bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mediatory role of the environmental performance function within the lean-green manufacturing sustainability complex
Authors: Machingura Tinotenda , Adetunji Olufemi , Maware Catherine 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe objective of the study is to explore the mediatory role of the environmental performance of organisations on their economic and social performances. It demonstrates that implementing environmental management techniques should not only be done to comply with environmental regulations, but also as a means of improving social and economic performance.Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered from the manufacturing industry of Zimbabwe, and 302 useable responses were received. Data analysis was performed through structural equation modelling (SEM) using SMART PLS 3.FindingsImprovement in environmental performance led to improvements in both social and economic performances. Also, environmental performance contributes the greatest total effect; hence, it deserves attention, not only for compliance but also for economic reasons.Originality/valueOur goal is to quantify the extent to which environmental performance might improve the social and, more importantly, the economic performance of organisations. The study also explores the relative importance and performance of lean manufacturing (LM), green manufacturing (GM), social performance and environmental performance for purposes of prioritisation of organisational improvement initiatives.
Big rodents disperse small seeds and spores in Neotropical wetlands
Authors: Hoffmann Pedro Henrique de Oliveira , Adolfo Andressa , Green Andy J. , Stenert Cristina , Silva Giliandro Gonçalves , Weber Vinicius , Maltchik Leonardo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The role of large frugivores in the dispersal of tropical trees has been well‐studied, whereas the importance of the world's largest rodents for plant dispersal has previously been ignored. We studied plant dispersal by gut passage (endozoochory) in Neotropical wetlands by the largest extant rodent, the capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris. We compared it with another of the world's 10 largest rodents, the nutria or coypu Myocastor coypus.

We collected 96 faecal samples (50 capybara, 46 nutria) from 10 sites within the Taim Ramsar site in southern Brazil, and extracted intact propagules from 10 g subsamples. Propagules from 27 plant taxa (24 angiosperms, and three aquatic ferns) were recovered, representing 13 plant families. Whole Spirodela (duckweed) plants were dispersed. Seeds from 14 angiosperm taxa were germinated in the laboratory.

Taxonomic composition of propagules was significantly different for the two mammals, but propagule size was not. Capybara dispersed more terrestrial propagules per sample, and nutrias more aquatic propagules. When total faecal production was taken into account, an estimated 1025 propagules (including 133 fern spores) were dispersed by each capybara per day, compared with 691 propagules for nutrias (including 566 fern spores). Capybaras have larger home ranges and likely dispersed plants over a greater distance.

Synthesis: This is the first demonstration that rodents disperse aquatic pteridophytes as well as flowering plants. Our results suggest that capybaras and nutrias play important, complementary roles in dispersing a variety of aquatic and terrestrial plant species within Neotropical wetlands. Our study indicates that the role of herbivorous mammals as vectors of plants with small seeds and non‐fleshy fruits has been overlooked in the neotropics and that defaunation of large herbivores can have negative consequences, in a manner similar to that previously highlighted for frugivores.
Isolation and characterization of a phage collection against Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Brauer Age , Rosendahl Sirli , Kängsep Anu , Lewańczyk Alicja Cecylia , Rikberg Roger , Hõrak Rita , Tamman Hedvig 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe environmental bacterium, Pseudomonas putida, possesses a broad spectrum of metabolic pathways. This makes it highly promising for use in biotechnological production as a cell factory, as well as in bioremediation strategies to degrade various aromatic pollutants. For P. putida to flourish in its environment, it must withstand the continuous threats posed by bacteriophages. Interestingly, until now, only a handful of phages have been isolated for the commonly used laboratory strain, P. putida KT2440, and no phage defence mechanisms have been characterized. In this study, we present a new Collection of Environmental P. putida Phages from Estonia, or CEPEST. This collection comprises 67 double‐stranded DNA phages, which belong to 22 phage species and 9 phage genera. Our findings reveal that most phages in the CEPEST collection are more infectious at lower temperatures, have a narrow host range, and require an intact lipopolysaccharide for P. putida infection. Furthermore, we show that cryptic prophages present in the P. putida chromosome provide strong protection against the infection of many phages. However, the chromosomal toxin–antitoxin systems do not play a role in the phage defence of P. putida. This research provides valuable insights into the interactions between P. putida and bacteriophages, which could have significant implications for biotechnological and environmental applications.
The Case for a Scottish Clarity Act
Authors: Coulter Steph 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe recent political difficulties faced by the Scottish National Party have made the prospect of a future Scottish independence referendum less salient in both Westminster and Holyrood. However, whilst the short‐term prospects for the independence movement look challenging, the long‐term question of Scotland's future within the UK remains an important area of analysis for constitutional policy makers and scholars alike. This article seeks to add to the debate on the future of the UK's territorial constitution by arguing for the passage of a ‘Scottish Clarity Act’ by the UK government, which would outline the rules about when and how a future Scottish independence referendum should be conducted. Using the Canadian Clarity Act 2000 as an international example of the constitutionalising of secession, it argues that there are numerous benefits associated with providing greater clarity on Scotland's constitutional future, including the dampening of polarisation, the mitigation of constitutional crisis, the improvement of governance and the bolstering of democracy in the UK.
Do exotic invasive mammals disturb the native fauna? Spatiotemporal distribution and overlap between species in a national park of Argentina
Authors: SHALOM Ilán , CALFAYAN Laura Mariel , ROSPIDE Malena , THORNTON Lara , BURGOS Eliana Florencia , GÓMEZ VILLAFAÑE Isabel Elisa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMonitoring the invasive exotic species and their effect on native fauna is fundamental for their effective control. The objective of this research is to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution and overlap of medium‐large‐sized fauna in El Palmar National Park, Argentina, to consider potential negative interactions between native and exotic species. Camera traps were distributed in 27 sites between 2017 and 2019. Spatial and temporal overlap was estimated for every pair of exotic–native taxa. With 2673 camera days, two exotic and seven native taxa were recorded. All species were distributed along the extension of the National Park but in different numbers of sites. Exotic axis deer (Axis axis) was recorded in all sites but one, and exotic wild boar (Sus scrofa) occurred at only one‐third of the sites surveyed. The occurrence of native mammals ranged between 26% (Geoffroy's cat, Leopardus geoffroyi) and 67% (capybara, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Spatial overlap between native and exotic species was high overall and was higher in winter when species moved over larger areas to look for limited resources. Except for greater rhea (Rhea americana), which was diurnal, all species had crepuscular or nocturnal patterns. Both exotic species had an intermediate/high overlap in their activity pattern with almost all native species, including some species with similar diets, but the hours of their maximum activities did not strictly coincide. However, the existence of differences in the exotic species' activity patterns compared to their patterns in other areas where they inhabit could indicate segregation in daily activity to relax competition.
Changes in phenolic compounds of Phyllanthus emblica juice during different storage temperature and pH conditions
Authors: Long Xiaomei , Li Rong , Gu Jianxing , Zhang Lijun , Guo Shuang , Fan Yidan , Fan Yuan , Zhu Peifang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of storage temperature and pH on phenolic compounds of Phyllanthus emblica juice. Juice was stored at different temperatures and pH for 15 days and sampled on 2‐day intervals. The browning index (BI, ABS420 nm), pH, centrifugal precipitation rate (CPR), and phenolic compounds were evaluated. The results showed 4°C and pH 2.5 could effectively inhibit browning and slow down pH drop of P. emblica juice. The result of orthogonal partial least square‐discriminant analysis showed P. emblica juice stored at 4°C and pH 2.5 still had a similar phenolic composition, but at 20°C, 37°C, and pH 3.5, the score plots were concentrated only in the first 3 days. Additionally, gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA) were screened out to be the differential compounds for browning of P. emblica juice. The contents of GA, epigallocatechin (EGC), corilagin (CL), gallocatechin gallate (GCG), chebulagic acid (CA), 1,2,3,4,6‐O‐galloyl‐d‐glucose (PGG), and EA were more stable at 4°C and pH 2.5. Overall, during storage at 4°C and pH 2.5, it could inhibit the increase of GA and EA and decrease of CL, GCG, CA, and PGG, whereas EGC did not show significant difference between storage conditions. The CPR was higher at 4°C, while pH 2.5 could reduce the CPR. In conclusion, in order to maintain stability of phenolic compounds and extended storage period, the P. emblica juice could be stored at low temperature and adjust the pH to increase the stability of juice system.
Portable sensing methods based on carbon dots for food analysis
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Lijun , Hou Aiying , Hong Min , Li Chenzhong , Yue Qiaoli 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFood analysis is significantly important in monitoring food quality and safety for human health. Traditional methods for food detection mainly rely on benchtop instruments and require a certain amount of analysis time, which promotes the development of portable sensors. Portable sensing methods own many advantages over traditional techniques such as flexibility and accessibility in diverse environments, real‐time monitoring, cost‐effectiveness, and rapid deployment. This review focuses on the portable approaches based on carbon dots (CDs) for food analysis. CDs are zero‐dimensional carbon‐based material with a size of less than 10 nm. In the manner of sensing, CDs exhibit rich functional groups, low biotoxicity, good biocompatibility, and excellent optical properties. Furthermore, there are many methods for the synthesis of CDs using various precursor materials. The incorporation of CDs into food science and engineering for enhancing food safety control and risk assessment shows promising prospects.
Obesity as an independent risk factor for poor long‐term outcome after mid‐urethral sling surgery
Authors: Lundmark Drca Anna , Westergren Söderberg Marie , Ek Marion 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionHigh body mass index (BMI) is a risk‐factor for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Mid‐urethral sling (MUS) surgery is an effective treatment of SUI. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is an association between BMI at time of MUS‐surgery and the long‐term outcome at 10 years.Material and MethodsWomen who went through MUS surgery in Sweden between 2006 and 2010 and had been registered in the Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery were invited to participate in the 10‐year follow‐up. A questionnaire was sent out asking if they were currently suffering from SUI or not and their rated satisfaction, as well as current BMI. SUI at 10 years was correlated to BMI at the time of surgery. SUI at 1 year was assessed by the postoperative questionnaire sent out by the registry. The primary aim of the study was to investigate if there is an association between BMI at surgery and the long‐term outcome, subjective SUI at 10 years after MUS surgery. Our secondary aims were to assess whether BMI at surgery is associated with subjective SUI at 1‐year follow‐up and satisfaction at 10‐year follow‐up.ResultsThe subjective cure rate after 10 years was reported by 2108 out of 2157 women. Higher BMI at the time of surgery turned out to be a risk factor for SUI at long‐term follow‐up. Women with BMI <25 reported subjective SUI in 30%, those with BMI 25—<30 in 40%, those with BMI 30—<35 in 47% and those with BMI ≥35 in 59% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, subjective SUI at 1 year was reported higher by women with BMI ≥30, than among women with BMI <30 (33% vs. 20%, p < 0.001). Satisfaction at 10‐year follow‐up was 82% among women with BMI <30 vs 63% if BMI ≥30 (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe found that higher BMI at the time of MUS surgery is a risk factor for short‐ and long‐term failure compared to normal BMI.
Veno‐arterial ECMO ventricular assistance as a direct bridge to heart transplant: A single center experience in a low‐middle income country
Authors: Burgos Lucrecia M. , Chicote Fiorella S. , Vrancic Mariano , Seoane Leonardo , Ballari Franco N. , Baro Vila Rocio C. , De Bortoli María A. , Furmento Juan F. , Costabel Juan P. , Piccinini Fernando , Navia Daniel , Espinoza Juan , Diez Mirta 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe use of veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (BTT) is not common in adults worldwide. BTT with ECMO is associated with increased early/mid‐term mortality compared with other interventions. In low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), where no other type of short‐term mechanical circulatory support is available, its use is widespread and increasingly used as rescue therapy in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) as a direct bridge to heart transplantation (HT).ObjectiveTo assess the outcomes of adult patients using VA‐ECMO as a direct BTT in an LMIC and compare them with international registries.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center study analyzing consecutive adult patients requiring VA‐ECMO as BTT due to refractory CS or cardiac arrest (CA) in a cardiovascular center in Argentina between January 2014 and December 2022. Survival and adverse clinical events after VA‐ECMO implantation were evaluated.ResultsOf 86 VA‐ECMO, 22 (25.5%) were implanted as initial BTT strategy, and 52.1% of them underwent HT. Mean age was 46 years (SD 12); 59% were male. ECMO was indicated in 81% for CS, and the most common underlying condition was coronary artery disease (31.8%). Overall, in‐hospital mortality for VA‐ECMO as BTT was 50%. Survival to discharge was 83% in those who underwent HT and 10% in those who did not, p < .001. In those who did not undergo HT, the main cause of death was hemorrhagic complications (44%), followed by thrombotic complications (33%). The median duration of VA‐ECMO was 6 days (IQR 3‐16). There were no differences in the number of days on ECMO between those who received a transplant and those who did not. In the Spanish registry, in‐hospital survival after HT was 66.7%; the United Network of Organ Sharing registry estimated post‐transplant survival at 73.1% ± 4.4%, and in the French national registry 1‐year posttransplant survival was 70% in the VA‐ECMO group.ConclusionsIn adult patients with cardiogenic shock, VA‐ECMO as a direct BTT allowed successful HT in half of the patients. HT provided a survival benefit in listed patients on VA‐ECMO. We present a single center experience with results comparable to those of international registries.
Sensitivity to psychosocial influences at age 3 predicts mental health in middle childhood
Authors: McDermott Cassidy L. , Taylor Katherine , Sharp Sophie D. S. , Lydon‐Staley David , Leonard Julia A. , Mackey Allyson P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChildren vary in how sensitive they are to experiences, with consequences for their developmental outcomes. In the current study, we investigated how behavioral sensitivity at age 3 years predicts mental health in middle childhood. Using a novel repeated measures design, we calculated child sensitivity to multiple psychological and social influences: parent praise, parent stress, child mood, and child sleep. We conceptualized sensitivity as the strength and direction of the relationship between psychosocial influences and child behavior, operationalized as toothbrushing time, at age 3 years. When children were 5–7 years old (n = 60), parents reported on children's internalizing and externalizing problems. Children who were more sensitive to their parents’ praise at age 3 had fewer internalizing (r = −0.37, p = 0.016, pFDR = 0.042) and externalizing (r = −0.35, p = 0.021, pFDR = 0.042) problems in middle childhood. Higher average parent praise also marginally predicted fewer externalizing problems (r = −0.33, p = 0.006, pFDR = 0.057). Child sensitivity to mood predicted fewer internalizing (r = −0.32, p = 0.013, pFDR = 0.042) and externalizing (r = −0.38, p = 0.003, pFDR = 0.026) problems. By capturing variability in how children respond to daily fluctuations in their environment, we can contribute to the early prediction of mental health problems and improve access to early intervention services for children and families who need them most.Research Highlights
Children differ in how strongly their behavior depends on psychosocial factors including parent praise, child mood, child sleep, and parent stress.
Children who are more sensitive to their parents’ praise at age 3 have fewer internalizing and externalizing problems at age 5–7 years.
Child sensitivity to mood also predicts fewer internalizing and externalizing problems.
Foresight and futures thinking for international development co‐operation: Promises and pitfalls
Authors: Reilly‐King Fraser , Duggan Colleen , Wilner Alex 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMotivationStrategic foresight is gaining traction for anticipating changes in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world—one which will require different mindsets and approaches. Yet international development co‐operation practitioners have been slow to adopt foresight.PurposeWhat promises and pitfalls should development practitioners consider in order to integrate strategic foresight into their work?Methods and approachWe review the literature on strategic foresight applied to development. We draw on reflections from the articles included in this special issue. We incorporate the International Development Research Centre's experiences and early insights on the use of foresight for development.FindingsStrategic foresight provides tools to anticipate long‐term and potentially disruptive change. To apply the approach effectively, organizations need to understand the debates about foresight. But no one size fits all: organizations must identify where and how foresight can best be used; be clear on its purpose, use, and end‐users; be sensitive to how foresight intersects with broader calls for decolonizing development and the future; and should adapt methods to different sociocultural contexts.Connecting foresight practitioners and international development actors to explore potential synergies between these two worlds offers opportunities to innovate.Policy implicationsTraditional, short‐term strategic planning, and reactive responses to emerging crises, are increasingly ill‐suited to a VUCA world. To be fit for the future, international development actors must consider adding proactive longer‐term anticipatory planning—that accommodates more systematic understanding and appreciation of plausible futures—to reactive responses.
The co‐governance of basic education: Assessing the complementary effects of intergovernmental support, municipal capacity, non‐governmental organization presence and international development assistance
Authors: Kaye‐Essien Charles W. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEnsuring equitable local service delivery requires sustained investments that are often beyond the reach of local governments in poor countries. In many developing countries, access to basic education is achieved primarily through the complementary efforts of state, municipal, non‐governmental and international development agencies — what I call the complementary “quartet” of service delivery. While the current literature acknowledges the individual roles of this “quartet,” it has not given much attention to the influence of their complementary efforts on access and quality of education outcomes. Using a unique (2013–2015) dataset of 260 Ghanaian municipalities in a cross‐sectional pooled regression analysis, the study finds that state assistance has broader influence on both access and quality of education outcomes, while municipal capacity, international development assistance and the presence of education focused non‐governmental organizations are associated with access (enrollment).
Embedding Public Involvement in a PhD Research Project With People Affected by Advanced Liver Disease
Authors: Beresford Cathy J. , Rahman Mahabuba , Gray Yvonne , Ramshaw Sandra , Gelling Leslie , Baron Sue , Dominey Jackie 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLiver disease is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in the United Kingdom and can be challenging to live with in the advanced stages. There has been little research exploring the healthcare experiences of UK individuals with decompensated disease when the liver cannot carry out its functions properly. A PhD research project was developed with people who have liver disease to explore care experiences in decompensated advanced liver disease. Public involvement (PI) is an essential aspect of meaningful health research, and this paper reports on the progression of our PI approach in this ongoing study.ObjectiveTo embed PI throughout the research project to ensure that the study is meaningful to individuals with liver disease and the people who support them.MethodsThe research adopts a Constructivist Grounded Theory methodology to develop a theory of care experience. Various PI approaches were considered in developing the PI strategy for this qualitative study. Initially, Embedded consultation was the preferred model, which has evolved to include aspects of collaboration and coproduction. A PI group was set up to oversee the project through the national public engagement website VOICE, and reflections on PI from three members of the group are included in this paper to illuminate the PI process.ResultsSix individuals with liver disease and three carers from across the United Kingdom are part of an ongoing PI group. Their role includes commenting on the findings of the systematic literature review for this project and contributing to decisions about recruitment, data collection and data analysis. Additionally, they had a direct impact on changing the focus of the research. The PI group will continue involvement until the completion of the project.ConclusionSuccessfully embedding PI into doctoral research, as demonstrated in this project, requires commitment, planning and dedication to reciprocal working for the benefit of PI contributors as well as the research. This approach could be adopted by other postgraduate researchers.Patient or Public ContributionThis project is overseen by the PI group, whose contribution is described throughout, including reflections from three PI group members.