Initial Phase Research Articles

Symmetrical and complementary escalation: Understanding the dynamics of the Ukraine war

Abstract The paper argues that the initial phase of the Ukraine war involved not only one but two escalatory processes, one following the pattern of symmetrical escalation and the other the pattern of complementary escalation. Symmetrical escalation is “conventional” conflict escalation, which was obviously occurring between Russia and Ukraine. However, drawing on a concept that was originally developed in the context of couple and family therapy, the paper argues that a second escalatory process developed between Russia and Western powers that followed the pattern of complementary escalation. In a complementary escalation, two participants take polarized positions on a spectrum of behavioral options and increasingly radicalize and rigidify in these positions, in a self-reinforcing interactional spiral, as when, e. g., one partner becomes increasingly accusatory and the other increasingly conciliatory, or one becomes increasingly responsible and the other increasingly irresponsible. The interactions between Russia and the West in the early months of 2022 can be described as involving such an escalatory or polarizing spiral, with Russia taking the position of “resort to war and reliance on brute force” and the West taking the position of “defense of international law and ban of war as a means of politics”. While both sides had leaned towards these positions before, they had done so only in the sense of partial and situationally flexible preferences, not in the sense of absolute and rigorously defended principles, and what turned them into staunch and uncomprisiming defenders of these principles was their mutual interaction and polarization. The paper presents a model that captures this dynamic, it discusses the problematic or even tragic role of international law in this process, and it underpins this with general system-theoretical considerations on the role of formalization and legitimation in social systems.

Coping With Incarceration: How Women Adjust to Being Separated From Their Children

The current study considers how women experience the pain of loss of liberty and separation from their children and families during the initial phases of incarceration and identifies factors that help them adapt and move beyond any early difficulties. It uses data from semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of incarcerated mothers to qualitatively explore their experiences, including any misconduct or troubles, and their views on what helped them during this first phase of their imprisonment. Most mothers reported more than one type of experience: mentally struggled, anger and conflict, pregnancy and loss, focused on doing my time, and kept busy. In line with relational-cultural theory (RCT), mothers noted that relational support from other women and staff in the facility, participation in groups and programming, and support from family members outside the prison helped them cope in more successful ways. Implications and policies associated with their care and management are discussed.

Comprehensive analysis of aging mechanisms and design solutions for desert-resilient photovoltaic modules

This study aims to address the best practices and recommendations that contribute to the development of a tailored photovoltaic (PV) module design suited to desert conditions. To realize this customized design, a comprehensive analysis of in-situ aging assessment on five PV systems was undertaken. The initial phase of this assessment involved outdoor visual inspections, revealing visual material degradation modes such as snail trails, delamination, and discoloration. Subsequently, using infrared (IR) imaging and electroluminescence (EL) as powerful techniques, we pinpointed non-visual material issues such as hot spots, potential-induced degradation (PID) on p-type crystalline PV module, and micro-cracks emerging. The trends in the electrical parameters obtained from outdoor-measured I–V curves are analyzed to delve deeper into the performance decline of the PV modules. The findings revealed elevated degradation rates (Rd) values up to 2.7 %/y, largely attributed to the severe climate conditions at the investigation site. This poses significant implications for PV economic viability of the power plant and the payback time in such conditions. By focusing on the key material-related degradation modes that prevail in the exposed five PV systems employing a methodology that leverages Pareto analysis and integrates severity scores assessed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we analyzed various mitigating solutions to address the dominant observed defects under the challenging desert conditions. Some recommendations on the constitutive parts of the module have been proposed to make them more resilient to the desert environment. These mitigating solutions include recommendations for enhancing the durability of the components of the module to better withstand the harsh desert environment.

The impact of insect egg deposition on Pinus sylvestris transcriptomic and phytohormonal responses to larval herbivory.

Plants can improve their resistance to feeding damage by insects if they have perceived insect egg deposition prior to larval feeding. Molecular analyses of these egg-mediated defence mechanisms have until now focused on angiosperm species. It is unknown how the transcriptome of a gymnosperm species responds to insect eggs and subsequent larval feeding. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is known to improve its defences against larvae of the herbivorous sawfly Diprion pini L. if it has previously received sawfly eggs. Here, we analysed the transcriptomic and phytohormonal responses of Scots pine needles to D. pini eggs (E-pine), larval feeding (F-pine) and to both eggs and larval feeding (EF-pine). Pine showed strong transcriptomic responses to sawfly eggs and-as expected-to larval feeding. Many egg-responsive genes were also differentially expressed in response to feeding damage, and these genes play an important role in biological processes related to cell wall modification, cell death and jasmonic acid signalling. EF-pine showed fewer transcriptomic changes than F-pine, whereas EF-treated angiosperm species studied so far showed more transcriptional changes to the initial phase of larval feeding than only feeding-damaged F-angiosperms. However, as with responses of EF-angiosperms, EF-pine showed higher salicylic acid concentrations than F-pine. Based on the considerable overlap of the transcriptomes of E- and F-pine, we suggest that the weaker transcriptomic response of EF-pine than F-pine to larval feeding damage is compensated by the strong, egg-induced response, which might result in maintained pine defences against larval feeding.

Effectiveness of peer mentoring in the study entry phase: A systematic review

AbstractPeer mentoring is a widely employed strategy in higher education to foster student development and integration. However, the effectiveness of peer mentoring in higher education lacks well‐established statements. A systematic review was conducted to assess the efficacy of peer mentoring during the initial phase of academic studies. This review evaluated effectiveness based on four outcomes: intention to drop out, the sense of belonging, academic and social integration. It also scrutinised gender disparities and distinctions between digital and non‐digital, and group‐based and individual peer mentoring. The review revealed that peer mentoring is an effective support mechanism, yielding favourable impacts across various outcomes: social and academic integration, career benefits, emotional benefits, soft skills, university‐life balance, study dropout intention and sense of belonging to university. Gender disparities were generally inconspicuous in most studies. Digital peer mentoring proved effective, though students reported reduced levels of social support compared to non‐digital peer‐mentoring. Both individual and group‐based peer mentoring programmes were utilised, but specific outcomes distinguishing the two formats were not discerned. In summary, peer mentoring proves to be a valuable resource for first‐year students, particularly concerning academic and social integration. To holistically address the diverse needs of first‐year students additional approaches may be considered.

Abstract C084: iExplore: A phase I study of mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes with KrasG12D siRNA for metastatic pancreas cancer patients harboring the KrasG12D mutation

Abstract Introduction The safety, target engagement, and benefit of iExosomes, short interfering RNA targeting KrasG12D encapsulated within exosomes and intravenously administered, were explored in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer harboring a KrasG12D mutation. Methods The initial phase I protocol was a conventional 3+3 design with three escalating dose levels (levels 1-3) of iExosomes, defined as exosomal protein levels and containing equal amounts of siRNA. Lack of toxicity at the highest dose level subsequently guided protocol amendment to an adaptive design exploring further dose escalation, with one patient treated at each additional dose level (levels 4-6). The highest dose level safely tolerated would be considered the optimal biological dose (OBD). Treatments were administered over three consecutive 14-day cycles. Blood was collected from all patients to assess changes in KrasG12D circulating DNA in response to treatment. Pre and post treatment biopsies were obtained from patients treated at dose levels 4-6 to evaluate target engagement, including changes in phosphorylated ERK levels by immunohistochemistry. Results Twelve patients received multiple iExosome treatments at specified dose levels, and none experienced any related adverse events of any grade. No dose limiting toxicities were observed, and the OBD was determined to be 28.8 mg of iExosome protein, administered in 6 infusions. Levels of circulating KrasG12D DNA decreased over the course of therapy. Levels of phosphorylated ERK in tumor biopsies decreased while on treatment, dropping to undetectable levels in higher dose levels. Clinically, the best response observed was stable disease as per RECISTv1.1 criteria in three patients, one each at dose levels 1-3. Conclusions iExosome therapy targeting KrasG12D is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer. Decrease in levels of circulating KrasG12D DNA and suppression of downstream Kras signaling phosphorylated ERK in tissue biopsies support effective target engagement of iExosomes in patients. Considering preclinical studies that indicate iExosome treatment enhances immune mediated anti-tumor responses, a future trial design will explore iExosomes at the OBD in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Brandon G. Smaglo, Valerie S. LeBleu, J. Jack Lee, Anirban Maitra, Raghu Kalluri, Katy Rezvani, Luisa M. Solis Soto, Mark Hurd, Indreshpal Kaur, Mayela C. Mendt Vilchez, Michelle L. Kirtley, Stacy L. Shaftoe, Maria Pia Morelli, Michael J. Overman, Dan Zhou, Robert A. Wolff, Janet Tu, Jason A. Willis, Ryan W. Huey, Michael S. Lee, Priya R. Bhosale, Suzanne W. Dworsky, Li Xu, Shubham Pant, Elizabeth J. Shpall. iExplore: A phase I study of mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes with KrasG12D siRNA for metastatic pancreas cancer patients harboring the KrasG12D mutation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Pancreatic Cancer; 2023 Sep 27-30; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(2 Suppl):Abstract nr C084.

Parenting Styles and Psychosocial Factors of Mother-Child Dyads Participating in the ENDORSE Digital Weight Management Program for Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Semi-structured clinical interviews were conducted with all participating mothers pre-and post-intervention. The Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) evaluated the mothers' parenting styles. The psychosocial functioning of the participating children was assessed with the parental version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The relationship between parenting styles, psychosocial parameters, and weight outcomes was investigated using a linear regression analysis. Weight-related stigma at school (56%), body image concerns (66%), and difficulties in family relationships (48%) were the main concerns documented during the initial psychological interviews. According to the SDQ, there was a significant decrease in children's conduct problems during the study's initial phase (pre-pilot group). A decrease in maternal demandingness (i.e., strict parenting style) was associated with a decrease in BMI z-score (beta coefficient = 0.314, p-value = 0.003). Decreasing parental demandingness was associated with better weight outcomes, highlighting the importance of assessing parenting factors in pediatric weight management programs.

From likes to loyalty: Exploring the impact of influencer credibility on purchase intentions in TikTok

In recent years, influencer marketing has gained significant prominence within the digital marketing landscape, particularly on platforms such as TikTok. This study seeks to investigate the factors that influence the credibility and trust of influencers in TikTok marketing campaigns, and their subsequent impact on customer loyalty, purchase intentions, and recommendation behavior. Using a two-stage research methodology that integrates the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model and the Commitment-Trust Theory, 880 active TikTok users participated in this study. In the initial phase, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to identify the most influential predictors. Subsequently, a neural network model was utilized in the subsequent phase to validate the predictors identified from the SEM analysis. The empirical findings provide robust confirmation for all the proposed relationships outlined in the theoretical model. These research findings carry significant implications for brands and marketing practitioners, providing them with valuable insights to Lindevelop effective influencer marketing strategies that capitalize on the vast potential of this rapidly expanding platform.

Evaluation of C/N0 raw observation positioning by smartphone based on indoor asynchronous pseudolite

With the rapid development of the economy and information services, there is an increasing demand for indoor positioning. However, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals face difficulties in penetrating buildings, making indoor positioning challenging. As a complementary solution to outdoor GNSS signals, pseudolites have shown promising results in various scenarios, and have become one of the research hotspots in the field of indoor positioning. Previous studies on indoor positioning with pseudolites have focused on issues such as initial position determination and carrier phase ambiguity resolution. However, most of these studies have remained in the research stage due to data post-processing and complex calculations. To overcome the limitations associated with the aforementioned factors, this paper proposes a real-time indoor positioning method that utilizes only a smartphone equipped with a built-in GNSS chip. By effectively obtaining pseudolite signal information, the smartphone establishes a simple model based on the distance and received power between the pseudolite and the smartphone. Kalman filtering is employed to mitigate the effects of multipath and occlusion. This simple and low-complexity model enables fast estimation of the user's distance from the pseudolite, thereby facilitating indoor positioning services. In this paper, the effectiveness and low complexity of the method are verified through data collection and experiments in the actual scene of the underground garage. The valuation results show that the root mean square error (RMSE) of its navigation and positioning is better than 3 m, which can meet the needs of daily life applications.

Trends in the Incidence of Cardiovascular Diagnoses and Procedures over the Years 2012-2021 in Israel: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Prior studies found reduced incidences of cardiovascular diagnoses and treatments in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these studies included a limited number of outcomes and did not consider pre-pandemic trends. This study aimed to describe trends in the incidence of cardiovascular diagnoses and treatments over the years 2012-2021 in Israel and to compare the two years of the COVID-19 period with the preceding 8 years. In this retrospective, population-based study, carried out within Clalit Health Services, the incidence rates of cardiovascular outcomes were calculated for individuals aged ≥ 25 (~2.7 million adults per year) during the first (Y1, 3/2020-2/2021) and second (Y2, 3/2021-2/2022) years of COVID-19 and the 8 years prior (3/2012-2/2020). Declines were observed in Y1 compared to 2019 in all diagnoses and treatments: STEMI (-16.3%; 95% CI: -16.6, -16.1), non-STEMI (-16.4%; -16.6, -16.2), AF (-14.1%; -14.2, -14.0), CHF (-7.8%; -7.9, -7.7), CVA (-5.0%; -5.0, -4.9), catheterization (-64.7%; -65.2, -64.2), CABG (-77.7%; -79.2, -76.2), ablation (-21.2%; -22.0, -20.4), pacemaker implantation (-39.3%; -40.7, -37.9), and defibrillator insertion (-12.5%; -13.1, -12.0). Compared with expected rates based on pre-pandemic trends, observed rates were within expected ranges (CHF, CVA, and ablation), less than expected (STEMI, non-STEMI, AF, catheterization, CABG, and pacemaker insertion), or more than expected (defibrillator insertion). In Y2, STEMI, catheterization, and CABG returned to expected rates; non-STEMI and AF were lower than expected; and CHF, CVA, ablation, and pacemaker and defibrillator implantations were higher than expected. Several cardiovascular diagnoses and treatment trends were interrupted by COVID-19. The long-term consequences of these changes should be considered by health policymakers.

Development and In Vivo Evaluation of Sustained Release Microparticles Loaded with Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition combated by a daily oral supplementation of levothyroxine. In addition to the need for frequent dosing, oral administration may result in variable absorption of the drug leading to a failure in achieving normal thyroid function. Therefore, the development of a long-acting injectable system capable of delivering the drug is necessary. This work was aimed at developing sustained release microparticles loaded with levothyroxine. The microparticles were produced through the emulsification-solvent evaporation method using 2 grades of biocompatible and biodegradable polyesters: poly(ᴅ,ʟ-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(ᴅ,ʟ-lactide) (PLA). Both polymers produced microparticles with very similar sizes (1.9 µm) and zeta potential values (around -22.0 mV). However, PLA microparticles had a significantly higher drug loading (6.1% vs. 4.4%, respectively) and encapsulation efficiency (36.8%, vs. 26.1%, respectively) when compared to PLGA counterparts. While both types of microparticles displayed a biphasic release pattern in vitro, a slower rate of release was observed with PLA microparticles. Moreover, a similar biphasic release pattern was found in vivo, with an initial phase of rapid release followed by a slower phase in the subsequent 10 days. These results indicate the possibility of developing levothyroxine loaded polyester microparticles as a potential long-acting thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Late venous thromboembolism in survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer: A population-based study in California

IntroductionVenous thromboembolism (VTE), a common complication in cancer patients, occurs more often during the initial phase of treatment. However, information on VTE beyond the first two years after diagnosis (‘late VTE’) is scarce, particularly in young survivors. MethodsWe examined the risk of, and factors associated with, late VTE among adolescents and young adults (AYA, 15–39 years) diagnosed with cancer (2006–2018) who survived ≥2 years. Data were obtained from the California Cancer Registry linked to hospitalization, emergency department and ambulatory surgery data. We used non-parametric models and Cox proportional hazard regression for analyses. ResultsAmong 59,343 survivors, the 10-year cumulative incidence of VTE was 1.93 % (CI 1.80–2.07). The hazard of VTE was higher among those who had active cancer, including progression from lower stages to metastatic disease (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 10.41, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 8.86–12.22), second primary cancer (HR = 2.58, CI:2.01–3.31), or metastatic disease at diagnosis (HR = 2.38, CI:1.84–3.09). The hazard of late VTE was increased among survivors who underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation, those who received radiotherapy, had a VTE history, public insurance (vs private) or non-Hispanic Black/African American race/ethnicity (vs non-Hispanic White). Patients with leukemias, lymphomas, sarcoma, melanoma, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers had a higher VTE risk than those with thyroid cancer. ConclusionsVTE risk remained elevated ≥2 years following cancer diagnosis in AYA survivors. Active cancer is a significant risk factor for VTE. Future studies might determine if late VTE should prompt evaluation for recurrence or second malignancy, if not already known.

Development of Engineering Team Performance Management Applications in Apartments Using Extreme Programming Methods


 
 
 
 This research aims to analyze and develop a performance management application for a team of technicians in an apartment using the Extreme Programming (XP) method. The initial phase involved in-depth data collection on the technician team's needs, challenges, and dynamics. Next, the application was developed with XP principles, providing features such as task tracking, job assignments, real-time status updates, and daily performance reporting. The final stage involved analyzing technology acceptance through internal trials and collecting feedback from the technician team and potential users. Technology acceptance simulations with data showed that the app successfully coped with operational scenarios and received positive feedback. The application was tested by users, with the number of users being 50% of the total number of users, with a user satisfaction rate of 85%. The conclusions of this study indicate that the engineering team successfully accepted the application, has the potential to improve performance management efficiency, and contributes to the understanding of the application of XP in application development for the property industry.
 
 
 

Numerical study of ultra-large von Willebrand factor multimers in coagulopathy.

An excessive von Willebrand factor (VWF) secretion, coupled with a moderate to severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity, serves as a linking mechanism between inflammation to thrombosis. The former facilitates platelet adhesion to the vessel wall and the latter is required to cleave VWF multimers. As a result, the ultra-large VWF (UL-VWF) multimers released by Weibel-Palade bodies remain uncleaved. In this study, using a computational model based on first principles, we quantitatively show how the uncleaved UL-VWF multimers interact with the blood cells to initiate microthrombosis. We observed that platelets first adhere to unfolded and stretched uncleaved UL-VWF multimers anchored to the microvessel wall. By the end of this initial adhesion phase, the UL-VWF multimers and platelets make a mesh-like trap in which the red blood cells increasingly accumulate to initiate a gradually growing microthrombosis. Although high-shear rate and blood flow velocity are required to activate platelets and unfold the UL-VWFs, during the initial adhesion phase, the blood velocity drastically drops after thrombosis, and as a result, the wall shear stress is elevated near UL-VWF roots, and the pressure drops up to 6 times of the healthy condition. As the time passes, these trends progressively continue until the microthrombosis fully develops and the effective size of the microthrombosis and these flow quantities remain almost constant. Our findings quantitatively demonstrate the potential role of UL-VWF in coagulopathy.

Effects of Daidzein, Tempeh, and a Probiotic Digested in an Artificial Gastrointestinal Tract on Calcium Deposition in Human Osteoblast-like Saos-2 Cells.

Adequate calcium intake is crucial for the prevention and treatment of bone-related issues. Developing a nutritional source of readily bioavailable calcium is particularly significant for individuals deficient in this essential element and at risk of developing osteoporosis. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of tempeh (T), daidzein (D), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA) within a simulated intestinal environment consisting of Caco-2 epithelial and Saos-2 cells, focusing on their implications for bone mineralization mechanisms. In the initial phase, calcium bioaccessibility from calcium citrate (CaCt), LA, D, the daidzein combination D-CaCt-LA (D1:1:1), and the tempeh combination T-CaCt-LA (T1:1:1) was assessed through digestion simulation. The calcium content of both untreated and digested samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). In the subsequent stage, the digested samples were used to induce intestinal absorption in differentiated enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells. The permeable fractions were then evaluated in a culture of osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells. Preliminary cellular experiments employed the MTT assay to assess cytotoxicity. The results indicated that the analyzed products did not influence the deposition of extracellular calcium in Saos-2 cells cultured without mineralization stimulators. The combined formulations of permeable fractions of digested CaCt, LA, D, and T demonstrated the capacity to enhance the proliferation of Saos-2 cells. In Saos-2 cells, D, D1:1:1, and LA showed no discernible impact on intracellular calcium accumulation, whereas T and T1:1:1 reduced the calcium deposits. Additionally, mRNA transcripts and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity levels in Saos-2 cells cultured without mineralization induction were unaffected by the analyzed products. An examination of the products revealed no discernible effect on ALP activity or mRNA expression during Saos-2 cell differentiation. Our findings suggest that tempeh, daidzein, and L. acidophilus did not positively impact cellular calcium deposition in Saos-2 cells. However, tempeh, daidzein and its combination, and L. acidophilus might enhance the process of osteogenic differentiation in Saos-2 cells. Nevertheless, this study did not identify any synergistic impact on calcium deposition and the process of osteogenic differentiation in Saos-2 cells of isoflavones and probiotics.

Study on the effect of particle morphology on transient dispersion behavior and ignition of Al[sbnd]Mg alloy powder

Particle morphology has a significant effect on the explosion of energetic dust which includes heat transfer and transient dispersion behavior. This study aimed to investigate the differences in transient dispersion characteristics of Al-Mg alloy powders with different shapes using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and to elucidate their effects on subsequent flame propagation and explosion parameters. The results demonstrated that irregular dust exhibited lower agglomeration and terminal fall velocity (TFV) compared to spherical dust, leading to a higher overall concentration of dust involved in the explosion. In addition, the turbulence intensity in the critical ignition zone of irregular particles was relatively high, resulting in particles having more active motion characteristics during the initial ignition phase. Therefore, irregular dust exhibited more intense flame phenomena and higher explosion parameters. These findings emphasize the importance of considering particle morphology when assessing the risk associated with metal dust explosions.

The symbiotic relationship between Tenebrio molitor and coffee grounds presents an innovative perspective on addressing global challenges

This study unveils a novel approach toward sustainable protein production and waste management by investigating the utilization of coffee grounds as a nutrient source for Tenebrio molitor larvae. This research is a pioneering exploration in response to pressing protein shortages, food waste, and food security challenges. The study employs an entirely randomized experimental design, comprising five treatment groups and one control group; each replicated thrice. Notably, the study amalgamates cutting-edge data mining techniques through the Scopus database to elucidate the existing research landscape around Tenebrio molitor. This exploration underscores the insect's pivotal role as a prospective alternative protein source. The experimental findings, a core contribution, discern that T1, a blend of 5% coffee grounds and 95% substrate, yields the most significant mass gain in larvae over the initial 7-day phase, surpassing the control group. However, an intriguing revelation follows: specific treatments experience subsequent weight loss, emphasizing the significance of strategic larval harvesting and processing. These collective results underscore Tenebrio Molitor's potential as an innovative protein source while spotlighting coffee grounds as a valuable larval growth catalyst. This study forges a path towards sustainable protein solutions, elucidating the dynamic interplay between Tenebrio molitor, coffee grounds, and their promising role in addressing food security concerns, particularly in socioeconomically challenged regions.

Ethical labels and conspicuous consumption: impact on civic virtue and cynicism in luxury foodservice

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to explore the nuanced interplay of conspicuous consumption, ethical label purchasing and the ensuing dynamics of civic virtue and cynicism within the luxury foodservice context.Design/methodology/approachGrounded in a theoretical understanding of solidarity within the context of product consumption, this research employs a two-pronged approach involving secondary data analysis and scenario-based experimental studies. The initial phase involves analyzing firm-level data from the Euromonitor database in 2019 and 2021. The main study employs a between-subjects experimental design with a cohort of 316 participants sourced from an online panel.FindingsThe results reveal a consistent pattern in the consumption of luxury foodservice and underscore a distinct upward trajectory in consumer demand for ethically labeled food. Notably, these findings underscore the moderating role of ethical label purchasing in the relationship between conspicuous consumption and consumers civic virtue. Additionally, ethical label purchasing moderates the impact of conspicuous consumption on consumer cynicism, both directly and indirectly through emotional solidarity related to both communal and equitable principles.Originality/valueThis study holds significance for both luxury food service researchers and market design practitioners. It provides valuable insights into how ethical labeling interacts with consumers conspicuous consumption, all facilitated by emotional solidarity.

Association between dietary inflammatory index and mental disorders using multilevel modeling with GLIMMIX.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a composite nutritional index that has gained significant attention in the past decade due to its association with physical and mental well-being. To accurately assess the precise effects of DII on health outcomes, the effects of nutrients and foods need to be adjusted. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and mental disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) using multilevel modeling to minimize the bias of the previous methods. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using data from the initial phase of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences Employees' Cohort Study (TEC). Nutritional information was obtained through a dish-based semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (DFQ), while psychological data were collected using the depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-42). The acquired data were analyzed using multilevel modeling in three levels (foods, nutrients, and DII, respectively) through GLIMMIX in the SAS software. A total of 3,501 individuals participated in this study. The results of the multilevel model demonstrated a significant statistical association between DII and mental disorders after adjusting for baseline characteristics, nutrients and foods. For each unit increase in DII, the mean scores for stress, anxiety, and depression increased by 3.55, 4.26, and 3.02, respectively (p < 0.001). Based on the multilevel model's findings, it is recommended to minimize the use of pro-inflammatory nutrients and foods to increase the mental health. Multilevel data analysis has also been recommended in nutritional studies involving nested data to obtain more accurate and plausible estimates.

Civil society in Brazilian urban peripheries during the early COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The pandemic of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has exposed the face of inequality in several countries. Populations historically suffering from social, economic and political problems that affect their well-being are the most impacted, as is the case of Brazilian peripheries. From this background, we discuss the mobilization of Brazilian civil society in urban peripheries in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, through the combination of the concepts of framing, identity and solidarity. To do that, we analyzed data from the Map Corona in the Peripheries and a netnography of the cases from the Unified Center of Favelas (CUFA) and the Front City of God (CDD). As results, we present a model of recursiveness among the three concepts, as a driver of collective action, and notice the relevant role of the emergency brought by the pandemic as a trigger of this recursiveness.