bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mastering timely deliveries using dynamic capabilities: perspectives from logistics service providers and shippers
Authors: Özcan Seda , Oflaç Bengü Sevil , Tokcaer Sinem , Özpeynirci Özgür
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The criticality of late deliveries in transportation lies in the threat of considerable multi-level supply chain costs. This study aims to reveal the dynamic capabilities playing a facilitating role in preventing delay, thus providing timely delivery, as well as developing an understanding of how and when those capabilities are activated within the supply chain network.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory study was conducted involving 16 semi-structured expert interviews with the representatives of logistics service providers and shippers. Following an interpretive phenomenology framework, the prevention phenomenon was explained.

Findings

Findings revealed two preventive capability categories in delay prevention: (1) proactive capabilities, referring to the enabling actions planned before departure, and (2) reactive capabilities, referring to actions planned after departure. Findings pinpoint that, in addition to the proactive capabilities, reactive capabilities enabled by innovative problem-solving actions are crucial for adapting to a dynamically changing environment in prevention. Moreover, this study shows that prevention capabilities are characterized by tangible and intangible resources and integration of resources with external links which constitute a delay prevention network within a wider service ecosystem.

Originality/value

This study stands out with its specific focus on delay prevention capabilities and enabling actions from the perspectives of logistics service providers and shippers. The premises of the resource-based view are combined with dynamic capabilities theory, leading to a proposed time-based taxonomy of proactive and reactive capabilities in supply chains, aimed at creating value and strengthening resilience.
Exploring personality traits in the knowledge-sharing behavior: the role of agreeableness and conscientiousness among Malaysian tertiary academics
Authors: Paiman Norazha , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Norizan Natrika , Abdul Rashid Aida , Tan Christine Nya-Ling , Wider Walton , Ravesangar Kamalesh , Selvam Gowri
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex social, psychological and organizational factors that serve as the foundation driving academics' knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB) within an academic enclave.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research design using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was employed to examine the determinants of personality traits among tertiary academics in Malaysia in relation to their KSB. To this end, a self-administered survey was distributed to a sample group of 526 respondents.

Findings

It is evident that conscientiousness and agreeableness are the personality traits that play a significant role in promoting KSB among academics in higher learning institutions (HLIs). These personality traits are positively linked with academics' willingness to transfer and receive knowledge. In contrast, the personality trait of openness to experience does not significantly influence KSB.

Research limitations/implications

This study has employed a four-item measurement for evaluating the three distinct personality traits. Despite employing a brief measurement tool, the study has demonstrated significant reliability and validity, particularly in terms of convergent and discriminant validity.

Practical implications

The present study has revealed that conscientiousness in academics is intimately linked with their KSB, which is of paramount importance in the output-based education system. Notably, agreeableness among academics also conveys a positive effect on knowledge sharing (KS) in HLIs, as it cultivates trust and helpfulness among individuals and facilitates the exchange of valuable tacit knowledge.

Originality/value

This research explores the relationship between personality traits and KSB among Malaysian academics in HLIs. The study adopts the theories of planned behavior (TPB) and social capital theory (SCT) as theoretical ground, providing a nuanced understanding of the underlying motivations and mechanisms driving academics' knowledge-sharing behavior within the unique socio-cultural context of Southeast Asia.
Tackling health inequalities through integrated care in English police custodies: an inclusion perspective and model of care
Authors: Picior Mihai
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify novel ways of tackling health inequalities of underserved populations. It explores the opportunities presented by the changes in health and social care legislation to employ historically underused services, such as police custody healthcare providers, in addressing health inequalities.

Design/methodology/approach

This research analyses the policy approaches to tackling health inequalities in the UK in the past 40 years with an emphasis on those experienced by the people detained in English police custodies. It analyses the current model of healthcare in police custody and proposes a novel integrated model of care and joint commissioning opportunities in funding it.

Findings

Policies to tackle health inequalities have largely failed, as they became entrenched. But recent changes in the health and social care legislation in England offer opportunities to address them by employing historically underused healthcare services, such as those operating in police custodies.

Research limitations/implications

The research does not touch upon ethical considerations related to the patient privacy aspect of integrated care. Interventions by and interactions with police custody healthcare providers would be visible to all professionals with access to the patient’s health record. As with all novel interventions or innovative models of care, the effectiveness of such clinical interventions remains to be established by further research. It opens a new line of research on quality improvement through integration of care and explores understudied aspects of joint commissioning of integrated care.

Practical implications

It offers health commissioners and public health leaders the opportunity to employ police custody healthcare services in reaching their population health management objectives and meeting their health inequalities objectives at local level. It also gives police and crime commissioners the opportunity to address the health drivers of criminal behaviour that overlap with health inequalities. It offers funding opportunities presented by jointly commissioning services at lower costs to both police and health commissioners alike. It improves the health outcomes of historically underserved populations by facilitating access to health and social care services and facilities.

Social implications

Reducing health inequalities and disparities in health outcomes can decrease the costs of the healthcare services over the long term and might contribute to reducing criminality by addressing inequities and some health drivers of criminal behaviour.

Originality/value

The paper explores understudied opportunities offered by the recent changes in health and social care legislation in England and includes underused resources to tackle health inequalities.
Can the humanisation of smart home speakers improve user's attitude towards covert information collection?
Authors: Lavado-Nalvaiz Natalia , Lucia-Palacios Laura , Pérez-López Raúl
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper analyses whether the humanisation of smart home speakers can improve users' attitudes towards covert information collection. Additionally, it examines the direct and indirect impact of trust, social presence and user's perceived surveillance on attitude towards covert information collection.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 679 American users of smart home speakers are surveyed, and their responses are analysed using structural equation modelling. Mediating effects are also examined.

Findings

Humanisation increases social presence, improves users' attitude towards covert information collection and has a U-shaped effect on trust. A negative effect of humanisation on perceived surveillance is demonstrated. Social presence reduces perceived surveillance levels and improves users' attitude towards covert information collection.

Originality/value

We examine attitude towards covert information collection as a new outcome variable. This study contributes to the growing body of research on humanisation by providing new evidence of how humanisation helps improve users' attitude towards covert information collection and generates trust in the service provider. This research indicates the important role of social presence.
How the characteristics of social media influencers and live content influence consumers' impulsive buying in live streaming commerce? The role of congruence and attachment
Authors: Shao Zhucheng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Aiming to address the problem in which practitioners mindlessly prioritise the reputation of social media influencers (SMIs) over ensuring proper congruence between the influencers themselves and content marketing strategies, this study develops a conceptual framework that adopts an elaboration likelihood model and attachment theory to ascertain the effects of SMIs, live content marketing and their congruency on impulsive buying (IB).

Design/methodology/approach

Through collecting cross-sectional data from 608 valid replies, this study adopts an integrated method that combines partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), artificial neural network (ANN) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyse.

Findings

The results reveal that the credibility and relevance of live content, the empathy and professionalism of SMIs, and their congruence are critical antecedents of consumers' attachments to live content and SMIs, thus triggering their attachment to endorsement and IB.

Originality/value

In knowledge, this study benefits the scope of the elaboration likelihood model and attachment theory and enriches live streaming commerce literature. In method, an integrated analytical method is used to cope with complex structural relationships in non-linear patterns and predictions, as well as examine the complex causal configurations. In practice, this study facilitates practitioners to further ascertain what attributes in live content and SMIs can foster customer's emotional attachments in choosing endorsers and developing endorsement strategies, thus driving their IB.
The relationship between older adults’ perceptions of ageing and depression: a systematic review
Authors: Hartley Gemma , Purrington Jack
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Perceptions of ageing towards the self and towards others can positively and negatively impact an older adult’s mental wellbeing. This paper aims to consolidate literature examining the relationship between perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults to inform both practice and policy for older adult mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research articles examining perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults were identified through searches on three electronical databases, alongside forward and backwards citation searches. A total of 14 articles involving 31,211 participants were identified.

Findings

Greater negative attitudes towards ageing were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and greater positive attitudes towards ageing were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms or higher levels of happiness. However, the causal direction of this relationship could not be determined. Studies demonstrated that perceptions of ageing also act as a moderator in the relationship between depression and health status, hopelessness and personality traits. Future research should attempt to examine the relationship between perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults to attempt to identify the causal direction of this relationship.

Originality/value

This is the only systematic review the authors are aware of consolidating literature which explores the relationship between older adults’ perceptions of ageing and depression. It is hoped that these findings will be able to inform both policy and practice to improve older adults’ care and support for depression.
Consumers expectations toward luxury brands websites: a qualitative analysis through the lens of personal and interpersonal motivations
Authors: Veg-Sala Nathalie , Geerts Angy
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Nowadays all luxury brands have their own websites, using them either as a communication and/or distribution tool. However, luxury consumers might still have different perceptions regarding these websites, as it can be seen as a loss of prestige or selectivity. This study aims to have a deeper understanding of luxury consumers’ perceptions of luxury brand websites by identifying a typology and defining the individual characteristics of the groups identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses the opposition of personal and interpersonal luxury as theoretical framework and the semiotic square based on this semantic opposition. A qualitative analysis based on 42 semi-structured interviews has been conducted. The interviews have been analyzed and subjected to interpretive content analysis.

Findings

The analysis of the verbatims shows that the consumers’ motivations toward luxury consumption (luxury for self or personal, luxury for others or interpersonal, negation of luxury for self and negation of luxury for others) can explain consumer differences in terms of attitudes toward luxury brand websites. The four classes are characterized according to their positive and negative perceptions of e-commerce and interaction tools used in luxury brands websites and also their expectations.

Practical implications

This study defines guidelines for managers to develop luxury brand websites that correspond to their target.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the use of the semiotic square to refine the analysis of luxury consumers’ attitudes and to make more precise contributions. It also relies on using the theory of personal and interpersonal luxury to understand consumers’ expectations toward luxury brands websites.
RpoN (sigma factor 54) contributes to bacterial fitness during tracheal colonization of Bordetella bronchiseptica
Authors: Ma Xingyan , Nugraha Dendi K. , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Horiguchi Yasuhiko
Published: December 2023

The Gram‐negative pathogenic bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is a respiratory pathogen closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. Despite sharing homologous virulence factors, B. bronchiseptica infects a broad range of mammalian hosts, including some experimental animals, whereas B. pertussis is strictly adapted to humans. Therefore, B. bronchiseptica is often used as a representative model to explore the pathogenicity of Bordetella in infection experiments with laboratory animals. Although Bordetella virulence factors, including toxins and adhesins have been studied well, our recent study implied that unknown virulence factors are involved in tracheal colonization and infection. Here, we investigated bacterial genes contributing to tracheal colonization by high‐throughput transposon sequencing (Tn‐seq). After the screening, we picked up 151 candidate genes of various functions and found that a rpoN‐deficient mutant strain was defective in tracheal colonization when co‐inoculated with the wild‐type strain. rpoN encodes σ54, a sigma factor that regulates the transcription of various genes, implying its contribution to various bacterial activities. In fact, we found RpoN of B. bronchiseptica is involved in bacterial motility and initial biofilm formation. From these results, we propose that RpoN supports bacterial colonization by regulating various bacteriological functions.
One step forward or two steps back? The attitudes of parents of students with disabilities regarding the amendment to the special education law in Israel
Authors: Huri Orna , Shoshana Avihu
Published: December 2023

One prominent change in the amendment to the Special Education Law in the State of Israel (2018) concerns the dissolution of placement committees and their transformation into characterization and eligibility committees. These characterization and eligibility committees determine children's eligibility for special education, whereas parents decide the nature of their school placement. Through in‐depth interviews with parents of school‐aged children with various disabilities, this study examined parents' perceptions of the change in the law and its effects on their children. The interviews revealed four key findings regarding parents' experiences of shifting to a characterization and eligibility committee. The ramifications of the gap between legislative intentions (top‐down educational policy) and parents' experiences as policy subjects (bottom‐up educational implementation) are discussed.
Bat winter foraging habitat use in working forests: a multispecies spatial occupancy approach
Authors: Perea S. , Fandos G. , Larsen‐Gray A. , Greene D. U. , Chandler R. , Castleberry S. B.
Published: December 2023

Insectivorous bats in temperate zones have evolved strategies such as migration or hibernation to overcome challenges of reduced resource availability and increased energy demand during winter. In the southeastern United States Coastal Plain, bats are either year‐round residents and remain active during winter or are migrants from colder areas seeking milder temperatures. Southeastern Coastal Plain forests also may represent important areas for remnant populations of species impacted by white‐nose syndrome. Working pine (Pinus spp.) forests comprise a large proportion of southeastern Coastal Plain forests, yet winter bat habitat associations and how forest management affects bat use remain understudied. Hence, we used hierarchical multispecies spatial occupancy models to evaluate factors influencing winter bat occupancy and foraging habitat associations in working forests of the southeastern Coastal Plain. From January to March 2020–2022, we deployed Anabat Swift acoustic detectors and measured site‐ and landscape‐level covariates on six working landscapes. We detected five species of bats and three species groups at 93% (224/240) of sites. We observed higher species richness at sites with high proportions of contiguous forest and low levels of basal area. At the species level, occupancy patterns were influenced by site and landscape covariates, which had varying effects on species with distinct foraging strategies. Temperature was an important predictor of detectability. Our findings offer new insights into the ecology of bats in working forest landscapes during winter, where we highlight positive responses in occupancy with contiguous forests and lower levels of basal area, as in previous summer work. By providing valuable information on winter community composition and foraging habitat associations, we hope to guide management decisions for forest attributes important to these species, thus increasing conservation opportunities within working forests.
Optimising acute non‐critical inter‐hospital transfers: A review of evidence, practice and patient perspectives
Authors: Wright Breanna , Baker Tim , Lennox Alyse , Waxman Bruce , Bragge Peter
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Patients who present to hospital with an acute non‐critical illness or injury, which is considered outside the capability framework of that hospital to treat, will require inter‐hospital transfer (IHT) to a hospital with a higher level of capability for that condition. Delays in IHT can negatively impact patient care and patient outcomes.

Objective

To review and synthesis academic evidence, practitioner insights and patient perspectives on ways to improve IHT from regional to metro hospitals.

Design

A rapid review methodology identified one review and 14 primary studies. Twelve practitioner interviews identified insights into practice and implementation, and the patient perspectives were explored through a citizen panel with 15 participants.

Findings

The rapid review found evidence relating to clinician and patient decision factors, protocols, communication practices and telemedicine. Practitioner interviews revealed challenges in making the initial decision, determining appropriate destinations and dealing with pushback. Adequate support and communication were raised as important to improve IHT. The citizen panel found that the main concern with IHT was delays. Citizen panel participants suggested dedicated transfer teams, education and information transfer systems to improve IHT.

Discussion and Conclusion

Common challenges in IHT include making the initial decision to transfer and communicating with other health services and patients and families. In identifying the appropriateness of transferring acute non‐critical patients, clear and effective communication is central to appropriate and timely IHT; this evidence review indicates that education, protocols and information management could make IHT processes smoother.
Reproductive and obstetric outcomes in TESE–ICSI cycles: A comparison between obstructive and non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Romano Massimo , Cirillo Federico , Ravaioli Noemi , Morenghi Emanuela , Negri Luciano , Ozgur Bulbul , Albani Elena , Levi‐Setti Paolo Emanuele
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Comparison of intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles with testicular sperm extraction in obstructive azoospermia and non‐obstructive azoospermia are limited, and few studies have addressed obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

Design

This study analyzed couples who underwent testicular sperm extraction–intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles for obstructive azoospermia and non‐obstructive azoospermia to determine whether impaired spermatogenesis in non‐obstructive azoospermia patients would lead to worse reproductive outcomes and higher rates of pregnancy complications and fetal anomalies. This study is a retrospective, single‐center analysis of all testicular sperm cycles performed between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2020.

Results

A total of 392 couples were considered in the study, leading to 1066 induction cycles, 620 (58.2%) from patients with obstructive azoospermia and 446 (41.8%) from non‐obstructive azoospermia. The cumulative delivery rate did not significantly differ between the two groups (34% vs. 31%; p = 0.326). The miscarriage rate was similar between obstructive azoospermia and non‐obstructive azoospermia patients. Fertilization rate instead showed a statistically significant difference (obstructive azoospermia: 66.1 ± 25.7 vs. non‐obstructive azoospermia: 56.1 ± 27.0; p < 0.001). The overall maternal complication rate in the non‐obstructive azoospermia group was higher (10.7% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.035), but there was no statistical significance for each pathology. There was no statistical difference in gestational age between the two groups for both single and twin pregnancies. Seven cases of congenital defects occurred in the obstructive azoospermia group, while two cases occurred in the non‐obstructive azoospermia group.

Conclusions

Despite impaired spermatogenesis in non‐obstructive azoospermia patients, there were no substantial differences in reproductive outcomes compared to patients with obstructive azoospermia, even in terms of obstetric safety and neonatal well‐being.
Tackling efficiency in a high demand orthopaedic clinic
Authors: Atkinson Mitchell , Wang Katie , Kovac Nikola , Plant James , Blakeney William
Published: December 2023

Background

Surgical outpatient clinics continuously face challenges in delivering efficient and effective care. An expanding population and chronic staff shortages makes sustainability critical. The primary objective of this study was to identify modifiable factors contributing to longer wait times in an orthopaedic outpatient clinic.

Methods

A single‐centre prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Western Australia's state trauma centre. Over a four‐week period, clinicians completed forms identifying delays in clinic, and clinic numbers were captured through an electronic booking system. Data was analysed using SPSS v27.

Results

Face‐to‐face (FTF) and telehealth (TH) clinic volumes grew by 18.9% and 361.1% respectively between 2018 and 2022. For the study period, 754 forms were completed for attending clinic patients. This captured 42.4% and 96.8% of FTF and TH actual attendance. The average wait time for doctor consultation was 63.9 min. Wait times significantly reduced when x‐rays were performed prior to clinic (P < 0.001), and when an unaccredited registrar held the on‐call phone (P < 0.001). Trauma clinics ran overtime in 95% of cases compared to elective clinics in which 25% ran overtime. The golden staffing ratio was one doctor for 13 patients. TH experienced few delays related to technological fault.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that clinic volume continues to rise. It highlights the demand for adequate staffing and identifies several modifiable factors that influence clinic efficiency. It demonstrates the growth of TH as an alternative modality for outpatient surgical services and its potential for future expansion.
Corporate sustainability professionals: The landscape of sustainability job positions
Authors: Lespinasse‐Camargo Barbara , Eustachio João Henrique Paulino Pires , Bonifacio Denise , Macini Nayele , Caldana Adriana Cristina Ferreira
Published: December 2023

Sustainable development requires several stakeholders, including companies, to take action. For this, employees need to have their positions and sustainability roles defined so they can carry out activities. In turn, activities need alignment with corporate policies and strategy. However, the literature lacks discussion about job specifications and which activities relate to sustainability. Therefore, this article aims to explore the panorama of positions and professional activities of corporate sustainability professionals. To achieve this goal, we conducted a bibliometric assessment of terms related to corporate sustainability professionals and to understand what scholars have addressed in the area thus far. In the second stage, we tackle this problem by conducting a world survey of 143 professionals working in sustainability‐related positions. The methods are complementary because they provide different types of information that can be used to gain insights into research topics and trends. In this sense, this research contributes to the literature and practice in two main ways. First, the sustainability professionals' positions are still recent and under construction; few sustainability professionals are leaders. Second, this research identified that the sustainability professionals' actions focus on the environmental dimension, suggesting that companies have to invest more in social and governance dimensions. In addition, the findings evidence the need for more reporting on these dimensions as well as aligning all sustainability‐related policies, practices and activities with the strategy's company. Theoretical and practical implications, such as the need for more training on sustainability aspects, and the study's limitations are also addressed.
A description of the bat star nervous system throughout larval ontogeny
Authors: Pagowski Veronica
Published: December 2023

Larvae represent a distinct life history stage in which animal morphology and behavior contrast strongly to adult organisms. This life history stage is a ubiquitous aspect of animal life cycles, particularly in the marine environment. In many species, the structure and function of the nervous system differ significantly between metamorphosed juveniles and larvae. However, the distribution and diversity of neural cell types in larval nervous systems remains incompletely known. Here, the expression of neurotransmitter and neuropeptide synthesis and transport genes in the bat star Patiria miniata is examined throughout larval development. This characterization of nervous system structure reveals three main neural regions with distinct but overlapping territories. These regions include a densely innervated anterior region, an enteric neural plexus, and neurons associated with the ciliary band. In the ciliary band, cholinergic cells are pervasive while dopaminergic, noradrenergic, and GABAergic cells show regional differences in their localization patterns. Furthermore, the distribution of some neural subtypes changes throughout larval development, suggesting that changes in nervous system structure align with shifting ecological priorities during different larval stages, before the development of the adult nervous system. While past work has described aspects of P. miniata larval nervous system structure, largely focusing on early developmental timepoints, this work provides a comprehensive description of neural cell type localization throughout the extensive larval period.
Trade‐off between soil carbon sequestration and net ecosystem economic benefits for paddy fields under long‐term application of biochar
Authors: Chen Zhuoxi , Han Shuo , Dong Zhijie , Li Hongbo , Zhang Aiping
Published: December 2023

The application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer can increase rice yield, soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the carbon footprint (CF) and net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB) of paddy ecosystems under long‐term application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer. Here, the life cycle assessment method was used to quantify the CF and NEEB of paddy fields under different biochar and nitrogen fertilizer application rates in 7 years. Three biochar rates of 0 (B0), 4.5 (B1) and 13.5 t ha−1 year−1 (B2) and two nitrogen fertilizer rates of 0 (N0) and 300 kg ha−1 year−1 (N) were set. The results showed that B2 significantly increased methane (CH4) emission by 38%, decreased nitrous oxide (N2O) emission by 29%, and significantly increased global warming potential by 27% compared with B0. Besides that, biochar application significantly increased ΔCSOC by 87%–173% and reduced CF by 1.6–1.8 Mg CO2 eq ha−1. Among them, CH4 and N2O emissions contributed 46%–95% of total GHG emissions, and the production and transportation of nitrogen fertilizer and biochar contributed 17%–52% of total GHG emissions. Nitrogen fertilizer application can significantly increase rice yield by 85% compared to the N0, which could bring the largest NEEB. Biochar application had a negative influence on the NEEB regardless of N application. This might be attributable to the fact that the economic gains from increased rice production and SOC caused by biochar cannot outweigh the high cost of biochar. These results suggest that the biochar application can significantly improve the SOC sequestration and reduce the CF, but also had negative effect on NEEB in paddy filed.
Contingent Contracts in Banking: Insurance or Risk Magnification?
Authors: GERSBACH HANS
Published: December 2023

What happens when banks compete with deposit and loan contracts contingent on macro‐economic shocks? The private sector insures the banking system efficiently against crises through such contracts when failing banks go bankrupt. When risks are large, banks may shift part of the risk to depositors who receive state‐contingent contracts. In contrast, when failing banks are rescued, new phenomena such as risk magnification emerge. Depositors receive noncontingent contracts, while loan contracts demand high repayment in good times and low repayment in bad times. Banks overinvest and generate large macro‐economic risks, even if the underlying productivity risk is small or zero.
Biogeographic analysis based on phylogenomic data supports multiple ancient dispersals that facilitated the eastern Asia–North America–Mexico disjunction in the subfamily Linnaeoideae (Caprifoliaceae)
Authors: Wang Hong‐Xin , Morales‐Briones Diego F. , Landis Jacob B. , Wen Jun , Wang Hua‐Feng
Published: December 2023

The small subfamily Linnaeoideae of Caprifoliaceae exhibits a disjunct distribution in Eurasia and North America, including Mexico, with most taxa occurring in eastern Asia or Mexico and the monospecific Linnaea Gronov. ex L. having a circumboreal to north temperate distribution. We sampled 17 of the 20 species representing all Linnaeoideae genera and used nuclear (target enrichment) and complete plastome sequence data to reconstruct the phylogeny. Our results show strong topological conflicts between nuclear and plastid data, especially concerning Dipelta Maxim. and Diabelia Landrein, supporting hybridization events complicating the deep diversification. Nuclear data were used for divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction. The divergence time between the Mexican Vesalea M. Martens & Galeotti and the Linnaea clade was dated to 39.5 Ma, with a 95% highest posterior density of 28.2 Ma (mid‐Oligocene) to 45.2 Ma (mid‐Eocene). Reconstructed ancestral areas support a widespread common ancestor of Linnaea plus Vesalea in Mexico and at least another area (eastern Asia, North America, or Europe). The biogeographic analysis, including fossils, supports the ancestral range of Linnaeoideae to be widespread in central and western China + Europe + Mexico, or eastern and northern Asia + central and western China + Mexico, or central and western China + North America + Mexico. The North Atlantic and/or the Bering land bridges may be important in the widespread distribution across continents in the Northern Hemisphere. Our study highlights the importance of utilizing fossils in biogeographic inferences andusing data from different genomes while reconstructing deep and shallow phylogenies of organisms.
Two avian Plasmodium species trigger different transcriptional responses on their vector Culex pipiens
Authors: Garrigós Marta , Ylla Guillem , Martínez‐de la Puente Josué , Figuerola Jordi , Ruiz‐López María José
Published: December 2023

Malaria is a mosquito‐borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Plasmodium that affects both humans and wildlife. The fitness consequences of infections by avian malaria are well known in birds, however, little information exists on its impact on mosquitoes. Here we study how Culex pipiens mosquitoes transcriptionally respond to infection by two different Plasmodium species, P. relictum and P. cathemerium, differing in their virulence (mortality rate) and transmissibility (parasite presence in exposed mosquitoes' saliva). We studied the mosquito response to the infection at three critical stages of parasite development: the formation of ookinetes at 24 h post‐infection (hpi), the release of sporozoites into the hemocoel at 10 days post‐infection (dpi), and the storage of sporozoites in the salivary glands at 21 dpi. For each time point, we characterized the gene expression of mosquitoes infected with each P. relictum and P. cathemerium and mosquitoes fed on an uninfected bird and, subsequently, compared their transcriptomic responses. Differential gene expression analysis showed that most transcriptomic changes occurred during the early infection stage (24 hpi), especially when comparing P. relictum and P. cathemerium‐infected mosquitoes. Differentially expressed genes in mosquitoes infected with each species were related mainly to the metabolism of the immune response, trypsin, and other serine‐proteases. We conclude that these differences in response may partly play a role in the differential virulence and transmissibility previously observed between P. relictum and P. cathemerium in Cx. pipiens.
Demographic responses of oceanic island birds to local and regional ecological disruptions revealed by whole‐genome sequencing
Authors: Gabrielli Maëva , Leroy Thibault , Salmona Jordi , Nabholz Benoit , Milá Borja , Thébaud Christophe
Published: December 2023

Disentangling the effects of ecological disruptions operating at different spatial and temporal scales in shaping past species' demography is particularly important in the current context of rapid environmental changes driven by both local and regional factors. We argue that volcanic oceanic islands provide useful settings to study the influence of past ecological disruptions operating at local and regional scales on population demographic histories. We investigate potential drivers of past population dynamics for three closely related species of passerine birds from two volcanic oceanic islands, Reunion and Mauritius (Mascarene archipelago), with distinct volcanic history. Using ABC and PSMC inferences from complete genomes, we reconstructed the demographic history of the Reunion Grey White‐eye (Zosterops borbonicus (Pennant, 1781)), the Reunion Olive White‐eye (Z. olivaceus (Linnaeus, 1766)) and the Mauritius Grey White‐eye (Z. mauritianus (Gmelin, 1789)) and searched for possible causes underlying similarities or differences between species living on the same or different islands. Both demographic inferences strongly support ancient and long‐term expansions in all species. They also reveal different trajectories between species inhabiting different islands, but consistent demographic trajectories in species or populations from the same island. Species from Reunion appear to have experienced synchronous reductions in population size during the Last Glacial Maximum, a trend not seen in the Mauritian species. Overall, this study suggests that local events may have played a role in shaping population trajectories of these island species. It also highlights the potential of our conceptual framework to disentangle the effects of local and regional drivers on past species' demography and long‐term population processes.
The multifarious MerR family of transcriptional regulators
Authors: Tulin Gonzalo , Figueroa Nicolás R. , Checa Susana K. , Soncini Fernando C.
Published: December 2023

The MerR family of transcriptional regulators includes a variety of bacterial cytoplasmic proteins that respond to a wide range of signals, including toxins, metal ions, and endogenous metabolites. Its best‐characterized members share similar structural and functional features with the family founder, the mercury sensor MerR, although most of them do not respond to metal ions. The group of “canonical” MerR homologs displays common molecular mechanisms for controlling the transcriptional activation of their target genes in response to inducer signals. This includes the recognition of distinctive operator sequences located at suboptimal σ70‐dependent promoters. Interestingly, an increasing number of proteins assigned to the MerR family based on their DNA‐binding domain do not match in structure, sequence, or mode of action with any of the canonical MerR‐like regulators. Here, we analyzed several members of the family, including this last group. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, and similarities in structural/functional features and position of their target operators relative to the promoter elements, we propose to assign these “atypical/divergent” MerR regulators to a phylogenetically separated group. These atypical/divergent homologs represent a new class of transcriptional regulators with novel regulatory mechanisms.
Use of oral nutritional supplements in irradiated patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Frydrych Agnieszka M. , Parsons Richard , Kujan Omar
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Malnutrition is common among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and associated with poorer outcomes. Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are often prescribed, with concerns raised about their cariogenicity. This study examined ONS use and caries experience in patients with HNC 12 months post‐diagnosis.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients with HNC referred for pre‐radiotherapy dental assessment were recruited. Data collected included: age, gender, residential postcode, smoking, alcohol use, HNC characteristics, dental history, oral hygiene habits, dietary advice and ONS use. Data was collected at diagnosis, during radiotherapy and 6 weeks, three, six‐ and 12‐months post‐treatment completion.

Results

Fifty‐one subjects completed the study. 76.5% of the participants used ONS for an average of 13.8 weeks. Caries developed in 22.9% of ONS users and 11.1% of non‐users (p = 0.6585). The mean overall duration of ONS use was 18.7 weeks for the caries group and 8.5 weeks for the caries‐free group (p = 0.1507). Lack of collaboration and disconnection was noted between dietary advice given by dieticians and dentists.

Conclusions

ONS use is common among patients with HNC. Larger studies are needed to establish the reasons for caries development and impacts of ONS use on oral health. Importance of multidisciplinary management of malnutrition is highlighted.
Impact of COVID‐19 on pediatric surgery cancellations: A retrospective study
Authors: Yokoyama Ryota , Inokuchi Ryota , Shimada Kensuke , Ueda Hiroshi , Tanaka Makoto , Tamiya Nanako
Published: December 2023

Background

Prevalence trends and reasons for pediatric surgery cancellation in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic have not previously been reported. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and reasons for cancellation of pediatric surgeries in Japan before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective cohort study reviewed the reasons for surgery cancellations scheduled for patients aged <18 years between the prepandemic period (September 2017–December 2019) and the COVID‐19 pandemic period (January 2020–April 2022). The cancellation reasons were classified into four major categories: medical, surgical, patient‐related, and administrative.

Results

Of the 3395 and 3455 surgeries scheduled before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic, 305 (9.0%) and 319 (9.2%) surgeries were canceled (p = 0.737), respectively. The proportion of cancellations due to infections or fever in medical reasons decreased from 67.9% to 56.1% (p = 0.003) and that due to patient‐related reasons increased from 6.6% to 15.1% (p = 0.001). Further, the proportion of cancellations due to staff shortages in staff administrative reasons increased from 0.3% to 3.1% (p = 0.011). There was no significant difference in the proportion of surgeries canceled due to surgical reasons between the two periods.

Conclusions

The proportion of cancellations due to infections or fever decreased during the COVID‐19 pandemic, while that due to staff shortages increased. Infection prevention is an important measure to address the staff shortages. Implementation of national or regional policies and additional strategic interventions may be required to prepare for disasters like the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Air Propulsion
Authors: Brooks Morgan
Published: December 2023

This paper describes experiments with propellers proving that the accepted screw theory of air propulsion does not accord with the facts. Air is impelled by a propeller at a speed approaching twice the screw advance for small blade angles, hence the theory of reflection or batting action should replace the screw theory. Thrust is shown to be due in greater degree to velocity and less to blade disk area than is commonly supposed. A method of predicting the complete flying performance of a propeller from a single static test of an accurate model is indicated.
Stresses in Machines When Starting or Stopping
Authors: Hymans F.
Published: December 2023

For the intelligent determination of the dimensions of machine parts it is necessary that the forces acting thereon be known. The calculation of these forces follows at present one of two methods. The first assumes a state of equilibrium for the machine, which, however, exists only when the machine runs at constant speed or is at rest. In the second the machine is considered to consist of rigid parts, but their acceleration at start or stop is considered. Neither of these methods leads to even approximately correct results. A new method for the correct evaluation of the forces acting on machine parts during start or stop is developed, and illustrated by application to a vertical geared hydraulic hoisting machine. It is shown that the stresses during start or stop depend on the inertia and elasticity of the parts, their distribution throughout the system, and on the magnitude and nature of the accelerating force. Vibrations at start or stop always occur, but whether they are pronounced and give rise to dangerous stresses depends to a very great extent on the character of the accelerating force.
Industrial Power Problems
Authors: Uhl W. F.
Published: December 2023

In order to determine the best source of power for an industry, where there is a choice, it is generally advisable to consider the reliability of the source primarily and its cost only as a secondary matter. Fuel saving was formerly considered along with the cost of power, but must now be treated as one of the factors affecting reliability of power and from the broad economical standpoint of fuel conservation.

It would generally be good policy to purchase power where this source is available, even if the cost is somewhat higher than would be the case with power produced by the industry, providing always that the purchased power is reliable.

Many industries are confronted with situations where the determination of relative reliability and cost are somewhat complex. Such a situation occurs where an industry owns or could develop a water power or where there is a demand for low-pressure steam and hot water which could be obtained as a by-product from a steam-power plant operated by the industry or where the steam power from such a plant would be a by-product in the production of low-pressure steam and hot water. Other situations are combinations of water power with supplementary power of some kind, where there is no demand for low-pressure steam, or where a small water power is supplementary to other sources of power. In the latter case the problem usually is to make the best use of the water power.

A number of fairly common situations have been defined in this paper and some approximate data are given to assist in the determination of relative reliability and cost in each case.
Daylight vs. Sunlight in Sawtooth–Roof Construction
Authors: Brown Wendell S.
Published: December 2023

Empirical research of the amount of direct sunlight and the intensity of daylight to be admitted on the working plane in sawtooth construction.

An equation is derived to determine the time of admission of direct sunlight and the number of hours of its duration with a given orientation of sawtooth buildings and slope of the lighting area.

Further considerations are made in regard to the influence of the size and slope of the sawtooth lighting area on the relative intensity of daylight received from the northern sky. A special example is worked out illustrating the method of computing the relative amount of diffused light entering a building.
The Conservation of Heat Losses from Pipes and Boilers
Authors: Bagley Glen D.
Published: December 2023

Every means of accomplishing a saving in the consumption of coal is of great present importance. One of the most important means is the use of the proper heat insulation for steam pipes and boilers as well as all other heated surfaces.

This paper presents the results of a series of experiments made at the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research on 85 per cent magnesia coverings. The methods of measurement of the losses from bare and covered pipes are described and a general method for the calculation of the losses from covered surfaces is developed. The effect of the various factors of steam temperature, cost of coal, and size of pipe on the economic side of the problem is worked out and tables are given showing the proper thickness of covering to use under all conditions. The effects of air currents on heat losses have been studied and tests have also been made to determine the permanence of the original heat-insulating qualities in service. Several large-scale experiments have been made on practical installations to check up the results of the laboratory experiments under actual conditions. Tables showing the saving in coal or money which is accomplished by the use of coverings are presented.