bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undemocratic Climate Protests
Authors: Garcia‐Gibson Francisco
Published: July 2021

Climate change activists sometimes engage in protests that exert coercion on governments, businesses, and citizens, instead of protests that just attempt to persuade them. I argue that these coercive protests are sometimes undemocratic, despite recent attempts in the literature to describe them as democratic. Coercive climate protests do not always improve deliberative decision‐making, and they are a means of exerting control over official decisions that is not available to all affected. I then claim that the fact that some of these protests are undemocratic is not a decisive objection against them. Climate change poses such an extremely serious threat to basic rights worldwide – risking hundreds of millions of lives – that people's right to democracy is outweighed when infringing it is a necessary means for achieving climate change mitigation.
How people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on collaborative research teams use technology: A rapid scoping review
Authors: Hwang I‐Ting , Hallock Taye M. , Schwartz Ariel E. , Roth Stephanie , Pfeiffer Beth , Kramer Jessica M.
Published: July 2021

Background

We conducted a rapid scoping review to identify how inclusive research teams use technology during the research process that could support remote collaboration during public health emergencies like the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Method

We searched three databases and conducted a hand search. Two independent reviewers screened 1498 abstracts and titles for inclusion criteria; 81 full text articles were further reviewed; 47 were included. We extracted information about each type of technology, categorised technology used during the research process, and documented described accommodations.

Results

We identified 47 articles and 94 examples of technologies used by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the research process: team formation and team function (38), data collection (19), data analysis (17) and dissemination (20).

Conclusions

Technology use by team members with intellectual and developmental disabilities demonstrates promise for remote research collaborations during public health and climate emergencies and teams with members living in diverse locations.
Arthropod food webs associated with cotton: Does Bt cotton mediate community stress?
Authors: Luz Carlos Eduardo Almeida , Zuim Vitor , Oliveira Andréa Aparecida Santos , dos Santos Patrícia de Jesus , Campos Karolayne Lopes , Haro Marcelo Mendes , Vivan Lúcia Madalena , Bastos Cristina Schetino , Guedes Raul Narciso Carvalho
Published: July 2021

The advent of genetically modified crops expressing insecticidal proteins of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) revolutionized the management of insect pest species. Nonetheless, such disruption does not come free from controversies and concerns. The quick spread of Bt resistance in targeted pest species is an example, and the impact in non‐targeted arthropod species is another. The former is a continuous focus of attention, while the latter faces knowledge gaps and methodological shortcomings particularly when arthropod communities are concerned. If Bt crops such as cotton are aimed at drastically reducing a key community component, such as targeted caterpillars in the Neotropical region, a significant community‐level impact is expected and deserves assessment. However, the subject is neglected with existing studies focusing on arthropod assemblages or low‐level taxa compromising their resolution. Thus, food web analysis was used here to assess the short‐term impact of Bt cotton on the associated arthropod community in a Neotropical scenario. Bt cotton and related non‐Bt cotton were cultivated for two years, and the arthropods were sampled using sweep net and whole plant collections throughout the cotton phenological cycle. The gathered data were used to build (plant–consumer–predator) trivariate networks using food web analysis. Thirty‐six arthropod species were sampled with the prevalence of whiteflies, cotton aphids, boll weevils and green leafhoppers, the main pest species in the region. Cotton genotype and cultivation year significantly affected the abundance and diversity of the associated arthropod assemblage (Fapp ≥ 2.86, p < 0.01). However, the Bt cotton‐associated food webs were similar to those of the non‐Bt cotton, indicating no significant impact of this technology on arthropod food webs. This result would be welcome, if it not indicating that Bt cotton did not provide a significant control of the main target pest species of the crop raising questions on the usefulness of the technology in the area.
What Influenced Early Secularization? A Statistical Analysis of the Results of the 1923 Referendum in Estonia
Authors: Gortfelder Mark
Published: July 2021

In 1923, the first referendum of Estonia—one of the most secular countries in the world—was held. It came about as a public initiative to reinstate religious studies as a subject in public elementary schools after it had been banned by left‐dominated parliaments. The referendum underlined the schism between the political elite and the wider population regarding the societal role of religion, with only 28.8 percent of votes cast in opposition to the proposal. This article uses opposition to religious studies as a proxy for secularization, and asks which political, cultural, demographic, and economic factors influenced people to become secularized in an early phase of the process. The analysis is done using municipal‐level results of the referendum and standard linear, as well as two spatial models. It is shown that left‐wing political preference and male sex are the most important predictors of secularization.
Local climate adaptation and gene flow in the native range of two co‐occurring fruit moths with contrasting invasiveness
Authors: Cao Li‐Jun , Li Bing‐Yan , Chen Jin‐Cui , Zhu Jia‐Ying , Hoffmann Ary A. , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: July 2021

Invasive species pose increasing threats to global biodiversity and ecosystems. While previous studies have characterized successful invaders based on ecological traits, characteristics related to evolutionary processes have rarely been investigated. Here we compared gene flow and local adaptation using demographic analyses and outlier tests in two co‐occurring moth pests across their common native range of China, one of which (the peach fruit moth,Carposina sasakii) has maintained its native distribution, while the other (the oriental fruit moth,Grapholita molesta) has expanded its range globally during the past century. We found that both species showed a pattern of genetic differentiation and an evolutionary history consistent with a common southwestern origin and northward expansion in their native range. However, for the noninvasive species, genetic differentiation was closely aligned with the environment, and there was a relatively low level of gene flow, whereas in the invasive species, genetic differentiation was associated with geography. Genome scans indicated stronger patterns of climate‐associated loci in the noninvasive species. While strong local adaptation and reduced gene flow across its native range may have decreased the invasiveness ofC.sasakii, this requires further validation with additional comparisons of invasive and noninvasive species across their native range.
From cells to stems: the effects of primary vascular construction on drought‐induced embolism in fern rhizomes
Authors: Suissa Jacob S. , Friedman William E.
Published: July 2021

While a considerable amount of data exists on the link between xylem construction and hydraulic function, few studies have focused on resistance to drought‐induced embolism of primary vasculature in herbaceous plants. Ferns rely entirely on primary xylem and display a remarkable diversity of vascular construction in their rhizomes, making them an ideal group in which to examine hydraulic structure–function relationships.

New optical methods allowed us to measure vulnerability to embolism in rhizomes, which are notoriously difficult to work with. We investigated five fern species based on their diverse xylem traits at the cellular, histological, and architectural levels. To link below‐ and above‐ground hydraulics, we then measured leaf–stem vulnerability segmentation.

Overall, rhizome vulnerability to embolism was correlated most strongly with cellular but not histological or architectural traits. Interestingly, at P6–12, species with increased architectural dissection were actually more vulnerable to embolism, suggesting different hydraulic dynamics at low compared to high percent embolism. Importantly, leaves fully embolize before stems reach P88, suggesting strong vulnerability segmentation.

This is the first study to explore the functional implications of primary vascular construction in fern rhizomes and leaf–stem vulnerability segmentation. Strong segmentation suggests that leaves protect perennial rhizomes against severe drought stress and hydraulically induced mortality.
Performance management technologies and trade union responses: A case study from banking
Authors: Murphy Gareth , Cullinane Niall
Published: July 2021

Literature in the Performance Management (PM) field champions a shift to more continual forms of worker assessment. Advances in data analytic technologies are claimed to support such developments. However, critical literature finds that PM technologies induce malign consequences for workers and that unions should seek to organise an alternative agenda challenging employers. Based on findings from an action research project in retail and operations banking, the paper considers whether organising enables unions to curb PM technologies’ more malign features.
Being moved by listening to unfamiliar sad music induces reward‐related hormonal changes in empathic listeners
Authors: Eerola Tuomas , Vuoskoski Jonna K. , Kautiainen Hannu , Peltola Henna‐Riikka , Putkinen Vesa , Schäfer Katharina
Published: July 2021

Many people enjoy sad music, and the appeal for tragedy is widespread among the consumers of film and literature. The underlying mechanisms of such aesthetic experiences are not well understood. We tested whether pleasure induced by sad, unfamiliar instrumental music is explained with a homeostatic or a reward theory, each of which is associated with opposite patterns of changes in the key hormones. Sixty‐two women listened to sad music (or nothing) while serum was collected for subsequent measurement of prolactin (PRL) and oxytocin (OT) and stress marker (cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone) concentrations. Two groups of participants were recruited on the basis of low and high trait empathy. In the high empathy group, PRL and OT levels were significantly lower with music compared with no music. And compared to the low empathy group, the high empathy individuals reported an increase of positive mood and higher ratings of being moved with music. None of the stress markers showed any changes across the conditions or the groups. These hormonal changes, inconsistent with the homeostatic theory proposed by Huron, exhibit a pattern expected of general reward. Our findings illuminate how unfamiliar and low arousal music may give rise to pleasurable experiences.
Impact of photobiomodulation in a patient‐derived xenograft model of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Silveira Felipe Martins , Schmidt Tuany Rafaeli , Neumann Bruna , Rosset Clévia , Zanella Virgilio Gonzales , Maahs Gerson Schulz , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Arany Praveen , Wagner Vivian Petersen , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Martins Manoela Domingues
Published: July 2021

Background

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is an effective method for the prevention of oral mucositis. However, the effects of PBMT on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PBMT in an OSCC‐patient‐derived xenograft (OSCC‐PDX) model.

Methods

BALB/c nude mice with OSCC‐PDX models were divided into Control, without PBMT (n = 8); Immediate irradiation, PBMT since one week after tumor implantation (n = 6); and Late irradiation, PBMT after tumors reached 200 mm3 (n = 6). OSCC‐PDX were daily irradiated (660 nm; 100 mW; 6 J/cm2; 0,2 J/point) for 12 weeks. The tumors were collected and submitted to volumetric, histological, immunohistochemistry, and cell cycle analysis.

Results

No significant differences in the volumetric measurements (p = 0.89) and in the histopathological grade (p > 0.05) were detected between the groups. The immunohistochemical analysis of Ki‐67 (p = 0.9661); H3K9ac (p = 0.3794); and BMI1 (p = 0.5182), and the evaluation of the cell cycle phases (p > 0.05) by flow cytometry also did not demonstrate significant differences between the irradiated and non‐irradiated groups.

Conclusion

In this study, PBMT did not impact the behavior of OSCC‐PDX models. This is an important preclinical outcome regarding safety concerns of the use of PBMT in cancer patients.
An ongoing process of reconnection: A qualitative exploration of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for adults in remission from depression
Authors: Williams Kate , Hartley Samantha , Anderson Ian M. , Birtwell Kelly , Dowson Merryn , Elliott Rebecca , Taylor Peter
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an 8‐week relapse‐prevention intervention designed for people who have experienced multiple episodes of depression and remain vulnerable to relapse. Previous qualitative explorations of the effects of MBCT for people in remission from depression have suggested a number of themes regarding changes arising from participating in MBCT ranging from awareness, agency, perspective, group processes, self‐related change, and new ways of understanding depression. We aimed to qualitatively explore how participants in remission from depression experienced MBCT both post‐MBCT and during a follow‐up period.

Methods

In a preference‐choice trial design, 35 participants took part in qualitative interviews and assessments post‐MBCT and at three time points during a 12‐month follow‐up. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Two overarching themes were developed as follows: (1) ‘reconnection with experience, self, and others’ and (2) ‘acknowledging an ongoing process of change’. In theme one, sub‐themes captured participants’ experiences of increasing levels of awareness of their experience (e.g., thoughts, emotions, sensations, and present moment) from which they described changes in their relationship with experience describing increases in control, choice, acceptance, and calm. Participants described shifts towards reconnection with aspects of the self and relationships with others. In theme two, sub‐themes reflected participants’ conflict between avoidance and engagement in mindfulness practices, and the recognition of the gradual change following MBCT and long‐term investment needed in mindfulness practices.

Conclusions

Our findings have clinical implications in terms of facilitating MBCT and point to important themes around recognizing the ongoing process of reconnection with experiences, self, and others.

Practitioner points

Participants with histories of depression may have experienced disconnection and isolation from internal experiences (e.g., thoughts and emotions), self, and others; MBCT encourages a deliberate shift towards reconnection with these experiences.

Practitioners could encourage more psychoeducation and discussions around depression during MBCT to encourage reflections on the process of reconnection.

Practitioners should maintain an awareness of the ongoing, gradual processes of change and potential for conflict experienced during MBCT

Practitioners could provide a stronger emphasis on building awareness of body sensations during MBCT, with suggestions provided in the discussion section.
Towards engineering ectomycorrhization into switchgrass bioenergy crops via a lectin receptor‐like kinase
Authors: Qiao Zhenzhen , Yates Timothy B. , Shrestha Him K. , Engle Nancy L. , Flanagan Amy , Morrell‐Falvey Jennifer L. , Sun Yali , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Abraham Paul E. , Labbé Jessy , Wang Zeng‐Yu , Hettich Robert L. , Tuskan Gerald A. , Muchero Wellington , Chen Jin‐Gui
Published: July 2021

Soil‐borne microbes can establish compatible relationships with host plants, providing a large variety of nutritive and protective compounds in exchange for photosynthesized sugars. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the establishment of these beneficial relationships remain unclear. Our previous genetic mapping and whole‐genome resequencing studies identified a gene deletion event of a Populus trichocarpa lectin receptor‐like kinase gene PtLecRLK1 in Populus deltoides that was associated with poor‐root colonization by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria bicolor. By introducing PtLecRLK1 into a perennial grass known to be a non‐host of L. bicolor, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), we found that L. bicolor colonizes ZmUbipro‐PtLecRLK1 transgenic switchgrass roots, which illustrates that the introduction of PtLecRLK1 has the potential to convert a non‐host to a host of L. bicolor. Furthermore, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses on inoculated‐transgenic switchgrass roots revealed genes/proteins overrepresented in the compatible interaction and underrepresented in the pathogenic defence pathway, consistent with the view that pathogenic defence response is down‐regulated during compatible interaction. Metabolomic profiling revealed that root colonization in the transgenic switchgrass was associated with an increase in N‐containing metabolites and a decrease in organic acids, sugars, and aromatic hydroxycinnamate conjugates, which are often seen in the early steps of establishing compatible interactions. These studies illustrate that PtLecRLK1 is able to render a plant susceptible to colonization by the ectomycorrhizal fungus L. bicolor and shed light on engineering mycorrhizal symbiosis into a non‐host to enhance plant productivity and fitness on marginal lands.
The triose phosphate utilization limitation of photosynthetic rate: Out of global models but important for leaf models
Authors: Gregory Luke M. , McClain Alan M. , Kramer David M. , Pardo Jeremy D. , Smith Kaila E. , Tessmer Oliver L. , Walker Berkley J. , Ziccardi Leonardo G. , Sharkey Thomas D.
Published: July 2021

The effect of including triose phosphate utilization (TPU) on parameterization of the Farquhar, von Caemmerer, Berry model of photosynthetic gas exchange measurements is explored. Better fits to data are found even though TPU rarely limits photosynthesis under physiological conditions.
Divalent nutrient cations: Friend and foe during zinc stress in rice
Authors: Cheah Boon Huat , Chen Yu‐Ling , Lo Jing‐Chi , Tang I‐Chien , Yeh Kuo‐Chen , Lin Ya‐Fen
Published: July 2021

Zn deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficit in rice but Zn is also a widespread industrial pollutant. Zn deficiency responses in rice are well documented, but comparative responses to Zn deficiency and excess have not been reported. Therefore, we compared the physiological, transcriptional and biochemical properties of rice subjected to Zn starvation or excess at early and later treatment stages. Both forms of Zn stress inhibited root and shoot growth. Gene ontology analysis of differentially expressed genes highlighted the overrepresentation of Zn transport and antioxidative defense for both Zn stresses, whereas diterpene biosynthesis was solely induced by excess Zn. Divalent cations (Fe, Cu, Ca, Mn and Mg) accumulated in Zn‐deficient shoots but Mg and Mn were depleted in the Zn excess shoots, mirroring the gene expression of non‐specific Zn transporters and chelators. Ascorbate peroxidase activity was induced after 14 days of Zn starvation, scavenging H2O2 more effectively to prevent leaf chlorosis via the Fe‐dependent Fenton reaction. Conversely, excess Zn triggered the expression of genes encoding Mg/Mn‐binding proteins (OsCPS2/4 and OsKSL4/7) required for antimicrobial diterpenoid biosynthesis. Our study reveals the potential role of divalent cations in the shoot, driving the unique responses of rice to each form of Zn stress.
Acral lentiginous melanoma—Population, treatment, and survival using the NCDB from 2004 to 2015
Authors: Bian Shelly X. , Hwang Lindsay , Hwang Jennifer , Ragab Omar , In Gino K. , Peng David , Lin Eugene
Published: July 2021

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a rare histological subtype of cutaneous malignant melanoma that typically presents on the palms and soles. To characterize the demographic and treatment characteristics of ALM, we used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to describe a large multi‐institutional cohort of ALM patients, consisting of 4,796 ALM patients from 2004 to 2015. ALM was more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage overall compared with non‐ALM cutaneous melanomas, and more likely to be thicker, ulcerated, lymph node positive, and have lymphovascular invasion and positive margins. When stratified by stage, ALM had worse survival compared with non‐ALM patients, most notably in stage III patients with 5‐year survival of 47.5% versus 56.7%, respectively (p < .001). In ALM patients, older age, male sex, higher comorbidity burden, increased tumor thickness and ulceration, positive lymph nodes, and positive metastasis were independently associated with lower 5‐year survival. Multimodality therapy, defined as surgery in addition to systemic therapy and/or radiation therapy, was associated with higher survival in stage III patients but not in other stages. These results call for further investigation into possible treatment intensification in the ALM population in the future.
Risk factors of epilepsy in children with complex febrile seizures: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jongruk Piyatida , Wiwattanadittakul Natrujee , Katanyuwong Kamornwan , Sanguansermsri Chinnuwat
Published: July 2021

Background

Febrile seizures are the most common seizures in children. Children with complex febrile seizures have a higher risk of subsequent epilepsy compared with children with simple febrile seizures. Multiple risks factors for epilepsy, including focal status epilepticus, family history of epilepsy, neurodevelopmental abnormalities and abnormal electroencephalogram findings, have been found with inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for developing epilepsy in children with complex febrile seizures.

Methods

The study included 248 children aged 3–72‐months, diagnosed with complex febrile seizures at Chiang Mai University Hospital. Demographic data, seizure characteristics, electroencephalogram and neuroimaging findings were identified, and assessed to establish whether they were risk factors for subsequent epilepsy.

Results

Fifty‐five patients (22.1%) had subsequent epilepsy. Using Cox regression‐survival analysis, factors associated with epilepsy were prolonged seizures >15 min (P = 0.006; Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.475; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.294–4.735), developmental delay (P = 0.019; HR: 4.476; 95% CI: 2.280–15.646), epileptiform discharges on electroencephalogram (P = 0.023; HR: 1.391; 95%CI: 1.174–1.876), and abnormal neuroimaging (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging; P = 0.028; HR: 1.355; 95% CI: 1.034–1.776). Age at onset, peak febrile temperature, duration between the onset of fever and the occurrence of seizure, recurrent seizures within 24 h, focal seizures, abnormal neurological exams and family history of febrile seizure or epilepsy were not associated with increased risk of subsequent epilepsy in this study.

Conclusions

Risk factors associated with increased risk of epilepsy in children with complex febrile seizures are prolonged seizures or febrile status epilepticus, developmental delay, electroencephalogram epileptiform discharges, and abnormal neuroimaging. Their presence would merit close clinical monitoring.
Scalability in Platforms for Local Groceries: An Examination of Indirect Network Economies
Authors: Wang Lina , Rabinovich Elliot , Richards Timothy J.
Published: July 2021

Despite a significant rise in consumer interest in local foods, supply constraints limit access to these products in many markets. Online platforms for local foods may help solve these constraints. However, to our knowledge, there is no empirical research on the economic viability of these platforms. We study this problem by analyzing a two‐sided platform subject to indirect network effects. If present, these effects will create a virtuous cycle where consumers’ demand for products sold through the platform rises in the number of vendors and suppliers’ demand for product distribution through the platform increases in consumer demand. In the case of our study's platform, analyses reveal the existence of indirect network effects, as consumers prefer a variety of local vendors and vendors derive greater surplus from greater consumer demand. Therefore, platforms like the one we analyze may serve as viable alternatives for the commercialization of local foods, and could provide greater access to these products. Importantly, however, our analysis also reveals the existence of not only nonlinearities in the strength of indirect network effects, but also non‐monotonic effects. Non‐monotonicity derives from consumers’ attraction to the platform marginally decreasing in the number of local vendors and from the existence of marginally increasing costs as more of these vendors join in. As a result, indirect network economies are subject to a cap imposed by the number of vendors participating in these platforms. Through counterfactual simulations, we evaluate the magnitude of this constraint and offer recommendations on how to minimize its impact.
Trying and Failing: Biases in Donor Aversion to Rejection
Authors: Daniels Kaitlin M. , Valdés León
Published: July 2021

Non‐profit organizations (NPOs) play a critical role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, directing resources from donors to aid recipients. To achieve this, they often rely on donations of physical goods, which can not only further the mission of the NPO, but also give new life to used goods destined for the landfill. However, not all donations are wanted or needed—the NPO may be space constrained or the donation may be of poor quality. Accepting unwanted donations imposes non‐trivial operational costs on the NPO or its downstream partners. Nonetheless, NPOs often hesitate to reject unwanted items, fearing negative repercussions for future donations. To better understand these repercussions, we study how donors respond to rejection using a controlled experiment. Subjects repeatedly choose whether to complete a real‐effort task that generates a donation, which is rejected with a fixed probability whose value is unknown to them. We measure subjects’ donation decisions and beliefs about the probability that their donations are accepted. We compare these measures against a for‐profit experimental condition wherein the subject, not an NPO, receives the payment generated by the real‐effort task. Our results identify a mechanism by which rejections affect donations: via a reduction in donors’ beliefs about future success. Moreover, we identify a novel instance of self‐serving bias: when high effort is required to make a donation, subjects’ beliefs respond significantly more negatively to rejection in the donation condition than in the for‐profit condition. We propose ways in which NPOs can alleviate this bias.
Comparative Statics Analysis of An Inventory Management Model with Dynamic Pricing, Market Environment Fluctuation, and Delayed Differentiation
Authors: Yang Nan , Zhang Renyu
Published: July 2021

We consider a general joint pricing and inventory management model with delayed differentiation, in which a firm serves a market with multiple products made from a generic one. The firm holds inventory for the generic product which is produced using multiple resources. Moreover, the market size, the attractiveness of each product, the firm's productivity, and the procurement cost of each resource all evolve over the planning horizon driven by an exogenous Markov process. Comparative statics analysis is essential for studying this model, offering insights on the impact of market environment fluctuation upon the firm's optimal pricing and inventory policy. Hence, we propose a new approach that combines the advantages of implicit function theorem (IFT) and monotone comparative statics (MCS) approaches to perform comparative statics analysis in our joint pricing and inventory management model under market environment fluctuation. The new approach applies to our model where the standard IFT and MCS methods are not easily amenable. Using our new comparative statics approach, we characterize the optimal pricing and production policy of the firm, and offer insights on how the firm should adaptively respond to market environment fluctuations.
The COVID‐19–Social Identity–Digital Media Nexus in India: Polarization and Blame
Authors: Arabaghatta Basavaraj Kiran , Saikia Pahi , Varughese Anil , Semetko Holli A. , Kumar Anup
Published: July 2021

Drawing on social identity theory and research on digital media and polarization, this study uses a quasi‐experimental design with a random sample (n = 3304) to provide causal evidence on perceptions of who is to blame for the initial spread of COVID‐19 in India. According blame to three different social and political entities—Tablighi Jamaat (a Muslim group), the Modi government, and migrant workers (a heterogeneous group)—are the dependent variables in three OLS regression models testing the effect of the no‐blame treatment, controlling for Facebook use, social identity (religion), vote in the 2019 national election, and other demographics. Results show respondents in the treatment group were more likely to allay blame, affective polarization (dislike for outgroup members) was social identity based, not partisan based, and Facebook/Instagram use was not significant. Congress and United Progressive Alliance voters in 2019 were less likely to blame the Modi government for the initial spread. Unlike extant research in western contexts, affective and political polarization appear to be distinct concepts in India where social identity complexity is important. This study of the first wave informs perceptions of blame in future waves, which are discussed in conclusion along with questions for future research.
Addressing the welfare needs of farmed lumpfish: Knowledge gaps, challenges and solutions
Authors: Garcia de Leaniz Carlos , Gutierrez Rabadan Carolina , Barrento Sara I. , Stringwell Rebecca , Howes Paul N. , Whittaker Ben A. , Minett Jessica F. , Smith Robert G. , Pooley Craig L. , Overland Ben J. , Biddiscombe Leigh , Lloyd Richard , Consuegra Sofia , Maddocks Jake K. , Deacon Paul T. J. , Jennings Ben T. , Rey Planellas Sonia , Deakin Amanda , Moore Amber I. , Phillips Daniel. , Bardera Guillermo , Castanheira Maria F. , Scolamacchia Maria , Clarke Nancy , Parker Ollie , Avizienius John , Johnstone Malcolm , Pavlidis Michalis
Published: July 2021

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpusL.) are increasingly being used as cleaner fish to control parasitic sea lice, one of the most important threats to salmon farming. However, lumpfish cannot survive feeding solely on sea lice, and their mortality in salmon net‐pens can be high, which has welfare, ethical and economic implications. The industry is under increasing pressure to improve the welfare of lumpfish, but little guidance exists on how this can be achieved. We undertook a knowledge gap and prioritisation exercise using a Delphi approach with participants from the fish farming sector, animal welfare, academia and regulators to assess consensus on the main challenges and potential solutions for improving lumpfish welfare. Consensus among participants on the utility of 5 behavioural and 12 physical welfare indicators was high (87–89%), reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, 95CI = 0.69–0.92) and independent of participant background. Participants highlighted fin erosion and body damage as the most useful and practical operational welfare indicators, and blood parameters and behavioural indicators as the least practical. Species profiling revealed profound differences between Atlantic salmon and lumpfish in relation to behaviour, habitat preferences, nutritional needs and response to stress, suggesting that applying a common set of welfare standards to both species cohabiting in salmon net‐pens may not work well for lumpfish. Our study offers 16 practical solutions for improving the welfare of lumpfish and illustrates the merits of the Delphi approach for achieving consensus among stakeholders on welfare needs, targeting research where is most needed and generating workable solutions.
Becoming a Young Farmer in the Digital Age—An Island Perspective*
Authors: Unay‐Gailhard İlkay , Simões Francisco
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the career construction paths of young farmers and aims to contribute to the literature on the “young farmer problem.” Of particular relevance is this study's focus on the potential of islands as a new career landscape in the digital age. Young farmers' subjective experiences toward careers were analyzed based on narrative interviews, quantitative surveys and expert interviews from two EU islands: Crete and the Azores. Firstly, the study provides insights on the behavioral and cognitive dimensions of the career construction model by identifying followed career paths. Secondly, we turn our focus to the role of digital communications in career construction and, thirdly, the study examines the geographical dimension of the model. We find that involvement with farming entails complex career patterns that evolve into passion. Whether their involvement follows planned or unplanned paths, protean career attitudes, desire to experiment, and a strong sense of career self‐concept play significant roles in shaping the career narratives. “Experience” and “management” dimensions of online communication drive the construction of careers as a part of a professional identity mechanism. Our results reveal that the “island effect” (maintaining a part‐time farming culture) plays a role in cohesive singular and multiple career self‐concepts.
QA4GIS: A novel approach learning to answer GIS developer questions with API documentation
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Li Yi , Wang Shaohua , Ye Xinyue
Published: July 2021

Community‐based question answering websites have attracted more and more scholars and developers to discuss domain knowledge and software development. In this article, we focus on the GIS section of the Stack Exchange website and develop a novel approach, QA4GIS, a deep learning‐based system for question answering tasks with a deep neural network (DNN) model to extract the representation of the query–API document pair. We use the LambdaMART model to rerank the candidate API documents. We begin with an empirical analysis of the questions and answers, demonstrating that API documents could answer 52.93% of the questions. Then we evaluate QA4GIS by comparing it with 10 other baselines. The experiment results show that QA4GIS can improve 21.39% on the MAP score and 22.34% on the MRR score compared with the best baseline SIF.
Functional modulation of an aquaporin to intensify photosynthesis and abrogate bacterial virulence in rice
Authors: Chen Xiaochen , Ma Jinbiao , Wang Xuan , Lu Kai , Liu Yan , Zhang Liyuan , Peng Jinfeng , Chen Lei , Yang Minkai , Li Yang , Cheng Zaiquan , Xiao Suqin , Yu Jinfeng , Zou Shenshen , Liang Yuancun , Zhang Meixiang , Yang Yonghua , Ding Xinhua , Dong Hansong
Published: July 2021

Plant aquaporins are a recently noted biological resource with a great potential to improve crop growth and defense traits. Here, we report the functional modulation of the rice (Oryza sativa) aquaporin OsPIP1;3 to enhance rice photosynthesis and grain production and to control bacterial blight and leaf streak, the most devastating worldwide bacterial diseases in the crop. We characterize OsPIP1;3 as a physiologically relevant CO2‐transporting facilitator, which supports 30% of rice photosynthesis on average. This role is nullified by interaction of OsPIP1;3 with the bacterial protein Hpa1, an essential component of the Type III translocon that supports translocation of the bacterial Type III effectors PthXo1 and TALi into rice cells to induce leaf blight and streak, respectively. Hpa1 binding shifts OsPIP1;3 from CO2 transport to effector translocation, aggravates bacterial virulence, and blocks rice photosynthesis. On the contrary, the external application of isolated Hpa1 to rice plants effectively prevents OsPIP1;3 from interaction with Hpa1 secreted by the bacteria that are infecting the plants. Blockage of the OsPIP1;3–Hpa1 interaction reverts OsPIP1;3 from effector translocation to CO2 transport, abrogates bacterial virulence, and meanwhile induces defense responses in rice. These beneficial effects can combine to enhance photosynthesis by 29–30%, reduce bacterial disease by 58–75%, and increase grain yield by 11–34% in different rice varieties investigated in small‐scale field trials conducted during the past years. Our results suggest that crop productivity and immunity can be coordinated by modulating the physiological and pathological functions of a single aquaporin to break the growth–defense tradeoff barrier.
Evaluation of the intervertebral disk, vertebral body, and spinal cord for changes secondary to percutaneous laser disk ablation
Authors: Irizarry Ivette Nikol , Dugat Danielle R. , Sippel Kate M. , Payton Mark E.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the intervertebral disk, vertebral endplates, and spinal cord for perioperative changes secondary to percutaneous laser disk ablation (PLDA) and correlate findings to clinical outcomes in dogs receiving thoracolumbar PLDA.

Study Design

Blinded study.

Animals

Thirty dogs.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before PLDA (control/Group C), immediately following PLDA (Group I), and 3 months later (perioperative/Group P). Dogs were followed 3 years. Groups and dogs were randomized for evaluation. Two radiologists were blinded to each MRI study and dog. Each radiologist evaluated the disk, vertebral body, and spinal cord at each disk space receiving PLDA.

Results

Mean disk degeneration was increased in Group P at L1‐2 (p < .0001) and L2‐3 (p = .0081). Both radiologists identified mild diskitis (1%–15%) in Group P (radiologist 1,p < .0001; radiologist 2,p = .0012). Cranial endplate lesions were identified in Group P at T11‐12 (p = .0353), T13‐L1 (p = .0026), and L4‐5 (p = .0210). Lesions were identified in the caudal endplates of all eight disk spaces in Group P: T10‐11 (p = .0004), T11‐12 (p < .0001), T12‐13 (p < .0001), T13‐L1 (p < .0001), L1‐2 (p < .0001), L2‐3 (p < .0001), L3‐4 (p < .0001), and L4‐5 (p < .0001). There was no disk extrusion or spinal cord lesions identified.

Conclusion

This study evaluated effects that may occur secondary to PLDA, using MRI. Although vertebral body changes were identified, they did not correlate with clinical complications.

Clinical Significance

PLDA appears to be a safe, effective procedure performed on thoracolumbar disks to reduce recurrence of intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) in dogs that previously experienced IVDH, despite the appearance of visible vertebral endplate lesions and mild diskitis on MRI.
Influence of intraoperative closed glove exchange on glove contamination during clean soft tissue surgeries
Authors: Sidhu Deepinder S. , Gull Tamara , Skinner Owen T.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To determine the influence of intraoperative glove exchange on glove contamination during clean soft tissue surgery.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Sample Population

Two hundred pairs of gloves and gowns from 50 clean soft tissue surgeries.

Methods

Gloves and gown cuffs were cultured from the primary surgeon and first assistant using a standardized protocol. Cultures were taken from outer surface of both gown cuffs prior to surgery and after gloves were removed at the end of surgery; gloves were cultured prior to surgery, at end of surgery and after a new pair was donned after closed glove exchange. Cultures were evaluated for colony‐forming units after 72 h of inoculation.

Results

Bacterial contamination was documented in 41 of the 50 surgeries (82%). The most common species cultured was Streptocococcus spp. There was no difference (p = .719) in the bacterial contamination rate of gown cuffs prior to surgery (10%; 20/200) compared to after surgery (9.5%; 19/200). The bacterial contamination rate for gloves was 10.5% (21/200) prior to surgery, 19.5% (39/196) after surgery, and 11% (22/200) after regloving. Gloves cultured following surgery were significantly more contaminated than gloves cultured preoperatively (p = .010) or gloves cultured following regloving (p = .018).

Conclusion

Glove exchange did not increase bacterial contamination of gloves during the clean soft tissue surgeries tested here.

Clinical Significance

The outside of the gown cuff does not seem to represent a major source of contamination during clean procedures. This study does not provide evidence to support a change in current practices for intraoperative closed glove exchange.
Management of State Universities of Bahia Woman, Memory and Social Representations
Authors: Benevides da Silva Josias , Bertoni Luci Mara
Published: July 2021

In this research, were analyzed the collective memory and social representations of women who are former rectors of the Public State Universities of Bahia, about the relations of power and gender in university management. The methodology of is qualitative research, through semi-structured interviews and observation, the material obtained was analyzed with Content Analysis. We can mention clashes, debates, support, focused on academic formation and the provision of services to society. As results of this study, it was observed that relations of power and gender in universities follow the logic of patriarchal society, with the difference that the knowledge, sometimes, inhibits or hides stigma and discrimination.
Missionaries and Orientalists Studies of Chinese Islam- Before the 20th Century
Authors: Tuoheti Alimu
Published: July 2021

In the 19th century, the development of natural science and the emergence of enlightenment gradually gave birth to social science in modern Europe. As Europe opened the door to China in the middle of the 19th century, Western academia began to pay attention to China, and Western theories and methods progressively entered China and were accepted by Chinese scholars. Most saliently, some Christian missionaries and Orientalists have completed more serious studies of Islam in China, and published several corresponding works and research results on this basis. During this period, those who studied Islam and Muslims in China could be divided into two categories. the Religious people, including Christian missionaries. and Scholars, including Orientalists. Subsequently, when Western missionaries entered China, they found the presence of a large Muslim group, so they began to study them and organize missionary work. Although this missionary activity proved unsuccessful in terms of the number of converts to Christianity, it maintains a certain positive significance regarding religious and cultural exchange, and cross-civilizational interaction. Documents recording the encounters between Christianity and Islam in China since modern times are scattered in journals such as Chinese Repository, The Chinese Recorder, Friends of Moslems, The Moslem World and China’s Millions.
Direct swallowing training and oral sensorimotor stimulation in preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Heo Ju Sun , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Sae Yun , Song In Gyu , Yoon Young Mi , Cho Hannah , Lee Eun Sun , Shin Seung Han , Oh Byung-Mo , Shin Hyung-Ik , Kim Han-Suk
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effects of direct swallowing training (DST) alone and combined with oral sensorimotor stimulation (OSMS) on oral feeding ability in very preterm infants.

Design

Blinded, parallel group, randomised controlled trial (1:1:1).

Setting

Neonatal intensive care unit of a South Korean tertiary hospital.

Participants

Preterm infants born at <32 weeks of gestation who achieved full tube feeding.

Interventions

Two sessions per day were provided according to the randomly assigned groups (control: two times per day sham intervention; DST: DST and sham interventions, each once a day; DST+OSMS: DST and OSMS interventions, each once a day).

Primary outcome

Time from start to independent oral feeding (IOF).

Results

Analyses were conducted in 186 participants based on modified intention-to-treat (63 control; 63 DST; 60 DST+OSMS). The mean time from start to IOF differed significantly between the control, DST and DST+OSMS groups (21.1, 17.2 and 14.8 days, respectively, p=0.02). Compared with non-intervention, DST+OSMS significantly shortened the time from start to IOF (effect size: −0.49; 95% CI: −0.86 to –0.14; p=0.02), whereas DST did not. The proportion of feeding volume taken during the initial 5 min, an index of infants’ actual feeding ability when fatigue is minimal, increased earlier in the DST+OSMS than in the DST.

Conclusions

In very preterm infants, DST+OSMS led to the accelerated attainment of IOF compared with non-intervention, whereas DST alone did not. The effect of DST+OSMS on oral feeding ability appeared earlier than that of DST alone.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02508571).
Cutibacterium acnessternoclavicular joint osteomyelitis in an otherwise healthy 55-year-old man
Authors: Yaphe Sean , Bahcheli Kemal
Published: July 2021

Sternoclavicular joint osteomyelitis is extremely rare, with only 225 reported cases in the last 45 years. We present an unusual case in an otherwise healthy 55-year-old man with a history of well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. He presented to the emergency department after a week of left knee pain that worsened to full-body joint pain with left sternoclavicular swelling. He was started on antibiotics with multiple washouts of the left knee and treated for septic arthritis. By MRI and CT, he was found to have left sternoclavicular joint osteomyelitis and abscess and underwent debridement and resection. We believe that the initial joint injection resulted in haematogenous spread to the left sternoclavicular joint, stressing the importance of a sterile field for joint procedures.
Chronic cough with dual pathologies of pulmonary ossification
Authors: Proctor Simon , Crocker Helen , Au Virginia , Aiyappan Vinod
Published: July 2021

An 81-year-old man presented with chronic cough, which did not respond to the initiation of combined bronchodilator/inhaled corticosteroid therapy. CT of the chest revealed calcified nodules throughout the trachea sparing the posterior membrane, and tiny peripheral parenchymal nodules with basal interlobular septal thickening and calcification. Flexible bronchoscopy demonstrated endobronchial nodularity from the proximal trachea to the mid-sections of both main bronchi, sparing the posterior membrane. Histopathology revealed submucosal fibrous connective tissue and benign bone, confirming a diagnosis of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica. CT was consistent with a concurrent diagnosis of dendriform pulmonary ossification. These two rare phenomena often present with non-specific symptoms, and the diagnosis can be made with imaging in both conditions. There is a role for bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of tracheobronchopathia osteochondropastica, and the endobronchial appearance could be diagnostic. The concurrence of both phenomena in our case might represent activity of a common cellular pathway of ossification in both sites.