bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of hot corrosion behavior of Inconel 617 via machine learning
Authors: Rezaei Amir
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the feasibility of using machine learning in hot corrosion prediction of Inconel 617 alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

By examination of the experimental studies on hot corrosion of Inconel 617, a data set was built for machine learning models. Apart from the alloy composition, this paper included the condition of hot corrosion like time and temperature, and the composition of the saline medium as independent features, while the specific mass change is set as the target feature. In this paper, linear regression, random forest and XGBoost are used to predict the specific mass gain of Inconel 617.

Findings

XGBoost yields the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98, which was highest among models. Also, this model recorded the lowest value of mean absolute error (0.20). XGBoost had the best performance in predicting specific mass gain of the alloy in different times at temperature of 900°C. In sum, XGBoost shows highest accuracy in predicting specific mass gain for Inconel 617.

Originality/value

Using machine learning to predict hot corrosion in Inconel 617 marks a substantial progress in this domain and holds promise for simplifying the development and evaluation of novel materials featuring enhanced hot corrosion resilience.
Exploring the role of consumer ethnocentrism in predicting the purchase intention for locally produced organic food in an emerging market
Authors: Chaturvedi Pallavi , Agnihotri Durgesh , Tripathi Vikas
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The current study investigates the role of consumer ethnocentrism (CE) in the context of locally produced organic food. This research work further extends the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model by examining the mediating effect of extended TPB variables (ATT, SN, PBC, PV) between CE and PI for locally produced organic food.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from the visitors of two shopping malls situated in a large, heavily populated city of India using survey method. Further, two-step approach was applied to analyze the hypothesized model.

Findings

Findings indicate that CE is a substantial determinant of PI for locally produced organic food. Moreover, extended TPB mediates the relation between CE and PI for locally produced organic food.

Practical implications

Post Covid-19, market size of organic food is rapidly growing in India. In this regard, this study presents useful implications for the marketers of organic food for gaining better consumer insights to further develop appropriate marketing strategies.

Originality/value

CE has been found to be a useful predictor of their food attitudes. However, studies, investigating the role of CE in the context of sustainable food consumption, are scant. Moreover, studies exploring the mediating effect of extended TPB variables are also very limited.
Does openness of articles get higher attention in altmetric? An investigation of medical discipline
Authors: Mukherjee Simly , Nath Amit , Mazumder Jhantu , Jana Sibsankar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aimed to explore the presence of altmetric data across the sub-categories of the medical science discipline and also explore whether the openness of articles results in (dis)advantage for altmetrics mentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research implies data carpentry methods for gathering bibliographic data related to narrow fields of medical science discipline from the Scopus database with at least one Indian author affiliation during 2012–2021. The corresponding data were also collected from three different sources: Altmetric.com, Mendeley.com and Unpaywall.org, using OpenRefine and REST/API calls. Further, the authors observed open access altmetric advantages (OAAA) and categorical OAAA (COAAA) across seven altmetric platforms for all articles as well as discipline-wise.

Findings

The result shows that the overall coverage of altmetric events is still low, but it shows an increasing trend from the past. Mendeley has the largest coverage; almost 97.12% of publications are covered. The health policy discipline has extensive coverage across altmetric platforms (nearly 57.40% of publications in altmetrics and 99.23% in Mendeley), whereas the drug guides has the lowest (almost 0.92% in Altmetrics and 77.05% in Mendeley). Moreover, the OA articles have been highly covered in altmetrics than those of non-OA articles, and bronze OA articles covered mostly compared to others. News registered with the significant OA altmetric advantages across disciplines. Categorically, bronze and hybrid OA have the largest altmetric advantages.

Originality/value

This research is a unique attempt to apply OAAA and COAAA to explore OA altmetric advantages of narrow subject categories of medical science disciplines.
The status of women’s empowerment in the aquaculture sector in Kenya
Authors: Adam Rahma Isaack , Sufian Farha Deba , Njogu Lucy
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Women’s empowerment remains a key development challenge in Kenya. The purpose of this study is to attempt to understand the status of women’s empowerment and the key contributors to their disempowerment in Kenya’s aquaculture sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 534 male and female fish farmers from 300 households drawn from six counties in Kenya (Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Kiambu, Meru and Nyeri). The Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (A-WEAI) was adapted to Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Fisheries and Aquaculture Index (A-WEFI) to suit the aquaculture and fisheries sub-sector. The adapted A-WEFI was then used to estimate and the status of women’s and men’s using five domains of empowerment (5DE) and a gender parity index (GPI). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cramer’s V and sensitivity analysis as test statistics.

Findings

About 86% of the men and 80% of the women were classified as empowered. The mean score of the 5DE was 0.93 and 0.95 for women and men, respectively. In addition, 82% of the households achieved gender parity, suggesting that for such households, empowerment of men was no greater than that of women. Overall, the results suggest no major differences between the empowerment of women and men. Findings suggest areas of improvement in empowerment: when observed separately, women report lack of agency in production, resource, time-use and allocation and leadership.

Originality/value

This paper adapts the A-WEAI to the fisheries and aquaculture context, in bid to bridge the gap in standard women’s empowerment measurement methods in this area. Also, there are limited empirical studies on the multifaceted empowerment of women in aquaculture in Kenya. The findings are meant to serve as a point of reference for policymakers, as they develop gender-responsive intervention programmes, and in implementing gender mainstreaming in Kenya.
Climate change adaptation and mitigation at individual level: knowledge and attitudes among school teachers in Kalutara district
Authors: Rupasinghe Chintha Suranjalee , De Silva Weliange Shreenika
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Its impacts scatter through every stratum of society placing the marginalized clusters at the highest vulnerability and calling for action at all levels. Adaptation enhances resilience, whereas mitigation minimizes the anthropogenic forces of climate change; these are crucial initiatives for climate-resilient sustainable development. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitudes on climate change adaptation and mitigation at individual level and assess related factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive study is done to assess the knowledge and attitudes of school teachers in three educational zones of the Kalutara district using random cluster sampling. A self-administered questionnaire including 25 equally weighted questions to assess knowledge and 10 statements to assess attitudes was used.

Findings

The response rate was 98.8% [n = 618] and 23% of the study population had poor knowledge of climate change adaptation and mitigation at the individual level. Favorable attitudes were observed among more than 65% of participants for all the statements on climate change adaptation and mitigation. Average family income, working duration, involvement in school environmental societies and highest education qualification showed a significant positive association, whereas age and current grade had a significant negative association with good knowledge. The level of knowledge had no significant variation among male and female teachers.

Originality/value

Overall knowledge was poor among more than 20% of the teachers highlighting the need for school and community-based awareness programs to be implemented to address the issue.
Bounded rationality of prosecutorial decision-making in corporate fraud violations
Authors: Braaten Claire Nolasco , Tsai Lily Chi-Fang
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze corporate mail and wire fraud penalties, using bounded rationality in decision-making and assessing internal and external influences on prosecutorial choices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed 467 cases from 1992 to 2019, using data from the Corporate Prosecution Registry of the University of Virginia School of Law and Duke University School of Law. It examined corporations facing mail and wire fraud charges and other fraud crimes. Multiple regression linked predictor variables to the dependent variable, total payment.

Findings

The study found that corporate penalties tend to be lower for financial institutions or corporations in countries with US free trade agreements. Conversely, penalties are higher when the company is a U.S. public company or filed in districts with more pending criminal cases.

Originality/value

This study’s originality lies in applying the bounded rationality model to assess corporate prosecutorial decisions, unveiling external factors’ influence on corporate penalties.
Critical examination of academic marketing and service research’s philosophical foundation
Authors: Tronvoll Bård , Edvardsson Bo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The philosophical foundations determine how an academic discipline identifies, understands and analyzes phenomena. The choice of philosophical perspective is vital for both marketing and service research. This paper aims to propose a social and systemic perspective that addresses current challenges in service and marketing research by revisiting the philosophy of science debate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper revisits the philosophy of science debate to address the implications of an emergent, complex and adaptive view of marketing and service research. It draws on critical realism by combining structuration and systemic perspectives.

Findings

A recursive perspective, drawing on structures and action, is suggested as it includes multiple actors’ intentions and captures underlying drivers of market exchange as a basis for developing marketing and service strategies in practice. This is aligned with other scholars arguing for a more systemic, adaptive and complex view of markets in light of emerging streams in academic marketing and service research, ranging from value cocreation, effectuation, emergence and open source to empirical phenomena such as digitalization, robotization and the growth of international networks.

Research limitations/implications

The reciprocal dynamic between individuals and the overarching system provides a reflexivity approach intrinsic to the service ecosystem. This creates new avenues for research on marketing and service phenomena.

Originality/value

This paper discusses critics, conflicts and conceptualization in service research. It suggests a possible approach for service research and marketing scholars capable of responding to current complexities and turbulence in economic and societal contexts.
Impact of animal origin of milk, processing technology, type of product, and price on the Boursin cheese choice process: Insights of a discrete choice experiment and eye tracking
Authors: Tavares‐Filho Elson R. , Hidalgo Luiz G. S. , Lima Lilian M. , Spers Eduardo E. , Pimentel Tatiana C. , Esmerino Erick A. , Cruz Adriano G.
Published: November 2023

Boursin is a versatile semisoft cheese that can be made with different types of milk. While widely distributed in the European and North American markets, Boursin is produced to a limited extent in Brazil despite its commercial potential. This scenario encourages consumer‐oriented product development studies by facilitating data collection with less bias and fewer product preconceptions, thus favoring the investigation of technological aspects of commercial interest. This study evaluates Brazilians’ perceptions regarding different versions of Boursin cheese, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the factors related to choosing cheese. Four attributes related to cheese production were evaluated at three different levels using two discrete choice experiments: one with eye tracking (n = 20) and another without (n = 312). These attributes included “type of processing” (evaluating pasteurization, ohmic heating, and preparation with raw milk), “animal origin of milk” (cow, goat, or buffalo milk), “type of product” (traditional, light, and lactose‐free versions), and “price” (10.99, 13.99, and 16.99 BRL). Information regarding processing with ohmic heating did not affect the probability of Boursin being chosen, suggesting that consumers are open to using this emerging technology in Boursin cheese. However, information on being made with goat, buffalo, and raw milk negatively impacted the probability of choice, along with the price of 16.99 BRL. The frequency of cheese consumption and the level of health concerns also affected the probability of choosing the product.

Practical Application

Identifying the relationship between extrinsic attributes presented on the Boursin cheese label and the consumer's choice process can aid the communication process with the target audience and reveal how some technological issues of interest to manufacturers are perceived. This study indicates how information regarding the animal origin of the milk (cow, goat, and buffalo), the type of processing (pasteurization, ohmic heating, and raw milk), the version of the product (traditional, light, and lactose‐free), and the price affect the consumer choice process. The results provide insights that can be applied to product processing and designing labels.
Faecalibacterium duncaniae A2‐165 growth is strongly promoted by yeast extract and vitamin B5 in cGMP medium
Authors: Bircher Lea , Sourabié Alain M. , Paurevic Marijana , Hochuli Janina , Geirnaert Annelies , Navas Chloé , Drogue Benoît , Lacroix Christophe
Published: November 2023

Several gut microbial species within the Faecalibacterium genus have emerged as promising next‐generation probiotics (NGP) due to their multifunctional protective effects against gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. To enable clinical studies and further applications, improved methods for cultivating Faecalibacterium must be developed in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, which is complicated by its oxygen sensitivity and complex nutritional requirements. Different yeast‐based nutrients (YBNs), including yeast extracts (YEs) and yeast peptones (YPs), are ubiquitously used when cultivating microbes to supply a broad range of macro‐ and micronutrients. In this study, we evaluated six experimental YBNs, namely three YEs, two YPs and a yeast cell wall product (YCW), and eight B‐vitamins in the cultivation of Faecalibacterium duncaniae A2‐165, former Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, using growth assays in microtitre plates, dose‐effect studies in Hungate tube fermentations and fully controlled bioreactor experiments. We demonstrated that YEs promote F. duncaniae A2‐165 growth in a nutritionally limited medium, while YPs and YCW lacked essential growth factors for enabling cell propagation. High cell density was obtained in controlled bioreactors using a medium containing 2–4% of a selected YE and 1% casein peptone (3.4 ± 1.7 × 109–5.1 ± 1.3 × 109 cells mL−1). Among all tested B‐vitamins, we identified B5 as a strong growth promoter. Replacing casein peptone with YP and supplementing with vitamin B5 further increased biomass by approximately 50% (6.8 ± 1.7 × 109 cells mL−1). Hence, empirical selection of YE, YP and B5 allowed formulation of a high‐yielding animal allergen‐free nutritive medium to produce F. duncaniae A2‐165. Selecting nutritionally suitable YBNs and combining these with other key nutrients are important steps for optimizing production of NGP with high yields and lower cost.
Low human sperm motility coexists with sperm nuclear DNA damage and oxidative stress in semen
Authors: Gill Kamil , Machałowski Tomasz , Harasny Patryk , Grabowska Marta , Duchnik Ewa , Piasecka Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

Background

Low sperm motility, one of the common causes of male infertility, is associated with abnormal sperm quality. Currently, important sperm/semen biomarkers are sperm chromatin status and oxidation‒reduction potential (ORP) in semen. Because the association between sperm motility and these biomarkers is still not fully clarified, our study was designed to verify the distribution and risk of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) and oxidative stress in semen in asthenozoospermic men.

Materials and methods

This study was carried out on discharged sperm cells of asthenozoospermic men (isolated asthenozoospermia or coexisted with reduced sperm number and/or morphology), nonasthenozoospermic men (reduced total sperm count and/or sperm morphology) (experimental groups) and normozoospermic men (proven and presumed fertility) (control group). Basic semen analysis was evaluated according to the 6th edition of the World Health Organization manual guidelines. SDF was assessed using the sperm chromatin dispersion test, while static(s) ORP in semen was measured by means of a MiOXSYS analyser.

Results

The men from the asthenozoospermic group had lower basic semen parameters than those from the control and nonasthenozoospermic groups. In men with poor sperm motility SDF and sORP, prevalence and risk for > 20% SDF (high level of DNA damage) and for > 1.37 sORP (oxidative stress) were significantly higher than those of control and nonasthenozoospermic subjects. The risk for sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress in asthenozoospermic men was over 10‐fold higher and almost 6‐fold higher than those in control subjects and almost or over 3‐fold higher than those in nonasthenozoospermic men.

Conclusions and discussion

Poor human sperm motility coexisted with low basic sperm quality. Sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress in semen were much more frequent in asthenozoospermia. These abnormalities can decrease the sperm fertilizing capability under both natural and medically assisted reproduction conditions. Thus, in asthenozoospermia, the evaluation of sperm chromatin status and oxidation–reduction potential in semen is justified and inevitable, and the appropriate antioxidant therapy can be suggested.
Collective bargaining and power: Wage premium of collective agreements in Europe 2002–2018
Authors: Zwysen Wouter , Drahokoupil Jan
Published: November 2023

This article uses the European Structure of Earnings Survey to describe the evolution of collective bargaining coverage in European countries during 2002–2018 and how this affected the pay premium associated with being covered. Pay premia are an outcome of negotiations, reflecting the bargaining power on behalf of employees as well as the system of coverage, separately for the public and private sector. Descriptively, we show a decline in collective bargaining coverage linked to a general reduction in the pay differences. This hides much variation though. In a multivariate analysis of changes over time, we show that centrally bargained agreements are associated with larger pay premia if more people are covered and in countries and sectors with stronger trade unions. As this power declines over time, so do wage premia. At higher rates of coverage, there can be a spillover effect where wages for all workers increase, thereby reducing the premia.
Explaining and exploring the dynamics of parent–child interactions and children's causal reasoning at a children's museum exhibit
Authors: McHugh Sam R. , Callanan Maureen , Jaeger Garrett , Legare Cristine H. , Sobel David M.
Published: November 2023

This study examines how parents' and children's explanatory talk and exploratory behaviors support children's causal reasoning at a museum in San Jose, CA in 2017. One‐hundred‐nine parent–child dyads (3–6 years; 56 girls, 53 boys; 32 White, 9 Latino/Hispanic, 17 Asian‐American, 17 South Asian, 1 Pacific Islander, 26 mixed ethnicity, 7 unreported) played at an air flow exhibit with a nonobvious causal mechanism. Children's causal reasoning was probed afterward. The timing of parents' explanatory talk and exploratory behaviors was related to children's systematic exploration during play. Children's exploratory behavior, and parents' goal setting during play, were related to children's subsequent causal reasoning. These findings support the hypothesis that children's exploration is related to both internal learning processes and external social scaffolding.
Does early child negative emotionality moderate the association between maternal stimulation and academic readiness and achievement?
Authors: Collet Ophélie A. , Orri Massimiliano , Galéra Cédric , Pryor Laura , Boivin Michel , Tremblay Richard , Côté Sylvana
Published: November 2023

We investigated whether child temperament (negative emotionality, 5 months) moderated the association between maternal stimulation (5 months–2½ years) and academic readiness and achievement (vocabulary, mathematics, and reading). We applied structural equation modeling to the data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (N = 1121–1448; mostly Whites; 47% girls). Compared to children with low negative emotionality, those with high negative emotionality had higher levels of academic readiness (6 years) and mathematics achievement (7 years) when exposed to high levels of maternal stimulation (β = 3.17, p < .01 and β = 2.91, p < .01, respectively). The results support the differential susceptibility model whereby highly emotionally negative children were more susceptible to the influences of low and high levels of maternal stimulation in academic readiness and mathematics achievement's developments.
A neural circuit associated with anxiety‐like behaviors induced by chronic inflammatory pain and the anxiolytic effects of electroacupuncture
Authors: Wu Zemin , Shen Zui , Xu Yingling , Chen Shaozong , Xiao Siqi , Ye Jiayu , Zhang Haiyan , Ma Xinyi , Zhu Yichen , Zhu Xixiao , Jiang Yongliang , Fang Junfan , Liu Boyi , He Xiaofen , Gao Shuzhong , Shao Xiaomei , Liu Jinggen , Fang Jianqiao
Published: November 2023

Aims

Negative emotions induced by chronic pain are a serious clinical problem. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a clinically proven safe and effective method to manage pain‐related negative emotions. However, the circuit mechanisms underlying the effect of EA treatment on negative emotions remain unclear.

Methods

Plantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was performed to establish a rat model of chronic inflammatory pain‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) tracing was used to identify excitatory synaptic transmission from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Employing chemogenetic approaches, we examined the role of the rACC‐DRN circuit in chronic pain‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors and investigated whether EA could reverse chronic pain‐induced dysfunctions of the rACC‐DRN circuit and anxiety‐like behaviors.

Results

We found that chemogenetic activation of the rACC‐DRN circuit alleviated CFA‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors, while chemogenetic inhibition of the rACC‐DRN circuit resulted in short‐term CFA‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors. Further research revealed that the development of CFA‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors was attributed to the dysfunction of rACC CaMKII neurons projecting to DRN serotonergic neurons (rACCCaMKII‐DRN5‐HT neurons) but not rACC CaMKII neurons projecting to DRN GABAergic neurons (rACCCaMKII‐DRNGABA neurons). This is supported by the findings that chemogenetic activation of the rACCCaMKII‐DRN5‐HT circuit alleviates anxiety‐like behaviors in rats with chronic pain, whereas neither chemogenetic inhibition nor chemogenetic activation of the rACCCaMKII‐DRNGABA circuit altered CFA chronic pain‐evoked anxiety‐like behaviors in rats. More importantly, we found that EA could reverse chronic pain‐induced changes in the activity of rACC CaMKII neurons and DRN 5‐HTergic neurons and that chemogenetic inhibition of the rACCCaMKII‐DRN5‐HT circuit blocked the therapeutic effects of EA on chronic pain‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the reversal of rACCCaMKII‐DRN5‐HT circuit dysfunction may be a mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of EA on chronic pain‐induced anxiety‐like behaviors.
Distinct alterations of retinal structure between thalamic and extra‐thalamic subcortical infarction patients: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study
Authors: Pan Ruosu , Ye Chen , Zhang Zhimeng , Kwapong William Robert , Wang Ruilin , Lu Kun , Liao Lanhua , Yan Yuying , Yang Tang , Cao Le , Jiang Shuai , Zhang Xuening , Liu Junfeng , Tao Wendan , Wu Bo
Published: November 2023

Aims

Cerebrovascular lesions in the primary visual cortex, the lateral geniculate nucleus, and the optic tract have been associated with retinal neurodegeneration via the retrograde degeneration (RD) mechanism. We aimed to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the effects of the strategic single subcortical infarction (SSI) location on retinal neurodegeneration and its longitudinal impacts.

Methods

Patients with SSI were enrolled and stratified by lesion location on cerebral MRI into the thalamic infarction group and extra‐thalamic infarction group. Healthy controls from the native communities were also recruited. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were quantified using OCT. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used for cross‐sectional analyses and linear mixed models for longitudinal analyses. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We included a total of 283 eyes from 149 SSI patients. Of these, 115 eyes of 60 patients with follow‐up were included in the longitudinal analyses. Cross‐sectionally, thalamic‐infarction patients had reduced retinal thickness compared with extra‐thalamic infarction patients after adjustment for age, gender, disease duration, and vascular risk factors (p = 0.026 for RNFL, and p = 0.026 for GCIPL). Longitudinally, SSI patients showed greater retinal thinning compared with healthy controls over time (p = 0.040 for RNFL, and p < 0.001 for GCIPL), and thalamic infarction patients exhibited faster rates of GCIPL thinning in comparison with extra‐thalamic infarction patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a distinct effect of subcortical infarction lesion site on the retina both at the early stage of disease and at the 1‐year follow‐up time. These results present evidence of significant associations between strategic infarction locations and retinal neurodegeneration. It may provide novel insights for further research on RD in stroke patients and ultimately facilitate individualized recovery therapeutic strategy.
Efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight loss in overweight or obese adults without diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis including the 2‐year STEP 5 trial
Authors: Qin Wenhui , Yang Jun , Deng Chao , Ruan Qinjuan , Duan Kai
Published: November 2023

Aim

To explore the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous semaglutide 2.4 mg, administered once a week in non‐diabetic overweight or obese individuals.

Methods

A thorough search was performed of various databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, CNKI and Wanfang from their inception up to April 11, 2023. Our aim was to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of semaglutide administered once weekly with placebo in overweight or obese adults. Through a review of the literature, data were extracted from relevant studies and assessed for quality, and a meta‐analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software.

Results

Six RCTs comprising 3962 overweight or obese individuals were identified. The findings indicated that, in comparison to the placebo group, semaglutide caused a significant and sustainable reduction in the percentage of body weight (BW; mean difference [MD]: −11.80% [95% confidence interval {CI} −12.93, −10.68]; P < 0.00001) as well as a decrease in absolute BW (MD: −12.2 kg [95% CI −13.3, −11.1]; P < 0.00001), body mass index (MD: −4.5 kg/m2 [95% CI −4.9, −4.1]; P < 0.00001) and waist circumference (MD:−9.4 cm [95% CI −10.1, −8.8]; P < 0.00001). Moreover, it achieved a higher proportion of patients who experienced weight loss exceeding 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Furthermore, semaglutide showed significant efficacy in controlling blood pressure, blood sugar levels, C‐reactive protein levels, and lipid profiles. In terms of safety, the most common adverse effects following semaglutide treatment were gastrointestinal adverse reactions (risk ratio: 1.49 [95% CI 1.38, 1.60]; P < 0.00001), which were generally mild to moderate in severity and temporary.

Conclusion

In overweight or obese non‐diabetic individuals, semaglutide had a remarkable and sustained weight loss effect that was well tolerated and safe.
When populists deliver on their promises: the electoral effects of a large cash transfer programme in Poland
Authors: Gromadzki Jan , Sałach Katarzyna , Brzeziński Michał
Published: November 2023

We estimate the effects of the introduction of a large cash transfer programme on support for the ruling populist party in Poland. We exploit the variation at the municipal level in the annual cash transfer amount received per capita, and use a difference‐in‐differences research design to study the electoral effects of the transfer. Our results show that a cash transfer amount of $100 per capita translated into an increase in the vote share for the ruling party of nearly two percentage points. One‐third of additional votes came from new voters coming off the sidelines, and the remaining electoral gains were due to voters who had previously voted for other parties. The effects of the programme are persistent, as we see no decrease in the magnitude of effects seven years after the introduction.
Shipping in the London coal trade, 1700‒1860
Authors: Solar Peter M. , Dunn Oliver Buxton , Kane Aidan
Published: November 2023

Evidence from more than 40 000 voyages shows that labour productivity growth for sailing ships in the London coal trade was rapid but quite irregular between 1700 and 1860. These granular data permit us to examine various dimensions of change, showing that ships made more voyages per year, had smaller crews, carried more coal per ship ton and had longer working lives. Some changes resulted from what happened on land rather than on the sea, notably a marked reduction in the seasonality of trade as wagonways were built in the northeast in the early eighteenth century and a pronounced dip in voyages per year due to congestion in the port of London during the 1830s and 1840s, partly caused by the operation of the coal cartel. These results for the coal trade suggest that shipping, being neither spectacularly modern nor doggedly traditional, made a respectable contribution to British economic growth.
Testing the selective sequestration hypothesis: Monarch butterflies preferentially sequester plant defences that are less toxic to themselves while maintaining potency to others
Authors: Agrawal Anurag A. , Hastings Amy P. , Duplais Christophe
Published: November 2023

Herbivores that sequester toxins are thought to have cracked the code of plant defences. Nonetheless, coevolutionary theory predicts that plants should evolve toxic variants that also negatively impact specialists. We propose and test the selective sequestration hypothesis, that specialists preferentially sequester compounds that are less toxic to themselves while maintaining toxicity to enemies. Using chemically distinct plants, we show that monarch butterflies sequester only a subset of cardenolides from milkweed leaves that are less potent against their target enzyme (Na+/K+‐ATPase) compared to several dominant cardenolides from leaves. However, sequestered compounds remain highly potent against sensitive Na+/K+‐ATPases found in most predators. We confirmed this differential toxicity with mixtures of purified cardenolides from leaves and butterflies. The genetic basis of monarch adaptation to sequestered cardenolides was also confirmed with transgenic Drosophila that were CRISPR‐edited with the monarch's Na+/K+‐ATPase. Thus, the monarch's selective sequestration appears to reduce self‐harm while maintaining protection from enemies.
Insights from the past: Invasion trajectory and niche trends of a global freshwater invader
Authors: Guareschi S. , Cancellario T. , Oficialdegui F. J. , Clavero M.
Published: November 2023

Freshwater ecosystems are invaded by a non‐random selection of taxa, among which crayfish stand out with successful examples worldwide. Species distribution models (SDMs) have been used to detect suitable areas for invasive species and predict their potential distributions. However, these prediction exercises assume the stability of realized environmental niches, which is uncertain during invasion. Worldwide evaluations involving cosmopolitan invaders may be particularly useful but have seldom been considered. Focusing on the successful invasion history of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, we assessed its geographic expansion and niche trends over time. Based on global occurrences from 1854 to 2022, multiple sequential SDMs have been implemented based on a set of bioclimatic variables. The environmental suitability for each period was projected through to the next period(s) using an ensemble procedure of commonly used SDM algorithms. As the records of the species are known, it was possible to check whether the modelling projections were concordant with the observed expansion of red swamp crayfish at a global scale. This also permitted analysis of its realized niche, and its dynamics, during different expansion phases. SDM maps based on past species records showed concordance with the known crayfish distributions and yielded similar spatial patterns with outputs overperforming random combinations of cells in term of suitability. The results also reflect the stability of the species niche, which despite some expansions during the invasion process, changed little in terms of main position in functional space over time. SDMs developed in the early stages of invasion provide useful insights but also tend to underpredict the potential range compared to models that were built for later stages. Our approach can be easily transferable to other well‐documented taxa and represents valuable evidence for validating the use of SDMs, considering a highly dynamic world where biogeographical barriers are often bypassed.
Environmental factors controlling biochar climate change mitigation potential in British Columbia's agricultural soils
Authors: Lefebvre David , Cornelis Jean‐Thomas , Meersmans Jeroen , Edgar Jack , Hamilton Morgan , Bi Xiaotao
Published: November 2023

To combat climate change, carbon dioxide must be prevented from entering the atmosphere or even removed from it. Biochar is one potential practice to sequester carbon, but its climate change mitigation potential depends on a multitude of parameters. Differentiating areas of low and high climate change mitigation through biochar addition is key to maximize its potential and effectively use the available feedstock for its production. This study models the realistic application of 1 metric tonne (t) per hectare (ha) of forest harvest residue derived biochar over the climatically and pedologically diverse agricultural area of British Columbia, Canada, and provides a framework and assumptions for reproducibility in other parts of the world. The model accounts for the direct (input of organic carbon) and indirect (enhanced plant biomass) effects of biochar on soil organic carbon stock, its impact on nitrous oxide emissions from soils, and the avoided emissions from the reduced lime requirement due to biochar's alkalinization potential. Impacts are modelled over 20‐year time horizon to account for the duration and magnitude variation over time of biochar effect on plant biomass and nitrous oxide emissions from soil and conform to the IPCC GWP 20‐year time horizon reporting. The results show that a single application of 1 t of biochar per ha−1 can mitigate between 3 and 5 t CO2e ha−1 over a 20‐year time frame. Applied to the 746,000 ha of agricultural land of British Columbia this translate to the mitigation of a total of 2.5 million metric tonnes (Mt) CO2e over a 20‐year time frame. Further, the results identify agricultural areas in the Lower Mainland region (the southwestern corner of British Columbia) as the area maximizing climate change mitigation potential through biochar addition due to a combination of relative high temperature, high precipitation, and crops with high nitrogen requirement.
New Insights on Micro‐Scale Variations of Geochemical and Oxygen Isotope Compositions in Conodont and Shark Tooth Bioapatite
Authors: Luz Zoneibe , Leu Marc , Baumgartner Lukas , Bouvier Anne‐Sophie , Bucher Hugo , Vennemann Torsten
Published: November 2023

To help understand bioapatite microstructures and related chemical variations, their impact on O‐isotope compositions measured and give insights on sample preparation, this study analysed conodonts and shark teeth prepared in different orientations through microanalytical and bulk sampling techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM); electron probe microanalysis (EPMA); continuous‐flow and high‐temperature reduction – isotope ratio mass spectrometry; and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The SEM and EPMA measurements in conodonts allowed to distinguish the tissues commonly analysed by SIMS, which included albid and hyaline crowns but given their often small‐scale intergrowth, mixtures of these are difficult to avoid. In situ SIMS O‐isotope analyses provided different δ18O values: lower values with higher variance (16 ± 1‰ n = 13, 15.7 ± 1.9‰ n = 11) for mixed albid‐hyaline tissues, and higher, homogeneous values (17.1 ± 0.2‰, n = 13) for mainly hyaline tissues. Recent shark teeth δ18OSIMS value for dentine of the same tooth was 10‰ lower than the mean δ18OSIMS value for enameloid whereas the δ18OPO4 values measured for enameloid and dentine using the HTR method were identical. The variation of δ18O seems sensitive to analytical artefacts related to sample textures, caused during the sample preparation over more porous biomineral surfaces.
Useless bodies? Exploring the ethical potential of art
Authors: Pianezzi Daniela
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the ethical value of artistic artifacts in challenging the unequal valuation of working bodies with a focus on the contemporary art exhibition ‘Useless bodies?’ by Danish artists Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset. Drawing on Judith Butler's work and posthuman theory, particularly Braidotti's contributions, the paper argues that this exhibition exemplifies how art can foster an ethics of interdependency, one that both critiques dynamics of misrecognition and imagines alternative futures. Furthermore, the paper proposes that this affirmative and critical ethics provides theoretical and methodological foundations for work and organization studies, prompting new questions about the significance of embodiment, esthetics, and artifacts for conducting (ethical) research.
Randomized phase I/II study of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor peptide vaccines for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yoshimaru Yoko , Nagaoka Katsuya , Tanaka Kentaro , Narahara Satoshi , Inada Hiroki , Kurano Sotaro , Tokunaga Takayuki , Iio Etsuko , Watanabe Takehisa , Setoyama Hiroko , Tateyama Masakuni , Yoshida Koji , Tsunoda Takuya , Nakamura Yusuke , Tanaka Motohiko , Sasaki Yutaka , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: November 2023

Aim

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)‐targeted peptide vaccines for the immunization of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who had responded to transarterial chemoembolization.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients were randomized 1:1 to receive VEGFR‐targeted peptides or placebo. The primary end‐point was the safety assessment of the immunization. The secondary end‐points were evaluation of immunological responses and clinical outcomes.

Results

No severe adverse events were induced by the study agents. Among the 12 patients in the vaccine group, a VEGFR1‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response was induced in eight (66.7%) patients and a VEGFR2‐specific CTL response was induced in 10 (83.3%). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 4.8 and 52.0 months, respectively, in the vaccine group, and 2.7 and 21.8 months, respectively, in the placebo group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (PFS p = 0.925, OS p = 0.190). When divided into two groups according to immunoreactivity, the median PFS of patients with and without a strong immune response to VEGFR1 were 7.4 and 2.7 months, and that to VEGFR2 were 10.6 and 2.7 months, respectively; there were significant differences according to the immune response.

Conclusions

Immunotherapy with peptide vaccines targeting VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 was well tolerated with no serious adverse events. It also effectively induced peptide‐specific CTLs in patients with unresectable HCC.
Analysis of the use of isotretinoin as an adjuvant in rhinoplasty
Authors: Silveira Camila S. C. , Azulay‐Abulafia Luna , Barcaui Elisa O. , Silva Matheus M. M. , Roxo Ana Claudia W.
Published: November 2023

Background

Isotretinoin has been used in the treatment of acne for decades through the reduction of sebaceous secretion. There are reports in the literature that isotretinoin may be associated with decreased skin thickness, especially in patients with thick nasal skin for whom rhinoplasty can be more challenging. The objective of this study was to quantify, through ultrasonography, the effect of the use of oral isotretinoin in patients undergoing rhinoplasty, pre‐ and postoperatively.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients participated in this randomized, single‐blind controlled pilot clinical trial. The intervention group used oral isotretinoin (20 mg/day) for 2 months before rhinoplasty and for 4 months after. Both groups underwent rhinoplasty in the same plastic surgery department and were submitted to high‐frequency (22 MHz) ultrasound evaluation of the epidermis and dermis on the nasal dorsum, nasal tip, and left nose wing at the beginning of the study and 6 months after rhinoplasty, with the aim of assessing changes in skin thickness.

Results

Six months after rhinoplasty, a statistically significant reduction was observed in the thickness of the epidermis and dermis of the nasal dorsum and left nose wing, as well as of the epidermis of the nasal tip, but only in the intervention group. The results of the satisfaction questionnaire were better after rhinoplasty in both groups, with no statistical difference between them regarding the specific questions; however, the intervention group had significantly higher satisfaction scores than the control group.

Conclusions

Isotretinoin was effective in reducing the thickness of the skin covering the nose of the evaluated sites.
Understanding the needs and preferences for cancer care among First Nations people: An integrative review
Authors: Paterson C. , Roberts C. , Blackburn J. , Jojo N. , Northam H. L. , Wallis E. , Hind A. , Caulfield R. , Barratt M. , Toohey K. , Kavanagh P. S. , Bacon R. , Wilson R. L.
Published: November 2023

Aim

This systematic review aimed to identify the needs and preferences for cancer care services among Australian First Nations people.

Design

Integrative review.

Data Sources

An integrative review was conducted. A wide range of search terms were used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of the searches in electronic databases. Methodological quality assessment, data extraction, was conducted independently by two reviewers, and a narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Forty‐two studies were included. A total of 2965 Australian First Nations adults, both men and women of various ages across the lifespan, were represented; no First Nations children affected by cancer were represented in the studies. Three themes emerged which included: (1) discrimination, racism and trauma, resulting from colonization, directly impacted First National people's cancer care experience; (2) cultural ways of knowing, being and doing are fundamental to how First Nations people engage with cancer care services; and (3) First Nations people need culturally safe person‐centred cancer care services that address practical needs.

Conclusion

Most participants represented in this review experienced discrimination, racism and trauma, resulting from colonization, which directly negatively impacted Aboriginal peoples' cancer care experience. While the Optimal Cancer Pathway (OCP) was launched in Australia several years ago, people with cancer may continue to experience distressing unmet care needs.

Patient or Public Contribution

Our team includes both First Nations people, non‐First Nations researchers and healthcare professionals with expertise in cancer care. The researchers employed decolonizing restorative approaches to ensure voice, respect, accountability and reciprocity in this review work.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Members of the multidisciplinary team including nurses and policymakers should reflect on these findings, ensure that they have up‐to‐date cultural safety training and stand together with Indigenous and non‐Indigenous cancer leaders to take proactive steps to stamp out and dismantle oppression in health, and safely implement the OCP.