bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring firm-community level trust in rural Africa through the lens of oil companies’ corporate social responsibilities
Authors: Meribe Nnaemeka Chidiebere , Ayentimi Desmond Tutu , Oke Benson Reuben , Adonteng-Kissi Obed
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore firm-community level trust in rural Africa through the lens of oil companies’ corporate social responsibilities (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is grounded on a case study of local communities and other stakeholders in a Nigerian community exploring the underlying triggers of distrust and trust between oil companies and rural communities through the lens of CSR.

Findings

This exploratory study found the presence of high-level firm-community expectation differentials, pointing to considerable mistrust between local communities and oil companies’ CSR initiatives.

Practical implications

The local communities tend to feel oil companies attempt to secure social licence to operate by engaging in CSR initiatives but not to genuinely improve their welfare. There is, therefore, a superficial effort or incentive for oil companies to engage in CSR initiatives in rural Africa.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the notion that building a community-driven CSR requires a partnership in which local communities share legitimacy with government agencies and oil companies in influencing CSR initiatives. This represents the most effective way of enhancing firm-community level trust and social legitimacy in rural Africa.
Enhancing postgraduate researcher wellbeing through support groups
Authors: Panayidou Fryni , Priest Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of PhD support groups as an intervention that improves mental well-being and increases confidence in timely PhD completion.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants of six PhD support groups, which we co-facilitated, completed a survey at the start of the intervention and at the end of the eight weeks of attendance. The survey measured subjective well-being and confidence in completion using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale and statements from the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (2017 and 2019). The final survey also included open-ended questions to identify the helpful factors of the intervention.

Findings

Participants’ subjective well-being scores increased considerably over the eight weeks of group attendance and improved from initial score ranges associated with risk of depression or psychological distress. As a result of feeling understood and supported by other group members, participants felt less isolated and anxious, were more satisfied with their life and work-life balance, and felt more confident about completing their PhD within the institutional time frame. The results confirm previous findings on the positive effects of social support and the relationship between poor well-being and attrition.

Practical implications

Support groups could form an integral part of university support as they increase well-being and could improve retention.

Originality/value

Existing literature mainly highlights factors that affect postgraduate researchers’ well-being, with limited research on innovative interventions. This paper investigates the impact of social support in a facilitated peer group that focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of the PhD experience, rather than peer group learning or support with specific research tasks.
Bacterial dynamics of sugarcane silage in the tropics
Authors: Muraro Gisele Bonato , de Almeida Carvalho‐Estrada Paula , de Oliveira Pasetti Maximiliano Henrique , Santos Mateus Castilho , Nussio Luiz Gustavo
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the bacterial community in sugarcane silage, in distinct soil types along the storage period. We depicted the bacterial community associated with sugarcane, before and after ensiling, through a massive sequencing of the gene 16S rRNA using MiSeq platform. The ensilage process shifted the composition of the bacterial community from the heterofermentative lactic acid bacteriaLeuconostocto bacteria belonging to the generaAcinetobacter,RalstoniaandNovosphingobium. However, this shift did not convey statically significant differences in alfa diversity metrics. In addition, similarity percentage analysis showed that the bacterial Operational Taxonomic Units that were primarily responsible for the observed differences wereLeuconostoc,Pseudomonas,Acinetobacter,Ralstonia,Fructobacillus,Novosphingobium,Lactobacillus,BurkholderiaandClostridium sensu stricto 1. The storage period was the most important factor responsible for changes in the bacterial community of silages. Results confirmed that the type of soil did not influence the dissimilarity found among samples.
Colonization dynamics of Pantoea agglomerans in the wheat root habitat
Authors: Soluch Ryszard , Hülter Nils F. , Romero Picazo Devani , Özkurt Ezgi , Stukenbrock Eva H. , Dagan Tal
Published: February 2021

Plants are colonized by microbial communities that have diverse implications for plant development and health. The establishment of a stable plant–bacteria interaction depends on a continuous coexistence over generations. Transmission via the seed is considered as the main route for vertical inheritance of plant‐associated bacteria. Nonetheless, the ecological principles that govern the plant colonization by seed endophytes remain understudied. Here we quantify the contribution of arrival time and colonization history to bacterial colonization of the wheat root. Establishing a common seed endophyte, Pantoea agglomerans, and wheat as a model system enabled us to document bacterial colonization of the plant roots during the early stages of germination. Using our system, we estimate the carrying capacity of the wheat roots as 108 cells g−1, which is robust among individual plants and over time. Competitions in planta reveal a significant advantage of early incoming colonizers over late‐incoming colonizers. Priming for the wheat environment had little effect on the colonizer success. Our experiments thus provide empirical data on the root colonization dynamics of a seed endophyte. The persistence of seed endophyte bacteria with the plant population over generations may contribute to the stable transmission that is one route for the evolution of a stable host‐associated lifestyle.
Impact of manipulation of glycerol/diol dehydratase activity on intestinal microbiota ecology and metabolism
Authors: Ramirez Garcia Alejandro , Zhang Jianbo , Greppi Anna , Constancias Florentin , Wortmann Esther , Wandres Muriel , Hurley Katherine , Pascual‐García Alberto , Ruscheweyh Hans‐Joachim , Sturla Shana J. , Lacroix Christophe , Schwab Clarissa
Published: February 2021

Glycerol/diol dehydratases (GDH) are enzymes that catalyse the production of propionate from 1,2‐propanediol, and acrolein from glycerol. Acrolein reacts with dietary carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCA), reducing HCA mutagenicity, but is itself also an antimicrobial agent and toxicant. Gut microbial GDH activity has been suggested as an endogenous acrolein source; however, there is limited information on the potential of the intestinal microbiota to have GDH activity, and what impact it can have on the intestinal ecosystem and host health. We hypothesized that GDH activity of gut microbiota is determined by the abundance and distribution of GDH‐active taxa and can be enhanced by supplementation of the GDH active Anaerobutyricum hallii, and tested this hypothesis combining quantitative profiling of gdh, model batch fermentations, microbiota manipulation, and kinetic modelling of acrolein formation. Our results suggest that GDH activity is a common trait of intestinal microbiota shared by a few taxa, which was dependent on overall gdh abundance. Anaerobutyricum hallii was identified as a key taxon in GDH metabolism, and its supplementation increased the rate of GDH activity and acrolein release, which enhanced the transformation of HCA and reduced fermentation activity. The findings of this first systematic study on acrolein release by intestinal microbiota indicate that dietary and microbial modulation might impact GDH activity, which may influence host health.
Comprehensive transcriptome profiling reveals abundant long non‐coding RNAs associated with development of the rice false smut fungus, Ustilaginoidea virens
Authors: Tang Jintian , Chen Xiaoyang , Yan Yaqin , Huang Junbin , Luo Chaoxi , Tom Hsiang , Zheng Lu
Published: February 2021

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in biological processes but regulation and function of lncRNAs remain largely unelucidated, especially in fungi. Ustilaginoidea virens is an economically important fungus causing a devastating disease of rice. By combining microscopic and RNA‐seq analyses, we comprehensively characterized lncRNAs of this fungus in infection and developmental processes and defined four serial typical stages. RNA‐seq analyses revealed 1724 lncRNAs in U. virens, including 1084 long intergenic non‐coding RNAs (lincRNAs), 51 intronic RNAs (incRNAs), 566 natural antisense transcripts (lncNATs) and 23 sense transcripts. Gene Ontology enrichment of differentially expressed lincRNAs and lncNATs demonstrated that these were mainly involved in transport‐related regulation. Functional studies of transport‐related lncRNAs revealed that UvlncNAT‐MFS, a cytoplasm localized lncNAT of a putative MFS transporter gene, UvMFS, could form an RNA duplex with UvMFS and was required for regulation of growth, conidiation and various stress responses. Our results were the first to elucidate the lncRNA profiles during infection and development of this important phytopathogen U. virens. The functional discovery of the novel lncRNA, UvlncNAT‐MFS, revealed the potential of lncRNAs in regulation of life processes in fungi.
Balance between geographic, soil, and host tree parameters to shape soil microbiomes associated to clonal oak varies across soil zones along a European North–South transect
Authors: Habiyaremye Jean de Dieu , Herrmann Sylvie , Reitz Thomas , Buscot François , Goldmann Kezia
Published: February 2021

Tree root‐associated microbiomes are shaped by geographic, soil physico‐chemical, and host tree parameters. However, their respective impacts on microbiome variations in soils across larger spatial scales remain weakly studied. We out‐planted saplings of oak clone DF159 (Quercus robur L.) as phytometer in four grassland field sites along a European North–South transect. After four years, we first compared the soil microbiomes of the tree root zone (RZ) and the tree root‐free zone (RFZ). Then, we separately considered the total microbiomes of both zones, besides the microbiome with significant affinity to the RZ and compared their variability along the transect. Variations within the microbiome of the tree RFZ were shaped by geographic and soil physico‐chemical changes, whereby bacteria responded more than fungi. Variations within both microbiomes of the tree RZ depended on the host tree and abiotic parameters. Based on perMANOVA and Mantel correlation tests, impacts of site specificities and geographic distance strongly decreased for the tree RZ affine microbiome. This pattern was more pronounced for fungi than bacteria. Shaping the microbiome of the soil zones in root proximity might be a mechanism mediating the acclimation of oaks to a wide range of environmental conditions across geographic regions.
Nematode biphasic ‘boom and bust’ dynamics are dependent on host bacterial load while linking dauer and mouth‐form polyphenisms
Authors: Renahan Tess , Lo Wen‐Sui , Werner Michael S. , Rochat Jacques , Herrmann Matthias , Sommer Ralf J.
Published: February 2021

Cross‐kingdom interactions involve dynamic processes that shape terrestrial ecosystems and represent striking examples of co‐evolution. The multifaceted relationships of entomopathogenic nematodes with their insect hosts and symbiotic bacteria are well‐studied cases of co‐evolution and pathogenicity. In contrast, microbial interactions in soil after the natural death of insects and other invertebrates are minimally understood. In particular, the turnover and succession of nematodes and bacteria during insect decay have not been well documented ‐ although it represents a rich ecological niche with multiple species interactions. Here, we utilize developmentally plastic nematodePristionchus pacificusand its associated scarab beetles as models. On La Réunion Island, we collected rhinoceros beetleOryctes borbonicus, induced death, and placed carcasses in cages both on the island and in a mock‐natural environment in the laboratory controlling for high spatial and temporal resolution. Investigating nematode population density and dispersal dynamics, we were able to connect two imperative plasticities, dauer and mouth form. We observed a biphasic ‘boom and bust’ dispersal dynamic of dauer larvae that corresponds to bacterial load on carcasses but not bacterial type. Strikingly, all post‐dauer adults have the predatory mouth form, demonstrating novel intricate interactions on decaying insect hosts. Thus, ecologically relevant survival strategies incorporate critical plastic traits.
Trends in US Alcohol Consumption Frequency During the First Wave of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Pandemic
Authors: McKetta Sarah , Morrison Christopher N. , Keyes Katherine M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic created disruptions and stressors which may have influenced alcohol consumption frequency trends. Varying COVID‐19 health burden and alcohol policies may have contributed to different consumption trends between states. The aim of this study is to assess trends in alcohol consumption and moderation by state of residence.

Methods

We examined trends in adult drinking days, during the first wave of the pandemic (March 10 to June 8) using longitudinal data from the Understanding America Study (N = 6,172 unique participants; N = 28,059 observations). Because state mandates were responsive to disease burden, we modeled the interaction of time by COVID‐19 burden, defined as whether the state had the median (or higher) daily incidence of COVID‐19 cases on the survey date, and state random effects. We controlled for individual sociodemographics, perceived personal/familial COVID‐19 burden, mental health symptomology, and risk avoidance.

Results

Drinking days increased throughout the duration (incidence risk ratio [IRR] for drinking per increase in one calendar day = 1.003, 95% CI 1.001, 1.004); trends were heterogeneous by disease burden, with individuals living in states with lower COVID‐19 burden increasing (IRR = 1.005, 95% CI 1.003, 1.007) faster than those living in states with higher COVID‐19 burden (IRR = 1.000, 95% CI 0.998, 1.002). Trends were heterogeneous between states, but there was no evidence of systematic geographic clustering of state trends.

Conclusions

Drinking days increased during the first months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly among residents of states with lower disease burden.
MPEP Lowers Binge Drinking in Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice: Relationship with mGlu5/Homer2/Erk2 Signaling
Authors: Huang Gan , Thompson Summer L. , Taylor Jane R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) plays an important role in excessive alcohol use and the mGlu5/Homer2/Erk2 signaling pathway has been implicated in binge drinking. The mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator (NAM) 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine hydrochloride (MPEP) has been shown to reduce binge drinking in male mice, but less is known about its effect on female mice. Here, we sought to determine whether sex differences exists in the effects of MPEP on binge drinking and whether they relate to changes in the MPEP mGlu5/Homer2/Erk2 signaling.

Methods

We measured the dose–response effect of MPEP on alcohol consumption in male and female mice using the Drinking in the Dark (DID) paradigm to assess potential sex differences. To rule out possible confounds of MPEP on locomotion, we measured the effects of MPEP on locomotor activity and drinking simultaneously during DID. Lastly, to test whether MPEP‐induced changes in alcohol consumption were related to changes in Homer2 or Erk2 expression, we performed qPCR using brain tissue acquired from mice that had undergone 7 days of DID.

Results

30 mg/kg MPEP reduced binge alcohol consumption across female and male mice, with no sex differences in the dose–response relationship. Locomotor activity did not mediate the effects of MPEP on alcohol intake, but activity correlated with alcohol intake independent of MPEP. MPEP did not change the expression of Homer2 and Erk2 mRNA in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) or nucleus accumbens in mice whose drinking was reduced by MPEP, relative to saline. There was a positive relationship between alcohol intake and Homer2 expression in the BNST.

Conclusions

MPEP reduced alcohol consumption during DID in male and female C57BL/6 mice but did not change Homer2/Erk2 expression. Locomotor activity did not mediate the effects of MPEP on alcohol intake, though it correlated with alcohol intake. Alcohol intake during DID predicted BNST Homer2 expression. These data provide support for the regulation of alcohol consumption by mGlu5 across sexes.
Masculinizing surgery in disorders/differences of sex development: clinician‐ and participant‐evaluated appearance and function
Authors: van de Grift Tim C. , Rapp Marion , Holmdahl Gundela , Duranteau Lise , Nordenskjold Agneta ,   the dsd‐LIFE group
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To report the long‐term follow‐up outcomes of masculinizing surgery in disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), including both physicians' and patients’ perspectives on appearance and functional outcome, including sexuality.

Patients and Methods

In total, 1040 adolescents (age ≥16 years) and adults with a DSD took part in this multicentre cross‐sectional clinical study in six European countries in 2014/2015. Of those, 150 living in other than the female gender had some kind of masculinizing surgery: hypospadias repair, orchidopexy, breast reduction and/or gonadectomy. The study protocol included medical data collection, an optional genital examination, and patient‐reported outcomes including satisfaction with appearance and current sexual functioning.

Results

Diagnoses included partial and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (45,XO/46,XY; n = 38), Klinefelter syndrome/46,XX males (n = 57), and various 46,XY DSDs (n = 42; e.g. partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, severe hypospadias) and 13 with other diagnoses. Of the participants, 84 underwent hypospadias surgery, 86 orchidopexy, 52 gonadectomy and 32 breast reduction (combinations possible). Physicians evaluated anatomical appearance at genital examination as poor in approximately 11% of patients. After hypospadias surgery, 38% of participants reported that they were (very) dissatisfied with anatomical appearance and 20% with function. The physician and patient evaluations were moderately correlated (r = 0.43).

Conclusion

The majority of participants were neutral to satisfied with the appearance and function in the long‐term after masculinizing surgery. Given the initial severe phenotype and a risk of unsatisfactory results after masculinizing surgery in DSD, treatment should be handled by experienced multidisciplinary teams in order to optimize the postoperative results.
Tectonic controls on the evolution of mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic systems: Insights from the late Palaeozoic Ouachita‐Marathon Foreland, United States
Authors: Liu Li , Ambrose William A. , Lawton Timothy F. , Stockli Daniel F.
Published: February 2021

Sea level is thought to be the primary driver of alternating deposition of carbonate and siliciclastic sediment in shelf settings, with carbonates dominating during transgressive/highstands and siliciclastics during lowstands. Although sediment supply is critically important for shelf‐margin growth in siliciclastic systems, few studies demonstrate its impact on mixed carbonate‐siliciclastic systems. The Permian Basin in Texas, United States, provides an opportunity to investigate the basin evolution regarding the source, sediment routing and particularly shelf/slope growth from syn‐ to postorogenic phases during alternating carbonate and siliciclastic sedimentation. Published detrital zircon data show that the proportion of orogen‐related sources decreased significantly from an earliest Permian synorogenic phase (ca. 298 Ma) to a Leonardian (ca. 280–271 Ma) postorogenic phase, in concert with a grain‐size change from fine‐ to medium‐grained sand to silt. Although along‐strike lateral variabilities exist on the shelf margin, the shelf‐margin evolution characteristics show a significant difference among the Northern Shelf, Eastern Shelf and Central Basin Platform. The synorogenic Eastern Shelf exhibits a significant higher progradation rate than does the postorogenic Northern Shelf. The progradation and aggradation ratio of siliciclastic‐rich intervals in the Eastern Shelf is significantly higher than those of carbonate‐rich intervals in the Eastern Shelf and carbonate‐ or siliciclastic‐rich intervals in the Northern Shelf. In contrast, the Central Basin Platform, with no siliciclastic sediment supply, records almost no progradation regardless of orogenic phases. There is an increase in slope gradient with decreasing sediment supply during this second‐order sequence from the Permian Cisuralian Series to the end of the Guadalupian Series. This study demonstrates that tectonically driven siliciclastic sediment supply was the main mechanism controlling the shelf and slope evolution in alternating siliciclastic and carbonate deposition.
The relationship between empathic tendencies and altruistic behaviours in adolescents
Authors: Tümer Adile , Aykaç Koçak Ayla , Uçar Emre , Sümen Adem
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the empathic tendencies and altruistic behaviours of adolescents.

Methods

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 323 high school students in the 2017–2018 academic year. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form, the altruism scale and the empathic tendency scale. Descriptive statistics were evaluated using the bivariate correlation test and the linear regression test.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 16.06 ± 1.19 (min = 14, max = 20), and 50.8% of them were female. The adolescents' mean scores on the empathic tendency and altruism scales were 65.71 ± 9.08 and 67.84 ± 9.25, respectively. A statistically significant moderate positive relation was found between the adolescents' empathic tendencies and their altruistic behaviours (r = 0.369, p = 0.000).

Conclusions

The empathic tendency skills and altruistic behaviours of adolescents who participated in this study were at a good level. It is important to plan and apply educational programmes that develop adolescents' empathic tendencies and altruistic behaviours and to teach them positive social behaviours such as altruism.
Automated detection of frog calls and choruses by pulse repetition rate
Authors: Lapp Sam , Wu Tianhao , Richards‐Zawacki Corinne , Voyles Jamie , Rodriguez Keely Michelle , Shamon Hila , Kitzes Justin
Published: February 2021

Anurans (frogs and toads) are among the most globally threatened taxonomic groups. Successful conservation of anurans will rely on improved data on the status and changes in local populations, particularly for rare and threatened species. Automated sensors, such as acoustic recorders, have the potential to provide such data by massively increasing the spatial and temporal scale of population sampling efforts. Analyzing such data sets will require robust and efficient tools that can automatically identify the presence of a species in audio recordings. Like bats and birds, many anuran species produce distinct vocalizations that can be captured by autonomous acoustic recorders and represent excellent candidates for automated recognition. However, in contrast to birds and bats, effective automated acoustic recognition tools for anurans are not yet widely available. An effective automated call‐recognition method for anurans must be robust to the challenges of real‐world field data and should not require extensive labeled data sets. We devised a vocalization identification tool that classifies anuran vocalizations in audio recordings based on their periodic structure: the repeat interval‐based bioacoustic identification tool (RIBBIT). We applied RIBBIT to field recordings to study the boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) of temperate North American grasslands and the critically endangered variable harlequin frog (Atelopus varius) of tropical Central American rainforests. The tool accurately identified boreal chorus frogs, even when they vocalized in heavily overlapping choruses and identified variable harlequin frog vocalizations at a field site where it had been very rarely encountered in visual surveys. Using a few simple parameters, RIBBIT can detect any vocalization with a periodic structure, including those of many anurans, insects, birds, and mammals. We provide open‐source implementations of RIBBIT in Python and R to support its use for other taxa and communities.
Optimisation of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of natural dyes from pomegranate rind using response surface methodology and its characterisation
Authors: Lei TengFei , Pan Ying , Zhang Bin , Liu RongZhan , Pan YuanFeng
Published: February 2021

This paper reports the optimal ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for the maximum recovery of natural dyes from pomegranate rind using response surface methodology. The optimum UAE conditions were found to be an extraction time of 60 minutes, an extraction temperature of 65°C, a water to material ratio of 19 mL/g and an ultrasonic power of 132 W. The yield of the extracted pomegranate rind dyes (PRD) under optimum conditions was 17.1% ± 0.1%, which closely agrees with the predicted value of 17.2%. Fourier Transform–infrared and ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopy indicated that there were no significant structural changes in the PRD under optimal UAE conditions. The PRD particle size was clearly reduced, and the distribution was more uniform under the action of the ultrasonic waves. The total anti‐oxidant activity of the PRD was analysed using DPPH• assay, and the results indicated that a proper and reasonable ultrasonic‐assisted treatment can enhance the anti‐oxidant capacity of the pomegranate rind natural dyes. Furthermore, in comparison with Staphylococcus aureus using the Agar plate method, the anti‐bacterial activity indicated that the fabrics dyed with PRD under UAE conditions displayed outstanding anti‐bacterial activity.
Colour space conversion model from CMYK to CIELab based on CS‐WNN
Authors: Su Zebin , Yang Jinkai , Li Pengfei , Zhang HuanHuan , Jing Junfeng
Published: February 2021

In the process of colour space conversion from CMYK to CIELab, colour difference will be caused, which has a negative impact on the quality of digital printing products. In this article, an improved wavelet neural network (WNN) model optimised by cuckoo search (CS) algorithm is proposed to reduce the colour difference. Initially, the colour space conversion model based on WNN is established. The CS algorithm is used to optimise the initial weights and parameters of dilation and translation in the WNN model. Then, 1296 samples are made to train the CS‐WNN model. Finally, 100 test samples are input into the trained network to obtain the corresponding L, a and b values of CIELab. The experimental results show that the average conversion colour difference () of the proposed model is 3.469. The conversion accuracy and stability of the proposed model are better than the traditional neural network.
High incidence of type 1 diabetes in adolescents and young adults in Eritrea
Authors: Mebrahtu Goitom , Maniam Jayanthi , James Steven , Ogle Graham D.
Published: February 2021

Background

Eritrea has no data on type 1 diabetes incidence in children and youth; therefore, a study was undertaken to determine this in persons aged <25 years.

Methods

Data were collected on new type 1 diabetes diagnoses during 2019, from district, provincial and national hospitals. Type 1 diabetes was diagnosed according to standard WHO criteria. No secondary ascertainment source was available. 95% confidence intervals were computed based on approximation to the Poisson distribution, and age and gender effects were analysed with Poisson regression.

Results

There were 532 new cases of type 1 diabetes. Mean ± standard deviation (range) age of diagnosis was 16.2 ± 5.7 (1.5–24.9) years, and peak age group was 15–19 years (n = 200, 37.6%), with mode at 18 years. Incidence <15 years was 11.5/100,000 individuals [9.9–13.2], with the highest incidence in the 10–14 years group (19.0/100,000 [15.5–23.1]). Incidence then peaked in the 15–19 years age group (50.2/100,000 [43.5–57.7]) and remained high in the 20–24 years group (46.2/100,000 [39.0–54.3]). There was a male:female ratio of 1.37 (p = 0.001). Two hundred and thirty‐eight (44.7%) presented in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Conclusion

Type 1 diabetes incidence in Eritrea is moderate <15 years, and high 15–24 years. The 15–19 and 20–24 years rates appear to be the highest published to date. Given the study was only for one year, further confirmatory prospective information will clarify the situation and document trends. Assessment of the type 1 diabetes phenotypes that are occurring in Eritrea is also indicated.
The effect of motor and cognitive placebos on the serial reaction time task
Authors: Villa‐Sánchez Bernardo , Emadi Andani Mehran , Cesari Paola , Fiorio Mirta
Published: February 2021

Motor learning is a key component of human motor functions. Repeated practice is essential to gain proficiency over time but may induce fatigue. The aim of this study was to determine whether motor performance and motor learning (as assessed with the serial reaction time task, SRTT) and perceived fatigability (as assessed with subjective scales) are improved after two types of placebo interventions (motor and cognitive). A total of 90 healthy volunteers performed the SRTT with the right hand in three sessions (baseline, training and final). Before the training and the final session, one group underwent a motor‐related placebo intervention in which inert electrical stimulation (TENS) was applied over the hand and accompanied by verbal suggestion that it improves movement execution (placebo‐TENS). The other group underwent a cognitive‐related placebo intervention in which sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) was delivered to the supraorbital area and accompanied by verbal suggestion that it increases attention (placebo‐tDCS). A control group performed the same task without receiving treatment. Overall better performance on the SRTT (not ascribed to sequence‐specific learning) was noted for the placebo‐TENS group, which also reported less perceived fatigability at the physical level. The same was observed in a subgroup tested 24 hr later. The placebo‐tDCS group reported less perceived fatigability, both at the mental and physical level. These findings indicate that motor‐ and cognitive‐related placebo effects differently shape motor performance and perceived fatigability on a repeated motor task.
Metabolism and global protein glycosylation are differentially expressed in healthy and osteoarthritic equine carpal synovial fluid
Authors: Noordwijk Kira J. , Qin Rui , Diaz‐Rubio Maria E. , Zhang Sheng , Su Jin , Mahal Lara K. , Reesink Heidi L.
Published: February 2021

Background

Carpal osteochondral fragmentation and subsequent post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) are leading causes of wastage in the equine athlete. Identification of synovial fluid biomarkers could contribute to the diagnosis and understanding of osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed metabolic and glycosylation pathways in synovial fluid from healthy horses and horses with naturally occurring carpal OA.

Study design

Cross‐sectional, in vivo metabolomics and glycomics study.

Methods

In cohort 1, carpal synovial fluid (n = 12 horses; n = 6 healthy, n = 6 OA) was analysed using high‐resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). In cohort 2 (n = 40 horses; n = 20 healthy, n = 20 OA), carpal synovial fluid was analysed using lectin microarrays and a lubricin sandwich ELISA.

Results

Metabolomic analysis identified >4900 LC‐MS features of which 84 identifiable metabolites were differentially expressed (P < .05) between healthy and OA joints, including key pathways related to inflammation (histidine and tryptophan metabolism), oxidative stress (arginine biosynthesis) and collagen metabolism (lysine metabolism). Principle Component Analysis and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis demonstrated separation between healthy and OA synovial fluid. Lectin microarrays identified distinct glycosylation patterns between healthy and OA synovial fluid, including increased Core 1/Core 3 O‐glycosylation, increased α‐2,3 sialylation and decreased α‐1,2 fucosylation in OA. O‐glycans predominated over N‐glycans in all synovial fluid samples, and synovial fluid lubricin was increased in OA joints as compared to controls.

Main limitations

The sample size in cohort 1 was limited, and there is inherent variation in severity and duration of joint injury in naturally occurring OA. However, LC‐MS identified up to 5000 unique features.

Conclusions

These data suggest new potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for equine OA. Future targeted metabolomic and glycomic studies should be performed to verify these results. Lectin microarrays could be investigated as a potential screening tool for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of equine OA.
Oral cenesthopathy superimposed on burning mouth syndrome treated with aripiprazole: A case report with a phenomenological overview
Authors: Karakuş İbrahim Hakkı , Bulut Necati Serkut
Published: February 2021

Background

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an idiopathic condition that presents with chronic pain and/or burning sensations in the oral structures. The syndrome mostly affects elderly women with hormonal changes and/or with a diagnosis of comorbid psychiatric disorder. In some rare conditions, the clinical appearance of BMS may also overlap with oral cenestopathy (OC), which is defined in the literature as a special form of delusional disorder of somatic type. Patients with OC may complain about abnormal experiences such as melting, feeling of stickiness, as well as extremely strange feelings of wires, metal coils, etc being present in their mouths.

Case Presentation

We present an elderly woman whose ongoing symptoms of BMS (burning in the mouth and tongue, taste alterations etc) were, over time, superimposed by cenesthopatic delusions that her gums had melted, and her palate had totally dissolved. We believe that the case is clinically striking and demonstrative for the understanding of complex nosology of BMS and OC, given that (a) the patient exhibited a relatively rare example of overlapping BMS and OS symptoms, which both are not sufficiently recognised by clinicians, (b) OC symptoms have disappeared with low‐dose aripiprazole and psychoeducation‐based cognitive therapy, which resulted in significant improvement in the patient's quality of life.

Conclusion

Clinicians are required to be aware of BMS and OC, two syndromes with multifactorial aetiology and highly heterogeneous presentation, in order to determine the most appropriate treatment options from a multidisciplinary perspective, as well as to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
Male‐dominated workplaces and the power of masculine privilege: A comparison of the Australian political and construction sectors
Authors: Galea Natalie , Chappell Louise
Published: February 2021

Increasing women's representation in male‐dominated work sectors remains a persistent problem. This paper reorientates the focus from women's underrepresentation to male overrepresentation and privilege, to identify and compare the causal mechanisms between the overrepresentation of men in two traditionally male‐dominated work places in Australia: politics and construction. By applying feminist institutionalism, masculinities, and privilege, it argues the overrepresentation of men is linked to gendered rules that uphold hegemonic masculinities which produce masculine privilege and supports a gender hierarchy. Masculine privilege occurs via three mechanisms: (1) a culture of denial; (2) perceptions that rules are neutral, legitimate, and applied objectively; (3) through backlash and resistance to keep the gender status quo in place. We argue the effects of privilege combine to act as a barrier to the attraction, retention, and progression of women to both sectors and conclude that the masculine privilege provides a valuable lens to explore how male dominance operates within work sectors.
Combined effects of SiO2 ratio and purity on physical properties and microstructure of in situ alumina‐mullite ceramic
Authors: Salomão Rafael , Fernandes Leandro , Spera Natalia C. M.
Published: February 2021

The in situ formation of mullite (Al6Si4O13) is a complex process based on solid‐state reactions strongly affected by the characteristics of Al2O3 and SiO2 sources. This study investigated the combined effects of variable SiO2/Al2O3 ratios and the presence of low‐melting‐point impurities on the physical properties and microstructure of in situ alumina‐mullite ceramics. Two grades of synthetic amorphous silica, known as microsilica, of similar physical properties and significant differences in the content of alkali‐based impurities (0.8 and 3.6 wt%), were combined with thin calcined alumina particles in different proportions (from silica‐free up to stoichiometric mullite), pressed and sintered. The samples were tested for total porosity, flexural strength, and pore size distribution, and their crystalline phases and microstructures formed were investigated. Small amounts of both microsilica grades (up to 8.9 wt%) hindered the densification of the alumina‐mullite matrix and favored grain growth events, increasing porosity and reducing strength. For samples containing higher microsilica loads (16.4–28.2 wt%), the impurities content significantly affected the amount of liquid phases formed. Such impurities altered the ratio and shape of the pores and the total amount of mullite after sintering. Therefore, different microstructures and levels of flexural strength and total porosity were observed.
Fast and non‐destructive determination of simultaneous physicochemical parameters of Manihot esculenta flour using FT‐NIR spectroscopy and multivariate analysis
Authors: Pompeu Darly R. , Souza Jesus N.S. , Pena Rosinelson S.
Published: February 2021

Manihot esculenta flour (MEF) is the main energetic source for a major part of the population in the Amazonian region. In this study, near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used, for the first time, to predict physicochemical parameters of MEF. The water activity (aW), ash content, bulk density, moisture content, pH, geometric mean diameter (GMD) and colour parameters of L*, and hab were determined for 106 samples of MEF. Calibration equations with independent validation were developed to predict all parameters using the partial least square regression method. The performance of models was evaluated by the root mean standard error of calibration (RMSEC) and validation (RMSEV), and R2 values. The aW (RMSEC = RMSEV = 0.05), moisture content (RMSEC = 0.35%; RMSEV = 0.45%) and pH (RMSEC = 0.16; RMSEV = 0.18) could be predicted (R2 > 0.727) by NIRS coupled to multivariate analysis. NIRS and multivariate analysis proved to be a powerful tool to predict multiple physicochemical parameters of MEF.
The profile, content and antioxidant activity of anthocyanin in germinated naked barley grains with infrared and hot air drying
Authors: Ge Xiangzhen , Jing Luzhen , Su Chunyan , Zhang Bo , Zhang Qian , Li Wenhao
Published: February 2021

Anthocyanin‐rich naked barley has attracted considerable attention recently. In this study, the naked barley was allowed to germinate and took samples every 12 h, and dried by infrared or hot air. A total of 11 anthocyanins were detected, and germination and drying did not cause their profile to change. The total content of anthocyanins increased after germination, and hot air drying (53.45–68.53 mg/100 g) was more reserved than infrared drying (46.44–55.46 mg/100 g). Moreover, the sprouting improved the ferric reducing antioxidant power and the free radical scavenging ability of ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide anion capacity, and the germinated for 24 h by hot air drying sample had the strongest antioxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the metabolic position of seven anthocyanins was accurately found in the anthocyanin metabolic pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for germination and hot air drying to improve the bioactive components and antioxidant properties of naked barley.
Brugada phenocopy in a patient with unstable angina and three‐vessel coronary artery disease
Authors: Casu Gavino , Berne Paola , Viola Graziana , Bandino Stefano , Baranchuk Adrian
Published: February 2021

A 52‐year‐old male was admitted with unstable angina and three‐vessel coronary artery disease. Electrocardiography (ECG) changes consistent with type‐1 Brugada ECG pattern were noted during admission. The patient was asymptomatic for syncope and had no family history of sudden cardiac death, ICD implantation, and Brugada syndrome. After coronary by‐pass graft the Brugada ECG pattern resolved, and ajmaline test did not elicit type‐1 ECG pattern, confirming the suspicion of Brugada phenocopy.
Extracellular vesicle‐mediated regulation of tumor angiogenesis— implications for anti‐angiogenesis therapy
Authors: Zhang Shuqiong , Yang Junyao , Shen Lisong
Published: February 2021

Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumour progression. However, anti‐angiogenesis therapy of inhibiting pro‐angiogenic factors failed to meet expectations in certain types of tumour in clinical trials. Recent studies reveal that tumour‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are essential in tumour angiogenesis and anti‐angiogenesis drug resistance. This function has most commonly been attributed to EV contents including proteins and non‐coding RNAs. Here, we summarize the recent findings of tumour‐derived EV contents associated with regulating angiogenesis and illustrate the underlying mechanisms. In addition, the roles of EVs in tumour microenvironmental cells are also illustrated with a focus on how EVs participate in cell‐cell communication, contributing to tumour‐mediated angiogenesis. It will help offer new perspectives on developing targets of anti‐angiogenesis drugs and improve the efficacy of anti‐angiogenesis therapies based on tumour‐derived EVs.
Shedding light on the deep: The case of the velvet belly lanternshark in the North Aegean Sea
Authors: Kousteni Vasiliki
Published: February 2021

Main biological features were assessed for the first time in the deep‐water shark Etmopterus spinax from Hellenic waters by examining 150 individuals caught incidentally in the bottom‐trawl commercial fishery off Skyros island. Females outnumbered males and the overall sex ratio was 1.38:1. Females ranged from 122 to 311 mm in total length (LT) and males from 129 to 270 mm LT, both exhibiting positive allometric growth. Total length–total mass relationships and frequency distributions did not show significant differences between females and males. Sexual dimorphism was not either found by analysing 56 different morphological characteristics. The effect of sex and season was more prominent on the gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices compared to the relative condition factor. Most of the individuals were sexually immature, with two specimens classified as mature, one gravid female reaching 311 mm LT with undeveloped gonads and enlarged uteri with embryos, and one male reaching 270 mm LT with enlarged gonads and rigid claspers with hooks. The present study highlights the importance of the sampling location as a breeding and nursery ground for E. spinax in the eastern Mediterranean Sea that should be taken into account for the species' conservation considering its intrinsic characteristics, which make it vulnerable to fishing pressure.
Banking on Deposits: Maturity Transformation without Interest Rate Risk
Authors: DRECHSLER ITAMAR , SAVOV ALEXI , SCHNABL PHILIPP
Published: February 2021

We show that maturity transformation does not expose banks to interest rate risk—it hedges it. The reason is the deposit franchise, which allows banks to pay deposit rates that are low and insensitive to market interest rates. Hedging the deposit franchise requires banks to earn income that is also insensitive, that is, to lend long term at fixed rates. As predicted by this theory, we show that banks closely match the interest rate sensitivities of their interest income and expense, and that this insulates their equity from interest rate shocks. Our results explain why banks supply long‐term credit.
Why Difference Makes a Difference: Diversity, Inequality, and Institutionalization
Authors: DiTomaso Nancy
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this paper is to explain why differences make such a difference by drawing on an historical, institutional, and structural account of intergroup relations and to show the relevance in the present of what has in the past shaped the differences that we take for granted as essential, enduring, and consequential. I make five fundamental points about the meaning of diversity and why difference makes a difference. First, I argue that diversity is always associated with hierarchical inequality, most prominently a racial hierarchy. Second, I emphasize the historical embeddedness of diversity through processes of institutionalization. Third, I emphasize that the structure of intergroup relations is also always subject to contentious politics and to social change. Fourth, I argue that understanding the consequences of diversity over time requires a multi‐levelled analysis at the structural, cultural, and social psychological levels in their interrelationships and mutual causality. Fifth, I call attention to the epistemological ignorance that overlays inequality and the history of diversity. I conclude with a discussion of theoretical contributions and outline the need for anti‐racist responses at multiple levels to break the link between diversity and inequality.
Do method effects generalize across traits (and what if they don't)?
Authors: Geiser Christian , Simmons Trenton G.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Multitrait‐multimethod (MTMM) data can be analyzed with single‐indicator confirmatory factor analysis (CFA‐MTMM) models. Most single‐indicator CFA‐MTMM models imply—but do not allow testing—the restrictive assumption that method biases generalize (correlate) perfectly across different traits for a given method.

Method

To examine the validity of this assumption, we identified and reviewed 20 published applications of multiple‐indicator CFA‐MTMM models, which allow testing this assumption. Based on simulated data, we demonstrate the consequences of violating the assumption of perfectly general method effects based on the CT‐C(M − 1) approach.

Results

We extracted 111 heterotrait‐monomethod method factor correlation estimates, which varied between |.01| and |1.0| (mean = .52) with most correlations being substantially smaller than |1|. The results of our review and simulations show that violations of the assumption of perfectly general method effects (a) are very common, (b) are difficult to detect based on model fit statistics, and (c) can lead to considerable bias in estimates of convergent validity, method specificity, reliability, and method factor correlations in single‐indicator models.

Conclusions

We recommend that researchers abandon the use of single‐indicator CFA‐MTMM models and that they use multiple‐indicator CFA‐MTMM models whenever possible.