bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparedness of Residents to Manage Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A National Survey
Authors: Patel Namrata , Discepolo Valentina , Asfour Nour , Azzam Ruba K.
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reported to be the most common chronic pediatric liver disease. Little information is available on the adherence of residents in-training to the published guidelines for the evaluation and management of pediatric NAFLD. The goals of this study are as follows: (i) to assess the consistency of screening and evaluation for NAFLD in obese and overweight children at continuity clinics by upper level residents, and (ii) to determine the residents’ extent of training, knowledge, comfort, and competence levels in NAFLD care.

Methods:

An electronic survey developed using REDCap was emailed to accredited Pediatric Residency Programs in the United States. Program directors and coordinators were requested to forward the survey to their upper level pediatric and medicine/pediatrics residents. Statistical analysis of responses (n = 399) was performed.

Results:

More than 88% of residents reported to be exposed to obese and overweight children, representing at least 25% of the patients encountered in clinics. Regardless of their training level, they inconsistently screened for (>60%), initiated evaluation of, or provided counseling on NAFLD in these patients, not following the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines. Over 80% of residents perceived to have received inadequate training resulting in insufficient knowledge on NAFLD, which they identified as their biggest barrier (25.7%). There was minimal statistically significant difference in the survey findings between training levels (PGY-2 vs PGY-3/4).

Conclusions:

Educational interventions should be implemented by pediatric residency programs to enhance educational core curricula for the early detection and initiation of management of NAFLD, an emerging public health problem.
Relationship between weight gain and insulin resistance in people living with HIV switching to integrase strand transfer inhibitors-based regimens
Authors: Milic Jovana , Renzetti Stefano , Ferrari Davide , Barbieri Sara , Menozzi Marianna , Carli Federica , Dolci Giovanni , Ciusa Giacomo , Mussini Cristina , Calza Stefano , Guaraldi Giovanni
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The primary objective was to explore weight and BMI changes in people with HIV (PWH) undergoing integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI)-based regimens (vs. non-INSTI) in a large cohort and in the subsets of individuals without diabetes and insulin resistance (IR) at the time of switch to INSTI. The secondary objective was to identify risk factors for IR and cut-off of weight or BMI increase associated with IR in PWH switching to INSTI.

Design:

A longitudinal matched-cohort study including PWH attending Modena HIV Metabolic Clinic, Italy.

Methods:

PWH were divided into two groups: non-INSTI and INSTI-switch. The effect of switching to INSTI on weight and BMI change was tested through a linear mixed model. A mediation analysis explored the mediation effect of weight and BMI change in the association between the switch to INSTI and IR.

Results:

We analyzed 2437 PWH (1025 INSTI-switch, 1412 non-INSTI), in 54 826 weight assessments. Trends for weight increase were significantly higher in early-INSTI-switch (vs. early-non-INSTI), but no difference was observed in the late period after the switch. In the subset of 634 PWH without IR, switching to INSTI (vs. non-INSTI) was associated with a lower risk of IR (hazard ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.51, 0.98). A weight increase by 1% reduced the total protective effect of INSTI by 21.1% over 1 year of follow-up, which identifies a 5% weight increase as a clinically meaningful weight gain definition.

Conclusion:

A cut-off of 5% weight gain from the time of INSTI-switch is associated with IR, which may be a clinically meaningful endpoint that could be used in clinical and research settings.
A personal cost of cheating can stabilize reproductive altruism during the early evolution of clonal multicellularity
Authors: Cameron-Pack Marybelle E. , König Stephan G. , Reyes-Guevara Anajose , Reyes-Prieto Adrian , Nedelcu Aurora M.
Published: June 2022

Understanding how cooperation evolved and is maintained remains an important and often controversial topic because cheaters that reap the benefits of cooperation without paying the costs can threaten the evolutionary stability of cooperative traits. Cooperation—and especially reproductive altruism—is particularly relevant to the evolution of multicellularity, as somatic cells give up their reproductive potential in order to contribute to the fitness of the newly emerged multicellular individual. Here, we investigated cheating in a simple multicellular species—the green algaVolvox carteri, in the context of the mechanisms that can stabilize reproductive altruism during the early evolution of clonal multicellularity. We found that the benefits cheater mutants can gain in terms of their own reproduction are pre-empted by a cost in survival due to increased sensitivity to stress. This personal cost of cheating reflects the antagonistic pleiotropic effects that the gene coding for reproductive altruism—regA—has at the cell level. Specifically, the expression ofregAin somatic cells results in the suppression of their reproduction potential but also confers them with increased resistance to stress. SinceregAevolved from a life-history trade-off gene, we suggest that co-opting trade-off genes into cooperative traits can provide a built-in safety system against cheaters in other clonal multicellular lineages.
Probing Multiple Algorithms to Calculate Brain Age: Examining Reliability, Relations with Demographics, and Predictive Power
Authors: Bacas Eva , Kahhalé Isabella , Raamana Pradeep R , Pablo Julian B , Anand Apurvaa S , Hanson Jamie L
Published: June 2022

The calculation of so-called “brain age” has been an emerging biomarker in aging research. Data suggests that discrepancies between chronological age and the predicted age of the brain may be predictive of mortality and morbidity (for review, see Cole, Marioni, Harris, & Deary, 2019). However, with these promising results come technical complexities of how to calculate brain age. Various groups have deployed methods leveraging different statistical approaches, often crafting novel algorithms for assessing this biomarker. There remain many open questions about the reliability, collinearity, and predictive power of different algorithms. Here, we complete a rigorous systematic comparison of three commonly used, previously published brain age algorithms (XGBoost, brainageR, and DeepBrainNet) to serve as a foundation for future applied research. First, using multiple datasets with repeated MRI scans, we calculated two metrics of reliability (intraclass correlations and Bland–Altman bias). We then considered correlations between brain age variables, chronological age, biological sex, and image quality. We also calculated the magnitude of collinearity between approaches. Finally, we used canonical regression and machine learning approaches to identify significant predictors across brain age algorithms related to clinical diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s Disease. Using a large sample (N=2557), we find all three commonly used brain age algorithms demonstrate excellent reliability (r>.9). We also note that brainageR and DeepBrainNet are reasonably correlated with one another, and that the XGBoost brain age is strongly related to image quality. Finally, and notably, we find that XGBoost brain age calculations were more sensitive to the detection of clinical diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s Disease. We close this work with recommendations for future research studies focused on brain age.
Cold-passaged isolates and bat-swine influenza A chimeric viruses as modified live-attenuated vaccines against influenza A viruses in pigs
Authors: Graaf Annika , Petric Philipp P. , Sehl-Ewert Julia , Henritzi Dinah , Breithaupt Angele , King Jacqueline , Pohlmann Anne , Deutskens Fabian , Beer Martin , Schwemmle Martin , Harder Timm
Published: June 2022

Swine influenza A virus (swIAV) infections in pig populations cause considerable morbidity and economic losses. Frequent reverse zoonotic incursions of human IAV boost reassortment opportunities with authentic porcine and avian-like IAV in swine herds potentially enhancing zoonotic and even pre-pandemic potential. Vaccination using adjuvanted inactivated full virus vaccines is frequently used in attempting control of swIAV infections. Accelerated antigenic drift of swIAV in large swine holdings and interference of maternal antibodies with vaccine in piglets can compromise these efforts. Potentially more efficacious modified live-attenuated vaccines (MLVs) bear the risk of reversion of MLV to virulence. Here we evaluated new MLV candidates based on cold-passaged swIAV or on reassortment-incompetent bat-IAV-swIAV chimeric viruses. Serial cold-passaging of various swIAV subtypes did not yield unambiguously temperature-sensitive mutants although safety studies in mice and pigs suggested some degree of attenuation. Chimeric bat-swIAV expressing the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase of an avian-like H1N1, in contrast, proved to be safe in mice and pigs, and a single nasal inoculation induced protective immunity against homologous challenge in pigs. Reassortant-incompetent chimeric bat-swIAV vaccines could aid in reducing the amount of swIAV circulating in pig populations, thereby increasing animal welfare, limiting economic losses and lowering the risk of zoonotic swIAV transmission.
A pituitary gene network linking vgll3 to regulators of sexual maturation in male Atlantic salmon
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Sinclair-Waters Marion , Donner Iikki , Primmer Craig R.
Published: June 2022

Age at maturity is a key life history trait and a significant contributor to life history strategy variation. The maturation process is complex and influenced by genetic and environmental factors alike, but specific causes of variation in maturation timing remain elusive. In many species, the increase in the regulatory gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH1) marks the onset of puberty. Atlantic salmon, however, lack the gene encoding GnRH1, suggesting other regulatory factors are involved in the maturation process. Earlier research in Atlantic salmon has found a strong association between alternative alleles of vgll3 and maturation timing, making vgll3 a candidate reproductive axis gene regulator. Recently we reported strong induction of gonadotropin encoding genes (fshb and lhb) in the pituitary of male Atlantic salmon homozygous for the vgll3 allele linked with the early maturation allele (E). The induction of gonadotropins was accompanied by increased expression of their direct upstream regulators, c-jun and sf1 (nr5a1b) in the pituitary. In mammals, the transcriptional activation of c-jun and sf1 is also required for induction of fshb and lhb, however, GnRH1 is responsible for increased transcriptional activity of c-jun and sf1. The absence of gnrh1 in salmon raises the possibility of the involvement of other regulators upstream of these factors. In this study, we investigated such a possibility through a stepwise approach for identifying a gene regulatory network (GRN) containing c-jun and sf1 and using the zebrafish coexpression database and transcription factor motif enrichment analysis. We found a GRN containing c-jun with predicted upstream regulators, e2f1, egr1, foxj1 and klf4, which are also differentially expressed in the pituitary. Finally, we suggest a model for transcriptional regulation of c-jun and sf1in the absence of gnrh1 in the pituitary, which may have broader implications across vertebrates.
Replication of alphaviruses requires a pseudoknot that involves the polyA tail
Authors: Olsthoorn René CL
Published: June 2022

Alphaviruses, such as Sindbis virus and Chikungunya virus, are RNA viruses with a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome that infect various vertebrates including humans. A conserved sequence element (CSE) of ∼19 nucleotides (nts) in the 3’ non-coding region is important for replication. Despite extensive mutational analysis of the CSE no comprehensive model of this element exists to date. Here it is shown that the CSE can form an RNA pseudoknot with part of the polyA tail and is similar to the human telomerase peudoknot with which it shares 17 nts. Mutants that alter the stability of the pseudoknot were investigated in the context of a replicon of Sindbis virus and by native gel electrophoresis. These studies reveal that the pseudoknot is required for virus replication and is stabilized by UAU base triples. The new model is discussed in relation to previous data on Sindbis virus mutants and revertants lacking (part of) the CSE.
Biosensor optimization using a FRET pair based on mScarlet red fluorescent protein and an mScarlet-derived green fluorescent protein
Authors: Gohil Khyati , Wu Sheng-Yi , Takahashi-Yamashiro Kei , Shen Yi , Campbell Robert E.
Published: June 2022

Genetically encoded biosensors based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) are indispensable tools for monitoring biochemical changes in cells. Green and red fluorescent protein-based FRET pairs offer advantages over the classically employed cyan and yellow fluorescent protein pairs, such as better spectral separation, lower phototoxicity, and less autofluorescence. Here, we describe the development of an mScarlet-derived green fluorescent protein (designated as mWatermelon) and its use as a FRET donor to the red fluorescent protein mScarlet-I as a FRET acceptor. We tested the functionality of this FRET pair by engineering biosensors for the detection of protease activity, Ca2+, and K+. Furthermore, we described a strategy to enhance the FRET efficiency of these biosensors by modulating the intramolecular association between mWatermelon and mScarlet-I.
Fine-tuning of coumaric acid synthesis to increase naringenin production in yeast
Authors: Mao Jiwei , Mohedano Marta Tous , Li Xiaowei , Liu Quanli , Nielsen Jens , Siewers Verena , Chen Yun
Published: June 2022

(2S)-Naringenin is a key precursor for biosynthesis of various high-value flavonoids and possesses a variety of nutritional and pharmaceutical properties on human health. Systematic optimization approaches have been employed to improve (2S)-naringenin production in different microbial hosts. However, very few studies have focused on the spatiotemporal distribution of (2S)-naringenin and related pathway intermediate p-coumaric acid, which is an important factor for efficient production. Here, we show that fine-turning of p-coumaric acid synthesis enables alleviated cell burden and improved (2S)-naringenin production in yeast. First, we systematically optimized the (2S)-naringenin biosynthetic pathway by alleviating the bottleneck downstream of p-coumaric acid and increasing malonyl-CoA supply, which improved (2S)-naringenin production but significant amounts of p-coumaric acid still accumulated outside the cell. We further established a dual dynamic control system through combing a malonyl-CoA biosensor regulator and an RNAi strategy, to autonomously control the synthesis of p-coumaric acid and downregulate a pathway competing for malonyl-CoA. The optimized strains remarkably decreased extracellular accumulation of p-coumaric acid and simultaneously improved (2S)- naringenin production. Finally, production of 933 mg/L of (2S)-naringenin could be achieved by using minimal medium with negligible accumulation of p-coumaric acid. Our work highlights the importance of systematic control of pathway intermediates for efficient microbial production of plant natural products.
The highly expressed ERV1 forms virus-like particles for regulating early embryonic development
Authors: Li Wenjing , Liu Shujuan , Zhao Jianglin , Deng Ruizhi , Liu Yayi , Li Huijia , Ma Hongwei , Chen Yanzhi , Zhang Jingcheng , Wang Yongsheng , Su Jianmin , Quan Fusheng , liu Xu , Luo Yan , Zhang Yong , Liu Jun
Published: June 2022

In mammals, the transcription of transposable elements (TEs) is important for maintaining early embryonic development. Here, we systematically analyzed the expression characteristics of TE-derived transcripts in early embryos by constructing a database of TEs and transcriptome data from goats and using it to study the function of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in regulating early embryo development. We found that ERV1 made up the highest proportion of TE sequences and exhibited a stage-specific expression pattern during early embryonic development. Among ERV elements, ERV1 had the potential to encode the Gag protein domain to form virus-like particles (VLPs) in early goat embryos. Knockdown of ERV1_1_574 significantly reduced the embryo development rate and the number of trophoblast cells (P< 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing analysis of morula embryos showed that ERV1_1_574 mainly regulated the expression of genes related to embryo compaction and trophoblast cell differentiation, such as CX43 and CDX2. In summary, we found that ERV1 expression was essential for early embryonic development in goats through regulation of trophoblast cell differentiation.
Recovery of flights disrupted by snowstorm
Authors: Liu Xiaopeng
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To reduce the time of flight rescheduling, reduce the total delay cost of all flights to a minimum and put forward more references for passengers to take flights, this paper aims to mainly study the recovery of flights affected by snow disaster within the minimum delay time.

Design/methodology/approach

The temporal and spatial network flight recovery model is used to optimize all flights of various types of aircraft, and the adjusted flight schedule based on minute delay time is obtained. In addition, for passenger travel flights, the impact of passenger delay cost on the total delay time is minimized as an objective function to calculate the passenger delay cost.

Findings

In this paper, the actual departure time of aircraft is sorted in ascending order. Up to five planes can take off from the runway every 5 min, and the 10-min decision interval is successively delayed. The actual arrival time is sorted by the same method and the sequential delay is calculated to obtain the adjusted flight schedule. As a result, it takes less time to reschedule flights.

Originality/value

In this paper, heuristic algorithm is used to adjust the schedule of delayed flights flexibly, which is convenient for manual modification. This decision method has good robustness and can partially adjust the interrupted flights without affecting other scheduled flights while maintaining the stable operation of the whole plan, greatly improving the efficiency of civil aviation operations and reducing the impact of flight delays.
Combining artificial intelligence and building engineering technologies towards energy efficiency: the case of ventilated façades
Authors: Summa Serena , Mircoli Alex , Potena Domenico , Ulpiani Giulia , Diamantini Claudia , Di Perna Costanzo
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Nearly 75% of EU buildings are not energy-efficient enough to meet the international climate goals, which triggers the need to develop sustainable construction techniques with high degree of resilience against climate change. In this context, a promising construction technique is represented by ventilated façades (VFs). This paper aims to propose three different VFs and the authors define a novel machine learning-based approach to evaluate and predict their energy performance under different boundary conditions, without the need for expensive on-site experimentations

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on the use of machine learning algorithms for the evaluation of different VF configurations and allows for the prediction of the temperatures in the cavities and of the heat fluxes. The authors trained different regression algorithms and obtained low prediction errors, in particular for temperatures. The authors used such models to simulate the thermo-physical behavior of the VFs and determined the most energy-efficient design variant.

Findings

The authors found that regression trees allow for an accurate simulation of the thermal behavior of VFs. The authors also studied feature weights to determine the most relevant thermo-physical parameters. Finally, the authors determined the best design variant and the optimal air velocity in the cavity.

Originality/value

This study is unique in four main aspects: the thermo-dynamic analysis is performed under different thermal masses, positions of the cavity and geometries; the VFs are mated with a controlled ventilation system, used to parameterize the thermodynamic behavior under stepwise variations of the air inflow; temperatures and heat fluxes are predicted through machine learning models; the best configuration is determined through simulations, with no onerous in situ experimentations needed.
Does openness increase vulnerability to digital frauds? Observing social media digital footprints to analyse risk and legal factors for banks
Authors: Murthy Nilaya , Gopalkrishnan Santosh
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find out if there is a sequence or pattern to digital frauds and whether the openness quotient of any individual has a meaningful role to play in them becoming victims of digital frauds. The legal and regulatory angle of digital frauds and relief measures for social media openness and frauds are discussed to examine the connection between openness, identity data, visibility, vulnerability, digital frauds and social media sharing of information.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is empirical and investigative research. Primary data was collected via questionnaires circulated among participants from various age groups to understand the implications of different demographic factors such as age, websites used, profiles created and data shared on the internet, social media and e-commerce websites.

Findings

The results exhibit that the openness factor does affect vulnerability and has an influence on the risk and legal component of inclination towards digital frauds.

Practical implications

This research study results in bridging the gap by increasing the level of understanding and awareness in users toward achieving proactive and regulated behaviour and comprehending the violation of various acts of digital frauds and its implications, especially in the Indian banking sector.

Originality/value

This study will be beneficial to all individuals alike in understanding the implications of excessive openness toward digital platforms and evaluating generic and legal solutions to avoid becoming victims of digital fraud.
A time-varying impact of ageing population on the economy of Malaysia
Authors: Ong Hway-Boon , Mohd-Audi-Tye Sajiah Husna
Published: June 2022

Purpose

By 2040, 14.5% of Malaysia’s population will consist of those aged 65 years and above. The purpose of this paper is to examine the time-varying impact of an ageing population on the economy of Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between the ageing population and economic performance was examined from the period 1971–2019. The time-varying rolling convergence estimation of 40 + k observations sample frame of the trace statistics was analysed.

Findings

The ageing population had affected the economic activities in Malaysia over all sampling time frame from 1971 to 2010, 1972–2011, …to 1980–2019. The growth in total population and economic activities also caused a significant increase in the ageing population in the long run. An improved economic performance signifies the affordability for better healthcare services and improvement in medical science technology to treat diseases.

Originality/value

Its ageing population has gradually slow down economic activities in Malaysia. Now is the time to be prepared and address an ageing workforce issues such as productivity, retirement policy, savings behaviour and life-long learning capabilities.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-04-2021-0234.
Business customer experience in B2B2C service settings: a scale development
Authors: G. Rejikumar , Asokan-Ajitha Aswathy
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Business-to-business (B2B) relations will become more prevalent in many areas such as delivery services, based on current trends supporting e-commerce proliferation. In addition, hyperlocal e-commerce, which focuses on customers in a small geographic region, relies heavily on another business to handle the supply chain. Emerging trends in business to business to customer (B2B2C) experiences provide retailers with opportunities to develop strategies for better customer service. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a scale for measuring business customer experience in the B2B2C aggregator business model.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the psychometric scale development procedure, the researchers devised a 29-item, six-dimensional scale measuring business customer experience with the help of two cross-sectional studies. Restaurant managers who rely on delivery partners to serve their customers were surveyed twice. The authors validated a scale for assessing business customer experience using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.

Findings

Based on fit criteria, a higher-order formative structure was best suited to the scale. The dimensions identified were shared vision, interaction experience, end-customer focus, relationship experience, service experience and outcome focus. According to the study, business customer experience is more objective and utilitarian than existing paradigms on customer experience.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this research helps to understand the underpinnings behind the formation of business customer experience and attempt to bring transformative service research focus in the B2B2C trilogy as better experiences predict the well-being of members of the business centre in the B2B.

Practical implications

Practically, this research helps businesses to revisit their strategies for a better relationship with business partners for jointly offering an improved experience to the end customers.

Originality/value

This study explains a pioneer attempt to develop a scale for business customer experience in the context of B2B2C aggregator business models.
China’s OFDI support mechanisms in Germany: how governments can work together to promote SME internationalization, reduce liability of foreignness and contribute positively to society
Authors: Hänle Fabian , Weil Stefanie , Cambré Bart
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Nested within institutional theory and the political economy perspective, this study aims to examine Chinese outward foreign direct investments (OFDI)-supporting organizations and fostering mechanisms for its SMEs in Europe’s largest economy, Germany.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a multiple-case study to present rich insights from elite interviews with representatives of Chinese and German governmental organizations, intermediary parties and specialized OFDI consultants. In addition, the authors analyze secondary data such as presentations, websites, brochures, social media and recent Chinese OFDI policies for SMEs. The findings are triangulated by interviewing business owners and senior executives of seven Chinese SMEs that have invested in Germany.

Findings

Cooperating with Germany’s federal government, China’s ministries implemented an effective OFDI support network in Germany, which connects and benefits both economies. This includes Chinese governmental organizations, privately-held national champions, German–Chinese business associations and linked intermediary parties. These organizations support SMEs through four main mechanisms: networking and information, mutually beneficial knowledge transfer between innovation partners, lobbying for potential cooperation and an objective picture of Chinese OFDI and facilitating investment services.

Originality/value

This study advances OFDI theory and contributes to the growing discussion on the internationalization of Chinese SMEs by shedding light on China’s OFDI support organizations and mechanisms in the German market. The study also offers practical contributions. Understanding better how governments can spur internationalization is vital, as it determines the effectiveness of policymaking and fosters international mutual understanding, cultural exchange and firm growth and innovation (Ahlstrom, 2010), and hence ultimately contributes positively to society. Moreover, knowing the specific OFDI support organizations and measures China is currently adopting can serve as a helpful orientation for Chinese entrepreneurs who plan to invest in Germany.
Islamic social finance and commercial finance: a marriage made in heaven?
Authors: Tamanni Luqyan , Indra Indra , Syamlan Yaser Taufik , Priantina Anita
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to explore different forms and models of integration between Islamic commercial finance and social finance including the problem that arise as well as the solution of each of the models to promote inclusive economic growth. At the end of the paper, the authors have identified the strategy to execute and validate by the decision-makers.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach uses two methods which are Delphi and analytical network process (ANP). The authors conduct literature review and four rounds Delphi to construct the integration model, the problem and solution of each model, as well as the questionnaire of ANP. Moreover, using an ANP method, the authors conducted interviews with decision-makers in the areas of Islamic commercial finance as well as social finance, and analyzed the results to identify key models that would create inclusivity and quality of economic growth. To ensure credibility of the results, the authors selected the respondents based on their experience in the fields, as well as their unique perspectives that will complement the group as a whole.

Findings

After conducting the four rounds Delphi, the authors found five types of Islamic social and commercial integration which are the ownership, institutional, operational, bottom line and mandatory integration. Based on the analysis of the ANP result, the authors argue that all integration can help the country in attaining with the support of government in terms of making the integration as a vision as well as to push the education of social finance more to the stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study is among the emerging studies that explore operational aspects of integration of social and commercial finance within the context of inclusive growth strategy.
The influence of fused filament fabrication printing parameters on the mechanical properties of a thermoplastic elastomer
Authors: Ford Ryan R. , Pal Akhilesh Kumar , Brandon Scott C.E. , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The fused filament fabrication (FFF) process is an additive manufacturing technique used in engineering design. The mechanical properties of parts manufactured by FFF are influenced by the printing parameters. The mechanical properties of rigid thermoplastics for FFF are well defined, while thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are uncommonly investigated. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of extruder temperature, bed temperature and printing speed on the mechanical properties of a thermoplastic elastomer.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression models predicting mechanical properties as a function of extruder temperature, bed temperature and printing speed were developed. Tensile specimens were tested according to ASTM D638. A 3×3 full factorial analysis, consisting of 81 experiments and 27 printing conditions was performed, and models were developed in Minitab. Tensile tests verifying the models were conducted at two selected printing conditions to assess predictive capability.

Findings

Each mechanical property was significantly affected by at least two of the investigated FFF parameters, where printing speed and extruder temperature terms influenced all mechanical properties (p < 0.05). Notably, tensile modulus could be increased by 21%, from 200 to 244 MPa. Verification prints exhibited properties within 10% of the predictions. Not all properties could be maximized together, emphasizing the importance of understanding FFF parameter effects on mechanical properties when making design decisions.

Originality/value

This work developed a model to assess FFF parameter influence on mechanical properties of a previously unstudied thermoplastic elastomer and made property predictions within 10% accuracy.
Genetic diversity and population history of the Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) based on the genome‐wide analyses
Authors: Kishida Takushi , Ohashi Masataka , Komatsu Yosuke
Published: June 2022

The Japanese black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) is a subspecies of the Asian black bear endemic to Mainland Japan. It has been reported that the extant Japanese bear population is genetically differentiated into several geographically restricted clusters with an estimated divergence time of 100,000–500,000 years ago. The ancestral population of the Japanese black bear migrated from the continent to the Japanese archipelago in the Pleistocene, and no interaction between continental and Japanese bear populations after their migration has been speculated. However, most of the previous studies are based only on mitochondrial DNA. Here, we sequenced the genome of a Japanese black bear and compared it with that of other Ursus individuals to evaluate the genetic status of this subspecies. We suggest that the Japanese black bear population is genetically almost uniform and has been structured only in recent 30,000 years. This inconsistency between mitochondria and nuclear DNA may be explained by the female philopatry and male‐mediated gene flow of this species. We also suggest ancestral admixture between the Japanese black bear and the Ussuri black bear (Ursus thibetanus ussuricus), implying a complex history of inter‐subspecies interactions of the Japanese black bears. Genomic evidence of ancient admixture between the Asian black bear and the American black bear (Ursus americanus) sheds new light on the population history of the Asian black bears. The genetic diversity of the Japanese black bears is remarkably lower compared to thaother bear populations, and conservation of this subspecies is an urgent issue.
Ecology of Methanonatronarchaeia
Authors: Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Merkel Alexander Y. , Abbas Ben
Published: June 2022

Methanonatronarchaeia represents a deep‐branching phylogenetic lineage of extremely halo(alkali)philic and moderately thermophilic methyl‐reducing methanogens belonging to the phylum Halobacteriota. It includes two genera, the alkaliphilic Methanonatronarchaeum and the neutrophilic Ca. Methanohalarchaeum. The former is represented by multiple closely related pure culture isolates from hypersaline soda lakes, while the knowledge about the latter is limited to a few mixed cultures with anaerobic haloarchaea. To get more insight into the distribution and ecophysiology of this enigmatic group of extremophilic methanogens, potential activity tests and enrichment cultivation with different substrates and at different conditions were performed with anaerobic sediment slurries from various hypersaline lakes in Russia. Methanonatronarchaeum proliferated exclusively in hypersaline soda lake samples mostly at elevated temperature, while at mesophilic conditions it coexisted with the extremely salt‐tolerant methylotroph Methanosalsum natronophilum. Methanonatronarchaeum was also able to serve as a methylotrophic or hydrogenotrophic partner in several thermophilic enrichment cultures with fermentative bacteria. Ca. Methanohalarchaeum did not proliferate at mesophilic conditions and at thermophilic conditions it competed with extremely halophilic and moderately thermophilic methylotroph Methanohalobium, which it outcompeted at a combination of elevated temperature and methyl‐reducing conditions. Overall, the results demonstrated that Methanonatronarchaeia are specialized extremophiles specifically proliferating in conditions of elevated temperature coupled with extreme salinity and simultaneous availability of a wide range of C1‐methylated compounds and H2/formate.
Redetermination of the Depositional Age of the Haerdaban Group in the Northern Margin of the Yili Block, Western Tianshan, NW China: Implications for Regional Tectonics and Pb‐Zn Mineralization
Authors: WANG Jialin , GU Xuexiang , XU Jingchi , ZHANG Yongmei , PENG Yiwei , LU Liangtao
Published: June 2022

The Yili Block in the Western Tianshan orogen is a key area for understanding the early crustal formation and evolution of the Central Asian orogenic belt, due to the widely‐distributed Precambrian rocks. Also, it hosts a lot of medium– to large‐scale sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) Pb‐Zn deposits that mainly occur in Proterozoic metamorphosed clastic‐carbonate rocks. In this study, LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb analyses were carried out on detrital zircons in siltstones of the Precambrian Haerdaban Group in the Haerdaban Pb‐Zn deposit and magmatic zircons in the diorite dyke that cuts through the strata and orebodies. The maximum depositional age of the siltstones was determined to be about 604 Ma, the diorite having formed at approximately 500 Ma. As such, the Haerdaban Group was most likely formed in the Neoproterozoic Sinian, rather than the previously considered Mesoproterozoic Changchengian. Detrital materials of the Haerdaban Group were mostly derived from the Nanhua–Sinian mafic dykes and granitic rocks around Lake Sayram at the northern margin of the Yili Block. It is proposed that the Yili Block, together with the Kazakhstan and Central Tianshan blocks and the Tarim Craton, might all pertain to the same Rodinia supercontinent, which has great potential for targeting large to super‐large SEDEX Pb‐Zn deposits.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infections after male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery: A 10‐year experience
Authors: Stizzo Marco , Manfredi Celeste , Spirito Lorenzo , Sciorio Carmine , Romero Otero Javier , Martinez Salamanca Juan Ignacio , Crocetto Felice , Verze Paolo , Imbimbo Ciro , Fusco Ferdinando , De Sio Marco , Arcaniolo Davide
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Several urological conditions that share an impairment of tissue oxygenation can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy; limited evidence is available of its impact on patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infections in patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery.

Methods

This research was conducted as an observational retrospective study. Patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery at the principal investigators’ institution from January 2009 to September 2019, with a discharge diagnosis of complicated superficial or deep wound infections, were included. All patients underwent standard management of wound infection. Subjects received/not‐received hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the surgeon's discretion and were assigned to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy versus non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group accordingly. Complete wound healing rate (primary outcome), duration of antibiotic therapy, perineal drain time, bladder catheter time, and hospital stay were recorded. All adverse events that occurred during the study period were described.

Results

A total of 156 patients underwent male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery in the study period. Thirty‐three patients were enrolled. Fifteen subjects belonged to the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group, the other 18 to the non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups at baseline. Penile inversion vaginoplasty and intestinal vaginoplasty were performed in nine (60%) and six (40%) patients of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group. Only penile inversion vaginoplasty was performed in subjects of the non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group. Complete wound healing was obtained in 15 patients (100%) of the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group and 17 patients (94.4%) of the non‐hyperbaric oxygen therapy group (p = 0.35). Duration of antibiotic therapy, perineal drain time, bladder catheter time, and hospital stay were significantly lower in the hyperbaric oxygen therapy group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our preliminary data suggest a role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant treatment for surgical site infection in patients undergoing male‐to‐female gender affirmation surgery. Randomized controlled trials properly powered are needed to confirm our findings.
Six‐year‐old children had greater risks of functional gastrointestinal disorders if their parents had mental health conditions
Authors: Heuckendorff Signe , Johansen Martin Nygård , Overgaard Charlotte , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Thomsen Janus Laust , Fonager Kirsten
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study examined any associations between parents' mental health conditions and hospital diagnoses of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in offspring at the age of six. We also examined any associations between children who met these criteria and attended routine Danish preventive child health appointments.

Methods

Nationwide registers identified all children born in Denmark from 2000 to 2011 and parents' mental health conditions. Negative binomial regression analyses estimated the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of children receiving their first hospital diagnosis for an FGID at the age of six.

Results

We identified 750,379 children and 38% had at least one parent with a mental health condition: 24% were minor, 12% were moderate, and 2% were severe. These children faced a higher risk of an FGID diagnosis than children whose parents did not have mental health conditions. The IRRs were highest for maternal exposure: minor (1.35, 95% CI 1.29–1.42), moderate (1.58, 95% CI 1.48–1.67) and severe (1.58, 95% CI 1.38–1.81). Attending routine preventive child health examinations was associated with a higher risk of FGIDs associated with parents' mental health conditions.

Conclusion

Paediatric FGIDs were associated with parents' mental health conditions, especially mothers, and attending routine preventive child health examinations.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of breastfeeding and later overweight or obesity expands on previous study for World Health Organization
Authors: Horta Bernardo Lessa , Rollins Nigel , Dias Mariane S. , Garcez Valquiria , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: June 2022

Aim

To update a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association of breastfeeding with overweight or obesity that had been commissioned by the World Health Organization. We also assessed the likelihood of residual confounding.

Methods

Two independent reviewers searched MEDLINE, LILACS and Web of Science for manuscripts published between August 2014 and May 2021. Studies that only evaluated infants were excluded. Random‐effects models were used to pool the estimates.

Results

The review comprised 159 studies with 169 estimates on the association of breastfeeding with overweight or obesity, and most of the studies were carried out among individuals aged 1–9 years (n = 130). Breastfeeding protected against overweight or obesity (pooled odds ratio:0.73, 95% confidence interval:0.71; 0.76). And, even among the 19 studies that were less susceptible to publication bias, residual confounding and misclassification, a benefit was observed (pooled odds ratio:0.85, 95% confidence interval:0.77; 0.93). Among those studies that were clearly susceptible to positive confounding by socioeconomic status, a benefit of breastfeeding was observed even after adjusting for socioeconomic status (pooled odds ratio:0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.69; 0.83).

Conclusion

Breastfeeding reduced the odds of overweight or obesity, and this association was unlikely to be due to publication bias and residual confounding.
The development of early numeracy in deaf and hard of hearing children acquiring spoken language
Authors: Shusterman Anna , Peretz‐Lange Rebecca , Berkowitz Talia , Carrigan Emily
Published: June 2022

Most deaf and hard‐of‐hearing (DHH) children are born to hearing parents and steered toward spoken rather than signed language, introducing a delay in language access. This study investigated the effects of this delay on number acquisition. DHH children (N = 44, meanage = 58 months, 21F, >50% White) and typically‐hearing (TH) children (N = 79, meanage = 49 months, 51F, >50% White) were assessed on number and language in 2011–13. DHH children showed similar trajectories to TH children but delayed timing; a binary logistic regression showed that the odds of being a cardinal‐principle (CP) knower were 17 times higher for TH children than DHH children, controlling for age (d = .69). Language fully mediated the association between deaf/hearing group and number knowledge, suggesting that language access sets the pace for number acquisition.
Spatiotemporal habitat use of large African herbivores across a conservation border
Authors: de Jonge Inger K. , Olff Han , Wormmeester Remo , Veldhuis Michiel P.
Published: June 2022

The rapid expansion of human populations in East Africa increases human‐wildlife interactions, particularly along borders of protected areas (PAs). This development calls for a better understanding of how human‐modified landscapes facilitate or exclude wildlife in savannas and whether these effects change through time. Here, we used camera traps to compare the distribution of 13 large herbivore species in Serengeti National Park with adjacent village lands used by livestock and people at both seasonal and diel cycle scales. The results show that body weight and feeding guild predict habitat use. Smaller sized grazers and mixed‐feeders occurred more in village lands than larger herbivores. Across seasons, mixed‐feeders and large browsers used edge areas year‐round, while grazers were largely excluded during the dry season. At the diel cycle scale, wild herbivores' activity shifts towards the night in village lands compared to the protected area. A closer look revealed that wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) and zebra (Equus quagga) mainly used village lands from pre‐dusk to midnight when pastoralists and their livestock were absent. Wildebeest and zebra activity in village lands peaked around dusk, which overlapped with peaks in predator activity. These results suggest that edge areas of PAs can provide valuable habitat to native herbivores. Intensive use of village lands by grazing herbivores during the wet season – particularly at night – suggests grazers benefit from high‐quality grazing lawns and increased safety from predators during part of the year. Herbivores that (also) forage on browse can benefit year‐round from both food availability and decreased predation risk. We further note that excluding nighttime observations in similar studies may underestimate the use of edge areas by wildlife. Understanding how edge areas fit into the risk‐resource landscape will help identify the unique benefits of edge areas to wildlife and promote coexistence of people and wildlife around protected areas.