bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporally specific gene expression and chromatin remodeling programs regulate a conservedPdynenhancer
Authors: Phillips Robert A. , Wan Ethan , Tuscher Jennifer J. , Reid David , Drake Olivia R. , Ianov Lara , Day Jeremy J.
Published: June 2023

Neuronal and behavioral adaptations to novel stimuli are regulated by temporally dynamic waves of transcriptional activity, which shape neuronal function and guide enduring plasticity. Neuronal activation promotes expression of an immediate early gene (IEG) program comprised primarily of activity-dependent transcription factors, which are thought to regulate a second set of late response genes (LRGs). However, while the mechanisms governing IEG activation have been well studied, the molecular interplay between IEGs and LRGs remain poorly characterized. Here, we used transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility profiling to define activity-driven responses in rat striatal neurons. As expected, neuronal depolarization generated robust changes in gene expression, with early changes (1 h) enriched for inducible transcription factors and later changes (4 h) enriched for neuropeptides, synaptic proteins, and ion channels. Remarkably, while depolarization did not induce chromatin remodeling after 1 h, we found broad increases in chromatin accessibility at thousands of sites in the genome at 4 h after neuronal stimulation. These putative regulatory elements were found almost exclusively at non-coding regions of the genome, and harbored consensus motifs for numerous activity-dependent transcription factors such as AP-1. Furthermore, blocking protein synthesis prevented activity-dependent chromatin remodeling, suggesting that IEG proteins are required for this process. Targeted analysis of LRG loci identified a putative enhancer upstream ofPdyn(prodynorphin), a gene encoding an opioid neuropeptide implicated in motivated behavior and neuro-psychiatric disease states. CRISPR-based functional assays demonstrated that this enhancer is both necessary and sufficient forPdyntranscription. This regulatory element is also conserved at the humanPDYNlocus, where its activation is sufficient to drivePDYNtranscription in human cells. These results suggest that IEGs participate in chromatin remodeling at enhancers and identify a conserved enhancer that may act as a therapeutic target for brain disorders involving dysregulation ofPdyn.
Almond rhizosphere viral, prokaryotic, and fungal communities differed significantly among four California orchards and in comparison to bulk soil communities
Authors: ter Horst Anneliek M. , Adebiyi Temiloluwa V. , Hernandez Daisy A. , Fudyma Jane D. , Emerson Joanne B.
Published: June 2023

Characterization of rhizosphere microbiomes and their interactions is essential to a holistic understanding of plant health in support of sustainable agriculture. Viruses are a key, understudied component of rhizosphere microbiomes, with potential impacts on both plant-beneficial and -pathogenic organisms through infection. In this study, we sampled rhizospheres and bulk soils associated with 15 almond trees in four California orchards and generated viromic, 16S rRNA gene, and ITS1 amplicon sequencing datasets to compare viral, prokaryotic, and fungal communities. In total, 10,440 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs), 16,146 bacterial and archaeal OTUs, and 6,684 fungal OTUs were recovered. All three community types differed most significantly among the four orchards and secondarily between bulk and rhizosphere soils. Despite compositional differences, no significant differences in richness were observed between bulk and rhizosphere soils for any of the studied biota. Overall, viruses, prokaryotes, and fungi shared similar beta-diversity patterns in almond rhizospheres and bulk soils on a regional scale, counter to recently observed decoupling between viral and prokaryotic community biogeographic patterns in a variety of bulk soils.
High-throughput confocal airy beam oblique light-sheet tomography of brain-wide imaging at single-cell resolution
Authors: Qi Xiaoli , Muñoz-Castañeda Rodrigo , Narasimhan Arun , Ding Liya , Chen Xin , Elowsky Corey , Palmer Jason , Drewes Rhonda , Sun Jianjun , Mizrachi Judith , Peng Hanchuan , Wu Zhuhao , Osten Pavel
Published: June 2023

Brain research is an area of research characterized by its cutting-edge nature, with brain mapping constituting a crucial aspect of this field. As sequencing tools have played a crucial role in gene sequencing, brain mapping largely depends on automated, high-throughput and high-resolution imaging techniques. Over the years, the demand for high-throughput imaging has scaled exponentially with the rapid development of microscopic brain mapping. In this paper, we introduce the novel concept of confocal Airy beam into oblique light-sheet tomography named CAB-OLST. We demonstrate that this technique enables the high throughput of brain-wide imaging of long-distance axon projection for the entire mouse brain at a resolution of 0.26 μm × 0.26 μm × 1.06 μm in 58 hours. This technique represents an innovative contribution to the field of brain research by setting a new standard for high-throughput imaging techniques.
Comparison of Gastric Alimetry®body surface gastric mapping versus electrogastrography spectral analysis
Authors: Schamberg Gabriel , Calder Stefan , Varghese Chris , Xu William , Wang William Jiaen , Ho Vincent , Daker Charlotte , Andrews Christopher N. , O’Grady Greg , Gharibans Armen A.
Published: June 2023

Electrogastrography (EGG) non-invasively evaluates gastric motility but is viewed as lacking clinical utility. Gastric Alimetry® is a new diagnostic test that combines high-resolution body surface gastric mapping (BSGM) with validated symptom profiling, with the goal of overcoming EGG’s limitations. This study directly compared EGG and BSGM to define performance differences in spectral analysis. Comparisons between Gastric Alimetry BSGM and EGG were conducted by protocolized evaluation of 178 subjects (110 controls; 68 nausea and vomiting (NVS) and/or type 1 diabetes (T1D)). Comparisons followed standard methodologies for each test (pre-processing, post-processing, analysis), with statistical evaluations for group-level differences, symptom correlations, and patient-level classifications. BSGM showed substantially tighter frequency ranges vs EGG in controls. Both tests detected rhythm instability in NVS, but EGG showed opposite frequency effects in T1D. BSGM showed an 8x increase in the number of significant correlations with symptoms. BSGM accuracy for patient-level classification was 0.78 for patients v. controls and 0.96 as compared to blinded consensus panel; EGG accuracy was 0.54 and 0.43. EGG detected group-level differences in patients, but lacked symptom correlations and showed poor accuracy for patient-level classification, explaining EGG’s limited clinical utility. BSGM demonstrated substantial performance improvements across all domains.
Low-temperature modification of Ba(BF4)2(H2O)3
Authors: Goreshnik Evgeny , Vakulka Andrii , Tavčar Gašper
Published: June 2023

The crystal structure of the low-temperature modification of Ba(BF4)2(H2O)3, barium bis(tetrafluoridoborate) trihydrate, was determined at 150 K. In contrast to the room-temperature modification, which crystallizes in the space group C2221 [a = 7.1763 (6), b = 18.052 (2), c = 7.1631 (6) Å, V = 927.93 (15) Å3 at 300 K, Z = 4; Charkin et al. (2023). J. Struct. Chem. 64, 253–261], the low-temperature phase is monoclinic, space group P21 [a = 7.0550 (4), b = 7.1706 (3), c = 9.4182 (6) Å, β = 109.295 (7)
o
, V = 449.68 (5) Å3, Z = 2]. The structure of the low-temperature modification of Ba(BF4)2(H2O)3 features O—H...F and O—H...O hydrogen bonding between water molecules and BF4
− anions. One of the coordinating water molecules in the low-temperature modification is disordered over two sets of sites.
COVID-19 shock in the hospitality industry: its effect on hotel operations within the Bono region of Ghana
Authors: Deri Mildred Nuong , Ari Ragavan Neethiahnanthan , Niber Augustine , Zaazie Perpetual , Akazire David Anandene , Anaba Martha , Andaara Dorlaar
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has long-lasting effects that necessitate business revision, innovation, and transformation in the hospital industry. The research in this field is, however, still incredibly underdeveloped. Hotels have faced unprecedented pressure due to the outbreak of novel COVID-19, forcing many to close temporarily or permanently. The aim of this study is to assess COVID-19 effect on hotels within the Bono region of Ghana, as the protocols are currently relaxed.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative approach, a stratified and purposive sampling method was used and 174 hotel managers in the Bono region responded to the research questions in relation to how their businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The findings showed that the most prominent and recurring measures among hotels are the application of hygiene standards, employee training and awareness, reduction of employees’ guest contact and ensuring a safer environment for both guests and employees.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s sample frame covers hotels in the Bono region of Ghana with lower star classifications, ranging from affordable to three stars in quality and service. Hotels should emphasize the importance of providing their personnel with ongoing training and education to prepare them to deal with the outbreak of the pandemic.

Practical implications

As a result, the study suggests that hotel operators give innovative, fascinating and delightful accommodation experiences that may boost customers’ authentic happiness, as well as offer possibilities for customers to gain positive, memorable experiences from their experience.

Social implications

Academia and hotel managers need to contribute to theory development in hotel marketing by analyzing changes in customer expectations and industry recovery measures to affect good changes in industry best practices in the aftermath of the epidemic.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge of the service delivery system model research because it is one of the initial studies to examine hotel business operations and activities during the COVID-19 utilizing the Bono region as a case. Theoretical, managerial and policy implications are discussed to cope with this crisis.
Street art and creative place-making: urban tourism regeneration in Toronto, Canada
Authors: McClinchey Kelley A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the place-making processes of street art within the context of Toronto, Canada, and potential for street art as alternative tourism to contribute to new urban tourism and encourage urban regeneration in the city.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies reflexive thematic analysis to analyse secondary data sources such as reports, maps, videos, websites, news articles and official documents alongside photographic documentation and field research.

Findings

Street art in Toronto has been found to coincide closely with processes of creative place-making. While there is some indication that municipal street art organizations and destination marketing organizations are aware of the possibilities for street art to contribute to tourism in the city, it remains an untapped resource for new urban tourism. As a component of creative place-making, it has great potential as a form of alternative tourism to regenerate a still struggling tourism economy.

Originality/value

This paper explores the nascent research area and practical application of street art as an alternative form of urban tourism in Toronto, Canada. It also fills a gap by connecting the concept of creative place-making with street art, urban regeneration and tourism specifically; a focus that needs wider attention.
Public service leadership: follower interpersonal communication satisfaction in transformational leadership and growth satisfaction, job stress and burnout
Authors: Rajesh J. Irudhaya , Prikshat Verma , Kirk Susan , Saeed Muhammad Mohtsham , Patel Parth , Sheheryar Khan Malik Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how transformational leaders enhance public service employees’ growth satisfaction in the job and mitigate job stress and burnout, incorporating follower interpersonal communication satisfaction with the leader (IPCSL) as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the survey data collected from the Indian public service employees, regression analysis, bootstrapping and SOBEL test are used to test the proposed research model.

Findings

The findings highlighted a partial mediation of follower interpersonal communication satisfaction with leader between transformational leadership (TL) and public service employees’ growth satisfaction in the job. Although there was no significant direct effect of TL on job stress and burnout, the results underlined a significant indirect effect of follower IPCSL.

Originality/value

By examining the important role of follower IPCSL, this study unravels the precise intervening mechanism between TL and follower affective outcomes like growth satisfaction in job, job stress and burnout among public service employees.
A contemplative overview of smart communities: a hybrid analytical approach
Authors: Sakshi Surabhi , Srivastava Praveen Ranjan , Mangla Sachin K. , Singh Amol
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to uncover and develop explicit knowledge of existing smart communities (SCs) to guide services and business solutions for enterprises and serve community users in a well-thought-out manner. These sagacious frameworks will assist in analyzing trends and reaching out to pre-existing setups with different degrees of expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic overview is provided in this paper to unify insights and competencies toward building SCs; a hybrid analytical approach is used consisting of machine learning and bibliometric analysis. Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) are the primary databases for this purpose.

Findings

SCs implement cutting-edge technologies to enhance mobility, elevating information and communication technology (ICT) skills and data awareness while improving business processes and efficiency. This system of SC is an evolution of the conventional method. It provides a foundation for intelligent community services based on individual users and technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, cloud computing and big data. Manufacturing-based, service-based, retail-based, resource management and infrastructure-based SCs exist in the literature.

Originality/value

The paper summarizes a conceptual framework of SCs based on existing works around SCs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic literature review that uses a hybrid approach of topic modeling and bibliometric analysis to understand SCs better.
An analysis of stockbroking frauds and regulatory action in India
Authors: Kandukuri Rajyalakshmi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Stockbrokers’ frauds in India frequently occur, causing investors significant financial loss. This study aims to unfold the various dubious practices adopted by stock brokers in the recent past to defraud investors and the necessary corrective regulations passed by the market regulator to prevent and detect fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct exploratory research using a collective model of literature review, case studies and regulatory changes.

Findings

The authors find tightening the system’s loopholes and strengthening the regulatory system using technology helps in the early detection and prevention of fraud. Media activism and investors’ awareness play a role in reducing incidences of fraud.

Research limitations/implications

This study unfolds the practices followed by stock brokers to defraud investors, indicative of regulatory gaps and enforcement lapses. Regulators are evolving a robust system to curb these practices and make them on par with international standards. But, it has a long way to go.

Practical implications

Robust fraud detection and prevention mechanism is desirable to restore investors’ confidence in the stock market. Regulators should focus on investors’ protection and education and whistleblowers’ protection. Compared to the market regulators worldwide, the Securities and Exchange Board of India has less power to identify, detect and punish fraudulent brokers and needs to be empowered.

Social implications

Besides the regulatory changes, strict enforcement and investor campaigns are required to increase public awareness and restore trust in the stock market to combat the recurrence of fraud.

Originality/value

This paper can be helpful to regulators, investors and financial intermediaries like stock brokers and aid in strengthening the reliability of capital markets and restoring investors’ confidence.
The effect of air pollution on cash holdings and financial leverage
Authors: Kalash Ismail
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether air pollution has significant impact on corporate cash holdings and financial leverage.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of 199 firms listed on Istanbul Stock Exchange during the period 2009–2020 is analyzed by using pooled ordinary least squares and two-step system generalized method of moments models.

Findings

The results indicate that firms in regions with high air pollution tend to increase cash level. In addition, the positive effect of air pollution on cash level is stronger and more significant for environmentally sensitive firms and firms with low operational and distress risk. The results also show insignificant effect of air pollution on financial leverage.

Practical implications

Firms in regions with high air pollution should conduct proactive environmental protection procedures and enhance their eco-efficiency instead of holding excess cash that could negatively affect financial performance. In this context, policymakers should provide financial facilities to firms located in regions with high air pollution and that have low ability to finance environmental investments. On the other hand, the environmental laws and regulations introduced by regulatory authorities can enhance the economic development and firm performance by decreasing the adverse influences of air pollution on corporate financial policies.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this research is one of few that examines the impact of air pollution on corporate cash holdings and financial leverage in emerging markets.
Revisiting the idea of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities for digital transformation
Authors: Mele Gioconda , Capaldo Guido , Secundo Giustina , Corvello Vincenzo
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In the landscape created by digital transformation, developing the ability to adapt and innovate by absorbing and generating new knowledge has become a strategic priority for organizations. The theory of dynamic capabilities, especially from a knowledge-based perspective, has proven particularly useful in studying the phenomena of transformation and change. Moving from this premise, this paper aims to map the state of research and to define guidelines for the actualization of dynamic capabilities theory in the digital transformation era.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured literature review of 75 papers, using descriptive, bibliographic and content analysis, was performed to analyze the evolution of dynamic capabilities in the context of digital transformation.

Findings

Studies concerning knowledge-based dynamic capabilities for digital transformation have been clustered into five main research areas: the micro-foundation of dynamic capabilities for digital transformation; dynamic capabilities for value creation in digital transformation; dynamic capabilities for digital transition in specific industries; dynamic capabilities for “data-driven organizations”; and dynamic capabilities for digital transformation in SMEs and family firms. A future research agenda for scholars in strategic management is presented.

Practical implications

A conceptual framework and a future research agenda are presented to highlight directions for this promising research field concerning the renewal of dynamic capabilities in the context of digital transformation.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in the conceptual framework aiming to systematize current research on knowledge-based dynamic capabilities for digital transformation and to provide a new conceptualization of digital dynamic capabilities, clarifying how organizations create and share knowledge in the era of digitalization.
Spatial planning and community adaptive capacity to climate change: the case of La Dade-Kotopon municipality in Ghana
Authors: Mohammed-Siitah Razeena , Siddique Abdul-Samad
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Spatial planning is globally identified as an effective strategy for providing climate change adaptation needs. However, there is a dearth of literature on how spatial planning relates to climate change control in Ghana, particularly at the local level. Hence, this paper aims to investigate whether spatial planning plays a significant role in the control of climate change and the adaptive capacities at the local level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a mixed-method approach, where both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained using an interview guide and survey, respectively. The authors analyze the data using a qualitative content analysis method and descriptive statistics.

Findings

The results show that spatial planning plays an important role in climate change adaptation, though in a limited way. The physical planning department at the municipal level has varying amounts of capacities across various determinants, but there are opportunities for improving the capacity of the department.

Originality/value

The authors provide empirical evidence to support the need to prioritize spatial planning as a strategy for dealing with the impacts of climate change and the building of capacities at the national and community levels for improved adaptive capacity.
Nutrition knowledge and willingness to seek nutritional counseling: analysis of data among a sample of university students
Authors: Akiki Zeina , El Haber Yara , Al Kassir Pamela , Sakr Fouad , Cherfane Michelle , Obeid Cecile
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess nutrition knowledge (NK) and willingness to seek nutritional counseling (WSNC) and their predictors among university students in Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was used to enroll students from two large private universities in Lebanon. Data were collected by a standardized questionnaire. NK scores on general and specific nutrition areas were computed. The predictors of NK and WSNC were determined by multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Findings

A total of 370 students were included, among which 68% had good general nutritional knowledge, which appears to be associated with being a pharmacy student (adjusted OR (aOR) = 4.26 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55; 11.7]), and having a dietitian as a reference for nutritional information (aOR = 8.84 [95% CI 1.94; 40.3]). However, 64% of participants had a high specific nutritional knowledge score, which was related to either attending a school of arts and sciences or being a pharmacy student (aOR = 10.8 [95% CI 4.08; 28.5]). Most students (80%) had the will to seek nutritional counseling, which was positively associated with being a female (aOR = 2.01 [95% CI 1.10; 3.67]) and a pharmacy student (aOR = 2.62 [95% CI 1.15; 5.95]). The general nutritional knowledge score was significantly associated with the WSNC (aOR = 2.10 [95% CI 1.04; 4.25]).

Originality/value

Higher nutritional knowledge and WSNC were found among students enrolled in health-related fields. These results underline how important nutrition education is as a strategy for inspiring college students to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Audit adjustments and the discontinuity in earnings distribution around zero
Authors: Lim Chu Yeong , Suwardy Themin , Zhang Tracey Chunqi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Previous research in auditing has used the probability of small profits or losses as a measure of audit quality. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the validity of the underlying assumption in prior audit literature that auditing mitigates clients’ inclination towards loss avoidance and to shed light on the debate regarding earnings discontinuity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compares the discontinuity in earnings distribution around zero, both before and after auditing.

Findings

Using a unique data set that contains both recorded and waived adjustments, the authors find that audit adjustments do not reduce the discontinuity in earnings distribution around zero.

Research limitations/implications

The results advise caution in using the probability of small profits or losses as a measure of audit quality. The findings suggest the discontinuity in earnings around zero may not be caused by loss avoidance achieved through accounting misreporting, which falls under the purview of auditing.

Originality/value

This research makes unique contributions beyond those of prior studies. By incorporating waived adjustments, the authors are able to conduct more comprehensive tests and explore richer details of audit adjustments that were not available in previous studies. The proportion of losses in this study's sample aligns with that in prior US research, which enhances the generalisability of the authors’ findings and minimizes the influence of inherent discrepancies in auditors' motivations to curb loss avoidance.
The nexus between land title registration and property prices in Ghana: evidence from Accra’s housing market
Authors: Owusu-Ansah Anthony , Asante Lewis Abedi , Abubakari Zaid
Published: June 2023

Purpose

There is a long-standing debate about the relationship between land title registration and tenure security. Studies in the developing world point to a tenuous link between land registration and stable land tenure. The reason why people continue to register therefore becomes a mystery if tenure security is not entirely assured. This article focuses on the increase in property value as one such factor that induces title registration. Previous studies have quantified the economic impact of title registration on property values. However, the impact varies from city or country to another. The authors seek to investigate the extent of property value increment in Accra attributable to land title registration.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors statistically analyzed a data set from two institutions (First National Bank and the Lands Commission) in Ghana using a quantitative technique.

Findings

The authors discovered that, holding all other factors constant, the value of the land in Accra increases by 22.6% due to land title registration. This shows that lessees must register to enhance property values, even though the essential due diligence must be done to make sure the acquisition is free from liens and legal disputes.

Practical implications

This article highlights the implication of the findings for land administration as well as the practice of property valuation, development and brokerage in Ghana and Global South more broadly.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies in Ghana to investigate the specific premium that housing markets put on land title registration.
Using assurance of learning data to assess business students’ research skills
Authors: Calma Angelito
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Skills development for business students is increasingly becoming more important in business education and the workplace. In this paper, students’ research skills are examined. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the issues and challenges students face in developing research skills and how these can be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines external marker evaluation and content analysis to evaluate one hundred 2,000-word essays and identify issues and challenges associated with students’ development of research skills.

Findings

Results show that the essays rate well in collecting and using sources and summarising key topics but miss on integrating sources in writing and inconsistency in citations and referencing.

Research limitations/implications

One of the paper’s limitations is using a sample from a single course in a business school in Australia. Nonetheless, the sampled essays represent similar writing tasks elsewhere that require students to display research skills.

Practical implications

Some implications for business and higher education are offered, including suggestions to address the issues and challenges raised in business education. For example, academics are encouraged to communicate clear expectations for writing tasks, provide support and show exemplars of business writing that incorporates practical research skills.

Social implications

Business students who develop effective research skills contribute to society by developing skills in effectively searching and evaluating information. This ensures business graduates in industry workplaces reach considered conclusions before making recommendations that could impact people’s lives.

Originality/value

The study is original in its approach to investigating the nuances of research skills deficiencies by using external expert examination combined with content analysis.
Eastern Encounters: Ilia Repin's Orientalist Aesthetics Abroad and at Home
Authors: Taroutina Maria
Published: June 2023

This essay examines Ilia Repin's sustained engagement with European Orientalist painting and its impact on his oeuvre. Through close readings of three of his major works, Sadko in the Underwater Kingdom (1876), Ivan the Terrible and His Son Ivan (1885), and Zaporozhian Cossacks Writing a Letter to the Turkish Sultan (1880–91), it argues that Repin deployed Eastern motifs in order to unsettle entrenched East/West and self/other binaries that were prevalent in the Russian imperial context. A celebrated figure of the Russian national school, Repin was born and raised in Ukraine, and frequently turned to Ukrainian themes and subjects in his art. Considering Russia's turbulent political atmosphere in the 1880s and 1890s, and the evolving separation of Ukrainian and Russian imperial identities during this time, this essay posits that Repin harnessed the Orientalist idiom as a means to critique the Russian state, and to articulate an anti‐imperial and anti‐autocratic position.
Isocaloric nutritional support reduces ventilator duration time in major trauma patients
Authors: Lee Ji‐hyun , Kim Mihyang , Choi Donghwan , Kwon Junsik , Park Yoo Kyoung
Published: June 2023

Aims

Major trauma patients need adequate nutrition for recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of nutritional supply and the correlation between nutritional supply and clinical outcome.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective observational study was undertaken, describing the amounts of energy and proteins provided to 320 critically ill trauma patients during the first 10 days after admission. The data were collected from the electronic medical records of patients admitted to the trauma intensive care unit during the study period and descriptive statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS software.

Results

The mean proportion of supplied energy to recommended energy during the first 10 days after admission was 57.5%, and the mean percentage of supplied protein to recommended protein intake was 51.3%. The patients were divided into those who received ≥70% (isocaloric nutrition group) and those who received <70% (hypocaloric nutrition group) of their estimated requirements. Both the duration of ventilator use (12.7 ± 10.5 vs. 16.0 ± 15.8 days, respectively, p = 0.009) and duration of parenteral nutrition (1.1 ± 1.4 vs. 2.0 ± 2.0 days, respectively, p = 0.001) were shorter in the isocaloric nutrition group (n = 83) than in the hypocaloric nutrition group (n = 237).

Conclusion

Total energy and the amount of protein supplied were insufficient compared to the recommended amount. The duration of ventilator use was shorter in the isocaloric nutrition group than in the hypocaloric nutrition group. The association between shortened ventilator use and isocaloric nutrition requires further investigation as a potential intervention to reduce the risk of complications such as ventilator‐related pneumonia.
movedesign: Shiny R app to evaluate sampling design for animal movement studies
Authors: Silva Inês , Fleming Christen H. , Noonan Michael J. , Fagan William F. , Calabrese Justin M.
Published: June 2023

Projects focused on movement behaviour and home range are commonplace, but beyond a focus on choosing appropriate research questions, there are no clear guidelines for such studies. Without these guidelines, designing an animal tracking study to produce reliable estimates of space‐use and movement properties (necessary to answer basic movement ecology questions), is often done in an ad hoc manner.

We developed ‘movedesign’, a user‐friendly Shiny application, which can be utilized to investigate the precision of three estimates regularly reported in movement and spatial ecology studies: home range area, speed and distance travelled. Conceptually similar to statistical power analysis, this application enables users to assess the degree of estimate precision that may be achieved with a given sampling design; that is, the choices regarding data resolution (sampling interval) and battery life (sampling duration).

Leveraging the ‘ctmm’ R package, we utilize two methods proven to handle many common biases in animal movement datasets: autocorrelated kernel density estimators (AKDEs) and continuous‐time speed and distance (CTSD) estimators. Longer sampling durations are required to reliably estimate home range areas via the detection of a sufficient number of home range crossings. In contrast, speed and distance estimation requires a sampling interval short enough to ensure that a statistically significant signature of the animal's velocity remains in the data.

This application addresses key challenges faced by researchers when designing tracking studies, including the trade‐off between long battery life and high resolution of GPS locations collected by the devices, which may result in a compromise between reliably estimating home range or speed and distance. ‘movedesign’ has broad applications for researchers and decision‐makers, supporting them to focus efforts and resources in achieving the optimal sampling design strategy for their research questions, prioritizing the correct deployment decisions for insightful and reliable outputs, while understanding the trade‐off associated with these choices.
Histological and histochemical characteristics of the developing chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) cecum
Authors: Koçak Yağmur Raziye , Özaydın Tuğba
Published: June 2023

Avian ceca play an important role in liquid absorption, cellulose digestion, and defensive mechanism. This study aims to demonstrate histological and histochemical characteristics of developing chicken cecum. For this purpose, 10 embryos on the 18th day of incubation, 10 chicks on hatching day and 10 chicks on the seventh day post‐hatching were used. The histological sections prepared from proximal, middle, and distal parts of cecum were stained with Crossmon's triple stain, periodic‐acid Schiff, Alcian blue (pH 2.5), Masson‐Fontana's argentaffin silver stain and Gordon and Sweets's silver stain. Alpha‐naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and acid phosphatase (ACP‐ase) were also demonstrated in the sections. In the proximal part, although the villi were rudimentary on the 18th day of incubation, well‐developed villi were seen at seventh day post‐hatching. In middle and distal parts, while it was seen that rudimentary folds appeared on the 18th day of incubation, mucosal folds were prominent and short villi were formed on the hatching day and seventh day post‐hatching. Goblet cells and enteroendocrine cells were detected from the 18th day of incubation. The lymphoid follicles supported with reticular fibres were seen on the seventh day post‐hatching in proximal cecum wall. While ACP‐ase (+) lymphocytes were rarely observed, more ANAE (+) lymphocytes were in lymphoid follicles. As a result, development of cecum in chickens has been demonstrated by histological techniques in this study.
Teen Clinic — An integrated primary healthcare model that improves access for young people in rural communities
Authors: Dalton Hazel , Cosgrave Catherine , MacKinnon Duncan
Published: June 2023

Background

Young people in rural Australia have limited access to health care and are at increased risk of poor health outcomes. The Teen Clinic model was developed to increase access to health care for young people, particularly school‐aged young people (12–18 years) living in small rural towns (<5000 people).

Objectives

To determine the extent the Teen Clinic model meets its accessibility objective and to determine the barriers and enablers to sustainable delivery of the Teen Clinic service.

Design

A multimethod case study approach was used to assess access (multidimensional framework for patient‐centred access) and determine the barriers and enablers to sustainable delivery. Data collection included a survey of young people in the included rural communities and key stakeholder interviews.

Findings

The survey of young people indicated Teen Clinic model was accessible across multiple dimensions. From a practice perspective, accessibility was achieved by varying from usual care to a nurse‐led, young person‐centred drop‐in model. This required skilled nurses working at the top of their scope; however, unpredictable demand and patient complexity made accounting for the time and therefore funding somewhat complex.

Discussion

The Teen Clinic model meets its objective of increasing healthcare access for young rural people. Relational and cultural factors were more important facilitators of practice integration than organisational processes. A key challenge to the ongoing provision of Teen Clinic was dedicated sustainable funding.

Conclusion

Teen Clinic is an integrated primary healthcare model that increases access for young people in small rural communities. Sustainable implementation would benefit from dedicated funding.
Asiatic acid ameliorates rifampicin‐ and isoniazid‐induced liver injury in vivo by regulating sphingolipid metabolism and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathways
Authors: Zhu Wuchang , Su Hongmei , Wei Yuanyuan , Huang Yushen , Chen Siyun , Shi Yanxia , Long Yan , Qiu Yue , Wei Jinbin
Published: June 2023

In this study, we aimed to determine whether asiatic acid (AA) exerts any therapeutic effects on rifampicin (RFP)‐ and isoniazid (INH)‐induced liver injury and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Briefly, liver injury in mice was induced via RFP and INH administration. We investigated the effects and potential action mechanisms of AA on liver injury using transcriptomics, metabolomics and various examinations. We found that AA significantly ameliorated the pathological changes in liver tissues and decreased the transaminase activity, inflammation and oxidative stress damage. Transcriptomics revealed 147 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AA and model groups that were enriched in metabolic and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. Metabolomics revealed 778 differentially expressed metabolites between the AA and model groups. Furthermore, integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses revealed strong correlations between DEGs and differentially expressed metabolites and indicated that AA regulates the sphingolipid metabolism by inhibiting the expression of delta 4‐desaturase, sphingolipid 1. Experimental results confirmed that AA inhibited the MAPK signalling pathway. In summary, AA inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress damage by regulating the sphingolipid metabolism pathway and blocking the MAPK signalling pathway, thereby relieving the RFP/INH‐induced liver injury.
Determinants of motivation and adherence to a web application for health behaviour change: A qualitative study with cancer survivors
Authors: Delestre Fabienne , Debailly Renaud , Galiby Laurie‐Anne , Hansel Boris
Published: June 2023

Background

Given the increasing number of cancer survivors, eHealth may be an effective means to improve lifestyle‐related behaviours. Limited data are available on the use of eHealth by post‐cancer patients. The present study aimed to analyse the contexts of use to identify the determinants of cancer survivors’ adherence and motivation to use a web application offering nutrition and physical activity coaching.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with cancer survivors who participated in an 8‐week online program for health behaviour change. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen patients with a mean (SD) age of 62 (4.2) years completed the interview. Four themes relating to the environment and context of use were identified: digital use, social relations, health, and digital health interventions. Participants were familiar with digital tools through their professional work. Their motivation and adherence to the program improved through social relations; notably, a supportive family in addition to a trusted prescriber, continuity in the care pathway, and an appropriate choice of design features in the digital health intervention. With cancer survivorship, individuals no longer define themselves as sick but still need support to envisage the future more serenely.

Conclusions

Cancer survivorship plays a special role in people's adherence to online interventions for health behaviour change in addition to the influence of their social relations and health environment.
Cyberbullying in Sport
Authors: MacPherson Ellen , Kerr Gretchen
Published: June 2023

Despite over 30 years of scholarly attention devoted to bullying and cyberbullying behaviors in school settings, research related to these experiences in the sport context remains limited. Yet, numerous anecdotal examples and preliminary evidence suggests cyberbullying exists in the sport domain and must be addressed given the potential adverse psychosocial outcomes for athletes. This commentary reviews research related to bullying and cyberbullying in the sport literature. To advance our understanding of cyberbullying in sport, recommendations are made to clarify conceptual issues around the central defining features (i.e., power, repetition, intent) commonly used to operationalize these experiences. Further, methodological issues to be addressed are discussed, including, the use of more diverse methods; adoption of an intersectional lens to all research; and the development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies. Only through a research base that addresses these conceptual and methodological challenges, will empirically-informed prevention and intervention strategies be developed to advance safe, healthy, and inclusive sport environments.
Construction of the Whole Genome of
Brevundimonas
sp. Strain NIBR11: An Exploration of Bacteria Isolated from Algae in the Nakdong River
Authors: Yu Minjae , Park Jin Young , Yu Jaewoong , Kim Jin Nam , Choi Ahhyeon
Published: June 2023

We report the genome sequence of
Brevundimonas
sp. strain NIBR11. Strain NIBR11 was isolated from algae collected from the Nakdong River. The assembled contig contains 3,123 coding sequences (CDSs), 6 rRNA genes, 48 tRNA genes, 1,623 genes for hypothetical proteins, and 109 genes for proteins with putative functions.
Draft Genome Sequences of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus paralicheniformis Strains Isolated from Irish Skim Milk Powder
Authors: Lourenco Antonio , Li Fang , Quijada Narciso M. , Duffy Geraldine , Tobin John T. , Butler Francis , Jordan Kieran , O’Brien Triona
Published: June 2023

Nineteen
Bacillus licheniformis
strains and four strains of the closely related species
Bacillus paralicheniformis
were isolated from a variety of Irish medium-heat skim milk powders. The draft genome sequences of these 23 isolates provide valuable genetic data for research work relevant to dairy products and process development. The isolates are available at Teagasc.
Compositional change from high-Mg to low-Mg magmatism at ca. 150 Ma in the central Lhasa terrane, Tibet: Switching from advancing to retreating subduction of the Bangong Tethyan slab
Authors: An Yu , Li Shi-Min , Zhu Di-Cheng , Cawood Peter A. , Wang Qing , Xie Jin-Cheng , Zhang Liang-Liang , Zhao Zhidan
Published: June 2023

Differentiating between advancing and retreating subduction zones and delineating the timing and processes for switching between these end-member types are critical factors in understanding orogenic evolution. In this study, we used temporal composition variations and spatiotemporal distribution of igneous rocks to constrain the types and directions of the subduction zone beneath the Lhasa terrane in southern Tibet during the mid-Mesozoic. Comprehensive geochronological and geochemical data from mid-Mesozoic magmatic rocks in five areas of the central Lhasa terrane document two compositionally distinct magmatic suites: older (ca. 172−150 Ma) high-Mg diorite-granodiorite and younger (ca. 150−130 Ma) low-Mg granodiorite-syenogranite. The high-Mg rocks with enriched isotopes were likely generated by the mixing of Lhasa terrane basement-derived magmas with mantle-derived magmas that incorporated extensive contributions from subducted sediments. The low-Mg rocks with relatively depleted isotopes are interpreted as derived from a mixed lower-crust source (ancient basement and juvenile crust) with minor mantle contributions followed by crystal fractionation. Both high-Mg and low-Mg rocks show arc signatures and formed the 1200 km Shiquan-Zhegu-Menba arc. A combination of the Mesozoic geological and geochemical data suggests that both the Neo-Tethyan and Bangong Tethyan slabs were likely subducting beneath the Lhasa terrane, creating two opposing subduction zones. The change from high-Mg to low-Mg magmatism within the Shiquan-Zhegu-Menba arc likely records a tectonic switch from advancing to retreating subduction of the south-dipping Bangong Tethyan slab. Our results provide a good example for identification of subduction polarities and types of ancient orogenic belts through spatiotemporal distributions and changes in geochemical compositions of igneous rocks.