bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular basis of dimerization of lytic transglycosylase revealed by the crystal structure of MltA from Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Jang Hyunseok , Do Hackwon , Kim Chang Min , Kim Gi Eob , Lee Jun Hyuck , Park Hyun Ho
Published: September 2021

Peptidoglycan digestion by murein-degrading enzymes is a critical process in bacterial cell growth and/or cell division. The membrane-bound lytic murein transglycosylase A (MltA) is a murein-degrading enzyme; it catalyzes the cleavage of the β-1,4-glycosidic linkage between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine in peptidoglycans. Although substrate recognition and cleavage by MltA have been examined by previous structural and mutagenesis studies, the overall mechanism of MltA in conjunction with other functionally related molecules on the outer membrane of bacterial cells for peptidoglycan degradation has remained elusive. In this study, the crystal structure of MltA from the virulent human pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii is characterized and presented. The study indicated that MltA from A. baumannii forms homodimers via an extra domain which is specific to this species. Furthermore, the working mechanism of MltA with various functionally related proteins on the bacterial outer membrane was modeled based on the structural and biochemical analysis.
Anion substitution and influence of sulfur on the crystal structures, phase transitions, and electronic properties of mixed TiO2/TiS2 compounds
Authors: Jovanović Dušica , Zagorac Dejan , Matović Branko , Zarubica Aleksandra , Zagorac Jelena
Published: September 2021

Recent studies of TiO2/TiS2 nanostructures with various morphologies have been reported, usually showing improved properties with applications from electronics and catalysis to solar cells and medicine. However, there is a limited number of studies on the crystal structures of TiO2/TiS2 compounds with corresponding properties. In this research, relevant crystal structures of TiO1–x
S
x
(x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1) solid solutions were investigated using an ab initio method. For each composition, crystal structures adopting anatase, rutile and CdI2 structure type were calculated on LDA-PZ and GGA-PBE levels of theory. Novel phase transitions and predicted structures are presented, and apart from several interesting metastable structures, a very interesting pressure-induced phase transition is found in the TiOS compound. Furthermore, electronic properties were studied through the dependence of semiconducting properties on dopant concentration. The first description of the electronic properties of the mixed TiO1–x
S
x
compounds in crystal form has been presented, followed by a detailed study of the structure–property relationship, which will possibly have numerous industrial and technological applications.
Nontraditional credit in the Wisconsin dairy industry
Authors: Stevens Andrew W.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to document and evaluate patterns of nontraditional credit use among Wisconsin dairy farmers. Using a survey-based case study approach, this article analyzes farmer and farm characteristics, farmers’ utilization of credit and farmers’ perceptions of nontraditional lenders. The findings are connected to ongoing structural change in the dairy sector and economic theories of trade credit.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an incentivized online survey of Wisconsin dairy farmers distributed through existing university and industry networks. A total of 16 farmers completed the survey. The sample is treated as a focus group case study, and participants’ responses are examined using summary statistics and correlational analyses to describe emergent patterns in the industry.

Findings

Among survey respondents who utilize agricultural credit, nearly 80% (11 of 14) borrow from at least one nontraditional lender, and nontraditional credit comprises 17% of their total borrowing, on average. Much of this borrowing occurs through the financial arm of a vendor and is used to finance equipment or machinery purchases. Despite widespread use of nontraditional credit, no surveyed farmers preferred nontraditional lenders over traditional lenders.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze the use of nontraditional credit specifically among Wisconsin dairy farmers. Dairy farming is a capital-intensive endeavor, and recent structural change in the sector has increased surviving dairy farmers' demand for credit.
University scholarship activities on module evaluation questionnaires at a British University
Authors: Winch Junko
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study comprises the following three: (1) to ascertain the purpose of university module evaluation questionnaires (MEQs) and its reliability; (2) to evaluate University X's MEQ; and (3) to offer how Universities may be able to support their teaching staff with scholarship activities using the MEQ project.

Design/methodology/approach

University MEQ purposes and its reliability were investigated using literature reviews. The University X's MEQ seven statements were evaluated by three university academic staff. The study was conducted at a British university in South East of England. The duration of this interdisciplinary project was for two months which was a university interdisciplinary project between 14/07/20 and 13/10/20.

Findings

The purpose for MEQs includes (1) students’ satisfaction; (2) accountability for university authority and (3) teaching feedback and academic promotions for teaching staff. The evaluation of University X's MEQ indicated that MEQ questions were unclear which do not serve reliable student evaluation results. This topic may be of interest to University MEQ designers, lecturers, University Student Experience team, University Executive Board, University administrators and University HR senior management teams.

Originality/value

The following three points are considered original to this study: (1) MEQ purposes are summarised by students, university authority and teaching staff; (2) the evaluation of a British University MEQ; (3) provides suggestions on how lecturers' scholarship activities can be supported by the university-wide initiative and umbrella network. These are practical knowledge for the faculty and administrators of higher education institutions which may be of use.
Sustainable value creation through information technology-enabled supply chains in emerging markets
Authors: Schilling Lara , Seuring Stefan
Published: September 2021

Purpose

While the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on logistics and supply chain management (SCM) is recently much discussed, this is hardly linked to emerging economies and base of the pyramid (BoP) settings. The paper aims as offering a framework linking different conceptual elements to each other for explaining how ICT enables sustainable value creation in emerging economy supply chains (SCs).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on conceptual reasoning linking constructs from the different fields to each other.

Findings

Using conceptual reasoning linking constructs, six elements are identified: (1) SC flows, (2) BoP challenges and (3) ICT services as starting points, and environmental conditions driving sustainable value creation. The application of ICT within BoP SC operations drives the process of sustainable value creation by enabling new ways of (4) electronic business (e-business) transactions and (5) SSCM behaviors. This leads to (6) sustainable value for businesses using ICT applications and their respective stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical testing by collecting field data in emerging economy contexts would be demanded to address the limitation of building on conceptual reasonings.

Practical implications

The framework provides various SC-related measures driving e-business value creation for managers of businesses, charity organizations and policymakers in emerging communities.

Social implications

Understanding the use of smartphones and other mobile devices for businesses and their supply chains in emerging markets would have wide ranging social implication addressed in the sustainable value creation of the framework offered.

Originality/value

The conceptual framework brings different elements together offering insights into ICT applications in BoP SCs. Linking SCM, ICT and BoP to each other is a novel contribution having wider implications for the future development of emerging economies.
Do organizational subcultures matter? A case study of logistics and supply chain management
Authors: Mello John E. , Schloemer Hilary
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This interdisciplinary investigation examines the topics of organizational climate and subcultures, which have received scant attention in the supply chain literature, highlighting the potential importance of these social dynamics to supply chain management phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a single-organization revelatory case study design, qualitatively analyzing coded interviews and observations of participants.

Findings

The authors’ findings indicate that a firm's organizational climate can contribute to the formation and strengthening of a subculture and that the subculture may desire to insert their own values and norms concerning supply chain management which could run counter to those of the overall company.

Research limitations/implications

The authors theorize about the conditions under which strong subcultures emerge and that they may exert outsized influence on the way a company approaches supply chain management activities. Accounting for such influence may unearth important social dynamics occurring within supply chain phenomena that will better help researchers understand behavior and outcomes within that phenomenon.

Practical implications

Managers should be aware of the potential for subgroups to form strong subcultures and that subcultures may influence the way supply chain activities are performed. Climate dynamics can also affect employee perceptions and behaviors, and managers should monitor these dynamics and adapt their policies and messaging accordingly.

Originality/value

This study examines a phenomenon that has previously been underexamined in the supply chain management literature–the influence of culture and climate on subcultures and their subcultures' subsequent impact on how companies perform supply chain management activities.
Human rights and the invisible nature of incarcerated women in post-apartheid South Africa: prison system progress in adopting the Bangkok Rules
Authors: Van Hout Marie Claire , Wessels Jakkie
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The global spotlight is increasingly shone on the situation of women in the male-dominated prison environment. Africa has observed a 24% increase in its female prison population in the past decade. This year is the 10-year anniversary of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a legal realist approach, this paper examines South Africa’s progress in adopting the Bangkok Rules. This paper documents the historical evolution of the penal system since colonial times, focused on the development of recognition, protection and promotion of human rights of prisoners and an assessment of incarcerated women’s situation over time.

Findings

The analysis of the human rights treaties, the non-binding international and regional human rights instruments, African court and domestic jurisprudence and extant academic and policy-based literature is cognizant of the evolutionary nature of racial socio-political dimensions in South Africa, and the indeterminate nature of application of historical/existing domestic laws, policies and standards of care when evaluated against the rule of law.

Originality/value

To date, there has been no legal realist assessment of the situation of women in South Africa’s prisons. This paper incorporates race and gendered intersectionality and move beyond hetero-normative ideologies of incarcerated women and the prohibition of discrimination in South African rights assurance. The authors acknowledge State policy-making processes, and they argue for substantive equality of all women deprived of their liberty in South Africa.
Rewards and employee creativity among rural healthcare employees: the mediating role of organizational support for innovation and the moderating impact of supervisory support
Authors: Opoku Samuel T. , Apenteng Bettye A. , Boakye Kwabena G.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the mediating effect of organizational support for innovation and moderating impact of supervisory support on how rewards shape employee creativity among rural healthcare employees, a group with few resources and considerable expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a regression-based moderated path analysis, the authors tested the hypotheses with healthcare employee survey data from a large Southern rural hospital in the USA.

Findings

The empirical results suggest organizational support for innovation mediates the influence of rewards on employee creativity. In addition, the indirect effect of rewards on employee creativity via organizational support for innovation is moderated by supervisory support, such that the indirect effect is more pronounced at high levels of supervisory support than at low levels of supervisory support.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the organizational support and creativity literature by exploring the indirect relations of rewards on employee creativity through organizational support for innovation, and the moderating role of supervisory support in such relations.
Are Islamic indexes, Bitcoin and gold, still “safe-haven” assets during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis?
Authors: Bahloul Slah , Mroua Mourad , Naifar Nader , naifar nader
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether Islamic indexes, Bitcoin and gold still act as hedges or/and “safe-haven” assets during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This paper examines the role of the Morgan Stanley Capital International all-country world index, Islamic index, gold and Bitcoin as a hedge or safe-haven asset for the world conventional stock market over the period from April 30, 2015 to March 27, 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors re-evaluate the hedge and safe haven properties of Islamic indexes, gold and Bitcoin following Baur and Lucey’s (2010) and Baur and McDermott’s (2010) methodology.

Findings

Empirical results show that the Islamic index is not a hedge or a safe haven asset for the world conventional stock market during the recent coronavirus crisis period. Different from the whole period, the authors find that gold is a strong hedge but only a weak safe or is not a safe haven during the coronavirus sub-period. Bitcoin reports distinctive properties, as it acts as a weak hedge and not a safe-haven asset.

Originality/value

This paper is the first study that investigates whether the global Islamic index still acts as hedges or “safe-haven” assets during the new COVID-19 crisis period. The results can help investors make informed decisions when adding cryptocurrencies and Islamic indexes to their portfolios during the coronavirus crisis.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure and Islamic banks: a case study of Pakistan
Authors: Zafar Muhammad Bilal , Sulaiman Ahmad Azam
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to gauge the level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure of Islamic banks of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The annual reports of Islamic banks of Pakistan from the year 2003 to 2017 were considered as the source of data. The content analysis method was used to gauge the level of CSR disclosure with the help of the CSR disclosure index. Islamic banks proclaim religiously motivated and ethical institutions; hence, full disclosure was expected from Islamic banks in the domain of CSR.

Findings

The average level of CSR disclosure of Islamic banks after a one-and-a-half decade of Islamic banking in Pakistan is 31.23%, which is far below the expected level of CSR disclosure and even below the mean level. The mean comparison analyzes show that the level of CSR disclosure differs among the Islamic banks, old and large Islamic banks are disclosing more information, in addition, the local Islamic banks have a relatively high level of CSR disclosure as compare to the foreign Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

The current CSR disclosure policy of the government regarding corporations in Pakistan is insufficient. There is a need to revise this policy which may result in higher CSR disclosure. The results indicate, that there is a difference in CSR disclosure among local and foreign Islamic banks, so this policy must address this aspect as well.

Originality/value

Islamic banking proclaims a new wave of the corporate that has higher social objectives, but a contradiction exists among the ideology and reality of social responsibility of Islamic banks. Then, this study also supports that the same dilemma of low CSR disclosure also prevails in the Islamic banks of Pakistan.
The mediating effect of strategy on entrepreneurial orientation and performance
Authors: Budiati Yuli , Untoro Wisnu , Wahyudi Lilik , Harsono Mugi
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on performance and mediation differentiation strategies and market development in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using a survey method with a population of furniture SMEs in Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia using a sample area by collecting 158 questionnaires. The data analysis method used the partial least square.

Findings

The result shows that EO has an impact on differentiation, market development and performance. Differentiation strategies and market development mediate the influence of EO and performance. The differentiation strategy further mediates the influence of EO on market development and market development mediates the effect of differentiation on performance.

Practical implications

Managers instill entrepreneurial practice in the organization by proactively creating the market and taking high-risk jobs to provide quality products and services. SMEs require capabilities that are difficult to imitate in creating designs and product quality that are different, providing pre and post-sales services and maintaining good relationships with customers and partners. SMEs emphasize flexibility and speed of operation by adjusting the production process to short waiting times and reliable delivery. The government must support general training and market information, network development, access to capital and knowledge transfer.

Originality/value

This paper explains the importance of differentiation and market development strategies in determining the relationship between EO and performance that has not been explored in the context of SMEs in developing countries.
Diagnosing recurrent logistics problems: a combined SCM disciplines and maturity perspective
Authors: Wijbenga Harmen S. , van Fenema Paul C. , Faber Nynke
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to diagnose recurrent logistics problems in a public organization’s network of logistics entities, determining the maturity level of each supply chain (SC) function, and trying to link problems within the SC functions to the maturity level by using the case study method.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant research on supply chain management (SCM) maturity is combined with notions of SC flows and disciplines. The resulting SCM Disciplines Maturity model comprises multiple diagnostic steps. It is illustrated by means of a developmental case study at a large public organization facing recurrent logistics problems in routine processes.

Findings

The model is shown to be a useful instrument to obtain insight into linkages between recurrent logistics problems and the way an SCM organization harbors multiple SCM disciplines.

Originality/value

The paper examines recurrent logistics problems in relation to SCM maturity, a relatively unknown research subject. It shows how SCM maturity thinking can support the diagnosis of recurrent problems. In a rapidly changing world, it enables further research on diagnosis as a dynamic capability.
Conclusion: how to achieve tourism sustainability in Cyprus?
Authors: Garanti Zanete , Berjozkina Galina
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This concluding paper aims to summarise the main points and outcomes related to the theme issue question what are the challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development in Cyprus?

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the findings of the theme issue articles summarising key points on how sustainability can be achieved in different tourism and hospitality industry areas in Cyprus.

Findings

The overall findings highlight the challenges the tourism and hospitality industry face in Cyprus to implement sustainable tourism measures while significantly depending on the income industry generates. Articles in this thematic issue also explore the opportunities that stakeholders, support measures, education, advanced technology and rural thematic tourism activities can provide.

Originality/value

The articles in this issue address sustainability challenges and opportunities for a small island state Cyprus that heavily depends on sun and sea tourism activity. The articles in this theme issue provide academic and practical insight through thematic literature reviews, field visits, case studies, interactions and interviews with practitioners, residents and policymakers.
Time to integrate global climate change and biodiversity science‐policy agendas
Authors: Pettorelli Nathalie , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Seddon Nathalie , Maria da Cunha Bustamante Mercedes , Lowton Matthew J. , Sutherland William J. , Koldewey Heather J. , Prentice Honor C. , Barlow Jos
Published: September 2021

There is an increasing recognition that, although the climate change and biodiversity crises are fundamentally connected, they have been primarily addressed independently and a more integrated global approach is essential to tackle these two global challenges.

Nature‐based Solutions (NbS) are hailed as a pathway for promoting synergies between the climate change and biodiversity agendas. There are, however, uncertainties and difficulties associated with the implementation of NbS, while the evidence regarding their benefits for biodiversity remains limited.

We identify five key research areas where incomplete or poor information hinders the development of integrated biodiversity and climate solutions. These relate to refining our understanding of how climate change mitigation and adaptation approaches benefit biodiversity conservation; enhancing our ability to track and predict ecosystems on the move and/or facing collapse; improving our capacity to predict the impacts of climate change on the effectiveness of NbS; developing solutions that match the temporal, spatial and functional scale of the challenges; and developing a comprehensive and practical framework for assessing, and mitigating against, the risks posed by the implementation of NbS.

Policy implications. The Conference of the Parties (COP) for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) present a clear policy window for developing coherent policy frameworks that align targets across the nexus of biodiversity and climate change. This window should (a) address the substantial and chronic underfunding of global biodiversity conservation, (b) remove financial incentives that negatively impact biodiversity and/or climate change, (c) develop higher levels of integration between the biodiversity and climate change agendas, (d) agree on a monitoring framework that enables the standardised quantification and comparison of biodiversity gains associated with NbS across ecosystems and over time and (e) rethink environmental legislation to better support biodiversity conservation in times of rapid climatic change.
Perspectives of emergency department clinicians on the challenges of addressing low back pain in the emergency setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Davidson Simon RE , Bolsewicz Katarzyna , Kamper Steven J , Haskins Robin , Petkovic Dragan , Feenan Nicole , Smith Damien , O'Flynn Michael , Pallas Jeremy , Williams Christopher M
Published: September 2021

Objective

To identify and explore ED clinician perspectives on: (i) why patients with low back pain (LBP) present to the ED and are admitted into hospital from ED; (ii) barriers and enablers they face when providing care to patients with LBP; and (iii) strategies to improve the care of patients with LBP, and associated care processes, in the ED.

Methods

We undertook a qualitative exploratory study with ED clinicians (medical officers, nurses and physiotherapists) at a tertiary‐level public hospital in New South Wales, Australia, using focus groups and individual interviews. We used thematic analysis to synthesise participant responses to answer the predefined research questions.

Results

Twenty‐one clinicians participated (two individual interviews, 19 focus groups). Perceptions about better access to the ED and advanced care within ED were thought to drive presentations to the ED for LBP. Barriers and enablers to optimal patient care included patient‐, clinician‐ and service‐level factors. The main strategies to improve care included a department LBP pathway, modernised patient and clinician resources, better follow‐up options post‐discharge and improved communication between ED and primary care.

Conclusion

We identified a range of targets to improve LBP management in ED. Clinicians perceived internal and external factors to the ED as influences of ED presentation and hospital admission. Clinicians also reported that patient‐, clinician‐ and service‐level barriers and enablers influenced patient management in ED. Strategies suggested by clinicians included improved follow‐up options, access to resources and an ‘LBP pathway’ to support decision making.
Comparison of phytochemical profiles, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) fruits
Authors: Xia Wen , Gong Ersheng , Lin Yanyun , Li Tong , Lian Fengli , Zheng Bisheng , Liu Rui Hai
Published: September 2021

Here, we examined the phytochemical profiles, antioxidant activity (AA), and antiproliferative activity (APA) of four Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) pulp extracts. They were found to be rich in total phenolics content (TPC; 186.45 ± 5.42 to 498.94 ± 8.25 mg of gallic acid equiv./100 g FW) and total flavonoids content (TFC; 126.28 ± 4.18 to 194.35 ± 12.03 mg of catechin equiv./100 g FW). For all varieties, the free flavonoid/phenolic/anthocyanin contents were higher than that the bound fractions. Wild pink bayberry (WPB) displayed the highest values of TPC and TFC, and also showed the highest total antioxidant activity (TAA) as revealed by peroxyl radical scavenging capacity (PSC) (451.47 ± 8.01 µmol Vit. C equiv./100 g FW), and free cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) (184.99 ± 6.11 µmol quercetin equiv./100 g FW, no PBS wash; 117.78 ± 2.34 µmol quercetin equiv./100 g FW, PBS wash) assays. Bayberry extracts had a marked reduction in the APA of HepG2 cells, and WPB exhibited the lowest EC50 (8.50 ± 0.83 mg/ml) value, which was probably associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction.

Practical Application

Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc.) fruit is rich in natural phenolic compounds, which might be a functional ingredient in food and nutraceutical products. Our findings would provide a logical strategy to promote the comprehensive utilization of phenolics in bayberry fruit with both health and economy benefits.
Synergistic anti‐oxidative and antimicrobial effects of oat phenolic compounds and ascorbate palmitoyl on fish balls during cold storage
Authors: Shi Ranran , Li Yueqin , Liu Lianliang
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the effect of antioxidants on lipid stability of mackerel (Scomber japonicus) fish balls. Oat phenolic acid compounds (OPC) and ascorbate palmitoyl (AP) were used to prolong the shelf life of steamed mackerel fish balls. Fish balls were stored at 4°C for 21 days, and the total bacterial count, hardness, whiteness, water holding capacity (WHC), pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value were monitored regularly. The results indicated that OPC+AP composite as a biological preservative could significantly inhibit the increase of the total bacterial count. Meanwhile, OPC and AP could maintain better hardness, whiteness, and WHC of fish balls during refrigerated storage. Furthermore, OPC and AP slowed down the increase of TVB‐N and TBARS values. The results showed that OPC+AP had a synergistic effect on the storage time and could prolong the shelf life within the storage time. Adding OPC and AP was a promising strategy to improve the quality and shelf life of fish balls.

Practical Application

The research provided a new application of OPC and AP for improving fish balls quality and shelf life during cold storage (4°C). OPC is a natural plant secondary metabolite from oat which exhibits excellent anti‐oxidation. The research showed that OPC and AP combined with synergistic effect as biological preservatives can effectively inhibit the total bacterial count and reduce TBARS and TVB‐N value of fish balls during the shelf life and maintain the hardness, which improved the quality and shelf life of fish balls.
Unlocking inaccessible historical genomes preserved in formalin
Authors: Hahn Erin E. , Alexander Marina R. , Grealy Alicia , Stiller Jiri , Gardiner Donald M. , Holleley Clare E.
Published: September 2021

Museum specimens represent an unparalleled record of historical genomic data. However, the widespread practice of formalin preservation has thus far impeded genomic analysis of a large proportion of specimens. Limited DNA sequencing from formalin‐preserved specimens has yielded low genomic coverage with unpredictable success. We set out to refine sample processing methods and to identify specimen characteristics predictive of sequencing success. With a set of taxonomically diverse specimens collected between 1962 and 2006 and ranging in preservation quality, we compared the efficacy of several end‐to‐end whole genome sequencing workflows alongside a k‐mer‐based trimming‐free read alignment approach to maximize mapping of endogenous sequence. We recovered complete mitochondrial genomes and up to 3× nuclear genome coverage from formalin‐preserved tissues. Hot alkaline lysis coupled with phenol‐chloroform extraction out‐performed proteinase K digestion in recovering DNA, while library preparation method had little impact on sequencing success. The strongest predictor of DNA yield was overall specimen condition, which additively interacts with preservation conditions to accelerate DNA degradation. Here, we demonstrate a significant advance in capability beyond limited recovery of a small number of loci via PCR or target‐capture sequencing. To facilitate strategic selection of suitable specimens for genomic sequencing, we present a decision‐making framework that utilizes independent and nondestructive assessment criteria. Sequencing of formalin‐preserved specimens will contribute to a greater understanding of temporal trends in genetic adaptation, including those associated with a changing climate. Our work enhances the value of museum collections worldwide by unlocking genomes of specimens that have been disregarded as a valid molecular resource.
Population and reproductive structure in the endangered and highly endemic freshwater crab Aegla concepcionensis (Decapoda:Pleocyemata:Aeglidae) from Chile
Authors: Catchpole Sam , Barría Erwin M. , González Pablo S. , Rivera Reinaldo
Published: September 2021

Population and reproductive information of highly endemic species allow us to understand their underlying conservation problems. Aegla concepcionensis is restricted to a small and intervened Chilean basin, and its conservation status has varied from extinct in nature to endangered. We characterized their life history measuring population, morphological and environmental variables during an annual cycle capturing individuals with a catch and release method based on electroshocking. Although the maximum water temperature was related to the recruitment, it can be physiologically risky for the remaining macroinvertebrate community. The relationship between abundance and narrow pH variations indicates a condition of unstable equilibrium given the environmental deterioration by deforestation. Sex ratio was predominantly male biased during copulatory activity, and sexually dimorphic body size distributions supported the hypothesis of greater natural selection in females and sexual selection in males. The period of ovigerous females was comparatively restricted, late and consistent with an efficient ecophysiological strategy of reproductive investment. Patterns of pubertal moult, onset of morphometric maturity, absence of morphological differentiation in both sexes suggested that A. concepcionensis tends to maximize reproductive performance favouring the recovery of their relict populations.
Indigenous Language Revitalisation: Mapuzungun Workshops in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Brablec Dana
Published: September 2021

Most Indigenous peoples' languages are considered severely endangered, and Mapuzungun is no exception. Mapuche associations in Santiago de Chile have implemented a series of workshops to revitalise the language and revert this trend. This article uses ethnographic data to analyse two interconnected aspects that have motivated members of Mapuche associations to participate in community language workshops, namely identity and community‐building. Although they have contributed to reverse the loss of Mapuzungun in Santiago, the implementation of language workshops has been limited by a state socio‐political framework that has historically reproduced colonial‐based ideologies that have reinforced the subalternisation of Indigenous languages. This article highlights the dynamic interplay of Mapuzungun revitalisation with practices that reinforce coloniality.
Extraction, structural characterization, and physicochemical properties of polysaccharide from purple sweet potato
Authors: Yang Wenjian , Huang Gangliang
Published: September 2021

The polysaccharide from purple sweet potato (PPSP) was extracted. The structure was characterized and partial physicochemical properties were described of PPSP via UV, IR, NMR, XRD, DSC‐TGA, LDS, and Congo red assay. This study provided a theoretical basis for the in‐depth structural analysis of PPSP and the study of its biological activity.
Vertical and horizontal ridge augmentation using customized CAD/CAM titanium mesh with versus without resorbable membranes. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cucchi Alessandro , Vignudelli Elisabetta , Franceschi Debora , Randellini Emanuele , Lizio Giuseppe , Fiorino Antonino , Corinaldesi Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the role of resorbable membranes applied over customized titanium meshes related to soft tissue healing and bone regeneration after vertical/horizontal bone augmentation.

Materials and Methods

Thirty patients with partial edentulism of the maxilla/mandible, with vertical/horizontal reabsorption of the alveolar bone, and needing implant‐supported restorations, were randomly divided into two groups: Group A was treated using only custom‐made meshes (Mesh‐) and Group B using custom‐made meshes with cross‐linked collagen membranes (Mesh+). Data collection included surgical/technical and healing complications, “pseudo‐periosteum” thickness, bone density, planned bone volume (PBV), regenerated bone volume (RBV), regeneration rate (RR), vertical bone gain (VBG), and implant survival in regenerated areas. Statistical analysis was performed between the two study groups using a significance level of α = .05.

Results

Regarding the healing complications, the noninferiority analysis proved to be inconclusive, despite the better results of group Mesh+ (13%) compared to group Mesh‐ (33%): estimated value −1.13 CI‐95% from −0.44 to 0.17. Superiority approach confirmed the absence of significant differences (p = .39). RBV was 803.27 mm3 and 843.13 mm3, respectively, and higher RR was observed in group Mesh+ (82.3%) compared to Mesh‐ (74.3%), although this value did not reach a statistical significance (p = .44). All 30 patients completed the study, receiving 71 implants; 68 out of them were clinically stable and in function.

Conclusion

The results showed that customized meshes alone do not appear to be inferior to customized meshes covered by cross‐linked collagen membranes in terms of healing complication rates and regeneration rates, although superior results were observed in group Mesh+compared to group Mesh‐ for all variables.
Clinical performance of narrow‐diameter implants with hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces with mandibular implant overdentures: 1‐year results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bielemann Amália Machado , Schuster Alessandra Julie , Possebon Anna Paula da Rosa , Schinestsck André Ribeiro , Chagas‐Junior Otacílio Luiz , Faot Fernanda
Published: September 2021

Objective

To compare peri‐implant clinical and radiographic parameters between hydrophilic and hydrophobic narrow dental implants in patients with mandibular implant overdentures for 1 year.

Materials and Methods

In a randomized, double‐blind, split‐mouth study with a 1‐year follow‐up, sixteen edentulous participants received two narrow‐diameter implants in the anterior mandibular region with 2 types of surfaces: hydrophobic (Neoporos surface, NS) and hydrophilic (Acqua surface, AS). During the osseointegration period and after loading with mandibular implant overdentures, the outcomes monitored were (i) peri‐implant health: early healing index (EHI), visible plaque index (VPI), calculus presence (CP), peri‐implant inflammation (PI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP); (ii) implant stability quotient (ISQ), (iii) crestal bone loss (CBL) and bone level change (BLC); and (iv) implant success and survival rates.

Results

The PD in NS implants decreased by 31.78% between 15 and 30 days, while a similar reduction (−31.28%) occurred in the 3rd month in the AS group. The ISQ also decreased significantly during the 1st month in both groups: −10.95% after 7 days in the NS group and −7.46% after 15 days in the AS group. At 12 months, statistically significant differences were not observed; however, the AS surface presented 50.6% smaller CBL and 41.3% smaller BLC values. The success and survival rates were 62.5% for AS implants and 87.5% for NS implants.

Conclusion

Narrow‐diameter implants with hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces loaded with mandibular implant overdentures showed no differences in peri‐implant healing, stability, and peri‐implant bone remodeling in the 1st year of follow‐up.
Integrating citizen‐science and planned‐survey data improves species distribution estimates
Authors: Zulian Viviane , Miller David A. W. , Ferraz Gonçalo
Published: September 2021

Aim

Mapping species distributions is a crucial but challenging requirement of wildlife management. The frequent need to sample vast expanses of potential habitat increases the cost of planned surveys and rewards accumulation of opportunistic observations. In this paper, we integrate planned‐survey data from roost counts with opportunistic samples from eBird, WikiAves and Xeno‐canto citizen‐science platforms to map the geographic range of the endangered Vinaceous‐breasted Parrot. We demonstrate the estimation and mapping of species occurrence based on data integration while accounting for specifics of each dataset, including observation technique and uncertainty about the observations.

Location

Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

Methods

Our analysis illustrates (a) the incorporation of sampling effort, spatial autocorrelation and site covariates in a joint‐likelihood, hierarchical, data integration model; (b) the evaluation of the contribution of each dataset, as well as the contribution of effort covariates, spatial autocorrelation and site covariates to the predictive ability of fitted models using a cross‐validation approach; and (c) how spatial representation of the latent occupancy state (i.e. realized occupancy) helps identify areas with high uncertainty that should be prioritized in future fieldwork.

Results

We estimate a Vinaceous‐breasted Parrot geographic range of 434,670 km2, which is three times larger than the “Extant” area previously reported in the IUCN Red List. The exclusion of one dataset at a time from the analyses always resulted in worse predictions by the models of truncated data than by the Full Model, which included all datasets. Likewise, exclusion of spatial autocorrelation, site covariates or sampling effort resulted in worse predictions.

Main conclusions

The integration of different datasets into one joint‐likelihood model produced a more reliable representation of the species range than any individual dataset taken on its own, improving the use of citizen‐science data in combination with planned‐survey results.
A pastoral theology of immigration: Parish ministry at the intersection of Bible and newspaper
Authors: Zorn Henry
Published: September 2021

For Christians, the Bible is a source of truth that guides believers in daily life. Migration is a subject that is in the news almost daily. A Lutheran (ELCA) parish pastor offers his pastoral theology through insights and personal experience in navigating the intersection of the Bible and the newspaper. While the subject of migration is sensitive and hyper‐politicized, the gospel is a source of hope and provides a road map for blessed ministry with immigrants.
Interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy: international clinical practice guideline
Authors: Jackman Michelle , Sakzewski Leanne , Morgan Catherine , Boyd Roslyn N , Brennan Sue E , Langdon Katherine , Toovey Rachel A M , Greaves Susan , Thorley Megan , Novak Iona
Published: September 2021

Aim

To provide recommendations for interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy.

Method

An expert panel prioritized questions and patient‐important outcomes. Using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods, the panel assessed the certainty of evidence and made recommendations, with international expert and consumer consultation.

Results

The guideline comprises 13 recommendations (informed by three systematic reviews, 30 randomized trials, and five before–after studies). To achieve functional goals, it is recommended that intervention includes client‐chosen goals, whole‐task practice within real‐life settings, support to empower families, and a team approach. Age, ability, and child/family preferences need to be considered. To improve walking ability, overground walking is recommended and can be supplemented with treadmill training. Various approaches can facilitate hand use goals: bimanual therapy, constraint‐induced movement therapy, goal‐directed training, and cognitive approaches. For self‐care, whole‐task practice combined with assistive devices can increase independence and reduce caregiver burden. Participation in leisure goals can combine whole‐task practice with strategies to address environmental, personal, and social barriers.

Interpretation

Intervention to improve function for children and young people with cerebral palsy needs to include client‐chosen goals and whole‐task practice of goals. Clinicians should consider child/family preferences, age, and ability when selecting specific interventions.
Megaherbivore impacts on ecosystem and Earth system functioning: the current state of the science
Authors: Hyvarinen Olli , Te Beest Mariska , le Roux Elizabeth , Kerley Graham , de Groot Esther , Vinita Rana , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M.
Published: September 2021

Megaherbivores (adult body mass > 1000 kg) are suggested to disproportionately shape ecosystem and Earth system functioning. We systematically reviewed the empirical basis for this general thesis and for the more specific hypotheses that 1) megaherbivores have disproportionately larger effects on Earth system functioning than their smaller counterparts, 2) this is true for all extant megaherbivore species and 3) their effects vary along environmental gradients. We furthermore explored possible biases in our understanding of megaherbivore impacts. We found that there are too few studies to quantitatively evaluate the general thesis or any of the hypotheses for all but the African savanna elephant. Following this finding, we performed a qualitative vote counting analysis. Our synthesis of this analysis suggests that megaherbivores can elicit strong impacts on, for example, vegetation structure and biodiversity, and all the elephant species promote seed dispersal. We were, however, unable to evaluate whether these effects are disproportionate to smaller large herbivores. Although environmental conditions can mediate megaherbivore impact, few studies quantified the effect of rainfall or soil fertility on megaherbivore impacts, precluding prediction of megaherbivore effects on the Earth system, particularly under future climates. Moreover, our review highlights major taxonomic, thematic and geographic biases in our understanding of megaherbivore effects. Most of the studies focused on African savanna elephant impacts on vegetation structure and biodiversity, with other megaherbivores and Earth system functions comparatively neglected. Studies were also biased towards semi‐arid and relatively fertile systems, with the arid, high‐rainfall and/or nutrient‐poor parts of the megaherbivores' distribution ranges largely unrepresented. Our findings highlight that the empirical basis of our understanding of the ecological effects of extant megaherbivores is still limited for all species, except the African savanna elephant, and that our current understanding is biased towards certain environmental and geographic areas. We further outline a detailed, urgently needed avenue for future research.
Dynamics underlying auditory‐object‐boundary detection in primary auditory cortex
Authors: Dheerendra Pradeep , Barascud Nicolas , Kumar Sukhbinder , Overath Tobias , Griffiths Timothy D.
Published: September 2021

Auditory object analysis requires the fundamental perceptual process of detecting boundaries between auditory objects. However, the dynamics underlying the identification of discontinuities at object boundaries are not well understood. Here, we employed a synthetic stimulus composed of frequency‐modulated ramps known as ‘acoustic textures’, where boundaries were created by changing the underlying spectrotemporal statistics. We collected magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data from human volunteers and observed a slow (<1 Hz) post‐boundary drift in the neuromagnetic signal. The response evoking this drift signal was source localised close to Heschl's gyrus (HG) bilaterally, which is in agreement with a previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study that found HG to be involved in the detection of similar auditory object boundaries. Time–frequency analysis demonstrated suppression in alpha and beta bands that occurred after the drift signal.
How to keep up good appearances: Desire, imagination, and the good
Authors: Tooming Uku
Published: September 2021

It is not uncommon to think that having a desire involves taking its object to be good in some sense. This idea has been developed in two directions: either toward a view that understands the positive evaluation in terms of a judgment or belief or a view according to which the relevant evaluation is perception‐like. In this article, I defend a novel proposal that takes the positive evaluation of the object of desire to be a kind of imagining.