bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and responding to emerging infectious diseases in a university setting: A case study using COVID-19
Authors: Soda K. James , Chen Xi , Feinn Richard , Hill David R.
Published: January 2023

Emerging infection diseases (EIDs) are an increasing threat to global public health, especially when the disease is newly emerging. Institutions of higher education (IHEs) are particularly vulnerable to EIDs because student populations frequently share high-density residences and strongly mix with local and distant populations. In fall 2020, IHEs responded to a novel EID, COVID-19. Here, we describe Quinnipiac University’s response to SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate its effectiveness through empirical data and model results. Using an agent-based model to approximate disease dynamics in the student body, the University established a policy of dedensification, universal masking, surveillance testing via a targeted sampling design, and app-based symptom monitoring. After an extended period of low incidence, the infection rate grew through October, likely due to growing incidence rates in the surrounding community. A super-spreader event at the end of October caused a spike in cases in November. Student violations of the University’s policies contributed to this event, but lax adherence to state health laws in the community may have also contributed. The model results further suggest that the infection rate was sensitive to the rate of imported infections and was disproportionately impacted by non-residential students, a result supported by the observed data. Collectively, this suggests that campus-community interactions play a major role in campus disease dynamics. Further model results suggest that app-based symptom monitoring may have been an important regulator of the University’s incidence, likely because it quarantined infectious students without necessitating test results. Targeted sampling had no substantial advantages over simple random sampling when the model incorporated contact tracing and app-based symptom monitoring but reduced the upper boundary on 90% prediction intervals for cumulative infections when either was removed. Thus, targeted sampling designs for surveillance testing may mitigate worst-case outcomes when other interventions are less effective. The results’ implications for future EIDs are discussed.
A novel molecular analysis approach in colorectal cancer suggests new treatment opportunities
Authors: López-Camacho Elena , Prado-Vázquez Guillermo , Martínez-Pérez Daniel , Ferrer-Gómez María , Llorente-Armijo Sara , López- Vacas Rocío , Díaz- Almirón Mariana , Gámez-Pozo Angelo , Fresno Vara Juan Ángel , Feliu Jaime , Trilla-Fuertes Lucía
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a molecular and clinically heterogeneous disease. In 2015, the Colorectal Cancer Subtyping Consortium classified CRC into four consensus molecular subtypes (CMS), but these CMS have had little impact on the clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to deepen into the molecular characterization of CRC. A novel approach, based on probabilistic graphical models (PGM) and sparse k-means-Consensus Cluster layer analyses was applied in order to functionally characterize CRC tumors. First, PGM was used to functionally characterize CRC, and then, sparse k-means-Consensus cluster was used to explore layers of biological information and establish classifications. To this aim, gene expression and clinical data of 805 CRC samples from three databases were analyzed. Tree different layers based on biological features were identified: adhesion, immune and molecular. The adhesion layer divided patients into high and low adhesion groups, with prognostic value. The immune layer divided patients into immune-high and immune-low groups, according to the expression of immune-related genes. The molecular layer established four molecular groups related to stem cells, metabolism, Wnt signalling pathway and extracellular functions. Immune-high patients, with a higher expression of immune-related genes and genes involved in viral mimicry response may be benefit for immunotherapy and viral mimicry-related therapies. Additionally, several possible therapeutic targets have been identified in each molecular group. Therefore, this improved CRC classification could be useful for searching new therapeutic targets and specific therapeutic strategies in CRC disease.

Simple summary

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Several efforts have been done to characterize this heterogeneity but they have not impact in clinic. In this work, we used a novel analysis approach based on identifying layers of information using expression data from colorectal tumors and characterize three different layers of information: one layer related to adhesion with prognostic value, one related to immune characteristics and one related to molecular features. The molecular layer divided colorectal tumors in stem cell, Wnt, metabolic, and extracellular groups. These molecular groups suggested some possible therapeutic targets for each group. Additionally, immune characteristics divided tumors in tumors with a high expression of immune and viral mimicry response genes and with a low expression, suggesting immunotherapy and viral mimicry related therapies as suitable for these immune-high patients.
Key factors influencing the export performance of SMEs in Rwanda: evidence from the non-traditional export sector
Authors: Kasema Romain
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop and empirically test a model that describes the factors influencing a firm’s export performance; a model that can be adopted by future export researchers, policymakers and practitioners. Specifically, this study aimed to identify the main factors affecting the export performance of manufacturing small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda and determine the extent of influence of each identified factor on export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design combines both exploratory research and causal research designs to test the proposed model. Interview guide and survey questionnaires were used to collect the raw data. The collected quantitative data were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique with the Analysis of Moment Structures software.

Findings

The findings revealed that all the factors identified, namely, organisational, entrepreneurial and industrial, and market factors had a significant positive impact on the export performance of SMEs. Moreover, entrepreneurial factors were proven to be the most influencing factors in export performance followed by market-level factors. In this context, the proposed resource-market-based model of export performance was tested and validated in a less developed country, Rwanda, for exporting SMEs.

Originality/value

The proposed model of export performance extends the existing literature in two ways: firstly, it integrates internal and external factors to explain the export performance of an SME and secondly, it tests the relative importance of these factors in driving and maintaining international performance.
Warranty costs analysis under accelerated life test for power Ishita distribution with type-I censored data
Authors: Alam Intekhab , Haq Ahteshamul , Sharma Lalit Kumar , Sharma Sumit , Ritika
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In this paper, the authors design accelerated life test and provide its application in the field of accelerated life test. The authors use maximum likelihood estimation method as a parameter estimation method.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper we design accelerated life test and provide its application in the field of accelerated life test. The authors use maximum likelihood estimation method as a parameter estimation method.

Findings

In this study, the authors design accelerated life test under Type-I censoring when the lifetime of test items follows PID and also provides its application in the field of warranty policy. The following conclusion is made on the basis of this study. (1) An inverse relationship is shown between the shape parameter with the expected total cost and expected cycle time, while the shape parameter directly relates to the expected cost rate (see Table 5). (2) A direct relationship is shown between the scale parameter with the expected total cost and expected time cycle, while the inverse relationship is shown with the expected cost rate (see Table 5). (3) An inverse relationship is shown between the replacement age and the expected cost rate, while there are direct relationships between expected total cost and expected time cycle (see Table 5).

Originality/value

This paper is neither published or neither accepted anywhere.
Can customization promote product innovation in the global B2B market? Evidence from export manufacturing firms from emerging markets
Authors: Hong Aoran , Li Xia , Wang Yonggui , Shi Mengting
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Export manufacturing firms from emerging markets can better meet customer needs by providing customization, which leads to competitive advantages. Although both practice and academic research have deeply discussed customization, the question of whether customization promotes export manufacturing firms' product innovation in the global B2B market is largely unexplored. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper collects survey data from 2,248 export manufacturing firms in China and uses hierarchical moderated regression to explore the relationship between customization and product innovation in the global B2B market and their boundary conditions.

Findings

This research shows that customization positively affects export manufacturing firms' product innovation in the context of the global B2B market, and it shows that internal governance structure (contract governance and relationship governance) and external governance structure (legal enforceability) can be used as boundary conditions that affect the relationship. Specifically, contract governance has an inverted U-shaped moderating effect on the relationship between customization and product innovation; moreover, relationship governance and legal enforceability can strengthen the positive relationship between customization and product innovation.

Originality/value

The study explores the relationship between customization and product innovation in the global B2B market and examines the moderating effect of internal and external governance structures. In addition, the study enriches the research related to customization and product innovation in the context of the global B2B market and provides essential practical insight into the survival of export manufacturing firms from emerging markets.
Education: emerging relationships in the search for the formation of the other
Authors: Orrego Noreña Jhon Fredy , de la Ossa Robinson Susana , Vázquez Miraz Pedro
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This article describes the findings of a phenomenological study whose purpose was to understand the essence of education from the analysis of the relationships emerging between the main educational actors (professors and students).

Design/methodology/approach

This research was approached from the qualitative paradigm and from a method of phenomenological analysis; specifically, heterological phenomenology is proposed, which is presented as the search for human relationships as a founding condition of education. For collecting information, a phenomenological interview with twelve professors from public and private universities in the city of Manizales (Colombia) was used.

Findings

The results reveal the experiences had in education from the relationships that have left their mark on the subjects and discover education as a relationship with the Other of welcome, hospitality, vocation and responsibility.

Originality/value

The originality of the study is in the particular method, heterological phenomenology, which investigates the experience of human relationships as a scenario for constructing a reality in which the starting point is the narrative that the Other (research subject) makes of his encounters with his-Other (subject present in the narrative).
Policing divided societies. Requirements for the civic education of police officers
Authors: Frevel Bernhard , Kuschewski Philipp
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The demands on the police to ensure security and order have increased in times of growing right-wing extremism, corona protests and widespread criticism of and dissatisfaction with democratic structures and processes. Protection, escort or even confrontation in the course of public demonstrations and protests as well as the protection, e.g. of politicians, synagogues or mosques requires additional deployment of the police and poses extended challenges. However, the police force itself also faces various problems with antidemocratic, violent or extremist police officers. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate why and how civic education of police officers can be a cornerstone to respond to the described challenges and improve democratic policing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes how civic education can be organized in police training and further education and how it can be designed in cooperation with civil society actors. It is based on a research and development project conducted between 2016 and 2021 under the title “Civic Education and Police.”

Findings

Civic education can or could be an approach in sensitizing police officers to social conflicts and in better understanding the background and reasons for their deployment. Moreover, civic education can be helpful in preventing abuse of power and police violence, reducing negative aspects of esprit de corps and strengthening police legitimacy.

Practical implications

Civic education of police officers can help to understand conflicts and social tensions, strengthen the understanding of the society, improve police investigation, reduce misbehavior and support legitimacy in the democratic state.

Originality/value

The article uses findings from the project Civic Education and Police, which was funded by the Federal Agency for Civic Education between 2016 and 2021. Project partners were the German Police University and the University of Applied Sciences for Police and Public Administration in North Rhine-Westphalia. The project conducted empirical studies on the supply and demand structure of civic education for and in the police. In addition, a database of educational concepts, a series of conferences and a new journal for conference documentation, research and special issues were launched.
How history can inform corporate responsibility: the statutory rule of profit allocation
Authors: Bonhoure Emilie
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to present how a historical governance mechanism (a statutory rule of profit allocation) could answer the practical question of profit allocation, thereby proposing a methodology to enhance future quantitative studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The rule sets profit allocations to a predetermined set of stakeholders in corporate charters. It could be seen as a tool used by historical organisations to enact corporate social responsibility (CSR). The authors propose a straightforward way to calculate the payout ratios promised by this rule to each stakeholder. This methodology was applied to shareholders and used to calculate the promised dividend payout ratios.

Findings

This rule constitutes a natural experiment from which modern organisations could learn to implement the most relevant profit-allocation schemes given their CSR strategy. The authors propose calculating a promised payout ratio that would allow scholars to empirically examine the rule and its effects and provide accurate recommendations to these organisations.

Research limitations/implications

This mechanism allows the study of profit allocations made to stakeholders (not limited to shareholders or employees like it is usually done). The promised payout ratio makes future quantitative investigations possible.

Practical implications

Modern organisations could use the CSR mechanism to allocate profits continuously in formats that would best fit their strategy and environment.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first article to examine the statutory rule of profit allocation per se, which proposes a new methodology to calculate payout ratios promised by the rule. The idea is to investigate their impact and provide recommendations for modern organisations to adapt.
Grazing intensity alters the plant diversity–ecosystem carbon storage relationship in rangelands across topographic and climatic gradients
Authors: Sanaei Anvar , Sayer Emma J. , Yuan Zuoqiang , Saiz Hugo , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Sadeghinia Majid , Ashouri Parvaneh , Ghafari Sahar , Kaboli Hasan , Kargar Mansoureh , Seabloom Eric W. , Ali Arshad
Published: January 2023

Plant diversity supports multiple ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration. Recent shifts in plant diversity in rangelands due to increased grazing pressure and climate changes have the potential to impact the sequestration of carbon in arid to semi‐humid regions worldwide. However, plant diversity, grazing intensity and carbon storage are also influenced by environmental factors such as nutrient availability, climate and topography. The complexity of these interactions limits our ability to fully assess the impacts of grazing on biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) relationships.

We assessed how grazing intensity modifies BEF relationships by determining the links between plant diversity and ecosystem carbon stocks (plant and soil carbon) across broad environmental gradients and different plant growth forms. To achieve this, we surveyed 1493 quadrats across 10 rangelands, covering an area of 23,756 ha in northern Iran.

We show that above‐ground carbon stocks increased with plant diversity across topographic, climatic and soil fertility gradients. The relationship between above‐ground carbon stocks and plant diversity was strongest for forbs, followed by shrubs and grasses. Soil carbon stocks increased strongly with soil fertility across sites, but aridity, grazing, plant diversity and topography were also important in explaining variation in soil carbon stocks. Importantly, above‐ground and soil carbon stocks declined at high grazing intensity, and grazing modified the relationship between plant diversity and carbon stocks regardless of differences in abiotic conditions across sites.

Our study demonstrates that relationships between plant diversity and ecosystem carbon stocks persist across gradients of aridity, topography and soil fertility, but the relationships are modified by grazing intensity. Our findings suggest that potential losses in plant diversity under grazing intensification could reduce ecosystem carbon storage across wide areas of arid to semi‐humid rangelands. We discuss the potential mechanisms underpinning rangeland BEF relationships to stimulate future research.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Plastic responses of below‐ground foraging traits to soil phosphorus‐rich patches across 17 coexisting AM tree species in a subtropical forest
Authors: Zhu Liqin , Yao Xiaodong , Chen Weile , Robinson David , Wang Xiaohong , Chen Tingting , Jiang Qi , Jia Linqiao , Fan Ailian , Wu Dongmei , Chen Guangshui
Published: January 2023

Below‐ground plastic responses to soil nutrient ‘hot‐spots’ form a key nutrient foraging strategy of plants coexisting in natural ecosystems. However, it is unclear how plant species differ in these below‐ground plastic responses and how they covary.

Plastic responses to soil phosphorus (P)‐rich patches of absorptive root, mycorrhizal, and exudation traits of 17 coexisting arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) tree species in a subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forest were investigated using a root bag method.

There was considerable variation and heterogeneity in species‐specific responses to P‐rich patches. Negative log response ratios usually occurred for high‐cost traits and positive log response ratios for low‐cost traits. There were trade‐offs in the plastic responses between root acid phosphatase activity and extraradical hyphal length, which were unaffected by phylogeny, and between root acid phosphatase activity and specific root length. Thicker‐rooted species responded to P‐rich patches more through root exudation plasticity than mycorrhizal plasticity. Thinner‐rooted species relied more on mycorrhizal plasticity.

Synthesis. Our results revealed diverse P foraging strategies comprising different combinations of plastic adjustments in absorptive root, mycorrhizal, and exudation traits among coexisting AM tree species, which suggest the potential for complementary exploitation of different soil P sources.
An analysis of data curated from 5 years of identifying human remains
Authors: Allen Robert W. , Pritchard Jane , Fu Jun
Published: January 2023

An archive of 5 years of cases involving the identification of human remains was curated, collecting information on: The sample type submitted, the number of STR loci yielding interpretable results, the kinship challenge posed, and the outcome for the case. A total of 129 cases of remains ID were investigated using manual DNA extraction and recovery methods with amplification of STR markers using the Power Plex 21 multiplex STR kit from Promega Corp. In 52 cases, blood spots collected by the ME were provided as sample and in 100% of those cases, probabilities of relatedness to the reference samples was ≥99%. In 77 cases, tissue other than blood was provided as a source of DNA. These other samples were grouped categorically into long bones (femur and tibia; 40 cases), skull bones/teeth (11 cases), other bones (16 cases), and tissue (normally adherent to bone) (10 cases). Reference samples provided for cases included alleged parents or child(ren) of the victim (86 cases), alleged full siblings of the victim (38 cases), or alleged second‐order relatives (five cases). The overall success rate in confirming the identity of the source of the remains in these cases was 89.2%. Our results demonstrate that a laboratory can be often successful identifying human remains using methods easily implemented in any DNA typing laboratory.
Goal‐directed fluid removal with furosemide versus placebo in intensive care patients with fluid overload: A randomised, blinded trial (GODIF trial—First version)
Authors: Wichmann Sine , Schønemann‐Lund Martin , Perner Anders , Itenov Theis S. , Lange Theis , Gluud Christian , Berthelsen Rasmus E. , Brøchner Anne C. , Wiis Jørgen , Bestle Morten H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Salt and water accumulation leading to fluid overload is associated with increased mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, but diuretics' effects on patient outcomes are uncertain. In this first version of the GODIF trial, we aimed to assess the effects of goal‐directed fluid removal with furosemide versus placebo in adult ICU patients with fluid overload.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, randomised, stratified, parallel‐group, blinded, placebo‐controlled trial in clinically stable, adult ICU patients with at least 5% fluid overload. Participants were randomised to furosemide versus placebo infusion aiming at achieving neutral cumulative fluid balance as soon as possible. The primary outcome was the number of days alive and out of the hospital at 90 days.

Results

The trial was terminated after the enrolment of 41 of 1000 participants because clinicians had difficulties using cumulative fluid balance as the only estimate of fluid status (32% of participants had their initially registered cumulative fluid balance adjusted and 29% experienced one or more protocol violations). The baseline cumulative fluid balance was 6956 ml in the furosemide group and 6036 ml in the placebo group; on day three, the cumulative fluid balances were 1927 ml and 5139 ml. The median number of days alive and out of hospital at day 90 was 50 days in the furosemide group versus 45 days in the placebo group (mean difference 1 day, 95% CI ‐19 to 21, p‐value .94).

Conclusions

The use of cumulative fluid balance as the only estimate of fluid status appeared too difficult to use in clinical practice. We were unable to provide precise estimates for any outcomes as only 4.1% of the planned sample size was randomised.
Intra‐operative blood transfusion in elderly patients on antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Hjelmdal Caroline , Draegert Christina , Vester‐Andersen Morten , Kowark Ana , Coburn Mark , Rasmussen Lars S. , Lundstrøm Lars H. , Steinmetz Jacob ,   POSE‐Study Group
Published: January 2023

Background

Many elderly patients are receiving antithrombotics, which may increase intra‐operative blood loss. We aimed to assess whether chronic antithrombotic therapy was associated with intra‐operative transfusion of packed red blood cells in patients at least 80 years of age undergoing elective procedures.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of the prospective, observational European multicentre study entitled POSE (peri‐interventional outcome study in the elderly) including 9497 surgical patients aged 80 years and older in 177 centres from October 2017 to December 2018. In this secondary analysis we included POSE patients who underwent elective procedures and with available data on chronic antithrombotic therapy. The primary outcome was intra‐operative transfusion of packed red blood cells and results were analysed using multiple logistic regression model. We adjusted for the following predetermined explanatory variables: Age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System, baseline haemoglobin concentration, disseminated cancer, and type and severity of surgery.

Results

A total of 7174 patients were included of whom 4073 (56.8%) were on antithrombotic therapy. Among patients on antithrombotic therapy 191 (4.7%) received intra‐operative blood transfusion compared with 98 (3.2%) of patients not on chronic antithrombotic therapy (crude odds ratio: 1.51, 95% CI 1.18–1.94). Following multiple logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio was 0.98; 0.73–1.32.

We found that chronic antithrombotic therapy was associated with intra‐operative transfusion of packed red blood cells in elderly patients undergoing elective procedures in an unadjusted analysis, but not in a multivariate adjusted model.
Outcomes and management of pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcal infections: A systematic review
Authors: Harris Kristin , Proctor Leslie K. , Shinar Shiri , Philippopoulos Eleni , Yudin Mark H. , Murphy Kellie E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is one of the most lethal bacterial pathogens of humans, with increased risk of progression to septic shock and multiorgan failure in the pregnant population. The objective of this study is to systematically review the outcomes and management strategies for pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infections in an effort to provide further guidance for prevention and treatment of a rare but lethal infection worldwide.

Material and methods

A comprehensive search using puerperium and streptococcus pyogenes terms was completed across several registered databases. A total of 902 articles investigating pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infection were identified, with 40 studies fulfilling inclusion criteria of original research articles in humans published from 1990 onwards reporting four or more unique cases of group A streptococcus in pregnancy or postpartum. This study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42020198983.

Results

A total of 1160 patients with pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infection were identified. Most infections occurred postpartum (91.9%), with 4.7% reported antepartum and 0.6% intrapartum. Bacteremia was present in 49.0% of patients and endometritis in 45.9%. Puerperal sepsis was described in 28.2% of cases and progressed to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in one‐third of such cases. Overall, the case fatality ratio was 2.0%, with one‐third of the deaths from antenatal cases including 3/22 (13.6%) cases of septic abortion and 10/46 (21.7%) antenatal cases of group A streptococcus infection.

Conclusions

Group A streptococcus infection remains an important contributor to pregnancy and puerperal morbidity and mortality. Early recognition, diagnosis and aggressive management are important for favorable outcomes given the serious risk of sepsis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
A comparative analysis of trans‐abdominal pre‐peritoneal repair in uncomplicated vs complicated inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Prakash Prajapati Om , Krishna Asuri , Rai Sanjeet K. , S Kruthika , Kumar Subodh , Misra Mahesh C. , Bansal Virinder K.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Trans‐abdominal pre‐peritoneal (TAPP) repair is one of the standard techniques for laparoscopic repair of groin hernias. Literature has shown that both total extraperitoneal (TEP) and TAPP are equally effective with similar outcomes but TAPP has an advantage over TEP as there is more working space, and it provides access to the opposite side for repair of occult hernias. We reviewed our experience of TAPP repair in complicated groin hernias and compared the outcomes with uncomplicated groin hernia.

Methods

Patients undergoing TAPP repair from January 2004 to December 2019 were analyzed, and divided into two groups—I uncomplicated and II complicated groin hernia.

Results

TAPP repair was performed in 820 patients, of which 70.3% had uncomplicated and 29.7% patients had complicated hernias. Occult hernia was detected in 61 patients. The intra‐operative complications (16.8% vs 1.3%) and conversions (2.4%) were higher in complicated hernias. Laparoscopic assisted repair was used in 16.8% patients with complicated hernias. The incidence of post‐operative complications (62.1% vs 17.3%; P value <.01) were significantly higher in complicated groin hernia patients. The median follow‐up was 15 months; only three patients in the uncomplicated hernia group developed recurrence, and chronic groin pain was higher in the complicated hernia repair patients (P > .05) at 6 months.

Conclusion

Although operative time, incidence of intra‐operative and post‐operative complications (albeit minor in nature), and conversions to open are higher after TAPP repair for complicated groin hernias, the short‐term outcomes (hematoma, mesh infection) as well as long‐term outcomes (chronic groin pain, port site hernia and recurrence) are not different when compared with uncomplicated hernias. TAPP repair can be used in both complicated and uncomplicated groin hernias with similar short‐term and long‐term outcomes, albeit with a slightly higher incidence of minor complications in complicated hernias. This can be taken into consideration while operating on patients with complicated hernias and taking informed consent.
Towards a social psychology of precarity
Authors: Coultas Clare , Reddy Geetha , Lukate Johanna
Published: January 2023

This article introduces the special issue ‘Towards a Social Psychology of Precarity’ that develops an orienting lens for social psychologists' engagement with the concept. As guest editors of the special issue, we provide a thematic overview of how ‘precarity’ is being conceptualized throughout the social sciences, before distilling the nine contributions to the special issue. In so doing, we trace the ways in which social psychologists are (dis)engaging with the concept of precarity, yet too, explore how precarity constitutes, and is embedded within, the discipline itself. Resisting disciplinary decadence, we collectively explore what a social psychology of precarity could be, and view working with/in precarity as fundamental to addressing broader calls for the social responsiveness of the discipline. The contributing papers, which are methodologically pluralistic and provide rich conceptualisations of precarity, challenge reductionist individualist understandings of suffering and coping and extend social science theorizations on precarity. They also highlight the ways in which social psychology remains complicit in perpetuating different forms of precarity, for both communities and academics. We propose future directions for the social psychological study of precarity through four reflexive questions that we encourage scholars to engage with so that we may both work with/in, and intervene against, ‘the precarious’.
The Chinese Export Displacement Effect Revisited: The Case of the East African Community
Authors: Elleby Christian , Yu Wusheng , Yu Qian
Published: January 2023

China's increasing exports have prompted research to examine whether Chinese exports displace those that originate from elsewhere. In this paper we focus on the growth of China's exports to the East African Community (EAC) countries and show how they have affected exports from the European Union (EU). Our methodological contribution to the literature is a set of total and relative displacement estimates based on different specifications of the gravity model where we control for country–year fixed effects so as to avoid the error of not accounting for time‐varying “multilateral resistance.” Our empirical findings do not support the hypothesis that Chinese exports have displaced exports from other countries including those from the EU. These results suggest that competition in the EAC market has not been a zero‐sum game among different exporting countries.
Diagnosing the UK productivity slowdown: which sectors matter and why?
Authors: Coyle Diane , Mei Jen‐Chung
Published: January 2023

This paper explores the slowdown in labour productivity growth in the UK and other advanced economies by decomposing its growth into contributions from different sectors of the economy, looking at both within‐industry productivity growth and labour reallocation between sectors. We find that the within‐industry contribution is the main source of the slowdown. Comparing trends pre‐ and post‐2008, the aggregate productivity slowdown can be attributed largely to the manufacturing sector and the information and communication (ICT) sector. Disaggregating further, the UK productivity growth slowdown can be attributed mainly to transport equipment and pharmaceuticals within manufacturing, and computer software and telecommunications within ICT. Strikingly, these are advanced, high value‐added sectors considered to be strengths of the UK economy. Looking across other advanced economies, our results confirm that manufacturing and ICT sectors are the main drivers of the slowdown, to differing degrees. Part of the explanation for the slowdown in in these sectors may relate to the underlying question of how to construct deflators for a modern economy when technological and structural changes are leading to large relative price shifts. The structure and supply chains of the key slowdown sectors also merit further investigation.
Retinal ganglion cell loss is associated with future disability worsening in early relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wauschkuhn Josephine , Solorza Buenrostro Gilberto , Aly Lilian , Asseyer Susanna , Wicklein Rebecca , Hartberger Julia Maria , Ruprecht Klemens , Mühlau Mark , Schmitz‐Hübsch Tanja , Chien Claudia , Berthele Achim , Brandt Alexander U. , Korn Thomas , Paul Friedemann , Hemmer Bernhard , Zimmermann Hanna G. , Knier Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

Thinning of the retinal combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIP) as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a common finding in patients with multiple sclerosis. This study aimed to investigate whether a single retinal OCT analysis allows prediction of future disease activity after a first demyelinating event.

Methods

This observational cohort study included 201 patients with recently diagnosed clinically isolated syndrome or relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis from two German tertiary referral centers. Individuals underwent neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and OCT at baseline and at yearly follow‐up visits.

Results

Patients were included at a median disease duration of 2.0 months. During a median follow‐up of 59 (interquartile range = 43–71) months, 82% of patients had ongoing disease activity as demonstrated by failing the no evidence of disease activity 3 (NEDA‐3) criteria, and 19% presented with confirmed disability worsening. A GCIP threshold of ≤77 μm at baseline identified patients with a high risk for NEDA‐3 failure (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1–2.8, p = 0.04), and GCIP measures of ≤69 μm predicted disability worsening (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2–4.3, p = 0.01). Higher rates of annualized GCIP loss increased the risk for disability worsening (HR = 2.5 per 1 μm/year increase of GCIP loss, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Ganglion cell thickness as measured by OCT after the initial manifestation of multiple sclerosis may allow early risk stratification as to future disease activity and progression.
Combined in vitro and cell‐based selection display method producing specific binders against IL‐9 receptor in high yields
Authors: Huličiak Maroš , Biedermanová Lada , Berdár Daniel , Herynek Štěpán , Kolářová Lucie , Tomala Jakub , Mikulecký Pavel , Schneider Bohdan
Published: January 2023

We combined cell‐free ribosome display and cell‐based yeast display selection to build specific protein binders to the extracellular domain of the human interleukin 9 receptor alpha (IL‐9Rα). The target, IL‐9Rα, is the receptor involved in the signalling pathway of IL‐9, a pro‐inflammatory cytokine medically important for its involvement in respiratory diseases. The successive use of modified protocols of ribosome and yeast displays allowed us to combine their strengths—the virtually infinite selection power of ribosome display and the production of (mostly) properly folded and soluble proteins in yeast display. The described experimental protocol is optimized to produce binders highly specific to the target, including selectivity to common proteins such as BSA, and proteins potentially competing for the binder such as receptors of other cytokines. The binders were trained from DNA libraries of two protein scaffolds called 57aBi and 57bBi developed in our laboratory. We show that the described unconventional combination of ribosome and yeast displays is effective in developing selective small protein binders to the medically relevant molecular target.
Increasing air temperature relative to water temperature makes the mixed layer shallower, reducing phytoplankton biomass in a stratified lake
Authors: Ahonen Salla A. , Seppälä Jukka , Karjalainen Juha S. , Kuha Jonna , Vähätalo Anssi V.
Published: January 2023

The depth of the mixed layer is a major determinant of nutrient and light availability for phytoplankton in stratified waterbodies. Ongoing climate change influences surface waters through meteorological forcing, which modifies the physical structure of fresh waters including the mixed layer, but effects on phytoplankton biomass are poorly known.

To determine the responses of phytoplankton biomass to the depth of the mixed layer, light availability and associated meteorological forcing, we followed daily changes in weather and water column properties in a boreal lake over the first half of a summer stratification period.

Phytoplankton biomass increased with the deepening of the mixed layer associated with high wind speeds and low air temperature relative to the temperature of the mixed layer (Tair−Tmix < 0), whereas heatwave conditions—shallow mixed layer driven by high Tair−Tmix value and low wind speed—reduced the biomass.

Improving light availability from low to moderate light conditions increased the phytoplankton biomass, while the highest light availability was associated with low phytoplankton biomass.

Our study demonstrates that the climatic impact‐drivers wind speed and Tair−Tmix are major drivers of mixed layer depth, which controlled phytoplankton biomass during the early summer stratification period. Our study suggests that increasing air temperature relative to water temperature and declining wind speeds have potential to lead to reduced phytoplankton biomass due to a shallower mixed layer during the first half of the stratification period in non‐eutrophic lakes with sufficient light availability.
Dentine thickness in maxillary fused molars depends on the fusion type: An ex vivo micro‐computed tomography study
Authors: Keskin Cangül , Toplu Defne , Keleş Ali
Published: January 2023

Aim

The present study aimed to determine and compare the dentine thickness around the root canals of maxillary molars with fusion using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT).

Methodology

A total of 120 fused maxillary molars having more than a single canal with distinct canal orifices near the cementoenamel junction were selected from a pool of extracted maxillary molars, which were scanned on a micro‐CT device (SkyScan 1172, Bruker‐microCT). The minimum dentine thickness around the root canals in furcal direction was measured using CTAn software (v.1.18.8 Bruker‐microCT) at each millimetre. The specimens were grouped according to their fusion type, and dentine thickness around the canals was compared. The data were statistically analysed using anova and post hoc Tukey–Kramer tests following an assessment of the normality of their distribution with the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (p < .05).

Results

Dentine thickness showed a statistically significant decrease at 2 mm apical to the orifice level irrespective of fusion type. The minimum dentine thickness values were detected around the second mesiobuccal canal as 0.30 mm at 6 mm below orifice. Dentine thickness around the mesiobuccal canal was significantly greater in fusion type 1 than those of types 2 and 3 (p < .05), while those of distobuccal and palatal canals were significantly thinner in type 3 fusion compared with type 1 or 6 (pDentine thickness showed a statistically significant decrease at 2 mm apical to the orifice level  irrespective of fusion type. The minimum dentine thickness values were detected around the second mesiobuccal canal as 0.30 mm at 6 mm below orifice. Dentine thickness around the mesiobuccal canal was significantly greater in fusion type 1 than those of types 2 and 3 (

Conclusion

Minimum dentine thickness values at the danger zone of distobuccal and palatal canals change according to the fusion type in fused maxillary second molars.
Effects of sintering and zirconmullite doping on nanostructural vacancies of bovine hydroxyapatite by positron techniques
Authors: Akay Leyla Nur , Kalkandelen Cevriye , Akti Necmettin , Sengul Merve Sazimet , Tav Cumali , Yahsi Ugur , Erkmen Ziya Engin
Published: January 2023

In this study, the nanostructural vacancy behavior of bovine derived hydroxyapatite (BHA) doped with powder zirconmullite (ZM) contents of 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 wt.% were presented at sintering temperatures of 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300°C. ZM‐doped BHA (ZM‐BHA) was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Density and hardness behavior were measured with respect to increasing sintering temperature. PALS results indicate that the longest lifetime component τ3 of ortho‐positronium (o‐Ps) localized at open spaces is attributed to the vacancy site and almost constant with the ZM contents and the sintering temperatures to have a mean value of 0.680 ns (corresponding to the radius of 0.997 nm). This average value is ascribed to the OH group defects along the main crystalline line. On the other hand, the o‐Ps intensity attributed to the number of vacancy sites increases almost linearly with ZM additives and sintering temperatures. The intensity is also related to the density and hardness of ZM‐BHA in terms of ZM contents.
Nest orientation and proximity to snow patches are important for nest site selection of a cavity breeder at high elevation
Authors: Niffenegger Carole A. , Schano Christian , Arlettaz Raphaël , Korner‐Nievergelt Fränzi
Published: January 2023

Timing and location of reproduction are central to reproductive success across taxa. Among birds, many species have evolved specific strategies to cope with environmental variability including shifts in timing of reproduction to track resource availability or selecting suitable nest location. In mountain ecosystems, complex topography and pronounced seasonality result in particularly high spatiotemporal variability of environmental conditions. Moreover, the risk of climate‐induced resource mismatches is particularly acute in mountain regions given that temperature is increasing more rapidly than in the lowlands. We investigated how a high‐elevation passerine, the white‐winged snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis, selects its nest site in relation to nest cavity characteristics, habitat composition and snow condition. We used a combination of field habitat mapping and satellite remote sensing to compare occupied nest sites with randomly selected pseudo‐absence sites. In the first half of the breeding season, snowfinches preferred nest cavities oriented towards the morning sun while they used cavities proportional to their availability later on. This preference might relate to the nest microclimate offering eco‐physiological advantages, namely thermoregulatory benefits for incubating adults and nestlings under the harsh conditions typically encountered in the alpine environment. Nest sites were consistently located in areas with greater‐than‐average snow cover at hatching date, likely mirroring the foraging preferences for tipulid larvae developing in meltwater along snowfields. Due to the particularly rapid climate shifts typical of mountain ecosystems, spatiotemporal mismatches between foraging grounds and nest sites are expected in the future. This may negatively influence demographic trajectories of the white‐winged snowfinch. The installation of well‐designed nest boxes in optimal habitat configurations could to some extent help mitigate this risk.
Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) attraction to commercial pollen substitutes and wildflower pollen in vitro
Authors: Manaswi Atreya , Noordyke Emily , Prouty Cody , Ellis James D.
Published: January 2023

Many beekeepers feed their western honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies artificial pollen substitutes to provide colonies with adequate nutrition during times of limited pollen quantity or quality. We provided caged worker bees commercially available pollen substitutes (AP23, MegaBee, UltraBee) and wildflower pollen in a choice‐test to determine their relative attraction to/preference for the diets. We measured diet consumption by honey bees and observed honey bee behaviour to evaluate bee preferences for certain diets. The bees interacted with and consumed more wildflower pollen than they did any of the commercially available pollen substitutes. Our data suggest that bees have a strong preference for wildflower pollen over commercially available pollen substitutes.