bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earnings management, key audit matters and audit report readability
Authors: Chen Tsung-Kang , Hung Yu-Shun , Tseng Yijie , Hsiao Kan-Yi
Published: September 2024

Purpose

According to the management obfuscation hypothesis, managers have incentives to influence the audit reports’ communicative value. This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate earnings management and the readability of Chinese-text audit reports and the impact of key audit matter (KAM) disclosure requirements on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts Taiwanese firms from 2010 to 2019 to investigate the association between earnings management and readability of Chinese-text audit reports within the framework of the KAM disclosure requirements implemented in 2016.

Findings

The findings show that auditors tend to issue less readable audit reports to firms undertaking earnings management, particularly after introducing KAM disclosures. Additional analyses indicate that such adverse impacts of client earnings management on audit report readability have become more pronounced for firms audited by a newly pointed or long-tenure lead audit partner, with high business risk, poor monitoring of governance mechanisms or a large amount of nonaudit services. These results suggest that auditor partners may compromise auditor independence and use flexible narratives in audit reports as a form of moral insurance.

Practical implications

As auditors may manage audit report readability to reduce audit liability, authorities must formulate policies concerning audit report disclosure to strengthen its communicative value and simplify language usage. Additionally, authorities should strengthen quality control standards concerning auditor independence to reduce auditor pressure from clients’ economic importance.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable insights into auditors' responses to corporate earnings management behavior, particularly regarding the interplay between earnings management, audit report quality and regulatory changes, thus expanding our understanding of the dynamics within the auditing profession.
Synthesis of imino methyl-etherified amino resin by one-step two-stage catalysis and its application in high solid content coating
Authors: Yang Xingbing , Wang Xinye , Li Wei , Zhang Tingting , Yan Mengmeng , Fu Xue
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to study the direct synthesis of imino methyl ether amino resin using commercially available formaldehyde, melamine and methanol through one-step two-stage catalysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, melamine undergoes a reaction with formaldehyde to form hydroxylmethylation melamine in a basic setting. Subsequently, hydrochloric acid is incorporated to facilitate the etherification process. The study delves into the impact of various factors during the etherification phase, including the quantity of methanol, the temperature at which etherification occurs, the number of etherification cycles and the amount of catalyst used, on the synthesis of imino methyl-etherified amino resins. Ultimately, the most favorable conditions for etherification are identified through comparative analysis to evaluate the resulting synthesized products.

Findings

The methyl-etherified amino resin, characterized by a stable structure and consistent performance, was efficiently synthesized through a one-step, two-stage catalytic process. Optimal conditions for the etherification stage were determined to be a reaction temperature of 35°C, a melamine to methanol ratio of 1:24 and an addition of hydrochloric acid ranging from 2.2 mL to 2.5 mL. Remarkably, the resulting resin notably enhanced the water resistance, salt resistance and gloss of the canned iron printing varnish coatings.

Originality/value

Amino resins, known for their broad applications across numerous industries, face sustainability and operational efficiency hurdles when produced through traditional methods, which predominantly involve the use of a 37% formaldehyde solution. To tackle these issues, our research introduces an innovative method that add 37% formaldehyde to facilitate industrial production. The use of 37% liquid formaldehyde in this paper has two benefits: first, it is convenient for industrial application and production; Second, it is convenient to provide mild reaction conditions at lower concentrations because the amino group is relatively active, which is convenient for the preservation of the amino group and integrates it with a one-step, two-stage catalytic process. The primary objective of our study is threefold: to reduce the environmental footprint of amino resin synthesis, to optimize the use of resources and to improve the economic viability for its large-scale production. By employing this new strategy, we try to provide a more sustainable and efficient manufacturing process for amino resins.
Exploring mechanical behavior at interfaces of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) deposits on wrought Inconel 718: an indentation-based approach
Authors: Shrivastava Abhishek , S. Anand Kumar , Rao Samrat
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study used an indentation-based mechanical testing framework for the mechanical characterization of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) processed Inconel 718 on a wrought Inconel 718 substrate. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the effectiveness of the indentation-based approach for localized mechanical evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The LPBF-processed wrought substrate was sectioned into three sections for microstructural and mechanical characterization. A 3D heat source model was used for the thermal analysis of the interface region. The developed interface region is probed using the Knoop hardness indenter in different orientations to determine the textural anisotropy and mechanical behavior of the region.

Findings

LPBF process develops a melted interface zone (MIZ) at the deposition-substrate interface. The MIZ exhibited a coarse grain structure region along with a larger primary dendritic arm spacing (PDAS), signifying a slower cooling rate. FE modeling of the LPBF process reveals heat accumulation in the substrate along with intrinsic heat treatment (IHT) induced due to layer-wise processing. The obtained yield locus shows strong anisotropy in the deposition region, whereas reduced anisotropy with a nearly uniform ellipse locus for the MIZ regions. This reduced anisotropy is attributable to IHT and heat accumulation in the substrate.

Originality/value

An alternative localized mechanical characterization tool has been investigated in this work. The approach proved sensitive to thermal variations during LPBF processing in an isolated region which extends its suitability to variable geometry parts. Moreover, the approach could serve as a screening tool for parts made from dissimilar metals.
Environmental and ecological drivers of eye size variation in a freshwater predator: A trade‐off between foraging and predation risk
Authors: Andersson Matilda L. , Scharnweber Kristin , Eklöv Peter
Published: September 2024

Variations in the size and shape of the eye have been observed in many species of fish. As eye size is positively related to visual acuity, larger eyes should favour foraging and detection of predators.

However, few studies have examined the variation in eye morphology in relation to the complexity of lake conditions, including environmental perturbation and spatial variation in predation and competition. Such tests are especially important as the degrading of the visual climate is expected due to climate change, where browning, turbidity and variations in structural complexity should set different demands for visual acuity of foraging fish under predation risk.

In this study, we tested the variation of the eye size among 667 individuals of an aquatic predator perch, Perca fluviatilis, from littoral and pelagic habitats of 14 lakes. We used Secchi depth to assess the effects of the visual climate of our lake systems, as fish foraging is highly related to visual conditions, and studied eye size variation in relation to the contribution of the pelagic resources to an individual's diet and the risk of predation.

Secchi depth, the pelagic contribution to the diet and the percentage of piscivores had significant effects on eye size.

These variable outcomes suggest that the lake environment in terms of visual climate, predation landscape and diet are major factors of eye size variation in this generalist predator. As many fish species trade off foraging against predation risk, future studies will show whether the complexity of intra‐ and interspecific interactions contribute to the variation in eye size in freshwater fish.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
A Mixed‐Methods Exploration of the Implementation of Policies That Earmarked Taxes for Behavioral Health
Authors: STADNICK NICOLE A. , GEREMIA CARRIE , MAURI AMANDA I. , SWANSON KERA , WYNECOOP MEGAN , PURTLE JONATHAN
Published: September 2024

Policy Points

Earmarked tax policies for behavioral health are perceived as having positive impacts related to increasing flexible funding, suggesting benefits to expand this financing approach.

Implementation challenges related to these earmarked taxes included tax base volatility that impedes long‐term service delivery planning and inequities in the distribution of tax revenue.

Recommendations for designing or revising earmarked tax policies include developing clear guidelines and support systems to manage the administrative aspects of earmarked tax programs, cocreating reporting and oversight structures with system and service delivery agents, and selecting revenue streams that are relatively stable across years.

Context

Over 200 cities and counties in the United States have implemented policies earmarking tax revenue for behavioral health services. This mixed‐methods study was conducted with the aim of characterizing perceptions of the impacts of these earmarked tax policies, strengths and weaknesses of tax policy designs, and factors that influence decision making about how tax revenue is allocated for services.

Methods

Study data came from surveys completed by 274 officials involved in behavioral health earmarked tax policy implementation and 37 interviews with officials in a sample of jurisdictions with these taxes—California (n = 16), Washington (n = 12), Colorado (n = 6), and Iowa (n = 3). Interviews primarily explored perceptions of the advantages and drawbacks of the earmarked tax, perceptions of tax policy design, and factors influencing decisions about revenue allocation.

Findings

A total of 83% of respondents strongly agreed that it was better to have the tax than not, 73.2% strongly agreed that the tax increased flexibility to address complex behavioral health needs, and 65.1% strongly agreed that the tax increased the number of people served by evidence‐based practices. Only 43.3%, however, strongly agreed that it was easy to satisfy tax‐reporting requirements. Interviews revealed that the taxes enabled funding for services and implementation supports, such as training in the delivery of evidence‐based practices, and supplemented mainstream funding sources (e.g., Medicaid). However, some interviewees also reported challenges related to volatility of funding, inequities in the distribution of tax revenue, and, in some cases, administratively burdensome tax reporting. Decisions about tax revenue allocation were influenced by goals such as reducing behavioral health care inequities, being responsive to community needs, addressing constraints of mainstream funding sources, and, to a lesser degree, supporting services considered to be evidence based.

Conclusions

Earmarked taxes are a promising financing strategy to improve access to, and quality of, behavioral health services by supplementing mainstream state and federal financing.
Impact of foreign direct investment on methane emissions in agriculture: An empirical evidence based on Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Pilo Mikémina , Gbegnon Komlan Olakossan
Published: September 2024

The issue of greenhouse gas emissions from foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to fuel debate in the climate change mitigation literature. Some support the pollution halo hypothesis while others emphasize on the pollution haven hypothesis. Thus, the overall objective of this research is to analyze the effect of agricultural foreign direct investment on methane emissions in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The data for the study are from several sources, mainly FAOSTAT, WDI, and Chin‐Ito Index. For econometric estimations, Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) model is applied to unbalanced panel data and the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) is used for robustness check. The results indicate that increasing agricultural foreign direct investment by 1% increases methane emissions by 3.30% in Sub‐Saharan Africa, thus confirming the pollution haven hypothesis. Consequently, the move toward the Paris Agreement is proving to be delicate in an increasing agricultural FDI context. Thus, the integration of climate change mitigation strategies into the business plans of foreign agricultural investors is strongly recommended in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
Source population and time spent in captivity affect survival and reproduction of long‐distance translocated northern bobwhites
Authors: Schmidt A. , Beane G. , Martin J. A.
Published: September 2024

Northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) have become a species of great conservation priority because of widespread and ongoing population declines. Long‐distance translocations are becoming increasingly used to access a source population with densities high enough to support translocation. Two key uncertainties exist regarding the efficacy of long‐distance translocations: choosing a source population with adaptations that will be successful in a novel environment and mitigating the stress response common during the translocation process. We translocated bobwhites from the South Texas Plains and the Floridian Coastal Plain to a recipient site in the Floridian Coastal Plain in 2021 and 2022 to compare the survival and productivity of bobwhites translocated from two different source populations. We also evaluated how varying holding times during the translocation process influenced the success of the translocated individuals. Breeding season survival, nest propensity and fecundity were greater for Florida resident and Florida translocated bobwhites relative to Texas translocated bobwhites. We observed high rates of mortality during the transport and holding processes, but holding time did not affect breeding season survival of Texas translocated bobwhites. Both nest success and fecundity of Texas translocated bobwhites were negatively affected by holding time. Bobwhites translocated long distances may have the adaptive capacity to be successful in novel environments, but the consequences of translocation stress can be detrimental. Future translocation planning should consider choosing source populations from similar ecoregions to simultaneously decrease translocation distances and potential stress from translocation.
Five‐year neurodevelopmental assessment of extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight infants: Association with school performance
Authors: Wiingreen Rikke , Greisen Gorm , Esbjørn Barbara Hoff , Løkkegaard Ellen C. L. , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Sørensen Kathrine Kold , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Hansen Bo Mølholm
Published: September 2024

Aim

We investigated the associations between motor performance and IQ at 5 years of age and school difficulties and grade point averages (GPAs) at 18 years of age. Additionally, the accuracy of preschool IQ in predicting school difficulties was examined.

Methods

A nationwide follow‐up study of children born in 1994–1995 who were <28 weeks of gestation or had a birthweight <1000 g. The Danish personal identification number was used to merge data from a national cohort study with population‐based registries. Logistic regression analyses examined the associations between motor performance/IQ and school difficulties. Linear regression analyses and the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) were used to examine the relationship between IQ and GPAs.

Results

The study population comprised 248 children, 37% were classified with school difficulties. Motor performance and IQ were associated with school difficulties. The odds of having school difficulties increased as IQ decreased, and the same pattern was observed for GPAs. IQ predicted school difficulties, with an AUC of 0.80 (confidence interval: 0.74–0.86).

Conclusion

Preschool motor performance and IQ were associated with school difficulties. Additionally, IQ was linked to GPAs. As a screening tool, the predictive ability of preschool IQ for academic difficulties was moderate/high in this cohort.
Recent trends in hospital admission due to bipolar disorder in 10–19‐year‐olds in Spain: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: López‐Cuadrado Teresa , Susser Ezra , Martínez‐Alés Gonzalo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) hospitalization rates in children and adolescents vary greatly across place and over time. There are no population‐based studies on youth BD hospitalizations in Spain.

Methods

We identified all patients aged 10–19 hospitalized due to BD in Spain between 2000 and 2021, examined their demographic and clinical characteristics, and assessed temporal trends in hospitalizations – overall and stratified by age and presence of additional psychiatric comorbidity. We used Joinpoint regressions to identify inflection points and quantify whole‐period and annual percentage changes (APCs) in trends.

Results

Of 4770 BD hospitalizations in 10–19‐year‐olds between 2000 and 2021 (average annual rate: 4.8 per 100,000), over half indicated an additional psychiatric comorbidity, most frequently substance abuse (62.2%), mostly due to cannabis (72.4%). During the study period, admissions increased twofold with an inflection point: Rates increased annually only between 2000 and 2008, for APCs 34.0% (95% confidence interval: 20.0%, 71.1%) among 10–14‐year‐olds, 10.3% (6.4%, 14.3%) among 15–19‐year‐olds, and 15.5% (11.5%, 22.7%) among patients with additional psychiatric comorbidity. Between 2009 and 2021, rates decreased moderately among 10–14‐year‐olds – APC: −8.3% (−14.1%, −4.4%) and slightly among 15–19‐year‐olds without additional psychiatric comorbidity – APC: −2.6(−5.7, −1.0), remaining largely stable among 15–19‐year‐olds overall.

Conclusions

Recent trends in hospitalization due to BD in 10–19‐year‐olds in Spain indicate salient increases in the early 2000s – especially among (i) patients aged 10–14 (decreasing moderately after 2009 among 10–14‐year‐olds and plateauing among 15–19‐year‐olds) and (ii) patients with additional psychiatric comorbidity (i.e., cannabis use disorder). These findings suggest links with recent changes in clinical practices for children and recent trends in substance use among Spanish youth.
Schwann cell transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ortholog in zebrafish larvae mediates chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Bellantoni Elisa , Marini Matilde , Chieca Martina , Gabellini Chiara , Crapanzano Erica Lucia , Souza Monteiro de Araujo Daniel , Nosi Daniele , Roschi Lorenzo , Landini Lorenzo , De Siena Gaetano , Pensieri Pasquale , Mastricci Alessandra , Scuffi Irene , Geppetti Pierangelo , Nassini Romina , De Logu Francesco
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

The oxidant sensor transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel expressed by Schwann cells (SCs) has recently been implicated in several models of neuropathic pain in rodents. Here we investigate whether the pro‐algesic function of Schwann cell TRPA1 is not limited to mammals by exploring the role of TRPA1 in a model of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in zebrafish larvae.

Experimental Approach

We used zebrafish larvae and a mouse model to test oxaliplatin‐evoked nociceptive behaviours. We also performed a TRPA1 selective silencing in Schwann cells both in zebrafish larvae and mice to study their contribution in oxaliplatin‐induced CIPN model.

Key Results

We found that zebrafish larvae and zebrafish TRPA1 (zTRPA1)‐transfected HEK293T cells respond to reactive oxygen species (ROS) with nociceptive behaviours and intracellular calcium increases, respectively. TRPA1 was found to be co‐expressed with the Schwann cell marker, SOX10, in zebrafish larvae. Oxaliplatin caused nociceptive behaviours in zebrafish larvae that were attenuated by a TRPA1 antagonist and a ROS scavenger. Oxaliplatin failed to produce mechanical allodynia in mice with Schwann cell TRPA1 selective silencing (Plp1+‐Trpa1 mice). Comparable results were observed in zebrafish larvae where TRPA1 selective silencing in Schwann cells, using the specific Schwann cell promoter myelin basic protein (MBP), attenuated oxaliplatin‐evoked nociceptive behaviours.

Conclusion and Implications

These results indicate that the contribution of the oxidative stress/Schwann cell/TRPA1 pro‐allodynic pathway to neuropathic pain models seems to be conserved across the animal kingdom.
Federated learning‐driven dual blockchain for data sharing and reputation management in Internet of medical things
Authors: Gan Chenquan , Xiao Xinghai , Zhu Qingyi , Jain Deepak Kumar , Saini Akanksha , Hussain Amir
Published: September 2024

In the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), the vulnerability of federated learning (FL) to single points of failure, low‐quality nodes, and poisoning attacks necessitates innovative solutions. This article introduces a FL‐driven dual‐blockchain approach to address these challenges and improve data sharing and reputation management. Our approach comprises two blockchains: the Model Quality Blockchain (MQchain) and the Reputation Incentive Blockchain (RIchain). MQchain utilizes an enhanced Proof of Quality (PoQ) consensus algorithm to exclude low‐quality nodes from participating in aggregation, effectively mitigating single points of failure and poisoning attacks by leveraging node reputation and quality thresholds. In parallel, RIchain incorporates a reputation evaluation, incentive mechanism, and index query mechanism, allowing for rapid and comprehensive node evaluation, thus identifying high‐reputation nodes for MQchain. Security analysis confirms the theoretical soundness of the proposed method. Experimental evaluation using real medical datasets, specifically MedMNIST, demonstrates the remarkable resilience of our approach against attacks compared to three alternative methods.
Global change and premature hatching of aquatic embryos
Authors: Cowan Zara‐Louise , Green Leon , Clark Timothy D. , Blewett Tamzin A. , De Bonville Jeremy , Gagnon Thomas , Hoots Elizabeth , Kuchenmüller Luis , Leeuwis Robine H. J. , Navajas Acedo Joaquín , Rowsey Lauren E. , Scheuffele Hanna , Skeeles Michael Richard , Silva‐Garay Lorena , Jutfelt Fredrik , Binning Sandra A.
Published: September 2024

Anthropogenically induced changes to the natural world are increasingly exposing organisms to stimuli and stress beyond that to which they are adapted. In aquatic systems, it is thought that certain life stages are more vulnerable than others, with embryos being flagged as highly susceptible to environmental stressors. Interestingly, evidence from across a wide range of taxa suggests that aquatic embryos can hatch prematurely, potentially as an adaptive response to external stressors, despite the potential for individual costs linked with underdeveloped behavioural and/or physiological functions. However, surprisingly little research has investigated the prevalence, causes and consequences of premature hatching, and no compilation of the literature exists. Here, we review what is known about premature hatching in aquatic embryos and discuss how this phenomenon is likely to become exacerbated with anthropogenically induced global change. Specifically, we (1) review the mechanisms of hatching, including triggers for premature hatching in experimental and natural systems; (2) discuss the potential implications of premature hatching at different levels of biological organisation from individuals to ecosystems; and (3) outline knowledge gaps and future research directions for understanding the drivers and consequences of premature hatching. We found evidence that aquatic embryos can hatch prematurely in response to a broad range of abiotic (i.e. temperature, oxygen, toxicants, light, pH, salinity) and biotic (i.e. predators, pathogens) stressors. We also provide empirical evidence that premature hatching appears to be a common response to rapid thermal ramping across fish species. We argue that premature hatching represents a fascinating yet untapped area of study, and the phenomenon may provide some additional resilience to aquatic communities in the face of ongoing global change.
Prospects of pulsed electric fields technology in food preservation and processing applications from sensory and consumer perspectives
Authors: Lee Pui Yee , Leong Sze Ying , Oey Indrawati
Published: September 2024

Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology is emerging as a versatile and effective alternative to traditional thermal processing, adeptly meeting consumer demands for fresh, safe, tasty, nutritious, and sustainable food products. By applying high‐voltage electric pulses for microseconds to milliseconds, PEF achieves microbial inactivation with minimal thermal impact. Beyond preservation, PEF technology can be used as a pre‐treatment for raw food materials to modify their cell structure, thus facilitating the subsequent food processing steps. Although initially applied to liquid foods, PEF application has been expanded to a diverse range of food categories, including juices, wines, potatoes, meats, and freeze‐dried products. Each application of PEF involves specific process parameters, which significantly influence the product outcomes. This review discusses the application of PEF across various food categories, with a focus on its impact on sensory attributes under different settings. The discussion will mainly revolve current research gaps and proposes strategies to increase consumer acceptance of PEF‐treated products, along with approaches for effectively communicating the benefits of this novel processing technology. It was found that emphasising the sensory, nutritional, and shelf‐life benefits on product packaging, and highlighting its environmental‐friendly benefit can improve consumer acceptance of PEF‐treated products. Furthermore, educating industry practitioners about the advantages of PEF is crucial for its broader implementation in food manufacturing. The successful advancement of PEF technology hinges on collaboration efforts among technologists, industry experts, sensory, and consumer scientists.
Exploring the use of portable infrared spectroscopy as a quality assurance tool for the Australian Native/Traditional food industry: a case study on finger lime (Citrus australasica)
Authors: Nastasi Joseph Robert , Perry Keely Rose , Alagappan Shanmugam , Kolobaric Adam , King Jade Mia , Hoffman Eleanor W. , Fitzgerald Melissa A. , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: September 2024

Finger limes (Citrus australasica) are an Australian native and traditional food that are known for their caviar‐like pearls often referred to as “Citrus Caviar”. This study aimed to spectrally characterise finger lime varieties sourced across South‐East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The varieties investigated demonstrated a wide diversity in their phenotypic appearance; however, their infrared spectra were similar. The NIR spectra of the samples were collected using a portable instrument and the data analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression. Differences in the PCA score plot were observed associated with the different varieties analysed. The cross‐validation statistics obtained for the prediction of adulteration of finger with Tahitian lime were R2CV and SECV 0.96% and 7%, respectively (using 8 PLS factors), using PLS regression. This study demonstrated that a portable handheld NIR instrument is able to identify finger lime varieties using both whole fruits and the corresponding peel samples. This study also showed that NIR was able to identify the level of adulteration of finger lime with Tahitian lime.
Development of eco‐friendly PVA blended aloe vera rind CNC films and fumigation of essential oils: a novel approach to prolonging the shelf‐life of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Jangam Seshagiri Divyashree , Rajendra Abhishek Biswal , Sellamuthu Periyar Selvam , Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku
Published: September 2024

The white button mushroom is a significant vegan food with a limited shelf‐life. To prolong the shelf‐life of mushrooms, certain treatment must be implemented. The current investigation is involved in the development of biocomposite film (BCF) by employing cellulose nano crystal (CNC), dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The CNC extracted from aloe vera rind exhibited a sharp crystalline peak and rod‐shaped structures with a particle size of ~322.7 nm. Among the various concentrations of the CNC, incorporated in the BCF, the 8% CNC (BCF‐8%)‐loaded film showed the highest mechanical strength of ~166.73 MPa and a best crystallinity pattern. The study examined the synergistic impact of BCF along with neroli and palmarosa essential oil vapours, which effectively preserved the overall physiochemical properties and sensory characteristics of white button mushrooms for up to 8 days of storage. Hence, these innovative packaging systems are suitable substitute for the commercial food grade packaging to maintain the quality of mushrooms during postharvest storage.
Effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for managing obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis framed using minimal important difference estimates based on GRADE guidance to inform a clinical practice guideline
Authors: Wahi Gita , St‐Pierre Julie , Johnston Bradley C. , Fitzpatrick‐Lewis Donna , Usman Ali , Sherifali Diana , Merdad Roah , Esmaeilinezhad Zahra , Birken Catherine S. , Hamilton Jill , Henderson Mélanie , Moore Sarah A. , Ball Geoff D. C. , Morrison Katherine M. ,   the Steering Committee for Updating Canada's Clinical Practice Guideline for Managing Pediatric Obesity
Published: September 2024

Objective

To summarize the literature on pharmacotherapy for managing paediatric obesity.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with <18‐year‐olds of pharmacotherapeutic agents published up to November 2022. Estimates of effect for outcomes were presented relative to minimal important differences and GRADE certainty of evidence. We examined data on patient/proxy‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometry and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Overall, 35 RCTs were included. Trials examined metformin (n = 26), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) (n = 7) and a lipase inhibitor (orlistat; n = 2). Intervention duration varied (3−24 months). Metformin had little to no benefit on PROMs (e.g., health‐related quality of life [HRQoL]; 6 RCTs), moderate reductions in triglycerides, a moderate decline in insulin resistance, a small to moderate decline in BMI z‐score (BMIz) and a moderate increase in mild to moderate gastrointestinal AEs. Response to GLP1RAs was heterogeneous and results of subgroup analysis demonstrated variability of impact. Liraglutide (2 RCTs) resulted in a small reduction in HOMA‐IR and BMIz, but little to no benefit on other outcomes. Exenatide (4 RCTs) had a moderate reduction on blood pressure and a small decrease in BMIz with little to no benefit on other outcomes. Semaglutide (1 RCT) had a small benefit on HRQoL, a small reduction on SBP, a moderate reduction on total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol, a large reduction on triglyceride, and a very large decline in BMIz accompanied by a small increase in mild to moderate gastrointestinal AEs. Orlistat had a moderate reduction in DBP and little to no benefit in other outcomes measured, but had a very large increased risk of mild to moderate gastrointestinal AEs. Serious AEs were rare and for interventions with sufficent AE reporting, were considered not likely attributable to the interventions.

Conclusion

Few studies examined the impact of pharmacotherapy on PROMs. There is evidence that metformin and GLP1RAs lead to important improvements in cardiometabolic and anthropometric outcomes while accompanied by mild to moderate AEs. Long‐term effectiveness and safety of GLP1RAs remain to be evaluated.
Measurement of Psychological Resilience to Support Therapy Interventions for Clients in the Clinical Mental Healthcare Setting: A Scoping Review
Authors: Margetts Judye L. , Hazelton Michael , Santangelo Peter , Yorke Janelle , Wilson Rhonda L.
Published: September 2024

Waves of psychological research over 50 years have resulted in the development of scales to measure psychological resilience. Multiple psychological resilience definitions and factors have emerged during this time, making its measurement complex. The overall aim of the review was to identify and describe developments in the measurement of psychological resilience in the clinical mental healthcare setting. Specific objectives included (1) consideration of the validity and reliability of psychological resilience scales, (2) the effectiveness of the scales in clinical mental healthcare settings and (3) to identify the scope that resilience factors are addressed in the included scales. It provides a timely update regarding psychological resilience measurement tools and considers further developments that may be required. Between 2011 and 2024, databases were searched, and English‐language, peer‐reviewed papers with full text were extracted. Eligible studies were those reporting validated existing resilience measures or the outcomes of new measures for use in clinical mental healthcare settings. Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. The review demonstrated that psychological resilience measures require further development, particularly focusing on the utility of measurement tools in clinical mental healthcare settings. In this review, we highlight an existing gap in resilience measurement and underscore the need for a new measure of psychological resilience that can effectively assess individuals' subjective experience of their psychological resilience in clinical mental healthcare settings. The currently available psychological resilience measures included in this review do not directly reflect all the factors that might impact a client's depression or anxiety and warrant further research.
The Extended Social Network‐Oriented Support Model for Intimate Partner Violence Survivors
Authors: Davies Ryan L. , Rice Kylie , Rock Adam J.
Published: September 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) transcends cultural, social and economic boundaries, affecting countless individuals globally. Recovery for IPV survivors is supported by their social networks, yet the readiness of these networks is often poorly understood. This perspective paper proposes an extension to existing network‐oriented IPV support models by integrating a focus on the readiness and well‐being of informal supporters towards the goal of enhancing IPV survivor recovery through effective networks. This paper presents the extended social network‐oriented support model, incorporating the Informal Supporter Readiness Inventory. This tool assesses the readiness of informal supporters, incorporating factors, such as normative and individual beliefs about IPV, and context‐specific factors, to enable identification and targeted assistance where needed. Additionally, the proposed model emphasises the importance of supporting the well‐being of informal supporters, who frequently endure elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression. By integrating these elements, the extended social network‐oriented support model is designed to help professional supporters foster resilient and sustainable support networks for IPV survivors, with potential applicability across various healthcare disciplines. The extended model underscores the necessity of assessing and fostering both the readiness and well‐being of informal supporters to enhance the recovery journey for IPV survivors.
Biological Nitrogen Fixation for Sustainable Agriculture Development Under Climate Change–New Insights From a Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Ghafoor Abu Zar , Javed Hafiz Hassan , Karim Hassan , Studnicki Marcin , Ali Ijaz , Yue Hu , Xiao Peng , Asghar Muhammad Ahsan , Brock Christopher , Wu Yongcheng
Published: September 2024

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legume crops is a crucial ecosystem service that enhances soil nitrogen and reduces the need for chemical fertilisers. This study evaluates the factors influencing the proportion of plant nitrogen derived from atmospheric fixation (Ndfa) in legume crops. We compiled a global dataset spanning from 1980 to 2018 and used the 15N method to assess the impacts of crop species, climatic conditions, stand composition and nitrogen fertilisation on Ndfa. The global meta‐analysis reveals that the percentage of nitrogen derived from atmospheric fixation (Ndfa) in legumes ranges from 5% to 99%, with an average of 68%. Fodder legumes exhibited higher Ndfa, averaging 75%, while grain legumes showed more variability, ranging from 38% to 85%, depending on species and climatic conditions. The significant variability in Ndfa underscores the complexity of the process, which is influenced by species‐specific traits, ecological conditions and competition in mixed stands. However, the current data is insufficient for precise Ndfa estimation in nitrogen balances and decision support tools. The study highlights the need for further research on the impact of nitrogen fertilisation and stand composition on Ndfa. These findings emphasise the potential of BNF to support sustainable agriculture by improving nitrogen availability and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers and particularly susceptibility to climate change challenges. To optimise the benefits of BNF, future research should focus on refining fertilisation regimes and exploring species‐specific responses to various ecological conditions. Exploring adaptive strategies, like selecting drought‐tolerant legumes and optimising irrigation, is essential. This will enhance the application of BNF in diverse agricultural systems, contributing to more sustainable and efficient farming practices.
Everything Everywhere All at Once? Introducing a Field‐Theoretic Model for Party Politics in the European Union
Authors: Pittoors Gilles
Published: September 2024

The European Union (EU) is facing a democratic deficit, which scholars have argued political parties could help resolve. However, few have asked what model of party (system) is suitable for achieving this. To assume that the models of party politics used in the nation‐state context can simply be transposed to the European level would be mistaken. A new model is needed that theorises parties as genuine multilevel actors whose behaviour at the European level can only be understood by also appreciating national‐level dynamics, and vice versa. I argue that organisational field theory can help innovate the way we think about party democracy in the EU, introducing the European Multilevel Party Field. It is based on the understanding that European politics is ‘everything everywhere all at once’, with actors operating in permanent interdependence with others across levels and borders. This model helps capture more accurately the complex reality of European politics.
Considerations for defining and diagnosing generalized pustular psoriasis
Authors: Prajapati Vimal H. , Lynde Charles W. , Gooderham Melinda J. , Hong H. Chih‐ho , Kirchhof Mark G. , Lansang Perla , Ringuet Julien , Turchin Irina , Vender Ron , Yeung Jensen , Papp Kim A.
Published: September 2024

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic skin disease, characterized by widespread pustules and erythema, often accompanied with systemic signs and symptoms. GPP flares occur episodically but may be protracted. Left untreated, GPP can be life‐threatening. Despite being first reported over 100 years ago, definitions and diagnostic criteria for GPP have been inconsistent and varied due, in part, to its rarity and a limited understanding of its pathogenesis. As such, many patients with GPP face delays in diagnosis and subsequent treatment. This manuscript aims to increase the recognition of GPP and provide foundational considerations to aid in the definition and diagnosis of this disease.
Ontology of clinical practice guidelines for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Authors: Wang Yongbo , Ren Xiangying , Gao Kuang , Chen Mukun , Huang Qiao , Yan Siyu , Zhu Yan , Sun Xin , Chen Yaolong , Ge Long , Gu Jinguang , Gao Feng , Hu Wenbin , Hong Liang , Zhao Chen , Shang Hongcai , Jin Yinghui
Published: September 2024

Objective

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (TCM and WM) are important medical documents used to assist medical decision‐making and are of great significance for standardizing clinical pathways. However, due to the constraints of text format, it is difficult for Integrated TCM and WM CPGs to play a real role in medical practice. In addition, how to standardize the structure and semantic relationships between Integrated TCM and WM CPG knowledge, and realize the construction of computable, sharable and reliable CPGs, remains an urgent issue to be addressed. Therefore, we are proposing an ontology of CPGs for Integrated TCM and WM.

Methods

We first initialized domain concepts and relationships to ensure the accuracy of the ontology knowledge structure. We then screened CPGs that meet the standards for Integrated TCM and WM, analyzed and classified the contents, and extracted the common structures. Based on the seven‐step ontology construction method combined with inference‐complement, referring to the representation methods and hierarchical relationships of terms and concepts in MeSH, ICD‐10, SNOMED‐CT, and other ontologies and terminology sets, we formed the concept structure and semantic relationship tables for the ontology. We also achieved the matching and mapping between the ontology and reference ontologies and term sets. Next, we defined the aspects and constraints of properties, selected multiple Integrated TCM and WM CPGs as instances to populate, and used ontology reasoning tools and formulated defined inference rules to reason and extend the ontology. Finally, we evaluated the performance of the ontology.

Results

The content of the Integrated TCM and WM CPGs is divided into nine parts: basic information, background, development method, clinical question, recommendation, evidence, conclusion, result, and reason for recommendations. The Integrated TCM and WM CPG ontology has 152 classes and defines 90 object properties and 114 data properties, with a maximum classification depth of 4 layers. The terms of disease, drug and examination item names in the ontology have been standardized.

Conclusions

This study proposes an Integrated TCM and WM CPG ontology. The ontology adopts a modular design, which has both sharing and scaling ability, and can express rich guideline knowledge. It provides important support for the semantic processing and computational application of guideline documents.
Indoxacarb, cyantraniliprole, and Euborellia annulipes as options for integrated control of diamondback moth
Authors: Morato Renilson Pessoa , Nascimento Deividy Vicente do , Oliveira Gemerson Machado , Bermúdez Natalia Carolina , Lira Rogério , Torres Jorge Braz
Published: September 2024

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is responsible for extensive losses in brassicas' production, with its control heavily relying on the use of insecticides. The imbricated brassica's leaves on the stem provide a suitable habitat for the ring‐legged earwig, Euborellia annulipes (Lucas), to attack DBM larvae and pupae. The study focused on the combination of the earwig with indoxacarb and cyantraniliprole against DBM, as these insecticides target chewing and sucking sap pests infesting Brassica crops, respectively. These insecticides were tested against adult earwigs, 5th instar nymphs and predation upon DBM. When exposed to the recommended rates, the survival rates for nymphs were 74%, 100% and 96% in the cyantraniliprole, indoxacarb and control groups, respectively, and over 90% for adults. When 5th instar earwig nymphs were exposed to cyantraniliprole, they took 16.3 days to develop compared to indoxacarb (3.4 days) or the control group (3.2 days). Furthermore, females exposed to cyantraniliprole required more time to initiate oviposition and produced fewer eggs in the first egg batch. Despite that, the egg‐hatching rate was greater than 80% in all treatments. Female earwigs confined to indoxacarb‐ or cyantraniliprole‐treated or untreated leaves and DBM larvae maintained similar survival but lower consumption of DBM larvae when exposed to cyantraniliprole. The findings revealed that cyantraniliprole weakened the potential of the ring‐legged earwig to control DBM. On the other hand, indoxacarb was harmless to the earwig and showed additive mortality for the pest. Therefore, indoxacarb seems compatible with E. annulipes, while cyantraniliprole has a sublethal effect that slows down development and reproduction.
Immune response in diseased and healthy common carp exposed to carp edema virus
Authors: Machat Radek , Pojezdal Lubomir , Gebauer Jan , Tesarik Radek , Motlova Jitka , Palikova Miroslava , Faldyna Martin
Published: September 2024

The common carp is one of the most economically valuable freshwater fish worldwide and its aquaculture can be severely affected by the koi sleepy disease (KSD)/carp edema virus disease (CEVD). This study explores a natural outbreak of CEVD in a pond containing both clinically healthy and diseased fish of various origins exposed to the virus. We investigated mRNA expression of genes associated with known antiviral immune mechanisms, such as type I interferon signalling and cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, and performed a comprehensive protein expression analysis to highlight differences between the two groups in various organs. Significant differences in expression profiles of common carp with and without clinical signs were found to be strongly dependent on the organ from which the sample originated. Components of the complement cascade, including various C3 proteins, exhibited upregulation only in less affected organs, specifically the head kidney and spleen. Other complement proteins such as B/C2 and C9 showed upregulation in the kidney, spleen, and gills but not in the skin. Conversely, lysozymes C and G, were observed to be upregulated in the most affected organs of the skin and gills. This study submits the first description of the immune system related proteome using a mass spectrometry on the samples isolated from fish infected with CEV. It also offers a unique comparison of immune reaction of CEV infected and healthy fish under an infectious pressure.
Comment on: Hyponatremia–associated hospital visits are not reduced by early electrolyte testing in older adults starting antidepressants
Authors: Akkar Ilyas , Turgut Zeynep Iclal , Dogan Mustafa Hakan , Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal
Published: September 2024

See the related reply by Lane et al.