bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reasons for visiting urban parks: a case study in Greece
Authors: Halkos George E. , Leonti Aikaterini , Sardianou Eleni
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the reasons for visiting the urban park Antonis Tritsis in Athens, Greece, focusing on visitors’ motives and perceived characteristics of the park. When urban parks are located in areas that are particularly densely populated are characterized as green lungs and are easily accessible to the residents of the municipality. Therefore, the aim of the study is to analyze both the motives and perceived characteristics that visitors attribute in the case of the biggest urban park in Athens, Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted from August 2018 to March 2019 and the responses of 377 visitors were collected. Antonis Tritsis Park is the largest metropolitan park in the Attica, Greece. A principal component factor analysis was used and two-factor models were developed to determine the reasons for visiting the Tritsis Park.

Findings

The application of factor analysis revealed the presence of three components in case of the motives for the visit and six components concerning the perceived characteristics of the park. Results suggest that visitors’ motives are related to environmental and social benefits. The park contributes to increased real estate value. Educational and cultural activities are also found as important benefits, whereas lack of safety and limited infrastructure are considered important barriers to revisit the park.

Research limitations/implications

Recognizing the motivations of visitors, policymakers will be able to configure the park infrastructure according to the stated preferences.

Practical implications

Recognizing the motivations of visitors and the perceived characteristics of the park, policymakers will be able to configure the park infrastructure according to the stated preferences. If the services provided by the Tritsis Park are based on the preferences of its visitors, their satisfaction can be maximized and consequently improve the quality of life and contribute to sustainable development.

Originality/value

The innovation of the study is to analyze not only the perceived positive characteristics of the park but also barriers that affect visitors’ revisit intention toward the urban park of Antonis Tritsis. This is important in the case of metropolitan areas because the researchers understand what benefits are provided to them and how public administration should manage barriers to visiting urban parks so as to promote effective sustainability.
“It doesn’t get taken seriously until it gets bad”: experiences of risk management from people diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder
Authors: Ware Andrew , Preston Anna , Draycott Simon
Published: April 2022

Purpose

People with a borderline personality disorder (BPD) diagnosis can require support from mental health services for managing risk behaviour. Current routine inpatient and community treatment can be unhelpful for this group. Positive risk taking has been developed to help community teams manage risk with people with a BPD. This study aims to explore experiences of risk management in an NHS Trust where positive risk taking is being implemented with people with a BPD.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretative phenomenological analysis is the methodology of transcripts from semi-structured interviews. Nine adults with a diagnosis of BPD and current or previous experiences of risk management approaches were sampled from one NHS Trust.

Findings

Limited resources and interpersonal barriers had a negative impact on experiences of Positive risk taking. Participants experienced one-off risk assessments and short-term interventions such as medication which they described as “meaningless”. Traumatic experiences could make it difficult to establish therapeutic relationships and elicit unhelpful responses from professionals. Participants could only feel “taken seriously” when in crisis which contributed towards an increase in risky behaviour. Positive risk taking was contingent upon collaborative and consistent professional relationships which created a “safety net”, enabling open communication and responsibility taking which challenged recovery-relapse patterns of service use.

Research limitations/implications

Positive risk taking approaches to risk management may benefit people with a BPD. Findings complement those from other studies emphasising the importance of compassion and empathy when working with personality disorder. Training and increased resources are required to implement effective risk management with this group.

Originality/value

Findings expand upon the sparse existing research in the area of risk management using the Positive risk taking approach with people with a BPD diagnosis, and provide idiographic understanding which is clinically meaningful. Participants’ experiences suggest Positive risk taking may provide a framework for improving quality of life and decreasing service use for people diagnosed with BPD engaging in risk management with Community Mental Health Teams, which facilitates recovery and other benefits.
Choice of supermarkets as a marketing outlet for purchasing fresh agricultural products in urban Ghana
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Amfo Bismark , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Chaa Kyire Samuel Kwabena
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the choice of supermarkets for purchasing fresh agricultural products among urban consumers in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Likert scale was used to investigate reasons for purchasing agricultural products from supermarkets, while heteroskedastic probit was used to estimate the determinants. Beta regression was used to examine the determinants of the proportion of food expenditure on raw/unprocessed agricultural products.

Findings

The principal reasons for purchasing agricultural products from supermarkets are convenience, a guarantee of assorted products, high-quality products and food safety, constant supply of products, conducive shopping environment, excellent customer service and social influence. The probability of purchasing agricultural products from supermarkets is high for consumers who are either males, young, educated, high-income earners or salaried workers. Consumers residing closer to supermarkets have a greater probability of shopping for agricultural products from same. The proportion of food expenditure on unprocessed agricultural products increases with age but decreases with education and distance to local markets.

Originality/value

Few prior studies have investigated supermarket’s surge in developing countries and its connection with consumer food-outlet choice. Unfortunately, little is evident in the extant literature on consumers' choice of supermarkets as purchasing outlets for fresh agricultural products. Hence, this study closes the gap on consumers and fresh agricultural product purchases from supermarkets in Ghana. Results from the study will provide grounding evidence to supermarket owners to adjust their services to meet consumers’ needs and provide relevant information to evolving supermarkets or investors who may venture into the supermarket business on the attributes that influence consumers to use supermarkets as a purchasing outlet.
Segment earnings and managerial incentives: evidence from foreign firms cross-listed in the USA
Authors: Sang Fangjun , Alam Pervaiz , Hinkel Timothy
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Prior studies find that US firms with managerial incentives may manipulate the earnings gap to obscure higher performing segments to competitors or to hide underperforming segments from external monitors. The purpose of this study is to complement extant research by examining the association between managerial incentives and segment earnings reporting of cross-listed firms in the USA and the impact of country-level characteristics on this association.

Design/methodology/approach

The dependent variable is the earnings gap between firm-level earnings and sum of segment-level earnings. Managerial incentives are proxied by proprietary cost and agency cost. Proprietary cost is measured by the Herfindahl index. Agency cost is measured by inefficient resource transfer activities across segments. Foreign firms in this study are companies listed on major US Stock Exchanges with headquarters outside the USA. Comparable US firms are selected using the Propensity Score Matching procedure as a control group.

Findings

The authors find that 1) proprietary cost motive is not the determinant of earnings gap reporting for cross-listed firms; 2) cross-listed firms motivated by agency costs are more likely to manipulate segment earnings reporting than US firms; and 3) among cross-listed firms motivated by agency costs, firms in weak rule of law countries demonstrate more manipulation in segment earnings than firms in strong rule of law countries.

Originality/value

Extant research with regard to segment reporting exclusively focuses on US firms, and little is known about the practice of segment reporting by cross-listed firms originating from different legal regimes. This study fills the gap in the literature by comparing cross-listed firms to US firms in the reporting of segment earnings. The results of this study have implications for regulators and investors who are interested in evaluating the extent of cross-listed firms’ financial reporting quality.
Effect of process parameters on surface composite fabrication of newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by friction stir processing (FSP): microstructural development and microhardness
Authors: Manroo Suhail Ahmed , Khan Noor Zaman , Ahmad Babar , Malik Vinayak
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Altering the microstructure and developing the surface metal matrix composites (MMCs) in a solid-state by friction stir processing (FSP) has been on trend for the past decade. The microstructural modification increases the material properties, which are structure sensitive. The microstructural evolution is highly influenced by the selection of process parameters in FSP. In this study, the effect of process parameters on the microstructure evolution and microhardness of the fabrication of surface MMCs of newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by the incorporation of different reinforcement particles such as ZrO2, CeO2 and Al2O3 is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

By making use of Taguchi’s design of experimentation, which recognizes the crucial factors and ascertain their effect on the properties of the material, the optimization of process parameters for this study was done using MATLAB-14 software. The parameters were adopted along with the levels throughout the FSP for the fabrication of different surface MMCs. For each reinforcement particle, two factors at three levels each had L9 factorial design were used to analyse the effect of these factors on the processing result (microstructure, grain refinement and hardness). The two different factors used in this study are tool rotational speed (TRS) and tool traverse speed (TTS) as a part of the full factorial design matrix for different surface MMCs.

Findings

Among all combinations, TRS of 1500 rpm and TTS of 20 mm/min. for ZE41-ZrO2 MMCs and ZE41-CeO2 MMCs were observed as optimum to produce defect-free processed zone along with the high level of grain refinement and hardness, whereas for ZE41-Al2O3 the same was obtained at 1500 rpm TRS and 10 mm/min TTS.

Originality/value

In this paper, the role of process parameters in the development of surface MMCs on newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by FSP is investigated. The effect of TRS and TTS on microstructure evolution, grain refinement and microhardness is analysed. Hence, in this study, the optimum parameters for the fabrication of surface MMCs of Mg-ZE41 alloy have thus been established.
CONTENTIOUS POLITICS OF SLUMS: Understanding Different Outcomes of Community Resistance against Evictions in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Sørbøe Celina Myrann , Braathen Einar
Published: April 2022

Between 2010 and 2016, over 65,000 slum dwellers were forcibly evicted in Rio de Janeiro. This article compares three cases of anti‐eviction resistance over this period. While the three case study communities were all relatively successful in contesting evictions, the outcomes (material, social, political‐symbolic) of their mobilizations were different. To understand how and why, we examine and compare the structures and processes of mobilization in these three communities and show how they found different openings and limitations in the changing political opportunity structure. We distinguish three distinct ‘moments’ or opportunity structures in Rio de Janeiro's urban governance between 2010 and 2016. We term these the City of Exception, the City in Revolt and the City in Crisis. The analytical and theoretical framework of contentious politics helps us draw together and expand on two dominant narratives in scholars’ approach to slum evictions: on the one hand a top‐down perspective of the ‘city against slum dwellers’; on the other a bottom‐up perspective of ‘slum dwellers against the city’. In this article we test the usefulness of our expanded framework—contentious politics of slums—for understanding the organization and outcomes of community resistance against evictions, and discuss its relevance for research on the politics of slums in the global South.
Fetal heart rate events during sleep, and the impact of sleep disordered breathing, in pregnancies complicated by preterm fetal growth restriction: An exploratory observational case–control study
Authors: Skrzypek Hannah , Wilson Danielle L. , Fung Alison M. , Pell Gabrielle , Barnes Maree , Sommers Lucy , Rochford Peter , Howard Mark E. , Walker Susan P.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To evaluate fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns during sleep in pregnancies complicated by preterm fetal growth restriction (FGR). To determine whether co‐existing sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) impacts on acute FHR events or perinatal outcome.

Design

Observational case control study.

Setting and population

Women with preterm FGR and gestation‐matched well grown controls (estimated fetal weight above the 10th percentile with normal Doppler studies); tertiary maternity hospital, Australia.

Methods

A polysomnogram, a test used to measure sleep patterns and diagnose sleep disorders, and concurrent cardiotocography (CTG), were analysed for respiratory events and FHR changes.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of FHR events overnight in FGR cases versus controls and in those with or without SDB.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients with preterm FGR and 29 controls (median estimated fetal weight 1st versus 60th percentile, P < 0.001) underwent polysomnography with concurrent CTG at a mean gestation of 30.2 weeks. The median number of FHR events per night was higher among FGR cases than among controls (3.0 events, interquartile range [IQR] 1.0–4.0, versus 1.0 [IQR 0–1.0]; P < 0.001). Women with pregnancies complicated by preterm FGR were more likely than controls to be nulliparous, receive antihypertensive medications, be supine at sleep onset, and to sleep supine (32.9% of total sleep time versus 18.3%, P = 0.03). SDB was common in both FGR and control pregnancies (48% versus 38%, respectively, P = 0.55) but was generally mild and not associated with an increase in overnight FHR events or adverse perinatal outcome.

Conclusions

Acute FHR events overnight are more common in pregnancies complicated by preterm FGR than in pregnancies with normal fetal growth. Mild SDB was common in late pregnancy and well tolerated, even by fetuses with preterm FGR.

Tweetable abstract

Mild sleep‐disordered breathing seems well tolerated even by highly vulnerable fetuses.
A new political lexicon in Pakistan's civil–military relations (2013–2018)
Authors: Ahmed Raja Qaiser , Fatima Rida , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: April 2022

The rise of a new political lexicon—indirectly referring to the military's interference in political affairs—in Pakistan's civil–military relations (2013–2018) is a recent development. It marked the beginning of a transitionary phase in the country's political culture and provided an alternative medium for political dissent. It helped strike a balance between outright confrontation and complete conformism by civilian forces in the political spectrum. The consequent formation was tactical deference on the part of civilian authorities to voice dissent. This mode of dissent became prevalent in the statements of the party leaders. It is a pioneering step toward a more inclusive and open society in the country. This study explores how did the new political lexicon impact the state and society in Pakistan. This article covers a five‐year period from 2013 to 2018.
Asymmetry in sleep spindles and motor outcome in infants with unilateral brain injury
Authors: Marchi Viviana , Rizzi Riccardo , Nevalainen Päivi , Melani Federico , Lori Silvia , Antonelli Camilla , Vanhatalo Sampsa , Guzzetta Andrea
Published: April 2022

Aim

To determine whether interhemispheric difference in sleep spindles in infants with perinatal unilateral brain injury could link to a pathological network reorganization that underpins the development of unilateral cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

This was a multicentre retrospective study of 40 infants (19 females, 21 males) with unilateral brain injury. Sleep spindles were detected and quantified with an automated algorithm from electroencephalograph records performed at 2 months to 5 months of age. The clinical outcomes after 18 months were compared to spindle power asymmetry (SPA) between hemispheres in different brain regions.

Results

We found a significantly increased SPA in infants who later developed unilateral CP (n=13, with the most robust interhemispheric difference seen in the central spindles. The best individual‐level prediction of unilateral CP was seen in the centro‐occipital spindles with an overall accuracy of 93%. An empiric cut‐off level for SPA at 0.65 gave a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 93% for later development of unilateral CP.

Interpretation

Our data suggest that automated analysis of interhemispheric SPA provides a potential biomarker of unilateral CP at a very early age. This holds promise for guiding the early diagnostic process in infants with a perinatally identified brain injury.

What this paper adds

Unilateral perinatal brain injury may affect the development of electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep spindles.

Interhemispheric asymmetry in sleep spindles can be quantified with automated EEG analysis.

Spindle power asymmetry can be a potential biomarker of unilateral cerebral palsy.
Online assessment platforms: What is on offer?
Authors: Ali Kamran , Barhom Noha , Duggal Monty S.
Published: April 2022

Aims

Web‐based digital assessment platforms offer several benefits for educational providers. The aims of this study were to evaluate digital assessment platforms suitable for design, delivery and quality assurance of assessments in dental education to facilitate informed choices by educational providers.

Methods

The study was based on an online cross‐sectional survey. A questionnaire was designed to include relevant details of providers, types of assessments offered, post‐assessment psychometrics, remote proctoring, integration with digital learning platforms faculty training, and indicative costs of services. Following a google search, 25 potential providers of digital assessment software were identified and contacted by email.

Results

Ten companies responded to the questionnaire. All providers, except one, reported extensive experience in delivering high‐stake assessments for programs in dentistry, medicine and allied health professions. All companies confirmed availability of a wide variety of assessment formats and also offer remote proctoring either directly or through third parties. Indicative costs of different assessment platforms were also provided.

Conclusion

This paper underscores the need for dental institutions to make informed decisions when choosing the most appropriate digital assessment platforms to suit their educational needs. It also provides a snapshot of services offered by commercial providers of assessment platforms. The Association for Dental Education in Europe can serve as a central hub to guide dental institutions on making informed choices for suitable assessment platforms to address their needs.
Evidence for top‐down metre perception in infancy as shown by primed neural responses to an ambiguous rhythm
Authors: Flaten Erica , Marshall Sara A. , Dittrich Angela , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: April 2022

From auditory rhythm patterns, listeners extract the underlying steady beat and perceptually group beats to form metres. While previous studies show infants discriminate different auditory metres, it remains unknown whether they can maintain (imagine) a metrical interpretation of an ambiguous rhythm through top‐down processes. We investigated this via electroencephalographic mismatch responses. We primed 6‐month‐old infants (N = 24) to hear a 6‐beat ambiguous rhythm either in duple metre (n = 13) or in triple metre (n = 11) through loudness accents either on every second or every third beat. Periods of priming were inserted before sequences of the ambiguous unaccented rhythm. To elicit mismatch responses, occasional pitch deviants occurred on either beat 4 (strong beat in triple metre; weak in duple) or beat 5 (strong in duple; weak in triple) of the unaccented trials. At frontal left sites, we found a significant interaction between beat and priming group in the predicted direction. Post‐hoc analyses showed that mismatch response amplitudes were significantly larger for beat 5 in the duple‐primed than triple‐primed group (p = .047) and were non‐significantly larger for beat 4 in the triple‐primed than duple‐primed group. Further, amplitudes were generally larger in infants with musically experienced parents. At frontal right sites, mismatch responses were generally larger for those in the duple compared with triple group, which may reflect a processing advantage for duple metre. These results indicate that infants can impose a top‐down, internally generated metre on ambiguous auditory rhythms, an ability that would aid early language and music learning.
Response preparation of a secondary reaction time task is influenced by movement phase within a continuous visuomotor tracking task
Authors: Sadler Christin M. , Maslovat Dana , Cressman Erin K. , Dutil Caroline , Carlsen Anthony N.
Published: April 2022

The simultaneous performance of two motor tasks is challenging. Currently, it is unclear how response preparation of a secondary task is impacted by the performance of a continuous primary task. The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate whether the position of the limb performing the primary cyclical tracking task impacts response preparation of a secondary reaction time task. Participants (n = 20) performed a continuous tracking task with their left hand that involved cyclical and targeted wrist flexion and extension. Occasionally, a probe reaction time task requiring isometric wrist extension was performed with the right hand in response to an auditory stimulus (80 or 120 dB) that was triggered when the left hand passed through one of 10 locations identified within the movement cycle. On separate trials, transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied over the left primary motor cortex and triggered at the same 10 stimulus locations to assess corticospinal excitability associated with the probe reaction time task. Results revealed that probe reaction times were significantly longer and motor‐evoked potential amplitudes were significantly larger when the left hand was in the middle of a movement cycle compared with an endpoint, suggesting that response preparation of a secondary probe reaction time task was modulated by the phase of movement within the continuous primary task. These results indicate that primary motor task requirements can impact preparation of a secondary task, reinforcing the importance of considering primary task characteristics in dual‐task experimental design.
SPAC merger announcement returns and subsequent performance
Authors: Kiesel Florian , Klingelhöfer Nico , Schiereck Dirk , Vismara Silvio
Published: April 2022

Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) are created to raise capital and then find non‐listed operating companies with which to merge. While most of the extant research has focused on SPAC initial public offerings, we study what happens when SPACs announce business combinations. Our analysis of 236 ‘deSPACs’ completed between January 2012 and June 2021 in the United States documents an average short‐term announcement return of +7.4% and a 1‐year abnormal return of −14.1% (−18.0% over 2 years) for public investors beginning from the merger announcement. Short‐term returns decrease with longer times from initial public offering until announcement.
Study on microstructures and fatigue behavior of dissimilar Al/steel resistance spot welded joint
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Hongmei , Wu Di , Sun Daqian , Zhang Xinge
Published: April 2022

The microstructures and fatigue behavior of dissimilar resistance spot welded joint between 5083 aluminum alloy and DP980 high strength steel are studied. Al/steel joint has fusion‐brazing characteristics composed of Al nugget and intermetallic compound (IMC) layer. The microstructure, microhardness, static tensile/shear property, and fatigue test of welded joints are carried out. The number of fatigue cycles increases with the decreasing of load level, and the fatigue limit load is 1.08 kN about 21% of static tensile/shear force. The fatigue test results reveal that different fatigue load levels lead to different fracture mode. It can be summarized as nugget pullout failure (fatigue load > 3.5 kN), interfacial failure (1.5 kN < fatigue load < 3.5 kN), and aluminum alloy base metal fracture (fatigue load < 1.5 kN). Furthermore, the fatigue fracture mechanism under different load levels is analyzed.
Forest biomass turnover time estimation in China based on spatially explicit root : shoot ratios
Authors: Guo Yanrong , Chen Liang , Luo Yubo , Liu Yang
Published: April 2022

Aim

Spatial patterns of root : shoot ratios (R:S) are critical to better estimate biomass turnover time (τ). Given the difficulty of measuring belowground biomass directly, we still lack an understanding of high‐resolution spatial patterns of R:S in China's forests. Here, we explored patterns of R:S and their association with stand age, tree height, elevation, land cover, and climatic and edaphic variables, and estimated τ for China's forests.

Location

China.

Time period

2004 and 2010.

Major taxa studied

Forests.

Methods

We used a machine learning algorithm trained with an R:S dataset of 1,907 observations covering five forest types to upscale the spatial distribution of R:S in China as a function of stand age, tree height, elevation, land cover, and climatic and edaphic variables. We calculated τ using the estimated R:S together with satellite‐based aboveground biomass and net primary productivity data at 1 km × 1 km resolution.

Results

The estimated mean τ for total biomass in China's forests was years. The longest τ (τ > 20 years) was observed in central China, whereas southern China exhibited the shortest τ (τ < 10 years). Large differences in partial correlations between τ and climatic variables (mean annual precipitation, climatological water deficit, and mean annual temperature) were observed among forest types.

Main conclusions

Our data‐driven gridded maps of estimated R:S and τ provide valuable baseline information for assessing model performance and improving future carbon‐cycle assessments.
Elaboration Models with Symmetric Information Divergence
Authors: Asadi Majid , Devarajan Karthik , Ebrahimi Nader , Soofi Ehsan , Spirko‐Burns Lauren
Published: April 2022

Various statistical methodologies embed a probability distribution in a more flexible family of distributions. The latter is calledelaboration model, which is constructed by choice or a formal procedure and evaluated by asymmetric measures such as the likelihood ratio and Kullback–Leibler information. The use of asymmetric measures can be problematic for this purpose. This paper introduces two formal procedures, referred to as link functions, that embed any baseline distribution with a continuous density on the real line into model elaborations. Conditions are given for the link functions to render symmetric Kullback–Leibler divergence, Rényi divergence and phi‐divergence family. The first link function elaborates quantiles of the baseline probability distribution. This approach produces continuous counterparts of the binary probability models. Examples include the Cauchy, probit, logit, Laplace and Student's links. The second link function elaborates the baseline survival function. Examples include the proportional odds and change point links. The logistic distribution is characterised as the one that satisfies the conditions for both links. An application demonstrates advantages of symmetric divergence measures for assessing the efficacy of covariates.
Replication of design theories: Reflections on function, outcome, and impact
Authors: Brendel Alfred Benedikt , Muntermann Jan
Published: April 2022

The replication of existing research studies and theories is considered a foundational pillar of knowledge accumulation and an important instrument of discourse across research disciplines. Although replication has a long tradition in natural and behavioural science research, the design science research (DSR) community is yet to adopt it, especially the replication of design theories. However, it is unclear how the DSR community could benefit from the replication of design theories. Similarly, the goal of design theories is to obtain utility instead of truth raises questions regarding the transferability of replication into the DSR domain. Against this background, this study reflects on the function, outcome, and impact of replications, to understand whether the replication of design theories is possible and necessary. The study proposes that replication can be an important catalyst for reuse and knowledge accumulation in DSR because it provides evidence on the boundaries of design theory. Specifically, replication can increase or decrease the level of confidence and projectability associated with design theory.
relBE toxin-antitoxin system as a reliable anti-biofilm target in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mahmoudi Mina , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Maleki Abbas , Yeo Chew Chieng , Ghafourian Sobhan
Published: April 2022

Aims

The ability of the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa to produce biofilms has made it more difficult to treat its infections with current antibiotics. Several genes are involved in biofilm production, and toxin-antitoxin (TA) loci have been reported to be responsible for the regulation of biofilm-associated genes. This study was aimed at evaluating various TA loci in P. aeruginosa to find a reliable target in order to disrupt biofilm formation.

Methods and Results

Thirty clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were assessed for biofilm production as well as the presence of various TA loci in their genomes. The relBETA locus was present in all 30 P. aeruginosa isolates but its expression was not detectable in isolates that did not show biofilm production. Quantitative real-time -PCR (q-PCR) also demonstrated that the expression of relBE was higher in isolates with stronger biofilm-producing capability. Knocking out the relBE locus in one biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa isolate led to the cessation of biofilm-producing capacity in that isolate and eliminated the expression of ndvB, which is among the genes involved in biofilm production.

Conclusions

These results inferred the involvement of relBE TA locus in the regulation of biofilm production in P. aeruginosa and indicated the possibility of relBE as an anti-biofilm target for this pathogen.
Calculated parameters of luminal esophageal temperatures predict esophageal injury following conventional and high‐power short‐duration radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Grosse Meininghaus Dirk , Freund Robert , Kleemann Tobias , Christoph Geller J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring is not associated with reduced esophageal injury following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Objective

Detailed analysis of (the temporal and spatial gradients of) LET measurements may better predict the risk for esophageal injury.

Methods

Between January 2020 and December 2021, LET maxima, duration of LET rise above baseline, and area under the LET curve (AUC) were calculated offline and correlated with (endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound detected) esophageal injury (i.e., mucosal esophageal lesions [ELs], periesophageal edema, and gastric motility disorders) following PVI using moderate‐power moderate‐duration (MPMD [25–30 W/25–30s]) and high‐power short‐duration (HPSD [50 W/13s]) radiofrequency (RF) settings.

Results

63 patients (69 ± 9 years old, 32 male, 51 MPMD and 12 HPSD) were studied. The esophageal injury was frequent (40% in both groups), mucosal ELs were more common with MPMD, and edema was frequently observed following HPSD. RF‐duration, total RF‐energy at the left atrial (LA) posterior wall, and distance between LA and esophagus were not different between patients with/without esophageal injury. In contrast, to LET and LET duration above baseline, AUC was the best predictor and significantly increased in patients with esophageal injury (3422 vs. 2444 K.s).

Conclusion

For both ablation strategies, AUC of the LET curves best predicted esophageal injury. HPSD is associated with similar rates of esophageal injury when (mostly subclinical) periesophageal alterations (that are of unclear clinical relevance) are included. Whether integration of these calculated LET parameters is useful to prevent esophageal injury remains to be seen.
How to Reflexively Decentre EU Foreign Policy: Dissonance and Contrapuntal Reconstruction in Migration, Religious and Neighbourhood Governance
Authors: Wolff Sarah , Gazsi David , Huber Daniela , Fisher‐Onar Nora
Published: April 2022

This article develops a timely new model for EU foreign policy by advancing the call for a ‘decentring agenda’, focused on the challenge of inclusive ‘reconstruction’. It does so by first staking out an ontological space at the intersection of empirical multiplexity and normative pluriversality. Within this space, it proposes an ethically informed methodological tool: the contrapuntal negotiation of dissonant perspectives on common governance challenges. It then suggests ways to reconstruct analytical and policy‐making processes and outcomes on the basis of mutuality and local empowerment. Using three scales of ‘contrapuntality’ (micro, meso and macro) to read key empirical sites at the intersection of the EU's internal and external policies (migration, religious and neighbourhood governance), it argues that by decentring in these and further arenas, the EU can seek to become a more reflexive global actor in sync with the ethical and practical demands of our multiplex world.
Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time among youths with Down syndrome during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Amatori S. , Sisti D. , Perroni F. , Brandi G. , Rocchi M. B. L. , Gobbi E.
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID‐19‐related restrictions hampered habitual physical activity (PA), particularly affecting the more vulnerable, such as people with Down syndrome (DS). The study aimed to investigate changes in PA, sedentary behaviour (SB) and screen time (ST) of youths with DS, before, during and after the restrictions, also in relation to parental PA levels.

Methods

A cross‐sectional design with a retrospective assessment of variables for the before and during restrictions periods was adopted. Parents of youths with DS completed an online questionnaire. Sociodemographic aspects, weekly PA levels and youths' daily SB and ST were investigated, referring to three time‐points: before the pandemic, during the restrictions and the restrictions‐easing phase.

Results

A total of 57 parents voluntarily participated in the study, proxy‐reporting on their child (male = 41, female = 16, age = 21.4 ± 7.7 years). A repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance showed negative effects of restrictions (P < 0.05) on PA levels, SB and ST, independently from sociodemographic characteristics. In the restrictions‐easing phase, PA levels did not return to before the pandemic values (P < 0.05). A positive correlation between parents and their child's PA was detected before the pandemic (r = 0.38; P < 0.01), no longer reported in the restrictions‐easing phase.

Conclusions

The findings showed the negative impact of restrictions on youths with DS lifestyle. Moreover, the importance of addressing the needs of the disabled community including the whole family is highlighted.
Lycopene prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats and increases the number of osteocytes and osteoblasts
Authors: Semeghini Mayara Sgarbi , Scalize Priscila Hakime , Coelho Maria Carolina , Fernandes Roger Rodrigo , Pitol Dimitrius Leonardo , Tavares Milla Sproni , de Sousa Luiz Gustavo , Coppi Antonio Augusto , Siessere Selma , Bombonato‐Prado Karina Fittipaldi
Published: April 2022

Osteoporosis is a prevalent disease with a high incidence in women at the onset of menopause mainly because of hormonal changes, genetics, and lifestyle, leading to decreased bone mass and risk of fractures. Maintaining bone mass is a challenge for postmenopausal women, with calcium‐rich food intake being essential for bone health. Nevertheless, other nutrients such as carotenoids may influence bone metabolism because of their high antioxidant properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the carotenoid lycopene on bone cells and in the microarchitecture of ovariectomized rats employing in vitro and in vivo assays. After 8 weeks of ovariectomy, femurs were removed to isolate bone marrow mesenchymal cells to be cultured in osteogenic medium (sham and ovariectomized/OVX) or with 1 μmol/L lycopene (OVX/Lyc). There were performed assays for alkaline phosphatase activity and its in situ detection, mineralization nodules, and quantitative expression of genes associated with osteogenesis. Daily ingestion of 10 mg/kg of lycopene by oral gavage for 8 weeks after ovariectomy was conducted for stereological evaluation of the number and volume of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes of femur distal epiphysis and for microtomographic evaluation of the bone microarchitecture of the femoral proximal epiphysis. Data were normalized and analyzed by comparison among the groups using one‐way ANOVA followed by post hoc tests with the significance level set out at 5%. Results showed that lycopene promoted an increase in ALP in situ detection as well as a significant increase in mineralized nodules deposition and expression of genes Runx2 and Bglap when compared with the OVX group. The administration by oral gavage of lycopene increased the total number of osteoblasts and osteocytes when compared to sham and ovariectomized groups. Additionally, it decreased the volume and number of osteoclasts and also reduced the volume of osteocytes compared to the sham group. These results suggest that lycopene improves bone cell metabolism and bone remodeling with the onset of osteoporosis. Future studies with different concentrations and periods of administration should be carried out to shed further light on it.
Complex enameloid microstructure of †Ischyrhiza mira rostral denticles
Authors: Cook Todd D. , Prothero Jack , Brudy Michael , Magraw Jerome A.
Published: April 2022

Serving in a foraging or self‐defense capacity, pristiophorids, pristids, and the extinct sclerorhynchoids independently evolved an elongated rostrum lined with modified dermal denticles called rostral denticles. Isolated rostral denticles of the sclerorhynchoid Ischyrhiza mira are commonly recovered from Late Cretaceous North American marine deposits. Although the external morphology has been thoroughly presented in the literature, very little is known about the histological composition and organization of these curious structures. Using acid‐etching techniques and scanning electron microscopy, we show that the microstructure of I. mira rostral denticles are considerably more complex than that of previously described dermal denticles situated elsewhere on the body. The apical cap consists of outer single crystallite enameloid (SCE) and inner bundled crystallite enameloid (BCE) overlying a region of orthodentine. The BCE has distinct parallel bundled enameloid (PBE), tangled bundled enameloid (TBE), and radial bundled enameloid (RBE) components. Additionally, the cutting edge of the rostral denticle is produced by a superficial layer of SCE and a deeper ridges/cutting edge layer (RCEL) of the BCE. The highly organized enameloid observed in the rostral denticles of this batomorph resembles that of the multifaceted tissue architecture observed in the oral teeth of selachimorphs and demonstrates that dermal scales have the capacity to evolve histologically similar complex tooth‐like structures both inside and outside the oropharyngeal cavity.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: An overview of mycological, clinical, and immunological aspects
Authors: Jafarzadeh Leila , Ranjbar Maryam , Nazari Tina , Naeimi Eshkaleti Mahsa , Aghaei Gharehbolagh Sanaz , Sobel Jack D. , Mahmoudi Shahram
Published: April 2022

Aim

To provide an overview of clinical, immunological, and mycological aspects of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

Methods

A literature search was conducted to find relevant articles about different aspects of VVC. Related data from retrieved articles were summarized in different headings.

Results

VVC has a global distribution andCandida albicansis the leading cause of infection except for specific patient groups like postmenopausal, diabetic, or immunocompromised women. VVC has a range of clinical presentations, accordingly, its diagnosis should be based on clinical examination coupled with laboratory investigations. The best therapeutic regimen depends on the patient's conditions and the causative agent. Moreover, factors like drug resistance of the causative agents and different mutations in the immunity‐related genes could affect the treatment outcome.

Conclusion

As a globally distributed disease, VVC needs further attention, especially in areas related to the treatment failure and recurrence of the disease.
Effect of Effervescent Denture Cleansers on 3D Surface Roughness of Conventional Heat Polymerized, Subtractively, and Additively Manufactured Denture Base Resins: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Jain Saurabh , Adawi Hafiz
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To compare the change in surface roughness of denture bases fabricated using three different techniques (additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and conventional heat‐polymerizing) when immersed in two commonly available denture cleansers.

Materials and methods

One hundred and seventeen disc‐shaped denture base specimens (39/group), were fabricated by subtractive manufacturing (Wieland), additive manufacturing (NextDent Denture 3D+), and conventional heat‐polymerizing (Meliodent) techniques, following the manufacturers’ instructions. Specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups and immersed in two effervescent denture cleansing solutions and distilled water to simulate 180 days of denture cleansing. A 3D optical noncontact surface profilometer was used to record the surface roughness of the tested denture base materials before and after immersion. Two‐way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post hoc test, was used to assess the effects of denture cleansers on surface roughness of tested denture base resins.

Results

When immersed in Fixodent and Fittydent effervescent denture cleansing solutions, the highest change in absolute surface roughness (∆Sa, in μm) was observed in additively manufactured denture base material (0.181 ±0.018 and 0.079 ±0.008), followed by heat‐polymerized denture base material (0.149 ±0.012 and 0.059 ± 0.011), while subtractively manufactured denture base material showed the least change (0.110 ±0.026 and 0.038 ±0.007), respectively. There was a difference in the extent of change in surface roughness between the denture cleansers. The change in surface roughness was much higher with the Fixodent denture cleanser as compared to the Fittydent denture cleanser.

Conclusion

Subtractively manufactured denture base resin displayed the lowest change while additively manufactured denture base resin displayed the highest change in surface roughness in both denture cleansers, but the extent of change in surface roughness was variable.
Be my (little) partner?!—Universities' role in regional innovation systems when large firms are rare
Authors: Kindt Anna‐Maria , Geissler Matthias , Bühling Kilian
Published: April 2022

Structural differences regarding the presence of large firms are likely to influence the performance of Regional Innovation Systems. Regions lacking large firms to act as brokers of knowledge and coordinators of regional (R&D) collaboration may have to rely on other actors to form internal and external links. We investigate whether, in this case, universities can fulfill the needs of Small‐ and Medium‐sized Enterprises (SMEs) with regard to coordination and knowledge flows. Using a data set of subsidized R&D collaborations, we compare universities' network positions in four model regions in Germany. Applying a Temporal Exponential Random Graph Model approach, we examine link formation and network structure with a focus on university–SME ties and their development over time. Results indicate that SMEs profit from connections to the university in all regions. Nevertheless, universities take more central roles in regions where the economic surrounding does contain fewer large firms as sources for knowledge exchange.
The quixotic eighteenth century
Authors: Dale Amelia
Published: April 2022

“Quixotism” is a term pivotal to the histories critics tell about literature. Despite a scholarly consensus regarding the significance of quixotism to eighteenth‐century transatlantic writing, there remain vast discrepancies in critical formulations of what quixotism actually is, to the point where trying to find common ground in different scholars' definitions of quixotism might appear, at first glance, a quixotic endeavour. Yet scholarship on quixotism persistently returns to dichotomies: romance versus the novel; the exceptional versus the typical; the original versus the copy; reason versus imagination. Quixotism remains both vexing question and floating signifier, caught between character and genre, system and allusion as it traverses and transforms eighteenth‐century literature and culture. In this article I will both reflect on the state of quixotic studies in eighteenth‐century studies and offer an account of Don Quixote's place in the history of literary criticism and theory.