bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of untargeted magnetic beads to capture Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis prior detection by mycobacteriophage D29 and Real-Time-PCR
Authors: Rojas-Ponce Gabriel , Sauvageau Dominic , Zemp Roger , Barkema Herman W. , Evoy Stephane
Published: June 2021

Untargeted magnetic beads were evaluated to capture Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) from spiked feces, milk, and urine. Untargeted magnetic beads recovered more M. smegmatis cells from PBS suspension than the typical centrifugation method; 96.31% of 1.68 × 104 CFU/mL viable M. smegmatis were recovered by beads and 0% by centrifugation. Likewise, the F57-qPCR detection of MAP cells was different whether they were recovered by beads or centrifugation; cycle threshold (Ct) was lower (p<0.05) for the detection of MAP cells recovered by beads than centrifugation, indicative of higher sensitivity. Magnetic separation of MAP cells from milk, urine, and feces specimens were detected by F57 and IS900 sequences. Ct values demonstrated that beads captured no less than 109 CFU/mL from feces and no less than 104 CFU/mL from milk and urine suspensions. In another detection strategy, M. smegmatis coupled to magnetic beads were infected by mycobacteriophage D29. Plaque forming units were observed after 24 h of incubation from urine samples containing 2 × 105 and 2 × 103 CFU/mL M. smegmatis. The results of this study provide a promising tool for diagnosis of Johne’s disease and other mycobacterial diseases such as tuberculosis.
AwAlbBWolbachiatransinfection displays stable phenotypic effects across divergentAedes aegyptimosquito backgrounds
Authors: Ross Perran A. , Gu Xinyue , Robinson Katie L. , Yang Qiong , Cottingham Ellen , Zhang Yifan , Yeap Heng Lin , Xu Xuefen , Endersby-Harshman Nancy M. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: June 2021

Aedesmosquitoes harboring intracellularWolbachiabacteria are being released in arbovirus and mosquito control programs. With releases taking place around the world, understanding the contribution of host variation toWolbachiaphenotype is crucial. We generated aWolbachiatransinfection (wAlbBQ) inAedes aegyptiand performed backcrossing to introduce the infection into Australian or Malaysian nuclear backgrounds. WholeWolbachiagenome sequencing shows that thewAlbBQtransinfection is near-identical to the referencewAlbB genome, suggesting few changes since the infection was first introduced toAe. aegyptiover 15 years ago. However, these sequences were distinct from other availablewAlbB genome sequences, highlighting the potential diversity ofwAlbB in naturalAe. albopictuspopulations. Phenotypic comparisons demonstrate effects ofwAlbB infection on egg hatch and nuclear background on fecundity and body size, but no interactions betweenwAlbB infection and nuclear background for any trait. ThewAlbB infection was stable at high temperatures and showed perfect maternal transmission and cytoplasmic incompatibility regardless of host background. Our results demonstrate the stability ofwAlbB across host backgrounds and point to its long-term effectiveness for controlling arbovirus transmission and mosquito populations.
Successional Stages in Infant Gut Microbiota Maturation
Authors: Beller Leen , Deboutte Ward , Falony Gwen , Vieira-Silva Sara , Tito Raul Yhossef , Valles-Colomer Mireia , Rymenans Leen , Jansen Daan , Van Espen Lore , Papadaki Maria Ioanna , Shi Chenyan , Yinda Claude Kwe , Zeller Mark , Faust Karoline , Van Ranst Marc , Raes Jeroen , Matthijnssens Jelle
Published: June 2021

Background

Disturbances in the primary colonization of the infant gut can result in life-long consequences and have been associated with a range of host conditions. Although early life factors have been shown to affect the infant gut microbiota development, our current understanding of the human gut colonization in early life remains limited.

To gain more insights in the unique dynamics of this rapidly evolving ecosystem, we investigated the microbiota over the first year of life in eight densely sampled infants (total number of samples, n=303). To evaluate gut microbiota maturation transition towards an adult configuration, we compared the microbiome composition of the infants to the Flemish Gut Flora Project population (n=1,106).

Results

We observed the infant gut microbiota to mature through three distinct, conserved stages of ecosystem development. Across these successional gut microbiota maturation stages, genus predominance was observed to shift fromEscherichiaoverBifidobacteriumtoBacteroides. Both disease and antibiotic treatment were observed to be associated occasionally with gut microbiota maturation stage regression, a transient setback in microbiota maturation dynamics. Although the studied microbiota trajectories evolved to more adult-like constellations, microbiome community typing against the background of the Flemish Gut Flora Project (FGFP) cohort clustered all infant samples within the (in adults) potentially dysbiotic Bact2 enterotype.

Conclusion

We confirmed similarities between infant gut microbial colonization and adult dysbiosis. A profound knowledge about the primary gut colonization process in infants might provide crucial insights into how the secondary colonization of a dysbiotic adult gut can be redirected.
Undergraduate teaching assistantships: exploring career readiness and relationality among Emirati students
Authors: Patka Mazna , Bukhash Maryam Fuad , Jogia Jigar , Barbato Mariapaola , Moussa Mona
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to pilot an undergraduate teaching assistantship for Emirati students, an area of scholarship underexplored in the Middle East. The teaching assistantship was developed to better prepare students for the workforce, amidst the push for Emiratization.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the course of one semester, four undergraduate teaching assistants documented their experience through reflexive journals that were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

Undergraduate teaching assistants characterised their experience as providing professional development and learning to connect with student learners. Findings suggest that relationality may be an important factor in student engagement and learning.

Practical implications

Understanding the experience of undergraduate teaching assistants can help develop targeted opportunities to enhance career readiness. Exploring the role of relationality could be important in the training and development of the Emirati workforce and help address some of the gaps in skills. Understanding the way in which undergraduate teaching assistants perceive their teaching experience can also provide faculty with insight into their teaching practices.

Originality/value

This exploratory study shows that students are able to acquire skills that may be applied in a variety of work settings (e.g. balancing multiple responsibilities). However, undergraduate teaching assistants expressed wanting to connect with student learners; this may be more culturally rooted and is less explored within the Emirati context. Given the socio-cultural context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), female Emiratis may benefit from work-type opportunities, which to the authors’ knowledge has not been explored previously.
A cause for celebration! A psychographic typology of attendees at a benefit concert
Authors: Kruger Martinette , Viljoen Adam
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This exploratory study aims to show that events can create awareness and facilitate behavioural change among attendees. Festivals and events can use the United Nations sustainable development goals as drivers of societal change and business growth. Unfortunately, the attendees to a benefit concert have not been investigated to date. This study fills this gap by segmenting attendees to a benefit concert aimed at eradicating poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative destination-based survey was undertaken at the Mandela 100: Global Citizen Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2018. A simple random sampling method was used within a stratified sampling method, and 408 questionnaires were obtained.

Findings

Three psychographic segmentation variables were used: motives for attending the event (novelty, escape and socialization and cause advocating); behavioural intentions and change as a result of attending the event (cognition and awareness, loyalty-related behaviour, active engagement and travel-related behaviour); and global causes aimed at eradicating poverty that attendees regard as important to support (social, sustainability, fiscal, fundamental and elevated prosperity). The results revealed three distinct segments, proposing that an AID-typology applies to benefit concert attendees: advocates, inspirers and discoverers. Each group has either a high, moderate or low level of commitment towards the festival’s and other global causes.

Practical implications

Practical implications are suggested as guidelines to encourage advocacy and active involvement for global causes.

Originality/value

This study was conducted from a developing country’s perspective and contextualizes the role that events can play in advocating for specific causes and encouraging citizens to get involved.
An effective and elastic blockchain-based provenance preserving solution for the open data
Authors: Dang Tran Khanh , Duong Thu Anh
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In the open data context, the shared data could come through many transformation processes, originating from many sources, which exposes the risk of non-authentic data. Moreover, each data set has different properties, shared under various licenses, which means the updated data could change its characteristics and related policies. This paper aims to introduce an effective and elastic solution to keep track of data changes and manage their characteristics within the open data platform. These changes have to be immutable to avoid violated modification and could be used as the certified provenance to improve the quality of data.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will propose a pragmatic solution that focuses on the combination of comprehensive knowledge archive network – the broadest used open data platform and hyperledger fabric blockchain to ensure all the changes are immutable and transparent. As using smart contracts plus a standard provenance data format, all processes are running automatically and could be extended to integrate with other provenance systems and so the introduced solution is quite flexible to be used in different open data ecosystems and real-world application domains.

Findings

The research involves some related studies about the provenance system. This study finds out that most of the studies are focused on the commercial sector or applicable to a specific domain and not relevant for the open-data section. To show that the proposed solution is a logical and feasible direction, this paper conducts an experimental sample to validate the result. The testing model is running successfully with an elastic system architect and promising overall performance.

Originality/value

Open data is the future of many businesses but still does not receive enough attention from the research community. The paper contributes a novel approach to protect the provenance of open data.
Employees' preference for the on-site childcare service: a case study of three Sri Lankan apparel firms
Authors: Balasooriya B.M.A.M. , Pallegedara Asankha
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Childcare is one of the main obstacles for women to enter the labour market as they are the primary caregivers for children. The struggle between childcare and women's employment has caused a high labour turnover in women-dominated industries. The aim of this study is to assess the employees’ willingness for an on-site childcare facility

Design/methodology/approach

The primary goal of this study was to assess the employees' willingness for an on-site childcare facility using the contingent valuation method. For the analysis, 330 data were collected from all levels of the employees in three firms in the apparel industry using a survey-based questionnaire.

Findings

The results illustrate that the mean willingness to pay for the on-site childcare facility is substantially higher for the firm that already provide an on-site childcare facility than the other two firms that do not have childcare facilities. Among all employees who are surveyed, 86.36% of the employees favoured implementation of on-site childcare facilities. According to the survey findings, the newly hired employees have a higher preference for the childcare facility, however less likely to pay for the facility. The monthly income variable has a negative association with the probability of voting in favour of implementing on-site childcare facility. Moreover, the results indicate that the employees who have received the childcare facility have positive attitudes towards the on-site childcare facility.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, prior case studies related to the evaluation of employee's preference for on-site childcare services have not been conducted in the context of industries in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the findings and implications were discussed while expanding the geographical scope of the past literature.
The impact of IFRS on earnings management: evidence from Mexico
Authors: Eiler Lisa A. , Miranda-Lopez Jose , Tama-Sweet Isho
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Prior literature investigating the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) finds that managerial incentives, capital market institutions and accounting standards interact to endogenously determine accounting outcomes. In this paper, we investigate the impact of changing from local GAAP to IFRS in 2012 on earnings management by public firms in Mexico. Given the institutional environment and managerial incentives in Mexico, there is not a clear theoretical prediction for the impact of Mexico's adoption of IFRS on earnings management. Thus, it is an empirical question whether a change in accounting standards had any effect on earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

We use three measures of earnings smoothing and one measure of upwards earnings management. Logistic regression analysis along witht-tests across two time periods, pre-IFRS (2009–2011) and post-IFRS (2013–2015) are used to determine if there is a significant change in the earnings management of Mexican firms, and if this change is different for companies cross-listed in the US and companies listed only in theBolsa.

Findings

We hypothesize and find that adopting IFRS is associated with lower earnings management via earnings smoothing in Mexico, and the reduction is greater for firms cross-listed in the United States. Our results support the contention that strong institutions and enforcement aid in the implementation of new accounting standards.

Originality/value

First, we contribute to the literature on the adoption of IFRS around the world. The consensus in the literature is that the impact of IFRS on financial reporting is country-specific. To our knowledge, we are the first to conduct such research on Mexico. Second, our findings indicate that IFRS adoption is associated with a reduction in earnings management through income smoothing by firms in Mexico. This contributes to a small but growing body of literature documenting consequences of improvements in Mexican capital markets. Results of research in this area provide important insights to capital market participants and regulators in Mexico.
Active learning strategies to develop research competences in engineering education
Authors: Rieg Denise Luciana , Lima Rui M.M. , Mesquita Diana , Scramim Fernando Cezar Leandro , Mattasoglio Neto Octavio
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement and evaluate active learning strategies to support engineering students in the development of research competences, contributing to the growing need for a closer relationship between research and teaching.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was developed using an action research approach. The data were collected through observations, questionnaire and focus group in order to evaluate the active learning strategies used in the context of the study, based on students' perceptions.

Findings

The results show that the implementation of active learning strategies, such as research-based learning and think-pair-share enhance the development of research competences, namely critical thinking and written communication. Additionally, this approach enables students to develop further their capstone projects, using the standards demanded in research process.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based mainly on teacher's observation and the participants are undergraduate engineering students enrolled in the course “Scientific Methodology” during 1 academic year.

Practical implications

Two levels of implications can be identified in this study: (1) for teachers' practice, who can adapt the step-by-step descriptions of the implemented approaches and (2) for research, contributing to the discussion about how to explore the teaching-research relationship in undergraduate courses.

Originality/value

The course of “Scientific Methodology” is part of the curricular structure of most undergraduate engineering programs offered by Brazilian Higher Education Institutions, and this study is a contribution for the improvement of knowledge on how this course may be conducted in an effective and engaging way.
Coverage and correlates of health insurance in the north-eastern states of India
Authors: Meitei Moirangthem Hemanta , Singh Haobijam Bonny
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The paper aims to analyze the coverage of health insurance and its correlates in the north-eastern region of India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study accessed the raw data of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) (2015–16), which was an extensive, multiround survey conducted in a representative sample of households throughout India, which included socioeconomic, demographic and information on coverage of health insurance of any member of the household. The multivariate analysis of logistic regression was adopted to find the correlates of health insurance for all the eight (8) north-eastern states of India.

Findings

The results observed that among the north-eastern states, the coverage of health insurance was highest in Arunachal Pradesh (59%) followed by Tripura (58%), Mizoram (47%) surpassing the all India level of 27%, whereas the lowest was in Manipur (4%) followed by Nagaland (6%) and Assam (10%). The multivariate analysis of logistic regression found that the socioeconomic and demographic factors, households with a bank account and below poverty line (BPL) cardholders played a significant role in the coverage of health insurance in the north-eastern states of India.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses only on the coverage and correlates of health insurance. Further evaluation studies on each scheme of the social health insurance are needed for proper assessment of the health insurance schemes in the region.

Practical implications

There has been evidence around the world (South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand) that health insurance could be a protective shield from the entrapment into poverty due to high health expenditure. The NFHS-4 put up the finding that in the north-eastern part of India, the coverage of health insurance had been low. This implied that the region could fall into poverty due to high medical expenses on health. Taking account of multiple health insurance providers, risk pooling and consolidation of health insurance providers have become the need of the hour.

Originality/value

The study is different from other studies of health insurance since it covered all the eight (8) north-eastern states of India, which are ethnically, culturally and historically distinct from the rest of India in general and within the region and states in particular and examines the impact of each of the independent variables with the dependent variables. The study has shown that the variation in health insurance coverage associated with socioeconomic and other household-level demographic attributes (although not very strong).
Symptoms related to air pollution, mask-wearing and associated factors: a cross-sectional study among OPD pollution clinic patients in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Tultrairatana Supakorn , Phansuea Phenphop
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to investigate the relationship between symptoms related to air pollution, mask-wearing, mask choices and related factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study among outpatient department (OPD) pollution clinic patients at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital (PCNRH) during 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Findings

The most common symptom after exposure to air pollution that affects treatment in the OPD is respiratory symptoms. A total of 45.7% (107/234) of the population wears a mask, 55.1% (59/107) of the population that wears a mask wears a surgical mask, and only 10.3% (11/107) of them wear an N95 mask. Mask-wearing and air quality index (AQI) onset were associated with the respiratory symptoms group, whereas wearing an N95 mask or surgical mask was found to be a protective factor for the occurrence of respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR = 0.065, 95% CI: 0.014–0.306, p = 0.001 and adjusted OR = 0.154, 95% CI: 0.058–0.404, p < 0.001, respectively). Therefore, the best practice in the face of air pollution, while the resolution needs a long period, is to wear a mask. In this study, the results showed that the best type of mask to prevent respiratory symptoms from air pollution is the N95, followed by the surgical mask; cloth masks are not recommended to use to protect against respiratory symptoms from air pollution.

Research limitations/implications

Wearing an N95 and a surgical mask can help reduce respiratory symptoms. Hence, in addition to establishing hospital measures, cooperation from local and government agencies is necessary to effectively and jointly build a national health public policy framework.

Originality/value

1. This study provides evidence of a correlation between symptoms associated with air pollution and related factors, in-hospital visits in Bangkok, Thailand. 2. In this study, wearing an N95 mask and a surgical mask were found to be a protective factor for the occurrence of respiratory symptoms.
Advancing capital project management
Authors: Grandage Andrew J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Effective project management is critical for reducing project failures, cost overruns and schedule delays. Yet, research in this area is lacking. This study provides original research on capital project management in US state governments, with special attention to earned value management (EVM). EVM is a technique used to provide early warning indicators of performance issues and facilitate corrective action during project execution.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method design involving document review, focus groups, surveys, interviews and case studies is used to unearth primary data from statewide project management offices (PMO) responsible for overseeing large-scale information technology (IT) acquisitions. A strategic framework is developed, facilitating a descriptive analysis of management strategies.

Findings

Results from 31 states indicate the vast majority have taken key initial steps in formulating a statewide strategy, such as establishing a PMO, adopting industry standards and defining guidelines for agencies. However, agencies are only required to follow guidelines issued by the statewide PMO in 14 states. EVM is currently used in 18 states, with most defining clear criteria for application and tailoring practices according to project context.

Originality/value

This study introduces the EVM concept to public budgeting research, provides a blueprint for EVM policy development and offers novel analysis of capital project management reforms and strategies.
Thinking about developing business leadership for the post-COVID world
Authors: Brown Stephen M. , Crawford Martha J.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a successful model on how to prepare business students to be successful in a new, post-pandemic world that faces enormous social challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses the current business and social movements that suggest the relevance of social entrepreneurship and explain the pedagogical model developed at the Center for Nonprofits at Sacred Heart University.

Findings

The article suggests how this pedagogical model may provide students with the skills, attitudes and values required for successful social entrepreneurship processes.

Research limitations/implications

The article presents the current picture which will undoubtedly change over time. Thus the context is time constrained. The article presents one model to develop leaders’ skills. There are many other models and experiences that should be considered and evaluated.

Practical implications

The case explains a key initiative that can help universities improve pedagogical tools on building students' social entrepreneurship skills and extend this impact to their success in the post-pandemic environment and impact on surrounding communities.

Social implications

There is a growing need for business leaders to have sophisticated business skills and purpose beyond financial profit. The article looks at the dual roles of social entrepreneurs as a model for the leaders and the Nonprofit Center at Sacred Heart University to develop the skills of the future leaders.

Originality/value

The article presents a new vision of the skills necessary for a leader in today's environment. It draws from the literature on social entrepreneurship. It also presents one model that has been successful for 15 years and the pedagogical underpinnings of that model.
Risk and protective factors for post-traumatic stress among New Zealand police personnel: a cross sectional study
Authors: den Heyer Garth
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to examine which factors increase the risk of post-traumatic stress in police officers to assist with identifying strategies that will minimize its occurrence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study of constabulary and non-constabulary members of the New Zealand Police has been based on an 80-question electronic survey, which was sent to all serving, resigned and retired members of the New Zealand Police Association, which number approximately 18,000. The survey included a series of questions that measured the post-traumatic stress that participants experienced.

Findings

Variables associated with post-traumatic stress were examined using logistic regression modeling techniques. The study found that post-traumatic stress was prevalent among serving, resigned and retired police members and exposure to trauma, especially prolonged exposure, was significantly associated with post-traumatic stress. More than 49% of participants were found to have some post-traumatic stress symptoms and more than 14% of participants indicated a presumptive clinical diagnosis of post-traumatic stress.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research included not include questions relating to the Social Provisions Scale (SPS) and General Health Questionnaire, nor did it include police officer recruits. A further limitation was that it was a cross-sectional study.

Originality/value

An understanding as to which variables influence or increase post-traumatic stress disorder is important for police officers and the police institution. The findings from this study indicate that exposure to trauma is strongly associated with high levels of post-traumatic stress, while good sleep and relaxation decrease the influence of such variables.
The rise of China's geointellect?
Authors: Jain Romi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

A qualitative development is discernible in China’s pursuit of global influence in knowledge following the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China has embarked on expanding the frontiers of its higher education and research enterprise in different geographies, a subset of its global power project. This paper employs the geointellect concept to analyze this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the geointellect model, formed inductively, to illuminate China’s geographical expanse in higher education and research.

Findings

The BRI has provided a platform for China to shape the educational architecture of the participating countries, apart from receiving a boost in its prestige by leading educational alliances and opening overseas research centres. In quantitative terms, it has made progress in specific knowledge metrics. Nevertheless, certain challenges and limitations need to be overcome.

Research limitations/implications

The role of a foreign policy in boosting a country’s knowledge profile has been identified. Future research directions have been provided in using the geointellect model.

Practical implications

This study provides a direction to evaluate the implications of China’s foreign policy for its knowledge segment, especially in terms of capturing its leading prowess in higher education and research.

Originality/value

It contributes a conceptual model to capture the different facets of China’s geointellect, with foreign policy, geography, higher education, and research being its constituents.
Sustainable innovation practices and the degree of innovation of business models in Brazilian industrial companies
Authors: Kneipp Jordana Marques , Gomes Clandia Maffini , Kruglianskas Isak , Motke Francies Diego , Frizzo Kamila
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study has aimed to analyze the relationship between the adoption of sustainable innovation practices and the degree of innovation of business models in Brazilian industrial companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been characterized as quantitative and comprised the conduction of a survey with Brazilian industrial companies.

Findings

Results have shown that companies with a high degree of innovation in their business models invest more strongly in strategic dimensions of sustainable innovation, which in general involve stakeholders and cross the organization's internal boundaries, requiring proactive attitudes from the company, probably because this type of investment gives them greater competitiveness in their market and also requires a radical modification of their business model.

Practical implications

This study seeks to present contributions to entrepreneurs and policy makers, in the face of the innovative and sustainable challenges imposed by society and the guidelines for sustainable development in order to reflect on positive impacts on local and global development.

Social implications

Comprehending the behavior of industrial companies in Brazil in relation to sustainable innovation and its impact on society contributes to understanding the benefits of adopting a strategic management of sustainable innovation, minimizing negative socio-environmental impacts.

Originality/value

By analyzing the themes of sustainable innovation and business model, the present study may contribute to adopting business behavior that strategically and systemically integrates the objectives of sustainable innovation.
Impedance loading an acoustic source in a borehole located in a fluid‐saturated porous medium
Authors: Markova I. , Markov M. , Ramírez Sabag J. , Ronquillo Jarillo G.
Published: June 2021

Conventional sonic logging tools are destined mainly for the determination of elastic waves’ velocities. In this paper, we have considered a different type of sonic logging tool that is destined for the registration of parameters of reflected waves in a borehole. We have calculated the mechanical impedance loading an acoustic source located on the axis of a fluid‐filled borehole. The problem was solved for a borehole drilled in a poroelastic formation. The solution was obtained in the framework of the Biot theory of poroelasticity. We have considered two limiting cases with permeable and impermeable (mudcake at the boundary between the borehole and porous rock) borehole wall. We have obtained the frequency dependences of the mechanical impedance. It was shown that the acoustic system ‘logging tool – fluid‐filled borehole – porous rock’ presents several resonance frequencies. These resonances’ frequencies are close to the resonance frequencies of a liquid layer between two rigid cylinders with radii equal to the source and borehole radii. The mechanical impedance calculated at the resonance frequency depends on the porosity and permeability that allows one to use impedance measurements in the frequency range near the resonance to determine the filtration properties of highly permeable rocks (of order higher than 10 mD). We have calculated the mechanical impedance in the low‐frequency range. The results obtained have shown that the use of low‐frequency impedance measurements provides a good way to evaluate the permeability of porous media.
Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases promote oxidative cleavage of lignin and lignin–carbohydrate complexes during fungal degradation of lignocellulose
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Jialong , Ma Fuying , Chen Qing , Xiao Qiuyun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Xie Shangxian , Yu Hongbo
Published: June 2021

Overcoming lignocellulosic biomass recalcitrance, especially the cleavage of cross‐linkages in lignin–carbohydrate complexes (LCCs) and lignin, is essential for both the carbon cycle and industrial biorefinery. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are copper‐containing enzymes that play a key role in fungal polysaccharide oxidative degradation. Nevertheless, comprehensive analysis showed that LPMOs from a white‐rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus, correlated well with the Fenton reaction and were involved in the degradation of recalcitrant nonpolysaccharide fractions in this research. Thus, LPMOs participated in the extracellular Fenton reaction by enhancing iron reduction in quinone redox cycling. A Fenton reaction system consisting of LPMOs, hydroquinone, and ferric iron can efficiently produce hydroxy radicals and then cleave LCCs or lignin linkages. This finding indicates that LPMOs are underestimated auxiliary enzymes in eliminating biomass recalcitrance.
Estimating the economic impacts of the 2017–2019 drought and 2019–2020 bushfires on regional NSW and the rest of Australia
Authors: Wittwer Glyn , Waschik Robert
Published: June 2021

Much of New South Wales and southern Queensland suffered from extreme drought from 2017 to 2019. This study models drought and bushfires impacts using VU‐TERM, a multi‐regional, dynamic CGE model. Prolonged drought pushed national real GDP to 0.7 per cent or more below base in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. NSW’s real GDP fell relative to forecast by 1.1 per cent or $6.9 billion in 2018–2019 and 1.6 per cent or $10.2 billion in 2019–2020. These impacts reflect a severe diminution of farm output, given that agriculture accounts for around 1.6 per cent of NSW’s income. Bushfires exacerbated 2019–2020 losses. We assume that there is a full recovery in seasonal conditions in 2020. However, prolonged drought and bushfire destruction deplete farm capital through depressed investment and diminished herd numbers. Consequently, the income earning capacity of farms in recovery remains below that of a no drought base. The net present value of the national welfare loss is $63 billion, split between $53 billion in losses from drought and $10 billion from bushfires. The latter excludes any valuation of human lives lost, flora, fauna or forestry destruction. In the longer term, adaptation and policy responses will need to reflect the expectation of increased frequency of adverse climatic events.
More than a mountain: the contentious multiplicity of Tindaya (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands)
Authors: Marrero‐Guillamón Isaac
Published: June 2021

The mountain of Tindaya (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands) has been surrounded by controversy since the mid‐1990s. It is, at once, a listed indigenous site, a protected natural environment, a mining resource, and the designated location of a monumental intervention by artist Eduardo Chillida, consisting in digging a grand cubic cave in its interior. This article conceptualizes Tindaya as a contentious multiplicity and analyses the mountain's competing enactments. The state's Tindaya is a ‘partitioned’ mountain, an entity split into different dimensions (cultural and natural; interior and exterior) that can be both legally protected and excavated. In contrast, activists have enacted a ‘holistic’ mountain, characterized by the inseparability of its multiple ‘values’ (archaeological, geological, environmental) and the need to protect it as a single whole. These two enactments constitute ‘worlding’ practices connected to opposing understandings of the relationship between heritage, nature, and the future. For the state, the mountain is an asset to be exploited, an opportunity to bring about prosperous futures fashioned after the spectacular projects of the metropolis. For the activists, Tindaya represents a unique opportunity to rethink the island's development model and to put indigenous heritage and environmental concerns at its centre. Tindaya's unresolved multiplicity is therefore political in the broadest sense: it is a reminder that reality can be otherwise.
Access to outpatient services in rural communities changes after hospital closure
Authors: Miller Katherine E. M. , Miller Kyle L. , Knocke Kathleen , Pink George H. , Holmes G. Mark , Kaufman Brystana G.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Between January 2005 and July 2020, 171 rural hospitals closed across the United States. Little is known about the extent that other providers step in to fill the potential reduction in access from a rural hospital closure. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the trends of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) in rural areas prior to and following hospital closure.

Data Sources/Study Setting

We used publicly available data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Provider of Services files, Cecil G. Sheps Center rural hospital closures list, and Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates.

Study Design

We described the trends over time in the number of hospitals, hospital closures, FQHC sites, and RHCs in rural and urban ZIP codes, 2006–2018. We used two‐way fixed effects and pooled generalized linear models with a logit link to estimate the probabilities of having any RHC and any FQHC within 10 straight‐line miles.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Not applicable.

Principal Findings

Compared to hospitals that never closed, the predicted probability of having any FQHC within 10 miles increased post closure by 5.95 and 11.57 percentage points at 1 year and 5 years, respectively (p < 0.05). The predicted probability of having any RHC within 10 miles was not significantly different following rural hospital closure. A percentage point increase in poverty rate was associated with a 1.98 and a 1.29 percentage point increase in probabilities of having an FQHC or RHC, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In areas previously served by a rural hospital, there is a higher probability of new FQHC service‐delivery sites post closure. This suggests that some of the potential reductions in access to essential preventive and diagnostic services may be filled by FQHCs. However, many rural communities may have a persistent unmet need for preventive and therapeutic care.
emPAI‐assisted strategy enhances screening and assessment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection serological markers
Authors: Ma Guorong , Wang Pei , Yang Yanhui , Wang Wei , Ma Jinhua , Zhou Lin , Ouyang Junlin , Li Rongxiu , Zhang Shulin
Published: June 2021

Discovering new serological markers of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection and establishing a rapid and efficient detection technology is of great significance for the prevention and control of tuberculosis. In this study, we established an exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) value‐assisted strategy to investigate and improve the screening efficiency of serological biomarkers of tuberculosis. First, we used LC‐MS/MS to analyse MTB culture filtrate proteins (MTB‐CFPs), and 632 MTB proteins were identified. Then, the characteristic values of MTB‐CFPs – including emPAI value, molecular weight (Mw), isoelectric point (pI), grand average of hydropathy (GRAVY), transmembrane domain (TMD) and functional groups were calculated. Next, we successfully prepared 10 MTB proteins with emPAI value > 1.0 and recombinantly expressed these proteins in Escherichia coli. At the same time, 3 MTB proteins with emPAI between 0.1 and 0.5 were randomly selected as the control groups, and the immunogenicity of the recombinant MTB proteins was detected using ELISA. The sensitivity and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for each recombinant MTB protein. The results showed that the areas under the curve (AUC) value of Rv2031c, Rv0577, Rv0831c, Rv0934 and Rv3248c were all higher than those of Rv3875 (AUC, 0.6643). Further analysis of the relationship between emPAI value and antibody sensitivity, AUC value and antibody affinity in mice immunized with recombinant MTB protein showed that emPAI values were positively correlated with them, and R‐squared value ranged from 0.64 to 0.79. The only exception was ESAT‐6 (encoded by the Rv3875 gene), which AUC value was relatively low owing to its strong immunosuppressive properties. This study provides a rationale for the serological marker screening of emPAI‐assisted tuberculosis clinical test. The results also provide new technical support for the screening of candidate serological markers of infectious diseases in the future.
Association between pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and immune‐related adverse events due to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fujimoto Airi , Toyokawa Gouji , Koutake Yoshimichi , Kimura Shigeru , Kawamata Yosei , Fukuishi Kazuhisa , Yamazaki Koji , Takeo Sadanori
Published: June 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced or recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They cause immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), but the underlying mechanisms and predictors remain to be fully elucidated. In this retrospective study, we investigated the association between pretreatment neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the occurrence of irAEs.

Methods

The study involved 115 patients with NSCLC who started ICI‐only treatment in our hospital between January 2016 and April 2020.

Results

Forty‐five patients (39.1%) had irAEs, and pretreatment NLR was significantly lower in the irAEs group than in the non‐irAEs group (2.8 vs. 4.1; p = 0.036). The cutoff value of the NLR was 2.86 (area under curve, 0.62; sensitivity, 0.56; specificity, 0.71), and the incidence rate of irAEs was significantly higher in the NLR < 2.86 group than in the NLR ≥2.86 group (p = 0.004; odds ratio [OR]: 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43–6.84). The multivariate analysis showed that the NLR was significantly associated with the occurrence of irAEs (p = 0.016; OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.21–6.01).

Conclusions

Low pretreatment NLR may be a predictive factor for the occurrence of irAEs. By focusing on the potential risk of irAEs in patients with a low pretreatment NLR, irAEs can be appropriately managed from an early period.
Landscape‐scale distribution of nest predators and its relationship with regent honeyeater nest success
Authors: Gautschi Daniel , Heinsohn Robert , Murphy Liam , Crates Ross
Published: June 2021

Overcoming low breeding success is a major challenge for reversing population decline in threatened species. High nest predation rates are a common cause of low productivity in birds, but implementing evidence‐based management actions to reduce nest predation is challenging. Targeted breeding management requires a good understanding of where threatened species breed, the identity and distribution of nest predator species and the impact of these nest predators on breeding success. For rare and nomadic species, this information is hard to come by. The breeding success of regent honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia has declined over recent decades, and nest predation is the primary cause of breeding failure. We conducted point‐count surveys of nine avian and three mammalian nest predator species across 80% of the regent honeyeater’s contemporary breeding area in south eastern Australia. We used occupancy models to determine the presence of predator species at survey sites and spatial models to predict predator abundance and species richness across the breeding area. We incorporated predator predictions for regent honeyeater nest locations into nest fate and daily nest survival models. Predator abundance was correlated positively with tree hollow abundance and proximity to water and negatively with shrub cover. Regent honeyeater nest success showed no significant relationship with predator abundance or predator species richness. Given how abundant and widespread avian and mammalian nest predators were throughout the breeding area, improving regent honeyeater nest success is likely to require implementation of simultaneous nest protection measures to avoid potential compensatory nest predation. Further research is required to better understand the relationship between nest predator abundance and regent honeyeater nest success.
Infertile couples still undergo assisted reproductive treatments without initial andrological evaluation in the real‐life setting: A failure to adhere to guidelines?
Authors: Pozzi Edoardo , Boeri Luca , Candela Luigi , Capogrosso Paolo , Cazzaniga Walter , Fallara Giuseppe , Cignoli Daniele , Belladelli Federico , Cornelius Julian , Abbate Costantino , Papaleo Enrico , Viganò Paola , Minhas Suks , Mattei Agostino , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: June 2021

Background

The EAU guidelines on male sexual and reproductive health state that both partners of the infertile couple should undergo simultaneous investigation.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and the characteristics of infertile men who were referred for an andrological evaluation after failed attempts of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with those who were evaluated at the beginning of their infertility pathway at a single academic centre over a 17‐year period.

Materials and methods

Data of 3213 primary infertile couples assessed between 2003 and 2020 were analysed. Descriptive statistics compared the overall characteristics of male partners of couples with (+ART) or without (–ART) previous ART prior to andrological consultation. Logistic regression models analysed variables associated with +ART. Local polynomial regression models explored the probability of +ART over the analysed time frame.

Results

Of all, 493 (15.3%) participants were +ART. Patients and female partners’ age was higher in +ART couples (all p ≤ 0.04). Sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and normal sperm morphology were lower in +ART than in –ART patients (all p < 0.001), along with a greater percentage of non‐obstructive azoospermia in +ART compared to –ART men (p < 0.0001). At univariable analysis, patient age and partner age >35 years and a less recent assessment were associated with +ART status (all p ≤ 0.04). Male age and less recent years of assessment were also independent predictors of +ART, after accounting for partner's age >35 years (all p < 0.01). A not significant decrease of this pattern was observed throughout the last 7 years at local polynomial regression models.

Discussion

Overall awareness towards the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for the male partner of every infertile couple should therefore be further strengthened.

Conclusions

Approximately 15% of couples still undergo ART without any initial andrological evaluation in the real‐life setting. A not significant decrease in this trend was observed over most recent years.