bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral rhythms are bad predictors of general organismal rhythmicity
Authors: Sören Häfker N. , Holcik Laurenz , Vadiwala Karim , Beets Isabel , Mat Audrey M. , Stockinger Alexander W. , Hammer Stefan , Schoofs Liliane , Raible Florian , Tessmar-Raible Kristin
Published: July 2022

The circadian clock controls behavior and metabolism in various organisms. However, the exact timing and strength of rhythmic phenotypes can vary significantly between individuals of the same species. This is highly relevant for the rhythmically complex marine environments where organismal rhythmic diversity likely permits the occupation of different microenvironments. When investigating circadian locomotor behavior ofPlatynereis dumerilii,a model system for marine molecular chronobiology, we found strain-specific, high variability between individual worms. The individual patterns were reproducibly maintained for several weeks independent of basic culture conditions, such as population density or feeding. A diel head transcriptome comparison of behaviorally rhythmic versus arrhythmic wildtype worms showed that 24h cycling of core circadian clock transcripts is identical between both behavioral phenotypes. While behaviorally arrhythmic worms showed a similar total number of cycling transcripts compared to their behaviorally rhythmic counterparts, the annotation categories of their transcripts, however, differed substantially. Consistent with their locomotor phenotype, behaviorally rhythmic worms exhibit an enrichment of cycling transcripts related to neuronal/behavioral processes. In contrast, behaviorally arrhythmic worms showed significantly increased diel cycling for metabolism- and physiology-related transcripts. Phenotype-specific cycling of distinct matrix metalloproteinase transcripts, encoding extracellular enzymes that modulate synaptic circuit function and neuropeptide signaling, like pigment dispersing factor (PDF), prompted us to functionally investigatePlatynereis pdf. Differing from its role inDrosophila,loss ofpdfimpacts on overall activity levels, but shows only indirect effects on rhythmicity. Our results show that individuals arrhythmic in a given process can show increased rhythmicity in others. Across thePlatynereispopulation, variations of this exist as a reproducible continuum. We hypothesize that such diel rhythm breadth is an important biodiversity resource enabling the species to quickly adapt to heterogeneous marine environments and potentially also to the effects of climate change, which is however endangered with shrinking population sizes and hence diversity.
West Nile virus and Usutu virus in wild birds from Rescue Centers, a post-mortem monitoring study from Central Italy
Authors: Giglia Giuseppe , Mencattelli Giulia , Lepri Elvio , Agliani Gianfilippo , Gobbi Marco , Gröne Andrea , van den Brand Judith M. A. , Savini Giovanni , Mandara Maria Teresa
Published: July 2022

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses causing world-wide numerous cases in animals and humans. In Italy, both viruses have been associated with neurological diseases in humans and wild birds. Wild bird rescue centers where support in emergency and care of diseased animals are provided, are potential significant hot spots for avian infection surveillance, as recognized in the Italian Integrate National Surveillance Plan for Arboviruses. Here we report the results of a post-mortem active monitoring study conducted from November 2017 to October 2020 on animals hosted in five wild bird rescue centers of Central Italy. Five hundred seventy-six (n = 576) wild birds were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the presence of WNV or USUV RNA fragments. No birds tested positive for USUV RNA (n = 0; 0.00 %). Evidence of WNV RNA (Ct value = 34.36) was found in one bird (n = 1; 0.17 %), an adult little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis subsp. ruficollis), that tested WNV positive on December 2019 and died due to traumatic injuries. The main pathological findings consisted in mild CD3+ lymphocytic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, meningoencephalitis, and cardiomyocytes loss and interstitial oedema of the heart. This study highlights the strategic role of wildlife rescue centers in monitoring both the introduction and circulation of avian emerging zoonotic diseases. Also, the presence of WNV during the cold season evidences the possible role of birds in overwintering mechanisms in the Italian territory and requires further investigations.
Evaluation of acaricidal activity of lithium-chloride against Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Solti Izabella , Kolics Éva , Keszthelyi Sándor , Bacsi Zsuzsanna , Staszny Ádám , Nagy Erzsébet , Taller János , Mátyás Kinga , Kolics Balázs
Published: July 2022

Tetranychus urticae is a severe threat and a major source of yield loss in some agricultural and horticultural crops. Control is greatly complicated due to the hidden lifestyle of the species. In addition to its direct damage, it is considered a vector for several viruses. The number of active substances used against it is limited, and the development of resistance means that sustainable control is not achieved. Therefore, there is a continuous need for new active substances. Lithium salts have been shown to be a promising alternative to control Varroa destructor, an apicultural mite pest. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether the contact efficacy of lithium chloride extends to other agricultural mite pests, such as the two-spotted spider mite. In the present pilot study, we report for the first time that the efficacy of lithium chloride extends to the two-spotted spider mite, showing 100% mortality at concentrations of 5.52 M, 2.76 M, and 1.38 M. It is to note, however, that the experiments did not cover residue and practical application aspects, and further extensive studies are needed in this area to clarify the relevance of the practical sub-classification.
A vast world of viroid-like circular RNAs revealed by mining metatranscriptomes
Authors: Lee Benjamin D. , Neri Uri , Roux Simon , Wolf Yuri I. , Camargo Antonio Pedro , Krupovic Mart ,   RNA Virus Discovery Consortium, Simmonds Peter , Kyrpides Nikos , Gophna Uri , Dolja Valerian V. , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: July 2022

Viroids and viroid-like agents are unique, minimal RNA replicators that typically encode no proteins and hijack cellular enzymes for their genome replication. As the extent and diversity of viroid-like agents are poorly understood, we developed a computational pipeline to identify viroid-like covalently closed circular (ccc) RNAs and applied it to 5,131 global metatranscriptomes and 1,344 plant transcriptomes. The search resulted in 11,420 viroid-like, ribozyme-containing cccRNAs spanning 4,409 species-level clusters, which is a five-fold increase compared to the previously known set of viroids and viroid-like RNA agents. Within this diverse collection, we identified numerous putative novel viroids, satellite RNAs, retrozymes, and ribozylike viruses. We also found previously unknown ribozyme combinations and unusual ribozymes within the cccRNAs. Self-cleaving ribozymes were identified in both RNA strands of ambiviruses and some mito-like viruses as well as in capsid-encoding satellite virus-like cccRNAs. The broad presence of viroid-like cccRNAs in diverse transcriptomes and ecosystems implies that their host range is not limited to plants, and matches between viroid-like cccRNAs and CRISPR spacers suggest that some of them might replicate in prokaryotes.
Site-specific Halogenation of Peptides and Proteins using engineered Halogenase Enzymes
Authors: Sana Barindra , Ke Ding , Yen Li Eunice Hui , Ho Timothy , Seayad Jayasree , Duong Hung A , Ghadessy Farid J
Published: July 2022

We demonstrate novel in vitro halogenation of peptides by halogenase enzymes, and identify the (G/S)GW motif (HaloTryp Tag) as a preferred substrate. We further derive PyrH halogenase mutants showing improved halogenation of the HaloTryp Tag, both as a free peptide and when genetically fused to model proteins.
Understanding the Z-generation learner for contemporary teaching in Nigerian universities
Authors: Nwajiuba Chinyere Augusta , Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study investigated preferred learning and teaching styles of the Z-generation learners using Nigerian universities as a case.

Design/methodology/approach

The visual, aural, read/write and kinesthetic (VARK) learning style model and the teaching method instrument were administered to 133 students' from private and public universities in Southeast Nigeria, and data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and multivariate probit regression.

Findings

The students' preferred learning styles were auditory (90.2%), visual (83.5%), tactile (82.7%) and social interpersonal (73.7%). The findings indicate high preference for lecture with discussion among students while the least preferred teaching style was peer tutoring. Gender, programme of study, parents' marital status, students' socioeconomic and type of university showed different significant levels of interaction with learning style preference.

Practical implications

The results suggest that contemporary university teachers teach concepts using audio–visual media tools and lecture method combined with discussions to enhance students’ learning experiences.

Originality/value

Despite the numerous studies on learning and teaching styles preference among generations, the authors have not had until now any data examining the learning and teaching style preference of the Z-generation learner in the Nigerian context.
Service inclusion for tourists with disabilities: scale development and validation
Authors: Awan Maheen Iqbal , Shamim Amjad , Saleem Muhammad Shoaib , Gill Shahbaz Shabbir
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a scale for measuring service inclusion for tourists with disabilities in tourism and hospitality services. Transformative service research serves as the basis for the conceptualization and dimensionality.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop and purify the items as well as develop dimensions, standard scale development procedures were applied. Two studies were undertaken. In Study 1, the factorial structure of the service inclusion was constructed and confirmed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. In Study 2, the field study was conducted to validate the scale.

Findings

The study developed a new scale for measuring service inclusion. The results show that service inclusion is a higher-order construct with four dimensions, namely, enabling opportunity, offering choice, relieving suffering and fostering happiness. Furthermore, service inclusion has a significant effect on tourists’ well-being perception, which results in more favorable behavioral responses. The newly constructed scale is declared as valid and reliable by the study that examined it for nomological validity by examining the relationship between service inclusion and tourists’ perceptions of their well-being.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to develop measurement scale for service inclusion in the tourism and hospitality industry. The scale is proven as reliable and valid and is well suitable for measuring service inclusion for tourists with physical disabilities. It has potential to use for other relevant service contexts.
Creatures of a lesser god! Gender-based differences in HR attributions mediated by person-job fit: a poly-contextual analysis
Authors: Yousaf Amna , Yusuf Fatima , Umrani Waheed Ali
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Using social information processing and sense-making theory, the current study examines how the poly-contextual factors and social environment of employees provide unique cues and shape an employee's person-job (PJ) fit perceptions in ways that enable males to perceive a better PJ fit than their female counterparts at work. These perceptions of PJ fit act as mediating processes between gender-based differences in HR commitment or HR control attributions.

Design/methodology/approach

After collecting two waves of data over a six-month period from a sample of 498 banking sector professionals in Pakistan, the hypothesized relationships were tested using hierarchical multiple regression.

Findings

It was found that gender (female) was positively related to HR control attributions and negatively related to PJ fit perceptions and HR commitment attributions. The mean differences between males and females concerning these study variables were significant. Also, PJ fit mediated the relationship between gender and HR attributions.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the advancement and understanding of the predictors of HR attributions by examining the poly-contextual factors that shape unique experiences, knowledge structures and social information processing, thus forming distinct PJ fit perceptions and subsequent HR commitment or control attributions for males and females.
CitiusTech: employee engagement amidst disruption
Authors: McGowan Michele M. , Prasad Bhagwati , Marchese Marc C.
Published: July 2022

Research methodology

The case was developed by interviewing Rizwan Koita, CitiusTech chief operating officer (CEO) and cofounder.

Case overview/Synopsis

CitiusTech, Inc. was a privately held health-care technology and consulting services provider with over 6,000 employees worldwide, with the majority in India. Since 2015, CitiusTech has been certified as one of India's best workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute®.The case is set in 2020 when CitiusTech's business operations were severely disrupted as its customers suspended work on health-care technology projects to focus on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Rizwan Koita, CitiusTech's CEO and cofounder, suddenly found himself with a considerably large, highly qualified, underused talent pool and a significant loss in revenue. Instead of laying off highly skilled and trained employees, CitiusTech took a long-term view of the situation, believing that business would pick up in the third or fourth quarters and there would be a need to scale up teams. However, as 2020 was closing, Koita wondered if he had done enough to enhance employee engagement amid the disruption caused by COVID-19.

Complexity academic level

This case is intended for use in undergraduate courses focusing on leadership, industrial and organizational psychology or human resources management. This case may be positioned after students have been familiarized with the fundamental concept of employee engagement.
Effect of the capacity ratio developed at column-beam nodes and evaluation of its random degradation impact on the formation of global ruin mechanisms
Authors: Messas Amar , Benyahi Karim , Adjrad Arezki , Bouafia Youcef , Benakli Sarah
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study, is to deals with capacity design (strong column – weak beam) in reinforced concrete frames, slightly slender, which depends on the determination of a capacity ratio necessary to reach a structural plastic mechanism. To find the capacity ratio allowing to achieve a fairly ductile behavior in reinforced concrete frames, it is necessary to validate this concept by a non-linear static analysis (push-over). However, this analysis is carried out by the use of the ETABS software, and by the introduction into the beams and columns of plastic hinges according to FEMA-356 code.

Design/methodology/approach

This approach makes it possible to assess seismic performance, which facilitates the establishment of a system for detecting the plasticization mechanisms of structures. It is also necessary to use a probabilistic method allowing to treat the dimensioning by the identification of the most probable mechanisms and to take only those that contribute the most to the probability of global failure of the structural system.

Findings

In this study, three reinforced concrete frame buildings with different numbers of floors were analyzed by varying the capacity ratio of the elements. The results obtained indicate that it is strongly recommended to increase the ratio of the resistant moments of the columns on those of the beams for the Algerian seismic regulation (RPA code), knowing that the frameworks in reinforced concrete are widespread in the country.

Originality/value

The main interest of this paper is to criticize the resistance condition required by RPA code, which must be the subject of particular attention to reach a mechanism of favorable collapse. This study recommends, on the basis of a reliability analysis, the use of a capacity dimensioning ratio greater than or equal to two, making it possible to have a sufficiently low probability of failure to ensure a level of security for users.
Fiscal sustainability in Africa: Accelerating the post‐COVID‐19 recovery through improved public finances
Authors: Sennoga Edward , Balma Lacina
Published: July 2022

The article examines the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on economies in Africa through the application of a novel Debt, Investment and Growth model with a segmented Labor market (DIG‐Labor). The pandemic is modeled via supply shock that disrupts economic activities in countries in Africa, followed by effects on household consumption behavior and welfare, and business investment decisions. The DIG‐Labor model is calibrated to account for informality, which is a key characteristic of economies in Africa. We find that, in the absence of appropriate remedial measures, the COVID‐19 pandemic reduces employment in the formal and informal sectors and scales back consumption for savers and non‐savers, with the reduction in consumption being more pronounced for savers. These contractions lead to an economic recession in Africa and widen the fiscal and current account deficits, among others. The effects of fiscal stimulus packages in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic and various financing mechanisms are also examined. A key finding is that various policy responses to the emerging COVID‐19 induced macroeconomic imbalances have diverse implications, which should be carefully examined to mitigate the negative consequences while maximizing the opportunities for a swift, stronger and more inclusive economic recovery.
Careful What you Wish for? Risk and Reward with Scottish Tax Devolution
Authors: Mcintyre Stuart , Mitchell James , Roy Graeme
Published: July 2022

September 2022 marks twenty‐five years since the referendum on the creation of the Scottish Parliament. From the early days of devolution, debates over Holyrood's tax powers have been a recurring theme. Recent reforms to the Parliament's tax powers have been driven by the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Conservatives, an indirect coming together of arguments from two unlikely political allies. Both have, however, embraced arguments for greater autonomy and fiscal responsibility within Scottish devolution. This article reflects upon the experience of enhanced tax devolution in Scotland through the lens of three competing ‘logics’ of devolution, namely: a logic of ‘accumulating competencies’; ‘delivering fiscal responsibility’; and ‘capacity to pursue distinct policies’.
Resentment – cultural and individual complex
Authors: Villalobos Magali Josefina
Published: July 2022

Resentment is a complex that results from the inability to react to an injustice. The feeling of failure turns into resentment, which incubates until it reaches hatred, indignation and revenge. The unknown parts of the personality, our intolerant side, are relegated to the Shadow. We make a great image of ourselves. It is the Ego Complex.

The resentful person feels mistreated by society. He or she has experienced exclusion and physical and mental abuse. When we are resentful, we bring in the god Hephaestus, excluded by both parents. The archetype is manifested by revenge. This complex is characterized by a tetralogy: Ego Complex, Intolerance, Sectarianism, Emotions of revenge and envy.
Evaluation of 3D and 2D chronomorphometrics for latent fingermark aging studies
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Javer Daryn A.
Published: July 2022

Latent fingermark age determination is a relatively new subdiscipline of friction ridge pattern analysis that has the potential to ascertain two key pieces of information: the “who” and the “when” from a single evidence item. In this proof‐of‐concept study, the sensitivity and suitability of a series of 3D and 2D chronomorphometrics, ie, quantitative measurement of form as a function of time, are examined under various temperatures (55, 21, 4, and −20°C) at 6 months. 3D imaging with an optical profiler (OP) in tandem with a conventional 2D fingermark enhancing method, ie powdering with titanium dioxide, is the technique selected. From a chronomorphometric perspective, the 3D‐OP detects micrometer variations in surface texture with regard to the heights (Sa and Ra) and volume (Vu) of the ridges, whereas 2D imaging provides information on color contrast (MI and IA), the fingermark visual quality score (QS), and the relative area extension of color‐coded maps of ridge clarity (BlueGreen, BG). Statistical analyses have revealed different degrees of sensitivity of the 2D and 3D metrics for detecting the effect of temperature and time, being 3D the most discriminating. In these tested conditions, warmer temperatures (55 and 21°C) have shown the most impact on ridge degradation with the lowest levels observed at −20°C. The concurrent application of 2D and 3D metrics would be considered the best approach to advance the knowledge on fingermark aging processes and possible mathematical models.
Effects of Paecilomyces tenuipes‐inoculated brown rice combined with fermented oak sawdust on the developmental growth of Protaetia brevitarsis larvae
Authors: Kwak Kyu‐Won , Kim Sun Young , Kim Eunsun , Park Kwanho , Nam Sung‐Hee , Kim Yong‐Soon
Published: July 2022

Protaetia brevitarsis is an edible insect registered as an alternative food ingredient by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Herein, we investigated the effects of Paecilomyces tenuipes on diseases reported in the larvae of edible insects with the aim of improving the productivity of larvae by promoting their development and enhancing their disease resistance. P. tenuipes exhibits several biological and pharmaceutical properties. We developed the feed for P. brevitarsis larvae with fermented oak sawdust combined with P. tenuipes–inoculated brown rice. The larval group that reared on feed combined with P. tenuipes showed a 6.5‐fold increase in weight and 5‐fold increase in survival rate against Metarhizium anisopliae relative to that seen with the controls. The nutrient composition of this feed formulation was 2.37 times higher in crude protein than in the other feed types, including the control. Our results suggest that P. tenuipes–inoculated brown rice can be used to increase larval weight and promote disease resistance, thereby potentially reducing the prevalence and severity fungal disease caused by M. anisopliae.
Canada: Political Developments and Data in 2021
Authors: STEWART DAVID K.
Published: July 2022

Canadian politics in 2021 was far from boring. A federal election that resulted in very few changes, the resignation of the Governor General, the appointment of the first Indigenous Governor General, scandals in the military, the resolution of a dispute with the Chinese government, and ongoing issues relating to the COVID‐19 pandemic attracted substantial attention. But more striking was the discovery of unmarked graves on the site of former residential schools, a discovery challenging the views many Canadians had of their history and revealing the extent of work remaining to be done with respect to Indigenous issues and the continuing need for both truth and reconciliation.
Pricing efficiency in livestock auction markets: A two‐tier frontier approach
Authors: Verteramo Chiu Leslie J. , Tauer Loren W. , Gröhn Yrjo T.
Published: July 2022

We estimate the pricing efficiency of a livestock auction market using a two‐tier stochastic frontier model. This model captures pricing inefficiency of a hedonic pricing model for livestock via exponential error terms above and below the hedonic model specification. The direction of pricing inefficiencies, whether above or below the hedonic pricing model, represent surplus transfer from buyers to sellers or from sellers to buyers, respectively. Using data from a 7‐year period in a livestock auction market, we found that on average livestock buyers extract about 6% of surplus from sellers. That is, on average, livestock auction market underprices by about 6% below its full information price. Buyer concentration also affects the degree of surplus transfer. At low levels of buyer concentration, when the top four‐buyer market concentration is <30%, there is an overpricing of only 1.23% over the full information price, extracting surplus from buyers to sellers. At higher buyer concentrations, buyers can extract up to 7% of surplus from sellers.
Mandibular morphometry applied to local anaesthetic blockage in the capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)
Authors: Oliveira Elton Luís Ritir , Farha Aline Herrera , Pinhatti Carime Carrera , Correia Luiz Eduardo Cruz dos Santos , Schimming Bruno Cesar
Published: July 2022

Capybaras have been victims of collisions against vehicles, which can result in fractures of the teeth and mandible. Then, a local anaesthetic block of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves is important for performing therapeutic procedures in the oral cavity of these rodents. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the mandibular morphometry of the capybara with emphasis on the establishment of anatomic references for anaesthetic block of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves. For this, mandibles from eight young and adult capybaras were used. Radiography and morphometry of the capybara hemimandible were performed. The mandibular foramen had a dorsoventral diameter of 2.1 mm in young and 2.2 mm in adult capybaras, and it was situated ventrally to the third molar tooth. For extraoral block of the inferior alveolar nerve, the needle should be introduced obliquely 63.5 and 77.4 mm from the angular process in young and adult capybaras, respectively. In another extraoral approach, the needle should be introduced perpendicularly 20.8 mm in young and 26.3 mm in adult animals from the ventral margin of the capybara mandible. For blocking only the mental nerve, the needle should be inserted perpendicularly from the interalveolar margin, 10.7 and 11.5 mm in the young and adult capybaras, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that the age group should be taken into account when performing the anaesthetic block of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves in capybaras.
A pathogenic integrated view explaining the different endotypes of asthma and allergic disorders
Authors: Maggi Enrico , Parronchi Paola , Azzarone Bruno Giuseppe , Moretta Lorenzo
Published: July 2022

The inflammation of allergic diseases is characterized by a complex interaction between type 2 and type 3 immune responses, explaining clinical symptoms and histopathological patterns. Airborne stimuli activate the mucosal epithelium to release a number of molecules impacting the activity of resident immune and environmental cells. Signals from the mucosal barrier, regulatory cells, and the inflamed tissue are crucial conditions able to modify innate and adaptive effector cells providing the selective homing of eosinophils or neutrophils. The high plasticity of resident T‐ and innate lymphoid cells responding to external signals is the prerequisite to explain the multiplicity of endotypes of allergic diseases. This notion paved the way for the huge use of specific biologic drugs interfering with pathogenic mechanisms of inflammation. Based on the response of the epithelial barrier, the activity of resident regulatory cells, and functions of structural non‐lymphoid environmental cells, this review proposes some immunopathogenic scenarios characterizing the principal endotypes which can be associated with a precise phenotype of asthma. Recent literature indicates that similar concepts can also be applied to the inflammation of other non‐respiratory allergic disorders. The next challenges will consist in defining specific biomarker(s) of each endotype allowing for a quick diagnosis and the most effective personalized therapy.
Being forgotten, being remembered
Authors: OAKLEY R. ELLIOTT
Published: July 2022

In the Guyanese Amazon, Waiwai memory is made through the substances and associated sentiments that accrue in the body. Remembering and forgetting are morally weighted actions that transform the dispositions of others, enabling desired feelings of contentment or anger and ill will. Waiwai perspectives on the stakes of being or not being in the thoughts of others matter for their relations with the state: Waiwai people say that, in the past, their households were split between Guyana and Brazil because the Guyanese government forgot about them, while in the present, Waiwai people work to make Guyanese officials remember them, and this constitutes a form of political practice. Whereas anthropological accounts of the politics of memory emphasize how the past is operationalized in the present, Waiwai discussions of being forgotten and being remembered demonstrate the significance of affective, rather than representational, forms of memory for the political practices of indigenous‐state relations. [memory, morality, politics, affect, Waiwai, Guyana, Amazonia]
A computational model for prediction of ferritin and haemoglobin levels in blood donors
Authors: Paalvast Yared , Moazzen Sara , Sweegers Maike , Hogema Boris , Janssen Mart , van den Hurk Katja
Published: July 2022

Blood donors are at risk of iron deficiency anaemia. While this risk is decreased through ferritin‐based deferral, ideally ferritin monitoring should also aid in optimising donation frequencies. We extended an existing model of haemoglobin (Hb) synthesis with iron homeostasis and validated the model on a cohort of 300 new donors whose ferritin levels were measured from stored blood samples collected over a 2‐year period. We then used the donor's gender, body weight, height, and baseline Hb and ferritin levels to predict subsequent Hb and ferritin levels. The prediction error was within measurement variability in 88% of Hb level predictions and 64% of ferritin level predictions. A sensitivity analysis of the model revealed that baseline ferritin level was the most important in predicting future ferritin levels. Finally, we used the model to calculate the annual donation frequency at which donors would keep their ferritin level >15 ng/ml when measured after donating for 2 years. The mean annual donation frequency would then be 1.9 for women and 4.1 for men. The computational model, requiring baseline values only, can predict future Hb and ferritin levels remarkably well. This enables determination of optimal donation frequencies for individual donors at the start of their donation career.
A novel splice site variant in the POPDC3 causes autosomal recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 26
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Wenwu , Weng Yuting , Lin Keqin , Huang Kai , Ma Shaohui , Chu Jiayou , Yang Zhaoqing , Zhang Xiaochao , Sun Hao
Published: July 2022

Limb‐Girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of muscle disorders with highly heterogeneous genetic patterns and clinical phenotypes, and this group includes multiple subtypes. Different LGMD subtypes have similar phenotypes and clinical overlaps, these subtypes are difficult to distinguish by clinical symptoms alone and can only be accurately diagnosed by analysis in combination with definitive genetic test results. Here, we report a female presenting features of LGMD. After analysis of whole‐exome sequencing data, a novel homozygous POPDC3 variant c.486‐1G>A (rs113419658) located in the acceptor splice site of intron 2 was identified in the proband. The variant effect on splicing were analyzed by genetic analysis based on cDNA synthesized by the patient's RNA. cDNA analysis indicated that the novel homozygous POPDC3 splice variant disrupted original acceptor splice site, which can cause a frameshift in the mRNA of the POPDC3 gene, thereby producing a truncated POPDC3 protein and ultimately affecting its normal function. POPDC3 variant was recently associated with recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 26 (LGMDR26). Based on the above results, we hypothesize that this variant is probably a pathogenic variant, and expand the gene variant spectrum of POPDC3.
Clinical and molecular characterization of patients affected by Beckwith‐Wiedemann spectrum conceived through assisted reproduction techniques
Authors: Carli Diana , Operti Matteo , Russo Silvia , Cocchi Guido , Milani Donatella , Leoni Chiara , Prada Elisabetta , Melis Daniela , Falco Mariateresa , Spina Jennifer , Uliana Vera , Sara Osimani , Sirchia Fabio , Tarani Luigi , Macchiaiolo Marina , Cerrato Flavia , Sparago Angela , Pignata Laura , Tannorella Pierpaola , Cardaropoli Simona , Bartuli Andrea , Riccio Andrea , Ferrero Giovanni Battista , Mussa Alessandro
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of Beckwith–Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp) is tenfold increased in children conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ART). More than 90% of ART‐BWSp patients reported so far display imprinting center 2 loss‐of‐methylations (IC2‐LoM), versus 50% of naturally conceived BWSp patients. We describe a cohort of 74 ART‐BWSp patients comparing their features with a cohort of naturally conceived BWSp patients, with the ART‐BWSp patients previously described in literature, and with the general population of children born from ART. We found that the distribution of UPD(11)pat was not significantly different in ART and naturally conceived patients. We observed 68.9% of IC2‐LoM and 16.2% of mosaic UPD(11)pat in our ART cohort, that strongly differ from the figure reported in other cohorts so far. Since UPD(11)pat likely results from post‐fertilization recombination events, our findings allows to hypothesize that more complex molecular mechanisms, besides methylation disturbances, may underlie BWSp increased risk in ART pregnancies. Moreover, comparing the clinical features of ART and non‐ART BWSp patients, we found that ART‐BWSp patients might have a milder phenotype. Finally, our data show a progressive increase in the prevalence of BWSp over time, paralleling that of ART usage in the last decades.
Encouraging intelligent failure in an MBA class
Authors: Walsh Christian
Published: July 2022

Failure has an important role to play in learning how to navigate highly uncertain organizational environments. But “failing fast” just for its own sake may in fact undermine learning if not set up or handled correctly. Using failure‐based pedagogy, including generative failure, whole‐person learning, and entrepreneurial thinking, an MBA course was designed and experienced by 48 students in three instances. Structured around a novel guiding framework of “brains, bravery, and belief,” the course has resulted in highly impactful learning for students. Student experiments are typically based around either exploring an entrepreneurial idea, developing or enhancing a particular skill, or applying skills and knowledge to help improve a societal problem. In each case, students are supported but also challenged to go beyond their comfort zones and encounter some intelligent failure in the journey. Regular reflection on their experiences, both from a cognitive and an affective perspective, is an essential element built into the course experience. The course, which itself was an experiment and not without its own instructive failures, is now an essential part of the MBA experience.
Animal pollination increases stability of crop yield across spatial scales
Authors: Bishop Jacob , Garratt Michael P. D. , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: July 2022

The benefits of animal pollination to crop yield are well known. In contrast, the effects of animal pollination on the spatial or temporal stability (the opposite of variability) of crop yield remain poorly understood. We use meta‐analysis to combine variability information from 215 experimental comparisons between animal‐pollinated and wind‐ or self‐pollinated control plants in apple, oilseed rape and faba bean. Animal pollination increased yield stability (by an average of 32% per unit of yield) at between‐flower, ‐plant, ‐plot and ‐field scales. Evidence suggests this occurs because yield benefits of animal pollination become progressively constrained closer to the maximum potential yield in a given context, causing clustering. The increase in yield stability with animal pollination is greatest when yield benefits of animal pollination are greatest, indicating that managing crop pollination to increase yield also increases yield stability. These additional pollination benefits have not yet been included in economic assessments but provide further justification for policies to protect pollinators.
Timing of referral to evaluate for epilepsy surgery: Expert Consensus Recommendations from the Surgical Therapies Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy
Authors: Jehi Lara , Jette Nathalie , Kwon Churl‐Su , Josephson Colin B. , Burneo Jorge G. , Cendes Fernando , Sperling Michael R. , Baxendale Sallie , Busch Robyn M. , Triki Chahnez Charfi , Cross J. Helen , Ekstein Dana , Englot Dario J. , Luan Guoming , Palmini Andre , Rios Loreto , Wang Xiongfei , Roessler Karl , Rydenhag Bertil , Ramantani Georgia , Schuele Stephan , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Wilson Sarah , Wiebe Samuel
Published: July 2022

Epilepsy surgery is the treatment of choice for patients with drug‐resistant seizures. A timely evaluation for surgical candidacy can be life‐saving for patients who are identified as appropriate surgical candidates, and may also enhance the care of nonsurgical candidates through improvement in diagnosis, optimization of therapy, and treatment of comorbidities. Yet, referral for surgical evaluations is often delayed while palliative options are pursued, with significant adverse consequences due to increased morbidity and mortality associated with intractable epilepsy. The Surgical Therapies Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) sought to address these clinical gaps and clarify when to initiate a surgical evaluation. We conducted a Delphi consensus process with 61 epileptologists, epilepsy neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, and neuropsychologists with a median of 22 years in practice, from 28 countries in all six ILAE world regions. After three rounds of Delphi surveys, evaluating 51 unique scenarios, we reached the following Expert Consensus Recommendations: (1) Referral for a surgical evaluation should be offered to every patient with drug‐resistant epilepsy (up to 70 years of age), as soon as drug resistance is ascertained, regardless of epilepsy duration, sex, socioeconomic status, seizure type, epilepsy type (including epileptic encephalopathies), localization, and comorbidities (including severe psychiatric comorbidity like psychogenic nonepileptic seizures [PNES] or substance abuse) if patients are cooperative with management; (2) A surgical referral should be considered for older patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy who have no surgical contraindication, and for patients (adults and children) who are seizure‐free on 1–2 antiseizure medications (ASMs) but have a brain lesion in noneloquent cortex; and (3) referral for surgery should not be offered to patients with active substance abuse who are noncooperative with management. We present the Delphi consensus results leading up to these Expert Consensus Recommendations and discuss the data supporting our conclusions. High level evidence will be required to permit creation of clinical practice guidelines.
Fédération Equestre Internationale eventing: Fence‐level risk factors for falls during the cross‐country phase (2008–2018)
Authors: Bennet Euan David , Cameron‐Whytock Heather , Parkin Tim D. H.
Published: July 2022

Background

The equestrian discipline of eventing tests athletes' and horses' skill over three phases: dressage, jumping and cross‐country. Falls during cross‐country can be particularly serious and result in serious or fatal injury for both horse and athlete. Cross‐country course and fence design are crucial contributory factors to safety.

Objectives

To provide descriptive statistics and identify fence‐level risk factors for horses competing in Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) events worldwide.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Data were collected for every horse start worldwide in all international (CI), championship (CH), Olympics (OG) and World Equestrian Games (WEG) eventing competitions between January 2008 and December 2018 and univariable logistic regression, followed by multivariable logistic regression were applied. The final model was built in a stepwise bi‐directional process, with each step assessed by the Akaike information criterion.

Results

Risk factors were identified at the fence level covering aspects of fence design and course design. Ten fence types were at increased odds of a fall occurring compared with square spread fences, and seven types were at reduced odds. Fences with an approach downhill (odds ratio [OR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.52), with landing into water (OR 1.82, CI 1.62–2.01), frangible devices (OR 1.28, CI 1.15–1.41) and later elements of combined obstacles (OR 1.33 CI 1.25–1.42 for the second element, OR 1.21 CI 1.10–1.32 for later elements) were associated with increased risk of falls occurring.

Main Limitations

Although the dataset covers every international competition worldwide, it does not include national‐level competitions.

Conclusions

It is recommended that the most challenging fences are placed near the beginning of the course, and not in downhill or water settings. The complexity of individual elements in combined fences should be reduced. Adopting evidence‐based course design is a crucial intervention for reducing the incidence of horse falls and associated serious and fatal injuries to horse and human athletes.
Military adolescents' experiences of change and discontinuity: Associations with psychosocial factors and school success
Authors: O'Neal Catherine Walker , Peterson Clairee , Mancini Jay A.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Drawing from the contextual model of family stress, social support and depressive symptoms were examined as two psychosocial factors that may link experiences of change and discontinuity common to military families to military adolescents' school success (i.e., academic achievement, school engagement, and homework commitment).

Background

Many military adolescents experience frequent changes that create discontinuity (e.g., parental deployments, relocations) and can impact their school success. Research has not examined psychosocial factors as a possible mechanism explaining the link between family change and discontinuity and adolescents' school success.

Method

A path model based on 821 military adolescents' responses examined how experiences of family discontinuity were associated with adolescents' psychosocial factors and, in turn, their school success after accounting for grade level, sex, and racial/ethnic minority status. Indirect effects between family discontinuity and school success were also evaluated.

Results

For adolescents attending public school off the military installation, parental deployment was significantly associated with less social support, and recent relocation was significantly associated with elevated depressive symptoms. Both psychosocial factors were associated with adolescents' academic achievement, school engagement, and homework commitment.

Implications

Prevention and intervention efforts directed at enhancing both social support and positive mental health are discussed at various systemic levels including families, schools, and communities.
Electrofishing distances for sampling fish assemblages in oxbow lakes of the River Rhine
Authors: Heimann Wilko , Futterer Daniel , Schulz Holger K. , Sahm René , Koop Jochen H. E. , Schulz Ralf
Published: July 2022

Assessment of fish assemblage structure depends on representative sampling. In contrast to lotic water bodies, recommendations for a general study design are sparse for lentic water bodies. Therefore, we evaluated the fish assemblages in different littoral structure types (e.g. macrophytes and riprap stone) and the impact of these structure types on the minimum distance required to obtain samples representative of fish species number in oxbow lakes. Boat‐based electrofishing was used at 88 sections, each 200‐m long within five oxbow lakes connected to the Upper River Rhine in southwest Germany. Submerged macrophytes and riprap stones were important littoral structures for determining fish community structure. Littoral structure was related to species accumulation, which illustrates the importance of littoral structure to define the minimum length of sampling. Our findings suggest that at least 200‐m stretches should be sampled to describe fish assemblages in oxbow lakes.
Social entrepreneurship and future employment in Nigeria
Authors: Osabohien Romanus , Worgwu Haoma , Adediran Oluwasogo , Soomro Jahangeer Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Background

To cater for the growing global population, the future of employment has been policy discourse. This is mainly because, as the population increases, the demand for employment increases. The danger of a looming crisis may be inevitable if considerable employment opportunities are not created to match population growth. In order to curtail uncertainty in the labour market and secure future employment, increased emphasise is laid on entrepreneurship – the skills to match new ideas to market and societal needs.

Aim and Data

This study examines the extent of social entrepreneurship and its impact on future employment in Nigeria by testing the hypothesis stated in a null from as “social entrepreneurship has no significant impact on future employment in Nigeria”. The study utilises data sourced from youth entrepreneurship with innovation (YouWiN) (2019) conducted by the World Bank in conjunction with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of Nigeria.

Method

The study engaged descriptive statistics to estimate logit regression and propensity score matching (PSM) to achieve its objective.

Result

The descriptive statistics show that only 3.15 per cent of entrepreneurship in Nigeria is a social enterprise. In addition, the mean age of business owners is about 31 years, with 83.14 per cent being male. The result from the logit regression shows that ICT utilisation, access to loans, level of education, and gender of business owners are other significant and positive determinants of future employment. The result from the PSM shows that social entrepreneurship is a significant and positive driver of future employment. It shows that social entrepreneurship will contribute not less than 21 per cent to employment in Nigeria in the next five years.

Conclusion

From the analysis, it was revealed that only 3.15 per cent of Nigerian enterprises are social enterprises, which is a possible reason for their little current contribution to present and future employment. More involvement in this sector is capable of improving future employment. In addition, to attain a boost in future employment creation in Nigeria, there has to be a significant contribution in this sector by the youth. In addition, access to ICT by business owners should be enhanced to improve business performance towards contributing to future employment. The government should adopt measures to aid business owners in securing loans to finance business activities and improve their performance.