bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UK Government controls and loan-to-deposit ratio
Authors: Mabwe Kumbirai , Jaffar Kalsoom
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present an analysis of the UK bank loans and deposits in tandem, linking the loan-to-deposit (LTD) ratio to macroprudential policy and funding restrictions. LTD ratio is used by micro and macroprudential authorities to address both structural (long-term) and cyclical (short-term) liquidity risks. It is an outcome of several political and economic factors and should be evaluated against this background.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use trend analysis and panel regression to investigate LTD ratio of Major British Banking Groups from 1945 to 2012 in the midst of changing the UK Government policies.

Findings

The results show that wholesale funding, government intervention and repression were the major forces behind LTD trends.

Originality/value

The authors recommend the use of LTD as a complement to other liquidity ratios in micro and macro-prudential regulation, particularly in the context of current reforms to banking capital requirements.
Mistakes, mispleading and overreaching: understanding title registration and correcting the register
Authors: Dixon Martin
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether title to land is secure in England and Wales when registered under the Land Registration Act (LRA) 2002, in particular when a title is registered, where there has been a mistake and how that connects with the doctrine of overreaching.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the reported judgments, with particular emphasis on the decision in Knight v Fernley (2021).

Findings

This paper explores the concepts of “mistake” and “overreaching” and concludes that LRA 2002 provides a complex, but complete answer to concerns about the application of these doctrines.

Practical implications

This paper will encourage certainty in the judicial decision-making process when “mistakes” occur in the land register. It will contribute to the resolution of difficult, and current, controversies.

Social implications

To enable legal advisers to be clear in their obligations and the advice they give to clients, and to further a better understanding of title registration in England and Wales.

Originality/value

The LRA 2002 replaces registration of title with title by registration. The real force of this is only now being realised and there are few reported judgments, and less consistency, working out what this means in practice. There are no other comments on this critical case, even though it helps elucidate the circumstances in which the title register may be altered.
“It is ok to be interrupted; it is my job” – perceptions on technology-mediated work-life boundary experiences; a sociomaterial analysis
Authors: De Alwis Sulakshana , Hernwall Patrik , Adikaram Arosha S.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how and why employees perceive technology-mediated interruptions differently and the role of sociocultural factors in this process using sociomaterial analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 34 Sri Lankan knowledge workers using a series of workshop-based activities. The concept of sociomateriality is employed to understand how sociocultural elements are entangled with technology in work-life boundary experiences.

Findings

The findings of the thematic analyses suggest how culture is intertwined in the way employees perceive technology-mediated interruptions and how they manage information communication technologies (ICTs) to balance their work and nonwork demands. Participants have been unable to avoid technology-mediated boundary interruptions from work, as organisations have created norms to keep employees connected to organisations using information communication technologies. Traditional gender roles are specifically found to be entangled in employees' boundary management practices, disadvantaging women more.

Practical implications

The findings highlight how national culture and gender norms create challenging work-life experiences for female employees than males. This could create a disadvantageous position for female employees in their career progression. It is crucial to consider factors such as boundary preferences and family concerns when deciding on family-friendly work policies. Also, organisations have to consider the development of explicit guidelines on after-hours communication expectations.

Originality/value

Using the lens of sociomateriality, researchers can understand the contextual entanglement of ICTs with national culture and gender norms in creating different work-life boundary experiences. It seems ICTs are creating a disadvantage for female employees when managing work–nonwork boundaries, especially in power distant and collectivist cultures where traditional gender norms are highly valued and largely upheld. This study also contributes to the current discourse on work-life boundaries by providing insights from non-western perspectives.
The Weaponising of Women's Bodies in the Wars of Reform and French Intervention in Mexico, 1857–67
Authors: Chassen‐López Francie
Published: March 2022

Acts of violence in war not only have individual effects on bodies, but they also have a social, collective impact on the social body. While recent works have recovered the participation of women in the War for Independence and the 1910 Revolution in Mexico, the role their bodies played in wartime has not been examined. Focusing on the decade of war between 1857 and 1867, which influenced the consolidation of national sovereignty and identity, this article explores how, while women's bodies can be targets themselves, they also can be transformed into weapons aimed at other targets. Consequently, their bodies were ‘weaponised’ and aimed at: women as individuals punished for transgressions, real or imagined, of traditional gender roles; at men, to damage or destroy their masculine honour, their failure to protect their women and the integrity of their families; and last, the survival of their vision of the nation (either Liberal or Conservative), or even the honour and survival of the nation itself in the case of a foreign intervention. However, which bodies were targeted, and how, depended on the intersection of gender, class, race, ethnicity, political identity and nationality.
Globalization and Economic Growth: A Sustainability Analysis for South Asian Countries
Authors: Liu Yuanzhi , Adejumo Akintoye Victor , Adejumo Oluwabunmi Opeyemi , Aderemi Timothy Ayomitunde
Published: March 2022

The effect of globalization on national economies remain a subject of empirical interest. Owing to the spillovers via globalization effects, a number of economies in the South Asian region have recorded phenomenal economic growth. However, the extent to which economic growth can influence development outcomes remains the issue of interest. Therefore, this study adds to the literature by examining the time and modulative effects of economic globalization on some direct regressors of economic growth. The study focused on eight South Asian countries from 1996 to 2019 for which data on globalization were sourced from Konjunkturforschungsstelle Globalization index, World Governance Indicators and International country risk database. A pooled autoregressive‐distributed lag (ARDL) approach was utilized in addressing the objective of this study. Consequently, the findings suggest that while globalization influences economic growth positively, rising interest rates and inflationary pressures can unsustain this influence. Likewise, the modulated estimates show that economic globalization can be utilized as a tool to stimulate investment as well as to check corruption and subsequently sustain economic growth in South Asian economies.
Advancing a critical social psychological perspective on women's leadership: A case illustration from the Global South
Authors: Nguyen Lan Thi , Taylor Greig , Gibson Paul , Gordon Raymond
Published: March 2022

When applied to the Global South, mainstream positivist approaches to work and organisational psychology impose alien theories of personality (the self) and leadership. In the case of women, they fail to capture the richness of their experiences of life and leadership, which are influenced by the nexus between history, power and marginalisation—for many, even oppression. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the value of a critical social psychological approach, despite its grounding in the Global North discourse, to analyse women's leadership from a cross‐cultural context. To illustrate, we provide an empirical example of a Vietnamese woman leader's life‐story drawing on the theoretical resources from critical social psychology to interpret her experiences. When viewed from this perspective, women's leadership is understood within a dialogical space, which is prior to and more fundamental than any instrumental reason and technical rationality. It is argued that this approach resists essentialising assumptions about gender and cultural practices of leadership, providing a more liberating means to understand the life and leadership of Vietnamese women. In the final analysis, we argue that this study contributes to the nascent field of critical work and organisational psychology.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with en bloc prostatectomy using the Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy technique
Authors: Takahashi Hiroki , Maeda Anri , Harata Shinnosuke , Watanabe Kaori , Yanagita Takeshi , Suzuki Takuya , Ushigome Hajime , Maeda Yuzo , Shiga Kazuyoshi , Ogawa Ryo , Matsuo Yoichi , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The best surgical technique for rectal cancer invading the prostate remains controversial. Rectal resection with en bloc prostatectomy using a standard retropubic approach is an option but has disadvantages. We report a new surgical procedure applying Retzius‐sparing robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.

Materials and Surgical Technique

First, the rectum was mobilized mainly at its dorsal side. Next, the prostate was separated from the bladder and urethra via the pouch of Douglas approach without opening the Retzius cavity, after which the surgical specimen was extracted through the perineal wound. Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection was performed after vesicourethral anastomosis.

Discussion

This new robotic procedure minimizes surgical trauma and preserves normal pelvic anatomy. Furthermore, this approach makes it easy to perform subsequent lateral pelvic lymph node dissection.
Effect of heat‐treated green tea waste feeding on fermentation kinetics, in vitro degradability, in vivo apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood metabolites in Black Bengal goat
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammed Rashed , Chanda Shuvashish , Shipa Aklima , Saiyara Tasfia , Chowdhury Zinat Jahan , Khan Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
Published: March 2022

The study was conducted to examine the effect of heat treatment of green tea waste (GTW) on rumen degradability, apparent digestibility, and plasma metabolites in Black Bengal goat based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The in vitro incubation was performed with autoclaved, oven, and freeze‐dried GTW, whereas animal study was conducted using 12 Black‐Bengal goats in a 3 × 3 Latin‐square design. Goats were fed a total‐mixed‐ration without (control) or with the partial replacement of soybean meal and barley with 50 g/kg dry matter (DM) of either oven‐dried or autoclaved GTW. Heat treatments reduced ether extract and tannins concentration but increased the effective DM and crude protein (CP) degradability of GTW. The highest values of in vitro volatile fatty acid concentration, molar proportion of propionate, ammonia‐nitrogen concentration, and cumulative gas production were observed for oven‐dried GTW among the tested GTW. Dietary treatment did not alter the DM intake, but apparent CP digestibility and retained nitrogen (N) were increased in goats fed control or oven‐dried GTW incorporated diets. Feeding autoclaved GTW diet increased the urinary and fecal N excretion in goats. In contrast, plasma glucose concentration was highest in goats fed control or oven‐dried GTW diet. In conclusion, oven drying could be a practical approach to increase protein digestibility and retained N in goats.
Immunophenotypically defined stem cell subsets in paediatric AML are highly heterogeneous and demonstrate differences in BCL‐2 expression by cytogenetic subgroups
Authors: Petersen Marianne A. , Rosenberg Carina A. , Brøndum Rasmus F. , Aggerholm Anni , Kjeldsen Eigil , Rahbek Ole , Ludvigsen Maja , Hasle Henrik , Roug Anne S. , Bill Marie
Published: March 2022

In adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), immunophenotypic differences enable discrimination of leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) from healthy haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, immunophenotypic stem cell characteristics are less explored in paediatric AML. Employing a 15‐colour flow cytometry assay, we analysed the expression of eight aberrant surface markers together with BCL‐2 on CD34+CD38− bone marrow stem cells from 38 paediatric AML patients and seven non‐leukaemic, age‐matched controls. Furthermore, clonality was investigated by genetic analyses of sorted immunophenotypically abnormal stem cells from six patients. A total of 50 aberrant marker positive (non‐HSC‐like) subsets with 41 different immunophenotypic profiles were detected. CD123, CLEC12A, and IL1RAP were the most frequently expressed markers. IL1RAP, CD93, and CD25 expression were not restricted to stem cells harbouring leukaemia‐associated mutations. Differential BCL‐2 expression was found among defined cytogenetic subgroups. Interestingly, only immunophenotypically abnormal non‐HSC‐like subsets demonstrated BCL‐2 overexpression. Collectively, we observed pronounced immunophenotypic heterogeneity within the stem cell compartment of paediatric AML patients. Additionally, certain aberrant markers used in adults seemed to be ineligible for detection of leukaemia‐representing stem cells in paediatric patients implying that inference from adult studies must be done with caution.
Inhibition of sodium conductance by cannabigerol contributes to a reduction of dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability
Authors: Ghovanloo Mohammad‐Reza , Estacion Mark , Higerd‐Rusli Grant P. , Zhao Peng , Dib‐Hajj Sulayman , Waxman Stephen G.
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose

Cannabigerol (CBG), a non‐psychotropic phytocannabinoid and a precursor of ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, has been suggested to act as an analgesic. A previous study reported that CBG (10 μM) blocks voltage‐gated sodium (Nav) currents in CNS neurons, although the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Genetic and functional studies have validated Nav1.7 channels as an opportune target for analgesic drug development. The effects of CBG on Nav1.7 channels, which may contribute to its analgesic properties, have not been previously investigated.

Experimental Approach

To determine the effects of CBG on Nav channels, we used stably transfected HEK cells and primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to characterize compound effects using experimental and computational techniques. These included patch‐clamp, multielectrode array, and action potential modelling.

Key Results

CBG is a ~10‐fold state‐dependent Nav channel inhibitor (KI‐KR: ~2–20 μM) with an average Hill‐slope of ~2. We determined that, at lower concentrations, CBG predominantly blocks sodium Gmax and slows recovery from inactivation. However, as the concentration is increased, CBG also induces a hyperpolarizing shift in the half‐voltage of inactivation. Our modelling and multielectrode array recordings suggest that CBG attenuates DRG excitability.

Conclusions and Implications

Inhibition of Nav1.7 channels in DRG neurons may underlie CBG‐induced neuronal hypoexcitability. As most Nav1.7 channels are inactivated at the resting membrane potential of DRG neurons, they are more likely to be inhibited by lower CBG concentrations, suggesting functional selectivity against Nav1.7 channels, compared with other Nav channels (via Gmax block).
Debate: Should CAMHs professionals be diagnosing personality disorder in adolescents – ‘No rationale to deprive adolescents of effective treatment’
Authors: Schmeck Klaus
Published: March 2022

Personality disorders (PD) are among the most severe mental disorders, leading to high clinical, familial and societal burden. In contrast to former perceptions, PDs are not a life‐long destiny, but treatable with specialized treatment approaches. The current reluctance of clinicians to use this diagnosis in younger age groups obstructs the correct choice of treatment options for young people. Not diagnosing PD at an early stage means to deprive adolescents of effective treatments, thus increasing their risk of fatal outcome. In the upcoming ICD‐11, a life‐span perspective on mental disorders has been adopted that facilitates the use of the diagnosis PD in young people. Future research will show if the use of the new ICD‐11 diagnosis of complex posttraumatic stress disorder will be helpful in a proportion of patients with a history of severe childhood traumatization.
Comparative validity between the Canadian and the Dutch norms of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale in a preterm population
Authors: Gautier Clara , Alexandre Marie , Zaczek Sophie , Mostaert Anne , Legros Ludovic
Published: March 2022

Background

Prematurity remains a leading cause of motor developmental delays. The Alberta Infant Motor Scales (AIMS) is a useful tool to easily assess motor development. However, during the last decade, cross‐cultural differences have been identified regarding the original AIMS norms. Therefore, the aim of this study is twofold: confirm the validity of the AIMS in a preterm population and compare the new Dutch AIMS norms to the original Canadian ones in our Belgian population.

Method

Ninety‐six preterm infants were assessed simultaneously on the AIMS and on the Bayley Scales of Infant‐Toddler Development (Bayley‐III) at age 9–14 months. Concurrent validity was evaluated by correlation analysis. Among these, 89 were assessed on the AIMS at age 3–6 months. Clinimetric properties of both AIMS norms were calculated to compare their ability to detect a motor delay on the Bayley‐III at age 9–14 months.

Result

Pearson's coefficient showed an excellent level of correlation between the two scales (r = 0.91). At age 3–6 months, only the 10th Canadian centile showed acceptable properties to predict a significant motor delay. At age 9–14 months, the 5th centile of both norms showed good properties to diagnose a significant motor delay, while only the Canadian norms seems to be sensitive enough to diagnose a mild motor delay.

Conclusion

The new Dutch norms seem to be less sensitive but more specific than the Canadian ones and therefore require adapted cut‐offs to diagnose motor developmental delays in a preterm population.
A flexural exanthem following postexposure prophylaxis
Authors: Roche Darren , Murray Gregg , Hackett Catriona , Tobin Anne-Marie
Published: March 2022

We report a case of symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema following antiretroviral postexposure prophylactic medications, tenofovir and emtricitabine, commencement of which preceded the onset of the rash. Tenofovir and emtricitabine are both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor medications, commonly used to prevent development of AIDS.
The use of the faecal immunochemical test during the COVID‐19 pandemic to triage urgent colorectal cancer referrals
Authors: Kamel Faddy , Zulfiqar Saadia , Penfold WIlliam , Weatherell Stephanie , Madani Rana , Nisar Pasha , Bearn Philip
Published: March 2022

Aim

During the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020, elective gastrointestinal endoscopy services were abbreviated for fear of viral transmission. However, urgent suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) referrals continued. Serendipitously, a national study suggested that a new faecal immunochemical test (FIT) might be helpful in triaging patients with colorectal alarm symptoms.

Methods

This was a single centre observational study of patients referred using NG12 criteria between March and August 2020. Patients were triaged to the urgent cancer pathway for FIT ≥ 10 μg/g and investigated using the latest National Health Service England guidance. Demographic data, method of investigations, cancer and polyp detection rates were compared to patients referred in the 6 months prior to the use of FIT as a triage tool.

Results

In all, 1192 patients (median age 70) were referred using NG12 guidelines during the pandemic period, compared with 1592 patients (median age 72) in the previous 6 months. CRC detection was similar in both groups (n = 45, 2.8% vs. n = 38, 3.5%; P = 0.248). Two patients with a negative FIT (0.36%) had CRC. Using FIT as a triage tool resulted in a significant reduction in the use of endoscopy (n = 477, 43.6% vs. n = 1186, 74.5%; P > 0.001) with a significant increase in CT scanning (n = 696, 63.6% vs. n = 750, 47.1%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of FIT in NG12 patients triaged during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic reduced endoscopy but not CT scanning and did not compromise CRC detection rates. It is a safe method that aids in reducing the burden on services greatly. A negative FIT test does not absolutely exclude CRC.
Does multimodal perioperative pain management enhance immediate and short‐term outcomes after living donor partial hepatectomy? A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations
Authors: Hogan Brian J , Pai Sher‐Lu , Planinsic Raymond , Suh Kyung‐Suk , Hillingso Jens G , Ghani Shahi Abdul , Fan Ka Siu , Spiro Michael , Raptis Dimitri Aristotle , Vohra Vijay , Auzinger Georg ,   the ERAS4OLT.org Working Group
Published: March 2022

Background

The optimal analgesic strategy for patients undergoing donor hepatectomy is not known and the potential short‐ and long‐term physical and psychological consequences of complications are significant.

Objectives

To identify whether a multimodal approach to pain of the donor intraoperatively enhances immediate and short‐term outcomes after living liver donation, and to provide international expert panel recommendations.

Data sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central.

Methods

Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and recommendations using the GRADE approach derived from an international expert panel. PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021260699.

Results

Nine studies assessing multi‐modal analgesia strategies were included in a qualitative assessment. Interventions included local, regional, and neuro‐axial anesthetic techniques, pharmacological intervention (NSAIDs, COX‐2 inhibitors, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, and lidocaine), and acupuncture. Overall, there was a significant (40%) reduction in opioid requirement on day 1 and a significant reduction in pain scores in the intervention vs control groups. Significant reductions in either length of stay or post‐operative complications were demonstrated in four of nine studies.

Conclusions

Opioid use for patients undergoing donor hepatectomy is likely to impact both their short‐ and long‐term outcomes. To reduce post‐operative pain scores, shorten length of hospital stay, and promote earlier post‐operative return of bowel function, we recommend that multi‐modal analgesia be offered to patients undergoing living donor hepatectomy. Further research is required to confirm which multi‐modal techniques are most associated with enhanced recovery in living liver donors.
Chinese Traditional Bioethics
Authors: Li Yingying , Cui Huaqian , Li Enchang
Published: March 2022

Chinese traditional bioethics is based on the life origin theory of “Qi (vital force) permeates everything under heaven”, the attitude towards life theory of “loving people” and “loving things”, and the life transcendence theory of “eternity” and “immortality”. The life origin theory answers the question of how life comes into being, which is the basis for exploring the mystery of life. The attitude towards life theory gives answers to the question of how to treat life properly and establishes the basic requirements and criteria for treating life. The life transcendence theory responds to the question of how to make life more meaningful. Those three thoughts support each other and explain each other with the inner logical band between these three basic thoughts, and tentatively offers a reasonable way for the reconstruction of traditional Chinese bioethics, which can be a special theoretical resource for today's bioethical research.
Posterior cortical atrophy: Primary occipital variant
Authors: Shir Dror , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Machulda Mary M. , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Jack Clifford R. , Lowe Val J. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is one of the atypical Alzheimer's disease variants, characterized by predominant visuospatial and visuoperceptual deficits, with established dorsal and ventral subtypes. A third primary occipital (caudal) variant has been suggested. We aimed to determine its demographics, clinical manifestations, and biomarker findings.

Methods

Fifty‐two PCA patients were investigated. Patients underwent neuropsychological assessment, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐, amyloid‐, and tau‐positron emission tomography (tau‐PET) scans. Normalized regional FDG‐PET values were represented as z‐scores relative to a control population. Patients were divided into “primary occipital” and “other PCA” subgroups according to FDG‐PET‐defined criteria, with primary occipital defined as patients in which the z‐scores for occipital subregions were at least one standard deviation lower (SD) (i.e., more abnormal) than the z‐scores in all other brain regions. Global amyloid‐PET, temporo‐parietal FDG‐PET, and temporal tau‐PET regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) were calculated.

Results

Nine patients were classified as primary occipital; they were older (p = 0.034) and had more years of education (p = 0.007) than other PCA patients. The primary occipital group performed worse on the Ishihara test for color perception (p < 0.001), while other PCA patients performed worse on the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) praxis scale (p = 0.005). Overall neuropsychiatric symptom burden was lower in the primary occipital group (p < 0.001). The FDG‐PET meta‐ROI was higher in the primary occipital subtype (p = 0.006), but no differences were observed in amyloid‐ and tau‐PET.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that primary occipital PCA is characterized by an older age at onset, more color perception dysfunction, less severe ideomotor apraxia, and less hypometabolism in temporo‐parietal meta‐ROI compared to established phenotypes.
Relation of sensorimotor and cognitive cerebellum functional connectivity with brain structural damage in patients with multiple sclerosis and no disability
Authors: Tommasin Silvia , Iakovleva Viktoriia , Rocca Maria Assunta , Giannì Costanza , Tedeschi Gioacchino , De Stefano Nicola , Pozzilli Carlo , Filippi Massimo , Pantano Patrizia ,   the INNI Network
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

To investigate the relationship between the functional connectivity (FC) of the sensorimotor and cognitive cerebellum and measures of structural damage in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and no physical disability.

Methods

We selected 144 relapsing–remitting MS patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≤1.5 and 98 healthy controls from the Italian Neuroimaging Network Initiative database. From multimodal 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including functional MRI at rest, we calculated lesion load, cortical thickness, and white matter, cortical gray matter, and caudate, putamen, thalamic, and cerebellar volumes. Voxel‐wise FC of the sensorimotor and cognitive cerebellum was assessed with seed‐based analysis, and multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between FC and structural damage.

Results

Whole brain, white matter, caudate, putamen, and thalamic volumes were reduced in patients compared to controls, whereas cortical gray matter was not significantly different in patients versus controls. Both the sensorimotor and cognitive cerebellum showed a widespread pattern of increased and decreased FC that were negatively associated with structural measures, indicating that the lower the FC, the greater the tissue loss. Lastly, among multiple structural measures, cortical gray matter and white matter volumes were the best predictors of cerebellar FC alterations.

Conclusions

Increased and decreased cerebellar FC with several brain areas coexist in MS patients with no disability. Our data suggest that white matter loss hampers FC, whereas, in the absence of atrophy, cortical volume represents the framework for FC to increase.
Development of a force field for modeling lithium borosilicate glasses
Authors: Urata Shingo , Miyajima Tatsuya , Kayaba Noriyoshi , Deng Lu , Du Jincheng
Published: March 2022

A force field (FF) with a Buckingham function was developed for modeling lithium borosilicate (LBS) glasses using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The parameter set of the FF for two‐body interaction between Li and O (Li–O) was optimized to reproduce both theoretically calculated force and energy using the density functional theory (DFT) and experimental properties, such as density and mechanical moduli. Bayesian optimization based on a machine‐learning technique was employed to efficiently find the best parameter set in a wide parameter space. The accuracy of the MD simulation using the optimized FF of Li–O together with the previously reported FFs for Si–O, B–O, and O–O pairs was examined by comparing with experimentally measured boron coordination numbers () in a variety of LBS glasses. Consequently, it was found that the combination of the FFs is not accurate enough to reproduce the boron coordination change with varying glass compositions. Therefore, the parameter set of the B–O pair was extended to be composition‐dependent to reproduce the experimental data on the N. It was confirmed that the empirical parameter correction as a function of [SiO]/[BO] and [LiO]/[BO] ratios enables modeling LBS glass consistently with experimental NMR data.
Corporate tax behavior and political uncertainty: Evidence from national elections around the world
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Maydew Edward L. , Willis Richard H. , Xu Li
Published: March 2022

We construct a sample of firms in 36 countries with 158 elections to examine corporate tax behavior in the face of political uncertainty. We define political uncertainty as unmeasurable unpredictability regarding governmental policies or regulatory shifts, such as tax rates, tax enforcement and general economic conditions, emanating from a possible change in political leadership. If insufficient information exists to develop plausible expectations about future tax‐related outcomes, ambiguity‐averse managers will attend to relatively more pessimistic priors and assume the worst‐case scenario. We expect firms to increase tax avoidance in election years given uncertainty regarding the post‐election tax and macroeconomic environment. Our results are consistent with this argument. Firms increase their corporate tax avoidance in election years, consistent with managers exercising current tax planning strategies while it is still most optimal to do so given post‐election uncertainty. The effect is increasing in the political uncertainty associated with the election. Specifically, for elections that are closely contested, representing uncertainty regarding the victor, or held in countries with fewer electoral checks and balances, representing uncertainty regarding the ease of effectuating potential post‐election changes. We document increased reshuffling of tax burdens across firms after elections, further supporting that elections reflect periods of heightened tax uncertainty.
Who shall succeed? An examination of manager overconfidence and CEO selection
Authors: Li Lin , Tong Wilson H. S.
Published: March 2022

By categorizing managerial confidence attributes into overconfidence, rationality and diffidence with the methodology used in the finance literature, we investigate how company boards strategically select chief executive officer (CEO) replacements from the senior management pool with different confidence attributes. In normal retirements, company boards tend to select succeeding managers with the same confidence attribute as retiring CEOs. If boards fire company CEOs, they tend to select rational successors irrespective of the confidence attributes of the ousted CEOs. Such board inclination of picking rational successors also occurs when corporate operation is at the recession stage or corporate strategy is changed surrounding succession. The evidence indicates that the managerial confidence attribute is an important consideration of the board in the CEO selection process and that the board deliberately selects the CEO with a certain attribute to move the firm in a planned direction.
Methods to assess tooth gingival thickness and diagnose gingival phenotypes: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Jiangyue , Cha Sa , Zhao Qing , Bai Ding
Published: March 2022

Objective

Measurement of the periodontal soft tissue dimension is crucial for clinical decision‐making and aesthetic prognosis. However, the effectiveness of different measuring methods remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to explore the diagnostic accuracy of two non‐invasive methods (namely CBCT and ultrasound) for gingival thickness measurement at different tooth positions.

Materials and methods

A systematic search was performed using PubMed (including Medline), PubMed Central, OVID, Cochrane Library, LILACS and OpenGrey. Studies focusing on comparisons between CBCT, ultrasound and direct transgingival probing were included. The means, SDs and correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals were extracted and analyzed using Review Manager and R software.

Results

Twelve studies were selected. No significant difference was found between CBCT measurement and transgingival probing in the anterior and posterior dentition, and a moderate correlation was observed between these two methods (r = 0.41). A weak correlation was found between ultrasound measurement and transgingival probing (r = 0.32), and a slight but statistically significant difference was found when comparing ultrasonic devices and transgingival probing in the posterior area.

Conclusion

CBCT can be considered a relatively reliable method for gingival thickness measurement in both the anterior and posterior areas compared with direct probing. Ultrasonic devices provide limited accuracy in the posterior area but are relatively comparable with direct clinical assessments in the anterior area.

Clinical significance

Measurement location may affect the diagnostic accuracy and repeatability of gingival thickness measurements. Appropriate method selection in different clinical scenarios is crucial to aesthetic outcome prediction and decision‐making.
Enhanced antimicrobial effectiveness of synergistic mixtures of rambutan peel extract and cinnamon essential oil on food spoilage bacteria and bio‐based food packaging
Authors: Khanoonkon Nattaporn , Rugthaworn Prapassorn , Kongsin Kunat , Sukyai Prakit , Harnkarnsujarit Nathdanai , Sothornvit Rungsinee , Chollakup Rungsima , Sukatta Udomlak
Published: March 2022

This research aims to enhance antimicrobial activity of rambutan peel extract (RPE), by mixing with cinnamon essential oil (CEO). The mixture of RPE and CEO with different weight ratios (10:0, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 3:7, 2:8, 1:9, and 0:10) had been prepared and the antimicrobial efficacy was tested. Nine strains of bacteria: Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus sp., Enterococcus faecalis, Leuconostoc sp., Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus sp.) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Salmonella typhimurium) were selected as the representative of pathogenic and food spoilage bacteria. Mixing RPE with CEO in a ratio of 5:5 showed the best synergistic effect against those bacteria. Addition of RPE/CEO in a weight ratio of 5:5 improved the antimicrobial activity of whey protein isolated (WPI) films, and enhanced strength, stiffness, and water resistance of the film.
Two Cheers for RRBM, Pasteur’s Quadrant, and an Application of RRBM to the Commercialization of Science and Technology Transfer
Authors: Siegel Donald S.
Published: March 2022

In this essay, I present my perspective on the Responsible Research in Business and Management (RRBM) movement, which is a timely and important initiative. I connect RRBM to previous debates about the nature and value of basic research and the role of key institutions, such as universities and federal/national labs, and show how RRBM is consistent with ‘Pasteur’s Quadrant’ of ‘use‐inspired basic research’. Next, I demonstrate how RRBM principles can be applied to the study of the commercialization of science and technology transfer. My only reservations about RRBM are its overemphasis on social problems, the opportunity costs associated with deflecting attention away from more pressing managerial problems, and concern that we need to be mindful of work and expertise in other disciplines that more directly address public policy issues.
Antimicrobial potential of natural deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Al-Akayleh F. , Khalid R.M. , Hawash D. , Al-Kaissi E. , Al-Adham I.S.I , Al-Muhtaseb N. , Jaber N. , Al-Remawi M. , Collier P.J.
Published: March 2022

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are a new class of green solvents, which can solubilize natural and synthetic chemicals of low water solubility. NADES are mixtures of two or three compounds of hydrogen bond acceptors and hydrogen bond donors. Many NADES’ components are of natural origin and therefore, NADES are presumed to be nontoxic and often exhibit antimicrobial activity. This work aimed to investigate the potential antimicrobial effect of menthol, capric acid and Solutol™, and their associated eutectic system on two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027) and one fungus (the yeast Candida albicans ATCC 10231). The results obtained showed a stronger antimicrobial effect for the NADES when compared to their individual components and that they exhibit a promising antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and C. albicans and good activity against P. aeruginosa. NADES exhibited no observable antimicrobial activity against spore-forming B. subtilis.
Mountain railway alignment optimization integrating layouts of large‐scale auxiliary construction projects
Authors: Song Taoran , Pu Hao , Schonfeld Paul , Liang Zhu , Zhang Ming , Hu Jianping , Zhou Yuhui , Xu Zhanjun
Published: March 2022

Mountain railway alignment design is an important but complex civil engineering problem. To overcome the drastically undulating terrain, long tunnels and high bridges are major structures used along a mountain railway, which poses great challenges for railway design and construction. Unfortunately, despite being studied for many years, the crucial construction factors of complex structures have received slight attention in alignment optimization. In this paper, for the first time, the layout of large‐scale auxiliary construction projects (LACPs), including tunnel shafts and access roads, is incorporated into the alignment design process in order to consider construction practicability and economy. Primarily, an alignment–LACPs concurrent optimization model is built. After defining the comprehensive design variables, the alignment–LACPs total construction cost is formulated as the objective function. Besides, the separate constraints for designing the alignment and LACPs are considered. Also, a construction duration computation is proposed for constraining the alignment–LACPs integration. To solve the model, a four‐step hybrid solution method is developed. Specifically, the alignment is first generated with a particle swarm optimization (PSO). Afterward, a new divide and conquer approach is devised to search for shaft alternatives along the alignment. Then, a customized Dijkstra algorithm is developed to search for complex access roads. Finally, a novel polynomial mechanism for time‐varying acceleration coefficients (TVAC) is designed for PSO to evolve the alignment–LACPs solutions. The above model and methods have been applied to two complex actual mountain railway examples. Their effectiveness is demonstrated through detailed analysis of resulting railway solutions and control experiments with contemporary TVAC‐based methods.
Genetically‐determined variations in photosynthesis indicate roles for specific fatty acid species in chilling responses
Authors: Hoh Donghee , Horn Patrick J. , Kanazawa Atsuko , Froehilch John , Cruz Jeffrey , Tessmer Oliver L. , Hall David , Yin Lina , Benning Christoph , Kramer David M.
Published: March 2022

Using a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) cowpea (Vigna unguiculata. L. Walp), we tested for co‐linkages between lipid contents and chilling responses of photosynthesis. Under low‐temperature conditions (19°C/13°C, day/night), we observed co‐linkages between quantitative trait loci intervals for photosynthetic light reactions and specific fatty acids, most strikingly, the thylakoid‐specific fatty acid 16:1Δ3trans found exclusively in phosphatidylglycerol (PG 16:1t). By contrast, we did not observe co‐associations with bulk polyunsaturated fatty acids or high‐melting‐point‐PG (sum of PG 16:0, PG 18:0 and PG 16:1t) previously thought to be involved in chilling sensitivity. These results suggest that in cowpea, chilling sensitivity is modulated by specific lipid interactions rather than bulk properties. We were able to recapitulate the predicted impact of PG 16:1t levels on photosynthetic responses at low temperature using mutants and transgenic Arabidopsis lines. Because PG 16:1t synthesis requires the activity of peroxiredoxin‐Q, which is activated by H2O2 and known to be involved in redox signalling, we hypothesise that the accumulation of PG 16:1t occurs as a result of upstream effects on photosynthesis that alter redox status and production of reactive oxygen species.
Pregnancy and calving rates improved using modified swim‐up method for buffalo semen sexing
Authors: Husna Asma Ul , Azam Asima , Qadeer Saima , Ejaz Rabea , Akhter Shamim
Published: March 2022

Contents

Present study aimed to evaluate field fertility rate and calf sex ratio of Nili Ravi buffalo semen sexed through modified swim‐up method (Animal Reproduction Science, 182, 2017, 69). For this purpose, five mature Nili‐Ravi buffalo bulls kept at semen production unit, Qadirabad, Pakistan, were selected. Two consecutive ejaculates per week were collected with artificial vaginą for 3 weeks. Qualified semen ejaculates were pooled and divided into two aliquots. The first aliquot was processed by routine procedure (control), whereas the second was processed by modified swim‐up technique. After separation, semen was diluted in tris‐citric acid extender and cryopreserved using standard techniques. Sexed semen was evaluated for fertility trials during peak breeding season. Artificially inseminated animals were examined for pregnancy rate through rectal palpation at least 3 months after insemination under field conditions. Calving ratio of female and male calves were recoded after Parturition. The fertility rate was higher (p < .05) in X‐sorted sperm (70%) as compared with control (47%). The female calf ratio was higher (p < .05) in X‐sorted sperm (78.58%) compared with control (53.3%). In Conclusion, conception rate and production of female calf were significantly higher with sexed semen separated through modified swim‐up method compared with unsexed control.
Hardship in the Heartland: Associations Between Rurality, Income, and Material Hardship*
Authors: Conrad Aislinn , Ronnenberg Megan
Published: March 2022

One in three U.S. households has experienced material hardship. The inadequate provision of basic needs, including food, healthcare, and transportation, is more typical in households with children or persons of color, yet little is known about material hardship in rural spaces. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of material hardships in Iowa and examine the relationship between rurality, income, and material hardship. Using data from the 2016 State Innovation Model Statewide Consumer Survey, we use logistic regression to examine the association between rurality, income, and four forms of material hardship. Rural respondents incurred lower odds than non‐rural respondents for all four hardship models. All four models indicated that lower income respondents incurred greater odds for having material hardship. Material hardship was reported across all groups, with rurality, income, race, and age as strong predictors of material hardship among our sample.
Associations among professional quality of life dimensions, burnout, nursing practice environment, and turnover intention in newly graduated nurses
Authors: Gong Shu , Li Jin , Tang Xiangdong , Cao Xiaoyi
Published: March 2022

Background

Professional quality of life affects nurses’ well‐being and the quality of care. However, little attention is paid to the relationships among professional quality of life dimensions, burnout, nursing practice environment, and intention to leave this job in newly graduated nurses.

Aims

To assess the levels of professional quality of life dimensions and turnover intention, to examine the predictors for turnover intention, and to explore the mediating roles of professional quality of life dimensions on the associations between these predictors and turnover intention in Chinese newly graduated nurses.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study with 315 newly graduated nurses selected from five tertiary hospitals and five secondary hospitals in Sichuan province, China. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effects of demographic characteristics and work‐related factors on intention to leave this job. Structural equation modeling technique was performed to explore the mediating effect of each domain of professional quality of life on the relationships between the predictors and turnover intention.

Results

The prevalence of average levels of burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction was 43.2%, 57.1%, and 81.3%, respectively. Moreover, 43.8% and 0.6% of the participants reported high and exceptionally high intention to leave this job. Nursing practice environment, social support, and empathy indirectly and significantly affected turnover intention via the mediating roles of burnout and compassion satisfaction, respectively. However, no significant mediating effect of secondary traumatic stress was found between these predictors and turnover intention.

Linking Evidence to Action

Perceptions of greater nursing practice environment, social support, and empathy result in lower turnover intention via reducing burnout and facilitating compassion satisfaction. Strategies such as developing a supportive work and family environment, and cultivating empathic capacity can be effective methods to mitigate against intention to leave this job in newly graduated nurses.