bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia during a period of high epidemic control, 2020
Authors: Hogarth Freya G , Nye Rachel , Pingault Nevada , Crouch Simon , Coffey Cushla , Smith Kylie , Boyd Rowena , Kelaher Catherine , Rentin Tracie , Hewitt Moira C , Polkinghorne Ben , Kirk Martyn D
Published: February 2022

To describe characteristics of COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia to guide policy development for mitigation of future outbreaks, we conducted a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 outbreaks affecting two or more people reported to COVID-Net—an Australian national surveillance network—from 28 January until 27 December 2020. The COVID-Net surveillance network covered all Australian states and territories, with an estimated population of 25,649,985 persons as at 31 June 2020. We reported the epidemiology of COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia, including the setting in which they occurred, size, and duration.

853 outbreaks of COVID-19 were reported; associated with 13,957 confirmed cases, of whom 2,047 were hospitalised, and 800 died. The pattern of outbreaks followed a similar trend to the epidemic in Australia, defined by two distinct peaks in mid-March and July. Victoria reported the greatest number of outbreaks across all settings aligned with the second wave of infections. Outbreaks most commonly occurred in the workplace/industry setting (22%, 190/853), followed by education (14%, 122/853), residential aged care (13%, 114/853) and hospitals (10%, 83/853). The majority (40%, 340/853) of outbreaks had 6 to 24 cases, and the median outbreak duration increased in proportion with the number of associated cases.

This report summarising COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia identifies settings of highest risk. Surveillance of outbreaks informs our understanding of transmission dynamics in Australia relative to national and jurisdictional interventions. For settings that are high risk for COVID-19, it is important to prioritise planning, surveillance, and implementation of control measures.
Inequalities in mental and social wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic: prospective longitudinal observational study of five UK cohorts
Authors: Moreno-Agostino Darío , Fisher Helen L. , Hatch Stephani L. , Morgan Craig , Ploubidis George B. , Das-Munshi Jayati
Published: February 2022

Background

Research suggests that there have been inequalities in the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related non-pharmaceutical interventions on population mental health. We explored these inequalities during the first year of the pandemic using nationally representative cohorts from the UK.

Methods

We analysed data from 26,772 participants from five longitudinal cohorts representing generations born between 1946 and 2000, collected in May 2020, September-October 2020, and February-March 2021 across all five cohorts. We used a multilevel growth curve modelling approach to explore sociodemographic and socioeconomic differences in levels of anxiety and depressive symptomatology, loneliness, and life satisfaction over time.

Results

Younger generations had worse levels of mental and social wellbeing throughout the first year of the pandemic. Whereas these generational inequalities narrowed between the first and last observation periods for life satisfaction (−0.33 [95% CI: −0.51, −0.15]), they became larger for anxiety (0.22 [0.10, 0.33]). Pre-existing generational inequalities in depression and loneliness did not change, but initial depression levels of the youngest cohort were worse than expected if the generational inequalities had not accelerated. Women and those experiencing financial difficulties had worse initial mental and social wellbeing levels than men and those financially living comfortably, respectively, and these gaps did not substantially differ between the first and last observation periods. Inequalities by additional factors are reported.

Conclusions

By March 2021, mental and social wellbeing inequalities persisted in the UK adult population. Pre-existing generational inequalities may have been exacerbated with the pandemic onset. Policies aimed at protecting vulnerable groups are needed.
Feedback regulation of RNase E during UV-stress response in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Watanabe Satoru , Stazic Damir , Georg Jens , Ohtake Shota , Numakura Megumi , Asayama Munehiko , Chibazakura Taku , Wilde Annegret , Steglich Claudia , Hess Wolfgang R.
Published: February 2022

Endoribonucleases govern the maturation and degradation of RNA and are indispensable in the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. A key endoribonuclease in many bacteria is RNase E. To ensure an appropriate supply of RNase E, some bacteria, such as E. coli, have evolved tightly functioning feedback regulation of RNase E that is mediated in cis by the rne 5′-untranslated region (5′ UTR); however, the mechanisms involved in the control of RNase E in other bacteria largely remain unknown. Cyanobacteria rely on solar light as an energy source for photosynthesis, despite the inherent ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Here, we investigated the global gene expression response in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 after exposure to UV light and discovered a unique response of RNase E: a rapidly increasing enzymatic activity, although the stability of the protein was decreased. In parallel, we observed an increased accumulation of full-length rne mRNA that was caused by the stabilization of its 5′ UTR and suppression of premature transcriptional termination but not by an increased transcription rate. Mapping of RNA 3′ ends and in vitro cleavage assays revealed that RNase E cleaves within a stretch of six consecutive uridine residues within the rne 5′ UTR, indicating autoregulation via its own 5′ UTR. These observations imply that RNase E in cyanobacteria contributes substantially to reshaping the transcriptome during the UV stress response and that its required activity level is maintained despite enhanced turnover of the protein by posttranscriptional feedback regulation.
Production of recombinant human acid α-glucosidase with mannosidic N-glycans in α-mannosidase I mutant rice cell suspension culture
Authors: Jung Jae-Wan
Published: February 2022

High-mannose glycans, containing 6-9 mannose residues, are favorable for in vitro mannose phosphorylation to produce Mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) residues. These are important for lysosomal enzyme targeting and essential for uptake. Golgi α-mannosidase-I mediates mannose trimming in the N-glycosylation pathway. In this study, I used mutant rice with a T-DNA insertion in the Os04g0606400 (Δα-manI) gene to produce recombinant human acid α-glucosidase (rhGAA) for enzyme replacement therapy to treat Pompe disease. After characterization of Δα-manI mutant rice, the gene encoding rhGAA was introduced into mutant calli by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Integration of the target sequence into the rice genome was detected by genomic DNA PCR. Expression of rhGAA from Δα-manI mutant (Δα-manI-GAA) and its secretion into culture media were confirmed by western blot analysis. The N-glycosylation pattern of purified Δα-manI-GAA was analysed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. This showed that the high-mannose type N-glycan with man8 (63.8%) was the most abundant form, followed by Man7 (22.5%), GnGnXF3 (6.7%), Man6 (5.4%), and Man5 (1.6%). The results suggest the successful production of rhGAA with N-glycan containing 6-8 mannose residue in the Δα-manI mutant rice cell suspension culture.
Synaptic vesicle proteins are selectively delivered to axons in mammalian neurons
Authors: Watson Emma T. , Pauers Michaela M. , Vevea Jason D. , Chapman Edwin R.
Published: February 2022

Neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles (SV) mediate synaptic transmission and are a hallmark specialization in neuronal axons. Yet, how SV proteins are sorted to presynaptic nerve terminals remains the subject of debate. The leading models posit that these proteins are randomly trafficked throughout neurons and are selectively retained in presynaptic boutons. Here, we used the RUSH system, in conjunction with HaloTag labeling approaches, to study the egress of two distinct SV proteins from the soma of cultured neurons. In sharp contrast to the selective retention model, both proteins selectively and specifically entered axons and did not traffic through dendrites; only upon overexpression do SV proteins spillover into other compartments. Moreover, we observed that SV constituents were first delivered to the presynaptic plasma membrane before incorporation into SVs. These experiments reveal a new-found membrane trafficking pathway in classically polarized mammalian neurons and provide a glimpse at the first steps of SV biogenesis.
High Fat Diet Blunts Stress-Induced Hypophagia and Activation of Glp1r Dorsal Lateral Septum Neurons in Male but not in Female Mice
Authors: Bales Michelle B. , Centanni Samuel W. , Luchsinger Joseph R. , Nwaba Kaitlyn Ginika , Paldrmic Isabella M. , Winder Danny G. , Ayala Julio E.
Published: February 2022

While stress typically reduces caloric intake (hypophagia) in chow-fed rodents, presentation of palatable, high calorie substances during stress can increase caloric consumption (i.e. “comfort feeding”) and promote obesity. However, little is known about how obesity itself affects feeding behavior in response to stress and the mechanisms that can influence stress-associated feeding in the context of obesity. We show that lean male mice display the expected hypophagic response following acute restraint stress, but obese male mice are resistant to this acute stress-induced hypophagia. Activation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (Glp1) receptor (Glp1r) in various brain regions leads to hypophagia in response to stress. Here we show that Glp1r-positive neurons in the dorsal lateral septum (dLS) are robustly activated during acute restraint stress in lean but not in obese male mice. This raises the possibility that activation of dLS Glp1r neurons during restraint stress contributes to subsequent hypophagia. Supporting this, we show that chemogenetic inhibition of dLS Glp1r neurons attenuates acute restraint stress hypophagia in male mice. Surprisingly, we show that both lean and obese female mice are resistant to acute restraint stress-induced hypophagia and activation of dLS Glp1r neurons. Taken together, these results suggest that dLS Glp1r neurons contribute to the hypophagic response to acute restraint stress in male mice, but not in female mice, and that obesity disrupts this response in male mice. Broadly, these findings show sexually dimorphic mechanisms and feeding behaviors in lean vs. obese mice in response to acute stress.
Vacuum joints of CuCrZr alloy for high-heat-load photon absorber
Authors: Li Yongjun , Jin Limin , Zhu Wanqian , Xue Song , Zhang Min , Wu Shuai
Published: February 2022

A photon absorber, as a critical component of a synchrotron front-end, is mainly used to handle high-heat-load synchrotron radiation. It is mostly made of dispersion strengthened copper or CuCrZr which can retain high performance at elevated temperatures. Joining processes for vacuum, including tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) and electron beam welding (EBW), are novel ways to make a long photon absorber from two short ones and reduce power density. The mechanical properties of TIG joints and EBW joints of CuCrZr to the same material are obtained by tensile tests at 20°C, 100°C, 200°C, 300°C and 400°C. Testing results indicate that the tensile strength and yield strength of both vacuum joints decline as temperature increases. Compared with TIG joints, EBW joints have higher strength, better ductility and a more stable performance. An engineering conservative acceptance criteria of the vacuum joints is created by the polynomial fitting method. A novel welded photon absorber with a total length of 600 mm has been successfully designed and manufactured. Finite-element analysis by ANSYS shows that the maximum temperature, equivalent stress and strain are only 31.5%, 36.2% and 1.3%, respectively, of the corresponding thresholds. The welded photon absorbers with EBW joints will be applicable in the highest-heat-load front-end in the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility Phase-II beamline project.
From EXAFS of reference compounds to U(VI) speciation in contaminated environments
Authors: Krot Anna , Vlasova Irina , Trigub Alexander , Averin Alexey , Yapaskurt Vasily , Kalmykov Stepan
Published: February 2022

Understanding the speciation of technogenic uranium in natural systems is crucial for estimating U migration and bioavailability and for developing remediation strategies for contaminated territories. Reference EXAFS data of model laboratory-prepared uranium compounds (`standards') are necessary to analyze U-contaminated samples from nuclear legacy sites. To minimize errors associated with measurements on different synchrotrons, it is important not only to compare data obtained on environmentally contaminated samples with the literature but also with `standards' collected at the same beamline. Before recording the EXAFS spectra, all reference compounds were thoroughly characterized by Raman spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The U(VI) local molecular environments in the reference compounds, i.e. uranyl oxyhydroxides, phosphates, carbonates and uranates, were examined using XAFS. Based on the EXAFS fitting results obtained, including the nature of the bonding, interatomic distances and coordination numbers, parameters that are typical for a particular U compound were differentiated. Using data for `standards', U speciation in the sample of radioactively contaminated soil was determined to be a mixture of U oxyhydroxide and carbonate phases.
Using diffraction losses of X-rays in a single crystal for determination of its lattice parameters as well as for monochromator calibration
Authors: Klimova Nataliya , Snigireva Irina , Snigirev Anatoly , Yefanov Oleksandr
Published: February 2022

A way has been developed to measure the unit-cell parameters of a single crystal just from an energy scan with X-rays, even when the exact energy of the X-rays is not well defined due to an error in the pitch angle of the monochromator. The precision of this measurement reaches da/a ∼ 1 × 10−5. The method is based on the analysis of diffraction losses of the beam, transmitted through a single crystal (the so-called `glitch effect'). This method can be easily applied to any transmissive X-ray optical element made of single crystals (for example, X-ray lenses). The only requirements are the possibility to change the energy of the generated X-ray beam and some intensity monitor to measure the transmitted intensity. The method is agnostic to the error in the monochromator tuning and it can even be used for determination of the absolute pitch (or 2θ) angle of the monochromator. Applying the same method to a crystal with well known lattice parameters allows determination of the exact cell parameters of the monochromator at any energy.
Cryo-cooled silicon crystal monochromators: a study of power load, temperature and deformation
Authors: Khosroabadi Hossein , Alianelli Lucia , Porter Daniel G. , Collins Steve , Sawhney Kawal
Published: February 2022

Crystal monochromators are often the primary optics in hard X-ray synchrotron beamlines. Management of power load is central to their design. Strict requirements on stability and deformation are to be met, as new-generation synchrotron sources deliver brighter beams of X-rays. This article sets out to illustrate an overall picture of the deformation caused by heat load in a cryo-cooled Si crystal monochromator using first principles. A theoretical model has been developed to predict the temperature distribution and surface deformation by applying intrinsic properties of Si material and the cooling system parameters. The model explains the universal behaviour of crystal slope error versus absorbed power; it has been benchmarked against experimental data and used to interpret finite-element analysis of cryogenically cooled crystals.
Dual case study of continued use vs cessation of cannabis in psychosis: a theoretically informed approach to a hard problem
Authors: Larsen Jonathan Led , Johansen Katrine Schepelern , Nordgaard Julie , Mehlsen Mimi Yung
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Cannabis use in the context of psychosis has been shown to have a negative impact on prognosis and yet it is difficult to treat. Recent randomized controlled trials all have negative findings and novel approaches is sought after. This paper aims to use an embodied cognition framework to add to the understanding of cannabis use in psychosis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents longitudinal, qualitative data on two individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and using cannabis at least twice weekly prior to inclusion in the study. Factors influencing cannabis use were mapped in dialogue with the participants. Each participant was interviewed six times over the course of a year. The analysis was informed theoretically to describe processes maintaining or ameliorating cannabis use over time.

Findings

This study shows that a systems approach for understanding changes in cannabis use is meaningful; the richness of observations add to the understanding of differences in outcomes. Findings suggest that reductions in cannabis use in psychosis could be dependent on synergistic effects between contextual conditions. Attending closer to the experience of patients may help inform future interventions. However, interventions focusing on single mechanisms may be futile, if an array of individual, formative experiences are a prerequisite for change. A systemic understanding of dual diagnosis calls for tailored, individualized interventions.

Originality/value

The research tests a novel systemic perspective on cannabis use in psychosis by applying it to qualitative longitudinal data. Adding a systemic perspective may help develop future interventions addressing cannabis use in psychosis, which has long been considered a “hard problem” in dual diagnosis treatment.
Service sector subsidiary performance in emerging markets: is it who or what you know?
Authors: Dahms Sven , Zutshi Ambika , Puri Sandeep
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This research investigates performance determinants of service sector foreign-owned subsidiaries located in an emerging market. The focus is on the two dimensions of organizational networks (Who do you know?) and competencies (What do you know?).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via a large-scale survey of managing directors located in the midrange emerging economy of Taiwan. The data are analyzed using partial least squares structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) techniques.

Findings

The results show the importance of intraorganizational network strength as a key determinant of subsidiary performance, and that combinations of interorganizational network strength and competencies can determine performance in several subsidiaries.

Originality/value

This article offers new insights by testing a theoretical framework based on network perspective and the competence-based view of the firm in an emerging market context. It also offers an additional twist by employing symmetric (PLS-SEM) and nonsymmetric (fsQCA) methods to test the framework. This allows to arrive at robust conclusions about the complementarity and substitutability of the applied theories. This research also contributes to the current literature by providing fine-grained insights into the nature and impact of competencies and networks. It is also one of the few studies to focus specifically on service sector subsidiaries.
Unraveling the existence of the necessity and sufficiency of accounting information
Authors: Agbodjo Serge , Seny Kan Konan Anderson , Zori Solomon George , Hussainey Khaled
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The authors illustrate accounting information's effects in terms of necessity and sufficiency, using a set-theoretic approach, and highlight how the approach complements conventional correlational analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine the relationship between accounting numbers (accounting information) and stock prices (effect) under both correlational and set-theoretic perspectives using a value relevance methodology.

Findings

The claim that accounting information is significantly correlated to an outcome does not inform the accounting information's necessity or sufficiency. In addition, findings suggest that not all control variables that are significantly correlated to a supposed accounting effect are necessary to explain that effect. Moreover, variables reflecting accounting information are not individually sufficient to explain the effect under investigation.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to set-theoretic approach to accounting research and echoes the call for a diversity of research approaches in accounting.

Practical implications

The study may have practical implications for various accounting information users, including investors, financial analysts and financial market and accounting disclosure regulators as well. Indeed, accounting information users should consider the importance of the combined effect of multiple pieces of accounting information in the users' positions on firms' stocks. Understanding what might be the relevant combinations of accounting information associated with a given organizational context is a key in making compelling accounting-informed decisions. Such knowledge can inform reflections of accounting disclosures and regulations on the combined effects of several accounting information.

Originality/value

First, the study adds to the newly introduced set-theoretic approach to empirical accounting. The study also resonates with the call for a diversity of research approaches in accounting. The authors empirically demonstrate that significant correlation between accounting information and its effects does not connote “necessity” or “sufficiency,” which is rather revealed by qualitative comparative analysis (QCA). Such complementarity can help accounting researchers to carry out (1) new investigations of accounting's earlier hypotheses or propositions and (2) investigations of new accounting hypotheses/propositions deriving from existing accounting theories and (3) to explore new relationships between accounting phenomena. Second, the study incidentally contributes to value relevance literature in terms of contextualization of the relevance of accounting information. Specific to the African capital markets, the study complements the few recent studies on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières d’Abidjan (BRVM).
The impact of advertising exposure on the gendered perceptions of men with mental health concerns
Authors: Li Tianyi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Traditional masculinity ideologies dictate men should be tough, self-reliant and display restrictive emotionality. Men who seek mental health services, a behavior that typically involves expressing feelings and showing dependence, are often subject to stigma. The purpose of the study is to examine the gendered perceptions of men who seek help for mental health concerns, as well as how masculine advertisements moderate these perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

After viewing either masculine or control advertisements, participants read descriptions of men who sought help for psychological or physical symptoms and provided masculinity ratings in a task ostensibly unrelated to the advertisements.

Findings

Across two experiments, participants perceived the male target who sought help for psychological symptoms, a behavior incongruent with the traditional masculinity ideologies, as less masculine than his counterpart seeking help for physical symptoms. Importantly, exposure to masculine advertisements attenuated the gendered perceptions for psychological help-seeking: viewing masculine advertisements led participants to deliberately reflect on society’s expectations for men to be physically masculine and tough and the extent to which men should conform to these standards. These reflections counteract the effect of stigma on the gendered perceptions of men seeking help for mental health concerns.

Originality/value

The representation of men as masculine and rugged in advertisements is believed to contribute to public perceptions of men seeking help for mental health concerns. Yet the current research demonstrates an unexpected effect of viewing masculine advertisements in attenuating the gendered perceptions of men’s help-seeking.
Mediating role of green marketing orientation in stakeholder risk and new product success relationship among European multinational enterprises in Ghana
Authors: Borah Prasad Siba , Pomegbe Wisdom Wise Kwabla , Dogbe Courage Simon Kofi
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to assess the mediating role of green marketing orientation (GMO) dimensions in the relationship between stakeholder risk and new product success among European multinational enterprises (EMNEs) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on primary data gathered from 302 EMNEs in Ghana. After various validity and reliability checks, structural equation modeling in Amos (v.23) was performed to estimate the various relationships hypothesized in the study.

Findings

The study finds that stakeholder risk had a significant negative effect on the success of EMNEs’ new products. This negative effect is, however, nullified by the positive mediating effects of strategic green marketing orientation, tactical green marketing orientation and internal green marketing orientation.

Research limitations/implications

GMO is highly regarded as context-specific, with unique characteristics. Implying that the interpretation of results from the GMO framework should be on the backdrop of the social, cultural political and economic environment.

Practical implications

Stakeholder risk posed a significant challenge to the success of EMNEs, whose operations are monitored not just by domestic stakeholders but also international stakeholders. The actions and inactions of these EMNEs affect the overall image of the mother firm and are, therefore, expected to operate within acceptable norms.

Social implications

The adoption of GMOs increases the success of new products, as firms receive a social license for their environmentally friendly operations. GMO also helps in solving societal concerns for environmental protection, which is very paramount in this 21st century.

Originality/value

Past studies have largely focused on stakeholder pressure; however, this study focuses on the risks associated with those pressures and how these risks influence the success of new products.
Private Equity and Bank Capital Requirements: Evidence from European Firms
Authors: Lavery Paul , Spaliara Marina‐Eliza , Tsoukas Serafeim
Published: February 2022

Using firm‐level data from 16 euro‐area countries over 2008–2014, we investigate how the performance of bank‐affiliated private equity‐backed companies evolves after the European Banking Authority increased capital requirements for their parent banks. We find that portfolio companies connected to exposed banks reduce their level of investment and experience weaker asset growth, employment growth and profitability following the capital exercise. We further show that the effect is stronger for companies likely to face financial constraints. Finally, the findings indicate that the negative effect of the capital exercise is muted when the private equity sponsor is more experienced.
Harnessing Customer Mindset Metrics to Boost Consumer Spending: A Cross‐Country Study on Routes to Economic and Business Growth
Authors: Shaalan Ahmed , Agag Gomaa , Tourky Marwa
Published: February 2022

The relationship between customer mindset metrics (CMMs) and consumer spending has been extensively investigated at the consumer and firm level, but little is known about it at the national level, nor about how it differs between countries. Drawing on five publicly available datasets gathered in 10 European countries over 20 years, our study traces the connections between three CMMs – customer satisfaction, perceived service quality and loyalty intentions – and consumer spending, as well as examining the moderating cross‐country effects of culture, socioeconomic factors, economic structure and political–economic elements. The results show that the CMMs significantly influence consumer spending in all the countries studied, with the effects most pronounced in societies with relatively low education levels, a dominant service sector, fewer barriers to business and international trade and a foundation of survival values rather than self‐expressive values. Our findings suggest that CMMs can be used to boost not just business performance but also economic growth, and therefore have significant implications for policymakers as well as practitioners and companies.
History and Public Memory in Tobago: Opportunities and Obstacles
Authors: Joseph O'Neil
Published: February 2022

Since the 1980s, policymakers on the island of Tobago positioned public history as one of the main pillars for sustainable economic and social development. As such, from the early 1980s public history became central to the island's development policy and planning. Locals, researchers and tourists consume and experience public history at sites of memory throughout the island. This article contends that while sites of memory in Tobago provide unprecedented opportunities for Tobagonians, the heritage and tourism sectors and researchers; these sites are complicated by government policies, tropical tourism narratives, emotional investments and competing groups aims, all of which pose major obstacles.
Surgery for vaginal vault prolapse: Is autologous fascia a viable alternative to mesh?
Authors: Vashisht Arvind , Ben Zvi Maria Masha , Thanatsis Nikolaos
Published: February 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Rui Wang et al., pp. 1600–1606 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17107
epcc: An R package to assess and simulate the vulnerability of ectothermic populations when facing climate change
Authors: Saldaña‐Núñez Víctor , Córdova‐Lepe Fernando , Moreno‐Gómez Felipe N.
Published: February 2022

An established framework to evaluate vulnerability to global warming is to associate the expected temperature trends with thermal performance curves, which indicate how fitness changes as a function of body temperature.

Mathematical modelling approaches allow synthesizing the mechanistic understanding of ecological processes, enabling the assessment of the potential impacts of global warming on populations.

epcc allows to model and simulate the effects of thermal sensitivity and the exposition to different trends in environmental temperature on the abundance dynamics of ectothermic populations.

epcc allows a synthesis of the possible consequences of global‐ and local‐scale warming, constituting a useful tool for understanding the risk of extinction of populations.
Predation of the critically endangered Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) by the swamp harrier (Circus approximans)
Authors: Harlow Peter S. , Biciloa Pita , Taylor Jennifer E.
Published: February 2022

The Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) is the largest extant lizard in Fiji, where it enjoys life in the absence of any mammalian predators. On the only island where this iguana is abundant, the only predator appears to be the swamp harrier (Circus approximans), which is non‐selective in its iguana prey, catching individuals in a similar proportion to their size availability. Here we report on the first observation of a reptile being the major prey item of the swamp harrier.
Influence of tomato plants nutritional status on the fitness and damage of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Queiroz Renan B. , Lopes Mayara C. , Costa Thiago L. , da Silva Ricardo S. , Galdino Tarcísio V. S. , Gontijo Pablo da C. , Martinez Hermínia Emília P. , Picanço Marcelo C.
Published: February 2022

1. Fertilization input is required to improve productivity and attend the market demand for tomatoes. However, providing crops with nutrients can affect plant–insect interactions via bottom‐up effects. The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a main pest of tomato crops worldwide but little is known about the effects of macro‐elements fertilization inputs on its biological traits.

2. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of low, high and normal fertilization levels calcium, sulphur, nitrogen and potassium to tomato plants on T. absoluta development, survival and crop damage.

3. Larval mortality was lower in tomato plants fertilized with high sulphur fertilization level. The number of mines per leaf was not affected by calcium, sulphur and potassium fertilization, but low nitrogen input resulted in higher crop damage. Overall, our results indicate that nutritionally unbalanced tomato plants improve the biological performance of T. absoluta in comparison with balanced plants.

4. The results provide useful information that can be used in fertilization programmes of tomato and planning of strategies and tactics to reduce tomato suitability to T. absoluta.

5. In addition, the obtained findings provide an insight into the basic understanding of the interactions between crop fertilization and the performance T. absoluta.
Inhabiting a transforming delta
Authors: KRAUSE FRANZ
Published: February 2022

Gwich'in and Inuvialuit inhabitants of the Mackenzie Delta, in Canada's Northwest Territories, have witnessed an eventful history in relation to colonialism and environmental transformation. Their current lives are characterized by mobility, mixing, and melting as they negotiate new and old livelihoods, continuity in traditions, and thawing landscapes. Approaching these lives in terms of volatility opens up an experience‐near understanding of people's relations with perpetual, uncertain transformations. Differently situated delta inhabitants have different ways of dealing with these uncertain dynamics, but all are characterized by an improvisation that carries forth reputable activities and attitudes by new means. Dispositions like curiosity, playfulness, and risk‐taking must not be seen as lacking resolve to confront transformations, but should be appreciated as skills for inhabiting a volatile world. [volatility,improvisation,Gwich'in,Inuvialuit, Arctic]

Gwich'in ts’àt Ineekaii kat Canada gwizhìt Northwest Territories, Nagwichoo Njik gwa’àn gugwich'in ts’àt yi'eenoo nits’òo gugwiindài’ ejùk natr'igwiłtsaii aii geeghee ts’àt gwiinlit guunagoo'ee ejùk t'igwinjii gugwinah’ình. Jùk gweendoo nagahdidal, nihtat ejùk gugwahtsii ts’àt nan nagwaaghaii guuzhik ejùk gwinjik gugwindaii ts’àt yi'eenoo nits’òo tr'igwiindài’ gwinjik gugwindaii guuzhik guunan nagwaaghaih. Ejùk t'igwinjii gwizhìt tr'igwich'in kat nits’òo gugwindaii gwiinlit ejùk guuvah gweedhaa jii gwinyaa'in jì’ nits’òo gugwindaii gwiiyeendoo gahiidandaih. Ehdii tat gwa’àn nihłinehch'i’ t'angiinch'uu kat guunagoo'ee gwa’àn ejùk t'igwinjii k'iighè’ k'eejit gwinjik gugwiheendaii gugwahtsih. Geenjit gahvidandai’ giiniindhan, vàh tsiigidi'ii ts’àt gaoguunuu gwizhìt gwitr'it gugwahtsii k'iighè’ guunan ejùk t'igwinjii guuzhik tth'aih ezhik t'igiinch'uh. [khanh ejùk t'igwinjii,ejùk t'igwinjii gwizhìt nits’òo gugwiheendaii gahgidandaii,Gwich'in,Ineekaii,Arctic]

Itkililu, Inuvialuit, inuniaktut umaagimii atautchimi, Canadum nunanga. Tautuguakgikput kafini ukiunii, qanukhilimaat ukauhich nuna allungnuktuk. Inunia ahvikput allungnuk piluni, ingilagaatun inunaniaqugut, uvaptigun inunialakugut, nunakput auktualikuk. Kaiviluting kilamik inuniuhikput, hunaliimarak kilamik allanga nuktuaniakuk.
Flow assessment as a function of pump timing of tubular pulsatile pump for use as a ventricular assist device in a left heart simulator
Authors: Sharifi Alireza , Bark David
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Although mechanical circulatory support saved many lives during the last decade, clinical observations have shown that the continuous flow pumps are associated with a much higher incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems, among others, compared with the earlier generation pulsatile pumps. However, the presence of several moving mechanical components made pulsatile pumps less durable, bulky, and prone to malfunction, ultimately leading to bias in favor of continuous flow designs.

Objective

The aim of the current work is to create a prototype tubular pulsatile pump and to test the timing of the pump in a left heart simulator.

Methods

A left heart simulator to mimic pumping from a failing heart was created. This was used to experimentally test the output of a prototype ventricular assist device relative to a failing heart in the form of flow and pressure. The effect of pulsation timing was quantified.

Results

A failing heart was simulated with an average flow rate of 1.1 L/min and a systolic pressure of 47 mm Hg. With the pump, the flow rate increases to 4.8 L/min and a systolic pressure of 110 mm Hg, in a copulsation mode, while activating for 300–400 ms. If the activation time is reduced, or increased, the pump becomes less effective. Load on the heart is reduced when the pump operates in a counterpulsation mode.

Conclusion

A pulsatile pump, like the one proposed, provides adequate output for mechanical circulatory support, while minimizing the number of moving parts that could otherwise lead to tribological wear.
Comparing the outcomes of bedside percutaneous VA‐ECMO decannulation by ProGlide and Manta in a high‐ECMO‐volume center in Hong Kong
Authors: Au Shek‐yin , Chan Kwong‐Shun , Fong Ka‐man , Wong Hoi‐mei Ruby , Fong Yan‐Hang , Chui Shing‐Fung , Chan Kam‐Tim , Lee Kang‐Yin Michael , Ng Wing‐yiu George , So Sheung‐on , Leung Kit‐hung Anne
Published: February 2022

Background

The use of veno–arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) decannulation with different percutaneous closure devices has been increasing. At our center, ProGlide devices have been used since November 2018, and Manta devices became an alternative since March 2020. This study aimed to compare the success and complication rates and the clinical outcomes of ProGlide and Manta devices for VA‐ECMO decannulation after arteriotomy wound closure.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the results of bedside VA‐ECMO decannulation between November 2018 and June 2021. Patients with VA‐ECMO who could be bridged to recovery were recruited and divided into the ProGlide or Manta group based on the closure device used. Procedure time, amount of blood loss, amount of blood products transfused, and use of vasoactive medications during the procedure were documented. Clinical examination and Doppler ultrasound were performed to detect any complications.

Results

After the closure technique, ProGlide was used in 44 patients and Manta was used in 13. There was no significant difference in the success rate between the ProGlide and Manta groups (86.4% vs. 100%). Amount of blood loss was greater in the ProGlide group than in the Manta group (290 [100–400] ml vs. 50 [50–100] ml), and more patients in the ProGlide group required an increased dose of inotropes during the procedure (59.1% vs. 15.4%), but the transfusion requirement was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

The success rate of hemostasis using arteriotomy wound closure during VA‐ECMO decannulation was similar between the two devices.
Libertarian approaches to the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Cato Susumu , Inoue Akira
Published: February 2022

This study examines the practical implications of libertarian theories of justice in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. First, we show that the libertarian central value of freedom does not just include economic and political autonomy but also one's right to life. Secondly, we demonstrate that lockdown measures are acceptable to libertarianism if they are appropriately implemented. Nevertheless, in contrast to a utilitarian approach, libertarians reject excessive interventions, such as contact‐tracing mobile apps, even if these promote people's welfare. Thirdly, we show that there is a broad spectrum of lockdown implementation methods based on differing interpretations of Lockean property rights. By comparing three kinds of libertarianism, we outline a set of libertarian proposals that use markets for the exchange of permission slips to go out during a lockdown. We then show that libertarianism offers a reasonable and non‐conflicting resolution for the trade‐off between health and people's freedom, thereby illustrating the suitability and legitimacy of a libertarian response to the current crisis.
Corporate governance, product innovation, and competition
Authors: Stenbacka Rune
Published: February 2022

We show that duopolistic innovation competition between identical firms may lead to an equilibrium with asymmetric corporate governance modes with one firm being shareholder oriented and its rival stakeholder oriented. This happens if the benefit associated with innovation success faced by the stakeholders falls short of an endogenously determined threshold. Above this threshold, the corporate governance equilibrium is symmetric with both firms oriented toward maximization of shareholder value.
Polanyi's Double Movement and Capitalism Today
Authors: Sandbrook Richard
Published: February 2022

What is the most fruitful conceptualization of Karl Polanyi's ‘double movement’ in contemporary capitalist studies? For Polanyi, it is a conceptual device for explaining a particular historical sequence leading to the collapse of Western civilization in the 1930s and 1940s. For his current followers, the double movement is of broader and longer‐term significance. Some conceive it as representing a continuous and inherent contradiction within capitalism that can only be resolved, and the economy embedded in society, with the end of capitalism. Others conceive of the double movement as representing an oscillating imbalance between the liberal movement and the countermovement of societal protection, with the former's ascendancy impelling a disembedding tendency and the latter's a re‐embedding tendency. This article argues that the most fruitful approach is to treat the double movement as a two‐phase conceptual model that has a real, though limited, heuristic value in understanding liberal‐democratic capitalist development.
Association of the prevalence and severity of untreated traumatic dental injuries with body mass index among Brazilian preschool children
Authors: Motta‐Rego Thiago , Soares Maria Eliza Consolação , Souto‐Souza Debora , Souza Esther Aranda , Paiva Saul Martins , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia , Ramos‐Jorge Joana
Published: February 2022

Background/Aim

Children with excess weight may be more predisposed to traumatic dental injuries (TDI). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between overweight/obesity and TDI presence and severity in Brazilian preschool children.

Material and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted of 347 children aged three to five years. The main exposure was evaluated based on the body mass index (BMI). Socioeconomic‐demographic characteristics and harmful oral habits were investigated using a questionnaire sent to the parents/guardians. Oral clinical examinations were performed to determine overjet (criteria proposed by Foster and Hamilton), and the presence and severity of TDI (criteria proposed by Andreassen). Descriptive statistics were performed. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses were conducted for each outcome.

Results

The prevalence of TDI in the sample was 41.5% and 16% of the children had enamel and dentin fractures. In the multivariate analysis, BMI and overjet were associated with the presence and severity of TDI (PR: 2.04 and 1.78, respectively) of TDI (PR: 2.27 and 2.24, respectively) (p < .001 for all associations).

Conclusion

Overweight/obesity was associated with both the presence and severity of TDI in early childhood.
Rich resource environment of fish farms facilitates phenotypic variation and virulence in an opportunistic fish pathogen
Authors: Pulkkinen Katja , Ketola Tarmo , Laakso Jouni , Mappes Johanna , Sundberg Lotta‐Riina
Published: February 2022

Phenotypic variation is suggested to facilitate the persistence of environmentally growing pathogens under environmental change. Here, we hypothesized that the intensive farming environment induces higher phenotypic variation in microbial pathogens than natural environment, because of high stochasticity for growth and stronger survival selection compared to the natural environment. We tested the hypothesis with an opportunistic fish pathogen Flavobacterium columnare isolated either from fish farms or from natural waters. We measured growth parameters of two morphotypes from all isolates in different resource concentrations and two temperatures relevant for the occurrence of disease epidemics at farms and tested their virulence using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) infection model. According to our hypothesis, isolates originating from the fish farms had higher phenotypic variation in growth between the morphotypes than the isolates from natural waters. The difference was more pronounced in higher resource concentrations and the higher temperature, suggesting that phenotypic variation is driven by the exploitation of increased outside‐host resources at farms. Phenotypic variation of virulence was not observed based on isolate origin but only based on morphotype. However, when in contact with the larger fish, the less virulent morphotype of some of the isolates also had high virulence. As the less virulent morphotype also had higher growth rate in outside‐host resources, the results suggest that both morphotypes can contribute to F. columnare epidemics at fish farms, especially with current prospects of warming temperatures. Our results suggest that higher phenotypic variation per se does not lead to higher virulence, but that environmental conditions at fish farms could select isolates with high phenotypic variation in bacterial population and hence affect evolution in F. columnare at fish farms. Our results highlight the multifaceted effects of human‐induced environmental alterations in shaping epidemiology and evolution in microbial pathogens.