bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of carbon productivity on firm performance: moderating role of industry type and firm size
Authors: Ghose Biswajit , Makan Leo Themjung , Kabra Kailash Chandra 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe primary purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of carbon productivity on firms' financial performance. Secondly, the study also examines the moderating effect of industry types and firm size in the relationship between productivity and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThe data used for the study includes 66 listed Indian firms over the period from 2015–2016 to 2019–2020. The data used in the study are collected from the published corporate annual reports and sustainability reports. The study uses a random effect model based on the results of the Hausman test and the Breusch-Pagan test to investigate its objectives.FindingsCarbon productivity has a favorable impact on firms' financial performance in India, indicating that firms may gain competitive advantages by minimizing carbon emissions and improving carbon productivity. Small and high carbon-intensive firms reap greater benefits from the improvement in carbon productivity compared to their opposite counterparts. However, such differential impact is only observed for the market-based measure but not for the accounting-based measure of financial performance.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that high carbon-intensive firms should focus more on improving carbon productivity. Small firms and firms belonging to high carbon-intensive industries can improve their market performance by improving carbon productivity.Originality/valueThis study is a noble attempt to investigate the moderating effect of industry type and firm size while examining the impact of carbon productivity on firm performance in the context of an emerging economy.
The development and pilot evaluation of a mental health mobile app in the Philippines
Authors: Hechanova-Alampay Ma. Regina , Angeles Patrick Louis , Tuliao Antover , Hilario Edgar , Pagente Amadeus Fernando , Narra Carol Villegas 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to test a mobile application for mental health created for Filipinos. Specifically, it tested the Lusog-Isip mobile app vis-à-vis a mental health workbook as they affect psychosocial well-being and coping strategies of users.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a randomized control trial design. Participants were assigned to two conditions: a treatment group using the mobile app and a control group that used an existing mental health workbook. Pre- and post-tests were conducted before and two weeks after.

Findings
Results revealed improved psychological well-being and use of cognitive reappraisal for both mobile app and workbook users. Users of the mobile app reported higher scores compared to those who used the workbook for emotional release.

Originality/value
This study adds to the dearth of knowledge on the use of a mobile application for mental health in low-resource countries. It highlights the potential of using digital technologies to provide access to mental health resources in underserved populations.
State-of-the-art analysis of the integration of augmented reality with construction technologies to improve construction safety
Authors: Khorrami Shad Hesam , Tak Wing Yiu Kenneth , Lovreglio Ruggiero , Feng Zhenan 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThis paper aims to explore augmented reality (AR) applications in construction safety academic literature and propose possible improvements for future scholarly works. The paper explicitly focuses on AR integration with Construction 4.0 technologies as an effective solution to safety concerns in the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study applied a systematic review approach. In total, 387 potentially relevant articles from databases were identified. Once filtering criteria were applied, 29 eligible papers where selected. The inclusion criteria were being directly associated with construction safety focused on an AR application and AR interactions associated with the Construction 4.0 technologies.FindingsThis study investigated the structure of AR applications in construction safety. To this end, the authors studied the safety purposes of AR applications in construction safety: pre-event (intelligent operation, training, safety inspection and hazard alerting), during-event (pinpointing hazard) and post-event (safety estimation) applications. Then, the integration of AR with Construction 4.0 technologies was elaborated. The systematic review also revealed that the AR integration has contributed to developing several technical aspects of AR technology: display, tracking and human–computer interaction. The study results indicate that AR integration with construction is effective in mitigating safety concerns; however, further research studies are required to support this statement.Originality/valueThis study contributes to exploring applications and integrations of AR into construction safety in order to facilitate the leverage of this technology. This review can help encourage practitioners and researchers to conduct further academic investigations into AR application in construction safety.
Underwater target passive acoustic localization method based on Hanbury Brown–Twiss interference
Authors: Liu Mengran , Zeng Qiang , Jian Zeming , Nie Lei , Tu Jun 
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Acoustic signals of the underwater targets are susceptible to noise, reverberation, submarine topography and biology, therefore it is difficult to precisely locate underwater targets. This paper proposes a new underwater Hanbury Brown-Twiss (HBT) interference passive localization method. This study aims to achieve precise location of the underwater acoustic targets.

Design/methodology/approach
The principle of HBT interference with ultrasensitive detection characteristics in optical measurements was introduced in the field of hydroacoustics. The coherence of the underwater target signal was analyzed using the HBT interference measurement principle, and the corresponding relationship between the signal coherence and target position was obtained. Consequently, an HBT interference localization model was established, and its validity was verified through simulations and experiments.

Findings
The effects of different array structures on the localization performance were obtained by simulation analysis, and the simulations confirmed that the HBT method exhibited a higher positioning accuracy than conventional beamforming. In addition, the experimental analysis demonstrated the excellent positioning performance of the HBT method, which verified the feasibility of the proposed method.

Originality/value
This study provides a new method for the passive localization of underwater targets, which may be widely used in the field of oceanic explorations.
Dispersal and coastal geomorphology limit potential for mangrove range expansion under climate change
Authors: Raw Jacqueline L. , Van der Stocken Tom , Carroll Dustin , Harris Linda R. , Rajkaran Anusha , Van Niekerk Lara , Adams Janine B. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Latitudinal range limits for mangroves on high‐energy, wave‐dominated coasts are controlled by geomorphological features and estuarine dynamics. Mangroves reach a southern global range limit along the South African coastline, but the distribution is patchy, with stands occurring in only 16% of the estuaries in the region. Yet, the persistence of forests planted >50 years ago beyond the natural distribution limit suggests that additional estuaries could support mangroves. Understanding regional drivers is necessary to inform global‐scale estimates for how this important ecosystem is predicted to respond to climate change.

Here, we combine species distribution modelling (MaxEnt), Lagrangian particle tracking using an eddy‐ and tide‐resolving numerical ocean model, and connectivity matrices, to identify suitable mangrove habitats along the South African coastline at present, as well as under the IPCC RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios.

Within the current South African distribution range (±900 km), eight more estuaries were identified to be suitable under contemporary conditions. When considering potential range extension (±110 km), an additional 14 suitable estuaries were identified. Connectivity matrices suggest limited long‐distance dispersal, stranding mostly at or near the release location, and a decreased probability of connectivity towards the range limit. Under both future climate scenarios, 30% of estuaries currently supporting mangroves are predicted to become unsuitable, while an additional six estuaries beyond the current distribution are predicted to become suitable. However, there is limited connectivity between these new sites and established forests.

Synthesis. This study shows that dispersal substantially limits mangrove distribution at the southern African range limit and highlights the importance of including this process in species distribution models. Ultimately, our results provide new insight into mangrove conservation and management at range limits that are not controlled predominantly by temperature, as it has been assumed that mangroves will largely expand to higher latitudes under climate change.
Plant diversity effects on herbivory are related to soil biodiversity and plant chemistry
Authors: Ristok Christian , Weinhold Alexander , Ciobanu Marcel , Poeschl Yvonne , Roscher Christiane , Vergara Fredd , Eisenhauer Nico , van Dam Nicole M. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Insect herbivory is a key process in ecosystem functioning. While theory predicts that plant diversity modulates herbivory, the mechanistic links remain unclear. We postulated that the plant metabolome mechanistically links plant diversity and herbivory.

In late summer and in spring, we assessed individual plant above‐ground herbivory rates and metabolomes of seven plant species in experimental plant communities varying in plant species diversity and resource acquisition strategies. In the same communities, we also measured plant individual biomass as well as soil microbial and nematode community composition.

Herbivory rates decreased with increasing plant species richness. Path modelling revealed that plant species richness and community resource acquisition strategy correlated with soil community composition. In particular, changes in nematode community composition were related to plant metabolome composition and thereby herbivory rates.

Synthesis. These results suggest that soil community composition plays an important role in reducing herbivory rates with increasing plant diversity by changing plant metabolomes.
On the early warning signal of degradation in drylands: Patches or plants?
Authors: Oñatibia Gastón R. , Aguiar Martín R. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Global drylands are threatened by grazing pressure intensification and climate change, which act as major drivers of land degradation. Detecting this process at an early stage is essential for predicting losses of ecological functions and for restoration management. Vegetation patch‐size distribution is an indicator of dryland multifunctionality and has been proposed as a warning signal for the onset of degradation processes. However, we proposed and tested a general model that stresses that patchiness may fail to detect degradation of the forage provision, depending on plant community species composition. This is a key aspect since forage provision is strongly associated with human well‐being in drylands. We hypothesized that grazing‐induced changes in patchiness and forage provision converge in drylands dominated by forage species but are decoupled in those dominated or co‐dominated by non‐forage species.

We tested the conceptual model in a unique regional‐scale gradient with strong ecological differences but a common biogeographical and human impact history to reduce local contingencies effects. We compared datasets of grazing intensification impacts on (i) plant cover and patch‐size distribution and (ii) plant density and plant‐size distribution of dominant forage grasses (a proxy of forage provisioning).

We showed that there is a decoupling between grazing‐induced changes in vegetation patchiness and forage provisioning, particularly in drylands where non‐forage species are dominant. In these drylands, plant cover and patch‐size distribution were slightly affected by grazing intensification, whereas plant density of forage species was decimated and their plant‐size distributions were strongly skewed towards small sizes.

Synthesis. Our dryland conceptual model suggests that global change impacts on forage species populations can be detected even before changes in patch‐size distribution and plant cover. Our findings support the model and indicate that the population status (plant density and plant‐size distribution) of forage species allows for predicting forage dynamics and is useful to the early detection of losses of ecosystem services linked to human well‐being in drylands.
Risk assessment of azo dyes as food additives: Revision and discussion of data gaps toward their improvement
Authors: Ramos‐Souza Caroline , Bandoni Daniel Henrique , Bragotto Adriana Pavesi Arisseto , De Rosso Veridiana Vera 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe food industry uses dyes mainly to overcome color loss during the processing and storage of products, with the azo dyes currently being the most employed. Studies on the safety of using these dyes in foods started in the 1950s and have indicated the potential for concern. This review discusses the risk assessment of food intake containing artificial azo dyes. There are case reports and, subsequently, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials in some individuals who may experience adverse effects from the intake of azo dyes, but it is unclear whether these adverse effects are restricted to specific populations or more generalized. In view of this, different toxicological endpoints are evaluated to verify toxic effects in in vitro and in vivo models and to establish the no observed adverse effect level. Exposure estimation studies have shown that human exposure to azo dyes via oral intake is mainly below the acceptable daily intake established by advisory bodies. However, most countries do not have studies that estimate the oral intake of azo dyes. In this case, local food diversity and racial–ethnic specificities are not considered when stating the exposure estimate is below the acceptable daily intake for the human population and thus may not represent actual intake. Concerning the scenario established above, this review discusses the most critical gaps to be overcome to contribute to the direction of future studies and the development of more effective public policies concerning the safety of the intake of artificial azo dyes.
Cytotoxic activity of Solanum tuberosum polyphenolic extracts in human hepatocarcinoma cells is mediated by apoptosis and autophagy
Authors: Martínez María Julia , Andreu Adriana Balbina , Barbini Luciana 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent tumors worldwide, associated with a high mortality rate. HCC patient's prognosis remains unfavorable, mainly due to late diagnosis and treatment instauration delay. Thus, there is an urgent requirement for the development of new therapeutical options, particularly for advanced HCC patients. Polyphenols are specialized plant metabolites, which have been broadly characterized for their beneficial effects on human health. Potato is one of the main sources of these compounds in human diet, due to its high consumption. The objectives of this study were to: characterize the polyphenolic composition, analyze the antioxidant properties, evaluate the cytotoxic activity in human tumoral hepatocytes, and describe the molecular mechanisms involved in cell death, of potato polyphenolic extracts (PPEs) from the pigmented Andigena cultivar CL658. The results showed that phenolic acids were the main group of polyphenols in the extracts, chlorogenic acid being the major compound, followed by caffeic acid. HPLC‐DAD profile showed pelargonidin as the principal anthocyanin. The treatment of HCC cell lines with the cytotoxic concentration 50 (CC50) of the PPEs resulted in cytotoxicity, evidenced by increases in the percentage of dead cells (5–10%) after treatments. This cytotoxic effect was mainly due to apoptosis activation, evidenced by modulation of the Bcl‐2 family proteins expression, in favor of pro‐apoptotic members over anti‐apoptotic in the final balance. PPEs also induced autophagy, indicated by increased LC3 expression (122–274%) and autophagosomes, and reduced p62 expression (32–48%), in variable magnitudes according to the treated cell line. Overall, these results support the potential use of PPEs from the cultivar CL658 as a source of bioactive compounds for novel treatments against HCC.
Effective teaching, student engagement and student satisfaction during the Covid‐19 pandemic: Evidence from business students' qualitative survey evaluations
Authors: Tharapos Meredith , Peszynski Konrad , Lau Kwok Hung , Heffernan Margaret , Vesty Gillian , Ghalebeigi Aida 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWe investigate the influence of unanticipated prolonged disruption on effective teaching, student engagement and student satisfaction during campus lockdown due to COVID‐19. Qualitative comments provided by undergraduate business students in the university end‐of‐semester survey were analysed using a variety of methods, including sentiment analysis. Our findings indicate that effective teaching through the characteristics of the instructor, can lead to enhanced student engagement and higher levels of student satisfaction in an emergency remote teaching environment. Our findings highlight the critical role of the instructor in providing cognitive and affective support to students, along with clear communication, during times of substantial change.
Evaluating higher taxa as surrogates of harvestmen biodiversity (Arachnida: Opiliones) along a latitudinal gradient in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: de Andrade Alessandra Rodrigues Santos , de Azevedo Koch Elmo Borges , do Amaral Nogueira André , Pinto‐da‐Rocha Ricardo , Bragagnolo Cibele , Lorenzo Everton , DaSilva Márcio Bernardino , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation have highlighted the importance of monitoring remaining habitats. For megadiverse groups such as arthropods, of which many species are still being discovered, the use of higher taxonomic levels as substitutes for diversity may be a useful tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of substitute taxonomic resolutions to assess the richness and composition of Laniatores harvestmen (Arachnida: Opiliones). The five resolutions selected were as follows: genus, family, subfamily, indicator taxa and intermediate resolution (combination of genus and species identification levels). In addition, we evaluated whether the diversity substitutes provide good estimates of latitudinal gradients. Nineteen Atlantic Forest sites located along a latitudinal gradient in northeastern Brazil were sampled. We recorded a total of 88 harvestmen species/morpho‐species, distributed in 7 families, 15 subfamilies and 36 genera. Genus and intermediate resolution were excellent substitutes for harvestmen species richness. The efficiency differed according to the substitute resolution used. Four resolutions were adequate to replace the harvestmen composition: genus, intermediate resolution, indicator taxa, and subfamily. The number of harvestmen species recorded was significantly different between Seasonal Semideciduous Forest and Costal Atlantic Rainforest. The same relationship was also observed the same relationship was observed when we consider genus and intermediate resolution. Our results suggest the use of genus as a substitute for richness and composition of harvestmen for reducing monitoring costs and providing evaluation in a shorter time and a more practical way.
Oral immunocontraceptive vaccines: A novel approach for fertility control in wildlife
Authors: Yang Jinpeng , Zhou Ziyao , Li Gangshi , Dong Zhiyou , Li Qianlan , Fu Keyi , Liu Haifeng , Zhong Zhijun , Fu Hualin , Ren Zhihua , Gu Wuyang , Peng Guangneng 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe overabundant populations of wildlife have caused many negative impacts, such as human‐wildlife conflicts and ecological degradation. The existing approaches like injectable immunocontraceptive vaccines and lethal methods have limitations in many aspects, which has prompted the advancement of oral immunocontraceptive vaccine. There is growing interest in oral immunocontraceptive vaccines for reasons including high immunization coverage, easier administration, frequent boosting, the ability to induce systemic and mucosal immune responses, and cost‐effectiveness. Delivery systems have been developed to protect oral antigens and enhance the immunogenicity, including live vectors, microparticles and nanoparticles, bacterial ghosts, and mucosal adjuvants. However, currently, no effective oral immunocontraceptive vaccine is available for field trials because of the enormous development challenges, including biological and physicochemical barriers of the gastrointestinal tract, mucosal tolerance, pre‐existing immunity, antigen residence time in the small intestine, species specificity and other safety issues. To overcome these challenges, this article summarizes achievements in delivery systems and contraceptive antigens in oral immunocontraceptive vaccines and explores the potential barriers for future vaccine design and application.
An exploratory project to develop an effective educational system to teach mastery of assistant laparoscopic gynecologic surgery skills
Authors: Kakuda Mamoru , Kobayashi Eiji , Matsuzaki Shinya , Ueda Yutaka , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionIn laparoscopic surgery, the cooperation of the first assistant surgeon is essential for the creation and maintenance of an appropriate and safe surgical field. The aim of this study is a validation of the impact of our educational system for first assistant laparoscopic surgeon residency in a single university‐affiliated teaching hospital.MethodsFive residents were recruited for this study. We created a slide‐set as an educational tool using Microsoft's PowerPoint that was in line with our surgical procedure to master the assistant skills of laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Immediately after surgery, the attending doctor and residents reviewed videos of the first assistant's operative procedures. This study evaluated the effect of our educational checklist against the transition of evaluation scores before and after training in two groups of residents, those with minimal experience (Group 1) or with high experience (Group 2).ResultsBefore receiving our training tool, there was an expected significant difference in the review scores of the two experience groups (29.1 ± 3.1 vs 48.7 ± 3.9, P = .01). After our modified training, the inexperienced residents of Group 1 received review scores comparable to or higher than those of the experienced residents of Group 2 (81.9 ± 5.9 vs 70.4 ± 7.5, P = .23). As they assisted with more surgeries, the concordance between the resident's self‐assessment and the attending doctor's assessment scores significantly increased (P < .001).ConclusionsOur educational system for first assistant surgeons is effective for new residents, as it proved capable of imparting them with many of the same skill sets as much more experienced attending doctors.