bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reinforcing sustainable consumption practices through promoting gastronomic tourism: a cross-sectional study from India and Bangladesh
Authors: Samaddar Kaushik , Mondal Sanjana
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Food not only satisfies the need and nourishes positive experiences but also enhances involvement with the cultural, social and environmental attributes of a destination. As urban tourism is embracing sustainable consumption practices (SCP), this study aims to explore tourist’s responsible behaviour by embracing traditional gastronomic delicacies. More specifically, it pinpoints the driving forces behind why people choose traditional gastronomic delights.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the triangulation method involving the grounded theory approach (GTA) attained through a series of focus group discussions followed by the survey method taking an emerging economy’s perspective (India and Bangladesh). This study accords equal importance to both the demand and supply perspectives of gastronomic tourism and its stakeholders.

Findings

Critical dimensions such as travel motivation, tourist expectations, socio-economic perspectives, mindful consumption, sustainable marketing efforts and community awareness were identified as major influencers towards traditional gastronomic delicacies.

Practical implications

The present study bears significance to the urban developers, policymakers, marketers, regional tourism bodies and tour operators in promoting urban gastronomic cultures through marketing traditional delicacies for sustainable development of the evolving gastronomic industry in India and Bangladesh.

Originality/value

This study makes a novel attempt in exploring critical dimensions in an evolving gastronomic industry by blending an innovative qualitative research methodology like GTA supported by the empirical validation process (quantitative). It proposes a theoretical framework for further advancement of gastronomic and urban tourism towards a SCP.
Top management characteristics and comprehensive focus on budgeting
Authors: Kihn Lili-Anne , Ström Eva
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study examines how the strong emphasis placed on the purposes of budgeting, referring to a comprehensive focus on budgeting, is related to top managers' education and tenure while controlling for their functional positions in their respective firms and ages, as well as several company-specific predictors (information quality, firm size, information technology, importance of profit and strategy).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from senior managers of large manufacturing firms in Finland and Sweden.

Findings

The results suggest that academic business education is positively associated with a comprehensive focus on budgeting, but tenure as well as functional position in the company (Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or not) and age are not. Overall, the company-specific control variables in general and information quality in particular are shown to have greater explanatory power than the top management characteristics analyzed.

Research limitations/implications

This study identifies several empirically supported factors that seem to contribute to a comprehensive focus on budgeting. The effects of information quality, business education, the importance of profit and firm size could be considered in future research.

Practical implications

Academic business education matters more than the other top management characteristics analyzed. If organizations want to make comprehensive use of budgets, they should employ business graduates and be mindful of company-specific variables.

Originality/value

This study is the first to address a comprehensive focus on budgeting and some of its determinants. Future research could investigate a broader set of such determinants in different contexts.
Critical application areas of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for sustainable construction in developing countries: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel , Ali Ali Hassan , Dosumu Oluwaseun , Fakunle Kayode , Olanrewaju Oludolapo Ibrahim
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the critical application areas of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for sustainable buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research approach was adopted through a structured questionnaire administered to relevant stakeholders of construction projects. The data collected were analysed with the exploratory factor analysis, relative importance index (RII) and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).

Findings

The study’s results have categorised the crucial areas of application where construction industry stakeholders should focus their attention. These areas are divided into four categories: management technologies, production technologies, sensing technologies and monitoring technologies. The findings from the FSE indicate that monitoring technologies represent the most significant category, whereas management technologies rank as the least significant. Moreover, the RII analysis highlights that tools management stands out as the most important application of RFID, while dispute resolution emerges as the least significant RFID application.

Practical implications

The study establishes the core areas of RFID application and their benefits to sustainable buildings. Consequently, it helps stakeholders (consultants, clients and contractors) to examine the RFID application areas and make informed decision on sustainable construction. Furthermore, it provides systematic proof that can aid the implementation of RFID in developing countries.

Originality/value

The study provides an insight into the possible application areas and benefits of RFID technology in the construction industry of developing countries. It also developed a conceptual frame for the critical application areas of RFID technology in the construction industry of developing countries.
Enhanced-pixel strategy for wire arc additive manufacturing trajectory planning: operational efficiency and effectiveness analyses
Authors: Ferreira Rafael Pereira , Vilarinho Louriel Oliveira , Scotti Americo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to propose and evaluate the progress in the basic-pixel (a strategy to generate continuous trajectories that fill out the entire surface) algorithm towards performance gain. The objective is also to investigate the operational efficiency and effectiveness of an enhanced version compared with conventional strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

For the first objective, the proposed methodology is to apply the improvements proposed in the basic-pixel strategy, test it on three demonstrative parts and statistically evaluate the performance using the distance trajectory criterion. For the second objective, the enhanced-pixel strategy is compared with conventional strategies in terms of trajectory distance, build time and the number of arcs starts and stops (operational efficiency) and targeting the nominal geometry of a part (operational effectiveness).

Findings

The results showed that the improvements proposed to the basic-pixel strategy could generate continuous trajectories with shorter distances and comparable building times (operational efficiency). Regarding operational effectiveness, the parts built by the enhanced-pixel strategy presented lower dimensional deviation than the other strategies studied. Therefore, the enhanced-pixel strategy appears to be a good candidate for building more complex printable parts and delivering operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper presents an evolution of the basic-pixel strategy (a space-filling strategy) with the introduction of new elements in the algorithm and proves the improvement of the strategy’s performance with this. An interesting comparison is also presented in terms of operational efficiency and effectiveness between the enhanced-pixel strategy and conventional strategies.
Trade-offs in stakeholder theory: an ordonomic perspective
Authors: Pies Ingo , Valentinov Vladislav
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Stakeholder theory understands business in terms of relationships among stakeholders whose interests are mainly joint but may be occasionally conflicting. In the latter case, managers may need to make trade-offs between these interests. The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of managerial decision-making about these trade-offs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the ordonomic approach which sees business life to be rife with social dilemmas and locates the role of stakeholders in harnessing or resolving these dilemmas through engagement in rule-finding and rule-setting processes.

Findings

The ordonomic approach suggests that stakeholder interests trade-offs ought to be neither ignored nor avoided, but rather embraced and welcomed as an opportunity for bringing to fruition the joint interest of stakeholders in playing a better game of business. Stakeholders are shown to bear responsibility for overcoming the perceived trade-offs through the institutional management of social dilemmas.

Originality/value

For many stakeholder theorists, the nature of managerial decision-making about trade-offs between conflicting stakeholder interests and the nature of trade-offs themselves have been a long-standing point of contention. The paper shows that trade-offs may be useful for the value creation process and explicitly discusses managerial strategies for dealing with them.
Unveiling the path to sustainable quality 4.0 implementation in organisations: insights from an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Swarnakar Vikas , McDermott Olivia , Sony Michael , Bhat Shreeranga , Antony Jiju
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the challenges and opportunities that organisations face in implementing Quality 4.0 as an approach to quality management and investigate the current state of Quality 4.0 implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative research methodology to interview senior managers from globally based manufacturing and service industries.

Findings

The study explicates that most organisations implemented Quality 4.0 to improve their flexibility, efficiency, transparency and productivity while focusing on improving service quality, customer satisfaction and reducing cost. In terms of sustainability of Quality 4.0 the key factors found were a consistent effort from the top management, continuous training to employees, building leadership quality and creating a habit of using Quality 4.0.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer useful guidance to organisations desirous of implementing Quality 4.0. In addition, the findings have identified key sustainability factors, helping organisations ensure a successful implementation and long-term returns from Quality 4.0.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge related to Quality 4.0 and help organisations in their digital transformation journey. In addition, it is one of the first studies to investigate the key factors for Quality 4.0 sustainability.
Investigation of failure behavior of glass fiber reinforced epoxy laminate under fatigue loading
Authors: Gupta Akash , Singh Manjeet
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the failure behavior of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (GFRE) laminate subjected to cyclic loading conditions. It involves experimental investigation and statistical analysis using Weibull distribution to characterize the failure behavior of the GFRE composite laminate.

Design/methodology/approach

Fatigue tests were conducted using a tension–tension loading scheme at a frequency of 2 Hz and a loading ratio (R) of 0.1. The tests were performed at five different stress levels, corresponding to 50%–90% of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Failure behavior was assessed through cyclic stress-strain hysteresis plots, dynamic modulus behavior and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of fracture surfaces.

Findings

The study identified common modes of failure, including fiber pullouts, fiber breakage and matrix cracking. At low stress levels, fiber breakage, matrix cracking and fiber pullouts occurred due to high shear stresses at the fiber–matrix interface. Conversely, at high stress levels, fiber breakage and matrix cracking predominated. Higher stress levels led to larger stress-strain hysteresis loops, indicating increased energy dissipation during cyclic loading. High stress levels were associated with a more significant decrease in stiffness over time, implying a shorter fatigue life, while lower stress levels resulted in a gradual decline in stiffness, leading to extended fatigue life.

Originality/value

This study makes a valuable contribution to understanding fatigue behavior under tension–tension loading conditions, coupled with an in-depth analysis of the failure mechanism in GFRE composite laminate at different stress levels. The fatigue behavior is scrutinized through stress-strain hysteresis plots and dynamic modulus versus normalized cycles plots. Furthermore, the characterization of the failure mechanism is enhanced by using SEM imaging of fractured specimens. The Weibull distribution approach is used to obtain a reliable estimate of fatigue life.
Endocrine and metabolic comorbidities in primary cicatricial alopecia: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Yu Da‐Ae , Kim Seong Rae , Cho Soo Ick , Kwon Ohsang
Published: December 2023

Primary cicatricial alopecia (PCA) is a rare, scarring, hair loss disorder. Due to its low incidence, little is known about endocrine and metabolic comorbidities in patients with PCA. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between PCA and endocrine and metabolic disorders. This nationwide, population‐based, cross‐sectional study included patients diagnosed with PCA or non‐cicatricial alopecia (NCA) and normal individuals without history of alopecia registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2020. We calculated the odds ratios of endocrine and metabolic comorbidities of patients with PCA compared to all patients or age‐ and sex‐matched patients with NCA or normal individuals using multivariable logistic regression models. A total of 3 021 483 individuals (mean age [SD], 38.7 [15.0] years, 1 607 380 [53.2%] men), including 11 956 patients with PCA, 601 852 patients with NCA, and 2 407 675 normal participants, were identified. Patients with PCA had an increased risk for dyslipidemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.24), diabetes (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24–1.53), and hypertension (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.19) compared to matched patients with NCA. Regarding PCA subtypes, lichen planopilaris/frontal fibrosing alopecia was positively associated with hypothyroidism (aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.44–2.86) compared to NCA. Folliculitis decalvans and dissecting cellulitis were positively associated with dyslipidemia (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05–1.28 and aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.29, respectively), diabetes (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20–1.58 and aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.32–1.74, respectively), and hypertension (aOR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00–1.20 and aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27, respectively). Similar trends were observed when each PCA subgroup was compared with the normal control group. This study demonstrates that patients with PCA are more likely to have endocrine and metabolic comorbidities than patients without PCA. Further research on these comorbidities may improve the understanding of PCA.
An overview of edible foams in food and modern cuisine: Destabilization and stabilization mechanisms and applications
Authors: Hu Xiangfang , Meng Zong
Published: December 2023

Foam, as a structured multi‐scale colloidal system, is becoming increasingly popular in food because it gives a series of unique textures, structures, and appearances to foods while maintaining clean labels. Recently, developing green and healthy food‐grade foaming agents, improving the stability of edible foams, and exploring the application of foam structures and new foaming agents have been the focus of foam systems. This review comprehensively introduces the destabilization mechanisms of foam and summarizes the main mechanisms controlling the foam stability and progress of different food‐grade materials (small‐molecular surfactants, biopolymers, and edible Pickering particles). Furthermore, the classic foam systems in food and modern cuisine, their applications, developments, and challenges are also underlined. Natural small‐molecular surfactants, novel plant/microalgae proteins, and edible colloidal particles are the research hotspots of high‐efficiency food‐grade foam stabilizers. They have apparent differences in foam stability mechanisms, and each exerts its advantages. However, the development of foam stabilizers remains to be enriched compared with emulsions. Food foams are diverse and widely used, bringing unique enjoyment and benefit to consumers regarding sense, innovation, and health attributes. In addition to industrial inflatable foods, the foam foods in molecular gastronomy are also worthy of exploration. Moreover, edible foams may have greater potential in structured food design, 3D/4D printing, and controlled flavor release in the future. This review will provide a reference for the efficient development of functional inflatable foods and the advancement of foam technologies in modern cuisine.
“Eat Enough”—A nurse‐led intervention to enhance hospitalized older adults’ protein and energy nutrition
Authors: Brunner Silvia , Müller‐Staub Maria , Mayer Hanna
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To develop an intervention enhancing hospitalized older adults’ nutrition.

Methods

For the first time, a mixed‐methods design with data triangulation was applied according to the six‐step model of Corry et al. to elaborate on a complex nursing intervention in the form of a logic model. Patients who were aged ≥80 years and hospitalized for at least 5 days were included. Sample size for quantitative practice analysis was 135 older adults, whereas 22 older inpatients participated in interviews and observations for needs analysis and generated data for key principles.

Findings

The intervention “Eat Enough” encompasses nursing team culture and comprises six actionable targets to deliver needs‐based support and reach required protein and energy intake for hospitalized older adults by sensitizing nurses and the interprofessional team. Facilitating nutritional intake would be supported by an advanced practice nurse who considers the medical and nursing care plan and therapy.

Conclusions

The intervention “Eat Enough” demonstrates that nurses play a key role in interprofessional teams to enhance older adults’ nutrition in hospital. The pipeline model displays how the actionable targets can be achieved, and how awareness raising can influence the context—leading to raised calories and protein requirement coverages and shorter length of stay.

Implications for clinical practice

By identifying risk factors of malnutrition and strengthening nurses’ responsibilities, the intervention “Eat Enough” could significantly enhance nutrition among hospitalized older adults. However, the logic model should be tested and implemented in future research.
Trioxidized cysteine in the aging proteome mimics the structural dynamics and interactome of phosphorylated serine
Authors: Sánchez Milán Jose Antonio , Fernández‐Rhodes María , Guo Xue , Mulet María , Ngan SoFong Cam , Iyappan Ranjith , Katoueezadeh Maryam , Sze Siu Kwan , Serra Aida , Gallart‐Palau Xavier
Published: December 2023

Aging is the primary risk factor for the development of numerous human chronic diseases. On a molecular level, it significantly impacts the regulation of protein modifications, leading to the accumulation of degenerative protein modifications (DPMs) such as aberrant serine phosphorylation (p‐Ser) and trioxidized cysteine (t‐Cys) within the proteome. The altered p‐Ser is linked to abnormal cell signaling, while the accumulation of t‐Cys is associated with chronic diseases induced by oxidative stress. Despite this, the potential cross‐effects and functional interplay between these two critical molecular factors of aging remain undisclosed. This study analyzes the aging proteome of wild‐type C57BL/6NTac mice over 2 years using advanced proteomics and bioinformatics. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of how t‐Cys affects cell signaling and protein structure in the aging process. The results obtained indicate that t‐Cys residues accumulate in the aging proteome, interact with p‐Ser interacting enzymes, as validated in vitro, and alter their structures similarly to p‐Ser. These findings have significant implications for understanding the interplay of oxidative stress and phosphorylation in the aging process. Additionally, they open new venues for further research on the role(s) of these protein modifications in various human chronic diseases and aging, wherein exacerbated oxidation and aberrant phosphorylation are implicated.
Effects of maternal modafinil treatment on fetal development and neonatal growth parameters — a multicenter case series of the European Network of Teratology Information Services (ENTIS)
Authors: Onken Marlies , Lohse Lukas , Coulm Bénédicte , Beghin Delphine , Richardson Jonathan L. , Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Aguilera Cristina , Bosch Montserrat , Cassina Matteo , Chouchana Laurent , De Santis Marco , Duman Mine Kadioglu , Gören M. Zafer , Johnson Diana , Bera Annie Pierre Jonville , Kaplan Yusuf C. , Kennedy Debra , Kwok Susan , Lacroix Isabelle , Lepelley Marion , Pistelli Alessandra , Schaefer Christof , Te Winkel Bernke , Uysal Nusret , Winterfeld Ursula , Yakuwa Naho , Diav‐Citrin Orna , Vial Thierry , Dathe Katarina
Published: December 2023

Objective

In recent years, safety concerns about modafinil exposure during pregnancy have emerged. In particular, increased risks for major congenital anomalies (MCA) and impaired fetal growth were reported, although study results were conflicting. Our investigation aims to examine previously reported safety signals.

Method

Multicenter case series based on data from 18 Teratology Information Services from 12 countries. Modafinil exposed pregnancies with an estimated date of birth before August 2019 were included in this study. For prospectively ascertained pregnancies, cumulative incidences of pregnancy outcomes, rate of nonchromosomal MCA in first trimester exposed pregnancies and percentiles of neonatal/infant weight and head circumference (HC) were calculated. Potential dose‐dependent effects on fetal growth were explored by linear regression models. Retrospectively ascertained cases were screened for pattern of MCA and other adverse events.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐five prospectively ascertained cases were included, of which 173 were exposed at least during the first trimester. Cumulative incidences for live birth, spontaneous abortion and elective termination of pregnancy were 76.9% (95% CI, 68.0%–84.8%), 9.3% (95% CI, 5.0%–16.9%), and 13.9% (95% CI, 8.1%–23.1%), respectively. Nonchromosomal MCA was present in 3/150 live births, corresponding to an MCA rate of 2.0% (95%CI, 0.6%–6.1%), none were reported in pregnancy losses. Compared to reference standards, birth weight (BW) tended to be lower and neonatal HC to be smaller in exposed newborns (data available for 144 and 73 of 153 live births, respectively). In nonadjusted linear regression models, each 100 mg increase of average dosage per pregnancy day was associated with a decrease in standard deviation score (SDS) of −0.28 SDS (95% CI, −0.45 to −0.10) for BW and of −0.28 SDS (95% CI, −0.56 to 0.01) for HC. Screening of 22 retrospectively reported cases did not reveal any specific pattern of MCA or other adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

The results do not indicate an increased risk of MCA after in utero exposure to modafinil, but a tendency toward lower BW and reduced neonatal HC. However, these findings should be regarded as preliminary. Until further studies allow for a definite conclusion, modafinil should not be used during pregnancy.
“Government by Inspection”: Australian Rule in the “Forgotten West” of the Territory of Papua and New Guinea, 1960–73
Authors: Leben William
Published: December 2023

Australian rule in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea (TPNG) was conducted in large part by a system of patrol officers, the “kiaps”. This article examines rule‐by‐kiap in the two remote, westernmost districts of the late‐Territory (Western and West Sepik) between 1960 and 1973, drawing upon archival sources and interviews with former officers. Australian colonial rule in these districts should be understood as “government by inspection”. The extension of infrastructures of access and the conduct of the census were dominant preoccupations of the Administration, and demonstrations of force were routine. Rule‐by‐kiap was characteristic of much of TPNG across the years of Australian rule but persisted later in these remote districts, due to their late consolidation under the control of the colonial state. Accordingly, longstanding preoccupations such as the census became linked to new imperatives, such as the conduct of elections.
Carcass, visceral organ, and meat quality properties of two broiler hybrids differing in growth rates
Authors: Akyüz Hilal Çapar , Onbaşılar Esin Ebru
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to determine the carcass, visceral organ, and meat properties according to the sex in slow growing broilers (SGB) and fast growing broilers (FGB). Six broilers from each genotype and sex group were slaughtered every week. It was determined that the difference between SGB and FGB in terms of carcass yield occurred at the highest level at 5 weeks and this difference continued until the age of 10 weeks. The weight percentages of all visceral organs examined in FGB were lower than in SGB. Higher values of pH, lightness, and cooking loss ​​were determined in breast and thigh meat of FGB compared with SGB (P < 0.05). The effects of genotype on protein levels of breast and leg meats were found to be insignificant. The fat level in breast meat was insignificant between genotypes after the fifth week of fattening period. There was no difference between the sexes regarding meat quality in both genotypes. When FGB and SGB were reared under the intensive conditions for 10 weeks, it was observed that visceral organs developed in harmony with body weight, especially in SGB during the 10 weeks of fattening period and SGB maintained their superiority in terms of meat quality.
Rituximab with standard LMB chemotherapy in pediatric high‐risk mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the JPLSG B‐NHL14 trial
Authors: Mori Tetsuya , Osumi Tomoo , Kada Akiko , Ohki Kentaro , Koga Yuhki , Fukano Reiji , Fujita Naoto , Mitsui Tetsuo , Mori Takeshi , Saito Akiko M. , Nakazawa Atsuko , Kobayashi Ryoji , Sekimizu Masahiro
Published: December 2023

Background

The benefit of adding rituximab to standard lymphomes malins B (LMB) chemotherapy for children with high‐risk mature B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) has previously been demonstrated in an international randomized phase III trial, to which the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group could not participate.

Methods

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in combination with LMB chemotherapy in Japanese patients, we conducted a single‐arm multicenter trial.

Results

In this study, 45 patients were enrolled between April 2016 and September 2018. A total of 33 (73.3%), 5 (11.1%), and 6 (13.3%) patients had Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, and aggressive mature B‐NHL, not otherwise specified, respectively. Ten (22.2%) and 21 (46.7%) patients had central nervous system disease and leukemic disease, respectively. The median follow‐up period was 47.5 months. Three‐year event‐free survival and overall survival were 97.7% (95% confidence interval, 84.9–99.7) and 100%, respectively. The only event was relapse, which occurred in a patient with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Seven patients (15.6%) developed Grade 4 or higher non‐hematologic adverse events. Febrile neutropenia was the most frequent Grade 3 or higher adverse event after the pre‐phase treatment, with a frequency of 54.5%.

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety of rituximab in combination with LMB chemotherapy in children with high‐risk mature B‐NHL was observed in Japan.
Guatemala soil organic carbon database (GTMSOC)
Authors: Vásquez Alan , Varón‐Ramírez Viviana Marcela , Tobías Hugo , Guevara Mario
Published: December 2023

Studies on soil organic carbon stocks (SOCS) are increasingly relevant to developing efficient mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change. Reliable information on soil organic carbon (SOC) content, bulk density (BD), and coarse fragments (CF) are required for precise SOCS calculation. The data quality of SOCS‐related variables is important to represent SOCS realistically across different levels of disturbance in the terrestrial ecosystems of Guatemala. The main objective is to develop Guatemala's first national SOC database to support studies of SOCS magnitudes and spatial trends. We identified and collected national sources of variables related to SOCS (SOC, BD, CF) across the country, mainly distributed in the central zone dominated by disturbed ecosystems and agricultural territories. We integrated 910 observations (soil samples and soil profiles) of SOC content (range 1.45–162 g·kg−1), 704 of BD (range 0.42–1.69 g·cm−3), and 8 of CFs (0%–21% weight). This new database represents the edaphic, climatic, and land use variability of Guatemalan territory. The database contains soil observations collected from 1965 to 2010. The year 2010 has the majority of soil observations (41%). SOCS‐related variables are standardized at 0–30 centimetres of depth using mass conservative splines, which are used to represent SOCS and soil depth relationships. We provide new information on SOCS across various ecological and environmental conditions to enable SOC monitoring systems to report reliable and accurate estimates. The new database is appealing for scientific and commercial purposes, such as representing Guatemalan soils in Earth system models or using soil information in the ecosystem services market (e.g., carbon markets). The new database is accessible to all users through the platform of the Environmental Data Initiative https://doi.org/10.6073/pasta/8dd15238c604c3ac75daf985548bd05c.
Profit‐with‐purpose corporations: Why purpose needs law and why it matters for management
Authors: Segrestin Blanche , Levillain Kevin
Published: December 2023

In this contribution, we present the recent reform of corporate law in France (2017–2019) and discuss its implication at two levels. So far, “purpose” was mainly a managerial concept, and most efforts to make corporations responsible have not changed the legal constitution of the corporation. By contrast, the French reform first revises corporate law and introduces the purpose in the constitution of the corporation; it thus prompts a reexamination of former approaches of the purpose of the corporation. Second, with its two components, a duty of vigilance and the possibility for any company to become “société à mission,” it brings into corporate law some principles to manage the future corporate activities. We argue that it is based on a conceptualization of management that deeply differs from traditional legal representations of management. We show that this shift calls for new research at the intersection of law and management.
Recruitment regime shifts and nonstationarity are widespread phenomena in harvestable stocks experiencing pronounced climate fluctuations
Authors: Ma Shuyang , Huse Geir , Ono Kotaro , Nash Richard D. M. , Sandø Anne Britt , Nedreaas Kjell , Sætre Hjøllo Solfrid , Sundby Svein , Clegg Tom , Vølstad Jon Helge , Kjesbu Olav Sigurd
Published: December 2023

Methods to reliably identify jump discontinuities in biological time series and to assess the specific contribution of various covariates are rapidly progressing. Here, we took advantage of these statistical improvements as well as those seen in complementary, down‐scaled climate and biogeochemical models to investigate causes of the substantial interannual variability observed in recruitment strength in hindcast analyses. This systematic meta‐analysis included 23 data‐rich, commercially valuable, warm‐ and cold‐temperate stocks in the North, Norwegian and Barents Seas. Since this study focuses on recruitment strength variability, we have used the term “recruitment regime shift” to distinguish from the concept of ecosystem regime shift. The breakpoint analysis revealed that the former criterion applied to more than half of the time series, mainly with respect to North Sea stocks but also to those in the Norwegian Sea. The exploratory analysis using vcGAM indicated that 1–3 shifts per stock were real, when using five drivers spanning spawning stock biomass to large‐scale climatic processes. Thus, non‐stationary relationships were extensively prevalent, indicating that each stock is uniquely adapted to its locally varying conditions. Outputs from the stationary GAM resembled those from the vcGAM but not after the threshold year. In‐depth case studies showed that the proxy of a given driver for the process which was to be included should be critically considered in a spatiotemporal context. Furthermore, the stock‐specific uncertainty associated with the given recruitment figures as such should also be an in‐built component of the model construct and thereby in the evaluation of the output.
Soil phosphorus cycling across a 100‐year deforestation chronosequence in the Amazon rainforest
Authors: Xu Suwei , Gu Chunhao , Rodrigues Jorge L. M. , Li Chongyang , Bohannan Brendan , Nüsslein Klaus , Margenot Andrew J.
Published: December 2023

Deforestation of tropical rainforests is a major land use change that alters terrestrial biogeochemical cycling at local to global scales. Deforestation and subsequent reforestation are likely to impact soil phosphorus (P) cycling, which in P‐limited ecosystems such as the Amazon basin has implications for long‐term productivity. We used a 100‐year replicated observational chronosequence of primary forest conversion to pasture, as well as a 13‐year‐old secondary forest, to test land use change and duration effects on soil P dynamics in the Amazon basin. By combining sequential extraction and P K‐edge X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy with soil phosphatase activity assays, we assessed pools and process rates of P cycling in surface soils (0–10 cm depth). Deforestation caused increases in total P (135–398 mg kg−1), total organic P (Po) (19–168 mg kg−1), and total inorganic P (Pi) (30–113 mg kg−1) fractions in surface soils with pasture age, with concomitant increases in Pi fractions corroborated by sequential fractionation and XANES spectroscopy. Soil non‐labile Po (10–148 mg kg−1) increased disproportionately compared to labile Po (from 4–5 to 7–13 mg kg−1). Soil phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase binding affinity (Km) decreased while the specificity constant (Ka) increased by 83%–159% in 39–100y pastures. Soil P pools and process rates reverted to magnitudes similar to primary forests within 13 years of pasture abandonment. However, the relatively short but representative pre‐abandonment pasture duration of our secondary forest may not have entailed significant deforestation effects on soil P cycling, highlighting the need to consider both pasture duration and reforestation age in evaluations of Amazon land use legacies. Although the space‐for‐time substitution design can entail variation in the initial soil P pools due to atmospheric P deposition, soil properties, and/or primary forest growth, the trend of P pools and process rates with pasture age still provides valuable insights.
Tongue pressure during swallowing is an independent risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in middle‐aged and older hospitalized patients: An observational study
Authors: Chen Yen‐Chin , Ku En‐Ni , Lin Che‐Wei , Tsai Pei‐Fang , Wang Jiun‐Ling , Yen Yu‐Fen , Ko Nai‐Ying , Ko Wen‐Chieh , Lee Nan‐Yao
Published: December 2023

Aim

To evaluate oral frailty features present in hospitalized older patients with aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

We enrolled hospitalized patients aged ≥50 years and classified them into three groups: the community‐acquired, aspiration, and non‐community‐acquired pneumonia groups. Oral frailty was defined as meeting three or more criteria from the following: choking, and decreased occlusal force, masticatory function, tongue–lip motor function, tongue pressure, and tongue pressure during swallowing.

Results

Of 168 patients enrolled, the incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 23.9% (17/71) in patients admitted with pneumonia as the primary diagnosis. The occlusal force and masticatory function were significantly poorer and tongue pressure and tongue pressure during swallowing were significantly lower in the aspiration pneumonia group than in the other two groups. A higher number of chronic comorbidities, poor oral health, and lower tongue pressure during swallowing were significantly associated with aspiration pneumonia. A tongue pressure during swallowing of <10.32 kPa might be a cutoff point for predicting the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusions

Hospitalized patients aged ≥50 years with multiple comorbidities, poor oral hygiene, and oral frailty during swallowing are at a higher risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, especially when their tongue pressure during swallowing is <10.32 kPa. Aspiration pneumonia is a preventable disease. Healthcare professionals should incorporate tongue pressure measurements or other screening tools into routine clinical practice to facilitate the early detection of this condition and intervention. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 351–357.
Improving properties of platelet‐rich fibrin scaffold with tannic acid for wound healing
Authors: Haghparast‐Kenarsari Tahereh , Abdouss Majid , Heidari Keshel Saeed , Heshmatipour Zoheir , Rahimi Azam , Biazar Esmaeil
Published: December 2023

Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), which is the rich source of growth factors, has been used as an efficient scaffold in tissue engineering and wound healing. In this study, tannic acid as a green cross‐linker with different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 5% and 10%) was used to improve the properties of PRF. The cross‐linked gel scaffolds were evaluated by analyses such as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, swelling and degradation, mechanical strength, cell toxicity, cell adhesion and antibacterial test. The results showed that the scaffold structure changes by increasing cross‐linker concentration. The swelling rate decreased from 49% to 5% for the samples without the cross‐linker and with tannic acid (10%), respectively. The degradation percentage for the cross‐linked samples was 8%, which showed a lower degradation rate than the non‐cross‐linked samples (63%). The mechanical strength of the scaffold with the cross‐linker increased up to three times (Young's modulus for the non‐cross linked and the cross‐linked samples: 0.01 and 0.6 MPa, respectively). Cytotoxicity was not observed up to 10% cross‐linker concentration. The cells proliferated well on the cross‐linked scaffolds and also showed a good antibacterial effect. In general, tannic acid can improve the physical and mechanical properties of PRF without negatively affecting its biological properties.
Assessing postoperative wound infection rates in ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation versus conventional surgery for varicose veins
Authors: Wu Jiawen , Lu Wei , Cheng Guobing , Hu Qiang , Jiang Buping , Liao Sheng
Published: December 2023

Varicose veins are the prevalent vascular disorder that has conventionally been managed via risky postoperative wound infections and conventional surgery. While ultrasound‐guided microwave ablation (UMA) has gained attention as a minimally invasive alternative, there is still a lack of research examining its comparative effectiveness. A prospective comparative investigation was undertaken in the Zhejiang region of China from January to November 2023, involving 140 patients who had received the diagnosis of primary varicose veins. An equal number of 70 patients underwent UMA and conventional surgery. Exclusion criteria for the study encompassed adult patients aged 18–65, with the exception of those who had undergone prior venous surgery, deep vein thrombosis or peripheral arterial disease. The demographical characteristics, procedural details and complication profiles of patients who developed postoperative wound infections within 30 days were analysed statistically. The outcomes demonstrated that postoperative wound infections were significantly diminished (5.7%) with UMA in comparison to conventional surgery (17.1%). In addition, the average duration of procedures and length of hospital stay for UMA patients were both reduced, although neither of these differences was found to be statistically significant (p > 0.05). Infection management, age and gender distribution of varicose veins were comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). A significant inverse correlation was observed between the severity of varicose veins and postoperative outcomes, as determined by the regression analysis (p < 0.05). Using UMA to treat varicose veins showed promise as an alternative to conventional surgery, specifically in minimizing the incidence of postoperative wound infections. Additional research and clinical consideration are needed regarding the potential transition toward minimally invasive techniques in treatment of varicose veins, as suggested by these results.
Gender‐based learning and behavioural differences in an educational social media platform
Authors: Theophilou Emily , Hernández‐Leo Davinia , Gómez Vicenç
Published: December 2023

Background

Gender differences in the use of educational environments and social media platforms have been a topic of interest in research. Several studies have examined the disparities between female and male participants in terms of participation, engagement, and motivations in either educational or social media platforms. On this end, this study proceeds to explore gender disparities in an innovative educational environment that sees the incorporation of an educational component within a simulated social media environment.

Objectives

Driven by a dual objective, this study aims to first investigate the impact of gender on skills development in an educational social media platform, and second, to explore the behavioural differences between female and male adolescents social interactions within the platform.

Methods

The study involved 142 high school students in Barcelona and utilised an ad‐hoc questionnaire to assess students' skills. To explore students' behaviour within the platform, actions such as likes, comments, publishing, visiting profiles, and viewing images, were recorded using the Experience API.

Results and Conclusions

Our study's findings indicate that both female and male students benefited from the intervention implemented within the educational social media platform. Moreover, the results revealed distinct interaction patterns between female and male participants. These findings provide valuable insights into how adolescents of different genders interact within an educational social media platform. Additionally, the design principles outlined in this study can inform the development of future educational social media interventions that effectively engage the preferences of both genders.
Effectiveness and tolerance ofmulticorrectivetopical treatment for infraorbital dark circles and puffiness
Authors: Rajabi‐Estarabadi Ali , Hartman Corey L. , Iglesia Sofia , Kononov Tatiana , Zahr Alisar S.
Published: December 2023

Background

Treatment of infraorbital dark circles and under‐eye puffiness is challenging due to its multifactorial nature and lack of broadly applicable, effective treatments. A daily skincare treatment option that is multimodal, effective, and tolerable across a broad patient population is an unmet need.

Aim

A multicorrective topical eye cream (MTEC) formulated with Tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate (vitamin C), prebioticInula Helenium, bioavailable peptides, botanical extracts, chrysin, and caffeine is hypothesized to improve the appearance of infraorbital dark circles and under‐eye puffiness by targeting microvasculature congestion and permeability, melanin accumulation and hemoglobin degradation‐related pigmentation, and skin health.

Methods

An IRB approved, open‐label, 12‐week clinical study set out to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the MTEC across a broad patient population including varying ethnicities and Fitzpatrick Skin Types (FST). Female subjects (n = 40) ages 35–60 years old, with moderate‐to‐severe under‐eye dark circles, moderate under‐eye puffiness, and mild‐to‐moderate fine lines were enrolled into the study. Objective (Chromameter, VISIA® imaging, and Laser Doppler) and subjective assessments (clinical grading and self‐assessment questionnaire) were conducted at baseline and post‐baseline timepoints.

Results

Thirty‐seven subjects completed the study, and the MTEC efficaciously demonstrated short‐term and long‐term improvements in objective and subjective assessments across a broad patient population. Specifically, the MTEC demonstrated significant improvement of infraorbital dark circles, mainly by the reduction in microvasculature congestion and permeability, melanin, and hemoglobin degradation‐related pigmentation.

Conclusion

Topical application of the MTEC may offer an effective and tolerable treatment option for infraorbital dark circles and puffiness.
Foreign Exchange Fixings and Returns around the Clock
Authors: KROHN INGOMAR , MUELLER PHILIPPE , WHELAN PAUL
Published: December 2023

The U.S. dollar appreciates in the run‐up to foreign exchange (FX) fixes and depreciates thereafter, tracing a W‐shaped return pattern around the clock. Return reversals for the top nine traded currencies over a 21‐year period are pervasive and highly statistically significant, and they imply daily swings of more than one billion U.S. dollars based on spot volumes. Using natural experiments, we document the existence of a published reference rate determines the timing of intraday return reversals. We present evidence consistent with an inventory risk explanation whereby FX dealers intermediate unconditional demand for U.S. dollars at the fixes.
Seeking the identity of an enigmatic moss by embracing phylogenomics
Authors: Aguado‐Ramsay Pablo , Villaverde Tamara , Garilleti Ricardo , Burleigh J. Gordon , McDaniel Stuart F. , Flagmeier Maren , Nieuwkoop Jurgen , van der Pluijm Arno , Hans Florian , Lara Francisco , Draper Isabel
Published: December 2023

Currently, a wide range of genomic techniques is available at a relatively affordable price. However, not all of them have been equally explored in bryophyte systematics. In the present study, we apply next‐generation sequencing to identify samples that cannot be assigned to a taxon by morphological analysis or by Sanger sequencing methods. These samples correspond to a moss with an enigmatic morphology that has been found throughout Western Europe over the last two decades. They exhibit several anomalies in the gametophyte and, on the rare occasions that they appear, also in the sporophyte. The most significant alterations are related to the shape of the leaves. Morphologically, all specimens correspond to mosses of the genus Lewinskya, and the least modified samples are potentially attributable to the Lewinskya affinis complex. Specimen identifications were first attempted using up to seven molecular markers with no satisfactory results. Thus, we employed data generated from targeted enrichment using the GoFlag 408 flagellate land plant probe set to elucidate their identity. Our results demonstrate that all the enigmatic samples correspond to a single species, L. affinis s.str. This approach provided the necessary resolution to confidently identify these challenging samples and may be a powerful tool for similar cases, especially in bryophytes.