bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree demographic strategies largely overlap across succession in Neotropical wet and dry forest communities
Authors: Schorn Markus E. , Kambach Stephan , Chazdon Robin L. , Craven Dylan , Farrior Caroline E. , Meave Jorge A. , Muñoz Rodrigo , van Breugel Michiel , Amissah Lucy , Bongers Frans , Hérault Bruno , Jakovac Catarina C. , Norden Natalia , Poorter Lourens , van der Sande Masha T. , Wirth Christian , Delgado Diego , Dent Daisy H. , DeWalt Saara J. , Dupuy Juan M. , Finegan Bryan , Hall Jefferson S. , Hernández-Stefanoni José L. , Lopez Omar R. , Rüger Nadja
Published: June 2023

Secondary tropical forests play an increasingly important role for carbon budgets and biodiversity conservation. Understanding successional trajectories is therefore imperative for guiding forest restoration and climate change mitigation efforts. Forest succession is driven by the demographic strategies – combinations of growth, mortality and recruitment rates – of the tree species in the community. However, our understanding of demographic diversity in tropical tree species stems almost exclusively from old-growth forests. Here, we assembled demographic information from repeated forest inventories along chronosequences in two wet (Costa Rica, Panama) and two dry (Mexico) Neotropical forests to assess whether the range of demographic strategies present in a community shifts across succession. We calculated demographic rates for >500 tree species while controlling for canopy status to compare demographic diversity in early successional (0-30 years), late successional (30-120 years) and old-growth forests. We quantified demographic diversity using two-dimensional hypervolumes of pairs of demographic rates and assessed whether shifts in demographic strategies were caused by intra-specific changes in demographic rates across succession or by species turnover. We expected that demographic strategies would shift from faster life-histories (fast growth, high mortality, high recruitment) in early successional forests to slower life histories (slow growth, low mortality, low recruitment) in old-growth forests and that shifts would be stronger in wet than in dry forests due to more pronounced differences in environmental conditions between early successional and old-growth forests. We also expected that demographic diversity would increase with succession. We found that demographic strategies largely overlapped across successional stages and that early successional stages already covered the full spectrum of demographic strategies found in old-growth forests. An exception was a group of species characterized by exceptionally high mortality rates that was confined to early successional stages in the two wet forests. Demographic diversity did not increase with succession. Our results suggest that current understanding of demographic strategies of tropical tree species, which has been generated mostly from long-term forest monitoring plots in old-growth forests, is largely representative of demographic diversity in general, and that demographic diversity recovers quickly during succession.
The Rapidly Evolving X-linkedmiR-506Family Finetunes Spermatogenesis to Enhance Sperm Competition
Authors: Wang Zhuqing , Wang Yue , Zhou Tong , Chen Sheng , Morris Dayton , Magalhães Rubens Daniel Miserani , Li Musheng , Wang Shawn , Wang Hetan , Xie Yeming , McSwiggin Hayden , Oliver Daniel , Yuan Shuiqiao , Zheng Huili , Mohammed Jaaved , Lai Eric C. , McCarrey John R. , Yan Wei
Published: June 2023

Despite rapid evolution across eutherian mammals, the X-linkedmiR-506family miRNAs are located in a region flanked by two highly conserved protein-coding genes (Slitrk2andFmr1) on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, these miRNAs are predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here, we report that the X-linkedmiR-506family miRNAs were derived from the MER91C DNA transposons. Selective inactivation of individual miRNAs or clusters caused no discernable defects, but simultaneous ablation of five clusters containing nineteen members of themiR-506family led to reduced male fertility in mice. Despite normal sperm counts, motility and morphology, the KO sperm were less competitive than wild-type sperm when subjected to a polyandrous mating scheme. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that these X-linkedmiR-506family miRNAs, in addition to targeting a set of conserved genes, have more targets that are critical for spermatogenesis and embryonic development during evolution. Our data suggest that themiR-506family miRNAs function to enhance sperm competitiveness and reproductive fitness of the male by finetuning gene expression during spermatogenesis.

Significance Statement

The X-linkedmiR-506family has rapidly evolved in mammals, but their physiological significance remains elusive. Given their abundant and preferential expression in the testis and sperm, these X-linked miRNAs likely play a functional role in spermatogenesis and/or early embryonic development. However, the deletion of either individual miRNA genes or all of the five miRNA clusters encoding 38 mature miRNAs did not cause major fertility defects in mice. When these mutant males were subjected to conditions resembling polyandrous mating, the mutant sperm were much less competitive than the wild-type sperm, rendering the mutant males “functionally sub-fertile”. Our data suggest that themiR-506family of miRNAs regulates sperm competition and the reproductive fitness of the male.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor on Apoptotic Extracellular Vesicles Regulates Compensatory Proliferation
Authors: Essien Safia A. , Ahuja Ivanshi , Eisenhoffer George T.
Published: June 2023

Apoptotic cells can signal to neighboring cells to stimulate proliferation and compensate for cell loss to maintain tissue homeostasis. While apoptotic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (AEVs) can transmit instructional cues to mediate communication with neighboring cells, the molecular mechanisms that induce cell division are not well understood. Here we show that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-containing AEVs regulate compensatory proliferation via ERK signaling in epithelial stem cells of larval zebrafish. Time-lapse imaging showed efferocytosis of AEVs from dying epithelial stem cells by healthy neighboring stem cells. Proteomic and ultrastructure analysis of purified AEVs identified MIF localization on the AEV surface. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic mutation of MIF, or its cognate receptor CD74, decreased levels of phosphorylated ERK and compensatory proliferation in the neighboring epithelial stem cells. Disruption of MIF activity also caused decreased numbers of macrophages patrolling near AEVs, while depletion of the macrophage lineage resulted in a reduced proliferative response by the epithelial stem cells. We propose that AEVs carrying MIF directly stimulate epithelial stem cell repopulation and guide macrophages to cell non-autonomously induce localized proliferation to sustain overall cell numbers during tissue maintenance.
Influence of colour vision on attention to, and impression of, complex aesthetic images
Authors: Hiramatsu Chihiro , Takashima Tatsuhiko , Sakaguchi Hiroaki , Chen Xu , Tajima Satohiro , Seno Takeharu , Kawamura Shoji
Published: June 2023

Humans exhibit colour vision variations due to genetic polymorphisms, with trichromacy being the most common, while some people are classified as dichromats. Whether genetic differences in colour vision affect the way of viewing complex images remains unknown. Here, we investigated how people with different colour vision focused their gaze on aesthetic paintings by eye-tracking while freely viewing digital rendering of paintings and assessed individual impressions through a decomposition analysis of adjective ratings for the images. Gaze concentrated areas among trichromats were more highly correlated than those among dichromats. However, compared to the brief dichromatic experience with the simulated images, there was little effect of innate colour vision differences. These results indicate that chromatic information is instructive as a cue for guiding attention, whereas the impression of each person is unaffected by colour-vision genetics and would be normalised to their own sensory experience through one’s own colour space.
Genetic Gains in IRRI’s Rice Salinity Breeding and Elite Panel Development as a Future Breeding Resource
Authors: Khanna Apurva , Ramos Joie , Sta. Cruz Ma Teresa , Catolos Margaret , Anumalla Mahender , Godwin Andres , Gregorio Glenn , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Dixit Shalabh , Ali Jauhar , Islam Md Rafiqul , Singh Vikas Kumar , Rahman Akhlasur , Khatun Hasina , Pisano Daniel Joseph , Bhosale Sankalp , Hussain Waseem
Published: June 2023

Genetic gain is a crucial parameter to check the breeding program’s success and help optimize future breeding strategies for enhanced genetic gains. In this work, IRRI’s historical data from the Philippines and Bangladesh of the salinity breeding program was used to estimate the genetic gains and identify the best lines based on higher breeding values for yield as a future genetic resource. Two-stage mixed-model approach accounting for experimental design factors and pedigrees was adopted to obtain the breeding values for yield and estimate genetic trends under the salinity conditions. A positive genetic trend of 0.1% per annum with a yield advantage of 1.52 kg/ha for the Philippines and 0.31% per annum with a yield advantage of 14.02 kg/ha for Bangladesh datasets was observed. For the released varieties, genetic gain was 0.12% per annum with a yield advantage of 2.2 kg/ha/year and 0.14% per annum with a yield advantage of 5.9 kg/ha/year, respectively. Further, based on higher breeding values for grain yield, a core set of the top 145 genotypes with higher breeding values of >2400 kg/ha in the Philippines and >3500 kg/ha in Bangladesh with a selection accuracy >0.4 were selected for formulating the elite breeding panel as a future breeding resource. Conclusively, higher genetic gains are pivotal in IRRI’s rice salinity breeding program, which requires a holistic breeding approach with a major paradigm shift in breeding strategies to enhance genetic gains.

Key Message

Estimating genetic gains and formulating a future salinity elite breeding panel for rice pave the way for developing better high-yielding salinity tolerant lines with enhanced genetic gains.
Salmonellamanipulates the host to drive pathogenicity via induction of interleukin 1β
Authors: Zigdon Mor , Sawaed Jasmin , Zelik Lilach , Binyamin Dana , Ben-Simon Shira , Asulin Nofar , Levin Rachel , Modilevsky Sonia , Naama Maria , Telpaz Shahar , Rubin Elad , Awad Aya , Sawaed Wisal , Harshuk-Shabso Sarina , Nuriel-Ohayon Meital , Werbner Michal , Koren Omry , Winter Sebastian E , Apte Ron N , Voronov Elena , Bel Shai
Published: June 2023

Acute gastrointestinal infection with intracellular pathogens likeSalmonellaTyphimurium triggers the inflammasome and the release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β (IL-1β). However, the role of IL-1β in intestinal defense againstSalmonellaremains unclear. Here, we show that IL-1β production is detrimental duringSalmonellainfection. Mice lacking IL-1β (IL-1β-/-) failed to recruit neutrophils to the gut during infection, which reduced tissue damage and prevented depletion of short-chain fatty acid-producing commensals. Changes in epithelial cell metabolism that typically support pathogen expansion, such as switching energy production from fatty acid oxidation to fermentation, were absent in infectedIL-1β-/-mice which inhibitedSalmonellaexpansion. Additionally, we found that IL-1β induces expression of complement anaphylatoxins and suppresses the complement-inactivator Carboxypeptidase N (CPN1). Disrupting this process via IL-1β loss completely prevented mortality inSalmonella-infectedIL-1β-/-mice and led to chronic infection. Thus,Salmonellaexploits IL-1β signaling to outcompete commensal microbes and establish gut colonization. Moreover, our findings identify the intersection of IL-1β signaling and the complement system as key host factors involved in controlling mortality during invasive Salmonellosis.
Corrosion of Al-Li alloy melt on oxide refractories
Authors: Han Wan , Hu Xiaojun
Published: June 2023

Purpose

When smelting Al-Li alloy, the material inevitably comes into contact with various oxide-refractories. These refractories are subjected to varying degrees of melt-corrosion at high temperatures. The purpose of this study is to find stable oxide refractories at casting temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

Four materials were selected for evaluation, and their corrosion by the Al-Li alloy at casting temperature and different holding times was measured. Subsequently, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were used to study the interfaces. Stable refractory materials were selected by comparing the thicknesses of the reaction layers.

Findings

The thickness of the Al-Li/ZrO2 reaction layer varies linearly with the square root of the holding duration. Therefore, the growth of the reaction layer is controlled by diffusion. The reaction layer of Al-Li/Al2O3 is thinner, and its growth is also controlled by diffusion. However, there were no obvious reaction layers between the Al-Li alloy and MgO or Y2O3. By comparing these reaction-layer thicknesses, the order of stability was found to be ZrO2 < Al2O3 < MgO and Y2O3.

Originality/value

These results provide a scientific basis for the optimal selection of refractory materials for Al-Li alloy smelting.
The integration of real estate investment trust: a wavelet coherency analysis
Authors: Boamah Nicholas Addai , Opoku Emmanuel , Zamore Stephen
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The study investigates the co-movements amongst real estate investments trust (REITs). This study examines the co-movements between the world and individual countries' REITs and the co-movements amongst country-pair REITs. This study explores the responsiveness of the REITs markets' co-movements to the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Russian–Ukraine conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a wavelet coherency technique and relies on data from six REITs markets over the 1995–2022 period.

Findings

The evidence shows a generally high level of coherency between the global and the country's REITs. The findings further indicate higher co-movements between some country pairs and a lower co-movement for others. The results suggest that the REITs markets increased in co-movements around the 2008 GFC, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian–Ukraine conflict. These increased co-movements mostly lasted for a short period suggesting REITs markets contagion around these global events. The results generally suggest interdependence between the global and the country's REITs. Additionally, interdependence is observed for some of the country-pair REITs.

Originality/value

The evidence indicates that REITs markets respond to global events. Thus, the increasing co-movement amongst REITs observed in this study may expose domestic REITs to global crisis. However, this study provides opportunities for minimising the cost of capital for real estate projects. Also, REITs provide limited diversification gains around crisis times. Therefore, countries need to open the REITs markets to global investors whilst pursuing policies to ensure the resilience of the REITs markets to global events. Investors should also take note of the declining geographic diversification gains from some country-pair REITs portfolios.
Critical success factors for construction industry transition to circular economy: developing countries’ perspectives
Authors: Koc Kerim , Durdyev Serdar , Tleuken Aidana , Ekmekcioglu Omer , Mbachu Jasper , Karaca Ferhat
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Circular economy (CE) is increasingly used as a system solution framework for tackling climate change. Existing CE solutions have been found effective in other sectors but ineffective in the construction sector (CS) due to the inability to account for unique CS dynamics that are essential for its success. With CS being one of the worst polluters, this research aimed to investigate critical success factors (CSFs) and a practical CE implementation framework for the sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods research involving descriptive surveys of construction professionals in Kazakhstan, Malaysia and Turkey was used to explore priority dimensions of McKinsey’s ReSOLVE (“regenerate, share, optimize, loop, virtualize and exchange”) circulatory framework, and the associated CSFs that underpin successful implementation of CE in the sector. Empirical data were analyzed using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (F-AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) algorithm.

Findings

Results showed that “Optimize” and “Loop” were the most critical of the six dimensions of CE implementation framework for successful circularity transition of the CS in each case study country. Twenty-seven CSFs identified in the study were clustered into seven key action areas for successful rollout of the ReSOLVE framework, namely, legislative and documentation, financial, design, external/stakeholder, technological, internal and construction/production/waste management.

Practical implications

The study makes a unique contribution to existing knowledge by exploring ReSOLVE-based CSFs for successful CE implementation in the CS through the lenses of experienced construction practitioners and experts in developing countries. The findings are expected to provide a deeper insight into the most significant CSFs to be focused on with the limited resources available to decision-makers in the CS. The findings would also inform regulatory policy reformations aimed at facilitating greater rate of implementation of CE in the construction value chain.

Originality/value

The study – the first of its kind – established and validated a wholistic and construction-specific CE implementation framework to guide built environment professionals and policymakers in formulating a roadmap for successful CS’s transition to circularity and hopefully paving the way for improved economic, social and environmental performance of the sector.
Investigation of the feasibility of microgrid under three operational configurations using whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Jouma Touma Haider , Mansor Muhamad , Abd Rahman Muhamad Safwan , Jia Ying Yong , Mokhlis Hazlie
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of proposed microgrid (MG) that comprises photovoltaic, wind turbines, battery energy storage and diesel generator to supply a residential building in Grindelwald which is chosen as the test location.

Design/methodology/approach

Three operational configurations were used to run the proposed MG. In the first configuration, the electric energy can be vended and procured utterly between the main-grid and MG. In the second configuration, the energy trade was performed within 15 kWh as the maximum allowable limit of energy to purchase and sell. In the third configuration, the system performance in the stand-alone operation mode was investigated. A whale optimization technique is used to determine the optimal size of MG in all proposed configurations. The cost of energy (COE) and other measures are used to evaluate the system performance.

Findings

The obtained results revealed that the first configuration is the most beneficial with COE of 0.253$/KWh and reliable 100%. Furthermore, the whale optimization algorithm is sufficiently feasible as compared to other techniques to apply in the applications of MG.

Originality/value

The value of the proposed research is to investigate to what extend the integration between MG and main-grid is beneficial economically and technically. As opposed to previous research studies that have focused predominantly only on the optimal size of MG.
Identifying the risk culture of banks using machine learning
Authors: Owusu Abena , Gupta Aparna
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Although risk culture is a key determinant for an effective risk management, identifying the risk culture of a firm can be challenging due to the abstract concept of culture. This paper proposes a novel approach that uses unsupervised machine learning techniques to identify significant features needed to assess and differentiate between different forms of risk culture.

Design/methodology/approach

To convert the unstructured text in our sample of banks' 10K reports into structured data, a two-dimensional dictionary for text mining is built to capture risk culture characteristics and the bank's attitude towards the risk culture characteristics. A principal component analysis (PCA) reduction technique is applied to extract the significant features that define risk culture, before using a K-means unsupervised learning to cluster the reports into distinct risk culture groups.

Findings

The PCA identifies uncertainty, litigious and constraining sentiments among risk culture features to be significant in defining the risk culture of banks. Cluster analysis on the PCA factors proposes three distinct risk culture clusters: good, fair and poor. Consistent with regulatory expectations, a good or fair risk culture in banks is characterized by high profitability ratios, bank stability, lower default risk and good governance.

Originality/value

The relationship between culture and risk management can be difficult to study given that it is hard to measure culture from traditional data sources that are messy and diverse. This study offers a better understanding of risk culture using an unsupervised machine learning approach.
Indirect ambidextrous leadership as an alternative to direct ambidextrous leadership
Authors: Laser Jan
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to differentiate the ambidextrous leadership concept into direct and indirect types to provide an alternative when the requirements of direct ambidextrous leadership cannot be met.

Design/methodology/approach

Desk research is used in this paper to relate the ambidextrous leadership concept to the roles of leader and manager to more comprehensively determine the requirements for being a direct/indirect ambidextrously leading executive than is possible by referring only to opening and closing leadership or exploration and exploitation.

Findings

Special requirements in the context of ambidextrous leadership can be transferred from the top executive/chief executive officer to third parties, for example, some control tasks in the area of exploitation can be distributed among the top management team, enabling the top executive to focus on tasks such as developing an organisation-wide vision and its strategic implementation. Indirect ambidextrous leadership exists if the top executive distributes exploitation tasks to third parties. Direct ambidextrous leadership exists if the top executive assumes leadership in both the exploration and exploitation areas. This means that the demands on the top executive are different in direct ambidextrous leadership and in indirect ambidextrous leadership.

Originality/value

The literature has not yet focused on the differentiation between direct and indirect ambidextrous leadership. This paper contributes towards closing this gap. The potential for indirect ambidextrous leadership can be essential for a company’s success because in addition to direct ambidextrous leadership, it represents the possibility of creating a sustainable organisation in a changing market.
Depiction of library use in video games: a content analysis
Authors: Taylor Emerson , Liew Chern Li
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Researchers in information studies have examined fictional depictions of libraries in various mediums because these images can reflect and influence real-life experiences and attitudes. Video games, despite being relatively overlooked, are increasingly culturally relevant and can indicate library users' real needs and desires. This study investigates the ways in which video games depict characters using libraries to seek and use information.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative content analysis approach incorporating methods from information studies and game studies was applied. Tancheva's (2005) semiotic analysis of fictional libraries and Carr's (2019) textual approach provided the framing for the unique aspects of video games and their meanings. Carroll (2021)'s character analysis and Chatman (1996)'s theory on insiders–outsiders dynamic underpinned the data collection and analysis. The purposive sample included 15 video games released since 2010.

Findings

Video games depict game characters visiting libraries to solve short-term problems, to gain knowledge to improve themselves or to bond with others. Protagonists are often depicted as adventurers or outsiders who must adapt to unfamiliar places and situations to achieve their wider objectives. In these games, libraries provide useful documents, spaces or helpful guides and intellectuals who assist the protagonists. As outsiders, the protagonists seek information in libraries to help them learn about their environments and to immerse themselves in the local histories and cultures in their worlds. Overall, these depictions highlight both short- and long-term benefits of library use.

Originality/value

As with existing studies, the ways in which fictional library use appear in video games can suggest real needs and desires among library users. The findings from this study emphasise the importance of library services and spaces that help users both address short-term problems and immerse themselves in local concerns, with longer-term goals. Applying different research methods or lenses to analysing video games could deepen our understanding of what library users think and feel when they seek and use information in libraries.
The implications of national blockchain infrastructure for financial crime
Authors: Smith Marcus , Tiwari Milind
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the implications of the impending establishment of national blockchain infrastructure by governments around the world, and how these structures can be integrated with existing legislation and assist in the prevention of financial crime.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is a literature review and analysis of progress being made to establish national blockchain infrastructure. It provides a discussion of the connection between blockchain and financial crime, and how this infrastructure will interact with existing regulatory frameworks, and particularly, financial crime legislation.

Findings

This paper documents financial crime risks posed by digital currencies and smart contracts and the role that national blockchain infrastructure can potentially play in mitigating these risks. It highlights the need for governments to devote resources to developing this infrastructure and associated regulatory frameworks.

Originality/value

There are few, if any, academic papers in the financial crime, or wider literature, that have examined the potential for national blockchain infrastructures prevent financial crime, including the implications for existing regulation in the field.
The establishment of transactive memory system in distributed agile teams engaged in AI-related knowledge work
Authors: Zhang Xi , Xu Tianxue , Wei Xin , Tang Jiaxin , Ordonez de Pablos Patricia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

As a kind of knowledge-intensive team coordinated across physical distance, it is necessary to construct a meta-knowledge driven transactive memory system (TMS) for the knowledge management of distributed agile team (DAT). This study aims to explore the comprehensive antecedents of TMS establishment in DATs and considers how TMS establishment is affected by herding behavior under the artificial intelligence (AI)-related knowledge work environment that emerges with technology penetration.

Design/methodology/approach

The data derived from 177 students of 52 DATs in a well-known Chinese business school, which were divided into 26 traditional knowledge work groups and 26 AI-related task groups to conduct a random comparative experiment. The ordinary least squares method was used to analyze the conceptual model and ANOVA was used to examine the differences in herding behavior between the control groups (traditional knowledge work DATs) and treatment groups (DATs engaged in AI-related knowledge work).

Findings

The results showed that knowledge diversity, professional knowledge, self-efficacy and social system use had significantly positive effects on the establishment of TMS. Interestingly, the authors also find that herding behavior may promote the process of establishing TMS of the new team, and this effect will be more significant when AI tasks are involved in team knowledge work.

Originality/value

By exploring the comprehensive antecedents of the establishment of TMS, this study provided a theoretical basis for knowledge management of DATs, especially in AI knowledge work teams. From a practical perspective, when the DAT is involved in AI-related knowledge works, managers should appropriately guide the convergence of employees’ behaviors and use the herding effects to accelerate the establishment of TMS, which will improve team knowledge sharing and innovation.
Hyper-project portfolio management: post-merger project portfolios
Authors: Cihan Ercan Emin , Uslu Cigdem Alabas , Kabak Özgür
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to develop a new integrated decision-making framework specifically designed to address complexity and uncertainty for project portfolio management. It particularly focuses on managing portfolios in a post-merger context. The paper portrays a normative and prescriptive approach to effectively creating a well-balanced project portfolio in a post-merger scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces hyper-project portfolio frame as a prospective methodology for evaluating post-merger portfolios. The proposed method especially addresses the challenges associated with integration following a merger.

Findings

Hyper-project portfolio frame provides fundamental leaps in post-merger project portfolios. The frame gives opportunities to check consistency with policy, organizational scalability, flexibility and product diversity. It also underpins achieving the strategic objectives of mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Research limitations/implications

The literature synthesis is approached from an interpretative standpoint. The research incorporates discussions and comparative studies from the relevant literature and introduces a novel approach. Additionally, new descriptive studies can expand the proposed process-oriented decision-making. Moreover, this research does not consider hostile takeovers.

Originality/value

Nested in content and process-oriented fashion, the frame provides suitable prequalification analysis for portfolios in a post-merger under the concepts of complexity, uncertainty, risk and value.
A brief report on student gambling and how UK universities can support students
Authors: McGivern Paul , Mierzwinski Mark , Stupple Edward
Published: June 2023

Purpose

An estimated 1.2 million students gamble, equating to approximately two in every three students. In the UK, university students have reached the legal age to gamble; many have received significant sums of financial support and will be responsible for managing their own finances. Some UK universities have acknowledged that students engage in gambling activity and the need to provide gambling-related support. However, more research is needed to better understand student gambling activities and how universities can optimise provision of support. The purpose of this study was to enhance this understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 210 university students completed an online survey to provide details of their gambling behaviour and views on the types of support that they felt would best support students.

Findings

Both gambling and non-gambling students reported a preference for specialised gambling-related support within student services without the requirement for gambling-focused workshops (p < 0.01). Follow-up analysis revealed a significantly greater proportion of females did not gamble (p < 0.01), that males spent more money when gambling (p < 0.01) and were higher risk gamblers than females (p < 0.01).

Originality/value

These results provide evidence for gambling support to feature overtly as part of university support and well-being services.
Appearance-based discrimination against young women in the workplace
Authors: Lämsä Anna-Maija , Ojasoo Merle , Jyrkinen Marjut , Pučėtaitė Raminta
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Appearance-based discrimination in workplaces based on an employee's physical appearance is a legal and ethical problem. This study provide important research findings concerning such discrimination in Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study strategy and narrative inquiry were used. The information which was gathered for the research consists of three cases which concern appearance-based discrimination against young women. Information for two of the cases was gathered together by means of open interviews. Information for the third case is based on articles which were found in Estonian daily newspapers.

Findings

Covert and overt discrimination based on an employee's physical appearance can occur in Estonian workplaces, even though discrimination and inequality are not tolerated in public and all forms of discrimination are illegal in Estonia. The appearance norms, which frame perceptions of attractiveness and unattractiveness, may at times be rather narrow and stereotypical in Estonian workplaces. The attempts by employees to resist such discrimination in an early phase of the employees' careers are generally not successful.

Originality/value

Through real-life cases, this study makes empirically visible a problem at the workplace related to employees' physical appearance in Estonia. This study makes suggestions for preventing this kind of discrimination in organisations. Narrative inquiry offers a fruitful approach for how researchers can address a sensitive problem, such as the appearance-based discrimination against the employees discussed in this study.
The impact of neighborhoods and friendships on interracial anxiety among medical students and residents: A report from the medical student CHANGES study
Authors: Plaisime Marie V. , Jipguep‐Akhtar Marie , Locascio Joseph J. , Belcher Harolyn M. E. , Hardeman Rachel R. , Picho‐Kiroga Katherine , Perry Sylvia P. , Phelan Sean M. , van Ryn Michelle , Dovidio John F.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To examine the experience of interracial anxiety among health professionals and how it may affect the quality of their interactions with patients from racially marginalized populations. We explored the influence of prior interracial exposure—specifically through childhood neighborhoods, college student bodies, and friend groups—on interracial anxiety among medical students and residents. We also examined whether levels of interracial anxiety change from medical school through residency.

Data Source

Web‐based longitudinal survey data from the Medical Student Cognitive Habits and Growth Evaluation Study.

Study Design

We used a retrospective longitudinal design with four observations for each trainee. The study population consisted of non‐Black US medical trainees surveyed in their 1st and 4th years of medical school and 2nd and 3rd years of residency. Mixed effects longitudinal models were used to assess predictors of interracial anxiety and assess changes in interracial anxiety scores over time.

Principal Findings

In total, 3155 non‐Black medical trainees were followed for 7 years. Seventy‐eight percent grew up in predominantly White neighborhoods. Living in predominantly White neighborhoods and having less racially diverse friends were associated with higher levels of interracial anxiety among medical trainees. Trainees' interracial anxiety scores did not substantially change over time; interracial anxiety was highest in the 1st year of medical school, lowest in the 4th year, and increased slightly during residency.

Conclusions

Neighborhood and friend group composition had independent effects on interracial anxiety, indicating that premedical racial socialization may affect medical trainees' preparedness to interact effectively with diverse patient populations. Additionally, the lack of substantial change in interracial anxiety throughout medical training suggests the importance of providing curricular tools and structure (e.g., instituting interracial cooperative learning activities) to foster the development of healthy interracial relationships.
Genomic adaptation of Burkholderia anthina to glyphosate uncovers a novel herbicide resistance mechanism
Authors: Schwedt Inge , Collignon Madeline , Mittelstädt Carolin , Giudici Florian , Rapp Johanna , Meißner Janek , Link Hannes , Hertel Robert , Commichau Fabian M.
Published: June 2023

Glyphosate (GS) specifically inhibits the 5‐enolpyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate (EPSP) synthase that converts phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and shikimate‐3‐phosphate to EPSP in the shikimate pathway of bacteria and other organisms. The inhibition of the EPSP synthase depletes the cell of the EPSP‐derived aromatic amino acids as well as of folate and quinones. A variety of mechanisms (e.g., EPSP synthase modification) has been described that confer GS resistance to bacteria. Here, we show that the Burkholderia anthina strain DSM 16086 quickly evolves GS resistance by the acquisition of mutations in the ppsR gene. ppsR codes for the pyruvate/ortho‐Pi dikinase PpsR that physically interacts and regulates the activity of the PEP synthetase PpsA. The mutational inactivation of ppsR causes an increase in the cellular PEP concentration, thereby abolishing the inhibition of the EPSP synthase by GS that competes with PEP for binding to the enzyme. Since the overexpression of the Escherichia coli ppsA gene in Bacillus subtilis and E. coli did not increase GS resistance in these organisms, the mutational inactivation of the ppsR gene resulting in PpsA overactivity is a GS resistance mechanism that is probably unique to B. anthina.
Long‐term stability of pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen and its effect on the diagnostic accuracy for malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Yang Dan‐Ni , Niu Yan , Wen Jian‐Xun , Wen Xu‐Hui , Wang Ya‐Fei , Yan Li , Jiang Ting‐Wang , Huang Jin‐Hong , Chen Hong , Lippi Giuseppe , Zheng Wen‐Qi , Hu Zhi‐De
Published: June 2023

Background

The in vitro stability assessment is essential for investigating the diagnostic accuracy of pleural biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate the long‐term stability of pleural fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) at −80°C to −70°C. In addition, we analyzed the effects of frozen storage on the diagnostic accuracy of CEA for malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

Methods

Pleural fluid CEA of participants in two prospective cohorts were stored at −80°C to −70°C for 1–3 years. The CEA level in the stored specimen was measured with an immunoassay, and its level in the fresh specimen was extracted from medical records. The Bland–Altman method, Passing‐Bablok regression, and Deming regression were used to analyze the agreement of CEA between the fresh and frozen pleural fluid. In addition, we used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CEA in the fresh and frozen specimens for MPE.

Results

A total of 210 participants were enrolled. The median CEA levels in frozen and fresh pleural fluid specimens were similar (frozen, 2.32 ng/mL; fresh, 2.59 ng/mL; p < 0.01). The slopes and intercepts in the Passing‐Bablok regression (intercept 0.01, slope 1.04) and Deming regression (intercept 0.65; slope 1.00) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05 for all). No significant difference was observed between the area under the ROC curves of CEA in the fresh and frozen specimens (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Pleural fluid CEA is seemingly stable when stored at –80°C to −70°C for 1–3 years. Frozen storage does not significantly affect the diagnostic accuracy of CEA for MPE.
Increased heterozygosity in low‐pass sequencing data allows identification of blood chimeras in cattle
Authors: Lindtke Dorothea , Seefried Franz R. , Drögemüller Cord , Neuditschko Markus
Published: June 2023

In about 90% of multiple pregnancies in cattle, shared blood circulation between fetuses leads to genetic chimerism in peripheral blood and can reduce reproductive performance in heterosexual co‐twins. However, the early detection of heterosexual chimeras requires specialized tests. Here, we used low‐pass sequencing data with a median coverage of 0.64× generated from blood samples of 322 F1 crosses between beef and dairy cattle and identified 20 putative blood chimeras through increased levels of genome‐wide heterozygosity. In contrast, for 77 samples with routine SNP microarray data generated from hair bulbs of the same F1s, we found no evidence of chimerism, simultaneously observing high levels of genotype discordance with sequencing data. Fifteen out of 18 reported twins showed signs of blood chimerism, in line with previous reports, whereas the presence of five alleged singletons with strong signs of chimerism suggests that the in‐utero death rate of co‐twins is at the upper limit of former estimates. Together, our results show that low‐pass sequencing data allow reliable screening for blood chimeras. They further affirm that blood is not recommended as a source of DNA for the detection of germline variants.
Aspirations and investments in livestock: Evidence of aspiration failure in Kenya
Authors: Tabe‐Ojong Martin Paul Jr. , Heckelei Thomas , Rasch Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Aspirations influence future‐oriented behavior and ensuing outcomes but they may also fail to do so when the aspired‐to‐status is far away from the current one. Theoretical predictions suggest an inverted U‐shaped relationship between this aspiration gap and the effort to achieve what is aspired to. Aspirations that are ahead but not too far ahead of the current status serve as the best incentives for investments. We examine the income aspiration gap of smallholder households and relate it to livestock in a pastoral setting in Northern Kenya. Our focus on livestock is guided by the burgeoning recognition of livestock as an investment and saving conduit for many households in pastoral communities in developing nations. Employing different empirical strategies including parametric and semi‐parametric techniques, we find livestock to be increasing with aspirations up to a threshold, from which it then declines to lead to an aspiration failure. Delving into livestock heterogeneity, we uncover evidence that cattle and poultry respond more to the aspiration gap than small ruminants such as sheep and goats. Different U‐shaped tests confirm this relationship, bolstering the evidence of an aspiration failure. These findings are robust to the inclusion of relevant controls, truncations at zero, and different variable transformations. We also show that the findings are unlikely to be driven by unobserved heterogeneity. Additionally, we find that internal locus of control, that is the degree to which individuals believe they control outcomes in their lives is associated with livestock investments.
Less Volatile Value‐at‐Risk Estimation Under a Semi‐parametric Approach*
Authors: Huang Shih‐Feng , Wang David K.
Published: June 2023

In this study, we propose a two‐step, less‐volatile value‐at‐risk (LVaR) estimation using a generalized nearly isotonic regression (GNIR) model. In the proposed approach, a VaR sequence is first produced under the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) framework. Then, the VaR sequence is adjusted by GNIR, and the generated estimate is denoted as LVaR. The results of an empirical investigation show that LVaR outperformed other VaR estimates under the classic equally weighted and exponentially weighted moving‐average frameworks. Furthermore, we show not only that LVaR is less volatile, but also that it performed reasonably well in various backtests.
Spatial transcriptomics combined with single‐cell RNA‐sequencing unravels the complex inflammatory cell network in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mitamura Yasutaka , Reiger Matthias , Kim Juno , Xiao Yi , Zhakparov Damir , Tan Ge , Rückert Beate , Rinaldi Arturo O. , Baerenfaller Katja , Akdis Mübeccel , Brüggen Marie‐Charlotte , Nadeau Kari C. , Brunner Patrick M. , Roqueiro Damian , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Akdis Cezmi A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex pathogenesis for which the cellular and molecular crosstalk in AD skin has not been fully understood.

Methods

Skin tissues examined for spatial gene expression were derived from the upper arm of 6 healthy control (HC) donors and 7 AD patients (lesion and nonlesion). We performed spatial transcriptomics sequencing to characterize the cellular infiltrate in lesional skin. For single‐cell analysis, we analyzed the single‐cell data from suction blister material from AD lesions and HC skin at the antecubital fossa skin (4 ADs and 5 HCs) and full‐thickness skin biopsies (4 ADs and 2 HCs). The multiple proximity extension assays were performed in the serum samples from 36 AD patients and 28 HCs.

Results

The single‐cell analysis identified unique clusters of fibroblasts, dendritic cells, and macrophages in the lesional AD skin. Spatial transcriptomics analysis showed the upregulation of COL6A5, COL4A1, TNC, and CCL19 in COL18A1‐expressing fibroblasts in the leukocyte‐infiltrated areas in AD skin. CCR7‐expressing dendritic cells (DCs) showed a similar distribution in the lesions. Additionally, M2 macrophages expressed CCL13 and CCL18 in this area. Ligand–receptor interaction analysis of the spatial transcriptome identified neighboring infiltration and interaction between activated COL18A1‐expressing fibroblasts, CCL13‐ and CCL18‐expressing M2 macrophages, CCR7‐ and LAMP3‐expressing DCs, and T cells. As observed in skin lesions, serum levels of TNC and CCL18 were significantly elevated in AD, and correlated with clinical disease severity.

Conclusion

In this study, we show the unknown cellular crosstalk in leukocyte‐infiltrated area in lesional skin. Our findings provide a comprehensive in‐depth knowledge of the nature of AD skin lesions to guide the development of better treatments.
Dilemmas of anthropological activism, solidarity, and human rights: Lessons from Haiti
Authors: Schuller Mark
Published: June 2023

Building on a growing anthropological engagement with and interrogation of the multiple forms and meanings of activism, this article—based on over 20 years of activist engagement and ethnographic interviews spanning 11 years—offers ethnographically grounded understandings of solidarity activism. The rich and at times messy (auto)ethnographic data suggest that contradictions inherent to liberal humanism can increase hierarchies and social distance between groups across national boundaries. Further, new social media technologies notwithstanding, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) remain hegemonic vehicles for this transnational exchange. The experience in Haiti, dubbed the “Republic of NGOs,” highlights contradictions within solidarity activism, generating a useful set of questions for other activist anthropologists and solidarity activists who work elsewhere. Moving beyond the discussion of what anthropology brings to activism, or the reverse, this article offers insights from ethnographic analyses of NGOs, or NGOgraphy, to critically understand and assess anthropological activism. Specifically, building off insights of “NGOing” as a verb, this article interrogates the (micro)politics, structures, and consequences of intervention. Further, international solidarity activism often operates on logics of projects and deliverables, and therefore NGOing can eclipse other “metrics,” disrupting and dividing local communities. Like NGOs, anthropologists function within a hierarchical transnational political economy and division of labor. [activist anthropology, Haiti, NGOs, solidarity, autoethnography]