bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UPMRC: rewriting the success story of Lucknow Metro during Covid-19 crisis
Authors: Saxena Anupam , Tripathi Shalini Nath , Singh Swadesh Kumar
Published: November 2022

Learning outcomes

After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to understand the following aspects:▪ how good strategic planning can convert a crisis into an opportunity;▪ importance of service excellence and customer satisfaction through customer delight and customer feedback; and▪ utilisation of resources and excellent time management strategies.

Case overview/synopsis

This case discusses how vital teamwork and motivated leadership can convert a crisis such as Covid-19 into an opportunity. This case study talks about Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC), a metro rail corporation working to develop metro trains in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The case discusses how challenging it was for the metro rail corporation to transform its processes in a short period and deal with the crisis on major fronts such as facilities maintenance, human resource management, ensuring safety and security of its staff and riders, motivation of staff, service quality and maintaining all operational aspects. The case discusses how UPMRC is a leader on all fronts and has excelled in its operational work. It talks about what challenges the lockdown and unlocking phase posed in front of the leadership and how teamwork, dedication to exemplary service quality and customer satisfaction gave the team the strength to make changes that improved their processes and helped them overcome the crisis.The case starts with a discussion of metro rail inception and incorporation of UPMRC and then how this newly formed metro has to face the challenges of pre-lockdown period where the team worked very hard for sanitisation and safety. The lockdown created a completely different set of challenges related to the facilities and the entire metro train systems, which was a difficult situation to deal because of restrictions and other challenges. However, the team dealt with situations with strength and strategic planning, leading to better managed processes and staff. The unlocking phase also gave many challenges that the team handled with a lot of care and efficiency.

Complexity academic level

This case is suitable for post-graduate-level courses on services marketing, service operations management, general management, crisis management and strategic management. Participants can use the case to develop an understanding of strategic planning and management.This case can also be used in the executive education program for managers to encourage them to think through challenges faced by metro rail corporations.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject Code

CSS 10: Public Sector Management.
A new digital literacy framework to mitigate misinformation in social media infodemic
Authors: Anthonysamy Lilian , Sivakumar Pravina
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine how digital literacy competency can mitigate misinformation in social media among young adults. In recent years, concerns over misinformation have triggered a renewed interest in the aspect of digital literacy. Many young adults in Malaysia are not able to differentiate between real news and fake news. Although there are plenty of studies examining fake news, studies examining the mitigation of misinformation through the lens of digital literacy are still rudimentary.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a quantitative approach by conducting a cross-sectional survey among university students in Malaysia to examine how their digital literacy competency influences misinformation. The sample size was estimated GPower software. A total of 134 respondents between the age of 19 and 25 were sampled because young adults in this age group tend to show little difference in their digital literacy level. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the proposed model.

Findings

The study results reveal that two of the three domains of digital literacy competence, technical literacy and cognitive literacy, have a positive association in reducing misinformation among university students; however, socio-emotional literacy has the opposite effect. Additionally, the survey also explicates that hedonic motivation helps in misinformation mitigation, whereas habit does not.

Originality/value

Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature by revealing how digital literacy can help in identifying misinformation masquerading as valid information through proper verification and analysis, especially in the digital age where everyone is susceptible to misinformation. The results of the study also contribute to the development of a new digital literacy framework that can cultivate a digitally literate generation who can navigate the informational landscape smartly and therefore distinguish between facts and fake news.
The quality of life in an urban innovation ecosystem: analyzing talents’ perception in Southern Brazil
Authors: Foguesatto Cristian Rogério , Volkmer Martins Bibiana , Tavares da Silveira Fabiane Aparecida , Faccin Kadígia , Balestrin Alsones
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Talented people with interpersonal skills and competencies are pivotal for creating knowledge, innovation and organizational effectiveness, contributing to local development. In this regard, the quality of life is a critical factor in attracting and retaining talented people in any region. This study aims to analyze talents’ perception of the quality of life in an urban innovation ecosystem. This study considers talents to be the students from Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes 263 students from three of the country’s most important universities located in the city of Porto Alegre in southern Brazil. This study examines the data using principal component analysis and cluster techniques.

Findings

The results indicate five clusters. The “Love for the city” and the “Mixed” ones portray high levels of a sense of belonging to the city, but differ, for example, in their perception on city infrastructure. Conversely, both the “Worried about education” and the “Worried about commercial services” ones express low levels of a sense of belonging in the city. The “Security” cluster portrays the highest level on security issues in the city. The cluster analyses provide detailed information on the factors valued by talents in urban innovation ecosystems.

Originality/value

To date, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first that uses cluster techniques to measure talents’ perception of the quality of life in an urban innovation ecosystem. The findings contribute to mapping talents’ perception and building profiles which may support the development of policies and programs to attract and retain qualified people in innovation ecosystems.
Risk-managed time-series momentum: an emerging economy experience
Authors: Singh Simarjeet , Walia Nidhi , Bekiros Stelios , Gupta Arushi , Kumar Jigyasu , Mishra Amar Kumar
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This research study aims to design a novel risk-managed time-series momentum approach. The present study also examines the time-series momentum effect in the Indian equity market. Apart from this, the study also proposes a novel risk-managed time-series momentum approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considers the adjusted monthly closing prices of the stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange from January 1996 to December 2020 to formulate long-short portfolios. Newey–West t statistics were used to test the significance of momentum returns. The present research has considered standard risk factors, i.e. market, size and value, to evaluate the risk-adjusted performance of time-series momentum portfolios.

Findings

The present research reports a substantial absolute momentum effect in the Indian equity market. However, absolute momentum strategies are exposed to occasional severe losses. The proposed time-series momentum approach not only yields 2.5 times higher return than the standard time-series momentum approach but also causes substantial enhancement in downside risks and higher-order moments.

Practical implications

The study's outcomes offer valuable insights for professional investors, capital market regulators and asset management companies.

Originality/value

This study is one of the pioneers attempting to test the time-series momentum effect in emerging economies. Besides, current research contributes to the escalating literature on risk-managed momentum by suggesting a novel revised time-series momentum approach.
Modeling factors affecting the interests of the container terminal using fuzzy cognitive map and fuzzy DEMATEL
Authors: Khajeh Fatemeh , Shahbandarzadeh Hamid
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Because container terminals (CTs) are broker organizations, their interest has complex, various internal and external factors, the purpose of this study is to scrutiny and structure the factors affecting the interests of the CT.

Design/methodology/approach

In terms of purpose, this study is a developmental study that, are identified the factors related to the interests of the CT through studying the library and interviewing experts and then the degree of influence of each factor on each other by using the interview with experts of CT in Bushehr province are determined. Then, the fuzzy DEMATEL method is used to calculate the feedback loop of the indicators, and then the matrix obtained Fcmapper software and the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) is drawn.

Findings

According to the FCM analysis, three important factors are centrality identified in terms of attracting capital, quality of service and efficiency. In addition, there are three factors, attracting capital, operator performance and law have high outdegree.

Originality/value

This research has identified 34 effective indicators of CT interests and evaluated their relationship with FCM. In the available researches, all these indicators measurement has not been evaluated together. Furthermore, fuzzy DEMATEL has been used to evaluate self-loops. Another contribution of this research is the introduction of a strategic route as a roadmap for CT managers in Bushehr province to decide on the interests of a CT.
Blockchain's potential for waste management in textile industry
Authors: Dursun Elif , Ulker Yasemin , Gunalay Yavuz
Published: November 2022

Purpose

All supply chains must address waste management since it is a crucial step toward a sustainable world. This article aims to analyze the potential of blockchain technology in waste management by focusing on the textile sector, which is one of the polluting industries. The study's main objective is to realize businesses' waste management practices and sustainability initiatives and then to comprehend how practitioners perceive the implementation of blockchain technology to waste management.

Design/methodology/approach

The waste management procedures and actors' perceptions of blockchain technology are examined using a qualitative study approach that adopts an in-depth interview methodology. The collected data is analyzed by a qualitative analysis software (e.g. MAXQDA).

Findings

Findings of the study show that blockchain technology is still in its infancy and needs to be communicated to the actors of the sector. The technology has low potential due to the barriers it faces during the development phase. However, it is considered to be an important technological development for the textile sector stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study is important to notice at what stage the waste management practices and how to develop better with modern technologies like blockchain. Blockchain technology has essential potential for supply chains, but sustainability concerns are becoming a major issue to be solved. Waste management is therefore an important subject to be analyzed and provided with innovative solutions that will contribute to sustainability efforts. To the author's best knowledge, this is the first attempt to comprehend the potential of blockchain in the textile industry in terms of waste management.
Is it time to clean up US tax-exempt nonprofit reporting?
Authors: Gamble Edward N. , Muñoz Pablo , Fox Kenneth A.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

US tax-exempt nonprofits are chronically underdeveloped when it comes to reporting, communicating and comparing the value they create. This paper aims to explore an approach to address these reporting and disclosure issues, for the purpose of sustainability and impact.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors ask and then answer: is it time to clean up US tax-exempt nonprofit reporting? Second, the authors develop a theoretical argument, based on commensuration of impact, for a specific tax-exempt integrated report (IR), to compare the value of tax-exempt nonprofits. Third, this study offers an example of this tax-exempt IR in practice.

Findings

First, this study evidences the need for a drastic shift in the expectations and reporting practices of US tax-exempt nonprofits. Second, this study offers an IR framework that responds to recent scholarly calls to address organizational accountability boundaries and impact assessment in the nonprofit sector. Third, this contributes to sustainability policy conversation by mapping out an approach that US tax-exempt nonprofits could deploy to speed up the implementation of sustainable solutions (Sustainable Development Goal [SDG] 17).

Practical implications

This study contributes to sustainability conversation by closing with a discussion of why policymakers, managers and scholars should continue to push for maximum impact from US tax-exempt nonprofits. If addressing the UN SDGs is a desired outcome, then there is an immediate need for change in the way US nonprofits report what they do. This study suggests that learning from the European Union reporting practices and regulations will facilitate a move toward improved reliability, comparability and impact from US nonprofits.

Social implications

The aim of this paper was to present a disclosure framework that provides reliable and comparable information of the value created by tax-exempt nonprofits. This principle-based framework is rooted in the IR literature and extends into the prosocial world of tax-exempt nonprofits, recognizing that is it goes farther than simply being a framework; it is a social process.

Originality/value

This paper responds to recent calls for more oversight and comparison disclosure mechanisms of US tax-exempt nonprofits, for the purpose of reducing social or environmental inequality. The framework makes an important contribution to the field of sustainability accounting, in that it promotes a principle-based approach for measuring and regulating tax-exempt nonprofits, in a way that motivates oversight and comparison of sustainability-related practices.
Reproductive aspects and pollination biology in endoparasiticPilostyles thurberi(Apodanthaceae)
Authors: Ortega‐González Pactli F. , Rios‐Carrasco Sandra , Mandujano María C. , Sánchez Daniel , Vázquez‐Santana Sonia
Published: November 2022

Biotic pollination is typically a mutualism between plants and their pollinators, where each partner receives a benefit. However, plants can resort to various reproductive strategies to attract pollinators. Within angiosperms, a group of plants known as endoparasites is comprised of only flowers or inflorescences. These plants exhibit various reproductive strategies, such as different sexual systems and attractants, and most are dependent on animals for pollination. In the endoparasitic plants of the family Apodanthaceae, unisexual flowers are predominant, resulting in dependence on pollinators.Pilostyles thurberiis characterized by small flowers, but limited information exists about its reproductive strategies. This study investigated various reproductive aspects ofP. thurberi. We described and compared its hosts, sexual flower arrangement, floral concentration, rewards, and reproductive success in different populations. Furthermore, we determined whether the floral display operates as an attractant by monitoring pollinators for two years. Our results revealed thatP. thurberihas unisexual flowers with male, female, and mixed sex arrangements. Bees and wasps are the effective pollinators and are attracted by the floral display independently of flower sex. This study was the first to record the production of small amounts of crystallized nectar by the nectary disk of both floral sexes. Moreover, the findings were compared with those of other endoparasitic plants, such as Cytinaceae, Mitrastemonaceae, Rafflesiaceae, and other Apodanthaceae. It is necessary to continue studying the plant–pollinator interactions and reproductive strategies of parasitic plants such as Apodanthaceae, since not much evidence on how they reproduce and survive in the wild exists.
Teaching inclusive and special education during theCOVID‐19 pandemic: needed support for learning and research of effects on teachers and students
Authors: Kauffman James M. , Badar Jeanmarie , Hallenbeck Betty , Lopes Joao
Published: November 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic drastically altered K‐12 teaching and learning and is likely to affect the students' and teachers' futures. This is true for both general and special education. Lingering, long‐term issues will affect teachers and students at all levels of education. However, ‘silver linings’ of the pandemic might nudge education into better practices. Reliable quantitative research of the pandemic's effects is needed, and this includes research of new supports for learning.
Screening and evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi against the bean bug, Riptortus pedestris using multiple tools
Authors: Win Thida , Lee Jin Yong , Woo Ra Mi , Woo Soo Dong
Published: November 2022

The bean bug Riptortus pedestris causes major damage to soybean and has become a serious problem due to its high resistance to insecticides. To address this problem, this study aimed to select the most effective entomopathogenic fungi for the control of R. pedestris. Selection was performed through the evaluation of virulence, thermotolerance, and UV‐B tolerance of fungal isolates against R. pedestris and conidial production on grain medium. The pathogenicity of 30 Beauveria bassiana isolates and 30 Metarhizium anisopliae isolates was evaluated, and pathogenicity was confirmed in all but 3 isolates of B. bassiana. Among the 57 isolates, 11 exhibited high virulence. Of these 11 isolates, B. bassiana JB13G1W1 and M. anisopliae CB6T1G1 and JB12R3G1 showed the highest virulence of more than 80%. The conidial production of all fungal isolates in millet grain medium was good, ranging from 108 to 109 conidia/g. The UV‐B tolerance and thermotolerance of the 57 isolates varied according to the isolate, and those of M. anisopliae isolates were slightly higher than those of B. bassiana. As a result of comparative evaluation of the virulence, conidial production, thermotolerance, and UV‐B tolerance of fungal isolates, B. bassiana JB13G1W1 and M. anisopliae CB6T1G1 and JB12R3G1 were selected as excellent fungal isolates for the control of R. pedestris. Among them, B. bassiana JB13G1W1 showed the highest virulence, with LC50 and LT50 values of 7.86 × 105 conidia/mL and 5.24 days at 108 conidia/mL, respectively. The most effective growth stage to control R. pedestris with B. bassiana JB13G1W1 was 2nd‐instar nymphs.
Enhancing tellurite and selenite bioconversions by overexpressing a methyltransferase from Aromatoleum sp. CIB
Authors: Alonso‐Fernandes Elena , Fernández‐Llamosas Helga , Cano Irene , Serrano‐Pelejero Cristina , Castro Laura , Díaz Eduardo , Carmona Manuel
Published: November 2022

Pollution by metalloids, e.g., tellurite and selenite, is of serious environmental concern and, therefore, there is an increasing interest in searching for ecologically friendly solutions for their elimination. Some microorganisms are able to reduce toxic tellurite/selenite into less toxic elemental tellurium (Te) and selenium (Se). Here, we describe the use of the environmentally relevant β‐proteobacterium Aromatoleum sp. CIB as a platform for tellurite elimination. Aromatoleum sp. CIB was shown to tolerate 0.2 and 0.5 mM tellurite at aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the CIB strain was able to reduce tellurite into elemental Te producing rod‐shaped Te nanoparticles (TeNPs) of around 200 nm length. A search in the genome of Aromatoleum sp. CIB revealed the presence of a gene, AzCIB_0135, which encodes a new methyltransferase that methylates tellurite and also selenite. AzCIB_0135 orthologs are widely distributed in bacterial genomes. The overexpression of the AzCIB_0135 gene both in Escherichia coli and Aromatoleum sp. CIB speeds up tellurite and selenite removal, and it enhances the production of rod‐shaped TeNPs and spherical Se nanoparticles (SeNPs), respectively. Thus, the overexpression of a methylase becomes a new genetic strategy to optimize bacterial catalysts for tellurite/selenite bioremediation and for the programmed biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles of biotechnological interest.
Assessing flood mitigation, management, and enforcement using insurance data, California and the USA
Authors: Kalman Naomi , Pinter Nicholas , Schaefer Kathleen
Published: November 2022

Previous research found that National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums collected in some U.S. states, including California, have far exceeded damage payments. However, this finding raises the question of whether such an imbalance represents systematically good flood management or, instead, merely short‐term hydrologic good luck. This study investigated patterns in flood losses on structures that pre‐date and post‐date the first available flood maps (“pre‐Flood Insurance Rate Map [FIRM]” vs. “post‐FIRM”) in California, several peer states, and nationwide. California has a larger inheritance of pre‐FIRM structures than the national average, apparently reflecting development during the latter half of the 20th Century but before most Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps. Pre‐FIRM properties are a disproportionate cost burden on the system, and the number of pre‐FIRM policies has declined over time, but only slowly. Local patterns in pre‐FIRM claims suggest targeted areas for enhanced mitigation efforts, including buyouts. Conversely, we find that claims on post‐FIRM policies are a reasonable metric of good floodplain management and enforcement, and California's 38% of post‐FIRM policies generated just 24% of the state's NFIP claims. Local “post‐FIRM claim hotspots” suggest areas to examine more closely. California continues to be a net payer into the National Flood Insurance Program, with $102 million in payouts 2009–2018 versus $2.3 billion in premiums collected, or 4.5 cents of premiums collected for every dollar of premiums. In California, its peer states, and nationwide, future management of flood risk depends on: (1) continued investment in flood control and mitigation of existing floodplain structures, and (2) prudent planning and limitations on new floodplain and coastal development.
Solidarity exclusions: Problematizing kinship and humanitarianism from the perspective of transnational adoption
Authors: Marre Diana , Leinaweaver Jessaca
Published: November 2022

What is, or should be, the role of solidarity within the (transnationally adoptive) family? In Spain, solidaridad is a prized value in family life, political organization, and humanitarian action, yet adoption professionals actively discouraged its use as a motivation for transnational adoption. This article offers a genealogy of the concept of solidaridad, a consideration of its enduring currency in kinship discourse in Spain, and a critical analysis of case studies from our respective research projects. We show that kinship and humanitarianism are considered very differently in terms of their temporalities and entailments—the terms, and specificities, of their engagements. We argue that solidaridad’s multivocality within the transnational adoptive family context has broader significance for kinship, both adoptive and nonadoptive, as well as for social and political engagement across inequality. Solidaridad’s exclusions from transnational adoption reveal how kinship and humanitarianism both involve the work of identifying, accommodating, and resolving social difference.
Layers of honesty: Postcolonial feminism and ethical research relationships post‐pandemic
Authors: Barei‐Guyot Isis
Published: November 2022

This paper builds on conversations surrounding decolonising research and feminist research ethics to reflect on the ways in which researchers can take a more ethical approach to research partnerships in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Drawing on principles of postcolonial feminist ethnography, it is proposed that researchers should (1) reflect on their own motivations behind their research in order to (2) understand the balance of power within research relationships through continual reflexivity and (3) ensure that a collaborative methodology is used to the extent possible and that appropriate methods are chosen to challenge uneven balances of power in research relationships. Researchers must commit to ethical changes as individuals in order to break down power imbalances in research relationships and support the decolonisation of research. The magnitude of this change is acknowledged, but the COVID‐19 pandemic has shown that we are capable of change on a scale we previously thought impossible.
What can be achieved with online intergroup contact interventions? Assessing long‐term attitude, knowledge, and behaviour change
Authors: Schumann Sandy , Moore Ysanne
Published: November 2022

Previous studies demonstrated that when individuals interact with outgroup members on social media, in online games, or through (a)synchronous chats, prejudice is reduced. Evaluations of real‐world interventions, however, did not consistently confirm the positive impact of online intergroup contact. We advance the literature and investigate whether participation in a global online intergroup contact program predicts lower prejudice as well as increased outgroup knowledge, confidence, and tendencies to take collective action on behalf of outgroup members. We also assess if the quantity of online intergroup contact moderates developments of the outcome measures over time. Applying a pre‐post design, participants (N= 547) completed surveys before and after the intervention. One follow‐up survey was, depending on the program cohort, administered with a delay of six, 12, and 18 months. Throughout the intervention, prejudice decreased, and collective action tendencies, outgroup knowledge, as well as confidence in one's ability to communicate in intercultural environments increased. These trends were maintained for up to 18 months after program completion. Changes in attitude, knowledge, confidence, or collective action tendencies did not differ systematically between a four‐weeks and an eight‐weeks module. We conclude that online intergroup contact is a powerful tool to promote harmonious intergroup relations at scale.
Implementation of pharmacogenomics: Where are we now?
Authors: Medwid Samantha , Kim Richard B.
Published: November 2022

Pharmacogenomics (PGx), examining the effect of genetic variation on interpatient variation in drug disposition and response, has been widely studied for several decades. However, as cost, as well as turnaround time associated with PGx testing, has significantly improved, the use of PGx in the clinical setting has been gaining momentum. Nevertheless, challenges have emerged in the broader clinical implementation of PGx. In this review, we will outline current models of PGx delivery and methodologies of evaluation, and discuss clinically relevant PGx tests and associated medications. Additionally, we will describe our approach for the broad implementation of pre‐emptive DPYD genotyping in patients taking fluoropyrimidines in Ontario, Canada, as an example of clinically actionable PGx testing with sufficient clinical evidence of patient benefit that can become a new standard of patient care. We will highlight challenges associated with PGx testing, including a lack of diversity in PGx studies as well as general limitations that impact the broad adoption of PGx testing. Lastly, we examine the future of PGx, discussing new clinical targets, methodologies and analysis approaches.
Narcissism and the Lure of Grandiosity Over Reality: Reflections on a Narcissistic Inhibition in Creativity
Authors: Mann David
Published: November 2022

This article explores a creative inhibition where, in order to preserve a grandiose artistic fantasy, actual engagement with the creative process is avoided. The inhibition seems linked to some forms of narcissism. These individuals value artistic production, wish to be great artists themselves, but have severe difficulties engaging with the creative process. Attention is drawn to Ovid's account of Narcissus whose awareness of himself only comes about as he disturbs the water and his reflection is fragmented and disappears. This shattering of the perfect image is described as a potential narcissistic wound inflicted on a fantasy of artistic grandeur. The inhibition is illustrated with literary examples from the writing of Honore de Balzac and Henry James, and further explored with clinical material with clients with a creative inhibition. A comparison is made with Winnicott's idea of dissociative fantasy. It is suggested that successful creative activity requires a negative capability (Keats, 1817), a secondary process that gives coherence to creative endeavour to produce an aesthetic resonance. The narcissistic individuals discussed here seem to lack this negative capability leading to an experience which inflicts a massive narcissistic wound if they try to engage with the creative process.
Peptide‐based diagnostic and therapeutic agents: Where we are and where we are heading?
Authors: Khalily Melek P. , Soydan Medine
Published: November 2022

Peptides are increasingly present in all branches of medicine as innovative drugs, imaging agents, theragnostic, and constituent moieties of other sophisticated drugs such as peptide‐drug conjugates. Due to new developments in chemical synthesis strategies, computational biology, recombinant technology, and chemical biology, peptide drug development has made a great progress in the last decade. Numerous natural peptides and peptide mimics have been obtained and studied, covering multiple therapeutic areas. Even though peptides have been investigated across the wide therapeutic spectrum, oncology, metabolism, and endocrinology are the most frequent medical indications of them. This review summarizes the current use of and the emerging new opportunities of peptides for diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Modeling the power of acoustic monitoring to predict bat fatalities at wind turbines
Authors: Voigt Christian C. , Scherer Cedric , Runkel Volker
Published: November 2022

Large numbers of bats are killed at wind turbines worldwide. To formulate mitigation measures such as curtailment, recent approaches relate the acoustic activity of bats around reference turbines to casualties to extrapolate fatality rates at turbines where only acoustic surveys are conducted. Here, we modeled how sensitive this approach is when spatial distributions of bats vary within the rotor‐swept zone, and when the coverage of acoustic monitoring deteriorates, for example, with increasing turbine size. The predictive power of acoustic surveys was high for uniform or random distributions of bats. A concentration of bat passes around the nacelle or at the lower portion of the risk zone caused an overestimation of bat activity when ultrasonic microphones were pointed downwards at the nacelle. Conversely, a concentration of bat passes at the edge or at the top portion of the risk zone caused an underestimation of bat activity. These effects increased as the coverage of the acoustic monitoring decreased. Extrapolated fatality rates may not necessarily match with real conditions without knowledge of the spatial distribution of bats, particularly when the risk zone is poorly covered by acoustic monitoring, when spatial distributions are skewed and when turbines are large or frequencies of echolocating bats high. We argue that the predictive power of acoustic surveys is sufficiently strong for nonrandom or nonuniform distributions when validated by carcass searches and by complementary studies on the spatial distribution of bats at turbines.
Immune‐mediated diseases involving central and peripheral nervous systems
Authors: Leboyan Aurelie , Esselin Florence , Bascou Anne‐Laure , Duflos Claire , Ion Ioana , Charif Mahmoud , Castelnovo Giovanni , Carra‐Dalliere Clarisse , Ayrignac Xavier , Kerschen Philippe , Chbicheb Mohamed , Nguyen Ludovic , Maria Alexandre T. J. , Guilpain Philippe , Carriere Mathilde , de Champfleur Nicolas Menjot , Vincent Thierry , Jentzer Alexandre , Labauge Pierre , Devaux Jérôme J. , Taieb Guillaume
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

In addition to combined central and peripheral demyelination, other immune diseases could involve both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Methods

To identify immune‐mediated diseases responsible for symptomatic combined central/peripheral nervous system involvement (ICCPs), we conducted a multicentric retrospective study and assessed clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological features of patients fulfilling our ICCP criteria.

Results

Thirty patients (20 males) were included and followed during a median of 79.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 43–145). The median age at onset was 51.5 years (IQR = 39–58). Patients were assigned to one of four groups: (i) monophasic disease with concomitant CNS/PNS involvement including anti‐GQ1b syndrome (acute polyradiculoneuropathy + rhombencephalitis,n = 2), checkpoint inhibitor‐related toxicities (acute polyradiculoneuropathy + encephalitis,n = 3), and anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (subacute polyradiculoneuropathy and meningoencephalomyelitis with linear gadolinium enhancements,n = 2); (ii) chronic course with concomitant CNS/PNS involvement including paraneoplastic syndromes (ganglionopathy/peripheral hyperexcitability + limbic encephalitis,n = 4); (iii) chronic course with sequential CNS/PNS involvement including POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes) syndrome (polyradiculoneuropathy + strokes,n = 2), histiocytosis (polyradiculoneuropathy + lepto‐/pachymeningitis,n = 1), and systemic vasculitis (multineuropathy + CNS vasculitis/pachymeningitis,n = 2); and (iv) chronic course with concomitant or sequential CNS/PNS involvement including combined central and peripheral demyelination (polyradiculoneuropathy + CNS demyelinating lesions,n = 10) and connective tissue diseases (ganglionopathy/radiculopathy/multineuropathy + limbic encephalitis/transverse myelitis/stroke,n = 4).

Conclusions

We diagnosed nine ICCPs. The timing of central and peripheral manifestations and the disease course help determine the underlying immune disease. When antibody against neuroglial antigen is identified, CNS and PNS involvement is systematically concomitant, suggesting a common CNS/PNS antigen and a simultaneous disruption of blood–nerve and blood–brain barriers.
Factors influencing life satisfaction: Role of physical fitness, body satisfaction, and shopping
Authors: Yoo Jeong‐Ju , Lee Sae Eun
Published: November 2022

The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between physical activity, body satisfaction, psychological distress, and life satisfaction. In addition, the effects of impulse and compulsive shopping behaviors concerning body satisfaction and psychological distress are analyzed. Two hundred thirty female college students participated in an online survey. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results indicated that physical activity positively influences body image and ultimately improves life satisfaction. Compulsive shopping negatively affects psychological distress for individuals with poor body image. Physical activity professionals should recognize the factors that will impact one's life satisfaction.
The use of electrodermal activity in pulpal diagnosis and dental pain assessment
Authors: Tran Hanh T. , Kong Youngsun , Talati Ankur , Posada‐Quintero Hugo , Chon Ki H. , Chen I‐Ping
Published: November 2022

Aims

To explore whether electrodermal activity (EDA) can serve as a complementary tool for pulpal diagnosis (Aim 1) and an objective metric to assess dental pain before and after local anaesthesia (Aim 2).

Methodology

A total of 53 subjects (189 teeth) and 14 subjects (14 teeth) were recruited for Aim 1 and Aim 2, respectively. We recorded EDA using commercially available devices, PowerLab and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Amplifier, in conjunction with cold and electric pulp testing (EPT). Participants rated their level of sensation on a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) after each test. We recorded EPT‐stimulated EDA activity before and after the administration of local anaesthesia for participants who required root canal treatment (RCT) due to painful pulpitis. The raw data were converted to the time‐varying index of sympathetic activity (TVSymp), a sensitive and specific parameter of EDA. Statistical analysis was performed using Python 3.6 and its Scikit‐post hoc library.

Results

Electrodermal activity was upregulated by the stimuli of cold and EPT testing in the normal pulp. TVSymp signals were significantly increased in vital pulp compared to necrotic pulp by both cold test and EPT. Teeth that exhibited intensive sensitivity to cold with or without lingering pain had increased peak numbers of TVSymp than teeth with mild sensation to cold. Pre‐ and post‐anaesthesia EDA activity and VAS scores were recorded in patients with painful pulpitis. Post‐anaesthesia EDA signals were significantly lower compared to pre‐anaesthesia levels. Approximately 71% of patients (10 of 14 patients) experienced no pain during treatment and reported VAS score of 0 or 1. The majority of patients (10 of 14) showed a reduction of TVSymp after the administration of anaesthesia. Two of three patients who experienced increased pain during RCT (post‐treatment VAS > pre‐treatment VAS) exhibited increased post‐anaesthesia TVSymp.

Conclusions

Our data show promising results for using EDA in pulpal diagnosis and for assessing dental pain. Whilst our testing was limited to subjects who had adequate communication skills, our future goal is to be able to use this technology to aid in the endodontic diagnosis of patients who have limited communication ability.
A post‐mortem analysis of the used gel‐bonded Al2O3–MgAl2O4 castables in an industrial steelmaking ladle
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Li Guohua , Liu Guangping , Zhao Yi , Li Nan , Chen Junfeng
Published: November 2022

In this work, a cement‐free alumina‐spinel (Al2O3–MgAl2O4) castables with a new aluminum–magnesium gel binder were developed to line the Ruhrstahl Heraeus refining ladle, chemical attacks, and degradation mechanisms of the used alumina‐spinel castables after industrial trials were investigated. The results indicated that a reaction product layer of (Mg, Fe)Al2O4 was observed between the slag layer and penetration layer (PL), which was mainly derived from the reaction between MgAl2O4 spinel in the refractory matrix and FeOt from slag or an oxidation of steel, and thereby prevented the further penetration of FeOt. Meanwhile, the in situ spinel could also entrap slight CaO, SiO2, and FeOt from the infiltrated slag to form composite spinel in the PL. Moreover, chemical corrosion/penetration and structural spalling dominated the degradation process of the refractory lining in this case. Cracks formed between the deteriorated layer and original layer because of mechanical and thermal stress, which caused spalling from the refractory's hot face.
Changes in physio‐biochemical metabolism, phenolics and antioxidant capacity of different Chinese pea varieties during germination
Authors: Wang Jing , Ma Yan , Huang Xianqing , Song Lianjun , Li Ning , Cheng Yongxia , Shen Yue , Li Qian , Li Tiange , Hai Dan
Published: November 2022

In this study, changes in physiological and biochemical metabolism, phenolics and antioxidant capacity of six different Chinese pea varieties during germination were investigated. Results showed that germination had a positive effect on the physiological indexes and bioactive substances of pea. The bud length, root length, fresh weight and respiration rate of pea sprouts increased with germination time. The content of free and bound phenolics in germinated peas increased significantly. Meanwhile, activated phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), cinnamate 4‐hydroxylase (C4H) and 4‐coumaric acid coenzyme A ligase (4CL) led to the accumulation of phenolics. Antioxidant capacity of pea sprouts increased with the extension of germination time. From the perspective of principal component analysis, compared with the other five varieties, Longwan 7 can be distinguished by free phenolic content in the later stage of germination. The result provides a new perspective for further development of pea as a functional food for human consumption.
Control of milk acidity by photoluminescence
Authors: Dorokhov Alexey , Samarin Gennady Nikolaevich , Kudryavtsev Alexander , Efremenkov Igor , Ershova Irina , Belyakov Mikhail
Published: November 2022

For a quality assessment of milk and dairy products, the optical methods are used. In this paper, the use possibility is investigated of the optical method of photoluminescence for the milk acidity value finding out. The spectral measurements were carried out on a diffraction spectrofluorimeter in the range of 200–500 nm. The milk acidity measurement accuracy was controlled by the titrimetric method. It is established that as far as milk sours, the excitation spectra in the range of 200–500 nm decrease; but there are qualitative changes in the range of 350–500 nm. With acidity growth, the photoluminescence flux decreases if it is excited by the radiation value λe = 262 nm, grows at λe = 385 nm and decreases at λe = 442 nm. It is advisable to control the milk acidity in terms of the photoluminescence fluxes ratio Φ385/Φ442. The linear approximation of the function Φ385/Φ442(K) is statistically reliable (the determination factor R2 = 0.99).
Wood feeding and social living: Draft genome of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus (Blattodea; Termitoidae)
Authors: Martelossi Jacopo , Forni Giobbe , Iannello Mariangela , Savojardo Castrense , Martelli Pier Luigi , Casadio Rita , Mantovani Barbara , Luchetti Andrea , Rota‐Stabelli Omar
Published: November 2022

Termites (Insecta, Blattodea, Termitoidae) are a widespread and diverse group of eusocial insects known for their ability to digest wood matter. Herein, we report the draft genome of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes lucifugus, an economically important species and among the most studied taxa with respect to eusocial organization and mating system. The final assembly (~813 Mb) covered up to 88% of the estimated genome size and, in agreement with the Asexual Queen Succession Mating System, it was found completely homozygous. We predicted 16,349 highly supported gene models and 42% of repetitive DNA content. Transposable elements of R. lucifugus show similar evolutionary dynamics compared to that of other termites, with two main peaks of activity localized at 25% and 8% of Kimura divergence driven by DNA, LINE and SINE elements. Gene family turnover analyses identified multiple instances of gene duplication associated with R. lucifugus diversification, with significant lineage‐specific gene family expansions related to development, perception and nutrient metabolism pathways. Finally, we analysed P450 and odourant receptor gene repertoires in detail, highlighting the large diversity and dynamical evolutionary history of these proteins in the R. lucifugus genome. This newly assembled genome will provide a valuable resource for further understanding the molecular basis of termites biology as well as for pest control.
Li2+xZrO3Fx (0 ≤ x ≤1.25): A new high‐Q × f and temperature‐stable microwave dielectric ceramic system for LTCC applications
Authors: Gao Yufeng , Jiang Juan , Wang Jinzhao , Gan Lin , Jiang Xingmao , Zhang Tianjin
Published: November 2022

Here we report a new high‐Q × f and temperature‐stable oxyfluoride microwave dielectric ceramic system of Li2+xZrO3Fx (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.25) sintered at low temperatures (i.e., ≤950°C). The sintering characteristics, phase assemblage, microstructures, and microwave dielectric properties (MDPs) of the Li2+xZrO3Fx specimens were studied. The chemical bond theory calculations were employed to analyze the compositional dependence of the MDPs in the Li2+xZrO3Fx ceramic system. The optimal MDPs of εr = 15.8, Q × f = 65 100 GHz, and τf = 1.2 ppm/°C were achieved in the sample with x = 1. Besides, the ceramic samples exhibited high chemical compatibility with Ag electrodes. Therefore, the novel ceramic system of Li2+xZrO3Fx is confirmed to be a promising candidate as a low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic material.
An open source pipeline for quantitative immunohistochemistry image analysis of inflammatory skin disease using artificial intelligence
Authors: Ding Yuchun , Dhawan Gaurav , Jones Claire , Ness Thomas , Nichols Esme , Krasnogor Natalio , Reynolds Nick J.
Published: November 2022

Background

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to whole slide images has the potential to improve research reliability and ultimately diagnostic efficiency and service capacity. Image annotation plays a key role in AI and digital pathology. However, the work‐streams required for tissue‐specific (skin) and immunostain‐specific annotation has not been extensively studied compared with the development of AI algorithms.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to develop a common workflow for annotating whole slide images of biopsies from inflammatory skin disease immunostained with a variety of epidermal and dermal markers prior to the development of the AI‐assisted analysis pipeline.

Methods

A total of 45 slides containing 3–5 sections each were scanned using Aperio AT2 slide scanner (Leica Biosystems). These slides were annotated by hand using a commonly used image analysis tool which resulted in more than 4000 images blocks. We used deep learning (DL) methodology to first sequentially segment (epidermis and upper dermis), with the exclusion of common artefacts and second to quantify the immunostained signal in those two compartments of skin biopsies and the ratio of positive cells.

Results

We validated two DL models using 10‐fold validation runs and by comparing to ground truth manually annotated data. The models achieved an average (global) accuracy of 95.0% for the segmentation of epidermis and dermis and 86.1% for the segmentation of positive/negative cells.

Conclusions

The application of two DL models in sequence facilitates accurate segmentation of epidermal and dermal structures, exclusion of common artefacts and enables the quantitative analysis of the immunostained signal. However, inaccurate annotation of the slides for training the DL model can decrease the accuracy of the output. Our open source code will facilitate further external validation across different immunostaining platforms and slide scanners.