bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of technological innovation for sustainable management of tourism organizations
Authors: Ilieva L , Todorova L
Published: December 2023

The principles of sustainable management are applicable to all sectors, and especially to tourism, as they relate to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of the development of the activity. Tourism and sustainable development are inextricably linked given that the tourism product is based on the natural resources and the preserved cultural identity of peoples. Tourism organizations shape their offering by establishing an appropriate balance between these three dimensions in order to offer an attractive tourism product. This is possible only by building a system for sustainable development of the tourist organization. In the present study, the relationship between innovation and sustainable management of tourism organizations is sought. For this purpose, the possibilities for innovation in the activity of the tourist organization are presented, the principles of sustainable management of the organization are clarified and the role of the system for sustainable management is outlined. As a result of the conducted research, technological innovations are presented that allow organizations to use resources more rationally and achieve sustainable development.
Delving into the anisotropic interlayer exchange in bilayer CrI3
Authors: Stavrić Srdjan , Barone Paolo , Picozzi Silvia
Published: December 2023

Bilayer CrI3 attracted much attention due to stacking-induced switching between the layered ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic order. This discovery brought under the spotlight the interlayer Cr–Cr exchange interaction, which despite being much weaker than the intralayer exchange, plays an important role in shaping the magnetic properties of bilayer CrI3. In this work we delve into the anisotropic part of the interlayer exchange with the aim to separate the contributions from the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DMI) and the Kitaev interactions (KI). We leverage the density functional theory calculations with spin Hamiltonian modeling and develop an energy mapping procedure to assess these anisotropic interactions with

μ

e
V

accuracy. After inspecting the rhombohedral and monoclinic stacking sequences of bilayer CrI3, we reveal a considerable DMI and a weak interlayer KI between the sublattices of a monoclinic bilayer. We explain the dependence of DMI and KI on the interlayer distance, stacking sequence, and the spin–orbit coupling strength, and we suggest the dominant superexchange processes at play. In addition, we demonstrate that the single-ion anisotropy in bilayer CrI3 is highly stacking-dependent, increasing by 50% from monoclinic to rhombohedral bilayer. Remarkably, our findings prove that iodines are highly efficient in mediating the DMI across the van der Waals gap, much owing to spatially extended 5p orbitals which feature strong spin–orbit coupling. Our study gives promise that the interlayer chiral control of spin textures, demonstrated in thin metallic films where the DMI is with a much longer range, can be achieved with similar efficiency in semiconducting two-dimensional van der Waals magnets.
Fabrication of Z-scheme ZnO/g-C3N4/ZnS nanocomposites using high power laser for methylene blue degradation
Authors: Alnoaimi Aljazi , Tamimi Naflah , Alade Ibrahim Olanrewaju , Manda Abdullah , Sultan Badriah , Akhtar Sultan , Fatty Muhammed , Elsayed Khaled A , Drmosh Qasem A
Published: December 2023

Photocatalysis plays a vital role in addressing environmental challenges by harnessing solar energy for efficient pollutant degradation. In this study, we investigate the photocatalytic activity of a ZnO/g-C3N4/ZnS composite system in the degradation of methylene blue, a widely used dye with detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. The composite materials were synthesized using a facile and scalable approach, and their structural properties, morphologies, sizes, and elemental compositions were characterized using different analytical techniques. The ZnO/g-C3N4/ZnS composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to individual components. Remarkably, the degradation efficiency reached 80% for the composite with a 30% ZnO composition, surpassing the efficiencies of ZnS alone (29%) and ZnS/g-C3N4 (65%). The composite’s higher degradation efficiency is due to synergistic semiconductor effects, enhancing charge transfer and reducing electron–hole recombination. ZnO incorporation increases active sites and surface area, improving interaction with methylene blue. The favorable band edge positions of ZnO aligned with ZnS and g-C3N4, facilitating the utilization of a broader spectrum of solar light. The composite’s photocatalytic activity was achieved under UV light irradiation, demonstrating its potential for sustainable and energy-efficient applications. This study highlights the significance of composite design and the Z-scheme concept in photocatalysis, offering insights into the development of advanced materials for environmental remediation. The findings contribute to the understanding of efficient solar-driven pollutant degradation and pave the way for the design and optimization of innovative photocatalytic systems for sustainable environmental solutions.
Biomass estimation models for Acacia saligna trees in restored landscapes
Authors: Hagazi Niguse , Kebede Mulat , Mokria Mulugeta , Birhane Emiru , Gebrekirstos Aster , Bräuning Achim
Published: December 2023

Acacia saligna, originating from Australia, is a naturalized multipurpose tree species widely grown to restore degraded lands of Africa. The contribution of A. saligna in biomass restoration can be quantified using a precise estimation of tree biomass carbon. This study developed species-specific allometric models and evaluated the spatial variation of tree biomass across restored areas in exclosures and open grazing landscapes. These models could play a considerable role in the monitoring of carbon dynamics across A. saligna planation dominated areas. We harvested, excavated, and weighed twenty-one sample trees representing different size classes to develop allometric models for the estimation of aboveground (AGB), belowground (BGB) and total tree (TB) biomass. The average dry-to-fresh mass ratio and the root-to-shoot ratio was 0.47 (±0.13) and 0.28 (±0.14), respectively. Tree biomass significantly correlated with diameter at breast height (r = 0.93; P < 0.001), diameter at stump height (r = 0.88, P < 0.001) and tree height (r = 0.56, P < 0.05). Our best biomass estimation models explained 86%, 82% and 87% of variations in AGB, BGB, and TB, respectively. Models using DSH and DSH & H explained 70%–78% of the variation in AGB, BGB, and TB. Estimated C-stock showed a significant relationship with stem density (R

2

= 0.91, P < 0.01). Estimated TB varied between 1.5–18 Mg ha−1 on grazed land and exclosures. Estimated C-stocks in the exclosure exceeded the estimated C-stock in the open grazing land by ∼60%. This implies that with proper management practices and enrichment planting A. saligna significantly contributes to increasing carbon accumulation on degraded landscapes, playing a key role in climate change mitigation efforts while improving land productivity.
The use of electronic health record embedded MRC-ICU as a metric for critical care pharmacist workload
Authors: Webb Andrew J , Carver Bayleigh , Rowe Sandra , Sikora Andrea
Published: December 2023

Objectives

A lack of pharmacist-specific risk-stratification scores in the electronic health record (EHR) may limit resource optimization. The medication regimen complexity-intensive care unit (MRC-ICU) score was implemented into our center’s EHR for use by clinical pharmacists. The purpose of this evaluation was to evaluate MRC-ICU as a predictor of pharmacist workload and to assess its potential as an additional dimension to traditional workload measures.

Materials and methods

Data were abstracted from the EHR on adult ICU patients, including MRC-ICU scores and 2 traditional measures of pharmacist workload: numbers of medication orders verified and interventions logged. This was a single-center study of an EHR-integrated MRC-ICU tool. The primary outcome was the association of MRC-ICU with institutional metrics of pharmacist workload. Associations were assessed using the initial 24-h maximum MRC-ICU score’s Pearson’s correlation with overall admission workload and the day-to-day association using generalized linear mixed-effects modeling.

Results

A total of 1205 patients over 5083 patient-days were evaluated. Baseline MRC-ICU was correlated with both cumulative order volume (Spearman’s rho 0.41, P < .001) and cumulative interventions placed (Spearman’s rho 0.27, P < .001). A 1-point increase in maximum daily MRC-ICU was associated with a 31% increase in order volume (95% CI, 24%-38%) and 4% increase in interventions (95% CI, 2%-5%).

Discussion and conclusion

The MRC-ICU is a validated score that has been previously correlated with important patient-centered outcomes. Here, MRC-ICU was modestly associated with 2 traditional objective measures of pharmacist workload, including orders verified and interventions placed, which is an important step for its use as a tool for resource utilization needs.
Bacterial natural product discovery by heterologous expression
Authors: Kadjo Adjo E , Eustáquio Alessandra S
Published: December 2023

Natural products have found important applications in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors. In bacteria, the genes that encode the biosynthesis of natural products are often colocalized in the genome, forming biosynthetic gene clusters. It has been predicted that only 3% of natural products encoded in bacterial genomes have been discovered thus far, in part because gene clusters may be poorly expressed under laboratory conditions. Heterologous expression can help convert bioinformatics predictions into products. However, challenges remain, such as gene cluster prioritization, cloning of the complete gene cluster, high level expression, product identification, and isolation of products in practical yields. Here we reviewed the literature from the past 5 years (January 2018 to June 2023) to identify studies that discovered natural products by heterologous expression. From the 50 studies identified, we present analyses of the rationale for gene cluster prioritization, cloning methods, biosynthetic class, source taxa, and host choice. Combined, the 50 studies led to the discovery of 63 new families of natural products, supporting heterologous expression as a promising way to access novel chemistry. However, the success rate of natural product detection varied from 11% to 32% based on four large-scale studies that were part of the reviewed literature. The low success rate makes it apparent that much remains to be improved. The potential reasons for failure and points to be considered to improve the chances of success are discussed.

One-Sentence Summary

At least 63 new families of bacterial natural products were discovered using heterologous expression in the last 5 years, supporting heterologous expression as a promising way to access novel chemistry; however, the success rate is low (11–32%) making it apparent that much remains to be improved—we discuss the potential reasons for failure and points to be considered to improve the chances of success. BioRender was used to generate the graphical abstract figure.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas promysalinigenes Strain RL-WG26, a PGPR Isolated from the Rice Rhizosphere for Studying the Promotion of Plant Growth Under Salt Stress
Authors: Song Jia , Wang Yanyan , Weng Liyun , Ling Yu , Zhang Yueqing , Xue Yingbin , Hu Hanqiao , Ren Lei
Published: December 2023

The Pseudomonas promysalinigenes strain RL-WG26, which was previously isolated from the rhizosphere of Sea Rice 86 (SR86), could promote the plant growth and alleviate the plant salt stress of SR86 by regulating the ion concentration in plants, increasing the dry weight and chlorophyll content of plants, and reducing the proline and malondialdehyde content in roots. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Pseudomonas promysalinigenes strain RL-WG26 to lay a foundation for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of strain RL-WG26-mediated plant salt tolerance and to further the application potential of this strain.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Surgical Failure and Revision Strategy for Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Ma Xiangyang , Zou Xiaobao , Chen Zexing , Yang Haozhi , Chen Junlin , Ma Rencai , Fu Suochao , Xia Hong
Published: December 2023

Study Design.

Retrospective study.

Objective.

To classify surgical failures following atlantoaxial dislocation, present strategies for revisions and evaluate the clinical results of revision surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

With the increase in atlantoaxial dislocation surgery, the number of surgical failures has gradually risen. However, current reports on atlantoaxial surgical revision are limited in scope. There remains a lack of summary regarding the causes of surgical failure, a detailed classification system, and no proposed strategy for revision surgery.

Methods.

109 cases of failed surgery following atlantoaxial dislocation were classified according to the reduction immediately after surgery and the fusion status before revision. The reduction, decompression, fusion status and outcomes following revision surgery were evaluated by X-ray, CT, MRI and JOA score. The data were analyzed statistically with a paired-samples t test and multivaraible logistic regression analysis.

Results.

The 109 patients were classified into three categories of failure: non-reduction with non-fusion (NR-NF, 73 cases), non-reduction with fusion (NR-F, 19 cases), and reduction with non-fusion (R-NF, 17 cases). Sixty-four patients underwent anterior revision, 21 posterior revision, and 24 anteroposterior revision. Postoperative complications were the primary cause of early revisions. After revision, complete decompression was achieved in all cases, anatomical reduction in 89 cases, significant improvement of JOA score in 77 cases, and fusion achieved in 86 cases. Twelve cases experienced surgical complications and 3 underwent a second revision.

Conclusions.

We found that NR-NF was the most common type of failure following surgery for atlantoaxial dislocation. Revision strategies can be guided according to our descriptive classification of failure, and revision surgery should focus on achieving adequate reduction, appropriate fixation and reliable fusion to optimize post-surgical outcomes.
BEST1 VARIANT ASSOCIATED WITH AN ATYPICAL MACULAR AND PERIPHERAL RETINAL PHENOTYPE
Authors: Singuri Srinidhi , DeBenedictis Meghan J. , Traboulsi Elias I. , Yuan Alex , Schur Rebecca M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

Best vitelliform macular dystrophy is an inherited macular dystrophy associated with over 250 pathogenic variants of the Bestrophin-1 (BEST1) gene. Although several types of lesions of best vitelliform macular dystrophy are well-described, reports of phenotypic variations associated with rare genetic variants are limited.

Methods:

This was a retrospective case series performed in 2021 at a tertiary eye care center.

Patients:

Three members of one family referred to a tertiary eye care clinic for evaluation of their autosomal dominant macular dystrophy.

Results:

Study subjects presented with atypical findings of peripheral schisis-like lesions and atrophy with abnormal electroretinogram in addition to typical macular lesions found in best vitelliform macular dystrophy. Genetic analyses identified a heterozygous BEST1 c.227T>A, p.(Ile76Asn) pathogenic variant in all three subjects.

Conclusion:

This study represents the first report of the phenotype associated with the c.227T>A, p.(Ile76Asn) BEST1 variant, which—while mentioned twice in the literature—has not been previously described. The phenotype is unique, comprising features of typical best vitelliform macular dystrophy with electroretinogram and peripheral findings, suggestive of a panretinal dysfunction.
Decreasing ICU and Hospital Length of Stay through a Standardized Respiratory Therapist-driven Electronic Clinical Care Pathway for Status Asthmaticus
Authors: Lopez Merrick , Wilson Michele , Cobbina Ekua , Kaufman Danny , Fluitt Julie , Grainger Michele , Ruiz Robert , Abudukadier Gulixian , Tiras Michael , Carlson Bronwyn , Spaid Jeane , Falsone Kim , Cocjin Invest , Moretti Anthony , Vercio Chad , Tinsley Cynthia , Chandnani Harsha K. , Samayoa Carlos , Cianci Carissa , Pappas James , Chang Nancy Y.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Status asthmaticus (SA) is a cause of many pediatric hospitalizations. This study sought to evaluate how a standardized asthma care pathway (ACP) in the electronic medical record impacted the length of stay (LOS).

Methods:

An interdisciplinary team internally validated a standardized respiratory score for patients admitted with SA to a 25-bed pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at a tertiary children’s hospital. The respiratory score determined weaning schedules for albuterol and steroid therapies. In addition, pharmacy and information technology staff developed an electronic ACP within our electronic medical record system using best practice alerts. These best practice alerts informed staff to initiate the pathway, wean/escalate treatment, transition to oral steroids, transfer level of care, and complete discharge education. The PICU, stepdown ICU (SD ICU), and acute care units implemented the clinical pathway. Pre- and postintervention metrics were assessed using process control charts and compared using Welch’s t tests with a significance level of 0.05.

Results:

Nine hundred two consecutive patients were analyzed (598 preintervention, 304 postintervention). Order set utilization significantly increased from 68% to 97% (P < 0.001), PICU LOS decreased from 38.4 to 31.1 hours (P = 0.013), and stepdown ICU LOS decreased from 25.7 to 20.9 hours (P = 0.01). Hospital LOS decreased from 59.5 to 50.7 hours (P = 0.003), with cost savings of $1,215,088 for the patient cohort.

Conclusions:

Implementing a standardized respiratory therapist-driven ACP for children with SA led to significantly increased order set utilization and decreased ICU and hospital LOS. Leveraging information technology and standardized pathways may improve care quality, outcomes, and costs for other common diagnoses.
Creative thinking does not promote dishonesty
Authors: Reis Moritz , Pfister Roland , Kunde Wilfried , Foerster Anna
Published: December 2023

We assessed the relation of creativity and unethical behaviour by manipulating the thinking style of participants (
N
= 450 adults) and measuring the impact of this manipulation on the prevalence of dishonest behaviour. Participants performed one of three inducer tasks: the alternative uses task to promote divergent thinking, the remote associates task to promote convergent thinking, or a simple classification task for rule-based thinking. Before and after this manipulation, participants conducted the mind game as a straightforward measure of dishonesty. Dishonest behaviour increased from before to after the intervention, but we found no credible evidence that this increase differed between induced mindsets. Exploratory analyses did not support any relation of trait creativity and dishonesty either. We conclude that the influence of creative thinking on unethical behaviour seems to be more ambiguous than assumed in earlier research or might be restricted to specific populations or contexts.
Infants' visual perception without feature-binding
Authors: Tsurumi Shuma , Kanazawa So , Yamaguchi Masami K.
Published: December 2023

We reveal a unique visual perception before feature-integration of colour and motion in infants. Visual perception is established by the integration of multiple features, such as colour and motion direction. The mechanism of feature integration benefits from the ongoing interplay between feedforward and feedback loops, yet our comprehension of this causal connection remains incomplete. Researchers have explored the role of recurrent processing in feature integration by studying a visual illusion called ‘misbinding’, wherein visual characteristics are erroneously merged, resulting in a perception distinct from the originally presented stimuli. Anatomical investigations have revealed that the neural pathways responsible for recurrent connections are underdeveloped in early infants. Therefore, there is a possibility that younger infants could potentially perceive the physically presented visual information that adults miss due to misbinding. Here, we demonstrate that infants less than half a year old showed no misbinding; thus, they perceived the physically presented visual information, while infants more than half a year old perceived incorrectly integrated visual information, showing misbinding. Our findings indicate that recurrent processing barely functions in infants younger than six months of age and that visual information that should have been originally integrated is perceived as it is without being integrated.
Contrasting terrestrial and marine ecospace dynamics after the end-Triassic mass extinction event
Authors: Cribb Alison T. , Formoso Kiersten K. , Woolley C. Henrik , Beech James , Brophy Shannon , Byrne Paul , Cassady Victoria C. , Godbold Amanda L. , Larina Ekaterina , Maxeiner Philip-peter , Wu Yun-Hsin , Corsetti Frank A. , Bottjer David J.
Published: December 2023

Mass extinctions have fundamentally altered the structure of the biosphere throughout Earth's history. The ecological severity of mass extinctions is well studied in marine ecosystems by categorizing marine taxa into functional groups based on ‘ecospace’ approaches, but the ecological response of terrestrial ecosystems to mass extinctions is less well understood due to the lack of a comparable methodology. Here, we present a new terrestrial ecospace framework that categorizes fauna into functional groups as defined by tiering, motility and feeding traits. We applied the new terrestrial and traditional marine ecospace analyses to data from the Paleobiology Database across the end-Triassic mass extinction—a time of catastrophic global warming—to compare changes between the marine and terrestrial biospheres. We found that terrestrial functional groups experienced higher extinction severity, that taxonomic and functional richness are more tightly coupled in the terrestrial, and that the terrestrial realm continued to experience high ecological dissimilarity in the wake of the extinction. Although signals of extinction severity and ecological turnover are sensitive to the quality of the terrestrial fossil record, our findings suggest greater ecological pressure from the end-Triassic mass extinction on terrestrial ecosystems than marine ecosystems, contributing to more prolonged terrestrial ecological flux.
Seasonally mediated niche partitioning in a vertically compressed pelagic predator guild
Authors: Logan Ryan K. , Vaudo Jeremy J. , Wetherbee Bradley M. , Shivji Mahmood S.
Published: December 2023

Niche partitioning among closely related, sympatric species is a fundamental concept in ecology, and its mechanisms are of broad interest for understanding ecosystem functioning and predicting the impacts of human-driven environmental change. However, identifying mechanisms by which top marine predators partition available resources has been especially challenging given the difficulty of quantifying resource use of large pelagic animals. In the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP), three large, highly mobile and ecologically similar pelagic predators (blue marlin (
Makaira nigricans
), black marlin (
Istiompax indica
) and sailfish (
Istiophorus platypterus
)) coexist in a vertically compressed habitat. To evaluate each species' ecological niche, we leveraged a decade of recreational fisheries data, multi-year satellite tracking with high-resolution dive data, and stable isotope analysis. Fishery interaction and telemetry-based three-dimensional seasonal utilization distributions suggested high spatial and temporal overlap among species; however, seasonal and diel variability in diving behaviour produced spatial partitioning, leading to low trophic overlap among species. Expanding oxygen minimum zones will reduce the available vertical habitat within predator guilds, likely leading to increases in interspecific competition. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of habitat partitioning among predators in the vertically compressed ETP can provide insight into how predators in other ocean regions may respond to vertically limited habitats.
Radioimmunotherapy as a pathogen-agnostic treatment method for opportunistic mucormycosis infections
Authors: Carvalho Jorge L.C. , Malo Mackenzie E. , Allen Kevin J.H. , Frank Connor , Xiao Zhiwen , Jiao Rubin , Dadachova Ekaterina
Published: December 2023

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) such as mucormycosis are causing devastating morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients as anti-fungal agents do not work in the setting of a suppressed immune system. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created a novel landscape for IFIs in post-pandemic patients, resulting from severe immune suppression caused by COVID-19 infection, comorbidities (diabetes, obesity) and immunosuppressive treatments such as steroids. The antigen–antibody interaction has been employed in radioimmunotherapy (RIT) to deliver lethal doses of ionizing radiation emitted by radionuclides to targeted cells and has demonstrated efficacy in several cancers. One of the advantages of RIT is its independence of the immune status of a host, which is crucial for immunosuppressed post-COVID-19 patients. In the present work we targeted the fungal pan-antigens 1,3-beta-glucan and melanin pigment, which are present in the majority of pathogenic fungi, with RIT, thus making such targeting pathogen-agnostic. We demonstrated in experimental murine mucormycosis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised mice that lutetium-177 (177Lu)-labelled antibodies to these two antigens effectively decreased the fungal burden in major organs, including the brain. These results are encouraging because they show the effectiveness of pathogen-agnostic RIT in significantly decreasing fungal burden in vivo, while they can also potentially be applied to treat the broad range of invasive fungal infections that express the pan-antigens 1,3-beta-glucan or melanin.
Chryseobacterium pyrolae sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Pyrola calliantha H.
Authors: Wang Jie , Wang Yan , Zhang Qi , Kong Delong , Xing Zhen , Zhang Wei , Ruan Zhiyong
Published: December 2023

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated pc2-12T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of the herb Pyrola calliantha collected from arid areas of Tibet. The strain grew most vigorously with 1 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 7.0 and at 25 °C. According to the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, pc2-12T was closely related to the members of the genus

Chryseobacterium

, with highest levels of sequence similarity to

Chryseobacterium viscerum

687B-08T (98.42 %),

Chryseobacterium oncorhynchi

701B-08T (98.11 %) and

Chryseobacterium ureilyticum

DSM 18017T (97.98 %). The average nucleotide identity values between pc2-12T and

C. viscerum

687B-08T,

C. oncorhynchi

701B-08T and

C. ureilyticum

DSM 18017T were 79.71, 79.49 and 79.26 %, respectively. The in silico DNA–DNA hybridisation values between pc2-12T and

C

.

viscerum

687B-08T,

C. oncorhynchi

701B-08T and

C. ureilyticum

DSM 18017T were 23.30, 23.00 and 22.90 %, respectively. The draft genome sequence of pc2-12T was 4.64 Mb long, with DNA G+C content of 37.0 mol%. The fatty acids contained in the cells of pc2-12T were mainly composed of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). The main polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. MK-6 was the sole respiratory quinone. On the basis of the results of analysis of all the data described, pc2-12T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Chryseobacterium

, for which the name Chryseobacterium pyrolae sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is pc2-12T (=GDMCC 1.3256T= JCM 35712T).
Genetic heterogeneity in theSalmonellaTyphi Vi capsule locus: A population genomic study from Fiji
Authors: Getahun Strobel Aneley , Hayes Andrew J. , Wirth Wytamma , Mua Mikaele , Saumalua Tiko , Cabenatabua Orisi , Soqo Vika , Rosa Varanisese , Wang Nancy , Lacey Jake A. , Hocking Dianna , Valcanis Mary , Jenney Adam , Howden Benjamin P. , Duchene Sebastian , Mulholland Kim , Strugnell Richard A. , Davies Mark R.
Published: December 2023

Typhoid fever is endemic in many parts of the world and remains a major public health concern in tropical and sub-tropical developing nations, including Fiji. To address high rates of typhoid fever, the Northern Division of Fiji is implementing a mass vaccination with typhoid conjugate vaccine (Vi-polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus toxoid) as a public health control measure in 2023. In this study we define the genomic epidemiology ofS. Typhi in the Northern Division prior to island-wide vaccination, sequencing 85% (n=419) of the total cases from the Northern Division and Central Divisions of Fiji that occurred in the period 2017-2019. We found elevated rates of nucleotide polymorphisms intviD and tviEgenes (responsible for Vi-polysaccharide synthesis) relative to core genome levels within the Fiji endemicS. Typhi genotype 4.2. Expansion of these findings within a globally representative database of 12,382S. Typhi (86 genotyphi clusters) showed evidence of convergent evolution of the sametviEmutations across theS. Typhi population, indicating thattviselection has occurred both independently and globally. The functional impact oftvimutations on the Vi-capsular structure and other phenotypic characteristics are presently unknown, yet commonly occurringtviEpolymorphisms localise adjacent to predicted active site residues when overlayed against the predicted TviE protein structure. Given the central role of the Vi-polysaccharide inS. Typhi biology and vaccination, further integrated epidemiological, genomic, and phenotypic surveillance is required to determine the spread and functional implications of these mutations.
The unexpected consequences of predictor error in ecological model selection
Authors: Manthey Georg , Liedvogel Miriam , Haest Birgen , Manthey Michael , Wynn Joe
Published: December 2023

1

The ability to select statistical models based on how well they fit an empirical dataset is a central tenet of modern bioscience. How well this works, though, depends on how goodness-of-fit is measured. Likelihood and its derivatives (e.g. AIC) are popular and powerful tools when measuring goodness-of-fit, though inherently make assumptions about the data. One such assumption is absence of error on the x-axis (i.e. no error in the predictor). This, however, is often not correct and deviations from this assumption are often hard (or impossible) to measure.

Here, we show that, when predictor error is present, goodness-of-fit as perceived using likelihood will increase with decreases in sample size, effect size, predictor error and predictor variance. This results in predictors with increased effect size, predictor variance or predictor error being punished. As a consequence, we suggest that larger effect sizes are biased against in likelihood-based model comparison. Of note: (i) this problem is exacerbated in datasets with larger samples sizes and a broader range of predictor values - typically considered desirable biological data collection; and (ii) the magnitude of this effect is non-trivial given that ‘proxy error’ (caused by using correlates of a predictor rather than the predictor itself) can lead to unexpectedly high amounts of error.

We investigate the effects of our findings in an empirical dataset of wood anemone (Anemone nemorosa) first flowering date regressed against temperature. Our results show that the proxy error caused by using air temperature rather than ground temperature results in a ∆AIC of around 3. We also demonstrate potential consequences for model selection procedures with autocorrelation (e.g. ‘sliding window’ approaches). Via simulation we show that in the presence of predictor error AIC will favour autocorrelated, lower effect size predictors (such as those found on the edges of predictive windows), rather than thea priorispecified ‘true’ window.

Our results suggest significant and far-reaching implications for biological inference with model selection for much of today’s ecology using observational data under non-experimental conditions. We assert that no obvious, globally-applicable solution to this problem exists; and propose that quantifying predictor error is key in accurate ecological model selection going forward.
Developmental trajectories in infants and pre-school children with Neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Slevin Hannah , Kehinde Fiona , Begum-Ali Jannath , Ellis Ceri , Burkitt-Wright Emma , Green Jonathan , Johnson Mark H. , Pasco Greg , Charman Tony , Jones Emily J.H , Garg Shruti
Published: December 2023

Objective

This prospective cohort study examines the cognitive, behavioural, ADHD trait and autism symptom development in infant and pre-school children with Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) compared with typically developing (TD) children without a family history of neurodevelopmental conditions.

Methods

Data from standardised tests was gathered at 5, 10, 14, 24 and 36 months of age (NF1 n=35, TD n=29). Developmental trajectories of cognitive and adaptive behavioural development from 5 to 36 months were analysed using linear mixed modelling. Measures of ADHD and autism traits were assessed at 24 and 36 months.

Results

The developmental trajectory of cognitive skills (all domains of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning -MSEL) and behavioural skills (four domains of the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale -VABS) differed significantly between NF1 and TD groups. Post-hoc tests demonstrated that the NF1 participants scored significantly lower than TD participants at 24 months on all MSEL and VABS domains. The NF1 cohort demonstrated higher mean autism and ADHD traits at 24 months and 14% of the NF1 cohort met a research diagnostic classification for autism at 36 months.

Conclusion

By 24 months of age, the NF1 cohort show lower cognitive skills and adaptive behaviour and higher levels of autism and ADHD traits as compared to TD children.
BrainAGE Estimation: Influence of Field Strength, Voxel Size, Race, and Ethnicity
Authors: Dempsey Desarae A. , Deardorff Rachael , Wu Yu-Chien , Yu Meichen , Apostolova Liana G. , Brosch Jared , Clark David G. , Farlow Martin R. , Gao Sujuan , Wang Sophia , Saykin Andrew J. , Risacher Shannon L. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2023

The BrainAGE method is used to estimate biological brain age using structural neuroimaging. However, the stability of the model across different scan parameters and races/ethnicities has not been thoroughly investigated. Estimated brain age was compared within- and across-MRI field strength and across voxel sizes. Estimated brain age gap (BAG) was compared across demographically matched groups of different self-reported races and ethnicities in ADNI and IMAS cohorts. Longitudinal ComBat was used to correct for potential scanner effects. The brain age method was stable within field strength, but less stable across different field strengths. The method was stable across voxel sizes. There was a significant difference in BAG between races, but not ethnicities. Correction procedures are suggested to eliminate variation across scanner field strength while maintaining accurate brain age estimation. Further studies are warranted to determine the factors contributing to racial differences in BAG.
Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Primary Care Use Among Assertive Community Treatment Teams Via Qualitative Analysis of Clients and Clinicians
Authors: Zhao Sophia , Mathis Walter
Published: December 2023

Individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders face complex barriers to achieving physical health. This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators of primary care access among an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 clients and 7 clinicians from an ACT team at a community mental health center in Connecticut. Data analysis followed a grounded theory approach, with codes and themes emerging iteratively during the interview process. The study identified multifaceted barriers to accessing primary care, including economic challenges, homelessness, and the prioritization of mental health and substance use symptoms over healthcare. The conceptual framework consists of seven dominant themes: clients’ abilities, attitudes, experiences, knowledge, motivations, resources, and ACT-team level factors. This research provides valuable insights into the various barriers faced by ACT clients in accessing primary care. Improving primary care access for individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders is crucial for reducing health disparities in this vulnerable population.
Exploring perceptions of and attitudes towards tanning with school children, parents/carers and educators in Wales: A mixed methods study protocol for the SunChat study
Authors: Porres Gisselle Tur , Lanyon Kirsty , Abbott Rachel , Lewis Helen , Marchant Emily , Peconi Julie
Published: December 2023

Background

Skin cancer comprises half of all cancers in England and Wales. Most skin cancers can be prevented with safer sun exposure. As over exposure as a child can greatly increase future skin cancer risk, early and accessible sun safe education and promotion of sun safe behaviours is critical. Scientists agree there is no such thing as a ‘safe tan’, yet the public, including children, often have positive perceptions of tanned skin. To protect against future skin cancer, it is important to understand and address these misconceptions. The Curriculum for Wales with its area for Health and Well-being, and autonomy for schools in designing curriculum content, presents an ideal way to facilitate this exploration.

Aims

Gather data regarding perceptions towards tanning to explore the perceived effects of a tan on health.

Inform the development and testing of a pilot toolkit for integration within the Curriculum for Wales to encourage positive health behaviours and attitudes of school children towards tanning and sun exposure.

Methods

SunChat is a mixed methods exploratory study comprising three work streams:

Workshops with school children to understand their perceptions on tanning.

An online multiple-choice survey with parents/carers to understand perceptions, attitudes and behaviours towards tanning both for themselves and their children.

An informal focus group with primary school educators to explore challenges in engaging with the school community around the Health and Well-being Area in the Curriculum for Wales.

Discussion

To date, there has been no work in Wales exploring children’s, parents/carers’, and educators’ perceptions of tanning and how healthier attitudes can be encouraged. This study will engage with children, parents/carers, and primary school educators to scope current tanning perceptions and the perceived effects tanning has on health, to feed into future toolkit and curriculum development for health in schools in Wales and beyond.
TEGA Industries Ltd: Journey of an Indian MNC (Part A)
Authors: Singla Chitra , Singh Bulbul
Published: December 2023

Madan Mohanka set up Tega Industries Ltd in 1976 to manufacture abrasion-resistant rubber mill lining products used in the mining and mineral processing industries. In 2006, as part of its inorganic expansion strategy, Tega bought a mill-liner company in South Africa. Buoyed by this growth, two acquisitions were made in Australia and Chile in the year 2011. However, post-acquisition, several managerial, legal and commercial problems crept up in its manufacturing facilities in Chile, leading to financial downturn in Tega's fortunes in 2016 and compelling it to either plan a revival or divest its interest in its Chilean Plant.
Communicating about sustainability in fashion: a construal level theory approach
Authors: Lee Zoe , Gordon-Wilson Sianne , Davies Iain , Pring Cara
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Communication about sustainability in fashion is complex. While fashion businesses have increasingly sought to manage their sustainability practices, their understanding of how to communicate about sustainability persuasively remains limited. The authors argue that a key problem with a firm’s efforts in communicating about sustainability is that it is a psychologically distant issue for both businesses and stakeholders. This paper aims to apply construal level theory to explore managers’ construal level in shaping communication about sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a two-phase qualitative methodology. Phase one involved undertaking interviews with ten managers in fashion firms to address communications about sustainability in the UK. In phase two, 16 consumers interpreted and reflected on the persuasiveness of communications about sustainability encompassing both concrete and abstract forms of messaging.

Findings

The authors identify the factors driving different approaches to communication (concrete and abstract) depending on the construal levels of managers, managers’ perceptions of the construal level of target stakeholders and the perceived authenticity of the sustainability claim. The paper highlights the conditions under which the (mis)match with the brands’ sustainable practices works in crafting communication. The authors also highlight three main communication strategies in responding to the complexity of sustainability in fashion ecosystems: amplification, quiet activist and populist coupling.

Research limitations/implications

As an in-depth qualitative study, the authors seek to expose an under-researched phenomenon, yet generalisations both within the fashion industry and beyond are limited by this focus.

Practical implications

Fashion managers need to be flexible and evaluate how their communications about sustainability affect stakeholders’ evaluations of their brands. As sustainability in fashion brands grows, concrete and specific sustainability messaging may be necessary to improve sustainable behaviours.

Originality/value

The prevailing literature encourages symbiosis between sustainability practices and communications; such relationships are rare, and studies outside the consumer perspective are also rare. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this exploratory study is the first to understand how managers’ construal level influences decisions around communications about sustainability in fashion and how these messages are perceived by consumers.
Young people and terrorism: a systematic review of risk and vulnerability factors, and implications for intervention
Authors: Galvin Carol , Martin Aisling , Milburn Paige , Kennedy Patrick John
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Factors that may influence risk and/or vulnerability to young people’s involvement in terrorism are currently unclear. Understanding the factors that contribute to a young person’s risk profile is a high priority for Youth Justice Services to enable the development of targeted interventions and subsequent risk reduction. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify and critically review studies relating to young peoples’ involvement in terrorism to understand potential risk and/or vulnerability factors and the implications for intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature was evaluated using the systematic review method. Twelve papers were selected for the systematic review according to the inclusion criteria.

Findings

Twelve factors emerged that indicated relevance to terrorism by young people and were combined into five overarching themes: contextual, social, psychological factors, trauma and use of time.

Originality/value

This systematic review is one of the first of its kind relating to terrorism by young people. The reported findings will be valuable to practitioners seeking to understand the risk and vulnerability factors related to terrorism by young people and the implications for intervention. Directions for future research are explored.
Cost efficiency of municipal green bonds’ measures: a marginal abatement cost curves approach
Authors: Piseddu Tommaso , Vanhuyse Fedra
Published: December 2023

Purpose

With more cities aiming to achieve climate neutrality, identifying the funding to support these plans is essential. The purpose of this paper is to exploit the present of a structured green bonds framework in Sweden to investigate the typology of abatement projects Swedish municipalities invested in and understand their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Marginal abatement cost curves of the green bond measures are constructed by using the financial and abatement data provided by municipalities on an annual basis.

Findings

The results highlight the economic competitiveness of clean energy production, measured in abatement potential per unit of currency, even when compared to other emerging technologies that have attracted the interest of policymakers. A comparison with previous studies on the cost efficiency of carbon capture storage reveals that clean energy projects, especially wind energy production, can contribute to the reduction of emissions in a more efficient way. The Swedish carbon tax is a good incentive tool for investments in clean energy projects.

Originality/value

The improvement concerning previous applications is twofold: the authors expand the financial considerations to include the whole life-cycle costs, and the authors consider all the greenhouse gases. This research constitutes a prime in using financial and environmental data produced by local governments to assess the effectiveness of their environmental measures.