bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of experience and gender in shaping work values
Authors: Waterwall Brian , Chullen Cody Logan , Barber Dennis , Adeyemi-Bello Tope
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine work values among job seekers and how these values differ across experience and gender.

Design/methodology/approach

This study asked participants to rate the importance of various intrinsic and extrinsic work values on a five-point Likert scale. Responses were compared for 865 participants.

Findings

This study found that individuals differed in their ratings of work values based on experience. Individuals with more experience assigned greater importance to intrinsic job characteristics, while those with less experience assigned greater importance to extrinsic job characteristics. Findings further reveal differences in gender ratings of work values, with females assigning greater importance ratings to both intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics as compared to males.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of this study include that it drew its data exclusively from a sample of US respondents. Research investigating populations from other geographic regions within the same study may uncover important cross-national similarities/differences. Moreover, although this study examined experience and gender, it excluded other potentially important factors such as ethnicity. Future research should explore international samples and broaden its focus to include additional factors.

Practical implications

Organizations should be aware of how experience and gender shape work values to impact job choice and retention. They may wish to target their recruitment efforts toward certain groups to ensure alignment between candidates' work values and those of available positions.

Originality/value

This study improves on prior research by examining the dual impact of experience and gender in shaping work values.
Post-pandemic revisit intentions: how shopping value and visit frequency matters
Authors: Moharana Tapas Ranjan , Pattanaik Subidita
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper examines the effect of shopping value (utilitarian, hedonic and social) on shopping satisfaction and store revisit intention in the post-pandemic phase. Additionally, the authors investigate how shoppers’ COVID-responsible behaviour and visit frequency are contingent on their shopping value evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected (n = 527) using the store intercept method during March 2022 (a recovery phase from the third wave of COVID-19 in India). The authors adopted structural equation modelling to test the proposed model.

Findings

Shopping values significantly impacted shopping satisfaction and store revisit intentions. The effects of utilitarian and hedonic value on satisfaction were stronger for frequent shoppers than infrequent shoppers. While utilitarian value contributes to stronger satisfaction of COVID-responsible shoppers, COVID-non-responsible shoppers are better satisfied with social value. The impact of hedonic and social value on satisfaction has reduced significantly from the pre- to post-pandemic phase.

Practical implications

Practising managers should recognise that positive shopping value evaluations are important for generating satisfaction. Notably, the utilitarian value becomes more important in times of environmental exigencies. The study provides insights to devise strategies to attract and retain frequent shoppers who are major contributors to the store’s profit.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies which focuses on in-store shopping and consumers’ shopping value evaluations in a COVID-19 recovery phase. This study is one of the first that compares the post-pandemic shopping value judgement to a pre-pandemic phase. The authors provide valuable insights into store revisit intentions of shoppers who behave responsibly in a challenging environment.
Remarkable lives – Ella Vadasz in conversation with Robert Hurst
Authors: Vadasz Ella , Hurst Robert
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share Ella Vadasz’s story.

Design/methodology/approach

Ella wrote a biography of her experiences, including two poems. Robert then asked a series of questions from the perspective of a mental health academic.

Findings

Ella shared stories from her life and how her experiences have shaped her. She talked about the emotional impact of a custody battle.

Research limitations/implications

Recovery narratives such as this give us an overview of only a single person’s experiences. However, they allow the person with lived experiences to explore their story in depth.

Practical implications

What Ella has written is very emotional. Her story will give readers an insight into her life and experiences.

Social implications

There is so much to learn from stories such as Ella’s, in particular from her critique of social services in Scotland and England.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that Ella has chosen to share her unique story. This paper features two poems written by her – a first for Remarkable Lives. The value of Ella sharing her story is apparent upon reading it.
Adaptive genetic traits in pelagic freshwater microbes
Authors: Chiriac Maria‐Cecilia , Haber Markus , Salcher Michaela M.
Published: December 2022

Pelagic microbes have adopted distinct strategies to inhabit the pelagial of lakes and oceans and can be broadly categorized in two groups: free‐living, specialized oligotrophs and patch‐associated generalists or copiotrophs. In this review, we aim to identify genomic traits that enable pelagic freshwater microbes to thrive in their habitat. To do so, we discuss the main genetic differences of pelagic marine and freshwater microbes that are both dominated by specialized oligotrophs and the difference to freshwater sediment microbes, where copiotrophs are more prevalent. We phylogenomically analysed a collection of >7700 metagenome‐assembled genomes, classified habitat preferences on different taxonomic levels, and compared the metabolic traits of pelagic freshwater, marine, and freshwater sediment microbes. Metabolic differences are mainly associated with transport functions, environmental information processing, components of the electron transport chain, osmoregulation and the isoelectric point of proteins. Several lineages with known habitat transitions (Nitrososphaeria, SAR11, Methylophilaceae, Synechococcales, Flavobacteriaceae, Planctomycetota) and the underlying mechanisms in this process are discussed in this review. Additionally, the distribution, ecology and genomic make‐up of the most abundant freshwater prokaryotes are described in details in separate chapters for Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Burkholderiales, Verrucomicrobiota, Chloroflexota, and ‘Ca. Patescibacteria’.
Familial aggregation analysis offers insight into the heritability of stillbirth risk
Authors: Shear Matthew A.
Published: December 2022

Linked article: This is a mini commentary on Workalemahu et al., pp.454–462 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/1471‐0528.17301
The 21st century trust and leadership problem: Quoi faire?
Authors: Anheier Helmut K. , Knudsen Edward L.
Published: December 2022

Much of the democratic world faces a form of socio‐political crisis. To varying degrees, four trends seem to be present in almost every case: declining institutional trust, failing leadership, increasing political polarisation, and weakened accountability. Although each trend has its own dynamic and causes, they jointly create complex challenges and governance problems for democratic societies. Furthermore, underlying them all is the persistent problem of inequality, which erodes trust, prevents the best leaders from rising to the top, polarises society, and shields elites from accountability. We propose a wide range of potential solutions to this crisis. Of the four, we propose that countries focus primarily on increasing institutional trust and improving leadership potential. Both aspects are particularly impactful and malleable, could influence the other two components and, over time, create a virtuous cycle pulling countries out of crisis. Proposed measures for institutional trust include expanded civic literacy, more expansive regulation of tech platforms, stricter media laws to foster better public discourse and a wider use of codes of conduct. For leadership, we propose more diverse channels and expanded selection pools for leadership recruitment, emphasising ethical conviction and targeted incentives for leadership roles. Essential to all of them, however, is tackling inequality.
Centric versus eccentric engine‐driven endodontic instrument design for microbial load reduction—A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Jose Jerry , Teja Kavalipurapu Venkata , Silva Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal , Janani Krishnamachari , Siddique Riluwan , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: December 2022

This systematic review assessed the clinical influence of centric and eccentric engine‐driven instrument design for reduction in microbial load in infected root canal system. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Lilacs and Google Scholar) and grey literature till June 2022. The search strategy followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Qualitative and quantitative synthesis was conducted based on the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane criteria and quality of evidence was conducted using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Out of 28 papers, only five papers met the inclusion criteria of this review. Studies showed reduction in microbial load after instrumentation using centric or eccentric instruments with no statistically significant difference in the meta‐analysis. In conclusion, there is low‐grade evidence suggesting that microbial reduction is similar using centric and eccentric instruments.
Maternal genetic diversity of ancient goats in Finland and Estonia and comparison with extant northern European goat breeds
Authors: Rannamäe Eve , Saarma Urmas , Kantanen Juha , Bläuer Auli
Published: December 2022

Countries in the northern Baltic Sea region have been historically linked for thousands of years, and animal husbandry is one of the many information sources that enables the study of historical connections. Although goat husbandry in this part of Europe has been evidenced by scant archaeological materials, zooarchaeological and historical evidence has revealed its continuity, at least since the Late Iron Age. To explore the historical relationship between goat lineages and investigate affinities between the past and present‐day populations in the Baltic Sea region, we analysed a 476‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region in 14 ancient goats from Finland and Estonia and 10 extant goats from Finland. The results revealed high mitochondrial diversity among the ancient goats. Two maternal lineages were shared between the Late Iron Age and medieval individuals from Finland and Estonia. Moreover, ancient Finnish and Estonian goats showed maternal affinity to extant Finngoat and Swedish Landrace breeds. Overall, the analysis of maternal goat lineages confirmed tight historical connections in the region.
Bullous pemphigoid associated with anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 and anti‐programmed cell death ligand 1 therapy: A case series of 13 patients
Authors: Yun Jenny S. W. , Chan On Bon , Goh Michelle , McCormack Christopher J.
Published: December 2022

We present a case series of 13 patients, the first Australian single‐centre study of bullous pemphigoid (BP) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI): cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen (CTLA4) and programmed cell death receptor (PD1) inhibitors. All our patients achieved adequate control of BP with a combination of treatments including oral prednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab and omalizumab. The majority of patients ceased or interrupted immunotherapy treatment upon diagnosis of BP and greater tumour progression was seen in the cohort who ceased immunotherapy.
Combined procedures for surgical short bowel syndrome: experience from two European centres
Authors: Gigola Francesca , Coletta Riccardo , Certini Martina , Del Riccio Marco , Forsythe Lynette , Morabito Antonino
Published: December 2022

Background

Autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery (AGIR) has become a key component of intestinal rehabilitation programs. However, the best surgical option for short bowel syndrome (SBS) remains unknown. This paper presents our experience using combined procedures as primary treatment.

Methods

We collected data on SBS patients who underwent surgery from 2008 to 2021 in two tertiary European Centres. Combined procedures were defined as more than one technique used on the same patient. Charts were reviewed for demographics, type of procedures, complications, and outcomes. Data are presented as median and IQR. Wilcoxon signed rank was used for all paired analyses.

Results

Twenty‐one children (12 females) underwent combined procedures. Preoperative median small bowel length was 20 cm (IQR: 15–35 cm); after lengthening, it was 35.5 cm (IQR: 30.75–50.50 cm) (P < 0.001). Combined procedures were simultaneous in 15 patients and sequential in 6. At a median of 9.2 years (IQR: 7.55–9.78 years) follow‐up, complications were three bowel obstructions after strictures of anastomosis and two wound infections. Two patients achieved enteral autonomy, and others followed a weaning home parenteral nutrition regimen with a median of 4 nights off (IQR: 3–4 nights) starting with a median of 7 nights (IQR: 7–7 nights).

Conclusions

Combined AGIR techniques are practical and safe in SBS treatment when tailored to meet patients' needs, combining lengthening, tailoring, and reducing transit time procedures. Therefore, combined AGIR may be considered a resource in intestinal rehabilitation units' armamentarium.
Cardiac findings in newborn twins
Authors: Molin Julie , Pærregaard Maria Munk , Pihl Christian , Thygesen Caroline Boye , Pietersen Adrian , Dannesbo Sofie , Norsk Jakob Boesgaard , Raja Anna Axelsson , Vøgg Ruth Ottilia B. , Sillesen Anne‐Sophie , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Bundgaard Henning , Christensen Alex Hørby
Published: December 2022

Aims

To evaluate cardiac findings in newborn twins from the general population and investigate if newborn twins may require systematic evaluation of cardiac parameters.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of newborns with cardiac evaluation performed during the first month of life. Cardiac findings were compared 1:3 with matched singletons.

Results

We included 412 newborn twins (16% monochorionic; 50% boys) and 1236 singletons. Comparing cardiac findings showed twins had an increased prevalence of non‐severe structural heart disease (most common: ventricular septal defects in both groups), thinner left ventricular posterior wall in diastole (LVPWd; 1.82 vs. 1.87 mm, p = 0.02), smaller diameter of the left atrium (10.6 vs. 11.1 mm, p = 0.04), higher heart rate (148 vs. 144 bpm, p = 0.04), more left‐shifted QRS axis (106 vs. 111°, p < 0.001), and lower maximum R‐wave amplitude in V1 (927 vs. 1015 μV, p = 0.02) compared to singletons. After multifactorial adjustment for potential confounders, the effect of twinning on cardiac parameters persisted only for LVPWd (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Despite contemporary surveillance, we found an increased prevalence of non‐severe structural heart disease in a population‐based cohort of newborn twins. However, the effect of twinning on cardiac parameters was modest and generally did not persist after correction for likely confounding factors.
IKKα kinase silencing increases doxorubicin‐induced apoptosis through regulation of oxidative DNA damage response in colon cancer cells
Authors: Gao Jianen , Zhu Lei
Published: December 2022

The inhibitor of kappa B kinase alpha (IKKα) is demonstrated to be involved in the various aspects of cancer biology, from its initiation, to progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IKKα in doxorubicin (DOX)‐mediated induction in apoptosis in SW‐480 colon cancer cells. Cells were transfected with siRNA against IKKα and treated with DOX. MTT assay was applied to measure SW‐480 cell proliferation. The mRNA levels of γ‐H2AX within cells were assessed by qRT‐PCR. 8‐Hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine was measured by ELISA. The formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by fluorometry. The antioxidant activities of some enzymes were also determined. For evaluation of apoptosis, ELISA assay was applied. IKKα silencing dramatically increased the doxorubicin cytotoxic effects. In addition, IKKα silencing substantially overexpressed γ‐H2AX in SW‐480 cells. Furthermore, upon IKKα silencing, the levels of ROS were elevated and the antioxidant defense system was significantly weakened. In addition, IKKα silencing led to the enhancement of apoptotic cells in doxorubicin‐treated SW‐480 cells. Co‐treatment of IKKα and doxorubicin led to the enhanced cellular cytotoxicity via robosting ROS formation, inducing oxidative DNA damage, and decreasing cellular antioxidant defense, and finally potent apoptosis induction in cancer cell lines.
Primary flap closure in alveolar ridge preservation for periodontally damaged extraction socket: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Seo Gil‐Jong , Lim Hyun‐Chang , Chang Dong‐Wook , Hong Ji‐Youn , Shin Seung‐Il , Kim Gyutae , Shin Seung‐Yun
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The effect of primary wound closure (PC) on alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in periodontally damaged sockets has yet to be fully discovered.

Methods

Periodontally damaged sockets were allocated to one of the following groups: (1) ARP with PC (group PC), and (2) ARP without PC (group secondary wound closure [SC]). Following tooth extraction and flap elevation, granule‐type xenogeneic bone substitute material and a collagen barrier were applied. Ridge change was evaluated using cone‐beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans immediately after ARP and at 4 months. Core biopsy specimens were examined histomorphometrically.

Results

A total of 28 patients were included in the analysis (13 in group PC, 15 in group SC). Histomorphometrically, the percentage of newly formed bone was 26.2 ± 17.7% and 24.6 ± 18.4% in groups PC and SC, respectively (independent t‐test, degree of freedom [df] = 25, p > 0.05). Horizontal ridge changes on CBCT were −4.9 ± 3.1 mm and − 4.2 ± 2.5 mm in groups PC and SC at the 1 mm level below the ridge crest, respectively (independent t‐test, df = 26, p > 0.05). Approximately half of the sites required additional bone augmentation at implant placement.

Conclusions

ARP with/without PC yielded similar new bone formation and radiographic ridge change.

This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/19718).
Investigating the potential non‐authorized use of two different formulations of liraglutide in Europe: A real‐world drug utilization study
Authors: Sbraccia Paolo , Aberle Jens , Olsen Anne Helene , Rathor Naveen , Major‐Pedersen Atheline
Published: December 2022

Aim

To assess the in‐market use of Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) and Victoza (liraglutide 1.2 mg/1.8 mg) according to approved indications and posology.

Materials and methods

This retrospective, non‐interventional study was conducted at 41 sites from December 2016 to May 2019. Via medical record review, physicians at each site identified patients who had been prescribed Saxenda (Italy) or Victoza (Italy/Germany) within the 24 months following launch in each country. Pseudonymized data were abstracted on patient and site characteristics, indication for the prescription, posology and duration of usage. Adherence to the approved indications and posology, and to the Saxenda stopping rule, were assessed. No formal statistical analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 440 patients were prescreened and 225 (51.1%) were enrolled (Saxenda: N = 75, all in Italy; Victoza: N = 75 in Italy and N = 75 in Germany). In all, 96% (72/75) of Saxenda prescriptions, and 98.7% (148/150) of Victoza, were in accordance with the approved indications. Among the 40 patients treated with Saxenda for 16 weeks or longer, only two (5.0%) were confirmed as non‐adherent to the stopping rule. Adherence could not be assessed in 23 (57.5%) patients because of missing body weight measurements.

Conclusions

This retrospective, real‐world post‐authorization safety study provides reassurance that Saxenda and Victoza are primarily used according to the approved European label, thus their real‐world utilization did not raise safety concerns.
Changes in the use of glucose‐lowering drugs: A Danish nationwide study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Andersen Jacob H. , Søndergaard Jens , Thomsen Reimar W. , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: December 2022

Aim

To investigate changes in the pattern of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes in Denmark from 2005 to 2021.

Materials and Methods

A nationwide, population‐based drug utilization study based on medical databases covering the Danish population was conducted. We assessed incident and prevalent use patterns among all 441 205 individuals initiating at least one non‐insulin, glucose‐lowering drug.

Results

The rate of new users of non‐insulin, glucose‐lowering drugs increased from 2005, peaked in 2011, decreased to stable levels during 2013 to 2019, then increased dramatically during 2020‐2021. The prevalence of use increased from 2.1% (in 2005) to 5.0% (in 2021) of the entire adult population. In 2021, metformin comprised 39% of all glucose‐lowering drug consumption, followed by insulin (17%), sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2is) (17%), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) (16%) and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (7.5%). Overall, 56% of users were on monotherapy, 28% used dual therapy, while 13% and 2.8% used three and four drug classes, respectively. Both the intensity and diversity of therapies increased substantially over time, with 15 different treatment regimens each covering more than 1% of users in 2021. General practitioners prescribed 88% of all glucose‐lowering drugs. Marked shifts towards GLP‐1RA initiation by general practitioners and SGLT‐2i initiation by specialists were observed, and changing user profiles suggested increasing use for non‐diabetes indications.

Conclusions

The rate of new users of non‐insulin, glucose‐lowering drugs has increased in recent years and the prevalence of glucose‐lowering drug use increases steadily. Glucose‐lowering drugs are mainly prescribed by general practitioners, and the intensity, diversity and indications of glucose‐lowering treatment are increasing.
Impact of hydraulic forces on the passage of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), gudgeon (Gobio gobio) and bullhead (Cottus gobio) in a vertical slot fish pass
Authors: Wiegleb Joschka , Hirsch Philipp E. , Seidel Frank , Rauter Georg , Burkhardt‐Holm Patricia
Published: December 2022

Every fish migrating upstream through vertical slot fish passes must swim through slots, where the resistance force of flowing water could affect the passage success. We measured the hydraulic force acting on the body of preserved benthic fish in a vertical slot at different water discharge rates (80 and 130 L/s) to compare the hydraulic burden individual fish species (round goby Neogobius melanostomus Pallas, 1814, gudgeon Gobio gobio L. and bullhead Cottus gobio L.) must overcome. The forces measured in three spatial axes were then compared to acoustic Doppler velocity measurements and the passage probability of 39–45 live fish per species. Passage probability reduction of 28.26% for round goby and 39.29% for bullhead was observed at the higher water discharge. Gudgeon showed increased numbers of passages and approaches when larger hydraulic forces were experienced at 130 L/s compared to the lower water discharge. Gudgeon experienced significantly lower hydraulic forces (mean 0.27 N ± 0.12 standard deviation) compared to round goby (mean 0.32 N ± 0.12 SD) and bullhead (0.35 N ± 0.14 SD). Potentially, the increased hydraulic forces at the higher water discharge contributed to the reduction in passages in round goby and bullhead. That gudgeon behaved differently from the other species illustrates how fish species deal differently with flowing water and the hydraulic forces experienced. Our approach provides a species‐oriented assessment of the flow field in ecologically relevant fish passes. These findings represent an important step towards the development of purposeful fish pass designs, which is essential for ecosystem‐oriented river connectivity.
Vitamin E depletion is associated with subclinical axonal degeneration in juvenile horses
Authors: Donnelly Callum G. , Finno Carrie J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy, a marker of neuroaxonal damage, is increased in horses with equine neuroaxonal dystrophy. However, the temporal dynamics of this biomarker during the post‐natal risk period are not understood.

Objective

To measure serum and cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated neurofilament heavy concentrations in juvenile foals across the post‐natal window of susceptibility for equine neuroaxonal dystrophy.

Study design

Case–control in vivo experimental study.

Methods

Concentrations of phosphorylated neurofilament heavy were measured using frozen serum and cerebrospinal fluid collected from 13 foals raised in a vitamin E deficient environment from 1 to 6 months of age. Four of these foals were produced by equine neuroaxonal dystrophy‐affected dams, developed clinical signs consistent with equine neuroaxonal dystrophy and had a diagnosis confirmed by histopathology. The remaining nine foals, produced by healthy mares, were vitamin E depleted and remained clinically healthy. An additional cohort of foals, produced by healthy mares, were supplemented with vitamin E (α‐tocopherol; α‐TOH) from birth and sampled similarly.

Results

Serum α‐TOH concentrations were significantly higher in vitamin E supplemented healthy foals. Serum phosphorylated neurofilament heavy concentrations did not differ significantly between groups at any time point. Cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated neurofilament heavy concentrations increased with age in healthy vitamin E depleted foals (p < 0.001); an effect that was not observed in healthy vitamin E supplemented foals.

Main limitations

A genetically susceptible cohort supplemented with vitamin E was not available for comparison.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that vitamin E depletion may elevate cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated neurofilament heavy in otherwise healthy juvenile foals by 6 months of age. We highlight an important cofactor to consider when interpreting cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated neurofilament heavy concentrations in juvenile horses.
A novel double keys adapted elliptic curve cryptography and log normalized Gaussian sigmoid adaptive neuro‐fuzzy interference system based secure resource allocation system in decentralized cloud storage
Authors: Karuppasamy Lakshmanan , Vasudevan Venkatraman
Published: December 2022

Cloud computing has emerged as a promising platform that grants users direct yet shared access to computing resources and services without worrying about the internal complex infrastructure. However, secure data storage and data retrieval is the basic characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel double keys adapted elliptic curve cryptography (DKECC) and log normalized Gaussian sigmoid adaptive neuro‐fuzzy interference system (LGS‐ANFIS) based secure resource allocation system in decentralized cloud storage. Initially, the input data undergoes data fragmentation. After that, encryption is carried out using DKECC algorithm. Next, hash code generation using Pearson hash function is done. Then, resource availability is estimated via logistic sine chaotic mapping indulged rock hyraxes swarm optimization technique. Afterwards, data is checked for deduplication. Finally, resource allocation through LGS‐ANFIS takes place. The experimental outcomes demonstrated better results compared to baseline techniques. The modelling process showed that the suggested safe resource allocation model achieves the total security level of 96.27% while also having shorter reaction times (3018 ms), greater throughputs (1258), reduced load balancing (0.355874), and reduced latency (4372 ms).
NLRP3 activation contributes to endothelin‐1‐induced erectile dysfunction
Authors: Sobrano Fais Rafael , Menezes da Costa Rafael , Carvalho Mendes Allan , Mestriner Fabíola , Comerma‐Steffensen Simon Gabriel , Tostes Rita C. , Simonsen Ulf , Silva Carneiro Fernando
Published: December 2022

In the present study, we hypothesized that endothelin (ET) receptors (ETA and ETB) stimulation, through increased calcium and ROS formation, leads to Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain‐Like Receptor Family, Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) activation. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP/MAP) was measured in C57BL/6 (WT) mice. Functional and immunoblotting assays were performed in corpora cavernosa (CC) strips from WT, NLRP3−/− and caspase−/− mice in the presence of ET‐1 (100 nM) and vehicle, MCC950, tiron, BAPTA AM, BQ123, or BQ788. ET‐1 reduced the ICP/MAP in WT mice, and MCC950 prevented the ET‐1 effect. ET‐1 decreased CC ACh‐, sodium nitroprusside (SNP)‐induced relaxation, and increased caspase‐1 expression. BQ123 an ETA receptor antagonist reversed the effect. The ETB receptor antagonist BQ788 also reversed ET‐1 inhibition of ACh and SNP relaxation. Additionally, tiron, BAPTA AM, and NLRP3 genetic deletion prevented the ET‐1‐induced loss of ACh and SNP relaxation. Moreover, BQ123 diminished CC caspase‐1 expression, while BQ788 increased caspase‐1 and IL‐1β levels in a concentration‐dependent manner (100 nM–10 μM). Furthermore, tiron and BAPTA AM prevented ET‐1‐induced increase in caspase‐1. In addition, BAPTA AM blocked ET‐1‐induced ROS generation. In conclusion, ET‐1‐induced erectile dysfunction depends on ETA‐ and ETB‐mediated activation of NLRP3 in mouse CC via Ca2+‐dependent ROS generation.
Testing drivers of acoustic divergence in cicadas (Cicadidae: Tettigettalna)
Authors: Mendes Raquel , Nunes Vera L. , Marabuto Eduardo , Costa Gonçalo J. , Silva Sara E. , Paulo Octávio S. , Simões Paula C.
Published: December 2022

Divergence in acoustic signals may have a crucial role in the speciation process of animals that rely on sound for intra‐specific recognition and mate attraction. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) postulates that signals should diverge according to the physical properties of the signalling environment. To be efficient, signals should maximize transmission and decrease degradation. To test which drivers of divergence exert the most influence in a speciose group of insects, we used a phylogenetic approach to the evolution of acoustic signals in the cicada genus Tettigettalna, investigating the relationship between acoustic traits (and their mode of evolution) and body size, climate and micro‐/macro‐habitat usage. Different traits showed different evolutionary paths. While acoustic divergence was generally independent of phylogenetic history, some temporal variables’ divergence was associated with genetic drift. We found support for ecological adaptation at the temporal but not the spectral level. Temporal patterns are correlated with micro‐ and macro‐habitat usage and temperature stochasticity in ways that run against the AAH predictions, degrading signals more easily. These traits are likely to have evolved as an anti‐predator strategy in conspicuous environments and low‐density populations. Our results support a role of ecological selection, not excluding a likely role of sexual selection in the evolution of Tettigettalna calling songs, which should be further investigated in an integrative approach.
Infection rate and factors affecting close contacts of COVID‐19 cases: A systematic review
Authors: Li Yunxuan , Tan Jing , Tan Suoyi , Zhou Yilong , Sai Bin , Dai Bitao , Lu Xin
Published: December 2022

Objective

Contact tracing plays an essential role in mitigating the impact of an epidemic. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, studies of those who have been in close contact with confirmed cases offer critical insights to understand the epidemiological characteristics of SARS‐CoV‐2 better. This study conducts a meta‐analysis of existing studies' infection rates and affecting factors.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI from the inception to April 30 2022 to identify systematic reviews. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed risk of bias. Meta‐analyses were conducted to calculate pooled estimates by using Stata/SE 15.1 software.

Results

There were 47 studies in the meta‐analysis. Among COVID‐19 close contacts, older age (RR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.70, 2.21), contacts in households (RR = 2.83, 95% CI: 2.20, 3.65), and people in close contact with symptomatic infections (RR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.88, 6.96) were associated with higher infection rates.

Conclusion

On average, each primary infection corresponded to 5.8 close contacts. Among COVID‐19 close contacts, older age and contacts in households were associated with higher infection rates, and people in close contact with symptomatic infections had three times higher risk of infection compared to people in close contact with asymptomatic infections. In general, there are significantly more studies from China about close contacts, and the infection rate among close contacts was lower compared to other countries.
PIT‐tagging Italian spined loach (Cobitis bilineata): Methodology, survival and behavioural effects
Authors: Nyqvist Daniel , Schiavon Alfredo , Candiotto Alessandro , Mozzi Gloria , Eggers Florian , Comoglio Claudio
Published: December 2022

The Italian spined loach (Cobitis bilineata) is an elongated, small‐sized (<12 cm) spined loach native to northern Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. As for loaches in general, little is known about the individual movements of this loach in nature. Passive integrated transponders (PIT‐tags) are small (typically 7–32 mm), relatively cheap and allow tracking of individual fish movements and behaviour. A fundamental assumption in animal telemetry is that the performance of a tagged animal does not deviate substantially from its natural performance. Although PIT‐tagged fish often display high survival and tag retention, the effect varies between species and contexts, and few studies have looked at behavioural effects of PIT‐tagging. Here we demonstrate a PIT‐tagging methodology for spined loaches, and compare survival, activity and provoked escape response (maximum swimming speed) between tagged and control fish. We also track tag retention in the tagged fish. Italian spined loaches tagged with 12 mm PIT‐tags displayed high tag retention and no extra mortality, and no effects of tagging on activity or maximum swimming speed were observed. The tag‐to‐fish weight and length ratios in our study ranged from 2% to 5% and from 10% to 16%, respectively, and we conclude that PIT‐tagging, within these ratios, appears suitable for Italian spined loach.
American Board of Dental Public Health diplomate survey, 2021: Competency domains and practice
Authors: Macek Mark D. , Zavras Athanasios , Tomar Scott L. , Cappelli David , McKernan Susan , Timothe Peggy , Okunseri Christopher
Published: December 2022

Objective

To describe current Dental Public Health diplomates and list the competency domains that diplomates considered either essential or optional elements of their practice.

Methods

The American Board of Dental Public Health administered an electronic survey to active and life member diplomates during September 2021. The survey included 101 items in three sections: (1) Education and Work Experience; (2) Dental Public Health Tasks; and (3) Demographics. The Dental Public Health Tasks section asked individuals how essential work‐related tasks were to their current practice. Descriptive analyses were conducted using SAS.

Results

The overall response rate was 82.6% (157 eligible of 190 returned). Most respondents were women, 35 to 54 years of age, and either non‐Hispanic white or non‐Hispanic Asian. Twice as many had DDS or DMD degrees than BDS degrees. The vast majority completed a Dental Public Health residency and received masters level training from an accredited program. About three‐fourths worked in the United States and held a U.S. license. More than 37% reported a second doctoral degree and 70% worked in academia. Responses to questions about tasks closely aligned with working in academia and less so with positions related to advocacy, regulation, and program evaluation.

Conclusions

Current diplomates are concentrated in academia. If this trend continues, it may be necessary to restructure the competencies, so training and skills acquisition remain timely and relevant. The specialty may also need to encourage future generations to consider non‐academic positions so Dental Public Health remains an impactful component of the public health care system.
Metacognition in Second Language Speech Perception and Production
Authors: Kartushina Natalia , Soto David , Martin Clara
Published: December 2022

In this study, we assessed metacognition in nonnative language speech perception and production. Spanish novice learners of French identified and produced the French vowel contrast /ø/–/œ/ and, on each trial, rated their confidence in their responses. Participants’ confidence in perception predicted their identification accuracy, suggesting that novice learners’ metacognitive skills in nonnative speech perception are efficient at the onset of language learning. However, participants’ confidence in production did not align with a fine‐grained precision measure of their own production (indexed by Mahalanobis distance to the native French target‐vowel space) nor with a categorical measure of production (in terms of being within/outside the native speakers’ zone), indicating that metacognition in nonnative sound production is not yet efficient in novice learners. Overall, confidence ratings were similar and highly correlated between the perception and production tasks, but there was no association between the two domains in task performance or metacognitive ability. We discuss the ramifications of these findings for language learning theories and language teaching strategies as well as for the ongoing debate about the perception–production relationship.
Vertical and temporal distribution of chytrids infecting diatoms in the Gulf of Naples (Italy, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Reñé Albert , Timoneda Natàlia , Sarno Diana , Piredda Roberta , Zampicinini Gianpaolo , Zingone Adriana , Montresor Marina , Garcés Esther
Published: December 2022

The presence of phytoplankton parasites along the water column was explored at the Long‐Term Ecological Station MareChiara (LTER‐MC) in the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean Sea) in October 2019. Microscopy analyses showed diatoms dominating the phytoplankton community in the upper layers (0–20 m). Metabarcoding data from the water column showed the presence of Chytridiomycota predominantly in the upper layers coinciding with the vertical distribution of diatoms. Laboratory incubations of natural samples enriched with different diatom cultures confirmed parasitic interactions of some of those chytrids—including members of Kappamyces—with diatom taxa. The temporal dynamics of diatoms and chytrids was also explored in a 3‐year metabarcoding time‐series (2011–2013) from surface waters of the study area and in sediment samples. Chytrids were recurrently present at low relative abundances, and some taxa found to infect diatoms in the incubation experiments were also identified in the ASV time‐series. However, co‐occurrence analyses did not show any clear or recurrent pairing patterns for chytrid and diatom taxa along the 3 years. The chytrid community in the sediments showed a clearly different species composition compared with that recorded in the water column samples, with higher diversity and relative abundance. The combination of observations, incubations, and metabarcoding confirmed that parasites are a common component of marine protist communities at LTER‐MC. Host–parasite interactions must be determined and quantified to understand their role and the impact they have on phytoplankton dynamics.
Grassland ecosystem type drives AM fungal diversity and functional guild distribution in North American grasslands
Authors: Kasanke Christopher P. , Zhao Qian , Alfaro Trinidad , Walter Christopher A. , Hobbie Sarah E. , Cheeke Tanya E. , Hofmockel Kirsten S.
Published: December 2022

Nutrient exchange forms the basis of the ancient symbiotic relationship that occurs between most land plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Plants provide carbon (C) to AM fungi and fungi provide the plant with nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P). Nutrient addition can alter this symbiotic coupling in key ways, such as reducing AM fungal root colonization and changing the AM fungal community composition. However, environmental parameters that differentiate ecosystems and drive plant distribution patterns (e.g., pH, moisture), are also known to impact AM fungal communities. Identifying the relative contribution of environmental factors impacting AM fungal distribution patterns is important for predicting biogeochemical cycling patterns and plant‐microbe relationships across ecosystems. To evaluate the relative impacts of local environmental conditions and long‐term nutrient addition on AM fungal abundance and composition across grasslands, we studied experimental plots amended for 10 years with N, P, or N and P fertilizer in different grassland ecosystem types, including tallgrass prairie, montane, shortgrass prairie, and desert grasslands. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found ecosystem type, not nutrient treatment, was the main driver of AM fungal root colonization, diversity, and community composition, even when accounting for site‐specific nutrient limitations. We identified several important environmental drivers of grassland ecosystem AM fungal distribution patterns, including aridity, mean annual temperature, root moisture, and soil pH. This work provides empirical evidence for niche partitioning strategies of AM fungal functional guilds and emphasizes the importance of long‐term, large scale research projects to provide ecologically relevant context to nutrient addition studies.
Either (Nietzsche) / Or (Aristotle)? Macintyre's modernity and the enduring relevance of Kierkegaard
Authors: Rasmussen Joel D. S.
Published: December 2022

This essay situates Alasdair MacIntyre's typology of moral enquiry in Three Rival Versions of Moral Enquiry relative to his critique of Søren Kierkegaard in After Virtue to offer an alternative reading of Kierkegaard's Either/Or to the one MacIntyre proposes. The essay shows that MacIntyre's reading of Kierkegaard's Either/Or fails to register that in important respects Kierkegaard's counterpoint of rival perspectives in Either/Or bears striking resemblance to the scenario of mutual antagonisms that MacIntyre identifies among the genres of genealogy, encyclopaedia, and tradition‐informed moral enquiry. The essay then proposes a reading of Either/Or that implicitly questions not just the approach of the encyclopaedists, but also the approach of all genealogists of modernity (including the genealogy of Friedrich Nietzsche). Finally, contrary to MacIntyre's unfortunate judgement that “Kierkegaard's doctrine” is “at once the outcome and the epitaph of the Enlightenment's systematic attempt to discover a rational justification for morality,” the essay argues instead that what we can learn from Kierkegaard has been and ought to remain of enduring relevance for “tradition‐informed” philosophical and theological thinking in modernity.
The propaganda of Italian colonial imperialism in Africa through postage stamps (1903–1941)
Authors: Prieto‐Andrés Antonio , Corral García Alfonso , Fernández Romero Cayetano
Published: December 2022

Italy had a colonial empire in Africa in the areas of Libya and East Africa during the first half of the 20th century. The postage stamps issued for these areas served as instruments of propaganda for that empire. This paper uses the method of quantitative content analysis to determine which themes and ideological messages appear on the postage stamps of the Italian African colonies. The results show that, although more than half of them have an attitude of respect for the life of the indigenous population or the civilizational benefit of the colonial government, with the purpose of expressing the benevolence of its power, almost a quarter reflect attitudes of domination, especially in East Africa. Overall, an image of exoticism emerges that reinforces the idea of the Italian nation as a new empire that aimed to show itself to the world as such, especially starting in the 1930s.
Not just civic or ethnic, but mostly cultural: Conceptions of national identity and opinions about immigration in Quebec
Authors: Gagnon Audrey
Published: December 2022

It is well documented that individuals' conceptions of national identity influence their opinions about immigration. The most well‐known ideal types to capture conceptions of national identity are the civic and ethnic conceptions. Yet, this dichotomy does not reflect contemporary debates about immigration, which are framed in cultural terms. Scholars have thus proposed a cultural conception of national identity. The relationship between this conception and immigration, however, remains contested. Using an innovative approach to studying public opinion, this research analyses qualitative interviews conducted with individuals from the general public to investigate how each conception of national identity influences opinions about immigration in the context of Quebec, Canada. It shows that the cultural conception of national identity is related to both positive and negative opinions about immigration. This is explained by an evaluation mechanism whereby individuals evaluate if immigrants are included or excluded from the national group based on their (non)conformity to specific markers of identity. This evaluation is subjective and is often informed and substantiated by mediatised information about immigration‐related issues.
Personality and national identity: How the Big Five relate to civic and ethnic conceptions of nationhood
Authors: Hofstetter Nathalie
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the concept of national identity has recaptured the imagination of public opinion research and with it individuals' conceptions of what it takes to be a “true” member of their nation. This investigation aims to add to the explanation of varying conceptions of nationhood by scrutinising their personality‐based foundations. It provides the first systematic analysis of a yet unstudied link between the Big Five personality traits and two ideal‐typical conceptions of nationhood: civic and ethnic national identity. Using 18 samples from six European countries (Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and the United Kingdom), each containing around 1000 individuals, we uncover psychological underpinnings of attitudes towards national membership, revealing several consistent trait patterns. We find a negative relationship between openness to experience and an ethnic national identity, while conscientiousness associates positively with the civic ideal type of national identity content. The findings presented extend current understandings of how people conceptualise national belonging and provide evidence that distinct conceptions of nationhood are related to different dispositional foundations.