bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aero-thermal investigation of thermal interactions between turboprop engine exhaust and selected parts of the airplane skin for tractor configured aircraft
Authors: C.A. Vinay , G.N. Kumar
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Development or upgradation of airplanes requires many different analyses, e.g. thermal, aerodynamic, structural and safety. Similar studies were performed during configuration change design of commuter category aircraft equipped with pusher turboprop engines. In this paper, thermo-fluid analyses of interactions of the new propulsion system in tractor configuration with selected elements of airplane skin are carried out. This study aims to check the airplane skin material, and its geometry, including the Plexiglas passenger window material degradation, due to hot exhaust gas plume impingement. The impact of change in exhaust stub angle and asymmetric inboard-outboard stubs on the jet thrust at various flight operating conditions like minimum off-route altitude and cruise performance is assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

Commercial software-based numerical models were developed. In the first stage, heat and fluid flow analysis was performed over a twin-engine airplane’s nacelle, wing and center fuselage with its powerplant mounted in the high wing configuration. Subsequently, numerical simulations of thermal interactions between the hot exhaust gases, which leave the exhaust system close to the nacelle, flaps and the center fuselage, were estimated for various combinations of exhaust stub angles with asymmetry between inboard-outboard stubs at different airplane configurations and operating conditions.

Findings

The results of the simulations are used to recommend modifications to the design of the considered airplane in terms of material selection and/or special coatings. The importance and impact of exhaust jet thrust on the overall aircraft performance are investigated.

Originality/value

The advanced numerical model for the exhaust jet-airplane skin thermal interaction was developed to estimate the temperature effects on the propeller blades and aircraft fuselage surfaces during different flight operating conditions with multiple combinations of stub orientations.
On the same page? Differences between male and female board members on the benefits of a gender-balanced representation
Authors: Guedes Maria João , Patel Pankaj C. , Casaca Sara Falcão
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the interplay between male and female board members’ beliefs about women’s competence to fill board positions (valence), the perceived benefits of a greater gender-balanced boardroom (value) and the significance attributed to the gender quota law as a relevant instrument in eliciting change in board composition.

Design/methodology/approach

Looking through the lens of expectancy-value theory, the authors investigate whether the perceived benefits of a gender quota law mediate the path between the beliefs about women’s competence to become board members and the perceived benefits of a greater gender-balanced representation in the boardroom. In addition, the authors investigate whether female and male board members share the same beliefs about a gender-balanced representation.

Findings

The results show that there are differences in beliefs about women’s competencies to become board members and the perceived benefits of a greater gender-balanced boardroom. Female board members hold stronger beliefs on the competence of women to fill board positions and, thus, assign greater importance to the gender quota law, which, in turn, impacts the greater significance attributed to equal representation of women in the boardroom.

Practical implications

The findings shed new light on the debate concerning gender quotas aimed at promoting gender-balanced boardrooms by pointing out that differences in value expectations between male and female board members may prevent intraboard gender-equal dynamics.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature by adding new insights on how male and female board members perceive the value of legally bound gender quotas, in association with their beliefs about women’s competence to fill board positions (valence) and their expectations in terms of the beneficial outcomes of a more gender-balanced board composition.
Vieta–Lucas wavelets method for fractional linear and nonlinear delay differential equations
Authors: Idrees Shafaq , Saeed Umer
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In this article, the authors aims to introduce a novel Vieta–Lucas wavelets method by generalizing the Vieta–Lucas polynomials for the numerical solutions of fractional linear and non-linear delay differential equations on semi-infinite interval.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have worked on the development of the operational matrices for the Vieta–Lucas wavelets and their Riemann–Liouville fractional integral, and these matrices are successfully utilized for the solution of fractional linear and non-linear delay differential equations on semi-infinite interval. The method which authors have introduced in the current paper utilizes the operational matrices of Vieta–Lucas wavelets to converts the fractional delay differential equations (FDDEs) into a system of algebraic equations. For non-linear FDDE, the authors utilize the quasilinearization technique in conjunction with the Vieta–Lucas wavelets method.

Findings

The purpose of utilizing the new operational matrices is to make the method more efficient, because the operational matrices contains many zero entries. Authors have worked out on both error and convergence analysis of the present method. Procedure of implementation for FDDE is also provided. Furthermore, numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the reliability and accuracy of the method.

Originality/value

Many engineers or scientist can utilize the present method for solving their ordinary or Caputo–fractional differential models. To the best of authors’ knowledge, the present work has not been used or introduced for the considered type of differential equations.
Meshless numerical method for the contact problems of joint surface
Authors: Wang Wei , Shi Junping , Cao Xiaoshan , Hu Yifeng
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The partition of unity of the standard meshless Galerkin method is used as basis in expressing the discontinuity of the contact surface displacement, particularly by adding discontinuous terms into the displacement mode, and constructing the discontinuous meshless displacement field function. In this study the contact surface equation is aimed to derive from the improved Coulomb friction contact model.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper based on the basic idea of meshless method, an improved moving least squares approximation function (expansion method based on out of unit division) is applied to the analysis of two-dimensional contact problems.

Findings

On the basis of this equation after discrete processing, it is combined with the discrete form of the virtual work equation with added contact conditions, and eventually transformed into a standard linear complementary problem. Moreover, it is solved by using the Lemke algorithm, and a corresponding example is provided in this research.

Originality/value

The proposed method can effectively control the mutual embedding of the contact surface, and the stress distribution that is the same as the actual situation can be obtained on the contact surface.
Exploring the psychological contract during new normal: construction and validation of the revised psychological contract scale
Authors: Karani Mehta Anushree , Thanki Heena , Panda Rasananda , Trivedi Payal
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The study aims to explore and validate the revised psychological contract scale in this new normal era.

Design/methodology/approach

To serve the purpose, four studies were conducted. Study 1 was conducted for item generation through the extant literature review and phenomenological study. Study 2 highlighted the expert review. Study 3 explained the confirmatory factor analysis. At the end of study 3, the new psychological contract content had 14 items along with 15 traditional psychological contract content items. The nomological study validated the scale with the help of antecedent, i.e. supervisor's support, and outcomes, i.e. well-being and innovative behavior.

Findings

The revised psychological contract was bifurcated into two categories: new and traditional. Further, the revised psychological contract scale was having two dimensions: content and breach/fulfillment. The new content was the outcome of changes in perceived obligations due to pandemic. The nomological study found that supervisor support had a positive impact on the content of the psychological contract and fulfillment/breach of the psychological contract. Further, it was found that the new content of psychological contract was impacting more on well-being and innovative behavior than the traditional psychological contract.

Research limitations/implications

In the new normal era, the working style and patterns have changed. Thus, it was important to capture changes in perceived obligations and employees' perception regarding to which extent their organizations were able to meet these altered perceived obligations. The study has direct implications for the practitioners as the revised psychological contract scale enlisted the perceived obligations of the employee and the extent to which these obligations were fulfilled by the employer. The study is also helpful in developing new normal HR policies and practices in the organization.

Originality/value

The study is original as it creates a new scale to measure the content of psychological contract and fulfillment/breach of psychological contract during new normal.
Shortening the distance between firms for M&A: the influence of small-world network structure on mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Barros Thiago de Sousa , Cárdenas Julián , Hott Ariane Ribeiro
Published: September 2022

Purpose

A small-world network is a type of network structure in which nodes are highly clustered and at short distances without being directly linked. This article analyzes whether the network of interlocking directorates among the largest Brazilian corporations follows a small-world network structure and if the small-world properties (high clustering and short distance between nodes) influence the occurrence of M&A at the domestic and international level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested hypotheses regarding the relationship between small-world network properties and M&A based on a sample of large publicly-listed corporations in Brazil for the time series of 2000–2015 and using network analysis and regression techniques (probit and OLS).

Findings

The results show that while the Brazilian corporate network fits the small-world features of high clustering and short path lengths, only the distance among connected firms has a significant effect on international M&A: the shorter the distance between firms, the more likely firms undertake M&A abroad. Moreover, being integrated into the main component has a significant positive effect on national and international M&A. These findings suggest that the information and knowledge to undertake M&A can be better acquired by belonging to large business communities and not local cohesive clusters.

Originality/value

This research contributes to theories and ongoing debates about the network effects on organizational decisions and the determinants of M&A in emerging markets. In addition, this is the first study to analyze the impact of small-world networks on international M&A while controlling for country-level variables.
Supply chain risk management strategies in normal and abnormal times: policymakers' role in reducing generic medicine shortages
Authors: Ahlqvist Victoria , Dube Nonhlanhla , Jahre Marianne , Lee Jin Soo , Melaku Tsegaye , Moe Andreas Farstad , Olivier Max , Selviaridis Kostas , Viana Joe , Aardal Christine
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper links supply chain risk management to medicine supply chains to explore the role of policymakers in employing supply chain risk management strategies (SCRMS) to reduce generic medicine shortages.

Design/methodology/approach

Using secondary data supplemented with primary data, the authors map and compare seven countries' SCRMS for handling shortage risks in their paracetamol supply chains before and during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

Consistent with recent research, the study finds that policymakers had implemented few SCRMS specifically for responding to disruptions caused by COVID-19. However, shortages were largely avoided since multiple strategies for coping with business-as-usual disruptions had been implemented prior to the pandemic. The authors did find that SCRMS implemented during COVID-19 were not always aligned with those implemented pre-pandemic. The authors also found that policymakers played both direct and indirect roles.

Research limitations/implications

Combining longitudinal secondary data with interviews sheds light on how, regardless of the level of preparedness during normal times, SCRMS can be leveraged to avert shortages in abnormal times. However, the problem is highly complex, which warrants further research.

Practical implications

Supply chain professionals and policymakers in the healthcare sector can use the findings when developing preparedness and response plans.

Social implications

The insights developed can help policymakers improve the availability of high-volume generic medicines in (ab)normal times.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to prior SCRM research in two ways. First, the authors operationalize SCRMS in the medicine supply chain context in (ab)normal times, thereby opening avenues for future research on SCRM in this context. Second, the authors develop insights on the role policymakers play and how they directly implement and indirectly influence the adoption of SCRMS. Based on the study findings, the authors develop a framework that captures the diverse roles of policymakers in SCRM.
Feeling race in the social studies classroom: a self-study
Authors: Reidel Michelle , Salinas Cinthia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this self-study is to investigate how critically examining our emotions as social studies teacher educators (SSTEs) can inform practice and further the project of moving race from the margins of social studies curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

This self-study's design includes the use of multiple data collection methods and continuous dialogue with Chris who served as Macy's critical friend. The authors independently analyzed the data following the same procedure with each data set and then utilized a constant comparative method to reconcile our coding.

Findings

The findings point to the importance of critical emotional reflexivity in any effort to reposition race as central rather than peripheral to teaching and learning social studies content.

Originality/value

This study is not under review with another journal.
Thomas Cook: flightpath to failure
Authors: Smith Susan
Published: September 2022

Theoretical basis

To evaluate Thomas Cook’s financial condition, students deploy financial analysis techniques including comparative analysis. The role of financial reporting in impressions management is considered in two respects: firstly, the use of separately disclosed items by companies; and secondly, the treatment of goodwill on acquisition.

Research methodology

The case draws on a range of public data from Annual Reports and secondary sources including the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy investigation into the failure of Thomas Cook.

Case overview/synopsis

Thomas Cook Group plc’s (Thomas Cook) was one of the oldest travel firms, yet its apparently sudden failure on 23 September 2019 left 600,000 holidaymakers stranded and sparked the largest ever peacetime repatriation of British citizens at cost of £83m to the Department of Transport. Around 9,000 employees who had expected to be paid on 30 September were left unpaid.Could CEO Peter Frankhauser have addressed the challenges faced by Thomas Cook more effectively during his tenure or was the company locked into a flightpath to failure? The case highlights the importance of context when performing financial analysis and encourages students to evaluate the challenges posed by the current standards related to accounting for goodwill and corporate reporting of underlying performance.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used in undergraduate financial reporting and current issues in accounting courses/modules at the postgraduate level.
Evolutionary history constrains heat tolerance of native and exotic tropical Zingiberales
Authors: Hernández Georgia G. , Perez Timothy M. , Vargas Oscar M. , Kress W. John , Molina‐Bravo Ramón , Cordero Roberto A. , Seemann Jeffrey R. , García‐Robledo Carlos
Published: September 2022

Tropical wet forest plants experience relatively stable temperatures throughout the year. However, tropical forests represent a mosaic of habitats characterized by different temperatures. Heat tolerances are expected to be adapted to temperatures specific to their habitats. Although heat tolerance of species sharing similar environments is expected to be similar, it is also possible that heat tolerance is constrained by evolutionary history because closely related species usually display similar physiologies. When exotic species are introduced to novel communities, colonization may be facilitated by their previous adaptation to high temperatures and other physiological, genetic and demographic traits, which may grant them some competitive advantage. Increasing temperatures may represent a strong environmental filter affecting community assembly, and higher heat tolerances could facilitate the persistence of exotic species in novel environments.

Using a community of 32 native and 7 exotic Zingiberales species from different tropical habitats in Costa Rica, Central America, we aim to answer the following questions: (a) does evolutionary history constrain heat tolerance? (b) do plants in the same habitat display similar heat tolerances? (c) do the heat tolerances of exotic species differ from those of native species?

We measured temperature‐dependent changes in photosynthetic fluorescence to determine the temperature at which the first sign of damage to photosystem II is observed (T15), and the temperature at which the fluorescence of photosystem II is reduced by 50% (T50). Using a community phylogeny, we tested for phylogenetic signal inT15andT50. In addition, we tested for differences in heat tolerance among Zingiberales from old growth, secondary forests and open areas, as well as between native and exotic species.

Our results support (a) a significant phylogenetic signal (Pagel'sλ) for bothT15andT50, (b) communities from open areas displayed similar photosynthetic heat tolerance compared to species from old growth and secondary forests, and (c) exotic Zingiberales are marginally tolerant to high temperatures than native species, but only forT15. Our results suggest that evolutionary history constraints heat responses of native and exotic Zingiberales in a warming world.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
The effects of inbreeding depression and pollinator visitation on the maintenance of herkogamy in Oxalis corniculata, a species derived from a heterostylous ancestor
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Hoshino Minori , Yoshioka Kazuki , Washio Tsubasa , Nakamura Makoto , Maki Masayuki , Dohzono Ikumi
Published: September 2022

The evolutionary transition from outcrossing in heterostylous morphs to selfing in homostylous morphs has occurred in many plant lineages. Homostylous variants with a low degree of herkogamy may increase the reproductive advantage of autonomous self‐pollination when there is little inbreeding depression and/or low pollinator visitation. Oxalis corniculata, a self‐compatible perennial herb derived from a tristylous ancestor, is reported to have two floral morphs. Homostyled plants are broadly distributed in Japan, whereas long‐styled plants are reported to occur only in coastal areas. We examined the hypothesis that a reproductive advantage in avoiding inbreeding depression and/or frequent pollinator visits enables long‐styled plants to live in some areas. Studies on floral variation revealed that the degree of herkogamy varied widely and continuously within and among populations. Homostyled and long‐styled morphs were functionally defined based on the ability of autonomous self‐pollination. Homostyled plants were widely distributed, whereas long‐styled plants were found in and around the two coastal populations and relatively inland populations. Pollination experiments provided no evidence of inbreeding depression in either homostyled or long‐styled plants. Pollinator visitation frequency was higher in the two coastal populations than in the other populations. Thus, reproductive disadvantage in long‐styled plants lacking autonomous self‐pollination has reduced in the two coastal populations, and long‐styled plants may be maintained due to a competitive advantage of large seed size. In contrast, we recorded no comparable frequencies of pollinator visitation in other populations containing long‐styled plants, indicating that there are other factors contributing to the maintenance of long‐styled plants in these areas.
Evidence of a selective and bi‐directional relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal and bacterial communities co‐inhabiting plant roots
Authors: Lastovetsky Olga A. , Caruso Tancredi , Brennan Fiona P. , Wall David P. , McMahon Sean , Doyle Evelyn
Published: September 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide plants with vital mineral nutrients and co‐exist inside the roots alongside a complex community of bacterial endophytes. These co‐existing AMF and bacterial root communities have been studied individually and are known to be influenced in structure by different environmental parameters. However, the extent to which they are affected by environmental parameters and by each other is completely unknown. The current study addressed this knowledge gap by characterising AMF and bacterial communities inside plant roots from a natural and an agricultural ecosystem. Using multivariate modelling, the relative contribution of environmental parameters in structuring the two communities was quantified at different spatial scales. Using this model, it was possible to then remove the contribution of environmental parameters and show that the co‐existing AMF and bacterial communities were significantly correlated with each other, explaining up to 36% of each other's variance. Notably, this was not due to the presence of know AMF endobacteria, as removal of endobacterial reads maintained the significance of correlation. These findings provide the first empirical evidence of a selective and bi‐directional relationship between AMF and bacteria co‐inhibiting plant roots and indicate that a significant fraction of this covariation is due to biological and ecological interactions between them.
The valiant battle: from chaos to integration
Authors: Ravitz Liza J.
Published: September 2022

The birth of a new sibling can create a state of inner chaos for the first born. Conflict, aggression and regression often occur as the replaced child adjusts to his loss of exclusivity. This paper describes a short analytic sandplay case of a 5‐year‐old boy manifesting anger and anxiety as the birth of his new sibling approached. Throughout this individuation process, a fluid back and forth movement occurred from regression to progression, and from deintegration to reintegration (Fordham 1988), as he advanced from the regressed Uroboric phase of development, forward to the age‐appropriate phase of the Patriarche (Neumann 1990). As he grieved the loss of his exclusive status, Roy worked with his aggressive feelings towards his mother and the new baby, as well as with his feelings of despair. This process developed in the context of a positive maternal transference which allowed for both moments of deep resonance, states of participation mystique, and moments of projected rage and aggression towards the ‘abandoning mother’. His work in analysis resulted in an opening of the ego‐Self axis, a solidifying of the depressive position, and a movement forward in development. At the end of treatment, an initiatory process into the realm of the ‘Father’ was activated. Roy’s symptoms had diminished and he was ready to leave the regressive pull of the Great Mother and move out into the world of peers, with a strengthened ego and an expanded sense of self.
Lactose crystallization and Maillard reaction in simulated milk powder based on the change in water activity
Authors: Yan Haixia , Yu Ziyin , Liu Ling
Published: September 2022

Maillard reaction (MR) and lactose crystallization (LC) are important reactions in the storage of milk powder. In this study, three models with different proteins based on skimmed milk powder were established to investigate the relationship between MR and LC at different water activities (aw). Moisture sorption isotherm, glass transition temperature (Tg), and glycation products were evaluated, and the protein structure and lactose crystallinity were determined. The results indicated that MR product content, browning, and LC subsequently enhanced with the increase in aw. The Tg value dropped lower than 0 at aw 0.43 in whey protein isolate–lactose (WP–Lac) model and at aw 0.54 in casein–whey protein isolate–lactose (CN–WP–Lac) model and casein–lactose (CN–Lac) model. The crystallinity of α‐lactose monohydrate and anhydrous β‐lactose in WP–Lac model was more significant than CN–WP–Lac and CN–Lac models (p < 0.05). The molecular band of whey protein gradually blurred in the Sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis image, and the content of α‐helix of WP–Lac model increased by 45.15% from aw 0.33 to 0.53 (p < 0.05), while that of CN–WP–Lac model increased by only 3.95% (p < 0.05). With the increase in aw, WP–Lac model formed more browning and crystallization products than CN–WP–Lac model, indicating that the presence of micelle macromolecules and the interaction between casein and whey proteins limited the browning and crystallization in CN–WP–Lac model.

Practical Application

Maillard reaction and lactose crystallization are important reactions in the storage of milk powder, and the result will provide theoretical guidance for the development of milk powder in the food industry.
Impact of direct laryngoscopy vs. videolaryngoscopy on signal quality of recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring in thyroid surgery: a randomised parallel group trial
Authors: Kriege M. , Hilt J. A. , Dette F. , Wittenmeier E. , Meuser R. , Staubitz J. I. , Musholt T. J.
Published: September 2022

In thyroid surgery, intra‐operative neuromonitoring signals of the recurrent laryngeal nerve can be detected by surface electrodes on a tracheal tube positioned at the vocal fold level. The incidence of difficult tracheal intubation in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for nodular goitre ranges from 5.3% to 20.5%. The aim of this study was to compare videolaryngoscopy with conventional direct laryngoscopy as methods for proper placement of the surface electrode to prevent insufficient intra‐operative nerve signal quality. In this prospective randomised trial, adult patients requiring tracheal intubation during thyroid surgery were randomly allocated to two groups of C‐MAC® (Macintosh style blade) videolaryngoscope or direct laryngoscopy using the Macintosh laryngoscope. Primary outcome was the incidence of insufficient signal electromyogram amplitude level (< 500 μV) after successful tracheal intubation. A total of 260 (130 per group) participants were analysed. An insufficient signal was more frequent with direct laryngoscopy (35/130, 27%), compared with C‐MAC (12/130, 9%, p < 0.001). First‐pass tracheal intubation success rate was lower with direct laryngoscopy (86/130 (66%)) compared with the C‐MAC (125/130 (96%)) (p < 0.0001). Cormack and Lehane grade ≥ 3 was observed more frequently with direct laryngoscopy (16/130 (12%)), compared with the C‐MAC (0/130, (0%)) (p < 0.0001). The results suggest that videolaryngoscopy has an impact on the quality of the initial intra‐operative neuromonitoring signal in patients undergoing thyroid surgery, and this technique can provide optimised surface electrode positioning.
The impact of including a medication review in an integrated care pathway: A pilot study
Authors: Payen Anaïs , Godard‐Sebillotte Claire , Sourial Nadia , Soula Julien , Verloop David , Defebvre Marie‐Marguerite , Dupont Corinne , Dambre Delphine , Lamer Antoine , Beuscart Jean‐Baptiste
Published: September 2022

Aim

The objective of the present study was to measure the impact of the intervention of combining a medication review with an integrated care approach on potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and hospital readmissions in frail older adults.

Methods

A cohort of hospitalized older adults enrolled in the French PAERPA integrated care pathway (the exposed cohort) was matched retrospectively with hospitalized older adults not enrolled in the pathway (unexposed cohort) between January 1st, 2015, and December 31st, 2018. The study was an analysis of French health administrative database. The inclusion criteria for exposed patients were admission to an acute care department in a general hospital, age 75 years or over, at least three comorbidities or the prescription of diuretics or oral anticoagulants, discharge alive and performance of a medication review.

Results

For the study population (n = 582), the mean ± standard deviation age was 82.9 ± 4.9 years, and 380 (65.3%) were women. Depending on the definition used, the overall median number of PIMs ranged from 2 [0;3] on admission to 3 [0;3] at discharge. The intervention was not associated with a significant difference in the mean number of PIMs. Patients in the exposed cohort were half as likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge relative to patients in the unexposed cohort.

Conclusion

Our results show that a medication review was not associated with a decrease in the mean number of PIMs. However, an integrated care intervention including the medication review was associated with a reduction in the number of hospital readmissions at 30 days.
Boosting Distributional Copula Regression
Authors: Hans Nicolai , Klein Nadja , Faschingbauer Florian , Schneider Michael , Mayr Andreas
Published: September 2022

Capturing complex dependence structures between outcome variables (e.g., study endpoints) is of high relevance in contemporary biomedical data problems and medical research. Distributional copula regression provides a flexible tool to model the joint distribution of multiple outcome variables by disentangling the marginal response distributions and their dependence structure. In a regression setup, each parameter of the copula model, that is, the marginal distribution parameters and the copula dependence parameters, can be related to covariates via structured additive predictors. We propose a framework to fit distributional copula regression via model-based boosting, which is a modern estimation technique that incorporates useful features like an intrinsic variable selection mechanism, parameter shrinkage and the capability to fit regression models in high-dimensional data setting, that is, situations with more covariates than observations. Thus, model-based boosting does not only complement existing Bayesian and maximum-likelihood based estimation frameworks for this model class but rather enables unique intrinsic mechanisms that can be helpful in many applied problems. The performance of our boosting algorithm for copula regression models with continuous margins is evaluated in simulation studies that cover low- and high-dimensional data settings and situations with and without dependence between the responses. Moreover, distributional copula boosting is used to jointly analyze and predict the length and the weight of newborns conditional on sonographic measurements of the fetus before delivery together with other clinical variables.
A plant‐derived glucocorticoid receptor modulator with potency to attenuate the side effects of glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Gao Jian , Yu Ying , Zhou Lin , Wang Miao , Xue Wenwen , Liu Bo , Wu Xudong , Wu Xuefeng , Gao Huiyuan , Shen Yan , Xu Qiang
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Continuous efforts have been made to move towards maintaining the beneficial anti‐inflammatory functions of glucocorticoids (GCs) while minimizing side effects. Here, we investigated the selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulator‐like properties of a plant‐derived compound caesaldekarin e (CA‐e).

Experimental approach

The therapeutic efficacy of CA‐e was evaluated in several mouse models, including dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis, ovalbumin‐induced lung allergic inflammation, imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation and skin atrophy. The action of CA‐e targeting the GR was analysed using molecular docking, cellular thermal shift assays and microscale thermophoresis. Other methods included DNA–protein pull‐down assays and mass spectrometry.

Key results

CA‐e selectively inhibited positive GC response element ((+) GRE)‐mediated direct transactivation while maintaining and even enhancing the anti‐inflammatory effects of treatment with dexamethasone. CA‐e, alone and in combination with dexamethasone, efficiently alleviated inflammation in several mouse models with milder side effects compared with dexamethasone alone. Mechanistically, CA‐e inhibited the formation of dimers by binding to the dimerization interface located in the ligand‐binding domain of GR and facilitated embryonic ectoderm development that is involved in the regulation of transcriptional repression to compete for binding to (+) GRE, eventually leading to the repression of (+) GRE‐regulated genes. In addition, CA‐e repressed NF‐κB‐dependent genes by enhancing the interaction between GR and p65.

Conclusions and implications

Our results reveal that CA‐e is a novel GR modulator with strong potency to attenuate the side effects of GC therapy and can be used as a potential molecular tool for deciphering GR signalling.
Icariside II preconditioning evokes robust neuroprotection against ischaemic stroke, by targeting Nrf2 and the OXPHOS/NF‐κB/ferroptosis pathway
Authors: Gao Jianmei , Ma Congjian , Xia Dianya , Chen Nana , Zhang Jianyong , Xu Fan , Li Fei , He Yuqi , Gong Qihai
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

Astrocytic nuclear factor erythroid‐derived 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a potential therapeutic target of ischaemic preconditioning (IPC). Icariside II (ICS II) is a naturally occurring flavonoid derived from Herba Epimedii with Nrf2 induction potency. This study was designed to clarify if exposure to ICS II mimicks IPC neuroprotection and if Nrf2 from astrocytes contributes to ICS II preconditioning against ischaemic stroke.

Experimental Approach

Mice with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)‐induced focal cerebral ischaemia and primary astrocytes challenged with oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) were used to explore the neuroprotective effect of ICS II preconditioning. Additionally, Nrf2‐deficient mice were pretreated with ICS II to determine whether ICS II exerts its neuroprotection by activating Nrf2.

Key Results

ICS II pretreatment mitigated cerebral injury in the mouse model of ischaemic stroke along with improving long‐term recovery. Furthermore, proteomics screening identified Nrf2 as a crucial gene evoked by ICS II treatment and required for the anti‐oxidative effect and anti‐inflammatory effect of ICS II. Also, ICS II directly bound to Nrf2 and reinforced the transcriptional activity of Nrf2 after MCAO. Moreover, ICS II pretreatment exerted cytoprotective effects on astrocyte cultures following lethal OGD exposure, by promoting Nrf2 nuclear translocation and activating the OXPHOS/NF‐κB/ferroptosis axis, while neuroprotection was decreased in Nrf2‐deficient mice and Nrf2 siRNA blocked effects of ICS II.

Conclusion and Implications

ICS II preconditioning provides robust neuroprotection against ischaemic stroke via the astrocytic Nrf2‐mediated OXPHOS/NF‐κB/ferroptosis axis. Thus, ICS II could be a promising Nrf2 activator to treat ischaemic stroke.
Advancements in G protein‐coupled receptor biosensors to study GPCR‐G protein coupling
Authors: Olsen Reid H. J. , English Justin G.
Published: September 2022

Enzymatic and cellular signalling biosensors are used to decipher the activities of complex biological systems. Biosensors for monitoring G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), the most drugged class of proteins in the human body, are plentiful and vary in utility, form and function. Their applications have continually expanded our understanding of this important protein class. Here, we briefly summarize a subset of this field with accelerating importance: transducer biosensors measuring receptor‐coupling and selectivity, with an emphasis on sensors measuring receptor association and activation of heterotrimeric signalling complexes.
The standardisation of uveitis nomenclature (SUN) project
Authors: Jabs Douglas A. , McCluskey Peter , Palestine Alan G. , Thorne Jennifer E. , The Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) Working Gr
Published: September 2022

The uveitides are a collection of over 30 diseases characterised by intraocular inflammation. Previous work demonstrated that the agreement among uveitis experts on diagnosis was modest at best with some pairs of experts having chance alone agreement on selected diseases. The Standardisation of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) is a17‐year collaboration among experts in uveitis, ocular image grading, informatics, and machine learning to improve clinical and translational uveitis research. The SUN “Developing Classification Criteria for the Uveitides” project used a rigorous, multi‐phase approach to develop classification criteria for 25 of the most common uveitic diseases. The project's phases were: (1) informatics; (2) case collection; (3) case selection; (4) machine learning; and (5) consensus review and publication. The results were classification criteria with a high degree of accuracy (93.3%–99.3% depending on anatomic class of the uveitis), the goal of which is to form the basis for future uveitis research.
Patient, family members and community pharmacists' views of a proposed overdose prevention intervention delivered in community pharmacies for patients prescribed high‐strength opioids for chronic non‐cancer pain: An explorative intervention development study
Authors: Mercer Fiona , Parkes Tessa , Foster Rebecca , Steven Deborah , McAuley Andrew , Baldacchino Alexander , Steele Wez , Schofield Joe , Matheson Catriona
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Despite opioid prescribing for chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) having limited therapeutic benefits, recent evidence indicates significant increases in the prescribing of high‐strength opioids for individuals with CNCP. Patients prescribed opioids for CNCP have overdose risk factors but generally have low opioid overdose awareness and low perceptions of risk related to prescribed opioids. Currently, there are few bespoke overdose prevention resources for this group.

Methods

This qualitative study investigated views on a naloxone intervention for people prescribed high‐strength opioids for CNCP delivered via community pharmacies. The intervention included overdose risk awareness and naloxone training and provision. Interviews were conducted with eight patients, four family members and two community pharmacists. Participants were convenience sampled and recruited through networks within the Scottish pain community. The Framework approach was used to analyse findings.

Results

All participants had positive attitudes towards the intervention, but patients and family members considered risk of overdose to be very low. Three themes were identified: potential advantages of the intervention; potential barriers to the intervention; and additional suggestions and feedback about the intervention. Advantages included the intervention providing essential overdose information for CNCP patients. Barriers included resource and time pressures within community pharmacies.

Discussion and Conclusion

While patients had low overdose knowledge and did not see themselves as being at risk of opioid overdose, they were receptive to naloxone use and positive about the proposed intervention. A feasibility trial is merited to further investigate how the intervention would be experienced within community pharmacy settings.
Endoscopic resection for gastric submucosal tumors: Japanese multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Shichijo Satoki , Abe Nobutsugu , Takeuchi Hirohisa , Ohata Ken , Minato Yohei , Hashiguchi Kazutoshi , Hirasawa Kingo , Kayaba Shoichi , Shinkai Hirohiko , Kobara Hideki , Yamashina Takeshi , Ishida Tsukasa , Chiba Hideyuki , Ono Hiroyuki , Mori Hirohito , Uedo Noriya
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Limited information is available on the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection (ER) of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) in Japanese endoscopic practice where ER for gastric tumors is extremely popular.

Methods

We conducted this study to elucidate the current scenario of ER for gastric SMTs in Japanese endoscopic practice. Patients (from 12 institutions) with gastric SMTs who underwent ER were enrolled from the first case until August 2020.

Results

We enrolled 117 patients with 118 lesions. The number of patients who underwent ER increased over the years. The mean endoscopic tumor size was 20 ± 7.2 (8–40) mm. The growth type was primarily intraluminal (90%). The mean resection and wound closure times were 58 ± 38 (range, 12–254) min and 31 ± 41 (range, 3–330) min, respectively. Complete ER was achieved for 117 (99%) lesions. Full‐thickness resection rate was 44%; however, only 12 (10%) patients required abdominal paracentesis for decompression. Endoscopic treatments were completed in 115 (97%) lesions, while three lesions required conversions to laparoscopic surgery due to luminal collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, and difficulty in defect closure. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors were the most common pathology (74%). No recurrence was observed during the mean follow‐up period of 4.3 ± 2.9 years. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 98.9% (95% confidence interval 97.8–100%).

Conclusion

Performance of ER for gastric SMTs is increasing in Japan. The technique seems feasible in Japanese endoscopic practice, warranting further validation in a prospective study.
Ecology and evolution of competitive trait variation in natural phytoplankton communities under selection
Authors: Gallego Irene , Narwani Anita
Published: September 2022

Competition for limited resources is a major force in structuring ecological communities. Species minimum resource requirements (R*s) can predict competitive outcomes and evolve under selection in simple communities under controlled conditions. However, whether R*s predict competitive outcomes or demonstrate adaptive evolution in naturally complex communities is unknown. We subjected natural phytoplankton communities to three types of resource limitation (nitrogen, phosphorus, light) in outdoor mesocosms over 10 weeks. We examined the community composition weekly and isolated 21 phytoplankton strains from seven species to quantify responses to the selection of R* for these resources. We investigated the evolutionary change in R*s in the dominant species, Desmodesmus armatus. R*s were good predictors of species changes in relative abundance, though this was largely driven by the success of D. armatus across several treatments. This species also demonstrated an evolutionary change in R*s under resource limitation, supporting the potential for adaptive trait change to modify competitive outcomes in natural communities.
Hsa_circ_0012919 promotes pyroptosis in CD4+T cells of systemic lupus erythematous by miR‐125a‐3p/GSDMD axis
Authors: Zhang Chengzhong , Zhang Chao , Huang Chen , Ji Jie , Liu Jia , Lu Yan
Published: September 2022

The etiology of systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) remains unclear. Pyroptosis, a new model of programmed cell death, was poorly explored in the pathogenesis of SLE. We found cell pyroptosis in CD4+T cells of SLE patients and kidneys from MRL/lpr mice by examining caspase‐1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in by RT‐PCR, Western blot, and levels of IL‐1β, IL‐18 and TNF‐α were detected by RT‐PCR and Elisa. Expression of caspase‐1 and GSDMD and levels of IL‐1β, IL‐18, TNF‐α decreased significantly after downregulation of hsa_circ_0012919 (p < 0.05). Inhibition of miR‐125a‐3p enhanced expression of caspase‐1 and GSDMD (p < 0.05), and increased the release of IL‐1β, IL‐18 and TNF‐α (p < 0.05), thereby counteracting the effect of hsa_circ_0012919 knockdown on pyroptosis. Finally, we identified GSDMD as the target gene of miR‐125a‐3p. Silencing GSDMD reversed the effect of 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine in increasing release of IL‐1β, IL‐18, TNF‐α and activating caspase‐1, but it could be reversed by miR‐125a‐3p inhibitor. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0012919 regulated the pyroptosis in the CD4+ T cells of SLE patients by miR‐125a‐3p/GSDMD axis.
Evaluation and ranking of failures in manufacturing process by combining best‐worst method and VIKOR under type‐2 fuzzy environment
Authors: Aleksić Aleksandar , Milanović Dragan D. , Komatina Nikola , Tadić Danijela
Published: September 2022

One of the important and persistent problems that engineers face in the automotive industry is the reliability of production equipment. This research promotes a new fuzzy multicriteria model for determining the priority of failures in an exact manner. In this way, the decision makers can determine the management activities whose application should result in enhanced manufacturing process reliability, promptly. The analysis of failures is based on Failure mode and effects analysis that is extended with added risk factors, which represents the incremental improvement compared to the current literature sources. The relative importance of risk factors and their values are presented by pre‐defined linguistic expressions modelled by the interval type‐2 fuzzy numbers. The assessment of risk factors' relative importance is set as a fuzzy group decision‐making problem. The weights vector is determined by using the extended Best‐Worst Method. The rank of failures is obtained by employing the modified VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija i kompromisno Resenje (Eng. Multi‐criteria optimization and compromise solution) which reflects the scientific contribution of the research, and simultaneously, the second incremental improvement of the proposed model compared to the existing state of the art. These incremental improvements are: (i) The fuzzy algebra rules have been used for determining the group utility value and (ii) and individual regret value is determined by comparing the two interval type‐2 fuzzy numbers. The model testing and verification are performed on real data in an automotive supply chain.