bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring supplier diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): scale development and empirical validation
Authors: Silva Minelle E. , Ruel Salomée , Sousa-Filho José Milton 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
As firms consider initiatives to enhance their social sustainability performance, supplier diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become significantly more important. As such, the purpose of this study is to theorize, operationalize and develop an empirical scale to measure supplier DEI.

Design/methodology/approach
The following three-phase scale development method was used: first, identification of scale items from the literature; second, a qualitative component involving interviews with expert panels; and third, a psychometric evaluation through two survey rounds with 327 managers from multiple areas of supply chain management.

Findings
Although not necessarily a new concept, this study provides a more complete understanding of supplier DEI beyond traditional aspects of supplier diversity (e.g. women and minority-owned suppliers) to feature additional considerations (e.g. LGBTQIAP+) and reflect broader societal considerations, such as human rights. Therefore, validated items for the three dimensions (i.e. diversity, equity [human rights] and inclusion) were identified.

Originality/value
This study provides systematically validated scales to measure supplier DEI based on three dimensions. Each dimension can be developed separately from the others, but they are intertwined, which reinforces the contribution to both scholars and practitioners.
The effects of gas extraction under intertidal mudflats on sediment and macrozoobenthic communities
Authors: de la Barra Paula , Aarts Geert , Bijleveld Allert 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLand subsidence in intertidal environments may change the flooding regime and sediment composition, two drivers of the macrozoobenthic community. In the Dutch Wadden Sea, a UNESCO world heritage site, gas extraction has resulted in an average subsidence of intertidal mudflats of 2 mm year−1. These mudflats support an abundant macrozoobenthic community that offers important resources for birds and fish. The area is managed through the ‘hand on the tap’ principle, meaning that human activities should be halted if they affect the natural values. To what extent land subsidence affects sediment and macrozoobenthos remains unknown and is increasingly important given sea level rise.Taking advantage of a large‐scale monitoring program, we evaluated the effect of anthropogenically caused subsidence on sediment composition and macrozoobenthos. Nearly 4600 points were sampled yearly (2008–2020) across the Dutch Wadden Sea, allowing us to compare sediment composition and macrozoobenthos biomass within and outside the subsidence area while controlling for the main drivers of these variables. We also compared population trends within and outside the subsidence area for 31 species with different habitat use.Mud fraction was 3% higher within the subsided area and median grain size decreased at 1 μm year−1while remaining constant in other mudflats. This had no effect on the total biomass of macrozoobenthos. Within the subsidence area, however, the biomass of species that use deeper areas increased compared to outside, and the opposite was true for species using shallower habitat.Policy implications: Land subsidence is related to changes in median grain size and macrozoobenthic community composition. However, because thresholds have not been defined, it is not clear if this requires management actions. For a successful implementation of the ‘hand on the tap’ principle in the Wadden Sea, it is necessary to define beforehand the relevant variables that represent the natural values, implement proper monitoring and define thresholds above which effects are not acceptable. We propose median grain size, mud fraction and macrozoobenthic composition as good measures of the natural values of the Wadden Sea, and the methods used here as a way for identifying anthropogenic effects on them.
Factors influencing consumer motivations for protein choice
Authors: Keefer Heather , Racette Clara , Drake MaryAnne 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study evaluated the factors that motivate US consumers (18–65 years) to choose protein products derived from specific protein sources. An online survey was conducted. Participants who purchased protein products (n = 673) were shown agree/disagree questions, along with maximum difference (MaxDiff), constant sum, and Kano questions on factors surrounding protein choice. Last, follow‐up qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 survey participants to further investigate consumer motivations behind protein choice. Survey participants conceptually desired a protein product or protein‐fortified food that was a good source of protein, tasted great, and was healthy. Three clusters of consumers with distinct motivations for protein purchases were identified. Cluster 1 (C1) consumers (n = 176) desired plant‐based, environmentally friendly products and valued sustainability label claims more than flavor/taste. Cluster 2 (C2) consumers (n = 271) were nutritionally conscious and desired high‐protein healthy products that were also high in vitamins/minerals. Cluster 3 (C3) consumers (n = 226) showed the most loyalty to the products they currently purchased and were also most willing to try new products based on the recommendations. Cluster 1 consumers placed importance on protein sources, while C2 valued price most and C3 gave the highest value to flavor. In side‐by‐side protein comparisons, plant‐based proteins were considered superior to dairy proteins in sustainability, health, ethics, and digestibility, while both protein types were at parity for naturalness, satiety, and taste across all consumers, but differences were documented among consumer clusters. Results from this study demonstrate that there are many different motivations for consumers to purchase protein products. These motivations can be applied to consumer education as well as the strategic positioning of protein products.Practical Application: This study investigated consumer perception of different protein types and the drivers of choice for protein types among distinct consumer groups. Further application of findings from this study may help guide the development and formulation of new products with a diverse range of protein sources.
Composition of free sugars and organic acids in Japanese strawberry cultivars and their influence on the perception of sweetness and sourness
Authors: Ikegaya Atsushi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the extent of variations in the ratio of major free sugars to total sugars and major organic acids to total organic acids in strawberry juice with cultivar and harvest season and investigate whether these differences affect the perceived intensity of sweetness and sourness. Eight Japanese strawberry cultivars were simultaneously grown and harvested in different seasons for sugar and organic acid content analyses. In addition, simulated strawberry juices, containing equal total amounts of sugars and organic acids but in different ratios, were prepared based on their analytical values. The perceived intensities of sweetness and sourness of the juices were subjected to sensory evaluation. The results showed a wide range of sucrose compositions, ranging from almost zero to the highest ratio of 36.7% to total sugar. Glucose and fructose were present in approximately equal amounts, with a slight inclination toward more fructose. For organic acids, the highest ratio of citric acid was 87.6%, the lowest was approximately 60.1%, and the remainder comprised malic acid. The results of the sensory evaluation using simulated strawberry juice indicated that sweetness and sourness were significantly more pronounced as the ratio of sucrose to total sugar and the ratio of malic acid to total organic acid increased, respectively. These results suggest that it is essential to consider not only total soluble solids and titratable acidity but also the composition of the sugars and organic acids comprising them when evaluating strawberry taste.Practical ApplicationTotal soluble solids and titratable acidity have been used to evaluate strawberry taste; however, how the composition and ratios of the sugars and organic acids that comprise them affect the taste is unclear. This study revealed that, for sugars, an increase in the proportion of sucrose resulted in a stronger perception of sweetness, and for organic acids, an increase in the proportion of malic acid resulted in a stronger perception of sourness. These findings are expected to be useful in future studies evaluating strawberry taste and palatability.
Six‐year clinical evaluation of iRoot BP Plus as apical barrier in permanent teeth of periapical periodontitis
Authors: Wang Lijun , Ren Shuangshuang , Sun Xiujuan , Guo Shiliang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe apical barrier technique in permanent teeth with extensive destruction of the periapical tissue and a long infection time is much more difficult to succeed, which is a clinical challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term effects of iRoot BP Plus as an apical material in adult teeth. Fifty incisors and premolars were chosen for this study. All teeth were performed apical barrier with the same operator. After treatment, the teeth were clinically and radiographically evaluated at 1, 2 and 6 years. At the 1‐year follow‐up, 35 teeth had healed, and three patients developed an apical abscess due to root fracture at the 2‐year follow‐up. Six years postoperatively, one tooth showed root resorption, which was considered a failure. The long clinical evaluation confirmed that iRoot BP Plus is a suitable material for the apical barrier of mature teeth with open apices and periapical lesions.
Novel ACTL7A variants in males lead to fertilization failure and male infertility
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhou Juepu , Long Rui , Jin Huizi , Gao Limin , Zhu Lixia , Jin Lei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundTotal fertilization failure occurs in 1%–3% of all intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. Genetic defects are found to be crucial causes responsible for total fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. However, the reported genes only elucidate a small proportion of total fertilization failure cases, and more genetic defects are required to be explored.ObjectiveTo investigate the genetic causes of male‐related fertilization failure and explore the potential underlying mechanism.Material and methodsWhole‐exome sequencing was performed on male patients suffering from fertilization failure, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the detected mutations. The effects of genetic mutations on protein function were analyzed using bioinformatic tools and immunofluorescence assays.ResultsTwo males with ACTL7A mutations were enrolled. One carried two compound heterozygous mutations (c.1118G>A:p.R373H; c.1204G>A:p.G402S), the other had a homozygous mutation (c.1117C>T:p.R373C) and was from a consanguineous family with a recessive inheritance pattern. All the variants were located in the actin domain and were predicted to be pathogenic, affecting the number of hydrogen bonds or the arrangement of nearby protein structures. Furthermore, the protein expression of actin‐like protein 7A was absent in affected spermatozoa by using immunofluorescence staining and western blotting, confirming the pathogenicity of the variants. In addition, the phospholipase C zeta 1 was barely absent, and acrosome peanut agglutinin signals were attenuated and unevenly distributed, indicating acrosome dysfunction. In addition, intracytoplasmic sperm injection with artificial oocyte activation treatment could increase the fertilization rate in oocytes injected with affected spermatozoa.DiscussionOur study identified three ACTL7A pathogenic missense mutations in two males with fertilization failure. It expands the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of ACTL7A gene and provides information on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of fertilization defects induced by ACTL7A pathogenic variants.ConclusionACTL7A variants affected the expression and localization of actin‐like protein 7A in the affected spermatozoa and subsequently decreased the expression of phospholipase C zeta 1, which caused fertilization failure and male infertility.
Self‐reported distress and problems after treatment for gynecological cancer – Correlation between a short screening tool and longer measures of anxiety/depression and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Skaali Tone , Blomhoff Rune , Lindemann Kristina , Smeland Sigbjørn , Bruheim Kjersti , Seland Mette , Thorsen Lene 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer and problem list (DTPL) is a brief self‐report screening measure for use in follow‐up cancer care. The aims of this study were to explore the correlations between scores on the DTPL and scores on longer measures of anxiety/depression and health‐related quality of life among women treated for gynecological cancer, and to define a cutoff score on the DT representing high levels of psychological distress in this patient group.Material and methodsDuring outpatient visits, 144 women filled in the DTPL, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the RAND‐36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (RAND‐36) between October 2019 and March 2020. We assessed the agreement between the DT‐scores and the HADS scores, explored variables associated with high levels of distress on the DT, and studied the associations between DTPL‐scores and scores of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) from RAND‐36.ResultsIn receiver operating characteristic curve analysis between the distress score from the DT and a HADS total score ≥15 (defining high levels of anxiety/depression symptoms), the area under the curve was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74–0.89). Using a cutoff of ≥5 on the DT (scale 0–10), we found a balanced level of sensitivity (81%) and specificity (71%) towards a HADS total score of ≥15. The scores of distress and problems reported on the DTPL correlated significantly with the majority of HRQoL function scales from RAND‐36.ConclusionsThe NCCN DTPL can be used as a screening measure for self‐reported distress and problems after treatment for gynecological cancer. A score of ≥5 on DT may indicate high level of anxiety/depression as measured by HADS. The tool may help identify patients in need of referral to supportive care and rehabilitation facilities.
Self‐processing and social functioning in autistic preschoolers
Authors: Ford Ruth M. , McLean Tracy 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThere is evidence of weak self‐processing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including diminished self‐reference effects (SREs) in memory. Because smaller SREs in older ASD children and adults are sometimes associated with worse social functioning, we examined this relation for the first time in ASD preschoolers (n = 21). Following a self‐performed task, children completed tests of self/other source memory, verbal ability, imitation and mentalizing. Although the ASD children were outperformed on the socio‐cognitive measures by non‐autistic preschoolers (n = 20), they still showed a significant SRE. Moreover, the SRE, but not the socio‐cognitive variables, was a significant predictor of children's social functioning as rated by parents. Larger SREs were linked with better social functioning, while children with stronger autism traits showed no memory advantage for information encoded self‐referentially. These findings support previous research showing that self‐processing impairments in ASD are mainly apparent for individuals with greater social difficulties.
Mastery‐approach and performance‐approach goals predict distinct outcomes during personal academic goal pursuit
Authors: Katz‐Vago Inbar , Benita Moti 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundMastery and performance goals are typically measured as trait‐like abstract goals. However, in their daily academic pursuits, students pursue more concrete goals. The pursuit of these goals is replete with obstacles that can lead to an action crisis.AimsWe examined how mastery and performance goals affect progress, effort and well‐being during academic goal pursuit. We also asked whether these goals moderated relations between an action crisis and goal pursuit.Sample154 Israeli students (average age = 23.59 years, SD = 2.17; 62% female) preparing for an exam.MethodsIn this daily diary study, participants first reported the date of their most stressful exam, two related goals, and their trait‐like achievement goals (mastery, performance). They then completed daily questionnaires assessing their progress, effort, well‐being and action crisis on the 10 days leading up to the exam.ResultsMultilevel modelling showed mastery goals positively predicted daily goal effort and progress and negatively predicted daily action crises, while performance goals positively predicted daily negative affect and action crises. An action crisis was negatively correlated with next‐day goal progress and positive affect among students with high‐performance goals. In students with low‐performance goals, an action crisis positively predicted next‐day positive affect. Finally, for students high on mastery goals, an action crisis was unrelated to negative affect on the same day.ConclusionsDifferent trait‐like achievement goals can be mapped onto a common personal goal and affect its pursuit differently. Mastery goals predict optimal goal pursuit, and performance goals are associated with non‐optimal goal pursuit.
Paediatric sepsis survivors are resistant to sepsis‐induced long‐term immune dysfunction
Authors: Colón David F. , Wanderley Carlos W. , Turato Walter M. , Borges Vanessa F. , Franchin Marcelo , Castanheira Fernanda V. S. , Nascimento Daniele , Prado Douglas , Haruo Fernandes de Lima Mikhael , Volpon Leila C. , Kavaguti Silvia K. , Carlotti Ana P. , Carmona Fabio , Franklin Bernardo S. , Cunha Thiago M. , Alves‐Filho Jose Carlos , Cunha Fernando Q. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeSepsis‐surviving adult individuals commonly develop immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to secondary infections, an outcome mediated by the axis IL‐33/ILC2s/M2 macrophages/Tregs. Nonetheless, the long‐term immune consequences of paediatric sepsis are indeterminate. We sought to investigate the role of age in the genesis of immunosuppression following sepsis.Experimental ApproachHere, we compared the frequency of Tregs, the activation of the IL‐33/ILC2s axis in M2 macrophages and the DNA methylation of epithelial lung cells from post‐septic infant and adult mice. Likewise, sepsis‐surviving mice were inoculated intranasally with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or by subcutaneous inoculation of the B16 melanoma cell line. Finally, blood samples from sepsis‐surviving patients were collected and the concentration of IL‐33 and Tregs frequency were assessed.Key ResultsIn contrast to 6‐week‐old mice, 2‐week‐old mice were resistant to secondary infection and did not show impairment in tumour controls upon melanoma challenge. Mechanistically, increased IL‐33 levels, Tregs expansion, and activation of ILC2s and M2‐macrophages were observed in 6‐week‐old but not 2‐week‐old post‐septic mice. Moreover, impaired IL‐33 production in 2‐week‐old post‐septic mice was associated with increased DNA methylation in lung epithelial cells. Notably, IL‐33 treatment boosted the expansion of Tregs and induced immunosuppression in 2‐week‐old mice. Clinically, adults but not paediatric post‐septic patients exhibited higher counts of Tregs and seral IL‐33 levels.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese findings demonstrate a crucial and age‐dependent role for IL‐33 in post‐sepsis immunosuppression. Thus, a better understanding of this process may lead to differential treatments for adult and paediatric sepsis.
Healthcare professionals' and consumers' knowledge, attitudes, perspectives, and education needs in oncology pharmacogenomics: A systematic review
Authors: Lim Chiao Xin , Bozkurt Alistair , Chen Zi Yue , Hird Abbey , Wickens Joanne , Lazarakis Smaro , Hussainy Safeera Y. , Alexander Marliese 
Published: November 2023

AbstractClinical implementation of pharmacogenomic (PGx)‐guided prescribing in oncology lags behind research evidence generation. We aimed to identify healthcare professionals' (HCPs) and consumers' knowledge, attitudes, perspectives, and education needs to inform strategies for implementation of scalable and sustainable oncology PGx programs. Systematic review of original articles indexed in EMBASE, EMCARE, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo from January 2012 until June 2022, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022352348. Of 1442 identified studies; 23 met inclusion criteria with 87% assessed high quality. Of these, 52% reported on HCPs, 35% on consumers, and 13% on both HCPs and consumers. Most were conducted in the United States (70%) and included multiple cancer types (74%). Across studies, HCPs and consumers mostly perceived value in PGx, however, both groups reported barriers to utilization, including cost, lack of consistent recommendations across guidelines, and limited knowledge among HCPs; test accuracy, clear testing benefits, and genomic information confidentiality among consumers. HCPs and consumers value and want to engage in PGx strategies in oncology care, however, are inhibited by unmet needs and practice and knowledge gaps. Implementation strategies aimed at addressing these issues may best support increased PGx uptake in oncology practice.
Dynamic species distribution models of Antarctic blue whales in the Weddell Sea using visual sighting and passive acoustic monitoring data
Authors: El‐Gabbas Ahmed , Thomisch Karolin , Van Opzeeland Ilse , Burkhardt Elke , Boebel Olaf 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are essential tools in ecology and conservation. However, the scarcity of visual sightings of marine mammals in remote polar areas hinders the effective application of SDMs there. Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) data provide year‐round information and overcome foul weather limitations faced by visual surveys. However, the use of PAM data in SDMs has been sparse so far. Here, we use PAM‐based SDMs to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of the critically endangered Antarctic blue whale in the Weddell Sea.LocationThe Weddell Sea.MethodsWe used presence‐only dynamic SDMs employing visual sightings and PAM detections in independent models. We compared the two independent models with a third combined model that integrated both visual and PAM data, aiming at leveraging the advantages of each data type: the extensive spatial extent of visual data and the broader temporal/environmental range of PAM data.ResultsVisual and PAM data prove complementary, as indicated by a low spatial overlap between daily predictions and the low predictability of each model at detections of other data types. Combined data models reproduced suitable habitats as given by both independent models. Visual data models indicate areas close to the sea ice edge (SIE) and with low‐to‐moderate sea ice concentrations (SIC) as suitable, while PAM data models identified suitable habitats at a broader range of distances to SIE and relatively higher SIC.Main ConclusionsThe results demonstrate the potential of PAM data to predict year‐round marine mammal habitat suitability at large spatial scales. We provide reasons for discrepancies between SDMs based on either data type and give methodological recommendations on using PAM data in SDMs. Combining visual and PAM data in future SDMs is promising for studying vocalized animals, particularly when using recent advances in integrated distribution modelling methods.