reduction in the frequency and extent of floodplain flooding. Drainage of wetlands and altered land use are of particular concern for some species that are now very restricted in range and critically endangered. The introduced European red fox is a devastatingly efficient predator of turtle nests and can have a major impact on recruitment. In the north, species such as the northern snake‐necked turtle are heavily depredated by feral pigs. Other invasive animals and aquatic weeds dramatically alter freshwater habitats, with consequential impacts on freshwater turtles. Novel pathogens such as viruses have brought at least one species to the brink of extinction. Species that routinely migrate across land are impacted by structural simplification of habitat, reduction in availability of terrestrial refugia, fencing (including conservation fencing), and in some areas, by high levels of road mortality. We report on the listing process and challenges for listing freshwater turtles under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, summarize the state of knowledge relevant to listing decisions, identify the key threatening processes impacting turtles, and identify key knowledge gaps that impede the setting of priorities. We also focus on how to best incorporate First Nations Knowledge into decisions on listing and discuss opportunities to engage Indigenous communities in on‐ground work to achieve conservation outcomes.
Myths and Realities of “Left Behind” and “Levelling Up”
Authors: Jones Rhian E.
Published: August 2023

The past few years have seen the rediscovery by political and media commentators of areas in post‐industrial Britain characterised as “left behind”. It is rarely acknowledged that this attention to regional inequality has only come about after decades of political neglect and cultural erasure of these areas following deindustrialisation. Current ideas about regional inequality and proposed solutions to it—from the “Red Wall” to “levelling up”—are often conceptualised in ways that in fact continue this neglect, by homogenising these regions and imposing top‐down narratives about their demographic and political nature. This paper will contrast these developments with new approaches in several parts of the UK, focusing on democratic localism or “community wealth‐building”, which have seen communities in “left behind” areas already addressing regional inequality, and offering their own alternative economic and social models, in a way that presents a more nuanced picture of both class and regional identity.
Intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound for the detection and measurement of endometriotic lesions of the bowel
Authors: Chaggar Prubpreet , Tellum Tina , Cohen Abigail , Jurkovic Davor
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The number and invasion depth of endometriotic bowel lesions, total length of bowel affected by endometriosis, lesion‐to‐anal verge distance, and extent of pouch of Douglas obliteration are important factors in preoperatively determining risk and complexity of endometriosis surgery. The intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound in the evaluation of many of these parameters has not yet been investigated. Our study aimed to assess the intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound between an experienced and less experienced examiner for all of these parameters.

Material and methods

This prospective observational cross‐sectional study was conducted between July 2019 and November 2020. Fifty consecutive premenopausal women who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examination in our clinic for the first time, were examined by the same two operators during the same attendance. Outcomes of interest were the inter‐rater reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound for detecting the presence, number, depth and size of bowel endometriotic nodules, lesion‐to‐anal‐verge distance, total length of bowel affected, and pouch of Douglas obliteration. The intraobserver reproducibility was assessed for the continuous parameters. Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic, Cohen's weighted kappa (κ), proportions of agreement, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman limits of agreement were used to assess the reproducibility of the parameters.

Results

The inter‐rater agreement and reliability were very good for identifying bowel endometriosis, the number and invasion depth of bowel nodules, determining whether the maximum nodule length was <3 cm, and lesion‐to‐anal‐verge distance <8 cm (proportion of agreement 0.92, 0.94, 0.97, 0.94, 0.96; κ 0.92, 0.91, 0.92, 0.82, 0.89). The inter‐rater agreement and reliability were good for assessing pouch of Douglas obliteration (proportion of agreement 0.86, κ 0.80). The intra‐rater reliability for the mean nodule diameter (ICC 0.93 and 0.97) and total length of bowel affected (ICC 0.94 and 0.91) were excellent for operators A and B, respectively. The inter‐rater reliability for the mean nodule diameter was good (ICC 0.80), and moderate for the total length of bowel affected (ICC 0.70). The Bland–Altman limits of agreement demonstrated clinically acceptable ranges for these two parameters.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a high intra‐ and inter‐rater reproducibility of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis and measurement of its various components.
Evolutionary study of the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles of the domestic cat (Felis catus, Feliformia, Carnivora) based on their topology and innervation
Authors: Vélez‐García Juan Fernando , Kfoury Junior José Roberto , Miglino Maria Angelica
Published: August 2023

Extrinsic thoracic limb muscles are a muscular group that supports the thoracic limb in mammals without the clavicle and serve to move the scapula and shoulder joint. However, there are few evolutionary studies of these muscles in Felis catus, which should take into account the topology and innervation of the muscles to hypothesize the muscle derivation from a common ancestor. The main objective of this study was to check the extrinsic thoracic limb muscles in ten cadavers. Intra‐ and interspecific anatomical variants were found with that formerly described and other felids. Based on the topology and innervation found in this study, the evolutionary derivation was hypothesized. Therefore, the omotransversarius and rhomboideus muscles are derived from the serratus ventralis cervicis muscle. The cleidobrachialis muscle is derived mainly from the m. deltoideus and accessorily from the supracoracoid muscular group. The pectoantebrachialis and pectoralis abdominalis muscles are derived from the pectoralis descendens and cutaneus trunci muscles, respectively. In conclusion, most extrinsic thoracic limb muscles of F. catus may have evolutionary derivations from the last common ancestor of mammals, while some of them are from the last common ancestor of carnivorans or within the family Felidae.