bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stressors and job burnout of Chinese expatriate construction professionals
Authors: Abdalla Alaeldin , Li Xiaodong , Yang Fan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Besides ensuring traditional project objectives, expatriate construction professionals (EXCPs) working on international projects face challenges adapting to unfamiliar environments with varying construction standards, work practices and cultural values. This puts them at a high risk of job burnout. Thus, this study aims to investigate the antecedents and outcomes of EXCPs' job burnout in the international construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Job demands-resource model (JD-R), a theoretical framework was developed. Industry-specific stressors and expatriate management practices were identified using a literature review and interviews. The authors then used a questionnaire survey to collect data from Chinese EXCPs. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were then utilized to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that early-career EXCPs experience the most severe levels of job burnout. The paths analysis proved the direct and indirect mitigating effects of expatriate management practices on job burnout, and EXCP's job burnout was associated with poor job performance and decreased intention to stay in the international assignment.

Originality/value

While prior research has explored job burnout among construction professionals working on domestic projects, little attention has been given to EXCPs and their unique challenges. This study aims to fill this critical gap in the literature by offering a unique perspective on the antecedents and outcomes of job burnout among EXCPs in international contexts and presents a significant contribution to understanding and addressing occupational health issues faced by EXCPs.
Emotion regulation research in hospitality and tourism
Authors: Hsu Cathy H.C. , Chen Nan , Zhang Shiqin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a comprehensive model on intra- and interpersonal emotion regulation (ER) in hospitality and tourism (H&T) service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical review and reflection of ER research from multiple disciplines was conducted. Methodologies appropriate for investigating ER were also reviewed.

Findings

A comprehensive framework was proposed to outline key influential factors, processes and consequences of intra- and interpersonal ER in service encounters in the H&T industry. Methodologies integrating advanced tools were suggested to measure complex and dynamic emotion generation and regulation processes in social interactions from a multimodal perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The researchers developed a comprehensive conceptual model on both intra- and interpersonal ER based on a critical review of the most recent psychological research on ER. Various theoretical and methodological considerations are discussed, offering H&T scholars a solid starting point to explore dynamic emotion generation and regulation processes in complex social settings. Moreover, the model provides future directions for the expansion of ER theories, which have been mostly developed and tested based on laboratory research.

Originality/value

The proposed model addresses two critical issues identified in emotion research in the H&T field: the lack of a dynamic perspective and the neglect of the social nature of emotions. Moreover, the model provides a roadmap for future research.
A role that takes its toll? The moderating role of leadership in role stress and exposure to workplace bullying
Authors: Stapinski Piotr , Bjørkelo Brita , D'Cruz Premilla , Mikkelsen Eva G. , Gamian-Wilk Malgorzata
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to provide further evidence for the work environment hypothesis. According to the work environment hypothesis and as documented by empirical evidence, organizational factors play a crucial role in the development of workplace bullying. However, to better understand and prevent bullying at work and establish sustainable, responsible and ethical workplaces, it is crucial to understand which organizational factors are particularly important in the development of bullying and how these factors, independently and combined, act as precursors to bullying over time. One prominent theory that explains how organizational and individual factors interact is the affective events theory (AET).

Design/methodology/approach

In a two-wave, time-lagged study (N = 364), the authors apply AET to test and explain the interplay of organizational factors in the development of bullying at work.

Findings

The results revealed that supportive and fair leadership moderates the relationship between role stress and exposure to workplace bullying.

Practical implications

Knowledge of the buffering role of supportive and fair leadership practices is important when implementing organizational interventions aimed at preventing bullying at work.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have shown the general protecting effects of supportive leadership on exposure to bullying, the current study indicates that high level of supportive and fair leadership practices decreases the level of exposure to bullying, even when role ambiguity and role conflict are relatively high.
Media richness of instructor messages: how to improve student beliefs and perceptions in online course settings
Authors: Green Karen Yvonne , Huang Meng , Walker Keith S. , Wallace Steven A. , Zhao Xinlei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The increasing number of online courses in higher education has provided students with convenience and flexibility. However, some adverse effects also come with online learning, including negatively affecting student beliefs in themselves and their perceptions of the instructor. Both are important factors for academic success. Grounded in media richness theory, this study aims to examine the impact of medium choices by investigating instructor messages on student beliefs and perceptions in an online course.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a survey methodology using validated items to assess university student perceptions following faculty interactions (video versus customized email).

Findings

The authors find that videos and personalized emails, using mass distribution Excel features, help increase student beliefs, including social belongingness and self-efficacy, and improve students' perceptions of the instructor and learning environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by establishing that the richness of media of faculty messages can impact student beliefs, which in turn, may help with student success and retention. The activities used in this study are low-effort for the instructor and may have lasting effects on the students. In addition, this study fills a gap in the literature by examining multiple forms of the richness of media and their impact on multiple aspects of students' beliefs and perceptions of the instructor.
Informal coaching and mentoring and an “informal turn” in teacher professional learning
Authors: Shanks Rachel
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The focus in professional learning is often on formal activities such as workshops, conferences and courses. There is also a tendency to focus on formal programmes of coaching and mentoring in teacher education. Emphasising the formal activities means that everyday informal learning in educational settings is overlooked. Informal coaching and mentoring could be utilised to support teachers' career-long professional learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper which draws on the author's research and seeks to expand what is considered as professional learning within teacher education – namely, informal coaching and mentoring. To understand how to support this professional learning, the lens of social practice is used with an emphasis on learning environments and learning practices.

Findings

Coaching and mentoring can be identified in informal encounters in the staffroom, school corridors and many places and situations. Findings are presented in relation to the importance of informal learning from and with colleagues and the role of headteachers.

Originality/value

More attention has been paid to informal learning, but there is still a need for what could be termed an “informal turn”. Understanding that informal coaching and mentoring afford professional learning opportunities to the teachers who both provide and receive coaching and mentoring can help to support their learning. Recommendations are provided on how educational settings can facilitate and support these professional learning opportunities while preserving their informality.
Effects of intrinsic and extrinsic cues on customer behavior in live streaming: evidence from an eye-tracking experiment
Authors: Chen Yuangao , Tong Xinjia , Yang Shuiqing , Zhou Shasha
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how specific cues with new manifestations (i.e. herding message and price discount information) and customer cognitive style influence attention allocation and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

To empirically validate the research hypotheses, an eye-tracking experiment with a 2 × 2 × 2 mixed design was conducted on a sample of 44 participants recruited from a university in China. Repeated measures analysis of variance was employed for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that herding message and price discount information play different roles in viewers' attention and have an interactive effect on attention. Moreover, individual cognitive styles moderate the impact of herding message on attention allocation. Still, two cues positively affect customer purchase intention.

Originality/value

This study guides future research by applying cue utilization theory to investigate the effects of two cues in live streaming. Findings offer practical implications for how live streaming cues affect viewers' attention allocation and purchase intention.
What every manager should know about pricing
Authors: Hinterhuber Andreas
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretically rigorous and practically relevant summary of research findings that enables managers to drive sustainable profits improvements via pricing. It showcases multiple case studies that demonstrate how companies can achieve higher-than-average profitability by implementing intelligent pricing strategies and tactics.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the past 20 years, this writer has conducted dozens of academic surveys with managers exploring the antecedents, moderators and consequences of pricing practices for existing and new products. The writer has analyzed all pricing research published in leading academic journals over the past decades. Finally, as equity partner of Hinterhuber & Partners, a pricing consultancy (www.hinterhuber.com), this writer – through collaborations with companies and workshops conducted with practicing managers – has collected data and insights on best practices in managing pricing as a strategic activity.

Findings

Pricing is the most powerful driver of superior profits, yet managers view pricing as relevant only in the context of innovation. This narrow view prevents companies from realizing their full potential. Best practice examples of pricing as well as rigorous academic research suggest that pricing based on solid scientific principles helps average companies to achieve above-average results. This paper presents a review of recent research and summarizes the fundamental principles that managers must master so that pricing becomes an enabler of lasting superior performance.

Research limitations/implications

Academic research in pricing surpasses managerial practice. Managers often rely on outdated concepts when it comes to pricing strategy and tactics.

Practical implications

The paper presents a framework that allows managers to implement pricing strategies that improve performance.

Social implications

Effective pricing strategies benefit companies, customers and other stakeholders.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on pricing and thus documents that pricing based on solid, scientific principles is an enable of lasting, above-average profitability.
The conductor matters: the impact of purchasing orchestration on organizational performance
Authors: Schmelzle Ulrich , Pellathy Daniel A. , Tate Wendy L. , Min Junhong
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Organizations increasingly manage innovation projects jointly with suppliers to use external resources to fill internal competencies. However, little is known about the practices of how companies configure internal and external resources to enhance competitiveness. Drawing on resource orchestration theory, this study aims to propose a novel approach to explain organizational performance using purchasing orchestration (PO) as an antecedent. The paper then tests an empirical model to assess the impact of PO practices on innovation and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional survey data from 247 supply chain managers are used to test hypotheses relating PO to performance. SPSS PROCESS is applied to test conditional direct and indirect effects.

Findings

The positive impact of PO practices on innovation and financial performance is confirmed. Results indicate an organization’s entrepreneurial orientation (EO) can strengthen the positive relationship between PO and financial performance. Structuring, bundling and leveraging external resources are introduced as new organizational capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on cross-sectional data, and unidimensional constructs are used.

Practical implications

This research guides managers on the innovation process in light of the growing importance of external resources. The manuscript highlights the role of strategic purchasing in establishing new resource capabilities as a competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This research provides new insights into the relationship between purchasing practices and organizational performance and helps better understand the implications of orchestrating supply chain resources. A novel construct, PO, is introduced as a theoretical basis for studying supply chain-enabled innovation.
Unleashing corporate potential: the interplay of intellectual capital, knowledge management, and environmental compliance in enhancing innovation and performance
Authors: Truong Binh Thi Thanh , Nguyen Phuong Van , Vrontis Demetris , Ahmed Zafar U.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how the three components of intellectual capital (IC) (human, structural and relational) are related to corporate innovation and how effective knowledge management can improve business performance, innovation and environmental compliance. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of environmental compliance on overall business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The organizational resource-based view was used to develop a theoretical model and accompanying hypotheses. A survey design approach was used to collect data and evaluate the model. The predicted relationships were tested by structural equation modeling using data acquired from members of management teams in the Vietnamese manufacturing sector.

Findings

The three components of IC have significant positive effects on business performance. In addition, corporate innovation, knowledge management success (KMS) and environmental compliance all significantly increase business performance. Moreover, KMS indirectly enhances business performance through innovation and environmental compliance.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides useful insights into knowledge management, innovation and environmental compliance for administrators, practitioners and scholars. The results support practical advice for how firms can integrate KMS strategies into their operations, improve environmental compliance and increase business success.

Originality/value

The links between IC, knowledge management, innovation and environmental compliance are of ongoing interest to organizational scholars. However, empirical research on the relationships of these factors with business performance has been limited. This study investigates these links and offers factual evidence for them.
The missing link in knowledge sharing: the crucial role of supervisor support- moderated mediated model
Authors: Malik Muhammad Faisal , Khwaja Muddasar Ghani , Hanif Hasan , Mahmood Saqib
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of current study was to investigate the impact of supervisor support on Knowledge Sharing Behavior through psychological well-being, psychological ownership, and Alturism. The study also took mindfulness as first path moderator in the relation to supervisor support and psychological well-being, and psychological ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

Positivism research philosophy followed by the deductive approach is followed to meet the objectives of the current study. A total of 219 employees from the telecom sector were identified as the respondents of the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect the data through self-administrated questionnaires. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used through AMOS to generate the results and test hypotheses.

Findings

The results suggested that supervisor support significantly contributes to the achievement of the knowledge-sharing behavior of employees with the chain of mediation, i.e. psychological well-being, ownership and altruism. Similarly, the moderating role of mindfulness is significant in the relationship between supervisor support and psychological well-being.

Originality/value

Although a number of researchers have studied the link between supervisor support and other employees related attitudinal and behavioral outcomes, few have explored the roles of psychological ownership, well-being and altruism in the relationship of knowledge sharing behavior. This study thus posits a novel sequential mediation and moderation mechanism, based on the social exchange theory, through which supervisor support is translated into knowledge sharing behavior.
Internationalization and firm performance: moderating role of multi-stakeholder initiatives
Authors: Park Sang-Bum
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Previous scholars have assumed that multinational enterprises (MNEs) can reduce the liability of foreignness and increase profitability by investing in corporate social responsibility (CSR). However, empirical validation of this assumption has rarely been attempted. This study aims to provide empirical evidence that the adoption of multi-stakeholder initiatives, which are globally recognized as signals of CSR, helps MNEs increase profits from internationalization.

Design/methodology/approach

Fixed effect models, which address model misspecification problems, and instrumental variable estimation, which controls for the endogeneity in firms’ choice of internationalization, offer empirical evidence supporting the moderating effects of global multi-stakeholder initiatives on the relationship between internationalization and firm performance.

Findings

This study examines the moderating role of multi-stakeholder initiatives in the relationship between internationalization and firm performance, drawing on signaling and stakeholder theories. The results suggest that the signaling effect of multi-stakeholder initiatives can help MNEs overcome the liability of foreignness and, therefore, profit from overseas markets.

Originality/value

Although the internationalization–firm performance relationship has been a subject of debate in the field of international business, the role of firms’ stakeholder engagement in this relationship has been largely overlooked in previous studies. In this study, the authors explore the impact of multi-stakeholder initiatives on the internationalization–firm performance relationship. Our primary contention is that multi-stakeholder initiatives have moderating effects on this relationship by reducing the liability of foreignness experienced by MNEs in host countries. Furthermore, the findings suggest that active engagement in multi-stakeholder initiatives significantly contributes to the financial success of MNEs as they internationalize.
Experimental study of adhesive joints with mechanical interlocking of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) parts fabricated for fused filament (FFF)
Authors: Molino Alvarez Erwin , Quintana González Sergio Andres , Lopez Taborda Luis Lisandro , Niebles Nuñez Enrique Esteban
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Additive manufacturing has disadvantages, such as the maximum part size being limited by the machine’s working volume. Therefore, if a part more considerable than the working volume is required, the part is produced in parts and joined together. Among the many methods of joining thermoplastic parts, adhesives and mechanical interlocking are considered. This study aims to characterize and optimize mechanically stressed adhesive joints combined with female and male mechanical interlocking on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) specimens made with fused filament fabrication (FFF) so that the joint strength is as close as possible to the strength of the base material.

Design/methodology/approach

This study characterized the subject’s state of the art to justify the decisions regarding the experimental design planned in this research. Subsequently, this study designed, executed and analyzed the experiment using a statistical analysis of variance. The output variables were yield strength and tensile strength. The input variables were two different cyanoacrylate adhesives, two different types of mechanical interlock (truncated pyramid and cylindrical pin) and the dimensions of each type of mechanical interlock. This study used simple and factorial experiments to select the best adhesive and interlocking to be optimized using the response surface and the steep ascent method.

Findings

The two adhesives have no statistical difference, but they show different data dispersion. The design or yield stress was a determining factor for selecting the optimal specimen, with cylindrical geometry exhibiting higher resistance at initial failure. Geometry type is crucial due to the presence of stress concentrators. The cylindrical geometry with fewer stress concentrators demonstrated better tensile strength. Ultimately, the specimen with a mechanically reinforced joint featuring a cylindrical pin of radius 5.45 mm and height of 4.6 mm exhibited the maximum tensile and yield strength.

Originality/value

Previous research suggests that a research opportunity is the combination of bonding methods in FFF or fused deposition modeling, which is not a frequent topic, and this research to enrich that topic combines the adhesive with mechanically interlocked joints and studies it experimentally for FFF materials, to provide unpublished information of the performance of the adhesive joint with mechanical interlocking, to designers and manufacturers of this technology.
Experiential consumption dimensions and pro-environment behaviour by Gen Z in nature-based tourism: a Chinese perspective
Authors: Shen Shiwei , Yang Fan , Sotiriadis Marios D.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of experience dimensions on the engagement in pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) within nature-based tourism in China. The focus was on sustainable/responsible consumer behaviour by the Chinese Gen Z (18–26 years).

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a conceptual model was suggested, drawn on experiential marketing approach. Secondly, an empirical study (online survey) with a sample of 580 young persons was conducted and data were analysed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

It was revealed that the act and feel dimensions significantly influence experiential value (EV), and EV positively affects satisfaction, significantly impacting arousal and memory. Positive outcomes of experience impact Gen Z members’ engagement in PEBs. Furthermore, arousal and memory play a similar and partial mediating role between satisfaction and engagement in PEB.

Practical implications

The insights gained give support and guidance to tourism destinations and suppliers to promote environmentally friendly behaviour among tourists. This understanding is valuable and useful to industry practitioners in elaborating and implementing the appropriate strategies to stimulate, motivate and promote tourists’ PEB.

Originality/value

This study elaborates an integrative framework, drawn on a marketing approach and establishing a relationship between experiential dimensions and engagement in PEB through the mediating factors of perceived EV, satisfaction, memory and arousal. It provides tourism researchers with new perspective and insights on tourism experience and consumption behaviour.
Discrimination in Abortion Law and the Message the Law is Sending: R (Crowter) v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Authors: Robinson Heloise
Published: August 2023

R (Crowter) v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care involved a legal challenge to the law on abortion under the Abortion Act 1967, on the basis that the disability ground ‘expresses’ a negative message about disabled people, based on negative stereotyping, and that this expression is incompatible with Articles 8 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The case is significant because of the way that rights‐based arguments about abortion were framed; they were not centred on the interests or rights of the pregnant woman or the fetus, but on the rights of disabled people. This framing reflects the well‐known expressivist argument in the disability and bioethics literature. The arguments raised about a potential violation of rights due to ‘the message’ the law is sending could have far‐reaching implications, well beyond the law on abortion.
Do consumers pay the corporate tax?
Authors: Jacob Martin , Müller Maximilian A. , Wulff Thorben
Published: August 2023

Using granular gas price data and rich variation in corporate tax rates, we find that corporate taxes increase consumer prices. About 64% of the corporate tax is borne by consumers. The effect is stronger when firms have limited access to tax planning opportunities, face stricter tax enforcement, or when consumer demand is less elastic. Taxes also reduce the number of firms and their scale, consistent with a tax‐induced increase in marginal cost. Our results suggest that tax policies that increase effective corporate tax rates may have unintended consequences for consumers through higher prices.
Drivers and impacts of green product innovation as open innovation: Evidence from science‐based firms
Authors: Gangi Francesco , Daniele Lucia Michela , Tani Mario , Papaluca Ornella
Published: August 2023

Open innovation (OI) has gained widespread attention in recent years as a catalyst for sustainable management. Through OI, companies can harness their environmental capabilities to develop sustainable innovations that provide mutual benefits for companies and society. We explore the impact of Corporate Governance (CG) on Green Product Innovation (GPI) as OI and the impacts of GPI on corporate financial performance (CFP). Adopting Heckman's two‐stage procedure to a panel of 622 science‐based firms over the study period of 2008–2021, in the first step, we test the link between boards of directors' characteristics and GPI engagement. In the second step, we test the relationship between GPI and CFP. The findings confirm that effective CG mechanisms positively impact GPI performance. Moreover, GPI is a positive predictor of reduced firm riskiness. Therefore, we provide new insights into the debate on the links among CG, GPI, and CFP that can help companies meet the new challenges of the ecological transition.
Digital transformation and greenwashing in environmental, social, and governance disclosure: Does investor attention matter?
Authors: Sun Ziyuan , Sun Xiao , Wang Wenjiao , Wang Wei
Published: August 2023

Governing greenwashing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure is an important issue, but relevant literature is scant. Based on the data on Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2012 to 2021, we investigate the governance role of corporate digital transformation (DT) in ESG greenwashing and its influencing mechanism. We find that DT significantly inhibits ESG greenwashing. Moreover, DT mitigates ESG greenwashing by enhancing corporate green technology innovation (i.e., innovation channel), reducing information asymmetry (i.e., information channel), and increasing trade credit (i.e., resource channel). From the perspective of investor attention, we find that both retail investors' online opinions and institutional investors' site visits strengthen the inhibitory effect of DT on ESG greenwashing. Furthermore, such an inhibitory effect is more pronounced in large firms, industries with high competition, and regions with strong intellectual property protection. This research provides new insights and policy suggestions for governing corporate ESG greenwashing behavior.
Deciphering molecular complexity of HCV‐associated lymphoproliferation
Authors: Merli Michele , Passamonti Francesco , Arcaini Luca
Published: August 2023

Recent clinical studies demonstrated the achievement of lymphoma responses in patients with Hepatitis C virus‐associated indolent lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) receiving direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) as their sole treatment. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying LPD responses to DAAs are still poorly understood. In their paper the authors provide new molecular insights on this issue, reporting intraclonal diversification and persistence of B‐cell clones in most cases, despite viral eradication and beneficial clinical outcome. These provocative data suggest that the achievement of molecular response is probably not required for a ‘functional cure’ of these patients. Further comprehensive immunogenetic and mutational studies would be fundamental to dissect this biological puzzle and, ultimately, to refine improved treatment strategies in this setting.

Commentary on: Mazzaro et al. Persistence of monoclonal B‐cell expansion and intraclonal diversification despite virus eradication in patients affected by hepatitis C virus‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Br J Haematol 2023;203:237‐243.
Child‐centredness in paediatric magnetic resonance imaging: Information needs and experiences of children requiring magnetic resonance imaging and their parents
Authors: Inhestern Laura , Herrmann Jochen , Schürmann Jana , Meister Rieke Lisa , Nawka Marie Teresa , Mynarek Martin , Linhart Dieter , Bergelt Corinna
Published: August 2023

Background

Assessing patient experiences is essential to provide high quality health‐care. The objectives of this study were to examine (1) child‐ and parent‐reported information status before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (2) experiences during an MRI and (3) needs and suggestions for improvement.

Methods

Children (≥8 years) and parents answered questionnaires (before and after planned MRI examination) covering mental condition, information status/needs, preparation for MRI, and potential stressors. Before MRI n = 132 accompanying parents and n = 91 children provided data (after MRI: n = 93 parents; n = 71 children). The mean age of the children undergoing MRI was 10.5 years (SD = 4.9). Children had on average seven previous MRIs before our survey (Range: 1–33). Twenty‐three percent of the children were to be sedated during the examination.

Results

Parents and children reported low to medium levels of burden, high knowledge and high information status. For the children, most stressful factors during the MRI were boredom and noise. Main information resources were the radiologists or self‐searches. Parents of children with their first MRI reported higher anxiety levels in their children and stated a worse information status (main information source: self‐searches/internet).

Parents reported needs regarding organization of the MRI (e.g., reduction of waiting times), age‐appropriate information and communication during the MRI. Children wished to visit the MRI room prior the examination (44%) and to get more information (44%). Children suggested improvements such as better sound quality of films/music, more transparency about the procedure, being in contact with a parent and shorter examinations.

Conclusion

Results suggest that preparation, information provision and care is perceived positively by families. Needs and suggestions for improvement were, for example, higher transparency of procedures, better communication and reduction of stress. Findings indicate that preparation in routine‐care should follow an individualized child‐focused approach, should focus on families without previous MRIs and should address children with high anxiety levels.
Survival after LDLT in recipients ≥70 years old in the United States. An OPTN/UNOS liver transplant registry analysis
Authors: Robinson Todd , Vargas Paola A. , Oberholzer Jose , Pelletier Shawn , Goldaracena Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Background

Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in the elderly population is currently not well studied. There are single‐center studies indicating that patient age should not be a barrier to LDLT, with similar outcomes compared to younger recipients.

Methods

Using UNOS/STAR data from 2010 to 2022 we retrospectively analyzed patients ≥70 years old receiving a living donor graft (LDLT ≥70y group) versus a deceased donor graft (DDLT ≥70y group). In addition, we compared recipients ≥70 years old undergoing LDLT versus patients 18–69 years old also undergoing LDLT. Donor and recipient baseline characteristics, as well as postoperative outcomes including graft and patient survival were analyzed and compared between groups.

Results

Recipients in the LDLT ≥70y group showed less disease burden and spent significantly less time on the waitlist when compared to recipients in the DDLT ≥70y group (102 [49–201] days versus 170 [36–336] days) respectively; p = .004. With the exception of a longer length of stay (LOS) in the LDLT ≥70y group (p ≤ .001), postoperative outcomes were comparable with recipients in the DDLT ≥70y group, including similar graft and patient survival rates at 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐years. When compared to younger recipients of a graft from a living donor, patients in the LDLT ≥70y group had similar post‐transplant functional status, re‐transplant rates and similar causes contributing to graft failure. However, significantly lower graft and patient survival rates were observed.

Conclusion

LDLT for recipients aged 70 or greater represents a faster access to transplantation in a safe and feasible manner when compared to similar‐ aged recipients undergoing DDLT.
White matter hyperintensities in migraine are not mediated by a dysfunction of the glymphatic system—A diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Ornello Raffaele , Bruno Federico , Frattale Ilaria , Curcio Giuseppe , Pistoia Francesca , Splendiani Alessandra , Sacco Simona
Published: August 2023

Objective

We assessed whether brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of glymphatic function are altered in patients with migraine and brain white matter hyperintensities (WMHs).

Background

The glymphatic system is responsible for the outflow of waste products from the brain. An impaired glymphatic system has been associated with WMH; however, this impairment has not been shown in patients with migraine.

Methods

The present cross‐sectional study included consecutive patients with migraine from a single tertiary headache center. Glymphatic function was assessed by measuring the diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) technique, resulting in an index value. WMHs were assessed and quantified by using the Scheltens semi‐quantitative score.

Results

We included 147 patients (120 women [81.6%]) with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of 45 (36–50) years. In all, 74 (50.3%) patients had WMHs. The median (IQR) ALPS index was similar in patients with WMHs compared with those without, at 2.658 (2.332–3.199) versus 2.563 (2.222–3.050) (p = 0.344). The Scheltens score did not correlate with ALPS index (rho = 0.112, p = 0.268).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the presence of WMHs is not associated with an impairment in the glymphatic system in patients with migraine. Although negative and worthy of further confirmation, our finding has implications for the understanding of the nature of WMH in patients with migraine.
Aquafaba from lentils (Lens culinaris) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris): a study of cooking variables and drying process on the techno‐functional and microstructural properties
Authors: Golzi María Eugenia , Marchetti Lucas , Lorenzo Gabriel
Published: August 2023

The effect of cooking time and the solid content was analysed in the techno‐functional properties of lentils and common beans aquafaba, and their powders obtained through spray‐drying. Foam drainage kinetic and emulsion destabilisation were successfully modelled showing that lentil aquafaba had better foaming capacity than beans, due to its higher protein content. Moreover, an increase in cooking time results in more liquid incorporated into the foam and a longer lag phase. Bean aquafaba had acceptable emulsifying capacity, attributable to higher soluble carbohydrates. Additionally, microstructure, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry, rehydration capacity, and flowability of aquafaba powders were studied. Microscopy of dried lentil aquafaba showed damaged and collapsed particles, while bean powder consisted of spherical smooth particles. The dominant factor influencing aquafaba functional properties and powder characteristics was the legume type, attributed to their chemical compositions. These findings broaden the insights of alternative sources of aquafaba and enhance the industrial applicability of these residues through highly rehydratable and functional powders.
Wasserstein distance bounds on the normal approximation of empirical autocovariances and cross‐covariances under non‐stationarity and stationarity
Authors: Anastasiou Andreas , Kley Tobias
Published: August 2023

The autocovariance and cross‐covariance functions naturally appear in many time series procedures (e.g. autoregression or prediction). Under assumptions, empirical versions of the autocovariance and cross‐covariance are asymptotically normal with covariance structure depending on the second‐ and fourth‐order spectra. Under non‐restrictive assumptions, we derive a bound for the Wasserstein distance of the finite‐sample distribution of the estimator of the autocovariance and cross‐covariance to the Gaussian limit. An error of approximation to the second‐order moments of the estimator and an ‐dependent approximation are the key ingredients to obtain the bound. As a worked example, we discuss how to compute the bound for causal autoregressive processes of order 1 with different distributions for the innovations. To assess our result, we compare our bound to Wasserstein distances obtained via simulation.
Thinking with soils: Can urban farms help us heal metabolic rifts in Aotearoa?
Authors: Goburdhone Sasha , Dombroski Kelly
Published: August 2023

In this commentary, we reflect on our work with an urban youth farm where young people (re)connect to the food system. Participating in everyday soil creation and care activities nurtured new relationships with more‐than‐human ecologies and beings at an urban farm called Cultivate Christchurch. In this farm, participants engaged with soils and the process of making and regenerating soil from food waste via composting. We ask whether such activities can begin to help participants thinkwithsoil rather thanaboutit, and to heal the ‘metabolic rift’, the socioecological disconnect from food growing and nutrient cycles.
It would be bad if compatibilism were true; therefore, it isn't
Authors: Todd Patrick
Published: August 2023

I want to suggest that it would be bad if compatibilism were true, and that this gives us good reason to think that it isn't. This is, you might think, an outlandish argument, and the considerable burden of this paper is to convince you otherwise. There are two key elements at stake in this argument. The first is that it would be ‐ in a distinctive sense to be explained ‐ bad if compatibilism were true. The thought here is that compatibilism ultimately presents us with a picture on which, in principle, powerful manipulators can effectively guarantee that finite moral agents should become blameworthy. To my mind, this isn't just false ‐ though I think that it is ‐ it is also such that it would be bad (unfortunate, undesirable…) if it were true. The second is that the fact that it would be ‐ in this sense ‐ bad if true gives us reason to think that it isn't. It may be bad that there is no afterlife. But that, in itself, hardly gives us reason to think that there is an afterlife. That is true, but ‐ as others before me have suggested ‐ when the object of the relevant badness is morality itself, the inference seems secure. A more general aim of the paper is to investigate the nature of this very form of argument in itself, and I compare my argument (inter alia) to a recent argument from Sayre–McCord against the possibility of genuine moral dilemmas.
Spatial‐temporal evolution characteristics of residential land prices based on the 2010–2019 land transfer data in China
Authors: Zhang Lu , Lin Xuehan , Chen Yushan , Xiao Yao , Zhang Zuo
Published: August 2023

Studying spatial‐temporal change in residential land prices (RLP) can help implement real estate regulations to promote the healthy development of the residential land market. This study applied the urban scaling law to explore the spatial‐temporal pattern of RLP from 2010 to 2019 in China. We found rapid growth in RLP across China from 2010 to 2019, with a growth rate of 179.12%. Among them, the Eastern Region had the highest RLP and growth rates. Furthermore, differences in RLP between large cities and small‐medium cities widened, indicating a trend of the Matthew effect in prefecture‐level cities. Moreover, the scale‐adjusted metropolitan indicator (SAMI) indicated urban agglomerations including Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Guangdong‐Fujian‐Zhejiang Coastal (GFZ), and Pearl River Delta (PRD) located in the Eastern Region had higher RLP than urban agglomerations with the same population size. In addition, the SAMI also highlighted disproportionately high RLP in some small‐medium cities compared to equivalent cities, warranting regulatory policy attention.
Interchangeability of Research and Commercial Wearable Device Data for Assessing Associations With Cardiometabolic Risk Markers
Authors: Kingsnorth Andrew P. , Moltchanova Elena , Thomas Jonah J.C. , Whelan Maxine E. , Orme Mark W. , Esliger Dale W. , Hobbs Matthew
Published: August 2023

Introduction: While there is evidence on agreement, it is unknown whether commercial wearables can be used as surrogates for research-grade devices when investigating links with markers of cardiometabolic risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether data from a commercial wearable device could be used to assess associations between behavior and cardiometabolic risk markers, compared with physical activity from a research-grade monitor. Methods: Forty-five adults concurrently wore a wrist-worn Fitbit Charge 2 and a waist-worn ActiGraph wGT3X-BT during waking hours over 7 consecutive days. Log-linear regression models were fitted, and predictive fit via a one-out cross-validation was performed for each device between behavioral (steps, and light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and cardiometabolic variables (body mass index, weight, body fat percentage, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin, grip strength, estimated maximal oxygen uptake, and waist circumference). Results: Overall, step count was the most consistent predictor of cardiometabolic risk factors, with negative associations across both Fitbit and ActiGraph devices for body mass index (−0.017 vs. −0.020, p < .01), weight (−0.014 vs. −0.017, p < .05), body fat percentage (−0.021 vs. −0.022, p < .01), and waist circumference (−0.013 vs. −0.015, p < .01). Neither device was found to provide a consistently better prediction across all included cardiometabolic risk markers. Conclusions: Step count data from a commercial-grade wearable device showed similar associations and predictive relationships with cardiometabolic risk markers compared with a research-grade wearable device, providing preliminary support for their use in health research.
Spic
regulates one-carbon metabolism and histone methylation in ground-state pluripotency
Authors: Mirzadeh Azad Fatemeh , Struys Eduard A. , Wingert Victoria , Hannibal Luciana , Mills Ken , Jansen Joop H. , Longley Daniel B. , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Atlasi Yaser
Published: August 2023

Understanding mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is of fundamental importance for stem cell and developmental biology. Here, we identify
Spic
, a member of the ETS family of transcription factors (TFs), as a marker of ground state pluripotency. We show that
Spic
is rapidly induced in ground state ESCs and in response to extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition. We find that SPIC binds to enhancer elements and stabilizes NANOG binding to chromatin, particularly at genes involved in choline/one-carbon (1C) metabolism such as
Bhmt
,
Bhmt2
, and
Dmgdh
. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments revealed that
Spic
controls 1C metabolism and the flux of
S
-adenosyl methionine to
S
-adenosyl-L

-homocysteine (SAM-to-SAH), thereby, modulating the levels of H3R17me2 and H3K4me3 histone marks in ESCs. Our findings highlight betaine-dependent 1C metabolism as a hallmark of ground state pluripotency primarily activated by SPIC. These findings underscore the role of uncharacterized auxiliary TFs in linking cellular metabolism to epigenetic regulation in ESCs.
Direct microwave energy input on a single cation for outstanding selective catalysis
Authors: Kishimoto Fuminao , Yoshioka Tatsushi , Ishibashi Ryo , Yamada Hiroki , Muraoka Koki , Taniguchi Hiroki , Wakihara Toru , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: August 2023

Microwave (MW)–driven catalytic systems are attracting attention not only as an aggressive electrification strategy of the chemical industry but also as creating a unique catalytic reaction field that conventional equilibrium heating cannot achieve. This study unlocked direct and selective heating of single alkali metal cations in the pores of aluminosilicate zeolites under MW. Selectively heated Cs
+
cations in FAU zeolite exhibited selective CH
4
combustion performance, that is, CO

x

generation at the heated Cs
+
cations selectively occurred while side reactions in the low-temperature gas phase were suppressed. The Cs-O pair distribution function revealed by synchrotron-based in situ x-ray total scattering gave us direct evidence of peculiar displacement induced by MW, which was consistent with the results of molecular dynamics simulation mimicking MW heating. The concept of selective monoatomic heating by MW is expected to open a next stage in “microwave catalysis” science by providing physicochemical insights into “microwave effects.”