bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Saliva and Mid-Turbinate Swabs for Detection of COVID-19
Authors: Lai Jianyu , German Jennifer , Hong Filbert , Tai S.-H. Sheldon , McPhaul Kathleen M. , Milton Donald K. ,   for the University of Maryland StopCOVID Research Group
Published: December 2021

Background

Saliva is an attractive sample for detecting SARS-CoV-2. However, contradictory reports exist concerning the sensitivity of saliva versus nasal swabs.

Methods

We followed close contacts of COVID-19 cases for up to 14 days from last exposure and collected self-reported symptoms, mid-turbinate swabs (MTS), and saliva every two or three days. Ct values, viral load, and frequency of viral detection by MTS and saliva were compared.

Results

58 contacts provided 200 saliva-MTS pairs; 14 contacts (13 with symptoms) had one or more positive samples. Saliva and MTS had similar rates of viral detection (p=0.78) and substantial agreement (κ=0.83). However, sensitivity varied significantly with time since symptom onset. Early on (days -3 to 2), saliva had 12 times (95%CI: 1.2, 130) greater likelihood of viral detection and 3.2 times (95% CI: 2.8, 3.8) higher RNA copy numbers compared to MTS. After day 2 post-symptoms, there was a non-significant trend toward greater sensitivity using MTS.

Conclusion

Saliva and MTS demonstrated high agreement making saliva a suitable alternative to MTS for COVID-19 detection. Saliva was more sensitive early in the infection when transmission is most likely to occur, suggesting that it may be a superior and cost-effective screening tool for COVID-19.
NAc-DBS corrects depression-like behaviors in CUMS mouse model via disinhibition of DA neurons in the VTA
Authors: Nan Song , Yan Gao , Shanshan Lu , Shenglian Yang , Chao Yuan , Wenyu Sun
Published: December 2021

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by diverse debilitating symptoms that include loss of motivation and anhedonia. If multiple medications, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy fail in some patients with MDD, their condition is then termed treatment – resistant depression (TRD). MDD can be associated with abnormalities in the reward–system–dopaminergic mesolimbic pathway, in which the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) play major roles. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) applied to the NAc alleviates the depressive symptoms of MDD. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of this DBS has remained elusive. In this study, using the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model, we investigated the behavioral and neurobiological effects of NAc – DBS on the multidimensional depression – like phenotypes induced by CUMS by integrating behavioral,in vivomicrodialysis coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography – electrochemical detector (HPLC – ECD), calcium imaging, pharmacological, and genetic manipulation methods in freely moving mice. We found that long–term and repeated, but not single, NAc–DBS induced robust antidepressant responses in CUMS mice. Moreover, even a single trial NAc–DBS led to the elevation of the γ–aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, accompanied by the increase in dopamine (DA) neuron activity in the VTA. Both the inhibition of the GABAAreceptor activity and knockdown of theGABAA–α1gene in VTA–GABA neurons blocked the antidepressant effect of NAc–DBS in CUMS mice. Our results showed that NAc– DBS could disinhibit VTA–DA neurons by regulating the level of GABA and the activity of VTA–GABA in the VTA and could finally correct the depression–like behaviors in the CUMS mouse model.
Protein structure dynamic prediction: a Machine Learning/Molecular Dynamic approach to investigate the protein conformational sampling
Authors: Audagnotto Martina , Czechtizky Werngard , De Maria Leonardo , Käck Helena , Papoian Garegin , Tornberg Lars , Tyrchan Christian , Ulander Johan
Published: December 2021

Proteins exist in several different conformations. These structural changes are often associated with fluctuations at the residue level. Recent findings show that co-evolutionary analysis coupled with machine- learning techniques improves the precision by providing quantitative distance predictions between pairs of residues. The predicted statistical distance distribution from Multi Sequence Analysis (MSA) reveals the presence of different local maxima suggesting the flexibility of key residue pairs. Here we investigate the ability of the residue-residue distance prediction to provide insights into the protein conformational ensemble. We combine deep learning approaches with mechanistic modeling to a set of proteins that experimentally showed conformational changes. The predicted protein models were filtered based on energy scores, RMSD clustering, and the centroids selected as the lowest energy structure per cluster. The models were compared to the experimental-Molecular Dynamics (MD) relaxed structure by analyzing the backbone residue torsional distribution and the sidechain orientations. Our pipeline not only allows us to retrieve the global experimental folding but also the experimental structural dynamics. We show the potential correlation between the experimental structure dynamics and the predicted model ensemble demonstrating the susceptibility of the current state-of-the-art methods in protein folding and dynamics prediction and pointing out the areas of improvement.
Paracrine role for endothelial IGF-1 receptor in white adipocyte beiging
Authors: Haywood Natalie J , Bridge Katherine I , Luk Cheukyau , Warmke Nele , Simmons Katie J , Drozd Michael , Moran Amy , Straw Sam , Scragg Jason L , Smith Jessica , Limumpornpetch Sunti , Ozber Claire H , Wilkinson Chloe G , Skromna Anna , Makava Natallia , Walker Andrew , Watt Nicole T , Mughal Romana , Griffin Kathryn J , Viswambharan Hema , Yuldasheva Nadira Y , Beech David J , Sukumar Piruthivi , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Witte Klaus K , Wheatcroft Stephen B , Cubbon Richard M , Roberts Lee D , Kearney Mark T
Published: December 2021

There are at least two distinct types of thermogenic adipocyte in mammals: a pre-existing form established during development, termed classical brown adipocytes and an inducible form, ‘beige’ adipocytes1–3. Various environmental cues can stimulate a process frequently referred to as ‘beiging’ of white adipose tissue (WAT), leading to enhanced thermogenesis and obesity resistance 4, 5. Whilst beiging of WAT as a therapeutic goal for obesity and obesity-related complications has attracted much attention6–9; therapeutics stimulating beiging without deleterious side-effects remain elusive10. The endothelium lines all blood vessels and is therefore in close proximity to all cells. Many studies support the possibility that the endothelium acts as a paracrine organ11–14. We explored the potential role of endothelial insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) as a paracrine modulator of WAT phenotype. Here we show that a reduction in endothelial IGF-1R expression in the presence of nutrient excess leads to white adipocyte beiging, increases whole-body energy expenditure and enhances insulin sensitivity via a non-cell autonomous paracrine mechanism. We demonstrate that this is mediated by endothelial release of malonic acid, which we show, using prodrug analogues, has potentially therapeutically-relevant properties in the treatment of metabolic disease.
A Comparison of Macaque Hair Hormone Concentration Following Enhanced Cognitive Experiences or Standard Nonhuman Primate Environmental Enrichment
Authors: Meidam Brooke J. , Meredith Emilia K. , Kapoor Amita , Bennett Allyson J. , Pierre Peter J.
Published: December 2021

Experience with enriched environments positively impacts the health and wellbeing of nonhuman animals ranging from rodents to primates. Little is known, however, about the specific effects of enhanced cognitive enrichment (ECE) on nonhuman primates. The study reported here used archival samples to provide preliminary analysis of ECE on hormones associated with stress and wellbeing, as well as evaluation of persistent effects of infant social rearing. Hair samples from 24 adult male rhesus macaques were analyzed via LC-MS/MS technique for the main stress response hormones: cortisol, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. The ECE and care-as-usual (CAU) groups did not significantly differ in any of the mean analyte values. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone were strongly and positively correlated in the ECE group. By contrast, for the CAU group the two analytes were weakly correlated. Within the ECE group, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone were significantly and positively correlated in the mother-reared group, but not in the nursery-reared group. Overall, these results provide preliminary evidence that experience with ECE could help to maintain a balanced cortisol:dehydroepiandrosterone ratio, possibly indicative of a healthy stress response. Further examination of this ratio in hair is needed to support this hypothesis. These observations may also suggest that nursery rearing could have persistent effects, including dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, apparent in the unbalanced cortisol:dehydroepiandrosterone ratio. Together these findings are consistent with the growing literature that supports the use of ECE to promote nonhuman primate wellbeing and healthy development.
ESR2 regulates indian hedgehog signaling in neonatal rat ovary
Authors: Dilower Iman , Chakravarthi V. Praveen , Lee Eun B. , Ghosh Subhra , Borosha Shaon , Roy Richita , Masumi Saeed , Paul Anohita , Ghosh Hindole , Wolfe Michael W. , Karim Rumi M. A.
Published: December 2021

The transcriptional regulatory function of estrogen receptor β (ESR2) is essential for the regulation of primordial follicle activation (PFA). Increased PFA due to the loss of ESR2 becomes evident as early as postnatal day 8 (PND8). To identify the ESR2-regulated genes that control PFA, we performed RNA-seq analyses of wildtype, and Esr2 knockout (Esr2KO) neonatal rat ovaries collected on PND4, PND6, and PND8. Among the differentially expressed genes in Esr2KO ovaries, indian hedgehog (Ihh) displayed the highest downregulation among the ovary enriched genes. IHH regulated genes including Hhip as well as the steroidogenic enzymes were also downregulated in Esr2KO rat ovaries. Remarkably, the expression of Ihh in Esr2KO ovaries was not upregulated despite the high levels of Gdf9 and Bmp15, which are known regulators of Ihh expression in granulosa cells. Our findings suggest that indian hedgehog signaling in the neonatal rat ovary is dependent on ESR2.
Cooperative engagement and subsequent selective displacement of SR proteins define the pre-mRNA 3D structural scaffold for early spliceosome assembly
Authors: Saha Kaushik , Ghosh Gourisankar
Published: December 2021

We recently reported that serine-arginine-rich (SR) protein-mediated pre-mRNA structural remodeling generates a pre-mRNA 3D structural scaffold that is stably recognized by the early spliceosomal components. However, the intermediate steps between the free pre-mRNA and the assembled early spliceosome are not yet characterized. By probing the early spliceosomal complexesin vitroand RNA-protein interactionsin vivo, we show that the SR proteins bind the pre-mRNAs cooperatively generating a substrate that recruits U1 snRNP and U2AF65 in a splice signal-independent manner. Excess U1 snRNP selectively displaces some of the SR protein molecules from the pre-mRNA generating the substrate for splice signal-specific, sequential recognition by U1 snRNP, U2AF65, and U2AF35. Our work thus identifies a novel function of U1 snRNP in mammalian splicing substrate definition, explains the need for excess U1 snRNP compared to other U snRNPsin vivo, demonstrates how excess SR proteins could inhibit splicing, and provides a conceptual basis to examine if this mechanism of splicing substrate definition is employed by other splicing regulatory proteins.
Temporary layoffs, short-time work and COVID-19: the case of a dual labour market
Authors: Osuna Victoria , García Pérez José Ignacio
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the type of short-time work (STW) schemes implemented in Spain to preserve jobs and workers’ incomes during the COVID-19 crisis and the corresponding labour market outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic macroeconomic model of job creation and destruction of the search and matching type in a dual labour market.

Findings

The model shows that the availability of STW schemes does not necessarily prevent a large increase in unemployment and job destruction. The quantitative effects depend on the degree of subsidization of payroll taxes and on the design of the policy. A scenario with a moderate degree of subsidization and where the subsidy is independent of the reduction in hours worked is the least harmful for both welfare and fiscal deficit. The cost of such a strategy is a higher unemployment rate. Concerning heterogeneous effects, the unemployed are the ones who experience the strongest distributional changes.

Originality/value

The effectiveness of STW schemes in dual labour markets using a search and matching model in the context of the COVID-19 crisis has not been analysed elsewhere. The literature has emphasized the importance of dynamics, labour market institutions and workers’ heterogeneity to understand workforce adjustment decisions in the face of temporary shocks to de- mand especially when firms’ human capital is relevant. These elements are present in the model. In addition, this paper computes welfare and distributional effects and the cost of these policies.
A cross-cultural analysis of the motivation factors and profitability of online wine tastings during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Szolnoki Gergely , Lueke Moritz Nikolaus , Tafel Maximilian , Blass Marvin , Ridoff Niklas , Nilsson Calle
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The pioneers of online wine tastings have set a new standard and introduced an innovative tool that combines various goals: contacting existing and recruiting new customers, entertaining participants and boosting sales. Within the framework of the study, the authors addressed questions such as the reasons for offering online wine tasting, profitability and the basic characteristics and future perspectives of this new interactive online tool.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods research was conducted using a sequential exploratory design to analyse online wine tastings during Covid-19 pandemic. First, 40 in-depth interviews in Germany were conducted and, based on these results, a global online survey was undertaken with 1,423 wineries from more than 40 countries.

Findings

The survey results clearly show the effect of Covid-19 on the growing tendency to employ online wine tastings. This tool is about more than just providing entertainment for wine lovers in that it also has a tangible business aspect.

Practical implications

Based on these results, the authors assume that online wine tastings will continue to be offered after the Covid-19 crisis.

Originality/value

This paper offers a situation analysis of the first 10 months of the Covid-19 pandemic in the field of online wine tastings worldwide. The authors conducted a quantitative online survey that built on a qualitative pre-study. Given the fact that no academic paper has been published on the topic, this paper provides first insights on a global scale.
Antioxidant potential, anti-nutritional factors, volatile compounds and phenolic composition of microwave heat-treated plum (Prunus domestica. L.) kernels: an analytical approach
Authors: Sheikh Mohd Aaqib , Saini Charanjiv Singh , Sharma Harish Kumar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The study was aimed to explore the potential impact of microwave heating (450 W for 2, 4, 6 and 8 min) on antioxidant activity, anti-nutritional factors, volatile and phenolic compounds of the plum kernels.

Design/methodology/approach

Plum kernels are rich in proteins, lipids and bioactive compounds that are mostly underused and undervalued.

Findings

The results showed that microwave heating at 450 W for 6 min significantly (p < 0.05) increased the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, while the longer treatment time (450 W for 8 min) adversely affected the phenolic compounds. Most importantly, the anti-nutritional factors like amygdalin, hydrocyanic acid, phytic acid and tannin content were reduced up to 87.1, 84.7, 20.9 and 46.2%, respectively at 450 W for 6 min treatment conditions, which was confirmed from the larger shifts observed in FT-IR spectra near 1,157 cm−1. Microwave heating at 450 W for 6 min also proved beneficial in improving the bioavailability of volatile and phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, syringic acid, (+)-catechin, caffeic acid, ß-carotene, trans-ferulic acid, rutin trihydrate, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, tannic acid and quercetin by liberating them from the plant matrix.

Originality/value

The results thus indicate that controlled microwave heating could be an effective approach for the reduction of anti-nutritional factors besides leading to an overall improvement in antioxidant potential and volatile and phenolic compounds. This novel technological approach can proliferate the use of plum kernels in different diversified food formulations.
Building information modelling (BIM) and the return on investment: a systematic analysis
Authors: Sompolgrunk Apeesada , Banihashemi Saeed , Mohandes Saeed Reza
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with building information modelling (BIM) return on investment (ROI). The findings of this study provide researchers and practitioners with up-to-date information in formulating appropriate strategies to quantify the monetary value of BIM. The suggested research agenda provided would also advance what is presently a limited body of knowledge relating to the evaluation of BIM ROI.

Design/methodology/approach

To fill the identified gap, this study develops a comprehensive systematic review of mainstream studies on factors affecting BIM ROI published from 2000 to 2020. A total of 23 academic records from different sources such as journals, conference proceedings, dissertation and PhD theses were identified and thoroughly reviewed.

Findings

The reported BIM ROI ranged greatly from −83.3% to 39,900%. A total of 5 returning factors, namely, schedule reduction and compliance, productivity improvement, request for information reduction, rework reduction and change orders reduction were identified as the most commonly reported factors that influence BIM ROI. Four quantification techniques including general assumptions-based theoretical model, perceived BIM ROI based on survey, factors affecting BIM ROI with no reported ROI and quantified BIM ROI based on a case study were observed and pointed out in the review, together with their limitations. Finally, three major gaps were raised as the lack of consideration on the likelihood of BIM assisting in a construction project, intangible returning factors influencing BIM-based projects and industry standards in benchmarking BIM ROI.

Practical implications

The outcomes of this study would assist practitioners by providing the current evaluation techniques that address the limitations with BIM investment and present issues relating to the economic evaluation of BIM in the construction industry. It is also expected that presenting a deeper and wider perspective of the research work performed until now will direct a more focussed approach on productivity improvement efforts in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study identifies and analyses the key measurable returning factors, value drivers and strategic benefits associated with BIM ROI on an industry scale rather than a particular organisation or a project scale.
The financial leverage–financial performance relationship in the emerging market of Turkey: the role of financial distress risk and currency crisis
Authors: Kalash Ismail
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine how financial distress risk and currency crisis affect the relationship between financial leverage and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data of 200 firms listed on Istanbul Stock Exchange during the period from 2009 to 2019, resulting in 1950 firm-year observations. Pooled ordinary least squares, random effects, firm fixed effects and two-step system GMM models are used to investigate the hypotheses of this study.

Findings

The results reveal that financial leverage has negative and significant effect on financial performance, and that this effect is stronger for firms with higher financial distress risk. Furthermore, the findings provide moderate evidence that currency crisis exacerbates the negative association between leverage and performance.

Practical implications

The results of this study have important implications for firms in emerging markets. Managers can enhance firm performance by reducing the level of financial leverage, especially in firms with higher financial distress risk. These firms incur higher debt costs, and then they can benefit more from the decreases in debt ratio in their capital structure. Moreover, the decreases in debt level have more importance in currency crisis times, when the access to external finance becomes more expensive and more difficult.

Originality/value

To the author's knowledge, this research is the first to examine the effect of currency crisis on the financial leverage–financial performance relationship and is one of few that investigate the role of financial distress risk in determining the linkage between leverage and firm performance.
A multi-objective model for sustainable closed-loop supply chain of perishable products under two carbon emission regulations
Authors: Esmaeilian Saman , Mohamadi Dariush , Esmaelian Majid , Ebrahimpour Mostafa
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to minimize the total carbon emissions and costs and also maximize the total social benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study develops a mathematical model for a closed-loop supply chain network of perishable products so that considers the vital aspects of sustainability across the life cycle of the supply chain network. To evaluate carbon emissions, two different regulating policies are studied.

Findings

According to the obtained results, increasing the lifetime of the perishable products improves the incorporated objective function (IOF) in both the carbon cap-and-trade model and the model with a strict cap on carbon emission while the solving time increases in both models. Moreover, the computational efficiency of the carbon cap-and-trade model is higher than that of the model with a strict cap, but its value of the IOF is worse. Results indicate that efficient policies for carbon management will support planners to achieve sustainability in a cost-effectively manner.

Originality/value

This research proposes a mathematical model for the sustainable closed-loop supply chain of perishable products that applies the significant aspects of sustainability across the life cycle of the supply chain network. Regional economic value, regional development, unemployment rate and the number of job opportunities created in the regions are considered as the social dimension.
Family ownership and the export performance of SMEs: the moderating role of financial constraints and flexibility
Authors: Pascucci Federica , Domenichelli Oscar , Peruffo Enzo , Gregori Gian Luca
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This article investigates the relationship between family ownership and export performance in the context of SMEs while also considering the moderating role of the financial dimension and, in particular, financial constraints and financial flexibility.

Design/methodology/approach

We select a sample of 1,132 Italian SMEs to examine through an econometric analysis the role and impact of family ownership and the financial moderating variables being used on their export performance.

Findings

The results indicate that there is a U-shaped relationship between family ownership and export performance: the highest levels of export performance correspond to the lowest and highest family ownership levels, whereas when a mixture of family and nonfamily ownership exists, the performance suffers because of “conflicting voices” dominating strategic visions and approaches, harming the firm's export commitment. Moreover, the findings show that lower financial constraints and/or stronger financial flexibility improve the relationship between family ownership and export performance.

Research limitations/implications

Our findings show that the ownership structure is important for export performance; in particular, firms should avoid a mixture between family and nonfamily ownership because it is detrimental to export performance. Moreover, Italian SMEs need to develop sources of financing other than the banking channel, and policy makers should favour this process to overcome financial constraint problems and improve financial flexibility. Limitations concern the use of other econometric approaches and measurement variables to further investigate the connection between family ownership and export performance.

Originality/value

The present study enhances the comprehension of the complex relationship between family ownership and export performance by documenting the relevance of the level of family ownership and considering the moderating role of financial constraints and flexibility.
First-time versus repeat tourists: resistance to negative information
Authors: Su Lujun , Hsu Maxwell K. , Huels Brian
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature regarding negative information’s impact on consumer behavior in the context of tourism services. In addition, this paper empirically examines the likely difference between first-time and repeat tourists in terms of their: resistance to negative information.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 539 visitors to Mount Yuelu, a popular tourist destination in China, this study explores the differences between first-time and repeat tourists regarding how destination social responsibility (DSR) and service quality (SQ) influence tourist resistance to negative information.

Findings

The effect of SQ on resistance to negative information is stronger for repeat tourists than for first-time tourists. In addition, the study identifies that DSR and SQ have a positive impact on tourists’ resistance to negative information. Finally, findings indicate that destination identification partially mediates the relationship between DSR, SQ and tourists’ response to negative information, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide valuable theoretical and empirical insights into the driving factors that influence consumer resistance to negative information.

Practical implications

The paper brings together DSR, SQ and tourist-destination identification to better understand the impact that visitation frequency (first-time versus repeat tourists) has on how tourists resist negative information about a tourist destination.

Social implications

Negative information that is generated about a destination may cause the number of future tourism visits to decline. Findings of this paper provide insight as to the framework that can make tourists more resistant to said negative information.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the services marketing and tourism literature by investigating the degree to which DSR and SQ affect tourist resistance to negative information as mediated by tourist-destination identification and moderated by visiting frequency.
The promising applications of nanoparticles for synthetic dyes removal from wastewater: recent review
Authors: Ilame Tanmay , Ghosh Arpita
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Water is a vital natural resource without which life on earth would be impossible. Properties of synthetic dyes like high stability and noxious nature make it difficult to remove them from the effluent. This review focuses on the removal of synthetic dyes using nanoparticles (NPs) based on the adsorption principle.

Design/methodology/approach

Adsorption technique is widely used to remove synthetic dyes from their aqueous solution for decades. Synthetic dye removal using NPs is promising, less energy-intensive and has become popular in recent years. NPs are in high demand for treating wastewater using the adsorption principle due to their tiny size and vast surface area. To maximise environmental sustainability, the utilisation of green-produced NPs as efficient catalysts for dye removal has sparked attention amongst scientists.

Findings

This review has prioritised research and development of optimal dye removal systems that can be used to efficiently remove a large quantity of dye in a short period while safeguarding the environment and producing fewer harmful by-products. The removal efficiency of synthetic dye using different NPs in wastewater treatment varies mostly between 75% to almost 100%. This review will aid in the scaling up of the wastewater treatment process.

Research limitations/implications

There is a lack of research emphasis on the safe disposal of NPs once the reuse efficiency significantly drops. The relevance of cost analysis is equally critical, yet only a few papers discuss cost-related information.

Originality/value

Comprehensive and planned research in this area can aid in the development of long-term wastewater treatment technology to meet the growing need for safe and reliable water emphasising reuse and desorption efficiency of the NPs.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of linking patterns of mainstream and partisan online news media in Central Europe
Authors: Hrckova Andrea , Moro Robert , Srba Ivan , Bielikova Maria
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Partisan news media, which often publish extremely biased, one-sided or even false news, are gaining popularity world-wide and represent a major societal issue. Due to a growing number of such media, a need for automatic detection approaches is of high demand. Automatic detection relies on various indicators (e.g. content characteristics) to identify new partisan media candidates and to predict their level of partisanship. The aim of the research is to investigate to a deeper extent whether it would be appropriate to rely on the hyperlinks as possible indicators for better automatic partisan news media detection.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized hyperlink network analysis to study the hyperlinks of partisan and mainstream media. The dataset involved the hyperlinks of 18 mainstream media and 15 partisan media in Slovakia and Czech Republic. More than 171 million domain pairs of inbound and outbound hyperlinks of selected online news media were collected with Ahrefs tool, analyzed and visualized with Gephi software. Additionally, 300 articles covering COVID-19 from both types of media were selected for content analysis of hyperlinks to verify the reliability of quantitative analysis and to provide more detailed analysis.

Findings

The authors conclude that hyperlinks are reliable indicators of media affinity and linking patterns could contribute to partisan news detection. The authors found out that especially the incoming links with dofollow attribute to news websites are reliable indicators for assessing the type of media, as partisan media rarely receive links with dofollow attribute from mainstream media. The outgoing links are not such reliable indicators as both mainstream and partisan media link to mainstream sources similarly.

Originality/value

In contrast to the extensive amount of research aiming at fake news detection within a piece of text or multimedia content (e.g. news articles, social media posts), the authors shift to characterization of the whole news media. In addition, the authors did a geographical shift from more researched US-based media to so far under-researched European context, particularly Central Europe. The results and conclusions can serve as a guide how to derive new features for an automatic detection of possibly partisan news media by means of artificial intelligence (AI).

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at the following link: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2020-0441.
Is Bitcoin a safe haven? Application of FinTech to safeguard Australian stock markets
Authors: Kamran Muhammad , Butt Pakeezah , Abdel-Razzaq Assim , Djajadikerta Hadrian Geri
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to address the timely question of whether Bitcoin exhibited a safe haven property against the major Australian stock indices during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and whether such property is similar or different in one year time from the first wave of the COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the bivariate Dynamic Conditional Correlation, Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity model, on the five-day returns of Bitcoin and Australian stock indices for the sample period between 23 April, 2011 and 19 April, 2021.

Findings

The results show that Bitcoin offered weak safe haven and hedging benefits when combined in a portfolio with S&P/ASX 200 Financials index, S&P/ASX 200 Banks index or S&P/ASX 300 Banks index. In regard to the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Gold index, the authors found Bitcoin a risky candidate with inconsistent safe haven and hedging benefits. Against S&P/ASX 50 index, S&P/ASX 200 index and S&P/ASX 300 index, Bitcoin was nothing more than a diversifier. The outset of the second COVID-19 wave, which was comparatively more severe than the first, is also reflected in the results with considerably higher correlations.

Originality/value

There is a lack of in-depth empirical evidence on the safe haven capabilities of Bitcoins for various Australian stock indices during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study bridges this void in research.
What do knee OA patients perceive about their disorder? A qualitative study
Authors: Suhail Ammar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore patient’s perception of their disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a phenomenographical approach within a qualitative research paradigm. A total of 21 patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) were recruited for the study, and data were collected through open-ended face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. The transcribed verbatim was analyzed for themes.

Findings

The themes developed reflected the patients’ perceptions about the disease process. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: Knee OA is a degenerative disease, Knee OA is an age-related disease and Knee OA is caused by certain activities of daily living. The patient’s information varied and was limited to what had been provided by the health-care practitioner. The knowledge was more biomedical in orientation and was limited and not supported by the evidence.

Research limitations/implications

There is a need to provide evidence-based information that the patient must understand. Health-care providers must use a biopsychosocial framework to discuss the disease knowledge with patients.

Practical implications

This study helps us in identifying disease perceptions that can be used to design education programs for knee OA patients. It also highlights the need for delivering educational programs to knee OA patients.

Originality/value

This study lays a foundation for further research. To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first study to explore disease perceptions using a qualitative approach conducted among patients from a lower middle-income country.
Weather‐driven demography and population dynamics of an endemic perennial plant during a 34‐year period
Authors: Lindell Torbjörn , Ehrlén Johan , Dahlgren Johan P.
Published: December 2021

Increased anthropogenic influence on the environment has accentuated the need to assess how climate and other environmental factors drive vital rates and population dynamics of different types of organisms. However, to allow distinction between the effects of multiple correlated variables, and to capture the effects of rare and extreme climatic conditions, studies extending over decades are often necessary.

In this study, we used an individual‐based dataset collected in three populations of Pulsatilla vulgaris subsp. gotlandica during 34 years, to explore the effects of variation in precipitation and temperature on vital rates and population dynamics.

Most of the observed conspicuous variation in flowering among years was associated with differences in precipitation and temperature in the previous summer and autumn with a higher incidence of flowering following summers with high precipitation and low temperatures. In contrast, climatic variables had no significant effects on individual growth or survival.

Although the weather‐driven variation in flowering had only moderate absolute effects on the population growth rate, simulated persistent changes in average precipitation and temperature resulted in considerable reductions in population sizes compared with current conditions. Analyses carried out with subsets of data consisting of 5 and 10 years yielded results that strongly deviated from those based on the full dataset.

Synthesis. The results of this study illustrate the importance of long‐term demographic monitoring to identify key climatic variables affecting vital rates and driving population dynamics in long‐lived organisms.
Introduced plants induce outbreaks of a native pest and facilitate invasion in the plants' native range: Evidence from the emerald ash borer
Authors: Dang Yingqiao , Wei Ke , Wang Xiaoyi , Duan Jian J. , Jennings David E. , Poland Therese M.
Published: December 2021

Biological invasions are among the most serious threats to native forest ecosystems worldwide due to ever‐increasing international trade and global change. Understanding the invasion processes and ecology of invasive pests in both newly invaded and native habitats is necessary to effectively manage the risks they pose.

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is one of the most devastating invasive forest insect pests in North America and has also invaded European Russia and parts of Europe. Through synthesizing historical data spanning >100 years and contemporary field observations in China, we examined EAB's distribution, occurrence and outbreak frequency in its native range in relation to historical introductions and plantings of non‐Asian ash trees in China.

The frequencies and levels of EAB infestations in China gradually increased from 1900 to 2021 after a time‐lag of 30–50 years following introductions and widespread plantings of non‐Asian ash trees from North America. Increased frequencies of EAB outbreaks following the planting of North American ash trees in China may have increased the risk of EAB invading North America and other novel regions.

Synthesis. Our findings demonstrated that planting susceptible non‐native host plants can induce outbreaks of a native insect pest in its native range, which, in turn, may enhance risks of invading novel regions via human‐assisted activities (e.g. international trade). In addition, our findings suggest that lag‐times of several decades between planting susceptible hosts and initial pest outbreaks may pose challenges in predicting the true risk of invading novel regions. Consequently, comprehensive risk assessment for invasive insect pests should consider the role of non‐native plants introduced or planted in the pest's native range.
Who still needs the nation? Empire, identity and the British welfare state
Authors: Meer Nasar
Published: December 2021

It is difficult to conceive of a re‐imagination of “us” by focusing solely on the state, especially where the intended objective is to trouble the prevailing national project. If national projects, like racial projects, must be laboured at to be sustained, then in the case of Britishness we find a rich vein of contestation by those left out of its formal narration. It is on this point that the discussion will focus, beginning with a preliminary but unstated question that warrants explicit attention, namely: why re‐make national projects at all?
Public engagement during full‐scale exercises: Dimensions of trust and community resilience
Authors: Humann Michael , Collie Craig , Bright Kayte , Thomsen Janne , Crook Phil
Published: December 2021

The aim of this exploratory study is to understand the potential benefits to and limitations of inclusion of members of the community in Full Scale Exercises (FSX) that simulate disaster responses, with particular emphasis on volunteer trust, confidence, and community resilience. As these events contribute to skill maintenance and development of responders, it is also important to understand what additional benefits they potentially present in terms of engagement with the public and local communities. Better recognition of this impact on trust and confidence aids organisers and planners, while also providing clearer utility of investment and resources. Pre‐ and postintervention surveys, including quantitative and qualitative elements, were given to volunteer role‐players who took part in an FSX. Sixty‐five completed the pre‐exercise survey and 24 completed the postexercise survey. An additional 126 responses were received for a casualty role‐player survey. Correlations were applied to the statistics while qualitative elements were examined using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrated that involvement in the FSX created opportunities for learning but that community faith in emergency services could be diminished if the purpose of the FSX is not clearly communicated. Overall reduced rates in volunteer confidence could be explained by gaining increased perspective into the complexities of disaster management. The implication is that FSXs can meaningfully enhance community learning, trust, and resilience but only if the community involvement is properly and holistically managed. This is among the first studies to take the opportunity to examine the learning outcomes for volunteers of an FSX. Recommendations and increased awareness of this impact are important for future organisers, to maximise the benefits of their exercises and ensure that planning takes into consideration this often‐overlooked component.
Quantifying heterogeneity, heteroscedasticity and publication bias effects on technical efficiency estimates of rice farming: A meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Trong Ho Phuc , Burton Michael , Ma Chunbo , Hailu Atakelty
Published: December 2021

In recent decades, numerous studies have focused on technical efficiency in rice farming, finding considerable variation in mean technical efficiency (MTE) estimates. We conducted a meta‐regression analysis (MRA), using a random‐effects meta‐regression model, to understand the variation in MTE estimates due to study heterogeneity, heteroscedasticity and publication bias. We used 443 observations extracted from 175 primary studies published in English in the last three decades. The results show that MTE estimates are affected by study heterogeneity. Variable returns to scale specification yielded higher MTE scores than constant returns to scale ones. Panel data, secondary data and value data had lower MTE estimates than cross‐sectional data, primary data and physical (quantity) data, respectively. Compared to Southeast Asia, countries in East and South Asia had higher MTE estimates, whereas African countries had lower MTE estimates. We suggest that practitioners and policy‐makers should consider carefully estimation specifications, data types and geographical regions of empirical studies when comparing and interpreting empirical results. The average genuine (predicted) MTE score was 0.76 (range 0.54–0.89), indicating the potential to improve technical efficiency in global rice farming and the need for further research to bridge managerial ability gaps among farmers.
Lower prefrontal cortical synaptic vesicle binding in cocaine use disorder: An exploratory 11C‐UCB‐J positron emission tomography study in humans
Authors: Angarita Gustavo A. , Worhunsky Patrick D. , Naganawa Mika , Toyonaga Takuya , Nabulsi Nabeel B. , Li Chiang‐Shan R. , Esterlis Irina , Skosnik Patrick D. , Radhakrishnan Rajiv , Pittman Brian , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Potenza Marc N. , Finnema Sjoerd J. , Huang Yiyun , Carson Richard E. , Malison Robert T.
Published: December 2021

Preclinical studies have revealed robust and long‐lasting alterations in dendritic spines in the brain following cocaine exposure. Such alterations are hypothesized to underlie enduring maladaptive behaviours observed in cocaine use disorder (CUD). The current study explored whether synaptic density is altered in CUD. Fifteen individuals with DSM‐5 CUD and 15 demographically matched healthy control (HC) subjects participated in a single 11C‐UCB‐J positron emission tomography scan to assess density of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). The volume of distribution (VT) and the plasma‐free fraction‐corrected form of the total volume of distribution (VT/fP) were analysed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsomedial and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC), lateral and medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and ventral striatum. A significant diagnostic‐group‐by‐region interaction was observed for VT and VT/fP. Post hoc analyses revealed no differences on VT, while for VT/fP showed lower values in CUD as compared with HC subjects in the ACC (−10.9%, p = 0.02), ventromedial PFC (−9.9%, p = 0.02) and medial OFC (−9.9%, p = 0.04). Regional VT/fP values in CUD, though unrelated to measures of lifetime cocaine use, were positively correlated with the frequency of recent cocaine use (p = 0.02–0.03) and negatively correlated with cocaine abstinence (p = 0.008–0.03). These findings provide initial preliminary in vivo evidence of altered (lower) synaptic density in the PFC of humans with CUD. Cross‐sectional variation in SV2A availability as a function of recent cocaine use and abstinence suggests that synaptic density may be dynamically and plastically regulated by acute cocaine, an observation that merits direct testing by studies using more definitive longitudinal designs.