bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investment strategies of sovereign wealth funds: the potential and challenges of empirical research
Authors: Alosaimi Abdulaziz K. , Alfraih Mishari M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and evaluate the main segments of existing empirical literature related to Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) and provide a thorough investigation of their research questions, theoretical frameworks, data selections and research methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on SWFs has been split into three main streams: qualitative studies with theoretical contributions aiming to conceptualize the phenomenon of SWFs; normative assessments of the optimal asset allocations of SWFs; and empirical works that aim to investigate different perspectives of SWFs. The paper attempts to review the state of existing literature relating to these areas by answering specific questions.

Findings

Despite their significant size and potential impact, the literature on SWFs seems to be still in its infancy. The paper collects insights from previous literature, addresses its difficulties and challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The characteristics of the previous empirical literature and the challenges facing this line of research offer an insightful thought for the future research works in this topic.

Originality/value

The paper offers a thorough assessment of the existing empirical research on SWFs and shade some light on the techniques and procedures used.
An appraisal of blockchain technology relevance in the 21st century Nigerian construction industry: perspective from the built environment professionals
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Aigbavboa Clinton , Samsurijan Mohamad Shaharudin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Studies show that the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies can be used to transform the built environment sector in the 21st century. Blockchain technology has been identified as one of the drivers of 4IR that could be a channel of innovation in the built environment. Studies concerning the application of blockchain technology in Nigeria’s built environment are scarce. Thus, this study aims to investigate the relevance of blockchain technology to the Nigerian built environment professionals (BEP) in the 21st century and proffer ways to promote the applications in the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the unexplored nature of the issue in Nigeria’s context, 20 semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted across Lagos and Abuja cities. The participants were knowledgeable in construction-related information technology, from construction contracting firms and construction consulting firms, academicians in construction consultancy and internet and communication technology experts. The collated data were coded, analysed and presented in themes via a thematic approach.

Findings

Automating construction progress payments in smart contracts, financial management and supply chain management reduces transaction costs emerged as the key areas where blockchain technology can benefit the Nigerian BEP if well implemented. Others are blockchain-based BIM and prevents forgery and alteration of data, contract management and blockchain-based building information modelling (BIM). Blockchain technology applications are not without some hindrances. The 22 perceived hindrances were government, employer and employee related in Nigeria’s built environment.

Research limitations/implications

This research is restricted to the relevance and encumbrances facing the applications of blockchain technology in Nigeria’s built environment. Also, this study proffers policy solutions to promote the application of blockchain technology in the built environment via a qualitative method. Future study becomes pertinent to explore other components of the 4IR and their relevance within Nigeria’s built environment.

Practical implications

Results from this paper will strengthen and offer a rich insight into the relevance of blockchain technology in the Nigerian built environment. Other developing nations with similar challenges may consider the recommendations from this study. This study will contribute towards stirring the parties to create a good platform and supporting policies to promote the applications and implementation of blockchain technology across the industry.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few papers that attempted to uncover issues that hinder blockchain technology applications in the Nigerian built environment via a qualitative approach and proffer feasible solutions from the practitioners’ perspective.
Exploring users’ continuance intention towards a peer-to-peer accommodation sharing platform
Authors: Ofori Kwame Simpe , Chai Junwu , Adeola Ogechi , Abubakari Aidatu , Ampong George Oppong Appiagyei , Braimah Stephen Mahama , Boateng Richard
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Focused on peer-to-peer accommodation sharing, this paper aims to investigate the effect of perceived value on the two dimensions of satisfaction (transaction- and experience-based) and continuance intention involved in using a platform featuring triadic relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 392 Airbnb users and analysed using the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling.

Findings

All dimensions of perceived value had a significant effect on transaction-based satisfaction. Symbolic value did not have a significant effect on satisfaction. Transaction- and experience-based satisfaction had a significant effect on continuance intention.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight the differential effects of dimensions of perceived value for understanding customer satisfaction and continuance intention in the peer-to-peer accommodation context. The study focused on only one sector of the sharing economy, namely, the peer-to-peer accommodation sector.

Originality/value

The study offers fresh insights on the nexus between value perceptions and continuance intention in the context of peer-to-peer accommodation.
Learning self-efficacies influence on e-servicescapes: rethinking post-pandemic pedagogy
Authors: D′Souza Clare , Kappelides Pam , Sithole Nkosinathi , Chu Mei Tai , Taghian Mehdi , Tay Richard
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The post-pandemic recognises changes are required; universities need to rethink their e-servicescapes strategies by offering different approaches to enhance students’ learning. This study aims to draw on learning self-efficacy trajectories and propose a conceptual model for exploring the predictive validity of satisfaction. In addition, it explores the mediating role of e-servicescapes and the moderating relationship effect of mature and younger students.

Design/methodology/approach

Learning self-efficacies is incorporated into the design of the model in an attempt to understand student cognition. The influences of e-servicescape on adopting online preferences and satisfaction are also examined. The model was empirically validated by surveying 266 respondents. Structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results of this study show learning self-efficacies has no significant influence on satisfaction. Yet, they showed a significant influence on e-servicescapes. E-servicescapes positively influenced satisfaction and preference for adopting online learning. E-servicescapes also had a mediating effect between self-efficacy to complete a course and satisfaction, as well as self-efficacy to interact with instructors and satisfaction. It had a negative suppressed effect on social interaction.

Originality/value

The research makes the following contributions. Firstly, the conceptualised model identifies an association between learning self-efficacies and e-servicescapes, suggesting universities as service providers can maximise the value offerings of their customer assets. Secondly, e-servicescapes demonstrate a full mediating effect between self-efficacies and satisfaction, indicating that if universities are to compete successfully in dynamic markets, they should co-create value in their e-servicescapes domain to increase satisfaction. Thirdly, the study recognises the need for a hybrid system of both face-to-face and online delivery because the multi-group analysis shows mature age preference for online learning is required to make this transformation successful.
Taking the long view of the multinational
Authors: Sammartino André , Merrett David , van der Eng Pierre , Ville Simon
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper argues for the benefits to international business (IB) of taking a much longer view at the engagement by multinational enterprises (MNEs) with host locations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors showcase a project tracking the engagement by MNEs with Australia over the past two centuries. Extensive archival work has been undertaken to identify and document modes of entry, home countries, industries, operational modes and company types among the MNEs operating in Australia. The authors also describe the shifting nature of Australia as a host location.

Findings

The authors demonstrate the historical and ongoing diversity of ways in which MNEs interact with a host. They show that different organisational forms have prevailed over time, and that considerable operational mode changes can best be observed when a long lens is adopted. The authors show how these mode changes interact with host country dynamics, and also the broader context of the MNE and its altering strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The authors urge IB scholars to embrace longer timeframes to capture the complexity of MNEs’ growth and adaptation more meaningfully.

Originality/value

By taking such a long-run perspective, the authors shed new light on the importance of moving beyond simple snapshots to analyse key IB constructs and phenomenon.
Iron-fortified klutuk banana (Musa balbisiana Colla) flour supplementation prevented growth failure by suppressing FGF21 in malnourished rats
Authors: Edyanto Abdullah Syafiq , Huriyati Emy , Nisa Ainun , Nurrahma Bira Arumndari , Farmawati Arta
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Malnutrition during childhood precedes growth failure and affects the child’s well-being later in life. This study aims to investigate the potency of iron-fortified klutuk banana (Musa balbisiana Colla) flour on growth parameters and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) expression in malnourished rat model.

Design/methodology/approach

Rats were allocated into normal control (NC), untreated malnutrition (MC), malnutrition + iron-fortified klutuk banana flour (IBF) and malnutrition + Indonesian Government-issued biscuit (GB). Malnutrition was induced by an isoenergetic low-protein diet for five weeks. The IBF and GB groups were supplemented with IBF 1.2 g/200 gBW and GB 1.2 g/200 gBW, respectively, via gavage daily for three weeks. The body weight and length, the levels of plasma and liver FGF21 and red blood cell indices were analyzed.

Findings

After three weeks of supplementation, the IBF group showed higher body weight (245 ± 13.6 g vs 201.8 ± 16.3 g; p = 0.0004) and length (20.9 ± 0.5 cm vs 19.8 ± 0.5 cm; p = 0.021) compared with the untreated group. The plasma FGF21 level decreased in the IBF group (p = 0.034). The IBF group altered mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, suggesting the IBF might attenuate malnutrition-induced anemia. Overall, the IBF prevented growth failure in malnourished condition. This might be mediated by the suppression of FGF21 expression, along with the prevention of malnutrition and anemia.

Originality/value

This study provides preliminary information about the potential use of rarely consumed banana, klutuk banana, as a supplement to treat malnutrition. This study might help the developing countries to eliminate the widespread malnutrition in economically challenged communities.
Context‐specific positive effects of woody riparian vegetation on aquatic invertebrates in rural and urban landscapes
Authors: Palt Martin , Hering Daniel , Kail Jochem
Published: March 2023

Woody riparian vegetation (WRV) benefits benthic macroinvertebrates in running waters. However, while some functions are provided by WRV irrespective of surrounding and catchment land use, others are context‐specific. In recent large‐scale studies, effects of WRV on macroinvertebrates were therefore small compared to catchment land use, raising the question about the relevance of WRV for restoration.

Model‐based recursive partitioning was used to identify context‐dependent effects of WRV on the macroinvertebrates' ecological status in small (catchment area 10–100 km2) lowland (n = 361) and mountain (n = 748) streams. WRV cover was quantified from orthophotos along the near (500 m) and far (5000 m) upstream river network and used to predict the site's ecological status. Agricultural, urban and woodland cover at the local and catchment scales along with hydromorphology were considered as partitioning variables.

In rural agricultural landscapes, the effect of WRV on the ecological status was large, indicating that establishing near‐upstream WRV can improve the ecological status by as much as two of the five classes according to the EU Water Framework Directive.

Even in urban landscapes, effects of far‐upstream WRV were large if catchments had a moderate share of agricultural land use in addition. The beneficial effects of WRV were only limited in purely urban catchments or in a multiple stressor context.

Synthesis and applications. While woody riparian vegetation (WRV) can even improve the ecological status in urban settings, it is especially relevant for river management in rural agricultural catchments, where developing WRV potentially are effective measures to achieve good ecological status.
Wood traits explain microbial but not termite‐driven decay in Australian tropical rainforest and savanna
Authors: Law Stephanie , Flores‐Moreno Habacuc , Cheesman Alexander W. , Clement Rebecca , Rosenfield Marc , Yatsko Abbey , Cernusak Lucas A. , Dalling James W. , Canam Thomas , Iqsaysa Isra Abo , Duan Elizabeth S. , Allison Steven D. , Eggleton Paul , Zanne Amy E.
Published: March 2023

Variation in decay rates across woody species is a key uncertainty in predicting the fate of carbon stored in deadwood, especially in the tropics. Quantifying the relative contributions of biotic decay agents, particularly microbes and termites, under different climates and across species with diverse wood traits could help explain this variation.

To fill this knowledge gap, we deployed woody stems from 16 plant species native to either rainforest (n = 10) or savanna (n = 6) in northeast Australia, with and without termite access. For comparison, we also deployed standardized, non‐native pine blocks at both sites. We hypothesized that termites would increase rates of deadwood decay under conditions that limit microbial activity. Specifically, termite contributions to wood decay should be greater under dry conditions and in wood species with traits that constrain microbial decomposers.

Termite discovery of stems was surprisingly low with only 17.6% and 22.6% of accessible native stems discovered in the rainforest and savanna respectively. Contrary to our hypothesis, stems discovered by termites decomposed faster only in the rainforest. Termites discovered and decayed pine blocks at higher rates than native stems in both the rainforest and savanna.

We found significant variation in termite discovery and microbial decay rates across native wood species within the same site. Although wood traits explained 85% of the variation in microbial decay, they did not explain termite‐driven decay. For stems undiscovered by termites, decay rates were greater in species with higher wood nutrient concentrations and syringyl:guiacyl lignin ratios but lower carbon concentrations and wood densities.

Synthesis. Ecosystem‐scale predictions of deadwood turnover and carbon storage should account for the impact of wood traits on decomposer communities. In tropical Australia, termite‐driven decay was lower than expected for native wood on the ground. Even if termites are present, they may not always increase decomposition rates of fallen native wood in tropical forests. Our study shows how the drivers of wood decay differ between Australian tropical rainforest and savanna; further research should test whether such differences apply world‐wide.
The role of plant diversity and facilitation during tropical dry forest restoration
Authors: Fagundes Marina V. , Mazzochini Guilherme G. , Ganade Gislene
Published: March 2023

Restoration programmes that promote the functioning of restored ecosystems are in urgent demand. Although several biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (BEF) experiments have demonstrated the importance of functional complementarity in enhancing plant community performance, no biodiversity experiment has yet manipulated facilitation to test its contribution to how the complementarity effect (CE) modulates community performance.

We built a restoration experiment manipulating diversity and facilitation potential in a tropical semi‐arid forest. We planted 4704 seedlings of 16 native tree species to assemble 147 experimental communities with 45 different compositions comprising 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 species. Facilitation potential was included in the experimental design by creating a gradient of communities from low to high facilitation potential (based on prior research). We measured functional dispersion and functional identity using species above‐ and below‐ground traits to investigate how they modulate the effects of species diversity and facilitation potential on leaf biomass production, using the additive partition biodiversity effects CE and selection effect (SE).

The joint influence of diversity and facilitation potential was tested separately for leaf biomass production and net biodiversity effect using linear mixed models (LMMs). We subsequently ran LMMs including functional dispersion and functional identity. We hypothesised that facilitation potential would increase community productivity and functioning and that functional dispersion and functional identity related to above‐ and below‐ground traits would explain facilitation performance.

Facilitation potential positively influenced leaf biomass production as predicted, but unexpectedly, neither of the functional traits were important for modulating the facilitation process. Positive values for CE showed that plants performed better in mixtures in comparison to monocultures. SE negative values, showed that species with below average performance in monocultures, performed better in mixtures. Unexpectedly, CE did not increase as species diversity or facilitation potential increased. The SE was influenced negatively by facilitation potential leading to a more equal distribution of biomass production between species in mixtures.

Synthesis. Facilitation improves biomass production in restored communities and increases biomass equitability among plant species and thus ecosystem reliability. To improve restoration success, plant communities should be built using a combination of facilitative species.
Case report of new‐onset ulcerative colitis after MVC‐COVI1901 vaccine injection for SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Kuo Hsuan Li , Lin Ting Yu , Leong Pui‐Ying
Published: March 2023

A 23‐year‐old man suffered from diarrhea after receiving the MVC‐COVI1901 vaccine. The patient then presented to our emergency department due to swelling and pain in his right knee. Synovial effusion studies of the right knee revealed inflammation. Gram and acid‐fast stains reported negative results and no crystals were found under a polarized light microscope. During his hospitalization, the patient underwent a colonoscopy and computed tomography (CT) due to bloody stool. Pancolitis was suspected under colonoscopy and an abdominal CT scan supported our diagnosis showing wall thickening and mucosal enhancement. Pathology showed distorted crypt architecture and acute cryptitis with abscesses. After excluding other causes of ulcerative colitis (UC), the patient was diagnosed with MVC‐COV1901 vaccine‐related UC and inflammatory bowel disease arthropathy. Subsequent presentation of UC and inflammatory bowel disease‐related arthropathy after receiving the MVC‐COVI1901 vaccine has not previously been reported. We speculate that the pathogenesis could be correlated to the vaccine's components (spike protein S‐2P adjuvanted with CpG 1018 and aluminum hydroxide) through the combination of 2 effects: the activation of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 by S‐2P, and the activation of TLR9 and expression of interleukin‐13 by CpG‐1018 adjuvant. In conclusion, it is remarkable that the MVC‐COVI1901 vaccine may lead to the incidence of autoinflammatory diseases such as UC.
Analysis of circular RNA expression profile of pathological bone formation in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Zou Yu‐Cong , Wu Juan , Zhao Chang , Luo Zi‐Rui
Published: March 2023

Objective

To screen and analyze the function of specific CircRNAs involved in pathological bone formation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

From September 2019 to October 2020, hip capsule tissues obtained from 3 patients with AS developed hip joint fusion and 3 patients with femoral neck fracture (FNF) were obtained. The circular RNA expressions of hip capsule were analyzed by Arraystar CircRNA chip. qRT‐PCR analysis wan performed to identify the expression patterns of differentially expression CircRNAs.

Results

Our findings showed that there were 25 up‐regulated and 39 down‐regulated differential CircRNAs. Among these CircRNAs, we screened 10 highest up‐regulatedCircRNAs and 13 lowest down‐regulated CircRNAs (Fold Change≥2,P<0.05). In further verification analysis, hsa_circ_0067103, hsa_circ_0004496, and hsa_circ_0002649, ACTG1 were significantly upregulated, while hsa_circ_0020273, hsa_circ_0005699, and hsa_circ_0048764 were markly downregulated in AS tissue than FNF controls.

Conclusion

The expression of CircRNAs involved of pathological bone formation in AS were significantly different from those of control group. These differentially expressed Circular RNAs may be closely related to the occurrence and development of pathological bone formation in AS.
Disparities in emergency department and urgent care opioid prescribing before and after randomized clinician feedback interventions
Authors: Crowley Aidan P. , Sun Chuxuan , Yan Xiaowei (Sherry) , Navathe Amol , Liao Joshua M. , Patel Mitesh S. , Pagnotti David , Shen Zijun , Delgado M. Kit
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Racial and ethnic minorities receive opioid prescriptions at lower rates and dosages than White patients. Though opioid stewardship interventions can improve or exacerbate these disparities, there is little evidence about these effects. We conducted a secondary analysis of a cluster‐randomized controlled trial conducted among 438 clinicians from 21 emergency departments and 27 urgent care clinics. Our objective was to determine whether randomly allocated opioid stewardship clinician feedback interventions that were designed to reduce opioid prescriptions had unintended effects on disparities in prescribing by patient race and ethnicity.

Methods

The primary outcome was likelihood of receiving a low‐pill prescription (low ≤10 pills, medium 11–19 pills, high ≥20 pills). Generalized mixed‐effects models were used to determine patient characteristics associated with low‐pill prescriptions during the baseline period. These models were then used to determine whether receipt of a low‐pill prescription varied by patient race or ethnicity during the intervention period between usual care and three opioid stewardship interventions: (1) individual audit feedback, (2) peer comparison feedback, and (3) combined (individual audit + peer comparison) feedback.

Results

Compared with White patients, Black patients were more likely to receive a low‐pill prescription during the baseline (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.31, p = 0.002) and intervention (adjusted OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.07–1.91, p = 0.015). While combined feedback was associated with an overall increase in low‐pill prescriptions as intended (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.28–2.78, p = 0.001), there were no significant differences in treatment effects of any of the interventions by patient race and ethnicity.

Conclusions

Combined individual audit and peer comparison feedback was associated with fewer opioid pills per prescription equally by patient race and ethnicity. However, the intervention did not significantly close the baseline disparity in prescribing by race.
Daily impulsivity and alcohol expectancies: A multilevel examination of the acquired preparedness model
Authors: Stamates Amy L. , Lau‐Barraco Cathy , Braitman Abby L.
Published: March 2023

Background

The acquired preparedness model (APM) integrates personality traits and psychosocial learning to posit amechanism whereby individuals initiate and continue alcohol use. The present study examined within‐person associations between impulsivity, alcohol expectancies, alcohol use, and alcohol problems to inform daily process models of drinking and test the APM.

Methods

Participants were 89 college student drinkers who completed momentary reports (three random and two user‐initiated reports) for 14 days. Multilevel mediation analyses examined whether daily associations between impulsivity and alcohol use and problems were mediated by positive and negative expectancies.

Results

Daily impulsivity was positively associated with daily positive expectancies, prior to drinking. Greater daily positive expectancies were associated with more alcohol consumed and alcohol problems that day. The indirect effects were significant, indicating greater than usual impulsivity was associated with greater alcohol use and alcohol problems through greater positive expectancies. Impulsivity was positively associated with negative expectancies at the within‐subject and between‐subject levels, but negative expectancies did not serve as a mediator between impulsivity and either alcohol outcome.

Conclusions

This is the first study to test the APM at the day level. Findings supported daily fluctuations in beliefs regarding the positive effects of alcohol as a salient mechanism explaining the link between daily impulsivity and level of alcohol use. Because impulsivity was linked to changes in expectancy states that were proximal to drinking that day, this information may be used to develop prevention and intervention programs to reduce alcohol harms.
Fat‐free mass accounts for most of the variance in alcohol elimination rate in women
Authors: Seyedsadjadi Neda , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Plawecki Martin H. , Kosobud Ann E. K. , O'Connor Sean , Rowitz Blair , Pepino Marta Yanina
Published: March 2023

Background

Understanding how blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) achieved after drinking are determined is critical to predicting alcohol exposure to the brain and other organs and alcohol's effects. However, predicting end‐organ exposures is challenging, as there is wide variation in BAC achieved after drinking a specified volume of alcohol. This variation is partly due to differences in body composition and alcohol elimination rates (AER), but there are limited data on how obesity affects AER. Here, we assess associations between obesity, fat‐free mass (FFM), and AER in women and examine whether bariatric surgeries, which are linked to an increased risk of alcohol misuse, affect these associations.

Methods

We analyzed data from three studies that used similar intravenous alcohol clamping procedures to estimate AER in 143 women (21 to 64 years old) with a wide range of body mass index (BMI; 18.5 to 48.4 kg/m2). Body composition was measured in a subgroup using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (n = 42) or Bioimpedance (n = 60), and 19 of the women underwent bariatric surgery 2.1 ± 0.3 years before participation. We analyzed data using multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

Obesity and older age were associated with a faster AER (BMI: rs = 0.70 and age: rs = 0.61, both p < 0.001). Compared to women with normal weight, AER was 52% faster (95% Confidence Interval: 42% to 61%) in women with obesity. However, BMI lost predictive value when adding fat‐free mass (FFM) to the regression model. Age, FFM, and its interaction explained 72% of individual variance in AER (F (4, 97) = 64.3, p < 0.001). AER was faster in women with higher FFM, particularly women in the top tertile of age. After controlling for FFM and age, bariatric surgery was not associated with differences in AER (p = 0.74).

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with a faster AER, but this association is mediated by an obesity‐related increase in FFM, particularly in older women. Previous findings of a reduced alcohol clearance following bariatric surgery compared with prior to surgery are likely explained by a reduction in FFM post‐surgery.
Muscle shape changes in Parkinson's disease impair function during rapid contractions
Authors: Monte Andrea , Magris Riccardo , Nardello Francesca , Bombieri Federica , Zamparo Paola
Published: March 2023

Aim

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized, among the others, by muscle weakness. PD patients reach lower values of peak torque during maximal voluntary contractions but also slower rates of torque development (RTD) during explosive contractions. The aim of this study was to better understand how an impairment in structural/mechanical (peripheral) factors could explain the difficulty of PD patients to raise torque rapidly.

Methods

Participants (PD patients and healthy matched controls) performed maximum voluntary explosive fixed‐end contraction of the knee extensor muscles during which dynamic muscle shape changes (in muscle thickness, pennation angle, and belly gearing: the ratio between muscle belly velocity and fascicle velocity), muscle‐tendon unit (MTU) stiffness and EMG activity of the vastus lateralis (VL) were investigated. Both the affected (PDA) and less affected limb (PDNA) were investigated in patients.

Results

Control participants reached higher values of peak torque and showed a better capacity to express force rapidly compared to patients (PDA and PDNA). EMG activity was observed to differ between patients (PDA) and controls, but not between controls and PDNA. This suggests a specific neural/nervous effect on the most affected side. On the contrary, MTU stiffness and dynamic muscle shape changes were found to differ between controls and patients, but not between PDA and PDNA. Both sides are thus similarly affected by the pathology.

Conclusion

The higher MTU stiffness in PD patients is likely responsible for the impaired muscle capability to change in shape which, in turn, negatively affects the torque rise.
Using ethnomethodology as an approach to explore human–animal interaction
Authors: Arathoon Jamie
Published: March 2023

Animal geographies is going through methodological change, moving towards a variety of methodological approaches that enliven inquiry into nonhuman animals' lives. Despite this move, there is still a clear need to develop approaches to explore human–animal interaction that centre animals in geographical inquiry. This paper aims to build on lively debates in animal geographies to offer ethnomethodology as one such approach. Ethnomethodology, an approach rather than a method, has had only brief engagement with human geography, but this paper will argue that ethnomethodology has various characteristics that align with traditional geographical enquiry and that can help grapple with the many ontological and epistemological challenges animal geographers face. These characteristics: an attention to place‐based practices; a focus on agency and subjectivity; and an understanding of practices as a relational, offer points of interest for geography and ethnomethodology to converge. I expand on these facets and outline ethnomethodological engagement with animals before turning to my own example of human‐assistance‐dog training to illustrate how an ethnomethodological approach is useful to animal geographers. Overall, this paper suggests that ethnomethodology offers animal geographers: a focus on embodied senses; a concern with forms of agency and subjectivity within space and place; and a rich descriptive approach to practical detail. The paper concludes with a discussion towards geographical ethnomethodological futures.
A Synthetic Data Integration Framework to Leverage External Summary-Level Information from Heterogeneous Populations
Authors: Gu Tian , Taylor Jeremy Michael George , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: March 2023

There is a growing need for flexible general frameworks that integrate individual-level data with external summary information for improved statistical inference. External information relevant for a risk prediction model may come in multiple forms, through regression coefficient estimates or predicted values of the outcome variable. Different external models may use different sets of predictors and the algorithm they used to predict the outcome Y given these predictors may or may not be known. The underlying populations corresponding to each external model may be different from each other and from the internal study population. Motivated by a prostate cancer risk prediction problem where novel biomarkers are measured only in the internal study, this paper proposes an imputation-based methodology, where the goal is to fit a target regression model with all available predictors in the internal study while utilizing summary information from external models that may have used only a subset of the predictors. The method allows for heterogeneity of covariate effects across the external populations. The proposed approach generates synthetic outcome data in each external population, uses stacked multiple imputation to create a long dataset with complete covariate information. The final analysis of the stacked imputed data is conducted by weighted regression. This flexible and unified approach can improve statistical efficiency of the estimated coefficients in the internal study, improve predictions by utilizing even partial information available from models that use a subset of the full set of covariates used in the internal study, and provide statistical inference for the external population with potentially different covariate effects from the internal population.
Accessibility and utilization of antenatal care services insub‐SaharanAfrica during theCOVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review
Authors: Murewanhema Grant , Mpabuka Etienne , Moyo Enos , Tungwarara Nigel , Chitungo Itai , Mataruka Kidson , Gwanzura Chipo , Musuka Godfrey , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa
Published: March 2023

Control measures for the COVID‐19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to health care delivery. Some countries in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) stopped the provision of essential health care except for those services that were deemed emergencies or life‐threatening. A rapid review was conducted on March 18, 2022, on the accessibility and utilization of antenatal care services in sub‐Saharan Africa during the COVID‐19 pandemic. PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and the World Health Organization library databases were searched for relevant studies. A modified Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes (PICO) framework informed the development of the search strategy. The review included studies conducted within Africa that described the availability, access, and utilization of antenatal services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. This review revealed a reduction in access to ANC services, an increase in the number of home deliveries, and a reduction in the number of women attending ANC visits during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A decrease in ANC service utilization was reported in some studies in the review. Barriers to ANC access and utilization during the COVID‐19 pandemic included movement restrictions, limited transport access, fear of contracting COVID‐19 at the health facilities, and facility barriers. The use of telemedicine needs to be improved in African countries to allow for the continued provision of health services during pandemics. In addition, there should strengthening of community involvement in the provision of maternal health services post‐COVID‐19 so that services may be able to better withstand future public health emergencies.
Improvement in social capital and health of children with cerebral palsy: Evidence from resource‐poor settings
Authors: Fianto Bayu Arie
Published: March 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Al Imam et al. on pages 773–782 of this issue.
Sotagliflozin, a dual sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐1 and sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor, reduces the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease, as assessed by the Steno T1 Risk Engine in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Stougaard Elisabeth B. , Rossing Peter , Vistisen Dorte , Banks Phillip , Girard Manon , Davies Michael J. , Persson Frederik
Published: March 2023

Aims

Sotagliflozin (SOTA) as adjunct to insulin therapy improves glycemic control, reduces body weight and blood pressure, and increases time in range in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). SOTA demonstrated CV and kidney benefits in high‐risk adults with type 2 diabetes. These potential benefits using SOTA for T1D may collectively outweigh the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. The present analysis estimated the risk of CVD and kidney failure in adults with T1D treated with SOTA.

Materials and Methods

Participant‐level data were used from the inTandem trials evaluating 2980 adults with T1D randomized to once‐daily placebo, SOTA 200 mg, or SOTA 400 mg for 24 weeks. For each participant, the cumulative risks of developing CVD and kidney failure were estimated using the Steno T1 Risk Engine. A subgroup analysis was performed in participants with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2.

Results

SOTA significantly reduced the predicted 5‐ and 10‐year CVD risk in the SOTA 200 and 400 mg pooled group with a relative change in the SOTA group compared to the relative change in the placebo group of (mean [95%‐confidence interval (CI)]) −6.6 (−7.9, −5.3) % and −6.4 (−7.6, −5.1) % (p < 0.0001 for both) respectively. For the 5‐year ESKD risk there was a significant reduction with a relative change of −5.0 (−7.6, −2.3) % (p = 0.0003). Similar results were observed with the individual doses and in participants with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2.

Conclusion

This analysis provides additional clinical results that may positively balance the benefit/risk assessment of SGLT inhibition use in T1D.
RETRACTED: The genetic algorithm and BP neural network in financial supply chain management under information sharing
Authors: Li Chenxi , Li Zhaohui , Wu Meng
Published: March 2023

In today's global business competition environment, the significant changes in the market environment make it very difficult for supply chain enterprises to gain a place in the fierce market only by their strength. This article will do the following research work to effectively play the role of supply chain management. First, the concepts, and characteristics, related applications of supply chain information sharing (IS) and genetic algorithm back propagation (GABP) neural networks, are expounded. Then, the feasibility of applying BP neural network (BPNN) to evaluate supply chain IS is analysed. Next, the assessment indicator system for IS is constructed from four aspects: IS infrastructure, IS member characteristics, IS content, and the quality of supply chain enterprises. Finally, the principle and algorithm of BPNN are analysed, the network model is constructed, the BPNN process based on GA is designed, and every step in the process is explained in detail. The sample input is provided for the network model by obtaining and sorting data. The supply chain IS assessment model based on the GABP neural network is constructed. The results show that the assessment model of supply chain IS based on the GABP neural network has high accuracy, and the highest network accuracy reaches 95.01%, which proves that the assessment model based on BPNN has certain advantages for the supply chain IS of the financial industry.
Experimental study on cracking process and fracture properties of granite under mode I loading by acoustic emission and digital image correlation
Authors: Xue Fei , Lin Zhongqin , Wang Tianzuo
Published: March 2023

To explore mode‐I fracture process of hard brittle rocks, semi‐circular bending (SCB) experiments were performed with the concurrent monitoring of acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC). Experimental results revealed that all specimens exhibited ductile fracture characteristic and the fracture planes deviated from the ligament plane to different degrees due to interference from mineral crystals or pre‐existing weak surfaces within the intergranular boundaries. The whole cracking process can be divided into four stages: Microcrack initiation preparation, microcrack initiation and stable propagation, macrocrack formation and unstable propagation, and macrocrack coalescence. The onset of the microcrack initiation occurred at about pre‐80% load. The fracture process zone (FPZ) maintained a constant length as the crack propagated and the length of the traction free zone (TFZ) increased. The identified crack lengths based on the AE locations and energy statistical analysis consisted well with the crack lengths obtained from the DIC.
Liberation Pneumatology: On the Unfettered Work of the Holy Spirit in the World
Authors: Schaab Gloria L.
Published: March 2023

Despite the frequent refrain concerning the paucity of attention paid to pneumatology in the theological discipline, a review of literature over the past fifty years reveals that pneumatology is an idea whose time has come. However, while writings on the Holy Spirit are manifold, systematically developed pneumatologies are not. In response to this reality, this essay explores four contextually constructed pneumatologies based in communities experiencing marginalisation, oppression, and exclusion: Latin American, womanist, Latinx, and black. These pneumatologies not only represent particular ethnic, social, and racial contexts, but also express a particular hermeneutical perspective on the presence and action of the Holy Spirit, i.e., that of liberation. This perspective reflects the conviction that each genuine act of the Holy Spirit is essentially liberating—individually, socially, politically, ecclesially, and theologically. While other effects accompany this experience, liberation emerges at the heart of the encounter with Spirit. Exemplifying this in multiple ways are pneumatology as the irruption of the Spirit by liberation theologian José Comblin, pneumatology as the memory of the future by womanist Linda E. Thomas, the Holy Spirit as the improvisation of God by black theologian David Emmanuel Goatley, and the Spirit dwelling in convivencia by Latinx theologian Néstor Medina.
The influence of social capital on local retail patronage in an urban setting
Authors: Qiu Pingping , Chen Jiemiao , Bruning Ed
Published: March 2023

Local retail stores are currently facing intense competition from both online retailers and large chain stores. An understanding of local retail store patronage (i.e., patronage of retail stores in one's own community) is essential to the survival and growth of local retailers. Drawing on Social Capital Theory, we theorize and show with store‐level survey data the influence of social capital (community attachment and reciprocity) on local retail store patronage in a large urban setting. We find that the impact of social factors differs for residents within the community compared to those outside of the community. We also demonstrate the importance of social factors in comparison to non‐social factors. These findings contribute to the literature by extending the impact of social capital on local retail store patronage beyond rural settings, providing insight into urban consumers' decision to patronize local retail stores, and highlighting the impact of community boundaries. These findings also generate practical recommendations for local merchants and stress the importance of building reciprocal relationships with local customers as well as varying communications across community boundaries.
Impact of additives on the formation of thermally induced trans linoleic acid in peanut oil
Authors: Li Tian , Guo Qin , Liang Manzhu , Qu Yang , Zhang Yu , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2023

Additives and edible oil were essential in daily food cooking. The impact of additives on the formation of thermally induced trans linoleic acid (TLA) in peanut oil was systematically studied. The amount of TLA in peanut oil with or without additives increased with heating temperature and heating time. Notwithstanding soy sauce exhibited promotion effect of TLA (0–41.54%), other additives all had excellent inhibition effect (0–44.84%). The inhibition rates of additives increased with heating time within the test temperature and time. The inhibition rates of sugar (44.84%) and distilled water (43.44%) were higher than salt (29.89%) and vinegar (30.98%). In the process of thermal isomerisation of peanut oil, the content of TLA was not only affected by heating temperature and time, but also the result of the interaction of multiple ingredients of additives.
Insight into transglutaminase cross‐linking induced gel strength and thermal stability improving of gelatin‐based emulsion‐filled gels
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Gao Xiaojing , Su Weiming , Zhou Xuxia , Ding Yicheng , Liu Shulai , Ding Yuting
Published: March 2023

Generally, gelatin‐based emulsion‐filled gels (EFGs) tend to liquefy and degradation under heat sterilisation. In this study, transglutaminase (TG) cross‐linking gelatin‐based EFGs with high thermal stability and gel strength were prepared. By analysing the rheological properties, thermal stability, structural changes and their underlying mechanisms, the impact of varying cross‐linking time on the thermal stability and gel strength of EFGs was explored. Results showed that enzymatic EFGs exhibited a higher gel strength with a high elastic modulus and low‐frequency dependence along with a prolonged TG cross‐linking time. The thermal denaturation temperature was increased by 21.87 °C after TG cross‐linking for 4 h compared to that of uncross‐linked EFGs. The surface of fully cross‐linked EFGs was smoother, and the surface voids were reduced. As the TG cross‐linking time increased, the inter‐molecular hydrogen bonds were weakened, the covalent bonds were strengthened and the triple helical structure was altered. After full cross‐linking, the original ordered structure of gelatin molecules was destroyed, the formation of crystalline structure was hindered and the interplanar crystal spacing was more tightly. This study provides a facile method for the preparation of gelatin‐based products with high thermal stability and proposes theoretical guidance for its practical application.
Cross‐national applicability of a game‐based cognitive assessment
Authors: van Lill Xander , McColl Laird , Neale Matthew
Published: March 2023

New technology has had a discernable impact on how organizations recruit and select potential employees. Game‐based assessment has emerged as a potential technology that can be used to enhance the assessment of individual differences and applicants' views of the selection process. However, studies investigating the psychometric properties and predictive validity of game‐based assessments are still lacking. This study investigated the structural equivalence of a game‐based assessment of cognitive ability across 228 Australians and 239 South Africans. A smaller sample of 115 South Africans also received work performance ratings to investigate the predictive validity of the cognitive assessment. Results of factor analysis supported a strong general factor of cognitive ability across the entire sample but only partial metric and scalar invariance across the two nations. The general factor of the game‐based assessment further revealed promising results in terms of its predictive validity for five broad dimensions of individual work performance.