bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of social media technologies on environmental collaboration and green innovation: a mediation–moderation model
Authors: Syed Muzzammil Wasim , Song Huaming , Junaid Muhammad
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Drawing upon information processing theory (IPT) and natural resource-based view (NRBV), this study analyses the role of social media technologies (SMT) on internal and external environmental collaboration and green innovation (green product, process and managerial innovation).

Design/methodology/approach

This study took in-depth empirical research by developing a survey questionnaire to identify the relationship between SMTs, environmental collaboration and green innovation. The respondents of the questionnaire were supply chain professionals working in the manufacturing industry of Pakistan. The survey collected 475 responses, which were tested through PLS-SEM using Smart-PLS.

Findings

The study results indicate that SMTs positively influence both internal and external environmental collaboration. Furthermore, internal environmental collaboration (IEC) fosters green products and green managerial innovation. In contrast, external environmental collaboration (EEC) fosters green processes and green managerial innovation. This study has also tested the mediation of IEC and EEC, which shows that both IEC and EEC mediate all the relationships except green process and green product innovation. The results also revealed that innovation capabilities moderate the relationship between environmental collaboration and green innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Though this study has various practical implications, it is not free of limitations. First, the data were collected from Pakistan, and the results may only be compared with other developing countries. Second, few social media platforms have been considered, but they are increasing in numbers and could be used in upcoming studies. Third, green innovation in the context of products, processes and management is considered, but the concept is evolving, and its other indicators can be taken in upcoming studies.

Practical implications

This study addresses the implication of SMTs, environmental collaboration, innovation capabilities and green innovation, which are helpful for managers and policymakers to design policies.

Originality/value

This study provides the seminal operationalization of SMTs in environmental collaboration and green innovation. This study emphasizes innovation capabilities that firms should adopt.
Clinical characteristics, management, and quality of life of psoriasis patients with coexistent lupus erythematosus: Data from the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry
Authors: Gan Teck Sheng , Ghazali Nurul Izyan , Voo Sook Yee Michelle , Low Dyoi‐E , Tang Jyh Jong , Kiing Jiu Wen , Muniandy Pubalan , Tey Kwee Eng , Wong Kit Wan , Mohamad Norazura , Tan Wooi Chiang , Selvarajah Latha , Ramalingam Rajalingam , Ng Fei Yin , Lee Choon Sian , Raja Teeba , Abdul Rahim Nazatul Shima , Tang Min Moon , Robinson Suganthy ,   The Malaysian Psoriasis Registry Working Group
Published: November 2022

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics, management and quality of life of psoriasis patients with and without coexistent lupus erythematosus (LE).

Methods

This retrospective cross‐sectional study uses data from the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry (MPR) from January 2007 to December 2018.

Results

Of 21 735 psoriasis patients, 34 (0.16%) had coexistent LE. The male to female ratio among psoriasis patients with coexistent LE was 1:5.8 versus 1.3:1 in patients with psoriasis but without LE. Nearly 70% presented with LE preceding psoriasis. Psoriasis patients with LE had an earlier age of psoriasis onset (27.56 ± 11.51 versus 33.31 ± 16.94 years, P = 0.006), a higher rate of psoriatic arthropathy (26.5% versus 13.0%, P = 0.02), and a significantly greater impairment of quality of life (Dermatology Quality of Life Index >10; 57.6% versus 40.3%, P = 0.04) compared with psoriasis patients without LE. The majority (87.5%) had systemic LE. The incidences of lupus nephritis (72.7% versus 40%) and hematological abnormalities (50% versus 20%) were higher among patients with LE preceding psoriasis compared with those with psoriasis preceding LE. Antinuclear antibody and double‐stranded DNA were positive in 59.4% and 28.1% of psoriasis patients with LE, respectively. Hydroxychloroquine triggered the onset of psoriasis in 7 (24.1%) patients. Patients with LE were more likely to receive systemic treatment for psoriasis compared with those without LE (30.3% versus 14.2%, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Psoriasis patients with coexistent LE were uncommon, displayed a female preponderance, were more likely to have joint involvement, and had greater quality of life impairment than those without LE. LE preceded psoriasis in most of these patients, and systemic LE was the most common subtype.
Analysing individual 3D tree structure using the R package ITSMe
Authors: Terryn Louise , Calders Kim , Åkerblom Markku , Bartholomeus Harm , Disney Mathias , Levick Shaun , Origo Niall , Raumonen Pasi , Verbeeck Hans
Published: November 2022

Detailed 3D quantification of tree structure plays a crucial role in understanding tree‐ and plot‐level biophysical processes. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has led to a revolution in tree structural measurements and its 3D data are increasingly becoming publicly available. Yet, calculating structural metrics from LiDAR data can often be complex and time‐consuming and potentially requires expert knowledge.

We present the R package Individual Tree Structural Metrics (ITSMe), a toolbox that works with LiDAR tree point clouds and quantitative structure models (QSMs) derived from LiDAR point clouds to obtain individual tree structural metrics. It serves as a robust synthesis framework for researchers who want to readily obtain structural information from 3D data of individual trees.

The package includes functions to determine basic structural metrics (tree height, diameter at breast height, diameter above buttresses, projected crown area, 3D alpha crown volume) from individual tree point clouds, as well as more complex structural metrics (individual tree component volumes, branch angle‐, radius‐ and length‐related metrics) from QSMs.

The ITSMe package is an open‐source package hosted on GitHub that will make the use of 3D data more straightforward and transparent for a range of end‐users interested in exploiting tree structure information.
Lower fractal dimension of retinal vessel for patients with Birdshot chorioretinopathy
Authors: Furnon Lucas , Labarere José , Trucco Emanuele , Hogg Stephen , MacGillivray Tom , Chiquet Christophe
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To identify the retinal vessel vasculature parameters associated with birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR).

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 28 prevalent cases of BSCR with a median time from diagnosis of 6 years and 28 controls matched for age, arterial hypertension, diabetes and refraction. Forty‐five‐degree fundus images of both dilated eyes were acquired with a fundus camera (Canon CR‐2, Tokyo, Japan). The summary diameter of the arterial retinal vessels (central retinal artery equivalent, CRAE), venous retinal vessels (central retinal vein equivalent, CRVE), vascular tortuosity and fractal dimension (FD) were measured using VAMPIRE software. Retinal vasculitis was characterized using fluorescein angiography and active choroiditis using indocyanine green angiography.

Results

At baseline, BSCR was associated with lower FD compared with matched controls (mean difference, −0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.06 to −0.02, p < 0.001). No other VAMPIRE parameters (CRAE, CRVE, arterial and venous tortuosity) differed. Among BSCR patients, retinal vein vasculitis was associated with higher CRAE (mean difference, 21 μ; 95% CI, 2.6–40, p = 0.03), venous tortuosity (geometric mean ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.18–2.72, p = 0.007) and FD (mean difference, −0.04; 95% CI, −0.06 to −0.01, p = 0.007). Resolution of retinal vein vasculitis during follow‐up was paralleled by decrease in CRAE, CRVE and venous tortuosity values and increase in venous FD, respectively.

Conclusion

BSCR is associated with lower FD value, suggesting that chronic retinal inflammation induces microvascular remodelling. Efficient treatment of retinal vasculitis may reverse changes in retinal vascular parameters. Changes in retinal vascular parameters could be potentially useful for assessing patients with BSCR disease.
Vigorous physical activity provides protection against all‐cause deaths among adults patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Henry Austin , Paik James M. , Austin Patrick , Eberly Katherine Elizabeth , Golabi Pegah , Younossi Issah , Henry Linda , Gerber Lynn , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Mortality benefits of vigorous leisure time physical activity (LTPA) among adults with NAFLD is not known.

Aim

To investigate association between LTPA and reduction in all‐cause mortality among adults with NAFLD.

Methods

We used NHANES (1999–2006) self‐reported PA data for adults (≥40 years) with mortality follow‐up through December 31, 2015. US‐Fatty Liver Index in absence of secondary causes identified NAFLD. Moderate and vigorous LTPA were calculated by the 2018 PA Guidelines for Americans.

Results

NAFLD prevalence among 5211 adults (46.2% male; 75.8% white; mean age 53.2 years) was 32.7%. Adults with NAFLD were less likely to report the recommended minimal PA (≥ 150 min/week, 55.5% vs 64.8%) or highly active PA (≥300 min/week, 39.2% vs 48.5%) compared to adults without NAFLD. Over a median follow‐up of 12.3 years, 355 deaths among adults with NAFLD and 510 deaths among adults without NAFLD were registered. In the metabolic comorbidities‐adjusted model, adults with NAFLD who reported ≥50% of their total PA as vigorous activity had a 56% reduction in all‐cause mortality risk (HR:0.44, 95%CI: 0.25–0.76) and cancer‐specific mortality risk (HR: 0.21, 0.06–0.66) but not cardiac‐specific mortality (p > 0.05) compared to adults with NAFLD who did not report any LTPA. This association remained significant even among adults with NAFLD who met the recommended minimal PA, among adults with NAFLD who reported any LTPA, and among adults with NAFLD who had metabolic abnormalities and in sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Engaging in vigorous activity is beneficial for adults with NAFLD ‐ especially those with metabolic abnormalities.
A configurational approach to capabilities of business model innovation: Insights from a project‐based firm
Authors: Løbner Kristian , Goduscheit René Chester
Published: November 2022

The capabilities of business model innovation (BMI) are crucial for the modern firm to remain competitive. This study aims to answer recent calls for a more structured approach to understanding BMI and to researching how the capabilities relate to performance. Furthermore, and despite the rise of the project‐based firm, there is still a profound lack of BMI research in the setting of project‐based firms – a research stream, which we contribute to developing further. Theoretically, and on the basis of a literature review, we suggest a set of four overall capabilities for BMI with 29 corresponding themes within the areas of strategy, business models, management, and organizations. Empirically, we gained deep access to 15 projects in a major European engineering consultancy, which were marked by BMI. Analytically, we analyzed the results through a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and derived three main findings. Firstly, a high degree of skunkworks with little relationship to the firm's strategic and operational logic leads to a fast time to market. Secondly, lack of managerial capabilities leads to increased investment and lower revenues. Finally, lack of managerial capabilities—even with the presence of strategic capabilities of BMI and organizational capabilities of BMI—leads to lower future potential of the business model. In continuation of these findings, we develop three propositions and recommend project‐based firms to boost the managerial capabilities of leading BMI by focusing on training of BMI managers, organizational learning through experiments, establishing trust in project employees, ensuring openness in collaborations, minimizing transaction costs and developing appropriate key metrics for the BMI project.
Occupation as a measure of life course socioeconomic position and the risk of oral cancers in India
Authors: Alli Babatunde Y. , Durán Doris , Madathil Sreenath A. , Nicolau Belinda
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Evidence suggests that different indicators of socioeconomic position (SEP) contribute to oral cancer risk. Occupational status, as a measure of SEP, may be able to capture aspects of social hierarchy in societies in which employment is highly correlated with other social structures such as caste systems. Often in such societies, the life course of an individual is also influenced by this hierarchy. However, the influence of life course occupational status on the risk of oral cancer is not well understood. This study aims to identify the life course model that is best supported by the data using life course SEP—as represented by occupation—on oral cancer risk in a population in the South of India.

Methods

Data from the HeNCe Life study, Indian site were used. Incident oral cancer cases (N = 350) were recruited from two major referral hospitals in Kozhikode, Kerala, South India, from 2008 to 2012. Controls (N = 371), frequency‐matched by age (5 years) and sex were recruited from the outpatient clinics at the same hospitals as the cases. Life grid‐based structured interviews collected information on an array of exposures throughout the life course of the participant. Occupation was coded with the 1988 International Standard Classification of Occupations, transformed to the simplified European Socioeconomic Classification, and further dichotomized into advantageous and disadvantageous SEP at three different life periods (childhood, early adulthood and late adulthood). The analysis was conducted using the Bayesian relevant life course exposure model with a Dirichlet noninformative prior and a weakly informative Cauchy prior to the overall lifetime effect and confounders.

Results

Participants in disadvantaged SEP throughout their life had 3.6 times higher risk of oral cancer than those in advantaged SEP (OR = 3.6; 95% CrI = 1.6–7.2), after adjusting for potential confounders. While the crude and sex‐ and age‐adjusted models showed a clear childhood sensitive period for this risk, the model further adjusted for behavioural factors could not distinguish the specific life course period best explained by data.

Conclusion

Occupation status alone could provide a similar overarching risk estimate for oral cancer to those obtained from more complex measures of SEP.
Prolonged breastfeeding, sugar consumption and dental caries at 2 years of age: A birth cohort study
Authors: Abanto Jenny , Maruyama Jessica Mayumi , Pinheiro Emanuella , Matijasevich Alicia , Antunes José L. F. , Bönecker Marcelo , Cardoso Marly A. ,   the MINA‐Brazil Study Group
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Previous cohort studies have found a positive association between prolonged breastfeeding (≥12 months) on dental caries, but few of them analysed the mediated effect of sugar consumption on this association. This study investigated whether prolonged breastfeeding is a risk factor for caries at 2‐year follow‐up assessment (21–27 months of age) and whether this effect is mediated by sugar consumption.

Methods

A birth cohort study was performed in the Brazilian Amazon (n = 800). Dental caries was assessed using the dmf‐t index. Prolonged breastfeeding was the main exposure. Data on baseline covariables and sugar consumption at follow‐up visits were analysed. We estimated the OR for total causal effect (TCE) and natural indirect effect (NIE) of prolonged breastfeeding on dental caries using the G‐formula.

Results

The prevalence of caries was 22.8% (95% CI: 19.8%–25.8%). Children who were breastfed for 12–23 months (TCE = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.20) and for ≥24 months (TCE = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14–1.40) presented a higher risk of caries at age of 2 years than those breastfed <12 months. However, this risk was slightly mediated by a decreased frequency of sugar consumption at age of 2 years only for breastfeeding from 12 to 23 months (NIE; OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.97).

Conclusions

In this study, the effect of prolonged breastfeeding on the increased risk of dental caries was slightly mediated by sugar consumption. Early feeding practices for caries prevention and promoting breastfeeding while avoiding sugar consumption should be targeted in the first 2 years of life.
Utility of a novel self‐assembling peptide for bleeding from the specimen side during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Takasu Ayaka , Iwao Aya , Tang Xiaoyan
Published: November 2022

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Negotiating humanitarian space with criminal armed groups in urban Latin America
Authors: Lucchi Elena , Schuberth Moritz
Published: November 2022

Humanitarian and development agencies intervening in Latin American cities increasingly face the challenge posed by criminal armed groups (CAGs). Yet, there is a need for evidence‐based comparative studies on how international agencies deal with them. Drawing on data collected in Colombia, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, and Mexico, this paper presents a novel typology of humanitarian organisations' access strategies that distinguishes between different levels of interaction with CAGs. The paper shows how humanitarian agencies assess a variety of risks and balance the potential consequences of their engagement with CAGs with the need to maintain constructive and trustful relationships with the state and the community with which they work. It finds that indirect dialogue or negotiation with CAGs via community leaders who act as intermediaries might provide a low‐risk alternative to direct negotiation with CAG leaders, provided that ‘do no harm’ and humanitarian protection considerations vis‐à‐vis communities and intermediaries play a central role.
Carbachol increases locus coeruleus activation by targeting noradrenergic neurons, inhibitory interneurons and inhibitory synaptic transmission
Authors: Kuo Chao‐Cheng , Chan Hao , Hung Wei‐Chen , Chen Ruei‐Feng , Yang Hsiu‐Wen , Min Ming‐Yuan
Published: November 2022

The locus coeruleus (LC) consists of noradrenergic (NA) neurons and plays an important role in controlling behaviours. Although much of the knowledge regarding LC functions comes from studying behavioural outcomes upon administration of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists into the nucleus, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that the application of carbachol (CCh), an mAChR agonist, increased the spontaneous action potentials (sAPs) of both LC‐NA neurons and local inhibitory interneurons (LC I‐INs) in acute brain slices by activating M1/M3 mAChRs (m1/3AChRs). Optogenetic activation of LC I‐INs evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in LC‐NA neurons that were mediated by γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) and glycine receptors, and CCh application decreased the IPSC amplitude through a presynaptic mechanism by activating M4 mAChRs (m4AChRs). LC‐NA neurons also exhibited spontaneous phasic‐like activity (sPLA); CCh application increased the incidence of this activity. This effect of CCh application was not observed with blockade of GABAA and glycine receptors, suggesting that the sPLA enhancement occurred likely because of the decreased synaptic transmission of LC I‐INs onto LC‐NA neurons by the m4AChR activation and/or increased spiking rate of LC I‐INs by the m1/3AChR activation, which could lead to fatigue of the synaptic transmission. In conclusion, we report that CCh application, while inhibiting their synaptic transmission, increases sAP rates of LC‐NA neurons and LC I‐INs. Collectively, these effects provide insight into the cellular mechanisms underlying the behaviour modulations following the administration of muscarinic receptor agonists into the LC reported by the previous studies.
Efficacy and safety of non‐ergot dopamine‐receptor agonists as an adjunct to levodopa in advanced Parkinson's disease: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Xiang‐Ting , Zhang Qian , Wen Si‐Yuan , Chen Fei‐Fei , Zhou Chang‐Qing
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose

Non‐ergot dopamine agonists (NEDAs) have been used as an adjunct therapy to levodopa in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) for many years. However, there is no strong evidence that a given NEDA is more potent than another. To compare and rank the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of six commonly used NEDAs as an adjunct to levodopa in advanced PD, which includes long‐acting and standard formulations, a network meta‐analysis was performed.

Methods

The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from January 1996 to June 2022 for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Six NEDAs, including rotigotine transdermal patch, ropinirole immediate‐release (IR)/prolonged‐release (PR), pramipexole IR/extended‐release (ER), and piribedil, were investigated.

Results

A total of 34 RCTs (7868 patients) were included in the current study. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve indicated that ropinirole PR was associated with the best improvement in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)‐II, UPDRS‐III, and UPDRS‐II + III (0.811, 0.742, and 0.827). For OFF time reduction, pramipexole IR ranked first (0.979), and ropinirole PR ranked first in OFF time responder rate (0.927). Pramipexole ER ranked first in overall withdrawals, and rotigotine transdermal patch ranked first in the incidence of adverse events (≥1 AEs).

Conclusions

This network meta‐analysis suggests six commonly used NEDAs are effective as an adjunct to levodopa in advanced PD. In comprehensive consideration of better symptomatic management, ropinirole PR may be a better choice than other NEDAs in advanced PD. Six NEDAs showed different profiles of AEs.
Culturally adapting an evidence‐based parenting intervention for the Chilean context: Balancing fidelity, context, and cultural relevance
Authors: Parra‐Cardona Rubén , Banderas Montalva José Miguel , Muñoz Retamal Viviana , Cantizano Rioseco Luz , Perry Mitchell Raúl , Amador Buenabad Nancy , Domenech Rodríguez Melanie
Published: November 2022

The dissemination of evidence‐based parent training (PT) interventions remains extremely limited in Latin American countries. This is concerning when considering the high prevalence of child maltreatment associated with punitive parenting practices across countries in the region. Furthermore, efforts to disseminate PT interventions must be conducted by adhering to the core parenting components that have established effectiveness for such interventions, while ensuring contextual and cultural relevance for focus populations. In this manuscript, we describe the cultural adaptation of an evidence‐based PT intervention in the context of Chile. This initial phase of adaptation was informed by the theoretical tenets of the Ecological Validity Model of cultural adaptation (Bernal et al., J. Abnorm. Child Psychol., 23, 1995, 67). According to findings from a qualitative thematic analysis conducted with five interventionists in training, therapists perceived that the intervention's core components were relevant to Chilean caregivers who participated in the parenting program. Interventionists also provided specific suggestions to enhance the intervention's contextual and cultural relevance. This investigation illustrates the importance of culturally adapting evidence‐based interventions according to comprehensive cultural adaptation frameworks, prior to engaging in large‐scale dissemination of adapted interventions in Latin American contexts.
Experimentation, modelling, and simulation of hydrochory in an Amazonian river
Authors: da Silva Ezequiel Barbosa , Crizanto Jonathan Luz Pires , de Abreu Carlos Henrique Medeiros , dos Santos Eldo Silva , Cunha Helenilza Ferreira Albuquerque , Brito Alaan Ubaiara , de Oliveira Gilvan Portela , Oliveira Leidiane Leão , Mortati Amanda Frederico , André Thiago , Schöngart Jochen , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez , da Cunha Alan Cavalcanti
Published: November 2022

Seed transport by hydrochory is a key mechanism of long‐distance dispersal constrained by attributes of the seed and hydrodynamics of the river, influenced by seasonal precipitation and hydrological pulses. However, the extent to which a hydrodynamic model can predict seed dispersal influenced by a tributary is unknown.

The study was conducted along a 10‐km stretch of the Falsino River in Amapá, Brazil. Hydrodynamic parameters from the 2021 rainy season were used to calibrate a three‐dimensional numerical model (SisBaHia) and simulate hydrochory of Macrolobium bifolium, a widely distributed species in the Amazon floodplains. This model was coupled with a Lagrangian dispersal model to estimate the average transport distance of the fruit plume. The simulated results were compared statistically with those of dispersal quantified in the field.

The field experiment coincided with the maximum hydrological pulse, providing with a maximum potential distance of longitudinal dispersal fruit of c. 10 km in 2 hr. The orders of magnitude of the mean plume transport (observed and numerically simulated centre of mass) were compatible with each other over six longitudinal tracking sections (4.0% ≤ estimated × observed error ≤ 16.5%). Different channel stretches had distinct hydraulic characteristics that influenced spatial dispersal dynamics and are likely to be factors influencing the distribution of M. bifolium in these environments.

The present research is a contribution to understanding fluvial hydrodynamics and hydrochory by M. bifolium, whose seed dispersal syndrome is an adaptive characteristic that might explain its abundance and richness in these Amazonian riparian zones. We used M. bifolium as a model species to understand the role of seasonal flood pulse and fluvial hydrodynamics related to hydrochory favouring.
Testing machine learning algorithms on a binary classification phenological model
Authors: Dai Wujun , Jin Huiying , Zhou Lin , Liu Tong , Zhang Yuhong , Zhou Zhiqiang , Fu Yongshuo H. , Jin Guangze
Published: November 2022

Aim

Phenological models have become a vital tool for predicting future phenological responses to global climate change. Recently, machine learning (ML) has been used successfully to develop phenological models based on ground observations. However, fitting an observation series that has been observed for only a few years (or even a decade) can easily lead to overfitting, and it is still a great challenge to predict future phenology accurately based on a short observation series. Here, based on historical ground phenological observations, we construct an ML‐based binary classification phenological model that can be applied to temperate trees.

Innovation

We thoroughly describe the construction process of a species‐specific ML‐based binary classification phenological model that is suitable for phenological predictions in both spring and autumn. Through experiments, we evaluate 18 commonly used ML classification algorithms and the effects of two parameters on the prediction performance of the model. Finally, we compare the performance between the binary classification model and six widely used ecophysiological models for accuracy of spring phenological prediction.

Main conclusions

The median root mean square error (RMSE) of the binary classification model for the first flowering date (93 observation series) was only 2.99 days, which proves that it is a good method of phenological prediction for temperate trees. This model can effectively overcome the insufficient sample size of ground observations for specific species and provide new insights of phenological predictions for tropical and subtropical trees. The comparison of different ML algorithms showed that the median root mean square errors of the six algorithms were <3.5 days, and lower than those of six ecophysiological models (>3.7 days) in prediction of spring phenology. In addition, this model can help us to infer plant physiological mechanisms and drivers of phenological change and provide more accurate predictions of plant phenological responses to climate change.
Under what conditions does bureaucracy matter in the making of global public policies?
Authors: Ege Jörn , Bauer Michael W. , Wagner Nora , Thomann Eva
Published: November 2022

This study investigates how configurations of bureaucratic autonomy, policy complexity and political contestation allow international public administrations (IPAs) to influence policymaking within international organizations. A fuzzy‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis of 17 policy decisions in four organizations (FAO, WHO, ILO, UNESCO) shows that all IPAs studied can be influential in favorable contexts. When policies are both contested and complex, even IPAs lacking autonomy can influence policy. If either complexity or contestation is absent, however, it is the variant of autonomy of will that helps the IPA exploit procedural strategies of influence. Low autonomy of will, among other factors, explains why IPAs cannot exert influence. Conversely, the variant of autonomy of action appears largely irrelevant. The study provides new insights into the role of bureaucracy beyond the state, exemplifying how research of bureaucratic influence can yield more systematic results in various empirical settings.
Female Grass Wrens adjust brooding effort according to ambient temperature, male feeding contribution and nest placement
Authors: Jefferies María Milagros , Mendoza Fabiana Cintia , Llambías Paulo Emilio
Published: November 2022

The keystone of life‐history evolution theory proposes a trade‐off between current reproductive effort and future survival. Brooding is an essential and often overlooked component of parental behaviour of altricial birds intended to transfer heat to nestlings. Brooding under challenging environmental conditions can be energetically demanding and may adversely affect adult survival and future reproduction. We provide the first detailed description of the brooding behaviour of a south temperate grassland specialist: the Grass Wren Cistothorus platensis. In Grass Wrens, both sexes collaborate in parental care; however, only females brood the nestlings. We examined the relationship of ambient temperature, male feeding contribution, nestling age, nest size and nest placement in determining brooding behaviour. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of brooding behaviour on nestling body condition near fledging and female apparent survival. Brooding effort decreased with nestling age. Females increased their brooding effort at low ambient temperature and when males delivered more food. At lower ambient temperatures, females increased brooding effort in nests placed further from plant edge, with taller plant heights and well‐concealed substrates. However, there was no relationship between brooding effort and nest size. Neither female investment in brooding nor the number of nestlings produced per female was associated with nestling body condition near fledging or female annual apparent survival. Our results identify several factors that shape brooding behaviour in this south temperate passerine, suggesting that females favour nestling thermal conditions under adverse weather conditions.
Benefits of foraging in mixed‐species flocks depend on species role and foraging strategy
Authors: Mangini Gabriela Giselle , Gandoy Facundo A. , Areta Juan Ignacio , Blendinger Pedro Gerardo
Published: November 2022

Mixed‐species flocks of birds involve species with different roles and foraging strategies and are ubiquitous in forest environments. Species roles can broadly be categorized into leaders that attract others to form the flock, as well as lead the flock's movement; and follower species. The diversity of foraging strategies occurring in a mixed flock reflects the diversity of participant species. One of the main benefits of participating in mixed‐species flocks is increased foraging efficiency. However, feeding benefits remain under debate, probably because not all participants receive this benefit in the same way. For instance, leaders and followers may benefit differentially, and particular foraging strategies might additionally influence feeding benefits. To identify leader species and evaluate foraging benefits in relation to species roles and foraging strategies, we conducted 375 h of surveys in subtropical Andean‐foothill forests across 3 years. We recorded species leading the movement of the flocks and the foraging efficiency of the constituent birds. Because leader behaviour is related to the ability to attract other participants, we developed a standardized network analysis that helped us to identify them. We tested and compared whether behavioural leaders presented a higher topological position of dominance within the network. We found 35 species behaving like leaders; most could change from leaders to followers depending on the flock composition. The most frequent leader species had a higher topological dominance in the network. The foraging efficiency of leader and follower species inside mixed flocks increased compared with birds outside them. To some extent, the foraging efficiency of birds inside mixed flocks depended on their primary foraging strategy. Foliage Invertivore and Frugivore–Invertivore species tended to increase their foraging efficiency while Bark Invertivore, Aerial Invertivore and Granivore–Invertivore species did not show changes in their foraging efficiency in flocks. Although the general trend among mixed flock participants was to increase their foraging efficiency, exceptions suggest that other benefits come into play, such as predator avoidance or feeding on more profitable prey items. Our study indicates that benefits gained from foraging in mixed flocks depend on a complex combination of species roles, species‐specific traits, and facilitation mechanisms linked to the primary foraging strategy of bird species.
An iterated greedy algorithm for the planning of yarn‐dyeing boilers
Authors: Demir Yunus
Published: November 2022

Yarn dyeing is a critical link in the textile production chain that consumes the most time and energy. Today's dyeing shops receive hundreds of demands with thousands of different colors, different due dates, and different production requirements. This situation has made it very difficult for the human brain to create a minimum‐cost production plan by complying with the due dates. In this study, a real‐life problem of a company operating in the textile industry is discussed and a solution has been developed for the planning of yarn‐dyeing boilers. The application was held in Bursalı Textile, which is the major towel manufacturer operating in Turkey. The problem dealt with is basically in the nature of the variable‐size bin‐packing problem (VSBPP). The limited availability of bins (boilers) of different sizes and the packing of the items (yarn work orders) with due date constraints are the original aspects of this study. Multi‐objective mixed integer programming model is developed to minimize two objectives. For the solution, the preemptive method called the lexicographic approach, in which the objectives are solved in order, is preferred. As the first objective, the overcapacity usage is minimized and then the second objective, which is the boiler usage cost, is minimized. Given that the VSBPP is strongly NP‐hard, an iterated greedy algorithm with two different decoding approaches is proposed. Computational experiments were conducted on 20 randomly generated benchmark instances and a real‐world industrial dataset. The numerical results show that good solutions can be obtained in seconds using the proposed approaches.
Somatic mutations of activating signalling, transcription factor, and tumour suppressor are a precondition for leukaemia transformation in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Xu Feng , Wu Lin‐Yun , Guo Juan , He Qi , Zhang Zheng , Li Xiao
Published: November 2022

The transformation biology of secondary acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) is still not fully understood. We performed paired self‐controlled sequencing, including targeted, whole exome, and single‐cell RNA sequencing, in a cohort of MDS patients to search for AML transformation‐related mutations (TRMs). Thirty‐nine target genes from paired samples from 72 patients with MDS who had undergone AML transformation were analysed. The targeted sequencing results showed that 64 of 72 (88.9%) patients presented TRMs involving signalling pathway activation, transcription factors, or tumour suppressors. Of the 64 patients, most of the TRMs (62.5%, 40 cases) emerged at the leukaemia transformation point. Paired whole exome sequencing showed some presumptive TRMs, which were not included in the reference targets in three patients. No patient developed AML only by acquiring mutations involved in epigenetic modulation or ribonucleic acid splicing. Single‐cell sequencing indicated that the activating cell signalling route was related to TRMs in one paired sample. Targeted sequencing defined TRMs were limited to a small set of seven genes (in the order: NRAS/KRAS, CEBPA, TP53, FLT3, CBL, PTPN11, and RUNX1, accounting for nearly 90.0% of the TRMs). In conclusion, somatic mutations involved in signalling, transcription factors, or tumour suppressors appeared to be a precondition for AML transformation from MDS.
‘Branded’ microscopy core facilities – Mutually beneficial partnerships between academia and industry
Authors: Rappoport Joshua Z.
Published: November 2022

Core facilities are research laboratories staffed by professional scientists who can provide access, training, support, and maintenance for the utilisation of highly specialised instrumentation. Microscopy core facilities support researchers working in many areas with wide ranging imaging needs. The companies that manufacture, sell, and service advanced microscopy instrumentation often develop strong and mutually beneficial relationships with their customers, which sometimes lead to contractual agreements with academic research institutions, resulting in so‐called ‘branded’ core facilities. These academic‐industrial partnerships can have significant benefits for both parties and ultimately can serve to improve the scientific resources available to the core facility user base. The article will describe these types of arrangements and specifically highlight aspects of these agreements that can benefit each partner in addition to some specific challenges that can arise with ‘branded’ core facilities.
Parents of children with disabilities' perceptions regarding the quality of interaction with Health professionals working in early intervention: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Morera‐Balaguer Jaume , Lillo‐Navarro Carmen , de Oliveira‐Sousa Silvana‐Loana , Montilla‐Herrador Joaquina , Escolar‐Reina Pilar , Rodríguez‐Nogueira Óscar , Medina‐Mirapeix Francesc
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objectives

The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of parents of children with physical disabilities concerning the quality of their interaction with health professionals in early intervention programs.

Background

Despite the consensus on the need for Patient and Family‐Centered Care, there are still difficulties when executing such care. The quality of interaction among patients, families, and professionals is essential to facilitate the implementation of the programs.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study with thematic analysis using a Modified Grounded Theory approach.

Methods

Data were collected through seven focus groups with 28 parents of children with physical disabilities who were undergoing early intervention programs in three centres. The study followed the COREQ guidelines and checklist.

Results

Two themes emerged from the experiences: ‘exchange of information and education’, which included all the activities, procedures, exercises and skills taught by the professionals to help parents care for their child; and ‘interpersonal skills’, which focused on the way the professional relates with the child and the parents. Several subthemes emerged within each theme.

Conclusions

This study identified which elements of the professional‐parent interaction are considered by parents when evaluating the quality of their interaction with the health care provider of their children.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The results of this study bring to light certain behaviours and interactions that health professionals should consider in order to improve the perceptions of parents of children with disabilities regarding the quality of interaction in the context of early childhood intervention.

Patient or Public Contribution

Parents contributed to the data collected. Early intervention professionals were involved in participant checking to ensure the rigour of the study.
Dimensions of good palliative nursing care: Expert panel consensus and perceptions of palliative professionals
Authors: Zulueta Egea Mar , Prieto‐Ursúa María , Bermejo Toro Laura , Palmar‐Santos Ana María
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objectives

To analyse the dimensions of quality of palliative nursing care and to explore the perceptions of professionals for the development and validation of the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale.

Background

The study of palliative nursing care quality has been approached from analysis of the competencies of palliative care nurses, based on various theoretical models. However, there are fewer qualitative empirical studies that have evaluated what good palliative nursing care is and what its dimensions are.

Design

Mixed‐method, Delphi approach and exploratory qualitative study.

Methods

Consensus by a panel of experts using the Delphi technique and semi‐structured interviews. The study was reported in a comprehensive manner following COREQ criteria. Data collection took place between January and June 2018.

Results

The eight‐person expert panel reached consensus on the following dimensions of the Palliative Nursing Care Quality Scale: control and relief of symptoms, family and/or primary caregiver, therapeutic relationship, spiritual support and continuity of care. Thematic analysis of ten interviews identified four emergent themes related to good nursing care: (1) the patient and family as a whole; (2) finding meaning; (3) responsible communication; and (4) caring for the human element.

Conclusions

The quality of palliative nursing care goes beyond providing comprehensive care; it means meticulously looking after every detail of what is important to the patient. The expectations of professionals are not as important. Instead, care should be based primarily on the needs and respect for the wishes of the patient and their family.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Specifying the quality of nursing care in routine practice and reaching a consensus on its dimensions means moving towards excellence in care, as well as improving the professional profile of advanced practice palliative care nurses.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two primary caregivers participated in the panel of experts and the semi‐structured interview.
International Yield Curves and Currency Puzzles
Authors: CHERNOV MIKHAIL , CREAL DREW
Published: November 2022

The currency depreciation rate is often computed as the ratio of foreign to domestic pricing kernels. Using bond prices alone to estimate these kernels leads to currency puzzles: the inability of models to match violations of uncovered interest parity and the volatility of exchange rates. This happens because of the FX bond disconnect, the inability of bonds to span exchange rates. Incorporating innovations to the pricing kernel that affect exchange rates but not bonds helps resolve the puzzles. This approach also allows one to relate news about cross‐country differences between international yields to news about currency risk premiums.
Paternity leave, family dynamics, and children's behavior in Singapore
Authors: Yeung Wei‐Jun Jean , Li Nanxun
Published: November 2022

Objective

Conduct the first empirical study to examine whether a father taking paternity leave is related to children's social–emotional development in Asia and the extent to which family dynamics mediate this relationship.

Background

The provision of paid paternity leave in Asia is relatively recent compared to many western societies. The impact of this policy on family dynamics and children's well‐being in Asia, where patriarchal ideology is more prevalent and women's labor force participation is high, is understudied. This study investigates this relationship in Singapore where government‐paid paternity leave was initiated in 2013.

Method

This study uses data from the Singapore Longitudinal Early Development Study which consists of 3895 children aged under 7. Multivariate regressions and propensity score matching analyses are conducted to assess the relationships between paternity leave‐taking, family dynamics, and children's behavioral outcomes. The KHB method is used to test the mediation effects of family dynamics.

Results

A 2‐week or longer paternity leave is significantly associated with lower family conflicts, mothers' parenting aggravation, higher marital satisfaction, fathers' involvement, and closer father–child relations. Paternity leave‐taking, mediated through positive family dynamics, is significantly associated with lower behavior problems in children.

Conclusion

Relatively short paternity leave (2 weeks) can benefit both family dynamics and children's social–emotional outcomes. These results have implications for policies that aim to enhance work‐family life balance and gender equality in society.
The Moderating Influence of School Adult Connectedness on Adolescent Dating Violence and Mental Health
Authors: Brar Pooja , Shramko Maura , Taylor Sarah , Eisenberg Marla
Published: November 2022

Background

Adolescent dating violence (ADV) continues to be a health concern. Most previous research has examined physical and or sexual ADV with little attention to verbal violence.

Methods

Drawing on the social‐ecological framework, the current study examined the moderating influence of school adult connectedness on experiences of verbal only, physical and/or sexual violence (combination ADV), and mental health outcomes among 11th graders (n = 31,459) in one Midwestern state.

Results

Overall, 24.0% and 28.8% of adolescents met thresholds for depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Rates of mental health symptoms were higher among adolescents reporting ADV compared to those who did not report experience of ADV. In logistic regressions, higher level of school adult connectedness was associated with lower odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. In moderation analyses, school adult connectedness was protective for mental health outcomes regardless of ADV experience.

Conclusion

Adolescent dating violence—including verbal violence alone—can be traumatic for young people. Schools can leverage the protective nature of school adult connection to promote mental health for all students, including adolescents who have experienced ADV. Incorporating trauma‐informed education practice of providing unconditional positive regard toward adolescents might be 1‐way schools can support adolescents in cultivating healthy relationships and well‐being.